PMID- 28070647
TI  - [Two children with intermediate uveitis and granuloma annulare from the same
      neighbourhood].
AB  - Two children from the same neighbourhood presented with concomitant granuloma
      annulare (GA) and intermediate uveitis (IU) at an interval of 2 weeks. A
      coincidence seemed unlikely, as IU is very rare in children and even more so in
      connection with GA. Thorough diagnosis was performed to exclude other associated
      diseases. No systemic disease, no special features of vaccination or medication,
      no history of infection, and no toxic cause could be found. An association
      between GA and IU based on other, as yet undiagnosed factors, is still possible.
      Therefore, when evaluating patients with newly diagnosed IU, clinical work-up
      should also include medical history and examination to rule out GA.

PMID- 28070648
TI  - Deinbollia mosaic virus: a novel begomovirus infecting the sapindaceous weed
      Deinbollia borbonica in Kenya and Tanzania.
AB  - Four isolates of a bipartite begomovirus from naturally infected Deinbollia
      borbonica plants exhibiting yellow mosaic symptoms in Kenya and Tanzania were
      molecularly characterised. The DNA-A was most closely related to that of tomato
      leaf curl Mayotte virus (AM701764; 82%), while the DNA-B shared the highest
      nucleotide sequence identity with that of East African cassava mosaic virus
      (AJ704953) at 65%. Based on the current ICTV species demarcation criterion for
      the genus Begomovirus (>=91% sequence identity for the complete DNA-A), we report
      the full-length genome sequence of this novel bipartite begomovirus. The results
      reveal additional diversity and reservoir hosts of begomoviruses in East Africa.

PMID- 28070649
TI  - Bipolar cell gap junctions serve major signaling pathways in the human retina.
AB  - Connexin36 (Cx36) constituent gap junctions (GJ) throughout the brain connect
      neurons into functional syncytia. In the retina they underlie the transmission,
      averaging and correlation of signals prior conveying visual information to the
      brain. This is the first study that describes retinal bipolar cell (BC) GJs in
      the human inner retina, whose function is enigmatic even in the examined animal
      models. Furthermore, a number of unique features (e.g. fovea, trichromacy, midget
      system) necessitate a reexamination of the animal model results in the human
      retina. Well-preserved postmortem human samples of this study are allowed to
      identify Cx36 expressing BCs neurochemically. Results reveal that both rod and
      cone pathway interneurons display strong Cx36 expression. Rod BC inputs to AII
      amacrine cells (AC) appear in juxtaposition to AII GJs, thus suggesting a
      strategic AII cell targeting by rod BCs. Cone BCs serving midget, parasol or
      koniocellular signaling pathways display a wealth of Cx36 expression to form
      homologously coupled arrays. In addition, they also establish heterologous GJ
      contacts to serve an exchange of information between parallel signaling streams.
      Interestingly, a prominent Cx36 expression was exhibited by midget system BCs
      that appear to maintain intimate contacts with bistratified BCs serving other
      pathways. These findings suggest that BC GJs in parallel signaling streams serve
      both an intra- and inter-pathway exchange of signals in the human retina.

PMID- 28070650
TI  - Revision total knee arthroplasty due to bone cement and metal hypersensitivity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypersensitivity to implants is a rare complication of total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA). Metal and, less frequently, bone cement can produce allergic
      symptomatology that if unresponsive to conservative treatment could lead to
      revision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the case of a patient with
      generalized pruritus and metal taste starting during the first postoperative
      month after TKA. Dermal allergy exams revealed that the patient had
      hypersensitivity to nickel sulphate and cobalt chloride and bone cement.
      Conservative treatment with antihistamine medication and corticosteroids failed
      to control the symptoms. The patient underwent revision TKA with a hypoallergic
      prosthesis 8 months after the primary procedure. RESULTS: Full disappearance of
      the symptoms occurred 3 months after revision. The latest follow-up evaluation (3
      years post-revision) was unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, an exhaustive
      medical history should be obtained from every candidate for total joint
      replacement and in cases of prior severe allergic reactions to metals, plastics
      or glues, patch testing of the components of the future prosthesis should be
      done. When an already implanted prosthesis causes symptoms like pain, edema,
      pruritus, erythema, limited range of motion and increase in joint's temperature,
      the possibility of allergy to metals and/or bone cement (in case of cemented
      prosthesis) should be checked after the exclusion of other reasons like
      infection. If symptoms cannot be controlled by conservative measures, revision
      should be decided and carried out with hypoallergic prosthesis.

PMID- 28070651
TI  - Inferior vena cava involvement in children with Wilms tumor.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Retrospective review of children with WT thrombus involving the IVC.
      METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 123 patients with WT diagnosed between January
      2006 and December 2015. Patients with caval tumor thrombus were identified,
      demographic data, radiological images, extent of thrombus, chemo- and
      radiotherapy, surgical approach, pathology reports and outcomes were analyzed.
      RESULTS: IVC involvement was identified in 11 patients (9%). Left-sided tumors
      were more common (55%). Sensitivity of CT scan in thrombus identification was
      64%. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was the primary mode of treatment with 19%
      reduction of primary tumor size, thrombus resolution in four and regression in
      six patients. No thrombus progression was observed. Delayed surgical treatment
      was either nephro-ureterectomy (nine patients) or partial nephrectomy in patients
      with bilateral WT (two patients). During surgery, thrombectomy and intimal
      stripping achieved local control in patients with persistent caval tumor.
      Cardiopulmonary bypass was not needed in patients with initial atrial involvement
      (five patients). Despite adherence and invasion of tumor thrombus to IVC wall,
      only one patient required segmental vein resection. All patients eventually
      achieved CR, none had local relapse. One patient had lung relapse treated to
      complete remission. The 3-year EFS is 85.7 +/- 13.2% and the 3-year OS is 100%.
      CONCLUSION: IVC tumor thrombus in patients with WT was managed successfully using
      preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgery with minimal aggressive approach.
      Luminal thrombus removal and intimal stripping supplanted by local radio boost
      when indicated seem to be adequate tools for local control with documented good
      overall outcomes.

PMID- 28070652
TI  - Similarities between parasternal intercostal nerve block and subpectoral
      interfascial plane block.

PMID- 28070653
TI  - Impact of acute changes in perfusion index and blood pressure on the accuracy of
      non-invasive continuous hemoglobin concentration measurements during induction of
      anesthesia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Several factors affect the accuracy of non-invasive continuous
      hemoglobin concentration (SpHb) measurements. We had previously shown an increase
      in the perfusion index (PI) following induction of anesthesia which was
      associated with an increase in the difference between SpHb and total hemoglobin
      (tHb) (SpHb-tHb). We hypothesized that blunting the increase in PI by maintaining
      blood pressure during induction of anesthesia would improve the agreement between
      SpHb and tHb measurements. METHODS: Twenty-nine adult patients were enrolled.
      Patients were randomly assigned by use of sequentially numbered, opaque sealed
      envelopes to a control (group C) or a phenylephrine group (group P). Anesthesia
      was induced and maintained with propofol, remifentanil, and ketamine. In group P,
      phenylephrine was infused at 0.5 ug/kg/min during induction of anesthesia. SpHb
      and PI were monitored with a Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter. tHb and hematocrit were
      measured with the ABL800 blood gas analyzer. RESULTS: Following induction of
      anesthesia, PI increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 in
      groups C and P, respectively). However, the increase in PI was significantly
      smaller in group P than in group C (2.6 +/- 1.3 vs 0.8 +/- 1.4%, p < 0.001).
      Similarly, the change in SpHb-tHb was significantly smaller in group P than in
      group C (0.40 +/- 0.78 vs 0.97 +/- 0.70 g/dl, p < 0.05). Changes in SpHb-tHb are
      correlated with changes in PI (r = 0.46, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      suggest that blunting the increase in PI by maintaining arterial pressure during
      induction of anesthesia improves the agreement between SpHb and tHb values.

PMID- 28070654
TI  - Anesthesia management of cesarean section in parturient with anti-N-methyl-D
      aspartate receptor encephalitis: a case report.
AB  - A 24-year-old woman at 29 weeks' gestation, and with psychiatric symptoms, was
      admitted to hospital and diagnosed as having anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
      encephalitis. After 4 weeks of immunotherapy with little effect, an emergency
      cesarean section was performed at 33+4 weeks gestation under general anesthesia.
      The parturient was intubated after rapid sequence induction with etomidate,
      remifentanil and succinylcholine. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and
      remifentanil. Except for low weight, the infant was normal at birth. The surgery
      went uneventfully and teratoma or other masses were not found. The parturient was
      sent to ICU for further treatment without extubation after surgery. She was
      extubated on the 6th day after surgery and was transferred to the general ward of
      the neurology department to control her seizures. After the seizures were
      controlled, she was discharged home on the 80th postoperative day and her
      neurological symptoms had slowly improved half a year later. This case report
      presents the anesthetic considerations in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis
      undergoing cesarean section.

PMID- 28070655
TI  - Synthetic introns help identify sequences in the 5' UTR intron of the Glycine max
      polyubiquitin (Gmubi) promoter that give increased promoter activity.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: Specific sequences within the leader intron of a soybean
      polyubiquitin gene stimulated gene expression when placed either within a
      synthetic intron or upstream of a core promoter. The intron in the 5'
      untranslated region of the soybean polyubiquitin promoter, Gmubi, seems to
      contribute to the high activity of this promoter. To identify the stimulatory
      sequences within the intron, ten different sequential intronic sequences of 40 nt
      were isolated, cloned as tetrameric repeats and placed upstream of a minimal
      cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (35S) core promoter, which was used to control
      expression of the green fluorescent protein. Intron fragment tetramers were also
      cloned within a modified, native intron, creating a Synthetic INtron Cassette
      (SINC), which was then placed downstream of Gmubi and 35S core promoters. Intron
      fragment tetramers and SINC constructs were evaluated using transient expression
      in lima bean cotyledons and stable expression in soybean hairy roots. Intron
      fragments, used as tetramers upstream of the 35S core promoter, yielded up to 80
      times higher expression than the core promoter in transient expression analyses
      and ten times higher expression in stably transformed hairy roots. Tetrameric
      intronic fragments, cloned downstream of the Gmubi and 35S core promoters and
      within the synthetic intron, also yielded increased transient and stable GFP
      expression that was up to 4 times higher than Gmubi alone and up to 40 times
      higher than the 35S core promoter alone. These intron fragments contain sequences
      that seem to act as promoter regulatory elements and may contribute to the
      increased expression observed with this native strong promoter. Intron regulatory
      elements and synthetic introns may provide additional tools for increasing
      transgene expression in plants.

PMID- 28070656
TI  - Peri-procedural use of anticoagulants in radiology: an evidence-based review.
AB  - Peri-procedural anticoagulant management hinges on the balance of hemorrhagic and
      thrombotic complications. The radiologist is tasked with accurately assessing the
      hemorrhagic risk for patients undergoing procedures, taking into account
      procedural bleeding rates, underlying coagulopathy based on lab tests, and use of
      anticoagulants. The purpose of this article is to provide a contemporary review
      of commonly used anticoagulants and, incorporating published evidence, review
      their management related to image-guided procedures.

PMID- 28070657
TI  - "How to" incorporate dual-energy imaging into a high volume abdominal imaging
      practice.
AB  - Dual-energy CT imaging has many potential uses in abdominal imaging. It also has
      unique requirements for protocol creation depending on the dual-energy scanning
      technique that is being utilized. It also generates several new types of images
      which can increase the complexity of image creation and image interpretation. The
      purpose of this article is to review, for rapid switching and dual-source dual
      energy platforms, methods for creating dual-energy protocols, different
      approaches for efficiently creating dual-energy images, and an approach to
      navigating and using dual-energy images at the reading station all using the
      example of a pancreatic multiphasic protocol. It will also review the three most
      commonly used types of dual-energy images: "workhorse" 120kVp surrogate images
      (including blended polychromatic and 70 keV monochromatic), high contrast images
      (e.g., low energy monochromatic and iodine material decomposition images), and
      virtual unenhanced images. Recent developments, such as the ability to create
      automatically on the scanner the most common dual-energy images types, namely new
      "Mono+" images for the DSDECT (dual-source dual-energy CT) platform will also be
      addressed. Finally, an approach to image interpretation using automated "hanging
      protocols" will also be covered. Successful dual-energy implementation in a high
      volume practice requires careful attention to each of these steps of scanning,
      image creation, and image interpretation.

PMID- 28070658
TI  - Getting the GIST: a pictorial review of the various patterns of presentation of
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors on imaging.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), the most common mesenchymal tumors of
      the gastrointestinal tract, are a relatively recently described entity. Most
      exhibit a mutated tyrosine kinase receptor gene and in some capacity are treated
      by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. GISTs can occur across the age spectrum but are
      more common in patients older than 40 years. They exhibit a wide range of
      clinical presentations and imaging characteristics. All patterns of enhancement
      on contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) can be seen with GISTs, including
      hypoenhancing, isoenhancing, and hyperenhancing tumors. They can be large or
      small, endoluminal or exophytic. Clinical presentations include asymptomatic
      patients, nonspecific symptoms, obstruction, and bleeding. Bleeding can take the
      form of slow, intraluminal GI bleeding or massive intraperitoneal bleeding
      secondary to rupture and can be seen regardless of the enhancement pattern. Some
      can cavitate, ulcerate, rupture or cause fistulae. The radiologist's knowledge of
      the variety of combinations of presentations can narrow the differential
      diagnosis and ultimately lead to faster diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 28070659
TI  - Diagnosis, treatment, and consequences of anastomotic leakage in colorectal
      surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the choice of modality for
      diagnosis, treatments, and consequences of anastomotic leakage. METHODS: This is
      a retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent surgery that included
      a colorectal anastomosis due to colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory
      bowel disease (IBD), or benign polyps. RESULTS: A total of 600 patients were
      included during 2010-2012, and 60 (10%) had an anastomotic leakage. It took in
      mean 8.8 days (range 2-42) until the anastomotic leakage was diagnosed. A total
      of 44/60 of the patients with a leakage had a CT scan of the abdomen; 11 (25%)
      were initially negative for anastomotic leakage. Among all leakages, the
      anastomosis was taken down in 45 patients (76.3%). All patients with a grade B
      leakage (n = 6) were treated with antibiotics, and two also received transanal
      drainage. The overall complication rate was also significantly higher in those
      with leakage (93.3 vs. 28.5%, p < 0.001), and it was more common with more than
      three complications (70 vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). There was a higher mortality in the
      leakage group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that one fourth of the CT
      scans that were executed were initially negative for leakage. Most patients with
      a grade C leakage will not have an intact anastomosis. An anastomotic leakage
      leads to significantly more severe postoperative complications, higher rate of
      reoperations, and higher mortality. An earlier relaparotomy instead of a CT scan
      and improved postoperative surveillance could possibly reduce the consequences of
      the anastomotic leakage.

PMID- 28070660
TI  - Treatment options for hyperemesis gravidarum.
AB  - Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe and prolonged form of nausea and/or
      vomiting during pregnancy. HG affects 0.3-2% of pregnancies and is defined by
      dehydration, ketonuria, and more than 5% body weight loss. Initial pharmacologic
      treatment for HG includes a combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine. Additional
      interventions include ondansetron or dopamine antagonists such as metoclopramide
      or promethazine. The options are limited for women who are not adequately treated
      with these medications. We suggest that mirtazapine is a useful drug in this
      context and its efficacy has been described in case studies. Mirtazapine acts on
      noradrenergic, serotonergic, histaminergic, and muscarinic receptors to produce
      antidepressant, anxiolytic, antiemetic, sedative, and appetite-stimulating
      effects. Mirtazapine is not associated with an independent increased risk of
      birth defects. Further investigation of mirtazapine as a treatment for HG holds
      promise to expand treatment options for women suffering from HG.

PMID- 28070661
TI  - Voltage-gated sodium channels as targets for pyrethroid insecticides.
AB  - The pyrethroid insecticides are a very successful group of compounds that have
      been used extensively for the control of arthropod pests of agricultural crops
      and vectors of animal and human disease. Unfortunately, this has led to the
      development of resistance to the compounds in many species. The mode of action of
      pyrethroids is known to be via interactions with the voltage-gated sodium
      channel. Understanding how binding to the channel is affected by amino acid
      substitutions that give rise to resistance has helped to elucidate the mode of
      action of the compounds and the molecular basis of their selectivity for insects
      vs mammals and between insects and other arthropods. Modelling of the
      channel/pyrethroid interactions, coupled with the ability to express mutant
      channels in oocytes and study function, has led to knowledge of both how the
      channels function and potentially how to design novel insecticides with greater
      species selectivity.

PMID- 28070662
TI  - Investigation of the instability and low water kefir grain growth during an
      industrial water kefir fermentation process.
AB  - A poorly performing industrial water kefir production process consisting of a
      first fermentation process, a rest period at low temperature, and a second
      fermentation process was characterized to elucidate the causes of its low water
      kefir grain growth and instability. The frozen-stored water kefir grain inoculum
      was thawed and reactivated during three consecutive prefermentations before the
      water kefir production process was started. Freezing and thawing damaged the
      water kefir grains irreversibly, as their structure did not restore during the
      prefermentations nor the production process. The viable counts of the lactic acid
      bacteria and yeasts on the water kefir grains and in the liquors were as
      expected, whereas those of the acetic acid bacteria were high, due to the aerobic
      fermentation conditions. Nevertheless, the fermentations progressed slowly, which
      was caused by excessive substrate concentrations resulting in a high osmotic
      stress. Lactobacillus nagelii, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus hilgardii,
      Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Bifidobacterium aquikefiri, Gluconobacter
      roseus/oxydans, Gluconobacter cerinus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and
      Zygotorulaspora florentina were the most prevalent microorganisms. Lb. hilgardii,
      the microorganism thought to be responsible for water kefir grain growth, was not
      found culture-dependently, which could explain the low water kefir grain growth
      of this industrial process.

PMID- 28070663
TI  - The pygidial gland secretion of the forest caterpillar hunter, Calosoma
      (Calosoma) sycophanta: the antimicrobial properties against human pathogens.
AB  - Recently, various insect secretions have been tested as possible antimicrobial
      agents. In beetles, these secretions are essentially products of various exocrine
      glands, of which particular emphasis is on pygidial glands that are common for
      the suborder Adephaga. The antimicrobial potential of the pygidial gland
      secretion isolated from the adults of Calosoma sycophanta against human pathogens
      has been tested and compared with the potential of other carabid species,
      particularly within the tribe Carabini. The antimicrobial assay includes a
      microdilution method which was applied in order to determine the minimal
      inhibitory, minimal fungicidal and minimal bactericidal concentrations. It has
      been tested the effect of the secretion against eight strains of fungal and eight
      strains of bacterial species. The secretion sample of the tested carabid species
      has shown statistically significant antifungal effect against all strains of
      treated micromycetes, the highest in comparison with previously tested carabids
      (Carabus spp., Laemostenus punctatus and Abax parallelepipedus). Aspergillus
      versicolor proved to be the most sensitive micromycete, while the remaining seven
      fungal strains have shown the same level of sensibility. In comparison with
      commercial mycotics ketoconazole and bifonazole, applied as positive controls,
      the tested secretion showed much higher antifungal activity for all fungal
      strains. Antibacterial effect has been manifested only against one bacterial
      strain (Escherichia coli), contrary to other previously studied carabid species.
      These observations might have a significant impact on the ecological domain and
      possible purpose in biomedical studies and applications in the future.
      Additionally, morpho-histology of the pygidial glands of C. sycophanta is
      investigated and discussed.

PMID- 28070664
TI  - Transcriptome and metabolome responses of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 to methyl
      orange under microaerophilic and aerobic conditions.
AB  - Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 degrades various azo dyes under microaerophilic and
      anaerobic conditions, but this process is inhibited under aerobic conditions. The
      mechanisms underlying azo dye biodegradation and inhibition remain unknown.
      Therefore, we investigated metabolic and transcriptional changes in strain MR-1,
      which was cultured under different conditions, to elucidate these mechanisms. At
      the transcriptional level, genes involved in certain metabolic processes,
      particularly the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, amino acid biodegradation, and
      the electron transfer system, were significantly altered (M ? 2, p > 0.8 ) in the
      presence of methyl orange (MO). Moreover, a high concentration of dissolved
      oxygen heavily impacted the expression levels of genes involved in fatty acid
      biodegradation. Metabolome analysis revealed significant alteration (p < 0.05) in
      the concentrations of nine metabolites when strain MR-1 was cultured under
      aerobic conditions; the majority of these metabolites were closely associated
      with amino acid metabolism and DNA replication. Accordingly, we propose a
      possible pathway for MO biodegradation and discuss the most likely causes of
      biodegradation inhibition due to dissolved oxygen.

PMID- 28070665
TI  - Current state of purification, isolation and analysis of bacteriocins produced by
      lactic acid bacteria.
AB  - The scientific interest for the search of natural means of microbial inhibitors
      has not faded for several years. A search of natural antibiotics, so-called
      bacteriocins which are produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), gains a huge
      attention of the scientists in the last century, in order to reduce the usage of
      synthetic food additives. Pure bacteriocins with wide spectra of antibacterial
      activity are promising among the natural biopreservatives. The usage of
      bacteriocin(s) producing LAB as starter culture for the fermentation of some food
      products, in order to increase their shelf-life, when synthetic preservatives are
      not allowable, is also possible. There are a lot of studies focusing on the
      isolation of new bacteriocins from traditional fermented food, dairy products and
      other foods or sometimes even from unusual non-food matrices. Bacteriocins
      producing bacteria have been isolated from different sources with the different
      antibacterial activity against food-borne microorganisms. This review covers the
      classification of bacteriocins, diversity of sources of bacteriocin(s) producing
      LAB, antibacterial spectra of isolated bacteriocins and analytical methods for
      the bacteriocin purification and analysis within the last 15 years.

PMID- 28070666
TI  - Health-beneficial nutraceuticals-myth or reality?
AB  - The modern term nutraceutical sounds extremely promising to the health-conscious
      consumers and to the broad audience. But what are the scientific foundations of
      this hybrid between nutrient and pharmaceutical? Still, most compelling evidence
      for potential health-beneficial effects of nutraceuticals seem to derive from
      descriptive and correlative epidemiological data. Here, we will take an inventory
      of the general concepts of research to assess the current plethora of health
      claims that were made for nutraceutical products. Thereby, we will discuss the
      limitations of current experimental approaches to advance in establishing
      mechanistic or causal links to the possible benefits of bioactive dietary
      molecules. Finally, we aim to provide perspectives to generate potential
      scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals on human
      physiology.

PMID- 28070667
TI  - Erratum to: Regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement
      therapy in children.

PMID- 28070668
TI  - What happens to asymptomatic lower pole kidney stones smaller than 10 mm in
      children during watchful waiting?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal management of lower pole kidney (LPK) stones in children
      is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of children
      with asymptomatic isolated LPK stones smaller than 10 mm during follow-up.
      METHODS: A total of 242 patients with 284 stones presenting at our institution
      between June 2004 and December 2014 with an asymptomatic, single LPK stone with a
      diameter of <10 mm were enrolled in the study. All children were assigned to
      receive first-line therapy and then categorized according to the need for medical
      intervention. Age, gender, stone laterality, stone size and type, associated
      urinary tract problems, and uncontrolled metabolic status were assessed as
      predictive factors of medical treatment for small (<10 mm) asymptomatic LPK
      stones. Stone-free rates were compared between interventions. RESULTS: The mean
      age and mean stone size were 9.4 +/- 1.9 years and 7.4 +/- 0.6 mm at admission,
      respectively. Stone progression rate was 61.2%, and the mean time for
      intervention was 19.2 +/- 4.6 months. Flexible ureterorenoscopy (n = 68) or micro
      percutaneous nephrolithotomy (n = 4) were performed for 72 stones (25.4%; group
      1), and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was performed for 102 stones
      (35.9%; group 2). The stone-free rates were 81.8 and 79.3% in group 1 and 2,
      respectively (p > 0.05). The remaining asymptomatic stones (110, 38.8%; group 3)
      were managed by continued observation, and at the end of the observation time
      (mean 40.8 +/- 20.8 months) the spontaneous passage rate was 9.1% in this group.
      In the multivariate analysis, stone size of >7 mm, concurrent renal anomalies,
      and stones composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) and cystine were
      statistically significant predictors of the need for intervention. CONCLUSIONS:
      Children with stones larger than 7 mm, renal anomalies, or stones composed of
      metabolically active cystine or struvite are more likely to require intervention,
      and those with asymptomatic LPK stones smaller than 10 mm can be managed by
      continued observation.

PMID- 28070669
TI  - Prospective cohort study of cancer patients diagnosed with incidental venous
      thromboembolism on routine computed tomography scans.
AB  - PURPOSE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major complication of cancer with
      recent increasing reports of incidental VTE. The objectives are to estimate the
      prevalence of incidental VTE in cancer patients on staging CT scans, identify
      common symptoms, and determine VTE recurrence in a prospective study. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: One thousand ninety patients were studied. Adult cancer patients
      scheduled for outpatient staging CT scans were eligible. VTE cases were followed
      for 6 months. Fisher's exact test for group comparisons of categorical variables
      and generalized linear modeling to estimate the prevalence of incidental VTE was
      used. RESULTS: The mean age was 58 years (range 18-87 years); 50% were male. The
      prevalence of incidental VTE was 1.8% (CI 1.15-2.87%). Significant symptoms in
      patients with VTE included fatigue (p = 0.004), stress (p = 0.0195), depression
      (p = 0.019), poorer quality of life (p = 0.0194), and poorer physical well-being
      (p = 0.0007). All the patients with VTE had at least one comorbidity (p = 0.03).
      No patient had recurrence within 6 months. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of
      incidental VTE on staging CT scans is lower than previously reported. Symptoms
      were associated with VTE; however, further work is needed to understand whether
      these are clinically relevant. No VTE recurrences were noted following 6 months.

PMID- 28070670
TI  - The impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on community-acquired pneumonia
      hospitalizations in children with comorbidity.
AB  - : The burden of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in high-income countries is
      still significant. The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) has
      reduced the overall need for hospitalization for CAP. However, it is not clear
      whether children with underlying disease also have benefitted from the PCV
      immunization programme. Children 0 to <5 years of age hospitalized with CAP and
      discharged with an ICD-10 code of J13-J18.9 between November 1, 2005, and April
      30, 2007 (pre-vaccination period), and November 1, 2010, and April 30, 2012 (post
      vaccination period), were eligible for this study. Data on hospitalization and
      discharge diagnoses were retrieved from the Hospital Registry. In addition, chart
      review was performed in 50% of the patients. Our result confirmed a decrease in
      hospitalization rate for CAP in the PCV13 period. Chart review revealed that half
      of the patients had underlying comorbidity and these children had more severe
      symptoms and required longer hospital stay. Intensive care was provided to less
      than 10% of the children and mostly for children with an underlying neurological
      disease. CONCLUSIONS: We show that all children have benefitted from the
      reduction of CAP hospitalization after introduction of PCV. Our finding
      emphasizes the importance of children with chronic diseases receiving adequate
      vaccinations that may protect from lower respiratory diseases. What is known? *
      Community-acquired pneumonia is a leading infectious cause of hospitalizations
      and death among children <5 years of age globally * Pneumococcal conjugate
      vaccine reduces the hospitalizations of all-cause pneumonia What is new? * We
      show that also children with underlying comorbidities have benefitted from PCV
      immunization with a reduction of CAP hospitalization * We show that approximately
      half of all children hospitalized with CAP also have underlying comorbidities.

PMID- 28070671
TI  - Place of death of children with complex chronic conditions: cross-national study
      of 11 countries.
AB  - : Cross-national understanding of place of death is crucial for health service
      systems for their provision of efficient and equal access to paediatric
      palliative care. The objectives of this population-level study were to examine
      where children with complex chronic conditions (CCC) die and to investigate
      associations between places of death and sex, cause of death and country. The
      study used death certificate data of all deceased 1- to 17-year-old children (n =
      40,624) who died in 2008, in 11 European and non-European countries.
      Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine associations between
      place of death and other factors. Between 24.4 and 75.3% of all children 1-17
      years in the countries died of CCC. Of these, between 6.7 and 42.4% died at home.
      In Belgium and the USA, all deaths caused by CCC other than malignancies were
      less likely to occur at home, whereas in Mexico and South Korea, deaths caused by
      neuromuscular diseases were more likely to occur at home than malignancies. In
      Mexico (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-1.00) and Sweden (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.15-0.83),
      girls had a significantly lower chance of dying at home than boys. CONCLUSION:
      This study shows large cross-national variations in place of death. These
      variations may relate to health system-related infrastructures and policies, and
      differences in cultural values related to place of death, although this needs
      further investigation. The patterns found in this study can inform the
      development of paediatric palliative care programs internationally. What is
      known: * There is a scarcity of population-level studies investigating where
      children with CCC die in different countries. * Cross-national understanding of
      place of death provides information to health care systems for providing
      efficient and equal access to paediatric palliative care. What is new : * There
      are large cross-national variations in the place of death of children with CCC,
      with few deathsoccuring at home in some countries whereas hospital deaths are
      generally most common. * In general, deaths caused by neuromuscular diseases and
      malignancies occur at home more often thanother CCC.

PMID- 28070673
TI  - [People and dementia : How do we meet the needs of the patients and their
      relatives?]

PMID- 28070672
TI  - Opposing effects of progranulin deficiency on amyloid and tau pathologies via
      microglial TYROBP network.
AB  - Progranulin (PGRN) is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as
      frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Genetic studies demonstrate an association of
      the common GRN rs5848 variant that results in reduced PGRN levels with increased
      risk for AD. However, the mechanisms by which PGRN reduction from the GRN AD risk
      variant or mutation exacerbates AD pathophysiology remain ill defined. Here, we
      show that the GRN AD risk variant has no significant effects on florbetapir
      positron emission tomographic amyloid imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Abeta
      levels, whereas it is associated with increased CSF tau levels in human subjects
      of the Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative studies. Consistent with the
      human data, subsequent analyses using the APPswe/PS1DeltaE9 (APP/PS1) mouse model
      of cerebral amyloidosis show that PGRN deficiency has no exacerbating effects on
      Abeta pathology. In contrast and unexpectedly, PGRN deficiency significantly
      reduces diffuse Abeta plaque growth in these APP/PS1 mice. This protective effect
      is due, at least in part, to enhanced microglial Abeta phagocytosis caused by
      PGRN deficiency-induced expression of TYROBP network genes (TNG) including an AD
      risk factor Trem2. PGRN-deficient APP/PS1 mice also exhibit less severe axonal
      dystrophy and partially improved behavior phenotypes. While PGRN deficiency
      reduces these amyloidosis-related phenotypes, other neuronal injury mechanisms
      are increased by loss of PGRN, revealing a multidimensional interaction of GRN
      with AD. For example, C1q complement deposition at synapses is enhanced in
      APP/PS1 mice lacking PGRN. Moreover, PGRN deficiency increases tau AT8 and AT180
      pathologies in human P301L tau-expressing mice. These human and rodent data
      suggest that global PGRN reduction induces microglial TNG expression and
      increases AD risk by exacerbating neuronal injury and tau pathology, rather than
      by accelerating Abeta pathology.

PMID- 28070674
TI  - [Care of Korean elderly in need of care : Tendency to strengthen the role of
      integrated care for the elderly in communities].
AB  - Since the introduction of long-term nursing care insurance in 2008, the Korean
      elderly in need of care are entitled to residential care or home based care
      services, as in the other welfare states. This article initially introduces the
      Korean nursing care insurance (PfV) for the elderly to give an overview of the
      healthcare system. Subsequently, the latest model project "Community based
      comprehensive care system" is introduced. The confusing care and social services
      should be networked and provided in a manner customized to the needs of the
      elderly, so that home based care before residential care can be realized.

PMID- 28070675
TI  - [Refeeding syndrome in geriatric patients : A frequently overlooked
      complication].
AB  - The refeeding syndrome is a life-threatening complication that can occur after
      initiation of a nutrition therapy in malnourished patients. If the risk factors
      and pathophysiology are known, the refeeding syndrome can effectively be
      prevented and treated, if recognized early. A slow increase of food intake and
      the close monitoring of serum electrolyte levels play an important role. Because
      the refeeding syndrome is not well known and the symptoms may vary extremely,
      this complication is poorly recognized, especially against the background of
      geriatric multimorbidity. This overview is intended to increase the awareness of
      the refeeding syndrome in the risk group of geriatric patients.

PMID- 28070676
TI  - [Upper extremity fractures in the elderly].
AB  - Upper extremity fractures in the elderly are very frequent and second only to hip
      fractures in the group of fragility fractures. Their impact on mobility and
      functional decline seems to be underestimated especially when they occur in
      combination with lower extremity fractures. Fractures of the proximal humerus and
      the distal radius can often be treated conservatively; however, the indications
      for operative treatment must not be based on fracture morphology alone and due
      consideration should be given to all concomitant circumstances affecting
      functional aspects of patients. Operative treatment of proximal humeral fractures
      may aim either at preserving the humeral head or at prosthetic replacement. There
      is broad agreement that this decision should depend on the condition of the
      humeral head fragment (degree of damage, perfusion). Fixation of distal radial
      fractures is commonly performed with angular volar stable plates. The more
      complex the fracture, the more likely conservative treatment will fail.

PMID- 28070677
TI  - Potential Activity of Subglacial Microbiota Transported to Anoxic River Delta
      Sediments.
AB  - The Watson River drains a portion of the SW Greenland ice sheet, transporting
      microbial communities from subglacial environments to a delta at the head of
      Sondre Stromfjord. This study investigates the potential activity and community
      shifts of glacial microbiota deposited and buried under layers of sediments
      within the river delta. A long-term (12-month) incubation experiment was
      established using Watson River delta sediment under anaerobic conditions, with
      and without CO2/H2 enrichment. Within CO2/H2-amended incubations, sulphate
      depletion and a shift in the microbial community to a 52% predominance of
      Desulfosporosinus meridiei by day 371 provides evidence for sulphate reduction.
      We found evidence of methanogenesis in CO2/H2-amended incubations within the
      first 5 months, with production rates of ~4 pmol g-1 d-1, which was likely
      performed by methanogenic Methanomicrobiales- and Methanosarcinales-related
      organisms. Later, a reduction in methane was observed to be paired with the
      depletion of sulphate, and we hypothesise that sulphate reduction out competed
      hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. The structure and diversity of the original
      CO2/H2-amended incubation communities changed dramatically with a major shift in
      predominant community members and a decline in diversity and cell abundance.
      These results highlight the need for further investigations into the fate of
      subglacial microbiota within downstream environments.

PMID- 28070678
TI  - tRNA Misacylation with Methionine in the Mouse Gut Microbiome in Situ.
AB  - Global protein mistranslation with methionine has been shown to be a conserved
      biological process that affords distinct functional advantages in all three
      domains of life. In all instances, methionine mistranslation occurs through a
      regulated process where low-fidelity forms of methionyl-tRNA synthetase are
      conditionally induced to mischarge non-methionyl-tRNAs with methionine followed
      by the utilization of the misacylated tRNAs in translation. In mammals,
      methionine mistranslation contributes to oxidative stress response; in the
      hyperthermophilic archaeon Aeropyrum pernix, methionine mistranslation produces
      proteins that are better adapted to low temperature growth; in E. coli,
      methionine mistranslation increases resistance to antibiotics and chemical
      stressors. The phenotypic benefits conferred by tRNA mismethionylation suggest
      that it should be a widespread adaptational mechanism in diverse bacterial
      lineages, yet this response has only been described in E. coli. Furthermore,
      previous microbial investigations on this response have been confined to axenic
      laboratory cultures. It was unknown whether tRNA mismethionylation was relevant
      in a natural microbial habitat. Here we show that four abundant gut microbiotal
      genera belonging to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla perform constitutive
      tRNA misacylation with methionine in the mouse cecum in situ. These results
      reveal the ubiquity of the tRNA mismethionylation process among bacteria and
      implicate the potential importance of this response for subsistence and
      adaptation in natural habitats.

PMID- 28070679
TI  - Diversity of Microbial Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZYmes) Associated with
      Freshwater and Soil Samples from Caatinga Biome.
AB  - Semi-arid and arid areas occupy about 33% of terrestrial ecosystems. However,
      little information is available about microbial diversity in the semi-arid
      Caatinga, which represents a unique biome that extends to about 11% of the
      Brazilian territory and is home to extraordinary diversity and high endemism
      level of species. In this study, we characterized the diversity of microbial
      genes associated with biomass conversion (carbohydrate-active enzymes, or so
      called CAZYmes) in soil and freshwater of the Caatinga. Our results showed
      distinct CAZYme profiles in the soil and freshwater samples. Glycoside hydrolases
      and glycosyltransferases were the most abundant CAZYme families, with glycoside
      hydrolases more dominant in soil (~44%) and glycosyltransferases more abundant in
      freshwater (~50%). The abundances of individual glycoside hydrolase,
      glycosyltransferase, and carbohydrate-binding module subfamilies varied widely
      between soil and water samples. A predominance of glycoside hydrolases was
      observed in soil, and a higher contribution of enzymes involved in carbohydrate
      biosynthesis was observed in freshwater. The main taxa associated with the CAZYme
      sequences were Planctomycetia (relative abundance in soil, 29%) and
      Alphaproteobacteria (relative abundance in freshwater, 27%). Approximately 5-7%
      of CAZYme sequences showed low similarity with sequences deposited in non
      redundant databases, suggesting putative homologues. Our findings represent a
      first attempt to describe specific microbial CAZYme profiles for environmental
      samples. Characterizing these enzyme groups associated with the conversion of
      carbohydrates in nature will improve our understanding of the significant roles
      of enzymes in the carbon cycle. We identified a CAZYme signature that can be used
      to discriminate between soil and freshwater samples, and this signature may be
      related to the microbial species adapted to the habitat. The data show the
      potential ecological roles of the CAZYme repertoire and associated
      biotechnological applications.

PMID- 28070680
TI  - A disturbance of intestinal epithelial cell population and kinetics in APC1638T
      mice.
AB  - The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is a multifunctional protein as well as a
      tumor suppressor. To determine the functions of the C-terminal domain of APC, we
      explored APC 1638T/1638T (APC1638T) mice that express a truncated APC lacking the
      C-terminal domain. The APC1638T mice were tumor free and exhibited growth
      retardation. In the present study, we compared small intestinal crypt-villus
      cells homeostasis in APC +/+ (WT) mice and APC1638T mice. The body weight of
      APC1638T mice was significantly smaller than that of WT mice at all ages. The
      length of small intestine of APC1638T mice was significantly shorter than that of
      WT mice. The crypt-villus axis was significantly elongated, and the number of
      intestinal epithelial cells also increased in APC1638T mice compared with those
      in WT mice. However, the number of intestinal epithelial cells per 100 um of
      villi was not different between WT and APC1638T mice. Migration and proliferation
      of intestinal epithelial cells in APC1638T mice were faster than that in WT mice.
      The population of Goblet cells, Paneth cells, and enteroendocrine cells was
      significantly altered in APC1638T mice. These results indicate that C-terminal
      domain of APC has a role in the regulation of intestinal epithelium homeostasis.

PMID- 28070682
TI  - Abstracts for GEER-Congress in Toledo, Spain, June 2016.

PMID- 28070681
TI  - Comparison of the 18-month outcome after the treatment of osteoporotic
      insufficiency fractures by means of balloon sacroplasty (BSP) and radiofrequency
      sacroplasty (RFS) in comparison: a prospective randomised study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this prospective, randomised study was to examine the
      feasibility and clinical outcome of balloon sacroplasty and radiofrequency
      sacroplasty. METHODS: In 40 patients with a total of 57 sacral fractures, CT
      guided cement augmentation was performed by means of BSP or RFS. For BSP, the
      balloon catheter was inflated and deflated in the fracture zone, and the hollow
      space, thus, created was then filled with PMMA cement. For RFS, the spongious
      space in the fracture zone was initially extended using a flexible osteotome, and
      the highly viscous PMMA cement, activated by radiofrequency, was then inserted
      into the prepared fracture zone. Pain intensity was determined on a VAS before
      the intervention, on the second day, and 6, 12 and 18 months after the
      intervention. The results were tested for significance by means of paired
      Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: BSP and RFS were
      technically fully feasible in all patients. An average of 6.3 ml cement per
      fracture was inserted in the BSP group and an average of 6.1 ml per fracture in
      the RFS group. Leakage could be ruled out for both procedures. The mean pain
      score on the VAS before the intervention was 8.6 +/- 0.55 in the BSP group and
      8.8 +/- 0.58 in the RFS group. On the second postoperative day, a significant
      pain reduction was seen (p < 0.001), with an average value of 2.5 (BSP +/- 0.28,
      RFS +/- 0.38) for both groups. After 6 (12; 18) months, these values were stable
      for the BSP group at 2.3 +/- 0.27 (2.3 +/- 0.24; 2.0 +/- 0.34) and for the RFS
      group at 2.4 +/- 0.34 (2.2 +/- 0.26; 2.0 +/- 0.31). With regard to pain,
      exceedance probability values of p = 0.86 (6 months), p = 0.94 (12 months) and p
      = 1 (18 months) were seen, so that neither treatment method leads to differences
      in results. CONCLUSIONS: BSP and RFS are interventional, minimally invasive
      procedures that enable reliable cement augmentation and achieve equally good
      clinical outcomes in the medium term.

PMID- 28070683
TI  - Do we have the right PROMs for measuring outcomes in lumbar spinal surgery?
AB  - PURPOSE: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become an important part
      of routine auditing of outcomes in spinal surgery in the UK. PROMs can be used to
      help assess the quality of care provided by surgical units by determining the
      comparative health status of patients, before and after surgery. This study was
      designed to review the PROMs used to assess outcomes in spinal surgery and to
      determine if they are fit for the purpose. METHODS: A systematic literature
      search was undertaken to identify studies that reported PROMs data following
      lumbar spinal surgery. The PROMs that were used in each study were recorded and a
      separate search was undertaken to determine the evidence regarding the validity
      of each measure. RESULTS: The initial search identified 1142 abstracts, which
      were reduced through de-duplication, filtering and review to 58 articles, which
      were retrieved and reviewed in full. The search identified that the majority of
      studies used either the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-36, Roland-Morris
      Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and EQ-5D along with visual analogue scales or
      numeric rating scales for back and leg pain. CONCLUSIONS: The consistent use of
      PROMs supports the comparison of outcomes from different studies, although there
      was minimal evidence regarding the specificity and sensitivity of these measures
      for use with lumbar spinal patients. Our review highlights the need to determine
      a consensus regarding the use and reporting of outcome measures within the lumbar
      spine literature.

PMID- 28070684
TI  - A pilot cadaveric study of temperature and adjacent tissue changes after exposure
      of magnetic-controlled growing rods to MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test for possible thermal injury and tissue damage caused by magnetic
      controlled growing rods (MCGRs) during MRI scans. METHODS: Three fresh frozen
      cadavers were utilized. Four MRI scans were performed: baseline, after spinal
      hardware implantation, and twice after MCGR implantation. Cross connectors were
      placed at the proximal end and at the distal end of the construct, making a
      complete circuit hinged at those two points. Three points were identified as
      potential sites for significant heating: adjacent to the proximal and distal
      cross connectors and adjacent to the actuators. Data collected included tissue
      temperatures at baseline (R1), after screw insertion (R2), and twice after rod
      insertions (R3 and R4). Tissue samples were taken and stained for signs of heat
      damage. RESULTS: There was a slight change in tissue temperature in the regions
      next to the implants between baseline and after each scan. Average temperatures (
      degrees C) increased by 0.94 (0.16-1.63) between R1 and R2, 1.6 (1.23-1.97)
      between R2 and R3, and 0.39 (0.03-0.83) between R3 and R4. Subsequent
      histological analysis revealed no signs of heat induced damage. CONCLUSION:
      Recurrent MRI scans of patients with MCGRs may be necessary over the course of
      treatment. When implanted into human cadaveric tissue, these rods appear to not
      be a risk to the patient with respect to heating or tissue damage. Further in
      vivo study is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 28070685
TI  - Porcine spine finite element model: a complementary tool to experimental
      scoliosis fusionless instrumentation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Developing fusionless devices to treat pediatric scoliosis necessitates
      lengthy and expensive animal trials. The objective was to develop and validate a
      porcine spine numerical model as an alternative platform to assess fusionless
      devices. METHODS: A parametric finite element model (FEM) of an osseoligamentous
      porcine spine and rib cage, including the epiphyseal growth plates, was
      developed. A follower-type load replicated physiological and gravitational loads.
      Vertebral growth and its modulation were programmed based on the Hueter-Volkmann
      principle, stipulating growth reduction/promotion due to increased
      compressive/tensile stresses. Scoliosis induction via a posterior tether and 5
      level rib tethering, was simulated over 10 weeks along with its subsequent
      correction via a contralateral anterior custom tether (20 weeks). Scoliosis
      induction was also simulated using two experimentally tested compression-based
      fusionless implants (hemi- and rigid staples) over 12- and 8-weeks growth,
      respectively. Resulting simulated Cobb and sagittal angles, apical vertebral
      wedging, and left/right height alterations were compared to reported studies.
      RESULTS: Simulated induced Cobb and vertebral wedging were 48.4 degrees  and 7.6
      degrees  and corrected to 21 degrees  and 5.4 degrees , respectively, with the
      contralateral anterior tether. Apical rotation (15.6 degrees ) was corrected to
      7.4 degrees . With the hemi- and rigid staples, Cobb angle was 11.2 degrees  and
      11.8 degrees , respectively, with 3.7 degrees  and 2.0 degrees  vertebral
      wedging. Sagittal plane was within the published range. Convex/concave-side
      vertebral height difference was 3.1 mm with the induction posterior tether and
      reduced to 2.3 with the contralateral anterior tether, with 1.4 and 0.8 for the
      hemi- and rigid staples. CONCLUSIONS: The FEM represented growth-restraining
      effects and growth modulation with Cobb and vertebral wedging within 0.6 degrees 
      and 1.9 degrees  of experimental animal results, while it was within 5 degrees 
      for the two simulated staples. Ultimately, the model would serve as a time- and
      cost-effective tool to assess the biomechanics and long-term effect of
      compression-based fusionless devices prior to animal trials, assisting the
      transfer towards treating scoliosis in the growing spine.

PMID- 28070686
TI  - Turn left where you felt unhappy: how affect influences landmark-based
      wayfinding.
AB  - The present work investigated the impact of affect in landmark-based wayfinding.
      We assumed that affect-laden landmarks improve wayfinding performance and have an
      impact on later landmark recognition. To investigate our hypotheses, we ran two
      experiments in a virtual maze. In Experiment 1, we investigated how affect-laden
      landmarks influence wayfinding and recognition in comparison with neutral
      landmarks. The aim of Experiment 2 was to focus on the affective valence of a
      landmark. The memory tasks of both experiments were repeated after 1 week in
      order to assess memory consolidation. Results showed that the best wayfinding and
      recognition performance occurs when negatively laden landmarks were used. In
      comparison with neutral and positively laden landmarks, recognition performance
      hardly decreased over time for the negatively laden landmarks. Our results not
      only support findings in the field of emotion research but also expand the
      concept of semantic landmark salience with respect to emotional responses.

PMID- 28070687
TI  - Predicting chromatin architecture from models of polymer physics.
AB  - We review the picture of chromatin large-scale 3D organization emerging from the
      analysis of Hi-C data and polymer modeling. In higher mammals, Hi-C contact maps
      reveal a complex higher-order organization, extending from the sub-Mb to
      chromosomal scales, hierarchically folded in a structure of domains-within
      domains (metaTADs). The domain folding hierarchy is partially conserved
      throughout differentiation, and deeply correlated to epigenomic features.
      Rearrangements in the metaTAD topology relate to gene expression modifications:
      in particular, in neuronal differentiation models, topologically associated
      domains (TADs) tend to have coherent expression changes within architecturally
      conserved metaTAD niches. To identify the nature of architectural domains and
      their molecular determinants within a principled approach, we discuss models
      based on polymer physics. We show that basic concepts of interacting polymer
      physics explain chromatin spatial organization across chromosomal scales and cell
      types. The 3D structure of genomic loci can be derived with high accuracy and its
      molecular determinants identified by crossing information with epigenomic
      databases. In particular, we illustrate the case of the Sox9 locus, linked to
      human congenital disorders. The model in-silico predictions on the effects of
      genomic rearrangements are confirmed by available 5C data. That can help
      establishing new diagnostic tools for diseases linked to chromatin mis-folding,
      such as congenital disorders and cancer.

PMID- 28070688
TI  - Pharmacists and patients feedback on empirically designed prescription warning
      labels: a qualitative study.
AB  - Background Recommendations call for the inclusion of both patient and provider
      input in the redesign of prescription labels. Pharmacist opinions on prescription
      warning labels are important because they are the health providers who would
      eventually distribute and explain the revised labels during medication
      counseling. They may be the first health provider to notice a patient's
      misunderstanding on how to safely use their prescription medications. Objectives
      To explore the perspectives of patients and pharmacists on five newly designed
      PWLs, and examine if there were similarities and differences between patients'
      and pharmacists' perspectives. Setting Private room in Wisconsin. Methods A
      descriptive study using semi-structured 60-min face-to-face individual interviews
      with patients and pharmacists explored patients and pharmacists' feedback on five
      newly designed PWLs. Patients who were 18 years and older, spoke English, and
      took a prescription medication and pharmacists who filled prescriptions in an
      ambulatory setting participated in the study. The patient and pharmacist
      perspectives on the words (content), picture and color (cosmetic appearance), and
      placement of warning instructions on the pill bottle (convenience) was based on a
      label redesign framework. Qualitative content analysis was done. Main outcome
      measure Patient and pharmacist perspectives on the newly designed PWLs. Results
      Twenty-one patients and eight pharmacists practicing in an academic medical
      center outpatient setting (n = 5) or retail pharmacy (n = 3) participated. All
      patients and pharmacists wanted the PWLs positioned on the front of the pill
      bottle but not the side of the bottle or warning instructions embedded into the
      main prescription label. Other similarities included participants preferring: (1)
      pictures closely depicting the instructions and (2) the use of yellow
      highlighting on the PWL to draw attention to it. There were differences in
      patient and pharmacist perspectives regarding the addition of 'Warning' to the
      instruction on the PWL with the patient preference to include the word 'Warning'.
      Pharmacists thought some PWL pictures had racial stereotypes, but this feedback
      was never mentioned by patients. Conclusions Patients and pharmacists had
      different preferences for PWL design changes to improve understandability.
      Pharmacist preferences did not always correspond with patient preferences.
      However, patients and pharmacists generally agreed on the preferred location of
      the PWL on the pill bottle and the use of color for drawing patients' attention.

PMID- 28070689
TI  - Redispensing of medicines unused by patients: a qualitative study among
      stakeholders.
AB  - Background Medication waste has undesirable economic and environmental
      consequences. This waste is partly unavoidable, but might be reduced by
      redispensing medicines unused by patients. However, there is little knowledge of
      stakeholders' views on the redispensing. Objective To identify the stakeholders'
      views on the redispensing of medicines unused by patients. Setting Dutch
      healthcare system. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Dutch
      stakeholders from September 2014 until April 2015. The interview guide included
      two themes: medication waste and redispensing of unused medicines. The latter
      included qualitative-, legal- and financial aspects and stakeholder involvement,
      with specific attention to the patient. Interview transcripts were subjected to
      thematic content analysis. Main outcome measure Requirements related to the
      redispensing of unused medicines. Results All stakeholders considered the
      redispensing of medicines desirable if the implementation is feasible and the
      requirements for the safe redispensing are met. All of them pointed out that the
      product quality of redispensed medicines should be guaranteed and that it should
      be clear who is responsible for the quality of redispensed medicines. The
      stakeholders stated that transparent communication to patients is essential to
      guarantee trust in the redispensing system and that patients should be willing to
      use redispensed medicines. Moreover, the redispensing system's benefits should
      outweigh the costs and a minimal economic value of medicines suitable for
      redispensing should be determined. Conclusion Redispensing unused medicines could
      decrease medication waste if several requirements are met. For successful
      implementation of a redispensing system, all relevant stakeholders should be
      involved and cooperate as a joint-force.

PMID- 28070690
TI  - Reconstruction of defects of the trachea.
AB  - The trachea has a complex anatomy to fulfill its tasks. Its unique fibro
      cartilaginous structure maintains an open conduit during respiration, and
      provides vertical elasticity for deglutition, mobility of the neck and speech.
      Blood vessels pierce the intercartilaginous ligaments to perfuse the ciliated
      epithelium, which ensures effective mucociliary clearance. Removal of a tracheal
      segment affected by benign or malignant disease requires airtight restoration of
      the continuity of the tube. When direct approximation of both tracheal ends is no
      longer feasible, a reconstruction is needed. This may occur in recurrent short
      segment defects in a scarred environment, or in defects comprising more than half
      the length of the trachea. The resulting gap must be filled with vascularized
      tissue that restores the mucosal lining and supports the semi-rigid, semi
      flexible framework of the trachea. For long-segment or circular defects,
      restoration of this unique biomechanical profile becomes even more important. Due
      to the inherent difficulty of creating such a tube, a tracheostomy or palliative
      stenting are often preferred over permanent reconstruction. To significantly
      improve and sustain quality of life of these patients, surgeons proposed
      innovative strategies for complex tracheal repair. In this review, we provide an
      overview of current clinical applications of tracheal repair using autologous and
      allogenic tissues. We look at recent advances in the field of tissue engineering,
      and the areas for improvement of these first human applications. Lastly, we
      highlight the focus of our research, in an effort to contribute to the
      development of optimized tracheal reconstructive techniques.

PMID- 28070692
TI  - Design considerations of an analytic intelligence for predicting the efficacy of
      tissue engineered composites.

PMID- 28070691
TI  - Biological characteristic effects of human dental pulp stem cells on poly-epsilon
      caprolactone-biphasic calcium phosphate fabricated scaffolds using modified melt
      stretching and multilayer deposition.
AB  - Craniofacial bone defects such as alveolar cleft affect the esthetics and
      functions that need bone reconstruction. The advanced techniques of biomaterials
      combined with stem cells have been a challenging role for maxillofacial surgeons
      and scientists. PCL-coated biphasic calcium phosphate (PCL-BCP) scaffolds were
      created with the modified melt stretching and multilayer deposition (mMSMD)
      technique and merged with human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) to fulfill the
      component of tissue engineering for bone substitution. In the present study, the
      objective was to test the biocompatibility and biofunctionalities that included
      cell proliferation, cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin,
      alizarin red staining for mineralization, and histological analysis. The results
      showed that mMSMD PCL-BCP scaffolds were suitable for hDPSCs viability since the
      cells attached and spread onto the scaffold. Furthermore, the constructs of
      induced hDPSCs and scaffolds performed ALP activity and produced osteocalcin and
      mineralized nodules. The results indicated that mMSMD PCL-BCP scaffolds with
      hDPSCs showed promise in bone regeneration for treatment of osseous defects.

PMID- 28070693
TI  - microRNAs Expression as Novel Genetic Biomarker for Early Prediction and
      Continuous Monitoring in Pulmonary Cancer.
AB  - One of the main causes of death in the world is lung cancer. According to the
      World Health Organization, the annual incidence of lung cancer increases
      significantly. Moreover, lung cancer accounts for one of the highest mortality
      rates, mainly due to late detection. Numerous studies have been conducted in
      order to identify new biomarkers for early diagnosis and for monitoring and
      evaluation of lung cancer stages. An ideal biomarker candidate is represented by
      the analysis of microRNAs expression. In this paper, we want to summarize
      microRNAs expressions in lung cancer. We also want to present the expression of
      microRNAs depending on the evolution of lung cancer. For this study, we analyzed
      the studies available in scientific databases, such as PubMed and Scopus. The
      studies were selected using the search keywords "microRNAs expression," "lung
      cancer," and "genetic biomarkers." The most significant articles were selected
      for the study, following rigorous analysis. To evaluate and monitor lung cancer,
      the expression of microRNAs may be used successfully due to increased specificity
      and selectivity. However, further studies are needed on the assignment and
      validation of microRNAs for each type of lung cancer, respectively, for each
      stage of evolution.

PMID- 28070694
TI  - Early Evaluation and Monitoring of Critical Patients with Acute Respiratory
      Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Using Specific Genetic Polymorphisms.
AB  - A high percentage of critical patients are found to develop acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (ARDS). Several studies have reported high mortality rates in
      these cases which are most frequently associated with multiple organ dysfunctions
      syndrome. Lately, many efforts have been made to evaluate and monitor ARDS in
      critical patients. In this regard, the assessment of genetic polymorphisms
      responsible for developing ARDS present as a challenge and are considered future
      biomarkers. Early detection of the specific polymorphic gene responsible for ARDS
      in critically ill patients can prove to be a useful tool in the future, able to
      help decrease the mortality rates in these cases. Moreover, identifying the
      genetic polymorphism in these patients can help in the implementation of a
      personalized intensive therapy scheme for every type of patient, based on its
      genotype.

PMID- 28070695
TI  - Barth Syndrome: Connecting Cardiolipin to Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - The Barth syndrome (BTHS) is caused by an inborn error of metabolism that
      manifests characteristic phenotypic features including altered mitochondrial
      membrane phospholipids, lactic acidosis, organic acid-uria, skeletal muscle
      weakness and cardiomyopathy. The underlying cause of BTHS has been definitively
      traced to mutations in the tafazzin (TAZ) gene locus on chromosome X. TAZ encodes
      a phospholipid transacylase that promotes cardiolipin acyl chain remodeling.
      Absence of tafazzin activity results in cardiolipin molecular species
      heterogeneity, increased levels of monolysocardiolipin and lower cardiolipin
      abundance. In skeletal muscle and cardiac tissue mitochondria these alterations
      in cardiolipin perturb the inner membrane, compromising electron transport chain
      function and aerobic respiration. Decreased electron flow from fuel metabolism
      via NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity leads to a buildup of NADH in the
      matrix space and product inhibition of key TCA cycle enzymes. As TCA cycle
      activity slows pyruvate generated by glycolysis is diverted to lactic acid. In
      turn, Cori cycle activity increases to supply muscle with glucose for continued
      ATP production. Acetyl CoA that is unable to enter the TCA cycle is diverted to
      organic acid waste products that are excreted in urine. Overall, reduced ATP
      production efficiency in BTHS is exacerbated under conditions of increased energy
      demand. Prolonged deficiency in ATP production capacity underlies cell and tissue
      pathology that ultimately is manifest as dilated cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 28070696
TI  - An ionic liquid based strain sensor for large displacement measurement.
AB  - A robust and low cost ionic liquid based strain sensor is fabricated for high
      strain measurements in biomedical applications (up to 40 % and higher). A tubular
      5 mm long silicone microchannel with an inner diameter of 310 um and an outer
      diameter of 650 um is filled with an ionic liquid. Three ionic liquids have been
      investigated: 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide,
      ethylammonium nitrate and cholinium ethanoate. When the channel is axially
      stretched, geometrical deformations change the electrical impedance of the liquid
      channel. The sensors display a linear response and low hysteresis with an average
      gauge factors of 1.99 for strains up to 40 %. Additionally, to fix the sensor by
      surgical stitching to soft biological tissue, a sensor with tube clamps
      consisting of photopatternable SU-8 epoxy-based resin is proposed.

PMID- 28070697
TI  - Development of a DsRed-expressing HepaRG cell line for real-time monitoring of
      hepatocyte-like cell differentiation by fluorescence imaging, with application in
      screening of novel geometric microstructured cell growth substrates.
AB  - The bipotent nature of the HepaRG cell line is a unique property among human
      hepatoma-derived cells. Cell treatment with specific differentiation inducers
      results in a mixture of hepatocyte- and biliary-like cells, accompanied by
      upregulation of liver-specific proteins, drug metabolizing enzymes, transcription
      regulators, membrane receptors or innate immune response effectors. These
      features make the HepaRG cells a suitable and handy replacement for primary
      hepatocytes, to study hepatic functions in vitro. However, cell differentiation
      is a long, variable process, requiring special culture conditions, while the
      resulting mixed cell populations is usually a major drawback. This process can
      potentially be controlled by interface characteristics, such as substrate
      topography. To screen for such novel substrates, we have first developed a new
      HepaRG cell line, designated as HepaRGDsRed, expressing the reporter gene DsRed.
      The fluorescent protein was expressed in hepatocyte- and not biliary-like cells,
      in a differentiation dependent-manner. We have further used replicated
      microstructured gradients of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that allow three
      dimensional manipulation in vitro, to monitor HepaRGDsRed differentiation in real
      time. We demonstrate that this approach enables the controlled assembly of viable
      hepatocyte-like cells for functional studies, which can be maintained in culture
      without loss of differentiation. The regulated expression of the DsRed reporter
      proved a valuable tool not only for rapid screening of novel cell growth
      substrates favoring cell differentiation, but also, to enrich the hepatocyte-like
      cell population by fluorescence-activated cell sorting to investigate liver
      specific processes in vitro.

PMID- 28070698
TI  - Drug-coated microneedles for rapid and painless local anesthesia.
AB  - This study showed that drug-coated PLLA (Poly (L-lactide)) microneedle arrays can
      induce rapid and painless local anesthesia. Microneedle arrays were fabricated
      using a micro-molding technique, and the needle tips were coated with 290.6 +/-
      45.9 MUg of lidocaine, the most widely used local anesthetic worldwide. A dip
      coating device was newly designed for the coating step using an optimized coating
      formulation. Lidocaine coated on the arrays was released rapidly into PBS within
      2 min, and its stability in storage lasted 3 weeks at 4, 25, and 37 degrees C.
      Furthermore, the microneedle arrays showed consistent in vitro skin penetration
      and delivered 200.8 +/- 43.9, 224.2 +/- 39.3, and 244.1 +/- 19.6 MUg of lidocaine
      into the skin 1, 2, and 5 min after application with a high delivery efficiency
      of 69, 77, and 84%. Compared to a commercially available topical anesthetic
      EMLA(r) cream, a 22.0, 13.6, and 14.0-fold higher amount of lidocaine was
      delivered into the skin. Note, in vitro skin permeation of Lidocaine was also
      notably enhanced by a 2-min-application of the lidocaine-coated microneedle
      arrays. Altogether, these results suggest that the biocompatible lidocaine-coated
      PLLA microneedle arrays could provide significantly rapid local anesthesia in a
      painless manner without any of the issues from topical applications or hypodermic
      injections of local anesthetics.

PMID- 28070699
TI  - In situ soil COS exchange of a temperate mountain grassland under simulated
      drought.
AB  - During recent years, carbonyl sulfide (COS), a trace gas with a similar diffusion
      pathway into leaves as carbon dioxide (CO2), but with no known "respiration-like"
      leaf source, has been discussed as a promising new approach for partitioning net
      ecosystem-scale CO2 fluxes into photosynthesis and respiration. The utility of
      COS for flux partitioning at the ecosystem scale critically depends on the
      understanding of non-leaf sources and sinks of COS. This study assessed the
      contribution of the soil to ecosystem-scale COS fluxes under simulated drought
      conditions at temperate grassland in the Central Alps. We used transparent steady
      state flow-through chambers connected to a quantum cascade laser spectrometer to
      measure the COS and CO2 gas exchange between the soil surface and the atmosphere.
      Soils were a source of COS during the day, emissions being mainly driven by
      incoming solar radiation and to a lesser degree soil temperature. Soil water
      content had a negligible influence on soil COS exchange and thus the drought and
      control treatment were statistically not significantly different. Overall,
      daytime fluxes were large (12.5 +/- 13.8 pmol m-2 s-1) in their magnitude and
      consistently positive compared to the previous studies, which predominantly used
      dark chambers. Nighttime measurements revealed soil COS fluxes around zero, as
      did measurements with darkened soil chambers during daytime reinforcing the
      importance of incoming solar radiation. Our results suggest that abiotic drivers
      play a key role in controlling in situ soil COS fluxes of the investigated
      grassland.

PMID- 28070700
TI  - Clouds homogenize shoot temperatures, transpiration, and photosynthesis within
      crowns of Abies fraseri (Pursh.) Poiret.
AB  - Multiple studies have examined the effects of clouds on shoot and canopy-level
      microclimate and physiological processes; none have yet done so on the scale of
      individual plant crowns. We compared incident photosynthetically active radiation
      (PAR), leaf temperatures, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic gas
      exchange of shoots in three different spatial locations of Abies fraseri crowns
      on sunny (clear to partly cloudy) versus overcast days. The field site was a
      Fraser fir farm (1038 m elevation) in the Appalachian mountains, USA. Ten
      saplings of the same age class were marked and revisited for all measurements.
      Sunny conditions corresponded with 5-10* greater sunlight incidence on south
      facing outer shoots compared to south-facing inner and north-facing outer shoots,
      which were shaded and received only indirect (diffuse) sunlight. Differences in
      spatial distribution of irradiance were mirrored in differences in shoot
      temperatures, photosynthesis, and transpiration, which were all greater in south
      facing outer shoots compared to more shaded crown locations. In contrast,
      overcast conditions corresponded with more homogeneous sunlight distribution
      between north and south-facing outer shoots, and similar shoot temperatures,
      chlorophyll fluorescence (PhiPSII), photosynthesis, and transpiration; these
      effects were observed in south-facing inner shoots as well, but to a lesser
      extent. There was no significant difference in conductance between different
      crown locations on sunny or overcast days, indicating spatial differences in
      transpiration under sunny conditions were likely driven by leaf temperature
      differences. We conclude that clouds can affect spatial distribution of sunlight
      and associated physiological parameters not only within forest communities, but
      within individual crowns as well.

PMID- 28070701
TI  - Use of a continual sweep motion to compare air polishing devices, powders and
      exposure time on unexposed root cementum.
AB  - Low abrasive air polishing powders are a viable method for subgingival biofilm
      removal. This in vitro study evaluated the effects of air polishing using a
      standard tip on cementum following clinically recommended protocols. Forty-eight
      teeth were randomly divided into eight groups with six teeth per group. Teeth
      were treated using either a Hu-Friedy EMS or DENTSPLY Cavitron(r) air polishing
      device. One of three glycine powders (Air-flow 25 um, Clinpro 45 MUm, Clinpro+TCP
      45 MUm) or a sodium bicarbonate powder (NaHCO3  85 MUm) was sprayed on cementum
      using a clinically relevant sweeping motion. Volume and depth of cementum removed
      after 5 and 90 s exposures were calculated. Surface texture was evaluated using
      SEMs taken following the last exposure. After 5 s exposures, neither unit nor
      powder had a substantial effect on volume loss or defect depth. After 90 s
      exposures, differences between powders existed only for the DENTSPLY unit (p <
      0.0001). Pairwise comparisons for this unit revealed mean volume loss and maximum
      defect depth were greater for NaHCO3 85 MUm than the glycine powders (p <
      0.0001). The 90 s exposure produced greater mean volume loss and defect depth for
      all powders (p < 0.0001). SEM images revealed dentinal tubule exposure with all
      powders; however, exposed tubules were larger and more prevalent for NaHCO3 85
      MUm. Root surface loss was similar for glycine powders evaluated in this study.
      Differences in powder performance between units may be related to tip apertures
      and spray patterns. Additional research is needed to determine if cementum loss
      is greater than what occurs with conventional biofilm removal methods, such as
      curets and ultrasonic scalers.

PMID- 28070702
TI  - Effects of tributylborane-activated adhesive and two silane agents on bonding
      computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin composite.
AB  - The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an experimental
      adhesive agent [methyl methacrylate-tributylborane liquid (MT)] and two adhesive
      agents containing silane on the bonding between a resin composite block of a
      computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system and a light-curing resin
      composite veneering material. The surfaces of CAD/CAM resin composite specimens
      were ground with silicon-carbide paper, treated with phosphoric acid, and then
      primed with either one of the two silane agents [Scotchbond Universal Adhesive
      (SC) and GC Ceramic Primer II (GC)], no adhesive control (Cont), or one of three
      combinations (MT/SC, MT/GC, and MT/Cont). A light-curing resin composite was
      veneered on the primed CAD/CAM resin composite surface. The veneered specimens
      were subjected to thermocycling between 4 and 60  degrees C for 10,000 cycles,
      and the shear bond strengths were determined. All data were analyzed using
      analysis of variance and a post hoc Tukey-Kramer HSD test (alpha = 0.05, n = 8).
      MT/SC (38.7 MPa) exhibited the highest mean bond strengths, followed by MT/GC
      (30.4 MPa), SC (27.9 MPa), and MT/Cont (25.7 MPa), while Cont (12.9 MPa) and GC
      (12.3 MPa) resulted in the lowest bond strengths. The use of MT in conjunction
      with a silane agent significantly improved the bond strength. Surface treatment
      with appropriate adhesive agents was confirmed as a prerequisite for veneering
      CAD/CAM resin composite restorations.

PMID- 28070703
TI  - NMR-based metabolomics reveals brain region-specific metabolic alterations in
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with cognitive dysfunction.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) can result in cognitive dysfunction, but its potential
      metabolic mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the
      metabolite profiling in eight different brain regions of the normal rats and the
      streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats accompanied by cognitive dysfunction
      using a 1H NMR-based metabolomic approach. A mixed linear model analysis was
      performed to assess the effects of DM, brain region and their interaction on
      metabolic changes. We found that different brain regions in rats displayed
      significant metabolic differences. In addition, the hippocampus was more
      susceptible to DM compared with other brain regions in rats. More interestingly,
      significant interaction effects of DM and brain region were observed on alanine,
      creatine/creatine-phosphate, lactate, succinate, aspartate, glutamate, glutamine,
      gamma-aminobutyric acid, glycine, choline, N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol and
      taurine. Based on metabolic pathway analysis, we speculate that cognitive
      dysfunction in the STZ-induced diabetic rats may be associated with brain region
      specific metabolic alterations involving energy metabolism, neurotransmitters,
      membrane metabolism and osmoregulation.

PMID- 28070704
TI  - Sleep disturbances in patients of liver cirrhosis with minimal hepatic
      encephalopathy before and after lactulose therapy.
AB  - Sleep disturbances are common in patients of cirrhosis with minimal hepatic
      encephalopathy (MHE) and affect health related quality of life (HRQOL). No study
      has evaluated effect of lactulose on sleep disturbances and correlation with
      HRQOL in patients with MHE. We assessed sleep disturbances in cirrhosis with MHE
      and effect of lactulose on sleep disturbances and HRQOL. One hundred patients of
      cirrhosis [MHE; (n = 50, age 45.3 +/- 11.2 years, 45 males) no-MHE (n = 50, age
      46.3 +/- 10.4 years, 44 males)] were included. MHE was diagnosed with
      psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) <= -5. All patients underwent
      laboratory parameters including arterial ammonia and critical flicker frequency
      (CFF) Sleep disturbances were measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
      (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and polysomnography. HRQOL was measured
      with SF-36(v2) questionnaire. Patients with MHE were given lactulose therapy for
      3 months and all the parameters were repeated. Poor quality of sleep and
      excessive day time sleepiness were more common in patients with MHE, compared to
      without MHE. With lactulose therapy there was improvement in MHE in 21 patients
      and arterial ammonia levels (93.74 +/- 14.8 vs. 71.44 +/- 18.8 MUmol/L: p <
      0.001), CFF (34.83 +/- 3.54 vs. 39.44 +/- 4.95 Hz: p < 0.001), PHES (-7.64 +/-
      2.1 vs. -5.58 +/- 2.09: p < 0.001), PSQI (8.6 +/- 3.3 vs. 5.2 +/- 1.5: p <
      0.001), ESS (12.52 +/- 3.01 vs. 9.24 +/- 2.27: p < 0.001) and HRQOL (p = 0.01).
      Excessive day time sleepiness and impaired sleep quality are common in patients
      with MHE and correlate with neuropsychiatric impairment. Improvement in MHE with
      lactulose also leads to improvement in sleep disturbances and HRQOL.

PMID- 28070705
TI  - Enzymatic activation of double-targeted 5'-O-L-valyl-decitabine prodrug by
      biphenyl hydrolase-like protein and its molecular design basis.
AB  - A primary focus of this research was to explore the activation process and
      mechanism of decitabine (5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, DAC) prodrug. Recently, it has
      been reported that biphenyl hydrolase-like protein (BPHL) can play an important
      role in the activation of some amino acid nucleoside prodrugs with a general
      preference for hydrophobic amino acids and 5'-esters. Therefore, we put forward a
      bold hypothesis that this novel enzyme may be primarily responsible for the
      activation process of DAC prodrug as well. 5'-O-L-valyl-decitabine (L-val-DAC)
      was synthesized before and can be transported across biological membranes by the
      oligopeptide transporter (PEPT1), granting it much greater utility in vivo. In
      this report, L-val-DAC was found to be a good substrate of BPHL protein (K m 0.59
      mM; k cat/K m 553.69 mM-1 s-1). After intestinal absorption, L-val-DAC was
      rapidly and almost completely hydrolyzed to DAC and L-valine. The catalysis was
      mainly mediated by the BPHL hydrolase and resulted in the intestinal first-pass
      effect of L-val-DAC after oral administration in Sprague-Dawley rats with
      cannulated jugular and portal veins. The structural insights using computational
      molecular docking showed that BPHL had a unique binding mode for L-val-DAC. As a
      fundamental basis, the simulation was employed to explain the catalytic mechanism
      in molecular level. In conclusion, BPHL was at least one of the primary candidate
      enzymes for L-val-DAC prodrug activation. This promising double-targeted prodrug
      approach have more advantages than the traditional targeted designs due to its
      higher transport and more predictable activation, thereby leading to a favorable
      property for oral delivery.

PMID- 28070706
TI  - Analysis of 12 X-STR loci in the population of south Croatia.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess forensic pertinence of 12 short tandem repeats
      (STRs) on X-chromosome in south Croatia population. Investigator(r) Argus X-12
      kit was used to co-amplify 12 STR loci belonging to four linkage groups (LGs) on
      X-chromosome in 99 male and 98 female DNA samples of unrelated donors. PCR
      products were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Population genetic and
      forensic parameters were calculated by the Arlequin and POPTREE2 software, and an
      on-line tool available at ChrX-STR.org. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was confirmed
      for all X-STR markers in female samples. Biallelic patterns at DXS10079 locus
      were detected in four male samples. Polymorphism information content for the most
      (DXS10135) and the least (DXS8378) informative markers was 0.9212 and 0.6347,
      respectively. In both male and female samples, combined power of discrimination
      exceeded 0.999999999. As confirmed by linkage disequilibrium test, significant
      association of marker pair DXS10074-DXS10079 (P = 0.0004) within LG2 and marker
      pair DXS10101-DXS10103 (P = 0.0003) within LG3 was found only in male samples.
      Number of observed haplotypes in our sample pool amounted 3.01, 7.53, 5 and 3.25%
      of the number of possible haplotypes for LG1, LG2, LG3 and LG4, respectively.
      According to haplotype diversity value of 0.9981, LG1 was the most informative.
      In comparison of south Croatia with 26 world populations, pair-wise [Formula: see
      text] values increase in parallel with geographical distance. Overall statistical
      assessment confirmed suitability of Investigator(r) Argus X-12 kit for forensic
      casework in both identification and familial testing in the population of south
      Croatia.

PMID- 28070707
TI  - Value-Based Assessment of Radiology Reporting Using Radiologist-Referring
      Physician Two-Way Feedback System-a Design Thinking-Based Approach.
AB  - In the era of value-based healthcare, many aspects of medical care are being
      measured and assessed to improve quality and reduce costs. Radiology adds
      enormously to health care costs and is under pressure to adopt a more efficient
      system that incorporates essential metrics to assess its value and impact on
      outcomes. Most current systems tie radiologists' incentives and evaluations to
      RVU-based productivity metrics and peer-review-based quality metrics. In a new
      potential model, a radiologist's performance will have to increasingly depend on
      a number of parameters that define "value," beginning with peer review metrics
      that include referrer satisfaction and feedback from radiologists to the
      referring physician that evaluates the potency and validity of clinical
      information provided for a given study. These new dimensions of value measurement
      will directly impact the cascade of further medical management. We share our
      continued experience with this project that had two components: RESP (Referrer
      Evaluation System Pilot) and FRACI (Feedback from Radiologist Addressing
      Confounding Issues), which were introduced to the clinical radiology workflow in
      order to capture referrer-based and radiologist-based feedback on radiology
      reporting. We also share our insight into the principles of design thinking as
      applied in its planning and execution.

PMID- 28070708
TI  - Delayed treatment of undescended testes may promote hypogonadism and infertility.
AB  - CONTEXT: Undescended testes at birth may be caused by testosterone deficiency
      during fetal development. It is unclear whether the process of failed descent
      contributes to permanent endocrine impairment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact
      of age at treatment of undescended testes on endocrine and spermatogenic
      testicular function in middle-aged men. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Reproductive
      hormone and semen data of 357 men with previously undescended testes were
      evaluated with respect to age at correction of testicular position and compared
      to those of 709 controls with eutopic testes at birth and normozoospermia.
      RESULTS: Men with undescended testes had higher mean Luteinizing Hormone levels
      (p < 0.0001) and lower mean testosterone levels (p = 0.003) compared to controls.
      They also had lower bi-testicular volumes, higher Follicle Stimulating Hormone
      levels, and lower sperm concentrations (all p < 0.0001). Lowest mean sperm
      concentrations were found in subjects with bilateral undescended testes. Normal
      sperm concentrations were found in 21 % of cases (in 27 % of men with unilateral
      and in 12 % with bilateral undescended testes), while oligozoospermia was
      diagnosed in 44 %, and azoospermia in 35 % (in 28 % with unilateral, 46 % with
      bilateral undescended testes). Subjects with reduced semen quality had higher
      gonadotropin levels than those with normozoospermia. Age at correction (median: 6
      years (1-39)) was inversely correlated with bi-testicular volumes and sperm
      concentrations, and positively correlated with FSH and LH, but not with serum
      testosterone. CONCLUSION: Latent, rarely decompensated hypogonadism is a
      potential long-term consequence of undescended testes, besides infertility and
      testicular cancer, preferentially affecting subjects with delayed or unsuccessful
      correction of testicular position. Impaired Leydig cell function is likely to
      contribute to compromised fertility. These observations support correction of
      cryptorchidism during early infancy.

PMID- 28070709
TI  - Influence of resveratrol on endoplasmic reticulum stress and expression of
      adipokines in adipose tissues/adipocytes induced by high-calorie diet or palmitic
      acid.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether resveratrol treatment alleviates
      endoplasmic reticulum stress and changes the expression of adipokines in adipose
      tissues and cells. METHODS: 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-calorie
      diet (HCD group) or high-calorie diet supplemented with resveratrol (high-calorie
      diet  + resveratrol group) for 3 months. Insulin resistance, serum lipids and
      proinflammatory indices, the size and inflammatory cell infiltration in
      subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues were analyzed. The gene expressions of
      endoplasmic reticulum stress, adipokines, and inflammatory cytokines were
      determined. The induced mature 3T3-L1 cells were pretreated with resveratrol and
      then palmitic acid, and the gene expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress,
      adipokines, and inflammatory cytokines were determined. RESULTS: Subcutaneous and
      visceral adipose tissues in the high-calorie diet-fed mice exhibited adipocyte
      hypertrophy, inflammatory activation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
      Resveratrol alleviated high-calorie diet-induced insulin resistance and
      endoplasmic reticulum stress, increased expression of SIRT1, and reversed
      expression of adipokines in varying degrees in both subcutaneous and visceral
      adipose tissues. The effects of resveratrol on palmitic acid-treated adipocytes
      were similar to those shown in the tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol treatment
      obviously reversed adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance by attenuating
      endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation, thus increasing the expression of
      SIRT1 and inverting the expression of adipokines in vivo and in vitro.

PMID- 28070710
TI  - The accumulation of vitrified oocytes is a strategy to increase the number of
      euploid available blastocysts for transfer after preimplantation genetic testing.
AB  - PURPOSE: In a preimplantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy (PGD-A) program,
      the more embryos available for biopsy, consequently increases the chances of
      obtaining euploid embryos to transfer. The aim was to increase the number of
      viable euploid blastocysts in patients undergoing PGD-A using fresh oocytes
      together with previously accumulated vitrified oocytes. METHODS: Sixty-nine
      patients with normal ovarian reserve underwent PGD-A for repeated implantation
      failure or recurrent pregnancy loss indication. After several cycles of ovarian
      stimulation, 591 accumulated vitrified oocytes and 463 fresh oocytes were micro
      injected with the same partner's semen sample. PGD-A was completed on 134
      blastocysts from vitrified/warmed oocytes and 130 blastocysts from fresh oocytes.
      RESULTS: A mean of 9.6% euploid blastocyst per micro-injected vitrified/warmed
      oocytes and 11.4% euploid blastocyst per micro-injected fresh oocyte were
      obtained (p > 0.05). The euploidy and aneuploidy rates were comparable in
      blastocysts obtained from micro-injected vitrified/warmed oocytes and fresh
      oocytes (42.5 versus 40.8% and 57.5 versus 59.2%, p > 0.05). Implantation rates
      of euploid blastocysts were comparable between the two sources of oocytes (56.0%
      from vitrified/warmed oocytes versus 60.9% from fresh oocytes, p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Oocyte vitrification and warming do not generate aneuploidy in
      blastocysts. The number of viable euploid embryos for transfer can be increased
      by using accumulated vitrified oocytes together with fresh oocytes in ICSI. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: NCT02820415 ClinicalTrials.gov.

PMID- 28070711
TI  - Immune Suppression During Preclinical Drug Development Mitigates Immunogenicity
      Mediated Impact on Therapeutic Exposure.
AB  - In the clinical setting, anti-drug antibodies (ADA) against biotherapeutics can
      influence patient safety and interfere with product efficacy. High immunogenicity
      has been addressed in clinic by concomitant immune suppression, such as co
      administration of methotrexate with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and
      combination tacrolimus/sirolimus treatment for prophylaxis against organ
      transplant rejection. This study investigates the use of such immune suppressants
      in mitigating ADA responses to a fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb1) in
      preclinical animal studies. Three groups of Sprague Dawley rats (n = 18) were
      treated with low (0.01 mg/kg), moderate (50 mg/kg), or high (300 mg/kg) doses of
      mAb1. Experimental groups also received either methotrexate or
      tacrolimus/sirolimus immune suppressive regimens. ELISA-based methods were
      utilized to measure and characterize ADA and mAb1 pharmacokinetics (PK). Results
      demonstrated a stepwise increase in immunogenicity with mAb1 dosage. Methotrexate
      significantly lowered incidence of anti-variable region antibodies at moderate
      mAb1 dose (P < 0.05), while tacrolimus/sirolimus did likewise at moderate and
      high doses (P < 0.01) of mAb1. Except for low-dose mAb1 + methotrexate, all
      immunosuppressed groups displayed more than a 70-fold decrease in ADA magnitude
      (P < 0.05). This abrogation in ADA response correlated with more mAb1 in
      circulation by week 4 for moderate- and high-dosed mAb1 groups. These data
      provide an approach to mitigate preclinical immunogenicity by the use of
      immunosuppressant regimens. Such preconditioning can support preclinical drug
      development of human therapeutics that are antigenic to animals. Similar
      approaches could be investigated for wider application to novel therapeutics.

PMID- 28070712
TI  - Microdialysis Monitoring in Clinical Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Role in
      Neuroprotective Drug Development.
AB  - Injuries to the central nervous system continue to be vast contributors to
      morbidity and mortality; specifically, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most
      common cause of death during the first four decades of life. Several modalities
      are used to monitor patients suffering from TBI in order to prevent detrimental
      secondary injuries. The microdialysis (MD) technique, introduced during the
      1990s, presents the treating physician with a robust monitoring tool for brain
      chemistry in addition to conventional intracranial pressure monitoring.
      Nevertheless, some limitations remain, such as limited spatial resolution.
      Moreover, while there have been several attempts to develop new potential
      pharmacological therapies in TBI, there are currently no available drugs which
      have shown clinical efficacy that targets the underlying pathophysiology, despite
      various trials investigating a plethora of pharmaceuticals. Specifically in the
      brain, MD is able to demonstrate penetration of the drug through the blood-brain
      barrier into the brain extracellular space at potential site of action. In
      addition, the downstream effects of drug action can be monitored directly. In the
      future, clinical MD, together with other monitoring modalities, can identify
      specific pathological substrates which require tailored treatment strategies for
      patients suffering from TBI.

PMID- 28070713
TI  - Porous mannitol carrier for pulmonary delivery of cyclosporine A nanoparticles.
AB  - This study employed the ultrasonic spray-freeze-drying technique to prepare
      porous mannitol carriers that incorporated hydrophobic cyclosporine A (CsA)
      nanoparticles (NPs) for pulmonary delivery. Two nanosuspension stabilization
      systems, (1) a combination of lecithin and lactose system and (2) a D-alpha
      tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) system, were investigated. The
      ability of the lecithin and TPGS in anchoring the hydrophobic CsA NPs to the
      porous hydrophilic mannitol structure was first reported. Formulations stabilized
      by TPGS provided a much better dose uniformity, suggesting that TPGS is a better
      anchoring agent compared with lecithin. The effects of mannitol carrier density
      and CsA loading (4.9-27%) on aerosol performance and dissolution profiles were
      assessed. The fine particle fraction (FPF) increased from 44 to 63% as the
      mannitol concentration decreased from 1 to 5%. All formulations achieved full
      dissolution within an hour without significant influence from the mannitol
      content and CsA loading. The initial dissolution rates of the present
      formulations were almost double than that of the spray-dried counterpart, with
      90% of the drug dissolved in 10 min. Overall, the CsA NPs were successfully
      incorporated into the porous mannitol which demonstrated good aerosol performance
      and enhanced dissolution profiles. These spray-freeze-drying (SFD) powders were
      stable after 2-year storage under desiccation at 20 +/- 3 degrees C.

PMID- 28070714
TI  - Influence of drug load and physical form of cinnarizine in new SNEDDS dosing
      regimens: in vivo and in vitro evaluations.
AB  - The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of drug load and physical form
      of cinnarizine (CIN) in self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) on
      absorption in rats. Further, the predictivity of the dynamic in vitro lipolysis
      model was evaluated. The following dosing regimens were assessed: (1) CIN
      dissolved in SNEDDS at 80% of equilibrium solubility (Seq) (SNEDDS 80%); (2)
      supersaturated SNEDDS with CIN dissolved at 200% Seq (super-SNEDDS solution); (3)
      SNEDDS suspension with CIN added at 200% Seq (CIN partially dissolved and
      partially suspended) (super-SNEDDS suspension); (4) drug-free SNEDDS co-dosed
      with aqueous CIN suspension (Chasing principle), and (5) CIN aqueous suspension.
      The CIN dose was kept constant for all dosing regimens. Therefore, the super
      SNEDDS solution and super-SNEDDS suspension contained 2.5-fold less SNEDDS pre
      concentrate than SNEDDS 80% and the Chasing principle. In vivo, a higher AUC
      after dosing CIN in SNEDDS 80% and the Chasing principle was obtained when
      compared to the super-SNEDDS solution, super-SNEDDS suspension, and aqueous
      suspension. In vitro, a higher extent of CIN in the aqueous phase was observed
      for all SNEDDS-containing dosing regimens, compared to the aqueous suspension.
      Since the drug level in the aqueous phase is traditionally considered as the
      fraction available for absorption, a lack of in vitro-in vivo relation was
      observed. This study revealed that the physical form of CIN in the current SNEDDS
      does not affect CIN absorption and solubilization, whereas the drug load, or
      amount of co-dosed lipid, significantly influenced CIN bioavailability.

PMID- 28070715
TI  - An Integrated Assessment of the Effects of Immunogenicity on the
      Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy of Elotuzumab.
AB  - Elotuzumab is a humanized, immunostimulatory anti-signaling lymphocytic
      activation molecule F7 (SLAMF7) IgG1 monoclonal antibody indicated in combination
      with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who
      have received 1-3 prior therapies. We assessed the immunogenicity of elotuzumab
      as a monotherapy and in combination with bortezomib/dexamethasone and
      lenalidomide/dexamethasone in patients with MM in five clinical studies,
      including the pivotal ELOQUENT-2 trial (NCT01239797). Anti-drug antibody (ADA)
      prevalence was determined using a validated bridging assay. The prevalence of
      neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) was assessed in ADA-positive samples from ELOQUENT
      2. Data from four trials of elotuzumab combined with lenalidomide/dexamethasone
      or bortezomib/dexamethasone (n = 390 evaluable patients) demonstrated that nine
      (2.3%) patients were ADA positive in baseline assays, 72 (18.5%) were ADA
      positive on-treatment or during follow-up, and two (0.5%) developed persistent
      ADAs. Patients treated with elotuzumab monotherapy had a higher incidence of
      elotuzumab ADAs than those on the combination therapy. In general, ADAs developed
      early and resolved after 2-4 months. Of 45 on-treatment ADA-positive patients in
      ELOQUENT-2, 19 had NAbs. Population pharmacokinetic modeling demonstrated an
      apparent increase in target-mediated elimination (higher V max, lower K M) in ADA
      positive versus ADA-negative patients. ADAs were associated with lower elotuzumab
      steady-state exposure; however, this result may have been confounded by
      differential myeloma protein levels. ADAs/NAbs were not associated with
      hypersensitivity, infusion reactions, or loss of elotuzumab efficacy. Using a
      novel visualization, we also demonstrate that there is no clear relationship
      between the occurrence and titer values of ADA/NAbs and progression-free survival
      and best overall response status in patients treated with elotuzumab.

PMID- 28070716
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and Saturable Absorption of Gabapentin in Nursing Home Elderly
      Patients.
AB  - Pharmacokinetic data of gabapentin (GBP) in community-dwelling elderly patients
      show a significant effect of advanced age on GBP pharmacokinetics due to altered
      renal function. However, there are no data in elderly nursing home (NH) patients
      to evaluate gabapentin absorption and elimination. Our objective was to
      characterize the pharmacokinetics of GBP in elderly nursing home patients
      maintained on GBP therapy. This was a prospective pharmacokinetic study in
      elderly nursing home patients (>=60 years) receiving GBP for the management of
      chronic pain or epilepsy from seven nursing homes. Pharmacokinetic parameters
      were estimated by nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. A one-compartment model
      described the data and clearance (CL) was associated with estimated glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR) (p < 0.0001). The GBP CL in elderly nursing home patients
      was 2.93 L/h. After adjusting for the effect of GFR, GBP CL was not affected by
      age, sex, body weight, or comorbidity scores. No significant effects of body size
      measures, age, and sex were detected on volume of distribution. Dose-dependent
      bioavailability of GBP was demonstrated, and the saturable absorption profile was
      described by a nonlinear hyperbolic function. Prediction-corrected visual
      predictive check (pc-VPC) suggests adequate fixed- and random-effects models that
      successfully simulated the mean trend and variability in gabapentin concentration
      time profiles. In this analysis, the parameters of the hyperbolic nonlinearity
      appear to be similar between elderly and younger adults.

PMID- 28070717
TI  - Identification of New Synthetic Cannabinoid ADB-CHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA)
      Metabolites in Human Hepatocytes.
AB  - ADB-CHMINACA (MAB-CHMINACA) is a new synthetic cannabinoid with high potency and
      many reported adverse events and fatalities. The drug is currently scheduled in
      several countries in Europe and the USA. Analytical methods need to be developed
      to confirm ADB-CHMINACA intake for clinical and forensic programs. For many
      synthetic cannabinoids, parent compound is not detectable in biological samples
      after intake, making the detection of metabolites the only way to prove
      consumption. Therefore, detection of ADB-CHMINACA metabolites in biological
      specimens is critical. Since there are currently no published data on ADB
      CHMINACA metabolism, we aimed to identify its major metabolites. Cryopreserved
      human hepatocytes were incubated with 10 MUmol/L ADB-CHMINACA for 3 h.
      Incubations were analyzed with liquid chromatography on a biphenyl column, high
      resolution tandem mass spectrometry (orbitrap), and metabolite identification
      software. A reference standard of six commercially available potential
      metabolites was simultaneously analyzed under the same conditions to allow
      correct assignment of isomers. We detected ten major metabolites.
      Biotransformations mainly occurred at the cyclohexylmethyl tail of the compound,
      as also observed with structural analogs' metabolism. Minor reactions also
      occurred at the tert-butyl chain. Only two analytical standards of potential
      metabolites matched an actual metabolite detected in hepatocyte incubations. We
      recommend A9 (ADB-CHMINACA hydroxycyclohexylmethyl), A4 (ADB-CHMINACA 4"
      hydroxycyclohexyl), and A6 (ADB-CHMINACA hydroxycyclohexylmethyl) as metabolite
      targets to document ADB-CHMINACA intake in clinical and forensic cases.
      Additionally, these results will guide analytical standard manufacturers to
      better provide suitable references for further studies on ADB-CHMINACA
      metabolism.

PMID- 28070718
TI  - First-in-human trial of an anti-5T4 antibody-monomethylauristatin conjugate, PF
      06263507, in patients with advanced solid tumors.
AB  - Background The antibody-drug conjugate PF-06263507 targets the cell-surface,
      tumor-associated antigen 5T4 and consists of a humanized IgG1 conjugated to the
      microtubule-disrupting agent monomethylauristatin-F by a non-cleavable
      maleimidocaproyl linker. In this first-in-human, dose-finding trial
      (NCT01891669), we evaluated safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor
      activity of PF-06263507 in pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors,
      unselected for 5T4 expression. starting at 0.05 mg/kg, with 25, 56, and 95% dose
      increments, depending on observed dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), applying a
      modified continual reassessment method. Results Twenty-six patients received PF
      06263507 at 0.05 to 6.5 mg/kg. The first DLT, grade 3 photophobia, occurred at
      4.34 mg/kg and two additional DLTs, grade 2 keratitis and grade 1 limbal stem
      cell deficiency (> 2-week dosing delay), at 6.5 mg/kg. The most common adverse
      events (AEs) were fatigue (38.5%), photophobia (26.9%), and decreased appetite,
      dry eye, nausea, and thrombocytopenia (23.1% each). No treatment-related grade 4
      5 AEs were reported. Systemic exposure of PF-06263507 increased in a dose-related
      manner. At the maximum tolerated dose (MTD, 4.34 mg/kg), mean terminal half-life
      for PF-06263507 and unconjugated payload were ~6 and 3 days, respectively.
      Payload serum concentrations were substantially lower compared with PF-06263507.
      No objective responses were observed. Conclusions The MTD and recommended phase
      II dose were determined to be 4.34 mg/kg. Ocular toxicities accounted for the
      DLTs observed, as previously reported with monomethylauristatin-F payloads.
      Further studies are warranted to investigate clinical activity of this agent in
      patients with 5T4-expressing tumors.Trial registration ID: NCT01891669.

PMID- 28070719
TI  - Sunitinib-paracetamol sex-divergent pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution drug
      drug interaction in mice.
AB  - The sex-divergent pharmacokinetics and interaction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor
      sunitinib with paracetamol was evaluated in male and female mice. Mice (control
      groups) were administered 60 mg/kg PO sunitinib alone or with 200 mg/kg PO
      paracetamol (study groups). Sunitinib concentration in plasma, brain, kidney and
      liver were determined and non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis performed.
      Female control mice showed 36% higher plasma sunitinib AUC0->infinity, 31% and
      27% lower liver and kidney AUC0->infinity and 2.2-fold higher AUC0->infinity in
      brain (all p < 0.001) and had lower liver- and kidney-to-plasma AUC0->infinity
      ratios (p < 0.001) than male control mice. Paracetamol decreased 29% plasma AUC0
      >infinity (p < 0.05) in male mice and remained unchanged in female mice. In male
      and female mice, it decreased liver (15%, 9%), kidney (15%, 20%) and brain (47%,
      50%) AUC0->infinity (p < 0.001) respectively owing to 52% brain uptake efficiency
      reduction in female mice (p < 0.01). Sunitinib displayed sex-divergent
      pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and DDI with potential clinical
      translatability for the treatment of brain tumor and RCC patients.

PMID- 28070720
TI  - Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the fibroblast growth factor
      receptor inhibitor AZD4547 in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumours: a
      Phase I study.
AB  - Background AZD4547 is a potent, oral, highly selective fibroblast growth factor
      receptor (FGFR) inhibitor in clinical development for treating tumours with a
      range of FGFR aberrations, including FGFR mutations, amplifications and fusions.
      Methods This open-label, Phase I, multicentre study (NCT01213160) evaluated the
      safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumour efficacy (RECIST v1.1) of
      AZD4547 monotherapy in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumours. Part A was
      a dose-escalation part; Part B was a dose-expansion part in patients with FGFR
      amplified tumours, confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results
      Thirty patients enrolled in Part A (dose range: 40 mg twice daily [bid] to 120 mg
      bid; 160 mg once daily [qd]), four in Part B (80 mg bid). No dose-limiting
      toxicities were observed and maximum tolerated dose was not determined. Most
      common adverse events (AEs; any grade) were: dysgeusia (50% of patients);
      stomatitis (41%); diarrhoea (38%); hyperphosphataemia (38%); dry mouth (35%).
      Common grade >=3 AEs were nausea (12% of patients) and neutropenia (9%). No
      complete or partial responses were observed: 21/30 patients had stable disease
      >=4 weeks in Part A, and 1/4 patients had stable disease >=10 weeks in Part B.
      Following single and multiple dosing, absorption rate appeared moderate; peak
      plasma concentrations generally occurred 3-4 h post-dose, then declined
      biphasically with terminal half-life ~30 h. Steady state was reached by day 8.
      Compared with single dosing, plasma concentrations were, on average, 2.4- and 3.3
      to 5.4-fold higher after qd and bid dosing, respectively. Conclusions AZD4547
      was well tolerated in Japanese patients, with best response of stable disease >=4
      weeks.

PMID- 28070721
TI  - Enhanced xylose fermentation by engineered yeast expressing NADH oxidase through
      high cell density inoculums.
AB  - Accumulation of reduced byproducts such as glycerol and xylitol during xylose
      fermentation by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae hampers the economic
      production of biofuels and chemicals from cellulosic hydrolysates. In particular,
      engineered S. cerevisiae expressing NADPH-linked xylose reductase (XR) and NAD+
      linked xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) produces substantial amounts of the reduced
      byproducts under anaerobic conditions due to the cofactor difference of XR and
      XDH. While the additional expression of a water-forming NADH oxidase (NoxE) from
      Lactococcus lactis in engineered S. cerevisiae with the XR/XDH pathway led to
      reduced glycerol and xylitol production and increased ethanol yields from xylose,
      volumetric ethanol productivities by the engineered yeast decreased because of
      growth defects from the overexpression of noxE. In this study, we introduced noxE
      into an engineered yeast strain (SR8) exhibiting near-optimal xylose fermentation
      capacity. To overcome the growth defect caused by the overexpression of noxE, we
      used a high cell density inoculum for xylose fermentation by the SR8 expressing
      noxE. The resulting strain, SR8N, not only showed a higher ethanol yield and
      lower byproduct yields, but also exhibited a high ethanol productivity during
      xylose fermentation. As noxE overexpression elicits a negligible growth defect on
      glucose conditions, the beneficial effects of noxE overexpression were
      substantial when a mixture of glucose and xylose was used. Consumption of glucose
      led to rapid cell growth and therefore enhanced the subsequent xylose
      fermentation. As a result, the SR8N strain produced more ethanol and fewer
      byproducts from a mixture of glucose and xylose than the parental SR8 strain
      without noxE overexpression. Our results suggest that the growth defects from
      noxE overexpression can be overcome in the case of fermenting lignocellulose
      derived sugars such as glucose and xylose.

PMID- 28070722
TI  - Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 28070723
TI  - Anorectal malformations: definitive surgery during adulthood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are rarely seen in adults, since
      majority of cases are corrected in infancy or childhood. The aim of this study
      was to describe the profile of patients who underwent definitive surgery to
      correct their ARM in adulthood, and to discuss the outcomes of surgery
      (morbidity, mortality, and function). METHODS: This retrospective study included
      patients 18 years old and above, managed surgically by the Division of Colorectal
      Surgery at the Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines,
      Manila, from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2012. Data from the Integrated
      Surgical Information System and the patients' hospital records were used to fill
      out a Data Collection Form. Frequencies and percentages were then computed.
      RESULTS: Eight patients were included in the study. The most common reason for
      consult was recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI, 25%). One patient had an
      imperforate anus (IA) without a fistula, and 1 patient had IA with rectal
      atresia, and the 6 had an IA with a fistula. All but one (87.5%) of the patients
      had undergone a prior diversion in infancy or childhood. Definitive surgical
      procedures included posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in 3 patients, anal
      transposition in 2 patients, laparotomy with colocutaneous anastomosis in two
      patients, and laparotomy and PSARP in 1 patient. There were 3 cases (37.5%) of
      postoperative complications. These complications included ureteral injury,
      enterocutaneous fistula, anal stricture, rectal stricture, rectovesical fistula,
      and recurrent rectourethral fistula. There was no reported mortality. Five
      patients already had their stomas reversed at the time of this writing.
      CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the rarity of the disease, limited surgical
      experience, and a technically challenging anatomy make the management of ARMs
      that persist into adulthood a formidable undertaking.

PMID- 28070725
TI  - Type of Resection (Whipple vs. Distal) Does Not Affect the National Failure to
      Provide Post-resection Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Localized Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival after curative intent
      resection for localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Given the differences
      in perioperative morbidity, we hypothesized that patients undergoing distal
      partial pancreatectomy (DPP) would receive adjuvant therapy more often those
      undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: The National Cancer Data Base
      (2004-2012) identified patients with localized PDAC undergoing DPP and PD,
      excluding neoadjuvant cases, and factors associated with receipt of adjuvant
      therapy were identified. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using multivariable
      Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Overall, 13,501 patients were
      included (DPP, n = 1933; PD, n = 11,568). Prognostic characteristics were
      similar, except DPP patients had fewer N1 lesions, less often positive margins,
      more minimally invasive resections, and shorter hospital stay. The proportion of
      patients not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy was equivalent (DPP 33.7%, PD 32.0%;
      p = 0.148). The type of procedure was not independently associated with adjuvant
      chemotherapy (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.90-1.02; p = 0.150),
      and patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had improved unadjusted and adjusted
      OS compared with surgery alone. The type of resection did not predict adjusted
      mortality (p = 0.870). CONCLUSION: Receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy did not vary
      by type of resection but improved survival independent of procedure performed.
      Factors other than type of resection appear to be driving the nationwide rates of
      post-resection adjuvant chemotherapy in localized PDAC.

PMID- 28070724
TI  - Identification of potential glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors from lead-like
      libraries by in silico and in vitro fragment-based screening.
AB  - A glutaminyl cyclase (QC) fragment library was in silico selected by
      disconnection of the structure of known QC inhibitors and by lead-like 2D virtual
      screening of the same set. The resulting fragment library (204 compounds) was
      acquired from commercial suppliers and pre-screened by differential scanning
      fluorimetry followed by functional in vitro assays. In this way, 10 fragment hits
      were identified ([Formula: see text]5 % hit rate, best inhibitory activity: 16
      [Formula: see text]). The in vitro hits were then docked to the active site of
      QC, and the best scoring compounds were analyzed for binding interactions. Two
      fragments bound to different regions in a complementary manner, and thus, linking
      those fragments offered a rational strategy to generate novel QC inhibitors.
      Based on the structure of the virtual linked fragment, a 77-membered QC target
      focused library was selected from vendor databases and docked to the active site
      of QC. A PubChem search confirmed that the best scoring analogues are novel,
      potential QC inhibitors.

PMID- 28070726
TI  - Prognostic and Oncologic Significance of Perineural Invasion in Sporadic
      Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of perineural invasion (PNI) in colorectal cancer (CRC)
      indicates a more aggressive phenotype, resulting in a poor prognosis. The aims of
      this study were to evaluate the oncologic outcome of PNI+ tumors and to
      investigate whether PNI status affects patient survival. METHODS: The study
      retrospectively enrolled 3807 patients from a single institution who underwent
      surgery for colorectal adenocarcinoma between January 2006 and December 2010. The
      patients were classified into two groups based on PNI status: PNI+ and PNI-.
      RESULTS: The PNI+ group included 565 patients (14.8 %) and had significantly more
      involved circumferential resection margins (p = 0.001) and a more advanced TNM
      stage (p = 0.001) than the PNI- group. Compared with the PNI- group, the PNI+
      group had worse 5-year overall survival (65 vs. 88 %; p = 0.001) and 5-year
      disease-free survival (63 vs. 85 %; p = 0.001). Among PNI+ patients with stage
      IIA disease, those who received adjuvant therapy had significantly greater 5-year
      overall survival than those who did not (89.3 vs. 50.8 %; p = 0.001). In
      multivariate analyses, PNI+ was an independent negative prognostic factor for 5
      year overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.518, 95 % confidence interval [CI]
      1.175-1.961; p = 0.001) and 5-year disease-free survival (HR 1.495, 95 % CI 1.237
      1.806; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PNI positivity is an independent predictor of
      aggressive behavior and unfavorable prognosis in CRC. Further evaluation is
      needed to confirm the impact of PNI status on survival in stage IIA CRC.

PMID- 28070727
TI  - Responses: Re: Csaba Berczi, Ben Thomas, Zsolt Bacso, Tibor Flasko. Bilateral
      renal cancers: oncological and functional outcomes. Int Urol Nephrol 2016 (Epub
      ahead of print).

PMID- 28070728
TI  - Sunitinib tolerance and efficacy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
      according to ethnic and geographic factors.

PMID- 28070729
TI  - Inhibiting autophagy with chloroquine enhances the anti-tumor effect of high-LET
      carbon ions via ER stress-related apoptosis.
AB  - Energetic carbon ions (CI) offer great advantages over conventional radiations
      such as X- or gamma-rays in cancer radiotherapy. High linear energy transfer
      (LET) CI can induce both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy in tumor
      cells under certain circumstances. The molecular connection between ER stress and
      autophagy in tumor exposed to high-LET radiation and how these two pathways
      influence the therapeutic effect against tumor remain poorly understood. In this
      work, we studied the impact of autophagy and apoptosis induced by ER stress
      following high-LET CI radiation on the radiosensitivity of S180 cells both in
      vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro experiment, X-rays were also used as a
      reference radiation. Our results documented that the combination of CI radiation
      with chloroquine (CQ), a special autophagy inhibitor, produced more pronounced
      proliferation suppression in S180 cells and xenograft tumors. Co-treatment with
      CI radiation and CQ could block autophagy through the IRE1/JNK/Beclin-1 axis and
      enhance apoptotic cell death via the activation of C/EBP homologous protein
      (CHOP) by the IRE1 pathway rather than PERK in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our study
      indicates that inhibiting autophagy might be a promising therapeutic strategy in
      CI radiotherapy via aggravating the ER stress-related apoptosis.

PMID- 28070730
TI  - CADD medicine: design is the potion that can cure my disease.
AB  - The acronym "CADD" is often used interchangeably to refer to "Computer Aided Drug
      Discovery" and "Computer Aided Drug Design". While the former definition implies
      the use of a computer to impact one or more aspects of discovering a drug, in
      this paper we contend that computational chemists are most effective when they
      enable teams to apply true design principles as they strive to create medicines
      to treat human disease. We argue that teams must bring to bear multiple sub
      disciplines of computational chemistry in an integrated manner in order to
      utilize these principles to address the multi-objective nature of the drug
      discovery problem. Impact, resourcing principles, and future directions for the
      field are also discussed, including areas of future opportunity as well as a
      cautionary note about hype and hubris.

PMID- 28070731
TI  - Evaluation of two intraoperative gamma detectors for assessment of 177Lu activity
      concentration in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with somatostatin receptor-expressing neuroendocrine tumours
      can be treated with intravenously administered 177Lu-octreotate. Few patients are
      cured with the present protocol due to the current dose limitation of normal
      organs at risk, such as the kidneys. By locally administering 177Lu-octreotate to
      the liver for the purpose of treating liver metastases, a substantially reduced
      absorbed dose to organs at risk could be achieved. The development of such a
      technique requires the capability of measuring the 177Lu activity concentration
      in tissues in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate different performance
      parameters of two commercially available intraoperative gamma detectors in order
      to investigate whether intraoperative gamma detector measurements could be used
      to determine 177Lu activity concentration in vivo. RESULTS: Measurements were
      made using different sources containing 177Lu. Response linearity, sensitivity,
      spatial resolution and its depth dependence, organ thickness dependence of the
      measured count rate and tumour detectability were assessed for two intraoperative
      gamma detectors. The two detectors (a scintillation and a semiconductor detector)
      showed differences in technical performance. For example, the sensitivity was
      higher for the scintillation detector, while the spatial resolution was better
      for the semiconductor detector. Regarding organ thickness dependence and tumour
      detectability, similar results were obtained for both detectors, and even
      relatively small simulated tumours of low tumour-to-background activity
      concentration ratios could be detected. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptable results were
      obtained for both detectors, although the semiconductor detector proved more
      advantageous for our purpose. The measurements demonstrated factors that must be
      corrected for, such as organ thickness or dead-time effects. Altogether,
      intraoperative gamma detector measurements could be used to determine 177Lu
      activity concentration in vivo.

PMID- 28070732
TI  - The clinical and laboratory spectrum of dedicator of cytokinesis 8
      immunodeficiency syndrome in patients with a unique mutation.
AB  - Mutations in the dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) gene cause a combined
      immunodeficiency usually diagnosed as autosomal recessive hyper IgE syndrome. We
      sought to reveal the varying manifestations in patients with a unique mutation in
      DOCK8 gene by a retrospective medical record review. Ten patients from five
      consanguineous families and three tribes were included. Seven patients were
      homozygous for the c.C5134A, p.S1711X mutation, and the remaining three patients
      were their siblings manifesting hyper IgE syndrome features without a genetic
      diagnosis. Prior to the genetic diagnosis, the clinical diagnosis was "hyper IgE
      syndrome" in six patients and "anti-pneumococcal antibody deficiency," "recurrent
      pneumonia with bronchiectasis," and "asthma with hypereosinophilic syndrome" each
      diagnosed once. One additional patient was diagnosed due to family history. The
      age of presentation varied from 1 to 16 months. Eczema was diagnosed in all
      patients, food allergies in three, and severe herpes keratitis or malignancy or
      autoimmunity in two patients. Elevated IgE was recorded in nine patients;
      however, in six patients, the initial serum IgE concentration was equal to or
      less than three times the normal concentration for age, and in these patients,
      the median age at IgE evaluation was 7.5 months compared with 21.5 months in
      patients with an initial IgE concentration above three times the normal
      concentration for age (P = 0.067). The spectrum of disease manifestations in
      patients with a unique mutation in DOCK8 is variable. The genotype-phenotype
      correlations may be modified by genetic and/or epigenetic modifiers beyond the
      monogenic effect. Younger patients tend to have lower IgE concentrations at the
      initial measurement of IgE.

PMID- 28070733
TI  - GLP-1 RA Treatment Patterns Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Five European
      Countries.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a
      relatively new class of injectable drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
      (T2D). This retrospective database study evaluated real-world treatment patterns
      of T2D patients initiating GLP-1 RAs in Belgium (BE), France (FR), Germany (DE),
      The Netherlands (NL) and Sweden (SE). METHODS: Adult T2D patients initiating
      exenatide twice daily (exBID), exenatide once weekly (exQW), liraglutide (LIRA)
      or lixisenatide (LIXI) during 2013 were identified using the QuintilesIMS
      (QuintilesIMS, Durham, NC, and Danbury, CT, USA) longitudinal retail pharmacy
      databases (LRx; BE/FR/DE/NL) and national health register data (SE). Therapy
      initiation date was termed 'index date.' Eligible patients had >=180-day pre- and
      variable follow-up (minimum >=360 days post-index). Baseline patient and
      treatment characteristics were assessed. Treatment modification and persistence
      were evaluated over the 1-year follow-up. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves
      evaluated stopping of the index therapy (first of discontinuation or switch) over
      the available follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 4339 exBID, 1499 exQW, 20,955 LIRA
      and 1751 LIXI patients were included in the analysis (45.1-61.9% female; mean age
      range 57.1-62.9 years). Mean follow-up ranged from 17.7 to 30.7 months. Across
      countries/databases, the proportion experiencing a treatment modification at 1
      year ranged from 84.1 to 93.8% for exBID, 53.3-73.4% for exQW and 59.5-80.5% for
      LIRA patients. The proportion of LIXI patients with treatment modification was
      55.0% in Belgium (N = 20) and 96.9% in Germany (LIXI taken off the German market
      in April 2014). In KM analyses, LIRA patients had the lowest proportion stopping
      therapy, while exBID patients had the highest proportion stopping therapy, across
      databases, with the exception of LIXI patents. CONCLUSION: Treatment patterns
      varied among GLP-1 RA patients, and persistence was generally highest among LIRA
      and lowest among exBID across countries. Longer term data would be useful, given
      the recent approval of several GLP-1 RA therapies. FUNDING: Eli Lilly and Co.,
      Indianapolis, IN, USA.

PMID- 28070735
TI  - Assessment of atherosclerotic plaque calcification using F18-NaF PET-CT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the uptake of F18-NaF by
      the arterial wall in patients with high cardiovascular (CV) risk profile. The
      tracer uptake was assessed in relation to gender and the number of CV risk
      factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: 25 patients without known CV disease were included
      and evaluated by PET-CT with F18-NaF: 14 (56%) men and 11 (44%) women. The mean
      target-to-background ratio (TBR: max SUV/mean blood-pool SUV) but not the
      corrected uptake per lesion (CUL: max SUV - mean blood-pool SUV) was higher in
      men than women (TBR: 1.8 +/- 0.6 vs 1.7 +/- 0.2; P = 0.04; CUL: 0.7 +/- 0.3 vs W
      0.6 +/- 0.1; P = 0.4). Patients with >3 CV risk factors had higher CUL (0.8 +/-
      0.1 vs 0.6 +/- 0.2; P = 0.01) but not TBR (1.8 +/- 0.2 vs 1.7 +/- 0.6; P = 0.7)
      than patients with <3 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The TBR but not CUL is higher in
      men than women while the CUL but not TBR is related to the number of CV risk
      factors. These results are hypothesis-generating and require validation in larger
      studies.

PMID- 28070734
TI  - Significant correlation between renal 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy
      and muscle sympathetic nerve activity in patients with primary hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy is used
      as a noninvasive imaging method for assessing cardiac sympathetic nerve activity.
      We tested the hypothesis that renal 123I-MIBG imaging is correlated with muscle
      sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in patients with primary hypertension. METHODS:
      Thirty-one consecutive patients with primary hypertension were included.
      Multiunit MSNA was recorded from the peroneal nerve to evaluate direct efferent
      sympathetic nerve activity. Planar renal and cardiac 123I-MIBG images were
      acquired. Early and delayed kidney-to-mediastinum ratio (K/M), early and delayed
      heart-to-mediastinum ratio (H/M), and washout rates (WR) were calculated.
      RESULTS: In 27 of 31 patients, blood pressure was controlled on antihypertensive
      medication. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 118 +/- 18 and 67 +/
      15 mmHg, respectively. Although early and late K/M and H/M were not
      significantly correlated with MSNA, both cardiac and average renal WR were
      significantly correlated with MSNA (r = 0.45, P = .0035 and r = 0.68, P < .001,
      respectively). Right and left renal WR were similarly correlated with MSNA. Renal
      WR was significantly higher than cardiac WR (43.2% vs 25.8%, P < .001) in these
      patients with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Renal 123I-MIBG WR was significantly
      associated with multiunit MSNA. Renal 123I-MIBG imaging offers a noninvasive
      clinical methodology for assessing renal sympathetic nerve function.

PMID- 28070736
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of miRNAs and Tasi-RNAs in Zea mays in response to phosphate
      deficiency.
AB  - Globally important cereal crop maize provides important nutritions and starch in
      dietary foods. Low phosphate (LPi) availability in the soil frequently limits the
      maize quality and yield across the world. Small non-coding RNAs (Snc-RNAs) play
      crucial roles in growth and adaptation of plants to the environment. Snc-RNAs
      like microRNAs (miRs) and trans-acting small interfering RNAs (Tasi-Rs) play
      important functions in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression, which
      controls plant development, reproduction, and biotic/abiotic stress responses. In
      order to identify the miR and Tasi-R alterations in leaf and root of maize in
      response to sufficient phosphate and LPi at 3LS and 4LS, the snc-RNA population
      libraries for 0th, 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th day were constructed. These libraries
      were used for genome-wide alignment and RNA-fold analysis for possible prediction
      of potential miRs and Tasi-Rs. This study reported 174 known and conserved
      differentially expressed miRs of 27 miR families of maize plant. In addition,
      leaf and root specific potential novel miRs representing 155 new families were
      also discovered. Differentially expressed conserved as well as novel miR
      functions in root and leaf during early stage of Pi starvation were extensively
      discussed. Leaf and root specific miRs as well as common miRs with their target
      genes, participating in different biological, cellular, and metabolic processes
      were explored. Further, four miR390-directed Tasi-Rs which belong to TAS3 gene
      family along with other orthologs of Tasi-Rs were also identified. Finally, the
      study provides an insight into the composite regulatory mechanism of miRs in
      maize in response to Pi deficiency.

PMID- 28070737
TI  - In silico analysis of the anti-hypertensive drugs impact on myocardial oxygen
      balance.
AB  - Hypertension is a very common pathology, and its clinical treatment largely
      relies on different drugs. Some of these drugs exhibit specific protective
      functions in addition to those resulting from blood pressure reduction. In this
      work, we study the impact of commonly used anti-hypertensive drugs (RAAS,
      [Formula: see text] and calcium channel blockers) on myocardial oxygen supply
      consumption balance, which plays a crucial role in type 2 myocardial infarction.
      To this aim, 42 wash-out hypertensive patients were selected, a number of
      measured data were used to set a validated multi-scale cardiovascular model to
      subject-specific conditions, and the administration of different drugs was
      suitably simulated. Our results ascribe the well-known major cardioprotective
      efficiency of [Formula: see text] blockers compared to other drugs to a positive
      change of myocardial oxygen balance due to the concomitant: (1) reduction in
      aortic systolic, diastolic and pulse pressures, (2) decrease in left ventricular
      work, diastolic cavity pressure and oxygen consumption, (3) increase in coronary
      flow and (4) ejection efficiency improvement. RAAS blockers share several
      positive outcomes with [Formula: see text] blockers, although to a reduced
      extent. In contrast, calcium channel blockers seem to induce some potentially
      negative effects on the myocardial oxygen balance.

PMID- 28070738
TI  - Robotic assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with stentless intracorporeal
      modified Ves.Pa neobladder: early experience.
AB  - This study aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of robotic assisted
      laparoscopic radical cystectomy with pure intracorporeal modified Ves.Pa
      neobladder with stentless ureteroileal anastomosis. Pure intracorporeal robotic
      assisted laparoscopic technique has been recently developed with a select number
      of high-volume centers utilizing various operative and neobladder techniques. We
      reviewed the patient characteristics, operative details and perioperative courses
      in the two patients who have undergone robotic assisted laparoscopic radical
      cystectomy with pure intracorporeal modified Ves.Pa neobladder and one who has
      undergone the Hautmann W neobladder. These results were compared to other
      contemporary robotic neobladder series. We demonstrate technical success with
      similar operative and perioperative results with the modified Ves.Pa neobladder.
      The robotic pure intracorporeal modified Ves.Pa neobladder is a technically
      feasible operation and may be easier to perform compared to other neobladders.
      Initial experience suggests operative time and perioperative outcomes are similar
      to other robotic techniques.

PMID- 28070739
TI  - Delayed renal artery pseudoaneurysm after robotic partial nephrectomy.

PMID- 28070740
TI  - Generating Evidence of Clinical Outcomes of Drug-Drug Interactions.

PMID- 28070741
TI  - Comment on: "Social Media Mining for Toxicovigilance: Automatic Monitoring of
      Prescription Medication Abuse from Twitter".

PMID- 28070742
TI  - Authors' Reply to Jouanjus and Colleagues' Comment on "Social Media Mining for
      Toxicovigilance: Automatic Monitoring of Prescription Medication Abuse from
      Twitter".

PMID- 28070743
TI  - Cardiac CT Angiography (CCTA) predicts left atrial appendage occluder device size
      and procedure outcome.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the role of cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) in predicting
      optimal left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder size and procedure outcome. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Thirty-six patients underwent pre-procedural CCTA. CCTA and TEE LAA
      orifice diameters and perimeters were compared with the implanted device size.
      CCTA 3D configuration was correlated with procedure outcome. WatchmanTM device (N
      = 18): diameters were 21 +/- 4, 26 +/- 5 and 25 +/- 3 mm for TEE, CCTA and
      inserted device, respectively. Average perimeters were 61 +/- 10, 74 +/- 8 and 78
      +/- 11 mm for TEE, CCTA and inserted device, respectively. Better agreement with
      the device size was found for CCTA compared to TEE (Bland-Altman). ACPTM device
      (N = 15): diameters were 20 +/- 5, 25 +/- 4 and 23 +/- 4 for TEE, CCTA and
      inserted device, respectively. Average perimeters were 58 +/- 11, 72 +/- 15 and
      72 +/- 13 mm for TEE, CCTA and inserted device, respectively. Excellent
      correlation and agreement with the device size was found for CCTA compared to
      TEE. CCTA perimeter >100 mm and "cactus" 3D configuration had a specificity of 96
      and 81% respectively for procedure failure. CONCLUSIONS: CCTA LAA ostial
      perimeter predicted better the optimal occluder size as compared with the
      currently used LAA TEE diameter. Moreover, CCTA 3D data may help in predicting
      potential complications.

PMID- 28070744
TI  - Changes in patterns of uveitis at a tertiary referral center in Northern Italy:
      analysis of 990 consecutive cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: The role of uveitis, an uncommon ocular disease, is often neglected in
      research and treatment of autoimmune conditions. The study described the spectrum
      of uveitis at a referral center in North Italy, and compared that to a previously
      published series of patients. METHODS: We reviewed all patients with uveitis
      diagnosed from 2013 to 2015 at the Immunology Eye Unit, Arcispedale S. M. Nuova
      IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy. We examined patient characteristics, disease
      spectrum, and etiologies. RESULTS: In total, 990 cases of uveitis were
      identified, who were mostly female (59%) with a median age at presentation of 44
      years (interquartile range = 29-57). Anterior uveitis was most frequent (53.5%),
      followed by panuveitis (22.8%), posterior (16.2%), and intermediate uveitis
      (5.5%). Anterior herpetic uveitis (15.6%), Fuchs uveitis (9.7%), and HLA-B27
      positive anterior uveitis (7.7%) were the most common specific diagnoses.
      Compared with the previous series, we observed an increased incidence of uveitis,
      and a different pattern of diagnoses. Rates of herpetic, HLA-B27 positive
      uveitis, and presumed ocular tuberculosis were higher, but Fuchs uveitis was less
      frequent. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of uveitis appears to be changing, very likely
      due to population-level increases in infectious diseases, to the availability of
      new diagnostic tests and to the interdisciplinary approach used in patient
      diagnosis.

PMID- 28070745
TI  - Considering total intracranial volume and other nuisance variables in brain voxel
      based morphometry in idiopathic PD.
AB  - Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies of Parkinson's disease (PD), have yielded
      mixed results, possibly due to several studies not accounting for common nuisance
      variables (age, sex, and total intracranial volume [TICV]). TICV is particularly
      important because there is evidence for larger TICV in PD. We explored the
      influence of these covariates on VBM by 1) comparing PD patients and controls
      before adding covariates, after adding age and sex, and after adding age, sex and
      TICV, and 2) by comparing controls split into large and small TICV before and
      after controlling for TICV, with age and sex accounted for in both analyses.
      Experiment 1 consisted of 40 PD participants and 40 controls. Experiment 2
      consisted of 88 controls median split by TICV. All participants completed an MRI
      on a 3 T scanner. TICV was calculated as gray + white + CSF from Freesurfer. VBM
      was performed on T1 images using an optimized VBM protocol. Volume differences
      were assessed using a voxel-wise GLM analysis. Clusters were considered
      significant at >10 voxels and p < .05 corrected for familywise error. Before
      controlling for covariates, PD showed reduced GM in temporal, occipital, and
      cerebellar regions. Controlling for age and sex did not affect the pattern of
      significance. Controlling for TICV reduced the size of the significant region
      although it still contained portions of bilateral temporal lobes, occipital lobes
      and cerebellum. The large TICV group showed reduced volume in temporal, parietal,
      and cerebellar areas. None of these differences survived controlling for TICV.
      This demonstrates that TICV influences VBM results independently from other
      factors. Controlling for TICV in VBM studies is recommended.

PMID- 28070746
TI  - Boundary Cap Neural Crest Stem Cells Promote Survival of Mutant SOD1 Motor
      Neurons.
AB  - ALS is a devastating disease resulting in degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) in
      the brain and spinal cord. The survival of MNs strongly depends on surrounding
      glial cells and neurotrophic support from muscles. We previously demonstrated
      that boundary cap neural crest stem cells (bNCSCs) can give rise to neurons and
      glial cells in vitro and in vivo and have multiple beneficial effects on co
      cultured and co-implanted cells, including neural cells. In this paper, we
      investigate if bNCSCs may improve survival of MNs harboring a mutant form of
      human SOD1 (SOD1G93A) in vitro under normal conditions and oxidative stress and
      in vivo after implantation to the spinal cord. We found that survival of SOD1G93A
      MNs in vitro was increased in the presence of bNCSCs under normal conditions as
      well as under oxidative stress. In addition, when SOD1G93A MN precursors were
      implanted to the spinal cord of adult mice, their survival was increased when
      they were co-implanted with bNCSCs. These findings show that bNCSCs support
      survival of SOD1G93A MNs in normal conditions and under oxidative stress in vitro
      and improve their survival in vivo, suggesting that bNCSCs have a potential for
      the development of novel stem cell-based therapeutic approaches in ALS models.

PMID- 28070747
TI  - Enhanced Bulbar Function in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: The Nuedexta Treatment
      Trial.
AB  - The goal of this randomized, blinded, crossover clinical trial was to determine
      whether Nuedexta (dextromethorphan and quinidine) enhanced speech, swallowing,
      and salivation in patients with ALS. Sixty patients with amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) received either Nuedexta or placebo for 28 to 30 days, followed
      by a 10 to 15-day washout period. Subsequently, patients were switched to the
      opposite treatment arm for the remaining days of the trial. The primary endpoint
      was a reduction in the self-report Center for Neurologic Study Bulbar Function
      Scale (CNS-BFS) score. The rater-administered ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised
      was the principal secondary endpoint. The CNS-BFS score improved with active
      treatment, decreasing from a mean of 59.3 in the placebo arm of the trial to 53.5
      during the drug-treatment arm (p < 0.001). Each of the individual domains of
      bulbar function interrogated by the CNS-BFS responded to treatment with Nuedexta
      as follows: salivation: 15.8 versus 14.3 (p = 0.004); speech: 24.6 versus 22.2 (p
      = 0.003); swallowing: 18.9 versus 17.1 (p = 0.009). Similarly, the bulbar
      component of the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised improved with active
      treatment (p = 0.003), although the drug did not affect the motor and respiratory
      components of this scale. This study is unique for several reasons. Firstly, it
      was driven by patient reports of improved speech and swallowing while taking
      Nuedexta for control of emotional lability. Secondly, the study was conducted
      over a short duration (70 days), and thirdly, a self-report scale was selected as
      the principle outcome measure. Considering the importance of bulbar functions,
      these results, if confirmed, point to an additional use of Nuedexta as an adjunct
      to the management of ALS.

PMID- 28070749
TI  - An automated microemboli detection and classification system using backscatter RF
      signals and differential evolution.
AB  - Embolic phenomena, whether air or particulate emboli, can induce immediate
      damages like heart attack or ischemic stroke. Embolus composition (gaseous or
      particulate matter) is vital in predicting clinically significant complications.
      Embolus detection using Doppler methods have shown their limits to differentiate
      solid and gaseous embolus. Radio-frequency (RF) ultrasound signals backscattered
      by the emboli contain additional information on the embolus in comparison to the
      traditionally used Doppler signals. Gaseous bubbles show a nonlinear behavior
      under specific conditions of the ultrasound excitation wave, this nonlinear
      behavior is exploited to differentiate solid from gaseous microemboli. In order
      to verify the usefulness of RF ultrasound signal processing in the detection and
      classification of microemboli, an in vitro set-up is developed. Sonovue micro
      bubbles are exploited to mimic the acoustic behavior of gaseous emboli. They are
      injected at two different concentrations (0.025 and 0.05 ul/ml) in a
      nonrecirculating flow phantom containing a tube of 0.8 mm in diameter. The tissue
      mimicking material surrounding the tube is chosen to imitate the acoustic
      behavior of solid emboli. Both gaseous and solid emboli are imaged using an
      Anthares ultrasound scanner with a probe emitting at a transmit frequency of 1.82
      MHz and at two mechanical indices (MI) 0.2 and 0.6. We propose in this
      experimental study to exploit discrete wavelet transform and a dimensionality
      reduction algorithm based on differential evolution technique in the analysis and
      the characterization of the backscattered RF ultrasound signals from the emboli.
      Several features are evaluated from the detail coefficients. It should be noted
      that the features used in this study are the same used in the paper by Aydin et
      al. These all features are used as inputs to the classification models without
      using feature selection method. Then we perform feature selection using
      differential evolution algorithm with support vector machines classifier. The
      experimental results show clearly that our proposed method achieves better
      average classification rates compared to the results obtained in a previous study
      using also the same backscatter RF signals.

PMID- 28070748
TI  - Application of guidelines for aminoglycosides use in French hospitals in 2013
      2014.
AB  - In 2011, the French Agency for Safety of Health Products issued guidelines
      underlining the principles of proper aminoglycosides' use. The aim of the survey
      was to evaluate adherence to these guidelines two years after their issue.
      Characteristics of patients receiving aminoglycosides were recorded by voluntary
      facilities during a 3-month survey in 2013-2014. The modalities of
      aminoglycosides treatment were analysed by comparison with the French guidelines.
      A total of 3,323 patients were included by 176 facilities. Patients were mainly
      hospitalized in medical wards (33.0%), and treated for urinary-tract infections
      (24.7%). Compliance regarding the clinical indication and the daily
      aminoglycosides dose was observed in 65.2% and 62.9% of the cases, respectively.
      A 30-min once-daily IV administration was recorded in 62.5% of the cases.
      Aminoglycosides treatment duration was appropriate (<=5 days) for 93.6% of the
      patients. When considering the four criteria together, 23.2% of the patients had
      a treatment regimen aligned with the guidelines. Requests for measurements of
      peak and trough AG serum concentrations matched the guidelines in 24.9% and 67.4%
      of the cases, respectively. Two years after guidelines issue, aminoglycosides use
      remains unsatisfactory in French health-care facilities. Efforts should be made
      for guidelines promotion, especially regarding the issue of underdosing.

PMID- 28070750
TI  - Examining trends in prediabetes and its relationship with the metabolic syndrome
      in US adolescents, 1999-2014.
AB  - AIMS: We sought to investigate temporal trends in prediabetes prevalence among US
      adolescents using two definitions and evaluate relationships with obesity and a
      MetS-severity score. METHODS: We evaluated data from 5418 non-Hispanic white, non
      Hispanic black, and Hispanic adolescents aged 12-19 participating in the National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2014 with complete data regarding
      MetS and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Prediabetes status was defined by American
      Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria: fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL or HbA1c 5.7%
      6.4%. MetS severity was assessed with a MetS-severity Z-score. RESULTS:
      Prevalence of prediabetes as defined by HbA1c abnormalities significantly
      increased from 1999-2014, while prevalence of prediabetes as defined by fasting
      glucose abnormalities showed no significant temporal trend. There were variations
      in these trends across different racial/ethnic groups. MetS Z-score was overall
      more strongly correlated with HbA1c, fasting insulin, and the homeostasis model
      of insulin resistance than was BMI Z-score. These correlations were true in each
      racial/ethnic group with the exception that in non-Hispanic white adolescents, in
      whom the MetS Z-score was not significantly correlated with HbA1c measurements.
      CONCLUSION: We found conflicting findings of temporal trends of US adolescent
      prediabetes prevalence based on the ADA's prediabetes criteria. The increasing
      prevalence of prediabetes by HbA1c assessment is concerning and raises the
      urgency for increased awareness and appropriate measures of prediabetes status
      among physicians and patients.

PMID- 28070751
TI  - Case-control studies in diabetes. Do they really use a case-control design?
AB  - AIMS: Studies defined as case-control do not always use this design. We aimed to
      estimate the frequency of mislabelled case-control studies in published articles
      in the area of diabetes and to identify the predictors of incorrect labelling.
      METHODS: We searched Medline and Web of Science for articles with "diabetes" and
      "case control" in title and filtered for language (English/Romance) and period
      (January 2010-December 2014). Inclusion criteria were: (1) statement to use a
      case-control design in title, (2) to be a final full-length publication and (3)
      to have original data in the area of diabetes. Three independent reviewers went
      through titles, looked for full texts and reviewed them. Discrepancies were
      settled with a fourth reviewer. Expert epidemiologist advice was requested in
      case of doubt. OUTCOME VARIABLE: case-control mislabelling; addressed predictors:
      publication year, journal impact factor and journal subject. STATISTICS:
      proportion of mislabelled CC articles and assessment of predictors by
      multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We retrieved 362 articles,
      251 of them fulfilling inclusion criteria. The proportion of mislabelled CC
      studies was 43.8% (confidence interval 95% 37.7-50.0%). Most mislabelled studies
      had a cross-sectional design (82.7%). Predictors of mislabelling were publication
      year, journal impact factor and journal area. CONCLUSIONS: A relevant subset of
      studies defined as case-control in the area of diabetes correspond to mislabelled
      cross-sectional studies. Incorrect labelling misleads readers regarding the
      interpretation of results and the cause-effect hypothesis. Researchers, reviewers
      and editors should be aware of and commit to settle this issue.

PMID- 28070752
TI  - Absence of macrophage migration inhibitory factor reduces proliferative
      retinopathy in a mouse model.
AB  - AIMS: Ischemia-induced neovascularization is the key feature of proliferative
      diabetic retinopathy. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a
      pleiotropic proinflammatory and proangiogenic cytokine, and its levels are
      elevated in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In
      this study, we aimed at investigating the relative potential of MIF in the
      ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization. METHODS: Both WT and MIF-knockout
      mice were subjected to the retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) model. Intraretinal
      vessel regrowth was assessed by whole-mount immunofluorescence, and preretinal
      neovascularization was analyzed in retinal vertical sections after periodic acid
      Schiff staining in the hypoxic stage of the ROP model. Gene expression of
      selected proangiogenic and proinflammatory factors at postnatal day 13 (p13) was
      measured by real-time PCR. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression,
      recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and microglial activation were
      analyzed with immunofluorescence. RESULTS: MIF deficiency increased areas of
      vascular obliteration by 49%, reduced sprouting tips by 27% and inhibited
      preretinal angiogenesis by 35%. VEGF expression was reduced in Muller cells of
      MIF-knockout mice. MIF absence reduced gene expression of erythropoietin, tumor
      necrosis factor alpha and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 by 30, 70 and 50%,
      respectively, decreased the number of retinal EPCs by 37.5% and inhibited
      microglial activation in the hypoxic condition. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we
      found that MIF has proangiogenic and proinflammatory properties in retinal
      neovascularization. The proangiogenic role of MIF in ischemia-induced retinal
      neovascularization is associated with the expression of VEGF and erythropoietin,
      EPC recruitment and inflammation. Therefore, MIF has a potential role in the
      pathological angiogenesis of proliferative retinopathy.

PMID- 28070753
TI  - Dodecyl Amino Glucoside Enhances Transdermal and Topical Drug Delivery via
      Reversible Interaction with Skin Barrier Lipids.
AB  - PURPOSE: Skin permeation/penetration enhancers are substances that enable drug
      delivery through or into the skin. METHODS: To search for new enhancers with high
      but reversible activity and acceptable toxicity, we synthesized a series of D
      glucose derivatives, both hydrophilic and amphiphilic. RESULTS: Initial
      evaluation of the ability of these sugar derivatives to increase permeation and
      penetration of theophylline through/into human skin compared with a control (no
      enhancer) or sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20; positive control) revealed dodecyl 6
      amino-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside 5 as a promising enhancer. Furthermore,
      this amino sugar 5 increased epidermal concentration of a highly hydrophilic
      antiviral cidofovir by a factor of 7. The effect of compound 5 on skin electrical
      impedance suggested its direct interaction with the skin barrier. Infrared
      spectroscopy of isolated stratum corneum revealed no effect of enhancer 5 on the
      stratum corneum proteins but an overall decrease in the lipid chain order. The
      enhancer showed acceptable toxicity on HaCaT keratinocyte and 3T3 fibroblast cell
      lines. Finally, transepidermal water loss returned to baseline values after
      enhancer 5 had been removed from the skin. CONCLUSIONS: Compound 5, a dodecyl
      amino glucoside, is a promising enhancer that acts through a reversible
      interaction with the stratum corneum lipids.

PMID- 28070754
TI  - Pow! Boom! Kablam! Effects of Viewing Superhero Programs on Aggressive,
      Prosocial, and Defending Behaviors in Preschool Children.
AB  - Many schools and parents try to motivate children to become defenders of
      victimized peers. Defending behavior is common in the media (particularly in
      superhero programs); however, no study has examined the effect of media on
      defending behavior. The aim of the study was to examine longitudinal associations
      between superhero engagement and a variety of aggressive, prosocial, and
      defending behaviors in preschool children. Participants consisted of 240
      preschoolers (49% male) and their parents who reported on child media use and
      outcomes at 2 different time points. Preschooler's engagement with superheroes
      was related to increased physical and relational aggression 1 year later.
      Engagement with superheroes was not related to prosocial or defending behaviors.
      Implications of the results are discussed.

PMID- 28070755
TI  - Social Adversity and Antisocial Behavior: Mediating Effects of Autonomic Nervous
      System Activity.
AB  - The display of antisocial behaviors in children and adolescents has been of
      interest to criminologists and developmental psychologists for years. Exposure to
      social adversity is a well-documented predictor of antisocial behavior.
      Additionally, measures of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, including
      heart rate variability (HRV), pre-ejection period (PEP), and heart rate, have
      been associated with antisocial behaviors including rule-breaking and aggression.
      Social neuroscience research has begun to investigate how neurobiological
      underpinnings affect the relationship between social adversity and
      antisocial/psychopathic behavior in children and adolescents. This study
      investigated the potential mediating effects of ANS activity on the relationship
      between social adversity and antisocial behavior in a group of 7- to 10-year-old
      children from the community (N = 339; 48.2% male). Moderated multiple mediation
      analyses revealed that low resting heart rate, but not PEP or HRV, mediated the
      relationship between social adversity and antisocial behavior in males only.
      Social adversity but not ANS measures were associated with antisocial behavior in
      females. Findings have implications for understanding the neural influences that
      underlie antisocial behavior, illustrate the importance of the social environment
      regarding the expression of these behaviors, and highlight essential gender
      differences.

PMID- 28070756
TI  - Deviant Peer Affiliation as an Explanatory Mechanism in the Association between
      Corporal Punishment and Physical Aggression: a Longitudinal Study among Chinese
      Adolescents.
AB  - Previous research has focused primarily on corporal punishment as a cause and
      adolescents' physical aggression as an outcome. However, there is a large gap in
      knowledge of the potentially bidirectional association and explanatory mechanism
      underlying the association between corporal punishment and physical aggression.
      The current study, using a longitudinal design across three time points (the fall
      semester of 7th grade, the fall of 8th grade, and the fall of 9th grade), aimed
      to a) examine the reciprocal processes between corporal punishment and physical
      aggression, and b) explore whether deviant peer affiliation may explain such
      reciprocal connections. Only adolescents participating in all the three time
      points were included in this study, resulting in a final sample of 342
      adolescents (175 boys, 167 girls) who completed questionnaires regarding corporal
      punishment, deviant peer affiliation, and aggression. Gender, age and
      socioeconomic status were controlled for in the analyses. Autoregressive cross
      lagged models showed that the results did not support the direct reciprocal
      effect between corporal punishment and physical aggression among Chinese
      adolescents. A direct longitudinal link from corporal punishment to physical
      aggression was found, however, the inverse association was not significant.
      Moreover, regarding the longitudinal underlying process, in one direction,
      corporal punishment at 7th grade predicted higher levels of deviant peer
      affiliation at 8th grade. In turn, higher deviant peer affiliation at 8th grade
      predicted increased physical aggression at 9th grade. At the same time, in the
      other direction, adolescent physical aggression at 7th grade significantly
      predicted deviant peer affiliation at 8th grade. In turn, higher deviant peer
      affiliation at 8th grade predicted decreased corporal punishment at 9th grade.
      Identifying the direct and underlying reciprocal processes between corporal
      punishment and adolescent physical aggression has important implications for an
      integrative framework of theory and prevention.

PMID- 28070757
TI  - RNAi-Induced Electrophysiological and Behavioral Changes Reveal two Pheromone
      Binding Proteins of Helicoverpa armigera Involved in the Perception of the Main
      Sex Pheromone Component Z11-16:Ald.
AB  - Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) are thought to play key roles in insect sex
      pheromone recognition; however, there is little in vivo evidence to support this
      viewpoint in comparison to abundant biochemical data in vitro. In the present
      study, two noctuid PBP genes HarmPBP1 and HarmPBP2 of the serious agricultural
      pest, Helicoverpa armigera were selected to be knocked down by RNA interference,
      and then the changes in electrophysiological and behavioral responses of male
      mutants to their major sex pheromone component (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald)
      were recorded. There were no significant electrophysiological or behavioral
      changes of tested male moths in response to Z11-16:Ald when either single PBP
      gene was knocked down. However, decreased sensitivity of male moths in response
      to Z11-16:Ald was observed when both HarmPBP1 and HarmPBP2 genes were silenced.
      These results reveal that both HarmPBP1 and HarmPBP2 are required for the
      recognition of the main sex pheromone component Z11-16:Ald in H. armigera.
      Furthermore, these findings may help clarify physiological roles of moth PBPs in
      the sex pheromone recognition pathway, which in turn could facilitate pest
      control by exploring sex pheromone blocking agents.

PMID- 28070758
TI  - Phylogeography of the Asian rice gall midge Orseolia oryzae (Wood Mason)
      (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Thailand.
AB  - The Asian rice gall midge (RGM) Orseolia oryzae (Wood Mason) (Diptera:
      Cecidomyiidae) is a major pest of rice, leading to yield losses in Thailand and
      many Asian countries. Despite an increasing number of reported midge outbreaks
      and the presence of many susceptible rice varieties, only a few studies have
      focused on the genetic variation of the midges. Therefore, we analyzed the
      phylogeography among Thai RGM populations covering north, northeast and central
      Thailand. Two mitochondrial DNA genes, cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) and 12S, and
      a non-coding repeat region (RR) situated just before COI were amplified. Overall,
      the haplotype diversity for COI and 12S genes of the Thai population was high,
      but the nucleotide diversity was quite low. Altogether, the phylogenetic tree and
      pairwise F st values indicated that Thai RGM populations recently expanded and
      were homogeneously distributed throughout the country, except for some
      populations in the north, which most likely became recently isolated from the
      main population. Two non-coding repeat motifs, that were recently observed in the
      mitogenome of RGM in India, were absent in Thai populations and replaced by an 89
      bp non-coding sequence. Tandem nucleotide repeats of the sequence TA were also
      observed. The repeat copy number varied from 2 to 11 and was not correlated with
      geographical repartition of the midge. Finally, COI barcoding divergence between
      Indian and Thai populations was high (6.3% in average), giving insights into the
      potential existence of an RGM species complex in Asia.

PMID- 28070759
TI  - QTLs for heading date and plant height under multiple environments in rice.
AB  - Both heading date and plant height are important traits related to grain yield in
      rice. In this study, a recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population was used to map
      quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for both traits under 3 long-day (LD) environments
      and 1 short-day (SD) environment. A total of eight QTLs for heading date and
      three QTLs for plant height were detected by composite interval mapping under LD
      conditions. Additional one QTL for heading date and three QTLs for plant height
      were identified by Two-QTL model under LD conditions. Among them, major QTLs
      qHd7.1, qHd7.2 and qHd8 for heading date, and qPh1 and qPh7.1 for plant height
      were commonly detected. qHd7.1 and qHd7.2 were mapped to small regions of less
      than 1 cM. Genome position comparison of previously cloned genes with QTLs
      detected in this study revealed that qHd5 and qPh3.1 were two novel QTLs. The
      alleles of these QTLs increasing trait values were dispersed in both parents,
      which well explained the transgressive segregation observed in this population.
      In addition, the interaction between qHd7.1 and qHd8 was detected under all LD
      conditions. Multiple-QTL model analysis revealed that all QTLs and their
      interactions explained over 80% of heading date variation and 50% of plant height
      variation. Two heading date QTLs were detected under SD condition. Of them, qHd10
      were commonly identified under LD condition. The difference in QTL detection
      between LD and SD conditions indicated most heading date QTLs are sensitive to
      photoperiod. These findings will benefit breeding design for heading date and
      plant height in rice.

PMID- 28070761
TI  - Effect of Long-Term Simulated Microgravity on Immune System and Lung Tissues in
      Rhesus Macaque.
AB  - We evaluated different lymphocyte populations and levels of plasma cytokines in
      peripheral blood as well as inflammatory infiltration and expressions of
      cytokines in lung tissues derived from macaque under long-term stimulated
      microgravity through being suspended in an antiorthostatic position so as to
      identify relevant immune parameters and to understand potential mechanisms of
      lung injury. Fifteen healthy male rhesus macaques were randomly divided into
      groups 1 (control, n = 5), groups 2 (head-down tilting for 6 weeks, n = 5), and
      groups 3 (head-down tilting for 6 weeks and recovery for 4 weeks, n = 5).
      Lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood were analyzed using flow cytometry and the
      concentrations of 14 cytokines in plasma were measured with Luminex multiplexing
      technology. HE staining and transmission electron microscopy were employed to
      investigate the morphologies and subcellular structures of lung tissues.
      Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were employed to explore mRNA and protein
      expressions of cytokines in lung tissues. Immunohistochemical demonstrations were
      detected for CD3, CD4, CD8 T lymphocytes, CD20 B lymphocytes, and CD68
      macrophages in lung tissues. Compared to group 1, groups 2 and 3 showed a
      decrease in the percentage of CD2+T cells, CD2+CD4+T helper cells, and
      CD2+CD8+cytotoxic T cells as well as an increase in the expression of CD95 on the
      surface of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The serum cytokine levels of IL-18
      and TNF-alpha were increased in group 2 when compared to groups 1 and 3. HE and
      TEM observed changes in the structure and ultrastructure of lung tissues in
      groups 2 and 3. The number of CD3+T cell, CD4+T cell, CD8+T cells, and
      CD68+macrophage and the expression levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-18 in lung
      tissues were increased in groups 2 when compared with groups 1 and 3. Our data
      suggested that long-term microgravity might alter the functions of immune system
      and cause lung damage, changing lymphocyte distribution and functions as well as
      cytokine production.

PMID- 28070762
TI  - Being on Your Own or Feeling Lonely? Loneliness and Other Social Variables in
      Youths with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine loneliness and its correlates in
      children (7 to 11 years) and adolescents (12 to 18 years) with autism spectrum
      disorders (ASD, n = 73) and control groups of clinically referred (ADHD, n = 76)
      and non-clinical (n = 106) youths. Youths completed questionnaires on loneliness
      and desire for social interaction, while parents and teachers filled out scales
      on other aspects of children's social functioning. Results indicated that only at
      an adolescent age, the ASD group reported higher levels of loneliness than the
      control groups. Further, the ASD group generally expressed relatively low levels
      of desire for social interaction, although these youths displayed a similar
      increase in the wish to belong during adolescence as participants in the control
      groups. Finally, the ASD group exhibited lower levels of social competence and
      social skills and higher levels of social problems and social anxiety than the
      control groups, and in all groups these social variables correlated in a
      theoretically meaningful with loneliness.

PMID- 28070760
TI  - The Generation R Study: design and cohort update 2017.
AB  - The Generation R Study is a population-based prospective cohort study from fetal
      life until adulthood. The study is designed to identify early environmental and
      genetic causes and causal pathways leading to normal and abnormal growth,
      development and health from fetal life, childhood and young adulthood. This
      multidisciplinary study focuses on several health outcomes including behaviour
      and cognition, body composition, eye development, growth, hearing, heart and
      vascular development, infectious disease and immunity, oral health and facial
      growth, respiratory health, allergy and skin disorders of children and their
      parents. Main exposures of interest include environmental, endocrine, genomic
      (genetic, epigenetic, microbiome), lifestyle related, nutritional and socio
      demographic determinants. In total, 9778 mothers with a delivery date from April
      2002 until January 2006 were enrolled in the study. Response at baseline was 61%,
      and general follow-up rates until the age of 10 years were around 80%. Data
      collection in children and their parents includes questionnaires, interviews,
      detailed physical and ultrasound examinations, behavioural observations, lung
      function, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and biological sampling. Genome and
      epigenome wide association screens are available. Eventually, results from the
      Generation R Study contribute to the development of strategies for optimizing
      health and healthcare for pregnant women and children.

PMID- 28070763
TI  - Uveitis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a multicenter
      survey.
AB  - The aim of this study is to assess uveitis prevalence in a large cohort of
      childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients. A retrospective
      multicenter cohort study including 852 cSLE patients was performed in ten
      pediatric rheumatology centers (Brazilian cSLE group). An investigator meeting
      was held and all participants received database training. Uveitis was diagnosed
      through clinical assessment by the uveitis expert ophthalmologist of each center.
      Patients with and without uveitis were assessed for lupus clinical/laboratory
      features and treatments. Uveitis was observed in 7/852 cSLE patients (0.8%). Two
      of them had ocular complications: cataract and irreversible blindness in one
      patient and retinal ischemia with subsequent neovascularization and unilateral
      blindness in another. Uveitis was identified within the first 6 months of cSLE
      diagnosis in 6/7 patients (86%). Comparison of a subgroup of cSLE patients with
      (n = 7) and without uveitis (n = 73) and similar length of disease duration
      showed that patients with uveitis had increased SLEDAI-2K score (19 vs. 6; p <
      0.01). In addition, fever (71 vs. 12%; p < 0.01), lymphadenopathy (29 vs. 1.4%; p
      = 0.02), arthritis (43 vs. 7%; p = 0.02), and use of intravenous
      methylprednisolone (71 vs. 22%; p = 0.01) were higher in cSLE patients with
      uveitis, as compared to those without this manifestation, respectively. Presence
      of fever was significantly associated with uveitis, independently of SLEDAI
      scores or use of intravenous methylprednisolone pulses, as shown by adjusted
      regression analysis (adjusted prevalence ratio 35.7, 95% CI 2.4-519.6; p < 0.01).
      Uveitis was a rare and initial manifestation of active cSLE patients. Early
      recognition is essential due to the possibility of irreversible blindness.

PMID- 28070765
TI  - Health Impacts of Religious Practices and Beliefs Associated with The Church of
      Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
AB  - The aim of the study is to discuss the relationship between lifestyle marked by
      The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and health. PubMed, CINAHL,
      PsycINFO, WOS y Scopus were the databases used for this literature review, with
      these descriptors: "Mormons", "mormons religion", "health". Inclusion criteria
      were articles with full text available, published between 2005 and 2016, in
      English or Spanish language. Results show that following the restrictive Mormon
      doctrine generates beneficial effects for the health. Habits related to toxics
      and food, as well as social support, from family and Mormon community are an
      important basis for good health. On the other hand, not following the
      prescriptions or leaving the group, opposed sexual identities or not fulfilling
      the roles associated with women are associated with worse mental and physical
      health.

PMID- 28070764
TI  - Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels in systemic sclerosis: analysis of 140 patients and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Hypovitaminosis D is increasingly reported in autoimmune diseases. We
      investigated the 25-OH-vitamin D (25-OH-vitD) levels in systemic sclerosis (SSc)
      patients, in correlation with disease's features. We measured the 25-OH-vitD
      serum levels in 140 consecutive patients (F/M 126/15; mean age 61 +/- 15.1
      years), 91 without (group A) and 49 with (group B) 25-OH-cholecalciferol
      supplementation. Patients of group A invariably showed low 25-OH-vitD levels (9.8
      +/- 4.1 ng/ml vs. 26 +/- 8.1 ng/ml of group B); in particular, 88/91 (97%)
      patients showed vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml), with very low vitamin D levels
      (<10 ng/ml) in 40 (44%) subjects. Only 15/49 (30.6%) patients of group B reached
      normal levels of 25-OH-vitD (>=30 ng/ml), whereas vitamin D deficiency persisted
      in 12/49 (24.5%) individuals. Parathormone levels inversely correlated with 25-OH
      vitD (r = -0.3, p < 0.0001). Of interest, hypovitaminosis D was statistically
      associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (p = 0.008), while calcinosis was more
      frequently observed in patients of group A (p = 0.057). Moreover, we found
      significantly higher percentage of serum anticentromere antibodies in group B
      patients with 25-OH-vitD level >=30 ng/ml (8/15 vs. 6/34; p = 0.017). In
      literature, hypovitaminosis D is very frequent in SSc patients. An association
      with disease duration, calcinosis, or severity of pulmonary involvement was
      occasionally recognized. Hypovitaminosis D is very frequent in SSc and severe in
      a relevant percentage of patients; furthermore, less than one third of
      supplemented subjects reached normal levels of 25-OH-vitD. The evaluation of 25
      OH-vitD levels should be included in the routine clinical work-up of SSc. The
      above findings expand previous observations and may stimulate further
      investigations.

PMID- 28070766
TI  - Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization versus
      hepatectomy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria: a
      retrospective case-control study.
AB  - PROPOSAL: To compare the effectiveness of TACE + RFA with hepatectomy in patients
      with HCC within Milan criteria. METHODS: It is a retrospective matched case
      control study from January 2006 to December 2010 in a tertiary cancer center. 74
      patients with HCC within Milan criteria initially treated with TACE + RFA were
      identified and compared with 148 matched controls selected from a pool of 782
      patients who received hepatectomy. Patients were matched with respect to age,
      gender, tumor size and number, AFP and liver function test. RESULTS: The 1, 3,
      and 5 years overall survival (OS) was 94.6, 75.1 and 55.3%, respectively, in the
      combination group, and 91.2, 64.4, and 47.7%, respectively, in the hepatectomy
      group (P = 0.488). The 1, 3, and 5 years disease-free survival (DFS) in the
      combination group was 87.8, 48.3, and 33.5%, respectively, and 68.9, 49.2, and
      40.9%, respectively, in the hepatectomy group (P = 0.619). In subgroups analyses
      according to the tumor size and number, no significant difference was identified
      in either OS or DFS for patients with single tumor smaller than 3.0 cm, 3.0-5.0
      cm, and multiple tumors. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size, ALT, and
      CLIP score were significant prognostic factors for OS, and ALT and Child-Pugh
      class were significant prognostic factors for DFS. CONCLUSION: TACE + RFA is safe
      and as effective as hepatectomy for patients with HCC within Milan criteria.

PMID- 28070767
TI  - Strut-adjusted volume implant (SAVI) brachytherapy-based accelerated partial
      breast irradiation (APBI) in African American women.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the clinical outcomes of postmenopausal African American (AA)
      women treated with strut-adjusted volume implant brachytherapy-based accelerated
      partial breast irradiation for early-stage node-negative breast cancer. METHODS:
      From January 2011 through April 2015, a total of 50 AA patients, meeting criteria
      to receive APBI as defined by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel
      Project B-39 (NASBP B-39), completed treatment with the SAVI breast brachytherapy
      device at Howard University Hospital. RESULTS: 4% ipsilateral breast tumor
      recurrence and 2% breast cancer-specific mortality was observed. Median follow-up
      has been 3.8 years with a range of 0.29-4.69 years. Dosimetry parameters yielded
      a median V90 of 96.22% (range 77.86-105.00%), a median V150 of 31.27 cm3 (range
      23.30-49.15 mL), and a median V200 of 14.53 cm3 (range 5.92-19.38 mL). Cosmesis
      was excellent. There were no infections, persistent seromas, fat necrosis, or
      telangiectasias observed to date. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first study to
      describe the use of SAVI as APBI in an exclusively AA population. This study has
      demonstrated excellent local control in appropriately selected patients, similar
      clinical outcomes to the general population, and good to excellent cosmesis in AA
      women to date.

PMID- 28070768
TI  - Breast cancer is a systemic disease rather than an anatomical process.

PMID- 28070769
TI  - Emotional distress impacts quality of life evaluation: a report from the
      Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: We compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between adult
      survivors of childhood cancer and siblings by investigating the mediating role of
      emotional distress on HRQOL assessment, and examining the extent to which
      emotional distress affected the item responses of HRQOL measures given the same
      underlying HRQOL (i.e., measurement non-invariance). METHODS: Cancer survivors
      (7103) and siblings (390) enrolled in Childhood Cancer Survivor Study who
      completed the SF-36 measuring HRQOL and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 measuring
      anxiety, depression, and somatization were analyzed. Multiple Indicators &
      Multiple Causes modeling was performed to identify measurement non-invariance
      related to emotional distress on the responses to HRQOL items. Mediation analysis
      was performed to test the effects of cancer experience on HRQOL accounting for
      the mediating role of emotional distress. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent, 40%, and
      34% of the SF-36 items were identified with measurement non-invariance related to
      anxiety, depression, and somatization, respectively. Survivors reported poorer
      HRQOL than siblings in all domains (ps < 0.05), except for pain. Other than
      physical functioning and general health perceptions, poorer HRQOL was explained
      by the mediating role of emotional distress (ps < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences
      in HRQOL between survivors and siblings appear due, in part, to the mediating
      effect of emotional distress through which cancer experience influences the
      responses to HRQOL measures. IMPLICATIONS OF CANCER SURVIVORS: Interventions to
      treat emotional distress may improve cancer survivors' HRQOL.

PMID- 28070771
TI  - The Importance of Framing.

PMID- 28070770
TI  - A dance intervention for cancer survivors and their partners (RHYTHM).
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability,
      and impact of a ballroom dance intervention on improving quality of life (QOL)
      and relationship outcomes in cancer survivors and their partners. METHODS: We
      conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial with two arms (Restoring Health in
      You (and Your Partner) through Movement, RHYTHM): (1) immediate dance
      intervention and (2) delayed intervention (wait-list control). The intervention
      consisted of 10 private weekly dance lessons and 2 practice parties over 12
      weeks. Main outcomes were physical activity (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise
      Questionnaire), functional capacity (6 Minute Walk Test), QOL (SF-36), Couples'
      trust (Dyadic Trust Scale), and other dyadic outcomes. Exit interviews were
      completed by all participating couples. RESULTS: Thirty-one women survivors (68%
      breast cancer) and their partners participated. Survivors were 57.9 years old on
      average and 22.6% African American. Partners had similar characteristics. RHYTHM
      had significant positive effects on physical activity (p = 0.05), on the mental
      component of QOL (p = 0.04), on vitality (p = 0.03), and on the dyadic trust
      scale (p = 0.04). Couples expressed satisfaction with the intervention including
      appreciating the opportunity to spend time and exercise together. Survivors saw
      this light-intensity physical activity as easing them into becoming more
      physically active. CONCLUSIONS: Light intensity ballroom dancing has the
      potential to improve cancer survivors' QOL. Larger trials are needed to build
      strong support for this ubiquitous and acceptable activity. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      CANCER SURVIVORS: Ballroom dance may be an important tool for cancer survivors to
      return to a physically active life and improve QOL and other aspects of their
      intimate life.

PMID- 28070772
TI  - Primary Care Providers' Beliefs and Recommendations and Use of Screening
      Mammography by their Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Revised breast cancer screening guidelines have fueled debate about
      the effectiveness and frequency of screening mammography, encouraging discussion
      between women and their providers. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether primary care
      providers' (PCPs') beliefs about the effectiveness and frequency of screening
      mammography are associated with utilization by their patients. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional survey data from PCPs (2014) from three primary care networks
      affiliated with the Population-based Research Optimizing Screening through
      Personalized Regimens (PROSPR) consortium, linked with data about their patients'
      mammography use (2011-2014). PARTICIPANTS: PCPs (n = 209) and their female
      patients age 40-89 years without breast cancer (n = 30,233). MAIN MEASURES:
      Outcomes included whether (1) women received a screening mammogram during a 2
      year period; and (2) screened women had >1 mammogram during that period,
      reflecting annual screening. Principal independent variables were PCP beliefs
      about the effectiveness of mammography and their recommendations for screening
      frequency. KEY RESULTS: Overall 65.2% of women received >1 screening mammogram.
      For women 40-48 years, mammography use was modestly lower for those cared for by
      PCPs who believed that screening was ineffective compared with those who believed
      it was somewhat or very effective (59.1%, 62.3%, and 64.7%; p = 0.019 after
      controlling for patient characteristics). Of women with PCPs who reported they
      did not recommend screening before age 50, 48.1% were nonetheless screened. For
      women age 49-74 years, the vast majority were cared for by providers who believed
      that screening was effective. Provider recommendations were not associated with
      screening frequency. For women >=75 years, those cared for by providers who were
      uncertain about effectiveness had higher screening use (50.7%) than those cared
      for by providers who believed it was somewhat effective (42.8%). Patients of
      providers who did not recommend screening were less likely to be screened than
      were those whose providers recommended annual screening, yet 37.1% of patients
      whose providers recommended against screening still received screening.
      CONCLUSIONS: PCP beliefs about mammography effectiveness and screening
      recommendations are only modestly associated with use, suggesting other likely
      influences on patient participation in mammography.

PMID- 28070773
TI  - Challenges and Opportunities: Building a Relationship Between a Department of
      Biomedical Engineering and a Medical School.
AB  - A department of biomedical engineering can significantly enhance the impact of
      their research and training programs if a productive relationship with a medical
      school can be established. In order to develop such a relationship, significant
      hurdles must be overcome. This editorial summarizes some of the major challenges
      and opportunities for a department of biomedical engineering as they seek to
      build or enhance a relationship with a medical school. The ideas were formulated
      by engaging the collective wisdom from the Council of Chairs of the biomedical
      engineering departments.

PMID- 28070774
TI  - Restoring Fertility with Cryopreserved Prepubertal Testicular Tissue:
      Perspectives with Hydrogel Encapsulation, Nanotechnology, and Bioengineered
      Scaffolds.
AB  - New and improved oncological therapies are now able to cure more than 80% of
      cancer-affected children in Europe. However, such treatments are gonadotoxic and
      result in fertility issues, especially in boys who are not able to provide a
      sperm sample before starting chemo/radiotherapy because of their prepubertal
      state. For these boys, cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) is
      the only available option, aiming to preserve spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs).
      Both slow-freezing and vitrification have been investigated to this end and are
      now applied in a clinical setting for SSC cryopreservation. Research now has to
      focus on methods that will allow fertility restoration. This review discusses
      different studies that have been conducted on ITT transplantation, including
      those using growth factor supplementation like free molecules, or tissue
      encapsulation with or without nanoparticles, as well as the possibility of
      developing a bioartificial testis that can be used for in vitro gamete production
      or in vivo transplantation.

PMID- 28070775
TI  - Reduction of Burnout in Mental Health Care Providers Using the Provider
      Resilience Mobile Application.
AB  - This pilot study examined the usability, acceptability, and effectiveness of a
      free Provider Resilience (PR) mobile application (app) designed by the National
      Center for Telehealth and Technology to reduce provider burnout. Outpatient
      mental health providers (N = 30) used the PR app for 1 month. Participants rated
      the PR app on the System Usability Scale with an overall score of 79.7, which is
      in the top quartile for usability. Results of paired sample t tests on the
      Professional Quality of Life Scale indicated significant decreases on the Burnout
      (t = 3.65, p < .001) and Compassion Fatigue (t = 4.54, p < .001) subscales. The
      Provider Resilience app shows promise in reducing burnout and compassion fatigue
      in mental health care providers.

PMID- 28070776
TI  - Computer-assisted delineation of cerebral infarct from diffusion-weighted MRI
      using Gaussian mixture model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a widely used medical imaging
      modality for diagnosis and monitoring of cerebral stroke. The identification of
      exact location of stroke lesion helps in perceiving its characteristics, an
      essential part of diagnosis and treatment planning. This task is challenging due
      to the typical shape of the stroke lesion. This paper proposes an efficient
      method for computer-aided delineation of stroke lesions from DWI images. METHOD:
      Proposed methodology comprises of three steps. At the initial step, image
      contrast has been improved by applying fuzzy intensifier leading to the better
      visual quality of the stroke lesion. In the following step, a two-class (stroke
      lesion area vs. non-stroke lesion area) segmentation technique based on Gaussian
      mixture model has been designed for the localization of stroke lesion. To
      eliminate the artifacts which would appear during segmentation process, a binary
      morphological post-processing through area operator has been defined for exact
      delineation of the lesion area. RESULT: The performance of the proposed
      methodology has been compared with the manually delineated images (ground truth)
      obtained from different experts, individually. Quantitative evaluation with
      respect to various performance measures (such as dice coefficient, Jaccard score,
      and correlation coefficient) shows the efficient performance of the proposed
      technique.

PMID- 28070778
TI  - The failure to increase social support: it just might be time to stop intervening
      (and start rigorously observing).
AB  - In 1986, Lichtenstein et al. (Behav Ther. 17(5):607-19, 1986) presented the
      results of five studies focused on enhancing social support for smoking cessation
      in community-based clinic and worksite interventions. The manuscript was titled
      Social Support in Smoking Cessation: In Search of Effective Interventions and its
      main conclusion was that "attempts to both increase social support and to enhance
      treatment effectiveness have not been successful." Thirty years later, the paper
      by Cutrona et al. (Transl Behav Med. 6(4):546-57, 2016) draws a similar
      conclusion from a study focused on providing social support through an online
      social network for smoking cessation. In reviewing these findings - and based on
      our knowledge of the extensive literature on social support interventions that
      has been published over the past 30+ years - we believe there is a need for a
      fundamental shift in research on social support. Our focus here is largely on
      smoking cessation, but our comments are applicable to other areas of behavior
      change.

PMID- 28070777
TI  - Breast ultrasound image segmentation: a survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women worldwide.
      Ultrasound imaging is one of the most frequently used diagnostic tools to detect
      and classify abnormalities of the breast. Recently, computer-aided diagnosis
      (CAD) systems using ultrasound images have been developed to help radiologists to
      increase diagnosis accuracy. However, accurate ultrasound image segmentation
      remains a challenging problem due to various ultrasound artifacts. In this paper,
      we investigate approaches developed for breast ultrasound (BUS) image
      segmentation. METHODS: In this paper, we reviewed the literature on the
      segmentation of BUS images according to the techniques adopted, especially over
      the past 10 years. By dividing into seven classes (i.e., thresholding-based,
      clustering-based, watershed-based, graph-based, active contour model, Markov
      random field and neural network), we have introduced corresponding techniques and
      representative papers accordingly. RESULTS: We have summarized and compared many
      techniques on BUS image segmentation and found that all these techniques have
      their own pros and cons. However, BUS image segmentation is still an open and
      challenging problem due to various ultrasound artifacts introduced in the process
      of imaging, including high speckle noise, low contrast, blurry boundaries, low
      signal-to-noise ratio and intensity inhomogeneity CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of the approaches developed for
      segmentation of BUS images. With most techniques involved, this paper will be
      useful and helpful for researchers working on segmentation of ultrasound images,
      and for BUS CAD system developers.

PMID- 28070779
TI  - Hydrolytic Activity of Esterase-Antibody Complexes Retained Within Gel Capsules
      After Complex Isolation.
AB  - Delipidation in biological samples is important for some diagnostic tests and
      protein analyses. Lipids in the samples can be hydrolyzed by native esterases
      (ESs) within gel capsules after ES, and ES-antibody complexes are specifically
      trapped, extracted, and separated. Acrylamide and agarose gel capsules containing
      complexes of ES antibody were produced after the complexes were extracted using
      protein A-immobilized membranes, separated by non-denaturing electrophoresis, and
      stained by colloidal silver using glucose as a reductant. ES activity of ES
      antibody complexes within the gel capsule was significantly higher than that in
      the complexes with the control antibodies upon isolation, separation, and
      detection of the complex. In addition, lipids bound to human serum albumin
      decreased after human plasma was treated with gel capsules containing ES-antibody
      complexes. We demonstrate that the gel capsule containing ES-antibody complexes
      can be successfully isolated using techniques described in this study.
      Furthermore, delipidation of human plasma is obtained by incubation with the gel
      capsule. These results indicate that surplus materials such as lipids in
      biological samples can be removed or reduced by gel capsule containing enzymes.

PMID- 28070780
TI  - Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents with or without syndromic obesity:
      two years follow-up.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity is an emerging health problem. Surgical treatment
      of obese adolescents, particularly those affected by congenital syndrome,
      represents a controversial issue. The aim of this multicenter study was to
      retrospectively assess the results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in a
      cohort of adolescents affected by morbid obesity, with or without congenital
      syndromes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one obese (BMI 49 +/- 6 kg/m2)
      adolescents with mean age of 16 +/- 3 years (58.5% with previous intragastric
      balloon failure), and subjected to LSG, were retrospectively evaluated for
      complications rate, % excess weight loss (%EWL), and inhibition of co-morbidities
      after 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: All the operations were completed
      laparoscopically and no intra-operative complications were recorded. No mortality
      was recorded while peri- or post-operative complications only occurred in two
      patients (4.9%). The EWL% at 6, 12, and 24 months were 42.3, 58.3, and 59.4,
      respectively. %EWL was comparable (p = 0.7) between non-syndromic and syndromic
      obese adolescents at 24 months. Conversely patients with previous intragastric
      balloon surgery had a significant lower EWL (%) at 24 month (p < 0.01). Moreover,
      at the same time point, co-morbidity resolution rate was 78.2% while improvement
      rate was 57.6%. Specifically, remission rate of type 2 diabetes (T2DM),
      hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were 71, 75 and 61%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: LSG is advantageous in the treatment of morbidly obese juveniles
      concerning safety, weight loss and co-morbidity control and at same time
      presenting, a possible effective therapeutic option for patients affected by
      congenital syndrome.

PMID- 28070781
TI  - The Support Needs of Children with Intellectual Disability and Autism:
      Implications for Supports Planning and Subgroup Classification.
AB  - The Supports Intensity Scale-Children's version (SIS-C) was developed to provide
      a standardized measure of support needs of children with intellectual disability.
      Over half of the norming sample had a secondary diagnosis of autism. Using this
      subset of the sample, we engaged in exploratory analysis to examine the degree to
      which latent clusters were present in the data, and after identifying these
      clusters, the degree to which they mapped on the SIS-C standard scores. A four
      latent class solution provided the best fit to the data. When mapped on SIS-C
      standard scores, specific patterns of differences were found in life activity
      domain scores and overall support needs scores. Implications for future research
      and practice are discussed.

PMID- 28070782
TI  - Co-Parenting Quality, Parenting Stress, and Feeding Challenges in Families with a
      Child Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - 113 parents of children aged 5-13 with ASD completed online surveys assessing co
      parenting quality, parenting stress, and child feeding challenges. Results
      indicated that food selectivity was both the most frequently reported type of
      challenging feeding behavior and the most often reported as problematic but was
      also the only type of challenging feeding behavior that was not associated with
      parenting stress. Greater parenting stress was reported when co-parenting
      agreement and support were lower. Child disruptive behavior at mealtime was the
      only feeding challenge associated with quality of co-parenting. This paper points
      to the importance of addressing feeding challenges in addition to selectivity,
      such as disruptive mealtime behaviors, and doing so within the context of the
      family and home environment.

PMID- 28070783
TI  - Brief Report: Using a Point-of-View Camera to Measure Eye Gaze in Young Children
      with Autism Spectrum Disorder During Naturalistic Social Interactions: A Pilot
      Study.
AB  - Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show reduced gaze to social
      partners. Eye contact during live interactions is often measured using stationary
      cameras that capture various views of the child, but determining a child's
      precise gaze target within another's face is nearly impossible. This study
      compared eye gaze coding derived from stationary cameras to coding derived from a
      "point-of-view" (PoV) camera on the social partner. Interobserver agreement for
      gaze targets was higher using PoV cameras relative to stationary cameras. PoV
      camera codes, but not stationary cameras codes, revealed a difference between
      gaze targets of children with ASD and typically developing children. PoV cameras
      may provide a more sensitive method for measuring eye contact in children with
      ASD during live interactions.

PMID- 28070784
TI  - Emotion Regulation and Parent Co-Regulation in Children with Autism Spectrum
      Disorder.
AB  - Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit emotional problems,
      which can be associated with emotion regulation (ER) difficulties. Parent co
      regulation is often associated with child ER and emotional problems, though
      little work has been done with reference to youth with ASD. This study
      investigated the association among parent co-regulation, child ER, and
      internalizing and externalizing problems in 51 parents and school-aged children
      with ASD. Parent co-regulation strategies and scaffolding were not associated
      with parent-reported levels of child internalizing problems. Parent scaffolding
      and child ER predicted externalizing problems, after controlling for child age
      and IQ. Suggestions for future research on parent involvement in the emotional
      development of children with ASD are discussed, as well as implications for ER
      focused interventions.

PMID- 28070785
TI  - Understanding Behavioural Rigidity in Autism Spectrum Conditions: The Role of
      Intentional Control.
AB  - Although behavioural rigidity belongs to the core symptoms of autism spectrum
      conditions, little is known about its underlying cognitive mechanisms. The
      current study investigated the role of intentional control mechanisms in
      behavioural rigidity in autism. Autistic individuals and their matched controls
      were instructed to repeatedly choose between two simple cognitive tasks and to
      respond accordingly to the subsequently presented stimulus. Results showed that
      autistic participants chose to repeat tasks more often than their controls and
      when choosing to switch, they demonstrated larger performance costs. These
      findings illustrate that when required to make their own choices, autistic people
      demonstrate rigidity at different performance levels, suggesting that intentional
      control mechanisms might be important for a better understanding of behavioural
      rigidity in autism.

PMID- 28070786
TI  - Training Parents of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Advocate for Adult
      Disability Services: Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - This study presents findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial, testing a
      12-week intervention to train parents of youth with autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD) to advocate for adult disability services-the Volunteer Advocacy Program
      Transition (VAP-T). Participants included 41 parents of youth with ASD within 2
      years of high school exit, randomly assigned to a treatment (N = 20) or wait-list
      control (N = 21) group. Outcomes, collected before and after the intervention,
      included parental knowledge about adult services, advocacy skills-comfort, and
      empowerment. The VAP-T had acceptable feasibility, treatment fidelity, and
      acceptability. After participating in the VAP-T, intervention parents (compared
      to controls) knew more about the adult service system, were more
      skilled/comfortable advocating, and felt more empowered.

PMID- 28070787
TI  - Predictors of Self-Injurious Behavior and Self-Restraint in Autism Spectrum
      Disorder: Towards a Hypothesis of Impaired Behavioral Control.
AB  - Self-injury is common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however few studies have
      investigated correlates of self-injury or the putative associations with self
      restraint. Questionnaire data on self-injury, self-restraint, health conditions,
      overactivity/impulsivity and repetitive/restricted behavior were collected on 208
      children and 216 adults with ASD (mean age = 24.10, range 6-61). Self-injury and
      self-restraint were frequent and significantly associated in both children (45.7%
      and 40.9%, p < 0.001) and adults (49.1, and 42.6%, p < 0.001). Severe self-injury
      was predicted by lower ability, health conditions and overactivity/impulsivity in
      children (p < 0.001) and repetitive/restricted behavior and
      overactivity/impulsivity in adults (p < 0.001). These data provide preliminary
      support for a developmental model of self-injury and self-restraint in which
      painful health conditions and compromised behavioral control influence the
      presence and trajectory of self-injury in ASD.

PMID- 28070788
TI  - Developmental Markers of Genetic Liability to Autism in Parents: A Longitudinal,
      Multigenerational Study.
AB  - Genetic liability to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be expressed in
      unaffected relatives through subclinical, genetically meaningful traits, or
      endophenotypes. This study aimed to identify developmental endophenotypes in
      parents of individuals with ASD by examining parents' childhood academic
      development over the school-age period. A cohort of 139 parents of individuals
      with ASD were studied, along with their children with ASD and 28 controls.
      Parents' childhood records in the domains of language, reading, and math were
      studied from grades K-12. Results indicated that relatively lower performance and
      slower development of skills (particularly language related skills), and an
      uneven rate of development across domains predicted ASD endophenotypes in
      adulthood for parents, and the severity of clinical symptoms in children with
      ASD. These findings may mark childhood indicators of genetic liability to ASD in
      parents, that could inform understanding of the subclinical expression of ASD
      genetic liability.

PMID- 28070789
TI  - Priming Facial Gender and Emotional Valence: The Influence of Spatial Frequency
      on Face Perception in ASD.
AB  - Adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD) performed two priming
      experiments in which they implicitly processed a prime stimulus, containing high
      and/or low spatial frequency information, and then explicitly categorized a
      target face either as male/female (gender task) or as positive/negative (Valence
      task). Adolescents with ASD made more categorization errors than typically
      developing adolescents. They also showed an age-dependent improvement in
      categorization speed and had more difficulties with categorizing facial
      expressions than gender. However, in neither of the categorization tasks, we
      found group differences in the processing of coarse versus fine prime
      information. This contradicted our expectations, and indicated that the
      perceptual differences between adolescents with and without ASD critically
      depended on the processing time available for the primes.

PMID- 28070790
TI  - Brief Report: Mealtime Behaviors of Chinese American Children with Autism
      Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - This study investigated mealtime behaviors of Chinese-American children with
      autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty-one parents of Chinese-American children
      with ASD participated in this study and the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior
      Inventory (BAMBI) was used. The top problematic mealtime behaviors reported by
      parents were prefers "crunchy" food (54.2%); not willing to try new foods (48%);
      and does not remain seated at the table until the meal is finished (46%). This
      study found that the majority of the Chinese-American children with ASD seldom or
      never were aggressive (96%) or disruptive during mealtimes (92.3%). Compared to
      their white counterparts, Chinese-American children with ASD showed slightly
      lower scores on problematic mealtime behaviors. These findings may provide
      significant information to practitioners.

PMID- 28070791
TI  - Social and Non-social Hazard Response in Drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Driving is a complex task that relies on manual, cognitive, visual and social
      skill. The social demands of driving may be challenging for individuals with
      Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) due to known social impairments. This study
      investigated how drivers with ASD respond to social (e.g., pedestrians) and non
      social (e.g., vehicles) hazards in a driving simulator compared to typically
      developing drivers. Overall, participants responded faster to social hazards than
      non-social hazards. It was also found that drivers with typical development
      reacted faster to social hazards, while drivers with ASD showed no difference in
      reaction time to social versus non-social hazards. Future work should further
      investigate how social impairments in ASD may affect driving safety.

PMID- 28070794
TI  - Emerging neuroradiological topics in journals from related societies.

PMID- 28070792
TI  - Wearable Cameras Are Useful Tools to Investigate and Remediate Autobiographical
      Memory Impairment: A Systematic PRISMA Review.
AB  - Autobiographical memory, central in human cognition and every day functioning,
      enables past experienced events to be remembered. A variety of disorders
      affecting autobiographical memory are characterized by the difficulty of
      retrieving specific detailed memories of past personal events. Owing to the
      impact of autobiographical memory impairment on patients' daily life, it is
      necessary to better understand these deficits and develop relevant methods to
      improve autobiographical memory. The primary objective of the present systematic
      PRISMA review was to give an overview of the first empirical evidence of the
      potential of wearable cameras in autobiographical memory investigation in
      remediating autobiographical memory impairments. The peer-reviewed literature
      published since 2004 on the usefulness of wearable cameras in research protocols
      was explored in 3 databases (PUBMED, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar). Twenty-eight
      published studies that used a protocol involving wearable camera, either to
      explore wearable camera functioning and impact on daily life, or to investigate
      autobiographical memory processing or remediate autobiographical memory
      impairment, were included. This review analyzed the potential of wearable cameras
      for 1) investigating autobiographical memory processes in healthy volunteers
      without memory impairment and in clinical populations, and 2) remediating
      autobiographical memory in patients with various kinds of memory disorder.
      Mechanisms to account for the efficacy of wearable cameras are also discussed.
      The review concludes by discussing certain limitations inherent to using cameras,
      and new research perspectives. Finally, ethical issues raised by this new
      technology are considered.

PMID- 28070793
TI  - Object-location binding across a saccade: A retinotopic spatial congruency bias.
AB  - Despite frequent eye movements that rapidly shift the locations of objects on our
      retinas, our visual system creates a stable perception of the world. To do this,
      it must convert eye-centered (retinotopic) input to world-centered (spatiotopic)
      percepts. Moreover, for successful behavior we must also incorporate information
      about object features/identities during this updating - a fundamental challenge
      that remains to be understood. Here we adapted a recent behavioral paradigm, the
      "spatial congruency bias," to investigate object-location binding across an eye
      movement. In two initial baseline experiments, we showed that the spatial
      congruency bias was present for both gabor and face stimuli in addition to the
      object stimuli used in the original paradigm. Then, across three main
      experiments, we found the bias was preserved across an eye movement, but only in
      retinotopic coordinates: Subjects were more likely to perceive two stimuli as
      having the same features/identity when they were presented in the same
      retinotopic location. Strikingly, there was no evidence of location binding in
      the more ecologically relevant spatiotopic (world-centered) coordinates; the
      reference frame did not update to spatiotopic even at longer post-saccade delays,
      nor did it transition to spatiotopic with more complex stimuli (gabors, shapes,
      and faces all showed a retinotopic congruency bias). Our results suggest that
      object-location binding may be tied to retinotopic coordinates, and that it may
      need to be re-established following each eye movement rather than being
      automatically updated to spatiotopic coordinates.

PMID- 28070795
TI  - TD-DFT Study of Absorption and Emission Spectra of 2-(2'
      Aminophenyl)benzothiazole Derivatives in Water.
AB  - Reduction of aromatic azides to amines is an important property of hydrogen
      sulphide (H2S) which is useful in fluorescence microscopy and H2S probing in
      cells. The aim of this work is to study the substituent effect on the absorption
      and emission spectra of 2-(2'-aminophenyl)benzothiazole (APBT) in order to design
      APBT derivatives for the use of H2S detection. Absorption and emission spectra of
      APBT derivatives in aqueous environment were calculated using density functional
      theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) at B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. The
      computed results favoured the substitution of strong electron-donating group on
      the phenyl ring opposite to the amino group for their large Stokes' shifts and
      emission wavelengths of over 600 nm. Also, three designed compounds were
      suggested as potential candidates for the fluorescent probes. Such generalised
      guideline learnt from this work can also be useful in further designs of other
      fluorescent probes of H2S in water.

PMID- 28070796
TI  - Synthesis, Characterization and Photophysical Studies of Tricoumarin-Pyridines.
AB  - A series of novel tricoumarin-pyridines have been synthesized by the reaction of
      4-formyl coumarins and substituted 3-acetylcoumarin with ammonium acetate for the
      application in organic electronics as well as fluorescent dyes. The structures of
      all new compounds were confirmed and characterized by IR, 1H NMR and ESI-Mass
      analysis. All the important photo physical prerequisites for organic electronic
      application such as strong and broad optical absorption, thermal stability were
      determined for the synthesized molecules. Optical properties were studied by UV
      Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Optical band gaps of the
      tricoumarin-pyridines were found to be 2.72-3.10 eV as calculated from their
      onset absorption edge. The tricoumarin-pyridines were thermally stable up to 290
      370  degrees C as determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Photophysical
      studies indicate the synthesized materials are promising candidates for organic
      electronic applications.

PMID- 28070797
TI  - Inhibition of MT1-MMP proteolytic function and ERK1/2 signalling influences cell
      migration and invasion through changes in MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels.
AB  - Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, MMP-14) is a unique protease
      that cleaves extracellular proteins, activates proMMPs, and initiates
      intracellular signalling. MCF-7 cells are non-invasive and deficient in MT1-MMP,
      MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression. We created an MCF-7 cell line (C2) that stably
      produces active MT1-MMP and demonstrated increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. MAPK
      inhibition in this cell line showed an inverse relationship in MMP-2 and MMP-9
      transcripts where levels of these genes increased and decreased, respectively.
      Using invasive MDA-MB 231 cells that endogenously produce MT1-MMP and have
      naturally high pERK levels, we demonstrated the identical inverse relationship
      between MMP-2 and -9 transcript and protein levels, suggesting that this novel
      relationship is conserved amongst MT1-MMP positive breast cancer cells. To
      further analyze the relationship between MMP-2 and -9 levels, we chemically
      inhibited activation and catalytic activity of MT1-MMP using a furin and MMP
      inhibitor, respectively, to show that interference with the functions of MT1-MMP
      induced changes in MMP-2 and 9 transcript levels that were always inverse of each
      other, and likely mediated by differential transcriptional activity of the NF
      kappaB transcription factor. Furthermore, we analyzed the functional consequences
      of these expression changes to show MMP, and in particular ERK, inhibition
      decreased migration and invasion using 2D culture, and inhibits the formation of
      an invasive phenotype in Matrigel 3D culture. This study demonstrated a novel
      inverse transcriptional relationship between MMP-2 and -9 levels and MT1-MMP
      activity that have functional consequences, and also showed that increases in the
      levels of MMPs does not necessarily correlate with an invasive phenotype.

PMID- 28070800
TI  - Enhancing Utility by More Realistic Criteria.

PMID- 28070799
TI  - Metabolic Alterations and the Protective Effect of Punicalagin Against Glutamate
      Induced Oxidative Toxicity in HT22 Cells.
AB  - Oxidative stress is involved in many neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's
      disease. Punicalagin (PC) is a hydrolysable polyphenol derived from Punica
      granatum and a potent antioxidant. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of
      PC on glutamate-induced oxidative stress was evaluated in the mouse hippocampal
      cell line, HT22. PC treatment protected HT22 cells from glutamate-induced cell
      death in a concentration-dependent manner, potentially attenuated glutamate
      induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restored the
      mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Metabolic alterations after glutamate
      induced oxidative stress and the protective effect of PC were evaluated with HPLC
      and GC-MS profiling methods with multivariate statistical analyses. Alterations
      in ten metabolites were identified, including amino acids, aspartic acid,
      asparagine, threonine, anserine, cysteine, tryptophan, lysine, as well as fatty
      acids palmitic acid, stearic acid, and palmitoleic acid. Metabolic pathway
      analysis revealed the involvement of multiple affected pathways, such as cysteine
      and methionine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and
      glutamate and fatty acid oxidation. These results clearly demonstrate that PC is
      a promising therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-associated diseases.

PMID- 28070798
TI  - Does vitamin D play a role in autoimmune endocrine disorders? A proof of concept.
AB  - In the last few years, more attention has been given to the "non-calcemic" effect
      of vitamin D. Several observational studies and meta-analyses demonstrated an
      association between circulating levels of vitamin D and outcome of many common
      diseases, including endocrine diseases, chronic diseases, cancer progression, and
      autoimmune diseases. In particular, cells of the immune system (B cells, T cells,
      and antigen presenting cells), due to the expression of 1alpha-hydroxylase
      (CYP27B1), are able to synthesize the active metabolite of vitamin D, which shows
      immunomodulatory properties. Moreover, the expression of the vitamin D receptor
      (VDR) in these cells suggests a local action of vitamin D in the immune response.
      These findings are supported by the correlation between the polymorphisms of the
      VDR or the CYP27B1 gene and the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases.
      Currently, the optimal plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration that is necessary
      to prevent or treat autoimmune diseases is still under debate. However,
      experimental studies in humans have suggested beneficial effects of vitamin D
      supplementation in reducing the severity of disease activity. In this review, we
      summarize the evidence regarding the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of
      autoimmune endocrine diseases, including type 1 diabetes mellitus, Addison's
      disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease and autoimmune polyendocrine
      syndromes. Furthermore, we discuss the supplementation with vitamin D to prevent
      or treat autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 28070801
TI  - A Comparison of Sexual Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
      Whose Mothers Had PCOS During Their Pregnancy Period with Those Without PCOS.
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women
      during reproductive ages. Clinical symptoms associated with PCOS, such as
      hirsutism, acne, alopecia, obesity, and infertility, may lead to emotional
      morbidity and then impaired sexual function in those affected. During
      intrauterine development, the fetus may program the development of diseases
      during adulthood. In this study, we aimed to examine sexual function in women
      with PCOS, exposed to maternal androgen excess during their prenatal life
      compared to non-exposed PCOS patients. In this cross-sectional study, 768 married
      women with PCOS, aged 18-49 years, were subdivided into two groups, based on
      their mothers' PCOS status: women whose mothers had PCOS (N = 94) and women whose
      mothers did not have PCOS (N = 674). Data were collected using a questionnaire
      including information on demographics, anthropometric and reproductive
      characteristics, and the Female Sexual Function Index. Blood serum samples were
      collected from patients for assessment of total testosterone and sex hormone
      binding globulin levels. Results revealed that sexual dysfunction was
      significantly higher in PCOS women whose mothers also had PCOS, compared to those
      whose mothers did not (38.6 vs. 25.3%, p = .01). After adjusting for confounding
      variables, logistic regression analysis showed that odds ratios for sexual
      dysfunction (total) and sexual dysfunction in the pain domain were significantly
      higher in the exposed PCOS women versus the non-exposed women (OR 1.81, 95% CI
      1.06-3.07, p = .02 and 1.68, 95% CI 1.01-2.77, p = .04, respectively). Our study
      demonstrates increased sexual dysfunction in PCOS women whose mothers also had
      PCOS.

PMID- 28070802
TI  - Sexual Desire in Sexual Minority and Majority Women and Men: The Multifaceted
      Sexual Desire Questionnaire.
AB  - Sexual desire is increasingly understood to be multifaceted and not solely
      erotically oriented, but measures are still generally unitary and eroticism
      focused. Our goals in this article were to explore the multifaceted nature of
      sexual desire and develop a measure to do so, and to determine how multifaceted
      sexual desire might be related to gender/sex and sexual orientation/identity. In
      the development phase, we generated items to form the 65-item Sexual Desire
      Questionnaire (DESQ). Next, the DESQ was administered to 609 women, 705 men, and
      39 non-binary identified participants. Results showed that the DESQ demonstrated
      high reliability and validity, and that sexual desire was neither unitary nor
      entirely erotic, but instead was remarkably multifaceted. We also found that
      multifaceted sexual desire was in part related to social location variables such
      as gender/sex and sexual orientation/identity. We propose the DESQ as a measure
      of multifaceted sexual desire that can be used to compare factor themes, total
      scores, and scores across individual items in diverse groups that take social
      context into account. Results are discussed in light of how social location
      variables should be considered when making generalizations about sexual desire,
      and how conceptualizations of desire as multifaceted may provide important
      insights.

PMID- 28070803
TI  - Life satisfaction of women of working age shortly after breast cancer surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore, among women of working age, satisfaction with life as a
      whole and with different life domains, and its associations with social and
      health variables, shortly after breast cancer surgery. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study included 605 women, aged 20-63 years, who had had breast cancer
      surgery with no distant metastasis, pre-surgical chemotherapy, or previous breast
      cancer. Associations between LiSat-11 and demographic and social factors as well
      as health- and treatment-related variables were analysed by multivariable
      logistic regression. RESULTS: Compared with Swedish reference levels, the women
      were, after breast cancer surgery, less satisfied with life, particularly sexual
      life. Women working shortly after breast cancer surgery were more often satisfied
      with life in provision domains compared with the reference population. Although
      most included variables showed associations with satisfaction, after adjustment
      for all significantly associated variables, only six variables-having children,
      being in work, having emotional and informational social support, and having good
      physical and emotional functioning-were positively associated with satisfaction
      with life as a whole. The odds ratios for satisfaction were higher in most life
      domains if the woman had social support and good emotional and cognitive
      functioning. CONCLUSIONS: One month after breast cancer surgery, satisfaction
      with different life domains was associated primarily with social support and
      health-related functioning. However, this soon after surgery, treatment-related
      variables showed no significant associations with life satisfaction. These
      results are useful for planning interventions to enhance e.g. social support and
      emotional as well as cognitive functioning.

PMID- 28070805
TI  - The Journal of the History of Biology at 50.

PMID- 28070804
TI  - Toward mindfulness in quality-of-life research: perspectives on how to avoid
      rigor becoming rigidity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The field of quality-of-life (QOL) research has matured into a
      discipline with scientific rigor, sophisticated methods, and guidelines. While
      this maturation is laudable and needed, it can result in a limiting rigidity. We
      aim to highlight examples of practices that are based on shared research values
      and principles that, when dogmatically applied, may limit the potential impact of
      QOL research. METHODS: By juxtaposing rigorous standards with their rigid
      application for different stages of the research cycle, we suggest more balanced
      approaches. RESULTS: Rigidity in cultivating a research question relates to
      constraining our thinking, leading to 'safe' research focusing on small
      variations of similar studies. Rigidity in operationalizing key constructs
      focuses on problems with validation practices that hinder further innovations,
      the use of static questionnaires when a more flexible approach is needed,
      dismissing rarely endorsed items that are clinically relevant, use of insensitive
      generic measures when specific measures are required, and a rigid emphasis on
      short questionnaires. Rigidity in data analysis relates to an undue emphasis on
      delineating primary and secondary outcomes and an unquestioned insistence on
      reducing Type 1 errors regardless of the research context. Rigidity in research
      infrastructure focuses on the unquestioned validity of patient input on
      scientific matters, and increasingly rigid guidelines and checklists that end up
      driving grant applications. DISCUSSION: It is hoped that this overview will lead
      to a reconsideration of a more flexible application of research principles while
      retaining scientific rigor.

PMID- 28070806
TI  - A Health System-wide Moral Distress Consultation Service: Development and
      Evaluation.
AB  - Although moral distress is now a well-recognized phenomenon among all of the
      healthcare professions, few evidence-based strategies have been published to
      address it. In morally distressing situations, the "presenting problem" may be a
      particular patient situation, but most often signals a deeper unit- or system
      centered issue. This article describes one institution's ongoing effort to
      address moral distress in its providers. We discuss the development and
      evaluation of the Moral Distress Consultation Service, an interprofessional,
      unit/system-oriented approach to addressing and ameliorating moral distress.

PMID- 28070807
TI  - Successful synthesis of active human coagulation factor VII by co-expression of
      mammalian gamma-glutamyl carboxylase and modification of vit.K cycle in
      Drosophila Schneider S2 cells.
AB  - Mammalian gamma-glutamyl carboxylase and reduced vitamin K are indispensable for
      synthesis of mature mammalian vitamin K dependent proteins including some of
      blood coagulation factors (factors II, VII, IX, and X). It was well known that
      Drosophila melanogaster expressed gamma-glutamyl carboxylase and possessed a
      vit.K cycle although native substrates for them have not been identified yet.
      Despite the potential capability of gamma carboxylation in D. melanogaster
      derived cells such as S2 cells, Drosophila gamma-glutamyl carboxylase failed to
      gamma carboxylate a peptide fused to the human coagulation factor IX propeptide.
      Thus, it had been believed that the Drosophila system was not adequate to
      synthesize mammalian vit.K dependent proteins. Indeed, we previously attempted to
      synthesize biologically active factor VII in S2 cells although we were not able
      to obtain it. However, recently, a successful transient expression of
      biologically active human factor IX from S2 cells was reported. In the present
      study, several expression vectors which enable expressing mammalian GGCX, VKORC1,
      and/or PDIA2 along with F7 were developed. S2 cells transfected with pMKA85,
      pMAK86, and pMAK219 successfully synthesized active FVII. Thus, mammalian GGCX
      was indispensable to synthesize active FVII while mammalian VKORC1 and PDIA2 were
      not critical but supportive factors for S2 cells.

PMID- 28070809
TI  - Solution to water resource scarcity: water reclamation and reuse.

PMID- 28070808
TI  - Combined positive effect of oocyte extracts and brilliant cresyl blue stained
      recipient cytoplasts on epigenetic reprogramming and gene expression in buffalo
      nuclear transfer embryos.
AB  - This study examined the effects of buffalo oocyte extracts (BOE) on donor cells
      reprogramming and molecular characterisation of oocytes screened via brilliant
      cresyl blue (BCB) staining and comparison of gene expression profiles of
      developmentally important genes in blastocysts from IVF and cloned derived from
      BOE treated donor cells with BCB selected recipient cytoplasts. Relative
      abundance (RA) of OCT4 and NANOG was increased (P < 0.05) and HDAC-1, DNMT-1, and
      DNMT-3A decreased (P < 0.05) in extract treated cells (ETCs). This ETCs
      dedifferentiated into neuron-like lineage under appropriate induction condition.
      The RA of NASP, EEF1A1, DNMT1, ODC1 and RPS27A was increased (P < 0.05) in BCB+
      oocytes, whereas ATP5A1 and S100A10 increased (P < 0.05) in BCB- oocytes. Total
      cell number and RA of OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, DNMT1, IGF2, IGF2R, MNSOD, GLUT1, BAX
      and BCL2 in cloned blastocysts derived from BCB+ oocytes with ETC more closely
      followed that of IVF counterparts compared to BCB+ oocytes with extract untreated
      cell and BCB- oocytes with ETC derived blastocysts. In conclusion, BOE influenced
      epigenetic reprogramming of buffalo fibroblasts making them suitable donors for
      nuclear transfer (NT). BCB staining can be effectively used for selection of
      developmentally competent oocytes for NT. The combined effects of epigenetic
      reprogramming of donor nuclei by BOE and higher nuclear reprogramming capacity of
      BCB+ oocytes improve developmentally important gene expression in cloned
      blastocysts. Whether these improvements have long-term effects on buffalo calves
      born following embryo transfer remains unknown.

PMID- 28070810
TI  - Trace element concentrations in muscle tissue of milk shark, (Rhizoprionodon
      acutus) from the Persian Gulf.
AB  - We analyze the heavy metals concentrations in muscle samples of milk shark
      (Rhizoprionodon acutus) from Persian Gulf. The metals distribution was Zn > Cu >
      Pb > Cd > Hg. No statistical differences were observed among size or weight by
      sex (p < 0.05). Metals concentrations in the population de R. acutus from Larak
      and Lavan islands are homogeneous along the coastal study area. Our study suggest
      that the results reflect the natural contents of trace metals in this species,
      and the health risk associated to milk shark consumption in Persian Gulf is
      relatively low.

PMID- 28070811
TI  - Encaged Chironomus riparius larvae in assessment of trace metal bioavailability
      and transfer in a landfill leachate collection pond.
AB  - Household wastes may constitute a vector of environmental contamination when
      buried, in particular through degradation and production of leachates containing
      significant trace metal (TM) concentrations that may constitute a serious risk to
      biota. The objectives of this study were to assess the bioavailability and
      transfer potential of various TMs present in water and sediments in a reservoir
      receiving landfill leachates. An active biomonitoring approach was adopted
      consisting of exposing naive laboratory organisms in cages deployed in the field.
      Aquatic insects such as Chironomus riparius larvae are good candidates since they
      represent key organisms in the trophic functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The
      results show that water, suspended particles, and sediments were significantly
      contaminated by various TMs (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Their contribution to
      the transfer of TMs depends, however, on the specific element considered, e.g.,
      Cd in sediments or Pb in both suspended particles and sediments. The internal
      fate of TMs was investigated according to their fractionation between an
      insoluble and a cytosolic fraction. This approach revealed different
      detoxification strategies capable of preventing the induction of deleterious
      effects at the individual scale. However, the accumulation of several TMs in C.
      riparius larvae tissues may also represent a significant load potentially
      transferable to higher trophic levels.

PMID- 28070812
TI  - Plant species diversity reduces N2O but not CH4 emissions from constructed
      wetlands under high nitrogen levels.
AB  - Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been widely used for treating wastewater. CWs
      also are the sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) due to high pollutant load. It has
      been reported that plant species diversity can enhance nitrogen (N) removal
      efficiency in CWs for treating wastewater. However, the influence of plant
      species diversity on GHG emissions from CWs in habitats with high N levels still
      lack research. This study established four species richness levels (1, 2, 3, 4)
      and 15 species compositions by using 75 simulated vertical flow CWs microcosms to
      investigate the effects of plant species diversity on the GHG emissions and N
      removal efficiency of CWs with a high N level. Results showed plant species
      richness reduced nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and N (NO3--N, NH4+-N, and TIN)
      concentrations in wastewater, but had no effect on methane (CH4) emission.
      Especially, among the 15 compositions of plant species, the four-species mixture
      emitted the lowest N2O and had under-depletion of N (DminTIN < 0). The presence
      of Oenanthe javanica had a significantly negative effect on the N2O emission but
      had no effect on N removal efficiency. The presence of Rumex japonicus
      significantly reduced the N (NO3--N and TIN) concentrations in wastewater but had
      no effect on the N2O and CH4 emissions. The N concentrations and GHG emissions in
      the community of R. japonicus * Phalaris arundinacea were as low as those in the
      four-species mixture. Assembling plant communities with relatively high species
      richness (four-species mixture) or particular composition (R. japonicus * P.
      arundinacea) could enhance the N removal efficiency and reduce the GHG emissions
      from CWs for treating wastewater with a high N level.

PMID- 28070813
TI  - Cr(VI) reduction and Cr(III) immobilization by resting cells of Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa CCTCC AB93066: spectroscopic, microscopic, and mass balance analysis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of Cr(VI) reduction and
      Cr(III) immobilization by resting cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using batch
      experiments and analysis techniques. Data showed that resting cells of this
      strain (3.2 g/L dry weight) reduced 10 mg/L of Cr(VI) by 86% in Tris-HCl buffer
      solution under optimized conditions of 5 g/L of sodium acetate as an electron
      donor, pH of 7.0 and temperature of 37  degrees C within 24 h. Cr(VI) was largely
      converted to nontoxic Cr(III), and both soluble crude cell-free extracts and
      membrane-associated fractions were responsible for Cr(VI) reduction. While
      remnant Cr(VI) existed only in the supernatant, the content of resultant Cr(III)
      in supernatant, on cell surface and inside cells was 2.62, 1.06, and 5.07 mg/L,
      respectively, which was an indicative of extracellular and intracellular
      reduction of chromate. Scanning electron microscopy analysis combined with energy
      dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the adsorption of chromium on the
      bacterial surface. Interaction between Cr(III) and cell surface functional groups
      immobilized Cr(III) as indicated by Fourier transform infrared analyses and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy revealed Cr(III)
      precipitates in bacterial interior suggesting that Cr(II) could also be
      intracellularly accumulated. Thus, it can be concluded that interior and exterior
      surfaces of resting P. aeruginosa cells were sites for reduction and
      immobilization of Cr(VI) and Cr(III), respectively. This is further insight into
      the underlying mechanisms of microbial chromate reduction.

PMID- 28070814
TI  - Source identification and spatial distribution of heavy metals in tobacco-growing
      soils in Shandong province of China with multivariate and geostatistical
      analysis.
AB  - Samples of surface soil from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) fields were analysed
      for heavy metals and showed the following concentrations (mean of 246 samples,
      mg/kg): As, 5.10; Cd, 0.11; Cr, 49.49; Cu, 14.72; Hg, 0.08; Ni, 19.28; Pb. 20.20
      and Zn, 30.76. The values of the index of geoaccumulation (I geo) and of the
      enrichment factor indicated modest enrichment with As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni or Pb.
      Principal component analysis and cluster analysis correctly allocated each
      investigated element to its source, whether anthropogenic or natural. The results
      were consistent with estimated inputs of heavy metals from fertilizers,
      irrigation water and atmospheric deposition. The variation in the concentrations
      of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the soil was mainly due to long-term agricultural
      practises, and that of Cr and Ni was mainly due to the soil parent material,
      whereas the source of Hg was industrial activity, which ultimately led to
      atmospheric deposition. Atmospheric deposition was the main exogenous source of
      heavy metals, and fertilizers also played an important role in the accumulation
      of these elements in soil. Identifying the sources of heavy metals in
      agricultural soils can serve as a basis for appropriate action to control and
      reduce the addition of heavy metals to cultivated soils.

PMID- 28070815
TI  - Microbial transformation of intracellular dissolved organic matter from
      Microcystis aeruginosa and its effect on the binding of pyrene under oxic and
      anoxic conditions.
AB  - The environmental behaviour and the bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) are strongly affected by dissolved organic matter (DOM) in
      aquatic environments. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of the
      bioavailability and character of the intracellular DOM (IDOM) from Microcystis
      aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa-IDOM) during 10 days oxic and anoxic incubations by
      spectroscopy. Subsequently, the binding affinity of pyrene with the
      initial/altered M. aeruginosa-IDOM was estimated by fluorescence quenching
      method. The incubation results indicated that changes in dissolved organic carbon
      (DOC) concentration and selected spectral descriptors of the M. aeruginosa-IDOM
      under oxic condition were different from those of anoxic condition. The microbial
      transformation of the M. aeruginosa-IDOM resulted in an enhancement of the
      organic carbon-normalized binding coefficient (K DOC) of pyrene in both oxic and
      anoxic treatments. Moreover, only for the oxic condition, Pearson correlation
      analysis demonstrated that aromaticity (specific UV absorbance at 254 nm,
      SUVA254), humification degree (humification index, HIX) and the percent
      distribution of humic-like component 2 (%C2) presented significantly positive
      correlations with the pyrene K DOC, while the percent distribution of protein
      like component 1 (%C1) exhibited a negative correlation with the K DOC. However,
      no significant correlation was observed between any spectral descriptor and the K
      DOC under anoxic condition. This result suggested that the binding affinity of
      pyrene may be primarily influenced by the altered M. aeruginosa-IDOM
      characteristics associated with the biological transformation. Hence, our results
      provided potential evidence for resolving the inconsistency in the relationships
      between DOM characteristics and the binding affinities of PAHs.

PMID- 28070816
TI  - Can oral isotretinoin be safely initiated and monitored in primary care? A case
      series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin has traditionally been prescribed only in secondary
      care for severe or resistant acne. AIMS: To explore whether this drug can be
      safely initiated and monitored in primary care by a GP with extra training in
      dermatology. METHOD: One hundred consecutive patients who were started on oral
      isotretinoin therapy in a primary care centre were retrospectively reviewed.
      RESULTS: One hundred percent of the patients with acne who completed their course
      of isotretinoin were cleared at the end of treatment. Twenty-three of the eighty
      one patients (28%) who were followed-up after a mean of 5 years relapsed and
      eighteen (22%) had to have at least one more course of isotretinoin. Seventy-four
      of seventy-seven (96%) patients who had long-term follow-up were satisfied with
      the level of care they received in primary care. CONCLUSION: This study suggests
      that oral isotretinoin can be safely initiated and monitored by a GP with a
      special interest in dermatology and experience in prescribing systemic retinoids.

PMID- 28070817
TI  - Medicines containing codeine: perspectives of medical professionals in the
      Republic of Ireland.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of the study was to examine prescribing professional's perceptions
      on prescribed and OTC medicines, containing codeine in the Republic of Ireland. A
      secondary aim was to examine perceptions on codeine dependence, screening and
      treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of a nationally representative group
      of prescribing professionals was conducted using a questionnaire containing a
      number of open and closed ended items. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21
      and content analysis techniques. RESULTS: 398 medical professionals participated
      in the study giving a response rate of 18%. 77% of respondents agreed to
      routinely review patient prescribed codeine. 59% of respondents routinely asked
      patients about their use of OTC medicines and 50% documented use of OTC codeine
      in their patients' medical notes. 93% indicated concern about the potential to
      purchase codeine from multiple sources. 88% implied that patients did not fully
      understand the risks of taking OTC medicine containing codeine. Only 21% of
      respondents were confident in identifying codeine dependence without being
      informed by the patient and 11.4% agreed to have suitable screening methods in
      practice. 76% indicated that they would like more instruction on prescribing
      addictive medicines. CONCLUSION: Policy should examine the need for greater
      public health awareness on codeine use and should examine the role of OTC and
      internet sales in the development of dependence. Further consideration should be
      given to training and support for those who prescribe addictive medicines in
      practice.

PMID- 28070818
TI  - Entangling Relation of Micro RNA-let7, miRNA-200 and miRNA-125 with Various
      Cancers.
AB  - Involvement of micro RNAs (miRNA) is currently the focus for cancer studies as
      they effect the post transcriptional expression of different genes. Let-7 family
      is among the firstly discovered miRNAs that play important role in cell
      proliferation and dysregulation leading to cell based diseases including cancer.
      Another family, miRNA-200 prevents transformation of cell to malignant form and
      tumor formation by interacting with epidermal mesenchymal transition (EMT).
      Similarly miRNA-125 controls apoptosis and proliferation by affecting multiple
      genes involved in transcription, immunological defense, resistance against viral
      and bacterial infections that ultimately leads to cell proliferation, metastasis
      and finally cancer. All of these micro RNAs are known to be either upregulated or
      downregulated in various cancers. Current review is focused to elaborate the role
      of these three families of micro RNAs on different genes that ultimately cause
      cancer. In conclusion we can say that the miRNAs discussed here are mostly
      downregulated in various cancers with some exceptions when upregulation of miRNA
      125 may be attributed to cancer formation.

PMID- 28070819
TI  - Inducing Polyclonal Eag1-Specific Antibodies by Vaccination with a Linear Epitope
      Immunogen and Its Relation to Breast Tumorigenesis.
AB  - Ether a-go-go 1 (KCNH1, Kv10.1) (Eag1) is a voltage-gated potassium channel,
      which is commonly overexpressed in tested breast cancer patients. This occurrence
      makes it a potential molecular marker and a promising tool for breast cancer
      diagnosis and therapy. In order to explore protective or specific polyclonal
      antibodies for further research, potential linear epitopes from Eag1 were
      collected by sequence alignment. The sequence was synthesized and then coupled to
      the carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) for animal immunization.
      Polyclonal antibodies against Eag1 were produced and purified from the rabbit
      antisera. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot were
      performed to characterize their specificities. Immunohistochemical staining was
      carried out on normal and cancerous breast tissue sections using the purified
      polyclonal Eag1-specific antibodies. The results indicate that the overexpression
      of Eag1 might be associated with an increased risk of progression to breast
      cancer (Grade 1 tissue = 57.89%;Grade 2 tissue = 92.59%;Grade 3 tissue = 100%).
      These results also suggest that Eag1 gene is a putative growth-promoting gene
      that might be involved in breast tumorigenesis and development. Eag1 might
      further be represented as a potential target for some human diseases treatment.

PMID- 28070820
TI  - Development of a new catheter prototype for laser thrombolysis under guidance of
      optical coherence tomography (OCT): validation of feasibility and efficacy in a
      preclinical model.
AB  - In this feasibility study, a novel catheter prototype for laser thrombolysis
      under the guidance of optical coherence tomography (OCT) was designed and
      evaluated in a preclinical model. Human arteries and veins were integrated into a
      physiological flow model and occluded with thrombi made from the Chandler Loop.
      There were four experimental groups: placebo, 20 mg alteplase, laser, 20 mg
      alteplase + laser. The extent of thrombolysis was analyzed by weighing, OCT
      imaging and relative thrombus size. In the alteplase group, thrombus size
      decreased to 0.250 +/- 0.036 g (p < 0.0001) and 14.495 +/- 0.526 mm2 (p < 0.0001)
      at 60 min. The relative thrombus size decreased to 73.6 +/- 4.1% at 60 min (p <
      0.0001). In the laser group, thrombus size decreased significantly to 0.145 +/-
      0.028 g (p < 0.0001) and 11.559 +/- 1.034 mm2 (p < 0.0001). In the alteplase +
      laser group, thrombus size decreased significantly (0.051 +/- 0.026 g; p <
      0.0001; 9.622 +/- 0.582 mm2; p < 0.0001; 47.4 +/- 6.1%; p < 0.0001) in contrast
      to sole alteplase and laser application. The reproducibility and accuracy of the
      OCT imaging was high (SD <10%). Histological examination showed no relevant
      destruction of the vascular layers after laser ablation (arteries: 745.8 +/- 5.5
      MUm; p = 0.69; veins: 448.3 +/- 4.5 MUm; p = 0.27). Thus, laser ablation and OCT
      imaging are feasible with the novel catheter and thrombolysis combining alteplase
      with laser irradiation appears highly efficient.

PMID- 28070821
TI  - Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of standardized antifactor Xa-based
      unfractionated heparin protocols in obese versus non-obese patients.
AB  - Recent data have suggested that standard unfractionated heparin (UFH) protocols
      may over-anticoagulate obese patients. The goal of this retrospective study was
      to observe differences in anticoagulation parameters and safety outcomes for
      standardized antifactor Xa UFH protocols in obese and non-obese populations.
      Obese patients (N = 148) were identified over a 20-month period and matched to
      148 non-obese patients based on age, gender, and admission date. Patients were
      included if they were on one of three approved UFH protocols [high (target
      antifactor Xa 0.3-0.7 IU/mL), moderate (0.3-0.5 IU/mL), or low (0.1-0.2 IU/mL)
      dose] for >=24 consecutive hours and had >=1 antifactor Xa level drawn during the
      infusion. Groups were compared for doses at first and second consecutive
      therapeutic antifactor Xa level, major bleeding, and in-hospital mortality. Obese
      patients required a significantly lower mean weight-based infusion rate to attain
      first therapeutic antifactor Xa level compared to non-obese patients in both the
      high dose (19.45 vs. 15.29 units/kg/h, p < 0.001) and the moderate dose
      populations (15.0 vs. 12.94 units/kg/h, p = 0.003). Similarly, patients in both
      the high and moderate dose populations had significant differences in mean
      infusion rates to attain second consecutive therapeutic antifactor Xa levels.
      There was no difference between infusion rates for the primary outcomes in the
      low dose population. There was no difference between groups in major bleeding or
      mortality outcomes. Similar to data using UFH protocols based on activated
      partial thromboplastin time, obese patients require lower weight-based UFH doses
      to attain therapeutic anticoagulation. Institutions using or changing to
      antifactor Xa based protocols may need to modify protocols for obese patients.

PMID- 28070822
TI  - "Our Doors Are Open to Everybody": Public Libraries as Common Ground for Public
      Health.

PMID- 28070823
TI  - Relationship between postoperative complications and fibular integrity in
      congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between
      postoperative complications and fibular integrity in congenital pseudarthrosis of
      the tibia (CPT) in children. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 59
      patients with Crawford type IV CPT who were treated with combined surgical
      technique from 2007 to 2011. The patients were divided into two groups, the CPT
      with fibular pseudarthrosis (group A) and CPT with intact fibula groups (group
      B), on the basis of fibula status after the union of CPT. The incidence rates of
      refracture, ankle valgus, tibial valgus, and limb length discrepancy in the two
      groups were investigated. RESULTS: In group A, 14 (36.8%) cases had refracture,
      30 (78.9%) had ankle valgus; 27 (71%) exhibited tibial valgus with an average
      tibial valgus of 7 degrees  (6 degrees -20 degrees ), and 24 (63.2%) had limb
      length discrepancy with an average limb length of 1.26 cm (0.6-4.4 cm). In group
      B, 2 (9.5%) cases had refracture, 11 (52.4%) had ankle valgus, 8 (42.9%) had
      tibial valgus with an average tibial valgus deformity of 2.9 degrees  (6 degrees 
      13 degrees ), and 13 (61.9%) had limb length discrepancy with an average limb
      length of 1.48 cm (0.5-5 cm). Significant difference in refracture and ankle
      valgus was found between groups A and B (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After the union of
      CPT, patients with fibular pseudarthrosis showed higher incidence of refracture
      and ankle valgus than those with intact fibula. Attention should be paid to the
      presence of fibular pseudarthrosis when managing CPT.

PMID- 28070824
TI  - Tolerability of an Immunologically Enhanced Subcutaneous Immunotherapy
      Preparation in Patients Treated with Concomitant Allergy Immunotherapy: A Non
      Interventional Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For causal treatment by allergy immunotherapy (AIT) a single or few
      allergen products for the clinically most relevant allergens are applied to treat
      multiple allergies, but few data on the tolerability of multiple AIT applications
      are available. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate safety and
      tolerability in patients treated by subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and
      concomitant SCIT or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) products. METHODS: In a non
      interventional, observational study in Germany treatment of patients with a
      primary SCIT and concomitant AIT (SCIT or SLIT) was documented during the first 4
      months of treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded by the physicians and by
      patients in diaries, and coded using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory
      Activities (MedDRA). RESULTS: Three hundred and seven patients were treated with
      the primary SCIT by 79 allergists, and 271 received a concomitant AIT. AEs were
      reported in 92 (33.9%) patients and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in 63 (23.2%)
      patients related to the primary SCIT and in 69 (25.5%) to the concomitant AIT;
      six (2.2%) patients discontinued due to ADRs. ADRs were mild or moderate in 40
      (14.8%) patients, severe in 23 (8.5%), and serious in one patient. The most
      frequent reactions were local swelling and pruritus. Overall tolerability was
      assessed as 'good' or 'very good' by 95.6% of patients and 96.7% of physicians.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared with data from a large previous study no increase in the
      frequency of ADRs in real life or change in the tolerability profile was observed
      for SCIT with concomitant SCIT or SLIT.

PMID- 28070825
TI  - Prevalence and Predictors of Giardia in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infection with Giardia lamblia is a common cause of diarrheal disease
      in the developing and industrialized world. AIMS: We aimed to assess the
      prevalence of giardiasis in the United States (US) among patients with duodenal
      biopsies, investigating demographic and clinical factors associated with this
      condition. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with
      duodenal biopsies submitted to a national pathology laboratory between January 2,
      2008, and December 31, 2015. The prevalence of giardiasis was calculated and
      categorized by the following patient sociodemographic and clinical data: age,
      sex, ethnicity, endoscopy indication, season, year, urban-rural setting, region,
      and presence of H. pylori and atrophic gastritis. RESULTS: Among all patients (n
      = 432,813), the mean age was 52.2 years. The prevalence of giardiasis was 0.11%.
      Patients with giardiasis were more likely to be male (57.8 vs. 34.1%, p <
      0.0001). Among patients who had a gastric biopsy (n = 363,788), those with
      giardiasis were more likely to be colonized with H. pylori (25.7 vs. 9.4%, p <
      0.0001). There was no statistically significant association with age, endoscopy
      indication, urban-rural setting, ethnicity, season, or the presence of atrophic
      gastritis. On multivariate analysis, male sex, Southern region, and the presence
      of H. pylori were independently associated with giardiasis. CONCLUSIONS: To our
      knowledge, this is the largest study to date to assess predictors of giardiasis
      in the US. We found that male sex, being colonized with H. pylori, and residing
      in the Southern US are independently associated with giardiasis infection.

PMID- 28070826
TI  - Interaction of Ethnicity and H. pylori Infection in the Occurrence of Microscopic
      Colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies found that microscopic colitis is inversely
      associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and that microscopic colitis is
      characterized by a marked ethnic variation. AIM: The aim of the present study was
      to test whether an underlying ethnic variation of H. pylori infection is
      responsible for the ethnic variation of microscopic colitis. METHODS: The Miraca
      Life Sciences Database is a large national electronic repository of
      histopathologic records of patients distributed throughout the entire USA. A
      cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of age, gender, ethnicity, and
      histologic diagnosis of H. pylori on the occurrence of microscopic colitis among
      subjects who underwent esophago-gastro-duodenoscopies plus colonoscopy. RESULTS:
      The total study population comprised 228,506 subjects, of whom 28,890 carried a
      diagnosis of H. pylori gastritis and 3460 microscopic colitis. Female sex, old
      age, and H. pylori infection exerted the strongest influence on the occurrence of
      microscopic colitis. In comparison with the population comprising Caucasians and
      African-Americans, microscopic colitis was less common among subjects of Hispanic
      (0.34, 0.27-0.47), East Asian (0.13, 0.06-0.22), Indian (0.31, 0.10-0.73), or
      Middle Eastern descent (0.28, 0.07-0.74). All these ethnic subgroups were also
      characterized by a higher prevalence of H. pylori than the comparison group. A
      low prevalence of H. pylori was significantly associated with a high prevalence
      of microscopic colitis (R 2 = 0.91, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ethnic variations in
      the gastric infection with H. pylori may be partly responsible for the observed
      ethnic distribution of microscopic colitis.

PMID- 28070827
TI  - Glutamic acid promotes monacolin K production and monacolin K biosynthetic gene
      cluster expression in Monascus.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of glutamic acid on production of monacolin K
      and expression of the monacolin K biosynthetic gene cluster. When Monascus M1 was
      grown in glutamic medium instead of in the original medium, monacolin K
      production increased from 48.4 to 215.4 mg l-1, monacolin K production increased
      by 3.5 times. Glutamic acid enhanced monacolin K production by upregulating the
      expression of mokB-mokI; on day 8, the expression level of mokA tended to
      decrease by Reverse Transcription-polymerase Chain Reaction. Our findings
      demonstrated that mokA was not a key gene responsible for the quantity of
      monacolin K production in the presence of glutamic acid. Observation of Monascus
      mycelium morphology using Scanning Electron Microscope showed glutamic acid
      significantly increased the content of Monascus mycelium, altered the
      permeability of Monascus mycelium, enhanced secretion of monacolin K from the
      cell, and reduced the monacolin K content in Monascus mycelium, thereby enhancing
      monacolin K production.

PMID- 28070828
TI  - Hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery for pituitary metastases.
AB  - Pituitary metastases (PMs) are uncommon, representing only 1% of pituitary
      lesions. The diagnosis of PMs can be challenging and an optimal management
      remains to be determined. Here, we present a pilot clinical study on the efficacy
      and safety of hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with an optimized
      dosimetric plan in treating PMs. Between June 2013 and December 2014, seven
      consecutive patients (4 men and 3 women; median age 62 years) had been diagnosed
      with PMs based on their characteristic clinical and radiological features and
      subsequently treated using hypofractionated SRS. Primary cancers originated from
      the lung (n = 5) or the breast (n = 2). All patients presented with diabetes
      insipidus (DI). Anterior pituitary and visual dysfunction were combined in 4 and
      3 patients, respectively. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PMs involved the
      pituitary stalk and/or the posterior lobe in all patients. SRS of a cumulative
      marginal dose 31 Gy with dose-volume constraints for the optic apparatus was
      delivered in 5 daily fractions. As results, tumor was locally controlled in all
      patients with substantial responses on MRI (including complete remission in 4
      patients). The median survival time was 14 months (range, 6-24 months) after SRS.
      DI and visual dysfunction improved in all patients, although anterior pituitary
      dysfunction did not recover. No patients experienced any deterioration in visual,
      pituitary, or other cranial nerve functions. These results suggest a promising
      role of hypofractionated SRS in treating PMs in terms of both tumor control and
      functional outcomes.

PMID- 28070829
TI  - Functional analysis of KIF20A, a potential immunotherapeutic target for glioma.
AB  - Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A), an ideal cancer-testis antigen, was reported
      to be a promising immunotherapeutic target for pancreatic cancers. Clinical
      trials of KIF20A peptide vaccine immunotherapy have been conducted against
      pancreatic cancers. To demonstrate the efficacy of KIF20A as a candidate
      molecular target for gliomas, we analyzed the expression and function of KIF20A
      in gliomas. Western blot and quantitative PCR analyses showed that KIF20A
      expression in glioma cell lines and glioma tissues was high compared with that
      found in a normal brain. KIF20A immunostaining of glioma cells and glioma tissues
      demonstrated that KIF20A was involved in spindle formation and cytokinesis, and
      that KIF20A was highly expressed, especially in glioma cells undergoing mitosis.
      In silico analysis of a cancer microarray database revealed that KIF20A was
      highly expressed in gliomas depending on the pathological grade, and glioma
      patients with higher expression of KIF20A showed poorer prognosis. Down
      regulating KIF20A reduced cell proliferation in glioma cells due to the failure
      of cytokinesis and generation of binucleated cells. Additionally, KIF20A
      inhibition induced significant apoptosis in SF126 glioma cells. Taken together,
      KIF20A is a tumor-associated antigen involved in the glioma cell growth and cell
      survival, suggesting that KIF20A is an oncoantigen of gliomas. Thus, KIF20A is a
      candidate novel immunotherapeutic target for gliomas.

PMID- 28070830
TI  - Mesenchymal subtype of glioblastomas with high DNA-PKcs expression is associated
      with better response to radiotherapy and temozolomide.
AB  - A better understanding of the relationship between glioblastomas molecular
      subtypes and radio-chemotherapy is needed for the development of individualized
      strategies. In this study, we aimed to assess whether non-homologous end-joining
      (NHEJ) protein expression is associated and could predict responses to treatment
      of mesenchymal (MES) and proneural (PN) subtypes. Tumors from 122 patients with a
      glioblastoma treated at the University Hospital of Poitiers between 2002-2013 by
      an association of radiotherapy and temozolomide were collected. Among these
      tumors, 80 were suitable for in situ analysis and were included in
      TissueMicroArray. The expression of DNA-PKcs, Ku70, Ku80 and CD44, Olig2
      (respectively surrogate markers of MES and PN subtypes) were evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry. The median survival of patients with high and low CD44
      expression was 11.9 months (95% CI 7.7-14) and 19.1 months (95% CI 15.2-22.4)
      respectively (p = 0.008). Median survival of patients with high and low DNA-PKcs
      levels was 20.0 months (95% CI 15.2-25.3) and 12.9 months (95% CI 9.9-19.5)
      respectively (p = 0.036). High levels of Olig2, Ku70 and Ku80 tended to be
      associated with better overall survival but no significant differences were
      found. Overall survival of class I patients (CD44+ and DNA-PKcs+) was longer than
      class II (CD44+ and DNA-PKcs- or CD44- and DNA-PKcs+) and class III (CD44- and
      DNA-PKcs-), (p = 0.005 and 0.003 respectively). High levels of CD44 and DNA-PK
      are associated with a better survival and better response to radiotherapy and
      temozolomide and could establish prognosis classes by predicting survival and
      response to therapy for GBMs patients.

PMID- 28070831
TI  - The prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor SUAM-14746 attenuates the proliferation of
      human breast cancer cell lines in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP, EC 3.4.1.26) is a serine peptidase that
      hydrolyzes post-proline peptide bonds in peptides that are <30 amino acids in
      length. We previously reported that POP inhibition suppressed the growth of NB-1
      human neuroblastomas cells and KATO III human gastric cancer cells. POP activity
      is commonly elevated in many cancers, which includes breast cancer. However, the
      effect of POP inhibition as a candidate breast cancer therapy is unknown.
      METHODS: The effects of POP inhibition and knockdown on the proliferation of
      cultured human estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) MCF7 and T47D, and ER-negative
      (ER-) MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines and the MCF12A non-tumorigenic
      epithelial cell line were tested by analyzing their influence on cell
      proliferation (WST-1 assay), cell viability (trypan blue exclusion assay), and
      cell cycle arrest (cell cycle analysis, cell cycle regulator proteins
      expression). RESULTS: POP-specific inhibitors 3-({4-[2-(E)
      styrylphenoxy]butanoyl}-L-4-hydroxyprolyl)-thiazolidine (SUAM-14746) and
      benzyloxycarbonyl-thiopropyl-thioprolinal and RNAi-mediated POP knockdown
      inhibited the proliferation of MCF7 cells without inducing cell death. SUAM-14746
      induced growth inhibition was also observed in T47D and MDA-MB-231 cells, but not
      in MCF12A cells. This growth inhibition was associated with G1 phase arrest;
      reduced cyclin D1 and D3, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), E2F1, and
      retinoblastoma protein (pRb) expression; and increased cyclin-dependent kinase
      inhibitor 1B (p27kip1) expression. Moreover, the SUAM-14746-mediated cell cycle
      arrest of MCF7 cells was associated with increased pRb2/p130 protein expression
      and an increase in the number of cells in the quiescent G0 state, as defined by
      low RNA levels. CONCLUSIONS: SUAM-14746 inhibited breast cancer cell growth in a
      cytostatic manner without inducing lethality, and POP-specific inhibitors may be
      an effective treatment against ER+ and ER- breast cancer.

PMID- 28070832
TI  - Objection to postoperative radiation therapy in breast cancer with one to three
      lymph nodes involvements.
AB  - My arguments regarding postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) for this case are based
      on the following 4 reasons: (1) high rate of local recurrence in the no PMRT
      group in the Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group meta-analysis on
      which the present guideline is based, (2) stage migration by sentinel node
      biopsy, (3) possible adverse events of radiotherapy, and (4) problems on
      extrapolation of data from western countries.

PMID- 28070833
TI  - Assessing the accuracy of algorithm-derived cardiorespiratory fitness in surgical
      patients: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if a non-exercise algorithm-derived assessment of
      cardiorespiratory fitness (CRFA) accurately predicted estimated values obtained
      using a six-minute walk test (CRF6MWD) and the Duke Activity Status Index
      (CRFDASI). METHODS: Following research ethics board approval, an observational
      cohort study was conducted in selected, consenting patients undergoing elective
      surgery. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their self-reported
      exercise capacity. Their height, weight, waist circumference, and vital signs
      were measured. A six-minute walk test was performed twice with a 45-min rest
      interval between tests. The correlation between CRFA and both CRF6MWD and CRFDASI
      was determined. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-two participants were included. Mean
      age was 62 (range 45-88 yr); 150 (62%) were male, 87 (36%) self-reported walking
      or jogging > 16 km per week, and 49 (20%) were current smokers. The CRFA and
      CRF6MWD were highly correlated (Pearson r = 0.878; P < 0.001). CRFA and CRFDASI
      were less strongly correlated (Pearson r = 0.252; P < 0.001). Among patients
      capable of walking > 427 m in the six-minute walk test, CRFA, CRF6MWD, and
      CRFDASI were equivalent. CONCLUSION: A non-exercise algorithm can estimate
      cardiorespiratory fitness in patients presenting for elective surgery. The
      variables required to compute CRFA can be obtained in a clinic setting without
      the need to engage in formal exercise testing. Further evaluation of CRFA as a
      predictor of long-term outcome in patients is warranted.

PMID- 28070835
TI  - Erratum to: Natural Minerals Coated by Biopolymer Chitosan: Synthesis,
      Physicochemical, and Adsorption Properties.

PMID- 28070834
TI  - Resveratrol modulates GSH system in C6 astroglial cells through heme oxygenase 1
      pathway.
AB  - Resveratrol is a dietary polyphenol that displays neuroprotective properties in
      several in vivo and in vitro experimental models, by modulating oxidative and
      inflammatory responses. Glutathione (GSH) is a key antioxidant in the central
      nervous system (CNS) that modulates several cellular processes, and its depletion
      is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, this study
      sought to investigate the protective effects of resveratrol against GSH depletion
      pharmacologically induced by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) in C6 astroglial cells,
      as well as its underlying cellular mechanisms. BSO exposure resulted in several
      detrimental effects, decreasing glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) activity, cystine
      uptake, GSH intracellular content and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR). Moreover, BSO
      increased reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) levels and pro-inflammatory
      cytokine release. Resveratrol prevented these effects by protecting astroglial
      cells against BSO-induced cytotoxicity, by modulating oxidative and inflammatory
      responses. Additionally, we observed that pharmacological inhibition of heme
      oxygenase 1 (HO-1), an essential cellular defense against oxidative and
      inflammatory injuries, abolished all the protective effects of resveratrol. These
      observations suggest HO-1 pathway as a cellular effector in the mechanism by
      which resveratrol protects astroglial cells against GSH depletion, a condition
      that may be associated to neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 28070836
TI  - Solvent: A Key in Digestive Ripening for Monodisperse Au Nanoparticles.
AB  - This work has mainly investigated the influence of the solvent on the
      nanoparticles distribution in digestive ripening. The experiments suggested that
      the solvents played a key role in digestive ripening of Au nanoparticles (Au
      NPs). For the benzol solvents, the resulting size distribution of Au NPs was
      inversely related to the solvent polarity. It may be interpreted by the low Gibbs
      free energy of nanoparticles in the high polarity medium, which was supposedly in
      favor of reducing the nanoparticles distribution. Through digestive ripening in
      the highly polar benzol solvent of p-chlorotoluene, monodisperse Au NPs with
      relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.8% were achieved. This indicated that
      digestive ripening was an effective and practical way to prepare high-quality
      nanoparticles, which holds great promise for the nanoscience and nanotechnology.
      Graphical Abstract The polarity of benzol solvent plays significant role in
      obtaining high-quality monodisperse Au nanoparticles.

PMID- 28070837
TI  - Optoelectronic Evaluation and Loss Analysis of PEDOT:PSS/Si Hybrid Heterojunction
      Solar Cells.
AB  - The organic/silicon (Si) hybrid heterojunction solar cells (HHSCs) have attracted
      considerable attention due to their potential advantages in high efficiency and
      low cost. However, as a newly arisen photovoltaic device, its current efficiency
      is still much worse than commercially available Si solar cells. Therefore, a
      comprehensive and systematical optoelectronic evaluation and loss analysis on
      this HHSC is therefore highly necessary to fully explore its efficiency
      potential. Here, a thoroughly optoelectronic simulation is provided on a typical
      planar polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxy thiophene):polystyrenesulfonate
      (PEDOT:PSS)/Si HHSC. The calculated spectra of reflection and external quantum
      efficiency (EQE) match well with the experimental results in a full-wavelength
      range. The losses in current density, which are contributed by both optical
      losses (i.e., reflection, electrode shield, and parasitic absorption) and
      electrical recombination (i.e., the bulk and surface recombination), are
      predicted via carefully addressing the electromagnetic and carrier-transport
      processes. In addition, the effects of Si doping concentrations and rear surface
      recombination velocities on the device performance are fully investigated. The
      results drawn in this study are beneficial to the guidance of designing high
      performance PEDOT:PSS/Si HHSCs.

PMID- 28070838
TI  - Late toxicity, evolving radiotherapy techniques, and quality of life in
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze quality of life (QoL) and functional state (FS) by patient
      reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires (FACT-G, FACT-NP, PSS-HN, XeQOLS, and EQ-5D
      3L) in long-term survivors nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with
      conventional radiotherapy (RT) and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
      METHODS: 25 patients answered to five questionnaires about QoL and FS. All
      patients were assessed also for late toxicity. RESULTS: Functional Assessment of
      Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and Performance Status Scale Head and Neck (PSS
      HN) scores were significantly elevated (better QoL) in age <50 years (p = 0.03).
      PSS-HN score was higher in IMRT group. The observed xerostomia was lower in the
      IMRT group and in patients who received conventional RT had worse QoL according
      to XeQOLS (University of Michigan Xerostomia-Related Quality of Life Scale) score
      questionnaire. Lower PSS-HN score and higher XeQOLS score were significantly
      related with the late xerostomia (p = 0.009 and 0.002, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data suggest that age, older techniques, xerostomia,
      and hearing loss are negative predictors of QoL.

PMID- 28070839
TI  - 1H- and 31P-myocardial magnetic resonance spectroscopy in non-obstructive
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients and competitive athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The clinical differentiation between athlete's heart and mild forms of
      non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is crucial. We hypothesized
      that differences do exist between the myocardial metabolism of patients with non
      obstructive HCM and competitive athletes (CAs). Our aim was to evaluate
      myocardial metabolism with 31P-MRS and 1H-MRS in HCM patients and CAs. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: After Ethics Committee approval, 15 CAs and 7 HCM patients were
      prospectively enrolled. They underwent a 1.5-T cardiac MR including
      electrocardiographically triggered cine images, single-voxel 1H-MRS and
      multivoxel 31P-MRS. 1H-MRS was performed after imaging using standard coil with
      the patient in the supine position; thereafter, 31P-MRS was performed using a
      dedicated coil, in the prone position. Data were reported as median and
      interquartile range. Mann-Whitney U test was used. RESULTS: In CAs, left
      ventricular mass index was 72 (66-83) g/m2, septal thickness 10 (10-11) mm, end
      diastolic volume index 95 (85-102) ml/m2, end systolic volume index 30 (28-32)
      ml/m2 and ejection fraction 68% (65-69%); in HCM patients, 81 (76-111) g/m2 (P =
      0.052), 18 (15-21) mm (P = 0.003), 73 (58-76) ml/m2 (P = 0.029), 20 (16-34) ml/m2
      (P = 0.274) and 68% (55-73%) (P = 1.000), respectively. At 1H-MRS, total lipids
      were 35 (0-183) arbitrary units (au) for CA and 763 (155-1994) au for HCM
      patients (P = 0.046). At 31P-MRS, PCr/gammaATP was 5 (4-6) au for CA and 4 (2-5)
      au for HCM patients (P = 0.230). Examination time was 20 min for imaging only, 5
      min for 1H-MRS and 15 min for 31P-MRS. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant
      increase of myocardial lipids, but a preserved PCr/gammaATP ratio in the
      metabolism of HCM patients compared with competitive CAs.

PMID- 28070840
TI  - Clinical and magnetic resonance evolution of "infarct-like" myocarditis.
AB  - AIMS: To analyse the clinical and magnetic resonance evolution of myocarditis in
      patients with an "infarct-like" presentation pattern. METHODS: The study is a
      retrospective analysis of 52 patients with clinical diagnosis of "infarct-like"
      myocarditis confirmed by CMR as acute myocarditis according to Lake Louise
      criteria and 6 months follow-up. The CMR protocol included T2-weighted (oedema),
      early (hyperaemia) and late (fibrosis/necrosis) gadolinium enhancement sequences,
      according to Lake Louise criteria. Clinical and radiological follow-up by CMR was
      performed after a median time interval of 6 months (interquartile range 5-8).
      Quantitative outcomes were checked for normality and compared with the non
      parametric Wilcoxon's test for matched data. RESULTS: At the clinical follow-up
      all patients were free of symptoms and reported no cardiac complications. The CMR
      follow-up evidenced a significant increase of the ejection fraction (from 53 +/-
      6 to 55 +/- 4%, p = 0.03), a decrease of the ventricular mass [from 67.0 (58.8
      79.0) to 61.0 (54.0-67.0), p < 0.0001] without significant modification of the
      cardiac volume index (p = 0.26). No patient had residual oedema or capillary
      leakage: the T2 ratio decreased from 3.94 (3.00-4.86) to 0.98 (0.75-1.17) with p
      < 0.0001 and the Early gadolinium enhancement (EGE) ratio from 5.7 (4.8-6.5) to
      2.9 (2.4-3.2) with p < 0.0001. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) persisted over
      the course of the follow-up in 48/52 patients, but with a significant reduction
      in every patient (LGE % from 34.3 +/- 9.1 to 19.4 +/- 6.6%; p < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with "infarct-like" myocarditis, according to both
      clinical and CMR examinations may look forward to a positive evolution with a
      good prognosis.

PMID- 28070842
TI  - Diagnostic imaging and spending review: extreme problems call for extreme
      measures.
AB  - The number of diagnostic imaging tests has increased dramatically over the past
      decade and about 5 billion diagnostic examinations are performed worldwide each
      year. According to Health Ministry, Italy, is in second place for the number of
      CT and MR tests per thousand inhabitants in 2014 with a score of 83.3 (only
      Germany has a higher score, 95.2) that is a long way off from the European
      average of 46.5. It has also the highest ratio of magnetic resonances per person
      with 24,6 machines per million inhabitants, followed only by Greece and Finland.
      The development of the New Health Information System (NSIS) in 2010 made
      uniformly readable the non-homogeneous clinical data from all the different
      Italian regions and permitted a detailed analysis of all diagnostic imaging
      within the public outpatient care setting in Italy in 2012. Despite that MRI
      examinations represented only the 10% of the total number of imaging tests
      performed, their cost reached 30% of the health-care expenditure for outpatient
      diagnostic imaging with an overwhelming contribution coming from musculoskeletal
      MR which accounted for the 73% of the performed MR tests. It is reasonable to
      assume that these phenomena are likely due to a lack of appropriateness in MR
      requests that is difficult to analyze due to an absence or invalid query on the
      prescriptions which together accounted for the 98.7% of cases. Taking into
      account the above-mentioned situation, this is possibly why the Ministry of
      Health decided to perform "linear cuts" in expenditure for some diagnostic
      examinations.

PMID- 28070841
TI  - Reproducibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and dynamic susceptibility
      contrast MRI in the study of brain gliomas: a comparison of data obtained using
      different commercial software.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC) and dynamic contrast-enhanced
      MRI (DCE) are useful tools in the diagnosis and follow-up of brain gliomas;
      nevertheless, both techniques leave the open issue of data reproducibility. We
      evaluated the reproducibility of data obtained using two different commercial
      software for perfusion maps calculation and analysis, as one of the potential
      sources of variability can be the software itself. METHODS: DSC and DCE analyses
      from 20 patients with gliomas were tested for both the intrasoftware (as
      intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility) and the intersoftware
      reproducibility, as well as the impact of different postprocessing choices
      [vascular input function (VIF) selection and deconvolution algorithms] on the
      quantification of perfusion biomarkers plasma volume (Vp), volume transfer
      constant (K trans) and rCBV. Data reproducibility was evaluated with the
      intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: For
      all the biomarkers, the intra- and interobserver reproducibility resulted in
      almost perfect agreement in each software, whereas for the intersoftware
      reproducibility the value ranged from 0.311 to 0.577, suggesting fair to moderate
      agreement; Bland-Altman analysis showed high dispersion of data, thus confirming
      these findings. Comparisons of different VIF estimation methods for DCE
      biomarkers resulted in ICC of 0.636 for K trans and 0.662 for Vp; comparison of
      two deconvolution algorithms in DSC resulted in an ICC of 0.999. CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of single software ensures very good intraobserver and interobservers
      reproducibility. Caution should be taken when comparing data obtained using
      different software or different postprocessing within the same software, as
      reproducibility is not guaranteed anymore.

PMID- 28070843
TI  - Noise-optimized monoenergetic post-processing improves visualization of
      incidental pulmonary embolism in cancer patients undergoing single-pass dual
      energy computed tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate noise-optimized monoenergetic postprocessing of dual-energy
      CT (DE-CT) on image quality in patients with incidental pulmonary embolism in
      single-pass portal-venous phase CT (CTpv). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 Consecutive
      patients with incidental pulmonary embolism in contrast-enhanced oncological
      follow-up DE-CTpv examination were included in this study. Images were acquired
      with a 3rd generation DE-CT system in DE mode (100/Sn150 kV) and activated tube
      current modulation 90 s after contrast agent administration. Subsequently,
      virtual monoenergetic images (MEI+) were reconstructed at five different keV
      levels (40, 55, 70, 85, 100) and compared to the standard linearly blended
      (M_0.8) CTpv images. Image quality was assessed qualitatively (vascular contrast
      and detectability of embolism, image noise, iodine influx artifact; two
      independent readers; 5-point Likert scale; 5 = excellent) and quantitatively by
      calculating signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). RESULTS:
      Highest vessel contrast and highest detectability of embolism were observed in
      MEI+ at 40 keV (4.7 +/- 0.4) and 55 keV (4.2 +/- 0.6) with significant
      differences as compared to CTpv (3.6 +/- 0.5) and high keV reconstructions (70,
      85, 100; p <= 0.01). Image noise significantly increased at 40 keV MEI+ compared
      to all other MEI+ reconstructions and CTpv (p < 0.001). SNR and CNR calculations
      were highest at 40 keV MEI+ followed by 55 keV and CTpv with significant
      differences to high keV MEI+ (85-100). CONCLUSIONS: Computed MEI+ at low keV
      levels allow for improved vessel contrast and visualisation of incidental
      pulmonary embolism in patients with portal-venous phase CT scans by substantially
      increasing CNR and SNR.

PMID- 28070844
TI  - Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 mapping for assessment of liver function in rabbit
      fibrosis model: comparison of hepatobiliary phase images obtained at 10 and 20
      min.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare hepatobiliary phase (HBP) images obtained at 10 and 20 min
      after Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for assessment of liver function in rabbit
      fibrosis model on 3.0 T MR imaging. METHODS: 34 animals were separated into three
      groups: 5 for a control group, 14 for a mild fibrosis group, and 15 for a severe
      fibrosis group based on pathological proof. T1 relaxation times (T1rt) were
      measured on T1 mapping and reduction rates of T1rt (rrT1rt) were calculated. HBP
      images were obtained at 10 and 20 min after Gd-EOB-DTPA enhancement. Indocyanine
      green retention rates at 15 min (ICG R15) were performed for all animals.
      RESULTS: T1rt on pre-enhancement imaging showed no significant difference (p >
      0.05) among all groups. T1rt on 10 min HBP and 20 min HBP showed significant
      difference (p < 0.05) among all groups. T1rt and rrT1rt in three groups showed no
      significant difference (p > 0.05) between 10 min HBP and 20 min HBP. T1rt on both
      10 and 20 min HBP showed significant correlation with ICG R15 (p < 0.05); rrT1rt
      on both 10 min HBP and 20 min HBP showed significant inverse correlation with ICG
      R15 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Comparing 10 min HBP and 20 min HBP T1 mapping after
      Gd-EOB-DTPA enhancement, our results suggest that 10 min HBP T1 mapping is
      feasible for quantitatively assessing liver function.

PMID- 28070845
TI  - Changes in the roles of transrectal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 28070846
TI  - Development of a Convenient In Vitro Gel Diffusion Model for Predicting the In
      Vivo Performance of Subcutaneous Parenteral Formulations of Large and Small
      Molecules.
AB  - Parenteral delivery remains a compelling drug delivery route for both large- and
      small-molecule drugs and can bypass issues encountered with oral absorption. For
      injectable drug products, there is a strong patient preference for subcutaneous
      administration due to its convenience over intravenous infusion. However, in
      subcutaneous injection, in contrast to intravenous administration, the
      formulation is in contact with an extracellular matrix environment that behaves
      more like a gel than a fluid. This can impact the expected performance of a
      formulation. Since typical bulk fluid dissolution studies do not accurately
      simulate the subcutaneous environment, improved in vitro models to help better
      predict the behavior of the formulation are critical. Herein, we detail the
      development of a new model system consisting of a more physiologically relevant
      gel phase to simulate the rate of drug release and diffusion from a subcutaneous
      injection site using agarose hydrogels as a tissue mimic. This is coupled with
      continuous real-time data collection to accurately monitor drug diffusion. We
      show how this in vitro model can be used as an in vivo performance differentiator
      for different formulations of both large and small molecules. Thus, this model
      system can be used to improve optimization and understanding of new parenteral
      drug formulations in a rapid and convenient manner.

PMID- 28070847
TI  - Role of Water Sorption in Tablet Crushing Strength, Disintegration, and
      Dissolution.
AB  - Drugs formulated as tablets are subjected to accelerated stability conditions
      with the goal of identifying a stable formulation that will exhibit a
      sufficiently long shelf life. Water sorption at a condition such as 40 degrees
      C/75% RH can result in significant changes in tablet properties such as a
      decrease in dissolution rate, the cause of which may be difficult to interpret,
      given the complex nature of ingredients and their interactions in a tablet. In
      this research, three drugs, displaying a wide range of physicochemical
      properties, were formulated with commonly used diluents, disintegrants, and
      binders, using a design of experiments approach. The tablets were stored at
      accelerated conditions and assessed for content, dissolution, disintegration, and
      crushing strength, as well as other properties. The research demonstrated many
      water-induced effects in tablet properties. Due to the experimental design
      approach that revealed many interactions, it was possible to interpret all of the
      changes observed in tablet crushing strength, disintegration, and dissolution for
      the drugs using a common set of physical principles. Specifically, the relevant
      factors considered were (1) mechanical properties of materials, (2) water
      sorption surface effects in surface diffusion and capillary condensation, (3)
      water sorption bulk effects for amorphous materials such as viscous
      flow/spreading, and (4) water-induced stress on interparticle bonding arising
      from volume expansion. These physical principles enable a comprehensive
      interpretation of the complex changes observed in tablet properties, which should
      be valuable in the design of tablet formulations that will be stable to
      accelerated storage conditions.

PMID- 28070849
TI  - Investigation into the Manufacture and Properties of Inhalable High-Dose Dry
      Powders Produced by Comilling API and Lactose with Magnesium Stearate.
AB  - The aim of the study was to understand the impact of different concentrations of
      the additive material, magnesium stearate (MGST), and the active pharmaceutical
      ingredient (API), respectively, on the physicochemical properties and aerosol
      performance of comilled formulations for high-dose delivery. Initially, blends of
      API/lactose with different concentrations of MGST (1-7.5% w/w) were prepared and
      comilled by the jet-mill apparatus. The optimal concentration of MGST in comilled
      formulations was investigated, specifically for agglomerate structure and
      strength, particle size, uniformity of content, surface coverage, and aerosol
      performance. Secondly, comilled formulations with different API (1-40% w/w)
      concentrations were prepared and similarly analyzed. Comilled 5% MGST (w/w)
      formulation resulted in a significant improvement in in vitro aerosol performance
      due to the reduction in agglomerate size and strength compared to the formulation
      comilled without MGST. Higher concentrations of MGST (7.5% w/w) led to reduction
      in aerosol performance likely due to excessive surface coverage of the micronized
      particles by MGST, which led to failure in uniformity of content and an increase
      in agglomerate strength and size. Generally, comilled formulations with higher
      concentrations of API increased the agglomerate strength and size, which
      subsequently caused a reduction in aerosol performance. High-dose delivery was
      achieved at API concentration of >20% (w/w). The study provided a platform for
      the investigation of aerosol performance and physicochemical properties of other
      API and additive materials in comilled formulations for the emerging field of
      high-dose delivery by dry powder inhalation.

PMID- 28070848
TI  - Intravaginal Delivery of Polyphenon 60 and Curcumin Nanoemulsion Gel.
AB  - Polyphenon 60 (P60) and curcumin (CUR) were loaded in a single nanoemulsion
      system and their combined antibacterial action was studied against uropathogenic
      Escherichia coli. To enhance availability at target organs and to inhibit
      enzymatic degradation in gastro intestinal tract, vaginal route of administration
      was explored. P60 + CUR nanoemulsion (NE) was formulated by ultra-sonication and
      optimized using Box-Behnken design. Optimized NE showed Z-average of 211.2 nm,
      polydispersity index of 0.343, and zeta potential of -32.7 mV. Optimized P60+ CUR
      NE was characterized by stability testing and transmission electron microscopy,
      and it was observed that NE was stable at 4 degrees C for 30 days and
      monodisperse in nature with particle size of 195-205 nm. P60+ CUR NE was further
      formulated as gel and characterized by viscosity, growth curve analysis, and in
      vitro permeation studies. In vitro drug permeation studies in simulated vaginal
      media showed maximum permeation (84 +/- 0.21%) of curcumin within 5 h and (91 +/-
      0.16%) of P60 within 8 h. Both the drugs maintained sustained permeation for 12
      h. To investigate the transport via intravaginal route, gamma scintigraphy and
      biodistribution study of P60 + CUR NBG was performed on Sprague-Dawley rats using
      99mtechnetium pertechnetate for radiolabeling to P60 molecule. Following
      intravaginal administration, P60 + CUR NBG dispersed in the kidney and urinary
      bladder with (3.07 +/- 0.15) and (3.35 +/- 0.45) percentage per gram after 3 h
      for P60 and CUR, respectively, and remained active for 12 h. Scintigraphy images
      suggested that the P60 + CUR NBG given by intravaginal route led to effective
      distribution of actives in urinary tract, and this observation was in agreement
      with the biodistribution results.

PMID- 28070850
TI  - Zolendronic Acid-Conjugated PLGA Ultrasmall Nanoparticle Loaded with Methotrexate
      as a Supercarrier for Bone-Targeted Drug Delivery.
AB  - Drug delivery to deep-seated tissues such as bone has been a major complication
      till date. This preferential drug delivery is further important in targeting anti
      tumour agents to bone metastasis owing to its complexity. The present study
      involves the formulation of PLGA nanoparticles and conjugation with zolendronic
      acid-a bisphosphonate which will anchor the nanosystem to bone due to its
      selective bone affinity. The conjugated nanosystem was characterized for particle
      size by TEM (average 36 nm) and morphology by AFM depicting surface
      irregularities due to ZOL conjugation on the surface of nanoparticles. NMR
      spectral data also showed the involvement of terminal -OH group of PLGA in bond
      formation with ZOL. Bone localization studies showed higher accumulation of the
      ZOL-conjugated nanosystem in bone than non-conjugated nanoparticles. This was
      confirmed with bone mineral affinity and specificity assay wherein the conjugated
      nanosystem was found to selectively bind to hydroxyapatite in comparison to other
      bone minerals. The biodistribution studies depicted that the conjugated
      nanosystem was selectively targeted to the bone area with concentrations of
      methotrexate reaching up to 127.4 +/- 1.41 MUg in 1 h. Hence, this multipronged
      approach using (1) ultrasmall size of nanoparticles, (2) bone selective polymer
      and (3) suitable bone-targeting agent resulted in mutual synergism for the
      specific delivery of the anti-tumour agent to the bone.

PMID- 28070851
TI  - Development of a Sustained Antiplaque and Antimicrobial Chewing Gum of a
      Decapeptide.
AB  - The objective of this paper was to design a chewing gum formulation delivery
      system in situations where typical dental hygiene practice is not practical.
      Thus, an analog of decapeptide KSL (KSL-W), known to possess antimicrobial and
      antiplaque activity, was incorporated into a chewing gum formulation containing
      cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The effect of the excipients, xylitol, and
      peppermint oil on active ingredients in vitro release was also assessed. Gum
      formulations were prepared with different excipient parameters, including heating
      xylitol and gum base at 65 or 85 degrees C, using ground and unground xylitol,
      and the addition of 1.5, 3, and 7% peppermint oil, to determine the effect of
      these changes on the in vitro release of KSL-W and CPC using a chewing machine.
      The antimicrobial and antiplaque activities of solutions released from chewed gum
      formulation as well as prepared standard solutions with different concentrations
      were tested against placebo. The optimal temperature to avoid crystallization of
      xylitol during preparation was 65 degrees C. Grinding xylitol to 104.5 MUm
      improved release of active ingredients as compared to commercially unground
      xylitol. Peppermint oil had opposite effects on release of KSL-W and CPC.
      Peppermint oil at 1.5% was determined to be suitable (91 and 88% of KSL-W and CPC
      released, respectively, after 40 min). The gum formulation illustrated good
      sustained release of KSL-W and CPC with antibacterial and antiplaque activities
      after chewing. An effective antimicrobial and antiplaque chewing gum formulation
      was developed. This formulation has the potential to overcome oral hygiene issues
      in those unable to follow normal dental protocols.

PMID- 28070852
TI  - Functional characterization of the powdery mildew susceptibility gene SmMLO1 in
      eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).
AB  - Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most important vegetables among the
      Solanaceae and can be a host to fungal species causing powdery mildew (PM)
      disease. Specific homologs of the plant Mildew Locus O (MLO) gene family are PM
      susceptibility factors, as their loss of function results in a recessive form of
      resistance known as mlo resistance. In a previous work, we isolated the eggplant
      MLO homolog SmMLO1. SmMLO1 is closely related to MLO susceptibility genes
      characterized in other plant species. However, it displays a peculiar non
      synonymous substitution that leads to a T -> M amino acid change at protein
      position 422, in correspondence of the MLO calmodulin-binding domain. In this
      study, we performed the functional characterization of SmMLO1. Transgenic
      overexpression of SmMLO1 in a tomato mlo mutant compromised resistance to the
      tomato PM pathogen Oidium neolycopersici, thus indicating that SmMLO1 is a PM
      susceptibility factor in eggplant. PM susceptibility was also restored by the
      transgenic expression of a synthetic gene, named s-SmMLO1, encoding a protein
      identical to SmMLO1, except for the presence of T at position 422. This indicates
      that the T -> M polymorphism does not affect the protein role as PM
      susceptibility factor. Overall, the results of this work are of interest for the
      functional characterization of MLO proteins and the introduction of PM resistance
      in eggplant using reverse genetics.

PMID- 28070854
TI  - Agency in Fertility Decisions in Western Europe During the Demographic
      Transition: A Comparative Perspective.
AB  - We use a set of linked reproductive histories taken from Sweden, the Netherlands,
      and Spain for the period 1871-1960 to address key issues regarding how
      reproductive change was linked specifically to mortality and survivorship and
      more generally to individual agency. Using event-history analysis, this study
      investigates how the propensity to have additional children was influenced by the
      number of surviving offspring when reproductive decisions were made. The results
      suggest that couples were continuously regulating their fertility to achieve
      reproductive goals. Families experiencing child fatalities show significant
      increases in the hazard of additional births. In addition, the sex composition of
      the surviving sibset also appears to have influenced reproductive decisions in a
      significant but changing way. The findings offer strong proof of active decision
      making during the demographic transition and provide an important contribution to
      the literature on the role of mortality for reproductive change.

PMID- 28070853
TI  - Is the Association Between Education and Fertility Postponement Causal? The Role
      of Family Background Factors.
AB  - A large body of literature has demonstrated a positive relationship between
      education and age at first birth. However, this relationship may be partly
      spurious because of family background factors that cannot be controlled for in
      most research designs. We investigate the extent to which education is causally
      related to later age at first birth in a large sample of female twins from the
      United Kingdom (N = 2,752). We present novel estimates using within-identical
      twin and biometric models. Our findings show that one year of additional
      schooling is associated with about one-half year later age at first birth in
      ordinary least squares (OLS) models. This estimate reduced to only a 1.5-month
      later age at first birth for the within-identical twin model controlling for all
      shared family background factors (genetic and family environmental). Biometric
      analyses reveal that it is mainly influences of the family environment-not
      genetic factors-that cause spurious associations between education and age at
      first birth. Last, using data from the Office for National Statistics, we
      demonstrate that only 1.9 months of the 2.74 years of fertility postponement for
      birth cohorts 1944-1967 could be attributed to educational expansion based on
      these estimates. We conclude that the rise in educational attainment alone cannot
      explain differences in fertility timing between cohorts.

PMID- 28070855
TI  - Place and Child Health: The Interaction of Population Density and Sanitation in
      Developing Countries.
AB  - A long literature in demography has debated the importance of place for health,
      especially children's health. In this study, we assess whether the importance of
      dense settlement for infant mortality and child height is moderated by exposure
      to local sanitation behavior. Is open defecation (i.e., without a toilet or
      latrine) worse for infant mortality and child height where population density is
      greater? Is poor sanitation is an important mechanism by which population density
      influences child health outcomes? We present two complementary analyses using
      newly assembled data sets, which represent two points in a trade-off between
      external and internal validity. First, we concentrate on external validity by
      studying infant mortality and child height in a large, international child-level
      data set of 172 Demographic and Health Surveys, matched to census population
      density data for 1,800 subnational regions. Second, we concentrate on internal
      validity by studying child height in Bangladeshi districts, using a new data set
      constructed with GIS techniques that allows us to control for fixed effects at a
      high level of geographic resolution. We find a statistically robust and
      quantitatively comparable interaction between sanitation and population density
      with both approaches: open defecation externalities are more important for child
      health outcomes where people live more closely together.

PMID- 28070856
TI  - MiR-29c/PRKCI Regulates Axonal Growth of Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons Under
      Hyperglycemia.
AB  - Diabetes initially induces distal axonal damage of peripheral nerves, but
      molecular mechanisms that mediate axonal injury are not fully understood.
      MircoRNAs (miRNAs) regulate axonal growth. We found that diabetic db/db mice
      exhibited substantial upregulation of miR-29c in dorsal root ganglia (DRG)
      neurons, sciatic nerve, and foot pad tissues. Bioinformatic analysis revealed
      PRKCI, a gene that encodes a member of the protein kinase C (PKC) iota, as a
      putative target for miR-29c. Western blot analysis showed that diabetic mice
      exhibited a considerable reduction of PRKCI protein levels in sciatic nerve
      tissues and DRG neurons. Using dual-luciferase assay, we found that co
      transfection of a plasmid containing miR-29c binding site at 3' UTR of PRKCI gene
      and miR-29c mimics effectively reduced luminescence activity, which was abolished
      when miR-29c seed sequences at 3' UTR of PRKCI gene were mutated. In vitro, high
      glucose substantially upregulated and reduced miR-29c and PRKCI protein levels,
      respectively, in DRG neurons, which were associated with significant reduction of
      axonal growth. Knockdown of endogenous miR-29c in DRG neurons by siRNAs overcame
      reduced PRKCI protein and axonal growth under high glucose condition. Moreover,
      knockdown of PRKCI in DRG neurons by siRNAs under regular glucose condition
      considerably inhibited axonal growth. Together, these findings suggest that miR
      29c is a negative regulator of axonal growth of DRG neurons by targeting PRKCI
      under hyperglycemia.

PMID- 28070857
TI  - A Small Organic Compound Mimicking the L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule Promotes
      Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury in Zebrafish.
AB  - Tacrine is a small organic compound that was discovered to mimic the functions of
      the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 by promoting the cognate functions of L1 in
      vitro, such as neuronal survival, neuronal migration, neurite outgrowth, and
      myelination. Based on studies indicating that L1 enhances functional recovery in
      different central and peripheral nervous system disease paradigms of rodents, it
      deemed interesting to investigate the beneficial role of tacrine in the
      attractive zebrafish animal model, by evaluating functional recovery after spinal
      cord injury. To this aim, larval and adult zebrafish were exposed to tacrine
      treatment after spinal cord injury and monitored for locomotor recovery and
      axonal regrowth. Tacrine promoted the rapid recovery of locomotor activities in
      both larval and adult zebrafish, enhanced regrowth of severed axons and
      myelination, and reduced astrogliosis in the spinal cords. Tacrine treatment
      upregulated the expression of L1.1 (a homolog of the mammalian recognition
      molecule L1) and enhanced the L1.1-mediated intracellular signaling cascades in
      the injured spinal cords. These observations lead to the hope that, in
      combination with other therapeutic approaches, this old drug may become a useful
      reagent to ameliorate the deficits resulting from acute and chronic injuries of
      the mammalian nervous system.

PMID- 28070858
TI  - Exosome and Microvesicle-Enriched Fractions Isolated from Mesenchymal Stem Cells
      by Gradient Separation Showed Different Molecular Signatures and Functions on
      Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells.
AB  - Several studies have suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may mediate MSC paracrine action on kidney
      regeneration. This activity has been, at least in part, ascribed to the transfer
      of proteins/transcription factors and different RNA species. Information on the
      RNA/protein content of different MSC EV subpopulations and the correlation with
      their biological activity is currently incomplete. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the molecular composition and the functional properties on renal target
      cells of MSC EV sub-populations separated by gradient floatation. The results
      demonstrated heterogeneity in quantity and composition of MSC EVs. Two peaks of
      diameter were observed (90-110 and 170-190 nm). The distribution of exosomal
      markers and miRNAs evaluated in the twelve gradient fractions showed an
      enrichment in fractions with a flotation density of 1.08-1.14 g/mL. Based on this
      observation, we evaluated the biological activity on renal cell proliferation and
      apoptosis resistance of low (CF1), medium (CF2) and high (CF3) floatation density
      fractions. EVs derived from all fractions, were internalized by renal cells, CF1
      and CF2 but not CF3 fraction stimulated significant cell proliferation. CF2 also
      inhibited apoptosis on renal tubular cells submitted to ischemia-reperfusion
      injury. Comparative miRNomic and proteomic profiles reveal a cluster of miRNAs
      and proteins common to all three fractions and an enrichment of selected
      molecules related to renal regeneration in CF2 fraction. In conclusion, the CF2
      fraction enriched in exosomal markers was the most active on renal tubular cell
      proliferation and protection from apoptosis.

PMID- 28070859
TI  - Mouse Bone Marrow VSELs Exhibit Differentiation into Three Embryonic Germ
      Lineages and Germ & Hematopoietic Cells in Culture.
AB  - Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) have been reported in various adult
      tissues, express pluripotent and primordial germ cells (PGCs) specific markers,
      are mobilized under stress/disease conditions, give rise to tissue committed
      progenitors and thus help regenerate and maintain homeostasis. The aim of the
      present study was to evaluate in vitro differentiation potential of VSELs using a
      quantitative approach. VSELs were collected from mouse bone marrow after 4 days
      of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 150 mg/Kg) treatment, further enriched by size based
      filtration and cultured on a feeder support in the presence of specific
      differentiation media. Cultured VSELs were found to differentiate into all three
      embryonic germ cell lineages, germ and hematopoietic cells after 14 days in
      culture. This was confirmed by studying Nestin, PDX-1, NKX2.5, DAZL, CD45 and
      other markers expression by various approaches. Very small, CD45 negative cells
      collected and enriched from GFP positive 5-FU treated mice bone marrow
      transitioned into CD45 positive cells in vitro thus demonstrating that VSELs can
      give rise to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). We envision that VSELs may be
      responsible for plasticity and ability of bone marrow cells to give rise to non
      hematopoietic tissue progenitors of all 3 germ layers. Moreover the ability of
      VSELs to differentiate into germ cells as well as all the three lineages provides
      further evidence to support their pluripotent state and confirms developmental
      link between bone marrow VSELs and PGCs. The property of quiescence, no risk of
      teratoma formation and autologus source, make pluripotent VSELs a potential
      candidate to facilitate endogenous regeneration compared to cell replacement
      strategy envisioned using embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells.

PMID- 28070860
TI  - Energetic, oxidative and ionic exchange in rat brain and liver mitochondria at
      experimental audiogenic epilepsy (Krushinsky-Molodkina model).
AB  - The role of brain and liver mitochondria at epileptic seizure was studied on
      Krushinsky-Molodkina (KM) rats which respond to sound with an intensive epileptic
      seizure (audiogenic epilepsy). We didn't find significant changes in respiration
      rats of brain and liver mitochondria of KM and control rats; however the
      efficiency of ATR synthesis in the KM rat mitochondria was 10% lower. In rats
      with audiogenic epilepsy the concentration of oxidative stress marker
      malondialdehyde in mitochondria of the brain (but not liver) was 2-fold higher
      than that in the control rats. The rate of H2O2 generation in brain mitochondria
      of KM rats was twofold higher than in the control animals when using NAD
      dependent substrates. This difference was less pronounced in liver mitochondria.
      In KM rats, the activity of mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel was
      lower than in liver mitochondria of control rats. The comparative study of the
      mitochondria ability to retain calcium ions revealed that in the case of using
      the complex I and complex II substrates, permeability transition pore is easier
      to trigger in brain and liver mitochondria of KM and KMs rats than in the control
      ones. The role of the changes in the energetic, oxidative, and ionic exchange in
      the mechanism of audiogenic epilepsy generation in rats and the possible
      correction of the epilepsy seizures are discussed.

PMID- 28070862
TI  - Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Once-Weekly and Once-Monthly Buprenorphine
      Subcutaneous Injection Depots (CAM2038) Versus Intravenous and Sublingual
      Buprenorphine in Healthy Volunteers Under Naltrexone Blockade: An Open-Label
      Phase 1 Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: CAM2038 q1w (once weekly) and q4w (once monthly) are
      investigational buprenorphine subcutaneous (SC) formulations based on
      FluidCrystal(r) injection depot technology. These two drug products are being
      developed for opioid dependence treatment, with a target for once-weekly and once
      monthly SC dosing. The rationale for developing two products with different
      dosing frequencies is that treatment strategies/routines, and hence different
      treatment preferences, can vary between patients, different stages of opioid
      maintenance treatment, and countries. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics
      and safety of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine following administration of
      CAM2038 q1w or q4w versus active controls. METHODS: Healthy volunteers were
      randomized to five treatment groups. All received a single intravenous dose of
      buprenorphine 600 ug, followed post-washout by a single dose of CAM2038 q4w 96
      mg, a single dose of CAM2038 q4w 192 mg, or sublingual buprenorphine 8, 16, or 24
      mg daily for 7 days, followed post-washout by a single dose of CAM2038 q4w 64 or
      128 mg or four repeated weekly doses of CAM2038 q1w 16 mg. All subjects received
      daily naltrexone. RESULTS: Eighty-seven subjects were randomized. Median
      buprenorphine t max after CAM2038 q4w was 4-10 h (24 h for CAM2038 q1w); mean
      terminal half-life was 19-25 days (5 days for CAM2038 q1w). CAM2038 q4w showed
      dose-proportional buprenorphine release, with similar exposure to repeat-dose
      CAM2038 q1w at comparable monthly dose level. Both CAM2038 formulations showed
      complete absolute bioavailability of buprenorphine and 5.7- to 7.7-fold greater
      buprenorphine bioavailability versus sublingual buprenorphine. CAM2038 q1w and
      q4w were well tolerated; subjects' acceptance was higher for CAM2038 than for
      sublingual buprenorphine 1 h post-dose. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacokinetic profiles
      of CAM2038 q1w and q4w versus sublingual buprenorphine support expected treatment
      efficacy with once-weekly and once-monthly dosing, respectively. CAM2038
      formulations were safe and showed good local tolerability. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ISRCTN24987553. FUNDING: Camurus AB.

PMID- 28070863
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28070861
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Vedolizumab in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease
      Patients Stratified by Age.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The efficacy and safety of vedolizumab, a gut-selective alpha4beta7
      integrin antibody, were demonstrated in the GEMINI 1 and GEMINI 2 clinical trials
      of adults aged 18-80 years. We investigated the efficacy and safety of
      vedolizumab in patients stratified by age from the GEMINI trials. METHODS: Safety
      and efficacy, including clinical response, clinical remission, and corticosteroid
      free remission, at week 6 and/or 52 were determined post hoc in patients aged
      <35, 35 to <55, and >=55 years. RESULTS: At baseline, 353, 412, and 130
      ulcerative colitis (UC) and 582, 443, and 90 Crohn's disease (CD) patients were
      aged <35, 35 to <55, and >=55. Of these patients, 56 were aged >=65 years (UC:
      33, CD: 23). Trends favoring vedolizumab over placebo were observed for most
      efficacy endpoints irrespective of patient age; some variability between
      subgroups was observed. Safety profiles of vedolizumab and placebo were similar
      in all age groups. Vedolizumab-treated patients aged >=55 had the lowest
      incidence of serious infections (0.9 per 100 person-years) and adverse events
      leading to hospitalization (14.8 per 100 person-years). There were no age-related
      differences in the incidence of adverse hematological events, malignancy, or
      death. CONCLUSIONS: The safety and efficacy of vedolizumab in patients with UC or
      CD were similar for all age groups. The number of patients in the oldest age
      group in these analyses was small; thus further studies of vedolizumab in larger
      cohorts of elderly patients are warranted. FUNDING: Millennium Pharmaceuticals,
      Inc. (d/b/a Takeda Pharmaceuticals International Co.).

PMID- 28070864
TI  - Factors that Affect the Content of Cadmium, Nickel, Copper and Zinc in Tissues of
      the Knee Joint.
AB  - Osteoarthritis causes the degradation of the articular cartilage and
      periarticular bones. Trace elements influence the growth, development and
      condition of the bone tissue. Changes to the mineral composition of the bone
      tissue can cause degenerative changes and fractures. The aim of the research was
      to determine the content of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)
      in the tibia, the femur and the meniscus in men and women who underwent a knee
      replacement surgery. Samples were collected from 50 patients, including 36 women
      and 14 men. The determination of trace elements content were performed by ICP-AES
      method, using Varian 710-ES. Average concentration in the tissues of the knee
      joint teeth amounted for cadmium 0.015, nickel 0.60, copper 0.89 and zinc 80.81
      mg/kg wet weight. There were statistically significant differences in the content
      of cadmium, copper and zinc in different parts of the knee joint. There were no
      statistically significant differences in the content of cadmium, nickel, copper
      and zinc in women and men in the examined parts of the knee joint. Among the
      elements tested, copper and nickel showed a high content in the connective tissue
      (the meniscus) compared to the bone tissue (the tibia and the femur).

PMID- 28070865
TI  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate pretreatment amends hypoxia-induced metabolic dysfunction
      and impairment of myogenic potential in differentiating C2C12 myoblasts by
      stimulating viability, calcium homeostasis and energy generation.
AB  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has a role in transpiration in patho-physiological
      signaling in skeletal muscles. The present study evaluated the pre-conditioning
      efficacy of S1P in facilitating differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts under a
      normoxic/hypoxic cell culture environment. Under normoxia, exogenous S1P
      significantly promoted C2C12 differentiation as evident from morphometric
      descriptors and differentiation markers of the mature myotubes, but it could
      facilitate only partial recovery from hypoxia-induced compromised
      differentiation. Pretreatment of S1P optimized the myokine secretion,
      intracellular calcium release and energy generation by boosting the
      aerobic/anaerobic metabolism and mitochondrial mass. In the hypoxia-exposed
      cells, there was derangement of the S1PR1-3 expression patterns, while the same
      could be largely restored with S1P pretreatment. This is being proposed as a
      plausible underlying mechanism for the observed pro-myogenic efficacy of
      exogenous S1P preconditioning. The present findings are an invaluable addition to
      the existing knowledge on the pro-myogenic potential of S1P and may prove
      beneficial in the field of hypoxia-related myo-pathologies.

PMID- 28070866
TI  - Finite Element Analysis of Patient-Specific Mitral Valve with Mitral
      Regurgitation.
AB  - Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a significant complication of left
      ventricular dysfunction and strongly associated with a poor prognosis. In this
      study, we developed a patient-specific finite element (FE) model of the mitral
      apparatus in a FMR patient which included: both leaflets with thickness, annulus,
      chordae tendineae, and chordae insertions on the leaflets and origins on the
      papillary muscles. The FE model incorporated human age- and gender-matched
      anisotropic hyperelastic material properties, and MV closure at systole was
      simulated. The model was validated by comparing the FE results from valve closure
      simulation with the in vivo geometry of the MV at systole. It was found that the
      FE model could not replicate the in vivo MV geometry without the application of
      tethering pre-tension force in the chordae at diastole. Upon applying the pre
      tension force and performing model optimization by adjusting the chordal length,
      position, and leaflet length, a good agreement between the FE model and the in
      vivo model was established. Not only were the chordal forces high at both
      diastole and systole, but the tethering force on the anterior papillary muscle
      was higher than that of the posterior papillary muscle, which resulted in an
      asymmetrical gap with a larger orifice area at the anterolateral commissure
      resulting in MR. The analyses further show that high peak stress and strain were
      found at the chordal insertions where large chordal tethering forces were found.
      This study shows that the pre-tension tethering force plays an important role in
      accurately simulating the MV dynamics in this FMR patient, particularly in
      quantifying the degree of leaflet coaptation and stress distribution. Due to the
      complexity of the disease, the patient-specific computational modeling procedure
      of FMR patients presented should be further evaluated using a large patient
      cohort. However, this study provides useful insights into the MV biomechanics of
      a FMR patient, and could serve as a tool to assist in pre-operative planning for
      MV repair or replacement surgical or interventional procedures.

PMID- 28070867
TI  - Analytical Modeling for Computing Lead Stress in a Novel Epicardial
      Micropacemaker.
AB  - Implantation and maintenance of a permanent cardiac pacing system in children
      remains challenging due to small patient size, congenital heart defects and
      somatic growth. We are developing a novel epicardial micropacemaker for children
      that can be implanted on the epicardium within the pericardial space via a
      minimally-invasive technique. The key design configurations include a novel open
      coiled lead in which living tissue replaces the usual polymeric support for the
      coiled conductor. To better understand and be able to predict the behavior of the
      implanted lead, we performed a radiographic image-based modeling study on a
      chronic animal test. We report a pilot study in which two mechanical dummy
      pacemakers with epicardial leads were implanted into an adult pig model via a
      minimally invasive approach. Fluoroscopy was obtained on the animal on Post
      Operative Days #9, #35 and #56 (necropsy). We then constructed an analytic model
      to estimate the in vivo stress conditions on the open-coil lead based on the
      analysis of orthogonal biplane radiographic images. We obtained geometric
      deformation data of the implanted lead including elongation magnitudes and
      bending radii from sequenced films of cardiac motion cycles. The lead stress
      distribution was investigated on each film frame and the point of maximum stress
      (Mean Stress = 531.4 MPa; Alternating Stress = +/- 216.4 MPa) was consistently
      where one of the leads exited the pericardial space, a deployment that we
      expected to be unfavorable. These results suggest the modeling approach can
      provide a basis for further design optimization. More animal tests and modeling
      will be needed to validate whether the novel lead design could meet the
      requirements to withstand ~200 million cardiac motion cycles over 5 years.

PMID- 28070868
TI  - Development of a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention for Smoking Cessation Among
      Korean American Emerging Adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cigarette smoking is a preventable risk factor that contributes to
      unnecessary lung cancer burden among Korean Americans and there is limited
      research on effective smoking cessation strategies for this population.
      Smartphone-based smoking cessation apps that leverage just-in-time adaptive
      interventions (JITAIs) hold promise for smokers attempting to quit. However,
      little is known about how to develop and tailor a smoking cessation JITAI for
      Korean American emerging adult (KAEA) smokers. METHOD: This paper documents the
      development process of MyQuit USC according to design guidelines for JITAI. Our
      development process builds on findings from a prior ecological momentary
      assessment study by using qualitative research methods. Semi-structured
      interviews and a focus group were conducted to inform which intervention options
      to offer and the decision rules that dictate their delivery. RESULTS: Qualitative
      findings highlighted that (1) smoking episodes are highly context-driven and that
      (2) KAEA smokers believe they need personalized cessation strategies tailored to
      different contexts. Thus, MyQuit USC operates via decision rules that guide the
      delivery of personalized implementation intentions, which are contingent on
      dynamic factors, to be delivered "just in time" at user-scheduled, high-risk
      smoking situations. CONCLUSION: Through an iterative design process, informed by
      quantitative and qualitative formative research, we developed a smoking cessation
      JITAI tailored specifically for KAEA smokers. Further testing is under way to
      optimize future versions of the app with the most effective intervention
      strategies and decision rules. MyQuit USC has the potential to provide cessation
      support in real-world settings, when KAEAs need them the most.

PMID- 28070869
TI  - Fast T1 and T2 mapping methods: the zoomed U-FLARE sequence compared with EPI and
      snapshot-FLASH for abdominal imaging at 11.7 Tesla.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A newly adapted zoomed ultrafast low-angle RARE (U-FLARE) sequence is
      described for abdominal imaging applications at 11.7 Tesla and compared with the
      standard echo-plannar imaging (EPI) and snapshot fast low angle shot (FLASH)
      methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrafast EPI and snapshot-FLASH protocols were
      evaluated to determine relaxation times in phantoms and in the mouse kidney in
      vivo. Owing to their apparent shortcomings, imaging artefacts, signal-to-noise
      ratio (SNR), and variability in the determination of relaxation times, these
      methods are compared with the newly implemented zoomed U-FLARE sequence. RESULTS:
      Snapshot-FLASH has a lower SNR when compared with the zoomed U-FLARE sequence and
      EPI. The variability in the measurement of relaxation times is higher in the Look
      Locker sequences than in inversion recovery experiments. Respectively, the
      average T1 and T2 values at 11.7 Tesla are as follows: kidney cortex, 1810 and 29
      ms; kidney medulla, 2100 and 25 ms; subcutaneous tumour, 2365 and 28 ms.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the zoomed U-FLARE sequence yields
      single-shot single-slice images with good anatomical resolution and high SNR at
      11.7 Tesla. Thus, it offers a viable alternative to standard protocols for
      mapping very fast parameters, such as T1 and T2, or dynamic processes in vivo at
      high field.

PMID- 28070870
TI  - Defining the Risk and Associated Morbidity and Mortality of Severe Respiratory
      Syncytial Virus Infection Among Infants with Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The REGAL (RSV Evidence-a Geographical Archive of the Literature)
      series provide a comprehensive review of the published evidence in the field of
      respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Western countries over the last 20 years.
      This fourth publication covers the risk and burden of RSV infection in infants
      with congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken
      for articles published between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2015 across
      PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Studies reporting
      data for hospital visits/admissions for RSV infection among children with CHD as
      well as studies reporting RSV-associated morbidity, mortality, and healthcare
      costs were included. The focus was on children not receiving RSV prophylaxis.
      Study quality and strength of evidence (SOE) were graded using recognized
      criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1325 studies were identified of which 38 were
      included. CHD, in particular hemodynamically significant CHD, is an independent
      predictor for RSV hospitalization (RSVH) (high SOE). RSVH rates were generally
      high in young children (<4 years) with CHD (various classifications), varying
      between 14 and 357/1000 (high SOE). Children (<6 years) with RSV infection spent
      4.4-14 days in hospital, with up to 53% requiring intensive care (high SOE).
      Infants (<2 years) with CHD had a more severe course of RSVH than those without
      CHD (high SOE). Case fatality rates of up to 3% were associated with RSV
      infection in children with CHD (high SOE). RSV infection in the perioperative
      period of corrective surgery and nosocomial RSV infection in intensive care units
      also represent important causes of morbidity (moderate SOE). CONCLUSION: CHD
      poses a significant risk for RSVH and subsequent morbidity and mortality. RSV
      infection often complicates corrective heart surgery. To reduce the burden and
      improve outcomes, further research and specific studies are needed to determine
      the longer-term effects of severe RSV infection in young children with CHD.

PMID- 28070871
TI  - Treating HIV Infection in the Central Nervous System.
AB  - Combination antiretroviral treatment is associated with clear benefits in HIV
      positive subjects, and is also effective in the central nervous system (CNS),
      meaning HIV-associated dementia is now an uncommon event. Nevertheless, a
      significant number of patients show symptoms of neurocognitive impairment which
      may negatively affect their quality of life. Although several risk factors for
      HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders have been identified, there is no clear
      recommendation for their prevention and management. In this review, the
      penetration of drugs into the cerebrospinal fluid/CNS is discussed as well as the
      viral and clinical consequences associated with higher/lower compartmental
      exposure. We also review the potential interventions according to the currently
      identified underlying mechanisms, including persistent CNS immune activation,
      legacy effects, low-level viral replication and escape, co-morbidities, and
      antiretroviral-associated direct and indirect 'neurotoxicity'. Adjunctive
      therapies and interventions (including neuro-rehabilitation) are then briefly
      discussed. The treatment of HIV infection in the CNS is a complex area of
      therapeutics requiring multidisciplinary interventions and further study.

PMID- 28070873
TI  - Animal Models of PTSD: A Critical Review.
AB  - The goals of animal research in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include
      better understanding the neurophysiological etiology of PTSD, identifying
      potential targets for novel pharmacotherapies, and screening drugs for their
      potential use as PTSD treatment in humans. Diagnosis of PTSD relies on a patient
      interview and, as evidenced by changes to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5,
      an adequate description of this disorder in humans is a moving target. Therefore,
      it may seem insurmountable to model the construct of PTSD in animals such as
      rodents. Fortunately, the neural circuitry involved in fear and anxiety, thought
      to be essential to the etiology of PTSD in humans, is highly conserved throughout
      evolution. Furthermore, many symptoms can be modeled using behavioral tests that
      have face, construct, and predictive validity. Because PTSD is precipitated by a
      definite traumatic experience, animal models can simulate the induction of PTSD,
      and test causal factors with longitudinal designs. Accordingly, several animal
      models of physical and psychological trauma have been established. This review
      discusses the widely used animal models of PTSD in rodents, and overviews their
      strengths and weaknesses in terms of face, construct, and predictive validity.

PMID- 28070872
TI  - Sedative Effects of Levocetirizine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
      Randomized Controlled Studies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As a substrate of P-glycoprotein, levocetirizine should not cause
      sedative effects. However, while cetirizine, a mixture of levocetirizine and
      dextrocetirizine, can slightly penetrate the blood brain barrier, the sedative
      effects of levocetirizine are still under study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this
      study was to investigate the sedative effects of levocetirizine. METHODS: An
      electronic literature search was performed using Medline and EMBASE from January
      01, 2001 through August 6, 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing
      levocetirizine with other antihistamines or placebo for patients with allergy and
      healthy subjects were selected. Primary outcome was risk ratio between
      levocetirizine and comparators. Secondary outcome was change in psychomotor
      speed. Data were pooled for meta-analysis using a fixed-effect model. RESULTS:
      Forty-eight studies of 18,014 patients met the inclusion criteria. When compared
      to placebo, levocetirizine produced modest sedative effects (RR: 1.67; 95% CI
      1.17, 2.38). However, when compared to other second-generation antihistamines,
      sedative effects of levocetirizine did not differ (RR: 1.23; 95% CI 0.96, 1.58).
      In subgroup analysis, there was no difference between the sedative effects of
      levocetirizine and fexofenadine (RR: 1.7; 95% CI 0.59, 4.88), desloratadine (RR:
      1.58; 95% CI 0.9, 2.77), loratadine (RR: 1.56; 95% CI 0.28, 8.56), bilastine (RR:
      1.17; 95% CI 0.48, 2.84), olopatadine (RR: 1.09; 95% CI 0.81, 1.47), azelastine
      (RR: 0.19; 95% CI 0.01, 3.68) and rupatadine (RR: 1.47; 95% CI 0.14, 15.72). When
      compared to first-generation antihistamines, levocetirizine had less sedative
      effects and less change of reaction time (mean difference: -250.76 s; 95% CI 
      338.53, -162.98). CONCLUSION: Levocetirizine has modest sedative effects with a
      risk ratio of 1.67 when compared with placebo. The sedative effects observed for
      levocetirizine are not different from other second-generation antihistamines.

PMID- 28070874
TI  - Infection of defective human T-lymphotropic virus type 1.
AB  - In a previous study, we reported that an identical defective provirus had
      integrated into multiple sites of the genome of a representative human T
      lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) cell line, MT-2. A possible explanation for
      this may be the repeated infection of this defective provirus to a cell.
      Therefore, we attempted to determine whether a defective provirus could transmit
      during the co-culture of HTLV-1 uninfected human T-cell line, Jurkat, with MT-2
      cells treated with mitomycin C. As a result, we established not only a cell line
      with the integration of one complete provirus, but also a cell line with the
      integration of one defective provirus. The rearrangement of the T-cell receptor 
      gamma gene of these cell lines showed them to be derived from Jurkat cells. Both
      HTLV-1 Tax/Rex and HBZ RNA were detected in the cell line, which harbors a
      complete provirus. On the other hand, HBZ RNA and transcriptional product
      specific for the defective provirus were detected in the cell line, which harbors
      a defective HTLV-1 provirus only. These results suggested that a defective HTLV-1
      provirus with large depletion of internal sequence could transmit to other cells.
      Moreover, the defective provirus can be transcriptionally active. This suggested
      the possibility that the defective HTLV-1 provirus found in the lymphocytes of
      HTLV-1 carriers and patients with adult T-cell leukemia may transmit to other T
      cells in vivo. The results also suggested that defective provirus in HTLV-1
      carriers could be functional and may play a role in leukemogenesis.

PMID- 28070875
TI  - Atrial fibrillation inducibility during cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial
      flutter ablation as a predictor of clinical atrial fibrillation. A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent
      atrial flutter (AFL) are two separate entities that coexist in a significant
      percentage of patients. We sought to investigate whether AF inducibility during
      CTI AFL ablation predicted the occurrence of AF at follow-up after successful AFL
      ablation. METHODS: A systemic review of Medline, Cochrane, and Embase was done
      for all the clinical studies in which assessment of AF inducibility in patients
      undergoing ablation for CTI AFL was performed. Given the low heterogeneity (i.e.,
      I 2 <25), we used a fixed effect model for our analysis. RESULTS: A total of 10
      studies (4 prospective and 6 retrospective) with a total of 1299 patients (male,
      73%; mean age 59 +/- 11 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. During a mean
      follow-up period of 23 +/- 7.6 months, 407 patients (31%) developed AF during AFL
      ablation. The overall incidence for new-onset AF during follow-up was 29% (47% in
      the group with inducible AF vs. 21% in the non-inducible group). The odds ratio
      (OR) for developing AF after AFL ablation in patients with AF inducibility for
      all studies combined was 3.72, 95% CI 2.83-4.89 [prospective studies (OR 5.52,
      95% CI 3.23-9.41) vs. retrospective studies (OR 3.23, 95% CI 2.35-4.45)].
      CONCLUSIONS: Although ablation for CTI AFL is highly effective, AF continues to
      be a long-term risk for individuals undergoing this procedure. AF induced by
      pacing protocols in patients undergoing CTI AFL predicts for future AF. Inducible
      AF is a clinically relevant finding that may help guide decisions for long-term
      anticoagulation after successful typical AFL ablation especially in patients with
      elevated CHADS-VASc scores (>=2) and in considering prophylactic PVI during CTI
      AFL ablation.

PMID- 28070876
TI  - Pulmonary artery sarcoma resected via median sternotomy with thoracoscopic
      assistance.
AB  - Median sternotomy is frequently selected for the resection of pulmonary artery
      tumor, and pneumonectomy is performed for complete resection. However, it is
      difficult to see the inferior pulmonary vein and transect it safely via median
      sternotomy, so additional thoracotomy is often required and this is highly
      invasive. In the present case, we employed thoracoscopy (which we routinely use
      for VATS lobectomy) to transect the inferior pulmonary vein via median sternotomy
      without additional intercostal thoracotomy. This method has advantages for
      patients undergoing pneumonectomy via median sternotomy.

PMID- 28070877
TI  - Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and its overlap with IgG4-related disease.
AB  - Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease characterised by fibrous tissue
      proliferation in the retroperitoneum, with encasement of the ureters and large
      vessels of the abdomen as the most destructive of potentially severe
      complications. It can either be idiopathic, or secondary to infections,
      malignancies, or the use of certain drugs. The idiopathic form accounts for
      approximately 75% of the cases, and is usually responsive to immunosuppressive
      therapy. In recent years, the emergence of a new clinical entity, IgG4-related
      disease (IgG4-RD), shed light on many fibro-inflammatory disorders once thought
      to be separate clinical entities, although frequently associated in the so-called
      multifocal fibrosclerosis. Among these, together with sclerosing pancreatitis and
      cholangitis, pseudotumour of the orbit, idiopathic mediastinal fibrosis and other
      conditions, is idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF). Both IRF and IgG4-RD
      can be associated with a wide variety of disorders, usually governed by immune
      mediated (and particularly auto-immune) mechanisms. In our review, we discuss the
      clinical and therapeutic challenges IRF presents to the internist, as well as the
      meaning of its recent inclusion in the IgG4-RD spectrum from a clinical practice
      standpoint.

PMID- 28070878
TI  - Effects of Caffeic Acid and Quercetin on In Vitro Permeability, Metabolism and In
      Vivo Pharmacokinetics of Melatonin in Rats: Potential for Herb-Drug Interaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Melatonin is a popular dietary supplement and also
      considered as pharmaceutical product for sleep disorders. Caffeic acid and
      quercetin are widely distributed in leafy vegetables, fruits, tea extract, and
      both are used as natural antioxidant. There is an immense concern for health
      researchers to study the herb/food-drug interactions of melatonin. It is mainly
      metabolized by CYP1A2 in human so that herbs/foods containing cytochrome P450
      (CYP) inhibitors can affect pharmacokinetics of melatonin. By considering
      pharmacokinetic aspects, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects
      of caffeic acid and quercetin on Caco-2 cells permeability, metabolism, CYP1A
      inhibition in vitro assay systems and a single dose pharmacokinetics of melatonin
      in vivo rats. METHODS: The effects of caffeic acid and quercetin on melatonin
      permeability were tested in Caco-2 cells. Metabolic stability and CYP1A activity
      were investigated in rat liver microsomes (RLMs) using probe substrates
      (melatonin/phenacetin in vitro). Melatonin and phenacetin were incubated in RLMs
      with or without caffeic acid and quercetin, and the IC50 values were determined.
      The pharmacokinetics of melatonin conducted in rats after a single dose (15
      mg/kg) pre-treatment with caffeic acid, quercetin and caffeic acid plus quercetin
      followed by oral dose of melatonin at 5 mg/kg. Analysis of all samples was with
      LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: Caffeic acid and quercetin did not alter Caco-2 permeability
      of melatonin in apical to basolateral direction and vice versa. Melatonin was
      metabolized in rat liver microsomes, which was inhibited by both caffeic acid and
      quercetin through CYP1A. The concomitant oral administration of melatonin along
      with 15 mg/kg of caffeic acid or quercetin or caffeic acid plus quercetin
      significantly (p < 0.05) increased the AUC0-t of melatonin by 30.0, 66.7 and
      114.0%, respectively. The apparent oral rat plasma clearance (CL/F) of melatonin
      also decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by 28.78, 47.87 and 50% in presence of
      caffeic acid, quercetin and caffeic acid plus quercetin, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that caffeic acid and quercetin improved oral
      exposure of melatonin via CYP1A inhibition pathway.

PMID- 28070879
TI  - A Review of Pharmacogenetics of Antimalarials and Associated Clinical
      Implications.
AB  - Genetic variability in drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters is known
      to influence the pharmacokinetics of many drugs. Antimalarial drugs are a class
      of agents known to utilize metabolic and elimination pathways prone to genetic
      variation. This paper aims to review the genetic variants affecting antimalarial
      medications and discuss their clinical implications. Data were identified for the
      genes coding for the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes: CYP2C8, CYP2C19, CYP2A6,
      CYP2D6, CYP2B6, and the P-glycoprotein drug transporter. Adverse effects of
      amodiaquine were more common in patients with decreased CYP2C8 metabolism.
      CYP2C19 variants influenced the metabolism of proguanil but no differences in
      efficacy outcomes were observed. Ultra-metabolizers of CYP2A6 showed increased
      incidence of adverse effects of artesunate (prodrug for active metabolite,
      dihydroartemisinin). In the presence of efavirenz, mutations in CYP2B6 influenced
      the number of patients achieving day-7 lumefantrine concentrations above accepted
      therapeutic cut-offs. Lumefantrine concentrations were also influenced by ABCB1
      variants in the presence of nevirapine. The most critical pharmacogenetic
      consideration identified was the association of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
      deficiency with development of hemolytic anemia and decreased hemoglobin levels
      in patients treated with primaquine or a combination of chlorproguanil-dapsone
      artesunate. These findings demonstrate a need for close monitoring of patients
      originating from populations where genetic variation in metabolizing enzymes is
      prevalent, so as to ensure that optimal clinical outcomes are achieved. Future
      studies should determine which populations are at greatest risk of potential
      treatment failures and/or adverse effects, which drugs are most susceptible to
      genetic variation in metabolizing enzymes, and the impact of genetic influence on
      the efficacy and safety of first-line treatment regimens.

PMID- 28070881
TI  - Left ventricular function after takotsubo is not fully recovered in long-term
      follow-up: A speckle tracking echocardiography study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complete improvement of left ventricle (LV) systolic function is an
      essential feature of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). It is suggested that 2
      dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) can evaluate LV
      dysfunction more accurately than conventional echocardiography. Thus, the purpose
      of this research was to assertain whether LV function recovery is complete after
      the acute phase of TTC using 2D STE commencing 6 to 9 months after discharge.
      METHODS: Thirty patients (29 females, 67 +/- 11 years) with an apical ballooning
      TTC pattern 225.5 +/- 27.4 days after their index event were enrolled. The
      control group consisted of 20 (19 females, 64 +/- 9 years) age- and sex-matched
      volunteers without structural heart disease. Classic echocardiographic
      parameters, longitudinal strain and LV twist parameters were assessed and
      compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were no differences in traditional LV
      systolic, diastolic parameters and in global peak longitudinal strain. In
      comparison to controls, patients with TTC had lower mean apical rotation (14.4
      degrees  +/- 6.5 degrees  vs. 18.3 degrees  +/- 6.7 degrees ; p = 0.048), slower
      mean peak early diastolic apical rotation rate (-85.1- degrees /s +/- 40.9-
      degrees /s vs -119.4- degrees /s +/- 41.9- degrees /s; p = 0.006) and higher pre
      stretch index in the apex (2.16, IQR 0.33-5.50 vs. 0.00, IQR 0.00-2.95, p =
      0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The improvement of LV function in patients with TTC as
      assessed by 2D STE may not always be complete. Some residual abnormalities in LV
      apex function were observed in long-term recovery following TTC episodes.

PMID- 28070880
TI  - On the Molecular Basis Underlying the Metabolism of Tapentadol Through Sulfation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous studies reported that tapentadol-sulfate
      represented one of the major metabolites of tapentadol excreted in urine. The
      current study aimed to identify the human cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs)
      that is(are) capable of sulfating tapentadol and to examine whether human cells
      and human organ specimens are capable of sulfating tapentadol. METHODS: Thirteen
      human SULTs, previously expressed and purified, as well as human organ cytosols,
      were analyzed for tapentadol-sulfating activity using an established
      sulfotransferase assay. Cultured HepG2 human hepatoma cells and Caco-2 human
      colon carcinoma cells were labeled with [35S]sulfate in the presence of different
      concentrations of tapentadol. RESULTS: Three of the thirteen human SULTs,
      SULT1A1, SULT1A3, and SULT1C4, were found to display sulfating activity toward
      tapentadol. Kinetic analysis revealed that SULT1A3 displayed the highest
      catalytic efficiency in mediating the sulfation of tapentadol, followed by
      SULT1A1 and SULT1C4. Using cultured HepG2 and Caco-2 cells, the generation and
      release of sulfated tapentadol under metabolic conditions was demonstrated.
      Moreover, of the four human organ specimens (kidney, liver, lung, and small
      intestine) tested, the cytosols prepared from small intestine and liver showed
      significant tapentadol-sulfating capacity (at 0.0203 and 0.0054 nmol/min/mg,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results derived from the current
      study provided a molecular basis underlying the sulfation of tapentadol in
      humans.

PMID- 28070882
TI  - Effect of a 180 mg ticagrelor loading dose on myocardial necrosis in patients
      undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention: A preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine whether a loading dose of ticagrelor on top of clopidogrel
      reduced postpercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) myonecrosis. METHODS:
      Seventy seven coronary artery disease patients received a loading dose of 300 mg
      clopidogrel pre-PCI and were divided into three groups: group TT (n = 36): a
      loading dose of 180 mg ticagrelor pre-PCI, followed by ticagrelor 90 mg twice
      daily commencing one day post-PCI; group CT (n = 26): a maintenance dose of
      ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily; group CC (n = 15): clopidogrel 75 mg daily post-
      PCI. High sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB)
      were measured pre-PCI and 0 h, 2 h or 24 h post-PCI. Platelet aggregation was
      measured in a separate cohort of 54 coronary artery disease patients (35 diabetic
      and 19 non-diabetic patients). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in
      hs-cTnT and CK-MB concentration among the three groups. In group TT, diabetic
      patients had significant higher Deltahs-cTnT2h-0h than non-diabetic patients. In
      the second cohort, although baseline platelet aggregation was higher in diabetic
      than non-diabetic patients, platelet aggregation was comparable between diabetic
      and non-diabetic patients at 0 and 2 h post-PCI. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      indicates that a loading dose of ticagrelor does not significantly reduce post-
      PCI myonecrosis. Diabetes is associated with more post-PCI myonecrosis. A loading
      dose of ticagrelor effectively reduces platelet aggregation in diabetic patients.

PMID- 28070883
TI  - Pilot of a Computerised Antithrombotic Risk Assessment Tool Version 2 (CARATV2.0)
      for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The decision-making process for stroke prevention in atrial
      fibrillation (AF) requires a comprehensive assessment of risk vs. benefit and an
      appropriate selection of antithrombotic agents (e.g., warfarin, non-vitamin K
      antagonist oral anticoagulants [NOACs]). The aim of this pilot-test was to
      examine the impact of a customised decision support tool - the Computerised
      Antithrombotic Risk Assessment Tool (CARATV2.0) using antithrombotic therapy on a
      cohort of patients with AF. METHODS: In this prospective interventional study,
      251 patients with AF aged >= 65 years, admitted to a teaching hospital in
      Australia were recruited. CARATV2.0 generated treatment recommendations based on
      patient medical information. Recommendations were provided to prescribers for
      consideration. RESULTS: At baseline (admission), 30.3% of patients were
      prescribed warfarin, 26.7% an antiplatelet, 8.4% apixaban, 8.0% rivaroxaban, 3.6%
      dabigatran. CARATV2.0 recommended a change of therapy for 153 (61.0%) patients.
      Through recommendations of CARATV2.0, at discharge, 40.2% of patients were
      prescribed warfarin, 17.7% antiplatelet, 14.3% apixaban, 10.4% rivaroxaban, 5.6%
      dabigatran. Overall, the proportion of patients receiving an antithrombotic on
      discharge increased significantly from baseline (admission) (baseline 77.2% vs.
      89.2%; p < 0.001). Prescribers moderately agreed with CARATV2.0's recommendations
      (kappa = 0.275, p < 0.001). Practical medication safety issues were cited as
      major reasons for not accepting a desire to continue therapy with CARATV2.0's
      recommendations. Factors predicting the prescription of antiplatelets rather than
      anticoagulants included higher bleeding risk and high risk of falls. An inter
      speciality difference in therapy selection was detected. CONCLUSIONS: This
      decision support tool can help optimise the use of antithrombotic therapy in
      patients with AF by considering risk versus benefit profiles and rationalising
      treatment selection. (Cardiol J 2017; 24, 2: 176-187).

PMID- 28070884
TI  - A national survey of neurological monitoring practice after obstetric regional
      anaesthesia in the UK.
AB  - Neuraxial anaesthesia is widely used in obstetrics and neurological complications
      are rare. However, when they occur, subsequent investigation and management are
      time-critical and correlate with the extent of neurological recovery. The Third
      National Audit Project recommended the implementation of guidelines in obstetric
      epidural management, including advice on monitoring for early signs of problems
      and acting upon concerns. However, no national guideline exists for postoperative
      management in the obstetric population. We conducted a national survey of
      monitoring after obstetric neuraxial blockade and the management of an abnormally
      prolonged block. We received responses from 112/189 (59.3%) obstetric anaesthetic
      leads invited to participate. We determined that post-neuraxial blockade
      monitoring in the UK is highly variable: only 63/112 (56.3%) respondents' units
      had a monitoring policy in place, although most of these did not undertake formal
      neurological monitoring, and a range of different monitoring methods and
      schedules were employed. In 12/63 (19%) local policies, the first review of
      neurology was performed at the standard postoperative visit the following day,
      and 66/112 (58.9%) units had no protocol in place to address emergency management
      of abnormally prolonged neuraxial blockade. Where a policy was in place, the
      initial recommended action and the type of imaging used were variable.

PMID- 28070885
TI  - Barriers toward organ donation in a Danish University Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Denmark, organ donation-rates are below the average in the western
      countries. We investigated the donor potential and identified barriers toward
      organ donation in a Danish university hospital. METHODS: All patients who died in
      Aalborg University Hospital in 2012 were retrospectively identified. Patients
      with a CT- or MRI-proven deadly brain-lesion were eligible for inclusion.
      RESULTS: Eighty-five patients with deadly brain-lesions were included, and of
      these 47 patients died in the intensive care unit (ICU). Older age and diagnosis
      of brain-hemorrhage and infarction were associated with admission to general ward
      (GW). In 62.4% of the patients the potential of becoming a donor was not
      identified. No donations occurred from patients dying from intracerebral
      hemorrhage or brain-infarction although they represented 44.7% of the potential
      donors. DISCUSSION: This study reveals a huge, unrecognized donation potential at
      our hospital. About 30% was lost because they were never admitted to the ICU.
      After primary admission to the ICU, 15.3% of the potential donors were lost
      because they were transferred to the GW. In patients who died in the ICU 17.6% of
      the patients were not evaluated as potential donors. The relatives refused
      donation in 17.6% of cases. CONCLUSION: It would be possible to raise the
      donation rate considerably if patients with donation potential are intubated and
      admitted to the ICU. When active treatment is considered withdrawn, possibility
      of organ donation should be evaluated, and the next of kin be approached by
      experienced staff.

PMID- 28070886
TI  - Spinal cord atrophy in anterior-posterior direction reflects impairment in
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate how atrophy is distributed over the cross section of
      the upper cervical spinal cord and how this relates to functional impairment in
      multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: We analysed the structural brain MRI scans of
      54 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (n=22), primary progressive MS (n=9),
      secondary progressive MS (n=23) and 23 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We
      measured the cross-sectional area (CSA), left-right width (LRW) and anterior
      posterior width (APW) of the spinal cord at the segmental level C2. We tested for
      a nonparametric linear relationship between these atrophy measures and clinical
      impairments as reflected by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and
      Multiple Sclerosis Impairment Scale (MSIS). RESULTS: In patients with MS, CSA and
      APW but not LRW were reduced compared to healthy controls (P<.02) and showed
      significant correlations with EDSS, MSIS and specific MSIS subscores. CONCLUSION:
      In patients with MS, atrophy of the upper cervical cord is most evident in the
      antero-posterior direction. As APW of the cervical cord can be readily derived
      from standard structural MRI of the brain, APW constitutes a clinically useful
      neuroimaging marker of disease-related neurodegeneration in MS.

PMID- 28070887
TI  - Diversity in the organization of elastin bundles and intramembranous muscles in
      bat wings.
AB  - Unlike birds and insects, bats fly with wings composed of thin skin that envelops
      the bones of the forelimb and spans the area between the limbs, digits, and
      sometimes the tail. This skin is complex and unusual; it is thinner than typical
      mammalian skin and contains organized bundles of elastin and embedded skeletal
      muscles. These elements are likely responsible for controlling the shape of the
      wing during flight and contributing to the aerodynamic capabilities of bats. We
      examined the arrangement of two macroscopic architectural elements in bat wings,
      elastin bundles and wing membrane muscles, to assess the diversity in bat wing
      skin morphology. We characterized the plagiopatagium and dactylopatagium of 130
      species from 17 families of bats using cross-polarized light imaging. This method
      revealed structures with distinctive relative birefringence, heterogeneity of
      birefringence, variation in size, and degree of branching. We used previously
      published anatomical studies and tissue histology to identify birefringent
      structures, and we analyzed their architecture across taxa. Elastin bundles,
      muscles, neurovasculature, and collagenous fibers are present in all species.
      Elastin bundles are oriented in a predominantly spanwise or proximodistal
      direction, and there are five characteristic muscle arrays that occur within the
      plagiopatagium, far more muscle than typically recognized. These results inform
      recent functional studies of wing membrane architecture, support the functional
      hypothesis that elastin bundles aid wing folding and unfolding, and further
      suggest that all bats may use these architectural elements for flight. All
      species also possess numerous muscles within the wing membrane, but the
      architecture of muscle arrays within the plagiopatagium varies among families. To
      facilitate present and future discussion of these muscle arrays, we refine wing
      membrane muscle nomenclature in a manner that reflects this morphological
      diversity. The architecture of the constituents of the skin of the wing likely
      plays a key role in shaping wings during flight.

PMID- 28070888
TI  - Addressing heterogeneous needs using cerebral palsy registers.

PMID- 28070889
TI  - Guided parent-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for children with anxiety
      disorders: Outcomes at 3- to 5-year follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Brief guided parent-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has
      been developed to meet the demand for non-intensive interventions for children
      with anxiety disorders, and initial trials have shown it to be effective for
      children with a range of anxiety disorders. This study examined outcomes 3-5
      years post-treatment. DESIGN: A long-term follow-up (LTFU) cohort study. METHODS:
      Families who (1) completed at least 50% of allocated treatment sessions of guided
      parent-delivered CBT for childhood anxiety as part of a randomized control trial
      (RCT), (2) provided consent to be recontacted, (3) had not received further
      mental health interventions, and (4) were contactable were invited to take part.
      Fifty-seven families (29% of the original sample) completed structured diagnostic
      interviews on average 50 months after treatment (39-61 months). RESULTS: At LTFU,
      79% of the assessed children who had received the treatment no longer met
      criteria for their primary diagnosis, 63% did not meet criteria for any anxiety
      disorder, and 61% did not meet criteria for any DSM-IV disorder. Treatment gains
      were mostly maintained (60%), and some children went on to recover during the
      follow-up period without additional input from mental health services (19%). Few
      young people had relapsed since their last assessment (12%). Mean scores on
      standardized symptom questionnaires were within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS:
      Children who recovered from anxiety disorders following brief guided parent
      delivered CBT typically maintained good outcomes and few relapsed. These findings
      suggest that this is a viable first-line, low-intensity treatment approach. This
      study only included a small subsample of those in the original RCT (29%), and
      more information is required about those who dropped out of treatment and those
      who required further intervention immediately after treatment. PRACTITIONER
      POINTS: Treatment gains from brief guided parent-delivered cognitive behaviour
      therapy for children with anxiety are maintained for most children 3-5 years
      later. The majority of children who completed at least 50% of the intervention
      required no further mental health intervention in that time. Some children make
      continued improvement after completing the intervention. Data are based on a
      sample of families from southern England where the primary caregiving parent was
      free of mental health difficulties. Further research is needed to explore the
      mental health needs of those who do not benefit from this intervention.

PMID- 28070890
TI  - The Role of Conventional and Right-Sided ECG Screening for Subcutaneous ICD in a
      Tetralogy of Fallot Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information regarding suitability for subcutaneous implantable
      cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implant in tetralogy of Fallot (ToF)
      population is scarce and needs to be further explored. THE AIMS OF OUR STUDY
      WERE: (1) to determine the proportion of patients with ToF eligible for S-ICD,
      (2) to identify the optimal sensing vector in ToF patients, (3) to test
      specifically the eligibility for S-ICD with right-sided screening, and (4) to
      compare with the proportion of eligible patients in a nonselected ICD population.
      METHODS: We recruited 60 consecutive patients with ToF and 40 consecutive
      nonselected patients. Conventional electrocardiographic screening was performed
      as usual. Right-sided alternative screening was studied by positioning the left
      arm and right arm electrodes 1 cm right lateral to the xiphoid midline. The
      Boston Scientific electrocardiogram (ECG) screening tool was utilized. RESULTS:
      We found a higher proportion of patients with right-sided positive screening in
      comparison with standard screening (77 +/- 0.4% vs. 67 +/- 0.4%; P < 0.0001) and
      a trend to higher number of appropriate leads in right-sided screening (1.3 +/- 1
      vs. 1.1 +/- 1 ms; P = 0.07). Patients who failed the screening had a longer QRS
      duration and longer QT interval. Standard and right-sided screening showed a
      higher percent of positive patients in the control group compared to ToF patients
      (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Right-sided screening was associated with a significant
      10% increase in S-ICD eligibility in ToF patients. When comparing with an
      acquired cardiomyopathies group, ToF showed a lower eligibility for S-ICD. The
      most appropriate ECG vector was the alternate vector in contrast to what is
      observed in the general population.

PMID- 28070891
TI  - A ROP2-RIC1 pathway fine-tunes microtubule reorganization for salt tolerance in
      Arabidopsis.
AB  - The reorganization of microtubules induced by salt stress is required for
      Arabidopsis survival under high salinity conditions. RIC1 is an effector of Rho
      related GTPase from plants (ROPs) and a known microtubule-associated protein. In
      this study, we demonstrated that RIC1 expression decreased with long-term NaCl
      treatment, and ric1-1 seedlings exhibited a higher survival rate under salt
      stress. We found that RIC1 reduced the frequency of microtubule transition from
      shortening to growing status and knockout of RIC1 improved the reassembly of
      depolymerized microtubules caused by either oryzalin treatment or salt stress.
      Further investigation showed that constitutively active ROP2 promoted the
      reassembly of microtubules and the survival of seedlings under salt stress. A
      rop2-1 ric1-1 double mutant rescued the salt-sensitive phenotype of rop2-1,
      indicating that ROP2 functions in salt tolerance through RIC1. Although ROP2 did
      not regulate RIC1 expression upon salt stress, a quick but mild increase of ROP2
      activity was induced, led to reduction of RIC1 on microtubules. Collectively, our
      study reveals an ROP2-RIC1 pathway that fine-tunes microtubule dynamics in
      response to salt stress in Arabidopsis. This finding not only reveals a new
      regulatory mechanism for microtubule reorganization under salt stress but also
      the importance of ROP signalling for salinity tolerance.

PMID- 28070892
TI  - Extraction, partial purification and characterization of amylase from
      parthenocarpic date (Phoenix dactylifera): effect on cake quality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phoenix dactylifera L. plays an important role in social, economic
      and ecological Tunisian sectors. Some date palms produce parthenocarpic fruit
      named Sish. The objective of the present study was to extract biomolecules from
      parthenocarpic fruit by producing value-added products from the fruits. RESULTS:
      The extraction of amylolytic activity from parthenocarpic fruit (AmyPF) was
      optimized using Box-Behnken design (BBD). Partial purification of about 250-fold
      with an activity yield of 47% was achieved. The amylase exhibited a specific
      activity of 80 U mg-1 protein. The optimum pH and temperature for enzyme activity
      were 5 and 55  degrees C respectively. The enzyme was highly active over a wide
      range of pH (5-10), and significant stabilization was observed at 60  degrees C.
      The purified enzyme belongs to the exo type of amylases. Given the economic and
      industrial relevance of amylases used in the food industry, three different
      concentrations of AmyPF (0.007, 0.014 and 0.018 U g-1 ) were incorporated into a
      cake formulation, resulting in a decrease in density, moisture retention and
      water activity and an increase in hardness. CONCLUSION: The beneficial effect of
      AmyPF on the technological characteristics of cakes was confirmed by sensory
      evaluation. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28070893
TI  - Improving Nonmetric Sex Classification for Hispanic Individuals.
AB  - Current techniques used by forensic anthropologists for the identification of
      unknown human skeletal remains have largely been created using U.S. Black and
      White samples. When applied to Hispanics, these techniques perform poorly and can
      lead to misclassifications; consequently, there is an imperative need for
      population-specific standards for Hispanics. This research examines the
      classification accuracies obtained by the original Walker (Am J Phys Anthropol,
      136, 2008) and Klales et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol, 149, 2012) methods for
      nonmetric sex estimation and provides recalibrated regression equations
      specifically for Hispanics. Ordinal data were collected for five skull and three
      pelvic traits from a sample of 54 modern Hispanic individuals. Recalibration of
      the Klales et al. equation improved accuracy (90.3% vs. 94.1%), while
      recalibration of the Walker method equation decreased accuracy (81.5% vs. 74.1%),
      but greatly improved sex bias (22.2% vs. -7.4%), thereby making the recalibrated
      equations more appropriate for use with Hispanics.

PMID- 28070894
TI  - A Phase 1, Open-Label, Randomized, Crossover Study Evaluating the Bioavailability
      of TAS-102 (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) Tablets Relative to an Oral Solution
      Containing Equivalent Amounts of Trifluridine and Tipiracil.
AB  - TAS-102 (trifluridine/tipiracil) is composed of an antineoplastic thymidine-based
      nucleoside analogue trifluridine (FTD), and a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor,
      tipiracil (TPI), at a molar ratio of 1:0.5 (weight ratio, 1:0.471). A phase 1
      study evaluated relative bioavailability of TAS-102 tablets compared with an oral
      solution containing equivalent amounts of FTD and TPI. In an open-label, 2
      sequence, 3-period, crossover bioavailability study (part 1), patients 18 years
      or older with advanced solid tumors were randomized to receive TAS-102 tablets
      (60 mg; 3 * 20-mg tablets) on day 1 and TAS-102 oral solution (60 mg) on days 8
      and 15, or the opposite sequence. In an extension (part 2), all patients received
      TAS-102 tablets. Of the 46 patients treated in the crossover study, 38 were
      evaluable in the crossover bioavailability pharmacokinetic population. For area
      under the concentration-time curve (AUC)0-infinity and AUC0-last for FTD and TPI,
      and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) for TPI, the 90% confidence intervals
      (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios were within the 0.80 to 1.25 boundary for
      demonstration of bioequivalence; for FTD Cmax , the lower limit of the 90%CI was
      0.786. The most frequently reported treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events
      were neutropenia (7 patients) and decreased neutrophil count (3 patients).
      Although the lower limit of the 90%CI for the geometric mean ratio of FTD Cmax
      was slightly lower than 0.80, the bioavailability of the TAS-102 tablet is
      considered clinically similar to that of a TAS-102 oral solution. TAS-102 was
      well tolerated in this population of patients with advanced solid tumors.

PMID- 28070895
TI  - Influence analysis for skew-normal semiparametric joint models of multivariate
      longitudinal and multivariate survival data.
AB  - The normality assumption of measurement error is a widely used distribution in
      joint models of longitudinal and survival data, but it may lead to unreasonable
      or even misleading results when longitudinal data reveal skewness feature. This
      paper proposes a new joint model for multivariate longitudinal and multivariate
      survival data by incorporating a nonparametric function into the trajectory
      function and hazard function and assuming that measurement errors in longitudinal
      measurement models follow a skew-normal distribution. A Monte Carlo Expectation
      Maximization (EM) algorithm together with the penalized-splines technique and the
      Metropolis-Hastings algorithm within the Gibbs sampler is developed to estimate
      parameters and nonparametric functions in the considered joint models. Case
      deletion diagnostic measures are proposed to identify the potential influential
      observations, and an extended local influence method is presented to assess local
      influence of minor perturbations. Simulation studies and a real example from a
      clinical trial are presented to illustrate the proposed methodologies. Copyright
      (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28070896
TI  - Tiny protein detection using pressure through solid-state nanopores.
AB  - Solid-state nanopore is a promising tool to detect proteins and its complexes.
      Small proteins (sub-35 kDa) translocate very fast which could not be detected by
      normal patch-clamp recording instrument due to low temporal resolution. We first
      introduce pressure into protein study and detection. The pressure-derived force,
      combined with the voltage bias, makes very tiny protein (MW < 6.5 kDa) detection
      possible. Capture rate for Aprotinin is enhanced five times more than that in
      traditional voltage-driven method by fine tuning of pressure and voltage.
      Temporal resolution of Aprotinin detection has improved by decreasing effective
      driving force. Moreover, we provide potential method to locate the equilibrium
      range for BSA movement in ionic solution by modulating driving pressure and
      retard voltage. Our study is of fundamental significance in nanopore research and
      provides unique platforms to study small proteins and other tiny biomolecules.

PMID- 28070897
TI  - Stable spline deconvolution for dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present the stable spline (SS) deconvolution method for the
      quantification of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) from dynamic susceptibility
      contrast MRI. METHODS: The SS method was compared with both the block-circulant
      singular value decomposition (oSVD) and nonlinear stochastic regularization (NSR)
      methods. oSVD is one of the most popular deconvolution methods in dynamic
      susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI). NSR is an alternative approach that we
      proposed previously. The three methods were compared using simulated data and two
      clinical data sets. RESULTS: The SS method correctly reconstructed the dispersed
      residue function and its peak in presence of dispersion, regardless of the delay.
      In absence of dispersion, SS performs similarly to oSVD and does not correctly
      reconstruct the residue function and its peak. SS and NSR better differentiate
      healthy and pathologic CBF values compared with oSVD in all simulated conditions.
      Using acquired data, SS and NSR provide more clinically plausible and
      physiological estimates of the residue function and CBF maps compared with oSVD.
      CONCLUSION: The SS method overcomes some of the limitations of oSVD, such as
      unphysiological estimates of the residue function and NSR, the latter of which is
      too computationally expensive to be applied to large data sets. Thus, the SS
      method is a valuable alternative for CBF quantification using DSC-MRI data. Magn
      Reson Med 78:1801-1811, 2017. (c) 2017 International Society for Magnetic
      Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28070898
TI  - Clearance of recalcitrant warts in a patient with idiopathic immune deficiency
      following administration of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cutaneous warts are potentially serious and
      debilitating. In immunosuppressed patients, these warts may be resistant to
      standard therapies. We report a case of a young patient with a primary immune
      deficiency whose recalcitrant cutaneous warts regressed completely following
      administration of a quadrivalent HPV vaccine.

PMID- 28070899
TI  - Sofosbuvir-based treatment regimens: real life results of 14 409 chronic HCV
      genotype 4 patients in Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is one of the most important
      health problems in Egypt. The Ministry of Health's National Treatment Programme
      introduced sofosbuvir-based therapy in October 2014. AIM: To assess the clinical
      effectiveness and predictors of response to SOF-based treatment regimens, either
      dual therapy, with SOF/ribavirin (RBV) for 6 months or triple therapy with
      SOF/peg-IFN-alfa-2a/RBV for 3 months, in a cohort of patients treated in National
      Treatment Programme affiliated centres in Egypt. METHODS: Between October 2014
      and end of 2014, patients who were eligible for treatment were classified
      according to their eligibility for interferon therapy: Group 1 (interferon
      eligible) were treated with triple therapy for 12 weeks and Group 2 (interferon
      ineligible) were treated with dual therapy for 24 weeks. Difficult to treat
      patients included those with F3-F4 on Metavir score, Fib-4 >3.25, albumin <=3.5,
      total Bilirubin >1.2 mg/dL, INR >1.2 and platelet count <150 000 mm3 . RESULTS:
      Twelve weeks post-treatment data were available on 14 409 patients; 8742 in group
      1 and 5667 in group 2. In group 1, the sustained virological response at week 12
      (SVR12) was 94% and in group 2 the SVR12 was 78.7%. Multivariate logistic
      regression analysis in which treatment failure is the dependent variable was
      done. Male gender, being a difficult to treat patient and previous interferon
      therapy were significant predictors of nonresponse in both treatment groups.
      CONCLUSION: Results of sofosbuvir-based therapies in Egypt achieved similar rates
      of SVR12 as seen in phase III efficacy studies.

PMID- 28070900
TI  - Chemoselective Henry Condensations Catalyzed by Artificial Carboligases.
AB  - The promiscuity of de novo designed enzymes provides a privileged platform for
      diverse abiological reactions. In this work, we report the first example of a
      nitroolefin synthase that catalyzes the Henry condensation between aromatic
      aldehydes and nitromethane. Significant catalytic activity was discovered in the
      computationally designed and evolved carboligase RA95.5-8, and mutations around
      the active site were shown to improve the reaction rate, demonstrating the
      potential to optimize the enzyme by directed evolution. This novel nitroolefin
      synthase could participate in complex biological cascades, whereby the highly
      tunable chemoselectivity could afford useful synthetic building blocks.

PMID- 28070901
TI  - A case of blue naevus of the mucocutaneous junction of the lower eyelid margin
      associated with acquired bilateral naevus of Ota-like macule.

PMID- 28070902
TI  - A modified LVAD technique to augment caval and pulmonary arterial blood flow in
      the "failing Fontan" circulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are minimal circulatory support options for patients with a
      failing Fontan. The Heartmate II (HMII) left ventricular assist device (Thoratec,
      Bedford, MA) in its packaged state cannot augment caval/pulmonary arterial blood
      flow. AIM: We hypothesized that a modified HMII pump could augment caval and
      pulmonary arterial blood flow. METHODS: A bifurcated ringed Gore-Tex graft (W. L.
      Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) was sewn to the HMII inflow, and the outflow
      graft transected and tapered from 16 mm to 8 mm in diameter. In three sheep, the
      inflow and outflow grafts were anastomosed end-to-side to both cava and the
      pulmonary artery. RESULTS: Following baseline measurements, the pump speed was
      increased to 8000 revolutions per minute (RPMs). Compared to baseline, at 8000
      RPMs, there were no significant differences in mean arterial, central venous, or
      pulmonary arterial pressure. However, there was a significant decrease in right
      ventricular diastolic diameter (3.1 +/- 0.1 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.2 cm, R = 0.6, p =
      0.02) and similarly a decrease in pulmonary arterial pulse pressure (8.5 +/- 2.1
      vs. 2.1 +/- 2.9 mmHg, p = 0.01). As pump speed increased, there was a
      corresponding increase in pump flow and power, with a decrease in pulsatility
      index. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the HMII may be modified to
      provide caval/pulmonary circulatory support for the failing Fontan circulation.

PMID- 28070904
TI  - Re: Potassium-sodium citrate prevents the development of renal microcalculi into
      symptomatic stones in calcium stone-forming patients.

PMID- 28070903
TI  - Myocardial deformation in pediatric patients with mucopolysaccharidoses: A two
      dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are inherited lysosomal storage disorders
      caused by deficiency of required glycosaminoglycans breakdown enzymes, inducing
      cardiac involvement. Little is known about myocardial deformation involvement in
      MPS. Our aim was to assess biventricular structure and function in asymptomatic
      children with MPS using standard echo Doppler and 2D speckle tracking (STE).
      METHODS: Fifteen MPS children (one type I, six type II, three type III A, one III
      B, three IV A, one VI), asymptomatic for cardiac symptoms, and 15 age and sex
      matched healthy controls underwent echo Doppler and STE. Left ventricular (LV)
      wall thicknesses, diameters, and mass were normalized by z-score. LV global
      longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial
      strain (GRS) at papillary muscles, LV twisting, and right ventricular (RV) GLS
      were measured. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable for body mass index, heart
      rate, and blood pressure. LV mass index and relative wall thickness were higher
      in MPS. Ejection fraction (EF), and s' velocity did not differ between the two
      groups. E/A ratio was lower and E/e' higher in MPS. Tricuspid annular plane
      systolic excursion, RV s' and e' were lower in MPS. LV GLS did not differ between
      the two groups, but GCS (P=.014), GRS (P=.023), twisting (P=.012), and RV GLS
      (P<.001) were lower in the MPS group. CONCLUSIONS: LV strain abnormalities are
      detectable in MPS pediatric patients, independently of MPS type, when EF is still
      normal. RV GLS is also involved consensually with TAPSE reduction. STE can be
      useful for detection of subclinical myocardial damage in MPS.

PMID- 28070905
TI  - Dentists' perspective about dental amalgam: current use and future direction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2013, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reached a
      binding agreement - a.k.a. the Minamata treaty - to decrease dental amalgam use.
      This study aims to investigate US dentists' current practice and opinions about
      amalgam use, and to determine factors affecting their amalgam use and opinions.
      METHODS: A total of 45,557 general dentists and 5,101 pediatric dentists were
      invited to participate in a pre-tested electronic survey. The survey consisted of
      12 close-ended questions using a 5-point Likert Scale. The QualtricsTM software
      was used to distribute the survey, followed by three reminders. RESULTS: Response
      rate was 5.2 percent for general dentists, and 17.6 percent for pediatric
      dentists. Sixty-two percent of general dentists and 56 percent of pediatric
      dentists reported using amalgam. Most dentists disagreed with banning amalgam,
      while agreeing with installing amalgam separators. Environmentally conscious
      dentists were more likely to agree with banning amalgam and installing amalgam
      separators. CONCLUSION: Responding dentists favor the continued use of dental
      amalgam. Their perspectives vary by several factors including dentists'
      environmental consciousness. Policies toward minimizing amalgam's environmental
      impact need to be implemented.

PMID- 28070906
TI  - Evolutionary aspects of the development of teeth and baleen in the bowhead whale.
AB  - In utero, baleen whales initiate the development of several dozens of teeth in
      upper and lower jaws. These tooth germs reach the bell stage and are sometimes
      mineralized, but toward the end of prenatal life they are resorbed and no trace
      remains after birth. Around the time that the germs disappear, the keratinous
      baleen plates start to form in the upper jaw, and these form the food-collecting
      mechanism. Baleen whale ancestors had two generations of teeth and never
      developed baleen, and the prenatal teeth of modern fetuses are usually
      interpreted as an evolutionary leftover. We investigated the development of teeth
      and baleen in bowhead whale fetuses using histological and immunohistochemical
      evidence. We found that upper and lower dentition initially follow similar
      developmental pathways. As development proceeds, upper and lower tooth germs
      diverge developmentally. Lower tooth germs differ along the length of the jaw,
      reminiscent of a heterodont dentition of cetacean ancestors, and lingual
      processes of the dental lamina represent initiation of tooth bud formation of
      replacement teeth. Upper tooth germs remain homodont and there is no evidence of
      a secondary dentition. After these germs disappear, the oral epithelium thickens
      to form the baleen plates, and the protein FGF-4 displays a signaling pattern
      reminiscent of baleen plates. In laboratory mammals, FGF-4 is not involved in the
      formation of hair or palatal rugae, but it is involved in tooth development. This
      leads us to propose that the signaling cascade that forms teeth in most mammals
      has been exapted to be involved in baleen plate ontogeny in mysticetes.

PMID- 28070907
TI  - Analysis of Explosives by GC-UV.
AB  - A mixture of explosives was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) linked to
      ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry that enabled detection in the range of 178-330
      nm. The gas-phase UV spectra of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 2,4-dinitrotoluene
      (DNT), ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN), glycerine trinitrate (NG,
      nitroglycerine), triacetone triperoxide (TATP), and pentaerythritol tetranitrate
      (PETN) were successfully recorded. The most interesting aspect of the current
      application is that it enabled simultaneous detection of both the target analyte
      and its decomposition products. At suitable elevated temperatures of the transfer
      line between the GC instrument and the UV detector, a partial decomposition was
      accomplished. Detection was made in real time and resulted in overlaid spectra of
      the mother compound and its decomposition product. Hence, the presented approach
      added another level to the qualitative identification of the explosives in
      comparison with traditional methods that relies only on the detection of the
      target analyte. As expected, the decomposition product of EGDN, NG, and PETN was
      NO, while TATP degraded to acetone. DNT and TNT did not exhibit any decomposition
      at the temperatures used.

PMID- 28070908
TI  - Virilisation in siblings secondary to transdermal 'bioidentical' testosterone
      exposure.

PMID- 28070909
TI  - Peptide fibrils as monomer storage of the covalent HIV-1 integrase inhibitor.
AB  - We have recently reported the covalent inhibition of HIV-1 integrase by an N
      terminal succinimide-modified lens epithelium-derived growth factor (361-370)
      peptide. We also showed that this peptide is proteolytically stable. Here, we
      show that this inhibitor is stored as fibrils that serve as a stock for the
      inhibitory monomers. The fibrils increase the local concentration of the peptide
      at the target protein. When the monomers bind integrase, the equilibrium between
      the fibrils and their monomers shifts towards the formation of peptide monomers.
      The combination of fibril formation and subsequent proteolytic stability of the
      peptide may bring to new strategy for developing therapeutic agents. Copyright
      (c) 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28070910
TI  - Formation of Orthographic Representations in Spanish Dyslexic Children: The Role
      of Syllable Complexity and Frequency.
AB  - Recent studies have suggested that Spanish children with dyslexia have difficulty
      storing orthographic representations of new words. But given that the syllable
      plays an important role in word recognition in Spanish, it is possible that the
      formation of orthographic representations is influenced by the characteristics of
      the syllables that make up the words. The objective of this study was to
      determine whether syllabic frequency and syllabic complexity influence
      orthographic learning in children with dyslexia. We compared the performance of a
      group of dyslexic children with that of a group of typical readers on a task that
      involved reading short and long pseudowords six times; we manipulated the
      frequency and complexity of the syllables from which the pseudowords were
      constructed. The results showed that dyslexic children do not benefit from
      syllabic simplicity or frequency when it comes to storing orthographic
      representations as the length effect in the dyslexic group remained was unchanged
      after repeated readings, regardless of stimulus characteristics. Copyright (c)
      2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28070911
TI  - Effects of exercise training on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in skeletal
      muscle and heart of rats post myocardial infarction.
AB  - NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Exercise training
      increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, which
      depends on a myokine, fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5).
      Whether exercise training after myocardial infarction induces parallel increases
      in FNDC5 and BDNF expression in skeletal muscle and the heart has not yet been
      studied. What is the main finding and its importance? Exercise training after
      myocardial infarction increases BDNF protein in skeletal muscle and the non
      infarct area of the LV without changes in FNDC5 protein, suggesting that BDNF is
      not regulated by FNDC5 in skeletal muscle and heart. An increase in cardiac BDNF
      may contribute to the improvement of cardiac function by exercise training.
      Exercise training after myocardial infarction (MI) attenuates progressive left
      ventricular (LV) remodelling and dysfunction, but the peripheral stimuli induced
      by exercise that trigger these beneficial effects are still unclear. We
      investigated as possible mediators fibronectin type III domain-containing protein
      5 (FNDC5) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the skeletal muscle and
      heart. Male Wistar rats underwent either sham surgery or ligation of the left
      descending coronary artery, and surviving MI rats were allocated to either a
      sedentary (Sed-MI) or an exercise group (ExT-MI). Exercise training was done for
      4 weeks on a motor-driven treadmill. At the end, LV function was evaluated, and
      FNDC5 and BDNF mRNA and protein were assessed in soleus muscle, quadriceps and
      non-, peri- and infarct areas of the LV. At 5 weeks post MI, FNDC5 mRNA was
      decreased in soleus muscle and all areas of the LV, but FNDC5 protein was
      increased in the soleus muscle and the infarct area. Mature BDNF (mBDNF) protein
      was decreased in the infarct area without a change in mRNA. Exercise training
      attenuated the decrease in ejection fraction and the increase in LV end-diastolic
      pressure post MI. Exercise training had no effect on FNDC5 mRNA and protein, but
      increased mBDNF protein in soleus muscle, quadriceps and the non-infarct area of
      the LV. The mBDNF protein in the non-infarct area correlated positively with
      ejection fraction and inversely with LV end-diastolic pressure. In conclusion,
      mBDNF is induced by exercise training in skeletal muscle and the non-infarct area
      of the LV, which may contribute to improvement of muscle dysfunction and cardiac
      function post MI.

PMID- 28070912
TI  - Role of testosterone and Y chromosome genes for the masculinization of the human
      brain.
AB  - : Women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) have a male (46,XY)
      karyotype but no functional androgen receptors. Their condition, therefore,
      offers a unique model for studying testosterone effects on cerebral sex
      dimorphism. We present MRI data from 16 women with CAIS and 32 male (46,XY) and
      32 female (46,XX) controls. METHODS: FreeSurfer software was employed to measure
      cortical thickness and subcortical structural volumes. Axonal connections,
      indexed by fractional anisotropy, (FA) were measured with diffusion tensor
      imaging, and functional connectivity with resting state fMRI. RESULTS: Compared
      to men, CAIS women displayed a "female" pattern by having thicker parietal and
      occipital cortices, lower FA values in the right corticospinal, superior and
      inferior longitudinal tracts, and corpus callosum. Their functional connectivity
      from the amygdala to the medial prefrontal cortex, was stronger and amygdala
      connections to the motor cortex weaker than in control men. CAIS and control
      women also showed stronger posterior cingulate and precuneus connections in the
      default mode network. Thickness of the motor cortex, the caudate volume, and the
      FA in the callosal body followed, however, a "male" pattern. CONCLUSION:
      Altogether, these data suggest that testosterone modulates the microstructure of
      somatosensory and visual cortices and their axonal connections to the frontal
      cortex. Testosterone also influenced functional connections from the amygdala,
      whereas the motor cortex could, in agreement with our previous reports, be
      moderated by processes linked to X-chromosome gene dosage. These data raise the
      question about other genetic factors masculinizing the human brain than the SRY
      gene and testosterone. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1801-1814, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28070913
TI  - Does Identification of Previously Undiagnosed Conditions Change Care-Seeking
      Behavior?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether identification of previously undiagnosed high
      cholesterol, hypertension, and/or diabetes during an in-home assessment impacts
      care seeking among Medicare beneficiaries. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Data from
      the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study,
      which recruited African American and white participants across the continental
      United States from 2003-2007, were linked to Medicare claims. STUDY DESIGN: We
      used panel data models to analyze changes in doctor visits for evaluation and
      management of conditions after participants were assessed, utilizing the study's
      rolling recruitment to control for secular trends. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS: We
      extracted Medicare claims for the 24 months before through 24 months after
      assessment via REGARDS for 5,884 participants. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Semi-annual
      doctor visits for previously undiagnosed conditions increased by 22 percentage
      points (95 percent confidence interval: 16-28) 2 years following assessment. The
      effect was similar by gender, race, region, and Medicaid, but it may have been
      lower among participants who lacked a usual health care provider. CONCLUSIONS: In
      home assessment of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose can increase
      doctor visits for individuals with previously undiagnosed conditions. However,
      biomarker assessment may have more limited impact among individuals with low
      access to care.

PMID- 28070915
TI  - Mitral valve resistance determines hemodynamic consequences of severe rheumatic
      mitral stenosis and immediate outcomes of percutaneous valvuloplasty.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The mitral valve area (MVA) poorly reflects the hemodynamic status
      of (MS). In this study, we compared the MVA with mitral valve resistance (MVR)
      with regard to the determination of hemodynamic consequences of MS and the
      immediate outcomes of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). METHODS:
      In a prospective study, 36 patients with severe rheumatic MS with left
      ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50% were evaluated. They underwent
      transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and catheterization. The MVA was measured by
      two-dimensional planimetry and pressure half-time (PHT), and the MVR was
      calculated using the equation: 1333 * transmitral pressure gradient mean
      transmitral diastolic flow rate. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 47.8+/-10.5
      years. MVR >=140.6 dynes.s/cm5 detected systolic pulmonary arterial pressure
      (sPAP) >55 mm Hg with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 74%. The
      sensitivity and specificity of MVA<0.75 cm2 to discriminate elevated sPAP were
      81% and 89%, respectively. PHT >=323.5 mseconds had a sensitivity of 78% and a
      specificity of 96% to detect an elevated sPAP. To predict a successful PBMV,
      preprocedural MVR >=106.1 dynes.s/cm5 had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity
      of 67% (area under the curve [AUC]=0.763; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.520
      1.006; P=.034); preprocedural MVA <0.95 cm2 had a sensitivity of 78% and a
      specificity of 73% (AUC=0.730; 95% CI=0.503-0.956; P=.065); and preprocedural PHT
      >=210.5 mseconds had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 78% (AUC=0.707;
      95% CI=0.474-0.941; P=.095). CONCLUSIONS: MVR seems to be more accurate than MVA
      in determining the hemodynamic consequences of severe MS as determined by sPAP.
      In addition, preprocedural MVR detected successful PBMVs.

PMID- 28070914
TI  - Risk of Cesarean scar defect following single- vs double-layer uterine closure:
      systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that the surgical
      technique for uterine closure following Cesarean delivery influences the healing
      of the Cesarean scar, but there is still no consensus on the optimal technique.
      The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effect of
      single- vs double-layer uterine closure on the risk of uterine scar defect.
      METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, PROSPERO, EMBASE and the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception of each
      database until May 2016. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the
      effect of single- vs double-layer uterine closure following low transverse
      Cesarean section on the risk of uterine scar defect were included. The primary
      outcome was the incidence of uterine scar defects detected on ultrasound.
      Secondary outcomes were residual myometrial thickness evaluated by ultrasound and
      the incidence of uterine dehiscence and/or rupture in subsequent pregnancy.
      Summary measures were reported as relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD),
      with 95% CIs. Quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.
      RESULTS: Nine RCTs (3969 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. The
      overall risk of bias of the included trials was low. Statistical heterogeneity
      within the studies was low, with no inconsistency in the primary and secondary
      outcomes. Women who received single-layer uterine closure had a similar incidence
      of uterine scar defects as did women who received double-layer closure (25% vs
      43%; RR, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.36-1.64); five trials; 350 participants; low quality of
      evidence). Compared with double-layer uterine closure, women who received single
      layer closure had a significantly thinner residual myometrium on ultrasound (MD, 
      2.19 mm (95% CI, -2.80 to -1.57 mm); four trials; 374 participants; low quality
      of evidence). No difference was found in the incidence of uterine dehiscence
      (0.4% vs 0.2%; RR, 1.34 (95% CI, 0.24-4.82); three trials; 3421 participants; low
      quality of evidence) or uterine rupture (0.1% vs 0.1%; RR, 0.52 (95% CI, 0.05
      5.53); one trial; 3234 participants; low quality of evidence) in a subsequent
      pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Single- and double-layer closure of the uterine incision
      following Cesarean delivery are associated with a similar incidence of Cesarean
      scar defects, as well as uterine dehiscence and rupture in a subsequent
      pregnancy. However, the quality level of summary estimates, as assessed by GRADE,
      was low, indicating that the true effect may be, or is even likely to be,
      substantially different from the estimate of the effect. Copyright (c) 2017
      ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 28070916
TI  - Non-invasive assessment of muscle oxygenation may aid in optimising transfusion
      threshold decisions in ambulatory paediatric patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential utility of a novel non-invasive muscle oxygen
      measurement to determine the presence of muscle hypoxia in patients with anaemia.
      BACKGROUND: Recent assessment of the risk/benefit ratio of blood transfusion has
      led to clinical strategies optimising transfusion decisions. These decisions are
      primarily based on haematocrit (Hct) but not oxygen delivery, the primary
      function of red blood cells (RBCs). We hypothesised that muscle oxygenation (MOx)
      would correlate with Hct in patients with anaemia and may be a physiologically
      relevant determinant of the transfusion threshold. METHODS/MATERIALS: MOx was non
      invasively determined in children in the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
      ambulatory clinic at Seattle Children's Hospital using a custom-designed optical
      probe and spectrometer. MOx was compared with contemporaneous Hct. In subjects
      receiving RBCs, MOx and Hct were also determined following transfusion. RESULTS:
      MOx ranged from 36.7 to 100%, and Hct ranged from 17.0 to 38.6% in 27
      measurements from 16 patients. High MOx values were associated with high Hct.
      Mean MOx for patients with normal Hct for age (n = 5) was 95.9 +/- 2.9%. RBC
      transfusion increased mean Hct from 19.1 +/- 1.5% to 29.3 +/- 2.0 and mean MOx
      from 67.9 +/- 21.1% to 89.9 +/- 9.8%. Among six transfusion episodes (in five
      patients) with initial Hct < 22, only three had a pre-transfusion MOx of <70%.
      Patients with the lowest pre-transfusion MOx had the largest increase in MOx
      after transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that MOx may aid
      in making transfusion decisions when used in combination with Hct.

PMID- 28070917
TI  - Dual-energy CT quantitative imaging: a comparison study between twin-beam and
      dual-source CT scanners.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess image quality and to quantify the accuracy of relative
      electron densities (rhoe ) and effective atomic numbers (Zeff ) for three dual
      energy computed tomography (DECT) scanners: a novel single-source split-filter
      (i.e., twin-beam) and two dual-source scanners. METHODS: Measurements were made
      with a second generation dual-source scanner at 80/140Sn kVp, a third-generation
      twin-beam single-source scanner at 120 kVp with gold (Au) and tin (Sn) filters,
      and a third-generation dual-source scanner at 90/150Sn kVp. Three phantoms with
      tissue inserts were scanned and used for calibration and validation of
      parameterized methods to extract rhoe and Zeff , whereas iodine and calcium
      inserts were used to quantify Contrast-to-Noise-Ratio (CNR). Spatial resolution
      in tomographic images was also tested. RESULTS: The third-generation scanners
      have an image resolution of 6.2, ~0.5 lp/cm higher than the second generation
      scanner. The twin-beam scanner has low imaging contrast for iodine materials due
      to its limited spectral separation. The parameterization methods resulted in
      calibrations with low fit residuals for the dual-source scanners, yielding values
      of rhoe and Zeff close to the reference values (errors within 1.2% for rhoe and
      6.2% for Zeff for a dose of 20 mGy, excluding lung substitute tissues). The twin
      beam scanner presented overall higher errors (within 3.2% for rhoe and 28% for
      Zeff , also excluding lung inserts) and also larger variations for uniform
      inserts. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial resolution is similar for the three scanners. The
      twin-beam is able to derive rhoe and Zeff , but with inferior accuracy compared
      to both dual-source scanners.

PMID- 28070918
TI  - Stereotype threat and social function in opioid substitution therapy patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: People with a history of substance abuse are subject to widespread
      stigmatization. It seems likely that this societal disapproval will result in
      feelings of stereotype threat, or the belief that one is the target of demeaning
      stereotypes. If so, stereotype threat has the potential to contribute to
      functional difficulties including poor social outcomes. METHODS: Eighty drug
      users on opioid substitution therapy and 84 demographically matched controls
      completed measures of mental health and social function. The opioid substitution
      therapy group were additionally asked to complete a measure that focused on their
      feelings of stereotype threat in relation to their drug use history. Bivariate
      correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to establish the
      magnitude and specificity of the relationship between stereotype threat and
      social functioning. RESULTS: Relative to controls, the opioid substitution
      therapy group reported higher levels of negative affect and schizotypy, and
      poorer social functioning, with all three of these indices significantly
      correlated with their feelings of stereotype threat. The results also showed that
      stereotype threat contributed significant unique variance to social functioning
      in the opioid substitution therapy group, even after taking into account other
      background, clinical, and mental health variables. CONCLUSIONS: Social
      functioning is an important aspect of recovery, yet these data indicate that
      people with a history of drug abuse who believe they are the target of
      stereotypical attitudes have poorer social functioning. This relationship holds
      after controlling for the impact of other variables on social functioning,
      including mental health. The theoretical and practical implications of these
      findings are discussed. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Concerns about being stereotyped can
      shape the social experiences of opioid substitution therapy patients. Opioid
      substitution therapy patients who feel negatively stereotyped experience greater
      social function deficits, and this relationship emerges after controlling for
      important clinical and mental health variables. Understanding the relationship
      between feeling stereotyped and social function may assist practitioners in their
      treatment. The study is cross-sectional, and thus, experimental or longitudinal
      research is required to determine the causal direction between stereotype threat
      and social function.

PMID- 28070919
TI  - Clinical utility of the basophil activation test for analysis of allergic
      transfusion reactions: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In previous studies, we demonstrated that the basophil
      activating effects of supernatants found in residual-transfused platelet
      concentrates (PC-SNs) on whole blood basophils in cases of allergic transfusion
      reactions (ATRs) could be assessed by the basophil activation test (BAT) in terms
      of allergen/IgE dependency. However, in these studies, the basophils were derived
      from third-party healthy volunteers. In this study, we performed BAT using
      patients' own blood basophils to analyse ATRs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The BAT was
      performed in two cases of severe ATRs using residual PC-SNs and the patients' own
      basophils in the presence and absence of dasatinib, an inhibitor of IgE-mediated
      basophil activation. RESULTS: In both cases, PC-SNs exhibited basophil-activating
      activity against the patients' basophils, but not against basophils from third
      party healthy volunteers. In addition, basophil activation was inhibited in the
      presence of dasatinib, indicating that the basophils were activated in an
      allergen/IgE-dependent manner. Of note, the basophils in Case 2, but not in Case
      1, were activated by PC-SNs from some unrelated non-haemolytic transfusion
      reaction cases. CONCLUSION: This pilot study indicates that the BAT may be useful
      in clarifying the causal relationship between ATRs and transfused blood as well
      as in elucidating the mechanisms behind ATRs considering the allergen/IgE
      dependent pathway.

PMID- 28070920
TI  - Unusual skin changes on the neck.

PMID- 28070921
TI  - BRM/SMARCA2-negative clear cell renal cell carcinoma is associated with a high
      percentage of BRM somatic mutations, deletions and promoter methylation.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate potential molecular mechanisms
      associated with loss of BRM expression in poorly differentiated clear cell renal
      cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS AND RESULTS: Nineteen previously selected BRM
      negative RCC tissues were examined by DNA sequencing, fluorescence in-situ
      hybridization (FISH) and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of
      the BRM gene. BRM mutation was identified in 78.9% (15 of 19) cases, chromosome 9
      monosomy or BRM deletion in 43.8% (seven of 16) and BRM promoter region cytosine
      phosphate-guanine (CpG) methylation in 42.8% (six of 14). These results indicated
      that 89.5% (17 of 19) of the cases harboured at least one type of BRM genetic
      alteration, with two or more types of alteration in 47.4% (nine of 19). Such
      alterations were found rarely in adjacent non-neoplastic tissues and low-grade
      areas of composite tumours. CONCLUSIONS: BRM gene mutation, chromosome 9 monosomy
      or BRM deletion and CpG methylation contribute collectively to the loss of BRM
      expression in ccRCC. This work focusing on composite tumours indicated that BRM
      abnormality occurred during tumour progression.

PMID- 28070922
TI  - An open-label randomized control trial of hopping and jumping training versus
      sensorimotor rehabilitation programme on postural capacities in individuals with
      intellectual disabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a hopping and
      jumping training programme (HJP) versus a sensorimotor rehabilitation programme
      (SRP) on postural performances in children with intellectual disability. METHODS:
      Three groups of children with intellectual disability participated in the study:
      the HJP group, the SRP group and a control group. Postural capacities were tested
      with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Tinetti tests. The HJP and the SRP
      groups participated in the training programmes for eight weeks. Then, all
      participants were retested. RESULTS: Results showed that before the training
      period, there are no significant differences between the three groups. After the
      training period, the BBS and the Tinetti scores increased significantly in the
      HJP group and the SRP group with greater extent in the HJP group than in the STP
      group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that HJP training is more recommended to improve
      postural capacities in children with intellectual disability.

PMID- 28070923
TI  - The cascade of HIV care among refugees and nationals in Nakivale Refugee
      Settlement in Uganda.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Refugees living in Uganda come from HIV-endemic countries, and many
      remain in refugee settlements for over a decade. Our objective was to evaluate
      the HIV care cascade in Nakivale Refugee Settlement and to assess correlates of
      linkage to care. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled individuals accessing clinic
      based HIV testing in Nakivale Refugee Settlement from March 2013 to July 2014.
      Newly HIV-diagnosed clients were followed for 3 months post-diagnosis. Clients
      underwent a baseline survey. The following outcomes were obtained from HIV clinic
      registers in Nakivale: clinic attendance ('linkage to HIV care'), CD4 testing,
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligibility, and ART initiation within 90 days of
      testing. Descriptive data were reported as frequency with 95% confidence interval
      (CI) or median with interquartile range (IQR). The impact of baseline variables
      on linkage to care was assessed with logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of 6850
      adult clients tested for HIV, 276 (4%; CI: 3-5%) were diagnosed with HIV
      infection, 148 (54%; CI: 47-60%) of those were linked to HIV care, 54 (20%; CI:
      15-25%) had a CD4 test, 22 (8%; CI: 5-12%) were eligible for ART, and 17 (6%; CI:
      3-10%) initiated ART. The proportions of refugees and nationals at each step of
      the cascade were similar. We identified no significant predictors of linkage to
      care. CONCLUSIONS: Less than a quarter of newly HIV-diagnosed clients completed
      ART assessment, considerably lower than in other reports from sub-Saharan Africa.
      Understanding which factors hinder linkage to and engagement in care in the
      settlement will be important to inform interventions specific for this
      environment.

PMID- 28070924
TI  - Reproductive Rights and a New Administration.

PMID- 28070926
TI  - Identification and implication of an allergenic PR-10 protein from walnut in
      birch pollen associated walnut allergy.
AB  - SCOPE: English walnut (Juglans regia) belongs to the most important allergenic
      tree nuts. Co-sensitization with birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen has been
      reported. We aimed to identify a walnut allergen homologous to the major birch
      pollen allergen Bet v 1. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cDNA encoding a Bet v 1
      homologous allergen (Jug r 5) in walnut kernels was cloned by RT-PCR. Jug r 5 was
      expressed in Escherichia coli, purified by column chromatography and
      characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Specific IgE levels to walnut,
      Bet v 1, and Jug r 5 in birch pollen allergics (n = 16) with concomitant walnut
      allergy were measured by ImmunoCAP: 44% of the patients were tested positive to
      walnut while 94% were reactive to Jug r 5, and 100% to Bet v 1. Jug r 5 and Bet v
      1 allergens showed bidirectional IgE cross-reactivity by competitive ELISA and
      were capable of inducing histamine release from effector cells. Immunoblot
      competition experiments demonstrated the presence of IgE-reactive Jug r 5 in
      walnut extract, but at low levels. CONCLUSION: A Bet v 1-like allergen was
      identified in walnut. Diagnostic use of Jug r 5 will compensate for the low
      sensitivity of walnut extract for patients with birch pollen associated walnut
      allergy.

PMID- 28070927
TI  - Lead-Sulfide-Selenide Quantum Dots and Gold-Copper Alloy Nanoparticles Augment
      the Light-Harvesting Ability of Solar Cells.
AB  - Lead-sulfide-selenide (PbSSe) quantum dots (QDs) and gold-copper (AuCu) alloy
      nanoparticles (NPs) were incorporated into a cadmium sulfide (CdS)/titanium oxide
      (TiO2 ) photoanode for the first time to achieve enhanced conversion of solar
      energy into electricity. PbSSe QDs with a band gap of 1.02 eV extend the light
      harvesting range of the photoanode from the visible region to the near-infrared
      region. The conduction band (CB) edge of the PbSSe QDs is wedged between the CBs
      of TiO2 and CdS; this additional level coupled with the good electrical
      conductivity of the dots facilitate charge transport and collection, and a high
      power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.44 % is achieved for the champion cell
      with the TiO2 /PbSSe/CdS electrode. Upon including AuCu alloy NPs in the QD
      sensitized electrodes, light absorption is enhance by plasmonic and light
      scattering effects and also by the injection of hot electrons to the CBs of the
      QDs. Comparison of the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency
      enhancement factors in addition to fluorescence decay and impedance studies
      reveal that the PbSSe QDs and AuCu alloy NPs promote charge injection to the
      current collector and increase the photogenerated charges produced, which thus
      enables the TiO2 /PbSSe/CdS/AuCu cell to deliver the highest PCE of 5.26 % among
      all the various photoanode compositions used.

PMID- 28070925
TI  - Bio-orthogonal Fluorescent Labelling of Biopolymers through Inverse-Electron
      Demand Diels-Alder Reactions.
AB  - Bio-orthogonal labelling schemes based on inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder
      (IEDDA) cycloaddition have attracted much attention in chemical biology recently.
      The appealing features of this reaction, such as the fast reaction kinetics,
      fully bio-orthogonal nature and high selectivity, have helped chemical biologists
      gain deeper understanding of biochemical processes at the molecular level.
      Listing the components and discussing the possibilities and limitations of these
      reagents, we provide a recent snapshot of the field of IEDDA-based biomolecular
      manipulation with special focus on fluorescent modulation approaches through the
      use of bio-orthogonalized building blocks. At the end, we discuss challenges that
      need to be addressed for further developments in order to overcome recent
      limitations and to enable researchers to answer biomolecular questions in more
      detail.

PMID- 28070929
TI  - Doping Effects on the Adsorption of a Nitric Oxide Molecule on an Anatase (101)
      Surface.
AB  - NO adsorption on n-type and p-type modified anatase (101) surfaces is studied by
      using first-principles calculations. Both types of modifications can facilitate
      the adsorption of a NO molecule on an anatase (101) surface. The adsorption
      mechanisms for these two types of adsorption are different. On n-type modified
      surfaces, the N atom of the NO molecule is bonded to a surface Ti5C ion, that is,
      the unpaired electron on the pi* orbital of the NO molecule forms a bond with an
      extra 3d electron of the surface Ti ion. On p-type modified surfaces, the N atom
      of the NO molecule is bonded to surface O2C . The unpaired electron of the NO
      molecule fills the empty 2p orbital of the modified surface, and the pi* orbital
      of the NO molecule hybridizes with the surface valence band.

PMID- 28070928
TI  - Convergent gustatory and viscerosensory processing in the human dorsal mid
      insula.
AB  - The homeostatic regulation of feeding behavior requires an organism to be able to
      integrate information from its internal environment, including peripheral
      visceral signals about the body's current energy needs, with information from its
      external environment, such as the palatability of energy-rich food stimuli. The
      insula, which serves as the brain's primary sensory cortex for representing both
      visceral signals from the body and taste signals from the mouth and tongue, is a
      likely candidate region in which this integration might occur. However, to date
      it has been unclear whether information from these two homeostatically critical
      faculties is merely co-represented in the human insula, or actually integrated
      there. Recent functional neuroimaging evidence of a common substrate for visceral
      interoception and taste perception within the human dorsal mid-insula suggests a
      model whereby a single population of neurons may integrate viscerosensory and
      gustatory signals. To test this model, we used fMRI-Adaptation to identify
      whether insula regions that exhibit repetition suppression following repeated
      interoception trials would then also exhibit adapted responses to subsequent
      gustatory stimuli. Multiple mid and anterior regions of the insula exhibited
      adaptation to interoceptive trials specifically, but only the dorsal mid-insula
      regions exhibited an adapted gustatory response following interoception. The
      discovery of this gustatory-interoceptive convergence within the neurons of the
      human insula supports the existence of a heretofore-undocumented neural pathway
      by which visceral signals from the periphery modulate the activity of brain
      regions involved in feeding behavior. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2150-2164, 2017. (c) 2017
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28070930
TI  - Pituitary adenoma with adipose tissue: A new metaplastic variant.
AB  - Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors representing approximately 15-20% of
      intracranial neoplasms. There have been few reports of metaplastic osseous
      transformation and about 60 cases of neuronal metaplasia in pituitary adenoma but
      adipose metaplasia has not been previously described in the English literature.
      Here we report a case of pituitary adenoma with metaplastic adipose tissue in a
      58-year-old male patient. Histologically this case fulfilled the criteria of a
      non-functioning pituitary adenoma, and moreover a central area of adipose tissue,
      made by mature adipocytes, and many tumor cells, containing fat droplet were
      evident. Lipomatous transformation of tumor cells in the CNS has been previously
      observed but, to the best of our knowledge, our case is the first pituitary
      adenoma with such change. The histogenesis of the adipose element in pituitary
      adenoma is not well understood, and could be a result of a metaplastic change or
      divergent differentiation from a common progenitor cell.

PMID- 28070931
TI  - Anti-rheumatoid Arthritis Effect of Kaejadan via Analgesic and Antiinflammatory
      Activity in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - Although Kaejadan (KJD), an herbal cocktail of three medicinal plants
      (Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Cinnamomum loureirii, and Salvia miltiorrhiza), has
      been traditionally used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, its scientific
      evidence is not fully understood. Hence, we investigated antiinflammatory and
      analgesic mechanism of KJD in vivo and in vitro. Kaejadan suppressed the number
      of writhing responses in mice treated by acetic acid and showed antinociceptive
      effect by tail-flick test. Kaejadan abrogated serotonin or carrageenan or
      Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced paw edema and also reduced the level of
      Evans Blue for vascular permeability. Furthermore, KJD effectively reduced the
      positive responses for C-reactive protein and rheumatoid arthritis test in FCA
      treated rats. Of note, KJD inhibited the level of lipid peroxide malondialdehyde
      and enhanced the level of superoxide dismutase in the hepatic tissues of FCA
      treated rats. Additionally, KJD abrogated the levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 in
      lipopolysaccharide and IFN-gamma-exposed RAW 264.7 cells. Also, KJD reduced the
      expression of cyclooxygenase 2 or inducible nitric oxide synthase at protein and
      mRNA levels in IFN-gamma and lipopolysaccharide-exposed RAW 264.7 cells. Overall,
      our findings demonstrate that KJD exerts antiinflammatory and analgesic effects
      via enhancement of antioxidant activity and inhibition of proinflammatory
      cytokines. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28070932
TI  - The experience of adult children of mothers with intellectual disability: A
      qualitative retrospective study from Poland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the experience of growing up with a mother with
      intellectual disability. The aim of this study was to explore this experience
      from the perspective of adult children. METHOD: In-depth interviews with 23 adult
      children brought up by mothers with moderate-to-severe intellectual disability.
      The interview data were analysed using grounded theory methods. RESULTS: The
      childhood experiences of the interviewees and the role their mothers played in
      their upbringing varied, depending in part on the involvement of extended family.
      It was the stigma of maternal intellectual disability, rather than their mother's
      functional limitations, that posed the greatest challenge. CONCLUSION:
      Interviewees characterized their mothers and childhoods as different, yet
      ordinary. Understanding the social context, including but not limited to the
      availability of informal support, is critical to understanding the experience of
      children growing up with mothers with intellectual disability.

PMID- 28070933
TI  - Secretome analysis of diarrhea-inducing strains of Escherichia coli.
AB  - Secreted proteins constitute a major part of virulence factors that are
      responsible for pathogenesis caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Enterohemorrhagic
      Escherichia coli, O157:H7, is the major pathogen often causing outbreaks.
      However, studies have reported that the significant outbreaks caused by non
      O157:H7 E. coli strains, also known as "Big-Six" serogroup strains, are
      increasing. There is no systematic study describing differential secreted
      proteins from these non-O157:H7 E. coli strains. In this study, we carried out MS
      based differential secretome analysis using tandem mass tags labeling strategy of
      non-O157:H7 E. coli strains, O103, O111, O121, O145, O26, and O45. We identified
      1241 proteins, of which 565 proteins were predicted to be secreted. We also found
      that 68 proteins were enriched in type III secretion system and several of them
      were differentially expressed across the strains. Additionally, we identified
      several strain-specific secreted proteins that could be used for developing
      potential markers for the identification and strain-level differentiation. To our
      knowledge, this study is the first comparative proteomic study on secretome of E.
      coli Big-Six serogroup and the several of these strain-specific secreted proteins
      can be further studied to develop potential markers for identification and strain
      level differentiation. Moreover, the results of this study can be utilized in
      several applications, including food safety, diagnostics of E. coli outbreaks,
      and detection and identification of bio threats in biodefense.

PMID- 28070934
TI  - Long-term outcomes after mechanical aortic valve replacement with aortic root
      enlargement in adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deciding which prosthetic aortic valve to choose is difficult in
      adolescents who have not yet met their full growth potential. The aim of this
      study was to assess long-term outcomes following mechanical aortic valve
      replacement with aortic root enlargement in adolescents. METHODS: Between
      September 1997 and December 2006, 58 consecutive adolescents (49 male, 9 female,
      median age 15.5, range 13 to 17 years) underwent mechanical aortic valve
      replacement with aortic root enlargement. All patients received long-term
      anticoagulation treatment with warfarin, aiming to maintain an international
      normalized ratio between 2.0 and 2.5. Follow-up of all patients was closed in
      December 2015. RESULTS: The mean size of implanted valves was 20.1 +/- 1.3 mm.
      There were two operative deaths (3.4%) and one late death (1.7%). Mean follow-up
      was 11.6 +/- 3.3 years (range, 8.5 to 15.8 years). Actuarial survival at 15 years
      was 94.7 +/- 3.2%. No patient required a redo procedure. At the latest clinical
      evaluation, 47 patients (81.0%) were in New York Heart Association functional
      class I and 8 (13.8%) were in functional class II. Actuarial freedom from valve
      related complication was 88.1 +/- 2.8% at four years. The mean gradient across
      the aortic mechanical valve on echocardiography was 13.2 +/- 6.3 mmHg (range 6 to
      38 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical aortic valve replacement with aortic root
      enlargement remains an excellent treatment option in adolescents with full growth
      potential. The mortality is very low and all surviving patients resumed normal
      lifestyles. It represents a good alternative to allografts and bioprostheses in
      adolescent patients with aortic valve disease.

PMID- 28070936
TI  - Alcohol industry marketing strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean: the way
      forward for policy research.

PMID- 28070935
TI  - Alendronate-anchored PEGylation of ceria nanoparticles promotes human hepatoma
      cell proliferation via AKT/ERK signaling pathways.
AB  - Previous work has suggested that ceria nanoparticles (CNPs) have regenerative
      antioxidant properties, which have motivated researchers to consider CNPs as
      therapeutic agents for treating a number of diseases, including cancer. Recent
      studies have shown CNPs to be toxic to cancer cells, to inhibit invasion and
      sensitize cancer cells to radiotherapy. In addition, several hydrophilic polymers
      have been used to coat the CNP surface in order to enhance its properties of
      extensive biocompatibility and systemic nontoxicity to normal cells and tissues.
      However, the results of previous studies were based on high CNP doses (10 MUg/mL
      or more), and these doses may cause serious side effects in clinical
      applications. The impact of low CNP doses on tumor cells remains unknown. In this
      study, we report experiments indicating that CNPs-AL- polyethylene glycol
      (PEG)600, a type of surface-modified CNP that is more stable and less toxic than
      traditional CNPs could promote proliferation of hepatoma cells in a dose
      dependent manner. In addition, further research showed that a low dose (0.01
      MUg/mL) of CNPs-AL-PEG600 could reduce hepatoma cell apoptosis and activate
      AKT/ERK signaling pathways. These results may provide information that is
      important for using CNPs-AL-PEG600 as a therapeutic agent in clinical cancer
      treatments.

PMID- 28070937
TI  - Alcohol marketing regulation: from research to public policy.

PMID- 28070938
TI  - Toward a public health approach to the protection of vulnerable populations from
      the harmful effects of alcohol marketing.

PMID- 28070940
TI  - Microporous Crystalline gamma-Al2 O3 Replicated from Microporous Covalent
      Triazine Framework and Its Application as Support for Catalytic Hydrolysis of
      Ammonia Borane.
AB  - Significant progress has been made on the synthesis and application of mesoporous
      gamma-alumina. To date, little attention has been paid to the synthesis of
      microporous crystalline alumina. Here, fabrication of microporous crystalline
      gamma-alumina using a microporous covalent triazine framework (CTF-1) as a
      template is described. Microporous crystalline gamma-alumina with a micro-meso
      binary pore system was replicated by infiltration of aluminum nitrate into the
      micropores of the CTF-1 template through a NH3 /water-vapor-induced internal
      hydrolysis method, followed by thermal treatment, and subsequent removal of the
      CTF-1 template with a 30 % H2 O2 aqueous solution. The obtained crystalline gamma
      alumina material exhibits a large surface area (349 m2  g-1 ) with micropore
      distribution centered at about 1.27 nm. Ru supported on microporous gamma-Al2 O3
      can be employed as catalyst for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane, and
      it exhibits high catalytic activity and good durability. This finding provides a
      new benchmark for preparing well-defined crystalline microporous alumina
      materials by a template method, which can be applied in a wide range of fields.

PMID- 28070939
TI  - Oncologists' perspectives on post-cancer treatment communication and care
      coordination with primary care physicians.
AB  - Post-treatment cancer care is often fragmented and of suboptimal quality. We
      explored factors that may affect cancer survivors' post-treatment care
      coordination, including oncologists' use of electronic technologies such as e
      mail and integrated electronic health records (EHRs) to communicate with primary
      care physicians (PCPs). We used data from a survey (357 respondents;
      participation rate 52.9%) conducted in 2012-2013 among medical oncologists caring
      for patients in a large US study of cancer care delivery and outcomes.
      Oncologists reported their frequency and mode of communication with PCPs, and
      role in providing post-treatment care. Seventy-five per cent said that they
      directly communicated with PCPs about post-treatment status and care
      recommendations for all/most patients. Among those directly communicating with
      PCPs, 70% always/usually used written correspondence, while 36% always/usually
      used integrated EHRs; telephone and e-mail were less used. Eighty per cent
      reported co-managing with PCPs at least one post-treatment general medical care
      need. In multivariate-adjusted analyses, neither communication mode nor intensity
      were associated with co-managing survivors' care. Oncologists' reliance on
      written correspondence to communicate with PCPs may be a barrier to care
      coordination. We discuss new research directions for enhancing communication and
      care coordination between oncologists and PCPs, and to better meet the needs of
      cancer survivors post-treatment.

PMID- 28070941
TI  - Effect of baseline characteristics on response to proton pump inhibitors in
      patients with peptic ulcer bleeding.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The rate of rebleeding from peptic ulcers could differ between Asian
      and Western populations. This study aimed to determine whether the observed
      twofold difference in rebleeding rates in two similarly designed clinical trials
      (one in Hong Kong [n = 240], the other in a predominantly Western population [n =
      764, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00251979]) can be explained by differences
      in baseline patient characteristics. METHODS: Two-factor and multifactor analyses
      (adjusted by demographics, established risk factors for peptic ulcer and peptic
      ulcer bleeding, and disease severity variables) were performed using pooled data
      from the two studies. Cox regression analysis was used to predict the rebleeding
      risk at 3 days. RESULTS: In the two-factor analysis (placebo vs
      esomeprazole/omeprazole and Western study vs Hong Kong study), data trended
      towards a reduced risk of rebleeding in the Western study (hazard ratio [HR]
      0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-1.07, P = 0.094). The risk of rebleeding
      was similar in both studies after adjusted for multiple factors (HR 1.10, 95% CI
      0.60-1.99, P = 0.767). The strongest predictor of rebleeding (apart from study
      drug) was a classification of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade
      IV (HR 4.15, 95% CI 1.49-11.56, P = 0.006). When such patients were excluded, the
      difference in rebleeding rates between the studies reduced. CONCLUSION: The
      difference in rebleeding rates between the two studies is explained by the
      factors in our analysis, most importantly a classification of ASA grade IV,
      suggesting that other differences, including ethnicity, did not influence the
      rebleeding rate.

PMID- 28070943
TI  - 'Dirty lesions' on the neck and abdomen.

PMID- 28070942
TI  - Should we recommend exercise to adolescents with depressive symptoms? A meta
      analysis.
AB  - There is growing interest in the potential role of exercise in the reduction of
      depressive symptoms. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine whether
      exercise reduces depressive symptoms amongst depressed adolescents. The following
      databases were searched on 30 January 2015: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, SPORTDiscuss and
      PUBMED. Studies were included if they examined exercise interventions amongst
      adolescents with clinical levels of depressive symptoms, were published in peer
      reviewed journals in the English language and contained a control/comparison
      group. Of 6631 retrieved studies, eight studies were included in the meta
      analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model due to the
      high level of heterogeneity identified amongst studies ( I 2 = 65.1, P < .005).
      The analysis revealed a moderate reduction in depressive symptoms post
      intervention (Hedge's g = -0.61, P = .007). This analysis provides preliminary
      evidence that exercise is effective in reducing symptoms of depression among
      adolescents with clinical levels of depressive symptoms. The present meta
      analysis, however, is limited by the generally low quality of included studies,
      high level of between-study heterogeneity and restriction of inclusion criteria
      to published studies. Further high-quality trials with depressed adolescents are
      needed to determine the efficacy of exercise in the reduction of depressive
      symptoms and the exercise parameters associated with the antidepressant effects
      of exercise.

PMID- 28070944
TI  - Retinal vascular lesions.

PMID- 28070945
TI  - 'Dirty lesions' on the neck and abdomen.

PMID- 28070946
TI  - Retinal vascular lesions.

PMID- 28070947
TI  - Infant circumcision: Evidence, policy, and practice.

PMID- 28070948
TI  - Interactions with the mainstream media.

PMID- 28070949
TI  - Growth faltering, child rearing and social determinants of health in Aboriginal
      community children.

PMID- 28070951
TI  - Asthma, paracetamol and ibuprofen.

PMID- 28070950
TI  - Antibiotics and food allergy.

PMID- 28070952
TI  - Phototherapy and cancer.

PMID- 28070953
TI  - The ethics of parental refusal of newborn vitamin K prophylaxis.

PMID- 28070954
TI  - Asthma and innate immunity in Amish and Hutterite communities.

PMID- 28070955
TI  - Still locked: A reply to wodak, ziegler and morris.

PMID- 28070956
TI  - The view from the elevator.

PMID- 28070957
TI  - Controlled trial of Hartmann's solution versus 0.9% saline for diabetic
      ketoacidosis.
AB  - AIM: We aimed to determine whether using a balanced salt solution, Hartmann's
      solution (HS), in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) shortens the time to normalise acid
      base status through the avoidance of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis compared
      with 0.9% normal saline (NS). METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, randomised
      controlled trial comparing HS to NS as the initial intravenous fluid in children
      with DKA. Patients were stratified by severity (pH < 7.1) and known or new
      diabetes. Electrolytes, venous blood gases and glucose were measured every 2 h
      until intravenous fluids were ceased. The primary outcome was the time for the
      plasma bicarbonate to reach 15 mmol/L. Secondary outcomes included time to
      normalise pH (7.3), time to receive subcutaneous (SC) insulin, change in sodium
      and insulin requirement. RESULTS: A total of 77 children were enrolled. The
      groups were similar at baseline. There was no difference in the time to reach a
      bicarbonate of 15 mmol/L: geometric mean (SD) 8.6 (2.3) h for NS versus 6.2 (4.7)
      h for HS, ratio 1.4 (95% confidence interval 0.8-2.5), and no difference in time
      to normalise pH: NS 8.5 (2.3) h versus HS group 7.5 (1.8) h, ratio 1.1 (0.8-1.6).
      Kaplan-Meier survival estimates showed shorter times for these end-points in the
      severe subgroup: log-rank test P = 0.0277 and 0.0024, respectively. There was no
      difference in time to SC insulin, NS: 15.2 (2.4) h versus HS 14.3 (1.6) h, ratio
      1.1 (0.8-1.5). Patients treated with HS received significantly less total
      fluids/kg. CONCLUSIONS: HS is an acceptable alternative to NS in DKA and may
      benefit those with severe DKA.

PMID- 28070958
TI  - Rheumatic heart disease in paediatric critical care retrieval.

PMID- 28070959
TI  - Rapid infliximab infusions are generally well-tolerated in children with
      inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 28070960
TI  - American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2017.

PMID- 28070961
TI  - Does F-18 FDG-PET still play a role in metastatic renal cell carcinoma?

PMID- 28070962
TI  - Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: Indications, complications,
      survival and its use as a bridging therapy to liver transplant in Western
      Australia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Insertion of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
      is an established therapeutic option to treat the complications of portal
      hypertension. The purpose of this study is to review the experience of a single
      Australian institute with TIPS and evaluation of result to emphasize the
      indication, aetiology of portal hypertension, prognostic factors, complications
      and survival. Use of TIPS as a bridge to liver transplantation was also analysed.
      METHOD: A retrospective cohort study of patients treated with TIPS at The Western
      Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, over a period of
      12 years. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and cox-regression
      analysis was used to analyse the predictors of survival. RESULTS: Fifty-three
      patients underwent TIPS between January 2000 and March 2012. The cumulative
      survival at 1 month, 1 year and 5 years was 90%, 70.9% and 43.9%, respectively.
      The predictors of survival were indication (variceal bleeding versus ascites,
      hazard ratio 3.19, CI 95%: 1.164-8.794, P = 0.024) and Model of End Stage Liver
      Disease score (Hazard ratio 2.513, CI 95%: 1.087-5.810, P = 0.031). Patients who
      underwent TIPS as a bridge to liver transplant had a 5-year survival of 71% that
      is comparable to the overall survival of Western Australian liver transplant
      unit. CONCLUSION: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a safe and
      effective method of treatment of complications of portal hypertension. TIPS can
      be safely used as a bridging therapy to liver transplant. Despite small number of
      TIPS being performed at our institute, our technical results are comparable to
      the institutes with bigger number of patients.

PMID- 28070964
TI  - Redox-Flow Batteries: From Metals to Organic Redox-Active Materials.
AB  - Research on redox-flow batteries (RFBs) is currently experiencing a significant
      upturn, stimulated by the growing need to store increasing quantities of
      sustainably generated electrical energy. RFBs are promising candidates for the
      creation of smart grids, particularly when combined with photovoltaics and wind
      farms. To achieve the goal of "green", safe, and cost-efficient energy storage,
      research has shifted from metal-based materials to organic active materials in
      recent years. This Review presents an overview of various flow-battery systems.
      Relevant studies concerning their history are discussed as well as their
      development over the last few years from the classical inorganic, to
      organic/inorganic, to RFBs with organic redox-active cathode and anode materials.
      Available technologies are analyzed in terms of their technical, economic, and
      environmental aspects; the advantages and limitations of these systems are also
      discussed. Further technological challenges and prospective research
      possibilities are highlighted.

PMID- 28070965
TI  - The consequences of avian ocular trauma: histopathological evidence and
      implications of acute and chronic disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present a description and categorization of the histopathological
      lesions in avian ocular trauma. ANIMAL STUDIED: Seventy-five birds diagnosed with
      ocular trauma at to the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin.
      PROCEDURES: Histological slides were reviewed, and the type of trauma was
      classified by cause into either (i) blunt trauma or (ii) penetrating trauma and
      by duration into (i) acute or (ii) chronic. RESULTS: Blunt trauma was the most
      common source of trauma, and the most frequent lesions were observed in the
      retina (91%), with 71% of retinas having a tear or detachment and 46% of retinas
      showing chronic degenerative changes. Damage to the iris/ciliary body was present
      in 77% of cases. Corneal (17%) and lens (31%) lesions were relatively low. Acute
      traumatic events had a higher prevalence of readily identifiable discrete retinal
      tears/detachments (64%). Nearly all cases of chronic trauma exhibited chronic
      retinal lesions (93.7%), as well as a greater percentage of cartilage/bone
      lesions (71.4%), irido/cyclodialysis (51.9%), lenticular lesions (72.7%), and
      corneal damage (83.3%). However, the incidence of iridocyclodialysis was roughly
      equivalent for acute and chronic blunt trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular trauma can
      lead to profound acute and chronic lesions within the eye. Here, we provide
      insight into understanding ocular damage caused by trauma, which may help future
      studies suggest new therapeutic options and provide insight regarding the
      releasability of avian wildlife.

PMID- 28070966
TI  - The 1-min Screening Test for Reading Problems in College Students: Psychometric
      Properties of the 1-min TIL.
AB  - Reading is a central cognitive domain, but little research has been devoted to
      standardized tests for adults. We, thus, examined the psychometric properties of
      the 1-min version of Teste de Idade de Leitura (Reading Age Test; 1-min TIL), the
      Portuguese version of Lobrot L3 test, in three experiments with college students:
      typical readers in Experiment 1A and B, dyslexic readers and chronological age
      controls in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1A, test-retest reliability and
      convergent validity were evaluated in 185 students. Reliability was >.70, and
      phonological decoding underpinned 1-min TIL. In Experiment 1B, internal
      consistency was assessed by presenting two 45-s versions of the test to 19
      students, and performance in these versions was significantly associated (r =
      .78). In Experiment 2, construct validity, criterion validity and clinical
      utility of 1-min TIL were investigated. A multiple regression analysis
      corroborated construct validity; both phonological decoding and listening
      comprehension were reliable predictors of 1-min TIL scores. Logistic regression
      and receiver operating characteristics analyses revealed the high accuracy of
      this test in distinguishing dyslexic from typical readers. Therefore, the 1-min
      TIL, which assesses reading comprehension and potential reading difficulties in
      college students, has the necessary psychometric properties to become a useful
      screening instrument in neuropsychological assessment and research. Copyright (c)
      2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28070967
TI  - Effective breeding programmes down under.

PMID- 28070968
TI  - Bacterial short-chain fatty acid metabolites modulate the inflammatory response
      against infectious bacteria.
AB  - Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), predominantly acetic, propionic, and butyric
      acids, are bacterial metabolites with an important role in the maintenance of
      homeostasis due to their metabolic and immunomodulatory actions. Some evidence
      suggests that they may also be relevant during infections. Therefore, we aimed to
      investigate the effects of SCFAs in the effector functions of neutrophils to an
      opportunistic pathogenic bacterium, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Using
      a subcutaneous model to generate a mono, isolated infection of A.
      actinomycetemcomitans, we demonstrated that the presence of the SCFAs in situ did
      not affect leukocyte accumulation but altered the effector mechanisms of
      migrating neutrophils by downregulating the production of cytokines, their
      phagocytic capacity, and killing the bacteria, thus impairing the containment of
      A. actinomycetemcomitans. Similar effects were observed with bacteria-stimulated
      neutrophils incubated with SCFAs in vitro. These effects were independent of free
      fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) activation, the main SCFA receptor expressed on
      neutrophils, occurring possibly through inhibition of histone deacetylases
      because similar effects were obtained by using histone deacetylase inhibitors,
      such as SAHA, MS-275, and RGFP 966. Considering the findings of this study, we
      hypothesized that in an infectious condition, SCFAs may exert a detrimental
      effect on the host by inhibiting neutrophil's effector functions.

PMID- 28070969
TI  - Sensitizers for Aqueous-Based Solar Cells.
AB  - Aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are attractive due to their
      sustainability, the use of water as a safe solvent for the redox mediators, and
      their possible applications in photoelectrochemical water splitting. However, the
      higher tendency of dye leaching by water and the lower wettability of dye
      molecules are two major obstacles that need to be tackled for future applications
      of aqueous DSSCs. Sensitizers designed for aqueous DSSCs are discussed based on
      their functions, such as modification of the molecular skeleton and the anchoring
      group for better stability against dye leaching by water, and the incorporation
      of hydrophilic entities into the dye molecule or the addition of a surfactant to
      the system to increase the wettability of the dye for more facile dye
      regeneration. Surface treatment of the photoanode to deter dye leaching or
      improve the wettability of the dye molecule is also discussed. Redox mediators
      designed for aqueous DSSCs are also discussed. The review also includes quantum
      dot-sensitized solar cells, with a focus on improvements in QD loading and
      suppression of interfacial charge recombination at the photoanode.

PMID- 28070971
TI  - Abstracts of the AAGBI WSM London, London, UK, 11-13 January 2017.

PMID- 28070970
TI  - Influence of sunflower seed oil or baby lotion on the skin barrier function of
      newborns: A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skin care influences skin barrier function during the first postnatal
      weeks. Although the use of natural oils in preterms has been investigated, there
      are currently no data comparing the effect of sunflower oil to an emollient on
      barrier development in healthy term newborns. METHODS: In a prospective,
      randomized clinical study, 50 healthy full-term newborns aged <=72 h were
      randomly assigned to two groups: group baby lotion (L, n=22) and sunflower seed
      oil (SSO, n=24). The skin barrier function was evaluated in three anatomical
      areas (front, abdomen, and thigh) by noninvasive assessment of transepidermal
      water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), sebum, and skin pH at
      inclusion and after five weeks. RESULTS: In both groups, skin pH decreased and
      SCH increased statistically significantly in all measured areas at W5 compared to
      baseline. TEWL decreased statistically significantly on the forearm in both
      groups, on the upper leg in group L, and on the abdomen in group SSO.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both skin care regimes did not harm skin barrier function adaptation
      in healthy term neonates during the first five weeks of life.

PMID- 28070973
TI  - Dissociation between amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis during
      threat anticipation in female post-traumatic stress disorder patients.
AB  - Feelings of uncontrollability and anxiety regarding possibly harmful events are
      key features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. Due to a
      lack of studies, the neural correlates of anticipatory anxiety in PTSD are still
      poorly understood. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, female PTSD
      patients with interpersonal violence trauma and healthy controls (HC) anticipated
      the temporally unpredictable presentation of aversive (human scream) or neutral
      sounds. Based on separate analysis models, we investigated phasic and sustained
      brain activations. PTSD patients reported increased anxiety during anticipation
      of aversive versus neutral sounds. Furthermore, we found both increased initial,
      phasic amygdala activation and increased sustained activation of the bed nucleus
      of the stria terminalis (BNST) during anticipation of aversive versus neutral
      sounds in PTSD patients in comparison to HC. PTSD patients as compared with HC
      also showed increased phasic responses in mid-cingulate cortex (MCC), posterior
      cingulate cortex (PCC), mid-insula and lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) as well as
      increased sustained responses in MCC, PCC, anterior insula and lateral and medial
      PFC. Our results demonstrate a relationship between anticipatory anxiety in PTSD
      patients and hyperresponsiveness of brain regions that have previously been
      associated with PTSD symptomatology. Additionally, the dissociation between
      amygdala and BNST indicates distinct temporal and functional characteristics and
      suggests that phasic fear and sustained anxiety responses are enhanced during
      unpredictable anticipation of aversive stimuli in PTSD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2190
      2205, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28070975
TI  - Progressive dyspnea and signs of right heart dysfunction.
AB  - A 40-year-old woman was admitted due to dyspnea and fever. Transthoracic
      echocardiography revealed signs of right heart volume overload and vegetations on
      the tricuspid valve with insufficiency. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a
      sinus venosus defect (SVD) with significant left-to-right shunt. Computed
      tomography scanning was primarily performed to rule out pulmonary embolism;
      however, it showed interatrial communication. Due to the concomitant tricuspid
      insufficiency with additional volume overload, the diagnosis of SVD was more
      challenging. Usually, transthoracic echocardiography remains the initial
      diagnostic imaging modality; however, detection rates are very low. Therefore,
      further imaging is mandatory in unexplained substantial right heart dilatation.

PMID- 28070974
TI  - Stimulus-Responsive Short Peptide Nanogels for Controlled Intracellular Drug
      Release and for Overcoming Tumor Resistance.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR) poses a major burden to cancer treatment. As one
      important factor contributing to MDR, overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp)
      results in a reduced intracellular drug accumulation. Hence, the ability to
      effectively block the efflux protein and to accumulate the therapeutics in cancer
      cells is of great significance in clinical practice. In this work, we
      successfully developed a smart stimulus-responsive short peptide-assembled
      system, termed as PD/VER nanogels, which synergistically combined the acid
      activatable antitumor prodrug doxorubicin (Dox) with the P-gp inhibitor verapamil
      (VER) for reversing MDR. Systematic studies demonstrated that such an inhibitor
      encapsulated nanogel could effectively enhance the accumulation of Dox in
      resistant cancer cells, thereby revealing significantly higher antitumor activity
      compared to free Dox molecules. This work showed that the assembly of bioactive
      agents with a synergistic effect into nano-drugs could provide a useful strategy
      to overcome cancer drug resistance.

PMID- 28070976
TI  - Efficient Deep-Blue Electroluminescence Based on Phenanthroimidazole
      Dibenzothiophene Derivatives with Different Oxidation States of the Sulfur Atom.
AB  - Developing efficient deep-blue materials is a long-term research focus in the
      field of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this paper, we report two deep
      blue molecules, PITO and PISF, which share similar chemical structures but
      exhibit different photophysical and device properties. These two molecules
      consist of phenanthroimidazole and dibenzothiophene analogs. The distinction of
      their chemical structures lies in the different oxidation states of the S atom.
      For PITO, the S atom is oxidized and the resulting structure dibenzothiophene S,S
      dioxide becomes electron deficient. Therefore, PITO displays remarkable
      solvatochromism, implying a charge-transfer (CT) excited state formed between the
      donor (D) phenanthroimidazole and acceptor (A) dibenzothiophene S,S-dioxide. For
      PISF, it is constituted of phenanthroimidazole and dibenzothiophene in which the
      S atom is not oxidized. PISF displays locally excited (LE) emission with little
      solvatochromism. Compared with PISF, the D-A molecule PITO with an electron
      deficient group shows a much lower LUMO energy level, which is in favor of
      electron injection in device. In addition, PITO exhibits more balanced carrier
      transport. However, PISF is capable of emitting in the shorter wavelength region,
      which is beneficial to obtain better color purity. The doped electroluminescence
      (EL) device of the D-A molecule PITO manifests deep-blue emission with CIE
      coordinates of (0.15, 0.08) and maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 4.67
      %. The doped EL device of the LE molecule PISF, however, reveals an even bluer
      emission with CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.06) and a maximum EQE of 4.08 %.

PMID- 28070977
TI  - Five Rare MU4 -O-Centered Ln6 Clusters with Single-Molecule Magnet Behavior for
      Dy6.
AB  - Five hexanuclear lanthanide clusters of composition [Ln6 (MU4 -O)2 (HCOO)2 L4
      (HL')2 (dmf)2 ] [Ln=Dy (1), Er (2), Ho (3), Tb (4), Gd (5); H2 L=2-{[2
      (hydroxymethyl)phenylimino]methyl}-6-methoxyphenol; H3 L'=3-{[2
      (hydroxymethyl)phenylimino]methyl}benzene-1,2-diol; H3 L' was derived in situ
      from the H2 L ligand] were prepared under solvothermal conditions. The [Ln6 ]
      cores of 1-5 possess an unprecedented motif, namely, two tetrahedron Ln4 units
      sharing an edge and two vertices. The six LnIII ions of 1-5 are connected through
      two MU4 -O anions. Magnetic susceptibility studies reveal that complex 1 exhibits
      frequency dependence of the alternating current susceptibility typical of single
      molecule magnets. Complex 1 possesses a relatively large energy barrier of 85 K
      among all of the reported Dy6 single-molecule magnets.

PMID- 28070978
TI  - Testing for local adaptation and evolutionary potential along altitudinal
      gradients in rainforest Drosophila: beyond laboratory estimates.
AB  - Predicting how species will respond to the rapid climatic changes predicted this
      century is an urgent task. Species distribution models (SDMs) use the current
      relationship between environmental variation and species' abundances to predict
      the effect of future environmental change on their distributions. However, two
      common assumptions of SDMs are likely to be violated in many cases: (i) that the
      relationship of environment with abundance or fitness is constant throughout a
      species' range and will remain so in future and (ii) that abiotic factors (e.g.
      temperature, humidity) determine species' distributions. We test these
      assumptions by relating field abundance of the rainforest fruit fly Drosophila
      birchii to ecological change across gradients that include its low and high
      altitudinal limits. We then test how such ecological variation affects the
      fitness of 35 D. birchii families transplanted in 591 cages to sites along two
      altitudinal gradients, to determine whether genetic variation in fitness
      responses could facilitate future adaptation to environmental change. Overall,
      field abundance was highest at cooler, high-altitude sites, and declined towards
      warmer, low-altitude sites. By contrast, cage fitness (productivity) increased
      towards warmer, lower-altitude sites, suggesting that biotic interactions (absent
      from cages) drive ecological limits at warmer margins. In addition, the
      relationship between environmental variation and abundance varied significantly
      among gradients, indicating divergence in ecological niche across the species'
      range. However, there was no evidence for local adaptation within gradients,
      despite greater productivity of high-altitude than low-altitude populations when
      families were reared under laboratory conditions. Families also responded
      similarly to transplantation along gradients, providing no evidence for fitness
      trade-offs that would favour local adaptation. These findings highlight the
      importance of (i) measuring genetic variation in key traits under ecologically
      relevant conditions, and (ii) considering the effect of biotic interactions when
      predicting species' responses to environmental change.

PMID- 28070979
TI  - Reading Comprehension: A Computerized Intervention with Primary-age Poor Readers.
AB  - The current study investigates the effectiveness of a computerized reading
      comprehension programme on the reading accuracy, reading comprehension and
      reading rate of primary-age poor readers. There is little published literature
      relating to computerized reading interventions in UK primary schools, and no
      previous studies have investigated the Comprehension Booster programme. Thirty
      eight children (26 boys and 12 girls; aged 6:7 to 11:0) from two schools in East
      Yorkshire, UK, took part. Half of the participants (the intervention group)
      undertook the Comprehension Booster programme for a 6-week period, whilst the
      other half (the control group) continued with their usual teaching. Significant
      effects of the intervention were found, with increases in reading accuracy and
      reading comprehension for the intervention group. It is concluded that
      computerized reading programmes can be effective in improving reading skills, and
      these are particularly useful for pupils with reading difficulties in
      disadvantaged areas, where resources are limited and family support in reading is
      lower. However, such programmes are not a replacement for good teaching, and
      regular monitoring of children with reading difficulties is required. Further
      research is necessary to compare the programme used here to other conventional
      and computerized intervention programmes, using a larger sample. Copyright (c)
      2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28070980
TI  - Vibrational Spectrum of an Excited State and Huang-Rhys Factors by Coherent Wave
      Packets in Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy.
AB  - Coherent nuclear wave packet motions in an electronic excited state of a molecule
      are measured directly by time-resolved spontaneous fluorescence spectroscopy with
      an unprecedented time resolution by using two-photon absorption excitation and
      fluorescence upconversion by noncollinear sum frequency generation. With an
      estimated time resolution of approximately 25 fs, wave packet motions of
      vibrational modes up to 1600 cm-1 are recorded for coumarin 153 in ethanol. Two
      color transient absorption at 13 fs time resolution are measured to confirm the
      result. Vibrational displacements between the ground and excited states and Huang
      Rhys factors (HRFs) are calculated by quantum mechanical methods and are compared
      with the experimental results. HRFs calculated by density functional theory (DFT)
      and time-dependent DFT reproduce the experiment adequately. This fluorescence
      based method provides a unique and direct way to obtain the vibrational spectrum
      of a molecule in an electronic excited state and the HRFs, as well as the
      dynamics of excited states, and it might provide information on the structure of
      an excited state through the HRFs.

PMID- 28070981
TI  - Synthesis of Asymmetrical Organic Carbonates using CO2 as a Feedstock in
      AgCl/Ionic Liquid System at Ambient Conditions.
AB  - Synthesis of asymmetrical organic carbonates from the renewable and inexpensive
      CO2 is of great importance but also challenging, especially at ambient
      conditions. Herein, we found that some metal salt/ionic liquid catalyst systems
      were highly active for the synthesis of asymmetrical organic carbonates from CO2
      , propargylic alcohols, and primary alcohols. Especially, the AgCl/1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium acetate ([Bmim][OAc]) system was very efficient for the
      reactions of a wide range of substrates at room temperature and atmospheric
      pressure, and the yields of the asymmetrical organic carbonates could approach
      100 %. The catalyst system could be reused at least five times without changing
      its catalytic performance, and could be easily recovered and reused. A detailed
      study indicated that AgCl and [Bmim][OAc] catalyzed the reactions cooperatively,
      resulting in unique catalytic performance.

PMID- 28070982
TI  - Response to Four-year entecavir therapy reduces hepatocellular carcinoma,
      cirrhotic events and mortality in chronic hepatitis B patients.

PMID- 28070983
TI  - Response to Is radiotherapy the best option for treating hepatocellular carcinoma
      with PVTT?

PMID- 28070984
TI  - An approach for sample size determination of average bioequivalence based on
      interval estimation.
AB  - In 1992, the US Food and Drug Administration declared that two drugs demonstrate
      average bioequivalence (ABE) if the log-transformed mean difference of
      pharmacokinetic responses lies in (-0.223, 0.223). The most widely used approach
      for assessing ABE is the two one-sided tests procedure. More specifically, ABE is
      concluded when a 100(1 - 2alpha) % confidence interval for mean difference falls
      within (-0.223, 0.223). As known, bioequivalent studies are usually conducted by
      crossover design. However, in the case that the half-life of a drug is long, a
      parallel design for the bioequivalent study may be preferred. In this study, a
      two-sided interval estimation - such as Satterthwaite's, Cochran-Cox's, or Howe's
      approximations - is used for assessing parallel ABE. We show that the asymptotic
      joint distribution of the lower and upper confidence limits is bivariate normal,
      and thus the sample size can be calculated based on the asymptotic power so that
      the confidence interval falls within (-0.223, 0.223). Simulation studies also
      show that the proposed method achieves sufficient empirical power. A real example
      is provided to illustrate the proposed method. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28070985
TI  - Boosting the precision of mediation analyses of randomised experiments through
      covariate adjustment.
AB  - Analyses of randomised experiments frequently include attempts to decompose the
      intention-to-treat effect into a direct and indirect effect, mediated by given
      intermediaries, with the aim to shed light onto the treatment mechanism. Methods
      from causal mediation analysis have facilitated this by allowing for arbitrary
      models for the outcome and the mediator. They thereby generalise the traditional
      approach to direct and indirect effects, which is essentially limited to linear
      models. The default maximum likelihood methods make use of a model for the
      conditional distribution of the mediator, given treatment and baseline
      covariates, but are prone to bias when that model is misspecified. In randomised
      experiments, specification of such model can be easily avoided, but at the
      expense of a sometimes major efficiency loss when those baseline covariates are
      predictive of the mediator. In this article, we develop a compromise approach: it
      makes use of a model for the mediator to optimally extract information from the
      baseline covariate data but is insulated from the impact of misspecification of
      that model; it achieves this by exploiting the known randomisation probabilities.
      Simulation studies and the analysis of a randomised study show major efficiency
      gains and confirm our theoretical findings that the default methods from causal
      mediation analysis are sometimes, although not always, reasonably robust to model
      misspecification. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28070986
TI  - Predicting Severity of Disease-Causing Variants.
AB  - Most diseases, including those of genetic origin, express a continuum of
      severity. Clinical interventions for numerous diseases are based on the severity
      of the phenotype. Predicting severity due to genetic variants could facilitate
      diagnosis and choice of therapy. Although computational predictions have been
      used as evidence for classifying the disease relevance of genetic variants,
      special tools for predicting disease severity in large scale are missing. Here,
      we manually curated a dataset containing variants leading to severe and less
      severe phenotypes and studied the abilities of variation impact predictors to
      distinguish between them. We found that these tools cannot separate the two
      groups of variants. Then, we developed a novel machine-learning-based method, PON
      PS (http://structure.bmc.lu.se/PON-PS), for the classification of amino acid
      substitutions associated with benign, severe, and less severe phenotypes. We
      tested the method using an independent test dataset and variants in four
      additional proteins. For distinguishing severe and nonsevere variants, PON-PS
      showed an accuracy of 61% in the test dataset, which is higher than for existing
      tolerance prediction methods. PON-PS is the first generic tool developed for this
      task. The tool can be used together with other evidence for improving diagnosis
      and prognosis and for prioritization of preventive interventions, clinical
      monitoring, and molecular tests.

PMID- 28070987
TI  - Reply: to Chronic venous ulcer treatment with topical sevoflurane by Imbernon et
      al.

PMID- 28070988
TI  - Renal clearable noble metal nanoparticles: photoluminescence, elimination, and
      biomedical applications.
AB  - Metal nanoparticles have demonstrated broad and promising biomedical applications
      in research laboratories, but how to fulfill their promises in the clinical
      practices demands extensive effort to minimize their non-specific accumulation in
      the body. In the past 6 years, we have developed a class of renal clearable noble
      metal nanoparticles with tunable visible and near-infrared emission, which can
      behave like small molecular contrast agents to be effectively eliminated through
      the kidneys. By taking advantage of the unique clearance pathway, we were able to
      gain some fundamental understanding of how engineering nanoparticles cleared out
      of the body through urinary system. Moreover, they also provided unique
      opportunities in early cancer detection and kidney functional imaging that were
      often challenging to be achieved with non-renal clearable nanoparticles and small
      molecular probes. In this review, we summarize key factors that govern in the
      renal clearance of luminescent noble metal nanoparticles and their strengths in
      cancer targeting and kidney functional imaging. At the end, we also outline
      several key challenges that need to be addressed before they can be considered in
      the clinical practices. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1453. doi:
      10.1002/wnan.1453 For further resources related to this article, please visit the
      WIREs website.

PMID- 28070989
TI  - Fullerenes in Space.
AB  - In 1985 the football structure of C60 , buckminsterfullerene was proposed and
      subsequently confirmed following its macroscopic synthesis in 1990. From the very
      beginning the role of C60 and C60+ in space was considered, particularly in the
      context of the enigmatic diffuse interstellar bands. These are absorption
      features found in the spectra of reddened star light. The first astronomical
      observations were made around one hundred years ago and despite significant
      efforts none of the interstellar molecules responsible have been identified. The
      absorption spectrum of C60+ was measured in a 5 K neon matrix in 1993 and two
      prominent bands near 9583 A and 9645 A were observed. On the basis of this data
      the likely wavelength range in which the gas phase C60+ absorptions should lie
      was predicted. In 1994 two diffuse interstellar bands were found in this spectral
      region and proposed to be due to C60+ . It took over 20 years to measure the
      absorption spectrum of C60+ under conditions similar to those prevailing in
      diffuse clouds. In 2015, sophisticated laboratory experiments led to the
      confirmation that these two interstellar bands are indeed caused by C60+ ,
      providing the first answer to this century old puzzle. Here, we describe the
      experiments, concepts and astronomical observations that led to the detection of
      C60+ in interstellar space.

PMID- 28070991
TI  - A New ChemMedChem Era.
AB  - Moving in medchem: Editors David Peralta and Scott Williams look back at the
      ChemMedChem 10th anniversary celebration in 2016 and introduce exciting
      developments for the journal in 2017, including the expansion of its scope to
      nanomedicine, the introduction of Patent Reviews, the addition of new board
      members, and the publication of special issues related to the expanded scope.

PMID- 28070990
TI  - A targeted next-generation sequencing in the molecular risk stratification of
      adult acute myeloid leukemia: implications for clinical practice.
AB  - Conventional cytogenetics can categorize patients with acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML) into favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable-risk groups; however,
      patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics represent the major population with
      variable outcomes. Because molecular profiling can assist with AML prognosis and
      next-generation sequencing allows simultaneous sequencing of many target genes,
      we analyzed 260 genes in 112 patients with de novo AML who received standard
      treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that karyotypes and mutation status of
      TET2, PHF6, KIT, and NPM1mutation /FLT3- internal tandem duplication
      (ITD)negative were independent prognostic factors for the entire cohort. Among
      patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics, patients with mutations in
      CEBPAdouble mutation , IDH2, and NPM1 in the absence of FLT3-ITD were associated
      with improved Overall survival (OS), similar to those with favorable-risk
      cytogenetics; patients with mutations in TET2, RUNX1, ASXL1, and DNMT3A were
      associated with reduced OS, similar to those with unfavorable-risk cytogenetics.
      We concluded that integration of cytogenetic and molecular profiling improves
      prognostic stratification of patients into three groups with more distinct
      prognoses (P < 0.001) and significantly reduces the number of patients classified
      as intermediate risk. In addition, our study demonstrates that next-generation
      sequencing (NGS)-based multi-gene sequencing is clinically applicable in
      establishing an accurate risk stratification system for guiding therapeutic
      decisions.

PMID- 28070994
TI  - Involvement of microRNA-718, a new regulator of EGR3, in regulation of malignant
      phenotype of HCC cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still one of the most common death
      related malignancies worldwide. Because the way onset and progression are hidden
      most, HCC diagnoses are made at an advanced stage, when they are unsuitable for
      surgical resection. MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs, participating
      in many aspects of cancers. In this study, we tried to establish the role of
      microRNA-718 (miR-718) in the malignant phenotype of HCC cells and its possible
      role in HCC diagnosis. METHODS: Here we first used a methylthiazolyldiphenyl
      tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Transwell migration and invasion assays, and
      colony formation assay to evaluate the impact of miR-718 on the malignant
      phenotypes of HCC cells. Then, we used bioinformatic methods to predict the
      target gene of miR-718 and used green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter assay,
      Western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to
      validate the regulation relationship. Finally, we determined the role of the
      target gene in the HCC phenotype. RESULTS: We found that the expression of miR
      718 was significantly reduced in various HCC cell lines and HCC tissues. Re
      expression of miR-718 significantly reduced the cellular viability and colony
      formation ability as well as inhibited the migration and invasion abilities of
      HCC cell lines. Early growth response protein 3 (EGR3) is a direct target of miR
      718 and is negatively regulated by miR-718. EGR3 could increase the viability and
      proliferation of HCC cells, and promot the migration and invasion of HCC cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: miR-718 acts as a tumor suppressive microRNA in HCC via regulating
      the expression of EGR3, which may provide a new diagnostic marker and treatment
      target for HCC.

PMID- 28070992
TI  - Molecular signal networks and regulating mechanisms of the unfolded protein
      response.
AB  - Within the cell, several mechanisms exist to maintain homeostasis of the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER). One of the primary mechanisms is the unfolded protein
      response (UPR). In this review, we primarily focus on the latest signal webs and
      regulation mechanisms of the UPR. The relationships among ER stress, apoptosis,
      and cancer are also discussed. Under the normal state, binding immunoglobulin
      protein (BiP) interacts with the three sensors (protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase
      (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and inositol-requiring enzyme
      1alpha (IRE1alpha)). Under ER stress, misfolded proteins interact with BiP,
      resulting in the release of BiP from the sensors. Subsequently, the three sensors
      dimerize and autophosphorylate to promote the signal cascades of ER stress. ER
      stress includes a series of positive and negative feedback signals, such as those
      regulating the stabilization of the sensors/BiP complex, activating and
      inactivating the sensors by autophosphorylation and dephosphorylation, activating
      specific transcription factors to enable selective transcription, and augmenting
      the ability to refold and export. Apart from the three basic pathways, vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-phospholipase C-gamma
      (PLCgamma)-mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway, induced only
      in solid tumors, can also activate ATF6 and PERK signal cascades, and IRE1alpha
      also can be activated by activated RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase
      (AKT). A moderate UPR functions as a pro-survival signal to return the cell to
      its state of homeostasis. However, persistent ER stress will induce cells to
      undergo apoptosis in response to increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+
      in the cytoplasmic matrix, and other apoptosis signal cascades, such as c-Jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
      (STAT3), and P38, when cellular damage exceeds the capacity of this adaptive
      response.

PMID- 28070993
TI  - Use of liposomal doxorubicin for adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer in
      clinical practice.
AB  - Breast cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and
      mortality. It is helpful to reduce the rate of tumor recurrence and metastasis by
      treating breast cancer with adjuvant chemotherapy, so as to increase the cure
      rate or survival of patients. In recent years, liposomes have been regarded as a
      kind of new carrier for targeted drugs. Being effective for enhancing drug
      efficacy and reducing side effects, they have been widely used for developing
      anticancer drugs. As a kind of anthracycline with high anticancer activity,
      doxorubicin can treat or alleviate a variety of malignant tumors effectively when
      it is used on its own or in combination with other anticancer drugs. Although
      liposomal doxorubicin has been extensively used in the adjuvant chemotherapy of
      breast cancer, its exact therapeutic efficacy and side effects have not been
      definitely proven. Various clinical studies have adopted different combined
      regimes, dosages, and staging, so their findings differ to certain extent. This
      paper reviews the clinical application of liposomal doxorubicin in the adjuvant
      chemotherapy of breast cancer and illustrates therapeutic effects and side
      effects of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and non-PLD (NPLD) in clinical
      research, in order to discuss the strategies for applying these drugs in such
      adjuvant chemotherapy, looking forward to providing references for related
      research and clinical treatment in terms of dosage, staging, combined regimes,
      and analysis methods and so on.

PMID- 28070995
TI  - Haplotype of platelet receptor P2RY12 gene is associated with residual
      clopidogrel on-treatment platelet reactivity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate a possible association between common variations of the
      P2RY12 and the residual clopidogrel on-treatment platelet reactivity after
      adjusting for the influence of CYP2C19 tested by thromboelastography (TEG).
      METHODS: One hundred and eighty patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
      treated with clopidogrel and aspirin were included and platelet function was
      assessed by TEG. Five selected P2RY12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs;
      rs6798347, rs6787801, rs6801273, rs6785930, and rs2046934), which cover the
      common variations in the P2RY12 gene and its regulatory regions, and three
      CYP2C19 SNPs (*2,*3,*17) were genotyped and possible haplotypes were analyzed.
      RESULTS: The high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) prevalence defined by a
      platelet inhibition rate <30% by TEG in adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-channel was
      69 (38.33%). Six common haplotypes were inferred from four of the selected P2RY12
      SNPs (denoted H0 to H5) according to the linkage disequilibrium R square (except
      for rs2046934). Haplotype H1 showed a significantly lower incidence of HTPR than
      the reference haplotype (H0) in the total study population while haplotypes H1
      and H2 showed significantly lower incidences of HTPR than H0 in the nonsmoker
      subgroup after adjusting for CYP2C19 effects and demographic characteristics.
      rs2046934 (T744C) did not show any significant association with HTPR.
      CONCLUSIONS: The combination of common P2RY12 variations including regulatory
      regions rather than rs2046934 (T744C) that related to pharmacodynamics of
      clopidogrel in patients with ACS was independently associated with residual on
      clopidogrel platelet reactivity. This is apart from the established association
      of the CYP2C19. This association seemed more important in the subgroup defined by
      smoking.

PMID- 28070996
TI  - Distribution and differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells after fluid
      resuscitation in mice with hemorrhagic shock.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution and differentiation of myeloid-derived
      suppressor cells (MDSCs) in hemorrhagic shock mice, which are resuscitated with
      normal saline (NS), hypertonic saline (HTS), and hydroxyethyl starch (HES).
      METHODS: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, NS, HTS, and HES
      resuscitation groups. Three subgroups (n=8) in each resuscitation group were
      marked as 2, 24, and 72 h. Flow cytometry was used to detect the MDSCs, monocytic
      MDSCs (M-MDSCs), and granulocytic/neutrophilic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) in peripheral
      blood nucleated cells (PBNCs), spleen single-cell suspension, and bone marrow
      nucleated cells (BMNCs). RESULTS: The MDSCs in BMNCs among three resuscitation
      groups were lower 2 h after shock, in PBNCs of the HTS group were higher, and in
      spleen of the NS group were lower (all P<0.05 vs. control). The M-MDSC/G-MDSC
      ratios in PBNCs of the HTS and HES groups were lower (both P<0.05 vs. control).
      At 24 h, the MDSCs in PBNCs of the NS and HTS groups were higher, while the
      spleen MDSCs in the HTS group were higher (all P<0.05 vs. control). The M-MDSC/G
      MDSC ratios were all less in PBNCs, spleen, and BMNCs of the NS and HTS groups,
      and were lower in BMNCs of the HES group (all P<0.05 vs. control). At 72 h, the
      elevated MDSCs in PBNCs were presented in the HTS and HES groups, and in spleen
      the augment turned up in three resuscitation groups (all P<0.05 vs. control). The
      inclined ratios to M-MDSC were exhibited in spleen of the NS and HTS groups, and
      in PBNCs of the NS group; the inclination to G-MDSC in BMNCs was shown in the HES
      group (all P<0.05 vs. control). CONCLUSIONS: HTS induces the earlier elevation of
      MDSCs in peripheral blood and spleen, and influences its distribution and
      differentiation, while HES has a less effect on the distribution but a stronger
      impact on the differentiation of MDSCs, especially in bone marrow.

PMID- 28070997
TI  - Involvement of endothelial progenitor cells in the formation of plexiform lesions
      in broiler chickens: possible role of local immune/inflammatory response.
AB  - Plexiform lesions (PLs), which are often accompanied by perivascular infiltrates
      of mononuclear cells, represent the hallmark lesions of pulmonary arteries in
      humans suffering from severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Endothelial
      progenitor cells (EPCs) have been recently implicated in the formation of PLs in
      human patients. PLs rarely develop in rodent animal models of PAH but can develop
      spontaneously in broiler chickens. The aim of the present study was to confirm
      the presence of EPCs in the PLs in broilers. The immune mechanisms involved in
      EPC dysfunction were also evaluated. Lungs were collected from commercial
      broilers at 1 to 4 weeks of age. The right/total ventricle ratios indicated
      normal pulmonary arterial pressures for all sampled birds. Immunohistochemistry
      was performed to determine the expressions of EPC markers (CD133 and VEGFR-2) and
      proangiogenic molecule hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the lung samples. An
      EPC/lymphocyte co-culture system was used to investigate the functional changes
      of EPCs under the challenge of immune cells. PLs with different cellular
      composition were detected in the lungs of broilers regardless of age, and they
      were commonly surrounded by moderate to dense perivascular mononuclear cell
      infiltrates. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the presence of CD133+ and
      VEGFR-2+ cells in PLs. These structures also exhibited a strong expression of
      HGF. Lymphocyte co-culture enhanced EPC apoptosis and completely blocked HGF
      stimulated EPC survival and in vitro tube formation. Taken together, this work
      provides evidence for the involvement of EPCs in the development of PLs in
      broilers. It is suggested that the local immune cell infiltrate might serve as a
      contributor to EPC dysfunction by inducing EPC death and limiting their response
      to angiogenic stimuli. Broiler chickens may be valuable for investigating
      reversibility of plexogenic arteriopathy using gene-modified inflammation
      resistant EPCs.

PMID- 28070998
TI  - Successful treatment of accessory breast cancer with endocrine therapy.
AB  - Accessory breast cancers in males are extremely rare, and only a few cases have
      been reported in the literature. In this paper, an 87-year-old male patient was
      diagnosed with an accessory breast cancer by means of computed tomography (CT),
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography (PET-CT), and immunohistochemistry based on needle biopsy, and has
      undergone successful resection and postoperative adjuvant endocrine therapy. He
      was the oldest male patient with an accessory breast cancer reported in the
      Chinese Hospital Knowledge Database and PubMed literature from 1975 to 2015.

PMID- 28070999
TI  - Inhibitory effect of Shenqi Fuzheng injection combined with docetaxel on lung
      cancer cells.
AB  - This study investigated the anticancer effect of Shenqi Fuzheng (SQFZ) injection
      combined with docetaxel on lung cancer cell lines of A549 and Lewis lung cancer
      (LLC). SQFZ injection alone cannot inhibit the vitality of lung cancer cells, but
      the antitumor activity of SQFZ combined with docetaxel was significantly higher
      than that using docetaxel alone.

PMID- 28071001
TI  - Purified isolation of vacuoles from Sedum alfredii leaf-derived protoplasts.
AB  - This study aims to develop a method for isolating and purifying
      protoplasts/vacuoles from fresh leaves of the Cd hyperaccumulator plant species,
      Sedum alfredii. The results revealed that preheating cellulase and macerozyme at
      50  degrees C for 5 min significantly accelerated the cell wall degradation. For
      the most optimal conditions for mesophyll protoplast isolation, the mixture of
      fresh leaves and cell lysates was followed by a 2-h-long vibration. The
      protoplast lysate for vacuole isolation was diluted, and 0.675 mmol/L was
      identified as the most appropriate 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]-1
      propanesulfonic acid (CHAPS) level, in which S. alfredii large vacuoles are
      characterized by a high metal and malic acid content. For the best vacuole
      purification results, we established that 0.8 mol/L was the most optimal mannitol
      level in the vacuole buffer in terms of vacuole protection during centrifugation,
      whereas a Ficoll concentration of 0.10 g/ml was adopted in the density-gradient
      centrifugation.

PMID- 28071000
TI  - Chemical composition and antioxidant activities of essential oils from different
      parts of the oregano.
AB  - This research was undertaken in order to characterize the chemical compositions
      and evaluate the antioxidant activities of essential oils obtained from different
      parts of the Origanum vulgare L. It is a medicinal plant used in traditional
      Chinese medicine for the treatment of heat stroke, fever, vomiting, acute
      gastroenteritis, and respiratory disorders. The chemical compositions of the
      three essential oils from different parts of the oregano (leaves-flowers, stems,
      and roots) were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The
      antioxidant activity of each essential oil was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and reducing the power test.
      Among the essential oils from different parts of the oregano, the leaf-flower
      oils have the best antioxidant activities, whereas the stem oils are the worst.
      The results of the DPPH free radical scavenging assay showed that the half
      maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of the essential oils were
      (0.332+/-0.040) mg/ml (leaves-flowers), (0.357+/-0.031) mg/ml (roots), and
      (0.501+/-0.029) mg/ml (stems), respectively. Interestingly, the results of
      reducing the power test also revealed that when the concentration exceeded 1.25
      mg/ml, the leaf-flower oils had the highest reducing power; however, the stem
      oils were the lowest.

PMID- 28071002
TI  - Effect of antioxidants on polyunsaturated fatty acids - review.
AB  - This paper aims to review the available literature data and provide an overview
      regarding the efficiency of antioxidants to prevent peroxidation of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipid peroxidation is a serious problem that often
      leads to a loss of shelf-life, reduced consumer acceptability, poorer
      functionality, lower nutritional value, and poorer safety. It represents an
      oxidative degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids incorporated in cell
      membrane lipids or in lipoproteins, but also in vegetables and food oils rich in
      PUFA n-3. It is a complex process that leads to the production of numerous highly
      reactive metabolites with consequences for food preservation and for the
      development of various diseases. The targets of lipid oxidation are
      polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipid peroxidation can proceed by means of two
      different reactions that lead to the formation of hydroperoxides as primary
      products. Hydroperoxides decompose rapidly to give many secondary products, such
      as lipid free radicals, which contribute to increased oxidation of other
      molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids and other lipids. Lipid peroxidation
      is a major problem for the food industry, as well as for human health, since it
      is associated with many diseases. The use of antioxidants reduces oxidative
      damage.

PMID- 28071003
TI  - New model for colour kinetics of plum under infrared vacuum condition and
      microwave drying.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of dried foods is affected by the drying method and
      physiochemical changes in tissue. The drying method affects properties such as
      colour. The colour of processed food is one of the most important quality indices
      and plays a determinant role in consumer acceptability of food materials and the
      processing method. The colour of food materials can be used as an indirect factor
      to determine changes in quality, since it is simpler and faster than chemical
      methods. METHODS: The study focused on the kinetics of colour changes of plum
      slices, under infrared vacuum and microwave conditions. Drying the samples was
      implemented at the absolute pressures of 20 and 60 kPa, drying temperatures of 50
      and 60 degrees C and microwave power of 90, 270, 450 and 630 W. Colour changes
      were quantified by the tri-stimulus L* (whiteness/darkness), a*
      (redness/greenness) and b* (yellowness/blueness) model, which is an international
      standard for color measurement developed by the Commission Internationale
      d'Eclairage (CIE). These values were also used to calculate total colour change
      (?E), chroma, hue angle, and browning index (BI). A new model was used for
      mathematical modelling of colour change kinetics. RESULTS: The drying process
      changed the colour parameters of L*, a*, and b*, causing a colour shift toward
      the darker region. The values of L* and hue angle decreased, whereas the values
      of a*, b*, ?E, chroma and browning index increased during exposure to infrared
      vacuum conditions and microwave drying. Comparing the results obtained using the
      new model with two conventional models of zero-order and first-order kinetics
      indicated that the new model presented more compatibility with the data of colour
      kinetics for all colour parameters and drying conditions. CONCLUSIONS: All
      kinetic changes in colour parameters can be explained by the new model presented
      in this study. The hybrid drying system included infrared vacuum conditions and
      microwave power for initial slow drying of plum slices and provided the desired
      results for colour change.

PMID- 28071004
TI  - Influence of freezing and storing cherry fruit on its nutritional value.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cherries are a valuable dietary raw material and possess medicinal
      properties. Considering the nutritional, medical and vitamin value of cherry
      fruits, the purpose of this research was to produce a scientific justification
      for preserving the quality of cherry fruits using different freezing methods.
      METHODS: To do this, cherry fruits from the Lotovka (Cerasus vulgaris) variety
      were frozen in various ways: packed in polyethylene bags (control); previously
      suspended in a 20% sugar solution and packing frozen cherry in polyethylene bags;
      suspended in a 20% sugar solution with the addition of 4% ascorutin and frozen
      followed by pre-packaging in polyethylene bags; cherry fruits were frozen in a
      20% sugar solution in plastic cups of 0.25 cm3; they were also frozen in a 20%
      sugar solution with the addition of 4% ascorutin in plastic cups. The frozen
      products were stored at a temperature not higher than -18 degrees C for up to 6
      months. Result. Studies have shown the appropriateness of freezing cherry fruits,
      particularly in a 20% sugar solution with the addition of 4% ascorutin. The
      advantages of these fruits are in ascorbic acid preservation in 1. RESULTS: nd.
      Cherries are a valuable dietary raw material and possess medicinal properties.
      Considering the nutritional, medical and vitamin value of cherry fruits, the
      purpose of this research was to produce a scientific justification for preserving
      the quality of cherry fruits using different freezing methods. Material and
      methods. To do this, cherry fruits from the Lotovka (Cerasus vulgaris) variety
      were frozen in various ways: packed in polyethylene bags (control); previously
      suspended in a 20% sugar solution and packing frozen cherry in polyethylene bags;
      suspended in a 20% sugar solution with the addition of 4% ascorutin and frozen
      followed by pre-packaging in polyethylene bags; cherry fruits were frozen in a
      20% sugar solution in plastic cups of 0.25 cm3; they were also frozen in a 20%
      sugar solution with the addition of 4% ascorutin in plastic cups. The frozen
      products were stored at a temperature not higher than -18 degrees C for up to 6
      months. Result. Studies have shown the appropriateness of freezing cherry fruits,
      particularly in a 20% sugar solution with the addition of 4% ascorutin. The
      advantages of these fruits are in ascorbic acid preservation in 1.5 times and
      reduction of tanning and coloring substances only by 27%, soluble solids to 7%,
      sugars - 4%, acids - 12%, in tasting evaluation of 5 points. CONCLUSIONS: Frozen
      cherry fruits in a 20% sugar solution with the addition of 4% ascorutin can be
      used in dietary nutrition for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 28071005
TI  - Fermentation optimization of goat milk with Lactobacillus acidophilus and
      Bifidobacterium bifidum by Box-Behnken design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Goat milk is only limited to the processing of goat milk powder and
      liquid milk, the products are mainly about milk powder and a few of them are made
      as milk tablet. Therefore, the study of probiotic goat milk will have great
      significance in the full use of goats and the development of the goat milk
      industry in China. METHODS: The effect of fermentation temperature (35 degrees C,
      37 degrees C, 39 degrees C), strain ratio (1:1:1, 2:1:1, 3:1:1) and inoculum size
      (4%, 5%, 6%) on viable counts of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum, total bacteria
      and sensory value during fermentation process of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum
      goat yogurt (AB-goat yogurt) was investigated. RESULTS: The optimum fermentation
      conditions for AB-goat yogurt were: fermentation temperature 38 degrees C, the
      strain ratio 2:1:1, inoculum size 6%. Under the optimum conditions, the viable
      counts of B. bifidum, L. acidophilus, total bacteria and sensory value reached
      (4.30 +/-0.11)*107  cfu/mL, (1.39 +/-0.09)*108  cfu/mL, (1.82+/-0.06)*109  cfu/mL
      and 7.90 +/-0.14, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The fermentation temperature, the
      strain ratio and inoculum size had a significant effect on the fermentation of AB
      goat yogurt and these results are beneficial for developing AB-goat yogurt.

PMID- 28071006
TI  - Sensory qualities of pastry products enriched with dietary fiber and polyphenolic
      substances.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growing consumer demand for products with pro-health properties is
      forcing food manufacturers to introduce new food items onto the market, which
      will not only possess such health-enhancing properties but will also compete on
      the grounds of sensory attributes - taste, flavour, texture etc. METHODS: The aim
      was to evaluate these sensory attributes of pastry products enhanced with
      biologically active compounds, such as inulin, buckwheat hull and buckwheat
      flour. For decreasing the energy value of the products tested (crispy cookies,
      muesli cookies, waffles and pancakes) some ingredients were replaced: vegetable
      butter or oil by inulin and wheat flour by roasted buckwheat flour and thermally
      processed buckwheat hull. The substances mentioned are rich sources of soluble
      and insoluble buckwheat fiber, and also polyphenolic substances. Dry chokeberry
      and mulberry leaf extract were added as a rich source of flavonoids and 1
      deoxynorijimycin, respectively. These substances are recommended for people with
      obesity. The processing was carried out at 175 degrees C for 15 minutes using a
      convection oven (Rational Combi-Steamer CCC). RESULTS: Pastry products with
      buckwheat flour, buckwheat hulls, mulberry extract, chokeberry and inulin had a
      lower food energy, a higher dietary fiber content and scored high on customer
      desirability. CONCLUSIONS: Pastry products which contain ingredients carrying
      biologically active substances are not only attractive from the sensory point of
      view, but also low in calories, and are thus recommendable for obesity people.

PMID- 28071007
TI  - Evaluation the effect of gamma irradiation on microbial, chemical and sensorial
      properties of peanut (Arachis hypogaea l.) seeds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility to apply
      gamma radiation treatment for decontaminating and assuring the quality of peanut
      seeds. METHODS: The radiation processing was carried out at dose levels of 3, 6
      and 9 kGy. The irradiated and non-irradiated (control) samples were stored at
      room temperature for 12 months, and analyzed for microbial load, proximate
      composition, sensorial acceptance and chemical properties. RESULTS: The results
      indicated that gamma irradiation treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced
      microbial load and enhanced the safety of the irradiated samples. The irradiated
      samples were also acceptable sensorically. The total acidity and total volatile
      nitrogen (TVBN) contents increased with the increase of radiation dose.
      Furthermore, in general, no substantial change in proximate constituents was
      observed amongst the samples. No significant (p > 0.05) differences in the taste,
      flavor, color and texture score were observed among treatments (0, 3, 6 and 9
      kGy). CONCLUSIONS: Irradiation protected again bacterial and fungal growth and
      retained the nutritional components of samples during long-term storage.

PMID- 28071008
TI  - MICROWAVE-ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM POLYGONUM MULTIFLORUM
      THUNB. ROOTS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the best extraction conditions
      for total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) of Polygonum
      multiflorum Thunb. root using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). METHODS: The
      raw material used was Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. root powder. Five factors such
      as solvent type, solvent concentrations, solvent/material ratio, extraction time
      and microwave power were studied; TPC and AC values were determined by the Folin
      Ciocalteu method and DPPH free radical scavenging activity measurement,
      respectively. In addition, studies involved assaying the HPLC test of extracts
      and SEM of samples. RESULTS: Optimal results pointed to acetone as the solvent,
      acetone concentration of 60%, solvent/material ratio of 40/1 (v/w), extraction
      time of 5 mins and microwave power of 127 W. TPC and AC obtained were
      approximates 44.3 +/-0.13 mg GAE/g DW and 341.26 +/-1.54 MUmol TE/g DW,
      respectively. The effect of microwaving on the cell destruction of Polygonum
      multiflorum Thunb. root was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Some
      phenolic compounds were determined by the HPLC method, for instance, gallic acid,
      catechin and resveratrol. CONCLUSIONS: These factors significantly affected TPC
      and AC. We can use acetone as a solvent with microwave-assisted extraction to
      achieve the best result.

PMID- 28071009
TI  - Evolution of free amino acids, biogenic amines and n-nitrosoamines throughout
      ageing in organic fermented beef.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, interest in uncured meat products has grown and
      studies were carried out on the use of substances which could replace nitrites,
      such as acid whey. In spite of this problem in fermented meat products, there is
      no information regarding the effects of prolonged ageing on the formation of
      chemical (nitrosoamines, biogenic amines, secondary lipid oxidation products) and
      microbiological (L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, OLD) toxicants in fermented beef
      marinated with acid whey. The aim of this study was to determine the selected
      pathogenic bacteria, biogenic amines, N-nitrosamines contents in fermented beef
      subjected to extended ageing. METHODS: In this study, selected pathogenic
      bacteria, N-nitrosamines, biogenic amines, amino acids, TBARS values changes
      during the ageing of fermented beef marinated with acid whey were analyzed in 0-,
      2- and 36-month-old samples. RESULTS: The pH values of fermented beef aged for 2
      months (5.68, 5.49 and 5.68 respectively) were significantly lower (p < 0.05)
      than those obtained after the end of the manufacturing ripening period (5.96,
      5.97 and 5.74 respectively), which confirmed the effectiveness of the
      fermentation process of acidification on beef. The high Lactic Acid Bacteria
      content (5.64-6.30 log cfu/g) confirmed this finding. Histamine was not detected
      in either of the products. The highest concentration of total biogenic amine
      (i.e. 1159.0 mg/kg) was found in fermented beef marinated with acid whey, whereas
      a total of only 209.8 mg/kg, was observed in control beef with nitrate and
      nitrite. N-nitrosamines were not detected in any of the ageing beef samples.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, marinating beef in acid whey did not inhibit the
      production of biogenic amines in the samples analyzed. The high concentration of
      FAAs, the potential precursor of BA, could lead to intense peptidase activity.
      The results obtained indicate that biogenic amines are not direct precursors for
      nitrosamines formation in fermented beef. The LAB strain from acid whey reduced
      the pH value during the first stages of ageing and ensured the microbiological
      safety of the product not only in the first stage of fermentation but also at the
      end of ageing (36 months).

PMID- 28071010
TI  - The role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases.
AB  - The incidence of metabolic diseases is increasing rapidly all over the world.
      This situation has led researchers to attempt to explain the pathomechanisms of
      these disorders and to develop specific recommendations for the prevention and
      treatment of diseases such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
      Recent studies show clear evidence of the role of human intestinal microbiota in
      health and in predispositions to diseases. Gut microbiota affect a number of
      complex metabolic reactions, significantly altering the functioning of the human
      body. Numerous experiments have shown the key role played by the formation
      process of the intestinal ecosystem in the early stages of human life for
      programming its metabolic health. The following article is a compilation of the
      literature available on the formation of the complex intestinal ecosystem and its
      impact on the incidence of diseases such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, and
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28071011
TI  - The effects of a low-calorie diet or an isocaloric diet combined with metformin
      on sex hormones In obese women of child-bearing age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influence of weight loss treatment on sex hormones profile has
      been studied mainly in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but in obese
      premenopausal women without PCOS it still remains unclear. The aim of the study
      was to evaluate the effect of two approaches to obesity treatment on the serum
      level of sex hormones in obese women of child-bearing age without PCOS. METHODS:
      77 obese Caucasian women (aged 31.2 +/-8.3 years) were randomized into two
      groups: 39 women received a low-calorie diet (LC) and 38 received an isocaloric
      diet plus metformin (IM), for 12 weeks. Anthropometric parameters, body
      composition and serum concentrations of estradiol (E2), testosterone (T),
      follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and
      dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S) sulfate were evaluated at baseline and after the
      study. RESULTS: Reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and body
      fat content with an increase  in lean body percent were significant and
      comparable between the LC and IM group after the trial. The concentrations of
      serum FSH, LH, E2, DHEA and T did not change in either group after treatment. A
      tendency towards an increase in the E2 concentration in both groups and a
      decrease in the T level in the LC group  was observed. The correlations between a
      change in BMI, fat content, waist-hip ratio and a change in T were documented in
      the LC group. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week low-calorie diet and an isocaloric diet
      combined with metformin produced comparable and significant weight loss with
      improvements in body composition. Both interventions did not significantly affect
      FSH, LH and DHEA sulfate serum concentrations, only a trend towards an E2
      increase and a T decrease was observed, stronger in LC group. The significant
      correlations shown between the changes in anthropometric and body composition
      parameters and T serum levels in women treated with a low-calorie diet alone show
      the beneficial effect of a lifestyle intervention on the sex hormone in obese
      premenopausal women.

PMID- 28071012
TI  - Phenylketonuria is not a risk factor for changes of inflammation status as
      assessed by interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 concentrations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High oxidative stress and a reduced potential for free radical
      scavenging in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients, a phenomenon confirmed in a few
      studies, may lead to systemic chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to
      compare the inflammation status, as assessed by interleukin 6 and interleukin 8
      concentrations, in patients with PKU and in healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty
      patients with classical PKU, aged 18-34 years and under dietary control, were
      enrolled in the study. The control group comprised of 20 healthy subjects matched
      for age and sex. Interleukin 6 and 8 levels were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits in all study participants. RESULTS: IL-6
      concentrations in the study group ranged from 0.74 pg/ml to 1.34 pg/ml. No
      significant differences were found between IL-6 concentration between the study
      group and the control group (p = 0.989). IL-8 concentrations ranged from 17.56
      pg/ml to 20.87 pg/ml. The obtained results of IL-8 levels did not differ
      significantly between the study group and control group (p = 0.192). No
      significant correlation was observed between Phe blood levels and IL-6 or IL-8
      concentrations in the study group (rho respectively: -0.225, 0.177). In a
      multivariate analysis, neither IL-6 nor IL-8 concentrations were correlated with
      sex, age, BMI and Phe levels. CONCLUSIONS: Phenylketonuria is not a risk factor
      for changes of inflammation status as assessed by IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations.

PMID- 28071013
TI  - The industrial potential of herbs and spices - a mini review.
AB  - Herbs and spices have been used for food and medicinal purposes for centuries -
      the first recorded evidence of their use dates back to 1500BC and the Ebers
      Papyrus, which mentioned spices such as anise, mustard, saffron, cinnamon, and
      cassia. Now, in the 21st century, a variety of secondary compounds produced by
      plants are used in many fields of industry, such as food production (to improve
      taste, to provide vitamins and macro- and microelements, and also to inhibit food
      spoilage caused by foodborne bacteria), in medicine (in the treatment of various
      diseases; in chemoprevention and cancer therapy; as a source of natural
      antimicrobials for the treatment of infectious disease), and in pharmacology and
      cosmetology (in dietary supplements, and as a result of the demand for
      preservative-free cosmetics, to reduce the risk of methylparaben allergies). The
      aim of this review is to present the major active compounds in herbs and spices
      and explore their potential applications in industry.

PMID- 28071014
TI  - Properties of ice-cream fortified with zinc and Lactobacillus casei.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, the possible effects of zinc on physicochemical
      properties of ice cream and the survival of Lactobacillus casei during a 90 days
      storage at -18 degrees C was investigated. METHODS: Samples were divided into
      four experimental groups as follows: control, zinc fortified ice cream, probiotic
      ice cream, zinc fortified and probiotic ice cream. The physicochemical, texture,
      organoleptic properties and the survival of probiotics, were investigated.
      RESULTS: Results showed that the addition of zinc did not affect the textural
      properties of ice creams. Viscosity and pH were independently decreased in all
      groups in the presence of zinc. A significant increase in the lipid oxidation
      rate especially in the zinc fortified group was also observed. The probiotic
      counts were maintained above the least advised quantities (106 cfu/g) which were
      subsequently reduced following the three months of storage. In the zinc fortified
      samples, the counts were higher compared to the other groups with no zinc
      addition. The addition of probiotics and zinc had no significant effect on the
      sensory properties of ice cream. CONCLUSIONS: As a final conclusion, the
      commercial production of zinc fortified ice cream is recommended.

PMID- 28071015
TI  - The changes of proteins fractions shares in milk and fermented milk drinks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to observe the changes which take place
      in the electrophoretic picture of milk proteins after pasteurisation and
      inoculation with different starter cultures (both traditional and probiotic).
      After incubation, the yoghurt, kefir, acidified milk, fermented Bifidobacterium
      bifidum drink and Lactobacillus acidophillus drink were chilled for 14 days to
      observe the changes which occurred. METHODS: The research materials were raw and
      pasteurised milk, as well as fermented milk- based drinks. The raw milk used for
      research came from Polish Holstein-Fresian black and white cows. The milk was
      sampled 3 times and divided into 5 parts, each of which was pasteurised at 95
      degrees C for 10 min and then cooled for inoculation: yoghurt to 45 degrees C,
      kefir and acidified milk to 22 degrees C and drinks with Bifidobacterium bifidum
      and Lactobacillus acidophillus to 38 degrees C. Milk was inoculated with
      lyophilised, direct vat starter cultures, in an amount equal to 2% of the working
      starter. For the production of fermented drinks, the subsequent starters were
      applied: "YC-180" Christian Hansen for yoghurt, "D" Biolacta-Texel-Rhodia for
      kefir, CH-N--11 Christian Hansen for acidified milk, starter by Christian Hansen
      for the probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum milk, starter by Biolacta-Texel-Rhodia
      for the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophillus milk. The analyses were conducted in
      raw, pasteurised and freshly fermented milk as well as in milk drinks stored for
      14 days. The total solid content was estimated by the drying method; the fat
      content by the Gerber method; the lactose content by the Bertrand method; the
      protein content by the Kjeldahl method with Buchi apparatus; the density of milk
      was measured with lactodensimeter; acidity with a pH-meter; and potential acidity
      by Soxhlet-Henkl method (AOAC, 1990). The electrophoretic separation of proteins
      in raw and pasteurised milk, as well as in freshly produced milk drinks and those
      stored for 14 days, was performed with SDS-PAGE (on polyacrylamid gel) basing on
      procedure described by Laemmli (1970). RESULTS: It was shown that, in comparison
      with raw milk, the pasteurised milk had smaller amounts of alphas-, beta- and
      kappa-casein, whereas the shares of gamma-casein and peptides were greater, and
      there were no changes in immunoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin or beta-lactoglobulin
      levels, which indicated that hydrolysis of caseins had occurred. In all freshly
      fermented milk drinks, a drop in alphas- and beta-casein was observed relative to
      raw milk. An increase in peptides and gamma-casein was also noticed (with the
      exception of acidified milk). There were differences in alpha-lactalbumin and
      beta-lactoglobulin levels between the different drinks: raw, pasteurised or
      freshly fermented milk. It was shown that kefir, compared to the other drinks,
      had the lowest levels of alphas- and beta-casein, alpha-lactalbumin and of
      peptides, as well as the highest level of gamma-casein, which is evidence of an
      increased rate of hydrolysis in that drink. It was stated that, during the
      storage of fermented milk drinks, the levels of lactoferrin, serum albumin and
      peptides significantly increased whereas the content of kappa-casein diminished.
      The proportions of serum albumin and lactoferrin in fermented milk drinks
      increased relative to raw milk and/or after storage, which is evidence of
      aggregation of proteins of low molecular mass into bigger conglomerates.
      CONCLUSIONS: The observed differences between fermented milks, including during
      chilled storage, in the amounts of individual proteins proves the different
      proteolytic abilities of starter cultures used in fermented milk production.
      alpha-lactoalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin are, besides caseins, the most
      allergenic milk proteins. So, kefir, because of its low alpha-lactoalbumin
      content, and Bifidobacterium bifidum milk, with the lowest content of beta
      lactoglobulin, were the most advantageous and least allergenic drinks examined.

PMID- 28071017
TI  - Evaluation of the potential use of probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v
      in lactic fermentation of button mushroom fruiting bodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The available literature does not provide data on the application of
      probiotic strains in mushroom processing. The aim of the study was to evaluate
      the potential to use the L. plantarum 299v strain with documented probiotic
      properties in the process of lactic fermentation of button mushroom fruiting
      bodies (Agaricus bisporus). METHODS: Fresh button mushroom fruiting bodies and
      cultures of lactic acid bacteria L. plantarum Ib and a probiotic strain L.
      plantarum 299v were the material analysed. Sensory evaluation was performed with
      a 5-point scale, an instrumental method of colour measurement based on the CIA
      L*a*b* scale, total phenolic compounds were determined with the Folin method,
      antioxidant properties were assayed with the DPPH radical test, and reducing
      power was determined using the FRAP method. RESULTS: After a week-long lactic
      fermentation, the pH value in the samples declined to a level of 3.6 (L.
      plantarum Ib) and 3.75 (L. plantarum 299v); these values persisted or decreased
      slightly during the period of maturation of the fermented samples under
      refrigeration. Fermented mushrooms were assigned high grades in the organoleptic
      evaluation. The colour analysis revealed significant changes in the values of the
      L*a*b* parameters in the fermented product, in comparison with fresh mushrooms.
      Blanching contributed to a significant decrease in the content of total phenolic
      compounds in the mushroom fruiting bodies and to a decline in antioxidant
      activity. Mushrooms fermented with the probiotic strain were characterised by
      higher phenolic compound content and higher antioxidant activity. CONCLUSIONS: L.
      plantarum 299v strain with documented probiotic properties can be applied in
      fermentation of button mushroom fruiting bodies. Products obtained with the use
      of both strains were characterised by good sensory properties. The type of strain
      used in the lactic fermentation of mushroom fruiting bodies had an effect on the
      phenolic compound content and antioxidant properties of the final product.

PMID- 28071016
TI  - The antioxidant and phenolic profiles of five green vegetables grown in Southern
      Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regular consumption of vegetables has been associated with reduced
      risk of chronic diseases. The phenolic and free radical scavenging properties of
      five green vegetables grown in southern Nigeria were determined. METHODS: The
      phenolic and antioxidant profile of African spinach, bitter leaf, jute leaf,
      scent leaf and water leaf harvested in the month of August were assessed using
      standard protocols. RESULTS: The total phenolic content (GAE mg/100 g) of the
      fresh vegetables ranges from 738.70 +/-7.90 in African spinach to 1464.63 +/-7.60
      in scent leaf. A higher flavonoid content (QE mg/100 g) was found in water leaf
      (512.07 +/-1.47) and jute leaf (510.13 +/-2.22) compared to the other vegetables
      examined; scent leaf (496.51 +/-1.31), African spinach (457.40 +/-1.50), bitter
      leaf (371.89 +/-0.44). Scent leaf possesses the highest DPPH radical scavenging
      activity with an EC50 [MUg/mL] of 74.64 +/-7.73. The other vegetables show a
      lower EC50 [MUg/mL]; jute leaf (125.86 +/-11.34) > water leaf (132.43 +/-9.43) >
      bitter leaf (156.02 +/-5.43) > African spinach (213.44 +/-9.29). The hydroxyl
      radical scavenging activity (EC50, MUg/mL) of the vegetables in order of
      decreasing activity, was bitter leaf (50.38 +/-7.17) > water leaf (103.41 +/
      6.27) > African spinach   (110.54+/-8.15) > jute leaf (144.39 +/-9.37) > scent
      leaf (217.51 +/-6.90). The total antioxidant capacity (EC50, MUg/mL) of the
      vegetables increases in the following order; African spinach (227.39 +/-7.25) <
      bitter leaf (169.96+/-6.86) < water leaf (106.31 +/-7.66) < scent leaf (65.47 +/
      14.43) < jute leaf (27.52  +/-4.14). CONCLUSIONS: The green vegetables possess
      appreciable phenolic and antioxidant potentials, which underscore their regular
      consumption as part of healthy Nigerian diet. Principal component analysis (PCA)
      buttresses the correlations and variations of the aforementioned potential among
      vegetable species.

PMID- 28071018
TI  - Effect of roasting degree on the antioxidant activity of different Arabica coffee
      quality classes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world,
      because of its unique sensory properties and physiological properties. Coffee
      beverages represent a significant source of antioxidants in the consumers' diet
      and contribute significantly to their daily intake. The aim of this research was
      to investigate the effect of different roasting degrees on the content of
      biologically active compounds and antioxidant activity in different quality
      classes of Arabica coffee. METHODS: Samples of green Arabica coffee (Rio Minas)
      of two quality classes from two production batches were used for the research.
      Roasting was carried out at temperatures of 167, 175 and 171 degrees C. The total
      phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), flavonol content (FC) and
      antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS) in the coffee extracts was determined. RESULTS:
      This research shows that TPC was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in green coffee
      compared to TPC in roasted coffee, and TPC decreases as the roasting temperature
      increases. TFC and FC were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in green coffee than in
      roasted coffee. Differences in TPC between the 1st and 2nd classes of Arabica
      coffee were not significant (P > 0.05), while differences in TFC were significant
      (P < 0.05) only for green coffee from the second production batch and differences
      in FC were significant (P < 0.05) for green coffee and for coffee roasted at 175
      degrees C. Roasting temperatures have different influences the antioxidant
      activity (DPPH, ABTS) of coffee and the highest antioxidant activity was
      determined in coffee roasted at 171 degrees C. An exception was 1st class Arabica
      coffee roasted at 167 degrees C (ABTS). All samples of 1st class Arabica coffee
      had higher antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS) compared to 2nd class Arabica.
      CONCLUSIONS: This research shows that the bioactive compounds content and
      antioxidant activity of different quality classes of Arabica coffee are dependent
      on the degree of roasting. TPC decreases when the roasting temperature increases,
      while TFC and FC also increase. These results indicate that the antioxidant
      activity of coffee depends on a variety of bioactive components in coffee beans.
      Antioxidant activity largely depends on the class of coffee. The coffee samples
      of 1stclass quality (maximum 8 black beans/300 g from the sample and large bean
      size) had higher antioxidant activity compared to samples of 2nd quality class
      (maximum 19 black beans/300 g in the sample and medium-sized beans).

PMID- 28071019
TI  - Influence of different extraction conditions on antioxidant properties of soursop
      peel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Soursop is a healthy fruit. Peels form about 20% of the soursop fruit
      and are usually discarded as waste product. With a view to utilizing soursop peel
      as a source of valuable compounds, this study aimed to investigate the influence
      of different extraction conditions on total phenolic content (TPC) and
      antioxidant capacity (AC) of soursop (Annona muricata L.) peel. METHODS:
      Different ethanol concentrations (20-100%, v/v), extraction temperatures (25- 60
      degrees C), and extraction time (1-5 h) were tested. Extracts were prepared on
      the basis of the best optimal extraction conditions (20% ethanol, 40 degrees C
      the extraction temperature, and 4 h of extraction time), an optimal TPC and AC
      was determined for the soursop peel using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and beta-carotene
      bleaching (BCB) assays. The different extraction conditions tested at best
      optimum conditions have significantly affected the TPC and AC of the soursop
      peel. RESULTS: Soursop peel extract extracted in the best optimal extraction
      conditions had moderate levels of TPC (52.2 MUg GAE/ml), and FRAP value (58.9 MUg
      TE/ml extract). The extract demonstrated high BCB inhibitory activity (80.08%).
      The EC50 values of the extract were high, 1179.96 and 145.12 MUg/ml, as assessed
      using DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. The TPC was positively and highly
      correlated with the AC of soursop peel assessed by ABTS, FRAP, and BCB assay, but
      it was moderately correlated with DPPH radical scavenging activity. A moderate
      correlation of TPC with DPPH suggested that polyphenols in the extracts were
      partially responsible for the AC. CONCLUSIONS: By-products of soursop such as its
      peel could be an inexpensive source of good natural antioxidants with
      nutraceutical potential in the functional food industry.

PMID- 28071020
TI  - The effect of microwave roasting on the antioxidant properties of the Bangladeshi
      groundnut cultivar.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Groundnut seeds are an important source of bioactive phenolic
      compounds with noteworthy antioxidant capacity, which may be enhanced by the
      microwave roasting process. The aim of this work is   to study the changes in
      antioxidant activity in groundnut seeds during microwave roasting, as a function
      of roasting time and extract concentration, in order to maximise the phenolic
      content and antioxidant activity of roasted seeds. METHODS: The study was
      conducted to evaluate total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content
      (TFC), and antioxidative activity of methanolic (GME), ethanolic (GEE), and
      chloroform (GCE) extracts and methanolic extract of oil (GMO) from groundnut
      seeds exposed to microwaves. The antioxidant activity was investigated using
      several assays, namely phosphomolybdenum assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity,
      H2O2 scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and reducing
      power. RESULTS: The microwave roasting process significantly increased the TPC,
      whilst the TFC decreased with roasting time. Antioxidant activity increased with
      increased roasting time and extract concentration in all extracts. Antioxidant
      activity increased significantly at lower concentrations; however, the rate of
      increment decreased gradually as the concentration of the solvent extract
      increased. Thus, among all the extracts, methanol extracts at all roasting times
      and extract concentrations appeared to display the highest effectiveness. The
      various scavenging activities of the samples are ranked in the following order:
      GME > GEE > GCE > GMO, in both raw and roasted samples. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      roasting time and extract concentration were found to be critical factors in
      determining the overall quality of the product. This investigation is important
      to determine optimum roasting conditions, in order to maximise the anti-oxidative
      health benefits of the Bangladeshi groundnut cultivar.

PMID- 28071022
TI  - Research on the effect of culture time on the kombucha tea beverage's antiradical
      capacity and sensory value.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent consumption trends shows high consumer acceptability and
      growing medicinal interest in the biological value of kombucha tea. This tea is a
      sweetened tea leaf brew fermented with a layer containing mainly acetic acid
      bacteria, yeast and lactic acid bacteria. The main antioxidants in tea leaves are
      polyphenols, the consumption of which is proven to be beneficial for human
      health, e.g. protecting from reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the
      present research was to evaluate antiradical activity, total polyphenol content
      (TPC) and sensory value of kombucha tea brews. METHODS: In the present study,
      Kombucha tea beverages were analyzed for TPC content, DPPH radical scavenging
      method and sensory value. RESULTS: The highest TPC content and DPPH radical
      scavenging capacity values were evaluated in yellow tea samples, both unfermented
      and kombucha, which did not differ within the storage time. The results of
      sensory evaluations of kombucha tea brews depend on the tea leaf variety used for
      preparing the drink. CONCLUSIONS: Research indicates that the fermentation
      process of tea brews with kombucha microbiota does not affect significantly its
      polyphenol content and antiradical capacity, and retains its components'
      biological activity.

PMID- 28071021
TI  - The effect of alcohol consumption on maternal and cord blood electrolyte and
      trace element levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Earlier studies demonstrated that alcoholism significantly alters
      electrolyte and trace element homeostasis. However, the existing data on the
      interplay between maternal alcohol consumption and fetal trace element status are
      contradictory. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to
      assess the influence of alcohol consumption on maternal and cord blood trace
      elements. METHODS: A total of 30 pregnant women (15 women consuming alcohol and
      15 controls) were examined. Assessment of electrolyte and trace elements
      concentration in maternal (1 and 3 trimesters) and umbilical cord blood was
      performed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: In the
      first trimester of pregnancy alcohol consumption is associated with increased
      whole blood Ca and Na levels. In the third trimester of pregnancy, women
      consuming alcohol are characterized by significantly increased Co levels.
      Conversely, the level of Co and Mn in the cord blood of offspring maternally
      exposed to ethanol is decreased. A significant correlation between first
      trimester blood and cord blood concentrations of K was revealed both in control
      women and those consuming alcohol. In the third trimester of pregnancy in the
      control women, a significant correlation with cord blood was detected for Fe, Mg,
      P, and Pb. Oppositely, in the third trimester in women consuming alcohol we
      detected a close association between maternal whole blood and cord blood levels
      for Ca, Cd, and Pb. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained demonstrate that maternal
      alcohol consumption results in fetal Co and Mn deficiency.

PMID- 28071023
TI  - Effect of food processing on the physicochemical properties of dietary fibre.
AB  - Products derived from the manufacturing or processing of plant based foods:
      cereals, fruits, vegetables, as well as algae, are sources of abundant dietary
      fibre. Diets high in dietary fibre have been associated with the reduced risk of
      cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and gastrointestinal
      disorders. These fibre-rich products and byproducts can also fortify foods,
      increase their dietary fibre content and result in healthy products, low in
      calories, cholesterol and fat. Traditionally, consumers have chosen foods such as
      whole grains, fruits and vegetables as sources of dietary fibre. Recently, food
      manufacturers have responded to consumer demand for foods with a higher fibre
      content by developing products in which highfibre ingredients are used. Different
      food processing methods also increase the dietary fiber content of food.
      Moreover, its chemical and physical properties may be affected by food
      processing. Some of them might even improve the functionality of fibre.
      Therefore, they may also be applied as functional ingredients to improve physical
      properties like the physical and structural properties of hydration, oil-holding
      capacity, viscosity. This study was conducted to examine the effect of different
      food processing methods on the physicochemical properties of dietary fibre.

PMID- 28071024
TI  - Effect of barley beta-glucan addition as a fat replacer on muffin quality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to perform the partial replacement of
      bakery fat with barley beta-glucan in muffins and to determine its effect on the
      physical properties of products. Most shortenings used in the industry are solid
      fats rich in saturated fatty acids and often trans fatty isomers, which are
      nutritionally unfavorable. METHODS: Dough and baked muffins were used as the
      research material. Five muffin recipes were prepared: control (K0%) with 16% fat
      content in the total dough weight, with fat content decreased by 10% (PG10%), 15%
      (PG15%), 20% (PG20%) and 25% (PG25%). beta-glucan was used as a fat replacer in
      the 1:4 ratio. The parameters determining the physical characteristics and
      sensory attributes were measured, compared and statistically analyzed using a
      principal component analysis (PCA) method. RESULTS: Although the partial
      replacement of shortening with barley beta-glucan is possible, it may negatively
      influence the physical properties of dough (aeration) and baked products (volume,
      density). It has been observed that increasing the content of this fat replacer
      enlarges the pores of the crumb. The textural properties of muffins with a fat
      content decreased by 20% are most similar to the control. Moreover, it has been
      shown that the overall sensory quality goes down when the amount of fat replacer
      in the muffin recipe is increased. However, adding beta-glucan to products in
      which fat content was decreased by 10% did not influence significantly the
      typical taste. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the adverse effect of beta-glucan on the
      physical and sensorial properties, it was found to be reasonable to use it even
      in small amounts (up to 10%) to increase the nutritional value of products.

PMID- 28071025
TI  - The effect of thermal treatment on antioxidant capacity and pigment contents in
      separated betalain fractions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables significantly reduces
      the risk of cardio-vascular disease. This beneficial effect on the human organism
      is ascribed to the antioxidant compounds these foods contain. Unfortunately, many
      products, particularly vegetables, need to be subjected to thermal processing
      before consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of such
      thermal treatment on the antioxidant capacity and pigment contents in separated
      fractions of violet pigments (betacyanins) and yellow pigments (betaxanthins and
      betacyanins). METHODS: Fractions of violet and yellow pigments were obtained by
      separation of betalain pigments from fresh roots of 3 red beet cultivars using
      column chromatography and solid phase extraction (SPE). The betalain pigment
      content was determined in all samples before and after thermal treatment (90
      degrees C/30 min) by spectrophotometry, according to Nilsson's method [1970] and
      antioxidant capacity was assessed based on ABTS. Betalain pigments in the
      separated fractions were identified using HPLC-MS. RESULTS: After thermal
      treatment of betacyanin fractions a slight, but statistically significant
      degradation of pigments was observed, while the antioxidant capacity of these
      fractions did not change markedly. Losses of betacyanin content amounted to 13
      15% depending on the cultivar, while losses of antioxidant capacity were approx.
      7%. HPLC/MS analyses showed that before heating, betanin was the dominant pigment
      in the betacyanin fraction, while after heating it was additionally 15-decarboxy
      betanin. Isolated fractions of yellow pigments in red beets are three times less
      heat-resistant than betacyanin fractions. At losses of yellow pigment contents in
      the course of thermal treatment reaching 47%, antioxidant capacity did not change
      markedly (a decrease by approx. 5%). In the yellow pigment fractions neobetanin
      was the dominant peak in the HPLC chromatogram, while vulgaxanthin was found in a
      much smaller area, whereas after heating additionally 2-decarboxy-2,3-dehydro
      neobetanin was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups of betalain pigments
      (betacyanins and betaxanthins) exhibit antioxidant capacity before and after
      heating. Violet beatacyjanins are 3 times more stable when heated than yellow
      betaxanthins.

PMID- 28071026
TI  - Antiradical capacity and polyphenol composition of asparagus spears varieties
      cultivated under different sunlight conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asparagus officinalis has a high nutritional value. Asparagus is rich
      in a number of bioactive compounds, mainly flavonoids (quercetin), glutathione,
      vitamin C, vitamin E, fructans (inulin and fructooligosaccharides) and
      phytosterols (b-sitosterol). These compounds may play an important role in human
      health. The purpose of this study was to examine the antioxidant potential and
      polyphenol composition of white, pale-colored and green asparagus spears of
      different cultivars. METHODS: Investigations were conducted on different
      asparagus spear extracts. The study included three colors of asparagus (white,
      pale-colored and green) from five different cultivars subjected to the ethanol
      extraction procedure. Total phenolic content was also determined by the Folin
      Ciocalteu method. Polyphenol (phenolic acids and flavonols) composition was
      estimated using the HPLC method. The antioxidant properties of extracts were
      examined using DPPH, ABTS and metal ion chelating assays. RESULTS: The highest
      contents of phenolic and flavonoids were observed in green asparagus from Grolim
      and the lowest in pale-colored asparagus from Gyjmlin. It was found that both the
      color of asparagus and the cultivar had a significant effect on the composition
      of phenolic acid and flavonols. Radical scavenging activity toward DPPH* and ABTS
      was highest for green asparagus cv. Grolim and Eposs. The greatest number of Fe
      ions was chelated by samples of green asparagus cv. Grolim and Huchel's Alpha and
      pale-colored asparagus cv. Huchel's Alpha. CONCLUSIONS: It was shown that the
      antioxidant activity of asparagus spears measured by antiradical and chelating
      activity test depends on variety and color. The highest activity was found in
      green asparagus and the lowest was identified in white asparagus extracts. It has
      also been clarified that changes in flavonol and phenolic acid composition and
      increases in their diversity depends on growing with sunlight and variety.
      Asparagus can provide a valuable source of phenolic compounds in the human diet.

PMID- 28071027
TI  - Antioxidant activity of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of coffee beans
      (Coffea arabica L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coffee is important source of natural antioxidants in the diet, such
      as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, mainly caffeine, diterpenes (cafestol and
      kahweol) and Maillard reaction products formed during roasting. METHODS: In
      aqueous and methanolic extracts of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) roasted using
      traditional techniques from Brazil (B), Colombia (C), Ethiopia (E), Kenya (K) and
      coffee roasted using an industrial technique from Brazil (T), the phenolic and
      caffeine content as well as antioxidant properties were determined. RESULTS:
      Comparing the results from water and methanolic extracts it should be noted that
      the highest amount of phenolics was determined for a methanolic extract of coffee
      roasted using the industrial technique (650.96 mg GAE/g DW) and a water extract
      of Kenya coffee (461.63 mg GAE/g DW). Caffeine content was on average two times
      higher in all methanolic extracts than in water extracts. The radical scavenging
      activity of aqueous extracts was found to be higher than methanolic extracts. The
      highest antioxidant scavenging activity was determined for C (EC50 = 1.16 mg
      DW/ml) and E (EC50 = 1.3 mg DW/ml) water extracts. Compared to water extracts
      methanolic extracts showed significantly higher reducing power, ability to
      chelate Fe2+, inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and inhibition of
      lipoxygenase. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the methanolic extracts
      obtained from different types of coffee exhibit potential anti-inflammatory and
      antioxidant properties. The highest antioxidant activity was shown by
      traditionally roasted coffees from Colombia and Ethiopia.

PMID- 28071028
TI  - Influence of impurities in raw material on sensory and physicochemical properties
      of cold-pressed rapeseedoil produced from conventionally and ecologically grown
      seeds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main problem of cold-pressed technology is its low yield and the
      varying quality of the end product, which is dependent on the quality of the raw
      material, technological process applied and also on conditions of packaging and
      storage. The effects of different contents of impurities in rapeseed on the
      sensory, physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of rapeseed oil
      produced by cold-pressing were investigated. METHODS: Cold-pressed oil produced
      from conventionally grown rapeseeds (individual cultivars and industrial seeds)
      and certified ecological rapeseeds. Quantified quality parameters included the
      following: the content of impurities, acid value, peroxide value,
      spectrophotometric indices (K232, K268), oxidative stability determined by the
      Rancimat test, pheophytin a content, and sensory assessment. RESULTS: The seeds
      which were homogenous in terms of cultivar contained the lowest level of
      impurities (up to 1.3%) and differed significantly in this regard from ecological
      and industrial seeds. It was found that the presence of impurities exerts an
      adverse effect on the sensory and physicochemical characteristics of the oil.
      Impurity content exceeding 5% resulted in the appearance of off -flavours, such
      as woody, strawy and fusty/musty. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found
      between impurity content and acid value (r = 0.781), peroxide value (r = 0.656),
      anisidine value (r = 0.645), K232 (r = 0.625), while in the case of oxidative
      stability, no such correlation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The type and percentage
      of seed impurities in the rape crop determines the sensory and physicochemical
      properties of the cold-pressed oil. It seems advisable, therefore, to minimize
      the amount of impurities, in order to obtain high-quality cold-pressed rapeseed
      oil.

PMID- 28071029
TI  - Assessment of colour changes during storage of elderberry juice concentrate
      solutions using the optimization method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elderberries are a source of dietary supplements and bioactive
      compounds, such as anthocyanins. These dyes are used in food technology. The aim
      of the study was to assess the changes in colour parameters, anthocyanin contents
      and sensory attributes in solutions of elderberry juice concentrates during
      storage in a model system and to determine predictability of sensory attributes
      of colour in solutions based on regression equations using the response surface
      methodology. METHODS: The experiment was carried out according to the 3-level
      factorial design for three factors. Independent variables included pH, storage
      time and temperature. Dependent variables were assumed to be the components and
      colour parameters in the CIE L*a*b* system, pigment contents and sensory
      attributes. RESULTS: Changes in colour components X, Y, Z and colour parameters
      L*, a*, b*, C* and h* were most dependent on pH values. Colour lightness L* and
      tone h* increased with an increase in experimental factors, while the share of
      the red colour a* and colour saturation C* decreased. The greatest effect on the
      anthocyanin concentration was recorded for storage time. Sensory attributes
      deteriorated during storage. The highest correlation coefficients were found
      between the value of colour tone h* and anthocyanin contents in relation to the
      assessment of the naturalness and desirability of colour. A high goodness-of-fit
      of the model to data and high values of R2 for regression equations were obtained
      for all responses. CONCLUSIONS: The response surface method facilitates
      optimization of experimental factor values in order to obtain a specific
      attribute of the product, but not in all cases of the experiment. Within the
      tested range of factors, it is possible to predict changes in anthocyanin content
      and the sensory attributes of elderberry juice concentrate solutions as food dye,
      on the basis of the lack of a fit test. The highest stability of dyes and colour
      of elderberry solutions was found in the samples at pH 3.0, which confirms the
      advisability of using an anthocyanin preparation to shape the colour of high
      acidity food products, such as fruit fillings, beverages,desserts.

PMID- 28071030
TI  - The effect of replacing pork fat of inulin on the physicochemical and sensory
      quality of guinea fowl pate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Potentially, pates could be a functional food and are an important
      source of proteins, vitamin A, B complex vitamins and iron. Unfortunately, one
      problem in pates is the high level of animal fat, about 30%. Pate with low-fat
      guinea fowl meat and animal fat replaced with inulin can result in this product
      being classified as a pro-health food. The objective of the present study was to
      determine the effect on pate with guinea fowl meat of reducing its pork back fat
      content (about 1/3, 2/3 and 100%) and the adding inulin as a partial fat
      substitute. The effects on the pate's chemical and physicochemical composition,
      as well as on its textural characteristics and sensory properties were analysed.
      METHODS: On the day after production, the following took place: chemical
      analysis: cooking loss, moisture, protein, total fat, total calories, the pH,
      lipid oxidation were analysed; physical analysis: colour parameters, texture
      profile analysis and sensory evaluation were analysed. RESULTS: The pate prepared
      with inulin gels as fat replacers had a fat content reduced (up to 82%), and
      decreased (up to 58%) energy value. The fat reduction and addition of inulin gels
      decreased hardness and chewiness, but the pate's appearance, taste and odour, as
      well as overall quality were similar to the control (full-fat samples).
      CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that inulin can be used in guinea fowl pates
      as a total fat replacer and a potential source of prebiotic.

PMID- 28071031
TI  - Study of variation of tocochromanol and phytosterol contents in black and yellow
      seeds of Brassica napus L. doubled haploid populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the study, an analysis of tocopherols, plastochomanol-8 and
      phytosterols was conducted using DH lines obtained from F1 hybrids of reciprocal
      crosses between yellow- and black-seeded lines. METHODS: The biological material
      for the study consisted of two DH populations of winter oilseed rape obtained
      from F1 hybrids of reciprocal crosses between two DH lines: yellow- and black
      seeded. Seed color was determined using a ColorFlex spectrophotometer. Fat
      content was determined via pulsed NMR. The levels of tocopherols, and
      plastochromanol-8 are analyzed using HPLC. Phytosterol contents and composition
      were determined by the GC method. RESULTS: The fat content of the black-seeded
      parental line was 49% and this was higher than that of the yellow-seeded parental
      line (44%). The fat content of DH line populations ranged from 44 to 51%. Total
      tocopherol content ranged from 460 to 602 mg/kg and the alpha-T/gamma-T ratio was
      from 0.66 to 1.09. In parental lines H2-26 and Z-114 the total tocopherol content
      was 534 and 525 mg/kg, but the alpha-T/gamma-T ratios were 0.81 and 1.21,
      respectively. The yellow-seeded parental line (Z-114) was characterized by a
      higher PC-8 content (81 mg/kg) than the H2-26 black-seeded parental line (58
      mg/kg). The largest part of the total phytosterol content in seeds of both
      populations was beta-sitosterol from 976 to 2148 mg/kg, followed by campasterol,
      from 636 to 1364 mg/kg, and brassicasterol from 375 to 678 mg/kg. The total
      tocopherol content ranged from 462 to 595 mg/kg (population HxZ) and from 460 to
      602 mg/kg (population ZxH). Significantly positive correlations were observed
      between the seed color with alpha-T (r = 0.38, p < 0.01), gamma-T (r = -0,34, p <
      0.01) and PC-8 content (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). Correlations between the seed color
      with total tocopherol and total phytosterol content were not noted. CONCLUSIONS:
      Considering the range of genetic variation among doubled haploids of two
      populations, selected DH lines may be good parents for further breeding programs
      focused on increasing the amount and improving the quality of oilseed rapeseed
      oil. However, further studies will also be made to determine the influence of the
      environment on bioactive compounds in rapeseed oil. Cross direction of parental
      DH lines: yellow- and black-seeded has some influence, albeit not statistically
      significant, on the diversity of doubled haploid in their populations with regard
      to average fat, tocochromanol and phytosterol content.

PMID- 28071032
TI  - Legume seeds and cereal grains' capacity to accumulate iron while sprouting in
      order to obtain food fortificant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prepared sprouts, after culturing in a medium with an increased iron
      concentration, could become a beneficial food iron fortificant. However, the
      efficient iron accumulation depends on the plants genus, species and/or
      varieties. The aim of the study was to indicate the seeds or grains which
      accumulate iron most efficiently during the sprouting process. METHODS: Alfalfa,
      lentil, lupine and soybean seeds as well as wheat grains were sprouted in abiotic
      stress conditions induced by the excess of iron(II) in culture media. The
      tolerance of these plants to iron concentration and its accumulation in the
      material obtained (with FAAS method) were analyzed. RESULTS: The smallest
      tolerance was noted for lentil seeds and wheat grains. Other plants developed in
      25 mM solution of FeSO4. The highest accumulation of iron was observed in alfalfa
      sprouts. However, lupine and soybean seeds are the most recommended raw material
      for the production of the sprouts on an industrial scale.

PMID- 28071033
TI  - An analysis of the meal pattern at the nutrient level in Polish women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Before the 1990's, access to a variety of foods in Eastern Europe was
      limited, which could have influenced the currently analyzed dietary behaviors
      pertaining to overweight and obesity development. The aim of this study was to
      describe the daily profile of meal patterns in Polish women aged 50-70 at the
      nutrient level. METHODS: The anthropometrical parameters of four-hundred and
      fifty Polish women aged 50-70 were assessed. Three 24-hour dietary recalls and
      validated questionnaires regarding socio-demographic-economic status and meal
      frequency were applied. Timing in food intake was considered as follow: 6:00-8:59
      CET - breakfast, 9:00-11:59 CET - morning snacks, 12:00-14:59 CET - lunch, 15:00
      17:59 CET - afternoon snacks, 18:00-21:00 CET - dinner. Statistical analyses were
      conducted using Tukey's multiple comparison tests and discriminant analysis.
      RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in socio-demographic
      economic and anthropometrical characteristics between women categorized to
      differentiated meal frequency intakes. However, the subjects from the 5-meal-per
      day group were characterized by higher anthropometrical parameters, the
      statistically lowest percentage of regularity in meal consumption and skipping
      meals related to shortest breaks between meals. At the nutrient level, potassium,
      niacin, vitamin E and vitamin D were selected in the discriminant analysis as the
      nutrients most strongly related to different dietary behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings did not provide sufficient evidence that diverse nutrient intake could
      lead to the development of a specific nutritional profile in Polish women.

PMID- 28071034
TI  - Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE): Principles and Applications in Food Samples.
AB  - Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) is a sample preparation method that is practised on
      numerous application fields due to its many advantages compared to other
      traditional methods. SPE was invented as an alternative to liquid/liquid
      extraction and eliminated multiple disadvantages, such as usage of large amount
      of solvent, extended operation time/procedure steps, potential sources of error,
      and high cost. Moreover, SPE can be plied to the samples combined with other
      analytical methods and sample preparation techniques optionally. SPE technique is
      a useful tool for many purposes through its versatility. Isolation,
      concentration, purification and clean-up are the main approaches in the practices
      of this method. Food structures represent a complicated matrix and can be formed
      into different physical stages, such as solid, viscous or liquid. Therefore,
      sample preparation step particularly has an important role for the determination
      of specific compounds in foods. SPE offers many opportunities not only for
      analysis of a large diversity of food samples but also for optimization and
      advances. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on basic
      principles of SPE and its applications for many analytes in food matrix.

PMID- 28071035
TI  - Elicitation and treatment with precursors of phenolics synthesis improve low
      molecular antioxidants and antioxidant capacity of buckwheat sprouts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, an increase of interest in the modification of food
      products on each step of production (breeding, production technology, storage
      condition) is observed. Nutritional properties as well as level and activity of
      bioactive compounds in plant-origin food may be modified using a range of
      technological and biotechnological practices and elicitation should be mentioned
      between them. METHODS: Elicitation with willow bark infusion supported by feeding
      with the phenylpropanoid pathway precursors were used for improving the quality
      of buckwheat sprouts. Special emphasis has been placed on the metabolomic and
      biochemical changes and the mechanism of overproduction of low-molecular
      antioxidants. RESULTS: The accumulation of phenolics is caused by stimulation of
      two main enzymes the phenylpropanoid pathway (tyrosine ammonia-lyase and
      phenylalanine ammonia-lyase). Tyrosine ammonia-lyase activities were effectively
      induced by feeding with tyrosine (about four times that of the control), whereas
      phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity was the highest in the elicited control
      sprouts and those fed with shikimic acid (an increase by 60% compared to the
      control). Shikimic acid feeding (both elicited and non-elicited sprouts)
      effectively improved the total phenolics (by about 10% and 20%, respectively),
      condensed tannins (by about 30% and 28%, respectively), and flavonoids (by about
      46% and 70%, respectively). Significant increase of vitexin, rutin, chlorogenic
      acid and isoorientin contents was also observed. The treatments increased the
      ascorbic acid content, too. Total antioxidant capacity of sprouts was most
      effectively increased by feeding with shikimic acid and further elicitation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The studies transfer biotechnology commonly used for the induction
      of overproduction of secondary metabolites in plant cell line systems to low
      processed food production. The obtained results could be used for better
      understanding of the effect of elicitation and precursor feeding on antioxidants
      production and contribute to improving the buckwheat sprouts quality.

PMID- 28071036
TI  - The effect of addition of selected milk protein preparations on the growth of
      Lactobacillus acidophilus and physicochemical properties of fermented milk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The intake of fermented milk products, especially yoghurts, has been
      systematically increasing for a few decades. The purpose of this work was to
      obtain milk products fermented with a mix of bacterial cultures (yoghurt bacteria
      and Lactobacillus acidophillus LA-5) and enriched with selected milk protein
      preparations. Secondly, the aim of the work was to determine physiochemical and
      rheological properties of the obtained products. METHODS: The following additives
      were applied in the experiment: whey protein concentrate (WPC 65), whey protein
      isolate (WPI), demineralised whey powder (SPD), caseinoglycomacropeptide (CGMP),
      alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-la), sodium caseinate (KNa) and calcium caseinate (KCa).
      Milk was fermented using probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophillus LA-5 and a
      typical yoghurt culture. The products were analysed in terms of the survivability
      of bacterial cells during refrigerated storage, rheological properties and
      syneresis. Fermented milk products were obtained using blends of bacterial
      strains: ST-B01:Lb-12 (1:1), ST-B01:Lb-12:LA-5 (1:1:2). RESULTS: Milk beverages
      fermented with typical yoghurt bacteria and LA-5 strain showed intensive
      syneresis. The addition of LA-5 strain caused formation of harder acid gels,
      comparing to typical yoghurts. Milk products which were prepared from skimmed
      milk possessed higher values of hardness and consistency coefficient. The
      increase of concentrations of milk preparations (except of WPI) did not cause
      significant differences in the hardness of acidic gels obtained by fermentation
      of mixed culture with a probiotic strain. CONCLUSIONS: The applied preparations
      improved physiochemical properties of the milk beverages which were prepared with
      a probiotic strain. The increase of protein milk preparations concentration
      resulted in a gradual decrease of the secreted whey. Among the products that were
      made of full milk powder and were subjected to three weeks of refrigerated
      storage the highest survivability of Lb. acidophilus LA-5 was noticed in the
      samples fortified with 1% WPC.

PMID- 28071037
TI  - The influence of the dose of calcium bisglycinate on physicochemical properties,
      sensory analysis and texture profile of kefirs during 21 days of cold storage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the process of enrichment of dairy products a priority element is
      the proper selection of compounds that are a mineral carrier. Calcium
      bisglycinate is better absorbed by the body than inorganic forms of calcium.
      Moreover, the lactic acid which is produced in kefir fermentation and the
      presence of lactose have also a positive effect on the improvement of absorption
      of calcium. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of the
      applied dose of calcium in the form of calcium bisglycinate on the
      physicochemical and sensory properties and texture of kefirs during 21-day period
      of cold storage. METHODS: Processed cow milk was enriched with 0, 5, 10, 15, 20,
      25 and 30 mg of calcium (for 100 g of milk), repasteurized (72 degrees C, 1 min),
      cooled down (26 degrees C), inoculated with Commercial VITAL kefir culture
      (Danisco, Poland) and fermented for 16 hours (26 degrees C). The assessment of
      the influence of addition   of calcium bisglycinate on acidity, syneresis,
      texture and sensory characteristics (1-9 points) of kefirs was conducted at four
      fixed dates (after 1 day, 7 days, 14 days and 21 days of storage). RESULTS:
      During successive weeks of cold storage in all experimental groups there was
      observed a tendency to decrease general acidity. On the 1st and 7th days of cold
      storage reduced whey leakage was observed in kefirs enriched with 25 mg and 30 mg
      Ca/100 g of milk. With increasing doses of enrichment with calcium both the
      hardness, adhesiveness and gumminess of kefirs decreased. The applied doses of
      calcium did not cause changes in the sensory characteristics such as colour and
      consistency of the fermented beverages. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium bisglycinate may be
      used to enrich kefirs with calcium even with 30 mg of calcium in 100 g of milk
      without the modification of the product's parameters.

PMID- 28071038
TI  - Tapioca maltodextrin in the production of soft unripened cheese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An excessive consumption of fat has been associated with an increased
      risk of health problems such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
      Cheese is a highly concentrated product which is rich in protein and minerals
      such as calcium and phosphorus and essential amino acids, therefore it is an
      important food in the diet. But low fat cheeses are usually characterized as
      having poor body and flavour. Therefore,  it is crucial to find ways of improving
      the acceptability of the product. The aim of this research was to investigate the
      possibility of using of tapioca maltodextrin in the production of soft cheese
      made from ultrafiltrated skimmed milk and to create organoleptic properties of a
      fat product in a non-fat product. METHODS: To estimate the possibility of using
      tapioca maltodextrin in the production of soft cheese, the influence of tapioca
      maltodextrin on rennet flocculation time (RFT) and rennet clotting time (RCT), pH
      values, moisture content were estimated. Improving the quality of cheese,
      rheological and sensory characteristics in the course of soft unripened cheese
      manufacturing has to be focused on. RESULTS: Using tapioca maltodextrin led to
      decrease in RFT and RCT. The concentration increase of the maltodextrin in milk
      for cheese production led to increase in moisture-binding capacity and moisture
      content of the cheeses, but led to decrease in RFT, RCT and pH-value. Based on
      the experiments data the optimal doses of tapioca maltodextrin were recommended.
      CONCLUSIONS: An addition of tapioca maltodextrin resulted in a tendency of
      decreasing RFT and RCT,   pH-value for cheese made with different concentrations
      of tapioca maltodextrin when compared to cheese made without maltodextrin
      addition. At the same time an increased amount of tapioca maltodextrin led to
      moisture content increase of cheese samples. Inclusion of tapioca maltodextrin in
      natural, low fat cheese may improve texture and acceptability as compared to low
      fat control cheeses without maltodextrin. The recommended level of tapioca
      maltodextrin is 1.1% of the mixture weight.

PMID- 28071039
TI  - Effects of solvents and extraction methods on the content and antiradical
      activity of polyphenols from fruits Actinidia arguta, Crataegus monogyna,
      Gaultheria procumbens and Schisandra chinensis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In line with the current tendency towards the production of the so
      called safe foods, the use of environmentally-friendly methods for the extraction
      of polyphenols from fruits has been sought. Citric acid is a good solvent in the
      preparation of phenolic compounds for the food and pharmaceutical industries
      because it is a natural antioxidant and is non-toxic for the environment.
      Furthermore, new sources of polyphenols from fruit of orchard plants that are
      less known in Poland have been looked for. The aim of this study was  to assess
      the content and antiradical activity of polyphenolic compounds in fruit extracts,
      depending on the extraction method employed. In addition, the yield of extraction
      processes was assessed. METHODS: The experimental materials were fruits of the
      following plants: Actinidia arguta, Crataegus monogyna, Gaultheria procumbens,
      Schisandra chinensis. For the extraction, aqueous solutions of citric acid (CAE)
      and methanol (ME) were used. The following were determined in fruit extracts: the
      content of total phenols (TP) and anthocyanins (A), and antiradical activity
      (DPPH and ABTS). RESULTS: In general, the C. monogyna fruit extracts were
      distinguished by the highest TP and A content. The TP and A content was
      significantly higher in fruit extracts obtained with the CAE method than in the
      ones produced with the ME method. The highest mean A/TP ratio was determined for
      S. chinensis fruit extracts. The antiradical activity (DPPH and ABTS) in fruit
      extracts did not depend on an extraction method, but on fruit species. Overall, a
      higher yield of extraction processes was achieved for the CAE method than for the
      ME method. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that the selected extraction
      methods are able to obtain polyphenolic extracts from fruits with a high
      antiradical activity and high yield. The use of citric acid in order to extract
      polyphenols from fruits may be an alternative to the conventional extraction
      method, while being eco-friendly and more effective than the latter.

PMID- 28071041
TI  - Effect of oil flushing with nitrogen on the quality and oxidative stability of
      coldpressed rapeseed and sunflower oils.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stability means resistance to oxidation during purchase,
      processing and storage and is a key quality indicator of edible fats. Oils ought
      to be stored in dark-glass bottles, at low temperatures  and with no access of
      light in order to effectively preserve their oxidative stability. Since all
      vegetable oils contain unsaturated fatty acids that can react with oxygen and
      deteriorate over time, displacement of oxygen with inert gases may result in a
      reduction of the rate of oxidation. In the study the effect of oil flushing with
      nitrogen on the quality and oxidative stability of cold-pressed rapeseed and
      sunflower oils was determinate. METHODS: Commercial samples of cold-pressed
      rapeseed and sunflower oils were stabilized by generating anaerobic atmosphere in
      the bottles by blowing through with nitrogen and generation of a "nitrogen
      cushion". Oils were tested in accelerated at 63 degrees C and long-term at 20
      degrees C storage tests. RESULTS: After 20 days of Schaal oven test, the peroxide
      value in the flushing with nitrogen rapeseed and sunflower oils was,
      respectively, 4 and 7 times lower than in the control samples (without nitrogen).
      In turn, of the long-term storage test (with access of light 20 degrees C), the
      peroxide value of oil flushing with nitrogen after 6 months of storage was 2.3 to
      2.8-fold lower, respectively, than in the control sample. In the oil samples
      flushed with nitrogen peroxide formation was inhibited, however, as a result of
      the breakdown of the peroxides already existed in the oil, gradual decrease of
      the oxidative stability (determined via Rancimat test) was observed along with
      prolonged storage of oils. CONCLUSIONS: Oil flushing with nitrogen was a very
      effective way to reduce the changes caused by oxidation in cold-pressed rapeseed
      and sunflower oil.

PMID- 28071040
TI  - Optimization of extraction parameters on the antioxidant properties of banana
      waste.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Banana is grown worldwide and consumed as ripe fruit or used for
      culinary purposes. Peels form about 18-33% of the whole fruit and are discarded
      as a waste product. With a view to exploiting banana peel as a source of valuable
      compounds, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different
      extraction parameters on the antioxidant activities of the industrial by-product
      of banana waste (peel). METHODS: Influence of different extraction parameters
      such as types of solvent, percentages of solvent, and extraction times on total
      phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of mature and green peels of
      Pisang Abu (PA), Pisang Berangan (PB), and Pisang Mas (PM) were investigated. The
      best extraction parameters were initially selected based on different percentages
      of ethanol (0-100% v/v), extraction time (1-5 hr), and extraction temperature (25
      60 degrees C) for extraction of antioxidants in the banana peels. Total phenolic
      content (TPC) was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assay while antioxidant
      activities (AA) of banana peel were accessed by DPPH, ABTS, and beta-carotene
      bleaching (BCB) assays at optimum extraction conditions. RESULTS: Based on
      different extraction solvents and percentages of solvents used, 70% and 90% of
      acetone had yielded the highest TPC for the mature and green PA peels,
      respectively; 90% of ethanol and methanol has yielded the highest TPC for the
      mature and green PB peels, respectively; while 90% ethanol for the mature and
      green PM peels. Similar extraction conditions were found for the antioxidant
      activities for the banana peel assessed using DPPH assay except for green PB
      peel, which 70% methanol had contributed to the highest AA. Highest TPC and AA
      were obtained by applying 4, 1, and 2 hrs extraction for the peels of PA, PB and
      PM, respectively. The best extraction conditions were also used for determination
      of AAs using ABTS and beta-carotene bleaching assays. Therefore, the best
      extraction conditions used have given the highest TPC and AAs. CONCLUSIONS: By
      products of banana (peel) can be considered as a potential source of antioxidants
      in food and pharmaceutical industry.

PMID- 28071042
TI  - Oat raw materials and bakery products - amino acid composition and celiac
      immunoreactivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the biochemical and
      immunochemical properties of avenins in some special oat raw materials and
      additionally the possibility of using them as a raw material for the gluten-free
      bakery products. METHODS: The compared oat raw materials were - oat flakes,
      commercial oat flours (including gluten-free oat flour) and residual oat flour,
      which is by-product of beta-glucan preparation. Biochemical characteristic
      included amino acid compositions and SDS-PAGE profiles of extracted avenins. The
      immunochemical reactivity with polyclonal anti-gluten and monoclonal anti-gliadin
      antibodies was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively by immunoblotting and
      ELISA methods. Additionally, experimental bakery products made of examined raw
      materials were assessed according to their suitability for the celiac patients'
      diet. RESULTS: The highest protein content was measured in the beta-glucan
      preparation "Betaven" and gluten-free oat flour. Proteins of all materials are
      rich in glutamic and aspartic acid, leucine and arginine. Proportions of amino
      acids in avenins extracted from most of oat raw materials are similar, excluding
      gluten-free oat flour, which has a very low avenin content and proportions of
      individual amino acids are different. The SDS-PAGE protein pattern consisted of
      proteins with molecular weight of about 25-35 kDa. Polyclonal anti-gluten anti
      body recognized all protein fractions of molecular weight higher than 20 kDa.
      Quantitative ELISA analysis shows that the majority of samples has a gliadin-like
      protein content within the range of 80-260 mg/kg, excluding gluten-free flours
      and corresponding bakery products. Altogether, beta-glucan preparation has
      extremely high level of gliadin-like proteins. CONCLUSIONS: In the examined oat
      raw materials and foods the contents of immunoreactive amino acid sequences
      exceeded the limit of 20 mg/kg (considered as gluten-free) except for gluten-free
      flours (oat and  the prepared mixture) and the bakery products based on gluten
      free flours. Unfortunately, the rest of oat raw materials and products cannot be
      considered gluten-free.

PMID- 28071043
TI  - Decreased adipose tissue zinc content is associated with metabolic parameters in
      high fat fed Wistar rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited data on adipose tissue zinc content in obesity exist. At the
      same time, the association between adipose tissue zinc content and metabolic
      parameters in dietary-induced obesity is poorly studied. Therefore, the primary
      objective of this study is to assess adipose tissue zinc content and its
      association  with morphometric parameters, adipokine spectrum, proinflammatory
      cytokines, and apolipoprotein profile in high fat fed Wistar rats. METHODS: A
      total of 48 adult female Wistar rats were used in the present study. Rats were
      fed either control (10% of fat) or high fat diet (31.6% of fat). Adipose tissue
      zinc content was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
      Rats' serum was examined for adiponectin, leptin, insulin, interleukin-6, and
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Serum
      glucose and apolipoprotein spectrum were also evaluated. RESULTS: High fat
      feeding resulted in a significant 34% decrease in adipose tissue zinc content in
      comparison to the control values. Fat pad zinc levels were significantly
      inversely associated with morphometric parameters, circulating leptin, insulin,
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels and HOMA-IR values. At the same time, a
      significant correlation with apolipoprotein A1 concentration was observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Generally, the obtained data indicate that (1) high fat feeding
      results in decreased adipose tissue zinc content; (2) adipose tissue zinc content
      is tightly associated with excessive adiposity, inflammation, insulin resistance
      and potentially atherogenic changes.

PMID- 28071044
TI  - Twelve weeks CLA supplementation decreases the hip circumference in overweight
      and obese women. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces body weight (BW), body fat
      mass (BFM), and increases or maintains lean body mass in animals. However, the
      results concerning the effect of CLA on weight reduction in humans are
      contradictory. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of CLA
      supplementation on the BW and anthropometric parameters (waist and hip
      circumferences) in overweight and obese adult women. METHODS: A total of 74
      subjects (BMI: 28-42 kg/m2) were included in a double blind, placebocontrolled
      trial. Subjects were randomized into two groups, those supplemented with either
      3.0 g/d CLA or with placebo (sunflower oil) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: CLA
      significantly decreased the hip circumferences compared to placebo (p =
      0.016209), but had no effect on body weight, BMI, or waist circumference. The
      number of subjects with a reduction in hip circumference in the CLA group was
      significantly larger compared to that in the placebo group (p = 0.0017;  NNT=
      2.65; CI [6.27-1.685]). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings do not support
      the hypothesis that 12 weeks CLA supplementation, as dosed in the present study,
      is effective for body weight reduction in overweight and obese women. However,
      its local action in decreasing the hip circumference seems to be encouraging and
      suggests that CLA may represent an attractive dietary supplement.

PMID- 28071045
TI  - Graphene Quantum Dots Embedded in Bi2Te3 Nanosheets To Enhance Thermoelectric
      Performance.
AB  - Novel Bi2Te3/graphene quantum dots (Bi2Te3/GQDs) hybrid nanosheets with a unique
      structure that GQDs are homogeneously embedded in the Bi2Te3 nanosheet matrix
      have been synthesized by a simple solution-based synthesis strategy. A
      significantly reduced thermal conductivity and enhanced powder factor are
      observed in the Bi2Te3/GQDs hybrid nanosheets, which is ascribed to the optimized
      thermoelectric transport properties of the Bi2Te3/GQDs interface. Furthermore, by
      varying the size of the GQDs, the thermoelectric performance of Bi2Te3/GQDs
      hybrid nanostructures could be further enhanced, which could be attributed to the
      optimization of the density and dispersion manner of the GQDs in the Bi2Te3
      matrix. A maximum ZT of 0.55 is obtained at 425 K for the Bi2Te3/GQDs-20 nm,
      which is higher than that of Bi2Te3 without hybrid nanostrucure. This work
      provides insights for the structural design and synthesis of Bi2Te3-based hybrid
      thermoelectric materials, which will be important for future development of
      broadly functional material systems.

PMID- 28071046
TI  - Quantifying Single-Carbon Nanotube-Electrode Contact via the Nanoimpact Method.
AB  - A new methodology is developed to enable the measurement of the resistance across
      individual carbon nanotube-electrode contacts. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are
      suspended in the solution phase and occasionally contact the electrified
      interface, some of which bridge a micron-sized gap between two microbands of an
      interdigitated gold electrode. A potential difference is applied between the
      contacts and the magnitude of the current increase after the arrival of the CNT
      gives a measure of the resistance associated with the single CNT-gold contact.
      These experiments reveal the presence of a high contact resistance (~50 MOmega),
      which significantly dominates the charge-transfer process. Further measurements
      on ensembles of CNTs made using a dilute layer of CNTs affixed to the
      interdigitated electrode surface and measured in the absence of solvent showed
      responses consistent with the same high value of contact resistance.

PMID- 28071047
TI  - Linking Load, Fuel, and Emission Controls to Photochemical Production of
      Secondary Organic Aerosol from a Diesel Engine.
AB  - Diesel engines are important sources of fine particle pollution in urban
      environments, but their contribution to the atmospheric formation of secondary
      organic aerosol (SOA) is not well constrained. We investigated direct emissions
      of primary organic aerosol (POA) and photochemical production of SOA from a
      diesel engine using an oxidation flow reactor (OFR). In less than a day of
      simulated atmospheric aging, SOA production exceeded POA emissions by an order of
      magnitude or more. Efficient combustion at higher engine loads coupled to the
      removal of SOA precursors and particle emissions by aftertreatment systems
      reduced POA emission factors by an order of magnitude and SOA production factors
      by factors of 2-10. The only exception was that the retrofitted aftertreatment
      did not reduce SOA production at idle loads where exhaust temperatures were low
      enough to limit removal of SOA precursors in the oxidation catalyst. Use of
      biodiesel resulted in nearly identical POA and SOA compared to diesel. The
      effective SOA yield of diesel exhaust was similar to that of unburned diesel
      fuel. While OFRs can help study the multiday evolution, at low particle
      concentrations OFRs may not allow for complete gas/particle partitioning and bias
      the potential of precursors to form SOA.

PMID- 28071048
TI  - Solvent-Free Strategy Yields Size and Shape-Uniform Capsules.
AB  - Capsules with a liquefied core were fabricated via the assembly of polymeric
      droplets induced by superamphiphobic surfaces. These highly repellent substrates
      exhibit distinct features such as (i) an easy and precise control over the
      particle size and shape, (ii) a high encapsulation efficiency, (iii) mild
      processing conditions, and (iv) the possibility to include any object in either a
      water or oil-based liquid core, which are not found on the current available
      strategies. As proof of concept, a photo-cross-linkable derivative of chitosan
      was used to produce the polymeric shell while a wealth variety of template cores
      were tested using a reversible cross-linking mechanism, interfacial gelation
      process or ice. Owing to the widespread application of polymeric capsules, the
      developed strategy is poised to usher the development of the next generation of
      materials not only for biomedical purposes but also for cosmetics, agriculture
      and electronics.

PMID- 28071049
TI  - Stereochemically Defined Various Multisubstituted Alkenes Bearing a
      Tetrafluoroethylene (-CF2CF2-) Fragment.
AB  - Highly regio- and stereoselective transformation of commercially available 4
      bromo-3,3,4,4-tetrafluoro-1-butene into multisubstituted alkenes having a
      tetrafluoroethylene fragment through Heck reactions and/or Suzuki-Miyaura cross
      coupling reactions was established. Thus, the obtained alkenes underwent a smooth
      reductive coupling reaction with aldehydes under the influence of MeLi/LiBr-free,
      affording structurally unprecedented fluorinated materials.

PMID- 28071050
TI  - Hydroxytyrosol and the Colonic Metabolites Derived from Virgin Olive Oil Intake
      Induce Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells.
AB  - After the sustained consumption of virgin olive oil (VOO), the unabsorbed native
      phenols (mainly hydroxytyrosol (HT)) are transformed into its catabolites in the
      intestine by microbials. The role of these catabolites in preventing colon cancer
      has not been sufficiently investigated. This work aims to study the
      antiproliferative and apoptotic activities in colon (Caco-2; HT-29) cancer cell
      lines of the main catabolites detected in human feces (phenylacetic,
      phenylpropionic, hydroxyphenylpropionic, and dihydroxyphenylpropionic acids and
      catechol), after the sustained VOO intake. Additionally, an assessment of the
      ability of these colonic cells to metabolize the studied compounds was performed.
      The results showed that HT and phenylacetic and hydroxyphenylpropionic acids
      produce cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis. HT-29 cells were more sensitive
      to phenol treatments than Caco-2. In synthesis, the results of the present study
      represent a good starting point for understanding the potential apoptotic and
      antiproliferative effects of VOO phenolic compounds and their colonic
      metabolites.

PMID- 28071051
TI  - Supramolecular Platform with Switchable Multivalent Affinity: Photo-Reversible
      Capture and Release of Bacteria.
AB  - Surfaces having dynamic control of interactions at the biological system-material
      interface are of great scientific and technological interest. In this work, a
      supramolecular platform with switchable multivalent affinity was developed to
      efficiently capture bacteria and on-demand release captured bacteria in response
      to irradiation with light of different wavelengths. The system consists of a
      photoresponsive self-assembled monolayer containing azobenzene (Azo) groups as
      guest and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD)-mannose (CD-M) conjugates as host with each
      CD-M containing seven mannose units to display localized multivalent
      carbohydrates. Taking the advantage of multivalent effect of CD-M, this system
      exhibited high capacity and specificity for the capture of mannose-specific type
      1-fimbriated bacteria. Moreover, ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation caused
      isomerization of the Azo groups from trans-form to cis-form, resulting in the
      dissociation of the host-guest Azo/CD-M inclusion complexes and localized release
      of the captured bacteria. The capture and release process could be repeated for
      multiple cycles, suggesting good reproducibility. This platform provides the
      basis for development of reusable biosensors and diagnostic devices for the
      detection and measurement of bacteria and exhibits great potential for use as a
      standard protocol for the on-demand switching of surface functionalities.

PMID- 28071052
TI  - Switching Kinetics in Nanoscale Hafnium Oxide Based Ferroelectric Field-Effect
      Transistors.
AB  - The recent discovery of ferroelectricity in thin hafnium oxide films has led to a
      resurgence of interest in ferroelectric memory devices. Although both
      experimental and theoretical studies on this new ferroelectric system have been
      undertaken, much remains to be unveiled regarding its domain landscape and
      switching kinetics. Here we demonstrate that the switching of single domains can
      be directly observed in ultrascaled ferroelectric field effect transistors. Using
      models of ferroelectric domain nucleation we explain the time, field and
      temperature dependence of polarization reversal. A simple stochastic model is
      proposed as well, relating nucleation processes to the observed statistical
      switching behavior. Our results suggest novel opportunities for hafnium oxide
      based ferroelectrics in nonvolatile memory devices.

PMID- 28071053
TI  - Functional Characterization of the Unique Terminal Thioesterase Domain from
      Polymyxin Synthetase.
AB  - Polymyxins remain one of the few antibiotics available for treating antibiotic
      resistant bacteria. Here we describe polymyxin B thioesterase which performs the
      final step in polymyxin B biosynthesis. Isolated thioesterase catalyzed
      cyclization of an N-acetylcystamine polymyxin B analogue to form polymyxin B. The
      thioesterase contained a catalytic cysteine unlike most thioesterases which
      possess a serine. Supporting this, incubation of polymyxin B thioesterase with
      reducing agents abolished enzymatic activity, while mutation of the catalytic
      cysteine to serine significantly decreased activity. NMR spectroscopy
      demonstrated that uncyclized polymyxin B was disordered in solution, unlike other
      thioesterase substrates which adopt a transient structure similar to their
      product. Modeling showed the thioesterase substrate-binding cleft was highly
      negatively charged, suggesting a mechanism for the cyclization of the substrate.
      These studies provide new insights into the role of polymyxin thioesterase in
      polymyxin biosynthesis and highlight its potential use for the chemoenzymatic
      synthesis of polymyxin lipopeptides.

PMID- 28071054
TI  - High-Pressure Study of Perovskite-Like Organometal Halide: Band-Gap Narrowing and
      Structural Evolution of [NH3-(CH2)4-NH3]CuCl4.
AB  - Searching for nontoxic and stable perovskite-like alternatives to lead-based
      halide perovskites for photovoltaic application is one urgent issue in
      photoelectricity science. Such exploration inevitably requires an effective
      method to accurately control both the crystalline and electronic structures. This
      work applies high pressure to narrow the band gap of perovskite-like organometal
      halide, [NH3-(CH2)4-NH3]CuCl4 (DABCuCl4), through the crystalline-structure
      tuning. The band gap keeps decreasing below ~12 GPa, involving the shrinkage and
      distortion of CuCl42-. Inorganic distortion determines both band-gap narrowing
      and phase transition between 6.4 and 10.5 GPa, and organic chains function as the
      spring cushion, evidenced by the structural transition at ~0.8 GPa. The
      supporting function of organic chains protects DABCuCl4 from phase transition and
      amorphization, which also contributes to the sustaining band-gap narrowing. This
      work combines crystal structure and macroscopic property together and offers new
      strategies for the further design and synthesis of hybrid perovskite-like
      alternatives.

PMID- 28071055
TI  - Rapid and Efficient Conversion of All-E-astaxanthin to 9Z- and 13Z-Isomers and
      Assessment of Their Stability and Antioxidant Activities.
AB  - An optimized isomerization method was developed by heating all-E-astaxanthin in
      ethyl acetate (70  degrees C) with I-TiO2 catalyst, yielding 22.7% and 16.9% of
      9Z- and 13Z-astaxanthin, respectively, in 2 h, with 92-95% purity after
      semipreparative HPLC purification. 13Z-Astaxanthin had higher antioxidant
      activity than all-E- and 9Z-astaxanthins in oxygen radical absorbing capacity
      assay for lipophilic compounds, photochemiluminescence, and cellular antioxidant
      activity (CAA) assays, and 9Z-astaxanthin was higher in DPPH radical-scavenging
      activity assay and lower in CAA assay. All isomers were relatively stable between
      pH 2.0 and 11.6, except 13Z- and 9Z-astaxanthins at pH 2.0, suggesting they may
      be converted after passing the gastric phase in vivo. Metal ions did not
      significantly (p < 0.05) affect the stability. Results of the current study
      provides a means for further study into the mechanisms related to in vivo
      transformation and bioavailability of Z-astaxanthins, and their application in
      the development of functional foods and nutraceutical products.

PMID- 28071056
TI  - Copper(I) Complexes Bearing 1,2-Phenyl-Bridged P?N, P?N?P, and N?P?N Chelate
      Ligands: Structures and Phosphorescence.
AB  - With the aim to obtain new phosphorescent Cu(I) compounds, several new 1,2-phenyl
      bridged P?N, P?N?P, and N?P?N chelate ligands were designed and synthesized.
      These ligands were found to form complexes with Cu(I) ion readily via either
      solution reactions or solid-state grinding process. The new Cu(I) compounds based
      on this class of ligands display phosphorescence with emission color ranging from
      blue to red. The structure of the ligand and the nature of the N-heterocycle in
      the chelate ligands were found to have a significant impact on the phosphorescent
      properties of the Cu(I) compounds.

PMID- 28071057
TI  - Programmed Transfer of Sequence Information into a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer
      for Hexakis(2,2'-bithien-5-yl) DNA Analogue Formation toward Single-Nucleotide
      Polymorphism Detection.
AB  - A new strategy of simple, inexpensive, rapid, and label-free single-nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) detection using robust chemosensors with
      piezomicrogravimetric, surface plasmon resonance, or capacitive impedimetry (CI)
      signal transduction is reported. Using these chemosensors, selective detection of
      a genetically relevant oligonucleotide under FIA conditions within 2 min is
      accomplished. An invulnerable-to-nonspecific interaction molecularly imprinted
      polymer (MIP) with electrochemically synthesized probes of hexameric 2,2'-bithien
      5-yl DNA analogues discriminating single purine-nucleobase mismatch at room
      temperature was used. With density functional theory modeling, the synthetic
      procedures developed, and isothermal titration calorimetry quantification,
      adenine (A)- or thymine (T)-substituted 2,2'-bithien-5-yl functional monomers
      capable of Watson-Crick nucleobase pairing with the TATAAA
      oligodeoxyribonucleotide template or its peptide nucleic acid (PNA) analogue were
      designed. Characterized by spectroscopic techniques, molecular cavities exposed
      the ordered nucleobases on the 2,2'-bithien-5-yl polymeric backbone of the TTTATA
      hexamer probe designed to hybridize the complementary TATAAA template. In that
      way, an artificial TATAAA-promoter sequence was formed in the MIP. The purine
      nucleobases of this sequence are known to be recognized by RNA polymerase to
      initiate the transcription in eukaryotes. The hexamer strongly hybridized TATAAA
      with the complex stability constant KsTTTATA-TATAAA = ka/kd ~ 106 M-1, as high as
      that characteristic for longer-chain DNA-PNA hybrids. The CI chemosensor revealed
      a 5 nM limit of detection, quite appreciable as for the hexadeoxyribonucleotide.
      Molecular imprinting increased the chemosensor sensitivity to the TATAAA analyte
      by over 4 times compared to that of the nonimprinted polymer. The herein-devised
      detection platform enabled the generation of a library of hexamer probes for
      typing the majority of SNP probes as well as studying a molecular mechanism of
      the complex transcription machinery, physics of single polymer molecules, and
      stable genetic nanomaterials.

PMID- 28071058
TI  - H-Abstraction by OH from Large Branched Alkanes: Overall Rate Measurements and
      Site-Specific Tertiary Rate Calculations.
AB  - Reaction rate coefficients for the reaction of hydroxyl (OH) radicals with nine
      large branched alkanes (i.e., 2-methyl-3-ethyl-pentane, 2,3-dimethyl-pentane,
      2,2,3-trimethylbutane, 2,2,3-trimethyl-pentane, 2,3,4-trimethyl-pentane, 3-ethyl
      pentane, 2,2,3,4-tetramethyl-pentane, 2,2-dimethyl-3-ethyl-pentane, and 2,4
      dimethyl-3-ethyl-pentane) are measured at high temperatures (900-1300 K) using a
      shock tube and narrow-line-width OH absorption diagnostic in the UV region. In
      addition, room-temperature measurements of six out of these nine rate
      coefficients are performed in a photolysis cell using high repetition laser
      induced fluorescence of OH radicals. Our experimental results are combined with
      previous literature measurements to obtain three-parameter Arrhenius expressions
      valid over a wide temperature range (300-1300 K). The rate coefficients are
      analyzed using the next-nearest-neighbor (N-N-N) methodology to derive nine
      tertiary (T003, T012, T013, T022, T023, T111, T112, T113, and T122) site-specific
      rate coefficients for the abstraction of H atoms by OH radicals from branched
      alkanes. Derived Arrhenius expressions, valid over 950-1300 K, are given as (the
      subscripts denote the number of carbon atoms connected to the next-nearest
      neighbor carbon): T003 = 1.80 * 10-10 exp(-2971 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1; T012 =
      9.36 * 10-11 exp(-3024 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1; T013 = 4.40 * 10-10 exp(-4162
      K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1; T022 = 1.47 * 10-10 exp(-3587 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1;
      T023 = 6.06 * 10-11 exp(-3010 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1; T111 = 3.98 * 10-11 exp(
      1617 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1; T112 = 9.08 * 10-12 exp(-3661 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s
      1; T113 = 6.74 * 10-9 exp(-7547 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1; T122 = 3.47 * 10-11 exp(
      1802 K/T) cm3 molecule-1 s-1.

PMID- 28071059
TI  - Accuracy of ASGE criteria for the prediction of choledocholithiasis.
AB  - I read with interest the article "Accuracy of ASGE criteria for the prediction of
      choledocholithiasis" by Narvaez et al. Patients with suspicion of
      choledocholithiasis (CL) were categorized according to the American Society for
      Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) recommendations. Those patients classified into
      high or intermediate-probability for CL underwent an endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) without any further non-endoscopic biliary
      imaging modalities. In the ASGE recommendations for intermediate risk CL
      patients, they mention options for the evaluation of these patients including
      endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC).

PMID- 28071060
TI  - Intramural gastric hematoma in the context of an acute pancreatitis.
AB  - Bleeding complications are well known in the context of acute pancreatitis
      however, intramural hematomas of the superior gastrointestinal tract are rare.
      The treatment of choice, in absence of active bleeding or other complications,
      must be conservative, resulting in spontaneous resolution of the hematoma in most
      of the cases.

PMID- 28071061
TI  - Validation of SPICE, a method to differentiate small bowel submucosal lesions
      from innocent bulges on capsule endoscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Small bowel submucosal lesions (SBSL) and innocent bulges
      may have an identical appearance and be difficult to distinguish on small bowel
      capsule endoscopy (SBCE). Recently, Girelli et al. proposed a score, smooth,
      protruding lesion index on capsule endoscopy (SPICE), in order to differentiate
      between the two. We aimed to evaluate and validate SPICE as a differentiation
      method between innocent bulges and SBSLs. METHODS: We evaluated all SBCEs
      performed in our department between January 2005 and September 2015, and selected
      the ones with a smooth, round, protruding lesion in the small bowel. Lesions with
      suspicious characteristics were excluded. A video clip of the region of interest
      was created and SPICE was assigned blindly and independently by two endoscopists.
      We determined the discriminative ability of SPICE using the definitive diagnosis
      of each patient as the standard criteria. RESULTS: We included 30 SBCEs
      corresponding to 12 SBSLs (four gastrointestinal stromal tumors, two
      neuroendocrine tumors, four lipomas and two polypoid lymphangiectasias) and 18
      innocent bulges. SPICE scores ranged from 0 to 4, allowing the distinction
      between SBSLs and innocent bulges (p < 0.001). SPICE > 2 had a 66.7% sensitivity,
      100.0% specificity, 100.0% positive predictive value and 78.3% negative
      predictive value, and the area under the curve was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.73-1.00; p <
      0.001) for the diagnosis of SBSL. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support SPICE, namely a
      score > 2, as a predictive method of SBSLs. Taking into account its simplicity,
      it may be very useful in the distinction between SBSLs and innocent bulges on
      SBCE.

PMID- 28071062
TI  - Accurate cut-offs for predicting endoscopic activity and mucosal healing in
      Crohn's disease with fecal calprotectin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fecal biomarkers, especially fecal calprotectin, are useful for
      predicting endoscopic activity in Crohn's disease; however, the cut-off point
      remains unclear. The aim of this paper was to analyze whether faecal calprotectin
      and M2 pyruvate kinase are good tools for generating highly accurate scores for
      the prediction of the state of endoscopic activity and mucosal healing. METHODS:
      The simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease and the Crohn's disease activity
      index was calculated for 71 patients diagnosed with Crohn's. Fecal calprotectin
      and M2-PK were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. RESULTS: A
      fecal calprotectin cut-off concentration of >= 170 ug/g (sensitivity 77.6%,
      specificity 95.5% and likelihood ratio +17.06) predicts a high probability of
      endoscopic activity, and a fecal calprotectin cut-off of <= 71 ug/g (sensitivity
      95.9%, specificity 52.3% and likelihood ratio -0.08) predicts a high probability
      of mucosal healing. Three clinical groups were identified according to the data
      obtained: endoscopic activity (calprotectin >= 170), mucosal healing
      (calprotectin <= 71) and uncertainty (71 > calprotectin < 170), with significant
      differences in endoscopic values (F = 26.407, p < 0.01). Clinical activity or
      remission modified the probabilities of presenting endoscopic activity (100% vs
      89%) or mucosal healing (75% vs 87%) in the diagnostic scores generated. M2-PK
      was insufficiently accurate to determine scores. CONCLUSIONS: The highly accurate
      scores for fecal calprotectin provide a useful tool for interpreting the
      probabilities of presenting endoscopic activity or mucosal healing, and are
      valuable in the specific clinical context.

PMID- 28071063
TI  - Acute psychotic episode secondary to Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment.
AB  - The side effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication treatment are
      few, usually in the form of gastrointestinal or allergic complaints. However,
      occasionally, some antibiotics including clarithromycin, included in the classic
      eradication regimen, may result in reversible psychosis, a condition called
      "antibiomania" or "Hoigne syndrome".

PMID- 28071064
TI  - Chronic kidney disease may be differentially diagnosed from pre-eclampsia by
      serum biomarkers.

PMID- 28071065
TI  - Estimating baseline kidney function in hospitalized patients with impaired kidney
      function.

PMID- 28071070
TI  - Surgery for Cholesteatomatous Labyrinthine Fistula.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is uncertainty regarding the ideal surgical management of
      cholesteatomatous labyrinthine fistulae. The objective was to review the
      published evidence to determine whether a difference exists in hearing outcome
      for cholesteatoma matrix removal or matrix exteriorization. DATA SOURCES:
      Systematic MEDLINE and Web of Science searches identified publications describing
      hearing results after cholesteatoma matrix removal or matrix exteriorization.
      REVIEW METHODS: Three reviewers appraised the studies for quality, level of
      evidence, and extracted data. Fistula characteristics such as single-site,
      multisite, size, grade, and follow-up time were extracted for subanalyses, and
      when appropriate, data were pooled for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Twenty
      eight articles met inclusion criteria, and the level of evidence was judged no
      better than level 3b. There was no difference in hearing preservation detected
      between matrix removal and exteriorization (87% for matrix removal, 95% CI, 0.82
      0.90; 95% for exteriorization, 95% CI, 0.85-0.98). An analysis of the individual
      cohort studies that compared these groups directly did not show a difference in
      calculated odds ratio (OR), 0.96 (95% CI, 0.66-1.40). CONCLUSION: The level of
      evidence on which to base surgical decision making related to cholesteatomatous
      labyrinthine fistula is poor, and the data do not demonstrate significant
      differences in hearing outcomes based on surgical technique.

PMID- 28071075
TI  - Anti-Mullerian hormone: correlation with testosterone and oligo- or amenorrhoea
      in female adolescence in a population-based cohort study.

PMID- 28071076
TI  - Reassessment of fracture risk in women after 3 years of treatment with zoledronic
      acid: when is it reasonable to discontinue treatment?

PMID- 28071082
TI  - Exploring necrotizing autoimmune myopathies with a novel immunoassay for anti-3
      hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase autoantibodies.

PMID- 28071083
TI  - Serum immunoglobulin G4 level is a poor predictor of immunoglobulin G4-related
      disease.

PMID- 28071085
TI  - The association between the use of proton pump inhibitors and the risk of
      hypomagnesemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 28071087
TI  - Obesity: subclinical cardiac damage and heart failure.

PMID- 28071092
TI  - Liraglutide safety and efficacy in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
      (LEAN): a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2
      study.

PMID- 28071093
TI  - Management of hypoparathyroidism: summary statement and guidelines.

PMID- 28071094
TI  - Relationship Between Subjectively Evaluated Health and Fear of Death Among
      Elderly in Three Cultural Contexts.
AB  - It is often argued that declining health in elderly people makes death more
      salient and threatening. However, we argue that health, optimism, and social
      support interact to predict fear of death in samples from Cameroon, the Czech
      Republic, and Germany. Low health was associated with enhanced fear of death for
      participants who received only little social support. As the measure of optimism
      did not comply with psychometric requirements in the Cameroonian sample, the
      three-way interaction was tested only in the Czech and German samples. It was
      found that the two-way interaction was further qualified by optimism in that low
      health was associated with enhanced fear of death for participants with little
      social support unless they reported pronounced optimism. Thus, internal and
      external resources, respectively, can serve to buffer the effect of declining
      health on the fear of death in the elderly.

PMID- 28071097
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor 1 bioactivity might reflect different aspects of
      quality of life than total insulin-like growth factor 1 in growth
      hormonedeficient patients during growth hormone treatment.

PMID- 28071100
TI  - Use of glycated (glycosylated) haemoglobin in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
      in the United Kingdom. The implementation of World Health Organization guidance
      2011.

PMID- 28071101
TI  - High sensitivity cardiac troponin and the under-diagnosis of myocardial
      infarction in women: prospective cohort study.

PMID- 28071107
TI  - Thanks.

PMID- 28071125
TI  - Vacancy for the role of Editor-in-Chief for Journal of Hand Surgery (European
      Volume).

PMID- 28071111
TI  - New editor for Acta Radiologica.

PMID- 28071127
TI  - The Journal Manager's perspective.

PMID- 28071133
TI  - Effect of Transcutaneous Acupoint Electrical Stimulation on Post-Hemorrhoidectomy
      Associated Pain, Anxiety, and Heart Rate Variability: A Randomized-Controlled
      Study.
AB  - Hemorrhoidectomy is the current best treatment for severe hemorrhoids, but it
      causes significant postoperative pain and anxiety, which is associated with heart
      rate variability (HRV). Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) was
      assumed to alleviate pain and anxiety, and modify the autonomic nervous system.
      This study aimed to examine the effects of TAES intervention on postoperative
      pain, anxiety, and HRV in patients who received a hemorrhoidectomy. A randomized
      controlled trial with five repeated measures was conducted. The TAES group ( n =
      39) received four 20-min sessions of electrical stimulation at chengshan (BL57)
      and erbai (EX-UE2) after hemorrhoidectomy, whereas the control group ( n = 41)
      did not. Data were collected using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), State Anxiety
      Inventory (STAI), and HRV physiological signal monitor. TAES resulted in a
      significant group difference in pain scores, anxiety levels, and some HRV
      parameters. The findings indicate that TAES can help reduce pain and anxiety
      associated with hemorrhoidectomy. TAES is a noninvasive, simple, and convenient
      modality for post-hemorrhoidectomy-associated pain control and anxiety reduction.

PMID- 28071136
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28071134
TI  - Rapid prototyping using 3D printing in bioanalytical research.

PMID- 28071137
TI  - Seasonal variation in an acid mine drainage microbial community.
AB  - Environmental oxidation and microbial metabolism drive production of acid mine
      drainage (AMD). Understanding changes in the microbial community, due to
      geochemical and seasonal characteristics, is fundamental to AMD monitoring and
      remediation. Using direct sequencing of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes to identify
      bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic members of the microbial community at an AMD
      site in Northern Ontario, Canada, we found a dynamic community varying
      significantly across winter and summer sampling times. Community composition was
      correlated with physical and chemical properties, including water temperature,
      pH, conductivity, winter ice thickness, and metal concentrations. Within
      Bacteria, Acidithiobacillus was the dominant genus during winter (11%-57% of
      sequences) but Acidiphilium was dominant during summer (47%-87%). Within Eukarya,
      Chrysophyceae (1.5%-94%) and Microbotrymycetes (8%-92%) dominated the winter
      community, and LKM11 (4%-62%) and Chrysophyceae (25%-87%) the summer. There was
      less diversity and variability within the Archaea, with similar summer and winter
      communities mainly comprising Thermoplasmata (33%-64%) and Thermoprotei (5%-20%)
      classes but also including a large portion of unclassified reads (~40%). Overall,
      the active AMD community varied significantly between winter and summer, with
      changing community profiles closely correlated to specific differences in AMD
      geochemical and physical properties, including pH, water temperature, ice
      thickness, and sulfate and metal concentrations.

PMID- 28071138
TI  - Introductory paragraph.

PMID- 28071140
TI  - Development and characterization of polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles for oral
      delivery of LMWH.
AB  - The present study aimed to develop an improved oral delivery system for low
      molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), novel polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles were
      developed. LMWH loaded chitosan polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles (LMWH-CS-PLNs)
      were developed using double emulsification and solvent evaporation method. The
      performance of developed formulations was evaluated by using in vitro and in vivo
      behavior, such as drug release studies, in vitro permeation study, in vivo venous
      thrombolytic study, in vitro uptake studies by using intestinal epithelium
      resembling Caco-2 cell lines. The new CS-PLNs might provide an effective strategy
      for oral delivery of LMWH with improved encapsulation efficiency as compared to
      CS-NPs and SA-LNPs.

PMID- 28071142
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - Lee J, Takeuchi H, Fervaha G, Sin GL, Foussias G, Agid O, Farooq S, Remington G.
      Subtyping schizophrenia by treatment response: antipsychotic development and the
      central role of positive symptoms. Can J Psychiatry. 2015;60(11):515-522.
      Original DOI: 10.1177/070674371506001107. In Table 2 of the above article, in
      "Proposed criteria for clozapine resistance" for "Current illness severity," the
      CGI-SCH positive was stated as "> 4" but it should be "CGI-SCH positive >= 4."
      The corrected table is below. [Table: see text].

PMID- 28071143
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Corrigendum to Warle'-Van Herwaarden MF, Roukens M, Pop GAM et al. (2014)
      Adherence to guidelines for the prescribing of double and triple combinations of
      antithrombotic agents. Eur J Prev Cardiol 21 (2) 231-243. DOI:
      10.1177/2047487312451253 .

PMID- 28071141
TI  - Psychosocial Factors Mediating the Effect of the CHoBI7 Intervention on
      Handwashing With Soap: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - Inadequate hand hygiene is estimated to result in nearly 300,000 deaths annually,
      with the majority of deaths being among children younger than 5 years. In an
      effort to promote handwashing with soap and water treatment behaviors among
      highly susceptible household members of cholera patients, we recently developed
      the Cholera-Hospital-Based Intervention-for-7-Days (CHoBI7); chobi means picture
      in Bengali. This 1-week handwashing with soap and water treatment intervention is
      delivered by a promoter in the hospital and the home to cholera patients and
      their household members. In our randomized controlled trial of this intervention,
      we observed a significant reduction in symptomatic cholera infections during the
      1-week intervention period compared to the control arm and sustained high uptake
      of observed handwashing with soap behaviors up to 12 months postintervention. The
      aim of the present study was to assess the underlying mechanism of change that
      led to the high handwashing with soap behavior observed among participants who
      received the CHoBI7 intervention. Handwashing with soap was measured using 5-hour
      structured observation, and psychosocial factors were assessed using a structured
      questionnaire among 170 intervention and 174 control household members enrolled
      in the CHoBI7 trial. To investigate potential mediators of the CHoBI7
      intervention effect, mediation models were performed. Response efficacy was found
      to mediate the intervention's effect on habit formation for handwashing with soap
      at the 1-week follow-up, and disgust, convenience, and cholera awareness were
      mediators of habit maintenance at the 6- to 12-month follow-up. These results
      support the use of theory-driven approaches for the development and
      implementation of handwashing with soap interventions.

PMID- 28071144
TI  - Do Emotions Spark Interest in Alternative Tobacco Products?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to advertisements for tobacco products and tobacco warning
      labels evokes emotions. This study evaluated the association of discrete positive
      and negative emotions with interest in alternative tobacco products. METHOD: In
      2013, 1,226 U.S. adult nonsmokers and current smokers viewed advertisements for
      moist snuff, snus, and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) with various warning
      labels and then indicated their emotional responses in terms of anger, anxiety,
      sadness, guilt, disgust, discouragement, hope, and contentment. Outcomes were
      openness to using moist snuff, snus, and e-cigarettes in the future and interest
      in a free sample of each product. Data were analyzed in 2016. RESULTS: Hope was
      positively associated with openness and interest across all alternative tobacco
      products as was contentment for moist snuff and snus. Anger was negatively
      associated with openness to moist snuff and e-cigarettes, disgust negatively to
      moist snuff and snus, and anxiety negatively to e-cigarettes. Being a current
      smoker, ever trying a corresponding product, being male, and younger age were
      associated with greater openness to and interest in moist snuff and snus. For e
      cigarettes, being a current smoker, ever trying e-cigarettes, and being female
      were associated with greater openness, and being a current smoker was associated
      with greater odds of selecting a free sample. CONCLUSIONS: Positive emotions,
      particularly hope, were consistently positively associated with interest in
      alternative tobacco products. Hope is widely used by tobacco and e-cigarette
      companies to advertise their products. Antitobacco messages should aim to lower
      hope associated with tobacco products but increase hope for cessation or life
      without tobacco.

PMID- 28071145
TI  - Bacteriophages and their derivatives for the treatment and control of food
      producing animal infections.
AB  - Nowadays, the world is facing an increasing emergence of antibiotic resistant
      bacteria. Simultaneously, the banning of some existing antibiotics and the lack
      of development of new antimicrobials have created an urgent need to find new
      alternatives against animal infections. Bacteriophages (phages) are naturally
      occurring predators of bacteria, ubiquitous in the environment, with high host
      specificity and harmless to animals. For these reasons, phages and their
      derivatives are being considered valuable antimicrobial alternatives and an
      opportunity to reduce the current use of antibiotics in agri-food production,
      increasing animal productivity and providing environmental protection.
      Furthermore, the possibility of combining phage genetic material with foreign
      genes encoding peptides of interest has enabled their use as vaccine delivery
      tools. In this case, besides bacterial infections, they might be used to prevent
      viral infections. This review explores current data regarding advances on the use
      of phages and phage-encoded proteins, such as endolysins, exolysins and
      depolymerases, either for therapeutic or prophylactic applications, in animal
      husbandry. The use of recombinant phage-derived particles or genetically modified
      phages, including phage vaccines, will also be reviewed.

PMID- 28071146
TI  - Cardiac rehabilitation programme after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
      versus surgical aortic valve replacement: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Background Aortic stenosis is a valvular heart disease characterised by fixed
      obstruction of the left ventricular outflow. It can be managed by surgical aortic
      valve replacement (sAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This
      review aimed to describe the evidence supporting a cardiac rehabilitation
      programme on functional capacity and quality of life in aortic stenosis patients
      after sAVR or TAVI. Methods The search was conducted on multiple databases from
      January to March 2016. All studies were eligible that evaluated the effects of a
      post-interventional cardiac rehabilitation programme in aortic stenosis patients.
      The methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis was
      performed separately by procedure and between procedures. The walked distance
      during the six-minute walk test (6MWD) and Barthel index were evaluated. The
      analysis was conducted in Review Manager. Results Five studies were included (292
      TAVI and 570 sAVR patients). The meta-analysis showed that a cardiac
      rehabilitation programme was associated with a significant improvement in 6MWD
      (0.69 (0.47, 0.91); P < 0.001) and Barthel index (0.80 (0.29, 1.30); P = 0.002)
      after TAVI and 6MWD (0.79 (0.43, 1.15); P < 0.001) and Barthel index (0.93 (0.67,
      1.18); P < 0.001) after sAVR. In addition, the meta-analysis showed that the
      cardiac rehabilitation programme promoted a similar gain in 6MWD (4.28% (-12.73,
      21.29); P = 0.62) and Barthel index (-1.52 points (-4.81, 1.76); P = 0.36) after
      sAVR or TAVI. Conclusions The cardiac rehabilitation programme improved the
      functional capacity and quality of life in aortic stenosis patients. Patients who
      underwent TAVI benefitted with a cardiac rehabilitation programme similar to sAVR
      patients.

PMID- 28071147
TI  - Abstracts of Presentations at the Joint Meeting of the EEG & Clinical
      Neuroscience Society (ECNS), the International Society for Brain Electromagnetic
      Topography (ISBET), and the International Society for Neuroimaging in Psychiatry
      (ISNIP) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, September 3-7, 2014.

PMID- 28071148
TI  - Obituary.

PMID- 28071149
TI  - Abstracts from PACTRIMS, Bali, 26-28 August 2010.

PMID- 28071150
TI  - 36th Annual Meeting of the Society for Medical Decision Making.

PMID- 28071152
TI  - Fatal orbito-cerebral penetration by industrial grease viscous: Rare case report.
AB  - Assorted projectiles including shrapnel, sling shots, stones, metal and rock
      fragments and other missiles cause fatal penetrating skull injuries. In this
      case, a 34-year-old foreman suffered a fatal penetrating orbito-cerebral injury
      while lubricating a hydraulic rock-splitting machine with industrial grease
      viscous.

PMID- 28071154
TI  - Software, Database, and Information Services.

PMID- 28071175
TI  - Editorial: Editor-in-Chief.

PMID- 28071165
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - Hart, C. Product Focus: Microplates, Assay Reagents, Screening Consumables, and
      Kits. J. Biomol. Screen.2013, 18(9), 1138-1140. (Original DOI:
      10.1177/1087057113500121).

PMID- 28071176
TI  - Using machine learning to predict laboratory test results.

PMID- 28071177
TI  - Liraglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28071178
TI  - Psychotropic drugs and ventricular repolarisation: The effects on QT interval, T
      peak to T-end interval and QT dispersion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate in a clinical setting, the effects of
      different classes of psychotropic drugs on cardiac electrophysiological measures
      linked with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. METHODS: We conducted a
      cross-sectional study in a population of 1059 psychiatric inpatients studying the
      effects of various psychotropic drugs on the T-peak to T-end (TpTe) interval, QT
      dispersion and QT interval. RESULTS: Methadone use showed a strong association
      with TpTe prolongation (odds ratio (OR)=12.66 (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.9
      41.1), p<0.001), an effect independent from action on QT interval. Mood
      stabilisers showed significant effects on ventricular repolarisation: lithium was
      associated with a TpTe prolongation (OR=2.12 (95% CI, 1.12-4), p=0.02), while
      valproic acid with a TpTe reduction (OR=0.6 (95% CI, 0.37-0.98), p=0.04). Among
      antipsychotics, clozapine increased TpTe (OR=9.5 (95% CI, 2.24-40.39), p=0.002)
      and piperazine phenothiazines increased QT dispersion (OR=2.73 (95% CI, 1.06
      7.02), p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with psychotropic drugs influences TpTe
      and QT dispersion. These parameters might be considered to better estimate the
      sudden cardiac death risk related to specific medications. Beyond antipsychotics
      and antidepressants, mood stabilisers determine significant effects on
      ventricular repolarisation.

PMID- 28071181
TI  - CD8+ T cells mediate the regenerative PTH effect in hPDL cells via Wnt10b
      signaling.
AB  - It was the aim of the present investigation to examine whether the stimulating
      effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cell
      proliferation and differentiation would be enhanced by hPDL/T-cell interaction
      involving Wnt10b signaling as a mediating pathway. hPDL cells were cultured from
      healthy premolar tissues of three adolescent orthodontic patients and exposed to
      PTH(1-34) in monocultures or co-cultures with CD8+ T cells. At harvest,
      proliferation, alkaline phosphatase-specific activity (ALP), and osteocalcin
      production were determined by immunofluorescence cytochemistry, real-time PCR,
      biochemical assay, and ELISA. Wnt10b signaling was analyzed by the use of a
      specific WNT10b neutralizing antibody. PTH(1-34) stimulation of T cells
      significantly increased Wnt10b expression and production. Wnt10b exposure of hPDL
      cells enhanced proliferation and differentiation. PDL cells co-cultured with T
      cells showed a Wnt10b-dependent regulation of proliferation and differentiation
      parameters. The addition of a Wnt10b-neutralizing Ab to the co-culture medium
      resulted in a significant inhibition of the PTH(1-34) effect on proliferation,
      ALP-specific activity, and osteocalcin protein expression. Our findings provide
      novel insight into the mechanism of action of PTH on hPDL cells and establish the
      interplay of T cells and hPDL cells via the Wnt10b pathway as a modulating factor
      for the anabolic properties of the hormone in periodontal regeneration.

PMID- 28071184
TI  - Letter from the Editor.

PMID- 28071183
TI  - 5-Aminosalicylic acid inhibits inflammatory responses by suppressing JNK and p38
      activity in murine macrophages.
AB  - CONTEXT: 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), as an anti-inflammatory drug, has been
      extensively used for the treatment of mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis
      (UC), but the possible mechanisms of action remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the effects of 5-ASA on the production of inflammatory mediators by
      murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and determine the
      underlying pharmacological mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The levels
      of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by Varioskan Flash
      and IL-6 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay sets. Real time quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the level of induced nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS). The effects of 5-ASA on iNOS, the c-Jun N-terminal kinases
      (JNKs), p38 and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB signaling pathways were examined using
      western blotting. RESULTS: 5-ASA suppressed the production of NO and IL-6, and
      also decreased the expression of iNOS in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. 5-ASA
      inhibited the phosphorylation of JNKs and p38, but did not block NF-kappaB
      activation at all doses tested. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results indicated
      that the anti-inflammatory effect of 5-ASA was mainly regulated by the inhibition
      of the JNKs, p38 pathways rather than NF-kappaB pathway. Further research is
      required to clarify the detailed mechanism of the action.

PMID- 28071185
TI  - Outsourcing and Contract Services.

PMID- 28071187
TI  - The International Acta Radiologica Prize.

PMID- 28071188
TI  - "Classic papers" in this online issue of Acta Radiologica.

PMID- 28071189
TI  - Physical Facts of Roentgenological Importance.

PMID- 28071190
TI  - New editor of the musculoskeletal section of Acta Radiologica.

PMID- 28071191
TI  - A Radium Compensator for Ionization Measurements.

PMID- 28071192
TI  - Introductory paragraph.

PMID- 28071193
TI  - Screening of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriacae concomitant with low degree of
      transmission in intensive care and bone marrow transplant units.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL
      E) are spreading worldwide in both hospital and community settings. In this
      study, the molecular epidemiology and the transmission modalities of ESBL-E in
      intensive care- and bone marrow transplant were investigated. METHODS: All
      patients included in this study were screened for presence of ESBL-E on admission
      and weekly. Relevant beta-lactamase genes were identified by PCR and sequencing.
      RESULTS: A total of 669 patients were included in this study. On admission, ESBL
      producing Escherichia coli were detected in 49 (7.3%) patients and ESBL-producing
      Klebsiella pneumoniae in one patient. The most common ESBL types among E. coli
      isolates were CTX-M-15 (38.8%) and CTX-M-1 (38.8%). Furthermore, 12 of 49 (24.5%)
      ESBL-producing E. coli could be assigned to the epidemic clone ST131. A single
      patient acquired ESBL-producing E. coli during the hospital stay but cross
      transmission could not be demonstrated. Among 1095 environmental samples none
      revealed ESBL. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that early detection of ESBL
      producing Enterobacteriaceae and consequent implementation of basic hygiene
      measures and contact isolation may reduce the transmission rate during the
      hospital stay.

PMID- 28071196
TI  - In Memoriam: Ayan Gulgonen.

PMID- 28071198
TI  - Fracture of the index metacarpal after TightRope suspension for carpometacarpal
      instability of the thumb.

PMID- 28071199
TI  - In gratitude.

PMID- 28071203
TI  - Automated Systems.

PMID- 28071200
TI  - Commentary on Unacceptable failure of the PI2(r) implant. J. van Aaken, N.
      Holzer, L. Wehrli, F. Delaquaize, I. A. Gonzalez and J. Y. Beaulieu. J Hand Surg
      Eur. 2016, 41: 917-22.

PMID- 28071207
TI  - From JRSM Short Reports.

PMID- 28071205
TI  - Long-Term Liver Diseases after Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV
      Infected Patients with and without HBV or HCV Coinfection.
AB  - Coinfection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) with HIV is
      common and associated with increased mortality and increased risk of progression
      to chronic liver disease. We aimed to study long-term liver diseases after
      initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected patients with and
      without HBV or HCV coinfection. A retrospective cohort of 92 patients (32
      patients with HBV and/or HCV coinfection) was analyzed. Overall mean age was 38.3
      years, and 54.3% were males. Immunological and virological responses were similar
      between the 2 groups ( P > .05). During a median follow-up period of 6.1 years,
      12 (13.0%) patients had liver diseases. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the
      coinfection group had a significantly higher probability of developing liver
      diseases after ART (log-rank test, P < .001). Among the subgroup of 32 patients
      with coinfection, patients who were initiated ART at CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 had
      a higher rate of liver diseases compared to those who were initiated ART at CD4
      count >=200 cells/mm3 (42.3% versus 16.7%; P = .004).

PMID- 28071208
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - Caris E Grimes and Robert HS Lane. Surgery and the global health agenda. J R Soc
      Med July 2013; 106: 256--258. DOI: 10.1177/0141076813476678 .

PMID- 28071212
TI  - Application Areas.

PMID- 28071210
TI  - Introducing the 2013 JALA Ten.

PMID- 28071216
TI  - Disinhibition of the rat prelimbic cortex promotes serotonergic activation of the
      dorsal raphe nucleus and panicolytic-like behavioral effects.
AB  - Several studies have shown that serotonin plays a dual role in the modulation of
      defensive behaviors related to anxiety and panic. A major source of serotonergic
      projections to limbic structures responsible for this modulation is the dorsal
      raphe nucleus (DR). Anatomical studies indicate that the prelimbic (PL) cortex
      sends dense glutamatergic projections to the DR, leading to stimulation or
      inhibition of serotonin release in structures innervated by the DR. The objective
      of the present study was to investigate if GABAergic disinhibition of the PL by
      means of local administration of picrotoxin (PIC), a chloride channel blocker,
      can affect serotonergic tone and the expression of defensive behaviors related to
      anxiety and panic. We used the elevated T-maze model and Vogel conflict test to
      evaluate defensive responses associated with anxiety or panic. The results showed
      that intra-PL PIC caused an increase in c-Fos activation in serotonergic cells in
      DR subregions. Furthermore, the intra-PL injection of PIC induced a panicolytic
      like effect without affecting behaviors associated with anxiety. Our findings
      suggest that the PL-DR pathway, through DR serotonergic stimulation, is involved
      in the control of panic-related behaviors by control of serotonin release in
      structures that modulate panic responses, such as the dorsal periaqueductal gray.

PMID- 28071217
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28071220
TI  - Life Sciences Discovery and Technology Highlights.

PMID- 28071221
TI  - Application Areas.

PMID- 28071223
TI  - 1st Asia-Pacific Meeting of the Society for Medical Decision Making.

PMID- 28071224
TI  - Medical Decision Making Reviewers, 2013.

PMID- 28071233
TI  - Poster Presentations.

PMID- 28071226
TI  - 31st Annual Meeting of the Society of Medical Decision Making Abstracts.

PMID- 28071234
TI  - TIA poems.

PMID- 28071239
TI  - Induction by arsenate of cell-type-specific cytotoxic effects in nerve and
      hepatoma cells.
AB  - The aim of the study was to compare the effect of sodium arsenate (AsV) on two
      different cell types: 158N murine oligodendrocytes and HepG2 human hepatoma
      cells. Exposure of 158N cells to AsV (0.1-400 uM; 48 h) induced a biphasic
      cytoxic effect defined as hormesis. Thus, low concentrations of AsV stimulate
      cell proliferation, as shown by phase-contrast microscopy, cell counting with
      trypan blue, and crystal violet assay, whereas high concentrations induce cell
      death associated with a loss of cell adhesion. These side effects were confirmed
      by staining with propidium iodide and cell cycle analysis, characterized by the
      presence of a subG1 peak, a criterion of apoptosis. The effects of AsV on
      mitochondrial function, as determined by the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay, the measurement of mitochondrial transmembrane
      potential with 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide, and the rate of mitochondrial
      adenosine triphosphate confirm the impact of AsV on the mitochondria. In contrast
      to 158N cells, HepG2 cells were susceptible to all AsV concentrations as shown by
      microscopic observations, by counting with trypan blue. However, no alteration is
      noted in the cell membrane integrity, which indicated an apoptotic mode of cell
      death, and this side effect is confirmed by the cycle analysis, which revealed a
      subG1 peak. Of note, there was a loss of MTT, suggesting that AsV induces
      mitochondrial complex II dysfunction. Altogether, our data show that the
      cytotoxic characteristics of AsV depend on the cell type considered.

PMID- 28071240
TI  - Teucrium polium hexane extract downregulated androgen receptor in testis and
      decreased fertility index in rats.
AB  - Teucrium polium L. (Lamiaceae) is a commonly used medicinal plant in folk
      medicine. Among several uses, T. polium is used to treat male fertility problems.
      This research was conducted to study the effect of T. polium on spermatogenesis,
      testosterone level, androgen receptor expression, and fertility in male rats.
      Administration of hexane extract for 6 days to aging rats increased testosterone
      level. When administered for 60 days, T. polium hexane extract downregulated
      androgen receptors, decreased sperm count without producing histological changes
      in different stages of spermatogenesis. Also, fertility index decreased without
      making teratogenic effects when treated males were mated with untreated females
      on the 55th day of extract administration. Therefore, the downregulation of
      androgen receptor could be due to the continued elevation in testosterone level
      over time. In conclusion, this study suggests that the prolonged use of T. polium
      in folk medicine may negatively affect male fertility.

PMID- 28071242
TI  - Response to letter from Dr Hongliang Zhang entitled 'B-cell activating factor in
      the cerebrospinal fluid of neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis'.

PMID- 28071243
TI  - Authors' reply to 'Report of extracranial venous stenosis in relapsing-remitting
      multiple sclerosis patients'.

PMID- 28071246
TI  - Family perspectives on organ and tissue donation for transplantation: a
      principlist analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The family interview context is permeated by numerous ethical issues
      which may generate conflicts and impact on organ donation process. OBJECTIVE:
      This study aims to analyze the family interview process with a focus on
      principlist bioethics. METHOD: This exploratory, descriptive study uses a
      qualitative approach. The speeches were collected using the following prompt:
      "Talk about the family interview for the donation of organs and tissues for
      transplantation, from the preparation for the interview to the decision of the
      family to donate or not." For the treatment of qualitative data, we chose the
      method of content analysis and categorical thematic analysis. PARTICIPANTS: The
      study involved 18 nurses who worked in three municipal organ procurement
      organizations in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and who conducted family interviews for organ
      donation. Ethical considerations: The data were collected after approval of the
      study by the Research Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing of the University
      of Sao Paulo. RESULTS: The results were classified into four categories and three
      subcategories. The categories are the principles adopted by principlist
      bioethics. DISCUSSION: The principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence,
      and justice permeate the family interview and reveal their importance in the
      organs and tissues donation process for transplantation. CONCLUSION: The analysis
      of family interviews for the donation of organs and tissues for transplantation
      with a focus on principlist bioethics indicates that the process involves many
      ethical considerations. The elucidation of these aspects contributes to the
      discussion, training, and improvement of professionals, whether nurses or not,
      who work in organ procurement organizations and can improve the curriculum of
      existing training programs for transplant coordinators who pursue ethics in
      donation and transplantation as their foundation.

PMID- 28071249
TI  - Message from the editors.

PMID- 28071250
TI  - Prelims for ACTRIMS.

PMID- 28071251
TI  - Poster Presentations.

PMID- 28071256
TI  - Presentation to the best candidate in the European Board of Hand Surgery Diploma
      Examination 2013.

PMID- 28071252
TI  - Platform Presentations.

PMID- 28071257
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - The authors would like to bring attention to the error published in 'Corrective
      distal radius osteotomy following fracture malunion using a fixed-angle volar
      locking plate' 'S Opel, S Konan and E Sorene' Journal of Hand Surgery 39(4) pp.
      431-435. DOI: 10.1177/1753193413497636.

PMID- 28071259
TI  - Reply to comment on: 'Multiple sclerosis: variation of incidence of onset over
      time in the Faroe Islands'.

PMID- 28071260
TI  - Message from the Editors.

PMID- 28071261
TI  - Response to Petch article on Benjamin Britten.

PMID- 28071262
TI  - Britten's death: Petch's response to Kildea.

PMID- 28071267
TI  - RIMS Poster Sessions.

PMID- 28071266
TI  - Biogen's portfolio and research efforts in multiple sclerosis: an interview with
      Dr Ralph Kern.
AB  - Ralph Kern speaks to Laura Dormer, Commissioning Editor: Dr Ralph Kern is Senior
      Vice President and Head of Worldwide Medical at Biogen in Cambridge, MA, USA. In
      this role, he oversees Biogen's global therapeutic, regional and country medical
      teams, global medical operations, as well as medical research and scientific
      communications functions. Prior to joining Biogen, he was head of the
      Neuroscience Medical Unit at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and held
      various medical and commercial leadership roles at Genzyme Corporation. Prior to
      joining industry, he was a consultant neurologist at Mount Sinai Hospital and the
      University Health Network in Toronto, Ontario and was head of the neurology
      postgraduate academic program at the University of Toronto. Ralph completed
      neurology postgraduate training at McGill University and completed a masters of
      health administration from the Institute for Health Policy, Management and
      Evaluation at the University of Toronto. He is a member of the College of
      Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the Royal College of Physicians and
      Surgeons of Canada.

PMID- 28071269
TI  - Progress in MS Research Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 2011: Conference
      Abstracts Oral Presentation Abstracts.

PMID- 28071268
TI  - RIMS Index.

PMID- 28071271
TI  - RIMS Oral Sessions.

PMID- 28071270
TI  - Progress in MS Research Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 2011 Conference
      Abstracts.

PMID- 28071273
TI  - RIMS Contents 2012.

PMID- 28071272
TI  - RIMS Keynotes.

PMID- 28071274
TI  - RIMS Oral sessions RCT 01.

PMID- 28071288
TI  - Vulnerable carotid plaque imaging and histopathology without a dedicated MRI
      receiver coil.
AB  - Stroke is associated with vulnerable carotid artery plaques showing specific
      histopathologic features, namely a lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque
      hemorrhage, ulceration, and thin fibrous cap. While ultrasound and computed
      tomography (CT) can identify carotid plaques and determine the extent of
      stenosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides further information regarding
      plaque composition and morphology. In this feasibility study, three patients with
      symptomatic, moderately stenosed plaques were imaged with CT angiography (CTA)
      and MRI (3T and 1.5T) without a dedicated receiver coil. The patients
      subsequently underwent carotid endarterectomy with en-bloc excision of the
      plaque. The CT and MR images were analyzed independently by three
      neuroradiologists to identify vulnerable plaque features. The images were
      correlated with the histopathology to confirm the findings. All three patients
      had one or more vulnerable plaque features on histopathology. MRI allowed for
      better characterization of these features when compared to CTA. The pre- and post
      contrast T1-weighted (T1W) images were most helpful for identifying the lipid
      rich necrotic core and thin fibrous cap, while the time of flight-magnetic
      resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) and contrast-enhanced (CE)-MRA were excellent for
      detecting plaque hemorrhage and ulceration, respectively. The 3T images showed
      superior spatial and contrast resolution compared to the 1.5T images for all
      sequences. By providing direct correlation between imaging and histopathology,
      this study demonstrates that 3T MRI without a dedicated surface coil is an
      excellent tool for assessing plaque vulnerability. In smaller hospitals or those
      with limited resources, it is reasonable to consider conventional MRI for patient
      risk stratification. Further studies are needed to determine how MRI and plaque
      vulnerability can be incorporated into routine clinical practice.

PMID- 28071289
TI  - [Local barrier creams for skin care in newborns, infants and toddlers with
      incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) - Narrative Review]
AB  - Background: The incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a common condition in
      newborns, infants and toddlers. For the therapy nurses and parents have the
      choice between numerous barrier creams based on zinc oxide, Dexpanthenol or
      Vaseline in various combinations of active agents and with additional
      ingredients. Research question: Which combination of active ingredients in local
      barrier creams reduce pain, severity of or duration of healing in IAD in
      neonates, infants and young children? Method: MEDLINE and CINAHL was
      systematically search for randomized controlled trials on the effect of barrier
      creams in pediatric patients with IAD. These were evaluated on validity and
      applicability. Results: 15 RCTs were found, of which six were included in the
      systematic review. The methodological quality of these trials ranges from good to
      poor, partially high bias risk were recognizable. Barrier creams containing the
      active ingredients zinc oxide / lanolin, zinc oxide / cod liver oil, zinc oxide /
      Dexpanthenol, paraffin / beeswax / Dexpanthenol show effects. They reduce the IAD
      associated symptoms. Conclusions: The investigated barrier creams can be used in
      the pediatric nursing for the treatment of IAD. Because of limitations it cannot
      be ruled out that further studies will change the results.

PMID- 28071295
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Rodeheffer, Christopher D., Hill, Sarah E., & Lord, Charles G. (2012). Does This
      Recession Make Me Look Black? The Effect of Resource Scarcity on the
      Categorization of Biracial Faces. Psychological Science, 23(12), 1476-1478.
      (Original DOI: 10.1177/0956797612450892 ).

PMID- 28071296
TI  - Corrigenda.

PMID- 28071299
TI  - From JRSM Short Reports.

PMID- 28071306
TI  - Nasty Data Can Still Be Real.

PMID- 28071300
TI  - "Going episodic": collaborative inhibition and facilitation when long-married
      couples remember together.
AB  - Two complementary approaches to the study of collaborative remembering have
      produced contrasting results. In the experimental "collaborative recall" approach
      within cognitive psychology, collaborative remembering typically results in
      "collaborative inhibition": laboratory groups recall fewer items than their
      estimated potential. In the cognitive ageing approach, collaborative remembering
      with a partner or spouse may provide cueing and support to benefit older adults'
      performance on everyday memory tasks. To combine the value of experimental and
      cognitive ageing approaches, we tested the effects of collaborative remembering
      in older, long-married couples who recalled a non-personal word list and a
      personal semantic list of shared trips. We scored amount recalled as well as the
      kinds of details remembered. We found evidence for collaborative inhibition
      across both tasks when scored strictly as number of list items recalled. However,
      we found collaborative facilitation of specific episodic details on the personal
      semantic list, details which were not strictly required for the completion of the
      task. In fact, there was a trade-off between recall of specific episodic details
      and number of trips recalled during collaboration. We discuss these results in
      terms of the functions of shared remembering and what constitutes memory success,
      particularly for intimate groups and for older adults.

PMID- 28071307
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - von Dawans, Bernadette, Fischbacher, Urs, Kirschbaum, Clemens, Fehr, Ernst, &
      Heinrichs, Markus. (2012). The Social Dimension of Stress Reactivity: Acute
      Stress Increases Prosocial Behavior in Humans. Psychological Science, 23(6), 651
      660. (Original 10.1177/0956797611431576).

PMID- 28071308
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Xu, Yangqing, Suzuki, Satoru, & Franconeri, Steven L. (2013). Shifting Selection
      May Control Apparent Motion. Psychological Science, 24(7), 1368-1370. (Original
      DOI: 10.1177/0956797612471685 ).

PMID- 28071309
TI  - 33rd Annual Meeting of the Society of Medical Decision Making.

PMID- 28071315
TI  - Sports Health Instructions for Authors.

PMID- 28071330
TI  - Subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a injection-site reaction experience and
      mitigation: Delphi analysis of the ALLOW study.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this Delphi analysis was to obtain consensus on injection
      site reaction (ISR) experience and mitigation strategies for patients with
      relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis switching from nonpegylated interferons
      (IFNs) to peginterferon beta-1a in the ALLOW Phase IIIb trial using a three-step
      approach. METHODS: Study investigators and coordinators from investigative sites
      enrolling four or more patients in ALLOW participated in three rounds of
      questionnaires and interviews. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 37) agreed that the most
      common ISR, erythema, was not disruptive to daily activities. Patient education,
      as a conversation with a clinician about ISR potential, was recommended.
      CONCLUSION: The consensus of Delphi respondents on ISR experience and ISR
      management after switching from nonpegylated IFNs to peginterferon beta-1a can
      help inform treatment decisions and manage patient expectations.

PMID- 28071339
TI  - Life Sciences R&D Technology Highlights.

PMID- 28071331
TI  - Clinical encounters of Australian general practice registrars with paediatric
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether general practitioner (GP) registrars have adequate exposure
      to, and feel confident in, managing children's health during training is unknown.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and associations of GP registrars'
      paediatric vs. non-paediatric consultations. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis
      from a cohort study of Australian GP registrars' 2010-2014 consultations.
      RESULTS: 889 registrars contributed details for 26,427 (21.8% (95% CI: 21.4-22.2)
      paediatric consultations. Paediatric patients were more likely to be male and new
      to the practice. Although paediatric patients were less likely to have a chronic
      disease (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.36, 0.40) and presented with fewer problems (OR 0.59,
      95% CI 0.57, 0.61), registrars were more likely to seek in-consultation advice
      (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.19, 1.31) and generate learning goals (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07,
      1.18) for paediatric consultations. DISCUSSION: GP registrars appear to feel less
      confident in managing paediatric compared with adult consultations, suggesting an
      unmet training need.

PMID- 28071340
TI  - Respiration-Induced Intraorgan Deformation of the Liver.
AB  - Stereotactic body radiation therapy is a well-tolerated modality for the
      treatment of primary and metastatic liver lesions, and fiducials are often used
      as surrogates for tumor tracking during treatment. We evaluated respiratory
      induced liver deformation by measuring the rigidity of the fiducial configuration
      during the breathing cycle. Seventeen patients, with 18 distinct treatment
      courses, were treated with stereotactic body radiosurgery using multiple
      fiducials. Liver deformation was empirically quantified by measuring the
      intrafiducial distances at different phases of respiration. Data points were
      collected at the 0%, 50%, and 100% inspiration points, and the distance between
      each pair of fiducials was measured at the 3 phases. The rigid body error was
      calculated as the maximum difference in the intrafiducial distances. Liver
      disease was calculated with Child-Pugh score using laboratory values within 3
      months of initiation of treatment. A peripheral fiducial was defined as within
      1.5 cm of the liver edge, and all other fiducials were classified as central. For
      5 patients with only peripheral fiducials, the fiducial configuration had more
      deformation (average maximum rigid body error 7.11 mm, range: 1.89-11.35 mm) when
      compared to patients with both central and peripheral and central fiducials only
      (average maximum rigid body error 3.36 mm, range: 0.5-9.09 mm, P = .037). The
      largest rigid body errors (11.3 and 10.6 mm) were in 2 patients with Child-Pugh
      class A liver disease and multiple peripheral fiducials. The liver experiences
      internal deformation, and the fiducial configuration should not be assumed to act
      as a static structure. We observed greater deformation at the periphery than at
      the center of the liver. In our small data set, we were not able to identify
      cirrhosis, which is associated with greater rigidity of the liver, as predictive
      for deformation. Treatment planning based only on fiducial localization must take
      potential intraorgan deformation into account.

PMID- 28071341
TI  - Identification of novel hits as highly prospective dual agonists for mu and kappa
      opioid receptors: an integrated in silico approach.
AB  - Opioid agonists are used clinically for the treatment of acute and chronic pain,
      however, their clinical use is limited due to the presence of undesired side
      effects. Dual agonists, simultaneously targeting mu and kappa opioid receptors,
      show fewer side effects than that of selective agonists. In the present work, 2D-
      and 3D- Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship studies were performed on a
      series of aminomorphinan derivatives as dual agonists, using a wide range of
      descriptors. The aim of the study was to identify the structural requirements for
      the activity of these compounds towards mu and kappa opioid receptors and using
      the models, with best external predictability, for predicting the activities of
      new hits obtained from shape based virtual screening of drug like compounds from
      ZINC database. Genetic algorithm-based GFA and G/PLS techniques were used to
      derive the 2D-QSAR models. Common feature-based pharmacophore was used for
      aligning the compounds for 3D-QSAR. All the models were validated both internally
      and externally using statistical metrics. The coverage estimation of the models
      was carried out with applicability domain calculation. Six enriched hits were
      identified as novel prospective dual agonist based on good Blood Brain Barrier
      permeability and their activities towards mu and kappa opioid receptors,
      predicted by the best QSAR models. The known potent dual agonist, cyclorphan, and
      two highly prospective dual agonists were docked to both the receptors and
      binding free energies were calculated using MMGBSA. Molecular dynamics studies
      were performed on the docked complexes with both the receptors to establish
      stability of the complexes.

PMID- 28071342
TI  - Pathology in Context.

PMID- 28071352
TI  - 2014 Psychological Science Badge Earners.

PMID- 28071353
TI  - Corrigendum: Cultural Relativity in Perceiving Emotion From Vocalizations.
AB  - Gendron, M., Roberson, D., van der Vyver, J. M., & Barrett, L. F. (2014).
      Cultural relativity in perceiving emotion from vocalizations. Psychological
      Science, 25, 911-920. (Original DOI: 10.1177/0956797613517239 ).

PMID- 28071357
TI  - Effects of the KIR7.1 Blocker VU590 on Spontaneous and Agonist-Induced
      Contractions of Human Pregnant Myometrium.
AB  - KIR7.1, an inwardly rectifying K+ channel, plays a critical role in regulating
      uterine excitability during pregnancy and has been suggested as a potential new
      target for the treatment of conditions arising from dysfunctional uterine
      contractility, for example, atonic postpartum hemorrhage. The aim of this study
      was to investigate the effects of the selective KIR7.1 blocker, VU590, on both
      spontaneous and agonist-stimulated contractions of human pregnant myometrium in
      vitro. At a concentration of 20 umol/L, VU590 significantly increased the mean
      contractile force and the frequency of spontaneous contractions ( P < 0.05) when
      compared to vehicle-treated tissues. However, there was a significant ( P <
      0.0001) monoexponential decay in amplitude with time of exposure. When VU590 was
      coadministered with EC50 concentration of the uterotonics oxytocin, ergometrine,
      or carboprost, the only significant changes were an immediate decrease in the
      amplitude of oxytocin- and carboprost-induced contractions and a delayed
      reduction in amplitude and an increase in the frequency of ergometrine-induced
      contractions. Amplitude to all 3 agents in the presence of VU590 showed a
      monoexponential decay with time of exposure ( P < 0.0001). We conclude that VU590
      modifies the contractility of pregnant human myometrium in support of a role for
      KIR7.1 in regulating that process. However, VU590 in vitro does not produce the
      types of contraction, either alone or in combination with other uterine
      stimulants that would suggest its usefulness as a first- or second-line clinical
      uterotonic agent.

PMID- 28071376
TI  - Union leaders rally protesters.
AB  - NHS staff will be left to deal with the mess caused by the government's health
      reforms, RCN general secretary Peter Carter told a protest rally in Westminster
      last week.

PMID- 28071379
TI  - Many private providers exemplify bill's pitfalls.
AB  - Much of the discussion about the Health and Social Care Bill has centred on
      concerns that private sector providers will take over responsibility for
      providing core healthcare services. Opponents of the bill argue that private
      firms, motivated by profit, will be able to make money from caring for the sick.

PMID- 28071380
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Nursing Standard is campaigning to boost the number of nurses in the House of
      Lords through its Peer Pressure campaign. There are currently only four nurse
      members in the upper house.

PMID- 28071381
TI  - Caring for fail patients: best practice.
AB  - Frailty has become synonymous with vulnerability and is a state caused by many
      factors, including disability, recurrent infection and multiple co-morbidities.
      The Gwent frailty service recognises the importance of an interdisciplinary
      approach to care, including timely recognition of frailty in patients and
      referral to the most appropriate services to optimise management and treatment.

PMID- 28071383
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28071384
TI  - Food for thought.
AB  - While visiting my mother during a recent hospital stay, I overheard a nurse
      saying to a colleague: 'Oh for heaven's sake, how much longer do you intend to
      starve? Go for your break, and yes, fetch me a yoghurt.'

PMID- 28071385
TI  - The independent and voluntary sectors offer satisfying jobs.
AB  - RCN general secretary Peter Carter has spoken of hundreds of NHS nursing posts
      disappearing in recent months. Rachel Reeves, shadow chief secretary to the
      Treasury, claimed on BBC 1's Question Time on March 1 that at least 3,000 nurses
      had been lost from the health service last years.

PMID- 28071386
TI  - Give us the facts and figures on our pension contributions.
AB  - The Department of Health booked a four-page advert entitled 'NHS Pensions
      proposals: the facts' in the February 22 Nursing Standard.

PMID- 28071387
TI  - We could end up paying more for less if healthcare services start competing.
AB  - I share the concerns of Cath Moon (letters March 7) about the Health and Social
      Care Bill. I fear it will favour private competitors and profit is likely to
      become the main priority for the health service in England.

PMID- 28071388
TI  - Starting out patient's notes gave me a clearer insight into his difficult
      behaviour.
AB  - While on placement on a neurological rehabilitation ward, I helped nurse a
      patient with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease of the peripheral nerves that
      causes numbness and weakness in the limbs.

PMID- 28071389
TI  - Readers panel - Sending.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28071390
TI  - Registrants invited to air views on equality strategy.
AB  - Nurses are being asked to give their opinions on how equality should be promoted
      in the profession.

PMID- 28071391
TI  - Not all glamour.
AB  - I once had to ask a bunch of police officers to name their favourite TV crime
      drama. The Sweeney had just begun, and viewers believed they were seeing the
      gritty reality of modern policing for the first time.

PMID- 28071392
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28071393
TI  - Political notebook.
AB  - A former Nursing Standard nurse of the year has appealed to Welsh assembly
      members for more public toilets in Wales after research revealed a 10 per cent
      fall since 2007.

PMID- 28071395
TI  - 'We were feeding a regulatory beast'.
AB  - As chair of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, Sir Stephen Moss battled to
      convince healthcare regulatory bodies that problems '20-plus years in the making'
      were not going to be put right overnight.

PMID- 28071394
TI  - CQC warns trust over patient dignity and quality of care.
AB  - An NHS trust already under the spotlight for poor staffing levels in its
      emergency department has been issued with two further formal warnings over the
      quality of its patient care.

PMID- 28071396
TI  - Midwife who concealed hepatitis C infects patient.
AB  - The Department of Health could review checks for healthcare staff after a midwife
      infected a woman with hepatitis C.

PMID- 28071397
TI  - Cuts were avoidable.
AB  - Each week a new story emerges about an NHS employer looking to cut staff pay and
      conditions. The harsh reality of a L20 billion gap in fi nances means such
      proposals are inevitable, but it did not have to be like this.

PMID- 28071398
TI  - Women undergoing planned caesarean section less likely to require a blood
      transfusion.
AB  - Planned caesarean section is associated with a reduced risk of excessive blood
      loss following delivery, which is a major cause of maternal morbidity.

PMID- 28071400
TI  - Increased risk of poor health in people who moved house regularly during
      childhood.
AB  - Frequent house moves during childhood increase the risk of psychological distress
      and unhealthy behaviours in later life, suggests a study in the west of Scotland.

PMID- 28071399
TI  - Shame on us.
AB  - 'No one has ever asked me how I feel about it before,' the patient said, and I
      experienced not only a personal shame but corporate disgrace on behalf of the
      NHS. I have been listening to the stories of patients who are blind or partially
      sighted for an assignment, and have been left emotionally wrung out.

PMID- 28071401
TI  - VOICES - In her final Voices column, Chris Beasley recommends nursing as a
      career.
AB  - My final Voices column as chief nursing officer for England is quite a milestone.
      It gives me the opportunity to acknowledge the people I have been privileged to
      work with, and those I have met throughout what has been a challenging and
      rewarding career.

PMID- 28071402
TI  - Focus on positive experiences proves up listing for hospital staff.
AB  - Five minutes is all it takes to make a difference to how nurses feel about their
      work - and to patient care.

PMID- 28071403
TI  - Exercise can benefit people who have been treated for cancer.
AB  - Exercise improves the health of people who have undergone treatment for cancer,
      suggest the results of a recent study.

PMID- 28071404
TI  - Access to kidney transplant is lower in black American patients than white
      patients.
AB  - Black Americans are less likely to have access to kidney transplantation,
      suggests a study of referrals to a transplant centre in the south eastern region
      of the United States.

PMID- 28071405
TI  - Positive effect of cognitive stimulation on cognitive performance is confirmed.
AB  - Activities that stimulate the mind are generally believed to help slow its
      decline, and there have been calls for cognitive stimulation to be routinely
      offered to people in the early stages of dementia.

PMID- 28071406
TI  - Careers student life time for a reality check.
AB  - Most nurses believe they are safe to practise, competent and generally good at
      their job. But are nurses the best judges of their own abilities?

PMID- 28071407
TI  - Union members to have final say on pension reforms.
AB  - Thousands of union members are to be consulted on the government's proposed final
      agreement for reforming NHS pensions.

PMID- 28071408
TI  - Young people say they want male School nurses.
AB  - Hundreds of young people have identified the need for more male school nurses and
      easier access to appointments and advice through text message.

PMID- 28071409
TI  - Trust rewrites 300 job descriptions to help develop academic clinical careers.
AB  - An NHS trust is reviewing the job descriptions of nearly 300 clinical nurse
      specialists and nurse consultants to encourage them to carry out more research.

PMID- 28071410
TI  - Another mid staffs crisis is brewing, warns former chair.
AB  - Pressures that led to appalling failures of care at Stafford Hospital six years
      ago are being replicated today in the NHS, according to the former chair of Mid
      Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

PMID- 28071412
TI  - RCN and academics condemn cuts to nurse training places.
AB  - A position statement has been agreed by the RCN and the Council of Deans of
      Health outlining their concerns about a year-on-year reduction in the number of
      commissioned pre-registration nurse training places.

PMID- 28071413
TI  - Holby city nurses need to take note of 'bare below the elbows'.
AB  - Watching a recent episode of the medical drama series Holby City on BBC 1, I was
      shocked to see how the nurse practitioner was dressed. She was wearing a tunic,
      tight leggings, blue sneakers and a long-sleeved undershirt.

PMID- 28071414
TI  - Mental health students should be taught basic procedures.
AB  - As a mental health nursing student, I am concerned that some degree students are
      not being taught fundamental nursing skills.

PMID- 28071415
TI  - Japan's earthquake highlighted need for more medical personnel.
AB  - When the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan a year ago (features March 7), it
      soon became clear that the authorities were unprepared to deal with such a large
      scale disaster.

PMID- 28071416
TI  - Shirley Graham-Paul.
AB  - Cynthia 'Shirley' Graham-Paul, a community midwife in Reading, Berkshire and a
      founding member of the Friends of Mary Seacole, has died aged 73.

PMID- 28071418
TI  - Strictly exercising for the over-fifties.
AB  - Continence nurse Alison Wileman joined past and present judges of BBC's Strictly
      Come Dancing to promote exercise among people aged over 55 who have long-term
      health conditions.

PMID- 28071417
TI  - Being bipolar, my 'fix' is a legal drug that helps ease the stress.
AB  - I was interested to read that cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance
      globally and that its use is increasing (clinical digest March 7).

PMID- 28071424
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28071426
TI  - Guest Editorial: We Want You!

PMID- 28071427
TI  - Reply to Dr Vogel.

PMID- 28071428
TI  - ACVP/ASCVP 2012 Annual Meeting Focused Scientific Sessions.

PMID- 28071439
TI  - Article on cell biochemistry is an excellent revision aid.
AB  - It is important for nurses to understand basic chemical structures and the way
      cells function (art & science July 18), but this is probably not something most
      nurses think about every day.

PMID- 28071440
TI  - Multiple-mentor model should be widely adopted by universities.
AB  - As a third-year nursing student who is undertaking the final weeks of a14-week
      'sign off' placement, I have been assessed throughout this by three mentors - one
      main mentor and two co-mentors.

PMID- 28071442
TI  - Doing away with doctors.

PMID- 28071441
TI  - Concern for our bodies as well as our minds boosts resilience.
AB  - I like the idea of using mindfulness and meditation to help avoid work stress and
      improve resilience (news July 18). It can surely do no harm for all nurses to
      allocate a few minutes every day for reflection and meditation.

PMID- 28071443
TI  - Nursing attitudes and practices have to be seen in the context of the times.
AB  - I congratulate Christine Hallett and colleagues on creating the UK Association
      for the History of Nursing (analysis July 18). It is another step towards
      ensuring the history of the profession is preserved.

PMID- 28071444
TI  - The self-care approach requires us to be skilled and confident.
AB  - Lynn Young's article on self-care (reflections July 18) was interesting and I
      agree that this is a subject nurses need to embrace.

PMID- 28071445
TI  - As nurses find their voice again they can express concerns better.
AB  - When reading the coroner's verdict on the death in 2009 of 22-year-old hospital
      patient Kane Gorny from dehydration (news July 18), inevitably one wonders
      whether standards of basic care are routinely falling to unacceptable levels.

PMID- 28071446
TI  - The past shows just what a long, hard journey it has been.
AB  - I welcome the launch of the UK Association for the History of Nursing (analysis
      July 18). It is important for all nurses to learn from the past.

PMID- 28071448
TI  - Edith cavell's name lives on in car park.
AB  - A decision to retain war heroine Edith Cavell's name on a car park in the city
      where she was educated has been welcomed by the nurses' trust set up in her
      memory.

PMID- 28071449
TI  - ?
AB  - Nurses on Twitter.

PMID- 28071450
TI  - 'We cannot get any answers'.
AB  - Nurses in south west England have told Nursing Standard they fear their pay is
      about to be cut.

PMID- 28071453
TI  - Patient handover delays being addressed by ambulance service.
AB  - Ambulance services across England and Wales are working with hospitals to help
      reduce the numbers of patients waiting in vehicles outside A&E.

PMID- 28071451
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28071454
TI  - Payout award for hospice worker.
AB  - A nurse has received L23,000 in compensation after an industrial tribunal ruled
      that she had been unfairly prevented from going back to work following a period
      of illness.

PMID- 28071456
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28071455
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28071457
TI  - Overqualified, male, recent immigrants more likely to suffer on-the-job injuries.
AB  - Men who are recent immigrants and overqualified for their jobs have a
      significantly greater risk of sustaining an injury at work than appropriately
      qualified peers who have been in the country for some time, suggests research in
      Canada.

PMID- 28071458
TI  - Medicines management.
AB  - I have recently taken a career break to start a family. Are there any
      requirements I need to fulfil before I can start prescribing medicines again?

PMID- 28071459
TI  - Female cyclists advised to sit up in the saddle to avoid genital nerve damage.
AB  - Female cyclists could avoid genital nerve damage by adjusting the position of the
      handlebars on their bikes to produce a more upright sitting position, easing
      saddle pressure on the genital area, according to a study by researchers in the
      United States.

PMID- 28071460
TI  - Benefits of metastatic breast cancer drug found to be 'modest'.
AB  - The cancer drug bevacizumab offers only a modest benefit to patients with
      advanced-stage breast cancer, according to a systematic review of the evidence by
      Cochrane researchers.

PMID- 28071461
TI  - Useful advice.
AB  - A friend of mine often exclaims: '24 hours in the day is never enough, I need
      30.'

PMID- 28071464
TI  - Older men at high risk of aneurysm should be screened twice.
AB  - One-off aneurysm screening for men aged over 65 is known to be cost effective,
      but a new study suggests that high-risk men should be re-screened at least once.

PMID- 28071465
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - National Health Action is a political party campaigning against the coalition
      government's restructuring of the NHS in England.

PMID- 28071466
TI  - Low vitamin D could be the result rather than cause of depression, suggests
      study.
AB  - Treating vitamin D deficiency does not reduce symptoms of depression, according
      to a study in Norway that suggests low levels of vitamin D are the result, rather
      the cause, of the condition.

PMID- 28071467
TI  - Universities begin trials of personality tests aimed at improving student
      selection process.
AB  - Five universities are piloting personality tests in their admissions processes
      for prospective nursing students.

PMID- 28071469
TI  - Professionalism report stresses Role of support.
AB  - The Scottish Government wants nurses to develop ways of coping with stress by
      sharing their experiences of caring with their colleagues in structured groups.

PMID- 28071468
TI  - RCN is proved right over cuts in nurse numbers.
AB  - Official workforce statistics have confirmed RCN predictions that thousands of
      nursing posts would be cut from the NHS workforce.

PMID- 28071470
TI  - Readers panel-Time to settle new doctors.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28071471
TI  - Olympic tribute to the NHS was a real honour.
AB  - Spending L9.3 billion on the Olympic games was always going to be contentious at
      a time of public spending cuts, and it is easy to dream up other ways of spending
      such a vast sum of money. But this large investment will bring many benefi ts,
      some of which will be felt directly by nurses.

PMID- 28071472
TI  - Rolling shock.
AB  - I was really chuffed when the new trains appeared on our line. Trains ... chuffed
      ... get it? Sorry, but I have not been sleeping well, on account of having to lie
      fl at on my back for the past two weeks.

PMID- 28071474
TI  - PM's care forum promises single national leadership programme.
AB  - Nurses stepping into ward sister roles should all have access to a national
      leadership development programme covering the core aspects of running a
      successful team.

PMID- 28071473
TI  - Starting out-training in Finland made me crave starting out greater
      responsibility in the UK.
AB  - On a recent three-month educational exchange programme in Finland, I was
      intrigued by the differences in the opportunities offered to nursing students
      between Finland and the UK.

PMID- 28071475
TI  - 'My daughter's experience proves the value of specialist nurses'.
AB  - As the recently re-elected deputy president of the RCN, Cecilia Anim hopes to
      raise the profile of learning disability nursing.

PMID- 28071476
TI  - Workforce.
AB  - 'Should I stay or should I go?' This is a question asked by millions of possible
      migrants and migrant returners every year. But some overseas nurses currently
      working in the UK will have no choice - new UK immigration requirements will mean
      that many will have to leave in 2016.

PMID- 28071477
TI  - Voices - lords reform is a great opportunity for nurses, says baroness emerton.
AB  - As an independent cross bench peer in the House of Lords, and a retired nurse, I
      endeavour to present a range of aspects affecting health care. I am not a
      representative of nursing - I am there for my personal qualities and experience -
      but I am particularly interested in areas that affect nursing, midwifery and
      health visiting.

PMID- 28071479
TI  - Being properly prepared is essential to fulfil this role.
AB  - Helen Winn, ward sister on a 27-bed orthopaedic ward at Royal Cornwall Hospitals
      NHS Trust: 'I became a ward sister 15 years ago and was totally unprepared.

PMID- 28071478
TI  - Leaders take time out to focus on the key areas where they require support.
AB  - Ward sisters at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have sometimes
      struggled to get access to professional development.

PMID- 28071480
TI  - Better health.
AB  - 'What is humankind's greatest invention?' we recently asked each other at my
      reading group. Predictably, for a collection of bookworms, we all leaned towards
      literary matters.

PMID- 28071481
TI  - Focus on the patient.
AB  - My partner and I have been nurses for 25 years. The majority of these have not
      involved the provision of acute adult care, so it was an eye-opener for both of
      us when she was recently admitted to hospital for elective surgery.

PMID- 28071484
TI  - Band 2 support staff are most likely to be off sick.
AB  - Sickness absence rates among NHS nurses, midwives and health visitors in England
      averaged 4.55 per cent in 2011/12, above the NHS average of 4.12 per cent,
      according to latest figures.

PMID- 28071482
TI  - Emergency care training initiative lauded.
AB  - An initiative involving nurse practitioners helping to cut A&E admissions has
      been highlighted in a best practice guide for clinical commissioning.

PMID- 28071485
TI  - Flu vaccine group will assess role of school nurses.
AB  - An expert group is to be set up by the Department of Health to look at whether
      school nurses or other professionals should administer an annual fl u vaccine to
      all children aged between two and 17 years.

PMID- 28071487
TI  - Monitoring proves that more staff are needed.
AB  - An NHS trust where ward sisters rate staffing levels using a traffic light system
      is recruiting more nurses after monitoring showed that its older people's wards
      were understaffed.

PMID- 28071486
TI  - The bag system that makes 'complete sense'.
AB  - Nurses in Surrey's community hospitals have developed a 'green bag' system for
      patients coming into their care and on discharge.

PMID- 28071488
TI  - Pathology in Context.

PMID- 28071491
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28071492
TI  - Veterinary Pathology Under the Microscope: Planning for the Future.

PMID- 28071493
TI  - A Green Journal Initiative.

PMID- 28071495
TI  - In Memoriam.

PMID- 28071513
TI  - Corrigendum: Women Can Keep the Vote: No Evidence That Hormonal Changes During
      the Menstrual Cycle Impact Political and Religious Beliefs.
AB  - Harris, C. R., & Mickes, L. (2014). Women can keep the vote: No evidence that
      hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle impact political and religious
      beliefs. Psychological Science, 25, 1147-1149. (Original DOI:
      10.1177/0956797613520236 ).

PMID- 28071514
TI  - Can Emotion Regulation Change Political Attitudes in Intractable Conflicts? From
      the Laboratory to the Field.
AB  - Halperin, E., Porat, R., Tamir, M., & Gross, J. J. (2013). Can emotion regulation
      change political attitudes in intractable conflicts? From the laboratory to the
      field. Psychological Science, 24, 106-111. (Original DOI:
      10.1177/0956797612452572 ) In Figure 1 of this article, the signs for the
      coefficients on the direct paths from reappraisal to policy support were reported
      incorrectly. The coefficients on the path from reappraisal to support for
      conciliatory policies (top panel) should be positive, and the coefficients on the
      path from reappraisal to support for aggressive policies (bottom panel) should be
      negative. The corrected figure is printed below. [Figure: see text].

PMID- 28071515
TI  - Possible Sources for Some Trace Elements Found in Airborne Particles and
      Precipitation in Dorset, Ontario.
AB  - Two types of potential source contribution function analysis- Potential Source
      Contribution Function (PSCF) and Total Potential Source Contribution Function
      (TPSCF) analysiswere employed to study the source-receptor relationships for
      several trace elements (vanadium, selenium, arsenic, manganese, and indium) found
      in precipitation and airborne particles collected at Dorset, Ontario. This study
      identified areas in the United States and Canada as possible emission source
      areas that could contribute to the trace element concentrations observed at
      Dorset. The identified regions in the United States generally coincide well with
      the locations of known emission sources, whereas the possible source regions
      revealed in Canada could not be adequately explained because of the absence of
      emission source information. The likely emission sources for these trace elements
      include oiland coal-fired power plants, incinerators, motor vehicles, nonferrous
      metal smelters, iron and steel mills, ferrous-Mn alloy plants, and Mn chemicals
      production.

PMID- 28071516
TI  - Receptor Model Evaluation of the Southeast Michigan Ozone Study Ambient NMOC
      Measurements.
AB  - Large-scale studies like the Southeast Michigan Ozone Study (SEMOS) have focused
      attention on quantifying and spedating inventories for volatile organic compounds
      (VOCs). One approach for evaluating the accuracy of a VOC emission inventory is
      the development of a chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor model for ambient non
      methane organic compound (NMOC) measurements. CMB evaluations of ambient
      hydrocarbon data provide a sample-specific allocation of emissions to individual
      source categories. This study summarizes the results of an application of the CMB
      model to the NMOC data from the SEMOS study. Comparison of CMB results with
      emission inventory values for the Detroit area show that vehicle emissions are
      well represented by the inventory, as are architectural coatings and coke ovens.
      Estimated emissions from petroleum refineries and graphic arts industries are
      much lower in the inventory than determined from the receptor allocation. Under
      reporting of fugitive VOC emissions from petroleum refineries is an ongoing
      problem. Emissions from graphic arts industries are underestimated in the
      inventory partly because of the broad characterization of the emission factor
      (i.e., mass emitted/capita), which may be less useful when specific locations and
      days are under consideration. This study also demonstrates the effectiveness of
      the CMB approach when used prospectively to track the implementation of emission
      control strategies. While vehicle emission concentrations were unchanged from
      1988 to 1993, measurement-based CMB results suggest a decrease in evaporative
      emissions during this time period resulting from Reid vapor pressure (RVP)
      reductions (from 11.0 psi in 1988 to 8.6 psi in 1993) and fleet turnover. Changes
      in emissions from coke plants and petroleum refineries were also seen in the CMB
      allocations for these sources.

PMID- 28071517
TI  - A Methodological Approach for Exposure Assessment Studies in Residences Using
      Volatile Organic-Compound-Contaminated Water.
AB  - This paper presents a methodological approach for assessing total exposures to
      volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in residences using contaminated water
      supplies. This approach is founded on assessment of ingestion, inhalation, and
      dermal exposures; both long-term (i.e., 12 to 24 hr) lowlevel exposures and short
      term (i.e., =10 min) high-level exposures are considered. The methodology is
      based on the collection of water samples to establish the identity of the
      contaminants, maximum source terms, and possible dermal and ingestion exposures;
      integrated whole-air samples are collected to assess long- and short-term
      inhalation exposures; whole-air grab samples are used to confirm peak and typical
      inhalation exposures; and alveolar breath samples are used to confirm exposures
      and to estimate contaminant concentrations in the blood of the test subjects.
      While we do not suggest that this methodology should supersede any current
      investigative approach, this material is primarily offered as a consolidated
      reference to the many people or organizations who might contemplate a study of
      this type. Application of this investigative protocol should provide detailed
      exposure assessment information, while it supplies critical real world data for
      risk assessment specialists, toxicologists, and modeling experts. Data from a
      recent field study assessing exposures to trichloroethylene are presented to
      illustrate the utility and some of the limitations of this strategy.

PMID- 28071518
TI  - A Central Composite Rotatable Analysis for the Catalyzed Hydrogen Peroxide
      Remediation of Diesel-Contaminated Soils.
AB  - A central composite rotatable design was used to investigate the interactions
      between hydrogen peroxide concentration, slurry volume, initial contaminant
      concentration, and soil organic carbon content in the catalyzed hydrogen peroxide
      remediation of diesel-contaminated soil. Two separate experimental matrices were
      investigated: (1) high slurry volumes and low peroxide concentrations, and (2)
      low slurry volumes with high peroxide concentrations. The time required for the
      high volume/low concentration system to proceed to completion was approximately
      three weeks; the low volume/high concentration reactions were complete within
      three days. The results showed that the soil organic carbon content was an
      insignificant variable in the catalyzed peroxide treatment of diesel-contaminated
      soils. However, significant interactions were found for the remaining three
      variables. The data were analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH)
      degradation and treatment stpichiometry. Although both systems could achieve
      equal levels of treatment, the stoichiometry of the high volume/low concentration
      system was significantly more efficient; therefore, the high volume/low
      concentration was determined to be the most economical system for the remediation
      of diesel-contaminated soils.

PMID- 28071519
TI  - Laboratory Scale Thermal Plasma Arc Vitrification Studies of Heavy Metal-Laden
      Waste.
AB  - Plasma processing has been identified as a useful tool for immobilizing heavy
      metal-contaminated wastes into safe, leach-resistant slag. Although much effort
      has gone into developing this technology on a pilot scale, not much information
      has been published on basic research topics. A laboratory-scale plasma arc
      furnace located at the University of Illinois was operated in cooperation with
      the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories in an effort to
      establish an understanding of the chemical and physical processes (such as metal
      volatilization and resultant gas evolution) that occur during thermal plasma
      treatment of metal-spiked samples. Experiments were conducted on nickel and
      chromium using a highly instrumented furnace equipped with a 75 kW transferred
      arc plasma torch. The volatility of nickel and chromium was examined as a
      function of varying oxygen partial pressures. Oxidizing conditions reduced the
      total dust gathered for both the nickel and chromium samples, although each dust
      sample was found to be metal-enriched. Plasma treating increased the leach
      resistance of the slags by at least one order of magnitude when compared to
      unprocessed specimens. The leach- resistance of the nickel-containing slags
      increased in the presence of oxygen, whereas chromium samples remained relatively
      constant.

PMID- 28071520
TI  - Evaluation of an In Situ, On-Line Purging System for the Cone Penetrometer.
AB  - Materials that will be used to construct an in situ, on-line purging system for
      the cone penetrometer were evaluated. Transfer efficiencies for volatile organic
      compounds (VOCs) through stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, and Teflon(r) tubings
      were determined using a gas-phase mixture of VOCs containing trichloromethane,
      tetrachloromethane, 1,1,1- trichloroethane, tetrachloroethene, hexane, benzene,
      toluene, and 1,2-dimethylbenzene. The water content of the gas stream had an
      insignificant effect on the quantitative transfer of VOCs through Teflon(r)
      tubing but was critical to efficiently transfer the compounds through metal
      tubing, particularly nickel. Transfer efficiencies for all eight analytes in
      moist gas streams through stainless steel were greater than 95%. Toluene,
      tetrachloroethene, and 1,2-dimethylbenzene were transferred with 93%, 81%, and
      80% efficiency, respectively, when they were drawn through Teflon(r) PFA
      (perfluoroalkoxy) tubing. In general, the retention of the VOCs by Teflon(r)
      increases with decreasing aqueous solubility of the analyte. The efficiencies at
      which VOCs were purged from aqueous standards in Teflon(r) PFA, Type 304
      stainless steel, and glass vessels were similar. Stainless steel was superior to
      nickel, aluminum, and the Teflon(r) polymers as a material for an in situ, on
      line purging system for the cone penetrometer.

PMID- 28071521
TI  - Thoughts on Predictive Emissions Monitoring from a Regulatory Perspective.
AB  - Predictive emissions monitoring systems (PEMS) are recognized as potentially
      acceptable monitoring methods and an alternative to hardware continuous emissions
      monitoring systems (CEMS) for demonstrating continuous compliance. Upcoming state
      and federal regulations are driving forces for regulatory agencies to develop
      standardized PEMS protocols for specific source categories and processes. PEMS is
      a promising technology whose use in the field remains to be demonstrated. For the
      first time, practical issues relating to accuracy, reliability, and quality
      assurance of these systems are surfacing. This paper provides an update of the
      current understanding and regulatory status of PEMS, and addresses practical
      issues and concerns relating to its quality assurance and field implementation.

PMID- 28071522
TI  - Determination of Exempt and Prohibited Compounds in Consumer Products by
      Headspace Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Division 3, Chapter 1, Subchapter 8.5,
      Articles 1 and 2, Sections 94500-94517 specify limits for volatile organic
      compounds (VOCs) in a wide variety of consumer products. However, under these
      regulations, specific compounds that have been shown to contribute little to the
      formation of ozone in the lower atmosphere are exempt from the definition of VOC.
      A headspace sampling and analysis method has been developed for the analyses of
      these compounds in consumer products. This method has been used successfully for
      analyzing aerosol and non-aerosol products.

PMID- 28071523
TI  - Note on "Fewer Things, Lasting Longer: The Effects of Emotion on Quantity
      Judgments".
AB  - Young, L. N., & Cordes, S. (2013). Fewer things, lasting longer: The effects of
      emotion on quantity judgments. Psychological Science, 24, 1057-1059. (Original
      DOI: 10.1177/0956797612465294 ) A summary of the 2013 article by Laura N. Young
      and Sara Cordes ("Fewer Things, Lasting Longer: The Effects of Emotion on
      Quantity Judgments") was published as an Object Perception, Attention, and Memory
      conference abstract: Young, L. N., & Cordes, S. (2012). Time and number under the
      influence of emotion. Visual Cognition, 20, 1048-1051.

PMID- 28071524
TI  - Old practices, new windows: reflections on a communications skills innovation.
AB  - Most of the great innovations in communication skills education, from Balint's
      concept of the 'doctor as drug' to the Calgary Cambridge conceptualisation of the
      consultation, were founded in general practice. It can be argued however, that
      there has been a hiatus in the development of new approaches to analysing the
      consultation since the mid-1990s. It is most welcome therefore that in this issue
      of the journal two papers are presented that describe and evaluate a novel
      approach to consultation analysis entitled 'the windows method'. Building on the
      more structured approaches that preceded it, the windows method offers some
      genuine innovations in terms of its emphasis on emotional knowledge and the
      manner in which it addresses many of the potential deficiencies in feedback
      practice associated with older methods. The new approach is very much in step
      with current thinking about emotional development and the establishment of
      appropriate environments for feedback. The windows method has the potential to
      breathe fresh life into old and well-established communication skills education
      practices.

PMID- 28071525
TI  - Additive toxic effect of deltamethrin and cadmium on hepatic, hematological, and
      immunological parameters in mice.
AB  - Exposure to natural and man-made environmental toxins concurrently can pose a
      greater threat to multiple organs. In the present work, we investigated
      interactions between deltamethrin (DM) and cadmium (Cd), whose mechanisms of
      action in humans are poorly understood. Albino mice were randomly divided into
      four groups, each containing six mice: saline as control, DM-treated, cadmium
      chloride (CdCl2)-treated, and CdCl2 plus DM treated. After 2 weeks of treatment
      biochemical and hematological effects, total leukocyte count (TLC), differential
      leukocyte count, humoral-mediated immune responses, and histopathological studies
      were conducted. Mice exposed to DM and Cd showed a significant increase in
      aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Also, DM and
      Cd administration resulted in suppression of humoral immunity, erythrocyte count,
      hemoglobin, hematocrit, and TLC. Histopathological evidence revealed hepatic
      damage, supporting the AST and ALT findings. Cd and DM exhibited an additive type
      of toxicity. It could be concluded that these toxins either target different
      cellular pathways, or the individual amounts used in this study were not enough
      to saturate the toxicological target, thus producing additive effects.

PMID- 28071526
TI  - Methylmercury in fish from the southern Baltic Sea and coastal lagoons as a
      function of species, size, and region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methylmercury (MeHg) is a highly toxic compound that traverses the
      blood-brain barrier with deleterious effects to the central nervous system.
      Exposure is generally through the ingestion of contaminated fish. Fish are a main
      source of MeHg. Goals and methods: The aim of this study was to determine the
      dependence of MeHg concentrations on fish species and age, the percentage of MeHg
      in total mercury (THg) and risk assessment depending on the size of fish. Assays
      of THg and MeHg were performed on the muscle tissues of 18 species of fish.
      RESULTS: The investigations indicated there were differences in the mercury
      concentrations depending on fish size. THg and MeHg concentrations in the muscles
      of fish species that have a wide length distribution were strongly, positively
      correlated with fish length. However, concentrations of MeHg were strongly,
      positively correlated with those of THg in all the fish species investigated.
      Variation in the percentage share of MeHg in THg in the muscles of fish of large
      sizes was also noted within species, but this correlation was not noted in small
      sized fish. The dose of MeHg in small-sized fish species was estimated and the
      risk posed to consumer health was assessed using mean MeHg concentrations
      determined for different fish species. CONCLUSIONS: For species of fish that
      occur within a wide length distribution, the dose of MeHg should be assessed
      separately in different length classes. Fish consumption of small-sized species
      poses no health risk.

PMID- 28071527
TI  - Protective role of silymarin and D-penicillamine against lead-induced liver
      toxicity and oxidative stress.
AB  - This study was performed to assess hepatotoxicity and alterations in liver
      antioxidant defence in acute lead (Pb) exposure and the protective effects of
      silymarin in comparison to D-penicillamine in rats. Forty eight Albino rats were
      divided in eight groups and received the following treatments in a 10-day
      experiment - group 1: normal saline as control; group 2: 25-mg/kg Pb acetate,
      intraperitoneally (IP) for the last 5 days; group 3: 100-mg/kg D-penicillamine,
      IP for the last 5 days; group 4: 200-mg/kg silymarin, orally for 10 days; and
      groups 5, 6, 7 and 8: in addition to Pb, they received D-penicillamine, for the
      last 5 days, silymarin for 10 days, a combination of silymarin for 10 days and D
      penicillamine for the last 5 days and silymarin for the last 5 days,
      respectively. Pb acetate exposure induced significant elevation in serum alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase
      (ALT) enzyme activities in group 2 compared to control group. Significant
      reductions in serum total protein and albumin in all Pb-exposed groups and in
      serum glucose in groups 2, 6 and 8 were also observed. Liver tissue superoxide
      dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly lower in groups 2 and 8
      compared to control group. Silymarin pretreatment and D-penicillamine
      administration in groups 5, 7 and 8 could significantly lower ALP, ALT and AST
      and improve liver antioxidant enzymes. Thus, acute Pb exposure induced
      hepatotoxicity with suppression of liver antioxidant defence system and
      silymarin, as an antioxidant could alleviate this effect.

PMID- 28071531
TI  - Pathologic Lesions?

PMID- 28071532
TI  - Pathology in Context.

PMID- 28071533
TI  - Nightingale bear helps girl orphans.
AB  - A 'Florence Nightingale' teddy has gone on sale to raise funds for the orphaned
      daughters of nurses in developing countries.

PMID- 28071534
TI  - Leading children's nurse hails role for PCTs in secure settings.
AB  - Plans to make primary care trusts responsible for commissioning health care for
      children in secure settings have been broadly welcomed.

PMID- 28071535
TI  - Dual registration in Wales questioned.
AB  - The introduction of a legal duty requiring nurses who manage adult care homes to
      be regulated twice has been criticised as unnecessary by RCN Wales.

PMID- 28071536
TI  - Unions fight attempt to link pay and sickness.
AB  - An employment tribunal is set to hear at least 50 cases against one of England's
      largest teaching trusts as unions bid to stop incremental pay rises being linked
      to staff sickness, it has been revealed.

PMID- 28071537
TI  - How to be a starr performer.
AB  - As NHS efficiencies bite, essential jobs face the axe. How can you ensure that
      your employer knows that you and your job are too important to lose?

PMID- 28071538
TI  - Lack of support from a mentor while on a placement is something that,
      unfortunately, many of us will recognise (reflections May 25).
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council code of conduct requires all nurses to support
      learners and expects all nurses to aspire to be a mentor. While this is great in
      theory, not everyone makes a good mentor and many nurses who attend mentorship
      programmes openly admit that they are doing it to aid their career progression.

PMID- 28071541
TI  - Nurse holding court.
AB  - England's only nurse coroner, Catherine Mason, says that other coroners pick her
      brains because of her nursing background and knowledge of hospital procedures.

PMID- 28071540
TI  - Trust boasts double employee awards scoop.
AB  - An NHS trust is celebrating after a nurse and doctor it employs were handed
      prestigious awards within days of each other.

PMID- 28071542
TI  - Computerised patient files have added to paperwork.
AB  - The Care Quality Commission has reported that a member of staff at Worcestershire
      Acute Hospitals NHS Trust had to prescribe water on medical charts to ensure
      patients got enough to drink (news June 1).

PMID- 28071543
TI  - Book helps to demystify the subject of leadership.
AB  - Leadership as a topic can feel like a murky quagmire. There are so many
      viewpoints and a plethora of buzzwords. It was good, therefore, to read the
      advice of Nursing and Midwifery Council chief executive and registrar Dickon Weir
      Hughes (analysis and reviews May 25) on the subject. In his new book on
      leadership, he says: 'Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate
      version of someone else.'

PMID- 28071544
TI  - Sickness leave linked to shrinking nurse numbers.
AB  - If England's chief nursing officer wants to cut nurses' sick leave percentage to
      3 per cent, she should press the government to increase the number of clinical
      nurses working at the interface with patients.

PMID- 28071546
TI  - Debate on assisted suicide needs up-to-date information.
AB  - Stephen Wright's (reflections May 11) bases his 'slippery slope' argument about
      assisted suicide and euthanasia on Dutch figures from the early 1990s. He
      mistakenly says that the law to regulate euthanasia and assisted suicide preceded
      these figures.

PMID- 28071545
TI  - Parents' use of alternative therapies can be detrimental.
AB  - Your clinical article 'Traditional and complementary approaches to child health'
      (May 25) highlights some of the challenges faced by primary care nurses,
      particularly children's nurses in A&E and acute inpatient areas.

PMID- 28071547
TI  - Dialysis project wins innovation accolade.
AB  - A scheme allowing patients to receive dialysis at home, saving anNHS hospital
      hundreds of thousands of pounds a year, has won top prize in a national
      innovation award.

PMID- 28071548
TI  - Southern Cross staff quit as firm is hit by rent rises.
AB  - The RCN is continuing to hold talks with managers from the embattled care home
      provider Southern Cross Healthcare amid ongoing concerns about the company's
      future.

PMID- 28071549
TI  - Improved dementia outcomes stem from educated care.
AB  - Further to the news story, 'Emergency admissions ward gives dedicated dementia
      care' (May 25), it is heartening that a hospital is recognising the need to
      provide patients who have dementia with specialist attention.

PMID- 28071551
TI  - NMC to resume evaluations of nursing courses.
AB  - The quality of nursing courses across the UK will once again be assessed by the
      Nursing and Midwifery Council after the regulator opted to bring the task back in
      house.

PMID- 28071550
TI  - Student life-Support on schedule.
AB  - Nursing students experience a diverse range of care environments while contending
      with the intensity and unpredictability of clinical practice and learning about
      professional values.

PMID- 28071552
TI  - Placement facilitators needed to monitor mentors.
AB  - Mentors certainly need support, particularly in busy areas such as outpatients
      (reflections May 25). But it needs to be realised that some nurses are simply not
      suited to the responsibility of mentoring, and many staff are too busy to provide
      good support to students.

PMID- 28071553
TI  - Students can learn much by working in outpatients.
AB  - The nursing student's experience in an outpatients department placement made sad
      reading (reflections May 25). I am an outpatient nurse who mentors enthusiastic
      students. I do my best to provide learning opportunities that are not confined to
      making beds, bathing and toileting patients.

PMID- 28071554
TI  - Dying people should be allowed to choose how they die.
AB  - Stephen Wright conveniently omitted recent research on the workings of assisted
      dying laws in the Netherlands and Oregon (reflections, May 11), presumably
      because it did not fit his 'slippery slope' argument.

PMID- 28071555
TI  - Scarborough seafront initiative showed a proactive approach.
AB  - Last summer nurses patrolled Scarborough seafront's west pier in North Yorkshire
      with lifeguards to treat people with minor injuries such as sprains and sunburn.

PMID- 28071557
TI  - Readers panel-The cost of non-compliance.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28071556
TI  - Starting out - Useful lesson in responding to needs of patient with dementia.
AB  - During one of my placements I looked after a patient with dementia who had been
      admitted to the ward for vascular investigation.

PMID- 28071558
TI  - Preloading with varenicline helps in smoking cessation.
AB  - Increasing the period when varenicline is given before an attempt to quit smoking
      can produce a substantial reduction in ad-lib smoking and enhance 12-week quit
      rates.

PMID- 28071561
TI  - GPs press on with consortia despite parliamentary 'pause'.
AB  - Less than a third of the new GP commissioning consortia have nurses on their
      governing bodies, according to an RCN survey.

PMID- 28071559
TI  - Moderate exercise has no effect on women's sex hormone levels.
AB  - In premenopausal women, 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic exercise for 16
      weeks does not significantly alter sex hormone levels, so is unlikely to reduce
      the risk of breast cancer.

PMID- 28071562
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28071563
TI  - In advance.
AB  - 'You have to go straight to Reading West,' said the train guard. 'You cannot go
      via Reading because you will technically get ahead of yourself. Your ticket does
      not cover that.'

PMID- 28071568
TI  - Pay protection change overruled by tribunal.
AB  - Health unions have welcomed an employment tribunal ruling that prevents a trust
      from reducing payment protection periods without consulting staff.

PMID- 28071565
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Netmums is a bright, attractive and diverse parenting website that aims to link
      busy mothers. The site claims it is promoting 'real parenting', helping families
      to have fun and enjoy their children.

PMID- 28071569
TI  - Rehabilitation unit offers choice of art.
AB  - Patients are being invited to choose artwork for their bedsides while they are in
      hospital.

PMID- 28071570
TI  - Adherence to UK guidance on diet reduces chronic disease.
AB  - Substantial health benefits can be enjoyed by people who follow UK dietary
      guidance to consume five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, reduce salt
      intake to 3.5g per day, and lower saturated fat intake to 3 per cent of total
      energy.

PMID- 28071571
TI  - A caring society?
AB  - Regulation is in danger of becoming the most overused word in modern health care.
      The best way of regulating healthcare support workers and organisations providing
      care to vulnerable people was in the spotlight again last week, courtesy of the
      BBC's Panorama programme.

PMID- 28071572
TI  - All for nothing?
AB  - 'If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well,' my mother was fond of saying.

PMID- 28071573
TI  - Voices - Sickle cell disease has some little-known complications, says Elizabeth
      Anionwu.
AB  - Recently I attended an event aimed at raising awareness about the increased risk
      of stroke among people with sickle cell disease.

PMID- 28071574
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - They must be used to people like me at the organ donor register. Either that or
      the woman I spoke to has learned not to let her feelings show.

PMID- 28071575
TI  - Brain tumour risk persists for many years after epilepsy.
AB  - Seizures may herald the development of cerebral tumours, both years after and
      soon after onset. This finding has implications for guidelines on continued
      surveillance of those with new-onset seizures.

PMID- 28071577
TI  - The Effect of Ethanol Fuel on the Emissions of Vehicles over a Wide Range of
      Temperatures.
AB  - The emissions from a fleet of 11 vehicles, including three from the State of
      Alaska, were tested at 75, 0, and -20  degrees F with base gasolines and E10
      gasolines, that is, gasolines with 10% by volume ethanol added. The data for the
      changes in emissions for the test run at 75  degrees F are included, since most
      other studies on the effects of E10 gasoline on emissions were run at that
      temperature. The three Alaskan vehicles were also tested at 20  degrees F. The
      testing followed the Federal Test Procedure, and regulated emissions-CO, total
      hydrocarbons (THC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)-CO2, speciated organics, and fuel
      economy were measured. A total of 490 FTP tests were run. The data obtained
      indicated that with most vehicles, at the temperatures tested, improvements in
      both CO and THC emissions were obtained with the use of E10 fuel. At the lowest
      temperature used, -20  degrees F, most vehicles had an increase in NO emissions
      with the use of E10 fuel. At the other temperatures, however, more vehicles
      showed a decrease in NOx emissions with the use of E10. With all vehicles at all
      temperatures tested, the emissions of acetaldehyde increased significantly when
      E10 fuel was used. The highest increase was about 8 to 1. Benzene, formaldehyde,
      and 1,3 butadiene showed both increases and decreases in the emissions when using
      E10 fuel. Unexpected results were obtained with the fuel economy, with about half
      of the tests showing an increase in fuel economy with the use of E10 fuel.

PMID- 28071578
TI  - Synthesis of Hybrid Gas Permeation Membrane/Condensation Systems for Pollution
      Prevention.
AB  - Pollution prevention is a major economic and environmental issue in the chemical
      processing industries. This paper addresses the design of cost-effective recovery
      systems for vaporous emissions, systems that allow environmentally sound
      recycling of the recovered components for re-use within the process as a means of
      pollution prevention. A methodology is proposed to design optimal hybrid systems
      that involve gas permeation membranes and vapor condensation systems. The design
      methodology is presented as a mixed-integer, nonlinear program. Based on a fixed
      structure of the system, a short-cut formulation is derived. Additionally, the
      incorporation of the system into the emerging mass integration methodology is
      presented. It is demonstrated, through an industrial case study, that hybrid
      membrane/condensation systems possess advantages over either separation technique
      alone.

PMID- 28071579
TI  - Daily Variability of Motor Vehicle Emissions Derived from Traffic Counter Data.
AB  - This work studied the daily variability of mobile sources in rural and urban
      areas, in and around the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Traffic counter data
      collected during the 1992 Southern Oxidants Study Atlanta Intensive Study were
      used to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of traffic volume. A simple
      method to study the daily variability of mobile emissions from the different
      types of urban and rural roads is presented. The method is based on hourly
      traffic volume data and emission factors and it has been generalized to describe
      the daily variability of mobile emissions for urban and rural areas and for the
      whole modeling domain. Implications of this study for improving mobile emission
      inventories are also discussed.

PMID- 28071581
TI  - Role of AQP4 Antibody Serostatus and its Prediction of Visual Outcome in
      Neuromyelitis Optica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - : Backgroud: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder,
      which is characterized by severe attacks of optic neuritis and myelitis.
      Antibodies (Ab) to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) (or NMO-IgG) as a serological biomarker of
      NMO have been widespread used. Nevertheless, some NMO patients remain
      seronegative for AQP4-Ab and/or have no detected optic nerve involvement. In
      addition, no consensus exists on the association between AQP4-Ab serostatus and
      visual outcome in NMO. To drive a more precise estimate of this postulated
      relationship, a metaanalysis was performed based on existing relevant studies.
      METHODS: Studies were searched by PubMed and MEDLINE up to March 2016. Study
      quality was assessed, and meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan 5.1. Odds
      ratios with 95% confidence interval were calculated and funnel plot was applied
      to assess the potential publication bias. RESULTS: In a total of 1288 relevant
      studies, 18 studies satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the
      systemic review. Only 9 studies appeared eligible for the meta-analysis, together
      including 624 AQP4-Ab-positive and 119 AQP4-Ab-negative NMO patients. The results
      revealed associations between AQP4-Ab seropositivity and visual impairment in NMO
      (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.09, 9.19; P = 0.03). The results of subgroup analyses based
      on different methods of AQP-4 detection also showed significantly differences
      between AQP4-Ab seropositivity and visual impairment in NMO, especially in CBA
      subgroup. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates that AQP4-Ab serostatus has
      the positive with poor visual outcome in NMO.

PMID- 28071582
TI  - Reporter Mice Used for Dentinogenesis Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dentinogenesis is a long and complex process not only in tooth
      development, but also throughout the lifespan. Reporter mice provided us a
      preferred model to study the dentin formation with characteristics of high
      sensitivity, visualization, and reliability, which makes the long-term and
      intricate period of dentinogenesis much clear. With the advent of different gene
      reporters, genetic engineering methods, and tissue specific promoters, various
      reporter mice can be created to solve different problems. OBJECTIVE: To
      understand the fundamental concepts and characteristics to use the reporter mice
      for dentinogenesis study. RESULTS: This review introduced the frequently used
      gene-based reporters, genetic engineering technologies, dentinogenesis-related
      promoters and the reporter mice commonly used in the dentin study, with the
      purpose of obtaining a better application of reporter mice and gaining more
      details about dentinogenesis. CONCLUSION: Reporter mice is a convenient and
      reliable model for studying dentinogenesis.

PMID- 28071583
TI  - Anticancer Activities of New N-hetaryl-2-cyanoacetamide Derivatives Incorporating
      4,5,6,7-Tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene Moiety.
AB  - AIMS: Novel series of N-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl) cyanoacetamide
      derivatives are synthesized. METHOD: The structure of these compounds was
      elucidated using different spectral tools. Compounds were evaluated for their
      cytotoxic activities against different types of human cancer cell lines
      including, breast (MCF-7, T47D, MDA MB231); liver (HEPG-2); colon (HCT116);
      prostate (PC3); and cervix (HELA) cells. In this study, we used compounds 11 and
      12 that showed the highest cytotoxicity on PC3 and HEPG2 cells, to explore their
      effects on apoptosis, metastasis and angiogenesis of cancer cells. RESULTS:
      Results revealed that the growth inhibition produced by the two selected
      compounds was due to cytocidal and not due to cytostatic effect in both cell
      lines. This cytocidal effect was due to up-regulation of caspases-3, and- 9. In
      addition, the two compounds inhibited the expression of metalloproteinases-2 and
      9 (MMP 2&9). Moreover, HIF-1alpha and VEGF expressions were inhibited by both
      compounds. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, N-(4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2
      yl) cyanoacetamide derivatives showed different anticancer potential against
      different cancer cell lines. Compounds 11 and 12 showed the most active
      cytotoxicity against PC3 and HepG2 cells. Both compounds have apoptotic, anti-
      metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects.

PMID- 28071584
TI  - Major Highlights of the CAR-TCR Summit, Boston, 2016.
AB  - Cellular immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell therapy and TCR-T cell therapy are
      relatively new, highly promising approaches for the treatment of cancer. In CAR-T
      cell therapy, a patient's T cells are engineered to express chimeric antigen
      receptors targeting tumor-associated cell surface antigens. In TCR-T cell
      therapy, the patient's T cells are engineered to express receptors targeting
      intracellular antigens. This report will summarize presentations from the recent
      CAR-TCR summit in Boston on September 13-16, 2016. These presentations were given
      by leaders in the field and many were divided into three streams: Discovery and
      Genetic T Cell Engineering; Translation and Clinical Development; and
      Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Commercialization. The report summarizes major
      pharmaceutical companies developing these novel therapies and provides challenges
      and perspectives for future therapeutic developments.

PMID- 28071585
TI  - Newborn Bilirubin Screening for Preventing Severe Hyperbilirubinemia and
      Bilirubin Encephalopathy: A Rapid Review.
AB  - : According to the 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline on the
      management of hyperbilirubinemia, every newborn should be assessed for the risk
      of developing severe hyperbilirubinemia with the help of predischarge total serum
      bilirubin or transcutaneous bilirubin measurements and/or assessments of clinical
      risk factors. The aim of this rapid review is 1) to review the evidence for 1)
      predicting and preventing severe hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubin encephalopathy,
      2) determining the efficacy of home/community treatments (home phototherapy) in
      the prevention of severe hyperbilirubinemia, and 3) non-invasive/transcutaneous
      methods for estimating serum bilirubin level. METHODS: In this rapid review,
      studies were identified through the Medline database. The main outcomes of
      interest were severe hyperbilirubinemia and encephalopathy. A subset of articles
      was double screened and all articles were critically appraised using the SIGN and
      AMSTAR checklists. This review investigated if systems approach is likely to
      reduce the occurrence of severe hyperbilirubinemia. RESULTS: Fifty-two studies
      met the inclusion criteria. Included studies assessed the association between
      bilirubin measurement early in neonatal life and the subsequent development of
      severe hyperbilirubinemia and chronic bilirubin encephalopathy/kernicterus. It
      was observed that, highest priority should be given to (i) universal bilirubin
      screening programs; (ii) implementation of community and midwife practice; (iii)
      outreach to communities for education of prospective parents; and (iv)
      development of clinical pathways to monitor, evaluate and track infants with
      severe hyperbilirubinemia. CONCLUSIONS: We found substantial observational
      evidence that severe hyperbilirubinemia can be accurately predicted and prevented
      through universal bilirubin screening. So far, there is no evidence of any harm.

PMID- 28071586
TI  - Milestones in CRH Research.
AB  - The Corticotropin-releasing Hormone (CRH) mammalian family members include CRH,
      urocortin I, Stresscopin (SCP) and Stresscopin-related peptide (SRP), along with
      the CRH receptors type 1 (CRHR1) and type 2 (CRHR2), and CRH-binding protein (CRH
      BP). These family members differ in their tissue distribution and pharmacology.
      Several studies have provided evidence supporting an important role of this
      family in the regulation of the neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to
      stress. Regulation of the relative contribution of CRH and its homologs and the
      two CRH receptors in brain CRH pathways may be essential in coordinating
      physiologic responses to stress. The development of disorders related to
      heightened stress sensitivity and dysregulation of stress-coping mechanisms
      appears to involve regulatory mechanisms of the CRH family members. Therapeutic
      agents that target CRH family members may offer a new approach to the treatment
      of these disorders. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most
      significant discoveries related to CRH over time.

PMID- 28071587
TI  - New Imidazole-Based Compounds Active Against Trypanosoma cruzi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current drugs available for the treatment of Chagas disease are
      fraught with several challenges including severe toxicity and limited efficacy.
      These factors coupled with the absence of effective drugs for treating the
      chronic stage of the disease have rendered the development of new drugs against
      Chagas disease a priority. OBJECTIVE: This study screened several imidazole-based
      compounds for anti-Trypanosoma potential. METHOD: Using an in vitro experimental
      infection model, several imidazole-based compounds were screened for anti
      proliferative effect on Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes. Additionally, all test
      compounds were evaluated for unspecific cytotoxicity on L929 murine fibroblasts.
      Benznidazole (BZN) served as reference drug. RESULTS: All test compounds
      demonstrated interesting trypanocidal potential with IC50 values in the MUM range
      (1< 1C50 <8 MUM). The activities of the test compounds compared favorably with
      BZN, which had an IC50 value ca. 30 MUM. Conversely, most of the test compounds
      were highly cytotoxic, resulting in selectivity lower than that of BZN (SI >
      9.42). CONCLUSION: We provide evidence which implicate the imidazole-based
      compounds as potential prototypes for the development of anti-parasitic agents.
      Findings have far-reaching relevance to drug discovery efforts for
      trypanosomiasis.

PMID- 28071589
TI  - Atopic Dermatitis in Adults: A Diagnostic Challenge.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) has a prevalence of 1%-3% in adults. Adult-onset AD has
      only been defined recently, and lack of familiarity with this condition and
      confusion regarding the appropriate terminology persist. AD may first appear in
      childhood or de novo in adults and is characterized by pronounced clinical
      heterogeneity. The disease often deviates from the classic pattern of flexural
      dermatitis, and there are forms of presentation that are specific to adults, such
      as head-and-neck dermatitis, chronic eczema of the hands, multiple areas of
      lichenification, or prurigo lesions. Although diagnosis is clinical, adult-onset
      AD frequently does not fit the traditional diagnostic criteria for the disease,
      which were developed for children. Thus, AD is often a diagnosis of exclusion,
      especially in de novo cases. Additional diagnostic tests, such as the patch test,
      prick test, skin biopsy, or blood test, are usually necessary to rule out other
      diseases or other types of eczema appearing concomitantly with AD. This article
      presents an update of the different forms of clinical presentation for AD in
      adults along with a proposed diagnostic approach, as new treatments will appear
      in the near future and many patients will not be able to benefit from them unless
      they are properly diagnosed.

PMID- 28071588
TI  - Genetic evidence that Nkx2.2 acts primarily downstream of Neurog3 in pancreatic
      endocrine lineage development.
AB  - Many pancreatic transcription factors that are essential for islet cell
      differentiation have been well characterized; however, because they are often
      expressed in several different cell populations, their functional hierarchy
      remains unclear. To parse out the spatiotemporal regulation of islet cell
      differentiation, we used a Neurog3-Cre allele to ablate Nkx2.2, one of the
      earliest and most broadly expressed islet transcription factors, specifically in
      the Neurog3+ endocrine progenitor lineage (Nkx2.2?endo). Remarkably, many
      essential components of the beta cell transcriptional network that were down
      regulated in the Nkx2.2KO mice, were maintained in the Nkx2.2?endo mice - yet the
      Nkx2.2?endo mice displayed defective beta cell differentiation and recapitulated
      the Nkx2.2KO phenotype. This suggests that Nkx2.2 is not only required in the
      early pancreatic progenitors, but has additional essential activities within the
      endocrine progenitor population. Consistently, we demonstrate Nkx2.2 functions as
      an integral component of a modular regulatory program to correctly specify
      pancreatic islet cell fates.

PMID- 28071590
TI  - Fabrication of nanopore and nanoparticle arrays with high aspect ratio AAO masks.
AB  - How to use high aspect ratio anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes as an etching
      and evaporation mask is one of the unsolved problems in the application of
      nanostructured arrays. Here we describe the versatile utilizations of the highly
      ordered AAO membranes with a high aspect ratio of more than 20 used as universal
      masks for the formation of various nanostructure arrays on various substrates.
      The result shows that the fabricated nanopore and nanoparticle arrays of
      substrates inherit the regularity of the AAO membranes completely. The flat AAO
      substrates and uneven AAO frontages were attached to the Si substrates
      respectively as an etching mask, which demonstrates that the two kinds of
      replication, positive and negative, represent the replication of the mirroring of
      Si substrates relative to the flat AAO substrates and uneven AAO frontages. Our
      work is a breakthrough for the broad research field of surface nano-masking.

PMID- 28071591
TI  - High throughput micropatterning of interspersed cell arrays using capillary
      assembly.
AB  - A novel technology is reported to immobilize different types of particles or
      cells on a surface at predefined positions with a micrometric precision. The
      process uses capillary assembly on arrays of crescent-shaped structures with
      different orientations. Sequential assemblies in different substrate orientations
      with different types of particles allow for the creation of imbricated and
      multiplexed arrays. In this work up to four different types of particles were
      deterministically localized on a surface. Using this process, antibody coated
      microparticles were assembled on substrates and used as capture patterns for the
      creation of complex cell networks. This new technology may have numerous
      applications in biology, e.g. for fast cell imaging, cell-cell interactions
      studies, or construction of cell arrays.

PMID- 28071592
TI  - Development and evaluation of zinc phthalocyanine nanoemulsions for use in
      photodynamic therapy for Leishmania spp.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) combines light with photosensitizers (PS) for
      production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can kill infectious
      microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa. The application of
      nanotechnology has enabled the advancement of PDT because many PS are insoluble
      in water, necessitating a nanocarrier as a physiologically acceptable carrier.
      Nanoemulsions are efficient nanocarriers for solubilizing liposoluble drugs, like
      the PS, in water. Cutaneous (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ML) are caused
      by different species of the genus Leishmania, transmitted to humans by sandfly
      bites. Parasites are hosted in skin macrophages producing ulcerative lesions.
      Thus, a topical treatment, effective and inexpensive, for CL and ML is preferable
      to systemic interventions. There are topical treatments like paromomycin and
      amphotericin B, but they have many local side effects or a very high cost,
      limiting their use. This work aimed to develop a zinc phthalocyanine
      (photosensitizer) oil-in-water nanoemulsion, essential clove oil and polymeric
      surfactant (Pluronic(r) F127) for the formulation of a topical delivery system
      for use in PDT against Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum. The
      nanoemulsion was produced by a high-energy method and characterized by size,
      polydispersity, morphology, pH, content and stability studies. The toxicity in
      the dark and the photobiological activity of the formulations were evaluated in
      vitro for Leishmania and macrophages. The formulation presented was pH compatible
      with topical use, approximately 30 nm in size, with a polydispersity index <=0.1
      and remained stable at room and refrigerator temperature during the stability
      study (60 days). The zinc phthalocyanine nanoemulsion is effective in PDT against
      Leishmania spp.; use against skin infections can be a future application of this
      topical formulation, avoiding the use of oral or injectable medications,
      decreasing systemic adverse effects.

PMID- 28071593
TI  - A lightweight feedback-controlled microdrive for chronic neural recordings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chronic neural recordings have provided many insights into the
      relationship between neural activity and behavior. We set out to develop a
      miniaturized motorized microdrive that allows precise electrode positioning
      despite possibly unreliable motors. APPROACH: We designed a feedback-based motor
      control mechanism. It contains an integrated position readout from an array of
      magnets and a Hall sensor. MAIN RESULTS: Our extremely lightweight (<1 g)
      motorized microdrive allows remote positioning of both metal electrodes and glass
      pipettes along one motorized axis. Target locations can be defined with a range
      of 6 mm and they can be reached within 1 um precision. The incorporated headstage
      electronics are capable of both extracellular and intracellular recordings. We
      include a simple mechanism for repositioning electrodes in three dimensions and
      for replacing them during operation. We present neural data from different
      premotor areas of adult and juvenile zebra finches. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings
      show that feedback-based microdrive control requires little extra size and
      weight, suggesting that such control can be incorporated into more complex multi
      electrode designs.

PMID- 28071594
TI  - First-principles study of the mechanism of wettability transition of defective
      graphene.
AB  - Hydrophobicity of graphene limits its application potential in polar media,
      therefore modifications of graphene wettability have been in an area of active
      research for many years. Recently, a reversible wettability transition of
      graphene has been reported (Xu et al 2014 Sci. Rep. 4 6450). The presence of
      undercoordinated carbon atoms in otherwise hydrophobic graphene is believed to
      trigger the hydrophobic to hydrophilic transition, but the underlying mechanism,
      especially of the reverse process, remained unclear. Using density functional
      theory with range-separated hybrid functional HSE06, we investigate the
      dissociative adsorption of up to two water molecules on the defective graphene
      layer containing odd number of missing lattice atoms. We show, that depending on
      the defect type either a full dissociation of the water molecule or a partial
      splitting of H2O to OH and H takes place leading to the saturation of graphene
      dangling bonds due to the formation of oxiranes or by hydroxyls, respectively.
      The dissociation barriers are significantly lower for the water dimer than for
      the single molecule. Our findings providing detailed insights into the remarkable
      differences between the reactivity of vacancy defects with water shed new light
      on the wettability-transition mechanism of defective graphene.

PMID- 28071595
TI  - Hybrid 3D-2D printing for bone scaffolds fabrication.
AB  - It is a well-known fact that bone scaffold topography on micro- and nanometer
      scale influences the cellular behavior. Nano-scale surface modification of
      scaffolds allows the modulation of biological activity for enhanced cell
      differentiation. To date, there has been only a limited success in printing
      scaffolds with micro- and nano-scale features exposed on the surface. To improve
      on the currently available imperfect technologies, in our paper we introduce new
      hybrid technologies based on a combination of 2D (nano imprint) and 3D printing
      methods. The first method is based on using light projection 3D printing and
      simultaneous 2D nanostructuring of each of the layers during the formation of the
      3D structure. The second method is based on the sequential integration of
      preliminarily created 2D nanostructured films into a 3D printed structure. The
      capabilities of the developed hybrid technologies are demonstrated with the
      example of forming 3D bone scaffolds. The proposed technologies can be used to
      fabricate complex 3D micro- and nanostructured products for various fields.

PMID- 28071596
TI  - 3D bioprinting of GelMA scaffolds triggers mineral deposition by primary human
      osteoblasts.
AB  - Due to its relatively low level of antigenicity and high durability, titanium has
      successfully been used as the major material for biological implants. However,
      because the typical interface between titanium and tissue precludes adequate
      transmission of load into the surrounding bone, over time, load-bearing implants
      tend to loosen and revision surgeries are required. Osseointegration of titanium
      implants requires presentation of both biological and mechanical cues that
      promote attachment of and trigger mineral deposition by osteoblasts. While many
      factors contribute to differentiation, the relative importance of the various
      cues is unclear. To substantially improve osseointegration of titanium implants,
      we generated a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) scaffold, using an extrusion-based 3D
      bioprinter, which can be directly printed on and grafted to the titanium implant
      surface. We demonstrate that this scaffold is able to trigger mineral deposition
      of both MG63 osteoblasts and primary normal human osteoblasts in the absence of
      any exogenous osteogenic factors. Films of the same formulation failed to promote
      mineral deposition suggesting that the three dimensional scaffold was able to tip
      the balance in favor of differentiation despite other potentially unfavorable
      differentiation cues of the material. We further show that these GelMA lattices
      can be directly grafted to titanium alloy and are secure in vitro over a period
      of seven weeks. When grafted within a groove system, the GelMA hydrogel is
      protected from shearing forces in a marrow implantation model. This prepares the
      way for osteogenic coatings to be directly manufactured on the implant surface
      and packaged for surgery.

PMID- 28071597
TI  - Three-dimensional printing of a microneedle array on personalized curved surfaces
      for dual-pronged treatment of trigger finger.
AB  - The hand function of patients who suffer from trigger finger can be impaired by
      the use of traditional splints. There is also a risk of systemic side effects
      with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for pain relief.
      Microneedle-assisted transdermal drug delivery offers an attractive alternative
      for local delivery of NSAIDs. However, traditional microneedle arrays fabricated
      on flat surfaces are unable to deliver drugs effectively across the undulating
      skin surface of affected finger(s). In this study, using 3D printing, a dual
      function microneedle array has been fabricated on personalized curved surfaces
      (microneedle splint) for drug delivery and splinting of the affected finger. The
      novel microneedle splint was assessed for its physical characteristics and the
      microneedles were shown to withstand up to twice the average thumb force without
      fracturing. An average skin penetration efficiency of 64% on dermatomed human
      cadaver skin was achieved and the final microneedle splint showed
      biocompatibility with human dermal cell lines. A significantly higher amount of
      diclofenac permeated through the skin by 0.5 h with the use of the microneedle
      splint as compared to intact skin. The fabricated microneedle splint can thus be
      a potential new approach to treat trigger finger via personalized splinting
      without affecting normal hand function.

PMID- 28071598
TI  - Extended Majorana zero modes in a topological superconducting-normal T-junction.
AB  - We investigate the sub gap properties of a three terminal Josephson T-junction
      composed of topologically superconducting wires connected by a normal metal
      region. This system naturally hosts zero energy Andreev bound states which are of
      self-conjugate Majorana nature and we show that they are, in contrast to ordinary
      Majorana zero modes, spatially extended in the normal metal region. If the T
      junction respects time-reversal symmetry, we show that a zero mode is distributed
      only in two out of three arms in the junction and tuning the superconducting
      phases allows for transfer of the mode between the junction arms. We further
      provide tunneling conductance calculations showing that these features can be
      detected in experiments. Our findings suggest an experimental platform for
      studying the nature of spatially extended Majorana zero modes.

PMID- 28071599
TI  - Unsupervised frequency-recognition method of SSVEPs using a filter bank
      implementation of binary subband CCA.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recently developed effective methods for detection commands of steady
      state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) that
      need calibration for visual stimuli, which cause more time and fatigue prior to
      the use, as the number of commands increases. This paper develops a novel
      unsupervised method based on canonical correlation analysis (CCA) for accurate
      detection of stimulus frequency. APPROACH: A novel unsupervised technique termed
      as binary subband CCA (BsCCA) is implemented in a multiband approach to enhance
      the frequency recognition performance of SSVEP. In BsCCA, two subbands are used
      and a CCA-based correlation coefficient is computed for the individual subbands.
      In addition, a reduced set of artificial reference signals is used to calculate
      CCA for the second subband. The analyzing SSVEP is decomposed into multiple
      subband and the BsCCA is implemented for each one. Then, the overall recognition
      score is determined by a weighted sum of the canonical correlation coefficients
      obtained from each band. MAIN RESULTS: A 12-class SSVEP dataset (frequency range:
      9.25-14.75 Hz with an interval of 0.5 Hz) for ten healthy subjects are used to
      evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The results suggest that BsCCA
      significantly improves the performance of SSVEP-based BCI compared to the state
      of-the-art methods. The proposed method is an unsupervised approach with averaged
      information transfer rate (ITR) of 77.04 bits min-1 across 10 subjects. The
      maximum individual ITR is 107.55 bits min-1 for 12-class SSVEP dataset, whereas,
      the ITR of 69.29 and 69.44 bits min-1 are achieved with CCA and NCCA
      respectively. SIGNIFICANCE: The statistical test shows that the proposed
      unsupervised method significantly improves the performance of the SSVEP-based
      BCI. It can be usable in real world applications.

PMID- 28071600
TI  - A brief history of the multiverse.
AB  - The theory of the inflationary multiverse changes the way we think about our
      place in the world. According to its most popular version, our world may consist
      of infinitely many exponentially large parts, exhibiting different sets of low
      energy laws of physics. Since these parts are extremely large, the interior of
      each of them behaves as if it were a separate universe, practically unaffected by
      the rest of the world. This picture, combined with the theory of eternal
      inflation and anthropic considerations, may help to solve many difficult problems
      of modern physics, including the cosmological constant problem. In this article I
      will briefly describe this theory and provide links to the some hard to find
      papers written during the first few years of the development of the inflationary
      multiverse scenario.

PMID- 28071601
TI  - Applications of nuclear physics.
AB  - Today the applications of nuclear physics span a very broad range of topics and
      fields. This review discusses a number of aspects of these applications,
      including selected topics and concepts in nuclear reactor physics, nuclear
      fusion, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear-geophysics, and nuclear medicine. The
      review begins with a historic summary of the early years in applied nuclear
      physics, with an emphasis on the huge developments that took place around the
      time of World War II, and that underlie the physics involved in designs of
      nuclear explosions, controlled nuclear energy, and nuclear fusion. The review
      then moves to focus on modern applications of these concepts, including the basic
      concepts and diagnostics developed for the forensics of nuclear explosions, the
      nuclear diagnostics at the National Ignition Facility, nuclear reactor
      safeguards, and the detection of nuclear material production and trafficking. The
      review also summarizes recent developments in nuclear geophysics and nuclear
      medicine. The nuclear geophysics areas discussed include geo-chronology, nuclear
      logging for industry, the Oklo reactor, and geo-neutrinos. The section on nuclear
      medicine summarizes the critical advances in nuclear imaging, including PET and
      SPECT imaging, targeted radionuclide therapy, and the nuclear physics of medical
      isotope production. Each subfield discussed requires a review article unto
      itself, which is not the intention of the current review; rather, the current
      review is intended for readers who wish to get a broad understanding of applied
      nuclear physics.

PMID- 28071602
TI  - Microgrooved topographical surface directs tenogenic lineage specific
      differentiation of mouse tendon derived stem cells.
AB  - Tendon derived stem cells (TDSCs) are the endogenous cell source for tenocyte
      turnover and tendon functional maintenance. They are also the important cell
      source for tendon engineering and regeneration. In addition, TDSCs also play an
      important role in tendinopathy via their non-tenogenic lineage differentiation.
      It has been well demonstrated that cell shape could determine mesenchymal stem
      cell (MSC) lineage differentiation. In this study, a parallel microgrooved
      polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane (10 um groove width and 3 um depth) was
      employed to investigate the role of cell elongation via this particular
      topographic surface in directing murine TDSC (mTDSC) lineage differentiation. The
      results showed that elongated mTDSCs exhibited significantly enhanced the gene
      expression of tenogenic markers when compared to the spread cells that grew on
      smooth PDMS membrane including tenomodulin, scleraxis, collagens I, III, and VI,
      decorin and tenascin (p  <  0.05). Meanwhile, stemness related genes such as
      Nanog, Sox2 and Oct4 were significantly inhibited for their expression in
      elongated mTDSCs (p  <  0.05). When under tri-lineage induced differentiation,
      cell elongation significantly inhibited mTDSC differentiation towards
      chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages (p  <  0.05). Furthermore, cell elongation
      could significantly inhibit mTDSC osteogenic lineage differentiation (p  <  0.05)
      induced by BMP-2, a tendinopathy mimicking stimulant. In conclusion, simulation
      of native tendon structure via using parallel microgrooved topography can promote
      mTDSC differentiation specifically towards tenogenic lineage and prevent non
      tenogenic lineage differentiation, providing an insight into the design of tendon
      regenerative materials.

PMID- 28071603
TI  - Heterogeneous nucleation of catalyst-free InAs nanowires on silicon.
AB  - We report on the heterogeneous nucleation of catalyst-free InAs nanowires on
      Si(111) substrates by chemical beam epitaxy. We show that nanowire nucleation is
      enhanced by sputtering the silicon substrate with energetic particles. We argue
      that particle bombardment introduces lattice defects on the silicon surface that
      serve as preferential nucleation sites. The formation of these nucleation sites
      can be controlled by the sputtering parameters, allowing the control of nanowire
      density in a wide range. Nanowire nucleation is accompanied by unwanted parasitic
      islands, but careful choice of annealing and growth temperature allows us to
      strongly reduce the relative density of these islands and to realize samples with
      high nanowire yield.

PMID- 28071604
TI  - Anion exchange strategy to synthesis of porous NiS hexagonal nanoplates for
      supercapacitors.
AB  - A facile anion exchange strategy was applied to the synthesis of porous NiS
      hexagonal nanoplates (NiS HNPs) as an electrode material for supercapacitors. It
      was found that Na2S concentration is a key factor to achieve porous NiS hexagonal
      nanoplates with well-defined architecture. Porous NiS hexagonal nanoplates
      exhibited a specific capacitance of 1897 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1.
      NiS HNPs//activated carbon (AC) asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) shows a long
      cycle lifespan (about 100% capacity retention after 4000 cycles at a current
      density of 3 A g-1) with a maximum energy density of 11.6 Wh kg-1 at a large
      loading mass of about 30 mg. Impressively, two NiS HNPs//AC ASCs in series could
      light up a red LED for about 30 min. The remarkable electrochemical performance
      of NiS HNPs is ascribed to their unique hierarchical porous architectures. The
      anion exchange method is a facile and versatile strategy for the synthesis of
      metal sulfides with high performance for energy storage.

PMID- 28071605
TI  - Eraser-based eco-friendly fabrication of a skin-like large-area matrix of
      flexible carbon nanotube strain and pressure sensors.
AB  - This paper reports a new type of electronic, recoverable skin-like pressure and
      strain sensor, produced on a flexible, biodegradable pencil-eraser substrate and
      fabricated using a solvent-free, low-cost and energy efficient process. Multi
      walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) film, the strain sensing element, was patterned on
      pencil eraser with a rolling pin and a pre-compaction mechanical press. This
      induces high interfacial bonding between the MWCNTs and the eraser substrate,
      which enables the sensor to achieve recoverability under ambient conditions. The
      eraser serves as a substrate for strain sensing, as well as acting as a
      dielectric for capacitive pressure sensing, thereby eliminating the dielectric
      deposition step, which is crucial in capacitive-based pressure sensors. The
      strain sensing transduction mechanism is attributed to the tunneling effect,
      caused by the elastic behavior of the MWCNTs and the strong mechanical interlock
      between MWCNTs and the eraser substrate, which restricts slippage of MWCNTs on
      the eraser thereby minimizing hysteresis. The gauge factor of the strain sensor
      was calculated to be 2.4, which is comparable to and even better than most of the
      strain and pressure sensors fabricated with more complex designs and
      architectures. The sensitivity of the capacitive pressure sensor was found to be
      0.135 MPa-1.To demonstrate the applicability of the sensor as artificial
      electronic skin, the sensor was assembled on various parts of the human body and
      corresponding movements and touch sensation were monitored. The entire
      fabrication process is scalable and can be integrated into large areas to map
      spatial pressure distributions. This low-cost, easily scalable MWCNT pin-rolled
      eraser-based pressure and strain sensor has huge potential in applications such
      as artificial e-skin in flexible electronics and medical diagnostics, in
      particular in surgery as it provides high spatial resolution without a complex
      nanostructure architecture.

PMID- 28071606
TI  - A non-healing oral ulcer as a manifestation of systemic tuberculosis in an
      immunocompetent man.

PMID- 28071607
TI  - Oral involvement in disseminated superficial porokeratosis.

PMID- 28071608
TI  - Necrobiosis lipoidica developing within a surgical scar in a non-diabetic
      patient: Type III Koebner phenomenon (isomorphic response), Wolf's isotopic
      response or Ruocco's immunocompromised cutaneous district?

PMID- 28071609
TI  - Verrucous eccrine angiomatous hamartoma.

PMID- 28071610
TI  - Importance of nutrition in pediatric oncology.

PMID- 28071611
TI  - Microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to prostate
      cancer: A systematic review.
AB  - Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) is a crucial biotransformation enzyme that has
      capability to metabolize a large number of structurally divergent, highly
      reactive epoxides, and numerous environmentally exposed carcinogens. It catalyzes
      the conversion of xenobiotic epoxide compounds into more polar diol metabolites
      and may play important part of the enzymatic defense against adverse effects of
      foreign compounds. Most commonly, two functional polymorphisms affecting mEH
      enzyme activity have been identified: One in exon 3 and other in exon 4 of the
      mEH gene, which results in His113Tyr and Arg139His amino acid substitutions,
      respectively. Recent reports have shown that polymorphisms in mEH gene loci may
      an important risk factor for susceptibility of prostate cancers (PCs), worldwide,
      but inconsistent finding were also be illustrated. To the best of our knowledge,
      globally, there is no any systematic review has been published related to mEH
      gene polymorphisms and PC risk. Thus, in the current review, we have discussed
      the association between mEH gene polymorphisms, gene-environmental interaction,
      and PC risk.

PMID- 28071612
TI  - Expression of Raf kinase inhibitor protein in human hepatoma tissues by two
      dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      time-of-flight methods.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver tumor.
      To reduce the mortality and improve the effectiveness of therapy, it is important
      to search for changes in tumor-specific biomarkers whose function may involve in
      disease progression and which may be useful as potential therapeutic targets.
      Materials and Mehtods: In this study, we use two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of
      flight mass spectrometry to observe proteome alterations of 12 tissue pairs
      isolated from HCC patients: Normal and tumorous tissue. Comparing the tissue
      types with each other, 40 protein spots corresponding to fifteen differentially
      expressed between normal and cancer part of HCC patients. RESULTS: Raf kinase
      inhibitor protein (RKIP), an inhibitor of Raf-mediated activation of mitogen
      activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, may play an
      important role in cancer metastasis and cell proliferation and migration of human
      hepatoma cells. RKIP may be considered as a marker for HCC, because its
      expression level changes considerably in HCC compared with normal tissue. In
      addition, we used the methods of Western blotting and real time-polymerase chain
      reaction to analysis the protein expression and gene expression of RKIP. The
      result showed RKIP protein and gene expression in tumor part liver tissues of HCC
      patient is lower than peritumorous non-neoplastic liver tissue of the
      corresponding HCC samples. CONCLUSION: These results strongly suggest that RKIP
      may be considered to be a marker for HCC and RKIP are down-regulated in liver
      cancer cell.

PMID- 28071613
TI  - Clinical and pathologic response following taxane based neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      in locally advanced breast cancer patients in a tertiary care centre in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has become the standard recommendation in
      the management of patients with locally advanced breast cancer. At present
      anthracycline based regimen such as CAF (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and 5-FU)
      is widely used in clinical practice. The introduction of taxanes has
      revolutionized this field because of superior results. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This
      study is designed to compare the efficacy of paclitaxel plus doxorubicin regimen
      and CAF (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil) regimen as neoadjuvant
      treatment of locally advanced breast cancer and to compare their toxicity
      profiles and also to correlate the hormonal receptor status in predicting
      response to the NACT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 101
      patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced breast cancer were randomized to
      receive either CAF or Paclitaxel/adriamycin as NACT for three cycles. The
      response was assessed objectively using CT scans and applying RECIST criteria.
      The patients were monitored for hematologic, cardiac and other minor toxicities.
      RESULTS: There was a significantly increased complete and objective response seen
      in the AP group when compared to CAF group (24% and 58% in the AP group versus
      7.8% and 39.2% in the CAF group, P value 0.0313 for complete response). The pCR
      rate was also significantly higher in the AP group compared to CAF group. (20.93%
      versus 4.34%, P value 0.0237). There was no significant difference between the
      groups with respect to cardiotoxicity and hematotoxicity. Patients with ER
      negative tumors have responded well to neoadjuvant chemotherapy better than ER
      positive patients. (Objective response 62.8% vs. 40%, P - 0.0473). CONCLUSIONS:
      Based on these results, taxane based regimen such as Paclitaxel/adriamycin can be
      recommended as a first line neoadjuvant regimen in patients with locally advanced
      breast cancer.

PMID- 28071614
TI  - In silico analysis to predict lack of carcinogenicity of Zika virus.

PMID- 28071615
TI  - Knowledge, attitude and practice about breast cancer and breast self-examination
      among women seeking out-patient care in a teaching hospital in central India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) continues to be a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality throughout the world. Early detection of BC and early treatment
      increases the chance of survival. According to Breast Health Global Initiative
      guidelines for low and middle income countries, diagnosing BCs early by promoting
      breast self-awareness; clinical breast examination (CBE) and resource adapted
      mammographic screening will reduce BC mortality. There is a paucity of data on
      the knowledge and awareness of BC and self-breast examination in India. We
      designed this hospital based cross sectional descriptive study to evaluate the
      current status of knowledge, awareness and practices related to BC and breast
      self-examination in the female rural population attending a teaching hospital.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We did a random sampling to identify and enroll 360 women
      and their female relatives. We excluded a participant from the study if she had
      already undergone a screening mammography or had had a BC. The data was collected
      by a self-administered questionnaire in vernacular language. RESULTS: Our study
      population included 360 women with a mean age of 45.81 (+/-10.9) years. Only 5
      (1.38%) females had a family history of BC. A whopping 81% of women did not have
      any knowledge about BC. All the women thought that CBE by doctors was the only
      way for screening BC. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that with the results of this
      study, it is imperative to increase awareness about BC and its detection methods
      in the community through health education campaigns. We should have major policy
      changes to increase future screening programs and health education programs which
      would have an overall positive impact on reducing the disease burden.

PMID- 28071616
TI  - Presenting features, treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with breast
      cancer in Pakistan: Experience at a university hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Pakistani women. We report
      the presenting features, treatment patterns and survival of breast cancer from a
      University Hospital in Southern Pakistan and compare the data with international
      population based studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients
      diagnosed to have breast cancer between January 1999 and November 2008 were
      reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 845 patients were identified.
      Median age of diagnosis was 48 years (range 18-92). Clinical stage was as
      follows: Stage I 9.9%; Stage II 48.5%; Stage III 26.2%; Stage IV 13.8%; data not
      available 1.5%. Approximately, half (51.6%) were estrogen receptor (ER) positive
      and 17.5% over-expressed Her2/neu. Nearly 23% patients received neo-adjuvant
      chemotherapy while 68.9% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Anthracycline based
      treatment was the most common treatment until 2003 while later on, patients also
      received taxanes and trastuzumab based therapy. Age, stage, tumor size, lymph
      node status, tumor grade, ER status, treatment with hormonal therapy and
      radiation were the major predictive factors for overall survival (OS). We report
      an impressive 5 year OS of 75%, stage specific survival was 100%, 88% and 58% for
      Stages I, II and III respectively. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients present
      at a younger age and with locally advanced disease. However, short term follow-up
      reveals that the outcomes are comparable with the published literature from
      developed countries. Long-term follow-up and inclusion of data from population
      based registries are required for accurate comparison.

PMID- 28071617
TI  - Role of frozen section in the intra-operative margin assessment during breast
      conserving surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) is increasingly done for early breast
      cancers in many countries since it has been demonstrated by randomized trials
      that survival rates after BCS followed by adjuvant therapy are equivalent to
      those obtained after mastectomy. Frozen section analyses (FSA) is a technique
      used for intra-operative assessment of margin status in BCS. The aim of this
      study was to assess the concordance of margin status assessment by FSA and
      permanent sections and to assess correlation with local recurrence. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 162 patients underwent BCS for in situ or invasive carcinoma
      with FSA of margins during the year 2008 at our center. The inclusion criteria in
      this study were patients with intact tumor at the time of surgery. After
      application of the inclusion criteria, 60 patients could be included in this
      study. RESULTS: After frozen section, 20 patients had an initial negative margin.
      40 subjects underwent additional excisions at the time of initial surgery because
      of close or positive margins. Of these 40 patients, in 32 patients a negative
      margin could be achieved with re-excisions. Pathological analyses of frozen
      section showed concordance to permanent sections in all cases. At a median follow
      up of 40 months, there were no local recurrences. CONCLUSION: Intra-operative FSA
      allows resection of suspicious margins at the time of primary conservative
      surgery and results in low rates of local recurrence and second surgeries. There
      is good concordance between results of FSA and the final paraffin section in
      assessing margin status.

PMID- 28071619
TI  - Role of regional catheters for postoperative analgesia following reconstructive
      surgeries for breast cancer.

PMID- 28071618
TI  - Clinico-pathological factors affecting lymph node yield in Indian patients with
      locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of mandibular Gingivo-Buccal sulcus.
AB  - AIM: Lymph node yield (LNY) is a valid marker of prognosis in oral cancer.
      Precise estimation of LNY in Indian patients with T3/T4 gingivobuccal sulcus
      squamous cell carcinoma (GBS-SCC) has not been well documented. Hence, the
      primary objective of the study was to determine the LNY in patients with T3/T4
      SCC of mandibular GBS, and the secondary objective was to study the association
      of LNY with clinicopathological factors such as tumor thickness, histological
      differentiation, number of positive nodes, and extracapsular spread (ECS).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study patients comprised biopsy proven T3/T4 SCC of
      mandibular GBS that underwent unilateral surgery (composite or bite composite
      resection with level I to level V-neck dissection and pectoralis major flap
      reconstruction) at our center between January 2012 and October 2014. Grossing of
      surgical specimens was done as per the guidelines established by the Royal
      College of Pathologists (December 2009). The data were analyzed using SPSS
      software (22nd version) and Chi-square test. RESULTS: The surgical specimens of
      106 patients yielded 2329 lymph nodes with the mean LNY of 21.97 +/- 5.57. Higher
      mean LNY of over 21 was significantly associated with ECS, number of positive
      nodes, delay in surgery over 15 days, skin involvement by the tumor, and presence
      of oral potentially malignant disorders. CONCLUSION: With the single surgeon,
      pathologist and same surgical procedure, the mean LNY in Indian patients with
      T3/T4 SCC of mandibular GBS is 21.97 +/- 5.57. Although clinicopathological
      factors affect the estimation of LNY, further studies are needed to validate the
      findings of this study.

PMID- 28071620
TI  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx in patients aged 18-45
      years: A case-control study to evaluate the risk factors with emphasis on stress,
      diet, oral hygiene, and family history.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral
      cavity and oropharynx is reported in young adults. However, there is a paucity
      regarding etiology and risk factors. AIM: To evaluate the exposure potential
      carcinogenic factors among a sample aged 45 years and younger, diagnosed with SCC
      of the oral cavity and oropharynx. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-five case samples aged 18
      45 years, diagnosed with SCC of the oral cavity and oropharynx were compared with
      85 controls who had never had cancer, matched for age and sex. This study was
      conducted by questionnaire-based interviews. Questionnaire contained items about
      exposure to the following risk factors: Caries prevalence, oral hygiene status,
      dental trauma, dental visit, stress, family history of cancer, environmental
      exposure to potential carcinogens, diet, body mass index (BMI), habits such as
      smoking, tobacco chewing, betel quid/pan, or supari. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Odds
      ratios (ORs) of oral and pharyngeal cancer and the corresponding 95% confidence
      intervals were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. P< 0.05 was
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Elevated OR was seen in young
      adults who had poor oral hygiene, stress, dental trauma, low BMI, family history
      of cancer, exposure to environmental carcinogens, and habit of placement of quid
      for 11-20 years. CONCLUSIONS: An increased risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer was
      seen in cases who had poor oral hygiene, stress, dental trauma, low BMI, family
      history of cancer, exposure to environmental carcinogens, and habit of placement
      of quid.

PMID- 28071621
TI  - Assessment of the sociodemographic characteristics and efficacy of screening for
      oral, head and neck potential malignant lesions in apparently healthy adults in
      Jos Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of screening for oral, head and neck cancers (HNCs) in
      adequately identifying high-risk groups is controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study
      aims to review our experience with a free oral, HNC-screening program to
      determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and the
      effectiveness of this program to improve future programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A prospective cross-sectional survey of participants in a free oral, HNC
      screening exercise was performed in the years 2009, 2012, and 2013. RESULTS: In
      the years of screening, 135 participants presented aged between 21 and 83 years
      (mean = 47.0; +/-15.6) with a male to female ratio of 1.2:1. 32.6% consumed
      alcohol, and 17.8% were smokers. Smoking (P = 0.04) and alcohol use (P = 0.05)
      were associated with higher rates of suspicious malignant symptoms. There was no
      statistical correlation between symptom prevalence and the number of participants
      requiring immediate consultation for oral, HNC (r = 0.47), and those referred for
      routine follow-up (r = 0.34). Premalignant and malignant lesions were diagnosed
      in 5 males aged 44-72 years. 83.7% found the screening program beneficial in
      increasing their awareness of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: This hospital-based
      screening demonstrates improved awareness among people about oral, HNCs, and
      survival outcomes on a small scale. A community-based screening with health
      education to target a larger high-risk population is recommended to encourage
      individuals to modify high-risk factors and improve outcomes.

PMID- 28071622
TI  - Oral health-related quality of life after prosthetic rehabilitation in patients
      with oral cancer: A longitudinal study with the Liverpool Oral Rehabilitation
      Questionnaire version 3 and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prosthodontic rehabilitation helps to improve the oral health-related
      quality of life (OHRQOL). The Liverpool Oral Rehabilitation Questionnaire (LORQ)
      and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) are specific tools that measure OHRQOL.
      OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of oral
      rehabilitation on patients' OHRQOL following treatment for cancer of oral cavity
      using LORQ version 3 (LORQv3) and OHIP-14 questionnaire. Secondary objectives
      were to identify issues specific to oral rehabilitation, patients compliance to
      prosthetic rehabilitation, the effect of radiation treatment on prosthetic
      rehabilitation, to achieve meaningful differences over a time before & after
      prosthetic intervention, to carryout and document specific patient-deprived
      problem. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-five oral cancer patients were studied. Patients
      were asked to rate their experience of dental problems before fabrication of
      prosthesis and after 1 year using LORQv3 and OHIP-14. The responses were compared
      on Likert scale. RESULTS: Patients reported with extreme problems before
      rehabilitation. After 1 year of prosthetic rehabilitation, there was improvement
      noticed in all the domain of LORQv3 and OHIP-14. Complete compliance to the use
      of prosthetic appliances for 1 year study period was noted. In response to the
      question no. 40 (LORQv3), only 15 patients who belonged to the obturator group,
      brought to notice the problems which were not addressed in the LORQv3
      questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the oral cancer patients coped
      well and adapted to near normal oral status after prosthetic rehabilitation. This
      contributed to the improved overall health-related quality of life.

PMID- 28071623
TI  - Differentiated thyroid cancer in Iran - initial observations, histological
      features, management of the disease, and tumor recurrence: A review of 1689
      cases.
AB  - AIM: The main objective of this study was to define some histopathological
      aspects of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), describe the disease management,
      and evaluate potential predicting factors for tumor recurrence in Iran. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Medical records of 1689 patients of DTC treated over a 15-year
      period at a referral hospital located in the central region of Iran were reviewed
      retrospectively. RESULTS: The female/male ratio was 3.78. The mean size of tumors
      was 23.35 mm. Most patients had papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) followed by
      follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) (83% and 5.5%, respectively). Lymph node
      involvement was seen in 27.6% of patients, and 3.6% of them had distant
      metastasis. Tumor recurrence was reported in 36.4% of patients. Higher stages of
      cancer, presence of lymph node involvement, presence of distant metastasis,
      larger tumor size, history of goiter, and higher doses of 131-Iodine at the first
      admission were associated with more chance of recurrence (P < 0.05). Comparing
      features of PTC and FTC, we found a more invasive behavior in FTC patients,
      including more capsular and near tissue invasion, higher stages of cancer, more
      frequent distant metastasis, and larger tumor size. CONCLUSION: This study
      provides useful information on characteristics of DTC, its management, and some
      prognostic factors. Our findings suggest that higher stages of cancer at
      diagnosis, presence of lymph node involvement, presence of distant metastasis,
      larger tumor size, history of goiter, and higher doses of 131-iodine administered
      at the first admission are associated with more chance of tumor recurrence.
      Furthermore, we found that FTC follows a more aggressive behavior and recommends
      clinicians to handle FTC patients more cautiously.

PMID- 28071624
TI  - Comparison of two different radiation fractionation schedules with concurrent
      chemotherapy in head and neck malignancy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The worldwide incidence of head and neck malignancy exceeds half a
      million cases annually. In radiotherapy (RT), conventional fractionation
      comprises giving five fractions per week from Monday to Friday. Accelerated RT
      includes administration of six fractions per week is being advocated. It gives
      better locoregional control and the median overall treatment time is 39 days as
      compared to 46 days in conventional group. Our study involved comparison of
      conventional versus accelerated RT with concurrent chemotherapy, in evaluation of
      local control and toxicity in the two arms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients
      of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma head and neck region were studied.
      All the patients received cisplatin (30 mg/m2) weekly during the therapy. The
      patients received RT dose of 70 Gray (Gy) in 35 fractions (#). The patients were
      randomly assorted into two groups: Group 1 - Study group (n = 30) - Six fractions
      RT per week (Monday-Saturday). Group 2 - Control group (n = 30) - Five fractions
      RT per week (Monday-Friday). During and after the treatment, locoregional
      control, acute and late radiation toxicity were assessed. Results and
      Observation: There was no significant difference between the two schedules
      regarding locoregional control rate. The Grade 3 or higher acute toxicities were
      significantly higher in the accelerated arm although there was no significant
      difference in late toxicities between the two arms. CONCLUSION: Accelerated
      fractionation regimen was not more efficacious than conventional fractionation in
      the treatment of previously untreated head and neck carcinoma.

PMID- 28071625
TI  - Thymic epithelial tumors: Can fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography
      help in predicting histologic type and stage?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the utility of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission
      tomography (PET) in predicting (1) the World Health Organization (WHO) histologic
      type and differentiating low-risk from high-risk types. (2) Tumor stage and
      differentiate early from advanced stage disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients
      with thymic epithelial neoplasia who underwent a pretreatment FDG-PET study were
      included. Tumor maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was correlated with
      the WHO histologic type and also with the Masaoka-Koga (MK) staging system.
      Patients with WHO Type A, AB, and B1 were classified as low risk and those with
      B2 and B3 as high risk. Thymic carcinomas belonged to Type C. Patients with MK
      Stage I and II disease were grouped as early stage and those with Stage III and
      IV as an advanced stage. Differences in SUVmax between the various groups were
      calculated. RESULTS: The SUVmax of thymic carcinomas was significantly higher as
      compared to low-risk (P = 0.001) and high-risk groups (P = 0.007). The SUVmax of
      high-risk group was also significantly higher than the low-risk group (P =
      0.002). SUVmax cutoff of 6.5 was able to differentiate thymic carcinomas from
      thymomas with 100% sensitivity and 87.2% specificity. The SUVmax in patients with
      advanced stage disease showed a higher trend compared to those with early stage,
      but the difference was not significant (P = 0.167). CONCLUSION: PET can
      differentiate thymic carcinomas from rest of the thymoma subtypes by the virtue
      of their higher FDG uptake. It can also provide valuable information in
      differentiating high-risk from low-risk thymomas and in predicting disease stage.

PMID- 28071626
TI  - Prognostic factors in postoperative radiotherapy in salivary gland carcinoma: A
      single institution experience from Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We reviewed clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, local and
      distant failure and prognostic factors in patients with salivary gland carcinoma
      treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed 75 patients with salivary gland cancer. 69 (%92)
      patients had cancer of the parotid gland, 3 (%4) patients had cancer of the
      submandibular gland and 3 (%4) patients had cancer of the minor salivary gland. 4
      patients underwent postoperative chemoradiotherapy and 71 patients underwent
      postoperative radiotherapy. Median radiotherapy dose was 60Gy (range, 30Gy to
      69Gy). RESULTS: Median age was 59.6+/-17.9 (13-88) and the female/male ratio was
      1/1.7. Median follow-up 52 months (2-228 months). The mean overall survival
      69.2+/-8 (95%confidence interval[CI], 53.4-85.1) months. The 1-,3-,5- and 10-
      year overall survival rates were 79.8%, 53.2%, 37.4% and 22.8% respectively. The
      mean disease free survival 79.7+/-10 (95%CI, 60.1-99.3) months. The 1-,3-,5- and
      10- year disaese free survival rates were 72.8%, 51.9%, 44.1% and 30.4%
      respectively. On multivariate analysis, the OS was significantly better for the
      female sex (hazard ratio[HR]:3,0;95%CI:1.5-5.6;P=0.001), absence of lymph node
      involvement ([HR]:3,0;95%CI:1.7-5.3;P=0.0001), lower tumor grade
      ([HR]:25,7;95%CI:3.3-199.3;P=0.002), negativity of the surgical margin
      ([HR]:2,3;95%CI:1.3-4.2;P=0.005), absence of lymphovasculer invasion
      ([HR]:2,6;95%CI:1.5-4.6;P=0.001), absence of extracapsuler extension
      ([HR]:6,5;95%CI:2.2-19.1;P=0.001), absence of perineural invasion
      ([HR]:4,8;95%CI:2.6-8.7;P=0.0001) and <=60Gy radiotherapy dose
      ([HR]:3,1;95%CI:1.7-5.5;P=0.0001). They observed local recurrens in17 (23%)
      patients and distant metastasis in 33 (44%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Employing
      existing standards of postoperative radiotherapy is a possible treatment that was
      found to be effective mainly in patients with salivary gland carcinomas.

PMID- 28071628
TI  - An audit of cytoreductive surgeries in ovarian cancer from a rural based cancer
      center.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ovarian cancers are frequently seen at an advanced
      stage in our center. This audit was planned to see the morbidity and efficacy of
      different types of cytoreductive surgeries (radical vs. ultra-radical) done in
      such patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of all ovarian cancer
      patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery at our center from January 2009 to
      August 2013. The case records of these patients were reviewed and the
      demographic, disease-related and treatment-related data were extracted. RESULTS:
      Fifty-fivepatients were identified. Ten (18.2%) patients underwent primary
      cytoreduction while 45 patients had (81.8%) interval cytoreduction. The
      resections achieved were optimal in 50 patients (90.9%) and suboptimal in five
      patients (9.1%). The postoperative median blood loss was 400 (350-600) mL. The
      median time interval for surgery was 4.0 h (3-5 h). The type of resection
      achieved (optimal vs. suboptimal) was the only factor affecting the progression
      free survival (PFS) (Hazard ratio = 0.08 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.3). There
      was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing
      the ultra-radical surgery as compared to those who underwent radical surgery.
      CONCLUSION: Optimal cytoreduction may improve PFS in advanced ovarian cancer
      patients and needs to be done even if it mandates an ultra-radical surgery.

PMID- 28071627
TI  - Tolerance of weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in
      advanced ovarian cancer patients who are unlikely to tolerate 3 weekly paclitaxel
      and carboplatin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are little data regarding safety and effectiveness of
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients who are considered unfit for
      receiving 3 weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin. The aim of this study was to study
      the toxicity and response rates of weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin as NACT in
      such cohort of patients. METHODS: Study population included advanced ovarian
      cancer patients who were unlikely to tolerate 3 weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin
      and hence received weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) and carboplatin AUC-2 as NACT.
      The data regarding the baseline characteristics, chemotherapy tolerance,
      completion rates, toxicity (CTCAE version 4.02), and radiological response rates
      are presented. SPSS version 16 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics is
      presented. RESULT: Eleven patients received this schedule. Nine patients
      completed nine cycles of NACT. Except one, all patients completed NACT with an
      average relative dose intensity of >0.8. There was no chemotherapy-related
      mortality. Grade 3-4 life-threatening complications were seen in two patients.
      The post NACT response rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: Weekly paclitaxel and
      carboplatin chemotherapy is safe and efficacious in patients who are unsuitable
      for 3 weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy schedules.

PMID- 28071629
TI  - Clinical characteristics with patterns of relapse and survival analysis of
      ovarian clear cell carcinoma.
AB  - AIMS: To analyze clinical characteristics, patterns of relapse, and treatment
      outcomes of clearcell carcinoma of the ovary (CCO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case
      files of 51 patients diagnosed with CCO between 2003 and 2010 were reviewed.
      RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 48 years (27-64 years). Fifty percent
      presented with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. The median serum Ca125 was
      74 IU/ml (6-1567 U/ml). Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 32 (62.7%)
      patients. Of the 51 patients in this series, 34 (66.6%) had Stage I disease;
      Stage Ia in 12 (23.6%), Stage Ib in 1(1.9%), and Stage Ic in 21 (41.1%). Thirteen
      (25.6%) presented with Stage III and 4 (7.8%) with Stage IV. No patient had Stage
      II disease. All patients received 4-6 cycles of platinum-based combination
      chemotherapy. There were 18 relapses (35.2%), with disease-free intervals <6
      months in 9, 6-12 months in 4, and >12 months in 5, respectively. Of them 33.3%
      had a recurrent pelvic mass. The median survival after relapse was 14 months.
      There were 13 deaths, 11 due to disease progression, 1 due to chemo toxicity, and
      1 unrelated to disease. At a median follow up of 28 months, disease-free survival
      (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with Stage I-Stage II (early) disease
      was 64% and 80%, respectively. In patients with advanced disease, that is, Stages
      III and IV, DFS and OS were 35% and 38%, respectively. CONCLUSION: CCO generally
      presents at an early stage but has a high propensity for relapse. Patients with
      early-stage disease have a relatively good prognosis as compared with those with
      advanced-stage disease.

PMID- 28071630
TI  - Ovarian tumors in children: 10-year experience from a tertiary care center in
      South India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian tumors are uncommon in childhood and constitute around 1% of
      childhood malignancies. Two thirds of pediatric ovarian tumors are germ cell
      tumors. Epithelial ovarian tumors and stromal tumors are less frequent. We share
      our experience in childhood ovarian cancers, analyzing a series of cases with
      respect to the clinical profile, treatment and survival. METHODS: All newly
      diagnosed ovarian tumors in children up to 14 years of age, registered in our
      Pediatric Oncology Division between January 2000 and December 2009 were
      retrospectively reviewed. OBSERVATIONS: There were 47 patients with newly
      diagnosed ovarian tumors. The mean age at presentation was 10.0 +/- 3.4 years.
      The most common symptoms at presentation were acute abdominal pain (48.9%) and
      abdominal mass (40.4%). Precocious puberty was uncommon (6.3%). Histology was
      germ cell tumors in 44 cases and nongerm cell tumors in three cases. The benign
      teratomas (mature and immature grade 1 and 2; n=9) underwent complete surgical
      resection alone; none had recurrence on follow up. Of the remaining 35 GCTs, 31
      patients were given chemotherapy and 4 refused treatment.26 out of the 31
      patients completed chemotherapy with BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin)
      regimen with acceptable toxicities. 5 children i.e.; (19.2%) developed
      recurrence. At a median follow up of 80 months, 10 year disease free survival was
      80.8 +/- 7.7% and 10 year overall survival was 92.7 +/- 4.9%. CONCLUSION: Germ
      cell tumors are the most common ovarian malignancy in children. With surgery and
      chemotherapy using BEP, good outcome can be expected in these patients.

PMID- 28071631
TI  - Profile of pancreatic tumors at a tertiary care center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreas, a relatively inaccessible organ, poses diagnostic
      difficulties with overlapping presentation among benign and malignant tumors. In
      the present study, pancreatic aspirates obtained by computed tomography (CT)
      guided procedures were used for cytodiagnosis. Our study aims at correlating
      clinical, cytological, biochemical, and histopathological results in obtaining a
      final diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study of 2 years was done which
      included 32 cases of pancreatic tumors at a tertiary care center. Patient data
      were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of the 32 (84.37%) cases were
      malignant tumors. Age distribution in malignant tumors was predominantly seen in
      the fourth to eighth decade, whereas in benign, it ranged in the second to third
      decade. Thirteen out of the 32 (40.62%) cases reported were females, with
      male:female ratio of 1.46:1. The most common presenting symptom was abdominal
      pain followed by jaundice and vomiting. Three of the 32 cases had visceral
      metastasis at the time of diagnosis. CT-guided aspirates in most cases yielded
      diagnostic material. Cytological and histopathological results concurred except
      for three cases. Cancer Antigen 19-9 was worked up for 14 of 27 malignant cases,
      11 of which showed grossly elevated values (700-7000), and three cases showed
      mildly elevated values (100-300). Three of the four benign cases worked up for CA
      19-9 showed normal values. CONCLUSIONS: Among the mass forming lesions in
      pancreas, malignancy was more common compared to benign tumors. A
      multidisciplinary approach in the assessment and diagnosis of pancreatic tumors
      yields accurate results in spite of the limitations faced in obtaining adequate
      samples by needle aspirates.

PMID- 28071632
TI  - Primary gastrointestinal lymphomas in children: An experience of 12 years from a
      tertiary care center of North India.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Lymphomas are among the dominant solid tumors in children and
      primary gastrointestinal lymphomas (PGILs), although rare, are the most common
      extranodal lymphomas and the most common malignancies affecting the
      gastrointestinal tract in children. This study was undertaken to analyze
      childhood PGIL with reference to clinical presentation, anatomic distribution,
      histopathologic, and immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this 12 year combined retrospective and prospective descriptive
      study, all the cases of PGIL in children were selected according to Dawson's
      criteria. RESULTS: A total of 11 cases were found which included 9 boys and 2
      girls (male:female - 4.5:1) ranging in age from 1 to 14 years (mean 6.6 years).
      Abdominal pain (81.8%) and intestinal obstruction (63.6%) were the most common
      presenting features. Grossly, most of the lesions were ulcero-infiltrative
      (72.7%) and involved the terminal part of the ileum (36.4%) and ileocecal region
      (27.3%) most commonly. Histopathologically and IHC, all the cases were high-grade
      lymphomas of diffuse large B-cell type except for one case of mucosa-associated
      lymphoid tissue lymphoma. No case of Burkitt's lymphoma was found. CONCLUSION:
      PGILs are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide
      with considerable variation in their clinicopathological features and treatment
      modalities. Only some studies are available in literature for comparison. Further
      studies are required to define the genetic and molecular basis of the different
      histopathological pattern found in our setting.

PMID- 28071633
TI  - Inadvertent intramuscular administration of vincristine in two pediatric patients
      with uneventful outcomes.

PMID- 28071634
TI  - Place of birth and risk of gallbladder cancer in India.
AB  - CONTEXT: Within India, the incidence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) is characterized
      by marked geographical variation; however, the reasons for these differences are
      unclear. AIMS: To evaluate the role of place of birth, length of residence, and
      effect of migration from high- to low-risk region on GBC development. SETTINGS
      AND DESIGN: Population-based cancer registries (PBCRs); case-control study.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data of PBCRs were used to demonstrate geographical
      variation in GBC incidence rates. A case-control study data examined the role of
      birth place, residence length, and effect of migration in etiology of GBC.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Rate ratios for different PBCRs were estimated using
      Chennai Cancer Registry as the reference population. Odds ratios (ORs) for
      developing GBC in a high-risk region compared to a low-risk region and associated
      95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated through unconditional logistic
      regression models using case-control study. RESULTS: GBC shows marked variation
      in incidence with risk highest in Northeast regions and lowest in South India. OR
      of 4.82 (95% CI: 3.87-5.99) was observed for developing GBC for individuals born
      in a high-risk region compared to those born in a low-risk region after adjusting
      for confounders. A dose-response relationship with increased risk with increased
      length of residence in a high-risk region was observed (OR lifetime 5.58 [95% CI:
      4.42-7.05]; Ptrend <= 0.001). The risk persisted even if study participant
      migrated from high- to low-risk region (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.02-1.82).
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study signifies the importance of place of birth, length
      of stay, and effect of migration from high- to low-risk region in the development
      of GBC. The data indicate role of environmental and genetic factors in etiology
      of disease.

PMID- 28071635
TI  - Prognostic factors and 5-year survival of patients with carcinoma penis: Tertiary
      health center study.
AB  - CONTEXT: To identify prognostic factors in carcinoma penis with its impact on
      survival. AIMS: To find out the relation of various prognostic factors of
      carcinoma penis with the various outcomes. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Each patient diagnosed as having carcinoma of
      penis by incision biopsy and operated from January 2004 to May 2009 at the
      institute was included in the study (n = 117). Data were collected and analyzed.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The Chi-square (chi2) test was used to test for the
      significance of association between the independent (predictor) and dependent
      (outcome) variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to
      determine predictor variables that predicted the outcome. Five year disease-free
      survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier
      method. RESULTS: Of the total 117 patients studied, 30 patients died within 5
      years (median = 25 months). Recurrences (local or systemic) were seen in 23
      patients (median = 14 months). Five-year DFS was 80.34% and OS was 72.22%. Kaplan
      Meier analysis showed that well to moderately differentiated grade, lymph node
      negative disease and low stage have higher survivals than poorly differentiated
      grade, lymph node positive disease and higher stage, respectively. Multiple
      logistic regression analysis revealed that inguinal lymph node positivity and
      grade were significantly associated with local or systemic recurrence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Penile cancer patients with advanced disease had poor survival.
      Tumor grade and inguinal lymph node metastasis are factors affecting DFS.
      Lymphadenectomy remains an integral part of the management of patients with
      penile cancer.

PMID- 28071637
TI  - Adrenocortical carcinoma in children and adults: Two decades experience in a
      single institution.
AB  - CONTEXT: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) occurring in children and adults show
      distinct characteristics. However, due to rarity of the disease no large series
      addressing this issue has been published. AIMS: The aim of this study was to
      study clinico-pathologic profile and outcome of ACC in children and adults.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Tertiary referral center. Retrospective study (January 1990
      June 2011). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with ACC were included;
      16children (aged < 18 years) and 29 adults. Clinical details, hormonal profile,
      operation records, pathology reports and follow-up findings were noted and
      compared. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Log rank
      test and Cox regressionan alysis were performed. RESULTS: Mean age was 8 +/- 5.7
      (M: F = 1:2.1) in children and 44.4 +/- 15 years (M: F = 1:1.1) in adult groups.
      Prevalence of functioning tumors was significantly high in children (87.5 vs. 31%
      P = 0.001), while prevalence of incidentalomas was high in adults (6.3 vs. 51.7%
      P = 0.05). Tumor stage distribution at presentation, mean diameter (10.9 vs. 13.7
      cm), and weight (392.9 vs. 892.9 g) didn't differ significantly in two groups.
      Adults had better albeit non-significant 5 year overall survival (OS) than
      children (0 vs. 13%). On univariate analysis stage of disease (P = 0.008),
      surgical intervention (P = 0.004), Weiss score (P = 0.04) and hormonal secretion
      (P = 0.04) were significantly associated with OS in adults but not in children.
      No factor was found significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Except for
      high prevalence of functioning tumors in children, clinico-pathologic attributes
      and outcome of ACC in the two groups didn't differ significantly.

PMID- 28071636
TI  - Epidemiology of male seminomatous and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors and
      response to first-line chemotherapy from a tertiary cancer center in India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Unlike the developed countries, there is a lack of good
      epidemiologic data for testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) in India with majority
      presenting in advanced stage. This study aims to elaborate on the epidemiology of
      testicular GCTs and response to standard first-line chemotherapy (CT). METHODS:
      GCTs treated at our center from January 2013 to June 2014 were retrospectively
      analyzed. Patients underwent orchidectomy either outside or at our hospital.
      Based on stage and risk group, standard CT (bleomycin, etoposide, and
      cisplatin/etoposide and cisplatin/carboplatin AUC7) and radiotherapy were given
      as appropriate. Response was calculated based on the Response Evaluation Criteria
      in Solid Tumors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18 software.
      RESULTS: Fifty nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) and 36 of SGCT cases were
      studied. 30%, 46%, and 64% of NSGCT and 11%, 28%, and 22% of SGCT had N2, N3, and
      M1 diseases, respectively. The mean nodal size was 7 cm (1.5-19) in NSGCT and 5.5
      cm (1.3-11) in SGCT. As per the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative
      Group classification, in patients with metastatic disease, 9% of NSGCT were good,
      53% were intermediate, and 38% were poor risk whereas 75% of SGCT were good and
      25% were intermediate risk. Following CT among NSGCT, 5% and 71% had radiologic
      complete response (CR) and partial response (PR), respectively. Among SGCT, 46%
      and 38% had radiologic CR and PR, respectively. 22%, 53%, and 13% of NSGCT and
      12%, 24%, and 20% of SGCT developed febrile neutropenia, Grade 3 or 4
      hematological and nonhematological toxicities, respectively, after standard
      chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: GCTs in India present with high nodal and high-risk
      diseases wherein the standard first-line CT may not be adequate as curative
      therapy; however, significant chemotoxicity is also a hindrance.

PMID- 28071638
TI  - Smokeless tobacco use and perceptions of risk among students in Mumbai municipal
      schools.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nearly 15% of youth in India use tobacco. However, few studies have
      explored the use, knowledge, and attitudes of smokeless tobacco use among youth.
      AIM: To determine the patterns of use as well as knowledge and perceptions of
      smokeless tobacco among youth in Mumbai attending municipal schools. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed among 1053 students in the
      8th and 9th grades in 16 municipal schools in Mumbai to determine the knowledge
      and perceptions about smokeless tobacco products as well as the patterns of use.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Ever use of smokeless tobacco was reported by 47 (4.7%)
      students in the survey. Twenty-nine (2.9%) students reported ever using smoked
      tobacco. Students were more likely to identify cigarettes and bidis as tobacco
      products compared to smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, mishri, and
      khaini. Betel nut products were used by 178 (17.9%) students. The high rate of
      smokeless tobacco and betel nut use coupled with low levels of knowledge about
      their contents and harms suggests that tobacco control programs targeting youth
      should ensure that these products are adequately explained and understood by
      students.

PMID- 28071639
TI  - The ban on smokeless tobacco products is systematically violated in Chennai,
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: India is the world's third largest consumer of tobacco. There are
      twice as many users of smokeless tobacco products (STPs) as cigarette smokers.
      The Government of Tamil Nadu has banned the sale of gutkha and pan masala in
      2013. Our aim was to identify the varieties of illegal STP available in Chennai,
      India. METHODS: In systematically chosen zones and regions of Chennai city, we
      randomly identified three kinds of kiosks (n = 18) and asked for "gutkha" and
      "pan masala," one of each product available. Details of each product were
      reviewed based on the information printed on the sachets. RESULTS: Totally 65
      STPs were collected; 26 distinct products and 23 brands. All products were
      claimed to be "tobacco" by the shop keepers. Sixty-five percent of the products
      informed to contain tobacco and 15.4% to contain pan masala. Five sachets did not
      inform about the content; 30.8% did not have a pictorial warning; a text warning
      was printed on 80.8%, but only two products had the messages in Tamil; 70% had
      promotional messages printed, and 57% had their registration numbers printed.
      CONCLUSION: The ban on STP is being systematically violated in Chennai. STP are
      cheap and easily available and due to promotional laudatory messages and lacking
      information about the content and warning of health damage, the consumers are
      left with the perception that they buy more or less harmless product. The Indian
      Government must introduce policies to control production, import, and sale of
      illicit STP but we also call for a coordinated international solution.

PMID- 28071640
TI  - Innovation in chemotherapy administration process.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This project was started after patient's complaints of increased
      cost burden on patients with increase stay of patient in hospital for
      chemotherapy administration for 3-4 days, how to decrease this hospital stay and
      financial burden and how can we improve services to decrease hospital stay and
      expedite the process of chemotherapy administration. METHODS: A total of 100
      patients' confidential files reviewed from February 12, 2013 to May 15, 2013,
      patients, who were admitted for chemotherapy administration only in inpatient
      area and all services timings, were reviewed and documented on sheet named as
      delays chemotherapy sheet, nine processes timings checked against their
      benchmarks. RESULTS: All services process timings analyzed and compared with
      their benchmarks, results of all services timings are nearly close to benchmark
      except lab test results of patients who were admitted without labs test for
      chemotherapy administration delays seen in collecting blood sample and sending
      this sample to the laboratory, significant delay is seen in chemotherapy order
      entry by physician if patient is admitted after 4 p.m. for chemotherapy
      administration. Delays also identified in administration of chemotherapy.
      CONCLUSION: After identifying the reasons of delays in chemotherapy
      administration, improvement and innovation in chemotherapy administration process
      done which not only decrease hospital stay, but also decrease the cost of
      chemotherapy administration.

PMID- 28071641
TI  - Epidemiological data and case load spectrum of patients presenting to bone and
      soft tissue disease management group at a tertiary cancer center.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to know the spectrum and
      number of bone and soft tissue (BST) tumors presenting to our institute. We
      needed to assess the gap between the number of patients seen and infrastructure
      available, and based on this information, help formulate guidelines for optimum
      utilization of resources and to provide best possible evidence-based cancer care.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: This is a prospective observational study
      (epidemiological). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included all new patients
      seen in BST-disease management group (DMG) in the year 2010. An audit form was
      devised to capture all the relevant information. A comparison of our data with
      other national and international studies was also done. RESULTS: Out of total
      31,951 new patients registered at our institute, 2007 patients availed BST-DMG
      services. Sixty percent were bone tumors and 36% were soft tissue tumors. In bone
      tumor, 66% were malignant, 15% were benign, and 19% were non-neoplastic.
      Osteosarcoma (43%) was the most common malignant tumor followed by primitive
      neuroectodermal tumor/Ewing's (27%) and chondrosarcoma (11%). Giant cell tumor
      was the most common benign bone tumor. Eighty-one percent of all soft tissue
      lesions were malignant, of which 75% were of mesenchymal origin and 25% were of
      cutaneous origin. CONCLUSION: This is an attempt to document the epidemiology of
      musculoskeletal tumors presenting to our institution while guiding the institute
      to frame and implement disease-specific protocols and generate further research
      questions. Continued data collection and follow-up can provide valuable
      information on long-term survival and treatment-related toxicities. This data
      (within limitations) may be extrapolated to national level to identify the need
      for infrastructure and human resources.

PMID- 28071642
TI  - A "Guided" technique for insertion of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drains.

PMID- 28071644
TI  - Topologically protected modes in non-equilibrium stochastic systems.
AB  - Non-equilibrium driving of biophysical processes is believed to enable their
      robust functioning despite the presence of thermal fluctuations and other sources
      of disorder. Such robust functions include sensory adaptation, enhanced enzymatic
      specificity and maintenance of coherent oscillations. Elucidating the relation
      between energy consumption and organization remains an important and open
      question in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. Here we report that steady
      states of systems with non-equilibrium fluxes can support topologically protected
      boundary modes that resemble similar modes in electronic and mechanical systems.
      Akin to their electronic and mechanical counterparts, topological-protected
      boundary steady states in non-equilibrium systems are robust and are largely
      insensitive to local perturbations. We argue that our work provides a framework
      for how biophysical systems can use non-equilibrium driving to achieve robust
      function.

PMID- 28071643
TI  - Development and validation of a questionnaire to measure preferences and
      expectations of patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy: EXPECT
      questionnaire.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to design and validate the questionnaire for
      capturing palliative chemotherapy-related preferences and expectations. DESIGN:
      Single arm, unicentric, prospective observational study. METHODS: EXPECT
      questionnaire was designed to capture preferences and expectations of patients
      undergoing palliative chemotherapy. This questionnaire underwent a linguistic
      validation and then was tested in patients. Ten patients are undergoing
      chemotherapy for solid tumors who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria
      self-administered the EXPECT questionnaire in regional language. After filling
      this questionnaire, they self-administered quick questionnaire-10 (QQ-10). SPSS
      version 16 (IBM New York) was used for analysis. Completion rate of EXPECT
      questionnaire was calculated. The feasibility, face validity, utility and time
      taken for completion of EXPECT questionnaire was also assessed. RESULTS: The
      completion rate of this questionnaire was 100%. All patients completed
      questionnaire within 5 min. The QQ-10 tool confirmed the feasibility, face
      validity and utility of the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: EXPECT questionnaire was
      validated in the regional language, and it's an effective tool for capturing
      patient's preferences and expectation from chemotherapy.

PMID- 28071645
TI  - Integrating mass spectrometry with MD simulations reveals the role of lipids in
      Na+/H+ antiporters.
AB  - Na+/H+ antiporters are found in all kingdoms of life and exhibit catalysis rates
      that are among the fastest of all known secondary-active transporters. Here we
      combine ion mobility mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics simulations to
      study the conformational stability and lipid-binding properties of the Na+/H+
      exchanger NapA from Thermus thermophilus and compare this to the prototypical
      antiporter NhaA from Escherichia coli and the human homologue NHA2. We find that
      NapA and NHA2, but not NhaA, form stable dimers and do not selectively retain
      membrane lipids. By comparing wild-type NapA with engineered variants, we show
      that the unfolding of the protein in the gas phase involves the disruption of
      inter-domain contacts. Lipids around the domain interface protect the native fold
      in the gas phase by mediating contacts between the mobile protein segments. We
      speculate that elevator-type antiporters such as NapA, and likely NHA2, use a
      subset of annular lipids as structural support to facilitate large-scale
      conformational changes within the membrane.

PMID- 28071646
TI  - Reinforcement learning accounts for moody conditional cooperation behavior:
      experimental results.
AB  - In social dilemma games, human participants often show conditional cooperation
      (CC) behavior or its variant called moody conditional cooperation (MCC), with
      which they basically tend to cooperate when many other peers have previously
      cooperated. Recent computational studies showed that CC and MCC behavioral
      patterns could be explained by reinforcement learning. In the present study, we
      use a repeated multiplayer prisoner's dilemma game and the repeated public goods
      game played by human participants to examine whether MCC is observed across
      different types of game and the possibility that reinforcement learning explains
      observed behavior. We observed MCC behavior in both games, but the MCC that we
      observed was different from that observed in the past experiments. In the present
      study, whether or not a focal participant cooperated previously affected the
      overall level of cooperation, instead of changing the tendency of cooperation in
      response to cooperation of other participants in the previous time step. We found
      that, across different conditions, reinforcement learning models were
      approximately as accurate as a MCC model in describing the experimental results.
      Consistent with the previous computational studies, the present results suggest
      that reinforcement learning may be a major proximate mechanism governing MCC
      behavior.

PMID- 28071647
TI  - Colossal negative thermal expansion in reduced layered ruthenate.
AB  - Large negative thermal expansion (NTE) has been discovered during the last decade
      in materials of various kinds, particularly materials associated with a magnetic,
      ferroelectric or charge-transfer phase transition. Such NTE materials have
      attracted considerable attention for use as thermal-expansion compensators. Here,
      we report the discovery of giant NTE for reduced layered ruthenate. The total
      volume change related to NTE reaches 6.7% in dilatometry, a value twice as large
      as the largest volume change reported to date. We observed a giant negative
      coefficient of linear thermal expansion alpha=-115 * 10-6 K-1 over 200 K interval
      below 345 K. This dilatometric NTE is too large to be attributable to the
      crystallographic unit-cell volume variation with temperature. The highly
      anisotropic thermal expansion of the crystal grains might underlie giant bulk NTE
      via microstructural effects consuming open spaces in the sintered body on
      heating.

PMID- 28071648
TI  - Foliar application of the leaf-colonizing yeast Pseudozyma churashimaensis
      elicits systemic defense of pepper against bacterial and viral pathogens.
AB  - Yeast associates with many plant parts including the phyllosphere, where it is
      subject to harsh environmental conditions. Few studies have reported on
      biological control of foliar pathogens by yeast. Here, we newly isolated leaf
      colonizing yeasts from leaves of field-grown pepper plants in a major pepper
      production area of South Korea. The yeast was isolated using semi-selective
      medium supplemented with rifampicin to inhibit bacterial growth and its disease
      control capacity against Xanthomonas axonopodis infection of pepper plants in the
      greenhouse was evaluated. Of 838 isolated yeasts, foliar spray of Pseudozyma
      churashimaensis strain RGJ1 at 108 cfu/mL conferred significant protection
      against X. axonopodis and unexpectedly against Cucumber mosaic virus, Pepper
      mottle virus, Pepper mild mottle virus, and Broad bean wilt virus under field
      conditions. Direct antagonism between strain RGJ1 and X. axonopodis was not
      detected from co-culture assays, suggesting that disease is suppressed via
      induced resistance. Additional molecular analysis of the induced resistance
      marker genes Capsicum annuum Pathogenesis-Related (CaPR) 4 and CaPR5 indicated
      that strain RGJ1 elicited plant defense priming. To our knowledge, this study is
      the first report of plant protection against bacterial and viral pathogens
      mediated by a leaf-colonizing yeast and has potential for effective disease
      management in the field.

PMID- 28071649
TI  - Effect of shortened sleep on energy expenditure, core body temperature, and
      appetite: a human randomised crossover trial.
AB  - The effects of sleep restriction on energy metabolism and appetite remain
      controversial. We examined the effects of shortened sleep duration on energy
      metabolism, core body temperature (CBT), and appetite profiles. Nine healthy men
      were evaluated in a randomised crossover study under two conditions: a 3.5-h
      sleep duration and a 7-h sleep duration for three consecutive nights followed by
      one 7-h recovery sleep night. The subjects' energy expenditure (EE), substrate
      utilisation, and CBT were continually measured for 48 h using a whole-room
      calorimeter. The subjects completed an appetite questionnaire every hour while in
      the calorimeter. Sleep restriction did not affect total EE or substrate
      utilisation. The 48-h mean CBT decreased significantly during the 3.5-h sleep
      condition compared with the 7-h sleep condition (7-h sleep, 36.75 +/- 0.11 
      degrees C; 3.5-h sleep, 36.68 +/- 0.14  degrees C; p = 0.016). After three
      consecutive nights of sleep restriction, fasting peptide YY levels and fullness
      were significantly decreased (p = 0.011), whereas hunger and prospective food
      consumption were significantly increased, compared to those under the 7-h sleep
      condition. Shortened sleep increased appetite by decreasing gastric hormone
      levels, but did not affect EE, suggesting that greater caloric intake during a
      shortened sleep cycle increases the risk of weight gain.

PMID- 28071650
TI  - Improved ethanol electrooxidation performance by shortening Pd-Ni active site
      distance in Pd-Ni-P nanocatalysts.
AB  - Incorporating oxophilic metals into noble metal-based catalysts represents an
      emerging strategy to improve the catalytic performance of electrocatalysts in
      fuel cells. However, effects of the distance between the noble metal and
      oxophilic metal active sites on the catalytic performance have rarely been
      investigated. Herein, we report on ultrasmall (~5 nm) Pd-Ni-P ternary
      nanoparticles for ethanol electrooxidation. The activity is improved up to 4.95 A
      per mgPd, which is 6.88 times higher than commercial Pd/C (0.72 A per mgPd), by
      shortening the distance between Pd and Ni active sites, achieved through shape
      transformation from Pd/Ni-P heterodimers into Pd-Ni-P nanoparticles and tuning
      the Ni/Pd atomic ratio to 1:1. Density functional theory calculations reveal that
      the improved activity and stability stems from the promoted production of free OH
      radicals (on Ni active sites) which facilitate the oxidative removal of
      carbonaceous poison and combination with CH3CO radicals on adjacent Pd active
      sites.

PMID- 28071651
TI  - Marine origin of retroviruses in the early Palaeozoic Era.
AB  - Very little is known about the ancient origin of retroviruses, but owing to the
      discovery of their ancient endogenous viral counterparts, their early history is
      beginning to unfold. Here we report 36 lineages of basal amphibian and fish foamy
      like endogenous retroviruses (FLERVs). Phylogenetic analyses reveal that ray
      finned fish FLERVs exhibit an overall co-speciation pattern with their hosts,
      while amphibian FLERVs might not. We also observe several possible ancient viral
      cross-class transmissions, involving lobe-finned fish, shark and frog FLERVs.
      Sequence examination and analyses reveal two major lineages of ray-finned fish
      FLERVs, one of which had gained two novel accessory genes within their
      extraordinarily large genomes. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest that this major
      retroviral lineage, and therefore retroviruses as a whole, have an ancient marine
      origin and originated together with, if not before, their jawed vertebrate hosts
      >450 million years ago in the Ordovician period, early Palaeozoic Era.

PMID- 28071652
TI  - The local nature of incompressibility of quantum Hall effect.
AB  - Since the experimental realization of the integer quantum Hall effect in a two
      dimensional electron system, the interrelation between the conductance
      quantization and the topological properties of the system has been investigated.
      Assuming that the two-dimensional electron system is described by a Bloch
      Hamiltonian, system is insulating in the bulk of sample throughout the quantum
      Hall plateau due to a magnetic field induced energy gap. Meanwhile, the system is
      conducting at the edges resembling a 2+1 dimensional topological insulator
      without time-reversal symmetry. Here, by our magneto-transport measurements
      performed on GaAs/AlGaAs high purity Hall bars with two inner contacts we show
      that incompressible strips formed at the edges result in Hall quantization, even
      if the bulk is compressible. Consequently, the relationship between the quantum
      Hall effect and topological bulk insulator breaks for specific field intervals
      within the plateaus. The measurement of conducting bulk, strongly challenges all
      existing single-particle theories.

PMID- 28071653
TI  - Prophylactic orthosteric inhibition of leukocyte integrin CD11b/CD18 prevents
      long-term fibrotic kidney failure in cynomolgus monkeys.
AB  - Ischaemic acute kidney injury (AKI), an inflammatory disease process, often
      progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD), with no available effective
      prophylaxis. This is in part due to lack of clinically relevant CKD models in non
      human primates. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of the archetypal innate
      immune receptor CD11b/CD18 prevents progression of AKI to CKD in cynomolgus
      monkeys. Severe ischaemia-reperfusion injury of the right kidney, with subsequent
      periods of the left ureter ligation, causes irreversible right kidney failure 3,
      6 or 9 months after AKI. Moreover, prophylactic inactivation of CD11b/CD18, using
      the orthosteric CD11b/CD18 inhibitor mAb107, improves microvascular perfusion and
      histopathology, reduces intrarenal pro-inflammatory mediators and salvages kidney
      function long term. These studies reveal an important early role of CD11b+
      leukocytes in post-ischaemic kidney fibrosis and failure, and suggest a potential
      early therapeutic intervention to mitigate progression of ischaemic AKI to CKD in
      humans.

PMID- 28071654
TI  - Responsiveness of Endoscopic Indices of Disease Activity for Crohn's Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) and the
      Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD) are commonly used to assess
      Crohn's disease (CD) activity; however neither instrument is fully validated. We
      evaluated the responsiveness to change of the SES-CD and CDEIS using data from a
      trial of adalimumab, a drug therapy of known efficacy. METHODS: Paired video
      recordings (N=112) of colonoscopies (baseline and week 8-12) obtained from
      patients with CD who participated in a trial of adalimumab therapy were reviewed
      in random order, in duplicate, by four central readers (56 pairs of videos by 2
      groups of readers). Responsiveness of the SES-CD and the CDEIS was evaluated by
      comparing correlations between the observed and pre-specified predictions of
      change scores for these endoscopic indices with a global endoscopic evaluation of
      severity (GELS), a patient reported outcome (PRO2), and the Crohn's disease
      activity index (CDAI), and by calculation of the standardized effect size, and
      Guyatt's Responsiveness statistic (GRS) using 2 definitions of change; (1)
      treatment assignment and (2) an absolute change in total PRO2 of 50. The
      potential application of effect size estimates was demonstrated by calculating
      hypothetical sample sizes for comparing two independent groups. The impact of
      removing stenosis as an index item and adjusting for the number of segments
      observed was also assessed. RESULTS: Changes in both endoscopic instruments and
      the GELS were highly correlated. The SES-CD displayed numerically higher effect
      sizes for both definitions of change. The standardized effect size and GRS
      estimates (95% confidence interval) for the SES-CD based on treatment assignment
      were 0.84 (0.53, 1.15) and 0.79 (0.48, 1.09). Corresponding values for the CDEIS
      were 0.72 (0.42, 1.02) and 0.75 (0.45, 1.06). The standardized effect size and
      GRS estimates for the SES-CD based on an absolute change in total PRO2 of 50
      points or greater were 0.76 (0.49, 1.02) and 0.93 (0.64, 1.21). Corresponding
      values for CDEIS were 0.70 (0.44, 0.97), 0.83 (0.55, 1.10). Removal of stenosis
      as an index item and adjusting for observed segments did not improve
      responsiveness estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Although both the SES-CD and CDEIS are
      valid measures of endoscopic disease activity that are moderately responsive to
      changes in endoscopic disease activity, the SES-CD displayed numerically greater
      responsiveness in this data set.

PMID- 28071655
TI  - Effectiveness of Guideline-Recommended Cholecystectomy to Prevent Recurrent
      Pancreatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cholecystectomy during or within 4 weeks of hospitalization for acute
      biliary pancreatitis is recommended by guidelines. We examined adherence to the
      guidelines for incident mild-to-moderate acute biliary pancreatitis and the
      effectiveness of cholecystectomy to prevent recurrent episodes of pancreatitis.
      METHODS: Individuals in the 2010-2013 MarketScan Commercial Claims & Encounters
      database with a hospitalization associated with International Classification of
      Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes of 577.0 for
      acute pancreatitis and 574.x for gallstone disease were eligible. Guideline
      adherence was considered cholecystectomy within 30 days of the first/index
      hospitalization for biliary pancreatitis. Individuals with and without guideline
      adherent cholecystectomy were compared for subsequent hospitalization for acute
      or chronic pancreatitis using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age,
      sex, comorbidities, and length of index hospital stay. RESULTS: Of the 17,010
      patients who met the inclusion criteria, 78% were adherent with the guidelines,
      including 10,918 who underwent cholecystectomy during the index hospitalization
      and 2,387 who underwent cholecystectomy within 30 days. Among 3,705 patients non
      adherent with the guidelines, 1,213 had a cholecystectomy 1-6 months after the
      index hospitalization. Guideline-adherent cholecystectomy resulted in fewer
      subsequent hospitalizations for acute and chronic pancreatitis as compared with
      non-adherence to the guidelines (acute pancreatitis: 3% vs. 13%, P<0.001; chronic
      pancreatitis: 1% vs. 4%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly four out of five patients
      underwent cholecystectomy for acute biliary pancreatitis in a timeframe,
      consistent with guidelines. Adherence resulted in a decrease in subsequent
      hospitalizations for both acute and chronic pancreatitis. However, the majority
      of non-adherent patients did not undergo a subsequent cholecystectomy. There may
      be factors that predict the need for immediate vs. delayed cholecystectomy.

PMID- 28071657
TI  - Corrigendum: 2016 ACG Abstracts-Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2016.358.

PMID- 28071658
TI  - Corrigendum: 2016 ACG Abstracts- Outcomes Research.
AB  - This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2016.360.

PMID- 28071656
TI  - ACG Clinical Guideline: Preventive Care in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - Recent data suggest that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients do not receive
      preventive services at the same rate as general medical patients. Patients with
      IBD often consider their gastroenterologist to be the primary provider of care.
      To improve the care delivered to IBD patients, health maintenance issues need to
      be co-managed by both the gastroenterologist and primary care team.
      Gastroenterologists need to explicitly inform the primary care provider of the
      unique needs of the IBD patient, especially those on immunomodulators and
      biologics or being considered for such therapy. In particular, documentation of
      up to date vaccinations are crucial as IBD patients are often treated with long
      term immune-suppressive therapies and may be at increased risk for infections,
      many of which are preventable with vaccinations. Health maintenance issues
      addressed in this guideline include identification, safety and appropriate timing
      of vaccinations, screening for osteoporosis, cervical cancer, melanoma and non
      melanoma skin cancer as well as identification of depression and anxiety and
      smoking cessation. To accomplish these health maintenance goals, coordination
      between the primary care provider, gastroenterology team and other specialists is
      necessary.

PMID- 28071660
TI  - Corrigendum: 2016 ACG Abstracts- Clinical Vignettes/Case Reports - Esophagus.
AB  - This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2016.368.

PMID- 28071662
TI  - Experimental Array for Generating Dual Circularly-Polarized Dual-Mode OAM Radio
      Beams.
AB  - Recently, vortex beam carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) for radio
      communications has attracted much attention for its potential of transmitting
      multiple signals simultaneously at the same frequency, which can be used to
      increase the channel capacity. However, most of the methods for getting multi
      mode OAM radio beams are of complicated structure and very high cost. This paper
      provides an effective solution of generating dual circularly-polarized (CP) dual
      mode OAM beams. The antenna consists of four dual-CP elements which are
      sequentially rotated 90 degrees in the clockwise direction. Different from all
      previous published research relating to OAM generation by phased arrays, the four
      elements are fed with the same phase for both left-hand circular polarization
      (LHCP) and right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). The dual-mode operation for
      OAM is achieved through the opposite phase differences generated for LHCP and
      RHCP, when the dual-CP elements are sequentially rotated in the clockwise
      direction. The measured results coincide well with the simulated ones, which
      verified the effectiveness of the proposed design.

PMID- 28071661
TI  - Neuronal sFlt1 and Vegfaa determine venous sprouting and spinal cord
      vascularization.
AB  - Formation of organ-specific vasculatures requires cross-talk between developing
      tissue and specialized endothelial cells. Here we show how developing zebrafish
      spinal cord neurons coordinate vessel growth through balancing of neuron-derived
      Vegfaa, with neuronal sFlt1 restricting Vegfaa-Kdrl mediated angiogenesis at the
      neurovascular interface. Neuron-specific loss of flt1 or increased neuronal
      vegfaa expression promotes angiogenesis and peri-neural tube vascular network
      formation. Combining loss of neuronal flt1 with gain of vegfaa promotes sprout
      invasion into the neural tube. On loss of neuronal flt1, ectopic sprouts emanate
      from veins involving special angiogenic cell behaviours including nuclear
      positioning and a molecular signature distinct from primary arterial or secondary
      venous sprouting. Manipulation of arteriovenous identity or Notch signalling
      established that ectopic sprouting in flt1 mutants requires venous endothelium.
      Conceptually, our data suggest that spinal cord vascularization proceeds from
      veins involving two-tiered regulation of neuronal sFlt1 and Vegfaa via a novel
      sprouting mode.

PMID- 28071659
TI  - ACG Clinical Guideline: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common worldwide infection that is
      an important cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. H. pylori may also
      have a role in uninvestigated and functional dyspepsia, ulcer risk in patients
      taking low-dose aspirin or starting therapy with a non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory medication, unexplained iron deficiency anemia, and idiopathic
      thrombocytopenic purpura. While choosing a treatment regimen for H. pylori,
      patients should be asked about previous antibiotic exposure and this information
      should be incorporated into the decision-making process. For first-line
      treatment, clarithromycin triple therapy should be confined to patients with no
      previous history of macrolide exposure who reside in areas where clarithromycin
      resistance amongst H. pylori isolates is known to be low. Most patients will be
      better served by first-line treatment with bismuth quadruple therapy or
      concomitant therapy consisting of a PPI, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and
      metronidazole. When first-line therapy fails, a salvage regimen should avoid
      antibiotics that were previously used. If a patient received a first-line
      treatment containing clarithromycin, bismuth quadruple therapy or levofloxacin
      salvage regimens are the preferred treatment options. If a patient received first
      line bismuth quadruple therapy, clarithromycin or levofloxacin-containing salvage
      regimens are the preferred treatment options. Details regarding the drugs, doses
      and durations of the recommended and suggested first-line and salvage regimens
      can be found in the guideline.

PMID- 28071663
TI  - Covalent modification of pericardial patches for sustained rapamycin delivery
      inhibits venous neointimal hyperplasia.
AB  - Prosthetic grafts and patches are commonly used in cardiovascular surgery,
      however neointimal hyperplasia remains a significant concern, especially under
      low flow conditions. We hypothesized that delivery of rapamycin from
      nanoparticles (NP) covalently attached to patches allows sustained site-specific
      delivery of therapeutic agents targeted to inhibit localized neointimal
      hyperplasia. NP were covalently linked to pericardial patches using EDC/NHS
      chemistry and could deliver at least 360 ng rapamycin per patch without
      detectable rapamycin in serum; nanoparticles were detectable in the liver, kidney
      and spleen but no other sites within 24 hours. In a rat venous patch angioplasty
      model, control patches developed robust neointimal hyperplasia on the patch
      luminal surface characterized by Eph-B4-positive endothelium and underlying SMC
      and infiltrating cells such as macrophages and leukocytes. Patches delivering
      rapamycin developed less neointimal hyperplasia, less smooth muscle cell
      proliferation, and had fewer infiltrating cells but retained endothelialization.
      NP covalently linked to pericardial patches are a novel composite delivery system
      that allows sustained site-specific delivery of therapeutics; NP delivering
      rapamycin inhibit patch neointimal hyperplasia. NP linked to patches may
      represent a next generation of tissue engineered cardiovascular implants.

PMID- 28071665
TI  - Chemical complexity of odors increases reliability of olfactory threshold
      testing.
AB  - Assessment of odor thresholds is a widely recognized method of measuring
      olfactory abilities in humans. To date no attempts have been made to assess
      whether chemical complexity of odors used can produce more reliable results. To
      this end, we performed two studies of repeated measures design with 121 healthy
      volunteers (age 19-62 years). In Study 1, we compared thresholds obtained from
      tests based on one odor presented in a pen-like odor dispensing device with three
      odors and six odors mixtures presented in glass containers. In study 2 we
      compared stimuli of one and three odors, both presented in glass containers. In
      both studies measurements were performed twice, separated by at least three days.
      Results indicate that the multiple odor mixtures produced more reliable threshold
      scores, as compared to thresholds based on a single substance.

PMID- 28071664
TI  - Comparison of the glycopattern alterations of mitochondrial proteins in cerebral
      cortex between rat Alzheimer's disease and the cerebral ischemia model.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) and ischemic brain injury are two major
      neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction commonly occurs in AD and
      ischemic brain injury. Currently, little attention has been paid to the glycans
      on mitochondrial glycoproteins, which may play vital roles during the process of
      mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to illustrate and compare
      the glycopattern alterations of mitochondrial glycoproteins extracted from the
      cerebral cortex of the rat models of these two diseases using High-throughput
      lectin microarrays. The results shown that the number of lectins with significant
      differences compared to normal brains was nine for the rat sporadic Alzheimer's
      disease (SAD) model and eighteen for the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion
      (MCAO) model. Interestingly, five lectins showed opposite expression patterns
      between the SAD and MCAO rat models. We conclude that glycopattern alterations of
      mitochondrial glycoproteins in the cerebral cortex may provide vital information
      to help understand mitochondrial dysfunction in AD and ischemic brain injury. In
      addition, glycans recognized by diverse lectins with opposite expression patterns
      between these two diseases hints at the different pathomechanisms of
      mitochondrial dysfunction in AD and ischemic brain injury.

PMID- 28071666
TI  - High power rechargeable magnesium/iodine battery chemistry.
AB  - Rechargeable magnesium batteries have attracted considerable attention because of
      their potential high energy density and low cost. However, their development has
      been severely hindered because of the lack of appropriate cathode materials. Here
      we report a rechargeable magnesium/iodine battery, in which the soluble iodine
      reacts with Mg2+ to form a soluble intermediate and then an insoluble final
      product magnesium iodide. The liquid-solid two-phase reaction pathway circumvents
      solid-state Mg2+ diffusion and ensures a large interfacial reaction area, leading
      to fast reaction kinetics and high reaction reversibility. As a result, the
      rechargeable magnesium/iodine battery shows a better rate capability (180 mAh g-1
      at 0.5 C and 140 mAh g-1 at 1 C) and a higher energy density (~400 Wh kg-1) than
      all other reported rechargeable magnesium batteries using intercalation cathodes.
      This study demonstrates that the liquid-solid two-phase reaction mechanism is
      promising in addressing the kinetic limitation of rechargeable magnesium
      batteries.

PMID- 28071667
TI  - PhotoGate microscopy to track single molecules in crowded environments.
AB  - Tracking single molecules inside cells reveals the dynamics of biological
      processes, including receptor trafficking, signalling and cargo transport.
      However, individual molecules often cannot be resolved inside cells due to their
      high density. Here we develop the PhotoGate technique that controls the number of
      fluorescent particles in a region of interest by repeatedly photobleaching its
      boundary. PhotoGate bypasses the requirement of photoactivation to track single
      particles at surface densities two orders of magnitude greater than the single
      molecule detection limit. Using this method, we observe ligand-induced
      dimerization of a receptor tyrosine kinase at the cell surface and directly
      measure binding and dissociation of signalling molecules from early endosomes in
      a dense cytoplasm with single-molecule resolution. We additionally develop a
      numerical simulation suite for rapid quantitative optimization of Photogate
      experimental conditions. PhotoGate yields longer tracking times and more accurate
      measurements of complex stoichiometry than existing single-molecule imaging
      methods.

PMID- 28071668
TI  - Towards an emotional 'stress test': a reliable, non-subjective cognitive measure
      of anxious responding.
AB  - Response to stress or external threats is a key factor in mood and anxiety
      disorder aetiology. Current measures of anxious responding to threats are limited
      because they largely rely on retrospective self-report. Objectively quantifying
      individual differences in threat response would be a valuable step towards
      improving our understanding of anxiety disorder vulnerability. Our goal is to
      therefore develop a reliable, objective, within-subject 'stress-test' of anxious
      responding. To this end, we examined threat-potentiated performance on an
      inhibitory control task from baseline to 2-4 weeks (n = 50) and again after 5-9
      months (n = 22). We also describe single session data for a larger sample (n =
      157) to provide better population-level estimates of task performance variance.
      Replicating previous findings, threat of shock improved distractor accuracy and
      slowed target reaction time on our task. Critically, both within-subject self
      report measures of anxiety (ICC = 0.66) and threat-potentiated task performance
      (ICC = 0.58) showed clinically useful test-retest reliability. Threat-potentiated
      task performance may therefore hold promise as a non-subjective measure of
      individual anxious responding.

PMID- 28071669
TI  - Use of Fibonacci numbers in lipidomics - Enumerating various classes of fatty
      acids.
AB  - In lipid biochemistry, a fundamental question is how the potential number of
      fatty acids increases with their chain length. Here, we show that it grows
      according to the famous Fibonacci numbers when cis/trans isomerism is neglected.
      Since the ratio of two consecutive Fibonacci numbers tends to the Golden section,
      1.618, organisms can increase fatty acid variability approximately by that factor
      per carbon atom invested. Moreover, we show that, under consideration of
      cis/trans isomerism and/or of modification by hydroxy and/or oxo groups,
      diversity can be described by generalized Fibonacci numbers (e.g. Pell numbers).
      For the sake of easy comprehension, we deliberately build the proof on the
      recursive definitions of these number series. Our results should be of interest
      for mass spectrometry, combinatorial chemistry, synthetic biology, patent
      applications, use of fatty acids as biomarkers and the theory of evolution. The
      recursive definition of Fibonacci numbers paves the way to construct all
      structural formulas of fatty acids in an automated way.

PMID- 28071671
TI  - Effect of seed morph and light level on growth and reproduction of the
      amphicarpic plant Amphicarpaea edgeworthii (Fabaceae).
AB  - Amphicarpic plants produce aerial and subterranean fruits on an individual plant,
      and these heteromorphic diaspores give rise to plants that differ in growth and
      ecology. Amphicarpaea edgeworthii is a summer annual amphicarpic species that
      grows over a range of light levels. We aimed to compare the response to shading
      intensity of plants of A. edgeworthii grown throughout their life cycle from
      aerial seeds (ASP) and from subterranean seeds (SSP). We hypothesized that
      vegetative and reproductive growth of plants from ASP and SSP respond differently
      to light. Plants were grown from ASP and SSP under 0, 46, 71 and 90% shading
      intensities. With plant height as a covariate, vegetative biomass of ASP and SSP
      did not differ. Leaf area and seed production of SSP were greater and internode
      length less than they were for ASP in all shading intensities. Aerial and
      subterranean seed yield, seed mass and number for both ASP and SSP were highest
      in full light. Aerial seed yield was affected more than subterranean seed yield
      by shading intensity. The growth and reproductive responses of ASP and SSP of A.
      edgeworthii may be adaptive to the range of low to high light environments in
      which this species grows.

PMID- 28071672
TI  - Metformin and the risk of prostate cancer across racial/ethnic groups: a
      population-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Men with diabetes may have a lower risk of prostate cancer than men
      without diabetes which may be altered by metformin use or race/ethnicity.
      METHODS: Using administrative databases, from 1994 to 2012, adult (age?50 years)
      men with diabetes were identified. Metformin exposure was defined as a time
      dependent variable, stratified first into any use, and into tertiles of
      cumulative dose. Surname algorithms identified individuals as Chinese or non
      Chinese. Multivariable Cox regression estimated the risk of prostate cancer.
      RESULTS: The cohort of 80 001 had a mean age of 64 years and median follow-up of
      9 years. Chinese users of metformin aged 50-59, 60-69 and ?70 had similar risks
      of prostate cancer as non-users. Non-Chinese users aged 50-59 (adjusted hazards
      ratio (aHR): 0.86, 0.74 to 1.00) had a decreased risk whereas men aged 60-69 and
      ?70 did not. However, when metformin exposure was stratified into tertiles, there
      was no association in any strata except non-Chinese men aged 50-59 in the first
      (aHR: 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55, 0.84), second (aHR: 0.75, 95% CI:
      0.61, 0.92) and third (aHR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.96) tertiles of metformin
      exposure and non-Chinese men aged 60-69 in the first (aHR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68,
      0.95) tertiles of metformin exposure. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clear association
      between metformin and risk of prostate cancer in men with diabetes in either
      race/ethnicity. Our findings suggest a consistent relationship between metformin
      and prostate cancer across race/ethnicity.

PMID- 28071670
TI  - Benzyl Isothiocyanate potentiates p53 signaling and antitumor effects against
      breast cancer through activation of p53-LKB1 and p73-LKB1 axes.
AB  - Functional reactivation of p53 pathway, although arduous, can potentially provide
      a broad-based strategy for cancer therapy owing to frequent p53 inactivation in
      human cancer. Using a phosphoprotein-screening array, we found that Benzyl
      Isothiocynate, (BITC) increases p53 phosphorylation in breast cancer cells and
      reveal an important role of ERK and PRAS40/MDM2 in BITC-mediated p53 activation.
      We show that BITC rescues and activates p53-signaling network and inhibits growth
      of p53-mutant cells. Mechanistically, BITC induces p73 expression in p53-mutant
      cells, disrupts the interaction of p73 and mutant-p53, thereby releasing p73 from
      sequestration and allowing it to be transcriptionally active. Furthermore, BITC
      induced p53 and p73 axes converge on tumor-suppressor LKB1 which is
      transcriptionally upregulated by p53 and p73 in p53-wild-type and p53-mutant
      cells respectively; and in a feed-forward mechanism, LKB1 tethers with p53 and
      p73 to get recruited to p53-responsive promoters. Analyses of BITC-treated
      xenografts using LKB1-null cells corroborate in vitro mechanistic findings and
      establish LKB1 as the key node whereby BITC potentiates as well as rescues p53
      pathway in p53-wild-type as well as p53-mutant cells. These data provide first in
      vitro and in vivo evidence of the integral role of previously unrecognized
      crosstalk between BITC, p53/LKB1 and p73/LKB1 axes in breast tumor growth
      inhibition.

PMID- 28071673
TI  - Prognostic value of the new Grade Groups in Prostate Cancer: a multi
      institutional European validation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the prognostic relevance of the new Grade Groups
      in Prostate Cancer (PCa) within a large cohort of European men treated with
      radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: Data from 27 122 patients treated with RP at
      seven European centers were analyzed. We investigated the prognostic performance
      of the new Grade Groups (based on Gleason score 3+3, 3+4, 4+3, 8 and 9-10) on
      biopsy and RP specimen, adjusted for established clinical and pathological
      characteristics. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models
      assessed the association of new Grade Groups with biochemical recurrence (BCR).
      Prognostic accuracies of the models were assessed using Harrell's C-index.
      RESULTS: Median follow-up was 29 months (interquartile range, 13-54). The 4-year
      estimated BCR-free survival (bRFS) for biopsy Grade Groups 1-5 were 91.3, 81.6,
      69.8, 60.3 and 44.4%, respectively. The 4-year estimated bRFS for RP Grade Groups
      1-5 were 96.1%, 86.7%, 67.0%, 63.1% and 41.0%, respectively. Compared with Grade
      Group 1, all other Grade Groups based both on biopsy and RP specimen were
      independently associated with a lower bRFS (all P<0.01). Adjusted pairwise
      comparisons revealed statistically differences between all Grade Groups, except
      for group 3 and 4 on RP specimen (P=0.10). The discriminations of the
      multivariable base prognostic models based on the current three-tier and the new
      five-tier systems were not clinically different (0.3 and 0.9% increase in
      discrimination for clinical and pathological model). CONCLUSIONS: We validated
      the independent prognostic value of the new Grade Groups on biopsy and RP
      specimen from European PCa men. However, it does not improve the accuracies of
      prognostic models by a clinically significant margin. Nevertheless, this new
      classification may help physicians and patients estimate disease aggressiveness
      with a user-friendly, clinically relevant and reproducible method.

PMID- 28071675
TI  - Lasing optical cavities based on macroscopic scattering elements.
AB  - Two major elements are required in a laser device: light confinement and light
      amplification. Light confinement is obtained in optical cavities by employing a
      pair of mirrors or by periodic spatial modulation of the refractive index as in
      photonic crystals and Bragg gratings. In random lasers, randomly placed
      nanoparticles embedded in the active material provide distributed optical
      feedback for lasing action. Recently, we demonstrated a novel architecture in
      which scattering nanoparticles and active element are spatially separated and
      random lasing is observed. Here we show that this approach can be extended to
      scattering media with macroscopic size, namely, a pair of sand grains, which act
      as feedback elements and output couplers, resulting in lasing emission. We
      demonstrate that the number of lasing modes depends on the surface roughness of
      the sand grains in use which affect the coherent feedback and thus the emission
      spectrum. Our findings offer a new perspective of material science and photonic
      structures, facilitating a novel and simple approach for the realization of new
      photonics devices based on natural scattering materials.

PMID- 28071674
TI  - Predictors of Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with
      Asymptomatic Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: Mechanistic Insights from 2D
      Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography.
AB  - Presence of exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (EIPH) in asymptomatic
      degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) determines prognosis. This study aimed to
      elucidate the mechanism and predictors of EIPH in asymptomatic DMR. Ninety-one
      consecutive asymptomatic patients with DMR who underwent exercise stress
      echocardiography were prospectively included. We obtained various conventional
      echocardiographic parameters at rest and during peak exercise, as well as left
      atrial (LA) function at rest using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking analysis. The
      25 patients (33.3%) with EIPH were significantly older and had a greater ratio of
      mitral peak velocity of early filling to early diastolic mitral annular velocity
      during peak exercise than those without EIPH. LA strain (LAS)-s and LAS-e,
      indices of LA reservoir and conduit function, respectively, were significantly
      lower in those with EIPH than in those without EIPH. Multivariate analysis
      indicated that LAS-s was the only resting echocardiographic parameter that
      independently predicted EIPH, with a cut-off value of 26.9%. Furthermore, Kaplan
      Meier curve analysis showed that symptom-free survival was markedly lower among
      those with reduced LAS-s. In conclusion, decreased LA reservoir function
      contributes to EIPH, and LAS-s at rest is a useful indicator for predicting EIPH
      in asymptomatic patients with DMR.

PMID- 28071676
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of neo-tetraploid rice reveals specific differential gene
      expressions associated with fertility and heterosis.
AB  - Polyploid rice hybrids have a powerful biological and yield potential that may
      become a new way for rice breeding; however, low fertility is major hindrance in
      commercial utilization. Here, we developed a neo-tetraploid rice that could
      overcome the sterility of autotetraploid rice and produce high heterosis.
      Transcriptome analysis of F1 hybrid developed by crossing neo-tetraploid with
      autotetraploid rice displayed 807, 663 and 866 differentially expressed genes
      that uniquely associated with F1 and specific to (DEGFu-sp) anther, ovary and
      leaf, respectively. Of the DEGFu-sp, 1224 genes displayed nonadditive expression;
      44 and 10 genes were annotated as TFs and methyltransferase or
      hydroxymethyltransferase, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment and co
      expression analysis revealed specific differential gene expressions in the DEGFu
      sp to leaf, anther and ovary, such as genes related to photosynthesis, metabolic
      process and transport, and co-expression network including fertility, resistance
      and epigenetic elements. Of the DEGFu-sp to anther, 42 meiosis stage-specific
      genes, eight meiosis-related genes, such as RAD51 and SMC2, were identified. We
      identified 38 miRNAs from DEGFu-sp to anther, and their targets were associated
      with pollen fertility and retrotransposon protein. Our study provides new
      germplasm for polyploid rice breeding, and revealed complex regulatory mechanisms
      that might be associated with heterosis and fertility.

PMID- 28071677
TI  - Renal-cell carcinoma in 2016: Advances in treatment - jostling for pole position.

PMID- 28071678
TI  - Multiple myeloma in 2016: Fresh perspectives on treatment and moments of clarity.

PMID- 28071679
TI  - Novel long-chain compounds with both immunomodulatory and MenA inhibitory
      activities against Staphylococcus aureus and its biofilm.
AB  - Menaquinone (MK) biosynthesis pathway is a potential target for evaluating
      antimicrobials in gram-positive bacteria. Here, 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate
      prenyltransferase (MenA) was targeted to reduce methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) growth. MenA inhibiting, long chain-based compounds
      were designed, synthesized and evaluated against MRSA and menaquinone utilizing
      bacteria in aerobic conditions. The results showed that these bacteria were
      susceptible to most of the compounds. Menaquinone (MK-4) supplementation rescued
      MRSA growth, suggesting these compounds inhibit MK biosynthesis. 3a and 7c
      exhibited promising inhibitory activities with MICs ranging 1-8 MUg/mL against
      MRSA strains. The compounds did not facilitate small colony variant formation.
      These compounds also inhibited the biofilm growth by MRSA at high concentration.
      Compounds 3a, 6b and 7c displayed a promising extracellular bactericidal activity
      against MRSA at concentrations equal to and four-fold less than their respective
      MICs. We also observed cytokines released from THP-1 macrophages treated with
      compounds 3a, 6b and 7c and found decreases in TNF-alpha and IL-6 release and
      increase in IL-1beta. These data provide evidence that MenA inhibitors act as TNF
      alpha and IL-6 inhibitors, raising the potential for development and application
      of these compounds as potential immunomodulatory agents.

PMID- 28071680
TI  - Loss of tricellular tight junction protein LSR promotes cell invasion and
      migration via upregulation of TEAD1/AREG in human endometrial cancer.
AB  - Lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) is a unique molecule of
      tricellular contacts of normal and cancer cells. We investigated how the loss of
      LSR induced cell migration, invasion and proliferation in endometrial cancer cell
      line Sawano. mRNAs of amphiregulin (AREG) and TEA domain family member 1 (TEAD1)
      were markedly upregulated by siRNA-LSR. In endometrial cancer tissues,
      downregulation of LSR and upregulation of AREG were observed together with
      malignancy, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) was present in the nuclei. siRNA
      AREG prevented the cell migration and invasion induced by siRNA-LSR, whereas
      treatment with AREG induced cell migration and invasion. LSR was colocalized with
      TRIC, angiomotin (AMOT), Merlin and phosphorylated YAP (pYAP). siRNA-LSR
      increased expression of pYAP and decreased that of AMOT and Merlin. siRNA-YAP
      prevented expression of the mRNAs of AREG and TEAD1, and the cell migration and
      invasion induced by siRNA-LSR. Treatment with dobutamine and 2-deoxy-D-glucose
      and glucose starvation induced the pYAP expression and prevented the cell
      migration and invasion induced by siRNA-LSR. siRNA-AMOT decreased the Merlin
      expression and prevented the cell migration and invasion induced by siRNA-LSR.
      The loss of LSR promoted cell invasion and migration via upregulation of
      TEAD1/AREG dependent on YAP/pYAP and AMOT/Merlin in human endometrial cancer
      cells.

PMID- 28071681
TI  - Increased impedance near cut-off in plasma-like media leading to emission of high
      power, narrow-bandwidth radiation.
AB  - Ultra-intense, narrow-bandwidth, electromagnetic pulses have become important
      tools for exploring the characteristics of matter. Modern tuneable high-power
      light sources, such as free-electron lasers and vacuum tubes, rely on bunching of
      relativistic or near-relativistic electrons in vacuum. Here we present a
      fundamentally different method for producing narrow-bandwidth radiation from a
      broad spectral bandwidth current source, which takes advantage of the inflated
      radiation impedance close to cut-off in a medium with a plasma-like permittivity.
      We find that by embedding a current source in this cut-off region, more than an
      order of magnitude enhancement of the radiation intensity is obtained compared
      with emission directly into free space. The method suggests a simple and general
      way to flexibly use broadband current sources to produce broad or narrow
      bandwidth pulses. As an example, we demonstrate, using particle-in-cell
      simulations, enhanced monochromatic emission of terahertz radiation using a two
      colour pumped current source enclosed by a tapered waveguide.

PMID- 28071682
TI  - Ocular dominance plasticity: inhibitory interactions and contrast equivalence.
AB  - Brief monocular occlusion results in a transient change in ocular dominance, such
      that the previously patched eye makes a stronger contribution to the binocular
      percept after occlusion. The previously unpatched eye therefore makes a
      correspondingly weaker contribution to the binocular sum. To shed light on the
      mechanism underlying this change we investigate how the relationship between the
      perception of fusion, suppression, and diplopia changes after short-term
      monocular deprivation. Results show that fusible stimuli seen by the unpatched
      eye are actively suppressed as a result of patching and that this can be reversed
      by an interocular contrast imbalance. This suggests that dichoptic inhibition
      plays an important role in ocular dominance changes due to short-term occlusion,
      possibly by altering the contrast gain prior to binocular summation. This may
      help explain why this form of plasticity affects the perception of both fusible
      and rivalrous stimuli.

PMID- 28071683
TI  - A comparative analysis of three vector-borne diseases across Australia using
      seasonal and meteorological models.
AB  - Ross River virus (RRV), Barmah Forest virus (BFV), and dengue are three common
      mosquito-borne diseases in Australia that display notable seasonal patterns.
      Although all three diseases have been modeled on localized scales, no previous
      study has used harmonic models to compare seasonality of mosquito-borne diseases
      on a continent-wide scale. We fit Poisson harmonic regression models to
      surveillance data on RRV, BFV, and dengue (from 1993, 1995 and 1991,
      respectively, through 2015) incorporating seasonal, trend, and climate
      (temperature and rainfall) parameters. The models captured an average of 50-65%
      variability of the data. Disease incidence for all three diseases generally
      peaked in January or February, but peak timing was most variable for dengue. The
      most significant predictor parameters were trend and inter-annual periodicity for
      BFV, intra-annual periodicity for RRV, and trend for dengue. We found that a
      Temperature Suitability Index (TSI), designed to reclassify climate data relative
      to optimal conditions for vector establishment, could be applied to this context.
      Finally, we extrapolated our models to estimate the impact of a false-positive
      BFV epidemic in 2013. Creating these models and comparing variations in
      periodicities may provide insight into historical outbreaks as well as future
      patterns of mosquito-borne diseases.

PMID- 28071684
TI  - Genome-wide identification of novel ovarian-predominant miRNAs: new insights from
      the medaka (Oryzias latipes).
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, highly conserved non-coding RNAs that play
      important roles in the regulation of many physiological processes. However, the
      role of miRNAs in vertebrate oocyte formation (i.e., oogenesis) remains poorly
      investigated. To gain new insights into the roles of miRNAs in oogenesis, we
      searched for ovarian-predominant miRNAs. Using a microarray displaying 3,800
      distinct miRNAs originating from different vertebrate species, we identified 66
      miRNAs that are expressed predominantly in the ovary. Of the miRNAs exhibiting
      the highest overabundance in the ovary, 20 were selected for further analysis.
      Using a combination of QPCR and in silico analyses, we identified 8 novel miRNAs
      that are predominantly expressed in the ovary, including 2 miRNAs (miR-4785 and
      miR-6352) that exhibit strict ovarian expression. Of these 8 miRNAs, 7 were
      previously uncharacterized in fish. The strict ovarian expression of miR-4785 and
      miR-6352 suggests an important role in oogenesis and/or early development,
      possibly involving a maternal effect. Together, these results indicate that,
      similar to protein-coding genes, a significant number of ovarian-predominant
      miRNA genes are found in fish.

PMID- 28071685
TI  - Mesoscopic superconductivity and high spin polarization coexisting at metallic
      point contacts on Weyl semimetal TaAs.
AB  - A Weyl semimetal is a topologically non-trivial phase of matter that hosts mass
      less Weyl fermions, the particles that remained elusive for more than 80 years
      since their theoretical discovery. The Weyl semimetals exhibit unique transport
      properties and remarkably high surface spin polarization. Here we show that a
      mesoscopic superconducting phase with critical temperature Tc=7 K can be realized
      by forming metallic point contacts with silver (Ag) on single crystals of TaAs,
      while neither Ag nor TaAs are superconductors. Andreev reflection spectroscopy of
      such point contacts reveals a superconducting gap of 1.2 meV that coexists with a
      high transport spin polarization of 60% indicating a highly spin-polarized
      supercurrent flowing through the point contacts on TaAs. Therefore, apart from
      the discovery of a novel mesoscopic superconducting phase, our results also show
      that the point contacts on Weyl semimetals are potentially important for
      applications in spintronics.

PMID- 28071686
TI  - Identification of temporal genes involved in the mechanisms of spinal cord
      injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: As a high-cost neurological disability, spinal cord injury (SCI) can
      result in permanent paralysis and loss of sensation. To identify the temporal
      genes involved in the pathogenesis of SCI, we analysed the expression profile of
      GSE45006. METHODS: GSE45006 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus,
      including 20 SCI samples (samples at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 8 weeks
      after injury, four repetitions for each time point) and 4 normal samples. The
      Bayesian Estimation of Temporal Regulation (BETR) and randomForest packages were
      used to screen the temporal genes and the top 100 temporal genes, respectively.
      Then, the gplots package and Pearson correlation analysis separately were used to
      perform hot map analysis and expression pattern clustering for the top 100
      temporal genes. Using the clusterProfiler package and TargetMine tool, their
      potential functions were analysed by enrichment analyses. Moreover, interaction
      relationships between these temporal genes and pathways were investigated by
      pathway-gene crosslinking networks. RESULTS: In total, 1907 temporal genes were
      identified. The top 100 temporal genes were obtained and divided into six
      clusters. Most of the gene functions were enriched in biological process
      categories. ARG1 and NOS3 in cluster 4 were enriched in biological process of
      arginine catabolic process. TGFbeta2, TGFbeta3, ALDH2 and ALDH3A2 were correlated
      with numerous pathways in the pathway-gene crosslinking network. Pathways related
      to TGFbeta2 and TGFbeta3 were connected to pathways related to ARG1 and NOS3 via
      ARG1. CONCLUSION: Several temporal genes, including TGFbeta2, TGFbeta3, ALDH2,
      ALDH3A2, ARG1 and NOS3, might be involved in SCI.

PMID- 28071687
TI  - Bacterial load of conditioned pressure ulcers is not a predictor for early flap
      failure in spinal cord injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pressure ulcers impose a major lifetime medical problem to patients
      with high-grade spinal cord injury (SCI). For patients with stages 3-4 pressure
      ulcers, plastic surgery is often the only remaining treatment option. Despite
      considerable flap failure rates of around 30%, only sparse knowledge exists on
      predictors for flap failure. Hence, identification of predictors for flap
      failures is needed. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 38 SCI patients with
      stages 3-4 pressure ulcers scheduled for plastic surgery. Preoperative wound
      swabs, intraoperative tissue samples and postoperative drainage liquids were
      microbiologically analyzed. In multivariable logistic regression analyses,
      bacterial loads of deep tissue cultures of intraoperative samples as well as
      other clinical variables were analyzed with respect to the prediction of flap
      failures. RESULTS: The flap failure rate was 27.5%. Bacterial loads of deep
      tissue cultures were not predictive for flap failure, neither was the
      colonization with a specific bacterial strain. We observed a considerable
      fluctuation of microbiological environment from initial swab cultures,
      intraoperative samples and postoperative drainage fluids. Antibioprophylaxis was
      sufficient in only 75% of deep tissue cultures and 69% of drainage fluids.
      Insufficient antibioprophylaxis was associated with a higher flap failure rates
      (odds ratio 6.3, confidence interval 1.2-41.0). CONCLUSION: After inpatient wound
      conditioning, bacterial load analysis of intraoperative wound tissue cultures is
      ineffective in order to predict flap failure rates in SCI patients with stages 3
      4 pressure ulcers after flap surgery. Instead, insufficient antibioprophylaxis
      might be a factor contributing to flap failure.

PMID- 28071688
TI  - Epileptiform activity in the mouse visual cortex interferes with cortical
      processing in connected areas.
AB  - Epileptiform activity is associated with impairment of brain function even in
      absence of seizures, as demonstrated by failures in various testing paradigm in
      presence of hypersynchronous interictal spikes (ISs). Clinical evidence suggests
      that cognitive deficits might be directly caused by the anomalous activity rather
      than by its underlying etiology. Indeed, we seek to understand whether ISs
      interfere with neuronal processing in connected areas not directly participating
      in the hypersynchronous activity in an acute model of epilepsy. Here we cause
      focal ISs in the visual cortex of anesthetized mice and we determine that, even
      if ISs do not invade the opposite hemisphere, the local field potential is subtly
      disrupted with a modulation of firing probability imposed by the contralateral IS
      activity. Finally, we find that visual processing is altered depending on the
      temporal relationship between ISs and stimulus presentation. We conclude that
      focal ISs interact with normal cortical dynamics far from the epileptic focus,
      disrupting endogenous oscillatory rhythms and affecting information processing.

PMID- 28071689
TI  - Haploinsufficiency of EHMT1 improves pattern separation and increases hippocampal
      cell proliferation.
AB  - Heterozygous mutations or deletions of the human Euchromatin Histone
      Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) gene are the main causes of Kleefstra syndrome, a
      neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impaired memory, autistic
      features and mostly severe intellectual disability. Previously, Ehmt1+/-
      heterozygous knockout mice were found to exhibit cranial abnormalities and
      decreased sociability, phenotypes similar to those observed in Kleefstra syndrome
      patients. In addition, Ehmt1+/- knockout mice were impaired at fear extinction
      and novel- and spatial object recognition. In this study, Ehmt1+/- and wild-type
      mice were tested on several cognitive tests in a touchscreen-equipped operant
      chamber to further investigate the nature of learning and memory changes.
      Performance of Ehmt1+/- mice in the Visual Discrimination &Reversal learning,
      object-location Paired-Associates learning- and Extinction learning tasks was
      found to be unimpaired. Remarkably, Ehmt1+/- mice showed enhanced performance on
      the Location Discrimination test of pattern separation. In line with improved
      Location Discrimination ability, an increase in BrdU-labelled cells in the
      subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus was observed. In conclusion, reduced levels
      of EHMT1 protein in Ehmt1+/- mice does not result in general learning deficits in
      a touchscreen-based battery, but leads to increased adult cell proliferation in
      the hippocampus and enhanced pattern separation ability.

PMID- 28071690
TI  - Generation of germline ablated male pigs by CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the NANOS2
      gene.
AB  - Genome editing tools have revolutionized the generation of genetically modified
      animals including livestock. In particular, the domestic pig is a proven model of
      human physiology and an agriculturally important species. In this study, we
      utilized the CRISPR/Cas9 system to edit the NANOS2 gene in pig embryos to
      generate offspring with mono-allelic and bi-allelic mutations. We found that
      NANOS2 knockout pigs phenocopy knockout mice with male specific germline ablation
      but other aspects of testicular development are normal. Moreover, male pigs with
      one intact NANOS2 allele and female knockout pigs are fertile. From an
      agriculture perspective, NANOS2 knockout male pigs are expected to serve as an
      ideal surrogate for transplantation of donor spermatogonial stem cells to expand
      the availability of gametes from genetically desirable sires.

PMID- 28071691
TI  - Comparative mitochondrial genomics toward exploring molecular markers in the
      medicinal fungus Cordyceps militaris.
AB  - Cordyceps militaris is a fungus used for developing health food, but knowledge
      about its intraspecific differentiation is limited due to lack of efficient
      markers. Herein, we assembled the mitochondrial genomes of eight C. militaris
      strains and performed a comparative mitochondrial genomic analysis together with
      three previously reported mitochondrial genomes of the fungus. Sizes of the 11
      mitochondrial genomes varied from 26.5 to 33.9 kb mainly due to variable intron
      contents (from two to eight introns per strain). Nucleotide variability varied
      according to different regions with non-coding regions showing higher variation
      frequency than coding regions. Recombination events were identified between some
      locus pairs but seemed not to contribute greatly to genetic variations of the
      fungus. Based on nucleotide diversity fluctuations across the alignment of all
      mitochondrial genomes, molecular markers with the potential to be used for future
      typing studies were determined.

PMID- 28071692
TI  - Diversity, distribution, and significance of transposable elements in the genome
      of the only selfing hermaphroditic vertebrate Kryptolebias marmoratus.
AB  - The Kryptolebias marmoratus is unique because it is the only self-fertilizing
      hermaphroditic vertebrate, known to date. It primarily reproduces by internal
      self-fertilization in a mixed ovary/testis gonad. Here, we report on a high
      quality genome assembly for the K. marmoratus South Korea (SK) strain
      highlighting the diversity and distribution of transposable elements (TEs). We
      find that K. marmoratus genome maintains number and composition of TEs. This can
      be an important genomic attribute promoting genome recombination in this selfing
      fish, while, in addition to a mixed mating strategy, it may also represent a
      mechanism contributing to the evolutionary adaptation to ecological pressure of
      the species. Future work should help clarify this point further once genomic
      information is gathered for other taxa of the family Rivulidae that do not self
      fertilize. We provide a valuable genome resource that highlights the potential
      impact of TEs on the genome evolution of a fish species with an uncommon life
      cycle.

PMID- 28071693
TI  - IK acts as an immunoregulator of inflammatory arthritis by suppressing TH17 cell
      differentiation and macrophage activation.
AB  - Pathogenic T helper cells (TH) and macrophages have been implicated in the
      development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which can lead to severe synovial
      inflammation and bone destruction. A range of therapies have been widely used for
      RA, including specific monoclonal antibodies and chemical inhibitors against
      inflammatory cytokines produced by these cells. However, these have not been
      sufficient to meet the medical need. Here, we show that in transgenic mice
      expressing truncated IK (tIK) cytokine, inflammatory arthritis symptoms were
      ameliorated as the result of suppression of the differentiation of TH1 and TH17
      cells and of macrophage activation. During inflammatory responses, tIK cytokine
      systemically regulated macrophage functions and TH17 cell differentiation through
      inactivation of the MAPK and NF-kappaB pathways. Interestingly, the level of tIK
      cytokine was higher in synovial fluid of RA patients compared with that in
      osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Our observations suggest that tIK cytokine can
      counterbalance the induction of inflammatory cells related to RA and thus could
      be a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of RA.

PMID- 28071694
TI  - Structures, stabilities and spectral properties of borospherene B44- and
      metalloborospherenes MB440/- (M = Li, Na, and K).
AB  - Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD
      DFT) calculations are carried out to study the stabilities, photoelectron,
      infrared, Raman and electronic absorption spectra of borospherene B44- and
      metalloborospherenes MB440/- (M = Li, Na, and K). It is found that all atoms can
      form stable exohedral metalloborospherenes M&B440/-, whereas only Na and K atoms
      can be stably encapsulated inside B440/- cage. In addition, relative energies of
      these metalloborospherenes suggest that Na and K atoms favor exohedral
      configuration. Importantly, doping of metal atom can modify the stabilities of
      B44 with different structures, which provides a possible route to produce stable
      boron clusters or metalloborospherenes. The calculated results suggest that B44
      tends to get electrons from the doped metal. Metalloborospherenes MB44- are
      characterized as charge-transfer complexes (M2+B442-), where B44 tends to get two
      electrons from the extra electron and the doped metal, resulting in similar
      features with anionic B442-. In addition, doping of metal atom can change the
      spectral features, such as blueshift or redshift and weakening or strengthening
      of characteristic peaks, since the extra metal atom can modify the electronic
      structure. The calculated spectra are readily compared with future spectroscopy
      measurements and can be used as fingerprints to identify B44- and
      metalloborospherenes.

PMID- 28071696
TI  - Ion irradiation induced structural modifications and increase in elastic modulus
      of silica based thin films.
AB  - Ion irradiation is an alternative to heat treatment for transforming organic
      inorganic thin films to a ceramic state. One major shortcoming in previous
      studies of ion-irradiated films is the assumption that constituent phases in ion
      irradiated and heat-treated films are identical and that the ion irradiation
      effect is limited to changes in composition. In this study, we investigate the
      effects of ion irradiation on both the composition and structure of constituent
      phases and use the results to explain the measured elastic modulus of the films.
      The results indicated that the microstructure of the irradiated films consisted
      of carbon clusters within a silica matrix. It was found that carbon was present
      in a non-graphitic sp2-bonded configuration. It was also observed that ion
      irradiation caused a decrease in the Si-O-Si bond angle of silica, similar to the
      effects of applied pressure. A phase transformation from tetrahedrally bonded to
      octahedrally bonded silica was also observed. The results indicated the
      incorporation of carbon within the silica network. A combination of the decrease
      in Si-O-Si bond angle and an increase in the carbon incorporation within the
      silica network was found to be responsible for the increase in the elastic
      modulus of the films.

PMID- 28071695
TI  - Development of a multiple-hybrid population for genome-wide association studies:
      theoretical consideration and genetic mapping of flowering traits in maize.
AB  - Various types of populations have been used in genetics, genomics and crop
      improvement, including bi- and multi-parental populations and natural ones. The
      latter has been widely used in genome-wide association study (GWAS). However,
      inbred-based GWAS cannot be used to reveal the mechanisms involved in hybrid
      performance. We developed a novel maize population, multiple-hybrid population
      (MHP), consisting of 724 hybrids produced using 28 temperate and 23 tropical
      inbreds. The hybrids can be divided into three subpopulations, two diallels and
      NC (North Carolina Design) II. Significant genetic differences were identified
      among parents, hybrids and heterotic groups. A cluster analysis revealed
      heterotic groups existing in the parental lines and the results showed that MHPs
      are well suitable for GWAS in hybrid crops. MHP-based GWAS was performed using 55
      K SNP array for flowering time traits, days to tassel, days to silk, days to
      anthesis and anthesis-silking interval. Two independent methods, PEPIS developed
      for hybrids and TASSEL software designed for inbred line populations, revealed
      highly consistent results with five overlapping chromosomal regions identified
      and used for discovery of candidate genes and quantitative trait nucleotides. Our
      results indicate that MHPs are powerful in GWAS for hybrid-related traits with
      great potential applications in the molecular breeding era.

PMID- 28071697
TI  - Diel-scale temporal dynamics recorded for bacterial groups in Namib Desert soil.
AB  - Microbes in hot desert soil partake in core ecosystem processes e.g.,
      biogeochemical cycling of carbon. Nevertheless, there is still a fundamental lack
      of insights regarding short-term (i.e., over a 24-hour [diel] cycle) microbial
      responses to highly fluctuating microenvironmental parameters like temperature
      and humidity. To address this, we employed T-RFLP fingerprinting and 454
      pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA-derived cDNA to characterize potentially active
      bacteria in Namib Desert soil over multiple diel cycles. Strikingly, we found
      that significant shifts in active bacterial groups could occur over a single 24
      hour period. For instance, members of the predominant Actinobacteria phyla
      exhibited a significant reduction in relative activity from morning to night,
      whereas many Proteobacterial groups displayed an opposite trend. Contrary to our
      leading hypothesis, environmental parameters could only account for 10.5% of the
      recorded total variation. Potential biotic associations shown through co
      occurrence networks indicated that non-random inter- and intra-phyla associations
      were 'time-of-day-dependent' which may constitute a key feature of this system.
      Notably, many cyanobacterial groups were positioned outside and/or between highly
      interconnected bacterial associations (modules); possibly acting as inter-module
      'hubs' orchestrating interactions between important functional consortia.
      Overall, these results provide empirical evidence that bacterial communities in
      hot desert soils exhibit complex and diel-dependent inter-community associations.

PMID- 28071698
TI  - Increased levels of CSF total but not oligomeric or phosphorylated forms of alpha
      synuclein in patients diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Several studies reported an association between CSF alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn)
      and tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and demonstrated the significance of alpha
      syn in improving the diagnostic sensitivity/specificity of classical AD CSF
      biomarkers. In the current study, we measured CSF levels of different alpha-syn
      species in a cohort of AD patients (n = 225) who showed a CSF profile typical of
      AD at baseline as well as in cognitively intact controls (n = 68). CSF total
      alpha-syn (t-alpha-syn) significantly increased in the AD group (p < 0.0001)
      compared to controls, while oligomeric- and phosphorylated-Ser129-alpha-syn did
      not change significantly. ROC analysis showed a sensitivity of 85% and a
      specificity of 84% (AUC = 0.88) in distinguishing AD from controls. T-alpha-syn
      levels correlated positively with tau species in AD group and negatively with
      baseline MMSE score. Our data support the added value of measurement of CSF alpha
      syn species for further characterization of the CSF AD profile.

PMID- 28071699
TI  - Rye polyphenols and the metabolism of n-3 fatty acids in rats: a dose dependent
      fatty fish-like effect.
AB  - As long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) of the n-3 series are critically important for
      human health, fish consumption has considerably increased in recent decades,
      resulting in overfishing to respond to the worldwide demand, to an extent that is
      not sustainable for consumers' health, fisheries economy, and marine ecology. In
      a recent study, it has been shown that whole rye (WR) consumption improves blood
      and liver n-3 LCFA levels and gut microbiota composition in rats compared to
      refined rye. The present work demonstrates that specific colonic polyphenol
      metabolites may dose dependently stimulate the synthesis of n-3 LCFA, possibly
      through their microbial and hepatic metabolites in rats. The intake of plant n-3
      alpha-linolenic acid and WR results in a sort of fatty fish-like effect,
      demonstrating that the n-3 LCFA levels in blood and tissues could be increased
      without eating marine foods, and therefore without promoting unsustainable
      overfishing, and without damaging marine ecology.

PMID- 28071700
TI  - Temperature-dependent Schottky barrier in high-performance organic solar cells.
AB  - Organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted great attention in the past 30 years,
      and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) now reaches around 10%, largely owning
      to the rapid material developments. Meanwhile with the progress in the device
      performance, more and more interests are turning to understanding the fundamental
      physics inside the OSCs. In the conventional bulk-heterojunction architecture,
      only recently it is realized that the blend/cathode Schottky junction serves as
      the fundamental diode for the photovoltaic function. However, few researches have
      focused on such junctions, and their physical properties are far from being well
      understood. In this paper based on PThBDTP:PC71BM blend, we fabricated OSCs with
      PCE exceeding 10%, and investigated temperature-dependent behaviors of the
      junction diodes by various characterization including current-voltage,
      capacitance-voltage and impedance measurements between 70 to 290 K. We found the
      Schottky barrier height exhibits large inhomogeneity, which can be described by
      two sets of Gaussian distributions.

PMID- 28071701
TI  - Simultaneous abrupt shifts in hydrology and fish assemblage structure in a
      floodplain lake in the central Amazon.
AB  - Combined effects of climate change and deforestation have altered precipitation
      patterns in the Amazon. This has led to changes in the frequency of extreme
      events of flood and drought in recent decades and in the magnitude of the annual
      flood pulse, a phenomenon that influences virtually all aspects of river
      floodplain ecosystem dynamics. Analysis of long-term data revealed abrupt and
      synchronous changes in hydrology and fish assemblage structure of a floodplain
      lake near the confluence of Amazon and Negro rivers. After an intense drought in
      2005, the assemblage assumed a different and fairly persistent taxonomic
      composition and functional structure. Declines in abundance after 2005 were more
      pronounced for species of all sizes having equilibrium life history strategy,
      large species with periodic life history strategy, and for all trophic levels
      except primary consumers. Our results suggest that the extreme drought triggered
      changes in the fish assemblage and subsequent anomalous hydrological conditions
      have hampered assemblage recovery. These findings stress the need to account for
      climatic-driven hydrological changes in conservation efforts addressing aquatic
      biodiversity and fishery resources in the central Amazon.

PMID- 28071702
TI  - Nitrogen loss by anaerobic ammonium oxidation in unconfined aquifer soils.
AB  - Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is recognized as an important process for
      nitrogen cycling, yet little is known about its role in the subsurface biosphere.
      In this study, we investigated the presence, abundance, and role of anammox
      bacteria in upland soil cores from Tianjin, China (20 m depth) and Basel,
      Switzerland (10 m depth), using isotope-tracing techniques, (q)PCR assays, and 16
      S rRNA &hzsB gene clone libraries, along with nutrient profiles of soil core
      samples. Anammox in the phreatic (water-saturated) zone contributed to 37.5-67.6%
      of the N-loss (up to 0.675 gN m-2 d-1), with anammox activities of 0.005-0.74
      nmolN g-1 soil h-1, which were even higher than the denitrification rates. By
      contrast, no significant anammox was measured in the vadose zone. Higher anammox
      bacterial cell densities were observed (0.75-1.4 * 107 copies g-1 soil) in the
      phreatic zone, where ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) maybe the major source of
      nitrite for anammox bacteria. The anammox bacterial cells in soils of the vadose
      zone were all <103 copies g-1 soil. We suggest that the subsurface provides a
      favorable niche for anammox bacteria whose contribution to N cycling and
      groundwater nitrate removal seems considerably larger than previously known.

PMID- 28071703
TI  - Mammary extracellular matrix directs differentiation of testicular and embryonic
      stem cells to form functional mammary glands in vivo.
AB  - Previously, we demonstrated the ability of the normal mammary microenvironment
      (niche) to direct non-mammary cells including testicular and embryonic stem cells
      (ESCs) to adopt a mammary epithelial cell (MEC) fate. These studies relied upon
      the interaction of transplanted normal MECs with non-mammary cells within the
      mammary fat-pads of recipient mice that had their endogenous epithelium removed.
      Here, we tested whether acellular mammary extracellular matrix (mECM)
      preparations are sufficient to direct differentiation of testicular-derived cells
      and ESCs to form functional mammary epithelial trees in vivo. We found that mECMs
      isolated from adult mice and rats were sufficient to redirect testicular derived
      cells to produce normal mammary epithelial trees within epithelial divested mouse
      mammary fat-pads. Conversely, ECMs isolated from omental fat and lung did not
      redirect testicular cells to a MEC fate, indicating the necessity of tissue
      specific components of the mECM. mECM preparations also completely inhibited
      teratoma formation from ESC inoculations. Further, a phenotypically normal ductal
      outgrowth resulted from a single inoculation of ESCs and mECM. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a tissue specific ECM driving
      differentiation of cells to form a functional tissue in vivo.

PMID- 28071704
TI  - High fat diet-induced changes of mouse hepatic transcription and enhancer
      activity can be reversed by subsequent weight loss.
AB  - Epigenetic factors have been suggested to play an important role in metabolic
      memory by trapping and maintaining initial metabolic changes within the
      transcriptional regulatory machinery. In this study we fed mice a high fat diet
      (HFD) for seven weeks followed by additional five weeks of chow, to identify HFD
      mediated changes to the hepatic transcriptional program that may persist after
      weight loss. Mice fed a HFD displayed increased fasting insulin levels,
      hepatosteatosis and major changes in hepatic gene transcription associated with
      modulation of H3K27Ac at enhancers, but no significant changes in chromatin
      accessibility, indicating that HFD-regulated gene transcription is primarily
      controlled by modulating the activity of pre-established enhancers. After return
      to the same body weight as chow fed control mice, the fasting insulin, glucose,
      and hepatic triglyceride levels were fully restored to normal levels. Moreover,
      HFD-regulated H3K27Ac and mRNA levels returned to similar levels as control mice.
      These data demonstrates that the transcription regulatory landscape in the liver
      induced by HFD is highly dynamic and can be reversed by weight loss. This
      provides hope for efficient treatment of early obesity-associated changes to
      hepatic complications by simple weight loss intervention without persistent
      reprograming of the liver transcriptome.

PMID- 28071705
TI  - Digestive and appendicular soft-parts, with behavioural implications, in a large
      Ordovician trilobite from the Fezouata Lagerstatte, Morocco.
AB  - Trilobites were one of the most successful groups of marine arthropods during the
      Palaeozoic era, yet their soft-part anatomy is only known from a few
      exceptionally-preserved specimens found in a handful of localities from the
      Cambrian to the Devonian. This is because, even if the sclerotized appendages
      were not destroyed during early taphonomic stages, they are often overprinted by
      the three-dimensional, mineralised exoskeleton. Inferences about the ventral
      anatomy and behavioural activities of trilobites can also be derived from the
      ichnological record, which suggests that most Cruziana and Rusophycus trace
      fossils were possibly produced by the actions of trilobites. Three specimens of
      the asaphid trilobite Megistaspis (Ekeraspis) hammondi, have been discovered in
      the Lower Ordovician Fezouata Konservat-Lagerstatte of southern Morocco,
      preserving appendages and digestive tract. The digestive structures include a
      crop with digestive caeca, while the appendages display exopodal setae and slight
      heteropody (cephalic endopods larger and more spinose than thoracic and pygidial
      ones). The combination of these digestive structures and the heteropody has never
      been described together among trilobites, and the latter could assist in the
      understanding of the production of certain comb-like traces of the Cruziana
      rugosa group, which are extraordinarily abundant on the shallow marine shelves
      around Gondwana.

PMID- 28071706
TI  - Fatty acid synthase 2 contributes to diapause preparation in a beetle by
      regulating lipid accumulation and stress tolerance genes expression.
AB  - Diapause, also known as dormancy, is a state of arrested development that allows
      insects to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. Diapause-destined
      insects store large amounts of fat when preparing for diapause. However, the
      extent to which these accumulated fat reserves influence diapause remains
      unclear. To address this question, we investigated the function of fatty acid
      synthase (FAS), which plays a central role in lipid synthesis, in stress
      tolerance, the duration of diapause preparation, and whether insects enter
      diapause or not. In diapause-destined adult female cabbage beetles, Colaphellus
      bowringi, FAS2 was more highly expressed than FAS1 at the peak stage of diapause
      preparation. FAS2 knockdown suppressed lipid accumulation and subsequently
      affected stress tolerance genes expression and water content. However, silencing
      FAS2 had no significant effects on the duration of diapause preparation or the
      incidence of diapause. FAS2 transcription was suppressed by juvenile hormone (JH)
      and the JH receptor methoprene-tolerant (Met). These results suggest that the
      absence of JH-Met induces FAS2 expression, thereby promoting lipid storage in
      diapause-destined female beetles. These results demonstrate that fat reserves
      regulate stress tolerance genes expression and water content, but have no
      significant effect on the duration of diapause preparation or the incidence of
      diapause.

PMID- 28071707
TI  - The Content of Imagined Sounds Changes Visual Motion Perception in the Cross
      Bounce Illusion.
AB  - Can what we imagine hearing change what we see? Whether imagined sensory stimuli
      are integrated with external sensory stimuli to shape our perception of the world
      has only recently begun to come under scrutiny. Here, we made use of the cross
      bounce illusion in which an auditory stimulus presented at the moment two passing
      objects meet promotes the perception that the objects bounce off rather than
      cross by one another to examine whether the content of imagined sound changes
      visual motion perception in a manner that is consistent with multisensory
      integration. The results from this study revealed that auditory imagery of a
      sound with acoustic properties typical of a collision (i.e., damped sound)
      promoted the bounce-percept, but auditory imagery of the same sound played
      backwards (i.e., ramped sound) did not. Moreover, the vividness of the
      participants' auditory imagery predicted the strength of this imagery-induced
      illusion. In a separate experiment, we ruled out the possibility that changes in
      attention (i.e., sensitivity index d') or response bias (response bias index c)
      were sufficient to explain this effect. Together, these findings suggest that
      this imagery-induced multisensory illusion reflects the successful integration of
      real and imagined cross-modal sensory stimuli, and more generally, that what we
      imagine hearing can change what we see.

PMID- 28071708
TI  - Photo-reduced Cu/CuO nanoclusters on TiO2 nanotube arrays as highly efficient and
      reusable catalyst.
AB  - Non-noble metal nanoparticles are becoming more and more important in catalysis
      recently. Cu/CuO nanoclusters on highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays are
      successfully developed by a surfactant-free photoreduction method. This non-noble
      metal Cu/CuO-TiO2 catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and stability
      for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) with the
      presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The rate constant of this low-cost Cu/CuO
      based catalyst is even higher than that of the noble metal nanoparticles
      decorated on the same TiO2 substrate. The conversion efficiency remains almost
      unchanged after 7 cycles of recycling. The recycle process of this Cu/CuO-TiO2
      catalyst supported by Ti foil is very simple and convenient compared with that of
      the common powder catalysts. This catalyst also exhibited great catalytic
      activity to other organic dyes, such as methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB)
      and methyl orange (MO). This highly efficient, low-cost and easily reusable
      Cu/CuO-TiO2 catalyst is expected to be of great potential in catalysis in the
      future.

PMID- 28071709
TI  - Early life peripheral lipopolysaccharide challenge reprograms catecholaminergic
      neurons.
AB  - Neonatal immune challenge with the bacterial mimetic lipopolysaccharide has the
      capacity to generate long-term changes in the brain. Neonatal rats were
      intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (0.05 mg/kg) on postnatal day
      (PND) 3 and again on PND 5. The activation state of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was
      measured in the locus coeruleus, ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra on
      PND 85. In the locus coeruleus there was an approximately four-fold increase in
      TH activity. This was accompanied by a significant increase in TH protein
      together with increased phosphorylation of all three serine residues in the N
      terminal region of TH. In the ventral tegmental area, a significant increase in
      TH activity and increased phosphorylation of the serine 40 residue was seen.
      Neonatal lipopolysaccharide had no effect on TH activation in the substantia
      nigra. These results indicate the capacity of a neonatal immune challenge to
      generate long-term changes in the activation state of TH, in particular in the
      locus coeruleus. Overall, the current results demonstrate the enduring outcomes
      of a neonatal immune challenge on specific brain catecholaminergic regions
      associated with catecholamine synthesis. This highlights a novel mechanism for
      long-term physiological and behavioural alterations induced by this model.

PMID- 28071710
TI  - MicroPattern: a web-based tool for microbe set enrichment analysis and disease
      similarity calculation based on a list of microbes.
AB  - The microbiota colonized on human body is renowned as "a forgotten organ" due to
      its big impacts on human health and disease. Recently, microbiome studies have
      identified a large number of microbes differentially regulated in a variety of
      conditions, such as disease and diet. However, methods for discovering biological
      patterns in the differentially regulated microbes are still limited. For this
      purpose, here, we developed a web-based tool named MicroPattern to discover
      biological patterns for a list of microbes. In addition, MicroPattern implemented
      and integrated an algorithm we previously presented for the calculation of
      disease similarity based on disease-microbe association data. MicroPattern first
      grouped microbes into different sets based on the associated diseases and the
      colonized positions. Then, for a given list of microbes, MicroPattern performed
      enrichment analysis of the given microbes on all of the microbe sets. Moreover,
      using MicroPattern, we can also calculate disease similarity based on the shared
      microbe associations. Finally, we confirmed the accuracy and usefulness of
      MicroPattern by applying it to the changed microbes under the animal-based diet
      condition. MicroPattern is freely available at http://www.cuilab.cn/micropattern.

PMID- 28071711
TI  - Transient anhedonia phenotype and altered circadian timing of behaviour during
      night-time dim light exposure in Per3-/- mice, but not wildtype mice.
AB  - Industrialisation greatly increased human night-time exposure to artificial
      light, which in animal models is a known cause of depressive phenotypes. Whilst
      many of these phenotypes are 'direct' effects of light on affect, an 'indirect'
      pathway via altered sleep-wake timing has been suggested. We have previously
      shown that the Period3 gene, which forms part of the biological clock, is
      associated with altered sleep-wake patterns in response to light. Here, we show
      that both wild-type and Per3-/- mice showed elevated levels of circulating
      corticosterone and increased hippocampal Bdnf expression after 3 weeks of
      exposure to dim light at night, but only mice deficient for the PERIOD3 protein
      (Per3-/-) exhibited a transient anhedonia-like phenotype, observed as reduced
      sucrose preference, in weeks 2-3 of dim light at night, whereas WT mice did not.
      Per3-/- mice also exhibited a significantly smaller delay in behavioural timing
      than WT mice during weeks 1, 2 and 4 of dim light at night exposure. When treated
      with imipramine, neither Per3-/- nor WT mice exhibited an anhedonia-like
      phenotype, and neither genotypes exhibited a delay in behavioural timing in
      responses to dLAN. While the association between both Per3-/- phenotypes remains
      unclear, both are alleviated by imipramine treatment during dim night-time light.

PMID- 28071712
TI  - Independent Aftereffects of Fat and Muscle: Implications for neural encoding,
      body space representation, and body image disturbance.
AB  - Although research addressing body size misperception has focused on socio
      cognitive processes, such as internalization of the "ideal" images of bodies in
      the media, the perceptual basis of this phenomenon remains largely unknown.
      Further, most studies focus on body size per se even though this depends on both
      fat and muscle mass - variables that have very different relationships with
      health. We tested visual adaptation as a mechanism for inducing body fat and
      muscle mass misperception, and assessed whether these two dimensions of body
      space are processed independently. Observers manipulated the apparent fat and
      muscle mass of bodies to make them appear "normal" before and after inspecting
      images from one of four adaptation conditions (increased fat/decreased
      fat/increased muscle/decreased muscle). Exposure resulted in a shift in the point
      of subjective normality in the direction of the adapting images along the
      relevant (fat or muscle) axis, suggesting that the neural mechanisms involved in
      body fat and muscle perception are independent. This supports the viability of
      adaptation as a model of real-world body size misperception, and extends its
      applicability to clinical manifestations of body image disturbance that entail
      not only preoccupation with thinness (e.g., anorexia nervosa) but also with
      muscularity (e.g., muscle dysmorphia).

PMID- 28071713
TI  - Sinonasal Delivery of Resveratrol via Mucoadhesive Nanostructured Microparticles
      in a Nasal Polyp Mouse Model.
AB  - Resveratrol (RSV) has been shown to effectively suppress chronic rhinosinusitis
      with nasal polyps in a mouse model; however, when locally administered to the
      sinonasal cavity, bolus RSV is limited by low drug bioavailability owing to its
      low aqueous solubility and relatively rapid clearance from the administration
      site. To address this limitation, we propose mucoadhesive nanostructured
      microparticles (PLGA/PEG NM) as a potential carrier for the sinonasal delivery of
      RSV. In this study, PLGA/PEG NM released RSV in a sustained manner. Owing to the
      enlarged specific surface area of the nanostructures, PLGA/PEG NM had
      synergistically enhanced mucoadhesiveness and thus showed improved in vivo
      retention properties in the sinonasal cavity. Therefore, when tested in a mouse
      nasal polyp model, PLGA/PEG NM mitigated polyp formation and restored epithelial
      integrity better than the control treatments. The therapeutic effect was similar
      at half the dose of PLGA/PEG NM, suggesting improved local bioavailability of RSV
      in the sinonasal cavity.

PMID- 28071714
TI  - Three-dimensional surgical simulation improves the planning for correction of
      facial prognathism and asymmetry: A qualitative and quantitative study.
AB  - Traditional planning method for orthognathic surgery has limitations of
      cephalometric analysis, especially for patients with asymmetry. The aim of this
      study was to assess surgical plan modification after 3-demensional (3D)
      simulation. The procedures were to perform traditional surgical planning,
      construction of 3D model for the initial surgical plan (P1), 3D model of altered
      surgical plan after simulation (P2), comparison between P1 and P2 models,
      surgical execution, and postoperative validation using superimposition and root
      mean-square difference (RMSD) between postoperative 3D image and P2 simulation
      model. Surgical plan was modified after 3D simulation in 93% of the cases.
      Absolute linear changes of landmarks in mediolateral direction (x-axis) were
      significant and between 1.11 to 1.62 mm. The pitch, yaw, and roll rotation as
      well as ramus inclination correction also showed significant changes after the 3D
      planning. Yaw rotation of the maxillomandibular complex (1.88 +/- 0.32 degrees )
      and change of ramus inclination (3.37 +/- 3.21 degrees ) were most frequently
      performed for correction of the facial asymmetry. Errors between the postsurgical
      image and 3D simulation were acceptable, with RMSD 0.63 +/- 0.25 mm for the
      maxilla and 0.85 +/- 0.41 mm for the mandible. The information from this study
      could be used to augment the clinical planning and surgical execution when a
      conventional approach is applied.

PMID- 28071715
TI  - In situ Characterization of Nanoparticles Using Rayleigh Scattering.
AB  - We report a theoretical analysis showing that Rayleigh scattering could be used
      to monitor the growth of nanoparticles under arc discharge conditions. We compute
      the Rayleigh scattering cross sections of the nanoparticles by combining light
      scattering theory for gas-particle mixtures with calculations of the dynamic
      electronic polarizability of the nanoparticles. We find that the resolution of
      the Rayleigh scattering probe is adequate to detect nanoparticles as small as C60
      at the expected concentrations of synthesis conditions in the arc periphery.
      Larger asymmetric nanoparticles would yield brighter signals, making possible to
      follow the evolution of the growing nanoparticle population from the evolution of
      the scattered intensity. Observable spectral features include characteristic
      resonant behaviour, shape-dependent depolarization ratio, and mass-dependent line
      shape. Direct observation of nanoparticles in the early stages of growth with
      unobtrusive laser probes should give insight on the particle formation mechanisms
      and may lead to better-controlled synthesis protocols.

PMID- 28071716
TI  - Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases disrupt the cellulose fibers structure.
AB  - Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are a class of powerful oxidative
      enzymes that breakdown recalcitrant polysaccharides such as cellulose. Here we
      investigate the action of LPMOs on cellulose fibers. After enzymatic treatment
      and dispersion, LPMO-treated fibers show intense fibrillation. Cellulose
      structure modifications visualized at different scales indicate that LPMO creates
      nicking points that trigger the disintegration of the cellulose fibrillar
      structure with rupture of chains and release of elementary nanofibrils.
      Investigation of LPMO action using solid-state NMR provides direct evidence of
      modification of accessible and inaccessible surfaces surrounding the crystalline
      core of the fibrils. The chains breakage likely induces modifications of the
      cellulose network and weakens fibers cohesion promoting their disruption. Besides
      the formation of new initiation sites for conventional cellulases, this work
      provides the first evidence of the direct oxidative action of LPMOs with the
      mechanical weakening of the cellulose ultrastructure. LPMOs can be viewed as
      promising biocatalysts for enzymatic modification or degradation of cellulose
      fibers.

PMID- 28071717
TI  - Tryptophan and Non-Tryptophan Fluorescence of the Eye Lens Proteins Provides
      Diagnostics of Cataract at the Molecular Level.
AB  - The chemical nature of the non-tryptophan (non-Trp) fluorescence of porcine and
      human eye lens proteins was identified by Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Fluorescence
      Steady-State and Lifetime spectroscopy as post-translational modifications (PTM)
      of Trp and Arg amino acid residues. Fluorescence intensity profiles measured
      along the optical axis of human eye lenses with age-related nuclear cataract
      showed increasing concentration of fluorescent PTM towards the lens centre in
      accord with the increased optical density in the lens nucleolus. Significant
      differences between fluorescence lifetimes of "free" Trp derivatives
      hydroxytryptophan (OH-Trp), N-formylkynurenine (NFK), kynurenine (Kyn),
      hydroxykynurenine (OH-Kyn) and their residues were observed. Notably, the
      lifetime constants of these residues in a model peptide were considerably greater
      than those of their "free" counterparts. Fluorescence of Trp, its derivatives and
      argpyrimidine (ArgP) can be excited at the red edge of the Trp absorption band
      which allows normalisation of the emission spectra of these PTMs to the
      fluorescence intensity of Trp, to determine semi-quantitatively their
      concentration. We show that the cumulative fraction of OH-Trp, NFK and ArgP
      emission dominates the total fluorescence spectrum in both emulsified post
      surgical human cataract protein samples, as well as in whole lenses and that this
      correlates strongly with cataract grade and age.

PMID- 28071718
TI  - Reproducibility and Repeatability of Computer Tomography-based Measurement of
      Abdominal Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissues.
AB  - Excessive accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue is a widely recognized as a
      major feature of obesity, and it can be quantified by dual-energy x-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA). However, in a phantom study, the inter- and intra
      instrument reliability of DXA remains unpredictable. Thus, we attempted to
      determine the precision of estimates from computer tomography-based measurements
      and analysis with AZE Virtual Place software. To determine the inter-rater
      reproducibility and intra-rater repeatability of adipose tissue area estimates,
      we used the automatic boundary-tracing function of the AZE Virtual Place to
      generate cross-sectional areas of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues from
      the abdomen of reconstructed CT images. The variability of inter-rater and intra
      rater estimates expressed as the coefficient of variation ranged from 0.47% to
      1.43% for subcutaneous adipose tissue and 1.08% to 2.20% for visceral adipose
      tissue; the optimal coefficient of variation of the fat rate calculation ranged
      from 0.55% to 1.13%, respectively. There was high and significant correlation
      between adipose tissue areas as estimated in 40 obese subjects by two raters or
      repeatedly on 20 obese subjects by either rater. This indicates excellent
      reproducibility and repeatability via a computer tomography-based measurement of
      abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues.

PMID- 28071719
TI  - Quantitative proteomic profiling of the extracellular matrix of pancreatic islets
      during the angiogenic switch and insulinoma progression.
AB  - The angiogenic switch, the time at which a tumor becomes vascularized, is a
      critical step in tumor progression. Indeed, without blood supply, tumors will
      fail to grow beyond 1 mm3 and are unlikely to disseminate. The extracellular
      matrix (ECM), a major component of the tumor microenvironment, is known to
      undergo significant changes during angiogenesis and tumor progression. However
      the extent of these changes remains unknown. In this study, we used quantitative
      proteomics to profile the composition of the ECM of pancreatic islets in a mouse
      model of insulinoma characterized by a precisely timed angiogenic switch. Out of
      the 120 ECM proteins quantified, 35 were detected in significantly different
      abundance as pancreatic islets progressed from being hyperplastic to angiogenic
      to insulinomas. Among these, the core ECM proteins, EFEMP1, fibrillin 1, and
      periostin were found in higher abundance, and decorin, Dmbt1, hemicentin, and
      Vwa5 in lower abundance. The angiogenic switch being a common feature of solid
      tumors, we propose that some of the proteins identified represent potential novel
      anti-angiogenic targets. In addition, we report the characterization of the ECM
      composition of normal pancreatic islets and propose that this could be of
      interest for the design of tissue-engineering strategies for treatment of
      diabetes.

PMID- 28071720
TI  - Polychlorinated biphenyls target Notch/Dll and VEGF R2 in the mouse placenta and
      human trophoblast cell lines for their anti-angiogenic effects.
AB  - The intrauterine environment is particularly vulnerable to environmental
      exposures. We previously established a mouse model that provided evidence for
      pregnancy complications and placental anti-angiogenesis in response to Aroclor
      1254 (A-1254), a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Importantly, these
      effects were observed in IL-10-/-, but not wild type, mice, suggesting that IL-10
      deficiency predisposes to pregnancy disruptive effects of environmental
      toxicants. However, the mechanisms by which PCBs cause anti-angiogenic effects
      are unclear. Here, we evaluated PCB-mediated anti-angiogenic effects by diverse
      but complementary approaches, including HUVEC-mediated trophoblast invasion in
      nude mice, in vitro three-dimensional capillary tube formation involving HUVEC
      and/or HTR8 trophoblasts, and aortic ring endothelial cell outgrowth/sprouting.
      Taken together, our data suggest that PCBs act as potent anti-angiogenic agents.
      Importantly, we show that treatment of pregnant IL-10-/- mice with A-1254
      resulted in placental activation of the Notch/Delta-like ligand (Dll) pathway, a
      master regulator of cell-cell interaction and vascular patterning. Similar
      results were obtained with HUVEC and HTR8 trophoblasts. Rescue of A-1254-induced
      disruption of HUVEC-based tube formation by gamma-secretase inhibitor L1790
      confirmed the critical role of the Notch/Dll pathway. Our data suggest that PCBs
      impart pregnancy disruptive functions by activating the Notch/Dll pathway and by
      inducing anti-angiogenic effects at the maternal-fetal interface.

PMID- 28071721
TI  - Assessment of phospholipid synthesis related biomarkers for perinatal asphyxia: a
      piglet study.
AB  - The prompt and reliable identification of infants at risk of hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy secondary to perinatal asphyxia in the first critical hours is
      important for clinical decision-making and yet still remains a challenge. This
      work strives for the evaluation of a panel of metabolic biomarkers that have been
      associated with the hypoxic-ischemic insult in the perinatal period. Plasma and
      urine samples from a consolidated newborn piglet model of hypoxia and withdrawn
      before and at different time points after a hypoxic insult were analyzed and
      compared to a control group. Time-dependent metabolic biomarker profiles were
      studied and observed patterns were similar to those of lactate levels, which are
      currently considered the gold standard for assessing hypoxia. Class prediction
      performance could be improved by the use of a combination of the whole panel of
      determined metabolites in plasma as compared to lactate values. Using a
      multivariate model including lactate together with the studied metabolic
      biomarkers allowed to improve the prediction performance of duration of hypoxia
      time, which correlates with the degree of brain damage. The present study
      evidences the usefulness of choline and related metabolites for improving the
      early assessment of the severity of the hypoxic insult.

PMID- 28071722
TI  - spict, a cyst cell-specific gene, regulates starvation-induced spermatogonial
      cell death in the Drosophila testis.
AB  - Tissues are maintained in a homeostatic state by balancing the constant loss of
      old cells with the continued production of new cells. Tissue homeostasis can
      shift between high and low turnover states to cope with environmental changes
      such as nutrient availability. Recently, we discovered that the elimination of
      transit-amplifying cells plays a critical role in maintaining the stem cell
      population during protein starvation in the Drosophila testis. Here, we identify
      spict, a gene expressed specifically in differentiating cyst cells, as a
      regulator of spermatogonial death. Spict is upregulated in cyst cells that
      phagocytose dying spermatogonia. We propose that phagocytosis and subsequent
      clearance of dead spermatogonia, which is partly promoted by Spict, contribute to
      stem cell maintenance during prolonged protein starvation.

PMID- 28071723
TI  - HCN1 channels reduce the rate of exocytosis from a subset of cortical synaptic
      terminals.
AB  - The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN1) channels are
      predominantly located in pyramidal cell dendrites within the cortex. Recent
      evidence suggests these channels also exist pre-synaptically in a subset of
      synaptic terminals within the mature entorhinal cortex (EC). Inhibition of pre
      synaptic HCN channels enhances miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents
      (mEPSCs) onto EC layer III pyramidal neurons, suggesting that these channels
      decrease the release of the neurotransmitter, glutamate. Thus, do pre-synaptic
      HCN channels alter the rate of synaptic vesicle exocytosis and thereby enhance
      neurotransmitter release? To address this, we imaged the release of FM1-43, a dye
      that is incorporated into synaptic vesicles, from EC synaptic terminals using two
      photon microscopy in slices obtained from forebrain specific HCN1 deficient mice,
      global HCN1 knockouts and their wildtype littermates. This coupled with
      electrophysiology and pharmacology showed that HCN1 channels restrict the rate of
      exocytosis from a subset of cortical synaptic terminals within the EC and in this
      way, constrain non-action potential-dependent and action potential-dependent
      spontaneous release as well as synchronous, evoked release. Since HCN1 channels
      also affect post-synaptic potential kinetics and integration, our results
      indicate that there are diverse ways by which HCN1 channels influence synaptic
      strength and plasticity.

PMID- 28071724
TI  - Osteoclastic miR-214 targets TRAF3 to contribute to osteolytic bone metastasis of
      breast cancer.
AB  - The role of osteoclastic miRNAs in regulating osteolytic bone metastasis (OBM) of
      breast cancer is still underexplored. Here, we examined the expression profiles
      of osteoclastogenic miRNAs in human bone specimens and identified that miR-214-3p
      was significantly upregulated in breast cancer patients with OBM. Consistently,
      we found increased miR-214-3p within osteoclasts, which was associated with the
      elevated bone resorption, during the development of OBM in human breast cancer
      xenografted nude mice (BCX). Furthermore, genetic ablation of osteoclastic miR
      214-3p in nude mice prevent the development of OBM. Conditioned medium from MDA
      MB-231 cells dramatically stimulated miR-214-3p expression to promote osteoclast
      differentiation. Mechanistically, a series of in vitro study showed that miR-214
      3p directly targeted Traf3 to promote osteoclast activity and bone-resorbing
      activity. In addition, osteoclast-specific miR-214-3p knock-in mice showed
      remarkably increased bone resorption when compared to the littermate controls,
      which was attenuated after osteoclast-targeted treatment with Traf3 3'UTR
      containing plasmid. In BCX nude mice, osteoclast-targeted antagomir-214-3p
      delivery could recover the TRAF3 protein expression and attenuate the development
      of OBM, respectively. Collectively, inhibition of osteoclastic miR-214-3p may be
      a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer patients with OBM. Meanwhile,
      the intraosseous TRAF3 could be a promising biomarker for evaluation of the
      treatment response of antagomir-214-3p.

PMID- 28071725
TI  - Astragalus polysaccharides attenuate PCV2 infection by inhibiting endoplasmic
      reticulum stress in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - This study explored the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on porcine
      circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections and its mechanism in vivo and vitro. First,
      fifty 2-week-old mice were randomly divided into five groups: a group without
      PCV2 infection and groups with PCV2 infections at 0, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg APS
      treatments. The trial lasted for 28 days. The results showed that APS treatments
      at 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced the pathological injury of tissues, inhibited PCV2
      infection and decreased glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and GADD153/CHOP
      gene mRNA and protein expression significantly (P < 0.05). Second, a study on
      endoplasmic reticulum stress mechanism was carried out in PK15 cells. APS
      treatments at 15 and 45 MUg/mL significantly reduced PCV2 infection and GRP78
      mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05). Tunicamycin supplementation increased
      GRP78 mRNA and protein expression and significantly attenuated the APS-induced
      inhibition of PCV2 infection (P < 0.05). Tauroursodeoxycholic acid
      supplementation decreased GRP78 mRNA and protein expression and significantly
      inhibited PCV2 infection (P < 0.05). In addition, fifty 2-week-old mice were
      randomly divided into five groups: Con, PCV2, APS + PCV2, TM + PCV2 and TM + APS
      + PCV2. The results were similar to those in PK15 cells. Taken together, it could
      be concluded that APS suppresses PCV2 infection by inhibiting endoplasmic
      reticulum stress.

PMID- 28071726
TI  - The PPE2 protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis translocates to host nucleus and
      inhibits nitric oxide production.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, is one of the
      most successful pathogens of humans. It has evolved several adaptive skills and
      evasion mechanisms to hijack the immunologically educated host to suit its
      intracellular lifestyle. Here, we show that one of the unique PPE family member
      proteins of M. tuberculosis, PPE2, can limit nitric oxide (NO) production by
      inhibiting inos gene transcription. PPE2 protein has a leucine zipper DNA-binding
      motif and a functional nuclear localization signal. PPE2 was translocated into
      the macrophage nucleus via the classical importin alpha/beta pathway where it
      interacted with a GATA-binding site overlapping with the TATA box of inos
      promoter and inhibited NO production. PPE2 prolonged intracellular survival of a
      surrogate bacterium M. smegmatis in vitro as well as in vivo. This information
      are likely to improve our knowledge of host-pathogen interactions during M.
      tuberculosis infection which is crucial for designing effective anti-TB
      therapeutics.

PMID- 28071727
TI  - Plasma Amino Acid Profile in Patients with Aortic Dissection.
AB  - Aortic dissection (AD), a severe cardiovascular disease with the characteristics
      of high mortality, is lack of specific clinical biomarkers. In order to
      facilitate the diagnosis of AD, we investigated plasma amino acid profile through
      metabolomics approach. Total 33 human subjects were enrolled in the study: 11
      coronary heart disease (CHD) patients without aortic lesion and 11 acute AD and
      11 chronic AD. Amino acids were identified in plasma using liquid chromatography
      and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and were further subjected to multiple logistic
      regression analysis. The score plots of principal component analysis (PCA) and
      partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) showed clear discrimination
      of CHD patients with AD, acute AD or chronic AD patients, respectively. The
      contents of histidine, glycine, serine, citrate, ornithine, hydroxyproline,
      proline and sarcosine were significant different in acute AD patients comparing
      with CHD patients. The levels of citrate, GABA, glutamate and cysteine were
      significant different in chronic AD patients comparing with CHD patients. The
      contents of glutamate and phenylalanine were significant changed in acute AD
      patients comparing with chronic AD patients. Plasma aminograms were significantly
      altered in patients with AD comparing with CHD, especially in acute AD,
      suggesting amino acid profile is expected to exploit a novel, non-invasive,
      objective diagnosis for AD.

PMID- 28071729
TI  - Rules of tissue packing involving different cell types: human muscle
      organization.
AB  - Natural packed tissues are assembled as tessellations of polygonal cells. These
      include skeletal muscles and epithelial sheets. Skeletal muscles appear as a
      mosaic composed of two different types of cells: the "slow" and "fast" fibres.
      Their relative distribution is important for the muscle function but little is
      known about how the fibre arrangement is established and maintained. In this work
      we capture the organizational pattern in two different healthy muscles: biceps
      brachii and quadriceps. Here we show that the biceps brachii muscle presents a
      particular arrangement, based on the different sizes of slow and fast fibres. By
      contrast, in the quadriceps muscle an unbiased distribution exists. Our results
      indicate that the relative size of each cellular type imposes an intrinsic
      organization into natural tessellations. These findings establish a new framework
      for the analysis of any packed tissue where two or more cell types exist.

PMID- 28071728
TI  - Determining the relative contribution of retinal disparity and blur cues to
      ocular accommodation in Down syndrome.
AB  - Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) often exhibit hypoaccommodation alongside
      accurate vergence. This study investigates the sensitivity of the two systems to
      retinal disparity and blur cues, establishing the relationship between the two in
      terms of accommodative-convergence to accommodation (AC/A) and convergence
      accommodation to convergence (CA/C) ratios. An objective photorefraction system
      measured accommodation and vergence under binocular conditions and when retinal
      disparity and blur cues were removed. Participants were aged 6-16 years (DS n =
      41, controls n = 76). Measures were obtained from 65.9% of participants with DS
      and 100% of controls. Accommodative and vergence responses were reduced with the
      removal of one or both cues in controls (p < 0.007). For participants with DS,
      removal of blur was less detrimental to accommodative responses than removal of
      disparity; accommodative responses being significantly better when all cues were
      available or when blur was removed in comparison to when proximity was the only
      available cue. AC/A ratios were larger and CA/C ratios smaller in participants
      with DS (p < 0.00001). This study demonstrates that retinal disparity is the main
      driver to both systems in DS and illustrates the diminished influence of retinal
      blur. High AC/A and low CA/C ratios in combination with disparity-driven
      responses suggest prioritisation of vergence over accurate accommodation.

PMID- 28071730
TI  - Structural basis of human PCNA sliding on DNA.
AB  - Sliding clamps encircle DNA and tether polymerases and other factors to the
      genomic template. However, the molecular mechanism of clamp sliding on DNA is
      unknown. Using crystallography, NMR and molecular dynamics simulations, here we
      show that the human clamp PCNA recognizes DNA through a double patch of basic
      residues within the ring channel, arranged in a right-hand spiral that matches
      the pitch of B-DNA. We propose that PCNA slides by tracking the DNA backbone via
      a 'cogwheel' mechanism based on short-lived polar interactions, which keep the
      orientation of the clamp invariant relative to DNA. Mutation of residues at the
      PCNA-DNA interface has been shown to impair the initiation of DNA synthesis by
      polymerase delta (pol delta). Therefore, our findings suggest that a clamp
      correctly oriented on DNA is necessary for the assembly of a replication
      competent PCNA-pol delta holoenzyme.

PMID- 28071732
TI  - Homoepitaxial Growth of Metal Halide Crystals Investigated by Reflection High
      Energy Electron Diffraction.
AB  - We report the homoepitaxial growth of a metal halide on single crystals
      investigated with in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and
      ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). Epitaxial growth of NaCl on NaCl (001) is
      explored as a function of temperature and growth rate which provides the first
      detailed report of RHEED oscillations for metal halide growth. Layer-by-layer
      growth is observed at room temperature accompanied by clear RHEED oscillations
      while the growth mode transitions to an island (3D) mode at low temperature. At
      higher temperatures (>100  degrees C), RHEED oscillations and AFM data indicate a
      transition to a step-flow growth mode. To show the importance of such metal
      halide growth, green organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are demonstrated using
      a doped NaCl film with a phosphorescent emitter as the emissive layer. This study
      demonstrates the ability to perform in situ and non-destructive RHEED monitoring
      even on insulating substrates and could enable doped single crystals and
      crystalline substrates for a range of optoelectronic applications.

PMID- 28071731
TI  - In-silico experiments of zebrafish behaviour: modeling swimming in three
      dimensions.
AB  - Zebrafish is fast becoming a species of choice in biomedical research for the
      investigation of functional and dysfunctional processes coupled with their
      genetic and pharmacological modulation. As with mammals, experimentation with
      zebrafish constitutes a complicated ethical issue that calls for the exploration
      of alternative testing methods to reduce the number of subjects, refine
      experimental designs, and replace live animals. Inspired by the demonstrated
      advantages of computational studies in other life science domains, we establish
      an authentic data-driven modelling framework to simulate zebrafish swimming in
      three dimensions. The model encapsulates burst-and-coast swimming style, speed
      modulation, and wall interaction, laying the foundations for in-silico
      experiments of zebrafish behaviour. Through computational studies, we demonstrate
      the ability of the model to replicate common ethological observables such as
      speed and spatial preference, and anticipate experimental observations on the
      correlation between tank dimensions on zebrafish behaviour. Reaching to other
      experimental paradigms, our framework is expected to contribute to a reduction in
      animal use and suffering.

PMID- 28071733
TI  - An automated method for large-scale monitoring of seed dispersal by ants.
AB  - Myrmecochory is the process of seed dispersal by ants; however, it is highly
      challenging to study, mainly because of the small size of both partners and the
      comparatively large range of dispersal. The mutualistic interaction between ants
      and seeds involves the former retrieving diaspores, consuming their elaiosome (a
      nutrient-rich appendage), and the rejection of seeds from the nest. Here, we
      introduce a semi-automated method based on stitching high resolution images
      together, allowing the study of myrmecochory in a controlled environment over
      time. We validate the effectiveness of our method in detecting and discriminating
      seeds and ants. We show that the number of retrieved diaspores varies highly
      among colonies, and is independent of both their size and activity level, even
      though the dynamics of diaspore collection are correlated with the arrival of
      ants at the food source. We find that all retrieved seeds are rejected from the
      nest in a clustered pattern, and, surprisingly, they are also frequently
      redispersed within the arena afterwards, despite lacking elaiosome. This finding
      suggests that the dispersal pattern might be more complex and dynamic than
      expected. Our method unveils new insights on the mechanisms of myrmecochory, and
      could be usefully adapted to study other dispersal phenomena.

PMID- 28071734
TI  - A subwavelength resolution microwave/6.3 GHz camera based on a metamaterial
      absorber.
AB  - The design, fabrication and characterization of a novel metamaterial absorber
      based camera with subwavelength spatial resolution are investigated. The proposed
      camera is featured with simple and lightweight design, easy portability, low
      cost, high resolution and sensitivity, and minimal image interference or
      distortion to the original field distribution. The imaging capability of the
      proposed camera was characterized in both near field and far field ranges. The
      experimental and simulated near field images both reveal that the camera produces
      qualitatively accurate images with negligible distortion to the original field
      distribution. The far field demonstration was done by coupling the designed
      camera with a microwave convex lens. The far field results further demonstrate
      that the camera can capture quantitatively accurate electromagnetic wave
      distribution in the diffraction limit. The proposed camera can be used in
      application such as non-destructive image and beam direction tracer.

PMID- 28071735
TI  - Spatial mapping of metals in tissue-sections using combination of mass
      spectrometry and histology through image registration.
AB  - We describe a new procedure for the parallel mapping of selected metals in
      histologically characterized tissue samples. Mapping is achieved via image
      registration of digital data obtained from two neighbouring cryosections by
      scanning the first as a histological sample and subjecting the second to laser
      ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This computer supported
      procedure enables determination of the distribution and content of metals of
      interest directly in the chosen histological zones and represents a substantial
      improvement over the standard approach, which determines these values in tissue
      homogenates or whole tissue sections. The potential of the described procedure
      was demonstrated in a pilot study that analysed Zn and Cu levels in successive
      development stages of pig melanoma tissue using MeLiM (Melanoma-bearing-Libechov
      Minipig) model. We anticipate that the procedure could be useful for a complex
      understanding of the role that the spatial distribution of metals plays within
      tissues affected by pathological states including cancer.

PMID- 28071736
TI  - Orbital angular momentum mode division filtering for photon-phonon coupling.
AB  - Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), a fundamental nonlinear interaction
      between light and acoustic waves occurring in any transparency material, has been
      broadly studied for several decades and gained rapid progress in integrated
      photonics recently. However, the SBS noise arising from the unwanted coupling
      between photons and spontaneous non-coherent phonons in media is inevitable.
      Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate this obstacle can be overcome via
      a method called orbital angular momentum mode division filtering. Owing to the
      introduction of a new distinguishable degree-of-freedom, even extremely weak
      signals can be discriminated and separated from a strong noise produced in SBS
      processes. The mechanism demonstrated in this proof-of-principle work provides a
      practical way for quasi-noise-free photonic-phononic operation, which is still
      valid in waveguides supporting multi-orthogonal spatial modes, permits more
      flexibility and robustness for future SBS devices.

PMID- 28071737
TI  - Efficient biosynthesis of a Cecropin A-melittin mutant in Bacillus subtilis
      WB700.
AB  - The efficient production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for clinical
      applications has attracted the attention of the scientific community. To develop
      a novel microbial cell factory for the efficient biosynthesis of a cecropin A
      melittin mutant (CAM-W), a recombinant Bacillus subtilis WB700 expression system
      was genetically modified with a novel vector, including a fusion gene encoding
      CAM-W, the autoprotease EDDIE and the signal peptide SacB under the control of
      the maltose-inducible promoter Pglv. A total of 159 mg of CAM-W was obtained from
      1 L of fermentation supernatant. The purified CAM-W showed a consistent size with
      the expected molecular weight of 3.2 kDa. Our findings suggest that this novel
      expression system can be used as a powerful tool for the efficient production of
      CAM-W.

PMID- 28071738
TI  - Purification and differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells by membrane
      filtration and membrane migration methods.
AB  - Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are easily isolated from fat tissue
      without ethical concerns, but differ in purity, pluripotency, differentiation
      ability, and stem cell marker expression, depending on the isolation method. We
      isolated hADSCs from a primary fat tissue solution using: (1) conventional
      culture, (2) a membrane filtration method, (3) a membrane migration method where
      the primary cell solution was permeated through membranes, adhered hADSCs were
      cultured, and hADSCs migrated out from the membranes. Expression of mesenchymal
      stem cell markers and pluripotency genes, and osteogenic differentiation were
      compared for hADSCs isolated by different methods using nylon mesh filter
      membranes with pore sizes ranging from 11 to 80 MUm. hADSCs isolated by the
      membrane migration method had the highest MSC surface marker expression and
      efficient differentiation into osteoblasts. Osteogenic differentiation ability of
      hADSCs and MSC surface marker expression were correlated, but osteogenic
      differentiation ability and pluripotent gene expression were not.

PMID- 28071739
TI  - Sox10+ adult stem cells contribute to biomaterial encapsulation and
      microvascularization.
AB  - Implanted biomaterials and biomedical devices generally induce foreign body
      reaction and end up with encapsulation by a dense avascular fibrous layer
      enriched in extracellular matrix. Fibroblasts/myofibroblasts are thought to be
      the major cell type involved in encapsulation, but it is unclear whether and how
      stem cells contribute to this process. Here we show, for the first time, that
      Sox10+ adult stem cells contribute to both encapsulation and microvessel
      formation. Sox10+ adult stem cells were found sparsely in the stroma of
      subcutaneous loose connective tissues. Upon subcutaneous biomaterial
      implantation, Sox10+ stem cells were activated and recruited to the biomaterial
      scaffold, and differentiated into fibroblasts and then myofibroblasts. This
      differentiation process from Sox10+ stem cells to myofibroblasts could be
      recapitulated in vitro. On the other hand, Sox10+ stem cells could differentiate
      into perivascular cells to stabilize newly formed microvessels. Sox10+ stem cells
      and endothelial cells in three-dimensional co-culture self-assembled into
      microvessels, and platelet-derived growth factor had chemotactic effect on Sox10+
      stem cells. Transplanted Sox10+ stem cells differentiated into smooth muscle
      cells to stabilize functional microvessels. These findings demonstrate the
      critical role of adult stem cells in tissue remodeling and unravel the complexity
      of stem cell fate determination.

PMID- 28071740
TI  - Elucidating the modes of action for bioactive compounds in a cell-specific manner
      by large-scale chemically-induced transcriptomics.
AB  - The identification of the modes of action of bioactive compounds is a major
      challenge in chemical systems biology of diseases. Genome-wide expression
      profiling of transcriptional responses to compound treatment for human cell lines
      is a promising unbiased approach for the mode-of-action analysis. Here we
      developed a novel approach to elucidate the modes of action of bioactive
      compounds in a cell-specific manner using large-scale chemically-induced
      transcriptome data acquired from the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular
      Signatures (LINCS), and analyzed 16,268 compounds and 68 human cell lines. First,
      we performed pathway enrichment analyses of regulated genes to reveal active
      pathways among 163 biological pathways. Next, we explored potential target
      proteins (including primary targets and off-targets) with cell-specific
      transcriptional similarity using chemical-protein interactome. Finally, we
      predicted new therapeutic indications for 461 diseases based on the target
      proteins. We showed the usefulness of the proposed approach in terms of
      prediction coverage, interpretation, and large-scale applicability, and validated
      the new prediction results experimentally by an in vitro cellular assay. The
      approach has a high potential for advancing drug discovery and repositioning.

PMID- 28071741
TI  - Loss of Coupling Distinguishes GJB1 Mutations Associated with CNS Manifestations
      of CMT1X from Those Without CNS Manifestations.
AB  - CMT1X, an X-linked inherited neuropathy, is caused by mutations in GJB1, which
      codes for Cx32, a gap junction protein expressed by Schwann cells and
      oligodendrocytes. Many GJB1 mutations cause central nervous system (CNS)
      abnormality in males, including stable subclinical signs and, less often, short
      duration episodes characterized by motor difficulties and altered consciousness.
      However, some mutations have no apparent CNS effects. What distinguishes
      mutations with and without CNS manifestations has been unclear. Here we studied a
      total of 14 Cx32 mutations, 10 of which are associated with florid episodic CNS
      clinical syndromes in addition to peripheral neuropathy. The other 4 mutations
      exhibit neuropathy without clinical or subclinical CNS abnormalities. These "PNS
      only" mutations (Y151C, V181M, R183C and L239I) form gap junction plaques and
      produce levels of junctional coupling similar to those for wild-type Cx32. In
      contrast, mutants with CNS manifestations (F51L, E102del, V139M, R142Q, R142W,
      R164W T55I, R164Q and C168Y) either form no morphological gap junction plaques
      or, if they do, produce little or no detectable junctional coupling. Thus, PNS
      and CNS abnormalities may involve different aspects of connexin function.

PMID- 28071742
TI  - Core Transcription Factors, MicroRNAs, and Small Molecules Drive
      Transdifferentiation of Human Fibroblasts Towards The Cardiac Cell Lineage.
AB  - Transdifferentiation has been described as a novel method for converting human
      fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells. Such an approach can produce
      differentiated cells to study physiology or pathophysiology, examine drug
      interactions or toxicities, and engineer cardiac tissues. Here we describe the
      transdifferentiation of human dermal fibroblasts towards the cardiac cell lineage
      via the induced expression of transcription factors GATA4, TBX5, MEF2C, MYOCD,
      NKX2-5, and delivery of microRNAs miR-1 and miR-133a. Cells undergoing
      transdifferentiation expressed ACTN2 and TNNT2 and partially organized their
      cytoskeleton in a cross-striated manner. The conversion process was associated
      with significant upregulation of a cohort of cardiac-specific genes, activation
      of pathways associated with muscle contraction and physiology, and downregulation
      of fibroblastic markers. We used a genetically encoded calcium indicator and
      readily detected active calcium transients although no spontaneous contractions
      were observed in transdifferentiated cells. Finally, we determined that
      inhibition of Janus kinase 1, inhibition of Glycogen synthase kinase 3, or
      addition of NRG1 significantly enhanced the efficiency of transdifferentiation.
      Overall, we describe a method for achieving transdifferentiation of human dermal
      fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells via transcription factor
      overexpression, microRNA delivery, and molecular pathway manipulation.

PMID- 28071743
TI  - Self-Assembly Assisted Fabrication of Dextran-Based Nanohydrogels with Reduction
      Cleavable Junctions for Applications as Efficient Drug Delivery Systems.
AB  - In order to overcome the key challenge in improving both fabrication efficiency
      and their drug delivery capability of anti-cancer drug delivery systems (ACDDS),
      here polyacrylic acid (PAA) grafted dextran (Dex) nanohydrogels (NGs) with
      covalent crosslinked structure bearing redox sensitive disulfide crosslinking
      junctions (Dex-SS-PAA) were synthesized efficiently through a one-step self
      assembly assisted methodology (SAA). The Dex-SS-PAA were subsequently conjugated
      with doxorubicin through an acid-labile hydrazone bond (Dex-SS-PAA-DOX). The in
      vitro drug release behavior, anti-cancer effects in vivo, and biosafety of the as
      prepared acid- and redox-dual responsive biodegradable NGs were systematically
      investigated. The results revealed that the Dex-SS-PAA-DOX exhibited pH- and
      redox-controlled drug release, greatly reduced the toxicity of free DOX, while
      exhibiting a strong ability to inhibit the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors. Our study
      demonstrated that the Dex-SS-PAA-DOX NGs are very promising candidates as ACDDS
      for anti-cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 28071744
TI  - Biodegradable Magnesium Screws Accelerate Fibrous Tissue Mineralization at the
      Tendon-Bone Insertion in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Model of
      Rabbit.
AB  - The incorporation of tendon graft into bone tunnel is one of the most challenging
      clinical issues in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. As a
      biodegradable metal, Mg has appropriate mechanical strength and osteoinductive
      effects, thus may be a promising alternative to commercialized products used for
      graft fixation. Therefore, it was hypothesized that Mg based interference screws
      would promote tendon graft-bone junction healing when compared to Ti screws.
      Herein, we compared the effects of Mg and Ti screws on tendon graft healing in
      rabbits with ACL reconstruction via histological, HR-pQCT and mechanical
      analysis. The histological results indicated that Mg screws significantly
      improved the graft healing quality via promoting mineralization at the tendon
      graft enthesis. Besides, Mg screws significantly promoted bone formation in the
      peri-screw region at the early healing stage. Importantly, Mg screws exhibited
      excellent corrosion resistance and the degradation of Mg screws did not induce
      bone tunnel widening. In tensile testing, there were no significant differences
      in the load to failure, stress, stiffness and absorption energy between Mg and Ti
      groups due to the failure mode at the midsubstance. Our findings demonstrate that
      Mg screws can promote tendon graft healing after ACL reconstruction, implying a
      potential alternative to Ti screws for clinical applications.

PMID- 28071745
TI  - Molecularly Imprinted Biodegradable Nanoparticles.
AB  - Biodegradable polymer nanoparticles are promising carriers for targeted drug
      delivery in nanomedicine applications. Molecu- lar imprinting is a potential
      strategy to target polymer nanoparticles through binding of endogenous ligands
      that may promote recognition and active transport into specific cells and
      tissues. However, the lock-and-key mechanism of molecular imprinting requires
      relatively rigid cross-linked structures, unlike those of many biodegradable
      polymers. To date, no fully biodegradable molecularly imprinted particles have
      been reported in the literature. This paper reports the synthesis of a novel
      molecularly- imprinted nanocarrier, based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)
      and acrylic acid, that combines biodegradability and molec- ular recognition
      properties. A novel three-arm biodegradable cross-linker was synthesized by ring
      opening polymerization of glycolide and lactide initiated by glycerol. The
      resulting macromer was functionalized by introduction of end-functions through
      reaction with acryloyl chloride. Macromer and acrylic acid were used for the
      synthesis of narrowly-dispersed nanoparticles by radical polymerization in
      diluted conditions in the presence of biotin as template molecule. The binding
      capacity of the imprinted nanoparticles towards biotin and biotinylated bovine
      serum albumin was twentyfold that of non-imprinted nanoparti- cles. Degradation
      rates and functional performances were assessed in in vitro tests and cell
      cultures, demonstrating effective biotin-mediated cell internalization.

PMID- 28071746
TI  - Allergy reduces the risk of meningioma: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Meningiomas are the most common brain tumours; however, little is known regarding
      their aetiology. The data are inconsistent concerning atopic disease and the risk
      of developing meningioma. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the
      association between allergic conditions and the risk of developing meningioma. A
      systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of SCI from Jan
      1979 to Feb 2016. Two investigators independently selected the relevant articles
      according to the inclusion criteria. Eight case-control studies and 2 cohort
      studies were included in the final analysis, comprising 5,679 meningioma cases
      and 55,621 control subjects. Compared with no history of allergy, the pooled odds
      ratio (OR) for allergic conditions was 0.81 (0.70-0.94) for meningioma in a
      random-effects meta-analysis. Inverse correlations of meningioma occurrence were
      also identified for asthma and eczema, in which the pooled ORs were 0.78 (0.70
      0.86) and 0.78 (0.69-0.87), respectively. A reduced risk of meningioma occurrence
      was identified in hay fever; however, the association was weak (0.88, 95% CI =
      0.78-0.99). The source of this heterogeneity could be the various confounding
      variables in individual studies. Overall, the current meta-analysis indicated
      that allergy reduced the risk of developing meningiomas. Large cohort studies are
      required to investigate this relationship.

PMID- 28071747
TI  - Deficits in reinforcement learning but no link to apathy in patients with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Negative symptoms in schizophrenia have been linked to selective reinforcement
      learning deficits in the context of gains combined with intact loss-avoidance
      learning. Fundamental mechanisms of reinforcement learning and choice are
      prediction error signaling and the precise representation of reward value for
      future decisions. It is unclear which of these mechanisms contribute to the
      impairments in learning from positive outcomes observed in schizophrenia. A
      recent study suggested that patients with severe apathy symptoms show deficits in
      the representation of expected value. Considering the fundamental relevance for
      the understanding of these symptoms, we aimed to assess the stability of these
      findings across studies. Sixty-four patients with schizophrenia and 19 healthy
      control participants performed a probabilistic reward learning task. They had to
      associate stimuli with gain or loss-avoidance. In a transfer phase participants
      indicated valuation of the previously learned stimuli by choosing among them.
      Patients demonstrated an overall impairment in learning compared to healthy
      controls. No effects of apathy symptoms on task indices were observed. However,
      patients with schizophrenia learned better in the context of loss-avoidance than
      in the context of gain. Earlier findings were thus partially replicated. Further
      studies are needed to clarify the mechanistic link between negative symptoms and
      reinforcement learning.

PMID- 28071748
TI  - Nrf2 regulates gene-environment interactions in an animal model of intrauterine
      inflammation: Implications for preterm birth and prematurity.
AB  - Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality, and surviving
      infants are at increased risk for lifelong disabilities. Intrauterine
      inflammation is an etiological factor that drives PTB, and oxidative stress is
      associated with PTB. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a redox
      sensitive transcription factor that is the key regulator of the response to
      oxidative and inflammatory stress. Here, we used the established mouse model of
      intrauterine inflammation-induced PTB to determine whether Nrf2 is a modifier of
      susceptibility to PTB and prematurity-related morbidity and mortality in the
      offspring. We determined that Nr2-deficient (Nrf2-/-) mice exhibited a greater
      sensitivity to intrauterine inflammation, as indicated by decreased time to
      delivery, reduced birthweight, and 100% mortality. Placentas from preterm Nrf2-/-
      mice showed elevated levels of markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and
      cell death, and transcriptomic analysis identified numerous key signaling
      pathways that were differentially expressed between wild-type (WT) and Nrf2-/-
      mice in both preterm and control samples. Thus, Nrf2 could be a critical factor
      for gene-environment interactions that may determine susceptibility to PTB.
      Further studies are needed to determine if Nrf2 is a viable therapeutic target in
      women who are at risk for PTB and associated complications in the affected
      offspring.

PMID- 28071749
TI  - Tomato progeny inherit resistance to the nematode Meloidogyne javanica linked to
      plant growth induced by the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma atroviride.
AB  - Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are major crop pathogens worldwide. Trichoderma genus
      fungi are recognized biocontrol agents and a direct activity of Trichoderma
      atroviride (Ta) against the RKN Meloidogyne javanica (Mj), in terms of 42%
      reduction of number of galls (NG), 60% of number of egg masses and 90% of number
      of adult nematodes inside the roots, has been observed in tomato grown under
      greenhouse conditions. An in vivo split-root designed experiment served to
      demonstrate that Ta induces systemic resistance towards Mj, without the need for
      the organisms to be in direct contact, and significantly reduces NG (20%) and
      adult nematodes inside tomato roots (87%). The first generation (F1) of Ta-primed
      tomato plants inherited resistance to RKN; although, the induction of defenses
      occurred through different mechanisms, and in varying degrees, depending on the
      Ta-Mj interaction. Plant growth promotion induced by Ta was inherited without
      compromising the level of resistance to Mj, as the progeny of Ta-primed plants
      displayed increased size and resistance to Mj without fitness costs. Gene
      expression results from the defense inductions in the offspring of Ta-primed
      plants, suggested that an auxin-induced reactive oxygen species production
      promoted by Ta may act as a major defense strategy during plant growth.

PMID- 28071750
TI  - In-gap corner states in core-shell polygonal quantum rings.
AB  - We study Coulomb interacting electrons confined in polygonal quantum rings. We
      focus on the interplay of localization at the polygon corners and Coulomb
      repulsion. Remarkably, the Coulomb repulsion allows the formation of in-gap
      states, i.e., corner-localized states of electron pairs or clusters shifted to
      energies that were forbidden for non-interacting electrons, but below the
      energies of corner-side-localized states. We specify conditions allowing optical
      excitation to those states.

PMID- 28071751
TI  - Transcriptional pausing at the translation start site operates as a critical
      checkpoint for riboswitch regulation.
AB  - On the basis of nascent transcript sequencing, it has been postulated but never
      demonstrated that transcriptional pausing at translation start sites is important
      for gene regulation. Here we show that the Escherichia coli thiamin pyrophosphate
      (TPP) thiC riboswitch contains a regulatory pause site in the translation
      initiation region that acts as a checkpoint for thiC expression. By biochemically
      probing nascent transcription complexes halted at defined positions, we find a
      narrow transcriptional window for metabolite binding, in which the downstream
      boundary is delimited by the checkpoint. We show that transcription complexes at
      the regulatory pause site favour the formation of a riboswitch intramolecular
      lock that strongly prevents TPP binding. In contrast, cotranscriptional
      metabolite binding increases RNA polymerase pausing and induces Rho-dependent
      transcription termination at the checkpoint. Early transcriptional pausing may
      provide a general mechanism, whereby transient transcriptional windows directly
      coordinate the sensing of environmental cues and bacterial mRNA regulation.

PMID- 28071752
TI  - Platelet to lymphocyte ratio in the prediction of adverse outcomes after acute
      coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Recent studies have shown platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) to be a potential
      inflammatory marker in cardiovascular diseases. We performed a meta-analysis to
      systematically evaluate the prognostic role of PLR in acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS). A comprehensive literature search up to May 18, 2016 was conducted from
      PUBMED, EMBASE and Web of science to identify related studies. The risk ratio
      (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was extracted or calculated for effect
      estimates. Totally ten studies involving 8932 patients diagnosed with ACS were
      included in our research. We demonstrated that patients with higher PLR level had
      significantly higher risk of in-hospital adverse outcomes (RR = 2.24, 95%CI =
      1.81-2.77) and long-term adverse outcomes (RR = 2.32, 95%CI = 1.64-3.28).
      Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of our results. We didn't detect
      significant publication bias by Begg's and Egger's test (p > 0.05). In
      conclusion, our meta-analysis revealed that PLR is promising biomarker in
      predicting worse prognosis in ACS patients. The results should be validated by
      future large-scale, standard investigations.

PMID- 28071753
TI  - De novo assembly, annotation, and characterization of the whole brain
      transcriptome of male and female Syrian hamsters.
AB  - Hamsters are an ideal animal model for a variety of biomedical research areas
      such as cancer, virology, circadian rhythms, and behavioural neuroscience. The
      use of hamsters has declined, however, most likely due to the dearth of genetic
      tools available for these animals. Our laboratory uses hamsters to study acute
      social stress, and we are beginning to investigate the genetic mechanisms
      subserving defeat-induced behavioural change. We have been limited, however, by
      the lack of genetic resources available for hamsters. In this study, we sequenced
      the brain transcriptome of male and female Syrian hamsters to generate the
      necessary resources to continue our research. We completed a de novo assembly and
      after assembly optimization, there were 113,329 transcripts representing 14,530
      unique genes. This study is the first to characterize transcript expression in
      both female and male hamster brains and offers invaluable information to promote
      understanding of a host of important biomedical research questions for which
      hamsters are an excellent model.

PMID- 28071754
TI  - Far-infrared protects vascular endothelial cells from advanced glycation end
      products-induced injury via PLZF-mediated autophagy in diabetic mice.
AB  - The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in diabetic patients
      induces vascular endothelial injury. Promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein
      (PLZF) is a transcription factor that can be activated by low-temperature far
      infrared (FIR) irradiation to exert beneficial effects on the vascular
      endothelium. In the present study, we investigated the influence of FIR-induced
      PLZF activation on AGE-induced endothelial injury both in vitro and in vivo. FIR
      irradiation inhibited AGE-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial
      cells (HUVECs). PLZF activation increased the expression of phosphatidylinositol
      3 kinases (PI3K), which are important kinases in the autophagic signaling
      pathway. FIR-induced PLZF activation led to autophagy in HUVEC, which was
      mediated through the upregulation of PI3K. Immunofluorescence staining showed
      that AGEs were engulfed by HUVECs and localized to lysosomes. FIR-induced
      autophagy promoted AGEs degradation in HUVECs. In nicotinamide/streptozotocin
      induced diabetic mice, FIR therapy reduced serum AGEs and AGEs deposition at the
      vascular endothelium. FIR therapy also reduced diabetes-induced inflammatory
      markers in the vascular endothelium and improved vascular endothelial function.
      These protective effects of FIR therapy were not found in PLZF-knockout mice. Our
      data suggest that FIR-induced PLZF activation in vascular endothelial cells
      protects the vascular endothelium in diabetic mice from AGE-induced injury.

PMID- 28071755
TI  - Variation in short-term and long-term responses of photosynthesis and isoprenoid
      mediated photoprotection to soil water availability in four Douglas-fir
      provenances.
AB  - For long-lived forest tree species, the understanding of intraspecific variation
      among populations and their response to water availability can reveal their
      ability to cope with and adapt to climate change. Dissipation of excess
      excitation energy, mediated by photoprotective isoprenoids, is an important
      defense mechanism against drought and high light when photosynthesis is hampered.
      We used 50-year-old Douglas-fir trees of four provenances at two common garden
      experiments to characterize provenance-specific variation in photosynthesis and
      photoprotective mechanisms mediated by essential and non-essential isoprenoids in
      response to soil water availability and solar radiation. All provenances revealed
      uniform photoprotective responses to high solar radiation, including increased de
      epoxidation of photoprotective xanthophyll cycle pigments and enhanced emission
      of volatile monoterpenes. In contrast, we observed differences between
      provenances in response to drought, where provenances sustaining higher CO2
      assimilation rates also revealed increased water-use efficiency, carotenoid
      chlorophyll ratios, pools of xanthophyll cycle pigments, beta-carotene and stored
      monoterpenes. Our results demonstrate that local adaptation to contrasting
      habitats affected chlorophyll-carotenoid ratios, pool sizes of photoprotective
      xanthophylls, beta-carotene, and stored volatile isoprenoids. We conclude that
      intraspecific variation in isoprenoid-mediated photoprotective mechanisms
      contributes to the adaptive potential of Douglas-fir provenances to climate
      change.

PMID- 28071756
TI  - Association between reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with statin
      therapy and the risk of new-onset diabetes: a meta-analysis.
AB  - A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that statin therapy was associated with a
      risk of diabetes. The present study investigated whether the relative reduction
      in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) was a good indicator of the risk
      of new-onset diabetes. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register,
      Lilacs, Food and Drug Administration, and European Medicines Agency databases for
      randomized controlled trials of statins. Fourteen trials were included in the
      study. Eight trials with target LDL-c levels <=100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) or LDL-c
      reductions of at least 30% were extracted separately. The results showed that the
      overall risk of incident diabetes increased by 11% (OR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.03-1.20).
      The group with intensive LDL-c-lowering statin had an 18% increase in the
      likelihood of developing diabetes (OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.28). Furthermore,
      the risks of incident diabetes were 13% (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.01-1.26) and 29% (OR
      = 1.29; 95% CI 1.13-1.47) in the subgroups with 30-40% and 40-50% reductions in
      LDL-c, respectively, suggesting that LDL-c reduction may provide a dynamic risk
      assessment parameter for new-onset diabetes. In conclusion, LDL-c reduction is
      positively related to the risk of new-onset diabetes. When LDL-c is reduced by
      more than 30% during lipid-lowering therapy, blood glucose monitoring is
      suggested to detect incident diabetes in high-risk populations.

PMID- 28071758
TI  - Prevalence of feral swine disturbance at important archaeological sites over a
      large landscape in Florida.
AB  - Feral swine are globally known as one of the most destructive invasive
      vertebrates, damaging native habitats, native plants and animals, agriculture,
      infrastructure, spreading diseases. There has been little quantification on their
      disturbance to archaeological sites across a broad landscape. Over 6 years we
      inspected 293 significant archaeological sites for swine disturbance across a
      vast area. We found a 42% prevalence of swine disturbance among all sites, with
      prevalence not distinguishable among prehistoric sites, historic sites, and sites
      with both components. The areas of disturbance mapped within three historic
      homestead sites showed 5-26% of total site surface area rooted. Disturbance was
      not evident upon re-inspection of one of these sites after 18 months, indicating
      how evidence of disturbance can be obscured in this environment. Thus, our
      observed 42% prevalence of disturbance should be considered a minimum for
      disturbance occurring through time. Artifacts depths were <10 cm of the surface
      at 85% of the sites and <20 cm of the surface for 90% of the sites. Feral swine
      rooting commonly exceeds 20 cm in depth, especially in soft sandy substrates
      typical of Florida, making the great majority of the studied sites highly
      vulnerable to artifact damage or displacement.

PMID- 28071757
TI  - New insights into the GINS complex explain the controversy between existing
      structural models.
AB  - GINS is a key component of eukaryotic replicative forks and is composed of four
      subunits (Sld5, Psf1, Psf2, Psf3). To explain the discrepancy between structural
      data from crystallography and electron microscopy (EM), we show that GINS is a
      compact tetramer in solution as observed in crystal structures, but also forms a
      double-tetrameric population, detectable by EM. This may represent an
      intermediate step towards the assembly of two replicative helicase complexes at
      origins, moving in opposite directions within the replication bubble.
      Reconstruction of the double-tetrameric form, combined with small-angle X-ray
      scattering data, allows the localisation of the B domain of the Psf1 subunit in
      the free GINS complex, which was not visible in previous studies and is essential
      for the formation of a functional replication fork.

PMID- 28071759
TI  - Characterization of Pairwise Correlations from Multiple Quantum Correlated Beams
      Generated from Cascaded Four-Wave Mixing Processes.
AB  - We theoretically characterize the performance of the pairwise correlations (PCs)
      from multiple quantum correlated beams based on the cascaded four-wave mixing
      (FWM) processes. The presence of the PCs with quantum corre- lation in these
      systems can be verified by calculating the degree of intensity difference
      squeezing for any pair of all the output fields. The quantum correlation
      characteristics of all the PCs under different cascaded schemes are also
      discussed in detail and the repulsion effect between PCs in these cascaded FWM
      processes is theoretically predicted. Our results open the way for the
      classification and application of quantum states generated from the cascaded FWM
      processes.

PMID- 28071760
TI  - Origin and evolution of MIR1444 genes in Salicaceae.
AB  - miR1444s are functionally significant miRNAs targeting polyphenol oxidase (PPO)
      genes for cleavage. MIR1444 genes were reported only in Populus trichocarpa.
      Through the computational analysis of 215 RNA-seq data, four whole genome
      sequences of Salicaceae species and deep sequencing of six P. trichocarpa small
      RNA libraries, we investigated the origin and evolution history of MIR1444s. A
      total of 23 MIR1444s were identified. Populus and Idesia species contain two
      MIR1444 genes, while Salix includes only one. Populus and Idesia MIR1444b genes
      and Salix MIR1444s were phylogenetically separated from Populus and Idesia
      MIR1444a genes. Ptr-miR1444a and ptr-miR1444b showed sequence divergence.
      Compared with ptr-miR1444b, ptr-miR1444a started 2 nt upstream of precursor,
      resulting in differential regulation of PPO targets. Sequence alignments showed
      that MIR1444 genes exhibited extensive similarity to their PPO targets, the
      characteristics of MIRs originated from targets through an inverted gene
      duplication event. Genome sequence comparison showed that MIR1444 genes in
      Populus and Idesia were expanded through the Salicoid genome duplication event. A
      copy of MIR1444 gene was lost in Salix through DNA segment deletion during
      chromosome rearrangements. The results provide significant information for the
      origin of plant miRNAs and the mechanism of Salicaceae gene evolution and
      divergence.

PMID- 28071762
TI  - Quantum dynamics study of energy requirement on reactivity for the HBr + OH
      reaction with a negative-energy barrier.
AB  - A time-dependent, quantum reaction dynamics approach in full dimensional, six
      degrees of freedom was carried out to study the energy requirement on reactivity
      for the HBr + OH reaction with an early, negative energy barrier. The calculation
      shows both the HBr and OH vibrational excitations enhance the reactivity.
      However, even this reaction has a negative energy barrier, the calculation shows
      not all forms of energy are equally effective in promoting the reactivity. On the
      basis of equal amount of total energy, the vibrational energies of both the HBr
      and OH are more effective in enhancing the reactivity than the translational
      energy, whereas the rotational excitations of both the HBr and OH hinder the
      reactivity. The rate constants were also calculated for the temperature range
      between 5 to 500 K. The quantal rate constants have a better slope agreement with
      the experimental data than quasi-classical trajectory results.

PMID- 28071761
TI  - Plasma heme-induced renal toxicity is related to a capillary rarefaction.
AB  - Severe hypertension can lead to malignant hypertension (MH) with renal thrombotic
      microangiopathy and hemolysis. The role of plasma heme release in this setting is
      unknown. We aimed at evaluating the effect of a mild plasma heme increase by
      hemin administration in angiotensin II (AngII)-mediated hypertensive rats.
      Prevalence of MH and blood pressure values were similar in AngII and AngII +
      hemin groups. MH rats displayed a decreased renal blood flow (RBF), increased
      renal vascular resistances (RVR), and increased aorta and interlobar arteries
      remodeling with a severe renal microcirculation assessed by peritubular
      capillaries (PTC) rarefaction. Hemin-treated rats with or without AngII displayed
      also a decreased RBF and increased RVR explained only by PCT rarefaction. In
      AngII rats, RBF was similar to controls (with increased RVR). PTC density
      appeared strongly correlated to tubular damage score (rho = -0.65, p < 0.0001)
      and also renal Heme Oygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA (rho = -0.67, p < 0.0001). HO-1 was
      expressed in PTC and renal tubules in MH rats, but only in PTC in other groups.
      In conclusion, though increased plasma heme does not play a role in triggering or
      aggravating MH, heme release appears as a relevant toxic mediator leading to
      renal impairment, primarily through PTC endothelial dysfunction rather than
      direct tubular toxicity.

PMID- 28071763
TI  - Starved epithelial cells uptake extracellular matrix for survival.
AB  - Extracellular matrix adhesion is required for normal epithelial cell survival,
      nutrient uptake and metabolism. This requirement can be overcome by oncogene
      activation. Interestingly, inhibition of PI3K/mTOR leads to apoptosis of matrix
      detached, but not matrix-attached cancer cells, suggesting that matrix-attached
      cells use alternate mechanisms to maintain nutrient supplies. Here we demonstrate
      that under conditions of dietary restriction or growth factor starvation, where
      PI3K/mTOR signalling is decreased, matrix-attached human mammary epithelial cells
      upregulate and internalize beta4-integrin along with its matrix substrate,
      laminin. Endocytosed laminin localizes to lysosomes, results in increased
      intracellular levels of essential amino acids and enhanced mTORC1 signalling,
      preventing cell death. Moreover, we show that starved human fibroblasts secrete
      matrix proteins that maintain the growth of starved mammary epithelial cells
      contingent upon epithelial cell beta4-integrin expression. Our study identifies a
      crosstalk between stromal fibroblasts and epithelial cells under starvation that
      could be exploited therapeutically to target tumours resistant to PI3K/mTOR
      inhibition.

PMID- 28071764
TI  - Aligned copper nanorod arrays for highly efficient generation of intense ultra
      broadband THz pulses.
AB  - We demonstrate an intense broadband terahertz (THz) source based on the
      interaction of relativistic-intensity femtosecond lasers with aligned copper
      nanorod array targets. For copper nanorod targets with a length of 5 MUm, a
      maximum 13.8 times enhancement in the THz pulse energy (in <=20 THz spectral
      range) is measured as compared to that with a thick plane copper target under the
      same laser conditions. A further increase in the nanorod length leads to a
      decrease in the THz pulse energy at medium frequencies (<=20 THz) and increase of
      the electromagnetic pulse energy in the high-frequency range (from 20-200 THz).
      For the latter, we measure a maximum energy enhancement of 28 times for the
      nanorod targets with a length of 60 MUm. Particle-in-cell simulations reveal that
      THz pulses are mostly generated by coherent transition radiation of laser
      produced hot electrons, which are efficiently enhanced with the use of nanorod
      targets. Good agreement is found between the simulation and experimental results.

PMID- 28071765
TI  - Neural codes of seeing architectural styles.
AB  - Images of iconic buildings, such as the CN Tower, instantly transport us to
      specific places, such as Toronto. Despite the substantial impact of architectural
      design on people's visual experience of built environments, we know little about
      its neural representation in the human brain. In the present study, we have found
      patterns of neural activity associated with specific architectural styles in
      several high-level visual brain regions, but not in primary visual cortex (V1).
      This finding suggests that the neural correlates of the visual perception of
      architectural styles stem from style-specific complex visual structure beyond the
      simple features computed in V1. Surprisingly, the network of brain regions
      representing architectural styles included the fusiform face area (FFA) in
      addition to several scene-selective regions. Hierarchical clustering of error
      patterns further revealed that the FFA participated to a much larger extent in
      the neural encoding of architectural styles than entry-level scene categories. We
      conclude that the FFA is involved in fine-grained neural encoding of scenes at a
      subordinate-level, in our case, architectural styles of buildings. This study for
      the first time shows how the human visual system encodes visual aspects of
      architecture, one of the predominant and longest-lasting artefacts of human
      culture.

PMID- 28071766
TI  - An optimistic protein assembly from sequence reads salvaged an uncharacterized
      segment of mouse picobirnavirus.
AB  - Advances in Next Generation Sequencing technologies have enabled the generation
      of millions of sequences from microorganisms. However, distinguishing the
      sequence of a novel species from sequencing errors remains a technical challenge
      when the novel species is highly divergent from the closest known species. To
      solve such a problem, we developed a new method called Optimistic Protein
      Assembly from Reads (OPAR). This method is based on the assumption that protein
      sequences could be more conserved than the nucleotide sequences encoding them. By
      taking advantage of metagenomics, bioinformatics and conventional Sanger
      sequencing, our method successfully identified all coding regions of the mouse
      picobirnavirus for the first time. The salvaged sequences indicated that segment
      1 of this virus was more divergent from its homologues in other Picobirnaviridae
      species than segment 2. For this reason, only segment 2 of mouse picobirnavirus
      has been detected in previous studies. OPAR web tool is available at
      http://bioinformatics.czc.hokudai.ac.jp/opar/.

PMID- 28071767
TI  - Reply #2 to: Glycemic Choreoballism.
AB  - In Response To: Lee D, Ahn, TB. Glycemic choreoballism. Tremor Other Hyperkinet
      Mov. 2016; 6. doi: 10.7916/D8QJ7HNF Original Article: Roy U, Das SK, Mukherjee A,
      et al. Irreversible hemichoreahemiballism in a case of nonketotic hyperglycemia
      presenting as the initial manifestation of diabetes mellitus. Tremor Other
      Hyperkinet Mov. 2016; 6. doi: 10.7916/D8QZ2B3F.

PMID- 28071768
TI  - Reply #1 to: Glycemic Choreoballism.
AB  - In Response To: Lee D, Ahn TB. Glycemic choreoballism. Tremor Other Hyperkinet
      Mov. 2016; 6. doi: 10.7916/D8QJ7HNF Original Article: Cosentino C, Torres L,
      Nunez Y, et al. Hemichorea/hemiballism associated with hyperglycemia: report of
      twenty cases. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov. 2016; 6. doi: 10.7916/D8DN454P.

PMID- 28071774
TI  - Intermolecular structure and hydrogen-bonding in liquid 1,2-propylene carbonate
      and 1,2-glycerol carbonate determined by neutron scattering.
AB  - Neutron diffraction with isotopic substitution has been used to investigate the
      liquid structures of propylene carbonate and glycerol carbonate. C-HO[double
      bond, length as m-dash]C hydrogen-bonding motifs dominate the local structure of
      propylene carbonate, giving rise to the formation of head-to-tail correlated
      chains of molecules. In contrast, glycerol carbonate exhibits a more disordered
      structure with no overall dominant interactions in which the pendant hydroxyl
      function disrupts structure-making correlations present in propylene carbonate.

PMID- 28071775
TI  - Copper-catalyzed C-O bond cleavage and cyclization: synthesis of indazolo[3,2
      b]quinazolinones.
AB  - The first example of a copper-catalyzed halogen-free protocol to construct
      indazolo[3,2-b]quinazolinones was developed through sequential inert C-O bond
      cleavage followed by intramolecular C-N bond formation. This protocol represents
      an efficient synthetic tool for accessing a more diverse range of functionalized
      indazolo[3,2-b]quinazolinones. The structure of the newly synthesized
      indazolo[3,2-b]quinazolinones was unambiguously confirmed by X-ray crystal
      diffraction analysis.

PMID- 28071776
TI  - pi+-pi+ stacking of imidazolium cations enhances molecular layering of room
      temperature ionic liquids at their interfaces.
AB  - The interfacial structure of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) controls many
      of the unique properties of RTILs, such as the high capacitance of RTILs and the
      efficiency of charge transport between RTILs and electrodes. RTILs have been
      experimentally shown to exhibit interfacial molecular layering structures over a
      10 A length scale. However, the driving force behind the formation of these
      layered structures has not been resolved. Here, we report ab initio molecular
      dynamics simulations of imidazolium RTIL/air and RTIL/graphene interfaces along
      with force field molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the pi+-pi+
      interaction of imidazolium cations enhances the layering structure of RTILs,
      despite the electrostatic repulsion. The length scales of the molecular layering
      at the RTIL/air and RTIL/graphene interfaces are very similar, manifesting the
      limited effect of the substrate on the interfacial organization of RTILs.

PMID- 28071777
TI  - Radical recombination in interstellar ices, a not so simple mechanism.
AB  - Many complex organic molecules (hereafter COMs) have been detected in different
      regions of the interstellar medium (ISM). In each region, different energetic
      processes - UV irradiation, atom bombardments, etc. - that could be linked to the
      formation of detected COMs may occur depending on the environment. Several
      formation mechanisms were proposed but increasing attention is paid to radical
      recombination reactions. Previous studies showed that glycolaldehyde (HC(O)CH2OH)
      and ethylene glycol (HOCH2CH2OH) are formed by radical recombination between HCO
      and CH2OH, and by CH2OH dimerisation, respectively. Formyl (HCO), one of the most
      famous astrophysically-relevant radical species, has been detected as a gaseous
      component of the ISM. Its reactivity was already attributed to the formation of
      several COMs. This work aims to study the dimerisation of formyl radical HCO
      using a cryogenic matrix technique. The evolution of the chemical sample
      composition is monitored by infrared spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry during
      temperature programmed desorption (TPD) monitoring. Results indicate that the
      reaction of one HCO with another does not lead to the direct formation of glyoxal
      (HC(O)C(O)H) but yields H2CO and CO. Results are also compared with those for the
      reaction between two CH2OH radicals and the recombination between HCO and CH2OH.
      Also, glyceraldehyde was tentatively detected in our experiment using different
      spectroscopic techniques. A radical mechanism is proposed to explain its
      formation in our experiments. Complementary quantum chemical calculations provide
      an atomistic interpretation of the experimental findings.

PMID- 28071778
TI  - Ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents for lignocellulosic biomass
      fractionation.
AB  - Lignocellulosic biomass has gained extensive research interest due to its
      potential as a renewable resource, which has the ability to overtake oil-based
      resources. However, this is only possible if the fractionation of lignocellulosic
      biomass into its constituents, cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose, can be
      conducted more efficiently than is possible with the current processes. This
      article summarizes the currently most commonly used processes and reviews the
      fractionation with innovative solvents, such as ionic liquids and deep eutectic
      solvents. In addition, future challenges for the use of these innovative solvents
      will be addressed.

PMID- 28071779
TI  - Diffusive escape through a narrow opening: new insights into a classic problem.
AB  - We study the mean first exit time (Tepsilon) of a particle diffusing in a
      circular or a spherical micro-domain with an impenetrable confining boundary
      containing a small escape window (EW) of an angular size epsilon. Focusing on the
      effects of an energy/entropy barrier at the EW, and of the long-range
      interactions (LRIs) with the boundary on the diffusive search for the EW, we
      develop a self-consistent approximation to derive for Tepsilon a general
      expression, akin to the celebrated Collins-Kimball relation in chemical kinetics
      and accounting for both rate-controlling factors in an explicit way. Our analysis
      reveals that the barrier-induced contribution to Tepsilon is the dominant one in
      the limit epsilon -> 0, implying that the narrow escape problem is not "diffusion
      limited" but rather "barrier-limited". We present the small-epsilon expansion for
      Tepsilon, in which the coefficients in front of the leading terms are expressed
      via some integrals and derivatives of the LRI potential. Considering a triangular
      well potential as an example, we show that Tepsilon is non-monotonic with respect
      to the extent of the attractive LRI, being minimal for the ones having an
      intermediate extent, neither too concentrated on the boundary nor penetrating too
      deeply into the bulk. Our analytical predictions are in good agreement with the
      numerical simulations.

PMID- 28071780
TI  - Correction: beta-Amyrin synthase from Euphorbia tirucalli L. functional analyses
      of the highly conserved aromatic residues Phe413, Tyr259 and Trp257 disclose the
      importance of the appropriate steric bulk, and cation-pi and CH-pi interactions
      for the efficient catalytic action of the polyolefin cyclization cascade.
AB  - Correction for 'beta-Amyrin synthase from Euphorbia tirucalli L. functional
      analyses of the highly conserved aromatic residues Phe413, Tyr259 and Trp257
      disclose the importance of the appropriate steric bulk, and cation-pi and CH-pi
      interactions for the efficient catalytic action of the polyolefin cyclization
      cascade' by Ryousuke Ito et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, 15, 177-188.

PMID- 28071781
TI  - Rhodium-catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of alpha-amino acrylonitriles:
      an efficient approach to synthesizing chiral alpha-amino nitriles.
AB  - An efficient rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of alpha-amino
      acrylonitriles has been developed, affording alpha-acylamino nitriles with high
      yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield and >99% ee). This
      novel methodology provides an efficient and concise synthetic route to chiral
      alpha-amino nitriles, which are versatile intermediates in organic synthesis.

PMID- 28071782
TI  - Synthesis of fully arylated (hetero)arenes.
AB  - Multiply arylated arenes are privileged structures with highly useful functions
      and fascinating optoelectronic and biological properties. This feature article
      reports the synthesis of fully arylated (hetero)arenes bearing more than two
      different aryl substituents and categorizes this emerging topic by the type of
      (hetero)arene core and the type of chemistry employed to install the (hetero)aryl
      substituents.

PMID- 28071783
TI  - Preparation and application of silver nanoparticle-functionalized magnetic
      graphene oxide nanocomposites.
AB  - Although selective enrichment of glycopeptides from complex biological samples is
      indispensable for mass spectrometry (MS)-based glycoproteomics, it still remains
      a great challenge due to the low abundance of glycoproteins and suppression of
      non-glycopeptides. In this study, silver nanoparticle-functionalized magnetic
      graphene oxide nanocomposites (GO/Fe3O4/PEI/Ag) were synthesized. Silver
      nanoparticles were generated in situ on the surface of magnetic graphene oxide
      using polyethylenimine as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The resulting
      material was used as an adsorbent for selective enrichment of glycopeptides.
      GO/Fe3O4/PEI/Ag nanocomposites offered excellent enrichment ability, which was
      attributed to the synergistic effect of polyethylenimine and silver
      nanoparticles. The nanocomposites showed superior specificity for glycopeptides
      even when non-glycopeptides were 100 times more concentrated than glycopeptides.
      The nanocomposites displayed advantages including rapid adsorption (1 min), low
      detection limit (25 fmol), repeatability (6 times), and high recovery (77.8%).
      Using these nanocomposites, 91 different glycoproteins and 136 N-linked
      glycopeptides were identified from among 20 MUg tryptic human serum proteins and
      this demonstrated the superior performance of the nanocomposites for
      glycopeptides enrichment.

PMID- 28071784
TI  - A continued role for signaling functions in the early evolution of feathers.
AB  - Persons and Currie (2015) argued against either flight, thermoregulation, or
      signaling as a functional benefit driving the earliest evolution of feathers;
      rather, they favored simple feathers having an initial tactile sensory function,
      which changed to a thermoregulatory function as density increased. Here, we
      explore the relative merits of early simple feathers that may have originated as
      tactile sensors progressing instead toward a signaling, rather than (or in
      addition to) a thermoregulatory function. We suggest that signaling could act in
      concert with a sensory function more naturally than could thermoregulation. As
      such, the dismissal of a possible signaling function and the presumption that an
      initial sensory function led directly to a thermoregulatory function (implicit in
      the title "bristles before down") are premature.

PMID- 28071785
TI  - Bioactive polyphenols and cardiovascular disease: chemical antagonists,
      pharmacological agents or xenobiotics that drive an adaptive response?
AB  - : Polyphenols are widely regarded to have a wide range of health-promoting
      qualities, including beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. Historically,
      the benefits have been linked to their well-recognized powerful antioxidant
      activity. However, the concept that the beneficial effects are attributable to
      direct antioxidant activity in vivo does not pay sufficient heed to the fact that
      polyphenols degrade rapidly, are poorly absorbed and rapidly metabolized,
      resulting in very low bioavailability. This review explores alternative
      mechanisms by which polyphenols, or their metabolites, exert biological activity
      via mechanisms that can be activated by physiologically relevant concentrations.
      Evidence is presented to support the action of phenolic derivatives on receptors
      and signalling pathways to induce adaptive responses that drive changes in
      endogenous antioxidant, antiplatelet, vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
      The implications are that in vitro antioxidant measures as predictors of
      polyphenol protective activity in vivo hold little relevance and that closer
      attention needs to be paid to bioavailable metabolites to understand the mode of
      action of these diet-derived components. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of
      a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To
      view the other articles in this section visit
      http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.

PMID- 28071786
TI  - Functional and cardioprotective effects of simultaneous and individual activation
      of protein kinase A and Epac.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Myocardial cAMP elevation confers cardioprotection
      against ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. cAMP activates two independent
      signalling pathways, PKA and Epac. This study investigated the cardiac effects of
      activating PKA and/or Epac and their involvement in cardioprotection against I/R.
      EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Hearts from male rats were used either for determination
      of PKA and PKC activation or perfused in the Langendorff mode for either
      cardiomyocyte isolation or used to monitor functional activity at basal levels
      and after 30 min global ischaemia and 2 h reperfusion. Functional recovery and
      myocardial injury during reperfusion (LDH release and infarct size) were
      evaluated. Activation of PKA and/or Epac in perfused hearts was induced using
      cell permeable cAMP analogues in the presence or absence of inhibitors of PKA,
      Epac and PKC. H9C2 cells and cardiomyocytes were used to assess activation of
      Epac and effect on Ca2+ transients. KEY RESULTS: Selective activation of either
      PKA or Epac was found to trigger a positive inotropic effect, which was
      considerably enhanced when both pathways were simultaneously activated. Only
      combined activation of PKA and Epac induced marked cardioprotection against I/R
      injury. This was accompanied by PKCepsilon activation and repressed by inhibitors
      of PKA, Epac or PKC. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Simultaneous activation of both
      PKA and Epac induces an additive inotropic effect and confers optimal and marked
      cardioprotection against I/R injury. The latter effect is mediated by PKCepsilon
      activation. This work has introduced a new therapeutic approach and targets to
      protect the heart against cardiac insults.

PMID- 28071787
TI  - Interaction of Whey Proteins with Phenolic Derivatives Under Neutral and Acidic
      pH Conditions.
AB  - Integration of gallic acid (GA) and its derivative epigallocatechin gallate
      (EGCG; 20, 120, and 240 MUmol/g, protein basis) into whey protein isolate (WPI)
      at room temperature and pH 3.0 and pH 7.0 was investigated. At pH 7.0, both
      phenolics caused significant structural changes and EGCG induced greater
      digestibility of WPI. Total sulfhydryl in WPI decreased from 28.6 to 7.6 MUmol/g
      and surface hydrophobicity declined by nearly 50% with 240 MUmol/g EGCG at pH
      7.0. Similar but less appreciable changes were produced by GA and at pH 3.0.
      Isothermal titration and fluorescence quenching tests showed moderately weak
      binding of WPI with GA but strong binding with EGCG at pH 7.0. Both phenolics at
      high concentrations lowered the thermal transition temperature of beta
      lactoglobulin by 0.5  degrees C to 1.4  degrees C and promoted its digestion. The
      phenolics also displayed a remarkable synergism with peptides in the WPI digest
      exerting radical scavenging activity.

PMID- 28071789
TI  - Aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 inhibits atherosclerosis progression in
      apolipoprotein E-/- mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Atherosclerosis is characterized by a chronic non
      resolving inflammation in the arterial wall. Aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 (ATL)
      is a potent anti-inflammatory mediator, involved in the resolution of
      inflammation. However, the therapeutic potential of immune targeting by means of
      ATL in atherosclerosis has not previously been explored. The aim of the present
      study was to determine the effects of ATL and its receptor Fpr2 on
      atherosclerosis development and progression in apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE-/
      ) mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: ApoE-/-  * Fpr2+/+ and ApoE-/-  * Fpr2-/- mice
      were generated. Four-week-old mice fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks and 16-week
      old mice fed chow diet received osmotic pumps containing either vehicle or ATL
      for 4 weeks. Atherosclerotic lesion size and cellular composition were measured
      in the aortic root and thoracic aorta. Lipid levels and leukocyte counts were
      measured in blood and mRNA was isolated from abdominal aorta and spleen. KEY
      RESULTS: ATL blocked atherosclerosis progression in the aortic root and thoracic
      aorta of ApoE-/- mice. In addition, ATL reduced macrophage infiltration and
      apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic lesions. The mRNA levels of several cytokines
      and chemokines in the spleen and aorta were reduced by ATL, whereas circulating
      leukocyte levels were unchanged. The ATL-induced athero-protection was absent in
      ApoE-/- mice lacking the Fpr2 receptor. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: ATL blocked
      atherosclerosis progression by means of an Fpr2-mediated reduced local and
      systemic inflammation. These results suggest this anti-inflammatory and pro
      resolving agent has therapeutic potential for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
      LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Targeting
      Inflammation to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk. To view the other articles in
      this section visit
      http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.22/issuetoc and
      http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v82.4/issuetoc.

PMID- 28071788
TI  - Chromosome inversions and ecological plasticity in the main African malaria
      mosquitoes.
AB  - Chromosome inversions have fascinated the scientific community, mainly because of
      their role in the rapid adaption of different taxa to changing environments.
      However, the ecological traits linked to chromosome inversions have been poorly
      studied. Here, we investigated the roles played by 23 chromosome inversions in
      the adaptation of the four major African malaria mosquitoes to local environments
      in Africa. We studied their distribution patterns by using spatially explicit
      modeling and characterized the ecogeographical determinants of each inversion
      range. We then performed hierarchical clustering and constrained ordination
      analyses to assess the spatial and ecological similarities among inversions. Our
      results show that most inversions are environmentally structured, suggesting that
      they are actively involved in processes of local adaptation. Some inversions
      exhibited similar geographical patterns and ecological requirements among the
      four mosquito species, providing evidence for parallel evolution. Conversely,
      common inversion polymorphisms between sibling species displayed divergent
      ecological patterns, suggesting that they might have a different adaptive role in
      each species. These results are in agreement with the finding that chromosomal
      inversions play a role in Anopheles ecotypic adaptation. This study establishes a
      strong ecological basis for future genome-based analyses to elucidate the genetic
      mechanisms of local adaptation in these four mosquitoes.

PMID- 28071790
TI  - Synthesizing perspectives on the evolution of cooperation within and between
      species.
AB  - Cooperation is widespread both within and between species, but are intraspecific
      and interspecific cooperation fundamentally similar or qualitatively different
      phenomena? This review evaluates this question, necessary for a general
      understanding of the evolution of cooperation. First, we outline three advantages
      of cooperation relative to noncooperation (acquisition of otherwise inaccessible
      goods and services, more efficient acquisition of resources, and buffering
      against variability), and predict when individuals should cooperate with a
      conspecific versus a heterospecific partner to obtain these advantages. Second,
      we highlight five axes along which heterospecific and conspecific partners may
      differ: relatedness and fitness feedbacks, competition and resource use, resource
      generation abilities, relative evolutionary rates, and asymmetric strategy sets
      and outside options. Along all of these axes, certain asymmetries between
      partners are more common in, but not exclusive to, cooperation between species,
      especially complementary resource use and production. We conclude that
      cooperation within and between species share many fundamental qualities, and that
      differences between the two systems are explained by the various asymmetries
      between partners. Consideration of the parallels between intra- and interspecific
      cooperation facilitates application of well-studied topics in one system to the
      other, such as direct benefits within species and kin-selected cooperation
      between species, generating promising directions for future research.

PMID- 28071791
TI  - Niche evolution and diversification in a Neotropical radiation of birds (Aves:
      Furnariidae).
AB  - Rapid diversification may be caused by ecological adaptive radiation via niche
      divergence. In this model, speciation is coupled with niche divergence and
      lineage diversification is predicted to be correlated with rates of niche
      evolution. Studies of the role of niche evolution in diversification have
      generally focused on ecomorphological diversification but climatic-niche
      evolution may also be important. We tested these alternatives using a phylogeny
      of 298 species of ovenbirds (Aves: Furnariidae). We found that within
      Furnariidae, variation in species richness and diversification rates of subclades
      were best predicted by rate of climatic-niche evolution than ecomorphological
      evolution. Although both are clearly important, univariate regression and
      multivariate model averaging more consistently supported the climatic-niche as
      the best predictor of lineage diversification. Our study adds to the growing body
      of evidence, suggesting that climatic-niche divergence may be an important driver
      of rapid diversification in addition to ecomorphological evolution. However, this
      pattern may depend on the phylogenetic scale at which rate heterogeneity is
      examined.

PMID- 28071792
TI  - Thermal Stability Improvement of Rice Bran Albumin Protein Incorporated with
      Epigallocatechin Gallate.
AB  - Rice bran albumin protein (RAP) is sensitive to thermal changes and tends to
      degrade when exposed to high-temperature processing. In this work, RAP
      epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) complex (RAPE) was prepared and the thermal
      stability was evaluated. Fluorescence results showed that EGCG could interact
      with RAP with a binding number n of 0.0885:1 (EGCG:RAP, w/w) and a binding
      constant K of 1.02 (+/- 0.002) *104 /M, suggesting both hydrogen bonding and van
      der Waals forces played an important role. FTIR analysis demonstrated that EGCG
      could induce secondary structural changes in RAP above a ratio of 1.6:1
      (EGCG:RAP, w/w). Interestingly, the secondary structure changes of RAPE at
      different temperatures (25, 50, 60, 70, and 80  degrees C) were inhibited
      compared with that for RAP, suggesting RAPE was more resistant and stable to the
      heat treatment. In addition, a dense porous structure of RAPE was achieved due to
      the EGCG binding after thermal treatment. Furthermore, the Tpeak temperature of
      RAPE increased significantly from 64.58 to 74.16  degrees C and the enthalpy also
      increased from 85.53 to 138.52 J/g with a mass ratio increasing from 0 to 3.2
      (EGCG:RAP, w/w), demonstrating the thermal stability of RAPE. In addition, the
      valine, methionine, and lysine content in RAPE were significantly higher than RAP
      following 80  degrees C treatment for 20 min (P < 0.05), exhibiting enhanced
      amino acid profiles, which might be due to EGCG-RAP interactions and
      microenvironment changes around relevant amino acids. These findings demonstrate
      that EGCG has the potential to improve the thermal stability of sensitive
      proteins and is beneficial for usage in the food industry.

PMID- 28071793
TI  - Antioxidant Effect of Natural Table Olives Phenolic Extract Against Oxidative
      Stress and Membrane Damage in Enterocyte-Like Cells.
AB  - The phenolic fraction of a naturally fermented cultivar of table olives, "Tonda
      di Cagliari," was investigated for the ability to protect Caco-2 cells against
      oxidative stress and membrane damage induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxyde (TBH).
      TBH exposure resulted in an alteration of cellular redox status, with an increase
      in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH)
      level. A loss of the epithelial integrity, as indicated by the decrease of the
      transepithelial electrical resistance value, was also observed over time,
      together with an intense lipid peroxidation process. The olives phenolic extract
      significantly counteracted ROS generation and subsequent alteration of monolayer
      integrity and membrane oxidative damage. The protective action of the extract is
      likely due to the scavenging ability of its main components, as hydroxytyrosol,
      oleuropein, and verbascoside among the secoiridoids and derivatives. Since olives
      phenolic compounds concentrate in the intestinal lumen, they may be a useful tool
      in the prevention of intestinal disorders related to oxidative damage.

PMID- 28071794
TI  - Irrigation and fruit canopy position modify oil quality of olive trees (cv.
      Frantoio).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fruit development and oil quality in Olea europaea L. are strongly
      influenced by both light and water availability. In the present study, the
      simultaneous effects of light environment and irrigation on fruit characteristics
      and oil quality were studied in a high-density orchard over two consecutive
      years. Olive fruits were harvested from three canopy positions (intercepting
      approximately 64%, 42% and 30% of above canopy radiation) of fully-productive
      trees subjected to full, deficit or complementary irrigation. RESULTS: Fruits
      receiving 61-67% of above canopy radiation showed the highest fruit weight,
      mesocarp oil content and maturation index, whereas those intercepting only 27-33%
      showed the lowest values. Palmitoleic and linoleic acids increased in oils
      obtained from fruits exposed to high light levels, whereas oleic acid and the
      oleic-linoleic acid ratio decreased. Neither canopy position, nor irrigation
      affected K232 , K270 , DeltaK and the concentration of lignan in virgin olive
      oils (VOOs). Total phenols, 3,4-DHPEA-EDA [2-(3,4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl (3S,4E)-4
      formyl-3-(2-oxoethyl)hex-4-enoate] and p-HPEA-EDA (decarboxymethyl ligstroside
      aglycone) increased in VOOs produced from fruits harvested from the top of the
      canopy, whereas full irrigation decreased total phenols and 3,4-DHPEA-EDA
      concentrations with respect to the complementary irrigation treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Light and water availability are crucial not only for tree
      productivity, but also they clearly affect olive oil quality. (c) 2017 Society of
      Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28071795
TI  - Consumers' expectations and acceptability for low saturated fat 'salami':
      healthiness or taste?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nutritional properties of meat and meat products are becoming very
      important in purchasing behaviour, because consumers are even more concerned
      about healthiness. The present study aimed to examine the influence of health
      information on the expected and informed acceptability of salami. Traditional
      salami and two low saturated fat salami produced with partial or total
      substitution of pork backfat with extra virgin oil were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Perceived acceptability was the lowest in salami with total animal fat
      substitution. In both low saturated fat salami, expected acceptability was
      significantly higher than perceived acceptability, while in traditional salami it
      was lower. Consumers completely assimilated their liking in the direction of
      expectations for salami with partial animal fat substitution, whereas incomplete
      assimilation was observed for salami with total animal fat substitution. The
      results also revealed that some sociodemographic characteristics discriminate
      consumer clusters from each other. CONCLUSION: The present study highlights that
      nutritional information is not enough to satisfy consumers' expectations if the
      product is not sensorily acceptable. Findings about the relevance of information
      and consumers' segmentation could have important implications for policy makers
      and the meat product industry. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28071796
TI  - Influence of Package Visual Cues of Sweeteners on the Sensory-Emotional Profiles
      of Their Products.
AB  - Substantial evidence suggests influence of color, physical state, and other
      extrinsic features on consumer perception and acceptability of food products. In
      this study, 560 subjects evaluated liking and emotional responses associated with
      5 sweeteners (sucralose, stevia, saccharin, aspartame, and sucrose) under 2
      eliciting conditions: control (brand name only) and informed (brand name/packet
      image), to assess impact of the packet color. For a given condition, 5 identical
      tea samples each labeled with a sweetener type were rated for sweetness and
      overall liking (9-point) and emotions (5-point). Nonsignificant interactions
      between eliciting condition and sweetener type were found for liking attributes
      and emotions (except peaceful), indicating their independent effects. However,
      overall differences existed among sweetener types and eliciting conditions based
      on both hedonic and emotional responses (MANOVA, P < 0.05), suggesting modulating
      effects of packet color on sweetener type in the sensory-emotion space. The
      sensory-emotion profile for sucrose was separate from that of nonnutritive
      sweeteners, with statistically significant Mahalanobis distances among sample
      centroids. Increases in positive emotion intensities contrasted with a decrease
      in negative emotion intensities were observed for some sweeteners moving from the
      control to informed condition. Sweetness liking was strongly correlated with the
      emotion satisfied (sucralose, saccharin) only in the control condition, whereas
      it was strongly correlated with the emotions pleased and satisfied (stevia),
      disgusted (aspartame), and satisfied (sucrose) only in the informed condition.
      Overall, results suggested that sensory liking and emotions during the
      consumption experience are related not entirely to the type of sweetener, but
      also the color of the packet.

PMID- 28071797
TI  - Classification and characterization of Japanese consumers' beef preferences by
      external preference mapping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past few decades, beef producers in Japan have improved
      marbling in their beef products. It was recently reported that marbling is not
      well correlated with palatability as rated by Japanese consumers. This study
      sought to identify the consumer segments in Japan that prefer sensory
      characteristics of beef other than high marbling. RESULTS: Three Wagyu beef, one
      Holstein beef and two lean imported beef longissimus samples were subjected to a
      descriptive sensory test, physicochemical analysis and a consumer (n = 307)
      preference test. According to consumer classification and external preference
      mapping, four consumer segments were identified as 'gradual high-fat likers',
      'moderate-fat and distinctive taste likers', 'Wagyu likers' and 'distinctive
      texture likers'. Although the major trend of Japanese consumers' beef preference
      was 'marbling liking', 16.9% of the consumers preferred beef samples that had
      moderate marbling and distinctive taste. The consumers' attitudes expressed in a
      questionnaire survey were in good agreement with the preference for marbling
      among the 'moderate-fat and distinctive taste likers'. CONCLUSION: These results
      indicate that moderately marbled beef is a potent category in the Japanese beef
      market. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28071798
TI  - Impact of rhizobial inoculation and reduced N supply on biomass production and
      biological N2 fixation in common bean grown hydroponically.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Testing rhizobial inoculation of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
      in hydroponics enables accurate quantification of biological N2 fixation (BNF)
      and provides information about the potential of reducing inorganic N fertilizer
      use. In view of this background, common bean grown on pumice was inoculated with
      Rhizobium tropici CIAT899 (Rt) and supplied with either full-N (total nitrogen
      11.2 mmol L-1 ), 1/3 of full-N or N-free nutrient solution (NS). BNF was
      quantified at the early pod-filling stage using the 15 N natural abundance
      method. RESULTS: Full-N supply to Rt-inoculated plants resulted in markedly
      smaller nodules than less- or zero-N supply, and no BNF. Rt inoculation of full-N
      treated plants did not increase biomass and pod yield compared with non
      inoculation. Restriction (1/3 of full-N) or omission of inorganic N resulted in
      successful nodulation and BNF (54.3 and 49.2 kg N ha-1 , corresponding to 58 and
      100% of total plant N content respectively) but suppressed dry shoot biomass from
      191.7 (full-N, +Rt) to 107.4 and 43.2 g per plant respectively. Nutrient cation
      uptake was reduced when inorganic N supply was less or omitted. CONCLUSION: Rt
      inoculation of hydroponic bean provides no advantage when full-N NS is supplied,
      while 1/3 of full-N or N-free NS suppresses plant biomass and yield, partly
      because the restricted NO3- supply impairs cation uptake. (c) 2017 Society of
      Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28071799
TI  - Seroepidemiological and phylogenetic characterization of neurotropic
      enteroviruses in Ireland, 2005-2014.
AB  - Enteroviruses (EVs) are associated with a broad spectrum of clinical
      presentation, including aseptic meningitis (AM), encephalitis, hand, foot and
      mouth disease, acute flaccid paralysis, and acute flaccid myelitis. Epidemics
      occur sporadically and are associated with increased cases of AM in children. The
      present study describes the seroepidemiological analysis of circulating EVs in
      Ireland from 2005 to 2014 and phylogenetic characterization of echovirus 30 (E
      30), enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), and enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). EV VP1 genotyping
      was applied to viral isolates and clinical samples, including cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF), and those isolates that remained untypeable by neutralising anti-sera. An
      increase in AM cases from 2010 to 2014 was associated with an E-30 genogroup
      variant VII and sequences clustered phylogenetically with those detected in AM
      outbreaks in France and Italy. EV-D68 viral RNA was not detected in CSF samples
      and no neurological involvement was reported. Three EV-A71 positive CSF samples
      were identified in patients presenting with AM. A phylogenetic analysis of
      respiratory-associated EV-D68 and EV-A71 cases in circulation was performed to
      determine baseline epidemiological data. EV-D68 segregated with clades B and B(1)
      and EV-A71 clustered as subgenogroup C2. The EV VP1 genotyping method was more
      sensitive than neutralising anti-sera methods by virus culture and importantly
      demonstrated concordance between EV genotypes in faecal and CSF samples which
      should facilitate EV screening by less invasive sampling approaches in AM
      presentations.

PMID- 28071800
TI  - Influence of Fermentation Process on the Anthocyanin Composition of Wine and
      Vinegar Elaborated from Strawberry.
AB  - Anthocyanins are the major polyphenolic compounds in strawberry fruit responsible
      for its color. Due to their sensitivity, they are affected by food processing
      techniques such as fermentation that alters both their chemical composition and
      organoleptic properties. This work aims to evaluate the impact of different
      fermentation processes on individual anthocyanins compounds in strawberry wine
      and vinegar by UHPLC-MS/MS Q Exactive analysis. Nineteen, 18, and 14 anthocyanin
      compounds were identified in the strawberry initial substrate, strawberry wine,
      and strawberry vinegar, respectively. Four and 8 anthocyanin compounds were
      tentatively identified with high accuracy for the 1st time to be present in the
      beverages obtained by alcoholic fermentation and acetic fermentation of
      strawberry, respectively. Both, the total and the individual anthocyanin
      concentrations were decreased by both fermentation processes, affecting the
      alcoholic fermentation to a lesser extent (19%) than the acetic fermentation
      (91%). Indeed, several changes in color parameters have been assessed. The color
      of the wine and the vinegar made from strawberry changed during the fermentation
      process, varying from red to orange color, this fact is directly correlated with
      the decrease of anthocyanins compounds.

PMID- 28071801
TI  - Formation and Characterization of Green Tea Extract Loaded Liposomes.
AB  - Green tea extract was encapsulated into liposomes to enhance bioavailability and
      stability of catechins by protecting their functional properties simultaneously.
      Encapsulation was achieved by dispersing 1% (w/v) soy lecithin through high
      pressure homogenization (microfluidization) and ultrasonication. Effects of
      homogenization type and pH of the dispersing medium on the physical properties
      and stability of the liposomes during 1-mo storage period were investigated. Mean
      particle size, total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant
      activity by 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing
      antioxidant power methods, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments
      were conducted for characterization. Green tea extract loaded liposomes prepared
      by microfluidization in distilled water were determined as the most stable system
      which demostrated no significant difference (P > 0.05) on mean particle size,
      total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity between the first and final day
      of 1-mo storage time. Additionally, uniform size and shape in TEM images
      supported the results.

PMID- 28071802
TI  - Essential Oils Against Pathogen and Spoilage Microorganisms of Fruit Juices: Use
      of Versatile Antimicrobial Delivery Systems.
AB  - Essential oils (EO) are increasingly used as natural antimicrobial compounds,
      however the effect of delivery system to enhance their antimicrobial activity has
      not been widely studied. Limonene (0 to 10 MUL/mL) was added to microbial
      suspensions (~105 CFU/mL) of selected foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes
      Scott A, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus
      aureus), and spoilage microorganisms (Lactobacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, and Candida albicans). S. aureus was found to be the most sensitive
      foodborne pathogen while Salmonella enterica showed continued growth under all
      concentrations. Stable nanoemulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) (d ~ 170
      nm) were prepared using an alkane carrier oil (n-tetradecane and n-eicosane,
      respectively). Interfacial effects and homogenous distribution of limonene in
      nanoemulsions improved its (8 and 12 MUL/mL) antimicrobial effect against S.
      aureus. Higher aqueous concentrations as a result of expulsion from SLN further
      enhanced the antimicrobial activity pronounced at higher limonene concentrations.
      Therefore, our findings confirm that the emulsion-based delivery systems are able
      to effectively distribute limonene inside a microbial suspension to improve its
      antimicrobial activity.

PMID- 28071803
TI  - Effects of Catechol O-Methyl Transferase Inhibition on Anti-Inflammatory Activity
      of Luteolin Metabolites.
AB  - Although luteolin is known to have potent anti-inflammatory activities, much less
      information has been provided on such activities of its hepatic metabolites.
      Luteolin was subjected to hepatic metabolism in HepG2 cells either without or
      with catechol O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor. To identify hepatic
      metabolites of luteolin without (luteolin metabolites, LMs) or with COMT
      inhibitor (LMs+CI), metabolites were treated by beta-glucuronidase and sulfatase,
      and found that they were composed of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of
      diosmetin in LMs or these conjugates of luteolin in LMs+CI. LMs and LMs+CI were
      examined for their anti-inflammatory activities on LPS stimulated Raw 264.7
      cells. Expression of iNOS and production of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory
      cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 were suppressed more effectively
      by the treatment with LMs+CI than LMs. Our data provide a new insight on possible
      improvement in functional properties of luteolin on target cells by modifying
      their metabolic pathway in hepatocytes.

PMID- 28071804
TI  - Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis of the Effects of Heat and Pressure on
      Protein Denaturation in Soy Flour Mixed with Various Types of Plasticizers.
AB  - The effects of heat and pressure on protein denaturation in soy flour were
      explored by an experimental design that used pressure (atmospheric to 600 MPa),
      temperature (room to 90  degrees C), time (1 to 60 min), and type of aqueous
      plasticizer (NaCl, sucrose, betaine, and lactobionic acid (LBA)) as factors. When
      50% (w/w) soy flour-water paste was high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)-treated for
      20 min at 25  degrees C, the treatment at 200 MPa showed a small effect on
      denaturation of only the 7S soy globulin, but the treatment at 600 MPa showed a
      significant effect on denaturation of both the 7S and 11S soy globulins. The
      treatment at 60  degrees C showed a less-pronounced effect on denaturation of the
      11S globulin, even at 600 MPa, but that at 90  degrees C showed a similar extent
      of denaturation of the 11S globulin at 600 MPa to that at 25  degrees C.
      Chaotropic 2N NaCl, 50% sucrose-, 50% betaine-, or 50% LBA-water solutions showed
      protective effects on protein denaturation during HHP treatment at 25  degrees C.
      Although LBA enhanced the extent of thermostability of soy protein less than did
      2N NaCl, LBA exhibited better stabilization against pressure. The results from
      DSC analysis demonstrated that thermostable soy proteins were not always
      barostable.

PMID- 28071805
TI  - Antioxidant and chelating capacity of Maillard reaction products in amino acid
      sugar model systems: applications for food processing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maillard reaction products (MRP) have gained increasing interest
      owing to their both positive and negative effects on human health. Aqueous amino
      acid-sugar model systems were studied in order to evaluate the antioxidant and
      chelating activity of MRP under conditions similar to those of food processing.
      Amino acids (cysteine, glycine, isoleucine and lysine) combined with different
      sugars (fructose or glucose) were heated to 100 and 130  degrees C for 30, 60 and
      90 min. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated via ABTS and DPPH free radical
      scavenging assays, in addition to Fe2+ and Cu2+ ion chelating capacity. RESULTS:
      In the ABTS assay, the cysteine-fructose model system presented the highest
      antioxidant activity at 7.05 umol mL-1 (130  degrees C, 60 min), expressed in
      Trolox equivalents. In the DPPH assay, the cysteine-glucose system presented the
      highest antioxidant activity at 3.79 umol mL-1 (100  degrees C, 90 min). The
      maximum rate of chelation of Fe2+ and Cu2+ was 96.31 and 59.44% respectively in
      the lysine-fructose and cysteine-glucose systems (100  degrees C, 30 min).
      CONCLUSION: The model systems presented antioxidant and chelating activity under
      the analyzed temperatures and heating times, which are similar to the processing
      conditions of some foods. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28071806
TI  - GPs' perspectives on prescribing for older people in primary care: a qualitative
      study.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was firstly to reveal the determinants of GP
      prescribing behaviour for older adults in primary care and secondly to elicit
      GPs' views on the potential role for broad intervention strategies involving
      pharmacists and/or information technology systems in general practice. METHODS:
      Semi-structured qualitative interviews were carried out with a purposive sample
      of GPs. Three multidisciplinary researchers independently coded the interview
      data using a framework approach. Emerging themes were mapped to the Theoretical
      Domains Framework (TDF), a tool used to apply behaviour change theories. RESULTS:
      Sixteen GPs participated in the study. The following domains in the TDF were
      identified as being important determinants of GP prescribing behaviour:
      'Knowledge', 'Skills', 'Reinforcement', 'Memory Attention and Decision Process',
      'Environmental Context and Resources', 'Social Influences', 'Social/Professional
      Role and Identity'. Participants reported that the challenges associated with
      prescribing for an increasingly older population will require them to become more
      knowledgeable in pharmacology and drug interactions and they called for extra
      training in these topics. GPs viewed strategies such as academic detailing
      sessions delivered by pharmacists or information technology systems as having a
      positive role to play in optimizing prescribing. CONCLUSION: This study
      highlights the complexities of behavioural determinants of prescribing for older
      people in primary care and the need for additional supports to optimize
      prescribing for this growing cohort of patients. Interventions that incorporate,
      but are not limited to interprofessional collaboration with pharmacists and
      information technology systems, were identified by GPs as being potentially
      useful for improving prescribing behaviour, and therefore require further
      exploration.

PMID- 28071807
TI  - Increased protein content of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) inoculated with
      arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria under water deficit
      conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a widely cropped pulse and an
      important source of proteins for humans. In Mediterranean regions it is predicted
      that drought will reduce soil moisture and become a major issue in agricultural
      practice. Nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have
      the potential to improve plant growth and drought tolerance. The aim of the study
      was to assess the effects of N-fixing bacteria and AM fungi on the growth, grain
      yield and protein content of chickpea under water deficit. RESULTS: Plants
      inoculated with Mesorhizobium mediterraneum or Rhizophagus irregularis without
      water deficit and inoculated with M. mediterraneum under moderate water deficit
      had significant increases in biomass. Inoculation with microbial symbionts
      brought no benefits to chickpea under severe water deficit. However, under
      moderate water deficit grain crude protein was increased by 13%, 17% and 22% in
      plants inoculated with M. mediterraneum, R. irregularis and M. mediterraneum + R.
      irregularis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Inoculation with N-fixing bacteria and AM
      fungi has the potential to benefit agricultural production of chickpea under
      water deficit conditions and to contribute to increased grain protein content.
      (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28071808
TI  - Structure and feasibility of extra practice during stroke rehabilitation: A
      systematic scoping review.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Improved motor performance is related to the amount of practice
      completed after a stroke. Australian guidelines recommend that at least one hour
      of active practice should be completed per day. Yet active practice levels remain
      low. The aims of this scoping review were to describe how extra practice at the
      activity level is structured for stroke survivors, and explore the feasibility of
      participants completing extra practice. METHODS: A systematic search was
      conducted of five electronic databases up to August 2015. Trials were included
      when the intended dose of the control intervention was less than the experimental
      intervention. The structure of extra practice was classified by the level of
      supervision, type of personnel, and whether equipment was used. Feasibility of
      practice was explored by comparing the intended and actual dose of practice
      completed. RESULTS: Thirty-five trials, comprising 40 comparisons were included.
      Multiple configurations of personnel, supervision and equipment were used to
      structure extra practice. The structure most often used was full supervision by
      staff without equipment (30 comparisons), typically involving a therapist (17
      comparisons), with equipment being used occasionally (12 comparisons). Sixteen
      comparisons reported both the intended and the actual dose of extra practice
      completed. The mean percentage of actual extra practice completed was 80% (SD 18)
      of the intended dose. CONCLUSIONS: Extra practice during rehabilitation after
      stroke is most often structured using full supervision by a therapist, and
      appears feasible for stroke survivors to complete. Less often, extra practice is
      structured using equipment, non-therapists and/or group classes.

PMID- 28071809
TI  - Bioaccessibility of selenium from cooked rice as determined in a simulator of the
      human intestinal tract (SHIME).
AB  - BACKGROUND: As an essential but also potentially toxic element, both overexposure
      and underexposure to selenium (Se) can significantly affect public health. Rice
      is a common source of Se, especially in Asia. Not all Se may be released from the
      rice and become available for absorption into the bloodstream upon digestion in
      the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the bioaccessibility of Se in cooked white
      (polished) rice was assessed in vitro using the static gastrointestinal simulator
      SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem). RESULTS: The
      common cooking procedure in China prior to consumption [i.e. boiling at low
      rice:water ratios (1:3) until all of the water is absorbed into the rice] did not
      change total Se levels in the rice. Gastrointestinal digestion of the cooked rice
      matrix revealed a Se bioaccessibility of 67-76% of total Se. Subsequent microbial
      activity in the colon reduced the accessibility of Se in the cooked rice to 51
      62%. CONCLUSION: Not all Se present in cooked white rice should be considered as
      being bioavailable in the small intestine. A minor part is transferred with the
      remaining food matrix to the colon, where it is available for the microbial
      metabolism. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28071810
TI  - Deer leather: analysis of the microstructure affecting pebble.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deer leather has a characteristic pattern, referred to as 'pebble',
      which is accorded such importance that a lack of it renders a leather defective.
      Synchrotron-based small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), ultrasonic imaging,
      scanning electron microscopy, and tear tests were used to investigate the
      structural characteristics of well-pebbled and poorly pebbled cervine leathers.
      RESULTS: Poorly pebbled leather has a less open structure in the upper grain
      region than well-pebbled leather. The orientation index (OI) of leather with a
      poor pebble is less than that of the well-pebbled leather, particularly in the
      corium. The tear strength is also less for the poorly pebbled leather.
      CONCLUSIONS: The differences in structure between well- and poorly pebbled
      cervine leathers are not the same as the structural differences between tight and
      loose bovine leathers, to which they are sometimes compared. On the contrary,
      good pebble may reflect an internal structure similar to that of looseness. It is
      hoped that methods to prevent a reduction in pebbling during the processing of
      cervine leather may be developed by applying this knowledge of cervine leather's
      structural characteristics. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28071811
TI  - Extraction of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Epicatechin Gallate from Tea Leaves
      Using beta-Cyclodextrin.
AB  - Use of organic solvents to extract phenolic compounds from plants may result in
      environmental pollution and cause health problems in persons. Replacing organic
      extraction solvents by green extracting agents without affecting the extraction
      yield is one of the most pressing problems to be solved. The aim of this study is
      to evaluate the capacity of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) to recover phenolic
      compounds from tea leaves. The extract obtained using the ethanol/water mixture
      presented the highest total phenolic content, followed by those obtained using
      beta-CD solution and water. HPLC analysis of the extracts showed that the
      addition of beta-CD to the extracting agent had a selective effect on the
      extraction of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG). The
      extraction yield of EGCG and ECG using 15 g/L beta-CD were higher than that
      obtained using water and 50% ethanol. Molecular docking results indicated that
      the molecules of EGCG and ECG were more inclined to interact with beta-CD than
      epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and gallocatechin. The impact of beta-CD
      concentration, temperature, and time on EGCG and ECG extraction from tea leaves
      was investigated and the maximum amount of EGCG (118.7 mg/g) and ECG (54.6 mg/g)
      were achieved when extracted with 25 g/L aqueous beta-CD solution at 60  degrees
      C for 60 min. The present study indicates that aqueous beta-CD can be used as an
      alternative to organic solvents to recover EGCG and ECG from tea leaves.

PMID- 28071812
TI  - Recovery of aquatic insect-mediated methylmercury flux from ponds following
      drying disturbance.
AB  - Small ponds exist across a permanence gradient, and pond permanence is
      hypothesized to be a primary determinant of insect community structure and insect
      mediated methylmercury (MeHg) flux from ponds to the surrounding terrestrial
      landscape. The present study describes the first experiment examining the
      recovery of insect-mediated MeHg flux following a drying disturbance that
      converted permanent ponds with insectivorous fish to semipermanent ponds without
      fish. Floating emergence traps were used to collect emergent insects for 10 wk in
      the spring and summer from 5 ponds with fish (permanent) and 5 ponds that were
      drained to remove fish, dried, and refilled with water (semipermanent). During
      the 73-d period after semipermanent ponds were refilled, total MeHg flux from
      semipermanent ponds was not significantly different than total MeHg flux from
      permanent ponds, indicating that insect-mediated MeHg flux had rapidly recovered
      in semipermanent ponds following the drying disturbance. Methylmercury fluxes
      from dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera) and phantom midges (Diptera: Chaoboridae)
      were significantly greater from newly refilled semipermanent ponds than permanent
      ponds, but the MeHg fluxes from the other 8 emergent insect taxa did not differ
      between treatments. The present study demonstrates the impact of drying
      disturbance and the effect of community structure on the cross-system transport
      of contaminants from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem
      2017;36:1986-1990. (c) 2017 SETAC.

PMID- 28071813
TI  - Sex differences in tendon structure and function.
AB  - Tendons play a critical role in the transmission of forces between muscles and
      bones, and chronic tendon injuries and diseases are among the leading causes of
      musculoskeletal disability. Little is known about sex-based differences in tendon
      structure and function. Our objective was to evaluate the mechanical properties,
      biochemical composition, transcriptome, and cellular activity of plantarflexor
      tendons from 4 month old male and female C57BL/6 mice using in vitro
      biomechanics, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, genome-wide expression
      profiling, and cell culture techniques. While the Achilles tendons of male mice
      were approximately 6% larger than female mice (p < 0.05), the cell density of
      female mice was around 19% greater than males (p < 0.05). No significant
      differences in mechanical properties (p > 0.05) of plantaris tendons were
      observed. Mass spectrometry proteomics analysis revealed no significant
      difference between sexes in the abundance of major extracellular matrix (ECM)
      proteins such as collagen types I (p = 0.30) and III (p = 0.68), but female mice
      had approximately twofold elevations (p < 0.05) in less abundant ECM proteins
      such as fibronectin, periostin, and tenascin C. The transcriptome of male and
      female tendons differed by only 1%. In vitro, neither the sex of the serum that
      fibroblasts were cultured in, nor the sex of the ECM in which they were embedded,
      had profound effects on the expression of collagen and cell proliferation genes.
      Our results indicate that while male mice expectedly had larger tendons, male and
      female tendons have very similar mechanical properties and biochemical
      composition, with small increases in some ECM proteins and proteoglycans evident
      in female tendons. (c) 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2117-2126, 2017.

PMID- 28071814
TI  - Genital porokeratosis with amyloid deposition mimicking extramammary Paget
      disease.

PMID- 28071815
TI  - Effect of glenohumeral elevation on subacromial supraspinatus compression risk
      during simulated reaching.
AB  - Mechanical subacromial rotator cuff compression is one theoretical mechanism in
      the pathogenesis of rotator cuff disease. However, the relationship between
      shoulder kinematics and mechanical subacromial rotator cuff compression across
      the range of humeral elevation motion is not well understood. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the effect of humeral elevation on subacromial
      compression risk of the supraspinatus during a simulated functional reaching
      task. Three-dimensional anatomical models were reconstructed from shoulder
      magnetic resonance images acquired from 20 subjects (10 asymptomatic, 10
      symptomatic). Standardized glenohumeral kinematics from a simulated reaching task
      were imposed on the anatomic models and analyzed at 0, 30, 60, and 90 degrees 
      humerothoracic elevation. Five magnitudes of humeral retroversion were also
      imposed on the models at each angle of humerothoracic elevation to investigate
      the impact of retroversion on subacromial proximities. The minimum distance
      between the coracoacromial arch and supraspinatus tendon and footprint were
      quantified. When contact occurred, the magnitude of the intersecting volume
      between the supraspinatus tendon and coracoacromial arch was also quantified. The
      smallest minimum distance from the coracoacromial arch to the supraspinatus
      footprint occurred between 30 and 90 degrees , while the smallest minimum
      distance to the supraspinatus tendon occurred between 0 and 60 degrees . The
      magnitude of humeral retroversion did not significantly affect minimum distance
      to the supraspinatus tendon except at 60 or 90 degrees  humerothoracic elevation.
      The results of this study provide support for mechanical rotator cuff compression
      as a potential mechanism for the development of rotator cuff disease. (c) 2017
      Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
      35:2329-2337, 2017.

PMID- 28071816
TI  - Tritium-labelled alkaloids: Synthesis and applications.
AB  - This review discusses the synthetic methods used to tritiate nonmorphinan
      alkaloids as well as their applications.

PMID- 28071817
TI  - Solution and Gas-Phase Reactivity of Me12 Fe8- and Related Cluster Ions.
AB  - The cluster ion Me12 Fe8- is an unprecedented representative of organoiron
      species, which are of great interest because of their possible role as
      intermediates in iron-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. To learn more about its
      behavior in solution, the possible formation of related cluster ions, and their
      reactivity, electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry and gas-phase experiments
      were performed. Me12 Fe8- adopts a highly dynamic behavior in solution and
      disappears in the presence of the chelating ligand N,N,N',N'
      tetramethylethylenediamine. Besides homoleptic Me12 Fe8- , its heteroleptic
      analogues Me12-n Fe8 Phn- , n=1-5, are also accessible. Me12 Fe8- undergoes iron
      halogen exchange reactions with aryl halides. These substrates, as well as their
      alkyl counterparts, mediate the formation of new homoleptic cluster ions up to
      Me18 Fe12- . In contrast, no evidence was found for oxidative additions or
      related reactions. Gas-phase fragmentation of the cluster ions results in
      numerous different reactions, ranging from the loss of single methyl radicals to
      the reductive elimination of MePh.

PMID- 28071818
TI  - Safety profile of the direct oral anticoagulants: an analysis of the WHO database
      of adverse drug reactions.
AB  - AIM: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have shown noninferiority to warfarin for
      stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and a more promising
      safety profile. Unanswered safety aspects remain to be addressed and available
      evidence on the risk associated with these drugs are conflicting. In order to
      contribute to the debate on their safety profile, we conducted a comparative
      analysis of the reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated
      with DOACs in VigiBase. METHODS: Study based on reports of suspected ADRs held in
      VigiBase as at December 2014, in which a DOAC or warfarin were administered in
      patients with nonvalvular AF and listed as suspected/interacting drugs. Medical
      Dictionary for Regulatory Activities was used to classify ADRs. Reporting odds
      ratio (ROR) with 95% confidence interval were calculated. Results with P <= 0.05
      were statistically significant. RESULTS: We retrieved 32 972 reports. We
      identified 204 ADRs with a ROR >1 (P <= 0.05) and we focused on 105 reactions.
      Positive ROR emerged for DOACs and gastrointestinal haemorrhage compared with
      warfarin [(1.6 (1.47-1.75)], but no disproportionality with cerebral haemorrhage
      was found [0.31 (0.28-0.34)]. We identified other potential signals that have not
      been associated with DOACs previously. CONCLUSIONS: As well as premarketing
      authorization clinical trial studies, we found a reduced risk of intracranial
      haemorrhage, but an increased risk of gastrointestinal haemorrhage in patients
      treated with DOACs compared to warfarin. We provide new data and we highlight
      several differences between the three novel oral anticoagulants, in the rate and
      type of ADRs occurred.

PMID- 28071819
TI  - Evidence that interfibrillar load transfer in tendon is supported by small
      diameter fibrils and not extrafibrillar tissue components.
AB  - Collagen fibrils in tendon are believed to be discontinuous and transfer tensile
      loads through shear forces generated during interfibrillar sliding. However, the
      structures that transmit these interfibrillar forces are unknown. Various
      extrafibrillar tissue components (e.g., glycosaminoglycans, collagens XII and
      XIV) have been suggested to transmit interfibrillar loads by bridging collagen
      fibrils. Alternatively, collagen fibrils may interact directly through physical
      fusions and interfibrillar branching. The objective of this study was to test
      whether extrafibrillar proteins are necessary to transmit load between collagen
      fibrils or if interfibrillar load transfer is accomplished directly by the
      fibrils themselves. Trypsin digestions were used to remove a broad spectrum of
      extrafibrillar proteins and measure their contribution to the multiscale
      mechanics of rat tail tendon fascicles. Additionally, images obtained from serial
      block-face scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the three
      dimensional fibrillar organization in tendon fascicles and identify any potential
      interfibrillar interactions. While trypsin successfully removed several
      extrafibrillar tissue components, there was no change in the macroscale fascicle
      mechanics or fibril:tissue strain ratio. Furthermore, the imaging data suggested
      that a network of smaller diameter fibrils (<150 nm) wind around and fuse with
      their neighboring larger diameter fibrils. These findings demonstrate that
      interfibrillar load transfer is not supported by extrafibrillar tissue components
      and support the hypothesis that collagen fibrils are capable of transmitting
      loads themselves. Conclusively determining how fibrils bear load within tendon is
      critical for identifying the mechanisms that impair tissue function with
      degeneration and for restoring tissue properties via cell-mediated regeneration
      or engineered tissue replacements. (c) 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society.
      Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2127-2134, 2017.

PMID- 28071820
TI  - Response Profiling Using Shotgun Proteomics Enables Global Metallodrug Mechanisms
      of Action To Be Established.
AB  - Response profiling using shotgun proteomics for establishing global metallodrug
      mechanisms of action in two colon carcinoma cell lines, HCT116 and SW480, has
      been applied and evaluated with the clinically approved arsenic trioxide.
      Surprisingly, the complete established mechanism of action of arsenic trioxide
      was observed by protein regulations in SW480, but not HCT116 cells. Comparing the
      basal protein expression in the two cell lines revealed an 80 % convergence of
      protein identification, but with significant expression differences, which in
      turn seem to affect the extent of protein regulation. A clear-cut redox response
      was observed in SW480 cells upon treatment with arsenic, but hardly in HCT116
      cells. Response profiling was then used to investigate four anti-cancer
      metallodrugs (KP46, KP772, KP1339 and KP1537). Proteome alterations were mapped
      to selected functional groups, including DNA repair, endocytosis, protection from
      oxidative stress, protection from endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) stress, cell
      adhesion and mitochondrial function. The present data suggest that knowledge of
      the mechanism of action of anti-cancer metallodrugs and improved patient
      stratification strategies are imperative for the design of clinical studies.

PMID- 28071821
TI  - Mouse models of kufor-rakeb disease link Parkinson's disease closer to neuronal
      ceroid lipofuscinosis, suggesting lysosomal dysfunction as shared mechanism.

PMID- 28071822
TI  - Responses to Treatment With Teriparatide in Patients With Atypical Femur
      Fractures Previously Treated With Bisphosphonates.
AB  - If oversuppression of bone turnover explained the association between
      bisphosphonate use and atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures (AFF), this could
      be reversed with anabolic treatment such as teriparatide. We conducted a
      prospective, open-label study in patients previously treated with bisphosphonates
      who sustained AFF, examining the response to 24-month treatment with teriparatide
      on bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS), bone turnover markers
      (BTM), and fracture healing as well as quantitative histomorphometry. We studied
      14 patients. Baseline BMD, BTM, and TBS varied widely. On initial bone biopsies,
      12 of 14 patients showed tetracycline labels, but mineralizing surface/bone
      surface was below published normal values in all but 2. Lumbar spine BMD
      increased significantly at month 24 (6.1% +/- 4.3%, p < 0.05 versus baseline),
      whereas total hip BMD and TBS did not change significantly. Changes in BTM
      occurred as reported previously for patients without AFF treated with
      teriparatide after prior bisphosphonate treatment. At month 24, fractures were
      healed in 6 patients, showed partial healing in 3, were unchanged in 2, and
      showed nonunion in 1. In a patient with two fractures, the fracture that occurred
      before teriparatide treatment was reported as healed, but the fracture that
      occurred while on treatment showed only partial healing. Bisphosphonate-treated
      patients who sustain AFF show heterogeneity of bone turnover. Treatment with
      teriparatide resulted in increases in BTM and lumbar spine BMD, as has been
      reported for patients without AFF. There was no significant effect of
      teriparatide on hip BMD, mineralizing surface to bone surface (MS/BS), or TBS and
      no consistent effect on fracture healing. In the context of a patient who has
      experienced an AFF after receiving bisphosphonate treatment, therapy with
      teriparatide for 24 months would be expected to increase BMD and BTM (and
      probably reduce the risk of fractures resulting from osteoporosis) but should not
      be relied on to aid in healing of the AFF. (c) 2017 American Society for Bone and
      Mineral Research.

PMID- 28071823
TI  - Formal Total Synthesis of (+/-)-Strictamine by [2,3]-Sigmatropic Stevens
      Rearrangements.
AB  - To date, more than 100 congeners of the akuammiline alkaloid family have been
      isolated. Their signature structural element is a methanoquinolizidine moiety, a
      cage-like scaffold structurally related to adamantane. The structural variations
      of the family members originate from oxidative processes that mostly trigger
      rearrangements of the methanoquinolizidine motif. The family of the akuammiline
      alkaloids is best represented by strictamine. It bears the least functionalized
      carbon skeleton of all family members without lacking the signature structural
      motifs. Herein, we report the formal synthesis of strictamine through a Stevens
      [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement as a key step and the synthetic pitfalls related
      with its synthesis.

PMID- 28071824
TI  - Heart rate variability in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2-associated Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart rate variability is reduced in idiopathic PD, indicating
      cardiac autonomic dysfunction likely resulting from peripheral autonomic
      synucleinopathy. Little is known about heart rate variability in leucine-rich
      repeat kinase 2-associated PD. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated heart rate
      variability in LRRK2-associated PD. METHODS: Resting electrocardiograms were
      obtained from 20 individuals with LRRK2-associated PD, 37 nonmanifesting
      carriers, 48 related noncarriers, 26 idiopathic PD patients, and 32 controls.
      Linear regression modelling compared time and frequency domain values, adjusting
      for age, sex, heart rate, and disease duration. RESULTS: Low-frequency power and
      the ratio of low-high frequency power were reduced in idiopathic PD versus
      controls (P < .008, P < .029 respectively). In contrast, individuals with LRRK2
      associated PD were not statistically different from controls in any parameter
      measured. Furthermore, all parameters trended toward being higher in LRRK2
      associated PD when compared with idiopathic PD. CONCLUSIONS: Heart rate
      variability may remain intact in LRRK2-associated PD, adding to a growing
      literature supporting clinical-pathologic differences between LRRK2-associated
      and idiopathic PD. (c) 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder
      Society.

PMID- 28071825
TI  - Systematic review of severity scales and screening instruments for tics: Critique
      and recommendations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several clinician, informant, and self-report instruments for tics
      and associated phenomena have been developed that differ in construct,
      comprehensiveness, and ease of administration. OBJECTIVE: A Movement Disorders
      Society subcommittee aimed to rate psychometric quality of severity and screening
      instruments for tics and related sensory phenomena. METHODS: Following the
      methodology adopted by previous Movement Disorders Society subcommittee papers, a
      review of severity and screening instruments for tics was completed, applying a
      classification as "recommended," "suggested," or "listed" to each instrument.
      RESULTS: A total of 5 severity scales (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, Tourette
      Syndrome Clinical Global Impression, Tourette's Disorder Scale, Shapiro Tourette
      syndrome Severity Scale, Premonitory Urges for Tics Scale) were "recommended,"
      and 6 (Rush Video-Based Tic Rating Scale, Motor tic, Obsessions and compulsions,
      Vocal tic Evaluation Survey, Tourette Syndrome Global Scale, Global Tic Rating
      Scale, Parent Tic Questionnaire, Tourette Syndrome Symptom List) were
      "suggested." A total of 2 screening instruments (Motor tic, Obsession and
      compulsions, Vocal tic Evaluation Survey and Autism-Tics, Attention
      Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Other Comorbidities Inventory) were
      "recommended," whereas 2 others (Apter 4-questions screening and Proxy Report
      Questionnaire for Parents and Teachers) were "suggested." CONCLUSIONS: Our review
      does not support the need for developing new tic severity or screening
      instruments. Potential objectives of future research include developing a rating
      instrument targeting the full spectrum of tic-related abnormal behaviors,
      assessing/screening malignant forms of tic disorders, and developing patient
      reported outcome measures. (c) 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder
      Society.

PMID- 28071827
TI  - Lithium Aryloxide Thin Films with Guest-Induced Structural Transformation by
      ALD/MLD.
AB  - Crystalline Li-organic thin films are grown with the atomic/molecular layer
      deposition (ALD/MLD) technique from lithium hexamethyldisilazide and
      hydroquinone. The as-deposited films are found to undergo a reversible structural
      transformation upon exposure to ambient humid air. According to density
      functional theory calculations, the guest-induced transformation may be related
      to an unsaturated Li site in the crystal structure.

PMID- 28071826
TI  - GAT-1 mediated GABA uptake in rat oligodendrocytes.
AB  - Stimulated by the results of a recent paper on the effects of tiagabine, a
      selective inhibitor of the main GABA transporter GAT-1, on oligodendrogenesis, we
      verified the possibility that GAT-1 may be expressed in oligodendrocytes using
      immunocytochemical methods and functional assays. Light microscopic analysis of
      the subcortical white matter of all animals revealed the presence of numerous GAT
      1+ cells of different size (from 3 to 29 um) and morphology. An electron
      microscope analysis revealed that, besides fibrous astrocytes and interstitial
      neurons, GAT-1 immunoreactivity was present in immature and mature
      oligodendrocytes. Co-localization studies between GAT-1 and markers specific for
      oligodendrocytes (NG2 and RIP) showed that about 12% of GAT-1 positive cells in
      the white matter were immature oligodendrocytes, while about 15% were mature
      oligodendrocytes. In vitro functional assays showed that oligodendrocytes exhibit
      tiagabine-sensitive Na+ -dependent GABA uptake. Although relationships between
      GABA and oligodendrocytes have been known for many years, this is the first
      demonstration that GAT-1 is expressed in oligodendrocytes. The present results on
      the one hand definitely closes the era of "neuronal" and "glial" GABA
      transporters, on the other they suggest that oligodendrocytes may contribute to
      pathophysiology of the several diseases in which GAT-1 have been implicated to
      date. GLIA 2017;65:514-522.

PMID- 28071828
TI  - Electronic Structure and Excited-State Dynamics of an Arduengo-Type Carbene and
      its Imidazolone Oxidation Product.
AB  - We describe an investigation of the excited-state dynamics of isolated 1,3-di
      tert-butyl-imidazoline-2-ylidene (tBu2 Im, C11 H20 N2 , m/z=180), an Arduengo
      type carbene, by time- and frequency-resolved photoionization using a picosecond
      laser system. The energies of several singlet and triplet excited states were
      calculated by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). The S1 state of
      the carbene deactivates on a 100 ps time scale possibly by intersystem crossing.
      In the experiments we observed an additional signal at m/z=196, that was assigned
      to the oxidation product 1,3-di-tert-butyl-imidazolone, tBu2 ImO. It shows a well
      resolved resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectrum with an
      origin located at 36951 cm-1 . Several low-lying vibrational bands could be
      assigned, with a lifetime that depends strongly on the excitation energy. At the
      origin the lifetime is longer than 3 ns, but drops to 49 ps at higher excess
      energies. To confirm formation of the imidazolone we also performed experiments
      on benzimidazolone (BzImO) for comparison. Apart from a redshift for BzImO the
      spectra of the two compounds are very similar. The TD-DFT values display a very
      good agreement with the experimental data.

PMID- 28071829
TI  - Gold-Catalyzed Intermolecular Formal Insertion of Aryldiazo Esters into Cp-H
      Bonds of Iron and Ruthenium Metallocenes.
AB  - The reaction of ferrocene and ruthenocene with aryldiazo acetates in the presence
      of gold catalysts produced new functionalized metallocenes resulting from a C-H
      bond functionalization process. This process is believed to proceed through
      initial decomposition of the diazo component and formation of an electrophilic
      gold-carbene intermediate, which is subsequently involved in an electrophilic
      aromatic substitution. The gold-catalyzed functionalization of ruthenocene
      exhibited a broad scope and a notable functional-group tolerance. Interestingly,
      the functionalized ferrocene derivatives were found to react with molecular
      oxygen to yield alpha-aryl-alpha-ferrocenyl-alpha-hydroxyacetates. Adsorption on
      silica gel was found to be essential for this dioxygen activation/C(sp3 )-H bond
      functionalization sequence. The methodologies reported herein provide a simple
      and efficient approach to functionalized metallocene derivatives that are
      difficult to access through conventional organic functional group
      transformations.

PMID- 28071830
TI  - Awareness of functional ability in people with early-stage dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Assessment of functional ability in people with early-stage dementia
      (PwD) is an important area of study because it forms part of the diagnostic
      process and may help in monitoring disease progression. Most researchers and
      clinicians rely on informant ratings rather than observing actual functional
      performance or employing self-ratings. There has however been little research to
      verify whether informant ratings of functioning are accurate, and there has been
      even less research investigating the accuracy of self-ratings of functional
      ability in PwD. No study has used the performance-monitoring metacognitive
      approach to investigate awareness of functional ability. METHODS: Thirty-seven
      people with early-stage dementia completed an objective functional assessment and
      provided self-ratings before and after completing each section of the objective
      test. Informants provided ratings of functioning and burden. Scores were
      converted to percentages to allow for direct comparison. RESULTS: Objectively
      assessed functional ability significantly correlated with self-ratings and
      informant ratings. Self-ratings did not correlate with informant ratings. For
      converted scores, self-ratings were more similar than informant ratings to the
      objectively assessed mean scores. Burden was unrelated to functional assessments
      after correcting for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Self-rated functional
      ability was more accurate than informant ratings when compared with objectively
      assessed ability, with informants tending to significantly underestimate the
      functional ability of PwD. The findings call into question the likelihood that
      informants will provide accurate ratings of functional ability and suggests that
      self-ratings may offer a more accurate estimate of functional ability. Self
      ratings made by PwD should be more widely employed in clinical and research
      settings. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28071832
TI  - The role of amyloidogenic proteins as a meeting point of type 2 diabetes and
      Parkinson's disease pathways.

PMID- 28071831
TI  - Protein Metalation by Anticancer Metallodrugs: A Joint ESI MS and XRD
      Investigative Strategy.
AB  - Interactions of metal-based drugs with proteins and consequent adduct formation
      (the so-called "protein metalation" process) play a key role in the mode of
      action of several anticancer agents and in determining their toxicological
      profile. Through a novel investigative strategy grounded on the combined use of
      electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) and biological macromolecule X
      ray crystallography we show that it is possible to clarify in depth the
      metalation process of small model proteins; a number of instructive examples are
      provided. Recently, this kind of investigative approach has been extended to
      bigger proteins such as human serum albumin and horse spleen ferritin, with
      rather encouraging results. Overall, by application of this strategy, metalation
      of proteins caused by anticancer metallodrugs can be disclosed in the molecular
      detail.

PMID- 28071833
TI  - Co-culture with macrophages enhances the clonogenic and invasion activity of
      endometriotic stromal cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect on endometrial and endometriotic cells after co
      culture with macrophages, using clonogenic, invasion and self-renewal assays.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood samples, endometrium and endometriotic
      tissues were collected. Autologous macrophages were co-cultured with endometrial
      and endometriotic cells. The number of colony-forming units (CFU), invasiveness
      and self-renewal activity after co-culture with macrophages were determined. The
      cytokine level of colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) from macrophages with and
      without endometriosis was compared. RESULTS: Co-culture with macrophages
      significantly increased the clonogenic and invasion ability of endometriotic
      stromal cells in vitro. Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) was up-regulated in
      endometriotic macrophages conditioned medium when compared to those without the
      disease. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that macrophages may increase the
      proliferation and invasion activity of stromal clonogenic cells in women with
      endometriosis.

PMID- 28071835
TI  - Macromolecular Design Strategies for Preventing Active-Material Crossover in Non
      Aqueous All-Organic Redox-Flow Batteries.
AB  - Intermittent energy sources, including solar and wind, require scalable, low
      cost, multi-hour energy storage solutions in order to be effectively incorporated
      into the grid. All-Organic non-aqueous redox-flow batteries offer a solution, but
      suffer from rapid capacity fade and low Coulombic efficiency due to the high
      permeability of redox-active species across the battery's membrane. Here we show
      that active-species crossover is arrested by scaling the membrane's pore size to
      molecular dimensions and in turn increasing the size of the active material above
      the membrane's pore-size exclusion limit. When oligomeric redox-active organics
      (RAOs) were paired with microporous polymer membranes, the rate of active
      material crossover was reduced more than 9000-fold compared to traditional
      separators at minimal cost to ionic conductivity. This corresponds to an absolute
      rate of RAO crossover of less than 3 MUmol cm-2  day-1 (for a 1.0 m concentration
      gradient), which exceeds performance targets recently set forth by the battery
      industry. This strategy was generalizable to both high and low-potential RAOs in
      a variety of non-aqueous electrolytes, highlighting the versatility of
      macromolecular design in implementing next-generation redox-flow batteries.

PMID- 28071836
TI  - Violated and vulnerable: women's experiences of contracting a sexually
      transmitted infection from a male partner.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore women's stories of contracting a sexually
      transmitted infection from a male partner and elucidate the gendered constructs
      and violence experienced that made the women vulnerable to these infections.
      BACKGROUND: Violence against women can result in both physical and psychological
      consequences and expose women to multiple health risks including sexual health
      adversity. DESIGN: Feminist storytelling approach. METHODS: Qualitative
      interviews were conducted with 10 women. All data underwent thematic analysis.
      FINDINGS: Findings from this study revealed the women were vulnerable to
      contracting sexually transmitted infection/s from their male sexual partners as a
      result of unequal gender and abusive relationship dynamics. Subsequently,
      contracting a sexual infection within this context potentially increased their
      vulnerability in both current and future relationships, through their loss of
      self-confidence and perceived ability to have a trusting loving heterosexual
      relationship as women with sexually transmitted infection/s. CONCLUSION: Women in
      relationships in which they are subordinate to their male partner are at
      heightened risk of sexual health adversity, including contracting a sexually
      transmitted infection. Contracting a sexually transmitted infection within the
      context of an abusive relationship can further increase women's vulnerability to
      dominant male partners, thus further exposure to sexual risk and adversity.
      RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses working in clinical settings are well
      placed to conduct opportunistic screening of women's sexual health, including
      assessment of sexually transmitted infections and the nature of the encounter in
      which they were contracted. Thorough assessment can potentially identify
      relationship and personal factors that can increase a woman's risk to both sexual
      adversity and forms of abuse. Also, if women do divulge that they have suffered
      abuse, nurses are positioned to provide support and guidance in implementing
      strategies to minimise risk as well as referring them to specialised services.

PMID- 28071834
TI  - Molecular Profiling of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hypothalamic
      Neurones Provides Developmental Insights into Genetic Loci for Body Weight
      Regulation.
AB  - Recent data suggest that common genetic risks for metabolic disorders such as
      obesity may be human-specific and exert effects via the central nervous system.
      To overcome the limitation of human tissue access for study, we have generated
      induced human pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal cultures that
      recapture many features of hypothalamic neurones within the arcuate nucleus. In
      the present study, we have comprehensively characterised this model across
      development, benchmarked these neurones to in vivo events, and demonstrate a link
      between obesity risk variants and hypothalamic development. The dynamic
      transcriptome across neuronal maturation was examined using microarray and RNA
      sequencing methods at nine time points. K-means clustering of the longitudinal
      data was conducted to identify co-regulation and microRNA control of biological
      processes. The transcriptomes were compared with those of 103 samples from 13
      brain regions reported in the Genotype-Tissue Expression database (GTEx) using
      principal components analysis. Genes with proximity to body mass index (BMI)
      associated genetic variants were mapped to the developmentally expressed
      genesets, and enrichment significance was assessed with Fisher's exact test. The
      human neuronal cultures have a transcriptional and physiological profile of
      neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide arcuate nucleus neurones. The neuronal
      transcriptomes were highly correlated with adult hypothalamus compared to any
      other brain region from the GTEx. Also, approximately 25% of the transcripts
      showed substantial changes in expression across neuronal development and
      potential co-regulation of biological processes that mirror neuronal development
      in vivo. These developmentally expressed genes were significantly enriched for
      genes in proximity to BMI-associated variants. We confirmed the utility of this
      in vitro human model for studying the development of key hypothalamic neurones
      involved in energy balance and show that genes at loci associated with body
      weight regulation may share a pattern of developmental regulation. These data
      support the need to investigate early development to elucidate the human-specific
      central nervous system pathophysiology underlying obesity susceptibility.

PMID- 28071837
TI  - Use of TNF-inhibitors and ustekinumab for psoriasis during pregnancy: A patient
      series.
AB  - From 2002 to 2016 a total of seven women with severe refractory psoriasis were
      exposed to the TNF-inhibitors infliximab and adalimumab or to the IL12/23
      inhibitor ustekinumab during one or more pregnancies. Maternal, fetal or
      teratogenic toxicity were not detected during pregnancy and puerperium. All
      pregnancies were uneventful and resulted in delivery of 10 healthy children in
      total, one of the women is due February 2017. Postpartum, five of the women were
      lactating, but none of the women or newborns developed adverse reactions. Data on
      safety of treatment during breastfeeding are sparse, but so far appears to be
      safe due to the lack of absorption across the gastrointestinal lining. Currently
      biological therapy with either TNF-inhibitors or ustekinumab is not recommended
      during pregnancy, however in selected women with severe psoriasis these treatment
      modalities may be considered.

PMID- 28071838
TI  - Electron Solvation and the Unique Liquid Structure of a Mixed-Amine Expanded
      Metal: The Saturated Li-NH3 -MeNH2 System.
AB  - Metal-amine solutions provide a unique arena in which to study electrons in
      solution, and to tune the electron density from the extremes of electrolytic
      through to true metallic behavior. The existence and structure of a new class of
      concentrated metal-amine liquid, Li-NH3 -MeNH2 , is presented in which the mixed
      solvent produces a novel type of electron solvation and delocalization that is
      fundamentally different from either of the constituent systems. NMR, ESR, and
      neutron diffraction allow the environment of the solvated electron and liquid
      structure to be precisely interrogated. Unexpectedly it was found that the
      solution is truly homogeneous and metallic. Equally surprising was the
      observation of strong longer-range order in this mixed solvent system. This is
      despite the heterogeneity of the cation solvation, and it is concluded that the
      solvated electron itself acts as a structural template. This is a quite
      remarkable observation, given that the liquid is metallic.

PMID- 28071839
TI  - Life after a lung transplant: a balance of joy and challenges.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To describe patients' experiences throughout the first four
      months post-lung transplant. BACKGROUND: Health professionals are familiar with
      the fact that patients' average survival after a lung transplant is about seven
      years and that 74% of these patients reject new organs within the first two
      years. By contrast, knowledge of these patients' perspectives after lung
      transplantation is scant. DESIGN/METHOD: A qualitative study was conducted
      between May 2013-May 2014 in which 26 interviewees participated - four months
      post-transplant - based on a semistructured interview guide. The data were
      inductively analysed using a content thematic approach within a phenomenological
      and hermeneutic frame. RESULTS: The main findings in the study reveal that (1)
      having a lung transplant is an overwhelming experience, which for some patients
      includes (2) troubling physical and psychological challenges. The interviewees
      were happy to get another chance to live, although some of them suffered from
      medical side effects, postoperative complications and psychological problems.
      When asked about the future, interviewees stated that life could be described as
      (3) a balance of joy and challenges. They had received a new chance in life and
      were eager to fulfil their life hopes and dreams. At the same time, they were
      worried about the future. Having a lung transplant implies rules that have to be
      followed. What are the healthy choices they are supposed to make? And will there
      be a tomorrow? CONCLUSIONS: Having a lung transplant is described as an
      overwhelming experience because of the improvement in the physical function of
      the body. Patients were grateful to family, friends and healthcare professionals
      for supporting them. The first four months post-transplantation were described as
      both physically and psychologically challenging. Interviewees were aware of the
      prognosis for patients following lung transplantation. They expressed feelings of
      worry and insecurity but still had hopes and dreams. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL
      PRACTICE: The patients are troubled by both physical and psychological challenges
      after lung transplantation. Several areas call for interventions from healthcare
      professionals during the early post-transplant period.

PMID- 28071840
TI  - beta-Adrenergic blockade does not impair the skin blood flow sensitivity to local
      heating in burned and nonburned skin under neutral and hot environments in
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that propranolol, a drug given to burn
      patients to reduce hypermetabolism/cardiac stress, may inhibit heat dissipation
      by changing the sensitivity of skin blood flow (SkBF) to local heating under
      neutral and hot conditions. METHODS: In a randomized double-blind study, a
      placebo was given to eight burned children, while propranolol was given to 13
      burned children with similar characteristics (mean+/-SD: 11.9+/-3 years, 147+/-20
      cm, 45+/-23 kg, 56+/-12% Total body surface area burned). Nonburned children
      (n=13, 11.4+/-3 years, 152+/-15 cm, 52+/-13 kg) served as healthy controls. A
      progressive local heating protocol characterized SkBF responses in burned and
      unburned skin and nonburned control skin under the two environmental conditions
      (23 and 34 degrees C) via laser Doppler flowmetry. RESULTS: Resting SkBF was
      greater in burned and unburned skin compared to the nonburned control (main
      effect: skin, P<.0001; 57+/-32 burned; 38+/-36 unburned vs 9+/-8 control %SkBFmax
      ). No difference was found for maximal SkBF capacity to local heating between
      groups. Additionally, dose-response curves for the sensitivity of SkBF to local
      heating were not different among burned or unburned skin, and nonburned control
      skin (EC50 , P>.05) under either condition. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic propranolol
      does not negatively affect SkBF under neutral or hot environmental conditions and
      further compromise temperature regulation in burned children.

PMID- 28071842
TI  - Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy to Distinguish Toxic Oligomers from Abeta1-42
      Fibrils at the Nanometer Scale.
AB  - For the first time, natural Abeta1-42 fibrils (WT) implicated in Alzheimer's
      disease, as well as two synthetic mutants forming less toxic amyloid fibrils
      (L34T) and highly toxic oligomers (oG37C), are chemically characterized at the
      scale of a single structure using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS). While
      the proportion of TERS features associated with amino acid residues is similar
      for the three peptides, a careful examination of amide I and amide III bands
      allows us to clearly distinguish WT and L34T fibers organized in parallel beta
      sheets from the small and more toxic oG37C oligomers organized in anti-parallel
      beta-sheets.

PMID- 28071841
TI  - Attending to power differentials: How NP-led group medical visits can influence
      the management of chronic conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In Canada, primary care reform has encouraged innovations, including
      nurse practitioners (NPs) and group medical visits (GMVs). NP-led GMVs provide an
      opportunity to examine barriers and enablers to implementing this innovation in
      primary care. DESIGN: An instrumental case study design (n=3): two cases where
      NPs were using GMVs and one case where NPs were not using GMVs, was completed. In
      depth interviews with patients and providers (N=24) and 10 hours of direct
      observation were completed. Interpretive descriptive methods were used to analyse
      data. RESULTS/FINDINGS: Two main themes were identified: (i) acquisition of
      knowledge and (ii) GMVs help shift relationships between patients and health-care
      providers. Participants discussed how patients and providers learn from one
      another to facilitate self-management of chronic conditions. They also discussed
      how the GMV shifts inherent power differentials between providers and between
      patients and providers. DISCUSSION: NP-led GMVs are a method of care delivery
      that harness NPs' professional agency through increased leadership and
      interprofessional collaboration. GMVs also facilitate an environment that is
      patient-centred and interprofessional, providing patients with increased
      confidence to manage their chronic conditions. The GMV provides the opportunity
      to meet both team-based and patient-centred health-care objectives and may
      disrupt inherent power differentials that exist in primary care.

PMID- 28071843
TI  - Automated measurement of pressure injury through image processing.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To develop an image processing algorithm to automatically
      measure pressure injuries using electronic pressure injury images stored in
      nursing documentation. BACKGROUND: Photographing pressure injuries and storing
      the images in the electronic health record is standard practice in many
      hospitals. However, the manual measurement of pressure injury is time-consuming,
      challenging and subject to intra/inter-reader variability with complexities of
      the pressure injury and the clinical environment. DESIGN: A cross-sectional
      algorithm development study. METHODS: A set of 32 pressure injury images were
      obtained from a western Pennsylvania hospital. First, we transformed the images
      from an RGB (i.e. red, green and blue) colour space to a YCb Cr colour space to
      eliminate inferences from varying light conditions and skin colours. Second, a
      probability map, generated by a skin colour Gaussian model, guided the pressure
      injury segmentation process using the Support Vector Machine classifier. Third,
      after segmentation, the reference ruler - included in each of the images -
      enabled perspective transformation and determination of pressure injury size.
      Finally, two nurses independently measured those 32 pressure injury images, and
      intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated. RESULTS: An image processing
      algorithm was developed to automatically measure the size of pressure injuries.
      Both inter- and intra-rater analysis achieved good level reliability.
      CONCLUSIONS: Validation of the size measurement of the pressure injury (1)
      demonstrates that our image processing algorithm is a reliable approach to
      monitoring pressure injury progress through clinical pressure injury images and
      (2) offers new insight to pressure injury evaluation and documentation. RELEVANCE
      TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Once our algorithm is further developed, clinicians can be
      provided with an objective, reliable and efficient computational tool for
      segmentation and measurement of pressure injuries. With this, clinicians will be
      able to more effectively monitor the healing process of pressure injuries.

PMID- 28071844
TI  - A Vesicle-to-Worm Transition Provides a New High-Temperature Oil Thickening
      Mechanism.
AB  - Diblock copolymer vesicles are prepared via RAFT dispersion polymerization
      directly in mineral oil. Such vesicles undergo a vesicle-to-worm transition on
      heating to 150  degrees C, as judged by TEM and SAXS. Variable-temperature 1 H
      NMR spectroscopy indicates that this transition is the result of surface
      plasticization of the membrane-forming block by hot solvent, effectively
      increasing the volume fraction of the stabilizer block and so reducing the
      packing parameter for the copolymer chains. The rheological behavior of a 10 %
      w/w copolymer dispersion in mineral oil is strongly temperature-dependent: the
      storage modulus increases by five orders of magnitude on heating above the
      critical gelation temperature of 135  degrees C, as the non-interacting vesicles
      are converted into weakly interacting worms. SAXS studies indicate that, on
      average, three worms are formed per vesicle. Such vesicle-to-worm transitions
      offer an interesting new mechanism for the high-temperature thickening of oils.

PMID- 28071845
TI  - Influence of age, sex and seriousness on reporting of adverse drug reactions in
      Sweden.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate how reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among
      adults in Sweden is associated to age and sex, in addition to seriousness of the
      reaction and drug utilisation. METHODS: Individual case safety reports (ICSRs)
      reported by healthcare professionals to the national pharmacovigilance database
      2008-2011 were related to defined daily dose (DDD) in the Swedish Prescribed Drug
      Register (SPDR) for individual's >=20 years. Data were stratified into five age
      groups. Crude and adjusted (by age standardisation of prescribed drugs) reporting
      rate (RR) and reporting rate ratio was evaluated as well as impact of sex
      dependent drugs. RESULTS: Based on 9898 included ICSRs, the crude results show
      that overall RR was almost similar for both serious and non-serious reports and
      indicates highest RR in the youngest age group. Women had higher rates than men,
      with predominance for non-serious reports, contrary to men who had a higher RR of
      serious ones. Standardisation led partly to the same result, but age-related
      distribution was adjusted, with highest overall RR in the oldest age groups. Sex
      dependent drugs had marginal impact on the results. CONCLUSION: Age and sex have
      impact on spontaneous reporting of ADRs. After adjusting for dispensed drugs and
      by standardisation of age-related differences in prescribed drugs, results
      indicate that healthcare professionals more frequently reported ADRs for the
      oldest individuals and for women. Serious reports were more frequently reported
      for men. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28071846
TI  - Trapping Rare and Elusive Phosphinidene Chalcogenides.
AB  - Four-membered rings with a P2 Ch2 core (Ch=S, Se) and phosphorus in the +3
      oxidation state have been synthesized. The utility of these rings as a source of
      monomeric phosphinidene chalcogenides was probed by the addition of an N
      heterocyclic carbene, resulting in a base-stabilized phosphinidene sulfide.
      Similarly, persistence of the phosphinidene selenide in solution was shown
      through cycloaddition chemistry with 2,3-dimethylbutadiene at elevated
      temperatures. The observed reactivity was explained by detailed computational
      work that established the conditions upon which the P2 Ch2 rings can liberate
      phosphinidene chalcogenides.

PMID- 28071847
TI  - Hindfoot fusion in haemophilic arthropathy: 6-year mean follow-up of 41
      procedures performed in 28 adult patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle is rare disorder caused by
      recurrent haemarthorses beginning in early adulthood. AIM: Our aim was to
      evaluate the fusion rate of various techniques of hindfoot fusion using internal
      fixation for the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy of the hindfoot. METHODS:
      We have evaluated the fusion rate of various techniques of hindfoot (tibiotalar
      and subtalar joints) fusion for the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy of the
      hindfoot. Twenty-eight patients underwent a total of 41 procedures. Thirty-four
      ankle (tibiotalar) fusions were performed, seven were done arthroscopically, six
      using a minimal access approach and 21 with an open approach. There were two
      isolated subtalar fusions, three combined tibiotalar and subtalar fusions, one of
      which included a talonavicular fusion at the second operation. There was one
      peritalar ankle fusion (tibiotalar, subtalar and talonavicular). The mean age at
      operation was 40.3 years (SD, 12.3; range, 18.7-65.7 years). The mean time to
      last follow-up was 77 months (SD, 50.4; range, 7-190). RESULTS: The overall non
      union rate was 9.7%. All non-unions occurred in tibiotalar fusions (there were no
      non-unions in cases of subtalar or talonavicular fusion). A single deep infection
      (2.4%) occurred in an arthroscopically fused ankle. The revision rate was 4.8% (2
      cases) and was carried out for non-unions. Both revisions were successful.
      CONCLUSION: Hindfoot arthrodesis in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy
      provides a high fusion rate with few complications. Arthroscopic tibiotalar
      fusion did not result in shorter hospital stays. Revision surgery for the
      haemophilic hindfoot is successful, and fusion of the entire hindfoot can be
      achieved without complications.

PMID- 28071849
TI  - Activation of the B-F Bond by Diphenylcarbene: A Reversible 1,2-Fluorine
      Migration between Boron and Carbon.
AB  - Experiments in low-temperature matrices reveal that triplet diphenylcarbene
      inserts into the very strong B-F bond of BF3 in a two-step reaction. The first
      step is the formation of a strongly bound Lewis acid-base complex between the
      singlet state of diphenylcarbene and BF3 . This step involves an inversion of the
      spin state of the carbene from triplet to singlet. The second step requires
      visible-light photochemical activation to induce a 1,2-F migration from boron to
      the adjacent carbon atom under formation of the formal insertion product of the
      carbene center into BF3 . The 1,2-F migration is reversible under short
      wavelength UV irradiation, thus leading back to the Lewis acid-base adduct.

PMID- 28071848
TI  - GXXXG-Mediated Parallel and Antiparallel Dimerization of Transmembrane Helices
      and Its Inhibition by Cholesterol: Single-Pair FRET and 2D IR Studies.
AB  - Small-residue-mediated interhelical packings are ubiquitously found in helical
      membrane proteins, although their interaction dynamics and lipid dependence
      remain mostly uncharacterized. We used a single-pair FRET technique to examine
      the effect of a GXXXG motif on the association of de novo designed (AALALAA)3
      helices in liposomes. Dimerization occurred with sub-second lifetimes, which was
      abolished by cholesterol. Utilizing the nearly instantaneous time-resolution of
      2D IR spectroscopy, parallel and antiparallel helix associations were identified
      by vibrational couplings across helices at their interface. Taken together, the
      data illustrate that the GXXXG motif controls helix packing but still allows for
      a dynamic and lipid-regulated oligomeric state.

PMID- 28071850
TI  - A Two-Dimensional Lamellar Membrane: MXene Nanosheet Stacks.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising candidates for advanced water
      purification membranes. A new kind of lamellar membrane is based on a stack of 2D
      MXene nanosheets. Starting from compact Ti3 AlC2 , delaminated nanosheets of the
      composition Ti3 C2 Tx with the functional groups T (O, OH, and/or F) can be
      produced by etching and ultrasonication and stapled on a porous support by vacuum
      filtration. The MXene membrane supported on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate
      shows excellent water permeance (more than 1000 L m-2  h-1  bar-1 ) and favorable
      rejection rate (over 90 %) for molecules with sizes larger than 2.5 nm. The water
      permeance through the MXene membrane is much higher than that of the most
      membranes with similar rejections. Long-time operation also reveals the
      outstanding stability of the MXene membrane for water purification.

PMID- 28071851
TI  - Preprogramming Complex Hydrogel Responses using Enzymatic Reaction Networks.
AB  - The creation of adaptive matter is heavily inspired by biological systems.
      However, it remains challenging to design complex material responses that are
      governed by reaction networks, which lie at the heart of cellular complexity. The
      main reason for this slow progress is the lack of a general strategy to integrate
      reaction networks with materials. Herein we use a systematic approach to
      preprogram the response of a hydrogel to a trigger, in this case the enzyme
      trypsin, which activates a reaction network embedded within the hydrogel. A full
      characterization of all the kinetic rate constants in the system enabled the
      construction of a computational model, which predicted different hydrogel
      responses depending on the input concentration of the trigger. The results of the
      simulation are in good agreement with experimental findings. Our methodology can
      be used to design new, adaptive materials of which the properties are governed by
      reaction networks of arbitrary complexity.

PMID- 28071852
TI  - Environmental and Excitation Power Effects on the Ratiometric Upconversion
      Luminescence Based Temperature Sensing Using Nanocrystalline NaYF4 :Yb3+ ,Er3.
AB  - The luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) of the green emissions of the near
      infrared excited NaYF4 :Yb3+ ,Er3+ nanocrystals is a promising method for
      temperature sensing. Here, the influence of excitation power density, excitation
      pulse length, excitation wavelength, silica shell, and solvent on the LIR and its
      temperature response is reported. The primary objective is to study the LIR
      mechanism and the impact of measurement and environmental parameters on the
      calibration and precision of the LIR. The LIR value is demonstrated to be
      unaffected by the excitation intensity in the studied range. This result is
      essential, considering the application feasibility of the LIR method as
      temperature sensor, where the effective excitation power density depends on the
      sample matrix and the distance excitation light travels in the sample. The pulsed
      excitation, however, results in an increase in the LIR value upon short pulse
      width. Silanization of bare nanocrystals has no effect on the LIR values, but the
      local warming of H2 O samples under laser exposure results in slightly increased
      LIR values compared to other solvents; D2 O, oleic acid, and dimethyl sulfoxide.
      The thermal quenching of luminescence lifetimes of Er3+ emission is proved to be
      too weak for sensing applications.

PMID- 28071853
TI  - Hydrodehalogenation of Haloarenes by a Sodium Hydride-Iodide Composite.
AB  - A simple protocol for hydrodebromination and -deiodination of halo(hetero)arenes
      was enabled by sodium hydride (NaH) in the presence of lithium iodide (LiI).
      Mechanistic studies showed that an unusual concerted nucleophilic aromatic
      substitution operates in the present process.

PMID- 28071854
TI  - Serum chemerin is associated with inflammatory and metabolic parameters-results
      of a population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to confirm existing assumptions about the
      associations of circulating chemerin with inflammatory and metabolic parameters
      in a large population-based study. METHODS: Data of 3,986 subjects from the Study
      of Health in Pomerania were analyzed. Residual method was used to investigate the
      different associations of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)
      with serum chemerin levels. Multivariable regression models were applied to
      examine the association of chemerin with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,
      fibrinogen, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, blood pressure,
      diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. RESULTS: Positive associations with
      chemerin were observed for VAT and SAT with a stronger relation found for VAT.
      After adjustment for waist circumference, increased chemerin levels were related
      to higher inflammatory cytokines and glycated hemoglobin and an unfavorable lipid
      profile. Logistic regression revealed positive associations of chemerin with
      dyslipidemia [highest vs. lowest quartile: odds ratio (OR) 1.56 (95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.25-1.94)] and hypertension [OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.03-1.68)].
      CONCLUSIONS: Chemerin levels are significantly linked to inflammation and
      metabolic syndrome. The majority of the detected associations persisted even
      after adjustment for waist circumference, suggesting that the relation of
      chemerin with the analyzed traits cannot be solely explained by an accumulation
      of adipose tissue.

PMID- 28071855
TI  - Insights into the interaction of methotrexate and human serum albumin: A
      spectroscopic and molecular modeling approach.
AB  - In this study, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular modeling approaches were
      employed to investigate the binding of methotrexate to human serum albumin (HSA)
      under physiological conditions. From the mechanism, it was demonstrated that
      fluorescence quenching of HSA by methotrexate results from the formation of a
      methotrexate/HSA complex. Binding parameters calculated using the Stern-Volmer
      method and the Scatchard method showed that methotrexate binds to HSA with
      binding affinities in the order 104  L.mol-1 . Thermodynamic parameter studies
      revealed that the binding reaction is spontaneous, and that hydrogen bonds and
      van der Waals interactions play a major role in the reaction. Site marker
      competitive displacement experiments and a molecular modeling approach
      demonstrated that methotrexate binds with appropriate affinity to site I
      (subdomain IIA) of HSA. Furthermore, we discuss some factors that influence
      methotrexate binding to HSA.

PMID- 28071856
TI  - Outcomes following conversion of a percutaneous to a transcutaneous bone
      conduction device in eight children.

PMID- 28071857
TI  - Risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy following assisted reproductive
      technology: overview and meta-analysis.
AB  - The extent of the increased risk of pregnancy hypertensive disorders following
      assisted reproductive technology (ART) was investigated. PubMed and the Cochrane
      Collaboration Library were used as data sources to identify and select
      longitudinal cohorts comparing pregnancies following ART with spontaneously
      conceived pregnancies, between 1978 and June 2016. Risk ratios and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) of three outcomes, ie, gestational hypertension (GH),
      preeclampsia (PE), and their sum (PHD), were calculated. Stratification of
      results by gestation order (singletons and nonsingletons) was pursued, but a
      separate "all orders" mixed stratification was considered. Sixty-six longitudinal
      studies (7 038 029 pregnancies; 203 375 following any ART) were eligible. All
      outcomes independent of gestation order ("all orders") were increased following
      any invasive ART: GH (+79% [95% CI, 24%-157%]) and PE (+75% [95% CI, 50%-103%])
      to a greater extent, with smaller increases in PHD (+54% [95% CI, 39%-70%]). The
      risk of PHD following ART steadily increased independent of gestation order.

PMID- 28071858
TI  - Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 2-Aminonicotinamide Derivatives as
      Antifungal Agents.
AB  - Based on the structures of the reported compounds G884 [N-(3-(pentan-2
      yloxy)phenyl)nicotinamide], E1210 [3-(3-(4-((pyridin-2
      yloxy)methyl)benzyl)isoxazol-5-yl)pyridin-2-amine], and 10 b [2-amino-N-((5-(3
      fluorophenoxy)thiophen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide], which inhibit the biosynthesis
      of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins in fungi, a series of
      novel 2-aminonicotinamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated
      for in vitro antifungal activity. Most of these compounds were found to exhibit
      potent in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with MIC80 values
      ranging from 0.0313 to 4.0 MUg mL-1 . In particular, compounds 11 g [2-amino-N
      ((5-(((2-fluorophenyl)amino)methyl)thiophen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide] and 11 h [2
      amino-N-((5-(((3-fluorophenyl)amino)methyl)thiophen-2-yl)methyl)nicotinamide]
      displayed excellent activity against C. albicans, with MIC80 values of 0.0313 MUg
      mL-1 , and exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against fluconazole
      resistant C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and Cryptococcus neoformans,
      with a MIC80 range of 0.0313-2.0 MUg mL-1 . Further studies by electron
      microscopy and laser confocal microscopy indicated that compound 11 g targets the
      cell wall and decreases GPI anchor content on the cell surface of C. albicans.

PMID- 28071860
TI  - Using antenatal corticosteroids in pregnancies when there is a risk of very
      preterm delivery.

PMID- 28071861
TI  - Jan Winberg (1923-2003), a leader in urinary tract infection research.

PMID- 28071862
TI  - Unexpected, unexplained and life-threatening events in infants are age-dependent
      descriptive syndromes with different risk and management.

PMID- 28071863
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28071864
TI  - Simultaneous Determination of Four Triterpenoid Saponins in Aralia elata Leaves
      by HPLC-ELSD Combined with Hierarchical Clustering Analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Aralia elata leaves are known to have several biological
      activities, including anti-arrythmia, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue,
      antimicrobial and antiviral effects. Our previous study found that triterpenoid
      saponins from the leaves of A. elata had antitumor effects. Quantification of the
      triterpenoids is important for the quality control of A. elata leaves. OBJECTIVE:
      To establish high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative
      light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) for the simultaneous determination of four
      major triterpenoid saponins, including Aralia-saponin IV, Aralia-saponin VI, 3-O
      beta-d- glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 3)-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 3)-beta-d
      glucopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (Aralia-saponin TTP)and
      Aralia-saponin V. METHODOLOGY: The separation was carried out on a Dikma
      Diamonsil C18 column (4.6 mm * 250 mm, 5 MUm) efficiently with gradient elution
      consisting of acetonitrile and water. RESULTS: All calibration curves showed good
      linear regression (R2  > 0.9996) within the ranges of tested concentrations. This
      validated method was applied to determine the contents of the four major
      triterpenoid saponins in 53 samples from different regions of northeast China.
      Hierarchical clustering analysis was first used to classify and differentiate
      Aralia elata leaves. CONCLUSION: The method developed was successfully applied to
      analyse four major triterpenoid saponins in Aralia elata leaves which is helpful
      for quality control of the herb. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28071865
TI  - The impact of evidence-based sepsis guidelines on emergency department clinical
      practice: a pre-post medical record audit.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the number of patients presenting with sepsis
      before and after guideline implementation; the impact of sepsis guidelines on
      triage assessment, emergency department management and time to antibiotics.
      BACKGROUND: Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity
      within hospitals. Globally, strategies have been implemented to reduce morbidity
      and mortality rates, which rely on the early recognition and management of
      sepsis. To improve patient outcomes, the New South Wales government in Australia
      introduced sepsis guidelines into emergency departments. However, the impact of
      the guidelines on clinical practice remains unclear. DESIGN/METHODS: A 12-month
      pre-post retrospective randomised medical record audit of adult patients with a
      sepsis diagnosis. Data were extracted from the emergency department database and
      paper medical record. Data included patient demographic (age, gender), clinical
      information (time of arrival, triage code, seen by time, disposition, time to
      antibiotic, pathology, time to intravenous fluids) and patient assessment data
      (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturations,
      medication). RESULTS: This study demonstrated a statistically significant 230
      minute reduction in time to antibiotics post implementation of the guidelines.
      The post group (n = 165) received more urgent triage categories (n = 81; 49.1%),
      a 758-minute reduction in mean time to second litre of intravenous fluids and an
      improvement in collection of lactate (n = 112, 67.9%), also statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the impact the guidelines can
      have on clinician decision-making and behaviour that support best practice and
      positive patient outcomes. The sepsis guidelines improved the early assessment,
      recognition and management of patients presenting with sepsis in one tertiary
      referral emergency department. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The use of
      evidenced-based guidelines can impact clinical decision-making and behaviour,
      resulting in the translation and support of best practice and improving patient
      care.

PMID- 28071866
TI  - Exploration of the psychosocial issues associated with gastroparesis: a
      qualitative investigation.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To build on the understanding of how individuals experience
      gastroparesis, how gastroparesis impacts on their lives and how they adapt to
      living with gastroparesis. BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis is a
      neurogastroenterological disorder associated with increased psychological
      distress and reduced quality of life. Research shows that gastroparesis poses a
      significant burden across many facets of life; however, less is known about how
      individuals cope and adapt to living with the condition. DESIGN: The study
      employed an interpretive phenomenological approach with semistructured interviews
      and thematic analysis. METHODS: Ten gastroparesis patients were interviewed over
      the telephone (n = 8), Skype (n = 1) or face-to-face (n = 1). All interviews were
      audio-recorded and transcribed. RESULTS: Key themes identified: (1) frustration,
      (2) identity and (3) coping and adaptation. Gastroparesis patients experience
      significant frustration around their diagnostic journey, being misunderstood and
      the burden of living with the illness. Patients differed in how they identified
      with the illness, and this appeared to be associated with adaptation and whether
      they remained socially engaged. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroparesis is associated with
      significant frustration and burden; however, some patients adapt to living with
      the condition more effectively than others. Identity appears to play an important
      role in this relationship. Support aimed at fostering a health-focused and
      resilient identity may assist gastroparesis patients in adaptation. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings of this study can help nurses and other
      healthcare professionals better understand the experience of living with
      gastroparesis and the factors that help patients best adapt to living with the
      condition. Nurses can help promote resilience in patients by discussing the
      importance of being health-focused rather than illness-focused. Nurses can also
      support patients by helping them problem-solve issues that may arise around
      social eating and remaining socially engaged.

PMID- 28071867
TI  - Identifying Effective Nurse-Led Care Transition Interventions for Older Adults
      With Complex Needs Using a Structured Expert Panel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing plays a central role in facilitating care transitions for
      complex older adults, yet there is no consensus of the components of nurse-led
      care transitions interventions to facilitate high quality care transitions among
      complex older adults. A structured expert panel was established with the purpose
      of identifying effective nurse-led care transition interventions. METHODS: A
      modified Delphi consensus technique based on the RAND method was employed.
      Panelists (n = 23) were asked to individually rate a series of statements derived
      from a realist synthesis of the literature for relevance, feasibility and likely
      impact. Statements receiving an aggregate score of >=75% (7/9) were reviewed and
      revised at a face-to-face consensus meeting. A second round of rating following
      the same process as round one was used, followed by a final ranking of the
      statements. RESULTS: The five highest ranked intervention components and
      contextual factors were: (a) educating and coaching patients, their family
      members and caregivers about self-management skills; (b) ensuring patients, their
      family members and caregivers are aware of follow-up medical appointments and
      postdischarge care plan; (c) using standardized documentation tools and
      comprehensive communication strategies during care transitions; (d) optimizing
      nurses' roles and scopes of practice across the care transitions spectrum; and
      (e) having strong leadership, strategic alignment and accountability structures
      in organizations to enable quality care transitions for the complex older person
      population. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Key insights on optimizing the nurses'
      roles and scope of practice during care transitions included having nurses
      provide "warm hand-offs" and serve as the "go-to person." The panel also
      identified current challenges to optimizing the nurses' roles and scope of
      practice across care transition points. Future research is required to determine
      effective nurse-led intervention components and in which context do they work or
      do not.

PMID- 28071868
TI  - Development and validation of two equations based on anthropometry, estimating
      body fat for the Greek adult population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate anthropometric equations in the current literature
      predicting body fat percentage (%BF) in the Greek population, to develop and
      validate two anthropometric equations estimating %BF, and to compare them with
      the retrieved equations. METHODS: Anthropometric data from 642 Greek adults were
      incorporated. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used as reference method. The
      comparison with other equations was made using Bland-Altman analysis, intraclass
      correlation coefficient, and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. RESULTS:
      Nine of the thirty-one retrieved equations had no statistically significant bias.
      However, all of them had wide limits of agreement (+/-8.3 to +/-16%BF). The
      equations accrued were: BF% = -0.615-10.948 * sex + 0.321 * waist circumference +
      0.502 * hips circumference-0.39 * forearm circumference - 19.768 * height (m) and
      BF% = -27.787-5.515 * sex-8.419 * height + 0.145 * waist circumference + 0.270 *
      hips circumference + 7.509 * log of thigh skinfold + 20.090 * log of sum of
      skinfolds (bicep + tricep + suprailiac + subscapular)-0.445 * forearm
      circumference. Bland-Altman's reliability analysis showed no significant bias of 
      0.058 and -0.148%BF and limits of agreement +/-8.100 and +/-6.056%BF; the
      intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.955 and 0.976; and Lin's concordance
      correlation coefficient was 0.914 and 0.951, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Literature equations performed moderately on this study's population. Therefore,
      two equations were designed and validated. The first one was simple and easily
      applicable, with measures obtained from a measuring tape, and the second one more
      complicated yet more accurate and reliable. Both were found to be reliable for
      the assessment of body composition in the Greek population.

PMID- 28071869
TI  - Synthesis and luminescence properties of CaSnO3 :Bi3+ blue phosphor and the
      emission improvement by Li+ ion.
AB  - CaSnO3 :Bi3+ blue-emitting phosphor was synthesized using a high-temperature
      solid-state reaction method in air. The crystal structures and luminescence
      properties were investigated. A broad emission band peaking at ~448 nm upon
      excitation at 262 and 308 nm was observed in the range 330-680 nm at room
      temperature due to 3 P1  -> 1 S0 transition of the Bi3+ ion. The chromaticity
      coordinate was (0.1786, 0.1665). The optimal Bi3+ ion concentration was ~0.6 mol%
      in CaSnO3 :Bi3+ phosphor. The emission spectrum of CaSnO3 :Bi3+ phosphor showed a
      blue-shift with increasing temperature from 50 to 300 K due to the influence of
      temperature on the electron transition of the Bi3+ ion. The emission intensity of
      CaSnO3 :Bi3+ phosphor may be increased ~1.45 times by co-doping Li+ ions as a
      charge compensator and fluxing agent. The luminescence mechanism is explained by
      a configurational coordinate diagram of Bi3+ ion in CaSnO3 :Bi3+ phosphor.

PMID- 28071870
TI  - Accessing new understandings of trauma-informed care with queer birthing women in
      a rural context.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Participant narratives from a feminist and queer
      phenomenological study aim to broaden current understandings of trauma. Examining
      structural marginalisation within perinatal care relationships provides insights
      into the impact of dominant models of care on queer birthing women. More
      specifically, validation of queer experience as a key finding from the study
      offers trauma-informed strategies that reconstruct formerly disempowering
      perinatal relationships. BACKGROUND: Heteronormativity governs birthing spaces
      and presents considerable challenges for queer birthing women who may also have
      an increased risk of trauma due to structurally marginalising processes that
      create and maintain socially constructed differences. DESIGN: Analysis of the
      qualitative data was guided by feminist and queer phenomenology. This was well
      suited to understanding queer women's storied narratives of trauma, including
      disempowering processes of structural marginalisation. METHODS: Semistructured
      and conversational interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of thirteen
      queer-identified women who had experiences of birthing in rural Nova Scotia,
      Canada. RESULTS: Validation was identified as meaningful for queer women in the
      context of perinatal care in rural Nova Scotia. Offering new perspectives on
      traditional models of assessment provide strategies to create a context of care
      that reconstructs the birthing space insofar as women at risk do not have to come
      out as queer in opposition to the expectation of heterosexuality. CONCLUSIONS:
      Normative practices were found to further the effects of structural
      marginalisation suggesting that perinatal care providers, including nurses, can
      challenge dominant models of care and reconstruct the relationality between queer
      women and formerly disempowering expectations of heteronormativity that govern
      birthing spaces. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: New trauma-informed assessment
      strategies reconstruct the relationality within historically disempowering
      perinatal relationships through potentiating difference which avoids
      retraumatising women with re-experiencing the process of coming out as queer in
      opposition to the expectation of heterosexuality.

PMID- 28071871
TI  - Harmonization of Mangiferin on methylmercury engendered mitochondrial
      dysfunction.
AB  - Mangiferin (MGN), a C-glucosylxanthone abundantly found in mango plants, was
      studied for its potential to ameliorate methylmercury (MeHg) induced
      mitochondrial damage in HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma) cell line. Cell viability
      experiments performed using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide (MTT) showed protective property of MGN in annulling MeHg-induced
      cytotoxicity. Conditioning the cells with optimal dose of MGN (50 uM) lowered
      MeHg-induced oxidative stress, calcium influx/efflux, depletion of mitochondrial
      trans-membrane potential and prevented mitochondrial fission as observed by
      decrease in Mitotracker red fluorescence, expression of pDRP1 (serine 616), and
      DRP1 levels. MGN pre-treated cells demonstrated elevation in the activities of
      glutathione (GSH), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx),
      Glutathione reductase (GR), reduced levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
      and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and mitochondrial electron transport chain
      (ETC) enzyme complexes. In addition, the anti-apoptotic effect of MGN was clearly
      indicated by the reduction in MeHg-induced apoptotic cells analyzed by
      flowcytometric analysis after Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining. In
      conclusion, the present work demonstrates the ability of a dietary polyphenol,
      MGN to ameliorate MeHg-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in human hepatic cells
      in vitro. This hepatoprotective potential may be attributed predominantly to the
      free radical scavenging/antioxidant property of MGN, by facilitating the
      balancing of cellular Ca2+ ions, maintenance of redox homeostasis and
      intracellular antioxidant activities, ultimately preserving the mitochondrial
      function and cell viability after MeHg intoxication. As MeHg intoxication occurs
      over a period of time, continuous consumption of such dietary compounds may prove
      to be very useful in promoting human health. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
      Environ Toxicol 32: 630-644, 2017.

PMID- 28071872
TI  - Mutant botrocetin-2 inhibits von Willebrand factor-induced platelet
      agglutination.
AB  - : Essentials Botrocetin-2 (Bot2) binds to von Willebrand factor (VWF) and induces
      platelet agglutination. We identified Bot2 residues that are required for binding
      to VWF and glycoprotein (GP) Ib. We produced a mutant Bot2 that binds to VWF but
      inhibits platelet agglutination. Mutant Bot2 could be used as a potential anti
      thrombotic reagent to block VWF-GPIb interaction. SUMMARY: Background Botrocetin
      2 (Bot2) is a botrocetin-like protein composed of alpha and beta subunits that
      have been cloned from the snake Bothrops jararaca. Bot2 binds specifically to von
      Willebrand factor (VWF), and the complex induces glycoprotein (GP) Ib-dependent
      platelet agglutination. Objectives To exploit Bot2's VWF-binding capacity in
      order to attempt to create a mutant Bot2 that binds to VWF but inhibits platelet
      agglutination. Methods and Results Several point mutations were introduced into
      Bot2 cDNA, and the recombinant protein (recombinant Bot2 [rBot2]) was purified on
      an anti-botrocetin column. The mutant rBot2 with either Ala at Asp70 in the beta
      subunit (Aspbeta70Ala), or Argbeta115Ala and Lysbeta117Ala, showed reduced
      platelet agglutination-inducing activity. rBot2 with Aspbeta70Ala showed little
      binding activity towards immobilized VWF on an ELISA plate, whereas rBot2 with
      Argbeta115Ala/Lysbeta117Ala showed reduced binding activity towards GPIb
      (glycocalicin) after forming a complex with VWF. rBot2 point-mutated to
      oppositely charged Glu at both Argbeta115 and Lysbeta117 showed normal binding
      activity towards VWF but no platelet-agglutinating activity. Furthermore, this
      doubly mutated protein inhibited ristocetin-induced or high shear stress-induced
      platelet aggregation, and restrained thrombus formation under flow conditions.
      Conclusions Asp70 in the beta subunit of botrocetin is important for VWF binding,
      and Arg115 and Lys117 in the beta subunit are essential for interaction with
      GPIb. Doubly mutated rBot2, with Argbeta115Glu and Lysbeta117Glu, repels GPIb and
      might have potential as an antithrombotic reagent that specifically blocks VWF
      function. This is the first report on an artificial botrocetin that can inhibit
      the VWF-GPIb interaction.

PMID- 28071874
TI  - Medicare Program; Advancing Care Coordination Through Episode Payment Models
      (EPMs); Cardiac Rehabilitation Incentive Payment Model; and Changes to the
      Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model (CJR). Final rule.
AB  - This final rule implements three new Medicare Parts A and B episode payment
      models, a Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) Incentive Payment model and modifications
      to the existing Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model under section
      1115A of the Social Security Act. Acute care hospitals in certain selected
      geographic areas will participate in retrospective episode payment models
      targeting care for Medicare fee-forservice beneficiaries receiving services
      during acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, and surgical
      hip/femur fracture treatment episodes. All related care within 90 days of
      hospital discharge will be included in the episode of care. We believe these
      models will further our goals of improving the efficiency and quality of care for
      Medicare beneficiaries receiving care for these common clinical conditions and
      procedures.

PMID- 28071873
TI  - Cognitive Stress Reduces the Effect of Levodopa on Parkinson's Resting Tremor.
AB  - AIMS: Resting tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD) increases markedly during
      cognitive stress. Dopamine depletion in the basal ganglia is involved in the
      pathophysiology of resting tremor, but it is unclear whether this contribution is
      altered under cognitive stress. We test the hypothesis that cognitive stress
      modulates the levodopa effect on resting tremor. METHODS: Tremulous PD patients
      (n = 69) were measured in two treatment conditions (OFF vs. ON levodopa) and in
      two behavioral contexts (rest vs. cognitive co-activation). Using accelerometry,
      we tested the effect of both interventions on tremor intensity and tremor
      variability. RESULTS: Levodopa significantly reduced tremor intensity (across
      behavioral contexts), while cognitive co-activation increased it (across
      treatment conditions). Crucially, the levodopa effect was significantly smaller
      during cognitive co-activation than during rest. Resting tremor variability
      increased after levodopa and decreased during cognitive co-activation.
      CONCLUSION: Cognitive stress reduces the levodopa effect on Parkinson's tremor.
      This effect may be explained by a stress-related depletion of dopamine in the
      basal ganglia motor circuit, by stress-related involvement of nondopaminergic
      mechanisms in tremor (e.g., noradrenaline), or both. Targeting these mechanisms
      may open new windows for treatment. Clinical tremor assessments under evoked
      cognitive stress (e.g., counting tasks) may avoid overestimation of treatment
      effects in real life.

PMID- 28071875
TI  - 340B Drug Pricing Program Ceiling Price and Manufacturer Civil Monetary Penalties
      Regulation. Final rule.
AB  - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) administers section 340B
      of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), referred to as the "340B Drug Pricing
      Program" or the "340B Program." This final rule will apply to all drug
      manufacturers that are required to make their drugs available to covered entities
      under the 340B Program. This final rule sets forth the calculation of the 340B
      ceiling price and application of civil monetary penalties (CMPs).

PMID- 28071876
TI  - Obstetrical and Gynecological Devices; Reclassification of Surgical
      Instrumentation for Use With Urogynecologic Surgical Mesh. Final order.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) is reclassifying surgical
      instrumentation for use with urogynecologic surgical mesh from class I (general
      controls) exempt from premarket notification to class II (special controls) and
      subject to premarket notification, and identifying them as "specialized surgical
      instrumentation for use with urogynecologic surgical mesh." FDA is designating
      special controls that are necessary to provide a reasonable assurance of safety
      and effectiveness of the device. FDA is reclassifying this device on its own
      initiative based on new information.

PMID- 28071877
TI  - Clarification of When Products Made or Derived From Tobacco Are Regulated as
      Drugs, Devices, or Combination Products; Amendments to Regulations Regarding
      "Intended Uses." Final rule.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing this final rule to describe the
      circumstances in which a product made or derived from tobacco that is intended
      for human consumption will be subject to regulation as a drug, device, or a
      combination product under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C
      Act). This action is intended to provide direction to regulated industry and to
      help avoid consumer confusion.

PMID- 28071878
TI  - Occupational Exposure to Beryllium. Final rule.
AB  - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is amending its existing
      standards for occupational exposure to beryllium and beryllium compounds. OSHA
      has determined that employees exposed to beryllium at the previous permissible
      exposure limits face a significant risk of material impairment to their health.
      The evidence in the record for this rulemaking indicates that workers exposed to
      beryllium are at increased risk of developing chronic beryllium disease and lung
      cancer. This final rule establishes new permissible exposure limits of 0.2
      micrograms of beryllium per cubic meter of air (0.2 [mu]g/m?3?) as an 8-hour time
      weighted average and 2.0 [mu]g/m?3? as a short-term exposure limit determined
      over a sampling period of 15 minutes. It also includes other provisions to
      protect employees, such as requirements for exposure assessment, methods for
      controlling exposure, respiratory protection, personal protective clothing and
      equipment, housekeeping, medical surveillance, hazard communication, and
      recordkeeping.  OSHA is issuing three separate standards--for general industry,
      for shipyards, and for construction--in order to tailor requirements to the
      circumstances found in these sectors.

PMID- 28071879
TI  - Standards for Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment. Final rule.
AB  - The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board or
      Board) is issuing accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment. The
      standards for medical diagnostic equipment (MDE Standards) contain minimum
      technical criteria to ensure that medical diagnostic equipment, including but not
      limited to, examination tables, examination chairs, weight scales, mammography
      equipment, and other imaging equipment used by health care providers for
      diagnostic purposes are accessible to, and usable by, individuals with
      disabilities. The MDE Standards will allow independent entry to, use of, and exit
      from the equipment by individuals with disabilities to the maximum extent
      possible. The MDE Standards do not impose any mandatory requirements on health
      care providers or medical device manufacturers. However, other agencies, referred
      to as enforcing authorities in the MDE Standards, may issue regulations or adopt
      policies that require health care providers subject to their jurisdiction to
      acquire accessible medical diagnostic equipment that complies with the MDE
      Standards.

PMID- 28071880
TI  - Oral Health Care and Coverage During Pregnancy.

PMID- 28071881
TI  - The Effect of Low Levels of Blood Lead on Children's Test Scores.

PMID- 28071882
TI  - Long-Term Care Hospitals Discharge Patients Strategically.

PMID- 28071883
TI  - Individually Stabilized, Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles with Controlled Shell
      and Size Leading to Exceptional Stealth Properties and High Relaxivities.
AB  - Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) have received immense interest
      for biomedical applications, with the first clinical application as negative
      contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the first generation
      MRI contrast agents with dextran-enwrapped, polydisperse iron oxide nanoparticle
      clusters are limited to imaging of the liver and spleen; this is related to their
      poor colloidal stability in biological media and inability to evade clearance by
      the reticuloendothelial system. We investigate the qualitatively different
      performance of a new generation of individually PEG-grafted core-shell SPION in
      terms of relaxivity and cell uptake and compare them to benchmark iron oxide
      contrast agents. These PEG-grafted SPION uniquely enable relaxivity measurements
      in aqueous suspension without aggregation even at 9.4 T magnetic fields due to
      their extraordinary colloidal stability. This allows for determination of the
      size-dependent scaling of relaxivity, which is shown to follow a d2 dependence
      for identical core-shell structures. The here introduced core-shell SPION with
      ~15 nm core diameter yield a higher R2 relaxivity than previous clinically used
      contrast agents as well as previous generations of individually stabilized SPION.
      The colloidal stability extends to control over evasion of macrophage clearance
      and stimulated uptake by SPION functionalized with protein ligands, which is a
      key requirement for targeted MRI.

PMID- 28071884
TI  - Carbon-Coated Fe3O4/VOx Hollow Microboxes Derived from Metal-Organic Frameworks
      as a High-Performance Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.
AB  - As the ever-growing demand for high-performance power sources, lithium-ion
      batteries with high storage capacities and outstanding rate performance have been
      widely considered as a promising storage device. In this work, starting with
      metal-organic frameworks, we have developed a facile approach to the synthesis of
      hybrid Fe3O4/VOx hollow microboxes via the process of hydrolysis and ion exchange
      and subsequent calcination. In the constructed architecture, the hollow structure
      provides an efficient lithium ion diffusion pathway and extra space to
      accommodate the volume expansion during the insertion and extraction of Li+. With
      the assistance of carbon coating, the obtained Fe3O4/VOx@C microboxes exhibit
      excellent cyclability and enhanced rate performance when employed as an anode
      material for lithium-ion batteries. As a result, the obtained Fe3O4/VOx@C
      delivers a high Coulombic efficiency (near 100%) and outstanding reversible
      specific capacity of 742 mAh g-1 after 400 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g
      1. Moreover, a remarkable reversible capacity of 556 mAh g-1 could be retained
      even at a current density of 2 A g-1. This study provides a fundamental
      understanding for the rational design of other composite oxides as high
      performance electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

PMID- 28071885
TI  - Transparent, Superhydrophobic Surface with Varied Surface Tension Responsiveness
      in Wettability Based on Tunable Porous Silica Structure for Gauging Liquid
      Surface Tension.
AB  - Any solid surface can spontaneously exhibit variational wettability toward
      liquids with varied surface tension (gamma). However, this correspondence has
      seldom been proposed or used on an artificial superhydrophobic surface, which
      should be more remarkable and peculiar. Herein, we fabricated robust, transparent
      superhydrophobic surfaces utilizing acid- and base-catalyzed silica (AC- and BC
      silica) particles combined with candle soot template for structural construction
      and the CVD process for chemical modification. Three types of porous silica
      structures were devised, which presented distinctive surface tension
      responsiveness in wettability. Interestingly, all types of surfaces (i.e., AC-,
      AC/BC-, and BC-silica) show high repellence to high surface tension liquid (gamma
      > 35 mN/m), and small differences are observed. With decreasing gamma of the
      ethanol-water mixtures (gamma < 35 mN/m), the static contact angles (SCAs) on all
      surfaces have an evident decline, but the features of the decreases are fairly
      different. As gamma decreases, the SCA on the AC-silica surface decreases
      gradually, but the extent of decline becomes larger when gamma < 27.42 mN/m.
      However, the SCA on the BC-silica surface decreases gradually except for gamma ~
      30.81 mN/m, and the SCA undergoes a sharp decline at gamma ~ 30.81 mN/m. The SCA
      on the AC/BC-silica surface has a similar variation as that of the SCA on the BC
      silica surface, but a lower rate of BC-silica particles, e.g., 1/16, 1/8, 1/1
      (AC/BC), further diminishes the critical gamma values (where a sharp SCA drop
      occurs) to 30.16, 29.56, and 28.04 mN/m, respectively. The diversity is believed
      to be ascribed to the structure-induced selectivity of pore infiltration for the
      liquid. The tunable responsiveness can be generalized to various classes of
      organic aqueous solutions including methanol, acetic acid, acetone, and N,N
      dimethylformamide. Benefiting from this, we can estimate organics concentration
      of an organic aqueous solution as well as its liquid surface tension by detecting
      its wettability on all of the diverse superhydrophobic surfaces.

PMID- 28071886
TI  - Boronlectin/Polyelectrolyte Ensembles as Artificial Tongue: Design, Construction,
      and Application for Discriminative Sensing of Complex Glycoconjugates from Panax
      ginseng.
AB  - Ginsenoside is a large family of triterpenoid saponins from Panax ginseng, which
      possesses various important biological functions. Due to the very similar
      structures of these complex glycoconjugates, it is crucial to develop a powerful
      analytic method to identify ginsenosides qualitatively or quantitatively. We
      herein report an eight-channel fluorescent sensor array as artificial tongue to
      achieve the discriminative sensing of ginsenosides. The fluorescent cross
      responsive array was constructed by four boronlectins bearing flexible boronic
      acid moieties (FBAs) with multiple reactive sites and two linear poly(phenylene
      ethynylene) (PPEs). An "on-off-on" response pattern was afforded on the basis of
      superquenching of fluorescent indicator PPEs and an analyte-induced allosteric
      indicator displacement (AID) process. Most importantly, it was found that the
      canonical distribution of ginsenoside data points analyzed by linear discriminant
      analysis (LDA) was highly correlated with the inherent molecular structures of
      the analytes, and the absence of overlaps among the five point groups reflected
      the effectiveness of the sensor array in the discrimination process. Almost all
      of the unknown ginsenoside samples at different concentrations were correctly
      identified on the basis of the established mathematical model. Our current work
      provided a general and constructive method to improve the quality assessment and
      control of ginseng and its extracts, which are useful and helpful for further
      discriminating other complex glycoconjugate families.

PMID- 28071887
TI  - Polarization-Tailored Fano Interference in Plasmonic Crystals: A Mueller Matrix
      Model of Anisotropic Fano Resonance.
AB  - Fano resonance is observed in a wide range of micro- and nano-optical systems and
      has been a subject of intensive investigations due to its numerous potential
      applications. Methods that can control or modulate Fano resonance by tuning some
      experimentally accessible parameters are highly desirable for realistic
      applications. Here we present a simple yet elegant approach using the Mueller
      matrix formalism for controlling the Fano interference effect and engineering the
      resulting asymmetric spectral line shape in an anisotropic optical system. The
      approach is founded on a generalized model of anisotropic Fano resonance, which
      relates the spectral asymmetry to physically meaningful and experimentally
      accessible parameters of interference, namely, the Fano phase shift and the
      relative amplitudes of the interfering modes. The differences in these parameters
      between orthogonal linear polarizations in an anisotropic system are exploited to
      desirably tune the Fano spectral asymmetry using pre- and postselection of
      optimized polarization states. The concept is demonstrated on waveguided
      plasmonic crystals using Mueller matrix-based polarization analysis. The approach
      enabled tailoring of several exotic regimes of Fano resonance in a single device,
      including the complete reversal of the spectral asymmetry, and shows potential
      for applications involving control and manipulation of electromagnetic waves at
      the nanoscale.

PMID- 28071888
TI  - Synthesis and Supercapacitor Application of Alkynyl Carbon Materials Derived from
      CaC2 and Polyhalogenated Hydrocarbons by Interfacial Mechanochemical Reactions.
AB  - The discovery of new carbon materials and the reactive activation of CaC2 are
      challenging subjects. In this study, a series of alkynyl carbon materials (ACMs)
      were synthesized by the interfacial mechanochemical reaction of CaC2 with four
      typical polyhalogenated hydrocarbons. Their properties and structures were
      characterized, and their electrochemical performances were examined. The reaction
      was rapid and efficient arising from the intense mechanical activation of CaC2.
      The ACMs are micro-mesoporous materials with distinct layered structure, specific
      graphitization degree, and clear existence of sp-C. In addition, the ACMs exhibit
      high specific capacitance in the range of 57-133 F g-1 and thus can be ideal
      candidates for active materials used in supercapacitors. The results may imply an
      alternative synthesis of carbon allotropes, as well as an efficient approach for
      the activation of CaC2.

PMID- 28071889
TI  - Enzyme and Redox Dual-Triggered Intracellular Release from Actively Targeted
      Polymeric Micelles.
AB  - Highly effective delivery of therapeutic agents into target cells using
      nanocarriers and subsequently rapid intracellular release are of great importance
      in cancer treatment. Here, we developed an enzyme and redox dual-responsive
      polymeric micelle with active targeting abilities to achieve rapid intracellular
      drug release. To overcome both its poor solubility in water and instability in
      the blood circulation, camptothecin (CPT) was chemically conjugated to monomethyl
      poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) via a redox-responsive linker to form polymeric
      prodrugs. The enzyme-responsive function is achieved by connecting hydrophobic
      polycaprolactone segments and hydrophilic PEG segments with azo bonds.
      Additionally, the end of the PEG segment was decorated with phenylboronic acid
      (PBA), endowing the nanocarriers with active targeting abilities. The dual
      responsive targeting polymeric micelles can be generated by self-assembly of a
      mixture of the polymeric prodrug and enzyme-responsive copolymer. The in vitro
      drug release profile revealed that CPT was rapidly released from the micelles
      under a simulated condition similar to the tumor cell microenvironment. In vivo
      and ex vivo fluorescence imaging indicated that these micelles possess excellent
      specificity to target hepatoma carcinoma cells. The antitumor effect in mice
      liver cancer cells (H22) in tumor-bearing Kunming (KM) mice demonstrated that
      this nanocarrier exhibits high therapeutic efficiency in artificial solid tumors
      and low toxicity to normal tissues, with a survival rate of approximately 100%
      after 160 days of treatment.

PMID- 28071890
TI  - Peptide Conjugates of Benzene Carboxylic Acids as Agonists and Antagonists of
      Amylin Aggregation.
AB  - Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), also known as amylin, is a 37 residue
      peptide hormone that is stored and co-secreted with insulin. hIAPP plays a
      pivotal role in type 2 diabetes and is the major component of amyloid deposits
      found in the pancreas of patients afflicted with the disease. The self-assembly
      of hIAPP and the formation of amyloid is linked to the death of insulin producing
      beta-cells. Recent findings suggest that soluble hIAPP oligomers are the
      cytotoxic species responsible for beta-cell loss whereas amyloid fibrils
      themselves may indeed be innocuous. Potential avenues of therapeutic intervention
      include the development of compounds that prevent hIAPP self-assembly as well as
      those that reduce or eliminate lag time and rapidly accelerate the formation of
      amyloid fibrils. Both of these approaches minimize temporal exposure to soluble
      cytotoxic hIAPP oligomers. Toward this end our laboratory has pursued an
      electrostatic repulsion approach to the development of potential inhibitors and
      modulators of hIAPP self-assembly. Peptide conjugates were constructed in which
      benzene carboxylic acids of varying charge were employed as electrostatic
      disrupting elements and appended to the N-terminal of the hIAPP22-29 (NFGAILSS)
      self-recognition sequence. The self-assembly kinetics of conjugates were
      characterized by turbidity measurements and the structure of aggregates probed by
      Raman and CD spectroscopy while the morphology was assessed using transmission
      electron microscopy. Several benzene carboxylic acid peptide conjugates failed to
      self-assemble and some were found to inhibit the aggregation of full-length
      amylin while others served to enhance the rate of amyloid formation and/or
      increase the yield of amyloid produced. Studies reveal that the geometric display
      of free carboxylates on the benzene ring of the conjugates plays an important
      role in the activity of conjugates. In addition, a number of free benzene
      carboxylic acids were found to modulate amylin self-assembly on their own. The
      results of these investigations confirm the viability of the electrostatic
      repulsion approach to the modulation of amyloid formation and may aid the design
      and development of potential therapeutic agents.

PMID- 28071891
TI  - Dual Enzymatic Reaction-Assisted Gemcitabine Delivery Systems for Programmed
      Pancreatic Cancer Therapy.
AB  - Dual enzymatic reactions were introduced to fabricate programmed gemcitabine
      (GEM) nanovectors for targeted pancreatic cancer therapy. Dual-enzyme-sensitive
      GEM nanovectors were prepared by conjugation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP
      9) detachable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), cathepsin B-cleavable GEM, and
      targeting ligand CycloRGD to CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). The GEM nanovectors
      decorated with a PEG corona could avoid nonspecific interactions and exhibit
      prolonged blood circulation time. After GEM nanovectors were accumulated in tumor
      tissue by the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, the PEG corona
      can be removed by overexpressed MMP-9 in tumor tissue and RGD would be exposed,
      which was capable of facilitating cellular internalization. Once internalized
      into pancreatic cancer cells, the elevated lysosomal cathepsin B could further
      promote the release of GEM. By employing dual enzymatic reactions, the GEM
      nanovectors could achieve prolonged circulation time while maintaining enhanced
      cellular internalization and effective drug release. The proposed mechanism of
      the dual enzymatic reaction-assisted GEM delivery system was fully investigated
      both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, compared to free GEM, the deamination of
      GEM nanovectors into inactive 2',2'-difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU) could be greatly
      suppressed, while the concentration of the activated form of GEM (gemcitabine
      triphosphate, dFdCTP) was significantly increased in tumor tissue, thus
      exhibiting superior tumor inhibition activity with minimal side effects.

PMID- 28071893
TI  - Deterministic Reshaping of Breath Figure Arrays by Directional Photomanipulation.
AB  - The fabrication of desired structures is one of the most urgent topics in current
      research on porous polymer films. Herein, directional photomanipulation in
      conjunction with breath figure processing has been demonstrated for the
      preparation of porous polymeric films with finely tunable pore shape and size.
      Because of the photoinduced directional mass migration of azobenzene units upon
      vertical incident linearly polarized light (LPL) irradiation, round pores on
      honeycomb films can be reshaped into multifarious shapes including rectangle,
      rhombus, dumbbell, line, and so forth. In addition, slantwise LPL irradiation
      produces unique asymmetrical structure inside the pores oriented along the
      polarized direction. On the other hand, circularly polarized light (CPL)
      irradiation affords manipulation of the wall thickness without changing the pore
      shape. This versatile directional photomanipulation method can be implemented to
      large-area and high-throughput reshaping processes, which paves the way to a
      number of promising applications such as a flexible etching mask for patterning.

PMID- 28071892
TI  - Transient Adenosine Release Is Modulated by NMDA and GABAB Receptors.
AB  - Adenosine is a neuroprotective agent that modulates neurotransmission and is
      modulated by other neurotransmitters. Spontaneous, transient adenosine is a
      recently discovered mode of signaling where adenosine is released and cleared
      from the extracellular space quickly, in less than three seconds. Spontaneous
      adenosine release is regulated by adenosine A1 and A2a receptors, but regulation
      by other neurotransmitter receptors has not been studied. Here, we examined the
      effect of glutamate and GABA receptors on the concentration and frequency of
      spontaneous, transient adenosine release by measuring adenosine with fast-scan
      cyclic voltammetry in the rat caudate-putamen. The glutamate NMDA antagonist, 3
      (R-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP, 6.25 mg/kg i.p.),
      increased the frequency of adenosine transients and the concentration of
      individual transients, but NMDA (agonist, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) did not change the
      frequency. In contrast, antagonists of other glutamate receptors had no effect on
      the frequency or concentration of transient adenosine release, including the AMPA
      antagonist NBQX (15 mg/kg i.p.) and the mGlu2/3 glutamate receptor antagonist LY
      341495 (5 mg/kg i.p.). The GABAB antagonist CGP 52432 (30 mg/kg i.p.)
      significantly decreased the number of adenosine release events while the GABAB
      agonist baclofen (4 mg/kg i.p.) increased the frequency of adenosine release. The
      GABAA antagonist bicuculline (5 mg/kg i.p.) had no significant effects on
      adenosine. NMDA and GABAB likely act presynaptically, affecting the overall cell
      excitability for vesicular release. The ability to regulate adenosine with NMDA
      and GABAB receptors will help control the modulatory effects of transient
      adenosine release.

PMID- 28071895
TI  - Flexible, Cuttable, and Self-Waterproof Bending Strain Sensors Using Microcracked
      Gold Nanofilms@Paper Substrate.
AB  - Rapid advances in functional sensing electronics place tremendous demands on
      innovation toward creative uses of versatile advanced materials and effective
      designs of device structures. Here, we first report a feasible and effective
      fabrication strategy to integrate commercial abrasive papers with microcracked
      gold (Au) nanofilms to construct cuttable and self-waterproof crack-based
      resistive bending strain sensors. Via introducing surface microstructures, the
      sensitivities of the bending strain sensors are greatly enhanced by 27 times than
      that of the sensors without surface microstructures, putting forward an
      alternative suggestion for other flexible electronics to improve their
      performances. Besides, the bending strain sensors also endow rapid response and
      relaxation time of 20 ms and ultrahigh stability of >18 000 strain loading
      unloading cycles in conjunction with flexibility and robustness. In addition, the
      concepts of cuttability and self-waterproofness (attain and even surpass IPX-7)
      of the bending strain sensors have been demonstrated. Because of the distinctive
      sensing properties, flexibility, cuttability, and self-waterproofness, the
      bending strain sensors are attractive and promising for wearable electronic
      devices and smart health monitoring system.

PMID- 28071894
TI  - Noninvasive Monitoring of Blood Glucose with Raman Spectroscopy.
AB  - The successful development of a noninvasive blood glucose sensor that can operate
      reliably over sustained periods of time has been a much sought after but elusive
      goal in diabetes management. Since diabetes has no well-established cure, control
      of elevated glucose levels is critical for avoiding severe secondary health
      complications in multiple organs including the retina, kidney and vasculature.
      While fingerstick testing continues to be the mainstay of blood glucose
      detection, advances in electrochemical sensing-based minimally invasive
      approaches have opened the door for alternate methods that would considerably
      improve the quality of life for people with diabetes. In the quest for better
      sensing approaches, optical technologies have surfaced as attractive candidates
      as researchers have sought to exploit the endogenous contrast of glucose, notably
      its absorption, scattering, and polarization properties. Vibrational
      spectroscopy, especially spontaneous Raman scattering, has exhibited substantial
      promise due to its exquisite molecular specificity and minimal interference of
      water in the spectral profiles acquired from the blood-tissue matrix. Yet, it has
      hitherto been challenging to leverage the Raman scattering signatures of glucose
      for prediction in all but the most basic studies and under the least demanding
      conditions. In this Account, we discuss the newly developed array of
      methodologies that address the key challenges in measuring blood glucose
      accurately using Raman spectroscopy and unlock new prospects for translation to
      sustained noninvasive measurements in people with diabetes. Owing to the weak
      intensity of spontaneous Raman scattering, recent research has focused on
      enhancement of signals from the blood constituents by designing novel excitation
      collection geometries and tissue modulation methods while our attempts have led
      to the incorporation of nonimaging optical elements. Additionally, invoking mass
      transfer modeling into chemometric algorithms has not only addressed the
      physiological lag between the actual blood glucose and the measured interstitial
      fluid glucose values but also offered a powerful tool for predictive measurements
      of hypoglycemia. This framework has recently been extended to provide
      longitudinal tracking of glucose concentration without necessitating extensive a
      priori concentration information. These findings are advanced by the results of
      recent glucose tolerance studies in human subjects, which also hint at the need
      for designing nonlinear calibration models that can account for subject-to
      subject variations in skin heterogeneity and hematocrit levels. Together, the
      emerging evidence underscores the promise of a blood withdrawal-free optical
      platform-featuring a combination of high-throughput Raman spectroscopic
      instrumentation and data analysis of subtle variations in spectral expression-for
      diabetes screening in the clinic and, ultimately, for personalized monitoring.

PMID- 28071896
TI  - Fe on Sb(111): Potential Two-Dimensional Ferromagnetic Superstructures.
AB  - It is highly desirable to fabricate two-dimensional ferromagnetic membranes based
      on orthodox magnetic elements because of their inherent magnetic properties. In
      this work, we report on two superstructures including a honeycomb-like lattice
      and identical nanocluster arrays formed by depositing Fe on Sb(111). Combined
      with first-principles calculations, both detailed atomic structures have been
      clarified. The honeycomb structure consists of a single layered Fe-Sb phase, and
      the cluster phase is assigned as a (3 * 3) Fe3Sb7 superlattice. Both structural
      phases exhibit high magnetic moments localized on d bands of Fe. Our results
      provide a method to fabricate 2D magnetic superstructures possessing great
      potential in the realization of the Haldane model, spintronics applications, and
      single atom catalysis.

PMID- 28071898
TI  - Abnormal Multiple Charge Memory States in Exfoliated Few-Layer WSe2 Transistors.
AB  - To construct reliable nanoelectronic devices based on emerging 2D layered
      semiconductors, we need to understand the charge-trapping processes in such
      devices. Additionally, the identified charge-trapping schemes in such layered
      materials could be further exploited to make multibit (or highly desirable analog
      tunable) memory devices. Here, we present a study on the abnormal charge-trapping
      or memory characteristics of few-layer WSe2 transistors. This work shows that
      multiple charge-trapping states with large extrema spacing, long retention time,
      and analog tunability can be excited in the transistors made from mechanically
      exfoliated few-layer WSe2 flakes, whereas they cannot be generated in widely
      studied few-layer MoS2 transistors. Such charge-trapping characteristics of WSe2
      transistors are attributed to the exfoliation-induced interlayer deformation on
      the cleaved surfaces of few-layer WSe2 flakes, which can spontaneously form
      ambipolar charge-trapping sites. Our additional results from surface
      characterization, charge-retention characterization at different temperatures,
      and density functional theory computation strongly support this explanation.
      Furthermore, our research also demonstrates that the charge-trapping states
      excited in multiple transistors can be calibrated into consistent multibit data
      storage levels. This work advances the understanding of the charge memory
      mechanisms in layered semiconductors, and the observed charge-trapping states
      could be further studied for enabling ultralow-cost multibit analog memory
      devices.

PMID- 28071897
TI  - Wear Protection without Surface Modification Using a Synergistic Mixture of
      Molecular Brushes and Linear Polymers.
AB  - We describe the design of lubricating and wear protecting fluids based on
      mixtures of bottle-brushes (BB) and linear polymer solutions. To illustrate this
      concept, we used hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring linear
      polyelectrolyte, and a water-soluble synthetic BB polymer. Individually, these
      two polymers exhibit poor wear protecting capabilities compared to that of saline
      solutions. Mixture of the two polymers in pure water or in saline allows the wear
      protection of surfaces over a wide range of shearing conditions to drastically
      increase. We demonstrate that this synergy between the BB and HA polymers emerges
      from a strong cohesion between the two components forming the boundary film due
      to entanglements between both polymers. We show that this concept can be applied
      to other types of linear polymers and surfaces and is independent of the chemical
      and mechanical properties of the surfaces.

PMID- 28071899
TI  - Near-IR-Absorbing Gold Nanoframes with Enhanced Physiological Stability and
      Improved Biocompatibility for In Vivo Biomedical Applications.
AB  - This paper describes the synthesis of near-infrared (NIR)-absorbing gold
      nanoframes (GNFs) and a systematic study comparing their physiological stability
      and biocompatibility with those of hollow Au-Ag nanoshells (GNSs), which have
      been used widely as photothermal agents in biomedical applications because of
      their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the NIR region. The GNFs were
      synthesized in three steps: galvanic replacement, Au deposition, and Ag
      dealloying, using silver nanospheres (SNP) as the starting material. The
      morphology and optical properties of the GNFs were dependent on the thickness of
      the Au coating layer and the degree of Ag dealloying. The optimal GNF exhibited a
      robust spherical skeleton composed of a few thick rims, but preserved the
      distinctive LSPR absorbance in the NIR region-even when the Ag content within the
      skeleton was only 10 wt %, 4-fold lower than that of the GNSs. These GNFs
      displayed an attractive photothermal conversion ability and great photothermal
      stability, and could efficiently kill 4T1 cancer cells through light-induced
      heating. Moreover, the GNFs preserved their morphology and optical properties
      after incubation in biological media (e.g., saline, serum), whereas the GNSs were
      unstable under the same conditions because of rapid dissolution of the
      considerable silver content with the shell. Furthermore, the GNFs had good
      biocompatibility with normal cells (e.g., NIH-3T3 and hepatocytes; cell viability
      for both cells: >90%), whereas the GNSs exhibited significant dose-dependent
      cytotoxicity (e.g., cell viability for hepatocytes at 1.14 nM: ca. 11%),
      accompanied by the induction of reactive oxygen species. Finally, the GNFs
      displayed good biocompatibility and biosafety in an in vivo mouse model; in
      contrast, the accumulation of GNSs caused liver injury and inflammation. Our
      results suggest that GNFs have great potential to serve as stable, biocompatible
      NIR-light absorbers for in vivo applications, including cancer detection and
      combination therapy.

PMID- 28071900
TI  - Enantioselective Organocatalyzed Vinylogous Michael Reactions of 3-Alkylidene
      Oxindoles with Enals.
AB  - An efficient asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition of 3-alkylidene oxindoles and
      enals has been achieved using a chiral TBS-protected diphenylprolinol catalyst.
      The gamma-substituted alkylidene oxindoles obtained bear a chiral tertiary center
      and are afforded in moderate to good yields and good to excellent
      enantioselectivities.

PMID- 28071901
TI  - Accurate Theoretical Thermochemistry for Fluoroethyl Radicals.
AB  - An accurate coupled-cluster (CC) based model chemistry was applied to calculate
      reliable thermochemical quantities for hydrofluorocarbon derivatives including
      radicals 1-fluoroethyl (CH3-CHF), 1,1-difluoroethyl (CH3-CF2), 2-fluoroethyl
      (CH2F-CH2), 1,2-difluoroethyl (CH2F-CHF), 2,2-difluoroethyl (CHF2-CH2), 2,2,2
      trifluoroethyl (CF3-CH2), 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl (CF3-CHF), and
      pentafluoroethyl (CF3-CF2). The model chemistry used contains iterative triple
      and perturbative quadruple excitations in CC theory, as well as scalar
      relativistic and diagonal Born-Oppenheimer corrections. To obtain heat of
      formation values with better than chemical accuracy perturbative quadruple
      excitations and scalar relativistic corrections were inevitable. Their
      contributions to the heats of formation steadily increase with the number of
      fluorine atoms in the radical reaching 10 kJ/mol for CF3-CF2. When discrepancies
      were found between the experimental and our values it was always possible to
      resolve the issue by recalculating the experimental result with currently
      recommended auxiliary data. For each radical studied here this study delivers the
      best heat of formation as well as entropy data.

PMID- 28071902
TI  - Reversible Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformation and Magnetic Change of
      Nonporous Copper(II) Complexes by the Chemisorption/Desorption of HCl and H2O.
AB  - Vapor-responsive magnetic materials are highly promising for applications as
      chemical switches or sensors. Compared with porous materials, nonporous species
      benefit in overcoming the intrinsic conflict between magnetic exchange and
      porosity but usually suffer from the powdering of single crystals, which hinders
      the understanding of the structural nature of vapor response and magnetic switch.
      Single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation of nonporous compounds
      through the desorption/absorption of gaseous HCl is unprecedented. Reported here
      is a discrete nonporous copper(II) complex, (H3O)[K(15-crown-5)2][CuCl4], that
      exhibits reversible SCSC transformation and magnetic change by the
      chemisorption/desorption of HCl and H2O. Significant changes in the coordination
      number (4 <-> 3), space group (P1 <-> P21/c), color (green <-> red), and magnetic
      behavior (antiferromagnetic <-> paramagnetic) were found during the SCSC
      transformation.

PMID- 28071903
TI  - Revisiting the Mossbauer Isomer Shifts of the FeMoco Cluster of Nitrogenase and
      the Cofactor Charge.
AB  - Despite decades of research, the structure-activity relationship of nitrogenase
      is still not understood. Only recently was the full molecular structure of the
      FeMo cofactor (FeMoco) revealed, but the charge and metal oxidation states of
      FeMoco have been controversial. With the recent identification of the
      interstitial atom as a carbide and the more recent revised oxidation-state
      assignment of the molybdenum atom as Mo(III), here we revisit the Mossbauer
      properties of FeMoco. By a detailed error analysis of density functional theory
      computed isomer shifts and computing isomer shifts relative to the P-cluster, we
      find that only the charge of [MoFe7S9C]1- fits the experimental data. In view of
      the recent Mo(III) identification, the charge of [MoFe7S9C]1- corresponds to a
      formal oxidation-state assignment of Mo(III)3Fe(II)4Fe(III), although due to spin
      delocalization, the physical oxidation state distribution might also be
      interpreted as Mo(III)1Fe(II)4Fe(2.5)2Fe(III), according to a localized orbital
      analysis of the MS = 3/2 broken symmetry solution. These results can be
      reconciled with the recent spatially resolved anomalous dispersion study by
      Einsle et al. that suggests the Mo(III)3Fe(II)4Fe(III) distribution, if some spin
      localization (either through interactions with the protein environment or through
      vibronic coupling) were to take place.

PMID- 28071904
TI  - New Insight into the Formation Mechanism of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids from
      N-Alkyl Imidazoles and Halogenated Hydrocarbons: A Polar Microenvironment Induced
      and Autopromoted Process.
AB  - To illustrate the formation mechanism of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs)
      from N-alkyl imidazoles and halogenated hydrocarbons, density functional theory
      calculations have been carried out on a representative system, the reaction of N
      methyl imidazole with chloroethane to form 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride
      ([Emim]Cl) IL. The reaction is shown to proceed via an SN2 transition state with
      a free energy barrier of 34.4 kcal/mol in the gas phase and 27.6 kcal/mol in
      toluene solvent. The reaction can be remarkably promoted by the presence of ionic
      products and water molecules. The calculated barriers in toluene are 22.0, 21.7,
      and 19.9 kcal/mol in the presence of 1-3 ionic pairs of [Emim]Cl and 23.5, 21.3,
      and 19.4 kcal/mol in the presence of 1-3 water molecules, respectively. These
      ionic pairs and water molecules do not participate directly in the reaction but
      provide a polar environment that favors stabilizing the transition state with
      large charge separation. Hence, we propose that the synthesis of imidazolium
      based ILs from N-alkyl imidazoles and halogenated hydrocarbons is an autopromoted
      process and a polar microenvironment induced reaction, and the existence of water
      molecules (a highly polar solvent) in the reaction may be mainly responsible for
      the initiation of reaction.

PMID- 28071905
TI  - Heterogeneous Nucleation of an n-Alkane on Tetrahedrally Coordinated Crystals.
AB  - Heterogeneous nucleation refers to the propensity for phase transformations to
      initiate preferentially on foreign surfaces, such as vessel walls, dust
      particles, or formulation additives. In crystallization, the form of the initial
      nucleus has ramifications for the crystallographic form, morphology, and
      properties of the resulting solid. Nevertheless, the discovery and design of
      nucleating agents remains a matter of trial and error because of the very small
      spatiotemporal scales over which the critical nucleus is formed and the extreme
      difficulty of examining such events empirically. Using molecular dynamics
      simulations, we demonstrate a method for the rapid screening of entire families
      of materials for activity as nucleating agents and for characterizing their
      mechanism of action. The method is applied to the crystallization of n
      pentacontane, a model surrogate for polyethylene, on the family of tetrahedrally
      coordinated crystals, including diamond and silicon. A systematic variation of
      parameters in the interaction potential permits a comprehensive, physically based
      screening of nucleating agents in this class of materials, including both real
      and hypothetical candidates. The induction time for heterogeneous nucleation is
      shown to depend strongly on crystallographic registry between the nucleating
      agent and the critical nucleus, indicative of an epitaxial mechanism in this
      class of materials. Importantly, the severity of this registry requirement
      weakens with decreasing rigidity of the substrate and increasing strength of
      attraction to the surface of the nucleating agent. Employing this method, a high
      throughput computational screening of nucleating agents becomes possible,
      facilitating the discovery of novel nucleating agents within a broad "materials
      genome" of possible additives.

PMID- 28071906
TI  - Single Conformation Spectroscopy of Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid: A Molecule
      Bites Its Tail.
AB  - Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that
      causes growth arrest and differentiation of many tumor types and is an approved
      drug for the treatment of cancer. The chemical structure of SAHA consists of
      formanilide "head" and a hydroxamic acid "tail" separated by an n-hexyl chain,
      C6H5NH(C?O)-(CH2)6-(C?O)NHOH. The alkyl chain's preference for extended
      structures is in competition with tail-to-head (T-H) or head-to-tail (H-T)
      hydrogen bonds between the amide and hydroxamic acid groups. Laser desorption was
      used to bring SAHA into the gas phase and cool it in a supersonic expansion
      before interrogation with mass-resolved resonant two-photon ionization
      spectroscopy. Single conformation UV spectra in the S0-S1 region and infrared
      spectra in the hydride stretch and mid-IR regions were recorded using IR-UV hole
      burning and resonant ion-dip infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Three
      conformers of SAHA were distinguished and spectroscopically characterized.
      Comparison of the experimental IR spectra with the predictions of density
      functional theory calculations (DFT, B3LYP D3BJ/6-31+G(d)) leads to assignments
      for the three conformers, all of which possess tightly folded alkyl chains that
      enable formation of a T-H (conformer A) or H-T (conformers B and C) hydrogen
      bonds. A modified version of the generalized Amber force field was developed to
      more accurately describe the hydroxamic acid OH internal rotor potential, leading
      to predictions for the relative energies in reasonable agreement with experiment.
      This force field was used to generate a disconnectivity graph for the low-energy
      portion of the potential energy landscape of SAHA. This disconnectivity graph
      contains more than one hundred minima and maps out the lowest-energy pathways
      between them, which could then be characterized via DFT calculations. This
      combination of force field and DFT calculations provides insight into the
      potential energy landscape and how population was funneled into the three
      observed conformers.

PMID- 28071907
TI  - The Influence of para Substituents in Bis(N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Palladium
      Pincer Complexes for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction.
AB  - The effect of modifying the pyridyl para position of lutidine-linked bis(N
      heterocyclic carbene) Pd pincer complexes is studied both experimentally (R =
      OMe, H, Br, and COOR) and computationally, showing a strong effect on the first
      reduction potential of the complex and allowing the reduction potential to be
      tuned over a wide range in relation to the Hammett sigmap constant of the para
      substituent. The effect of the pyridyl para substituent on electron density of
      the metal center, frontier orbital energies, and dissociation energy of the trans
      ligand are also investigated in the context of reactivity with CO2 through
      electrochemical characterization of the complexes under N2 and CO2 and controlled
      potential electrolysis experiments where CO2 is reduced to CO.

PMID- 28071908
TI  - Mechanically Induced Homochirality in Nucleated Enantioselective Polymerization.
AB  - Understanding how biological homochirality may have emerged during chemical
      evolution remains a challenge for origin of life research. In keeping with this
      goal, we introduce and solve numerically a kinetic rate equation model of
      nucleated cooperative enantioselective polymerization in closed systems. The
      microreversible scheme includes (i) solution-phase racemization of the monomers,
      (ii) linear chain growth by stepwise monomer attachment, in both nucleation and
      elongation phases, and (iii) annealing or fusion of homochiral chains.
      Mechanically induced breakage of the longest chains maintains the system out of
      equilibrium and drives a breakage-fusion recycling mechanism. Spontaneous mirror
      symmetry breaking can be achieved starting from small initial enantiomeric
      excesses due to the intrinsic statistical fluctuations about the idealized
      racemic composition. The subsequent chiral amplification confirms the model's
      capacity for absolute asymmetric synthesis, without chiral cross-inhibition and
      without explicit autocatalysis.

PMID- 28071909
TI  - Current Status and Bioinspired Perspective of Electrochemical Conversion of CO2
      to a Long-Chain Hydrocarbon.
AB  - Electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into a long-chain hydrocarbon represents an
      important research direction in adding value to CO2-based chemicals and realizing
      its practical application. Long-chain hydrocarbons may change the current fossil
      fuel-based industry in that those chemicals have a similar energy density as
      gasoline, high compatibility with the current infrastructure, and low
      hydroscopicity for pipeline distribution. However, most of the electrocatalysts
      produce C1, C2, and C3 chemicals, and methods for producing long-chain
      hydrocarbons are not available thus far. Interestingly, nature utilizes many
      enzymes to generate long-chain hydrocarbons using C2 building blocks and suggests
      key mechanisms, inspiring new perspective in the design of electrocatalysts. In
      this Perspective, we present case studies to demonstrate how CO2 and its
      reductive derivatives interact with the electrode surface during C-C bond
      formation and introduce how these issues are addressed in biological systems. We
      end this Perspective by outlining possible strategies to translate the natural
      mechanism into a heterogeneous electrode.

PMID- 28071911
TI  - High Defect Tolerance in Lead Halide Perovskite CsPbBr3.
AB  - The formation energies and charge-transition levels of intrinsic point defects in
      lead halide perovskite CsPbBr3 are studied from first-principles calculations. It
      is shown that the formation energy of dominant defect under Br-rich growth
      condition is much lower than that under moderate or Br-poor conditions. Thus
      avoiding the Br-rich condition can help to reduce the defect concentration.
      Interestingly, CsPbBr3 is found to be highly defect-tolerant in terms of its
      electronic structure. Most of the intrinsic defects induce shallow transition
      levels. Only a few defects with high formation energies can create deep
      transition levels. Therefore, CsPbBr3 can maintain its good electronic quality
      despite the presence of defects. Such defect tolerance feature can be attributed
      to the lacking of bonding-antibonding interaction between the conduction bands
      and valence bands.

PMID- 28071910
TI  - Direct Measurement of the Effect of Cholesterol and 6-Ketocholestanol on the
      Membrane Dipole Electric Field Using Vibrational Stark Effect Spectroscopy
      Coupled with Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
AB  - Biological membranes are heterogeneous structures with complex electrostatic
      profiles arising from lipids, sterols, membrane proteins, and water molecules. We
      investigated the effect of cholesterol and its derivative 6-ketocholestanol (6
      kc) on membrane electrostatics by directly measuring the dipole electric field
      (F?d) within lipid bilayers containing cholesterol or 6-kc at concentrations of 0
      40 mol% through the vibrational Stark effect (VSE). We found that adding low
      concentrations of cholesterol, up to ~10 mol %, increases F?d, while adding more
      cholesterol up to 40 mol% lowers F?d. In contrast, we measured a monotonic
      increase in F?d as 6-kc concentration increased. We propose that this membrane
      electric field is affected by multiple factors: the polarity of the sterol
      molecules, the reorientation of the phospholipid dipole due to sterol, and the
      impact of the sterol on hydrogen bonding with surface water. We used molecular
      dynamics simulations to examine the distribution of phospholipids, sterol, and
      helix in bilayers containing these sterols. At low concentrations, we observed
      clustering of sterols near the vibrational probe whereas at high concentrations,
      we observed spatial correlation between the positions of the sterol molecules.
      This work demonstrates how a one-atom difference in a sterol changes the
      physicochemical and electric field properties of the bilayer.

PMID- 28071912
TI  - Insights into the Catalytic Mechanism of Unsaturated Glucuronyl Hydrolase of
      Bacillus sp. GL1.
AB  - Together with polysaccharide lyases (PLs), the unsaturated glucuronyl hydrolase
      of Bacillus sp., GL1, is responsible for the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans
      (GAGs), which plays an important role in various crucial physiological events.
      More importantly, the degradation mechanism of GAGs often causes extracellular
      bacterial infection and is thought to be one of the virulence factors. We have
      previously studied the first degradation step catalyzed by PLs. In this work, we
      focused on the degradation of the unsaturated chondroitin disaccharide, which is
      produced from chondroitin by chondroitin lyase. A combined quantum mechanical and
      molecular mechanical method was employed in all simulations. First of all,
      molecular dynamics simulations were performed to obtain a stable initial enzyme
      substrate complex structure. Almost all interactions between the substrate and
      enzyme were found to be related to the d-glucuronic acid unit, whereas no
      recognition specificity was observed for the N-acetyl-d-galactosamine unit.
      Experimentally, two different pathways have been proposed on the basis of X-ray
      structures and kinetic isotopic effects. In our simulation, the pathway involving
      the formation of an epoxide intermediate has been found to be favorable rather
      than that involving direct hydration of the vinyl ether group around carbons 4
      and 5. A metastable oxocarbenium-ion-like intermediate can be found in our
      simulation.

PMID- 28071913
TI  - Oxygenate-Induced Tuning of Aldehyde-Amine Reactivity and Its Atmospheric
      Implications.
AB  - Atmospheric aerosols often contain a significant fraction of carbon-nitrogen
      functionality, which makes gas-phase aldehyde-amine chemistries an important
      source of nitrogen containing compounds in aerosols. Here we use high-level ab
      initio calculations to examine the key determinants of amine (ammonia,
      methylamine, and dimethylamine) addition onto three different aldehydes
      (acetaldehyde, glycolaldehyde, and 2-hydroperoxy acetaldehyde), with each
      reaction being catalyzed by a single water molecule. The model aldehydes reflect
      different degrees of oxygenation at a site adjacent to the carbonyl moiety, the
      alpha-site, and represent typical oxygenates that can arise from atmospheric
      oxidation especially under conditions where the concentration of NO is low. Our
      results show that the reaction barrier is influenced not only by the nature of
      the amine but also by the nature of the aldehyde. We find that, for a given
      amine, the reaction barrier decreases with increasing oxygenation of the
      aldehyde. This observed trend in barrier height can be explained through a
      distortion/interaction analysis, which reveals a gradual increase in internal
      hydrogen bonding interactions upon increased oxygenation, which, in turn, impacts
      the reaction barrier. Further, the calculations reveal that the reactions of
      methylamine and dimethylamine with the oxygenated aldehydes are barrierless under
      catalysis by a single water molecule. As a result, we expect these addition
      reactions to be energetically feasible under atmospheric conditions. The present
      findings have important implications for atmospheric chemistry as amine-aldehyde
      addition reactions can facilitate aerosol growth by providing low-energy neutral
      pathways for the formation of larger, less volatile compounds, from readily
      available smaller components.

PMID- 28071914
TI  - Synthesis and NMR Analysis of a Conformationally Controlled beta-Turn Mimetic
      Torsion Balance.
AB  - The molecular torsion balance concept was applied to a new conformationally
      controlled scaffold and synthesized to accurately evaluate pairwise amino acid
      interactions in an antiparallel beta-sheet motif. The scaffold's core design
      combines (ortho-tolyl)amide and o,o,o'-trisubstituted biphenyl structural units
      to provide a geometry better-suited for intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Like the
      dibenzodiazocine hinge of the traditional torsion balance, the (ortho-tolyl)amide
      unit offers restricted rotation around an N-aryl bond. The resulting two-state
      folding model is a powerful template for measuring hydrogen bond stability
      between two competing sequences. The aim of this study was to improve the
      alignment between the amino acid sequences attached to the upper and lower
      aromatic rings in order to promote hydrogen bond formation at the correct
      distance and antiparallel orientation. Bromine substituents were introduced ortho
      to the upper side chains and compared to a control to test our hypothesis.
      Hydrogen bond formation has been identified between the NH amide proton of the
      upper side chain (proton donor) and glycine acetamide of the lower side chain
      (proton acceptor).

PMID- 28071915
TI  - Variational Flooding Study of a SN2 Reaction.
AB  - We have studied the reaction dynamics of a prototypical organic reaction using a
      variationally optimized truncated bias to accelerate transitions between educt
      and product reactant states. The asymmetric SN2 nucleophilic substitution
      reaction of fluoromethane and chloromethane CH3F + Cl- ? CH3Cl + F- is
      considered, and many independent biased molecular dynamics simulations have been
      performed at 600, 900, and 1200 K, collecting several hundred transitions at each
      temperature. The transition times and relative rate constants have been obtained
      for both reaction directions. The activation energies extracted from an Arrhenius
      plot compare well with standard static calculations.

PMID- 28071916
TI  - Gold-Catalyzed Unexpected Ring Transformation of Pyrimidodiazepine Derivatives.
AB  - Pyrimidodiazepine derivatives underwent an unexpected gold-catalyzed retro
      Mannich-type carbon-carbon bond cleavage and intramolecular nucleophilic
      cyclization. The pyrimidodiazepines bearing an alkyne moiety showed novel
      orthogonal reactivity in the presence of a gold catalyst, as opposed to the
      alkynophilicity that is commonly observed with gold catalysts. The ring
      transformation reaction of pyrimidodiazepines probably proceeds through an
      acyclic iminium intermediate. The potential of this synthetic method for the
      skeletal diversification of pyrimidine-containing macrocycles was also
      demonstrated.

PMID- 28071917
TI  - Tunable Adsorption and Film Formation of Mussel Adhesive Protein by Potential
      Control.
AB  - Mussel adhesive proteins are of great interest in many applications because of
      their outstanding adhesive property and film-forming ability. Understanding and
      controlling the film formation and its performance is crucial for the effective
      use of such proteins. In this study, we focus on the potential controlled film
      formation and compaction of one mussel adhesive protein, Mefp-1. The adsorption
      and film-forming behavior of Mefp-1 on a platinum (Pt) substrate under applied
      potentials were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, potential-controlled
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and quartz crystal microbalance
      with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Moreover, microfriction measurements were
      performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the Mefp-1 films formed at
      selected potentials. The results led to the conclusion that Mefp-1 adsorbs on the
      Pt substrate through both electrostatic and nonelectrostatic interactions and
      shows an effective blocking effect for the electroactive sites on the substrate.
      The properties of the adsorbed Mefp-1 film vary with the applied potential, and
      the compactness of the adsorbed Mefp-1 film can be reversibly tuned by the
      applied potential.

PMID- 28071918
TI  - Stereoelectronic Effect-Induced Conductance Switching in Aromatic Chain Single
      Molecule Junctions.
AB  - Biphenyl, as the elementary unit of organic functional materials, has been widely
      used in electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, over decades little has
      been fundamentally understood regarding how the intramolecular conformation of
      biphenyl dynamically affects its transport properties at the single-molecule
      level. Here, we establish the stereoelectronic effect of biphenyl on its
      electrical conductance based on the platform of graphene-molecule single-molecule
      junctions, where a specifically designed hexaphenyl aromatic chain molecule is
      covalently sandwiched between nanogapped graphene point contacts to create stable
      single-molecule junctions. Both theoretical and temperature-dependent
      experimental results consistently demonstrate that phenyl twisting in the
      aromatic chain molecule produces different microstates with different degrees of
      conjugation, thus leading to stochastic switching between high- and low
      conductance states. These investigations offer new molecular design insights into
      building functional single-molecule electrical devices.

PMID- 28071919
TI  - Characterization of the Intrinsic Water Wettability of Graphite Using Contact
      Angle Measurements: Effect of Defects on Static and Dynamic Contact Angles.
AB  - Elucidating the intrinsic water wettability of the graphitic surface has
      increasingly attracted research interests, triggered by the recent finding that
      the well-established hydrophobicity of graphitic surfaces actually results from
      airborne hydrocarbon contamination. Currently, static water contact angle (WCA)
      is often used to characterize the intrinsic water wettability of graphitic
      surfaces. In the current paper, we show that because of the existence of defects,
      static WCA does not necessarily characterize the intrinsic water wettability.
      Freshly exfoliated graphite of varying qualities, characterized using atomic
      force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, was studied using static, advancing, and
      receding WCA measurements. The results showed that graphite of different
      qualities (i.e., defect density) always has a similar advancing WCA, but it could
      have very different static and receding WCAs. This finding indicates that defects
      play an important role in contact angle measurements, and the static contact
      angle does not always represent the intrinsic water wettability of pristine
      graphite. On the basis of the experimental results, a qualitative model is
      proposed to explain the effect of defects on static, advancing, and receding
      contact angles. The model suggests that the advancing WCA reflects the intrinsic
      water wettability of pristine (defect-free) graphite. Our results showed that the
      advancing WCA for pristine graphite is 68.6 degrees , which indicates that
      graphitic carbon is intrinsically mildly hydrophilic.

PMID- 28071920
TI  - Side Gate Tunable Josephson Junctions at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Interface.
AB  - Novel physical phenomena arising at the interface of complex oxide
      heterostructures offer exciting opportunities for the development of future
      electronic devices. Using the prototypical LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface as a model
      system, we employ a single-step lithographic process to realize gate-tunable
      Josephson junctions through a combination of lateral confinement and local side
      gating. The action of the side gates is found to be comparable to that of a local
      back gate, constituting a robust and efficient way to control the properties of
      the interface at the nanoscale. We demonstrate that the side gates enable
      reliable tuning of both the normal-state resistance and the critical (Josephson)
      current of the constrictions. The conductance and Josephson current show
      mesoscopic fluctuations as a function of the applied side gate voltage, and the
      analysis of their amplitude enables the extraction of the phase coherence and
      thermal lengths. Finally, we realize a superconducting quantum interference
      device in which the critical currents of each of the constriction-type Josephson
      junctions can be controlled independently via the side gates.

PMID- 28071924
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28071922
TI  - Anxiety symptoms and risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in the oldest
      old women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Research is limited and findings conflict regarding anxiety as a
      predictor of future cognitive decline in the oldest old persons. We examined the
      relationship between levels of and changes in anxiety symptoms, and subsequent
      dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the oldest old women. METHOD: We
      conducted secondary analyses of data collected from 1425 community-dwelling women
      (mean age = 82.8, SD +/-3.1 years) followed on average for five years. The
      Goldberg Anxiety Scale was used to assess anxiety symptoms at baseline, and an
      expert clinical panel adjudicated dementia and MCI at follow-up. Participants
      with probable cognitive impairment at baseline were excluded. RESULTS: At
      baseline, 190 (13%) women had moderate/severe anxiety symptoms and 403 (28%) had
      mild anxiety symptoms. Compared with those with no anxiety symptoms at baseline,
      women with mild anxiety symptoms were more likely to develop dementia at follow
      up (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio = 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.12-2.45).
      No significant association was observed between anxiety symptoms and MCI.
      CONCLUSION: In the oldest old women, our findings suggest that mild anxiety
      symptoms may predict future risk of dementia, but not MCI. Future studies should
      explore potential biological mechanisms underlying associations of anxiety with
      cognitive impairment.

PMID- 28071925
TI  - Gene editing and genetic engineering approaches for advanced probiotics: A
      review.
AB  - The applications of probiotics are significant and thus resulted in need of
      genome analysis of probiotic strains. Various omics methods and systems biology
      approaches enables us to understand and optimize the metabolic processes. These
      techniques have increased the researcher's attention towards gut microbiome and
      provided a new source for the revelation of uncharacterized biosynthetic pathways
      which enables novel metabolic engineering approaches. In recent years, the broad
      and quantitative analysis of modified strains relies on systems biology tools
      such as in silico design which are commonly used methods for improving strain
      performance. The genetic manipulation of probiotic microorganisms is crucial for
      defining their role in intestinal microbiota and exploring their beneficial
      properties. This review describes an overview of gene editing and systems biology
      approaches, highlighting the advent of omics methods which allows the study of
      new routes for studying probiotic bacteria. We have also summarized gene editing
      tools like TALEN, ZFNs and CRISPR-Cas that edits or cleave the specific target
      DNA. Furthermore, in this review an overview of proposed design of advanced
      customized probiotic is also hypothesized to improvise the probiotics.

PMID- 28071926
TI  - Response to Panayiotopoulos: Visual aura of migraine versus visual occipital lobe
      seizures.

PMID- 28071928
TI  - Recent advancements in lateral flow immunoassays: A journey for toxin detection
      in food.
AB  - Biotechnology embraces various physical and chemical phenomena toward advancement
      of health diagnostics. Toward such advancement, detection of toxins plays an
      important role. Toxins produce severe health impacts on consumption with high
      mortality associated in acute cases. The most prominent route of infection and
      intoxication is through food matrices. Therefore, rapid detection of toxins at
      low concentrations is the need of modern diagnostics. Lateral flow immunoassays
      are one of the emergent and popularly used rapid detection technology developed
      for detecting various kinds of analytes. This review thus focuses on recent
      advancements in lateral flow immunoassays for detecting different toxins in
      agricultural food. Appropriate emphasis was given on how the labels, recognition
      elements, or detection strategy has laid an impact on improvement in
      immunochromatographic assays for toxins. The paper also discusses the gradual
      change in sensitivities and specificities of assays in accordance with the method
      of food processing used. The review concludes with the major challenges faced by
      this technology and provides an outlook and insight of ideas to improve it in the
      future.

PMID- 28071929
TI  - Effects of smartphone-based memory training for older adults with subjective
      memory complaints: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We explored whether newly developed application (Smartphone-based
      brain Anti-aging and memory Reinforcement Training, SMART) improved memory
      performance in older adults with subjective memory complaints (SMC). METHOD: A
      total of 53 adults (range: 50-68 years; 52.8% female) were randomized into either
      one of two intervention groups [SMART (n = 18) vs. Fit Brains(r) (n = 19)] or a
      wait-list group (n = 16). Participants in the intervention groups underwent 15-20
      minutes of training per day, five days per week for 8 weeks. We used objective
      cognitive measures to evaluate changes with respect to four domains: attention,
      memory, working memory (WM), and response inhibition. In addition, we included
      self-report questionnaires to assess levels of SMC, depression, and anxiety.
      RESULTS: Total WM quotient [t(17) = 6.27, p < .001] as well as auditory-verbal WM
      score [t(17) = 4.45, p < .001] increased significantly in the SMART group but not
      in the control groups. Self-reports of memory contentment, however, increased in
      the Fit Brains(r) group only [t(18) = 2.12, p < .05). CONCLUSION: Use of an 8
      week smartphone-based memory training program may improve WM function in older
      adults. However, objective improvement in performance does not necessarily lead
      to decreased SMC.

PMID- 28071932
TI  - The International Journal of Research and Practice celebrates 20 years.

PMID- 28071935
TI  - Response to "OnabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of chronic migraine not quite
      there. . ."

PMID- 28071936
TI  - Concussion Baseline Testing: Preexisting Factors, Symptoms, and Neurocognitive
      Performance.
AB  - CONTEXT: Neurocognitive test scores are often considered an important aspect of
      concussion management. To best use these data, clinicians must understand
      potential factors that may influence baseline performance on these tests.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine preexisting factors that may influence performance on the
      Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT). DESIGN: Cross
      sectional study. SETTING: Research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A
      total of 486 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate
      student-athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): To determine neurocognitive
      functioning and total symptom score at baseline, ImPACT was administered.
      Outcomes were verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time,
      and total symptom score. A self-report demographic section at the beginning of
      ImPACT was used to gather information concerning previous treatment for
      headaches, migraines, and psychiatric conditions; diagnosis of attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and exposure to previous strenuous exercise. We
      conducted multivariate analyses of variance to determine if the ImPACT composite
      and total symptom scores differed according to preexisting factors (P < .0083).
      RESULTS: Sex showed an effect on verbal memory (P = .001), visual motor speed (P
      < .001), and reaction time (P = .006), with women performing better than men. A
      previous diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affected visual
      motor speed (P = .008). Previous treatment for headaches (P < .001), migraines (P
      = .001), a psychiatric condition (P < .001), or a diagnosis of attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (P < .001) all showed effects on the total symptom
      score. Strenuous exercise did not affect neurocogntive performance or total
      symptom score. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings and the previous literature, we
      suggest that many preexisting factors influence baseline neurocognitive data.
      Baseline testing is an important aspect of concussion management. Sports medicine
      professionals should be cognizant of these factors when developing concussion
      management protocols.

PMID- 28071939
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28071938
TI  - Tailoring structure and technological properties of plant proteins using high
      hydrostatic pressure.
AB  - The demand for proteins is rising and alternatives to meat proteins are necessary
      since animal husbandry is expensive and intensive to the environment. Plant
      proteins appear as an alternative; however, their techno-functional properties
      need improvement. High-pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal technology that
      has several applications including the modification of proteins. The application
      of pressure allows modifying proteins' structure hence allowing to change several
      of their properties, such as hydration, hydrophobicity, and hydrophilicity. These
      properties may influence the solubility of proteins and their ability to
      stabilize emulsions or foams, create aggregates or gels, and their general role
      in stability and texture of food commodities. Commonly HPP decreases the
      proteins' solubility yet increasing their surface hydrophobicity exposing
      sulfhydryl groups, which promotes aggregation or gelation or enhance their
      ability to stabilize emulsions/foams. However, these effects are not verifiable
      for all the proteins and are immensely dependent on the type and concentration of
      the protein, environmental conditions (pH, ionic strength, and co-solutes), and
      HPP conditions. This review collects and critically discusses the available
      information on how HPP affects the structure of plant proteins and how their
      techno-functional properties can be tailored using this approach.

PMID- 28071940
TI  - Resilience and personal growth: A potential resource for therapeutic programmes
      in people with congenital heart disease.

PMID- 28071942
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28071941
TI  - Board Walk - April 2014.

PMID- 28071945
TI  - Author contact information.

PMID- 28071944
TI  - Response to the letter 'Minimization: not all it's cracked up to be' by Berger.

PMID- 28071946
TI  - Author Response.

PMID- 28071947
TI  - Presacral abscess as a rare complication of sacral nerve stimulator implantation.
AB  - A 50-year-old man with intractable anal pain attributed to proctalgia fugax
      underwent insertion of a sacral nerve stimulator via the right S3 vertebral
      foramen for pain control with good symptomatic relief. Thirteen months later, he
      presented with signs of sepsis. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) showed a large presacral abscess. MRI demonstrated increased
      enhancement along the pathway of the stimulator electrode, indicating that the
      abscess was caused by infection introduced at the time of sacral nerve stimulator
      placement. The patient was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, and the
      sacral nerve stimulator and electrode were removed. Attempts were made to drain
      the abscess transrectally using minimally invasive techniques but these were
      unsuccessful and CT guided transperineal drainage was then performed. Despite
      this, the presacral abscess progressed, developing enlarging gas locules and
      extending to the pelvic brim to involve the aortic bifurcation, causing
      hydronephrosis and radiological signs of impending sacral osteomyelitis. MRI
      showed communication between the rectum and abscess resulting from transrectal
      drainage. In view of the progressive presacral sepsis, a laparotomy was performed
      with drainage of the abscess, closure of the upper rectum and formation of a
      defunctioning end sigmoid colostomy. Following this, the presacral infection
      resolved. Presacral abscess formation secondary to an infected sacral nerve
      stimulator electrode has not been reported previously. Our experience suggests
      that in a similar situation, the optimal management is to perform laparotomy with
      drainage of the presacral abscess together with simultaneous removal of the
      sacral nerve stimulator and electrode.

PMID- 28071949
TI  - Lateral thyroid cartilage thyrotomy approach to an embedded paraglottic fishbone.
AB  - Fishbones are of particular interest to otolaryngologists. Most fishbones can be
      removed transorally or via endoscopic guidance. Transcervical neck exploration is
      occasionally necessary, especially in cases of an embedded foreign body. Computed
      tomography is the most sensitive and specific imaging modality for identifying
      embedded fishbones. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a
      laryngeal foreign body embedded in the paraglottic space that was removed using
      an open approach via a lateral thyroid cartilage window.

PMID- 28071948
TI  - Current practice of antibiotic prophylaxis during elective laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Current guidelines do not recommend antibiotic prophylaxis in
      elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Despite this, there is wide variation in
      antibiotic prophylaxis during cholecystectomy in population-based studies. The
      aim of this survey was to establish the current rationale for antibiotic
      prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS A short
      questionnaire was designed and disseminated across collaborators for a population
      based study investigating outcomes following cholecystectomy and via the
      Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, Researchgate and Surginet
      membership. RESULTS Responses were received from 234 people; 50.9% had no written
      policy for the use of prophylactic antibiotics in elective cholecystectomy; 5.6%
      never used antibiotics, while 30.8% always did and 63.7% selectively used
      antibiotics. Contamination with bile, stones and pus were scenarios in which
      antibiotics were most commonly used in selective practices to reduce infective
      complications. Interestingly, 87% of respondents would be happy to participate in
      a trial investigating the effectiveness of antibiotics in elective laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy where contamination has occurred. CONCLUSIONS The disparity
      between current practice and guidelines appears to arise because of a lack of
      evidence to show that antibiotics reduce surgical site infection following
      elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy where contamination has occurred. This
      question needs to addressed before practice will change.

PMID- 28071950
TI  - Reporting individual surgeon outcomes does not lead to risk aversion in abdominal
      aortic aneurysm surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Reporting surgeons' outcomes has recently been introduced in the UK.
      This has the potential to result in surgeons becoming risk averse. The aim of
      this study was to investigate whether reporting outcomes for abdominal aortic
      aneurysm (AAA) surgery impacts on the number and risk profile (level of fitness)
      of patients offered elective treatment. METHODS Publically available National
      Vascular Registry data were used to compare the number of AAAs treated in those
      centres across the UK that reported outcomes for the periods 2008-2012, 2009-2013
      and 2010-2014. Furthermore, the number and characteristics of patients referred
      for consideration of elective AAA repair at a single tertiary unit were analysed
      yearly between 2010 and 2014. Clinic, casualty and theatre event codes were
      searched to obtain all AAAs treated. The results of cardiopulmonary exercise
      testing (CPET) were assessed. RESULTS For the 85 centres that reported outcomes
      in all three five-year periods, the median number of AAAs treated per unit
      increased between the periods 2008-2012 and 2010-2014 from 192 to 214 per year
      (p=0.006). In the single centre cohort study, the proportion of patients offered
      elective AAA repair increased from 74% in 2009-2010 to 81% in 2013-2014, with a
      maximum of 84% in 2012-2013. The age, aneurysm size and CPET results (anaerobic
      threshold levels) for those eventually offered elective treatment did not differ
      significantly between 2010 and 2014. CONCLUSIONS The results do not support the
      assumption that reporting individual surgeon outcomes is associated with a risk
      averse strategy regarding patient selection in aneurysm surgery at present.

PMID- 28071951
TI  - Spontaneous extrusion of gallstones after percutaneous drainage.
AB  - There have been reports of late discharge of gallstones through operative wounds
      after spillage into the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and
      after the development of spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistulae. However,
      spontaneous discharge of gallstones from the tract of a percutaneous
      cholecystostomy or percutaneous drainage of a perforated gall bladder has not, to
      the best of our knowledge, been reported previously. We report a case in which a
      patient who had a percutaneous drain inserted for a perforated gall bladder
      discharged 34 gallstones from the tract after removal of the 7-F pigtail
      catheter.

PMID- 28071952
TI  - The decline of elective operating at major trauma centres.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Major trauma is a leading cause of death in those aged under 40
      years. In order to improve the care for multiply injured patients, the major
      trauma network was activated in April 2012 in England. Its goal was to link all
      district hospitals to major trauma centres (MTCs) and allow for rapid transfer of
      patients. Anecdotally, this has affected elective orthopaedic operating at MTCs.
      The aim of this study was to compare the number of lower limb arthroplasty
      procedures performed before and after the establishment of the trauma network.
      METHODS Data on hip and knee arthroplasties in England during the two years prior
      to and the two years following the introduction of the trauma network were
      obtained from the National Joint Registry. These were broken down by type of unit
      (MTCs vs non-MTCs). Differences between the number of hip and knee arthroplasties
      undertaken in the two time periods were analysed. The chi-squared test was used
      to assess statistical significance. RESULTS The total number of lower limb
      arthroplasties increased after the activation of the trauma network by 5.5% (from
      211,453 to 223,119). When stratifying the data by type of unit, this increasing
      trend was present for non-MTCs; however, in MTCs, a reduction occurred: the
      number reduced by 13.6% (from 13,492 to 11,657). This reversal of trend was seen
      in both hip and knee procedures independently (both p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The
      introduction of the trauma network has led to a reduction in the total number of
      lower limb arthroplasty procedures performed in MTCs. Various reasons have been
      postulated for this but its impact on surgical training and hospital finances
      must be scrutinised in future research.

PMID- 28071955
TI  - Leprosy.

PMID- 28071958
TI  - Is type D personality an independent risk factor for recurrent myocardial
      infarction or all-cause mortality in post-acute myocardial infarction patients?
AB  - Background Type D personality refers to a combination of simultaneously high
      levels of negative affectivity and social inhibition. The present study aimed to
      examine whether type D personality was independently associated with recurrent
      myocardial infarction or all-cause mortality in post-acute myocardial infarction
      patients, using any of the previously proposed methods for measuring type D
      personality. Design This was a prospective cohort study. Methods Utilising data
      from the Vastmanland Myocardial Infarction Study, 946 post-acute myocardial
      infarction patients having data on the DS14 instrument used to measure type D
      personality were followed-up for recurrent myocardial infarction and all-cause
      mortality until 9 December 2015. Data were analysed using Cox regression,
      adjusted for established risk factors. Results In total, 133 (14.1%) patients
      suffered from type D personality. During a mean follow-up time for recurrent
      myocardial infarction of 5.7 (3.2) years, 166 (17.5%) patients were affected by
      recurrent myocardial infarction, of which 26 (15.7%) had type D personality,
      while during a mean follow-up time for all-cause mortality of 6.3 (2.9) years,
      321 (33.9%) patients died, of which 42 (13.1%) had type D personality. After
      adjusting for established risk factors, type D personality was not significantly
      associated with recurrent myocardial infarction or all-cause mortality using any
      of the previously proposed methods for measuring type D personality. A weak
      association was found between the social inhibition part of type D personality
      and a decreased risk of all-cause mortality, but this association was not
      significant after taking missing data into account in a multiple imputation
      analysis. Conclusions No support was found for type D personality being
      independently associated with recurrent myocardial infarction or all-cause
      mortality in post-acute myocardial infarction patients, using any of the
      previously proposed methods for measuring type D personality.

PMID- 28071959
TI  - Tenfold risk increase of major cardiovascular events after high limb amputation
      with non-compliance for secondary prevention measures.
AB  - Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of compliance with
      lifestyle recommendations and medication on 1-year prevention of major adverse
      cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) after trans
      femoral amputation (TFA). Methods In this prospective single-center
      interventional cohort study, 179 consecutive T2D patients with symptomatic
      coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent 1-year follow-up examination after TFA in
      2013. Lower limb and coronary artery CT angiography were provided before surgery;
      physical examination and laboratory tests were performed at baseline and every
      month after TFA for 1 year. A total of 77 patients (43%) were defined as
      compliant. They followed all recommendations, including >80% drug intake (anti
      diabetic, antihypertensive drugs, dual antiplatelet and statin treatment),
      healthy diet, smoking cessation, physical exercise >=30 min/day. A total of 102
      patients (57%) were non-compliant (drug intake <=80%, and did not fully follow
      lifestyle change recommendations). Results There were no significant differences
      at baseline between the two groups. Fuster-BEWAT score in 1 year was 9.83 +/- 3.1
      in compliant and 7.74 +/- 2.9 in non-compliant patients ( p = 0.0001). At 1-year
      follow-up, there were 43 myocardial infarctions (40 patients (93%) were non
      compliant) and 28 deaths (26 cases (92.8%) were non-compliant). Patients from the
      non-compliant group with three- and two-vessel obstructive CAD had higher 1-year
      MACE rate than those with one-vessel obstructive and non-obstructive CAD (95.24%
      and 70.5% versus 17.2% and 8.6%; p < 0.0001); more proximal coronary lesions were
      related to a worse prognosis. Conclusions Non-compliant diabetic patients had a
      tenfold increased risk for MACE within 1 year after TFA.

PMID- 28071960
TI  - Community-based prevalence study of rheumatic heart disease in rural Ethiopia.
AB  - Background Chronic Rheumatic Heart disease (RHD) continues to be a health problem
      in many low and middle income countries and especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
      Echocardiography has shown that the disease is far more widespread than may be
      detected by clinical assessment, but data are lacking on the prevalence and
      epidemiological features in rural Africa. Design Community-based prevalence
      survey Methods We used transthoracic echocardiography to carry out a population
      based study of RHD in a rural area of Ethiopia. A total of 987 participants aged
      6 to 25 were selected by cluster sampling. The prevalence of RHD was assessed by
      the current consensus World Heart Federation criteria. Results There were 37
      definite cases of RHD and a further 19 borderline cases giving an overall
      prevalence of 37.5 cases per 1000 population (95% CI 26.9-51.8) rising to 56.7
      (95% CI 43.9-73.5) if the borderline cases are included. The prevalence of
      definite disease rose to a peak of 60 cases per 1000 in those aged 16-20 years
      before falling to 11 cases per 1000 in subjects aged 21-25 years. Of the 37 with
      definite disease, 36 had evidence of mitral valve and seven evidence of aortic
      valve disease. Conclusions RHD has a high prevalence in rural Ethiopia. Although
      follow-up is needed to determine how the disease develops with advancing age, the
      data provide evidence that the disease is an important health problem in rural
      sub-Saharan Africa requiring urgent concerted action.

PMID- 28071962
TI  - The Feasibility of Functional Electrical Stimulation to Improve Upper Extremity
      Function in a Two-year-old Child with Perinatal Stroke: A Case Report.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility (i.e. tolerability,
      adherence) of functional electrical stimulation (FES) for the upper extremity
      (UE) in a two-year-old child with perinatal stroke. METHODS: Forty hours of FES
      over eight weeks was prescribed. FES to the hemiplegic triceps, extensor carpi
      radialis longus and brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris and extensor digitorum was
      timed with reaching during play. Assessments were performed before, during, and
      two months post-intervention. UE function (Melbourne Assessment 2 (MA2),
      Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA)) and spasticity (Modified Tardieu with
      electrogoniometry and electromyography) were measured. The mother completed a
      semi-structured interview post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used for
      adherence and UE measures. A repeated-measures ANOVA compared Modified Tardieu
      parameters (e.g. catch angle) over time. Conventional content analysis was used
      for the interview data. RESULTS: The child completed 39.2/40 hours. Immediately
      post-intervention, improvements were observed on MA2's Range of Motion subscale
      and catch angle (Modified Tardieu, p < 0.001). Two months post-intervention,
      improvements were observed on MA2's Accuracy and Fluency subscales. No change in
      AHA score occurred. Three themes emerged from the interview: (1) Ingredients for
      program success; (2) Information about the FES device; and (3) The child's
      response. CONCLUSIONS: UE FES was feasible in a two-year-old child with
      hemiplegia.

PMID- 28071961
TI  - Cellular analysis of the action of epigenetic drugs and probes.
AB  - Small molecule drugs and probes are important tools in drug discovery,
      pharmacology, and cell biology. This is of course also true for epigenetic
      inhibitors. Important examples for the use of established epigenetic inhibitors
      are the study of the mechanistic role of a certain target in a cellular setting
      or the modulation of a certain phenotype in an approach that aims toward
      therapeutic application. Alternatively, cellular testing may aim at the
      validation of a new epigenetic inhibitor in drug discovery approaches. Cellular
      and eventually animal models provide powerful tools for these different
      approaches but certain caveats have to be recognized and taken into account. This
      involves both the selectivity of the pharmacological tool as well as the
      specificity and the robustness of the cellular system. In this article, we
      present an overview of different methods that are used to profile and screen for
      epigenetic agents and comment on their limitations. We describe not only diverse
      successful case studies of screening approaches using different assay formats,
      but also some problematic cases, critically discussing selected applications of
      these systems.

PMID- 28071963
TI  - Impaired verbal learning in forensic inpatients with Schizophrenia Spectrum
      Disorder.
AB  - The present study aimed to: (a) examine verbal learning performances among
      forensic inpatients diagnosed with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD); and (b)
      compare verbal learning performances among forensic SSD inpatients, SSD
      outpatients, and a small control sample. Participants included forensic SSD
      inpatients (n = 71), SSD outpatients (n = 305; see Stone et al.), and a control
      sample from the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) manual (n = 78; see
      Delis, Kramer, Kaplan, & Ober). Five verbal learning outcomes were measured using
      the CVLT-II. The average forensic SSD inpatients performed 1 to 1.5 standard
      deviations below the mean across the five verbal learning outcomes, many of whom
      (26.8% to 36.6%) performed in the impaired range across the five outcomes.
      Forensic SSD inpatients performed significantly lower than the SSD outpatients on
      three verbal learning outcomes and significantly lower than healthy controls on
      all five verbal learning outcomes. Results indicated forensically committed SSD
      inpatients have diminished verbal learning performances. Study findings could
      help define normative verbal learning performances in different types of SSD
      patients, may guide the development of compensatory strategies for verbal
      learning deficits, and could subsequently lead to more successful clinical
      outcomes in this population.

PMID- 28071965
TI  - Standing activity intervention and motor function in a young child with cerebral
      palsy: A case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is limited evidence to fully justify the use of standing
      interventions for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This case report describes
      the impact of an 8-week standing program on motor function in a child with severe
      CP living in western Africa. METHODS: The subject was diagnosed with ischemic -
      hypoxic encephalopathy shortly after birth and with CP at 12 months of age. Gross
      Motor Function Classification of CP was level IV. Early attempts at physical
      therapy were interrupted by limited access to medical services. At 18 months, a
      standing program using a locally constructed standing frame was initiated. The
      standing intervention was completed at home 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Motor
      skills were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Gross Motor
      Function Measure (GMFM-66). RESULTS: Scores on the GMFM-66 increased from 28 at
      baseline to 37.4 in 8 weeks. Improvements in motor function included improved
      head control, improved upper extremity function, and increased sitting ability.
      CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a home-based standing program may have contributed
      to improved motor skills for this child. Further research is needed to determine
      the effect of standing interventions on functional motor development for children
      with severe CP.

PMID- 28071964
TI  - Hypercapnia is essential to reduce the cerebral oxidative metabolism during
      extreme apnea in humans.
AB  - The cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) is reduced during apnea that yields
      profound hypoxia and hypercapnia. In this study, to dissociate the impact of
      hypoxia and hypercapnia on the reduction in CMRO2, 11 breath-hold competitors
      completed three apneas under: (a) normal conditions (NM), yielding severe
      hypercapnia and hypoxemia, (b) with prior hyperventilation (HV), yielding severe
      hypoxemia only, and (c) with prior 100% oxygen breathing (HX), yielding the
      greatest level of hypercapnia, but in the absence of hypoxemia. The CMRO2 was
      calculated from the product of cerebral blood flow (ultrasound) and the radial
      artery-jugular venous oxygen content difference (cannulation). Secondary measures
      included net-cerebral glucose/lactate exchange and nonoxidative metabolism.
      Reductions in CMRO2 were largest in the HX condition (-44 +/- 15%, p < 0.05),
      with the most severe hypercapnia (PaCO2 = 58 +/- 5 mmHg) but maintained oxygen
      saturation. The CMRO2 was reduced by 24 +/- 27% in NM ( p = 0.05), but unchanged
      in the HV apnea where hypercapnia was absent. A net-cerebral lactate release was
      observed at the end of apnea in the HV and NM condition, but not in the HX apnea
      (main effect p < 0.05). These novel data support hypercapnia/pH as a key
      mechanism mediating reductions in CMRO2 during apnea, and show that severe
      hypoxemia stimulates lactate release from the brain.

PMID- 28071966
TI  - The duty of candour: Openness, transparency and candour.

PMID- 28071967
TI  - Tobacco cessation counseling within physical therapist practice: Results of a
      statewide survey of Florida physical therapists.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tobacco use is the leading preventable risk factor for chronic
      disease, disability, and premature mortality. People with disabilities experience
      higher tobacco use and reduced access to services when compared with the general
      population. The negative impact on treatment outcomes across all practice
      settings provides a strong incentive for physical therapists (PTs) to engage in
      tobacco cessation counseling (TCC). METHODS: Prevalence of TCC and barriers
      toward implementation was explored using an anonymous cross-sectional survey of
      Florida-licensed PTs. Data were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages.
      Logistic regression was used to quantify relationships between individual
      knowledge and opinions, and rates of counseling. RESULTS: Of the 212 respondents,
      31% regularly provide cessation advice, 7% assist in identifying specific
      cessation strategies, 13% recommend additional resources, and 3% arrange for
      follow-up. More than 90% were unfamiliar with evidence-based TCC guidelines;
      approximately 80% had no prior training in screening for tobacco use or TCC.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents agreed that patients should be screened for tobacco
      use and counseled accordingly, but few were familiar with evidence-based TCC
      guidelines. Further training is required to promote knowledge and skill in TCC,
      along with systems changes to reduce barriers toward the implementation of TCC
      within the clinical environment.

PMID- 28071968
TI  - Rapid and robust authentication of deer antler velvet product by fast PCR-RFLP
      analysis.
AB  - Deer antler velvet is widely used as a vitalizing, tonifying, haemopoietic and
      strengthening agent for debilitated persons in East Asia. To develop a rapid and
      sensitive method for the identification of the biological source or origin in
      antler velvet products, a molecular approach was applied using PCR-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism analysis. The cytochrome b gene sequences of nine
      cervidae species were analyzed, and a Dde I restriction endonuclease recognition
      site was found only in sika deer and red deer, the official origin of deer velvet
      in Chinese pharmacopoeia. A specific primer was designed, and rapid PCR amplified
      products were subjected to restriction digestion using a fast RFLP procedure.
      Sika deer and red deer showed two bands of 161 and 102 bp, in contrast to the
      undigested state of 263 from other antlers. The established PCR-RFLP method was
      applied in commercial velvet products, and a high frequency of substitution (50%)
      was revealed in collected commercial samples. The method was successful in
      detecting contaminated and adulterated antler products in Chinese patent drugs,
      and the whole detection process was accomplished within 1-1.5 h.

PMID- 28071969
TI  - Curcumin induces apoptosis in human leukemic cell lines through an IFIT2
      dependent pathway.
AB  - Curcumin, the primary bioactive component isolated from turmeric, has been shown
      to possess variety of biologic functions including anti-cancer activity. However,
      molecular mechanisms in different cancer cells are various. In the present study,
      we demonstrated that curcumin induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by
      increasing the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP and
      decreasing the expression of BCL-2 in U937 human leukemic cells but not in K562
      cells. We found some interferon induced genes, especially interferon-induced
      protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 2 (IFIT2), were significantly upregulated
      when treated with curcumin in U937 cells by gene expression chip array, and
      further confirmed that the expression of IFIT2 was obviously higher in U937 than
      that in K562 cells by Western blot assay. In addition, inhibiting the expression
      of IFIT2 by shRNA in U937 rescued curcumin-induced apoptosis and exogenous
      overexpression of IFIT2 by lentiviral transduction or treating with IFNgamma in
      K562 cells enhanced anti-cancer activity of curcumin. These results indicated for
      the first time that curcumin induced leukemic cell apoptosis via an IFIT2
      dependent signaling pathways. The present study identified a novel mechanism
      underlying the antitumor effects of curcumin, and may provide a theoretical basis
      for curcumin combined with interferon in the cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 28071971
TI  - Neuropsychological implications of Cobalamin C (CblC) disease in Hispanic
      children detected through newborn screening.
AB  - Cobalamin C (CblC) disease is the most common inborn error of cobalamin
      metabolism and recent data has indicated a higher prevalence among children of
      Hispanic heritage in particular. The purpose of this study was to (a) describe
      the neuropsychological characteristics of a pilot sample of Hispanic children
      with CblC disease and (b) explore potential differences in outcome based on
      underlying genetic mutation(s) and biochemical levels. Six Hispanic children
      (ages 2-10) diagnosed with CblC disease through newborn screening (NBS) underwent
      neuropsychological evaluation with a bilingual examiner. Biochemical levels and
      underlying mutation(s) were obtained through medical records. The overall sample
      performed below normative expectations across neuropsychological domains,
      including general cognition, adaptive functioning, language ability, and visual
      motor integration. Underlying mutations and associative clinical phenotypes were
      found to significantly predict general cognitive abilities, while plasma
      methionine and Hcy at the time of diagnosis were significantly correlated with
      language outcomes. Despite limited sample size, results indicate that Hispanic
      children with CblC disease detected through NBS and treated early experience
      neuropsychological deficits even when treated with current standard treatments.
      However, consistent with prior research in non-Hispanic children with CblC
      disease, underlying mutations and early biochemical levels may predict better
      outcomes in this population as well.

PMID- 28071972
TI  - Genetic identification for prey birds of the Endangered peregrine falcon (Falco
      peregrinus).
AB  - To reveal the dietary ecology of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), we
      conducted a molecular analysis for mitochondrial genes (COI and CYTB) to identify
      the prey species collected from a feeding place found on Sasu Island, South
      Korea. The results from noninvasive genetic analysis showed that the sequences
      obtained came from nine species of birds (Cuculus canorus, Eurystomus orientalis,
      Limosa limosa, Microscelis amaurotis, Oriolus chinensis, Phasianus colchicus,
      Sterna hirundo, Streptopelia orientalis, and Turdus pallidus). Five of the
      species (C. canorus, M. amaurotis, S. hirundo, S. orientalis, and T. pallidus)
      had previously been observed on this island, but the other four species (E.
      orientalis, L. limosa, O. chinensis, and P. colchicus) were newly identified as
      present. No mtDNA sequences of land animals such as amphibians, reptiles, and
      mammals were found in the dietary remains, suggesting that the peregrine falcon
      preys mostly on other birds rather than on other animals inhabiting Sasu Island.
      This island has rich avian diversity and abundant animal populations and
      therefore supplies sufficient dietary resources for the peregrine falcon. Our
      findings suggested that a DNA-based molecular method may be useful to identify
      the prey species of these birds and may be valuable in future studies of the
      Endangered peregrine falcon.

PMID- 28071973
TI  - * Collagen Cross-Linking: Biophysical, Biochemical, and Biological Response
      Analysis.
AB  - Extracted forms of collagen are subjected to chemical cross-linking to enhance
      their stability. However, traditional cross-linking approaches are associated
      with toxicity and inflammation. This work investigates the stabilization
      capacity, cytotoxicity and inflammatory response of collagen scaffolds cross
      linked with glutaraldehyde (GTA), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide,
      4-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) succinimidyl glutarate (4SP), genipin (GEN), and
      oleuropein. Although all cross-linking methods reduced free amine groups,
      variable data were obtained with respect to denaturation temperature, resistance
      to collagenase digestion, and mechanical properties. With respect to biological
      analysis, fibroblast cultures showed no significant difference between the
      treatments. Although direct cultures with human-derived leukemic monocyte cells
      (THP-1) clearly demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of GTA, THP-1 cultures
      supplemented with conditioned medium from the various groups showed no
      significant difference between the treatments. With respect to cytokine profile,
      no significant difference in secretion of proinflammatory (e.g., interleukin [IL]
      1beta, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and anti-inflammatory (e.g., vascular
      endothelial growth factor) cytokines was observed between the noncross-linked and
      the 4SP and GEN cross-linked groups, suggesting the suitability of these agents
      as collagen cross-linkers.

PMID- 28071974
TI  - From ancient Greece to the cognitive revolution: A comprehensive view of physical
      rehabilitation sciences.
AB  - The development of rehabilitation has traditionally focused on measurements of
      motor disorders and measurements of the improvements produced during the
      therapeutic process; however, physical rehabilitation sciences have not focused
      on understanding the philosophical and scientific principles in clinical
      intervention and how they are interrelated. The main aim of this paper is to
      explain the foundation stones of the disciplines of physical therapy,
      occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy in recovery from motor
      disorder. To reach our goals, the mechanistic view and how it is integrated into
      physical rehabilitation will first be explained. Next, a classification into
      mechanistic therapy based on an old version (automaton model) and a technological
      version (cyborg model) will be shown. Then, it will be shown how physical
      rehabilitation sciences found a new perspective in motor recovery, which is based
      on functionalism, during the cognitive revolution in the 1960s. Through this
      cognitive theory, physical rehabilitation incorporated into motor recovery of
      those therapeutic strategies that solicit the activation of the brain and/or
      symbolic processing; aspects that were not taken into account in mechanistic
      therapy. In addition, a classification into functionalist rehabilitation based on
      a computational therapy and a brain therapy will be shown. At the end of the
      article, the methodological principles in physical rehabilitation sciences will
      be explained. It will allow us to go deeper into the differences and similarities
      between therapeutic mechanism and therapeutic functionalism.

PMID- 28071975
TI  - Dynamics of fluoroquinolones induced resistance in DNA gyrase of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis.
AB  - DNA gyrase is a validated target of fluoroquinolones which are key components of
      multidrug resistance tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Most frequent occurring
      mutations associated with high level of resistance to fluoroquinolone in clinical
      isolates of TB patients are A90V, D94G, and A90V-D94G (double mutant [DM]),
      present in the larger subunit of DNA Gyrase. In order to explicate the molecular
      mechanism of drug resistance corresponding to these mutations, molecular dynamics
      (MD) and mechanics approach was applied. Structure-based molecular docking of
      complex comprised of DNA bound with Gyrase A (large subunit) and Gyrase C (small
      subunit) with moxifloxacin (MFX) revealed high binding affinity to wild type with
      considerably high Glide XP docking score of -7.88 kcal/mol. MFX affinity
      decreases toward single mutants and was minimum toward the DM with a docking
      score of -3.82 kcal/mol. Docking studies were also performed against 8-Methyl
      moxifloxacin which exhibited higher binding affinity against wild and mutants DNA
      gyrase when compared to MFX. Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area
      method predicted the binding free energy of the wild, A90V, D94G, and DM
      complexes to be -55.81, -25.87, -20.45, and -12.29 kcal/mol, respectively. These
      complexes were further subjected to 30 ns long MD simulations to examine
      significant interactions and conformational flexibilities in terms of root mean
      square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, and strength of hydrogen bond
      formed. This comparative drug interaction analysis provides systematic insights
      into the mechanism behind drug resistance and also paves way toward identifying
      potent lead compounds that could combat drug resistance of DNA gyrase due to
      mutations.

PMID- 28071976
TI  - Precise, flexible and affordable gene stacking for crop improvement.
AB  - The genetic engineering of plants offers a revolutionary advance for crop
      improvement, and the incorporation of transgenes into crop species can impart new
      traits that would otherwise be difficult to obtain through conventional breeding.
      Transgenes introduced into plants, however, can only be useful when bred out to
      field cultivars. As new traits are continually added to further improve
      transgenic cultivars, clustering new DNA near previously introduced transgenes
      keep from inflating the number of segregating units that breeders must assemble
      back into a breeding line. Here we discuss various options to introduce DNA site
      specifically into an existing transgenic locus. As food security is becoming a
      pressing global issue, the old proverb resonates true to this day: "give a man a
      fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a
      lifetime." Hence, we describe a recombinase-mediate gene stacking system designed
      with freedom to operate, providing an affordable option for crop improvement by
      less developed countries where food security is most at risk.

PMID- 28071977
TI  - Effect of Touch Screen Tablet Use on Fine Motor Development of Young Children.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effects of touch-screen tablet use on the fine motor
      development of preschool children without developmental delay. METHODS: 40
      children who used a touch-screen tablet more 60 minutes per week for at least 1
      month received a 24-week home fine motor activity program using a touch-screen
      tablet. 40 children matched for age (mean = 61.0 months) and sex who did not meet
      the criteria for previous tablet use received a 24-week program consisting of
      manual play activities. Motor performance was measured using the Bruininks
      Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. The two-factor mixed design ANOVA was used
      to compare performance of the touch-screen tablet and non-touch-screen tablet
      groups. RESULTS: Pretest analysis showed no group differences in motor
      performance and pinch strength. At posttest, children in the nontouch-screen
      tablet group made significantly greater changes in fine motor precision (p <
      0.001), fine motor integration (p = 0.008), and manual dexterity (p = 0.003).
      CONCLUSION: Using a touch screen tablet extensively might be disadvantageous for
      the fine motor development of preschool children.

PMID- 28071970
TI  - The making of bispecific antibodies.
AB  - During the past two decades we have seen a phenomenal evolution of bispecific
      antibodies for therapeutic applications. The 'zoo' of bispecific antibodies is
      populated by many different species, comprising around 100 different formats,
      including small molecules composed solely of the antigen-binding sites of two
      antibodies, molecules with an IgG structure, and large complex molecules composed
      of different antigen-binding moieties often combined with dimerization modules.
      The application of sophisticated molecular design and genetic engineering has
      solved many of the technical problems associated with the formation of bispecific
      antibodies such as stability, solubility and other parameters that confer drug
      properties. These parameters may be summarized under the term 'developability'.
      In addition, different 'target product profiles', i.e., desired features of the
      bispecific antibody to be generated, mandates the need for access to a diverse
      panel of formats. These may vary in size, arrangement, valencies, flexibility and
      geometry of their binding modules, as well as in their distribution and
      pharmacokinetic properties. There is not 'one best format' for generating
      bispecific antibodies, and no single format is suitable for all, or even most of,
      the desired applications. Instead, the bispecific formats collectively serve as a
      valuable source of diversity that can be applied to the development of
      therapeutics for various indications. Here, a comprehensive overview of the
      different bispecific antibody formats is provided.

PMID- 28071979
TI  - Vytautas Kontrimavicius (1930-2016).
AB  - [Figure: see text].

PMID- 28071978
TI  - Nup82 functions redundantly with Nup136 in a salicylic acid-dependent defense
      response of Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - The nuclear pore complex (NPC) comprises more than 30 nucleoporins (Nups). NPC
      mediates macromolecular trafficking between the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm,
      but specific roles of individual Nups are poorly understood in higher plants.
      Here, we show that the novel nucleoporin unique to angiosperm plants (designated
      as Nup82) functions in a salicylic acid-dependent defense in a redundant manner
      with Nup136, which is a component of the nuclear basket in the NPC. Arabidopsis
      thaliana Nup82 had a similar amino acid sequence to the N-terminal half of Nup136
      and a Nup82-GFP fusion was localized on the nuclear envelope. Immunoprecipitation
      and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analyses revealed that Nup82
      interacts with the NPC components Nup136 and RAE1. The double knockout mutant
      nup82 nup136 showed severe growth defects, while the single knockout mutant nup82
      did not, suggesting that Nup82 functions redundantly with Nup136. nup82 nup136
      impaired benzothiadiazole (an analog of salicylic acid)-induced resistance to the
      virulent bacteria Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Furthermore,
      transcriptome analysis of nup82 nup136 indicates that deficiency of Nup82 and
      Nup136 causes noticeable downregulation of immune-related genes. These results
      suggest that Nup82 and Nup136 are redundantly involved in transcriptional
      regulation of salicylic acid-responsive genes through nuclear transport of
      signaling molecules.

PMID- 28071980
TI  - Metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and nervous system injury: Epidemiological
      correlates.
AB  - : Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common and complex disorder combining
      hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. MetS represents a
      risk factor for changes in cognitive functions in older age, and several studies
      have suggested that MetS may be linked to dementia. This article reviews the main
      evidences about the relationship between MetS and neurodegenerative disease.
      Starting from an epidemiological point of view, the article analyzes medico
      social aspects related to MetS, considering the reduction of work capacity and
      the condition of disability that it involves. Some authors affirm that on the
      basis of current Italian legislation, it is possible to consider the syndrome as
      a disability. This is because all the diseases that make up MetS are high-risk
      clinical pathological conditions. For these reasons, a joint action is required
      to contain the incidence of MetS, the high social costs, and the loss of
      productivity related to the syndrome. In conclusion, healthcare initiatives could
      be adopted in order to increase the understanding of the pathogenic contributions
      of each element on MetS and how they can be modified. These actions will be
      useful to reduce healthcare costs and can lead to more effective prevention of
      metabolic disease, thus promoting good health. ABBREVIATIONS: MetS: Metabolic
      syndrome; WHO: World Health Organization; CVD: cerebrovascular diseases; AD:
      Alzheimer's Disease; VaD: Vascular Dementia; IDF: International Diabetes
      Federation; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus; CAD: coronary artery disease; MCI:
      mild cognitive impairment; NCDs: Non Communicable Diseases; BMI: Body Mass Index;
      ICIDH: International classification of impairments, disabilities and handicaps.

PMID- 28071981
TI  - Genetic variation in wild and hatchery population of Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822)
      analyzed through mtDNA cytochrome b region.
AB  - Catla (Catla catla) is a one of the most harvested Indian major carps and is
      widely cultured fish species in Indian subcontinent. In the present study,
      genetic variability between hatchery and wild stocks of Catla was surveyed using
      sequence data of mitochondrial DNA of partial 307 bp of cytochrome b region. A
      total of 174 Catla individuals were examined from three different river basins
      and hatcheries. Significant genetic heterogeneity was observed for the sequence
      data (FST = 0.308, p <= 0.001). However, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA)
      resulted in insignificant genetic differentiation among the samples of three
      rivers and culture zones (FCT = -0.10, p = 0.44). The result suggested a
      significant genetic variation within different riverine system, low genetic
      differentiation among samples from river basins and a lack of genetic variation
      in hatchery populations.

PMID- 28071982
TI  - Longitudinal Prediction of Suicide Attempts for a Diverse Adolescent Sample of
      Native Hawaiians, Pacific Peoples, and Asian Americans.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the longitudinal predictors of past
      6-month suicide attempts for a diverse adolescent sample of Native Hawaiians,
      Pacific peoples, and Asian Americans. The study used longitudinal data from the
      Hawaiian High Schools Health Survey (N = 2,083, 9th to 11th graders, 1992-1993
      and 1993-1994 school years). A stepwise multiple logistic regression was
      conducted. The final model consisted of three statistically significant
      predictors: (1) Time 1 suicide attempt, odds ratio = 30.6; (2) state anxiety,
      odds ratio = 4.9; and (3) parent expectations, odds ratio = 1.9. Past suicide
      attempt was by far the strongest predictor of future suicide attempts.
      Implications are discussed, including the need for screening of prior suicide
      attempts and focused interventions after suicide attempts.

PMID- 28071983
TI  - What Does Leaders' Character Add to Transformational Leadership?
AB  - The influence of leaders' character (e.g., integrity, humility/forgiveness) has
      rarely been examined in leadership research. The current investigation focused on
      the impact of integrity and humility/forgiveness on both followers' perceptions
      of leaders' worthiness of being followed (WBF) and stress. Results from a
      scenario experiment (n = 347) and a field study (n = 110) indicated that these
      aspects incrementally predict WBF above and beyond the impact of transformational
      leadership. Similar results were found concerning followers' stress with the
      exception of leader integrity in the field study. According to relative
      importance analyses, integrity and transformational leadership predict WBF
      equally well. The results have conceivable implications for human resources
      (personnel selection and development). Future research should examine additional
      outcome variables that are affected by certain leader characteristics as well as
      potential negative effects of the examined character aspects.

PMID- 28071984
TI  - Particulate matter-mediated release of long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vitro: Limited importance of endotoxin and
      organic content.
AB  - Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with adverse health effects,
      but it is still relatively unknown which role PM sources and physicochemical
      properties play in the observed effects. It was postulated that PM in vitro
      induces release of long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) and that endotoxin and organic compounds present in the PM regulate this
      release. A contact coculture of THP-1 human leukemia monocytes and A549 human
      adenocarcinoma alveolar pneumocytes was exposed to PM from Traffic, Wood, Diesel,
      and Quartz (10-40 ug/cm2) for 12-64 h to determine release of PTX3 and VEGF. The
      role of endotoxin and the organic fraction in the mediator release was assessed
      using polymyxin B sulfate and organic extracts, respectively. Finally,
      antagonists were used to investigate whether the early proinflammatory cytokines
      interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha affected the PTX3 and
      VEGF release. All PM samples induced a time-dependent release of both PTX3 and
      VEGF. Traffic mediated the greatest release of PTX3, whereas Wood and Diesel were
      more potent inducers of VEGF. The endotoxin content did not markedly affect
      release of either mediator, while the organic fraction exerted no significant
      effect on VEGF release and limited influence on PTX3 release. In addition, the IL
      1 and TNF-alpha agonists affected PTX3 release more strongly than VEGF release.
      In conclusion, the current data show a limited impact of endotoxin and organic
      compounds on PTX3 and VEGF release. Further, the observed differences in response
      patterns may point toward differential regulation of PM-mediated release of PTX3
      and VEGF.

PMID- 28071985
TI  - The contribution of prenatal maternal factors to maternal gestational weight
      gain.
AB  - Data from 807 mothers in Iran delivering a singleton live infant and their
      offspring-during the last 2 years up to August 2014-were collected from eight
      public health care centers and analyzed. Of the women, 46.2% gained weight within
      the recommended range, 29.4% had inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG), and
      24.4% had excessive GWG. Excessive GWG was more common among overweight and obese
      women, whereas inadequate GWG was prevalent among 50% of under and normal weight
      women. A significant correlation was found between maternal anthropometric
      characteristics, folic acid intake during pregnancy, and birth order with GWG.
      Maternal GWG was positively correlated with neonates' weight and height.

PMID- 28071986
TI  - Evaluation of a Two-Year Routine Application of Molecular Testing of Thyroid Fine
      Needle Aspirations Using a Seven-Gene Panel in a Primary Referral Setting in
      Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major differences with respect to the diagnostic performance of a
      "ruling in" approach in the presurgical diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid fine
      needle aspirations (FNAs) have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this
      prospective multicenter study was to investigate the specific diagnostic impact
      of mutation testing using a seven-gene panel in a routine primary referral
      setting analyzing FNAs from endocrinology and nuclear medicine practices in
      Germany. METHODS: RNA and DNA was extracted from 564 routine air-dried FNA smears
      obtained from 64 physicians and cytologically graded by one experienced
      cytopathologist. PAX8/PPARG and RET/PTC rearrangements were detected by
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while BRAF and RAS mutations were
      detected by pyrosequencing. Molecular data were compared to histology and follow
      up >1 year, which were available for 322/348 patients undergoing surgery and
      33/74 patients having follow-up. Histology results were obtained from the local
      routine pathologists who were blinded to the molecular test results. RESULTS:
      BRAF and RET/PTC mutations were associated with carcinoma in 98% and 100% of
      samples, respectively. RAS and PAX8/PPARG mutations were associated with
      carcinoma in 31% and 0% of samples, respectively. Thirty-six percent of the
      carcinomas were identified by molecular testing in the atypia of undetermined
      significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance and follicular
      neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm categories, with malignancy rates
      of 15% and 17%, respectively. Due to a low percentage of RAS mutation-positive
      carcinomas in combination with a rather high percentage of RAS mutation-positive
      benign nodules, the positive predictive values of 41% and 36% in the atypia of
      undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance and
      follicular neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm categories offer only
      limited diagnostic potential. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the data suggest that
      the application of the current seven-gene panel in a routine primary referral
      setting does not improve the presurgical diagnosis of thyroid FNAs. While the
      diagnostic relevance of RAS mutations in thyroid tumors needs further
      investigation, more comprehensive mutation panels with more cancer-specific
      mutations may improve the presurgical diagnosis of thyroid FNAs.

PMID- 28071987
TI  - A Computer-Aided Diagnosis System Using Artificial Intelligence for the Diagnosis
      and Characterization of Thyroid Nodules on Ultrasound: Initial Clinical
      Assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An initial clinical assessment is described of a new, commercially
      available, computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system using artificial intelligence
      (AI) for thyroid ultrasound, and its performance is evaluated in the diagnosis of
      malignant thyroid nodules and categorization of nodule characteristics. METHODS:
      Patients with thyroid nodules with decisive diagnosis, whether benign or
      malignant, were consecutively enrolled from November 2015 to February 2016. An
      experienced radiologist reviewed the ultrasound image characteristics of the
      thyroid nodules, while another radiologist assessed the same thyroid nodules
      using the CAD system, providing ultrasound characteristics and a diagnosis of
      whether nodules were benign or malignant. The diagnostic performance and
      agreement of US characteristics between the experienced radiologist and the CAD
      system were compared. RESULTS: In total, 102 thyroid nodules from 89 patients
      were included; 59 (57.8%) were benign and 43 (42.2%) were malignant. The CAD
      system showed a similar sensitivity as the experienced radiologist (90.7% vs.
      88.4%, p > 0.99), but a lower specificity and a lower area under the receiver
      operating characteristic (AUROC) curve (specificity: 74.6% vs. 94.9%, p = 0.002;
      AUROC: 0.83 vs. 0.92, p = 0.021). Classifications of the ultrasound
      characteristics (composition, orientation, echogenicity, and spongiform) between
      radiologist and CAD system were in substantial agreement (kappa = 0.659, 0.740,
      0.733, and 0.658, respectively), while the margin showed a fair agreement (kappa
      = 0.239). CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of the CAD system using AI for malignant
      thyroid nodules was as good as that of the experienced radiologist, while
      specificity and accuracy were lower than those of the experienced radiologist.
      The CAD system showed an acceptable agreement with the experienced radiologist
      for characterization of thyroid nodules.

PMID- 28071989
TI  - Parental bereavement: Looking beyond grief.
AB  - Bereaved parents have higher morbidity and mortality rates when compared to
      nonbereaved parents. Although parental grief is well studied, the complexities of
      challenges bereaved parents face are not understood. This study describes
      parental bereavement challenges during the first 6 months following the death of
      their child. The complex parental bereavement challenges are characterized by the
      absence of the child, their emotional response, and the changed relationships
      with family and friends. The adaptive leadership framework is a useful framework
      to identify and classify challenges. Future research can use this framework to
      provide a structure that test interventions to address the challenges.

PMID- 28071988
TI  - Braided and Stacked Electrospun Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Tendon and Ligament
      Tissue Engineering.
AB  - Tendon and ligament injuries are a persistent orthopedic challenge given their
      poor innate healing capacity. Nonwoven electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds composed
      of polyesters have been used to mimic the mechanics and topographical cues of
      native tendons and ligaments. However, nonwoven nanofibers have several
      limitations that prevent broader clinical application, including poor cell
      infiltration, as well as tensile and suture-retention strengths that are inferior
      to native tissues. In this study, multilayered scaffolds of aligned electrospun
      nanofibers of two designs-stacked or braided-were fabricated. Mechanical
      properties, including structural and mechanical properties and suture-retention
      strength, were determined using acellular scaffolds. Human bone marrow-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded on scaffolds for up to 28 days, and
      assays for tenogenic differentiation, histology, and biochemical composition were
      performed. Braided scaffolds exhibited improved tensile and suture-retention
      strengths, but reduced moduli. Both scaffold designs supported expression of
      tenogenic markers, although the effect was greater on braided scaffolds.
      Conversely, cell infiltration was superior in stacked constructs, resulting in
      enhanced cell number, total collagen content, and total sulfated
      glycosaminoglycan content. However, when normalized against cell number, both
      designs modulated extracellular matrix protein deposition to a similar degree.
      Taken together, this study demonstrates that multilayered scaffolds of aligned
      electrospun nanofibers supported tenogenic differentiation of seeded MSCs, but
      the macroarchitecture is an important consideration for applications of tendon
      and ligament tissue engineering.

PMID- 28071991
TI  - Nurses should test patients for HIV at every opportunity.
AB  - As an HIV clinical nurse specialist, I share the concerns of your readers
      panellists about over-the-counter HIV tests (reflections June 20).

PMID- 28071990
TI  - Natural Course of Euthyroidism and Clues for Early Diagnosis of Thyroid
      Dysfunction: Tehran Thyroid Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Considering the limited data available on the natural course of
      euthyroidism, this study was designed to evaluate the progression in time from
      euthyroidism to subclinical or overt hypo- or hyperthyroidism. METHODS: This
      study was conducted within the framework of the Tehran Thyroid Cohort Study, in
      which 5783 individuals aged 40.4 +/- 0.2 years were followed for six years. The
      overall loss to follow-up rate was 8.3%. After applying exclusion criteria, data
      of 4204 euthyroid subjects remained for analysis of a six-year natural course
      analysis. Thyroid function tests, clinical characteristics, and metabolic
      characteristics were assessed at baseline and every three years. RESULTS: The
      annual incidence rates [confidence intervals (CI)] of subclinical and overt
      hypothyroidism were 7.62 [CI 7.39-7.85) and 2.0 [CI 1.94-2.06] per 1000 persons,
      respectively. For thyroid hyperfunction, the annual incidence rates of
      subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism were 0.92 [0.90-0.95) and 0.68 [0.66-0.70)
      per 1000 persons, respectively. Euthyroid persistency was 93.24% during 6 years.
      Predictive factors for conversion to thyroid dysfunction were thyrotropin, free
      thyroxine and thyroid peroxidase antibody levels, sex, and smoking. Criteria for
      early diagnosis of hypothyroidism (i.e., sensitivity of 94% and specificity of
      82%, p < 0.0001) were obtained based on baseline and three-year follow-ups of
      thyroid function tests and thyroid peroxidase antibody. Early diagnosis of
      hypothyroidism was significantly associated with impaired glucose tolerance
      (relative risk with 3.03 [CI 1.36-6.75]; p = 0.007), high cholesterol (relative
      risk 2.46 [CI 1.45-4.18]; p = 0.001), obesity (relative risk 2.92 [CI 1.64-5.2];
      p < 0.001), and hypertension (relative risk 1.68 [CI 1.53-1.84]; p < 0.04).
      CONCLUSION: This study shows that after a six-year follow-up in an iodine
      sufficient area, 6.7% of euthyroid subjects were found to progress to thyroid
      dysfunction, in particular subclinical hypothyroidism.

PMID- 28071992
TI  - Spirituality is personal and cannot be forced on others.
AB  - In 'Why spirituality is essential for nurses' (features June 6), Stephen Wright
      and Julia Neuberger appear to assume that we all understand and adhere to a form
      of supernatural belief, and that everyone understands what spirituality means.

PMID- 28071996
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - From 1753 until it closed in 2009, the Royal Haslar Hospital in Gosport,
      Hampshire, treated 'sick and hurt seamen' of the Royal Navy, service men and
      women, and the people of Gosport and the surrounding area.

PMID- 28071993
TI  - Cultural change has to continue for the sake of patient care and safety.
AB  - I read with interest the interview with Colin Ovington, director of nursing and
      midwifery at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust (features June 20).

PMID- 28071997
TI  - Trauma lead hopes to inspire others.
AB  - A nurse who is believed to be the only member of her profession to head one of
      England's major trauma centres hopes her appointment will encourage others to
      take up executive duties.

PMID- 28071998
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28071999
TI  - Political notebook.
AB  - Scottish health boards have been criticised by MSPs for failing to provide clear
      information on how they spend their budgets.

PMID- 28072000
TI  - Snapshot of fortunes.
AB  - Bulgaria The financial crisis has affected the healthcare system in Bulgaria
      'very severely', according to the European Federation of Nurses Association
      report. Following government elections in 2009, salaries for nurses and midwives
      fell to a monthly average of  220 (L175). In 2010 at least 836 nurses migrated to
      other countries and about 1,000 left the profession. Smaller hospitals have
      closed and many Bulgarians are without health insurance. 'Nurses in Bulgaria
      cannot establish a high quality of care because of the reduced staff, low
      motivation and low salary,' says the report.

PMID- 28072001
TI  - Nurse research on continence care wins top GP accolade.
AB  - A nurse-led research paper on improving continence care for people with dementia
      living at home has been awarded the Royal College of General Practitioners'
      research paper of the year.

PMID- 28072002
TI  - Medicines management.
AB  - This is an accident waiting to happen. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
      standards for medicines management stipulate that registrants must not prepare
      substances for injection in advance of their immediate use, or administer
      medication drawn into a syringe or container by another practitioner when not in
      their presence.

PMID- 28072003
TI  - Workforce.
AB  - 'On your bike.' During the last big recession in the UK, that was the advice of
      one government minister: if you are unemployed, move to where the jobs are. We
      are all familiar with the north-south divide, and a sense that south east England
      is where the money and prospects are.

PMID- 28072006
TI  - Commissioning groups need nursing input, says RCN.
AB  - The RCN is calling for more substantial nurse posts to be created on clinical
      commissioning groups following concern that some are planning to take on nurses
      for just two days a month.

PMID- 28072007
TI  - Great outdoors.
AB  - It is quintessentially British to talk about the weather. It took me a while to
      get used to this when I first arrived here 40 years ago, but I soon got the hang
      of it and learned to take advantage of it.

PMID- 28072008
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28072009
TI  - Three more trusts join pay cartel.
AB  - At least three further NHS trusts in the south west of England have joined a
      regional 'pay club' that is considering ways to drive down nurses' pay and
      conditions.

PMID- 28072010
TI  - A place To.
AB  - The final article in our leadership series reveals how a learning disability
      forensic trust made spirituality a core element of a leadership programme for
      ward managers.

PMID- 28072011
TI  - Private patient.
AB  - The taxi driver was cheery, chirpy and chatty. He sounded like the chimney sweep
      in Mary Poppins, full of banter and bonhomie. I half expected him to treat me to
      the chim-chiminee chorus.

PMID- 28072012
TI  - Voices - seize the opportunity to develop your leadership skills, says yvonne
      coghill.
AB  - This month, the leadership directorate of the NHS Institute for Innovation and
      Improvement will become part of the new NHS Leadership Academy.

PMID- 28072013
TI  - Get set for McGames to go.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28072014
TI  - Unwelcome surprise.
AB  - Times are tough for nurses working in the UK today. The past few years have seen
      a torrent of unwelcome news regarding their pay, pensions and reputation.

PMID- 28072015
TI  - Liver transplant recipients have less risk of miscarriage than general
      population.
AB  - Research has shown that female liver transplant recipients have a lower
      miscarriage risk and a higher live birth rate than the United States general
      population.

PMID- 28072016
TI  - Late menopause and HRT therapy may protect against cerebral aneurysms.
AB  - Early menopause significantly increases the risk of cerebral aneurysm, according
      to a study in the United States which suggests that hormone replacement therapy
      may have a protective role.

PMID- 28072017
TI  - Boiling point.
AB  - How much tea is too much? How many cuppas are a couple too many? Researchers at
      Glasgow University, who tracked the health of 6,000 men for 37 years, found that
      those who drank more than seven cups a day were 50 per cent more likely to
      develop prostate cancer than those who did not.

PMID- 28072018
TI  - Starting out - Effective teamwork resulted in the best outcome for everyone.
AB  - I was on a placement in a rheumatology clinic and was helping to look after a
      patient who had been given a local anaesthetic and a steroid injection as part of
      a procedure.

PMID- 28072019
TI  - Assessment of older people affected by comparisons and negative stereotypes.
AB  - Negative stereotypes about ageing may adversely affect how older people perform
      in assessments of their physical capability, suggests a study. Previous research
      has shown.

PMID- 28072020
TI  - Failed IVF treatment increases chance of relapse for women with multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - Women with multiple sclerosis who are considering undergoing in vitro
      fertilisation should be warned that the fertility treatment significantly
      increases the risk of relapse.

PMID- 28072021
TI  - A feel for smart thinking.
AB  - Caring for patients involves many personal interactions with people whose
      emotions are high and whose circumstances emphasise their vulnerability.

PMID- 28072022
TI  - Refuse to do tasks above your banding, says college.
AB  - Nurses who have been downbanded should refuse to carry out tasks that fall
      outside the remit of their new, lower grade, according to the RCN's director of
      legal services Chris Cox.

PMID- 28072023
TI  - Regulator urged to cut number of fitness to practise referrals.
AB  - With the number of registrants referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council up
      48 per cent since 2010, the regulator says it has 'no choice' but to increase
      fees to deal with the soaring cost of referrals.

PMID- 28072024
TI  - 'These people left their handprints on my heart'.
AB  - Natalie Yates-Bolton has had cancer four times. Now aged 45, she was fi rst
      diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma as a nursing student more than 20 years ago.

PMID- 28072027
TI  - Top honour for midwifery champion.
AB  - A midwife who has been made a dame for her work raising the profi le of midwifery
      and women's health in the UK and Africa has said she is 'thrilled' with the
      honour.

PMID- 28072026
TI  - Hero's legacy lives on.
AB  - Six nursing and midwifery students (pictured right) at various stages of their
      studies have become the first beneficiaries of new scholarship awards offered by
      the Cavell Nurses' Trust.

PMID- 28072028
TI  - Clarification on issue of barring NHS staff from agency work.
AB  - With reference to the letter 'Barring NHS staff from agency work is anti
      competitive' (June 27), the legal situation is simple. Each trust determines its
      own approach to engaging temporary staffing agencies.

PMID- 28072029
TI  - Eat properly, keep fit, work on your posture and lead by example.
AB  - YOUR POSTURE AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE I agree heartily with nurse and life coach Lynne
      Healy that we have a duty of care to ourselves (reflections June 27).

PMID- 28072030
TI  - Blinkered assumptions imply that i do not belong in nursing.
AB  - Starjeena D'Costa writes that barring nurses employed on NHS contracts from
      agency work is anti-competitive and potentially in breach of sex discrimination
      legislation (June 27). She writes: 'Would hospital trusts want to prevent
      tradesmen from doing paid work at the weekends or doctors working for an agency?'
      As a male third-year nursing.

PMID- 28072031
TI  - Young cancer survivors need support to make healthy lifestyle choices.
AB  - People who survive a cancer diagnosis in adolescence or early adulthood are known
      to have increased risks of long-term illness and premature death owing to the
      late side-effects of treatments for the disease. A new study suggests that
      unhealthy lifestyle behaviours are also contributory factors.

PMID- 28072033
TI  - Care Quality Commission links staff levels with care standards.
AB  - Staff shortages are one of the main reasons health and social care organisations
      fail to provide adequate services, according to the Care Quality Commission.

PMID- 28072032
TI  - Breaking up the NHS is devastating for its staff.
AB  - The extent to which the NHS in England will become even more fragmented as a
      result of the Health and Social Care Act was laid bare by the Department of
      Health last week. It published a circular graphic that is designed to explain how
      the various components of the NHS will fi t together once the act takes full
      effect next April. Check it out at tinyurl.com/825q2sn.

PMID- 28072034
TI  - Laurence Dopson 1942-2012.
AB  - Laurence Dopson, who has died aged 88, enjoyed a career in journalism spanning
      more than 65 years. He witnessed the end of the Poor Law era in 1948, and was
      writing about the contemporary NHS until shortly before his last illness.

PMID- 28072035
TI  - Laurence Dopson was a great chronicler of nursing lives.
AB  - CHRONICLER OF NURSING LIVES I was very sorry to read about the death of freelance
      journalist Laurence Dopson, who was a regular and much-valued contributor to
      Nursing Standard (analysis June 27).

PMID- 28072036
TI  - Differential effects of the MEK inhibitor SL327 on the acquisition and expression
      of ethanol-elicited conditioned place preference and aversion in mice.
AB  - The involvement of mitogen-activating extracellular kinase (MEK) in place
      conditioning may vary depending on the motivational sign (positive or negative)
      and nature (pharmacological or nociceptive) of the unconditioned stimulus (US)
      and on the phase (acquisition or expression) of the learning process. This study
      investigated the role of MEK on the acquisition and expression of ethanol
      elicited (given 2 g/kg) backward (preference, CPP) and forward (aversion, CPA)
      place conditioning. The MEK inhibitor SL327 (50 mg/kg for CPP, and 50 and 100
      mg/kg for CPA) was administered to CD-1 mice 60 minutes before an ethanol dose
      (acquisition) or 60 minutes before the post-conditioning tests (expression).
      Ethanol significantly elicited CPP and CPA; SL327 (50 mg/kg) significantly
      blocked the acquisition of ethanol-elicited CPP, but not that of CPA. Moreover,
      SL327 (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the expression of ethanol-elicited
      CPP, but not that of CPA. Finally, SL327 also prevented ethanol-elicited (given 2
      g/kg) increases of phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (pERK)
      positive neurons in the nucleus accumbens and other nuclei of the extended
      amygdala. Overall, these results confirmed the differential involvement of MEK in
      the acquisition and expression of drug-elicited place conditioning and suggested
      its differential involvement in distinct behavioral outcomes, depending on the
      motivational sign of the (same) US and on the significance of the experimental
      phase of the learning process.

PMID- 28072037
TI  - Benzodiazepine maintenance in opiate substitution treatment: Good or bad? A
      retrospective primary care case-note review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Co-prescribing benzodiazepines to patients in opiate substitution
      treatment is controversial and often alleged to increase mortality. In an inner
      London general practice, patients with problematic benzodiazepine co-dependence
      were allowed benzodiazepine maintenance treatment (BMT) since 1994, providing an
      opportunity for analysis. METHOD: 1) Case-note review of all 278 opiate
      substitution treatment patients, accruing 1289 patient treatment years; 46% had
      concurrent BMT. 2) National Health Service database search for patients who died
      after leaving accrued a further 883 years of information; only patients who left
      the UK were unaccounted for (4%). Three groups were studied: 1) never obtained
      benzodiazepine prescription (NOB): n=80); 2) briefly/occasionally prescribed
      benzodiazepines (BOP): n=71; 3) BMT: n=127. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Treatment
      retention (months); deaths/100 patient treatment years; deaths after leaving the
      service/100 years of information. RESULTS: Treatment retention: NOB: 34 months;
      BOP: 51 months; BMT: 72 months. In-treatment mortality: NOB: 1.79/100 patient
      treatment years; BOP: 0.33/100 patient treatment years; BMT: 1.31/100 patient
      treatment years. Deaths after leaving service: NOB: 2.24/100 years of
      information, BOP: 0.63/100 years of information. However, mortality for
      previously BMT-patients increased by 450% to 5.90/100 years of information.
      DISCUSSION: BMT patients had longer treatment retention than NOB or BOP and lower
      mortality than NOB patients. It is unlikely that patients had access to
      prescribed benzodiazepines on leaving the service because of restrictions in the
      national guidelines but co-dependent patients are a high-risk group who may stand
      to gain most benefit from opiate substitution treatment if combined with
      benzodiazepine-maintenance.

PMID- 28072038
TI  - Reliability, Factor Structure, and Associations With Measures of Problem
      Relationship and Behavior of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 in a Sample of
      Italian Community-Dwelling Adolescents.
AB  - In order to assess the reliability, factorial validity, and criterion validity of
      the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) among adolescents, 1,264 Italian high
      school students were administered the PID-5. Participants were also administered
      the Questionnaire on Relationships and Substance Use as a criterion measure. In
      the full sample, McDonald's omega values were adequate for the PID-5 scales
      (median omega = .85, SD = .06), except for Suspiciousness. However, all PID-5
      scales showed average inter-item correlation values in the .20-.55 range.
      Exploratory structural equation modeling analyses provided moderate support for
      the a priori model of PID-5 trait scales. Ordinal logistic regression analyses
      showed that selected PID-5 trait scales predicted a significant, albeit moderate
      (Cox & Snell R2 values ranged from .08 to .15, all ps < .001) amount of variance
      in Questionnaire on Relationships and Substance Use variables.

PMID- 28072039
TI  - A Mother's Borderline Personality Disorder and Her Sensitivity, Autonomy Support,
      Hostility, Fearful/Disoriented Behavior, and Role Reversal With Her Young Child.
AB  - There is some evidence that maternal borderline personality disorder (BPD)
      adversely affects parenting in infancy, resulting in disorganized attachment,
      which longitudinally predicts BPD symptoms in adulthood. We examined parenting
      related to disorganized attachment beyond infancy in offspring of mothers with
      BPD, when parenting becomes a goal-corrected partnership. We observed puzzle
      solving in a low socioeconomic status (SES) sample of mothers with BPD and their
      children ages 4-7, n = 36, and normative comparisons, n = 34. Compared with
      normative mothers and controlling for maternal mood disorders, mothers with BPD
      were less likely to be sensitive and provide autonomy support, and were more
      likely to be hostile and display fearful/disoriented behavior and higher levels
      of parent-child role reversal. We additionally found correlations between
      parenting and self-reported maternal borderline features. We discuss implications
      for child development, including possible transmission of BPD from mothers to
      children via representational models, and developmentally appropriate preventive
      interventions.

PMID- 28072040
TI  - Altered Empathy for Psychological and Physical Pain in Borderline Personality
      Disorder.
AB  - Many patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) experience difficulties
      in empathizing with others and are sensitive to social exclusion. Accordingly,
      the authors developed a novel Social Interaction Empathy Task to examine empathy
      for physical and psychological pain from first- and third-person perspectives.
      Fifty female patients with BPD and forty-eight controls matched for age and
      gender were included. Alexithymia was also measured. Patients with BPD rated
      neutral and psychologically painful situations as more painful than healthy
      controls, and patients with BPD rated psychological pain as more intense in the
      first-person perspective than in the third-person perspective. In contrast,
      controls did not differentiate between the perspectives and rated physical pain
      as most intense. The impact of early adversity on empathy for psychological pain
      was mediated by alexithymia. Increased sensitivity for psychological pain in BPD
      correlated with symptom severity. BPD is associated with altered empathy for
      pain, which is related to difficulties in reflecting emotional states.

PMID- 28072041
TI  - Interpersonal Threat Sensitivity in Borderline Personality Disorder: An Eye
      Tracking Study.
AB  - Threat sensitivity is a prominent predictor of interpersonal dysfunctions in
      borderline personality disorder (BPD), leading to intense, aversive feelings of
      threat and eventually dysfunctional behaviors, such as aggression. In the present
      study, BPD patients and healthy volunteers classified angry, fearful, neutral,
      and happy faces presented for 150 ms or 5,000 ms to investigate initial saccades
      and facial scanning. Patients more often wrongly identified anger, responded
      slower to all faces, and made faster saccades towards the eyes of briefly
      presented neutral faces and slower saccades away from fearful eyes compared with
      healthy volunteers. Latency of initial saccades and fixation duration correlated
      negatively with the patients' aggressiveness. Supporting previous results, BPD
      patients did not experience general deficits in facial emotion processing, but a
      specific hypersensitivity for and deficits in detailed evaluation of threat cues,
      which was particularly enhanced in aggressive patients. Interventions might
      benefit from relocating attention towards positive information and detailed
      evaluation of social cues.

PMID- 28072042
TI  - Construct Validity of the DSM-5 Section III Maladaptive Trait Domains in Older
      Adults.
AB  - The DSM-5 Section III model of personality disorders remains largely unexplored
      in older adults. More specifically, there is a need for further research on the
      generalizability of the five trait domains in old age. The development of a short
      operationalization to screen for maladaptive trait domains, the Personality
      Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF), can stimulate the use of the
      alternative DSM-5 model in older adults by addressing the need for short
      instruments. The primary goal of this study was to examine the construct validity
      of the PID-5-BF by comparing its structural model and nomological network with
      the original PID-5 in terms of relations with domains of personality functioning
      and a gero-specific personality disorder indicator. A five-factor model was
      supported, but the domain Disinhibition was not replicated in the original PID-5,
      and some PID-5-BF items showed weak loadings. Nevertheless, the nomological
      network was similar and showed meaningful relations, supporting the use of the
      Brief PID-5 in older clinical samples.

PMID- 28072043
TI  - Compelled to Risk: Does Sexual Compulsivity Explain the Connection Between
      Borderline Personality Disorder Features and Number of Sexual Partners?
AB  - Having more sexual partners increases the likelihood of new HIV infections among
      women. Women with more borderline personality disorder (BPD) features have been
      known to have greater numbers of sexual partners. However, the mechanisms linking
      BPD features with more sexual partners remain to be clarified. Sexual
      compulsivity (lack of control, increased distress over sexual behavior) may be
      one such explanatory factor, as it overlaps with BPD features (e.g., impulsivity,
      negative affectivity). The present study examined whether sexual compulsivity
      explained the relation of BPD features with number of sexual partners among a
      diverse sample of college females (N = 1,326). Results demonstrated a significant
      indirect effect of BPD features via sexual compulsivity on number of sexual
      partners. These findings support the relation between BPD features and sexual
      compulsivity and suggest sexual compulsivity as a target in the promotion of the
      sexual health of women with BPD who demonstrate risky sexual practices.

PMID- 28072044
TI  - Predicting Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Borderline Personality Disorder Using
      Ecological Momentary Assessment.
AB  - Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a highly comorbid disorder, and these
      comorbidities increase the impairment associated with BPD. For example,
      depression, which occurs in the majority of individuals with BPD, increases the
      likelihood of an individual with BPD to engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI).
      Little research, however, has investigated potential mechanisms of NSSI
      engagement in this population. The current study aimed to fill this gap by
      examining momentary experiences, levels of distress tolerance, and NSSI among 51
      individuals meeting current diagnostic criteria for BPD and a comorbid depressive
      disorder. Using data from an ecological momentary assessment across 7 days, it
      was found that daily urges to hurt oneself and impulsive urges, but not daily
      negative affect or aggressive urges, predicted NSSI occurrence. Furthermore, low
      levels of distress tolerance was a stronger predictor of NSSI behavior than daily
      experiences. These findings have important implications with regard to state
      versus trait dispositions in NSSI engagement among those with BPD and depression.

PMID- 28072045
TI  - Politicians: hands off the NHS and let us have some stability.
AB  - I read the Andy Burnham interview with interest (analysis September 26), but many
      people are disappointed by the Labour Party's lacklustre response to the
      unpopular Health and Social Care Act and the chaos this legislation has brought
      to managers and front line staff.

PMID- 28072046
TI  - Nurses' agenda is patient care - but what drives politicians?
AB  - It is good to see Andy Burnham is considering reviewing the NHS reforms, but it
      may be all too late (analysis September 26). He also fails to admit that much of
      the marketisation of the NHS was started on the Labour party's watch.

PMID- 28072047
TI  - Hopefully Andy Burnham can rectify the impractical reforms.
AB  - The main revelation from the interview with shadow health secretary Andy Burnham
      (analysis September 26) was that he just might have some firm ideas about what to
      do with the NHS other than make it cheaper to provide.

PMID- 28072049
TI  - National drive aims to boost uptake of flu jab by NHS staff.
AB  - Nurses vaccinated almost 500 staff from Colchester Hospital University NHS
      Foundation Trust against seasonal flu on the first day of the hospital's flu
      campaign.

PMID- 28072048
TI  - We may not like politics but we can't ignore it.
AB  - We have a letter from a reader this week that ends by saying 'most nurses have
      stopped listening to politicians. I know I have.' Now this set me thinking. As we
      reach the end of the party conference season, what have the politicians had to
      say for themselves and has it been worth listening to? Have they managed to
      engage people and communicate their vision, or have they just been making
      annoying white noise in the background as we have got on with our lives?

PMID- 28072050
TI  - 10,000 set to receive leadership training.
AB  - Leadership training for around 1,000 nurses will be made available by April next
      year, with a further 9,000 ward leaders and community nurses expected to receive
      training by 2015.

PMID- 28072051
TI  - Early in the shift is best time to do safety-critical tasks.
AB  - Drug rounds and other safety-critical tasks should not be carried out late in a
      nurse's shift, new RCN guidance states.

PMID- 28072052
TI  - Obituary.
AB  - Carolyn Carter has died in Newton, Massachusetts, after a long illness. She was
      79.

PMID- 28072053
TI  - Connecting with nature is vital to many older people's wellbeing.
AB  - Your article on outdoor spaces for people with dementia (features September 26)
      struck a chord. From where I sit, I hear the birds calling and have a view down a
      valley to the village and the sea. It is about a 4km walk from here to the beach
      and I like to do that every day.

PMID- 28072054
TI  - Seeking counsellors who have undergone nurse training.
AB  - I am a palliative care nurse undertaking training as a counsellor and studying
      for a degree in integrative-relational counselling at Kingston College, Surrey.
      As part of my dissertation I am carrying out a small qualitative research study
      looking at the experience of counsellors who have also undergone nurse training.

PMID- 28072055
TI  - The benefits of smaller care homes is not a new discovery.
AB  - It is dispiriting to note the finding that people with dementia thrive in smaller
      care homes (clinical digest September 26). This is a classic lost opportunity. In
      1988, the Griffiths report recommended that care homes have no more than 21
      residents.

PMID- 28072057
TI  - 'Recommendations may be impractical and unnecessary'.
AB  - Cavette Castillo, children's surgical ward manager, King's College Hospital NHS
      Foundation Trust, London 'It is not practical to give family members a summary
      sheet of information discussed in every ward round. Some patients may be in
      hospital for some time and their conditions are not changing every day. You do
      not always need to have a senior nurse on a ward round. A lower band nurse may be
      appropriate if she or he knows the patient well.'

PMID- 28072058
TI  - Readers panel - Read the treatment directory.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28072060
TI  - Evidence supports wider use of tranexamic acid in traumatic bleeding.
AB  - The clot stabiliser drug tranexamic acid can be administered safely to a wide
      range of patients with traumatic bleeding and should not be restricted to the
      most severe cases, suggests a study.

PMID- 28072059
TI  - Starting out - I saved a person's life by following my instincts and acting
      quickly.
AB  - While studying mental health nursing, I took on extra work as a mental health
      support worker to gain experience and improve my finances.

PMID- 28072061
TI  - Marijuana use linked to the worst prognoses of testicular cancer.
AB  - Researchers in the United States have found a link between the use of marijuana
      and an increased risk of developing subtypes of testicular cancer that tend to
      have a worse prognosis than other forms of the disease.

PMID- 28072063
TI  - Trial proves apremilast is effective long-term treatment for psoriasis.
AB  - Psoriasis treatment apremilast is safe, effective and well tolerated by patients,
      according to a randomised controlled trial in the United States and Canada.

PMID- 28072064
TI  - X-rays increase breast cancer risk in women with gene mutation.
AB  - Women carrying a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are more likely to develop
      breast cancer if they have undergone diagnostic radiation to the chest before the
      age of 30, according to a large European study.

PMID- 28072065
TI  - High consumption of fructose can lead to liver disease for people with type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - Obese patients with type 2 diabetes who consume large amounts of fructose may be
      at increased risk of liver damage.

PMID- 28072066
TI  - One or the other.
AB  - Help! I need a doctor. Not as in: 'Someone fetch a doctor quickly. My leg has
      turned green/wife has stopped breathing/symptoms are worsening', but as in: 'I
      really ought to register with a GP soon because I have recently moved house.'

PMID- 28072067
TI  - Your future in his hands - meet the minister for nursing and NHS pay.
AB  - Hospital doctor Dan Poulter attended his first Conservative Party conference as a
      health minister this week. His ministerial brief includes nursing, maternity,
      children's services and public health, NHS pay, pensions, education and training
      and NHS procurement. Here he answers questions on being a medic and a minister.

PMID- 28072068
TI  - 'we would freeze public sector pay too'.
AB  - Labour Party leader Ed Miliband has conceded that if a Labour government was
      currently in power, public sector pay would be frozen.

PMID- 28072069
TI  - Burnham highlights extent of privatisation in primary care.
AB  - Contracts for nearly 400 primary care services worth L250 million are out to
      tender as part of the 'biggest single act of privatisation the NHS has ever
      seen', Labour's health spokesperson Andy Burnham has revealed.

PMID- 28072070
TI  - A boost in awareness.
AB  - Every year on October 12, specialists in musculoskeletal health mark World
      Arthritis Day. This is an important date for raising awareness of this group of
      diseases, with charities invariably bumping elbows as we rush to publish research
      and share insights.

PMID- 28072071
TI  - Lucky way out.
AB  - I am attempting to get to grips with an instrument we use for measuring intra
      ocular pressure, but for some reason it eludes me. The machine clicks when it
      should beep, and beeps when it should click. I want to throw it out of the
      window.

PMID- 28072072
TI  - 'Nurses are welcome in the force'.
AB  - A chance conversation with a police officer in the long night hours of the
      emergency department where she then worked led to custody nurse practitioner
      Samantha Hill applying for her present post with the Metropolitan Police. Ms Hill
      explains: 'The.

PMID- 28072073
TI  - Voices the nurse regulator is on the right path, says new chair mark addison.
AB  - I was pleased to be asked to chair the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and
      two weeks into the role I am still glad I accepted it.

PMID- 28072074
TI  - Older workers could still draw on NHS pension.
AB  - A government-commissioned group examining how to encourage NHS staff to work
      beyond the age of 60 will consider the option of paying pensions to those who
      delay retirement, Nursing Standard understands.

PMID- 28072075
TI  - Conference notes.
AB  - During a debate on the future of health and social care, Royal College of
      Midwives general secretary Cathy Warwick criticised the government's view that
      increased patient choice will bolster care.

PMID- 28072076
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28072077
TI  - Live and learn.
AB  - Life-long learning has undoubtedly improved my practice over the years. Patients
      have, mostly inadvertently, added to this process, and a stray remark would
      become the basis of a thoughtful discussion.

PMID- 28072078
TI  - Checklist reduces catheter use.
AB  - Three hospitals in Lincolnshire have reduced the use of urinary catheters by
      almost a third following the introduction of a standardised form that prompts
      nurses to carry out daily checks.

PMID- 28072080
TI  - Staff handed redundancy notices after months of being paid late.
AB  - Nurses employed at a private hospital whose pay is overdue for the third time in
      five months have been handed redundancy notices, Nursing Standard has learned.

PMID- 28072081
TI  - Higher private admissions driven by NHS patients.
AB  - Independent sector hospitals in the UK admitted 1.64 million patients for
      surgical treatments in the first six months of the year, a record number and
      equivalent to 14.5 per cent of total surgical admissions in the UK, latest data
      shows.

PMID- 28072082
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The UK Centre for the History of Nursing website provides a platform for a large
      number of resources relating to the rich fi eld of nursing history.

PMID- 28072084
TI  - Trade unions have long since dropped divisive attitudes.
AB  - The letter by Brid Hehir from the Do Good Charity (September 26) will no doubt
      stir up a lot of reaction by her provocative views on trade union values. Well Ms
      Hehir, if you think there is too much 'chaff' in the NHS that needs chucking out
      then please bring your 'do good' skills to the table.

PMID- 28072085
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28072086
TI  - Dingy buildings point to decay in the NHS rather than in nursing.
AB  - I was saddened by 'Waiting room blues' (reflections September 19) and the way
      nursing student Jennifer Rawles interpreted the attitude of the triage nurse in
      A&E. Considering the pressures there, it is not surprising that the nurse
      appeared resigned.

PMID- 28072088
TI  - High-quality mentoring should be restored as a top priority.
AB  - According to your news story, one in six nursing students do not spend the.

PMID- 28072087
TI  - It is vital to highlight attacks on hospitals in conflict zones.
AB  - Well done for highlighting the bombing of two hospitals in Syria (news September
      19). The Free Syrian Army claimed it carried out the attacks because the
      hospitals were being used by government troops.

PMID- 28072090
TI  - Good mentors now will make the next generation of nurses great.
AB  - The people a nursing student works with can make or break the student's potential
      to be a good qualified nurse. The story 'Mentors can inspire or discourage' (news
      September 26) testifies to this.

PMID- 28072092
TI  - Snack attack.
AB  - 'There is someone on board this plane with a nut allergy,' said the flight
      attendant. 'Therefore nuts will not be on sale for the duration of the flight.'

PMID- 28072093
TI  - Royal visits.

PMID- 28072095
TI  - From here to maternity.
AB  - This time last year, midwives from across the globe came together to attend the
      International Confederation of Midwives triennial meeting in Durban, South
      Africa.

PMID- 28072094
TI  - VOICES - Increased registration fees are necessary to continue our work, says
      Judith Ellis.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council exists as a regulator to protect the public. It
      sets standards for practice, approves education and takes timely action if a
      nurse or midwife fails to uphold the standards required of a registered
      professional.

PMID- 28072096
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28072097
TI  - Series of NHS events aims to promote equality and diversity.
AB  - NHS trusts across England held events last week to celebrate and promote equality
      and diversity in the NHS.

PMID- 28072098
TI  - As nurse regulation costs soar, is it time for the public to contribute?
AB  - As soon as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) announced plans to increase
      its registration fee by 58 per cent, the regulator was inundated with calls to
      stop the hike.

PMID- 28072099
TI  - Department of health calls for nurses' it skills to be assessed.
AB  - The ten-year strategy, drawn up by the Department of Health (DH), includes an
      expectation that healthcare professionals will keep their IT skills up to date.
      The skills could be factored into assessments of work performance, the strategy's
      authors explain.

PMID- 28072100
TI  - New in brief.
AB  - A roundup of the latest nursing news.

PMID- 28072101
TI  - Labelled with dementia Readers panel.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28072102
TI  - Political notebook.
AB  - Members of the Scottish Parliament plan to quiz patients in Glasgow about the
      work of heart failure nurses as part of a parliamentary inquiry into cardiology
      services.

PMID- 28072103
TI  - Heart rhythm disorders are becoming an epidemic.
AB  - Cardiac arrhythmias are the number one killer in the UK, with sudden cardiac
      arrest claiming more lives than breast cancer, lung cancer and AIDS combined.

PMID- 28072104
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28072105
TI  - National Audit Office report slams standard of diabetes care in England.
AB  - Diabetes nurse specialist posts are being cut without consideration for the long
      term cost savings the clinicians deliver, according to a damning report on
      diabetes care services.

PMID- 28072106
TI  - Regular joggers do live longer - as long as runners stick to a moderate pace.
AB  - Regular jogging at a moderate pace increases the life expectancy of people by
      more than five years, reveals a study that appears to provide a definitive answer
      to the question of whether jogging is beneficial or hazardous to health.

PMID- 28072107
TI  - Press coverage of celebrity suicides shown to lead to rise in copycat deaths.
AB  - Media reports about celebrity suicides can trigger an increase in suicides,
      suggests an analysis of the evidence.

PMID- 28072108
TI  - More dementia patients can stay in their own homes than commonly thought.
AB  - The first major study tracking the living arrangements of dementia patients
      contradicts the commonly held view that most make a permanent move to a nursing
      home.

PMID- 28072109
TI  - HPV vaccine cuts future disease risk for women diagnosed with pre-cancers.
AB  - Women diagnosed with pre-cancerous cervical conditions after receiving the human
      papilloma virus vaccine can still benefit from a considerably reduced risk of
      further virus-related disease, suggests a global study.

PMID- 28072110
TI  - Fertility clinic clients respond well to nurses' lifestyle guidance.
AB  - One of the first studies to examine the outcomes of preconception care by nurses
      has found that it has a beneficial effect on the weight and smoking behaviour of
      patients attending a fertility clinic for in vitro fertilisation.

PMID- 28072112
TI  - Cancer trust garden wins top chelsea award.
AB  - Teenagers with cancer received a horticultural lesson from Chelsea Flower Show
      gold medal winner Joe Swift last week.

PMID- 28072113
TI  - On hold.
AB  - I recently worked in an offi ce where everyone seemed awfully quiet. They kept
      their heads down and sipped their coffee without making a sound.

PMID- 28072115
TI  - 'Tackling waste can help increase quality and care'.
AB  - Scotland's chief nursing officer has called on all nurses to tackle inappropriate
      waste, harm and variation to help remove the 'bumps and holes' in the patient
      journey.

PMID- 28072116
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28072117
TI  - Address the reasons for the fitness to practise workload.
AB  - I am grateful to Judith Ellis, interim chair of the NMC (letters May 23), for
      taking the time to reply to my letter in the previous issue asking for the
      expenditure on fitness to practise NMC hearings to be scrutinised.

PMID- 28072118
TI  - Medicalising normal human conditions is unscientific.
AB  - Writing in response to a learning zone article (May 2) on the assessment and
      treatment of patients experiencing anxiety, David Lee (letters May 16) asks if we
      are medicalising a range of normal human conditions.

PMID- 28072119
TI  - Obituary.
AB  - Delegates at RCN congress in Harrogate gave a rousing minute's applause in
      tribute to Khalil Dale, the English nurse and college member kidnapped and
      murdered in the Pakistan city of Quetta, near the border with Afghanistan.

PMID- 28072120
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - According to the NHS Blood and Transplant organ donation website, 10,000 people
      in the UK need a transplant. Three of them die each day because there are not
      enough organs available.

PMID- 28072122
TI  - Proposal to raise registration fee by 58 per cent is unjustifiable.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is proposing to raise its registration
      fees on January 1 from L76 a year to L120 - a staggering 58 per cent increase
      (news and editorial May 23).

PMID- 28072124
TI  - High court rules NMC u-turn was 'unlawful'.
AB  - The nurse, who is employed by Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, was referred to the
      Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) by Gwent Police in June 2009 over allegations
      of mistreatment and neglect of residents at three care homes.

PMID- 28072123
TI  - Sign the e-petition opposing the increase in registration fees.
AB  - The NMC proposes to increase our annual registration fee to L120. It is not an
      organisation, like a union or professional association, that we would choose to
      join or contribute to.

PMID- 28072125
TI  - Patients in wales compliment nurses on fundamental care.
AB  - More than 95 per cent of patients in Wales report that they feel respected by
      nursing staff, according to a national audit of Welsh hospitals.

PMID- 28072126
TI  - Starting out - Student experiences in the real world of nursing.
AB  - During a second-year placement at a local hospital for people with learning
      disabilities, I was assigned a night shift on a new ward so I could gain extra
      experience.

PMID- 28072127
TI  - Trusts accused of colluding to drive down NHS staff pay.
AB  - Unions are poised to do battle with 16 trusts in south west England that have
      joined forces to drive down nurses' pay and conditions.

PMID- 28072128
TI  - 'people queued for hours to see him'.
AB  - I met Khalil Dale (pictured) in 1995 when writing about the International
      Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) campaign to end the use of landmines. I spent a
      week alongside him, reporting on his work for the ICRC in northern Afghanistan.
      Khalil was a gentle, quiet man who left a big impression on everyone who met him.

PMID- 28072129
TI  - RCN seeks 'Diamond Nurses' to celebrate Queen's 60-year reign.
AB  - As patron of the RCN, the Queen has delighted nurses throughout her 60-year reign
      by visiting hospitals across the UK to celebrate their contribution to the NHS.

PMID- 28072130
TI  - The ritualistic circumcision of male babies and boys is abuse.
AB  - In his article on conditions affecting the foreskin (art&science May 16), David
      Hunter writes: 'Many nurses may not be aware that the majority of men in the UK
      remain uncircumcised.'

PMID- 28072131
TI  - Rugby captain tries her best.
AB  - The captain of the Welsh women's rugby union team Rhian Bowden (pictured), has
      been successful in tackling full-time study and the intensive regime of a
      sporting career.

PMID- 28072132
TI  - College listened to our concerns about governance planning.
AB  - As RCN steward for Gwynedd, I was one of the small group of members who met RCN
      council chair Kath McCourt and senior staff to discuss concerns that a review of
      legal and governance structures at the college could weaken the influence of its
      regional boards and branches (news May 23).

PMID- 28072133
TI  - Paying tribute to florence nightingale and Mary Seacole.
AB  - Lynn McDonald (letters May 16) says the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital in London
      are the wrong place for the proposed memorial statue to Mary Seacole, pointing
      out that the hospital is more associated with Florence Nightingale and her work.

PMID- 28072135
TI  - Leadership reforms are too important to ignore.
AB  - The Power to Care campaign run by Nursing Standard in recent years was set up
      with the aim of freeing up time for ward sisters and charge nurses to provide
      leadership on hospital wards and in community settings. Our priority was for
      these nursing managers to be given a supervisory role to oversee care while
      teaching and supporting staff.

PMID- 28072136
TI  - Explore china's possibilities.
AB  - According to China's ministry of health, the country needs a staggering 1.9
      million nurses. So far, opportunities for overseas nurses have been limited
      because of the requirement to pass a nurse practitioner test in Mandarin.

PMID- 28072137
TI  - Paternalistic, didactic health care is unsustainable in the UK.
AB  - Further to Lynn Young's article on quantifying self-care (reflections July 18), I
      agree that we need to encourage patients with long-term conditions to be
      empowered through self-care, starting from when they receive their diagnosis.

PMID- 28072138
TI  - ?

PMID- 28072140
TI  - Fundamental failings show up the organisational culture of the NHS.
AB  - The inquest into the death from dehydration of hospital patient Kane Gorny in
      2009 (news July 18) has again highlighted fundamental failings by nurses.

PMID- 28072141
TI  - Mindfulness as a key resource for development and resilience.
AB  - I welcome the initiative to teach nurses to include mindfulness and stress
      management in their personal development (news July 18) and for this to count
      towards four hours of their continuing professional development.

PMID- 28072142
TI  - Angela Booth Dobbie.
AB  - Angela Booth Dobbie (nee Wilkie) was born in Edinburgh, the daughter of an
      Australian mother and Scottish father. She spent most of the second world war in
      Australia with her brother and mother, while her father served in the Royal Navy.

PMID- 28072143
TI  - The quality of food served in hospitals varies enormously.
AB  - Some hospitals encourage visitors to bring in food for their relatives, but
      others discourage the practice (features July 18).

PMID- 28072145
TI  - Inventive help to prevent falls.
AB  - Caroline Brown (pictured) has won praise from the RCN for inventing a device to
      prevent falls among people who use walking sticks.

PMID- 28072144
TI  - Childhood obesity is a problem that parents need help with.
AB  - In terms of childhood obesity, there is a link between fast food joints and
      schoolchildren's easy access to them (clinical digest July 18). But action to
      limit children's access to such outlets will not solve the problem.

PMID- 28072147
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28072148
TI  - College hopes to see more BME nurses at board level.
AB  - A meeting between former and aspiring black nurse directors and the RCN is being
      organised in a drive to boost their dwindling numbers.

PMID- 28072149
TI  - Spirituality is integral to the wellbeing of everyone.
AB  - Further to 'Why spirituality is essential for nurses' (features June 6) and
      subsequent letters, I firmly believe that spirituality is part of holistic health
      care and relevant to staff and patients.

PMID- 28072153
TI  - Carter: rethink over NHS pension reform is inevitable.
AB  - RCN general secretary Peter Carter has warned that the government's plans for the
      NHS pension scheme are 'untenable' and will need to be reviewed again.

PMID- 28072152
TI  - 'This should be all about implementation'.

PMID- 28072154
TI  - Number crunch care.
AB  - The health service is encouraged increasingly to learn lessons from the private
      sector and adopt good business principles, such as being more accountable and
      cost-effective while still meeting patient demands.

PMID- 28072155
TI  - Voices.
AB  - The end of July is the last chance to nominate a candidate for this year's SADS
      UK annual awards, celebrating individuals who have taken action to save a life.

PMID- 28072156
TI  - England's chief nurse rejects minimum staffing levels.
AB  - Hospital nurses may have to accept new ways of working that could result in more
      patients being cared for in the community, according to England's chief nursing
      officer.

PMID- 28072157
TI  - Reassurance over commissioning roles.
AB  - England's chief nursing officer is adamant that a nurse will be a part of every
      clinical commissioning group, despite fears that it is not happening in practice.

PMID- 28072158
TI  - Who me, obese?
AB  - Getting older is not all that bad when wisdom and experience help you make better
      choices. Victoria sponge or broccoli? A horizontal, on-the-sofa phone call to a
      friend or the ironing?

PMID- 28072159
TI  - Student life - The science of wellbeing.
AB  - Undergraduate nursing and midwifery students commonly have a limited background
      in the sciences, and there has been a long-standing debate about how subjects
      such as anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology should be taught.

PMID- 28072160
TI  - A write mess.
AB  - It was like a bad memory from primary school. What was it to be, David? A ruler
      across the hand or 100 lines on why I should not be indolent?

PMID- 28072161
TI  - What's in a name? Quite a lot, actually.
AB  - How do we define someone who is not ill, but is an NHS user? Are they a patient,
      a service user, a customer or a client?

PMID- 28072163
TI  - Readers panel-What is stopping mentors from failing poorly performing students?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28072162
TI  - 'We will build a consensus on the future direction of nursing care'.
AB  - As chair of the nursing and care quality forum, Sally Brearley leads an
      initiative that she believes can give nurses the clout they need to stop
      'soldiering on' and start delivering the high-quality care their patients need.

PMID- 28072164
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28072165
TI  - 'Twitter is an amazing communication tool'.
AB  - Sarah Gilligan (pictured), a service manager at Oakwood Hall, a Community Links
      care home, says that for her, learning about Twitter was one of the main outcomes
      of the Leadership for Informed Practice programme.

PMID- 28072166
TI  - A&E staff trained to spot signs of assault from loan sharks.
AB  - Emergency nurses are receiving specialist training to spot patients who have been
      physically assaulted by illegal money lenders.

PMID- 28072167
TI  - Political notebook.
AB  - Welsh assembly members have called on health minister Lesley Griffiths to prove
      that all the country's health boards' financial plans can be sustained.

PMID- 28072168
TI  - Midwives pedal workforce message.
AB  - Midwifery students cycled through London to publicise their call for a bigger
      workforce.

PMID- 28072169
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Macfarlane Trust gives assistance to people with haemophilia who have been
      infected with HIV through contaminated blood products. It also supports their
      families, including widows and dependents.

PMID- 28072172
TI  - Education can help reduce use of restraints in nursing homes.
AB  - Education and support for nurses can help bring about a 'culture change',
      reducing the use of physical restraints in nursing homes, suggests a study in
      Germany.

PMID- 28072173
TI  - Patients with chronic illness survive longer when they use telehealth technology.
AB  - One of the largest telehealth studies ever conducted has found it can reduce
      deaths and avoid the need for emergency care but the cost savings are modest.

PMID- 28072174
TI  - Supervised exercise reaps significant benefits for people who have had a lung
      transplant.
AB  - Lung transplant patients benefit from improved physical functioning and
      cardiovascular health if they exercise after discharge from hospital, a study has
      found.

PMID- 28072175
TI  - Let's hope roles dovetail and avoid duplication.
AB  - A year later and, after much campaigning from professional leaders, three nurses
      have been appointed to national leadership positions. Jane Cummings has become
      chief nursing offi cer (CNO) at the National Commissioning Board; Viv Bennett has
      taken up her post as director of nursing at the Department of Health; and Sally
      Brearley is chair of the prime minister's nursing and care quality forum.

PMID- 28072176
TI  - Patient safety has improved, but trusts still have work to do.
AB  - I read with sadness about an inquest and research study that exposed failures in
      care delivery (news July 18).

PMID- 28072177
TI  - Self-care lifestyle changes for the menopause and beyond.
AB  - Lynn Young's thought-provoking piece about self-care for older people prompted me
      to think about changes in earlier life that can have a positive impact on health
      in later years, and how nurses might encourage this.

PMID- 28072178
TI  - Starting out -Handover experience taugh me the risks that lie in listeing to
      gossip.
AB  - At the start of a morning shift, I was present as a night nurse handed over
      details of a patient, Mr Smith, to the ward's day staff.

PMID- 28072179
TI  - London staff to sleep over near work during Olympics.
AB  - Nurses in London are preparing for long journeys to work, with some planning to
      stay in hospital accommodation overnight when the Olympic games begin on Friday.

PMID- 28072181
TI  - Study reveals evidence of disordered eating in up to a third of women aged over
      50.
AB  - Eating disorders are commonly seen as an issue that affects teenage girls and
      young women, but a new study in the United States has found evidence of
      disordered eating in women aged 50 and older.

PMID- 28072180
TI  - Socioeconomic inequalities remain a factor in rates of stillbirth in England.
AB  - Rates of stillbirth are twice as high in the most deprived areas of England
      compared with the least deprived, and the deprivation gap has not narrowed in
      eight years, according to a population-based study.

PMID- 28072183
TI  - Student life-When the going gets tough.
AB  - The traditional image of a student entering higher education - young, single and
      fresh from sitting A levels - does not always fit the profile of today's
      students. The 21st century student can be of almost any age or background - and
      may have complex needs.

PMID- 28072184
TI  - None of your business.
AB  - Sir Stephen Moss recently commented that problems at Mid Staffordshire NHS
      Foundation Trust had been '20-plus years in the making' (features March 14).

PMID- 28072185
TI  - Porky pies.
AB  - Would I lie to you? Patients would, and they do. A woman arrived in our eye
      clinic with the kind of problem usually dealt with by the family doctor.

PMID- 28072186
TI  - What to do when an employer acts unfairly.
AB  - Employers may discriminate against their employees directly and indirectly.

PMID- 28072187
TI  - News update.
AB  - The RCN, Royal College of Midwives, Unite and Unison are joining together to
      survey their members about changes in pay and conditions.

PMID- 28072188
TI  - Care without prejudice.
AB  - A nurse-led initiative in South Africa is bringing palliative care to the
      country's prisoners. Supported by the Diana, Princess of Wales Fund, the
      initiative means prisoners who would previously have died without any support
      will now receive pain control, help with daily tasks and companionship.

PMID- 28072189
TI  - We would negotiate over pension reform.
AB  - In a year when nurses have faced cuts to jobs and services, plus uncertainty
      about pay and pensions, it would perhaps have been no surprise if health
      secretary Andrew Lansley had chosen to dodge difficult questions at last week's
      RCN congress.

PMID- 28072190
TI  - Congress celebrates distinguished nurse leader and cross-bench peer.
AB  - Hundreds of nurses at RCN congress joined in a one-minute standing ovation last
      week to honour the life of eminent nurse Baroness McFarlane, who had died the
      previous weekend aged 86.

PMID- 28072191
TI  - Why cough up L120 for the privilege of working?
AB  - Nurses and midwives will be shocked to read in this week's Nursing Standard that
      their Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) re-registration fees are set to soar,
      from L76 a year to L120. The 58 per cent increase is being justified on various
      grounds, principally the cost of clearing a backlog of fitness to practise cases
      that the NMC has allowed to build up.

PMID- 28072192
TI  - Another hurdle to overcome?

PMID- 28072193
TI  - Voices.
AB  - I recently attended the Florence Nightingale commemoration service at London's
      Westminster Abbey. It was the first time I had been, and it proved to be an
      uplifting occasion.

PMID- 28072194
TI  - Legal advice.
AB  - Healthcare assistants (HCAs) are increasingly being asked to provide care and
      treatment that would previously have been undertaken by registered nurses. The
      correct delegation of nursing tasks to HCAs results in effective and safe care
      for patients.

PMID- 28072195
TI  - Regulator blames IT and human error for mistakes on register.
AB  - Human error and incompatible IT systems have been blamed for sanctions given to
      around 100 nurses and midwives not being recorded on the Nursing and Midwifery
      Council register.

PMID- 28072196
TI  - Get a good.
AB  - Research has established a clear correlation between high patient satisfaction
      and better clinical outcomes, so understanding what can improve patients'
      perception of healthcare services may help improve care.

PMID- 28072197
TI  - Fury at NMC's plan to increase registration fees to L120 a year.
AB  - Nurses have reacted furiously to a 'deeply unfair' proposal that could see
      Nursing and Midwifery Council fees soar to L120 per year.

PMID- 28072198
TI  - Profession celebrated at downing street.
AB  - Nursing leaders joined prime minister David Cameron and health secretary Andrew
      Lansley at a Downing Street reception to recognise their work.

PMID- 28072199
TI  - Lost for words on hearing of opposition to seacole statue.
AB  - When I read Lynn McDonald's letter informing us of the opposition to the siting
      of Mary Seacole's memorial statue on the sacred soil of St Thomas' Hospital in
      south east London (letters May 16), I was so astonished that, for the first time
      in my life, I was absolutely speechless.

PMID- 28072200
TI  - Poor understanding of learning disability careers.
AB  - I was sorry to read that learning disability care services 'are heading towards a
      timebomb' (news May 2). RCN learning disabilities adviser Ann Norman says there
      are not enough learning disabilities nurses working in the NHS, social care or
      the independent sector - with the number of new registrants declining in recent
      years.

PMID- 28072201
TI  - After a few days in harrogate my batteries have been recharged.
AB  - I would like to thank everyone involved in organising RCN congress for a
      wonderful few days in Harrogate. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently.

PMID- 28072202
TI  - Fitness to practise hearings are there to protect the public.
AB  - In response to Malcolm Harrison's letter (May 16), the Nursing and Midwifery
      Council's fitness to practise activity last year cost L43 million.

PMID- 28072203
TI  - Lansley's one-to-one midwife promise is simply 'hot air'.
AB  - As part of the government's plans to support the family, health secretary Andrew
      Lansley has promised that new mothers will receive one-to-one care from a named
      midwife (see news in brief page 8 ).

PMID- 28072204
TI  - On the inside.
AB  - After working in a care home and then in retail, healthcare assistant Fiona
      Humphreys applied for a position at HMP Rye Hill, an all-male prison near Rugby,
      Warwickshire. Some 11 years later, Ms Humphreys still finds great job
      satisfaction caring for more than 600 offenders.

PMID- 28072206
TI  - International council fee still under negotiation.
AB  - The RCN is withholding part of its L700,000 fee towards an international nursing
      body while it negotiates a reduced annual levy, RCN general secretary Peter
      Carter revealed at congress.

PMID- 28072207
TI  - Dignity commission chair pushes for HCA regulation.
AB  - The co-chair of the commission on improving dignity in care has vowed to champion
      the work of healthcare assistants and join calls for them to be regulated
      alongside nurses.

PMID- 28072208
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28072209
TI  - Time is on your side.
AB  - Do you ever feel that there are not enough hours - or minutes - in a day to
      accomplish everything that needs to be done?

PMID- 28072210
TI  - Article on bariatric surgery has helped me to stop snacking.
AB  - Nicky Green's overview of bariatric surgery (learning zone May 9) made for
      fascinating, if grisly, reading. The statistics are frightening. It is estimated
      that 60 per cent of adult males, 50 per cent of adult females and 25 per cent of
      schoolchildren under the age of 16 could be obese by 2050.

PMID- 28072212
TI  - A process to ensure public protection Private employer leads.
AB  - Regulation of healthcare assistants is back in the spotlight. The English
      government has rejected mandatory regulation, although unions continue to press
      for it, and is instead working on a code of practice for support staff.

PMID- 28072213
TI  - We need to restore the pride in those who care for older people.
AB  - I support your Care campaign to improve fundamental care (
      www.thecarecampaign.co.uk ).

PMID- 28072215
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Autism affects adults and children all over the world. There are more than half a
      million people with autism in the UK alone, and it is more common than many
      people realise.

PMID- 28072216
TI  - Guess who i met on the train?
AB  - When mental health nurse Iain Gibson boarded a train from York to Harrogate with
      friends last week, he had not expected to bump into Labour leader Ed Miliband.

PMID- 28072217
TI  - I was surprised by the number of obese delegates at RCN congress.
AB  - Bariatric nurse specialist Nicky Green's excellent and informative overview of
      bariatric surgery (learning zone May 9) highlights the growing obesity problem in
      the UK and the importance of long-term weight management.

PMID- 28072218
TI  - We need to be proficient in a wide range of procedures.
AB  - I agree with Nichola McCarthy (letters May 2) that all nursing students should be
      taught ECG, phlebotomy, cannulation and IV administration skills.

PMID- 28072219
TI  - Students learn from clinicians who explain what they are doing and why.
AB  - I have some points to make following the discussion at RCN congress on the
      fitness for purpose of nurse education (see news page 11 ).

PMID- 28072221
TI  - Step change Ian McMillan Step change is a Freelance journalist.
AB  - Staff at a south east London NHS trust are discovering how dance can improve
      their communication with patients with learning disabilities. Weekly dance
      sessions, run by Magpie Dance, are now also being made available to people with
      dementia, autism and other conditions. Through dance people can express emotion,
      build confidence and change their lives.

PMID- 28072220
TI  - Self-injury and harm minimisation on acute wards.
AB  - Practitioners' attitudes to self-injury vary widely. While some healthcare
      professionals are comfortable providing advice about safe self-injury in the
      inpatient setting, others believe they have a duty of care to protect patients
      from harming themselves, including removing all potentially sharp implements and
      increasing observation levels. This article describes work undertaken at South
      Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to explore self
      injurious behaviour in inpatient settings, including staff knowledge and
      perceptions and service users' experiences. Development of clinical guidelines
      for safe self-injury is also discussed.

PMID- 28072222
TI  - Starting out - I reached out to a withdrawn patient by speaking her language.
AB  - During my second year, I was placed on a busy medical ward. There were some long
      stay patients on the ward, one of whom remained in a side room with the curtains
      shut and without television, radio or visitors. Her notes indicated a recent
      diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 28072223
TI  - Readers panel Check-ups for doctors.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28072225
TI  - Majority votes against paying organ donors amid fears of exploitation.
AB  - Nurses have voted to lobby against moves to introduce payments for organ donors
      after hearing that vulnerable people, including those on low incomes, could be
      coerced into selling organs.

PMID- 28072224
TI  - Long shifts with insufficient breaks are increasing risk of clinical errors.
AB  - RCN council has been asked to demand greater action by NHS employers 'to reduce
      the recognised harmful effects of shift working on staff and patients'.

PMID- 28072226
TI  - Link with trades union congress.
AB  - A fierce debate about whether the RCN should be affi liated to the Trades Union
      Congress was held last week.

PMID- 28072227
TI  - Delegates reject cash for healthy choices proposal.
AB  - The idea that people who smoke or are overweight should be paid to adopt healthy
      lifestyles was rejected by nurses at RCN congress last week.

PMID- 28072228
TI  - Raise parents' awareness about content of video games.
AB  - Nurses want parents and children to be better educated about the adverse effects
      of adult-themed video games.

PMID- 28072229
TI  - Board and branch review will ensure fitness for purpose.
AB  - The RCN has allayed members' fears that a review of legal and governance
      structures at the college could weaken the influence of its regional boards and
      branches.

PMID- 28072230
TI  - Speed and ecstasy linked to depression in teenagers, especially if both are used.
AB  - Secondary school children who use methamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy) are
      prone to subsequent depression, suggests a study of almost 4,000 young people in
      Canada.

PMID- 28072231
TI  - Carter urges ministers to acknowledge job cuts.
AB  - A letter outlining the exact number of nursing posts that have been cut from the
      NHS will be sent to prime minister David Cameron and health secretary Andrew
      Lansley.

PMID- 28072232
TI  - Women tend to be more anxious than men before they have day surgery.
AB  - Women experience greater levels of anxiety than men before day surgery according
      to a study that suggests nursing should adapt to meet the psychological needs of
      short-stay patients. The study by Mark Mitchell, senior lecturer at the College
      of Health and Social Care, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, also looked
      at the impact of general and local anaesthesia.

PMID- 28072233
TI  - Lessons learnt from an earlier age of austerity.
AB  - At the end of another week at the coalface of primary care, browsing through my
      well-thumbed vintage cookery books is a great way to relax.

PMID- 28072234
TI  - Eating lots of berries may halt cognitive decline by more than two years.
AB  - High consumption of blueberries and strawberries can slow cognitive decline by up
      to 2.5 years, a study examining berry intake and cognition found.

PMID- 28072235
TI  - Benefits of self-management programme for diabetes patients are not long term.
AB  - The benefits of a one-off education and self-management programme for people
      diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not last, suggests a study of participants in
      one of the first programmes to meet the Department of Health's quality criteria.

PMID- 28072236
TI  - Cigarette pack health warnings help to stop ex-smokers lighting up.
AB  - Health warnings on cigarette packs can help ex-smokers resist the urge to smoke,
      according to the first major study to assess how effective the warnings are with
      people who have given up.

PMID- 28072237
TI  - Courses & resources.
AB  - Induction The RCN has released a web-based learning resource to help healthcare
      assistants (HCAs) and their employers to design induction programmes. The college
      has also issued a guidance document with accompanying fi lm, leafl ets and
      checklist for delegation. The material is intended to be used by all members of
      the nursing team to clarify the meaning of delegation-related terminology and how
      it should be used in practice.
      www.rcn.org.uk/development/health_care_support_workers.

PMID- 28072238
TI  - Hot topic.
AB  - They say that families should sit down together for at least one meal a day.
      Really? I reckon if 'they' came to dinner with my family, they would not last fi
      ve minutes.

PMID- 28072240
TI  - Boiler Briquette Coal versus Raw Coal: Part II-Energy, Greenhouse Gas, and Air
      Quality Implications.
AB  - The objective of this paper is to conduct an integrated analysis of the energy,
      greenhouse gas, and air quality impacts of a new type of boiler briquette coal
      (BB-coal) in contrast to those of the raw coal from which the BB-coal was
      formulated (R-coal). The analysis is based on the source emissions data and other
      relevant data collected in the present study and employs approaches including the
      construction of carbon, energy, and sulfur balances. The results show that
      replacing R-coal with BB-coal as the fuel for boilers such as the one tested
      would have multiple benefits, including a 37% increase in boiler thermal
      efficiency, a 25% reduction in fuel demand, a 26% reduction in CO2 emission, a
      17% reduction in CO emission, a 63% reduction in SO2 emission, a 97% reduction in
      fly ash and fly ash carbon emission, a 22% reduction in PM2.5 mass emission, and
      a 30% reduction in total emission of five toxic hazardous air pollutant (HAP)
      metals contained in PM10. These benefits can be achieved with no changes in
      boiler hardware and with a relatively small amount of tradeoffs: a 30% increase
      in PM10 mass emission and a 9-16% increase in fuel cost.

PMID- 28072241
TI  - Boiler Briquette Coal versus Raw Coal: Part I-Stack Gas Emissions.
AB  - Stack gas emissions were characterized for a steam-generating boiler commonly
      used in China. The boiler was tested when fired with a newly formulated boiler
      briquette coal (BB-coal) and when fired with conventional raw coal (R-coal). The
      stack gas emissions were analyzed to determine emission rates and emission
      factors and to develop chemical source profiles. A dilution source sampling
      system was used to collect PM on both Teflon membrane filters and quartz fiber
      filters. The Teflon filters were analyzed gravimetrically for PM10 and PM2.5 mass
      concentrations and by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for trace elements. The quartz
      fiber filters were analyzed for organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC)
      using a thermal/optical reflectance technique. Sulfur dioxide was measured using
      the standard wet chemistry method. Carbon monoxide was measured using an Orsat
      combustion analyzer. The emission rates of the R-coal combustion (in kg/hr),
      determined using the measured stack gas concentrations and the stack gas emission
      rates, were 0.74 for PM10, 0.38 for PM25, 20.7 for SO2, and 6.8 for CO, while
      those of the BB-coal combustion were 0.95 for PM10, 0.30 for PM2 5, 7.5 for SO2,
      and 5.3 for CO. The fuel-mass-based emission factors (in g/kg) of the R-coal,
      determined using the emission rates and the fuel burn rates, were 1.68 for PM10,
      0.87 for PM25, 46.7 for SO2, and 15 for CO, while those of the BB-coal were 2.51
      for PM10, 0.79 for PM2.5, 19.9 for SO2, and 14 for CO. The task-based emission
      factors (in g/ton steam generated) of the R-coal, determined using the fuel-mass
      based emission factors and the coal/ steam conversion factors, were 0.23 for
      PM10, 0.12 for PM2.5, 6.4 for SO2, and 2.0 for CO, while those of the BB-coal
      were 0.30 for PM10, 0.094 for PM2.5, 2.4 for SO2, and 1.7 for CO. PM10 and PM2.5
      elemental compositions are also presented for both types of coal tested in the
      study.

PMID- 28072242
TI  - A Special Issue from the NARSTO Symposium on Tropospheric Aerosols.
AB  - This dedicated issue of the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association
      contains nine peer-reviewed scientific papers that were presented at the NARSTO
      Symposium on Tropospheric Aerosols: Science and Decisions in an International
      Community, held October 24-26, 2000, in Queretaro, Mexico.1 Other peer-reviewed
      papers2-9 appear in a companion issue of Science of the Total Environment to be
      published in February 2002. More than 130 papers were presented in platform and
      poster sessions at the meeting. Approximately 28% of the technical presentations
      dealt with topics from Mexico, and 15% related to Canada, with the remainder
      discussing U.S. and global topics.

PMID- 28072248
TI  - Fly flaps ensure catheter comfort.
AB  - A nurse has helped redesign hospital pyjamas to increase comfort and reduce the
      risk of bladder infections for post-surgical and urology patients.

PMID- 28072249
TI  - MID staffs chief nurse says trust needs leadership.
AB  - The nurse director of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust has revealed his
      plans to embed cultural change at the troubled organisation.

PMID- 28072250
TI  - MPs are targeted in protest against pay cartels.
AB  - Thousands of nurses have written to their MPs amid fears that the establishment
      of pay cartels could signal a 'large-scale' move away from nationally agreed
      terms and conditions.

PMID- 28072251
TI  - Responsible leadership on the ward would avert more scandals.
AB  - Your editorial (July 18) on the timely action needed to prevent poor care in
      hospitals raises an important issue for the nursing profession.

PMID- 28072252
TI  - 'Dose of reality' needed when comparing chaplains and nurses.
AB  - Blair Robertson, the head of chaplaincy and spiritual care at NHS Greater Glasgow
      and Clyde, wants to embed spiritual care in the NHS (letters July 18).

PMID- 28072254
TI  - It astounds me that the care of older people is so overlooked.
AB  - It is absolutely right that the contribution of professional colleagues in the
      care of older people is being applauded (letters July 11 and 18). It astounds me
      that there has been so little recognition of their work.

PMID- 28072253
TI  - A collaborative partnership between patient and caregiver.
AB  - Lynn Young highlights not just the financial benefits of self-care, but touches
      on the important elements that make self-management strategies a success
      (reflections July 18).

PMID- 28072255
TI  - If a private company can listen to staff then why can't the NHS?
AB  - As a nurse researcher and author of The Unpopular Patient, I contributed to
      Nursing Standard's first webcast to share my understandings about one of the
      factors leading to poor standards of nursing care in hospitals.

PMID- 28072256
TI  - Healthcare organisations have an obligation to minimise stress.
AB  - I applaud the RCN for recognising a course to help nurses cope in stressful
      situations and perform better under pressure (news July 18). Course founder
      Caroline Hopkins.

PMID- 28072257
TI  - Internal controls and external frameworks to boost standards.
AB  - There need to be robust internal controls to ensure good standards in any
      organisation that provides care to vulnerable people (analysis July 18).

PMID- 28072258
TI  - Obituary.
AB  - Beryl Hutchinson MBE, former director of nursing and assistant manager of patient
      services in Grantham, Lincolnshire, died on July 30 aged 78.

PMID- 28072259
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Nurses and other healthcare professionals are generally conscious of the wider
      state of the planet and will welcome the Happy Planet Index website - providing
      global data on human wellbeing and our environmental impact.

PMID- 28072260
TI  - Olympic opening ceremony was a vibrant feast of fun and energy.
AB  - If director Danny Boyle's intention at the Olympic opening ceremony was to
      provide a snapshot of Britain today, he succeeded. It was an inspired feast of
      energy, colour and vibrancy - as well as being great fun.

PMID- 28072265
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28072267
TI  - 'Equality is what nursing is about'.
AB  - Nurse Joanne Stevenson helped celebrate diversity at Belfast's Pride celebrations
      on Saturday.

PMID- 28072268
TI  - An ideal subject.
AB  - Richard Windle wanted to sign up to clinical trials soon after he was diagnosed
      with Parkinson's three years ago.

PMID- 28072269
TI  - 'The problem does not lie with nursing culture...'
AB  - Dame June Clark professor emeritus, Swansea University: 'The problem does not lie
      with nursing culture but with acute sector culture and its money-is-everything
      ethos. For an example of how to get it right, look no further than hospices, our
      best care homes or the community nursing service.'

PMID- 28072270
TI  - Finally something to thank Lansley for.
AB  - Well done Andrew Lansley. Now there's a sentence you don't get to say very often.
      But the health secretary's intervention in the sorry saga of the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council's (NMC) bungling attempts to balance its books by picking
      nurses' pockets is welcome. Particularly welcome is his statement that 'a fee
      increase for registrants is difficult to justify at a time of pay restraint'. It
      certainly is, especially an increase of nearly 60 per cent.

PMID- 28072272
TI  - NHS head praises senior nurse's dignity initiative.
AB  - A nurse-led initiative to improve the experiences of hospital patients has been
      highlighted as good practice in an NHS Wales report.

PMID- 28072271
TI  - Agent of change.
AB  - Michael J Fox is now arguably as well known for his role in promoting research
      into Parkinson's as he is for his acting career. He was already a star when he
      was diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition at the age of 29. He
      announced publicly that he had the condition eight years later in 1998.

PMID- 28072273
TI  - Huge cultural change is needed to embed self-care strategies.
AB  - Lynn Young identifies the challenges that an ageing population presents to
      primary care in terms of staffing and financial resources (reflections July 18).
      We ignore the benefits of self-management approaches to long-term conditions at
      our peril.

PMID- 28072274
TI  - Starting out the trust i developed with a patient was vital to the success of his
      care.
AB  - During a recent placement with the community nursing team, I made daily visits to
      a young male patient with Crohn's disease who had recently undergone a
      hemicolectomy and formation of an ileostomy.

PMID- 28072275
TI  - ICN emphasises the benefits of flexible working practices.
AB  - The organisation that represents nurses across the globe says if employers
      adopted fl exible working practices it would be a 'win-win' for them and their
      staff.

PMID- 28072277
TI  - Our health service is a priceless form of artistry.
AB  - The Olympic opening ceremony was amazing. What made it special was its refusal to
      be populated solely by celebrities and the establishment, focusing instead on our
      history and the role of ordinary people in it.

PMID- 28072276
TI  - Prescribing system could identify criminal activity.
AB  - A specialised drug prescribing system could improve surveillance in hospitals and
      highlight patients at risk of harm resulting from clinical error or criminal
      activity, researchers claim.

PMID- 28072278
TI  - Be proud of your hard-earned professional status.
AB  - What is your first thought when you think about your registration? Are you proud
      of what you have achieved, or defensive and fearful of losing it? Have you
      noticed how often you or.

PMID- 28072279
TI  - Get the culture of the organisation right, and good care will follow.
AB  - When a clinical matron who had breast cancer stood before a celebration of
      nursing event to share her story about the great care and compassion she had
      experienced at the hospital where she worked, there was hardly a dry eye in the
      house.

PMID- 28072280
TI  - Where have all the flowers gone?
AB  - When I took some fl owers to a friend in hospital recently, I was asked by her
      nurse to take them home because of 'cross infection' and was given a short
      lecture on bacteria in fl ower water.

PMID- 28072283
TI  - More staff, better outcomes.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28072281
TI  - Call circumcision what it is - male genital mutilation.
AB  - A court in Germany ruled in July that boys could no longer be circumcised other
      than for medical reasons.

PMID- 28072284
TI  - Patient contact time rises at Hinchingbrooke.
AB  - Nurses at the first part-privately run NHS hospital are spending nearly 40 per
      cent more time with patients than they did six months ago when it was managed by
      the NHS, new bosses claim.

PMID- 28072285
TI  - Finding those who empower people.
AB  - When it comes to culture and values, nursing could learn much from social care,
      says Bill Mumford, a member of the nursing and care quality forum and chief
      executive of learning disability charity MacIntyre.

PMID- 28072286
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28072287
TI  - Suffolk Community Healthcare staff set to transfer to private provider.
AB  - More than 1,000 healthcare workers, including 440 nursing staff, will move to
      private provider Serco in the biggest transfer of nurses carried out by the
      group.

PMID- 28072289
TI  - Adolescents are at risk of high blood pressure from drinking alcohol and use of
      the pill.
AB  - Alcohol consumption among adolescent boys and use of the contraceptive pill among
      girls has a significant adverse effect on their blood pressure and cardiovascular
      risk, suggests a study in Australia.

PMID- 28072288
TI  - Memorial to crimean nurse icon unveiled.
AB  - The life and work of iconic Welsh nurse Betsi Cadwaladr was celebrated at an
      official ceremony last week.

PMID- 28072290
TI  - Giving up smoking is likely to lead to more weight gain than people tend to
      expect.
AB  - People who give up smoking are likely to gain more weight than is commonly
      supposed, according to a new analysis of the evidence by researchers based in
      France and the UK.

PMID- 28072291
TI  - College labels bursary cuts plan 'discriminatory'.
AB  - The RCN has condemned a Northern Ireland executive plan to cut financial support
      for nursing students by more than L1,000 each per year.

PMID- 28072292
TI  - Maternal rather than fetal factors have the greatest effect on growth
      restriction.
AB  - A study by researchers in Japan has found that maternal rather than fetal factors
      are associated with fetal growth restriction.

PMID- 28072293
TI  - Eating a lot of vegetables could reduce the risk of some types of acute
      pancreatitis.
AB  - High consumption of vegetables may reduce the risk of non-gallstone-related acute
      pancreatitis, according to a Swedish study.

PMID- 28072294
TI  - Store kudos.
AB  - My reputation at the supermarket has been improving steadily thanks to self
      scanning. Trustworthy, reliable, a man of means - you should see me swipe my card
      with pride, knowing that I am an exemplary customer.

PMID- 28072295
TI  - Children's weight can be reduced by teaching good habits early on.
AB  - A home-based early intervention by community nurses has proved effective in
      reducing children's body mass index at two years of age, reducing their risk of
      going on to become obese.

PMID- 28072296
TI  - A standardised early warning system will save lives, says Janet Davies.
AB  - Around 5 per cent of deaths in hospital are preventable, according to a recent
      study by the British Medical Journal.

PMID- 28072297
TI  - How to stay afloat.
AB  - Nursing must find new ways of navigation in a perfect storm. This may sound like
      hyperbole, but it is no exaggeration to suggest that nursing in England finds
      itself in the midst of an unprecedented situation that could have far-reaching
      consequences.

PMID- 28072298
TI  - Mutual terror.
AB  - For a self-styled hardman, he was a bit of a wuss. But perhaps the sight of a
      young nurse advancing towards you with a pair of scissors and trembling hands
      would test anyone's mettle.

PMID- 28072299
TI  - A Flow-Through Leaching Model for Monolithic Chemically Stabilized/Solidified
      Hazardous Waste.
AB  - Cement-based stabilization/solidification is a technology that is being used for
      the treatment of hazardous wastes before they are land disposed. It involves
      adding one or more solidification reagents to a waste stream and turning it into
      a monolithic solid. The resulting solidified waste products usually have improved
      handling characteristics, lower permeability and, hence, the leaching of
      contaminants from the waste can be reduced. Leaching occurs when a leachant
      contacts a waste and carries away contaminants from the waste. In this paper, the
      common leaching test methods for the evaluation of solidified/stabilized wastes
      and the leaching models that have been applied are reviewed. This paper also
      introduces a new model for the prediction of the long-term leaching behavior of
      cement-based stabilized/solidified hazardous wastes in a flow-through leaching
      test environment. The flow-through leaching environment, which is based on
      flexible wall permeameter test equipment, is different from other leaching test
      methods since the leaching occurs under a combination of diffusion and dispersion
      actions. The assumptions and limitations in applying the new model are
      highlighted.

PMID- 28072300
TI  - Bioaerosol Concentration at an Outdoor Composting Center.
AB  - Compost centers are one of many environments that produce airborne
      microorganisms. The objective of this study was to compare the bacterial, fungal,
      and acti-nomycete concentrations at the Norman, OK, compost center to background
      concentration of these same microorganisms. For this comparison, a modified
      Andersen Microbial Sampler was used. Sampling was performed at three sites at the
      outdoor compost center and at two background sites. The concentration of each
      microorganism was measured as total colony forming units per cubic meter
      (CFU/m3). The predominantly downwind compost center site had a 10-fold increase
      in all the microorganisms in comparison with the other sites (p < 0.05). The
      median concentrations (95% confidence interval) of total viable bacteria, Gram
      negative bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes at this site were 5059 (CI95= 4952
      9600) CFU/m3, 2023 (CI95= 2586-6806) CFU/m3, 972 (CI95= 964-1943) CFU/m3, and
      2159 (CI95= 1755-4190) CFU/m3, respectively.

PMID- 28072301
TI  - Fuel Type as a Factor Influencing Compliance by Utilities under The Acid Rain
      Program.
AB  - Passage of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments launched the Acid Rain Program in
      the United States. This initiative, based on the market mechanism of a sulfur
      dioxide tradable "allowance" system, was a dramatic departure from traditional
      command and control strategies designed to reduce air pollution emissions. Power
      plant managers have flexibility under the program to select and implement a
      variety of options to reduce emissions below mandated levels. Federal agencies
      have collected annual performance data for affected facilities covered by the
      program for a number of years. Coal-burning plants are typically greater
      generators of sulfur dioxide (SO2) than oil burners of equivalent size. This
      study examined the effect of fuel type as a significant factor influencing a
      plant's achievement in reducing pollution emissions. Achievement was measured by
      using a derived variable, delta (A), defined as the difference between pounds of
      SO2 produced divided by the energy (in million Btu) generated, for the years 1990
      and 1995. Rigorous nonparametric statistical analyses were used to compare the
      two populations of coal-fired and oil-fired plants. Results indicated that coal
      burning facilities achieved greater program success, measured by the expected
      value of delta, than the oil combustors for the five-year period reviewed. Since
      utility managers must take steps to ensure all applicable requirements of the
      program are met, findings of the inquiry should prove to be useful in assessing
      achievable emissions reductions and aid in long-range facility planning.

PMID- 28072302
TI  - Tracking Regional Background in a Haze Attribution Experiment.
AB  - Emissions from distant source areas are often imagined to provide a steady
      background to the emissions of whatever local sources are being studied. As part
      of Project MOHAVE in summer 1992, several air mass markers and an injected stack
      tracer were measured hourly near the Grand Canyon. Observed haze events generally
      coincided with transients in methylchloroform and water vapor, which we interpret
      as endemic tags for air from southern California and the subtropics. The results
      depict a dynamic regional background.

PMID- 28072303
TI  - Beyond Detectability.
AB  - Part of the input to a dispersion model consists of a source odor concentration
      that typically is determined by a panel of six to eight observers using a forced
      choice dynamic triangle olfactometer. A series of dilutions of the sampled odor
      are presented and the dilution at which one-half of the panel can detect odor is
      considered to be the source odor concentration (often described as ED50 or as
      Dilutions-to-Threshold [D/T]). The output from the dispersion model generates a
      predicted ambient odor concentration (expressed as D/T or as odor units). An
      ambient odor concentration (D/T) of 1 means that 50% of the panel will detect
      odor. It is not clear what D/T values other than 1 mean. Thus, only limited
      information is given on the detectability (threshold) dimension of odor. In this
      paper, a procedure is outlined that can be used to obtain information on all four
      dimensions of odor and still keep the simplicity and usefulness of the source
      odor concentration/ambient odor concentration concept that the dispersion modeler
      needs. The panel members are asked to report for each dilution presented the four
      dimensions of odor-detectability (as a "yes" or "no" odor response), intensity
      (butanol or category scale), quality (odor descriptors), and the he-donic tone.
      The paper illustrates how the procedure can be used with either inexperienced or
      experienced panels who provided information on three (detectabil-ity, intensity,
      and quality) of the four dimensions of odor. The procedure is applied to odors
      from two wastewater treatment plants. Essentially a dilution profile of the
      sample is prepared. For a given D/T, the procedure can provide an estimate of the
      percent of the panel that will detect odor, the average odor intensity, and the
      odor quality.

PMID- 28072304
TI  - Hazardous Air Pollution from Mobile Sources: A Comparison of Alternative Fuel and
      Reformulated Gasoline Vehicles.
AB  - Although there have been several studies examining emissions of criteria
      pollutants from in-use alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), little is known about
      emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from these vehicles. This paper
      explores HAP tailpipe emissions from a variety of AFVs operating in the federal
      government fleet and compares these emissions to emissions from identical
      vehicles operating on reformulated gasoline. Emissions estimates are presented
      for a variety of fuel/model combinations and on four HAPs (acetaldehyde, 1,3
      butadi-ene, benzene, and formaldehyde). The results indicate that all AFVs tested
      offer reduced emissions of HAPs, with the following exceptions: ethanol fueled
      vehicles emit more acetaldehyde than RFG vehicles, and ethanol- and methanol
      fueled vehicles emit more formaldehyde than RFG vehicles. The results from this
      paper can lead to more accurate emissions factors for HAPs, thus improving HAP
      inventory and associated risk estimates for both AFVs and conventional vehicles.

PMID- 28072305
TI  - Assessment of Nontailpipe Hydrocarbon Emissions from Motor Vehicles.
AB  - This report evaluates tailpipe and nontailpipe hydrocarbon (HC) emissions from
      light-duty spark-ignition (SI) vehicles. The sources of information were
      unpublished data sets, generated mainly from 1990 through 1994, on emissions from
      volunteer fleets of in-use vehicles in chassis dynamometer and sealed housing for
      evaporative determination tests, and published chemical mass balance (CMB) source
      apportionments of HC in roadway tunnels and in urban air. The nontailpipe
      emissions evaluated comprise running-loss, hot soak, diurnal emissions, and
      resting-loss emissions. Relations between pressure and purge test failures and
      actual nontailpipe emissions were also examined.

PMID- 28072306
TI  - Environmental Beneficiation of Machining Wastes-Part III: Effects of Metal
      Working Fluids on the Spontaneous Heating of Machining Swarf.
AB  - Machining swarf is a finely divided metal powder that is prone to spontaneous
      heating and, in some cases, spontaneous combustion. The fine particle size, large
      amount of particle surface area, and the presence of moisture all promote rapid
      oxidation. This hazard dramatically increases disposal costs for swarf and
      interferes with recycling efforts. A potential method for minimizing spontaneous
      heating and facilitating recycling of the swarf is to spray a fluid on the
      material that coats the particles and creates a barrier between the metal and
      oxygen. Surface coatings could be tested for their effects on the spontaneous
      heating potential of swarf by treating a sample of swarf with a fluid that would
      coat the particles, then monitoring its heating behavior. This paper describes
      the results of applying corrosion inhibitors and machining fluids to the swarf,
      and monitoring the spontaneous heating behavior using a testing method developed
      specifically for this purpose. The effects of different types of surfactants and
      the effects of surfactant concentration on the spontaneous heating of swarf are
      discussed.

PMID- 28072307
TI  - Airborne Emissions of Mercury from Municipal Landfill Operations: A Short-Term
      Measurement Study in Florida.
AB  - Large quantities of mercury (Hg) have been placed in municipal landfills from a
      wide array of sources, including fluorescent lights, batteries, electrical
      switches, thermometers, and general waste. Despite its known volatility,
      persistence, and toxicity in the environment, the fate of this Hg has not been
      widely studied. Using automated flux chambers and atmospheric sampling, we
      quantified the primary pathways of Hg vapor releases to the atmosphere at two
      municipal landfill operations in south Florida for eight days in April 1997.
      These pathways included landfill gas (LFG) releases from passive and active vent
      systems, passive emissions from landfill surface covers of different ages
      (including CH4 "hot spots"), and emissions from daily activities at a working
      face (WF). Hg vapor was released to the atmosphere at readily detectable rates
      from all sources measured. Emission rates ranged from ~1 to 20 ng m-2 hr-1 over
      aged surface covers (generally comparable to background soils), from ~6 to 2400
      ng/hr from LFG vents and flares, and from ~5 to 60 mg/hr at the WF. In general
      the fluxes increased from older to newer landfills, from fresh to aged cover, and
      from passive to active venting systems. Limited data suggest that methyl- and
      other organo-mercury compounds may also be emitted from these sites, suggesting
      an important area for future research. We estimate that atmospheric Hg releases
      from municipal landfill operations in the state of Florida are on the order of 10
      kg/yr, or <1% of the estimated total anthropogenic Hg releases to air in this
      region.

PMID- 28072308
TI  - Starting out - Family's concerns led me to clarify my thinking on end of life
      practice.
AB  - During a recent community placement, I accompanied one of the nursing sisters to
      see an older, female patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 28072309
TI  - Carter demands investment in more dementia training.
AB  - The RCN has welcomed government plans to spend L50 million on improving care
      environments for people with dementia, but general secretary Peter Carter called
      for further investment in staff training.

PMID- 28072310
TI  - Management of self-harm wounds.
AB  - Self-harm may be used by individuals as a means to relieve distress and may be a
      coping and suicide prevention strategy. This article focuses on risk assessment
      of patients who may self-harm as well as the treatment of those presenting with
      self-harm wounds.

PMID- 28072311
TI  - Readers panel-Fitness to assess sickness.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28072312
TI  - Bail out sparks fears for independent regulation.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council's decision to accept L20 million from the
      government, enabling it to limit the size of the fee rise, has sparked a debate
      about the regulator's independence.

PMID- 28072313
TI  - Nursing interventions are needed to help staff promote hopefulness in stroke
      patients.
AB  - Patients in stroke units would benefit from interventions to encourage 'realistic
      hopefulness', suggest British researchers.

PMID- 28072314
TI  - Women's genetic make-up plays a significant role in their desire to be thin.
AB  - Genetics may make some women more vulnerable to the cultural pressure to be thin,
      suggests a study of identical twins in the United States.

PMID- 28072316
TI  - A healthy and social lifestyle helps older people live longer.
AB  - Healthy lifestyle factors such as taking physical exercise and not smoking add
      years to life, even among people in their late eighties and those with chronic
      health conditions, according to a long-term study in Sweden.

PMID- 28072315
TI  - 'I was groped by sir jimmy as a student'.
AB  - A nursing student claims she was sexually assaulted by the late presenter Sir
      Jimmy Savile in 1973.

PMID- 28072318
TI  - Pick and click.
AB  - So, a transfusion of young blood can rejuvenate an old brain. If it works with
      mice, might it work with humans? If so, make mine a pint. I clearly need
      something of that nature after what happened last week.

PMID- 28072319
TI  - Patients hospitalised with advanced cancer need fatigue screening.
AB  - Cancer patients in hospital should be monitored and treated for fatigue, suggests
      a British study that emphasises the need for nursing interventions.

PMID- 28072320
TI  - Young patients with strong immune systems may benefit from treatment for
      hepatitis B.
AB  - Children and young adults with chronic hepatitis B virus may be suitable
      candidates for treatment, suggests a study that challenges current practice.

PMID- 28072321
TI  - Gagging clauses are being used to hide failings and bad practice.
AB  - Patient safety ombudsman Delilah Hesling is fortunate that her trust is
      introducing a range of reforms, removing fear from the care culture and focusing
      on accountability in clinical practice (reflections October 17).

PMID- 28072322
TI  - Racism may be abhorrent, but it is not a psychiatric condition.
AB  - I was horrified to read mental health nurse Tony Leiba's assertion that racism
      might be a psychiatric condition (features October 3). However abhorrent and
      misinformed, racism remains opinion, thoughts and assumptions. To suggest that
      these attitudes are in some way psychiatric is a step towards totalitarianism.

PMID- 28072323
TI  - L40m of leadership training would be better spent on the font line.
AB  - Funded by a L40 million grant from the Department of Health, the NHS Leadership
      Academy will organise training for up to 10,000 nurses and ward leaders by 2015
      (news October 10).

PMID- 28072324
TI  - Effective leadership is essential if we are to drive up standards.
AB  - Leadership is crucial to the successful running of any team and department.
      Effective leaders and leadership will be essential for all staff in the NHS if we
      are to deliver on the quality agenda and drive up standards, especially at a time
      of cutbacks.

PMID- 28072325
TI  - Deadline extended for awards entries.
AB  - Nurses and healthcare assistants have been given an extra week to enter the Nurse
      Awards 2013, organised by Nursing Standard.

PMID- 28072327
TI  - 'The boy who nominated me still keeps in touch'.
AB  - Launched in 2008, the first patient's choice award was given jointly to two
      nurses, Rachel Andrews and Gill Donovan.

PMID- 28072329
TI  - Feed the family or fill the car: the stark choice facing nurses.
AB  - Living within a tight budget is second nature to most nurses. But the government
      imposed pay freeze, which the RCN claims has cut the value of nurses' incomes by
      9 per cent, is leaving many struggling to pay their bills.

PMID- 28072330
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28072331
TI  - SSKIN - the care bundle that puts the emphasis on prevention.
AB  - Many organisations base their pressure ulcer prevention strategies on SSKIN, a
      bundle of care that includes five simple steps. Nurse lecturer Jacqueline
      Fletcher explains.

PMID- 28072333
TI  - Political notebook.
AB  - Jeremy Hunt last week appeared at the Commons despatch box for the first time
      since becoming England's health secretary to set out his four priorities.

PMID- 28072332
TI  - Use patient complaints to build a case for improved resources.
AB  - Nurses should use negative patient feedback to push for more resources on the
      front line, according to health minister Dan Poulter.

PMID- 28072334
TI  - 'The awards ceremony was the best night of my life'.
AB  - The winner of the 2009 patient's choice award was already a well-known figure.
      Margaret Haywood had been found guilty of misconduct and removed from the
      register by the Nursing and Midwifery Council in April that year.

PMID- 28072336
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28072335
TI  - The ultimate honour.
AB  - The Claire Rayner patient's choice award acknowledges an individual who improves
      a patient's quality of life, is there for someone in distress or blows the
      whistle on poor care.

PMID- 28072337
TI  - 'We don't use end of life pathway to clean NHS of the old and infirm'.
AB  - Palliative care nurses have reacted furiously to criticism that some patients are
      'shunted' on to an end of life care pathway because they are a burden to the NHS.

PMID- 28072338
TI  - Another debacle in a long-running farce.
AB  - Nurses are entitled to be angered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council's decision
      to increase their re-registration fees from L76 to L100 a year. Not only does it
      come in the midst of a protracted pay freeze, but there is scant evidence that
      pumping more money into the regulator's coffers will do anything to enhance
      public protection.

PMID- 28072339
TI  - Student life - Watch, listen and learn.
AB  - Reaping the maximum benefit from the mentoring process requires commitment from
      nursing students, honesty and openness about learning needs and a willingness to
      learn.

PMID- 28072340
TI  - 'I may have to move in with mum'.
AB  - Band 5 community nurse Isobel Blake works a 42.5 hour week, but struggles to pay
      the bills because her pay has not risen since April 2009.

PMID- 28072341
TI  - I will have to sell my home as i cannot afford the mortgage.
AB  - In almost 30 years of nursing, I have seen many changes and most have been for
      the better.

PMID- 28072343
TI  - The RCN needs a headquarters that reflects its size and prestige.
AB  - Sue Green (letters October 17) says the RCN needs to economise and get its house
      in order - the big one in London.

PMID- 28072345
TI  - A chance to start a new life.
AB  - While career opportunities in the UK may be in short supply, with nurses
      struggling to find work that suits their talents, opportunities in other parts of
      the world are plentiful.

PMID- 28072344
TI  - NHS needs to retain valuable experience of older workers.
AB  - Nurses in their sixties could be moved into training and mentoring roles to allow
      them to continue working longer, says health minister Dan Poulter.

PMID- 28072346
TI  - We are no longer recruiting the right sort of people into nursing.
AB  - Sally-Anne Driver (letters October 17) is spot on. Much substantive research has
      been undertaken on dignity in care. It is time to see some action.

PMID- 28072347
TI  - 'It was a humbling experience'.
AB  - It has been a good year, says Diane Singleton, who won the 2012 award. As lead
      nurse for older people at Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, she set up the
      Liveability service more than ten years ago.

PMID- 28072349
TI  - 'There is a feeling that our views were disregarded'.

PMID- 28072348
TI  - Regulator says extra money will clear backlog of fitness to practise cases.
AB  - The nursing regulator has justified its decision to increase re-registration fees
      to L100 a year, claiming the money will help clear its fitness to practise
      backlog.

PMID- 28072350
TI  - Voices - 'Winners of Mary Seacole awards make me so proud,' says Elizabeth
      Anionwu.
AB  - There was a wonderful buzz among those attending the recent Mary Seacole
      Leadership and Development Awards.

PMID- 28072351
TI  - Older and wiser.
AB  - The Bigger Picture was an exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London,
      celebrating the work of David Hockney. It was his portrayals of the Yorkshire
      countryside that took centre stage; the light and shade, the starkness and
      abundance. It was a body of work by a confi dent, mature master-artist.

PMID- 28072354
TI  - Planning for change.
AB  - Despite a number of public health initiatives in recent years, there are still
      worryingly high rates of unplanned pregnancies in the UK.

PMID- 28072352
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Valuing Complaints website approaches the topic of complaints positively. It
      sees complaints as a mechanism for organisations to obtain low-cost feedback, and
      one that should be embraced by the NHS, local authorities and government bodies.

PMID- 28072355
TI  - Subservient hospital culture may explain silence about savile.
AB  - I have been shocked by the allegations of abuse by Sir Jimmy Savile and how he
      got away with it for so long (letters October 24).SAVILE I have been shocked by
      the allegations of abuse by Sir Jimmy Savile and how he got away with it for so
      long (letters October 24).

PMID- 28072357
TI  - Warfarin-induced tissue necrosis: a case study.
AB  - Warfarin-induced tissue necrosis is a rare and serious side effect associated
      with warfarin treatment. A case study of a patient with warfarin-induced tissue
      necrosis taken from clinical practice illustrates the importance of timely
      diagnosis and treatment to avoid the devastating consequences of this adverse
      drug reaction. Nurse prescribers must be alert to and aware of potential adverse
      drug reactions that may be caused by any prescribing decision, and should be able
      to take appropriate action when such an event occurs.

PMID- 28072366
TI  - Polyfunctional Plants for Industrial Waste Disposal-Part II: Economics and Model
      Evaluation.
AB  - This is the second part of a two-part paper dealing with the preliminary design
      and costing of polyfunctional waste treatment plants. In this article, we present
      some criteria for estimating capital investment and annual operating costs of
      polyfunctional plants for industrial waste treatment. The process and equipment
      design methods presented in Part I of this article, together with the economic
      approach proposed here, allow for complete technical/economic analyses. The
      overall mathematical model appears to be a useful tool in economic feasibility
      studies. The accuracy of the developed computer mathematical model has been
      demonstrated, referring to actual cost data from the literature.

PMID- 28072367
TI  - Polyfunctional Plants for Industrial Waste Disposal-Part I: Process and Equipment
      Design.
AB  - This article is the first of two papers dealing with development of a design and
      costing procedure for polyfunctional waste treatment plants. Part I reviews
      equipment sizing aspects. Part II defines and validates the cost estimation
      procedure. In this article, the structure of a general purpose polyfunctional
      plant for liquid and solid industrial waste treatment is discussed, highlighting
      the high level of process integration obtainable and the consequent benefits. The
      plant comprises an incineration section, a section for
      chemical/physical/biological treatments, and a stabilization/solidification
      section. Each section is briefly described, and an overview of the sizing
      procedure for main equipment is presented. Such a procedure forms the basis of a
      computer model for process and equipment preliminary design to be used in
      economic feasibility evaluation studies.

PMID- 28072368
TI  - The Plume Volume Molar Ratio Method for Determining NO2/NOx Ratios in Modeling
      Part II: Evaluation Studies.
AB  - A previous paper1 discusses the methodology for a new method for deriving the
      nitrogen dioxide/nitrogen oxide (NO2/NOx) ratio in plumes that originally are
      composed mainly of (NOx). It is called the Plume Volume Molar Ratio Method
      (PVMRM). This paper documents its performance against six different data sets.
      These performance evaluations show that the PVMRM can realistically predict the
      NO2 fraction at close-in receptors yet still provide conservative estimates so
      that the air quality standards can be protected.

PMID- 28072369
TI  - The Plume Volume Molar Ratio Method for Determining NO2/NOx Ratios in Modeling
      Part I: Methodology.
AB  - During New Source Review modeling of proposed major sources of oxides of nitrogen
      (NOx), maximum impacts are often predicted to occur very close to the source. At
      the same time, current modeling guidance recommends techniques that may be overly
      conservative in estimating the fraction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in these
      plumes. A new technique called the Plume Volume Molar Ratio Method (PVMRM) is
      being proposed that simulates both chemistry and dispersion to better estimate
      the fraction of NO2. This paper documents the methodology behind the technique. A
      follow-up pa-per1 will evaluate its performance against a number of databases.
      This method is designed to realistically predict NO2 fraction at close-in
      receptors yet still provide conservative estimates so that the air quality
      standards can be protected.

PMID- 28072370
TI  - Continuous Sorbent Reactions in a High-Temperature Fabric Filter Following
      Convective Pass Ca(OH)2 Injection for SO2 Removal.
AB  - A specially designed two-stage reactor was used to study solid sorbent reactions
      in the filtration stage of a high-temperature fabric which follow convective pass
      Ca(OH)2 injection. Solid conversions during the progress of the sorbent reactions
      were thoroughly analyzed. It was found that, unlike the sorbent reactions in the
      injection stage, which proceed extremely fast with strong carbonation under high
      temperatures, the subsequent sorbent reactions in the filtration stage are much
      slower and residual sorbent is mainly utilized in removing sulfur dioxide (SO2).
      Two major reaction pathways are discovered in the filtration stage. The first
      route is through the decomposition of residual calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), which
      is critical in inducing further sorbent reactions when there is sufficient
      residual sorbent. The second route is the sulfation of the carbonation product,
      calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which may become the principal reaction to remove SO2
      after the residual sorbent is consumed. The con-vective pass and the fabric
      filter are found to be equally important reaction sites in the combined process
      of convec-tive pass sorbent injection with high-temperature filtration. The
      overall SO2 removal efficiency of the system is affected by both the sorbent
      injection and filtration conditions.

PMID- 28072371
TI  - Measurements of Rural Sulfur Dioxide and Particle Sulfate: Analysis of CASTNet
      Data, 1987 through 1996.
AB  - The Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNet) was implemented by the U.S.
      Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1991 in response to Title IX of the
      Clean Air Amendments of 1990, which mandated the deployment of a national ambient
      air monitoring network to track progress of the implementation of emission
      reduction programs in terms of deposition, air quality, and changes to affected
      ecosystems. CASTNet evolved from the National Dry Deposition Network (NDDN).
      CASTNet currently consists of 45 sites in the eastern United States and 28 sites
      in the West. Each site measures sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitric acid (HNO3),
      particle sulfate (SO4=), particle nitrate (NO3- ), and ozone. Nineteen sites
      collect precipitation samples. NDDN/CASTNet uses a uniform set of site-selection
      criteria which provides the data user with consistent measures to compare each
      site. These criteria also ensure that, to the extent possible, CASTNet sites are
      located away from local emission sources. This paper presents an analysis of SO2
      and SO4= concentration data collected from 1987 through 1996 at rural
      NDDN/CASTNet sites. Annual and seasonal variability is examined. Gradients of SO2
      and SO4= are discussed. The variability of the atmospheric mix of SO2 and SO4= is
      explored spatially and seasonally. Data from CASTNet are also compared to SO2 and
      SO4= data from concurrent monitoring studies in rural areas.

PMID- 28072372
TI  - The Impact of California Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline on Real-World Vehicle
      Emissions.
AB  - In mid-1996, California implemented Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline (RFG). The new
      fuel was designed to further decrease emissions of hydrocarbons (HCs), oxides of
      nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and other toxic
      species. In addition, it was formulated to reduce the ozone-forming potential of
      the HCs emitted by vehicles. Previous studies have observed that emissions from
      on-road vehicles can differ significantly from those predicted by mobile source
      emissions models, and so it is important to quantify the change in emissions in a
      real-world setting. In October 1995, prior to the introduction of California
      Phase 2 RFG, the Desert Research Institute (DRI) performed a study of vehicle
      emissions in Los Angeles' Sepulveda Tunnel. This study provided a baseline
      against which the results of a second experiment, conducted in July 1996, could
      be compared to evaluate the impact of California Phase 2 RFG on emissions from
      real-world vehicles. Compared with the 1995 experiment, CO and NOx emissions
      exhibited statistically significant decreases, while the decrease in non-methane
      hydrocarbon emissions was not statistically significant. Changes in the speciated
      HC emissions were evaluated. The benzene emission rate decreased by 27% and the
      overall emission rate of aromatic compounds decreased by 22% comparing the runs
      with similar speeds. Emissions of alkenes were virtually unchanged; however,
      emissions of combustion related unsaturates (e.g., acetylene, ethene) increased,
      while heavier alkenes decreased. The emission rate of methyl tertiary butyl ether
      (MTBE) exhibited a larger increase. Overall changes in the ozone-forming
      potential of the emissions were not significantly different, with the increased
      contributions to reactivity from paraffins, ole-fins, and MTBE being offset by a
      large decrease in reactivity due to aromatics.

PMID- 28072373
TI  - Enhanced VOC Absorption Using the Ozone/Hydrogen Peroxide Advanced Oxidation
      Process.
AB  - Promoting fast chemical reactions in the liquid phase can significantly increase
      the absorption rate of low-solubility volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a
      packed column. In this research, an innovative scrubbing process was examined in
      which ozone was injected into the VOC stream while the aqueous stream was
      augmented with hydrogen peroxide. The liquid phase reaction of ozone and hydrogen
      peroxide results in the formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals in an
      advanced oxidation process. In this research, the effect of primary process
      parameters on the efficiency of the advanced oxidative scrubber (AOS) was
      examined. Test compounds included toluene, benzene, xylene, tetrachloroethylene
      (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. A mathematical
      absorption model was developed for AOS system. Ozone, hydrogen peroxide,
      contaminant, and scavenger concentrations, as well as pH, all had a significant
      effect on the AOS efficiency.

PMID- 28072374
TI  - The Influence of Gasoline Formulation on Specific Pollutant Emissions.
AB  - Many recent works have dealt with the influence of fuel composition on regulated
      and specific pollutant emissions from spark ignition engines. While many
      qualitative correlations have been already proposed, only a few quantitative ones
      are known (benzene remains an exception). This paper describes qualitative and
      quantitative correlations between fuel composition and specific pollutant
      emissions (individual hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and organic
      acids) of a spark ignition engine. The aim of this work was to find the
      precursors of the main specific pollutants. Then, for each of them, a multilinear
      equation has been calculated, illustrating the correlation between its
      concentration in exhaust gases and its content in the fuel. The results of these
      calculations point out which initial compound favors the formation of a
      determined pollutant. As lean conditions are probably going to be used in future
      commercial engines, the fuel effect has been studied for a broad range of
      equivalence ratios (from 0.8 to 1.2).

PMID- 28072375
TI  - Kinetics and Mechanism of the Reaction of Azide with Ozone in Aqueous Solution.
AB  - The stoichiometry of the reaction of aqueous ozone with sodium azide was studied
      at pH 12 (mainly) where a yellow metastable intermediate is observed. We propose
      that this is hypoazidite (N3O- ), analogous to hypobromite, and that it plays a
      central role in the azide catalyzed decompostion of ozone. The yellow
      intermediate is unstable in acid, in which it rapidly decomposes, generating N2
      and NO2-. The rate of reaction was studied at pH 2.0-3.5, with the ionic strength
      at 0.6 M and temperature at 3-15  degrees  C. The intrinsic second-order rate
      constants were found to be k HN3 <= ~ 400 M-1sec-1 and k N3- = (8.7 +/- 0.5) *
      105 M-1sec-1 (3  degrees C, 0.6 M), both in agreement with the only other
      previous study. The rate constant at 25  degrees C was estimated using the
      following experimentally determined parameters: ln kN3- (M-1sec-1) = (5.73 +/-
      0.36) * 103/T (K) + (28.34 +/- 1.27). The value of kN3- estimated in this way is
      (2.5 +/- 0.1) * 106 M-1sec-1 at 25  degrees C and 0.6 M. The enthalpy of reaction
      (A H) is -48 +/- 3 kJ mol-1.

PMID- 28072376
TI  - Pilot-Scale Demonstration of an Innovative Treatment for Vapor Emissions.
AB  - Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently conducted a
      pilot-scale study at McClellan Air Force Base (AFB) in Sacramento, CA. The
      objective of the test was to determine the effectiveness of an ambient
      temperature, solar-powered photocatalytic oxidation treatment unit for destroying
      emissions of chlorinated organic compounds from an air stripper. This paper
      reports test results and discusses applications and limitations of the
      technology. A 10-standard-cubic-foot-per-minute (SCFM) (28.3 L/min) slip stream
      of air from an air stripper at Operative Unit 29-31 at McClellan AFB was passed
      through a reactor that contained a lightweight, perforated, inert support coated
      with photoactive titanium dioxide. The reactor faced south and was tilted at a 45
      degrees  angle from vertical so that the light-activated catalyst received most
      of the available sunlight. An online portable gas chro-matograph with two
      identical columns simultaneously analyzed the volatile organic compounds
      contained in the reactor inlet and outlet air streams. Summa canister grab
      samples of the inlet and outlet were also collected and sent to a certified
      laboratory for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method TO-14 analysis and
      verification of our field analyses. Three weeks of testing demonstrated that the
      treatment system's destruction and removal efficiencies (DREs) are greater than
      95% at 10 SCFM with UV intensities at or greater than 1.5 milliwatts/square
      centimeter (mW/cm2). DREs greater than 95% at 20 SCFM were obtained under
      conditions where UV irradiation measured at or greater than 2 mW/cm2. In
      Sacramento, this provided 6 hours of operation per clear or nearly clear day in
      April. A solar tracking system could extend operating time. The air stream also
      contained trace amounts of benzene. We observed no loss of system performance
      during testing.

PMID- 28072377
TI  - Core Self-Evaluations and Job and Life Satisfaction: The Mediating and Moderated
      Mediating Role of Job Insecurity.
AB  - This study examined the mediating role of job insecurity in the relationship
      between core self-evaluations (CSE) and job satisfaction, while also
      investigating the moderating role of job insecurity in the mediated relationship
      between CSE and life satisfaction via job satisfaction. Survey data were
      collected from a sample of 346 full-time employees in Taiwan. We found that job
      insecurity partially mediated the CSE-job satisfaction relationship. Moreover, we
      found that job insecurity moderated not only the relationship between CSE and job
      satisfaction but also the mediated relationship between CSE and life satisfaction
      via job satisfaction. Specifically, both the CSE-job satisfaction relationship
      and the CSE-job satisfaction-life satisfaction relationship became stronger when
      job insecurity was low. Our results emphasize the importance of raising
      employees' CSE, which is beneficial not only for diminishing their perceptions of
      job insecurity, but also for boosting their job and life satisfaction. Practical
      implications and directions for future research are discussed.

PMID- 28072379
TI  - The challenge of in vivo tissue characterization, connectivity and big data.

PMID- 28072380
TI  - Network functional connectivity and whole-brain functional connectomics to
      investigate cognitive decline in neurodegenerative conditions.
AB  - Non-invasive mapping of brain functional connectivity (FC) has played a
      fundamental role in neuroscience, and numerous scientists have been fascinated by
      its ability to reveal the brain's intricate morphology and functional properties.
      In recent years, two different techniques have been developed that are able to
      explore FC in pathophysiological conditions and to provide simple and non
      invasive biomarkers for the detection of disease onset, severity and progression.
      These techniques are independent component analysis, which allows a network-based
      functional exploration of the brain, and graph theory, which provides a
      quantitative characterization of the whole-brain FC. In this paper we provide an
      overview of these two techniques and some examples of their clinical applications
      in the most common neurodegenerative disorders associated with cognitive decline,
      including mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
      dementia with Lewy Bodies and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia.

PMID- 28072381
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography in the diagnosis of
      neurodegenerative dementias.
AB  - Neuroimaging, both with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission
      tomography (PET), has gained a pivotal role in the diagnosis of primary
      neurodegenerative diseases. These two techniques are used as biomarkers of both
      pathology and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to differentiate AD
      from other neurodegenerative diseases. MRI is able to identify structural changes
      including patterns of atrophy characterizing neurodegenerative diseases, and to
      distinguish these from other causes of cognitive impairment, e.g. infarcts, space
      occupying lesions and hydrocephalus. PET is widely used to identify regional
      patterns of glucose utilization, since distinct patterns of distribution of
      cerebral glucose metabolism are related to different subtypes of
      neurodegenerative dementia. The use of PET in mild cognitive impairment, though
      controversial, is deemed helpful for predicting conversion to dementia and the
      dementia clinical subtype. Recently, new radiopharmaceuticals for the in vivo
      imaging of amyloid burden have been licensed and more tracers are being developed
      for the assessment of tauopathies and inflammatory processes, which may underlie
      the onset of the amyloid cascade. At present, the cerebral amyloid burden, imaged
      with PET, may help to exclude the presence of AD as well as forecast its possible
      onset. Finally PET imaging may be particularly useful in ongoing clinical trials
      for the development of dementia treatments. In the near future, the use of the
      above methods, in accordance with specific guidelines, along with the use of
      effective treatments will likely lead to more timely and successful treatment of
      neurodegenerative dementias.

PMID- 28072383
TI  - Reconstructing contralateral fiber tracts: methodological aspects of cerebello
      thalamocortical pathway reconstruction.
AB  - The identification of pathways connecting the cerebral cortex with subcortical
      structures is critical to understanding how large-scale brain networks operate.
      The cerebellum, for example, is known to project numerous axonal bundles to
      thecerebral cortex passing through the thalamus. This paper focuses on the
      technical details of cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway reconstruction using
      advanced diffusion MRI techniques in humans in vivo. Pathways reconstructed using
      seed/target placement on super-resolution maps, created with track density
      imaging (TDI), were compared with those reconstructed by defining regions of
      interest (ROIs) on non-diffusion weighted images (b0). We observed that the
      reconstruction of the pathways was more anatomically accurate when using ROIs
      placed on TDI rather than on b0 maps, while inter-subject variability and
      reproducibility were similar between the two methods. Diffusion indices along
      pathways showed a position-dependent specificity that will need to be taken into
      consideration in future clinical investigations.

PMID- 28072382
TI  - Modeling white matter microstructure.
AB  - Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging can be combined with advanced biophysical
      models to measure microstructural features of white matter. Non-invasive
      microstructural imaging has the potential to revolutionize neuroscience, and
      acquiring these measures in clinically feasible times would greatly improve
      patient monitoring and clinical studies of drug efficacy. However, a good
      understanding of microstructural imaging techniques is essential to set realistic
      expectations and to prevent over-interpretation of results. This review explains
      the methodology behind microstructural modeling and imaging, and gives an
      overview of the breakthroughs and challenges associated with it.

PMID- 28072385
TI  - Connectivity measures in the Poffenberger paradigm indicate hemispheric
      asymmetries.
AB  - The Poffenberger paradigm is a well-known measure of interhemispheric transfer
      delays, calculated on the basis of the crossed vs uncrossed reaction time
      difference (CUD). However, the proper interpretation of CUD is extensively
      debated in the literature. In this study we used connectivity measures in an
      attempt to interpret CUD from the perspective of functional connectivity.
      Accordingly, we tried to define functional couplings in the Poffenberger
      paradigm; we used a simple choice version of the paradigm, and included a
      stimulation only (SO) condition for comparison. As an index of functional
      coupling we employed partial directed coherence, exploiting bilateral grouping of
      the electrodes to compute intra-and interhemispheric connection weight ratios
      (CWRs). Our findings indicated modulations in functional weights in relation to
      the SO condition, rather than the crossed and uncrossed conditions, such that the
      response executed by the right hemisphere yielded a decrease in intra-, yet an
      increase in interhemispheric CWRs, whereas the left hemisphere interactions
      showed connectivity patterns similar to the SO condition irrespective of the side
      of movement. Overall, our results suggest modulation of connectivity in the
      same/similar system, which was found to be optimized, in terms of hemispheric
      asymmetries, to different tasks.

PMID- 28072384
TI  - Impact of cerebellar atrophy on cortical gray matter and cerebellar peduncles as
      assessed by voxel-based morphometry and high angular resolution diffusion
      imaging.
AB  - In recent years the cerebellum has been attributed amore important role in higher
      level functions than previously believed. We examined a cohort of patients
      suffering from cerebellar atrophy resulting in ataxia, with two main objectives:
      first to investigate which regions of the cerebrum were affected by the
      cerebellar degeneration, and second to assess whether diffusion magnetic
      resonance imaging (dMRI) metrics within the medial (MCP) and superior cerebellar
      peduncle (SCP) - namely fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) -
      could be used as a biomarker in patients with this condition. Structural and dMRI
      data of seven patients with cerebellar atrophy (2 with spinocerebellar atrophy
      type 2, 1 with Friedreich's ataxia, 4 with idiopathic cerebellar ataxia) and no
      visible cortical lesions or cortical atrophy were investigated with Freesurfer
      and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of gray matter (GM) as well as MCP and SCP FA
      maps. Correlations of MCP and SCP mean FA with ataxia scores and subscores were
      also evaluated. Freesurfer showed that patients had significantly reduced volume
      of the thalamus, ventral diencephalon and pallidum. VBM also demonstrated
      significantly lower local GM volumes in patients, notably in the head of the
      caudate nucleus, posterior cingulate gyrus and orbitofrontal cortex bilaterally,
      as well as in Broca's area in the left hemisphere, and a significant increase in
      RD in the MCP and SCP of both hemispheres. A significant correlation was found
      between MCP mean FA and total ataxia score (R=-0.7, p=0.03), and subscores for
      kinetic functions (R=-0.74, p=0.03) and oculomotor disorders (R=-0.70, p=0.04).
      The regions of the cerebrum found to have significantly lower local GM volumes
      have been described to be involved in higher-level cerebellar functions such as
      initiation of voluntary movements, emotional control, memory retrieval and
      general cognition. Our findings corroborate recent research pointing to a more
      extensive corticocerebellar system than previously thought. The significant
      difference in the MCP and SCP dMRI metrics between patients and controls as well
      as the significant correlation with ataxia total score and subscores support the
      use of dMRI metrics as an imaging biomarker for cerebellar degeneration and
      ataxia.

PMID- 28072386
TI  - Main effects and interactions of cerebral hemispheres, gender, and age in the
      calculation of volumes and asymmetries of selected structures of episodic memory.
AB  - The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of anatomical (cerebral
      hemisphere) and demographic (age and gender) variables on the gray matter (GM)
      volumes and volumetric asymmetry indices (VAIs) of selected structures involved
      in episodic memory. A cross-sectional study was performed in 47 healthy
      volunteers. Neuropsychological evaluation revealed similar IQs across the sample.
      Using SPM-based software, brain segmentation, labeling and volume measurements of
      the hippocampus, amygdala, middle temporal gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus were
      performed in each cerebral hemisphere. A two-way between-groups multivariate
      analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was applied to GM volumes and VAIs. The main
      effects of gender and cerebral hemisphere on GM volumes were significant (p <
      .001), while there was no significant interaction effect between gender and
      cerebral hemisphere. VAI measurements showed a nonsignificant effect of gender,
      but a significant influence of age (p = .015). The linear model of interactions
      and main effects explained 33% of the variance influencing the GM volume
      quantification. While cerebral hemisphere and gender were found to affect the
      volumes of brain structures involved in episodic memory, the calculation of VAIs
      was affected only by age. A comprehensive understanding of the main effects and
      interaction effects of cerebral hemisphere, gender and age on the volumes and
      asymmetries of structures related to episodic memory might help neurologists,
      psychiatrists, geriatricians and other neuroscientists in the study of
      degenerative brain diseases.

PMID- 28072387
TI  - Embryonic origin of adult stem cells required for tissue homeostasis and
      regeneration.
AB  - Planarian neoblasts are pluripotent, adult somatic stem cells and lineage-primed
      progenitors that are required for the production and maintenance of all
      differentiated cell types, including the germline. Neoblasts, originally defined
      as undifferentiated cells residing in the adult parenchyma, are frequently
      compared to embryonic stem cells yet their developmental origin remains obscure.
      We investigated the provenance of neoblasts during Schmidtea mediterranea
      embryogenesis, and report that neoblasts arise from an anarchic, cycling piwi-1+
      population wholly responsible for production of all temporary and definitive
      organs during embryogenesis. Early embryonic piwi-1+ cells are molecularly and
      functionally distinct from neoblasts: they express unique cohorts of early embryo
      enriched transcripts and behave differently than neoblasts in cell
      transplantation assays. Neoblast lineages arise as organogenesis begins and are
      required for construction of all major organ systems during embryogenesis. These
      subpopulations are continuously generated during adulthood, where they act as
      agents of tissue homeostasis and regeneration.

PMID- 28072388
TI  - A sequential multi-target Mps1 phosphorylation cascade promotes spindle
      checkpoint signaling.
AB  - The master spindle checkpoint kinase Mps1 senses kinetochore-microtubule
      attachment and promotes checkpoint signaling to ensure accurate chromosome
      segregation. The kinetochore scaffold Knl1, when phosphorylated by Mps1, recruits
      checkpoint complexes Bub1-Bub3 and BubR1-Bub3 to unattached kinetochores. Active
      checkpoint signaling ultimately enhances the assembly of the mitotic checkpoint
      complex (MCC) consisting of BubR1-Bub3, Mad2, and Cdc20, which inhibits the
      anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome bound to Cdc20 (APC/CCdc20) to delay
      anaphase onset. Using in vitro reconstitution, we show that Mps1 promotes APC/C
      inhibition by MCC components through phosphorylating Bub1 and Mad1.
      Phosphorylated Bub1 binds to Mad1-Mad2. Phosphorylated Mad1 directly interacts
      with Cdc20. Mutations of Mps1 phosphorylation sites in Bub1 or Mad1 abrogate the
      spindle checkpoint in human cells. Therefore, Mps1 promotes checkpoint activation
      through sequentially phosphorylating Knl1, Bub1, and Mad1. This sequential multi
      target phosphorylation cascade makes the checkpoint highly responsive to Mps1 and
      to kinetochore-microtubule attachment.

PMID- 28072389
TI  - Suppression of C9orf72 RNA repeat-induced neurotoxicity by the ALS-associated RNA
      binding protein Zfp106.
AB  - Expanded GGGGCC repeats in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene represent the
      most common cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the
      mechanisms underlying repeat-induced disease remain incompletely resolved. One
      proposed gain-of-function mechanism is that repeat-containing RNA forms
      aggregates that sequester RNA binding proteins, leading to altered RNA metabolism
      in motor neurons. Here, we identify the zinc finger protein Zfp106 as a specific
      GGGGCC RNA repeat-binding protein, and using affinity purification-mass
      spectrometry, we show that Zfp106 interacts with multiple other RNA binding
      proteins, including the ALS-associated factors TDP-43 and FUS. We also show that
      Zfp106 knockout mice develop severe motor neuron degeneration, which can be
      suppressed by transgenic restoration of Zfp106 specifically in motor neurons.
      Finally, we show that Zfp106 potently suppresses neurotoxicity in a Drosophila
      model of C9orf72 ALS. Thus, these studies identify Zfp106 as an RNA binding
      protein with important implications for ALS.

PMID- 28072392
TI  - Impact of scaling base thickness on the performance of heterojunction
      phototransistors.
AB  - In this letter we report the effect of vertical scaling on the optical and
      electrical performance of mid-wavelength infrared heterojunction phototransistors
      based on type-II InAs/GaSb/AlSb superlattices. The performance of devices with
      different base thickness was compared as the base was scaled from 60 down to 40
      nm. The overall optical performance shows enhancement in responsively, optical
      gain, and specific detectivity upon scaling the base width. The saturated
      responsivity for devices with 40 nm bases reaches 8845 and 9528 A W-1 at 77 and
      150 K, respectively, which is almost five times greater than devices with 60 nm
      bases. The saturated optical gain for devices with 40 nm bases is measured as
      2760 at 77 K and 3081 at 150 K. The devices with 40 nm bases also exhibit
      remarkable enhancement in saturated current gain, with 17690 at 77 K, and 19050
      at 150 K.

PMID- 28072393
TI  - Stability of icosahedral quasicrystals in a simple model with two-length scales.
AB  - The phase behaviour of a free energy functional with two length scales is
      examined by comparing the free energy of different candidate phases including
      three-dimensional icosahedral quasicrystals. Accurate free energy of the
      quasicrystals has been obtained using the recently developed projection method.
      The results reveal that the icosahedral quasicrystal and body-centred-cubic
      spherical phase are the stable ordered phases of the model. Furthermore, the
      difference between the results obtained from the projection method and the one
      mode approximation has been analyzed in detail. The present study extends
      previous results on two-dimensional systems, demonstrating that the interactions
      between density waves at two length scales can stabilize two- and three
      dimensional quasicrystals.

PMID- 28072391
TI  - BRAFV600E cooperates with CDX2 inactivation to promote serrated colorectal
      tumorigenesis.
AB  - While 20-30% of colorectal cancers (CRCs) may arise from precursors with serrated
      glands, only 8-10% of CRCs manifest serrated morphology at diagnosis. Markers for
      distinguishing CRCs arising from 'serrated' versus 'conventional adenoma'
      precursors are lacking. We studied 36 human serrated CRCs and found CDX2 loss or
      BRAF mutations in ~60% of cases and often together (p=0.04). CDX2Null/BRAFV600E
      expression in adult mouse intestinal epithelium led to serrated morphology tumors
      (including carcinomas) and BRAFV600E potently interacted with CDX2 silencing to
      alter gene expression. Like human serrated lesions, CDX2Null/BRAFV600E-mutant
      epithelium expressed gastric markers. Organoids from CDX2Null/BRAFV600E-mutant
      colon epithelium showed serrated features, and partially recapitulated the gene
      expression pattern in mouse colon tissues. We present a novel mouse tumor model
      based on signature defects seen in many human serrated CRCs - CDX2 loss and
      BRAFV600E. The mouse intestinal tumors show significant phenotypic similarities
      to human serrated CRCs and inform about serrated CRC pathogenesis.

PMID- 28072390
TI  - A molecular portrait of maternal sepsis from Byzantine Troy.
AB  - Pregnancy complications are poorly represented in the archeological record,
      despite their importance in contemporary and ancient societies. While excavating
      a Byzantine cemetery in Troy, we discovered calcified abscesses among a woman's
      remains. Scanning electron microscopy of the tissue revealed 'ghost cells',
      resulting from dystrophic calcification, which preserved ancient maternal, fetal
      and bacterial DNA of a severe infection, likely chorioamnionitis. Gardnerella
      vaginalis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus dominated the abscesses. Phylogenomic
      analyses of ancient, historical, and contemporary data showed that G. vaginalis
      Troy fell within contemporary genetic diversity, whereas S. saprophyticus Troy
      belongs to a lineage that does not appear to be commonly associated with human
      disease today. We speculate that the ecology of S. saprophyticus infection may
      have differed in the ancient world as a result of close contacts between humans
      and domesticated animals. These results highlight the complex and dynamic
      interactions with our microbial milieu that underlie severe maternal infections.

PMID- 28072394
TI  - Three-dimensional cascaded system analysis of a 50 um pixel pitch wafer-scale
      CMOS active pixel sensor x-ray detector for digital breast tomosynthesis.
AB  - High-resolution, low-noise x-ray detectors based on the complementary metal-oxide
      semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor (APS) technology have been developed and
      proposed for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). In this study, we evaluated the
      three-dimensional (3D) imaging performance of a 50 um pixel pitch CMOS APS x-ray
      detector named DynAMITe (Dynamic Range Adjustable for Medical Imaging
      Technology). The two-dimensional (2D) angle-dependent modulation transfer
      function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS), and detective quantum
      efficiency (DQE) were experimentally characterized and modeled using the cascaded
      system analysis at oblique incident angles up to 30 degrees . The cascaded system
      model was extended to the 3D spatial frequency space in combination with the
      filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstruction method to calculate the 3D and in
      plane MTF, NNPS and DQE parameters. The results demonstrate that the beam
      obliquity blurs the 2D MTF and DQE in the high spatial frequency range. However,
      this effect can be eliminated after FBP image reconstruction. In addition,
      impacts of the image acquisition geometry and detector parameters were evaluated
      using the 3D cascaded system analysis for DBT. The result shows that a wider
      projection angle range (e.g.  +/-30 degrees ) improves the low spatial frequency
      (below 5 mm-1) performance of the CMOS APS detector. In addition, to maintain a
      high spatial resolution for DBT, a focal spot size of smaller than 0.3 mm should
      be used. Theoretical analysis suggests that a pixelated scintillator in
      combination with the 50 um pixel pitch CMOS APS detector could further improve
      the 3D image resolution. Finally, the 3D imaging performance of the CMOS APS and
      an indirect amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistor (TFT) passive pixel
      sensor (PPS) detector was simulated and compared.

PMID- 28072396
TI  - Quantification of static magnetic field effects on radiotherapy ionization
      chambers.
AB  - Integrated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and radiotherapy (RT) delivery
      machines are currently being developed, with some already in clinical use. It is
      anticipated that the strong magnetic field used in some MR-RT designs will have a
      significant impact on routine measurements of dose in the MR-linac performed
      using ionization chambers, which provide traceability back to a primary standard
      definition of dose. In particular, the presence of small air gaps around
      ionization chambers may introduce unacceptably high uncertainty into these
      measurements. In this study, we investigate and quantify the variation
      attributable to air gaps for several routinely-used cylindrical ionization
      chambers in a magnetic field, as well as the effect of the magnetic field alone
      on the response of the chambers. The measurements were performed in a Co-60 beam,
      while the ionization chambers were positioned in custom-made Perspex phantoms
      between the poles of an electromagnet, which was capable of generating magnetic
      fields of up to 2 T field strength, although measurements were focused around 1.5
      T. When an asymmetric air gap was rotated at cardinal angles around the
      ionization chambers investigated here, variation of up to 8.5  +/-  0.2
      percentage points (PTW 31006 chamber) was observed in an applied magnetic field
      of 1.5 T. The minimum peak-to-peak variation was 1.1  +/-  0.1% (Exradin A1SL).
      When the same experiment was performed with a well-defined air gap of known
      position using the PTW 30013 chamber, a variation of 3.8  +/-  0.2% was observed.
      When water was added to the phantom cavity to eliminate all air gaps, the
      variation for the PTW 30013 was reduced to 0.2  +/-  0.01%.

PMID- 28072395
TI  - Evaluation of adaptive treatment planning for patients with non-small cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop metrics to evaluate uncertainties in
      deformable dose accumulation for patients with non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). Initial treatment plans (primary) and cone-beam CT (CBCT) images were
      retrospectively processed for seven NSCLC patients, who showed significant tumor
      regression during the course of treatment. Each plan was developed with IMRT for
      2 Gy  *  33 fractions. A B-spline-based DIR algorithm was used to register weekly
      CBCT images to a reference image acquired at fraction 21 and the resultant
      displacement vector fields (DVFs) were then modified using a finite element
      method (FEM). The doses were calculated on each of these CBCT images and mapped
      to the reference image using a tri-linear dose interpolation method, based on the
      B-spline and FEM-generated DVFs. Contours propagated from the planning image were
      adjusted to the residual tumor and OARs on the reference image to develop a
      secondary plan. For iso-prescription adaptive plans (relative to initial plans),
      mean lung dose (MLD) was reduced, on average from 17.3 Gy (initial plan) to 15.2,
      14.5 and 14.8 Gy for the plans adapted using the rigid, B-Spline and FEM-based
      registrations. Similarly, for iso-toxic adaptive plans (considering MLD relative
      to initial plans) using the rigid, B-Spline and FEM-based registrations, the
      average doses were 69.9  +/-  6.8, 65.7  +/-  5.1 and 67.2  +/-  5.6 Gy in the
      initial volume (PTV1), and 81.5  +/-  25.8, 77.7  +/-  21.6, and 78.9  +/-  22.5
      Gy in the residual volume (PTV21), respectively. Tumor volume reduction was
      correlated with dose escalation (for isotoxic plans, correlation coefficient  = 
      0.92), and with MLD reduction (for iso-fractional plans, correlation coefficient 
      =  0.85). For the case of the iso-toxic dose escalation, plans adapted with the B
      Spline and FEM DVFs differed from the primary plan adapted with rigid
      registration by 2.8  +/-  1.0 Gy and 1.8  +/-  0.9 Gy in PTV1, and the mean
      difference between doses accumulated using the B-spline and FEM DVF's was 1.1  +/
      0.6 Gy. As a dose mapping-induced energy change, energy defect in the tumor
      volume was 20.8  +/-  13.4% and 4.5  +/-  2.4% for the B-spline and FEM-based
      dose accumulations, respectively. The energy defect of the B-Spline-based dose
      accumulation is significant in the tumor volume and highly correlated to the
      difference between the B-Spline and FEM-accumulated doses with their correlation
      coefficient equal to 0.79. Adaptive planning helps escalate target dose and spare
      normal tissue for patients with NSCLC, but deformable dose accumulation may have
      a significant loss of energy in regressed tumor volumes when using image
      intensity-based DIR algorithms. The metric of energy defect is a useful tool for
      evaluation of adaptive planning accuracy for lung cancer patients.

PMID- 28072397
TI  - Agrp neuron activity is required for alcohol-induced overeating.
AB  - Alcohol intake associates with overeating in humans. This overeating is a
      clinical concern, but its causes are puzzling, because alcohol (ethanol) is a
      calorie-dense nutrient, and calorie intake usually suppresses brain appetite
      signals. The biological factors necessary for ethanol-induced overeating remain
      unclear, and societal causes have been proposed. Here we show that core elements
      of the brain's feeding circuits-the hypothalamic Agrp neurons that are normally
      activated by starvation and evoke intense hunger-display electrical and
      biochemical hyperactivity on exposure to dietary doses of ethanol in brain
      slices. Furthermore, by circuit-specific chemogenetic interference in vivo, we
      find that the Agrp cell activity is essential for ethanol-induced overeating in
      the absence of societal factors, in single-housed mice. These data reveal how a
      widely consumed nutrient can paradoxically sustain brain starvation signals, and
      identify a biological factor required for appetite evoked by alcohol.

PMID- 28072398
TI  - Transportable hyperpolarized metabolites.
AB  - Nuclear spin hyperpolarization of 13C-labelled metabolites by dissolution dynamic
      nuclear polarization can enhance the NMR signals of metabolites by several orders
      of magnitude, which has enabled in vivo metabolic imaging by MRI. However,
      because of the short lifetime of the hyperpolarized magnetization (typically <1
      min), the polarization process must be carried out close to the point of use.
      Here we introduce a concept that markedly extends hyperpolarization lifetimes and
      enables the transportation of hyperpolarized metabolites. The hyperpolarized
      sample can thus be removed from the polarizer and stored or transported for use
      at remote MRI or NMR sites. We show that hyperpolarization in alanine and glycine
      survives 16 h storage and transport, maintaining overall polarization
      enhancements of up to three orders of magnitude.

PMID- 28072400
TI  - Prostate cancer: Light, camera, action - photodynamic therapy for low-risk
      disease.

PMID- 28072401
TI  - Infection: A new threat on the horizon - Zika virus and male fertility.

PMID- 28072402
TI  - Prostate cancer: On the down-low - low luminal cell CD38 expression is
      prognostic.

PMID- 28072399
TI  - Organization of high-level visual cortex in human infants.
AB  - How much of the structure of the human mind and brain is already specified at
      birth, and how much arises from experience? In this article, we consider the test
      case of extrastriate visual cortex, where a highly systematic functional
      organization is present in virtually every normal adult, including regions
      preferring behaviourally significant stimulus categories, such as faces, bodies,
      and scenes. Novel methods were developed to scan awake infants with fMRI, while
      they viewed multiple categories of visual stimuli. Here we report that the visual
      cortex of 4-6-month-old infants contains regions that respond preferentially to
      abstract categories (faces and scenes), with a spatial organization similar to
      adults. However, precise response profiles and patterns of activity across
      multiple visual categories differ between infants and adults. These results
      demonstrate that the large-scale organization of category preferences in visual
      cortex is adult-like within a few months after birth, but is subsequently refined
      through development.

PMID- 28072403
TI  - Antimicrobial-resistant sexually transmitted infections: gonorrhoea and
      Mycoplasma genitalium.
AB  - The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major concern worldwide and
      already compromises treatment effectiveness and control of several bacterial
      sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma
      genitalium are evolving into so-called superbugs that can become resistant, both
      in vitro and clinically, to essentially all antimicrobials available for
      treatment, causing exceedingly difficult-to-treat or untreatable STIs and
      threatening global public health. Widespread AMR in these bacteria is likely to
      persist and even worsen in the future, owing to the high number of infections,
      widespread and uncontrolled use of antimicrobials, limited surveillance of AMR
      and clinical failures, as well as the extraordinary capacity of these bacteria to
      develop AMR. This development would not only result in an increased prevalence of
      N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium infections but also in a considerably increasing
      number of severe complications affecting reproductive health. To combat this
      threat, clinicians need to be aware of the current guidelines on diagnostic
      procedures, recommended treatment regimens, as well as therapeutic options for
      multidrug-resistant bacteria. AMR testing needs to be more frequently performed,
      inform treatment decisions and elucidate how AMRs compromise treatment
      effectiveness, guiding research for effective future therapies.

PMID- 28072407
TI  - CORRIGENDUM: Low-pass whole-genome sequencing in clinical cytogenetics: a
      validated approach.

PMID- 28072404
TI  - Autophagic membrane delivery through ATG9.
AB  - One of the key questions regarding macroautophagy/autophagy is the mechanism
      through which the transmembrane protein ATG9 functions in delivering membrane to
      the expanding phagophore, the sequestering compartment that matures into an
      autophagosome. In a recent study, Zhou et al. identified a novel mechanism that
      regulates ATG9 trafficking from the plasma membrane and trans-Golgi network,
      which involves two conserved sorting signals required for ATG9 interaction with
      the AP1/2 adaptor complex and phosphorylation of ATG9 at Tyr8 by SRC kinase and
      at Ser14 by ULK1 for proper function during basal and starvation-induced
      autophagy.

PMID- 28072409
TI  - Alcohol-dose-dependent DNA methylation and expression in the nucleus accumbens
      identifies coordinated regulation of synaptic genes.
AB  - Alterations in DNA methylation have been associated with alcohol exposure and
      proposed to contribute to continued alcohol use; however, the molecular
      mechanisms involved remain obscure. We investigated the escalating effects of
      alcohol use on DNA methylation, gene expression and predicted neural effects in
      the nucleus accumbens of rhesus macaques that self-administered 4% alcohol for
      over 12 months. Using an exploratory approach to identify CpG-rich regions,
      followed by bisulfite sequencing, the methylation levels of 2.7 million CpGs were
      compared between seven low-binge drinkers and nine heavy-very heavy drinking
      subjects. We identified 17 significant differential methylation regions (DMRs),
      including 14 with methylation levels that were correlated with average daily
      alcohol consumption. The size of the DMRs ranged from 29 to 158 bp (mean=63.7),
      included 4-19 CpGs per DMR (mean=8.06) and spanned a range of average methylation
      values from 5 to 34%. Eight of the DMRs mapped to genes implicated in modulating
      synaptic plasticity. Six of the synaptic genes have not previously been linked to
      alcohol use. Validation studies of these eight DMRs using bisulfite amplicon
      sequencing and an expanded set of 30 subjects confirmed the significant alcohol
      dose-associated methylation of the DMRs. Expression analysis of three of the DMR
      associated genes, LRP5, GPR39 and JAKMIP1, revealed significant correlations
      between DMR methylation and whole-gene or alternative transcript expression,
      supporting a functional role in regulating gene expression. Together, these
      studies suggest that alcohol-associated synaptic remodeling may be regulated and
      coordinated at the level of DNA methylation.

PMID- 28072410
TI  - Pre-trauma Methylphenidate in rats reduces PTSD-like reactions one month later.
AB  - In basic research, the etiology of fear-related pathologies, such as post
      traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is conceptualized using fear-conditioning
      protocols that pair environmental stimuli (that is, a conditioned stimulus-CS)
      with an aversive, unconditioned stimulus (US) to elicit an assessable conditioned
      fear response. Although pathophysiological models agree that regulatory
      dysfunctions in this associative process may instigate fear-related pathology,
      current opinions differ in regard to the nature of these dysfunctions. Primarily
      derived from studies in rodents, the prevailing perspective proposes that
      pathological fear-reactions develop from intensified and overly consolidated CS
      US associations. Alternatively, models derived from studies in humans suggest
      that tempospatial inaccuracies in representations of associative fear might
      precipitate pathology by engendering failure to differentiate present experiences
      and past memories of threat. To test this concept in rodents, we administered
      rats with cognition enhancing doses of Methylphenidate before or after fear
      conditioning and measured long-term alterations in their conditioned fear
      behaviors and PTSD-like reactions. The administration of Methylphenidate before
      fear-memory formation indeed reduced anxious-like responses during fear-memory
      retrieval one month later. An individual profiling analysis revealed that
      Methylphenidate onset had opposing effects on the risk for PTSD-like
      classification. The modulation of initial learning and formation of associative
      fear normalized the risk for developing PTSD-like reaction. In contrast, when the
      effects of Methylphenidate were exerted only over later consolidation this risk
      increased markedly. When examined under current psychiatric and
      neuropharmacologic literature, these results reveal a possible strategy of using
      low-dose Methylphenidate for the prevention of PTSD in high risk populations.

PMID- 28072411
TI  - The early growth response protein 1-miR-30a-5p-neurogenic differentiation factor
      1 axis as a novel biomarker for schizophrenia diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
AB  - To date, diagnosis of schizophrenia is still based on clinical interviews and
      careful observations, which is subjective and variable, and can lead to
      misdiagnosis and/or delay in diagnosis. As early intervention in schizophrenia is
      important in improving outcomes, objective tests that can be used for
      schizophrenia diagnosis or treatment monitoring are thus in great need. MicroRNAs
      (miRNAs) negatively regulate target gene expression and their biogenesis is
      tightly controlled by various factors including transcription factors (TFs).
      Dysregulation of miRNAs in brain tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMNCs) from patients with schizophrenia has been well documented, but analysis
      of the sensitivity and specificity for potential diagnostic utility of these
      alternations is limited. In this study, we explored the TF-miRNA-30-target gene
      axis as a novel biomarker for schizophrenia diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
      Using bioinformatics analysis, we retrieved all TFs that control the biogenesis
      of miRNA 30 members as well as all target genes that are regulated by miRNA-30
      members. Further, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis revealed that
      the early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) and miR-30a-5p were remarkably
      downregulated, whereas neurogenic differentiation factor 1 (NEUROD1) was
      significantly upregulated in PBMNCs from patients in acute psychotic state.
      Antipsychotics treatment resulted in the elevation of EGR1 and miR-30a-5p but the
      reduction of NEUROD1. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the
      EGR1-miR-30a-5p-NEUROD1 axis possessed significantly greater diagnostic value
      than miR-30a-5p alone. Our data suggest the EGR1-miR-30a-5p-NEUROD1 axis might
      serve as a promising biomarker for diagnosis and treatment monitoring for those
      patients in acute psychotic state.

PMID- 28072412
TI  - Glutamatergic and GABAergic gene sets in attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder: association to overlapping traits in ADHD and autism.
AB  - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders
      (ASD) often co-occur. Both are highly heritable; however, it has been difficult
      to discover genetic risk variants. Glutamate and GABA are main excitatory and
      inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain; their balance is essential for proper
      brain development and functioning. In this study we investigated the role of
      glutamate and GABA genetics in ADHD severity, autism symptom severity and
      inhibitory performance, based on gene set analysis, an approach to investigate
      multiple genetic variants simultaneously. Common variants within glutamatergic
      and GABAergic genes were investigated using the MAGMA software in an ADHD case
      only sample (n=931), in which we assessed ASD symptoms and response inhibition on
      a Stop task. Gene set analysis for ADHD symptom severity, divided into
      inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, autism symptom severity and
      inhibition were performed using principal component regression analyses.
      Subsequently, gene-wide association analyses were performed. The glutamate gene
      set showed an association with severity of hyperactivity/impulsivity (P=0.009),
      which was robust to correcting for genome-wide association levels. The GABA gene
      set showed nominally significant association with inhibition (P=0.04), but this
      did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. None of single gene or
      single variant associations was significant on their own. By analyzing multiple
      genetic variants within candidate gene sets together, we were able to find
      genetic associations supporting the involvement of excitatory and inhibitory
      neurotransmitter systems in ADHD and ASD symptom severity in ADHD.

PMID- 28072413
TI  - Decreased hippocampal translocator protein (18 kDa) expression in alcohol
      dependence: a [11C]PBR28 PET study.
AB  - Repeated withdrawal from alcohol is clinically associated with progressive
      cognitive impairment. Microglial activation occurring during pre-clinical models
      of alcohol withdrawal is associated with learning deficits. We investigated
      whether there was microglial activation in recently detoxified alcohol-dependent
      patients (ADP), using [11C]PBR28 positron emission tomography (PET), selective
      for the 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO) highly expressed in activated microglia
      and astrocytes. We investigated the relationship between microglial activation
      and cognitive performance. Twenty healthy control (HC) subjects (45+/-13; M:F
      14:6) and nine ADP (45+/-6, M:F 9:0) were evaluated. Dynamic PET data were
      acquired for 90 min following an injection of 331+/-15 MBq [11C]PBR28. Regional
      volumes of distribution (VT) for regions of interest (ROIs) identified a priori
      were estimated using a two-tissue compartmental model with metabolite-corrected
      arterial plasma input function. ADP had an ~20% lower [11C]PBR28 VT, in the
      hippocampus (F(1,24) 5.694; P=0.025), but no difference in VT in other ROIs.
      Hippocampal [11C]PBR28 VT was positively correlated with verbal memory
      performance in a combined group of HC and ADP (r=0.720, P<0.001), an effect seen
      in HC alone (r=0.738; P=0.001) but not in ADP. We did not find evidence for
      increased microglial activation in ADP, as seen pre-clinically. Instead, our
      findings suggest lower glial density or an altered activation state with lower
      TSPO expression. The correlation between verbal memory and [11C]PBR28 VT, raises
      the possibility that abnormalities of glial function may contribute to cognitive
      impairment in ADP.

PMID- 28072414
TI  - Evidence for genetic heterogeneity between clinical subtypes of bipolar disorder.
AB  - We performed a genome-wide association study of 6447 bipolar disorder (BD) cases
      and 12 639 controls from the International Cohort Collection for Bipolar Disorder
      (ICCBD). Meta-analysis was performed with prior results from the Psychiatric
      Genomics Consortium Bipolar Disorder Working Group for a combined sample of 13
      902 cases and 19 279 controls. We identified eight genome-wide significant,
      associated regions, including a novel associated region on chromosome 10
      (rs10884920; P=3.28 * 10-8) that includes the brain-enriched cytoskeleton protein
      adducin 3 (ADD3), a non-coding RNA, and a neuropeptide-specific aminopeptidase P
      (XPNPEP1). Our large sample size allowed us to test the heritability and genetic
      correlation of BD subtypes and investigate their genetic overlap with
      schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. We found a significant difference in
      heritability of the two most common forms of BD (BD I SNP-h2=0.35; BD II SNP
      h2=0.25; P=0.02). The genetic correlation between BD I and BD II was 0.78,
      whereas the genetic correlation was 0.97 when BD cohorts containing both types
      were compared. In addition, we demonstrated a significantly greater load of
      polygenic risk alleles for schizophrenia and BD in patients with BD I compared
      with patients with BD II, and a greater load of schizophrenia risk alleles in
      patients with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder compared with patients
      with either BD I or BD II. These results point to a partial difference in the
      genetic architecture of BD subtypes as currently defined.

PMID- 28072415
TI  - Functional neuroimaging effects of recently discovered genetic risk loci for
      schizophrenia and polygenic risk profile in five RDoC subdomains.
AB  - Recently, 125 loci with genome-wide support for association with schizophrenia
      were identified. We investigated the impact of these variants and their
      accumulated genetic risk on brain activation in five neurocognitive domains of
      the Research Domain Criteria (working memory, reward processing, episodic memory,
      social cognition and emotion processing). In 578 healthy subjects we tested for
      association (i) of a polygenic risk profile score (RPS) including all single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reaching genome-wide significance in the recent
      genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-analysis and (ii) of all independent
      genome-wide significant loci separately that showed sufficient distribution of
      all allelic groups in our sample (105 SNPs). The RPS was nominally associated
      with perigenual anterior cingulate and posterior cingulate/precuneus activation
      during episodic memory (PFWE(ROI)=0.047) and social cognition (PFWE(ROI)=0.025),
      respectively. Single SNP analyses revealed that rs9607782, located near EP300,
      was significantly associated with amygdala recruitment during emotion processing
      (PFWE(ROI)=1.63 * 10-4, surpassing Bonferroni correction for the number of SNPs).
      Importantly, this association was replicable in an independent sample (N=150;
      PFWE(ROI)<0.025). Other SNP effects previously associated with imaging phenotypes
      were nominally significant, but did not withstand correction for the number of
      SNPs tested. To assess whether there was true signal within our data, we repeated
      single SNP analyses with 105 randomly chosen non-schizophrenia-associated
      variants, observing fewer significant results and lower association
      probabilities. Applying stringent methodological procedures, we found preliminary
      evidence for the notion that genetic risk for schizophrenia conferred by
      rs9607782 may be mediated by amygdala function. We critically evaluate the
      potential caveats of the methodological approaches employed and offer suggestions
      for future studies.

PMID- 28072416
TI  - Preclinical amyloid pathology biomarker positivity: effects on tau pathology and
      neurodegeneration.
AB  - Brain autopsy and biomarker studies indicate that the pathology of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) is initiated at least 10-20 years before clinical symptoms. This
      provides a window of opportunity to initiate preventive treatment. However, this
      emphasizes the necessity for biomarkers that identify individuals at risk for
      developing AD later in life. In this cross-sectional study, originating from
      three epidemiologic studies in Sweden (n=1428), the objective was to examine
      whether amyloid pathology, as determined by low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      concentration of the 42 amino acid form of beta-amyloid (Abeta42), is associated
      with biomarker evidence of other pathological changes in cognitively healthy
      elderly. A total of 129 patients were included and CSF levels of Abeta42, total
      tau, tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau), neurogranin, VILIP-1, VEGF,
      FABP3, Abeta40, neurofilament light, MBP, orexin A, BDNF and YKL-40 were
      measured. Among these healthy elderly, 35.6% (N=46) had CSF Abeta42 levels below
      530 pg ml-1. These individuals displayed significantly higher CSF concentrations
      of t-tau (P<0.001), p-tau (181) (P<0.001), neurogranin (P=0.009) and FABP3
      (P=0.044) compared with amyloid-negative individuals. Our study indicates that
      there is a subpopulation among healthy older individuals who have amyloid
      pathology along with signs of ongoing neuronal and synaptic degeneration, as well
      as tangle pathology. Previous studies have demonstrated that increase in CSF tau
      and p-tau is a specific sign of AD progression that occurs downstream of the
      deposition of Abeta. On the basis of this, our data suggest that these subjects
      are at risk for developing AD. We also confirm the association between APOE E4
      and amyloid pathology in healthy older individuals.

PMID- 28072417
TI  - Dopaminergic dynamics underlying sex-specific cocaine reward.
AB  - Although both males and females become addicted to cocaine, females transition to
      addiction faster and experience greater difficulties remaining abstinent. We
      demonstrate an oestrous cycle-dependent mechanism controlling increased cocaine
      reward in females. During oestrus, ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neuron
      activity is enhanced and drives post translational modifications at the dopamine
      transporter (DAT) to increase the ability of cocaine to inhibit its function, an
      effect mediated by estradiol. Female mice conditioned to associate cocaine with
      contextual cues during oestrus have enhanced mesolimbic responses to these cues
      in the absence of drug. Using chemogenetic approaches, we increase VTA activity
      to mechanistically link oestrous cycle-dependent enhancement of VTA firing to
      enhanced cocaine affinity at DAT and subsequent reward processing. These data
      have implications for sexual dimorphism in addiction vulnerability and define a
      mechanism by which cellular activity results in protein alterations that
      contribute to dysfunctional learning and reward processing.

PMID- 28072418
TI  - Microbial community dynamics in Inferno Crater Lake, a thermally fluctuating
      geothermal spring.
AB  - Understanding how microbial communities respond and adjust to ecosystem
      perturbation is often difficult to interpret due to multiple and often
      simultaneous variations in observed conditions. In this research, we investigated
      the microbial community dynamics of Inferno Crater Lake, an acidic geothermal
      spring in New Zealand with a unique thermal cycle that varies between 30 and 80 
      degrees C over a period of 40-60 days. Using a combination of next-generation
      sequencing, geochemical analysis and quantitative PCR we found that the microbial
      community composition was predominantly chemolithotrophic and strongly associated
      with the thermal cycle. At temperatures >65  degrees C, the microbial community
      was dominated almost exclusively by sulphur-oxidising archaea (Sulfolobus-like
      spp.). By contrast, at mesophilic temperatures the community structure was more
      mixed, comprising both archaea and bacteria but dominated primarily by
      chemolithotrophic sulphur and hydrogen oxidisers. Multivariate analysis of
      physicochemical data confirmed that temperature was the only significant variable
      associated with community turnover. This research contributes to our
      understanding of microbial community dynamics in variable environments, using a
      naturally alternating system as a model and extends our limited knowledge of
      acidophile ecology in geothermal habitats.

PMID- 28072419
TI  - An acid-tolerant ammonia-oxidizing gamma-proteobacterium from soil.
AB  - Nitrification, the microbial oxidation of ammonia to nitrate via nitrite, occurs
      in a wide range of acidic soils. However, the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB)
      that have been isolated from soil to date are acid-sensitive. Here we report the
      isolation and characterization of an acid-adapted AOB from an acidic agricultural
      soil. The isolated AOB, strain TAO100, is classified within the
      Gammaproteobacteria based on phylogenetic characteristics. TAO100 can grow in the
      pH range of 5-7.5 and survive in highly acidic conditions until pH 2 by forming
      cell aggregates. Whereas all known gammaproteobacterial AOB (gamma-AOB) species,
      which have been isolated from marine and saline aquatic environments, are
      halophiles, TAO100 is not phenotypically halophilic. Thus, TAO100 represents the
      first soil-originated and non-halophilic gamma-AOB. The TAO100 genome is
      considerably smaller than those of other gamma-AOB and lacks several genes
      associated with salt tolerance which are unnecessary for survival in soil. The
      ammonia monooxygenase subunit A gene of TAO100 and its transcript are higher in
      abundance than those of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and betaproteobacterial AOB in
      the strongly acidic soil. These results indicate that TAO100 plays an important
      role in the nitrification of acidic soils. Based on these results, we propose
      TAO100 as a novel species of a new genus, Candidatus Nitrosoglobus terrae.

PMID- 28072420
TI  - Where less may be more: how the rare biosphere pulls ecosystems strings.
AB  - Rare species are increasingly recognized as crucial, yet vulnerable components of
      Earth's ecosystems. This is also true for microbial communities, which are
      typically composed of a high number of relatively rare species. Recent studies
      have demonstrated that rare species can have an over-proportional role in
      biogeochemical cycles and may be a hidden driver of microbiome function. In this
      review, we provide an ecological overview of the rare microbial biosphere,
      including causes of rarity and the impacts of rare species on ecosystem
      functioning. We discuss how rare species can have a preponderant role for local
      biodiversity and species turnover with rarity potentially bound to
      phylogenetically conserved features. Rare microbes may therefore be overlooked
      keystone species regulating the functioning of host-associated, terrestrial and
      aquatic environments. We conclude this review with recommendations to guide
      scientists interested in investigating this rapidly emerging research area.

PMID- 28072421
TI  - On the ecosystemic network of saliva in healthy young adults.
AB  - A dysbiotic state is believed to be a key factor in the onset of oral disease.
      Although oral diseases have been studied for decades, our understanding of oral
      health, the boundaries of a healthy oral ecosystem and ecological shift toward
      dysbiosis is still limited. Here, we present the ecobiological heterogeneity of
      the salivary ecosystem and relations between the salivary microbiome, salivary
      metabolome and host-related biochemical salivary parameters in 268 healthy adults
      after overnight fasting. Gender-specific differences in the microbiome and
      metabolome were observed and were associated with salivary pH and dietary protein
      intake. Our analysis grouped the individuals into five microbiome and four
      metabolome-based clusters that significantly related to biochemical parameters of
      saliva. Low salivary pH and high lysozyme activity were associated with high
      proportions of streptococcal phylotypes and increased membrane-lipid degradation
      products. Samples with high salivary pH displayed increased chitinase activity,
      higher abundance of Veillonella and Prevotella species and higher levels of amino
      acid fermentation products, suggesting proteolytic adaptation. An over
      specialization toward either a proteolytic or a saccharolytic ecotype may
      indicate a shift toward a dysbiotic state. Their prognostic value and the degree
      to which these ecotypes are related to increased disease risk remains to be
      determined.

PMID- 28072422
TI  - The fitness costs and trade-off shapes associated with the exclusion of nine
      antibiotics by OmpF porin channels.
AB  - The trade-off relationship between antibiotic exclusion and nutrient access
      across the Gram-negative outer membrane is determined by structural constraints
      in porin channels. The precise nutritional cost of exclusion is unknown for
      different antibiotics, as are the shapes of the nutrition-susceptibility trade
      off. Using a library of 10 engineered isogenic Escherichia coli strains with
      structural modifications of OmpF porin expressed at a constant level,
      susceptibilities were measured for nine antibiotics and the nutritional fitness
      costs estimated by competitions in chemostats. Different antibiotics exhibited a
      remarkably varied range of geometries in the nutrition-susceptibility trade-off,
      including convex, concave and sigmoidal trade-off shapes. The trade-off patterns
      predict the possibility of adaptations in contributing to antibiotic resistance;
      exclusion of amoxicillin or trimethoprim in ompF mutants can occur with little
      loss of fitness whereas kanamycin and streptomycin exclusion has a high cost.
      Some individual OmpF changes even allow positive correlations (trade-ups),
      resulting in increased fitness and decreased susceptibility specifically to
      cephalexin or ciprofloxacin. The surprising plasticity of the nutrition-exclusion
      relationship means that there are no generalisable rules that apply to decreasing
      susceptibility for all antibiotics. The protein changes are exquisitely specific
      in determining nutritional fitness and adaptive outcomes in a structural
      constraint trade-off.

PMID- 28072423
TI  - Nanotechnology-based Cryopreservation of Cell-Scaffold Constructs: A New
      Breakthrough to Clinical Application.
AB  - The developments of "off-the-shelf" cell-scaffold constructs received an
      increasing interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although the
      direct cryopreservation of a single-cell suspension in the tube is a relative
      mature technology, the cryopreservation of cell-scaffold constructs remains a
      challenge. Nanotechnology shows tremendous potential for cryopreservation in
      regulating of freezing and thawing processes. For example, nanoparticles have
      been reported to modify the cryoprotective agent (CPA), adjust the process of
      cooling and warming cycles. In this review, we provide an overview of
      cryopreservation of cell-scaffold constructs firstly. The review further focuses
      on the effects of nanotechnology on cryopreservation of cell-scaffold constructs,
      including the nanostructure of scaffold, nanoparticles in cooling and warming
      process in cryopreservation. The perspectives on future challenges in this filed
      are also pointed out.

PMID- 28072424
TI  - A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Damage to Rodent Sperm
      Generated by Microscale Ice Formation.
AB  - :   BACKGROUND: Rodent sperm cryopreservation is of critical importance for the
      maintenance of lines or strains of genetically engineered mice and rats. However,
      rodent sperm are extremely mechanically sensitive due to their unusual
      morphology, and are severely damaged using current methods of cryopreservation.
      Those methods result in poor post thaw motility (PTM) for mouse. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the mechanism of mechanical damage introduced to rodent sperm during
      freezing, a micro-mechanical model was established to analyze the sperm radial
      and axial thermal stresses generated by microscale extracellular ice formation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: PTM of mouse sperm cryopreserved in capillaries of
      different radii (100, 200, 344, 526, 775um) was measured using a standard
      computer-assisted sperm analysis system. RESULTS: The model predicts that when
      one of the inner dimensions of the containers (the inner diameter of plastic
      straws or straw capillaries) is on the same order of magnitude of sperm length,
      axial stress is significantly increased. The experimental results showed that the
      value of PTM was decreased from 38 +/- 8 % in the larger (775um) capillaries to 0
      +/- 0 % in the smaller (100 um) ones. CONCLUSION: Theoretical analysis based on
      the established model were experimentally validated and can be used to guide the
      design of novel devices to improve the efficiency of rodent sperm
      cryopreservation.

PMID- 28072425
TI  - Direct Microscale Measurement of Mouse Oocyte Membrane Permeability to Water and
      Ethylene Glycol at Subzero Temperatures Using Cryomicroscopy.
AB  - :   BACKGROUND: Investigation of cell osmotic behavior at subzero temperatures is
      of critical importance to the optimization of cooling procedures for
      cryopreservation. Based on established thermodynamic models, plasma membrane
      permeability coefficients for water and cryoprotectant agent (CPA) (Lcpa, Pp) and
      their activation energies (EaLp, EaPcpa) are essential to predict the change of
      cell volume and composition of intracellular solutions corresponding to different
      cooling procedures. However, currently available methods to measure Lp at subzero
      temperatures suffer from technical difficulties due to ice formation and there
      are no generalized methods to measure Pcpa at subzero temperatures. OBJECTIVE:
      The present study aims to investigate cell osmotic behavior at subzero
      temperatures without ice formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study cells
      were directly injected into super-cooled CPA solutions mounted on a
      cryomicroscope, and the corresponding osmotic properties were measured. RESULTS:
      Using ethylene glycol (EG), the value of PEG for mouse (CD-1) metaphase II
      oocytes at 0, -5, -10 degree C was determined to be 8.451.20, 7.430.91, 6.401.10,
      x10-6 cm/min, respectively, and EaPEG was calculated to be 3.9 kCal/mol. Lp in
      the presence of EG (LpEG) at 0, -5, -10 , -15 degree C was determined to be 7.0
      1.15, 4.90 1.20, 2.44 0.31, 1.200.24, x 10-2 um/min/atm, respectively, and EaLp
      was calculated to be 15.5 kCal/mol. CONCLUSION: Comparing these values with those
      previously measured at superzero temperatures, we concluded that for mouse
      oocytes, the Arrhenius relationship for LpEG is consistent at superzero and
      subzero temperatures, but the values of PEG at subzero temperatures are much
      lower than the extrapolated values from the Arrhenius relationship at superzero
      temperatures, possibly caused by membrane phase transition at low temperatures.

PMID- 28072426
TI  - Effect of Nanoparticles on the Survival and Development of Vitrified Porcine GV
      Oocytes.
AB  - : BACKGROUND: Some mammalian oocytes have been successfully cryopreserved by
      vitrification. However, the survival and developmental rate of vitrified oocytes
      is still low. The incorporation of nanoparticles into cryoprotectant (CPA) may
      improve the efficiency of vitrification by changing the properties of solutions.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The toxicity of different concentrations of hydroxy
      apatite (HA), silica dioxide (SO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and titanium dioxide
      (TiO2) nanoparticles (20 nm in diameter) to oocytes was tested and the toxicity
      threshold value of each nanoparticle was determined. Porcine GV oocytes were
      vitrified in optimized nano-CPA, and effects of diameter and concentration of
      nanoparticles on the survival rate and developmental rate of porcine GV oocytes
      were compared. RESULTS: HA nanoparticles have demonstrated the least toxicity
      among four nanoparticles and the developmental rate of GV-stage porcine oocytes
      was 100% when its concentration was lower than 0.5%. By adding 0.1% HA into VS,
      the developmental rate of GV-stage porcine oocytes (22%) was significantly higher
      than other groups. The effect of vitrification in nano-CPA on oocytes was related
      to the concentration of HA nanoparticles rather than their size. By adding 0.05%
      HA nanoparticles (60nm in diameter), the developmental rate increased
      dramatically from 14.7% to 30.4%. CONCLUSION: Nano-cryopreservation offers a new
      way to improve the effect of survival and development of oocytes, but the
      limitation of this technology shall not be ignored.

PMID- 28072427
TI  - Calorimetric Studies on Thermal Properties of Nano-Cryoprotectant Solutions
      during Vitrification.
AB  - : BACKGROUND: Vitrification, the ice-free cryopreservation, develops rapidly and
      can become an ideal method for long-term preservation of cells and tissues. But
      up to now it is not practical for samples with large size because of the ultra
      rapid cooling rate required. It has been reported that nanoparticles improve heat
      conductivity of solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, Hydroxyapatite
      (HA) nanoparticles(20, 40 or 60nm)at 0.1 %, 0.5 % or 1 % (w/w) were added into
      glycerol solutions. Glass transition temperature and devitrification temperature
      of aqueous glycerol solutions with/without HA nanoparticles were measured by a
      differential scanning calorimeter(DSC) at a cooling rate of 150 degree C/min and
      a warming rate of 10 degree C/ min. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Glass-transition
      temperatures and devitrification temperatures of glycerol aqueous solutions
      increased after the incorporation of HA nanoparticles. In the study using slow
      cooling rate of 10 degree C/min and warming rate of 5 degree C/min, the fraction
      of unfrozen water in the 50 % (w/w) glycerol solution increases steadily with the
      addition of HA nanoparticles. The findings have significant implications for
      biomaterial cryopreservation.

PMID- 28072428
TI  - 3D Modelling on Biodegradable Nanoparticle-Enhanced Cryoablation of Liver Tumor
      Based on Real Anatomical Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nanoparticle-enhanced freezing is of great importance for developing
      a conformal targeted cryoablation for liver tumor with complex shape. However,
      the safety and biocompatibility of nanoparticles should also be of major
      concerns. OBJECTIVE: This study is to investigate the enhanced cryoablation
      mediated by the MgO nanoparticles which are nontoxic, biodegradable, and have few
      side-effects on the human body. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-dimensional
      numerical model has been developed based on a real geometrical anatomical
      structure to characterize such nanocryosurgical freezing of liver tumor. The
      evolutions of temperature field and ablation volume were investigated subject to
      different concentrations and scopes of the loaded nanoparticles, respectively.
      Additionally, the results of different probe numbers were also taken into
      consideration. RESULTS: It was found that the lesion growth was evidently
      affected by the configurations of both the nanoparticles and cryoprobes. Both
      ablation and frozen regions were enlarged with the increase of the loading ratio
      and scope of MgO nanoparticles. It was worth mentioning that thermal
      physiological behavior of the adjacent large blood vessels also played an
      important role in affecting the target temperature field distribution.
      CONCLUSION: The present study established a feasible way for verisimilarly
      simulating the physiological manifestation of human liver in the process of nano
      freezing modality, which would provide a valuable guidance for future clinical
      practice of conformal nano-cryoablation on liver tumor.

PMID- 28072429
TI  - Integrating Micro- or Nanoscale Encapsulation Technology with Vitreous
      Cryopreservation: A New Strategy to Improve Biopreservation.
AB  - :   BACKGROUND: None-uniform distributions of temperatures, limited freezing and
      thawing rates, and thermal stresses are three main hindering factors for
      successful vitreous cryopreservation of mass volume of biosamples. Micro- and
      nanoscale encapsulation, owning the intrinsic features to avoid those limitations
      introduced by the traditional approaches, has been opened up a new way for
      effective and high-efficiency biopreservation. NEW APPROACH: This short review
      article summarizes recent advances in cell encapsulation technology for
      biopreservation by manipulating cells and biological agents in micro- or
      nanoscale volume droplets and microgels, and discusses its promising applications
      for future vitreous cryopreservation.

PMID- 28072430
TI  - Measurement of Thermal Conductivity of Porcine Liver in the Temperature Range of
      Cryotherapy and Hyperthermia (250~315k) by A Thermal Sensor Made of A Micron
      Scale Enameled Copper Wire.
AB  - :   BACKGROUND: Cryotherapy and hyperthermia are effective treatments for several
      diseases, especially for liver cancers. Thermal conductivity is a significant
      thermal property for the prediction and guidance of surgical procedure. However,
      the thermal conductivities of organs and tissues, especially over the temperature
      range of both cryotherapy and hyperthermia are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To provide
      comprehensive thermal conductivity of liver for both cryotherapy and
      hyperthermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hot probe made of stain steel needle and
      micron-sized copper wire is used for measurement. To verify data processing, both
      the least square method and the Monte Carlo inversion method are used to
      determine the hot probe constants, respectively, with reference materials of
      water and 29.9 % Ca2Cl aqueous solution. Then the thermal conductivities of Hanks
      solution and pork liver bathed in Hanks solution are measured. RESULTS: The
      effective length for two methods is nearly the same, but the heat capacity of
      probe calibrated by the Monte Carlo inversion is temperature dependent. Fairly
      comprehensive thermal conductivity of porcine liver measured with these two
      methods in the target temperature range is verified to be similar. CONCLUSION: We
      provide an integrated thermal conductivity of liver for cryotherapy and
      hyperthermia in two methods, and make more accurate predictions possible for
      surgery. The least square method and the Monte Carlo inversion method have their
      advantages and disadvantages. The least square method is available for
      measurement of liquids that not prone to convection or solids in a wide
      temperature range, while the Monte Carlo inversion method is available for
      accurate and rapid measurement.

PMID- 28072432
TI  - Closed Vitrification System as A Platform for Cryopreservation of Tissue
      Engineered Constructs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and MSCs-based
      tissue engineered constructs (TECs) is a promising strategy for regenerative
      medicine. OBJECTIVE: To examine vitrification system consisting of multicomponent
      vitreous solution, closed type container, human adult MSCs and two-step exposure
      procedure as a platform for cryopreservation of MSCs-based TECs. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Vitrification properties of solutions were studied by visual analysis
      and calorimetry. Viability (trypan blue, MTT-test), metabolic activity (Alamar
      Blue assay) and adhesion of cells were assessed both after exposure with vitreous
      solutions and following rapid cooling-thawing in standard cryovials. RESULTS: The
      feasibility of the vitrification system was tested on MSCs suspensions (S-MSCs)
      and alginate encapsulated MSCs (AE-MSCs). The minimal concentrations of
      cryoprotectants, which allowed avoiding ice formation during rapid cooling and
      rewarming comprised 10 % for dimethylsulfoxide, 20 % for ethylene glycol, 20 %
      for 1.2-propanediol and 0.5 M sucrose. To achieve viability and metabolic
      activity rates of AE-MSCs comparable to S-MSCs after vitrification the extension
      of the exposure time within the same vitreous solution was sufficient. After
      vitrification both S-MSCs and AE-MSCs retained the capacity to osteogenic and
      adipogenic differentiation. CONCLUSION: Data demonstrate that this vitrification
      system can be used as a platform for development of effective protocols for
      cryopreservation of MSCs-based TECs.

PMID- 28072431
TI  - Expression Patterns of Three Genes Under Short and Long Term Cold Exposure in
      Thitarodes pui (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), A Host of Ophiocordyceps sinensis.
AB  - :   BACKGROUND: Thitarodes larvae are the host of the caterpillar fungus
      Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Low temperature is the main environmental limitation for
      larvae growth. OBJECTIVE: To better understand the cold adaption process in T.
      pui larvae, the expression patterns of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TpTPS),
      heat shock protein 70 (TpHSP70), and heat shock protein 90 (TpHSP90) were
      investigated upon short and long-term exposure to 0 degrees C. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The 6th instar T. pui larvae were collected in July 2013. TpTPS was
      firstly sequenced and expression patterns of TpTPS, TpHSP70 and TpHSP90 were
      investigated using quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Full-length cDNA of TpTPS was 3,012
      bp, with an open reading frame of 2,472 bp and an encoding protein of 823 amino
      acids. TpTPS up-regulation was induced by cold exposure. TpHSP70 expression is
      altered by cold exposure, but remained low. TpHSP90 expression was obviously up
      regulated in long-term cold stimulation. CONCLUSION: All three genes (TpTPS,
      TpHSP70 and TpHSP90) have likely contributed to cold tolerance in T. pui larvae,
      TpTPS and TpHSP90 potentially being more important.

PMID- 28072433
TI  - Effects of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles on Nucleation and Crystal Growth in
      the Vitrified VS55 During Warming.
AB  - :   BACKGROUND:Magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs), once excited by radiofrequency (RF)
      energy, could heat uniformly and rapidly the vitrified biospecimens. However,
      there are few studies about the impact of mNPs on crystallization kinetics of
      vitrified samples. OBJECTIVES: The present work aims to investigate the
      nucleation and crystal growth in the vitrification solution VS55 with mNPs.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ferrotec EMG308 superparamagnetic nanoparticles (10 +/-
      2.5 nm in diameter) coated with an anionic surfactant was used in this study with
      Fe2+ concentration around 10 mg/ml. The thermal range and the kinetics of
      nucleation and crystal growth are conducted by DSC and cryomicroscope through
      different thermal treatments. RESULTS: The fusion heat of VS55+ mNPs is lower
      than that of VS55 around the rubbery region (-110 to -82 degree C), which
      suggests the suppression of ice nuclei formation at this temperature range by
      mNPs. Upon slow cooling especially, much more nuclei in vitrified VS55 forms than
      that in vitrified VS55+mNPs. The activation energy Ea of VS55 is lower than that
      of VS55+mNPs (41.6 kJ/mol vs 46.2 kJ/mol) during devitrification. The presence of
      mNPs helps to form more stable glass. And these results are consistent with the
      observations by cryomicroscope. CONCLUSION: The presence of mNPs suppresses ice
      nuclei formation, especially at slow cooling conditions, and stabilize the
      cryoprotective solution. The findings can assist the design of magnetic
      nanoparticles with functional surface coating.

PMID- 28072434
TI  - [Referral with images--equitable and cost-effective care].
AB  - This study evaluates the use of teledermatology at Norrland University Hospital
      in Northern Sweden between 2009 and 2014. In total, there were 27 198 incoming
      referrals. Of these, 1504 had photo attachments, and could be answered directly
      without a face-to-face appointment. Most of these referrals (73%) came from
      health care providers more than 100 kilometres away and 71% were answered within
      a week. Patients received care sooner and saved both time and money by less
      travelling. Teledermatology lead to less delay to a face-to-face appointment for
      patients where teledermatology was not an option.

PMID- 28072435
TI  - ?

PMID- 28072436
TI  - [Metabolic surgery is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes--but several
      questions remains to be answered].

PMID- 28072437
TI  - ?

PMID- 28072438
TI  - ["Nobody misses the coccyx". Coccygectomy is recommended].

PMID- 28072440
TI  - ?

PMID- 28072439
TI  - ?

PMID- 28072441
TI  - ?

PMID- 28072442
TI  - ?

PMID- 28072443
TI  - [Value-based care is well worth an evaluation].

PMID- 28072444
TI  - Predator effects on reef fish settlement depend on predator origin and recruit
      density.
AB  - During major life-history transitions, animals often experience high mortality
      rates due to predation, making predator avoidance particularly advantageous
      during these times. There is mixed evidence from a limited number of studies,
      however, regarding how predator presence influences settlement of coral-reef
      fishes and it is unknown how other potentially mediating factors, including
      predator origin (native vs. nonnative) or interactions among conspecific
      recruits, mediate the non-consumptive effects of predators on reef fish
      settlement. During a field experiment in the Caribbean, approximately 52% fewer
      mahogany snapper (Lutjanus mahogoni) recruited to reefs with a native predator
      (graysby grouper, Cephalopholis cruentata) than to predator-free control reefs
      and reefs with an invasive predator (red lionfish, Pterois volitans) regardless
      of predator diet. These results suggest that snapper recruits do not recognize
      nonnative lionfish as a threat. However, these effects depended on the density of
      conspecific recruits, with evidence that competition may limit the response of
      snapper to even native predators at the highest recruit densities. In contrast,
      there was no effect of predator presence or conspecific density on the
      recruitment of bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus). These context-dependent
      responses of coral-reef fishes to predators during settlement may influence
      individual survival and shape subsequent population and community dynamics.

PMID- 28072445
TI  - A Joint Analytic Method for Estimating Aquitard Hydraulic Parameters.
AB  - The vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv ), elastic (Sske ), and inelastic (Sskv )
      skeletal specific storage of aquitards are three of the most critical parameters
      in land subsidence investigations. Two new analytic methods are proposed to
      estimate the three parameters. The first analytic method is based on a new
      concept of delay time ratio for estimating Kv and Sske of an aquitard subject to
      long-term stable, cyclic hydraulic head changes at boundaries. The second
      analytic method estimates the Sskv of the aquitard subject to linearly declining
      hydraulic heads at boundaries. Both methods are based on analytical solutions for
      flow within the aquitard, and they are jointly employed to obtain the three
      parameter estimates. This joint analytic method is applied to estimate the Kv ,
      Sske , and Sskv of a 34.54-m thick aquitard for which the deformation progress
      has been recorded by an extensometer located in Shanghai, China. The estimated
      results are then calibrated by PEST (Doherty 2005), a parameter estimation code
      coupled with a one-dimensional aquitard-drainage model. The Kv and Sske estimated
      by the joint analytic method are quite close to those estimated via inverse
      modeling and performed much better in simulating elastic deformation than the
      estimates obtained from the stress-strain diagram method of Ye and Xue (2005).
      The newly proposed joint analytic method is an effective tool that provides
      reasonable initial values for calibrating land subsidence models.

PMID- 28072446
TI  - Randomized clinical trial of preoperative dexamethasone on postoperative nausea
      and vomiting after laparoscopy for suspected appendicitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the effects of preoperative
      dexamethasone in acute surgical patients. This study examined the effects of 8 mg
      dexamethasone administered intravenously 30 min before surgery for suspected
      acute appendicitis. METHODS: A multicentre, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo
      controlled study was conducted at two university hospitals in Denmark. Adults
      undergoing laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis were eligible for
      inclusion. Participants, healthcare staff and investigators were blinded until
      all data analysis had been done. The primary outcome was the incidence of
      postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) during the first postoperative day.
      Secondary outcomes were pain, fatigue, sleep, opioid consumption, use of
      antiemetics, quality of recovery and duration of convalescence. Analysis was done
      according to the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients
      were enrolled; 57 patients in the dexamethasone group and 59 in the placebo group
      were eligible for primary analysis. In the dexamethasone group, 47 (95 per cent
      c.i. 35 to 60) per cent of patients experienced PONV compared with 63 (50 to 74)
      per cent) in the placebo group. The absolute risk reduction in PONV was 15 (-3 to
      33) per cent in favour of the dexamethasone group (P = 0.098). Patients in the
      dexamethasone group had less pain at rest (difference in score on visual analogue
      scale (VAS) 9 (95 per cent c.i. 1 to 17) mm; P = 0.024), were less fatigued
      (difference in VAS score 7 (0 to 14) mm; P = 0.038), used fewer opioids (absolute
      risk reduction 17 (2 to 33) per cent; P = 0.033) and had better quality of
      recovery (difference in QoR-15 score 13 (4 to 22); P = 0.006) during the first
      postoperative day. There was no difference in postoperative complications (P =
      0.595). CONCLUSION: Preoperative dexamethasone did not reduce PONV by the target
      level of 50 per cent. Registration number: NCT02415335 (
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

PMID- 28072447
TI  - Randomized clinical trial comparing standard diet with perioperative oral
      immunonutrition in total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total gastrectomy for gastric cancer is associated with excessive
      weight loss and decreased calorie intake. Nutritional support using
      eicosapentaenoic acid modulates immune function and limits catabolism in patients
      with advanced cancer, but its impact in the perioperative period is unclear.
      METHODS: This was a randomized phase III clinical trial of addition of
      eicosapentaenoic acid-rich nutrition to a standard diet in patients having total
      gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Patients were randomized to either a standard
      diet or standard diet with oral supplementation of an eicosapentaenoic acid
      (ProSure(r)), comprising 600 kcal with 2.2 g eicosapentaenoic acid, for 7 days
      before and 21 days after surgery. The primary endpoint was percentage bodyweight
      loss at 1 and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Of 127 eligible patients, 126 were
      randomized; 124 patients (61 standard diet, 63 supplemented diet) were analysed
      for safety and 123 (60 standard diet, 63 supplemented diet) for efficacy. Across
      both groups, all but three patients underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y
      reconstruction. Background factors were well balanced between the groups. Median
      compliance with the supplement in the immunonutrition group was 100 per cent
      before and 54 per cent after surgery. The surgical morbidity rate was 13 per cent
      in patients who received a standard diet and 14 per cent among those with a
      supplemented diet. Median bodyweight loss at 1 month after gastrectomy was 8.7
      per cent without dietary supplementation and 8.5 per cent with eicosapentaenoic
      acid enrichment (P = 0.818, adjusted P = 1.000). Similarly, there was no
      difference between groups in percentage bodyweight loss at 3 months (P = 0.529,
      adjusted P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Immunonutrition based on an eicosapentaenoic
      acid-enriched oral diet did not reduce bodyweight loss after total gastrectomy
      for gastric cancer compared with a standard diet. Registration number:
      UMIN000006380 ( http://www.umin.ac.jp/).

PMID- 28072449
TI  - A survival guide to Landsat preprocessing.
AB  - Landsat data are increasingly used for ecological monitoring and research. These
      data often require preprocessing prior to analysis to account for sensor, solar,
      atmospheric, and topographic effects. However, ecologists using these data are
      faced with a literature containing inconsistent terminology, outdated methods,
      and a vast number of approaches with contradictory recommendations. These issues
      can, at best, make determining the correct preprocessing workflow a difficult and
      time-consuming task and, at worst, lead to erroneous results. We address these
      problems by providing a concise overview of the Landsat missions and sensors and
      by clarifying frequently conflated terms and methods. Preprocessing steps
      commonly applied to Landsat data are differentiated and explained, including
      georeferencing and co-registration, conversion to radiance, solar correction,
      atmospheric correction, topographic correction, and relative correction. We then
      synthesize this information by presenting workflows and a decision tree for
      determining the appropriate level of imagery preprocessing given an ecological
      research question, while emphasizing the need to tailor each workflow to the
      study site and question at hand. We recommend a parsimonious approach to Landsat
      preprocessing that avoids unnecessary steps and recommend approaches and data
      products that are well tested, easily available, and sufficiently documented. Our
      focus is specific to ecological applications of Landsat data, yet many of the
      concepts and recommendations discussed are also appropriate for other disciplines
      and remote sensing platforms.

PMID- 28072450
TI  - Spatial heterogeneity can resolve the nitrogen paradox of tropical forests.
AB  - Many tropical forests are characterized by large losses of plant-available forms
      of nitrogen (N), indicating that they are N rich, and by an abundance of plants
      capable of symbiotic N fixation. These N-fixing plants can fix enough N to drive
      N richness. However, biological N fixation (BNF) is more expensive than using
      plant-available N, so sustained BNF in N-rich soils appears to be a paradox.
      Here, we use spatially explicit ecosystem models to analyze the conditions under
      which spatial heterogeneity can induce simultaneous BNF and loss of plant
      available N (hereafter, we call this combination "N-rich BNF"). Spatial movement
      of litter to neighboring plants' rooting zones can maintain N-rich BNF under a
      variety of conditions. For example, when N-fixers have higher N demand than non
      fixers, N-fixers export N-rich litter to non-fixers, inducing large losses of
      plant-available N from the ecosystem, and receive N-poor litter from non-fixers,
      inducing BNF. BNF and N loss fluxes increase in proportion to the ratio of N
      fixer litter N:P to non-fixer litter N:P, and also in proportion to the fraction
      of litter transferred out of a tree's rooting zone. Stoichiometric variability
      augments N-rich BNF, as does increasing the fraction of the landscape occupied by
      N-fixers, at least when they are rare. On the contrary, greater root overlap
      between neighbors and clumping of N-fixers diminish N-rich BNF. Finally, we
      examined how spatial litter transfer interacts with another mechanism that can
      sustain N-rich BNF, incomplete down-regulation of BNF. Spatial transfer and
      incomplete down-regulation can both sustain N-rich BNF, but they are compensatory
      rather than additive. These mechanisms can be distinguished by examining where N
      losses occur. Incomplete down-regulation of BNF leads to greater N loss under N
      fixing trees, whereas spatial litter transfer leads to greater N loss under non
      fixing trees. Along with time lags in regulating BNF, these results comprise a
      series of hypotheses that could help understand the N paradox of tropical
      forests.

PMID- 28072451
TI  - The impact of salience and visual working memory on the monitoring and control of
      saccadic behavior: An eye-tracking and EEG study.
AB  - In a concurrent eye-tracking and EEG study, we investigated the impact of
      salience on the monitoring and control of eye movement behavior and the role of
      visual working memory (VWM) capacity in mediating this effect. Participants made
      eye movements to a unique line-segment target embedded in a search display also
      containing a unique distractor. Target and distractor salience was manipulated by
      varying degree of orientation offset from a homogenous background. VWM capacity
      was measured using a change-detection task. Results showed greater likelihood of
      incorrect saccades when the distractor was relatively more salient than when the
      target was salient. Misdirected saccades to salient distractors were strongly
      represented in the error-monitoring system by rapid and robust error-related
      negativity (ERN), which predicted a significant adjustment of oculomotor
      behavior. Misdirected saccades to less-salient distractors, while arguably
      representing larger errors, were not as well detected or utilized by the
      error/performance-monitoring system. This system was instead better engaged in
      tasks requiring greater cognitive control and by individuals with higher VWM
      capacity. Our findings show that relative salience of task-relevant and task
      irrelevant stimuli can define situations where an increase in cognitive control
      is necessary, with individual differences in VWM capacity explaining significant
      variance in the degree of monitoring and control of goal-directed eye movement
      behavior. The present study supports a conflict-monitoring interpretation of the
      ERN, whereby the level of competition between different responses, and the
      stimuli that define these responses, was more important in the generation of an
      enhanced ERN than the error commission itself.

PMID- 28072448
TI  - Identification of altered brain metabolites associated with TNAP activity in a
      mouse model of hypophosphatasia using untargeted NMR-based metabolomics analysis.
AB  - Tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is a key player of bone
      mineralization and TNAP gene (ALPL) mutations in human are responsible for
      hypophosphatasia (HPP), a rare heritable disease affecting the mineralization of
      bones and teeth. Moreover, TNAP is also expressed by brain cells and the severe
      forms of HPP are associated with neurological disorders, including epilepsy and
      brain morphological anomalies. However, TNAP's role in the nervous system remains
      poorly understood. To investigate its neuronal functions, we aimed to identify
      without any a priori the metabolites regulated by TNAP in the nervous tissue. For
      this purpose we used 1 H- and 31 P NMR to analyze the brain metabolome of Alpl
      (Akp2) mice null for TNAP function, a well-described model of infantile HPP.
      Among 39 metabolites identified in brain extracts of 1-week-old animals, eight
      displayed significantly different concentration in Akp2-/- compared to Akp2+/+
      and Akp2+/- mice: cystathionine, adenosine, GABA, methionine, histidine, 3
      methylhistidine, N-acetylaspartate (NAA), and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate, with
      cystathionine and adenosine levels displaying the strongest alteration. These
      metabolites identify several biochemical processes that directly or indirectly
      involve TNAP function, in particular through the regulation of ecto-nucleotide
      levels and of pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes. Some of these metabolites
      are involved in neurotransmission (GABA, adenosine), in myelin synthesis (NAA,
      NAAG), and in the methionine cycle and transsulfuration pathway (cystathionine,
      methionine). Their disturbances may contribute to the neurodevelopmental and
      neurological phenotype of HPP.

PMID- 28072452
TI  - What our eyes tell us about feelings: Tracking pupillary responses during emotion
      regulation processes.
AB  - Emotion regulation is essential for adaptive behavior and mental health.
      Strategies applied to alter emotions are known to differ in their impact on
      psychological and physiological aspects of the emotional response. However,
      emotion regulation outcome has primarily been assessed via self-report, and
      studies comparing regulation strategies with regard to their peripheral
      physiological mechanisms are limited in number. In the present study, we
      therefore aimed to investigate the effects of different emotion regulation
      strategies on pupil dilation, skin conductance responses, and subjective
      emotional responses. Thirty healthy females were presented with negative and
      neutral pictures and asked to maintain or up- and downregulate their upcoming
      emotional responses through reappraisal or distraction. Pupil dilation and skin
      conductance responses were significantly enhanced when viewing negative relative
      to neutral pictures. For the pupil, this emotional arousal effect manifested
      specifically late during the pupillary response. In accordance with subjective
      ratings, increasing negative emotions through reappraisal led to the most
      prominent pupil size enlargements, whereas no consistent effect for
      downregulation was found. In contrast, early peak dilations were enhanced in all
      emotion regulation conditions independent of strategy. Skin conductance responses
      were not further modulated by emotion regulation. These results indicate that
      pupil diameter is modulated by emotional arousal, but is initially related to the
      extent of mental effort required to regulate automatic emotional responses. Our
      data thus provide first evidence that the pupillary response might comprise two
      distinct temporal components reflecting cognitive emotion regulation effort on
      the one hand and emotion regulation success on the other hand.

PMID- 28072453
TI  - Posttreatment Low-Risk Drinking as a Predictor of Future Drinking and Problem
      Outcomes Among Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders: A 9-Year Follow-Up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) has traditionally been
      abstinence oriented, but new research and regulatory guidelines suggest that low
      risk drinking may also be an acceptable treatment outcome. However, little is
      known about long-term outcomes for patients who become low-risk drinkers
      posttreatment. This study explores a posttreatment low-risk drinking outcome as a
      predictor of future drinking and psychosocial outcomes over 9 years. METHODS:
      Study participants were adults with AUDs at treatment entry who received follow
      up interviews 6 months posttreatment intake (N = 1,061) in 2 large randomized
      studies conducted at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a large private,
      nonprofit, integrated health system. Six-month drinking status was defined as
      abstinent, low-risk (nonabstinent, no 5+ drinking days), or heavy drinking (1 or
      more days of 5+ drinks). Using logistic regression models, we explored the
      relationship between past 30-day drinking status at 6 months and odds of being
      abstinent or a low-risk drinker (compared to heavy drinking), and positive
      Addiction Severity Index psychosocial outcomes over 9 years (9-year follow-up
      rate of 73%). RESULTS: Abstainers and low-risk drinkers at 6 months had higher
      odds of recent abstinence/low-risk drinking over 9 years than heavy drinkers;
      abstainers had better drinking outcomes than low-risk drinkers. Additionally,
      among those with interview data, 95% of abstainers and 94% of low-risk drinkers
      at 6 months were abstinent/low-risk drinkers at 9 years; surprisingly, 89% of
      heavy drinkers at 6 months were also abstinent/low-risk drinkers although still
      significantly fewer than the other groups. Abstainers and low-risk drinkers at 6
      months had better psychiatric outcomes, and abstainers had better family/social
      outcomes than heavy drinkers; medical outcomes did not differ. Low-risk drinkers
      and abstainers showed no reliable differences across psychosocial measures.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that a low-risk drinking outcome may be
      reasonable over the long-term for some alcohol-dependent individuals receiving
      addiction treatment.

PMID- 28072454
TI  - Non-neuronal acetylcholine involved in reproduction in mammals and honeybees.
AB  - Bacteria and archaea synthesize acetylcholine (ACh). Thus, it can be postulated
      that ACh was created by nature roughly three billion years ago. Therefore, the
      wide expression of ACh in nature (i.e., in bacteria, archaea, unicellular
      organisms, plants, fungi, non-vertebrates and vertebrates and in the abundance of
      non-neuronal cells of mammals) is not surprising. The term non-neuronal ACh and
      non-neuronal cholinergic system have been introduced to describe the auto- and
      paracrine, that is, local regulatory actions of ACh in cells not innervated by
      neuronal cholinergic fibers and to communicate among themselves. In this way non
      neuronal ACh binds to the nicotinic or muscarinic receptors expressed on these
      local and migrating cells and modulates basic cells functions such as
      proliferation, differentiation, migration and the transport of ions and water.
      The present article is focused to the effects of non-neuronal ACh linked to
      reproduction; data on the expression and function of the non-neuronal cholinergic
      system in the following topics are summarized: (i) Sperm, granulosa cells,
      oocytes; (ii) Auxiliary systems (ovary, oviduct, placenta); (iii) Embryonic stem
      cells as first step for reproduction of a new individual after fertilization;
      (iv) Larval food as an example of reproduction in insects (honeybees) and adverse
      effects of the neonicotinoids, a class of world-wide applied insecticides. The
      review article will show that non-neuronal ACh is substantially involved in the
      regulation of reproduction in mammals and also non-mammals like insects
      (honeybees). There is a need to learn more about this biological role of ACh. In
      particular, we have to consider that insecticides like the neonicotinoids, but
      also carbamates and organophosphorus pesticides, interfere with the non-neuronal
      cholinergic system thus compromising for example the breeding of honeybees. But
      it is possible that other species may also be adversely affected as well, a
      mechanism which may contribute to the observed decline in biodiversity. This is
      an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic
      Mechanisms.

PMID- 28072455
TI  - Src and phospho-FAK kinases are activated by allopregnanolone promoting Schwann
      cell motility, morphology and myelination.
AB  - Schwann cells' (SCs) development and maturation require coordinate and
      complementary activation of several signals and intracellular pathways. Among
      factors controlling these processes, the signalling intermediates Src tyrosine
      kinase and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are relevant for SCs', participating in
      regulation of their adhesion, motility and migration. Recently, the progesterone
      metabolite allopregnanolone (ALLO) was proved to be synthesized by SCs, whereas
      it acts autocrinally on SCs motility and proliferation, which are crucial
      processes for nerve development, maturation and regeneration. Herein, we
      investigate the hypothesis that the molecular mechanisms behind the ALLO's action
      on SCs involve the signalling intermediates Src and FAK. We first demonstrated
      that ALLO 10-6  M regulates SCs morphology, motility and myelination, also
      increasing the internode distance in the in vitro myelination model of neuron/SCs
      co-culture. ALLO's actions were mediated by the modulation of Src/FAK pathway,
      since they were counteracted by PP2 10-5  M, a selective inhibitor of Src kinase.
      Then, we proved that Src/FAK activation in SCs involves GABA-A dependent
      mechanisms and actin re-arrangements. In conclusion, our findings are the first
      to corroborate the importance of the neuroactive steroid ALLO in regulating SCs
      development and maturation via the Src and phospho-FAK signalling activation.
      Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13795.

PMID- 28072456
TI  - Systemic inflammatory markers and outcome in patients with locally advanced
      adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Raised levels of systemic inflammatory markers are associated with
      poor survival in patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the
      prognostic value of markers of systemic inflammation in patients with
      adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or gastro-oesophageal junction. METHODS: Data
      from a consecutive series of patients undergoing transthoracic oesophagectomy
      following neoadjuvant therapy at a single centre were analysed. Fibrinogen,
      albumin, C-reactive protein, leucocyte differential and platelet counts were
      measured before surgery. The upper quartile (75th percentile) was used as a cut
      off for dichotomization. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to
      identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: A series of 199 patients
      underwent transthoracic oesophagectomy following neoadjuvant therapy. Univariable
      analysis indicated that reduced median survival was associated with a raised
      platelet : lymphocyte ratio (158 or above; 25.6 versus 44.4 months for patients
      with a normal ratio, P = 0.038) and increased fibrinogen levels (4.9 g/l or
      above; 22.8 versus 59.9 months for those with a normal level, P = 0.005). On
      multivariable analysis a combination of one or more markers of systemic
      inflammation was associated with poorer overall survival (hazard ratio 2.12, 95
      per cent c.i. 1.20 to 3.74; P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Preoperative markers of
      systemic inflammation predict poor outcome in patients undergoing curative
      treatment for locally advanced oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 28072457
TI  - Effects of Binge-Like Ethanol Exposure During Adolescence on the Febrile Response
      in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ethanol (EtOH) exposure during different phases of life may increase
      the risk of infections and cause alterations in the central nervous system. The
      present study investigated the effects of binge-like EtOH exposure in adolescent
      rats on the febrile response that was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). METHODS: Male rats were exposed to EtOH from
      postnatal days 25 to 38 in a binge-like pattern. Fever was induced by LPS (5 and
      50 MUg/kg, intraperitoneally) and evaluated on postnatal days 51 and 63, or by IL
      beta (3 ng) and evaluated on postnatal day 51. Hematological parameters, the
      status of peritoneal macrophages, and plasma and cerebrospinal IL-1beta levels
      were also evaluated on postnatal day 51. RESULTS: EtOH exposure during
      adolescence did not alter normal body temperature. However, a significant
      reduction in the febrile response that was induced by LPS at both doses was
      observed on postnatal day 51. However, no changes in the febrile response were
      observed on postnatal day 63 in EtOH-exposed animals. The febrile response that
      was induced by intracerebroventricular IL-1beta also significantly decreased in
      animals that received binge-like EtOH exposure during adolescence. Acute oral
      treatment with EtOH 24 h prior to LPS administration did not alter the febrile
      response that was induced by LPS. Binge-like EtOH exposure during adolescence did
      not alter hematological parameters or the number or viability of peritoneal
      macrophages. Binge-like EtOH exposure did not alter plasma IL-1beta levels but
      reduced the cerebrospinal fluid levels of this cytokine. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest that binge-like EtOH exposure during adolescence causes changes
      in the central nervous system that can impair the febrile response that can be
      observed after the cessation of EtOH exposure. These changes were reversible and
      appeared to involve the LPS/IL-1beta system.

PMID- 28072458
TI  - Liana effects on biomass dynamics strengthen during secondary forest succession.
AB  - Secondary forests are important carbon sinks, but their biomass dynamics vary
      markedly within and across landscapes. The biotic and abiotic drivers of this
      variation are still not well understood. We tested the effects of soil resource
      availability and competition by lianas on the biomass dynamics of young secondary
      tropical forests in Panama and assessed the extent to which liana effects were
      mediated by soil resource availability. Over a five-year period, growth,
      mortality, and recruitment of woody plants of >=1 cm diameter were monitored in
      84 plots in 3-30-year-old secondary forests across the Agua Salud site in central
      Panama. Biomass dynamics and the effects of lianas and soil resources were
      examined using (generalized) linear mixed-effect models and a model averaging
      approach. There was strong spatial and temporal variation in liana biomass within
      and across the plots. The relative biomass of lianas had a strong negative effect
      on overall tree growth, growth of understory trees decreased with soil fertility
      and dry season soil water content, and the effect of lianas on tree mortality
      varied with soil fertility. Tree recruitment was not associated with any of the
      predictor variables. Our model indicates that tree biomass growth across our
      landscape was reduced with 22% due to competition with lianas, and that the
      effect of lianas increased during succession, from 19% after five years to 32%
      after 30 years. The projected liana-induced growth reduction after 60 years was
      47%, which was consistent with data from a nearby site. Our study shows that the
      observed liana proliferation across tropical forests may reduce the sequestration
      and storage of carbon in young secondary forests, with important implications for
      the carbon balance of tropical forest landscapes and consequently for global
      climate change. Our study highlights the need to incorporate lianas and soil
      variables in research on the biomass dynamics of secondary forest across tropical
      landscapes, and the need for well-replicated longitudinal studies to cover
      landscape-level variability in the relevant abiotic and biotic components.

PMID- 28072459
TI  - Client Retrospective Accounts of Corrective Experiences in Motivational
      Interviewing Integrated With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety
      Disorder.
AB  - A corrective experience (CE) is one "in which a person comes to understand or
      experience affectively an event or relationship in a different and unexpected
      way" (Castonguay & Hill, 2012, p. 5). CEs disconfirm clients' expectations based
      on past problematic experiences, and can be emotional, relational, behavioral,
      and/or cognitive. This qualitative study explored corrective shifts among
      recovered participants (N = 8) who had received motivational interviewing (MI)
      integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in a randomized controlled
      trial comparing CBT alone to MI-CBT for generalized anxiety disorder (Westra,
      Constantino, & Antony, 2016). We administered a posttherapy interview querying
      their experience of, and explanations for, any shifts in therapy. Grounded theory
      analysis yielded three core themes: in command of the worry train, experiencing
      myself in new ways in therapy, and oriented toward change. Findings are discussed
      in terms of MI theory, and clinical implications for therapists are provided.

PMID- 28072460
TI  - Psychosocial interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This review supersedes the original Cochrane review first published
      in 2008 (Huertas-Ceballos 2008).Between 4% and 25% of school-aged children
      complain of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) severe enough to interfere with their
      daily activities. No organic cause for this pain can be found on physical
      examination or investigation for the majority of such children. Although many
      children are managed by reassurance and simple measures, a large range of
      psychosocial interventions involving cognitive and behavioural components have
      been recommended. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of psychosocial
      interventions for reducing pain in school-aged children with RAP. SEARCH METHODS:
      In June 2016 we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, eight other databases, and two
      trials registers. We also searched the references of identified studies and
      relevant reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing
      psychosocial therapies with usual care, active control, or wait-list control for
      children and adolescents (aged 5 to 18 years) with RAP or an abdominal pain
      related functional gastrointestinal disorder defined by the Rome III criteria
      were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard
      methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Five review authors independently
      selected studies, assessed them for risk of bias, and extracted relevant data. We
      also assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS:
      This review includes 18 randomised controlled trials (14 new to this version),
      reported in 26 papers, involving 928 children and adolescents with RAP between
      the ages of 6 and 18 years. The interventions were classified into four types of
      psychosocial therapy: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), hypnotherapy
      (including guided imagery), yoga, and written self-disclosure. The studies were
      carried out in the USA, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and Brazil.
      The majority of the studies were small and short term; only two studies included
      more than 100 participants, and only five studies had follow-up assessments
      beyond six months. Small sample sizes and the degree of assessed risk of
      performance and detection bias in many studies led to the overall quality of the
      evidence being rated as low to very low for all outcomes.For CBT compared to
      control, we found evidence of treatment success postintervention (odds ratio (OR)
      5.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18 to 27.32; Z = 2.16; P = 0.03; 4 studies;
      175 children; very low-quality evidence), but no evidence of treatment success at
      medium-term follow-up (OR 3.08, 95% CI 0.93 to 10.16; Z = 1.85; P = 0.06; 3
      studies; 139 children; low-quality evidence) or long-term follow-up (OR 1.29, 95%
      CI 0.50 to 3.33; Z = 0.53; P = 0.60; 2 studies; 120 children; low-quality
      evidence). We found no evidence of effects of intervention on pain intensity
      scores measured postintervention (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.33, 95%
      CI -0.74 to 0.08; 7 studies; 405 children; low-quality evidence), or at medium
      term follow-up (SMD -0.32, 95% CI -0.85 to 0.20; 4 studies; 301 children; low
      quality evidence).For hypnotherapy (including studies of guided imagery) compared
      to control, we found evidence of greater treatment success postintervention (OR
      6.78, 95% CI 2.41 to 19.07; Z = 3.63; P = 0.0003; 4 studies; 146 children; low
      quality evidence) as well as reductions in pain intensity (SMD -1.01, 95% CI 
      1.41 to -0.61; Z = 4.97; P < 0.00001; 4 studies; 146 children; low-quality
      evidence) and pain frequency (SMD -1.28, 95% CI -1.84 to -0.72; Z = 4.48; P <
      0.00001; 4 studies; 146 children; low-quality evidence). The only study of long
      term effect reported continued benefit of hypnotherapy compared to usual care
      after five years, with 68% reporting treatment success compared to 20% of
      controls (P = 0.005).For yoga therapy compared to control, we found no evidence
      of effectiveness on pain intensity reduction postintervention (SMD -0.31, 95% CI 
      0.67 to 0.05; Z = 1.69; P = 0.09; 3 studies; 122 children; low-quality
      evidence).The single study of written self-disclosure therapy reported no benefit
      for pain.There was no evidence of effect from the pooled analyses for any type of
      intervention on the secondary outcomes of school performance, social or
      psychological functioning, and quality of daily life.There were no adverse
      effects for any of the interventions reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The data
      from trials to date provide some evidence for beneficial effects of CBT and
      hypnotherapy in reducing pain in the short term in children and adolescents
      presenting with RAP. There was no evidence for the effectiveness of yoga therapy
      or written self-disclosure therapy. There were insufficient data to explore
      effects of treatment by RAP subtype.Higher-quality, longer-duration trials are
      needed to fully investigate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions.
      Identifying the active components of the interventions and establishing whether
      benefits are sustained in the long term are areas of priority. Future research
      studies would benefit from employing active control groups to help minimise
      potential bias from wait-list control designs and to help account for therapist
      and intervention time.

PMID- 28072461
TI  - Adverse and beneficial effects in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells following
      radiofrequency exposure.
AB  - In this study, the effect of radiofrequency (RF) exposure to 1950 MHz, Universal
      Mobile Telecommunication System signal, was investigated in Chinese hamster lung
      fibroblast cell line (V79). Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of 20-h exposure at
      specific absorption rate (SAR) values from 0.15 W/kg to 1.25 W/kg were measured
      by means of cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) assay. Exposure was carried out
      blinded under strictly controlled conditions of dosimetry and temperature. The
      effect of RF exposure alone at four SAR values was tested, that is, 0.15, 0.3,
      0.6, and 1.25 W/kg. A statistically significant increase in MN frequency was
      found in cultures exposed to 0.15 and 0.3 W/kg (P < 0.05) compared to sham
      exposed ones, in the absence of cytotoxicity. SAR values of 0.6 and 1.25 W/kg did
      not exert any effect. Moreover, to evaluate the ability of RF to exert protective
      effects with respect to a chemical mutagen, cell cultures were also pre-exposed
      for 20 h at 0.3 or 1.25 W/kg, and then treated with 500 ng/ml of mitomycin-C
      (MMC). A significant reduction in the frequency of MN was detected in cultures
      pre-exposed to 1.25 W/kg compared to cultures treated with MMC alone (P < 0.05),
      indicating induction of adaptive response. Such a decrease was not induced by pre
      exposure at 0.3 W/kg SAR. Taken together, our results indicated that V79 is a
      sensitive cell model to evidence either adverse or beneficial effects of RF
      exposure, depending on experimental conditions applied. Bioelectromagnetics.
      38:245-254, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28072462
TI  - Reliability of the electrocortical response to gains and losses in the doors
      task.
AB  - The ability to differentiate between rewards and losses is critical for motivated
      action, and aberrant reward and loss processing has been associated with
      psychopathology. The reward positivity (RewP) and feedback negativity (FN) are
      ERPs elicited by monetary gains and losses, respectively, and are promising
      individual difference measures. However, few studies have reported on the
      psychometric properties of the RewP and FN-crucial characteristics necessary for
      valid individual difference measures. The current study examined the internal
      consistency and 1-week test-retest reliability of the RewP and FN as elicited by
      the doors task among 59 young adults. The RewP, FN, and their difference score
      (DeltaRewP) all showed significant correlations between Time 1 and Time 2. The
      RewP and FN also achieved acceptable internal consistency at both time points
      within 20 trials using both Cronbach's alpha and a generalizability theory
      derived dependability measure. Internal consistency for DeltaRewP was notably
      weaker at both time points, which is expected from two highly intercorrelated
      constituent scores. In conclusion, the RewP and FN have strong psychometric
      properties in a healthy adult sample. Future research is needed to assess the
      psychometric properties of these ERPs in different age cohorts and in clinical
      populations.

PMID- 28072463
TI  - Pilot study of mobile phone technology in allergic rhinitis in European
      countries: the MASK-rhinitis study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of Apps running on smartphones and tablets profoundly affects
      medicine. The MASK-rhinitis (MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis)
      App (Allergy Diary) assesses allergic rhinitis symptoms, disease control and
      impact on patients' lives. It is freely available in 20 countries (iOS and
      Android platforms). AIMS: To assess in a pilot study whether (i) Allergy Diary
      users were able to properly provide baseline characteristics (ii) simple
      phenotypic characteristics based upon data captured by the Allergy Diary could be
      identified and (iii) information gathered by this study could suggest novel
      research questions. METHODS: The Allergy Diary users were classified into six
      groups according to the baseline data that they entered into the App: (i)
      asymptomatic; (ii) nasal symptoms excluding rhinorrhea; (iii) rhinorrhea; (iv)
      rhinorrhea plus 1-2 nasal/ocular symptoms; (v) rhinorrhea plus >=3 nasal/ocular
      symptoms; and (vi) rhinorrhea plus all nasal/ocular symptoms. RESULTS: By 1 June
      2016, 3260 users had registered with the Allergy Diary and 2710 had completed the
      baseline questionnaire. Troublesome symptoms were found mainly in the users with
      the most symptoms. Around 50% of users with troublesome rhinitis and/or ocular
      symptoms suffered work impairment. Sleep was impaired by troublesome symptoms and
      nasal obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first App (iOS and Android) to have
      tested for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. A simple questionnaire
      administered by cell phones enables the identification of phenotypic differences
      between a priori defined rhinitis groups. The results suggest novel concepts and
      research questions in allergic rhinitis that may not be identified using
      classical methods.

PMID- 28072464
TI  - Genistein and tyrphostin AG556 decrease ultra-rapidly activating delayed
      rectifier K+ current of human atria by inhibiting EGF receptor tyrosine kinase.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The ultra-rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current
      IKur (encoded by Kv 1.5 or KCNA5) plays an important role in human atrial
      repolarization. The present study investigates the regulation of this current by
      protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Whole-cell patch voltage
      clamp technique and immunoprecipitation and Western blotting analysis were used
      to investigate whether the PTK inhibitors genistein, tyrphostin AG556 (AG556) and
      PP2 regulate human atrial IKur and hKv1.5 channels stably expressed in HEK 293
      cells. KEY RESULTS: Human atrial IKur was decreased by genistein (a broad
      spectrum PTK inhibitor) and AG556 (a highly selective EGFR TK inhibitor) in a
      concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of IKur induced by 30 MUM genistein or
      10 MUM AG556 was significantly reversed by 1 mM orthovanadate (a protein tyrosine
      phosphatase inhibitor). Similar results were observed in HEK 293 cells stably
      expressing hKv 1.5 channels. On the other hand, the Src family kinase inhibitor
      PP2 (1 MUM) slightly enhanced IKur and hKv 1.5 current, and the current increase
      was also reversed by orthovanadate. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
      analysis showed that genistein, AG556, and PP2 decreased tyrosine phosphorylation
      of hKv 1.5 channels and that the decrease was countered by orthovanadate.
      CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The PTK inhibitors genistein and AG556 decrease
      human atrial IKur and cloned hKv 1.5 channels by inhibiting EGFR TK, whereas the
      Src kinase inhibitor PP2 increases IKur and hKv 1.5 current. These results imply
      that EGFR TK and the soluble Src kinases may have opposite effects on human
      atrial IKur .

PMID- 28072465
TI  - Splicing regulation and dysregulation of cholinergic genes expressed at the
      neuromuscular junction.
AB  - We humans have evolved by acquiring diversity of alternative RNA metabolisms
      including alternative means of splicing and transcribing non-coding genes, and
      not by acquiring new coding genes. Tissue-specific and developmental stage
      specific alternative RNA splicing is achieved by tightly regulated spatiotemporal
      regulation of expressions and activations of RNA-binding proteins that recognize
      their cognate splicing cis-elements on nascent RNA transcripts. Genes expressed
      at the neuromuscular junction are also alternatively spliced. In addition,
      germline mutations provoke aberrant splicing by compromising binding of RNA
      binding proteins, and cause congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS). We present
      physiological splicing mechanisms of genes for agrin (AGRN), acetylcholinesterase
      (ACHE), MuSK (MUSK), acetylcholine receptor (AChR) alpha1 subunit (CHRNA1), and
      collagen Q (COLQ) in human, and their aberration in diseases. Splicing isoforms
      of AChET , AChEH , and AChER are generated by hnRNP H/F. Skipping of MUSK exon 10
      makes a Wnt-insensitive MuSK isoform, which is unique to human. Skipping of exon
      10 is achieved by coordinated binding of hnRNP C, YB-1, and hnRNP L to exon 10.
      Exon P3A of CHRNA1 is alternatively included to generate a non-functional AChR
      alpha1 subunit in human. Molecular dissection of splicing mutations in patients
      with CMS reveals that exon P3A is alternatively skipped by hnRNP H,
      polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1, and hnRNP L. Similarly, analysis of an
      exonic mutation in COLQ exon 16 in a CMS patient discloses that constitutive
      splicing of exon 16 requires binding of serine arginine-rich splicing factor 1.
      Intronic and exonic splicing mutations in CMS enable us to dissect molecular
      mechanisms underlying alternative and constitutive splicing of genes expressed at
      the neuromuscular junction. This is an article for the special issue XVth
      International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.

PMID- 28072467
TI  - A Cross-Lagged Panel Study of Dissociation and Posttraumatic Stress in a
      Treatment-Seeking Sample of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current prospective study assessed the temporal relations between
      dissociation and posttraumatic stress (PTS) in a sample of treatment-seeking
      female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. PTS refers to symptoms associated
      with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the absence of a clinical diagnosis
      of PTSD. METHOD: Initial assessment was on average 23 years after the onset of
      abuse (N = 405), and participants were followed-up after 6 months (N = 245) and
      12 months (N = 119). RESULTS: Findings indicated that dissociative experiences
      and PTS were highly correlated within each wave of data collection. Cross-lagged
      panel analysis revealed that at each assessment period dissociative symptoms and
      PTS levels, respectively, were primarily explained by scores on the same variable
      at the previous assessment period. Although further reciprocal relations between
      dissociation and PTS were evident, these associations were relatively weak in
      magnitude. CONCLUSION: Current results provide important insights into the
      temporal relations between dissociative symptoms and PTS. The high correlations
      between dissociative experiences and PTS several years after trauma exposure have
      important clinical implications that may affect their treatment and trauma
      recovery.

PMID- 28072466
TI  - Chronic pain and impaired glial glutamate transporter function in lupus-prone
      mice are ameliorated by blocking macrophage colony-stimulating factor-1
      receptors.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-organ disease of unknown etiology
      in which the normal immune responses are directed against the body's own healthy
      tissues. Patients with SLE often suffer from chronic pain. Currently, no animal
      studies have been reported about the mechanisms underlying pain in SLE. In this
      study, the development of chronic pain in MRL lupus-prone (MRL/lpr) mice, a well
      established lupus mouse model, was characterized for the first time. We found
      that female MRL/lpr mice developed thermal hyperalgesia at the age of 13 weeks,
      and mechanical allodynia at the age of 16 weeks. MRL/lpr mice with chronic pain
      had activation of microglia and astrocytes, over-expression of macrophage colony
      stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), as well as
      suppression of glial glutamate transport function in the spinal cord. Intrathecal
      injection of either the CSF-1 blocker or IL-1 inhibitor attenuated thermal
      hyperalgesia in MRL/lpr mice. We provide evidence that the suppressed activity of
      glial glutamate transporters in the spinal dorsal horn in MRL/lpr mice is caused
      by activation of the CSF-1 and IL-1beta signaling pathways. Our findings suggest
      that targeting the CSF-1 and IL-1beta signaling pathways or the glial glutamate
      transporter in the spinal cord is an effective approach for the management of
      chronic pain caused by SLE.

PMID- 28072469
TI  - Burnout mediates the association between depression and patient safety
      perceptions: a cross-sectional study in hospital nurses.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between
      depressive symptoms, burnout and perceptions of patient safety. A mediation model
      was proposed whereby the association between symptoms of depression and patient
      safety perceptions was mediated by burnout. BACKGROUND: There is growing interest
      in the relationships between depressive symptoms and burnout in healthcare staff
      and the safety of patient care. Depressive symptoms are higher in healthcare
      staff than the general population and overlap conceptually with burnout. However,
      minimal research has investigated these variables in nurses. Given the conceptual
      overlap between depressive symptoms and burnout, there is also a need for an
      explanatory model outlining the relative contributions of these factors to
      patient safety. DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed at three
      acute NHS Trusts. METHOD: Three-hundred and twenty-three hospital nursing staff
      completed measures of depressive symptoms, burnout and patient safety perceptions
      (including measures at the level of the individual and the work area/unit)
      between December 2015 - February 2016. RESULTS: When tested in separate analyses,
      depressive symptoms and burnout facets were each associated with both patient
      safety measures. Furthermore, the proposed mediation model was supported, with
      associations between depressive symptoms and patient safety perceptions fully
      mediated by burnout. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that symptoms of
      depression and burnout in hospital nurses may have implications for patient
      safety. However, interventions to improve patient safety may be best targeted at
      improving burnout in particular, with burnout interventions known to be most
      effective when focused at both the individual and the organisational level.

PMID- 28072468
TI  - A multi-dimensional functional principal components analysis of EEG data.
AB  - The electroencephalography (EEG) data created in event-related potential (ERP)
      experiments have a complex high-dimensional structure. Each stimulus
      presentation, or trial, generates an ERP waveform which is an instance of
      functional data. The experiments are made up of sequences of multiple trials,
      resulting in longitudinal functional data and moreover, responses are recorded at
      multiple electrodes on the scalp, adding an electrode dimension. Traditional EEG
      analyses involve multiple simplifications of this structure to increase the
      signal-to-noise ratio, effectively collapsing the functional and longitudinal
      components by identifying key features of the ERPs and averaging them across
      trials. Motivated by an implicit learning paradigm used in autism research in
      which the functional, longitudinal, and electrode components all have critical
      interpretations, we propose a multidimensional functional principal components
      analysis (MD-FPCA) technique which does not collapse any of the dimensions of the
      ERP data. The proposed decomposition is based on separation of the total
      variation into subject and subunit level variation which are further decomposed
      in a two-stage functional principal components analysis. The proposed methodology
      is shown to be useful for modeling longitudinal trends in the ERP functions,
      leading to novel insights into the learning patterns of children with Autism
      Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their typically developing peers as well as
      comparisons between the two groups. Finite sample properties of MD-FPCA are
      further studied via extensive simulations.

PMID- 28072470
TI  - Sonographic Dynamic Description of the Laryngeal Tract: Definition of
      Quantitative Measures to Characterize Vocal Fold Motion and Estimation of Their
      Normal Values.
AB  - Vocal fold motion was analyzed during free breathing using two-dimensional
      dynamic ultrasound imaging. Two cadavers were first analyzed to define easily
      identifiable landmarks. Motion of the laryngeal tract was then analyzed in an
      axial plane. Left and right arytenoids and thyroid cartilage were defined on
      images corresponding to abduction and adduction of the laryngeal tract.
      Associated area measurements were established for 50 healthy subjects. All area
      indices were significantly larger during abduction than adduction. Symmetry of
      motion was established by comparing each hemi-larynx, and mobility fractions were
      defined. Normal values of laryngeal motion during free breathing were thus
      established.

PMID- 28072471
TI  - The Negative Chronotropic Effect in Rat Heart Stimulated by Ultrasonic Pulses:
      Role of Sex and Age.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to investigate the role of sex and age of
      the negative chronotropic effect after exposure of 3.5-MHz pulsed ultrasound (US)
      to the rat heart. METHODS: Forty F344 rats were exposed transthoracically to
      ultrasonic pulses at a duty factor of approximately 1.0% at 2.0-MPa peak
      rarefactional pressure amplitude. The transthoracic ultrasonic bursts were
      delivered consecutively in five 10-s intervals, that is, 10 s of 6-Hz pulse
      repetition frequency (PRF), 10 s of 5-Hz PRF, 10 s of 4-Hz PRF, 10 s of 5-Hz PRF,
      and 10 s of 6-Hz, for a 50-s total exposure duration. The rats were divided into
      8 groups (n = 5 each): US young male, control young male, US young female,
      control young female, US old male, control old male, US old female, and control
      old female. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used to compare
      heart rate, cardiac output, arterial pressure, and other hemodynamic values
      (baseline) before and after US stimulation. Sex versus age versus US interaction
      was detected for heart rate. Cardiac output showed an age effect, and ejection
      fraction showed age and US effects. The arterial pressure showed a sex effect. A
      negative chronotropic effect (~30% decrease in heart rate) was observed for young
      female rats. An hypothesis is that the US effect is weight (menopause) dependent,
      because the young (premenopausal) female rats weighed approximately 40 to 60%
      less than other groups of rats. CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that the ovarian
      hormones are responsible for different US-induced cardiac bioeffects in different
      ages and sexes.

PMID- 28072472
TI  - Sonographic Findings of Chondral Avulsion Fractures of the Lateral Ankle
      Ligaments in Children.
AB  - In this series, we aimed to describe the sonographic findings of chondral
      avulsion fractures that develop concomitant with lateral ankle ligament injury in
      children. We performed stress sonography during a manual anterior drawer stress
      procedure of the ankle in 9 skeletally immature patients who had recently had a
      lateral ankle sprain. Echo videos were obtained through the course of treatment,
      and all videos were reviewed. We elucidated the common features of chondral
      avulsion fractures of the lateral ankle ligaments in the children. The features
      of avulsion fractures on conventional sonography included absence of a fracture
      with hyperechoic spots (sonographic occult fracture type), cortical discontinuity
      with hyperechoic spots (cortical disruption fracture type), fracture line in the
      cortical bone (double-line fracture type), and a step-off deformity of the
      cortical bone with cartilage (displaced fracture type). In contrast, the features
      of chondral fractures on stress sonography included abnormal motion of the
      chondral lesions and mobility/fluidity of hyperechoic spots along the chondral
      fracture site. The presence of hyperechoic spots around the chondral lesion is an
      important sonographic sign for diagnosing chondral fractures concomitant with
      ankle lateral ligament injury. Hence, we believe that stress sonography should be
      considered for the detection of chondral fractures concomitant with
      radiographically negative ankle lateral ligament injuries in skeletally immature
      patients with lateral ankle pain and ankle sprains, if hyperechoic spots are
      present in the cartilage of the distal fibula.

PMID- 28072473
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of obinutuzumab in Chinese patients with B-cell lymphomas.
AB  - AIM: The Phase Ib GERSHWIN study (NCT01680991) assessed the pharmacokinetic (PK)
      profile of obinutuzumab following multiple intravenous (i.v.) doses to Chinese
      patients with B-cell lymphomas, and compared findings with previous obinutuzumab
      PK studies in mainly Caucasian (non-Chinese) patients. METHODS: GERSHWIN was an
      open-label, single-arm intervention study. Patients aged >18 years with CD20+
      relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma (DLBCL) or follicular lymphoma (FL) were enrolled from four centres in
      China. The treatment period was 24 weeks; patients received obinutuzumab 1000 mg
      i.v. on Days (D)1, 8 and 15 of Cycle (C)1 (CLL patients: first infusion split
      over 2 days) and on D1 of C2-8 (all cycles: 21 days). PK parameters were
      estimated using non-compartmental analysis (NCA), and a population PK analysis
      was used to determine whether observed GERSHWIN PK data were in accordance with
      previous obinutuzumab PK studies in non-Chinese patients. RESULTS: The PK
      analysis population included 48 patients: 28 patients completed all treatment
      cycles. NCA showed a similar PK profile in Chinese patients with FL, DLBCL and
      CLL. Steady-state concentrations of obinutuzumab appeared to be reached at the
      start of C2 irrespective of histology. There was no apparent relationship between
      body weight and systemic exposure. Most PK profiles observed in GERSHWIN lay
      within the 90% prediction interval of simulated profiles. CONCLUSIONS:
      Obinutuzumab exposure was comparable in CLL, DLBCL and FL patients. NCA and
      population PK analysis indicate that PK characteristics of Chinese patients with
      B-cell lymphomas are similar to those in non-Chinese patients.

PMID- 28072474
TI  - Abused women's experiences of a primary care identification and referral
      intervention: a case study analysis.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to report the findings of a qualitative case
      study that investigated abused women's experiences of an identification and
      referral intervention and to discuss the implications for nurses, specifically
      those working in primary and community care. BACKGROUND: Domestic violence and
      abuse is a significant public health issue globally but it is a hidden problem
      that is under-reported. In the UK, Identification and Referral to Improve Safety
      is a primary care-based intervention that has been found to increase referral
      rates of abused women to support and safety services. This paper reports on the
      findings of an evaluation study of two sites in England. DESIGN: Qualitative
      study with a case study design. METHODS: In line with case study design, the
      entire evaluation study employed multiple data collection methods. We report on
      the qualitative interviews with women referred through the programme. The aim was
      to elicit their experiences of the three aspects of the intervention:
      identification; referral; safety. Data collection took place March 2016.
      FINDINGS: Ten women took part. Eight had exited the abusive relationship but two
      remained with the partner who had perpetrated the abuse. Women were
      overwhelmingly positive about the programme and irrespective of whether they had
      remained or exited the relationship all reported perceptions of increased safety
      and improved health. CONCLUSION: Nurses have an important role to play in
      identifying domestic violence and abuse and in referral and safety planning. As
      part of a portfolio of domestic violence and abuse interventions, those that
      empower women to take control of their safety (such as Identification and
      Referral to Improve Safety) are important.

PMID- 28072476
TI  - Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery: Correlation Between Fetal and Neonatal
      Abnormalities and Abnormal Genetic Screening or Testing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether fetuses with an isolated aberrant course of the
      right subclavian artery (ARSA) have increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities,
      including trisomy 21 or 22q11 deletion. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      chart review of all fetuses with antenatally diagnosed ARSA. Data were collected
      from fetal anatomic surveys, fetal echocardiograms, noninvasive trisomy 21
      screening programs, invasive genetic studies, and neonatal records. RESULTS:
      Seventy-nine fetuses with ARSA were identified at 20.3 +/- 3.8 weeks' gestation.
      Forty-eight fetuses underwent chromosomal evaluation. Of those, seven had trisomy
      21. Four other fetuses had unusual karyotype abnormalities. All fetuses with
      genetic anomalies had additional aberrant ultrasound findings. There were three
      spontaneous fetal deaths (trisomy 21-2 and Wolf-Hirshhorn-1). Nine pregnancies
      were terminated because of abnormalities and one died as a result of hypoplastic
      left heart syndrome. No neonate was found or suspected to have 22q11.2 deletion.
      The ARSA was isolated in 43 fetuses; all had unremarkable neonatal outcomes, and
      none were readmitted within 6 months after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: As an
      apparently isolated finding, ARSA is benign and not associated with trisomy 21 or
      22q11.2 deletion. The finding of ARSA, however, warrants a detailed fetal
      ultrasound. All fetuses with ARSA and genetic anomalies had additional ultrasound
      findings.

PMID- 28072475
TI  - Safety of Sulfur Hexafluoride Microbubbles in Sonography of Abdominal and
      Superficial Organs: Retrospective Analysis of 30,222 Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of the sulfur
      hexafluoride microbubble contrast agent SonoVue (Bracco SpA, Milan, Italy) and to
      implement precautions with the intent of further improving the safety of this
      contrast agent. METHODS: A total of 30,222 patients undergoing contrast-enhanced
      sonography of abdominal and superficial organs in our hospital from January 2005
      to December 2014 were retrospectively investigated. SonoVue was used as the
      ultrasound contrast agent. The symptoms and treatments of adverse reactions
      occurring during the contrast-enhanced sonographic examinations were reviewed and
      analyzed. RESULTS: No patient died as a result of any adverse reaction. Six
      patients (0.020%) had adverse reactions of varying degrees, including 2 patients
      (0.007%) who had signs of early anaphylactic shock (chest tightness,
      palpitations, sweating, and rapid and weak pulse, followed by cyanosis, a
      disappearing pulse, and a drop in blood pressure) that improved after active
      rescue. The remaining 4 patients developed the following: redness and a rash on
      the arm above the injection site, nasal bleeding and nausea, nausea and vomiting,
      and back pain with numbness of the lips and limbs. Symptoms in these 4 patients
      self-resolved after a period of rest. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced sonography
      with sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles had good clinical safety, but rare adverse
      reactions were observed. A comprehensive emergency plan and rescue measures for
      adverse reactions should be prepared and made available to minimize the
      occurrence of negative clinical outcomes.

PMID- 28072477
TI  - Recurrent NAB2-STAT6 gene fusions and oestrogen receptor-alpha expression in
      pulmonary adenofibromas.
AB  - AIMS: Pulmonary adenofibromas are rare benign fibroepithelial tumours of the lung
      with unknown histogenesis and an indolent clinical behaviour. Their stroma
      resembles that of solitary fibrous tumours, whereas the glands are composed of
      respiratory epithelium organized in a phyllodes-like architecture.
      Differentiation of pulmonary adenofibromas from other more aggressive
      intrathoracic tumours is clinically relevant. However, their biology is unknown.
      Here, we sought to characterize pulmonary adenofibromas at a clinicopathological
      level and to define whether they could be underpinned by a highly recurrent
      somatic genetic alteration akin to tumours with similar morphology. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Seven pulmonary adenofibromas were subjected to immunohistochemical
      analysis for thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1), napsin A, cytokeratin 7, E
      cadherin, CD99, CD34, CD31, STAT6, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone
      receptor, androgen receptor, bcl-2, and vimentin, as well as electron microscopy
      and capillary sequencing on microdissected samples to evaluate the presence of
      NAB2-STAT6 fusion genes and MED12 exon 2 mutations in their discrete components.
      A control group comprising pulmonary solitary fibrous tumours, pulmonary
      hamartomas and breast fibroadenomas was also analysed. We confirmed that the
      stromal elements of pulmonary adenofibromas pertain to the fibroblastic lineage,
      and show ER overexpression in 71% of cases, whereas the epithelium consists of
      TTF1-positive, E-cadherin positive bronchiolar elements. A highly recurrent NAB2
      STAT6 fusion variant (exon 4-exon 2) was detected in the stroma but not in the
      epithelium. No MED12 mutations were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we demonstrate
      that pulmonary adenofibromas are neoplastic lesions harbouring the molecular
      hallmark of solitary fibrous tumours.

PMID- 28072478
TI  - The difficulties experienced by nurses and healthcare staff involved in the
      process of breaking bad news.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore the difficulties experienced by nurses
      and healthcare professionals when engaging in the process of breaking bad news.
      BACKGROUND: The challenges faced by staff when breaking bad news have previously
      been researched in relation to particular settings or participants. This study
      involved staff from diverse settings and roles to develop broader insights into
      the range of difficulties experienced in clinical practice. DESIGN: The study
      used a descriptive survey design involving self-reported written accounts and
      framework analysis. METHODS: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire
      containing a free text section that asked participants to describe a difficult
      experience they had encountered when involved in the process of breaking bad
      news. Data were collected from healthcare staff from hospital, community, hospice
      and care home settings attending training days on breaking bad news between April
      2011 and April 2014. FINDINGS: Multiple inter-related factors presented
      challenges to staff engaging in activities associated with breaking bad news.
      Traditional subjects such as diagnostic and treatment information were described
      but additional topics were identified such as the impact of illness and care at
      the end of life. A descriptive framework was developed that summarizes the
      factors that contribute to creating difficult experiences for staff when breaking
      bad news. CONCLUSION: The framework provides insights into the scope of the
      challenges faced by staff when they engage in the process of breaking bad news.
      This provides the foundation for developing interventions to support staff that
      more closely matches their experiences in clinical practice.

PMID- 28072479
TI  - Reference Values for Sonographically Estimated Fetal Weight in Twin Gestations
      Stratified by Chorionicity: A Single Center Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine reference values for sonography-based estimated fetal
      weight (EFW) in twin gestations in one single tertiary medical center in the
      United States. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal analysis of EFW evaluations
      of fetuses of twin gestations between November 2006 and June 2016. Fetuses with
      major congenital anomalies or chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. Estimated
      fetal weight was calculated using the Hadlock 1985 formula. Linear mixed models
      were used to allow for multiple but inconsistent observations among individuals,
      and to account for intertwin differences as well as for gender. Reference values
      were constructed using a best-fit regression model for estimation of mean and
      standard deviation at each gestational age after normalization of variables.
      Chorionicity-specific curves were constructed. RESULTS: A total of 5515
      ultrasound examinations were performed in 2115 twin pregnancies between 24 and 38
      weeks of gestation (2.6 +/- 4.0 scans/pregnancy). Values corresponding to the
      5th, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 95th percentiles for EFW are presented for every
      gestational age. At 28, 32, and 36 weeks, values were as follows: 855, 1109, and
      1363 g; 1351, 1732, and 2294 g; and 1363, 2112, and 2881 g for the 10th, 50th,
      and 90th percentiles, respectively. Chorionicity-specific curves are presented
      for comparison with previously published references. CONCLUSIONS: Reference
      values for sonographic-based fetal growth are presented for clinical and research
      use.

PMID- 28072480
TI  - Free Fatty Acids Induce Autophagy and LOX-1 Upregulation in Cultured Aortic
      Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.
AB  - Elevation of free fatty acids (FFAs) is known to affect microvascular function
      and contribute to obesity-associated insulin resistance, hypertension, and
      microangiopathy. Proliferative and synthetic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)
      increase intimal thickness and destabilize atheromatous plaques. This study aimed
      to investigate whether saturated palmitic acid (PA) and monounsaturated oleic
      acid (OA) modulate autophagy activity, cell proliferation, and vascular tissue
      remodeling in an aortic VSMC cell line. Exposure to PA and OA suppressed growth
      of VSMCs without apoptotic induction, but enhanced autophagy flux with elevation
      of Beclin-1, Atg5, and LC3I/II. Cotreatment with autophagy inhibitors potentiated
      the FFA-suppressed VSMC growth and showed differential actions of PA and OA in
      autophagy flux retardation. Both FFAs upregulated lectin-like oxidized low
      density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) but only OA increased LDL uptake by VSMCs.
      Mechanistically, FFAs induced hyperphosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and
      p38 MAPK. All pathways, except OA-activated PI3K/Akt cascade, were involved in
      the LOX-1 upregulation, whereas blockade of PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK cascades
      ameliorated the FFA-induced growth suppression on VSMCs. Moreover, both FFAs
      exhibited tissue remodeling effect through increasing MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression
      and their gelatinolytic activities, whereas high-dose OA significantly suppressed
      collagen type I expression. Conversely, siRNA-mediated LOX-1 knockdown
      significantly attenuated the OA-induced tissue remodeling effects in VSMCs. In
      conclusion, OA and PA enhance autophagy flux, suppress aortic VSMC proliferation,
      and exhibit vascular remodeling effect, thereby leading to the loss of VSMCs and
      interstitial ECM in vascular walls and eventually the instability of atheromatous
      plaques. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1249-1261, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28072481
TI  - Can Contrast-Enhanced Sonography Detect Bowel Wall Fibrosis in Mixed Inflammatory
      and Fibrotic Crohn Disease Lesions in an Animal Model?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether contrast-enhanced sonographic quantitative
      perfusion parameters can detect bowel wall fibrosis in the setting of mixed
      inflammatory and fibrotic lesions in a Crohn disease animal model. METHODS: This
      study was approved by the institutional Committee on the Use and Care of Animals.
      Multiple (range, 1-5) 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-ethanol enemas were used
      to create intestinal inflammatory lesions with variable fibrosis in female Lewis
      rats. Low-mechanical index contrast-enhanced sonography was performed 3 days
      after the final enema using a 0.2-mL bolus of sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles
      injected through a tail vein. Contrast-enhanced sonographic data were analyzed
      with software that converts video data into echo-power (linearized) data.
      Colorectal lesions were scored for histopathologic inflammation and fibrosis;
      bowel wall collagen was quantified by Western blotting. The Spearman correlation
      was used to assess associations between contrast-enhanced sonographic
      quantitative parameters and bowel wall collagen; the Kruskal-Wallis test was used
      to compare continuous results between histopathologic groups. RESULTS: Thirty-one
      animals were included in our analysis. Animals were placed into 3 histopathologic
      cohorts: (1) severe bowel wall inflammation/minimal or no fibrosis (n = 11); (2)
      severe bowel wall inflammation/moderate fibrosis (n = 9); and (3) severe bowel
      wall inflammation/severe fibrosis (n = 11). Western blotting showed a significant
      difference in bowel wall collagen between histopathologic cohorts (P = .0001).
      There was no correlation between any contrast-enhanced sonographic quantitative
      parameter and bowel wall collagen (P > .05). There was no difference between
      histopathologic cohorts for any contrast-enhanced sonographic quantitative
      parameter (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced sonographic quantitative
      perfusion parameters failed to effectively detect bowel wall fibrosis in the
      setting of superimposed inflammation in a Crohn disease animal model.

PMID- 28072482
TI  - A systematic review of evidence relating to clinical supervision for nurses,
      midwives and allied health professionals.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence relating to
      clinical supervision for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.
      BACKGROUND: Since 1902 statutory supervision has been a requirement for UK
      midwives, but this is due to change. Evidence relating to clinical supervision
      for nurses and allied health professions could inform a new model of clinical
      supervision for midwives. DESIGN: A systematic review with a contingent design,
      comprising a broad map of research relating to clinical supervision and two
      focussed syntheses answering specific review questions. DATA SOURCES: Electronic
      databases were searched from 2005 - September 2015, limited to English-language
      peer-reviewed publications. REVIEW METHODS: Systematic reviews evaluating the
      effectiveness of clinical supervision were included in Synthesis 1. Primary
      research studies including a description of a clinical supervision intervention
      were included in Synthesis 2. Quality of reviews were judged using a risk of bias
      tool and review results summarized in tables. Data describing the key components
      of clinical supervision interventions were extracted from studies included in
      Synthesis 2, categorized using a reporting framework and a narrative account
      provided. RESULTS: Ten reviews were included in Synthesis 1; these demonstrated
      an absence of convincing empirical evidence and lack of agreement over the nature
      of clinical supervision. Nineteen primary studies were included in Synthesis 2;
      these highlighted a lack of consistency and large variations between delivered
      interventions. CONCLUSION: Despite insufficient evidence to directly inform the
      selection and implementation of a framework, the limited available evidence can
      inform the design of a new model of clinical supervision for UK-based midwives.

PMID- 28072483
TI  - Optimization of Ultrasound Transducer Positioning for Endotracheal Tube Placement
      Confirmation in Cadaveric Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Sonography has been suggested as a possible means of endotracheal
      tube (ETT) placement confirmation. However, optimum ultrasound transducer
      placement has not been established. Using a cadaveric model, ETT placement by the
      sonographic appearance at the thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and
      suprasternal notch in the upper airway was assessed to determine which ultrasound
      transducer placement offered the most optimal images for ETT confirmation in the
      airway. METHODS: One provider intubated 5 cadavers, with the ultrasound
      transducer at each of the 3 levels, for a total of 30 intubations per specimen,
      while 2 providers assigned a visual score of 1 (subtle), 2 (clear), or 3
      (pronounced) to each sonogram of the ETT in the airway. RESULTS: At the level of
      the thyroid cartilage, tracheal intubation was detected at a rate of 40%, with a
      median visualization scale of 1 (subtle movement). At the level of the cricoid
      cartilage, the visualization scale improved to a median of 2 (clear movement),
      with a 70% intubation detection rate. At the level of the suprasternal notch,
      100% of the tracheal intubations were visualized on sonography, with a median
      score of 3 (pronounced movement). CONCLUSIONS: In comparing sonographic detection
      of ETT placement at 3 levels of the upper airway in a cadaveric model, our
      results clearly indicate that visualization was superior at the level of the
      suprasternal notch, with 100% of intubations detected with the best visualization
      scores.

PMID- 28072484
TI  - Letter to the editor regarding neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in laryngeal
      squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID- 28072486
TI  - Radiopacity of Composite Luting Cements Using a Digital Technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the radiopacity of 20
      common dental composite luting materials using a digital technique. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A 1-mm-thick specimen of each material with a human tooth slice and
      aluminium step wedge were tested using digital radiographs under four
      combinations of exposure and voltage. The radiopacity in pixels was determined
      using computer software. The equivalent thickness of aluminium for each material
      was then calculated based on the calibration curve. RESULTS: All tested materials
      except one had higher radiopacity than dentin (p > alpha; alpha  =  0.01), and
      80% of the materials had radiopacity above enamel value (p > alpha; alpha  = 
      0.01). Moreover, 40% of tested materials had radiopacity of three times above the
      minimal International Organization for Standardization (ISO) values for composite
      luting cements. At all exposure values, the highest radiopacity was for Solocem
      and Multilink groups of materials, at three to six times above dentin
      radiopacity. Only Variolink Veneer showed radiopacity below dentin and enamel.
      CONCLUSIONS: Composite luting materials should have radiopacity above ISO values
      or greater than the dentin or enamel equivalent. The highest radiopacity values
      were for the Solocem and Multilink family composite luting cements. Clinicians
      should choose materials with high radiopacity values, and manufacturers should be
      aware of the radiopacity values when introducing materials on the market.

PMID- 28072485
TI  - Water-Soluble Polymer Nanoparticles Constructed by Three-Component Self-Assembly:
      An Efficient Theranostic Agent for Phosphorescent Imaging and Photodynamic
      Therapy.
AB  - Water-soluble polymer nanoparticles NP-1 and NP-2 were prepared by using a three
      component self-assembly of an iridium complex, poly(4-vinyl pyridine-b-ethylene
      oxide) (P4VP-b-PEO), and methane sulfonic acid (MSA). Due to the unique metal
      ligand charge-transfer transition property and the heavy-atom effect of the
      iridium atom, NP-1 and NP-2 showed bright phosphorescence and generated the
      singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) species effectively under visible-light irradiation
      (lambda>400 nm) with a power density of 300 mW cm-2 . NP-2, an example of the
      polymer nanoparticles, showed minimal cytotoxic activity in the dark. Laser
      confocal fluorescence and flow-cytometry microscopy experiments demonstrated that
      NP-2 could be taken up by a model cancer-cell line of 4T1 cells, which could be
      used as a phosphorescent probe for cell imaging by preferentially staining the
      cytoplasm. After 6 hours of incubation with NP-2 (100 MUg mL-1 ), the cell
      viability of 4T1 cells decreased to approximately 10 % upon visible-light
      irradiation (lambda>400 nm, 300 mW cm-2 ) only for 10 minutes as a result of the
      generation of the 1 O2 species, thus indicating a proof of concept for effective
      photodynamic therapy for cancer cells.

PMID- 28072487
TI  - The Structure of Linkers Affects the DNA Binding Properties of Tethered Dinuclear
      Ruthenium(II) Metallo-Intercalators.
AB  - With the long-term aim of enhancing the binding properties of dinuclear RuII 
      based DNA light-switch complexes, a series of eight structurally related mono-
      and dinuclear systems are reported in which the linker of the bridging ligand has
      been modulated. These tethered systems have been designed to explore issues of
      steric demand at the binding site and the thermodynamic cost of entropy loss upon
      binding. Detailed spectroscopic and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)
      studies on the new complexes reveal that one of the linkers produces a dinuclear
      system that binds to duplex DNA with an affinity (Kb >107  m-1 ) that is higher
      than its corresponding monometallic complex and is the highest affinity for a non
      threading bis-intercalating metal complex. These studies confirm that the tether
      has a major effect on the binding properties of dinuclear complexes containing
      intercalating units and establishes key design rules for the construction of
      dinuclear complexes with enhanced DNA binding characteristics.

PMID- 28072488
TI  - The influence of memory, sample size effects, and filter paper material on online
      laser-based plant and soil water isotope measurements.
AB  - RATIONALE: The recent development of isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS)
      was quickly followed by the addition of online extraction and analysis systems,
      making it faster and easier to measure soil and plant water isotopes. However,
      memory and sample size effects limit the efficiency and accuracy of these new
      setups. In response, this study presents a scheme dedicated to estimating and
      eliminating these two effects. METHODS: Memory effect was determined by injecting
      two standard waters alternately. Each standard was injected nine times in a row
      and analyzed using induction module cavity ring-down spectroscopy (IM-CRDS).
      Memory coefficients were calculated using a new "multistage jump" algorithm.
      Sample size effects were evaluated by injecting water volumes ranging from 1 MUL
      to 6 MUL. Finally, the influence of cellulose filter paper on the isotopic
      measurements, the memory, and the sample size effect was evaluated by comparing
      it with glass filter paper. RESULTS: Memory effects were detected for both
      delta18 O and delta2 H values, with the latter being stronger. Isotopic
      differences between replicates of the same plant or soil sample showed a clear
      decrease after memory correction. A small water volume effect was found only when
      the injected water volume was larger than 3 MUL. However, while the correction
      method performed well for laboratory-made samples, it did not for field samples,
      due to the heterogeneity of the isotopic composition of the samples. Stronger
      memory and water volume effects were found for cellulose filter paper.
      CONCLUSIONS: The memory coefficients and the water volume-isotope relationship
      improved the consistency and accuracy of both laboratory and field data. Our
      results indicate that cellulose filter paper may not be a suitable medium to
      measure standard waters and evaluate memory and water volume effects. Finally, a
      detailed correction and calibration protocol is suggested, along with notes on
      best practices to obtain good-quality IM-CRDS data. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley
      & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28072489
TI  - Development and application of sub-2-MUm particle CO2 -based chromatography
      coupled to mass spectrometry for comprehensive analysis of lipids in cottonseed
      extracts.
AB  - RATIONALE: Refined cottonseed oil has widespread applications in the food and
      chemical industries. Although the major lipids comprising cottonseed oil
      (triacylglycerols) are well known, there are many diverse lipid species in cotton
      seeds that occur at much lower levels and have important nutritional or anti
      nutritional properties. METHODS: The lipid technical samples were prepared in
      chloroform. The biological samples were extracted using a mixture of
      isopropanol/chloroform/H2 O (2:1:0.45). The data were collected using high and
      low collision energy with simultaneous data collection on a time-of-flight (TOF)
      mass spectrometer which allowed the characterization of lipids by precursor and
      product ion alignment. The supercritical fluid chromatography methodology is
      flexible and can be altered to provide greater retention and separation. The
      comprehensive method was used to screen seed lipid extracts from several cotton
      genotypes using multivariate statistical analysis. RESULTS: Method variables
      influencing the peak integrity and chromatographic separation for a mixture of
      lipids with different degrees of polarity were explored. The experiments were
      designed to understand the chromatographic behavior of lipids in a controlled
      setting using a variety of lipid extracts. Influences of acyl chain length and
      numbers of double bonds were investigated using single moiety standards.
      CONCLUSIONS: The methodology parameters were examined using single moiety lipid
      standards and standard mixtures. The method conditions were applied to biological
      lipid extracts, and adjustments were investigated to manipulate the
      chromatography. Insights from these method variable manipulations will help to
      frame the development of targeted lipid profiling and screening protocols.
      Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28072490
TI  - Reply regarding prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in laryngeal
      squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID- 28072491
TI  - Paradoxical bradycardia during surgical caudal vena cava occlusion in an
      anesthetized dog.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the anesthetic management of a dog undergoing caudal vena
      cava (CVC) occlusion during adrenalectomy, and to discuss a reflex bradycardia
      that was observed during the procedure. CASE SUMMARY: General anesthesia of a 10
      year-old Rhodesian ridgeback for excision of an adrenal mass and associated CVC
      tumor thrombus was performed. The dog was premedicated with IV methadone and
      anesthesia was induced with IV alfaxalone and maintained with isoflurane in 100%
      oxygen. An IV remifentanil infusion was administered for intraoperative
      analgesia. Surgical removal of the thrombus necessitated temporary complete
      occlusion of the CVC. During CVC occlusion an acute paradoxical bradycardia
      occurred, which was successfully treated with IV atropine. The cardiovascular
      change resembled a Bezold-Jarisch or reverse Bainbridge reflex, and was believed
      to be mediated by cardiac mechanoreceptors following the sudden decrease in
      preload. Increased myocardial contractility subsequent to increased sympathetic
      nervous system activity may also have contributed. A decrease in urine output was
      observed following CVC occlusion but had returned to normal 2 hours following the
      end of anesthesia. Recovery from anesthesia was otherwise uneventful. NEW OR
      UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Although the mechanism is unclear, a paradoxical
      bradycardia may occur during complete CVC occlusion in the dog. Factors that
      increase sympathetic nervous system outflow, such as administration of dopamine,
      may have contributed to the occurrence of the reflex.

PMID- 28072492
TI  - Identification and characterization of novel host defense peptides from the skin
      secretion of the fungoid frog, Hydrophylax bahuvistara (Anura: Ranidae).
AB  - Two novel peptides (brevinin1 HYba1 and brevinin1 HYba2) were identified from the
      skin secretion of the frog Hydrophylax bahuvistara, endemic to Western Ghats,
      India, and their amino acid sequences were confirmed using cDNA cloning and
      LC/MS/MS. Antibacterial, hemolytic, and cytotoxic activities of brevinin1
      peptides and their synthetic analogs (amidated C-terminus) were investigated and
      compared. All the peptides except the acidic forms showed antibacterial activity
      against all tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They exhibited low
      hemolysis on human erythrocytes and showed potent cytotoxic activity against Hep
      3B cancer cell line. Upon amidation, the peptides showed increased activity
      against the tested microbes without altering their hemolytic and cytotoxic
      properties. The study also emphasizes the need for screening endemic amphibian
      fauna of Western Ghats, as a potential source of host defense peptides with
      possible therapeutic applications in the future.

PMID- 28072493
TI  - Patterns of infections, aetiological agents and antimicrobial resistance at a
      tertiary care hospital in northern Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the causative agents of infections and their
      antimicrobial susceptibility at a tertiary care hospital in Moshi, Tanzania, to
      guide optimal treatment. METHODS: A total of 590 specimens (stool (56), sputum
      (122), blood (126) and wound swabs (286)) were collected from 575 patients
      admitted in the medical and surgical departments. The bacterial species were
      determined by conventional methods, and disc diffusion was used to determine the
      antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates. RESULTS: A total
      of 249 (42.2%) specimens were culture-positive yielding a total of 377 isolates.
      A wide range of bacteria was isolated, the most predominant being Gram-negative
      bacteria: Proteus spp. (n = 48, 12.7%), Escherichia coli (n = 44, 11.7%),
      Pseudomonas spp. (n = 40, 10.6%) and Klebsiella spp (n = 38, 10.1%). Wound
      infections were characterised by multiple isolates (n = 293, 77.7%), with the
      most frequent being Proteus spp. (n = 44, 15%), Pseudomonas (n = 37, 12.6%),
      Staphylococcus (n = 29, 9.9%) and Klebsiella spp. (n = 28, 9.6%). All
      Staphylococcus aureus tested were resistant to penicillin (n = 22, 100%) and
      susceptible to vancomycin. Significant resistance to cephalosporins such as
      cefazolin (n = 62, 72.9%), ceftriaxone (n = 44, 51.8%) and ceftazidime (n = 40,
      37.4%) was observed in Gram-negative bacteria, as well as resistance to cefoxitin
      (n = 6, 27.3%) in S. aureus. CONCLUSION: The study has revealed a wide range of
      causative agents, with an alarming rate of resistance to the commonly used
      antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, the bacterial spectrum differs from those
      often observed in high-income countries. This highlights the imperative of
      regular generation of data on aetiological agents and their antimicrobial
      susceptibility patterns especially in infectious disease endemic settings. The
      key steps would be to ensure the diagnostic capacity at a sufficient number of
      sites and implement structures to routinely exchange, compare, analyse and report
      data. Sentinel sites (hospitals) across the country (and region) should report on
      a representative subset of bacterial species and their susceptibility to drugs at
      least annually. A central organising body should collate the data and report to
      relevant national and international stakeholders.

PMID- 28072494
TI  - Hepatitis B virus reactivation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy:
      A review and meta-analysis of prophylaxis management.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during or after chemotherapy in patients
      with breast cancer has become a remarkable clinical problem. Prophylactic
      nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are recommended for patients with breast cancer who
      are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive before chemotherapy. We
      performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of prophylactic
      lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients
      undergoing chemotherapy. PubMed, the Cochrane Library and China National
      Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for relevant articles
      until June 2016. Eligible articles comparing the efficacy of prophylactic
      lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients
      undergoing chemotherapy were identified. Eight studies which had enrolled 709
      HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were analysed.
      Lamivudine prophylaxis significantly reduced the rates of chemotherapy-associated
      hepatitis B flares in chronic hepatitis B in breast cancer compared with patients
      with nonprophylaxis (odds ratio [OR]=0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07
      0.35, P<.00001). Chemotherapy disruption rates attributed to HBV reactivation in
      the prophylaxis groups were significantly lower than the nonprophylaxis groups
      (OR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43, P=.0002). Patients with lamivudine prophylaxis had a
      higher risk for tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) motif mutations
      than patients with nonprophylaxis (OR=6.33, 95% CI: 1.01-39.60, P=.05).
      Prophylactic antiviral therapy management is necessary for HBsAg-positive breast
      cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, in spite of high correlation with
      lamivudine-resistant HBV variants with YMDD motif mutations.

PMID- 28072495
TI  - Pelagostrobilidium liui n. sp. (Ciliophora, Choreotrichida) from the Coastal
      Waters of Northeastern Taiwan and an Improved Description of Pelagostrobilidium
      minutum Liu et al., 2012.
AB  - The number of somatic kineties in Pelagostrobilidium ranges from 4 to 6 according
      to the present state of knowledge. This study investigates Pelagostrobilidium
      liui n. sp. using live observation, protargol stain, and small subunit rDNA data
      sequencing. Pelagostrobilidium liui n. sp. is characterized by having a spherical
      shaped body, four somatic kineties, with kinety 2 spiraled around the left side
      of body, about six elongated external membranelles, and invariably no buccal
      membranelle. It differs from its most similar congener, Pelagostrobilidium
      minutum Liu et al., , in (i) cell shape; (ii) macronucleus width; (iii) oral
      apparatus; (iv) anterior orientation of kinety 2; (v) location where kinety 2
      commences; (vi) arrangement of kinety 1; (vii) distance between the anterior cell
      end and the locations where kineties commence; and (viii) the presence of 12
      different bases (including two deletions) in the small subunit rDNA sequences.
      The diagnosis of P. minutum Liu et al., is also improved to include the following
      new characteristics: invariably four somatic kineties; kineties 2 and 4 alone
      commence at the same level; kinety 2 originates from right anterior cell half on
      ventral side, extends sinistrally posteriorly, over kinety 1, around left
      posterior region, terminates near posterior cell end on dorsal side; kinety 1
      commences below anterior third of kinety 2.

PMID- 28072496
TI  - Structural Reconstruction of the Perivascular Space in the Adult Mouse
      Neurohypophysis During an Osmotic Stimulation.
AB  - Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) neuropeptides in the
      neurohypophysis (NH) control lactation and body fluid homeostasis, respectively.
      Hypothalamic neurosecretory neurones project their axons from the supraoptic and
      paraventricular nuclei to the NH to make contact with the vascular surface and
      release OXT and AVP. The neurohypophysial vascular structure is unique because it
      has a wide perivascular space between the inner and outer basement membranes.
      However, the significance of this unique vascular structure remains unclear;
      therefore, we aimed to determine the functional significance of the perivascular
      space and its activity-dependent changes during salt loading in adult mice. The
      results obtained revealed that pericytes were the main resident cells and defined
      the profile of the perivascular space. Moreover, pericytes sometimes extended
      their cellular processes or 'perivascular protrusions' into neurohypophysial
      parenchyma between axonal terminals. The vascular permeability of low-molecular
      weight (LMW) molecules was higher at perivascular protrusions than at the smooth
      vascular surface. Axonal terminals containing OXT and AVP were more likely to
      localise at perivascular protrusions than at the smooth vascular surface. Chronic
      salt loading with 2% NaCl significantly induced prominent changes in the shape of
      pericytes and also increased the number of perivascular protrusions and the
      surface area of the perivascular space together with elevations in the vascular
      permeability of LMW molecules. Collectively, these results indicate that the
      perivascular space of the NH acts as the main diffusion route for OXT and AVP
      and, in addition, changes in the shape of pericytes and perivascular
      reconstruction occur in response to an increased demand for neuropeptide release.

PMID- 28072497
TI  - Covalently Connected Polymer-Protein Nanostructures Fabricated by a Reactive Self
      Assembly Approach.
AB  - The synthesis of polymer-protein nanostructures opens up a new avenue for the
      development of new biomaterials. In this research, covalently connected polymer
      protein nanostructures were fabricated through a reactive self-assembly approach.
      Poly(tert-butyl methacrylate-co-pyridyl disulfide methacrylamide) (PtBMA-co
      PPDSMA) was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer
      (RAFT) polymerization. Covalently connected nanostructures (CCNs) with
      hydrophobic polymer cores and hydrophilic protein coronae were prepared by adding
      solutions of PtBMA-co-PPDSMA/DMF to aqueous solutions of bovine serum albumin
      (BSA). The thiol-disulfide exchange reaction between pyridyl disulfide groups on
      the polymer chains and thiol groups on the protein molecules plays a key role in
      the fabrication of CCNs. The self-assembly process was investigated by dynamic
      light scattering (DLS) and stopped-flow techniques. DLS results indicated that
      the sizes of the CCNs were determined by the initial polymer concentration, the
      BSA concentration, and the average number of thiol groups on BSA molecules. TEM
      and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were used to
      analyze the nanostructures. Far-UV circular dichroism results demonstrated that
      the original folded conformations of BSA molecules were basically maintained in
      the reactive self-assembly process. Compared with native BSA, the secondary
      structure and conformation change of coronal BSA induced by urea or thermal
      treatment were remarkably suppressed. The cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that
      the CCNs were essentially nontoxic to Hela and COS-7 cells.

PMID- 28072498
TI  - Scaling-up HCV treatment to achieve WHO targets by 2030.

PMID- 28072499
TI  - In silico analysis of the deleterious nsSNPs (missense) in the homeobox domain of
      human HOXB13 gene responsible for hereditary prostate cancer.
AB  - The human HOXB13 gene encodes a transcription factor containing a DNA-binding
      homeobox domain and a HoxA13 N-terminal domain. SNP is considered to be the
      primary genetic cause for hereditary prostate cancer (PCa). The study of
      functional nsSNPs would give an insight into the exact cause underlying the onset
      of hereditary PCa and possible methodologies for the cure or early management of
      the disease. Several in silico tools were used to screen and map the deleterious
      nsSNPs to the protein structure for predicting the structure-function effects.
      Among the 23 homeobox nsSNPs, sift predicted 20, whereas PolyPhen, panther, and
      provean predicted 21 nsSNP's as deleterious. W63R, D244N, K239Q, P222R, K218R,
      and G216C were found to have higher energy values than the native 2CRA. The RMSD
      value showed increased deviation for T253P(2.53 A), P222R(2.27 A), G216C(2.15 A),
      K218R(1.66 A), and K239Q(1.62 A). The I-Mutant showed increase in the stability
      of R258C, S254T, S250L, K239Q, and Q227E. Ramachandran plot showed mutants P222R,
      G216C, W263R, and K218R having drastically unfavorable pattern of amino acid
      residues. The presence of these mutations may result in the altered structure and
      function of the transcription factor; however, the exact mechanism and pathology
      of those predicted nsSNPs should further be validated by in vivo experiments and
      population-based studies.

PMID- 28072500
TI  - Ultrasound-guided intracardiac xenotransfusion of canine packed red blood cells
      and epinephrine to the left ventricle of a severely anemic cat during
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of an ultrasound-guided intracardiac
      xenotransfusion of canine packed red blood cells (pRBC) to the left ventricle of
      a severely anemic cat during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CASE SUMMARY:
      An 8-year-old previously healthy neutered female cat was presented with severe
      weakness after she had disappeared for 1 month. On presentation, the cat was in
      hypovolemic shock, laterally recumbent, and severely anemic with massive flea
      infestation. Within minutes of admission, the cat became agonal and suffered
      cardiopulmonary arrest. CPR was immediately initiated; however, attempts to gain
      IV access during CPR were unsuccessful. As the cat's blood type was yet unknown,
      10 mL of canine pRBC was transfused directly into the left ventricular chamber
      using ultrasound guidance, as well as 0.02 mg/kg of epinephrine using a similar
      technique. The cat regained cardiac activity and once the jugular vein was
      cannulated it received 20 additional mL of canine pRBC intravenously. The packed
      cell volume and total plasma protein following the intracardiac transfusion were
      0.09 L/L [9%] and 30 g/L [3.0 g/dL], respectively. Subsequent blood typing
      revealed the cat had type B blood. The cat was discharged 3 days post-CPR and was
      alive and doing well 3 months following discharge. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION
      PROVIDED: This is the first reported case of ultrasound-guided intracardiac
      canine-to-feline xenotransfusion during CPR.

PMID- 28072502
TI  - Wallerian Degeneration Beyond the Corticospinal Tracts: Conventional and Advanced
      MRI Findings.
AB  - Wallerian degeneration (WD) is defined as progressive anterograde disintegration
      of axons and accompanying demyelination after an injury to the proximal axon or
      cell body. Since the 1980s and 1990s, conventional magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) sequences have been shown to be sensitive to changes of WD in the subacute
      to chronic phases. More recently, advanced MRI techniques, such as diffusion
      weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), have demonstrated some
      of earliest changes attributed to acute WD, typically on the order of days. In
      addition, there is increasing evidence on the value of advanced MRI techniques in
      providing important prognostic information related to WD. This article reviews
      the utility of conventional and advanced MRI techniques for assessing WD, by
      focusing not only on the corticospinal tract but also other neural tracts less
      commonly thought of, including corticopontocerebellar tract, dentate-rubro
      olivary pathway, posterior column of the spinal cord, corpus callosum, limbic
      circuit, and optic pathway. The basic anatomy of these neural pathways will be
      discussed, followed by a comprehensive review of existing literature supported by
      instructive clinical examples. The goal of this review is for readers to become
      more familiar with both conventional and advanced MRI findings of WD involving
      important neural pathways, as well as to illustrate increasing utility of
      advanced MRI techniques in providing important prognostic information for various
      pathologies.

PMID- 28072501
TI  - Nasopharyngeal carriage of respiratory pathogens in Warao Amerindians:
      significant relationship with stunting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors for nasopharyngeal carriage of potential
      pathogens in geographically isolated Warao Amerindians in Venezuela. METHODS: In
      this point prevalence survey, nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 1064 Warao
      Amerindians: 504 children aged 0-4 years, 227 children aged 5-10 years and 333
      caregivers. Written questionnaires were completed to obtain information on
      demographics and environmental risk factors. Anthropometric measurements were
      performed in children aged 0-4 years. RESULTS: Carriage rates of Streptococcus
      pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella
      catarrhalis were 51%, 7%, 1% and 13%, respectively. Crowding index, method of
      cooking and tobacco exposure were not associated with increased carriage. In
      multivariable analysis, an increase in height-for-age Z score (i.e. improved
      chronic nutritional status) was associated with decreased odds of S. pneumoniae
      colonisation (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70-0.83) in children aged 0-4 years. CONCLUSIONS:
      Better knowledge of demographic and environmental risk factors facilitates better
      understanding of the dynamics of colonisation with respiratory bacteria in an
      Amerindian population. Poor chronic nutritional status was associated with
      increased pathogen carriage in children <5 years of age. The high rates of
      stunting generally observed in indigenous children may fuel the acquisition of
      respiratory bacteria that can lead to respiratory and invasive disease.

PMID- 28072504
TI  - Vexatious Litigants and the ADA: Strategies to Fairly Address the Need to Improve
      Access for Individuals with Disabilities.
AB  - This Article addresses the need to reform the ADA to prevent vexatious litigation
      and to promote the underlying goals of the Act. Part I of this Article introduces
      the topic of vexatious litigation and the importance of remedying the effects of
      exploitation of the ADA. Part II provides an overview of the ADA and its efforts
      to increase accessibility to individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the
      provisions of the Act that create incentives to engage in vexatious litigation.
      Part III examines and analyzes the judiciary's response to vexatious litigation
      under the ADA, and sanctions that have been issued to limit exploitation.
      Finally, Part IV provides recommendations to reform the ADA and state disability
      law counterparts, suggests corrective actions to address vexatious litigation,
      and identifies methods to promote equality for individuals with disabilities.

PMID- 28072503
TI  - Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and cognitive function in a large cohort
      of middle-aged women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to cognitive
      decline, but research in women is generally lacking. We examined whether trauma
      and elevated PTSD symptoms were associated with worse cognitive function in
      middle-aged civilian women. A secondary objective was to investigate the possible
      role of depression in the relation of PTSD symptoms to cognitive function.
      METHODS: The sample comprised 14,029 middle-aged women in the Nurses' Health
      Study II. Lifetime trauma exposure, lifetime PTSD symptoms, and past-week
      depressive symptoms were measured in 2008. Cognitive function was measured in
      2014-2016 using the Cogstate Brief Battery, a self-administered online cognitive
      battery that assesses psychomotor speed, attention, learning, and working memory.
      We used linear regression models to estimate mean differences in cognition across
      PTSD symptom levels. RESULTS: Compared to no trauma, elevated PTSD symptoms
      consistent with probable PTSD (i.e., 4+ symptoms on a screening questionnaire)
      were associated with worse performance on psychomotor speed/attention (b = -0.08
      standard units, p = .001) and learning/working memory (b = -0.09, p < .001)
      composites, after adjusting for sociodemographics. Although attenuated,
      associations remained significant when adjusted for depressive symptoms and other
      cognitive risk factors. We found the strongest associations among women with
      comorbid probable PTSD and depression. CONCLUSIONS: PTSD symptoms were negatively
      related to measures of psychomotor speed/attention and learning/working memory in
      middle-aged women. Our study adds to a growing literature that suggests that
      mental disorders are associated with worse cognitive function over the life
      course.

PMID- 28072505
TI  - Radial artery harvesting.

PMID- 28072506
TI  - How Much of a Factor Is the Affordable Care Act in the Declining Uninsured Rate?
AB  - Issue: While the number of uninsured has decreased substantially since the
      Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded coverage in 2014, questions remain about
      howmuch the economic recovery and other changes might have influenced this
      decline. Goal: Assess the direct impact of the ACA marketplaces and the Medicaid
      expansion on the uninsured rate among nonelderly adults. Methods: Analysis of
      insurance coverage rates before and after the ACA's first open enrollment period
      (fall 2013 to spring 2014) using the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and
      the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Key findings: Based on
      NHIS data, enrollment in ACA-related coverage options explains about 76 percent
      of the 4-percentage-point decline in the uninsured rate during the first open
      enrollment period. Marketplace enrollments reduced the adult uninsured rate by an
      estimated 1.7 percentage points to 2.3 percentage points. The effects were
      substantially more pronounced among adults eligible for income-related subsidies.
      Medicaid expansions in participating states further reduced the uninsured rate by
      an estimated 0.76 points to 1.0 points. Conclusion: The great majority of
      nonelderly adults who enrolled during the first open enrollment period would
      likely not have held health coverage without the ACA expansions.

PMID- 28072507
TI  - A Long Way in a Short Time: States' Progress on Health Care Coverage and Access,
      2013-2015.
AB  - Issue: The Affordable Care Act's policy reforms sought to expand health insurance
      coverage and make health care more affordable. As the nation prepares for policy
      changes under a new administration, we assess recent gains and challenges. Goal:
      To compare access to affordable health care across the U.S. between 2013 and
      2015. Methods: Analysis of most recent publicly available data from the U.S.
      Census Bureau and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.Key findings and
      conclusions: Between 2013 and 2015, uninsured rates for adults ages 19 to 64
      declined in all states and by at least 3 percentage points in 48 states and the
      District of Columbia. For children, uninsured rates declined by at least 2
      percentage points in 28 states. The share of adults age 18 and older who reported
      forgoing a visit to the doctor when needed because of costs dropped by at least 2
      percentage points in 38 states and D.C. In contrast, there was littleprogress in
      expanding access to dental care for adults, which is not a required benefit under
      the ACA. These findings illustrate the impact that policy can have on access to
      care and offer a focal point for assessing future policy changes.

PMID- 28072508
TI  - Repealing Federal Health Reform: Economic and Employment Consequences for States.
AB  - Issue: The incoming Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are seeking
      to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), likely beginning with the law's
      insurance premium tax credits and expansion of Medicaid eligibility. Research
      shows that the loss of these two provisions would lead to a doubling of the
      number of uninsured, higher uncompensated care costs for providers, and higher
      taxes for low-income Americans. Goal: To determine the state-by-state effect of
      repeal on employment and economic activity. Methods: A multistate economic
      forecasting model (PI+ from Regional Economic Models, Inc.) was used to quantify
      for each state the effects of the federal spending cuts. Findings and
      Conclusions: Repeal results in a $140 billion loss in federal funding for health
      care in 2019, leading to the loss of 2.6 million jobs (mostly in the private
      sector) that year across all states. A third of lost jobs are in health care,
      with the majority in other industries. If replacement policies are not in place,
      there will be a cumulative $1.5 trillion loss in gross state products and a $2.6
      trillion reduction in business output from 2019 to 2023. States and health care
      providers will be particularly hard hit by the funding cuts.

PMID- 28072509
TI  - Achieving High Current Density of Perovskite Solar Cells by Modulating the
      Dominated Facets of Room-Temperature DC Magnetron Sputtered TiO2 Electron
      Extraction Layer.
AB  - The short circuit current density of perovskite solar cell (PSC) was boosted by
      modulating the dominated plane facets of TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL).
      Under optimized condition, TiO2 with dominant {001} facets showed (i) low
      incident light loss, (ii) highly smooth surface and excellent wettability for
      precursor solution, (iii) efficient electron extraction, and (iv) high
      conductivity in perovskite photovoltaic application. A current density of 24.19
      mA cm-2 was achieved as a value near the maximum limit. The power conversion
      efficiency was improved to 17.25%, which was the record value of PSCs with DC
      magnetron sputtered carrier transport layer. What is more, the room-temperature
      process had a great significance for the cost reduction and flexible application
      of PSCs.

PMID- 28072510
TI  - CO2 Photoreduction by Formate Dehydrogenase and a Ru-Complex in a Nanoporous
      Glass Reactor.
AB  - In this study, we demonstrated the conversion of CO2 to formic acid under ambient
      conditions in a photoreduction nanoporous reactor using a photosensitizer, methyl
      viologen (MV2+), and formate dehydrogenase (FDH). The overall efficiency of this
      reactor was 14 times higher than that of the equivalent solution. The
      accumulation rate of formic acid in the nanopores of 50 nm is 83 times faster
      than that in the equivalent solution. Thus, this CO2 photoreduction nanoporous
      glass reactor will be useful as an artificial photosynthesis system that converts
      CO2 to fuel.

PMID- 28072511
TI  - Resistance Switching Characteristics Induced by O2 Plasma Treatment of an Indium
      Tin Oxide Film for Use as an Insulator in Resistive Random Access Memory.
AB  - In this study, an O2 inductively coupled plasma (ICP) treatment was developed in
      order to modify the characteristics of indium tin oxide (ITO) film for use as an
      insulator in resistive random access memory (RRAM). After the O2 plasma
      treatment, the previously conductive ITO film is oxidized and becomes less
      conductive. In addition, after capping the same ITO material for use as a top
      electrode, we found that the ITO/ITO(O2 plasma)/TiN device exhibits very stable
      and robust resistive switching characteristics. On the contrary, the nontreated
      ITO film for use as an insulator in the ITO/ITO/TiN device cannot perform
      resistance switching behaviors. The material analysis initially investigated the
      ITO film characteristics with and without O2 plasma treatment. The surface was
      less rough after O2 plasma treatment. However, the molar concentration of each
      element and measured sheet resistance results for the O2-plasma-treated ITO film
      were dramatically modified. Next, electrical measurements were carried out to
      examine the resistance switching stability under continuous DC and AC operation
      in this ITO/ITO(O2 plasma)/TiN device. Reliability tests, including endurance and
      retention, also proved its capability for use in data storage applications. In
      addition to these electrical measurements, current fitting method experiments at
      different temperatures were performed to examine and confirm the resistance
      switching mechanisms. This easily fabricated device, using a simple material
      combination, achieves excellent performance by using ITO with an O2 plasma
      treatment and can further the abilities of RRAM for use in remarkable potential
      applications.

PMID- 28072513
TI  - Synthesis of Graphene Oxide-Based Sulfonated Oligoanilines Coatings for
      Synergistically Enhanced Corrosion Protection in 3.5% NaCl Solution.
AB  - As a vital derivative of graphene, graphene oxide (GO) is widely applied in
      various fields, such as transparent electrodes, solar cells, energy storage, and
      corrosion protection due to the large specific surface area and abundant active
      sites. However, compared with graphene, the application of GO has been less
      reported in metal corrosion protection field. Therefore, in our study, 3
      aminobenzenesulfonic acid was selected to combine with oligoanilines to fabricate
      the GO-based sulfonated oligoanilines coatings for marine corrosion protection
      application. The obtained composite coatings were covered on the surface of Q235
      steel, which is one of the most important structural marine materials. Fourier
      transform infrared spectra were utilized to prove the existence of different
      bonds and functional groups of aniline trimer and sulfonated aniline trimer
      (SAT). Scanning electron microscopy was applied to verify the combination of GO
      and SAT. What's more, transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the
      surface appearance of the obtained GO-SAT composite material. Besides, the
      results of electrochemical measurements performed in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution
      showed excellent corrosion-protective properties of GO/SAT-coated epoxy resin
      with a dosage of 10 mg of GO compared with the pure epoxy resin. Moreover, the
      enhancement of surface hydrophobic property, to some extent, is in favor of
      preventing the absorption of corrosive medium and water molecules revealed by
      contact angle test. The addition of GO can make the diffusion pathway of the
      corrosive medium longer and more circuitous, while SAT has displayed excellent
      solvent solubility while maintaining corrosion-protective properties similar to
      those of polyanilines so that the corrosion-protective properties of the modified
      coatings improve significantly due to the synergistically enhanced corrosion
      protection of GO and SAT.

PMID- 28072512
TI  - High-Performance Hybrid Bismuth-Carbon Nanotube Based Contrast Agent for X-ray CT
      Imaging.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used for a plethora of biomedical applications,
      including their use as delivery vehicles for drugs, imaging agents, proteins,
      DNA, and other materials. Here, we describe the synthesis and characterization of
      a new CNT-based contrast agent (CA) for X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging.
      The CA is a hybrid material derived from ultrashort single-walled carbon
      nanotubes (20-80 nm long, US-tubes) and Bi(III) oxo-salicylate clusters with four
      Bi(III) ions per cluster (Bi4C). The element bismuth was chosen over iodine,
      which is the conventional element used for CT CAs in the clinic today due to its
      high X-ray attenuation capability and its low toxicity, which makes bismuth a
      more-promising element for new CT CA design. The new CA contains 20% by weight
      bismuth with no detectable release of bismuth after a 48 h challenge by various
      biological media at 37  degrees C, demonstrating the presence of a strong
      interaction between the two components of the hybrid material. The performance of
      the new Bi4C@US-tubes solid material as a CT CA has been assessed using a
      clinical scanner and found to possess an X-ray attenuation ability of >2000
      Hounsfield units (HU).

PMID- 28072514
TI  - Predicting Salt Permeability Coefficients in Highly Swollen, Highly Charged Ion
      Exchange Membranes.
AB  - This study presents a framework for predicting salt permeability coefficients in
      ion exchange membranes in contact with an aqueous salt solution. The model, based
      on the solution-diffusion mechanism, was tested using experimental salt
      permeability data for a series of commercial ion exchange membranes. Equilibrium
      salt partition coefficients were calculated using a thermodynamic framework
      (i.e., Donnan theory), incorporating Manning's counterion condensation theory to
      calculate ion activity coefficients in the membrane phase and the Pitzer model to
      calculate ion activity coefficients in the solution phase. The model predicted
      NaCl partition coefficients in a cation exchange membrane and two anion exchange
      membranes, as well as MgCl2 partition coefficients in a cation exchange membrane,
      remarkably well at higher external salt concentrations (>0.1 M) and reasonably
      well at lower external salt concentrations (<0.1 M) with no adjustable
      parameters. Membrane ion diffusion coefficients were calculated using a
      combination of the Mackie and Meares model, which assumes ion diffusion in water
      swollen polymers is affected by a tortuosity factor, and a model developed by
      Manning to account for electrostatic effects. Agreement between experimental and
      predicted salt diffusion coefficients was good with no adjustable parameters.
      Calculated salt partition and diffusion coefficients were combined within the
      framework of the solution-diffusion model to predict salt permeability
      coefficients. Agreement between model and experimental data was remarkably good.
      Additionally, a simplified version of the model was used to elucidate connections
      between membrane structure (e.g., fixed charge group concentration) and salt
      transport properties.

PMID- 28072515
TI  - Ultralight, Flexible, and Semi-Transparent Metal Oxide Papers for
      Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting.
AB  - Thanks to their versatile functionality, metal oxides (MOs) constitute one of the
      key family materials in a variety of current demands for sensor, catalysis,
      energy storage and conversion, optical electronics, and piezoelectric mechanics.
      Much effort has focused on engineering specific nanostructure and macroscopic
      morphology of MOs that aims to enhance their performances, but the design and
      controlled synthesis of ultrafine nanostructured MOs in a cost-effective and
      facile way remains a challenge. In this work, we have exploited the advantages of
      intrinsic structures of graphene oxide (GO) papers, serving as a sacrificial
      template, to design and synthesize two-dimensional (2D) layered and free-standing
      MO papers with ultrafine nanostructures. Physicochemical characterizations showed
      that these MO materials are nanostructured, porous, flexible, and ultralight. The
      as-synthesized materials were tested for their potential application in
      photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion. In terms of PEC water splitting,
      copper oxide papers were used as an example and exhibited excellent performances
      with an extremely high photocurrent-to-weight ratio of 3 A cm-2 g-1. We have also
      shown that the synthesis method is generally valid for many earth-abundant
      transition metals including copper, nickel, iron, cobalt, and manganese.

PMID- 28072516
TI  - Cobalt-Based Single-Ion Magnets on an Apatite Lattice: Toward Patterned Arrays
      for Magnetic Memories.
AB  - Single-ion magnets (SIMs) that can maintain magnetization direction on an
      individual transition metal atom represent the smallest atomic-scale units for
      future magnetic data storage devices and molecular electronics. Here we present a
      robust extended inorganic solid hosting efficient SIM centers, as an alternative
      to molecular SIM crystals. We show that unique dioxocobaltate(II) ions, confined
      in the channels of strontium hydroxyapatite, exhibit classical SIM features with
      a large energy barrier for magnetization reversal (Ueff) of 51-59 cm-1. The
      samples have been tuned such that a magnetization hysteresis opens below 8 K and
      Ueff increases by a factor of 4 and can be further enhanced to the highest values
      among 3d metal complexes of 275 cm-1 when Ba is substituted for Sr. The SIM
      properties are preserved without any tendency toward spin ordering up to a high
      Co concentration. At a maximal Co content, a hypothetical regular hexagonal grid
      of SIMs with a 1 nm interspacing on the (001) crystal facet would allow a maximal
      magnetic recording density of 105 Gb/cm2.

PMID- 28072518
TI  - Chirality-Controlled Synthesis and Applications of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes.
AB  - Preparation of chirality-defined single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is the top
      challenge in the nanotube field. In recent years, great progress has been made
      toward preparing single-chirality SWCNTs through both direct controlled synthesis
      and postsynthesis separation approaches. Accordingly, the uses of single
      chirality-dominated SWCNTs for various applications have emerged as a new front
      in nanotube research. In this Review, we review recent progress made in the
      chirality-controlled synthesis of SWCNTs, including metal-catalyst-free SWCNT
      cloning by vapor-phase epitaxy elongation of purified single-chirality nanotube
      seeds, chirality-specific growth of SWCNTs on bimetallic solid alloy catalysts,
      chirality-controlled synthesis of SWCNTs using bottom-up synthetic strategy from
      carbonaceous molecular end-cap precursors, etc. Recent major progresses in
      postsynthesis separation of single-chirality SWCNT species, as well as methods
      for chirality characterization of SWCNTs, are also highlighted. Moreover, we
      discuss some examples where single-chirality SWCNTs have shown clear advantages
      over SWCNTs with broad chirality distributions. We hope this review could inspire
      more research on the chirality-controlled preparation of SWCNTs and equally
      important inspire the use of single-chirality SWCNT samples for more fundamental
      studies and practical applications.

PMID- 28072519
TI  - Single-Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Photosynthetic Systems.
AB  - Photosynthesis begins when a network of pigment-protein complexes captures solar
      energy and transports it to the reaction center, where charge separation occurs.
      When necessary (under low light conditions), photosynthetic organisms perform
      this energy transport and charge separation with near unity quantum efficiency.
      Remarkably, this high efficiency is maintained under physiological conditions,
      which include thermal fluctuations of the pigment-protein complexes and changing
      local environments. These conditions introduce multiple types of heterogeneity in
      the pigment-protein complexes, including structural heterogeneity, energetic
      heterogeneity, and functional heterogeneity. Understanding how photosynthetic
      light-harvesting functions in the face of these fluctuations requires
      understanding this heterogeneity, which, in turn, requires characterization of
      individual pigment-protein complexes. Single-molecule spectroscopy has the power
      to probe individual complexes. In this review, we present an overview of the
      common techniques for single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy applied to
      photosynthetic systems and describe selected experiments on these systems. We
      discuss how these experiments provide a new understanding of the impact of
      heterogeneity on light harvesting and thus how these systems are optimized to
      capture sunlight under physiological conditions.

PMID- 28072520
TI  - Bioenergy Potential from Food Waste in California.
AB  - Food waste makes up approximately 15% of municipal solid waste generated in the
      United States, and 95% of food waste is ultimately landfilled. Its bioavailable
      carbon and nutrient content makes it a major contributor to landfill methane
      emissions, but also presents an important opportunity for energy recovery. This
      paper presents the first detailed analysis of monthly food waste generation in
      California at a county level, and its potential contribution to the state's
      energy production. Scenarios that rely on excess capacity at existing anaerobic
      digester (AD) and solid biomass combustion facilities, and alternatives that
      allow for new facility construction, are developed and modeled. Potential monthly
      electricity generation from the conversion of gross food waste using a
      combination of AD and combustion varies from 420 to 700 MW, averaging 530 MW. At
      least 66% of gross high moisture solids and 23% of gross low moisture solids can
      be treated using existing county infrastructure, and this fraction increases to
      99% of high moisture solids and 55% of low moisture solids if waste can be
      shipped anywhere within the state. Biogas flaring practices at AD facilities can
      reduce potential energy production by 10 to 40%.

PMID- 28072521
TI  - Quantifying Biodiversity Losses Due to Human Consumption: A Global-Scale
      Footprint Analysis.
AB  - It is increasingly recognized that human consumption leads to considerable losses
      of biodiversity. This study is the first to systematically quantify these losses
      in relation to land use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the
      production and consumption of (inter)nationally traded goods and services by
      presenting consumption-based biodiversity losses, in short biodiversity
      footprint, for 45 countries and world regions globally. Our results showed that
      (i) the biodiversity loss per citizen shows large variations among countries,
      with higher values when per-capita income increases; (ii) the share of
      biodiversity losses due to GHG emissions in the biodiversity footprint increases
      with income; (iii) food consumption is the most important driver of biodiversity
      loss in most of the countries and regions, with a global average of 40%; (iv)
      more than 50% of the biodiversity loss associated with consumption in developed
      economies occurs outside their territorial boundaries; and (v) the biodiversity
      footprint per dollar consumed is lower for wealthier countries. The insights
      provided by our analysis might support policymakers in developing adequate
      responses to avert further losses of biodiversity when population and incomes
      increase. Both the mitigation of GHG emissions and land use related reduction
      options in production and consumption should be considered in strategies to
      protect global biodiversity.

PMID- 28072517
TI  - Arthropod Innate Immune Systems and Vector-Borne Diseases.
AB  - Arthropods, especially ticks and mosquitoes, are the vectors for a number of
      parasitic and viral human diseases, including malaria, sleeping sickness, Dengue,
      and Zika, yet arthropods show tremendous individual variation in their capacity
      to transmit disease. A key factor in this capacity is the group of genetically
      encoded immune factors that counteract infection by the pathogen. Arthropod
      specific pattern recognition receptors and protease cascades detect and respond
      to infection. Proteins such as antimicrobial peptides, thioester-containing
      proteins, and transglutaminases effect responses such as lysis, phagocytosis,
      melanization, and agglutination. Effector responses are initiated by damage
      signals such as reactive oxygen species signaling from epithelial cells and
      recognized by cell surface receptors on hemocytes. Antiviral immunity is
      primarily mediated by siRNA pathways but coupled with interferon-like signaling,
      antimicrobial peptides, and thioester-containing proteins. Molecular mechanisms
      of immunity are closely linked to related traits of longevity and fertility, and
      arthropods have the capacity for innate immunological memory. Advances in
      understanding vector immunity can be leveraged to develop novel control
      strategies for reducing the rate of transmission of both ancient and emerging
      threats to global health.

PMID- 28072522
TI  - Evaluating Electronic Couplings for Excited State Charge Transfer Based on
      Maximum Occupation Method DeltaSCF Quasi-Adiabatic States.
AB  - Electronic couplings of charge-transfer states with the ground state and
      localized excited states at the donor/acceptor interface are crucial parameters
      for controlling the dynamics of exciton dissociation and charge recombination
      processes in organic solar cells. Here we propose a quasi-adiabatic state
      approach to evaluate electronic couplings through combining maximum occupation
      method (mom)-DeltaSCF and state diabatization schemes. Compared with time
      dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) using global hybrid functional, mom
      DeltaSCF is superior to estimate the excitation energies of charge-transfer
      states; moreover it can also provide good excited electronic state for property
      calculation. Our approach is hence reliable to evaluate electronic couplings for
      excited state electron transfer processes, which is demonstrated by calculations
      on a typical organic photovoltaic system, oligothiophene/perylenediimide complex.

PMID- 28072523
TI  - Snapshotting the Excited-State Planarization of Chemically Locked N,N'
      Disubstituted Dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazines.
AB  - For deeper understanding of the coupling of electronic processes with
      conformational motions, we exploit a tailored strategy to harness the excited
      state planarization of N,N'-disubstituted dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazines by
      halting the structural evolution via a macrocyclization process. In this new
      approach, 9,14-diphenyl-9,14-dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazine (DPAC) is used as a
      prototype, in which the para sites of 9,14-diphenyl are systematically enclosed
      by a dialkoxybenzene-alkyl-ester or -ether linkage with different chain lengths,
      imposing various degrees of constraint to impede the structural deformation.
      Accordingly, a series of DPAC-n (n = 1-8) derivatives were synthesized, in which
      n correlates with the alkyl length, such that the strength of the spatial
      constraint decreases as n increases. The structures of DPAC-1, DPAC-3, DPAC-4,
      and DPAC-8 were identified by the X-ray crystal analysis. As a result, despite
      nearly identical absorption spectra (onset ~400 nm) for DPAC-1-8, drastic chain
      length dependent emission is observed, spanning from blue (n = 1, 2, ~400 nm) and
      blue-green (n = 3-5, 500-550 nm) to green-orange (n = 6) and red (n = 7, 8, ~610
      nm) in various regular solvents. Comprehensive spectroscopic and dynamic studies,
      together with a computational approach, rationalized the associated excited-state
      structure responding to emission origin. Severing the linkage for DPAC-5 via
      lipase treatment releases the structural freedom and hence results in drastic
      changes of emission from blue-green (490 nm) to red (625 nm), showing the
      brightening prospect of these chemically locked DPAC-n in both fundamental
      studies and applications.

PMID- 28072524
TI  - Common Hits Approach: Combining Pharmacophore Modeling and Molecular Dynamics
      Simulations.
AB  - We present a new approach that incorporates flexibility based on extensive MD
      simulations of protein-ligand complexes into structure-based pharmacophore
      modeling and virtual screening. The approach uses the multiple coordinate sets
      saved during the MD simulations and generates for each frame a pharmacophore
      model. Pharmacophore models with the same pharmacophore features are pooled. In
      this way the high number of pharmacophore models that results from the MD
      simulation is reduced to only a few hundred representative pharmacophore models.
      Virtual screening runs are performed with every representative pharmacophore
      model; the screening results are combined and rescored to generate a single hit
      list. The score for a particular molecule is calculated based on the number of
      representative pharmacophore models which classified it as active. Hence, the
      method is called common hits approach (CHA). The steps between the MD simulation
      and the final hit-list are performed automatically and without user interaction.
      We test the performance of CHA for virtual screening using screening databases
      with active and inactive compounds for 40 protein-ligand systems. The results of
      the CHA are compared to the (i) median screening performance of all
      representative pharmacophore models of protein-ligand systems, as well as to the
      virtual screening performance of (ii) a random classifier, (iii) the
      pharmacophore model derived from the experimental structure in the PDB, and (iv)
      the representative pharmacophore model appearing most frequently during the MD
      simulation. For the 34 (out of 40) protein-ligand complexes, for which at least
      one of the approaches was able to perform better than a random classifier, the
      highest enrichment was achieved using CHA in 68% of the cases, compared to 12%
      for the PDB pharmacophore model and 20% for the representative pharmacophore
      model appearing most frequently. The availabilithy of diverse sets of different
      pharmacophore models is utilized to analyze some additional questions of interest
      in 3D pharmacophore-based virtual screening.

PMID- 28072525
TI  - Anionic Lanthanide MOFs as a Platform for Iron-Selective Sensing, Systematic
      Color Tuning, and Efficient Nanoparticle Catalysis.
AB  - New porous anionic Ln-MOFs, namely, [Me2NH2][Ln(CPA)2(H2O)2] (Ln = Eu, Gd), have
      been prepared through the self-assembly of 5-(4-carboxy phenyl)picolinic acid
      (H2CPA) and lanthanide ions. They feature open anionic frameworks with 1-D
      hydrophilic channels and exchangeable dimethylamine ions. The Eu phase could
      detect Fe3+ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity in either aqueous solution
      or biological condition. The ratios of lanthanide ions on this structure platform
      could be rationally tuned to not only achieve dichromatic emission colors with
      linear correlation but also attain three primary colors (RGB) and even white
      light with favorable correlated color temperature. Furthermore, the Ag(I)
      exchanged phases can be readily reduced to afford Ag nanoparticles. The as
      prepared Ag@Ln-MOFs composite shows highly efficient catalytic performance for
      the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.

PMID- 28072526
TI  - Type I DNA Topoisomerases.
AB  - DNA topoisomerases constitute a large family of enzymes that are essential for
      all domains of life. Although they share general reaction chemistry and the
      capacity to govern DNA topology and resolve strand entanglements during
      fundamental molecular processes, they are characterized by differences in their
      structural organization, modes of enzymatic catalysis, and biological functions.
      Moreover, hundreds of compounds interfere with bacterial and/or eukaryotic
      enzymes, some of which are effective drugs for the treatment of infectious
      diseases and cancers. Research over the past decade has focused on the biological
      functions of DNA topoisomerases, and several findings have revealed unexpected
      roles of type I DNA topoisomerases, a subclass of these enzymes, in regulating
      gene expression and DNA and chromatin conformations. These new findings highlight
      that type I topoisomerases are still interesting targets for drug discovery for
      the treatment of several human diseases, including multidrug-resistant infections
      and genetic disorders.

PMID- 28072527
TI  - Rational Synthesis and Investigation of Porous Metal-Organic Framework Materials
      from a Preorganized Heterometallic Carboxylate Building Block.
AB  - The tetranuclear heterometallic complex [Li2Zn2(piv)6(py)2] (1, where piv- =
      pivalate and py = pyridine) has been successfully employed as a presynthesized
      node for the construction of four porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)
      [Li2Zn2(R-bdc)3(bpy)].solv (2-R, R-bdc2-; R = H, Br, NH2, NO2) by reaction with
      4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) and terephthalate anionic linkers. The [Li2Zn2] node is
      retained in the products, representing a rare example of the rational step-by
      step design of isoreticular MOFs based on complex heterometallic building units.
      The permanent porosity of the activated frameworks was confirmed by gas
      adsorption isotherm measurements (N2, CO2, CH4). Three compounds, 2-H, 2-Br, and
      2-NH2 (but not 2-NO2), feature extensive hysteresis between the adsorption and
      desorption curves in the N2 isotherms at low pressures. The substituents R
      decorate the inner surface and also control the aperture of the channels, the
      volume of the micropores, and the overall surface area, thus affecting both the
      gas uptake and adsorption selectivity. The highest CO2 absorption at ambient
      conditions (105 cm3.g-1 or 21 wt % at 273 K and 1 bar for 2-NO2) is above the
      average values for microporous MOFs. The photoluminescent properties of the
      prototypic 2-H as well as the corresponding host-guest compounds with various
      aromatic molecules (benzene, toluene, anisole, and nitrobenzene) were
      systematically investigated. We discovered a rather complex pattern in the
      emission response of this material depending on the wavelength of excitation as
      well as the nature of the guest molecules. On the basis of the crystal structure
      of 2-H, a mechanism for these luminescent properties is proposed and discussed.

PMID- 28072528
TI  - Triosephosphate Isomerase and Filamin C Share Common Epitopes as Novel Allergens
      of Procambarus clarkii.
AB  - Triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) is a key enzyme in glycolysis and has been
      identified as an allergen in saltwater products. In this study, TIM with a
      molecular mass of 28 kDa was purified from the freshwater crayfish (Procambarus
      clarkii) muscle. A 90-kDa protein that showed IgG/IgE cross-reactivity with TIM
      was purified and identified as filamin C (FLN c), which is an actin-binding
      protein. TIM showed similar thermal and pH stability with better digestion
      resistance compared with FLN c. The result of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
      experiment demonstrated the infinity of anti-TIM polyclonal antibody (pAb) to
      both TIM and FLN c. Five linear and 3 conformational epitopes of TIM, as well as
      9 linear and 10 conformational epitopes of FLN c, were mapped by phage display.
      Epitopes of TIM and FLN c demonstrated the sharing of certain residues; the
      occurrence of common epitopes in the two allergens accounts for their cross
      reactivity.

PMID- 28072529
TI  - Correlation between the Structure and Catalytic Activity of [Cp*Rh(Substituted
      Bipyridine)] Complexes for NADH Regeneration.
AB  - A series of water-soluble half-sandwich [Cp*RhIII(N^N)Cl]+ (Cp* =
      pentamethylcyclopentadiene, N^N-substituted 2,2'-bipyridine) complexes containing
      electron-donating substituents around the 2,2'-bipyridyl ligand were synthesized
      and fully characterized for the regioselective reduction of nicotinamide coenzyme
      (NAD+). The influence of the positional effect of the substituents on the
      structural, electrochemical, and catalytic properties of the catalyst was
      systematically studied in detail. The catalytic efficiency of the substituted
      bipyridine Cp*RhIII complexes are inversely correlated with their redox
      potentials. The 5,5'-substituted bipyridine Cp*RhIII complex, which had the
      lowest reduction potential, most effectively regenerated NADH with a turnover
      frequency of 1100 h-1. Detailed kinetic studies on the generation of
      intermediate(s) provide valuable mechanistic insight into this catalytic cycle
      and help to direct the future design strategy of corresponding catalysts.

PMID- 28072530
TI  - Effect of beta-Cyclodextrin on the Multistate Species Distribution of 3-Methoxy
      4',7-dihydroxyflavylium. Discrimination of the Two Hemiketal Enantiomers.
AB  - The effect of beta-cyclodextrin on the mole fraction distribution of the
      multistate species of the anthocyanin model compound, 3-methoxy-4',7
      dihydroxyflavylium, was studied by NMR, stopped flow, circular dichroism, and UV
      visible absorption spectroscopy. The formation of inclusion complexes with
      hemiketal and trans-chalcone, possessing transition dipole moments in a parallel
      orientation to the cyclodextrin n-fold axis, was unequivocally proved by means of
      the positive-induced circular dichroism signal. The discrimination of the two
      hemiketal enantiomers was achieved by the splitting of 1H NMR peaks in the
      presence beta-cyclodextrin. The spectroscopic data shows that the beta
      cyclodextrin has only moderate enantioselectivity, slightly favoring one of the
      optical isomers. The observed binding affinity of beta-cyclodextrin for the 3
      methoxy-4',7-dihydroxyflavylium multistate species increases in the order
      flavylium cation < quinoidal base < hemiketal < trans-chalcone < cis-chalcone. As
      a result of this selectivity and the dynamic nature of the network, the
      equilibrium is displaced toward the formation of the chalcone species.

PMID- 28072532
TI  - Controlling the Isomerization Rate of an Azo-BF2 Switch Using Aggregation.
AB  - A novel visible-light activated azo-BF2 switch possessing a phenanthridinyl pi
      system has been synthesized, and its switching properties have been characterized
      as a function of concentration. The switch self-aggregates through pi-pi
      interactions, and the degree of aggregation modulates the Z -> E thermal
      isomerization rate. This property allows for the active tuning of the thermal
      relaxation half-life of the same switch from seconds to days.

PMID- 28072531
TI  - Discovery of 2-(((1r,4r)-4-(((4
      Chlorophenyl)(phenyl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)cyclohexyl)methoxy)acetate (Ralinepag):
      An Orally Active Prostacyclin Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Pulmonary
      Arterial Hypertension.
AB  - The design and synthesis of a new series of potent non-prostanoid IP receptor
      agonists that showed oral efficacy in the rat monocrotaline model of pulmonary
      arterial hypertension (PAH) are described. Detailed profiling of a number of
      analogues resulted in the identification of 5c (ralinepag) that has good
      selectivity in both binding and functional assays with respect to most members of
      the prostanoid receptor family and a more modest 30- to 50-fold selectivity over
      the EP3 receptor. In our hands, its potency and efficacy are comparable or
      superior to MRE269 (the active metabolite of the clinical compound NS-304) with
      respect to in vitro IP receptor dependent cAMP accumulation assays. 5c had an
      excellent PK profile across species. Enterohepatic recirculation most probably
      contributes to a concentration-time profile after oral administration in the
      cynomolgus monkey that showed a very low peak-to-trough ratio. Following the
      identification of an acceptable solid form, 5c was selected for further
      development for the treatment of PAH.

PMID- 28072533
TI  - Coupled-Cluster Valence-Bond Singles and Doubles for Strongly Correlated Systems:
      Block-Tensor Based Implementation and Application to Oligoacenes.
AB  - We demonstrate a block-tensor based implementation of coupled-cluster valence
      bond singles and doubles (CCVB-SD) [Small, D. W.; Head-Gordon M. J. Chem. Phys.
      2012, 137, 114103] which is a simple modification to restricted CCSD (RCCSD) that
      provides a qualitatively correct description of valence correlations even in
      strongly correlated systems. We derive the Lambda-equation of CCVB-SD and the
      corresponding unrelaxed density matrices. The resulting production-level
      implementation is applied to oligoacenes, correlating up to 318 electrons in 318
      orbitals. CCVB-SD shows a qualitative agreement with exact methods for short
      acenes and reaches the bulk limit of oligoacenes in terms of natural orbital
      occupation numbers, whereas RCCSD shows nonvariational behavior even for
      relatively short acenes. A significant reduction in polyradicaloid character is
      found when correlating all valence electrons instead of only the pi-electrons.

PMID- 28072534
TI  - Structure, Magnetism, and Thermoelectric Properties of Magnesium-Containing
      Antimonide Zintl Phases Sr14MgSb11 and Eu14MgSb11.
AB  - New Mg-containing antimonide Zintl phases, Sr14MgSb11 and Eu14MgSb11, were
      synthesized from high-temperature solid-state reactions in Ta tubes at 1323 K.
      Their structures can be viewed as derived from the Ca14AlSb11 structure type,
      which adopt the tetragonal space group I41/acd (No. 142, Z = 8) with the cell
      parameters of a = 17.5691(14)/17.3442(11) A and c = 23.399(4)/22.981(3) A for the
      Sr- and Eu-containing compounds, respectively. The corresponding thermoelectric
      properties were probed, which demonstrated high potential of these compounds as
      new thermoelectrics for their very low thermal conductivity and moderate Seebeck
      coefficient. Magnetism studies and theoretical calculations were conducted as
      well to better understand the structure-and-property correlation of these
      materials.

PMID- 28072535
TI  - Mechanistic Study of the Validity of Using Hydroxyl Radical Probes To
      Characterize Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes.
AB  - The detection of hydroxyl radicals (OH*) is typically accomplished by using
      reactive probe molecules, but prior studies have not thoroughly investigated the
      suitability of these probes for use in electrochemical advanced oxidation
      processes (EAOPs), due to the neglect of alternative reaction mechanisms. In this
      study, we investigated the suitability of four OH* probes (coumarin, p
      chlorobenzoic acid, terephthalic acid, and p-benzoquinone) for use in EAOPs.
      Experimental results indicated that both coumarin and p-chlorobenzoic acid are
      oxidized via direct electron transfer reactions, while p-benzoquinone and
      terephthalic acid are not. Coumarin oxidation to form the OH* adduct product 7
      hydroxycoumarin was found at anodic potentials lower than that necessary for OH*
      formation. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations found a thermodynamically
      favorable and non-OH* mediated pathway for 7-hydroxycoumarin formation, which is
      activationless at anodic potentials > 2.10 V/SHE. DFT simulations also provided
      estimates of E degrees  values for a series of OH* probe compounds, which agreed
      with voltammetry results. Results from this study indicated that terephthalic
      acid is the most appropriate OH* probe compound for the characterization of
      electrochemical and catalytic systems.

PMID- 28072536
TI  - Role of Ionic Strength and pH in Modulating Thermodynamic Profiles Associated
      with CO Escape from Rice Nonsymbiotic Hemoglobin 1.
AB  - Type 1 nonsymbiotic hemoglobins are found in a wide variety of land plants and
      exhibit very high affinities for exogenous gaseous ligands. These proteins are
      presumed to have a role in protecting plant cells from oxidative stress under
      etiolated/hypoxic conditions through NO dioxygenase activity. In this study we
      have employed photoacoustic calorimetry, time-resolved absorption spectroscopy,
      and classical molecular dynamics simulations in order to elucidate
      thermodynamics, kinetics, and ligand migration pathways upon CO photodissociation
      from WT and a H73L mutant of type 1 nonsymbiotic hemoglobin from Oryza sativa
      (rice). We observe a temperature dependence of the resolved thermodynamic
      parameters for CO photodissociation from CO-rHb1 which we attribute to
      temperature dependent formation of a network of electrostatic interactions in the
      vicinity of the heme propionate groups. We also observe slower ligand escape from
      the protein matrix under mildly acidic conditions in both the WT and H73L mutant
      (tau = 134 +/- 19 and 90 +/- 15 ns). Visualization of transient hydrophobic
      channels within our classical molecular dynamics trajectories allows us to
      attribute this phenomenon to a change in the ligand migration pathway which
      occurs upon protonation of the distal His73, His117, and His152. Protonation of
      these residues may be relevant to the functioning of the protein in vivo given
      that etiolation/hypoxia can cause a decrease in intracellular pH in plant cells.

PMID- 28072537
TI  - QM/MM Study of Substituent and Solvent Effects on the Excited State Dynamics of
      the Photoactive Yellow Protein Chromophore.
AB  - Substituent and solvent effects on the excited state dynamics of the Photoactive
      Yellow Protein chromophore are studied using the average solvent electrostatic
      potential from molecular dynamics (ASEP/MD) method. Four molecular models were
      considered: the ester and thioester derivatives of the p-coumaric acid anion and
      their methylated derivatives. We found that the solvent produces dramatic
      modifications on the free energy profile of the S1 state: 1) Two twisted
      structures that are minima in the gas phase could not be located in aqueous
      solution. 2) Conical intersections (CIs) associated with the rotation of the
      single bond adjacent to the phenyl group are found for the four derivatives in
      water solution but only for thio derivatives in the gas phase. 3) The relative
      stability of minima and CIs is reverted with respect to the gas phase values,
      affecting the prevalent de-excitation paths. As a consequence of these changes,
      three competitive de-excitation channels are open in aqueous solution: the
      fluorescence emission from a planar minimum on S1, the trans-cis
      photoisomerization through a CI that involves the rotation of the vinyl double
      bond, and the nonradiative, nonreactive, de-excitation through the CI associated
      with the rotation of the single bond adjacent to the phenyl group. In the gas
      phase, the minima are the structures with the lower energy, while in solution
      these are the conical intersections. In solution, the de-excitation prevalent
      path seems to be the photoisomerization for oxo compounds, while thio compounds
      return to the initial trans ground state without emission.

PMID- 28072538
TI  - Formation Mechanisms of Naphthalene and Indene: From the Interstellar Medium to
      Combustion Flames.
AB  - The article addresses the formation mechanisms of naphthalene and indene, which
      represent prototype polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) carrying two six
      membered and one five- plus a six-membered ring. Theoretical studies of the
      relevant chemical reactions are overviewed in terms of their potential energy
      surfaces, rate constants, and product branching ratios; these data are compared
      with experimental measurements in crossed molecular beams and the pyrolytic
      chemical reactor emulating the extreme conditions in the interstellar medium
      (ISM) and the combustion-like environment, respectively. The outcome of the
      reactions potentially producing naphthalene and indene is shown to critically
      depend on temperature and pressure or collision energy and hence the reaction
      mechanisms and their contributions to the PAH growth can be rather different in
      the ISM, planetary atmospheres, and in combustion flames at different
      temperatures and pressures. Specifically, this paradigm is illustrated with new
      theoretical results for rate constants and product branching ratios for the
      reaction of phenyl radical with vinylacetylene. The analysis of the formation
      mechanisms of naphthalene and its derivatives shows that in combustion they can
      be produced via hydrogen-abstraction-acetylene-addition (HACA) routes,
      recombination of cyclopentadienyl radical with itself and with cyclopentadiene,
      the reaction of benzyl radical with propargyl, methylation of indenyl radical,
      and the reactions of phenyl radical with vinylacetylene and 1,3-butadiene. In
      extreme astrochemical conditions, naphthalene and dihydronaphthalene can be
      formed in the C6H5 + vinylacetylene and C6H5 + 1,3-butadiene reactions,
      respectively. Ethynyl-substituted naphthalenes can be produced via the ethynyl
      addition mechanism beginning with benzene (in dehydrogenated forms) or with
      styrene. The formation mechanisms of indene in combustion include the reactions
      of the phenyl radical with C3H4 isomers allene and propyne, reaction of the
      benzyl radical with acetylene, and unimolecular decomposition of the 1
      phenylallyl radical originating from 3-phenylpropene, a product of the C6H5 +
      propene reaction, or from C6H5 + C3H5.

PMID- 28072539
TI  - Extension of the ReaxFF Combustion Force Field toward Syngas Combustion and
      Initial Oxidation Kinetics.
AB  - A detailed insight of key reactive events related to oxidation and pyrolysis of
      hydrocarbon fuels further enhances our understanding of combustion chemistry.
      Though comprehensive kinetic models are available for smaller hydrocarbons
      (typically C3 or lower), developing and validating reaction mechanisms for larger
      hydrocarbons is a daunting task, due to the complexity of their reaction
      networks. The ReaxFF method provides an attractive computational method to obtain
      reaction kinetics for complex fuel and fuel mixtures, providing an accuracy
      approaching ab-initio-based methods but with a significantly lower computational
      expense. The development of the first ReaxFF combustion force field by Chenoweth
      et al. (CHO-2008 parameter set) in 2008 has opened new avenues for researchers to
      investigate combustion chemistry from the atomistic level. In this article, we
      seek to address two issues with the CHO-2008 ReaxFF description. While the CHO
      2008 description has achieved significant popularity for studying large
      hydrocarbon combustion, it fails to accurately describe the chemistry of small
      hydrocarbon oxidation, especially conversion of CO2 from CO, which is highly
      relevant to syngas combustion. Additionally, the CHO-2008 description was
      obtained faster than expected H abstraction by O2 from hydrocarbons, thus
      underestimating the oxidation initiation temperature. In this study, we seek to
      systemically improve the CHO-2008 description and validate it for these cases.
      Additionally, our aim was to retain the accuracy of the 2008 description for
      larger hydrocarbons and provide similar quality results. Thus, we expanded the
      ReaxFF CHO-2008 DFT-based training set by including reactions and transition
      state structures relevant to the syngas and oxidation initiation pathways and
      retrained the parameters. To validate the quality of our force field, we
      performed high-temperature NVT-MD simulations to study oxidation and pyrolysis of
      four different hydrocarbon fuels, namely, syngas, methane, JP-10, and n
      butylbenzene. Results obtained from syngas and methane oxidation simulation
      indicated that our redeveloped parameters (named as the CHO-2016 parameter set)
      has significantly improved the C1 chemistry predicted by ReaxFF and has solved
      the low-temperature oxidation initiation problem. Moreover, Arrhenius parameters
      of JP-10 decomposition and initiation mechanism pathways of n-butylbenzene
      pyrolysis obtained using the CHO-2016 parameter set are also in good agreement
      with both experimental and CHO-2008 simulation results. This demonstrated the
      transferability of the CHO-2016 description for a wide range of hydrocarbon
      chemistry.

PMID- 28072540
TI  - Impact of Water-Dilution on the Solvation Properties of the Ionic Liquid 1
      Methyltriethoxy-3-ethylimidazolium Acetate for Model Biomass Molecules.
AB  - Many studies have suggested that the processing of lignocellulosic biomass could
      provide a renewable feedstock to supplant much of the current demand on petroleum
      sources. Currently, alkyl imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) have shown
      considerable promise in the pretreatment, solvation, and hydrolysis of
      lignocellulosic materials although their high cost and unfavorable viscosity has
      limited their widespread use. Functionalizing these ILs with an oligo(ethoxy)
      tail has previously been shown through experiment to decrease the IL's viscosity
      resulting in enhanced mass transport characteristics, in addition to other
      favorable traits including decreased inhibition of some enzymes. Additionally,
      the use of cosolvents to mitigate the cost and unfavorable traits of ILs is an
      area of growing interest with particular attention on water as the presence of
      water in biomass processes is inevitable. Through the use of biased and unbiased
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, this study provides a molecular-level
      perspective of the various solvent-solvent and solvent-solute interactions in
      binary mixtures of water and 1-methyltriethoxy-3-ethylimidazolium acetate ([Me
      (OEt)3-Et-IM+] [OAc-]) in the presence of model cellulose compounds (i.e.,
      glucose and cellobiose). It is observed that at ~75% w/w IL and water a
      transition in the nanostructure of the solvent occurs between water-like and IL
      like solvation characteristics. It is shown that H-bonding interactions between
      the anion and water are a major driving force that significantly impacts the
      solvent properties of the IL as well as conformational preferences of the
      cellulosic model compound. In addition, it is found that the oligo(ethoxy) cation
      tail is responsible for the reduction in the propensity for tail aggregation as
      compared to alkyl tails of similar length, which, combined with increased ionic
      shielding, results in increased diffusion and enhanced water-like solvation
      characteristics.

PMID- 28072541
TI  - Proximity Effect Transfer from NbTi into a Semiconductor Heterostructure via
      Epitaxial Aluminum.
AB  - We demonstrate the transfer of the superconducting properties of NbTi, a large
      gap high-critical-field superconductor, into an InAs heterostructure via a thin
      intermediate layer of epitaxial Al. Two device geometries, a Josephson junction
      and a gate-defined quantum point contact, are used to characterize interface
      transparency and the two-step proximity effect. In the Josephson junction,
      multiple Andreev reflections reveal near-unity transparency with an induced gap
      Delta* = 0.50 meV and a critical temperature of 7.8 K. Tunneling spectroscopy
      yields a hard induced gap in the InAs adjacent to the superconductor of Delta* =
      0.43 meV with substructure characteristic of both Al and NbTi.

PMID- 28072543
TI  - Nanoscale Nucleation and Growth of Electrodeposited Lithium Metal.
AB  - Lithium metal has re-emerged as an exciting anode for high energy lithium-ion
      batteries due to its high specific capacity of 3860 mAh g-1 and lowest
      electrochemical potential of all known materials. However, lithium has been
      plagued by the issues of dendrite formation, high chemical reactivity with
      electrolyte, and infinite relative volume expansion during plating and stripping,
      which present safety hazards and low cycling efficiency in batteries with lithium
      metal electrodes. There have been a lot of recent studies on Li metal although
      little work has focused on the initial nucleation and growth behavior of Li
      metal, neglecting a critical fundamental scientific foundation of Li plating.
      Here, we study experimentally the morphology of lithium in the early stages of
      nucleation and growth on planar copper electrodes in liquid organic electrolyte.
      We elucidate the dependence of lithium nuclei size, shape, and areal density on
      current rate, consistent with classical nucleation and growth theory. We found
      that the nuclei size is proportional to the inverse of overpotential and the
      number density of nuclei is proportional to the cubic power of overpotential.
      Based on this understanding, we propose a strategy to increase the uniformity of
      electrodeposited lithium on the electrode surface.

PMID- 28072542
TI  - Insights into the Distinct Lithiation/Sodiation of Porous Cobalt Oxide by in
      Operando Synchrotron X-ray Techniques and Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics
      Simulations.
AB  - Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been considered as one of the promising power
      source candidates for the stationary storage industries owing to the much lower
      cost of sodium than lithium. It is well-known that the electrode materials
      largely determine the energy density of the battery systems. However, recent
      discoveries on the electrode materials showed that most of them present distinct
      lithium and sodium storage performance, which is not yet well understood. In this
      work, we performed a comparative understanding on the structural changes of
      porous cobalt oxide during its electrochemical lithiation and sodiation process
      by in operando synchrotron small angel X-ray scattering, X-ray diffraction, and X
      ray absorption spectroscopy. It was found that compared to the lithiation
      process, the porous cobalt oxide undergoes less pore structure changes, oxidation
      state, and local structure changes as well as crystal structure evolution during
      its sodiation process, which is attributed to the intrinsic low sodiation
      activity of cobalt oxide as evidenced by ab initio molecular dynamics
      simulations. Moreover, it was indicated that the sodiation activity of metal
      sulfides is higher than that of metal oxides, indicating a better candidate for
      SIBs. Such understanding is crucial for future design and improvement of high
      performance electrode materials for SIBs.

PMID- 28072544
TI  - Why Can Unnatural Electron Acceptors Protect Photosynthesizing Organisms but Kill
      the Others?
AB  - The polychlorinated compounds captafol (CPL) and 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid
      (INA) are able to protect plants acting as a fungicide or an inductor of plant
      resistance, respectively. At the same time, CPL and INA are dangerous for the
      respiratory organisms, i.e. mammalians, bacteria, and fungi. The high electron
      withdrawing ability of these compounds enables them to serve as unnatural
      electron acceptors in the cellular ambient near to electron transport pathways
      located in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts or in the mitochondrial
      respiratory chain. Low-energy electron attachment to CPL and INA in vacuo leads
      to formation of many fragment species mainly at thermal electron energy as it is
      shown using dissociative electron attachment spectroscopy. On the basis of the
      experimental findings, assigned with the support of density functional theory
      calculations it is suggested that the different bioactivity of CPL and INA in
      respiratory and photosynthetic organisms is due to the interplay between the
      dissociative electron attachment process and the energies of electrons leaked
      from the electron transport pathways.

PMID- 28072545
TI  - Ultrafast Photoinduced Deactivation Dynamics of Proteorhodopsin.
AB  - We report femtosecond time-resolved absorption change measurements of the
      photoinduced deactivation dynamics of a microbial rhodopsin in the ultraviolet
      visible and mid-infrared range. The blue light quenching process is recorded in
      green proteorhodopsin's (GPR) primary proton donor mutant E108Q from the
      deprotonated 13-cis photointermediate. The return of GPR to the dark state occurs
      in two steps, starting with the photoinduced 13-cis to all-trans reisomerization
      of the retinal. The subsequent Schiff base reprotonation via the primary proton
      acceptor (D97) occurs on a nanosecond time scale. This step is two orders of
      magnitude faster than that in bacteriorhodopsin, potentially because of the very
      high pKA of the GPR primary proton acceptor.

PMID- 28072546
TI  - Three-Dimensional Integration of Black Phosphorus Photodetector with Silicon
      Photonics and Nanoplasmonics.
AB  - We demonstrate the integration of a black phosphorus photodetector in a hybrid,
      three-dimensional architecture of silicon photonics and metallic nanoplasmonics
      structures. This integration approach combines the advantages of the low
      propagation loss of silicon waveguides, high-field confinement of a plasmonic
      nanogap, and the narrow bandgap of black phosphorus to achieve high responsivity
      for detection of telecom-band, near-infrared light. Benefiting from an ultrashort
      channel (~60 nm) and near-field enhancement enabled by the nanogap structure, the
      photodetector shows an intrinsic responsivity as high as 10 A/W afforded by
      internal gain mechanisms, and a 3 dB roll-off frequency of 150 MHz. This device
      demonstrates a promising approach for on-chip integration of three distinctive
      photonic systems, which, as a generic platform, may lead to future nanophotonic
      applications for biosensing, nonlinear optics, and optical signal processing.

PMID- 28072547
TI  - Mild Photochemical Biofunctionalization of Glass Microchannels.
AB  - The ability to locally modify the inside of microfluidic channels with bioactive
      molecules is of ever-rising relevance. In this article, we show the direct
      photochemical coupling of a N-hydroxysuccinimide-terminated omega-alkene onto
      hydrogen-terminated silicon oxide, and its subsequent functionalization with a
      catalytically active DNAzyme. To achieve this local attachment of a DNAzyme, we
      prepared hydrogen-phenyl-terminated glass (H-Phi-glass) by the reaction of glass
      with H-SiPhCl2. The presence of a radical-stabilizing substituent on the Si atom
      (i.e., phenyl) enabled the covalent modification of bare glass substrates and of
      the inside of glass microchannels with a functional organic monolayer that
      allowed direct reaction with an amine-functionalized biomolecule. In this study,
      we directly attached an NHS-functionalized alkene to the modified glass surface
      using light with a wavelength of 328 nm, as evidenced by SCA, G-ATR, XPS, SEM,
      AFM and fluorescence microscopy. Using these NHS-based active esters on the
      surface, we performed a direct localized attachment of a horseradish peroxidase
      (HRP)-mimicking hemin/G-quadruplex (hGQ) DNAzyme complex inside a microfluidic
      channel. This wall-coated hGQ DNAzyme effectively catalyzed the in-flow oxidation
      of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) [ABTS] in the presence of
      hydrogen peroxide. This proof-of-concept of mild biofunctionalization will allow
      the facile preparation of modified microchannels for myriad biorelevant
      applications.

PMID- 28072548
TI  - Conference Report: Biosignature Preservation and Detection in Mars Analog
      Environments.
AB  - The Conference on Biosignature Preservation and Detection in Mars Analog
      Environments held in May 2016 brought together scientists to discuss microbial
      biosignatures in Mars analog habitable environments. Five analog environments
      were discussed: (1) hydrothermal spring systems, (2) subaqueous environments, (3)
      subaerial environments, (4) subsurface environments, and (5) iron-rich systems.
      This paper details the major messages that resulted from the discussions and will
      be followed by a review paper that adds significant detail from the published
      literature and interpretations from the writing committee of the workshop for
      future research and application to astrobiological exploration missions. Key
      Words: Biosignature preservation-Biosignature detection-Mars analog environments
      Conference report-Astrobiological exploration. Astrobiology 17, 1-2.

PMID- 28072549
TI  - Free Flight Physiology: Paragliding and the Study of Extreme Altitude.

PMID- 28072550
TI  - Rotational Advancement in Cleft Nose Rhinoplasty - Buccal Mucosal Grafts Serve as
      a Powerful Tool.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to analyze our technique of a modified rotational
      advancement in conjunction with buccal mucosal grafts (BMGs) in a subgroup of
      severe cleft cases. DESIGN: A retrospective clinical and photographic evaluation
      was conducted. Columella angle (CA) and tip projection (TPR) served as
      instruments in a photometric analysis. SETTING: Academic university hospital and
      specialized craniofacial cleft center. PATIENTS: At the time of the secondary
      rhinoplasty, 61 cleft patients were included, all 17 years or older.
      INTERVENTIONS: Rotational advancement with usage of BMGs was performed in
      selected cases by a single surgeon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nasal symmetry and
      aesthetic appearance. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2011, 29 unilateral severe cleft
      cases (group I) underwent a modified alar rotational advancement with BMGs. Group
      II, with 32 cases, represented patients without BMGs. Technique and management of
      BMGs were described in detail. The complication rate of donor and recipient site
      presented as very low. The CA was improved significantly in both groups. Also,
      TPR improved (not significantly) in group I. Using our technique, we considerably
      enhanced the aesthetic results and symmetry in secondary cleft rhinoplast.
      CONCLUSIONS: Rotating the vestibular skin makes it possible to eliminate the
      traction of this skin on the repositioned alar cartilage, therefore achieving a
      more pleasing and stable nasal symmetry in secondary cleft rhinoplasty. Versatile
      BMGs close this gap, thus making them a powerful tool in the arsenal of the
      reconstructive cleft surgeon.

PMID- 28072551
TI  - Assessment of subclinical left ventricular changes in essential hypertensive
      patients with hyperuricemia: A three-dimensional speckle-tracking
      echocardiography study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of hyperuricemia (HU) on subclinical changes of
      left ventricle (LV) function and structure in patients with hypertension (HT)
      using three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) and to explore
      the relationships between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and three-dimensional
      speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) parameters in hypertensive and
      nonhypertensive patients with HU. METHODS: Four age- and sex-matched groups were
      studied: I: healthy controls, HT- HU- (n = 40); II: HT- HU+ (n = 40); III: HT+ HU
      (n = 40); IV: HT+ HU+ (n = 44). Conventional echocardiography and 3DSTE were
      recorded. Relative wall thickness (RWT) and left ventricular mass index assessed
      by M-mode echocardiography (LVMi-M) were calculated. 3DSTE parameters including
      LV volumes and ejection fraction (EF), LVMi-3D, global longitudinal strain (GLS),
      and global circumferential strain (GCS) were compared. The relationships between
      SUA levels and 3DSTE parameters were investigated. RESULTS: Despite LV diameters,
      LV volumes and EF were similar among groups (all p > 0.05), GLS decreased and
      LVMi-3D increased from controls (group I) to patients with HU or HT alone (group
      II or III), and patients with both HU and HT (group IV) (all p < 0.05). SUA
      levels were significantly correlated with the absolute value of GLS (r = -0.461,
      p < 0.05) and LVMi-3D (r = 0.504, p < 0.05) in hypertensive and nonhypertensive
      patients with HU. CONCLUSIONS: HU may exacerbate LV systolic dysfunction and
      remodeling in hypertensive patients, which can be detected by 3DSTE. Early uric
      acid lowing treatment may be beneficial for hypertensive patients with HU.

PMID- 28072552
TI  - Vehicle-Controlled, Phase 2 Clinical Trial of a Sustained-Release Dexamethasone
      Intracanalicular Insert in a Chronic Allergen Challenge Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a sustained-release dexamethasone
      intracanalicular insert (DextenzaTM) in a model of allergic conjunctivitis.
      METHODS: This was a randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, Phase 2 study.
      Subjects had to have a positive conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) reaction to
      allergen (bilateral +2 itching and redness on 5-point, 0-4 scales) at Visit 1,
      and for 2 of 3 time points on subsequent visits. Subjects who met entry criteria
      were randomized to receive Dextenza or PV (vehicle insert). Challenges occurred
      over 42 days, with efficacy assessed at 14 (primary endpoint visit), 28, and 40
      days postinsertion. Outcome measures included the evaluation of ocular itching,
      redness, tearing, chemosis, eyelid swelling, rhinorrhea, and congestion. RESULTS:
      Twenty-eight subjects completed the study in the Dextenza group and 31 in the
      vehicle group. At 14 days postinsertion, Dextenza was statistically superior to
      PV, with least square mean differences for ocular itching of -0.76, -0.97, and 
      0.87 at 3, 5, and 7 min post-CAC, and for conjunctival redness of -0.46, -0.66,
      and -0.68 at 7, 15, and 20 min post-CAC. Clinical significance, defined as a 1-U
      decrease from PV, was not met for primary efficacy. Secondary endpoints,
      including number of subjects reporting itching and conjunctival redness,
      indicated superior performance of Dextenza compared with vehicle. Eleven Dextenza
      treated (35.5%) and 10 vehicle-treated (30.3%) subjects each experienced a single
      adverse event. CONCLUSION: This Phase 2 study demonstrated preliminary efficacy
      and safety data of Dextenza for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

PMID- 28072553
TI  - Decreased Killing Activity of Micafungin Against Candida guilliermondii, Candida
      lusitaniae, and Candida kefyr in the Presence of Human Serum.
AB  - Currently, echinocandins are first-line drugs for treatment of invasive
      candidiasis. However, data on how serum influences killing activity of
      echinocandins against uncommon Candida species are limited. Therefore, the
      killing activity of micafungin in RPMI-1640 and in 50% serum was compared against
      Candida guilliermondii, Candida lusitaniae, and Candida kefyr. Minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) ranges in RPMI-1640 were 0.5-1, 0.12-0.25, and 0.06-0.12
      mg/L, respectively. In 50% serum, MICs increased 32- to 256-fold. In RPMI-1640 >=
      0.25, >=4, and 32 mg/L micafungin was fungicidal against all four C. kefyr
      (<=4.04 hours), two of three C. lusitaniae (<=16.10 hours), and two of three C.
      guilliermondii (<=12.30 hours), respectively. In 50% serum, all three species
      grew at <=4 mg/L. Micafungin at 16-32 mg/L was fungicidal against all C. kefyr
      isolates (<=3.03 hours) and at 32 mg/L was fungistatic against one of three C.
      lusitaniae isolates. Two C. lusitaniae isolates and all three C. guilliermondii
      grew at all tested concentrations. Adding human serum to susceptibility test
      media drew attention to loss of fungicidal or fungistatic activity of micafungin
      in the presence of serum proteins, which is not predicted by MICs in case of C.
      kefyr and C. lusitaniae in RPMI-1640. Our results strongly suggest that
      micafungin and probably other echinocandins should be used with caution against
      rare Candida species.

PMID- 28072554
TI  - Personality Traits and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Adolescent and Young
      Adult Cancer Patients: The Role of Psychological Distress.
AB  - Personality may affect the way adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer
      report health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients aged 15-39 years (n =
      165) completed a survey at 12-16 months postdiagnosis. The survey included
      questions on HRQoL (SF-36), distress Brief Symptom Inventory-18, and personality
      (NEO-Five-Factor Inventory). Personality traits were not associated with physical
      HRQoL. The personality trait neuroticism was negatively associated with mental
      HRQoL (beta = -0.37; p < 0.001) and positively with psychological distress (beta
      = 0.47; p < 0.001). Hierarchical regression and mediation analyses indicated that
      psychological distress fully mediated the association between neuroticism and
      mental HRQoL. Findings emphasize the importance of psychosocial intervention for
      distress in AYAs with cancer.

PMID- 28072555
TI  - On Constructing Ensembles for Combinatorial Optimisation.
AB  - Although the use of ensemble methods in machine-learning is ubiquitous due to
      their proven ability to outperform their constituent algorithms, ensembles of
      optimisation algorithms have received relatively little attention. Existing
      approaches lag behind machine-learning in both theory and practice, with no
      principled design guidelines available. In this article, we address fundamental
      questions regarding ensemble composition in optimisation using the domain of bin
      packing as an example. In particular, we investigate the trade-off between
      accuracy and diversity, and whether diversity metrics can be used as a proxy for
      constructing an ensemble, proposing a number of novel metrics for comparing
      algorithm diversity. We find that randomly composed ensembles can outperform
      ensembles of high-performing algorithms under certain conditions and that
      judicious choice of diversity metric is required to construct good ensembles. The
      method and findings can be generalised to any metaheuristic ensemble, and lead to
      better understanding of how to undertake principled ensemble design.

PMID- 28072556
TI  - Therapeutic Management of Pyriform Sinus Cancer.
AB  - Objective To analyze the survival rate of a nonselected pyriform sinus cancer
      population. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting University
      hospital. Subjects and Methods A total of 122 patients were included in this
      study covering the 2002-2008 period. All patients had squamous cell carcinoma
      originating from the pyriform sinus. Survival and prognostic factors were
      analyzed. Results The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 39.7% and 2.4%,
      respectively. The 3- and 5-year survival rates without recurrence were 34% and
      27%, respectively. The median survival rates by UICC stage were as follows: stage
      1 and 2 patients, 60 months; stage 3, 40 months; stage 4, 19 months. Stage 4
      patients had a lower median survival rate than other stages ( P = .039). The 5
      year survival rate was 46% for patients having T3-T4 operable cancers treated by
      surgery vs 45% for patients treated by laryngeal conservation protocol (not
      significant). The 5-year survival rate for patients having nonoperable T4 cancers
      was 17.2%. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates of N0 patients was
      significantly higher than N1 patients ( P = .042). N2 and N3 patients had 100% 5
      year mortality. Conclusion This study showed that overall survival and
      therapeutic management depend on the initial stage of pyriform sinus cancer,
      notably on the N status. In particular, nonoperable T4 pyriform sinus cancer and
      N2 and N3 patients had a very poor prognosis. A laryngeal conservation protocol
      seemed as effective as surgical management in terms of survival.

PMID- 28072557
TI  - Expression and localization of the AT1 and AT2 angiotensin II receptors and
      alpha1A and alpha1D adrenergic receptors in aorta of hypertensive and diabetic
      rats.
AB  - Hypertension and diabetes are multifactorial diseases that frequently coexist and
      exacerbate each another. During the development of diabetes, the impairment of
      noradrenergic and renin-angiotensin systems has been reported in the response
      mediated by alpha1-AR and AT1 receptors. Although their participation in the
      development of cardiovascular complications is still controversial, some studies
      have found increased or diminished response to the vasoconstrictive effect of
      noradrenaline or angiotensin II in a time-dependent manner of diabetes. Thus, the
      aim of this work was to investigate the possible changes in the expression or
      localization of alpha1-AR (alpha1A and alpha1D) and angiotensin II receptors (AT1
      and AT2) in aorta of rats after 4 weeks of the onset of diabetes. In order to be
      able to examine the expression of these receptors, immunofluorescence procedure
      was performed in tunica intima and tunica media of histological sections of
      aorta. Fluorescence was detected by a confocal microscopy. Our results showed
      that the receptors are expressed in both tunics, where adrenergic receptors have
      a higher density in tunica intima and tunica media of SHR compared with WKY;
      meanwhile, the expression of angiotensin II receptors is not modified in both
      groups of rats. On the other hand, the results showed that diabetes produced an
      increase or a decrease in the expression of receptors that is not associated to a
      specific type of receptor, vascular region, or strain of rat. In conclusion,
      diabetes and hypertension modify the expression of the receptors in tunica intima
      and tunica media of aorta in a different way.

PMID- 28072558
TI  - A link between transcription fidelity and pausing in vivo.
AB  - Pausing by RNA polymerase is a major mechanism that regulates transcription
      elongation but can cause conflicts with fellow RNA polymerases and other cellular
      machineries. Here, we summarize our recent finding that misincorporation could be
      a major source of transcription pausing in vivo, and discuss the role of
      misincorporation-induced pausing.

PMID- 28072559
TI  - Control of Endophytic Frankia Sporulation by Alnus Nodule Metabolites.
AB  - A unique case of microbial symbiont capable of dormancy within its living host
      cells has been reported in actinorhizal symbioses. Some Frankia strains, named
      Sp+, are able to sporulate inside plant cells, contrarily to Sp- strains. The
      presence of metabolically slowed-down bacterial structures in host cells alters
      our understanding of symbiosis based on reciprocal benefits between both
      partners, and its impact on the symbiotic processes remains unknown. The present
      work reports a metabolomic study of Sp+ and Sp- nodules (from Alnus glutinosa),
      in order to highlight variabilities associated with in-planta sporulation. A
      total of 21 amino acids, 44 sugars and organic acids, and 213 secondary
      metabolites were detected using UV and mass spectrometric-based profiling. Little
      change was observed in primary metabolites, suggesting that in-planta sporulation
      would not strongly affect the primary functionalities of the symbiosis. One
      secondary metabolite (M27) was detected only in Sp+ nodules. It was identified as
      gentisic acid 5-O-beta-d-xylopyranoside, previously reported as involved in plant
      defenses against microbial pathogens. This metabolite significantly increased
      Frankia in-vitro sporulation, unlike another metabolite significantly more
      abundant in Sp- nodules [M168 = (5R)-1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-heptane-5-O
      beta-d-glucopyranoside]. All these results suggest that the plant could play an
      important role in the Frankia ability to sporulate in planta and allow us to
      discuss a possible sanction emitted by the host against less cooperative Sp+
      symbionts.

PMID- 28072560
TI  - A Prostacyclin Analog, Cicaprost, Exhibits Potent Anti-Inflammatory Activity in
      Human Primary Immune Cells and a Uveitis Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic potential of a prostacyclin (IP) receptor
      agonist for ocular inflammation and the effect on immune cells. METHODS: The anti
      inflammatory activities of cicaprost were determined in primary human monocyte
      derived macrophages and human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC), as well as
      a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced rat uveitis model. Multiple cytokine release
      was measured by utilizing Luminex Technology. Prostacyclin (IP) Receptor
      expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain receptor.
      Leukocyte infiltration and protein exudation in the rat uveitis model were
      measured using a hemocytometer and protein concentration by a NanoDrop
      instrument. RESULTS: Cicapost, an IP receptor agonist, potently inhibits
      proinflammatory chemokines/cytokine production not only from LPS- or TNFalpha
      (tumor necrosis factor-alpha)-induced primary human monocyte-derived macrophages,
      but also from LPS-stimulated MoDC. While constitutively expressed in macrophages,
      the IP receptor was inducible by LPS stimulation in MoDCs. In a LPS-induced rat
      uveitis model, cicaprost efficaciously prevents ocular inflammatory cell and
      protein leakage, as well as inflammatory cytokine release. CONCLUSION: The IP
      receptor agonist cicaprost is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, implicating that
      the tightly controlled PGI2/IP signaling pathway is important in regulating
      inflammation. This response could be harnessed in ocular inflammatory disease
      where steroids are currently the standard of care.

PMID- 28072561
TI  - Primary Leptomeningeal Melanoma in a Patient With Multiple Congenital Melanocytic
      Nevi Treated With Ipilimumab.

PMID- 28072562
TI  - A Systematic Review.
AB  - Objectives (1) To systematically identify studies evaluating the use of
      intralesional cidofovir or bevacizumab as an adjunct in adult recurrent
      respiratory papillomatosis, determine disease severity and functional outcomes,
      and assess study quality. (2) To compare outcomes between the 2 adjuncts. Data
      Sources Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Clinical-Trials.gov . Review Methods
      Data sources were systematically searched. A priori inclusion and exclusion
      criteria were instituted. Quality was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality
      Assessment Scale. A priori criteria were instituted to select studies suitable
      for comparison. Results A total of 254 identified studies led to 16 for full-text
      review, including 14 for cidofovir and 2 for bevacizumab. Disease severity
      outcomes were reported in all studies, including remission rate, Derkay scores,
      time interval between operations, and/or lesion volume reduction. Remission rate
      was the most commonly reported (14 studies). Functional outcomes were reported in
      5 studies (36%), including quality-of-life questionnaires, acoustic/aerodynamic
      analysis, and perceptual voice analysis. Voice-related quality of life was the
      most commonly reported (2 studies). Of 16 studies, 12 (75%) were rated poor
      quality. Reports almost invariably showed improved disease severity and
      functional outcomes following treatment; however, variable outcome measures and
      inadequate follow-up disallowed direct comparison of adjuncts. Conclusion
      Remission rate was the most commonly reported disease severity outcome, and voice
      related quality of life was the most commonly reported functional outcome. Most
      studies were of poor quality. No studies met criteria for comparative analysis
      between adjuncts. Future research would be improved by reporting consistent and
      comparable disease severity and functional outcomes, treatment protocols, and
      follow-up.

PMID- 28072564
TI  - Clinical Factors Associated with the Diagnosis of Granulomatosis with
      Polyangiitis.
AB  - Objective To determine the predictive value of nasal endoscopic findings and
      symptoms in the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Study Design
      A cross-sectional study. Setting A tertiary university hospital. Subjects and
      Methods A total of 116 adults were enrolled in the study: 19 patients with GPA,
      29 patients with other rheumatic diseases, and 68 healthy volunteers. All
      patients were examined with a flexible endoscope, and nasal endoscopic images
      were recorded and evaluated blindly. The medical history of each patient was
      taken by a physician blinded to the patient's diagnosis. Results Univariate
      analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in rhinorrhea ( P =
      .002), postnasal drip ( P = .015), epistaxis ( P < .001), and saddle nose ( P =
      .017). However, binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only
      history of epistaxis ( P = .012; odds ratio, 5.6) was statistically significant
      in predicting GPA. Univariate analysis showed a statistically significant
      difference in nasal secretion ( P = .028), nasal septal perforation ( P < .017),
      nasal crusting ( P < .001), nasal adhesion ( P < .001), nasal granuloma ( P =
      .017), and hemorrhagic fragile nasal mucosa ( P < .001). A binary logistic
      regression analysis demonstrated that only hemorrhagic fragile nasal mucosa ( P <
      .001; odds ratio, 52.9) was a statistically significant predictor of GPA.
      Conclusions Given the results of this study, we believe that hemorrhagic fragile
      nasal mucosa and history of recurrent epistaxis may put patients at risk for GPA
      and should be investigated accordingly.

PMID- 28072563
TI  - Inefficiencies in Computed Tomography Sinus Imaging for Management of Sinonasal
      Disease.
AB  - Objective A subset of patients with sinonasal disease who obtain a diagnostic
      computed tomography (CT) sinus scan may require repeat preoperative CT due to the
      inadequacy of diagnostic CT for image-guided sinus surgery (IGSS). This leads to
      increased CT utilization, health care costs, and patient exposure to ionizing
      radiation. The objective of this study is to determine the frequencies of
      diagnostic CT sinus studies that were inadequate for IGSS and repeat CT studies
      for purposes of IGSS. Study Design A retrospective chart study was performed
      between May 2012 and August 2013. Setting Tertiary care rhinology practice.
      Subjects and Methods New patients with any sinonasal diagnosis who presented with
      CT sinus scans acquired from outside institutions were included. CT scans were
      considered inadequate for IGSS for any of the following reasons: >1.5-mm slice
      thickness, oblique axial planes due to gantry tilt, and incompletely defined or
      missing IGSS anatomic landmarks. Results Of 183 patients, 85 (46%) presented with
      diagnostic CT sinus scans that were inadequate for IGSS. Seventy-one patients met
      indications for IGSS, of which 37 (52%) required repeat CT due to an IGSS
      inadequate diagnostic scan. Conclusion The frequency of repeat preoperative CT
      sinus imaging may be high at tertiary care centers where IGSS is performed. A
      standardized IGSS-adequate CT sinus protocol may avoid the need for repeat
      preoperative scans. Potential advantages include improved efficiency, decreased
      health care costs, and reduced ionizing radiation exposure to the patient.

PMID- 28072565
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Corrigendum to Ghezzi A, Annovazzi P, Amato MP et al. (2013). Adverse events
      after endovascular treatment of chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency
      (CCSVI) in patients with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 19(7) 961-963. [DOI:
      10.1177_1352458513475491 ].

PMID- 28072566
TI  - Guard the guardian: A CRL4 ligase stands watch over histone production.
AB  - Histones are evolutionarily conserved proteins that together with DNA constitute
      eukaryotic chromatin in a defined stoichiometry. Core histones are dynamic
      scaffolding proteins that undergo a myriad of post-translational modifications,
      which selectively engage chromosome condensation, replication, transcription and
      DNA damage repair. Cullin4-RING ubiquitin E3 ligases are known to hold pivotal
      roles in a wide spectrum of chromatin biology ranging from chromatin remodeling
      and transcriptional repression, to sensing of cytotoxic DNA lesions. Our recent
      work uncovers an unexpected function of a CRL4 ligase upstream of these processes
      in promoting histone biogenesis. The CRL4WDR23 ligase directly controls the
      activity of the stem-loop binding protein (SLBP), which orchestrates elemental
      steps of canonical histone transcript metabolism. We demonstrate that non
      proteolytic ubiquitination of SLBP ensures sufficient histone reservoirs during
      DNA replication and is vital for genome integrity and cellular fitness.

PMID- 28072567
TI  - Commentary on the integration of model sharing and reproducibility analysis to
      scholarly publishing workflow in computational biomechanics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The overall goal of this paper is to demonstrate that dissemination of
      models and analyses for assessing the reproducibility of simulation results can
      be incorporated in the scientific review process in biomechanics. METHODS: As
      part of a special issue on model sharing and reproducibility in the IEEE
      Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, two manuscripts on computational
      biomechanics were submitted: Rajagopal et al., IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng., 2016 and
      Schmitz and Piovesan, IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng., 2016. Models used in these
      studies were shared with the scientific reviewers and the public. In addition to
      the standard review of the manuscripts, the reviewers downloaded the models and
      performed simulations that reproduced results reported in the studies. RESULTS:
      There was general agreement between simulation results of the authors and those
      of the reviewers. Discrepancies were resolved during the necessary revisions. The
      manuscripts and instructions for download and simulation were updated in response
      to the reviewers' feedback; changes that may otherwise have been missed if
      explicit model sharing and simulation reproducibility analysis was not conducted
      in the review process. Increased burden on the authors and the reviewers, to
      facilitate model sharing and to repeat simulations, were noted. CONCLUSION: When
      the authors of computational biomechanics studies provide access to models and
      data, the scientific reviewers can download and thoroughly explore the model,
      perform simulations, and evaluate simulation reproducibility beyond the
      traditional manuscript-only review process. SIGNIFICANCE: Model sharing and
      reproducibility analysis in scholarly publishing will result in a more rigorous
      review process, which will enhance the quality of modeling and simulation studies
      and inform future users of computational models.

PMID- 28072568
TI  - Disorders of sex development.

PMID- 28072569
TI  - Perinatal critical care and ethics in perinatal medicine: the role of the
      perinatologist.

PMID- 28072570
TI  - What's new in preterm birth prediction and prevention?

PMID- 28072571
TI  - A geometric atlas to predict lung tumor shrinkage for radiotherapy treatment
      planning.
AB  - To develop a geometric atlas that can predict tumor shrinkage and guide treatment
      planning for non-small-cell lung cancer. To evaluate the impact of the shrinkage
      atlas on the ability of tumor dose escalation. The creation of a geometric atlas
      included twelve patients with lung cancer who underwent both planning CT and
      weekly CBCT for radiotherapy planning and delivery. The shrinkage pattern from
      the original pretreatment to the residual posttreatment tumor was modeled using a
      principal component analysis, and used for predicting the spatial distribution of
      the residual tumor. A predictive map was generated by unifying predictions from
      each individual patient in the atlas, followed by correction for the tumor's
      surrounding tissue distribution. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the
      predictive model for classifying voxels inside the original gross tumor volume
      were evaluated. In addition, a retrospective study of predictive treatment
      planning (PTP) escalated dose to the predicted residual tumor while maintaining
      the same level of predicted complication rates for a clinical plan delivering
      uniform dose to the entire tumor. The effect of uncertainty on the predictive
      model's ability to escalate dose was also evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity
      and accuracy of the predictive model were 0.73, 0.76, and 0.74, respectively. The
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for voxel classification
      was 0.87. The Dice coefficient and mean surface distance between the predicted
      and actual residual tumor averaged 0.75, and 1.6 mm, respectively. The PTP
      approach allowed elevation of PTV D95 and mean dose to the actual residual tumor
      by 6.5 Gy and 10.4 Gy, respectively, relative to the clinical uniform dose
      approach. A geometric atlas can provide useful information on the distribution of
      resistant tumors and effectively guide dose escalation to the tumor without
      compromising the organs at risk complications. The atlas can be further refined
      by using more patient data sets.

PMID- 28072572
TI  - A 3D time reversal cavity for the focusing of high-intensity ultrasound pulses
      over a large volume.
AB  - Shock wave ultrasound therapy techniques, increasingly used for non-invasive
      surgery, require extremely high pressure amplitudes in precise focal spots, and
      large high-power transducers arranged on a spherical shell are usually used to
      achieve that. This solution allows limited steering of the beam around the
      geometrical focus of the device at the cost of a large number of transducer
      elements, and the treatment of large and moving organs like the heart is
      challenging or impossible. This paper validates numerically and experimentally
      the possibility of using a time reversal cavity (TRC) for the same purpose. A 128
      element, 1 MHz power transducer combined with different multiple scattering media
      in a TRC was used. We were able to focus high-power ultrasound pulses over a
      large volume in a controlled manner, with a limited number of transducer
      elements. We reached sufficiently high pressure amplitudes to erode an
      Ultracal(r) target over a 10 cm2 area.

PMID- 28072573
TI  - Design and application of a structured phantom for detection performance
      comparison between breast tomosynthesis and digital mammography.
AB  - This paper introduces and applies a structured phantom with inserted target
      objects for the comparison of detection performance of digital breast
      tomosynthesis (DBT) against 2D full field digital mammography (FFDM). The phantom
      consists of a 48 mm thick breast-shaped polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) container
      filled with water and PMMA spheres of different diameters. Three-dimensionally
      (3D) printed spiculated masses (diameter range: 3.8-9.7 mm) and non-spiculated
      masses (1.6-6.2 mm) along with microcalcifications (90-250 um) were inserted as
      targets. Reproducibility of the phantom application was studied on a single
      system using 30 acquisitions. Next, the phantom was evaluated on five different
      combined FFDM & DBT systems and target detection was compared for FFDM and DBT
      modes. Ten phantom images in both FFDM and DBT modes were acquired on these 5
      systems using automatic exposure control. Five readers evaluated target
      detectability. Images were read with the four-alternative forced-choice (4-AFC)
      paradigm, with always one segment including a target and 3 normal background
      segments. The percentage of correct responses (PC) was assessed based on 10
      trials of each reader for each object type, size and imaging modality.
      Additionally, detection threshold diameters at 62.5 PC were assessed via non
      linear regression fitting of the psychometric curve. The reproducibility study
      showed no significant differences in PC values. Evaluation of target detection in
      FFDM showed that microcalcification detection thresholds ranged between 110 and
      118 um and were similar compared to the detection in DBT (range of 106-158 um).
      In DBT, detection of both mass types increased significantly (p  =  0.0001 and p 
      =  0.0002 for non-spiculated and spiculated masses respectively) compared to
      FFDM, achieving almost 100% detection for all spiculated mass diameters. In
      conclusion, a structured phantom with inserted targets was able to show evidence
      for detectability differences between FFDM and DBT modes for five commercial
      systems. This phantom has potential for application in task-based assessment at
      acceptance and commissioning testing of DBT systems.

PMID- 28072574
TI  - Motion compensation using origin ensembles in awake small animal positron
      emission tomography.
AB  - In emission tomographic imaging, the stochastic origin ensembles algorithm
      provides unique information regarding the detected counts given the measured
      data. Precision in both voxel and region-wise parameters may be determined for a
      single data set based on the posterior distribution of the count density allowing
      uncertainty estimates to be allocated to quantitative measures. Uncertainty
      estimates are of particular importance in awake animal neurological and
      behavioral studies for which head motion, unique for each acquired data set,
      perturbs the measured data. Motion compensation can be conducted when rigid head
      pose is measured during the scan. However, errors in pose measurements used for
      compensation can degrade the data and hence quantitative outcomes. In this
      investigation motion compensation and detector resolution models were
      incorporated into the basic origin ensembles algorithm and an efficient approach
      to computation was developed. The approach was validated against maximum
      liklihood-expectation maximisation and tested using simulated data. The resultant
      algorithm was then used to analyse quantitative uncertainty in regional activity
      estimates arising from changes in pose measurement precision. Finally, the
      posterior covariance acquired from a single data set was used to describe
      correlations between regions of interest providing information about pose
      measurement precision that may be useful in system analysis and design. The
      investigation demonstrates the use of origin ensembles as a powerful framework
      for evaluating statistical uncertainty of voxel and regional estimates. While in
      this investigation rigid motion was considered in the context of awake animal
      PET, the extension to arbitrary motion may provide clinical utility where
      respiratory or cardiac motion perturb the measured data.

PMID- 28072575
TI  - Systematics of relative biological effectiveness measurements for proton
      radiation along the spread out Bragg peak: experimental validation of the local
      effect model.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to compare the predictions of the local effect model
      (LEM) in an extensive analysis to proton relative biological effectiveness (RBE)
      experiments found in the literature, and demonstrate the capabilities of the
      model as well as to discuss potential limitations. 19 publications with in vitro
      experiments and 10 publications with in vivo experiments focusing on proton RBE
      along the spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) were considered. In total the RBE values
      of over 100 depth positions were compared to LEM predictions. The treatment
      planning software TRiP98 was used to reconstruct the proton depth dose profile,
      and, together with the physical dose distribution, the RBE prediction was
      conducted based on the LEM. Only parameters from photon dose response curves are
      used as input for the LEM, and no free parameters are introduced, thus allowing
      us to demonstrate the predictive power of the LEM for protons. The LEM describes
      the RBE adequately well within the SOBP region with a relative deviation of
      typically less than 10% up to 10 keV um-1. In accordance with previous
      publications a clear dependence of RBE on the dose-averaged linear energy
      transfer (LETD) was observed. The RBE in the experiments tends to increase above
      1.1 for LETD values above 2 keV um-1 and above 1.5 for LETD values higher than 10
      keV um-1 (distal part of the SOBP). The dose dependence is most pronounced for
      doses lower than 3 Gy (RBE). However, both the LEM predictions and experimental
      data show only a weak dependence of RBE on the tissue type, as characterized by
      the alpha/beta ratio, which is considered insignificant with regard to the
      general uncertainties of RBE. The RBE predicted by the LEM shows overall very
      good agreement with the experimental data within the SOBP region and is in better
      agreement with the experimental data than the constant RBE of 1.1 that is
      currently applied in the clinics. All RBE trends deduced from the experiments
      were also reflected by the LEM predictions, which are purely based on input
      parameters derived from low-LET photon radiation.

PMID- 28072576
TI  - Ultrasonic computed tomography imaging of iron oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are becoming increasingly used and intensively
      investigated in the field of medical imaging. They are currently FDA approved for
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and it would be highly desirable to visualize
      them by ultrasound as well. Previous reports using the conventional ultrasound B
      scan (pulse-echo) imaging technique have shown very limited detectability of
      these particles. The aim of this study is to explore the feasibility of imaging
      IONPs using the through-transmission ultrasound methodology and demonstrate their
      detectability using ultrasonic computed tomography (UCT). Commercially available
      IONPs were acoustically analysed to quantify their effect on the speed of sound
      (SOS) and acoustic attenuation as a function of concentration. Next, through
      transmission projection and UCT imaging were performed on a breast mimicking
      phantom and on an ex vivo tissue model, to which IONPs were injected. Finally, an
      MRI scan was performed to verify that the same particles examined in the
      ultrasound experiment can be imaged by magnetic resonance, using the same
      clinically relevant concentrations. The results have shown a consistent
      concentration dependent speed of sound increase (1.86 [Formula: see text] rise
      per 100 ug . ml-1 IONPs). Imaging based on this property has shown a substantial
      contrast-to-noise ratio improvement (up to 5 fold, p  <  0.01). The SOS-related
      effect generated a well discernible image contrast and allowed the detection of
      the particles existence and location, in both raster-scan projection and UCT
      imaging. Conversely, no significant change in the acoustic attenuation
      coefficient was noted. Based on these findings, it is concluded that IONPs can be
      used as an effective SOS-based contrast agent, potentially useful for ultrasonic
      breast imaging. Furthermore, the particle offers the capacity of significantly
      enhancing diagnosis accuracy using multimodal MRI-ultrasound imaging
      capabilities.

PMID- 28072577
TI  - Feasibility of tungsten functional paper in electron grid therapy: a Monte Carlo
      study.
AB  - Electron grid therapy is expected to be a valid treatment for bulky superficial
      tumors. It is difficult, however, to fit irradiation fields to bulky superficial
      tumor shapes for conventional electron grid therapy with a cerrobend grid
      collimator. In this study, we investigated whether a grid collimator using
      tungsten functional paper (TFP), with its radiation shielding ability, could be
      used for electron grid therapy. Dose distributions were measured using 9 MeV
      electron grid beams from a cerrobend grid collimator. For the simulation study,
      the same grid irradiation fields were shaped using a TFP grid collimator
      (thicknesses of 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 cm) by laying them on a phantom. We
      then determined the dose distributions using Monte Carlo calculations and
      compared the cerrobend and TFP electron grid beams regarding dose distributions,
      including the depths of the maximum dose (d max), 90% dose (d 90), and 80% dose
      (d 80), and the ratios of the doses in the areas with and without shielding
      (valley to peak ratios). The equivalent dosimetric thickness was obtained with
      the TFP grid collimator that was equivalent to the dose distribution of the
      cerrobend grid collimator. For the cerrobend electron grid beams, the d max, d
      90, and d 80 were 1.0, 2.1, and 2.5 cm, respectively, and the valley to peak
      ratios at those depths were 0.48, 0.66, and 0.73, respectively. The equivalent
      dosimetric thickness of TFP was 0.52 cm. The d max, d 90, and d 80 for the 0.52
      cm thick TFP electron grid beams were 1.1, 1.9, and 2.3 cm, respectively, and the
      valley to peak ratios at those depths were 0.49, 0.63, and 0.71, respectively.
      The TFP grid collimator flexibly delivered excellent dose distributions by simply
      attaching it to the patient's skin. It could thus be used for electron grid
      therapy instead of the cerrobend grid collimator.

PMID- 28072578
TI  - Mathematical modelling of scanner-specific bowtie filters for Monte Carlo CT
      dosimetry.
AB  - The purpose of bowtie filters in CT scanners is to homogenize the x-ray intensity
      measured by the detectors in order to improve the image quality and at the same
      time to reduce the dose to the patient because of the preferential filtering near
      the periphery of the fan beam. For CT dosimetry, especially for Monte Carlo
      calculations of organ and tissue absorbed doses to patients, it is important to
      take the effect of bowtie filters into account. However, material composition and
      dimensions of these filters are proprietary. Consequently, a method for bowtie
      filter simulation independent of access to proprietary data and/or to a specific
      scanner would be of interest to many researchers involved in CT dosimetry. This
      study presents such a method based on the weighted computer tomography dose
      index, CTDIw, defined in two cylindrical PMMA phantoms of 16 cm and 32 cm
      diameter. With an EGSnrc-based Monte Carlo (MC) code, ratios CTDIw/CTDI100,a were
      calculated for a specific CT scanner using PMMA bowtie filter models based on
      sigmoid Boltzmann functions combined with a scanner filter factor (SFF) which is
      modified during calculations until the calculated MC CTDIw/CTDI100,a matches
      ratios CTDIw/CTDI100,a, determined by measurements or found in publications for
      that specific scanner. Once the scanner-specific value for an SFF has been found,
      the bowtie filter algorithm can be used in any MC code to perform CT dosimetry
      for that specific scanner. The bowtie filter model proposed here was validated
      for CTDIw/CTDI100,a considering 11 different CT scanners and for CTDI100,c,
      CTDI100,p and their ratio considering 4 different CT scanners. Additionally,
      comparisons were made for lateral dose profiles free in air and using
      computational anthropomorphic phantoms. CTDIw/CTDI100,a determined with this new
      method agreed on average within 0.89% (max. 3.4%) and 1.64% (max. 4.5%) with
      corresponding data published by CTDosimetry (www.impactscan.org) for the CTDI
      HEAD and BODY phantoms, respectively. Comparison with results calculated using
      proprietary data for the PHILIPS Brilliance 64 scanner showed agreement on
      average within 2.5% (max. 5.8%) and with data measured for that scanner within
      2.1% (max. 3.7%). Ratios of CTDI100,c/CTDI100, p for this study and corresponding
      data published by CTDosimetry (www.impactscan.org) agree on average within about
      11% (max. 28.6%). Lateral dose profiles calculated with the proposed bowtie
      filter and with proprietary data agreed within 2% (max. 5.9%), and both
      calculated data agreed within 5.4% (max. 11.2%) with measured results.
      Application of the proposed bowtie filter and of the exactly modelled filter to
      human phantom Monte Carlo calculations show agreement on the average within less
      than 5% (max. 7.9%) for organ and tissue absorbed doses.

PMID- 28072579
TI  - Development of advanced signal processing and source imaging methods for
      superparamagnetic relaxometry.
AB  - Superparamagnetic relaxometry (SPMR) is a highly sensitive technique for the in
      vivo detection of tumor cells and may improve early stage detection of cancers.
      SPMR employs superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION). After a brief
      magnetizing pulse is used to align the SPION, SPMR measures the time decay of
      SPION using super-conducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensors.
      Substantial research has been carried out in developing the SQUID hardware and in
      improving the properties of the SPION. However, little research has been done in
      the pre-processing of sensor signals and post-processing source modeling in SPMR.
      In the present study, we illustrate new pre-processing tools that were developed
      to: (1) remove trials contaminated with artifacts, (2) evaluate and ensure that a
      single decay process associated with bounded SPION exists in the data, (3)
      automatically detect and correct flux jumps, and (4) accurately fit the sensor
      signals with different decay models. Furthermore, we developed an automated
      approach based on multi-start dipole imaging technique to obtain the locations
      and magnitudes of multiple magnetic sources, without initial guesses from the
      users. A regularization process was implemented to solve the ambiguity issue
      related to the SPMR source variables. A procedure based on reduced chi-square
      cost-function was introduced to objectively obtain the adequate number of dipoles
      that describe the data. The new pre-processing tools and multi-start source
      imaging approach have been successfully evaluated using phantom data. In
      conclusion, these tools and multi-start source modeling approach substantially
      enhance the accuracy and sensitivity in detecting and localizing sources from the
      SPMR signals. Furthermore, multi-start approach with regularization provided
      robust and accurate solutions for a poor SNR condition similar to the SPMR
      detection sensitivity in the order of 1000 cells. We believe such algorithms will
      help establishing the industrial standards for SPMR when applying the technique
      in pre-clinical and clinical settings.

PMID- 28072580
TI  - In vivo real-time cavitation imaging in moving organs.
AB  - The stochastic nature of cavitation implies visualization of the cavitation cloud
      in real-time and in a discriminative manner for the safe use of focused
      ultrasound therapy. This visualization is sometimes possible with standard
      echography, but it strongly depends on the quality of the scanner, and is
      hindered by difficulty in discriminating from highly reflecting tissue signals in
      different organs. A specific approach would then permit clear validation of the
      cavitation position and activity. Detecting signals from a specific source with
      high sensitivity is a major problem in ultrasound imaging. Based on plane or
      diverging wave sonications, ultrafast ultrasonic imaging dramatically increases
      temporal resolution, and the larger amount of acquired data permits increased
      sensitivity in Doppler imaging. Here, we investigate a spatiotemporal singular
      value decomposition of ultrafast radiofrequency data to discriminate bubble
      clouds from tissue based on their different spatiotemporal motion and
      echogenicity during histotripsy. We introduce an automation to determine the
      parameters of this filtering. This method clearly outperforms standard temporal
      filtering techniques with a bubble to tissue contrast of at least 20 dB in vitro
      in a moving phantom and in vivo in porcine liver.

PMID- 28072581
TI  - 131I activity quantification of gamma camera planar images.
AB  - A procedure to estimate the activity in target tissues in patients during the
      therapeutic administration of 131I radiopharmaceutical treatment for thyroid
      conditions (hyperthyroidism and differentiated thyroid cancer) using a gamma
      camera (GC) with a high energy (HE) collimator, is proposed. Planar images are
      acquired for lesions of different sizes r, and at different distances d, in two
      HE GC systems. Defining a region of interest (ROI) on the image of size r, total
      counts n g are measured. Sensitivity S (cps MBq-1) in each acquisition is
      estimated as the product of the geometric G and the intrinsic efficiency eta 0.
      The mean fluence of 364 keV photons arriving at the ROI per disintegration G, is
      calculated with the MCNPX code, simulating the entire GC and the HE collimator.
      Intrinsic efficiency eta 0 is estimated from a calibration measurement of a plane
      reference source of 131I in air. Values of G and S for two GC systems-Philips
      Skylight and Siemens e-cam-are calculated. The total range of possible
      sensitivity values in thyroidal imaging in the e-cam and skylight GC measure from
      7 cps MBq-1 to 35 cps MBq-1, and from 6 cps MBq-1 to 29 cps MBq-1, respectively.
      These sensitivity values have been verified with the SIMIND code, with good
      agreement between them. The results have been validated with experimental
      measurements in air, and in a medium with scatter and attenuation. The counts in
      the ROI can be produced by direct, scatter and penetration photons. The fluence
      value for direct photons is constant for any r and d values, but scatter and
      penetration photons show different values related to specific r and d values,
      resulting in the large sensitivity differences found. The sensitivity in
      thyroidal GC planar imaging is strongly dependent on uptake size, and distance
      from the GC. An individual value for the acquisition sensitivity of each lesion
      can significantly alleviate the level of uncertainty in the measurement of
      thyroid uptake activity for each patient.

PMID- 28072582
TI  - The effect of system geometry and dose on the threshold detectable calcification
      diameter in 2D-mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis.
AB  - Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is under consideration to replace or to be
      used in combination with 2D-mammography in breast screening. The aim of this
      study was the comparison of the detection of microcalcification clusters by human
      observers in simulated breast images using 2D-mammography, narrow angle (15
      degrees /15 projections) and wide angle (50 degrees /25 projections) DBT. The
      effects of the cluster height in the breast and the dose to the breast on
      calcification detection were also tested. Simulated images of 6 cm thick
      compressed breasts were produced with and without microcalcification clusters
      inserted, using a set of image modelling tools for 2D-mammography and DBT. Image
      processing and reconstruction were performed using commercial software. A series
      of 4-alternative forced choice (4AFC) experiments was conducted for signal
      detection with the microcalcification clusters as targets. Threshold detectable
      calcification diameter was found for each imaging modality with standard dose: 2D
      mammography: 2D-mammography (165  +/-  9 um), narrow angle DBT (211  +/-  11 um)
      and wide angle DBT (257  +/-  14 um). Statistically significant differences were
      found when using different doses, but different geometries had a greater effect.
      No differences were found between the threshold detectable calcification
      diameters at different heights in the breast. Calcification clusters may have a
      lower detectability using DBT than 2D imaging.

PMID- 28072583
TI  - Superconductivity and spin-orbit coupling in non-centrosymmetric materials: a
      review.
AB  - In non-centrosymmetric superconductors, where the crystal structure lacks a
      centre of inversion, parity is no longer a good quantum number and an electronic
      antisymmetric spin-orbit coupling (ASOC) is allowed to exist by symmetry. If this
      ASOC is sufficiently large, it has profound consequences on the superconducting
      state. For example, it generally leads to a superconducting pairing state which
      is a mixture of spin-singlet and spin-triplet components. The possibility of such
      novel pairing states, as well as the potential for observing a variety of unusual
      behaviors, led to intensive theoretical and experimental investigations. Here we
      review the experimental and theoretical results for superconducting systems
      lacking inversion symmetry. Firstly we give a conceptual overview of the key
      theoretical results. We then review the experimental properties of both strongly
      and weakly correlated bulk materials, as well as two dimensional systems. Here
      the focus is on evaluating the effects of ASOC on the superconducting properties
      and the extent to which there is evidence for singlet-triplet mixing. This is
      followed by a more detailed overview of theoretical aspects of non
      centrosymmetric superconductivity. This includes the effects of the ASOC on the
      pairing symmetry and the superconducting magnetic response, magneto-electric
      effects, superconducting finite momentum pairing states, and the potential for
      non-centrosymmetric superconductors to display topological superconductivity.

PMID- 28072584
TI  - Verification of respiratory-gated radiotherapy with new real-time tumour-tracking
      radiotherapy system using cine EPID images and a log file.
AB  - A combined system comprising the TrueBeam linear accelerator and a new real-time
      tumour-tracking radiotherapy system, SyncTraX, was installed at our institution.
      The objectives of this study are to develop a method for the verification of
      respiratory-gated radiotherapy with SyncTraX using cine electronic portal image
      device (EPID) images and a log file and to verify this treatment in clinical
      cases. Respiratory-gated radiotherapy was performed using TrueBeam and the
      SyncTraX system. Cine EPID images and a log file were acquired for a phantom and
      three patients during the course of the treatment. Digitally reconstructed
      radiographs (DRRs) were created for each treatment beam using a planning CT set.
      The cine EPID images, log file, and DRRs were analysed using a developed
      software. For the phantom case, the accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated
      to verify the respiratory-gated radiotherapy. For the clinical cases, the intra-
      and inter-fractional variations of the fiducial marker used as an internal
      surrogate were calculated to evaluate the gating accuracy and set-up uncertainty
      in the superior-inferior (SI), anterior-posterior (AP), and left-right (LR)
      directions. The proposed method achieved high accuracy for the phantom
      verification. For the clinical cases, the intra- and inter-fractional variations
      of the fiducial marker were  ?3 mm and  +/-3 mm in the SI, AP, and LR directions.
      We proposed a method for the verification of respiratory-gated radiotherapy with
      SyncTraX using cine EPID images and a log file and showed that this treatment is
      performed with high accuracy in clinical cases.

PMID- 28072585
TI  - Arterial Ventricular Uncoupling With Age and Disease and Recoupling With
      Exercise.

PMID- 28072586
TI  - Assessing the Quality of Services Provided in the Teaching Hospitals: A Case
      Study of Iran.
AB  - Service quality is the most important factor in the success of health care
      organizations; because of their vital and important services, even very small
      errors can be followed by great and irreparable harm and damage. This study aimed
      to assess the quality of services provided in the teaching hospitals affiliated
      to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2015. This is an applied, cross
      sectional, and descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2015 in the teaching
      hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. A sample of 290
      inpatients with at least 2 days of admission to hospital was selected using
      stratified sampling proportional to size and simple random sampling methods. The
      results showed that there were significant negative gaps in all dimensions (P >
      .001), and the highest and lowest means and SD of negative gaps were related to
      empathy (-1.35 +/- 1.4) and assurance (-0.52 +/- 0.95). Moreover, the results
      showed that there was a significant negative correlation between the patients'
      age and the total mean of the patients' expectations. According to the results,
      the studied hospitals had not been able to meet the expectations of their
      patients in any of the service quality dimensions. Therefore, to improve the
      service quality dimensions, the authors recommend holding training courses on how
      to interact with patients and meet their needs, providing adequate and proper
      information about the diseases and their treatment for the patients, having
      adequate medical staff, and so on.

PMID- 28072587
TI  - Re: Estimating the Causal Effect of an Exposure on Change From Baseline Using
      Directed Acyclic Graphs and Path Analysis.

PMID- 28072588
TI  - Fertility Treatment and Childhood Epilepsy: A Nationwide Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fertility treatment includes hormonal stimulation of the woman and in
      vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos that may influence prenatal brain
      development. We aimed to investigate the association between fertility treatment
      and childhood epilepsy, including specific types of treatment and indications, as
      well as subtypes of epilepsy. METHODS: In this nationwide birth cohort study, we
      included all pregnancies in Denmark resulting in live-born singletons, 1995-2003.
      Children conceived by fertility treatment and children developing epilepsy (until
      2013) were identified from Danish national registers. RESULTS: A total of 565,116
      pregnancies were included; 8,071 children (1.4%) developed epilepsy. Children
      conceived after ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination had a slightly
      higher risk of childhood epilepsy (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.15; 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 1.00, 1.31). The association was more pronounced for the subtypes
      idiopathic generalized and focal epilepsy. Regarding the specific hormonal
      treatments, only clomiphene citrate was associated with an increased risk of
      childhood epilepsy, also in a sibling analysis (HR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.08). In
      vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection was not associated with
      an overall increased risk of childhood epilepsy but with idiopathic generalized
      epilepsy (HR: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.99, 2.05). No clear associations were seen
      regarding other treatment types or indications. CONCLUSIONS: Children conceived
      by ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination with clomiphene citrate may
      be at slightly increased risk of childhood epilepsy. Furthermore, children
      conceived by in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection may be at
      slightly increased risk of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

PMID- 28072589
TI  - The Authors Respond.

PMID- 28072590
TI  - Incorporating the patient's perspective in outcomes research.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Incorporation of the patients' perspective in clinical
      research is critical to ensure that outcomes measured reflect those, which matter
      most to patients. This review summarizes recent efforts to include the patients'
      perspective in the development of outcome measures and the importance of
      encouraging patient participation in decision-making and self-management. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Since the inclusion of fatigue as a patient-endorsed core outcome
      measure in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials, OMERACT has been instrumental in
      advocating for patient involvement in the development of core domains and
      instruments; current endeavors include cultivating an understanding of remission
      through the eyes of patients and gaining a sense of how to measure features of
      pain and 'stiffness' deemed as important to patients. The concept of remission
      was further explored in RA patients, highlighting a common goal of returning to
      normality; additionally, various tools have been developed to assess for unmet
      needs in rheumatology patients. Advances have also been made in the development
      and revision of patient-centered core measures in rheumatologic diagnoses outside
      of RA. SUMMARY: Incorporating the patients' perspective is now considered an
      essential feature in outcomes research. Future research should focus on how best
      to involve patients in specific research activities.

PMID- 28072591
TI  - Osteoporosis: fracture epidemiology update 2016.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide an update on
      osteoporosis epidemiology. The focus is on fractures because fractures are the
      most important clinical consequence of osteoporosis. Studies published over the
      past 18 months are identified and reviewed. Finally, the clinical impact of these
      new findings is discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Important research in 2015-2016
      include analyses of screening and rescreening in younger women and older men,
      risk factors for hip fractures in older men, obesity and weight loss/gain, and
      risk of fracture. Several dietary factors, including adherence to a Mediterranean
      diet and a diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables and maintenance of
      physical function with increasing age represent modifiable nonpharmacologic risk
      factors that improve bone health. Sarcopenia may have a more important role in
      fracture in men than women. Important biomarkers for fracture include low 25
      hydroxyvitamin D and hemoglobin A1c. SUMMARY: Updated literature on fracture
      epidemiology have identified important risk factors for fracture.

PMID- 28072592
TI  - Metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Interest in the metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis
      phenotype is increasing. Here, we summarize recently published significant
      findings. RECENT FINDINGS: Meta-analyses confirmed an association between type 2
      diabetes and osteoarthritis and between cardiovascular diseases and
      osteoarthritis. Recent advances in the study of metabolic syndrome-associated
      osteoarthritis have focused on a better understanding of the role of metabolic
      diseases in inducing or aggravating joint damage. In-vivo models of obesity,
      diabetes, or dyslipidemia have helped to better decipher this association. They
      give emerging evidence that, beyond the role of common pathogenic mechanisms for
      metabolic diseases and osteoarthritis (i.e., low-grade inflammation and oxidative
      stress), metabolic diseases have a direct systemic effect on joints. In addition
      to the impact of weight, obesity-associated inflammation is associated with
      osteoarthritis severity and may modulate osteoarthritis progression in mouse
      models. As well, osteoarthritis synovium from type 2 diabetic patients shows
      insulin-resistant features, which may participate in joint catabolism. Finally,
      exciting data are emerging on the association of gut microbiota and circadian
      rhythm and metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis. SUMMARY: The systemic
      role of metabolic syndrome in osteoarthritis pathophysiology is now better
      understood, but new avenues of research are being pursued to better decipher the
      metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis phenotype.

PMID- 28072593
TI  - Use of benzodiazepines and related drugs is associated with a risk of stroke
      among persons with Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The aim of our study was to investigate the risk of any, ischemic, and
      hemorrhagic stroke associated with incident benzodiazepine and related drug
      (BZDR) use among community-dwelling individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      Data from the MEDALZ cohort including all community-dwelling persons newly
      diagnosed with AD between 2005 and 2011 in Finland were utilized. Incident BZDR
      users were identified with a 1-year washout period for previous use. Persons with
      a previous stroke were excluded, resulting in a final study sample of 45 050
      individuals. Incident any, ischemic, and hemorrhagic strokes were identified from
      the Hospital Discharge and Causes of Death registers. The risk of stroke between
      time on BZDRs was compared with nonuse time with Cox proportional hazard models.
      During the follow-up, 21.9% (N=9879) of persons started BZDR use. Compared with
      nonuse, BZDR use was associated with an increased risk of any stroke [adjusted
      hazard ratio (aHR): 1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.40] and ischemic
      stroke (aHR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.44), but the association between BZDR use and
      hemorrhagic stroke did not reach significance (aHR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.91-1.74). Z
      drug use was associated with a similar risk as benzodiazepine use. In conclusion,
      BZDR use was associated with an increased risk of stroke among older individuals
      with AD.

PMID- 28072595
TI  - Fluoroquinolone-Associated Muscle Tear and Hematoma: A Case Report.

PMID- 28072594
TI  - Genetics Consultation Rates Following a Diagnosis of High-Grade Serous Ovarian
      Carcinoma in the Canadian Province of Ontario.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2001, the province of Ontario expanded cancer genetic testing
      eligibility to include all women with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC)
      of the ovary, fallopian tube, and peritoneum. The aim of this study was to
      determine the proportion of women who attended genetics counseling for
      consideration of BRCA1/2 gene analysis. We also sought to examine if regional
      differences in consultation rate exist across administrative health regions in
      the province of Ontario. METHODS: We identified all women with a pathological
      diagnosis of HGSC in the province of Ontario between 1997 until 2011. Our primary
      outcome was the 2-year rate of genetics consultation following a diagnosis of
      HGSC. We compared consultation rates over time and geographical regions and
      applied multiple logistic regression to identify predictors of genetics
      consultation. RESULTS: Of the 5412 women with a diagnosis of HGSC over the study
      period, 6.6% were seen for genetics consultation within 2 years of diagnosis.
      Factors predictive of genetics consultation included history of breast cancer
      (odds ratio [OR], 3.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.87-6.78), era of
      diagnosis (2009-2011 vs 1997-2000; OR, 10.59; 95% CI, 5.02-22.33), and younger
      age at diagnosis (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.94-0.97 for each additional year). No
      regional differences in consultation rate were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an
      increasing rate across eras, a small proportion of women with HGSC undergo
      genetics consultation. Efforts are required to increase cancer genetics
      consultation in patients with HGSC in the province of Ontario.

PMID- 28072596
TI  - Expression of Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 and miR-199a in Rat Brain After Fatal
      Ligature Strangulation.
AB  - The roles of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and microRNA in the brain tissue
      after fatal mechanical asphyxia have not been clearly elucidated. We examined the
      expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), the key regulator of unfolded
      protein response, and miR-199a in the brain tissues of rats subjected to fatal
      ligature strangulation to understand the roles of ER stress and microRNA in
      ligature strangulation. The expressions of GRP78 and miR-199a in rat cortex,
      hippocampi, and midbrain were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot
      analysis in a rat model of ligature strangulation. Furthermore, the levels of miR
      199a-3p and miR-199a-5p were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction. Glucose-regulated protein 78 was highly expressed in
      the cortex and midbrain in the ligature strangulation group (P < 0.01) when
      compared with the control group. The expression of GRP78 in the hippocampi showed
      no significant difference between the 2 groups. miR-199a-3p in the cortex and
      midbrain was significantly down-regulated in the ligature strangulation group (P
      < 0.01). However, miR-199a-5p in each brain region showed no significant
      difference between the 2 groups. In conclusion, ER stress was involved in the
      physiological and pathological processes of ligature strangulation. Furthermore,
      upstream miR-199a may play an important regulatory role in mechanical asphyxia.

PMID- 28072597
TI  - Reperfusion injury in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the final
      frontier.
AB  - ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is a major cause of morbidity and
      mortality worldwide. Reperfusion injury (RI) following the opening of an occluded
      coronary artery mitigates the effect of reperfusion by further accentuating
      ischemic damage and increasing infarct size. Experimental studies have shown that
      nearly 50% of final infarct size is attributable to RI, an elusive phenomenon
      that remains resistant to treatment. This review proposes a hypothesis to explain
      the failure of strategies that have been used in an attempt to prevent RI. This
      hypothesis suggests that, after a certain duration of myocardial ischemia in the
      affected myocardium, three phases of myocardial damage occur: reversible
      ischemia, irreversible ischemia, and necrosis. In the reversible ischemia phase,
      cellular adaptive responses remain functional, and cellular repair and thus
      recovery of cellular functions is possible, whereas in the irreversible ischemia
      phase protective maneuvers fail to confer cytoprotection. Preventive therapies
      for RI fail because they cannot prevent cell death once cells have entered the
      irreversible ischemia phase, although they may succeed in postponing cell death.
      Failure to salvage myocardium with irreversible ischemia in addition to
      postponement and change in the mode of cell death (mainly from necrosis to
      apoptosis) by various RI preventive strategies may be the key to understanding
      the failure of these strategies in the clinical setting, despite their success in
      the reduction of infarct size in the experimental setting. Early reperfusion
      before large amounts of myocardium at risk reach the stage of irreversible
      ischemia is the best strategy for reduction of RI-related myocardial damage.

PMID- 28072598
TI  - Should patients with higher blood pressure variability be excluded from
      validation studies? An assessment of the '12/8' rule.
AB  - To limit the inclusion of participants with increased blood pressure (BP)
      variability and presumably to avoid potential bias, the International Standards
      Organization BP device validation standard recommends exclusion of patients with
      a BP variability of more than 12/8 mmHg across reference readings. This '12/8
      rule' is based on expert consensus and lacks empirical justification. In a post
      hoc analysis of a study comparing two types of cuff designs carried out according
      to the International Standards Organization standard, we divided the study sample
      into patients who did not have (n=79) and patients who had (n=55) more than 12/8
      mmHg variability. Patients with more than 12/8 mmHg variability were older and
      had a higher prevalence of diabetes (41.8 vs. 22.8%; P=0.02) and hypertension
      (43.6 vs. 29.1%; P=0.08). The mean systolic BP differences between the two cuff
      designs were not significantly different in participants who did not show more
      than 12/8 mmHg variability versus those who did (2.2+/-3.5 vs. 3.1+/-3.4; mean
      difference of differences -0.9+/-3.4; P=0.14). Similarly, the mean diastolic BP
      differences were not significantly different in participants who did not have
      more than 12/8 mmHg variability versus those who did (1.5+/-2.2 vs. 1.4+/-2.6;
      mean difference of differences 0.1+/-2.4; P=0.82). A limitation of our analysis
      is that the original study data focused on a comparison of different cuff designs
      and not formal validation of a specific device. Therefore, replication of these
      findings is warranted. Nevertheless, our findings do not support the use of the
      12/8 rule and indicate that this rule may be promoting unnecessarily homogenous
      study samples, limiting external generalizability, and needlessly increasing
      workload and expense.

PMID- 28072599
TI  - Validation of the BPUMP BF1112 upper-arm blood pressure monitor for home blood
      pressure monitoring according to the European Society of Hypertension
      International Protocol revision 2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the automated
      oscillometric upper-arm blood pressure (BP) monitor BPUMP BF1112 for home BP
      monitoring according to the International Protocol of the European Society of
      Hypertension revision 2010 (ESH-IP2010). PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Systolic and
      diastolic BPs were sequentially measured in 33 adult Chinese (13 women, mean age
      46.7 years) using a mercury sphygmomanometer (two observers) and the BF1112
      device (one supervisor). A total of 99 pairs of comparisons were obtained from 33
      participants for judgments in two parts with three grading phases. RESULTS: The
      BPUMP BF1112 device achieved the targets in part 1 of the validation study. The
      number of absolute differences between device and observers within 5, 10, and 15
      mmHg was 85/99, 96/99, and 97/99, respectively, for systolic BP, and 83/99,
      97/99, and 99/99, respectively, for diastolic BP. The device also fulfilled the
      criteria in part 2 of the validation study. A total of 31 and 30 participants for
      systolic and diastolic BP, respectively, had at least two of the three device
      observer differences within 5 mmHg (required>=24mmHg). No participant for
      systolic or diastolic BP had all the three device-observer comparisons greater
      than 5 mmHg. CONCLUSION: The BPUMP BP monitor BF1112 has passed the requirements
      of the ESH-IP2010, and hence can be recommended for home use in adults.

PMID- 28072600
TI  - Adjusting the Focus on Transfusion-associated Circulatory Overload.

PMID- 28072601
TI  - Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes Associated with Perioperative Transfusion
      associated Circulatory Overload.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transfusion-associated circulatory overload remains underappreciated
      in the perioperative environment. The authors aimed to characterize risk factors
      for perioperative transfusion-associated circulatory overload and better
      understand its impact on patient-important outcomes. METHODS: In this case
      control study, 163 adults undergoing noncardiac surgery who developed
      perioperative transfusion-associated circulatory overload were matched with 726
      transfused controls who did not develop respiratory complications. Univariate and
      multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate potential risk
      factors for transfusion-associated circulatory overload. The need for
      postoperative mechanical ventilation, lengths of intensive care unit and hospital
      stay, and mortality were compared. RESULTS: For this cohort, the mean age was 71
      yr and 56% were men. Multivariable analysis revealed the following independent
      predictors of transfusion-associated circulatory overload: emergency surgery,
      chronic kidney disease, left ventricular dysfunction, previous beta-adrenergic
      receptor antagonist use, isolated fresh frozen plasma transfusion (vs. isolated
      erythrocyte transfusion), mixed product transfusion (vs. isolated erythrocyte
      transfusion), and increasing intraoperative fluid administration. Patients who
      developed transfusion-associated circulatory overload were more likely to require
      postoperative mechanical ventilation (73 vs. 33%; P < 0.001) and experienced
      prolonged intensive care unit (11.1 vs. 6.5 days; P < 0.001) and hospital lengths
      of stay (19.9 vs. 9.6 days; P < 0.001). Survival was significantly reduced (P <
      0.001) in transfusion recipients who developed transfusion-associated circulatory
      overload (1-yr survival 72 vs. 84%). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative transfusion
      associated circulatory overload was associated with a protracted hospital course
      and increased mortality. Efforts to minimize the incidence of transfusion
      associated circulatory overload should focus on the judicious use of
      intraoperative blood transfusions and nonsanguineous fluid therapies,
      particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease, left ventricular
      dysfunction, chronic beta-blocker therapy, and those requiring emergency surgery.

PMID- 28072602
TI  - 'JAK-ing' up the treatment of primary myelofibrosis: building better combination
      strategies.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The article discusses the promising agents that are approved
      or currently under investigation for the treatment of myelofibrosis and reviews
      the ongoing Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors-based combinatorial strategies in this
      setting. RECENT FINDINGS: Myelofibrosis is a Philadelphia-negative
      myeloproliferative neoplasm with constitutive JAK/STAT activation. The JAK
      inhibitor ruxolitinib is the only approved drug for this disease in the United
      States and Europe based on two randomized phase III studies that demonstrated
      clinically meaningful reduction in spleen size, improvement in symptoms, quality
      of life, and an overall survival advantage with prolonged follow-up. Emerging
      data have revealed the complex molecular architecture of myelofibrosis with
      clonal evolution playing a central role in disease progression or transformation.
      These molecular pathways may explain the heterogeneous benefits obtained by JAK
      inhibitors in patients with myelofibrosis. In addition, the genetic and
      epigenetic mutations appear to work in concert with overactive JAK/STAT signaling
      and contribute to myelofibrosis pathogenesis and prognosis, suggesting a
      potential to exploit them as potential therapeutic targets. SUMMARY: Combining
      JAK-inhibitors with agents that target parallel prosurvival pathways or agents
      that enhance hematopoiesis may enhance efficacy and/or mitigate on-target
      myelosuppression, thereby extending the therapeutic benefits observed with JAK
      inhibitors alone.

PMID- 28072603
TI  - Dyserythropoiesis of myelodysplastic syndromes.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogeneous diseases of
      the hematopoietic stem cell in the elderly. Anemia is the main symptom that
      mostly correlates with dysplastic erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. We will
      review the recent advances in understanding the diverse mechanisms of
      dyserythropoiesis. RECENT FINDINGS: Dyserythropoiesis defined as 10% dysplastic
      erythroid cells in the bone marrow is found in more than 80% of early MDS.
      Immature erythroblasts accumulate at the expense of mature erythroblasts due to
      differentiation arrest and apoptosis. In early MDS with dyserythropoiesis,
      caspase-dependent cleavage of the erythroid transcription factor GATA-1 occurring
      in basophilic erythroblasts accounts for impairment of final maturation.
      Depending on initiating genetic alteration, specific mechanisms contribute to
      erythroid defect. In MDS with 5q deletion, the haploinsufficiency of ribosomal
      protein gene, RPS14, opposes the transition of immature to mature erythroblasts
      by inducing a p53-dependent ribosome stress, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
      Recent work identifies the activation of a p53-S100A8/9 innate immune pathway
      that both intrinsically and extrinsically contributes to defective
      erythropoiesis. In MDS with ring sideroblasts, a paradigm of dyserythropoiesis, a
      unique mutation in SF3B1 splicing factor gene induces a multiplicity of
      alterations at RNA level that deeply modifies the patterns of gene expression.
      SUMMARY: Insights in the pathophysiology of MDS with dyserythropoiesis may guide
      the choice of the appropriate therapy, for instance lenalidomide in MDS with
      del(5q). A better understanding of the mechanisms of dyserthropoiesis is required
      to treat anemia in non-del(5q) MDS, especially in case of resistance to first
      line therapy by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

PMID- 28072604
TI  - Epigenetic upregulation of CXCL12 expression mediates antitubulin
      chemotherapeutics-induced neuropathic pain.
AB  - Clinically, Microtubule-targeted agents-induced neuropathic pain hampers
      chemotherapeutics for patients with cancer. Here, we found that application of
      paclitaxel or vincristine increased the protein and mRNA expression of CXCL12 and
      frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory post synaptic currents (mEPSCs)
      in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Spinal local application of CXCL12 induced the
      long-term potentiation of nociceptive synaptic transmission and increased the
      amplitude of mEPSCs. Inhibition of CXCL12 using the transgenic mice (CXCL12) or
      neutralizing antibody or siRNA ameliorated the mEPSC's enhancement and mechanical
      allodynia. In addition, paclitaxel and vincristine both could increase the
      phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and
      the acetylation of histone H4 in the CXCL12-expressing neurons.
      Immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that
      antitubulin chemotherapeutics increased the binding of STAT3 to the CXCL12 gene
      promoter and the interaction between STAT3 and p300, and contributed to the
      enhanced transcription of CXCL12 by increasing the acetylation of histone H4 in
      CXCL12 gene promoter. Inhibition of STAT3 by intrathecal injection of adeno
      associated virus encoding Cre and green fluorescent protein into STAT3 mice or
      inhibitor S3I-201 into rats suppressed the CXCL12 upsurge by decreasing the
      acetylation of histone H4. Finally, blockade of CXCR4 but not CXCR7 ameliorated
      the paclitaxel- or vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia. Together, these
      results suggested that enhanced interaction between STAT3 and p300 mediated the
      epigenetic upregulation of CXCL12 in dorsal horn neurons, which contributed to
      the antitubulin chemotherapeutics-induced persistent pain.

PMID- 28072605
TI  - Oxytocin alleviates orofacial mechanical hypersensitivity associated with
      infraorbital nerve injury through vasopressin-1A receptors of the rat trigeminal
      ganglia.
AB  - Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide hormone synthesized and secreted by hypothalamic
      neurons and has been reported to play a significant role in pain modulation.
      However, the mechanisms underlying OXT's antinociceptive effect on neuropathic
      pain are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the peripheral effect
      of OXT on mechanical hypersensitivity induced by partial ligation of the
      infraorbital nerve (PNL) in rats. Mechanical hypersensitivity in the whisker pad
      skin after PNL was attenuated by the direct administration of OXT into the
      trigeminal ganglion (TG). The proportion of vasopressin-1A receptor (V1A-R)
      immunoreactive, but not OXT-receptor-immunoreactive, neurons significantly
      increased among TG neurons innervating the whisker pad skin after PNL. In a patch
      clamp recording from TG neurons isolated from PNL rats, the resting membrane
      potential of OXT-treated neurons was significantly decreased, and the current
      thresholds of OXT-treated neurons for spike generation (rheobases) were
      significantly greater than those of vehicle-treated neurons. In addition, OXT
      increased voltage-gated K channel currents in PNL animals. Furthermore, intra-TG
      administration of a selective V1A-R antagonist reversed the OXT-induced
      alleviation of mechanical hypersensitivity, and coapplication of the antagonist
      opposed OXT's effects on the resting membrane potential, rheobase, and K current.
      These findings suggest that OXT is effective at suppressing TG neuronal
      hyperexcitability after nerve injury, likely by modulation of voltage-gated K
      channels through V1A-R. This signaling mechanism represents a potential
      therapeutic target for the treatment of orofacial neuropathic pain.

PMID- 28072606
TI  - An Innovative Approach: Using Simulation to Teach Primary Care Gynecologic
      Procedures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In response to the growing body of evidence that simulation is a
      satisfactory way to instruct procedural skills, we developed an innovative model
      to teach common gynecologic procedures such as cervical cancer screening,
      cervical polyp removal, intrauterine device removal, and endometrial biopsy. The
      objectives of this study were to describe the construction of the model and to
      assess participants' satisfaction and confidence in applying the learning
      objectives to their clinical practice. METHODS: The researchers created the model
      with reusable and readily available materials. During a hands-on skills workshop,
      practicing clinicians performed simulated cervical cancer screening, endocervical
      polyp removal, intrauterine device removal, and an endometrial biopsy on a low
      fidelity gynecologic model. Using convenience sampling, each participant
      completed a survey designed to measure satisfaction with the workshop and self
      confidence in their newly acquired skills. RESULTS: All (N = 30,100%) of the
      participants agreed at the "agree" or "strongly agree" level that the gynecologic
      skills workshop using lecture and a hands-on model was a satisfying and self
      confidence-building experience. CONCLUSIONS: An easily reproducible and reusable
      gynecologic procedure simulator was highly rated as a means of teaching common
      primary care gynecologic procedures. The simulated model provided an opportunity
      for hands-on skills learning for clinicians who wish to expand their gynecologic
      procedure skill set.

PMID- 28072608
TI  - Is it WISE to link vasomotor symptoms with cardiovascular disease?

PMID- 28072609
TI  - The impact of estrogen alone hormone therapy on breast cancer risk and health
      outcomes: reassurance for the treatment of climacteric symptoms in black women?

PMID- 28072610
TI  - Sexual activity and function assessment in middle-aged Chinese women using the
      female sexual function index.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess sexual activity, sexual function, and their correlation with
      vaginal maturation status among middle-aged Chinese women. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study with comparisons across age groups was carried out. In all, 120
      women aged 45 to 60 years were recruited into three groups: 45 to 50 (youngest
      group), 51 to 55 (intermediate group), and 56 to 60 years old (eldest group).
      Sexual function was assessed through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI);
      vaginal maturation status was determined through the Vaginal Maturation Index
      (VMI) and pH value. Sexual activity was recorded with self-administered
      questionnaires. RESULTS: Low sexual frequency was present in a higher proportion
      of women, but sexual distress was identified within a lower proportion of women
      in the eldest group. The total FSFI score was significantly lower in the eldest
      group than in the youngest and intermediate groups (P < 0.01 and 0.05,
      respectively); however, the domain score of sexual desire, arousal, and
      satisfaction was lower in the eldest group than in the youngest group (P < 0.01,
      0.05, and 0.05) only. The domain score for lubrication was lower in the eldest
      group than in both the youngest and intermediate groups (P < 0.01 and 0.05), and
      the pain score was lower in both the intermediate and eldest groups than in the
      youngest group (P < 0.01 and 0.05). A lower VMI (P < 0.001) and a higher pH value
      (P < 0.01) were observed in the eldest group, compared with the youngest group.
      Moreover, VMI was positively correlated with the total FSFI score, the domain
      score for sexual desire, and lubrication (r = 0.26, 0.25, 0.34; P < 0.05, 0.05,
      0.01), but the opposite associations were demonstrated for pH value (r = -0.47, 
      0.37, -0.38; P < 0.01, respectively), especially with vaginal pain (r = -0.44, P
      < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Among middle-aged Chinese women, sexual desire is lower in
      56 to 60-year-old women, compared with those aged 45 to 55 years, whereas vaginal
      dryness and dyspareunia become more prevalent with age. Importantly, sexual
      function is associated with vaginal maturation status in women at midlife.

PMID- 28072611
TI  - Baby Shampoo Versus Povidone-Iodine or Isopropyl Alcohol in Reducing Eyelid Skin
      Bacterial Load.
AB  - PURPOSE: Baby shampoo is used as an alternative surgical skin preparation, but
      the evidence supporting its use is scarce with no descriptions of efficacy in the
      periocular region. The authors compare the efficacy of baby shampoo, povidone
      iodine (PI, Betadine) and isopropyl alcohol (IA) in reducing eyelid skin
      bacterial load. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, comparative, and interventional
      trial. Bacterial load on adult, human eyelid skin was quantitated before and
      after cleansing with 1) dilute baby shampoo, 2) 10% PI, or 3) 70% IA. Paired skin
      swabs were collected from a 1 cm area of the upper eyelid of subjects before and
      after a standardized surgical scrub technique. Samples were cultured on 5% sheep
      blood agar for 24 hours. The number of colony forming units (CFU) was assessed
      and bacterial load per square centimeter of eyelid skin was quantified. RESULTS:
      Baseline and postcleansing samples were assessed from 42 eyelids of 42 subjects
      (n = 14 for each of baby shampoo, PI, and IA). Before cleansing, similar amounts
      of bacterial flora were grown from all specimens (median log CFU/cm = 2.04 before
      baby shampoo, 2.01 before PI, 2.11 before IA; p > 0.05). All 3 cleansing agents
      significantly reduced the bacterial load (p < 0.01 for each). There was no
      statistically significant difference in postcleansing bacterial load between the
      3 cleansing agents (median log CFU/cm = 0.48 after baby shampoo, 0.39 after PI,
      0.59 after IA; p > 0.05). Change from baseline in bacterial load was
      statistically similar for all 3 agents (median reduction in log CFU/cm = 1.28
      with baby shampoo, 1.57 with PI, 1.40 with IA; p > 0.05). These corresponded to
      bacterial load reductions of 96.3%, 96.6%, and 98.4% for baby shampoo, PI, and
      IA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Baby shampoo achieved comparable diminution in
      eyelid skin bacterial load to PI or IA. These data suggest baby shampoo may be an
      effective preoperative cleansing agent.

PMID- 28072612
TI  - Prophylactic Antibiotics for Enucleation and Evisceration: A Retrospective Study
      and Systematic Literature Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report surgical site infection (SSI) rates of eviscerations and
      enucleations with implants performed without perioperative intravenous (IV)
      antibiotics or postoperative oral antibiotics, and to give SSI prevention
      recommendations. METHODS: A single-center retrospective chart review was
      performed after obtaining institutional review board approval. Charts were found
      by Current Procedural Terminology codes. Demographics, surgical indication,
      procedure, implant, antibiotic use, and postoperative course were recorded. SSIs
      occurring within 30 days after surgery were reviewed and postoperative infection
      rates were determined. RESULTS: Four hundred eighty-one cases from January 1999
      to December 2015 were analyzed. There were 102 eviscerations with implants, 314
      enucleations with implants, 23 enucleations without implants, 23 implant
      exchanges, 15 implants placed secondarily after enucleation, and 4 implant
      removals. Seventy cases (14.6%) were given perioperative IV antibiotics, and in
      this group one periorbital infection occurred unrelated to orbital surgery
      (1.4%). Of the 411 cases (85.4%) not given perioperative IV antibiotics, 1 of 87
      eviscerations with implants developed an SSI (1.1%), 2 of 273 enucleations with
      implants developed SSIs (0.7%), and none of the 13 enucleations without implants
      developed SSIs. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first published case
      series reporting SSI rates of enucleations and eviscerations with implants
      performed without perioperative IV antibiotics or postoperative oral antibiotics.
      With infection rates comparing favorably to other case series where antibiotics
      were given, the routine use of perioperative IV antibiotics and postoperative
      oral antibiotics for enucleations and eviscerations may not be indicated.

PMID- 28072613
TI  - Pediatric lead exposure and the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
AB  - Changing the source of the water supply to save money had the unintended
      consequence of exposing residents of Flint, Mich., to elevated lead levels in
      their drinking water. A study done at Flint's Hurley Children's Hospital
      demonstrated that the incidence of elevated blood lead levels of children living
      in the affected area nearly doubled after the change in the water source. This
      article reviews the recommendations for lead screening and for reporting,
      following, and treating children with blood lead levels greater than 5 mcg/dL.

PMID- 28072614
TI  - Cell Phone Calls in the Operating Theater and Staff Distractions: An
      Observational Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cell phones are the primary communication tool in our institution.
      There are no restrictions on their use in the operating rooms. The goal of this
      study was to evaluate the extent of cell phone use in the operating rooms during
      elective surgery and to evaluate whether they cause staff distractions. METHODS:
      The following data on cell phone use were recorded anonymously: number of
      incoming and outgoing cell phone calls, duration of cell phone calls and their
      content (patient related, work related, private), who was distracted by the cell
      phone calls, and duration of distractions. RESULTS: We made observations during
      52 surgeries. There were 205 cell phone calls, 197 (96.1%; median, 3 per surgery;
      interquartile range, 2-5) incoming and 8 (3.9%) outgoing. Incoming calls were
      answered on 110 (55.8%) of 197 (median, 2; interquartile range, 1-3) occasions.
      The mean duration of incoming calls (64 +/- 40 seconds) was shorter than those of
      the outgoing calls (137 +/- 242 seconds, P < 0.001). During 29 (14.7%) of 197
      incoming calls, 30 staff distractions occurred. Distractions were caused mainly
      for surgeons talking on their cell phones (24/30, 80.0%). The mean duration of
      the distractions was 43.6 +/- 22.3 seconds. During all 8 outgoing calls, no other
      staff members were distracted. CONCLUSION: The number of cell phone calls in the
      operating rooms during elective surgery was lower than expected and caused short
      lived distractions mainly to the operating surgeons. We recommend that operating
      surgeons turn off their cell phones before surgery.

PMID- 28072615
TI  - RETINAL DETACHMENT ASSOCIATED WITH PERIPAPILLARY STAPHYLOMA IMAGED WITH SWEPT
      SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) associated with a
      peripapillary staphyloma with swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT)
      before and after vitrectomy and circumferential photocoagulation. METHODS: The SS
      OCT images including the montage images of two patients with a RRD associated
      with peripapillary staphylomas were analyzed. A 34-year-old woman (Case 1) and a
      70-year-old woman (Case 2) both noticed temporal visual field defects in their
      left eyes. Ophthalmoscopy showed a retinal detachment in the nasal quadrant
      without any peripheral breaks in both patients. The best-corrected visual acuity
      was 20/20 with -8.5 diopters in Case 1 and 20/25 with -7.0 diopters and moderate
      cataract in Case 2. SS-OT was used to follow the clinical course of the RRD.
      RESULTS: Preoperatively, retinal tears were detected nasal to the optic disk
      within the excavated staphyloma in the SS-OCT images. A posterior vitreous
      detachment was not present in Case 1 but was present in Case 2. The glial tissue
      at the edge of the excavated staphyloma was removed from both eyes, and the
      subretinal fluid was drained internally through the retinal breaks.
      Hemicircumferential photocoagulation was performed at the nasal edge of the
      staphyloma, and the retina was reattached in both eyes. Postoperative SS-OCT
      montage images showed retinal reattachment but a detachment was still present
      within the staphyloma. CONCLUSION: Vitreous surgery was effective for an RRD
      associated with a peripapillary staphyloma. Examinations by SS-OCT can follow the
      changes in the RRD and the excavated lesion of a peripapillary staphyloma.

PMID- 28072616
TI  - Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Showing Intense Tracer Uptake on PSMA PET/CT.
AB  - A 70-year-old man with suspected prostate cancer was referred for Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC
      PET/CT (short PSMA PET/CT) for staging of tumor extent. Apart from vivid tracer
      uptake in the prostate gland and osseous metastasis, PSMA PET/CT revealed a large
      soft tissue mass with calcifications in the left upper abdomen showing intense
      tracer uptake. Histologic examination revealed the mass to be a gastrointestinal
      stromal tumor.

PMID- 28072617
TI  - Evaluation of the Response to Breast Cancer Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using 18F
      FDG Positron Emission Mammography Compared With Whole-Body 18F-FDG PET: A
      Prospective Observational Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess therapeutic response to breast
      cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) by F-FDG positron emission mammography
      (PEM) compared with that to whole-body F-FDG PET (WBPET). METHODS: Twenty
      patients underwent WBPET and PEM 3 times: the first time was before NAC, the
      second time was after 2 courses of NAC, and the third time was after all courses
      of NAC. A pathological complete response (pCR) was defined as no evidence of
      residual invasive cancer with or without ductal carcinoma in situ. The
      relationships between each modality's SUVmax and pathological response were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Nine patients achieved a pCR, whereas the other 11 patients
      had a non-pCR. The SUVmax of WBPET after 2 courses of NAC was significantly lower
      in the pCR group than in the non-pCR group (1.4 +/- 0.4 vs 2.7 +/- 2.1, P =
      0.0334). There were no significant differences in the SUVmax of PEM (ie, PEM
      uptake value [PUV]) between the groups. The SUVmax of WBPET (area under the ROC
      curve [AUC] = 0.761) was superior to the PUVmax (AUC, 0.648) for predicting non
      pCR at the interim time point. After all courses of chemotherapy, there were no
      significant differences between the groups in the SUVmax of WBPET; however,
      PUVmax was significantly lower in the pCR group than in the non-pCR group (1.0 +/
      0.2 vs 2.5 +/- 2.7, P = 0.0351). After NAC, the PUVmax (AUC, 0.796) was superior
      to the SUVmax of WBPET (AUC, 0.671). CONCLUSIONS: There proved to be no apparent
      superiority of PEM in predicting pCR at the interim time point. Positron emission
      mammography had greater diagnostic capability for detecting residual cancer after
      all courses of NAC.

PMID- 28072618
TI  - 18F-FDG PET/CT Versus Contrast-Enhanced CT for Staging and Prognostic Prediction
      in Patients With Salivary Gland Carcinomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: Salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) is rare tumor with various histological
      type and metastatic potential. Pretreatment detection of metastases can
      contribute to planning the appropriate treatment of SGC. Therefore, the present
      study evaluated the utility of F-FDG PET/CT versus contrast-enhanced CT for
      detection of metastases and prediction of outcomes in SGC patients. METHODS:
      Sixty-seven consecutive SGC patients who were prospectively evaluated by F-FDG
      PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT and subsequently underwent surgery with or
      without postoperative radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy were included. The
      diagnostic values of both imaging modalities for detection of metastatic diseases
      were compared with McNemar test and logistic regression using generalized
      estimating equations. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to assess the
      prognostic values of the quantitative metabolic measurements detected by F-FDG
      PET/CT and of other clinical factors. RESULTS: Among 67 SGC patients, 17 (25.4%)
      had cervical metastasis, and 4 (6%) had distant metastasis at initial staging.
      The sensitivity of F-FDG PET/CT for detection of cervical metastasis was
      significantly higher than those of CT (P < 0.05), and those of F-FDG PET/CT and
      CT for detection of distant metastasis did not differ (P > 0.5). Regional and
      distant site metastases were most reliably predicted by high-grade pathological
      analysis (P < 0.05). Extranodal extension and metabolic tumor volume measured by
      F-FDG PET/CT were independent predictors of progression-free survival and overall
      survival (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In SGC patients, F-FDG PET/CT detected
      metastatic diseases with high sensitivity and specificity, and metabolic tumor
      volumes helped to predict survival outcomes.

PMID- 28072619
TI  - Radio-Guided Lymph Node Mapping in Bladder Cancer Using SPECT/CT and
      Intraoperative gamma-Probe Methods: Reply.

PMID- 28072620
TI  - Fibrous Dysplasia Mimicking Malignancy on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT.
AB  - Fibrous dysplasia of the bone is a developmental benign skeletal disorder
      characterized by replacement of normal bone and normal bone marrow with abnormal
      fibro-osseous tissue. We report on a case of a biopsy-proven fibrous dysplasia
      lesion in the left temporal bone, with intensely increased activity (SUVmax,
      56.7) on Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT. The presented data indicate cell surface
      overexpression of somatostatin receptors by fibrous dysplastic cells and
      highlight the need of cautious management of Ga-DOTATATE-avid bone lesions, which
      could mimic malignancy especially in patients with history of neuroendocrine
      tumors.

PMID- 28072621
TI  - Risk Stratification of Pediatric Patients With Neuroblastoma Using Volumetric
      Parameters of 18F-FDG and 18F-DOPA PET/CT.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study determined the prognostic value of volumetric parameters
      derived from pretreatment F-FDG and F-DOPA PET/CT of neuroblastoma and their
      correlation with clinical and histopathologic features. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 25 children with neuroblastoma underwent pretreatment F-FDG and F-DOPA
      PET/CT within 4 weeks. The SUVmax of primary tumors on F-FDG and F-DOPA PET were
      recorded as SUVFDG and SUVDOPA, respectively. For volumetric parameters of
      primary tumors, 40% of SUVmax was used to generate volume of interest. If the 40%
      of SUVmax was below 2.5, an SUV threshold of 2.5 was used instead. Metabolic
      tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), dopaminergic tumor volume
      (DTV), and total lesion F-DOPA activity (TLDA) were recorded as F-FDG and F-DOPA
      volumetric parameters. All indices were compared between groups distinguished by
      survival status and clinical features, including bone marrow involvement, lymph
      node metastasis, amplification of the MYCN oncogene, invasive features on
      anatomic images, and risk categories. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test
      were used to compare the survival curves between groups. RESULTS: The median
      follow-up period was 28.2 months. Nonsurvivors (20%) tended to have lower
      SUVDOPA, DTV, and TLDA (P <= 0.05), and higher SUVFDG, MTV, and TLG (all P <
      0.05). Lower F-DOPA uptake is associated with bone marrow and lymph node
      metastases (all P < 0.05). Higher F-FDG uptake is associated with MYCN
      amplification (all P < 0.05) and anatomic invasive features of tumors such as
      vascular encasement or adjacent organ invasion (TLG, P = 0.05). Only volumetric
      indices (DTV, TLDA, MTV, and TLG) significantly differed among risk groups (all P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pretherapeutic F-DOPA and F-FDG PET provided complementary
      information, and both can be served for risk stratification. Volumetric indices
      of F-DOPA and F-FDG PET correlate more highly with risk grouping.

PMID- 28072622
TI  - 170Tm-EDTMP: A Prospective Alternative of 89SrCl2 for Theranostic Treatment of
      Metastatic Bone Pain.
AB  - We have earlier reported the potential of Tm-EDTMP as an alternative cost
      effective radiopharmaceutical of SrCl2 for bone pain palliation application.
      Encouraging results obtained in the radiochemical studies and biological
      evaluations in animal model have prompted us to initiate the clinical study to
      evaluate the potential of Tm-EDTMP in human cancer patients. The serial
      scintigraphic images represent the whole-body scans of a patient (68 years old
      woman) with skeletal metastases of carcinoma of the breast origin recorded after
      administering 370 MBq (10 mCi) of Tm-EDTMP at different post-administration time
      points along with the pre-therapy images recorded with Tc-MDP in the same
      patient.

PMID- 28072623
TI  - Effect of Substituting 50% Isovue for Sterile Water as the Delivery Medium for
      SIR-Spheres: Improved Dose Delivery and Decreased Incidence of Stasis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting
      50% Isovue (Bracco Diagnostics Inc, Monroe Township, NJ) for sterile water on the
      delivery of Y resin microspheres (SIR-Spheres [Sirtex Medical Limited, Sydney,
      Australia]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed all SIR
      Spheres radioembolizations at the authors' institution from January 1, 2011, to
      February 10, 2014. From January 1, 2011, to April 30, 2013, all users performed
      SIR-Spheres radioembolization per the manufacturer's original instructions using
      sterile water in the B and D lines and intermittently checking the progress of
      the embolization by injecting contrast via the B line. Beginning May 1, 2013, a
      modified technique using Isovue diluted 50% with saline in place of sterile water
      in both the B and D lines of the infusion set. The authors compared the prepared
      versus administered activity of Y SIR-Spheres, fluoroscopy time, administration
      time, and frequency of radioembolizations terminated for stasis when using water
      versus dilute contrast in the B and D lines. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-five
      radioembolizations were performed, 132 (75%) with water as the delivery medium
      and 43 (25%) with 50% contrast as delivery medium. The mean percentage of the Y
      activity administered was 98% with contrast versus 87% with water (P < 0.01).
      More than 95% of cases using contrast resulted in 90% or more delivery of the
      prepared Y activity versus 59% of cases with water (P < 0.01). For cases using
      water, 17% were terminated for stasis, whereas 2% (1 case) using contrast was
      terminated for stasis. The mean Y administration time was 7 minutes with contrast
      versus 22 minutes with water (P = 0.015). Excluding the 37 cases involving coil
      embolization, the mean fluoroscopy time was 8.3 minutes with contrast versus 11.5
      minutes with water (P < 0.05). No complications occurred with the contrast
      method; however, there were 4 complications with water, including 1 nontarget
      gastric ulceration. CONCLUSIONS: Using dilute contrast as the delivery medium for
      SIR-Spheres resulted in a significantly greater percentage of the prepared
      activity administered to the patient with substantially shorter administration
      time. Termination for stasis occurred less often with dilute contrast. No
      complications were observed when using dilute contrast, which allowed continuous
      real-time monitoring of the Y microsphere administration.

PMID- 28072624
TI  - The Effect of Antiseptic on 99mTc-DMSA Scans.
AB  - Approximately 30 years ago, it has been suggested that chlorhexidine, which is
      used as antiseptic, can produce Tc colloid complex during Tc-dimercaptosuccinic
      acid (DMSA) preparation. However, in all cases of liver and spleen uptake in Tc
      DMSA scan, it should still be kept in mind because of the introduction of new
      antiseptic brands with different formulation under various names. Our case is
      just a sample of this effect, which resulted from application of a new brand of
      antiseptic by technologists in our center that unintentionally led to low-quality
      Tc-DMSA scans for a period, and after restrict control of all other confounding
      factors in the preparation of kit, it was just resolved by changing antiseptic to
      ethanol.

PMID- 28072625
TI  - Evaluation of a Large Renal Mass Using 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT in a Patient With
      Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - The differentiation of benign and indolent renal masses from aggressive tumor
      histologies cannot be reliably performed by CT or MRI. Additionally, renal mass
      biopsy risks complications and has a nondiagnostic rate of 10% to 20%. Tc-MIBI
      SPECT/CT has been shown to allow for the accurate differentiation of benign renal
      oncocytomas and hybrid oncocytic/chormophobe tumors from other more aggressive
      renal tumor types. We present the case of an 84-year-old man with chronic kidney
      disease and an 11.2-cm renal mass. Results of his Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT allowed
      avoidance of a radical nephrectomy.

PMID- 28072626
TI  - Acquired coronary artery disease in adult patients with congenital heart disease:
      a true or a false problem?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) is
      increasing and aging, and a large percentage of this population is now over 65
      years of age. For this reason, it is probable that acquired coronary artery
      disease (CAD) will become an important issue that needs to be addressed also in
      these patients. We retrospectively analyzed all ACHD patients who underwent
      surgery in our Institution with the aim to investigate the incidence of
      associated CAD and the results of surgical treatment. METHODS: From January 2000
      to December 2015, a total of 1154 ACHD underwent surgery in our center. Fifty
      patients (4.3%) were diagnosed with acquired CAD and required coronary artery
      bypass grafting. The mean age at surgery was 66 years (range 41-78 years). The
      primary diagnosis were atrial septal defect (n = 40 patients), Tetralogy of
      Fallot (n = 4 patients), ventricular septal defect (n = 2 patients), partial AV
      canal (n = 1), partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (n = 1), Ebstein's
      anomaly (n = 1), and subaortic stenosis (n = 1). RESULTS: Hospital mortality was
      2% (one patient). During a mean follow-up of 9 years (maximum follow-up: 15
      years), seven patients died (14%). The actuarial survival was 83% at 5 years and
      77% at 10 years. Freedom from reoperation for coronary artery bypass grafting or
      percutaneous coronary intervention was 88% at 5 years and 82% at 10 years.
      CONCLUSION: Acquired CAD may coexist with congenital heart defects but the
      association is quite rare. It typically occurs later during adulthood and it is
      usually associated with atrial septal defect. Acquired CAD and congenital heart
      defects can be treated contemporarily with good early and late results.

PMID- 28072627
TI  - An unsolved conundrum: right ventricular dysfunction.

PMID- 28072628
TI  - Clinical recommendations of cardiac magnetic resonance, Part I: ischemic and
      valvular heart disease: a position paper of the working group 'Applicazioni della
      Risonanza Magnetica' of the Italian Society of Cardiology.
AB  - Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as a reliable and accurate
      diagnostic tool for the evaluation of patients with cardiac disease in several
      clinical settings and with proven additional diagnostic and prognostic value
      compared with other imaging modalities. This document has been developed by the
      working group on the 'application of CMR' of the Italian Society of Cardiology to
      provide a perspective on the current state of technical advances and clinical
      applications of CMR and to inform cardiologists on how to implement their
      clinical and diagnostic pathways with the inclusion of this technique in clinical
      practice. The writing committee consisted of members of the working group of the
      Italian Society of Cardiology and two external peer reviewers with acknowledged
      experience in the field of CMR.

PMID- 28072629
TI  - The key clues to reach the diagnosis of Loeffler endomyocardial fibrosis
      associated with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

PMID- 28072630
TI  - Bracing of the Reconstructed and Osteoarthritic Knee during High Dynamic Load
      Tasks.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lateral compartment osteoarthritis accompanied by abnormal knee
      biomechanics is frequently reported in individuals with knee osteoarthritis after
      anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The aim of this study was to
      evaluate changes in knee biomechanics produced by an adjusted and unadjusted
      varus knee brace during high dynamic loading activities in individuals with
      lateral knee osteoarthritis after ACLR and valgus malalignment. METHODS: Nineteen
      participants who had undergone ACLR 5 to 20 yr previously and had symptomatic and
      radiographic lateral knee osteoarthritis with valgus malalignment were assessed.
      Quantitative motion analysis experiments were conducted during hopping, stair
      ascent, and descent under three test conditions: (i) no brace, (ii) unadjusted
      brace with sagittal plane support and neutral frontal plane alignment, and (iii)
      adjusted brace with sagittal plane support and varus realignment (valgus to
      neutral). Sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane knee kinematics, external joint
      moment, and angular impulse data were calculated. RESULTS: Relative to an
      unbraced knee, braced conditions significantly increased knee flexion and
      adduction angles during hopping (P = 0.003 and P = 0.005; respectively), stair
      ascent (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively), and descent (P = 0.009 and P <
      0.001, respectively). In addition, the brace conditions increased knee flexion (P
      < 0.001) and adduction (P = 0.001) angular impulses and knee stiffness (P <
      0.001) during hopping, as well as increased knee adduction moments during stair
      ascent (P = 0.008) and flexion moments during stair descent (P = 0.006). There
      were no significant differences between the adjusted and the unadjusted brace
      conditions (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: A knee brace, with or without varus alignment,
      can modulate knee kinematics and external joint moments during hopping, stairs
      ascent, and descent in individuals with predominant lateral knee osteoarthritis
      after ACLR. Longer-term use of a brace may have implications in slowing
      osteoarthritis progression.

PMID- 28072631
TI  - Terbutaline Accumulates in Blood and Urine after Daily Therapeutic Inhalation.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated pharmacokinetics of terbutaline after single and
      seven consecutive days of inhalation in exercising trained men. METHODS: Twelve
      healthy trained men underwent two pharmacokinetic trials comparing single dose (2
      mg) and seven consecutive days (2 mg.d) of inhaled terbutaline. After inhalation
      of terbutaline at each trial, subjects performed 90 min of bike ergometer
      exercise at 55%-65% of maximal oxygen consumption after which they stayed
      inactive. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after inhalation of
      terbutaline. Samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Maximum serum concentration of terbutaline
      (Cmax) (6.4 +/- 1.2 vs 4.9 +/- 1.2 ng.mL, P = 0.01) (mean +/- 95% confidence
      interval) and area under serum concentration-time curve from 0 to 4 h after
      inhalation (AUC0-4) (16 +/- 3 vs 13 +/- 2 ng.mL.h, P <= 0.005) were higher after
      7 d of inhalation compared with the first day. Seven days of terbutaline
      inhalation resulted in accumulation of terbutaline in urine, in which total urine
      excretion of terbutaline was higher after 7 d of inhalation compared with the
      first day (274 +/- 43 vs 194 +/- 33 MUg, P <= 0.001). These differences were
      partly attributed to systemic accumulation of terbutaline after consecutive days
      of inhalation, in that baseline serum and urine samples revealed incomplete
      elimination of terbutaline. CONCLUSION: Terbutaline accumulates in serum and
      urine after consecutive days of inhalation. For doping control purposes, these
      observations are of relevance if a urine threshold and decision limit is to be
      introduced for terbutaline on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited
      substances because asthmatic athletes may use their bronchorelievers for
      consecutive days.

PMID- 28072633
TI  - Visual Motion Processing Subserves Faster Visuomotor Reaction in Badminton
      Players.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Athletes participating in ball or racquet sports have to respond to
      visual stimuli under critical time pressure. Previous studies used visual
      contrast stimuli to determine visual perception and visuomotor reaction in
      athletes and nonathletes; however, ball and racquet sports are characterized by
      motion rather than contrast visual cues. Because visual contrast and motion
      signals are processed in different cortical regions, this study aimed to
      determine differences in perception and processing of visual motion between
      athletes and nonathletes. METHODS: Twenty-five skilled badminton players and 28
      age-matched nonathletic controls participated in this study. Using a 64-channel
      EEG system, we investigated visual motion perception/processing in the motion
      sensitive middle temporal (MT) cortical area in response to radial motion of
      different velocities. In a simple visuomotor reaction task, visuomotor
      transformation in Brodmann area 6 (BA6) and BA4 as well as muscular activation
      (EMG onset) and visuomotor reaction time (VMRT) were investigated. Stimulus- and
      response-locked potentials were determined to differentiate between perceptual
      and motor-related processes. RESULTS: As compared with nonathletes, athletes
      showed earlier EMG onset times (217 vs 178 ms, P < 0.001), accompanied by a
      faster VMRT (274 vs 243 ms, P < 0.001). Furthermore, athletes showed an earlier
      stimulus-locked peak activation of MT (200 vs 182 ms, P = 0.002) and BA6 (161 vs
      137 ms, P = 0.009). Response-locked peak activation in MT was later in athletes (
      7 vs 26 ms, P < 0.001), whereas no group differences were observed in BA6 and
      BA4. Multiple regression analyses with stimulus- and response-locked cortical
      potentials predicted EMG onset (r = 0.83) and VMRT (r = 0.77). CONCLUSION: The
      athletes' superior visuomotor performance in response to visual motion is
      primarily related to visual perception and, to a minor degree, to motor-related
      processes.

PMID- 28072632
TI  - ASC Methylation and Interleukin-1beta Are Associated with Aerobic Capacity in
      Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aerobic capacity, as measured by peak oxygen uptake (VO2), is one of
      the most powerful predictors of prognosis in heart failure (HF). Inflammation is
      a key factor contributing to alterations in aerobic capacity, and interleukin
      (IL)-1 cytokines are implicated in this process. The adaptor protein ASC is
      necessary for inflammasome activation of IL-1beta and IL-18. ASC expression is
      controlled through epigenetic modification; lower ASC methylation is associated
      with worse outcomes in HF. The purpose of this study is to examine the
      relationships between ASC methylation, IL-1beta, and IL-18 with VO2peak in
      persons with HF. METHODS: This study examined the relationship between ASC
      methylation, IL-1beta, and IL-18 with VO2peak in 54 stable outpatients with HF.
      All participants were NYHA class II or III, not engaged in an exercise program,
      and physically able to complete an exercise treadmill test. RESULTS: Mean VO2peak
      was 16.68 +/- 4.7 mL.kg.min. VO2peak was positively associated with mean percent
      ASC methylation (r = 0.47, P = 0.001) and negatively associated with IL-1beta (r
      = -0.38, P = 0.007). Multiple linear regression models demonstrated that VO2peak
      increased by 2.30 mL.kg.min for every 1% increase in ASC methylation and
      decreased by 1.91 mL.kg.min for every 1 pg.mL increase in plasma IL-1beta.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mean percent ASC methylation and plasma IL-1beta levels are
      associated with clinically meaningful differences in VO2peak in persons with HF.
      Inflammasome activation may play a mechanistic role in determining aerobic
      capacity. ASC methylation is a potentially modifiable mechanism for reducing the
      inflammatory response, thereby improving aerobic capacity in HF.

PMID- 28072635
TI  - Does the Timing of Preoperative Epidural Steroid Injection Affect Infection Risk
      After ACDF or Posterior Cervical Fusion?
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective database analysis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study
      was to determine whether any association exists between preoperative cervical
      epidural steroid injections (CESIs) at various time intervals before anterior
      cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical fusion (PCF) and the
      incidence of postoperative infection. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although
      infectious complications following CESI are uncommon, the association between
      preoperative CESI and postoperative infection following ACDF or PCF has yet to be
      evaluated in the current literature. METHODS: A national insurance database was
      utilized to compare postoperative infection rates within 90 days in patients who
      received a CESI before ACDF or PCF. Three cohorts were created for each
      procedure: PCF (n = 402) or ACDF (n = 4354) within 3 months, PCF (n = 586) or
      ACDF (n = 5183) between 3 and 6 months, and PCF (n = 629) or ACDF (3648) between
      6 and 12 months following a CESI. These cohorts were compared with control
      cohorts who underwent PCF (n = 61,253) or ACDF (n = 241,678) without prior CESI.
      Postoperative infection rates within 90 days were assessed using International
      Classification of Disease, 9th Revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural
      Terminology (CPT) codes. Odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs),
      and P values were then calculated using SPSS. A multivariate binomial logistic
      regression analysis was performed to determine the independent effect of
      preoperative injection on postoperative infection following ACDF or PCF
      controlling for known risk factors for infection, including age, gender, obesity,
      diabetes, and smoking. RESULTS: Patients who underwent CESI within 3 months (OR
      2.21, P < 0.0001) and within 3 to 6 months (OR 1.95, P = 0.0002) before PCF had
      significantly increased odds of developing a postoperative infection. Patients
      who underwent CESI within 3 months (OR 1.83, P < 0.0001) before ACDF had
      significantly increased odds of developing a postoperative infection. CONCLUSION:
      The present study demonstrates that cervical ESI within 6 months of PCF, and
      within 3 months of ACDF, is independently associated with significantly increased
      rates of postoperative infection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 28072636
TI  - Accelerated Discharge Protocol for Posterior Spinal Fusion Patients With
      Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Decreases Hospital Postoperative Charges 22.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of consecutive patients. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this study was to determine implementing an accelerated protocol could
      decrease our average hospital stay and what impact this had on postoperative pain
      management. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To our knowledge, no prior studies have
      reviewed the effect of an accelerated discharge protocol on postoperative pain
      control for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) following posterior spinal
      fusion. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all consecutive patients
      undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for AIS before (June 1, 2008-May 31,
      2013 = traditional protocol) and after (June 1, 2013-October 22, 2014 =
      accelerated protocol) protocol implementation. Subjective response to the FACES
      Pain Intensity scale was collected for each postoperative day while in the
      hospital by the nursing staff. RESULTS: There were 194 patients in the
      traditional pathway and 90 patients in the accelerated pathway. No significant
      differences in age at surgery, sex, or number of levels fused were present
      between the groups. Patients managed under the accelerated discharge had an
      average hospital stay of 3.7 days compared with 5.0 days for the traditional
      discharge (P < 0.001). There was no increased incidence of wound complications
      between the two groups [3.6% (7/194) vs. 3.3% (3/90), P = 0.91] or readmission
      [1.5% (3/194) vs. 4.4% (4/90), P = 0.213]. Hospital charges for postoperative
      care were significantly less in the accelerated discharge group than in the
      traditional group ($18,360 vs. $23,640, P < 0.0001). This corresponded to a 22%
      ($5280/$23,640) decrease in postoperative hospital charges. Patients had a small
      (<1 point change on FACES pain scale) but statistically significant increase in
      pain on postoperative days 2, 3, and 4 (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0079, P = 0.0076).
      CONCLUSION: Accelerated discharge following PSF for AIS was associated with a 22%
      decrease in hospital charges in the postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 28072637
TI  - Response to Letter.

PMID- 28072638
TI  - Response to the Letter.

PMID- 28072639
TI  - Psychotherapy in the Age of Trump.

PMID- 28072640
TI  - Impact of a Type D Personality on Clinical and Psychometric Properties in a
      Sample of Turkish Patients With a First Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that a Type D personality is associated
      with an increased risk of cardiac mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to
      examine the impact of a Type D personality on clinical and psychometric
      properties in a sample of Turkish patients with a first myocardial infarction
      (MI). METHOD: The study included 131 patients who were admitted to the coronary
      care unit of a hospital. All of the patients underwent a psychiatric assessment
      within 2 to 6 months after their MI. Psychiatric interviews were conducted using
      the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Patients also completed
      the Beck Depression Inventory, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the
      Health Anxiety Inventory, and the Type D personality scale. RESULTS: The patients
      were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the presence or absence of Type D
      personality. There was a 38.2% prevalence of Type D personality in the patients
      with a first MI. Those with this type of personality had a significantly higher
      frequency of hypertension and stressful life events. The Type D patients also had
      more psychiatric disorders, including depressive and anxiety disorders, than the
      non-Type D patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Type D personality
      traits may increase the risk of hypertension and the risk of psychiatric
      morbidity in patients with a first MI. We suggest that this type of personality
      is a contributor to depression and anxiety disorders. These findings emphasize
      the importance of screening for Type D personality as both a cardiovascular and
      psychiatric risk marker in patients who have had an MI.

PMID- 28072641
TI  - Sensory Hypersensitivity Predicts Reduced Sleeping Quality in Patients With Major
      Affective Disorders.
AB  - The goal of this study was to examine the sensory profile (expressed as
      hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity) of patients with major affective disorders
      and its relative contribution to the prediction of sleep quality while
      considering affective temperaments and depression, which may impact sleep
      quality. We recruited 176 participants (mean age, 47.3 y), of whom 56.8% had a
      diagnosis of unipolar major depressive disorder and 43.2% a diagnosis of bipolar
      disorder. Reduced sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index. Affective temperaments were assessed using the Temperament Evaluation of
      Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego. Sensory hypersensitivity, assessed using the
      Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, significantly distinguished between poor and
      good sleepers. Sleep quality was mainly predicted by the Beck Depression
      Inventory-II total score and anxious temperament. Sensory hypersensitivity
      contributed to this prediction mainly with regard to sleep efficiency and related
      daytime dysfunction.

PMID- 28072642
TI  - Acute Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Associated With Antibiotic Treatment of
      Helicobacter Pylori Infections: A Review.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori infects half the global population. Because serious
      complications can result from this infection, a so-called "triple therapy" is
      recommended: treatment with a proton-pump inhibitor and clarithromycin, along
      with amoxicillin or metronidazole. Although these antibiotics have been
      associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, it is difficult to disentangle the
      effects of antibiotics from the effects of acute infections that may precipitate
      acute neuropsychiatric symptoms. Study of patients with chronic H. pylori
      infections who undergo antibiotic treatment may provide a clearer view of the
      associations between acute neuropsychiatric symptoms and antibiotics. The
      literature concerning this association in patients with H. pylori has not been
      reviewed. We therefore undertook a review of MEDLINE and postmarket surveillance
      data concerning this issue and identified 25 cases. Postmarket data indicated
      that gastrointestinal symptoms were the most commonly reported adverse reactions,
      followed by neurological adverse reactions; neuropsychiatric symptoms were less
      commonly reported, with variable and nonspecific terminology used to describe
      them. More specific, yet still variable terminology was found in the literature.
      Anxiety, delirium, dissociation, mania, and psychosis were reported, with
      approximately half of these neuropsychiatric symptoms occurring without symptoms
      of delirium. The use of standardized neuropsychiatric symptom rating scales and
      the Confusion Assessment Method for monitoring adverse reactions may improve our
      knowledge of neuropsychiatric symptoms and their association with antibiotics and
      thus mitigate underreporting. Physicians should remain alert to the possibility
      that neuropsychiatric symptoms may occur during antibiotic treatment of H. pylori
      and recognize that rapid resolution typically occurs with discontinuation of the
      antibiotics.

PMID- 28072643
TI  - Early-Life Trauma in Hospitalized Patients With Mood Disorders and Its
      Association With Clinical Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood trauma and its impact on clinical
      outcomes in hospitalized patients with mood disorders is unknown. We studied the
      frequency of childhood trauma among inpatient adults with mood disorders and its
      association with clinical outcomes. METHODS: Patients admitted to our hospital
      with a primary diagnosis of mood disorders completed the short form of the Early
      Trauma Inventory-Self-Report (ETISR-SF), the Sheehan Disability Scale, and the
      Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity scale. A regression
      model adjusted for multiple comparisons was used to examine the association
      between scores on the ETISR-SF and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Subjects were 167
      patients, all of whom reported >=1 types of childhood trauma: 90% general trauma,
      75% physical abuse, 71% emotional abuse, 50% sexual abuse, and 35% all 4 types of
      abuse. The subtypes of abuse did not differ by sex or race. Diagnoses in the
      sample were bipolar disorder 56%, major depressive disorder 24%, schizoaffective
      disorder 14%, and substance-induced mood disorder 5%. The mean age in the sample
      was 35+/-11.5 years, 53% were male, and 64% also had substance abuse disorders.
      Higher scores on the ETISR-SF were associated with longer hospital stays [odds
      ratio (OR)=1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-1.22], and greater disruption
      of work/school life (OR=1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.21). There was also a trend for
      higher ETISR-SF scores to be associated with more severe psychotic symptoms
      (OR=1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.27) and more disruption in social (OR=1.14; 95% CI, 1.06
      1.22) and family life (OR=1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17). CONCLUSION: Childhood trauma
      was reported by all of the 167 patients, with general trauma the most common and
      approximately half reporting sexual abuse. Childhood trauma was associated with
      poor clinical outcomes. Early recognition of trauma and trauma-related
      therapeutic interventions may improve outcomes.

PMID- 28072644
TI  - Use of an Analog Scale in the Treatment of Patients With Bipolar Disorder to
      Optimize Assessment and Clinical Outcome.
AB  - This column explains how a clinician can use an analog scale for patients with
      bipolar disorder: (1) to elucidate the course of the illness in a specific
      patient and (2) to assess response to treatment. This scale complements other
      standardized rating scales, such as the Young Mania Rating Scale, because its
      anchors are tailored to each specific patient in terms of the worst depressive or
      hypomanic/manic episode (ie, a -10 or +10, respectively) the person has ever
      experienced. The scale also allows clinicians to track how the individual
      patient's episodes have responded to treatment in the past, including whether the
      patient ever has achieved a full remission (ie, score of 0) following the initial
      onset of the disorder. The scale can then be used to assess how the patient in an
      acute or chronic active episode responds to new treatment, whether somatic and/or
      psychotherapeutic, and how that compares with historical responses to previous
      treatments. Going forward, the scale can be used to assess the course of the
      patient's illness (eg, episodic with full recovery or chronic with more severe
      episodes and increasing residual symptoms). Through use of this analog scale, the
      patient also develops a better understanding of his or her illness, including how
      episodes develop and resolve and whether there are factors (eg, interpersonal
      relationships, inflammatory processes, substance use) that either aggravate
      and/or are aggravated by the disorder. This simple scale thus fulfills many
      purposes including history gathering, monitoring the usefulness of different
      treatment interventions, and patient education.

PMID- 28072645
TI  - Psychotherapy, Parity, and Ethical Utilization Management.
AB  - Managed care has long functioned with the assumption of a split in clinical and
      ethical responsibility for treatment. The insurance company clinician has been
      seen as owing a primary obligation to the insurance company and its utilization
      management standards, while the treating clinician is seen as holding primary
      clinical and ethical responsibility for the patient and the treatment. This
      article explores the potential impact of mental health parity mandates and recent
      clarifications of the American Psychiatric Association's ethical code on this
      split for psychiatrists and other clinicians who develop utilization management
      standards or serve as utilization reviewers.

PMID- 28072646
TI  - Clozapine Treatment of Olanzapine-induced Tardive Dyskinesia: A Case Report.
AB  - Tardive dyskinesias (TD) are serious, often irreversible side effects of dopamine
      blocking agents, most commonly first-generation antipsychotics. No definitive
      treatment exists, with different interventions showing inconsistent results. We
      report a case of TD presenting after 12 years of olanzapine therapy in a 66-year
      old Hispanic male with paranoid schizophrenia. The TD symptoms were successfully
      treated within a few weeks by switching to clozapine. Two cases of olanzapine
      induced TD treated with clozapine have previously been reported, but in those
      cases, the symptom onset was quicker, ranging from a few months to a few years
      after initiation of olanzapine therapy, and the treatment response was relatively
      slower. Clinicians should carefully monitor for symptoms of TD after prolonged
      treatment with olanzapine and other antipsychotics. If otherwise indicated for
      psychiatric treatment, clozapine can be considered a good choice for patients
      with TD in preventing or reversing the debilitating consequences of this
      condition.

PMID- 28072647
TI  - Tools for Practical Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Collection (or
      Interventions Which Have, At Least, Worked for Us).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Regardless of their historical and theoretical roots,
      strategies, tactics, and techniques used in everyday psychotherapy across diverse
      theoretical schools contain common factors and methods from other specific
      psychotherapeutic modalities that contribute substantially to psychotherapy
      outcomes. Common factors include alliance, empathy, goal consensus/collaboration,
      positive regard/affirmation, and congruence/genuineness, among others. All
      therapies also recognize that factors specific to therapists impact treatment.
      Starting with these common factors, we add psychotherapeutic methods from many
      theoretical orientations to create a collection of clinical tools. We then
      provide concrete suggestions for enacting psychotherapy interventions, which
      constitute a transtheoretical collection. METHODS: We begin with observations
      made by earlier scholars, our combined clinical and teaching experiences, and
      oral traditions and clinical pearls passed down from our own supervisors and
      mentors. We have compiled a list of tools for students with foundational
      knowledge in the basic forms of psychotherapy, which may expand their use of
      additional interventions for practicing effective psychotherapy. RESULTS: Our
      toolbox is organized into 4 categories: Relating; Exploring; Explaining; and
      Intervening. We note how these tools correspond to items previously published in
      a list of core psychotherapy competencies. CONCLUSIONS: In our view, the toolbox
      can be used most judiciously by students and practitioners schooled and grounded
      in frameworks for conducting established psychotherapies. Although they are still
      a work in progress, these tools can authorize and guide trainees and
      practitioners to enact specific approaches to psychotherapy utilizing other
      frameworks. We believe that psychotherapy education and training might benefit
      from explicitly focusing on the application of such interventions.

PMID- 28072648
TI  - Locking Cap Designs Improve Fatigue Properties of Polyaxial Screws in Upper
      Extremity Applications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine fatigue characteristics of 2 polyaxial
      locking screw designs: locking cap (LC) and cross-threaded (CT). The goal was to
      compare LC and CT implants at 0, 10, and 15 degrees of angulation to determine
      the effect of locking mechanism on screw-plate interface failure. The hypothesis
      was that LC implants would have superior fatigue properties in comparison to CT
      designs and that increased angulation of the screw would have a negative impact
      on the fatigue life of CT implants, but would not have any effect on LC implants.
      METHODS: A total of 72 screws were tested in 4 upper extremity implants. Implants
      were subjected to cyclic shear loads and subsequent ramp to failure. Performance
      characteristics were statistically compared using nonparametric statistical
      methods. RESULTS: Fatigue testing demonstrated that LC designs were consistently
      able to sustain a significantly higher number of cyclic loads than CT designs.
      There were no significant differences in the number of cycles sustained by LC
      designs because of changes in screw angle, but CT implants exhibited decreases in
      screw stability with increasing angulation. CONCLUSIONS: Likely because of the
      spherical screw head geometry, LC fatigue characteristics are not influenced by
      the orientation of the screw relative to the plate. Application of an LC in the
      operating room requires additional time, but provides significantly more robust
      fixation of the screw, especially at oblique angles to the plate and provides a
      more predictable and consistent biomechanical result.

PMID- 28072649
TI  - Is Early Definitive Fixation of Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures Safe? An
      Observational Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The optimal treatment protocol for bicondylar plateau fractures
      remains controversial. Contrary to popular practice which favors a staged
      protocol in many high-energy fracture patterns, we have used early single-stage
      open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to treat these injuries whenever
      possible. The purpose of this study was to determine the complication rate and
      the functional and radiographic outcomes of this strategy. DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study and prospective data collection. SETTING: Level I trauma center.
      PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred one patients with 102 OTA/AO type 41-C
      bicondylar tibial plateau fractures were treated with early definitive ORIF,
      defined as nonstaged surgery performed within 72 hours from injury. A subset of
      patients was part of a longitudinal study and reported functional outcomes at 1
      year. INTERVENTION: Early definitive ORIF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Primary
      outcome: reoperation rate, defined as any surgery within 12 months after the
      index operation; secondary outcomes: quality and stability of radiographic
      fracture reduction; and functional outcome [Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short
      Form Health Survey (SF-36) and short musculoskeletal functional assessment
      (SMFA)]. RESULTS: Nonstaged operative treatment of bicondylar plateau fractures
      was performed in 91.3% of the fractures during the study period. For those, early
      definitive ORIF (surgery within 72 hours from injury) was performed in 82.3%
      fractures. Mean time from injury to ORIF, for closed fractures, was 29.8 hours.
      Sixteen (15.7%) fractures, which were treated with early definitive ORIF,
      required an additional surgical procedure within 12 months. Complications
      included wound infection requiring surgical management, compartment syndrome
      requiring fasciotomies, nonunion, early fixation failure, and implant removal for
      discomfort. The reoperation rate was 12.7% if implant removal was excluded. At
      least 3 of the 4 radiographic criteria used to assess the adequacy of reduction
      were achieved in 95.1% of cases, and all 4 criteria were met in 59.8% of
      fractures. The Physical Component of the SF-36 at 12 months was 42.6, which is
      comparable to values reported in previous studies for operative treatment of
      bicondylar plateau fractures. CONCLUSIONS: In a model where surgery is performed
      without delay by experienced orthopaedic trauma surgeons, a large proportion of
      bicondylar tibial plateau fractures can be safely treated with early definitive
      ORIF. Early surgery was associated with satisfactory postoperative radiographic
      reductions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors
      for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28072650
TI  - Posterior Wall Osteotomy of the Acetabulum to Access Incarcerated Marginal
      Impaction.
AB  - Marginal impaction of the acetabulum is typically accessible through fracture
      planes specific to the nature of the injury. Infrequently, however, incarcerated
      marginal impaction or free osteochondral fragments are not accessible through
      these existing fracture planes. As such, alternative methods to access these
      articular pieces must be considered to ensure adequate reduction. We describe an
      osteotomy of the posterior wall to access incarcerated fragments and marginal
      impaction of the acetabulum, enabling concentric articular reduction.

PMID- 28072651
TI  - Relationship of Sacral Fractures to Nerve Injury: Is the Denis Classification
      Still Accurate?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Use modern computed tomographic imaging to reassess neurological
      injury risks associated with zone I-III sacral fractures as originally described
      by Denis et al. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: University
      Level I Trauma Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One thousand five hundred seven
      consecutive patients who presented with sacral fractures between January 2000 and
      August 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patients were stratified based on the
      diagnosis of acute neurological injury. The risk of severe and complex sacral
      fractures based on the presence of nerve injury was assessed. RESULTS: The rate
      of nerve injury was significantly lower compared with historic data (3.5% vs.
      21.6%, P < 0.001). Acute nerve injury was a significant risk factor for displaced
      (odds ratio [OR]: 8.4, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-51.9) and comminuted
      (OR: 5.2, 95% CI, 1.7-16.3) sacral fractures as well as zone II (OR: 3.4, 95% CI,
      1.1-10.1) and III (OR: 3.9, 95% CI, 1.0-16.4) fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The
      incidence of nerve injuries associated with sacral fractures is significantly
      lower than originally published by Denis et al. Patients with a nerve injury were
      highly correlated with having a displaced, comminuted, or zone III fracture, or
      spinopelvic dissociation; the authors recommend a fine cut computerized
      tomography for further investigation if these findings are not apparent on
      initial radiographic imaging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See
      Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28072653
TI  - Invited Commentary Related to: "Does a Staged Posterior Approach Have a Negative
      Effect on OTA 43C Fracture Outcomes?"

PMID- 28072652
TI  - In Vivo Correlation of Radiographic Scoring (Radiographic Union Scale for Tibia
      Fractures) and Biomechanical Data in a Sheep Osteotomy Model: Can We Define Union
      Radiographically?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) the reliability of the standard and modified
      Radiographic Union Scale for Tibia fractures (RUST) score in a sheep osteotomy
      model, and (2) the standard and modified RUST scores that represent biomechanical
      union. DESIGN: The tibia cortices in a sheep osteotomy model treated by
      intramedullary nails were radiographically evaluated using standard and modified
      RUST scores. Scores that correlated with biomechanical union, based on the
      torsional stiffness of the contralateral tibia, were determined. INTERVENTION:
      Two groups of sheep had transverse midshaft osteotomies treated with 10-mm nails
      after reaming to 11.5 mm. Weight-bearing was allowed as tolerated.
      Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were taken at standard intervals from 4
      to 12 weeks. The tibial cortices at each time interval were evaluated in a random
      order by 5 senior orthopaedic trauma surgeons. Each tibia was scored using the
      standard and modified RUST methods and was assessed for union. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was determined for
      standard and modified RUST scores at each time interval and for the assessment of
      union. The percentages of fractures that were defined as united by the surgeons
      were tabulated by RUST and modified RUST scores. The torsional stiffness of each
      tibia was tested at 12 weeks and expressed as a percentage of the contralateral
      side. We considered biomechanical union to be >=90% of the torsional stiffness of
      the normal side. RESULTS: The modified RUST score demonstrated consistently
      higher ICCs than the standard RUST. All reviewers considered a standard RUST of
      10 and a modified RUST of 14 to represent radiographic union. The standard RUST
      was 10.4 (range: 8.6-12) and modified RUST was 14.2 (range: 12.2-16) for tibiae
      that were biomechanically united. CONCLUSIONS: The modified RUST score has a
      slightly higher ICC than the standard RUST. A standard RUST of 10 and a modified
      RUST of 14 provide an excellent definition of union based on surgeons' opinion
      and biomechanical testing for a transverse fracture.

PMID- 28072654
TI  - Adverse Events Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Comparison of Surgical
      Approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compare complications of vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection by
      surgical approach. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: The 2008 to 2013
      American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.
      PATIENTS: Adult patients with VS resection by an otolaryngologist. INTERVENTIONS:
      VS resection via transtemporal (TT), retrosigmoid (RS), or middle cranial fossa
      (MCF) approaches. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hearing preservation approaches were
      compared with hearing sacrificing approaches. Demographics and intraoperative
      factors were analyzed to identify predictors of medical and surgical
      complications, return to the operating room, and death. The effect of trainee
      presence was evaluated with respect to complications, operative length, and
      hospital length of stay. RESULTS: One hundred eleven VS resections were
      identified. Patients were predominantly women (57%) and older than 50 years
      (69%). The TT approach accounted for 50% of the cases, while RS (36%) and MCF
      (14%) were less common. The risk of any postoperative complication was 17%. There
      were no patient deaths. There was no difference in the overall complication rate
      among surgical approaches, nor in the overall, surgical, or medical complication
      rates between hearing preservation and hearing sacrificing approaches. Trainee
      presence did not change operation length, hospital length of stay, or
      complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: Complication rates of VS resection are no
      different when comparing TT, RS, or MCF approaches. Trainee involvement did not
      significantly affect complications. This study is limited by the inability to
      evaluate procedure-specific variables (e.g., facial nerve weakness and hearing
      preservation rates), but offers a unique survey of global 30-day complication
      rates reported to a large, multi-institutional, publically available database.

PMID- 28072655
TI  - Skin Necrosis After Implantation With the BAHA Attract: A Case Report and Review
      of the Literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) Attract is a transcutaneous bone
      conduction hearing aid that uses magnetic coupling to enable sound conduction. We
      report the first case of skin necrosis associated with the BAHA Attract and
      perform a literature review of soft tissue complications related to the device.
      PATIENT: A single patient who was found to develop skin necrosis 2 weeks after
      being fitted for the BAHA Attract speech processor. INTERVENTION: After the
      patient developed skin necrosis from the device, she was advised to immediately
      discontinue use of the Attract to allow complete wound healing, upon which the
      Attract was successfully converted to a percutaneous BAHA. MAIN OUTCOME AND
      RESULTS: We monitored for the development of skin complications from the BAHA
      Attract. The patient's immediate postoperative course was unremarkable and she
      was fitted with a speech processor of M5 magnet strength at 1 month
      postoperatively. After 1 week of use, she reported discomfort and was advised to
      downgrade to an M4 magnet; however, she continued to use the M5 and the following
      week was found to have developed skin necrosis around the device. CONCLUSION:
      Despite the infrequency of skin necrosis related to the BAHA Attract, it must be
      considered in counseling and managing candidates for the device.

PMID- 28072656
TI  - Isosorbide-Induced Decompression Effect on the Scala Media: Participation of
      Plasma Osmolality and Plasma Arginine Vasopressin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The correlation between the isosorbide-induced decompression effect on
      the endolymphatic space and plasma osmolality (p-OSM) or plasma arginine
      vasopressin (p-AVP) was investigated on comparing two different dosages of
      isosorbide (2.8 and 1.4 g/kg) to elucidate why the decompression effect is
      delayed with a large dose of isosorbide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two experiments
      were performed using 80 guinea pigs. Experiment 1 was designed to morphologically
      investigate the sequential influence of the oral intake of 1.4- and 2.8-g/kg
      doses of isosorbide on the endolymphatic volume. The animals used were 50 guinea
      pigs (control: 10, experimental: 40). All animals underwent surgical obliteration
      of the endolymphatic sac of the left ear. One month after the surgery, control
      animals were sacrificed 3 hours after the intake of distilled water, and
      experimental animals were sacrificed 3 and 6 hours after the isosorbide intake.
      All of the left temporal bone served for the quantitative assessment of changes
      in the endolymphatic space, and the cross-sectional area of the scala media was
      measured from the mid-modiolar sections of the cochlea.Experiment 2 was designed
      to investigate changes in p-OSM and p-AVP levels 3 hours after the oral intake of
      isosorbide. Animals used were 15 guinea pigs (control: 5, experimental: 10). The
      control group received the oral administration of distilled water (4 ml/kg), and
      the experimental animals were subdivided into two groups consisting of 10 animals
      each by the dosage of isosorbide (1.4 or 2.8 g/kg). All animals were sacrificed
      for the measurement of p-OSM and p-AVP concentrations 3 hours after the intake of
      water or 70% isosorbide solution. RESULTS: Morphologically, an isosorbide-induced
      decompression effect was noted in animals with both 1.4- and 2.8-g/kg doses of
      isosorbide. According to the regression analysis, however, the volumetric
      decrease of the endolymphatic space was more evident in cases with the small dose
      (1.4 g/kg) 3 hours after the intake (analysis of covariance [ANCOVA], p < 0.001).
      Six hours after, the decompression effect was significantly greater in cases with
      the large dose (2.8 g/kg) (ANCOVA, p < 0.001).Isosorbide intake caused a rise in
      p-OSM levels dose-dependently. The Cochran-Cox test revealed that the differences
      in the mean values among control and isosorbide groups were significant (p <
      0.01). Regarding the p-AVP level, a significant increase was evident in cases
      with the large dose (2.8 g/kg) (p < 0.01, Cochran-Cox test), and not in cases
      with the small dose (1.4 g/kg). CONCLUSION: An isosorbide-induced decompression
      effect of the endolymphatic space was evident in spite of two different dosages
      of isosorbide (2.8 and 1.4 g/kg). Three hours after the isosorbide intake,
      however, the decompression effect was more marked in the group with the small
      dose (1.4 g/kg). Since significant rises in p-OSM and p-AVP were evident in the
      group with the large dose, this early rise of p-AVP due to dehydration seems to
      be the major reason for the delayed decompression effect in cases with a large
      isosorbide intake.

PMID- 28072657
TI  - Assessment of Cochlea Endolymphatic Hydrops Using 3-D FLAIR and 3-D Real IR
      Sequence in Guinea Pigs via 3T MRI After Intratympanic Gadolinium: A
      Histopathological Comparison.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether the three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion
      recovery (3-D FLAIR) and three-dimensional inversion-recovery with real
      reconstruction (3-D real IR) sequences can be used to detect cochlea
      endolymphatic hydrops (EHs) in guinea pigs using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance
      imaging (3T MRI). The results of 3-D real IR imaging were compared with
      histopathological outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen healthy men and women
      albino guinea pigs were used in this study. Their right ears received procedures
      that promoted EHs, and their left ears were used as untreated controls. High
      resolution 3T MRI, combined with the intratympanic injection of gadolinium (Gd)
      in both ears, was performed 8 to 12 weeks after surgery. Both sides of the
      cochlea midmodiolar sections were observed under a light microscope and saved as
      the histopathological images. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to
      noise ratios (CNRs) between the T2-weighted 3-D FLAIR and T2-weighted 3-D real IR
      sequences were compared. The appearance of EHs in the basal, second, third, and
      apical turns of the cochlea was further evaluated using 3-D FLAIR, 3-D real IR,
      and the histopathological images. Moreover, the maximum scala media area ratios
      (SMRs) on the histopathological sections were compared with the grading of the
      EHs on the 3-D real IR sequence with regard to each turn of the cochlea. RESULTS:
      Significant differences were found between the 3-D FLAIR and 3-D-real IR
      sequences with regard to the SNRs and CNRs (p < 0.05): the 3-D FLAIR sequence
      exhibited higher SNRs (SNRROI: 347.95 +/- 105.01; SNRB: 103.28 +/- 17.61)
      compared with the 3-D real IR sequence (SNRROI: 86.71 +/- 30.11; SNRB: 11.11 +/-
      3.45), whereas the 3-D real IR sequence showed higher CNRs (2.78 +/- 0.58)
      compared with the 3-D FLAIR sequence (2.18 +/- 0.55). Various degrees of EHs were
      observed in each turn of the cochlea in the experimental ears on the basis of the
      histopathological images. Thirteen, 10, 4, and 0 EHs were observed in the basal,
      second, third, and apical turns of the cochlear using 3-D FLAIR images,
      respectively, whereas 14, 14, 14, and 13 EHs were found using 3-D real IR images,
      respectively. Significant differences were found between the two sequences when
      evaluating the second, third, and apical turns of the cochlear but not with
      regard to the basal turn (p < 0.05). The SMRs were proportional to the extent of
      the EHs on 3-D real IR imaging in each turn of the cochlea. CONCLUSIONS: 3-D real
      IR images are clearer than 3-D FLAIR images, and they can display cochlea EHs
      more precisely using 3T MRI in guinea pigs. The extent of the EHs on 3-D real IR
      imaging was more consistent with the histopathological observations in each turn
      of the cochlea.

PMID- 28072658
TI  - Clinical Applicability of Monitoring the Time Interval Between Anesthesia and
      Electroconvulsive Therapy.
AB  - The anesthetic-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) time interval (time interval
      elapsed from the beginning of anesthesia injection to the beginning of ECT
      stimulus) has been reported to have an important impact on seizure quality
      outcomes, because it is an indirect measure of the anesthetic plasma
      concentration when the ECT electrical stimulus is administered. We report the
      importance of the routine monitoring of this time interval in clinical settings,
      as an additional measure to interpret seizure quality outcomes at each ECT
      session, to further assist on ECT dosing decisions during the treatment course.

PMID- 28072659
TI  - Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Cognitive Control of Emotion:
      Potential Antidepressant Mechanisms.
AB  - Depression negatively impacts quality of life and is associated with high
      mortality rates. Recent research has demonstrated that improvement in depression
      symptoms with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) may involve changes in the cognitive control network, a
      regulatory system modulating the function of cognitive and emotional systems,
      composed of the DLPFC, dorsal anterior cingulate, and posterior parietal
      cortices. Transcranial magnetic stimulation to the DLPFC node of the cognitive
      control network may have antidepressant efficacy via direct effects on cognitive
      control processes involved in emotion regulation. This review provides a review
      of the impact of TMS on cognitive control processes, especially those related to
      emotion regulation, and posits that these effects are critical to the mechanism
      of action of TMS for depression. Treatment implications and future directions for
      study are discussed.

PMID- 28072660
TI  - Two Versus One High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
      Session per Day for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Sham-Controlled
      Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS)
      has proven antidepressant effects, but the optimal frequency of sessions remains
      unclear. METHODS: We conducted a 3-week, sham-controlled trial to assess the
      antidepressant efficacy of 1 active HF-rTMS session per day (A1 group) compared
      with 2 per day (A2 group) and equivalent sham sessions (once a day, S1 group;
      twice a day, S2 group) in patients with treatment-resistant major depression with
      a subsequent 2-week follow-up period. One hundred seventy-seven patients were
      screened, of whom 105 met eligibility criteria and 98 consented and were
      randomized. The HF-rTMS (20 Hz) was targeted to the left prefrontal cortex in
      sessions of approximately 40 trains (2 seconds each) at 100% resting motor
      threshold with an intertrain interval of 1 minute. Treatment response was defined
      as a 50% or greater decrease in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score
      and/or Clinician Global Impressions-Severity of Illness (CGI-S) score of 3 or
      less. Remission was defined as HDRS score less than 8 and/or CGI-S score of 2 or
      less. RESULTS: Practically none of the subjects in either sham groups achieved
      remission. Increased odds of remission were present for CGI-S by stimulating
      twice rather than once per day (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, P = 0.018), whereas there
      was a marginal result for HDRS (OR = 3.9, P = 0.066). Patients who had lower
      baseline HDRS (OR = 0.75, P = 0.014) and CGI-S scores (OR = 0.18, P = 0.001) were
      more likely to achieve remission. CONCLUSIONS: Twice per day active HF-rTMS might
      be more effective than once per day active HF-rTMS or sham stimulation.

PMID- 28072661
TI  - Serum Oxytocin Concentration in Patients Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy: An
      Exploratory Study and Review of Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine biomarkers have long been studied in the context of
      electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We prospectively assessed serum oxytocin change
      and moderators thereof in an exploratory study of patients receiving ECT.
      METHODS: Serum oxytocin concentrations were assessed immediately before and 1 to
      3 minutes after the first ECT in 33 patients with schizophrenia (n = 14), other
      nonaffective psychosis (n = 6), mania (n = 10), and depression (n = 3) who
      received 6 to 7 bitemporal, brief-pulse ECTs. Change in serum oxytocin was
      assessed in the sample as a whole, and as a function of age, sex, diagnosis, and
      treatment response. The primary outcome was change in serum oxytocin in the
      overall sample. RESULTS: There was much variation across patients; oxytocin
      concentrations increased marginally by a mean (standard deviation) (M [SD]) of
      6.4 (82.7) pg/mL (P = 0.43). The M (SD) change was -8.2 (85.0) pg/mL in patients
      with schizophrenia and other nonaffective psychoses (P = 0.84). There was no
      significant correlation between change in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores
      and change in oxytocin concentrations in patients with schizophrenia, other
      nonaffective psychoses, and mania (rho = 0.10, P = 0.61). Serum oxytocin rose in
      men, after ECT, and fell in women (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Change in serum
      oxytocin immediately after the first ECT in a course may not be a useful
      biomarker of ECT action. This is the first report on the subject in a sample
      comprising mostly patients with nonaffective psychosis and mania rather than
      depression. We discuss our findings in the light of previous research and offer
      general conclusions about the field.

PMID- 28072662
TI  - Successful Treatment With Electroconvulsive Therapy of a Patient With Bipolar
      Disorder and a 7-mm Cerebral Aneurysm.

PMID- 28072663
TI  - Commentary on Bennett and Colleagues: Differences in Cognitive Outcomes After
      Electroconvulsive Therapy Depending on BDNF and COMT Polymorphisms.

PMID- 28072664
TI  - Clinical Pathway Effectiveness: Febrile Young Infant Clinical Pathway in a
      Pediatric Emergency Department.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Young infants are often treated in emergency departments (EDs) for
      febrile illnesses. Any delay in care or ineffective management could lead to
      increased patient morbidity and mortality. A standardized ED clinical pathway may
      improve care for these patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the
      impact of a febrile young infant clinical pathway implemented in a large, urban
      children's hospital ED on the timeliness and consistency of care. METHODS: This
      study used a before-and-after retrospective observational study design comparing
      2 separate periods: prepathway from September 2007 through August 2008 and
      postpathway from September 2009 through August 2010. Subjects were infants aged
      56 days or younger presenting with a rectal temperature of 38.0 degrees C or
      higher. Patients were excluded if they were transferred from another hospital or
      if they developed a fever after initial presentation. RESULTS: Five hundred
      twenty infants were enrolled. The mean time to urine collection and time to the
      first antibiotic administration were reduced after pathway implementation (23
      minute reduction to urine collection vs 36-minute reduction to the first
      antibiotic administration). There was improvement in the proportion of infants
      who received the pathway-specific antibiotics based on age (odds ratio, 7.2; 95%
      confidence interval, 4.4, 11.9) and the proportion of infants who were
      administered acyclovir based on pathway guidelines (odds ratio, 8.8; 95%
      confidence interval, 2.9-30.0). CONCLUSIONS: An ED-based febrile young infant
      clinical pathway improved the timeliness of initiation of work-up as measured by
      urine collection and of therapy by an earlier administration of the first
      antibiotic, as well as decreased variability of care.

PMID- 28072665
TI  - Idiopathic Unilateral Paralysis of the Palate in a Youth.
AB  - Unilateral isolated paralysis of the soft palate is a rare clinical entity that
      is associated with rhinolalia and the flow of nasal fluids from the nostril on
      the affected side. We report a case of a 17-year-old boy admitted complaining of
      nasal speech and drinks flowing into his right nostril. Most cases of soft palate
      palsy are idiopathic, whereas a few cases are caused by viral infections or
      tumors. We describe an isolated case of soft palate palsy with spontaneous
      recovery within 1 month.

PMID- 28072666
TI  - Outcomes From Referrals and Unscheduled Visits From Community Emergency
      Departments to a Regional Pediatric Emergency Department in Canada.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Existing pediatric literature describing repeat visits to the
      emergency department (ED) for the same medical complaint has yet to report on
      patient flow patterns from general EDs (GEDs) to a pediatric ED (PED). We sought
      to characterize the population of patients who are treated in a GED and
      subsequently present to a PED for further care. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study reviewing all pediatric visits (age < 17 y) at 5 GEDs
      in Vancouver. Our primary outcome measure was the proportion of visits with a
      subsequent visit to a PED (<7 days) during the 2012 to 2013 fiscal year.
      Secondary outcomes included reasons for PED consultation, the clinical services
      accessed, and disposition at the PED. RESULTS: During the study period, 581
      (3.3%) of the 17,824 children seen at GEDs subsequently presented to the PED
      within 7 days. The top 3 diagnoses among these were fracture, viral infection,
      and musculoskeletal complaints. Of the 581 children with a visit to the PED, 180
      (31.0%) were referred to the PED for a consultation, whereas the rest were family
      initiated. Referred visits were more frequently associated with pediatric
      subspecialist consultation than family-initiated visits (45.0% vs 19.5%, P <
      0.01). The referred group more frequently resulted in a surgical procedure (13.9%
      vs 2.5%, P < 0.01) or hospital admission (51.7% vs 8.7%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Knowing the proportion, management, and outcomes of children who are treated in a
      GED and subsequently at a PED may provide an important quality measure and
      opportunities to improve the management of common pediatric emergencies in the
      community.

PMID- 28072667
TI  - Does the Use of a Vein Visualization Device for Peripheral Venous Catheter
      Placement Increase Success Rate in Pediatric Patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheterization is one of the most frequently
      encountered medical procedures for hospitalized children and is one that can
      often be painful. Pediatric nurses should therefore use techniques that increase
      the success rate or shorten the duration of peripheral intravenous
      catheterization. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed with the objective of
      determining the effect of using a vein visualization device on the success of the
      procedure. Success was determined based on the number of attempts per patient,
      the duration of the procedure, and the first stick success rate. METHODS: This
      was a randomized, controlled experimental study on 129 children aged 3 to 18
      years. RESULTS: The duration of peripheral intravenous catheterization was
      shorter in the study group (S) than in the control (C) patients (37.24 +/- 20.07
      vs 172.65 +/- 153.21 seconds; P = 0.001), with fewer attempts (S, 1.08 +/- 0.28;
      C, 2.23 +/- 1.57; P < 0.01). The first stick success rate was higher in the
      control group (S, 91.7%; C, 47.4%; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral
      intravenous catheterization using vein visualization device support reduces the
      number of attempts per patient and the operation duration but increases the rate
      of first stick success. We may therefore state that vein visualization device
      support improves the success of peripheral intravenous catheterization.

PMID- 28072668
TI  - Genital and Extragenital Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in Children and Adolescents
      Evaluated for Sexual Abuse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the use of a nucleic acid
      amplification test in detecting genital and extragenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae
      (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) in children and adolescents assessed for
      sexual abuse/assault. METHODS: The charts of children aged 0 to 17 years,
      consecutively evaluated for sexual victimization, in emergency department and
      outpatient settings were reviewed. Data extracted included age, sex, type of
      sexual contact, anogenital findings, previous sexual contact, toxicology results,
      and sites tested for NG and CT. RESULTS: Of the 1319 patients who were tested,
      579 were tested at more than 1 site, and 120 had at least 1 infected site.
      Chlamydia trachomatis was identified in 104 patients, and NG was found in 33. In
      bivariate analysis, a positive test was associated with female sex, age older
      than 11 years, previous sexual contact, acute or healed genital injury,
      drug/alcohol intoxication, and examination within 72 hours of sexual contact.
      Fifty-one patients had positive anal tests, and 24 had positive oral tests. More
      than 75% of patients with positive extragenital tests had additional positive
      tests or anogenital injury. Most with a positive anal (59%) or oral (77%) test
      did not report that the assailant's genitals came into contact with that site.
      CONCLUSIONS: Positive tests for NG and CT in patients evaluated for sexual
      victimization may represent infection from sexual contact, contiguous spread of
      infection, or the presence of infected assailant secretions. Relying on patient
      reports of symptoms, or types of sexual contact, to determine need for testing
      may miss NG and CT infections in patients evaluated for sexual victimization.

PMID- 28072669
TI  - Swimming Pool Electrical Injuries: Steps Toward Prevention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Electrical injuries in swimming pools are an important pediatric
      public health concern. We sought to (1) improve our understanding of the clinical
      presentation and outcomes following and (2) describe the epidemiology of swimming
      pool electrical injuries in the United States. METHODS: We reviewed 4 cases of
      pediatric (<18 y old) electrical injury from a single, urban level 1 pediatric
      trauma center. We also queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System
      (NEISS) for emergency department visits due to electrical injury associated with
      swimming pools, occurring between 1991 and 2013. RESULTS: Overall, 566 cases were
      reported, with a mean (SD) age of 9.2 (4.1) years. Patients were mostly treated
      and released from the emergency department (91.8%), whereas 8.2% were
      hospitalized. When stated, injuries occurred most frequently at home (57.0%),
      followed by public (23.9%) and sports facilities (19.1%). Electrical outlets or
      receptacles (39.8%) were most commonly implicated, followed by electrical system
      doors (18.2%), electric wiring systems (17.0%), thermostats (16.3%), hair dryers
      (4.6%), and radios (4.1%). Pediatric cases represented 48.4% of swimming pool
      related electrical injuries reported to NEISS. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical injuries
      occurring in and around swimming pools remain an important source of morbidity
      and mortality. Although NEISS monitors sentinel events, current efforts at
      preventing such cases are less than adequate. All electrical outlets near
      swimming pools should be properly wired with ground fault circuit interrupter
      devices. Possible approaches to increasing safe electrical device installation
      are through strengthening public awareness and education of the potential for
      injury, as well as changes to current inspection regulations.

PMID- 28072670
TI  - Instruments to Identify Commercially Sexually Exploited Children: Feasibility of
      Use in an Emergency Department Setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This review examines the screening instruments that are in existence
      today to identify commercially sexually exploited children. The instruments are
      compared and evaluated for their feasibility of use in an emergency department
      setting. METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched to identify screening
      instruments that assessed solely for commercial sexual exploitation. Search terms
      included "commercially sexually exploited children," "CSEC," "domestic minor sex
      trafficking," "DMST," "juvenile sex trafficking," and "JST." Those terms were
      then searched in combination with each of the following: "tools," "instruments,"
      "screening," "policies," "procedures," "data collection," "evidence," and
      "validity." RESULTS: Six screening instruments were found to meet the inclusion
      criteria. Variation among instruments included number of questions, ease of
      administration, information sources, scoring methods, and training information
      provided. Two instruments were determined to be highly feasible for use in the
      emergency department setting, those being the Asian Health Services and Banteay
      Srei's CSEC Screening Protocol and Greenbaum et al's CSEC/child sex trafficking 6
      item screening tool. CONCLUSIONS: A current dearth of screening instruments was
      confirmed. It is recommended that additional screening instruments be created to
      include developmentally appropriate instruments for preadolescent children.
      Numerous positive features were identified within the instruments in this review
      and are suggested for use in future screening instruments, including
      succinctness, a simple format, easy administration, training materials, sample
      questions, multiple information sources, designation of questions requiring
      mandatory reporting, a straightforward scoring system, and an algorithm format.

PMID- 28072671
TI  - Evaluation of the Association of Early Elevated Lactate With Outcomes in Children
      With Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the association of initial lactate
      (L0) with mortality in children with severe sepsis. METHODS: This prospective
      cohort study included 74 patients younger than 18 years with severe sepsis
      admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary, academic
      children's hospital with lactate measured within 3 hours of meeting severe sepsis
      or septic shock. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary
      outcomes included PICU and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: Although overall
      mortality was 10.5% (n = 18), patients with L0 measured (n = 72) had a higher
      mortality (16% vs 6%, P = 0.03) and higher median PRISM-III risk of mortality
      scores (P = 0.02) than those who did not. Median L0 was no different between
      nonsurvivors and survivors (3.6 mmol/L [interquartile range, 2.0-9.0] in
      nonsurvivors vs 2.3 mmol/L [interquartile range, 1.4-3.5] in survivors, P =
      0.11). However, L0 was independently associated with PRISM-III score
      (coefficient, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.8; P = 0.003) with an increase
      in mean PRISM-III score of 1.12 U for every 1 mmol/L increase in L0, with L0
      accounting for 12% of the variability in PRISM-III scores between patients. There
      was no association between L0 and PICU or hospital length of stay. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although our single center study did not demonstrate that an elevated early
      lactate is associated with mortality in pediatric severe sepsis, L0 did correlate
      strongly with PRISM-III, the most robust measure of mortality risk in pediatrics.
      Therefore, early lactate measurement may be important as an early biomarker of
      disease severity. These data should be validated in a larger, multicenter,
      prospective study.

PMID- 28072672
TI  - A Simplified Electroencephalogram Monitoring System in the Emergency Room.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study aims to assess the clinical usefulness and related
      limitations of our simplified emergency electroencephalography (eEEG) as an
      assessment tool of lethal abnormal brain waves in the emergency room (ER).
      METHODS: Electrodes were placed on 4 places: bilateral frontal poles and parietal
      regions. The derivations to judge consisted of only 2 bipolar leads on the left
      and right. Abnormal wave was defined as either persistent rhythmic waves or
      persistent high-amplitude slow waves (<2 Hz). The indications of eEEG were as
      follows: prolonged impairment of consciousness, suspected subclinical or subtle
      seizure, and requirement of evaluation of consciousness or seizure during
      administration of muscle relaxants for endotracheal intubation. RESULTS: We
      performed eEEG for 86 patients between July 2013 and February 2014. The
      persistent rhythmic waves were observed in 7 (8.1%), whereas high-amplitude slow
      waves were observed in 10 (11.6%). Among 69 patients with normal eEEG, 2 were
      diagnosed with encephalopathy after hospitalization. The mean time taken to
      attach electrodes was 5.4 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: For the ER physician, the simple
      EEG, such as eEEG, is useful as a biological monitor because it enables quick
      assessment of lethal abnormal brain waves in the ER. The clinical usefulness and
      limitations of our eEEG method should be investigated further in a large
      population.

PMID- 28072673
TI  - The Use of Ultrasound-Measured Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter to Predict
      Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Failure in Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to assess the accuracy of ultrasound
      measured optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as a screen for ventriculoperitoneal
      shunt failure. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled a convenience sample of
      children presenting to the ED with suspected shunt failure. The ONSD was measured
      by ultrasound and compared with computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging
      (CT/MRI) and neurosurgical impression. We defined shunt failure on ultrasound as
      an ONSD greater than 4.0 mm in infants 12 months and younger or greater than 4.5
      mm in children older than 12 months. A single emergency radiologist at our
      institution read all CTs and MRIs for categorical determination of shunt failure.
      We defined shunt failure based on neurosurgical impression as a decision to admit
      and perform shunt revision. We report test characteristics and 95% confidence
      intervals of ONSD as a predictor for shunt failure. RESULTS: We enrolled 32
      subjects. The sensitivities of ONSD compared with CT/MRI and neurosurgical
      impression, 60.0% and 75.0%, respectively, were low. However, the negative
      predictive values of ONSD compared with CT/MRI and neurosurgical impression were
      90.0% and 95.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Optic nerve sonography may be a
      useful tool to identify children presenting with suspected ventriculoperitoneal
      shunt failure who do not require further imaging. This would reduce the use of CT
      scan and exposure to ionizing radiation in children with suspected shunt
      malfunction who do not require neurosurgical intervention. Consideration of
      additional risk factors and a larger sample size may yield stronger results.

PMID- 28072675
TI  - Message from Editor.

PMID- 28072674
TI  - Editor in Chief's Address.

PMID- 28072676
TI  - Zika Virus Molecular Biology and Perspectives for Vaccine Development: A Review.

PMID- 28072677
TI  - The Current Status of Nursing Professionalism Among Nursing Faculty in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The faculty of nursing schools plays an important role in the
      successful execution of nursing education. Therefore, faculty behavior strongly
      affects the professional development of nurses. However, few studies have
      examined professional nursing behaviors from the perspective of nursing faculty.
      PURPOSE: Members of nursing faculty in Japan were surveyed regarding their
      perspectives on behaviors related to professionalism. METHODS: The model,
      Miller's Wheel of Professionalism in Nursing, was used as the theoretical
      framework. The Behavioral Inventory for Professionalism in Nursing (BIPN) was
      completed by 74 full-time nursing faculty who were currently working at 10
      institutes of nursing education in Japan. RESULTS: The mean BIPN score for the
      participants was 11.56 (SD = 6.08) of a possible total of 27. The highest and
      lowest BIPN category scores were for "research development, use, and evaluation"
      and "community service," respectively. Professionalism was found to relate
      significantly to higher educational preparation (F = 32.17, p < .0001). The Tukey
      Kramer multiple comparison test found a significant association between having a
      graduate degree and higher scores for professionalism (p < .0001). The Spearman
      correlation coefficient was significant and positive for the relationship between
      professionalism and both educational preparation (r = .85, p < .0001) and number
      of years as a nursing educator (r = .31, p = .0077). CONCLUSIONS: The results
      support the idea that a higher level of educational preparation and more years of
      experience as a member of a nursing faculty are associated with higher levels of
      nursing professionalism. The professional behavior scores suggest that "community
      service" is an issue that requires further improvement among Japanese nursing
      faculty. Awareness of extrinsic factors such as education is important to
      maximize nursing professionalism. The findings of this study may help nursing
      faculty continue their self-development.

PMID- 28072678
TI  - Pain, Anxiety, and Fatigue During Labor: A Prospective, Repeated Measures Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain, anxiety, and fatigue are known to significantly influence
      labor; however, the interacting relationships among the three symptoms have not
      been empirically shown. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the
      interrelationships among intrapartum pain, anxiety, and fatigue relative to the
      mode of delivery, with or without epidural analgesia (EDA). METHODS: A
      prospective, repeated measures design was adopted, and women with uncomplicated
      pregnancies at term (N = 186) were enrolled. Self-reported visual analog scales
      were used to assess pain, anxiety, and fatigue during the four phases of labor,
      as determined by cervical dilation (e.g., Phase 1 = 2-4 cm, Phase 2 = 4-6 cm,
      Phase 3 =10 cm, and Phase 4 = immediately after delivery of the placenta). Of the
      186 participants, 48 received EDA when their cervical dilation was 3-4 cm.
      RESULTS: Throughout the process of labor, pain, anxiety, and fatigue were
      significantly correlated, no matter whether participants had received EDA,
      especially during Phases 1 and 3. For the participants undergoing EDA, the level
      of fatigue decreased more slowly than the levels of pain and anxiety. The
      participants who received EDA had significantly greater pain and fatigue in Phase
      1 of labor than those who did not receive EDA. Mode of delivery was correlated
      with age, parity, and pain level in Phase 2 of labor and anxiety level in Phase 2
      of labor. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Intrapartum pain, anxiety, and
      fatigue were strongly interrelated. Intrapartum pain management (EDA) led to a
      significant decline in anxiety and fatigue. Furthermore, fatigue accumulated
      during the course of labor and was not easily diminished. These findings provide
      a reference for maternity nurses to develop strategies for managing multiple
      symptoms.

PMID- 28072679
TI  - Correlation Between Critical Thinking Disposition and Mental Self-Supporting
      Ability in Nursing Undergraduates: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is universal agreement on the essential role of critical
      thinking in nursing practice. Most studies into this topic have provided
      descriptive statistical information and insights on related external factors such
      as educational environment and teaching strategies. However, there has been
      limited research into the psychological factors that may predict the disposition
      of students toward critical thinking. PURPOSE: This study explored the
      relationship between the disposition of nursing students toward critical thinking
      and their mental self-supporting ability to obtain a profile and determine the
      psychological predictors of critical thinking. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      descriptive study was conducted in 2013 using a convenience sample from four
      nursing schools. Four hundred six Chinese nursing undergraduates completed two
      questionnaires including (a) the California Critical Thinking Disposition
      Inventory (Chinese version) and (b) the Mental Self-Supporting Questionnaire for
      University Students. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis were
      used to investigate the relationship between these two variables and the
      predicted positive psychological qualities for the critical thinking disposition
      of participants. RESULTS: Average participant scores for critical thinking
      disposition and mental self-supporting were 280.91 +/- 28.43 and 76.40 +/- 8.47,
      respectively. Positive correlations were observed between these two variables (r
      = .583, p < .01) and participants' self-decision, self-cognition, self
      confidence, and self-responsibility, which suggest that these factors play a
      significant role in critical thinking disposition (R = .435, p < .01).
      CONCLUSIONS: The participants earned midlevel scores for both disposition toward
      critical thinking and mental self-supporting abilities.The four factors that had
      a major influence on critical thinking disposition included self-decision, self
      cognition, self-confidence, and self-responsibility. Nursing educators should
      focus on improving the critical thinking ability of their students in these four
      aspects.

PMID- 28072680
TI  - Translation and Psychometric Testing of the Chinese Version of the
      Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mind-body interventions are used to alleviate physical and
      psychological symptoms. The multidimensional assessment of interoceptive
      awareness (MAIA), which is used to self-report the effects of mind-body
      interventions, is not currently available in Chinese. PURPOSE: This study aimed
      to translate the MAIA from English into Chinese (MAIA-C) and to examine the
      psychometric properties of the MAIA-C. METHODS: This was a methodological study.
      The MAIA was translated forward and backward systematically, and content validity
      was assessed by a panel of experts. A convenience sample of adult participants
      with mind-body practice was recruited from social clubs in Taiwan. The MAIA-C was
      administered to study participants. Internal consistency and test-retest
      reliability were tested using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation
      coefficient. Construct validity was assessed in two ways: using confirmatory
      factor analysis and using the differences between the known groups to divide the
      sample into two groups of highly experienced and less experienced participants.
      RESULTS: The complete data for the 294 participants were analyzed. The eight
      factor structure of the MAIA-C was confirmed. Cronbach's alpha was .91 overall
      and .46-.88 for the individual scales of the instrument. Intraclass correlation
      coefficient and composite reliability for the scales ranged from .60 to .85 and
      .55 to .87, respectively. The result of confirmatory factor analysis revealed a
      fair fit of the model to the data with a root mean square error of approximation
      of .076 and a comparative fit index of .95. Significant differences were found
      for the seven scales between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE: The MAIA-C showed acceptable reliability and validity in psychometric
      testing. Therefore, this scale may be used in studies that assess interoceptive
      awareness in Chinese-speaking populations who are undergoing mind-body
      interventions.

PMID- 28072681
TI  - Effects of a group-focused cognitive behavioral health education program on
      cigarette smoking in a sample of Nigerian prisoners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking is a learned habit that has an impact on the psychological
      and biochemical health of individuals. It is the leading preventable cause of
      chronic illness worldwide. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects
      of a group-focused cognitive behavioral health education program (GCBHEP) on
      cigarette smoking in a sample of Nigerian prisoners. METHODS: The study used a
      pretest-posttest randomized control group design. Twenty inmates were identified
      through self-reporting, 1-to-1 counseling, and observation. The treatment group
      took part in a GCBHEP for 10 weeks, while the control group received 10 weeks'
      conventional counseling. After the intervention program, both the treatment and
      control groups were evaluated. The repeated measures analysis of variance was
      used for data analysis and partial eta was also used as a measure of effect size.
      RESULTS: The findings showed that the GCBHEP had a strong effect on cigarette
      smoking habits among the inmates in the treatment group compared with those in
      the control group. The effect of the GCBHEP by age was moderate, and modest by
      educational qualification. CONCLUSION: Group-focused cognitive behavioral health
      education is effective in breaking the habit of cigarette smoking among Nigerian
      prisoners. Therefore, future researchers are encouraged to adopt this approach in
      helping individuals with a smoking problem and other drug-abuse behaviors in
      Nigerian prisons.

PMID- 28072682
TI  - Increasing LAG-3 expression suppresses T-cell function in chronic hepatitis B: A
      balance between immunity strength and liver injury extent.
AB  - Weak or absent virus-specific CD8 T-cell responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      infection are thought to be responsible for persistent HBV infection. Previous
      studies have indicated that multiple inhibitory receptors, including lymphocyte
      activation gene-3 (LAG-3), can suppress the CD8 T-cell response in chronic viral
      infection. This study aimed to detect LAG-3 expression and to investigate the
      manner in which the immune response is regulated to balance the strength of the
      response with the extent of liver injury in chronic HBV infection. The results
      showed that LAG-3 expression levels were significantly higher in CD8 T cells from
      chronic hepatitis B patients in the immune-active phase compared with chronic
      asymptomatic HBV carriers and healthy controls. CD8 T-cell function was
      suppressed in cells with high LAG-3 expression, and these cells exhibited reduced
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion. Furthermore, IFN-gamma secretion was
      restored in CD8 T cells that were treated with a specific antibody to LAG-3.
      Taken together, liver injury was prominent in the immune-active phase, but
      suppressing T-cell function could mitigate this damage. Importantly, the
      inhibitory function of LAG-3 can be blocked using a LAG-3-specific antibody, and
      this can restore the activity of non-functional T cells.

PMID- 28072683
TI  - Knowledge of Greek adolescents on human papilloma virus (HPV) and vaccination: A
      national epidemiologic study.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to identify the sexual behavior, attitudes,
      beliefs, and knowledge on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) focused on human
      papilloma virus (HPV) in the Greek adolescent population. The participants were
      4547 adolescents, a representative sample for Greek territory with a mean age of
      17 years. After written permission from Greek ministry of education each student
      completed a questionnaire with 36 questions. The fields covered were demographic
      characteristics, sexual life data, and basic knowledge on HPV. In the present
      study, 43% and 75% of the participants knew about HPV or cervical cancer, while
      more than 6 out of 10 did not know the association between the 2. More than 60%
      of the participants could not answer correctly neither about HPV infection and
      cervical cancer frequency in sexually active women, nor about protection methods
      against HPV and cervical cancer. This study shows that the low vaccination
      coverage of the Greek population may be due to lack of information and awareness
      of the adolescents and their parents. It is our duty to increase our efforts in
      order to better educate the population and vaccinate the population as early as
      possible in their reproductive years.

PMID- 28072684
TI  - Assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma risk based on peg-interferon plus
      ribavirin treatment experience in this new era of highly effective oral antiviral
      drugs.
AB  - In this new era of highly effective oral antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis C
      virus (HCV), indications for antiviral treatment may be extendable. This study
      undertaken to identify suitable candidates for peg-interferon plus ribavirin (PEG
      IFN/RBV) treatment by evaluating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in patients
      with chronic HCV treated or not with PEG-IFN/RBV.This large-scale retrospective
      study was conducted on 1176 patients with chronic HCV without a history of HCC
      (treatment group [n = 489] and no-treatment group [n = 687]). In the treatment
      group, patients treated with PEG-IFN/RBV were dichotomized based on the
      achievement of sustained virologic response (SVR) into SVR (+) and SVR (-)
      groups.Median follow-up for all study subjects was 31 months (range 6-144
      months). Three-year cumulative HCC development rates in the SVR (+) (1.1%) and
      SVR (-) (8.6%) subgroups were significantly lower than in the no-treatment group
      (13.5%) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). In all study subjects, presence of
      cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR], 9.92, P < 0.01), age (HR 1.03, P < 0.01), SVR (-)
      (HR 7.02, P < 0.01), and no-treatment (HR 6.76, P < 0.01) were found to be
      independent risk factors of HCC development. In the treatment group, age, the
      presence of cirrhosis, and SVR (-) were predictors of HCC development. In the no
      treatment group, age, male, and the presence of cirrhosis were independent
      predictors for HCC development.HCC risk increased in patients with chronic HCV
      with older age, cirrhosis, SVR (-) after PEG-IFN/RBV treatment, and no PEG
      IFN/RBV treatment. Active antiviral therapy based on highly effective oral drugs
      needs to be considered in these patients.

PMID- 28072685
TI  - Nephrotic syndrome associated with metastatic thymoma treated with chemotherapy.
AB  - RATIONALE: Nephropathy with concurrent invasive thymoma is a type of
      paraneoplastic syndrome. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES: We report a 32-year-old
      female with nephrotic syndrome that was first diagnosed along with invasive
      thymoma and treated by means of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for the thymoma. The
      patient initially presented with dyspnea and generalized edema. Chest radiography
      and computed tomography scans revealed right pleural effusion and a mass in the
      right middle lung field, which were confirmed by a percutaneous lung biopsy as
      metastatic invasive thymoma. Severe hypoalbuminemia, heavy proteinuria,
      hyponatremia, and hypercholesterolemia were features of the nephrotic syndrome. A
      kidney needle biopsy suggested focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. INTERVENTIONS
      AND OUTCOMES: All of the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome were resolved
      simultaneously during the first 2 cycles of chemotherapy. The patient was on
      regular follow-up with no specific treatment for nephrotic syndrome and underwent
      successful resection of the left pleura and anterior thymoma. The patient has
      shown no evidence of recurrence for 2 years. LESSONS: We conclude that
      chemotherapy for invasive thymoma is an effective treatment for nephrotic
      syndrome accompanying the thymoma.

PMID- 28072686
TI  - Design and fabrication of complete dentures using CAD/CAM technology.
AB  - The aim of the study was to test the feasibility of using commercially available
      computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology
      including 3Shape Dental System 2013 trial version, WIELAND V2.0.049 and WIELAND
      ZENOTEC T1 milling machine to design and fabricate complete dentures.The modeling
      process of full denture available in the trial version of 3Shape Dental System
      2013 was used to design virtual complete dentures on the basis of 3-dimensional
      (3D) digital edentulous models generated from the physical models. The virtual
      complete dentures designed were exported to CAM software of WIELAND V2.0.049. A
      WIELAND ZENOTEC T1 milling machine controlled by the CAM software was used to
      fabricate physical dentitions and baseplates by milling acrylic resin composite
      plates. The physical dentitions were bonded to the corresponding baseplates to
      form the maxillary and mandibular complete dentures.Virtual complete dentures
      were successfully designed using the software through several steps including
      generation of 3D digital edentulous models, model analysis, arrangement of
      artificial teeth, trimming relief area, and occlusal adjustment. Physical
      dentitions and baseplates were successfully fabricated according to the designed
      virtual complete dentures using milling machine controlled by a CAM software.
      Bonding physical dentitions to the corresponding baseplates generated the final
      physical complete dentures.Our study demonstrated that complete dentures could be
      successfully designed and fabricated by using CAD/CAM.

PMID- 28072687
TI  - The negative chronotropic effect during lumbar spine surgery: A systemic review
      and aggregation of an emerging model of spinal cardiac reflex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic perturbations in spine surgeries are predominantly
      reported in cervical and thoracic level procedures. The literature related to
      negative cardiovascular changes (decrease of heart rate and blood pressure) in
      lumbar spine procedures is still scarce and only highlighted in few case
      reports/letters until now. METHODS: With the help of a systematic literature
      review with predefined criteria, we, therefore, examined and synthesized here the
      probable underlying common cause of these hemodynamic disturbances in lumbar
      spine surgeries. Data aggregation to a model was done by a case survey method and
      established by a cause-effect relationship. RESULTS: There are only 5 cases that
      met our strict predefined criteria and that were aggregated to an emergent model
      of an autonomous reflex arc. CONCLUSION: This review and consecutive data
      aggregation provides, for the first time, a concept of spinal cardiac reflex in
      lumbar spine surgeries.

PMID- 28072688
TI  - Factors associated with unattained LDL-cholesterol goals in Chinese patients with
      acute coronary syndrome one year after percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - Reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to target <=1.81 mmol/L is a
      common therapeutic goal after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to
      examine the factors associated with reaching or not this LDL-C target after 1
      year of optimal statin therapy postpercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This
      was a retrospective study of 633 consecutive prospectively enrolled patients with
      ACS treated between January 2011 and December 2012 at the Beijing Hospital
      (China). All patients were treated with PCI and statins for 1 year. A
      multivariate analysis was carried out to identify the factors associated with
      reaching the LDL-C target of <=1.81 mmol/L. The rate of unreached LDL-C goal
      after 1 year was 48%. Compared with those who achieved their LDL-C goal, patients
      not achieving their LDL-C goal showed a higher proportion of females (37.9% vs
      28.7%, P < 0.001), higher LDL-C levels at admission (2.82 +/- 0.75 vs 2.08 +/-
      0.70 mmol/L, P < 0.001), lower proportion of patients with a history of PCI
      (17.6% vs 24.8%, P = 0.03), and younger age (66.7 +/- 10.6 vs 68.9 +/- 10.1
      years, P = 0.009). A multivariate analysis showed that lower LDL-C levels on
      admission were predictive of LDL-C goal achievement (odds ratio [OR] = 4.81; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 3.46-6.70; P < 0.001), together with older age (OR:
      0.98; 95% CI: 0.96-0.997; P = 0.026), and male gender (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42
      0.98; P = 0.040). Higher LDL-C levels at admission, younger age, and female
      gender were independently associated with not reaching the LDL-C target after 1
      year of optimal statin therapy after PCI.

PMID- 28072689
TI  - An observational study on the effect of premature ventricular complex burden on
      long-term outcome.
AB  - The long-term clinical impact of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) on
      mortality and morbidity has not been fully studied. This study aimed to
      investigate the association between the burden of PVCs and adverse clinical
      outcome.A total of 5778 subjects, who were pacemaker-free and ventricular
      tachycardia-free at baseline, received 24-hour electrocardiography monitoring
      between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2004. Clinical event data were retrieved
      from the Bureau of National Health Insurance of Taiwan. Multivariate Cox hazards
      regression models and propensity-score matching were applied to assess the
      association between PVCs and adverse clinical outcome.Average follow-up time was
      10[REPLACEMENT CHARACTER]+/- 1 year. In all, 1403 subjects expired, 1301 subjects
      were hospitalized in the cardiovascular (CV) ward, 3384 were hospitalized for any
      reason, and 631 subjects developed new-onset heart failure (HF). The optimal cut
      off PVC frequency (12 beats per day) was obtained through receiver operator
      characteristic curves, with a sensitivity of 58.4% and specificity of 59.8%. Upon
      multivariate analysis, a PVC frequency >12 beats per day was an independent
      predictor for all mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.429, 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.284-1.590), CV hospitalization (HR: 1.127, 95% CI: 1.008-1.260), all
      cause hospitalization (HR 1.094, 95% CI: 1.021-1.173), and new-onset HF (HR:
      1.411, 95% CI: 1.203-1.655). Subjects with a PVC frequency >12 beats per day had
      an increased risk of cardiac death attributable to HF and sudden cardiac death.
      The incidence rates for mortality and HF were significantly increased in cases of
      raised PVC frequency. Propensity-score matching analysis also echoed the main
      findings.Increased PVC burden was associated with a higher incidence of all-cause
      mortality, CV hospitalization, all-cause hospitalization, and new-onset HF which
      was independent of other clinical risk factors.

PMID- 28072690
TI  - Comparison of jet injector and insulin pen in controlling plasma glucose and
      insulin concentrations in type 2 diabetic patients.
AB  - This study is conducted to investigate efficacy of an insulin jet injector and an
      insulin pen in treatment of type 2 diabetic patients. Sixty patients with type 2
      diabetes were treated with rapid-acting insulin (regular insulin) and insulin
      analog (insulin aspart) using the jet injector and the pen in 4 successive test
      cycles. Postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in blood were measured
      over time. Areas under curves of glucose and the insulin were calculated, and
      efficacy of 2 injection methods in treatment of the diabetes was compared.
      Regular insulin and insulin aspart administration by the jet injector showed
      significant decreases in plasma glucose levels as compared to the pen injection
      (P < 0.05). Postprandial plasma glucose excursions at the time points of 0.5 to 3
      hours were obviously lower in the jet-treated patients than the pen-treated ones
      (P < 0.05). Postprandial plasma insulin levels were markedly higher in the jet
      treated patients than the pen-treated ones (P < 0.05). Area under the glucose
      curve in the pen-treated patients was significantly increased as compared to the
      jet-treated ones (P < 0.01). Efficacy of the insulin jet injector in treatment of
      type 2 diabetic patients is obviously superior to the insulin pen in regulating
      plasma glucose and insulin levels.

PMID- 28072691
TI  - The effectiveness and safety of dual antiplatelet therapy in ischemic
      cerebrovascular disease with intracranial and extracranial arteriostenosis in
      Chinese patients: A randomized and controlled trail.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the effect of dual antiplatelet treatment
      with clopidogrel plus aspirin in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease
      and intracranial and extracranial arteriostenosis. The aim of our study was to
      evaluate the efficacy and safety of aspirin plus clopidogrel in the treatment of
      ischemic cerebrovascular disease with intracranial and extracranial
      arteriostenosis. METHODS: Patients with clinically evident acute cerebral
      infarction or transient ischemic attack combined with intracranial and
      extracranial arteriostenosis (greater than 50%) who were unsuitable or reluctance
      to perform stent implantation were enrolled in this study. We randomly assigned
      these patients to receive clopidogrel (75 or 50 mg) plus aspirin (100 mg) or
      aspirin (100 mg) once daily through 90 days, and followed them for 90 days. We
      examined the main endpoints including the recurrence of stroke, death from
      cardiovascular causes, and bleeding events. RESULTS: In all, 200 patients were
      recruited and followed for 90 days. Ischemic stroke occurred in 6 patients (9.1%)
      treated with 50 mg clopidogrel and aspirin, 6 patients (9.1%) receiving 75 mg
      clopidogrel and aspirin, whereas 19 patients (27.9%) in the aspirin group
      (aspirin alone vs copidogrel 50 mg plus aspirin; 95% confidence intervals 1.704
      23.779, P < 0.05; aspirin alone vs copidogrel 75 mg plus aspirin; 95% confidence
      intervals 1.190-13.240, P < 0.05). There were more hemorrhagic events among
      recipients (3 patients [2.3%]) in the copidogrel plus aspirin group than aspirin
      recipients (0 patient [0%]), including 1 subcutaneous hemorrhage in the group of
      50 mg clopidogrel and aspirin, doubling the number of nasal and gum bleeding in
      the group of 75 mg clopidogrel and aspirin (P > 0.05). No intracranial hemorrhage
      and gastro-intestinal hemorrhage occurred in these 3 groups. CONCLUSION:
      Accordingly, 50 mg clopidogrel plus aspirin, and 75 mg clopidogrel plus aspirin
      were all superior to aspirin alone as stroke prevention in patients with cerebral
      infarction or transient ischemic attack combined with intracranial and
      extracranial arteriostenosis. The effect of secondary stroke prevention was
      similar between 50 mg clopidogrel plus aspirin and 75 mg clopidogrel plus
      aspirin. The therapy of 75 mg clopidogrel plus aspirin resulted in a worrisome
      tread in bleeding events.

PMID- 28072692
TI  - Role of biochemistry and cytological analysis of cyst fluid for the differential
      diagnosis of pancreatic cysts: A retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management of pancreatic cysts is based on neoplastic-nonneoplastic
      discrimination. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) enables to differentiate neoplastic
      nonneoplastic lesions and also allows fine-needle aspiration (FNA). In this
      study, we aim to assess feasibility and clinical relevance of cytological and
      biochemical analysis in differential diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions in
      patients who had undergone endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration
      (EUS-FNA) due to pancreatic cysts. METHODS: Participants were 96 patients who had
      undergone EUS-FNA for differential diagnosis of pancreatic cysts. Pancreatic
      cysts were classified as benign-mucinous, nonmucinous, and malignant according to
      patient history, physical examination, EUS appearance, and cystic fluid
      assessment. Tumor markers (CEA, CA(cancer antigens) 72.4, CA 19-9) , amylase,
      lipase and cytological assesment were compared between 3 different groups.
      Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to identify
      appropriate cut-off values. RESULTS: Fluid CEA and CA 72.4 levels for benign
      mucinous and malignant cysts were significantly higher than for nonmucinous cysts
      (P <= 0.04). A cut-off CEA level of 207 ng/mL differentiated mucinous etiology
      with a sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 97.7%, and accuracy of 89.5%. The
      sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the CA 72.4 cut-off level of 3.32 ng/mL
      were 80%, 69.5%, and 73.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cyst fluid CEA and CA 72.4
      levels have a high accuracy in discriminating mucinous from nonmucinous cysts.
      When combined with cytology their accuracy rate increases.

PMID- 28072693
TI  - Comparative evaluation of target volumes defined by deformable and rigid
      registration of diagnostic PET/CT to planning CT in primary esophageal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the geometrical differences of target volumes propagated
      by deformable image registration (DIR) and rigid image registration (RIR) to
      assist target volume delineation between diagnostic Positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and planning CT for primary esophageal
      cancer (EC). METHODS: Twenty-five patients with EC sequentially underwent a
      diagnostic F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET/CT scan and planning CT simulation.
      Only 19 patients with maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) >= 2.0 of the
      primary volume were available. Gross tumor volumes (GTVs) were delineated using
      CT and PET display settings. The PET/CT images were then registered with planning
      CT using MIM software. Subsequently, the PET and CT contours were propagated by
      RIR and DIR to planning CT. The properties of these volumes were compared.
      RESULTS: When GTVCT delineated on CT of PET/CT after both RIR and DIR was
      compared with GTV contoured on planning CT, significant improvements using DIR
      were observed in the volume, displacements of the center of mass (COM) in the 3
      dimensional (3D) direction, and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) (P = 0.003;
      0.006; 0.014). Although similar improvements were not observed for the same
      comparison using DIR for propagated PET contours from diagnostic PET/CT to
      planning CT (P > 0.05), for DSC and displacements of COM in the 3D direction of
      PET contours, the DIR resulted in the improved volume of a large percentage of
      patients (73.7%; 68.45%; 63.2%) compared with RIR. For diagnostic CT-based
      contours or PET contours at SUV2.5 propagated by DIR with planning CT, the DSC
      and displacements of COM in 3D directions in the distal segment were
      significantly improved compared to the upper and middle segments (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: We observed a trend that deformable registration might improve the
      overlap for gross target volumes from diagnostic PET/CT to planning CT. The
      distal EC might benefit more from DIR.

PMID- 28072694
TI  - Effect of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) on the malignant
      pleural effusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been
      widely used to treat malignant ascites or as a preventive strategy for
      microscopic carcinomatosis following surgical resection of abdominal tumors,
      application of hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) in the treatment
      of malignant pleural effusion is limited. The objective of the current study was
      to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the application of HITHOC in
      the palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusion. METHODS: After thorough
      searching of online databases, total 27 articles were included into qualitative
      systematic review and 5 of them were used to conduct qualitative meta-analysis.
      RESULTS: It was found that most of HITHOC was used in combination of
      cytoreductive surgery (CRS) including pleurectomy/decortication or after surgical
      resection of primary tumors, which mainly were lung cancer, thymoma or thymic
      carcinoma, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Patients who received HITHOC had
      significantly longer median survival length compared to the patients without
      HITHOC (Hedges g = 0.763, P < 0.001). In addition, HITHOC therapy was favored
      (Hedges g = 0.848, P < 0.001) in terms of median survival length, tumor-free
      survival rate, with tumor survival rate or Karnofsky performance status (KPS)
      scale. CONCLUSION: HITHOC is a safe and effective therapy in controlling pleural
      effusion and increasing patient's survival rate.

PMID- 28072695
TI  - Acute pulmonary edema caused by takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a pregnant woman
      undergoing transvaginal cervical cerclage: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The physiological changes associated with pregnancy may predispose
      pregnant women to pulmonary edema. Other known causes of pulmonary edema during
      pregnancy include tocolytic drugs, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and peripartum
      cardiomyopathy. METHODS: We describe a rare case of pulmonary edema caused by
      takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a pregnant woman at 14 weeks of gestation who was
      undergoing emergency transvaginal cervical cerclage. RESULTS: Intraoperative
      chest radiography revealed severe pulmonary edema and echocardiography indicated
      moderate left ventricular dysfunction with akinesia of the mid to apical left
      ventricular wall segment, which is reflective of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
      CONCLUSION: With early detection and appropriate management, the patient was
      stabilized in a relatively short period of time. Based on her clinical signs and
      symptoms, we suspect that the pulmonary edema was caused by takotsubo
      cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 28072696
TI  - Cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts: A case report.
AB  - RATIONAL: Cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts (CRMCC) is
      believed to be an autosomal recessive genetic disease, with disorders in
      multisystem organs. Its characteristic neurological disorders manifested on
      neuroimaging are a triad of leukoencephalopathy, intracranial calcifications, and
      parenchymal cysts. In this paper, we report a CRMCC patient with multisystem
      involvement, focusing on the neuroimaging features, to get a better understanding
      of the rare disease and improve our diagnostic ability. PATIENT CONCERNS: The 23
      year-old female patient firstly presented with an adolescence onset of
      ophthalmological manifestations. Four years later, hematological and neurological
      disorders occurred, the latter of which demonstrated a relatively slow
      progression in the following 7 years preceding her presentation to our hospital.
      INTERVENTIONS: During hospitalization, disorders involving digestive,
      cardiovascular and respiratory systems were also detected. In addition, a more
      comprehensive depiction of neurological disorders on neuroimaging was also
      obtained. DIAGNOSES: On the basis of multiple system disorders and the detection
      of mutations in conserved telomere maintenance component 1(CTC1) gene, a
      diagnosis of CRMCC was made. OUTCOMES: After supportive therapy during her 4-week
      hospitalization, the patient's general condition improved and was released from
      the hospital. LESSONS: CRMCC could be primarily diagnosed with the aid of its
      multiple system disorders and remarkable neuroimaging features. Cerebral micro
      hemorrhages determined by the combination of CT and T2-weighted magnetic
      resonance images in our case could provide some additional information for
      diagnosis. Furthermore, several other associated disorders were depicted for the
      first time in our case, expanding the clinical spectrum of CRMCC.

PMID- 28072697
TI  - Usefulness of HATCH score in the prediction of new-onset atrial fibrillation for
      Asians.
AB  - The HATCH score (hypertension <1 point>, age >75 years <1 point>, stroke or
      transient ischemic attack <2 points>, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease <1
      point>, and heart failure <2 points>) was reported to be useful for predicting
      the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF) from paroxysmal to persistent or
      permanent AF for patients who participated in the Euro Heart Survey. The goal of
      the current study was to investigate whether the HATCH score was a useful scheme
      in predicting new-onset AF. Furthermore, we aimed to use the HATCH scoring system
      to estimate the individual risk in developing AF for patients with different
      comorbidities. We used the "Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database."
      From January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2001, a total of 670,804 patients older
      than 20 years old and who had no history of cardiac arrhythmias were enrolled.
      According to the calculation rule of the HATCH score, 599,780 (score 0), 46,661
      (score 1), 12,892 (score 2), 7456 (score 3), 2944 (score 4), 802 (score 5), 202
      (score 6), and 67 (score 7) patients were studied and followed for the new onset
      of AF. During a follow-up of 9.0 +/- 2.2 years, there were 9174 (1.4%) patients
      experiencing new-onset AF. The incidence of AF was 1.5 per 1000 patient-years.
      The incidence increased from 0.8 per 1000 patient-years for patients with a HATCH
      score of 0 to 57.3 per 1000 patient-years for those with a HATCH score of 7.
      After an adjustment for the gender and comorbidities, the hazard ratio (95%
      confidence interval) of each increment of the HATCH score in predicting AF was
      2.059 (2.027-2.093; P < 0.001). The HATCH score was useful in risk estimation and
      stratification of new-onset AF.

PMID- 28072698
TI  - Efficacy of Kirschner-wires and tension band in hip arthroplasty for aged
      patients with unstable intertrochanteric osteoporotic fracture: A 2-to-11-year
      follow-up.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of supplementary fixation in
      hip arthroplasty with the use of Kirschner-wires and tension band for geriatric
      patients suffering unstable intertrochanteric osteoporotic fractures. A total of
      103 patients aged more than 75 years were recruited. A bipolar or total hip
      replacement was performed with additional application of Kirschner-wires and
      tension band, and the participants were followed up for 2 to 11 years. Physical
      component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS), visual analog scale
      (VAS), and Harris hip score were utilized to evaluate patients' hip pain and
      function, as well as the mental condition postoperatively after 1.5 months, 3
      months, 6 months, 1 year, and annually thereafter until the latest follow-up in
      2015. Patients showed a significant improvement in all scores between 1.5 months
      and 1 year (P < 0.001), with the good efficacy lasting at least until the 2-year
      follow-up. None of the patients showed dislocation, implant loosening, or
      nonunion of the fracture throughout the follow-up period. In conclusion, it was
      beneficial to treat unstable intertrochanteric osteoporotic fractures in aged
      patients with hip arthroplasty coupled with Kirschner-wires and tension band.

PMID- 28072699
TI  - Prevention preferable to treatment: 3 case reports of patients experiencing right
      sided heart failure after Ebstein anomaly correction.
AB  - RATIONALE: Ebstein anomaly is a common congenital heart disease that may induce
      severe tricuspid regurgitation and dilation of the "atrialized" portion of the
      right ventricle. Patients who undergo surgery to correct Ebstein anomaly are at
      high risk of postoperative right-sided heart failure, yet little is known about
      what pre-, peri-, or postoperative procedures may help reduce this risk. PATIENT
      CONCERNS: Here, we describe 3 cases of adults with Ebstein anomaly who underwent
      corrective surgery and in whom right-sided heart failure occurred with severe
      tricuspid regurgitation detected by transesophageal echocardiography. DIAGNOSES:
      Ebstein anomaly. INTERVENTION: Various approaches were applied to prevent right
      heart failure: perioperative control of atrial and ventricle arrhythmia,
      protection of myocardium, reduction of right-side cardiac workload after
      cardiopulmonary bypass, and mechanical support for right heart. OUTCOMES: One of
      the 3 patients died, another experienced kidney failure despite postoperative
      support on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and the third patient survived
      without complications. LESSONS: Our case series suggests that surgical prognosis
      can be improved through aggressive preoperative treatment, vasoactive and anti
      arrhythmia medications, and comprehensive measures designed to reduce myocardial
      injury, prevent myocardial edema, and reduce pre- and afterload on the right
      ventricle.

PMID- 28072700
TI  - Is prophylactic tranexamic acid administration effective and safe for postpartum
      hemorrhage prevention?: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TA) in reducing
      blood loss and lowering transfusion needs for patients undergoing caesarean
      section (CS) or vaginal delivery (VD). METHODS: An electronic literature search
      of PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane library, Scopus, Central, and Clinical
      trials.gov was performed to identify studies that evaluating the usage of TA in
      CS or VD. The methodological quality of included trials was assessed and data
      extraction was performed. RESULTS: Finally, 25 articles with 4747 participants
      were included. Our findings indicated TA resulted in a reduced intra-,
      postoperative, and total blood loss by a mean volume of 141.25 mL (95% confidence
      interval [CI] -186.72 to -95.79, P < 0.00001), 36.42 mL (95% CI -46.50 to -26.34,
      P < 0.00001), and 154.25 mL (95% CI -182.04 to -126.47, P < 0.00001) in CS. TA
      administration in VD was associated with a reduced intra-, postoperative, and
      total blood loss by a mean volume of 22.88 mL (95% CI -50.54 to 4.77, P = 0.10),
      41.24 mL (95% CI -55.50 to -26.98, P < 0.00001), and 84.79 mL (95% CI -109.93 to 
      59.65, P < 0.00001). In addition, TA could lower the occurrence rate of
      postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and severe PPH, and reduce the risk of blood
      transfusions. No increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after CS or VD was
      associated with TA usage, while the minor side effects were more common.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that intravenous TA for patients undergoing
      CS was effective and safe. Although prophylactic TA administration is associated
      with reduced PPH, current existing data are insufficient to draw definitive
      recommendations about its clinical significance due to the poor to moderate
      quality of the included literatures. Thus, high-quality randomized controlled
      trials with larger samples are needed to validate our findings.

PMID- 28072701
TI  - Pathophysiology of refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: A study of visual
      search combined with overactive performance monitoring.
AB  - Based on both functional and structural studies of excessive activity, fronto
      striatal-thalamic-cortical and cortico-striatal circuits have been hypothesized
      to underlie the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However,
      the neurobiological underpinnings of OCD refractory to medication and therapy
      remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate neuroanatomical abnormalities
      of the whole brain and to evaluate visual processing in patients with refractory
      OCD.This study was comprised of 2 experiments. The neuroanatomical abnormalities
      of the whole brain were evaluated using a visual search in combination with
      overactive performance monitoring (Experiment I), and visual processing was
      evaluated using event-related potentials recorded from subjects during
      performance of a visual search task. We also examined the amplitudes and latency
      of the error-related negativity (ERN) using a modified flanker task (Experiment
      II). Standard low-resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis was applied to
      determine the special areas.Patients with refractory OCD had a significantly
      greater number of saccades and prolonged latencies relative to the healthy
      controls. Scalp map topography confirmed that visual cognitive and executive
      dysfunction was localized to the fusiform gyrus. Furthermore, we found that
      during a modified flanker task, ERNs had a greater amplitude and a prolonged
      latency relative to those of the healthy controls. Further data analysis
      suggested that cognitive dysfunction and compulsive behavior in OCD patients were
      linked to abnormalities within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).We
      identified abnormal activities within the fusiform gyrus and DLPFC that likely
      play important roles in the pathophysiology of OCD.

PMID- 28072702
TI  - Hypersomnia due to injury of the ventral ascending reticular activating system
      following cerebellar herniation: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: We report on a patient with hypersomnia who showed injury of the lower
      ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) following cerebellar herniation due
      to a cerebellar infarct, detected on diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). PATIENT
      CONCERNS: A 53-year-old male patient was diagnosed as a left cerebellar infarct,
      and underwent decompressive suboccipital craniectomy due to brain edema at 2 days
      after the onset of a cerebellar infarct. Three weeks after onset when the patient
      started rehabilitation, he showed hypersomnia without impairment of
      consciousness; he fell asleep most of daytime without external stimulation and
      showed an abnormal score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale: 15 (full score: 24, cut
      off for hypersomnia: 10). DIAGNOSES AND OUTCOMES: On 3-week DTT, narrowing of the
      upper portion of the lower ventral ARAS between the pontine reticular formation
      and the hypothalamus was observed on both sides. In addition, partial tearing was
      observed in the middle portion of the right lower ventral ARAS. LESSONS: In
      conclusion, we found injury of the lower ventral ARAS in a patient with
      hypersomnia following cerebellar herniation due to a cerebellar infarct.

PMID- 28072703
TI  - Screening the key microRNAs and transcription factors in prostate cancer based on
      microRNA functional synergistic relationships.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PC) is a common neoplasm, and metastatic PC remains incurable.
      The study aims to screen key microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs)
      involved in PC.The miRNA expression profile dataset (GSE45604) was downloaded
      from Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 50 PC and 10 normal specimens.
      Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified through limma package
      in R, and DEmiRNA-DEmiRNA co-regulation network was constructed based on the
      number of co-regulated target genes. Functional enrichment analysis of co
      regulated target genes was performed using clusterProfiler package in R, and
      miRNA interactions sharing at least 1 functional term were used to construct a
      DEmiRNA-DEmiRNA functional synergistic network (MFSN). Based on Transcriptional
      Regulatory Element Database, cancer-related TFs which were co-regulated by
      DEmiRNAs were utilized to construct a DEmiRNA-TF regulation network.A total of 66
      DEmiRNAs were identified, including 7 up-regulated miRNAs with 18,642 target
      genes and 59 down-regulated miRNAs with 130,694 target genes. Then, the DEmiRNA
      DEmiRNA co-regulation network was constructed, including 66 DEmiRNAs and 2024 co
      regulation relationships. In MFSN, hsa-miR-1184, hsa-miR-1207-5p, and hsa-miR-24
      had significant functional synergistic relationships. The DEmiRNA-TF network
      contained 6 up-regulated DEmiRNAs and 4 of them were highlighted, as hsa-miR
      1184, hsa-miR-1207-5p, hsa-miR-182, and hsa-miR-183. In subnetwork of the 4
      miRNAs, peroxisome proliferative activated receptor, alpha (PPARA) and cyclic AMP
      responsive element modulator (CREM) were the critical regulated TFs.Four up
      regulated miRNAs (hsa-miR-1207-5p, hsa-miR-1184, hsa-miR-182, and hsa-miR-183)
      and 2 TFs (PPARA and CREM) were identified as key regulators in PC progression.
      The above 4 miRNAs might participate in PC progression by targeting PPARA and
      CREM.

PMID- 28072704
TI  - Sudden death due to the atrioventricular node contusion: Three cases report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atrioventricular node (AVN) contusion usually results in
      cardiogenic shock and arrhythmia and is a rare but fatal condition. The condition
      is difficult to diagnose and easily overlooked because it develops rapidly and is
      asymptomatic. We here report 3 cases that demonstrate blunt chest impact and
      hemorrhages of the posterior atrioventricular junction, eventually result in
      death. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Autopsy and histological examination were performed on
      all cases. External inspection revealed bruises in the hearts and fractures in
      the sternum and ribs. However, histological examinations were conclusive and
      showed cardiac contusion on the surface of the posterior atrioventricular
      junction of the individuals, and the death was due to the AVN contusion. The
      position of the AVN on the heart surface is determined by detailed examinations
      via an autopsy and microscopic, both of which are critical in the certification
      of cause of death. CONCLUSION: The report is intended to raise our understanding
      and make forensic pathologists aware of the surface of the posterior
      atrioventricular junction.

PMID- 28072705
TI  - Posterior-only vertebral column resection for revision surgery in post
      laminectomy rotokyphoscoliosis associated with late-onset paraplegia: A case
      report and literature review.
AB  - RATIONALE: Severe post-laminectomy spinal deformity associated with late-onset
      paraplegia is a complex and rare disorder. Little is known about revision surgery
      in post-laminectomy rotokyphoscoliosis associated with late-onset paraplegia
      treated by the single stage posterior-only vertebral column resection (VCR)
      procedure. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES: The patient was a 14-year-old male
      diagnosed as post-laminectomy rotokyphoscoliosis associated with late-onset
      paraplegia. He underwent posterior total laminectomy through the thoracic spine
      for intramedullary spinal cord tumors at the age of 3 years in another hospital.
      He then developed kyphosis deformity 1 year after laminectomy, and underwent
      posterior spinal fusion without instrumentation at 9 years of age. However, the
      deformity gradually progressed over the years. Seven months before admission to
      our hospital, he developed a significant progression of neurological deficits,
      including weakness of strength and sensation in lower extremities bilaterally,
      with no bladder or bowel dysfunction. There was no improvement of spinal cord
      function with conservative measures, and he required a wheelchair for movement.
      INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent posterior-only VCR by single stage with the
      purposes of spinal cord decompression and spinal deformity correction. OUTCOMES:
      Postoperatively, he was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) and required
      positive pressure ventilation support to improve his respiratory condition. The
      child experienced cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) which resulted in an unplanned
      return to the operating room. The neurological function improved from
      preoperative Frankel C to Frankel D within 12 months of surgery, and recovered
      completely to Frankel E by 18 months. At the 24 month follow-up, the good
      neurological function was maintained; pulmonary function tests (PFTs) revealed
      improved forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume for 1 second
      (FEV1). The patient's coronal major curve and sagittal kyphosis were corrected
      from 70 degrees  to 21 degrees , and 170 degrees  to 75 degrees , respectively.
      LESSONS: These findings demonstrated that single-stage posterior-only VCR is
      efficacious but challenging for revision surgery in post-laminectomy
      rotokyphoscoliosis associated with late-onset paraplegia.

PMID- 28072706
TI  - A randomized, multicenter, phase III study of gemcitabine combined with
      capecitabine versus gemcitabine alone as first-line chemotherapy for advanced
      pancreatic cancer in South Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This phase III trial compared the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine
      plus capecitabine (GemCap) versus single-agent gemcitabine (Gem) in advanced
      pancreatic cancer as first-line chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 214 advanced
      pancreatic cancer patients were enrolled from 16 hospitals in South Korea between
      2007 and 2011. Patients were randomly assigned to receive GemCap (oral
      capecitabine 1660 mg/m plus Gem 1000 mg/m by 30-minute intravenous infusion
      weekly for 3 weeks followed by a 1-week break every 4 weeks) or Gem (by 30-minute
      intravenous infusion weekly for 3 weeks every 4 weeks). RESULTS: Median overall
      survival (OS) time, the primary end point, was 10.3 and 7.5 months in the GemCap
      and Gem arms, respectively (P = 0.06). Progression-free survival was 6.2 and 5.3
      months in the GemCap and Gem arms, respectively (P = 0.08). GemCap significantly
      improved overall response rate compared with Gem alone (43.7% vs 17.6%; P =
      0.001). Overall frequency of grade 3 or 4 toxicities was similar in each group.
      Neutropenia was the most frequent grade 3 or 4 toxicity in both groups.
      CONCLUSION: GemCap failed to improve OS at a statistically significant level
      compared to Gem treatment. This study showed a trend toward improved OS compared
      to Gem alone. GemCap and Gem both exhibited similar safety profiles.

PMID- 28072707
TI  - Psychosocial effects of workplace physical exercise among workers with chronic
      pain: Randomized controlled trial.
AB  - While workplace physical exercise can help manage musculoskeletal disorders, less
      is known about psychosocial effects of such interventions. This aim of this study
      was to investigate the effect of workplace physical exercise on psychosocial
      factors among workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain.The trial design was a 2
      armed parallel-group randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment. A
      total of 66 slaughterhouse workers (51 men and 15 women, mean age 45 years
      [standard deviation (SD) 10]) with upper limb chronic musculoskeletal pain were
      randomly allocated to group-based strength training (physical exercise group) or
      individual ergonomic training and education (reference group) for 10 weeks.
      Social climate was assessed with the General Nordic Questionnaire for
      Psychological and Social Factors at Work, and vitality and mental health were
      assessed with the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. All scales were converted to
      0 to 100 (higher scores are better). Between-group differences from baseline to
      follow-up were determined using linear mixed models adjusted for workplace, age,
      gender, and baseline values of the outcome.Mean baseline scores of social
      climate, mental health, and vitality were 52.2 (SD 14.9), 79.5 (SD 13.7), and
      53.9 (SD 19.7), respectively. Complete baseline and follow-up data were obtained
      from 30 and 31 from the physical exercise and reference groups, respectively. The
      between-group differences from baseline to follow-up between physical exercise
      and reference were 7.6 (95% CI 0.3 to 14.9), -2.3 (95% CI -10.3 to 5.8), and 10.1
      (95% CI 0.6 to 19.5) for social climate, mental health, and vitality,
      respectively. For social climate and vitality, this corresponded to moderate
      effect sizes (Cohen d = 0.51 for both) in favor of physical exercise. There were
      no reported adverse events.In conclusion, workplace physical exercise performed
      together with colleagues improves social climate and vitality among workers with
      chronic musculoskeletal pain. Mental health remained unchanged.

PMID- 28072708
TI  - Life-threatening motor vehicle crashes in bright sunlight.
AB  - : Bright sunlight may create visual illusions that lead to driver error,
      including fallible distance judgment from aerial perspective. We tested whether
      the risk of a life-threatening motor vehicle crash was increased when driving in
      bright sunlight.This longitudinal, case-only, paired-comparison analysis
      evaluated patients hospitalized because of a motor vehicle crash between January
      1, 1995 and December 31, 2014. The relative risk of a crash associated with
      bright sunlight was estimated by evaluating the prevailing weather at the time
      and place of the crash compared with the weather at the same hour and location on
      control days a week earlier and a week later.The majority of patients (n = 6962)
      were injured during daylight hours and bright sunlight was the most common
      weather condition at the time and place of the crash. The risk of a life
      threatening crash was 16% higher during bright sunlight than normal weather (95%
      confidence interval: 9-24, P < 0.001). The increased risk was accentuated in the
      early afternoon, disappeared at night, extended to patients with different
      characteristics, involved crashes with diverse features, not apparent with cloudy
      weather, and contributed to about 5000 additional patient-days in hospital. The
      increased risk extended to patients with high crash severity as indicated by
      ambulance involvement, surgical procedures, length of hospital stay, intensive
      care unit admission, and patient mortality. The increased risk was not easily
      attributed to differences in alcohol consumption, driving distances, or anomalies
      of adverse weather.Bright sunlight is associated with an increased risk of a life
      threatening motor vehicle crash. An awareness of this risk might inform driver
      education, trauma staffing, and safety warnings to prevent a life-threatening
      motor vehicle crash. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic Study, level III.

PMID- 28072709
TI  - Tranexamic acid reduces perioperative blood loss of posterior lumbar surgery for
      stenosis or spondylolisthesis: A randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was
      performed. The routine usage of TA in spinal surgery is controversial. Only a few
      studies have focused on patients undergoing posterior lumbar surgery for stenosis
      or spondylolisthesis, although a large clinical cohort exists in the population.
      This study aimed to evaluate the effect and safety of TA in reducing
      perioperative blood loss in posterior lumbar surgery for stenosis or
      spondylolisthesis. METHODS: 100 eligible patients out of 126 were randomized to
      receive either a bolus dose of 30 mg/kg TA i.v, a maintenance dosage of 2 mg/kg/h
      TA, or an equivalent volume of normal saline. The pedicle screw system was used
      for fixing in all the patients, followed by decompression and posterior lumbar
      interbody fusion. The primary outcomes were intraoperative estimated blood loss
      and total blood loss. The secondary outcomes were receiving packed red blood
      cells and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. RESULTS: In total, 4
      patients were excluded from the analyses, 50 patients were in the TA group, and
      46 in the placebo group. The demographic and baseline data between the groups
      were not statistically different. The intraoperative estimated blood loss and the
      total blood loss were 33% and 41% lower in the TA group than the placebo group,
      respectively. The blood transfusion rate did not vary significantly (P = 0.191).
      Except a patient with a dural tear in the placebo group, no other complications
      were observed. CONCLUSION: TA significantly reduced the perioperative blood loss
      in patients undergoing posterior lumbar surgery for stenosis or
      spondylolisthesis.

PMID- 28072710
TI  - Metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma to the rectum, lungs, ilium, and lymph
      nodes: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma metastasizing to rectum is very rare, and the
      unusual metastatic sites should be paid attention to during the follow-up of
      renal cell carcinoma. CASE SUMMARY: We describe a case of a 65-year-old male who
      was diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma to rectum 10 years after the
      right radical nephrectomy. Histopathology and immunohistochemical examinations
      contribute to making differential diagnosis between rectal metastasis of renal
      cell carcinoma and primary rectal clear cell carcinoma. Positron emission
      tomography-computed tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose shows hypermetabolic
      activity in upper rectum and other sites of metastasis at the same time.
      CONCLUSION: Possibility of unusual metastatic sites of renal cell carcinoma such
      as rectum indeed exists, which should not be ignored in the surveillance after
      resection of the primary tumor.

PMID- 28072711
TI  - The coexistence of SAPHO syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis: A case report.
AB  - RATIONAL: SAPHO (Synovitis-Acne-Pustulosis-Hyperstosis-Osteitis) syndrome is a
      rare disease featured by its dermatological and osteoarthritic disorders, the
      latter of which mainly affecting the anterior chest wall, spine, and sacroiliac
      joint. However, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, mainly
      affecting the synovial tissue of small joints in hands and feet. Here, we present
      an extremely rare case diagnosed with both SAPHO syndrome and RA, with an onset
      interval of 10 years. So far, only 1 similar case has been reported in the
      English literature. PATIENT CONCERNS: In Sep 2015, a 59-year-old female patient
      presented to our hospital, complaining of refractory low back pain, left
      sternoclavicular joint pain, and palmoplanar pustulosis (PPP). In addition, RA
      had been diagnosed 10 years earlier in the patient, manifested as pain and
      swelling in bilateral hands and wrists, accompanied by morning stiffness, as well
      as positive serologic tests. INTERVENTIONS: In our hospital, laboratory tests
      revealed elevated inflammatory markers, and imaging examinations of relevant
      sites showed specific osteoarthritic lesions for SAPHO syndrome. DIAGNOSES: These
      findings lead us to make an easy diagnosis of the coexistence of SAPHO syndrome
      and RA in this petient. OUTCOMES: Treatment with tripterygium wilfordii
      polyglycosidium and prednisone was introduced. Both dermatological and
      osteoarthritic symptoms improved during a 3-month follow-up. Symptoms of RA were
      successfully controlled with prednisone and leflunomide since 2005. LESSONS: We
      present an extremely rare case diagnosed with both SAPHO syndrome and RA, with an
      onset interval of 10 years. With this case report, we want to draw attention to
      the diverse features of SAPHO syndrome.

PMID- 28072712
TI  - SENIORLAB: a prospective observational study investigating laboratory parameters
      and their reference intervals in the elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, laboratory results are often important for
      making diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic decisions. Interpreting individual
      results relies on accurate reference intervals and decision limits. Despite the
      considerable amount of resources in clinical medicine spent on elderly patients,
      accurate reference intervals for the elderly are rarely available. The SENIORLAB
      study set out to determine reference intervals in the elderly by investigating a
      large variety of laboratory parameters in clinical chemistry, hematology, and
      immunology. METHODS/DESIGN: The SENIORLAB study is an observational, prospective
      cohort study. Subjectively healthy residents of Switzerland aged 60 years and
      older were included for baseline examination (n = 1467), where anthropometric
      measurements were taken, medical history was reviewed, and a fasting blood sample
      was drawn under optimal preanalytical conditions. More than 110 laboratory
      parameters were measured, and a biobank was set up. The study participants are
      followed up every 3 to 5 years for quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. The
      primary aim is to evaluate different laboratory parameters at age-related
      reference intervals. The secondary aims of this study include the following:
      identify associations between different parameters, identify diagnostic
      characteristics to diagnose different circumstances, identify the prevalence of
      occult disease in subjectively healthy individuals, and identify the prognostic
      factors for the investigated outcomes, including mortality. DISCUSSION: To obtain
      better grounds to justify clinical decisions, specific reference intervals for
      laboratory parameters of the elderly are needed. Reference intervals are obtained
      from healthy individuals. A major obstacle when obtaining reference intervals in
      the elderly is the definition of health in seniors because individuals without
      any medical condition and any medication are rare in older adulthood. Reference
      intervals obtained from such individuals cannot be considered representative for
      seniors in a status of age-specific normal health. In addition to the established
      methods for determining reference intervals, this longitudinal study utilizes a
      unique approach, in that survival and long-term well-being are taken as
      indicators of health in seniors. This approach is expected to provide robust and
      representative reference intervals that are obtained from an adequate reference
      population and not a collective of highly selected individuals. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: The present study was registered under International Standard
      Randomized Controlled Trial Number registry: ISRCTN53778569.

PMID- 28072713
TI  - [11C]-(R)-PK11195 positron emission tomography in patients with complex regional
      pain syndrome: A pilot study.
AB  - Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by severe and chronic
      pain, but the pathophysiology of this disease are not clearly understood. The
      primary aim of our case-control study was to explore neuroinflammation in
      patients with CRPS using positron emission tomography (PET), with an 18-kDa
      translocator protein specific radioligand [C]-(R)-PK11195. [C]-(R)-PK11195 PET
      scans were acquired for 11 patients with CRPS (30-55 years) and 12 control
      subjects (30-52 years). Parametric image of distribution volume ratio (DVR) for
      each participant was generated by applying a relative equilibrium-based graphical
      analysis. The DVR of [C]-(R)-PK11195 in the caudate nucleus (t(21) = -3.209, P =
      0.004), putamen (t(21) = -2.492, P = 0.022), nucleus accumbens (t(21) = -2.218, P
      = 0.040), and thalamus (t(21) = -2.395, P = 0.026) were significantly higher in
      CRPS patients than in healthy controls. Those of globus pallidus (t(21) = -2.045,
      P = 0.054) tended to be higher in CRPS patients than in healthy controls. In
      patients with CRPS, there was a positive correlation between the DVR of [C]-(R)
      PK11195 in the caudate nucleus and the pain score, the visual analog scale (r =
      0.661, P = 0.026, R = 0.408) and affective subscales of McGill Pain Questionnaire
      (r = 0.604, P = 0.049, R = 0.364). We demonstrated that neuroinflammation of CRPS
      patients in basal ganglia. Our results suggest that microglial pathology can be
      an important pathophysiology of CRPS. Association between the level of caudate
      nucleus and pain severity indicated that neuroinflammation in this region might
      play a key role. These results may be essential for developing effective medical
      treatments.

PMID- 28072714
TI  - Optical coherence tomography assessment of a complex bifurcation lesion treated
      with double kissing Crush technique: A case report.
AB  - The DEFINITION (Impact of the complexity of bifurcation lesions treated with drug
      eluting stents) study has provided a novel classification to evaluate the
      complexity of coronary bifurcation lesion according to coronary angiography, but
      angiographic imaging due to its low resolution and inherited limitation may
      result in an inaccurate adjudication.We used optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      to further evaluate the coronary characteristics in a patient with "simple"
      bifurcation lesion which was classified by the DEFINITION criteria. However, a
      "complex" bifurcation lesion was defined and confirmed according to the OCT
      results.A double kissing Crush stenting approach was adopted to treat this
      "complex" case finally. The immediate and long-term angiographic and OCT results
      were excellent.OCT may be useful imaging modality to classify complexity of
      coronary bifurcation lesion and subsequently guide its treatment strategy.

PMID- 28072715
TI  - Conditional disease-free survival among patients with breast cancer.
AB  - Conditional disease-free survival (CDFS) reflects changes over time. Because
      traditional disease-free survival (DFS) is estimated from the date of diagnosis,
      it is limited in the ability to predict risk of recurrence in patients who have
      been disease free. In this study, we determined CDFS of breast cancer patients
      and estimated the prognostic factors for DFS.We retrospectively reviewed clinical
      data of 7587 consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery for breast
      cancer between January 2004 and December 2013 at Samsung Medical Center.
      Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for
      DFS, which was computed using the Kaplan-Meier method. CDFS rates were based on
      cumulative DFS estimates.Median follow-up duration was 20.59 months. Three-year
      DFS was 93.46% at baseline. Three-year CDFS survival estimates for patients who
      had been disease free for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years after treatment were calculated
      as 92.84%, 92.37%, 93.03%, 89.41%, and 79.64%, respectively. Three-year CDFS
      increased continuously each year after 1 year of DFS in hormone receptor (HR)
      negative patients but decreased each year in HR-positive patients.In HR-positive
      patients who are disease free after 3 years, continuous care including
      surveillance and metastases workup should be considered, although this is not
      recommended in the current guidelines. On the other hand, the social costs may be
      reduced in HR-negative patients by extending the surveillance interval. Further
      studies are needed to identify indicators of DFS prognosis in breast cancer
      patients.

PMID- 28072716
TI  - Pneumonitis in cancer patients receiving anti-PD-1 and radiotherapies: Three case
      reports.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In development of novel therapies for the treatment of patient with
      cancer, the use of radiotherapy (RT) can produce significant local control and,
      in recent studies, has also been shown to mediate anti-tumor responses at distant
      sites by triggering and enhancing the endogenous cellular immune responses.
      Although RT induces an abscopal effect in some patients due to enhanced immune
      response to the tumor, immune-escape mechanisms, including up-regulation of
      programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells, limit this benefit in other
      patients. Hence, many studies have promoted the synergy of RT and anti-programmed
      cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment for antitumor immunity. However, outcome
      may be improved when more therapies are combined, but risk of side effects can be
      increased. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein present 3 advanced cancer patients with
      pulmonary metastasis and who received RT. Later, they underwent anti-PD-1
      treatment and unfortunately suffered from anti-PD-1-related pneumonitis over the
      nonirradiated areas after 4 cycles of treatment. The upregulation of cellular PD
      1 expression in these areas was considered and the immune overreaction by anti-PD
      1 treatment may cause these severe pulmonary adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Our
      review of 3 cases warrants careful workup to reduce the risk of side effects by
      combinative therapy with RT and anti-PD-1 treatment.

PMID- 28072717
TI  - Clinics, prognosis and new therapeutic options in patients with mucosal melanoma:
      A retrospective analysis of 75 patients.
AB  - Mucosal melanomas represent a rare entity with different risk factors and
      molecular features compared to cutaneous melanomas. They arise most commonly from
      mucosal surfaces in the head/neck region, the female genital tract (FGT) and the
      anorectal region. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinics, prognosis, and
      treatment options of patients with mucosal melanoma, in particular with regard to
      different primary sites.We retrospectively analyzed 75 patients with mucosal
      melanomas diagnosed in the years 1993 to 2015 in our department. The primary
      melanomas were located in the head/neck region (n = 32), the FGT (n = 24), and
      the anorectal region (n = 19).The median age of the patients was 66 years. At
      initial diagnosis the primary melanoma was not completely resectable in 11 (15%)
      patients, 18 (24%) patients had regional lymph node metastases, and 7 (9%)
      patients distant metastases. During follow-up, 22 (29%) patients suffered from a
      local recurrence, in particular patients with primary melanoma in the head/neck
      region without postoperative radiotherapy. By multivariate analysis location of
      the primary melanoma in the head/neck area or anorectal region and presence of
      metastases at time of diagnosis represented poor prognostic factors for
      recurrence-free survival. In 62 tested individuals 7 KIT mutations were found, 2
      BRAF mutations in 57 tested patients. Four patients received targeted therapies,
      14 checkpoint inhibitors, 4 (1/1 on vemurafenib, 1/7 on ipilimumab, and 2/7 on PD
      1 inhibitors) patients showed responses of more than 100 days duration.Mucosal
      melanomas are often locally advanced or metastatic at initial diagnosis, thus
      they require extensive staging procedures. The high rate of local recurrences in
      the head/neck region can be significantly reduced by postoperative radiotherapy.
      For the potential use of medical treatment a mutation analysis for KIT and BRAF
      genes should be performed. The use of new immunologic and targeted therapies has
      to be further evaluated.

PMID- 28072718
TI  - Private ownership of primary care providers associated with patient perceived
      quality of care: A comparative cross-sectional survey in three big Chinese
      cities.
AB  - Ownership of primary care providers varies in different cities in China. Shanghai
      represented the full public ownership model of primary providers; Shenzhen had
      public-owned but private-operated providers; and Hong Kong represented the full
      private ownership. The study aims to assess the association of primary care
      ownership and patient perceived quality of care in 3 Chinese megacities.We
      conducted multistage stratified random surveys in 2013 in the 3 cities. Quality
      scores of primary care were measured using the validated primary care assessment
      tools. Multivariate linear regression models were used to compare quality scores
      after controlling potential confounders of patient demographic, socioeconomic,
      and healthcare utilization factors.Overall, 797 primary care users in Shanghai,
      802 in Shenzhen, and 1325 in Hong Kong participated in the study. The mean total
      quality scores were reported the highest in Shanghai (28.39), followed by
      Shenzhen (25.82) and then Hong Kong (25.21) (P < 0.001). Shanghai participants
      reported the highest scores for 1st contact accessibility, coordination of
      information, comprehensiveness of service availability, and culture competence,
      while Hong Kong participants reported the lowest for these domains (P < 0.001).
      Hong Kong participants from rich households reported higher total scores than
      those from poor households (P < 0.05); however, this was not found in Shanghai
      and Shenzhen.The study suggests that private primary care ownership may be
      associated with lower quality and less equitable care distribution. In China, it
      suggests that it may be beneficial to promote public-owned and nonprofit
      providers. Promoting privatization in primary care may be at the cost of quality
      and equity of primary care.

PMID- 28072719
TI  - Association between dietary fat intake and colorectal adenoma in korean adults: A
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - The incidence of colorectal cancer is rapidly increasing in South Korea. It is
      important to clarify the association between colorectal cancer and diet, being
      one of the main modifiable risk factors, as such studies in the Korean population
      are lacking.A cross-sectional study was performed using data from participants
      who had undergone a screening colonoscopy and a nutritional assessment during a
      routine health check-up from January 2008 to December 2011. Dietary intake data
      were derived from 1-day food records; colorectal adenoma was histopathologically
      confirmed by biopsy during colonoscopy. Eventually, 2604 participants were
      included in the analysis. The risk of colorectal adenoma by quintile of dietary
      fat intake was analyzed using logistic regression. Subgroup analyses by degree of
      risk and by location of colorectal adenoma were additionally performed.In men,
      total fat intake was not associated with risk of colorectal adenoma. However,
      risk of colorectal adenoma increased with higher saturated fatty acid (SFA)
      intake. The adjusted odds ratio in the highest quintile was 1.71 (95% confidence
      interval, 1.01-2.91) compared with that in the lowest quintile. There was no
      significant association between fat intake and risk of colorectal adenoma
      characterized by subsite. In female participants, total fat and specific fatty
      acid intake were not associated with risk of colorectal adenoma.These data
      support that high SFA intake is associated with risk of colorectal adenoma in
      Korean men.

PMID- 28072720
TI  - Smoking and incidence of glaucoma: The SUN Cohort.
AB  - Smoking is a serious global public health concern that has been related to many
      chronic diseases. However, the effect of smoking on eye disorders has been less
      studied. The aim of this cohort study was to assess the association between
      current tobacco smokers and the risk of developing glaucoma and furthermore to
      evaluate the relationship between passive or former smokers and glaucoma.In this
      prospective and dynamic cohort, 16,797 participants initially who were found not
      to have glaucoma were followed up for a median of 8.5 years. Validated data on
      lifestyle, including tobacco consumption, were assessed at baseline. Information
      about new diagnosis of glaucoma was collected by follow-up questionnaires every 2
      years. The outcome was the incidence of self-reported glaucoma during the follow
      up. A subsample was used to validate the glaucoma diagnosis.During the 8.5 years
      of follow-up, 184 new glaucoma cases were identified. Current smokers had a
      significantly higher risk of glaucoma compared to participants who had never
      smoked after controlling for potential confounders (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.88 [95%
      coefficient interval (CI): 1.26-2.81]; P = 0.002). A nonsignificant increased
      risk was found among former smokers (HR 1.27 [95% CI: 0.88-1.82]; P = 0.198).
      When we assessed the exposure as per the number of cigarette pack-years, a dose
      response relationship between pack-years and the risk of glaucoma was found (HR
      for the 5th quintile versus the 1st quintile: 1.70 [95% IC: 1.10-2.64], P for
      trend, 0.009). However, no relationship was found between passive smokers and
      glaucoma. (HR 0.67 [95% CI: 0.37-1.21]; P = 0.189).Our results suggest a direct
      association between current smokers and the incidence of glaucoma. In particular,
      this association was related to the number of pack-years, which was not found in
      the case of former smokers nor in the case of passive smokers.

PMID- 28072721
TI  - Total bilirubin level may be a biomarker of nephropathy in type 2 diabetes
      mellitus: A meta-analysis of observational studies based on MOOSE compliant.
AB  - Recently, the number of the studies on the relationship between the total
      bilirubin level (TBL) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) is increasing, but their
      results were not consistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to analyze
      the relationship between TBL and the risk of DN.We searched 5 databases before
      October 31, 2016, and reviewed the reference list of relevant articles. The fixed
      or random-effects model was used to pool risk estimates. We conducted the dose
      response meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between TBL and the risk of
      DN.Our meta-analysis showed that TBL in the DN group was lower than that in
      diabetes without the kidney disease (NDN) group (standard mean difference [SMD]: 
      0.63, 95% CI: -0.80, -0.46). The result of each subgroup also showed that TBL in
      the DN group was lower than that in the NDN group. The result of meta-regression
      indicated that duration of diabetes mellitus might be the source of
      heterogeneity. Our meta-analysis also showed that there was a significant
      negative relationship between TBL and the risk of DN (OR: 0.86, 95%CI: 0.82,
      0.90). The results of subgroup analysis were similar to those of SMD; no sources
      of heterogeneity were detected by meta-regression. Sensitivity analysis indicated
      that the results were robust. We observed a linear association between TBL and
      the risk of DN, and there was a negative dose-response association between TBL
      and the risk of DN.In conclusion, bilirubin may be used as a biomarker of DN. It
      helps early diagnosis and effective therapeutic strategies on DN.

PMID- 28072722
TI  - Dexmedetomidine prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting on patients during
      general anesthesia: A PRISMA-compliant meta analysis of randomized controlled
      trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a frequent complication
      in postoperative period. The aim of this article was to evaluate the effect of
      dexmedetomidine on PONV. METHOD: RevMan 5.3 software was applied for performing
      statistic analysis. Twenty-four trials with 2046 patients were included. RESULTS:
      The PONV of the dexmedetomidine group was significantly lower compared with the
      placebo group (0.56, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.69). Subgroup analysis further confirmed the
      effect of dexmedetomidine (irrespective of administration mode) (P < 0.00001).
      Perioperative fentanyl consumption in dexmedetomidine group were also reduced
      significantly (P < 0.00001). Whereas, side effects such as bradycardia,
      hypotension increased in dexmedetomidine group (especially in loading dose mode
      and loading dose plus continuous infusion mode). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine
      administrated in continuous infusion mode has the advantage to prevent PONV as
      well as reduce side effects such as bradycardia and hypotension.

PMID- 28072723
TI  - High VEGFR1/2 expression levels are predictors of poor survival in patients with
      cervical cancer.
AB  - The aim of the study to evaluate the prognostic significance of vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptor 1 and 2 (VEGFR1/2) expression levels and to
      correlate these levels with clinicopathological parameters in patients with
      cervical cancer.Forty-two patients with International Federation of Gynecology
      and Obstetrics Stage IIB-IVB cervical cancer were analyzed between January 2011
      and December 2012. RNA expression levels of VEGFR1/2 were assessed by branched
      DNA-liquidchip technology and immunohistochemistry. Associations between RNA
      expression levels, important clinicopathological parameters, and patient survival
      were statistically evaluated.Higher VEGFR1/2 expression levels were predictive of
      poor overall survival (P = 0.009 and P = 0.024, respectively). Patients with
      higher VEGFR1 expression levels were associated with poorer progression-free
      survival than those with lower VEGFR1 expression levels (P = 0.043). In addition,
      patients with higher VEGFR1 expression levels were more likely to develop distant
      metastases than those with lower VEGFR1 expression levels (P = 0.049). Higher
      VEGFR2 expression levels were associated with larger tumor size (P =
      0.037).VEGFR1/2 expression levels were prognostic factors for patients with
      cervical cancer. Higher VEGFR1/2 expression levels were also predictive of poor
      overall survival.

PMID- 28072724
TI  - Fatal antiphospholipid syndrome following endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal
      surgery for a pituitary tumor: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The fatal type of antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare but life
      threating condition. It may be triggered by surgery or infection. Endoscopic
      transnasal-transsphenoidal surgery is a common procedure for pituitary tumor. We
      report a catastrophic case of a young woman died of fatal antiphospholipid
      syndrome following endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal surgery. METHODS AND
      RESULT: A 31-year-old woman of a history of stroke received endoscopic transnasal
      transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary tumor. The whole procedure was smooth.
      However, the patient suffered from acute delirium on postoperative day 4. Then,
      her consciousness became comatose state rapidly with dilatation of pupils. Urgent
      magnetic resonance imaging of brain demonstrated multiple acute lacunar infarcts.
      The positive antiphosphoipid antibody and severe thrombocytopenia were also
      noted. Fatal antiphospholipid syndrome was diagnosed. Plasma exchange,
      corticosteroids, anticoagulant agent were prescribed. The hemodynamic condition
      was gradually stable. However, the consciousness was still in deep coma. The
      patient died of organ donation 2 months later. CONCLUSION: If patients have a
      history of cerebral stroke in their early life, such as a young stroke, the APS
      and higher risk of developing fatal APS after major surgery should be considered.
      The optimal management of APS remains controversial. The best treatment
      strategies are only early diagnosis and aggressive therapies combing of
      anticoagulant, corticosteroid, and plasma exchange. The intravenous
      immunoglobulin is prescribed for patients with refractory APS.

PMID- 28072726
TI  - No further gain can be achieved by calculating Disease Activity Score in 28
      joints with high-sensitivity assay of C-reactive protein because of high
      intraindividual variability of C-reactive protein: A cross-sectional study and
      theoretical consideration.
AB  - Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) is commonly used to evaluate disease
      activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is a guide to treatment decision.The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of lower reporting limit for C
      reactive protein (CRP), with respect to intraindividual biological variability,
      on the calculation of DAS28 and subsequent patient classification.This study
      consists of 2 sections: a theoretical consideration discussing the performance of
      CRP in calculating DAS28 taking intraindividual biological variation and lower
      reporting limit for CRP into account and a cross-sectional study of RA patients
      applying our theoretical results. Therefore, we calculated DAS28 twice, with the
      actual CRP values and CRP = 9 mg/L, the latter to elucidate the positive effects
      of reducing the lower reporting limit of CRP from <10 to <3 mg/L.Lower-reporting
      limit of <10 mg/L leads to overestimate DAS28. However, reducing lower reporting
      limit for CRP to <3 mg/L results in optimizing DAS28 calculation. Further
      lowering of reporting limit for CRP to <3 mg/L does not increase the precision of
      DAS28 owing to the relatively large intraindividual biological variation.Five
      hundred twelve patients were included. There was a significant difference between
      recalculated and patients DAS28 (P < 0.001). One hundred nine patients had DAS28
      deviation (compatible to remission to low: 66, low to moderate: 39. and moderate
      to high: 4).Owing to significant impact of intraindividual biologic variation on
      DAS28 and patient classification, special attention should be paid to calculate
      DAS28 when CRP values are within normal range. Furthermore, we conclude that
      results of different studies evaluating DAS28 and treatment response are not
      comparable if the reporting limits of CRP are unknown.

PMID- 28072725
TI  - Laparoscopic revision surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
AB  - Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a frequently performed procedure for the
      treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in surgical clinics. Reflux can recur in
      between 3% and 30% of patients on whom antireflux surgery has been performed, and
      so revision surgery can be required due to recurrent symptoms or dysphagia in
      approximately 3% to 6% of the patients. The objective of this study is to
      evaluate the mechanism of recurrences after antireflux surgery and to share our
      results after revision surgery in recurrent cases.From 2001 to 2014, revision
      surgery was performed on 43 patients (31 men, 12 women) between the ages of 24
      and 70 years. The technical details of the first operation, recurrence symptoms,
      endoscopy, and manometry findings were evaluated. The findings of revision
      surgery, surgical techniques, morbidity rates, length of hospitalization, and
      follow-up period were also recorded and evaluated.The first operation was Nissen
      fundoplication in 34 patients and Toupet fundoplication in 9 patients. Mesh
      hiatoplasty was performed for enforcement in 18 (41.9%) of these patients. The
      period between the first operation and the revision surgery ranged from 4 days to
      60 months. The most common finding was slipped fundoplication and presence of
      hiatal hernia during revision surgery. Revision fundoplication and hernia repair
      with mesh reinforcement were used in 33 patients. The other techniques were
      Collis gastroplasty, revision fundoplication, and hernia repair without mesh. The
      range of follow-up period was from 2 to 134 months. Recurrence occurred in 3
      patients after revision surgery (6.9%). Although revision surgery is difficult
      and it has higher morbidity, it can be performed effectively and safely in
      experienced centers.

PMID- 28072727
TI  - Association between arterial stiffness and left ventricular diastolic function in
      relation to gender and age.
AB  - Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and subsequent overt heart failure
      are more prevalent in elderly women. Close interaction between arterial stiffness
      and LV morphology/function has been reported. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether there is an age- and gender-dependent relationship between
      arterial stiffness and LV diastolic function. A total of 819 subjects (58.6 +/-
      13.3 years, 50.2% men) without structural heart disease (LV ejection fraction
      >=50%) were retrospectively analyzed. All participants underwent transthoracic
      echocardiography and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement on
      the same day. The association of baPWV with septal e' velocity and average E/e'
      was assessed. In the total study subjects, baPWV was negatively correlated with
      septal e' velocity (r = 0.383, P < 0.001), and positively correlated with E/e' (r
      = -0.266, P < 0.001). These linear correlations remained significant even after
      stratificaion of the study subjects by age (<65 years vs >=65 years) and genders
      (P < 0.05 for each). There were obvious differences in baPWV according to groups
      with normal LV diastolic function, intermediate profile and LV diastolic
      dysfunction in young (P = 0.010) and elderly (>=65 years) women (P < 0.001) and
      eldery men (P = 0.012) but not in elderly men (P = 0.270). There was a
      significant association of baPWV with septal e' velocity (beta = -0.258, P =
      0.020) and E/e' (beta = 0.122, P = 0.030) in elderly women even after controlling
      for multiple clinical covariates. This independent association was not seen in
      younger women and men (P > 0.05 for each). In conclusion, baPWV was independently
      associated with septal e' velocity and E/e' in elderly women but not in younger
      women or men. The results of this study provide additional evidence that
      increased arterial stiffness plays an important role in the development of heart
      failure with preserved ejection fraction as well as LV diastolic dysfunction in
      elderly women.

PMID- 28072728
TI  - Upper gastrointestinal symptoms in autoimmune gastritis: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - Autoimmune gastritis is often suspected for its hematologic findings, and rarely
      the diagnosis is made for the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Aims of this
      cross-sectional study were to assess in a large cohort of patients affected by
      autoimmune gastritis the occurrence and the pattern of gastrointestinal symptoms
      and to evaluate whether symptomatic patients are characterized by specific
      clinical features.Gastrointestinal symptoms of 379 consecutive autoimmune
      gastritis patients were systematically assessed and classified following Rome III
      Criteria. Association between symptoms and anemia pattern, positivity to gastric
      autoantibodies, Helicobacter pylori infection, and concomitant autoimmune disease
      were evaluated.In total, 70.2% of patients were female, median age 55 years
      (range 17-83). Pernicious anemia (53.6%), iron deficiency anemia (34.8%), gastric
      autoantibodies (68.8%), and autoimmune disorders (41.7%) were present. However,
      56.7% of patients complained of gastrointestinal symptoms, 69.8% of them had
      exclusively upper symptoms, 15.8% only lower and 14.4% concomitant upper and
      lower symptoms. Dyspepsia, subtype postprandial distress syndrome was the most
      represented, being present in 60.2% of symptomatic patients. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses showed that age <55 years (OR 1.6 [CI:1-2.5]), absence of
      smoking habit (OR 2.2 [CI:1.2-4]), and absence of anemia (OR 3.1 [CI:1.5-6.4])
      were independent factors associated to dyspepsia.Autoimmune gastritis is
      associated in almost 60% of cases with gastrointestinal symptoms, in particular
      dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is strictly related to younger age, no smoking, and absence
      of anemia.

PMID- 28072729
TI  - Hypertonic saline protects brain endothelial cells against hypoxia correlated to
      the levels of epidermal growth factor receptor and interleukin-1beta.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the protective effect of
      hypertonic saline (HS) on brain endothelial cells under hypoxic conditions and
      the relevant underlying mechanism. METHODS: bEnd.3 cells were treated with oxygen
      glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced injury. To measure HS performance, cell
      viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3
      carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium salt assay, and cell
      apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl
      transferase UTP nick-end labeling staining. RNA-seq was performed to assess the
      expression profiles and screen the candidate genes that participated in OGD
      induced injury and the HS protective effect. Quantitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis were used to confirm the
      expression of candidate genes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to
      measure the level of interleukin (IL)-1beta. Overexpression analyses were
      performed to confirm the functions of the differentially expressed genes.
      RESULTS: HS with a concentration of 40 mmol/L NaCl had an obvious protective
      effect on bEnd.3 cells after OGD-induced injury, resulting in increased cell
      viability and a smaller percentage of apoptotic cells. According to the RNA-seq
      results, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was chosen as the differentially
      expressed gene target in this study. The qPCR and western blot analyses further
      confirmed that the levels of EGFR/phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor
      and IL-1beta were enhanced after OGD-induced injury, but attenuated after
      treatment with 40 mmol/L of NaCl HS. Overexpressed EGFR reversed the protective
      effect of HS that caused low viability and high rates of apoptosis in cells.
      CONCLUSION: HS can protect endothelial cells against OGD-induced injury, but is
      affected by the expression of EGFR/p-EGFR and IL-1beta.

PMID- 28072730
TI  - Bortezomib combined with lenalidomide as the first-line treatment for the rare
      synchronous occurrence of multiple myeloma and pulmonary adenocarcinoma: A case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simultaneous multiple myeloma (MM) and pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a
      rare occurrence, and thus, treatment is a challenge. This study reports on 1 such
      case of MM with concurrent lung cancer, where an accurate diagnosis was made and
      the patient underwent treatment for both cancers. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old man
      presented with 2 months of progressive lower back pain. Visualization with
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple collapsed vertebrae from T12
      to S3, as well as an altered signal intensity at the T3 vertebra. The patient was
      diagnosed with MM upon examination. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan
      revealed a round mass in the left lower lobe of the lungs, and a CT-guided needle
      biopsy uncovered a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. There were no
      additional notable findings in the left lung using positron emission tomography
      computed tomography (PET-CT). Therefore, a diagnosis of MM with pulmonary
      adenocarcinoma was made. Surgery was performed to excise the lung cancer.
      Bortezomib was used as first-line induction therapy against both tumors and
      lenalidomide was used for maintenance. The patient went into complete remission.
      Using this combined chemotherapy, the patient has survived for over 3 years since
      a diagnosis was made despite relapsing twice after the first year. CONCLUSION:
      This report clearly delineates the diagnosis and treatment of a rare case of
      synchronous MM and pulmonary adenocarcinoma, as well as depicts a potentially
      positive outcome for the patient. It also overviews some diagnostic and
      therapeutic implications for clinicians.

PMID- 28072731
TI  - Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lagged behind the onset of rheumatoid
      arthritis by 7 years: A case report and literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The co-existence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA), presenting either together or in succession, is very
      rare. A variety of histopathological features in the clinical renal disease may
      occur in RA. Only 8 studies have previously reported this poorly understood
      connection. CLINICAL FINDINGS/DIAGNOSES: A case of a 54-year-old male with RA
      lasting for more than 7 years developed cheirarthritis as the first signs.
      Symmetric polyarthralgia and multiple swollen joints throughout the body were
      followed, accompanied with morning stiffness. Gradually, he suffered from
      albuminuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hyperlipidemia in 2014. The patient had
      the history of administering loxoprofen, celecoxib, leflunomide, and
      methotrexate. He was diagnosed as RA, nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy confirmed
      FSGS. CONCLUSION: Our case and the review of the literature indicate that FSGS is
      one of the causes of nephrotic syndrome in RA. It strongly suggested that RA
      patients with the abnormal kidney functions should be routinely screened for FSGS
      to guide the therapy, achieve both RA and FSGS remission, determine a prognosis,
      and avoid end-stage renal lesion.

PMID- 28072732
TI  - Comparison of the i-gel and other supraglottic airways in adult manikin studies:
      Systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The i-gel has a gel-like cuff composed of thermoplastic elastomer
      that does not require cuff inflation. As the elimination of cuff inflation may
      shorten insertion time, the i-gel might be a useful tool in emergency situations
      requiring prompt airway care. This systematic review and meta-analysis of
      previous adult manikin studies for inexperienced personnel was performed to
      compare the i-gel with other supraglottic airways. METHODS: We searched PubMed,
      the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      published before June 2015, including with a crossover design, using the
      following search terms: "i-gel," "igel," "simulation," "manikin," "manikins,"
      "mannequin," and "mannequins." The primary outcomes of this review were device
      insertion time and the first-attempt success rate of insertion. RESULTS: A total
      of 14 RCTs were included. At the initial assessment without difficult
      circumstances, the i-gel had a significantly shorter insertion time than the LMA
      Classic, LMA Fastrach, LMA Proseal, LMA Unique, laryngeal tube, Combitube, and
      EasyTube. However, a faster insertion time of the i-gel was not observed in
      comparisons with the LMA Supreme, aura-i, and air-Q. In addition, the i-gel did
      not show the better results for the insertion success rate when compared to other
      devices. CONCLUSION: The findings of this meta-analysis indicated that
      inexperienced volunteers placed the i-gel more rapidly than other supraglottic
      airways with the exception of the LMA Supreme, aura-i, and air-Q in manikin
      studies. However, the quicker insertion time is clinically not relevant. The
      unapparent advantage regarding the insertion success rate and the inherent
      limitations of the simulation setting indicated that additional evidence is
      necessary to confirm these advantages of the i-gel in an emergency setting.

PMID- 28072733
TI  - Efficacy and safety of puerarin injection in curing acute ischemic stroke: A meta
      analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicated that the puerarin injection has been
      widely employed in China for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. We aim to
      evaluate the efficacy and safety of the puerarin injection for the treatment of
      acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in
      PUBMED, EMBASE, SPRINGER LINK, Scopus, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge
      Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Journals Database, Wanfang database and the China
      Biological Medicine database before November 2016, randomized controlled clinical
      trials (RCTs) of puerarin injection treating acute ischemic stroke were included.
      In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant retrieved articles. Two
      authors extracted data independently. The effective rate, the neurologic deficit
      score, the blood rheology indexes, and fibrinogen were assessed and analyzed by
      the Review Manager 5.3 software. The continuous variables were expressed as MD
      with 95% CI and dichotomous data used RR or ORs. Adverse reactions related to the
      puerarin injection were also examined. RESULTS: Thirty-five RCTs with a total of
      3224 participants were identified in the meta-analysis. The combined results of
      32 trials indicated that the puerarin injection was better than control drugs at
      the clinical effective rate (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.28, P < 0.001) and 16
      studies showed the neurological deficit was significantly improved (MD -3.69, 95%
      CI -4.67 to -2.71, P < 0.001); the hemorheology index and fibrinogen were much
      lower with the puerarin injection when compared with western conventional
      medicines (WCM) or other control drugs (the whole blood viscosity: MD -0.89, 95%
      CI -1.37 to -0.41, P < 0.001; the HCT: MD -0.04, 95% CI -0.06 to -0.02, P <
      0.001; the fibrinogen: MD -0.64, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.31, P < 0.001). Eleven trials
      reported that the adverse reactions related to the puerarin injection included
      facial flushing, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and other mild gastrointestinal
      discomfort and allergic reaction. No serious adverse drug reactions were
      reported. CONCLUSIONS: Puerarin injection may be more effective and relatively
      safe in clinic for treating acute ischemic stroke. However, the current evidence
      is insufficient due to the poor methodological quality and lack of adequate
      safety data. Further RCTs are required to examine its efficacy.

PMID- 28072734
TI  - Closed reduction using the percutaneous leverage technique and internal fixation
      with K-wires to treat angulated radial neck fractures in children-case report.
AB  - : Pediatric radial neck fractures are uncommon. Severely displaced and angulated
      fractures usually require treatment. Our goals for treatment are to avoid
      incision, reduce the fracture adequately with no reduction loss, and achieve good
      postoperative function. We aimed to observe the clinical outcomes of closed
      reduction with the percutaneous leverage technique and internal fixation with
      Kirschner-wires (K-wires) to treat angulated radial neck fractures in
      children.From January 2011 to April 2013, we treated 16 cases of angulated radial
      neck fracture in 12 boys and 4 girls. Five fractures were type II and 11
      fractures were type III using the O'Brien classification. One K-wire was
      percutaneously introduced into the fracture site using the leverage technique to
      attain good reduction. Two K-wires were introduced from the proximal to the
      distal areas of the fracture site. The elbow was immobilized by cast in 90
      degrees  of flexion and the forearm in supination for 3 to 4 weeks. The K-wires
      were removed at 3 to 4 weeks postoperatively. All cases were followed up for a
      mean duration of 3 years 6 months.According to the Metaizeau reduction
      classification, 12 cases were excellent, and 4 cases were good. According to the
      Metaizeau clinical classification, 14 cases were excellent, and 2 cases were
      good. There was no necrosis of the radial head. There was no infection,
      radioulnar synostosis, and damage of the radial nerve deep branch. There was no
      limitation in the pronation and supination functions of the forearm.Closed
      reduction using the percutaneous leverage technique and internal fixation using K
      wires is easy to perform. It is encouraged to use this approach as the clinical
      outcome is good. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level IV-retrospective case, treatment study.

PMID- 28072735
TI  - Localized type Volkmann's contracture treated with tendon transfer and tension
      reduced early mobilization: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: For localized type Volkmann's contracture, in which degeneration of
      the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscle to one or two fingers and restriction
      of finger extension occur, dissection or excision of the affected muscle is
      usually recommended. However, these surgical procedures need relatively wide
      exposure of the muscle, because the FDP muscle is in the deep portion of the
      forearm. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this report, the case of a 35-year-old woman with
      localized type Volkmann's contracture is presented. Her left forearm had been
      compressed with an industrial roller 4 months earlier, and severe flexion
      contracture of the long finger and mild flexion contracture of the ring finger
      developed gradually. DIAGNOSES:: localized type Volkmann's contracture.
      INTERVENTION: Five months after the injury, transection of the FDP tendon to the
      long finger and transfer of the transected tendon to the FDP tendon to the index
      finger was performed after adjusting the tonus of these two tendons using a small
      skin incision. This procedure was followed by a tension-reduced early
      mobilization technique in which a tension-reduced position of the tendon suture
      site was maintained by taping the long finger to the volar side of the index
      finger, and then immediate active range of motion (ROM) exercise was started.
      OUTCOMES: Within 9 weeks after surgery, full ROM had been regained. LESSONS:
      Using the treatment procedure presented in this case report, a good clinical
      result was obtained in a minimally invasive manner.

PMID- 28072736
TI  - Von Hippel-Lindau disease involving pancreas and biliary system: A rare case
      report.
AB  - RATIONALE: Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare inherited, autosomal
      dominant syndrome caused by heterozygous germline mutations in the VHL gene. VHL
      patients are prone to develop benign and malignant tumors and cysts in multiple
      organ systems involving kidneys, pancreas and central nervous system (CNS). The
      varied and complex clinical manifestations and radiological findings of VHL are
      of interest. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a 38-year-old woman with a ten-year
      history of VHL disease involving both pancreas and biliary system. To the best of
      our knowledge, direct involvement of the biliary system in VHL disease has never
      been reported. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis was established via computed tomography
      scan and was confirmed by genetic testing. INTERVENTIONS: The patient chose to
      receive conservative treatment and was followed up by magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreatography and magnetic resonance imaging examination. OUTCOMES:
      Renal angiomas and cysts were found during follow-up and there were no evidence
      of malignant change of the pancreas and biliary system. LESSONS: We described the
      first case of VHL-associated choledochal cysts and may present new visceral
      manifestations of VHL disease. Gastroenterologists should be aware of the
      clinical presentations of this rare disease for early detection of its life
      threatening manifestations.

PMID- 28072737
TI  - The efficacy of dexmedetomidine-remifentanil versus dexmedetomidine-propofol in
      children undergoing flexible bronchoscopy: A retrospective trial.
AB  - Flexible bronchoscopy has been more and more used for diagnosis and management
      diseases of respiratory system in pediatrics. Previous studies have reported that
      remifentanil (RF) and propofol are safe and effective for flexible bronchoscopy
      in adults, however, there have no trials evaluate the efficacy of DEX-RF versus
      dexmedetomidine-propofol in children undergoing flexible bronchoscopy.We divided
      123 children undergoing flexible bronchoscopy with DEX-RF or dexmedetomidine
      propofol into 2 groups: Group DR (n = 63, DEX infusion at 1.0 MUg kg for 10
      minutes, then adjusted to 0.5-0.7 MUg kg h; RF infusion at 1.0 MUg kg for 5
      minutes, then adjusted to 0.05-0.2 MUg kg min), Group DP (n = 60, DEX infusion at
      1.0 MUg kg for 10 minutes, then adjusted to 0.5-0.7 MUg kg h; propofol infusion
      at 10 MUg kg for 5 minutes, then adjusted to 0.05-0.1 MUg kg min). Ramsay
      sedation scale of the 2 groups was maintained at 3. Anesthesia onset time; total
      number of intraoperative patient movements; hemodynamics; total cumulative dose
      of DEX; amount of and time to first-dose rescue midazolam and lidocaine;
      postoperative recovery time; adverse events; and bronchoscopist satisfaction
      score were recorded.Anesthesia onset time was significantly shorter in DP (8.22
      +/- 2.48 vs 12.25 +/- 6.43 minutes, respectively, for DP, DR, P = 0.015). The
      perioperative hemodynamic profile was more stable in DR than DP group. More
      children moved during flexible bronchoscopy in DP group (P = 0.009). Total dose
      of rescue midazolam and lidocaine was significantly higher in DR than in DP (P <
      0.001). Similarly, the time to first dose of rescue midazolam and lidocaine was
      significantly longer in DP than in DR (P < 0.001). Total cumulative dose of DEX
      was more in DR than DP group (P < 0.001). The time to recovery for discharge from
      the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was significantly shorter in DP than in DR
      group (P < 0.001). The bronchoscopist-satisfaction scores were higher for DR than
      DP (P = 0.036). There were significant differences between the 2 groups in terms
      of the overall incidence of hypertension, tachycardia, and hypoxemia (P <
      0.05).Although underwent longer recovery time and more incidence of rescue
      scheme, DEX-RF resulted in more stable hemodynamic profiles and bronchoscopist
      satisfaction scores, lesser patient movements, and can hence be more effectively
      used in children undergoing flexible bronchoscopy than dexmedetomidine-propofol.

PMID- 28072738
TI  - Expression quantitative trait loci for PI3K/AKT pathway.
AB  - A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify expression
      quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) for the genes involved in phosphatidylinositol-3
      kinase/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (PI3K/AKT) pathway.Data on
      mRNA expression of 341 genes in lymphoblastoid cell lines of 373 Europeans
      recruited by the 1000 Genomes Project using Illumina HiSeq2000 were utilized. We
      used their genotypes at 5,941,815 nucleotide variants obtained by Genome Analyzer
      II and SOLiD.The association analysis revealed 4166 nucleotide variants
      associated with expression of 85 genes (P < 5 * 10). A total of 73 eQTLs were
      identified as association signals for the expression of multiple genes. They
      included 9 eQTLs for both of the genes encoding collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1)
      and integrin alpha 11 (ITGA11), which synthesize a major complex of plasma
      membrane. They also included eQTLs for type IV collagen molecules; 13 eQTLs for
      both collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) and collagen type IV alpha 2 (COL4A2) and
      18 eQTLs for both collagen type IV alpha 5 (COL4A5) and collagen type IV alpha 6
      (COL4A6). Some genes expressed by the eQTLs might induce expression of the genes
      encoding type IV collagen. One eQTL (rs16871986) was located in the promoter of
      palladin (PALLD) gene which might synthesize collagen by activating fibroblasts
      through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Another eQTL (rs34845474) was located in an
      enhancer of cadherin related family member 3 (CDHR3) gene which can mediate cell
      adhesion.This study showed a profile of eQTLs for the genes involved in the
      PI3K/AKT pathway using a healthy population, revealing 73 eQTLs associated with
      expression of multiple genes. They might be candidates of common variants in
      predicting genetic susceptibility to cancer and in targeting cancer therapy.
      Further studies are required to examine their underlying mechanisms for
      regulating expression of the genes.

PMID- 28072739
TI  - Risk factors and outcomes associated with a higher use of inotropes in kidney
      transplant recipients.
AB  - Preservation of adequate perfusion pressures to the graft is a main focus of
      intraoperative management during kidney transplantation. We undertook this study
      to investigate the incidence of the higher use of inotropes in kidney transplant
      recipients and identify the patient outcomes and preoperative and intraoperative
      variables related to this.We retrospectively analyzed 1053 patients who underwent
      kidney transplantation at Asan Medical Center between January 2006 and February
      2012, stratified by their inotropic score ([dopamine] + [dobutamine] +
      [epinephrine * 100] + [norepinephrine * 100]) <7 versus >=7, wherein all doses
      are expressed as MUg/kg/min. We evaluated preoperative characteristics,
      hemodynamic parameters, and intraoperative variables as well as postoperative
      outcomes, such as length of hospital stay and 1-year rejection and mortality
      rate.Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine
      inotropic score to predict 1-year mortality. An inotropic score of 7 had the best
      combined sensitivity and specificity. An inotropic score >=7 (137 patients,
      13.0%) was significantly more prevalent in older patients, those with polycystic
      kidney disease, and at a 2nd transplant. Anesthesia time, the amounts of
      crystalloid and 5% albumin infused, and the need for red blood cell transfusion
      were significantly higher in the inotropic score >=7 group. The patients with a
      higher use of inotropes required longer postoperative hospital stay and
      experienced a >2-fold higher rejection within the 1st year and a 4-fold higher 1
      year mortality rate.A higher use of inotropes in kidney transplant recipients is
      more prevalent in older patients, those with a 2nd transplant and in patients
      with polycystic kidney disease as their primary renal disease. The postoperative
      hospital stay, rejection within the 1st year, and 1-year mortality rate are
      increased in patients with an inotropic score >=7.

PMID- 28072740
TI  - Keyhole approach in the neuroendoscopic treatment for hydrocephalus.
AB  - The aim of the study was to explore keyhole approach and dura suture in the
      neuroendoscopic treatment for hydrocephalus.Twelve cases of hydrocephalus
      patients who were treated with neuroendoscope by this approach were analyzed
      retrospectively from April 2015 to April 2016 in our department. The basic steps
      of this procedure was using drill and milling cutter to form a small bone flap
      instead of burr hole, and then making a cruciate incision on the dura. After
      endoscopic third ventriculostomy or endoscopic third ventriculostomy +
      ventriculocystostomy finished, dura was sutured and the bone flap was reset.All
      12 patients could suture dura effectively, and no cerebrospinal fluid leak and
      subcutaneous cerebrospinal fluid collection happened; symptoms of hydrocephalus
      were also improved. Moreover, during the operation, we found this approach could
      suspend dura, and avoid the cerebral sulcus and cortical coarse vein effectively,
      which could reduce the risk of intracranial hemorrhage. In addition, we found
      this approach could increase the reachable range of the neuroendoscope
      significantly.Keyhole approach can suture dura and avoid the cerebral sulcus and
      cortical coarse vein effectively, increase the indications, and reduce
      complications of neuroendoscope. So, this approach has clinical values and can be
      used in hydrocephalus.

PMID- 28072741
TI  - Daughter and mother diagnosed with hereditary multiple exostoses: A case report
      and a review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) or osteochondromatosis is a
      rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by multiple osteochondromas and
      skeletal deformities. PATIENT CONCERNS & DIAGNOSES: We present the case of a 5
      years and 9 month-old patient who presented with inferior limb pain for
      approximately 6 months, associating also deformity of the right index finger for
      a month. Hand X-ray revealed a radiologic abnormality of the right radius,
      therefore the child was referred to our clinic for further investigations. The X
      rays revealed multiple osteochondromas of the radius, metacarpal bones, hand
      phalangeal bones, femur, tibia, fibula, metatarsal bones, and foot phalangeal
      bones. We mention that the same radiological aspect was identified in the case of
      the patient's mother, undiagnosed until that moment. OUTCOMES: The particularity
      of this case consists in identification of a rare genetic pathology, HME in a 5
      year-old patient, without any known familial history, after the occurrence of a
      nontraumatic joint dislocation of the right index finger. CONCLUSION: HME is a
      rare genetic condition, without a curative treatment, burdened by multiple
      complications, and whose diagnosis is usually established during childhood.

PMID- 28072742
TI  - The nonlinear association between apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 ratio and
      type 2 diabetes.
AB  - The ratio of ApoB/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) has been found to be associated with
      type 2 diabetes, and it was proposed as a new biomarker for type 2 diabetes
      predictions. Previous studies have assumed that the association between
      apoB/apoA1 and type 2 diabetes was linear. However, the linearity assumption has
      rarely been examined. In the present study, we aimed to examine whether this
      association showed a linear trend in a nationally representative
      population.Participants aged 18 years and over (n = 8220) were selected from the
      China Health Nutrition Survey (CHNS). We used restricted cubic spline to model
      the association between ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and type 2 diabetes using logistic
      regression models. Additionally, we categorized the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio according to
      quartiles to compare with previous results. Age, gender, education, smoking
      status, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid, body mass index
      (BMI), and hypertension were controlled as potential confounders.We found that
      the association between apoB/apoA1 ratio and type 2 diabetes may be nonlinear
      after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Compared with the lowest
      quartile of apoB/apoA1 ratio, participants in the fourth quartile had a higher
      odds of type 2 diabetes [odds ratio (OR) = 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) =
      1.01-1.81].Our results suggest that, higher apoB/apoA1 ratio was associated with
      higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. However, the association may be nonlinear.

PMID- 28072743
TI  - Bilateral anterior capsulotomy and amygdalotomy for mental retardation with
      psychiatric symptoms and aggression: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: Mental retardation (MR) is a chronic condition that often has no
      readily identifiable cause or treatment. Aggression and psychiatric symptoms are
      prevalent in children with MR. Surgical treatment of aggression and psychiatric
      symptoms of MR is seldom investigated and studies are limited. PATIENT CONCERNS:
      We encountered a 19-year-old female who had MR with aggression and psychiatric
      symptoms. DIAGNOSES: She was diagnosed with mild MR with aggressiveness and
      psychiatric symptoms. INTERVENTIONS: Because the patient was refractory to
      conservative treatment, bilateral anterior capsulotomy and amygdaloid
      neurosurgery were performed for her psychiatric symptoms and aggression. The
      benefits and side effects of the surgery were analyzed. OUTCOMES: After surgery,
      the patient showed significant alleviation of her psychiatric symptoms and
      aggression with no observed side effects. LESSONS: Bilateral anterior capsulotomy
      in combination with amygdaloid neurosurgery may resolve both psychiatric and
      aggressive symptoms. Future investigations of control studies with large patient
      cohorts are needed.

PMID- 28072744
TI  - Posterior arthrodesis of C1-C3 for the stabilization of multiple unstable upper
      cervical fractures with spinal cord compromise: A case report and literature
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple fractures of the atlas and axis are rare. The management of
      multiple fragment axis fractures and unstable atlas fractures is still
      challenging for the spinal surgeon. There are no published reports of similar
      fractures with 3-part fracture of axis associated with an unstable atlas
      fracture. CASE SUMMARY: We present a patient with concurrent axis and atlas
      fractures, which have not been reported. The patient suffered hyperextension
      injury with neck pain and numbness of the bilateral upper extremity associated
      with weakness after a 2-m fall. The axis fractures included an odontoid type IIA
      fracture and traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2-C3. The atlas fracture was
      unstable. The neurological examination manifested as central canal syndrome,
      which was due to the hyperextension injury of cervical spine and
      spondylolisthesis of C2-C3. The patient was diagnosed as multiple unstable upper
      cervical fractures with spinal cord compromise. We performed posterior
      arthrodesis of C1-C3. Postoperatively, the patient showed neurological
      improvement, and C1-C3 had fused at the 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Posterior
      arthrodesis of C1-C3 could provide a stable fixation for the 3 parts of axis (an
      odontoid type IIA fracture and traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2-C3) combined an
      unstable atlas fracture. Both the patient and the doctor were satisfied with the
      results of the treatment. So posterior arthrodesis of C1-C3 is a suitable
      treatment option for the treatment of a concurrent unstable atlas fracture and
      multiple fractures of the axis.

PMID- 28072745
TI  - Safety and efficacy of chloral hydrate for conscious sedation of infants in the
      pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit.
AB  - This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of chloral hydrate administration
      for the conscious sedation of infants in the pediatric cardiovascular intensive
      care unit (PCICU).We conducted a retrospective review of the charts of 165
      infants with congenital heart disease who received chloral hydrate in our PCICU
      between January 2014 and December 2014. Chloral hydrate was administered orally
      or rectally to infants using doses of 50 mg/kg. We collected and analyzed
      relevant clinical parameters.The overall length of time to achieve sedation was
      ranged from 5 to 35 min (10.8 +/- 6.2 min); the overall mean duration of sedation
      was ranged from 15 to 60 min (33.5 +/- 11.3 min); and the overall mean length of
      time to return to normal activity was 10 min to 6 h (34.3 +/- 16.2 min). The
      length of the PCICU stay was ranged from 3 to 30 days (8.2 +/- 7.1 days).
      Physiologically, there were no clinically significant changes in heart rate, mean
      arterial pressure, respiratory rate, or peripheral oxygen saturation before,
      during, or after use of the chloral hydrate. There were no significant
      differences regarding sedative effects in the subgroups (cyanotic vs acyanotic
      group, with pulmonary infection vs without pulmonary infection group, and with
      pulmonary hypertension vs without pulmonary hypertension group).Our experience
      suggests that chloral hydrate is a safe and efficacious agent for conscious
      sedation of infants in the PCICU.

PMID- 28072746
TI  - ZNF148 modulates TOP2A expression and cell proliferation via ceRNA regulatory
      mechanism in colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation is a novel hypothesized
      mechanism that states RNA molecules share common target microRNAs (miRNAs) and
      may competitively combine into the same miRNA pool. METHODS: Zinc finger protein
      148 (ZNF148) and TOP2A expression were analyzed in 742 colorectal cancer (CRC)
      tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC). ZNF148 mRNA, TOP2A mRNA, miR101,
      miR144, miR335, and miR365 expression were estimated in 53 fresh frozen CRC
      tissues by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Mechanisms
      underpinning ceRNA were examined using bioinformatics, correlation analysis, RNA
      interference, gene over-expression, and luciferase assays. RESULTS: Protein
      levels of ZNF148 and TOP2A detected by IHC positively correlated (Spearman
      correlation coefficient [rs] = 0.431, P < 0.001); mRNA levels of ZNF148 and TOP2A
      also positively correlated (r = 0.591, P < 0.001). Bioinformatics analysis
      demonstrated that ZNF148 and TOP2A mRNA had 13 common target miRNAs, including
      miR101, miR144, miR335, and miR365. Correlation analysis demonstrated that levels
      of ZNF148 mRNA were negatively associated with levels of miR144, miR335, and
      miR365. Knockdown and overexpression tests showed that ZNF148 mRNA and TOP2A mRNA
      regulated each other in HCT116 cells, respectively, but not in Dicer-deficient
      HCT116 cells. Luciferase assays demonstrated that ZNF148 and TOP2A regulated each
      other through 3'UTR. Overexpression of ZNF148 mRNA and TOP2A mRNA caused
      significant downregulation of miR101, miR144, miR335, and miR365 in the HCT116
      cells. We also found that knockdown of ZNF148 and TOP2A significantly promoted
      cell growth, and overexpression of ZNF148 and TOP2A inhibited cell proliferation,
      which was abrogated in Dicer-deficient HCT116 cells. CONCLUSION: ZNF148 and TOP2A
      regulate each other through ceRNA regulatory mechanism in CRC, which has
      biological effects on cell proliferation.

PMID- 28072747
TI  - The clinical characteristics and short-term prognosis in elderly patients with
      Guillain-Barre syndrome.
AB  - To investigate the clinical characteristics and short-term prognosis of elderly
      patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).We retrospectively analyzed the
      clinical data of adult GBS. According to the age, the enrolled subjects were
      divided into 2 groups, that is, patients >=60 years (elderly group) and those
      aged 18 to 59 years (nonelderly group). The clinical characteristics and short
      term prognosis of the patients in the 2 groups were compared.In total, 535
      patients were enrolled. There were 67 patients fell into the elderly group with a
      mean age of 69 years old; while 468 patients fell into the nonelderly group with
      a mean age of 39 years old. We found that the elderly patients had significantly
      lower incidence of antecedent infections (49.3% vs 66.2%, P < 0.01). The time
      from onset to admission (5 vs 4 days, P < 0.05) and time from onset to nadir (7
      vs 6 days, P < 0.05) were significantly longer in the elderly patients. It was
      noteworthy that more elderly patients were found with lymphocytopenia (55.4% vs
      37.3%, P < 0.01), hyponatremia (25.0% vs 10.2%, P < 0.01), hypoalbuminemia (9.0%
      vs 2.6%, P < 0.05), and hyperglycemia (34.3% vs 15.2%, P < 0.01). Importantly,
      the elderly patients had longer duration of hospitalization (17 vs 14 days, P <
      0.05), higher incidence of pneumonia (29.9% vs 18.8%, P < 0.05), and poorer short
      term prognosis (58.2% vs 42.7%, P < 0.05). In patients with severe GBS, no
      significant differences were observed in disease severity, treatment modality,
      incidence of pneumonia, and duration of hospitalization between the 2 groups.
      However, more patients in the elderly group showed poor short-term prognosis
      (84.1% vs 63.8%, P < 0.01). Further, old age (>=60 years) (OR = 2.906, 95% CI:
      1.174-7.194, P < 0.05) and lower Medical Research Council (MRC) score at nadir
      (OR = 0.948, 95% CI: 0.927-0.969, P < 0.01) were risk factors for poor short-term
      prognosis in severe GBS patients.The clinical characteristics and short-term
      prognosis of elderly patients with GBS are distinct from nonelderly adults. Old
      age (>=60 years) and lower nadir MRC score serve as predictor for poor short-term
      prognosis in severe GBS patients.

PMID- 28072748
TI  - Giant polypoid gastric heterotopia in the small intestine in a boy: A case report
      and literature review.
AB  - RATIONALE: Heterotopic gastric mucosa has been described at various locations of
      the body; however, the polyp composed of heterotopic gastric mucosa in the small
      intestine is rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 15-year-old boy visited us for
      investigation of recurrent episodes of melena. Capsule endoscopy (CE) revealed a
      polypoid tumor in the ileum, with an active nearby hemorrhage. Contrast-enhanced
      computed tomography (CECT) showed a tumor in the right quadrant of the abdomen,
      with a diameter of about 18 * 14 mm. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with
      polypoid gastric heterotopia. INTERVENTIONS: We performed an operation to resect
      the lesion. OUTCOMES: The patient recovered smoothly after surgery and was
      discharged on postoperative day 7 and followed up for 3 months. He has not
      experienced gastrointestinal intestinal (GI) symptoms up to now. LESSONS: Giant
      polypoid gastric heterotopia in the small intestine is extremely rare, which can
      express as an occasional finding with or without symptoms. Surgical resection is
      the preferred therapy when symptoms appear.

PMID- 28072749
TI  - Ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the cervical sympathetic
      chain for complex regional pain syndrome: A retrospective observational study.
AB  - The stellate ganglion is a common target to manage neuropathic pain in the upper
      extremities. However, the effect duration of a single stellate ganglion block is
      often temporary. To overcome the short-term effects of a single sympathetic
      block, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) can be applied. The aim of the present study
      was to investigate the efficacy of PRF on the cervical sympathetic chain under
      ultrasound guidance for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).Twelve CRPS
      patients who underwent PRF on the cervical sympathetic chain were enrolled in
      this retrospective analysis. Under ultrasound guidance, PRF was performed for 420
      seconds at 42 degrees C on the C6- and C7-level sympathetic chain.The pain
      intensity decreased significantly at 1 week after the procedure. Overall, 91.7%
      of patients experienced at least moderate improvement. A positive correlation was
      observed between the extent of pain reduction at 1 week after PRF and the degree
      of overall benefit (r = 0.605, P = 0.037). This reduction in symptoms was
      maintained for a mean of 31.41 +/- 26.07 days after PRF. There were no
      complications associated with this procedure.PRF on the cervical sympathetic
      chain, which can be performed easily and safely under ultrasound guidance, should
      be considered an option for managing CRPS of the upper extremities.

PMID- 28072750
TI  - Upper gastrointestinal ectopic variceal bleeding treated with various endoscopic
      modalities: Case reports and literature review.
AB  - RATIONALE: Ectopic variceal bleeding is a rare (2-5%) but fatal gastrointestinal
      bleed in patients with portal hypertension. Patients with ectopic variceal
      bleeding manifest melena, hematochezia, or hematemesis, which require urgent
      managements. Definitive therapeutic modalities of ectopic varices are not yet
      standardized because of low incidence. Various therapeutic modalities have been
      applied on the basis of the experiences of experts or availability of facilities,
      with varying results. PATIENT CONCERNS: We have encountered eight cases of
      gastrointestinal ectopic variceal bleeding in five patients in the last five
      years. DIAGNOSES: All patients were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis presenting
      melena or hematemesis. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were treated with various
      endoscopic modalities (endoscopic variceal obturation [EVO] with cyanoacrylate in
      five cases, endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL) in two cases, hemoclipping in
      one case). OUTCOMES: Satisfactory hemostasis was achieved without radiologic
      interventions in all cases. EVO and EVL each caused one case of portal
      biliopathy, and EVL induced ulcer bleeding in one case. LESSONS: EVO generally
      accomplished better results of variceal obturations than EVL or hemoclipping,
      without serious adverse events. EVO may be an effective modality for control of
      ectopic variceal bleeding without radiologic intervention or surgery.

PMID- 28072751
TI  - Duodenal plexiform fibromyxoma as a cause of obscure upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: We are reporting the first-to our knowledge-case of duodenal Plexiform
      Fibromyxoma causing obscure upper gastrointestinal bleeding. PATIENT CONCERNS:
      Plexiform fibromyxoma triggered recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding
      episodes in a 63-year-old man who remained undiagnosed, despite multiple
      hospitalizations, extensive diagnostic workups and surgical interventions
      (including gastrectomies), for almost 17 years. DIAGNOSES-INTERVENTIONS: During
      hospitalization for the last bleeding episode, an upper gastrointestinal
      endoscopy revealed an intestinal hemorrhagic nodule. The lesion was deemed
      unresectable by endoscopic means. An abdominal computerized tomography disclosed
      no further lesions and surgery was decided. The lesion at operation was found
      near the edge of the duodenal stump and treated with pancreas-preserving
      duodenectomy (1st and 2nd portion). OUTCOMES: Postoperative recovery was mainly
      uneventful and a 20-month follow-up finds the patient in good health with no need
      for blood transfusions.Plexiform fibromyxomas stand for a rare and widely unknown
      mesenchymal entity. Despite the fact that they closely resemble other
      gastrointestinal tumors, they distinctly vary in clinical management as well as
      the histopathology. Clinical awareness and further research are compulsory to
      elucidate its clinical course and prognosis.

PMID- 28072752
TI  - A Simpler Blood Test for Monitoring Kidney Transplant Recipients: "A Disrupting
      Innovation".

PMID- 28072753
TI  - Engraftment Site and Effectiveness of the Pan-Caspase Inhibitor F573 to Improve
      Engraftment in Mouse and Human Islet Transplantation in Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Islet transplantation is an effective therapy in type 1 diabetes and
      recalcitrant hypoglycemia. However, there is an ongoing need to circumvent islet
      loss posttransplant. We explore herein the potential of the pan-caspase inhibitor
      F573 to mitigate early apoptosis-mediated islet death within portal and
      extrahepatic portal sites in mice. METHODS: Mouse or human islets were cultured
      in standard media +/-100 MUM F573 and subsequently assessed for viability and
      apoptosis via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling
      staining and caspase-3 activation. Diabetic mice were transplanted with syngeneic
      islets placed under the kidney capsule (KC) or into the subcutaneous deviceless
      (DL) site at a marginal islet dose (150 islets), or into the portal vein (PV) at
      a full dose (500 islets). Human islets were transplanted under the KC of diabetic
      immunodeficient mice at a marginal dose (500 islet equivalents). Islets were
      cultured in the presence of F573, and F573 was administered subcutaneously on
      days 0 to 5 posttransplant. Control mice were transplanted with nontreated islets
      and were injected with saline. Graft function was measured by nonfasting blood
      glucose and glucose tolerance testing. RESULTS: F573 markedly reduced human and
      mouse islet apoptosis after in vitro culture (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05,
      respectively). Furthermore, F573 improved human islet function when transplanted
      under the KC (P < 0.05); whereas F573 did not enhance murine islet marginal KC
      transplants. Conversely, F573 significantly improved mouse islet engraftment in
      the PV and DL site (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The pan
      caspase inhibitor F573 markedly reduces human and mouse islet apoptosis and
      improves engraftment most effectively in the portal and DL subcutaneous sites.

PMID- 28072754
TI  - Initial Outcomes of Pure Laparoscopic Living Donor Right Hepatectomy in an
      Experienced Adult Living Donor Liver Transplant Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only a limited number of centers have performed laparoscopic living
      donor hepatectomy to date. In particular, laparoscopic right hepatectomy is
      rarely performed because the procedure can only be performed by surgeons with
      significant experience in both laparoscopic liver surgery and liver
      transplantation with living donor liver grafts. METHODS: Between November 2014
      and February 2015, in a pure laparoscopic approach program for living right lobe
      donors at Asan Medical Center, 92 living donors underwent right hepatectomy for
      adult living donor liver transplantation. Among these, 3 pure laparoscopic living
      donor right hepatectomies were performed in 3 young female donors. RESULTS: The
      intraoperative and postoperative courses for all 3 donors and recipients were
      uneventful without any complications. Laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy has
      definite advantages over conventional open surgery, including decreased wound
      morbidity and faster recovery. CONCLUSIONS: According to the data of the present
      report, pure laparoscopic living donor right hepatectomy in properly selected
      living donors (only 4% of potential donors in this cohort) appears to be a safe
      and feasible procedure in adult living donor liver transplantation.

PMID- 28072755
TI  - Strategies for an Expanded Use of Kidneys From Elderly Donors.
AB  - The old-for-old allocation policy used for kidney transplantation (KT) has
      confirmed the survival benefit compared to remaining listed on dialysis. Shortage
      of standard donors has stimulated the development of strategies aimed to expand
      acceptance criteria, particularly of kidneys from elderly donors. We have
      systematically reviewed the literature on those different strategies. In addition
      to the review of outcomes of expanded criteria donor or advanced age kidneys, we
      assessed the value of the Kidney Donor Profile Index policy, preimplantation
      biopsy, dual KT, machine perfusion and special immunosuppressive protocols.
      Survival and functional outcomes achieved with expanded criteria donor, high
      Kidney Donor Profile Index or advanced age kidneys are poorer than those with
      standard ones. Outcomes using advanced age brain-dead or cardiac-dead donor
      kidneys are similar. Preimplantation biopsies and related scores have been useful
      to predict function, but their applicability to transplant or refuse a kidney
      graft has probably been overestimated. Machine perfusion techniques have
      decreased delayed graft function and could improve graft survival. Investing 2
      kidneys in 1 recipient does not make sense when a single KT would be enough,
      particularly in elderly recipients. Tailored immunosuppression when transplanting
      an old kidney may be useful, but no formal trials are available.Old donors
      constitute an enormous source of useful kidneys, but their retrieval in many
      countries is infrequent. The assumption of limited but precious functional
      expectancy for an old kidney and substantial reduction of discard rates should be
      generalized to mitigate these limitations.

PMID- 28072756
TI  - Rapid Testing for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Donors of Cornea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) has been accidentally transmitted by
      contaminated corneal transplants. Eye donors are not ordinarily tested for CJD,
      in part because an easy test is not available. We propose a relatively simple
      postmortem procedure to collect brain samples without performing full autopsy and
      show that a test currently marketed for veterinary diagnosis would offer an
      effective screening test. METHODS: We selected 6 brains from confirmed cases of
      human sporadic CJD and sampled each in triplicate (18 specimens), 28 control
      brains of individuals with non-CJD neurodegenerative diseases and 10 normal
      brains. We also applied a procedure involving retro-orbital puncture after
      enucleation and biopsied the frontal lobes and optic nerves of a macaque
      experimentally infected with variant CJD. All samples were tested with the IDEXX
      HerdChek BSE-Scrapie Ag Kit to detect the abnormal prion protein, PrP. RESULTS:
      The test discriminated between control and CJD-infected brains. All 18 infected
      brain samples diluted to 0.1%, except one, showed signals above cutoff, and a
      number of samples were reactive at even higher dilutions. These results suggest
      the test could detect the low concentrations of PrP probably present in brains of
      donors at early stages of CJD. Our collection procedure obtained sufficient
      macaque brain and optic nerve tissues to detect PrP. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that
      a commercial test combined with rapid sample collection might offer a practical
      solution to screen brains of cornea donors for evidence of CJD. Such a test might
      enhance safety of corneal transplants and some other tissue-derived products.

PMID- 28072757
TI  - Organ Procurement Organization Survey of Practices and Beliefs Regarding
      Prerecovery Percutaneous Liver Biopsy in Donation After Neurologic Determination
      of Death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prerecovery liver biopsy (PLB) allows histological evaluation of the
      organ before procurement. The opinions and what factors might influence PLB use
      within Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) are unknown. METHODS: A survey
      instrument was distributed by the Association of OPOs to the clinical directors
      of all 58 OPOs. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results were also
      stratified based on OPO characteristics. RESULTS: Forty-nine (84.5%) of 58 OPOs
      responded to the survey; 40 (81.6%) of 49 currently perform PLB. This did not
      vary based on land mass, population, livers discarded, transplanted, donor age,
      or recipient MELD scores. Donor age, obesity, alcohol abuse, hepatitis serology,
      liver only donor, imaging results, and transplant center request were the most
      common indications for PLB in over 80% of OPOs. The median rate of performance is
      5% to 10% of donors. Most use interventional radiologists to perform and the
      donor hospital pathologist/s to interpret PLB. Most OPOs believe PLBs are safe,
      reliable, useful, and performed often enough. Most say they did not believe they
      are easy to obtain. Beliefs were mixed regarding accuracy. The topics likely to
      influence PLB use were utility and accuracy of PLB, and availability of staff to
      perform PLB. OPOs that perform PLB more often were more likely to have favorable
      opinions of safety and pathologist availability, and more influenced by safety,
      reliability, availability, and a national consensus on the use of PLB.
      CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variability exists in the use of PLB. Additional
      information on the utility, accuracy, and safety of PLB are needed to optimize
      its use.

PMID- 28072758
TI  - How to Escape the Immune Response: What Tumors Teach to Transplant
      Physicians/Immunologists.
AB  - Recent progress in deciphering the mechanisms underlying the concepts of tumor
      immunosurveillance and immunoevasion has opened new opportunities for the
      development of effective antitumor therapies. Transplant physicians and
      immunologists have much to learn from those direct clinical translations of basic
      science. The 2016 Beaune Seminar in Transplant research brought together
      researchers from both fields to explore and discuss significant advances in
      cancer biology, immunotherapies and their potential impacts for the management of
      cancer in transplant recipients.

PMID- 28072759
TI  - Induction of K562 Cell Apoptosis by As4S4 via Down-Regulating miR181.
AB  - BACKGROUND Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) has unsatisfactory treatment
      efficacy at present. As the major component of red orpiment, tetra-arsenic tetra
      sulfide (As4S4) has been recently used in treating leukemia, but with unclear
      mechanism targeting CML. MicroRNA (miR) is a group of endogenous non-coding RNAs
      regulating pathogenesis. MiR181 has been shown to exert important roles in tumor
      progression. The relationship between miR181 and As4S4 in inducing K562 cell
      apoptosis, however, is still unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS CML cell line K562 was
      cultured in vitro in a control group and in groups receiving various dosages (20
      MUM and 40 MUM) of As4S4. MTT assay was employed to detect the effect on K562
      cell survival. MiR181 expression was quantified by real-time PCR. MTT assay and
      assay kit were used to determine K562 cell survival and caspase 3 expression.
      Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Bcl-2 expression was determined by
      real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS As4S4 significantly suppressed
      proliferation of K562 cells (p<0.05) and decreased miR181 expression, and
      increased caspase3 activity compared to the control group. It can induce K562
      cell apoptosis via remarkably down-regulating mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl
      2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS As4S4 can facilitate K562 cell apoptosis via down
      regulating miR181, inhibiting Bcl02 expression, and enhancing apoptotic protein
      caspase3 activity.

PMID- 28072760
TI  - Pentoxifylline inhibits TLR- and inflammasome-mediated in vitro inflammatory
      cytokine production in human blood with greater efficacy and potency in newborns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammation may contribute to
      neonatal sepsis, for which pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor
      that raises intracellular cAMP, is a candidate adjunctive therapy. We
      characterized the anti-inflammatory effects of PTX toward TLR-mediated production
      of inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-1beta) and
      proresolution (IL-6 and IL-10) cytokines in human newborn and adult blood.
      METHODS: Newborn cord and adult blood were treated with PTX (50-400 umol/l)
      before, during or after stimulation with LPS (TLR4 agonist), R848 (TLR7/8
      agonist) or LPS/ATP (inflammasome activation). Cytokines were measured by
      multiplex assay (supernatants), intracellular cytokines and signaling molecules
      by flow cytometry, and mRNA by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Whether added
      2 h pre-, simultaneously to, or 2 h post-TLR stimulation, PTX inhibited TLR
      mediated cytokine production in a concentration-dependent manner, with greater
      efficacy and potency in newborn blood, decreasing intracellular TNF and IL-1beta
      with relative preservation of IL-10 and IL-6. PTX decreased TLR-mediated TNF mRNA
      while increasing IL-10 mRNA. Neonatal plasma factors contributed to the anti
      inflammatory effects of PTX in newborn blood that were independent of soluble TNF
      receptor concentrations, p38 MAPK phosphorylation and IKB degradation.
      CONCLUSION: PTX is a potent and efficacious inhibitor of TLR-mediated
      inflammatory cytokines in newborn cord blood and a promising neonatal anti
      inflammatory agent.

PMID- 28072761
TI  - Immediate chest X-ray for patients at risk of lung cancer presenting in primary
      care: randomised controlled feasibility trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Achieving earlier stage diagnosis is one option for improving lung
      cancer outcomes in the United Kingdom. Patients with lung cancer typically
      present with symptoms to general practitioners several times before referral or
      investigation. METHODS: We undertook a mixed methods feasibility individually
      randomised controlled trial (the ELCID trial) to assess the feasibility and
      inform the design of a definitive, fully powered, UK-wide, Phase III trial of
      lowering the threshold for urgent investigation of suspected lung cancer.
      Patients over 60, with a smoking history, presenting with new chest symptoms to
      primary care, were eligible to be randomised to intervention (urgent chest X-ray)
      or usual care. RESULTS: The trial design and materials were acceptable to GPs and
      patients. We randomised 255 patients from 22 practices, although the proportion
      of eligible patients who participated was lower than expected. Survey responses
      (89%), and the fidelity of the intervention (82% patients X-rayed within 3 weeks)
      were good. There was slightly higher anxiety and depression in the control arm in
      participants aged >75. Three patients (1.2%) were diagnosed with lung cancer.
      CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the feasibility of individually randomising
      patients at higher risk of lung cancer, to a trial offering urgent investigation
      or usual care.

PMID- 28072762
TI  - Giving AXL the axe: targeting AXL in human malignancy.
AB  - The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL, activated by a complex interaction between its
      ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 and phosphatidylserine, regulates various
      vital cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, motility, and
      immunologic response. Although not implicated as an oncogenic driver itself, AXL,
      a member of the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK family of receptor tyrosine kinases, is
      overexpressed in several haematologic and solid malignancies, including acute
      myeloid leukaemia, non-small cell lung cancer, gastric and colorectal
      adenocarcinomas, and breast and prostate cancers. In the context of malignancy,
      evidence suggests that AXL overexpression drives wide-ranging processes,
      including epithelial to mesenchymal transition, tumour angiogenesis, resistance
      to chemotherapeutic and targeted agents, and decreased antitumor immune response.
      As a result, AXL is an attractive candidate not only as a prognostic biomarker in
      malignancy but also as a target for anticancer therapies. Several AXL inhibitors
      are currently in preclinical and clinical development. This article reviews the
      structure, regulation, and function of AXL; the role of AXL in the tumour
      microenvironment; the development of AXL as a therapeutic target; and areas of
      ongoing and future investigation.

PMID- 28072763
TI  - Epithelial to mesenchymal transition and HPV infection in squamous cell
      oropharyngeal carcinomas: the papillophar study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is recognised as aetiological
      factor of carcinogenesis in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPC). HPV
      related OPC respond better to treatments and have a significantly favourable
      outcome. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) implicated in tumour
      invasion, is a hallmark of a poor prognosis in carcinomas. METHODS: We have
      studied the relationship of EMT markers (E-cadherin, beta-catenin and vimentin)
      with HPV infection (DNA and E6/E7 mRNA detection), p16INK4a expression and
      survival outcomes in a cohort of 296 patients with OPC. RESULTS: Among the 296
      OPSSC, 26% were HPV positive, 20.3% had overt EMT (>25% of vimentin positive
      tumour cells). Lower E-cadherin expression was associated with a higher risk of
      distant metastasis in univariate (P=0.0110) and multivariate analyses (hazard
      ratios (HR)=6.86 (1.98; 23.84)). Vimentin expression tends towards worse
      metastasis-free survival (MFS; HR=2.53 (1.00; 6.41)) and was an independent
      prognostic factor of progression-free survival (HR=1.55 (1.03; 2.34)).
      CONCLUSIONS: There was a non significant association of EMT with HPV status. This
      may be explained by a mixed subpopulation of patients HPV positive with
      associated risk factors (HPV, tobacco and alcohol). Thus, the detection of EMT in
      OPC represents another reliable approach in the prognosis and the management of
      OPC whatever their HPV status.

PMID- 28072764
TI  - Antitumour activity of trabectedin in myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative
      neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) and chronic myelomonocytic
      leukaemia (CMML) are myelodysplastic myeloproliferative (MDS/MPN) neoplasms with
      unfavourable prognosis and without effective chemotherapy treatment. Trabectedin
      is a DNA minor groove binder acting as a modulator of transcription and
      interfering with DNA repair mechanisms; it causes selective depletion of cells of
      the myelomonocytic lineage. We hypothesised that trabectedin might have an
      antitumour effect on MDS/MPN. METHODS: Malignant CD14+ monocytes and CD34+
      haematopoietic progenitor cells were isolated from peripheral blood/bone marrow
      mononuclear cells. The inhibition of CFU-GM colonies and the apoptotic effect on
      CD14+ and CD34+ induced by trabectedin were evaluated. Trabectedin's effects were
      also investigated in vitro on THP-1, and in vitro and in vivo on MV-4-11 cell
      lines. RESULTS: On CMML/JMML cells, obtained from 20 patients with CMML and 13
      patients with JMML, trabectedin - at concentration pharmacologically reasonable,
      1-5 nM - strongly induced apoptosis and inhibition of growth of haematopoietic
      progenitors (CFU-GM). In these leukaemic cells, trabectedin downregulated the
      expression of genes belonging to the Rho GTPases pathway (RAS superfamily) having
      a critical role in cell growth and cytoskeletal dynamics. Its selective activity
      on myelomonocytic malignant cells was confirmed also on in vitro THP-1 cell line
      and on in vitro and in vivo MV-4-11 cell line models. CONCLUSIONS: Trabectedin
      could be good candidate for clinical studies in JMML/CMML patients.

PMID- 28072765
TI  - Phase II study of the PI3K inhibitor BKM120 in patients with advanced or
      recurrent endometrial carcinoma: a stratified type I-type II study from the
      GINECO group.
AB  - : Backround:Patients with metastatic endometrial carcinoma have a poor prognosis
      and PIK3CA mutations and amplifications are common in these cancers. This study
      evaluated the efficacy and safety of the pure PI3K inhibitor BKM120 in advanced
      or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: This phase II, multicentre, single
      arm, double strata (histological low grade (LG) or high grade (HG)) open-label
      study enrolled patients with histologically confirmed advanced or recurrent
      endometrial carcinoma who had received not more than one prior chemotherapy
      regimen. Patients received initially BKM120 100 mg tablets once daily. Primary
      end points were proportion of patients free of progression at 2 months (HG
      strata) or at 3 months (LG strata), objective response rate (ORR), and safety.
      RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were enrolled, of whom 16 patients had received
      BKM120 at 100 mg. Because of high toxicities (cutaneous rash (54%), depressive
      events (47%), and anxiety (40%), the IDMC has proposed to stop recruitment at 100
      mg and to continue the clinical trial with a lower dose of 60 mg per day. In
      addition, 24 patients (median age 67 years old) were newly enrolled (14 in the LG
      strata and 10 in the HG strata). Rate of nonprogression at 2 months in the HG
      strata was 70% and at 3 months was 60% in the LG strata. Median progression-free
      survival (PFS) for all patients is 4.5 months (CI 95% 2.8-6.1), and the median
      PFS for LG strata is 8.3 months compared with 3.8 months for the HG strata. No
      response was reported. At 60 mg per day, the most commonly reported treatment
      related adverse events (AEs) were hyperglycaemia (58%), cognitive (31%),
      digestive (28%), hepatic liver functions (26%), and rash (23%). The most commonly
      reported treatment-related grade ?3 AEs were HTA (17%), hyperglycaemia (17%), and
      increased alanine aminotransferase (24%). Five patients (21%) stopped BKM120 for
      toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The BKM120 was associated with an unfavourable safety
      profile and minimal antitumour activity in monotherapy in advanced or recurrent
      endometrial carcinoma. The clinical trial was stopped before end of recruitment
      for toxicity.

PMID- 28072766
TI  - The impact of body composition parameters on ipilimumab toxicity and survival in
      patients with metastatic melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Body composition is an important predictor of drug toxicity and
      outcome. Ipilimumab (Ipi), a monoclonal antibody used to treat metastatic
      melanoma, has specific toxicities. No validated biomarkers that predict Ipi
      toxicity and efficacy exist. Also, the impact of Ipi on body composition has not
      been established. METHODS: Patients with metastatic melanoma treated with Ipi
      between 2009 and 2015 were included. Body composition was assessed by computed
      tomography at baseline and after four cycles of Ipi. Sarcopenia and low muscle
      attenuation (MA) were defined using published cut-points. All adverse events
      (AEs) and immune-related AEs (irAEs) were recorded (Common Terminology Criteria
      For Adverse Event V.4.0). RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were included in this
      study (62% male, median age 54 years). At baseline, 24% were sarcopenic and 33%
      had low MA. On multivariate analysis, sarcopenia and low MA were significantly
      associated with high-grade AEs (OR=5.34, 95% CI: 1.15-24.88, P=0.033; OR=5.23,
      95% CI: 1.41-19.30, P=0.013, respectively), and low MA was associated with high
      grade irAEs (OR=3.57, 95% CI: 1.09-11.77, P=0.036). Longitudinal analysis (n=59)
      revealed significant reductions in skeletal muscle area (SMA), total body fat
      free mass, fat mass (all P<0.001) and MA (P=0.030). Mean reduction in SMA was
      3.3%/100 days (95% CI: -4.48 to -1.79%, P<0.001). A loss of SMA ?7.5%/100 days
      (highest quartile) was a significant predictor of overall survival in
      multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.02-4.56, P=0.046).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with sarcopenia and low MA are more likely to experience
      severe treatment-related toxicity to Ipi. Loss of muscle during treatment was
      predictive of worse survival. Treatments to increase muscle mass and influence
      outcome warrant further investigation.

PMID- 28072767
TI  - CYP3A7*1C allele is associated with reduced levels of 2-hydroxylation pathway
      oestrogen metabolites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endogenous sex hormones are well-established risk factors for breast
      cancer; the contribution of specific oestrogen metabolites (EMs) and/or ratios of
      specific EMs is less clear. We have previously identified a CYP3A7*1C allele that
      is associated with lower urinary oestrone (E1) levels in premenopausal women. The
      purpose of this analysis was to determine whether this allele was associated with
      specific pathway EMs. METHODS: We measured successfully 12 EMs in mid-follicular
      phase urine samples from 30 CYP3A7*1C carriers and 30 non-carriers using HPLC
      MS/MS. RESULTS: In addition to having lower urinary E1 levels, CYP3A7*1C carriers
      had significantly lower levels of four of the 2-hydroxylation pathway EMs that we
      measured (2-hydroxyestrone, P=1.1 * 10-12; 2-hydroxyestradiol, P=2.7 * 10-7; 2
      methoxyestrone, P=1.9 * 10-12; and 2-methoxyestradiol, P=0.0009). By contrast,
      16alpha-hydroxylation pathway EMs were slightly higher in carriers and
      significantly so for 17-epiestriol (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The CYP3A7*1C allele
      is associated with a lower urinary E1 levels, a more pronounced reduction in 2
      hydroxylation pathway EMs and a lower ratio of 2-hydroxylation:16alpha
      hydroxylation EMs in premenopausal women. To further characterise the association
      between parent oestrogens, EMs and subsequent risk of breast cancer,
      characterisation of additional genetic variants that influence oestrogen
      metabolism and large prospective studies of a broad spectrum of EMs will be
      required.

PMID- 28072768
TI  - Effect of low-dose aspirin use on survival of patients with gastrointestinal
      malignancies; an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggested a relationship between aspirin use and
      mortality reduction. The mechanism for the effect of aspirin on cancer outcomes
      remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspirin use and survival
      in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer. METHODS: Patients with
      gastrointestinal tract cancer diagnosed between 1998 and 2011 were included. The
      population-based Eindhoven Cancer Registry was linked to drug-dispensing data
      from the PHARMO Database Network. The association between aspirin use after
      diagnosis and overall survival was analysed using Cox regression models. RESULTS:
      In total, 13 715 patients were diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. A total of
      1008 patients were identified as aspirin users, and 8278 patients were identified
      as nonusers. The adjusted hazard ratio for aspirin users vs nonusers was 0.52
      (95% CI 0.44-0.63). A significant association between aspirin use and survival
      was observed for patients with oesophageal, hepatobiliary and colorectal cancer.
      CONCLUSIONS: Post-diagnosis use of aspirin in patients with gastrointestinal
      tract malignancies is associated with increased survival in cancers with
      different sites of origin and biology. This adds weight to the hypothesis that
      the anti-cancer effects of aspirin are not tumour-site specific and may be
      modulated through the tumour micro-environment.

PMID- 28072769
TI  - The impact of postdoctoral training on early careers in biomedicine.

PMID- 28072770
TI  - An optical probe of synaptic plasticity.

PMID- 28072771
TI  - Should you profit from your genome?

PMID- 28072773
TI  - Photosynthesis gets a boost.

PMID- 28072774
TI  - CAR-T's forge ahead, despite Juno deaths.

PMID- 28072775
TI  - BMS in microbiome immuno-oncology deal.

PMID- 28072776
TI  - Gut microbiome profiling tests propelled by customer demand.

PMID- 28072777
TI  - Pancreatic islets find a new transplant home in the omentum.

PMID- 28072780
TI  - Recent patents in metagenomics.

PMID- 28072779
TI  - Will a Trump administration let sleeping cells lie?

PMID- 28072781
TI  - Where are the data?

PMID- 28072783
TI  - After Theranos.

PMID- 28072784
TI  - Concerns over Cures.

PMID- 28072785
TI  - Mining ancient proteins for next-generation drugs.

PMID- 28072786
TI  - First Rounders Podcast: Jeremy Levin.

PMID- 28072787
TI  - Obama signs 21st Century Cures Act.

PMID- 28072788
TI  - CRISPR therapeutics push into human testing.

PMID- 28072789
TI  - Ganymed's Claudin win.

PMID- 28072790
TI  - Innovative academic startups 2016.

PMID- 28072791
TI  - First mitochondrial DNA transfer go-ahead.

PMID- 28072792
TI  - The rise of the ethical license.

PMID- 28072793
TI  - Merit-Based Incentive Payment System: Meaningful Changes in the Final Rule Brings
      Cautious Optimism.
AB  - The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) eliminated the
      flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) act formula - a longstanding crucial issue
      of concern for health care providers and Medicare beneficiaries. MACRA also
      included a quality improvement program entitled, "The Merit-Based Incentive
      Payment System, or MIPS." The proposed rule of MIPS sought to streamline existing
      federal quality efforts and therefore linked 4 distinct programs into one. Three
      existing programs, meaningful use (MU), Physician Quality Reporting System
      (PQRS), value-based payment (VBP) system were merged with the addition of
      Clinical Improvement Activity category. The proposed rule also changed the name
      of MU to Advancing Care Information, or ACI. ACI contributes to 25% of composite
      score of the four programs, PQRS contributes 50% of the composite score, while
      VBP system, which deals with resource use or cost, contributes to 10% of the
      composite score. The newest category, Improvement Activities or IA, contributes
      15% to the composite score. The proposed rule also created what it called a
      design incentive that drives movement to delivery system reform principles with
      the inclusion of Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs).Following the release
      of the proposed rule, the medical community, as well as Congress, provided
      substantial input to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS),expressing
      their concern. American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) focused
      on 3 important aspects: delay the implementation, provide a 3-month performance
      period, and provide ability to submit meaningful quality measures in a timely and
      economic manner. The final rule accepted many of the comments from various
      organizations, including several of those specifically emphasized by ASIPP, with
      acceptance of 3-month reporting period, as well as the ability to submit non-MIPS
      measures to improve real quality and make the system meaningful. CMS also
      provided a mechanism for physicians to avoid penalties for non-reporting with
      reporting of just a single patient. In summary, CMS has provided substantial
      flexibility with mechanisms to avoid penalties, reporting for 90 continuous days,
      increasing the low volume threshold, changing the reporting burden and data
      thresholds and, finally, coordination between performance categories. The final
      rule has made MIPS more meaningful with bonuses for exceptional performance, the
      ability to report for 90 days, and to report on 50% of the patients in 2017 and
      60% of the patients in 2018. The final rule also reduced the quality measures to
      6, including only one outcome or high priority measure with elimination of cross
      cutting measure requirement. In addition, the final rule reduced the burden of
      ACI, improved the coordination of performance, reduced improvement activities
      burden from 60 points to 40 points, and finally improved coordination between
      performance categories. Multiple concerns remain regarding the reduction in
      scoring for quality improvement in future years, increase in proportion of MIPS
      scoring for resource use utilizing flawed, claims based methodology and the
      continuation of the disproportionate importance of ACI, an expensive program that
      can be onerous for providers which in many ways has not lived up to its promise.
      Key words: Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, merit-based
      incentive payment system, quality performance measures, resource use, improvement
      activities, advancing care information performance category.

PMID- 28072794
TI  - Does Percutaneous Vertebroplasty or Balloon Kyphoplasty for Osteoporotic
      Vertebral Compression Fractures Increase the Incidence of New Vertebral
      Fractures? A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of an aging population,osteoporotic vertebral fractures are
      becoming more frequent.Conservative therapy was considered the gold standard for
      treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) in the past.
      Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) as minimally
      invasive techniques are new treatments that are widely used for painful OVCFs.
      However, an increase in new vertebral compression fractures at non-treated levels
      following augmentation is of concern. There is no convincing evidence that new
      fractures are inevitable after augmentation compared to after conservative
      treatment, and it is still unclear whether further fractures are the consequence
      of augmentation or a result of the natural progression of osteoporosis.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the new-level fracture
      risk after PVP or BKP compared with conservative (non-operative) treatment and to
      determine the dominant risk factor associated with new OVCFs. STUDY DESIGN: A
      meta-analysis of comparative studies was performed to evaluate the incidence of
      new vertebral fractures between vertebral augmentation, such as vertebroplasty
      and kyphoplasty, and no operation. SETTING: The PubMed, ISI Web of Science,
      ELSEVIER ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases and abstracts published in
      annual proceedings were systematically searched.In addition, we also retrieved
      data from references when titles met our inclusion criteria. METHODS: Detailed
      searches of a number of online databases comparing operative and non-operative
      groups were performed. We included randomized controlled trials,clinical
      controlled trials,and prospective clinical studies to provide available data. All
      studies were reviewed by two reviewers independently, and all the references that
      met our inclusion criteria were searched for additional trials, using the
      guidelines set by the QUOROM (Quality of Reporting of Meta-analysis) statement.
      RESULTS: We evaluated 12 studies encompassing 1,328 patients in total, including
      768 who underwent operation with polymethylmethacrylateand 560 who received non
      operative treatments. For new-level vertebral fractures, our meta-analysis found
      no significant difference between the 2 methods, including total new fractures (P
      = 0.55) and adjacent fractures (P = 0.5). For pre-existing vertebral fractures,
      there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (operative and non
      operative groups) (P = 0.24). Additionally,there was no significant difference in
      bone mineral density, both in the lumbar (P = 0 .13) and femoral neck regions (P
      = 0.37), between the 2 interventions. LIMITATION: All studies we screened were
      published online except for unpublished articles. Moreover, only a few data
      sources could be extracted from the published studies.There were only 5
      randomized clinical trials and 7 prospective studies that met our inclusion
      criteria. CONCLUSION: Vertebral augmentation techniques, such as vertebroplasty
      and kyphoplasty, have been widely used to treat osteoporotic vertebral fractures
      in order to alleviate back pain and correct the deformity, and it has been
      frequently reported that many new vertebral fractures occurred after this
      operation. Our analysis did not reveal evidence of an increased risk of fracture
      of vertebral bodies, especially those adjacent to the treated vertebrae,
      following augmentation with either method compared with conservative
      treatment.Key words: Vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, new osteoporotic compression
      vertebral fracture, meta-analysis.

PMID- 28072795
TI  - Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Failed Back Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a frequently encountered
      disease entity following lumbar spinal surgery. Although many plausible reasons
      have been investigated, the exact pathophysiology remains unknown. Various
      medications, reoperations, interventions such as spinal cord stimulation,
      epidural adhesiolysis or epidural injection, exercise therapy, and psychotherapy
      have been suggested treatment options. However, the evidence of the clinical
      outcome for each treatment has not been clearly determined. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the outcomes of each treatment modality and to present treatment
      guidelines for patients with FBSS. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of each
      treatment regimen in patients with FBSS. METHODS: The available literature
      regarding each modality for the treatment of refractory back pain or radiating
      pain for FBSS was reviewed. The quality assessment and the level of evidence were
      analyzed using the "Methodology Checklist" of SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate
      Guidelines Network). Data sources included relevant English language literature
      identified through searches of Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library from 1980 to
      Feb 2016. The primary outcome measure was pain relief of back pain or radiating
      pain for at least 3 months. Secondary outcome measures were improvement of the
      patient's functional status, health-related quality of life, return to work, and
      reduction of opioid use. RESULTS: Twenty-three articles were finally identified
      and reviewed. Based on our analysis, epidural adhesiolysis showed a short-term (6
      to 24 months) effect (grade A) and spinal cord stimulation showed a mid-term (2
      or 3 years) effect (grade B). Epidural injections showed a short-term (up to 2
      years) effect (grade C). However, other treatments were recommended as grade D or
      inconclusive. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this systematic review included the
      rarity of relevant literature. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural adhesiolysis or spinal cord
      stimulation can be effective in order to control chronic back pain or leg pain
      due to FBSS, and its recommendation grades are A and B, respectively. Other
      treatments showed poor or inconclusive evidence.Key words: Failed back surgery
      syndrome, post spinal surgery syndrome, chronic low back pain, post lumbar
      surgery syndrome, epidural adhesiolysis, spinal cord stimulation, epidural
      injection, revision.

PMID- 28072796
TI  - Incidence of Spontaneous Resorption of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH), a common disease, is often treated
      conservatively, frequently resulting in spontaneous resorption of the herniated
      disc. The incidence of this phenomenon, however, remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To
      analyze the incidence of spontaneous resorption after conservative treatment of
      LDH using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. STUDY DESIGN: Meta
      analysis and systematic review of cohort studies. SETTING: The work was performed
      at The Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of
      Traditional Chinese Medicine. METHODS: We initiated a search for the period from
      January 1990 to December 2015 using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Two
      independent reviewers examined the relevant reports. The references from these
      reports were also searched for additional trials using the criteria established
      in the PRISMA statement. RESULTS: Our results represent the pooled results from
      11 cohort studies. The overall incidence of spontaneous resorption after LDH was
      66.66% (95% CI 51% - 69%). The incidence in the United Kingdom was 82.94% (95% CI
      63.77% - 102.11%). The incidence in Japan was 62.58% (95% CI 55.71% - 69.46%).
      LIMITATIONS: Our study was limited because there were few sources from which to
      extract data, either in abstracts or published studies. There were no randomized,
      controlled trials that met our criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The phenomenon of LDH
      reabsorption is well recognized. Because its overall incidence is now 66.66%
      according to our results, conservative treatment may become the first choice of
      treatment for LDH. More large-scale, double-blinded, randomized, controlled
      trials are necessary to study the phenomenon of spontaneous resorption of LDH.Key
      words: Lumbar, disc herniation, spontaneous resorption, conservative treatment,
      incidence, country, meta-analysis, systematic review, observational studies,
      study designs.

PMID- 28072797
TI  - Effect of Concomitant Pain Medications on Response to Pregabalin in Patients with
      Postherpetic Neuralgia or Spinal Cord Injury-Related Neuropathic Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with neuropathic pain (NeP) often receive combination
      therapy with multiple agents in the hopes of improving both pain and any
      comorbidities that may be present. While pregabalin is often recommended as a
      first-line treatment of NeP, few studies have examined the effects of concomitant
      medications on the efficacy of pregabalin. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of
      concomitant medications on the efficacy and safety of pregabalin for the
      treatment of NeP. STUDY DESIGN: Data were derived from 7 randomized placebo
      controlled trials of pregabalin (150, 300, 600, and flexible 150 - 600 mg/d) for
      the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and 2 randomized placebo-controlled
      trials for the treatment of NeP due to spinal cord injury (SCI-NeP). On each day,
      patients rated the severity of their pain and pain-related sleep interference
      (PRSI) over the previous 24 hours on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher scores
      indicating greater severity. Patients were also continually monitored for the
      occurrence of adverse events. SETTING: A pooled retrospective analyses of data
      from randomized clinical trials. METHODS: Changes from baseline in mean weekly
      pain and PRSI scores were compared between patients who received concomitant NeP
      medications and patients who did not receive concomitant NeP medications. Results
      of these comparisons are presented separately for the PHN (through 4, 8, and 12
      weeks) and SCI-NeP (through 12 weeks) cohorts. Common adverse events are also
      presented for each treatment group. RESULTS: Pregabalin significantly improved
      both pain and PRSI scores relative to placebo at most dose levels and time points
      examined. Notably, little difference was observed in the extent of therapeutic
      response to pregabalin between patients who received concomitant NeP medications
      and patients who did not receive concomitant NeP medications. Additionally, the
      profile of treatment-emergent adverse events appeared to be largely unaffected by
      the use of concomitant NeP medications in the pooled patient population.
      LIMITATIONS: Our analysis is limited in that the original trials of pregabalin
      were not powered to examine the effects of concomitant NeP medications.
      CONCLUSIONS: The data presented here demonstrate that therapeutic response to
      pregabalin and the occurrence of adverse events in patients with NeP are
      generally unaffected by the concurrent use of other NeP medications.Trial
      Registration numbers: NCT00159666; NCT00301223; NCT00407745Key words: Pregabalin,
      neuropathic pain, pain-related sleep interference, concomitant medications,
      postherpetic neuralgia, spinal cord injury, efficacy, safety.

PMID- 28072798
TI  - Reliability and Safety of Contra-Lateral Oblique View for Interlaminar Epidural
      Needle Placement.
AB  - Cord trauma is a risk with a cervical and thoracic interlaminar epidural approach
      to the epidural space. Intermittent lateral fluoroscopic imaging to detect needle
      depth is often cumbersome and may be difficult to interpret. In comparison, the
      contra-lateral oblique (CLO) fluoroscopic view is efficient and easy to
      interpret. However, the in vivo reliability and safety of this technique has not
      been formally investigated.The senior author collected fluoroscopic images on 278
      consecutive patients undergoing an interlaminar epidural block at the T1-T2 level
      performed using a 17 gauge Tuohy needle. Before catheter placement, anterior
      posterior (AP) and CLO fluoroscopic images were saved with the needle at the
      ligamentum flavum and the needle just through the ligamentum flavum.We randomly
      selected the images of 40 cases that included the paired CLO images (total 80
      images) documenting the views at and through the ligamentum flavum. Three
      interventionalists were asked to review, in a blinded fashion, the randomly
      selected, paired CLO images and to score each image, recording whether the 17
      gauge needle was in or out of the epidural space to determine the accuracy and
      reliability of this technique.There was a 97.5%, 95%, and 93.8% agreement between
      each reviewing physician and the senior author resulting in a correlation using
      the Kappa statistic value of 0.950, 0.875, and 0.874, respectively (P < 0.001).
      The 3 reviewing physicians disagreed with the senior author's correct answer in
      2.5%, 5%, and 6.2%, respectively, however, the disagreement occurred primarily
      because of poor image quality. Agreement between the 3 reviewing physicians was
      93.8%, 96.3%, and 90%, with a Kappa value of 0.875, 0.924, and 0.799,
      respectively (P < 0.001). There was 100% technical success in the 278 case series
      without "wet taps," provocation of pain during entry, or any other immediate post
      procedural complication.We conclude the CLO view provides an efficient and
      reliable method to visualize needle tip depth in relation to the epidural space.
      The close inter-observer agreement was possible with minimal physician
      instruction.Key words: Cervical interlaminar, cervical epidural, contra-lateral
      oblique, fluoroscopic imaging.

PMID- 28072799
TI  - Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Highly Migrated Lumbar Disc
      Herniation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has been growing in
      popularity for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) due to its
      irreplaceable advantages over conventional open surgery. Compared with common
      lumbar disc herniations, discectomy of highly migrated LDH by PELD is known to be
      very difficult. Highly migrated lumbar disc herniation has long been a challenge
      for its specific characteristics. Three approaches for PELD have been applied to
      access a highly migrated LDH, including an interlaminar approach (IL),
      transforaminal approach (TF), and contralateral transforaminal approach (CTF).
      However, none of the existing research has systematically described the selection
      of the most appropriate procedure from the 3 approaches or the individualization
      of an operative procedure in different cases. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this
      study was to present a detailed surgical approach selection and individualization
      of procedure in the treatment of highly migrated LDH with PELD. We also mean to
      compare the outcomes of patients with highly migrated LDH treated with PELD by
      the 3 approaches. STUDY DESIGN: Single-center retrospective observational study.
      SETTING: An interventional pain management practice, a medical center, major
      metropolitan city, China. METHODS: In our retrospective analysis between March
      2011 and March 2013, 73 patients with single level highly migrated LDH received
      PELD. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS) score,
      the modified MacNab criteria, and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Relevant
      data such as operation duration and fluoroscopy frequency of the 3 operative
      approaches were recorded. RESULTS: The mean operating time of IL was 56 minutes,
      compared with 64 minutes for TF and 112 minutes for CTF. The mean intraoperative
      fluoroscopy times were 5.5 for IL, 9.7 for TF, and 14.6 for CTF. In each group,
      the mean VAS and ODI after surgery and 3 months after surgery improved
      dramatically compared with preoperative counterparts. However, the difference
      between postoperative results and the results 3 months after surgery was not
      significant (P > 0.05). The overall excellent rate was 90.4% according to the
      modified MacNab criteria; there was no significant statistical difference between
      the 3 operative routes. Operative complications occurred in 3 patients (2 after
      IL and one after CTF, 3 of 73, 4.1%). LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by its
      sample size. CONCLUSION: In our research, PELD with all 3 approaches was
      similarly effective to highly migrated disc herniation. The CTF approach required
      the longest operation duration and the most intraoperative times. On the
      contrary, the least operation time and radiographfrequency was required with the
      IL approach. In addition, we came to a conclusion of surgery approach selection
      when it comes to varied HM-LDH. Key words: Highly migrated, lumbar disc
      herniation, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, minimally invasive
      treatment.

PMID- 28072800
TI  - Modified Percutaneous Lumbar Foraminoplasty and Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar
      Discectomy: Instrument Design, Technique Notes, and 5 Years Follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conventional percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) with an
      "inside-outside" technique has 4.3% - 10.3% surgical failure rate, especially in
      central herniated discs (HDs), migrated HDs, and axillary type HDs. PELD with
      foraminoplasty has been used for complex HDs. Percutaneous lumbar foraminoplasty
      (PLF), which is performed with a trephine or bone reamer introduced over a
      guidewire without a protective working cannula in the original Tessys technique,
      can quickly cut the hypertrophied bony structure under fluoroscopic guidance, and
      risk injury to the exiting and traversing nerve roots. STUDY DESIGN: A
      prospective cohort study. SETTING: Hospital and outpatient surgical center.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome and safety of modified PLF-PELD with a
      specially designed instrument for complex uncontained lumbar HDs. METHOD: From
      April of 2007 to April of 2009, 148 patients with uncontained lumbar HDs were
      treated with modified PLF-PELD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) checkup was
      performed the next morning after the operation. Outcomes of symptoms were
      evaluated by follow-up interviews at 3 months, 6 months, one year, and 5 years
      after surgery. Low back pain and leg pain were measured by visual analog scale
      (VAS) score (1 - 100). Functional outcomes were assessed by using the Oswestry
      Disability Index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria. RESULTS: Follow-up data were
      obtained from 134 cases, including 14 cases on L3-4, 78 cases on L4-5, and 42
      cases on L5-S1. One hundred-eight cases were prolapse type, while 26 cases were
      sequestration type. Pre-operative symptoms and deficits included nerve root
      dermatome hypoesthesia in 98 patients (73%), nerve root myotome muscle weakness
      in 32 patients (23%), and weakening or disappearance of tendon reflex in 43
      patients (32%). No case required conversion to an open procedure during the
      surgery. Low back pain and leg pain were significantly relieved immediately after
      surgery in all patients. MRI examination showed adequate removal of HD in all
      patients. VAS scores and ODI values were significantly lower at all time points
      after surgery than before surgery. The percentage of pain relief in leg pain was
      significantly higher than that in low back pain (P < 0.01). But there was no
      significant correlation between duration of the preoperative symptoms and the
      percentage of pain relief. MacNab scores at 5 years after surgery were obtained
      from 134 patients. Seventy-five cases were rated "excellent"; 49 were rated
      "good," Five patients experienced heavier low back pain, thus being classified as
      "fair." Five cases with recurrence were rated "poor." Preoperative and
      postoperative (5 years follow-up) related nerve root function status was
      compared. Sensation and muscle strength recovered significantly (P < 0.01), while
      tendon reflex was not changed (P = 0.782). No patients had infections. Five
      patients were complicated with dysesthesia in distribution of the exiting nerve
      that was all operated at L5-S1. Complaints were reduced one week after treatment
      with medium frequency pulse electrotherapy. Five cases required a revision
      surgery after recurrence. LIMITATIONS: This is an observational clinical case
      series study without comparison. CONCLUSION: Modified PLF-PELD with a specially
      designed instrument is a less invasive, effective and safe surgery for complex
      uncontained lumbar DH.Key words: Lumbar disc herniation, minimally invasive
      treatment, foraminoplasty, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

PMID- 28072801
TI  - Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: An Open Label,
      Single Arm Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin-D deficiency may possibly be related to chronic low back pain
      (CLBP). OBJECTIVE: The study is aimed to assess the impact of vitamin-D
      supplementation on pain intensity, functional disability, and vitamin-D levels in
      patients with CLBP. STUDY DESIGN: Single arm open-label study. SETTING:
      Outpatient pain clinic of a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Sixty-eight eligible
      patients (CLBP for = 3 months, pain score = 50 on visual analogue scale (VAS) and
      plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 levels < 30 ng/mL) were enrolled. Patients were
      supplemented with 60,000 IU of oral vitamin-D3 given every week for 8 weeks.
      Efficacy parameters included pain intensity and functional disability measured by
      VAS and modified Oswestry disability questionnaire (MODQ) scores at baseline, 2,
      3, and 6 months post-supplementation. Plasma 25(OH) D3 levels were measured at
      baseline and 8 weeks. RESULTS: Baseline mean (SD) vitamin-D levels were 12.8
      (5.73) ng/mL and increased to 36.07 (12.51) post supplementation (P < 0.01).
      Forty-five (66%) patients attained normal levels (> 29 ng/mL) post
      supplementation. Significant reduction in VAS was observed at 2, 3, and 6 months
      [61 (19), 45 (19), 36 (18)] as compared to 81 (19) at baseline (P = 0.001 at all
      time intervals). A significant improvement in the functional ability was also
      observed at 2, 3, and 6 months [36 (12), 31 (13), and 26 (10)] as compared to
      baseline 45 (16) (P = 0.001 at all-time intervals). CONCLUSION: Vitamin-D
      supplementation in deficient CLBP patients may lead to improvement in pain
      intensity and functional ability apart from normalization of the levels. Future
      controlled clinical trials are required to confirm the hypothesis.Key words:
      Vitamin D, deficiency, screening, low back pain, chronic, supplementation.

PMID- 28072802
TI  - Efficacy of Adjuvant 10% Hypertonic Saline in Transforaminal Epidural Steroid
      Injection: A Retrospective Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic lower back pain with or without radiculopathy represents an
      important medical, social, and economic problem. Many treatment modalities and
      techniques, including surgery and epidural administration of steroids, have been
      used to manage this pain. Hypertonic saline, which has been used as an adjunct to
      percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis, can also be injected via a transforaminal
      approach in expectation of longer-lasting effects. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed
      to determine the effect of adding hypertonic saline to conventional
      transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFEI) to provide pain relief for
      chronic radiculopathy patients. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING:
      Pain clinic of a university hospital. METHODS: Between January 2010 and December
      2013, the medical records of 246 patients (94 in the hypertonic group, 153 in the
      control group) who received transforaminal epidural block were reviewed and
      analyzed. The hypertonic group received 10% sodium chloride solution added to
      lidocaine, triamcinolone, and hyaluronidase. Outcomes on pain reduction were
      measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS) and the responder rate at baseline,
      one, 3, and 6 months after procedure. RESULTS: The estimated difference in NRS
      scores from baseline throughout a 6-month follow-up period in the hypertonic
      group were significantly higher (P = 0.0003). The proportion of substantial
      responders (41.9% vs. 34.6% at one month, 40.9% vs. 26.8% at 3 months, and 33.3%
      vs. 14.4% at 6 months, respectively, P = 0.0058) and substantial/moderate
      responders (71.0% vs. 58.8% at one month, 65.6% vs. 40.4% at 3 months, and 48.4%
      vs. 20.3% at 6 months, respectively, P < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the
      hypertonic group. The Oswestry disability index (ODI) was not different between
      the groups (P = 0.2697). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design without a control
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertonic saline provides more superior and longer lasting
      pain relieving effects when added to TFEIs.Key words: Back pain, epidural
      injections, epidural steroids, hypertonic saline, lumbar, radiculopathy,
      transforaminal.

PMID- 28072803
TI  - Neural Correlates of Maladaptive Pain Behavior in Chronic Neck Pain - A Single
      Case Control fMRI Study.
AB  - Chronic neck pain patients display functional impairments like decreased range of
      motion, decreased strength, and reduced sensorimotor function. In patients
      without structural damage, the reason for the persistence of pain is not well
      understood. Therefore, it is assumed that in chronic pain states, memory
      processes play an important role. We have now detected and tested a patient that
      might help us to better understand the neural correlates of maladaptive pain
      expectation/memory. This patient displays chronic neck pain and restricted
      unilateral motion of the cervical spine to the left. However, when the patient is
      distracted, she can perform head rotations without experiencing pain and without
      restricting her range of movement. Based on this observation, we asked her to
      imagine movements shown in a video: conscious, non-distracted head rotations
      (pain-provoking) versus distracted head rotations (pain-free) and compared these
      results with an age and gender matched control volunteer. Functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) showed distinct brain activation patterns that depended
      on the side of rotation (pain-free versus painful side) and the kind of movement
      (distracted versus non-distracted head rotation). Interestingly, brain areas
      related to the processing of pain such as primary somatosensory cortex, thalamus,
      insula, anterior cingulate cortex, primary motor cortex, supplementary motor
      area, prefrontal cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex were always more strongly
      activated in the non-distracted condition and when turning to the left. The age
      and gender matched control volunteer displayed no comparable activation of pain
      centers. In the patient, maladaptive pain behavior and the activity of pain
      related brain areas during imagined head rotations were task-specific, indicating
      that the activation and/or recall of pain memories were context-dependent. These
      findings are important not only to improve the understanding of the neural
      organization of maladaptive pain behavior but also to reconsider clinical
      evaluation and treatment strategies. The current results therefore suggest that
      treatment strategies have to take into account and exploit the context in which
      the movement is performed.Key words: Maladaptive pain behavior, pain memory,
      brain plasticity, motor control, neck pain, fMRI, action observation, motor
      imagery.

PMID- 28072804
TI  - Multidisciplinary Care of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations to Improve
      Symptomatic Headache and the Onset, Progression, and Outcomes of Unruptured Brain
      Arteriovenous Malformations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Symptomatic headaches attributed to unruptured brain arteriovenous
      malformations (ubAVMs) are very common and affect patients' quality life, but
      multidisciplinary care of ubAVMs to improve symptomatic headache remains unclear.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective is to identify the features of symptomatic headaches,
      and to obtain headache outcomes following multidisciplinary care of ubAVMs, as
      well as provide background on the natural history of ubAVMs. STUDY DESIGN: The
      features of symptomatic headaches and headache outcomes were analyzed in a large
      cohort of cases after multidisciplinary care of ubAVMs. We have also provided
      information on the natural history of ubAVMs. SETTING: This study was conducted
      at the Department of Neurosurgery of Zhujiang Hospital where 336 patients from
      1998 to 2014 were reviewed by a multidiscipline team. Only 124 patients were
      eligible. METHODS: The demographics, clinical features, imaging features, and
      headache details of eligible patients were reviewed. An 11-point pain scale score
      was used to assess symptomatic headaches before, during, and after treatment. The
      headache outcomes, death or stroke, and adverse functional outcomes (modified
      Rankin Scale score = 2, mRS = 2) were assessed following multidisciplinary care
      of ubAVMs. RESULTS: Twenty-three (56.1%) of 41 patients had migraine-like
      headaches located in occipital lobe (P < 0.001), while forty (63.5%) of 63
      patients had tension-type-like headaches located in frontotemporal lobe (P <
      0.001). For patients with tension-type-like or all types of headache, headache
      improvement differed between the multidisciplinary group and medical group (87.8%
      vs. 31.8%, P < 0.001; 85.7% vs. 40.7%, P < 0.001). The risk of death or stroke
      did not differ between multidisciplinary group and medical group (P = 0.393),
      whereas the risk of adverse functional outcome (mRS = 2) differed significantly
      by long-time follow-up (23.0% vs.10.0%, P = 0.022). LIMITATIONS: This study
      provides the initial experience to support multidisciplinary care for ubAVMs to
      improve symptomatic headaches and patients' quality life, but based on the
      retrospective study with inherent limitations, larger samples and multi-center
      trials are needed on this interesting issue. CONCLUSIONS: Occipital ubAVM is more
      likely to present with migraine-like headache, while frontotemporal ubAVM tends
      to present with tension-type-like headache. The effectiveness of
      multidisciplinary care for ubAVM to improve headache has been shown, but the
      natural history of ubAVM patients with headache remains unclear.Key Words:
      Unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations, headache, headache improvement,
      natural history.

PMID- 28072805
TI  - Anatomical Variants of the Pudendal Nerve Observed during a Transgluteal Surgical
      Approach in a Population of Patients with Pudendal Neuralgia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have described the course and anatomical relations of
      the pudendal nerve. Several surgical nerve decompression techniques have been
      described, but only the transgluteal approach has been validated by a prospective
      randomized clinical trial. The purpose of this study was to describe the course
      of the nerve and its variants in a population of patients with pudendal neuralgia
      in order to guide the surgeon in the choice of surgical approach for pudendal
      nerve decompression. OBJECTIVES: In order to support the choice of the
      transgluteal approach, used in our institution, we studied the exact topography,
      anatomical relations, and zones of entrapment of the pudendal nerve in a cohort
      of operated patients. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: University
      hospital. METHODS: One hundred patients underwent unilateral or bilateral nerve
      decompression performed by a single operator via a transgluteal approach. All
      patients satisfied the Nantes criteria for pudendal neuralgia. The operator
      meticulously recorded zones of entrapment, anatomical variants of the course of
      the nerve, and the appearance of the nerve in the operative report. RESULTS: One
      hundred patients and 145 nerves were operated consecutively. Compression of at
      least one segment of the pudendal nerve (infrapiriform foramen, ischial spine,
      and Alcock's canal) was observed in 95 patients. The zone of entrapment was
      situated at the ischial spine between the sacrospinous ligament (or ischial
      spine) and the sacrotuberous ligament in 74% of patients.Anatomical variants were
      observed in 13 patients and 15 nerves. Seven patients presented an abnormal
      transligamentous course of the nerve (sacrotuberous or sacrospinous). A perineal
      branch of the fourth sacral nerve to the external anal sphincter was identified
      in 7 patients. In this population of patients with pudendal neuralgia, the
      pudendal nerve was stenotic in 27% of cases, associated with an extensive venous
      plexus that could make surgery more difficult in 25% of cases, and the nerve had
      an inflammatory appearance in 24% of cases. LIMITATIONS: We obviously cannot be
      sure that the anatomical variants identified in this study can be extrapolated to
      the general population, as our study population was composed of patients
      experiencing perineal pain due to pudendal nerve entrapment and their pain could
      possibly be related to these anatomical variants, especially a transligamentous
      course of the pudendal nerve. The absence of other prospective randomized
      clinical trials evaluating other surgical approaches also prevents comparison of
      these results with those of other surgical approaches. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first study to describe the surgical anatomy of the pudendal nerve in a
      population of patients with pudendal neuralgia. In more than 70% of cases,
      pudendal nerve entrapment was situated in the space between the sacrospinous
      ligament and the sacrotuberous ligament. Anatomical variants of the pudendal
      nerve were also observed in 13% of patients, sometimes with a transligamentous
      course of the nerve. In the light of these results, we believe that a
      transgluteal approach is the most suitable surgical approach for safe pudendal
      nerve decompression by allowing constant visual control of the nerve.Key words:
      Surgical, operative technique, pudendal, neuralgia, transgluteal approach.

PMID- 28072806
TI  - Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Distance Patients Will Travel for Minimally Invasive
      Spine Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transforaminal lumbar endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive
      spine surgery procedure performed principally for the treatment of lumbar
      herniated discs. Endoscopic spine surgeons around the world have noted how far
      patients will travel to undergo this minimally invasive spine surgery, but the
      actual distance patients travel has never been investigated. OBJECTIVE: We
      present here our analysis of how far patients will travel for endoscopic spine
      surgery by studying the referral patterns of patients to 3 centers in 3 different
      countries. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of de-identified patient data
      was performed to analyze the distance patients travel for spine surgery. METHODS:
      Patient demographic data was analyzed for patients undergoing transforaminal
      lumbar endoscopic discectomy procedures over the same 8 month period in 2015 at
      centers in the United States (U.S.), Netherlands, and Germany. RESULTS: Travel
      distances for patients were determined for 327 patients. The average distance
      traveled for the U.S. center was 91 miles, the Dutch center was 287 miles, and
      the German center was 103 miles. For the U.S. center 16% of patients traveled out
      of state for surgery and for the European centers combined, 4% of patients
      traveled out of the country for surgery. LIMITATIONS: The period of data analyzed
      was less than one year and the data collected was analyzed retrospectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Quality metrics in health care tend to be focused on how health care
      is delivered. Another health care metric that focuses more on what patients
      desire is presented here: how far patients will travel for innovative spine
      care.Key words: Endoscopic spine surgery, transforaminal, minimally invasive,
      travel, lumbar disc herniation.

PMID- 28072807
TI  - Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Refractory Chronic Migraine: Results of a Long
      Term Prospective Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Refractory chronic migraine affects approximately 4% of the
      population worldwide and results in severe pain, lifestyle limitations, and
      decreased quality of life. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) refers to the
      electric stimulation of the distal branches of greater and lesser occipital
      nerves; the surgical technique has previously been described and has demonstrated
      efficacy in the treatment of a wide variety of headache disorders. OBJECTIVES:
      The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term efficacy and tolerability of
      ONS for medically intractable chronic migraine. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, long
      term, open-label, uncontrolled observational study. SETTING: Single public
      university hospital. METHODS: Patients who met the International Headache Society
      criteria for chronic migraine, all of them having been previously treated with
      other therapeutic alternatives, and who met all inclusion and exclusion criteria
      for neurostimulation, received the implantation of an ONS system after a positive
      psychological evaluation and a positive response to a preliminary occipital nerve
      blockage. The implantation was performed in 2 phases: a 10 day trial with
      implanted occipital leads connected to an external stimulator and, if more than
      50% pain relief was obtained, permanent pulse generator implantation and
      connection to the previously implanted leads. After the surgery, the patients
      were thoroughly evaluated annually using different scales: pain Visual Analogue
      Scale (VAS), number of migraine attacks per month, sleep quality, functionality
      in social and labor activities, reduction in pain medication, patient
      satisfaction, tolerability, and reasons for termination. The average follow-up
      time was 9.4 +/- 6.1 years, and 31 patients completed a 7-year follow-up period.
      RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled and classified according to the
      location and quality of their pain, accompanying symptoms, work status, and
      psychological effects. Substantial pain reduction was obtained in most patients,
      and the VAS decreased by 4.9 +/- 2.0 points. These results remained stable over
      the follow-up period. Five of the 35 permanently implanted patients with migraine
      attacks at baseline were free from these attacks at their last visits, whereas
      the pain severity decreased 3.8 +/- 2.5 (according to the VAS) in the remaining
      patients. Seven of the 35 permanent implanted devices were definitively removed:
      2 devices because of treatment inefficacy, and 5 devices because the patients
      were asymptomatic and considered to be cured from their pain, even with the
      stimulation off. Systemic side effects were not observed. LIMITATIONS:
      Limitations of the current study include its uncontrolled and open-label design.
      Additionally, not all patients completed the 7-year follow-up period.
      CONCLUSIONS: We consider that the trigemino-cervical autonomous and cervical
      connection may explain why ONS might relieve chronic migraine pain, but this is
      just a theoretical explanation which should be demonstrated in future studies.
      The results achieved in this study suggest that ONS may provide long-term
      benefits for patients with medically intractable chronic migraine. These outcomes
      are slightly better than previous reports and were maintained over the 7-year
      follow-up. We believe that an accurate selection of patients, realization of
      diagnostic occipital nerve blocks, psychological evaluations, rigorous surgical
      technique, and appropriate parameter programming helped us achieve these
      outcomes. Key words: Refractory chronic migraine, headache, occipital nerve
      stimulatino, peripheral nerve stimulation, occipital nerve block.

PMID- 28072808
TI  - Use of High-Concentration Capsaicin Patch for the Treatment of Pelvic Pain:
      Observational Study of 60 Inpatients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pelvic, perineal and gluteal neuralgia is often experienced
      in a similar way to neuropathic pain, in the territories of four nerves: ilio
      inguinal, pudendal, inferior cluneal and posterior gluteal nerves. These pains
      are often refractory to medical treatment based on the use of systemic molecules
      with disabling adverse effects and surgical procedure may be necessary.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      treatment with a high-concentration capsaicin patch in these indications. STUDY
      DESIGN: This study was prospective, nonrandomized, and observational. SETTING:
      Federative Center of Pelvi-Perineology in the University Hospital of Nantes,
      France. METHODS: Sixty patients with pelvic neuralgia were treated with high
      concentration capsaicin patch. The primary endpoint was Patient Global Impression
      of Change (PGIC) and secondary endpoints included pain intensity on a Numerical
      Rating Scale (NRS), maximum sitting duration at the end of the day, Medication
      Consumption Score (MQS), and patient global improvement (from -100% to + 100%).
      RESULTS: Twenty four percent of the 60 patients included in the study declared
      that they felt "very much improved" or "much improved" (PGIC = 1 or 2) and these
      patients reported an average 58% improvement and a 3.4-point reduction on the
      NRS. Among the "good responder" patients, patients with coccygodynia appear to
      obtain the bestresults, as 37% of these patients declared that they were much
      improved with an average 63% improvement No serious adverse effects were observed
      and treatment was well tolerated. LIMITATION: This study is limited by its
      relatively small sample size and non-randomized study. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest the value of high-concentration capsaicin 8% patch in the treatment
      strategy for patients with chronic pelvic, perineal and gluteal neuralgia. This
      treatment would be particularly indicated in the management of coccygodynia.Key
      words: Pelvic pain, neuropathic pain, pudendal nerve, ilio-inguinal nerve,
      inferior cluneal nerve, posterior gluteal nerve, capsaicin, capsaicin patch,
      coccygodynia.

PMID- 28072809
TI  - Optimal Angle of Contralateral Oblique View in Cervical Interlaminar Epidural
      Injection Depending on the Needle Tip Position.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic neck and upper extremity pain associated with cervical origin
      is common, and cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections (CILESIs) are
      frequently used to manage the symptoms of cervical spinal disorders. However,
      CILESIs are associated with risks such as dural puncture and cord injury.
      OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the optimal needle tip visualization, in order
      to minimize CILESIs-induced complications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      observational study. SETTING: The single center study in Seoul, Republic of
      Korea. METHODS: Participants were 312 adults with neck or upper extremity pain
      caused by cervical lesion such as cervical herniated nucleus pulposus (HNPs).
      They underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients with severe cervical
      spinal stenosis, prior posterior cervical spine surgery, or other anatomical
      abnormalities of the vertebral laminae were excluded from the study. By using
      axial T2-weighted spin-echo MRI, we defined the area between the spinous
      processes as the anterior posterior zone 1 (APZ1), and the area lateral to the
      spinous processes as the anterior posterior zone 2 (APZ2). Line 1 was drawn along
      the ventral margin of lamina that confined APZ1, and line 2 was similarly drawn
      in order to define APZ2. The angles between the midsagittal line and lines 1 and
      2 were defined as angle 1 and angle 2, respectively. Angles were measured at the
      C5-6, C6-7, and C7-T1 levels, on both right and left sides at each level.
      RESULTS: Angle 1 values (in degrees) at right C5-6, left C5-6, right C6-7, left
      C6-7, right C7-T1, and left C7-T1 were 62.54 +/- 10.52, 64.34 +/- 9.86, 62.03 +/-
      10.27, 62.87 +/- 10.64, 61.64 +/- 11.0, and 62.58 +/- 10.83, respectively. Angle
      2 values at right C5-6, left C5-6, right C6-7, left C6-7, right C7-T1, and left
      C7-T1 were 50.44 +/- 6.84, 50.77 +/- 7.00, 49.15 +/- 6.07, 49.89 +/- 6.45, 50.84
      +/- 6.68, and 50.24 +/- 6.60, respectively. There were significant differences
      between angles 1 and 2 at each level. LIMITATIONS: This study is a retrospective
      review and did not employ controls, blinding, or randomization. Additionally, the
      optimal CLO angles for CILESIs and cervicothoracic interlaminar epidural steroid
      injections (CTILESIs) have not been assessed in clinical studies. Another
      limitation is that we divided lamina into only APZ1 and APZ2. CONCLUSIONS: During
      CILESIs, a contralateral oblique (CLO) view at 60 degrees is superior to other
      angles for visualizing the epidural space when the needle tip is placed in the
      interlaminar space and within the spinous processes margin. When the needle tip
      is placed in the interlaminar space and lateral to the spinous processes, a CLO
      view at 50 degrees is most appropriate.Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval
      number: S2016-0390-0001Key words: Chronic neck pain, chronic upper extremity
      pain, cervical epidural injections, cervical interlaminar steroid injections,
      steroid, needle tip position, needle tip visualization, fluoroscopy,
      complication, contralateral oblique view.

PMID- 28072810
TI  - High Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic, debilitating, neuropathic
      pain condition which is often misdiagnosed, difficult to manage, and lacks proven
      methods for remission. Most available methods provide some relief to a small
      percentage of patients. Recent FDA approval and superiority of the Nevro Senza 10
      kHz high frequency (HF10) spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy over traditional
      low-frequency spinal cord stimulation for treatment of chronic back and leg pain
      may provide a new interventional therapeutic option for patients suffering from
      CRPS. We provide a case report of a 53-year-old Caucasian woman who suffered with
      CRPS in the right knee and thigh for over 7 years. Implantation of the HF10
      device provided over 75% relief of pain, erythema, heat, swelling, and tissue
      necrosis to the entire region within 1 month of treatment. Because the HP10
      therapy provides pain relief without paresthesia typical of traditional low
      frequency, this system may provide relief for patients suffering from chronic
      pain.Key words: Complex regional pain syndrome, spinal cord stimulation, Nevro
      Senza HF10, erythema, knee, thigh.

PMID- 28072811
TI  - Evaluation of the Ototoxicity Potential of Once-Daily, Single-Entity Hydrocodone
      in Patients with Chronic Pain: Results of Two Phase-3 Clinical Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Use/misuse of the opioid combination hydrocodone-acetaminophen has
      been associated with permanent hearing loss. Although reports have been rare,
      this potential effect can have significant detrimental effect on patients'
      overall quality of life. To date, the ototoxic effect of hydrocodone alone has
      not been systematically investigated. OBJECTIVE: In this report, we aimed to
      evaluate the potential ototoxicity of a novel, single-entity, once-daily,
      extended-release hydrocodone tablet (Hysingla(r) ER; HYD). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical
      study. SETTING: Audiology clinics in US. METHODS: Results from 1207 patients in
      two phase 3 clinical studies were evaluated: A placebo-controlled study with an
      enriched enrollment, randomized withdrawal design in patients with chronic low
      back pain, and an open-label, long-term, safety study in patients with chronic
      nonmalignant and non-neuropathic pain. Comprehensive audiologic assessments
      (comprising pure-tone air-conduction audiometry in the conventional [0.25-8 kHz]
      and ultra-high [10-16 kHz] frequencies, pure-tone bone-conduction audiometry,
      tympanometry, speech reception thresholds, and word recognition) were conducted
      at baseline and end-of-studies; air-conduction audiometry was conducted
      periodically during the studies. All audiologic assessments were performed in
      audiology clinics in the United States by licensed audiologists. The primary
      endpoint was changes from baseline in pure-tone air-conduction thresholds in the
      conventional frequencies during the studies. These trials are registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, identifiers NCT01400139 and NCT01452529. RESULTS: During the
      studies, mean changes from baseline in air-conduction thresholds were clinically
      unremarkable. Bidirectional variability across all test frequencies was observed;
      82% of patients did not experience significant threshold changes during the
      studies, 7% had potential hearing decrement, and 10% experienced hearing
      sensitivity improvement. No notable differences were observed between patients
      receiving HYD and placebo or between different HYD doses. CONCLUSION: No ototoxic
      signal was observed for single-entity hydrocodone tablets at the dosages and
      treatment durations investigated. Key words: Audiologic monitoring, clinical
      trials, hydrocodone, opioids, ototoxicity monitoring, sensorineural hearing loss.

PMID- 28072812
TI  - Is Kratom the New 'Legal High' on the Block?: The Case of an Emerging Opioid
      Receptor Agonist with Substance Abuse Potential.
AB  - Kratom is an unscheduled opioid receptor agonist that comes in the form of
      dietary supplements currently being abused by chronic pain patients on
      prescription opioids. Active alkaloids isolated from kratom such as mitragynine
      and 7-hydroxymitragynine are thought to act on mu- and delta-opioid receptors as
      well as alpha-2 adrenergic and 5-HT2A receptors. Animal studies suggest that
      kratom may be more potent than morphine. Consequently, kratom consumption
      produces analgesic and euphoric feelings among users. In particular, some chronic
      pain patients on opioids take kratom to counteract the effects of opioid
      withdrawal. Although the Food and Drug Administration has banned its use as a
      dietary supplement, kratom continues to be widely available and easily accessible
      on the Internet at much less expensive rates than some opioid replacement
      therapies like buprenorphine. There are no federal regulations monitoring the
      sale and distribution of this drug, yet kratom has been associated with severe
      signs and symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, depressions, myalgias,
      chills, nausea/vomiting, respiratory hepatoxicity, seizures, coma, and death. A
      search of the pain literature shows past research has not described the use and
      potential deleterious effects of this drug. Many pain physicians are not familiar
      with kratom and as providers who take care of high-risk chronic pain patients
      using prescribed opioids, knowledge of current unregulated opioid receptor
      agonists with abuse potential is of paramount importance. The goal of this
      article is to introduce kratom to pain specialists and to spur a conversation on
      how pain physicians may take the lead to help curb the opioid abuse and overdose
      epidemic. Further studies may be required to help better understand the clinical
      and long-term effects of kratom use among chronic pain patients.Key words: Opioid
      receptor agonist, Kratom, Mitragynine, opioid overdose, chronic pain, substance
      abuse.

PMID- 28072813
TI  - A Case Report on Red Ear Syndrome with Tinnitus Successfully Treated with
      Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The red ear syndrome represents a rare symptom complex consisting of
      auricular erythema associated with painful and burning sensations. It has been
      described in combination with tinnitus rarely. It has been hypothesized to be
      etiologically related to altered trigeminal afferent input, temporomandibular
      disorders, and thalamic dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: The initial objective of
      applying transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) in a case of red ear
      syndrome in combination with tinnitus was the alleviation of the phantom sounds.
      STUDY DESIGN: This is a case report on the successful treatment of red ear
      syndrome with tinnitus by means of transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)
      and a short review on the published cases of this condition. SETTING: We present
      the case of a 50-year-old woman reporting a simultaneous onset of constant left
      sided tinnitus and feelings of warmth accompanied by an intermittent stabbing
      and/or oppressive pain stretching from the ipsilateral ear to the
      head/neck/shoulder region, occasionally accompanied by nausea/vomiting and
      dizziness. After failure of pharmacological treatment attempts, either because of
      lacking clinical effects (gabapentin, zolmitriptan, and indomethacin) or because
      of adverse reactions (pregabaline), the patient was offered an experimental
      neuromodulatory treatment with bitemporal tRNS primarily targeting the tinnitus
      complaints of the patient. METHODS: tRNS was conducted in 2 - 3 day sessions
      (stimulation site: bilateral temporal cortex/2.0 mA/10 s on-and-off-ramp/offset 0
      mA/20 min/random frequencies 101 - 640 Hz / NeuroConn Eldith DC-Stimulator plus).
      RESULTS: In 3 consecutive pain attacks repeated sessions of tRNS resulted in
      substantial alleviation of pain intensity and a prolongation of the interval
      between attacks. This was an expected finding as the proposed tRNS treatment was
      initially offered to the patient aiming at an alleviation of the tinnitus
      complaints (which remained unaffected by tRNS). LIMITATIONS: The reported data
      derive from compassionate use treatment in one single patient. Application of a
      sham condition would have been desirable, but is not possible in the context of
      compassionate use treatment. Nevertheless, we would consider it rather unlikely
      that the reported effects are purely unspecific as the patient did exclusively
      report symptom alleviation of pain-related parameters without affecting the
      tinnitus. CONCLUSIONS: This case report demonstrates the feasibility and
      therapeutic potential of applying neuromodulatory treatment approaches in red ear
      syndrome, a rare form of trigemino-autonomal headache. Therefore, it deserves
      detailed observation in clinical routine applications as well as controlled
      trials further investigating its neurobiological effects. Key words: Red ear
      syndrome, pain, trigemino-autonomal headache, chronic tinnitus, transcranial
      electrical stimulation, random noise stimulation.

PMID- 28072814
TI  - Transarterial Embolization Followed by Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Treating
      Vertebral Metastases with Paravetebral Extension.

PMID- 28072815
TI  - Author's Reply to the Letter to Editor, "Transarterial Embolization Followed by
      Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Treating Vertebral Metastases with Paravetebral
      Extension".

PMID- 28072816
TI  - Systematic Analysis of Transcriptional and Post-transcriptional Regulation of
      Metabolism in Yeast.
AB  - Cells react to extracellular perturbations with complex and intertwined
      responses. Systematic identification of the regulatory mechanisms that control
      these responses is still a challenge and requires tailored analyses integrating
      different types of molecular data. Here we acquired time-resolved metabolomics
      measurements in yeast under salt and pheromone stimulation and developed a
      machine learning approach to explore regulatory associations between metabolism
      and signal transduction. Existing phosphoproteomics measurements under the same
      conditions and kinase-substrate regulatory interactions were used to in silico
      estimate the enzymatic activity of signalling kinases. Our approach identified
      informative associations between kinases and metabolic enzymes capable of
      predicting metabolic changes. We extended our analysis to two studies containing
      transcriptomics, phosphoproteomics and metabolomics measurements across a
      comprehensive panel of kinases/phosphatases knockouts and time-resolved
      perturbations to the nitrogen metabolism. Changes in activity of transcription
      factors, kinases and phosphatases were estimated in silico and these were capable
      of building predictive models to infer the metabolic adaptations of previously
      unseen conditions across different dynamic experiments. Time-resolved experiments
      were significantly more informative than genetic perturbations to infer metabolic
      adaptation. This difference may be due to the indirect nature of the associations
      and of general cellular states that can hinder the identification of causal
      relationships. This work provides a novel genome-scale integrative analysis to
      propose putative transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms of
      metabolic processes.

PMID- 28072817
TI  - Drosophila Clock Is Required in Brain Pacemaker Neurons to Prevent Premature
      Locomotor Aging Independently of Its Circadian Function.
AB  - Circadian clocks control many self-sustained rhythms in physiology and behavior
      with approximately 24-hour periodicity. In many organisms, oxidative stress and
      aging negatively impact the circadian system and sleep. Conversely, loss of the
      clock decreases resistance to oxidative stress, and may reduce lifespan and speed
      up brain aging and neurodegeneration. Here we examined the effects of clock
      disruptions on locomotor aging and longevity in Drosophila. We found that
      lifespan was similarly reduced in three arrhythmic mutants (ClkAR, cyc0 and tim0)
      and in wild-type flies under constant light, which stops the clock. In contrast,
      ClkAR mutants showed significantly faster age-related locomotor deficits (as
      monitored by startle-induced climbing) than cyc0 and tim0, or than control flies
      under constant light. Reactive oxygen species accumulated more with age in ClkAR
      mutant brains, but this did not appear to contribute to the accelerated locomotor
      decline of the mutant. Clk, but not Cyc, inactivation by RNA interference in the
      pigment-dispersing factor (PDF)-expressing central pacemaker neurons led to
      similar loss of climbing performance as ClkAR. Conversely, restoring Clk function
      in these cells was sufficient to rescue the ClkAR locomotor phenotype,
      independently of behavioral rhythmicity. Accelerated locomotor decline of the
      ClkAR mutant required expression of the PDF receptor and correlated to an
      apparent loss of dopaminergic neurons in the posterior protocerebral lateral 1
      (PPL1) clusters. This neuronal loss was rescued when the ClkAR mutation was
      placed in an apoptosis-deficient background. Impairing dopamine synthesis in a
      single pair of PPL1 neurons that innervate the mushroom bodies accelerated
      locomotor decline in otherwise wild-type flies. Our results therefore reveal a
      novel circadian-independent requirement for Clk in brain circadian neurons to
      maintain a subset of dopaminergic cells and avoid premature locomotor aging in
      Drosophila.

PMID- 28072818
TI  - Glucose-ABL1-TOR Signaling Modulates Cell Cycle Tuning to Control Terminal
      Appressorial Cell Differentiation.
AB  - The conserved target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway integrates growth and development
      with available nutrients, but how cellular glucose controls TOR function and
      signaling is poorly understood. Here, we provide functional evidence from the
      devastating rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae that glucose can mediate TOR
      activity via the product of a novel carbon-responsive gene, ABL1, in order to
      tune cell cycle progression during infection-related development. Under nutrient
      free conditions, wild type (WT) M. oryzae strains form terminal plant-infecting
      cells (appressoria) at the tips of germ tubes emerging from three-celled spores
      (conidia). WT appressorial development is accompanied by one round of mitosis
      followed by autophagic cell death of the conidium. In contrast, Deltaabl1 mutant
      strains undergo multiple rounds of accelerated mitosis in elongated germ tubes,
      produce few appressoria, and are abolished for autophagy. Treating WT spores with
      glucose or 2-deoxyglucose phenocopied Deltaabl1. Inactivating TOR in Deltaabl1
      mutants or glucose-treated WT strains restored appressorium formation by
      promoting mitotic arrest at G1/G0 via an appressorium- and autophagy-inducing
      cell cycle delay at G2/M. Collectively, this work uncovers a novel glucose-ABL1
      TOR signaling axis and shows it engages two metabolic checkpoints in order to
      modulate cell cycle tuning and mediate terminal appressorial cell
      differentiation. We thus provide new molecular insights into TOR regulation and
      cell development in response to glucose.

PMID- 28072819
TI  - Testing the Efficacy of DNA Barcodes for Identifying the Vascular Plants of
      Canada.
AB  - Their relatively slow rates of molecular evolution, as well as frequent exposure
      to hybridization and introgression, often make it difficult to discriminate
      species of vascular plants with the standard barcode markers (rbcL, matK, ITS2).
      Previous studies have examined these constraints in narrow geographic or
      taxonomic contexts, but the present investigation expands analysis to consider
      the performance of these gene regions in discriminating the species in local
      floras at sites across Canada. To test identification success, we employed a DNA
      barcode reference library with sequence records for 96% of the 5108 vascular
      plant species known from Canada, but coverage varied from 94% for rbcL to 60% for
      ITS2 and 39% for matK. Using plant lists from 27 national parks and one
      scientific reserve, we tested the efficacy of DNA barcodes in identifying the
      plants in simulated species assemblages from six biogeographic regions of Canada
      using BLAST and mothur. Mean pairwise distance (MPD) and mean nearest taxon
      distance (MNTD) were strong predictors of barcode performance for different plant
      families and genera, and both metrics supported ITS2 as possessing the highest
      genetic diversity. All three genes performed strongly in assigning the taxa
      present in local floras to the correct genus with values ranging from 91% for
      rbcL to 97% for ITS2 and 98% for matK. However, matK delivered the highest
      species discrimination (~81%) followed by ITS2 (~72%) and rbcL (~44%). Despite
      the low number of plant taxa in the Canadian Arctic, DNA barcodes had the least
      success in discriminating species from this biogeographic region with resolution
      ranging from 36% with rbcL to 69% with matK. Species resolution was higher in the
      other settings, peaking in the Woodland region at 52% for rbcL and 87% for matK.
      Our results indicate that DNA barcoding is very effective in identifying Canadian
      plants to a genus, and that it performs well in discriminating species in regions
      where floristic diversity is highest.

PMID- 28072820
TI  - p-Cymene Promotes Its Catabolism through the p-Cymene and the p-Cumate Pathways,
      Activates a Stress Response and Reduces the Biofilm Formation in Burkholderia
      xenovorans LB400.
AB  - p-Cymene is an aromatic terpene that is present in diverse plant species. The
      aims of this study were to study the p-cymene metabolism in the model aromatic
      degrading bacterium Burkholderia xenovorans LB400, and its response to p-cymene.
      The catabolic p-cymene (cym) and p-cumate (cmt) genes are clustered on the LB400
      major chromosome. B. xenovorans LB400 was able to grow on p-cymene as well as on
      p-cumate as a sole carbon and energy sources. LB400 growth attained higher cell
      concentration at stationary phase on p-cumate than on p-cymene. The transcription
      of the key cymAb and cmtAb genes, and p-cumate dioxygenase activity were observed
      in LB400 cells grown on p-cymene and on p-cumate, but not in glucose-grown cells.
      Diverse changes on LB400 proteome were observed in p-cymene-grown cells compared
      to glucose-grown cells. An increase of the molecular chaperones DnaK, GroEL and
      ClpB, the organic hydroperoxide resistance protein Ohr, the alkyl hydroperoxide
      reductase AhpC and the copper oxidase CopA during growth on p-cymene strongly
      suggests that the exposure to p-cymene constitutes a stress condition for strain
      LB400. Diverse proteins of the energy metabolism such as enolase, pyruvate
      kinase, aconitase AcnA, succinyl-CoA synthetase beta subunit and ATP synthase
      beta subunit were induced by p-cymene. Electron microscopy showed that p-cymene
      grown cells exhibited fuzzy outer and inner membranes and an increased periplasm.
      p-Cymene induced diverse membrane and transport proteins including the p-cymene
      transporter CymD. Biofilm formation was reduced during growth in p-cymene in
      strain LB400 compared to glucose-grown cells that may be associated with a
      decrease of diguanylate cyclase protein levels. Overall, these results indicate
      active p-cymene and p-cumate catabolic pathways in B. xenovorans LB400. In
      addition, this study showed that p-cymene activated a stress response in strain
      LB400 and reduced its biofilm formation.

PMID- 28072821
TI  - Maysin and Its Flavonoid Derivative from Centipedegrass Attenuates Amyloid
      Plaques by Inducting Humoral Immune Response with Th2 Skewed Cytokine Response in
      the Tg (APPswe, PS1dE9) Alzheimer's Mouse Model.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slow, progressive neurodegenerative disease and the
      most common type of dementia in the elderly. The etiology of AD and its
      underlying mechanism are still not clear. In a previous study, we found that an
      ethyl acetate extract of Centipedegrass (CG) (i.e., EA-CG) contained 4 types of
      Maysin derivatives, including Luteolin, Isoorientin, Rhamnosylisoorientin, and
      Derhamnosylmaysin, and showed protective effects against Amyloid beta (Abeta) by
      inhibiting oligomeric Abeta in cellular and in vitro models. Here, we examined
      the preventative effects of EA-CG treatment on the Abeta burden in the Tg (Mo/Hu
      APPswe PS1dE9) AD mouse model. We have investigated the EA-CG efficacy as novel
      anti-AD likely preventing amyloid plaques using immunofluorescence staining to
      visually analyze Abeta40/42 and fibril formation with Thioflavin-S or 6E10 which
      are the profile of immunoreactivity against epitope Abeta1-16 or neuritic plaque,
      the quantitation of humoral immune response against Abeta, and the inflammatory
      cytokine responses (Th1 and Th2) using ELISA and QRT-PCR. To minimize the
      toxicity of the extracted CG, we addressed the liver toxicity in response to the
      CG extract treatment in Tg mice using relevant markers, such as aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST)/ alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurements in serum. The
      EA-CG extract significantly reduced the Abeta burden, the concentration of
      soluble Abeta40/42 protein, and fibril formation in the hippocampus and cortex of
      the Tg mice treated with EA-CG (50 mg/kg BW/day) for 6 months compared with the
      Tg mice treated with a normal diet. Additionally, the profile of anti
      inflammatory cytokines revealed that the levels of Th2 (interleukin-4 (IL-4) and
      interleukin-10 (IL-10)) cytokines are more significantly increased than Th1
      (interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-2(IL-2)) in the sera. These results
      suggest that the EA-CG fraction induces IL-4/IL-10-dependent anti-inflammatory
      cytokines (Th2) rather than pro-inflammatory cytokines (Th1), which are driven by
      IL-2/IFN-gamma. With regard to the immune response, EA-CG induced an
      immunoglobulin IgG and IgM response against the EA-CG treatment in the Tg mice.
      Furthermore, EA-CG significantly ameliorated the level of soluble Abeta42 and
      Abeta40. Similarly, we observed that the fibril formation was also decreased by
      EA-CG treatment in the hippocampus and cortex after quantitative analysis with
      Thioflavin-S staining in the Tg brain tissues. Taken together, our findings
      suggested that Maysin and its derivative flavonoid compounds in the EA-CG
      fraction might be beneficial therapeutic treatments or alternative preventative
      measures to adjuvant for boosting humoral and cellular include immune response
      and anti-inflammation which may lead to amyloid plaque accumulation in
      Alzheimer's patients' brains.

PMID- 28072822
TI  - Point-of-Care Versus Central Laboratory Measurements of Hemoglobin, Hematocrit,
      Glucose, Bicarbonate and Electrolytes: A Prospective Observational Study in
      Critically Ill Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rapid detection of abnormal biological values using point-of-care
      (POC) testing allows clinicians to promptly initiate therapy; however, there are
      concerns regarding the reliability of POC measurements. We investigated the
      agreement between the latest generation blood gas analyzer and central laboratory
      measurements of electrolytes, bicarbonate, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and glucose.
      METHODS: 314 paired samples were collected prospectively from 51 critically ill
      patients. All samples were drawn simultaneously in the morning from an arterial
      line. BD Vacutainer tubes were analyzed in the central laboratory using Beckman
      Coulter analyzers (AU 5800 and DxH 800). BD Preset 3 ml heparinized-syringes were
      analyzed immediately in the ICU using the POC Siemens RAPIDPoint 500 blood gas
      system. We used CLIA proficiency testing criteria to define acceptable analytical
      performance and interchangeability. RESULTS: Biases, limits of agreement (+/-1.96
      SD) and coefficients of correlation were respectively: 1.3 (-2.2 to 4.8 mmol/L, r
      = 0.936) for sodium; 0.2 (-0.2 to 0.6 mmol/L, r = 0.944) for potassium; -0.9 (
      3.7 to 2 mmol/L, r = 0.967) for chloride; 0.8 (-1.9 to 3.4 mmol/L, r = 0.968) for
      bicarbonate; -11 (-30 to 9 mg/dL, r = 0.972) for glucose; -0.8 (-1.4 to -0.2
      g/dL, r = 0.985) for hemoglobin; and -1.1 (-2.9 to 0.7%, r = 0.981) for
      hematocrit. All differences were below CLIA cut-off values, except for
      hemoglobin. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to central Laboratory analyzers, the POC
      Siemens RAPIDPoint 500 blood gas system satisfied the CLIA criteria of
      interchangeability for all tested parameters, except for hemoglobin. These
      results are warranted for our own procedures and devices. Bearing these
      restrictions, we recommend clinicians to initiate an appropriate therapy based on
      POC testing without awaiting a control measurement.

PMID- 28072823
TI  - Syntactic Recursion Facilitates and Working Memory Predicts Recursive Theory of
      Mind.
AB  - In this study, we focus on the possible roles of second-order syntactic recursion
      and working memory in terms of simple and complex span tasks in the development
      of second-order false belief reasoning. We tested 89 Turkish children in two age
      groups, one younger (4;6-6;5 years) and one older (6;7-8;10 years). Although
      second-order syntactic recursion is significantly correlated with the second
      order false belief task, results of ordinal logistic regressions revealed that
      the main predictor of second-order false belief reasoning is complex working
      memory span. Unlike simple working memory and second-order syntactic recursion
      tasks, the complex working memory task required processing information serially
      with additional reasoning demands that require complex working memory strategies.
      Based on our results, we propose that children's second-order theory of mind
      develops when they have efficient reasoning rules to process embedded beliefs
      serially, thus overcoming a possible serial processing bottleneck.

PMID- 28072824
TI  - D19S Mutation of the Cationic, Cysteine-Rich Protein PAF: Novel Insights into Its
      Structural Dynamics, Thermal Unfolding and Antifungal Function.
AB  - The cysteine-rich, cationic, antifungal protein PAF is abundantly secreted into
      the culture supernatant of the filamentous Ascomycete Penicillium chrysogenum.
      The five beta-strands of PAF form a compact beta-barrel that is stabilized by
      three disulphide bonds. The folding of PAF allows the formation of four surface
      exposed loops and distinct charged motifs on the protein surface that might
      regulate the interaction of PAF with the sensitive target fungus. The growth
      inhibitory activity of this highly stable protein against opportunistic fungal
      pathogens provides great potential in antifungal drug research. To understand its
      mode of action, we started to investigate the surface-exposed loops of PAF and
      replaced one aspartic acid at position 19 in loop 2 that is potentially involved
      in PAF active or binding site, with a serine (Asp19 to Ser19). We analysed the
      overall effects, such as unfolding, electrostatic changes, sporadic conformers
      and antifungal activity when substituting this specific amino acid to the fairly
      indifferent amino acid serine. Structural analyses revealed that the overall 3D
      solution structure is virtually identical with that of PAF. However, PAFD19S
      showed slightly increased dynamics and significant differences in the surface
      charge distribution. Thermal unfolding identified PAFD19S to be rather a two
      state folder in contrast to the three-state folder PAF. Functional comparison of
      PAFD19S and PAF revealed that the exchange at residue 19 caused a dramatic loss
      of antifungal activity: the binding and internalization of PAFD19S by target
      cells was reduced and the protein failed to trigger an intracellular Ca2+
      response, all of which are closely linked to the antifungal toxicity of PAF. We
      conclude that the negatively charged residue Asp19 in loop 2 is essential for
      full function of the cationic protein PAF.

PMID- 28072825
TI  - Dietary Chromium Restriction of Pregnant Mice Changes the Methylation Status of
      Hepatic Genes Involved with Insulin Signaling in Adult Male Offspring.
AB  - Maternal undernutrition is linked with an elevated risk of diabetes mellitus in
      offspring regardless of the postnatal dietary status. This is also found in
      maternal micro-nutrition deficiency, especial chromium which is a key glucose
      regulator. We investigated whether maternal chromium restriction contributes to
      the development of diabetes in offspring by affecting DNA methylation status in
      liver tissue. After being mated with control males, female weanling 8-week-old
      C57BL mice were fed a control diet (CON, 1.19 mg chromium/kg diet) or a low
      chromium diet (LC, 0.14 mg chromium/kg diet) during pregnancy and lactation.
      After weaning, some offspring were shifted to the other diet (CON-LC, or LC-CON),
      while others remained on the same diet (CON-CON, or LC-LC) for 29 weeks. Fasting
      blood glucose, serum insulin, and oral glucose tolerance test was performed to
      evaluate the glucose metabolism condition. Methylation differences in liver from
      the LC-CON group and CON-CON groups were studied by using a DNA methylation
      array. Bisulfite sequencing was carried out to validate the results of the
      methylation array. Maternal chromium limitation diet increased the body weight,
      blood glucose, and serum insulin levels. Even when switched to the control diet
      after weaning, the offspring also showed impaired glucose tolerance and insulin
      resistance. DNA methylation profiling of the offspring livers revealed 935
      differentially methylated genes in livers of the maternal chromium restriction
      diet group. Pathway analysis identified the insulin signaling pathway was the
      main process affected by hypermethylated genes. Bisulfite sequencing confirmed
      that some genes in insulin signaling pathway were hypermethylated in livers of
      the LC-CON and LC-LC group. Accordingly, the expression of genes in insulin
      signaling pathway was downregulated. There findings suggest that maternal
      chromium restriction diet results in glucose intolerance in male offspring
      through alterations in DNA methylation which is associated with the insulin
      signaling pathway in the mice livers.

PMID- 28072826
TI  - RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases of Both Virulent and Benign Rabbit Caliciviruses
      Induce Striking Rearrangement of Golgi Membranes.
AB  - The extremely pathogenic Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and the
      completely benign Rabbit calicivirus (RCV) are closely related members of the
      genus Lagovirus (family Caliciviridae). The molecular mechanisms that determine
      the dramatic difference in virulence are unknown, but indirect evidence suggests
      that different properties of their RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) may at
      least partially be responsible for the contrasting phenotypes. Here we report
      that the unusual ability of the RHDV RdRp to induce a striking rearrangement of
      the Golgi network is not specific to RHDV, but a common feature of virulent and
      benign rabbit caliciviruses alike. Expression of rabbit calicivirus RdRps induced
      a redistribution of both cis/medial and medial/trans Golgi membrane markers, but
      not that of an endoplasmic reticulum membrane marker. Inactivating mutations in
      the conserved GDD motif did not abolish the ability of RHDV RdRp to rearrange the
      Golgi network, suggesting that polymerase activity and metal co-factors are not
      required for this function. Finally, we discuss possible implications of RdRp
      induced membrane rearrangements on virus replication and host immune responses.

PMID- 28072827
TI  - Comprehensive N-Glycan Profiling of Cetuximab Biosimilar Candidate by NP-HPLC and
      MALDI-MS.
AB  - Monitoring glycosylation of the mAbs have been emphasized and routinely
      characterized in biopharmaceutical industries because the carbohydrate components
      are closely related to the safety, efficacy, and consistency of the antibodies.
      In this study, the comprehensive glycan profiling of a biosimilar candidate of
      cetuximab was successfully characterized using Normal phase high-performance
      liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC) in combination with Matrix assisted laser
      desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The presence of minor N
      linked glycans containing sialic acid lactone residues (NeuAcLac) was observed in
      the biosimilar for the first time, which could influence the quantitative
      analysis of sialylated glycans and interfere with quantification of neutral
      glycans when it was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography
      fluorescence (HPLC-FL). To overcome this issue, mild alkali treatment was used to
      hydrolyze lactone of the sialic acid to their neutral formation, which had no
      impact on the analysis of other glycans before and after the treatment. As a
      result, the mild alkali treatment might be helpful to obtain quantitative glycan
      profiling of the mAbs drugs with enhanced accuracy and robustness.

PMID- 28072829
TI  - Predicting the Metabolic Sites by Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase on Drug
      Molecules Using SVM Classification on Computed Quantum Mechanics and Circular
      Fingerprints Molecular Descriptors.
AB  - As an important enzyme in Phase I drug metabolism, the flavin-containing
      monooxygenase (FMO) also metabolizes some xenobiotics with soft nucleophiles. The
      site of metabolism (SOM) on a molecule is the site where the metabolic reaction
      is exerted by an enzyme. Accurate prediction of SOMs on drug molecules will
      assist the search for drug leads during the optimization process. Here, some
      quantum mechanics features such as the condensed Fukui function and attributes
      from circular fingerprints (called Molprint2D) are computed and classified using
      the support vector machine (SVM) for predicting some potential SOMs on a series
      of drugs that can be metabolized by FMO enzymes. The condensed Fukui function fA-
      representing the nucleophilicity of central atom A and the attributes from
      circular fingerprints accounting the influence of neighbors on the central atom.
      The total number of FMO substrates and non-substrates collected in the study is
      85 and they are equally divided into the training and test sets with each
      carrying roughly the same number of potential SOMs. However, only N-oxidation and
      S-oxidation features were considered in the prediction since the available C
      oxidation data was scarce. In the training process, the LibSVM package of WEKA
      package and the option of 10-fold cross validation are employed. The prediction
      performance on the test set evaluated by accuracy, Matthews correlation
      coefficient and area under ROC curve computed are 0.829, 0.659, and 0.877
      respectively. This work reveals that the SVM model built can accurately predict
      the potential SOMs for drug molecules that are metabolizable by the FMO enzymes.

PMID- 28072828
TI  - GGPP-Mediated Protein Geranylgeranylation in Oocyte Is Essential for the
      Establishment of Oocyte-Granulosa Cell Communication and Primary-Secondary
      Follicle Transition in Mouse Ovary.
AB  - Folliculogenesis is a progressive and highly regulated process, which is
      essential to provide ova for later reproductive life, requires the bidirectional
      communication between the oocyte and granulosa cells. This physical connection
      mediated communication conveys not only the signals from the oocyte to granulosa
      cells that regulate their proliferation but also metabolites from the granulosa
      cells to the oocyte for biosynthesis. However, the underlying mechanism of
      establishing this communication is largely unknown. Here, we report that oocyte
      geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), a metabolic intermediate involved in protein
      geranylgeranylation, is required to establish the oocyte-granulosa cell
      communication. GGPP and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (Ggpps) levels in
      oocytes increased during early follicular development. The selective depletion of
      GGPP in mouse oocytes impaired the proliferation of granulosa cells, primary
      secondary follicle transition and female fertility. Mechanistically, GGPP
      depletion inhibited Rho GTPase geranylgeranylation and its GTPase activity, which
      was responsible for the accumulation of cell junction proteins in the oocyte
      cytoplasm and the failure to maintain physical connection between oocyte and
      granulosa cells. GGPP ablation also blocked Rab27a geranylgeranylation, which
      might account for the impaired secretion of oocyte materials such as Gdf9.
      Moreover, GGPP administration restored the defects in oocyte-granulosa cell
      contact, granulosa cell proliferation and primary-secondary follicle transition
      in Ggpps depletion mice. Our study provides the evidence that GGPP-mediated
      protein geranylgeranylation contributes to the establishment of oocyte-granulosa
      cell communication and then regulates the primary-secondary follicle transition,
      a key phase of folliculogenesis essential for female reproductive function.

PMID- 28072830
TI  - Protective Effects of Dexrazoxane against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A
      Metabolomic Study.
AB  - Cardioprotection of dexrazoxane (DZR) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced
      cardiotoxicity is contentious and the indicator is controversial. A pairwise
      comparative metabolomics approach was used to delineate the potential metabolic
      processes in the present study. Ninety-six BALB/c mice were randomly divided into
      two supergroups: tumor and control groups. Each supergroup was divided into
      control, DOX, DZR, and DOX plus DZR treatment groups. DOX treatment resulted in a
      steady increase in 5-hydroxylysine, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 2-oxoglutarate, 3
      hydroxybutyrate, and decrease in glucose, glutamate, cysteine, acetone,
      methionine, asparate, isoleucine, and glycylproline.DZR treatment led to increase
      in lactate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glutamate, alanine, and decrease in glucose,
      trimethylamine N-oxide and carnosine levels. These metabolites represent
      potential biomarkers for early prediction of cardiotoxicity of DOX and the
      cardioprotective evaluation of DZR.

PMID- 28072831
TI  - A Probabilistic Method for Estimation of Bowel Wall Thickness in MR Colonography.
AB  - MRI has recently been applied as a tool to quantitatively evaluate the response
      to therapy in patients with Crohn's disease, and is the preferred choice for
      repeated imaging. Bowel wall thickness on MRI is an important biomarker of
      underlying inflammatory activity, being abnormally increased in the acute phase
      and reducing in response to successful therapy; however, a poor level of
      interobserver agreement of measured thickness is reported and therefore a system
      for accurate, robust and reproducible measurements is desirable. We propose a
      novel method for estimating bowel wall-thickness to improve the poor
      interobserver agreement of the manual procedure. We show that the variability of
      wall thickness measurement between the algorithm and observer measurements
      (0.25mm +/- 0.81mm) has differences which are similar to observer variability
      (0.16mm +/- 0.64mm).

PMID- 28072832
TI  - Objectively Assessed Exercise Behavior in Chinese Patients with Early-Stage
      Cancer: A Predictor of Perceived Benefits, Communication with Doctors, Medical
      Coping Modes, Depression and Quality of Life.
AB  - This study sought to identify factors associated with objectively assessed
      exercise behavior in Chinese patients with early-stage cancer. Three hundred and
      fifty one cancer patients were recruited from the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of
      Southeast University Medical College and the Nantong Tumor Hospital. One-way
      ANOVA, Pearson Chi-square tests and regression analysis were employed to identify
      the correlations between physical exercise and the measured factors. The results
      showed that occupation type (chi2 = 14.065; p = 0.029), monthly individual
      monthly income level (chi2 = 24.795; p = 0.003), BMI (chi2 = 15.709; p = 0.015)
      and diagnosis (chi2 = 42.442; p < 0.000) were significantly correlated with the
      subjects self-reported exercise with different frequency per week. Differences in
      the frequency of exercise were associated with different degrees of reported
      Benefit Finding (BF) (F = 24.651; p < 0.000), communication with doctors (F =
      15.285; p < 0.000), medical coping modes (F = 45.912; p < 0.000), social support
      (F = 2.938; p = 0.030), depression (F = 6.017; p < 0.000), and quality of life (F
      = 12.288; p < 0.000). Multiple regression analysis showed that 1.6%-6.4% of the
      variance in five variables, excluding social support and optimism could be
      explained by exercise. Our results indicated that benefit finding, medical coping
      modes, communication with doctors, social support, depression and quality of life
      were significantly correlated with exercise. The variance in several psychosocial
      factors (benefit finding, medical coping modes, the communication with doctors,
      depression and quality of life) could be explained by exercise. Psychosocial
      factors should be addressed and examined over time when evaluating the effect of
      physical exercise that is prescribed as a clinically relevant treatment.

PMID- 28072835
TI  - Storage of Maize in Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) Bags.
AB  - Interest in using hermetic technologies as a pest management solution for stored
      grain has risen in recent years. One hermetic approach, Purdue Improved Crop
      Storage (PICS) bags, has proven successful in controlling the postharvest pests
      of cowpea. This success encouraged farmers to use of PICS bags for storing other
      crops including maize. To assess whether maize can be safely stored in PICS bags
      without loss of quality, we carried out laboratory studies of maize grain
      infested with Sitophilus zeamais (Motshulsky) and stored in PICS triple bags or
      in woven polypropylene bags. Over an eight month observation period, temperatures
      in the bags correlated with ambient temperature for all treatments. Relative
      humidity inside PICS bags remained constant over this period despite the large
      changes that occurred in the surrounding environment. Relative humidity in the
      woven bags followed ambient humidity closely. PICS bags containing S. zeamais
      infested grain saw a significant decline in oxygen compared to the other
      treatments. Grain moisture content declined in woven bags, but remained high in
      PICS bags. Seed germination was not significantly affected over the first six
      months in all treatments, but declined after eight months of storage when
      infested grain was held in woven bags. Relative damage was low across treatments
      and not significantly different between treatments. Overall, maize showed no
      signs of deterioration in PICS bags versus the woven bags and PICS bags were
      superior to woven bags in terms of specific metrics of grain quality.

PMID- 28072834
TI  - A Computational Model Based on Multi-Regional Calcium Imaging Represents the
      Spatio-Temporal Dynamics in a Caenorhabditis elegans Sensory Neuron.
AB  - Due to the huge number of neuronal cells in the brain and their complex circuit
      formation, computer simulation of neuronal activity is indispensable to
      understanding whole brain dynamics. Recently, various computational models have
      been developed based on whole-brain calcium imaging data. However, these analyses
      monitor only the activity of neuronal cell bodies and treat the cells as point
      unit. This point-neuron model is inexpensive in computational costs, but the
      model is unrealistically simplistic at representing intact neural activities in
      the brain. Here, we describe a novel three-unit Ordinary Differential Equation
      (ODE) model based on the neuronal responses derived from a Caenorhabditis elegans
      salt-sensing neuron. We recorded calcium responses in three regions of the ASER
      neuron using a simple downstep of NaCl concentration. Our simple ODE model
      generated from a single recording can adequately reproduce and predict the
      temporal responses of each part of the neuron to various types of NaCl
      concentration changes. Our strategy which combines a simple recording data and an
      ODE mathematical model may be extended to realistically understand whole brain
      dynamics by computational simulation.

PMID- 28072833
TI  - Accurate Breakpoint Mapping in Apparently Balanced Translocation Families with
      Discordant Phenotypes Using Whole Genome Mate-Pair Sequencing.
AB  - Familial apparently balanced translocations (ABTs) segregating with discordant
      phenotypes are extremely challenging for interpretation and counseling due to the
      scarcity of publications and lack of routine techniques for quick investigation.
      Recently, next generation sequencing has emerged as an efficacious methodology
      for precise detection of translocation breakpoints. However, studies so far have
      mainly focused on de novo translocations. The present study focuses specifically
      on familial cases in order to shed some light to this diagnostic dilemma. Whole
      genome mate-pair sequencing (WG-MPS) was applied to map the breakpoints in nine
      two-way ABT carriers from four families. Translocation breakpoints and patient
      specific structural variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and quantitative
      Real Time PCR, respectively. Identical sequencing patterns and breakpoints were
      identified in affected and non-affected members carrying the same translocations.
      PTCD1, ATP5J2-PTCD1, CADPS2, and STPG1 were disrupted by the translocations in
      three families, rendering them initially as possible disease candidate genes.
      However, subsequent mutation screening and structural variant analysis did not
      reveal any pathogenic mutations or unique variants in the affected individuals
      that could explain the phenotypic differences between carriers of the same
      translocations. In conclusion, we suggest that NGS-based methods, such as WG-MPS,
      can be successfully used for detailed mapping of translocation breakpoints, which
      can also be used in routine clinical investigation of ABT cases. Unlike de novo
      translocations, no associations were determined here between familial two-way
      ABTs and the phenotype of the affected members, in which the presence of cryptic
      imbalances and complex chromosomal rearrangements has been excluded. Future whole
      exome or whole-genome sequencing will potentially reveal unidentified mutations
      in the patients underlying the discordant phenotypes within each family. In
      addition, larger studies are needed to determine the exact percentage for
      phenotypic risk in families with ABTs.

PMID- 28072836
TI  - Pre-Migration Trauma Exposure and Mental Health Functioning among Central
      American Migrants Arriving at the US Border.
AB  - In recent years, increasing numbers of families and individuals have arrived at
      the U.S. border from Central America, in particular, from Honduras, El Salvador,
      and Guatemala. This study sought to examine pre-migration trauma exposure and
      current mental health functioning of migrant families arriving at the U.S. border
      from the Northern Triangle region, with specific attention to the reasons offered
      for leaving their home country and the frequency with which migrant families
      appear to satisfy legal criteria for asylum We interviewed 234 adults in McAllen,
      Texas, using a structured interview and standardized questionnaires to assess
      exposure to trauma prior to migration, reasons for leaving their home country and
      symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression. We found that 191 participants
      (83%) cited violence as a reason for fleeing their country, 119 individuals (69%)
      did not report the events to the police out of fear of gang-related retaliation
      or police corruption, and 90% (n = 204) reported being afraid to return to their
      native country. Based on self-report symptom checklists, 32% of the sample met
      diagnostic criteria for PTSD (n = 51), 24% for depression (n = 36), and 17% for
      both disorders (n = 25). Examining these data against the criteria for asylum in
      the U.S., we found that 70% of the overall sample (n = 159) met criteria for
      asylum, including 80% of those from El Salvador, 74% from Honduras, and 41% from
      Guatemala. These findings suggest that the majority of Central American migrants
      arriving at the U.S. border have significant mental health symptoms in response
      to violence and persecution, and warrant careful consideration for asylum status.

PMID- 28072837
TI  - Locally Produced BDNF Promotes Sclerotic Change in Alveolar Bone after Nerve
      Injury.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is released due to nerve injury,
      is known to promote the natural healing of injured nerves. It is often observed
      that damage of mandibular canal induces local sclerotic changes in alveolar bone.
      We reported that peripheral nerve injury promotes the local production of BDNF;
      therefore, it was possible to hypothesize that peripheral nerve injury affects
      sclerotic changes in the alveolar bone. This study aimed to evaluate the effect
      of BDNF on osteogenesis using in vitro osteoblast-lineage cell culture and an in
      vivo rat osteotomy model. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured with BDNF and were
      examined for cell proliferative activity, chemotaxis and mRNA expression levels
      of osteoblast differentiation markers. For in vivo study, inferior alveolar nerve
      (IAN) injury experiments and mandibular cortical osteotomy were performed using a
      rat model. In the osteotomy model, exogenous BDNF was applied to bone surfaces
      after corticotomy of the mandible, and we morphologically analyzed the new bone
      formation. As a result, mRNA expression of osteoblast differentiation marker,
      osteocalcin, was significantly increased by BDNF, although cell proliferation and
      migration were not affected. In the in vivo study, osteopontin-positive new bone
      formation was significantly accelerated in the BDNF-grafted groups, and active
      bone remodeling, involving trkB-positive osteoblasts and osteocytes, continued
      after 28 days. In conclusion, BDNF stimulated the differentiation of MC3T3-E1
      cells and it promoted new bone formation and maturation. These results suggested
      that local BDNF produced by peripheral nerve injury contributes to accelerating
      sclerotic changes in the alveolar bone.

PMID- 28072838
TI  - Reporting Items for Updated Clinical Guidelines: Checklist for the Reporting of
      Updated Guidelines (CheckUp).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scientific knowledge is in constant development. Consequently,
      regular review to assure the trustworthiness of clinical guidelines is required.
      However, there is still a lack of preferred reporting items of the updating
      process in updated clinical guidelines. The present article describes the
      development process of the Checklist for the Reporting of Updated Guidelines
      (CheckUp). METHODS AND FINDINGS: We developed an initial list of items based on
      an overview of research evidence on clinical guideline updating, the Appraisal of
      Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II Instrument, and the advice of
      the CheckUp panel (n = 33 professionals). A multistep process was used to refine
      this list, including an assessment of ten existing updated clinical guidelines,
      interviews with key informants (response rate: 54.2%; 13/24), a three-round
      Delphi consensus survey with the CheckUp panel (33 participants), and an external
      review with clinical guideline methodologists (response rate: 90%; 53/59) and
      users (response rate: 55.6%; 10/18). CheckUp includes 16 items that address (1)
      the presentation of an updated guideline, (2) editorial independence, and (3) the
      methodology of the updating process. In this article, we present the methodology
      to develop CheckUp and include as a supplementary file an explanation and
      elaboration document. CONCLUSIONS: CheckUp can be used to evaluate the
      completeness of reporting in updated guidelines and as a tool to inform guideline
      developers about reporting requirements. Editors may request its completion from
      guideline authors when submitting updated guidelines for publication. Adherence
      to CheckUp will likely enhance the comprehensiveness and transparency of clinical
      guideline updating for the benefit of patients and the public, health care
      professionals, and other relevant stakeholders.

PMID- 28072839
TI  - Assessment of Attention Deficits in Adolescent Offspring Exposed to Maternal Type
      1 Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the potential association between
      intrauterine exposure to maternal diabetes and attention deficits in the
      offspring. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Adolescent offspring of a prospectively
      followed cohort of women with type 1 diabetes (n = 269) and a control group from
      the background population (n = 293) participated in a follow-up assessment in
      2012-2013. We used scores from Conners Continuous Performance Test II to assess
      attention and based on a principal component analysis we evaluated scores on five
      different attention factors: focused attention, vigilance,
      hyperactivity/impulsivity, sustained attention and response style. RESULTS: A
      higher frequency of the exposed offspring had a parent/self-reported use of
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication compared to the
      control group (2.2% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.01). Clinical significant differences between
      adolescents exposed to maternal diabetes and unexposed controls were not found in
      either single scores on Conners Continuous Performance Test or on any of the five
      attention factors identified. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to maternal type 1 diabetes
      did not seem to increase the risk of attention deficits in the adolescent
      offspring. However, a higher self-reported use of ADHD medication in the exposed
      group could suggest a difference in attention not revealed by the applied test.

PMID- 28072840
TI  - Locomotor Activity and Body Temperature Patterns over a Temperature Gradient in
      the Highveld Mole-Rat (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae).
AB  - African mole-rats are strictly subterranean mammals that live in extensive burrow
      systems. High humidity levels in the burrows prevent mole-rats from
      thermoregulating using evaporative cooling. However, the relatively stable
      environment of the burrows promotes moderate temperatures and small daily
      temperature fluctuations. Mole-rats therefore display a relatively wide range of
      thermoregulation abilities. Some species cannot maintain their body temperatures
      at a constant level, whereas others employ behavioural thermoregulation. Here we
      test the effect of ambient temperature on locomotor activity and body
      temperature, and the relationship between the two parameters, in the highveld
      mole-rat. We exposed mole-rats to a 12L:12D and a DD light cycle at ambient
      temperatures of 30 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 20 degrees C while locomotor
      activity and body temperature were measured simultaneously. In addition, we
      investigated the endogenous rhythms of locomotor activity and body temperature at
      different ambient temperatures. Mole-rats displayed nocturnal activity at all
      three ambient temperatures and were most active at 20 degrees C, but least active
      at 30 degrees C. Body temperature was highest at 30 degrees C and lowest at 20
      degrees C, and the daily cycle was highly correlated with locomotor activity. We
      show that the mole-rats have endogenous rhythms for both locomotor activity and
      body temperature. However, the endogenous body temperature rhythm appears to be
      less robust compared to the locomotor activity rhythm. Female mole-rats appear to
      be more sensitive to temperature changes than males, increased heterothermy is
      evident at lower ambient temperatures, whilst males show smaller variation in
      their body temperatures with changing ambient temperatures. Mole-rats may rely
      more heavily on behavioural thermoregulation as it is more energy efficient in an
      already challenging environment.

PMID- 28072841
TI  - A Small Insulinomimetic Molecule Also Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Diabetic
      Mice.
AB  - Dramatic increase of diabetes over the globe is in tandem with the increase in
      insulin requirement. This is because destruction and dysfunction of pancreatic
      beta-cells are of common occurrence in both Type1 diabetes and Type2 diabetes,
      and insulin injection becomes a compulsion. Because of several problems
      associated with insulin injection, orally active insulin mimetic compounds would
      be ideal substitute. Here we report a small molecule, a peroxyvanadate compound
      i.e. DmpzH[VO(O2)2(dmpz)], henceforth referred as dmp, which specifically binds
      to insulin receptor with considerable affinity (KD-1.17MUM) thus activating
      insulin receptor tyrosine kinase and its downstream signaling molecules resulting
      increased uptake of [14C] 2 Deoxy-glucose. Oral administration of dmp to
      streptozotocin treated BALB/c mice lowers blood glucose level and markedly
      stimulates glucose and fatty acid uptake by skeletal muscle and adipose tissue
      respectively. In db/db mice, it greatly improves insulin sensitivity through
      excess expression of PPARgamma and its target genes i.e. adiponectin, CD36 and
      aP2. Study on the underlying mechanism demonstrated that excess expression of
      Wnt3a decreased PPARgamma whereas dmp suppression of Wnt3a gene increased
      PPARgamma expression which subsequently augmented adiponectin. Increased
      production of adiponectin in db/db mice due to dmp effected lowering of
      circulatory TG and FFA levels, activates AMPK in skeletal muscle and this
      stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetics. Decrease of lipid load
      along with increased mitochondrial activity greatly improves energy homeostasis
      which has been found to be correlated with the increased insulin sensitivity. The
      results obtained with dmp, therefore, strongly indicate that dmp could be a
      potential candidate for insulin replacement therapy.

PMID- 28072842
TI  - Fractal Analysis of Brain Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) Signals from
      Children with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conventional imaging techniques are unable to detect abnormalities in
      the brain following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Yet patients with mTBI
      typically show delayed response on neuropsychological evaluation. Because fractal
      geometry represents complexity, we explored its utility in measuring temporal
      fluctuations of brain resting state blood oxygen level dependent (rs-BOLD)
      signal. We hypothesized that there could be a detectable difference in rs-BOLD
      signal complexity between healthy subjects and mTBI patients based on previous
      studies that associated reduction in signal complexity with disease. METHODS:
      Fifteen subjects (13.4 +/- 2.3 y/o) and 56 age-matched (13.5 +/- 2.34 y/o)
      healthy controls were scanned using a GE Discovery MR750 3T MRI and 32-channel RF
      coil. Axial FSPGR-3D images were used to prescribe rs-BOLD (TE/TR = 35/2000ms),
      acquired over 6 minutes. Motion correction was performed and anatomical and
      functional images were aligned and spatially warped to the N27 standard atlas.
      Fractal analysis, performed on grey matter, was done by estimating the Hurst
      exponent using de-trended fluctuation analysis and signal summation conversion
      methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Voxel-wise fractal dimension (FD) was
      calculated for every subject in the control group to generate mean and standard
      deviation maps for regional Z-score analysis. Voxel-wise validation of FD
      normality across controls was confirmed, and non-Gaussian voxels (3.05% over the
      brain) were eliminated from subsequent analysis. For each mTBI patient, regions
      where Z-score values were at least 2 standard deviations away from the mean (i.e.
      where |Z| > 2.0) were identified. In individual patients the frequently affected
      regions were amygdala (p = 0.02), vermis(p = 0.03), caudate head (p = 0.04),
      hippocampus(p = 0.03), and hypothalamus(p = 0.04), all previously reported as
      dysfunctional after mTBI, but based on group analysis. It is well known that the
      brain is best modeled as a complex system. Therefore a measure of complexity
      using rs-BOLD signal FD could provide an additional method to grade and monitor
      mTBI. Furthermore, this approach can be personalized thus providing unique
      patient specific assessment.

PMID- 28072843
TI  - Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5) Derived from Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells (ECFCs)
      Mediates Recruitment of Smooth Muscle Progenitor Cells (SPCs) toward Critical
      Vascular Locations in Moyamoya Disease.
AB  - The etiology and pathogenesis of moyamoya disease (MMD) are still obscure.
      Previous studies indicated that angiogenic chemokines may play an important role
      in the pathogenesis of the disease. Recently, it was discovered that peripheral
      blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) and smooth muscle
      progenitor cells (SPCs) have defective functions in MMD patients. Therefore, the
      interaction of ECFCs and SPCs, the precursors of two crucial cellular components
      of vascular walls, with some paracrine molecules is an intriguing subject. In
      this study, co-culture of ECFCs and SPCs from MMD patients and healthy normal
      subjects revealed that MMD ECFCs, not SPCs, are responsible for the defective
      functions of both ECFCs and SPCs. Enhanced migration of SPCs toward MMD ECFCs
      supported the role for some chemokines secreted by MMD ECFCs. Expression arrays
      of MMD and normal ECFCs suggested that several candidate cytokines differentially
      produced by MMD ECFCs. We selected chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 6 (CXCR6),
      interleukin-8 (IL8), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and CCL5 for study,
      based on the relatively higher expression of these ligands in MMD ECFCs and their
      cognate receptors in MMD SPCs. Migration assays showed that only CCL5
      significantly augmented the migration activities of SPCs toward ECFCs. Treatment
      with siRNA for the CCL5 receptor (CCR5) abrogated the effect, confirming that
      CCL5 is responsible for the interaction of MMD ECFCs and SPCs. These data
      indicate that ECFCs, not SPCs, are the major players in MMD pathogenesis and that
      the chemokine CCL5 mediates the interactions. It can be hypothesized that in MMD
      patients, defective ECFCs direct aberrant SPC recruitment to critical vascular
      locations through the action of CCL5.

PMID- 28072844
TI  - Exploring the Possibility of Cryopreservation of Feline and Canine Erythrocytes
      by Rapid Freezing with Penetrating and Non-Penetrating Cryoprotectants.
AB  - Efficient application of veterinary blood transfusion approaches for small
      companion animals requires readily available supply of the donor material. This
      can be achieved by developing of effective biobanking technologies allowing long
      term storage of donor blood components via cryopreservation. Transfusion of an
      erythrocyte concentrate allows the successful correction of various hematological
      pathologies, severe bleeding, and etc. While in the past there were several
      approaches to cryopreserve red blood cells of dogs, to our knowledge there is
      virtually no data on cryopreservation of feline erythrocytes. In this paper, we
      performed a comprehensive parameter optimization for low temperature storage of
      RBCs of both species. Here, the efficiency of single-component and multicomponent
      cryoprotective media as well as necessary time of pre-incubation with penetrating
      and non-penetrating cryoprotectants prior to rapid freezing is analyzed. This
      study showed that glycerol was not sufficient for cryopreservation of red blood
      cells of the studied species under the investigated conditions. Application of
      10% (v/v) ME2SO allowed for a significant reduction of canine and feline
      erythrocytes hemolysis after thawing. 17.5% hydroxyethyl starch demonstrated the
      highest cryoprotective activity for both species. It was found that dog RBCs
      should be incubated in cryoprotective media for 30 min at 22 degrees C prior to
      freezing, while for cat RBCs 20 min is sufficient. Combination of CPAs was less
      effective. Presented data may be considered in further studies in veterinary
      transfusion and blood banking optimization.

PMID- 28072845
TI  - Tuberculosis Detection in Paratuberculosis Vaccinated Calves: New Alternatives
      against Interference.
AB  - Paratuberculosis vaccination in cattle has been restricted due to its possible
      interference with the official diagnostic methods used in tuberculosis
      eradication programs. To overcome this drawback, new possibilities to detect
      Mycobacterium bovis infected cattle in paratuberculosis vaccinated animals were
      studied under experimental conditions. Three groups of 5 calves each were
      included in the experiment: one paratuberculosis vaccinated group, one
      paratuberculosis vaccinated and M. bovis infected group and one M. bovis infected
      group. The performance of the IFN-gamma release assay (IGRA) and the skin test
      using conventional avian and bovine tuberculins (A- and B-PPD) but also other
      more specific antigens (ESAT-6/CFP10 and Rv3615c) was studied under official and
      new diagnostic criteria. Regarding the IGRA of vaccinated groups, when A- and B
      PPD were used the sensitivity reached 100% at the first post-challenge sampling,
      dropping down to 40-80% in subsequent samplings. The sensitivity for the specific
      antigens was 80-100% and the specificity was also improved. After adapting the
      diagnostic criteria for the conventional antigens in the skin test, the ability
      to differentiate between M. bovis infected and non-infected animals included in
      paratuberculosis vaccinated groups was enhanced. Taking for positive a relative
      skin thickness increase of at least 100%, the single intradermal test specificity
      and sensitivity yielded 100%. The comparative intradermal test was equally
      accurate considering a B-PPD relative skin increase of at least 100% and greater
      than or equal to that produced by A-PPD. Using the specific antigens as a proteic
      cocktail, the specificity and sensitivity reached 100% considering the new
      relative and absolute cut-offs in all experimental groups (Delta>=30% and Deltamm
      >= 2, respectively). Results suggest that the interference caused by
      paratuberculosis vaccination in cattle could be completely overcome by applying
      new approaches to the official tuberculosis diagnostic tests.

PMID- 28072846
TI  - A Hypothesis Testing Based Method for Normalization and Differential Expression
      Analysis of RNA-Seq Data.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing technologies have made RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) a
      popular choice for measuring gene expression level. To reduce the noise of gene
      expression measures and compare them between several conditions or samples,
      normalization is an essential step to adjust for varying sample sequencing depths
      and other unwanted technical effects. In this paper, we develop a novel global
      scaling normalization method by employing the available knowledge of housekeeping
      genes. We formulate the problem from the hypothesis testing perspective and find
      an optimal scaling factor that minimizes the deviation between the empirical and
      the nominal type I error. Applying our approach to various simulation studies and
      real examples, we demonstrate that it is more accurate and robust than the state
      of-the-art alternatives in detecting differentially expression genes.

PMID- 28072847
TI  - Heuristic Strategies for Persuader Selection in Contagions on Complex Networks.
AB  - Individual decision to accept a new idea or product is often driven by both self
      adoption and others' persuasion, which has been simulated using a double
      threshold model [Huang et al., Scientific Reports 6, 23766 (2016)]. We extend the
      study to consider the case with limited persuasion. That is, a set of individuals
      is chosen from the population to be equipped with persuasion capabilities, who
      may succeed in persuading their friends to take the new entity when certain
      conditions are satisfied. Network node centrality is adopted to characterize each
      node's influence, based on which three heuristic strategies are applied to pick
      out persuaders. We compare these strategies for persuader selection on both
      homogeneous and heterogeneous networks. Two regimes of the underline networks are
      identified in which the system exhibits distinct behaviors: when networks are
      sufficiently sparse, selecting persuader nodes in descending order of node
      centrality achieves the best performance; when networks are sufficiently dense,
      however, selecting nodes with medium centralities to serve as the persuaders
      performs the best. Under respective optimal strategies for different types of
      networks, we further probe which centrality measure is most suitable for
      persuader selection. It turns out that for the first regime, degree centrality
      offers the best measure for picking out persuaders from homogeneous networks;
      while in heterogeneous networks, betweenness centrality takes its place. In the
      second regime, there is no significant difference caused by centrality measures
      in persuader selection for homogeneous network; while for heterogeneous networks,
      closeness centrality offers the best measure.

PMID- 28072848
TI  - Physiologic Determinants of Exercise Capacity in Pulmonary Langerhans Cell
      Histiocytosis: A Multidimensional Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduced exercise capacity severely impacts quality of life in
      pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Ascertaining mechanisms that impair
      exercise capacity is necessary to identify targets for symptomatic treatments.
      METHODS: Dyspnea, pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise test were
      analysed in 62 study participants. Data were compared between subjects with
      impaired and normal aerobic capacity (V'O2 peak less than 84% versus 84%
      predicted or more). Data were reduced using a principal component analysis.
      Multivariate analysis included V'O2 peak as the dependent variable and principal
      components as covariates. RESULTS: V'O2 peak was reduced in 44 subjects (71%).
      Subjects with impaired aerobic capacity presented: (i) decreased FEV1, FVC,
      FEV1/FVC, DLCO and DLCO/VA and increased AaDO2, (ii) increased ventilatory
      equivalents at ventilatory threshold, VD/VT peak, AaDO2 peak and PaCO2 peak and
      decreased ventilatory reserve and PaO2 peak. There was no difference between
      groups in dyspnea scores. Principal component analysis extracted 4 principal
      components interpreted as follows: PC1: gas exchange; PC2: "pseudorestriction";
      PC3: exercise-induced hyperpnea; PC4: air trapping. Multivariate analysis
      explained 65% of V'O2 peak. The 4 principal components were independently
      associated with V'O2 peak (betacoefficients: PC1: 9.3 [4.6; 14], PC2: 7.5 [3;
      11.9], PC3: -5.3 [-9.6;-1.], PC4: -9.8 [-14,9;-4.7]). CONCLUSION: Impaired
      exercise capacity is frequent in pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis. It is
      mainly caused by pulmonary changes but is not associated with increased dyspnea
      intensity. Therefore, treating the lung represents a relevant approach for
      improving exercise capacity, even in patients experiencing mild dyspnea.

PMID- 28072849
TI  - Analysis of the Importance of Oxides and Clays in Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn
      Adsorption and Retention with Regression Trees.
AB  - This study determines the influence of the different soil components and of the
      cation-exchange capacity on the adsorption and retention of different heavy
      metals: cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc. In order to do so,
      regression models were created through decision trees and the importance of soil
      components was assessed. Used variables were: humified organic matter, specific
      cation-exchange capacity, percentages of sand and silt, proportions of Mn, Fe and
      Al oxides and hematite, and the proportion of quartz, plagioclase and mica, and
      the proportions of the different clays: kaolinite, vermiculite, gibbsite and
      chlorite. The most important components in the obtained models were vermiculite
      and gibbsite, especially for the adsorption of cadmium and zinc, while clays were
      less relevant. Oxides are less important than clays, especially for the
      adsorption of chromium and lead and the retention of chromium, copper and lead.

PMID- 28072850
TI  - Chaos-Based Simultaneous Compression and Encryption for Hadoop.
AB  - Data compression and encryption are key components of commonly deployed platforms
      such as Hadoop. Numerous data compression and encryption tools are presently
      available on such platforms and the tools are characteristically applied in
      sequence, i.e., compression followed by encryption or encryption followed by
      compression. This paper focuses on the open-source Hadoop framework and proposes
      a data storage method that efficiently couples data compression with encryption.
      A simultaneous compression and encryption scheme is introduced that addresses an
      important implementation issue of source coding based on Tent Map and Piece-wise
      Linear Chaotic Map (PWLM), which is the infinite precision of real numbers that
      result from their long products. The approach proposed here solves the
      implementation issue by removing fractional components that are generated by the
      long products of real numbers. Moreover, it incorporates a stealth key that
      performs a cyclic shift in PWLM without compromising compression capabilities. In
      addition, the proposed approach implements a masking pseudorandom keystream that
      enhances encryption quality. The proposed algorithm demonstrated a congruent fit
      within the Hadoop framework, providing robust encryption security and
      compression.

PMID- 28072851
TI  - A Secure and Efficient Scalable Secret Image Sharing Scheme with Flexible Shadow
      Sizes.
AB  - In a general (k, n) scalable secret image sharing (SSIS) scheme, the secret image
      is shared by n participants and any k or more than k participants have the
      ability to reconstruct it. The scalability means that the amount of information
      in the reconstructed image scales in proportion to the number of the
      participants. In most existing SSIS schemes, the size of each image shadow is
      relatively large and the dealer does not has a flexible control strategy to
      adjust it to meet the demand of differen applications. Besides, almost all
      existing SSIS schemes are not applicable under noise circumstances. To address
      these deficiencies, in this paper we present a novel SSIS scheme based on a brand
      new technique, called compressed sensing, which has been widely used in many
      fields such as image processing, wireless communication and medical imaging. Our
      scheme has the property of flexibility, which means that the dealer can achieve a
      compromise between the size of each shadow and the quality of the reconstructed
      image. In addition, our scheme has many other advantages, including smooth
      scalability, noise-resilient capability, and high security. The experimental
      results and the comparison with similar works demonstrate the feasibility and
      superiority of our scheme.

PMID- 28072852
TI  - Efficacy of Peer Education for Adopting Preventive Behaviors against Head Lice
      Infestation in Female Elementary School Students: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediculosis is a common parasitic infestation in students worldwide,
      including Iran. This condition is more prevalent in populous and deprived
      communities with poor personal hygiene. This study sought to assess the efficacy
      of peer education for adopting preventive behaviors against pediculosis in female
      elementary school students based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). METHODS: A
      total of 179 female fifth grade students were selected using multistage random
      sampling and were randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. A
      standard questionnaire was designed and administered to collect baseline
      information. An educational intervention was then designed based on the conducted
      needs assessment. The educational program consisted of three sessions, held by
      peers for the intervention group. The questionnaire was re-administered one month
      after the intervention. Independent and paired t-test, Pearson's correlation
      coefficient, and regression analysis were applied as appropriate. RESULTS: The
      two groups had no significant differences in the scores of knowledge, HBM
      constructs, or behavior before the intervention. After the intervention, however,
      the mean scores of all parameters significantly improved in the intervention
      group. CONCLUSION: Peer education based on HBM is an effective strategy to
      promote preventive behaviors against pediculosis in among fifth grade female
      elementary school students in Iran.

PMID- 28072853
TI  - Terrestrial Macrofungal Diversity from the Tropical Dry Evergreen Biome of
      Southern India and Its Potential Role in Aerobiology.
AB  - Macrofungi have long been investigated for various scientific purposes including
      their food and medicinal characteristics. Their role in aerobiology as a fraction
      of the primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs), however, has been poorly
      studied. In this study, we present a source of macrofungi with two different but
      interdependent objectives: (i) to characterize the macrofungi from a tropical dry
      evergreen biome in southern India using advanced molecular techniques to enrich
      the database from this region, and (ii) to assess whether identified species of
      macrofungi are a potential source of atmospheric PBAPs. From the DNA analysis, we
      report the diversity of the terrestrial macrofungi from a tropical dry evergreen
      biome robustly supported by the statistical analyses for diversity conclusions. A
      total of 113 macrofungal species belonging to 54 genera and 23 families were
      recorded, with Basidiomycota and Ascomycota constituting 96% and 4% of the
      species, respectively. The highest species richness was found in the family
      Agaricaceae (25.3%) followed by Polyporaceae (15.3%) and Marasmiaceae (10.8%).
      The difference in the distribution of commonly observed macrofungal families over
      this location was compared with other locations in India (Karnataka, Kerala,
      Maharashtra, and West Bengal) using two statistical tests. The distributions of
      the terrestrial macrofungi were distinctly different in each ecosystem. We
      further attempted to demonstrate the potential role of terrestrial macrofungi as
      a source of PBAPs in ambient air. In our opinion, the findings from this
      ecosystem of India will enhance our understanding of the distribution, diversity,
      ecology, and biological prospects of terrestrial macrofungi as well as their
      potential to contribute to airborne fungal aerosols.

PMID- 28072854
TI  - Functional Richness and Identity Do Not Strongly Affect Invasibility of
      Constructed Dune Communities.
AB  - Biotic effects are often used to explain community structure and invasion
      resistance. We evaluated the contribution of functional richness and identity to
      invasion resistance and abiotic resource availability using a mesocosm
      experiment. We predicted that higher functional richness would confer greater
      invasion resistance through greater resource sequestration. We also predicted
      that niche pre-emption and invasion resistance would be higher in communities
      which included functional groups similar to the invader than communities where
      all functional groups were distinct from the invader. We constructed communities
      of different functional richness and identity but maintained constant species
      richness and numbers of individuals in the resident community. The constructed
      communities represented potential fore dune conditions following invader control
      activities along the Australian east coast. We then simulated an invasion event
      by bitou (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata DC. Norl.), a South African
      shrub invader. We used the same bitou propagule pressure across all treatments
      and monitored invasion success and resource availability for 13 months. Contrary
      to our predictions, we found that functional richness did not mediate the number
      of bitou individuals or bitou cover and functional identity had little effect on
      invasion success: there was a trend for the grass single functional group
      treatment to supress bitou individuals, but this trend was obscured when grasses
      were in multi functional group treatments. We found that all constructed
      communities facilitated bitou establishment and suppressed bitou cover relative
      to unplanted mesocosms. Abiotic resource use was either similar among planted
      communities, or differences did not relate to invasion success (with the
      exception of light availability). We attribute invasion resistance to bulk plant
      biomass across planted treatments rather than their functional group arrangement.

PMID- 28072855
TI  - SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 Signaling in Lipid Rafts Induces Platelet Aggregation via PI3
      Kinase-Dependent Akt Phosphorylation.
AB  - Stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha)-induced platelet aggregation is
      mediated through its G protein-coupled receptor CXCR4 and phosphatidylinositol 3
      kinase (PI3K). Here, we demonstrate that SDF-1alpha induces phosphorylation of
      Akt at Thr308 and Ser473 in human platelets. SDF-1alpha-induced platelet
      aggregation and Akt phosphorylation are inhibited by pretreatment with the CXCR4
      antagonist AMD3100 or the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. SDF-1alpha also induces the
      phosphorylation of PDK1 at Ser241 (an upstream activator of Akt), GSK3beta at
      Ser9 (a downstream substrate of Akt), and myosin light chain at Ser19 (a
      downstream element of the Akt signaling pathway). SDF-1alpha-induced platelet
      aggregation is inhibited by pretreatment with the Akt inhibitor MK-2206 in a dose
      dependent manner. Furthermore, SDF-1alpha-induced platelet aggregation and Akt
      phosphorylation are inhibited by pretreatment with the raft-disrupting agent
      methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Sucrose density gradient analysis shows that 35% of
      CXCR4, 93% of the heterotrimeric G proteins Galphai-1, 91% of Galphai-2, 50% of
      Gbeta and 4.0% of PI3Kbeta, and 4.5% of Akt2 are localized in the detergent
      resistant membrane raft fraction. These findings suggest that SDF-1alpha/CXCR4
      signaling in lipid rafts induces platelet aggregation via PI3K-dependent Akt
      phosphorylation.

PMID- 28072857
TI  - Quantification of Local Warming Trend: A Remote Sensing-Based Approach.
AB  - Understanding the warming trends at local level is critical; and, the development
      of relevant adaptation and mitigation policies at those levels are quite
      challenging. Here, our overall goal was to generate local warming trend map at 1
      km spatial resolution by using: (i) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer
      (MODIS)-based 8-day composite surface temperature data; (ii) weather station
      based yearly average air temperature data; and (iii) air temperature normal
      (i.e., 30 year average) data over the Canadian province of Alberta during the
      period 1961-2010. Thus, we analysed the station-based air temperature data in
      generating relationships between air temperature normal and yearly average air
      temperature in order to facilitate the selection of year-specific MODIS-based
      surface temperature data. These MODIS data in conjunction with weather station
      based air temperature normal data were then used to model local warming trends.
      We observed that almost 88% areas of the province experienced warming trends
      (i.e., up to 1.5 degrees C). The study concluded that remote sensing technology
      could be useful for delineating generic trends associated with local warming.

PMID- 28072856
TI  - Socioeconomic Inequalities in Body Mass Index across Adulthood: Coordinated
      Analyses of Individual Participant Data from Three British Birth Cohort Studies
      Initiated in 1946, 1958 and 1970.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High body mass index (BMI) is an important contributor to the global
      burden of ill-health and health inequality. Lower socioeconomic position (SEP) in
      both childhood and adulthood is associated with higher adult BMI, but how these
      associations have changed across time is poorly understood. We used longitudinal
      data to examine how childhood and adult SEP relates to BMI across adulthood in
      three national British birth cohorts. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The sample comprised
      up to 22,810 participants with 77,115 BMI observations in the 1946 MRC National
      Survey of Health and Development (ages 20 to 60-64), the 1958 National Child
      Development Study (ages 23 to 50), and the 1970 British Cohort Study (ages 26 to
      42). Harmonized social class-based SEP data (Registrar General's Social Class)
      was ascertained in childhood (father's class at 10/11 y) and adulthood (42/43
      years), and BMI repeatedly across adulthood, spanning 1966 to 2012. Associations
      between SEP and BMI were examined using linear regression and multilevel models.
      Lower childhood SEP was associated with higher adult BMI in both genders, and
      differences were typically larger at older ages and similar in magnitude in each
      cohort. The strength of association between adult SEP and BMI did not vary with
      age in any consistent pattern in these cohorts, but were more evident in women
      than men, and inequalities were larger among women in the 1970 cohort compared
      with earlier-born cohorts. For example, mean differences in BMI at 42/43 y
      amongst women in the lowest compared with highest social class were 2.0 kg/m2
      (95% CI: -0.1, 4.0) in the 1946 NSHD, 2.3 kg/m2 (1.1, 3.4) in the 1958 NCDS, and
      3.9 kg/m2 (2.3, 5.4) the in the 1970 BCS; mean (SD) BMI in the highest and lowest
      social classes were as follows: 24.9 (0.8) versus 26.8 (0.7) in the 1946 NSHD,
      24.2 (0.4) versus 26.5 (0.4) in the 1958 NCDS, and 24.2 (0.3) versus 28.1 (0.8)
      in the 1970 BCS. Findings did not differ whether using overweight or obesity as
      an outcome. Limitations of this work include the use of social class as the sole
      indicator of SEP-while it was available in each cohort in both childhood and
      adulthood, trends in BMI inequalities may differ according to other dimensions of
      SEP such as education or income. Although harmonized data were used to aid
      inferences about birth cohort differences in BMI inequality, differences in other
      factors may have also contributed to findings-for example, differences in missing
      data. CONCLUSIONS: Given these persisting inequalities and their public health
      implications, new and effective policies to reduce inequalities in adult BMI that
      tackle inequality with respect to both childhood and adult SEP are urgently
      required.

PMID- 28072858
TI  - Proton Pump Inhibitors Do Not Reduce the Risk of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in
      Patients with Barrett's Esophagus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been used for treatment of
      Barrett's esophagus (BE) for many years. However, the connection between PPIs and
      esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in patients with BE has still been controversial.
      The current systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the
      association between PPIs and the risk of EAC or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in
      patients with BE. METHODS: A systematic literature search of studies reporting
      the association between PPIs and the risk of EAC and/or HGD in patients with BE
      was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Next,
      literature was screened using previously established criteria and relevant data
      were extracted from included studies. Finally, the software program Review Manage
      5.2 was applied to aggregate data and analyze the results. RESULTS: Nine
      observational studies, comprising five cohort and four case-control studies
      (including a total of 5712 patients with BE), were identified. Upon meta
      analysis, PPIs were found to have no association with the risk of EAC and/or HGD
      in patients with BE (unadjusted OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.17-1.08). Analysis for duration
      response relationship revealed no significant trend toward protection against EAC
      or HGD with PPIs usage for >2~3 years (one study using 7-year cutoff) when
      compared to usage for shorter time periods (PPIs usage >2~3 years vs. <2~3 years:
      OR 0.91 (95% CI 0.25-3.31) vs. 0.91 (0.40-2.07)).There also was considerable
      heterogeneity between studies. CONCLUSION: No dysplasia- or cancer-protective
      effects of PPIs usage in patients with BE were identified by our analysis.
      Therefore, we conclude that clinicians who discuss the potential chemopreventive
      effects of PPIs with their patients, should be aware that such an effect, if
      exists, has not been proven with statistical significance.

PMID- 28072859
TI  - Increased PD-1 Expression and Altered T Cell Repertoire Diversity Predict
      Mortality in Patients with Septic Shock: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - Sepsis causes impairment of innate and adaptive immunity by multiple mechanisms,
      including depletion of immune effector cells and T cell exhaustion. Although
      lymphocyte dysfunction is associated with increased mortality and potential
      reactivation of latent viral infection in patients with septic shock, the
      relation between viral reactivation and lymphocyte dysfunction is obscure. The
      objectives of this study were 1) to determine the relation of lymphocyte
      dysfunction to viral reactivation and mortality, and 2) to evaluate recovery of
      lymphocyte function during septic shock, including T cell receptor (TCR)
      diversity and the expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1). In 18 patients with
      septic shock and latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, serial blood samples
      were obtained on days 1, 3, and 7 after the onset of shock, and immune cell
      subsets and receptor expression were characterized by flow cytometry. TCR
      diversity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was analyzed by Multi-N-plex PCR,
      and CMV DNA was quantified using a real-time PCR kit. A decrease of TCR diversity
      and monocyte HLA-DR expression were observed in the early stage of septic shock,
      while CD4+ T cells displayed an increase of PD-1 expression. Significant
      lymphopenia persisted for at least 7 days following the onset of septic shock.
      Normalization of TCR diversity and PD-1 expression was observed by day 7, except
      in patients who died. CMV reactivation was detected in 3 of the 18 patients
      during the first week of their ICU stay and all 3 patients died. These changes
      are consistent with the early stage of immune cell exhaustion and indicate the
      importance of normal lymphocyte function for recovery from septic shock. Ongoing
      lymphocyte dysfunction is associated with CMV reactivation and dissemination, as
      well as with unfavorable outcomes.

PMID- 28072860
TI  - Hyperbilirubinemia Influences Sleep-Wake Cycles of Term Newborns in a Non-Linear
      Manner.
AB  - Hyperbilirubinemia is a common cause for irreversible neuronal influence in the
      brain of term newborns, while the feature of neurological symptoms associated
      with hyperbilirubinemia has not been well characterized yet. In the present
      study, we examined a total of 203 neonates suffering from hyperbilirubinemia with
      a bedside amplitude-integrated Electroencephalography (aEEG) device, in order to
      determine whether there is any special change in sleep-wake cycles (SWCs). Among
      these patients, 14 cases showed no recognizable SWCs with the total serum
      bilirubin (TSB) level at 483.9-996.2 MUmol/L; 75 cases exhibited reduced SWCs
      with the TSB level at 311.2-688.5 MUmol/L; and the rest cases had the normal
      SWCs. The number of the normal SWCs occurrence had a significant negative
      correlation with the increased TSB level in a non-linear manner (r = -0.689, p
      <0.001). In addition, the increased TSB reshaped the structure of SWC by
      narrowing down the broadband and broadening the narrowband. Spearman's
      correlation analysis indicated a significant negative correlation between the TSB
      level and the ratio of broadband (r = -0.618, p < 0.001), a significant positive
      correlation between the TSB level and the narrowband ratio (r = 0.618, p <
      0.001), respectively. Furthermore, the change of SWC seemed like a continuous
      phenomenon, and the hyperbilirubinemia caused SWC changes was fit into a loess
      model in this paper. In summary, the hyperbilirubinemia influenced SWC of term
      newborns significantly at a non-linear manner, and these results revealed the
      feature of the neurological sequela that is associated with TSB.

PMID- 28072861
TI  - Identification of the Molecular Clockwork of the Oyster Crassostrea gigas.
AB  - Molecular clock system constitutes the origin of biological rhythms that allow
      organisms to anticipate cyclic environmental changes and adapt their behavior and
      physiology. Components of the molecular clock are largely conserved across a
      broad range of species but appreciable diversity in clock structure and function
      is also present especially in invertebrates. The present work aimed at identify
      and characterize molecular clockwork components in relationship with the
      monitoring of valve activity behavior in the oyster Crassostrea gigas. Results
      provided the characterization of most of canonical clock gene including clock,
      bmal/cycle, period, timeless, vertebrate-type cry, rev-erb, ror as well as other
      members of the cryptochrome/photolyase family (plant-like cry, 6-4 photolyase).
      Analyses of transcriptional variations of clock candidates in oysters exposed to
      light / dark regime and to constant darkness led to the generation of a putative
      and original clockwork model in C. gigas, intermediate of described systems in
      vertebrates and insects. This study is the first characterization of a mollusk
      clockwork. It constitutes essential bases to understand interactions of the
      different components of the molecular clock in C. gigas as well as the global
      mechanisms associated to the generation and the synchronization of biological
      rhythms in oysters.

PMID- 28072862
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Initial Combination Treatment of an Alpha Blocker with an
      Anticholinergic Medication in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients with Lower
      Urinary Tract Symptoms: Updated Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is still controversy as to whether initial combination
      treatment is superior to serial addition of anticholinergics after maintenance or
      induction of alpha blockers in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary
      tract symptoms (LUTS). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine
      the benefits and safety of initial combination treatment of an alpha blocker with
      anticholinergic medication in BPH/LUTS through a systematic review and meta
      analysis. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of improvement in LUTS using
      International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax),
      post-voided residual volume (PVR), and quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: In total,
      16 studies were included in our analysis, with a total sample size of 3,548
      subjects (2,195 experimental subjects and 1,353 controls). The mean change in
      total IPSS improvement from baseline in the combination group versus the alpha
      blocker monotherapy group was -0.03 (95% CI: -0.14-0.08). The pooled overall SMD
      change of storage IPSS improvement from baseline was -0.28 (95% CI: -0.40 - 
      0.17). The pooled overall SMD changes of QoL, Qmax, and PVR were -0.29 (95% CI: 
      0.50 - -0.07), 0.00 (95% CI: -0.08-0.08), and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.23-0.89),
      respectively. There was no significant difference in the number of acute urinary
      retention (AUR) events or PVR. CONCLUSIONS: Initial combination treatment of an
      alpha blocker with anticholinergic medication is efficacious for in BPH/ LUTS
      with improved measures such as storage symptoms and QoL without causing
      significant deterioration of voiding function.

PMID- 28072863
TI  - A Single Dose Oral Azithromycin versus Intramuscular Benzathine Penicillin for
      the Treatment of Yaws-A Randomized Non Inferiority Trial in Ghana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Yaws is a treponemal infection that was almost eradicated fifty years
      ago; however, the disease has re-emerged in a number of countries including
      Ghana. A single-dose of intramuscular benzathine penicillin has been the mainstay
      of treatment for yaws. However, intramuscular injections are painful and pose
      safety and logistical constraints in the poor areas where yaws occurs. A single
      center randomized control trial (RCT) carried out in Papua New Guinea in 2012
      demonstrated the efficacy of a single-dose of oral azithromycin for the treatment
      of yaws. In this study, we also compared the efficacy of a single oral dose of
      azithromycin as an alternative to intramuscular benzathine penicillin for the
      treatment of the disease in another geographic setting. METHODOLOGY: We conducted
      an open-label, randomized non-inferiority trial in three neighboring yaws-endemic
      districts in Southern Ghana. Children aged 1-15 years with yaws lesions were
      assigned to receive either 30mg/kg of oral azithromycin or 50,000 units/kg of
      intramuscular benzathine penicillin. The primary end point was clinical cure
      rate, defined as a complete or partial resolution of lesions 3 weeks after
      treatment. The secondary endpoint was serological cure, defined as at least a 4
      fold decline in baseline RPR titre 6 months after treatment. Non- inferiority of
      azithromycin treatment was determined if the upper bound limit of a 2 sided 95%
      CI was less than 10%. FINDINGS: The mean age of participants was 9.5 years
      (S.D.3.1, range: 1-15 years), 247(70%) were males. The clinical cure rates were
      98.2% (95% CI: 96.2-100) in the azithromycin group and 96.9% (95% CI: 94.1-99.6)
      in the benzathine penicillin group. The serological cure rates at 6 months were
      57.4% (95% CI: 49.9-64.9) in the azithromycin group and 49.1% (95% CI: 41.2-56.9)
      in the benzathine penicillin group, thus achieving the specified criteria for non
      inferiority. CONCLUSIONS: A single oral dose of azithromycin, at a dosage of
      30mg/kg, was non-inferior to a single dose of intramuscular benzathine penicillin
      for the treatment of early yaws among Ghanaian patients, and provides additional
      support for the WHO policy for use of oral azithromycin for the eradication of
      yaws in resource-poor settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trials
      Registry PACTR2013030005181 http://www.pactr.org/.

PMID- 28072864
TI  - 1H NMR Metabolomics Reveals Association of High Expression of Inositol 1, 4, 5
      Trisphosphate Receptor and Metabolites in Breast Cancer Patients.
AB  - 1H NMR is used to detect alterations in metabolites and their linkage to
      metabolic processes in a number of pathological conditions including breast
      cancer. Inositol 1, 4, 5 trisphosphate (IP3R) receptor is an intracellular
      calcium channel known to regulate metabolism and cellular bioenergetics. Its
      expression is up regulated in a number of cancers. However, its linkage to
      metabolism in disease conditions has not been evaluated. This study was designed
      to determine the association if any, of these metabolites with altered expression
      of IP3R in breast cancer. We used 1H NMR to identify metabolites in the serum of
      breast cancer patients (n = 27) and performed Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction
      analysis for quantifying the expression of IP3R type 3 and type 2 in tissues from
      breast cancer patients (n = 40). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial
      Least Square-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) clearly distinguished patients with
      high/low IP3R expression from healthy subjects. The present study revealed high
      expression of IP3R type 2 and type 3 in human breast tumor tissue compared to
      adjacent non-tumorous tissue. Moreover, patients with >= 2-fold increase in IP3R
      (high IP3R group) had significantly higher concentration of metabolic
      intermediates compared to those with < 2-fold increase in IP3R (low IP3R group).
      We observed an increase in lipoprotein content and the levels of metabolites like
      lactate, lysine and alanine and a decrease in the levels of pyruvate and glucose
      in serum of high IP3R group patients when compared to those in healthy subjects.
      Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to show the
      clinical utility of metabolites. In addition to the human studies, functional
      relevance of IP3Rs in causing metabolic disruption was observed in MCF-7 and MDA
      MB-231 cells. Results from our studies bring forth the importance of metabolic
      (or metabolomics) profiling of serum by 1H NMR in conjunction with tissue
      expression studies for characterizing breast cancer patients. The results from
      this study provide new insights into relationship of breast cancer metabolites
      with IP3R.

PMID- 28072865
TI  - Reading the Evolution of Compartmentalization in the Ribosome Assembly Toolbox:
      The YRG Protein Family.
AB  - Reconstructing the transition from a single compartment bacterium to a highly
      compartmentalized eukaryotic cell is one of the most studied problems of
      evolutionary cell biology. However, timing and details of the establishment of
      compartmentalization are unclear and difficult to assess. Here, we propose the
      use of molecular markers specific to cellular compartments to set up a framework
      to advance the understanding of this complex intracellular process. Specifically,
      we use a protein family related to ribosome biogenesis, YRG (YlqF related
      GTPases), whose evolution is linked to the establishment of cellular
      compartments, leveraging the current genomic data. We analyzed orthologous
      proteins of the YRG family in a set of 171 proteomes for a total of 370 proteins.
      We identified ten YRG protein subfamilies that can be associated to six
      subcellular compartments (nuclear bodies, nucleolus, nucleus, cytosol,
      mitochondria, and chloroplast), and which were found in archaeal, bacterial and
      eukaryotic proteomes. Our analysis reveals organism streamlining related events
      in specific taxonomic groups such as Fungi. We conclude that the YRG family could
      be used as a compartmentalization marker, which could help to trace the
      evolutionary path relating cellular compartments with ribosome biogenesis.

PMID- 28072866
TI  - The Regulatory Roles of MicroRNA in Effects of 2,2'4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether
      (BDE47) on the Transcriptome of Zebrafish Larvae.
AB  - The developmental neurotoxicity caused by environmental pollutants has received
      great concern; however, there were still barely known about the underlying toxic
      mechanisms, especially the influence of varieties of regulatory factors such as
      microRNA (miRNA). A representative flame retardant, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl
      ether (BDE47), was found to disrupt zebrafish development in visual perception
      and bone formation in previous study, thus here we investigated its effects on
      miRNA expression profiling of 6 days post fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae by
      deep sequencing. To overcome the shortage of zebrafish miRNA annotation, multiple
      data processing approaches, especially constructed network based on the
      interactions between miRNAs and enrichment terms, were adopted and helped us
      acquire several validated zebrafish miRNAs and two novel miRNAs in BDE47-induced
      effects, and identify corresponding biological processes of the miRNAs. Among
      them, miR-735 was supposed to play essential roles in larval sensory development
      according to analysis results. Our study also provided an effective strategy for
      analyzing biological effects on non-mammalian miRNAs with limited basic
      information.

PMID- 28072867
TI  - Complex Economies Have a Lateral Escape from the Poverty Trap.
AB  - We analyze the decisive role played by the complexity of economic systems at the
      onset of the industrialization process of countries over the past 50 years. Our
      analysis of the input growth dynamics, considering a further dimension through a
      recently introduced measure of economic complexity, reveals that more
      differentiated and more complex economies face a lower barrier (in terms of GDP
      per capita) when starting the transition towards industrialization. As a
      consequence, we can extend the classical concept of a one-dimensional poverty
      trap, by introducing a two-dimensional poverty trap: a country will start the
      industrialization process if it is rich enough (as in neo-classical economic
      theories), complex enough (using this new dimension and laterally escaping from
      the poverty trap), or a linear combination of the two. This naturally leads to
      the proposal of a Complex Index of Relative Development (CIRD) which shows, when
      analyzed as a function of the growth due to input, a shape of an upside down
      parabola similar to that expected from the standard economic theories when
      considering only the GDP per capita dimension.

PMID- 28072868
TI  - Phosphatidylserine Outer Layer Translocation Is Implicated in IL-10 Secretion by
      Human Regulatory B Cells.
AB  - B cells can have a regulatory role, mainly mediated by interleukin 10 (IL-10). IL
      10 producing B cells (B10 cells) cells remain to be better characterized. Annexin
      V binds phosphatidylserine (PS), which is externalized during apoptosis. Previous
      works suggested that B10 cells are apoptotic cells since they bind Annexin V.
      Others showed that Annexin V binding could also be expressed on viable B cells.
      We aimed to explore if PS exposure can be a marker of B10 cells and if PS
      exposure has a functional role on B cell IL-10 production in healthy subjects. We
      found that B10 cells were significantly more often Annexin V+ than IL-10 non
      producing B cells. After CpG activation, Annexin V+ B cells differentiated more
      often into B10 cells than Annexin Vneg B cells. Cell death and early apoptosis
      were similar between Annexin V+ and Annexin Vneg B cells. PS blockage, using
      biotinylated AnV and glyburide, decreased B10 cell differentiation. This study
      showed that B10 cells have an increased PS exposure independently of any
      apoptotic state. B cells exposing PS differentiate more into B10 cells whereas PS
      blockage inhibits B10 cells generation. These results strongly suggest a link
      between PS exposure and B10 cells.

PMID- 28072870
TI  - Mathematical Modeling of Intestinal Iron Absorption Using Genetic Programming.
AB  - Iron is a trace metal, key for the development of living organisms. Its
      absorption process is complex and highly regulated at the transcriptional,
      translational and systemic levels. Recently, the internalization of the DMT1
      transporter has been proposed as an additional regulatory mechanism at the
      intestinal level, associated to the mucosal block phenomenon. The short-term
      effect of iron exposure in apical uptake and initial absorption rates was studied
      in Caco-2 cells at different apical iron concentrations, using both an
      experimental approach and a mathematical modeling framework. This is the first
      report of short-term studies for this system. A non-linear behavior in the apical
      uptake dynamics was observed, which does not follow the classic saturation
      dynamics of traditional biochemical models. We propose a method for developing
      mathematical models for complex systems, based on a genetic programming
      algorithm. The algorithm is aimed at obtaining models with a high predictive
      capacity, and considers an additional parameter fitting stage and an additional
      Jackknife stage for estimating the generalization error. We developed a model for
      the iron uptake system with a higher predictive capacity than classic biochemical
      models. This was observed both with the apical uptake dataset used for generating
      the model and with an independent initial rates dataset used to test the
      predictive capacity of the model. The model obtained is a function of time and
      the initial apical iron concentration, with a linear component that captures the
      global tendency of the system, and a non-linear component that can be associated
      to the movement of DMT1 transporters. The model presented in this paper allows
      the detailed analysis, interpretation of experimental data, and identification of
      key relevant components for this complex biological process. This general method
      holds great potential for application to the elucidation of biological mechanisms
      and their key components in other complex systems.

PMID- 28072869
TI  - Discovery and Molecular Basis of a Diverse Set of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
      Inhibitors Recognition by EED.
AB  - Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a histone H3 lysine 27 methyltransferase,
      plays a key role in gene regulation and is a known epigenetics drug target for
      cancer therapy. The WD40 domain-containing protein EED is the regulatory subunit
      of PRC2. It binds to the tri-methylated lysine 27 of the histone H3 (H3K27me3),
      and through which stimulates the activity of PRC2 allosterically. Recently, we
      disclosed a novel PRC2 inhibitor EED226 which binds to the K27me3-pocket on EED
      and showed strong antitumor activity in xenograft mice model. Here, we further
      report the identification and validation of four other EED binders along with
      EED162, the parental compound of EED226. The crystal structures for all these
      five compounds in complex with EED revealed a common deep pocket induced by the
      binding of this diverse set of compounds. This pocket was created after
      significant conformational rearrangement of the aromatic cage residues (Y365,
      Y148 and F97) in the H3K27me3 binding pocket of EED, the width of which was
      delineated by the side chains of these rearranged residues. In addition, all five
      compounds interact with the Arg367 at the bottom of the pocket. Each compound
      also displays unique features in its interaction with EED, suggesting the
      dynamics of the H3K27me3 pocket in accommodating the binding of different
      compounds. Our results provide structural insights for rational design of novel
      EED binder for the inhibition of PRC2 complex activity.

PMID- 28072871
TI  - Atrophic and Metaplastic Progression in the Background Mucosa of Patients with
      Gastric Adenoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with adenoma, assessing premalignant changes in the
      surrounding mucosa is important for surveillance. This study evaluated atrophic
      and metaplastic progression in the background mucosa of adenoma or early gastric
      cancer (EGC) cases. METHODS: Among 146 consecutive patients who underwent
      endoscopic resection for intestinal-type gastric neoplasia, the adenoma group
      included 56 patients with low-grade dysplasia and the ECG group included 90
      patients with high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma. For histology, 3 paired
      biopsies were obtained from the antrum, corpus lesser curvature (CLC), and corpus
      greater curvature (CGC). Serological atrophy was determined based on pepsinogen A
      (PGA), progastricsin (PGC), gastrin-17, and total ghrelin levels. Topographic
      progression of atrophy and/or metaplasia was staged using the operative link on
      gastritis assessment (OLGA) and operative link on gastric intestinal metaplasia
      assessment (OLGIM) systems. RESULTS: Rates of moderate-to-marked histological
      atrophy/metaplasia in patients with adenoma were 52.7%/78.2% at the antrum (vs.
      58.8%/76.4% in EGC group), 63.5%/75.0% at the CLC (vs. 60.2%/69.7% in EGC group),
      and 10.9%/17.9% at the CGC (vs. 5.6%/7.8% in EGC group). Serological atrophy
      indicated by PGA and PGC occurred in 23.2% and 15.6% of cases in the adenoma and
      ECG groups, respectively (p = 0.25). Mean serum gastrin-17 concentrations of the
      adenoma group and EGC group were 10.4 and 9.0 pmol/L, respectively (p = 0.54).
      Mean serum total ghrelin levels were 216.6 and 209.5 pg/mL, respectively (p =
      0.71). Additionally, between group rates of stage III-IV OLGA and OLGIM were
      similar (25.9% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.90; 41.8% vs. 44.9%, p = 0.71, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Atrophic and metaplastic progression is extensive and severe in
      gastric adenoma patients. A surveillance strategy for metachronous tumors should
      be applied similarly for patients with adenoma or EGC.

PMID- 28072872
TI  - Population Pharmacokinetic Properties of Piperaquine in Falciparum Malaria: An
      Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the mainstay of
      the current treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, but ACT
      resistance is spreading across Southeast Asia. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is
      one of the five ACTs currently recommended by the World Health Organization.
      Previous studies suggest that young children (<5 y) with malaria are under-dosed.
      This study utilised a population-based pharmacokinetic approach to optimise the
      antimalarial treatment regimen for piperaquine. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Published
      pharmacokinetic studies on piperaquine were identified through a systematic
      literature review of articles published between 1 January 1960 and 15 February
      2013. Individual plasma piperaquine concentration-time data from 11 clinical
      studies (8,776 samples from 728 individuals) in adults and children with
      uncomplicated malaria and healthy volunteers were collated and standardised by
      the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network. Data were pooled and analysed
      using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. Piperaquine pharmacokinetics were
      described successfully by a three-compartment disposition model with flexible
      absorption. Body weight influenced clearance and volume parameters significantly,
      resulting in lower piperaquine exposures in small children (<25 kg) compared to
      larger children and adults (>=25 kg) after administration of the manufacturers'
      currently recommended dose regimens. Simulated median (interquartile range) day 7
      plasma concentration was 29.4 (19.3-44.3) ng/ml in small children compared to
      38.1 (25.8-56.3) ng/ml in larger children and adults, with the recommended dose
      regimen. The final model identified a mean (95% confidence interval) increase of
      23.7% (15.8%-32.5%) in piperaquine bioavailability between each piperaquine dose
      occasion. The model also described an enzyme maturation function in very young
      children, resulting in 50% maturation at 0.575 (0.413-0.711) y of age. An
      evidence-based optimised dose regimen was constructed that would provide
      piperaquine exposures across all ages comparable to the exposure currently seen
      in a typical adult with standard treatment, without exceeding the concentration
      range observed with the manufacturers' recommended regimen. Limited data were
      available in infants and pregnant women with malaria as well as in healthy
      individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The derived population pharmacokinetic model was used
      to develop a revised dose regimen of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine that is
      expected to provide equivalent piperaquine exposures safely in all patients,
      including in small children with malaria. Use of this dose regimen is expected to
      prolong the useful therapeutic life of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine by
      increasing cure rates and thereby slowing resistance development. This work was
      part of the evidence that informed the World Health Organization technical
      guidelines development group in the development of the recently published
      treatment guidelines (2015).

PMID- 28072873
TI  - Association Study with 77 SNPs Confirms the Robust Role for the rs10830963/G of
      MTNR1B Variant and Identifies Two Novel Associations in Gestational Diabetes
      Mellitus Development.
AB  - CONTEXT: Genetic variation in human maternal DNA contributes to the
      susceptibility for development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). OBJECTIVE:
      We assessed 77 maternal single nucleotide gene polymorphisms (SNPs) for
      associations with GDM or plasma glucose levels at OGTT in pregnancy. METHODS: 960
      pregnant women (after dropouts 820: case/control: m99'WHO: 303/517, IADPSG:
      287/533) were enrolled in two countries into this case-control study. After
      genomic DNA isolation the 820 samples were collected in a GDM biobank and
      assessed using KASP (LGC Genomics) genotyping assay. Logistic regression risk
      models were used to calculate ORs according to IADPSG/m'99WHO criteria based on
      standard OGTT values. RESULTS: The most important risk alleles associated with
      GDM were rs10830963/G of MTNR1B (OR = 1.84/1.64 [IADPSG/m'99WHO], p =
      0.0007/0.006), rs7754840/C (OR = 1.51/NS, p = 0.016) of CDKAL1 and rs1799884/T
      (OR = 1.4/1.56, p = 0.04/0.006) of GCK. The rs13266634/T (SLC30A8, OR =
      0.74/0.71, p = 0.05/0.02) and rs7578326/G (LOC646736/IRS1, OR = 0.62/0.60, p =
      0.001/0.006) variants were associated with lower risk to develop GDM. Carrying a
      minor allele of rs10830963 (MTNR1B); rs7903146 (TCF7L2); rs1799884 (GCK) SNPs
      were associated with increased plasma glucose levels at routine OGTT.
      CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the robust association of MTNR1B rs10830963/G variant
      with GDM binary and glycemic traits in this Caucasian case-control study. As
      novel associations we report the minor, G allele of the rs7578326 SNP in the
      LOC646736/IRS1 region as a significant and the rs13266634/T SNP (SLC30A8) as a
      suggestive protective variant against GDM development. Genetic susceptibility
      appears to be more preponderant in individuals who meet both the modified 99'WHO
      and the IADPSG GDM diagnostic criteria.

PMID- 28072874
TI  - Similarity of Center of Pressure Progression during Walking and Jogging of
      Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficient Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the center of pressure (COP) progression similarity and
      its change during walking and jogging in Anterior Cruciate Ligament deficient
      (ACLD) patients. METHODS: A study was performed in 64 unilateral ACLD subjects
      and 32 healthy volunteers who walked and jogged on footscan(r) system at a self
      selected speed. COP trajectory during walking and jogging was calculated. The
      robustness and similarity scores of COP (SSCOP, similarity scores with respect to
      corresponding COP trajectories) were computed, and then the Analysis of Variance
      test was employed to compare among different conditions (left or right side,
      within a subject or between subjects, walking or jogging). RESULTS: (1) During
      the same motion status (walking or jogging), SSCOP were higher than 0.885.
      However, SSCOP between walking and jogging were lower than 0.25 in both the
      healthy and ACLD group. SSCOP between the intrasubjects were statistically higher
      than those between the intersubjects (p<0.01). (2) SSCOP in the ACLD group were
      statistically significantly reduced to 0.885+/-0.074 compared to 0.912+/-0.057 in
      healthy volunteers during walking, and 0.903+/-0.066 in the ACLD group compared
      to 0.919+/-0.050 in the healthy group during jogging (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: SSCOP
      can distinguish walking from jogging, and SSCOP of ACLD patients would be
      different from that of healthy controls. The study protocol was approved by the
      Institutional Research Board of Peking University Third Hospital (IRB00006761
      2012010).

PMID- 28072875
TI  - Characterization of the Activity Spectrum of MON 88702 and the Plant-Incorporated
      Protectant Cry51Aa2.834_16.
AB  - The spectrum of insecticidal activity of Cry51Aa2.834_16 protein targeting
      hemipteran and thysanopteran insect pests in cotton was characterized by
      selecting and screening multiple pest and non-pest species, based on
      representation of ecological functional groups, taxonomic relatedness (e.g.
      relationship to species where activity was observed), and availability for
      effective testing. Seven invertebrate orders, comprising 12 families and 17
      representative species were screened for susceptibility to Cry51Aa2.834_16
      protein and/or the ability of the protein to protect against feeding damage in
      laboratory, controlled environments (e.g. greenhouse/growth chamber), and/or
      field studies when present in cotton plants. The screening results presented for
      Cry51Aa2.834_16 demonstrate selective and limited activity within three insect
      orders. Other than Orius insidiosus, no activity was observed for Cry51Aa2.834_16
      against several groups of arthropods that perform key ecological roles in some
      agricultural ecosystems (e.g. pollinators, decomposers, and natural enemies).

PMID- 28072876
TI  - Genetic Nature of Elemental Contents in Wheat Grains and Its Genomic Prediction:
      Toward the Effective Use of Wheat Landraces from Afghanistan.
AB  - Profiling elemental contents in wheat grains and clarifying the underlying
      genetic systems are important for the breeding of biofortified crops. Our
      objective was to evaluate the genetic potential of 269 Afghan wheat landraces for
      increasing elemental contents in wheat cultivars. The contents of three major
      (Mg, K, and P) and three minor (Mn, Fe, and Zn) elements in wheat grains were
      measured by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Large variations
      in elemental contents were observed among landraces. Marker-based heritability
      estimates were low to moderate, suggesting that the elemental contents are
      complex quantitative traits. Genetic correlations between two locations (Japan
      and Afghanistan) and among the six elements were estimated using a multi-response
      Bayesian linear mixed model. Low-to-moderate genetic correlations were observed
      among major elements and among minor elements respectively, but not between major
      and minor elements. A single-response genome-wide association study detected only
      one significant marker, which was associated with Zn, suggesting it will be
      difficult to increase the elemental contents of wheat by conventional marker
      assisted selection. Genomic predictions for major elemental contents were
      moderately or highly accurate, whereas those for minor elements were mostly low
      or moderate. Our results indicate genomic selection may be useful for the genetic
      improvement of elemental contents in wheat.

PMID- 28072877
TI  - Motor Cortex Theta and Gamma Architecture in Young Adult APPswePS1dE9 Alzheimer
      Mice.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disorder leading to progressive
      memory loss and eventually death. In this study, an APPswePS1dE9 AD mouse model
      has been analyzed for motor cortex theta, beta and gamma frequency alterations
      using computerized 3D stereotaxic electrode positioning and implantable video-EEG
      radiotelemetry to perform long-term M1 recordings from both genders considering
      age, circadian rhythm and activity status of experimental animals. We previously
      demonstrated that APPswePS1dE9 mice exibit complex alterations in hippocampal
      frequency power and another recent investigation reported a global increase of
      alpha, beta and gamma power in APPswePS1dE9 in females of 16-17 weeks of age. In
      this cortical study in APPswePS1dE9 mice we did not observe any changes in theta,
      beta and particularly gamma power in both genders at the age of 14, 15, 18 and 19
      weeks. Importantly, no activity dependence of theta, beta and gamma activity
      could be detected. These findings clearly point to the fact that EEG activity,
      particularly gamma power exhibits developmental changes and spatial
      distinctiveness in the APPswePS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 28072878
TI  - Signal-Amplified Lateral Flow Test Strip for Visual Detection of Cu2.
AB  - A signal-amplified lateral flow test strip (SA-LFTS) for the detection of Cu2+ in
      aqueous solution was constructed based on Cu+-catalyzed click chemistry and
      hybridization of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Alkyne and azide modified ssDNA
      acted as specific elements for Cu2+ recognition, and a chemical ligation product
      formed through Cu+-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition. Hybridization of ssDNA
      labeled gold nanoparticles resulted in high sensitivity, and the output signal
      could be observed directly by the naked eye. Using the developed SA-LFTS under
      optimal conditions, Cu2+ could be detected rapidly with limit of detections of 5
      nM and 4.2 nM by visual observation and quantitative analysis, respectively. The
      sensitivity (i.e. the visual limit of detection) of the SA-LFTS was 80-times
      higher than that of traditional LFTS. The SA-LFTS was applied to the
      determination of Cu2+ in municipal water and river water samples with the results
      showing good recovery and accuracy. The developed test strip is promising for
      point-of-care applications and detection of Cu2+ in the field.

PMID- 28072879
TI  - Transcriptomic Analysis of Calonectria pseudoreteaudii during Various Stages of
      Eucalyptus Infection.
AB  - Eucalyptus leaf blight caused by Calonectria spp. is a serious disease in
      Eucalyptus seedling and plantations. However, the molecular mechanisms of the
      infection process and pathogenesis of Calonectria to Eucalyptus is not well
      studied. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomes of C. pseudoreteaudii at
      three stages of Eucalyptus leaf infection, and in mycelium grown in potato
      dextrose broth using Illumina RNA-Seq technology. We identified 161
      differentially expressed genes between C. pseudoreteaudii from leaf and mycelium
      grown in potato dextrose broth. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of these genes
      suggested that they were mainly involved in oxidoreductase activity, hydrolase
      activity, and transmembrane transporter activity. Most of the differentially
      expressed genes at the early infection stage were upregulated. These upregulated
      genes were mainly involved in cell wall hydrolysis and toxin synthesis,
      suggesting a role for toxin and cell wall hydrolases in the establishment of
      Calonectria leaf blight. Genes related to detoxification of phytoalexins were
      continually upregulated during infection. The candidate effectors and putative
      pathogenicity determinants identified in this study will help in the functional
      analysis of C. pseudoreteaudii virulence and pathogenicity.

PMID- 28072881
TI  - Reciprocal Symbiont Sharing in the Lodging Mutualism between Walking Corals and
      Sipunculans.
AB  - Solitary scleractinian corals of the genera Heterocyathus and Heteropsammia
      inhabit soft marine bottoms without attaching to hard substrata. The corallums of
      these genera contain a coiled cavity inhabited by a sipunculan that roams the
      seafloor, carrying the host coral with it. The coral serves as a sturdy shelter
      that protects the sipunculan from possible predators. At the same time, the
      sipunculan maintains the coral in an upright position on the soft bottom. This
      coral-sipunculan association is unique because two phylogenetically distant coral
      genera have developed convergent associations with sipunculans. We investigate
      the process of convergent evolution of two coral species, Hc. aequicostatus and
      Hp. cochlea, in Okinawa, Japan, with their symbiotic sipunculans, using
      phylogenetic and morphological analyses. Phylogenetic analyses clarified that the
      symbiotic sipunculans comprise two distinct clades, surprisingly both of which
      are associated with both coral species. The bodily habitus of the sipunculan
      differed between coral species and fit the morphologies of the coiled cavities of
      their respective host corals. Our results suggest that the two coral species
      share two sipunculan clades and that sipunculan morphology is plastic and
      determined by the internal structure of their host corals.

PMID- 28072880
TI  - Characterisation of Early-Life Fecal Microbiota in Susceptible and Healthy Pigs
      to Post-Weaning Diarrhoea.
AB  - Early-life microbial exposure is of particular importance to growth, immune
      system development and long-lasting health. Hence, early microbiota composition
      is a promising predictive biomarker for health and disease but still remains
      poorly characterized in regards to susceptibility to diarrhoea. In the present
      study, we aimed to assess if gut bacterial community diversity and composition
      during the suckling period were associated with differences in susceptibility of
      pigs to post-weaning diarrhoea. Twenty piglets from 5 sows (4 piglets / litter)
      were weaned in poor housing conditions to challenge their susceptibility to post
      weaning diarrhoea. Two weeks after weaning, 13 pigs exhibited liquid faeces
      during 2 or 3 days and were defined as diarrhoeic (D) pigs. The other 7 pigs did
      not have diarrhea during the whole post-weaning experimental periodand were
      defined as healthy (H) pigs. Using a molecular characterisation of fecal
      microbiota with CE-SSCP fingerprint, Next Generation Sequencing and qPCR, we show
      that D and H pigs were mainly discriminated as early as postnatal day (PND) 7,
      i.e. 4 weeks before post-weaning diarrhoea occurence. At PND 7 H pigs displayed a
      lower evenness and a higher abundance of Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae,
      Ruminocacaceae and Lactobacillaceae compared to D pigs. The sPLS regression
      method indicates that these bacterial families were strongly correlated to a
      higher Bacteroidetes abundance observed in PND 30 H pigs one week before
      diarrhoea. These results emphasize the potential of early microbiota diversity
      and composition as being an indicator of susceptibility to post-weaning
      diarrhoea. Furthermore, they support the health promoting strategies of pig herds
      through gut microbiota engineering.

PMID- 28072882
TI  - Impact of Dietary Protein Concentration and Quality on Immune Function of Cats.
AB  - Protein levels and quality in cat food can vary significantly and might affect
      immune function in various ways. In the present study, 3 diets with a low protein
      quality (LQ) and 3 diets with a high protein quality (HQ) were offered to 10
      healthy adult cats for 6 weeks each, using a randomized cross-over design. The LQ
      and HQ diets differed in the collagen content and had low (36.7% and 36.2%),
      medium (45.0% and 43.3%) and high (56.1% and 54.9%) protein levels. At the end of
      each feeding period, blood was collected for phenotyping of leukocyte subsets,
      lymphocyte proliferation assay and cytokine measurements, phagocytosis assay and
      differential blood count. The results demonstrated no group differences for
      numbers of CD4+CD8-, CD4+CD8+, CD4-CD8+, MHCII+, CD21+, SWC3+ and CD14+ cells in
      the blood of the cats. Proliferative activity of lymphocytes when stimulated with
      pokeweed mitogen, Concanavalin A and Phytohemagglutinin, M form did not differ
      depending on the dietary protein concentration and quality. Concentrations of
      tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma in the supernatant of the
      proliferation assay were also not affected by the dietary treatment. Blood
      monocyte phagocytic activity was higher (P = 0.048) and cell numbers of
      eosinophilic granulocytes in the blood were lower (P = 0.047) when cats were fed
      the low protein diets. In conclusion, only a few differences in feline immune
      cell populations and activity depending on dietary protein supply could be
      detected. However, the observed increase of eosinophilic granulocytes by a higher
      protein intake indicates an activation of immunological mechanisms and requires
      further investigation.

PMID- 28072883
TI  - Variability in the Effectiveness of Two Ornithological Survey Methods between
      Tropical Forest Ecosystems.
AB  - Birds are a frequently chosen group for biodiversity monitoring as they are
      comparatively straightforward and inexpensive to sample and often perform well as
      ecological indicators. Two commonly used techniques for monitoring tropical
      forest bird communities are point counts and mist nets. General strengths and
      weaknesses of these techniques have been well-defined; however little research
      has examined how their effectiveness is mediated by the ecology of bird
      communities and their habitats. We examine how the overall performance of these
      methodologies differs between two widely separated tropical forests-Cusuco
      National Park (CNP), a Honduran cloud forest, and the lowland forests of Buton
      Forest Reserves (BFR) located on Buton Island, Indonesia. Consistent survey
      protocols were employed at both sites, with 77 point count stations and 22 mist
      netting stations being surveyed in each location. We found the effectiveness of
      both methods varied considerably between ecosystems. Point counts performed
      better in BFR than in CNP, detecting a greater percentage of known community
      richness (60% versus 41%) and generating more accurate species richness
      estimates. Conversely, mist netting performed better in CNP than in BFR,
      detecting a much higher percentage of known community richness (31% versus 7%).
      Indeed, mist netting proved overall to be highly ineffective within BFR. Best
      Akaike's Information Criterion models indicate differences in the effectiveness
      of methodologies between study sites relate to bird community composition, which
      in turn relates to ecological and biogeographical influences unique to each
      forest ecosystem. Results therefore suggest that, while generalized strengths and
      weaknesses of both methodologies can be defined, their overall effectiveness is
      also influenced by local characteristics specific to individual study sites.
      While this study focusses on ornithological surveys, the concept of local factors
      influencing effectiveness of field methodologies may also hold true for
      techniques targeting a wide range of taxonomic groups; this requires further
      research.

PMID- 28072884
TI  - Structural and Ultrastructural Alterations in Human Olfactory Pathways and
      Possible Associations with Herpesvirus 6 Infection.
AB  - Structural and ultrastructural alterations in human olfactory pathways and
      putative associations with human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection were studied.
      The olfactory bulb/tract samples from 20 subjects with an unspecified
      encephalopathy determined by pathomorphological examination of the brain autopsy,
      17 healthy age-matched and 16 younger controls were used. HHV-6 DNA was detected
      in 60, 29, and 19% of cases in these groups, respectively. In the whole
      encephalopathy group, significantly more HHV-6 positive neurons and
      oligodendrocytes were found in the gray matter, whereas, significantly more HHV-6
      positive astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia/macrophages and endothelial
      cells were found in the white matter. Additionally, significantly more HHV-6
      positive astrocytes and, in particular, oligodendrocytes were found in the white
      matter when compared to the gray matter. Furthermore, when only HHV-6 PCR+
      encephalopathy cases were studied, we observed similar but stronger associations
      between HHV-6 positive oligodendrocytes and CD68 positive cells in the white
      matter. Cellular alterations were additionally evidenced by anti-S100
      immunostaining, demonstrating a significantly higher number of S100 positive
      cells in the gray matter of the whole encephalopathy group when compared to the
      young controls, and in the white matter when compared to both control groups. In
      spite the decreased S100 expression in the PCR+ encephalopathy group when
      compared to PCR- cases and controls, groups demonstrated significantly higher
      number of S100 positive cells in the white compared to the gray matter.
      Ultrastructural changes confirming the damage of myelin included irregularity of
      membranes and ballooning of paranodal loops. This study shows that among the
      cellular targets of the nervous system, HHV-6 most severely affects
      oligodendrocytes and the myelin made by them.

PMID- 28072885
TI  - Functional Role of Intracellular Calcium Receptor Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate
      Type 1 in Rat Hippocampus after Neonatal Anoxia.
AB  - Anoxia is one of the most prevalent causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality,
      especially in preterm neonates, constituting an important public health problem
      due to permanent neurological sequelae observed in patients. Oxygen deprivation
      triggers a series of simultaneous cascades, culminating in cell death mainly
      located in more vulnerable metabolic brain regions, such as the hippocampus. In
      the process of cell death by oxygen deprivation, cytosolic calcium plays crucial
      roles. Intracellular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are important
      regulators of cytosolic calcium levels, although the role of these receptors in
      neonatal anoxia is completely unknown. This study focused on the functional role
      of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1) in rat hippocampus after
      neonatal anoxia. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a decrease of IP3R1 gene
      expression 24 hours after neonatal anoxia. We detected that IP3R1 accumulates
      specially in CA1, and this spatial pattern did not change after neonatal anoxia.
      Interestingly, we observed that anoxia triggers translocation of IP3R1 to nucleus
      in hippocampal cells. We were able to observe that anoxia changes distribution of
      IP3R1 immunofluorescence signals, as revealed by cluster size analysis. We next
      examined the role of IP3R1 in the neuronal cell loss triggered by neonatal
      anoxia. Intrahippocampal injection of non-specific IP3R1 blocker 2-APB clearly
      reduced the number of Fluoro-Jade C and Tunel positive cells, revealing that
      activation of IP3R1 increases cell death after neonatal anoxia. Finally, we aimed
      to disclose mechanistics of IP3R1 in cell death. We were able to determine that
      blockade of IP3R1 did not reduced the distribution and pixel density of activated
      caspase 3-positive cells, indicating that the participation of IP3R1 in neuronal
      cell loss is not related to classical caspase-mediated apoptosis. In summary,
      this study may contribute to new perspectives in the investigation of
      neurodegenerative mechanisms triggered by oxygen deprivation.

PMID- 28072886
TI  - Dynamic change in the NS3 protease domain in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients naive to
      anti-HCV protease inhibitors.
AB  - The genetic analysis of THE natural protease inhibitors (PI) resistance of HCV
      genotype (GT)1 involves subtypes 1a and 1b. NS3 protease domain was sequentially
      analysed in 10 HIV/HCV GT1-coinfected individuals naive to HCV treatment.
      Analysis at different time points showed that 2/3 GT1b patients were infected by
      a GT1a clade1 during follow-up. In one patient a switch from clade1 to clade2 and
      in one other patient a switch from clade2 to clade1 was revealed. Four out of ten
      patients had resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) at baseline. The dynamics
      of the dominant infecting subtype suggests the presence of mixed infection in
      some patients.

PMID- 28072887
TI  - Dengue fever in travellers and risk of local spreading: case reports from
      Southern Italy and literature update.
AB  - Dengue fever (DF), an arbovirosis caused by Dengue viruses (DV, serotypes 1-4),
      is responsible for an increasing number of travel-related acute febrile illnesses
      due to population growth, climate changes, spreading by viremic travellers, and
      improved laboratory diagnosis. The presence of efficient vectors (mosquito Aedes
      albopictus) has also been described in temperate regions including Italy which is
      considered the most heavily infected European country. Normally characterized by
      non-specific signs and symptoms, DF incidence is probably underestimated,
      especially in non-endemic countries, but the risk of severe forms is substantial.
      Between August and November 2013, five DF patients (4 males, age 23-38) were
      observed in the Infectious Disease Clinic (University of Bari, Southern Italy).
      All had just returned from DF endemic areas (2 French Polynesia, 3 Dominican
      Republic); 4/5 were hospitalized. Common clinical features included acute febrile
      syndrome, headache (2 with retro-orbital pain), rash (all patients), two with
      bleeding manifestations and one with gum bleeding. Laboratory tests demonstrated
      leukopenia (4 patients), elevated liver enzymes (3 patients), and
      thrombocytopenia (1 patient). Serum samples for DV antibodies and RNA detection
      were analyzed by the Regional Arbovirosis Reference Laboratory. Viral RNA was
      identified in 2/5 patients (DV-4) and seroconversion in the remaining cases. All
      patients made a complete recovery. Recent literature was reviewed, focusing on
      epidemiology and vector distribution (especially European and Italian
      territories), pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment including
      vaccine strategies. The occurrence of 5 DF cases during the period of highest
      vector activity (June-November) in Italy emphasizes the risk of local outbreaks
      in temperate regions. This paper highlights the importance of clinical alert for
      dengue also in non-endemic countries.

PMID- 28072888
TI  - Clinical and virological predictors of sustained response with an interferon
      based simeprevir regimen for patients with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C virus
      infection.
AB  - Simeprevir plus peg-interferon/ribavirin (PR) is approved to treat chronic
      hepatitis C (HCV) genotype 1 (GT1) and GT4 infection. This study aimed to assess
      baseline and on-treatment the factors predictive of sustained virologic response
      12-weeks post-treatment (SVR12) in patients receiving 12 weeks of simeprevir plus
      PR followed by 12 or 36 weeks of PR. Data from participants in four studies
      (QUEST-1, QUEST-2, ATTAIN and PROMISE) were pooled to examine the efficacy and
      safety of simeprevir+PR in HCV GT1 patients. The predictive power of baseline
      variables for SVR12 was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic
      regression models while the relationship between early (Week 4) on-treatment
      response and SVR12 was analyzed by GT1 subtype and treatment experience. Data for
      1160 patients were analyzed (overall SVR12: 71%). Baseline factors predictive of
      SVR12 were: IL28B CC genotype, GT1a/Q80K-negative, treatment-naive/prior
      relapser, no cirrhosis, HCV-RNA <=2,000,000IU/mL, albumin >42g/L, platelets
      >200x109 /L. Patients with HCV GT1b (86%), IL28B CC genotype (87%), and treatment
      naive patients (83%) were predicted to achieve the highest SVR12 rates and rates
      of rapid virologic response. Week 4 early on-treatment response identified
      treatment-naive and prior relapse patients likely to achieve SVR12. Patients
      likely to respond to simeprevir+PR can be identified using baseline factors.
      Early on-treatment response predicts treatment success.

PMID- 28072889
TI  - In-depth analysis of compartmentalization of HIV-1 matrix protein p17 in PBMC and
      plasma.
AB  - HIV-1 p17 plays an important role in the virus life-cycle and disease
      pathogenesis. Recent studies indicated a high heterogeneity of p17. A high number
      of insertions in the p17 carboxy-terminal region have been more frequently
      detected in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), suggesting a role of
      altered p17 in lymphomagenesis. Based on p17 heterogeneity, possible PBMC/plasma
      compartmentalization of p17 variants was explored by ultra-deep pyrosequencing in
      five NHL patients. The high variability of p17 with insertions at the carboxy
      terminal region was confirmed in plasma and observed for the first time in
      proviral genomes. Quasispecies compartmentalization was evident in 4/5 patients.
      Further studies are needed to define the possible role of p17 quasispecies
      compartmentalization in lymphomagenesis.

PMID- 28072892
TI  - Use of statins and aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease among HIV-positive
      patients. A survey among Italian HIV physicians.
AB  - We conducted a survey among Italian HIV specialists to study the utilization of
      statins and aspirin, administering a questionnaire aimed at investigating their
      use, the use of guidelines and scores, and the management of interactions. The
      answers were uniform in the different geographic areas. The majority directly
      prescribe statins and 43% of them prescribe aspirin. The majority follows
      guidelines and utilize scores to calculate the CV risk. Our survey demonstrates
      the commitment and autonomy in prescribing statins and aspirin of Italian
      physicians. There is a rationale to generate guidelines to overcome the
      differences and limitations among current recommendations.

PMID- 28072893
TI  - A Pediatric Application of the STRAC Regional Hospital Trauma Registry Database:
      Pediatric Trauma Deaths in South Central Texas During 2004-2013.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to define the demographics of pediatric traumatic
      injuries and to understand the predictive value of injury type, prehospital, and
      emergency department (ED) data regarding the mortality of pediatric trauma
      patients (<14 years of age) in South Central Texas. We report a retrospective
      review of pediatric trauma patients presenting to Trauma Service Area P in South
      Central Texas during 2004-2013. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary
      outcomes were ventilator days, hospital days, and intensive care unit stay.
      Demographics, Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) codes, ICD-9 codes, transport times,
      Emergency Medical Services (EMS) vital signs en route and on arrival to the
      emergency department (ED), and outcomes were evaluated. A total of 8004
      traumatically injured children presented to EDs in South Central Texas during the
      study period; 4109 of these presented via EMS. Most patients were Hispanic and
      male. Distribution was even across age groups. Overall mortality was 2%, and the
      mortality of those arriving by EMS was 3.7%. Abnormal vital signs and Glasgow
      Coma Score upon presentation to both EMS and the ED were strongly associated with
      mortality. Increased Injury Severity Score, the need for transfusion in the ED,
      and increased maximal AIS were also strongly associated with mortality. African
      American race was associated with increased mortality, although transport time
      and age were not. Most injuries overall were caused by motor vehicle collisions;
      however, burns and falls were most common in infants. The most lethal injuries
      were caused by firearms (mostly seen in preteens) and assaults (mostly seen in
      infants). This analysis of injured children in Southwest Texas offers insight
      into areas of needed quality improvement in the trauma system and potential areas
      to focus prevention efforts.

PMID- 28072891
TI  - Molecular epidemiology and resistome analysis of multidrug-resistant ST11
      Klebsiella pneumoniae strain containing multiple copies of extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase genes using whole-genome sequencing.
AB  - The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanism responsible for multidrug
      resistance in ST11 Klebsiella pneumoniae YMC 2013/7/B3993 containing multiple
      copies of ESBL genes using multiple parallel sequencing technology. In-depth
      analysis of the strain revealed multiple copies of ESBL genes, 2 copies of blaSHV
      12 and 1 copy of blaCTX-M-15. Furthermore, 1 copy of blaOXA-9 and 3 copies of
      blaTEM-1 were found. The insertion of Tn1331 was detected, which consisted of
      blaOXA-9, blaTEM-1, aac(6')-lb-cr, and aadA1 genes. The acquisition of multiple
      copies of resistance genes was due to the insertion of transposons in the
      bacterial genome and plasmid. The genotypic analysis revealed that the isolates
      belonging to ST11 showed severe resistance phenotypes and greater dissemination
      potential. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating
      multiple copies of same ESBL genes in K. pneumoniae ST11 isolate. Furthermore,
      massive parallel sequencing studies of genetic factors to enhance the fitness of
      this type strain would be warranted to determine whether ST11 K. pneumoniae can
      spread the KPC-type gene.

PMID- 28072894
TI  - MACRA: Easing the Pain?
AB  - Medicare's final MACRA regulations acquiesce to medicine's call for more
      flexibility for small practices in the first year but moves full speed ahead with
      the transition to value-based payment.

PMID- 28072895
TI  - Standing Up for Scope.
AB  - The Texas Medical Association triumphed when a Travis County district court sided
      with medicine in a lawsuit against the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners over
      its granting chiropractors the authority to perform certain diagnostic tests.

PMID- 28072896
TI  - The Medical Home Machine.
AB  - Practices that achieve patient-centered medical home (PCMH) status could realize
      reduced costs and incentive payments from insurance payers if they see the value
      in contracting with a PCMH.

PMID- 28072897
TI  - Building on Success.
AB  - Undaunted by what could be a challenging 2017 Texas legislative session, TMA is
      poised to build on significant successes medicine achieved over the past two
      legislative sessions, including reforming the state's Medicaid program and
      expanding graduate medical education opportunities. TMA will defend the patient
      physician relationship against a backdrop of some potentially big shifts for
      Texas, such as a major review of the state's health professions licensing boards.

PMID- 28072898
TI  - Three-Year Results with a Ringless Third-Generation Porous Plasma Sprayed
      Acetabular Component in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We previously reported promising early results in patients
      undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a third-generation
      cementless acetabular system that has a porous plasma-sprayed coating on a
      titanium alloy substrate shell, a ringless barb and groove locking mechanism, and
      a vitamin E-infused highly crosslinked polyethylene insert. The purpose of this
      study was to examine the outcomes and need for revision in a subset of patients
      previously reviewed who now have potential for three-year follow-up. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A query of our practice registry revealed 235 consented patients (241
      hips) who underwent cementless primary THA performed by three surgeons with the
      G7(r) Acetabular System (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana) between April 2013 and
      September 2013. All liners were vitamin E-infused highly crosslinked polyethylene
      with a neutral face. Mean patient age was 65.8 years and mean BMI was 31.3 kg/m2.
      Heads used were 179 Biolox(r) delta (74%; CeramTec AG, Plochingen, Germany) and
      62 cobalt-chromium (26%), with diameters of 32mm in 105 (41%) and 36mm in 136
      (56%). RESULTS: A minimum three-year follow-up was available for 152 hips in 146
      patients. Harris Hip Scores improved from 47.8 to 88.2, and UCLA activity scale
      from 3.9 to 5.4. One patient from this study period required cup revision
      secondary to failure of biological fixation at 15.1 months postoperative. There
      have been no dislocations or other revisions of the acetabular component. Kaplan
      Meier survival with endpoint of acetabular revision was 99.5% (95% CI: 99.0% to
      100%) at 3.4 years. Radiographic findings in all cases were satisfactory position
      and alignment with no radiolucencies observed. CONCLUSION: In this study, with
      minimum three-year follow-up, good results with 99.5% survival were achieved
      using a third-generation cementless acetabular system with a ringless barb and
      groove locking mechanism.

PMID- 28072899
TI  - Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy as Treatment for Anastomotic Colorectal Leakage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical leakage rate after anterior resection varies from 2.8
      20%, with a 6-22% mortality rate and a 10-80% risk of permanent stoma. Endo
      SPONGE(r) (B. Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany) may treat extraperitoneal
      anastomotic leakage in the lesser pelvis. It consists of an open-pored sponge
      inserted into the cavity. A drainage tube fixed to a low vacuum drainage system
      is then connected to the sponge through the anus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between
      January 2007 and December 2014, 14 patients with anastomotic leakage following
      low anterior resection were treated with Endo-SPONGE(r) and were prospectively
      evaluated. In all patients, a CT-scan was performed and they received an
      intravenous antibiotic therapy with piperacillin+tazobactam (4.5g,3 times/daily).
      Complete healing was defined as endoscopically proven closure of the
      insufficiency cavity with a normal mucosa. RESULTS: Stapled straight end to end,
      colorectal anastomoses were performed in all patients between 3-7 cm above the
      anal verge, a protective loop ileostomy was performed in every patient. The
      diagnosis of anastomotic leakage was performed after a median interval of 14
      days, the median size of the cavity was 81x46 mm. Fluid collection was drained,
      percutaneosly in 12 cases, surgically in two patients. The median duration of
      therapy was 35 days, with 3-14 sponge exchanges for each patient. Median healing
      time was 37 days. No intraoperative complications were recorded, however, we
      found five cases of mild anal pain treated medically. CONCLUSION: Considering the
      literature and our results, the Endo-SPONGE(r) seems an effective, minimally
      invasive procedure to treat extraperitoneal anastomotic leakage, reducing
      morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay.

PMID- 28072900
TI  - Efficacy of Adductor Canal Blockade Compared to Multimodal Peri-Articular
      Analgesia Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be an
      impediment to patient recovery. Many commonly used pain control modalities are
      effective, but are also associated with adverse effects. Other modalities, such
      as adductor canal blocks (ACB) and multimodal periarticular analgesia (MPA), have
      gained popularity due to their efficacy and high safety profile. However, to the
      best of our knowledge, there are no published studies indicating if a therapeutic
      advantage exists between the two pain control modalities. Therefore, the purpose
      of this study was to assess the: 1) length of stay; 2) level of pain; 3)
      discharge status; and 4) opioid consumption, in TKA patients who received either
      ACB or MPA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single hospital, single surgeon database was
      reviewed for patients who had a TKA between January 2015 and April 2016, and
      received either ACB or MPA. This search yielded 98 patients who had a mean age of
      63 years (range, 38 to 90 years), comprised of 29 men and 69 women. Patients were
      divided into those who received ACB alone (n= 54) and those who received MPA
      alone (n= 44). With the use of electronic medical records, demographic and
      endpoint data were obtained. Pain was quantified using the Visual Analog Scale
      (VAS). Continuous variables were compared using the student's t-test, while
      categorical variables were compared utilizing a chi-square test. RESULTS: The
      mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was significantly shorter for patients who had
      ACB when compared to patients who had MPA (2.12 days vs. 2.88 days; p = 0.005).
      There was no significant difference in VAS scores (p= 0.448), proportion of
      patients discharged home (p= 0.432), or total opioid consumption (p= 0.247)
      between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Total knee arthroplasty patients who received
      an adductor canal block had shorter lengths of stay when compared to those who
      received multimodal peri-articular analgesia. Shortened hospital stays may be
      cost-effective for institutions and providers, however, larger studies are needed
      to further assess the effect on quality of care provided.

PMID- 28072901
TI  - Achilles Tendon Repair Using the InternalBrace? Principle.
AB  - Despite extensive research, the management of acute ruptures of the Achilles
      tendon remains an area of controversy, and there is no consensus regarding the
      optimal treatment. An InternalBrace? (Arthrex, Inc., Naples, Florida) is a
      ligament augmentation repair using high strength sutures/tape and knotless bone
      anchors which encourages healing and allows early mobilization. This article
      describes, with video illustration, a knotless Achilles tendon repair technique
      using the InternalBrace? principle.

PMID- 28072902
TI  - Development of an Encompassing Questionnaire for Evaluating the Outcomes
      Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are many standardized scales and questionnaires used to
      evaluate TKA patients; however, individually they do not always assess patients
      adequately. Consequently, many are used in combinations to provide a thorough
      evaluation. However, this leads to redundancy, confusion, and an excessive
      patient time-burden. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a usable
      combined knee questionnaire that combines questions in a non-redundant manner.
      Specifically, we aimed to: 1) create a combined knee questionnaire that
      encompasses questions from multiple systems, while eliminating redundancy; 2)
      correlate the new system with the existing validated questionnaires; and 3)
      determine the length of time it takes to administer this new questionnaire.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a previous study, it was determined that the six most
      commonly cited validated systems to assess the knee were the: Knee Society Score
      (KSS), The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC),
      Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lower Extremity Functional
      Scale (LEFS), Activity Rating Scale (ARS), and Short-Form-36 (SF-36). Therefore,
      we ensured that the new questionnaire encompassed all elements of these systems.
      After development of the combined questionnaire, we co-administered it to 20
      subjects alongside the above validated questionnaires. We then transposed the
      corresponding answers from the combined questionnaire to each selected validated
      system to perform an intra-class correlation analysis. In addition, we recorded
      the length of time it took to administer the new questionnaire and compared it to
      the time it took to administer the individual validated questionnaires. RESULTS:
      Intra-class correlation analysis demonstrated statistically significant positive
      correlations between the KSS, WOMAC, KOOS, LEFS, ARS, SF-36, and the
      corresponding questions in the combined questionnaire. The mean length of time it
      took to administer the combined questionnaire (mean, 10.1 minutes, range, 6.6 to
      12.6 minutes) was significantly shorter than the time it took to administer the
      selected validated questionnaires (mean, 21.3 minutes, range, 17.3 to 24.1
      minutes). CONCLUSION: We have proposed an all-encompassing combined knee
      questionnaire that eliminates redundancy and inefficiency during the evaluation
      of TKA patients. It is a reliable, time-efficient system that can be utilized to
      fill out the most commonly used questionnaires for assessing TKA. Standardization
      and uniform use of this questionnaire may simplify future patient assessment
      following TKA.

PMID- 28072903
TI  - Laparoscopic Treatment of Giant Ventral Hernia: Experience of 35 Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimal access surgery for incisional hernia repair is still debated,
      especially for giant wall defects. Laparoscopic repair may reduce pain and
      hospital stay. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of the
      laparoscopic technique in giant hernia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2007 to 2013,
      35 consecutive patients with giant ventral hernia, according to the Chevrel
      classification, underwent laparoscopic repair. Fourteen patients were obese, with
      a body mass index (BMI) > 30 and in 21 patients the mean BMI was 24 (range 22
      28). In all patients, the wall defect was larger than 20 cm. RESULTS: Mean
      operative time was 159+/-30 minutes, and, for defects larger than 25 cm, it was
      210+/-20 minutes. Patient conversion did not occur. In 29 patients, the mean wall
      defect was 20x25 cm, and in six patients the mean wall defect was 26x31 cm, and,
      as measured from within the peritoneal cavity, the mean overlap was 5 cm (range 3
      6). Short-term antibiotic prophylaxis consisted of Cefazolin 2 g IV (intravenous)
      the day of surgery. All patients were discharged within 72-96 hrs. The mean
      follow-up was 24 months. No infection occurred and no chronic pain was recorded.
      However, three seroma were observed (outpatient treatment) and two xiphoid
      recurrences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hernia repair is technically
      feasible and is safe in patients with giant fascial defects as well as obese
      patients. This operation decreases postoperative pain, hastens the recovery
      period, and reduces postoperative morbidity and recurrence. This approach should
      be reserved for patients with no history of previous hernia repair. Further
      studies are expected to confirm these promising results.

PMID- 28072904
TI  - Resistance diagnosis and the changing economics of antibiotic discovery.
AB  - Point-of-care diagnostics that can determine an infection's antibiotic
      sensitivity increase the profitability of new antibiotics that enjoy patent
      protection, even when such diagnostics reduce the quantity of antibiotics sold.
      Advances in the science and technology underpinning rapid resistance diagnostics
      can therefore be expected to spur efforts to discover and develop new
      antibiotics, especially those with a narrow spectrum of activity that would
      otherwise fail to find a market.

PMID- 28072905
TI  - Saccharomyces cerevisiae Shuttle vectors.
AB  - Yeast shuttle vectors are indispensable tools in yeast research. They enable
      cloning of defined DNA sequences in Escherichia coli and their direct transfer
      into Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. There are three types of commonly used yeast
      shuttle vectors: centromeric plasmids, episomal plasmids and integrating
      plasmids. In this review, we discuss the different plasmid systems and their
      characteristic features. We focus on their segregational stability and copy
      number and indicate how to modify these properties. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley
      & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28072906
TI  - "No Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Lithuania": National Health Care Fails to
      Identify PTSD.
AB  - Lithuanian National Health Insurance (NHI) registry data from 2014 and 2015 were
      used to estimate the annual rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
      other stress-related disorders in Lithuania. A large gap was found between 12
      month PTSD prevalence based on epidemiological data and annual PTSD rates based
      on health care service utilization in Lithuania. Estimations from the health care
      service's utilization data revealed that only about 0.01% to 0.02% of the
      population in Lithuania is diagnosed with PTSD annually, indicating that the
      national health care system identifies only about 1% of potential PTSD cases in
      Lithuania. The low rates of PTSD diagnoses in the health care system seem to
      indicate a lack of recognition of psychological trauma among general
      practitioners and mental health professionals in Lithuania. The lack of
      visibility of PTSD in the national health care system could be a major barrier to
      the treatment of PTSD in the country. The study indicates the importance of
      social factors, especially the recognition of trauma and PTSD, among health care
      professionals.

PMID- 28072909
TI  - Use of Charge-Charge Repulsion to Enhance pi-Electron Delocalization into Anti
      Aromatic and Aromatic Systems.
AB  - A series of 9-fluorenyl cations has been studied and it is shown that increasing
      charge on a heterocyclic substituent group enhances the anti-aromatic character
      of the carbocation system. Similarly, a series of dibenzosuberenyl cations has
      been studied and increasing charge on a substituent group is shown to enhance
      aromatic character in the carbocation system. These studies include the direct
      observations of dicationic and tricationic species using stable-ion conditions
      and low temperature NMR. The structures of these ions were further characterized
      using DFT calculations, confirming that highly charged organic ions may exhibit
      unusual distributions of pi-electrons and delocalization of electrons in 4n or
      4n+2 pi-systems.

PMID- 28072907
TI  - Symptomatic treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motor neuron disease (MND), which is also known as amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS), causes a wide range of symptoms but the evidence base
      for the effectiveness of the symptomatic treatment therapies is limited.
      OBJECTIVES: To summarise the evidence from Cochrane Systematic Reviews of all
      symptomatic treatments for MND. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Database of
      Systematic Reviews (CDSR) on 15 November 2016 for systematic reviews of
      symptomatic treatments for MND. We assessed the methodological quality of the
      included reviews using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR)
      tool and the GRADE approach. We followed standard Cochrane study (review)
      selection and data extraction procedures. We reported findings narratively and in
      tables. MAIN RESULTS: We included nine Cochrane Systematic Reviews of
      interventions to treat symptoms in people with MND. Three were empty reviews with
      no included randomised controlled trials (RCTs); however, all three reported on
      non-RCT evidence and the remaining six included mostly one or two studies. We
      deemed all of the included reviews of high methodological quality. Drug therapy
      for painThere is no RCT evidence in a Cochrane Systematic Review exploring the
      efficacy of drug therapy for pain in MND. Treatment for crampsThere is evidence
      (13 RCTs, N = 4012) that for the treatment of cramps in MND, compared to placebo:
      memantine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are probably ineffective (moderate
      quality evidence);- vitamin E may have little or no effect (low-quality
      evidence); and- the effects of L-threonine, gabapentin, xaliproden, riluzole, and
      baclofen are uncertain as the evidence is either very low quality or the trial
      specified the outcome but did not report numerical data.The review reported
      adverse effects of riluzole, but it is not clear whether other interventions had
      adverse effects. Treatment for spasticityIt is uncertain whether an endurance
      based exercise programme improved spasticity or quality of life, measured at
      three months after the programme, as the quality of evidence is very low (1 RCT,
      comparison "usual activities", N = 25). The review did not evaluate other
      approaches, such as use of baclofen as no RCTs were available. Mechanical
      ventilation for supporting respiratory functionNon-invasive ventilation (NIV)
      probably improves median survival and quality of life in people with respiratory
      insufficiency and normal to moderately impaired bulbar function compared to
      standard care, and improves quality of life but not survival for people with poor
      bulbar function (1 RCT, N = 41, moderate-quality evidence; a second RCT did not
      provide data). The review did not evaluate other approaches such as tracheostomy
      assisted ('invasive') ventilation, or assess timing of NIV initiation. Treatment
      for sialorrhoeaA single session of botulinum toxin type B injections to parotid
      and submandibular glands probably improves sialorrhoea and quality of life at up
      to 4 weeks compared to placebo injections, but not at 8 or 12 weeks after the
      injections (moderate-quality evidence from 1 placebo-controlled RCT, N = 20). The
      review authors found no trials of other approaches. Enteral tube feeding for
      supporting nutritionThere is no RCT evidence in a Cochrane Systematic Review to
      support benefit or harms of enteral tube feeding in supporting nutrition in MND.
      Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulationIt is uncertain whether repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves disability or limitation in
      activity in MND in comparison with sham rTMS (3 RCTs, very low quality evidence,
      N = 50). Therapeutic exerciseThere is evidence that exercise may improve
      disability in MND at three months after the exercise programme, but not quality
      of life, in comparison with "usual activities" or "usual care" including
      stretching (2 RCTs, low-quality evidence, N = 43). Multidisciplinary careThere is
      no RCT evidence in a Cochrane Systematic Review to demonstrate any benefit or
      harm for multidisciplinary care in MND.None of the reviews, other than the review
      of treatment for cramps, reported that adverse events occurred. However, the
      trials were too small for reliable adverse event reporting. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      This overview has highlighted the lack of robust evidence in Cochrane Systematic
      Reviews on interventions to manage symptoms resulting from MND. It is important
      to recognise that clinical trials may fail to demonstrate efficacy of an
      intervention for reasons other than a true lack of efficacy, for example because
      of insufficient statistical power, the wrong choice of dose, insensitive outcome
      measures or inappropriate participant eligibility. The trials were mostly too
      small to reliably assess adverse effects of the treatments. The nature of MND
      makes it difficult to research clinically accepted or recommended practice,
      regardless of the level of evidence supporting the practice. It would not be
      ethical, for example, to design a placebo-controlled trial for treatment of pain
      in MND or to withhold multidisciplinary care where such care is available. It is
      therefore highly unlikely that there will ever be classically designed placebo
      controlled RCTs in these areas.We need more research with appropriate study
      designs, robust methodology, and of sufficient duration to address the changing
      needs-of people with MND and their caregivers-associated with MND disease
      progression and mortality. There is a significant gap in studies assessing the
      effectiveness of interventions for symptoms relating to MND, such as pseudobulbar
      emotional lability and cognitive and behavioural difficulties. Future studies
      should use appropriate outcome measures that are reliable, have internal and
      external validity, and are sensitive to change in what is being measured (such as
      quality of life).

PMID- 28072910
TI  - Crosstalk between intestinal epithelial cell and adaptive immune cell in
      intestinal mucosal immunity.
AB  - Constantly challenged by luminal bacteria, intestinal epithelium forms both a
      physical and biochemical defense against pathogens. Besides, intestinal
      epithelium senses dynamic and continuous changes in luminal environment and
      transmits signals to subjacent immune cells accordingly. It has been long
      accepted that adaptive immune cells fulfill their roles partly by modulating
      function of intestinal epithelial cells. Recent studies have brought up the
      proposal that intestinal epithelial cells also actively participate in the
      regulation of adaptive immunity, especially CD4+ adaptive T cells, which
      indicates that there is reciprocal crosstalk between intestinal epithelial cells
      and adaptive immune cells, and the crosstalk may play important role in
      intestinal mucosal immunity. This Review makes a comprehensive summary about
      crosstalk between intestinal epithelial cells and CD4+ adaptive T cells in
      intestinal immunity. Special attention would be given to their implications in
      inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

PMID- 28072912
TI  - Temperature Mapping in Hydrogel Matrices Using Unmodified Digital Camera.
AB  - We report a simple, generally applicable, and noninvasive fluorescent method for
      mapping thermal fluctuations in hydrogel matrices using an unmodified
      commercially available digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR). The
      nanothermometer is based on the complexation of short conjugated
      polyelectrolytes, poly(phenylene ethynylene) carboxylate, with an amphiphilic
      polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone, which is in turn trapped within the porous network
      of a gel matrix. Changes in the temperature lead to a fluorescent ratiometric
      response with a maximum relative sensitivity of 2.0% and 1.9% at 45.0  degrees C
      for 0.5% agarose and agar, respectively. The response was reversible with no
      observed hysteresis when samples were cycled between 20 and 40  degrees C. As a
      proof of concept, the change in fluorescent signal/color was captured using a
      digital camera. The images were then dissected into their red-green-blue (RGB)
      components using a Matlab routine. A linear correlation was observed between the
      hydrogel temperature and the green and blue intensity channels. The reported
      sensor has the potential to provide a wealth of information when thermal
      fluctuations mapped in soft gels matrices are correlated with chemical or
      physical processes.

PMID- 28072911
TI  - Potential protective effect of lactation against incidence of type 2 diabetes
      mellitus in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Lactation may protect women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
      from developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the results of existing studies are
      inconsistent, ranging from null to beneficial. We aimed to conduct a systematic
      review to gather available evidence. Databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, and
      EMBASE were searched on December 15, 2015, without restriction of language or
      publication year. A manual search was also conducted. We included observational
      studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort study) with information on
      lactation and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence among women with previous GDM.
      We excluded case studies without control data. Data synthesis was conducted by
      random-effect meta-analysis. Fourteen reports of 9 studies were included. Overall
      risk of bias using RoBANS ranged from low to unclear. Longer lactation for more
      than 4 to 12 weeks postpartum had risk reduction of type 2 diabetes mellitus
      compared with shorter lactation (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.01-55.86; OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35
      0.89; OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.13-0.36; type 2 diabetes mellitus evaluation time < 2 y,
      2-5 y, and >5 y, respectively). Exclusive lactation for more than 6 to 9 weeks
      postpartum also had lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with
      exclusive formula (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22-0.81). The findings support the evidence
      that longer and exclusive lactation may be beneficial for type 2 diabetes
      mellitus prevention in women with previous GDM. However, the evidence relies only
      on observational studies. Therefore, further studies are required to address the
      true causal effect.

PMID- 28072913
TI  - Chemical Analysis of the Interface in Bulk-Heterojunction Solar Cells by X-ray
      Photoelectron Spectroscopy Depth Profiling.
AB  - Despite the wide use of blends combining an organic p-type polymer and molecular
      fullerene-based electron acceptor, the proper characterization of such bulk
      heterojunction materials is still challenging. To highlight structure-to-function
      relations and improve the device performance, advanced tools and strategies need
      to be developed to characterize composition and interfaces with sufficient
      accuracy. In this work, high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is
      combined with very low energy argon ion beam sputtering to perform a
      nondestructive depth profile chemical analysis on full Al/P3HT:PCBM/PEDOT:PSS/ITO
      (P3HT, poly(3-hexylthiophene); PCBM, [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester;
      PEDOT, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene; PSS, polystyrenesulfonate; ITO, indium
      tin oxide) bulk-heterojunction solar cell device stacks. Key information, such as
      P3HT and PCBM composition profiles and Al-PCBM chemical bonding, are deduced in
      this basic device structure. The interface chemical analysis allows us to
      evidence, with unprecedented accuracy, the inhomogeneous distribution of PCBM,
      characterized by a strong segregation toward the top metal electrode. The
      chemical analysis high-resolution spectra allows us to reconstruct P3HT/PCBM
      ratio through the active layer depth and correlate with the device deposition
      protocol and performance. Results evidence an inhomogeneous P3HT/PCBM ratio and
      poorly controllable PCBM migration, which possibly explains the limited light-to
      power conversion efficiency in this basic device structure. The work illustrates
      the high potential of XPS depth profile analysis for studying such
      organic/inorganic device stacks.

PMID- 28072914
TI  - Presence of Pathogenic Rickettsiae and Protozoan in Samples of Raw Milk from
      Cows, Goats, and Sheep.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work was to determine the presence of various
      rickettsiae and protozoan in raw milk and the assessment the potential, milk
      borne route in the spread of selected zoonotic pathogens. MATERIALS: A total of
      119 raw milk samples collected randomly from 63 cows, 29 goats, and 27 sheep bred
      on 34 farms situated on eight communities in eastern Poland were examined by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the presence of pathogenic rickettsiae
      (Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Rickettsia spp.) and protozoan
      (Toxoplasma gondii). RESULTS: The only prevalent pathogen was T. gondii, which
      was found in 10 samples of cow milk (15.9%), in one sample of goat milk (3.4%),
      and in one sample of sheep milk (3.7%). One sample of cow milk was positive for
      C. burnetii; however, the sequence analysis did not confirm any species of
      Coxiella or Coxiella-like organisms, but showed 100% homology to Psychrobacter
      alimentarius. None of the examined samples showed the presence of A.
      phagocytophilum or Rickettsia spp. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest
      a potential hazard of milk-borne Toxoplasma infection, mostly by consumption of
      raw cow milk. The milk-borne spread seems to be limited or nonsignificant in the
      case of C. burnetii, A. phagocytophilum, and Rickettsia spp. The false-positive
      sample for Coxiella spp. suggests that some care should be taken in the
      interpretation of the results obtained by using the PCR method.

PMID- 28072915
TI  - Association Between Duration of Breast Feeding and Metabolic Syndrome: The Korean
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the association of the lifelong duration
      of breast feeding with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in Korean
      parous women aged 19-50 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 4724
      participants from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Survey were
      included. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the duration of
      breast feeding: <=5, 6-11, 12-23, or >=24 months groups. The adjusted odds ratios
      (ORs) of MetS and its components were assessed according to the duration of
      breast feeding. RESULTS: Women who breastfed for 6-11 months had an OR of 0.67
      (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.86) for elevated blood pressure (BP)
      compared with those who breastfed for <=5 months after adjustment for possible
      confounders in a multivariable logistic regression analyses. Women who breastfed
      for 12-23 months were associated with an OR of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.54-0.86) for
      elevated BP, an OR of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.62-0.97) for elevated glucose, and an OR of
      0.73 (95% CI, 0.56-0.95) for MetS compared with those who breastfed for <=5
      months in a multivariable logistic regression analyses. Women who breastfed for
      >=24 months had an OR of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.52-0.84) for elevated glucose, an OR of
      0.76 (95% CI, 0.60-0.96) for elevated triglycerides, and an OR of 0.70 (95% CI,
      0.53-0.92) for MetS compared with those who breastfed for <=5 months in a
      multivariable logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      lifelong breast feeding for >=12 months may be associated with lower risk for
      MetS.

PMID- 28072916
TI  - A Preliminary Study Examining Women's Physical Health and Nonmedical Prescription
      Opioid Use in a Recovering Framework.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing need for research on women recovering from
      nonmedical prescription opioid use. A paradigm shift is to focus on wellness and
      factors that support, rather than hinder, recovering women. For example, although
      physical health is impacted by nonmedical prescription opioid use, improved
      health may be a strength-based factor among recovering women. The aim of this
      preliminary study was to examine physical health in a recovering framework as
      women begin recovering from nonmedical prescription opiate use. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study conducted secondary data analysis using self-report data from
      Kentucky's Targeted Assessment Program (TAP). TAP assesses and provides
      pretreatment for problems impeding work or interfering with parental
      responsibilities. Data included 1247 adult women reporting a history of
      nonmedical prescription opioid use and receiving pretreatment. Bivariate and
      logistic regression analyses examined whether physical health and access to
      health services at baseline were associated with substance-related behavior
      change upon completion of pretreatment. RESULTS: Women reporting better physical
      health and fewer days with no activities due to health barriers were more likely
      to engage in pretreatment substance-related behavior change [chi2(8) = 34.6, p <
      0.05]. However, ~40% of women reported barriers in accessing healthcare.
      CONCLUSION: Using a recovering framework, women's physical health, as expected,
      is associated with engagement in pretreatment substance-related behavior change.
      Ongoing service coordination with practitioners and medical providers should be
      incorporated into care to meet the need. Future research should continue to
      examine factors that support recovering women, using a recovering framework.

PMID- 28072917
TI  - A Provider-Based Survey To Assess Bereavement Care Knowledge, Attitudes, and
      Practices in Pediatric Oncologists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bereavement support is a core tenet of palliative care that may prove
      difficult for clinicians as it is time-consuming, emotionally charged, and not
      emphasized in pediatrics training. This project is intended to describe the
      opinions, knowledge, and practice of bereavement care among pediatric oncologists
      to identify gaps in clinical care. PROCEDURES: An internet-based survey
      instrument was pilot tested, refined, and distributed to pediatric oncologists in
      the United States. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.2. RESULTS:
      Electronic surveys were distributed to 2,061 pediatric oncologists and 522
      surveys (25%) were fully completed. Participants were asked how likely they are
      to engage in particular bereavement activities (phone calls, condolence cards,
      memorial services, family meetings, or referrals for counseling) following the
      death of a pediatric cancer patient. Eighty-two percent of participants, at
      least, sometimes engage in at least one of these activities. Being female, an
      attending physician, and increased time in clinical practice were predictive of
      active participation in bereavement care. Nearly all participants (96%) believe
      that bereavement care is part of good clinical care, while 8% indicate that
      bereavement support is not their responsibility. Lack of time and resources were
      the biggest barriers to providing bereavement support. CONCLUSIONS: The majority
      of pediatric oncologists engage in clinical practices to support bereaved
      families. Lack of time and physical resources pose significant barriers to
      clinician's efforts. Additional supports should be explored to increase pediatric
      oncology physician uptake of bereavement care practices.

PMID- 28072918
TI  - Production of Staphylococcal Enterotoxins D and R in Milk and Meat Juice by
      Staphylococcus aureus Strains.
AB  - Seventeen Staphylococcus aureus strains were tested for production of
      staphylococcal enterotoxin D (SED) and staphylococcal enterotoxin R (SER) in milk
      and meat juice. SED was secreted in milk by 12 S. aureus strains at 6-54 ng/mL at
      24 h and 9-98 ng/mL at 48 h. Another five strains secreted SED at 0.9-1.9 MUg/mL
      at 24 h and at 1.2-2.4 MUg/mL at 48 h. Strains producing high levels of SED in
      milk secreted 77-666 MUg/mL of SED in meat juice at 24 h and 132-1225 MUg/mL at
      48 h. Strains producing lower amounts of SED in milk secreted 228-1109 ng/mL of
      SED at 24 h and 377-1782 ng/mL at 48 h in meat juice. Tested S. aureus strains
      produced SER in milk at 33-183 ng/mL at 24 h and 41-832 ng/mL at 48 h. Fourteen
      strains produced more SER in meat juice than in milk (17- to 232-fold and 15- to
      269-fold more at 24 and 48 h, respectively). Three S. aureus strains secreted
      less than 74 ng/mL of SER in meat juice. Expression pattern of known enterotoxin
      regulators, that is, agrA, sarA, hld, rot, and sigB, was similar in selected
      strong and weak SED producers grown in both food matrices and could not explain
      differences in enterotoxin protein level. This suggests that enterotoxin
      regulation is more complex than previously thought. We demonstrated that in a
      number of tested S. aureus strains, production of SED and SER was significantly
      decreased in milk when compared with meat juice, supporting previous reports.
      However, certain strains secreted high amounts of SED and SER, irrespective of
      environment, likely contributing to higher food safety risk.

PMID- 28072919
TI  - Perspectives on Temperature Management.

PMID- 28072920
TI  - Outcome Measurement for Children and Young People.

PMID- 28072921
TI  - Sidewalk Chalk Art: A Creative Way To Engage Millennials in Palliative Care.

PMID- 28072923
TI  - Language, the "Diabetes Restricted Code/Dialect," and What It Means for People
      With Diabetes and Clinicians.
AB  - Purpose The purpose of the paper is to explore the notion of a diabetes language
      restricted code or "dialect" and its effect on people with diabetes. Language is
      a complex phenomenon comprising verbal and nonverbal components used to
      communicate in human interactions. Methods Information was collected from a
      literature review, during clinical consultations, and from an email survey.
      Results Language and the way clinicians use language affect motivation,
      behaviors, and outcomes of people with diabetes. Language is influenced by
      culture, experience, and familiarity with words and their use and is
      idiosyncratic. "Diabetes" is a particular restricted code or dialect that people
      with diabetes gradually learn to speak, usually after they are diagnosed with
      diabetes. The diabetes dialect contains many metric and target words and very few
      positive, encouraging words, and it is often discriminatory, negative,
      judgmental, labelling, distressing, and stigmatizing: for example, victim,
      sufferer, and lifestyle disease. Conclusion Language codes/dialects can compound
      the already high levels of emotional distress and self-care burden associated
      with living with diabetes and can affect outcomes. The information presented in
      this article will be useful for clinicians caring for people with diabetes and
      will be helpful for professionals who develop information for people with
      diabetes and those who create policies and guidelines.

PMID- 28072924
TI  - Cryopreservation of Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Sperm: Impact of Seeding and
      Freezing Rates on Post-Thaw Outputs.
AB  - In the present study, we examined various freezing protocols, effects of
      controlled seeding, and changes in cooling rate and determined the endpoint
      (temperature at which sample could be plugged into liquid nitrogen (LN) without
      visible effect on survival rate after thawing) to reveal the relative importance
      of each different stage of cooling on freezing success during cryobanking of carp
      sperm. Sperm samples from different individual carp males were frozen in 0.5 mL
      straws by conventional freezing. Cooling rates were determined by monitoring the
      sample's internal temperature. We compared four freezing protocols, which
      involved placing sperm samples at various levels (1, 3, 6, and 9 cm) above the LN
      surface (corresponding to -190 degrees C, -150 degrees C, -110 degrees C, and -70
      degrees C, respectively) for 20 minutes followed by transferring the samples into
      LN. Freezing at 3 cm above the LN surface resulted in the highest motility (33%
      +/- 8%) and velocity (118 +/- 9 MUm/s) of spermatozoa after thawing and diluting
      in swimming medium. We determined that -90 degrees C is an optimal temperature at
      which immersing the samples in LN does not affect sperm motility after thawing
      and shorten the process of freezing for around three times. Motility of
      spermatozoa cryopreserved with or without a seeding procedure was not
      significantly different after thawing. Therefore, we hypothesize that
      supercooling the sample during the conventional freezing procedure is not the
      main damaging factor during carp spermatozoa cryopreservation. However, the
      cooling rate itself is important, because it determines the ability of the sperm
      to dehydrate and survive cryopreservation.

PMID- 28072925
TI  - Impact of Low and High Doses of Marbofloxacin on the Selection of Resistant
      Enterobacteriaceae in the Commensal Gut Flora of Young Cattle: Discussion of Data
      from 2 Study Populations.
AB  - In the context of requested decrease of antimicrobial use in veterinary medicine,
      our objective was to assess the impact of two doses of marbofloxacin administered
      on young bulls (YBs) and veal calves (VCs) treated for bovine respiratory
      disease, on the total population of Enterobacteriaceae in gut flora and on the
      emergence of resistant Enterobacteriaceae. In two independent experiments, 48 YBs
      from 6 commercial farms and 33 VCs previously colostrum deprived and exposed to
      cefquinome were randomly assigned to one of the three groups LOW, HIGH, and
      Control. In LOW and HIGH groups, animals received a single injection of,
      respectively, 2 and 10 mg/kg marbofloxacin. Feces were sampled before treatment,
      and at several times after treatment. Total and resistant Enterobacteriaceae
      enumerating were performed by plating dilutions of fecal samples on MacConkey
      agar plates that were supplemented or not with quinolone. In YBs, marbofloxacin
      treatment was associated with a transient decrease in total Enterobacteriaceae
      count between day (D)1 and D3 after treatment. Total Enterobacteriaceae count
      returned to baseline between D5 and D7 in all groups. None of the 48 YBs harbored
      marbofloxacin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae before treatment. After treatment, 1
      out of 20 YBs from the Control group and 1 out of 14 YBs from the HIGH group
      exhibited marbofloxacin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. In VCs, the rate of
      fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae significantly increased after low
      and high doses of marbofloxacin treatment. However, the effect was similar for
      the two doses, which was probably related to the high level of resistant
      Enterobacteriaceae exhibited before treatment. Our results suggest that a single
      treatment with 2 or 10 mg/kg marbofloxacin exerts a moderate selective pressure
      on commensal Enterobacteriaceae in YBs and in VCs. A fivefold decrease of
      marbofloxacin regimen did not affect the selection of resistances among commensal
      bacteria.

PMID- 28072926
TI  - Relationship Between Marital Transitions, Health Behaviors, and Health Indicators
      of Postmenopausal Women: Results from the Women's Health Initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Historically, marital status has been associated with lower mortality
      and transitions into marriage were generally accompanied by improved health
      status. Conversely, divorce has been associated with increased mortality,
      possibly mediated by changes in health behaviors. METHODS: This study uses data
      from a prospective cohort of 79,094 postmenopausal women participating in the
      Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS) to examine the
      relationship between marital transition and health indicators (blood pressure,
      waist circumference, body mass index [BMI]) as well as health behaviors (diet
      pattern, alcohol use, physical activity, and smoking) in a sample of relatively
      healthy and employed women. Linear and logistic regression modeling were used to
      test associations, controlling for confounding factors. RESULTS: Women's
      transitions into marriage/marriage-like relationship after menopause were
      associated with greater increase in BMI (beta = 0.22; confidence interval (95%
      CI), 0.11-0.33) and alcohol intake (beta = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.04-0.11) relative to
      remaining unmarried. Divorce/separation was associated with a reduction in BMI
      and waist circumference, changes that were accompanied by improvements in diet
      quality (beta = 0.78, 95% CI, 0.10-1.47) and physical activity (beta = 0.98, 95%
      CI, 0.12-1.85), relative to women who remained married. CONCLUSION: Contrary to
      earlier literature, these findings among well-educated, predominantly non
      Hispanic white women suggest that marital transitions after menopause are
      accompanied by modifiable health outcomes/behaviors that are more favorable for
      women experiencing divorce/separation than those entering a new marriage.

PMID- 28072928
TI  - Pharmacological treatment of shock-strychnine.

PMID- 28072927
TI  - Artificial Induction of Native Aquaporin-1 Expression in Human Salivary Cells.
AB  - Gene therapy for dry mouth disorders has transitioned in recent years from
      theoretical to clinical proof of principle with the publication of a first-in-man
      phase I/II dose escalation clinical trial in patients with radiation-induced
      xerostomia. This trial used a prototype adenoviral vector to express aquaporin-1
      (AQP1), presumably in the ductal cell layer and/or in surviving acinar cells, to
      drive transcellular flux of interstitial fluid into the labyrinth of the salivary
      duct. As the development of this promising gene therapy continues, safety
      considerations are a high priority, particularly those that remove nonhuman
      agents (i.e., viral vectors and genetic sequences of bacterial origin). In this
      study, we applied 2 emerging technologies, artificial transcriptional complexes
      and epigenetic editing, to explore whether AQP1 expression could be achieved by
      activating the native gene locus in a human salivary ductal cell line and primary
      salivary human stem/progenitor cells (hS/PCs), as opposed to the conventional
      approach of cytomegalovirus promoter-driven expression from an episomal vector.
      In our first study, we used a cotransfection strategy to express the components
      of the dCas9-SAM system to create an artificial transcriptional complex at the
      AQP1 locus in A253 and hS/PCs. We found that AQP1 expression was induced at a
      magnitude comparable to adenoviral infection, suggesting that AQP1 is primarily
      silenced through pretranscriptional mechanisms. Because earlier literature
      suggested that pretranscriptional silencing of AQP1 in salivary glands is
      mediated by methylation of the promoter, in our second study, we performed
      global, chemical demethylation of A253 cells and found that demethylation alone
      induced robust AQP1 expression. These results suggest the potential for success
      by inducing AQP1 expression in human salivary ductal cells through epigenetic
      editing of the native promoter.

PMID- 28072929
TI  - Correctly name your poison.

PMID- 28072930
TI  - Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction-be prepared!
AB  - The current trend to treat hypotension in critically ill patients is to place a
      greater emphasis on inotropic support and less on fluid resuscitation in order to
      limit the potential harm from fluid overload. This combination may trigger left
      ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in susceptible patients. Although
      LVOTO is classically described in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy it
      has been reported in other conditions including septic shock, apical ballooning
      syndrome, myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, and post valvular surgery.
      It is more common in the elderly, females, and in patients with hypertension,
      diabetes, and chronic vascular disease because of predisposing anatomical
      conditions such as left ventricular hypertrophy, small left ventricle size,
      sigmoid septum and alterations in the positions of the aortic and mitral valve
      annular planes. The onset of LVOTO is largely unpredictable due to a complex
      interplay between preload, afterload, heart rhythm and rate in susceptible
      patients. The consequences of missing this treatable condition may lead to life
      threatening hypotension refractory to, or exacerbated by, a further increase in
      inotropic support. Dynamic LVOTO should be considered in any hypotensive
      intensive care patient. Echocardiography is perhaps the best tool to assess LVOTO
      and its underlying pathophysiology in the critically ill. Detection of LVOTO is a
      relatively simple task using a combination of two-dimensional, M-mode and
      spectral Doppler imaging by an operator alert to the possible diagnosis.

PMID- 28072931
TI  - Apnoeic oxygenation during intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Apnoeic oxygenation during intubation is used to prevent desaturation during
      intubation. The aim of this review was to assess whether apnoeic oxygenation
      during endotracheal intubation reduced the incidence of hypoxaemia. Five major
      databases were systematically searched for all relevant studies published up to
      May 2016. All study designs with a control group and a group receiving apnoeic
      oxygenation were included in this review. These studies were then assessed for
      level of evidence and risk of bias. The data were then analysed using a meta
      analysis. Eleven studies (six high quality randomised controlled trials, four low
      quality level two studies and one low quality level three study) were found. In
      the meta-analysis there was strong evidence for benefit of apnoeic oxygenation in
      terms of improved SpO2 in elective surgical patients, obese patients and those
      undergoing emergency intubation without respiratory failure. However, no
      significant benefit was found in patients with respiratory failure. This is the
      first meta-analysis to be performed on apnoeic oxygenation during intubation.
      Apnoeic oxygenation provides significant benefit in terms of improving SpO2 for
      the majority of intubations, although there appears to be no benefit in patients
      whose indication for intubation is respiratory failure. Apnoeic oxygenation ought
      to be considered for integration into intubation protocols.

PMID- 28072932
TI  - A cross-sectional overview of the first 4,000 incidents reported to webAIRS, a de
      identified web-based anaesthesia incident reporting system in Australia and New
      Zealand.
AB  - webAIRS is a web-based de-identified anaesthesia incident reporting system, which
      was introduced in Australia and New Zealand in September 2009. By July 2016,
      4,000 incident reports had been received. The incidents covered a wide range of
      patient age (<28 days to >90 years), American Society of Anesthesiologists
      physical status, and body mass index (<18.5 to >50 kg/m2). They occurred across a
      wide range of anaesthesia techniques and grade of anaesthesia provider, and over
      a wide range of anaesthetising locations and times of day. In a high proportion
      the outcome was not benign; about 26% of incidents were associated with patient
      harm and a further 4% with death. Incidents appeared to be an ever-present risk
      in anaesthetic practice, with extrapolated estimates exceeding 200 per week
      across Australia and New Zealand. Independent of outcomes, many anaesthesia
      incidents were associated with increased use of health resources. The four most
      common main categories of incident were Respiratory/Airway, Medication,
      Cardiovascular, and Medical Device/Equipment. Over 50% of incidents were
      considered preventable. The narratives accompanying each incident provide a rich
      source of information, which will be analysed in subsequent reports on particular
      incident types. The summary data in this initial overview are a sober reminder of
      the prevalence and unpredictability of anaesthesia incidents, and their potential
      morbidity and mortality. The data justify current efforts to better prevent and
      manage anaesthesia incidents in Australia and New Zealand, and identify areas in
      which increased resources or additional initiatives may be required.

PMID- 28072933
TI  - Altered blood levels of vitamin D, cathelicidin and parathyroid hormone in
      patients with sepsis-a pilot study.
AB  - It has been recognised that vitamin D (VitD) has a potential role in the
      regulation of inflammation and protection from infection. In a prospective
      clinical observational pilot study, we investigated the serum levels of 25
      hydroxyvitamin-D3 (25(OH)D3), 1,25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), parathyroid
      hormone (PTH), and cathelicidin in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with or
      without systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). We included 32 patients
      with SIRS (septic patients), 16 ICU patients without SIRS, and 16 healthy
      controls. To substantiate the findings of the clinical study, we stimulated
      monocyte-derived macrophages with microbial patterns and analysed the impact of
      VitD on release of cytokines and antimicrobial activity. We found that patients
      with or without SIRS had relatively low levels of 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3.
      Patients with sepsis had significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D3 as compared to
      ICU control patients and healthy controls (10.53 +/- 11.3 ug/l versus 16.46 +/-
      12.58 ug/l versus 24.04 +/- 12.07 ug/l); the same was true for 1,25(OH)2D3. Serum
      levels of PTH and cathelicidin were significantly increased in sepsis patients,
      as compared to the other groups. In vitro, VitD significantly decreased the
      release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from macrophages and increased the
      antimicrobial activity of the cells. We concluded that patients with sepsis have
      significantly lower VitD levels. In vitro, VitD modulates inflammation and
      increases the antibacterial activity of innate immune cells. These findings
      suggest that VitD insufficiency is mechanistically related to increased
      susceptibility to SIRS and sepsis.

PMID- 28072934
TI  - Aetiology of preoperative anaemia in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery
      the challenge of pillar one of Patient Blood Management.
AB  - Preoperative anaemia is common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Whilst
      there is a strong association with increased morbidity and mortality, it is
      currently unclear whether treatment of anaemia leads to patient benefit. This
      retrospective study aimed to determine the aetiology of preoperative anaemia in a
      cohort of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery over two years at a
      tertiary hospital. Laboratory data obtained at the preoperative assessment clinic
      visit were assessed to stratify patients into four groups-iron deficiency anaemia
      (IDA), possible IDA, anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) and non-anaemic patients
      with low ferritin according to the 'Preoperative haemoglobin assessment and
      optimisation template' of the Australian Patient Blood Management (PBM)
      Guidelines. Of patients with preoperative anaemia, 23.1% had IDA, 6.6% had
      possible IDA and 70.3% had possible ACD. Of the patients with possible ACD, 30%
      had a ferritin <100 ug/l, representing limited iron stores or coexisting absolute
      iron deficiency in the setting of chronic disease. In addition, 46.2% of those
      with possible ACD had iron studies indicative of functional iron deficiency. Time
      between assessment and surgery was as little as one day in a third of patients
      and in only 7% was it more than seven days. Our findings indicate that about one
      third of our patients with preoperative anaemia had evidence of iron deficiency,
      a potentially reversible cause of anaemia. In addition, a significant number had
      either limited iron stores that may render them iron deficient by surgery, or a
      functional iron deficiency.

PMID- 28072935
TI  - The addition of tick-boxes related to tobacco cessation improves smoking-related
      documentation in the anaesthesia chart.
AB  - The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) 'Guidelines on
      Smoking as Related to the Perioperative Period (PS12)' recommends that
      anaesthetists should always ask about smoking, advise quitting and refer patients
      to their general practitioner (GP) or a telephone quit-line for quit support. In
      this study we evaluated the effect of adding tick-boxes for 'quit advice given'
      and 'referral to GP/Quitline' to anaesthesia charts of elective surgical patients
      to assess whether this intervention changed documentation of compliance with the
      ANZCA guideline. The anaesthesia charts of all smokers were reviewed for evidence
      of asking, advising and referring, over two three-month periods (n=999) separated
      by the intervention of placing a sticker to modify the preoperative charts of all
      elective patients which added tick-box prompts of advice and referral. No
      educational campaigns occurred to encourage tick-box use. No changes were made to
      non-elective charts. Evidence of advice to quit was 1.8% prior to, rising to
      18.7% after, the intervention (P <0.001), while evidence of referral rose from
      0.9% to 5.8%. There was negligible change in non-elective patients, who did not
      receive the intervention. The addition of tick-boxes improved the documentation
      of smoking cessation support, but as documented rates of quit support remained
      relatively low even after the intervention, tick-boxes alone cannot be relied
      upon to improve alignment of care with the ANZCA guidelines.

PMID- 28072936
TI  - Haptoglobin and free haemoglobin during cardiac surgery-is there a link to acute
      kidney injury?
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently observed after cardiac surgery (CS) with
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Multiple mechanisms underlie this phenomenon,
      including CPB-dependent haemolysis. Haemoglobin is released during haemolysis,
      and free haemoglobin (frHb) causes tubular cell injury after exceeding the
      binding capacity of haptoglobin (Hp). The objective of this study was to
      investigate the influence of perioperative changes in frHb and Hp levels on the
      incidence of CS-associated (CSA) AKI. After receiving local ethics committee
      approval and obtaining informed consent from our patients, we analysed the data
      pertaining to 154 patients undergoing CPB surgery. We recorded frHb and Hp
      concentrations pre-, intra- and postoperatively and defined AKI using the Kidney
      Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification. We observed that frHb
      levels increased significantly during surgery and then decreased at ten hours
      thereafter and that Hp levels decreased during surgery and remained at low levels
      until the first postoperative day. We noted a moderate negative correlation
      between frHb and Hp levels. AKI was identified in 45.5% of patients; however,
      there was no significant difference in frHb or Hp levels between patients with
      and without AKI. We did not observe a relationship between frHb or Hp levels and
      CSA AKI and thus could not confirm the hypothesis that patients with higher
      baseline Hp concentrations experience a lower incidence of AKI than patients with
      lower baseline Hp concentrations.

PMID- 28072937
TI  - Prognosis of patients with rheumatic diseases admitted to intensive care.
AB  - Variable mortality rates have been reported for patients with rheumatic diseases
      admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Due to the absence of appropriate
      control groups in previous studies, it is not known whether the presence of a
      rheumatic disease constitutes a risk factor. Moreover, the accuracy of the Acute
      Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score for predicting
      outcome in this group of patients has been questioned. The primary goal of this
      study was to compare outcome of patients with rheumatic diseases admitted to a
      medical ICU to those of controls. The records of all patients admitted between 1
      April 2003 and 30 June 2014 (n=4020) were screened for the presence of a
      rheumatic disease during admission (n=138). The diagnosis of a rheumatic disease
      was by standard criteria for these conditions. An age- and gender-matched control
      group of patients without a rheumatic disease was extracted from the patient
      population in the database during the same period (n=831). Mortality in ICU, in
      hospital and after 180 days did not differ significantly between patients with
      and without rheumatic diseases. There was no difference in the performance of the
      APACHE II score for predicting outcome in patients with rheumatic diseases and
      controls. This score, as well as a requirement for the use of inotropes or
      vasopressors, accurately predicted hospital mortality in the group of patients
      with rheumatic diseases. In conclusion, patients with a rheumatic condition
      admitted to intensive care do not do significantly worse than patients without
      such a disease.

PMID- 28072938
TI  - Welfare of anaesthesia trainees survey.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate levels of stress, anxiety or depression
      and to identify factors compounding or relieving stress in anaesthesia trainees
      within the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) training
      scheme. An electronic survey was sent to 999 randomly selected trainees and 428
      responses were received. In addition to demographics, psychological wellbeing was
      assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and questions were
      asked about depression and anxiety, exacerbating factors, personal healthcare and
      strategies used to manage stress. The majority of respondents (73%) reported
      being satisfied or very satisfied with their job and training. However, 28% of
      respondents had K10 scores indicating high or very high distress levels. Eleven
      percent reported being currently on treatment for anxiety and/or depression.
      Twenty-two percent reported having experienced bullying and 14% sexism. Twenty
      eight percent reported that they did not have a regular general practitioner
      (GP), and 41% reported having not visited their GP in the previous year. Forty
      seven percent of trainees reported that they self-prescribe medications. Major
      stressors reported were exams, critical clinical events and fear of making
      errors. Two stressors previously not identified in similar studies were concern
      about job prospects in 71% of respondents and workplace-based assessments in 51%.
      This survey demonstrates significant psychological impairment and poor personal
      healthcare amongst many trainees. Education, careful continuing assessment of
      trainees' welfare and a review of current support and remedial measures may be
      required.

PMID- 28072939
TI  - Evaluating team-based inter-professional advanced life support training in
      intensive care-a prospective observational study.
AB  - Recent focus on national standards within Australian hospitals has prompted a
      focus on the training of our staff in advanced life support (ALS). Research in
      critical care nursing has questioned the traditional annual certification of ALS
      competence as the best method of delivering this training. Simulation and team
      based training may provide better ALS education to intensive care unit (ICU)
      staff. Our new inter-professional team-based advanced life support program
      involved ICU staff in a large private metropolitan ICU. A prospective
      observational study using three standardised questionnaires and two multiple
      choice questionnaire assessments was conducted. Ninety-nine staff demonstrated a
      17.8% (95% confidence interval 4.2-31, P=0.01) increase in overall ICU nursing
      attendance at training sessions. Questionnaire response rates were 93 (94%), 99
      (100%) and 60 (61%) respectively; 51 (52%) staff returned all three. Criteria
      were assessed by scores from 0 to 10. Nurses reported improved satisfaction with
      the education program (9.4 to 7.1, P <0.001), as well as improvement in role
      understanding (8.7 and 9.1 versus 7.9 and 8.2, P <0.001) and confidence (8.4 and
      8.8 versus 7.4 and 7.8, P <0.001) during ALS provision (outside ICU and inside
      ICU) following the course when compared to before the program. Doctors' only
      statistically significant improvement was in their confidence in ALS provision
      outside ICU (8.7 versus 8.1, P=0.04). The new program cost approximately an extra
      $16,500 in nursing salaries. We concluded that team-based, inter-professional ALS
      training produced statistically significant improvements in nursing attendance,
      satisfaction with ALS education, confidence and role understanding compared to
      traditional ALS training.

PMID- 28072940
TI  - Elective use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and high-flow
      nasal oxygen for resection of subtotal malignant distal airway obstruction.
AB  - We describe the use of peripheral veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      (VV ECMO) and high-flow nasal oxygen as procedural support in a patient
      undergoing debulking of a malignant tumour of the lower airway. Due to the
      significant risk of complete airway obstruction upon induction of anaesthesia,
      ECMO was established while the patient was awake, and was maintained without
      systemic anticoagulation to minimise the risk of intraoperative bleeding. This
      case illustrates that ECMO support with high-flow nasal oxygen can be considered
      as part of the algorithm for airway management during surgery for subtotal lower
      airway obstruction, as it may be the only viable option for maintaining adequate
      gas exchange.

PMID- 28072941
TI  - The expanding role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation retrieval services in
      Australia.
AB  - Herein we detail the cases of three patients transferred on veno-arterial
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) from a tertiary referral hospital
      to an ECMO centre. We highlight the benefits of such a transfer and offer this as
      a model of care for unwell patients likely to require a prolonged period of ECMO
      support.

PMID- 28072942
TI  - Introduction of a simple algorithm improves thromboelastography-guided blood
      product use during cardiac surgery.

PMID- 28072943
TI  - SWAPNET: Ethically bankrupt or ethically blinded?

PMID- 28072944
TI  - The three-dimensional (3D) printing of a flexible trachea.

PMID- 28072945
TI  - Uneventful prolonged propofol infusion in a patient with Brugada syndrome.

PMID- 28072946
TI  - Eve Rocker journal cover.

PMID- 28072947
TI  - What's beneath the surface? Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis
      combined with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case report.

PMID- 28072948
TI  - What is the evidence that twenty-five millilitres of gastric fluid puts patients
      at risk of aspiration?

PMID- 28072949
TI  - Response to letter to editor.

PMID- 28072951
TI  - [Futher strengthen the immunoglobulin G replacement therapy of primary
      immunodeficiency diseases].

PMID- 28072950
TI  - [Epidemiology and etiology of bacillary dysentery in Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous
      Region, 2004-2014].
AB  - Objective: To understand the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of
      bacillary dysentery in Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) during 2004
      2014, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of bacillary dysentery.
      Methods: Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted by using the
      incidence data of bacillary dysentery in Xinjiang during 2004-2014 and the
      serotyping and the antibiotic susceptibility test of the pathogens isolated were
      performed. Results: A total of 123 238 cases of bacillary dysentery were reported
      in Xinjiang from 2004 to 2014. The average annual incidence of bacillary
      dysentery ranged from 25.91 per 100 000 to 76.04 per 100 000 and the average
      annual mortality ranged from 0.00 to 46.90 per 100 000. The incidence of
      bacillary dysentery was higher in eastern Xinjiang than other areas. The
      incidence peak was during July-September. The incidence of bacillary dysentery in
      males was higher than that in females. The incidence was highest in infants and
      young children under five years old. Most cases were children outside child care
      settings, farmers and students. Shigella flexneri was the predominant pathogen
      and F2a was the most frequently detected subtype. The isolated strains were
      highly resistant to streptomycin, penicillin, doxycycline and tetracycline. The
      resistant rates to penicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline and streptomycin
      increased with year. Up to 71.43% of the strains were resistant to more than five
      antibiotics. Conclusion: The incidence of bacillary dysentery was in decrease in
      Xinjiang from 2004 to 2014, but in some area, the incidence of bacterial
      dysentery was higher than national average level. It is necessary to strengthen
      the surveillance and conduct targeted prevention and control in areas and
      population at high risk and in season with high incidence. The serious drug
      resistance and multi drug resistance of the pathogens have posed challenge to the
      prevention and treatment of bacillary dysentery in Xinjiang.

PMID- 28072952
TI  - [Rome IV diagnostic criteria of childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders].

PMID- 28072953
TI  - [Interpretation of the 2016 revision to the World Health Organization
      classification of acute leukemia].

PMID- 28072954
TI  - [Clinical and immunological analysis of patients with activated phosphoinositide
      3-kinase delta syndrome resulting from PIK3CD mutation].
AB  - Objective: To explore the clinical and immunological features, gene mutations,
      treatment and prognosis in patients with activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase
      delta syndrome (APDS) caused by PIK3CD gene heterozygous germline mutation.
      Method: The data of clinical, immunological phenotype, treatment, and prognosis
      of 15 patients with APDS, who visited Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical
      University, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and Shenzhen Children's
      Hospital from June 2014 to November 2016, were collected and analyzed. Result: Of
      the 15 patients, 11 were males, remaining 4 patients were females. The median age
      of disease onset was 1 year, and median age at diagnosis was 4 years and 4
      months. All patients had the de novo heterozygous germline mutation in PIK3CD (c.
      3061G>A, p. E1021K). The common initial symptoms were respiratory infections,
      including pneumonia (12 cases) , bronchiectasis (5 cases). Other common clinical
      manifestations were recurrent and chronic diarrhea (11 cases), Epstein-Barr virus
      (EBV) and/or cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia (10 cases), hepatosplenomegaly (13
      cases), and lymphadenopathy (10 cases). The main immunological features were
      increased IgM (11 cases), decreased IgG (6 cases), decreased numbers of CD4+ T
      cell (7 cases) especially naive CD4+ T cell (9 cases), reduced numbers of B cells
      (11 cases) particularly naive B cells (9 cases), increased numbers of
      transitional B cells (5 cases) and CD8+ terminally differentiated effector memory
      T cells (5 cases). After 1-29 months follow up, 13 of the 15 cases remain
      survived, of whom 5 cases received regular intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
      therapy, with reduced frequency of infections and improved severity of
      infections; of whom 3 cases received oral rapamycin therapy at the dosage of 1
      mg/ (m2.d) and with a decrease in nonneoplastic lymphoproliferation. Conclusion:
      E1021K is a hotspot for mutation in the PIK3CD gene in patients with APDS.
      Regular IVIG can improve their quality of life. Targetel treatment with rapamycin
      could mitigate hepatosplenomegaly.

PMID- 28072955
TI  - [Clinical analysis of 12 patients with pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome with
      pulmonary embolism].
AB  - Objective: To identify the clinical and immunological characteristics of
      pediatric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients with pulmonary embolism.
      Method: Among 47 pediatric APS patients from Peking Union Medical College
      Hospital during the year of 2000 to 2015, 12 patients were diagnosed of pulmonary
      embolism, who were investigated and compared with APS patients without pulmonary
      embolism. Result: Twelve patients (among whom 6 cases were primary and the other
      6 were secondary APS)had pulmonary embolism and all of them were non-shock type,
      which was the first presenting manifestation in 6 of them.Eight cases were
      misdiagnosed as infection, while 3 cases were missed.Among patients with
      pulmonary embolism, 10 patients suffered from deep vein thrombosis at the same
      time, mainly in lower extremities.2 cases had thrombotic recurrence, which
      happened only in primary APS patients, because of irregular monitoring of
      International Normalized Ratio, or not taking aspirin after quitting
      warfarin.Positive anticardiolipin (ACL) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) were found
      in 10 and 9 patients respectively.Four primary APS patients had positive anti
      nuclear antibodies (ANA). During follow-up of 3-100 months (median 23 months) of
      primary APS, no one had evolved manifestations of systemic lupus
      erythematosus.Primary APS was more often seen in males (M?F 5?1 vs. 0?6) and the
      patients were much younger ((15+/-1) vs. (17+/-0) years old) than those with
      secondary APS.Besides that, no statistically significant difference was seen
      between primary and secondary APS (P all>0.05). Compared with APS patients
      without pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension was more common in patients
      suffered from pulmonary embolism (3/12 vs. 0, P<0.05). Conclusion: Pulmonary
      embolism can be the first symptom in pediatric APS patients and all of them are
      non-shock type, which tends to be misdiagnosed or missed. A majority of them
      suffer from deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities.Rethrombosis takes
      place when the anticoagulant therapy is irregular.Positive anti-nuclear
      antibodies can be seen in primary APS patients, but no manifestations of lupus
      come out during follow-up.There is no significant difference between primary APS
      and secondary APS.Pulmonary hypertension is more common in APS patients suffered
      from pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 28072956
TI  - [Clinical and immunological analysis of the patient with autoimmunity due to
      germline STAT3 gain-of-function mutation].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the clinical and immunological laboratory features and
      gene mutation in a female patient who carried a germline gain-of-function
      mutation in STAT3. Method: A patient with lymphadenopathy and pancytopenia,
      visited the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Children's Hospital of
      Chongqing Medical University in May 2016. The clinical and laboratory
      characteristics, results of immunophenotyping and exome sequencing were analyzed
      retrospectively and related literature was reviewed. Result: The patient was a
      four years old girl. The clinical manifestation consisted of autoimmune
      pancytopenia, lymphadenopathy and recurrent infections. Multiple exams showed
      that peripheral blood leukocyte count was (2.2-4.9)*109/L, red blood cell count
      was (2.09-5.75)*109/L, hemoglobin level was 64-165 g/L, platelet count was (52
      138) *109/L. Percentages of lymphocyte subsets showed that CD3+ T lymphocyte was
      0.716 0 (CD4+ T lymphocyte was 0.326 0, CD8+ T lymphocyte was 0.323 0 and CD4-
      CD8-T TCRalphabeta+ lymphocyte was 0.029 0), CD19+ B lymphocyte was 0.235 0
      (transitional B was 0.004 3), NK was 0.032 0. Percentages of CD4+ T lymphocyte
      release IL-4, IFN-gamma, IL-17 and IL-21 were 0.014 9, 0.213, 0.024 0 and 0.021
      0, respectively. Lymphocyte proliferation function and TCRVbeta diversity were
      normal. The serum immunoglobulin levels were 16.4 g/L (IgG), 1.53 g/L (IgA), 3.99
      g/L (IgM) and 3.20 kU/L (IgE). The patient carried a missense variant in the 21st
      exon of STAT3, c. 1974G>C, p.K658N, which was previously described as a gain-of
      function mutation. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone and prednisone
      intermittently. There were significant improvements of hepatosplenomegaly,
      lymphadenopathy and pancytopenia. We searched internal database and literature
      for cases with gain-of-function mutations in STAT3. A total of 19 cases were
      identified, all were non-Chinese. Among 16 cases who had clinical data, age of
      onset of 11 patients was less than 5 years. 14 cases had autoimmune hemolytic
      anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia or autoimmune neutropenia. Twelve patients
      had lymphadenopathy while 11 had infections and 5 had endocrine abnormalities.
      Conclusion: The patient with Primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) due to gain
      of-function mutation in STAT3 gene often has early-onset autoimmune disorders,
      lymphadenopathy and recurrent infections. Since the routine immunological
      examination may be normal or slightly abnormal, comprehensive evaluation of
      immune function should be done. Genetic testing ultimately helps to confirm the
      diagnosis.

PMID- 28072957
TI  - [A cross-sectional survey on the patterns of primary teeth eruption in 2 581
      children].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the patterns of primary teeth eruption by a cross
      sectional survey in 0-40 months old children in Chongqing and to provide normal
      timetables of tooth eruption that are practical in general physical growth
      assessment. Method: Data of 2 581 0-40 months old healthy children were collected
      from January 2014 to January 2016 at Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical
      University. General information was recorded by primary child health care
      doctors, including age, gender, gestation age, birth weight, time and sequence of
      first primary tooth eruption, number of teeth and age of totally primary teeth
      emergence. Median and constituent ratio were used in describing the age of tooth
      eruption and eruption characteristics at different age. Moreover, independent
      sample t test, variance analysis, Pearson product-moment correlation and Logistic
      regression were also involved in data analysis. Result: Totally 2 581 children
      were involved in this survey, including 506 infants of 0-6 months old, 600
      infants of 7-12 months old, 730 toddlers of 13-24 months old and 745 children of
      25-40 months old. There were 1 473 boys and 1 108 girls, 89 preterm babies and 2
      492 full term babies, 1 829 children with tooth erupted and 626 children with all
      primary teeth erupted.The age of the first primary tooth eruption was between 2
      15 months old ( median age: 8 months old, 95%CI: 2.7-12.7)and for the last
      primary tooth emergence was between 23-35 months of age (median age: 31 months,
      95%CI: 24.7-36.7). The time of first tooth eruption was positively correlated
      with that of total teeth emergence (r=0.879, P<0.05). Dental charts (number of
      tooth for age) of different gender were drawn according to teeth eruption
      information. The first primary tooth eruption was the incisor of mandible in
      95.3% (1 743/1 829)infants and was the incisor of maxilla in 4.6% (84/1
      829)infants. During the period of tooth emerging actively (number of teeth <=16),
      the number of primary teeth might be calculated by formula: number of
      teeth=chronological age in months-age of first eruption in months+ 1. There was
      no statistically significant difference between the number of actual teeth and
      calculated by the present formula(t=-2.957, P=0.05). Conclusion: The median age
      of first primary tooth eruption and total teeth emergence was 8 and 31 months of
      age respectively. The first primary tooth eruption is incisor of mandible in most
      infants.The formula (number of teeth=chronological age in months-age of first
      eruption in months+ 1 )can be used to estimate the number of primary teeth.
      Dental charts might provide normal and supplement datasets for evaluating child
      physical growth.

PMID- 28072958
TI  - [Investigation on immunization program coverage rate and its safety in children
      with tuberous sclerosis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the status of immunization of National Immunization
      Program (NIP) and its adverse reaction rate in children with tuberous sclerosis.
      Method: Questionnaire survey was adopted to identify the vaccination coverage and
      its adverse events; 72 cases of children with tuberous sclerosis and 78 normal
      controls (healthy children completing age-appropriate NIP) admitted to Chinese
      People's Liberation Army General Hospital from December 2014 to November 2015
      were involved into this study. Result: The age-appropriate NIP coverage rate of
      tuberous sclerosis was 36%(26/72). The coverage rate of bacillus calmette-guerin
      (BCG), hepatitis B vaccine 1st to 3rd doses (HepB1-3), oral poliovaccine 1st dose
      (OPV1), diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus 1st dose (DPT1), DPT1-3, meningococcal
      polysaccharide vaccine group A (MPVA), measles amd rubella vaccine/measles
      vaccine 1st dose (MRV/MCV1), and Japanese encephalitis vaccine 1st dose (JEV1)
      were 100%(72 cases), 75%(51 cases), 97%(66 cases), 91%(62 cases), 82%(56 cases),
      66%(45 cases), 69%(42 cases), and 61%(37 cases) respectively. The reasons why the
      children did not complete the vaccination plan were that parents were concerned
      about vaccination-induced seizures or seizures had not been controlled. Among 72
      children with TSC, the rate of adverse events or suspected adverse events after
      vaccination was 17% (12 cases), which was higher than the normal control children
      (2 cases, 3%) (chi2=8.799, P<0.05). The main adverse events were seizure events,
      which accounted for 92%(11 cases). Conclusion: The age-appropriate NIP coverage
      rate among children with tuberous sclerosis is low. The high incidence of adverse
      events may be associated with a fact that there are some nervous system
      abnormalities in cases with tuberous sclerosis. TSC children vaccination is
      relatively safe, with no serious adverse events.

PMID- 28072959
TI  - [Diagnosis of pulmonary hemorrhage of the newborn infants using lung
      ultrasonography].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the accuracy and reliability of lung ultrasound in
      diagnosis of pulmonary hemorrhage of the newborn infants. Method: From January
      2014 to May 2016, 142 neonates from the Army General Hospital of the Chinese PLA
      were enrolled in the study. They were divided into two groups: a study group of
      42 neonates, who were diagnosed with pulmonary hemorrhage according to their
      medical history, clinical manifestations and chest X-ray findings, and a control
      group of 100 neonates with no lung disease. All subjects underwent bedside lung
      ultrasound in a quiet state in a supine, lateral or prone posture, performed by a
      single experienced physician. The ultrasound findings were compared between the
      two groups.Fisher's exact test was uesd for comparison between two groups.
      Result: The lung ultrasound main findings associated with pulmonary hemorrhage
      included: (1) Shred sign: which was seen in 40 patients(95%). (2) Lung
      consolidation with air bronchograms: which were seen in 35 patients(83%). (3)
      Pleural effusion: which was seen in 34 infants(81%), pleurocentesis confirmed
      that the fluid was really bleeding.(4)Atelectasis: which was seen in 14
      cases(33%). (5) Pleural line abnormalities and disappearing A-lines with an
      incidence of 100%. (6) Alveolar-interstitial syndrome: 5 patients(12%)had the
      main manifestations of alveolar-interstitial syndrome. The above signs were not
      seen in normal controls (all P<0.01) and the normal lung mainly manifested with
      clear pleural line and A-lines under ultrasound. Conclusion: Lung ultrasonography
      is accurate and reliable for diagnosing pulmonary hemorrhage, which is suitable
      for routine application for the diagnosis of pulmonary hemorrhage in the neonatal
      intensive care unit.

PMID- 28072960
TI  - [Novel compound heterozygous TBC1D24 mutations in a boy with infantile focal
      myoclonic epilepsy and literature review].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the clinical features and genetic characteristics of
      patients with TBC1D24 gene mutations. Method: The clinical data of a patient with
      novel TBC1D24 compound heterozygous mutations from Children's Hospital of Fudan
      University were collected, the related literature was searched from China
      National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,
      National Center from Biotechnology Information and Pubmed (up to April 2016) by
      using search terms "TBC1D24" "epilepsy" . The clinical features,
      electroencephalogram (EEG) and prognosis of the patients with TBC1D24 gene
      mutations were studied. Result: The patient was a boy with non-consanguineous
      healthy parents.He had an acute episode of focal continuous myoclonus lasting a
      few hours with consciousness preserved at the age of 3 months.Myoclonic jerks
      alternatively affected the eyelids, either the right or left limbs, sometimes
      triggered by fever or fatigue.The frequency was once 3-7 days.At the age of 6
      months he was found to have myoclonus seizures with onset from a unilateral eyes
      lid and limb lasting 10 more minutes and subsequently affected four extremities
      or the trunk.They occurred once 3-4 months with perserved consciousness and
      lasted from several hours to up to ten more hours.They mostly disappeared during
      sleep.He had ataxia and mild mental retarding.Paroxysmal anomalies were not found
      on ictal traces.A novel compound heterozygous mutation of TBC1D24 gene, c.
      730G>A, p.A244T and c. 1571G>C, p.R524P were found in the patient.Further study
      showed that c. 730G>A mutation was inherited from his father and c. 1571G>C from
      his mother. These two were not reported in public databases and predicted
      deleterious by Mutation Taster and polyphen-2.Literature relevant to TBC1D24
      published all around the world was reviewed, no Chinese cases with TBC1D24 gene
      mutations had been reported. The total of 24 cases including the present case
      with TBC1D24 gene mutation were reported.Among them, 11 cases had compound
      heterozygous mutations and 13 cases had homozygous mutations.Ten mutations were
      identified, including 1 termination mutation, 1 frameshift mutation and 8
      missense mutations. Conclusion: TBC1D24 gene mutational analysis should be
      performed on patients with early-onset focal continuous myoclonus, if the
      etiology was unclear.

PMID- 28072961
TI  - [A case report of childhood Farber's disease and literature review].
AB  - Objective: To explore the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and the
      prognosis of Farber disease by case report and literature review. Method: The
      clinical information of a case with farber's disease diagnosed in October 2015 at
      Peking University First Hospital was collected and analyzed, including clinical
      manifestation, electrophysiology, magnetic resonance imaging, pathology,
      treatments and prognosis.ASAH1 gene mutational analysis was conducted in the
      patient and her parents.By using "Farber's disease, ASAH1" as keywords,
      literature was searched from Pubmed, CHKD and HGMD database from January 1951 to
      January 2016. Result: The girl, 2 years 2 months old, was sent to our hospital in
      October 2015, with complains of "joint swelling for 17 months, development
      regress of intelligence and movement for 11 months, intermittent seizures for 2
      months" .The clinical manifestation of the patient was characterized by painful
      and deformed joints, subcutaneous nodules, progressive hoarseness, and the
      progressive neurological system deterioration.Joints swelling and deformity
      behave as the first symptoms.A series of electroencephalogram showed slow
      background and spike wave.Visual evoked potential was significantly
      abnormal.Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hypomyelination and
      progressive diffuse brain atrophy.Histology of subcutaneous nodule showed
      proliferation of the connective tissue with hyalinization, cholesterol crystal
      like changes, and a large number of foamy cell infiltration.Compound heterozygous
      mutations of ASAH1 gene, c. 304_305 ins A (p.T102Nfs14) and c. 314T>C (p.L105p),
      were found in the patient, and the former is inherited from her mother, the
      latter from her father.Antiepileptic treatment and other symptomatic treatments
      were delivered to the patient, but the effectiveness was poor.One reference from
      China hownet and 35 references from Pubmed have reported a total of 26
      cases.Twenty out of 26 patients (77%) had the onset under 1 year of age.By
      region, there were 12 patients (12/26, 46%) from India, and the others around
      world.Among these 12 indian patients, 10 lack of complete clinical data.Among the
      rest 16 patients, 4 patients' parents were consanguineous; 8 patients with the
      main clinical manifestation of painful and deformed joints, subcutaneous nodules,
      and hoarse cry; 4 patients with hepatic failure and impaired spleen; 5 patients
      with rapid neurological deterioration; 1 patient with bone destruction; 7
      patients under liver and skin biopsies, pathologically showing a large number of
      foam cells and "Farber bodies" . There are 33 genetic mutations, and 45% (15/33)
      mutations are concentrated in ASAH1 exon 6-10. Conclusion: Farber disease is a
      rare autosomal recessive disease caused by deficiency of lysosomal acid
      ceramidase.Histopathology of granulomatous tissue plays an important role in the
      early diagnosis.

PMID- 28072962
TI  - [Relationship between blood routine test parameters and syncopal recurrence of
      vasovagal syncope in children].
AB  - Objective: To explore the relationship between venous blood routine test
      parameters and syncopal recurrence of children with vasovagal syncope (VVS).
      Method: Sixty-three children (male 32, female 31) diagnosed as VVS in Department
      of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital from November 2010 to October
      2015 were included in a case observational study.Their mean age was (11.2+/-2.7)
      years and basic treatment such as predisposing causes avoiding, standing
      training, autonomic nervous function exercise and oral rehydration salts were
      advised to them.The clinical data were obtained by out-patient visit and over
      telephone from December 2015 to January 2016, with a median follow-up period of
      10 (4, 26) months. The effects of baseline venous blood routine test parameters,
      gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) on syncopal recurrence were studied via
      univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.Kaplan-Meier curve was used
      to evaluate the long-term prognosis. Result: Among the 63 VVS children in this
      study, 31 cases were diagnosed as VVS vasodepressor type, 4 cases as VVS
      cardioinhibitory type and 28 cases as VVS mixed type, 16 cases (25%) had
      experienced recurrence of syncope while 47 cases (75%) had not.The result of
      univariate analysis of Cox regression showed that baseline platelet count (PLT)
      (HR=1.012, 95%CI: 1.003-1.022) had a marked impact on the survival rate.And the
      result of multivariate analysis of Cox regression showed that baseline hemoglobin
      concentration (HGB) (HR=1.055, 95%CI: 1.007-1.105), mean corpuscular hemoglobin
      (MCH) (HR=0.612, 95%CI: 0.423-0.884) and PLT(HR=1.015, 95%CI: 1.006-1.024) had
      significant effects on survival rate of VVS children.In this study, the one-year,
      two-year, and three-year survival rate were 83% (52/63), 79% (50/63) and 75%
      (47/63), respectively. Conclusion: The baseline venous blood routine test
      parameters HGB, MCH and PLT might be the influencing factors of the syncopal
      recurrence of VVS children.

PMID- 28072963
TI  - [No. 143: fever, cardiac insufficiency, abdominalgia, jaundice].

PMID- 28072964
TI  - [Avian influenza virus H9N2 found in a child with influenza like illness in
      Beijing].

PMID- 28072965
TI  - [Development of newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency].

PMID- 28072966
TI  - [Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement in neonatal jaundice].

PMID- 28072967
TI  - [Pay more attention to molecular detection in pathologic diagnosis].

PMID- 28072969
TI  - [Pathologic consensus of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors].

PMID- 28072968
TI  - [Novel markers in triple-negative breast cancers].

PMID- 28072970
TI  - [Histologic classification and prognosis factors in phyllodes tumors of breast].
AB  - Objective: To study the relationship between morphological characteristics,
      grading, diagnosis and prognosis in phyllodes tumors (PT) of the breast. Methods:
      A retrospective study was carried out on 83 PTs diagnosed between 1999 and 2003
      that were classified semi-quantitatively according to the WHO recommendation.
      Follow-up data was available for some cases, and Cox regression analysis was used
      to evaluate factors affecting metastasis and recurrence. Results: All cases were
      classified into the benign (57.8%), borderline (28.9%) and malignant (13.3%). The
      overall recurrence rate for the 72 cases with follow-up data was 20.8% (15/72),
      and was 17.5% (7/40) in benign, 22.7% (5/22) in borderline and 3/10 in malignant
      PT, respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05). The median interval
      between the initial diagnosis and the first recurrence was 24 months. Lung or
      bone metastases occurred in 1/22 borderline and 3/10 malignant PT patients 5
      years post-surgery. The mitotic count and the degree of stromal cell atypia were
      significantly correlated with recurrence (P=0.001 and P=0.006). Multivariate
      analysis showed that severe stromal cell atypia was an independent predictor of
      recurrence-free survival in PT [HR=6.40 (95% CI=1.378 to 29.732), P=0.018].
      Conclusions: Each parameter in the histological grading of PT may have different
      prognostic value, and markedly increased mitotic count and were predictive of
      relapse.

PMID- 28072971
TI  - [Expression of PD-1/PD-L1 in triple-negative breast carcinoma and its
      significance].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the correlation between the expression of PD-1, PD-L1
      and clinicopathologic parameters in triple negative breast carcinoma (TNBC).
      Methods: Samples from 151 patients with TNBC and 65 cases of other breast
      carcinomas (non-TNBC) were examined for PD-L1 and PD-1 expression by
      immunohistochemical staining on tissue microarray. Results: The expression of PD
      L1 and PD-1 in the tumor cells and interstitial lymphocytes in TNBC was
      significantly (P<0.05)higher than that in non-TNBC.In TNBC, the expression rates
      of PD-L1 in the cancer nests and stroma were 16.6%(25/151) and
      25.2%(38/151)respectively.The former was positively correlated with tumor
      histological grade and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05), and the latter only with
      tumor histological grade (P<0.05). The expression rate of PD-1 was 27.2%
      (41/151), and correlated with PD-L1 expression in stromal tumor-infiltrating
      lymphocytes (P<0.05). Conclusion: The expression of PD-L1 in TNBC is
      significantly correlated with high-grade histology, lymph node metastasis and PD
      L1 expression in stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

PMID- 28072972
TI  - [Clinicopathologic features of adenoid cystic carcinoma of breast].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features and grading of adenoid
      cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast. Methods: Sixteen cases of ACC of the breast
      were analyzed and graded according to the previous report. Immunohistochemical
      (IHC) staining was used to detect the immunophenotype, Ki-67 proliferative index
      and expression of EZH2, and the association with tumor grade and outcome was
      analyzed. Results: Of the 16 cases, 11 were grade I, with the epithelial and
      myoepithelial cells being arranged into tubular and cribriform structure with no
      solid component; three were grade II, which were composed of mixed tubular,
      cribriform and solid component (<30%); and two were grade III, which showed
      mainly solid component (>90%) and the tumor cells showed basaloid features with
      scanty cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei, and mitotic count was>5/10 HPF.
      Immunophenotypically, the epithelial cells expressed CK7, CK8/18 and CD117; the
      myoepithelial cells expressed p63 and CK5/6; while the basaloid cells were
      positive for CK5/6 and CD117.Tubular and cibriform ACC showed low Ki-67 and EZH2
      expression, while the two cases of solid variant with basaloid features showed
      high level of Ki-67 and EZH2 expression. Follow-up data were available in 13
      cases with a median follow-up period of 42 months. Lung metastasis occurred after
      12 months in one grade II case and the patient died of disease after 34 months.
      Vertebral metastasis occurred after 12 months in one grade III case and axillary
      lymph node metastasis occurred in another grade III case. All other patients were
      free of disease at the end of the follow-up periods. Conclusions: ACC shows
      morphologic spectrum varying from low to high grade, the latter can may give rise
      to local and distant metastasis. ACC should not be regarded simply as low
      malignant potential, and should be graded for optimal treatment.

PMID- 28072973
TI  - [Expression of FoxM1 and BCRP in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type and
      its prognosis significance].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the relationship between expression of FoxM1 and BCRP
      in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) tissues and the
      clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis of the patients. Methods:
      Seventy-eight cases of IBC-NST with excision were included. The expression of
      FoxM1 and BCRP was assessed by immunohistochemistry and its relationship with the
      clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis was evaluated. Results: FoxM1
      was expressed in 71.8%(56/78) of IBC-NST, and the expression was related to tumor
      diameter, TNM staging, ER, PR and HER2. BCRP was expressed in 53.8% (42/78) of
      IBC-NST, and the expression was related to age, tumor diameter, lymph node
      metastasis, ER and HER2. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed the survival time
      was related to tumor diameter, TNM staging, lymph node metastasis and the
      expression of FoxM1, BCRP, ER, PR and HER2. Cox multivariate analysis showed that
      TNM staging, FoxM1, BCRP, HER2 were determinants of patient survival time.
      Conclusions: The expression of FoxM1 is associated with tumor diameter, TNM
      staging, ER, PR and HER2 while BCRP is associated with age, tumor diameter, lymph
      node metastasis, ER and HER2. Both FoxM1 and BCRP have prognostic significance in
      IBC-NST patients.

PMID- 28072974
TI  - [Clinicopathologic features of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma of salivary
      glands].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of mammary analogue
      secretory carcinoma (MASC) of salivary glands, and its diagnosis, differential
      diagnosis, immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology. Methods: Seventeen cases
      of MASC were enrolled, with 9 cases of salivary acinar cell carcinoma and 18
      cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma as control groups from Nanjing General Hospital
      from 1997 to 2014 were included in this retrospective study, combined with
      immunohistochemistry and molecular detection of ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion. All cases
      were histologically reviewed with immunohistochemical staining (EnVision) for S
      100 protein, SOX10, GATA3, CD117 expression in each group. Fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) was used to detect the ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion. Results: The
      age of MASC patients ranged from 27 to 74 years with mean age of 47 and ratio of
      male and female was 4?3. All cases showed infiltrative growth and diverse
      cytology and histology, including lobular (8 cases), cystic papillary (3 cases),
      cribriform mixed with papillary and glandular structures (6 cases) at various
      proportions. Some tumors of MASC also exhibited solid growth areas with
      occasional microcystic honeycombed pattern composed of small cysts merged into
      larger cysts resembling thyroid follicles. S-100 protein and SOX10 were strongly
      positive in all MASC cases (17/17). In addition, there was insignificant
      positivity for GATA3 (3/17) and CD117 (4/17). ETV6 gene fusion detection was
      informative in 12 MASC cases by FISH with 10 positive cases and 2 negative cases.
      Conclusions: Combined immunohistochemical positivity of S-100 protein, CD117 and
      SOX10 are useful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MASC. FISH
      detection of ETV6-NTRK3 fusion offers an additional molecular diagnostic marker
      for the diagnosis.

PMID- 28072975
TI  - [Molecular features of metanephric adenoma and their values in differential
      diagnosis].
AB  - Objective: To study the molecular features of metanephric adenoma (MA) and
      discuss their values in differential diagnosis. Methods: BRAF V600E
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the mutation-specific VE1 monoclonal antibody
      and Sanger sequencing of BRAF mutations were performed on 21 MAs, 16 epithelial
      predominant Wilms tumors (e-WT) and 20 the solid variant of papillary renal cell
      carcinomas (s-PRCC) respectively. p16 protein was detected by IHC also.
      Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses using centromeric probes for
      chromosome 7 and 17 were performed on the three renal tumors in parallel.
      Results: Fourteen (14/21, 66.7%) of 21 MA cases demonstrated diffuse, moderate to
      strong cytoplasmic BRAF V600E IHC staining and the BRAF V600E protein expression
      was detected in 2 (2/16) of 16 e-WT cases for the first time, whereas all s-PRCCs
      were negative (P<0.05). All cases (including 14 MAs and 2 e-WTs) with diffuse,
      moderate to strong cytoplasmic BRAF V600E IHC staining were confirmed to harbor
      BRAF V600E missense mutations using Sanger sequencing, and no BRAF mutations were
      detected in cases with negative BRAF V600E protein expression. One case (1/21,
      4.8%) showed trisomy of chromosome 7 alone, and another one (1/21, 4.8%) showed
      trisomy of chromosome 17 alone in 21 MAs. Two cases (2/16) of 16 e-WTs showed
      trisomy of chromosome 17 alone. In 20 s-PRCCs, trisomy of chromosomes 7 alone was
      reported in 2 cases (2/20), trisomy of chromosome 17 alone in 3 cases (3/20) and
      trisomy of chromosome 7 and 17 in 14 cases (14/20). The total positive rates of
      trisomy of chromosome 7 and/or 17 in MAs, e-WTs and s-PRCCs were 9.6% (2/21),
      2/16 and 95.0% (19/20). p16 protein was positive in 81.0% (17/21) MAs, whereas
      the positive rates in e-WTs and s-PRCCs were 2/16 and 5.0% (1/20). Conclusions:
      Most MAs harbor BRAF V600E mutations, and MAs lack the gains of chromosome 7 and
      17 that are characteristic of papillary renal cell carcinoma. These molecular
      features can be used to distinguish MA from its mimics. BRAF V600E IHC using the
      mutation-specific VE1 monoclonal antibody provides an effective method in BRAF
      V600E mutations detection of renal tumors. p16 is overexpressed in MA, and the
      finding suggests that the low proliferative rate of the tumor might be attributed
      to BRAF V600E-induced senescence mediated by p16.

PMID- 28072977
TI  - [Breast Rosen triad: a clinicopathologic analysis of 5 cases].

PMID- 28072978
TI  - [Infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma: a clinicopathologic features of 6
      cases].

PMID- 28072976
TI  - [Establishment and validation of human cancer cell lines with stable Cas9
      expression].
AB  - Objective: To establish human cancer cell strains with stable Cas9 expression,
      and to validate the gene editing activity of Cas9 for simple gene editing in
      future study. Methods: Fifteen cancer cell lines of different tissue origins were
      infected with pLv-EF1alpha-Cas9-Flag-Neo or pLv-EF1alpha-Cas9-Flag-Puro by
      lentivirus and clone selection was employed to screen Cas9 stably expressed
      cancer cell lines. Afterward designed guide RNA vectors targeting TSC22 gene were
      transiently transfected into 3 of cell lines, and subsequently the gene editing
      activity of Cas9 was evaluated by genomic PCR, sequencing and Western blot.
      Results: Sixty-nine human cancer cell strains with stable Cas9 expression from
      different cancers were established, and by transient transfection with designed
      guide RNA, long fragment deletion was detected in TSC22 gene. Conclusions: Sixty
      nine human cancer cell strains are successfully established with stable
      expression of Cas9 protein and gene editing activity. These cell strains may be
      employed in large-scale drug screening, screening of new drug targets and gene
      function investigation.

PMID- 28072979
TI  - [Paraffin-embedded tissue fragment suspension: a novel method for quality control
      preparation in in-situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA].

PMID- 28072980
TI  - [Primary ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma of breast: report of a
      case].

PMID- 28072981
TI  - [Gastric myoglandular hematoma: report of a case].

PMID- 28072982
TI  - [Metastatic pleomorphic adenoma of lung: report of a case].

PMID- 28072983
TI  - [Progress in clinicopathologic studies of mammary pleomorphic adenoma].

PMID- 28072984
TI  - [Mediation of high-mobility group box-1 protein to vascular endothelial barrier
      dysfunction and adjustment role of leukocyte-endothelial adhesion].

PMID- 28072985
TI  - [Recent advance of IgG4 related thyroid disease].

PMID- 28072986
TI  - [Stride forward to continue publishing magnificent achievements].

PMID- 28072987
TI  - [A pilot clinical study of immediate provisionalization with a chairside computer
      aided design and computer aided manufacture monolithic crown for single tooth
      immediate implant placement].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the primary clinical outcomes of immediate
      provisionalization with a monolithic crown utilizing a novel chairside computer
      aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) workflow for single tooth
      immediate implant placement. Methods: This pilot study was a prospective within
      subjects design. Thirteen consecutive patients were included and diagnosed with
      untreatable single incisor or premolar with fine general and local anatomical
      conditions. The trial was conducted at Department of Implantology, Peking
      University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, between January 2016 and
      June 2016. The teeth were extracted atraumatically and implants were immediately
      placed in the fresh sockets. Two screw-retained interim crowns were fabricated
      for the same site utilizing different workflows, a monolithic lithium disilicate
      (LS2) crown produced by CEREC (Sirona, Germany) chairside CAD/CAM system (CER
      group) and a manually fabricated resin crown utilizing conventional workflow
      (CONV group) respectively. The patients were blinded to the group allocation of
      the two interim crowns. After the clinical try-in for both crowns in a randomized
      sequence, the patients' level of satisfaction was assessed with a virtual
      analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire. The restorations chosen by patients
      themselves were seated in the implants by one experienced prosthodontist. The
      accuracy, aesthetic effect and clinical time consumption of both groups were
      compared. Statistical analyses were performed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test.
      Results: All patients were treated with atraumatic tooth extraction, immediate
      implant placement using flapless surgery and immediate provisionalization in a
      single visit. The interim crowns of both groups could be fitted with or without
      slight adjustments. For each patient, the interim crown of CER group was chosen
      to be seated with a relatively higher VAS result. The white esthetic score (WES)
      results demonstrated no statistically significant difference between CER group
      (7.5+/-1.1) and CONV group (7.9+/-0.9) (P>0.05). The mean total work time was
      significantly different resulting in (131.9+/-5.0) min for CER group and (205.2+/
      6.3) min(P<0.05). The major difference lied in the laboratory work time,
      resulting in (113.5+/-6.3) min for CER group which was significantly shorter than
      (185.6+/-6.6) min for CONV group. As for impression taking time, the CER group
      (7.5+/-0.8) min was significantly shorter than CONV group (11.7+/- 1.1) min
      (P<0.05). However, analysis for clinical adjustment time showed a significantly
      longer time for CER group [(11.0+/-2.1) min vs (8.0+/-2.8) min, P<0.05]. After 3
      6 months of observation, the overall survival rate was 100%. Screw loosening
      occurred in 4 patients and was tightened again. No other major complication
      soccurred. Conclusions: The full digital workflow utilizing CEREC chairside
      CAD/CAM system to fabricate interim crowns after immediate implant placement in
      one single visit was feasible. It was more time-efficient and could effectively
      shorten the laboratory work time compared to the conventional workflow. Patients
      demonstrated high satisfaction and there was no statistical difference in WES
      results compared to the conventional workflow. Favorable clinical outcomes were
      gained in this short-term follow-up study.

PMID- 28072988
TI  - [Retrospective analysis of pulp revascularization in immature permanent teeth
      with diffuse pulpitis].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the treatment effectiveness of revascularization in
      immature permanent teeth with diffuse pulpitis and to provide an alternative
      approach for the treatment of these teeth. Methods: Clinical and radiographic
      data were collected from 17 immature permanent teeth which were diagnosed as
      diffuse pulpitis and with their pulp extirpated at Emergency Department of Peking
      University School and Hospital of Stomatology. All these teeth were treated using
      pulp revascularization at Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Clinical success
      rate was then evaluated based on the clinical and radiographic findings. The
      increase of root length and dentin wall thickness of the revascularized teeth and
      the contralateral control teeth were measured and compared according to the
      preoperative and recall periapical radiographs. Results: The average follow
      uptime is (25.8+/-9.9) months (12-46 months). Totally 13 out of the 17 teeth
      showed normal clinical and radiographic manifestation and achieved the increasein
      root length and dentin wall thickness. They met criteria for success treatment.
      The rest 4 out of the 17 teeth also showed root length and dentin wall thickness
      increaseand apical foramen closure. However, periapical inflammations were
      observed during 12 to 36 monthfollow-ups. These cases were recognized as failed.
      In all the17 teeth, the increase of root length and dentin wall thickness was not
      significantly different between the revascularized teeth and the contralateral
      control teeth (P>0.05). Conclusions: Pulp revascularization in young permanent
      teeth with diffuse pulpitis resulted in similar clinical outcomes in root
      development and root canal wall formation compared with the contralateral control
      teeth. However, reinfection might occur during long-term follow-up.

PMID- 28072989
TI  - [Clinical effectiveness of salvianolic acid B and triamcinolone acetonide in
      treatment of oral submucous fibrosis].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of salvianolic acid B (SA-B)
      and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) by means of combined intralesional injection in
      the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Methods: According to clinical
      findings and symptoms, TA combined with SA-B were consecutively applied
      intralesionally 1 time weekly for 30 times. Mouth opening degree, color change of
      the buccal mucosae and numeral increase of the capillary vessels were determined
      by degree I-IV visual analog scale were evaluated at 12, 24, and 36 months,
      respectively. Results: One hundred and fourteen subjects fulfilled the study
      without obvious adverse reactions. After treatment for 1 year, the net gain in
      mouth opening of the early stage group was (5.5 +/- 1.5) mm at 12 months, (8.8 +/
      1.6) mm at 24 months and (12.0+/-1.2) mm at 36 months. The net gain in mouth
      opening of the middle stage group were (5.3+/-1.7) mm at 12 months, (10.5+/-1.5)
      mm at 24 months and (14.5+/-2.4) mm at 36 months. The net gain in mouth opening
      of the advanced stage group were (5.7+/-1.3) mm at 12 months, (13.7+/-1.3) mm at
      24 months and (15.5+/-1.5) mm at 36 months. The effective rates of color change
      of the buccal mucosae and numeral increase of the capillary vessels after
      treatment for 36 months were 100% in early stage group, 93% (51/55) in middle
      stage group and 90% (36/40) in advanced stage group. Conclusions: TA and SA-B
      combined intralesional injection in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis is
      effective.

PMID- 28072990
TI  - [The images of osteoarthrosis associated with anterior disc displacement without
      reduction detected by cone-beam CT].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the radiological characteristics of the condylar bone in
      patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction of temporomandibular
      joint using cone-beam CT (CBCT), and to further investigate the clinical factors
      possibly associated with the early-stage osteoarthritic changes. Methods: Two
      hundred and four individuals (<=30 years old) diagnosed as unilateral anterior
      disc displacement without reduction (disease duration<=1 year) were recruited.
      CBCT images of bilateral condyles were independently evaluated by two assessors
      and documented. Correlation between the early-stage osteoarthritic (OA) changes
      and gender, age, disease duration and mouth opening were analyzed using SPSS 21.0
      software. Results: About sixty percent were presented with OA changes in the
      symptomatic joints, and most of them (47.1%) (96/204) were early-stage OA changes
      characterized by loss of continuity of articular cortex (I) and/or surface
      erosion (II). Logistics regression analyses indicated that disease duration (P
      =0.000) and mouth opening (P =0.002) were correlated significantly with early
      stage OA changes. Conclusions: Disc displacement without reduction was closely
      related to OA occurrence. OA changes occurred in more than half of the patients
      after one month of the joint locked and more possibly in patients with increased
      mouth opening.

PMID- 28072991
TI  - [Expression of Oct4 and Sox2 and their clinical significance in tongue squamous
      cell carcinoma].
AB  - Objective: To investigate Oct4 and Sox2 protein expression in tongue squamous
      cell carcinoma (TSCC) and the relationships between the expressions of Oct4 and
      Sox2 and clinical pathological characteristics and survival of patients. Methods:
      The paraffin imbedded tissue specimens of 51 patients with histologically
      confirmed TSCC were included. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the
      protein expression of Oct4 and Sox2 in 51 TSCC tissue samples. The protein
      expression levels of Oct4 and Sox2 and their relationships with both
      clinicopathological features and survival of patients with TSCC were evaluated.
      Results: In 51 TSCC cases,positive expressions of Oct4 and Sox2 were mainly
      located in the nucleus of tumor cells. The expression of Oct4 was strongly
      positive in 27 cases (53%), weakly positive in 16 (31%) and negative in 8 (16%),
      whereas that of Sox2 was strongly positive in 25 cases (49%), weakly positive in
      22 (43%) and negative in 4 (8%). Oct4 and Sox2 expression levels were
      significantly correlated with the histological grade of TSCC (P=0.004, P=0.006,
      respectively), not correlated with age, gender, T stage, tobacco smoking and
      alcohol consumption status (P>0.05), but Oct4 expression level was significantly
      associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.001). Sox2 expression level was not
      associated with lymph node metastasis (P>0.05). The expression of Sox2 was
      significantly correlated with Oct4 (P<0.001). Oct4 and Sox2 expression was
      associated with poor overall survival of patients with TSCC (P=0.001, P=0.002,
      respectively), cases with higher Oct4 and Sox2 expression had the poorest overall
      survival (P<0.001). Sox2 expression and lymph node metastasis were independent
      prognostic factors of overall survival in patients with TSCC (P=0.02, P=0.001,
      respectively). Conclusions: Sox2 had independent prognostic effects on overall
      survival, suggesting that Sox2 expression may be an usefull indicator for
      predicting the prognosis of patients with TSCC.

PMID- 28072992
TI  - [Comparison of free anterolateral thigh perforator flaps versus free forearm flap
      for reconstruction in elderly patients undergoing glossectomy].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) in elderly patients with tongue
      cancer who underwent immediate free flap reconstruction surgery. In addition, the
      efficacy of the anterolateral thigh perforator free flap (ALTFF) and the radial
      free forearm flap (RFFF) for reconstruction was compared in patients with
      glossectomy. Methods: Ninty-eight patients undergoing complete or partial
      glossectomy and reconstruction with free flaps were grouped according to flap
      type. Oral functions were assessed using The University of Washington Quality of
      Life (UW-QOL), and the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaires (OHIP
      14) at 6 and 12 months after reconstructive surgery. Results: Eighty-six of 98
      questionnaires (88%) were returned. There was significant difference between the
      2 groups in the style of resection (P<0.05). For all oral function domains, the
      score improved progressively after the operation (6 and 12 months after the
      procedure). The UW-QOL questionnaire showed a significant difference between the
      6 months postoperatively (ALTFF: 290.0 +/- 7.8, RFFF: 236.6 +/- 24.2) and 12
      months postoperatively (ALTFF: 302.0+/-21.1, RFFF: 331.1+/-20.4) (P<0.05). The
      OHIP-14 questionnaire showed a total score of ALTFF (422.0+/- 15.2) which was
      significantly less than RFFF (434.0+/-38.7) at 6 months postoperatively (P<0.05).
      There were no meaningful differences between the 2 flap types for all oral
      function domains at 12 months. Conclusions: Using the RFFF or ALTFF for
      reconstruction of tongue defects after cancer resection influences oral function.
      There was no significant difference in quality of life between the two flaps at
      12 months postoperatively.

PMID- 28072993
TI  - [Effect of inserted angle on the stability of loaded microscrews].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the effect of different insertion angles on the
      osseointegration of loaded microscrews in beagle jaws. Methods: Forty-eight
      microscrews were inserted at four different angles (30 degrees , 50 degrees , 70
      degrees  and 90 degrees ) into the interradicular zones between the mandibular
      first molar and third premolar in twelve beagles and the microscrews had been
      loaded with a force of 2 N immediately for 8 weeks. After microscrew-bone
      specimens fixed, the maximum output value (Fmax) of pull-out test was recorded
      and the histomorphological changes of hard tissue were observed. The bone-implant
      contact (BIC%) was quantitatively analyzed and the osseointegration of microscrew
      bone interface was comprehensively evaluated. Results: Both Fmax and BIC% values
      of microscrews were influenced by the insertion angles. The maximum value of Fmax
      was (385+/-23) N in the group with 50 degrees  angle, and the minimum value was
      (198+/-16) N in the group with 30 degrees  angle(P <0.05). The maximum value of
      BIC% was (59.1+/-6.0)% in the group with 70 degrees  angle, and the minimum value
      was (30.2+/-3.2)% in the group with 30 degrees  angle (P <0.05). Histomorphology
      observation revealed that in peri-screws region, the various degree of bone
      remodeling was found in different angle samples. Conclusions: The insertion
      angles (50 degrees and 70 degrees ) were favorable to the stability of the
      microscrew.

PMID- 28072994
TI  - [Effect of triptolide on human oral cancer cell proliferation and PTEN gene mRNA
      expression in oral cancer].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of triptolide on human oral cancer cell (HB)
      proliferation and phosphates and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten gene
      (PTEN) mRNA expression in oral cancer. Methods: The cancer cells were cultured in
      the medium containing triptolide of different concentrations for 24, 48 and 72 h.
      Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to test the rate of growth
      inhibition of cancer cells, flow cytometer to detect the change of cell cycle and
      reveres transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) to examine the expression of PTEN mRNA. The
      expression of PTEN protein was examined by Western blotting. Results: The rate of
      growth inhibition was (26.92 +/- 0.14)%, (38.67 +/- 0.11)%, (72.62 +/- 0.89)% and
      (90.42 +/- 0.28)%, respectively. The corresponding expression of PTEN mRNA was
      (3.59+/-0.21)%, (5.27+/-0.40)%, (7.18+/-0.44)% and (9.16+/-0.50)%, respectively
      and the corresponding A value of PTEN protein was 0.135+/-0.007, 0.410+/-0.020,
      0.447+/-0.017 and 0.884+/-0.066, respectively. The proportion of G1 phase cells
      increased from (58.78+/-0.98)% to (84.13+/-0.47)%, but the proportion of S phase
      cells decreased from (25.40+/-0.43)% to (9.41+/-0.73)%. Conclusions: The
      triptolide not only had inhibitory effect on the HB proliferation, but also
      affected the cell cycle.

PMID- 28072995
TI  - [The effects of platelet-rich fibrin extract on MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on the
      titanium discs].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin extract (PRFe) on the
      adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on the
      titanium discs. Methods: Samples were divided into experimental group (P) and
      control group (D). Group P used the alpha-minimal essential medium (alpha-MEM)
      containing PRFe (0.5%), while group D used only the alpha-MEM. Cell adhesion and
      cytoskeleton were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser
      scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay to
      detect the number of the osteoblasts at 1, 3, 5, 7 d; the activity of alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP) to detect the differentiation of osteoblast at 1, 3, 5, 7 d;
      the level of osteogenetic biomarkers core-binding factoralpha1 (cbfalpha1) and
      osteocalcin (OCN) were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) at 3
      and 7 d. Results: SEM and LSCM showed that the adhesion and filaments of group P
      were higher than those of group D at each time point. MTT assay showed that the
      absorbance were significantly increased in group P (1 d: 0.299+/-0.002, 3 d:
      0.517+/-0.004, 5 d: 0.810+/-0.002, 7 d: 1.203+/-0.011) compared with group D (1
      d: 0.198+/-0.003, 3 d: 0.399+/-0.002, 5 d: 0.588+/-0.002, 7 d: 0.897+/-0.005) at
      each time points (P<0.05). Furthermore, the ALP activity of group P (1 d: 0.162+/
      0.004, 3 d: 0.289+/-0.001, 5 d: 0.491+/-0.006, 7 d: 0.647+/-0.005) was
      significantly higher than that of group D (1 d: 0.121+/-0.003, 3 d: 0.191+/-
      0.006, 5 d: 0.252+/-0.004, 7 d: 0.365+/-0.012), (P<0.05). Moreover, the qRT-PCR
      showed that the Cbfalpha1 and OCN gene expression in group P (Cfbalpha1, 3 d:
      1.50+/-0.04, 7 d: 1.94+/-0.06; OCN, 3 d: 3.37+/-0.17, 7 d: 3.92+/- 0.04) were
      significantly higher than that in group D(Cfbalpha1, 3 d: 1, 7 d: 1.18+/-0.13;
      OCN, 3 d: 1, 7 d: 2.34+/- 0.09) (P<0.05). Conclusions: PRFe promoted the
      adhension, proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells on the titanium
      discs.

PMID- 28072996
TI  - [Meeting Minutes of 2016 International Congress of Oral Implantology: Pujiang
      Forum].

PMID- 28072997
TI  - [Summary of The 2016 Symposium on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Peking
      University].

PMID- 28072998
TI  - [Immediate restoration of dental implant using computer-assisted navigation in
      the esthetic zone: a case report].

PMID- 28072999
TI  - [Features and advances of Morse taper connection in oral implant].
AB  - Dental implants have been widely accepted as a predictable and reliable tool for
      dental reconstruction with the development of the economy. The design of implant
      abutment connections has influence on mechanical properties and biological
      characteristics of implants. There are two types of implant-abutment connections,
      the external and the internal connections. Morse taper connection is one of the
      internal connections and its conical shape creates significant friction via the
      high propensity of parallelism between the two structures within the joint space.
      Several studies showed that Morse taper connection performed well in terms of
      survival rate, stability, bacterial seal and marginal bone loss. Recently,
      clinical studies indicate implants combining Morse taper connection with platform
      switching are helpful in reducing marginal bone absorption. This review aims at
      analyzing the features and advantages of Morse taper connection.

PMID- 28073000
TI  - Settling a Nervous Stomach: The Neural Regulation of Enteric Cancer.
AB  - The nervous system is emerging as a regulator of malignancy. In this issue of
      Cancer Cell, Hayakawa et al. demonstrate a feedforward signaling loop in which
      tumor-derived nerve growth factor promotes enteric tumor innervation, and
      recruited nerves drive cancer growth through acetylcholine-regulated Wnt
      signaling and stimulation of further NGF release.

PMID- 28073001
TI  - Normalization of Tumor Vessels by Tie2 Activation and Ang2 Inhibition Enhances
      Drug Delivery and Produces a Favorable Tumor Microenvironment.

PMID- 28073002
TI  - Cancer and Apoptosis: Who Is Built to Last?
AB  - Effective cancer therapy requires that a cancer be more susceptible to a
      treatment than are the essential tissues in the body. A paper by Sarosiek et al.
      in this issue now shows that, unlike those of cancer cells, mitochondria in many
      tissues in adults are in an apoptosis-resistant state.

PMID- 28073003
TI  - Employing Metabolism to Improve the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is on pace to become the second leading cause of
      cancer-related death. The high mortality rate results from a lack of methods for
      early detection and the inability to successfully treat patients once diagnosed.
      Pancreatic cancer cells have extensively reprogrammed metabolism, which is driven
      by oncogene-mediated cell-autonomous pathways, the unique physiology of the tumor
      microenvironment, and interactions with non-cancer cells. In this review, we
      discuss how recent efforts delineating rewired metabolic networks in pancreatic
      cancer have revealed new in-roads to develop detection and treatment strategies
      for this dreadful disease.

PMID- 28073004
TI  - Epigenetic siRNA and Chemical Screens Identify SETD8 Inhibition as a Therapeutic
      Strategy for p53 Activation in High-Risk Neuroblastoma.
AB  - Given the paucity of druggable mutations in high-risk neuroblastoma (NB), we
      undertook chromatin-focused small interfering RNA and chemical screens to uncover
      epigenetic regulators critical for the differentiation block in high-risk NB.
      High-content Opera imaging identified 53 genes whose loss of expression led to a
      decrease in NB cell proliferation and 16 also induced differentiation. From
      these, the secondary chemical screen identified SETD8, the H4K20me1
      methyltransferase, as a druggable NB target. Functional studies revealed that
      SETD8 ablation rescued the pro-apoptotic and cell-cycle arrest functions of p53
      by decreasing p53K382me1, leading to activation of the p53 canonical pathway. In
      pre-clinical xenograft NB models, genetic or pharmacological (UNC0379) SETD8
      inhibition conferred a significant survival advantage, providing evidence for
      SETD8 as a therapeutic target in NB.

PMID- 28073005
TI  - Simultaneous Inhibition of PI3Kdelta and PI3Kalpha Induces ABC-DLBCL Regression
      by Blocking BCR-Dependent and -Independent Activation of NF-kappaB and AKT.
AB  - Compared with follicular lymphoma, high PI3Kalpha expression was more prevalent
      in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), although both tumor types expressed
      substantial PI3Kdelta. Simultaneous inhibition of PI3Kalpha and PI3Kdelta
      dramatically enhanced the anti-tumor profile in ABC-DLBCL models compared with
      selective inhibition of PI3Kdelta, PI3Kalpha, or BTK. The anti-tumor activity was
      associated with suppression of p-AKT and a mechanism of blocking nuclear factor
      kappaB activation driven by CD79mut, CARD11mut, TNFAIP3mut, or MYD88mut.
      Inhibition of PI3Kalpha/delta resulted in tumor regression in an ibrutinib
      resistant CD79BWT/MYD88mut patient-derived ABC-DLBCL model. Furthermore, rebound
      activation of BTK and AKT was identified as a mechanism limiting CD79Bmut-ABC
      DLBCL to show a robust response to PI3K and BTK inhibitor monotherapies. A
      combination of ibrutinib with the PI3Kalpha/delta inhibitor copanlisib produced a
      sustained complete response in vivo in CD79Bmut/MYD88mut ABC-DLBCL models.

PMID- 28073007
TI  - Mesenchymal MicroRNA Function Branches Out.
AB  - Significant amounts of microRNAs (miRs) are detected in exosomes, but their
      function during fetal development is poorly understood. In this issue of
      Developmental Cell, Hayashi et al. (2017) show that exosomal miRs secreted by
      mesenchymal cells can regulate epithelial KIT+ progenitor cell expansion during
      murine salivary gland organogenesis.

PMID- 28073006
TI  - BCL9L Dysfunction Impairs Caspase-2 Expression Permitting Aneuploidy Tolerance in
      Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - Chromosomal instability (CIN) contributes to cancer evolution, intratumor
      heterogeneity, and drug resistance. CIN is driven by chromosome segregation
      errors and a tolerance phenotype that permits the propagation of aneuploid
      genomes. Through genomic analysis of colorectal cancers and cell lines, we find
      frequent loss of heterozygosity and mutations in BCL9L in aneuploid tumors. BCL9L
      deficiency promoted tolerance of chromosome missegregation events, propagation of
      aneuploidy, and genetic heterogeneity in xenograft models likely through
      modulation of Wnt signaling. We find that BCL9L dysfunction contributes to
      aneuploidy tolerance in both TP53-WT and mutant cells by reducing basal caspase-2
      levels and preventing cleavage of MDM2 and BID. Efforts to exploit aneuploidy
      tolerance mechanisms and the BCL9L/caspase-2/BID axis may limit cancer diversity
      and evolution.

PMID- 28073008
TI  - CENP-A Modifications on Ser68 and Lys124 Are Dispensable for Establishment,
      Maintenance, and Long-Term Function of Human Centromeres.
AB  - CENP-A is a histone H3 variant key to epigenetic specification of mammalian
      centromeres. Using transient overexpression of CENP-A mutants, two recent reports
      in Developmental Cell proposed essential centromere functions for post
      translational modifications of human CENP-A. Phosphorylation at Ser68 was
      proposed to have an essential role in CENP-A deposition at centromeres. Blockage
      of ubiquitination at Lys124 was proposed to abrogate localization of CENP-A to
      the centromere. Following gene inactivation and replacement in human cells, we
      demonstrate that CENP-A mutants that cannot be phosphorylated at Ser68 or
      ubiquitinated at Lys124 assemble efficiently at centromeres during G1, mediate
      early events in centromere establishment at an ectopic chromosomal locus, and
      maintain centromere function indefinitely. Thus, neither Ser68 nor Lys124 post
      translational modification is essential for long-term centromere identity,
      propagation, cell-cycle-dependent deposition, maintenance, function, or mediation
      of early steps in centromere establishment.

PMID- 28073009
TI  - How Meiosis Creates the Single-Copy Genome.
AB  - Genome haploidization involves two meiotic divisions following a single round of
      DNA replication. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Arguello-Miranda et al.
      (2017) show that production and packaging of the single-copy genome into gametes
      during the second meiotic division is coordinated by a conserved casein kinase 1.

PMID- 28073010
TI  - Ser68 Phosphorylation Ensures Accurate Cell-Cycle-Dependent CENP-A Deposition at
      Centromeres.

PMID- 28073011
TI  - CENP-A Ubiquitylation Is Required for CENP-A Deposition at the Centromere.

PMID- 28073012
TI  - Can biological invasions save Caribbean coral reefs?
AB  - It is widely accepted that coral reefs are in decline globally, due to climate
      change as well as more direct human impacts such as poor water quality and
      overharvesting [1-3]. Biological invasions are also seen as a major threat [4-6];
      however, they may not all be negative. An invasion of Red Sea rabbitfishes is
      disrupting Mediterranean ecosystems by removing macro-algae - meanwhile, in
      contrast, the Caribbean is suffering from excess macro-algal growth. We suggest
      that an invasion of the Caribbean by rabbitfishes may prove beneficial, and that
      the future of Caribbean coral reefs may depend upon a rabbitfish invasion.

PMID- 28073013
TI  - Newly discovered deep-branching marine plastid lineages are numerically rare but
      globally distributed.
AB  - Ocean surface warming is resulting in an expansion of stratified, low-nutrient
      environments, a process referred to as ocean desertification [1]. A challenge for
      assessing the impact of these changes is the lack of robust baseline information
      on the biological communities that carry out marine photosynthesis. Phytoplankton
      perform half of global biological CO2 uptake, fuel marine food chains, and
      include diverse eukaryotic algae that have photosynthetic organelles (plastids)
      acquired through multiple evolutionary events [1-3]. While amassing data from
      ocean ecosystems for the Baselines Initiative (6,177 near full-length 16S rRNA
      gene sequences and 9.4 million high-quality 16S V1-V2 amplicons) we identified
      two deep-branching plastid lineages based on 16S rRNA gene data. The two lineages
      have global distributions, but do not correspond to known phytoplankton. How the
      newly discovered phytoplankton lineages contribute to food chains and vertical
      carbon export to the deep sea remains unknown, but their prevalence in expanding,
      low nutrient surface waters suggests they will have a role in future oceans.

PMID- 28073015
TI  - Plant Development: Differential Growth Rates in Distinct Zones Shape an Ancient
      Plant Form.
AB  - A long-standing question in biology is how a group of primordial cells can give
      rise to complex organs. A new study finds that, in an ancient land plant, growth
      rate variation patterned by meristematic cells primarily determines shape.

PMID- 28073014
TI  - Evolution of condensin and cohesin complexes driven by replacement of Kite by
      Hawk proteins.
AB  - Mitotic chromosome condensation, sister chromatid cohesion, and higher order
      folding of interphase chromatin are mediated by condensin and cohesin, eukaryotic
      members of the SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes)-kleisin protein
      family. Other members facilitate chromosome segregation in bacteria [1]. A
      hallmark of these complexes is the binding of the two ends of a kleisin subunit
      to the apices of V-shaped Smc dimers, creating a tripartite ring capable of
      entrapping DNA (Figure 1A). In addition to creating rings, kleisins recruit
      regulatory subunits. One family of regulators, namely Kite dimers (Kleisin
      interacting winged-helix tandem elements), interact with Smc-kleisin rings from
      bacteria, archaea and the eukaryotic Smc5-6 complex, but not with either
      condensin or cohesin [2]. These instead possess proteins containing HEAT
      (Huntingtin/EF3/PP2A/Tor1) repeat domains whose origin and distribution have not
      yet been characterized. Using a combination of profile Hidden Markov Model (HMM)
      based homology searches, network analysis and structural alignments, we identify
      a common origin for these regulators, for which we propose the name Hawks, i.e.
      HEAT proteins associated with kleisins.

PMID- 28073016
TI  - Larval Evolution: I'll Tail You Later....
AB  - Larval stages can be astonishingly different from their adult forms. A new study
      in acorn worms shows that the whole larval body is patterned only with a subset
      of anterior genes, revealing the intricate developmental bases that underlie the
      evolution of larval forms.

PMID- 28073017
TI  - Cell Migration: Making the Waves.
AB  - Coordinated changes of cell shape are often the result of the excitable, wave
      like dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. New work shows that, in migrating cells,
      protrusion waves arise from mechanochemical crosstalk between adhesion sites,
      membrane tension and the actin protrusive machinery.

PMID- 28073018
TI  - Meiotic Recombination: Taking the Path Less Traveled.
AB  - The proper distribution of crossovers during meiosis I ensures accurate
      chromosome segregation at the first meiotic division. A new study reveals both
      the consequences of improper crossover patterning in Drosophila and the role of
      Blm helicase in controlling this patterning.

PMID- 28073019
TI  - Plant Physiology: Out in the Midday Sun, Plants Keep Their Cool.
AB  - Plants use context-dependent information to calibrate growth responses to
      temperature signals. A new study shows that plants modulate their sensitivity to
      temperature depending on whether or not they are in direct sunlight. This enables
      them to make adaptive decisions in a complex natural environment.

PMID- 28073020
TI  - Regeneration: Recorded Live!
AB  - Salamanders and fish can regenerate amputated limbs/fins. Which cells drive this
      intriguing process? Two recent papers have used live imaging of labelled clones
      of cells to reveal the contribution of connective tissue.

PMID- 28073021
TI  - DNA Replication Checkpoint: New ATR Activator Identified.
AB  - The ATR kinase is a master regulator of replication stress responses. Four new
      studies show that the protein ETAA1 is an important activator of ATR in human
      cells, providing insights into how the ATR pathway reacts to replication stress.

PMID- 28073022
TI  - Ocean Depths: The Mesopelagic and Implications for Global Warming.
AB  - The mesopelagic or 'twilight zone' of the oceans occurs too deep for
      photosynthesis, but is a major part of the world's carbon cycle. Depth boundaries
      for the mesopelagic have now been shown on a global scale using the distribution
      of pelagic animals detected by compiling echo-soundings from ships around the
      world, and been used to predict the effect of global warming on regional fish
      production.

PMID- 28073023
TI  - Functional Connectomics: How Maggots Make Up Their Minds.
AB  - How Drosophila larvae select one behavior or a sequence of behaviors, and then
      persist in the final one, has been addressed by a powerful combination of
      electron-microscopy reconstruction of neuronal connections, genetic
      manipulations, electrophysiology, and neuronal modeling. Surprisingly, reciprocal
      inhibitory synaptic connections are major players in choosing, sequencing and
      maintaining behaviors.

PMID- 28073024
TI  - Anemonefishes.
AB  - Feeney and Brooker introduce sea-anemone associated fish.

PMID- 28073025
TI  - Tropomyosins.
AB  - The actin cytoskeleton provides not only the underpinning for cell architecture
      but also mechanical force and the ability to drive movement of cells and their
      organelles. It is tempting to think of it simply as a set of stable structural
      elements, but nothing could be further from the truth. The cells of our bodies
      are continually remodelling their architecture by responding to a range of
      imposed biomechanical forces and intracellular functional demands. Studies of the
      dynamic and functional properties of the actin cytoskeleton have been dominated
      by a focus on actin and the view that actin filaments are essentially 'generic'.
      However, the 'other' component of most actin filaments in animals - tropomyosin -
      is coming into prominence. With this discovery is the realisation that far from
      being generic, actin filaments have their own functional individuality provided
      to them by their associated tropomyosin. This is changing the way we understand
      and study the actin cytoskeleton and has delivered a new therapeutic opportunity
      in what had come to be considered a 'no-go zone'.

PMID- 28073026
TI  - The role of Visfatin in atherosclerotic peripheral arterial obstructive disease.
AB  - Visfatin is an adipokine molecule acting as an essential coenzyme in multiple
      cellular redox reactions. The increased serum levels of Visfatin have been
      correlated with metabolic syndrome and endothelial homeostasis. In this study we
      investigate the possible relationship of Visfatin serum levels with the severity
      and location of atherosclerotic peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).
      Study protocol included 45 consecutive PAOD and 20 Control patients with age
      >55years old. Definition of PAOD was based in Rutherord's classification (RC).
      End-stage PAOD patients (RC-V & -VI) were excluded from study. Data were
      collected prospectively and included age, gender, atherosclerotic risk factors
      and the body mass index (BMI). In PAOD patients recorded the PAOD's clinical
      stage and the presence of carotid stenosis >50%. PAOD patients divided in two
      subgroups, those with mild (RC-I & -II) and moderate disease (RC-III & -IV). In
      all serum samples Visfatin was measured, blindly, twice by anosoenzymatic
      technique. Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U
      test, Pearson's chi-square, One Way Anova and Kruskall-Wallis tests, as
      appropriate. The mean Visfatin value in PAOD and Control groups were 38.5+/-16.0
      and 13.9+/-3.8ng/ml respectively (p<0.0005). In-PAOD subgroup of patients the
      visfatin values were not affected by demographics, BMI and atherosclerotic risk
      factors (p>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that severity of PAOD (mild vs
      severe), presence of carotid stenosis >50% and multilevel disease significantly
      affected outcomes (p=0.018, p=0.010 and p=0.006 respectively). In multivariate
      regression analysis severity of PAOD was the solely factor with strong
      correlation with high visfatin values (p=0.001). High Visfatin levels seem to be
      strongly correlated with the presence and severity of PAOD. Further and in depth
      investigation is needed to define the possible role of Visfatin in
      atherosclerosis and it's value as a potential prognostic biomarker of PAOD.

PMID- 28073027
TI  - Epileptic features and survival in glioblastomas presenting with seizures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The prognostic value of seizures in patients with glioblastoma is
      currently under discussion. The objective of this research was to study the risk
      factors associated with seizures occurring at the diagnosis of glioblastoma and
      the role of seizures as a predictive factor for survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      We prospectively analyzed the clinical data over the course of the disease,
      baseline MR imaging, and histological characteristics (p53 overexpression, the
      Ki67 proliferation index, and presence of the IDH1 R132H mutation), in
      glioblastomas treated in a single hospital from November 2012 to July 2014. The
      study follow-up cutoff point was October 2015. RESULTS: In total, 56 patients
      were recruited (57% men, mean age 57 years). Median baseline score on the
      Karnofsky performance scale was 80. Complete tumor debulking followed by
      radiochemotherapy was achieved in 58.9%. Mean survival was 13.6 months. Epileptic
      seizures were the presenting symptom in 26.6% of patients, and 44.6% experienced
      seizures at some point during the course of the disease. On multivariate
      analysis, the single factor predicting shorter survival was age older than 60
      years (hazard ratio 3.565 (95%CI, 1.491-8.522), p=0.004). Seizures were
      associated with longer survival only in patients younger than 60 years (p=0.035).
      Younger age, the IDH1 R132H mutation, and p53 overexpression (>40%) were related
      to seizures at presentation. Baseline MRI findings, including tumor size, and the
      Ki67 proliferation index were not associated with the risk of epileptic seizures
      or with survival. Prophylactic antiepileptic drugs did not increase survival
      time. CONCLUSIONS: Seizures as the presenting symptom of glioblastoma predicted
      longer survival in adults younger than 60 years. The IDH1 R132H mutation and p53
      overexpression (>40%) were associated with seizures at presentation. Seizures
      showed no relationship with the tumor size or proliferation parameters.

PMID- 28073028
TI  - Multiplexed detection of lung cancer biomarkers in patients serum with CMOS
      compatible silicon nanowire arrays.
AB  - In this work, a real-time assay for highly sensitive, label-free, multiplexed
      electrical detection of lung cancer biomarkers was developed by using silicon
      nanowire field-effect (SiNW-FET) devices. Highly responsive SiNW arrays were
      fabricated using a CMOS-compatible anisotropic self-stop etching technique with
      mass reproducibility and low cost character. The SiNW nanosensor was integrated
      with PDMS microfluidic device, which allows rapid analyte delivery, makes the
      analysis to be conducted using exceedingly small samples and enables potential
      multiplexed detection. The nanowire arrays allowed highly selective and sensitive
      multiplexed detection of microRNA (miRNA)-126 and CEA. Due to high surface-to
      volume ratio that the nanowire dimensions confer, the detection floor of single
      molecule was achieved. The potential utility in identifying clinical samples for
      early diagnosis of cancer was demonstrated by analyzing biomarkers in clinical
      related samples. The developed nanosensor with capability for multiplexed real
      time monitoring of biomarkers with high sensitivity and selectivity in clinically
      relevant samples is highly attractive for diagnosis and treatment of cancer and
      other diseases.

PMID- 28073029
TI  - Multiplexed efficient on-chip sample preparation and sensitive amplification-free
      detection of Ebola virus.
AB  - An automated microfluidic sample preparation multiplexer (SPM) has been developed
      and evaluated for Ebola virus detection. Metered air bubbles controlled by
      microvalves are used to improve bead-solution mixing thereby enhancing the
      hybridization of the target Ebola virus RNA with capture probes bound to the
      beads. The method uses thermally stable 4-formyl benzamide functionalized (4FB)
      magnetic beads rather than streptavidin coated beads with a high density of
      capture probes to improve the target capture efficiency. Exploiting an on-chip
      concentration protocol in the SPM and the single molecule detection capability of
      the antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) biosensor chip, a detection
      limit of 0.021pfu/mL for clinical samples is achieved without target
      amplification. This RNA target capture efficiency is two orders of magnitude
      higher than previous results using streptavidin beads and the limit of detection
      (LOD) improves 10*. The wide dynamic range of this technique covers the whole
      clinically applicable concentration range. In addition, the current sample
      preparation time is ~1h which is eight times faster than previous work. This
      multiplexed, miniaturized sample preparation microdevice establishes a key
      technology that intended to develop next generation point-of-care (POC) detection
      system.

PMID- 28073030
TI  - To screen or not to screen for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
      after acute pulmonary embolism.
AB  - Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is the most severe long
      term complication of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Untreated, CTEPH is
      associated with a very poor prognosis and high risk of mortality, although
      curation can be achieved by surgical removal of the obstructive endothelialised
      thromboemboli from the pulmonary arteries. Early CTEPH diagnosis may improve
      surgical possibilities and patients outcome. Currently, early diagnosis of CTEPH
      is a major challenge as demonstrated by an unacceptable median diagnostic delay
      of over a year and as a result, surgery is impossible in 40% of patients. Most
      important reasons for this delay are the non-specific clinical presentation of
      CTEPH and lack of guideline recommendations with regard to the optimal follow-up
      of patients with acute PE. Despite compelling reasons to diagnose CTEPH earlier,
      acute PE is not classified among the conditions that warrant screening for
      pulmonary hypertension. Meaningful screening programs improve the patients'
      prognosis, and screening tools should be simple, widely available, non-invasive
      and acceptable to patients. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of
      available screening instruments for CTEPH, provide recommendations for clinical
      practice and expand on future developments of this particular subject.

PMID- 28073031
TI  - Plasma concentrations of free amyloid beta cannot predict the development of
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Biomarkers that identify individuals at risk of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) development would be highly valuable. Plasma concentration of amyloid beta
      (Abeta)-central in the pathogenesis of AD-is a logical candidate, but studies to
      date have produced conflicting results on its utility. METHODS: Plasma samples
      from 339 preclinical AD cases (76.4% women, mean age 61.3 years) and 339 age- and
      sex-matched dementia-free controls, taken an average of 9.4 years before AD
      diagnosis, were analyzed using Luminex xMAP technology and INNO-BIA plasma Abeta
      form assays to determine concentrations of free plasma Abeta40 and Abeta42.
      RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of free Abeta40 and Abeta42 did not differ between
      preclinical AD cases and dementia-free controls, in the full sample or in
      subgroups defined according to sex and age group (<60 and >= 60 years). The
      interval between sampling and AD diagnosis did not affect the results. Abeta
      concentrations did not change in the years preceding AD diagnosis among
      individuals for whom longitudinal samples were available. DISCUSSION: Plasma
      concentrations of free Abeta could not predict the development of clinical AD,
      and Abeta concentrations did not change in the years preceding AD diagnosis in
      this sample. These results indicate that free plasma Abeta is not a useful
      biomarker for the identification of individuals at risk of developing clinical
      AD.

PMID- 28073032
TI  - Diabetes mellitus and first episode mania associated with cardiovascular diseases
      in patients with older-age bipolar disorder.
AB  - Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are at high risk for developing
      cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) during aging process. However, investigations are
      lacking regarding the risk factors for CVDs specific to BD patients. The aim of
      this study was to examine the relationship between CVDs and traditional risk
      factors in association with the characteristics of BD in older age. Totally, we
      recruited 124 patients with BD-I (DSM-IV) who had at least one psychiatric
      admission and cardiologist-confirmed CVD diagnosis (ICD-9 code 401-414) at mean
      age of 61.7+4.9 years. Each case subject was matched with one BD-I patient
      without CVDs based on age, sex, and date of the most recent psychiatric admission
      (+2 years). Clinical data were obtained by retrospectively reviewing the medical
      record. A multiple logistic regression model showed that not only traditional
      risk factor (e.g., diabetes mellitus) but also non-traditional one associated
      with BD (e.g., first episode mania) significantly increased the risk of CVDs.
      Given the limitation of this cross-sectional study, longitudinal investigations
      are needed to elucidate the contributions of both traditional risk factors and
      the BD characteristics for CVD risk in patients with BD.

PMID- 28073033
TI  - Situating violent ideations within the landscape of mental health: Associations
      between violent ideations and dimensions of mental health.
AB  - Violent ideations occur more frequently in individuals with mental health
      problems. They may be of interest in clinical contexts as possible indicators of
      dangerousness, as corollaries of mental health problems, as candidate treatment
      targets and as potentially playing a role in perpetuation or onset of symptoms.
      In spite of their relevance to mental health, some fundamental questions about
      their place within the broader landscape of mental health problems remain
      unanswered. To provide a basic characterisation of the relations between violent
      ideations and dimensions of mental health and provide a foundation for future
      research in this area we factor analysed a measure of violent ideations and an
      omnibus measure of mental health dimensions in a normative sample of 1306 youth
      (at age 17). Results supported a separate dimension of violent ideations with a
      small to moderate correlation with five other dimensions of mental health:
      internalising, prosociality, ADHD, indirect/proactive aggression, and
      physical/reactive aggression. Controlling for comorbidity among mental health
      dimensions, all but ADHD had unique relations with violent ideations. This
      suggests that violent ideations are potentially of broad relevance to mental
      health and related behaviours and there should be a greater research effort aimed
      at understanding their possible role in mental health.

PMID- 28073034
TI  - Unraveling the different toxic effect of flufenoxuron on the thyroid endocrine
      system of the Mongolia racerunner (Eremias Argus) at different stages.
AB  - Flufenoxuron is a widely used pesticide to inhibit the synthesis of chitin during
      insect development and its effect on the growth of lizards has been little
      addressed. The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis plays an important role
      on the development of lizards. In this study, the lizards at different
      development stages (proliferation and resting stages) were exposed to
      flufenoxuron for 21 days. The plasma thyroid hormone levels, thyroid gland
      histopathology and expression profiles of thyroid hormone receptors (tralpha,
      trbeta), deiodinases (dio1, dio2), and transthyretin (ttr) genes were measured to
      evaluated the toxic effect of flufenoxuron on the HPT axis at different stages.
      The flufenoxuron exposure showed more seriously effect on the triiodothyronine
      (T3) level at resting phase than that at proliferation stage. The follicle
      epithelium cell height in the thyroid was only significantly increased when the
      exposed male lizards were at proliferation stage. The alteration of HPT axis
      related genes expression was gender and tissue dependent after flufenoxuron
      treatment. The lizards exposed to flufenoxuron showed that the tralpha, trbeta,
      dio1, dio2, and ttr genes in the female liver were more sensitive at the
      proliferation stage than that at the resting stage. In the male brain, the
      expressions of tralpha, trbeta, dio1, and dio2 gene were significant decreased at
      proliferation stage while significant increased at resting stage after
      flufenoxuron exposure. Therefore, the thyroid endocrine system of lizards could
      be affected by the flufenoxuron exposure and the different development stage
      should also be considered when study the toxic effect of contaminants on the
      lizards.

PMID- 28073036
TI  - Does preoperative oral carbohydrate treatment reduce the postoperative surgical
      stress response in lumbar disc surgery?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Surgical trauma produces metabolic and hormonal responses, which are
      characterized by insulin resistance. Due to extension of the preoperative fasting
      period, which increases the magnitude of postoperative insulin resistance,
      preoperative oral carbohydrates (POC) have been developed. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      This prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed on 43 ASA I-II
      patients undergoing elective microsurgical lumbar discectomy. The intervention
      group received oral carbohydrate solution 800mL the night before and 400mL 2h
      prior to operation. The other group fasted for 8h prior to operation. Blood
      samples were obtained the day before the operation, before induction of
      anesthesia, after skin incision, 1h, 2h, 6h and 24h following skin incision.
      Blood glucose, plasma insulin, cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were
      determined. The primary endpoint was to assess the effect of POC treatment on
      insulin resistance and surgical stress response following lumbar disc surgery.
      The secondary endpoint was to assess POC's effects on postoperative nausea and
      vomiting. RESULTS: The serum insulin levels were higher before induction of
      anesthesia in the study group and returned to fasted group levels by 2h after
      skin incision. The plasma IL-6 levels were higher in the intervention group at 6h
      after the skin incision. There were no differences between the two groups with
      respect to blood glucose, plasma cortisol levels and the incidence of nausea and
      vomiting. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that use of POC treatment does not
      attenuate development of insulin resistance in patients undergoing lumbar disc
      surgery.

PMID- 28073035
TI  - Criterion validity of measures of perceived relative harm of e-cigarettes and
      smokeless tobacco compared to cigarettes.
AB  - Beliefs about the relative harmfulness of one product compared to another
      (perceived relative harm) are central to research and regulation concerning
      tobacco and nicotine-containing products, but techniques for measuring such
      beliefs vary widely. We compared the validity of direct and indirect measures of
      perceived harm of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (SLT) compared to
      cigarettes. On direct measures, participants explicitly compare the harmfulness
      of each product. On indirect measures, participants rate the harmfulness of each
      product separately, and ratings are compared. The U.S. Health Information
      National Trends Survey (HINTS-FDA-2015; N=3738) included direct measures of
      perceived harm of e-cigarettes and SLT compared to cigarettes. Indirect measures
      were created by comparing ratings of harm from e-cigarettes, SLT, and cigarettes
      on 3-point scales. Logistic regressions tested validity by assessing whether
      direct and indirect measures were associated with criterion variables including:
      ever-trying e-cigarettes, ever-trying snus, and SLT use status. Compared to the
      indirect measures, the direct measures of harm were more consistently associated
      with criterion variables. On direct measures, 26% of adults rated e-cigarettes as
      less harmful than cigarettes, and 11% rated SLT as less harmful than cigarettes.
      Direct measures appear to provide valid information about individuals' harm
      beliefs, which may be used to inform research and tobacco control policy. Further
      validation research is encouraged.

PMID- 28073037
TI  - Amino acid chelated iron versus an iron salt in the treatment of iron deficiency
      anemia with pregnancy: A randomized controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of
      iron amino acid chelate (IAAC) and ferrous fumarate (FF) in treatment of iron
      deficiency anemia (IDA) with pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 150 pregnant
      women having iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were randomized to receive either IAAC
      or FF for 12 weeks. Hemoglobin, red cell indices, serum iron, and serum ferritin
      were measured at baseline and then 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. Adverse
      effects were questioned in both groups. RESULTS: The mean values of hemoglobin,
      red cell indices, serum iron, and serum ferritin were not significantly different
      between both groups after 12 weeks of treatment. However, the rise in hemoglobin
      level after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment was significantly faster in the IAAC
      group (p=<0.001). Constipation and abdominal colicky pain were significantly more
      common in the FF group (p=0.022 and 0.031 respectively). CONCLUSION: IAAC and FF
      are comparable in curing IDA with pregnancy; however, IAAC has the advantage of
      providing a faster rate of improvement of hemoglobin level and is better
      tolerated by the patients.

PMID- 28073038
TI  - Persistence in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) with mirabegron
      in a multicenter clinical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project was to evaluate treatment persistence in
      patients being treated for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) with mirabegron,
      employing clinical follow-up in a prospective, multicenter study. STUDY DESIGN:
      This is an analysis of patients who started treatment with mirabegron between May
      and September 2014 and were evaluated 1year after treatment commenced. During
      this evaluation we determined how many patients stopped treatment and established
      their reasons for discontinuation. RESULTS: 206 patients being treated for OAB
      with mirabegron were evaluated a year after starting treatment. It emerged that
      60 patients (29.1%) had discontinued the treatment, citing the following reasons:
      24/60 insufficient treatment efficacy, 26/60 other reasons, while 10 members of
      the group discontinued treatment because of side effects. 75 out of 206 patients
      were <=60 years old and 28% terminated the study prematurely: 131 out of 206 were
      >60years old and 29.2% terminated the study prematurely. In the group of patients
      without previous OAB treatment 35.7% discontinued treatment with mirabegron,
      while 28.1% of patients with previous anticholinergic treatment discontinued
      treatment. CONCLUSION: In our clinical prospective multicenter study, persistence
      in treatment with mirabegron reached a figure of 71%.

PMID- 28073039
TI  - Effect of sleep problems on depressive disorders 1 year after developing acute
      coronary syndrome: The K-DEPACS study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effects of sleep disturbance evaluated
      within 2 weeks after patients developed acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on
      depressive disorders at the 1-year follow-up. METHODS: A total of 1152 patients
      were recruited consecutively within 2 weeks after a confirmed ACS episode, and
      828 were followed 1 year later. Sleep disturbances were evaluated at baseline
      using the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), which subjectively
      assesses four sleep factors. At both examinations, depressive disorders were
      diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth
      Edition. Baseline covariates included sociodemographic data, characteristics of
      depression, cardiovascular risk factors, and current cardiac status. RESULTS:
      Almost all aspects of the sleep disturbance and the increase in their worst state
      evaluated by the LSEQ within 2 weeks of ACS predicted both incident and
      persistent depressive disorders at the 1-year follow-up independent of covariates
      related to sleep problems. LIMITATION: Data on sleep disturbance were obtained
      only by subjective reports. CONCLUSIONS: A simple evaluation of sleep disturbance
      in patients who recently developed ACS in a hospital setting could help predict
      depression at the chronic phase.

PMID- 28073040
TI  - The application of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide to a sample
      of Swiss patients attending a psychiatric emergency department for a non-lethal
      suicidal event.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visits to emergency departments (EDs) for suicidal ideation or a
      suicide attempt have increased in the past decades. Yet comprehensive models of
      suicide are scarce, potentially enhancing misunderstandings from health
      professionals. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of the
      interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) in a population visiting EDs
      for suicide-related issues. METHODS: Three major hypotheses formulated by the
      IPTS were tested in a sample of 167 individuals visiting EDs for suicidal
      ideation or a suicide attempt. RESULTS: As predicted by the IPTS, greater levels
      of perceived burdensomeness (PB) were associated with presence of current
      suicidal ideation. However, contrary to the theory assumptions, thwarted
      belongingness (TB) was not predictive of current suicidal ideation (Hypothesis
      1). Similarly, the interaction between PB, TB and hopelessness did not account
      for the transition from passive to active suicidal ideation (Hypothesis 2). The
      interaction between active suicidal ideation and fearlessness of death did not
      either predict the transition from active suicidal ideation to suicidal intent
      (Hypothesis 3). LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design limited the
      interpretation of causal hypotheses. Patients visiting EDs during nights and
      weekends were underrepresented. A general measure of hopelessness was considered,
      not a measure of hopelessness specifically related to PB and TB. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although the three hypotheses were only partially verified, health professionals
      might consider the IPTS as useful for the management of patient with suicide
      related issues. Clinical intervention based on perceived burdensomeness could
      notably be proposed shortly after ED admission.

PMID- 28073041
TI  - Major depressive disorder with subthreshold hypomanic (mixed) features: A real
      world assessment of treatment patterns and economic burden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare outcomes for individuals with major depressive disorder
      (MDD) with or without subthreshold hypomania (mixed features) in naturalistic
      settings. METHODS: Using the Optum Research Database (1/1/2009?10/31/2014), a
      retrospective analysis of individuals newly diagnosed with MDD was conducted.
      Continuous enrollment for 12-months before and after the initial MDD diagnosis
      was required. MDD with subthreshold hypomania (mixed features) (MDD-MF) was
      defined based on >=1 hypomania diagnosis within 30 days after an MDD diagnosis
      during the one-year follow-up period, in the absence of bipolar I diagnoses.
      Psychiatric medication use, healthcare utilization, and costs during the one-year
      follow-up period were compared using multivariate logistic and gamma regressions,
      controlling for baseline differences. RESULTS: Of 130,626 MDD individuals, 652
      (0.5%) met the operational definition of MDD-MF. Compared to the MDD-only group,
      the MDD-MF group had more suicidality (2.0% vs. 0.5%), anxiety disorders (46.8%
      vs. 34.0%), and substance use disorders (15.5% vs. 6.1%, all P<0.001). More
      individuals with MDD-MF were treated with antidepressants (83.6% vs. 71.6%), mood
      stabilizers (50.5% vs. 2.7%), atypical antipsychotics (39.0% vs. 5.5%), and
      polypharmacy with multiple drug classes (72.1% vs. 22.7%, all P<0.001).
      Individuals with MDD-MF had higher hospitalizations rates (24.2% vs. 10.5%) and
      total healthcare costs (mean: $15,660 vs. $10,744, all P<0.001). LIMITATIONS: The
      commercial claims data used were not collected for research purposes and may over
      or under-represent certain populations. No specific claims-based diagnostic code
      for MDD with mixed features exists. CONCLUSIONS: Greater use of mood stabilizers,
      atypical antipsychotics, polypharmacy, and healthcare resources provides evidence
      of the complexity and severity of MDD-MF. Identifying optimal treatment regimens
      for this population represents a major unmet medical need.

PMID- 28073042
TI  - Rapid infusions of human normal immunoglobulin 50g/l are safe and well tolerated
      in immunodeficiencies and immune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is accepted as an effective and well-tolerated
      treatment for primary and secondary immunodeficiencies (ID) and immune
      thrombocytopenia (ITP). Adverse reactions of IVIg are usually mild, comprising
      transient flu-like symptoms, change in blood pressure and tachycardia. However
      IVIg therapy can be burdensome for both patients and healthcare facilities, since
      the infusion may take up to 4h to administer. The objective of our multicentre,
      prospective, open-label phase III trial was to evaluate the tolerability and
      safety of human normal immunoglobulin 50g/l (Ig VENA) at high intravenous
      infusion rates in adult patients with ID and ITP who had previously tolerated
      IVIg treatment, by progressively increasing infusion rate up to 8ml/kg/hr. 39 ID
      patients received three infusions, 5 ITP patients received up to a maximum of 5
      infusions for a maximum of 5days. Overall 55 adverse events were reported in 18
      patients, and all were mild and self-limiting. Two serious adverse events
      occurred in ID patients and 1 in an ITP patient; none was fatal or treatment
      related. No clinically significant changes or abnormalities were observed in
      vital signs, laboratory results and HRQoL. In summary, in this study, more rapid
      IVIg infusions were well tolerated by ID and ITP patients, while maintaining
      their quality of life, helping to minimise the time spent in outpatient hospital
      visiting to potentially optimise adherence to treatment.

PMID- 28073043
TI  - Periplocoside A ameliorated type II collagen-induced arthritis in mice via
      regulation of the balance of Th17/Treg cells.
AB  - Periplocoside A (PSA) has been extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine
      Periploca sepium Bge to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) via immune regulation. We
      previously found that PSA exhibits immunosuppressive activity both in vitro and
      in vivo. Balanced regulation of helper T 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells is
      the current therapeutic direction for the treatment of RA. The present study
      investigated the mechanism of PSA in treating collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).
      The therapeutic effects and potential pharmacological mechanisms of PSA were
      specifically clarified by examining its effects on CIA in DBA/1 mice. PSA
      administration significantly relieved the severity of the arthritis, and
      preventive administration of PSA reduced the incidence of arthritis in the mice
      with CIA and relieved joint damage in terms of morphology. PSA was also able to
      reduce the levels of anti-collagen II (CII) antibodies and pro-inflammatory
      cytokines in the serum. As a result, the proportion of Th17 cells decreased, and
      the proportion of Treg cells increased. A follow-up study of the ex vivo
      immunological reactions induced by a specific antigen found that PSA suppressed
      lymphocyte proliferation, inhibited the differentiation and reactivity of Th17
      cells, and promoted the proportion of Treg cells among helper T cells. PSA also
      exhibited pharmacological effect in regulating the balance between Th17 and Treg
      cells in CIA through relevant signalling pathways. Thus, PSA played a specific
      role in CIA treatment. In particular, our results suggest that the therapeutic
      effects of PSA on RA are partially realized via the regulation of the balance of
      Th17/Treg cells.

PMID- 28073044
TI  - Influence of the body schema on mirror-touch synesthesia.
AB  - Individuals with mirror-touch synesthesia (MTS) report feeling touch on their own
      body when seeing someone else being touched. We examined how the body schema - an
      on-line representation of body position in space - is involved in mapping touch
      from a viewed body to one's own body. We showed 45 mirror-touch synesthetes
      videos of a hand being touched, varying the location of the viewed touch by hand
      (left, right), skin surface (palmar, dorsal) and finger (index, ring).
      Participant hand posture was either congruent or incongruent with the posture of
      the viewed hand. After seeing the video, participants were asked to report
      whether they felt touch on their own body and, if so, the intensity and location
      of their percepts. We found that participants reported more frequent and more
      veridical (i.e., felt at the same somatotopic location as the viewed touch)
      mirror-touch percepts on posturally congruent versus posturally incongruent
      trials. Furthermore, participant response patterns varied as a function of
      postural congruence. Some participants consistently felt sensations on the hand
      surface that was stimulated in the video - even if their hands were in the
      opposite posture. Other participants' responses were modulated based on their own
      hand position, such that percepts were more likely to be felt on the upright,
      plausible hand surface in the posturally incongruent condition. These results
      provide evidence that mapping viewed touch to one's own body involves an on-line
      representation of body position in space.

PMID- 28073045
TI  - Adhesive barnacle peptides exhibit a steric-driven design rule to enhance
      adhesion between asymmetric surfaces.
AB  - Barnacles exhibit superior underwater adhesion simply through sequencing of the
      21 proteinogenic amino acids, without post processing or using special amino
      acids. Here, we measure and discuss the molecular interaction of two distinct and
      recurring short peptide sequences (Bp1 and Bp2) inspired from the surface binding
      19kDa protein from the barnacle attachment interface. Using self-assembled
      monolayer (SAMs) of known physical and chemical properties on molecularly smooth
      gold substrates in 5mM NaCl at pH 7.3, (1) the adsorption mechanisms of the
      barnacle inspired peptides are explored using quartz crystal microbalance, and
      (2) adhesion mediating properties are measured using the surface force apparatus.
      The hydrophobic Bp1 peptide with a cysteine residue adsorbs irreversibly onto Au
      surfaces due to thiol bond formation, while on hydrophobic CH3 SAM surface, the
      interactions are hydrophobic in nature. Interestingly, Bp2 that contains both
      hydrophobic and protonated amine units exhibits asymmetric bridging with an
      exceptionally high adhesion energy up to 100mJ/m2 between mica and both gold and
      CH3 SAM. Surprisingly on hydrophilic surfaces such as COOH- or OH-SAMs both
      peptides fail to show any interactions, implying the necessity of surface charge
      to promote bridging. Our results provide insights into the molecular aspects of
      manipulating and utilizing barnacle-mediated peptides to promote or inhibit
      underwater adhesion.

PMID- 28073046
TI  - Olanzapine and aripiprazole differentially affect glucose uptake and energy
      metabolism in human mononuclear blood cells.
AB  - The use of antipsychotics carries the risk of metabolic side effects, such as
      weight gain and new onset type-2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanisms of the
      observed metabolic alterations are not fully understood. We compared the effects
      of two atypical antipsychotics, one known to favor weight gain (olanzapine), the
      other not (aripiprazole), on glucose metabolism. Primary human peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and stimulated with olanzapine or
      aripiprazole for 72 h. Cellular glucose uptake was analyzed in vitro by 18F-FDG
      uptake. Further measurements comprised mRNA expression of glucose transporter
      (GLUT) 1 and 3, GLUT1 protein expression, DNA methylation of GLUT1 promoter
      region, and proteins involved in downstream glucometabolic processes. We observed
      a 2-fold increase in glucose uptake after stimulation with aripiprazole. In
      contrast, olanzapine stimulation decreased glucose uptake by 40%, accompanied by
      downregulation of the cellular energy sensor AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK).
      GLUT1 protein expression increased, GLUT1 mRNA expression decreased, and GLUT1
      promoter was hypermethylated with both antipsychotics. Pyruvat-dehydrogenase
      (PDH) complex activity decreased with olanzapine only. Our findings suggest that
      the atypical antipsychotics olanzapine and aripiprazole differentially affect
      energy metabolism in PBMC. The observed decrease in glucose uptake in olanzapine
      stimulated PBMC, accompanied by decreased PDH point to a worsening in cellular
      energy metabolism not compensated by AMKP upregulation. In contrast, aripiprazole
      stimulation lead to increased glucose uptake, while not affecting PDH complex
      expression. The observed differences may be involved in the different metabolic
      profiles observed in aripiprazole and olanzapine treated patients.

PMID- 28073048
TI  - Perfluoroalkyl substances and fish consumption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of
      contaminants. Certain PFAS are regulated or voluntarily limited due to concern
      about environmental persistence and adverse health effects, including thyroid
      disease and dyslipidemia. The major source of PFAS exposure in the general
      population is thought to be consumption of seafood. OBJECTIVES: In this analysis
      we examine PFAS levels and their determinants, as well as associations between
      PFAS levels and self-reported fish and shellfish consumption, using a
      representative sample of the U.S. POPULATION:  METHODS: Data on PFAS levels and
      self-reported fish consumption over the past 30 days were collected from the 2007
      2008, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014 cycles of the National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey. Twelve different PFAS were measured in serum
      samples from participants. Ordinary least squares regression models were used to
      identify factors (demographic characteristics and fish consumption habits)
      associated with serum PFAS concentrations. Additional models were further
      adjusted for other potential exposures including military service and consumption
      of ready-to-eat and fast foods. RESULTS: Seven PFAS were detected in at least 30%
      of participants and were examined in subsequent analyses (PFDA, PFOA, PFOS,
      PFHxS, MPAH, PFNA, PFUA). The PFAS with the highest concentrations were PFOS,
      followed by PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA (medians of 8.3, 2.7, 1.5 and 1.0ng/mL). Fish
      consumption was generally low, with a median of 1.2 fish meals and 0.14 shellfish
      meals, reported over the past 30 days. After adjusting for demographic
      characteristics, total fish consumption was associated with reduced MPAH, and
      with elevated PFDE, PFNA and PFuDA. Shellfish consumption was associated with
      elevations of all PFAS examined except MPAH. Certain specific fish and shellfish
      types were also associated with specific PFAS. Adjustment for additional exposure
      variables resulted in little to no change in effect estimates for seafood
      variables. CONCLUSIONS: PFAS are emerging contaminants with widespread exposure,
      persistence, and potential for adverse health effects. In the general population,
      fish and shellfish consumption are associated with PFAS levels, which may
      indicate an avenue for education and outreach.

PMID- 28073047
TI  - Examining Cognitive Processes and Drinking Urge in PTSD.
AB  - Despite their centrality to learning theories, strikingly little attention has
      been paid to the role of cognitions in efforts to understand associations between
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol drinking. In the present study,
      we sought to examine information processing pathways for trauma and alcohol
      information, and the effects of posttraumatic stress and trauma cue exposure on
      these pathways. Participants were college students (N = 232; 49% female; Mage =
      19.56,SD = 1.44) categorized into three diagnostic groups based on current PTSD
      status determined by structured clinical interview. These students then were
      exposed to a personalized trauma or neutral cue script, followed by a Stroop task
      modified to include trauma, alcohol, and contrast words. Indices of mood and urge
      to drink alcohol were administered throughout the task. Findings revealed that
      those with PTSD who were exposed to the personalized trauma cue showed a general
      response slowing across all stimuli types on the Stroop task. Intriguingly, this
      slowing effect was significantly associated with urge to drink alcohol for only
      those PTSD participants who were exposed to the trauma cues. In contrast, we did
      not find support for the hypothesis that trauma cues would lead to attention bias
      to trauma and alcohol specific Stroop stimuli among participants with PTSD, nor
      did slower RT for specific word types predict unique variance in urge to drink
      alcohol. Findings suggest that individual (PTSD) and environmental (cue)
      circumstances may work conjointly to precipitate changes in cognitive processing 
      changes that may have implications for drinking motivation. Given the importance
      of cognition in the etiology of both PTSD and drinking, this is a mechanism that
      warrants further investigation.

PMID- 28073049
TI  - Iodine nutritional status and thyroid effects of exposure to
      ethylenebisdithiocarbamates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Italy is still characterized by a mild iodine deficiency and is
      among the most intensive users of chemical products for agriculture in Europe.
      The aim of this study was i) to evaluate thyroid effects of exposure to mancozeb,
      a fungicide widely used in agriculture, in a sample of Italian grapevine workers,
      and ii) to verify whether the iodine intake may modulate the risk of thyroid
      disruption due to the mancozeb metabolite ethylenthiourea (ETU). METHODS: One
      hundred seventy-seven occupationally exposed male workers (29 from Chianti, a
      mild iodine deficient area, and 148 from Bolzano an iodine sufficient province)
      and 74 non-occupationally exposed male controls (34 from Chianti and 40 from
      Bolzano) were enrolled in the study. Serum biomarkers of thyroid function, as
      well as urinary iodine and ETU concentrations were assessed. Moreover all the
      recruited subjects underwent clinical examination and thyroid ultrasound.
      RESULTS: Multivariate comparisons showed lower mean serum levels of FT4 in
      Chianti-workers as compared to Bolzano-workers. Moreover, an increased urinary
      iodine excretion (>250ug/L) was more frequently found among more exposed workers
      (ETU>20ug/L) than among less exposed ones and this effect was more pronounced in
      Chianti- than in Bolzano-workers. Chianti-workers also showed a significantly
      higher frequency of very low thyroid volume (<=6.0ml) as compared to controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings showed a mild thyroid disrupting effect due to
      occupational exposure to mancozeb, more pronounced in workers residing in an area
      characterized by a mild to moderate iodine deficiency as compared to workers
      residing in an area covered by a long-lasting iodine prophylaxis program.

PMID- 28073050
TI  - Genome-wide identification of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and their
      roles in response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the copepod
      Paracyclopina nana.
AB  - The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein superfamily is one of the largest gene
      families and is highly conserved in all domains. The ABC proteins play roles in
      several biological processes, including multi-xenobiotic resistance (MXR), by
      functioning as transporters in the cellular membrane. They also mediate the
      cellular efflux of a wide range of substrates against concentration gradients. In
      this study, 37 ABC genes belonging to eight distinct subfamilies were identified
      in the marine copepod Paracyclopina nana and annotated based on a phylogenetic
      analysis. Also, the functions of P-glycoproteins (P-gp) and multidrug resistance
      associated proteins (MRPs), conferring MXR, were verified using fluorescent
      substrates and specific inhibitors. The activities of MXR-mediated ABC proteins
      and their transcriptional level were examined in response to polyaromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs), main components of the water-accommodated fraction. This
      study increases the understanding of the protective role of MXR in response to
      PAHs over the comparative evolution of ABC gene families.

PMID- 28073051
TI  - Older peoples' strategies for coping with chronic non-malignant pain: A
      qualitative meta-synthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence that chronic pain is not recognised or managed
      effectively in older people. It is important to examine how older people cope
      with this because of the impact it can have on their quality of life and
      mortality. It will also enable nurses to work with older people to support
      effective coping skills and provide information on other useful coping
      strategies. OBJECTIVES: To examine how older people cope with non-malignant
      chronic pain. DESIGN: This is a qualitative meta-synthesis using Confidence in
      the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research developed by Grading of
      Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation working group to evaluate
      the strength of the evidence. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Ovid Medline from 1995 to
      2015. REVIEW METHODS: Following a systematic search strategy all papers were
      assessed in relation to inclusion criteria and quality. Only qualitative studies
      were included. Themes were extracted from each study and a meta-synthesis
      conducted before completing an evaluation of confidence in the findings. RESULTS:
      Seventeen primary studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Three meta-themes
      were identified: 'adjusting to the inevitable', 'doing it my way without
      medication' and 'the importance of support in managing the struggle'. There was
      high confidence in the evidence for 'doing it my way without medication' and
      moderate confidence in the evidence for the other two meta-themes. CONCLUSION:
      Given that the participants in the primary studies were generally wary of health
      professionals and stoic in their response to pain, it is important for nurses to
      communicate in ways that engage older people and ensure their independence and
      sense of control remains intact. Identification of current coping strategies will
      enable the nurse and the older person to work together to assess their
      effectiveness and to adapt these if more effective coping is required.

PMID- 28073052
TI  - Deciduous neonatal line: Width is associated with duration of delivery.
AB  - The delivery-related neonatal line (NNL) appears into the enamel of primary teeth
      and first permanent molars at birth and is a marker of live birth process. It
      varies in width and its location, is different in each deciduous tooth type, and
      is indicative of gestation time. It is unclear which triggers determine NNL at
      birth. Our objective was to investigate the effect of the duration and mode of
      delivery on NNL width. NNL of 129 teeth, a collection derived from a long-term,
      prospectively followed population cohort, was measured under light microscope.
      Altogether, 54 sections with most optimal plane of sectioning were analysed for
      the duration and mode of delivery. NNL was detected in 98% of the deciduous teeth
      with the median width of 9.63MUm (min 3.16MUm, max 27.58MUm). A prolonged
      duration of vaginal delivery was highly significantly associated with a narrower
      NNL (r=-0.41, p=0.0097). No significant association was found between the width
      of NNL and mode of delivery (p=0.36). NNL is demonstrable in virtually all
      deciduous teeth. The width seems to be inversely proportional to the duration of
      delivery. Causes of the inverse proportion are speculated to result from altered
      amelogenesis induced by prolonged and intensified delivery-associated stress.
      Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 28073053
TI  - Applying 3D measurements and computer matching algorithms to two firearm
      examination proficiency tests.
AB  - In order for a crime laboratory to assess a firearms examiner's training, skills,
      experience, and aptitude, it is necessary for the examiner to participate in
      proficiency testing. As computer algorithms for comparisons of pattern evidence
      become more prevalent, it is of interest to test algorithm performance as well,
      using these same proficiency examinations. This article demonstrates the use of
      the Congruent Matching Cell (CMC) algorithm to compare 3D topography measurements
      of breech face impressions and firing pin impressions from a previously
      distributed firearms proficiency test. In addition, the algorithm is used to
      analyze the distribution of many comparisons from a collection of cartridge cases
      used to construct another recent set of proficiency tests. These results are
      provided along with visualizations that help to relate the features used in
      optical comparisons by examiners to the features used by computer comparison
      algorithms.

PMID- 28073054
TI  - Adrenal failure due to bilateral adrenal metastasis of rectal cancer: A case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is rare for a patient to present with adrenal insufficiency
      secondary to bilateral adrenal metastases from a malignant colorectal tumor. CASE
      PRESENTATION: An 82-year-old Japanese man presented to our hospital with high
      fever and malaise. He was receiving oral chemotherapy for the treatment of rectal
      cancer with multiple metastases. Computed tomography showed new bilateral adrenal
      gland metastases. A rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test showed adrenal
      insufficiency. Treatment with hydrocortisone provided immediate symptom
      improvement. DISCUSSION: Adrenal insufficiency secondary to bilateral adrenal
      metastases from rectal cancer is rare. A rapid ACTH test is useful to diagnose
      adrenal insufficiency. CONCLUSION: The incidence of adrenal insufficiency may be
      underestimated in patients with multiple metastasis. Appropriate therapy with
      adrenal corticosteroid hormone supplementation may lead to a significant
      improvement in the patient's symptoms and quality of life.

PMID- 28073055
TI  - CO2 emissions from German drinking water reservoirs.
AB  - Globally, reservoirs are a significant source of atmospheric CO2. However,
      precise quantification of greenhouse gas emissions from drinking water reservoirs
      on the regional or national scale is still challenging. We calculated CO2 fluxes
      for 39 German drinking water reservoirs during a period of 22years (1991-2013)
      using routine monitoring data in order to quantify total emission of CO2 from
      drinking water reservoirs in Germany and to identify major drivers. All
      reservoirs were a net CO2 source with a median flux of 167gCm-2y-1, which makes
      gaseous emissions a relevant process for the carbon budget of each reservoir.
      Fluxes varied seasonally with median fluxes of 13, 48, and 201gCm-2y-1 in spring,
      summer, and autumn respectively. Differences between reservoirs appeared to be
      primarily caused by the concentration of CO2 in the surface water rather than by
      the physical gas transfer coefficient. Consideration of short term fluctuations
      of the gas transfer coefficient due to varying wind speed had only a minor effect
      on the annual budgets. High CO2 emissions only occurred in reservoirs with pH<7
      and total alkalinity <0.2mEql-1. Annual CO2 emissions correlated exponentially
      with pH but not with dissolved organic carbon (DOC). There was significant
      correlation between land use in the catchment and CO2 emissions. In total, German
      drinking water reservoirs emit 44000t of CO2 annually, which makes them a
      negligible CO2 source (<0.005% of national CO2 emissions) in Germany.

PMID- 28073056
TI  - Effects of meteorological factors on incidence of scarlet fever during different
      periods in different districts of China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reveal the difference of meteorological effect on scarlet fever in
      Beijing and Hong Kong, China, during different periods among 2004-2014. METHODS:
      The data of monthly incidence of scarlet fever and meteorological variables from
      2004 to 2014 in Beijing and Hong Kong were collected from Chinese science data
      center of public health, meteorological data website and Hong Kong observatory
      website. The whole study period was separated into two periods by the outbreak
      year 2011 (Jan 2004-Dec 2010 and Jan 2011-Dec 2014). A generalized additive
      Poisson model was conducted to estimate the effect of meteorological variables on
      monthly incidence of scarlet fever during two periods in Beijing and Hong Kong,
      China. RESULTS: Incidence of scarlet fever in two districts were compared and
      found the average incidence during period of 2004-2010 were significantly
      different (Z=203.973, P<0.001) while average incidence became generally equal
      during 2011-2014 (Z=2.125, P>0.05). There was also significant difference in
      meteorological variables between Beijing and Hong Kong during whole study period,
      except air pressure (Z=0.165, P=0.869). After fitting GAM model, it could be
      found monthly mean temperature showed a negative effect (RR=0.962, 95%CI: 0.933,
      0.992) on scarlet fever in Hong Kong during the period of 2004-2010. By
      comparison, for data in Beijing during the period of 2011-2014, the RRs of
      monthly mean temperature range growing 1 degrees C and monthly sunshine duration
      growing 1h was equal to 1.196(1.022, 1.399) and 1.006(1.001, 1.012),
      respectively. The changes of meteorological effect on scarlet fever over time
      were not significant both in Beijing and Hong Kong. CONCLUSION: This study
      suggests that meteorological variables were important factors for incidence of
      scarlet fever during different period in Beijing and Hong Kong. It also support
      that some meteorological effects were opposite in different period although these
      differences might not completely statistically significant.

PMID- 28073057
TI  - Neonicotinoids transference from the field to the hive by honey bees: Towards a
      pesticide residues biomonitor.
AB  - The beehive as a quantitative monitor of pesticide residues applied over a
      soybean crop was studied through a semi field experiment of controlled exposure
      of honey bees to pesticides in macro tunnels. The distribution within exposed
      beehives of pesticides commonly used in soybean plantation, was assessed. Residue
      levels of insecticides in soybean leaves, honey bees, wax, honey and pollen were
      analyzed. The transference from pesticides present in the environment into the
      beehive was evidenced. The obtained results allow relating pesticide
      concentrations present in the environment with traces found in foraging bees.
      Therefore, pesticide transference ratios could be calculated for each detected
      compound (acetamiprid, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) which showed a linear
      inverse trend with their 1-octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow). The least
      transferred pesticide to the hive (acetamiprid) has the highest vapor pressure
      (Vp). This study gives new insights on the usefulness of monitoring the
      environment through beehives aiming to evaluate if agroecosystems remain
      sustainable. It also contributes to generate valuable information for model
      building aiming to predict environmental quality through beehive's analysis.

PMID- 28073058
TI  - Surface Engineering of PAMAM-SDB Chelating Resin with Diglycolamic Acid (DGA)
      Functional Group for Efficient Sorption of U(VI) and Th(IV) from Aqueous Medium.
AB  - A novel chelating resin obtained via growth of PAMAM dendron on surface of
      styrene divinyl benzene resin beads, followed by diglycolamic acid
      functionalization of the dendrimer terminal. Batch experiments were conducted to
      study the effects of pH, nitric acid concentration, amount of adsorbent, shaking
      time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature on U(VI) and Th(IV)
      adsorption efficiency. Diglycolamic acid terminated PAMAM dendrimer
      functionalized styrene divinylbenzene chelating resin (DGA-PAMAM-SDB) is found to
      be an efficient candidate for the removal of U(VI) and Th(IV) ions from aqueous
      (pH >4) and nitric acid media (>3M). The sorption equilibrium could be reached
      within 60min, and the experimental data fits with pseudo-second-order model.
      Langmuir sorption isotherm model correlates well with sorption equilibrium data.
      The maximum U(VI) and Th(IV) sorption capacity onto DGA-PAMAMG5-SDB was estimated
      to be about 682 and 544.2mgg-1 respectively at 25 degrees C. The interaction of
      actinides and chelating resin is reversible and hence, the resin can be
      regenerated and reused. DFT calculation on the interaction of U(VI) and Th(IV)
      ions with chelating resin validates the experimental findings.

PMID- 28073059
TI  - Role of microgel formation in scavenging of chromophoric dissolved organic matter
      and heavy metals in a river-sea system.
AB  - We use riverine and marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) polymers to examine
      their aggregation behavior, and to evaluate the roles of microgel formation in
      scavenging of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and heavy metals in a
      river-sea system. Our results indicate that riverine and marine microgels did not
      exhibit very much difference in size and self-assembly curve; however, the
      assembly effectiveness ([microgel]/DOC) of marine samples was much higher than
      riverine. Instead of concentration of DOC, other factors such as types and
      sources of DOC polymers may control the microgel abundance in aquatic
      environments. After filtering water samples (microgels removed), the CDOM and
      selected metals (Cu, Ni, Mn) in the filtrate were quantified. CDOM and metals
      were concurrently removed to an extent via DOC polymer re-aggregation, which also
      suggested that the microgels had sequestering capability in CDOM and metals. This
      finding provides an alternative route for CDOM and heavy metals removal from the
      water column. As such the process of re-aggregation into microgels should then be
      considered besides traditional phase partitioning in the assessment of the
      ecological risk and fate of hazardous materials.

PMID- 28073060
TI  - Acute behavioral effects of co-administration of mephedrone and MDMA in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abuse of more than one psychoactive drug is becoming a global
      problem. Our experiments were designed to examine the effects of a concomitant
      administration of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) and mephedrone on
      depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive processes in Swiss mice.
      METHODS: In order to investigate the drug interactions the forced swimming test
      (FST) - an animal model of depression, the passive avoidance (PA) test - a memory
      and learning paradigm, as well as the elevated plus maze (EPM) test - test for
      anxiety level were used. RESULTS: The results revealed that a concomitant
      administration of non-effective doses of mephedrone (1mg/kg) and MDMA (1mg/kg)
      exerted marked antidepressive effects in the FST. Also a co-administration of
      mephedrone (2.5mg/kg) and MDMA (1mg/kg) displayed a pro-cognitive action in the
      PA paradigm. Furthermore, even though mephedrone and MDMA can, in general, exert
      some anxiogenic effects in mice, the concomitant administration of nonactive
      doses of both drugs (0.05 and 0.1mg/kg, respectively) in the EPM test, did not
      show any synergistic effect in our study. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of mephedrone
      and MDMA combination on mammalian organisms were attempted to be evaluated in our
      study and the results are described in the present report. These results may help
      explain the reasons for and consequences of a concomitant administration of
      psychoactive substances with regards to the central nervous system, while being
      possibly useful in the treatment of polydrug intoxication.

PMID- 28073061
TI  - The significance of microRNAs in the course of rDD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, special attention in genetic studies dedicated to
      the development of various diseases, including mental disorders, has been paid to
      micro ribonucleic acids (miRNA, microRNA). As an object of our analysis we have
      selected the miRNAs which - due to the profile of their activity - may be
      significant in the aetiology and course of recurrent depressive disorders, i.e.
      miRNA-370, miRNA-411, miRNA-433, miRNA-487b and miRNA-539. METHODS: The examined
      population included 138 patients suffering from depression and 95 individuals
      from the control group (CG). The subjects suffering from depression were divided
      into two sub-groups: ED-I group (46 patients), rDD group (92 patients). RESULTS:
      No significant statistical differences were observed between the ED-I and rDD
      group for all the variables included in the analysis. No significant
      interrelation was noticed between the number of depression episodes, the severity
      of depressive disorders and the expression of miRNA selected. Results of the
      analysis indicate statistically significant differences between the control
      subjects and the patients with symptoms of depression in terms of all the
      variables analysed. CONCLUSIONS: 1. There is no significant difference in miRNAs
      expression between patients with recurrent depressive disorders and those in the
      first episode of depression. 2. The differences in terms of expression of the
      analysed variables between the subjects with symptoms of depression and healthy
      individuals were confirmed.

PMID- 28073062
TI  - Effects of payment reform in more versus less competitive markets.
AB  - Policymakers are increasingly interested in reducing healthcare costs and
      inefficiencies through innovative payment strategies. These strategies may have
      heterogeneous impacts across geographic areas, potentially reducing or
      exacerbating geographic variation in healthcare spending. In this paper, we
      exploit a major payment reform for home health care to examine whether reductions
      in reimbursement lead to differential changes in treatment intensity and provider
      costs depending on the level of competition in a market. Using Medicare claims,
      we find that while providers in more competitive markets had higher average costs
      in the pre-reform period, these markets experienced larger proportional
      reductions in treatment intensity and costs after the reform relative to less
      competitive markets. This led to a convergence in spending across geographic
      areas. We find that much of the reduction in provider costs is driven by greater
      exit of "high-cost" providers in more competitive markets.

PMID- 28073063
TI  - Self-assembled micelles based on Chondroitin sulfate/poly (d,l-lactideco
      glycolide) block copolymers for doxorubicin delivery.
AB  - Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most common chemotherapeutic agents for the
      treatment of various cancers, but its clinical usage is limited by dose-dependent
      cardiotoxicity. We have recently synthesized a series of Chondroitin sulfate/poly
      (d,l-lactideco-glycolide) block copolymers (Chs-b-PLGA) with different length of
      hydrophobic block by an end-to-end coupling strategy. The structure of the
      amphiphilic block copolymers with low critical micelle concentration (~28mg/L)
      were confirmed by 1H NMR. The copolymers could self-assemble into stable micelles
      in aqueous environment with homogeneous size distribution and negative zeta
      potential. The hemolytic study indicated their excellent blood compatibility and
      potential application for intravenous administration. DOX can be efficiently
      encapsulated by the Chs-b-PLGA micelles. The DOX-loaded micelles showed a
      sustained and pH dependent drug release behavior. The cytotoxicity assay showed
      no associated toxicity with blank micelles while concentration-related cell
      inhibition with DOX-loaded micelles. Moreover, fast cellular uptake of DOX-loaded
      micelles was observed by fluorescent microscope. In vivo pharmacokinetics study
      showed that the Chs-b-PLGA micelles could significantly prolong the blood
      circulation time of DOX. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of DOX-loaded micelles
      in Kunming mice was about 2-fold higher of the MTD of free DOX, indicating a high
      tolerance of the DOX-loaded micelles. In conclusion, the Chs-b-PLGA micelles
      would be a potentially useful drug delivery system for cancer therapy.

PMID- 28073064
TI  - A comparative study on electromagnetic interference shielding behaviors of
      chemically reduced and thermally reduced graphene aerogels.
AB  - Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance of chemically and
      thermally reduced graphene aerogels (GAs) was systematically studied. The EMI
      shielding mechanisms were extensively analyzed in terms of the distinct surface
      characteristics resulted from the different reduction methods for the first time.
      EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of chemically and thermally reduced GAs reached
      27.6 (GAC) and 40.2dB (GAT) at the thickness of 2.5mm, respectively. It was found
      that the introduction of nitrogen atoms through chemical reduction induced
      localized charges on the carbon backbone leading to strong polarization effects
      of GAC. The relatively incomplete reduction caused a large number of side polar
      groups which prevented the graphene sheets from pi-pi stacking. In contrast, the
      higher extent of reduction of graphene sheets in GAT left a smaller amount of
      side polar groups and formed more sp2 graphitic lattice, both factors favored pi
      pi stacking between the adjacent graphene sheets, resulting in higher electrical
      conductivity and enhanced EMI SE. The EMI shielding performance of the GAs
      prepared outperformed the recent reported porous carbon materials with respect to
      the absolute SE value at the similar thickness and/or density.

PMID- 28073065
TI  - In silico approach to identify non-synonymous SNPs in human obesity related gene,
      MC3R (melanocortin-3-receptor).
AB  - The melanocortin-3-receptor (MC3R) is a novel gene candidate for human obesity,
      which involved in controlling the energy homeostasis and food intake behavior.
      The main aim behind this work is to investigate the potentially deleterious non
      synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in obesity related gene MC3R
      by using six computational tools viz., PolyPhen, I-Mutant, PROVEAN, SIFT, PANTHER
      and PhD-SNP. In our study, we predicted eight nsSNPs i.e., rs74315393
      (Ile146Asn), rs368205448 (Asp121Tyr), rs143321797 (Phe45Ser), rs17847261
      (Cys274Ser), rs144166442 (Pro257His), rs370533946 (Leu224Pro), rs371354428
      (Pro72Leu) and rs373708098 (Gly249Ser) found to be potentially deleterious. The
      functional impact of three nsSNPs i.e., rs74315393, rs368205448 and rs143321797
      have already been validated experimentally in the context of human obesity.
      Moreover, Homology modeling and structural analysis were carried out for already
      experimentally validated nsSNPs i.e., rs74315393, rs368205448 and rs143321797 to
      check the stability of predicted models. The mutant models showed higher energy
      and RMSD (Root mean square deviation) values. In addition, FTSite server
      predicted one nsSNP i.e., rs368205448 (Asp121Tyr) out of eight identified nsSNPs
      found in the MC3R protein binding site. Thus, the present computational study may
      suggest that predicted nsSNPs possibly be a better drug target and contribute to
      the treatment and better understanding of human obesity.

PMID- 28073066
TI  - Unique optical properties of Eu3+ doped l-histidine hydrochloride mono hydrate
      single crystals from low temperature growth technique.
AB  - A low-temperature solution method was utilized to grow single crystals of
      Eu3+doped l-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate. The quality of the crystals was
      confirmed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements with full width at
      half maximum (FWHM) of rocking curve at 8arc per sec. The incorporation of Eu3+
      ions into the lattice was confirmed by functional group analysis using Fourier
      Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The amount of Eu3+ ions was found to be
      0.08 weight (%) using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The crystal's thermal and
      mechanical properties were tested as well. The unique spectral properties such as
      UV-Vis transmittance, nonlinear optical efficiency (NLO), photoluminescence (PL)
      and its lifetime were measured. The PL study revealed that the intensity of 5D0
      >7F2 emission of Eu3+ is stronger than that of 5D0->7F1 emission and the decay
      measurement showed a life time of 7.2410MUs. The photoluminescence results prove
      that l-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate is a new, highly efficient host
      material for europium ion red emissions.

PMID- 28073067
TI  - DFT study of the molecular and crystal structure and vibrational analysis of
      cisplatin.
AB  - DFT and periodic-DFT (PAW-PBE method, code VASP) calculations have been performed
      to study the structural and vibrational characteristics of cis
      diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) at molecular and outside molecular
      level. To estimate the effect of the intermolecular interactions in crystal on
      the structural and vibrational properties of cisplatin, three theoretical models
      are considered in the present study: monomer (isolated molecule), hydrogen bonded
      dimer and periodic solid state structures. The work focused on the role of the
      theoretical models for correct modeling and prediction of geometrical and
      vibrational parameters of cisplatin. It has been found that the elaborate three
      dimensional intermolecular hydrogen bonding network in the crystalline cisplatin
      significantly influences the structural and vibrational pattern of cisplatin and
      therefore the isolated cisplatin molecule is not the correct computational model
      regardless of the theoretical level used. To account for the whole intermolecular
      hydrogen bonding network in direction of both a and c axis and for more reliable
      calculations of structural and vibrational parameters periodic DFT calculations
      were carried out in the full crystalline periodic environment with the known
      lattice parameters for each cisplatin polymorph phase. The model calculations
      performed both at molecular level and for the periodic structures of alpha and
      beta cisplatin polymorph forms revealed the decisive role of the extended
      theoretical model for reliable prediction of the structural and vibrational
      characteristics of cisplatin. The powder diffraction pattern and the calculated
      IR and Raman spectra predicted beta polymorph form of our cisplatin sample
      freshly synthesized for the purposes of the present study using the Dhara's
      method. The various rotamers realized in the polymorph forms of cisplatin were
      explained by the low population of the large number of rotamers in solution as
      well as with the high rotamer interconversion rate due to the low energy barrier.

PMID- 28073068
TI  - Comparative analysis of isotropic diffusion weighted imaging sequences.
AB  - Visualisation of living tissue structure and function is a challenging problem of
      modern imaging techniques. Diffusion MRI allows one to probe in vivo structures
      on a micrometer scale. However, conventional diffusion measurements are time
      consuming procedures, because they require several measurements with different
      gradient directions. Considerable time savings are therefore possible by
      measurement schemes that generate an isotropic diffusion weighting in a single
      shot. Multiple approaches for generating isotropic diffusion weighting are known
      and have become very popular as useful tools in clinical research. Thus, there is
      a strong need for a comprehensive comparison of different isotropic weighting
      approaches. In the present work we introduce two new sequences based on simple
      (co)sine modulations and compare their performance to established q-space magic
      angle spinning sequences and conventional DTI, using a diffusion phantom
      assembled from microcapillaries and in vivo experiments at 7T. The advantages and
      disadvantages of all compared schemes are demonstrated and discussed.

PMID- 28073069
TI  - Horizontal pollen transmission of Gentian ovary ring-spot virus is initiated
      during penetration of the stigma and style by infected pollen tubes.
AB  - Gentian ovary ring-spot virus (GORV) infected gentian plants by pollination with
      GORV-infected gentian pollen grains, but the virus was not horizontally
      transmitted to gentian plants by transfer of pollen from GORV-infected Nicotiana
      benthamiana plants. However, N. benthamiana plants were infected with the virus
      by pollination with infected gentian pollen as well as by pollination with
      infected N. benthamiana pollen. When infected gentian pollen grains were placed
      on N. benthamiana stigmas, germinating pollen tubes penetrated into the stigmas
      and the styles (stigma-style). Virus infection occurred during penetration of the
      stigma-style, and the virus subsequently spread systemically to the mother plant.
      On the other hand, most infected N. benthamiana pollen grains failed to germinate
      on gentian stigmas, and virus infections were not detected in the stigma-style.

PMID- 28073070
TI  - Negotiating intersex: A case for revising the theory of social diagnosis.
AB  - The theory of social diagnosis recognizes two principles: 1) extra-medical social
      structures frame diagnosis; and 2) myriad social actors, in addition to
      clinicians, contribute to diagnostic labels and processes. The relationship
      between social diagnosis and (de)medicalization remains undertheorized, however,
      because social diagnosis does not account for how social actors can also resist
      the pathologization of symptoms and conditions-sometimes at the same time as they
      clamor for medical recognition-thereby shaping societal definitions of disease in
      different, but no less important, ways. In this article, we expand the social
      diagnosis framework by adding a third principle, specifically that 3) social
      actors engage with social structures to both contribute to, and resist, the
      framing of a condition as pathological (i.e. medicalization and
      demedicalization). This revised social diagnosis framework allows for the
      systematic investigation of multi-directional, dynamic processes, formalizing the
      link between diagnosis and (de)medicalization. It also responds to long-standing
      calls for more contextualized research in (de)medicalization studies by offering
      a framework that explicitly accounts for the social contexts in which
      (de)medicalizing processes operate. To showcase the utility of this revised
      framework, we use it to guide our analyses of a highly negotiated diagnosis:
      intersex.

PMID- 28073071
TI  - Morphology of four new solitary sessile peritrich ciliates from the Yellow Sea,
      China, with description of an unidentified species of Paravorticella (Ciliophora,
      Peritrichia).
AB  - Sessile peritrichs are a large assemblage of ciliates that have a wide
      distribution in soil, freshwater and marine waters. Here, we document four new
      and one unidentified species of solitary sessile peritrichs from aquaculture
      ponds and coastal waters of the northern Yellow Sea, China. Based on their living
      morphology, infraciliature and silverline system, four of the five forms were
      identified as new members belonging to one of three genera, Vorticella,
      Pseudovorticella and Scyphidia, representing two families, Vorticellidae and
      Scyphidiidae. The other isolate was found to be an unidentified species of the
      poorly known genus Paravorticella. Vorticella chiangi sp. nov. is characterized
      by its inverted bell-shaped zooid, short row 3 in infundibular polykinety 3 and
      marine habitat. Pseudovorticella liangae sp. nov. posseses a thin, broad
      peristomial lip and a granular pellicle. Pseudovorticella haiboensis sp. nov. is
      differentiated from its congeners by having an elongated zooid that is covered by
      a layer of thin pellicular vesicles, and two rows of kineties in infundibular
      polykinety 3. Scyphidia perezuzae sp. nov. and Paravorticella sp. are stalkless
      ectoparasites or ectocommensals of aquatic animals. The former has a short, plump
      body, a narrow peristomial lip and a conspicuous, flattened, disc-shaped scopula
      for adhesion. Paravorticella sp. has an extremely elongated clavate body, a broad
      peristomial lip, and a narrow scopula.

PMID- 28073072
TI  - Life cycle of Blastocrithidia papi sp. n. (Kinetoplastea, Trypanosomatidae) in
      Pyrrhocoris apterus (Hemiptera, Pyrrhocoridae).
AB  - Blastocrithidia papi sp. n. is a cyst-forming trypanosomatid parasitizing
      firebugs (Pyrrhocoris apterus). It is a member of the Blastocrithidia clade and a
      very close relative of B. largi, to which it is almost identical through its SSU
      rRNA gene sequence. However, considering the SL RNA gene these two species
      represent quite distinct, not even related typing units. Morphological analysis
      of the new species revealed peculiar or even unique features, which may be useful
      for future taxonomic revision of the genus Blastocrithidia. These include a
      breach in the microtubular corset of rostrum at the site of contact with the
      flagellum, absence of desmosomes between flagellum and rostrum, large transparent
      vacuole near the flagellar pocket, and multiple vacuoles with fibrous content in
      the posterior portion of the cell. The study of the flagellates' behavior in the
      host intestine revealed that they may attach both to microvilli of enterocytes
      using swollen flagellar tip and to extracellular membranes layers using
      hemidesmosomes of flagellum. Laboratory experiments on B. papi transmission in P.
      apterus demonstrated that the parasite may be transmitted vertically (via
      contaminated surface of eggs) and horizontally (via contaminated substrate and/or
      necrophagy). We argue that the parasite exploits transmission mechanisms intended
      for obligate bacterial symbionts of P. apterus.

PMID- 28073073
TI  - Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-MS/MS method for
      simultaneous quantification of tenofovir and efavirenz in biological tissues and
      fluids.
AB  - Millions of people worldwide live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      infection thus justifying the continuous search for new prevention and treatment
      strategies, including topical microbicide products combining antiretroviral drugs
      (ARVs) such as tenofovir (TFV) and efavirenz (EFV). Therefore, the aim of this
      work was to develop and validate a high performance liquid chromatography method
      coupled to triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) for the
      quantification of TFV and EFV in biological matrices (mouse vaginal tissue,
      vaginal lavage and blood plasma). Chromatographic separation was achieved using a
      reversed phase C18 column (3MUm, 100*2.1mm) at 45 degrees C and elution in
      gradient mode using a combination of 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water and 0.1%
      (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile at 0.35mLmin-1. Total run time was 9min, with
      retention time of 2.8 and 4.1min for TFV and EFV, respectively. The MS was
      operated in positive ionization mode (ESI+) for TFV and in negative ionization
      mode (ESI-) for EFV detection. Data were acquired in selected reaction monitoring
      (SRM) mode and deuterated ARVs were employed as internal standards. Calibration
      curves were linear for ARV concentrations ranging from 4 to 500ngmL-1 with LOD
      and LOQ for both analytes <=0.4 and <=0.7ngmL-1 in sample extracts, respectively.
      The method was found to be specific, accurate (96.0-106.0% of nominal values) and
      precise (RSD<2.4%) in all matrices. Both TFV and EFV were found to be stable in
      all matrices after standing 24h at room temperature (20 degrees C) or in the
      autosampler, and after three freeze-thawing cycles. Mean recovery values of ARVs
      spiked in mice tissues or fluids were >=88.4%. Matrix effects were observed for
      EFV determination in tissue and plasma extracts but compensated by the use of
      deuterated internal standards. The proposed methodology was successfully applied
      to a pharmacokinetic study following intravaginal administration of both ARVs.

PMID- 28073074
TI  - Tribocorrosion behavior of bio-functionalized highly porous titanium.
AB  - Titanium and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental implants,
      however, some major clinical concerns such as poor wear resistance, lack of
      bioactivity, and bone resorption due to stress shielding are yet to be overcome.
      In order to improve these drawbacks, highly porous Ti samples having
      functionalized surfaces were developed by powder metallurgy with space holder
      technique followed by anodic treatment. Tribocorrosion tests were performed in
      9g/L NaCl solution using a unidirectional pin-on-disc tribometer under 3N normal
      load, 1Hz frequency and 4mm track diameter. Open circuit potential (OCP) was
      measured before, during and after sliding. Worn surfaces investigated by field
      emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM) equipped with energy
      dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results suggested bio-functionalized highly
      porous samples presented lower tendency to corrosion under sliding against
      zirconia pin, mainly due to the load carrying effect given by the hard protruded
      oxide surfaces formed by the anodic treatment.

PMID- 28073075
TI  - Freeform extrusion fabrication of titanium fiber reinforced 13-93 bioactive glass
      scaffolds.
AB  - Although implants made with bioactive glass have shown promising results for bone
      repair, their application in repairing load-bearing long bone is limited due to
      their poor mechanical properties in comparison to human bone. This work
      investigates the freeform extrusion fabrication of bioactive silicate 13-93 glass
      scaffolds reinforced with titanium (Ti) fibers. A composite paste prepared with
      13-93 glass and Ti fibers (~16um in diameter and lengths varying from ~200um to
      ~2 mm) was extruded through a nozzle to fabricate scaffolds (0-90 degrees 
      filament orientation pattern) on a heated plate. The sintered scaffolds measured
      pore sizes ranging from 400 to 800um and a porosity of ~50%. Scaffolds with
      0.4vol% Ti fibers measured fracture toughness of ~0.8MPam1/2 and a flexural
      strength of ~15MPa. 13-93 glass scaffolds without Ti fibers had a toughness of
      ~0.5MPam1/2 and a strength of ~10MPa. The addition of Ti fibers increased the
      fracture toughness of the scaffolds by ~70% and flexural strength by ~40%. The
      scaffolds' biocompatibility and their degradation in mechanical properties in
      vitro were assessed by immersing the scaffolds in a simulated body fluid over a
      period of one to four weeks.

PMID- 28073076
TI  - Spastic diplegia in preterm-born children: Executive function impairment and
      neuroanatomical correlates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neuropsychological literature on preterm-born children with
      spastic diplegia due to periventricular leukomalacia is convergent in reporting
      deficits in non-verbal intelligence and in visuo-spatial abilities. Nevertheless,
      other cognitive functions have found to be impaired, but data are scant and not
      correlated with neuroimaging findings. AIMS: This study analyzes the
      neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses in preterm-born children with spastic
      diplegia (pSD) and their relationships with neuroanatomical findings,
      investigated by a novel scale for MRI classification. METHODS AND PROCEDURES:
      Nineteen children with pSD, mild to moderate upper limb impairment and Verbal
      IQ>80, and 38 normal controls were evaluated with a comprehensive
      neuropsychological battery (NEPSY-II), assessing Attention/Executive Functioning,
      Language, Memory, Sensorimotor, Social Perception and Visuospatial Processing
      domains. The MRIs were quantitatively scored for lesion severity. OUTCOMES AND
      RESULTS: The results showed that, beyond core visuo-spatial and sensory-motor
      deficits, impairments in attention and executive functions were present in more
      than half of the sample, particularly in children with damage to the anterior
      corpus callosum. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings are discussed in
      terms of clinical and rehabilitative implications tailored for pSD subgroups
      diversified for neuropsychological and neuroanatomical characteristics.

PMID- 28073077
TI  - Hypertext comprehension of deaf and hard-of-hearing students and students with
      specific language impairment.
AB  - This paper provides insight into the reading comprehension of hierarchically
      structured hypertexts within D/HH students and students with SLI. To our
      knowledge, it is the first study on hypertext comprehension in D/HH students and
      students with SLI, and it also considers the role of working memory. We compared
      hypertext versus linear text comprehension in D/HH students and students with SLI
      versus younger students without language problems who had a similar level of
      decoding and vocabulary. The results demonstrated no difference in text
      comprehension between the hierarchically structured hypertext and the linear
      text. Text comprehension of D/HH students and students with SLI was comparable to
      that of the students without language problems. In addition, there was a similar
      positive predictive value of visuospatial and not verbal working memory on
      hypertext comprehension for all three groups. The findings implicate that
      educational settings can make use of hierarchically structured hypertexts as well
      as linear texts and that children can navigate in the digital world from young
      age on, even if language or working memory problems are present.

PMID- 28073078
TI  - TRIM52: A nuclear TRIM protein that positively regulates the nuclear factor-kappa
      B signaling pathway.
AB  - Emerging evidence suggests that TRIM family proteins play a crucial role in
      regulating the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. TRIM52 is a novel noncanonical
      antiviral TRIM gene with a unique expanded RING domain. Information on the
      biological function of TRIM52 is limited. Herein, we demonstrated TRIM52
      involvement in NF-kappaB activation. We found that TRIM52 overexpression
      specifically activated the NF-kappaB signal. TRIM52 overexpression can
      significantly induce TNFalpha and IL-6 expression. We also found that the RING
      domain of TRIM52 was essential for its activation of the NF-kappaB signal.
      Further study showed that TRIM52 overexpression did not affect the protein level
      of IkappaBalpha and phosphorylated p65 protein. We found that the pro
      inflammatory cytokines TNFalpha and IL-6 could induce TRIM52 expression. Overall,
      these data suggested that TRIM52 was a positive regulator of the NF-kappaB
      pathway.

PMID- 28073079
TI  - TRAIL facilitates cytokine expression and macrophage migration during
      hypoxia/reoxygenation via ER stress-dependent NF-kappaB pathway.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which is known
      as a key molecule to induce cancer cell apoptosis, has also been found to
      participate in the process of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Infiltrated
      macrophages play dual roles in inflammatory injury and healing following I/R.
      Whether TRAIL has any effect on macrophages during this process remains elusive.
      Here we showed that I/R triggered the expressions of TRAIL, DR5 and cytokines (IL
      1beta, TNFalpha, CCL-2 and ICAM-1), in addition to macrophage infiltration, which
      could be abolished by TRAIL neutralizing antibody. In vitro, TRAIL enhanced DR5
      expression and facilitated the macrophages migration following
      hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment in a dose-dependent manner via ER stress
      and NF-kappaB signaling pathways, which is accompanied by inflammatory factors
      expression. The increased cytokines production (such as TNFalpha and IL-1beta)
      stimulated by TRAIL can be blocked by the NF-kappaB and ER stress inhibitor. The
      results also suggested that NF-kappaB activation of macrophages during H/R was
      regulated by ER stress. Thus, our research present that TRAIL affects functional
      activities of macrophages during I/R injury, which may be a potential therapeutic
      target for ischemic heart disease.

PMID- 28073080
TI  - Impact of environmental factors on the culturability and viability of Listeria
      monocytogenes under conditions encountered in food processing plants.
AB  - The ability of Listeria monocytogenes to adhere to and persist on surfaces for
      months or even years may be responsible for its transmission from contaminated
      surfaces to food products. Hence the necessity to find effective means to prevent
      the establishment of L. monocytogenes in food processing environments. The aim of
      this study was to assess, through a fractional experimental design, the
      environmental factors that could affect the survival of L. monocytogenes cells on
      surfaces to thereby prevent the persistence of this pathogen in conditions
      mimicking those encountered in food processing plants: culture with smoked salmon
      juice or meat exudate, use of two materials with different hygiene status,
      biofilm of L. monocytogenes in pure-culture or dual-culture with a Pseudomonas
      fluorescens strain, application of a drying step after cleaning and disinfection
      (C&D) and comparison of two strains of L. monocytogenes. Bacterial survival was
      assessed by culture, qPCR to quantify total cells, and propidium monoazide
      coupled with qPCR to quantify viable cells and highlight viable but non
      culturable (VBNC) cells. Our results showed that failure to apply C&D causes cell
      persistence on surfaces. Moreover, the sanitation procedure leads only to a loss
      of culturability and appearance of VBNC populations. However, an additional daily
      drying step after C&D optimises the effectiveness of these procedures to reduce
      culturable populations. Our results reinforce the importance to use molecular
      tools to monitor viable pathogens in food processing plants to avoid
      underestimating the amounts of cells using only methods based on cell culture.

PMID- 28073081
TI  - Antibacterial effect of 405+/-5nm light emitting diode illumination against
      Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella on the surface
      of fresh-cut mango and its influence on fruit quality.
AB  - To investigate a potential of 405+/-5nm light emitting diode (LED) as a novel
      technology for food preservation, the antibacterial effect of 405+/-5nm LED on
      Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. on the
      surface of fresh-cut mango and its influence on fruit quality were evaluated at
      different storage temperatures. LED-illumination inactivated 1.0-1.6 logCFU/cm2
      of populations at 4 and 10 degrees C for 36-48h (total dose, 2.6-3.5kJ/cm2)
      regardless of bacterial species, while those on non-illuminated mange remained
      unchanged or slightly increased during storage. At 20 degrees C for 24h (total
      dose, 1.7kJ/cm2), non-illuminated E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella gradually grew,
      whereas LED-illumination reduced 1.2 log of Salmonella and inhibited the growth
      of E. coli O157:H7. Unlike these, non-illuminated L. monocytogenes cells rapidly
      increased to 7.3 log, while illuminated cells reached 4.6 log, revealing that LED
      illumination delayed their growth. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences
      in color, antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, and flavonoid
      between non-illuminated and illuminated cut mangoes, regardless of storage
      temperature. These results suggest that 405+/-5nm LEDs in combination with
      chilling temperatures could be applied to preserve fresh-cut fruits without
      deterioration of physicochemical quality of fruits at food establishments,
      minimizing the risk of foodborne disease.

PMID- 28073082
TI  - Vibrio parahaemolyticus O4:K8 forms a potential predominant clone in southern
      China as detected by whole-genome sequence analysis.
AB  - Vibrio parahaemolyticus has been the most common food-borne pathogen in southern
      China, especially the O3:K6 pandemic clone and its serovariants. Recently, the
      serotype O4:K8 became more and more prevalent in southern China, which was
      different from the O3:K6 pandemic clone. Thus, the aim of the present work was to
      elucidate the molecular characteristics of the O4:K8. Some O3:K6 pandemic clone
      and its serovariants isolated in the same period were selected for comparative
      analysis, which were still dominant clone locally. The whole genome sequencing
      (WGS) was applied to characterize 20 strains of V. parahaemolyticus isolated from
      food-borne diarrheal cases and belonging to the serotype O4:K8, O3:K6 and O1:KUT
      (untypable), prevalent serotypes in recent southern China. The results showed
      that all these isolates were positive for the thermostable direct hemolysin gene
      (tdh), while negative for the TDH-related hemolysin gene (trh). We compared the
      V. parahaemolyticus strains to those of 31 strains isolated overseas and were
      available from NCBI genome database. A WGS-SNPs phylogenetic analysis of all the
      genomes revealed that the strains formed an important genetic lineage, which was
      genetically distinct from the O3:K6, O1:KUT and other internationals strains.
      Comparative genome analysis also revealed that all the O4:K8 strains carried the
      entire T3SS-1 and VpaI-7 (T3SS-2) regions, the most important virulent elements
      of the O3:K6 pandemic clone. However, all the O4:K8 strains lacked the entire
      VpaI-1 and VpaI-4 regions and carried only few ORFs of the VpaI-5 and VpaI-6,
      which were considered to be unique among post-1995 strains belonging to the O3:K6
      pandemic clone. Our data showed that the O4:K8 strains possessed the virulence
      factors similar to the O3:K6 pandemic clone, which may have enabled them to
      become prevalent in southern China. Our study also revealed that WGS-bases
      analysis may help improve understanding epidemiology of this bacterium in food
      borne disease surveillance.

PMID- 28073083
TI  - The Edinburgh visual gait score - The minimal clinically important difference.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to define the minimal clinically important
      difference (MCID) of the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) using correlations
      with the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Functional
      Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ). The secondary aim was to confirm the numerical
      value of the MCID in the Gait Profile Score (GPS). METHOD: The EVGS and GPS
      scores for 151 patients with diplegic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Levels I-III) were
      retrospectively identified from a database held at the study centre. One-hundred
      and forty-one patients had FAQ data available. RESULTS: The EVGS and GPS
      correlated with increasing GMFCS level (p<0.001) and FAQ score (p<0.001). A
      gradient of 3.8 (2.9-4.7) for the EVGS and 2.9 (2.1-3.7) for the GPS corresponded
      to a one-level change in GMFCS level. A gradient of 1.9 (1.3-2.4) for EVGS and
      1.5 (1.1-2.0) for GPS corresponded to a one-point change in FAQ. CONCLUSIONS: The
      authors propose an MCID value of 2.4 for the EVGS; representing the improvement
      in gait score after surgery that is likely to reflect a clinical improvement in
      function. This MCID is closely related to other studies defining post-operative
      improvements in kinematic data (GPS) and may offer guidance to post-surgical
      changes that might reasonably be expected to either improve or prevent
      deteriorating function.

PMID- 28073084
TI  - Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change of the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) in
      post-stroke patients.
AB  - The Gait Deviation Index (GDI) is a summary measure that provides a global
      picture of gait kinematic data. Since the ability to walk is critical for post
      stroke patients, the aim of this study was to determine the reliability and
      Minimum Detectable Change (MDC) of the GDI in this patient population. Twenty
      post-stroke patients (11 males, 9 females; mean age, 55.2+/-9.9years)
      participated in this study. Patients presented with either right- (n=14) or left
      sided (n=6) hemiparesis. Kinematic gait data were collected in two sessions (test
      and retest) that were 2 to 7days apart. GDI values in the first and second
      sessions were, respectively, 59.0+/-8.1 and 60.2+/-9.4 for the paretic limb and
      53.3+/-8.3 and 53.4+/-8.3 for the non-paretic limb. The reliability in each
      session was determined by the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of three
      strides and, in the test session, their values were 0.91 and 0.97 for the paretic
      and non-paretic limbs, respectively. Between-session reliability and MDC were
      determined using the average GDI of three strides from each session. For the
      paretic limb, between-session ICC, standard error of measurement (SEM), and MDC
      were 0.84, 3.4 and 9.4, respectively. Non paretic lower limb exhibited between
      session ICC, standard error of measurement (SEM), and MDC of 0.89, 2.7 and 7.5,
      respectively. These MDC values indicate that very large changes in GDI are
      required to identify gait improvement. Therefore, the clinical usefulness of GDI
      with stroke patients is questionable.

PMID- 28073085
TI  - Effect of investigator observation on gait parameters in individuals with and
      without chronic low back pain.
AB  - Despite the ubiquity of gait assessment in clinic and research, it is unclear how
      observation impacts gait, particularly in persons with chronic pain and
      psychological stress. We compared temporal spatial gait patterns in people with
      and without chronic low back pain (CLBP) when they were aware and unaware of
      being observed. This was a repeated-measures, deception study in 55 healthy
      persons (32.0+/-12.4 yr, 24.2+/-2.7kg/m2) and persons with CLBP (51.9+/-17.9 yr,
      27.8+/-4.4kg/m2). Participants performed one condition in which they were unaware
      of observation (UNW), and three conditions under investigator observation: (1)
      aware of observation (AWA), (2) investigators watching cadence, (3) investigators
      watching step length. Participants walked across an 8.4m gait mat, while temporal
      spatial parameters of gait were collected. The Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF
      12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and
      Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were completed. Significant condition by group
      interactions were found for velocity and step length (p<0.05). Main effects of
      study condition existed for all gait variables except for step width. Main
      effects of group (healthy, LBP) were significant for all variables except for
      step width (p<0.05). Regression analyses revealed that after accounting for age,
      sex, and SF-12 mental component score, BDI scores predict velocity changes during
      walking from the UNW to AWA conditions. These findings show that people change
      their gait patterns when being observed. Gait analyses may require additional
      trials before data can reliably be interpreted and used for clinical decision
      making.

PMID- 28073087
TI  - A nearest neighbour approach by genetic distance to the assignment of individual
      trees to geographic origin.
AB  - During the past decade, the use of DNA for forensic applications has been
      extensively implemented for plant and animal species, as well as in humans.
      Tracing back the geographical origin of an individual usually requires genetic
      assignment analysis. These approaches are based on reference samples that are
      grouped into populations or other aggregates and intend to identify the most
      likely group of origin. Often this grouping does not have a biological but rather
      a historical or political justification, such as "country of origin". In this
      paper, we present a new nearest neighbour approach to individual assignment or
      classification within a given but potentially imperfect grouping of reference
      samples. This method, which is based on the genetic distance between individuals,
      functions better in many cases than commonly used methods. We demonstrate the
      operation of our assignment method using two data sets. One set is simulated for
      a large number of trees distributed in a 120km by 120km landscape with individual
      genotypes at 150 SNPs, and the other set comprises experimental data of 1221
      individuals of the African tropical tree species Entandrophragma cylindricum
      (Sapelli) genotyped at 61 SNPs. Judging by the level of correct self-assignment,
      our approach outperformed the commonly used frequency and Bayesian approaches by
      15% for the simulated data set and by 5-7% for the Sapelli data set. Our new
      approach is less sensitive to overlapping sources of genetic differentiation,
      such as genetic differences among closely-related species, phylogeographic
      lineages and isolation by distance, and thus operates better even for suboptimal
      grouping of individuals.

PMID- 28073088
TI  - Characterization of the Iberian Y chromosome haplogroup R-DF27 in Northern Spain.
AB  - The European paternal lineage R-DF27 has been proposed as a haplogroup of Iberian
      origin due to its maximum frequencies in the Iberian Peninsula. In this study,
      the distribution and structure of DF27 were characterized in 591 unrelated male
      individuals from four key populations of the north area of the Iberian Peninsula
      through the analysis of 12 Y-SNPs that define DF27 main sublineages.
      Additionally, Y-SNP allele frequencies were also gathered from the reference
      populations in the 1000 Genomes Project to compare and obtain a better landscape
      of the distribution of DF27. Our results reveal frequencies over 35% of DF27
      haplogroup in the four North Iberian populations analyzed and high frequencies
      for its subhaplogroups. Considering the low frequency of DF27 and its sublineages
      in most populations outside of the Iberian Peninsula, this haplogroup seems to
      have geographical significance; thus, indicating a possible Iberian patrilineal
      origin of vestiges bearing this haplogroup. The dataset presented here
      contributes with new data to better understand the complex genetic variability of
      the Y chromosome in the Iberian Peninsula, that can be applied in Forensic
      Genetics.

PMID- 28073089
TI  - Application of a mitochondrial DNA control region frequency database for UK
      domestic cats.
AB  - DNA variation in 402bp of the mitochondrial control region flanked by repeat
      sequences RS2 and RS3 was evaluated by Sanger sequencing in 152 English domestic
      cats, in order to determine the significance of matching DNA sequences between
      hairs found with a victim's body and the suspect's pet cat. Whilst 95% of English
      cats possessed one of the twelve globally widespread mitotypes, four new variants
      were observed, the most common of which (2% frequency) was shared with the
      evidential samples. No significant difference in mitotype frequency was seen
      between 32 individuals from the locality of the crime and 120 additional cats
      from the rest of England, suggesting a lack of local population structure.
      However, significant differences were observed in comparison with frequencies in
      other countries, including the closely neighbouring Netherlands, highlighting the
      importance of appropriate genetic databases when determining the evidential
      significance of mitochondrial DNA evidence.

PMID- 28073086
TI  - Human neural progenitors derived from integration-free iPSCs for SCI therapy.
AB  - As a potentially unlimited autologous cell source, patient induced pluripotent
      stem cells (iPSCs) provide great capability for tissue regeneration, particularly
      in spinal cord injury (SCI). However, despite significant progress made in
      translation of iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to clinical settings,
      a few hurdles remain. Among them, non-invasive approach to obtain source cells in
      a timely manner, safer integration-free delivery of reprogramming factors, and
      purification of NPCs before transplantation are top priorities to overcome. In
      this study, we developed a safe and cost-effective pipeline to generate
      clinically relevant NPCs. We first isolated cells from patients' urine and
      reprogrammed them into iPSCs by non-integrating Sendai viral vectors, and carried
      out experiments on neural differentiation. NPCs were purified by A2B5, an
      antibody specifically recognizing a glycoganglioside on the cell surface of
      neural lineage cells, via fluorescence activated cell sorting. Upon further in
      vitro induction, NPCs were able to give rise to neurons, oligodendrocytes and
      astrocytes. To test the functionality of the A2B5+ NPCs, we grafted them into the
      contused mouse thoracic spinal cord. Eight weeks after transplantation, the
      grafted cells survived, integrated into the injured spinal cord, and
      differentiated into neurons and glia. Our specific focus on cell source,
      reprogramming, differentiation and purification method purposely addresses timing
      and safety issues of transplantation to SCI models. It is our belief that this
      work takes one step closer on using human iPSC derivatives to SCI clinical
      settings.

PMID- 28073090
TI  - Hair dyeing, hair washing and hair cortisol concentrations among women from the
      healthy start study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has been suggested as a promising
      marker for chronic stress. However, studies investigating the influence of hair
      dyeing and hair washing frequency on HCC have shown inconsistent results.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between HCC and hair dyeing status or weekly
      hair washing frequency among women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based
      on data from 266 mothers participating in the Healthy Start intervention study.
      HCC was measured in the proximal end of the hair (1-2cm closest to the scalp)
      while hair dyeing status, frequency of hair washing and covariates were reported
      by the women. Linear regression analyses were applied to assess the associations
      between HCC and hair dyeing or weekly frequency of hair washing. RESULTS: No
      statistically significant difference (p=0.91) in HCC was found between women who
      dyed hair (adjusted mean: 137pg/mg [95% CI: 122,153]) and women with natural hair
      color (adjusted mean: 139pg/mg [95% CI: 123,155]). Frequency of hair washing was
      not associated with HCC (beta: -3.7 [95% CI: -9.0, 1.5; P=0.20]). CONCLUSIONS:
      This study of 266 Danish women provides no evidence in support of an association
      between HCC and hair dyeing status or hair washing frequency.

PMID- 28073091
TI  - The effect of Platycodin D on the expression of cytoadherence proteins P1 and P30
      in Mycoplasma pneumoniae models.
AB  - Platycodin D is one of the most important monomers of the Qinbaiqingfei pellet
      (Qinbai), which has already been approved as the first effective new Traditional
      Chinese Medicine used to fight against Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) in
      clinic in China. In previous studies, pharmacodynamics experiment has proved that
      Platycodin D has anti-M. pneumoniae effect and the minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) is 16mMUg/ml. This paper further clarified that the mechanism
      underlying the anti-M. pneumoniae effect of Platycodin D might be due to M.
      pneumoniae adhesion proteins P1 and P30. P1 and P30 expression levels in M.
      pneumoniae strain, M. pneumoniae-infected BALB/c mice, and M. pneumoniae-infected
      A549 cells were determined by reverse transcription PCR. Platycodin D strongly
      inhibited P1 and P30 expression in M. pneumonia and high dosage of Platycodin D
      exhibited a greater effect on reducing P1 and P30 expression than low dose
      Platycodin D. Platycodin D prevented M. pneumoniae infection through inhibiting
      the expression of adhesion proteins, which might be one of the mechanisms for the
      anti-M. pneumoniae properties of Qinbai. These results provide a foundation to
      further explore the mechanisms of action of Qinbai in future studies.

PMID- 28073092
TI  - Acute suicidal affective disturbance: Factorial structure and initial validation
      across psychiatric outpatient and inpatient samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A new clinical entity, Acute Suicidal Affective Disturbance (ASAD),
      was recently proposed to characterize rapid-onset, acute suicidality including
      the cardinal symptom of behavioral intent. This study examines the proposed ASAD
      criteria factor-analytically and in relation to correlates of suicidal behavior
      and existing psychiatric disorders in samples of psychiatric outpatients and
      inpatients. METHODS: Two samples of psychiatric outpatients (N=343, aged 18-71
      years, 60.6% female, 74.9% White) and inpatients (N=7,698, aged 15-99 years,
      57.2% female, 87.8% White) completed measures of their ASAD symptoms and
      psychological functioning. RESULTS: Across both samples, results of a
      confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional nature of the ASAD
      construct. Additionally, results provided evidence for the convergent and
      discriminant validity of ASAD, demonstrating its relation to, yet distinction
      from, other psychiatric disorders and correlates of suicide in expected ways.
      Importantly, ASAD symptoms differentiated multiple attempters, single attempters,
      and non-attempters, as well as attempters, ideators, and non-suicidal patients,
      and was an indicator of past suicide attempts above and beyond symptoms of
      depression and other psychiatric disorders. LIMITATIONS: This study utilized
      cross-sectional data and did not use a standardized measure of ASAD. CONCLUSIONS:
      ASAD criteria formed a unidimensional construct that was associated with suicide
      related variables and other psychiatric disorders in expected ways. If supported
      by future research, ASAD may fill a gap in the current diagnostic classification
      system (DSM-5) by characterizing and predicting acute suicide risk.

PMID- 28073093
TI  - Subject-specific finite element analysis of the carpal tunnel cross-sectional to
      examine tunnel area changes in response to carpal arch loading.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Manipulating the carpal arch width (i.e. distance between hamate and
      trapezium bones) has been suggested as a means to increase carpal tunnel cross
      sectional area and alleviate median nerve compression. The purpose of this study
      was to develop a finite element model of the carpal tunnel and to determine an
      optimal force direction to maximize area. METHODS: A planar geometric model of
      carpal bones at hamate level was reconstructed from MRI with inter-carpal joint
      spaces filled with a linear elastic surrogate tissue. Experimental data with
      discrete carpal tunnel pressures (50, 100, 150, and 200mmHg) and corresponding
      carpal bone movements were used to obtain material property of surrogate tissue
      by inverse finite element analysis. The resulting model was used to simulate
      changes of carpal arch widths and areas with directional variations of a unit
      force applied at the hook of hamate. FINDINGS: Inverse finite element model
      predicted the experimental area data within 1.5% error. Simulation of force
      applications showed that carpal arch width and area were dependent on the
      direction of force application, and minimal arch width and maximal area occurred
      at 138 degrees  (i.e. volar-radial direction) with respect to the hamate-to
      trapezium axis. At this force direction, the width changed to 24.4mm from its
      initial 25.1mm (3% decrease), and the area changed to 301.6mm2 from 290.3mm2 (4%
      increase). INTERPRETATION: The findings of the current study guide biomechanical
      manipulation to gain tunnel area increase, potentially helping reduce carpal
      tunnel pressure and relieve symptoms of compression median neuropathy.

PMID- 28073094
TI  - The role of lesser trochanter fragment in unstable pertrochanteric A2 proximal
      femur fractures - is refixation of the lesser trochanter worth the effort?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Instability of osteoporotic pertrochanteric fractures is defined by
      loss of medial/lateral cortical integrity with the posteromedial fragment
      including the lesser trochanter being pivotal for load distribution. Literature
      addressing the importance of lesser trochanter refixation is scarce. To clarify
      the effect of lesser trochanter refixation on primary stability in these
      fractures, following study was performed. METHODS: 21 femora were match-paired in
      3 groups and osteotomized, creating pertrochanteric fractures (AO-31A2). Group 1
      was stabilized with a proximal femoral nail, group 2 with a dynamic hip screw and
      group 3 with an augmented proximal femoral nail. Each femur was tested non
      destructively at 200 and 400N with and without refixation of the lesser
      trochanter (configuration A/B). The overall stiffness and movement of the femoral
      neck was recorded. FINDINGS: At 200N, refixation reduced movement of the femoral
      neck and increased overall stiffness significantly in group 1 and 3. At 400N,
      refixation decreased movement of the femoral neck not significantly in all groups
      (1=38%, 2=36%, 3=43%). The augmented proximal femoral nail after refixation
      showed the highest stability of all constructs. INTERPRETATION: Refixation of the
      lesser trochanter may increase the primary stability of pertrochanteric fracture
      osteosynthesis as all groups showed a higher primary stability. Therefore,
      refixation should be considered in unstable, osteoporotic fractures. If
      additional trauma through refixation appears inappropriate, cement augmentation
      should be performed as it showed only 9% less stability than a non-augmented
      proximal femoral nail with refixation of the lesser trochanter.

PMID- 28073095
TI  - Enhanced WWTP effluent organic matter removal in hybrid ozonation-coagulation
      (HOC) process catalyzed by Al-based coagulant.
AB  - A novel hybrid ozonation-coagulation (HOC) process was developed for application
      in wastewater reclamation. In this process, ozonation and coagulation occurred
      simultaneously within a single unit. Compared with the conventional pre-ozonation
      coagulation process, the HOC process exhibited much better performance in
      removing dissolved organic matters. In particular, the maximal organic matters
      removal efficiency was obtained at the ozone dosage of 1mgO3/mg DOC at each pH
      value (pH 5, 7 and 9). In order to interpret the mechanism of the HOC process,
      ozone decomposition was monitored. The results indicated that ozone decomposed
      much faster in the HOC process. Moreover, by using the reagent of O3-resistant
      hydroxyl radical (OH) probe compound, para-chlorobenzoic acid (pCBA), and
      electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis, it was observed that the HOC
      process generated higher content of OH compared with pre-ozonation process. This
      indicates that the OH oxidation reaction as the key step can be catalyzed and
      enhanced by Al-based coagulants and their hydrolyzed products in this developed
      process. Thus, based on the catalytic effects of Al-based coagulants on
      ozonation, the HOC process provides a promising alternative to the conventional
      technology for wastewater reclamation in terms of higher efficiency.

PMID- 28073096
TI  - High density scalp EEG in frontal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Localization of seizures in frontal lobe epilepsy using the 10-20 system
      scalp EEG is often challenging because neocortical seizure can spread rapidly,
      significant muscle artifact, and the suboptimal spatial resolution for seizure
      generators involving mesial frontal lobe cortex. Our aim in this study was to
      determine the value of visual interpretation of 76 channel high density EEG
      (hdEEG) monitoring (10-10 system) in patients with suspected frontal lobe
      epilepsy, and to evaluate concordance with MRI, subtraction ictal SPECT co
      registered to MRI (SISCOM), conventional EEG, and intracranial EEG (iEEG).
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 14 consecutive patients who
      underwent hdEEG monitoring for suspected frontal lobe seizures. The gold standard
      for localization was considered to be iEEG. Concordance of hdEEG findings with
      MRI, subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered to MRI (SISCOM), conventional 10-20
      EEG, and iEEG as well as correlation of hdEEG localization with surgical outcome
      were examined. RESULTS: hdEEG localization was concordant with iEEG in 12/14 and
      was superior to conventional EEG 3/14 (p<0.01) and SISCOM 3/12 (p<0.01). hdEEG
      correctly lateralized seizure onset in 14/14 cases, compared to 9/14 (p=0.04)
      cases with conventional EEG. Seven patients underwent surgical resection, of whom
      five were seizure free. CONCLUSIONS: hdEEG monitoring should be considered in
      patients with suspected frontal epilepsy requiring localization of epileptogenic
      brain. hdEEG may assist in developing a hypothesis for iEEG monitoring and could
      potentially augment EEG source localization.

PMID- 28073097
TI  - Moringa oleifera, a species with potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory
      activities.
AB  - Moringa oleifera has long been used in large demand in folk medicine to treat
      pain. The present study was undertaken to examine the antinociceptive and anti
      inflammatory spectrum of M. oleifera leaf extracts discriminating the
      constituents' nature by using different kind of experimental models in rats.
      Pharmacological evaluation of a non-polar and/or polar extracts at several doses
      (30-300mg/kg, p.o.) was explored through experimental nociception using formalin
      test, carrageenan-induced paw edema and arthritis with subcutaneous injection of
      collagen in rats. Basic morphology characterization was done by scanning
      electronic microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Not only polar
      (from 30 or 100mg/kg, p.o.) but also non-polar extract produced significant
      inhibition of the nociceptive behavior with major efficacy in the inflammatory
      response in different assessed experimental models. This antinociceptive activity
      involved constituents of different nature and depended on the intensity of the
      induced painful stimulus. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of
      kaempferol-3-glucoside in the polar extract and fatty acids like chlorogenic
      acid, among others, in the non-polar extract. Data obtained with M. oleifera leaf
      extracts give evidence of its potential for pain treatment.

PMID- 28073098
TI  - The effect of Elettaria cardamomum extract on anxiety-like behavior in a rat
      model of post-traumatic stress disorder.
AB  - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric condition
      which develops in 6-8% of the general population. Current standard
      pharmacological treatments for PTSD cannot be widely used due to having various
      side effects. Nowadays, various pharmacological properties have been related to
      Elettaria cardamomum L. (family of Zingiberaceae). The present study aims to
      evaluate the efficacy of E. cardamomum methanolic extract on anxiety-like
      behavior in a rat model of PTSD. Adult male Wistar rats (200-250gr) were used in
      this study. The rats underwent single prolonged stress (SPS) or control and
      intraperitoneally received either saline or different dosages (200, 400, and
      800mg/kg) of E. cardamomum methanolic extract before and after stress sessions.
      Moreover, open field, elevated plus-maze, and rotarod tests were used to evaluate
      locomotion and anxiety-like behavior in the rats. Findings demonstrated that E.
      Cardamomum methanolic extract, particularly at the dose of 400mg/kg,
      significantly (P<0.05) improved anxiety-like behavior in a rat model of PTSD, as
      examined by the open field, elevated plus-maze, and rotarod tests. Administration
      of E. cardamomum methanolic extract after stress might help to prevent the
      formation of anxiety-like behavior in the animals. However, further studies are
      requiredto clarify the exact mechanisms involved.

PMID- 28073099
TI  - Golden root: A wholesome treat of immunity.
AB  - Rhodiola is native to the high altitude regions of Asia, Europe and Northern
      Hemisphere. It has a long history of use as a medicinal plant in various
      ailments, boosting immunity, increasing energy and mental capacity. It is also
      known as "Adaptogen" to help the body to adapt and resist stress. The part of the
      plant, which is used for medicinal values, is rhizome, which is an underground
      stem. The rhizome contains mainly salidroside, rosin, rosavin and p-tyrosol.
      There are many studies, which have reported the effects of Rhodiola spp. on
      different organs and health conditions. In this review, we have selected the
      articles from Pubmed and Google Scholar from year 1992-2016 to report the effects
      of Rhodiola spp. and their role in curtailing various diseases and stress. The
      present review emphasizes the medicinal and therapeutic applications of Rhodiola
      spp. on different experimental models. Overall conclusion is that Rhodiola spp.
      has immense therapeutic potential and hence, this review would give impetus to
      new research for the development of Rhodiola based herbal nutraceuticals as well
      as pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 28073100
TI  - Investigating the use of appropriation in the writing of a child with autism: A
      case study.
AB  - This case study investigated how a 10year old child with ASD (Autism Spectrum
      Disorder), Kameron (pseudonym), utilized appropriation as a writing strategy in
      the context of group therapy. Using the same questions as Lensmire and Beals
      (1994) in their study of a typically developing third-grader, written products
      were collected over the course of one semester and analyzed, along with video,
      audio, and participant observation data, to consider the following questions: 1)
      Where did the material come from? 2) What was taken? and 3) How was it used?
      Analysis of the process of Kameron's writing revealed utilization of
      appropriation as a strategy for 2 of the 4 written products. Material was
      appropriated from both adult authored texts performed via read alouds and from
      topics and values located in the local peer culture. Kameron's appropriation of
      shared experiences provided substance to initiate and engage in a shared peer
      culture. Increased engagement in the writing process and fewer off task behaviors
      were noted when appropriations were evidenced compared to the writing pieces
      where no appropriation occurred. The results demonstrate the powerful
      implications of both a process oriented and strength-based approach to writing
      and greater social awareness than expected in children with ASD.

PMID- 28073101
TI  - Impact of targeted therapies in metastatic renal cell carcinoma on patient
      reported outcomes: Methodology of clinical trials and clinical benefit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molecular targeted therapies have improved progression-free survival
      (PFS) without translating systematically into overall survival (OS) for patients
      with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). In this population, patient-reported
      outcomes (PROs) have become a significant outcome. We evaluated the
      methodological quality of the assessment of PROs in randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) and the clinical benefit of the different treatments including survival
      and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: A systematic review identified RCTs published
      between January 2005 and July 2014. They were evaluated according to 11 items
      derived from the 2013 CONSORT PROs reporting guidelines. Survival outcomes and
      PROs main results were analyzed and the magnitude of clinical benefit was
      assessed with the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical
      Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS). RESULTS: 12 RCTs were included with a total of 22
      publications. The mean CONSORT score for all items was 4.5 on an 11-point scale.
      No publication reported the power of the PROs analysis and only one reported a
      PRO hypothesis. 50% of studies did not interpret PROs in relation to clinical
      outcomes and only 18% discussed specific limitations of PROs and their
      implications for generalizability. By adding the QoL criterion to PFS, 4 trials
      (36.4%) obtained a high level of proven clinical benefit according to the ESMO
      MCBS. CONCLUSION: The methodology for assessing PROs in mRCC is not optimal.
      Efforts should focus on defining PROs endpoint and increasing the quality of
      reporting of QoL. New-generation therapies in mRCC should demonstrate a gain not
      only in survival but also in QoL to be included in the therapeutic arsenal.

PMID- 28073103
TI  - Associate Editor Remy F. Meier.

PMID- 28073102
TI  - Cancer resistance to therapies against the EGFR-RAS-RAF pathway: The role of MEK.
AB  - The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) mediate intracellular signals
      activated by a wide variety of extracellular stimuli. The activation of the RAS
      RAF-MEK-MAPK cascade culminates in the regulation of gene transcription promoting
      cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration and angiogenesis. MEK (mitogen
      activated protein kinase kinase-MAPKK) 1/2 is a transducer of the growth factor
      receptor-RAS-RAF-MAPK signalling cascade and plays a relevant role in development
      and progression of human cancers, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), non small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC). Direct inhibition of MEK is a promising strategy and several
      inhibitors are currently under evaluation in clinical trials showing initial
      clinical activity in different tumours. MEK activation, by different genetic
      mechanisms, has been described for both intrinsic and acquired resistance to
      drugs targeting the EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)-RAS-RAF pathway in
      CRC, NSCLC. Combination therapies with chemotherapy and/or with molecular
      targeted agents are warranted and biomarkers studies are needed to identify those
      tumours dependent on MEK signalling.

PMID- 28073105
TI  - Associate Editor J. Alfredo Martinez.

PMID- 28073104
TI  - Use of Transcutaneous Bilirubin to Determine the Need for Phototherapy in
      Resource-Limited Settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Routine and timely determination of total serum bilirubin (TSB)
      remains a challenge in many resource-limited countries with substantial burden of
      severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Limited evidence exists on the potential
      usefulness of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) to identify infants who may require
      phototherapy based on possible treatment criteria in such settings. OBJECTIVE: To
      compare the number of infants requiring phototherapy across different TSB
      criteria and determine the predictive performance of TcB under each criterion.
      METHODS: Infants with paired TcB and TSB measurements in a maternity hospital in
      Lagos, Nigeria, were assessed for phototherapy based on TSB criteria by the
      American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), National Institute for Health and Clinical
      Excellence (NICE) UK, and World Health Organization (WHO), and an absolute
      threshold of >=12 mg/dL. The predictive performance of TcB across treatment
      criteria was evaluated with receiver operating curve analysis. RESULTS: A total
      of 1,011 infants with a mean TcB of 10.54 +/- 3.19 (range: 2.7-19.9) mg/dL and
      TSB of 9.63 +/- 2.61 (range: 0.3-19.5) mg/dL were assessed. Some 60 (5.9%)
      infants required phototherapy by 1 or more TSB criteria, with TSB >=12 mg/dL
      identifying 55 (91.7%) and AAP 27 (45%) of these infants. All infants identified
      by the NICE and WHO criteria were equally detected by the AAP criterion. TcB
      showed negative predictive values of 99.0-99.9%, and positive predictive values
      of 7.7-15.5% across all criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The number of infants requiring
      phototherapy varies significantly across treatment criteria. TcB may be useful in
      identifying infants who do not require phototherapy, but may also identify a high
      proportion of false positives that is burdensome in resource-limited settings.

PMID- 28073107
TI  - Associate Editor Anja Kroke.

PMID- 28073106
TI  - Surfactant Need by Gestation for Very Preterm Babies Initiated on Early Nasal
      CPAP: A Danish Observational Multicentre Study of 6,628 Infants Born 2000-2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, early nasal continuous positive airway pressure
      (nCPAP) as respiratory support for preterm infants is being advocated as an
      alternative to prophylactic surfactant and treatment with mechanical ventilation.
      A number of infants treated with early nCPAP do not need treatment with
      surfactant, but few studies provide data on this. Since the 1990s, the first
      approach to respiratory support to preterm infants in Denmark has been early
      nCPAP combined with surfactant administration by the INSURE method by which the
      infant is intubated and surfactant administration is followed by rapid extubation
      to nCPAP if possible. OBJECTIVES: To investigate how often surfactant was
      administered in preterm infants with a gestational age below 34 weeks treated
      with early nCPAP as a first approach to respiratory support. METHODS: An
      observational multicentre study including all inborn infants with a gestational
      age below 34 weeks admitted to 1 of the 4 level 3 neonatal intensive care units
      in Denmark in the period from 2000 to 2013. RESULTS: A total of 6,628 infants
      were included in this study. We found that surfactant was administered in 1,056
      of 1,799 (59%; 95% CI: 57-61%), in 821 of 2,864 (29%; 95% CI: 27-31%), and in 132
      of 1,796 (7%; 95% CI: 6-8%) of the infants with a gestational age from 24 to 27,
      28 to 31, and 32 to 33 weeks and 6 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A large
      proportion of preterm infants treated with early nCPAP as the first approach to
      respiratory support was never treated with surfactant.

PMID- 28073108
TI  - Salivary Testosterone during the Minipuberty of Infancy?.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is transiently activated
      during the postnatal months in boys, a phenomenon termed "minipuberty" of
      infancy, when serum testosterone (T) increases to pubertal levels. Despite high
      circulating T there are no signs of virilization. We hypothesize that free T as
      measured in saliva is low, which would explain the absence of virilization.
      METHODS: We measured serum total T and free T in saliva using liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in 30 infant boys, aged 1-6
      months, and in 12 adolescents, aged 11-17 years. RESULTS: Total serum T in all
      infants was, as expected, high (172 +/- 78 ng/dL) while salivary T was low (7.7
      +/- 4 pg/mL or 0.45 +/- 0.20%). In contrast, salivary T in the adolescents was
      much higher (41 +/- 18 pg/mL or 1.3 +/- 0.36%) in relation to their total serum T
      (323 +/- 117 ng/dL). We provide for the first time reference data for salivary T
      in infants. CONCLUSION: Measurement of salivary T by LC-MS/MS is a promising
      noninvasive technique to reflect free T in infants. The low free T explains the
      absence of virilization. The minipuberty of infancy is more likely of
      intragonadal than peripheral significance.?.

PMID- 28073109
TI  - Associate Editor Bev Muhlhausler.

PMID- 28073110
TI  - Relationship between the Pathogenesis of Glaucoma and miRNA.
AB  - Small RNA (microRNA or miRNA) is a kind of small noncoding single-stranded RNA
      that regulates complementary mRNA at the posttranscriptional level in eukaryotic
      organisms. As important regulatory factors, miRNAs play an important role in the
      occurrence and development of glaucoma and widely participate in regulating
      biological processes of glaucoma-related genes. This article reviews the
      connection between the aqueous humor, trabecular meshwork, the apoptosis of
      retinal ganglion cells, and miRNA.

PMID- 28073112
TI  - Space and Objects: On the Phenomenology and Cognitive Neuroscience of Anomalous
      Perception in Schizophrenia (Ancillary Article to EAWE Domain 1).
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Perception of space and objects is a traditional focus within
      phenomenology, and disturbances in these aspects of perception among people with
      schizophrenia have long been discussed within phenomenological psychiatry.
      Despite this, there has been little empirical work on the causes and effects of
      most of these perceptual alterations in people with schizophrenia. Progress
      towards this goal can be accelerated by the use of EAWE (Examination of Anomalous
      World Experience), an interview-based tool to elicit, categorize, and quantify
      abnormal perceptual and other experiential phenomena. METHODS: In this brief
      paper, we review the main types of disturbances in space and object perception in
      schizophrenia - as described by phenomenologists, clinicians from other
      theoretical orientations, and experimental psychopathologists - as a first step
      in a research agenda to achieve a better integration of the clinical and
      experimental literatures. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: This review indicates that in some
      cases the cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms of altered space and object
      perception in schizophrenia are relatively well understood, while in other cases
      there exist only plausible hypotheses. In still other cases, however, almost
      nothing is known. Moreover, a fundamental hypothesis of phenomenological
      psychiatry - that perceptual changes are related to disturbances in the sense of
      self - has yet to be investigated actively. From this context, we offer
      suggestions for future research and suggest general research designs that may be
      useful for advancing progress in this area.

PMID- 28073113
TI  - In vitro to in vivo extrapolation for drug-induced liver injury using a pair
      ranking method.
AB  - Preclinical animal toxicity studies may not accurately predict human toxicity. In
      light of this, in vitro systems have been developed that have the potential to
      supplement or even replace animal use. We examined in vitro to in vivo
      extrapolation (IVIVE) of gene expression data obtained from The Open Japanese
      Toxicogenomics Project-Genomics Assisted Toxicity Evaluation System (Open TG
      GATEs) for 131 compounds given to rats for 28 days, and to human or rat
      hepatocytes for 24 hours. Notably, a pair ranking (PRank) method was developed to
      assess IVIVE potential with a PRank score based on the preservation of the order
      of similarity rankings of compound pairs between the platforms using a receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to measure area under the curve
      (AUC). A high IVIVE potential was noted for rat primary hepatocytes when compared
      to rat 28-day studies (PRank score = 0.71) whereas the IVIVE potential for human
      primary hepatocytes compared to rat 28-day studies was lower (PRank score =
      0.58), indicating that species difference plays a critical role in IVIVE. When
      limiting the analysis to only those drugs causing drug-induced liver injury, the
      IVIVE potential was slightly improved both for rats (from 0.71 to 0.76) and for
      humans (from 0.58 to 0.62). Similarly, PRank scores were improved when the
      analysis focused on specific hepatotoxic endpoints such as hepatocellular injury,
      or cholestatic injury. In conclusion, toxicogenomic data generated in vitro
      yields a ranking of drugs regarding their potential to cause toxicity which is
      comparable to that generated by in vivo analyses.

PMID- 28073114
TI  - A Study of Acute Poisoning Cases Admitted to the University Hospital Emergency
      Department in Tabriz, Iran.
AB  - Chemical substances have an important threat due to extensive use in medicine,
      agriculture, industry and environment. In this retrospective study, etiological
      and demographic characteristics of acute poisoning cases admitted to a hospital
      in Iran were investigated. We compared these data with those reported from other
      parts of the country and the international experiences to evaluate any difference
      if exists. 7 052 poisoned cases admitted to the hospital from April 2006 to March
      2013, by data collected from the medical record in poison center section.
      According to our results there is a predominance of male patients and the
      majority of the poisoned patients were between 20-30 years old. Drug poisoning
      was the most common cause of poisonings. The most frequently involved drugs were
      benzodiazepines and antidepressants. The seasonal distribution of our study
      showed a peak in summer. To prevent acute poisonings, the social education about
      the risk assessment of central nervous system-acting drugs and reduction of the
      exposure period of people to pesticides are recommended. This study suggested a
      proper educational program for the public and primary care units. Our results
      provide useful information for preventive strategies.

PMID- 28073115
TI  - Pyridazine Based Scaffolds as Privileged Structures in anti-Cancer Therapy.
AB  - Pyridazines, their oxo derivatives; pyridazinone as well as fused bi- or
      tricyclic pyridazine containing scaffolds are key structural features of many
      biologically active compounds with diverse pharmacological applications,
      including cancer therapy. Since protein kinases play prominent role in tumor
      biology, the inhibition of its signaling pathway is considered an effective
      therapeutic option for the treatment of cancer.Based on the various advantages of
      pyridazines in drug design including modulation of the physico-chemical
      properties, improving ADME and toxicity profile as well as easy and diverse
      synthetic methods of access, makes them an invaluable tool for designing
      compounds as future drugs for targeted cancer treatment.In this review, we have
      compiled and discussed the anticancer potential of pyridazine based scaffold,
      with special focus on those targeting protein kinase inhibition.

PMID- 28073116
TI  - A 12-Year-Old Returning Traveler with Fever, Retro-orbital Headache and Rash.

PMID- 28073117
TI  - Antibiotic Stewardship in Paediatric Inpatients and C. Difficile Associated
      Disease?

PMID- 28073118
TI  - In Vitro Metabolism of Artepillin C by Rat and Human Liver Microsomes.
AB  - Artepillin C, a natural product present in the Brazilian green propolis, has
      several biological properties. Among these properties, the antitumor action of
      this product is noteworthy and makes it a promising drug candidate for the
      treatment of several types of cancer. This paper describes the in vitro
      metabolism of Artepillin C in rat and human liver microsomes. The rat model
      suggested a sigmoidal profile for the metabolism, adapted to the Hill's kinetic
      model. The enzymatic kinetic parameters were as follows: maximal velocity = 0.757
      +/- 0.021 umol/mg protein/min, Hill coefficient = 10.90 +/- 2.80, and substrate
      concentration at which half-maximal velocity of a Hill enzyme is achieved = 33.35
      +/- 0.55 uM. Based on these results, the calculated in vitro intrinsic clearance
      for Artepillin C was 16.63 +/- 1.52 uL/min/mg protein. The in vitro metabolism
      assay conducted on the human model did not fit any enzymatic kinetic model. Two
      novel metabolites were formed in both mammal microsomal models and their chemical
      structures were elucidated for the first time. The main human cytochrome P450
      isoforms involved in Artepillin C metabolism had been identified, and the results
      suggest a majority contribution of CYP2E1 and CYP2C9 in the formation of the two
      metabolites.

PMID- 28073120
TI  - Nano-Pelargonidin Protects Hyperglycemic-Induced L6 Cells against Mitochondrial
      Dysfunction.
AB  - Nano-encapsulation of several natural products has become an important tool in
      enhancing the bioavailability of some modern drugs against many diseases.
      Pelargonidin is an anthocyanidin found in many fruits and vegetables.
      Pelargonidin is loaded with poly-lactide-co-glycolic-acid, a non-toxic
      biodegradable polymer, to produce nano-pelargonidin. Size, morphology, zeta
      potential, and planar uniformity of formulated nano-pelargonidin were determined
      by atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The time required for
      cellular entry, folds of nano-pelargonidin, and drug encapsulation efficiency of
      poly-lactide-co-glycolic-acid were also ascertained. Relative functional efficacy
      of nano-pelargonidin and pelargonidin was evaluated by examining markers such as
      pyruvate kinase, glucokinase, calcium ion level, ATP/ADP ratio, mitochondrial
      membrane potential, cytosolic release of mitochondrial cytochrome-c, and
      structural analysis of mitochondrial DNA in controlled and experimental sets of
      alloxan-induced hyperglycemic L6 cells. Expressions of mitochondrial apoptotic
      proteins, such as bcl2 and caspase3, and glucose signalling cascades, such as
      GLUT4, IRS1, IRS2, and PI3, were analyzed. Nano-pelargonidin at a nearly 10-fold
      reduced dose significantly enhanced protection, presumably due to its smaller
      size, ability of faster entry, and drug delivery at target-specific sites. Thus,
      nano-pelargonidin can be used in formulating protective drugs for therapeutic
      management of mitochondrial dysfunction often encountered in diabetic conditions.

PMID- 28073119
TI  - In Vitro Inhibition of Human CYP450s 1A2, 2C9, 3A4/5, 2D6 and 2E1 by Grandisin.
AB  - Grandisin, a lignan isolated from many species of plants, such as Virola
      surinamensis, is a potential drug candidate due to its biological properties,
      highlighted by its antitumor and trypanocidal activities. In this study, the
      inhibitory effects of grandisin on the activities of human cytochrome P450
      enzymes were investigated by using human liver microsomes. Results showed that
      grandisin is a competitive inhibitor of CYP2C9 and a competitive and mechanism
      based inhibitor of CYP3A4/5. The apparent Ki value for CYP2C9 was 50.60 uM and
      those for CYP3A4/5 were 48.71 uM and 31.25 uM using two different probe
      substrates, nifedipine and midazolam, respectively. The apparent KI, kinact, and
      kinact/KI ratio for the mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4/5 were 6.40 uM,
      0.037 min-1, and 5.78 mL . min-1 umol-1, respectively, by examining nifedipine
      oxidation, and 31.53 uM, 0.049 min-1, and 1.55 mL . min-1 umol-1, respectively,
      by examining midazolam 1'-hydroxylation. These apparent kinact/KI values were
      comparable to or even higher than those for several therapeutic drugs that act as
      mechanism-based inhibitors of CYP3A4/5. CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 activities, in turn,
      were not substantially inhibited by grandisin (IC50 > 200 uM and 100 uM,
      respectively). In contrast, from a concentration of 4 uM, grandisin significantly
      stimulated CYP2E1 activity. These results improve the prediction of grandisin
      drug interactions, suggesting that the risk of interactions with drugs
      metabolized by CYP3A4/5 and CYP2E1 cannot be overlooked.

PMID- 28073121
TI  - Small bowel obstruction caused by a migrated Obalon gastric bariatric balloon:
      nonsurgical management by antegrade double-balloon panenteroscopy.

PMID- 28073122
TI  - Central MU-Opioidergic System Activation Evoked by Heavy and Severe-Intensity
      Cycling Exercise in Humans: a Pilot Study Using Positron Emission Tomography with
      11C-Carfentanil.
AB  - The central opioid receptor system likely contributes to the mechanism underlying
      the changes in affect elicited by exercise. Our aim was to use positron emission
      tomography (PET) to test whether exercise intensity influences activation of the
      MU-opioid receptor system in the brain, and whether changes in opioid receptor
      activation correlate with exercise-induced changes in affect. 7 healthy young
      male subjects (23+/-2 years) performed 20-min constant-load cycling exercises at
      heavy (ExH) and severe-intensity (ExS), and PET was performed using
      [11C]carfentanil as a tracer before and after each exercise. Exercise elicited
      the MU-opioidergic system activation in the large areas of the limbic system,
      particularly in the insular cortex, and cerebellum. Of note, deactivation of the
      MU-opioidergic system in the pituitary gland was identified as a specific finding
      in ExS, which evoked a distinctive sensation of fatigue. Within these brain
      areas, MU-opioid receptor activation correlated positively with increased
      positive affect (R2=0.67-0.95) in ExH and negative affect (R2=0.63-0.77) in ExS.
      These findings suggest that central MU-opioidergic neurotransmission evoked by
      continuous exercise is discriminated by work intensity. Notably, we also observed
      a possible contribution of the central MU-opioidergic system to the development
      of the sensation of fatigue during exhaustive exercise.

PMID- 28073123
TI  - Effects of Precooling on 30-km Cycling Performance and Pacing in Hot and
      Temperate Environments.
AB  - This study examined the effects of precooling on performance and pacing during 30
      km cycling exercise in hot and temperate environments. 8 trained male cyclists
      performed 4 trials involving either cooling (PRECTEMP and PRECHOT) or no-cooling
      interventions (TEMP and HOT) prior to a 30-km self-paced cycling exercise in
      either a hot (35 degrees C, 68% relative humidity) or temperate environment (24
      degrees C, 68% relative humidity). Exercise time was longer in HOT (60.62+/-3.47
      min) than in TEMP (58.28+/-3.30 min; P<0.001), and precooling attenuated this
      thermal strain performance impairment (PRECHOT 58.28+/-3.30 min; P=0.048), but it
      was still impaired compared with TEMP (P=0.02). Exercise performance in PRECTEMP
      (54.58+/-4.35 min) was no different from TEMP. Initial power output was sustained
      until the end of the exercise in both TEMP and PRECTEMP, but was reduced from the
      12th km until the end of the trial in HOT (P<0.05). This reduction was delayed by
      precooling because power output was reduced only after the 20th km during PRECHOT
      (P<0.05). Heart rate was similar in all conditions throughout almost the entire
      exercise, suggesting the maintenance of similar relative intensities. In
      conclusion, precooling was effective in attenuating, but not completely reversing
      thermal strain performance impairment and offered no ergogenic effect in the
      temperate environment.

PMID- 28073124
TI  - The Effects of Blood Glucose Regulation in Omentin-1 Levels among Diabetic
      Patients.
AB  - Objectives: Omentin-1, an adipocytokine that increases the insulin sensitivity,
      has been determined to be reduced in patients with insulin resistance, impaired
      glucose tolerance, and Type-2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we have
      investigated the alterations in Omentin-1 levels with the blood glucose
      regulation in diabetic patients having poor glycemic control. By this way, we
      aimed to determine the role of Omentin-1 as a marker in follow-up and monitoring
      progression of diabetes. Methods: Totally 58 patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus, older than 18 years of age who were having poor glycemic control
      (HbA1c>=9) were included in this study. In the first visit, all clinical and
      biochemical parameters of patients were recorded. After baseline evaluation, the
      patients were advised life style changes, and their medical treatment was
      determined individually according to the recommendations of the American Diabetes
      Association guidelines. At the end of the third month patients were re-evaluated.
      Serum Omentin-1 levels were measured with ELISA. Results: In patients using only
      oral antidiabetic agents, after exchanging the treatment with insulin, on 3rd
      month of treatment, there was a significant decrease in serum C-peptide and
      Omentin-1 levels compared with the initial results (p=0.034, p=0.048,
      respectively). On the other hand, in patients using insulin treatment from the
      beginning of the study, there was not any significant alterations in serum C
      peptide or Omentin-1 levels compared with the initial results (p>0.05).
      Conclusions: Serum Omentin-1 levels may change with insulin and metformin
      treatments in Type-2 diabetic patients. In patients with poor glycemic control,
      Omentin-1 levels do not change with the regulation of blood glucose levels. A
      decrease in Omentin-1 and C-peptide levels has been determined after the
      initiation of insulin therapy. This suggests that, Omentin-1 levels are closely
      associated with the endogenous insulin reserve and may be used in follow-up of
      patients.

PMID- 28073125
TI  - Osteocalcin Improves Metabolic Profiles, Body Composition and Arterial Stiffening
      in an Induced Diabetic Rat Model.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of osteocalcin (OCN) on glucose
      homeostasis and metabolic dysregulation. However, its role in body composition
      and vascular function remains unknown. This study was designed to examine changes
      in metabolic parameters and body composition as well as arterial stiffness after
      OCN treatment in type 2 diabetic rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were
      fed chow or high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, and then diabetes was induced with
      an injection of low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) and treated daily with
      intraperitoneal injections of OCN for 12 weeks. Our data showed that OCN
      treatment improved glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Further analysis
      revealed that OCN treatment resulted in increased insulin sensitivity. In
      addition, untreated diabetic rats experienced significant weight loss, whereas
      OCN-treated rats better maintained body weight (300.75+/-38.14 g vs. 335.50+/
      23.70, p=0.005). OCN also changed body composition, as evidenced by reduced body
      fat mass, specifically abdominal fat mass. OCN-treated diabetic rats also
      demonstrated decreased pulse-wave velocity, indicating of improved arterial
      stiffness. Taken together, our findings in the current study revealed that OCN
      therapy prevents arteriosclerosis in an induced diabetic rat model by exerting
      beneficial effects on glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolites, and
      body composition changes.

PMID- 28073126
TI  - Brown and White Adipose Tissue Expression of IL6, UCP1 and SIRT1 are Associated
      with Alterations in Clinical, Metabolic and Anthropometric Parameters in Obese
      Humans.
AB  - Aim: The present study aimed to analyze the expression of IL6, UCP1 and SIRT1 in
      adipose tissue (WAT and BAT) in association to clinical, metabolic and
      anthropometric parameters in obese humans. Methods: WAT and BAT samples from
      obese patients (n=27) were collected. IL6, UCP1 and SIRT1 markers were measured
      by qRT-PCR. The association between IL6, UCP1 and SIRT1 mRNA expression and
      anthropometric and clinical parameters were evaluated, using appropriate
      statistical tests. Results: Our results demonstrated that high levels of IL6 are
      associated with altered glucose levels in the WAT (p=0.01). In contrast, high
      levels of IL6 in the BAT were associated with decreased % fat (p=0.01) and fat
      weight (p=0.02) and increased mVO2 (p=0.02) and VO2 (p=0.02). For UCP1, a higher
      expression in the BAT was observed when compared to the WAT (p=0.0001). This gene
      expression was associated with lower values of BMI (p=0.03), % fat (P=0.02) and
      fat weight (P=0.02) and increased mVO2 (p=0.041) and VO2 (p=0.001). In the WAT,
      decreased levels of SIRT1 were associated with increased fat weight (p=0.02); in
      the BAT, associations were found for % fat (p=0.018) and mVO2 (p=0.03).
      Conclusion: These results reveal different characteristics in the biological
      actions between WAT and BAT in obese humans. Increased levels of IL6, UCP1 and
      SIRT1 in the BAT were associated with metabolic parameters improvements.

PMID- 28073127
TI  - Long-term Consequences of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to Classic 21
      hydroxylase Deficiency in Adolescents and Adults.
AB  - Background The management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) from pediatric
      to adulthood is challenging to achieve optimal growth and puberty. This study
      characterizes the clinical outcomes of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Methods 53 CAH
      patients were included (33 females, 15 and 18 patients with the salt-wasting [SW]
      and simple-virilizing [SV] forms; and 20 males, 16 and 4 patients with the SW and
      SV forms). We reviewed growth parameters, pubertal status, and long-term
      morbidities. Results In females, the age at pubertal onset and pubarche was 9.6+/
      0.9 and 10.5+/-1.9 years, respectively, which was significantly earlier in the SV
      form (p=0.005). In males, the ages at pubertal onset and pubarche were 10.1+/-2.0
      and 10.7+/-2.5 years, respectively, which were not significantly different
      between the groups. Forty patients reached adult height: -2.1+/-1.6 SDS in males
      and -1.5+/-1.1 SDS in females. Obesity and overweight was significantly common in
      adult patients. Testicular adrenal rest tumors were found in 4 SW males. 5
      patients had adrenal tumor including adenoma, adenocarcinoma, or myelolipoma.
      Conclusions Reduced adult height and obesity/overweight are prevalent in
      adulthood. Adolescents and adults with 21-hydroxylase deficiency should be
      monitored for long-term consequences.

PMID- 28073129
TI  - Alternative Treatment Strategies in Women Poorly Tolerating Moderate Doses of
      Bromocriptine.
AB  - Background: Metformin as well as dopaminergic agents exert a beneficial effect on
      glucose and lipid metabolism, often impaired in patients with hyperprolactinemia.
      Objective: The aim of this study was to compare metabolic- and prolactin-lowering
      effects of low-dose bromocriptine/metformin combination therapy and cabergoline
      in patients with elevated prolactin levels. Methods: The study included 27 women
      with hyperprolactinemia and impaired glucose tolerance who were treated with
      moderate doses of bromocriptine but experienced adverse effects of this
      treatment. In 12 of these patients bromocriptine was replaced with cabergoline
      (group A), while the remaining ones continued treatment with bromocriptine, the
      dose of which was halved, and administered together with metformin (group B).
      Plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, as well as serum levels of prolactin,
      thyrotropin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were assessed before and
      after 4 months of metformin treatment. Results: Both groups did not differ in
      baseline levels of plasma glucose and lipids, in insulin sensitivity, as well as
      in circulating levels of all measured hormones. All patients from group A and 12
      patients from group B completed the study. Cabergoline reduced prolactin levels,
      while no effect on plasma prolactin was found in group B. Neither cabergoline nor
      bromocriptine plus metformin affected circulating levels of thyrotropin and IGF
      1. Both treatment options, particularly low-dose bromocriptine plus metformin,
      improved glucose and lipid homeostasis. Conclusions: Low-dose bromocriptine
      combined with metformin may be an interesting alternative to cabergoline in
      patients with mild hyperprolactinemia and early glucose metabolism abnormalities,
      in whom moderate doses of bromocriptine are poorly tolerated.

PMID- 28073128
TI  - The Effect of Vitamin D on Thyroid Autoimmunity in Levothyroxine-Treated Women
      with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Normal Vitamin D Status.
AB  - Background: Low vitamin D status is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease.
      Oral vitamin D supplementation was found to reduce titers of thyroid antibodies
      in levothyroxine-treated women with postpartum thyroiditis and low vitamin D
      status. Methods: The study included 34 women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and
      normal vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels above 30 ng/mL) who had
      been treated for at least 6 months with levothyroxine. On the basis of patient
      preference, women were divided into 2 groups, receiving (n=18) or not receiving
      (n=16) oral vitamin D preparations (2000 IU daily). Serum levels of thyrotropin,
      free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as well as titers
      of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies were measured at the beginning
      of the study and 6 months later. Results: There were no significant differences
      in baseline values between both study groups. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
      inversely correlated with titers of thyroid antibodies. No changes in
      hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis activity and thyroid antibody titers were
      observed in vitamin-naive patients. Vitamin D increased serum levels of 25
      hydroxyvitamin D, as well as reduced titers of thyroid antibodies. This effect
      was more pronounced for thyroid peroxidase than for thyroglobulin antibodies and
      correlated with their baseline titers. Conclusions: Vitamin D preparations may
      reduce thyroid autoimmunity in levothyroxine-treated women with Hashimoto's
      thyroiditis and normal vitamin D status.

PMID- 28073130
TI  - Testosterone Plasma Concentration is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Male
      Hypertensive Patients.
AB  - Background: Low testosterone levels are a common finding among men with Type 2
      Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and are inversely related to insulin resistance. Whether
      this relationship holds true in patients with hypertension, but normal glucose
      tolerance or prediabetes, is unclear. Methods: We recruited 87 male outpatients
      with essential arterial hypertension, aged 35-70 years. Anthropometric data were
      collected, an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) performed, and the homeostasis
      model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score calculated. Follicle
      Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, testosterone, Sex Hormone-Binding
      Globulin and free-testosterone were measured. The concentrations of sex hormones
      were compared between normoglucotolerant, prediabetic and diabetic patients. Non
      parametric tests were applied as appropriate to verify differences among groups,
      while multiple linear regression was used to predict the variability of
      testosterone and free-testosterone. Results: Total serum testosterone
      concentration was significantly lower in T2DM in comparison to normoglucotolerant
      subjects (p<0.01) and was inversely related to body mass index (r=- 0.25,
      p<0.01), waist circumference (r=- 0.27, p<0.01), pre and post-OGTT plasma glucose
      (r=- 0.4, p<0.0001 and r=- 0.29, p<0.01, respectively), pre and post-OGTT plasma
      insulin (r=- 0.42, p<0.0001 and r=- 0.42, p<0.0001) and HOMA-IR (r=- 0.46,
      p<0.0001). Similar associations were observed for free testosterone; HOMA-IR was
      related to testosterone and free-testosterone even in patients with normal
      glucose tolerance (r=- 0.47, p<0.01 and r=- 0.34, p<0.05, respectively). At
      multivariate analysis HOMA-IR was the only variable associated to testosterone
      (p<0.001) and free-testosterone (p<0.05) plasma concentration. Conclusions: In
      males with hypertension, the link between insulin sensitivity and hypothalamic
      pituitary-gonadal axis is maintained along the entire spectrum of glucose
      tolerance.

PMID- 28073131
TI  - Evaluation of Glutathione Peroxidase and KCNJ11 Gene Polymorphisms in Patients
      with New Onset Diabetes Mellitus After Renal Transplantation.
AB  - Introduction Genetic mutations such as C599T polymorphism in glutathione
      peroxidase [GPX1] gene and polymorphisms in potassium channel (KCNJ11) genes have
      recently been proposed in the etiopathogenesis of new onset diabetes mellitus
      after renal transplantation (NODAT). We aimed to examine the association of GPX1
      and KCNJ11 polymorphisms in NODAT. Materials and Methods This is a monocenter
      case-control study with a total of 118 renal transplant recipients who were
      divided into 2 groups; NODAT and normal glucose tolerance. Relation of GPX1 and
      KCNJ11 polymorphisms were investigated between these groups. PCR-RFLP method was
      used for genotyping of polymorphisms in the GPX1 (rs1050450) and KCNJ11
      (rs1805127) genes. Two alleles were visualized for each gene (C/T for GPX1 and
      A/G for KCNJ11). Results NODAT was correlated with age at transplantation
      (p<0.001, r=0.380), post-transplant systolic blood pressure (BP) (p=0.02,
      r=0.211), post-transplant non-HDL cholesterol levels (p=0.01, r=0.803), degree of
      weight change at the end of the first year (p=0.01, r=0.471), presence of pre
      transplant hypertension (HT) (p=0.02, r=0.201), family history of diabetes
      (p=0.01, r=0.29) and dyslipidemia (p=0.012, r=0.362). GPX1 polymorphism of TT
      (mutant) allele was significantly more frequent in patients with NODAT (p<0.001,
      r=0.396) independent from other diabetogenic risk factors. KCNJ11 polymorphisms
      were similar in both groups and did not show any significant association with
      NODAT (p=0.10). Conclusions In addition to several diabetogenic risk factors,
      C599T polymorphisms in GPX1 gene might also contribute to the development of
      NODAT. Further studies on larger patient series are necessary in order to reach
      definitive suggestions.

PMID- 28073132
TI  - Hypothyroidism in Cancer Patients on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors with anti-PD1
      Agents: Insights on Underlying Mechanisms.
AB  - Background: Immune therapy using monoclonal antibodies against cytotoxic T
      lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD
      1) for various cancers have been reported to cause thyroid dysfunction. Little is
      known, however, about the underlying pathogenic mechanisms and the course of
      hypothyroidism that subsequently develops. In this report, we use the change in
      thyroglobulin and thyroid antibody levels in patients on immune therapy who
      develop hypothyroidism to better understand its pathogenesis as well as examine
      the status of hypothyroidism in the long term. Methods: We report a case series
      of 10 patients who developed hypothyroidism after initiation of immune therapy
      (either anti-PD-1 alone or in combination with anti-CTLA-4). Available thyroid
      antibodies including anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti
      TPO), and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) were noted during the initial
      thyroiditis phase as well as the hypothyroid phase. Persistence or remission of
      hypothyroidism was noted at 6 months. Summary: During the thyroiditis phase, 50%
      of the patients had elevated Tg titers, 40% had elevated anti-Tg, and 40% had
      elevated TSI. All of these titers decreased during the hypothyroid phase.
      Permanent hypothyroidism was noted in 80% of the cases. Conclusion:
      Hypothyroidism following initiation of immune therapy has immunologic and non
      immunologic mediated mechanisms and is likely to be persistent.

PMID- 28073134
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073133
TI  - Diabetes Mellitus and Bone Metabolism.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus and bone metabolism affect mesenchymal tissues and have
      numerous epidemiological and pathophysiological associations in common. Diabetes
      mellitus affects bone metabolism and increases fracture risk. The
      pathophysiological mechanims how type 1 and type 2 diabetes impair bone
      metabolism and bone strength may differ which is outlined in this review. Direct
      metabolic effects in additon to centrally controlled endocrine loops exert
      suppressive effects on bone formation and may also stimulate bone Resorption.
      Decreased bone formation in combination with increased bone resorption strongly
      increases fracture risk.

PMID- 28073135
TI  - ?
AB  - The DGVS aims to develop high quality clinical guidelines. Version 2 of the
      guideline program takes up new methodical demands to optimise the development
      process.

PMID- 28073137
TI  - [Relapse after withdrawal from anti-TNF therapy for inflammatory bowel disease].

PMID- 28073136
TI  - [Proton pump inhibitor - side effects and complications of long-term proton pump
      inhibitor administration].
AB  - Proton Pump Inhibitors are among the most common drugs taken. The indication is
      for treatment of heartburn, reflux disease, prophylaxis and treatment of peptic
      ulcers, in combination with NSAIDs and steroids as well as H. pylori-eradication.
      PPI's are widely used, even with non-specific symptoms. This certainly has to do
      with good tolerability and a previously considered low side effect profile. At
      the moment, there is growing evidence that the long-term intake of PPI's may not
      be as safe as assumed. In addition to interactions with some drugs, including
      platelet aggregation inhibitors, recent studies have shown an increased risk of
      myocardial infarction, interstitial nephritis, chronic renal injury, infections,
      vitamin deficiencies and electrolyte shifts as well developing dementia.

PMID- 28073138
TI  - [Long Term Complications Due to Polyethylene Wear in Total Knee Arthroplasty: a
      Case Report].
AB  - This is the case of an 84-year-old patient 18 years after total knee replacement.
      Regular follow-up examinations did not take place beyond 10 years of
      implantation, so that subsequent wear of the polyethylene insert was not
      detected. The patient presented because of knee pain, swelling of the calf, and a
      drop foot. Examination showed a large ganglion with pressure on the peroneal
      nerve, and a loose knee replacement with severe inlay wear and extensive
      osteolysis around the tibial and femoral implants. This rare case demonstrates
      the importance of regular clinical and radiological follow-up examinations after
      total joint replacements, particularly in the long term.

PMID- 28073140
TI  - [Clinical and Radiological Results after Anterior Cervical Corpectomy with Cage
      Fusion - a Retrospective Comparison of PEEK vs. Titanium Cages].
AB  - Background Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) has become a standard
      procedure for patients with spondylotic myelopathy due to multisegmental stenosis
      of the cervical canal. Beside the fusion technique using autogenous bone grafts,
      synthetic cages have been increasingly used in recent years. Published
      information on the clinical and radiological results of different cage materials
      for ACCF is still limited. The study presented here is the largest series to date
      reporting clinical and radiological outcomes and complication rates after one- to
      three-level ACCF using structural polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or titanium cages
      augmented by anterior plate-screw osteosynthesis. Materials and Methods
      Retrospective comparative study on 126 patients after cage ACCF using modular
      PEEK (n = 101) or distractable titanium (n = 25) cages with a minimum follow-up
      of 6 months. The numbers of hardware failures and implant-related surgical
      revisions were determined. The rate of subsidence and fusion and the course of
      lordotic alignment (segmental and regional Cobb's angles) were analysed. Neck
      Disability Index (NDI) and European Myelopathy Score (EMS) were assessed. Results
      Significantly greater number of screw and cage complications were detected in the
      titanium cage group (36 vs. 7.9 % and 64 vs. 36.6 %, respectively). Non
      significant trend to a higher rate of implant related revision rate in the
      titanium cage group (16 vs. 2.97 %). Significantly greater rate of grade I or II
      fusion in the PEEK cage group after 6 months (82 vs. 52 %). NDI, EMS and lordotic
      alignment improved significantly in both groups. There were neither significant
      differences between the two groups nor significant correlations between these
      clinico-radiological parameters and the cage material. Partial correlations
      performed with control of parameters showing inhomogenous distribution (patient
      age, fusion distance, rate of multilevel corpectomy and the rate of
      intraoperative segmental overdistraction) showed no significant correlations for
      any of the clinical or radiological outcome parameters and the complications or
      revisions to the cage material. Conclusion Cages are a safe and effective
      alternative to autogenous bone graft for ACCF. A significant improvement in
      clinical and radiological parameters can be achieved with both titanium and PEEK
      implants. Significant differences between the two cage material groups or
      significant correlations of clinico-radiological outcome and cage material were
      not proven. Moreover there is no evidence in the literature for clinical
      advantages of one special cage material, to date. Therefore further prospective
      randomised evaluation of different fusion techniques in ACCF is still necessary.

PMID- 28073139
TI  - [Influence of Comorbidities on Revision Rate within the First Year after Primary
      Total Hip Arthroplasty].
AB  - : Background Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is very frequently performed. Despite
      low complication rates, revisions play an important clinical and economical role.
      The aim of this study was to identify comorbid diseases of patients undergoing
      primary THA and their potential influence on the survival of hip replacements.
      Patients/Material and Methods A total of 867 patients were included in this
      retrospective study. All revisions were reviewed that took place at our hospital
      within one year of primary implantation of THA. Comorbid diseases were detected
      by administrative data, using the Elixhauser definition, which includes thirty
      diseases. The Cox regression model and Fisher's exact test were used to examine
      correlations between comorbidities and risk of revision. Results 41 Patients
      required re-operation within the first year of surgery. The presence of one or
      more of the analysed comorbidities was associated with a greater risk of
      revision. Deficiency anemia, obesity, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, fluid and
      electrolyte disorders and peripheral vascular disorders were associated with
      increased risk of revision (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: The total
      number of comorbidities and specific comorbid diseases was independently
      associated with an increased risk of re-operation within the first year of total
      hip arthroplasty. This information could be helpful in pre- and post-operative
      risk adjustment and patient selection.

PMID- 28073141
TI  - [Current Recommendations for the Therapy of Dislocated Talus Fractures Weber and
      Marti Type IV - Literature Research].
AB  - Introduction Talar dislocation fractures of type IV (Marti and Weber) are
      extremely rare injuries with special challenges to the surgeon and poor results.
      Due to their low incidence and the sparse literature, it is unclear what is the
      optimal treatment and how complications can be minimised. Material and Methods A
      literature research was carried out using the online medical database "PubMed".
      The findings of the literature were then applied to a clinical case of type IV
      talar dislocation fracture (Marti and Weber). Results Modern osteosynthesis with
      generous and multiple access paths is to be preferred to the previously
      prioritised methods of talectomy and arthrodesis. Priority is put on the fastest
      possible reposition of the fracture, while sparing the soft tissue and the
      conditions of vascularisation. It can be assumed that with increasing degree of
      dislocation the risk of necrosis of the talus rises too, but this does not
      necessarily correlate with the clinical outcome. Conclusions In totally
      dislocated fractures of the talus, the focus is on prompt reposition and
      sufficient osteosynthetic supply. Nevertheless, frequent complications have to be
      expected. Medial explantation, which is described in the clinical example and
      lateral re-implantation of the talar body have never been described before in the
      literature and were an encouraging development.

PMID- 28073142
TI  - Cardio-Oncology: Progress in Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiac Dysfunction.

PMID- 28073143
TI  - Demyelinating polyneuropathy in a case of anti-LGI1 encephalitis.

PMID- 28073144
TI  - Food Effect Studies for Oncology Drug Products.
AB  - Oral antineoplastic agents provide convenience to the patient, but are
      accompanied by challenges distinct from parenteral cancer treatment. Challenges
      include a more complex pharmacokinetic profile, with food influencing the
      absorption of many agents. Standards for evaluating and labeling prandial
      implications on oral chemotherapy are inconsistent; studies to determine food
      effects should be conducted early, and potentially often, during drug development
      with standardization on how rational fasting or fed recommendations are presented
      in the package insert (PI).

PMID- 28073145
TI  - Does partial muscle reinnervation preserve future re-innervation potential?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Late revision nerve surgery for incomplete motor recovery due to
      partial reinnervation would improve muscle function if all muscle fibers were
      protected from developing denervation atrophy. METHODS: Sixty immature Sprague
      Dawley rats underwent the following tibial nerve manipulations (n = 15/group):
      group A, partial denervation (two thirds of nerve resected and the remaining one
      third crushed), revision repair at 8 months; group B, partial denervation; group
      C, complete denervation, immediate reconstruction; group D, complete denervation,
      reconstruction at 8 months; and group E, control. Final testing at 11 months
      included muscle force, weight, and histology. RESULTS: Muscle weight was
      significantly (P < 0.05) different among all groups (highest to lowest: E > B > C
      > A > D), and force was significantly lower in groups A and D compared with E.
      Muscle fiber cross-sectional area was statistically smaller in group A than in
      groups B, C, or E. DISCUSSION: Partial reinnervation still allowed substantial
      muscle recovery, but it did not preserve the non-innervated muscle fibers. Muscle
      Nerve 56: 1143-1148, 2017.

PMID- 28073146
TI  - Value-based care in hepatology.
AB  - The migration from legacy fee-for-service reimbursement to payments linked to
      high-value health care is accelerating in the United States because of new
      legislation and redesign of payments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
      Services. Because patients with chronic diseases account for substantial use of
      health care resources, payers and health systems are focusing on maximizing the
      value of care for these patients. Because chronic liver diseases impose a major
      health burden worldwide affecting the health and lives of many individuals and
      families as well as substantial costs for individuals and payers, hepatologists
      must understand how they can improve their practices. Hepatologists practice a
      high-intensity cognitive subspecialty, using complex and costly procedures and
      medications. High-value patient care requires multidisciplinary coordination,
      labor-intensive support for critically ill patients, and effective chronic
      disease management. Under current fee-for-service reimbursement, patient values,
      medical success, and financial success can all be misaligned. Many current
      attempts to link health outcomes to reimbursement are based on compliance with
      process measures, with less emphasis on outcomes that matter most to patients,
      thus slowing transformation to higher-value team-based care. Outcome measures
      that reflect the entire cycle of care are needed to assist both clinicians and
      administrators in improving the quality and value of care. A comprehensive set of
      outcome measures for liver diseases is not currently available. Numerous
      researchers now are attempting to fill this gap by devising and testing outcome
      indicators and patient-reported outcomes for the major liver conditions. These
      indicators will provide tools to implement a value-based approach for patients
      with chronic liver diseases to compare results and value of care between referral
      centers, to perform health technology assessment, and to guide decision-making
      processes for health authorities. This review sets the groundwork for
      implementing a value-based, patient-centered approach to chronic liver diseases
      within a health system. (Hepatology 2017;65:1749-1755).

PMID- 28073147
TI  - Treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in children: Not a cinch task.

PMID- 28073148
TI  - European Medicines Agency Perspective on Oncology Study Design for Marketing
      Authorization and Beyond.
AB  - In the development of highly active anticancer drugs, the European situation may
      be viewed as paradoxical. Limited data may support marketing authorization, but
      may be insufficient for the health economic appraisal needed for reimbursement
      and market uptake. To achieve this, conventional confirmatory studies may be
      needed. For products of special interest, studies aimed at optimizing cost
      effectiveness may be warranted. Efficient designs of studies to meet these
      objectives constitute challenges to all stakeholders.

PMID- 28073149
TI  - Smoking at the time of diagnosis and mortality in cancer patients: What benefit
      does the quitter gain?
AB  - Few studies have examined the association between smoking behavior (especially
      quitters) at the time of diagnosis and mortality among cancer patients. Our
      objective was to examine the benefits of quitting on all-cause mortality among
      cancer patients. 30,658 eligible cancer patients diagnosed between 1985 and 2009,
      identified by a hospital-based cancer registry in Japan, were followed up for up
      to 10 years. We evaluated smoking behavior at cancer diagnosis (especially recent
      quitters vs. current smokers) in association with all-cause mortality using Cox
      proportional hazards models and covariates-adjusted survival curves. Risk of
      death was estimated to be reduced by 11% in recent quitters compared with current
      smokers. According to adjusted survival curves, median survival time was 8.25
      years for recent quitters versus 7.18 years for current smokers, indicating an
      absolute difference of 1.07 year for a median survivor. Similarly, never and
      former smokers had 18% and 16% lower risk of death with 1.90 years and 1.77 years
      gained, respectively, compared with current smokers. In addition to former and
      never smokers, recent quitters showed consistently higher survival rates than
      current smokers during the 10-year calendar period after diagnosis among cancer
      patients. Because recent quitters may be similar to patients who stop smoking
      shortly after cancer diagnosis in terms of smoking duration, the latter may be
      able to decrease their risk of death, suggesting that smoking cessation could be
      part of cancer care.

PMID- 28073150
TI  - The impact of overdiagnosis on the selection of efficient lung cancer screening
      strategies.
AB  - The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently updated their national
      lung screening guidelines and recommended low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for
      lung cancer (LC) screening through age 80. However, the risk of overdiagnosis
      among older populations is a concern. Using four comparative models from the
      Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network, we evaluate the
      overdiagnosis of the screening program recommended by USPSTF in the U.S. 1950
      birth cohort. We estimate the number of LC deaths averted by screening (D) per
      overdiagnosed case (O), yielding the ratio D/O, to quantify the trade-off between
      the harms and benefits of LDCT. We analyze 576 hypothetical screening strategies
      that vary by age, smoking, and screening frequency and evaluate efficient
      screening strategies that maximize the D/O ratio and other metrics including D
      and life-years gained (LYG) per overdiagnosed case. The estimated D/O ratio for
      the USPSTF screening program is 2.85 (model range: 1.5-4.5) in the 1950 birth
      cohort, implying LDCT can prevent ~3 LC deaths per overdiagnosed case. This D/O
      ratio increases by 22% when the program stops screening at an earlier age 75
      instead of 80. Efficiency frontier analysis shows that while the most efficient
      screening strategies that maximize the mortality reduction (D) irrespective of
      overdiagnosis screen through age 80, screening strategies that stop at age 75
      versus 80 produce greater efficiency in increasing life-years gained per
      overdiagnosed case. Given the risk of overdiagnosis with LC screening, the
      stopping age of screening merits further consideration when balancing benefits
      and harms.

PMID- 28073153
TI  - Reminder: RMSSD and SD1 are identical heart rate variability metrics.
AB  - Assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) is a common approach to examine
      cardiac autonomic nervous system modulation that has been employed in a variety
      of settings. Frequently, both the root mean square of successive differences
      (RMSSD) and SD1, which is a Poincare plot component, have been used to quantify
      short-term heart rate variability. It is not typically appreciated, however, that
      RMSSD and SD1 are identical metrics of HRV. As a reminder to clinicians and
      researchers who use and study HRV, we show both empirically and mathematically
      that RMSSD and SD1 are identical metrics. Because the homology between RMSSD and
      SD1 is not commonly known, the inclusion of both measures has been reported in
      many recent publications. The inappropriate use of such redundant data may affect
      the interpretation of HRV studies. Muscle Nerve 56: 674-678, 2017.

PMID- 28073151
TI  - CCBE1 mutation causing sclerosing cholangitis: Expanding the spectrum of
      lymphedema-cholestasis syndrome.
AB  - A 52-year old patient presented with lymphedema, protein loosing enteropathy, and
      sclerosing cholangitis and was diagnosed with lymphedema cholestasis syndrome
      (LCS). Cholangioscopy revealed dilated lymphatic vessels obstructing the bile
      duct and compound heterozygosity for collagen and calcium-binding epidermal
      growth factor domain-containing protein 1 (CCBE1) mutations was identified
      defining a novel type of LCS. (Hepatology 2017;66:286-288).

PMID- 28073154
TI  - Volume 100 but how old is Clinical and Experimental Optometry?

PMID- 28073152
TI  - Characterizing Pharmacogenomic-Guided Medication Use With a Clinical Data
      Repository.
AB  - The extent to which pharmacogenomic-guided medication use has been adopted in
      various health systems is unclear. To assess the uptake of pharmacogenomic-guided
      medication use, we determined its frequency across our health system, which does
      not have a structured testing program. Using a multisite clinical data
      repository, we identified adult patients' first prescribed medications between
      January 2011 and December 2013 and investigated the frequency of germline and
      somatic pharmacogenomic testing, by the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase level of
      the US Food and Drug Administration label information. There were 268,262
      medication orders for drugs with germline pharmacogenomic testing information in
      their drug labels. Pharmacogenomic testing was detected for 1.5% (129/8,718) of
      medication orders with recommended or required testing. Of the 3,817 medication
      orders associated with somatic pharmacogenomic testing information in their drug
      labels, 20% (372/1,819) of required tests were detected. The low rates of
      detectable pharmacogenomic testing suggest that structured testing programs are
      required to achieve the success of precision medicine.

PMID- 28073155
TI  - Differential effects of myostatin deficiency on motor and sensory axons.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Deletion of myostatin in mice (MSTN-/- ) alters structural
      properties of peripheral axons. However, properties like axon diameter and myelin
      thickness were analyzed in mixed nerves, so it is unclear whether loss of
      myostatin affects motor, sensory, or both types of axons. METHODS: Using the MSTN
      /- mouse model, we analyzed the effects of increasing the number of muscle fibers
      on axon diameter, myelin thickness, and internode length in motor and sensory
      axons. RESULTS: Axon diameter and myelin thickness were increased in motor axons
      of MSTN-/- mice without affecting internode length or axon number. The number of
      sensory axons was increased without affecting their structural properties.
      DISCUSSION: These results suggest that motor and sensory axons establish
      structural properties by independent mechanisms. Moreover, in motor axons,
      instructive cues from the neuromuscular junction may play a role in co-regulating
      axon diameter and myelin thickness, whereas internode length is established
      independently. Muscle Nerve 56: E100-E107, 2017.

PMID- 28073156
TI  - Paraparetic Guillain-Barre syndrome: Non-demyelinating reversible conduction
      failure restricted to the lower limbs.

PMID- 28073158
TI  - Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action of a thionin-like peptide from
      Capsicum annuum fruits and combinatorial treatment with fluconazole against
      Fusarium solani.
AB  - Many Fusarium species are able to cause severe infections in plants as well as in
      animals and humans. Therefore, the discovery of new antifungal agents is of
      paramount importance. CaThi belongs to the thionins, which are cationic peptides
      with low molecular weights (~5 kDa) that have toxic effects against various
      microorganisms. Herein, we study the mechanism of action of CaThi and its
      combinatory effect with fluconazole (FLC) against Fusarium solani. The mechanism
      of action of CaThi was studied by growth inhibition, viability, plasma membrane
      permeabilization, ROS induction, caspase activation, localization, and DNA
      binding capability, as assessed with Sytox green, DAB, FITC-VAD-FMK, CaThi-FITC,
      and gel shift assays. The combinatory effect of CaThi and FLC was assessed using
      a growth inhibition assay. Our results demonstrated that CaThi present a dose
      dependent activity and at the higher used concentration (50 ug mL-1 ) inhibits
      83% of F. solani growth, prevents the formation of hyphae, permeabilizes
      membranes, induces endogenous H2 O2 , activates caspases, and localizes
      intracellularly. CaThi combined with FLC, at concentrations that alone do not
      inhibit F. solani, result in 100% death of F. solani when combined. The data
      presented in this study demonstrate that CaThi causes death of F. solani via
      apoptosis; an intracellular target may also be involved. Combined treatment using
      CaThi and FLC is a strong candidate for studies aimed at improved targeting of F.
      solani. This strategy is of particular interest because it minimizes selection of
      resistant microorganisms.

PMID- 28073157
TI  - Comparison of Parent, Peer, Psychiatric, and Cannabis Use Influences Across
      Stages of Offspring Alcohol Involvement: Evidence from the COGA Prospective
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: All stages of development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) have not been
      equally studied. While initiation of drinking has been given considerable
      attention, other stages have not been as thoroughly investigated. It is not clear
      whether the same factors are associated consistently across early and late
      transitions in AUD involvement. High-risk family samples that are enriched for
      AUD vulnerability and transitions in AUD development offer an opportunity to
      examine influences across multiple stages of AUD development. METHODS: Data from
      adolescents and young adults from high-risk families were used to study 4
      transitions in AUD development-time to first drink, first drink to first problem,
      first drink to first diagnosis, and first problem to first diagnosis. Cox
      modeling was used to compare associations of parental AUD, parental separation,
      peer substance use, offspring ever-use of cannabis, trauma exposures, and
      internalizing and externalizing psychopathology across transitions. RESULTS:
      Hazards of most transitions were elevated for those who had ever used cannabis,
      those who attributed substance use to their peers, those with externalizing
      disorders, and those with parents with AUD. Many risk factors were linked to
      early initiation of alcohol, particularly cannabis use. Internalizing disorders
      were associated with later stages. Nonassaultive trauma was associated only with
      early initiation; assaultive trauma was not associated with any transition.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this large, ethnically diverse sample of high-risk youth,
      significant influences across transitions were fairly consistent, with
      externalizing disorders and cannabis ever-use elevating the likelihood of each
      stage, and peer and parental (and especially maternal AUD) influences linked to
      initiation and some later stages. Finally, in light of the increasingly
      permissive legal and social stances toward cannabis in the United States, the
      marked elevations of all alcohol outcomes observed for cannabis use underscore
      the importance of studying the underpinnings of this relationship.

PMID- 28073159
TI  - Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor promotes tumor growth in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - : Deregulation of the immune system is believed to contribute to cancer
      malignancy, which has led to recent therapeutic breakthroughs facilitating
      antitumor immunity. In a malignant setting, immunoglobulin receptors, which are
      fundamental components of the human immune system, fulfill paradoxical roles in
      cancer pathogenesis. This study describes a previously unrecognized pro-oncogenic
      function of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in the promotion of cell
      transformation and proliferation. Mechanistically, pIgR overexpression is
      associated with YES proto-oncogene 1, Src family tyrosine kinase (Yes)
      activation, which is required for pIgR-induced oncogenic growth. Specifically,
      pIgR activates the Yes-DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa-spleen tyrosine kinase
      Rac1/CDC42-MEK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase)/ERK (extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase) cascade in an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activating
      motif (ITAM)-dependent manner to promote cell transformation and tumor growth,
      although pIgR itself does not contain an ITAM sequence. Additionally, the
      combination of pIgR and phosphorylated Yes (p-Yes) levels serves as a prognostic
      biomarker for hepatitis B surface antigen-positive and early-stage hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) patients. Moreover, pharmacological targeting of MEK/ERK or Yes
      represents a therapeutic option for the subgroup of patients with pIgR/p-Yes
      positive HCC based on our results with both cancer cell-line-based xenografts and
      primary patient-derived xenografts. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal the molecular
      mechanism by which pIgR promotes cancer malignancy, suggest the clinical
      potential of targeting this pathway in HCC, and provide new insight into the
      oncogenic role of immunoglobulin receptors. (Hepatology 2017;65:1948-1962).

PMID- 28073161
TI  - The PNPLA3 I148M variant modulates the fibrogenic phenotype of human hepatic
      stellate cells.
AB  - : The genetic polymorphism I148M of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing
      3 (PNPLA3) is robustly associated with hepatic steatosis and its progression to
      steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key
      players in the development of liver fibrosis, but the role of PNPLA3 and its
      variant I148M in this process is poorly understood. Here we analyzed the
      expression of PNPLA3 during human HSC activation and thereby explored how a
      PNPLA3 variant impacts hepatic fibrogenesis. We show that expression of PNPLA3
      gene and protein increases during the early phases of activation and remains
      elevated in fully activated HSCs (P < 0.01). Knockdown of PNPLA3 significantly
      decreases the profibrogenic protein alpha-smooth muscle actin (P < 0.05). Primary
      human I148M HSCs displayed significantly higher expression and release of
      proinflammatory cytokines, such as chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (P < 0.01) and
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (P < 0.001), thus contributing
      to migration of immune cells (P < 0.05). Primary I148M HSCs showed reduced
      retinol (P < 0.001) but higher lipid droplet content (P < 0.001). In line with
      this, LX-2 cells stably overexpressing I148M showed augmented proliferation and
      migration, lower retinol, and abolished retinoid X receptor/retinoid A receptor
      transcriptional activities but more lipid droplets. Knockdown of I148M PNPLA3 (P
      < 0.001) also reduces chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 and collagen1alpha1
      expression (P < 0.05). Notably, I148M cells display reduced peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor gamma transcriptional activity, and this effect
      was attributed to increased c-Jun N-terminal kinase, thereby inhibiting
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma through serine 84
      phosphorylation and promoting activator protein 1 transcription. Conversely, the
      c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor SP600125 and the peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor gamma agonist rosiglitazone decreased activator protein 1
      promoter activity. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that PNPLA3 is required for
      HSC activation and that its genetic variant I148M potentiates the profibrogenic
      features of HSCs, providing a molecular mechanism for the higher risk of
      progression and severity of liver diseases conferred to patients carrying the
      I148M variant. (Hepatology 2017;65:1875-1890).

PMID- 28073160
TI  - Activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway aggravates proteotoxicity of
      hepatic mutant Z alpha1-antitrypsin.
AB  - : Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disease that can affect both the
      lung and the liver. The vast majority of patients harbor a mutation in the serine
      protease inhibitor 1A (SERPINA1) gene leading to a single amino acid substitution
      that results in an unfolded protein that is prone to polymerization. Alpha1
      antitrypsin defciency-related liver disease is therefore caused by a gain-of
      function mechanism due to accumulation of the mutant Z alpha1-antitrypsin (ATZ)
      and is a key example of an disease mechanism induced by protein toxicity.
      Intracellular retention of ATZ triggers a complex injury cascade including
      apoptosis and other mechanisms, although several aspects of the disease
      pathogenesis are still unclear. We show that ATZ induces activation of c-Jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK) and c-Jun and that genetic ablation of JNK1 or JNK2
      decreased ATZ levels in vivo by reducing c-Jun-mediated SERPINA1 gene expression.
      JNK activation was confirmed in livers of patients homozygous for the Z allele,
      with severe liver disease requiring hepatic transplantation. Treatment of patient
      derived induced pluripotent stem cell-hepatic cells with a JNK inhibitor reduced
      accumulation of ATZ. CONCLUSION: These data reveal that JNK is a key pathway in
      the disease pathogenesis and add new therapeutic entry points for liver disease
      caused by ATZ. (Hepatology 2017;65:1865-1874).

PMID- 28073162
TI  - Refractory subacute steatohepatitis after biliopancreatic diversion.

PMID- 28073163
TI  - Hydrocarbon-stapled lipopeptides exhibit selective antimicrobial activity.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) occur widely in nature and have been studied for
      their therapeutic potential. AMPs are of interest due to the large number of
      possible chemical structural combinations using natural and unnatural amino
      acids, with varying effects on their biological activities. Using physicochemical
      properties from known naturally occurring amphipathic cationic AMPs, several
      hydrocarbon-stapled lipopeptides (HSLPs) were designed, synthesized, and tested
      for antimicrobial properties. Peptides were chemically modified by N-terminal
      acylation, C-terminal amidation, and some were hydrocarbon stapled by
      intramolecular olefin metathesis. The effects of peptide length, amphipathic
      character, and stapling on antimicrobial activity were tested against Escherichia
      coli, three species of Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus
      megaterium, and Enterococcus faecalis), and two strains of Candida albicans.
      Peptides were shown to disrupt liposomes of different phospholipid composition,
      as measured by leakage of a fluorescent compound from vesicles. Peptides with (S)
      2-(4'-pentenyl)-alanine substituted for l-alanine in a reference peptide showed a
      marked increase in antimicrobial activity, hemolysis, and membrane disruption.
      Stapled peptides exhibited slightly higher antimicrobial potency; those with
      greatest hydrophobic character showed the greatest hemolysis and liposome
      leakage, but lower antimicrobial activity. The results support a model of HSLPs
      as membrane-disruptive AMPs with potent antimicrobial activity and relatively low
      hemolytic potential at biologically active peptide concentrations.

PMID- 28073165
TI  - Description of a new species of Hoolock gibbon (Primates: Hylobatidae) based on
      integrative taxonomy.
AB  - We describe a species of Hoolock gibbon (Primates: Hylobatidae) that is new to
      science from eastern Myanmar and southwestern China. The genus of hoolock gibbons
      comprises two previously described living species, the western (Hoolock hoolock)
      and eastern hoolock (H. leuconedys) gibbons, geographically isolated by the
      Chindwin River. We assessed the morphological and genetic characteristics of wild
      animals and museum specimens, and conducted multi-disciplinary analyses using
      mitochondrial genomic sequences, external morphology, and craniodental characters
      to evaluate the taxonomic status of the hoolock population in China. The results
      suggest that hoolocks distributed to the east of the Irrawaddy-Nmai Hka Rivers,
      which were previously assigned to H. leuconedys, are morphologically and
      genetically distinct from those to the west of the river, and should be
      recognized as a new species, the Gaoligong hoolock gibbon or skywalker hoolock
      gibbon (H. tianxing sp. nov.). We consider that the new species should be
      categorized as Endangered under IUCN criteria. The discovery of the new species
      focuses attention on the need for improved conservation of small apes, many of
      which are in danger of extinction in southern China and Southeast Asia.

PMID- 28073164
TI  - Protective role of endogenous plasmalogens against hepatic steatosis and
      steatohepatitis in mice.
AB  - : Free cholesterol (FC) accumulation in the liver is an important pathogenic
      mechanism of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Plasmalogens, key structural
      components of the cell membrane, act as endogenous antioxidants and are primarily
      synthesized in the liver. However, the role of hepatic plasmalogens in metabolic
      liver disease is unclear. In this study, we found that hepatic levels of
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing plasmalogens, expression of
      glyceronephosphate O-acyltransferase (Gnpat; the rate-limiting enzyme in
      plasmalogen biosynthesis), and expression of Pparalpha were lower in mice with
      NASH caused by accumulation of FC in the liver. Cyclodextrin-induced depletion of
      FC transactivated Delta-6 desaturase by increasing sterol regulatory element
      binding protein 2 expression in cultured hepatocytes. DHA, the major product of
      Delta-6 desaturase activation, activated GNPAT, thereby explaining the
      association between high hepatic FC and decreased Gnpat expression. Gnpat small
      interfering RNA treatment significantly decreased peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor alpha (Pparalpha) expression in cultured hepatocytes. In
      addition to GNPAT, DHA activated PPARalpha and increased expression of Pparalpha
      and its target genes, suggesting that DHA in the DHA-containing plasmalogens
      contributed to activation of PPARalpha. Accordingly, administration of the
      plasmalogen precursor, alkyl glycerol (AG), prevented hepatic steatosis and NASH
      through a PPARalpha-dependent increase in fatty acid oxidation. Gnpat+/- mice
      were more susceptible to hepatic lipid accumulation and less responsive to the
      preventive effect of fluvastatin on NASH development, suggesting that endogenous
      plasmalogens prevent hepatic steatosis and NASH. CONCLUSION: Increased hepatic FC
      in animals with NASH decreased plasmalogens, thereby sensitizing animals to
      hepatocyte injury and NASH. Our findings uncover a novel link between hepatic FC
      and plasmalogen homeostasis through GNPAT regulation. Further study of AG or
      other agents that increase hepatic plasmalogen levels may identify novel
      therapeutic strategies against NASH. (Hepatology 2017;66:416-431).

PMID- 28073166
TI  - Low sugar nutrition policies and dental caries: A study of primary schools in
      South Auckland.
AB  - AIM: The study assessed whether a healthy food policy implemented in one school,
      Yendarra Primary, situated in a socio-economically deprived area of South
      Auckland, had improved student oral health by comparing dental caries levels with
      students of similar schools in the same region with no such policy. METHODS:
      Records of caries of the primary and adult teeth were obtained between 2007 and
      2014 for children attending Yendarra, and were compared to those of eight other
      public schools in the area, with a similar demographic profile. Children were
      selected between the ages of 8 and 11 years. Linear regression models were used
      to estimate the strength of association between attending Yendarra school and
      dental caries. RESULTS: During the study period, 3813 records were obtained of
      children who attended dental examinations and the schools of interest. In a
      linear model, mean number of carious primary and adult teeth were 0.37 lower (95%
      confidence interval: 0.09-0.65) in Yendarra school children, compared to those in
      other schools, after adjustment for confounders. Pacific students had higher
      numbers of carious teeth (adjusted beta coefficient: 0.25; 95% confidence
      interval: 0.03-0.46) than Maori. CONCLUSION: This nutrition policy, implemented
      in a school in the poorest region of South Auckland, which restricted sugary food
      and drink availability, was associated with a marked positive effect on the oral
      health of students, compared to students in surrounding schools. We recommend
      that such policies are a useful means of improving child oral health.

PMID- 28073167
TI  - Large extents of intensive land use limit community reorganization during climate
      warming.
AB  - Climate change is increasingly altering the composition of ecological
      communities, in combination with other environmental pressures such as high
      intensity land use. Pressures are expected to interact in their effects, but the
      extent to which intensive human land use constrains community responses to
      climate change is currently unclear. A generic indicator of climate change
      impact, the community temperature index (CTI), has previously been used to
      suggest that both bird and butterflies are successfully 'tracking' climate
      change. Here, we assessed community changes at over 600 English bird or butterfly
      monitoring sites over three decades and tested how the surrounding land has
      influenced these changes. We partitioned community changes into warm- and cold
      associated assemblages and found that English bird communities have not
      reorganized successfully in response to climate change. CTI increases for birds
      are primarily attributable to the loss of cold-associated species, whilst for
      butterflies, warm-associated species have tended to increase. Importantly, the
      area of intensively managed land use around monitoring sites appears to influence
      these community changes, with large extents of intensively managed land limiting
      'adaptive' community reorganization in response to climate change. Specifically,
      high-intensity land use appears to exacerbate declines in cold-adapted bird and
      butterfly species, and prevent increases in warm-associated birds. This has broad
      implications for managing landscapes to promote climate change adaptation.

PMID- 28073168
TI  - How clean is your stethoscope?

PMID- 28073169
TI  - Vascular complication rates in living donor liver transplantation: How low can we
      go?

PMID- 28073170
TI  - Loss of hSef promotes metastasis through upregulation of EMT in prostate cancer.
AB  - We have previously reported that the negative signaling regulator Similar
      Expression to FGF (hSef) is downregulated in prostate cancer and its loss is
      associated with clinical metastasis. Here, we explored the mechanistic basis of
      this finding. We first confirmed our clinical observation by testing hSef
      manipulation in an in vivo metastasis model. hSef stable expressing cells (PC3M
      hSef) or empty vector controls (PC3M-EV) were injected subcutaneously into the
      lateral thoracic walls of NOD-SCID gamma mice and lungs were harvested at
      autopsy. In this model, 6/7 PC3M-EV xenografts had definitive lung micro
      metastasis whilst only 1/6 PC3M-hSef xenografts exhibited metastasis
      recapitulating the clinical scenario (p = 0.03). Gene expression studies revealed
      key perturbations in genes involved in cell motility and epithelial to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) along with alterations in cognate signaling
      pathways. These results were validated in an EMT specific PCR array whereby hSef
      over-expression and silencing reciprocally altered E-Cadherin expression (p =
      <0.001) amongst other EMT markers. Immunohistochemistry of excised tumors from
      the xenografts also confirmed the effect of hSef in suppressing E-Cadherin
      expression at the protein level. Phosphokinase arrays further demonstrated a role
      for hSef in attenuating signaling of not only ERK-MAPK but also the JNK and p38
      pathways as well. Taken together, these data suggest evidence that loss of hSef
      may be a critical event facilitating tumor dissemination of prostate cancer
      through alteration of EMT. Detection of downregulated hSef, along with other
      negative regulators, may therefore be a useful biomarker heralding a transition
      to a metastatic phenotype and warrants further exploration in this context.

PMID- 28073172
TI  - Living donation to the extreme: Saving a life not once, but twice.

PMID- 28073173
TI  - Expression of CD43 in chronic lymphoproliferative leukemias.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CD43 has been used on histological samples for the differential
      diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders but there is scarce data on its use by
      flow cytometry (FC). We set out to characterize the expression of CD43 by FC in B
      cell lymphoproliferative disorders and to determine its possible role in the
      differential diagnosis of these malignancies. METHODS: We analyzed the expression
      of CD43 in clonal B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders with exclusive peripheral
      blood and/or bone marrow involvement based on their Moreau chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia (CLL) score with particular emphasis on Moreau CLL score 3 (MS3) cases,
      which often present a diagnostic challenge. The cohort included 433 CLL (score 4
      5), 34 MS3 and 166 lymphoproliferative disorders with lower scores. RESULTS:
      Generally, the higher the Moreau CLL score, the higher CD43-positivity (425/443
      [96%] for CLL, 23/34 [67%] for MS3 and 18/166 [11%] for cases with lower scores).
      MS3 cases constituted 5.4% of all cases and were more frequently CD5, CD200, CD43
      positive and had del(q13) than score 0-2 cases. Among MS3 cases, del(13q) cases
      were predominantly CD43-positive (12/13). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of CD43
      positivity increases sharply with the Moreau score. MS3 cases seem to include
      both CLL and non-CLL lymphoproliferative disorders and CD43 could aid in the
      differential diagnosis between the two. However, studies analyzing the
      correlation between CD43 expression and the underlying biologic changes of these
      cases are warranted. (c) 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

PMID- 28073171
TI  - Pan-cancer survey of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers across the Cancer
      Genome Atlas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can be readily induced
      experimentally in cancer cells, the EMT process as manifested in human tumors
      needs to be better understood. Pan-cancer genomic datasets from The Cancer Genome
      Atlas (TCGA), representing over 10,000 patients and 32 distinct cancer types,
      provide a rich resource for examining correlative patterns involving EMT
      mediators in the setting of human cancers. RESULTS: Here, we surveyed a 16-gene
      signature of canonical EMT markers in TCGA pan-cancer cohort. The histology or
      cell-of-origin of a tumor sample may align more with mesenchymal or epithelial
      phenotype, and noncancer as well as cancer cells can contribute to the overall
      molecular patterns observed within a tumor sample; correlation models involving
      EMT markers can factor in both of the above variables. EMT-associated genes
      appear coordinately expressed across all cancers and within each cancer type
      surveyed. Gene signatures of immune cells correlate highly with EMT marker
      expression in tumors. In pan-cancer analysis, several EMT-related genes can be
      significantly associated with worse patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Gene correlates
      of EMT phenotype in human tumors could include novel mediators of EMT that might
      be confirmed experimentally, by which TCGA datasets may serve as a platform for
      discovery in ongoing studies. Developmental Dynamics 247:555-564, 2018. (c) 2017
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28073174
TI  - Successful application of supraceliac aortohepatic conduit using saphenous venous
      graft in right Lobe living donor liver transplantation.

PMID- 28073175
TI  - Postreperfusion microcirculatory derangements after liver transplantation:
      Relationship to hemodynamics, serum mediators, and outcome.
AB  - Despite the growing data supporting the role of microcirculation in regulating
      liver function, little of this knowledge has been translated into clinical
      practice. The aim of this study is to quantify hepatic microcirculation in vivo
      using sidestream dark field (SDF) imaging and correlate these findings with
      hepatic blood flow, hemodynamic parameters, and soluble mediators.
      Postreperfusion hepatic microcirculation was assessed using SDF imaging. Hepatic
      microcirculation measurements included functional sinusoidal density (cm/cm2 ),
      sinusoidal diameter (MUm), red blood cell velocity (MUm/second), volumetric blood
      flow (pl/second), and flow heterogeneity (FH) index. The serum concentrations of
      endothelin 1 (ET-1) and other inflammatory markers were analyzed with Luminex
      technology. Portal venous and hepatic artery flows were measured using a
      flowmeter. Twenty-eight patients undergoing cadaveric liver transplantations have
      been included in this study. Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) occurred in 7
      (25%) patients and was associated with microcirculatory dysfunction. Low arterial
      and portal flow, high dose of inotropes, cold ischemia time, steatosis, and high
      ET-1 levels were all associated with impaired microcirculation. The time interval
      between portal venous and hepatic arterial reperfusion significantly correlated
      with the changes of the liver grafts' microcirculation. EAD patients tended to
      have higher serum levels of ET-1 on postoperative days 1, 2, 5, and 7 (all P <
      0.01). Serum levels of ET-1 correlated significantly with microcirculation
      parameters. In conclusion, postreperfusion hepatic microcirculation is a
      determinant of organ dysfunction after liver reperfusion and could be used to
      identify very early patients at risk of EAD. Liver Transplantation 23 527-536
      2017 AASLD.

PMID- 28073176
TI  - Parental perceptions of clown care in paediatric intensive care units.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study was to report family satisfaction with regards
      to the presence of clowns in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS:
      This is a single-centre survey-based study, conducted over 4 months in a 12-bed
      third level PICU in a university hospital. All parents present at the bedside of
      their child during clowning were considered as potential participants. Eligible
      parents were approached by one of the two intensivists as investigators and asked
      to complete a survey within the 48 h following the clowns' intervention. RESULTS:
      Thirty-three parents consented to complete the survey. Median age of children was
      14 months (15 days to 16 years) and median Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction
      (PELOD) score was 1 (0-22). Twenty-four (72.7%) were considered as clinically
      stable while the clowns intervened. Twenty-eight parents (84.8%) and 27 (81.8%)
      considered that clowns had a positive effect on themselves and on their child,
      respectively. Clown care was considered as necessary in 19 cases (57.6%),
      optional in 13 (39.4%) and unnecessary in 1 (3.0%). The degree of parental
      satisfaction was not significantly associated with the child's clinical
      stability. CONCLUSION: We suggested that medical clowning in the PICU is well
      accepted by parents, regardless of severity of their child's condition. This
      study supports the adoption of medical clowning in PICUs as a patient- and family
      centred care practice.

PMID- 28073177
TI  - Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury associated with bile duct loss and
      vanishing bile duct syndrome: Rare but has severe consequences.

PMID- 28073178
TI  - Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies for induction therapy in kidney transplant
      recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prolonging kidney transplant survival is an important clinical
      priority. Induction immunosuppression with antibody therapy is recommended at
      transplantation and non-depleting interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibodies
      (IL2Ra) are considered first line. It is suggested that recipients at high risk
      of rejection should receive lymphocyte-depleting antibodies but the relative
      benefits and harms of the available agents are uncertain. OBJECTIVES: We aimed
      to: evaluate the relative and absolute effects of different antibody preparations
      (except IL2Ra) when used as induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients;
      determine how the benefits and adverse events vary for each antibody preparation;
      determine how the benefits and harms vary for different formulations of antibody
      preparation; and determine whether the benefits and harms vary in specific
      subgroups of recipients (e.g. children and sensitised recipients). SEARCH
      METHODS: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing monoclonal or polyclonal
      antibodies with placebo, no treatment, or other antibody therapy in adults and
      children who had received a kidney transplant. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised
      controlled trials (RCTs) comparing monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies with
      placebo, no treatment, or other antibody therapy in adults and children who had
      received a kidney transplant. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors
      independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Dichotomous outcomes are
      reported as relative risk (RR) and continuous outcomes as mean difference (MD)
      together with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: We included 99
      studies (269 records; 8956 participants; 33 with contemporary agents).
      Methodology was incompletely reported in most studies leading to lower confidence
      in the treatment estimates.Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) prevented acute graft
      rejection (17 studies: RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.78). The benefits of ATG on
      graft rejection were similar when used with (12 studies: RR 0.61, 0.49 to 0.76)
      or without (5 studies: RR 0.65, 0.43 to 0.98) calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)
      treatment. ATG (with CNI therapy) had uncertain effects on death (3 to 6 months,
      3 studies: RR 0.41, 0.13 to 1.22; 1 to 2 years, 5 studies: RR 0.75, 0.27 to 2.06;
      5 years, 2 studies: RR 0.94, 0.11 to 7.81) and graft loss (3 to 6 months, 4
      studies: RR 0.60, 0.34 to 1.05; 1 to 2 years, 3 studies: RR 0.65, 0.36 to 1.19).
      The effect of ATG on death-censored graft loss was uncertain at 1 to 2 years and
      5 years. In non-CNI studies, ATG had uncertain effects on death but reduced death
      censored graft loss (6 studies: RR 0.55, 0.38 to 0.78). When CNI and older non
      CNI studies were combined, a benefit was seen with ATG at 1 to 2 years for both
      all-cause graft loss (7 studies: RR 0.71, 0.53 to 0.95) and death-censored graft
      loss (8 studies: RR 0.55, 0.39 to 0.77) but not sustained longer term. ATG
      increased cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (6 studies: RR 1.55, 1.24 to 1.95),
      leucopenia (4 studies: RR 3.86, 2.79 to 5.34) and thrombocytopenia (4 studies: RR
      2.41, 1.61 to 3.61) but had uncertain effects on delayed graft function,
      malignancy, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), and new onset
      diabetes after transplantation (NODAT).Alemtuzumab was compared to ATG in six
      studies (446 patients) with early steroid withdrawal (ESW) or steroid
      minimisation. Alemtuzumab plus steroid minimisation reduced acute rejection
      compared to ATG at one year (4 studies: RR 0.57, 0.35 to 0.93). In the two
      studies with ESW only in the alemtuzumab arm, the effect of alemtuzumab on acute
      rejection at 1 year was uncertain compared to ATG (RR 1.27, 0.50 to 3.19).
      Alemtuzumab had uncertain effects on death (1 year, 2 studies: RR 0.39, 0.06 to
      2.42; 2 to 3 years, 3 studies: RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.95), graft loss (1 year,
      2 studies: RR 0.39, 0.13 to 1.30; 2 to 3 years, 3 studies: RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.47
      to 2.06), and death-censored graft loss (1 year, 2 studies: RR 0.38, 0.08 to
      1.81; 2 to 3 years, 3 studies: RR 2.45, 95% CI 0.67 to 8.97) compared to ATG.
      Creatinine clearance was lower with alemtuzumab plus ESW at 6 months (2 studies:
      MD -13.35 mL/min, -23.91 to -2.80) and 2 years (2 studies: MD -12.86 mL/min, 
      23.73 to -2.00) compared to ATG plus triple maintenance. Across all 6 studies,
      the effect of alemtuzumab versus ATG was uncertain on all-cause infection, CMV
      infection, BK virus infection, malignancy, and PTLD. The effect of alemtuzumab
      with steroid minimisation on NODAT was uncertain, compared to ATG with steroid
      maintenance.Alemtuzumab plus ESW compared with triple maintenance without
      induction therapy had uncertain effects on death and all-cause graft loss at 1
      year, acute rejection at 6 months and 1 year. CMV infection was increased (2
      studies: RR 2.28, 1.18 to 4.40). Treatment effects were uncertain for NODAT,
      thrombocytopenia, and malignancy or PTLD.Rituximab had uncertain effects on
      death, graft loss, acute rejection and all other adverse outcomes compared to
      placebo. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: ATG reduces acute rejection but has uncertain
      effects on death, graft survival, malignancy and NODAT, and increases CMV
      infection, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia. Given a 45% acute rejection risk
      without ATG induction, seven patients would need treatment to prevent one having
      rejection, while incurring an additional patient experiencing CMV disease for
      every 12 treated. Excluding non-CNI studies, the risk of rejection was 37%
      without induction with six patients needing treatment to prevent one having
      rejection.In the context of steroid minimisation, alemtuzumab prevents acute
      rejection at 1 year compared to ATG. Eleven patients would require treatment with
      alemtuzumab to prevent 1 having rejection, assuming a 21% rejection risk with
      ATG.Triple maintenance without induction therapy compared to alemtuzumab combined
      with ESW had similar rates of acute rejection but adverse effects including NODAT
      were poorly documented. Alemtuzumab plus steroid withdrawal would cause one
      additional patient experiencing CMV disease for every six patients treated
      compared to no induction and triple maintenance, in the absence of any clinical
      benefit. Overall, ATG and alemtuzumab decrease acute rejection at a cost of
      increased CMV disease while patient-centred outcomes (reduced death or lower
      toxicity) do not appear to be improved.

PMID- 28073179
TI  - Sleep duration and obesity in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of
      prospective cohort studies.
AB  - AIM: Childhood obesity is a major public problem worldwide, and sleep duration
      may be associated with childhood obesity. We conducted a systematic review and
      meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to estimate the associations between
      sleep duration and obesity/body mass index (BMI) in children. METHODS: PubMed,
      Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched. For the meta-analysis, the pooled
      relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated to reveal the
      association between short sleep duration and obesity. For the review, the
      outcomes focused on BMI change or subsequent BMI status. RESULTS: A total of 12
      studies (15 populations) met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis.
      Short sleep duration was significantly associated with obesity (RR: 1.45; 95% CI:
      1.14-1.85). After excluding two cohorts that substantially affected the
      heterogeneity, the pooled results remained significant (RR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.20
      1.42), and the association was not substantially altered in the subgroup
      analysis. In addition, we summarised 24 studies that met the criteria for our
      review of the relationship between sleeping and BMI. CONCLUSION: The present meta
      analysis indicated that short sleep duration increased the risk of childhood
      obesity. Public health efforts that encourage children to have sufficient sleep
      time may be important in combating obesity.

PMID- 28073180
TI  - Portosystemic collaterals in living donor liver transplantation: What is all the
      fuss about?
AB  - Portosystemic collaterals are a common finding in patients with cirrhosis
      undergoing liver transplantation. Recently, there has been a renewed interest
      regarding their significance in the setting of living donor liver transplantation
      (LDLT) due to concerns of graft hypoperfusion or hyperperfusion and its impact on
      early posttransplant outcomes. Presence of these collaterals has greater
      significance in the LDLT setting when compared with the deceased donor liver
      transplantation setting as dictated by the difference in the physiology of
      partial liver grafts. We discuss current thinking of portal flow dynamics and the
      techniques for dealing with this clinical problem. Liver Transplantation 23 537
      544 2017 AASLD.

PMID- 28073181
TI  - Participation restrictions in ambulatory amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients:
      Physical and psychological factors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of participation
      restrictions in ambulatory patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and
      to identify physical and psychological contributory factors. METHODS: In this
      cross-sectional study, self-reported participation restrictions of 72 ambulatory
      ALS patients were assessed using the social health status dimension (SIPSOC) of
      the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP-68). Associations between SIPSOC and physical
      functioning, psychological factors, and demographic factors were analyzed using
      hierarchical regression analyses. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of the patients
      reported participation restrictions; 54.9% could be explained by physical
      functioning; psychological factors accounted for 8.1% of the variance. Lung
      capacity, functional mobility, fatigue, and helplessness were independently
      associated with participation restrictions. CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory ALS patients
      have participation restrictions, which may be influenced if early ALS care is
      directed toward lung capacity, functional mobility, fatigue, and feelings of
      helplessness. Muscle Nerve 56: 912-918, 2017.

PMID- 28073182
TI  - Over-expression of the molecular chaperone Hsp104 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      results in the malpartition of [PSI+ ] propagons.
AB  - The ability of a yeast cell to propagate [PSI+ ], the prion form of the Sup35
      protein, is dependent on the molecular chaperone Hsp104. Inhibition of Hsp104
      function in yeast cells leads to a failure to generate new propagons, the
      molecular entities necessary for [PSI+ ] propagation in dividing cells and they
      get diluted out as cells multiply. Over-expression of Hsp104 also leads to [PSI+
      ] prion loss and this has been assumed to arise from the complete disaggregation
      of the Sup35 prion polymers. However, in conditions of Hsp104 over-expression in
      [PSI+ ] cells we find no release of monomers from Sup35 polymers, no
      monomerization of aggregated Sup35 which is not accounted for by the proportion
      of prion-free [psi- ] cells present, no change in the molecular weight of Sup35
      containing SDS-resistant polymers and no significant decrease in average propagon
      numbers in the population as a whole. Furthermore, they show that over-expression
      of Hsp104 does not interfere with the incorporation of newly synthesised Sup35
      into polymers, nor with the multiplication of propagons following their depletion
      in numbers while growing in the presence of guanidine hydrochloride. Rather, they
      present evidence that over-expression of Hsp104 causes malpartition of [PSI+ ]
      propagons between mother and daughter cells in a sub-population of cells during
      cell division thereby generating prion-free [psi- ] cells.

PMID- 28073183
TI  - A liver-specific long noncoding RNA with a role in cell viability is elevated in
      human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
AB  - : Hepatocyte apoptosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can lead to
      fibrosis and cirrhosis, which permanently damage the liver. Understanding the
      regulation of hepatocyte apoptosis is therefore important to identify therapeutic
      targets that may prevent the progression of NASH to fibrosis. Recently,
      increasing evidence has shown that long noncoding (lnc) RNAs are involved in
      various biological processes and that their dysregulation underlies a number of
      complex human diseases. By performing gene expression profiling of 4,383 lncRNAs
      in 82 liver samples from individuals with NASH (n = 48), simple steatosis but no
      NASH (n = 11), and healthy controls (n = 23), we discovered a liver-specific
      lncRNA (RP11-484N16.1) on chromosome 18 that showed significantly elevated
      expression in the liver tissue of NASH patients. This lncRNA, which we named
      lnc18q22.2 based on its chromosomal location, correlated with NASH grade (r =
      0.51, P = 8.11 * 10-7 ), lobular inflammation (r = 0.49, P = 2.35 * 10-6 ), and
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (r = 0.48, P = 4.69 * 10-6 ). The
      association of lnc18q22.2 to liver steatosis and steatohepatitis was replicated
      in 44 independent liver biopsies (r = 0.47, P = 0.0013). We provided a genetic
      structure of lnc18q22.2 showing an extended exon 2 in liver. Knockdown of
      lnc18q22.2 in four different hepatocyte cell lines resulted in severe phenotypes
      ranging from reduced cell growth to lethality. This observation was consistent
      with pathway analyses of genes coexpressed with lnc18q22.2 in human liver or
      affected by lnc18q22.2 knockdown. CONCLUSION: We identified an lncRNA that can
      play an important regulatory role in liver function and provide new insights into
      the regulation of hepatocyte viability in NASH. (Hepatology 2017;66:794-808).

PMID- 28073185
TI  - Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation: A Pipeline to Treatment?

PMID- 28073184
TI  - Functional lipidomics: Palmitic acid impairs hepatocellular carcinoma development
      by modulating membrane fluidity and glucose metabolism.
AB  - : Lipids are essential cellular components and energy sources of living
      organisms, and altered lipid composition is increasingly recognized as a
      signature of cancer. We performed lipidomic analysis in a series of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and identified over 1,700 intact lipids
      originating from three major lipid categories. Comparative lipidomic screening
      revealed that 93 significantly changed lipids and decreased palmitic acyl (C16:0)
      containing glycerophospholipids were positively associated with metastatic
      abilities of HCC cells. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments
      demonstrated that C16:0 incubation specifically reduced malignant cell
      proliferation, impaired cell invasiveness, and suppressed tumor growth in mouse
      xenograft models. Biochemical experiments demonstrated that C16:0 treatment
      decreased cell membrane fluidity and limited glucose metabolism. A
      phosphoproteomics approach further revealed such C16:0 incubation attenuated
      phosphorylation levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and signal
      transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway proteins. Multiple
      reaction monitoring analysis of 443 lipid molecules showed 8 reduced C16:0
      containing lipids out of total 10 altered lipids when cancer tissues were
      compared with adjacent nontumor tissues in a cohort of clinical HCC specimens (P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data collectively demonstrate the biomedical potential
      of using altered lipid metabolism as a diagnostic marker for cancerous cells and
      open an opportunity for treating aggressive HCCs by targeting altered C16:0
      metabolism. (Hepatology 2017;66:432-448).

PMID- 28073186
TI  - Factors affecting the course of body and kidney growth in infants with
      urolithiasis: A critical long-term evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible effects of dietary, patient and stone
      related factors on the clinical course of the stone disease as well as the body
      and renal growth status of the infants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50
      children with an history of stone disease during infancy period were studied.
      Patient (anatomical abnormalities, urinary tract infection - UTI, associated
      morbidities), stone (obstruction, UTI and required interventions) and lastly
      dietary (duration of sole breast feeding, formula feeding) related factors which
      may affect the clinical course of the disease were all evaluated for their
      effects on the body and renal growth during long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Mean
      age of the children was 2.40 +/- 2.65 years. Our findings demonstrated that
      infants receiving longer period of breast feeding without formula addition seemed
      to have a higher rate of normal growth percentile values when compared with the
      other children. Again, higher frequency of UTI and stone attacks affected the
      growth status of the infants in a remarkable manner than the other cases. Our
      findings also demonstrated that thorough a close follow-up and appropriately
      taken measures; the possible growth retardation as well as renal growth problems
      could be avoided in children beginning to suffer from stone disease during
      infancy period. CONCLUSIONS: Duration of breast feeding, frequency of UTI, number
      of stone attacks and stone removal procedures are crucial factors for the
      clinical course of stone disease in infants that may affect the body as well as
      kidney growth during long-term follow-up.

PMID- 28073187
TI  - Laparoscopic heminephrectomy for benign and malignant diseases of the horseshoe
      kidney.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we present our pure laparoscopic
      heminephrectomy experience in 13 patients with horseshoe kidney (HK). MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: A total of 13 patients with HK underwent pure laparoscopic
      heminephrectomy (Transperitoneal= 7, Retroperitoneal = 6) due to benign and
      malign renal conditions (non-functional hydronephrotic and/or infected kidney =
      12, kidney mass = 1). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45.8 years. The
      mean operating time was 140 minutes, and estimated blood loss was 131 ml. The
      mean hospital stay was 2.3 days. Division of istmus was performed with stapler in
      5 patients, ultrasonic scalpel in 3, 15 mm Hem-o-lok clip in 3, 10 mm LigaSure
      vessel seal system in one and endoscopic suture by 0 polyglactin in one patient
      without bleeding. Twelve patients underwent pure laparoscopic heminephrectomy due
      to nonfunctional hydronephrotic and or infected kidney. One patient underwent
      transperitoneal laparoscopic right heminephrectomy due to kidney mass. According
      to modifies Clavien classification, Grade I complication (wound infection)
      occurred in one patient (7.7%) who underwent heminephrectomy due to non
      functional kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic heminephrectomy seems to be
      technically feasible and safe for benign and malignant diseases in patients with
      HK.

PMID- 28073188
TI  - Effects of obesity surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy technique) on lower
      urinary tract symptoms, depression and quality of life of males: Prospective
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Technically, obesity weakens the pelvic base muscles by causing an
      increase in the intraabdominal pressure and intravesical pressure due to
      increasing fat and it triggers the occurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms.
      However it is believed that weight loss will cause recovery of these symptoms.
      Our purpose in this study is to research about the effects of the weight loss
      achieved by using especially the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) technique
      of bariatric surgery which is being more and more widely used today. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Out of all patients who had LSG surgery due to obesity earlier in
      our center during the period between April 2014 and March 2015, 22 applicable
      male patients were considered after a brief exclusion criteria application. Age,
      height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) data of these patients were recorded
      before the operation. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International
      Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - short from) (ICIQ-SF), Beck
      depression inventory (BECK) and Short form - 36 (SF-36) were filled for the
      patients and the data were recorded. Also, the weight loss amounts and BMI
      decreases of the patients after the operation were recorded. RESULTS: After the
      procedure, the decrease in the averages of BECK depression inventory, IPSS, ICIQ
      SF and the increase in the Mental and Physical subgroup scores of SF-36 were
      found statistically coherent. CONCLUSION: The adverse effect of obesity, which is
      observed more and more often in today's world, on lower urinary tract symptoms
      and on the quality of life is undeniable. In our study, we think that the
      bariatric surgery made by using the LSG technique, not only causes serious amount
      of weight loss, but also reduces urinary dysfunction and enhances the quality of
      life among males.

PMID- 28073189
TI  - Relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and inguinal hernia.
AB  - AIM: To determine the relationship between inguinal hernia (and inguinal hernia
      subtypes) and low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostate
      hyperplasia (BPH), that could be more common than we think. METHOD: The study was
      designed retrospectively and was done in accordance with the principles of the
      Declaration of Helsinki, including 100 patients aged > 50 years that were divided
      into 2 groups: patients with BPH (BPH group) and patients with BPH and inguinal
      hernia (BPH-IH group 2). In addition, the BPH-IH group was subdivided according
      to 2 inguinal hernia subtypes; patients of BPH-IH subgroup A had direct inguinal
      hernia (n = 25) and those of BPH-IH subgroup B had indirect inguinal hernia (n =
      25). RESULTS: There was no statistical relationship and difference in rates
      between IPSS scores in both groups (p = 0.659) and there wasn't a significant
      correlation between IPSS symptom severity and type of hernia, based on chi square
      analysis (p = 0.104) Conclusion: We were not able to prove our hypothesis that
      patients with inguinal hernia and BPH would have higher IPSS scores because of
      voiding dysfunction.

PMID- 28073190
TI  - Different patterns of pelvic ureteral endometriosis. What is the best treatment?
      Results of a retrospective analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis is an estrogendependent disease. The incidence of
      urinary tract endometriosis (UE) increased during the last few years and,
      nowadays, it ranges from 0.3 to 12% of all women affected by the disease. The
      ureter is the second most common site affected. The ureteral endometriosis is
      classified in extrinsic and intrinsic. The aim of this study is to individuate
      the best treatments for each subset of ureteral endometriosis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: 32 patients diagnosed with surgically treated UE were retrospectively
      reviewed. The patients were divided into 3 subsets (intrinsic UE, extrinsic UE
      with and without obstruction). The patients with intrinsic UE (n = 10) were
      treated with laser endoureterotomy. The patients with extrinsic UE (n = 22) were
      divided in two subsets with (n = 16) and without (n = 6) hydronephrosis. All the
      patients underwent ureteral stenting, and resection and reimplantation was
      performed in the first group, and when the mass was > 2.5 cm (n = 3) Boari flap
      was performed. Laparoscopic ureterolysis (shaving) was performed in the second
      group. RESULTS: In the extrinsic subset of UE, we obtained an high therapeutic
      success (84%). Conversely, in the intrinsic subset there was a recurrence rate of
      the disease in 6/10 of the patients (60%). CONCLUSIONS: Ureterolysis seems to be
      a good treatment in extrinsic UE without obstruction. Resection and
      reimplantation allows excellent results in the extrinsic UE with obstruction. In
      the intrinsic subset, the endoureterotomy approach is inadequate.

PMID- 28073191
TI  - Are erectile functions affected by AB0 blood group?
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship
      between erectile dysfunction (ED), thought to be a vascular disease, and AB0
      blood group. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 350 people abiding by the
      study criteria who applied to our clinic from April 2012-April 2015. The patients
      were divided into two groups including those with ED (Group 1) and those without
      (Group 2). Age, blood group, IIEF-5 score and presence of additional diseases
      were recorded. Erectile functions were analyzed according to blood group.
      RESULTS: There was no difference between the mean age of 111 patients with ED and
      that of 239 patients without ED included in the study (p = 0.284). There was no
      difference between patients in the two groups in terms of smoking, alcohol use,
      hypertension and diabetes (p > 0.05). Among patients in the ED group, the mean
      IIEF-5 score according to blood group was 19.8 +/- 5.04 in the 0 blood group,
      16.5 +/- 5.2 in the A blood group, 17.2 +/- 5.3 in the B blood group and 13.3 +/-
      3.02 in the AB blood group. The IIEF-5 scores of individuals in the 0 blood group
      were significantly high compared to individuals in other blood groups (p =
      0.004). Logistic regression analysis found that compared to the 0 blood group,
      the erectile dysfunction risk was 3.9 times greater for the A blood group, 3.5
      times greater for the B blood group and 4.7 times greater for the AB blood group
      (p = 0.001) (Table 3). CONCLUSION: The risk of erectile dysfunction was
      significantly increased for individuals in the A, B and AB blood groups compared
      to individuals in the 0 blood group.

PMID- 28073192
TI  - The use of autologous platelet rich plasma gel in bulbar and penile buccal mucosa
      urethroplasty: Preliminary report of our first series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Buccal Mucosa (BM) UrethroPlasty (UP) is one of the preferred
      treatments for long or compli-cated urethral strictures. We propose the use of
      autologous Platelet Rich Plasma gel (aPRPg) in order to enhance to
      vascularization of BM graft and reduce the fibrous spongy. We report the outcome
      of our ten cases of bulbar and penile UP and the safety of this technique.
      Materials and metods: Ten patients underwent to BM UP with use of aPRP gel.
      Median age was 46. Stricture etiology was idiopathic, failed hypospadias and
      flogistic. Average stricture length was 3.7 cm. All patient were preoperatively
      evaluated with uroflowmetry , retrograde urethrography, cystoscopy and
      questionnaire. The harvesting of the aPRP was performed in blood bank from
      peripheral venous sample. Catheter was usually removed after 3 weeks and
      urethrography was performed after 6 weeks. RESULTS: All patients reported no
      problem on the donor site. At time of follow-up (median 20 month, 12-34) all
      patients refer no problem and a good uroflowmetry. No re-strictures at the
      anastomotic sites were demonstrated in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: However
      in our experience the follow-up is limited and no definitive conclusion or
      comparison can be made with the original BM UP. The use of aPRP gel seems
      feasible and safe. In our opinion it is important to continue investigating this
      procedure for its advantages in case of complex urethral strictures complicated
      by fibrous spongy, above all in penile urethral strictures post hypospadia
      repair.

PMID- 28073193
TI  - Analysis of MYO-Inositol effect on spermatozoa motility, in hyper viscous
      ejaculates and in patients with grades II and III varicocele.
AB  - The goal of this study is to evaluate MYOInositol effects on spermatozoa
      motility, in patients' ejaculates with severe varicocele or hyper viscosity. The
      study included normal viscosity ejaculate from 30 patients affected by varicocele
      and hyper viscosity ejaculate from 33 patients without any testicular
      pathologies. All selected samples showed sperm concentration > 2 million/ml and
      progressive motility < 32%. In both groups, the pellet obtained after
      centrifugation in buffered medium, was divided in two aliquots, both incubated
      for 15 minutes at 37 degrees C: one with MYO-Inositol and the other one, as
      control, only in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Afterwards, the sperm
      progressive motility was assessed using Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA
      system). Incubation with MYO-Inositol improved sperm progressive motility in high
      viscosity samples compared to control group (38.9% +/- 3.0 vs 24.35% +/- 2.41,
      respectively; p <= 0.0001). Conversely, no statistically significant difference
      was observed in total sperm progressive motility in varicocele samples compared
      with control group (22.7% +/- 2.07 vs 26.7% +/- 3.31, respectively; p = 0.085).
      The MYO-Inositol positive effect on spermatozoa motility may depend on the type
      of sperm damage: heavy structural and biochemical defects which typically affects
      patients with varicocele are not restored by Inositol. On the contrary,
      MYOInositol is able to improve sperm motility in semen samples with high
      viscosity, since those samples show no substantial structural sperm defects.

PMID- 28073194
TI  - Verruciform xanthoma of the penis: A rare benign lesion that simulates carcinoma.
AB  - Verruciform xanthoma is a rare and benign condition predominantly affecting the
      oral cavity, but also skin and female anogenital mucosa. It can be flat, papular
      warty or crateriform-cystic. Furthermore it can simulate HPV viral lesion such as
      condyloma and malignant neoplasia such as verrucous squamous cell carcinoma. An
      accurate diagnosis is important to avoid overtreatment, considering it is a
      benign lesion that does not require any radical treatment. We present an
      extremely rare case of a 64 year-old man with a small, slighty raised, gray
      reddish-dotted lesion on the left portion of the ventral side of his glans.

PMID- 28073195
TI  - Cognitive zonal fusion biopsy of the prostate: Original technique between target
      and saturation.
AB  - : We describe our experience in prostate biopsy using a new standardized
      cognitive fusion techniques, that we call "cognitive zonal fusion biopsy". This
      new technique is based on two operative options: the first based on target
      biopsies, the Cognitive Target Biopsy (CTB) if the same target was detected with
      transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI); the
      second based on saturation biopsies, the Zonal Saturation Biopsy (ZSB) on
      anatomical zone/s containing the region of interest if the same target was not
      evident with TRUS and MRI. We evaluated results of our technique compared to
      standard biopsy in order to identify clinically relevant prostate cancer.
      METHODS: This is a single-center prospective study conducted in 58 pts: 25 biopsy
      naive, 25 with previous negative biopsy and in 8 with cancer in active
      surveillance. Based on mpMRI and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), all patients
      were scheduled for standard 12-core TRUS-guided biopsy. If mpMRI was suggestive
      or positive (PI-RADS 3, 4 or 5): patients underwent additional targeted 2 to 6
      cores using cognitive zonal fusion technique. RESULTS: 31/58 (53.4%) patients had
      a cancer. Our technique detected 80.6% (25 of 31) with clinically significant
      prostate cancer, leading to detection of insignificant cancer in 20%. Using
      standard mapping in MR negative areas we found 5 clinically significant cancer
      and 4 not significant cancers. MRI cancer detection rate was 18/31 (58.1%), and
      9/18 (50%) in high grade tumors. Therefore MRI missed 50% of high grade cancers.
      The mean number of cores taken with cognitive zonal fusion biopsy was 6.1 (2-17),
      in addition biopsy sampling was done outside the ROI areas. Overall 15.4 cores
      (12-22) were taken. Cancer amount in Zonal Biopsy was larger than 7.3 mm (1-54.5)
      in comparison with 5.2 mm (1-23.5) in standard mapping. Largest percentage of
      cancer involvement with cognitive zonal fusion technique was detected in 19.4% vs
      15.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive Zonal Saturation Biopsies should be used to reduce
      operator variability of cognitive fusion biopsy in addition to standard biopsy.
      Cognitive zonal biopsy based on mpMRI findings identifies clinically relevant
      prostate in 80%, has larger cancer extension in fusion biopsies than in random
      biopsies, and reduce the number of cores if compared to saturation biopsy.

PMID- 28073196
TI  - MRI/US fusion prostate biopsy: Our initial experience.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study is to present our initial experience with
      magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound (MRI/US) fusion biopsy using the Koelis
      Trinity device after the first consecutive 59 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 59
      consecutive patients with suspected prostate cancer (PCA) underwent prostate
      biopsy using Trinity Koelis(r) (Koelis, Grenoble, France). We divided the
      patients into 2 groups: patients with a previous negative mapping underwent to a
      MRI/US fusion re-biopsy (Group A); and biopsy-naive patients who underwent to a
      first stereotactic 3-D mapping of the prostate (Group B). Group A (22
      patients):mean age 64 years (CI 48-73), mean PSA = 7.7 ng/ml (CI 4.2- 9.9); mean
      prostate volume 55 ml(CI 45-82), Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) positive in
      2/22, number of lesions detected by MRI 1.4, mean cores from each MRI target
      lesion 3 (CI 2-5), mean total cores 15 ( CI 12-19). Group B (37 patients): mean
      age 66 years (CI 49-77), mean PSA= 4.7 (3.2- 7.9); mean prostate volume 45 ml (33
      67), DRE positive in 5/37, mean total cores 14 ( CI 10-16) Results: In Group A
      10/22 patients were positive for PCA (overall detection rate of 45.5%): 6 PCA
      were detected by target biopsy and 4 cancer by random biopsy. Significant
      prostate cancer (defined as the presence of Gleason pattern 4) was detected in
      4/10 patients (Significant PCA detection rate of 40%) and all significant PCA
      were detected by MRI target biopsy. All PCA detected by random biopsy had Gleason
      score 3 + 3 = 6. In Group B (biopsy naive patients) 14/37 patients were positive
      for PCA (overall detection rate of 37.8%), Significant prostate cancer was
      detected in 5/14 patients (Significant PCA detection rate of 35,7%). No
      significant side effects were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Our overall detection rate
      was 45.5% and 37.8% in Group A (patients with previous negative biopsy and
      persistent suspicion of PCA) and in Group B (biopsy naive patients) respectively;
      clinical significant PCA detection rate was respectively 40% and 35.7%. These
      results are similar to current literature and promising for the future. We
      believe that using platforms of co-registered MRI/US fusion biopsy can
      potentially improve risk stratification and reduces understaging, undergrading
      and the need for repeat biopsies in biopsy naive patients (using a stereotactic
      first mapping) and in patients with previous negative biopsy and persistent
      suspicion of PCA ( using a second MRI/US fusion biopsy).

PMID- 28073197
TI  - Detection rate for significant cancer at confirmatory biopsy in men enrolled in
      Active Surveillance protocol: 20 cores vs 30 cores vs MRI/TRUS fusion prostate
      biopsy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The detection rate for significant prostate cancer of extended vs
      saturation vs mMRI/TRUS fusion biopsy was prospectively evaluated in men enrolled
      in active surveillance (AS) protocol. Mterials and methods: From May 2013 to
      September 2016 75 men aged 66 years (median) with very low risk PCa were enrolled
      in an AS protocol and elegible criteria were: life expectancy greater than 10
      years, cT1C, PSA below 10 ng/ml, PSA density < 0.20, 2 < unilateral positive
      biopsy cores, Gleason score (GS) equal to 6, greatest percentage of cancer (GPC)
      in a core < 50%. All patients underwent 3.0 Tesla pelvic mpMRI before
      confirmatory transperineal extended (20 cores) or saturation biopsy (SPBx; 30
      cores) combined with mpMRI/TRUS fusion targeted biopsy (4 cores) of suspicious
      lesions (PI-RADS 3-5). RESULTS: 21/75 (28%) patients were reclassified by SPBx
      based on upgraded GS >= 7; mpMRI lesions PI-RADS 4-5 vs PI-RADS 3-5 diagnosed
      9/21 (42.8%) vs 16/21 (76.2%) significant PCa with 2 false positives (6.5%). The
      detection rate for significant PCa was equal to 76.2% (mpMRI/TRUS fusion biopsy)
      vs 81% (extended) vs 100% (SPBx) (p = 0.001); mpMRI/TRUS targeted biopsy and
      extended biopsy missed 5/21 (23.8%) and 4/21 (19%) significant PCa which were
      found by SPBx (p = 0.001) being characterised by the presence of a single
      positive core of GS >= 7 with GPC < 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Although mpMRI improve the
      diagnosis of clinically significant PCa, SPBx is provided of the best detection
      rate for PCa in men enrolled in AS protocols who underwent confirmatory biopsy.

PMID- 28073198
TI  - Prostatic calculi detected in peripheral zone of the gland during a transrectal
      ultrasound biopsy can be significant predictors of prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prostatic calculi (PC) are usually associated with benign prostatic
      hyperplasia or chronic inflammation. However, in several studies prostatic
      inflammation and calcification have been implicated in the pathogenesis of
      prostate cancer (CaP). We evaluated the prevalence of PC during transrectal
      ultrasound (TRUS) and correlate the ultrasonographic patterns with histological
      findings. METHODS: A prospective study of 664 patients undergoing TRUS and
      prostate biopsy was planned. A standardized reproducible technique was used with
      using a GE Logiq 7 machine equipped with a 5-9MHz multi-frequency convex probe
      "end-fire". We defined marked presence of PC as multiple hyperechoic foci with
      significant area (>= 3 mm in the largest diameter). PC were classified according
      to zone distribution into the gland: transitional zone (TZ), central zone (CZ),
      and peripheral zone (PZ). RESULTS: No significant difference was noted between
      the patients with PC and without PC, when comparing age, preoperative PSA level,
      prostate volume, and biopsy number, except for DRE findings. 168 patients (25.3%)
      had marked presence of PC on TRUS: 50.6% in TZ, 20.2% in CZ, and 29.2% in PZ. 31
      patients (63.3%) with presence of PC in PZ had CaP on biopsy. The correlation
      observed between CaP and the presence of PC in PZ was statistically significant
      (p < 0.001). However, among patients in the CaP group there was no statistical
      association between PC and moderate or high Gleason grade. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study suggests that chronic prostatic inflammation and PC have a role in the
      biogenesis of cancer. CaP was more frequent in patients with PC in PZ of the
      gland, but was not associated with higher Gleason grade among these patients (p <
      0.001).

PMID- 28073199
TI  - Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy: Three different types of
      local anesthesia.
AB  - : Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy is regarded as the gold
      standard for prostate cancer diagnosis. The majority of patients perceive TRUS
      guided prostate biopsy as a physically and psychologically traumatic experience.
      We aimed to compare in this paper the efficacy of three different anesthesia
      techniques to control the pain during the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 150
      patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy were
      randomly divided into three groups. Group A included 50 patients who received one
      hour before the procedure a mixture of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine, Group
      B: 50 patients who received intrarectal local anesthetic administration
      (lidocaine 5 ml 10%) and lidocaine local spray 15 % and Group C included 50
      patients who received periprostatic block anesthesia (lidocaine 10 ml 10%).
      Visual analogue scale (VAS) of patients in different groups was evaluated at the
      end of the biopsy and 30 minutes after the procedure. RESULTS: The VAS of
      patients in Group A was 1.32 +/- 0.65 (VAS I) and 2.47 +/- 0.80 (VAS II). In
      group B the VAS of patients was 1.09 +/- 0.47 (VAS I) and 1.65 +/- 0.61 (VAS II).
      In group C the VAS of patients was 2.63 +/- 0.78 (VAS I) and 1.70 +/- 0.85 (VAS
      II). There was no statistically significant difference in term of VAS I between
      group A and B. A statistically significant difference was determined in terms of
      VAS II between group A and B. There was no statistically significant difference
      in term of VAS between group B and C. CONCLUSIONS: The most effective of the
      three methods for pain control we used was intrarectal local anesthetic
      administration and lidocaine local spray 15% that enables an ideal patient
      comfort.

PMID- 28073200
TI  - The role of intraoperative ultrasound in small renal mass robotic enucleation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As a result of the growing evidence on tumor radical resection in
      literature, simple enucleation has become one of the best techniques associated
      to robotic surgery in the treatment of renal neoplasia, as it guarantees minimal
      invasiveness and the maximum sparing of renal tissue, facilitating the use of
      reduced or zero ischemia techniques during resection. The use of a robotic
      ultrasound probe represents a useful tool to detect and define tumor location,
      especially in poorly exophytic small renal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total
      of 22 robotic enucleations were performed on < 3 cm renal neoplasias (PADUA score
      18 Pz 6/7 e 4 Pz 8) using a 12-5 MHz robotic ultrasound probe (BK Drop-In 8826).
      RESULTS: Once kidney had been isolated from the adipose capsule at the site of
      the neoplasia (2), the exact position of the lesion could be easily identified in
      all cases (22/22), even for mostly endophytic lesions, thanks to the insertion of
      the ultrasound probe through the assistant port. Images were produced and
      visualized by the surgeon using the TilePro feature of the DaVinci surgical
      system for producing a picture-in-picture image on the console screen. The
      margins of resection were then marked with cautery, thus allowing for speedy
      anatomical dissection. This reduced the time of ischemia to 8 min (6-13) and
      facilitated the enucleation technique when performed without clamping the renal
      peduncle (6/22). No complications due to the use of the ultrasound probe were
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an intraoperative robotic ultrasound probe has
      allowed for easier identification of small, mostly endophytic neoplasias, better
      anatomical approach, shorter ischemic time, reduced risk of pseudocapsule rupture
      during dissection, and easier enucleation in cases performed without clamping. It
      is noteworthy that the use of intraoperative ultrasound probe allows mental
      reconstruction of the tumor through an accurate 3D vision of the hidden field
      during surgical dissection.

PMID- 28073201
TI  - Azoospermic patient's treatment: An experience of a PMA hospital unit and role of
      ultrasonography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Azoospermia causes about 10% of male infertility and the best
      therapeutic option is the retrieval of sperm from testis or epididymis. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: From Juanary 2008 to June 2016, 92 men (median 36 years; range: 25
      54 years) were submitted in 47 cases to TESE (testicular sperm extraction) and in
      45 cases to PESA (percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration) for secretory and
      obstructive azoospermia, respectively; moreover, all the patients previously
      underwent color Doppler ultrasound of the testis and transrectal ultrasound of
      the prostate. RESULTS: Serum FSH values were 9.4 ml/UI and 36.4 ml/UI (median
      18.2 ml/UI) with an estimated volume of the testis equal to 5 ml; 40 men had the
      mutation for cystic fibrosis with bilateral agenesis of the deferentia vasa, 4
      men had a cyst of the prostatic utricle, 1 man had retrograde ejaculation, 7 had
      an epididymis cyst and 2 had anejaculation secondary to traumatic neurologic
      spinal cord injury. The retrieval of sperm was performed in 39 (83%) and 36 (80%)
      of the patients submitted to TESE and PESA, respectively. The pregnancy rate was
      equal to 28% and 33% in men with secretory and obstructive azoospermia,
      respectively. DISCUSSION: Assisted reproduction technology with a
      multidisciplinary team is provided of a pregnancy rate equal about 30% in men
      with azoospermia; ultrasound allows to evaluate abnormalities of the testis and
      prostate improving the percentage of pregnancy.

PMID- 28073202
TI  - Pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula of the prostate after pelvic trauma:
      Ultrasound imaging.
AB  - Pseudoaneurysm (PA) associated with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the
      internal pudendal artery branches are very uncommon. We report a case of post
      traumatic PA with AVF connected to Santorini plexus. Diagnosis was made with
      trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) after recurrent hematuria. TRUS reported a 1.7 *
      1.4 * 1.5 cm anechoic area, on anterior prostate apex close to Santorini plexus.
      The use of color Doppler in this area revealed high flow velocity that was
      indicative for AVF. The feeding artery was a distal branch of the left pudenda
      artery. After selective embolization was observed complete occlusion of the
      feeding branches and disappearance of PA with AVF. Prostate PA with concomitant
      symptomatic AVF detected with TRUS has not yet described in literature after
      pelvic trauma and represents complex diagnostic challenges. This case report
      suggests that the use of TURS and color Doppler can provide an important
      diagnostic and follow-up to address the clinical suspicion of occult vascular
      injuries using a noninvasive approach.

PMID- 28073203
TI  - Testicular sparing surgery in small testis masses: A multinstitutional
      experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of benign testicular tumors is increasing in
      particular in small lesion incidentally found at scrotal ultrasonography. Primary
      aim of this study was to perform radical surgery in malignant tumor. Secondary
      aim was to verify the efficacy of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway recently
      adopted in management of small masses with testis sparing surgery in benign
      lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter study, we reviewed all
      patients with single testis lesion less than 15 mm at ultrasound as main
      diameter. We applied the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway described by Sbrollini et
      al. (Arch Ital Urol Androl 2014; 86:397) which comprises: 1) testicular tumor
      markers, 2) repeated scrotal ultrasound at the tertiary center, 3) surgical
      exploration with inguinal approach, intraoperative ultrasound, and intraoperative
      pathological examination. Definitive histology was reviewed by a dedicated uro
      pathologist. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients completed this clinical flowchart.
      The mean lesion size was 9.3 mm (range 2.5-15). Testicular tumor markers were
      normal except in a case. Intraoperative ultrasound was necessary in 8/28 cases.
      We treated 11/28 (39.3%) with immediate radical orchiectomy and 17/28 (60.7%)
      with testis-sparing surgery. Definitive pathological results were: malignant
      tumor in 6 cases (seminoma), benign tumor in 10 cases (5 Leydig tumors, 2 Sertoli
      tumors, 1 epidermoid cyst, 1 adenomatoid tumor, 1 angiofibroma), benign disease
      in 11 (8 inflammation with haemorragic infiltration, 2 tubular atrophy, 1
      fibrosis), and normal parenchyma in 1 case. We observed a good concordance
      between frozen section examination and definitive histology. Any malignant tumor
      was treated conservatively. Any delayed orchiectomy was necessary based on
      definitive histology. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of benign lesions in 60% of
      small testis lesions with normal tumor markers makes orchiectomy an
      overtreatment. Testicular sparing surgery of single testicular nodules below 15
      mm is a safe option, but requires a standardized pathway in diagnosis. Our
      pathway has shown good reliability and security profile to be applied in a
      multicenter management for small scrotal masses. Our study has shown the
      reliability of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway in the management of single
      testicular masses. The higher incidence of benign lesions in 60% of patients
      makes often orchiectomy an overtreatment.

PMID- 28073204
TI  - Who "apparently" more spends, "in reality" spends less. Spending "a little" more
      for the rental of the extracorporeal lithotripter can save "a lot" about the days
      of hospitalization for urinary stones.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The right to health (according to the Article 32 of the Italian
      Republic Constitution) is financially conditioned; for this reason the National
      Health System (NHS) has the objective of rationalize health expenditure according
      to the criteria of efficiency, effectiveness and economy. This paper is an
      example of rationalization concerning the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
      (ESWL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital admissions for urinary stones were taken
      into account. "Edotto", the database of the Puglia region has identified 23
      inpatient admissions during which was performed ESWL. A single operator performed
      ESWLs with a Storz lithotripter, Modulith SLK. RESULTS: The average hospital stay
      is conditioned by days "to wait" lithotripsy. In 2014 the hospitalization days
      "waiting for" lithotripsy were 100. The results were subjected to SWOT analysis
      and discussed with the Boston Consulting Group Matrix. DISCUSSION: Constant
      availability of the lithotripter would spare 100 days of hospitalization,
      amounting to ? 88,200.00. This waste of resources corresponds to an additional
      cost equal to 98.3% on the cost for the rental of the lithotripter. Instead,
      reducing "unnecessary" hospitalization days would get a saving of 79.3% on the
      rental cost. It is as if for 46 days of the lithotripter rent were paid 46 days,
      while for 365 days of the lithotripter rent were paid only 11.8 sessions per
      year. CONCLUSIONS: Rationalization of resources is not necessarily a synonym of
      "reduction" of resources, but of reduction of waste in the NHS. A good plan is
      the most important rational basis to get more resources. About the process taken
      into account it is seen as an investment of ? 21,450.00 would keep unchanged the
      effectiveness of lithotripsy service but would add efficiency and economy
      (increase of sessions/year, increase in the active mobility, increase in
      orthopedic treatments) and would drastically reduce the number hospital days (a
      waste).

PMID- 28073205
TI  - Rare presentation of a testicular angiofibroma treated with testis sparing
      surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Testicular benign tumors are very rare (< 5%). Testicular
      Angiofibroma (AF) is one of those, however the gold standard of treatment and
      follow-up is still unclear. CASE REPORT: A 47 years-old man with only one
      functioning testis was referred to our clinic for a palpable right testicular
      mass and atrophic contralateral testis. Patient underwent testis-sparing surgery
      with inguinal approach and intraoperative frozen sections examination with
      diagnosis of AF. Final histology confirmed AF. Post-operative follow-up was
      uneventful. Clinical and ultrasonographic follow-up was negative after 8 months.
      CONCLUSION: We report a conservative surgery in a patient with AF of the solitary
      testis. AF is a benign para-testicular fibrous neoplasm that could be
      misinterpreted as malignant tumor and treated with orchiectomy. Testis-sparing
      surgery is recommended in this case with intraoperative pathological examination.
      The excision of the mass is enough but in front of a possible recurrence a long
      follow-up is advisable.

PMID- 28073206
TI  - A singular case of polyorchidism.
AB  - We report a case of polyorchidism, a rare congenital anomaly, frequently
      discovered by chance. At current knowledge is still not defined which is the best
      clinical and therapeutic approach as well the best follow- up scheme due to the
      unclear malignant potential and rate of complications if a conservative approach
      is used. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) seems to be a good method to
      discriminate this mass from others pathological findings but there is still not
      enough evidence to standardize the procedure.

PMID- 28073207
TI  - Intraoperative ultrasound-guided enucleation of testicular nodule.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We report a case of enucleation of a non-palpable right testicular
      lesion found incidentally at testicular ultrasonography during investigations in
      a patient with azoospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2011 bilateral hypoechoic
      nonpalpable testicular lesions (5 mm and 3 mm to the right, 3 mm to the left)
      were found in a 28 years old patient, during diagnostic investigations for
      azoospermia. In March 2016, ultrasonography showed that the diameter of the right
      major nodule had grown to 12 mm, characterized by increased vascularization and
      increased texture. Blood exams showed serum FSH above normal levels with negative
      oncologic markers. The patients underwent surgical enucleation of the right
      nodule under ultrasonography guidance. RESULTS: In post operative day 1 a control
      ultrasonography documented the disappearance of the lesion. Hystopathologic
      examination diagnosed a Leydig cell tumor, with negative surgical margins. The
      patient is in good clinical conditions and is under periodic ultrasonographic
      follow up. CONCLUSION: Organ sparing surgery represent a good therapeutic option
      for little intraparenchymal lesions, mostly in young patients in which is
      preferable to preserve fertility. Intraoperatory ultrasonography represent an
      important tool for the localization of the lesion.

PMID- 28073208
TI  - Experience of percutaneous access under ultrasound guidance in renal transplant
      patients with allograft lithiasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Urolithiasis of the transplanted kidney has an incidence of 0.2 to
      1.7%, it increases the risk of infection in immunosuppressed patients and it can
      lead to ureteral obstruction that is often associated with deterioration of renal
      function. Urolithiasis of the transplanted kidney has different characteristics
      compared to the native kidney, due to the absence of innervation, which does not
      lead to colic pain. Percutaneous approach is an optimal choice in transplant
      patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Here we report our experience in two cadaveric
      transplant patients with urolithiasis. The first case was a patient of 68 years
      with a 20 mm stone located in the transplanted kidney pelvis and another smaller
      in a lower calyx. The second case was a patient of 65 years with a 15 mm stone in
      the distal part of the transplanted ureter. In both cases the patients were
      asymptomatic, but they had a reduction in urine output associated with worsening
      of the transplanted kidney function. The diagnosis was performed in both cases
      with ultrasound study, showing a severe hydronephrosis and it was confirmed by
      computed tomography scan. In both cases, we performed a Percutaneous
      Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Access was made after targeting the stone, through a
      lower pole puncture under ultrasound guidance. The first case was treated with
      pneumatic and laser energy, breaking stones through a nephroscope. In the second
      case we performed a laser lithotripsy of the ureteral stone, using a flexible
      videoureteroscope. At the end of both procedures a Double-J stent and a 14 Fr
      Malecot nephrostomy were positioned, that were removed at 6 weeks and 10 days,
      respectively. RESULTS: Both patients achieved a resolution of the worsening of
      renal function, recovering the spontaneous diuresis. The surgical procedure using
      ultrasound guidance was safe and allowed quick access to the renal pelvis. Both
      patients experienced no bleeding or infection during hospitalization.
      CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is an established safe and
      effective surgical treatment option for larger renal calculi in renal allografts.
      The ultrasound guided access to the transplanted kidney in percutaneous treatment
      of urolithiasis is useful and fast, minimizing patient exposure to ionizing
      radiation.

PMID- 28073209
TI  - The importance of potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate in the treatment of
      uric acid renal stones.
AB  - Uric acid calculi can also be treated without surgery, with simple medical lytic
      therapy. After appropriate dietary adjustments and add of mineral water, the
      needed amount of alkali supplementation can increase pH values of the urine in
      order to dissolve the stones. Treatment should be prolonged to prevent stone
      recurrence. A case of bilateral renal uric acid stones that were successfully
      treated by alakalizing treatment was presented.

PMID- 28073210
TI  - The importance of citrates in treatment and prophylaxis of calcium oxalate
      urinary stones.
AB  - About 10% of the people is the subject of an episode of kidney stones during
      their lifetime, about 70% of these people undergoes relapses. About 80% of the
      urinary stones contains calcium, of wich 80% is formed of calcium oxalate, in
      pure form or associated with calcium phosphate. Therefore we can saythat in most
      cases (about 65%) the urinary stones are composedof calcium oxalate. Use of
      supplements of potassium citrate and magnesium citrate can help in the prevention
      of kidney stones of calcium oxalate, but mostly they can be used in the days
      before a shockwaves lithotripsy treatment to make the stones more fragile to the
      effect of the shock waves. A case of successful treatment with magnesium
      potassium citrate of a SWL resistant ureteral stone is presented.

PMID- 28073211
TI  - An unusual case of primary intrascrotal lipoma.
AB  - In daily clinical practice, intrascrotal lesion are commonly detected, both by
      clinical examination either by ultrasound scan. While 95% of testicular lesions
      are malignant, most paratesticular lesions are benign. Among these, intrascrotal
      lipomas must be take into account in differential diagnosis. When they originate
      from scrotal wall, they named "primary scrotal lipoma". We describe a case of a
      primary intrascrotal lipoma diagnosed after surgical excision in a young man
      presented at our Urological Department complaining a painful left scrotal mass.

PMID- 28073212
TI  - Ultrasound features of a metastatic seminal vesicle melanoma: A case report.
AB  - In this report we describe what we consider to be the second case of seminal
      vescicle (SV) metastasis from an unknown primary melanoma. only presenting
      symptom was a palpable firm nodule of the right prostate base on digital rectal
      examination (DRE). The diagnosis, after prostatic transrectal ultrasound
      examination (TRUS), was performed by ultrasound guided biopsy. We underline that
      prostatic TRUS evaluation is mandatory in case of abnormal digital rectal
      examination. Seminal vesicle must be always evaluated.

PMID- 28073213
TI  - The numbers speak for themselves.

PMID- 28073214
TI  - [The body as the Achilles heel in sports].

PMID- 28073215
TI  - [Sports at a slippery slope?].

PMID- 28073216
TI  - Don't tamper with nature.

PMID- 28073217
TI  - [Re: Family planning, pregnancy and breastfeeding in multiple sclerosis].

PMID- 28073218
TI  - [Re: Children in vulnerable situations need child protective services].

PMID- 28073219
TI  - [Drug therapy for older people with functional impairments].

PMID- 28073220
TI  - What do we know about the safety of the HPV vaccines?

PMID- 28073221
TI  - HPV vaccines are safe to use.

PMID- 28073222
TI  - [Guidelines for rehabilitation after acquired upper limb amputation].

PMID- 28073223
TI  - [New evidence based guideline on epilepsy].

PMID- 28073224
TI  - Model for research on risks in the home and living environments

PMID- 28073226
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073225
TI  - [Who should investigate chronic fatigue?].

PMID- 28073227
TI  - Labial adhesion - diagnostics and treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Labial adhesion is relatively common, but the condition is little
      known among doctors and parents. The article assesses treatment in the specialist
      health service. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The treatment and course are assessed in 105
      girls in the age group 0 - 15 years who were referred to St. Olavs Hospital in
      the period 2004 - 14. RESULTS: The majority of the girls (n = 63) were treated
      topically with oestrogen cream. In 26 of 51 girls (51 %) for whom the final
      result is known, the adhesion opened after one treatment. When 1 - 4 oestrogen
      treatments were administered, the introitus had opened completely in two out of
      three (65 %). Fewer than half of those who received supplementary surgical
      treatment achieved permanent opening. INTERPRETATION: Treatment for labial
      adhesion had a limited effect in this study. As the literature suggests that the
      condition results in few symptoms and resolves spontaneously in virtually all
      girls in puberty, no compelling medical reason exists for opening the adhesion in
      asymptomatic girls. It is important that doctors are aware of the condition in
      order to prevent misdiagnosis and to provide parents with adequate information.
      For parents it is important to know that spontaneous resolution may result in
      soreness and dysuria. Knowledge of the condition can most likely prevent
      unnecessary worry.

PMID- 28073228
TI  - [Statin intolerance].
AB  - In 2015, more than 530 000 people were prescribed statins in Norway. Adverse
      effects from the musculoskeletal system as well as less specific side effects are
      frequently reported. The extent of these contrasts with observations made in
      randomised controlled studies which report the prevalence of such adverse effects
      as being in line with placebo. Breaks from drug treatment, low doses, switching
      medication and use of other lipid-lowering drugs are the most relevant approaches
      to dealing with adverse effects.

PMID- 28073229
TI  - Sialoceles of the parotid gland.

PMID- 28073230
TI  - [A woman in her 40s with anisocoria and unilateral facial flushing].

PMID- 28073232
TI  - [The two worlds of helper professions].

PMID- 28073231
TI  - [Internet-based treatment of depression].

PMID- 28073233
TI  - Asthma in elite sport - from the 1960s to today

PMID- 28073234
TI  - [Echo and ecco].

PMID- 28073235
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073236
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073237
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073238
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073239
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073240
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073241
TI  - Prognostic value of total triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels for the
      heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although a low triiodothyronine (T3) state is closely associated
      with heart failure (HF), it is uncertain whether total T3 levels on admission is
      correlated with the clinical outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The
      aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of total T3 levels for
      major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients with
      AMI undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 765
      PCI-treated AMI patients (65.4 +/- 12.6 years old, 215 women) between January
      2012 and July 2014 were included and 1-year MACCEs were analyzed. We assessed the
      correlation of total T3 and free thyroxine (fT4) with prevalence of 1-year MACCEs
      and the predictive values of total T3, fT4, and the ratio of total T3 to fT4
      (T3/fT4), especially for HF requiring re-hospitalization. RESULTS: Thirty
      patients (3.9%) were re-hospitalized within 12 months to control HF symptoms.
      Total T3 levels were lower in the HF group than in the non-HF group (84.32 +/-
      21.04 ng/dL vs. 101.20 +/- 20.30 ng/dL, p < 0.001). Receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis showed the cut-offs of total T3 levels (<= 85
      ng/dL) and T3/fT4 (<= 60) for HF (area under curve [AUC] = 0.734, p < 0.001; AUC
      = 0.774, p < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, lower T3/fT4 was an
      independent predictor for 1-year HF in PCI-treated AMI patients (odds ratio,
      1.035; 95% confidential interval, 1.007 to 1.064; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Lower
      levels of total T3 were well correlated with 1-year HF in PCI-treated AMI
      patients. The T3/fT4 levels can be an additional marker to predict HF.

PMID- 28073242
TI  - Clinical phenotypes of Korean patients with Behcet disease according to gender,
      age at onset, and HLA-B51.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The clinical manifestations of Behcet disease (BD) have been
      reported to differ according to country, region, and race. Gender, onset age, and
      human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B51 have also been known as the factors that
      influence the clinical features of BD. The aim of this study is to investigate
      the clinical phenotypes of Korean patients who visited the rheumatology clinic
      with BD with respect to gender, onset age, and HLA-B51. METHODS: Total 193 Korean
      patients (129 females and 64 males) fulfilling the international criteria for BD
      were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: The mean age at disease onset and disease
      duration of the BD patients were 32.2 +/- 11.1 and 14.2 +/- 9.3 years,
      retrospectively. Females suffered more frequently from genital ulcers (90.7% vs.
      75.0%, p < 0.01), peripheral arthritis (67.4% vs. 43.8%, p < 0.01), and inf
      lammatory low back pain (38.8% vs. 23.4%, p = 0.03) than males, while skin
      involvement was more frequent in males than in females (90.6% vs. 75.2%, p =
      0.01). The patients with late onset of BD (> 40 years) suffered from neurologic
      involvement (15.9% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.007) more frequently than those with early
      onset of BD. The patients with HLA-B51 showed earlier onset of disease than
      without HLA-B51 (28.3 +/- 11.4 years vs. 33.8+/-11.6 years, p = 0.02) and the
      neurologic and gastrointestinal involvements were more frequent in the patients
      without HLA-B51 than with HLA-B51 (17.2% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.02 and 20.7% vs. 2.5%, p
      = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: The clinical phenotypes in Korean patients
      with BD may be influenced by gender, onset age and HLA-B51.

PMID- 28073243
TI  - Cytokeratin 13, Cytokeratin 17, and Ki-67 Expression in Human Acquired
      Cholesteatoma and Their Correlation With Its Destructive Capacity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cholesteatoma is a nonneoplastic destructive lesion of the temporal
      bone with debated pathogenesis and bone resorptive mechanism. Both molecular and
      cellular events chiefly master its activity. Continued research is necessary to
      clarify factors related to its aggressiveness. We aimed to investigate the
      expression of Ki-67, cytokeratin 13 (CK13) and cytokeratin 17 (CK17) in acquired
      nonrecurrent human cholesteatoma and correlate them with its bone destructive
      capacity. METHODS: A prospective quantitative immunohistochemical study was
      carried out using fresh acquired cholesteatoma tissues (n=19), collected during
      cholesteatoma surgery. Deep meatal skin tissues from the same patients were used
      as control (n=8). Cholesteatoma patients were divided into 2 groups and compared
      (invasive and noninvasive) according to a grading score for bone resorption based
      upon clinical, radiologic and intraoperative findings. To our knowledge, the role
      of CK17 in cholesteatoma aggressiveness was first investigated in this paper.
      RESULTS: Both Ki-67 and CK17 were significantly overexpressed in cholesteatoma
      than control tissues (P<0.001 for both Ki-67 and CK17). In addition, Ki-67 and
      CK17 were significantly higher in the invasive group than noninvasive group of
      cholesteatoma (P=0.029, P=0.033, respectively). Furthermore, Ki-67 and CK17
      showed a moderate positive correlation with bone erosion scores (r=0.547, P=0.015
      and r=0.588, P=0.008, respectively). In terms of CK13, no significant difference
      was found between cholesteatoma and skin (P=0.766). CONCLUSION: Both Ki-67 and
      CK17 were overexpressed in cholesteatoma tissue and positively correlated with
      bone resorption activity. The concept that Ki-67 can be a predictor for
      aggressiveness of cholesteatoma was supported. In addition, this is the first
      study demonstrating CK17 as a favoring marker in the aggressiveness of acquired
      cholesteatoma.

PMID- 28073244
TI  - Enthalpic Effects of Chain Length and Unsaturation on Water Permeability across
      Droplet Bilayers of Homologous Monoglycerides.
AB  - A deeper understanding of unassisted passive transport processes can better
      delineate basic lipid dynamics in biological membranes. A droplet interface
      bilayer (DIB) is made by contacting two aqueous droplets covered with a lipid
      monolayer, and has increasingly been employed as a model artificial biological
      membrane. In this study, we have investigated the effect of acyl chain structure
      of amphiphilic monoglycerides on the osmotic permeability of water across DIB
      membranes composed of these monoglycerides, where the acyl chain length (C14
      C24), number of double bonds (1-4), and the position of double bond are varied
      systematically along the acyl chains. Both permeability values and activation
      energies have been extracted for water transport across a lipid bilayer formed of
      a homologous series of lipids, allowing us to make ready comparisons between the
      different lipids and potentially better elucidate the contributions that
      molecular motifs make to the permeation process.

PMID- 28073245
TI  - Cyclodextrin-Assisted Two-Component Sonogel for Visual Humidity Sensing.
AB  - In this work, two naphthalimide-based compounds, 1a and 1b, have been designed
      and synthesized. Both compounds can form stable two-component gels in n-propanol
      or n-butanol upon addition of alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) followed by
      sonication at room temperature. Interestingly, the 1a/alpha-CD gel is thixotropic
      and very sensitive to water. Addition of a small amount of water induces rapid
      gel collapse, allowing further development of the gel as a visual relative
      humidity sensor. Specificity of the sensor has been confirmed using several
      approaches, such as scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence, Fourier
      transform infrared, and 1H NMR spectroscopy experiments. The results show that
      alpha-CD acts as a junction for the assembly of 1a or 1b through hydrogen bonding
      between hydroxyl and amide groups. Upon addition of water, alpha-CD interacts
      with the adamantane group of 1a via an incomplete host-guest encapsulation,
      resulting in the dissociation of the hydrogen-bonding-assisted two-component
      assembly, accompanied by gel collapse.

PMID- 28073246
TI  - A New Era of Genome Integration-Simply Cut and Paste!
AB  - Genome integration is a powerful tool in both basic and applied biological
      research. However, traditional genome integration, which is typically mediated by
      homologous recombination, has been constrained by low efficiencies and limited
      host range. In recent years, the emergence of homing endonucleases and
      programmable nucleases has greatly enhanced integration efficiencies and allowed
      alternative integration mechanisms such as nonhomologous end joining and
      microhomology-mediated end joining, enabling integration in hosts deficient in
      homologous recombination. In this review, we will highlight recent advances and
      breakthroughs in genome integration methods made possible by programmable
      nucleases, and their new applications in synthetic biology and metabolic
      engineering.

PMID- 28073247
TI  - Tuning for Visible Fluorescence and Near-Infrared Phosphorescence on a
      Unimolecular Mechanically Sensitive Platform via Adjustable CH-pi Interaction.
AB  - CH-pi interaction-assisted alignment of organic conjugated systems has played an
      important role to regulate molecular electronic and photophysical properties,
      whereas harnessing such a smart noncovalent interaction into the tuning of
      unimolecular complex emissive bands covering a wide spectral region remains a
      challenging research topic. Since the tuning for visible and near-infrared
      emissive properties in a single pi-functional platform relates to its multicolor
      luminescent behaviors and potential superior application in analysis, bioimaging,
      and sensing, herein, we report a proportional control of the singlet and triplet
      emissions that cover visible and near-infrared spectral regions, respectively,
      can be straightforwardly achieved by CH-pi interaction-assisted self-assembly at
      the unimolecular level. Employing an octathionaphthalene-based single luminophore
      as a prototype, we find that a strength-adjustable CH-pi interaction-assisted
      self-assembly can be established in mixed DMF/H2O and in the film state. The
      hybridization of planar local excited and intramolecular charge transfer
      transitions occurs on the basis, allowing a competitive inhibition to the
      intersystem crossing process to generate a complex emission composed of visible
      fluorescence and near-infrared phosphorescence. Furthermore, reversible
      mechanochromic and mechanoluminescent conversions of the corresponding solid
      sample can both be observed to rely on a corresponding self-assembly alternation.
      These results can probably provide new visions for the development of future
      intelligent and multifunctional luminescent materials.

PMID- 28073248
TI  - Interplay of G Protein-Coupled Receptors with the Membrane: Insights from Supra
      Atomic Coarse Grain Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
AB  - G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are central to many fundamental cellular
      signaling pathways. They transduce signals from the outside to the inside of
      cells in physiological processes ranging from vision to immune response. It is
      extremely challenging to look at them individually using conventional
      experimental techniques. Recently, a pseudo atomistic molecular model has emerged
      as a valuable tool to access information on GPCRs, more specifically on their
      interactions with their environment in their native cell membrane and the
      consequences on their supramolecular organization. This approach uses the Martini
      coarse grain (CG) model to describe the receptors, lipids, and solvent in
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and in enough detail to allow conserving the
      chemical specificity of the different molecules. The elimination of unnecessary
      degrees of freedom has opened up large-scale simulations of the lipid-mediated
      supramolecular organization of GPCRs. Here, after introducing the Martini CGMD
      method, we review these studies carried out on various members of the GPCR
      family, including rhodopsin (visual receptor), opioid receptors, adrenergic
      receptors, adenosine receptors, dopamine receptor, and sphingosine 1-phosphate
      receptor. These studies have brought to light an interesting set of novel
      biophysical principles. The insights range from revealing localized and
      heterogeneous deformations of the membrane bilayer at the surface of the protein,
      specific interactions of lipid molecules with individual GPCRs, to the effect of
      the membrane matrix on global GPCR self-assembly. The review ends with an
      overview of the lessons learned from the use of the CGMD method, the biophysical
      chemical findings on lipid-protein interplay.

PMID- 28073249
TI  - Introduction: G-Protein Coupled Receptors.

PMID- 28073251
TI  - Interfaces Select Specific Stereochemical Conformations: The Isomerization of
      Glyoxal at the Liquid Water Interface.
AB  - Interfacial chemistry involving glyoxal at aerosol surfaces is postulated to
      catalyze aerosol growth. This chemistry remains speculative due to a lack of
      detailed information concerning the physicochemical behavior of glyoxal at the
      interface of atmospheric aerosols. Here, we report results from high-level
      electronic structure calculations as well as both classical and Born-Oppenheimer
      ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of glyoxal solvation at the air/liquid
      water interface. When compared to the gas phase, the trans to cis isomerization
      of glyoxal at the liquid water interface is found to be catalyzed; additionally,
      the trans conformation is selectively solvated within the bulk to a greater
      degree than is the cis conformation. These two processes, i.e., the catalytic
      effect at the water interface and the differentially selective solvation, act to
      enhance the concentration of the cis isomer of glyoxal at the water interface.
      This has important consequences for the interpretation of experiments and for the
      modeling of glyoxal chemistry both at the interface of water clouds and at
      aerosols. Broader implications of this work relate to describing the role of
      interfaces in selecting specific stereo molecular structures at interfacial
      environments.

PMID- 28073252
TI  - JAFC-Most Trusted Partner in a Global Transition of Agriculture-Food-Nutrition
      Research!

PMID- 28073253
TI  - Harnessing Insect-Microbe Chemical Communications To Control Insect Pests of
      Agricultural Systems.
AB  - Insect pests cause serious economic, yield, and food safety problems to managed
      crops worldwide. Compounding these problems, insect pests often vector pathogenic
      or toxigenic microbes to plants. Previous work has considered plant-insect and
      plant-microbe interactions separately. Although insects are well-understood to
      use plant volatiles to locate hosts, microorganisms can produce distinct and
      abundant volatile compounds that in some cases strongly attract insects. In this
      paper, we focus on the microbial contribution to plant volatile blends,
      highlighting the compounds emitted and the potential for variation in microbial
      emission. We suggest that these aspects of microbial volatile emission may make
      these compounds ideal for use in agricultural applications, as they may be more
      specific or enhance methods currently used in insect control or monitoring. Our
      survey of microbial volatiles in insect-plant interactions suggests that these
      emissions not only signal host suitability but may indicate a distinctive time
      frame for optimal conditions for both insect and microbe. Exploitation of these
      host-specific microbe semiochemicals may provide important microbe- and host
      based attractants and a basis for future plant-insect-microbe chemical ecology
      investigations.

PMID- 28073254
TI  - Bottom-up Design of Three-Dimensional Carbon-Honeycomb with Superb Specific
      Strength and High Thermal Conductivity.
AB  - Low-dimensional carbon allotropes, from fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, to
      graphene, have been broadly explored due to their outstanding and special
      properties. However, there exist significant challenges in retaining such
      properties of basic building blocks when scaling them up to three-dimensional
      materials and structures for many technological applications. Here we show
      theoretically the atomistic structure of a stable three-dimensional carbon
      honeycomb (C-honeycomb) structure with superb mechanical and thermal properties.
      A combination of sp2 bonding in the wall and sp3 bonding in the triple junction
      of C-honeycomb is the key to retain the stability of C-honeycomb. The specific
      strength could be the best in structural carbon materials, and this strength
      remains at a high level but tunable with different cell sizes. C-honeycomb is
      also found to have a very high thermal conductivity, for example, >100 W/mK along
      the axis of the hexagonal cell with a density only ~0.4 g/cm3. Because of the low
      density and high thermal conductivity, the specific thermal conductivity of C
      honeycombs is larger than most engineering materials, including metals and high
      thermal conductivity semiconductors, as well as lightweight CNT arrays and
      graphene-based nanocomposites. Such high specific strength, high thermal
      conductivity, and anomalous Poisson's effect in C-honeycomb render it appealing
      for the use in various engineering practices.

PMID- 28073255
TI  - Biaxial Strain Transfer in Supported Graphene.
AB  - Understanding the mechanism and limits of strain transfer between supported 2D
      systems and their substrate is a most needed step toward the development of
      strain engineering at the nanoscale. This includes applications in straintronics,
      nanoelectromechanical devices, or new nanocomposites. Here, we have studied the
      limits of biaxial compressive strain transfer among SiO2, diamond, and sapphire
      substrates and graphene. Using high pressure-which allows maximizing the adhesion
      between graphene and the substrate on which it is deposited-we show that the
      relevant parameter governing the graphene mechanical response is not the applied
      pressure but rather the strain that is transmitted from the substrate. Under
      these experimental conditions, we also show the existence of a critical biaxial
      stress beyond which strain transfer become partial and introduce a parameter,
      alpha, to characterize strain transfer efficiency. The critical stress and alpha
      appear to be dependent on the nature of the substrate. Under ideal biaxial strain
      transfer conditions, the phonon Raman G-band dependence with strain appears to be
      linear with a slope of -60 +/- 3 cm-1/% down to biaxial strains of -0.9%. This
      evolution appears to be general for both biaxial compression and tension for
      different experimental setups, at least in the biaxial strain range -0.9% <
      epsilon < 1.8%, thus providing a criterion to validate total biaxial strain
      transfer hypotheses. These results invite us to cast a new look at mechanical
      strain experiments on deposited graphene as well as to other 2D layered
      materials.

PMID- 28073256
TI  - Quantum Transport in Gated Dangling-Bond Atomic Wires.
AB  - A single line of dangling bonds (DBs) on Si(100)-2 * 1:H surface forms a perfect
      metallic atomic-wire. In this work, we investigate quantum transport properties
      of such dangling bond wires (DBWs) by a state-of-the-art first-principles
      technique. It is found that the conductance of the DBW can be gated by
      electrostatic potential and orbital overlap due to only a single DB center (DBC)
      within a distance of ~16 A from the DBW. The gating effect is more pronounced for
      two DBCs and especially, when these two DB "gates" are within ~3.9 A from each
      other. These effective length scales are in excellent agreement with those
      measured in scanning tunnelling microscope experiments. By analyzing transmission
      spectrum and density of states of DBC-DBW systems, with or without subsurface
      doping, for different length of the DBW, distance between DBCs and the DBW, and
      distance between DB gates, we conclude that charge transport in a DBW can be
      regulated to have both an on-state and an off-state using only one or two DBs.

PMID- 28073257
TI  - Protein-Containing Lipid Bilayers Intercalated with Size-Matched Mesoporous
      Silica Thin Films.
AB  - Proteins are key components in a multitude of biological processes, of which the
      functions carried out by transmembrane (membrane-spanning) proteins are
      especially demanding for investigations. This is because this class of protein
      needs to be incorporated into a lipid bilayer representing its native
      environment, and in addition, many experimental conditions also require a solid
      support for stabilization and analytical purposes. The solid support substrate
      may, however, limit the protein functionality due to protein-material
      interactions and a lack of physical space. We have in this work tailored the pore
      size and pore ordering of a mesoporous silica thin film to match the native cell
      membrane arrangement of the transmembrane protein human aquaporin 4 (hAQP4).
      Using neutron reflectivity (NR), we provide evidence of how substrate pores host
      the bulky water-soluble domain of hAQP4, which is shown to extend 7.2 nm into the
      pores of the substrate. Complementary surface analytical tools, including quartz
      crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and fluorescence
      microscopy, revealed successful protein-containing supported lipid bilayer (pSLB)
      formation on mesoporous silica substrates, whereas pSLB formation was hampered on
      nonporous silica. Additionally, electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), light
      scattering (DLS and stopped-flow), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were
      employed to provide a comprehensive characterization of this novel hybrid organic
      inorganic interface, the tailoring of which is likely to be generally applicable
      to improve the function and stability of a broad range of membrane proteins
      containing water-soluble domains.

PMID- 28073258
TI  - Controlled Growth of Ceria Nanoarrays on Anatase Titania Powder: A Bottom-up
      Physical Picture.
AB  - The leading edge of catalysis research motivates physical understanding of the
      growth of nanoscale oxide structures on different supporting oxide materials that
      are themselves also nanostructured. This research opens up for consideration a
      diverse range of facets on the support material, versus the single facet
      typically involved in wide-area growth of thin films. Here, we study the growth
      of ceria nanoarchitectures on practical anatase titania powders as a showcase
      inspired by recent experiments. Density functional theory (DFT)-based methods are
      employed to characterize and rationalize the broad array of low energy
      nanostructures that emerge. Using a bottom-up approach, we are able to identify
      and characterize the underlying mechanisms for the facet-dependent growth of
      various ceria motifs on anatase titania based on formation energy. These motifs
      include 0D clusters, 1D chains, 2D plates, and 3D nanoparticles. The ceria growth
      mode and morphology are determined by the interplay of several factors including
      the role of the common cation valence, the interface template effect for
      different facets of the anatase support, enhanced ionic binding for more compact
      ceria motifs, and the local structural flexibility of oxygen ions in bridging the
      interface between anatase and ceria structures.

PMID- 28073259
TI  - Polarity-Induced Selective Area Epitaxy of GaN Nanowires.
AB  - We present a conceptually novel approach to achieve selective area epitaxy of GaN
      nanowires. The approach is based on the fact that these nanostructures do not
      form in plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on structurally and chemically
      uniform cation-polar substrates. By in situ depositing and nitridating Si on a Ga
      polar GaN film, we locally reverse the polarity to induce the selective area
      epitaxy of N-polar GaN nanowires. We show that the nanowire number density can be
      controlled over several orders of magnitude by varying the amount of predeposited
      Si. Using this growth approach, we demonstrate the synthesis of single
      crystalline and uncoalesced nanowires with diameters as small as 20 nm. The
      achievement of nanowire number densities low enough to prevent the shadowing of
      the nanowire sidewalls from the impinging fluxes paves the way for the
      realization of homogeneous core-shell heterostructures without the need of using
      ex situ prepatterned substrates.

PMID- 28073260
TI  - Promoting Active Species Generation by Electrochemical Activation in Alkaline
      Media for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution in Neutral Media.
AB  - In this study, by using dicobalt phosphide nanoparticles as precatalysts, we
      demonstrated that electrochemical activation of metallic precatalysts in alkaline
      media (comparing with directly electrochemical activation in neutral media) could
      significantly promote the OER catalysis in neutral media, specifically realizing
      a 2-fold enhanced activity and meanwhile showing a greatly decreased
      overpotential of about 100 mV at 10 mA cm-2. Compared directly with
      electrochemical activation in neutral media, the electrochemical activation in
      harsh alkaline media could easily break the strong Co-Co bond and promote active
      species generation on the surface of metallic Co2P, thus accounting for the
      enhancement of neutral OER activity, which is also evidenced by HRTEM and the
      electrochemical double-layer capacitance measurement. The activation of
      electrochemical oxidation of metallic precatalysts in alkaline media enhanced
      neutral OER catalysis could also be observed on CoP nanoparticles and Ni2P
      nanoparticles, suggesting this is a generic strategy. Our work highlights that
      the activation of electrochemical oxidation of metallic precatalysts in alkaline
      media would pave new avenues for the design of advanced neutral OER
      electrocatalysts.

PMID- 28073261
TI  - Insulating Nanomagnets Driven by Spin Torque.
AB  - Magnetic insulators, such as yttrium iron garnet (Y3Fe5O12), are ideal materials
      for ultralow power spintronics applications due to their low energy dissipation
      and efficient spin current generation and transmission. Recently, it has been
      realized that spin dynamics can be driven very effectively in micrometer-sized
      Y3Fe5O12/Pt heterostructures by spin-Hall effects. We demonstrate here the
      excitation and detection of spin dynamics in Y3Fe5O12/Pt nanowires by spin-torque
      ferromagnetic resonance. The nanowires defined via electron-beam lithography are
      fabricated by conventional room temperature sputtering deposition on Gd3Ga5O12
      substrates and lift-off. We observe field-like and antidamping-like torques
      acting on the magnetization precession, which are due to simultaneous excitation
      by Oersted fields and spin-Hall torques. The Y3Fe5O12/Pt nanowires are thoroughly
      examined over a wide frequency and power range. We observe a large change in the
      resonance field at high microwave powers, which is attributed to a decreasing
      effective magnetization due to microwave absorption. These heating effects are
      much more pronounced in the investigated nanostructures than in comparable micron
      sized samples. By comparing different nanowire widths, the importance of
      geometrical confinements for magnetization dynamics becomes evident: quantized
      spin-wave modes across the width of the wires are observed in the spectra. Our
      results are the first stepping stones toward the realization of integrated
      magnonic logic devices based on insulators, where nanomagnets play an essential
      role.

PMID- 28073263
TI  - Low-Frequency Electronic Noise in Quasi-1D TaSe3 van der Waals Nanowires.
AB  - We report results of investigation of the low-frequency electronic excess noise
      in quasi-1D nanowires of TaSe3 capped with quasi-2D h-BN layers. Semimetallic
      TaSe3 is a quasi-1D van der Waals material with exceptionally high breakdown
      current density. It was found that TaSe3 nanowires have lower levels of the
      normalized noise spectral density, SI/I2, compared to carbon nanotubes and
      graphene (I is the current). The temperature-dependent measurements revealed that
      the low-frequency electronic 1/f noise becomes the 1/f2 type as temperature
      increases to ~400 K, suggesting the onset of electromigration (f is the
      frequency). Using the Dutta-Horn random fluctuation model of the electronic noise
      in metals, we determined that the noise activation energy for quasi-1D TaSe3
      nanowires is approximately EP ~ 1.0 eV. In the framework of the empirical noise
      model for metallic interconnects, the extracted activation energy, related to
      electromigration is EA = 0.88 eV, consistent with that for Cu and Al
      interconnects. Our results shed light on the physical mechanism of low-frequency
      1/f noise in quasi-1D van der Waals semimetals and suggest that such material
      systems have potential for ultimately downscaled local interconnect applications.

PMID- 28073262
TI  - Fluorescence Self-Quenching from Reporter Dyes Informs on the Structural
      Properties of Amyloid Clusters Formed in Vitro and in Cells.
AB  - The characterization of the aggregation kinetics of protein amyloids and the
      structural properties of the ensuing aggregates are vital in the study of the
      pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases and the discovery of therapeutic
      targets. In this article, we show that the fluorescence lifetime of synthetic
      dyes covalently attached to amyloid proteins informs on the structural properties
      of amyloid clusters formed both in vitro and in cells. We demonstrate that the
      mechanism behind such a "lifetime sensor" of protein aggregation is based on
      fluorescence self-quenching and that it offers a good dynamic range to report on
      various stages of aggregation without significantly perturbing the process under
      investigation. We show that the sensor informs on the structural density of
      amyloid clusters in a high-throughput and quantitative manner and in these
      aspects the sensor outperforms super-resolution imaging techniques. We
      demonstrate the power and speed of the method, offering capabilities, for
      example, in therapeutic screenings that monitor biological self-assembly. We
      investigate the mechanism and advantages of the lifetime sensor in studies of the
      K18 protein fragment of the Alzheimer's disease related protein tau and its
      amyloid aggregates formed in vitro. Finally, we demonstrate the sensor in the
      study of aggregates of polyglutamine protein, a model used in studies related to
      Huntington's disease, by performing correlative fluorescence lifetime imaging
      microscopy and structured-illumination microscopy experiments in cells.

PMID- 28073264
TI  - Metal-Organic Polyhedra-Coated Si Nanowires for the Sensitive Detection of Trace
      Explosives.
AB  - Surface-modified silicon nanowire-based field-effect transistors (SiNW-FETs) have
      proven to be a promising platform for molecular recognition in miniature sensors.
      In this work, we present a novel nanoFET device for the sensitive and selective
      detection of explosives based on affinity layers of metal-organic polyhedra
      (MOPs). The judicious selection of the geometric and electronic characteristics
      of the assembly units (organic ligands and unsaturated metal site) embedded
      within the MOP cage allowed for the formation of multiple charge-transfer (CT)
      interactions to facilitate the selective explosive inclusion. Meanwhile, the host
      stabilized CT complex inside the cage acted as an effective molecular gating
      element to strongly modulate the electrical conductance of the silicon nanowires.
      By grafting the MOP cages onto a SiNW-FET device, the resulting sensor showed a
      good electrical sensing capability to various explosives, especially 2,4,6
      trinitrotoluene (TNT), with a detection limit below the nanomolar level.
      Importantly, coupling MOPs-which have tunable structures and properties-to SiNW
      based devices may open up new avenues for a wide range of sensing applications,
      addressing various target analytes.

PMID- 28073265
TI  - Correction to Enhancing the Brightness of Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite
      Nanocrystal Based Green Light-Emitting Devices through the Interface Engineering
      with Perfluorinated Ionomer.

PMID- 28073266
TI  - Surface Magnetism of Cobalt Nanoislands Controlled by Atomic Hydrogen.
AB  - Controlling the spin states of the surface and interface is key to spintronic
      applications of magnetic materials. Here, we report the evolution of surface
      magnetism of Co nanoislands on Cu(111) upon hydrogen adsorption and desorption
      with the hope of realizing reversible control of spin-dependent tunneling. Spin
      polarized scanning tunneling microscopy reveals three types of hydrogen-induced
      surface superstructures, 1H-(2 * 2), 2H-(2 * 2), and 6H-(3 * 3), with increasing
      H coverage. The prominent magnetic surface states of Co, while being preserved at
      low H coverage, become suppressed as the H coverage level increases, which can
      then be recovered by H desorption. First-principles calculations reveal the
      origin of the observed magnetic surface states by capturing the asymmetry between
      the spin-polarized surface states and identify the role of hydrogen in
      controlling the magnetic states. Our study offers new insights into the chemical
      control of magnetism in low-dimensional systems.

PMID- 28073267
TI  - Folding Sheets with Ion Beams.
AB  - Focused ion beams (FIBs) are versatile tools with cross-disciplinary applications
      from the physical and life sciences to archeology. Nevertheless, the nanoscale
      patterning precision of FIBs is often accompanied by defect formation and sample
      deformation. In this study, the fundamental mechanisms governing the large-scale
      plastic deformation of nanostructures undergoing FIB processes are revealed by a
      series of molecular dynamic simulations. A surprisingly simple linear correlation
      between atomic volume removed from the film bulk and film deflection angle,
      regardless of incident ion energy and current, is revealed, demonstrating that
      the mass transport to the surface of material caused by energetic ion bombardment
      is the primary cause leading to nanostructure deformation. Hence, by controlling
      mass transport by manipulation of the incident ion energy and flux, it is
      possible to control the plastic deformation of nanostructures, thereby
      fabricating nanostructures with complex three-dimensional geometries.

PMID- 28073268
TI  - Dual-Wavelength Switchable Vibronic Lasing in Single-Crystal Organic Microdisks.
AB  - Wavelength switchable micro/nanoscale laser is essential to construct various
      ultracompact photonic devices. However, traditional semiconductors as the gain
      media generally provide only monochromatic laser output due to their continuous
      energy band structures. For luminescent conjugated molecules, the broad emission
      band usually contains a series of vibronic peaks, which is very helpful for
      extending the lasing spectrum to several different wavelengths. Here we propose a
      novel strategy to realize wavelength switchable lasers based on the controlled
      competition of dual-wavelength vibronic lasing in single-component organic
      microcrystals. The vibrationally structured fluorescence property of the single
      crystal organic microdisks brings dual-wavelength lasing at different vibronic
      bands. Their relative optical gain intensity was modulated by controlling the
      population on the certain vibronic level of the ground state with varied
      temperature, which consequently enabled the reversible switching of the dual
      wavelength vibronic lasing. The results point out a promising route to the
      rational design of miniaturized lasers and other photonic elements with desired
      performances.

PMID- 28073269
TI  - Efficient Photothermoelectric Conversion in Lateral Topological Insulator
      Heterojunctions.
AB  - Tuning the electron and phonon transport properties of thermoelectric materials
      by nanostructuring has enabled improving their thermopower figure of merit. Three
      dimensional topological insulators, including many bismuth chalcogenides, attract
      increasing attention for this purpose, as their topologically protected surface
      states are promising to further enhance the thermoelectric performance. While
      individual bismuth chalcogenide nanostructures have been studied with respect to
      their photothermoelectric properties, nanostructured p-n junctions of these
      compounds have not yet been explored. Here, we experimentally investigate the
      room temperature thermoelectric conversion capability of lateral heterostructures
      consisting of two different three-dimensional topological insulators, namely, the
      n-type doped Bi2Te2Se and the p-type doped Sb2Te3. Scanning photocurrent
      microscopy of the nanoplatelets reveals efficient thermoelectric conversion at
      the p-n heterojunction, exploiting hot carriers of opposite sign in the two
      materials. From the photocurrent data, a Seebeck coefficient difference of DeltaS
      = 200 MUV/K was extracted, in accordance with the best values reported for the
      corresponding bulk materials. Furthermore, it is in very good agreement with the
      value of DeltaS = 185 MUV/K obtained by DFT calculation taking into account the
      specific doping levels of the two nanostructured components.

PMID- 28073270
TI  - Cooperative Molecular Behavior Enhances the Thermal Conductance of Binary Self
      Assembled Monolayer Junctions.
AB  - The effect of the local molecular environment on thermal transport through
      organic-inorganic heterojunctions is investigated using binary self-assembled
      monolayer (SAM) junctions built from a mixture of alkanethiol and alkanedithiol
      species sandwiched between gold leads. Thermoreflectance measurements and
      molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the thermal conductances of the
      binary SAM junctions vary with molecular composition and are greater than
      predictions of a parallel resistance model. The enhancement results from
      increased thermal transport through the alkanethiols, whose terminal methyl
      groups are confined by the anchored alkanedithiols. This confinement effect
      extends over length scales that are more than twice the range of the van der
      Waals interactions between molecules and are commensurate to the sizes of
      experimentally observed molecular domains. Conversely, for a partially packed
      (i.e., submonolayer) alkanedithiol unary SAM, increasing the molecular packing
      density decreases the per molecule thermal conductance. This finding indicates
      that thermal transport measurements of SAMs cannot be used to predict the thermal
      transport properties of single molecules.

PMID- 28073271
TI  - Molecular Rectification Tuned by Through-Space Gating Effect.
AB  - Inspired by transistors and electron transfer in proteins, we designed a group of
      pyridinoparacyclophane based diodes to study the through-space electronic gating
      effect on molecular rectification. It was shown that an edge-on gate effectively
      tunes the rectification ratio of a diode via through-space interaction. Higher
      rectification ratio was obtained for more electron-rich gating groups. The
      transition voltage spectroscopy showed that the forward transition voltage is
      correlated to the Hammett parameter of the gating group. Combining theoretical
      calculation and experimental data, we proposed that the change in rectification
      was induced by a shift in HOMO level both spatially and energetically. This
      design principle based on through-space edge-on gate is demonstrated on molecular
      wires, switches, and now diodes, showing the potential of molecular design in
      increasing the complexity of single-molecule electronic devices.

PMID- 28073272
TI  - Phase Transitions in Spin-Crossover Thin Films Probed by Graphene Transport
      Measurements.
AB  - Future multifunctional hybrid devices might combine switchable molecules and 2D
      material-based devices. Spin-crossover compounds are of particular interest in
      this context since they exhibit bistability and memory effects at room
      temperature while responding to numerous external stimuli. Atomically thin 2D
      materials such as graphene attract a lot of attention for their fascinating
      electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, but also for their reliability
      for room-temperature operations. Here, we demonstrate that thermally induced spin
      state switching of spin-crossover nanoparticle thin films can be monitored
      through the electrical transport properties of graphene lying underneath the
      films. Model calculations indicate that the charge carrier scattering mechanism
      in graphene is sensitive to the spin-state dependence of the relative dielectric
      constants of the spin-crossover nanoparticles. This graphene sensor approach can
      be applied to a wide class of (molecular) systems with tunable electronic
      polarizabilities.

PMID- 28073273
TI  - Ultrafast Exciton Dissociation and Long-Lived Charge Separation in a Photovoltaic
      Pentacene-MoS2 van der Waals Heterojunction.
AB  - van der Waals heterojunctions between two-dimensional (2D) layered materials and
      nanomaterials of different dimensions present unique opportunities for gate
      tunable optoelectronic devices. Mixed-dimensional p-n heterojunction diodes, such
      as p-type pentacene (0D) and n-type monolayer MoS2 (2D), are especially
      interesting for photovoltaic applications where the absorption cross-section and
      charge transfer processes can be tailored by rational selection from the vast
      library of organic molecules and 2D materials. Here, we study the kinetics of
      excited carriers in pentacene-MoS2 p-n type-II heterojunctions by transient
      absorption spectroscopy. These measurements show that the dissociation of MoS2
      excitons occurs by hole transfer to pentacene on the time scale of 6.7 ps. In
      addition, the charge-separated state lives for 5.1 ns, up to an order of
      magnitude longer than the recombination lifetimes from previously reported 2D
      material heterojunctions. By studying the fractional amplitudes of the MoS2 decay
      processes, the hole transfer yield from MoS2 to pentacene is found to be ~50%,
      with the remaining holes undergoing trapping due to surface defects. Overall, the
      ultrafast charge transfer and long-lived charge-separated state in pentacene-MoS2
      p-n heterojunctions suggest significant promise for mixed-dimensional van der
      Waals heterostructures in photovoltaics, photodetectors, and related
      optoelectronic technologies.

PMID- 28073274
TI  - Quantum Dots Embedded in Graphene Nanoribbons by Chemical Substitution.
AB  - Bottom-up chemical reactions of selected molecular precursors on a gold surface
      can produce high quality graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). Here, we report on the
      formation of quantum dots embedded in an armchair GNR by substitutional inclusion
      of pairs of boron atoms into the GNR backbone. The boron inclusion is achieved
      through the addition of a small amount of boron substituted precursors during the
      formation of pristine GNRs. In the pristine region between two boron pairs, the
      nanoribbons show a discretization of their valence band into confined modes
      compatible with a Fabry-Perot resonator. Transport simulations of the scattering
      properties of the boron pairs reveal that they selectively confine the first
      valence band of the pristine ribbon while allowing an efficient electron
      transmission of the second one. Such band-dependent electron scattering stems
      from the symmetry matching between the electronic wave functions of the states
      from the pristine nanoribbons and those localized at the boron pairs.

PMID- 28073275
TI  - Highly Efficient Retention of Polysulfides in "Sea Urchin"-Like Carbon
      Nanotube/Nanopolyhedra Superstructures as Cathode Material for Ultralong-Life
      Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.
AB  - Despite high theoretical energy density, the practical deployment of lithium
      sulfur (Li-S) batteries is still not implemented because of the severe capacity
      decay caused by polysulfide shuttling and the poor rate capability induced by low
      electrical conductivity of sulfur. Herein, we report a novel sulfur host material
      based on "sea urchin"-like cobalt nanoparticle embedded and nitrogen-doped carbon
      nanotube/nanopolyhedra (Co-NCNT/NP) superstructures for Li-S batteries. The
      hierarchical micromesopores in Co-NCNT/NP can allow efficient impregnation of
      sulfur and block diffusion of soluble polysulfides by physical confinement, and
      the incorporation of embedded Co nanoparticles and nitrogen doping (~4.6 at. %)
      can synergistically improve the adsorption of polysulfides, as evidenced by
      beaker cell tests. Moreover, the conductive networks of Co-NCNT/NP interconnected
      by nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) can facilitate electron transport and
      electrolyte infiltration. Therefore, the specific capacity, rate capability, and
      cycle stability of Li-S batteries are significantly enhanced. As a result, the Co
      NCNT/NP based cathode (loaded with 80 wt % sulfur) delivers a high discharge
      capacity of 1240 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 C (based on the weight of
      sulfur), high rate capacity (755 mAh g-1 at 2.0 C), and ultralong cycling life (a
      very low capacity decay of 0.026% per cycle over 1500 cycles at 1.0 C).
      Remarkably, the composite cathode with high areal sulfur loading of 3.2 mg cm-2
      shows high rate capacities and stable cycling performance over 200 cycles.

PMID- 28073277
TI  - An Editor's Musings for the New Year.

PMID- 28073276
TI  - Interlaced, Nanostructured Interface with Graphene Buffer Layer Reduces Thermal
      Boundary Resistance in Nano/Microelectronic Systems.
AB  - Improving heat transfer in hybrid nano/microelectronic systems is a challenge,
      mainly due to the high thermal boundary resistance (TBR) across the interface.
      Herein, we focus on gallium nitride (GaN)/diamond interface-as a model system
      with various high power, high temperature, and optoelectronic applications-and
      perform extensive reverse nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, decoding
      the interplay between the pillar length, size, shape, hierarchy, density,
      arrangement, system size, and the interfacial heat transfer mechanisms to
      substantially reduce TBR in GaN-on-diamond devices. We found that changing the
      conventional planar interface to nanoengineered, interlaced architecture with
      optimal geometry results in >80% reduction in TBR. Moreover, introduction of
      conformal graphene buffer layer further reduces the TBR by ~33%. Our findings
      demonstrate that the enhanced generation of intermediate frequency phonons
      activates the dominant group velocities, resulting in reduced TBR. This work has
      important implications on experimental studies, opening up a new space for
      engineering hybrid nano/microelectronics.

PMID- 28073278
TI  - Wear Resistance Limited by Step Edge Failure: The Rise and Fall of Graphene as an
      Atomically Thin Lubricating Material.
AB  - Owing to its intrinsically lubricious property, graphene has a high potential to
      be an atomically thin solid lubricant for sliding interfaces. Despite its
      ultrahigh breaking strength at the nanoscale, graphene often fails to maintain
      its integrity when subjected to macroscale tribological tests. To reveal the true
      wear characteristics of graphene, a nanoscale diamond tip was used to scratch
      monolayer graphene mechanically exfoliated to SiO2 substrates. Our experimental
      results show that while graphene exhibited extraordinary wear resistance in the
      interior region, it could be easily damaged at the step edge under a much lower
      normal load (~2 orders of magnitude smaller). Similar behavior with substantially
      reduced wear resistance at the edge was also observed for monatomic graphene
      layer on graphite surface. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we attributed
      this markedly weak wear resistance at the step edge to two primary mechanisms,
      i.e., atom-by-atom adhesive wear and peel induced rupture. Our findings shed
      light on the paradox that graphene is nanoscopically strong yet macroscopically
      weak. As step edge is ubiquitous for two-dimensional materials at the macroscale,
      our study also provides a guiding direction for maximizing the mechanical and
      tribological performance of these atomically thin materials.

PMID- 28073279
TI  - The optical method of measurement of sizes and the refractive index of
      nanoparticles Ag@Fe3O4.
AB  - The spectrophotometric method and the electron microscope have been used to
      determine the distribution function of Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles by sizes and to
      measure their complex refractive index. These particles have been synthesized as
      acomponent of magnetically controlled drugs with antibacterial properties. The
      algorithm of processing the results of the experiment has been designed to
      measure the sizes of nanoparticles (1-100 nm).Key words: nanoparticle sizes
      measuring spectrum attenuation.

PMID- 28073280
TI  - [The conscientious objection among pharmacists in the Slovak Republic].
AB  - There were two primary objectives of this study: 1. bibliographic analysis of
      literature on pharmacists and conscientious objection, 2. analysis of present
      condition and attitudes of pharmacists (n = 100) and pharmacy students (n = 100)
      towards conscientious objection in the Slovak Republic. Data were obtained from
      the survey using by questionnaire.Almost all, 191 (95.5%) respondents knew the
      phrase "conscientious objection". The respondents claimed this right to refuse
      filling prescriptions written for emergency post-coital contraception in 43.5%,
      and dispensing of hormonal contraception in 26.5%. Most participants, 178 (89.0%)
      think that pharmacists have the right to conscientious objection. 65 respondents
      (32.5%) implement this right in their practice.Key words: conscientious objection
      pharmacists pharmacy students Pro-life pharmacies.

PMID- 28073283
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Rhee YG, Cho NS, Parke CS. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using modified Mason
      Allen medial row stitch: knotless versus knot-tying suture bridge technique. Am J
      Sports Med. 2012;40(11):2440-2447. (Original DOI: 10.1177/0363546512459170 ).

PMID- 28073281
TI  - [Jews in European pharmacy from the seventh to the early twentieth centuries].
AB  - This article deals with less familiar theme - the status of Jewish doctors and
      pharmacists in the history of pharmacy from the 7th century AD to the early 20th
      century. They played an important role in the history of the Iberian Peninsula -
      initially under Muslim and after the Reconquista in 1492 under Christian rule.
      Most of them chose assimilation into the surrounding milieu, some of them escaped
      before the Christian Inquisition. Despite persecution, it was the golden age of
      Jewish medicine and pharmacy. During the existence of the Frankish empire we find
      only rare mentions of them - Jews isolated in the area of urban Jewish ghettos.
      Jewish doctors and pharmacists found better employment first in some Protestant
      countries (England, Holland). In Germany and Central Europe they gained ground at
      the end of the 19th century. A number of prominent scientists, especially from
      Eastern Europe, at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries found a solution in
      immigration to the US to escape were anti-Semitism.Key words: Jews pharmacy Arab
      empire pharmacology.

PMID- 28073284
TI  - Posterior Glottic Insufficiency in Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dysphonia secondary to posterior glottic insufficiency (PGI) can be
      difficult to identify and correct. Inadequate arytenoid approximation from medial
      arytenoid erosion results in a breathy, soft voice. The anatomical location of
      the gap is difficult to correct by vocal fold injection laryngoplasty. This study
      reviews the presentation, evaluation, and treatment for pediatric patients who
      were identified with PGI. METHODS: An Institutional Review Board-approved chart
      review was performed on all patients who were diagnosed with PGI at our
      institution from 2013 to 2015. We studied the presentation, workup, and treatment
      for these patients, including laryngoscopy, parent or patient-based voice
      impairment ratings, and response to treatment. RESULTS: Seven patients were
      identified. Erosion of the medial arytenoid was identified on microlaryngoscopy
      for all of these patients. The patients had suboptimal improvement from injection
      laryngoplasty. Three patients underwent surgical correction with an endoscopic
      posterior cricoid reduction laryngoplasty (EPCRL) with significant improvement in
      voice, assessed by perceptual, laryngoscopic, and patient-based measures.
      CONCLUSION: The key diagnostic procedures to identify posterior glottic
      insufficiency include laryngoscopic findings of a posterior glottal gap,
      microlaryngoscopy with close inspection of the posterior glottis and medial
      arytenoids, and suboptimal response to injection laryngoplasty. The EPCRL is an
      effective procedure to treat dysphonia from PGI.

PMID- 28073285
TI  - Muscle-Nerve-Muscle Grafting for Facial Reanimation in Rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Facial paralysis is a devastating condition leaving patients with a
      myriad of aesthetic and functional consequences. Muscle-nerve-muscle (MNM)
      neurotization is a reinnervation technique that involves implanting an autogenous
      nerve graft as a conduit between an innervated "donor" muscle and a denervated
      "recipient" muscle. We investigated the use of MNM reinnervation, alone or in
      combination with electrical stimulation (ES) and testosterone propionate (TP) in
      comparison to nerve reanastomosis (RE), on functional recovery following rat
      facial nerve injury. METHODS: Thirty-one male, Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned
      to groups: no graft (control), MNM grafting alone (MNM), MNM grafting with ES and
      TP (MNM+ES+TP), or RE. Harvested right facial nerve branches were used as the MNM
      graft. Functional recovery was assessed by behavioral observations and
      electromyographic recordings. RESULTS: The MNM grafting improved muscle tone and
      vibrissae movement. The ES+TP treatment further enhanced muscle tone as well as
      reduced recovery time for coordinated movement in a manner that is comparable to
      those of RE. Electromyographic recordings demonstrated electrical conductance
      across all MNM grafts. CONCLUSION: These data have important implications for
      patients with unilateral paralysis from facial or laryngeal nerve injury,
      particularly those who are not candidates for nerve reanastomosis.

PMID- 28073286
TI  - Bipolar Plasmakinetic Enucleoresection of the Prostate: Our Experience with 245
      Patients for 3 Years of Follow-Up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and
      effectiveness of bipolar transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate
      (PKEP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and October 2013, 245 patients
      with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent
      transurethral enucleation of prostate using bipolar plasma vaporization energy.
      Patients were evaluated preoperatively by full detailed history, routine
      preoperative investigation digital rectal examination, serum prostate-specific
      antigen, abdominal and transrectal ultrasonography, and maximum flow rates
      (Qmax). RESULTS: Patients' ages ranged from 50 to 81 (65.5 +/- 6) years with
      transrectal ultrasound-measured prostate volume of 97.1 +/- 36.7 mL resulting in
      an operating time of 76.9 +/- 27.9 minutes, and postoperative irrigation and
      catheterization times were 3.5 +/- 3.2 and 12.7 +/- 6.1 hours, respectively. No
      significant complication occurred intra- or postoperatively. Qmax increased from
      7.1 +/- 3.2 mL/second preoperative to 18.4 +/- 4.2 mL/second (p < 0.001). The
      International Prostate Symptom Score decreased from 25 +/- 6 to 7.9 +/- 2.4 (p <
      0.01). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that PKEP is a safe, easy to learn, and
      durable technique suitable for any prostate sizes.

PMID- 28073287
TI  - Psychological growth and well-being in individuals born with cleft: An
      application of self-determination theory.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many studies of individuals born with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP)
      address the psychological impact of CLP in terms of stigma and/or 'resilience'.
      The present study challenges the usefulness of resilience in CLP research with
      the application of self-determination theory (SDT). It is proposed that SDT can
      serve to better understand how individuals born with CLP can achieve
      psychological growth and well-being. DESIGN: Interviews were conducted with 15
      individuals born with CLP in the UK. RESULTS: A thematic analysis was conducted
      and four main themes emerged: (1) personal challenges, (2) support and strategies
      for social interaction, (3) experience of treatment and outcomes, and (4)
      personal development. The thematic analysis and the interpretation in the context
      of SDT leads to a greater understanding of the development of psychological
      growth and well-being in individuals born with CLP. CONCLUSION: Interpreting the
      life experiences of individuals with CLP through the theoretical lens of SDT
      allows the conceptualisation of individuals with CLP as a positive psychological
      resource when faced with the exclusionary practice of stigma. This
      resourcefulness is primarily nurtured by a supportive family and social
      environment that leads to the development of positive psychological growth and
      well-being. A new direction in CLP research is proposed that seeks to inform and
      implement change in professional practice to support individuals with CLP and
      their families.

PMID- 28073288
TI  - Pattern Versus Change: Community-Based Dyadic Heart Failure Self-Care.
AB  - It is imperative that dyadic heart failure (HF) self-care be carefully examined
      so we can develop interventions which improve patient outcomes. The purpose of
      this study was to qualitatively examine how patient/informal caregiver dyads
      mutually engage in managing the patient's HF at home. Twenty-seven dyads were
      interviewed using a theoretically derived interview guide. All interviews were
      digitally recorded and professionally transcribed, and iterative thematic
      analysis was conducted. Three descriptive themes emerged-Mutual engagement in
      self-care involves maintaining established patterns of engagement across the life
      course of the relationship, changing patterns according to whether it is day-to
      day care or symptom management, and mobilizing the help of a third party as
      consultant. These themes reveal the dyadic conundrum-whether to change or remain
      the same in the face of a dynamic and progressive condition like HF. The themes
      suggest potential targets for intervention-interventions focused on the
      relationship or caregiver activation.

PMID- 28073289
TI  - Generation and Characterization of HIV-1 Transmitted and Founder Virus Consensus
      Sequence from Intravenous Drug Users in Xinjiang, China.
AB  - HIV-1 transmission in intravenous drug users (IDUs) has been characterized by
      high genetic multiplicity and suggests a greater challenge for HIV-1 infection
      blocking. We investigated a total of 749 sequences of full-length gp160 gene
      obtained by single genome sequencing (SGS) from 22 HIV-1 early infected IDUs in
      Xinjiang province, northwest China, and generated a transmitted and founder virus
      (T/F virus) consensus sequence (IDU.CON). The T/F virus was classified as subtype
      CRF07_BC and predicted to be CCR5-tropic virus. The variable region (V1, V2, and
      V4 loop) of IDU.CON showed length variation compared with the heterosexual T/F
      virus consensus sequence (HSX.CON) and homosexual T/F virus consensus sequence
      (MSM.CON). A total of 26 N-linked glycosylation sites were discovered in the
      IDU.CON sequence, which is less than that of MSM.CON and HSX.CON.
      Characterization of T/F virus from IDUs highlights the genetic make-up and
      complexity of virus near the moment of transmission or in early infection
      preceding systemic dissemination and is important toward the development of an
      effective HIV-1 preventive methods, including vaccines.

PMID- 28073290
TI  - Intra- and Interorgan Communication in the Cardiovascular System: A Special View
      on Redox Regulation.
AB  - Intraorgan communication in the cardiovascular system is exerted not only by
      direct cell-cell contacts but also by locally released factors, which modulate
      neighboring cells by paracrine signals (e.g., NO, vascular endothelial growth
      factor, adenosine, reactive oxygen species). Moreover, cells in close proximity
      to the typical cardiovascular cells such as fibroblasts, red blood cells, as well
      as resident and invading immune cells must be considered in attempts to
      understand cardiovascular function in physiology and pathology. The second level
      of communication is the interorgan communication, which may be distinguished from
      intraorgan communication, since it involves signaling from remote organs to the
      heart and circulation. Therefore, mediators released by, for example, the kidney
      or skeletal muscle reach the heart and modulate its function. This is not only
      the case under physiological conditions, because there is increasing evidence
      that the organ-specific response to a primary insult may affect also the function
      of remote organs by the release of factors. This Forum will summarize novel
      mechanisms involved in intraorgan and interorgan communication of the
      cardiovascular system, with a special view on the remote organs, skeletal muscle
      and kidney. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 613-615.

PMID- 28073292
TI  - Health-Care Utilization After Hospice Enrollment in Patients With Heart Failure
      and Cancer.
AB  - This study aimed to examine the role of diagnosis in health-care utilization
      patterns after hospice enrollment. Using 2007 National Home and Hospice Care
      Survey data from hospice patients with heart failure (n = 311) and cancer (n =
      946), we analyzed emergency service use and discharge to hospital via logistic
      regression pre- and postpropensity score matching. Prematching, patients with
      heart failure had twice the odds of emergency services use than patients with
      cancer ( P < .001) and twice the odds of discharge to hospital ( P = .02).
      Differences were reduced postmatching for emergency service use (odds ratio [OR]:
      1.6, P = .05) and eliminated for discharge to hospital (OR: 1.32, P = .45).
      Health-care utilization correlates included diagnosis, place of care, and advance
      directives. Attention to the unique needs of patients with heart failure is
      needed, along with improved advanced care planning.

PMID- 28073293
TI  - Restricted Interests and Autism: Further Assessment of Preferences for a Variety
      of Leisure Items.
AB  - Researchers have yet to identify the conditions under which people diagnosed with
      autism spectrum disorder demonstrate restricted interests; it is possible that
      the impression of restricted interests is strengthened when a limited variety of
      items are included in a client's preference assessments. This study will extend
      past research on preferences of children with autism by (a) examining
      participants' preferences for unreplenished (familiar) play or leisure items
      versus items that are replenished frequently, (b) assessing if participants who
      prefer replenished items select items with properties that are matched or
      unmatched to their most preferred unreplenished item, and (c) assessing if
      participants who show an exclusive preference for unreplenished items will select
      replenished items during response-restriction and enhanced-replenished pool
      manipulations. Participants were four adolescents with autism and a caregiver
      reported history of restricted interests. One participant selected both
      unreplenished (familiar) items and replenished (novel) items without further
      manipulations. The remaining three participants only selected replenished-matched
      leisure items after additional manipulations. Results are discussed in terms of
      the ethical and practical importance of assessing a range of potential
      reinforcers, particularly with clients who demonstrate restricted interests.

PMID- 28073291
TI  - Future of rAAV Gene Therapy: Platform for RNAi, Gene Editing, and Beyond.
AB  - The use of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) ushered in a new
      millennium of gene transfer for therapeutic treatment of a number of conditions,
      including congenital blindness, hemophilia, and spinal muscular atrophy. rAAV
      vectors have remarkable staying power from a therapeutic standpoint, withstanding
      several ebbs and flows. As new technologies such as clustered regularly
      interspaced short palindromic repeat genome editing emerge, it is now the
      delivery tool-the AAV vector-that is the stalwart. The long-standing safety of
      this vector in a multitude of clinical settings makes rAAV a selling point in the
      advancement of approaches for gene replacement, gene knockdown, gene editing, and
      genome modification/engineering. The research community is building on these
      advances to develop more tailored delivery approaches and to tweak the genome in
      new and unique ways. Intertwining these approaches with newly engineered rAAV
      vectors is greatly expanding the available tools to manipulate gene expression
      with a therapeutic intent.

PMID- 28073294
TI  - Circulating tumor cells and DNA for real-time EGFR detection and monitoring of
      non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - AIM: We investigate the suitability of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and
      circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in non-small-cell lung cancer management, which is
      challenging in conventional biopsies. MATERIALS & METHODS: We performed serial
      blood extraction from 120 patients of varying EGFR status. Molecular profiling
      was performed using droplet digital PCR and correlated to survival outcome.
      RESULTS: Overall, we observed 95% agreement using CTCs and ctDNA with
      conventional tissue biopsies, which indicated the disease's close correlation.
      The mutant signature was stable and captured the dynamic changes during
      treatment. It aided to stratify patients with worse survival outcome. CONCLUSION:
      CTCs and ctDNA can complement current disease management. We demonstrated its
      effectiveness in continuous disease profiling, which is critical for clinical
      decision-making.

PMID- 28073295
TI  - The frequency and predictors of poly-victimisation of South African children and
      the role of schools in its prevention.
AB  - Violence has become a characteristic feature of South African society, with women
      and children often bearing the brunt of this. Contemporary research suggests that
      the key to stemming the tide of child victimisation is understanding the complete
      inventory of victimisations that may co-occur during childhood. There is growing
      recognition that children in South Africa typically experience abuse in the
      context of other forms of maltreatment and victimisation. This article draws on
      the empirical data collected for a national prevalence and incidence study on
      child sexual abuse and maltreatment in South Africa and draws attention to the
      frequency of poly-victimisation amongst South African children and highlights why
      some children experience multiple co-occurring forms of victimisations while
      others do not. Understanding the complete victim profile of young children, and
      how the different forms of victimisation they experience intersect, is critical
      to ensuring that the most vulnerable South Africans are provided with the
      extensive and targeted interventions required to break free from their heightened
      vulnerability to victimisation.

PMID- 28073297
TI  - Effective public involvement in the HoST-D Programme for dementia home care
      support: From proposal and design to methods of data collection (innovative
      practice).
AB  - Public involvement is an important element in health and social care research.
      However, it is little evaluated in research. This paper discusses the utility and
      impact of public involvement of carers and people with dementia in a five-year
      programme on effective home support in dementia, from proposal and design to
      methods of data collection, and provides a useful guide for future research on
      how to effectively involve the public. The Home SupporT in Dementia (HoST-D)
      Programme comprises two elements of public involvement, a small reference group
      and a virtual lay advisory group. Involving carers and people with dementia is
      based on the six key values of involvement - respect, support, transparency,
      responsiveness, fairness of opportunity, and accountability. Carers and people
      with dementia gave opinions on study information, methods of data collection, an
      economic model, case vignettes, and a memory aid booklet, which were all taken
      into account. Public involvement has provided benefits to the programme whilst
      being considerate of the time constraints and geographical locations of members.

PMID- 28073298
TI  - Extraperitoneal vs Transperitoneal Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in the
      Setting of Prior Abdominal or Pelvic Surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: During robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the prostate
      may be approached extraperiteoneally (extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical
      prostatectomy [eRARP]) or transperitoneally (transperitoneal robot-assisted
      radical prostatectomy [tRARP]). The former avoids the abdominal cavity, which
      might be of benefit in patients who have had prior abdominal or pelvic surgery
      (PAPS). Our objective was to compare the outcomes of patients with PAPS
      undergoing either technique. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated
      with RARP from July 1, 2003 to December 31, 2014 with a minimum follow-up of 3
      months was undertaken. Of 2927 patients, 620 were identified as having undergone
      RARP (without concomitant unrelated procedures) and PAPS (excluding patients with
      prior inguinal hernia repair with mesh or unclear surgical histories) for
      prostate adenocarcinoma without prior pelvic radiotherapy. Of these, 340 patients
      underwent eRARP and 280 patients underwent tRARP. RESULTS: Patients in the eRARP
      group were younger (61.04 years vs 62.32, p = 0.02), had a higher body mass index
      (29.65 vs 28.98, p = 0.09), lower American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (p
      = 0.03), and lower D'Amico risk classification disease (p < 0.0001). The two
      groups had similar rates of 1, 2, and >2 PAPS. On univariate analysis, the eRARP
      group had lower operative time (188.96 minutes vs 197.92 minutes, p = 0.003),
      extensive lysis of adhesions (0.9% vs 14.3%, p < 0.0001), length of hospital stay
      (LOS) (1.13 days +/-0.45 vs 1.33 day +/-1.08, p = 0.003), and higher estimated
      blood loss (210.74 mL vs 190.79 mL, p = 0.06). The eRARP group had a lower rate
      of gastrointestinal complications (0% vs 3.21%, p = 0.0007), a trend toward lower
      early post-operative complications (8.53% vs 12.86%, p = 0.08), and lower overall
      complications (9.41% vs 15%, p = 0.03). In regression analysis with model
      selection, only LOS was lower in the eRARP group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Both
      methods are safe in patients with prior abdominal surgeries. A lower incidence of
      gastrointestinal complications and a shorter length of stay were noted in the
      extraperitoneal cohort.

PMID- 28073296
TI  - The Microbiome and Complement Activation: A Mechanistic Model for Preterm Birth.
AB  - Preterm birth (PTB, <37 completed weeks' gestation) is one of the leading
      obstetrical problems in the United States, affecting approximately one of every
      nine births. Even more concerning are the persistent racial disparities in PTB,
      with particularly high rates among African Americans. There are several
      recognized pathophysiologic pathways to PTB, including infection and/or
      exaggerated systemic or local inflammation. Intrauterine infection is a causal
      factor linked to PTB thought to result most commonly from inflammatory processes
      triggered by microbial invasion of bacteria ascending from the vaginal
      microbiome. Trials to treat various infections have shown limited efficacy in
      reducing PTB risk, suggesting that other complex mechanisms, including those
      associated with inflammation, may be involved in the relationship between
      microbes, infection, and PTB. The complement system, a key mediator of the
      inflammatory response, is an innate defense mechanism involved in both normal
      physiologic processes that occur during pregnancy implantation and processes that
      promote the elimination of pathogenic microbes. Recent research has demonstrated
      an association between this system and PTB. The purpose of this article is to
      present a mechanistic model of inflammation-associated PTB, which hypothesizes a
      relationship between the microbiome and dysregulation of the complement system.
      Exploring the relationships between the microbial environment and complement
      biomarkers may elucidate a potentially modifiable biological pathway to PTB.

PMID- 28073299
TI  - The Changing Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Clinical Practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) database was
      utilized to understand evolving national trends in diagnosis and management of
      reflux. METHODS: The NAMCS database was queried for visits related to
      gastroesophageal reflux diagnosis and management. Analysis performed for time
      periods 1998-2001, 2002-2005, and 2006-2009 was weighted to provide national
      estimates of care. Results were compared to previously reported time periods from
      1990 to 2001 to evaluate patterns in overall visits, age and ethnicity of
      patients, provider type, and prescriptions provided. RESULTS: The number of
      ambulatory visits for reflux increased from 8 684 000 in 1998-2001 to 15 750 000
      in 2006-2009. Visits increased across each time period for internal medicine,
      family, and gastroenterology physicians. Among otolaryngologists, absolute visits
      increased from 1998-2001 to 2002-2005 but decreased in 2006-2009; difference
      between these time periods did not reach statistical significance. From 1998-2001
      to 2006-2009, reflux medication use increased 233%, with continuing trends toward
      increased proton pump inhibitor use. CONCLUSIONS: Reflux visits have increased
      across all demographic subgroups studied. Knowledge of these trends may inform
      further paradigm shifts in diagnosis and management of reflux.

PMID- 28073300
TI  - From Dynamics to Function.
AB  - A vast majority of psychological science focuses on snapshots of individuals.
      Clinical outcome studies may integrate multiple snapshots, typically with yearly
      intervals. However, there is much to learn about psychological processes as they
      unfold over real time, including minutes, days, weeks, and months. This special
      issue contains several articles that make significant advances in real-time
      assessment of psychological processes using state-of-the-art measurement. This is
      a brief summary of the specific innovations of this special issue. The summary
      includes suggestions for applying these measurement innovations to the study of
      functional dynamics that lead to clinically and socially significant events.
      Several examples provide ways in which a dynamical analysis of function may be
      revealing. Most important, the assessment of dynamic mechanisms underlying the
      amplification of psychopathology seems especially useful for tailoring clinical
      interventions to meet clients' specific needs.

PMID- 28073302
TI  - Is the average shortest path length of gene set a reflection of their biological
      relatedness?
AB  - When a set of genes are identified to be related to a disease, say through gene
      expression analysis, it is common to examine the average distance among their
      protein products in the human interactome as a measure of biological relatedness
      of these genes. The reasoning for this is that, genes associated with a disease
      would tend to be functionally related, and that functionally related genes would
      be closely connected to each other in the interactome. Typically, average
      shortest path length (ASPL) of disease genes (although referred to as genes in
      the context of disease-associations, the interactions are among protein-products
      of these genes) is compared to ASPL of randomly selected genes or to ASPL in a
      randomly permuted network. We examined whether the ASPL of a set of genes is
      indeed a good measure of biological relatedness or whether it is simply a
      characteristic of the degree distribution of those genes. We examined the ASPL of
      genes sets of some disease and pathway associations and compared them to ASPL of
      three types of randomly selected control sets: uniform selection, from entire
      proteome, degree-matched selection, and random permutation of the network. We
      found that disease associated genes and their degree-matched random genes have
      comparable ASPL. In other words, ASPL is a characteristic of the degree of the
      genes and the network topology, and not that of functional coherence.

PMID- 28073303
TI  - Stereoscopic Depth Contrast in a 3D Muller-Lyer Configuration: Evidence for Local
      Normalization.
AB  - Depth contrast is a stereoscopic visual phenomenon in which the slant of an
      element is affected by that of adjacent elements. Normalization has been proposed
      to be a possible cause of depth contrast, but it is still unclear how depth
      contrast involves normalization. To address this issue, we devised stereograms
      consisting of a vertical test line accompanied by several inducer lines, like a
      three-dimensional variation of the well-known Muller-Lyer configuration. The
      inducer lines had horizontal binocular disparities that defined a stereoscopic
      slant about a horizontal axis with respect to the endpoints of the test line. The
      observer's task was to adjust the slant of the test line about a horizontal axis
      until it appeared subjectively vertical. The results of two psychophysical
      experiments found that slant settings were affected by the slant of local
      inducers, but not by the overall slant of the whole stimulus. These results
      suggest that, at least for line patterns, the stereo system normalizes depth
      locally.

PMID- 28073304
TI  - The Impact of Stress on Odor Perception.
AB  - The olfactory system and emotional systems are highly intervened and share common
      neuronal structures. The current study investigates whether emotional (e.g.,
      anger and fear) and physiological (saliva cortisol) stress responses are
      associated with odor identification ability and hedonic odor judgments
      (intensity, pleasantness, and unpleasantness). Nineteen men participated in the
      modified Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and a control session (cycling on a
      stationary bike). The physiological arousal was similar in both sessions. In each
      session, participants' odor identification score was assessed using the
      University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, and their transient mood
      was recorded on the dimensions of valence, arousal, anger, and anxiety.
      Multivariate regression analyses show that an increase of cortisol in the TSST
      session (as compared with the control session) is associated with better odor
      identification performance (beta = .491) and higher odor intensity ratings (beta
      = .562). However, increased anger in the TSST session (as compared with the
      control session) is associated with lower odor identification performance (beta =
      -.482). The study shows divergent effects of the emotional and the physiological
      stress responses, indicating that an increase of cortisol is associated with
      better odor identification performance, whereas increased anger is associated
      with poorer odor identification performance.

PMID- 28073305
TI  - * Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as Favorable Source for Cartilage
      Repair.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Localized trauma-derived breakdown of the hyaline articular
      cartilage may progress toward osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition
      characterized by total loss of articular cartilage and joint function. Tissue
      engineering technologies encompass several promising approaches with high
      therapeutic potential for the treatment of these focal defects. However, most of
      the research in tissue engineering is focused on potential materials and
      structural cues, while little attention is directed to the most appropriate
      source of cells endowing these materials. In this study, using human amniotic
      membrane (HAM) as scaffold, we defined a novel static in vitro model for
      cartilage repair. In combination with HAM, four different cell types, human
      chondrocytes, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs), human
      amniotic epithelial cells, and human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs)
      were assessed determining their therapeutic potential. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      chondral lesion was drilled in human cartilage biopsies simulating a focal
      defect. A pellet of different cell types was implanted inside the lesion and
      covered with HAM. The biopsies were maintained for 8 weeks in culture.
      Chondrogenic differentiation in the defect was analyzed by histology and
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: HAM scaffold showed good integration and adhesion
      to the native cartilage in all groups. Although all cell types showed the
      capacity of filling the focal defect, hBMSCs and hAMSCs demonstrated higher
      levels of new matrix synthesis. However, only the hAMSCs-containing group
      presented a significant cytoplasmic content of type II collagen when compared
      with chondrocytes. More collagen type I was identified in the new synthesized
      tissue of hBMSCs. In accordance, hBMSCs and hAMSCs showed better International
      Cartilage Research Society scoring although without statistical significance.
      CONCLUSION: HAM is a useful material for articular cartilage repair in vitro when
      used as scaffold. In combination with hAMSCs, HAM showed better potential for
      cartilage repair with similar reparation capacity than chondrocytes.

PMID- 28073306
TI  - The gap in scientific knowledge and role of science communication in South Korea.
AB  - Using data from a national survey of South Koreans, this study explores the role
      of science communication in enhancing three different forms of scientific
      knowledge ( factual, procedural, and subjective). We first assess learning
      effects, looking at the extent to which citizens learn science from different
      channels of communication (interpersonal discussions, traditional newspapers,
      television, online newspapers, and social media). We then look into the knowledge
      gap hypothesis, investigating how different communication channels can either
      widen or narrow the gap in knowledge between social classes. Television was found
      to function as a "knowledge leveler," narrowing the gap between highly and less
      educated South Koreans. The role of online newspapers in science learning is
      pronounced in our research. Reading newspapers online indicated a positive
      relationship to all three measures of knowledge. Contrary to the knowledge
      leveling effect of television viewing, reading online newspapers was found to
      increase, rather than decrease, the gap in knowledge. Implications of our
      findings are discussed in detail.

PMID- 28073307
TI  - Effect of sample storage temperature and buffer formulation on faecal
      immunochemical test haemoglobin measurements.
AB  - Objectives Faecal immunochemical test accuracy may be adversely affected when
      samples are exposed to high temperatures. This study evaluated the effect of two
      sample collection buffer formulations (OC-Sensor, Eiken) and storage temperatures
      on faecal haemoglobin readings. Methods Faecal immunochemical test samples
      returned in a screening programme and with >=10 ug Hb/g faeces in either the
      original or new formulation haemoglobin stabilizing buffer were stored in the
      freezer, refrigerator, or at room temperature (22C-24C), and reanalysed after 1
      14 days. Samples in the new buffer were also reanalysed after storage at 35C and
      50C. Results were expressed as percentage of the initial concentration, and the
      number of days that levels were maintained to at least 80% was calculated.
      Results Haemoglobin concentrations were maintained above 80% of their initial
      concentration with both freezer and refrigerator storage, regardless of buffer
      formulation or storage duration. Stability at room temperature was significantly
      better in the new buffer, with haemoglobin remaining above 80% for 20 days
      compared with six days in the original buffer. Storage at 35C or 50C in the new
      buffer maintained haemoglobin above 80% for eight and two days, respectively.
      Conclusion The new formulation buffer has enhanced haemoglobin stabilizing
      properties when samples are exposed to temperatures greater than 22C.

PMID- 28073309
TI  - Psychometric Evaluation of a New Instrument to Evaluate School Nurses'
      Perceptions on Concussion Care Management.
AB  - The rate of concussions in adolescents has risen over the last decade, resulting
      in cognitive and emotional problems. Neurologists recommend cognitive and
      physical rest during the recovery period, followed by a transitional return-to
      classroom protocol. The purpose of the study was to develop and test an
      instrument that explores the beliefs and roles of school nurses in concussion
      care management. The instrument was a cross-sectional descriptive survey based on
      the theory of planned behavior, using Qualtrics(r). The psychometric properties
      of the instrument were assessed through exploratory factor analysis with
      orthogonal rotation. The reliability of the instrument was assessed for internal
      consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin for sample
      adequacy was .8; Cronbach's alpha strong (.851).

PMID- 28073308
TI  - High lifetime probability of screen-detected cervical abnormalities.
AB  - Objective Regular screening and follow-up is an important key to cervical cancer
      prevention; however, screening inevitably detects mild or borderline
      abnormalities that would never progress to a more severe stage. We analysed the
      cumulative probability and recurrence of cervical abnormalities in the Finnish
      organized screening programme during a 22-year follow-up. Methods Screening
      histories were collected for 364,487 women born between 1950 and 1965. Data
      consisted of 1 207,017 routine screens and 88,143 follow-up screens between 1991
      and 2012. Probabilities of cervical abnormalities by age were estimated using
      logistic regression and generalized estimating equations methodology. Results The
      probability of experiencing any abnormality at least once at ages 30-64 was 34.0%
      (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.3-34.6%) . Probability was 5.4% (95% CI: 5.0
      5.8%) for results warranting referral and 2.2% (95% CI: 2.0-2.4%) for results
      with histologically confirmed findings. Previous occurrences were associated with
      an increased risk of detecting new ones, specifically in older women. Conclusion
      A considerable proportion of women experience at least one abnormal screening
      result during their lifetime, and yet very few eventually develop an actual
      precancerous lesion. Re-evaluation of diagnostic criteria concerning mild
      abnormalities might improve the balance of harms and benefits of screening.
      Special monitoring of women with recurrent abnormalities especially at older ages
      may also be needed.

PMID- 28073310
TI  - Linda Marie Wayland Pote (11 June 1953-26 September 2016).
AB  - [Figure: see text].

PMID- 28073311
TI  - Cervical artery tortuosity is associated with intracranial aneurysm.
AB  - Background Intracranial aneurysms may be associated with an underlying
      arteriopathy, leading to arterial wall fragility. Arterial tortuosity is a major
      characteristic of some connective tissue disease. Aim To determine whether
      intracranial aneurysm is associated with an underlying arteriopathy. Methods
      Using a case-control design, from May 2012 to May 2013, we selected intracranial
      aneurysm cases and controls from consecutive patients who had conventional
      cerebral angiography in our center. Cases were patients with newly diagnosed
      intracranial aneurysm. Controls were patients who had diagnostic cerebral
      angiography and free of aneurysm. The prevalence of tortuosity, retrospectively
      assessed according to standard definitions, was compared between cases and
      controls and, association between tortuosity and some aneurysm characteristics
      was examined, in cases only. Results About 659 arteries from 233 patients (112
      cases and 121 controls) were examined. Tortuosity was found in 57 (51%) cases and
      31 (26%) controls (adjusted OR = 2.71; 95%CI, 1.53-4.80). The same trend was
      found when looking at each tortuosity subtype (simple tortuosity, coil, kink) or
      at carotid or vertebral territory separately. In contrast, no association between
      tortuosity and rupture status, aneurysm number or neck size was found.
      Conclusions Cervical artery tortuosity is significantly associated with
      intracranial aneurysm, although not related to main aneurysm characteristics. Our
      results support the presence of an underlying diffuse arteriopathy in
      intracranial aneurysm patients.

PMID- 28073312
TI  - Female chronic pelvic pain: the journey to diagnosis and beyond.

PMID- 28073313
TI  - Conjugal leprosy: is there a need for active surveillance in endemic areas?

PMID- 28073314
TI  - Safety of the Peripheral Administration of Vasopressor Agents.
AB  - Vasopressors are an integral component of the management of septic shock and are
      traditionally given via a central venous catheter (CVC) due to the risk of tissue
      injury and necrosis if extravasated. However, the need for a CVC for the
      management of septic shock has been questioned, and the risk of extravasation and
      incidence of severe injury when vasopressors are given via a peripheral venous
      line (PVL) remains poorly defined. We performed a retrospective chart review of
      202 patients who received vasopressors through a PVL. The objective was to
      describe the vasopressors administered peripherally, PVL size and location, the
      incidence of extravasation events, and the management of extravasation events.
      The primary vasopressors used were norepinephrine and phenylephrine. The most
      common PVL sites used were the forearm and antecubital fossa. The incidence of
      extravasation was 4%. All of the events were managed conservatively; none
      required an antidote or surgical management. Vasopressors were restarted at
      another peripheral site in 88% of the events. The incidence of extravasation was
      similar to prior studies. The use of a PVL for administration of vasopressors can
      be considered in patients with a contraindication to a CVC.

PMID- 28073315
TI  - Metabolically Active Three-Dimensional Brown Adipose Tissue Engineered from White
      Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.
AB  - Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has a unique capacity to expend calories by decoupling
      energy expenditure from ATP production, therefore BAT could realize therapeutic
      potential to treat metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recent
      studies have investigated markers and function of native BAT, however, successful
      therapies will rely on methods that supplement the small existing pool of brown
      adipocytes in adult humans. In this study, we engineered BAT from both human and
      rat adipose precursors and determined whether these ex vivo constructs could
      mimic in vivo tissue form and metabolic function. Adipose-derived stem cells
      (ASCs) were isolated from several sources, human white adipose tissue (WAT), rat
      WAT, and rat BAT, then differentiated toward both white and brown adipogenic
      lineages in two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions. ASCs
      derived from WAT were successfully differentiated in 3D poly(ethylene glycol)
      hydrogels into mature adipocytes with BAT phenotype and function, including high
      uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) mRNA and protein expression and increased metabolic
      activity (basal oxygen consumption, proton leak, and maximum respiration). By
      utilizing this "browning" process, the abundant and accessible WAT stem cell
      population can be engineered into 3D tissue constructs with the metabolic
      capacity of native BAT, ultimately for therapeutic intervention in vivo and as a
      tool for studying BAT and its metabolic properties.

PMID- 28073316
TI  - Clinical implications of the anatomical variation of deep venous thrombosis.
AB  - Introduction Little is known about the anatomic variation and its implication in
      patients with lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We studied the clinical
      presentation, site of thrombosis and risk factors based on the anatomic
      distribution of lower limb DVT. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinically
      suspected DVT cases was conducted between 2008 and 2012. DVT was categorized by
      the location of the thrombosed segment and limb involved. The DVT anatomic
      segments were assessed according to left-to-right ratio, predisposing factors and
      clinical presentations. Results A total of 637 patients with DVT were included
      with a mean age of 50 +/- 17 years (51%; females). The most frequently thrombosed
      segments were popliteal, posterior tibial and profunda femoris veins. DVT was
      more common at the left side, with a left-to-right ratio of 1.5:1. Bilateral DVT
      cases (38.5%) had more prior history of DVT as compared to left- (20.3%) and
      right-sided DVTs (22.6%); p = 0.01. Bilateral DVT was complicated more with post
      thrombotic syndrome (leg ulcer) ( p = 0.02). The rates of pulmonary embolism
      (25%) and mortality (23.1%) were significantly higher for bilateral DVT in
      comparison to left- and right-sided DVT. Abnormal coagulation profile was
      significantly associated with posterior tibial DVT (81% vs. 71.4%; p = 0.01) as
      compared to patients with normal coagulation profile. Conclusion Lower limb DVTs
      are more common at the left side; however, patients with bilateral DVT have
      higher frequency of recurrence, post-thrombotic syndrome, pulmonary embolism and
      mortality. The anatomic segments of DVT show specific distribution depending on
      the predisposing factors. These findings could improve our understanding of the
      pathophysiology and management of DVT patients.

PMID- 28073318
TI  - Effects of hydroxyl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes on sperm health
      and testes of Wistar rats.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising candidates for various applications
      including biomedical purposes. Owing to their remarkable physical, mechanical,
      electrical and chemical properties, CNTs have become an area of intense research
      and industrial activity in recent years. Therefore, toxicity and risk assessment
      studies are becoming increasingly important. The present study was designed to
      assess the effects of hydroxyl-functionalized multiwalled CNTs (OH-f MWCNTs) on
      sperm health and testes of adult Wistar rats. Animals were treated with different
      doses of OH-f MWCNTs (0.4, 2.0 and 10.0 mg/kg) along with a control group
      receiving only vehicle. Assessments after 15 alternate intraperitoneal doses
      revealed dose-related adverse effects on many endpoints tested. Results of the
      study showed significant impairment of sperm health at 2.0 and 10.0 mg/kg.
      Histology of testes demonstrated degeneration of germinal epithelium and loss of
      germ cells in the treatment groups. The exposure resulted in increased oxidative
      stress in testes in a dose-dependent manner. The findings of the study
      demonstrate that CNTs are potentially harmful for male reproductive health.

PMID- 28073317
TI  - Activation of KCNQ Channels Suppresses Spontaneous Activity in Dorsal Root
      Ganglion Neurons and Reduces Chronic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - A majority of people who have sustained spinal cord injury (SCI) experience
      chronic pain after injury, and this pain is highly resistant to available
      treatments. Contusive SCI in rats at T10 results in hyperexcitability of primary
      sensory neurons, which contributes to chronic pain. KCNQ channels are widely
      expressed in nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, are important for
      controlling their excitability, and their activation has proven effective in
      reducing pain in peripheral nerve injury and inflammation models. The possibility
      that activators of KCNQ channels could be useful for treating SCI-induced chronic
      pain is strongly supported by the following findings. First, SCI, unlike
      peripheral nerve injury, failed to decrease the functional or biochemical
      expression of KCNQ channels in DRG as revealed by electrophysiology, real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot; therefore, these
      channels remain available for pharmacological targeting of SCI pain. Second,
      treatment with retigabine, a specific KCNQ channel opener, profoundly decreased
      spontaneous activity in primary sensory neurons of SCI animals both in vitro and
      in vivo without changing the peripheral mechanical threshold. Third, retigabine
      reversed SCI-induced reflex hypersensitivity, adding to our previous
      demonstration that retigabine supports the conditioning of place preference after
      SCI (an operant measure of spontaneous pain). In contrast to SCI animals, naive
      animals showed no effects of retigabine on reflex sensitivity or conditioned
      place preference by pairing with retigabine, indicating that a dose that blocks
      chronic pain-related behavior has no effect on normal pain sensitivity or
      motivational state. These results encourage the further exploration of U.S. Food
      and Drug Administration-approved KCNQ activators for treating SCI pain, as well
      as efforts to develop a new generation of KCNQ activators that lack central side
      effects.

PMID- 28073319
TI  - No clinically relevant effects in children after accidental ingestion of
      Panaeolina foenisecii (lawn mower's mushroom).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Panaeolina foenisecii is one of the most common and widely
      distributed lawn mushrooms in Europe and North America, and frequently involved
      in accidental mushroom ingestion, mainly in children. Nevertheless, there is
      contradictory information regarding the toxicity profile of P. foenisecii in the
      literature. Objective of the study was to assess clinical effects with particular
      attention on psychoactive properties of P. foenisecii in case of accidental oral
      exposure. METHODS: This observational case series is based on prospectively
      collected data on mushroom poisoning using a structured data collection form, and
      it was performed in seven poisons centres in Germany and Switzerland. Inclusion
      criteria were accidental ingestion of at least one cap of P. foenisecii
      identified by a mycologist, and a follow up of at least 4 hours. RESULTS:
      Nineteen cases met all inclusion criteria, and only children were involved with a
      mean age of 3 years. They ingested 1-2 mushrooms in 14 cases and 3-5 mushrooms in
      five cases. Three patients received a single dose of activated charcoal. Sixteen
      out of 19 cases did not develop any symptoms, 2/19 complained of minor abdominal
      discomfort. One child was temporarily mildly hyperactive, and this was the only
      patient observed in a hospital for 12 hours. None of the children showed signs of
      hallucinations. CONCLUSIONS: This multicentre study demonstrates that the
      typically small amounts of P. foenisecii ingested by children probably do not
      lead to clinically significant symptoms.

PMID- 28073321
TI  - In response to: "A systematic analysis of methylene blue for drug-induced shock".

PMID- 28073320
TI  - Early recovery of T-cell function predicts improved survival after T-cell
      depleted allogeneic transplant.
AB  - Infection, relapse, and GVHD can complicate allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (allo-HSCT). Although the effect of poor immune recovery on
      infection risk is well-established, there are limited data on the effect of
      immune reconstitution on relapse and survival, especially following T-cell
      depletion (TCD). To characterize the pattern of immune reconstitution in the
      first year after transplant and its effects on survival and relapse, we performed
      a retrospective study in 375 recipients of a myeloablative TCD allo-HSCT for
      hematologic malignancies. We noted that different subsets recover sequentially,
      CD8 + T cells first, followed by total CD4 + and naive CD4 + T cells, indicating
      thymic recovery during the first year after HSCT. In the multivariate model, a
      fully HLA-matched donor and recovery of T-cell function, assessed by PHA response
      at 6 months, were the only factors independently associated with OS and EFS. In
      conclusion, T-cell recovery is an important predictor of outcome after TCD allo
      HSCT.

PMID- 28073322
TI  - Effects of Group-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Coaching Program on Depressive
      Symptoms in a Sample of Inmates in a Nigerian Prison.
AB  - This study investigated the effects that a group-focused cognitive-behavioral
      coaching program had on depressive symptoms of a sample of inmates from Nsukka
      Prisons, Enugu State, Nigeria. The design of the study was pretest-posttest
      control group . The participants were 30 male inmates, experiencing high levels
      of depressive symptoms, and randomly assigned to treatment and control groups.
      The primary outcome measure was depression symptoms as measured using Beck's
      Depression Inventory. Repeated-measures ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney U Test were
      used for data analysis. Results show that exposing inmates to the group-focused
      cognitive-behavioral coaching program significantly reduced the depressive
      symptoms of inmates in the treatment group compared with those in the control
      group. Our results support the use of cognitive-behavioral coaching interventions
      designed to assist the severely depressed inmates in Nigeria. Further studies
      should be conducted both in other states of Nigeria and in other countries.

PMID- 28073323
TI  - Protective effect exerted by soil phosphorus on soybean subjected to arsenic and
      fluoride.
AB  - : Objetive: Arsenic (As) and fluoride (F) are found in groundwater and soils
      around the world, causing different problems to crops. Because these elements
      compete against phosphorus (P) in soils and plants, their relationship is
      complex. The aim of this work was to study the oxidative stress of soybean plants
      subjected to different concentrations of As and F, and the effect of P. METHODS:
      The following 10 treatments were carried out in each of two soils with different
      P content: three As levels (low 10 mg As kg-1, medium 50 mg As kg-1 and high 100
      mg As kg-1), three F levels (low 160 mg F kg-1, medium 250 mg F kg-1 and high 500
      mg F kg-1) and three As + F levels (same concentrations), and the control
      treatment (soil with the background As and F concentrations) Lipid peroxidation,
      chlorophyll, gluthatione contents and antioxidant enzymes activities were
      determination. RESULTS: Increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in
      glutathione content, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities as
      well as in chlorophyll content revealed that As causes higher oxidative stress in
      plants grown in soils with low P content. CONCLUSION: Stress parameters in F
      treatments were less affected. Plants grown in soils enriched with P revealed a
      decrease in the toxic effects caused by As and F.

PMID- 28073324
TI  - 3-methoxy aroylhydrazones - free radicals scavenging, anticancer and
      cytoprotective potency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the capability of newly designed 3
      methoxy derivatives of salicylaldehyde benzoylhydrazone to influence the
      oxidative stress processes and to test their in vitro cytotoxicity. METHODS: We
      have used chemiluminescent and spectrophotometric model systems containing
      different types of reactive oxygen species (OH?, OCl? and O2??). The hydrazones
      effect on the viability of Hep-G2, HEK-293 and SH-SY5Y cell lines was determined
      via MTT assay. RESULTS: The comparative analysis of the C50 values of the
      chemiluminescent investigation demonstrated moderate activity against the
      hydroxyl radicals (C50 > 50 MUmol/L) and remarkable reactivity in the systems
      containing a superoxide radical and a hypochlorous anion (C50 < 3.7 MUmol/L).
      Further experiments in the spectrophotometric system of UV-induced OH? generation
      and consequent 2'-deoxyribose oxidative damage excluded the possibility of
      quenching effect and proved the direct interaction of the studied compounds with
      that generated in the system reactive oxygen species (ROS). The encapsulation of
      the studied derivatives into chitosan-alginate particles led to the protection
      and stabilization of their antioxidant activity as revealed by a one-month study
      using the ABTS ?+ method. The cytotoxic study revealed less pronounced effects
      against the non-malignant cell line (HEK-293) compared to Hep-G2 and SH-SY-5Y
      cells. DISCUSSION: The incorporation of a hydroxyl group in the hydrazide part of
      a parent molecule which relates to better antioxidant effect in most of the
      studied systems is associated with higher IC50 values in all cytotoxicity
      experiments and relates to the cytoprotective effect against N-methyl-D-aspartate
      induced excitotoxicity in SH-SY5Y human neuronal cells.

PMID- 28073325
TI  - The Moderating Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in the Relationship Between
      Cognitive and Aerobic Endurance Change.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improvements in cognition often accompany fitness improvements in
      older adults, and research suggests insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may
      influence this association. No prior work has examined this in mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI). We predicted that IGF-1 would moderate the relationship between
      cognition and aerobic endurance improvement, such that greater baseline IGF-1
      would accompany a stronger relationship between cognition and aerobic endurance
      change. METHOD: Twenty-seven individuals with MCI completed assessments of
      aerobic endurance (2-minute step test [2MST]) and global cognition (Modified Mini
      Mental State [3MS]) before and after a 6-month period of twice-weekly exercise.
      Serum IGF-1 levels were assessed at baseline via fasted blood draw. The Johnson
      Neyman technique determined whether baseline IGF-1 levels moderated the
      relationship between changes in aerobic endurance (Delta2MST) and cognition
      (Delta3MS). RESULTS: A significant interaction was found; however, Delta2MST was
      inversely associated with Delta3MS in individuals with above-average serum IGF-1
      levels; this relationship was strengthened as IGF-1 increased and was not seen
      when IGF-1 was below average. CONCLUSION: The relationship between cognitive and
      aerobic endurance change varies as a function of IGF-1 in persons with MCI.
      Additional work is needed to clarify the mechanisms of these findings.

PMID- 28073326
TI  - Hierarchical Decline of the Initiative and Performance of Complex Activities of
      Daily Living in Dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: While basic activities of daily living hierarchically decline in
      dementia, little is known about the decline of individual instrumental activities
      of daily living (IADLs). The objective of this study was to assess initiative and
      performance deficits in IADLs in dementia. METHODS: A total of 581 carers
      completed the revised Interview for Deterioration in Daily Living Activities in
      Dementia 2 to rate their relative's everyday functioning. RESULTS: Initiating and
      performing IADLs deteriorated hierarchically, while people with dementia were
      consistently most impaired in initiating using the computer and managing
      finances. Initiating preparing a cold or hot meal and managing finances were more
      impaired than their performance, whereas performing maintaining an active social
      life for example were more impaired than their initiative. CONCLUSION: Findings
      can help identify the severity of dementia by understanding deficits in
      initiative and performance. This study has implications for the development of
      targeted interventions depending on the stage of dementia.

PMID- 28073327
TI  - Nonmotor Symptoms in Parkinson Disease: A Descriptive Review on Social Cognition
      Ability.
AB  - Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and
      nonmotor symptoms. Nonmotor symptoms include cognitive deficits and impairment in
      emotions recognition ability associated with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the
      substantia nigra and with alteration in frontostriatal circuits. In this review,
      we analyzed the studies on social cognition ability in patients with PD. We
      searched on PubMed and Web of Science databases and screening references of
      included studied and review articles for additional citations. From initial 260
      articles, only 18 met search criteria. A total of 496 patients were compared with
      514 health controls, through 16 different tests that assessed some subcomponents
      of social cognition, such as theory of mind, decision-making, and emotional face
      recognition. Studies on cognitive function in patients with PD have focused on
      executive function. Patients with PD showed impairment in social cognition from
      the earliest stages of disease. This ability seems to not be significantly
      associated with other cognitive functions.

PMID- 28073328
TI  - What Constitutes Strong Psychological Science? The (Neglected) Role of
      Diagnosticity and A Priori Theorizing.
AB  - A Bayesian perspective on Ioannidis's (2005) memorable statement that "Most
      Published Research Findings Are False" suggests a seemingly inescapable trade
      off: It appears as if research hypotheses are based either on safe ground (high
      prior odds), yielding valid but unsurprising results, or on unexpected and novel
      ideas (low prior odds), inspiring risky and surprising findings that are
      inevitably often wrong. Indeed, research of two prominent types, sexy hypothesis
      testing and model testing, is often characterized by low priors (due to
      astounding hypotheses and conjunctive models) as well as low-likelihood ratios
      (due to nondiagnostic predictions of the yin-or-yang type). However, the trade
      off is not inescapable: An alternative research approach, theory-driven
      cumulative science, aims at maximizing both prior odds and diagnostic hypothesis
      testing. The final discussion emphasizes the value of pluralistic science, within
      which exploratory phenomenon-driven research can play a similarly strong part as
      strict theory-testing science.

PMID- 28073329
TI  - The Other Side of Magic.
AB  - When magicians perform spectacles that seem to defy the laws of nature, they do
      so by manipulating psychological reality. Hence, the principles underlying the
      art of conjuring are potentially of interest to psychological science. Here, we
      argue that perceptual and cognitive principles governing how humans experience
      hidden things and reason about them play a central role in many magic tricks.
      Different from tricks based on many other forms of misdirection, which require
      considerable skill on the part of the magician, many elements of these tricks are
      essentially self-working because they rely on automatic perceptual and cognitive
      processes. Since these processes are not directly observable, even experienced
      magicians may be oblivious to their central role in creating strong magical
      experiences and tricks that are almost impossible to debunk, even after repeated
      presentations. We delineate how insights from perceptual psychology provide a
      framework for understanding why these tricks work so well. Conversely, we argue
      that studying magic tricks that work much better than one intuitively would
      believe provides a promising heuristic for charting unexplored aspects of
      perception and cognition.

PMID- 28073330
TI  - The Eyes as Windows Into Other Minds.
AB  - Eyes have been shown to play a key role during human social interactions.
      However, to date, no comprehensive cross-discipline model has provided a
      framework that can account for uniquely human responses to eye cues. In this
      review, I present a framework that brings together work on the phylogenetic,
      ontogenetic, and neural bases of perceiving and responding to eyes. Specifically,
      I argue for a two-process model: a first process that ensures privileged
      attention to information encoded in the eyes and is important for the detection
      of other minds and a second process that permits the decoding of information
      contained in the eyes concerning another person's emotional and mental states. To
      some degree, these processes are unique to humans, emerge during different times
      in infant development, can be mapped onto distinct but interconnected brain
      regions, and likely serve critical functions in facilitating cooperative
      interactions in humans. I also present evidence to show that oxytocin is a key
      modulator of sensitive responding to eye cues. Viewing eyes as windows into other
      minds can therefore be considered a hallmark feature of human social functioning
      deeply rooted in our biology.

PMID- 28073331
TI  - The Specificity Principle in Acculturation Science.
AB  - The specificity principle in acculturation science asserts that specific setting
      conditions of specific people at specific times moderate specific domains in
      acculturation by specific processes. Our understanding of acculturation depends
      critically on what is studied where, in whom, how, and when. This article
      defines, explains, and illustrates the specificity principle in acculturation
      science. Research hypotheses about acculturation can be more adequately tested,
      inconsistencies and discrepancies in the acculturation literature can be
      satisfactorily resolved, acculturation interventions can be tailored to be more
      successful, and acculturation policies can be brought to new levels of
      effectiveness if the specificity principle that governs acculturation science is
      more widely recognized.

PMID- 28073333
TI  - How Orthogonal Are the Big Two of Social Perception? On the Curvilinear Relation
      Between Agency and Communion.
AB  - Humans make sense of their social environment by forming impressions of others
      that allow predicting others' actions. In this process of social perception, two
      types of information carry pivotal importance: other entities' communion (i.e.,
      warmth and trustworthiness) and agency (i.e., status and power). Although
      commonly thought of as orthogonal dimensions, we propose that these Big Two of
      social perception are curvilinearly related. Specifically, as we delineate from
      four different theoretical explanations, impressions of communion should peak at
      average agency, while entities too high or too low on agency should be perceived
      as low on communion. We show this pattern for social groups across one novel and
      five previously published data sets, including a meta-analysis of the most
      comprehensive data collection in the group perception literature, consisting of
      36 samples from more than 20 countries. Addressing the generalizability of this
      curvilinear relation, we then report recent and unpublished experiments
      establishing the effect for the perception of individuals and animals. On the
      basis of the proposed curvilinear relation, we revisit the primacy of processing
      communion (rather than agency) information. Finally, we discuss the possibility
      of a more general curvilinear relation between communion and dimensions other
      than agency.

PMID- 28073334
TI  - Through a Glass, Darkly.
AB  - In this rejoinder, I respond to the comments from three sets of eminent scholars
      regarding my critique of the microaggression research program (MRP). I concur
      with Haidt (2017, this issue) that a significant shortcoming of the MRP is its
      insufficient emphasis on the subjective appraisal of microaggressions. I concur
      with Ong and Burrow (2017, this issue) that intensive longitudinal studies of
      microaggressions should enhance our knowledge of their short-term and long-term
      impact, although I urge researchers to assess microaggressions in conjunction
      with personality traits using a multi-informant framework. In contrast to Sue
      (2017, this issue), I argue that psychological science is our best hope for
      understanding microaggressions and that well-intentioned but untested
      interventions designed to reduce microaggressions may do more harm than good. I
      conclude that the MRP would benefit from greater modesty in its assertions and
      more open acknowledgment of its marked scientific limitations.

PMID- 28073332
TI  - An Examination of Age-Based Stereotype Threat About Cognitive Decline.
AB  - "Stereotype threat" is often thought of as a singular construct, with moderators
      and mechanisms that are stable across groups and domains. However, this is not
      always true. To illustrate this, the current review focuses on the stereotype
      threat that older adults face about their cognitive abilities. Drawing upon the
      multithreat framework, I first provide evidence that this is a self-concept
      threat and not a group-reputation threat. Because this differs from the forms of
      stereotype threat experienced by other groups (e.g., the threat that minority
      students face about their intellectual abilities), the moderators of stereotype
      threat observed in other groups (i.e., group identification) do not always
      generalize to age-based stereotype threat about cognitive decline. Looking beyond
      the forms of stereotype threat elicited, this review also provides evidence that
      the mechanisms underlying stereotype-threat effects may vary across the adult
      life span. Because of age-related improvements in emotion-regulation abilities,
      stereotype threat does not seem to reduce older adults' executive-control
      resources. Overall, this review highlights the need to approach the concept of
      stereotype threat with more granularity, allowing researchers to design more
      effective stereotype-threat interventions. It will also shed light on why certain
      stereotype threat effects "fail to replicate" across domains or groups.

PMID- 28073335
TI  - Microaggressions and "Evidence".

PMID- 28073336
TI  - The Unwisest Idea on Campus.

PMID- 28073338
TI  - Microaggressions and Daily Experience.
AB  - Psychologists use the term microaggressions to describe subtle forms of bias and
      discrimination experienced by members of marginalized groups. Lilienfeld (2017,
      this issue) makes an important contribution to the literature by presenting a
      critical review of the meaning and measurement of microaggression experiences. In
      this commentary, we argue that advancing the construct of microaggressions rests
      on research approaches that move beyond static representations of individuals to
      dynamic frameworks that observe people's lives as they unfold day to day. We
      discuss the conceptual potential of microaggressions as a bridging concept across
      multiple levels of analysis. We conclude that the intensive study of individuals
      over time can contribute to theory evaluation and offer new insights into the
      nature of unfolding processes that are theorized to be central to the
      manifestation of microaggressions in everyday life.

PMID- 28073337
TI  - Microaggressions.
AB  - The microaggression concept has recently galvanized public discussion and spread
      to numerous college campuses and businesses. I argue that the microaggression
      research program (MRP) rests on five core premises, namely, that microaggressions
      (1) are operationalized with sufficient clarity and consensus to afford rigorous
      scientific investigation; (2) are interpreted negatively by most or all minority
      group members; (3) reflect implicitly prejudicial and implicitly aggressive
      motives; (4) can be validly assessed using only respondents' subjective reports;
      and (5) exert an adverse impact on recipients' mental health. A review of the
      literature reveals negligible support for all five suppositions. More broadly,
      the MRP has been marked by an absence of connectivity to key domains of
      psychological science, including psychometrics, social cognition, cognitive
      behavioral therapy, behavior genetics, and personality, health, and industrial
      organizational psychology. Although the MRP has been fruitful in drawing the
      field's attention to subtle forms of prejudice, it is far too underdeveloped on
      the conceptual and methodological fronts to warrant real-world application. I
      conclude with 18 suggestions for advancing the scientific status of the MRP,
      recommend abandonment of the term "microaggression," and call for a moratorium on
      microaggression training programs and publicly distributed microaggression lists
      pending research to address the MRP's scientific limitations.

PMID- 28073339
TI  - Dermal safety assessment of Arm & Hammer laundry products formulated for
      sensitive skin.
AB  - CONTEXT: The prevalence of sensitive skin among the general population in
      industrialized countries is reported to be over 50%. Sensitive skin subjects
      often report significant reactions to contact with cosmetics, soaps and other
      consumer products. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the overall skin compatibility
      and mildness program for a newly developed, lightly fragranced, colorant free
      laundry product (i.e. Arm & HammerTM Sensitive Skin plus Skin-Friendly Fresh
      Scent), specially formulated for individuals with sensitive skin. The skin
      mildness of the product was compared to Arm & HammerTM Free & Clear liquid
      laundry detergent with no fragrance or colorant, and an established history of
      safe use by sensitive skin consumers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The test material
      was a liquid laundry product with a light scent formulated for sensitive skin
      consumers (Arm & HammerTM Sensitive Skin plus Skin-Friendly Fresh Scent). The
      product was compared to commercially marketed products for sensitive skin with a
      history of skin safety in the marketplace, including: a very similar product
      formulation (Arm & HammerTM Free & Clear with no fragrance), and several selected
      competitors' products. Studies were conducted among individuals with self
      assessed sensitive skin (based on a questionnaire) using standard protocols for
      the Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT), 10-Day Cumulative Irritation, the
      Wrist Band Wear test, and the Safety In-Use testing. Responses in all protocols
      were evaluated by visual scoring of potential dermatologic reactions, and
      recording any sensory effects at the time of the examination. In addition,
      sensory effects collected from panelists' daily diaries were also evaluated.
      RESULTS: The HRIPT confirmed that neither the fragrance alone, nor the product
      formulation with fragrance, induced contact sensitization in sensitive skin
      subjects. The 10-Day cumulative irritation study conducted using sensitive skin
      subjects showed highly favorable skin compatibility, and the test product was
      comparable to the control product (Arm & Hammer Free & Clear) and other
      nonirritant controls. In the Wrist Band Wear test, exposure to laundered fabrics
      under exaggerated conditions gave similar results for the test and control
      products, with no objective signs of skin irritation, and no self-reported
      persistent adverse sensory effects. Very mild, transient and isolated sensory
      effects were noted in daily diaries by a small proportion of subjects, and were
      similar for the test and control products. The Safety In-Use tests evaluated 4
      week exposure to product and laundered fabrics under realistic use conditions.
      There were no clinically objective signs of skin irritation, and reports of
      transitory, mild sensory effects were minimal and similar for the test and
      controls. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A comprehensive skin safety program on a
      lightly scented sensitive skin laundry formulation (i.e. Arm & HammerTM Sensitive
      Skin plus Skin-Friendly Fresh Scent) conducted among panels of self-assessed
      sensitive skin subjects demonstrated that the presence of a light fragrance did
      not adversely impact skin compatibility in any of the testing protocols when the
      product was compared to a similar product with no fragrance. The lightly
      fragranced product demonstrated overall skin compatibility and mildness when
      tested in a self-assessed sensitive skin population, and compared favorably to
      currently marketed sensitive skin products.

PMID- 28073340
TI  - A comparative genomic analysis of putative pathogenicity genes in the host
      specific sibling species Colletotrichum graminicola and Colletotrichum
      sublineola.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colletotrichum graminicola and C. sublineola cause anthracnose leaf
      and stalk diseases of maize and sorghum, respectively. In spite of their close
      evolutionary relationship, the two species are completely host-specific. Host
      specificity is often attributed to pathogen virulence factors, including
      specialized secondary metabolites (SSM), and small-secreted protein (SSP)
      effectors. Genes relevant to these categories were manually annotated in two co
      occurring, contemporaneous strains of C. graminicola and C. sublineola. A
      comparative genomic and phylogenetic analysis was performed to address the
      evolutionary relationships among these and other divergent gene families in the
      two strains. RESULTS: Inoculation of maize with C. sublineola, or of sorghum with
      C. graminicola, resulted in rapid plant cell death at, or just after, the point
      of penetration. The two fungal genomes were very similar. More than 50% of the
      assemblies could be directly aligned, and more than 80% of the gene models were
      syntenous. More than 90% of the predicted proteins had orthologs in both species.
      Genes lacking orthologs in the other species (non-conserved genes) included many
      predicted to encode SSM-associated proteins and SSPs. Other common groups of non
      conserved proteins included transporters, transcription factors, and CAZymes.
      Only 32 SSP genes appeared to be specific to C. graminicola, and 21 to C.
      sublineola. None of the SSM-associated genes were lineage-specific. Two different
      strains of C. graminicola, and three strains of C. sublineola, differed in no
      more than 1% percent of gene sequences from one another. CONCLUSIONS: Efficient
      non-host recognition of C. sublineola by maize, and of C. graminicola by sorghum,
      was observed in epidermal cells as a rapid deployment of visible resistance
      responses and plant cell death. Numerous non-conserved SSP and SSM-associated
      predicted proteins that could play a role in this non-host recognition were
      identified. Additional categories of genes that were also highly divergent
      suggested an important role for co-evolutionary adaptation to specific host
      environmental factors, in addition to aspects of initial recognition, in host
      specificity. This work provides a foundation for future functional studies aimed
      at clarifying the roles of these proteins, and the possibility of manipulating
      them to improve management of these two economically important diseases.

PMID- 28073342
TI  - Implementing flexible bronchoscopy in least developed countries according to
      international guidelines is feasible and sustainable: example from Phnom-Penh,
      Cambodia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Flexible bronchoscopy is pivotal for the diagnosis of most
      respiratory diseases. A flexible bronchoscopy unit (FBU) was created in 2008 in
      the Preah Kossamak university hospital (Phnom Penh, Cambodia) through a
      cooperation program between a French and a Cambodian team. In 2009 we conducted
      an assessment of the compliance of the FBU to international standards and found
      that most of French and British guidelines were fully applied or adapted to local
      practice. The aim of the current work was to assess FBU again 6 years later, in
      order to determine if compliance to international guidelines was sustainable.
      METHODS: The 2015 evaluation was conducted identically to 2009. All
      recommendation items from the French and the British Thoracic Societies
      guidelines were assessed individually. Each recommendation was assigned a status
      expressing the level at which it was respected in Cambodia: applied, adapted, not
      applied and not evaluable. An endoscope microbial sampling was performed as
      recommended by the French Ministry of Health. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2015, the
      pattern of international recommendations in the Cambodian FBU did not change.
      Notably the rates of applied French evaluable recommendations remained stable:
      respectively 58% vs 57%. Main changes in French guidelines occurred in adapted
      items that became applied (n = 5/15) while 4 previously adapted/applied items
      became not applied. Furthermore, all microbial analyses showed sterile results.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that implementation of a high quality FBU in a
      least-developed country is feasible. In addition, the performance is maintained
      in the long-term.

PMID- 28073341
TI  - Sijunzi Decoction attenuates 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced
      colitis in rats and ameliorates TNBS-induced claudin-2 damage via NF-kappaB
      pathway in Caco2 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SijunziDecoction (SJZD) is a traditional Chinese medicine
      prescription used to treat the diseases of gastrointestinal tract since ancient
      times. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of
      SJZD on TNBS-induced colitis in rats and TNBS-damaged Caco2 cells. METHODS: The
      rat colitis model was induced by 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS).
      SJZD (2.8 5.6, 11.2 g/kg) or salazosulfapyridine (SASP) (0.4 g/kg) was
      administrated orally in rats for 7 days. DAI, pathological scores and the
      expression of claudin-2 were evaluated. Then we explored the effect and mechanism
      of SijunziDecoction Serum (SJZDS) onTNBS-damaged Caco2 cells to figure out
      intestinal barrier protective effect and mechanism of SJZD. RESULTS: SJZD
      significantly ameliorated the severity of TNBS-induced colitis and downregulated
      the level of claudin-2 in colonic tissues. SJZDS promoted proliferation and
      inhibited apoptosis ofTNBS-damaged Caco2 cells. In Caco2 cell monolayers, we
      provided mechanistic evidence that SJZDS-induced increased TEER and decreased
      permeability after TNBS damage, which were mediated through claudin-2 and NF
      kappaB pathway, including the upregulation of claudin-2, decreased activity of NF
      kappaB p65, reduced level of NF-kappaB p65 and MLCK. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicated that SJZD possesses protective effect of intestinal barrier towards
      TNBS-induced colitis in rats and TNBS-damaged Caco2 cells in vitro. SJZDis a
      potential protective agent of intestinal barrier that deserves further
      investigation.

PMID- 28073344
TI  - Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) disease burden in China: a systematic
      review and spatio-temporal analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surveillance data on the proportion of incident TB cases with MDR was
      limited and there is no systematic study of MDR-TB in China to date. Our aim was
      to estimate MDR-TB disease burden in 2012 and change trends during 2003-2012
      using spatio-temporal systematic analysis. METHODS: We systematically searched
      Chinese and English databases for primary articles and reviews that contain MDR
      TB survey data about China during the period of 2003-2012. We estimated the
      proportion of incident TB cases with MDR in cities which had no data to report in
      2012 by Kriging spatial interpolation analysis. The primary outcomes were the
      proportion of incident TB cases with MDR at 2012 and the change trend during 2003
      2012. RESULTS: Total 487 articles met the screening criteria, including 450 in
      Chinese and 37 in English, and have been used in analysis. The proportion of
      incident TB cases with MDR among all cases in 2012 showed clear geographic
      differences. From 2003 to 2012, the proportion of incident TB cases with MDR in
      all, new and previously treated TB cases were higher during 2006-2009 and
      significantly lower during 2010-2012 in comparison with the period during 2003
      2005 (P < 0.0167). The estimated median proportion of incident TB cases with MDR
      among all cases, as well as in new and previously treated cases in 2012 was 12.8%
      (IQR 9.8-17.3%), 5.4% (4.5-7.3%) and 28.5% (20.5-30.9%) respectively, which led
      to an estimate of 121,600 (IQR93,000-164,350) MDR-TB cases in China. CONCLUSIONS:
      This estimate of MDR-TB burden is considerably higher than data reported by the
      Chinese fifth national tuberculosis epidemiological sampling survey in 2010 but
      close to the WHO report, which implies that detailed investigations of MDR-TB
      burden in China is needed. This research provides data to guide public health
      decisions at various scales; methods described here can be extended to estimate
      of the other chronic diseases as well.

PMID- 28073343
TI  - Risk factors and clinical course of hungry bone syndrome after total
      parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hungry bone syndrome (HBS) is an important postoperative complication
      after parathyroidectomy for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). There
      is, however, little data in the literature on its detailed clinical course, and
      the associated risk factors remain controversial. METHODS: We did a single-center
      retrospective study on 62 consecutive dialysis patients who underwent total
      parathyroidectomy for SHPT to examine the risk factors, clinical course and
      outcome. Data on demographic characteristics, perioperative laboratory parameters
      including serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathyroid
      hormone (PTH), drug treatment for SHPT and operative details of parathyroidectomy
      were collected. RESULTS: Seventeen (27.4%) patients developed severe
      postoperative hypocalcemia with HBS. The serum calcium dropped progressively
      while serum ALP rose after operation until 2 weeks later when serum calcium
      reached the trough and serum ALP peaked. Serum phosphate also fell but stabilized
      between 4 and 14 days. The total postoperative calcium and vitamin D
      supplementation was significantly larger, and hospital stay was significantly
      longer in the group with HBS as compared with those without HBS. Young age, high
      body weight, high preoperative ALP level, and low preoperative calcium level
      independently predicted the development of HBS while preoperative PTH and use of
      cinacalcet or paricalcitol did not. CONCLUSION: HBS was common after total
      parathyroidectomy in patients with SHPT, and it is important to closely monitor
      the postoperative serum calcium, phosphate and ALP levels in the following 2
      weeks, especially for those at risk. The implications of our findings on
      perioperative management are discussed.

PMID- 28073346
TI  - Experiencing integration: a qualitative pilot study of consumer and provider
      experiences of integrated primary health care in Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The terms integration and integrated care describe the complex,
      patient-centred strategies to improve coordination of healthcare services.
      Frameworks exist to conceptualise these terms, but these have been developed from
      a professional viewpoint. The objective of this study was to explore consumers'
      and providers' concepts, expectations and experience of integrated care. A key
      focus was whether frameworks developed from a professional perspective are
      effective models to explore people's experiences. METHODS: A qualitative pilot
      study was undertaken at one Australian multidisciplinary primary health care
      centre. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with consumers (N = 19) and
      staff (N = 10). Data were analysed using a framework analysis approach. RESULTS:
      Consumers' experience of integrated care tended to be implicit in their
      descriptions of primary healthcare experiences more broadly. Experiences related
      to the typologies involved clinical and functional integration, such as
      continuity of providers and the usefulness of shared information. Staff focused
      on clinical level integration, but also talked about a cultural shift that
      demonstrated normative, professional and functional integration. CONCLUSIONS:
      Existing frameworks for integration have been heavily influenced by the provider
      and organisational perspectives. They are useful for conceptualising integration
      from a professional perspective, but are less relevant for consumers'
      experiences. Consumers of integrated primary health care may be more focussed on
      relational aspects of care and outcomes of care.

PMID- 28073345
TI  - Reasons for faculty departures from an academic medical center: a survey and
      comparison across faculty lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Faculty departure can present significant intellectual costs to an
      institution. The authors sought to identify the reasons for clinical and non
      clinical faculty departures at one academic medical center (AMC). METHOD: In May
      and June 2010, the authors surveyed 137 faculty members who left a west coast
      School of Medicine (SOM) between 1999 and 2009. In May and June 2015, the same
      survey was sent to 40 faculty members who left the SOM between 2010-2014, for a
      total sample size of 177 former faculty members. The survey probed work history
      and experience, reasons for departure, and satisfaction at the SOM versus their
      current workplace. Statistical analyses included Pearson's chi-square test of
      independence and independent sample t-tests to understand quantitative
      differences between clinical and non-clinical respondents, as well as coding of
      qualitative open-ended responses. RESULTS: Eighty-eight faculty members responded
      (50%), including three who had since returned to the SOM. Overall, professional
      and advancement opportunities, salary concerns, and personal/family reasons were
      the three most cited factors for leaving. The average length of time at this SOM
      was shorter for faculty in clinical roles, who expressed lower workplace
      satisfaction and were more likely to perceive incongruence and inaccuracy in
      institutional expectations for their success than those in non-clinical roles.
      Clinical faculty respondents noted difficulty in balancing competing demands and
      navigating institutional expectations for advancement as reasons for leaving.
      CONCLUSIONS: AMCs may not be meeting faculty needs, especially those in clinical
      roles who balance multiple missions as clinicians, researchers, and educators.
      Institutions should address the challenges these faculty face in order to best
      recruit, retain, and advance faculty.

PMID- 28073347
TI  - Assessing the performance of centralized waiting lists for patients without a
      regular family physician using clinical-administrative data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With 4.6 million patients who do not have a regular family physician,
      Canada performs poorly compared to other OECD countries in terms of attachment to
      a family physician. To address this issue, several provinces have implemented
      centralized waiting lists to coordinate supply and demand for attachment to a
      family physician. Although significant resources are invested in these
      centralized waiting lists, no studies have measured their performance. In this
      article, we present a performance assessment of centralized waiting lists for
      unattached patients implemented in Quebec, Canada. METHODS: We based our approach
      on the Balanced Scorecard method. A committee of decision-makers, managers,
      healthcare professionals, and researchers selected five indicators for the
      performance assessment of centralized waiting lists, including both process and
      outcome indicators. We analyzed and compared clinical-administrative data from 86
      centralized waiting lists (GACOs) located in 14 regions in Quebec, from April 1,
      2013, to March 31, 2014. RESULTS: During the study period, although over 150,000
      patients were attached to a family physician, new requests resulted in a 30%
      median increase in patients on waiting lists. An inverse correlation of average
      strength was found between the rates of patients attached to a family physician
      and the proportion of vulnerable patients attached to a family physician meaning
      that as more patients became attached to an FP through GACOs, the proportion of
      vulnerable patients became smaller (r = -0.31, p < 0.005). The results showed
      very large performance variations both among GACOs of different regions and among
      those of a same region for all performance indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Centralized
      waiting lists for unattached patients in Quebec seem to be achieving their
      twofold objective of attaching patients to a family physician and giving priority
      to vulnerable patients. However, the demand for attachment seems to exceed the
      supply and there appears to be a tension between giving priority to vulnerable
      patients and attaching of a large number of patients. Results also showed
      heterogeneity in the performance of centralized waiting lists across Quebec.
      Finally, our findings suggest it is critical that similar mechanisms should use
      available data to identify the best strategies for reducing variations and
      improving performance.

PMID- 28073348
TI  - Wild carrot pentane-based fractions suppress proliferation of human HaCaT
      keratinocytes and protect against chemically-induced skin cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies in our laboratory showed that the Lebanese Daucus
      carota ssp. carota (wild carrot) oil extract possesses in vitro and in vivo
      anticancer activities. The present study aims to examine the cytotoxic effect of
      Daucus carota oil fractions on human epidermal keratinocytes and evaluate the
      chemopreventive activity of the pentane diethyl ether fraction on DMBA/TPA
      induced skin carcinogenesis in mice. METHODS: Wild carrot oil extract was
      chromatographed to yield four fractions (F1, 100% pentane; F2, 50:50
      pentane:diethyl ether; F3, 100% diethyl ether; F4 93:7 chloroform:methanol). The
      cytotoxic effect of fractions (10, 25, 50 and 100 MUg/mL) was tested on human
      epidermal keratinocytes (non-tumorigenic HaCaT cells and tumorigenic HaCaT-ras
      variants) using WST a ssay. Cell cycle phase distribution of tumorigenic HaCaT
      ras variants was determined by flow cytometry post-treatment with F2 fraction.
      Apoptosis related proteins were also assessed using western blot. The antitumor
      activity of F2 fraction was also evaluated using a DMBA/TPA induced skin
      carcinoma in Balb/c mice. RESULTS: All fractions exhibited significant
      cytotoxicity, with HaCaT cells being 2.4-3 times less sensitive than HaCaT-ras A5
      (benign tumorigenic), and HaCaT-ras II4 (malignant) cells. GC-MS analysis
      revealed the presence of a major compound (around 60%) in the
      pentane/diethylether fraction (F2), identified as 2-himachalen-6-ol. Treatment of
      HaCaT-ras A5 and HaCaT-ras II4 cells with F2 fraction resulted in the
      accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 apoptotic phase and decreased the population
      of cells in the S and G2/M phases. Additionally, F2 fraction treatment caused an
      up-regulation of the expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and down-regulation of the
      expression of anti-apoptotic (Bcl2) proteins. A decrease in the phosphorylation
      of AKT and ERK was also observed. Intraperitoneal treatment with F2 fraction (50
      or 200 mg/kg) in the DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis mouse model showed a
      significant inhibition of papilloma incidence (mice with papilloma), yield
      (number of papilloma/mouse) and volume (tumor relative size) at weeks 15, 18 and
      21. CONCLUSION: The present data reveal that F2 fraction has a remarkable
      antitumor activity against DMBA/TPA-induced skin carcinogenesis, an effect that
      may be mediated through inhibition of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways.

PMID- 28073349
TI  - The miR-34a-5p promotes the multi-chemoresistance of osteosarcoma via repression
      of the AGTR1 gene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemoresistance hinders the curative cancer chemotherapy. MicroRNAs
      (miRNAs) are key players in diverse biological processes including the
      chemoresistance of cancers. METHODS: A RNA-seq-based miR-omic analysis of
      osteosarcoma (OS) cells was performed to detect the levels of miR-34a-5p.
      Bioinformatics analysis revealed that AGTR1 is one of the target genes of miR-34a
      5p. The mRNA and protein levels of AGTR1 were detected in both the miR-34a-5p
      mimic transfected G-292 and miR-34a-5p-antagomiR transfected SJSA-1 cells. The
      involvement of AGTR1 with OS chemoresistance was validated by the experiments
      with siRNA-mediated repression or overexpression of the AGTR1 gene. RESULTS: We
      showed that miR-34a-5p promotes the multi- chemoresistance of OS. The angiotensin
      II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) gene, is one of the targets of miR-34a-5p in OS and
      thus negatively correlates with OS chemoresistance by systematic investigations
      of a multi-drug sensitive (G-292) and resistant (SJSA-1) OS cell lines. Down
      regulation of the AGTR1 expression by siRNA passivates G-292 cells and suppresses
      cell apoptosis, while over-expression of AGTR1 sensitizes SJSA-1 cells and thus
      promotes the drug-triggered cell death. CONCLUSIONS: The miR-34a-5p and its
      target gene AGTR1 are the potential targets for an effective chemotherapy of OS.
      Our results also provide novel insights into the effective chemotherapy for OS
      patients.

PMID- 28073350
TI  - B-type natriuretic peptides in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have
      increased cardiovascular risk. Natriuretic peptides (NP) in other populations are
      useful in identifying cardiovascular disease, stratifying risk, and guiding
      therapy. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review to examine NP in
      COPD, utilising Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. RESULTS: Fifty one
      studies were identified. NP levels were lower in stable compared to exacerbation
      of COPD, and significantly increased with concomitant left ventricular systolic
      dysfunction or cor pulmonale. Elevation occurred in 16 to 60% of exacerbations
      and persisted in approximately one half of patients at discharge. Cardiovascular
      comorbidities were associated with increased levels. Levels consistently
      correlated with pulmonary artery pressure and left ventricular ejection fraction,
      but not pulmonary function or oxygen saturation. NP demonstrated high negative
      predictive values (0.80 to 0.98) to exclude left ventricular dysfunction in both
      stable and exacerbation of COPD, but relatively low positive predictive values.
      NP elevation predicted early adverse outcomes, but the association with long term
      mortality was inconsistent. CONCLUSION: NP reflect diverse aspects of the
      cardiopulmonary continuum which limits utility when applied in isolation.
      Strategies integrating NP with additional variables, biomarkers and imaging
      require further investigation.

PMID- 28073351
TI  - Exploring neurodevelopmental outcome measures used in children with cerebral
      malaria: the perspectives of caregivers and health workers in Malawi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progress has been made in tackling malaria however there are still
      over 207 million cases worldwide, the majority in children. As survival rates
      improve, numbers of children with long-term neurodisabling sequelae are likely to
      increase. Most outcome studies in cerebral malaria (CM) have focused only on body
      function and structure and less on outcomes within the broader framework of the
      International Classification of Functioning and Disability (ICF). The aim of this
      study was to utilise qualitative methods to identify relevant clinical outcomes
      in CM to support formulation of a core outcome set relevant to CM and other
      acquired brain injuries for use in future clinical trials. METHODS: In depth
      interviews with parent/caregivers (CGs) of children with/without previous CM (N =
      19), and in depth interviews with health professionals (N = 18) involved in their
      care were conducted in community and clinical settings in and around Blantyre,
      Malawi. Interviews were audio taped, transcribed, translated and a thematic
      content analysis was conducted. Themes were categorised and placed firstly in an
      iterative framework derived from the data but then within the ICF framework.
      RESULTS: Outcomes perceived as important to carers and professionals fulfilled
      each level of the ICF. These included impairment in body function and structure
      (contractures, impaired mobility, visual problems, seizures, cognitive function
      and feeding); activity and participation outcomes (learning, self-care,
      relationships in school, play and activities of daily living). Other issues
      emerging included the social and emotional implications of CM on the family, and
      balancing care of children with neurodisability with demands of daily life,
      financial pressures, and child protection. Themes of stigma and discrimination
      were described; these were perceived to negatively influence care, participation
      and integration of carer and child into the community. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes
      considered important for parents/caregivers and professionals working with
      children post CM cross all aspects of the ICF framework (impairment, functioning
      and participation). Outcomes emphasised by families and carers in cross-cultural
      settings must be given adequate attention when conducting clinical studies in
      these settings.

PMID- 28073352
TI  - You are what you eat: diet shapes body composition, personality and behavioural
      stability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Behavioural phenotypes vary within and among individuals. While early
      life experiences have repeatedly been proposed to underpin interactions between
      these two hierarchical levels, the environmental factors causing such effects
      remain under-studied. We tested whether an individual's diet affected both its
      body composition, average behaviour (thereby causing among-individual variation
      or 'personality') and within-individual variability in behaviour and body weight
      (thereby causing among-individual differences in residual within-individual
      variance or 'stability'), using the Southern field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus as
      a model. We further asked whether effects of diet on the expression of these
      variance components were sex-specific. METHODS: Manipulating both juvenile and
      adult diet in a full factorial design, individuals were put, in each life-stage,
      on a diet that was either relatively high in carbohydrates or relatively high in
      protein. We subsequently measured the expression of multiple behavioural
      (exploration, aggression and mating activity) and morphological traits (body
      weight and lipid mass) during adulthood. RESULTS: Dietary history affected both
      average phenotype and level of within-individual variability: males raised as
      juveniles on high-protein diets were heavier, more aggressive, more active during
      mating, and behaviourally less stable, than conspecifics raised on high
      carbohydrate diets. Females preferred more protein in their diet compared to
      males, and dietary history affected average phenotype and within-individual
      variability in a sex-specific manner: individuals raised on high-protein diets
      were behaviourally less stable in their aggressiveness but this effect was only
      present in males. Diet also influenced individual differences in male body
      weight, but within-individual variance in female body weight. DISCUSSION: This
      study thereby provides experimental evidence that dietary history explains both
      heterogeneous residual within-individual variance (i.e., individual variation in
      'behavioural stability') and individual differences in average behaviour (i.e.,
      'personality'), though dietary effects were notably trait-specific. These
      findings call for future studies integrating proximate and ultimate perspectives
      on the role of diet in the evolution of repeatedly expressed traits, such as
      behaviour and body weight.

PMID- 28073353
TI  - Discovery of large genomic inversions using long range information.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although many algorithms are now available that aim to characterize
      different classes of structural variation, discovery of balanced rearrangements
      such as inversions remains an open problem. This is mainly due to the fact that
      breakpoints of such events typically lie within segmental duplications or common
      repeats, which reduces the mappability of short reads. The algorithms developed
      within the 1000 Genomes Project to identify inversions are limited to relatively
      short inversions, and there are currently no available algorithms to discover
      large inversions using high throughput sequencing technologies. RESULTS: Here we
      propose a novel algorithm, VALOR, to discover large inversions using new
      sequencing methods that provide long range information such as 10X Genomics
      linked-read sequencing, pooled clone sequencing, or other similar technologies
      that we commonly refer to as long range sequencing. We demonstrate the utility of
      VALOR using both pooled clone sequencing and 10X Genomics linked-read sequencing
      generated from the genome of an individual from the HapMap project (NA12878). We
      also provide a comprehensive comparison of VALOR against several state-of-the-art
      structural variation discovery algorithms that use whole genome shotgun
      sequencing data. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we show that VALOR is able to
      accurately discover all previously identified and experimentally validated large
      inversions in the same genome with a low false discovery rate. Using VALOR, we
      also predicted a novel inversion, which we validated using fluorescent in situ
      hybridization. VALOR is available at https://github.com/BilkentCompGen/VALOR.

PMID- 28073354
TI  - Intermittent catheterisation with hydrophilic and non-hydrophilic urinary
      catheters: systematic literature review and meta-analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intermittent catheterisation is the method of choice for the
      management of bladder dysfunctions. Different urinary catheters are available,
      but there is conflicting evidence on which type of catheter is best. The present
      study provides an objective evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of different
      subsets of urinary catheters. METHODS: A systematic literature review was
      performed for published RCTs regarding hydrophilic coated and PVC (standard)
      catheters for intermittent catheterisation. Separate meta-analyses were conducted
      to combine data on frequencies of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and haematuria.
      Two separate analyses were performed, including or excluding reused standard
      catheters. RESULTS: Seven studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. The
      meta-analyses exploring UTI frequencies showed a lower risk ratio associated with
      hydrophilic catheters in comparison to standard ones (RR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75
      0.94; p = 0.003). Results for the "reuse" scenario were consistent with the ones
      related to "single-use" scenario in terms of frequency of UTIs. The meta-analyses
      exploring haematuria were not able to demonstrate any statistically significant
      difference between hydrophilic catheters in comparison to standard ones.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm previously reported benefits of hydrophilic
      catheters but a broader evaluation that takes into account also patient
      preferences, compliance of therapy, quality of life and costs would be needed to
      assess the economic sustainability of these advanced devices.

PMID- 28073355
TI  - Factors associated with improvement or decline in cognitive function after an
      ischemic stroke in Korea: the Korean stroke cohort for functioning and
      rehabilitation (KOSCO) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted a prospective cohort study to investigate prevalence of
      poststroke cognitive impairment at 3 and 12 months after stroke onset and
      identify clinical and demographic factors associated with improvement or decline
      in cognitive function between 3 months and 12 months. METHODS: We analyzed the
      cognitive assessments of total patients and patients older than 65 years
      separately. All patients with an ischemic stroke were divided into normal
      cognitive group (NCG) and impaired cognition group (ICG) by using a cutoff score
      on the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). Patients were additionally
      classified into 3 subgroups according to the changes in their K-MMSE scores
      between 3 and 12 months: Stable group with K-MMSE scores changes ranging from -2
      to +2 points (-2 <= ?MMSE <= +2); converter group with increase more than 3
      points (3 <= ?MMSE); and reverter group with decrease more than 3 points (-3 <=
      ?MMSE). We also analyzed factors affecting cognitive change from 3 months to 12
      months among the 3 groups including baseline medical record, stroke and treatment
      characteristics, and various functional assessments after 3 months. RESULTS: This
      study included 2,625 patients with the first time ischemic stroke. Among these
      patients, 1,735 (66.1%) were classified as NCG, while 890 patients (33.9%) were
      belonged to the ICG at 3 month. Within the NCG, 1,460 patients (82.4%) were
      stable group, 93 patients (5.4%) were converter group, and 212 patients (12.2%)
      were reverter group at 12 months onset. Within the ICG group, 472 patients
      (53.0%) were stable group, 321 patients (36.1%) were converter group, and 97
      patients (10.9%) were reverter group. When different factors were investigated,
      the three subgroups in NCG and ICG showed significant different factors affecting
      cognitive function from 3 to 12 month. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cognitive
      impairment showed difference between 3,12 months. To analyze the cognitive change
      from 3 month to 12 month, the proportion stable group was dominant in NCG and
      converter group was higher in ICG. By investigating the influencing factors from
      each group, we were able to identify the predictors including the age factor.

PMID- 28073356
TI  - Gut microbiota disturbance during helminth infection: can it affect cognition and
      behaviour of children?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bidirectional signalling between the brain and the gastrointestinal
      tract is regulated at neural, hormonal, and immunological levels. Recent studies
      have shown that helminth infections can alter the normal gut microbiota. Studies
      have also shown that the gut microbiota is instrumental in the normal
      development, maturation and function of the brain. The pathophysiological
      pathways by which helminth infections contribute to altered cognitive function
      remain poorly understood. DISCUSSION: We put forward the hypothesis that
      gastrointestinal infections with parasitic worms, such as helminths, induce an
      imbalance of the gut-brain axis, which, in turn, can detrimentally manifest in
      brain development. Factors supporting this hypothesis are: 1) research focusing
      on intelligence and school performance in school-aged children has shown helminth
      infections to be associated with cognitive impairment, 2) disturbances in gut
      microbiota have been shown to be associated with important cognitive
      developmental effects, and 3) helminth infections have been shown to alter the
      gut microbiota structure. Evidence on the complex interactions between extrinsic
      (parasite) and intrinsic (host-derived) factors has been synthesised and
      discussed. While evidence in favour of the helminth-gut microbiota-central
      nervous system hypothesis is circumstantial, it would be unwise to rule it out as
      a possible mechanism by which gastrointestinal helminth infections induce
      childhood cognitive morbidity. Further empirical studies are necessary to test an
      indirect effect of helminth infections on the modulation of mood and behaviour
      through its effects on the gut microbiota.

PMID- 28073357
TI  - Long noncoding RNA repertoire in chicken liver and adipose tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improving functional annotation of the chicken genome is a key
      challenge in bridging the gap between genotype and phenotype. Among all
      transcribed regions, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a major component of the
      transcriptome and its regulation, and whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq)
      has greatly improved their identification and characterization. We performed an
      extensive profiling of the lncRNA transcriptome in the chicken liver and adipose
      tissue by RNA-Seq. We focused on these two tissues because of their importance in
      various economical traits for which energy storage and mobilization play key
      roles and also because of their high cell homogeneity. To predict lncRNAs, we
      used a recently developed tool called FEELnc, which also classifies them with
      respect to their distance and strand orientation to the closest protein-coding
      genes. Moreover, to confidently identify the genes/transcripts expressed in each
      tissue (a complex task for weakly expressed molecules such as lncRNAs), we probed
      a particularly large number of biological replicates (16 per tissue) compared to
      common multi-tissue studies with a larger set of tissues but less sampling.
      RESULTS: We predicted 2193 lncRNA genes, among which 1670 were robustly expressed
      across replicates in the liver and/or adipose tissue and which were classified
      into 1493 intergenic and 177 intragenic lncRNAs located between and within
      protein-coding genes, respectively. We observed similar structural features
      between chickens and mammals, with strong synteny conservation but without
      sequence conservation. As previously reported, we confirm that lncRNAs have a
      lower and more tissue-specific expression than mRNAs. Finally, we showed that
      adjacent lncRNA-mRNA genes in divergent orientation have a higher co-expression
      level when separated by less than 1 kb compared to more distant divergent pairs.
      Among these, we highlighted for the first time a novel lncRNA candidate involved
      in lipid metabolism, lnc_DHCR24, which is highly correlated with the DHCR24 gene
      that encodes a key enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a
      comprehensive lncRNA repertoire in the chicken liver and adipose tissue, which
      shows interesting patterns of co-expression between mRNAs and lncRNAs. It
      contributes to improving the structural and functional annotation of the chicken
      genome and provides a basis for further studies on energy storage and
      mobilization traits in the chicken.

PMID- 28073358
TI  - Applying openEHR's Guideline Definition Language to the SITS international stroke
      treatment registry: a European retrospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interoperability standards intend to standardise health information,
      clinical practice guidelines intend to standardise care procedures, and patient
      data registries are vital for monitoring quality of care and for clinical
      research. This study combines all three: it uses interoperability specifications
      to model guideline knowledge and applies the result to registry data. METHODS: We
      applied the openEHR Guideline Definition Language (GDL) to data from 18,400
      European patients in the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke (SITS)
      registry to retrospectively check their compliance with European recommendations
      for acute stroke treatment. RESULTS: Comparing compliance rates obtained with GDL
      to those obtained by conventional statistical data analysis yielded a complete
      match, suggesting that GDL technology is reliable for guideline compliance
      checking. CONCLUSIONS: The successful application of a standard guideline
      formalism to a large patient registry dataset is an important step toward
      widespread implementation of computer-interpretable guidelines in clinical
      practice and registry-based research. Application of the methodology gave
      important results on the evolution of stroke care in Europe, important both for
      quality of care monitoring and clinical research.

PMID- 28073359
TI  - Whole Transcriptome Analysis of Pre-invasive and Invasive Early Squamous Lung
      Carcinoma in Archival Laser Microdissected Samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preinvasive squamous cell cancer (PSCC) are local transformations of
      bronchial epithelia that are frequently observed in current or former smokers.
      Their different grades and sizes suggest a continuum of dysplastic change with
      increasing severity, which may culminate in invasive squamous cell carcinoma
      (ISCC). As a consequence of the difficulty in isolating cancerous cells from
      biopsies, the molecular pathology that underlies their histological variability
      remains largely unknown. METHOD: To address this issue, we have employed
      microdissection to isolate normal bronchial epithelia and cancerous cells from
      low- and high-grade PSCC and ISCC, from paraffin embedded (FFPE) biopsies and
      determined gene expression using Affymetric Human Exon 1.0 ST arrays. Tests for
      differential gene expression were performed using the Bioconductor package limma
      followed by functional analyses of differentially expressed genes in IPA.
      RESULTS: Examination of differential gene expression showed small differences
      between low- and high-grade PSCC but substantial changes between PSCC and ISCC
      samples (184 vs 1200 p-value <0.05, fc +/-1.75). However, the majority of the
      differentially expressed PSCC genes (142 genes: 77%) were shared with those in
      ISCC samples. Pathway analysis showed that these shared genes are associated with
      DNA damage response, DNA/RNA metabolism and inflammation as major biological
      themes. Cluster analysis identified 12 distinct patterns of gene expression
      including progressive up or down-regulation across PSCC and ISCC. Pathway
      analysis of incrementally up-regulated genes revealed again significant
      enrichment of terms related to DNA damage response, DNA/RNA metabolism,
      inflammation, survival and proliferation. Altered expression of selected genes
      was confirmed using RT-PCR, as well as immunohistochemistry in an independent set
      of 45 ISCCs. CONCLUSIONS: Gene expression profiles in PSCC and ISCC differ
      greatly in terms of numbers of genes with altered transcriptional activity.
      However, altered gene expression in PSCC affects canonical pathways and cellular
      and biological processes, such as inflammation and DNA damage response, which are
      highly consistent with hallmarks of cancer.

PMID- 28073360
TI  - Centralising and optimising decentralised stroke care systems: a simulation study
      on short-term costs and effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Centralisation of thrombolysis may offer substantial benefits. The
      aim of this study was to assess short term costs and effects of centralisation of
      thrombolysis and optimised care in a decentralised system. METHODS: Using
      simulation modelling, three scenarios to improve decentralised settings in the
      North of Netherlands were compared from the perspective of the policy maker and
      compared to current decentralised care: (1) improving stroke care at nine
      separate hospitals, (2) centralising and improving thrombolysis treatment to
      four, and (3) two hospitals. Outcomes were annual mean and incremental costs per
      patient up to the treatment with thrombolysis, incremental cost-effectiveness
      ratio (iCER) per 1% increase in thrombolysis rate, and the proportion treated
      with thrombolysis. RESULTS: Compared to current decentralised care, improving
      stroke care at individual community hospitals led to mean annual costs per
      patient of $US 1,834 (95% CI, 1,823-1,843) whereas centralising to four and two
      hospitals led to $US 1,462 (95% CI, 1,451-1,473) and $US 1,317 (95% CI, 1,306
      1,328), respectively (P < 0.001). The iCER of improving community hospitals was
      $US 113 (95% CI, 91-150) and $US 71 (95% CI, 59-94), $US 56 (95% CI, 44-74) when
      centralising to four and two hospitals, respectively. Thrombolysis rates
      decreased from 22.4 to 21.8% and 21.2% (P = 0.120 and P = 0.001) in case of
      increasing centralisation. CONCLUSIONS: Centralising thrombolysis substantially
      lowers mean annual costs per patient compared to raising stroke care at community
      hospitals simultaneously. Small, but negative effects on thrombolysis rates may
      be expected.

PMID- 28073361
TI  - Sustainability of health information systems: a three-country qualitative study
      in southern Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health information systems are central to strong health systems. They
      assist with patient and program management, quality improvement, disease
      surveillance, and strategic use of information. Many donors have worked to
      improve health information systems, particularly by supporting the introduction
      of electronic health information systems (EHIS), which are considered more
      responsive and more efficient than older, paper-based systems. As many donor
      driven programs are increasing their focus on country ownership, sustainability
      of these investments is a key concern. This analysis explores the potential
      sustainability of EHIS investments in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, originally
      supported by the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
      (PEPFAR). METHODS: Using a framework based on sustainability theories from the
      health systems literature, this analysis employs a qualitative case study
      methodology to highlight factors that may increase the likelihood that donor
      supported initiatives will continue after the original support is modified or
      ends. RESULTS: Findings highlight commonalities around possible determinants of
      sustainability. The study found that there is great optimism about the potential
      for EHIS, but the perceived risks may result in hesitancy to transition
      completely and parallel use of paper-based systems. Full stakeholder engagement
      is likely to be crucial for sustainability, as well as integration with other
      activities within the health system and those funded by development partners. The
      literature suggests that a sustainable system has clearly-defined goals around
      which stakeholders can rally, but this has not been achieved in the systems
      studied. The study also found that technical resource constraints - affecting
      system usage, maintenance, upgrades and repairs - may limit EHIS sustainability
      even if these other pillars were addressed. CONCLUSIONS: The sustainability of
      EHIS faces many challenges, which could be addressed through systems' technical
      design, stakeholder coordination, and the building of organizational capacity to
      maintain and enhance such systems. All of this requires time and attention, but
      is likely to enhance long-term outcomes.

PMID- 28073362
TI  - Elevated levels of prebeta1-high-density lipoprotein are associated with
      cholesterol ester transfer protein, the presence and severity of coronary artery
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prebeta1-high-density lipoprotein (prebeta1-HDL), plays an important
      role in reverse cholesterol transport and exhibits potent risk for coronary
      artery disease (CAD). However, the association of plasma prebeta1-HDL and
      cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) levels in CAD patients and the
      relationship of prebeta1-HDL with extent of CAD are debatable. METHODS: Prebeta1
      HDL and CETP levels were measured by enzymed-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs)
      in 88 acute coronary syndromes (ACS), 79 stable coronary artery disease (SCAD)
      patients and 85 control subjects. The correlation analyses, multiple linear
      regression analyses and logistic regression analyses were performed,
      respectively. RESULTS: The prebeta1-HDL and CETP levels in ACS patients were
      significantly higher than those in SCAD patients and both of them were higher
      than controls'. Prebeta1-HDL levels were positively associated with CETP (R =
      0.348, P = 0.000), the diameter of stenosis (R = 0.253, P = 0.005), the number of
      vessel disease (R = 0.274, P = 0.002) and Gensini score (R = 0.227, P = 0.009) in
      CAD patients. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses showed that CETP was
      one of the determinants of prebeta1-HDL levels. Logistic regression analysis
      revealed that elevated prebeta1-HDL and CETP were potential risk factors for both
      ACS and SCAD. CONCLUSION: The elevated prebeta1-HDL levels may change with CETP
      concentrations in CAD patients and were related to the presence and severity of
      CAD.

PMID- 28073363
TI  - Swept away: ocean currents and seascape features influence genetic structure
      across the 18,000 Km Indo-Pacific distribution of a marine invertebrate, the
      black-lip pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic structure in many widely-distributed broadcast spawning
      marine invertebrates remains poorly understood, posing substantial challenges for
      their fishery management, conservation and aquaculture. Under the Core-Periphery
      Hypothesis (CPH), genetic diversity is expected to be highest at the centre of a
      species' distribution, progressively decreasing with increased differentiation
      towards outer range limits, as populations become increasingly isolated,
      fragmented and locally adapted. The unique life history characteristics of many
      marine invertebrates such as high dispersal rates, stochastic survival and
      variable recruitment are also likely to influence how populations are organised.
      To examine the microevolutionary forces influencing population structure,
      connectivity and adaptive variation in a highly-dispersive bivalve, populations
      of the black-lip pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera were examined across its
      ~18,000 km Indo-Pacific distribution. RESULTS: Analyses utilising 9,624 genome
      wide SNPs and 580 oysters, discovered differing patterns of significant and
      substantial broad-scale genetic structure between the Indian and Pacific Ocean
      basins. Indian Ocean populations were markedly divergent (F st = 0.2534-0.4177, p
      < 0.001), compared to Pacific Ocean oysters, where basin-wide gene flow was much
      higher (F st = 0.0007-0.1090, p < 0.001). Partitioning of genetic diversity
      (hierarchical AMOVA) attributed 18.1% of variance between ocean basins, whereas
      greater proportions were resolved within samples and populations (45.8% and 35.7%
      respectively). Visualisation of population structure at selectively neutral loci
      resolved three and five discrete genetic clusters for the Indian and Pacific
      Oceans respectively. Evaluation of genetic structure at adaptive loci for Pacific
      populations (89 SNPs under directional selection; F st = 0.1012-0.4371, FDR =
      0.05), revealed five clusters identical to those detected at neutral SNPs,
      suggesting environmental heterogeneity within the Pacific. Patterns of structure
      and connectivity were supported by Mantel tests of isolation by distance (IBD)
      and independent hydrodynamic particle dispersal simulations. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      evident that genetic structure and connectivity across the natural range of P.
      margaritifera is highly complex, and produced by the interaction of ocean
      currents, IBD and seascape features at a broad scale, together with habitat
      geomorphology and local adaptation at regional levels. Overall population
      organisation is far more elaborate than generalised CPH predictions, however
      valuable insights for regional fishery management, and a greater understanding of
      range-wide genetic structure in a highly-dispersive marine invertebrate have been
      gained.

PMID- 28073364
TI  - Lack of MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex detection occurs frequently in low-grade
      epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: BRCA1/2-deficient ovarian carcinomas are recognized as target for
      Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins are
      involved in homologous recombination repair of double-strand DNA breaks. The
      relevance of other homologous recombination repair proteins, e.g. MRE11, RAD50,
      NBS1 (MRN complex) in ovarian carcinomas is unclear. The objective of this study
      was to investigate the prevalence of lack of MRE11, RAD50, NBS1 protein detection
      in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: A tissue microarray (TMA) with 134
      EOC was immunohistochemically evaluated for MRE11, RAD50 and NBS1. Data was
      analysed for associations with clinicopathological parameters, histological
      subtype, patient overall survival and mismatch repair (MMR) protein status.
      Sensitivity towards the PARP inhibitor BMN673 was tested in two ovarian cancer
      cell lines (TOV-21 and OVTOKO) using colony formation assays. RESULTS: Lack of
      MRN complex protein detection was seen in 41% (55/134) of EOC and was more
      frequent in low-grade (57.6%; 19/33) than in high-grade EOC (18.8%; 36/101; n =
      134; p = 0.04). There was an association with the ovarian carcinoma subtype
      (60.3%; 35/58 lack of detection in type I versus 26.3%; 20/76 in type II; n =
      134; p < 0.001) as well as undetectable DNA mismatch repair proteins MLH1 and
      MSH2 (89.3%; 25/28; n = 131; p < 0.001). MRE11 knockdown led to moderately
      increased sensitivity towards the PARP inhibitor BMN673 in one ovarian carcinoma
      cell line in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent lack of MRE11, RAD50, NBS1 protein
      detection in type I human ovarian carcinomas is observed in EOC and our data
      suggests further investigation regarding sensitivity to PARP-inhibition in
      tumours lacking MRE11 expression.

PMID- 28073365
TI  - Neurophthalmological conditions mimicking glaucomatous optic neuropathy: analysis
      of the most common causes of misdiagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To analyze the most common neurophthalmological conditions that may
      mimic glaucomatous optic neuropathy and to determine which most often lead to
      misdiagnosis when evaluated by a glaucoma specialist. METHODS: We reviewed the
      charts of consecutive patients with optic neuropathies caused by
      neurophthalmological conditions screened in a single Eye Clinic within a period
      of 24 months. Within these enrolled patients, we selected the eyes whose
      fundoscopic appearance could resemble glaucoma based in pre-defined criteria
      (vertical cup-to-disc ratio >=0.6, asymmetry of the cup-to-disc ratio >=0.2
      between eyes, presence of localized retinal nerve fiber layer and/or neuroretinal
      rim defects, and disc haemorrhages). Then, color fundus photographs and Humphrey
      Visual Field tests (HVF) of these eyes were mixed with tests from 21 consecutive
      glaucomatous patients (42 eyes with normal tension glaucoma). These images were
      mixed randomly and a masked glaucoma specialist was asked to distinguish if each
      set of exams was from a patient with glaucoma or with a neurophthalmologic
      condition. RESULTS: Among the 101 eyes (68 patients) enrolled with
      neurophthalmological diseases, 16 (15.8%) were classified as conditions that
      could mimic glaucoma. The most common diagnoses were ischemic optic neuropathy
      (25%), compressive optic neuropathy (18.7%) and hereditary optic neuropathy
      (18.7%). Based on the analysis of fundus photographs and HVF tests, 25% of these
      were misdiagnosed as glaucoma (two ischemic optic neuropathies and two congenital
      optic disc anomalies). Conversely, 11.9% of the glaucomatous neuropathies were
      misdiagnosed as neurophthalmological disorders. Overall, the glaucoma specialist
      correctly diagnosed 84.5% of the eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Some neurophthalmological
      disorders can mimic glaucoma. In our study, isquemic and compressive optic
      neuropathies were the ones that most often did so. Almost one quarter of the eyes
      were misdiagnosed when evaluated by a glaucoma specialist, which can lead to
      inadequate management and influence the prognosis of these patients.

PMID- 28073366
TI  - Oral treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus attenuates behavioural deficits and
      immune changes in chronic social stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress-related disorders involve systemic alterations, including
      disruption of the intestinal microbial community. Given the putative connections
      between the microbiota, immunity, neural function, and behaviour, we investigated
      the potential for microbe-induced gut-to-brain signalling to modulate the impact
      of stress on host behaviour and immunoregulation. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice
      treated orally over 28 days with either Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) TM or
      vehicle were subjected to chronic social defeat and assessed for alterations in
      behaviour and immune cell phenotype. 16S rRNA sequencing and mass spectrometry
      were employed to analyse the faecal microbial community and metabolite profile.
      RESULTS: Treatment with JB-1 decreased stress-induced anxiety-like behaviour and
      prevented deficits in social interaction with conspecifics. However, JB-1 did not
      alter development of aggressor avoidance following social defeat. Microbial
      treatment attenuated stress-related activation of dendritic cells while
      increasing IL-10+ regulatory T cells. Furthermore, JB-1 modulated the effect of
      stress on faecal metabolites with neuroactive and immunomodulatory properties.
      Exposure to social defeat altered faecal microbial community composition and
      reduced species richness and diversity, none of which was prevented by JB-1.
      Stress-related microbiota disruptions persisted in vehicle-treated mice for 3
      weeks following stressor cessation. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that
      despite the complexity of the gut microbiota, exposure to a single microbial
      strain can protect against certain stress-induced behaviours and systemic immune
      alterations without preventing dysbiosis. This work supports microbe-based
      interventions for stress-related disorders.

PMID- 28073367
TI  - No convincing association between genetic markers and respiratory symptoms:
      results of a GWA study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory symptoms are associated with accelerated lung function
      decline, and increased hospitalization and mortality rates in the general
      population. Although several environmental risk factors for respiratory symptoms
      are known, knowledge on genetic risk factors is lacking. We aim to identify
      genetic variants associated with respiratory symptoms by genome-wide association
      (GWA) analyses. METHODS: We conducted the first GWA study on cough, dyspnea and
      phlegm among 7,976 participants in the LifeLines I cohort and used the LifeLines
      II cohort (n = 5,260) and the Vlagtwedde-Vlaardingen cohort (n = 1,529) for
      replication. RESULTS: We identified 50 SNPs that were assessed for replication.
      Rs16918212, located in the alpha-2-macroglobulin pseudogene 1 (A2MP1), was
      associated with cough in both the identification (odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, p =
      5.41 * 10-5) and the meta-analyzed replication cohorts (OR = 0.83, p = 0.033). No
      other significant replicated associations were found. CONCLUSIONS: Given that
      only 1 out of 50 SNPs showed significant replication (i.e. 2%) we conclude that
      we did not find a convincing association between genetic markers and respiratory
      symptoms. Since, environmental exposures are important risk factors for
      respiratory symptoms, the next step is to perform a genome-wide interaction (GWI)
      study to identify genetic susceptibility loci for respiratory symptoms in
      interaction with known harmful environmental exposures.

PMID- 28073369
TI  - High body mass index in rheumatoid arthritis: why we should promote physical
      activity.

PMID- 28073368
TI  - Advanced Knee Structure Analysis (AKSA): a comparison of bone mineral density and
      trabecular texture measurements using computed tomography and high-resolution
      peripheral quantitative computed tomography of human knee cadavers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A change of loading conditions in the knee causes changes in the
      subchondral bone and may be a cause of osteoarthritis (OA). However,
      quantification of trabecular architecture in vivo is difficult due to the
      limiting spatial resolution of the imaging equipment; one approach is the use of
      texture parameters. In previous studies, we have used digital models to simulate
      changes of subchondral bone architecture under OA progression. One major result
      was that, using computed tomography (CT) images, subchondral bone mineral density
      (BMD) in combination with anisotropy and global homogeneity could characterize
      this progression. The primary goal of this study was a comparison of BMD,
      entropy, anisotropy, variogram slope, and local and global inhomogeneity
      measurements between high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT) and CT
      using human cadaveric knees. The secondary goal was the verification of the
      spatial resolution dependence of texture parameters observed in the earlier
      simulations, two important prerequisites for the interpretation of in vivo
      measurements in OA patients. METHOD: The applicability of texture analysis to
      characterize bone architecture in clinical CT examinations was investigated and
      compared to results obtained from HR-pQCT. Fifty-seven human knee cadavers (OA
      status unknown) were examined with both imaging modalities. Three-dimensional
      (3D) segmentation and registration processes, together with automatic positioning
      of 3D analysis volumes of interest (VOIs), ensured the measurement of BMD and
      texture parameters at the same anatomical locations in CT and HR-pQCT datasets.
      RESULTS: According to the calculation of dice ratios (>0.978), the accuracy of
      VOI locations between methods was excellent. Entropy, anisotropy, and global
      inhomogeneity showed significant and high linear correlation between both methods
      (0.68 < R 2 < 1.00). The resolution dependence of these parameters simulated
      earlier was confirmed by the in vitro measurements. CONCLUSION: The high
      correlation of HR-pQCT- and CT-based measurements of entropy, global
      inhomogeneity, and anisotropy suggests interchangeability between devices
      regarding the quantification of texture. The agreement of the experimentally
      determined resolution dependence of global inhomogeneity and anisotropy with
      earlier simulations is an important milestone towards their use to quantify
      subchondral bone structure. However, an in vivo study is still required to
      establish their clinical relevance.

PMID- 28073370
TI  - Expression site of P2RY12 in residential microglial cells in astrocytomas
      correlates with M1 and M2 marker expression and tumor grade.
AB  - The role of resident microglial cells in the pathogenesis and progression of
      glial tumors is still obscure mainly due to a lack of specific markers. Recently
      P2RY12, a P2 purinergic receptor, was introduced as a specific marker for
      microglial cells under normal and pathologic conditions. Here we analyzed the
      expression of P2RY12 in astrocytomas of various malignancy grades in relation to
      markers for M1 and M2 macrophage activation profiles by using two web-based
      glioma datasets and confocal immunohistochemistry to 28 astrocytoma samples
      grades II-IV. In the gliomas, P2RY12 immunoreactivity delineated CD68 negative
      cells with otherwise microglial features from CD68 positive tumor associated
      macrophages (TAMs). The presence of P2RY12 positive cells correlated positively
      with overall survival. P2RY12 mRNA levels and membrane-bound localization of
      P2RY12 were inversely correlated with increasing malignancy grade, and the
      expression site of P2RY12 shifted from cytoplasmic in low-grade gliomas, to
      nuclear in high-grade tumors. The cytoplasmic expression of P2RY12 was associated
      with the expression of M1 markers, characteristic of the pro-inflammatory
      macrophage response. In contrast, the nuclear localization of P2RY12 was
      predominant in the higher graded tumors and associated with the expression of the
      M2 marker CD163.We conclude that P2RY12 is a specific marker for resident
      microglia in glioma and its expression and localization correspond to tumor grade
      and predominant stage of M1/M2 immune response.

PMID- 28073371
TI  - Should we assume that hypothermia is a dysfunction in sepsis?

PMID- 28073372
TI  - A novel method for the quantification of fatty infiltration in skeletal muscle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatty infiltration of the skeletal muscle is a common but poorly
      understood feature of many myopathies. It is best described in human muscle,
      where non-invasive imaging techniques and representative histology have been
      optimized to view and quantify infiltrating fat. However, human studies are
      limited in their ability to identify cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating
      fatty infiltration, a likely prerequisite to developing targeted interventions.
      As mechanistic investigations move to small animals, studies may benefit from new
      or adapted imaging tools optimized for high resolution and whole muscle
      quantification. RESULTS: Here, we describe a novel method to evaluate fatty
      infiltration, developed for use with mouse muscle. In this methodology, muscle
      cellular membranes and proteins are removed via decellularization, but fatty
      infiltrate lipid is spared, trapped in its native distribution in a transparent
      extracellular matrix construct. This lipid can then be stained with visible or
      fluorescent dyes and imaged. We present three methods to stain and evaluate lipid
      in decellularized muscles which can be used individually or combined: (1)
      qualitative visualization of the amount and 3D spatial distribution of fatty
      infiltration using visible lipid soluble dye Oil Red O (ORO), (2) quantitative
      analysis of individual lipid droplet metrics (e.g., volume) via confocal imaging
      of fluorescent lipid soluble dye boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY), and (3)
      quantitative analysis of total lipid content by optical density reading of
      extracted stained lipid. This methodology was validated by comparing glycerol
      induced fatty infiltration between two commonly used mouse strains: 129S1/SvlmJ
      (129S1) and C57BL/6J (BL/6J). All three methods were able to detect a significant
      increase in fatty infiltrate volume in the 129S1 muscle compared with that in
      BL/6J, and methods 1 and 2 additionally described a difference in the
      distribution of fatty infiltrate, indicating susceptibility to glycerol-induced
      fatty infiltration is strain-specific. CONCLUSIONS: With more mechanistic studies
      of fatty infiltration moving to small animal models, having an alternative to
      expensive non-invasive imaging techniques and selective representative histology
      will be beneficial. In this work, we present a method that can quantify both
      individual adipocyte lipids and whole muscle total fatty infiltrate lipid.

PMID- 28073374
TI  - Successful multimodal treatment of intraoral salivary duct carcinoma in a patient
      with multiple lymph node metastases: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a high-grade salivary gland
      malignancy that is associated with an aggressive clinical behavior and poor
      prognosis. Herein, we report on a long surviving case of SDC of the minor
      salivary gland with multiple lymph node metastases (LNMs). CASE PRESENTATION: An
      83-year-old woman presented with a history of lymphadenopathy in the right side
      of the neck and recent onset and rapid growth of a mass in the right buccal
      region. Clinical examinations and biopsy findings were suggestive of a salivary
      gland malignant tumor with regional LNMs. The patient was treated with
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Tumor excision and ipsilateral radical neck dissection
      were performed, followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Postoperative
      histological examination revealed a tumor with irregular nests of atypical ductal
      epithelial cells, a cribriform growth pattern, and comedo-like central necrosis
      that lead to a final diagnosis of SDC. LNMs were observed in six lymph nodes of
      the right side of the neck. The patient underwent postoperative chemotherapy
      using single-agent cisplatin that was administered concurrently with radiotherapy
      (total, 65 Gy). There was no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis
      for >6 years. CONCLUSIONS: Although available data on treatment modalities for
      SDC remain limited, multimodal therapy may contribute to improved clinical
      outcomes in patients with advanced intraoral SDC.

PMID- 28073375
TI  - Promoting early identification of sepsis in hospitalized patients with nurse-led
      protocols.

PMID- 28073376
TI  - Treatment and outcome prognosis of patients with high-energy transsyndesmotic
      ankle fracture dislocation-the "Logsplitter" injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to retrospectively review the clinical efficacy of
      open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for treatment of high-energy
      transsyndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation-the "Logsplitter" injury. METHODS:
      Between December 2006 and December 2014, 41 patients (29 males and 12 females;
      mean age, 41.46 +/- 13.42 years) with Logsplitter injury were treated by ORIF
      procedure. Patients were grouped as typical injury (mainly vertical axial stress)
      and untypical injury (mainly rotational stress) according to the injury mechanism
      and the degree of the talus wedged into the distal tibiofibular joint. RESULTS:
      After the follow-up of 32.48 +/- 24.18 weeks, average American Orthopedic Foot
      and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at final follow-up was 78.54 +/- 10.66 and the
      excellent and good rate of 82.9%. Three patients in typical group developed
      nonunion, and other three cases had infection vs. none in untypical group (both P
      = 0.053). Burwell-Charnely scoring system revealed anatomic reduction of fracture
      was achieved in 22 cases, fair reduction in 16 cases, and poor in only 3 cases.
      Patients in untypical group had better fracture reduction (P = 0.015) and lower
      incidence rate of posttraumatic ankle arthritis (P = 0.042) than typical cases as
      well as the range of motion (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The ORIF may be an optimal
      approach to treat Logsplitter injuries. Patients with untypical injury had better
      fracture reduction, range of motion, and low incidence rate of posttraumatic
      ankle arthritis than those typical ones, and the postoperative outcome was
      affected by the injury and treatment characteristics.

PMID- 28073373
TI  - T cell exhaustion: from pathophysiological basics to tumor immunotherapy.
AB  - The immune system is capable of distinguishing between danger- and non-danger
      signals, thus inducing either an appropriate immune response against pathogens
      and cancer or inducing self-tolerance to avoid autoimmunity and immunopathology.
      One of the mechanisms that have evolved to prevent destruction by the immune
      system, is to functionally silence effector T cells, termed T cell exhaustion,
      which is also exploited by viruses and cancers for immune escape In this review,
      we discuss some of the phenotypic markers associated with T cell exhaustion and
      we summarize current strategies to reinvigorate exhausted T cells by blocking
      these surface marker using monoclonal antibodies.

PMID- 28073377
TI  - Magnitude and influencing factors of respiration-induced liver motion during
      abdominal compression in patients with intrahepatic tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to use 4-dimensional-computed tomography
      (4D-CT) to evaluate respiration-induced liver motion magnitude and influencing
      factors in patients with intrahepatic tumors undergoing abdominal compression.
      METHODS: From January 2012 to April 2016, 99 patients with intrahepatic tumors
      were included in this study. They all underwent 4D-CT to assess respiratory liver
      motion. This was performed during abdominal compression in 53 patients and during
      free-breathing (no abdominal compression) in 46 patients. We defined abdominal
      compression as being effective in managing the breath amplitude if respiration
      induced liver motion in the cranial-caudal (CC) direction during compression was
      <=5 mm and as being ineffective if >5 mm of motion was observed. Gender, age,
      body mass index (BMI), transarterial chemoembolization history, liver resection
      history, tumor area, tumor number, and tumor size (diameter) were determined.
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze influencing factors
      associated with a breath amplitude <=5 mm in the CC direction. RESULTS: The mean
      respiration-induced liver motion during abdominal compression in the left-right
      (LR), CC, anterior-posterior (AP), and 3-dimensional vector directions was 2.9 +/
      1.2 mm, 5.3 +/- 2.2 mm, 2.3 +/- 1.1 mm and 6.7 +/- 2.1 mm, respectively.
      Univariate analysis indicated that gender and BMI significantly affected
      abdominal compression effectiveness (both p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis
      confirmed these two factors as significant predictors of effective abdominal
      compression: gender (p = 0.030) and BMI (p = 0.006). There was a strong
      correlation between gender and compression effectiveness (odds ratio [OR] =
      7.450) and an even stronger correlation between BMI and compression effectiveness
      (OR = 10.842). CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of respiration-induced liver motion of
      patients with intrahepatic carcinoma undergoing abdominal compression is affected
      by gender and BMI, with abdominal compression being less effective in men and
      overweight patients.

PMID- 28073378
TI  - HECTD1 controls the protein level of IQGAP1 to regulate the dynamics of adhesive
      structures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cell migration including collective cell movement and individual cell
      migration are crucial factors in embryogenesis. During the spreading/migration of
      cells, several types of adhesive structures physically interacting with the
      extracellular matrix (ECM) or with another cell have been described and the
      formation and maturation of adhesion structures are coordinated, however the
      molecular pathways involved are still not fully understood. RESULTS: We generated
      a mouse embryonic fibroblast line (MEF) from homozygous mutant (Hectd1 R/R ,
      Hectd1 Gt(RRC200) ) mouse of the E3 ubiquitin ligase for inhibin B receptor
      (Hectd1). Detailed examination of cell motion on MEF cells demonstrated that loss
      of Hectd1 resulted in accelerated cell spreading and migration but impaired
      directionality of migration. In Hectd1 R/R cells paxillin and zyxin were largely
      mis-localized, whereas their expression levels were unchanged. In addition the
      formation of focal adhesions (FAs) was impaired and the focal complexes (FXs)
      were increased. We further identified HECTD1 as a key regulator of IQGAP1. IQGAP1
      co-localized together with HECTD1 in the leading edge of cells. HECTD1 interacted
      with IQGAP1 and regulated its degradation through ubiquitination. Over-expression
      of IQGAP1 in control MEF phenocopied the spreading and migration defects of
      Hectd1 R/R cells. In contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of IQGAP1 rescued the
      defects in cellular movement of Hectd1 R/R cells. CONCLUSIONS: The E3 ligase
      activity of Hectd1 regulates the protein level of IQGAP1 through ubiquitination
      and therefore mediates the dynamics of FXs including the recruitment of paxillin
      and actinin. IQGAP1 is one of the effectors of HECTD1.

PMID- 28073379
TI  - Tau passive immunization inhibits not only tau but also Abeta pathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein is a
      histopathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies.
      Currently, there is no effective treatment available for these progressive
      neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, tau immunotherapy has shown great
      potential in animal models. We report the effect of immunization with tau
      antibodies 43D against tau 6-18 and 77E9 against tau 184-195 on tau and amyloid
      beta (Abeta) pathologies and cognition in triple-transgenic (3*Tg)-AD mice at
      mild to moderate stages of the disease. METHODS: We immunized 12-month-old female
      3*Tg-AD mice with two to six or seven intravenous weekly doses of 15 MUg of mouse
      monoclonal antibody 43D, 77E9, a combination of one-half dose each of 43D and
      77E9, or as control of mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG). Age-matched wild-type mice
      treated with mouse IgG or a mixture of 43D and 77E9 were also used as controls.
      The effect of immunization with tau antibodies on tau and Abeta pathologies was
      assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis, and the effect on
      cognition was analyzed by using Morris water maze, one-trial novel object
      recognition, and novel object location tasks. RESULTS: We found that two doses of
      43D and 77E9 reduced total tau but had no significant impact on
      hyperphosphorylation of tau. However, six doses of 43D reduced levels of both
      total tau and tau hyperphosphorylated at Ser262/356 and Ser396/404 sites in the
      hippocampus. Importantly, both 43D and 77E9 antibodies rescued spatial memory and
      short-term memory impairments in 3*Tg-AD mice. The beneficial effect of 43D and
      77E9 antibodies on cognitive performance was sustained up to 3 months after the
      last dose. Six doses of immunization with 43D also decreased amyloid precursor
      protein (APP) level in CA1 and amyloid plaques in subiculum, and showed a trend
      toward reducing Abeta40 and Abeta42 in the forebrain. Immunization with 43D
      increased levels of complement components C1 and C9 and resulted in activation of
      microglia, especially surrounding Abeta plaques. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest the potential of passive immunization targeting proximal N-terminal
      domain tau 6-18 as a disease-modifying approach to AD and related tauopathies.

PMID- 28073380
TI  - Long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) promotes
      tumorigenesis and metastasis by targeting miR-199a/b-5p in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is third leading cause of cancer
      related death globally. Evidence suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have
      emerged as key regulators of tumorigenesis and metastasis in HCC. In this study,
      we investigated the functional significance of SNHG12 and explored whether SNHG12
      can directly interact with miR-199a/b-5p in the progression of HCC. METHODS: We
      determined the expression level of SNHG12 in HCC tissues with quantitative real
      time PCR and then studied its clinical significance. The binding site between
      SNHG12 and miR-199a/b-5p was confirmed using dual luciferase assay and RNA
      immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. SNHG12 was silenced through the siRNA
      transfection to determine whether SNHG12-siRNA is able to affect cell
      proliferation, invasion and metastasis. RESULTS: SNHG12 was significantly higher
      in the HCC tissues than that in the adjacent normal tissues. There were direct
      interactions between miR-199a/b-5p and the binding site of SNHG12. SNHG12
      functioned as an endogenous sponge for miR-199a/b-5p to regulate the expression
      of MLK3 and affect the NF-kappaB pathway. CONCLUSION: SNHG12 may serve as a
      valuable biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

PMID- 28073381
TI  - Immediate and lag effects of pesticide exposure on parasite resistance in larval
      amphibians.
AB  - Across host-parasite systems, there is evidence that pesticide exposure increases
      parasite loads and mortality following infection. However, whether these effects
      are driven by reductions in host resistance to infection or slower rates of
      parasite clearance is often unclear. Using controlled laboratory experiments, we
      examined the ability of larval northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) and
      American toads (Anaxyrus americanus) to resist and clear trematode
      (Echinoparyphium sp.) infections following exposure to the insecticide carbaryl.
      Northern leopard frogs exposed to 1 mg L-1 of carbaryl had 61% higher parasite
      loads compared with unexposed individuals, while there was no immediate effect of
      carbaryl on parasite encystment in American toads. However, when tadpoles were
      exposed to carbaryl and moved to freshwater for 14 days before the parasite
      challenge, we recovered 37 and 63% more parasites from carbaryl-exposed northern
      leopard frogs and American toads, respectively, compared with the control. No
      effects on clearance were found for either species. Collectively, our results
      suggest that pesticide exposure can reduce the ability of amphibians to resist
      parasite infections and that these effects can persist weeks following exposure.
      It is critical for researchers to incorporate species interactions into toxicity
      studies to improve our understanding of how contaminants affect ecological
      communities.

PMID- 28073382
TI  - A retrospective study comparing agar plate culture, indirect immunofluorescence
      and real-time PCR for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis infection.
AB  - Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasite that can cause death in immunocompromised
      people. A proper diagnosis is hence essential. The real-time polymerase-chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) is a novel, promising diagnostic method, that detects the DNA
      of the parasite in stool samples. In this retrospective study, we compared the
      sensitivity of agar plate coproculture (APC), an in-house immunofluorescence test
      (IFAT) and an in-house RT-PCR for the diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection. The
      study sample was composed by 223 samples. Samples resulting positive to APC, IFAT
      and RT-PCR were 20, 140 and 25, respectively. When sensitivity was calculated
      against a composite reference standard, serology confirmed the best performance
      (sensitivity 95%), followed by RT-PCR (57%) and APC (45%). In conclusion, in a
      non-endemic setting, serology is the best screening method, while the combination
      of APC and RT-PCR does not seem a reasonable approach to increase sensitivity.
      Both methods can have a role as confirmatory tests for selected cases.

PMID- 28073383
TI  - Evaluation of methylene blue, pyrimethamine and its combination on an in vitro
      Neospora caninum model.
AB  - Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite strongly related to reproductive
      problems in cattle. The neosporosis control is not well established and several
      fronts are under development, predominantly based on immune protection,
      immunomodulation and chemotherapy. The use of anti-malarial drugs as therapeutic
      sources has, in theory, considerable potential for any apicomplexan. Drugs such
      as methylene blue (MB) and pyrimethamine (Pyr) represent therapeutic options for
      malaria; thus, their use for neosporosis should be assessed. In this work, we
      tested the effects of MB and Pyr on N. caninum proliferation and clearance, using
      LacZ-tagged tachyzoites. The drugs inhibited at nanomolar dosages and its
      combination demonstrated an antagonistic interaction in proliferation assays,
      according to the Chou and Talalay method for drug combination index. However, the
      drug combination significantly improved the parasite in vitro clearance. The
      repositioning of well-established drugs opens a short-term strategy to obtain low
      cost therapeutics approaches against neosporosis.

PMID- 28073384
TI  - Do blood parasites infect Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in the
      wild? Prospective investigation and climatogeographic considerations.
AB  - Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are native to Argentina, Chile and
      the Falkland Islands. Magellanic penguins are highly susceptible to blood
      parasites such as the mosquito-borne Plasmodium spp., which have been documented
      causing high morbidity and mortality in zoos and rehabilitation centres. However,
      to date no blood parasites have been detected in wild Magellanic penguins, and it
      is not clear whether this is reflective of their true absence or is instead
      related to an insufficiency in sampling effort or a failure of the diagnostic
      methods. We examined blood smears of 284 Magellanic penguins from the Argentinean
      coast and tested their blood samples with nested polymerase chain reaction tests
      targeting Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Babesia. No blood parasites
      were detected. Analysing the sampling effort of previous studies and the
      climatogeography of the region, we found there is strong basis to conclude that
      haemosporidians do not infect wild Magellanic penguins on the Argentinean coast.
      However, at present it is not possible to determine whether such parasites occur
      on the Chilean coast and at the Falkland Islands. Furthermore, it is troubling
      that the northward distribution expansion of Magellanic penguins and the poleward
      distribution shift of vectors may lead to novel opportunities for the
      transmission of blood parasites.

PMID- 28073385
TI  - The cestode parasite Schistocephalus pungitii: castrator or nutrient thief of
      ninespine stickleback fish?
AB  - In this investigation, the host-parasite relationship of ninespine stickleback
      fish Pungitius pungitius and the cestode parasite Schistocephalus pungitii was
      studied using samples from Dog Bone Lake, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, to test the
      hypothesis that S. pungitii is a castrator of ninespine stickleback. Infected,
      adult females of all sizes (ages) were capable of producing clutches of eggs. S.
      pungitii had a negative effect on the ability of host females to produce a
      clutch, which was related to increasing parasite:host mass ratio (parasite index,
      PI). Among infected females with egg clutches, both clutch size and egg size were
      reduced; and the reduction increased with greater PI. The results of this study
      are consistent with the hypothesis that S. pungitii causes host sterility as a
      result of simple nutrient theft and is not a true castrator as hypothesized in
      earlier reports. The degree of parasite-induced sterility appears to vary among
      populations of the ninespine stickleback, perhaps reflecting differences in
      resource availability. Populations of ninespine stickleback appear to show a
      greater reduction in host reproductive capacity with PI than populations of the
      threespine stickleback infected by Schistocephalus solidus, possibly owing, in
      part, to the length-adjusted somatic mass of the threespine stickleback being
      greater.

PMID- 28073386
TI  - Disclosure of mental health problems: findings from an Australian national
      survey.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of the current study was to carry out a national population-based
      survey to assess the proportion of people disclosing mental health problems in a
      variety of settings. A further aim was to explore respondent characteristics
      associated with disclosure. METHODS: In 2014, telephone interviews were carried
      out with 5220 Australians aged 18+, 1381 of whom reported a mental health problem
      or scored highly on a symptom screening questionnaire. Questions covered
      disclosure of mental health problems to friends, intimate partners, other family
      members, supervisors or other colleagues in the workplace, teachers, lecturers or
      other students in the educational institution, health professionals and others in
      the community. Other than for intimate partners or supervisors, participants were
      asked whether or not they told everybody, some people or no one. Multinomial
      logistic regression was used to model the correlates of disclosure in each
      setting. RESULTS: For friends and family, respondents were more likely to
      disclose to some people than to everyone or to no one. In most other domains, non
      disclosure was most common, including in the workplace, where non-disclosure to
      supervisors was more likely than disclosure. Disclosure was associated with
      having received treatment or with support in all settings except healthcare,
      while it was only associated with discrimination in two settings (healthcare and
      education). CONCLUSIONS: Disclosure of mental health problems does not appear to
      be linked to discrimination in most settings, and is typically associated with
      receiving support. Selective or non-disclosure may be particularly critical in
      workplaces, education and healthcare settings.

PMID- 28073387
TI  - Recurrent acute otitis media detracts from health-related quality of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acute otitis media causes discomfort to children and inconvenience to
      their parents. This study evaluated the quality of life in children with
      recurrent acute otitis media aged less than 24 months. METHODS: Quality of life
      was evaluated in 149 children aged 10 to 24 months who were referred to the Oulu
      University Hospital on account of recurrent acute otitis media. The children were
      treated with or without surgery. Age-matched controls were selected randomly from
      the general child population. Parents completed the Child Health Questionnaire.
      RESULTS: The children with recurrent acute otitis media had a significantly
      poorer quality of life than control children. The control children with a history
      of a few acute otitis media episodes had a significantly poorer quality of life
      than those without any such history. The quality of life of the children with
      recurrent acute otitis media improved during the one-year follow up, regardless
      of the treatment, but did not reach the same level as healthy children.
      CONCLUSION: Acute otitis media detracted from quality of life when a generic
      measure was used. The mode of treatment used to prevent further recurrences of
      acute otitis media did not influence quality of life improvement.

PMID- 28073389
TI  - The distribution of echinostome parasites in ponds and implications for larval
      anuran survival.
AB  - Parasites can influence host population dynamics, community composition and
      evolution. Prediction of these effects, however, requires an understanding of the
      influence of ecological context on parasite distributions and the consequences of
      infection for host fitness. We address these issues with an amphibian - trematode
      (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) host-parasite system. We initially performed a field
      survey of trematode infection in first (snail) and second (larval green frog,
      Rana clamitans) intermediate hosts over 5 years across a landscape of 23 ponds in
      southeastern Michigan. We then combined this study with a tadpole enclosure
      experiment in eight ponds. We found echinostomes in all ponds during the survey,
      although infection levels in both snails and amphibians differed across ponds and
      years. Echinostome prevalence (proportion of hosts infected) in snails also
      changed seasonally depending on host species, and abundance (parasites per host)
      in tadpoles depended on host size and prevalence in snails. The enclosure
      experiment demonstrated that infection varied at sites within ponds, and tadpole
      survival was lower in enclosures with higher echinostome abundance. The observed
      effects enhance our ability to predict when and where host-parasite interactions
      will occur and the potential fitness consequences of infection, with implications
      for population and community dynamics, evolution and conservation.

PMID- 28073388
TI  - Isolation and biological and molecular characterization of Neospora caninum (NC
      SP1) from a naturally infected adult asymptomatic cattle (Bos taurus) in the
      state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
AB  - The biological and genetic diversity of Neospora caninum is very limited because
      of availability of only a few viable isolates worldwide. This study describes the
      isolation and biological and molecular characterization of a new viable isolate
      of N. caninum (NC-SP1), from a cattle in Brazil. Approximately 400 g of brain
      from a naturally infected adult male cattle from an abattoir was fed to a 2-month
      old dog. Neospora-like oocysts were observed on day 7 post-inoculation (PI) and
      the duration of oocyst shedding was 14 days. The DNA obtained from oocysts was
      characterized molecularly and the final sequence was 99% identical to homologous
      sequences of N. caninum available in GenBank(r). For bioassay, gerbils (Meriones
      unguiculatus) were orally inoculated with 10 100 and 1000 oocysts; all gerbils
      remained clinically normal but developed N. caninum antibodies 14 days PI. Cell
      culture isolation was successful using the brain homogenate from one of the
      gerbils and tachyzoites were observed 24 days PI. Microsatellite genotyping
      revealed a unique genetic profile for this new reference isolate.

PMID- 28073390
TI  - The behavioural constellation of deprivation: Causes and consequences.
AB  - Socioeconomic differences in behaviour are pervasive and well documented, but
      their causes are not yet well understood. Here, we make the case that a cluster
      of behaviours is associated with lower socioeconomic status (SES), which we call
      "the behavioural constellation of deprivation." We propose that the relatively
      limited control associated with lower SES curtails the extent to which people can
      expect to realise deferred rewards, leading to more present-oriented behaviour in
      a range of domains. We illustrate this idea using the specific factor of
      extrinsic mortality risk, an important factor in evolutionary theoretical models.
      We emphasise the idea that the present-oriented behaviours of the constellation
      are a contextually appropriate response to structural and ecological factors
      rather than a pathology or a failure of willpower. We highlight some principles
      from evolutionary theoretical models that can deepen our understanding of how
      socioeconomic inequalities can become amplified and embedded. These principles
      are that (1) small initial disparities can lead to larger eventual inequalities,
      (2) feedback loops can embed early-life circumstances, (3) constraints can breed
      further constraints, and (4) feedback loops can operate over generations. We
      discuss some of the mechanisms by which SES may influence behaviour. We then
      review how the contextually appropriate response perspective that we have
      outlined fits with other findings about control and temporal discounting.
      Finally, we discuss the implications of this interpretation for research and
      policy.

PMID- 28073391
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Myelography in Congenital Absence of the Cervical Pedicle.
AB  - Absence of the cervical pedicle is a very rare congenital anomaly, easily
      misrecognized as a unilateral facet dislocation in a setting of acute trauma or a
      neoplastic process like a nerve sheath tumor. Although correct diagnosis can be
      achieved on the cervical radiograph and confirmed by the CT, MRI Myelography is
      clearly of additional value because shows the specific relationship and
      orientation of the nerve roots. To the best to our knowledge, this is the first
      description of MR Myelography findings.

PMID- 28073392
TI  - Does the dilution effect generally occur in animal diseases?
AB  - The dilution effect (DE) has been reported in many diseases, but its generality
      is still highly disputed. Most current criticisms of DE are related to animal
      diseases. Particularly, some critical studies argued that DE is less likely to
      occur in complex environments. Here our meta-analyses demonstrated that the
      magnitude of DE did not differ between animal vs plant diseases. Moreover, DE
      generally occurs in all three subgroups of animal diseases, namely direct
      transmitted diseases, vector-borne diseases and diseases caused by parasites with
      free-living stages. Our findings serve as an important contribution to
      understanding the generality of DE.

PMID- 28073393
TI  - Study on the mitochondrial apoptosis pathways of small cell lung cancer H446
      cells induced by Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae ESPs.
AB  - Trichinella spiralis (T.spiralis) muscle-larva (ML) excretory-secretory proteins
      (ESPs) contain antitumour-active substances. ESPs have been shown to inhibit
      tumour growth. To explore the effects of these proteins on small cell lung cancer
      cells and the possible mechanisms of their antineoplastic action, H446 SCLC cells
      were co-cultured with different concentrations of T. spiralis ML ESPs for 12, 24
      and 48 h. Our results showed that T. spiralis ML ESPs significantly inhibited
      H446 cell proliferation, which was dose-and time-dependent. The results of flow
      cytometry testing indicate a clear apoptosis trend in H446 cells co-cultured with
      ESPs for 24 h. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western
      blotting results showed increased expression of pro-apoptosis genes Bax, Cyt-C,
      Apaf-1, caspase-9 and caspase-3, compared with the negative control group, and
      decreased the expression of anti-apoptosis genes Bcl-2 and Livin. Our results
      suggest that T. spiralis ML ESPs can induce apoptosis in H446 cells through a
      mitochondrial pathway, which may be a mechanism of antineoplastic action in T.
      spiralis ML ESPs.

PMID- 28073394
TI  - Gregarine infection accelerates larval development of the cat flea
      Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche).
AB  - A high degree of specialization between host and parasite is a well-known outcome
      of a long history of coevolution, and it is strikingly illustrated in a
      coordination of their life cycles. In some cases, the arms race ensued at the
      establishment of a symbiotic relationship results in the adoption of manipulative
      strategies by the parasite. We have already learned that Steinina ctenocephali, a
      gregarine living in the alimentary canal of cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis
      follows its phenology and metamorphosis. Despite these findings the outcome of
      their symbiotic partnership (mutualist, parasitic or commensal) remains unclear.
      To address this important question, we measured life history parameters of the
      flea in the presence of varying infection intensities of gregarine oocysts in
      laboratory conditions. We found that neither the emergence nor survival rate of
      fleas was affected by harbouring the gregarines. More surprisingly, our results
      show that flea larvae infected with gregarines developed faster and emerged
      earlier than the control group. This gregarine therefore joins the selected group
      of protists that can modify physiological host traits and provides not only new
      model taxa to be explored in an evolutionary scenario, but also potential
      development of control strategies of cat flea.

PMID- 28073395
TI  - Actinophytocola xanthii sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from rhizosphere soil
      of the plant Xanthium sibiricum.
AB  - A novel actinomycete strain, 11-183T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of
      Xanthium sibiricum, which was collected in Tangshan, Hebei, China. A phylogenetic
      analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 11-183T formed a
      clade within the genus Actinophytocola, with a maximum similarity of 98.44 % to
      Actinophytocola xinjiangensis QAIII60T, followed by 97.76 % similarity to
      Actinophytocola sediminis YIM M13705T. The average nucleotide identity and
      digital DNA-DNA hybridization values differed by 79.24 and 23.4 %, respectively,
      between strain 11-183T and Actinophytocolaxinjiangensis QAIII60T. Strain 11-183T
      grew well on N-Z-amine agar, and it produced a scant, white aerial mycelium. The
      isolate formed pale yellow to brown-black colonies and a dense, non-fragmented,
      branched substrate mycelium, and produced aerial hyphae on which nodular spore
      chains formed. Growth was observed at salinities ranging from 0 to 2 %, at pH
      values ranging from pH 6.5 to 8.0 and at temperatures ranging from 15 to 37 
      degrees C. The cell-wall amino acids included meso-diaminopimelic acid. Whole
      cell hydrolysates contained galactose and glucose. The principal fatty acids were
      iso-C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 1 H and C17 : 1omega6c. Diphosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and phosphatidylethanolamine were the
      diagnostic phospholipids. The isoprenoid quinones included MK-9(H4) and MK
      10(H4). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.7 mol%. Based on the genotypic
      and phenotypic data, we conclude that strain 11-183T belongs to a novel species
      of the genus Actinophytocola. The name proposed for the novel species is
      Actinophytocola xanthii sp. nov., with the type strain 11-183T (=KCTC 39690T=
      MCCC 1K02062T).

PMID- 28073396
TI  - Nonomuraea ceibae sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from Ceiba speciosa
      rhizosphere.
AB  - Strain XMU 110T, isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a flowering tree, Ceiba
      speciosa, was characterized by polyphasic taxonomy. Phylogenetic analysis based
      on 16S rRNA gene comparisons revealed that strain XMU 110T showed the highest
      similarity of 97.9 % to Nonomuraea jabiensis DSM 45507T, and indicated the
      closest relatives were Nonomuraearoseoviolaceasubsp.roseoviolacea ATCC 27297T
      (97.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Nonomuraea salmonea DSM 43678T
      (97.4 %) after a neighbour-joining analysis. The phenotypic characteristics, as
      well as the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain XMU 110T and N.
      roseoviolaceasubsp. roseoviolacea ATCC 27297T (48.07+/-1.99 %) and N. salmonea
      DSM 43678T (40.55+/-8.30 %), distinguished the novel strain from its closest
      phylogenetic neighbours. The morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic
      characteristics such as phospholipid type, diagnostic diamino acid of the
      peptidoglycan, whole-cell sugars, major menaquinones and major fatty acids
      further supported the assignment of strain XMU 110T to the genus Nonomuraea. The
      G+C content of the genomic DNA was 66.2 mol%. Based on the taxonomic data, strain
      XMU 110Trepresents a novel species of the genus Nonomuraea, for which the name
      Nonomuraea ceibae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XMU 110T (=MCCC
      1K03213T= KCTC 39826T).

PMID- 28073397
TI  - Identification of new members of the Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 SlyA regulon.
AB  - SlyA is a member of the MarR family of bacterial transcriptional regulators.
      Previously, SlyA has been shown to directly regulate only two operons in
      Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655, fimB and hlyE (clyA). In both cases, SlyA activates
      gene expression by antagonizing repression by the nucleoid-associated protein H
      NS. Here, the transcript profiles of aerobic glucose-limited steady-state
      chemostat cultures of E. coli K-12 MG1655, slyA mutant and slyA over-expression
      strains are reported. The transcript profile of the slyA mutant was not
      significantly different from that of the parent; however, that of the slyA
      expression strain was significantly different from that of the vector control.
      Transcripts representing 27 operons were increased in abundance, whereas 3 were
      decreased. Of the 30 differentially regulated operons, 24 have previously been
      associated with sites of H-NS binding, suggesting that antagonism of H-NS
      repression is a common feature of SlyA-mediated transcription regulation. Direct
      binding of SlyA to DNA located upstream of a selection of these targets permitted
      the identification of new operons likely to be directly regulated by SlyA.
      Transcripts of four operons coding for cryptic adhesins exhibited enhanced
      expression, and this was consistent with enhanced biofilm formation associated
      with the SlyA over-producing strain.

PMID- 28073398
TI  - 'Candidatus Moeniiplasma glomeromycotorum', an endobacterium of arbuscular
      mycorrhizal fungi.
AB  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, subphylum Glomeromycotina) are symbionts of
      most terrestrial plants. They commonly harbour endobacteria of a largely unknown
      biology, referred to as MRE (Mollicutes/mycoplasma-related endobacteria). Here,
      we propose to accommodate MRE in the novel genus 'Candidatus Moeniiplasma.'
      Phylogeny reconstructions based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences cluster
      'Ca.Moeniiplasma' with representatives of the class Mollicutes, whereas
      phylogenies derived from amino acid sequences of 19 genes indicate that it is a
      discrete lineage sharing ancestry with the members of the family
      Mycoplasmataceae. Cells of 'Ca.Moeniiplasma' reside directly in the host
      cytoplasm and have not yet been cultivated. They are coccoid, ~500 nm in
      diameter, with an electron-dense layer outside the plasma membrane. However, the
      draft genomes of 'Ca.Moeniiplasma' suggest that this structure is not a Gram
      positive cell wall. The evolution of 'Ca.Moeniiplasma' appears to be driven by an
      ultrarapid rate of mutation accumulation related to the loss of DNA repair
      mechanisms. Moreover, molecular evolution patterns suggest that, in addition to
      vertical transmission, 'Ca.Moeniiplasma' is able to transmit horizontally among
      distinct Glomeromycotina host lineages and exchange genes. On the basis of these
      unique lifestyle features, the new species 'Candidatus Moeniiplasma
      glomeromycotorum' is proposed.

PMID- 28073399
TI  - Enterovirus 71 induces apoptosis by directly modulating the conformational
      activation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax.
AB  - Enterovirus 71 (EVA71), a virus of the genus Enterovirus in the family
      Picornaviridae, is one of the main causative agents of hand, foot and mouth
      disease in infected infants and young children. In this study, we report that
      cells with EVA71 infection exhibit increased levels of cytochrome c release and
      caspase-3 activation. EVA71 infection induces the conformational activation of
      pro-apoptotic protein Bax and the subsequent formation of oligomers of Bax in
      mitochondria. Inhibitors that block caspase-8 activation cannot inhibit apoptosis
      induced by EVA71 infection. Importantly, cells with Bax but not Bak or caspase-8
      knockdown show resistance to apoptosis induced by EVA71 infection. Mitochondria
      isolated from EVA71-infected cells display clear Bax-binding ability and the
      subsequent release of cytochrome c. Therefore, these results indicate that EVA71
      infection directly impacts the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by modulating the
      recruitment and activation of Bax.

PMID- 28073400
TI  - Haloactinomyces albus gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the Dead Sea.
AB  - A novel halophilic, filamentous actinomycete strain, designated AFM 10258T, was
      isolated from a sediment sample collected from the Dead Sea of Israel. The
      isolate grew with 10-35 % NaCl and did not grow without NaCl. The isolate formed
      white aerial mycelium and long spore chains, and two spores were separated by
      sterile mycelium. The spores were non-motile, spherical and rugose-surfaced. The
      isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid and
      galactose and arabinose as the major whole-cell sugars. The polar lipids were
      diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and three
      unknown phospholipids. Major fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and
      iso-C15 : 0. MK-9(H4) was the predominant menaquinone and the DNA G+C content was
      62.8 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain AFM 10258T
      shared low sequence similarity with the closely related representatives of the
      families Pseudonocardiaceae (below 94.47 %) and Actinopolysporaceae (below 93.76
      %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain AFM
      10258T formed a robust clade with members of the family Actinopolysporaceae. On
      the basis of analysis of phenotypic, chemical and molecular characteristics,
      strain AFM 10258T is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for
      which the name Haloactinomyces albus gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type
      strain is AFM 10258T (=DSM 45977T=CGMCC 4.7115T).

PMID- 28073401
TI  - Proteome analysis reveals differential expression of proteins involved in
      triacylglycerol accumulation by Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 after addition of methyl
      viologen.
AB  - Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 is able to degrade toxic compounds and accumulate high
      amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG) upon nitrogen starvation. These NADPH-dependent
      processes are essential for the adaptation of rhodococci to fluctuating
      environmental conditions. In this study, we used an MS-based, label-free and
      quantitative proteomic approach to better understand the integral response of R.
      jostii RHA1 to the presence of methyl viologen (MV) in relation to the synthesis
      and accumulation of TAG. The addition of MV promoted a decrease of TAG
      accumulation in comparison to cells cultivated under nitrogen-limiting conditions
      in the absence of this pro-oxidant. Proteomic analyses revealed that the
      abundance of key proteins of fatty acid biosynthesis, the Kennedy pathway,
      glyceroneogenesis and methylmalonyl-CoA pathway, among others, decreased in the
      presence of MV. In contrast, some proteins involved in lipolysis and beta
      oxidation of fatty acids were upregulated. Some metabolic pathways linked to the
      synthesis of NADPH remained activated during oxidative stress as well as under
      nitrogen starvation conditions. Additionally, exposure to MV resulted in the
      activation of complete antioxidant machinery comprising superoxide dismutases,
      catalases, mycothiol biosynthesis, mycothione reductase and alkyl hydroperoxide
      reductases, among others. Our study suggests that oxidative stress response
      affects TAG accumulation under nitrogen-limiting conditions through programmed
      molecular mechanisms when both stresses occur simultaneously.

PMID- 28073402
TI  - Deep sequencing analysis of tick-borne encephalitis virus from questing ticks at
      natural foci reveals similarities between quasispecies pools of the virus.
AB  - Every year, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes severe central nervous
      system infection in 10 000 to 15 000 people in Europe and Asia. TBEV is
      maintained in the environment by an enzootic cycle that requires a tick vector
      and a vertebrate host, and the adaptation of TBEV to vertebrate and invertebrate
      environments is essential for TBEV persistence in nature. This adaptation is
      facilitated by the error-prone nature of the virus's RNA-dependent RNA
      polymerase, which generates genetically distinct virus variants called
      quasispecies. TBEV shows a focal geographical distribution pattern where each
      focus represents a TBEV hotspot. Here, we sequenced and characterized two TBEV
      genomes, JP-296 and JP-554, from questing Ixodes ricinus ticks at a TBEV focus in
      central Sweden. Phylogenetic analysis showed geographical clustering among the
      newly sequenced strains and three previously sequenced Scandinavian strains, Toro
      2003, Saringe-2009 and Mandal-2009, which originated from the same ancestor.
      Among these five Scandinavian TBEV strains, only Mandal-2009 showed a large
      deletion within the 3' non-coding region (NCR), similar to the highly virulent
      TBEV strain Hypr. Deep sequencing of JP-296, JP-554 and Mandal-2009 revealed
      significantly high quasispecies diversity for JP-296 and JP-554, with intact
      3'NCRs, compared to the low diversity in Mandal-2009, with a truncated 3'NCR.
      Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis showed that 40 % of the single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms were common between quasispecies populations of JP-296 and JP-554,
      indicating a putative mechanism for how TBEV persists and is maintained within
      its natural foci.

PMID- 28073403
TI  - Arcanobacterium wilhelmae sp. nov., isolated from the genital tract of a
      rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).
AB  - A taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach was performed on an unidentified
      Arcanobacterium-like Gram-stain-positive bacterium isolated from the genital
      tract of a rhinoceros. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the
      bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was most closely related to
      the type strains of Arcanobacterium canis (98.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence
      similarity), Arcanobacterium phocisimile (97.8 %), Arcanobacterium phocae (97.7
      %), Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (97.4 %), Arcanobacterium hippocoleae (96.6 %),
      Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum (96.4 %) and Arcarnobacterium pluranimalium (95.4
      %). DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 647T and Arcanobacterium canisDSM
      25104T were very low, 13.4 % (reciprocal 15.9 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of
      strain 647T was 58.7 mol%. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4)
      supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar
      lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylcholine and an unidentified phosphoglycolipid. The results of
      physiological and biochemical testing clearly distinguished the unknown bacterium
      from other species of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on these tests, it is
      proposed that the unknown bacterium should be classified as a representative of a
      novel species of the genus Arcanobacterium named Arcanobacterium wilhelmaesp.
      nov. The type strain is 647T (=DSM 102162T=LMG 29418T).

PMID- 28073404
TI  - Isolation and characterization of an HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-specific B-cell
      from an immortalized human naive B-cell library.
AB  - With the recent development of single B-cell cloning techniques, an increasing
      number of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific broadly
      neutralizing antibodies have been isolated since 2009. However, knowledge
      regarding HIV-1-specific B cells in vivo is limited. In this study, an HIV-1
      specific B-cell line was established using healthy PBMC donors by the highly
      efficient Epstein-Barr virus transformation method to generate immortalized human
      naive B-cell libraries. The enrichment of HIV-1 envelope-specific B cells was
      observed after four rounds of cell panning with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein.
      An HIV-1 envelope-specific stable B-cell line (LCL-P4) was generated. Although
      this cell line acquired a lymphoblastic phenotype, no expression was observed for
      activation-induced cytidine deaminase, an enzyme responsible for initiating
      somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination in B cells. This study
      describes a method that enables fast isolation of HIV-1-specific B cells, and
      this approach may extend to isolating other B-cell-specific antigens for further
      experiments.

PMID- 28073405
TI  - Rhodanobacter humi sp. nov., an acid-tolerant and alkalitolerant
      gammaproteobacterium isolated from forest soil.
AB  - A novel acid-tolerant and alkalitolerant gammaproteobacterium designated strain
      RS22T was isolated from Kyonggi University forest soil. Cells were aerobic, Gram
      stain-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming,
      rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. Strain
      RS22T was able to assimilate lactic acid, l-proline and 3-hydroxybenzoic acid; it
      tolerated 4 % (w/v) NaCl, fermented glucose and was able to grow at pH 11.0.
      Phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain
      RS22T formed a lineage within the class Gammaproteobacteria of the phylum
      Proteobacteria that was distinct from various species of the genus Rhodanobacter,
      including Rhodanobacter denitrificans 2APBS1T (97.7 % sequence similarity),
      Rhodanobacter thiooxydans LCS2T (97.5 %), Rhodanobacter terrae GP18-1T (97.5 %)
      and Rhodanobacter soli DCY45T (97.2 %). The predominant respiratory quinone was Q
      8. The major polar lipids of strain RS22T were phosphatidylethanolamine,
      phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and
      phosphatidylglycerol. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 9 (iso
      C17 : 1omega9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl), iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0,
      anteiso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain RS22T was 63.2 mol%.
      DNA-DNA hybridization between strain RS22T and other closest members of the genus
      Rhodanobacterrevealed relatedness values from 28 to 51 %. On the basis of
      phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, strain RS22T
      represents a novel species of the genus Rhodanobacter, for which the name
      Rhodanobacter humi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RS22T (=KEMB 9005
      480T=KACC 19048T=NBRC 112473T).

PMID- 28073406
TI  - [Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus].
AB  - Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is a major mode of hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      transmission, especially in high endemic areas. Administration of hepatitis B
      immunoglobulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine to infants at birth, followed by
      completion of the vaccine series, prevented approximately 95% of HBV transmission
      from HBsAg-positive mothers to their infants. However, immunoprophylaxis failure
      was still observed in 5~10% infants born to mothers with high levels of viremia.
      It was demonstrated that antiviral nucleot(s)ide analogues (NUCs) provided to
      pregnant women with high viral loads in late pregnancy further reduced MTCT. This
      paper discussed criteria of antiviral treatment for prevention of MTCT including
      threshold of HBV DNA level in pregnant women, time of starting treatment, time of
      stopping treatment, and kind of NUCs. The route of hepatitis B vaccine
      administration was also discussed.

PMID- 28073407
TI  - [The practice guideline on prophylaxis and treatment of hepatitis B for liver
      transplantation in China (2016 edition)].

PMID- 28073408
TI  - [Establishment of a cell co-culture system in accordance with the immunological
      characteristics of chronic HBV infection].
AB  - Objective: To investigate whether the co-culture of Huh7.93 cells and peripheral
      blood mononucleated cells from chronic hepatitis B patients (cPBMCs) can simulate
      the replication features of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and immune function in
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and to provide an in vitro cell co-culture
      system for the research on immune clearance in chronic HBV infection. Methods:
      Huh7.93 cells were cultured alone or co-cultured with peripheral blood
      mononucleated cells from healthy people who underwent physical examination
      (nPBMCs) or cPBMCs for 7 days. The CCK8 assay was performed to measure the
      proliferative activity of Huh7.93 cells, and quantitative real-time PCR and
      Southern blot were used to measure HBV replication in cPBMCs and co-cultured
      cells. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison between two groups.
      Results: When Huh7.93 cells were co-cultured with peripheral blood mononucleated
      cells (PBMCs) at a certain ratio, Huh7.93 cells had a high proliferative activity
      and good cell growth. HBV could not infect or replicate in cPBMCs. HBV DNA in the
      supernatant of Huh7.93 cells co-cultured with cPBMCs showed significant increases
      and significantly higher than that in the supernatant of Huh7.93 cells cultured
      alone on day 4 (6.01 +/- 0.20 log10copies/ml vs 4.99 +/- 0.08 log10copies/ml, P =
      0.000) and day 7 (7.82 +/- 0.24 log10copies/ml vs 6.96+/-0.09 log10copies/ml, P =
      0.000). On day 7 of culture, the cell lysis buffer of Huh7.93 cells co-cultured
      with cPBMCs had a significant increase in the level of HBV replicative
      intermediate compared with that of Huh7.93 cells cultured alone. After HepG2.2.15
      cells were co-cultured with cPBMCs, there was no significant increase in HBV
      replication. Conclusion: The co-culture of Huh7.93 cells and cPBMCs produces
      similar viral replication as human body infected with HBV and can well simulate
      the liver microenvironment and immune function in CHB patients, which provides a
      new method for the research on immune clearance in chronic HBV infection.

PMID- 28073409
TI  - [A study of immune response to HBsAg mediated by CD4+ memory T lymphocytes in
      immunized HBV transgenic mice].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the mechanism of immune response to HBsAg mediated by
      CD4+ memory T lymphocytes in immunized HBV transgenic (Tg) mice. Methods:
      Peripheral CD4+ memory T lymphocytes were isolated and collected by magnetic bead
      sorting from C57BL/6 mice successfully immunized by hepatitis B vaccine. Adoptive
      immunization was performed for Tg mice by caudal vein injection, and the
      peripheral blood was collected at 4 and 8 weeks after adoptive immunization.
      Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of HBsAg, anti
      HBs, interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), and interleukin-2 (IL-2), and
      immunohistochemistry was used to measure the level of HBsAg in the liver. The t
      test was used for comparison of continuous data, and the chi-square test was used
      for comparison of categorical data. Results: Compared with the control group, the
      experimental group had a significant reduction in HBsAg titer[(243.5+/-12.4)
      ng/ml vs 0 ng/ml, t = 3.939, P = 0.011] and significant increases in the levels
      of anti-HBs [0 ng/ml vs (530.7+/-17.5) ng/ml, t = 4.414, P = 0.006 9], IFNgamma
      [(12.25+/-2.9) pg/ml vs (38.8+/-6.8) pg/ml, t = 2.785, P = 0.049 6], and IL-2
      [(11.3+/-3.5) pg/ml vs (82.3+/-9.2) pg/ml, t = 2.993, P = 0.040 2]. Conclusion:
      As for immune response to HBsAg mediated by CD4+ memory T lymphocytes in
      immunized HBV Tg mice, increases in the levels of IFNgamma and IL-2 help to
      enhance humoral and cellular immunity and mediate the clearance of HBsAg in Tg
      mice.

PMID- 28073410
TI  - [Correlation of FibroTouch and FibroScan with the stage of primary biliary
      cirrhosis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of FibroTouch and FibroScan for
      the stage of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Methods: A total of 66 PBC patients
      who visited our hospital from January 2014 to March 2016 were enrolled, and all
      the patients underwent liver biopsy and FibroTouch and FibroScan tests. Liver
      stiffness measurement (LSM) was used to assess fibrosis degree, and the receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the cut-off values,
      sensitivities, and specificities of these two methods in determining fibrosis
      stage. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to investigate the correlation
      between FibroTouch and FibroScan values. Results: The correlation coefficients
      between FibroTouch or FibroScan values and fibrosis stage determined by liver
      biopsy were 0.904 and 0.880, respectively (both P < 0.01). The cut-off values of
      FibroTouch in the diagnosis of PBC with fibrosis stages of >=S1, >=S2, >=S3, and
      >=S4 were 6.25 kPa, 9.05 kPa, 11.75 kPa, and 18.95 kPa, respectively, with
      sensitivities of 89.7%, 94.7%, 80.0%, and 80.0% and specificities of 100%, 100%,
      87.0%, and 100%, respectively; the cut-off values of FibroScan were 6.05 kPa,
      8.85 kPa, 12.40 kPa, and 16.20 kPa, respectively, with sensitivities of 96.4%,
      88.6%, 76.2%, and 100% and specificities of 77.8%, 100%, 86.4%, and 93.0%,
      respectively. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic performance
      between FibroTouch and FibroScan in determining fibrosis stage [>=S1 (P = 0.109),
      >=S2 (P = 0.853), >=S3 (P = 0.387), >=S4 (P = 0.224)]. Conclusion: FibroTouch and
      FibroScan can be used as noninvasive diagnostic tools for the determination of
      fibrosis stage and the monitoring of disease progression in PBC patients and have
      good sensitivity and specificity.

PMID- 28073411
TI  - [Effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on immune
      function and prognosis of patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem
      cells (hUCMSCs) on the immune function and prognosis of patients with
      decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. Methods: A total of 65 patients with
      decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis were divided into observation group and
      control group. The patients in the observation group were given intervention (via
      the proper hepatic artery or the portal vein) and intravenous infusion of 4*108
      hUCMSCs in two doses, as well as the same basic treatment as in the control
      group. The patients in the control group were given conventional medical
      treatment. ELISA as used to measure the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming
      growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) in the observation group before surgery and at 1
      week after surgery, as well as the serum levels of IL-6, TNFalpha, IL-10, and
      TGFbeta in the control group on admission and at 1 week after admission. Flow
      cytometry was used to measure the percentage of lymphocyte subsets in the
      observation group before surgery and at 1 week after surgery, as well as that in
      the control group on admission and at 1 week after admission. In addition, the
      patients' prognosis and major complications during hospitalization were observed
      in both groups, and the patients were followed up for 24 weeks to record the
      number of deaths. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data, and the
      chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data which were expressed
      as percentages. Results: At 1 week after the transplantation of hUCMSCs, compared
      with the control group, the observation group had significant reductions in the
      serum levels of IL-6 and TNFalpha and significant increases in the serum levels
      of IL-10 and TGFbeta (all P < 0.001), as well as significant increases in the
      percentages of T4 cells and Treg cells and significant reductions in the
      percentages of T8 cells and B cells (all P < 0.05). There were no significant
      differences in the changes in T3 cells and natural killer cells between the two
      groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had a
      significantly lower probability of progression to liver failure (6.45% vs 14.71%,
      P = 0.017). Conclusion: In the treatment of patients with decompensated hepatitis
      B cirrhosis, transplantation of UCMSCs can inhibit the proliferation of T cells
      and B cells and the differentiation of T8 cells, upregulate Treg cells, promote
      the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, and reduce the production of
      inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, it can alleviate liver inflammatory response
      and liver cell damage and reduce the probability of hepatic failure.

PMID- 28073412
TI  - [Clinical effect of ultrasound-guided injection of biodegradable poly(lactic-co
      glycolic acid)-Fe3O4 in situ implant for magnetic thermal ablation in treatment
      of nude mice with human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells].
AB  - Objective: To prepare the Fe3O4-loaded biodegradable liquid-solid phase inversion
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) in situ implant for ultrasound-guided
      injection into nude mouse tumor model, and to investigate its clinical effect in
      thermomagnetic treatment of nude mice with human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells in
      an alternating magnetic field. Methods: An in situ implant containing 10% Fe3O4
      was prepared, and 50 MUl Fe3O4-PLGA-NMP gel was injected into the subcutaneous
      tissue of Kunming mice. The degradation of this material was observed for 2
      consecutive months, and the changes in body weight were recorded. HE staining and
      Prussian blue staining were performed for the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and
      kidney of Kunming mice. Fresh ex vivo bovine liver was taken and cut into cubes
      with a dimension of 2 cm*2 cm*2 cm and then 50 MUl Fe3O4-PLGA-NMP gel was
      injected; after phase inversion, the cubes of ex vivo bovine liver were heated
      for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes, respectively, and then cut open for observing the
      range of ablation; HE staining was also performed. Micro-CT scan was performed
      after ultrasound-guided injection of 50 MUl Fe3O4-PLGA gel into the tumors of the
      nude mice, and then the nude mice were divided into treatment group and control
      group. The mice in the treatment group were given thermomagnetic treatment for 3
      minutes, and tumor growth was observed daily. Results: The biodegradation of
      Fe3O4-PLGA-NMP implant showed that the subcutaneously injected material was
      gradually metabolized at 2 weeks after injection and that the nude mice were in
      good condition. The bovine liver ablation experiment showed that the range of
      ablation of 50 MUl Fe3O4-PLGA implant reached 1.46 +/- 0.11 cm. HE staining
      showed that part of bovine liver had coagulative necrosis. The phase inversion
      experiment of Fe3O4-PLGA gel showed quick liquid-solid phase inversion of the
      material after injection into the tumor, and the process of liquid-solid phase
      inversion could be monitored by ultrasound and CT. The detachment and
      incrustation of the tumor started at 2 days after treatment, the wound started to
      heal 15 days later, and the tumor tissue disappeared completely. Conclusion:
      Ultrasound-guided injection of biodegradable Fe3O4-PLGA in situ implant combined
      with magnetic thermal ablation can effectively treat human liver cancer SMMC-7721
      cells in nude mice.

PMID- 28073413
TI  - [Cellular and molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effect of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor alpha].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the anti
      inflammatory effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha
      (PPARalpha). Methods: Firstly, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were
      randomly divided into control group, LPS group, WY14643 10 MUmol/L group, WY14643
      25 MUmol/L group, and WY14643 50 MUmol/L group using a random number table.
      Secondly, BMDMs were randomly divided into LPS group, WY14643+LPS group, and 3
      MA+WY14643+LPS group. Primary BMDMs were stimulated by LPS (20 ng/ml) to
      establish the cellular model of inflammation. The selective agonist of PPARalpha
      WY14643 was administered at doses of 10, 25, and 50 MUmol/L (50 MUmol/L for the
      second part of the experiment) at 2 hours before model establishment. The
      autophagy inhibitor 3-MA was administered at a dose of 10 mmol/L at 2 hours
      before model establishment. The cells in the control group were treated with
      dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at the same dose. The cells were transfected with GFP
      LC3 plasmids at 24 hours before model establishment. The cells were harvested at
      6 hours after LPS stimulation and related tests were performed. Green fluorescent
      protein was measured under a fluorescence microscope to evaluate autophagy
      activity. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and mRNA
      expression of chemokine-1 (CXCL-1) and chemokine-10 (CXCL-10). Western blot was
      used to measure PPARalpha and autophagy-related proteins LC3, ATG-5, ATG-7, and
      LAMP-1. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups,
      and the LSD-t test was used for comparison between any two groups. Results: In
      vitro, PPARalpha activation inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory response in
      primary macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. The results of gene expression
      showed that the relative expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, CXCL-1, and
      CXCL-10 was as follows in the control group, LPS group, WY14643 10 MUmol group,
      WY14643 25 MUmol group, and WY14643 50 MUmol group: TNF-alpha (0.085+/-0.009,
      4.065+/-0.544, 3.281+/-0.368, 1.780+/-0.293, and 0.781+/-0.303, P < 0.01), IL
      1beta (0.081+/-0.017, 0.776+/-0.303, 0.225+/-0.154, 0.161+/-0.068, and 0.101+/
      0.025, P < 0.05), IL-6 (0.041+/-0.011, 0.189+/-0.014, 0.144+/-0.033, 0.126+/
      0.013, and 0.048+/-0.015, P < 0.01), CXCL-1 (0.051+/-0.011, 0.515+/-0.145,
      0.356+/-0.078, 0.257+/-0.068, and 0.069+/-0.030, P < 0.01), and CXCL-10 (0.126+/
      0.068, 0.831+/-0.093, 0.508+/-0245, 0.474+/-0.047, and 0.204+/-0.021, P < 0.05).
      In vitro, PPARalpha activation promoted autophagy in vitro in a dose-dependent
      manner. The results of Western blot and fluorescence microscopy in the control
      group, LPS group, WY14643 10 MUmol group, WY14643 25 MUmol group, and WY14643 50
      MUmol group showed that the expression of autophagy-related proteins and
      autophagosome formation gradually increased with the increasing concentration of
      WY14643. In vitro, WY14643 inhibited autophagy, promoted inflammatory response in
      primary macrophages, and reversed the anti-inflammatory effect of PPARalpha. The
      results of gene expression showed that the relative expression of TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta, IL-6, CXCL-1, and CXCL-10 was as follows in the LPS group, WY14643+LPS
      group, and 3-MA+WY14643+LPS group: TNFalpha (4.327+/-0.478, 1.218+/-0.424, and
      3.901+/-0.447, P < 0.05), IL-1beta (4.277+/-0.407, 1.418+/-0.424, and 3.029+/
      0.192, P < 0.01), IL-6 (4.175+/-0.549, 1.373+/-0.499, and 4.031+/-0.475, P <
      0.05), CXCL-1 (8.199+/-1.149, 2.024+/-0.547, and 5.973+/-0.843, P < 0.05), and
      CXCL-10 (1.208+/-0.148, 0.206+/-0.069, and 0.798+/-0.170, P < 0.05). Conclusion:
      PPARalpha can promote cell autophagy and inhibit inflammatory response and may
      become a new therapeutic target for clinical prevention and treatment of
      inflammatory disease.

PMID- 28073415
TI  - [Pathological features of the liver in patients with chronic HBV infection and
      normal alanine aminotransferase].

PMID- 28073416
TI  - [Pathogenic features and prognosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients
      with liver failure].

PMID- 28073414
TI  - [Protective effect of Saccharomyces boulardii against intestinal mucosal barrier
      injury in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Saccharomyces boulardii
      against intestinal mucosal barrier injury in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease (NAFLD). Methods: A total of 36 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats with a
      mean body weight of 180+/-20 g were randomly divided into control group, model
      group, and treatment group, with 12 rats in each group, after adaptive feeding
      for 1 week. The rats in the control group were given basic feed, and those in the
      model group and treatment group were given high-fat feed. After 12 weeks of
      feeding, the treatment group was given Saccharomyces boulardii (75*108 CFU/kg/d)
      by gavage, and those in the control group and model group were given isotonic
      saline by gavage. At the 20th week, blood samples were taken from the abdominal
      aorta to measure the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), intestinal fatty acid binding protein
      (IFABP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and endotoxins. The liver
      pathological changes, intestinal histopathological changes, and expression of
      occludin in the intestinal mucosa were observed. Fecal samples were collected to
      measure the changes in Escherichia coli and Bacteroides. A one-way analysis of
      variance and the SNK test were used for comparison between multiple groups, and
      the rank sum test was used as the non-parametric test. Results: Compared with the
      control group, the model group had significantly higher body weight, liver mass,
      and liver index (P < 0.05), and compared with the model group, the treatment
      group had significant reductions in body weight, liver mass, and liver index (P <
      0.05). The model group had significant increases in TG, ALT, and AST compared
      with the control group (P < 0.05), the treatment group had a significant
      reduction in AST compared with the model group (P < 0.05), and the treatment
      group had slight reductions in TG and ALT compared with the model group (P >
      0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had significant increases
      in the levels of endotoxin, TNF-alpha, and IFABP (P < 0.05), and the treatment
      group had significant reductions in the levels of endotoxin, TNF-alpha, and IFABP
      (P < 0.05). Liver tissue staining showed that the model group had significantly
      increased hepatocyte steatosis compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and
      that the treatment group had significantly reduced hepatocyte steatosis compared
      with the model group (P < 0.05). The intestinal villi in the control group had
      ordered arrangement and a complete structure; in the model group, the intestinal
      villi were shortened with local shedding and a lack of ordered arrangement;
      compared with the model group, the treatment group had mild edema and ordered
      arrangements of the intestinal villi. The model group had a significantly reduced
      level of occludin protein compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and the
      treatment group had a slight increase compared with the model group. The model
      group had a significantly increased number of Escherichia coli and a
      significantly reduced number of Bacteroides compared with the control group (P <
      0.05), and the treatment group had a significantly reduced number of Escherichia
      coli and a significantly increased number of Bacteroides compared with the model
      group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: High-fat diet can successfully induce NAFLD in
      rats, and intervention with Saccharomyces boulardii can reduce body weight and
      improve hepatocyte steatosis. Saccharomyces boulardii can reduce endotoxemia in
      NAFLD rats and thus alleviate inflammatory response. Saccharomyces boulardii can
      also adjust the proportion of Escherichia coli and Bacteroides in the intestine
      of NAFLD rats.

PMID- 28073417
TI  - [A case of Budd-Chiari syndrome misdiagnosed as liver cancer].

PMID- 28073418
TI  - [Current status and perspectives of artificial liver for treatment of acute-on
      chronic liver failure].
AB  - This article briefly introduces the mechanisms and characteristics of several new
      artificial liver therapies, the advantages and disadvantages of different sites
      for placement of the drainage tube, and commonly used anticoagulation methods, as
      well as the prevention and treatment of common complications of the artificial
      liver support system. The future direction of development of artificial liver
      includes new regimens for "individualized treatment" based on patients'
      conditions, combination of non-biological artificial liver and biological active
      ingredients, and development of efficient and perfected hybrid bioartificial
      liver, which can further improve the therapeutic outcome of liver failure.

PMID- 28073419
TI  - [The 2016 Annual Meeting of Chinese Society of Hepatology & The 3rd Forum of
      Youngth Committee of CSH & The 6th Conference of the China-Indonesia Joint
      International Symposium on Hepatobiliary Medicine and Surgery (6th CISHMS)].

PMID- 28073420
TI  - [Report of the Eighth Symposium on the Hotspots and Challenges in Research of
      Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B and Chronic Hepatitis C].

PMID- 28073421
TI  - [Research advances in the role of sphingolipids in HCV and HBV life cycles].
AB  - Sphingolipids and their metabolites are not only important structural molecules
      of the cell membrane, but also involved in all phases of viral life cycle,
      including cell adhesion, membrane fusion, viral replication, viral assembly,
      intracellular transport, protein sorting, and exocytosis. In recent years,
      sphingolipids have become one of the focuses of lipid research. This article
      reviews the role of sphingolipids in the life cycles of hepatitis C virus and
      hepatitis B virus with reference to recent research achievements in China and
      foreign countries.

PMID- 28073422
TI  - [Research advances in the association between deacetylase Sirtuin3 and liver
      diseases].
AB  - The deacetylase Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a member of the Sirtuins mainly located in
      the mitochondrial matrix, and as a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)
      dependent deacetylase, it can regulate cellular energy metabolism and oxidative
      stress-related pathways. The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body
      and plays a very important role in substance metabolism. Based on the features of
      SIRT3, it is closely associated with the development and progression of certain
      liver diseases. This article reviews the research advances in the role of SIRT3
      in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and hepatic ischemia
      reperfusion injury.

PMID- 28073423
TI  - [Research advances in application of isobaric tags for relative and absolute
      quantitation in proteomics of hepatocellular carcinoma].
AB  - Due to the features of strong heterogeneity, difficult early diagnosis, poor
      prognosis, and high fatality rate, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become an
      important disease which threatens the health of the Chinese population. Accurate
      early diagnosis is crucial to improving the success rate of liver cancer
      resection and reducing postoperative recurrence and metastasis, and its core is
      the screening and validation of biomarkers for early diagnosis. Isobaric tags for
      relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and stable isotope labeling with amino
      acids in cell culture are important parts of proteomics technology, and iTRAQ has
      become the most important technique in quantitative proteomics technology due to
      its advantages of high throughput, high quantitative accuracy, and no limitation
      by sample source. This article reviews the research advances in molecular
      mechanism of the development and progression of HCC and screening of markers, in
      order to establish a theoretical foundation for in-depth understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms of the development and progression of HCC and the
      development of new biomarkers.

PMID- 28073424
TI  - [NACHT-LRR-PYD-containing proteins 3 inflammasome and nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease].
AB  - NACHT-LRR-PYD-containing proteins 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome regulates the maturation
      and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1beta and
      interleukin-18, as well as immune and inflammatory response, through the
      activation of cysteine aspartate specific protease-1. Inflammatory response
      caused by the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may participate in the development
      and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore,
      exploration of the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in NAFLD is important for the
      understanding of the pathogenesis of NAFLD and discovery of new therapeutic
      targets.

PMID- 28073425
TI  - Hypertension in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a key risk factor. However, population data based on
      blood pressure measurements in Germany are scarce. METHODS: Standardized blood
      pressure (BP) measurements and medication data from seven population-based
      studies conducted in Germany between 1994 and 2012 (66 845 participants, 25-74
      years) were analyzed: the EPICPotsdam study (1994-1998, EPIC), the KORA-S4 Study
      (1999-2001) in Augsburg, and the Gutenberg Health Study (2007-2012, GHS) in
      Mainz/Mainz-Bingen provided data for descriptive comparisons. Time trends were
      analyzed based on identical study regions for the German National Health
      Interview and Examination Survey 1998 (BGS98) and the German Health Examination
      Survey for Adults (2008-11, DEGS1) as well as the Study of Health in Pomerania
      (SHIP) in Northeast Germany (1997-2001) and the SHIP-TREND study (2008-2012). BP
      data were adjusted for study-specific measurement devices based on calibration
      studies. RESULTS: After adjustment for study-specific measurement devices, mean
      systolic and diastolic BP values were lower and treatment proportions higher in
      recent (2007-2012) compared to older (1994-2001) studies. Mean BP decrease was
      most pronounced (systolic >= 10 mmHg) in the elderly (55-74 years). The regional
      SHIP-TREND data for Northeast Germany showed a decrease in mean systolic BP in
      young men aged 25 to 34 years; on a national level according to the DEGS1 data,
      however, no such decrease was observed for this group. CONCLUSION: New data add
      evidence for lower BP in Germany. However, the prevention potential remains high.
      Future research based on population-based data should place a special focus on
      blood pressure data in young men.

PMID- 28073427
TI  - A 76-Year-Old Man with COPD and Acute Dyspnea.

PMID- 28073426
TI  - The Prevention and Treatment of Retinal Complications in Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus can cause retino
      pathy and maculopathy, which can irreversibly damage vision and lead to
      blindness. The prevalence of retinopathy is 9-16% in patients with type 2
      diabetes and 24-27% in patients with type 1 diabetes. 0.2-0.5% of diabetics are
      blind. METHODS: The National Disease Management Guideline on the prevention and
      treatment of retinal complications in diabetes was updated according to
      recommendations developed by seven scientific medical societies and organizations
      and by patient representatives and then approved in a formal consensus process.
      These recommendations are based on international guidelines and systematic
      reviews of the literature. RESULTS: Regular ophthalmological examinations enable
      the detection of retinopathy in early, better treatable stages. The control
      intervals should be based on the individual risk profile: 2 years for low-risk
      patients and 1 year for others, or even shorter depending on the severity of
      retinopathy. General risk factors for retinopathy include the duration of
      diabetes, the degree of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and diabetic nephropathy.
      The general, individually adapted treatment strategies are aimed at improving the
      risk profile. The most important specifically ophthalmological treatment
      recommendations are for panretinal laser coagulation in proliferative diabetic
      retinopathy and, in case of clinically significant diabetic macular edema with
      foveal involvement, for the intravitreal application of medications (mainly,
      vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] inhibitors), if an improvement of
      vision with this treatment is thought to be possible. CONCLUSION: Regular, risk
      adapted ophthalmological examinations, with standardized documentation of the
      findings for communication between ophthalmologists and the patients' treating
      primary care physicians/diabetologists, is essential for the prevention of
      diabetic retinal complications, and for their optimal treatment if they are
      already present.

PMID- 28073428
TI  - Formation of Charge Carriers in Liquids.
AB  - After presenting a brief historical overview of the classic contributions of
      Faraday, Arrhenius, Kohlrausch, Bjerrum, Debye, Huckel and Onsager to
      understanding the conductivity of true electrolytes in aqueous solutions, we
      present an in-depth review of the 1933 work of Fuoss & Kraus who explored the
      effect of the solvent on electrolyte dissociation equilibria in either polar or
      nonpolar media. Their theory predicts that the equilibrium constant for
      dissociation decays exponentially with the ratio of the Bjerrum length lambdaB to
      the ion-pair size a. Fuoss & Kraus experimentally confirmed the dependence on
      lambdaB of the solvent, while more recent experiments explored the dependence on
      a. We also present an in-depth review of the charge-fluctuation theory used to
      explain the sharp increase in conductivity with added water for water-in-oil
      microemulsions stabilized by ionic surfactants. Water swells the droplets making
      a greater fraction of them charged. At least for low-water content, the same
      exponential dependence on lambdaB/a is predicted, provided a is chosen as the
      size of the polar core of the droplet or inverted micelle. Potential electrolytes
      like alcohols acquire charge by exchanging a proton. The dissociation equilibrium
      of the resulting ion-pair in mixtures of toluene and alcohol appears to be well
      modelled by the Fuoss theory. Solutions of inverted micelles are also thought to
      acquire charge by exchanging a small ion between two net-neutral micelles. Except
      for the dissociation of true electrolytes, all of the charging scenarios
      described above can be represented by a two-reaction sequence: 1) the
      disproportionation of charge between two neutral molecules, inverted micelles or
      droplets; followed by 2) the dissociation of the "ion"-pair intermediates. (The
      dissociation of true electrolytes involves only the second.) For each of the
      above charging theories, the extent of the second reaction decays exponentially
      with lambdaB/a.

PMID- 28073429
TI  - Relation of the Myocardial Contraction Fraction, as Calculated from M-Mode
      Echocardiography, With Incident Heart Failure, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular
      Disease and Mortality (Results from the Cardiovascular Health Study).
AB  - We evaluated the association between 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography (echo)
      determined myocardial contraction fraction (MCF) and adverse cardiovascular
      outcomes including incident heart failure (HF), atherosclerotic cardiovascular
      disease (ASCVD), and mortality. The MCF, the ratio of left ventricular (LV)
      stroke volume (SV) to myocardial volume (MV), is a volumetric measure of
      myocardial shortening that can distinguish pathologic from physiological
      hypertrophy. Using 2D echo-guided M-mode data from the Cardiovascular Health
      Study, we calculated MCF in subjects with LV ejection fraction (EF) >=55% and
      used Cox models to evaluate its association with incident HF, ASCVD, and all
      cause mortality after adjusting for clinical and echo parameters. We assessed
      whether log2(SV) and log2(MV) were consistent with the expected 1:-1 ratio used
      in the definition of MCF. Among 2,147 participants (age 72 +/- 5 years), average
      MCF was 59 +/- 13%. After controlling for clinical and echo variables, each 10%
      absolute increment in MCF was associated with lower risk of HF (hazard ratio [HR]
      0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82, 0.94), ASCVD (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.85,
      0.95), and death (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.89, 0.97). Moreover, the MCF was still
      significantly associated with ASCVD and mortality, but not HF, after adjustment
      for percent-predicted LV mass. Significant departure from the 1:-1 ratio was not
      observed for ASCVD or death, but did occur for HF, driven by a stronger
      association for MV than SV. In conclusion, among older adults without CVD or low
      LV ejection fraction, 2D echo-guided M-mode-derived MCF was independently
      associated with lower risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but this
      ratiometric index may not capture the full relation that is apparent when its
      components are modeled separately in the case of HF.

PMID- 28073430
TI  - Outcomes of First- Versus Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Implanted for
      Right Coronary Artery Ostial Narrowing.
AB  - Clinical outcome is generally poor when stents are implanted at right coronary
      artery ostial lesion (RCAos). We compared the clinical outcome between the first
      generation drug-eluting stent (first DES) and second-generation drug-eluting
      stent (second DES) used for RCAos. Consecutive 88 patients who underwent
      percutaneous coronary interventions of de novo RCAos using the first DES (33
      patients) or second DES (55 patients) were analyzed. The incidence of major
      adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as the composite of cardiac death,
      myocardial infarction attributed to right coronary artery, and target lesion
      revascularization within 2.5 years was compared. The incidence of MACE was
      significantly lower in second DES (11% vs 36%, p = 0.010) than that in the first
      DES. Multivariate analysis revealed use of second DES (odds ratio 0.24, 95% CI
      0.11 to 0.93, p = 0.008) alone was significantly associated with MACE. In
      conclusion, second DES revealed better clinical outcome than the first DES when
      used in de novo RCAos.

PMID- 28073431
TI  - Cholesterol granuloma of ethmoid sinuses: Report of two cases.

PMID- 28073432
TI  - Common urologic diseases in older men and their treatment: how they impact
      fertility.
AB  - As men age, medical and surgical diseases involving the genitourinary tract
      become more common. The conditions themselves, if not their treatments, can
      negatively impact the fertility potential of an affected man. Many older men
      maintain the desire to father children, so it is critical to understand the
      disturbed anatomy and physiology involved to properly counsel that individual.
      Should this or that treatment regimen be employed? Should sperm banking be
      undertaken before institution of a permanently ablative/suppressive therapy? What
      are the long-term consequences of one therapy over another vis-a-vis sperm
      production, sperm quality, and/or sperm transport? In this context, some of the
      more common genitourinary afflictions of the older male and the treatment options
      that are available will be discussed.

PMID- 28073433
TI  - Misperceptions and Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Most of the neurobehavioral aspects of Parkinson's disease have been well
      established and studied, but many are not well known, and hardly studied. This
      article focuses on several behavioral abnormalities that are common, and
      frequently cause difficulty for the patient and family due to lack of recognition
      as part of the disease. While it is well known that L-Dopa dyskinesias are
      frequently not recognized or under appreciated by patients, a similar lack of
      recognition may affect the patient's own speech volume, where their center of
      gravity is located, whether they are tilted to one side, and their under
      recognition of others' emotional displays. In addition, PD patients are often
      misperceived by others incorrect impression of their emotional and cognitive
      state based purely on facial expression. These changes and others are briefly
      reviewed.

PMID- 28073434
TI  - Two to one CRTD pacing: When the T wave and the P wave interact.
AB  - We presented a unique phenomenon of 2:1 cardiac resynchronization therapy pacing
      due to T wave oversensing. Ultimately, by utilizing a unique feature of
      integrated bipolar sensing, we succeeded to eliminate the T wave oversensing
      signals, and restore 1:1 CRTD pacing. Importantly, this feature enabled us to
      overcome the T wave oversensing issue, without the need to decrease the
      ventricular sensitivity, which could potentially interfere with ventricular
      arrhythmia detection and appropriate shock delivery when required.

PMID- 28073435
TI  - Evaluation of the efficacy of a therapeutic HIV vaccine by in vitro stimulation
      assay.
AB  - A novel method for HIV vaccine efficacy evaluation was established and the
      experimental conditions optimized. This novel method was then applied to
      determine whether a recombinant adenovirus type 5 HIV therapeutic vaccine
      expressing Gag antigen (Ad5-HIVgag) could stimulate HIV-specific cellular
      responses in vitro. The results indicated that HIV-specific IFN-gama production
      lymphocytes were induced by the Ad5-HIVgag vaccine. Compared with other methods,
      this in vitro stimulation method is safe and time-efficient, and the result is
      more intuitive. It has the potential to be regarded as a supplement to other
      methods for evaluating the IFN-gamma production by PBMCs to HIV vaccination.

PMID- 28073436
TI  - Forecasting the risk of harmful algal blooms.
AB  - The "Applied Simulations and Integrated Modelling for the Understanding of
      Harmful Algal Blooms" (Asimuth) project sought to develop a harmful algal bloom
      (HAB) alert system for Atlantic Europe. This was approached by combining, at a
      national or regional level, regulatory monitoring phytoplankton and biotoxin data
      with satellite remote sensing and other information on current marine conditions,
      coupled with regional scale models that included a representation of HAB
      transport. Synthesis of these products was achieved by expert interpretation
      within HAB risk alert bulletins that were prepared on a regular basis (typically
      weekly) for use by the aquaculture industry. In this preface to the Asimuth
      Special Issue we outline the main HAB species of concern in the region and the
      strengths and limitations of different methodologies to provide early warning of
      their blooms.

PMID- 28073437
TI  - A high resolution hydrodynamic model system suitable for novel harmful algal
      bloom modelling in areas of complex coastline and topography.
AB  - Fjordic coastlines provide sheltered locations for finfish and shellfish
      aquaculture, and are often subject to harmful algal blooms (HABs) some of which
      develop offshore and are then advected to impact nearshore aquaculture. Numerical
      models are a potentially important tool for providing early warning of such HAB
      events. However, the complex topography of fjordic shelf regions is a significant
      challenge to modelling. This is frequently compounded by complex bathymetry and
      local weather patterns. Existing structured grid models do not provide the
      resolution needed to represent these coastlines in their wider shelf context. In
      a number of locations advectively transported blooms of the ichthyotoxic
      dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi are of particular concern for the finfish
      industry. Here were present a novel hydrodynamic model of the coastal waters to
      the west of Scotland that is based on unstructured finite volume methodology,
      providing a sufficiently high resolution hydrodynamical structure to
      realistically simulate the transport of particles (such as K. mikimotoi cells)
      within nearshore waters where aquaculture sites are sited. Model-observation
      comparisons reveal close correspondence of tidal elevations for major semidiurnal
      and diurnal tidal constituents. The thermohaline structure of the model and its
      current fields are also in good agreement with a number of existing observational
      datasets. Simulations of the transport of Lagrangian drifting buoys, along with
      the incorporation of an individual-based biological model, based on a bloom of K.
      mikimotoi, demonstrate that unstructured grid models have considerable potential
      for HAB prediction in Scotland and in complex topographical regions elsewhere.

PMID- 28073438
TI  - Individual-based modelling of the development and transport of a Karenia
      mikimotoi bloom on the North-west European continental shelf.
AB  - In 2006, a large and prolonged bloom of the dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi
      occurred in Scottish coastal waters, causing extensive mortalities of benthic
      organisms including annelids and molluscs and some species of fish (Davidson et
      al., 2009). A coupled hydrodynamic-algal transport model was developed to track
      the progression of the bloom around the Scottish coast during June-September 2006
      and hence investigate the processes controlling the bloom dynamics. Within this
      individual-based model, cells were capable of growth, mortality and phototaxis
      and were transported by physical processes of advection and turbulent diffusion,
      using current velocities extracted from operational simulations of the MRCS ocean
      circulation model of the North-west European continental shelf. Vertical and
      horizontal turbulent diffusion of cells are treated using a random walk approach.
      Comparison of model output with remotely sensed chlorophyll concentrations and
      cell counts from coastal monitoring stations indicated that it was necessary to
      include multiple spatially distinct seed populations of K. mikimotoi at separate
      locations on the shelf edge to capture the qualitative pattern of bloom transport
      and development. We interpret this as indicating that the source population was
      being transported northwards by the Hebridean slope current from where colonies
      of K. mikimotoi were injected onto the continental shelf by eddies or other
      transient exchange processes. The model was used to investigate the effects on
      simulated K. mikimotoi transport and dispersal of: (1) the distribution of the
      initial seed population; (2) algal growth and mortality; (3) water temperature;
      (4) the vertical movement of particles by diurnal migration and eddy diffusion;
      (5) the relative role of the shelf edge and coastal currents; (6) the role of
      wind forcing. The numerical experiments emphasized the requirement for a
      physiologically based biological model and indicated that improved modelling of
      future blooms will potentially benefit from better parameterisation of
      temperature dependence of both growth and mortality and finer spatial and
      temporal hydrodynamic resolution.

PMID- 28073439
TI  - The competitive dynamics of toxic Alexandrium fundyense and non-toxic Alexandrium
      tamarense: The role of temperature.
AB  - The dinoflagellate Alexandrium produces paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins. The
      genus is globally distributed, with Scottish waters being of particular interest
      due to the co-occurrence of different species and strains. In Scottish waters,
      Alexandrium was historically thought to be dominated by the highly toxic (Group
      I) Alexandrium fundyense. However, the morphologically indistinguishable (Group
      III) Alexandrium tamarense has recently also been found to co-occur, raising
      important questions in relation to Alexandrium biogeography. To begin to address
      these, we investigated Alexandrium growth, yield and toxin production in a range
      of temperature conditions characteristics of present and potential future
      conditions, using a recently developed flow cytometry method that allowed, for
      the first time, simultaneous enumeration of the cryptic species in co-culture.
      Experiments were undertaken in a range of temperatures (12, 15, 18 and 21 degrees
      C) in the phosphate (P) limiting conditions that promotes A. fundyense toxicity.
      Cell/biomass yield was greater for A. tamarense at all temperatures, with
      observed growth rates varying with temperature. Growth rather and yield were
      different in mono- and co-culture with the outcome of these interactions also
      being temperature dependent. For toxic A. fundyense, GTX-3, STX and NEO were the
      dominant analogues, but total toxicity, toxicity per cell and the number of, and
      relative proportion of, toxin analogues changed in relation to the onset of P
      limitation and also as a function of temperature, with the highest toxin
      concentrations per cell being observed at 12 degrees C. Toxin concentrations were
      approximately double in P limited stationary phase compared to exponential
      growth. Toxin concentrations were lower in the co-cultures, indicating inhibition
      of production in the presence of non-toxic A. tamarense. The strong performance
      of A. tamarense is in co-culture at odds with the historical understanding that
      Scottish waters were dominated by A. fundyense and indicates that changes in
      water temperatures, and also potentially alleopathic interactions, will influence
      Alexandrium populations and hence the PSP toxicity threat to humans from
      shellfish.

PMID- 28073440
TI  - Climate variability and Dinophysis acuta blooms in an upwelling system.
AB  - Dinophysis acuta is a frequent seasonal lipophilic toxin producer in European
      Atlantic coastal waters associated with thermal stratification. In the Galician
      Rias, populations of D. acuta with their epicentre located off Aveiro (northern
      Portugal), typically co-occur with and follow those of Dinophysis acuminata
      during the upwelling transition (early autumn) as a result of longshore
      transport. During hotter than average summers, D. acuta blooms also occur in
      August in the Rias, when they replace D. acuminata. Here we examined a 30-year
      (1985-2014) time series of D. acuta from samples collected by the same method in
      the Galician Rias. Our main objective was to identify patterns of distribution
      and their relation with climate variability, and to explain the exceptional
      summer blooms of D. acuta in 1989-1990. A dome-shaped relationship was found
      between summer upwelling intensity and D. acuta blooms; cell maxima were
      associated with conditions where the balance between upwelling intensity and
      heating, leading to deepened thermoclines, combined with tidal phase (3 days
      after neap tides) created windows of opportunity for this species. The
      application of a generalized additive model based on biological (D. acuta
      inoculum) and environmental predictors (Cumulative June-August upwelling CUIJJA,
      average June-August SSTJJA and tidal range) explained more than 70% of the
      deviance for the exceptional summer blooms of D. acuta, through a combination of
      moderate (35,000-50,000m3s-1km-1) summer upwelling (CUIJJA), thermal
      stratification (SSTJJA>17 degrees C) and moderate tidal range (~2.5m), provided
      D. acuta cells (inoculum) were present in July. There was no evidence of
      increasing trends in D. acuta bloom frequency/intensity nor a clear relationship
      with NAO or other long-term climatic cycles. Instead, the exceptional summer
      blooms of 1989-1990 appeared linked to extreme hydroclimatic anomalies (high
      positive anomalies in SST and NAO index), which affected most of the European
      Atlantic coast.

PMID- 28073441
TI  - Applied simulations and integrated modelling for the understanding of toxic and
      harmful algal blooms (ASIMUTH): Integrated HAB forecast systems for Europe's
      Atlantic Arc.
AB  - Reasons for the emergent interest in HABs are abundant, including concerns
      associated with human health, adverse effects on biological resources, economic
      losses attributed to recreation, tourism and seafood related industries, and the
      cost of maintaining public advisory services and monitoring programs for
      shellfish toxins and water quality. The impact of HABs can potentially be
      mitigated by early warning of their development. In this regard the project
      ASIMUTH (Applied Simulations and Integrated Modelling for the Understanding of
      Toxic and Harmful algal blooms) was borne in order to develop short term HAB
      alert systems for Atlantic Europe. This was achieved using information on the
      most current marine conditions (weather, water characteristics, toxicity, harmful
      algal presence etc.) combined with high resolution local numerical predictions.
      This integrated, multidisciplinary, trans-boundary approach to the study of HABs
      developed during ASIMUTH led to a better understanding of the physical, chemical
      and ecological factors controlling these blooms, as well as their impact on human
      activities. The outcome was an appropriate alert system for an effective
      management of areas that are usually associated with HAB events and where these
      episodes may have a more significant negative impact on human activities.
      Specifically for the aquaculture industry, the information provided enabled
      farmers to adapt their working practices in time to prevent mortalities in
      finfish farms and/or manage their shellfish harvest more effectively. This paper
      summarises the modelling and alert developments generated by the ASIMUTH project.

PMID- 28073442
TI  - Toward predicting Dinophysis blooms off NW Iberia: A decade of events.
AB  - Dinophysis acuminata and Dinophysis acuta are recurrent species off NW Iberia but
      their outbreaks occur under different conditions. A decade (2004-2013) of weekly
      data for each species at two sentinel stations located at the entrance of Rias de
      Aveiro-AV (NW Portugal, 40 degrees 38.6'N) and Pontevedra-PO (Galicia, Spain, 42
      degrees 21.5'N), were used to investigate the regional synchronism and mesoscale
      differences related to species detection, bloom (>200cellsL-1) initiation and
      development. Results highlight the high interannual variability of bloom events
      and summarize the associated meteorological/oceanographic conditions. D. acuta
      blooms were observed in 2004-2008 and 2013, and the species highest maxima at AV
      occurred after the highest maxima of its prey Mesodinium, with a time-lag of 2-3
      weeks. D. acuminata blooms were observed every year at both stations. The cell
      concentration time series shows that the blooms generally present a sequence
      starting in March with D. acuminata in PO and three weeks later in AV, followed
      by D. acuta that starts at AV and three months later in PO. Exceptionally, D.
      acuminata blooms occurred earlier at AV than PO, namely in high spring upwelling
      (2007) or river runoff (2010) years. A four-year gap (2009-2012) of D. acuta
      blooms occurred after an anomalous 2008 autumn with intense upwelling which is
      interpreted as the result of an equatorward displacement of the population core.
      Numerical model solutions are used to analyze monthly alongshore current
      anomalies and test transport hypotheses for selected events. The results show a
      strong interannual variability in the poleward/equatorward currents associated
      with changes in upwelling forcing winds, the advection of D. acuta blooms from AV
      to PO and the possibility that D. acuminata blooms at AV might result from
      inocula advected southward from PO. However, the sensitivity of the results to
      vertical position of the lagrangian tracers call for more studies on species
      distribution at the various bloom stages.

PMID- 28073443
TI  - A HAB warning system for shellfish harvesting in Portugal.
AB  - The development of sustainable shellfish aquaculture is highly dependent on the
      provision of reliable monitoring and predictive information on the occurrence of
      harmful algal blooms (HABs). The Portuguese HAB early warning system and
      shellfish closures presented here is a prototype, developed in the ASIMUTH
      project. It relies on weekly monitoring data composed of observations of HAB
      species and toxin concentrations within shellfish, and ocean circulation
      forecasts generated by an operational oceanographic model. The shellfish
      harvesting areas comprise coastal areas, estuaries+rias and coastal lagoons. The
      weekly bulletin characterizes the current shellfish closure situation and next
      week's forecasts for potentially impacted areas. The period analyzed ranged from
      27 July 2013 to 17 March 2014, and describes the first skill assessment of the
      warning system. The forecast accuracy was evaluated, considering the number of
      forecasts that were verified to be correct the following week (85%) as well as
      the number of events not forecasted (false negatives, 12%) and those expected but
      did not occur (false positives, 3%). Variations were most visible in the first
      weeks of bulletin implementation and during autumn-winter months. The
      complementary use of field data, remote sensing and operational models led to
      more accurate predictions of blooms and range of the event.

PMID- 28073444
TI  - Modelling the hydrodynamic conditions associated with Dinophysis blooms in
      Galicia (NW Spain).
AB  - The northwestern Iberian coast (Galician Rias and shelf) is frequently affected
      by toxic harmful algal blooms (HABs) (mainly Dinophysis spp.), leading to lengthy
      harvesting closures in a region where aquaculture has a strong socioeconomic
      impact. The project ASIMUTH (http://www.asimuth.eu) aimed to develop forecasting
      capabilities to warn of impending HABs along the European Atlantic coast.
      Simulations with the ROMS model (hydrodynamical and ecological simulations
      complemented with Lagrangian particle tracking simulations) of the Galician
      coastal circulation have been performed in the framework of the ASIMUTH project
      to characterize and forecast oceanographic conditions before and during HAB
      periods. In this work, we present the Galician ASIMUTH forecast system and
      demonstrate its skill in predicting HAB transport and its usefulness to provide
      assessment for the management of the areas affected by toxic outbreaks.
      Experience gained during DSP events in 2005 and 2013 is shown. We also describe
      the Galician pilot HAB bulletins, aimed at distributing forecasts of HAB events
      that might induce closures of harvesting areas or, when the areas are already
      closed, at giving information on forthcoming oceanographic conditions that could
      favour or hamper the opening of an area. Our results show that the model
      forecasts and the bulletins can provide early warning of the risk of Dinophysis
      spp. events and the risk of closures linked to the presence of DSP toxins above
      regulatory levels in harvesting areas.

PMID- 28073445
TI  - Distribution and dynamics of two species of Dinophyceae producing high biomass
      blooms over the French Atlantic Shelf.
AB  - The frequency and distribution of high biomass blooms produced by two
      dinoflagellate species were analysed along the French continental shelf from 1998
      to 2012. Two species were specifically studied: Karenia mikimotoi and
      Lepidodinium chlorophorum. Based on remote-sensing reflectances at six channels
      (410, 430, 480, 530, 550 and 670nm), satellite indices were created to
      discriminate the species forming the blooms. A comparison with observations
      showed that the identification was good for both species in spite of a lower
      specificity for L. chlorophorum. The overall analysis of the satellite indices,
      in association with some monitoring data and cruise observations, highlights the
      regularity of these events and their extent on the continental shelf. L.
      chlorophorum blooms may occur all along the South Coast of Brittany. All the
      coastal areas under the influence of river plumes and the stratified northern
      shelf area of the Western English Channel appear to be areas of bloom events for
      both species. These two species are likely to be in competitive exclusion as they
      share the same spatial distribution and the timing of their bloom is very close.
      Finally, due to the scarcity of off-shore observations, these satellite indices
      provide useful information regarding HABs management and the development of a
      warning system along the French coast.

PMID- 28073446
TI  - Harmful algal bloom forecast system for SW Ireland. Part I: Description and
      validation of an operational forecasting model.
AB  - A 3D primitive equation coastal ocean model for southwest Ireland, called the
      Bantry Bay model, was developed and implemented operationally. Validated model
      outputs have multiple uses. One of the incentives to develop the model was to
      explore the possible transport pathways that carry harmful algae blooms (HAB)
      into Bantry Bay. The model is nested offline in a regional North East Atlantic
      operational model. Surface forcing is taken from the half-degree Global
      Forecasting System, available at three-hourly intervals. Heat fluxes are
      calculated from the bulk formulae. Surface freshwater fluxes are obtained from
      the prescribed rainfall rates and the evaporation rates calculated by the model.
      Freshwater discharges from five rivers are included in the model. Model
      validation and the model skill in representing the water level, currents,
      temperature and salinity in the bay are reported. A scoring system based on the
      average adjusted relative mean absolute error for the predicted currents was
      used. An upgrade to a higher score was achieved through the incorporation of
      local winds into the surface forcing and by varying the bottom roughness
      coefficient. The model, designed to work in forecast mode, can replicate the main
      oceanographic features in the region. The model forecast is used in a decision
      support system for HAB alerts. An operational HAB alert system did not exist in
      Ireland prior to the use of this model.

PMID- 28073447
TI  - Potential impact of an exceptional bloom of Karenia mikimotoi on dissolved oxygen
      levels in waters off western Ireland.
AB  - In the summer of 2005 an exceptional bloom of the dinoflagellate Karenia
      mikimotoi occurred along Ireland's Atlantic seaboard and was associated with the
      mass mortality of both benthic and pelagic marine life. Oxygen depletion,
      cellular toxicity and physical smothering, are considered to be the main factors
      involved in mortality. In this paper we use a theoretical approach based on
      stoichiometry (the Anderson ratio) and an average K. mikimotoi cellular carbon
      content of 329pgCcell-1 (n=20) to calculate the carbonaceous and nitrogenous
      oxygen demand following bloom collapse. The method was validated against
      measurements of biochemical oxygen demand and K. mikimotoi cell concentration.
      The estimated potential oxygen utilisation (POU) was in good agreement with field
      observations across a range of cell concentrations. The magnitude of POU
      following bloom collapse, with the exception of three coastal areas, was
      considered insufficient to cause harm to most marine organisms. This indicates
      that the widespread occurrence of mortality was primarily due to other factors
      such as cellular toxicity and/or mucilage production, and not oxygen depletion or
      related phenomena. In Donegal Bay, Kilkieran Bay and inner Dingle Bay, where cell
      densities were in the order of 106cellsL-1, estimated POU was sufficient to cause
      hypoxia. Of the three areas, Donegal Bay is considered to be the most vulnerable
      due to its hydrographic characteristics (seasonally stratified, weak residual
      flow) and hypoxic conditions (2.2mgL-1 O2) were directly observed in the Bay post
      bloom collapse. Here, depending on the time of bloom collapse, depressed DO
      levels could persist for weeks and continue to have a potentially chronic impact
      on the Bay.

PMID- 28073448
TI  - Modeling the transport pathways of harmful algal blooms in the Iberian coast.
AB  - The prediction of the path of harmful algal blooms (HABs) along the coast can be
      achieved using numerical models of ocean circulation in order to reproduce the
      hydrodynamics of the study area. With this setting, our work aimed at the (1)
      study of key past events to evaluate the model ability to reproduce the transport
      pathways of blooms along the Iberian coast, and (2) to assess the relevance of
      such strictly physical approach. The simulations described here rely on the
      advection of lagrangian elements after a point release in a hypothetical location
      for bloom initiation, and the subsequent assessment of the influence of the
      surface currents transport on the extent of the bloom. Five events were
      simulated, accounting for blooms of Gymnodinium catenatum, Dinophysis acuminata
      and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Model results were compared with field data from the
      National HAB monitoring program, and were used to evaluate some hypothesis in
      their interpretation. The effort compiled in this paper, though focused on the
      transport and dispersion of HAB (after bloom detection), was a critical step
      toward an integrative forecasting system to determine potential HAB impacted
      areas, also addressed in this Special Issue.

PMID- 28073449
TI  - Harmful algal bloom forecast system for SW Ireland. Part II: Are operational
      oceanographic models useful in a HAB warning system.
AB  - This study investigated the application of a three-dimensional physical
      hydrodynamic model in a harmful algal bloom forecast system for Bantry Bay,
      southwest Ireland. Modelled oceanographic conditions were studied and used to
      help understand observed changes in the chemical and biological patterns from the
      national biotoxins and phytoplankton monitoring program. The study focused on two
      toxic events in 2013. An upwelling event was predicted by the model prior to the
      appearance and population increase of potentially toxic diatoms, Pseudo
      nitzschia, and associated domoic acid in shellfish. A downwelling episode was
      provided as a forecast in the model prior to the arrival of a Dinophysis bloom
      and detection of its associated biotoxins in Bay shellfish. The modelled forecast
      products developed included expected surface, mid-depth and bottom current
      pathways at the mouth of the Bay and on the adjacent shelf. The rate and
      direction of water volume flow at the mouth and mid-bay sections were produced by
      the model to examine predicted upwelling and downwelling pulses. The model also
      calculated the evolution of water properties (temperature, salinity and density)
      with depth along the Bay axis and on the adjacent continental shelf. Direct
      measurements of water properties at a fixed point, mid-bay, were comparable to
      model calculations. The operational model for southwest Ireland produces a
      reliable 3-day physical hydrodynamic forecast of the dominant regional physical
      processes that result in water exchange events between Bantry Bay and its
      adjacent shelf. While simulated physical hydrodynamics were provided as a 3-day
      forecast, the upwelling and downwelling signals from the model, closely linked to
      toxic HAB episodes, were evident up to 10 days prior to the contamination of
      shellfish in the Bay.

PMID- 28073450
TI  - Editor's perspectives - January 2017.

PMID- 28073451
TI  - Implications of turbulent flow in connecting capillaries used in high performance
      liquid chromatography.
AB  - The ongoing movement in HPLC toward the use of small columns packed with small
      particles for high speed separations results in eluted peaks with very small
      volumetric variances. Avoiding degradation of separation performance under these
      conditions requires careful consideration of all sources of extra-column peak
      dispersion. Recent trends towards decreased diameters of connecting capillaries
      and increased flow rates for analytical-scale separations can result in Reynolds
      numbers that exceed 2000. This raises the possibility of a transition from
      laminar to turbulent flow, thereby resulting in a higher than expected pressure
      drop across the capillary at a given flow rate. In this study we collected
      pressure drop data as a function of flow rate under many conditions relevant to
      modern HPLC. The variables studied included capillary diameter (50-120MUm) and
      length (100-550mm), acetonitrile/water composition (0-100%), and temperature (20
      80 degrees C). Most of the work involved stainless steel capillaries, but a
      subset of experiments involved fused silica. We then used the experimental data
      to train a model that enables prediction of pressure drops for all of the
      conditions studied. We find that a single global friction factor profile is
      sufficient to predict pressure drops as a function of flow rate that are in
      qualitative agreement with the experimental results. The quantitative accuracy of
      these predictions is generally quite good, with a mean prediction error of about
      2% over the entire range of conditions studied. Predictions for some outlying
      capillaries are not as good, with errors as high as -40%. This variability is
      probably due mainly to capillary-to-capillary variability, especially in the wall
      roughness, which is difficult to characterize definitively. We believe the model
      described here will be very useful to practicing chromatographers for predicting
      the conditions under which turbulent flow might develop in their connecting
      capillaries, and the magnitude of the pressure drop increase over that expected
      if flow were exclusively laminar.

PMID- 28073452
TI  - Characterization of cyclitol glycosides by gas chromatography coupled to mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Several cyclitol glycosides have been characterised as trimethylsilyl derivatives
      by their gas chromatographic (GC) retention data (linear retention indices) and
      electron impact mass spectrometric (MS) profiles. Both GC-MS results have been
      related to cyclitol glycosides structural features. Abundance ratios of
      characteristic m/z ions 133/129 and 260/265 have been proposed to distinguish
      glycosyl-inositols from glycosyl-methyl-inositols. These ratios in combination
      with the presence or absence of m/z 375 ion allowed the unequivocal
      characterization of cyclitol glycosides. These criteria have been applied to the
      characterization of new cyclitol glycosides in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and
      adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) and in leaves of Coriaria myrtifolia and Coriaria
      ruscifolia.

PMID- 28073453
TI  - The use of a mucus trap by Dinophysis acuta for the capture of Mesodinium rubrum
      prey under culture conditions.
AB  - A capture mechanism observed in a culture of the dinoflagellate Dinophysis acuta
      when preying on the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum (also sometimes referred to as
      Myrionecta rubra) is described. The dinoflagellate released cohesive clumps of
      mucilage into the culture media. When M. rubrum cells came into contact with this
      mucilage, they were immediately immobilized, but remained alive for a short
      period of time. Observations of D. acuta cells 'visiting and probing' trapped M.
      rubrum cells were made and at a critical point D. acuta cells removed individual
      M. rubrum cells from the mucus to swim away with them. The removal of M. rubrum
      from the mucus coincided with the cells losing all their cilia and becoming
      swollen, presumably signifying the death of the cell. These changes may enable
      the D. acuta peduncle to penetrate the ciliate cell cortex. It is hypothesized
      that toxins produced by D. acuta play a role in the immobilization process within
      the mucilage trap.

PMID- 28073454
TI  - Molecular tools to detect anatoxin-a genes in aquatic ecosystems: Toward a new
      nested PCR-based method.
AB  - Over the last few decades, cyanobacterial mass occurrence has become a recurrent
      feature of aquatic ecosystems. This has led to ecosystem exposure and health
      hazards associated with cyanotoxin production. The neurotoxin anatoxin-a and its
      homologs can be synthesized by benthic cyanobacterial species in lotic systems,
      but also by planktonic lacustrine species such as Dolichospermum (also known as
      Anabaena). However, only a few studies have focused on anatoxin-a occurrence and
      its biosynthesis genes in freshwater lakes. The initial aim of this study was to
      evaluate the molecular tools available in the literature to detect anatoxin-a
      biosynthesis genes in lacustrine environments. Having tested different sets of
      PCR primers, we found that that some sets of primers, such as anxC, were too
      specific and did not amplify anatoxin-a biosynthesis genes in all producing
      strains. On the other hand, some sets of primers, such as atxoa, seemed not to be
      specific enough, amplifying numerous non-specific bands in environmental samples,
      especially those from sediments. Furthermore, anaC and anaF amplification
      exhibited different band intensities during electrophoresis, suggesting a high
      variation in number of gene copies between samples. As a result, we proposed a
      new nested PCR-based method which considerably improved the amplification of the
      anaC gene in our environmental samples, eliminating non-specific bands and weak
      detections. Using this tool, our study also highlighted that anatoxin-a genes are
      widely distributed throughout freshwater lakes. This suggests the need for
      further ecological investigations into anatoxin-a in these ecosystems.

PMID- 28073455
TI  - Estimating microcystin levels at recreational sites in western Lake Erie and
      Ohio.
AB  - Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) and associated toxins, such as
      microcystin, are a major global water-quality issue. Water-resource managers need
      tools to quickly predict when and where toxin-producing cyanoHABs will occur.
      This could be done by using site-specific models that estimate the potential for
      elevated toxin concentrations that cause public health concerns. With this study,
      samples were collected at three Ohio lakes to identify environmental and water
      quality factors to develop linear-regression models to estimate microcystin
      levels. Measures of the algal community (phycocyanin, cyanobacterial biovolume,
      and cyanobacterial gene concentrations) and pH were most strongly correlated with
      microcystin concentrations. Cyanobacterial genes were quantified for general
      cyanobacteria, general Microcystis and Dolichospermum, and for microcystin
      synthetase (mcyE) for Microcystis, Dolichospermum, and Planktothrix. For
      phycocyanin, the relations were different between sites and were different
      between hand-held measurements on-site and nearby continuous monitor measurements
      for the same site. Continuous measurements of parameters such as phycocyanin, pH,
      and temperature over multiple days showed the highest correlations to microcystin
      concentrations. The development of models with high R2 values (0.81-0.90),
      sensitivities (92%), and specificities (100%) for estimating microcystin
      concentrations above or below the Ohio Recreational Public Health Advisory level
      of 6MUgL-1 was demonstrated for one site; these statistics may change as more
      data are collected in subsequent years. This study showed that models could be
      developed for estimates of exceeding a microcystin threshold concentration at a
      recreational freshwater lake site, with potential to expand their use to provide
      relevant public health information to water resource managers and the public for
      both recreational and drinking waters.

PMID- 28073456
TI  - Long-term trend of Ulva prolifera blooms in the western Yellow Sea.
AB  - Blooms of the green macroalga Ulva prolifera in the western Yellow Sea occurred
      every year since 2008, and they have been reported and studied extensively using
      a variety of means including remote sensing. However, to date, long-term bloom
      patterns have not been reported except for a few case studies showing examples in
      different years. Here, using MODIS observations and an objective method to
      perform statistical analysis, mean Ulva coverage in the western Yellow Sea has
      been derived and analyzed between 2007 and 2015 at both monthly and annual
      scales. On annual scale, mean Ulva coverage decreased after 2008, but increased
      rapidly after 2012 from 8km2 in 2012 to 116km2 in 2015 (the largest ever reported
      in history for this region). In the month of June the mean coverage increased
      from 18km2 in 2012 to 363km2 in 2015. Other than 2009 and 2010, the month of June
      showed maximum Ulva coverage in every year. These coverage estimates are
      significantly lower than previously reported values as they represent "pure"
      algae coverage after taking into account of partial pixel coverage. Several
      environmental factors were examined in an attempt to determine the reasons behind
      such long-term changes, yet the results are inconclusive, suggesting a strong
      necessity of further coordinated and multi-disciplinary researches.

PMID- 28073457
TI  - Production of BMAA and DAB by diatoms (Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chaetoceros
      sp., Chaetoceros calcitrans and, Thalassiosira pseudonana) and bacteria isolated
      from a diatom culture.
AB  - Microalgae have previously been reported to contain beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine
      (BMAA), and the global presence of these primary producers has been associated
      with the widespread occurrence of BMAA in marine organisms. It has been
      repeatedly shown that filter-feeding bivalves accumulate phytoplankton species
      and their toxins. In this study, the concentrations of total soluble BMAA and DAB
      as a function of growth phase were observed for four non-axenic diatom species
      (i.e. Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chaetoceros sp., Chaetoceros calcitrans and
      Thalassiosira pseudonana). These strains had previously been shown to contain
      BMAA using a highly selective HILIC-MS/MS method. BMAA cell quota appeared to be
      species-specific, however, highest BMAA concentrations were always obtained
      during the stationary growth phase, for all four species, suggesting that BMAA is
      a secondary metabolite. While DAB was detected in a bacterial culture isolated
      from a culture of P. tricornutum, the presence or absence of a bacterial
      population did not influence production of BMAA and DAB by P. tricornutum, i.e.
      no significant difference was noted for BMAA and DAB production between axenic
      and non-axenic cultures. The presence of DAB in bacteria had previously been
      shown, and raised the question as to whether DAB observed in many species of
      microalgae may arise from the non-axenic culture conditions or from the
      microalgae themselves.

PMID- 28073458
TI  - The ichthyotoxic genus Pseudochattonella (Dictyochophyceae): Distribution,
      toxicity, enumeration, ecological impact, succession and life history - A review.
AB  - The marine genus Pseudochattonella is a recent addition to the list of fish
      killing microalgae. Currently two species are recognised (viz. P. verruculosa and
      P. farcimen) which both form recurrent coastal blooms sometimes overlapping in
      space and time. These events and their ecological and economic consequences have
      resulted in great interest and concern from marine biologists and the aquaculture
      industry. Since the first recorded blooms in Japanese (late 1980s), Scandinavian
      (1993) and Chilean (2004) waters numerous studies have focused on understanding
      the causative means of the fish killing. Mortality is probably due to
      Pseudochattonella discharging mucocysts that cause gill irritation and damage to
      the fish fills. Here, a review is provided of the literature on Pseudochattonella
      that covers the last ca. 25 years and focus on a number of topics relevant to
      understanding the general biology of the genus including ways to distinguish the
      two species. The literature addressing biogeography and known harmful events is
      evaluated and based on these findings an updated distribution map is proposed. P.
      farcimen is presently restricted to North European waters. Despite being very
      difficult to delineate based on morphology alone the two Pseudochattonella
      species seem to have separate growth optima. In laboratory experiments P.
      verruculosa consistently has higher temperature growth optima compared to P.
      farcimen though periods of overlap have been noted in the field. The review ends
      by proposing five areas with knowledge gaps and each of these could form the
      basis of future studies.

PMID- 28073459
TI  - Vertical migration of Karenia brevis in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico observed
      from glider measurements.
AB  - The toxic marine dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis (the species responsible for most
      of red tides or harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico), is known to be able
      to swim vertically to adapt to the light and nutrient environments, nearly all
      such observations have been made through controlled experiments using cultures.
      Here, using continuous 3-dimensional measurements by an ocean glider across a K.
      brevis bloom in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico between 1 and 8 August 2014, we
      show the vertical migration behavior of K. brevis. Within the bloom where K.
      brevis concentration is between 100,000 and 1,000,000cellsL-1, the stratified
      water shows a two-layer system with the depth of pycnocline ranging between 14
      20m and salinity and temperature in the surface layer being <34.8 and >28 degrees
      C, respectively. The bottom layer shows the salinity of >36 and temperature of
      <26 degrees C. The low salinity is apparently due to coastal runoff, as the top
      layer also shows high amount of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). Within
      the top layer, chlorophyll-a fluorescence shows clear diel changes in the
      vertical structure, an indication of K. brevis vertical migration at a mean speed
      of 0.5-1mh-1. The upward migration appears to start at sunrise at a depth of 8
      10m, while the downward migration appears to start at sunset (or when surface
      light approaches 0) at a depth of ~2m. These vertical migrations are believed to
      be a result of the need of K. brevis cells for light and nutrients in a stable,
      stratified, and CDOM-rich environment.

PMID- 28073460
TI  - Two new karlotoxins found in Karlodinium veneficum (strain GM2) from the East
      China Sea.
AB  - The dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum is a harmful algal bloom species with a
      worldwide distribution. This small athecate dinoflagellate makes a family of
      polyketide toxins that are hemolytic, cytotoxic and ichthyotoxic. The first
      chemical structure for karlotoxins from East China Sea (ECS) is reported here.
      The two new karlotoxins, namely 4,5-dihydro-KmTx 2 (compound 1) and 4,5-dihydro
      dechloro-KmTx 2 (compound 2), were isolated and purified from monoalgal cultures
      of K. veneficum strain GM2. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic
      analysis, including tandem mass spectrometry as well as 1D and 2D NMR
      experiments. These new karlotoxin congeners feature a saturated polyol arm
      different from previously reported for KmTx 2 that appears to increase hemolytic
      activity.

PMID- 28073461
TI  - Assessing in situ dominance pattern of phytoplankton classes by dominance
      analysis as a proxy for realized niches.
AB  - This study looks at two facets of dominant phytoplankton classes during
      phytoplankton succession. A detailed assessment of this issue is of special
      interest with regard to realized niches from a theoretical point of view but also
      for lake management as practical application. A realized niche mirrors the
      functional adaptability of an organism in a lake-specific constellation of
      environmental parameters. Therefore, the characterization of realized niches
      could be a key factor for management of problematic waters. Different strategies
      exist to control eutrophication and the risk of blooms by harmful algae. During
      the last decades, many restoration measures were initiated to manage
      eutrophicated inland lakes. In the past, it has become evident several times that
      restoration strategies do not necessarily lead to a reduction of biomass of
      undesirable cyanobacteria but can even promote their development. Due to this
      uncertainty of success and the high costs for remediation strategies, new
      prediction tools are required - ideally, based on routine monitoring data.
      Therefore, we developed a new method to extract potential optimal growth
      conditions (POGC) as indicators of realized niches for different phytoplankton
      taxa from existing data to improve existing strategies used in lake remediation
      and restoration. The analysis presented in this work is based on dominance
      pattern of different phytoplankton groups relative to environmental variables.
      Interpretation of these dominance patterns as indicators of POGC showed distinct
      pattern for several phytoplankton classes for all investigated objects. We
      identified low nitrogen and phosphate concentrations as favorable condition for
      cyanobacteria in Lake Auensee and Lake Feldberger Haussee. The reservoir
      Bleilochtalsperre showed a high N/P-concentration and cyanobacteria dominance was
      generally very low.

PMID- 28073462
TI  - Gonyaulax taylorii, a new yessotoxins-producer dinoflagellate species from
      Chilean waters.
AB  - In summer 2009, during a survey in Bahia Mejillones, a dense bloom of a
      dinoflagellate from the genus Gonyaulax was detected, as well as the presence of
      yessotoxin. Phytoplankton samples were analyzed in detail by light and scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM), revealing the presence of Gonyaulax taylorii.
      Morphological examination showed that the cells in the bloom fit in Gonyaulax
      jollifei Murray et Whitting sensu Dodge, subsequently classified as Gonyaulax
      taylorii by Carbonell-Moore. In this context, some inconsistencies have been
      found in regard to the holotype; the plate 1"' appears as two plates, 1''' and
      2''', showing a suture that does not exist in Dodge's figure of G. jollifei, from
      where the holotype was drawn, nor within the samples collected. Therefore, this
      plate has been originally described erroneously as two plates named 1"' and 2"'
      instead of only one named 1'''. After this correction, this species has five
      instead of six postcingular plates. For this reason, the description of this
      species must be emended. Phytoplankton net samples were found to contain
      yessotoxin and homoyessotoxin, with concentrations below 1pgcell-1. The present
      study identifies, therefore, the dinoflagellate G. taylorii as a new source of
      yessotoxins.

PMID- 28073463
TI  - The effect of exogenous beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) on the diatoms
      Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira weissflogii.
AB  - beta-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), a non-protein amino acid with
      neurodegenerative features, is known to be produced by cyanobacteria, diatoms and
      a dinoflagellate. BMAA research has intensified over the last decade, and
      knowledge has been gained about its bioaccumulation in aquatic and terrestrial
      ecosystems, toxic effects in model organisms and neurotoxicity in vivo and in
      vitro. Nevertheless, knowledge of the actual physiological role of BMAA in the
      producing species or of the ecological factors that regulate BMAA production is
      still lacking. A few studies propose that BMAA functions to signal nitrogen
      depletion in cyanobacteria. To investigate whether BMAA might have a similar role
      in diatoms, two diatom species - Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira
      weissflogii - were exposed to exogenous BMAA at environmental relevant
      concentrations, i.e. 0.005, 0.05 and 0.5MUM. BMAA was taken up in a concentration
      dependent manner in both species in the BMAA free fraction and in the protein
      fraction of T. weissflogii. As a result of the treatments, the diatom cells at
      some of the time points and at some of the BMAA concentrations exhibited lower
      concentrations of chlorophyll a and protein, in comparison to controls. At the
      highest (0.5MUM) concentration of BMAA, extracellular ammonia was found in the
      media of both species at all time points. These results suggest that BMAA
      interferes with nitrogen metabolism in diatoms, possibly by inhibiting ammonium
      assimilation via the GS/GOGAT pathway.

PMID- 28073464
TI  - Gambierdiscus balechii sp. nov (Dinophyceae), a new benthic toxic dinoflagellate
      from the Celebes Sea (SW Pacific Ocean).
AB  - A new benthic toxic dinoflagellate is described from the Celebes Sea.
      Gambierdiscus balechii sp. nov. was isolated from seaweeds growing in tidal
      ponds. Its morphology was studied by means of LM and SEM; G. balechii has a very
      ornamented theca, a hatchet shaped second apical plate, a narrow second antapical
      plate and an asymmetrical third precigular plate, a unique combination of
      characters among Gambierdiscus species. It has a very wide size range with widths
      from 36 to 88MUm. Phylogenetic analyses of two G. balechii strains, based on LSU
      rRNA (D8-D10) and partial SSUrRNA sequences confirmed that these clustererd in
      its' own group, separated from the rest of Gambierdiscus species and with G.
      pacificus, G. belizeanus and G. scabrosus as its closest relatives. Thecate cysts
      are described from culture as non motile vegetative-like cells which germinated
      after being isolated and transferred to fresh medium. Mouse tests showed that
      this species is toxic and hence it is a potential cause of ciguatera in the
      Celebes Sea.

PMID- 28073465
TI  - [Depression in relatives of patients with schizophrenia: 8-month longitudinal
      outcome of ProFamille Program].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mental illness such as schizophrenia is a major public health
      concern. In France, the economic cost of schizophrenia represents 2% of total
      medical expenditures. Schizophrenia has an impact on health and quality of life
      not only for patients but also for relatives. Family psychoeducation is a
      complementary therapeutic intervention to ordinary clinical care deigned to
      alleviate the burden of care among relatives of patients with schizophrenia.
      Literature suggests such programs including the patients' family members reduce
      the risk of relapse. Current studies also suggest that negative emotions
      expressed by family members have negative consequences on patients' mental health
      and need to be addressed. However, family psychoeducation is still underdeveloped
      in France. The objective of this study was to assess the longitudinal outcome on
      depression level of a psychoeducation program for relatives of schizophrenic
      patients. The program was held in Paris and Region Ile-de-France "Cluster
      ProFramille Ile-de-France" between 2012 and 2014. METHODS: Level of participant's
      depression was assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression
      Scale (CES-D). Measures of depression were made for four time points: 2 months
      before joining the program (T1), at the beginning of the program (T2), at
      midpoint of the first program module (3 months, T3) and at the end of the first
      program module (6 months, T4). Repeated-measures ANOVA were performed to assess
      longitudinal change in a participant's level of depression. Type of coping
      strategies, knowledge about the disease, dominant thoughts and emotional progress
      are assessed by the program. Univariate correlation with CES-D differences
      between T1 and T4 were assessed. Variables with a significant association were
      included in a multivariate linear model to explain CES-D difference. RESULTS:
      Sixty-five relatives participated to the "Cluster ProFramille Ile-de-France"
      between 2012 and 2014 and terminated with the first module of the program.
      Repeated-measures ANOVA on CES-D scores between T1 and T4 (8 months) showed a
      significant decrease in average scores for all participants. The mean of decrease
      was 7 points, equivalent to a 26.6% pre-post decrease level of depression.
      Significant univariate correlations with depression decrease over 8 months were
      with "psychomotor tiredness", "frequent worries" and "dealing with worries".
      Multivariate linear regression only confirmed the significant role of diminishing
      fatigue in relation to the decrease of depression. CONCLUSION: Our study's
      results showed that the ProFamille program was efficient in reducing the level of
      depression for its participants over an 8 month period. As the participants
      progressed on managing their fatigue, their depressed moods improved.

PMID- 28073466
TI  - Quantity of the dinoflagellate sxtA4 gene and cell density correlates with
      paralytic shellfish toxin production in Alexandrium ostenfeldii blooms.
AB  - Many marine dinoflagellates, including several species of the genus Alexandrium,
      Gymnodinium catenatum, and Pyrodinium bahamense are known for their capability to
      produce paralytic shellfish toxins (PST), which can cause severe, most often food
      related poisoning. The recent discovery of the first PST biosynthesis genes has
      laid the foundation for the development of molecular detection methods for
      monitoring and study of PST-producing dinoflagellates. In this study, a probe
      based qPCR method for the detection and quantification of the sxtA4 gene present
      in Alexandrium spp. and Gymnodinium catenatum was designed. The focus was on
      Alexandrium ostenfeldii, a species which recurrently forms dense toxic blooms in
      areas within the Baltic Sea. A consistent, positive correlation between the
      presence of sxtA4 and PST biosynthesis was observed, and the species was found to
      maintain PST production with an average of 6 genomic copies of sxtA4. In August
      2014, A. ostenfeldii populations were studied for cell densities, PST production,
      as well as sxtA4 and species-specific LSU copy numbers in Foglo, Aland, Finland,
      where an exceptionally dense bloom, consisting of 6.3*106cellsL-1, was observed.
      Cell concentrations, and copy numbers of both of the target genes were positively
      correlated with total STX, GTX2, and GTX3 concentrations in the environment, the
      cell density predicting toxin concentrations with the best accuracy (Spearman's
      rho=0.93, p<0.01). The results indicated that all A. ostenfeldii cells in the
      blooms harbored the genetic capability of PST production, making the detection of
      sxtA4 a good indicator of toxicity.

PMID- 28073467
TI  - Quantitative PCR assay for detection and enumeration of ciguatera-causing
      dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus spp. (Gonyaulacales) in coastal areas of Japan.
AB  - In Japan, ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) has been increasingly reported not only
      in subtropical areas but also in temperate areas in recent years, causing a
      serious threat to human health. Ciguatera fish poisoning is caused by the
      consumption of fish that have accumulated toxins produced by an epiphytic/benthic
      dinoflagellate, genus Gambierdiscus. Previous studies revealed the existence of
      five Gambierdiscus species/phylotypes in Japan: Gambierdiscus australes,
      Gambierdiscus scabrosus, Gambierdiscus sp. type 2, Gambierdiscus sp. type 3, and
      Gambierdiscus (Fukuyoa) cf. yasumotoi. Among these, G. australes, G. scabrosus,
      and Gambierdiscus sp. type 3 strains exhibited toxicities in mice, whereas
      Gambierdiscus sp. type 2 strains did not show any toxicity. Therefore, it is
      important to monitor the cell abundance and dynamics of these species/phylotypes
      to identify and characterize CFP outbreaks in Japan. Because it is difficult to
      differentiate these species/phylotypes by observation under a light microscope,
      development of a rapid and reliable detection and enumeration method is needed.
      In this study, a quantitative PCR assay was developed using a TaqMan probe that
      targets unique SSU rDNA sequences of four Japanese Gambierdiscus
      species/phylotypes and incorporates normalization with DNA recovery efficiency.
      First, we constructed standard curves with high linearity (R2=1.00) and high
      amplification efficiency (>=1.98) using linearized plasmids that contained SSU
      rDNA of the target species/phylotypes. The detection limits for all primer and
      probe sets were approximately 10 gene copies. Further, the mean number of SSU
      rDNA copies per cell of each species/phylotype was determined from single cells
      in culture and from those in environmental samples using the qPCR assay. Next,
      the number of cells of each species/phylotype in the mixed samples, which were
      spiked with cultured cells of the four species/phylotypes, was calculated by
      division of the total number of rDNA copies of each species/phylotype in each
      sample by the number of rDNA copies per cell. The numbers of cells of each
      species/phylotype quantified by qPCR assay were similar to the number of cells of
      each species/phylotype that were spiked. Finally, the cell densities of the
      target species/phylotypes were quantified using the qPCR assay in 30
      environmental samples collected from Japanese coastal areas. Total cell densities
      of the four Gambierdiscus species/phylotypes quantified by qPCR assay were
      similar to those of Gambierdiscus spp. quantified by direct counting under a
      light microscope. The qPCR assay developed in this study is expected to be a
      powerful new tool for determining detailed distribution patterns and for
      monitoring the cell abundance and dynamics of each Japanese Gambierdiscus
      species/phylotype in the coastal areas of Japan.

PMID- 28073468
TI  - Cryptophyte gene regulation in the kleptoplastidic, karyokleptic ciliate
      Mesodinium rubrum.
AB  - Photosynthesis in the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum is achieved using a consortium of
      cryptophyte algal organelles enclosed in its specialized vacuole. A time-series
      microarray analysis was conducted on the photosynthetic ciliate using an
      oligochip containing 15,654 primers designed from EST data of the cryptophyte
      prey, Teleaulax amphioxeia. The cryptophycean nuclei were transcriptionally
      active over 13 weeks and approximately 13.5% of transcripts in the ciliate came
      from the sequestered nuclei. The cryptophyte nuclei and chloroplasts could divide
      in the ciliate, which were loosely synchronized with host cell division. A large
      epigenetic modification occurred after the cryptophyte nuclei were sequestered
      into the ciliate. Most cryptophyte genes involved in the light and dark reactions
      of photosynthesis, chlorophyll assimilation, as well as in DNA methylation, were
      consistently up-regulated in the ciliate. The imbalance of division rate between
      the sequestered cryptophyte nuclei and host nuclei may be the reason for the
      eventual cessation of the kleptoplastidy.

PMID- 28073469
TI  - Effect of the toxin (microcystin) content of Microcystis on copepod grazing.
AB  - Although phytoplankton chemical defense may regulate plankton dynamics,
      demonstrating an ecologically relevant anti-grazer cue is challenging. Presented
      here is a novel approach to evaluate the quantitative effect of microcystin (MC),
      the most studied group of cyanobacterial metabolites, on grazing by the common
      copepod Eudiaptomus gracilis. A temperature-induced gradient in the intracellular
      MC concentration of three different Microcystis strains enabled the comparison of
      grazing pressure on cells of the same cyanobacterial strain producing different
      amounts of MC, in a diet with alternative food (Chlamydomonas). In all
      treatments, grazing pressure on Microcystis was inversely related to its MC-LR
      content, while selection for alternative prey was positively related to the MC-LR
      content of Microcystis. Moreover, grazing on Chlamydomonas also declined with
      increasing Microcystis MC-LR content, suggesting toxicity related inhibition of
      E. gracilis. The negative relation between cellular MC-LR concentration and
      feeding responses supported the anti-grazer hypothesis. Not all MC variants
      responded to temperature, and some were therefore not associated to grazing
      responses. Using an induced gradient in the concentration of a suspected
      phytoplankton defense metabolite to evaluate its quantitative relationship with
      grazing pressure offers an improved inference on the ecological roles of toxins.
      Results suggest that either MC-LR or a correlating trait may be inversely linked
      to the grazer pressure on Microcystis.

PMID- 28073470
TI  - Preface for Special Issue on "Global expansion of harmful cyanobacterial blooms:
      Diversity, ecology, causes, and controls".

PMID- 28073471
TI  - Biochemistry and genetics of taste- and odor-producing cyanobacteria.
AB  - Cyanobacteria are one of the principal sources of volatile organic compounds
      (VOCs) which cause offensive taste and odor (T&O) in drinking and recreational
      water, fish, shellfish and other seafood. Although non-toxic to humans, these T&O
      compounds severely undermine public trust in these commodities, resulting in
      substantial costs in treatment, and lost revenue to drinking water, aquaculture,
      food and beverage and tourist/hospitality industries. Mitigation and control have
      been hindered by the complexity of the communities and processes which produce
      and modify T&O events, making it difficult to source-track the major producer(s)
      and the factors governing VOC production and fate. Over the past decade, however,
      advances in bioinformatics, enzymology, and applied detection technologies have
      greatly enhanced our understanding of the pathways, the enzymes and the genetic
      coding for some of the most problematic VOCs produced by cyanobacteria. This has
      led to the development of tools for rapid and sensitive detection and monitoring
      for the VOC production at source, and provided the basis for further diagnostics
      of endogenous and exogenous controls. This review provides an overview of current
      knowledge of the major cyanobacterial VOCs, the producers, the biochemistry and
      the genetics and highlight the current applications and further research needs in
      this area.

PMID- 28073472
TI  - The interaction between cyanobacteria and zooplankton in a more eutrophic world.
AB  - As blooms of cyanobacteria expand and intensify in freshwater systems globally,
      there is increasing interest in their ecological effects. In addition to being
      public health hazards, cyanobacteria have long been considered a poor quality
      food for key zooplankton grazers that link phytoplankton to higher trophic
      levels. While past laboratory studies have found negative effects of nutritional
      constraints and defensive traits (i.e., toxicity and colonial or filamentous
      morphology) on the fitness of large generalist grazers (i.e., Daphnia),
      cyanobacterial blooms often co-exist with high biomass of small-bodied
      zooplankton in nature. Indeed, recent studies highlight the remarkable diversity
      and flexibility in zooplankton responses to cyanobacterial prey. Reviewed here
      are results from a wide range of laboratory and field experiments examining the
      interaction of cyanobacteria and a diverse zooplankton taxa including
      cladocerans, copepods, and heterotrophic protists from temperate to tropical
      freshwater systems. This synthesis shows that longer exposure to cyanobacteria
      can shift zooplankton communities toward better-adapted species, select for more
      tolerant genotypes within a species, and induce traits within the lifetime of
      individual zooplankton. In turn, the function of bloom-dominated plankton
      ecosystems, the coupling between primary producers and grazers, the stability of
      blooms, and the potential to use top down biomanipulation for controlling
      cyanobacteria depend largely on the species, abundance, and traits of interacting
      cyanobacteria and zooplankton. Understanding the drivers and consequences of
      zooplankton traits, such as physiological detoxification and selective vs.
      generalist grazing behavior, are therefore of major importance for future
      studies. Ultimately, co-evolutionary dynamics between cyanobacteria and their
      grazers may emerge as a critical regulator of blooms.

PMID- 28073473
TI  - How rising CO2 and global warming may stimulate harmful cyanobacterial blooms.
AB  - Climate change is likely to stimulate the development of harmful cyanobacterial
      blooms in eutrophic waters, with negative consequences for water quality of many
      lakes, reservoirs and brackish ecosystems across the globe. In addition to
      effects of temperature and eutrophication, recent research has shed new light on
      the possible implications of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Depletion of
      dissolved CO2 by dense cyanobacterial blooms creates a concentration gradient
      across the air-water interface. A steeper gradient at elevated atmospheric CO2
      concentrations will lead to a greater influx of CO2, which can be intercepted by
      surface-dwelling blooms, thus intensifying cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophic
      waters. Bloom-forming cyanobacteria display an unexpected diversity in CO2
      responses, because different strains combine their uptake systems for CO2 and
      bicarbonate in different ways. The genetic composition of cyanobacterial blooms
      may therefore shift. In particular, strains with high-flux carbon uptake systems
      may benefit from the anticipated rise in inorganic carbon availability.
      Increasing temperatures also stimulate cyanobacterial growth. Many bloom-forming
      cyanobacteria and also green algae have temperature optima above 25 degrees C,
      often exceeding the temperature optima of diatoms and dinoflagellates. Analysis
      of published data suggests that the temperature dependence of the growth rate of
      cyanobacteria exceeds that of green algae. Indirect effects of elevated
      temperature, like an earlier onset and longer duration of thermal stratification,
      may also shift the competitive balance in favor of buoyant cyanobacteria while
      eukaryotic algae are impaired by higher sedimentation losses. Furthermore,
      cyanobacteria differ from eukaryotic algae in that they can fix dinitrogen, and
      new insights show that the nitrogen-fixation activity of heterocystous
      cyanobacteria can be strongly stimulated at elevated temperatures. Models and
      lake studies indicate that the response of cyanobacterial growth to rising CO2
      concentrations and elevated temperatures can be suppressed by nutrient
      limitation. The greatest response of cyanobacterial blooms to climate change is
      therefore expected to occur in eutrophic and hypertrophic lakes.

PMID- 28073474
TI  - Challenges for mapping cyanotoxin patterns from remote sensing of cyanobacteria.
AB  - Using satellite imagery to quantify the spatial patterns of cyanobacterial toxins
      has several challenges. These challenges include the need for surrogate pigments 
      since cyanotoxins cannot be directly detected by remote sensing, the variability
      in the relationship between the pigments and cyanotoxins - especially
      microcystins (MC), and the lack of standardization of the various measurement
      methods. A dual-model strategy can provide an approach to address these
      challenges. One model uses either chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) or phycocyanin (PC)
      collected in situ as a surrogate to estimate the MC concentration. The other uses
      a remote sensing algorithm to estimate the concentration of the surrogate
      pigment. Where blooms are mixtures of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, PC
      should be the preferred surrogate to Chl-a. Where cyanobacteria dominate, Chl-a
      is a better surrogate than PC for remote sensing. Phycocyanin is less sensitive
      to detection by optical remote sensing, it is less frequently measured, PC
      laboratory methods are still not standardized, and PC has greater intracellular
      variability. Either pigment should not be presumed to have a fixed relationship
      with MC for any water body. The MC-pigment relationship can be valid over weeks,
      but have considerable intra- and inter-annual variability due to changes in the
      amount of MC produced relative to cyanobacterial biomass. To detect pigments by
      satellite, three classes of algorithms (analytic, semi-analytic, and derivative)
      have been used. Analytical and semi-analytical algorithms are more sensitive but
      less robust than derivatives because they depend on accurate atmospheric
      correction; as a result derivatives are more commonly used. Derivatives can
      estimate Chl-a concentration, and research suggests they can detect and possibly
      quantify PC. Derivative algorithms, however, need to be standardized in order to
      evaluate the reproducibility of parameterizations between lakes. A strategy for
      producing useful estimates of microcystins from cyanobacterial biomass is
      described, provided cyanotoxin variability is addressed.

PMID- 28073475
TI  - Toxic cyanobacteria and drinking water: Impacts, detection, and treatment.
AB  - Blooms of toxic cyanobacteria in water supply systems are a global issue
      affecting water supplies on every major continent except Antarctica. The
      occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria in freshwater is increasing in both frequency
      and distribution. The protection of water supplies has therefore become
      increasingly more challenging. To reduce the risk from toxic cyanobacterial
      blooms in drinking water, a multi-barrier approach is needed, consisting of
      prevention, source control, treatment optimization, and monitoring. In this
      paper, current research on some of the critical elements of this multi-barrier
      approach are reviewed and synthesized, with an emphasis on the effectiveness of
      water treatment technologies for removing cyanobacteria and related toxic
      compounds. This paper synthesizes and updates a number of previous review
      articles on various aspects of this multi-barrier approach in order to provide a
      holistic resource for researchers, water managers and engineers, as well as water
      treatment plant operators.

PMID- 28073476
TI  - Health impacts from cyanobacteria harmful algae blooms: Implications for the
      North American Great Lakes.
AB  - Harmful cyanobacterial blooms (cHABs) have significant socioeconomic and
      ecological costs, which impact drinking water, fisheries, agriculture, tourism,
      real estate, water quality, food web resilience and habitats, and contribute to
      anoxia and fish kills. Many of these costs are well described, but in fact are
      largely unmeasured. Worldwide cHABs can produce toxins (cyanotoxins), which cause
      acute or chronic health effects in mammals (including humans) and other
      organisms. There are few attempts to characterize the full health-related effects
      other than acute incidences, which may go unrecorded. At present these are
      difficult to access and evaluate and may be ascribed to other causes. Such
      information is fundamental to measure the full costs of cHABs and inform the need
      for often-costly management and remediation. This paper synthesizes information
      on cHABs occurrence, toxicology and health effects, and relates this to past and
      current conditions in the Great Lakes, a major global resource which supplies 84%
      of the surface water in North America. This geographic region has seen a
      significant resurgence of cHABs since the 1980s. In particular we focus on Lake
      Erie, where increased reporting of cHABs has occurred from the early 1990's. We
      evaluate available information and case reports of cHAB-related illness and death
      and show that cHABs occur throughout the basin, with reports of animal illness
      and death, especially dogs and livestock. Lake Erie has consistently experienced
      cHABs and cyanotoxins in the last decade with probable cases of human illness,
      while the other Great Lakes show intermittent cHABs and toxins, but no confirmed
      reports on illness or toxicity. The dominant toxigenic cyanobacterium is the
      genus Microcystis known to produce microcystins. The presence of other
      cyanotoxins (anatoxin-a, paralytic shellfish toxins) implicates other toxigenic
      cyanobacteria such as Anabaena (Dolichospermum) and Lyngbya.

PMID- 28073477
TI  - A review of the phylogeny, ecology and toxin production of bloom-forming
      Aphanizomenon spp. and related species within the Nostocales (cyanobacteria).
AB  - The traditional genus Aphanizomenon comprises a group of filamentous nitrogen
      fixing cyanobacteria of which several memebers are able to develop blooms and to
      produce toxic metabolites (cyanotoxins), including hepatotoxins (microcystins),
      neurotoxins (anatoxins and saxitoxins) and cytotoxins (cylindrospermopsin). This
      genus, representing geographically widespread and extensively studied
      cyanobacteria, is in fact heterogeneous and composed of at least five
      phylogenetically distant groups (Aphanizomenon, Anabaena/Aphanizomenon like
      cluster A, Cuspidothrix, Sphaerospermopsis and Chrysosporum) whose taxonomy is
      still under revision. This review provides a thorough insight into the phylogeny,
      ecology, biogeography and toxicogenomics (cyr, sxt, and ana genes) of the five
      best documented "Aphanizomenon" species with special relevance for water risk
      assessment: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Aphanizomenon gracile, Cuspidothrix
      issatschenkoi, Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides and Chrysosporum ovalisporum.
      Aph. flos-aquae, Aph. gracile and C. issatschenkoi have been reported from
      temperate areas only whereas S. aphanizomenoides shows the widest distribution
      from the tropics to temperate areas. Ch. ovalisporum is found in tropical,
      subtropical and Mediterranean areas. While all five species show moderate growth
      rates (0.1-0.4day-1) within a wide range of temperatures (15-30 degrees C), Aph.
      gracile and A. flos-aquae can grow from around (or below) 10 degrees C, whereas
      Ch. ovalisporum and S. aphanizomenoides are much better competitors at high
      temperatures over 30 degrees C or even close to 35 degrees C. A. gracile has been
      confirmed as the producer of saxitoxins and cylindrospermopsin, C. issatschenkoi
      of anatoxins and saxitoxins and Ch. ovalisporum of cylindrospermopsin. The
      suspected cylindrospermopsin or anatoxin-a production of A. flos-aquae or
      microcystin production of S. aphanizomenoides is still uncertain. This review
      includes a critical discussion on the the reliability of toxicity reports and on
      the invasive potential of "Aphanizomenon" species in a climate change scenario,
      together with derived knowledge gaps and research needs. As a whole, this work is
      intended to represent a key reference for scientists and water managers involved
      in the major challenges of identifying, preventing and mitigating toxic
      Aphanizomenon blooms.

PMID- 28073478
TI  - Mitigating cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in aquatic ecosystems impacted by
      climate change and anthropogenic nutrients.
AB  - Mitigating the global expansion of cyanobacterial harmful blooms (CyanoHABs) is a
      major challenge facing researchers and resource managers. A variety of
      traditional (e.g., nutrient load reduction) and experimental (e.g., artificial
      mixing and flushing, omnivorous fish removal) approaches have been used to reduce
      bloom occurrences. Managers now face the additional effects of climate change on
      watershed hydrologic and nutrient loading dynamics, lake and estuary temperature,
      mixing regime, internal nutrient dynamics, and other factors. Those changes favor
      CyanoHABs over other phytoplankton and could influence the efficacy of control
      measures. Virtually all mitigation strategies are influenced by climate changes,
      which may require setting new nutrient input reduction targets and establishing
      nutrient-bloom thresholds for impacted waters. Physical-forcing mitigation
      techniques, such as flushing and artificial mixing, will need adjustments to deal
      with the ramifications of climate change. Here, we examine the suite of current
      mitigation strategies and the potential options for adapting and optimizing them
      in a world facing increasing human population pressure and climate change.

PMID- 28073481
TI  - Understanding the winning strategies used by the bloom-forming cyanobacterium
      Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii.
AB  - The cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a widespread species
      increasingly being recorded in freshwater systems around the world. It is of
      particular concern because strains in some geographic areas are capable of
      producing toxins with implications for human and animal health. Studies of this
      species have increased rapidly in the last two decades, especially in the
      southern hemisphere where toxic strains are prevalent. A clearer picture is
      emerging of the strategies adopted by this species to bloom and out-compete other
      species. This species has a high level of flexibility with respect to light and
      nutrients, with higher temperatures and carbon dioxide also promoting growth.
      There are two types of toxins produced by C. raciborskii: cylindrospermopsins
      (CYNs) and saxitoxins (STXs). The toxins CYNs are constitutively produced
      irrespective of environmental conditions and the ecological or physiological role
      is unclear, while STXs appear to serve as protection against high salinity and/or
      water hardness. It is also apparent that strains of this species can vary
      substantially in their physiological responses to environmental conditions,
      including CYNs production, and this may explain discrepancies in findings from
      studies in different geographical areas. The combination of a flexible strategy
      with respect to environmental conditions, and variability in strain response
      makes it a challenging species to manage. Our ability to improve bloom prediction
      will rely on a more detailed understanding of the complex physiology of this
      species.

PMID- 28073480
TI  - A review of the global ecology, genomics, and biogeography of the toxic
      cyanobacterium, Microcystis spp.
AB  - This review summarizes the present state of knowledge regarding the toxic, bloom
      forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis, with a specific focus on its geographic
      distribution, toxins, genomics, phylogeny, and ecology. A global analysis found
      documentation suggesting geographic expansion of Microcystis, with recorded
      blooms in at least 108 countries, 79 of which have also reported the hepatatoxin
      microcystin. The production of microcystins (originally "Fast-Death Factor") by
      Microcystis and factors that control synthesis of this toxin are reviewed, as
      well as the putative ecophysiological roles of this metabolite. Molecular
      biological analyses have provided significant insight into the ecology and
      physiology of Microcystis, as well as revealed the highly dynamic, and
      potentially unstable, nature of its genome. A genetic sequence analysis of 27
      Microcystis species, including 15 complete/draft genomes are presented. Using the
      strictest biological definition of what constitutes a bacterial species, these
      analyses indicate that all Microcystis species warrant placement into the same
      species complex since the average nucleotide identity values were above 95%, 16S
      rRNA nucleotide identity scores exceeded 99%, and DNA-DNA hybridization was
      consistently greater than 70%. The review further provides evidence from around
      the globe for the key role that both nitrogen and phosphorus play in controlling
      Microcystis bloom dynamics, and the effect of elevated temperature on bloom
      intensification. Finally, highlighted is the ability of Microcystis assemblages
      to minimize their mortality losses by resisting grazing by zooplankton and
      bivalves, as well as viral lysis, and discuss factors facilitating assemblage
      resilience.

PMID- 28073479
TI  - Global solutions to regional problems: Collecting global expertise to address the
      problem of harmful cyanobacterial blooms. A Lake Erie case study.
AB  - In early August 2014, the municipality of Toledo, OH (USA) issued a 'do not
      drink' advisory on their water supply directly affecting over 400,000 residential
      customers and hundreds of businesses (Wilson, 2014). This order was attributable
      to levels of microcystin, a potent liver toxin, which rose to 2.5MUgL-1 in
      finished drinking water. The Toledo crisis afforded an opportunity to bring
      together scientists from around the world to share ideas regarding factors that
      contribute to bloom formation and toxigenicity, bloom and toxin detection as well
      as prevention and remediation of bloom events. These discussions took place at an
      NSF- and NOAA-sponsored workshop at Bowling Green State University on April 13
      and 14, 2015. In all, more than 100 attendees from six countries and 15 US states
      gathered together to share their perspectives. The purpose of this review is to
      present the consensus summary of these issues that emerged from discussions at
      the Workshop. As additional reports in this special issue provide detailed
      reviews on many major CHAB species, this paper focuses on the general themes
      common to all blooms, such as bloom detection, modeling, nutrient loading, and
      strategies to reduce nutrients.

PMID- 28073482
TI  - An overview of diversity, occurrence, genetics and toxin production of bloom
      forming Dolichospermum (Anabaena) species.
AB  - The new genus name Dolichospermum, for most of the planktonic former members of
      the genus Anabaena, is one of the most ubiquitous bloom-forming cyanobacterial
      genera. Its dominance and persistence have increased in recent years, due to
      eutrophication from anthropogenic activities and global climate change. Blooms of
      Dolichospermum species, with their production of secondary metabolites that
      commonly include toxins, present a worldwide threat to environmental and public
      health. In this review, recent advances of the genus Dolichospermum are
      summarized, including taxonomy, genetics, bloom occurrence, and production of
      toxin and taste-and-odor compounds. The recent and continuing acquisition of
      genome sequences is ushering in new methods for monitoring and understanding the
      factors regulating bloom dynamics.

PMID- 28073483
TI  - The dual role of nitrogen supply in controlling the growth and toxicity of
      cyanobacterial blooms.
AB  - Historically, phosphorus (P) has been considered the primary limiting nutrient
      for phytoplankton assemblages in freshwater ecosystems. This review, supported by
      new findings from Lake Erie, highlights recent molecular, laboratory, and field
      evidence that the growth and toxicity of some non-diazotrophic blooms of
      cyanobacteria can be controlled by nitrogen (N). Cyanobacteria such as
      Microcystis possess physiological adaptations that allow them to dominate low-P
      surface waters, and in temperate lakes, cyanobacterial densities can be
      controlled by N availability. Beyond total cyanobacterial biomass, N loading has
      been shown to selectively promote the abundance of Microcystis and Planktothrix
      strains capable of synthesizing microcystins over strains that do not possess
      this ability. Among strains of cyanobacteria capable of synthesizing the N-rich
      microcystins, cellular toxin quotas have been found to depend upon exogenous N
      supplies. Herein, multi-year observations from western Lake Erie are presented
      demonstrating that microcystin concentrations peak in parallel with inorganic N,
      but not orthophosphate, concentrations and are significantly lower (p<0.01)
      during years of reduced inorganic nitrogen loading and concentrations.
      Collectively, this information underscores the importance of N as well as P in
      controlling toxic cyanobacteria blooms. Furthermore, it supports the premise that
      management actions to reduce P in the absence of concurrent restrictions on N
      loading may not effectively control the growth and/or toxicity of non
      diazotrophic toxic cyanobacteria such as the cosmopolitan, toxin-producing genus,
      Microcystis.

PMID- 28073484
TI  - The genetics, biosynthesis and regulation of toxic specialized metabolites of
      cyanobacteria.
AB  - The production of toxic metabolites by cyanobacterial blooms represents a
      significant threat to the health of humans and ecosystems worldwide. Here we
      summarize the current state of the knowledge regarding the genetics, biosynthesis
      and regulation of well-characterized cyanotoxins, including the microcystins,
      nodularin, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxins and anatoxins, as well as the lesser
      known marine toxins (e.g. lyngbyatoxin, aplysiatoxin, jamaicamides, barbamide,
      curacin, hectochlorin and apratoxins).

PMID- 28073485
TI  - Spatial distribution and sources of organic matter and pollutants in the SE
      Mediterranean (Levantine basin) deep water sediments.
AB  - A study of deep sea sediment quality was conducted at 52 stations off the
      Mediterranean coast of Israel (50-1900m depth). Total Organic Carbon (TOC),
      Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (?PAHs), Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (?PCBs)
      ranged between 0.58 and 1.44%, 12-190 and <0.3-7.7MUgkg-1, respectively. The TOC
      distribution indicated the Nile delta as an important source of organic matter
      and the important effect of topography on deposition patterns in this region.
      PCBs and PAHs quantitative levels were associated with nearby gas well drilling
      (well below environmental criteria) and dredge-material dumping sites. A
      significant correlation between these pollutants and TOC was found in the
      southernmost stations suggesting a common source. PAHs isomer ratios in most of
      the stations indicated a petrogenic source, while the contribution of pyrogenic
      sources appears to be very small. These findings form a sound baseline for
      assessing the potential impact of future deep sea drilling activities that are
      expected to increase significantly in the Eastern Mediterranean basin.

PMID- 28073486
TI  - Indication of spatial variations in annual cycles of functional groups of
      planktonic ciliates to environmental change in marine ecosystems.
AB  - The indication of spatial variations in annual cycles of functional groups of
      planktonic ciliates to environmental changes was studied in a bay, northern
      Yellow Sea. Samples were biweekly collected at five stations with different
      hydrographic conditions during a 1-year cycle. The second-stage-matrix-based
      multivariate approach was used to summarize the internal interactions of the
      ciliate functional groups among five stations during a 1-year period. The
      functional groups of the ciliates represented a clear spatial variation in annual
      cycle among five stations. Mantel analysis demonstrated that the spatial
      variation in annual cycles of the ciliate functional groups were significantly
      correlated with the changes nutrients (mainly soluble reactive phosphates and
      nitrates), alone or in combination with salinity among five stations. Based the
      results, it is suggested that the spatial variation in annual cycles of
      functional groups of planktonic ciliates may indicated the changes of
      hydrographic conditions.

PMID- 28073487
TI  - Distribution and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments
      of a typical restored mangrove-aquaculture wetland in Shenzhen, China.
AB  - The restoration of wetlands has attracted the attention in different countries.
      Restored coastal wetlands, especially urban wetlands, are sensitive to external
      pressures. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the efficiency of the restoration of
      coastal wetlands, which benefits their management and functional maintenance. In
      this study, a restored mangrove-aquaculture system in Waterlands Resort at
      Shenzhen was selected for analysis. The distribution and ecological risk
      assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments were investigated. The results
      showed that restoration could effectively decrease the heavy metal concentrations
      in the sediment, while the restored mangrove posed a moderate ecological risk.
      Most of the heavy metal concentrations were higher during the dry season compared
      with the wet season. In addition, during the whole investigation, the sediment
      quality remained failed to achieve the marine sediment criteria required for
      aquaculture in China.

PMID- 28073488
TI  - Plasma mitochondrial DNA levels were independently associated with lung injury in
      elderly hip fracture patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture in the elderly can induce systemic inflammatory
      response (SIRS) and lung injury which increases the risk of lung infection and
      death. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a role in SIRS and lung injury in patients
      with multi-trauma, and also in patients with hip fractures. This study evaluated
      the potential value of plasma mtDNA in the early prognosis of lung injury in
      elderly fracture patients. METHODS: This study enrolled 156 elderly patients with
      intertrochanteric fracture. Plasma mtDNA, IL-6, IL-10, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)
      levels were measured at admission. Sixty-one and 31 patients were diagnosed with
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and lung injury, respectively.
      RESULTS: Plasma mtDNA levels were higher in hip fracture patients compared to
      healthy controls (P<0.001) and significantly higher in the lung injury subgroup
      compared to the lung injury absent subgroup (P<0.001). MtDNA levels were
      correlated with the SIRS score (r=0.446, P<0.001), IL-6 (r=0.506, P<0.001), IL-10
      (r=0.523, P<0.001), and PGE2 (r=0.360, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis
      revealed that plasma mtDNA, IL-6, PGE2 and SIRS score were independent predictors
      of the risk of lung injury. CONCLUSION: Plasma mtDNA release induced by hip
      fracture in elderly patients, might be an early predictor of lung injury in these
      patients.

PMID- 28073489
TI  - Cost comparison of initial lobectomy versus fine-needle aspiration for diagnostic
      workup of thyroid nodules in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Though uncommon in children, pediatric thyroid nodules carry a higher
      risk of malignancy than adult nodules. While fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has
      been well established as the initial diagnostic test in adults, it has been more
      slowly adopted in children. The purpose of this study was to examine the
      comparative cost of FNA versus initial diagnostic lobectomy (DL) in the pediatric
      patient with an ultrasound-confirmed thyroid nodule. METHODS: A decision tree
      model was created using an adolescent with an asymptomatic thyroid nodule as the
      reference case. Probabilities were defined based on review of the pediatric and
      adult literature. Costs were determined from previous literature and the publicly
      available Medicare physician fee schedule. Tornado plot and sensitivity analyses
      were performed to assess sources of cost variation. RESULTS: Using decision
      analysis, FNA was less costly than DL with an estimated cost of $2529 vs. $5680.
      Tornado analysis demonstrated that the probability of an initial indeterminate
      FNA result contributed most to cost variation. On sensitivity analysis, when
      probability of an indeterminate FNA result was increased to 35%, the maximum
      value found in the literature, FNA remained less costly. In Monte Carlo
      simulation set to 10,000 iterations, FNA was superior to DL in 74% of cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this theoretical model based on available literature and costs,
      FNA is less costly than DL for initial diagnostic workup of thyroid nodules in
      children. Securing resources to offer FNA in the work-up of thyroid nodules may
      be financially beneficial to hospitals and patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1
      cost effectiveness study - using reasonable costs and alternatives used in study
      with values obtained from many studies, study used multi-way sensitivity
      analysis.

PMID- 28073490
TI  - Mapping pediatric injuries to target prevention, education, and outreach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initiatives exist to prevent pediatric injuries, but targeting these
      interventions to specific populations is challenging. We hypothesized that
      mapping pediatric injuries by zip code could be used to identify regions
      requiring more interventions and resources. METHODS: We queried the trauma
      registries of two level I trauma centers for children 0-17years of age injured
      between 2009 and 2013 with home zip codes in our state. Maps were created to
      identify outlier zip codes. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified
      predictors within these zip codes. RESULTS: There were 5380 children who resided
      in the state and were admitted for traumatic injuries during the study period,
      with hospital costs totaling more than 200 million dollars. Choropleth mapping of
      patient addresses identified outlier zip codes in our metro area with higher
      incidences of specific mechanisms of injury and greater hospital charges.
      Multivariate analysis identified demographic features associated with higher
      rates of pediatric injuries and hospital charges, to further target
      interventions. CONCLUSIONS: We identified outlier zip codes in our metro area
      with higher frequencies of pediatric injuries and higher costs for treatment.
      These data have helped obtain funding for prevention and education efforts.
      Techniques such as those presented here are becoming more important as evidence
      based public health initiatives expand. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Type of Study: Cost
      Effectiveness, II.

PMID- 28073491
TI  - Gray Matter Neuritic Microstructure Deficits in Schizophrenia and Bipolar
      Disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postmortem studies have demonstrated considerable dendritic
      pathologies among persons with schizophrenia and to some extent among those with
      bipolar I disorder. Modeling gray matter (GM) microstructural properties is now
      possible with a recently proposed diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
      modeling technique: neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging. This
      technique may bridge the gap between neuroimaging and histopathological findings.
      METHODS: We performed an extended series of multishell diffusion-weighted imaging
      and other structural imaging series using 3T magnetic resonance imaging.
      Participants scanned included individuals with schizophrenia (n = 36), bipolar I
      disorder (n = 29), and healthy controls (n = 35). GM-based spatial statistics was
      used to compare neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging-driven
      microstructural measures (orientation dispersion index and neurite density index
      [NDI]) among groups and to assess their relationship with neurocognitive
      performance. We also investigated the accuracy of these measures in the
      prediction of group membership, and whether combining them with cortical
      thickness and white matter fractional anisotropy further improved accuracy.
      RESULTS: The GM-NDI was significantly lower in temporal pole, anterior
      parahippocampal gyrus, and hippocampus of the schizophrenia patients than the
      healthy controls. The GM-NDI of patients with bipolar I disorder did not differ
      significantly from either schizophrenia patients or healthy controls, and it was
      intermediate between the two groups in the post hoc analysis. Regardless of
      diagnosis, higher performance in spatial working memory was significantly
      associated with higher GM-NDI mainly in the frontotemporal areas. The addition of
      GM-NDI to cortical thickness resulted in higher accuracy to predict group
      membership. CONCLUSIONS: GM-NDI captures brain differences in the major psychoses
      that are not accessible with other structural magnetic resonance imaging methods.
      Given the strong association of GM-NDI with disease state and neurocognitive
      performance, its potential utility for biological subtyping should be further
      explored.

PMID- 28073492
TI  - Stress-responsive expression of a glutathione S-transferase (delta) gene in
      waterflea Daphnia magna challenged by microcystin-producing and microcystin-free
      Microcystis aeruginosa.
AB  - Harmful cyanobacterial blooms resulting from eutrophication and global warming
      have emerged as a worldwide environmental concern. Some zooplankton populations,
      including Daphnia, have been shown to adapt locally to microcystin-producing
      Microcystis. Previous in vitro experiments indicate that glutathione-S
      transferase (GST) may act as the first step of detoxification in Daphnia by
      conjugating microcystins (MCs) with glutathione. The GST family is categorized
      into many classes, and different classes present distinct responses to MC
      detoxification. To date, however, the molecular mechanism of single class GST
      participation in buffering the toxic effects of MCs in Daphnia remains poorly
      known. In this study, a full-length delta-GST cDNA of Daphnia magna (Dm-dGST) was
      isolated and characterized through bioinformatics. Differential gene expression
      studies revealed that short-term exposure to microcystin-producing (MP)
      Microcystis aeruginosa increased Dm-dGST transcript levels. By contrast, long
      term exposure to MP or microcystin-free (MF) M. aeruginosa decreased Dm-dGST
      transcript levels. Together with changes in three other antioxidation biomarkers
      (catalase, CuZn- and Mn-superoxide dismutase), it is concluded that Dm-dGST can
      potentially biotransform MCs to reduce their toxicity. The present study
      highlights the importance of Dm-dGST in response to MC toxicity and may thus
      facilitate future research on the molecular mechanisms of MC tolerance in
      zooplankton under an increasing eutrophic world.

PMID- 28073493
TI  - Abiotic variables affect STX concentration in a meso-oligotrophic subtropical
      coastal lake dominated by Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Cyanophyceae).
AB  - The cyanobacterium Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is capable of producing toxins
      including saxitoxin (STX). Few studies have verified the influence of
      environmental variables on the production of STX and most have only been studied
      in the laboratory. The goal of this work was to identify the abiotic variables
      related to STX concentration in situ. The relationship among STX concentration
      and the physical variables, nutrients and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentration was
      examined in a meso-oligotrophic subtropical coastal lake dominated by C.
      raciborskii. A generalized linear model was developed, incorporating all
      variables measured monthly over a 45-month monitoring period. Conductivity and
      dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration provided the greatest
      explanatory power for STX concentration in situ. Previous studies suggested that
      C. raciborskii cells exposed to stress associated with higher ionic
      concentrations appear to activate the biosynthesis of STX suggesting that STX can
      elicit changes cell permeability and may contribute to the homeostasis of this
      organism. An increase of DIN concentration results in a higher concentration of
      STX which may be related to a reduced metabolic demand, since the uptake of
      inorganic nitrogen requires less energy than N2-fixation. Thus, increased DIN can
      favor the growth of C. raciborskii population or improve cellular homeostasis,
      both potentially increasing STX concentration in the aquatic system, which was
      observed through a delayed response pattern. The developed model, while providing
      only a moderate predictive power, can assist in the understanding of the
      environmental variables associated with increases in STX concentration, and in
      monitoring and minimizing the risks of toxic blooms.

PMID- 28073494
TI  - A mutualistic interaction between the bacterium Pseudomonas asplenii and the
      harmful algal species Chattonella marina (Raphidophyceae).
AB  - Several studies on various Chattonella species have reported that bacteria may
      play an important role in Chattonella bloom initiation, however, no studies have
      described how these bacteria promote the growth of C. marina. The interaction
      between C. marina and bacteria was investigated for identification and
      characterization of potential growth-promoting bacteria. In preliminary tests,
      the growth promoting effect of Pseudomonas species (25 strains) was investigated
      and P. asplenii (>=2.27) was determined as a growth-promoting bacteria for both
      C. marina strains (CCMP 2049 and 2050). This bacterium exerted optimal growth
      promoting effects on C. marina, causing an increase in the initial density of P.
      asplenii to approximately 1*107cellsmL-1, which was used as the initial density
      in this study. To determine whether the growth-promoting activity was direct or
      indirect, P. asplenii was incubated in the algal media and then a filtrate of
      this culture was added to both C. marina strains. The P. asplenii filtrate
      stimulated the growth of C. marina and maintained the growth-promoting effects
      after high temperature (121 degrees C for 20min) and pressure (15psi) treatment.
      Thus, P. asplenii is able to promote C. marina growth through the release of a
      heat-resistant substance, such as inorganic nutrients. A nutrient analysis
      indicated that this bacterium elevated the phosphate concentration.
      Interestingly, P. asplenii was unable to survive in phosphate-limited media but
      could grow in phosphate-limited media incubating C. marina. Moreover, this
      bacterium could secrete significantly more phosphate in the presence of C. marina
      (p<0.0001). These results suggested that P. asplenii and C. marina may have a
      mutualistic interaction.

PMID- 28073495
TI  - Influence of nitrogen availability on the expression of genes involved in the
      biosynthesis of saxitoxin and analogs in Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii.
AB  - The development of cyanobacterial blooms in inland aquatic ecosystems is greatly
      promoted by nutrient availability, especially nitrogen and phosphorous. When
      blooms are dominated by toxigenic species the harmful effects of nutrient loading
      becomes particularly relevant. Among toxic species, Cylindrospermopsis
      raciborskii found in South American ecosystems is characterized by the production
      of saxitoxin and analogs (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, PSP), for which the
      factors that trigger their production have not been elucidated. In this study,
      the effect of nitrate availability on the relative transcript abundance of two
      genes (sxtU and sxtI), both involved in different steps of PSP biosynthetic
      pathway, was addressed in C. raciborskii MVCC19 by qPCR. The relative transcript
      abundance of both genes significantly increased from the beginning to the end of
      growth, independent of nitrate availability in the culture medium. Differences
      between the genes in terms of the levels of relative expression were also found,
      implying that during growth in nitrate-rich or nitrate-deprived conditions C.
      raciborskii MVCC19 has the ability to produce different kind of PSP molecules.
      The presence of nifH transcripts in the nitrogen-depleted treatment confirmed
      that in the absence of nitrate C. raciborskii fixed atmospheric N2. Moreover,
      after transferring filaments to nitrate-rich conditions the synthesis of nifH
      mRNA continued for few hours, suggesting that cell adjustments enabling the
      utilization of soluble nitrogen sources are not immediate. Our results show that
      biosynthesis of saxitoxin and analogs in C. raciborskii is not related to nitrate
      availability, but rather is linked to cyanobacteria growth rate.

PMID- 28073497
TI  - Development of a quantitative PCR method to explore the historical occurrence of
      a nuisance microalga under expansion.
AB  - A number of marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom (HAB) species have
      colonized new areas and expanded their habitat range in recent years.
      Nevertheless it is notoriously difficult to establish when colonization first
      occurred, what the dispersal routes are, and to separate recent invasion from
      increases in existent but small populations. The freshwater raphidophyte
      Gonyostomum semen is a nuisance species that has expanded its habitat range and
      increased in abundance in northern Europe during the past decades. To evaluate to
      what extent sediments can be used for determining historic occurrence of G.
      semen, a quantitative real-time PCR method for detecting cysts of this algae was
      developed. This paper presents a qPCR protocol with a set of primers that are
      specific to Gonyostomum and with PCR conditions optimized for sediment samples
      from humic lakes, which are the common habitat of G. semen. With this sensitive
      method as few as 1.6 cysts per PCR reaction could be reliably quantified,
      corresponding to 320 cysts per g wet weight sediment. Cysts were present in
      sediments with ages ranging from years to decades and their persistence allows
      detection of historic populations up to at least 50 years old. With this qPCR
      assay it will be possible to trace the presence of G. semen in environments prior
      to the onset of algae-specific monitoring programs as well as for quantification
      in water column samples.

PMID- 28073496
TI  - The re-eutrophication of Lake Erie: Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
AB  - Lake Erie supplies drinking water to more than 11 million consumers, processes
      millions of gallons of wastewater, provides important species habitat and
      supports a substantial industrial sector, with >$50 billion annual income to
      tourism, recreational boating, shipping, fisheries, and other industries. These
      and other key ecosystem services are currently threatened by an excess supply of
      nutrients, manifested in particular by increases in the magnitude and extent of
      harmful planktonic and benthic algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia. Widespread
      concern for this important international waterbody has been manifested in a
      strong focus of scientific and public material on the subject, and commitments
      for Canada-US remedial actions in recent agreements among Federal, Provincial and
      State agencies. This review provides a retrospective synthesis of past and
      current nutrient inputs, impairments by planktonic and benthic HABs and hypoxia,
      modelling and Best Management Practices in the Lake Erie basin. The results
      demonstrate that phosphorus reduction is of primary importance, but the effects
      of climate, nitrogen and other factors should also be considered in the context
      of adaptive management. Actions to reduce nutrient levels by targeted Best
      Management Practices will likely need to be tailored for soil types, topography,
      and farming practices.

PMID- 28073498
TI  - Cyanotoxins in inland lakes of the United States: Occurrence and potential
      recreational health risks in the EPA National Lakes Assessment 2007.
AB  - A large nation-wide survey of cyanotoxins (1161 lakes) in the United States
      (U.S.) was conducted during the EPA National Lakes Assessment 2007. Cyanotoxin
      data were compared with cyanobacteria abundance- and chlorophyll-based World
      Health Organization (WHO) thresholds and mouse toxicity data to evaluate
      potential recreational risks. Cylindrospermopsins, microcystins, and saxitoxins
      were detected (ELISA) in 4.0, 32, and 7.7% of samples with mean concentrations of
      0.56, 3.0, and 0.061MUg/L, respectively (detections only). Co-occurrence of the
      three cyanotoxin classes was rare (0.32%) when at least one toxin was detected.
      Cyanobacteria were present and dominant in 98 and 76% of samples, respectively.
      Potential anatoxin-, cylindrospermopsin-, microcystin-, and saxitoxin-producing
      cyanobacteria occurred in 81, 67, 95, and 79% of samples, respectively. Anatoxin
      a and nodularin-R were detected (LC/MS/MS) in 15 and 3.7% samples (n=27). The WHO
      moderate and high risk thresholds for microcystins, cyanobacteria abundance, and
      total chlorophyll were exceeded in 1.1, 27, and 44% of samples, respectively.
      Complete agreement by all three WHO microcystin metrics occurred in 27% of
      samples. This suggests that WHO microcystin metrics based on total chlorophyll
      and cyanobacterial abundance can overestimate microcystin risk when compared to
      WHO microcystin thresholds. The lack of parity among the WHO thresholds was
      expected since chlorophyll is common amongst all phytoplankton and not all
      cyanobacteria produce microcystins.

PMID- 28073499
TI  - Physiological and transcriptional responses to inorganic nutrition in a tropical
      Pacific strain of Alexandrium minutum: Implications for the saxitoxin genes and
      toxin production.
AB  - Saxitoxins (STXs) constitute a family of potent sodium channel blocking toxins,
      causative agents of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), and are produced by
      several species of marine dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria. Two STX-core genes,
      sxtA and sxtG, have been well elucidated in Alexandrium but the expression of
      these genes under various nutritional modes in tropical species remains unclear.
      This study investigates the physiological responses of a tropical Pacific strain
      of Alexandrium minutum growing with nitrate or ammonium, and with various
      nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) supply ratios. The transcriptional responses of the
      sxt genes were observed. Likewise, a putative sxtI encoding O
      carbamoyltransferase (herein designated as AmsxtI) was recovered from the
      transcriptomic data, and its expression was investigated. The results revealed
      that the cellular toxin quota (Qt) was higher in P-depleted, nitrate-grown
      cultures. With cultures at similar N:P (<16), cells grown with excess ammonium
      showed a higher Qt than those grown with nitrate. sxtA1 was not expressed under
      any culture conditions, suggesting that this gene might not be involved in STX
      biosynthesis by this strain. Conversely, sxtA4 and sxtG showed positive
      correlations with Qt, and were up-regulated in P-depleted, nitrate-grown cultures
      and with excess ambient ammonium. On the other hand, AmsxtI was expressed only
      when induced by P-depletion, suggesting that this gene may play an important role
      in P-recycling metabolism, while simultaneously enhancing toxin production.

PMID- 28073500
TI  - Initial skill assessment of the California Harmful Algae Risk Mapping (C-HARM)
      system.
AB  - Toxic algal events are an annual burden on aquaculture and coastal ecosystems of
      California. The threat of domoic acid (DA) toxicity to human and wildlife health
      is the dominant harmful algal bloom (HAB) concern for the region, leading to a
      strong focus on prediction and mitigation of these blooms and their toxic
      effects. This paper describes the initial development of the California Harmful
      Algae Risk Mapping (C-HARM) system that predicts the spatial likelihood of blooms
      and dangerous levels of DA using a unique blend of numerical models, ecological
      forecast models of the target group, Pseudo-nitzschia, and satellite ocean color
      imagery. Data interpolating empirical orthogonal functions (DINEOF) are applied
      to ocean color imagery to fill in missing data and then used in a multivariate
      mode with other modeled variables to forecast biogeochemical parameters. Daily
      predictions (nowcast and forecast maps) are run routinely at the Central and
      Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) and posted on its public
      website. Skill assessment of model output for the nowcast data is restricted to
      nearshore pixels that overlap with routine pier monitoring of HABs in California
      from 2014 to 2015. Model lead times are best correlated with DA measured with
      solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) and marine mammal strandings from
      DA toxicosis, suggesting long-term benefits of the HAB predictions to decision
      making. Over the next three years, the C-HARM application system will be
      incorporated into the NOAA operational HAB forecasting system and HAB Bulletin.

PMID- 28073501
TI  - Ecological niche partitioning of the invasive dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum
      and its native congeners in the Baltic Sea.
AB  - This study analyses three decades of the peculiar bloom-formation history of the
      potentially toxic invasive planktonic dinoflagellates Prorocentrum minimum
      (Pavillard) Schiller in the SW Baltic Sea. We tested a research hypothesis that
      the unexpectedly long delay (nearly two decades) in population development of P.
      minimum prior to its first bloom was caused by competition with one or several
      closely related native dinoflagellate species due to ecological niche
      partitioning which hampered the spread and bloom-forming potential of the
      invader. We applied the ecological niche concept to a large, long-term
      phytoplankton database and analysed the invasion history and population dynamics
      of P. minimum in the SW Baltic Sea coastal waters using the data on phytoplankton
      composition, abundance and biomass. The ecological niche dimensions of P. minimum
      and its congener P. balticum were identified as the optimum environmental
      conditions for the species during the bloom events based on water temperature,
      salinity, pH, concentration of nutrients (PO43-; total phosphorus, TP; total
      nitrogen, TN; SiO44-), TN/TP-ratio and habitat type. The data on spatial
      distribution and ecological niche dimensions of P. minimum have contributed to
      the development of the "protistan species maximum concept". High microplankton
      diversity at critical salinities in the Baltic Sea may be considered as a
      possible reason for the significant niche overlap and strong competitive
      interactions among congeners leading to prolonged delay in population growth of
      P. minimum preceding its first bloom in the highly variable brackishwater
      environment.

PMID- 28073502
TI  - Lethal effects of ichthyotoxic raphidophytes, Chattonella marina, C. antiqua, and
      Heterosigma akashiwo, on post-embryonic stages of the Japanese pearl oyster,
      Pinctada fucata martensii.
AB  - The inimical effects of the ichthyotoxic harmful algal bloom (HAB)-forming
      raphidophytes Heterosigma akashiwo, Chattonella marina, and Chattonella antiqua
      on the early-life stages of the Japanese pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii
      were studied. Fertilized eggs and developing embryos were not affected following
      exposure to the harmful raphidophytes; however, all three algal species severely
      affected trochophores and D-larvae, early-stage D-larvae, and late-stage pre
      settling larvae. Exposure to C. marina (5*102cellsml-1), C. antiqua (103cellsml
      1), and H. akashiwo (5*103cellsml-1) resulted in decreased success of
      metamorphosis to the trochophore stage. A complete inhibition of trochophore
      metamorphosis was observed following exposure to C. antiqua at 5*103cellsml-1 and
      C. marina at 8*103cellsml-1. In all experiments, more than 80% of newly formed
      trochophores were anomalous, and in the case of exposure to H. akashiwo at
      105cellsml-1 more than 70% of D-larvae were anomalous. The activity rates of D
      larvae (1-day-old) were significantly reduced following exposure to C. antiqua
      (8*103cellsml-1, 24h), C. marina (8*103cellsml-1, 24h), and H. akashiwo
      (104cellsml-1, 24h). The activity rates of pre-settling larvae (21-day-old) were
      also significantly reduced following exposure to C. antiqua (103cellsml-1,
      24h),C. marina (8*103cellsml-1, 24h), and H. akashiwo (5*104cellsml-1, 24h).
      Significant mortalities of both larval stages were induced by all three
      raphidophytes, with higher mortality rates registered for pre-settling larvae
      than D-larvae, especially following exposure to C. marina (5*102-8*103cellsml-1,
      48-86h) and C. antiqua (103-8*103cellsml-1, 72-86h). Contact between raphidophyte
      cells and newly metamorphosed trochophores and D-larvae, 1-day-old D-larvae, and
      21-day-old larvae resulted in microscopic changes in the raphidophytes, and then,
      in the motile early-life stages of pearl oysters. Upon contact and physical
      disturbance of their cells by larval cilia, H. akashiwo, C. marina and C. antiqua
      became immotile and shed their glycocalyx. The trochophores and larvae were
      observed trapped in a conglomerate of glycocalyx and mucus, most probably a
      mixture of larval mucous and raphidophyte tricosyts and mucocytes. All motile
      stages of pearl oyster larvae showed a typical escape behavior translating into
      increased swimming in an effort to release themselves from the sticky mucous
      traps. The larvae subsequently became exhausted, entrapped in more heavy mucous,
      lost their larval cilia, sank, become immotile, and died. Although other toxic
      mediators could have been involved, the results of the present study indicate
      that all three raphidophytes were harmful only for motile stages of pearl
      oysters, and that the physical disturbance of their cells upon contact with the
      ciliary structures of pearl oyster larvae initiated the harmful mechanism. The
      present study is the first report of lethal effects of harmful Chattonella spp.
      towards larvae of a bivalve mollusc. Blooms of H. akashiwo, C. antiqua and C.
      marina occur in all major cultivation areas of P. fucata martensii during the
      developmental period of their larvae. Therefore, exposure of the motile early
      life stages of Japanese pearl oysters could adversely affect their population
      recruitment. In addition, the present study shows that further research with
      early-life development of pearl oysters and other bivalves could contribute to
      improving the understanding of the controversial harmful mechanisms of
      raphidophytes in marine organisms.

PMID- 28073503
TI  - The fate of cryptophyte cell organelles in the ciliate Mesodinium cf. rubrum
      subjected to starvation.
AB  - Mesodinium rubrum Lohmann is a mixotrophic ciliate and one of the best studied
      species exhibiting acquired phototrophy. To investigate the fate of cryptophyte
      organelles in the ciliate subjected to starvation, we conducted ultrastructural
      studies of a Korean strain of M. cf. rubrum during a 10 week starvation
      experiments. Ingested cells of the cryptophyte Teleaulax amphioxeia were first
      enveloped by ciliate membrane, and then prey organelles, including ejectisomes,
      flagella, basal bodies and flagellar roots, were digested. Over time, prey nuclei
      protruded into the cytoplasm of the ciliate, their size and volume increased, and
      their number decreased, suggesting that the cryptophyte nuclei likely fused with
      each other in the ciliate cytoplasm. At 4 weeks of starvation, M. cf. rubrum
      cells without cryptophyte nuclei started to appear. At 10 weeks of starvation,
      only two M. cf. rubrum cells still possessing a cryptophyte nucleus had
      relatively intact chloroplast-mitochondria complexes (CMCs), while M. cf. rubrum
      cells without cryptophyte nuclei had a few damaged CMCs. This is the first
      ultrastructural study demonstrating that cryptophyte nuclei undergo a dramatic
      change inside M. cf. rubrum in terms of size, shape, and number following their
      acquisition.

PMID- 28073504
TI  - Distribution of Dinophysis species and their association with lipophilic
      phycotoxins in plankton from the Argentine Sea.
AB  - Dinophysis is a cosmopolitan genus of marine dinoflagellates, considered as the
      major proximal source of diarrheic shellfish toxins and the only producer of
      pectenotoxins (PTX). From three oceanographic expeditions carried out during
      autumn, spring and late summer along the Argentine Sea (~38-56 degrees S),
      lipophilic phycotoxins were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in size-fractionated plankton samples. Lipophilic
      toxin profiles were associated with species composition by microscopic analyses
      of toxigenic phytoplankton. Pectenotoxin-2 and PTX-11 were frequently found
      together with the presence of Dinophysis acuminata and Dinophysis tripos. By
      contrast, okadaic acid was rarely detected and only in trace concentrations, and
      dinophysistoxins were not found. The clear predominance of PTX over other
      lipophilic toxins in Dinophysis species from the Argentine Sea is in accordance
      with previous results obtained from north Patagonian Gulfs of the Argentine Sea,
      and from coastal waters of New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and United States.
      Dinophysis caudata was rarely found and it was confined to the north of the
      sampling area. Because of low cell densities, neither D. caudata nor Dinophysis
      norvegica could be biogeographically related to lipophilic toxins in this study.
      Nevertheless, the current identification of D. norvegica in the southern
      Argentine Sea is the first record for the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Given the
      typical toxigenicity of this species on a global scale, this represents an
      important finding for future surveillance of plankton-toxin associations.

PMID- 28073505
TI  - Characterization of akinetes from cyanobacterial strains and lake sediment: A
      study of their resistance and toxic potential.
AB  - Nostocalean cyanobacteria are known to proliferate abundantly in eutrophic
      aquatic ecosystems, and to produce several cyanotoxins, including anatoxin-a. In
      this study, we investigated both the resistance and toxic potential of the
      akinetes (resistant cells), using cyanobacterial cultures and akinetes extracted
      from the sediment of Lake Aydat (France) sampled in the winter and spring. Intact
      and lysed akinetes were differentiated using a double control based on the
      autofluorescence of akinetes and SYTOX-green staining. The percentage of
      resistant akinetes found in several different abiotic stress conditions was
      highly variable, depending on the species and also on the sampling season. Thus,
      the resistance of akinetes and their ability to germinate seems to follow a
      species-specific process, and akinetes can undergo physiologic changes during the
      sedimentary phase of the Nostocale life cycle. This study also revealed the first
      evidence of anatoxin-a genes in akinetes, with anaC and anaF genes detected in
      akinetes from all cyanobacterial producer cultures. The low number of anaC genes,
      almost exclusively detected using nested PCR, in the sediment at Lake Aydat
      suggests a limited but existent past population of toxic Nostocales in this lake.
      Given the key role of akinetes in the annual cycle and subsequent summer
      proliferation, it can be interesting to integrate the surveillance of akinetes in
      the management of lakes exposed to recurrent cyanobacterial blooms.

PMID- 28073506
TI  - Changes in morphological plasticity of Ulva prolifera under different
      environmental conditions: A laboratory experiment.
AB  - The large-scale green tides, consisting mainly of Ulva prolifera, have invaded
      the coastal zones of western Yellow Sea each year since 2008, resulting in
      tremendous impacts on the local environment and economy. A large number of
      studies have been conducted to investigate the physiological traits of U.
      prolifera to explain its dominance in the green tides. However, little has been
      reported regarding the response of U. prolifera to changing environmental factors
      via morphological variation. In our experiments, we found remarkable
      morphological acclimation of U. prolifera to various temperature (20 and 25
      degrees C) and salinity (10, 20, and 30) conditions. U. prolifera had more, but
      shorter branches when they were cultured at lower temperature and salinity
      conditions. To investigate the significance of these morphological variations in
      its acclimation to changes of environmental factors, physiological and
      biochemical traits of U. prolifera grown under different conditions were
      measured. Higher temperature increased the relative growth rate while salinity
      did not affect it. On the other hand, higher temperature did not enhance the net
      photosynthetic rate whilst lower salinity did. The increased net photosynthetic
      rate at lower salinity conditions could be attributed to more photosynthetic
      pigments-chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids-in thalli due to there
      being more branches at lower salinity conditions. Increased numbers of branches
      and thus an increased intensity of thalli may be helpful to protect thalli from
      increased osmotic pressure caused by lower salinity, but it led to more shading.
      In order to capture enough light when being shaded, thalli of U. prolifera
      synthesized more photosynthetic pigments at lower salinity levels. In addition,
      higher temperature increased nitrate reductase activity and soluble protein
      content but variations in salinity did not impose any effect on them. Our results
      demonstrate conclusively that U. prolifera can acclimatize in the laboratory to
      the changes of environmental factors (salinity and temperature) by morphology
      driven physiological and biochemical variation. We suggest that the morphological
      plasticity of U. prolifera may be an important factor for it to outcompete other
      algal species in a changing ocean.

PMID- 28073507
TI  - Evidence of freshwater algal toxins in marine shellfish: Implications for human
      and aquatic health.
AB  - The occurrence of freshwater harmful algal bloom toxins impacting the coastal
      ocean is an emerging threat, and the potential for invertebrate prey items to
      concentrate toxin and cause harm to human and wildlife consumers is not yet fully
      recognized. We examined toxin uptake and release in marine mussels for both
      particulate and dissolved phases of the hepatotoxin microcystin, produced by the
      freshwater cyanobacterial genus Microcystis. We also extended our experimental
      investigation of particulate toxin to include oysters (Crassostrea sp.) grown
      commercially for aquaculture. California mussels (Mytilus californianus) and
      oysters were exposed to Microcystis and microcystin toxin for 24h at varying
      concentrations, and then were placed in constantly flowing seawater and sampled
      through time simulating riverine flushing events to the coastal ocean. Mussels
      exposed to particulate microcystin purged the toxin slowly, with toxin detectable
      for at least 8 weeks post-exposure and maximum toxin of 39.11ng/g after exposure
      to 26.65MUg/L microcystins. Dissolved toxin was also taken up by California
      mussels, with maximum concentrations of 20.74ng/g after exposure to 7.74MUg/L
      microcystin, but was purged more rapidly. Oysters also took up particulate toxin
      but purged it more quickly than mussels. Additionally, naturally occurring marine
      mussels collected from San Francisco Bay tested positive for high levels of
      microcystin toxin. These results suggest that ephemeral discharge of Microcystis
      or microcystin to estuaries and the coastal ocean accumulate in higher trophic
      levels for weeks to months following exposure.

PMID- 28073508
TI  - Mixotrophic ability of the phototrophic dinoflagellates Alexandrium andersonii,
      A. affine, and A. fraterculus.
AB  - The dinoflagellate Alexandrium spp. have received much attention due to their
      harmful effects on diverse marine organisms, including commercially important
      species. For minimizing loss due to red tides or blooms of Alexandrium spp., it
      is very important to understand the eco-physiology of each Alexandrium species
      and to predict its population dynamics. Its trophic mode (i.e., exclusively
      autotrophic or mixotrophic) is one of the most critical parameters in
      establishing prediction models. However, among the 35 Alexandrium species so far
      described, only six Alexandrium species have been revealed to be mixotrophic.
      Thus, mixotrophic ability of the other Alexandrium species should be explored. In
      the present study, whether each of three Alexandrium species (A. andersonii, A.
      affine, and A. fraterculus) isolated from Korean waters has or lacks mixotrophic
      ability, was investigated. When diets of diverse algal prey, cyanobacteria, and
      bacteria sized micro-beads were provided, A. andersonii was able to feed on the
      prasinophyte Pyramimonas sp., the cryptophyte Teleaulax sp., and the
      dinoflagellate Heterocapsa rotundata, whereas neither A. affine nor A.
      fraterculus fed on any prey item. Moreover, mixotrophy elevated the growth rate
      of A. andersonii. The maximum mixotrophic growth rates of A. andersonii on
      Pyramimonas sp. under a 14:10h light/dark cycle of 20MUEm-2s-1 was 0.432d-1,
      while the autotrophic growth rate was 0.243d-1. With increasing mean prey
      concentration, the ingestion rate of A. andersonii increased rapidly at prey
      concentrations <650ngCml-1 (ca. 16,240 cellsml-1), but became saturated at the
      higher prey concentrations. The maximum ingestion rate by A. andersonii of
      Pyramimonas sp. was 1.03ngC predator-1d-1 (25.6 cells predator-1d-1). This
      evidence suggests that the mixotrophic ability of A. andersonii should be taken
      into consideration in predicting the outbreak, persistence, and decline of its
      harmful algal blooms.

PMID- 28073509
TI  - Harmful effects of Dinophysis to the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum: Implications for
      prey capture.
AB  - Toxigenic Dinophysis spp. are obligate mixotrophic dinoflagellates that require a
      constant supply of prey-Mesodinium rubrum-to achieve long-term growth by means of
      kleptoplasty. Mesodinium rubrum is, however, a fast moving, jumping ciliate
      exhibiting an effective escape response from suspensivorous predators. In the
      present study, a series of laboratory experiments evaluating the motility and
      survival of M. rubrum in the presence of Dinophysis cells and/or substances
      contained in their culture medium was designed, in order to assess the mechanisms
      involved in prey capture by Dinophysis spp. Cell abundance of M. rubrum decreased
      in the presence of Dinophysis cf. ovum cells producing okadaic acid (OA; up to
      7.94+/-2.67pgcell-1) and smaller amounts of dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1) and
      pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2). Prey capture was often observed after the ciliate had
      been attached to adhesive "mucus traps", which only appeared in the presence of
      Dinophysis cells. Before being attached to the mucus traps, M. rubrum cells
      reduced significantly their swimming frequency (from ~41 to 19+/-3 jumps min-1)
      after only 4h of initial contact with D. cf. ovum cells. M. rubrum survival was
      not affected in contact with purified OA, DTX-1 and PTX-2 solutions, but
      decreased significantly when the ciliate was exposed to cell-free or filtered
      culture medium from both D. cf. ovum and D. caudata, the latter containing
      moderate concentrations of free eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.
      The results thus indicate that Dinophysis combines the release of toxic compounds
      other than shellfish toxins, possibly free PUFAs, and a "mucus trap" to enhance
      its prey capture success by immobilizing and subsequently arresting M. rubrum
      cells.

PMID- 28073510
TI  - Tracing the origin of green macroalgal blooms based on the large scale spatio
      temporal distribution of Ulva microscopic propagules and settled mature Ulva
      vegetative thalli in coastal regions of the Yellow Sea, China.
AB  - From 2008 to 2016, massive floating green macroalgal blooms occurred annually
      during the summer months in the Yellow Sea. The original source of these blooms
      was traced based on the spatio-temporal distribution and species composition of
      Ulva microscopic propagules and settled Ulva vegetative thalli monthly from
      December 2012 to May 2013 in the Yellow Sea. High quantities of Ulva microscopic
      propagules in both the water column and sediments were found in the Pyropia
      aquaculture area along the Jiangsu coast before a green macroalgal bloom appeared
      in the Yellow Sea. The abundance of Ulva microscopic propagules was significantly
      lower in outer areas compared to in Pyropia aquaculture areas. A molecular
      phylogenetic analysis suggested that Ulva prolifera microscopic propagules were
      the dominant microscopic propagules present during the study period. The
      extremely low biomass of settled Ulva vegetative thalli along the coast indicated
      that somatic cells of settled Ulva vegetative thalli did not provide a propagule
      bank for the green macroalgal blooms in the Yellow Sea. The results of this study
      provide further supporting evidence that the floating green macroalgal blooms
      originate from green macroalgae attached to Pyropia aquaculture rafts along the
      Jiangsu coastline of the southern Yellow Sea.

PMID- 28073511
TI  - The importance of patient safety.

PMID- 28073512
TI  - Importance of GAP anion in the absence of clinical information: Description of
      one clinical case of severe oral methanol poisoning.

PMID- 28073513
TI  - A fatal drug interaction.

PMID- 28073514
TI  - Erratum to "Clinical consequences of using the new cardiovascular risk tables
      SCORE OP in patients aged over 65 years".

PMID- 28073515
TI  - Sentinel node in lung cancer.

PMID- 28073516
TI  - Early diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis by means of a transverse carpal ligament
      biopsy carried out during carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The systematic analysis of a carpal transverse
      ligament (CTL) sample obtained during routine carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
      surgery may constitute a method of early diagnosis for systemic amyloidosis.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study carried out on 147 consecutive CTL
      samples collected from patients intervened for CTS at the University Hospital of
      Leon from April 2006 to May 2007. In those cases in which amyloid deposition was
      observed in the CTL sample, the study was completed with a fine needle aspiration
      biopsy (FNAB) of the subcutaneous fascia, using the Red Congo stain in both
      cases. Positive cases were referred to the Internal Medicine and/or Hematology
      departments, and their evolution was monitored for up to 8 years. RESULTS: CTL
      amyloid deposition was observed in 29 patients (19.7%), with a FNAB only being
      performed in 19 of them (65.5%). The test was positive in 11 cases (57.9%), and 4
      patients in this subgroup (3% of the total) developed events attributable to
      amyloidosis over the following 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: A CTL routine biopsy carried
      out during CTS surgery may anticipate the systemic amyloidosis diagnosis.

PMID- 28073517
TI  - Predictive factors of long-term colorectal cancer survival after ultrasound
      controlled ablation of hepatic metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The risk factors associated to long-term survival were
      assessed in patients with liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma undergoing
      ablative therapies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-centre cohort study,
      retrospectively analysed and prospectively collected consecutive patients with
      unresectable metastatic liver disease of colorectal carcinoma treated with
      ablative therapies between 1996 and 2013. Factors associated with survival time
      were identified using Cox's proportional hazard model with time-dependent
      covariates. A forward variable selection based on Akaike information criterion
      was performed. Relative risk and 95% confidence intervals for each factor were
      calculated. Statistical significance was set as P<.05. RESULTS: Seventy-five
      patients with liver metastases of colorectal cancer, with a mean age of 65.6
      (10.3) underwent 106 treatments. Variables selected were good quality of life (RR
      0.308, 95% CI 0.150-0.632) and tumour extension (RR 3.070, 95% CI 1.776-5.308).
      The median overall survival was 18.5 months (95% CI 17.4-24.4). The survival
      prognosis in median was 13.5 vs. 23.4 months for patients with and without tumour
      extension, and 23.0 vs. 12.8 months for patients with good and fair or poor
      quality of life, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Good quality of life and tumour
      extension were the only statistically significant predictors of long-term
      survival in patients of colorectal carcinoma with liver metastatic disease
      undergoing ablative treatment with ultrasound.

PMID- 28073518
TI  - Antisynthetase syndrome. Multidisciplinary evaluation and comittment.

PMID- 28073519
TI  - Erratum to "Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism vs. progressive osseous heteroplasia
      in absence of family history".

PMID- 28073520
TI  - Livedo reticularis in the legs.

PMID- 28073521
TI  - Current status of iron metabolism: Clinical and therapeutic implications.
AB  - Hepcidin is the main regulator of iron metabolism and a pathogenic factor in iron
      disorders. Hepcidin deficiency causes iron overload, whereas hepcidin excess
      causes or contributes to the development of iron-restricted anaemia in chronic
      inflammatory diseases. We know the mechanisms involved in the synthesis of
      hepcidin and, under physiological conditions, there is a balance between
      activating signals and inhibitory signals that regulate its synthesis. The former
      include those related to plasmatic iron level and also those related to chronic
      inflammatory diseases. The most important inhibitory signals are related to
      active erythropoiesis and to matriptase-2. Knowing how hepcidin is synthesised
      has helped design new pharmacological treatments whose main target is the
      hepcidin. In the near future, there will be effective treatments aimed at
      correcting the defect of many of these iron metabolism disorders.

PMID- 28073522
TI  - Antisynthetase syndrome: Analysis of 11 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) is characterised by a series of
      clinical manifestations such as myositis, fever, mechanic's hands and diffuse
      interstitial lung disease (ILD), all associated with positivity to antisynthetase
      antibodies. The presence of ILD will be that, to a great extent it will mark the
      response to treatment and prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven cases of
      patients with ASS and pulmonary involvement in monitoring at a Pulmonary
      monographic consult in a third level hospital consult are described. RESULTS:
      Nine patients presented positivity to anti-Jo antibody and 2 to anti-PL12. Four
      patients' HRCT pattern showed NSIP, four UIP, one COP and 2 ground-glass opacity.
      A percentage of 73 were accompanied by bronchiectasis and bronchiolectasis and
      27% honeycombing. Functional exploration was mainly affected by DLCO with up to
      45% of the positive walking test. Corticodependence is highlighted, often
      requiring immunosuppressive treatment both chronically and in exacerbations. All
      patients maintain good prognosis so far. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with interstitial
      lung disease should have at least a determination of antisynthetase antibodies in
      order to identify this disease, better prognosis than other interstitial diseases
      such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 28073523
TI  - Metabolic and physiological changes in Prymnesium parvum when grown under, and
      grazing on prey of, variable nitrogen:phosphorus stoichiometry.
AB  - Mixotrophy is found in almost all classes of phytoplankton in a wide range of
      aquatic habitats ranging from oligotrophic to eutrophic marine and freshwater
      systems. Few studies have addressed how the nutritional status of the predator
      and/or the prey affects mixotrophic metabolism despite the realization that
      mixotrophy is important ecologically. Laboratory experiments were conducted to
      examine changes in growth rates and physiological states of the toxic haptophyte
      Prymnesium parvum when fed Rhodomonas salina of varying nutritional status.
      Haemolytic activity of P. parvum and prey mortality of R. salina were also
      measured. P. parvum cultures grown to be comparatively low in nitrogen (low-N),
      phosphorus (low-P) or low in both nutrients (low-NP) were mixed with low-NP, low
      N, and low-P R. salina in all possible combinations, i.e., a 3*3 factorial
      design. N deficiency was obtained in the low-N cultures, while true P deficiency
      may not have been obtained in the low-P cultures. Mortality rates of R. salina
      (both due to ingestion and/or cell rupture as a function of grazing or toxic
      effects) were higher when R. salina cells were low-P, N-rich, regardless of the
      nutritional state of P. parvum. Mortality rates were, however, directly related
      to the initial prey:predator cell ratios. On the other hand, growth of the
      predator was a function of nutritional status and a significant positive
      correlation was observed between growth rates of P. parvum and cell-specific
      depletion rates of N, whereas no such relationship was found between P. parvum
      growth rates and depletion rates of P. In addition, the greatest changes in
      chlorophyll content and stoichiometric ratios of P. parvum were observed in high
      N:P conditions. Therefore, P. parvum may show enhanced success under conditions
      of higher inorganic N:P, which are likely favored in the future due to increases
      in eutrophication and altered nutrient stoichiometry driven by anthropogenic
      nutrient loads that are increasingly enriched in N relative to P.

PMID- 28073524
TI  - Distribution, occurrence and biotoxin composition of the main shellfish toxin
      producing microalgae within European waters: A comparison of methods of analysis.
AB  - Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a natural global phenomena emerging in severity
      and extent. Incidents have many economic, ecological and human health impacts.
      Monitoring and providing early warning of toxic HABs are critical for protecting
      public health. Current monitoring programmes include measuring the number of
      toxic phytoplankton cells in the water and biotoxin levels in shellfish tissue.
      As these efforts are demanding and labour intensive, methods which improve the
      efficiency are essential. This study compares the utilisation of a multitoxin
      surface plasmon resonance (multitoxin SPR) biosensor with enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and analytical methods such as high performance
      liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for toxic HAB monitoring
      efforts in Europe. Seawater samples (n=256) from European waters, collected 2009
      2011, were analysed for biotoxins: saxitoxin and analogues, okadaic acid and
      dinophysistoxins 1/2 (DTX1/DTX2) and domoic acid responsible for paralytic
      shellfish poisoning (PSP), diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP) and amnesic
      shellfish poisoning (ASP), respectively. Biotoxins were detected mainly in
      samples from Spain and Ireland. France and Norway appeared to have the lowest
      number of toxic samples. Both the multitoxin SPR biosensor and the RNA microarray
      were more sensitive at detecting toxic HABs than standard light microscopy
      phytoplankton monitoring. Correlations between each of the detection methods were
      performed with the overall agreement, based on statistical 2*2 comparison tables,
      between each testing platform ranging between 32% and 74% for all three toxin
      families illustrating that one individual testing method may not be an ideal
      solution. An efficient early warning monitoring system for the detection of toxic
      HABs could therefore be achieved by combining both the multitoxin SPR biosensor
      and RNA microarray.

PMID- 28073525
TI  - Delineation of the role of nutrient variability and dreissenids (Mollusca,
      Bivalvia) on phytoplankton dynamics in the Bay of Quinte, Ontario, Canada.
AB  - The Bay of Quinte, a Z-shaped embayment at the northeastern end of Lake Ontario,
      has a long history of eutrophication problems primarily manifested as spatially
      extensive algal blooms and predominance of toxic cyanobacteria. The purpose of
      this study was to identify the structural changes of the phytoplankton community
      induced by two environmental alterations: point-source phosphorus (P) loading
      reduction in the late 1970s and establishment of dreissenid mussels in the mid
      1990s. A combination of statistical techniques was used to draw inference about
      compositional shifts of the phytoplankton assemblage, the consistency of the
      seasonal succession patterns along with the mechanisms underlying the algal
      biovolume variability in the Bay of Quinte over the past three decades. Based on
      a number of diversity and similarity indices, the algal assemblages in the upper
      and middle segments of the Bay are distinctly different from those typically
      residing in the outer segments. Our analysis also identified significant
      differences among the phytoplankton communities, representing the pre- and post-P
      control as well as the pre- and post-dreissenid invasion periods. Recent shifts
      in phytoplankton community composition were mainly associated with increased
      frequency of occurrence of toxin-producing Microcystis outbreaks and reduced
      biovolume of N2 fixers, such as Aphanizomenon and Anabaena. Bayesian hierarchical
      models were developed to elucidate the importance of different abiotic factors
      (light attenuation, water temperature, phosphorus, and ammonium) on total
      cyanobacteria, Microcystis, Aphanizomenon, and Anabaena relative biovolume. Our
      modelling exercise suggests that there is significant spatial heterogeneity with
      respect to the role of the factors examined, and thus total phosphorus alone
      cannot always explain the year-to-year variability of cyanobacteria succession
      patterns in the system. The lessons learned from the present analysis will be
      helpful to the water quality criteria setting process and could influence the
      management decisions in order to delist the system as an Area of Concern.

PMID- 28073526
TI  - Prevalence of algal toxins in Alaskan marine mammals foraging in a changing
      arctic and subarctic environment.
AB  - Current climate trends resulting in rapid declines in sea ice and increasing
      water temperatures are likely to expand the northern geographic range and
      duration of favorable conditions for harmful algal blooms (HABs), making algal
      toxins a growing concern in Alaskan marine food webs. Two of the most common HAB
      toxins along the west coast of North America are the neurotoxins domoic acid (DA)
      and saxitoxin (STX). Over the last 20 years, DA toxicosis has caused significant
      illness and mortality in marine mammals along the west coast of the USA, but has
      not been reported to impact marine mammals foraging in Alaskan waters. Saxitoxin,
      the most potent of the paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins, has been well
      documented in shellfish in the Aleutians and Gulf of Alaska for decades and
      associated with human illnesses and deaths due to consumption of toxic clams.
      There is little information regarding exposure of Alaskan marine mammals. Here,
      the spatial patterns and prevalence of DA and STX exposure in Alaskan marine
      mammals are documented in order to assess health risks to northern populations
      including those species that are important to the nutritional, cultural, and
      economic well-being of Alaskan coastal communities. In this study, 905 marine
      mammals from 13 species were sampled including; humpback whales, bowhead whales,
      beluga whales, harbor porpoises, northern fur seals, Steller sea lions, harbor
      seals, ringed seals, bearded seals, spotted seals, ribbon seals, Pacific
      walruses, and northern sea otters. Domoic acid was detected in all 13 species
      examined and had the greatest prevalence in bowhead whales (68%) and harbor seals
      (67%). Saxitoxin was detected in 10 of the 13 species, with the highest
      prevalence in humpback whales (50%) and bowhead whales (32%). Pacific walruses
      contained the highest concentrations of both STX and DA, with DA concentrations
      similar to those detected in California sea lions exhibiting clinical signs of DA
      toxicosis (seizures) off the coast of Central California, USA. Forty-six
      individual marine mammals contained detectable concentrations of both toxins
      emphasizing the potential for combined exposure risks. Additionally, fetuses from
      a beluga whale, a harbor porpoise and a Steller sea lion contained detectable
      concentrations of DA documenting maternal toxin transfer in these species. These
      results provide evidence that HAB toxins are present throughout Alaska waters at
      levels high enough to be detected in marine mammals and have the potential to
      impact marine mammal health in the Arctic marine environment.

PMID- 28073527
TI  - New scenario for speciation in the benthic dinoflagellate genus Coolia
      (Dinophyceae).
AB  - In this study, inter- and intraspecific genetic diversity within the marine
      harmful dinoflagellate genus Coolia Meunier was evaluated using isolates obtained
      from the tropics to subtropics in both Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins. The aim
      was to assess the phylogeographic history of the genus and to clarify the
      validity of established species including Coolia malayensis. Phylogenetic
      analysis of the D1-D2 LSU rDNA sequences identified six major lineages (L1-L6)
      corresponding to the morphospecies Coolia malayensis (L1), C. monotis (L2), C.
      santacroce (L3), C. palmyrensis (L4), C. tropicalis (L5), and C. canariensis
      (L6). A median joining network (MJN) of C. malayensis ITS2 rDNA sequences
      revealed a total of 16 haplotypes; however, no spatial genetic differentiation
      among populations was observed. These MJN results in conjunction with CBC
      analysis, rDNA phylogenies and geographical distribution analyses confirm C.
      malayensis as a distinct species which is globally distributed in the tropical to
      warm-temperate regions. A molecular clock analysis using ITS2 rDNA revealed the
      evolutionary history of Coolia dated back to the Mesozoic, and supports the
      hypothesis that historical vicariant events in the early Cenozoic drove the
      allopatric differentiation of C. malayensis and C. monotis.

PMID- 28073528
TI  - Use of cholinesterase activity as an ecotoxicological marker to assess anatoxin
      a(s) exposure: Responses of two cladoceran species belonging to contrasting
      geographical regions.
AB  - The specificity of cholinesterase (ChE) activity to detect the presence of
      anatoxin-a(s) and sublethal effects of a 7-day exposure to Anabaena spiroides
      extract containing anatoxin-a(s) were assessed in two freshwater cladoceran
      species. Activities of ChE of both Pseudosida ramosa and Daphnia magna can be
      used to indicate the presence of the neurotoxin anatoxin-a(s), but not for the
      hepatotoxic microcystin. Activity of ChE of P. ramosa, however, performed better
      as a biomarker of exposure to A. spiroides than that of D. magna. Furthermore,
      sublethal exposure to A. spiroides extract significantly inhibited the ChE
      activity in P. ramosa and negatively affected both individual and population
      endpoints. For D. magna, the inhibition of ChE activity was not related to
      effects at higher levels of biological organization, since no direct effect was
      recorded on the individual and population endpoints. The activity of ChE in P.
      ramosa also proved to be a good predictor of chronic effects of the A. spiroides
      extract at higher levels of biological organization, since 48-h ChE inhibition
      was linked to the sublethal effects on the individual and population. These
      relationships could not be established for D. magna. Since relationships between
      the effects of A. spiroides extract at different levels of biological
      organization were species-specific, it can be concluded that the choice of test
      organism interferes with the accuracy of the environment risk assessment of this
      neurotoxin and, hence, the use of native species is recommended for its
      assessment.

PMID- 28073529
TI  - Seasonality and toxin production of Pyrodinium bahamense in a Red Sea lagoon.
AB  - Harmful algal blooms of the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense have caused human
      and economic losses in the last decades. This study, for the first time,
      documents a bloom of P. bahamense in the Red Sea. The alga was recurrently
      present in a semi-enclosed lagoon throughout nearly 2 years of observations. The
      highest cell densities (104-105cellsL-1) were recorded from September to
      beginning of December at temperatures and salinities of ~26-32 degrees C and ~41,
      respectively. The peak of the bloom was recorded mid-November, before a sharp
      decrease in cell numbers at the end of December. Minimum concentrations in summer
      were at ~103cellsL-1. A saxitoxin ELISA immunoassay of cultures and water samples
      confirmed the toxicity of the strain found in the Red Sea. Moreover, a gene
      expression analysis of the saxitoxin gene domain SxtA4 showed that transcript
      production peaked at the culmination of the bloom, suggesting a relation between
      transcript production, sudden cells increment-decline, and environmental factors.

PMID- 28073530
TI  - Variation in the abundance of Pseudo-nitzschia and domoic acid with surf zone
      type.
AB  - Most harmful algal blooms (HAB) originate away from the shore and, for them to
      endanger human health, they must be first transported to shore after which they
      must enter the surf zone where they can be feed upon by filter feeders. The last
      step in this sequence, entrance into the surf zone, depends on surf zone
      hydrodynamics. During two 30-day periods, we sampled Pseudo-nitzschia and
      particulate domoic acid (pDA) in and offshore of a more dissipative surf zone at
      Sand City, California (2010) and sampled Pseudo-nitzschia in and out of
      reflective surf zones at a beach and rocky shores at Carmel River State Beach,
      California (2011). At Sand City, we measured domoic acid in sand crabs, Emerita
      analoga. In the more dissipative surf zone, concentrations of Pseudo-nitzschia
      and pDA were an order of magnitude higher in samples from a rip current than in
      samples collected just seaward of the surf zone and were 1000 times more abundant
      than in samples from the shoals separating rip currents. Domoic acid was present
      in all the Emerita samples and varied directly with the concentration of pDA and
      Pseudo-nitzschia in the rip current. In the more reflective surf zones, Pseudo
      nitzschia concentrations were 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than in samples from
      125 and 20m from shore. Surf zone hydrodynamics affects the ingress of Pseudo
      nitzschia into surf zones and the exposure of intertidal organisms to HABs on the
      inner shelf.

PMID- 28073531
TI  - Effects of the bloom of harmful benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata on
      the microphytobenthos community in the northern Adriatic Sea.
AB  - Composition and temporal variation of the microphytobenthos communities of the
      Conero Riviera (northern Adriatic Sea) were investigated in the course of an
      annual cycle, focusing on their relationships with blooms of the benthic
      dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata. Sampling was carried out from March 2009 to
      March 2010 on undisturbed benthic substrata (macroalgae and pebbles). Samples for
      the study of microphytobenthos were collected with a monthly frequency, while
      those for the study of Ostreopsis bloom weekly. Benthic diatoms dominated the
      microphytobenthos communities for most of the annual cycle (except the summer),
      both in terms of abundance and biomass. In summer, cyanobacteria were dominant
      (54.04+/-9.18 and 24.29+/-11.11% of total abundance and biomass, respectively),
      while benthic dinoflagellates were an important component of the community in
      terms of biomass only at the peak of the Ostreopsis bloom in late summer (up to
      91% of the total biomass). Among diatoms, the most abundant forms throughout the
      year were motile species (77.5+/-3.71% of the population), while erect diatoms
      formed the majority of the biomass in winter and spring (48.66+/-16.66 and
      48.05+/-5.56% of total population, respectively). Diatoms were mainly affected by
      DIN availability, while the patterns of biomass of O. cf. ovata and cyanobacteria
      were related to salinity and temperature. The biomass of Ostreopsis was also
      affected by the availability of phosphorus. The results of this study suggest
      that the proliferation of Ostreopsis affected the structure of the benthic diatom
      community: motile diatoms were significantly more abundant during the Ostreopsis
      bloom peak than during the rest of summer, probably because they benefited from
      the abundant mucilaginous mat covering the benthic substrata. In the course of
      the O. cf. ovata bloom the diversity of the microphytobenthos was significantly
      lower than during the rest of the year, suggesting an influence of both the
      shading produced by the mucous mat and allelopathic compounds possibly produced
      by O. cf. ovata.

PMID- 28073532
TI  - Toxigenic algae and associated phycotoxins in two coastal embayments in the Ebro
      Delta (NW Mediterranean).
AB  - Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) surveillance is complicated by high diversity of
      species and associated phycotoxins. Such species-level information on taxonomic
      affiliations and on cell abundance and toxin content is, however, crucial for
      effective monitoring, especially of aquaculture and fisheries areas. The aim
      addressed in this study was to determine putative HAB taxa and related
      phycotoxins in plankton from aquaculture sites in the Ebro Delta, NW
      Mediterranean. The comparative geographical distribution of potentially harmful
      plankton taxa was established by weekly field sampling throughout the water
      column during late spring-early summer over two years at key stations in Alfacs
      and Fangar embayments within the Ebro Delta. Core results included not only
      confirmed identification of HAB taxa that are common for the time period and
      geographical area, but also provided evidence of potentially new taxa. At least
      25 HAB taxa were identified to species level, and an additional six genera were
      confirmed, by morphological criteria under light microscopy and/or by molecular
      genetics approaches involving qPCR and next generation DNA pyrosequencing. In
      particular, new insights were gained by the inclusion of molecular techniques,
      which focused attention on the HAB genera Alexandrium, Karlodinium, and Pseudo
      nitzschia. Noteworthy is the discovery of Azadinium sp., a potentially new HAB
      species for this area, and Gymnodinium catenatum or Gymnodinium impudicum by
      means of light microscopy. In addition, significant amounts of the neurotoxin
      domoic acid (DA) were found for the first time in phytoplankton samples in the
      Ebro Delta. While the presence of the known DA-producing diatom genus Pseudo
      nitzschia was confirmed in corresponding samples, the maximal toxin concentration
      did not coincide with highest cell abundances of the genus and the responsible
      species could not be identified. Combined findings of microscopic and molecular
      detection approaches underline the need for a synoptic strategy for HAB
      monitoring, which integrates the respective advantages and compensates for
      limitations of individual methods.

PMID- 28073533
TI  - Effects of N and P availability on carbon allocation in the toxic dinoflagellate
      Ostreopsis cf. ovata.
AB  - Blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata are usually associated
      with shallow and calm coastal waters, characterized by low nutrient
      concentrations. The algal cells typically cover the benthic substrates, such as
      the macroalgal and invertebrate communities and rocks, forming a mucilaginous
      film. Data reported on O. cf. ovata toxin production observed under both field
      and culture conditions show high variability in terms of toxic profile and
      cellular content; little is known about the environmental and physiological
      aspects which regulate the toxin dynamics. In this study, O. cf. ovata physiology
      was investigated using batch cultures supplied with nutrient concentrations
      similar to those found in the Adriatic Sea during the recurrent blooms and the
      observed cellular dynamics were compared with those found in a culture grown
      under optimal conditions, used as a reference. Data on the cellular C, N and P
      content during the growth highlighted a possible important role of the cellular
      nutritional status in regulating the toxin production that resulted to be
      promoted under specific intervals of the C:N and C:P ratios. The variable
      toxicity found for O. cf. ovata in various geographic areas could be related to
      the different in situ prevalent environmental conditions (e.g., nutrient
      concentrations) which affect the cellular elemental composition and carbon
      allocation. The obtained results strongly suggest that in the environment toxin
      production is steadily sustained by a low and constant nutrient supply, able to
      maintain appropriate cellular C:N (>12) or C:P (>170) ratios for a long period.
      These results explain to some extent the variability in toxicity and growth
      dynamics observed in blooms occurring in the different coastal areas.

PMID- 28073534
TI  - Turbulence increases the risk of microcystin exposure in a eutrophic lake (Lake
      Taihu) during cyanobacterial bloom periods.
AB  - Toxic cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) have posed serious water
      use and public health threats because of the toxins they produce, such as the
      microcystins (MCs). The direct physical effects of turbulence on MCs, however,
      have not yet been addressed and is still poorly elucidated. In this study, a 6
      day mesocosm experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of wind wave
      turbulence on the competition of toxic Microcystis and MCs production in highly
      eutrophicated and turbulent Lake Taihu, China. Under turbulent conditions, MCs
      concentrations (both total and extracellular) significantly increased and reached
      a maximum level 3.4 times higher than in calm water. Specifically, short term (~3
      days) turbulence favored the growth of toxic Microcystis species, allowing for
      the accumulation of biomass which also triggered the increase in MCs toxicity.
      Moreover, intense turbulence raises the shear stress and could cause cell
      mechanical damage or cellular lysis resulting in cell breakage and leakage of
      intracellular materials including the toxins. The results indicate that short
      term (~3 days) turbulence is beneficial for MCs production and release, which
      increase the potential exposure of aquatic organisms and humans. This study
      suggests that the importance of water turbulence in the competition of toxic
      Microcystis and MCs production, and provides new perspectives for control of
      toxin in CyanoHABs-infested lakes.

PMID- 28073535
TI  - New oxylipins produced at the end of a diatom bloom and their effects on copepod
      reproductive success and gene expression levels.
AB  - Diatoms are dominant photosynthetic organisms in the world's oceans and are
      considered essential in the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels. However,
      these unicellular organisms produce secondary metabolites deriving from the
      oxidation of fatty acids, collectively termed oxylipins, with negative effects on
      predators, such as copepods, that feed on them (e.g. reduction in survival, egg
      production and hatching success) and, indirectly, on higher trophic levels. Here,
      a multidisciplinary study (oxylipin measurements, copepod fitness, gene
      expression analyses, chlorophyll distribution, phytoplankton composition, physico
      chemical characteristics) was carried out at the end of the spring diatom bloom
      in April 2011 in the Northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea) in order to deeply
      investigate copepod-diatom interactions, chemical communication and response
      pathways. The results show that the transect with the lowest phytoplankton
      abundance had the lowest copepod egg production and hatching success, but the
      highest oxylipin concentrations. In addition, copepods in both the analyzed
      transects showed increased expression levels of key stress-related genes (e.g.
      heat-shock proteins, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, aldehyde dehydrogenase)
      compared to control laboratory conditions where copepods were fed with the
      dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum which does not produce any oxylipins. New
      oxylipins that have never been reported before for microalgae are described for
      the first time, giving new insights into the complex nature of plant-animal
      signaling and communication pathways at sea. This is also the first study
      providing insights on the copepod response during a diatom bloom at the molecular
      level.

PMID- 28073536
TI  - Microelectrode array (MEA) platform as a sensitive tool to detect and evaluate
      Ostreopsis cf. ovata toxicity.
AB  - In the last decade, the occurrence of harmful dinoflagellate blooms of the genus
      Ostreopsis has increased both in frequency and in geographic distribution with
      adverse impacts on public health and the economy. Ostreopsis species are
      producers of palytoxin-like toxins (putative palytoxin and ovatoxins) which are
      among the most potent natural non-protein compounds known to date, exhibiting
      extreme toxicity in mammals, including humans. Most existing toxicological data
      are derived from in vivo mouse assay and are related to acute effects of pure
      palytoxin, without considering that the toxicity mechanism of dinoflagellates can
      be dependent on the varying composition of complex biotoxins mixture and on the
      presence of cellular components. In this study, in vitro neuronal networks
      coupled to microelectrode array (MEA)-based system are proposed, for the first
      time, as sensitive biosensors for the evaluation of marine alga toxicity on
      mammalian cells. Toxic effect was investigated by testing three different
      treatments of laboratory cultured Ostreopsis cf. ovata cells: filtered and re
      suspended algal cells; filtered, re-suspended and sonicated algal cells;
      conditioned growth medium devoid of algal cells. The great sensitivity of this
      system revealed the mixture of PTLX-complex analogues naturally released in the
      growth medium and the different potency of the three treatments to inhibit the
      neuronal network spontaneous electrical activity. Moreover, by means of the
      multiparametric analysis of neuronal network activity, the approach revealed a
      different toxicity mechanism of the cellular component compared to the algal
      conditioned growth medium, highlighting the potential active role of the first
      treatment.

PMID- 28073537
TI  - Role of resting cysts in Chilean Alexandrium catenella dinoflagellate blooms
      revisited.
AB  - The detection of sparse Alexandrium catenella-resting cysts in sediments of
      southern Chilean fjords has cast doubts on their importance in the recurrence of
      massive toxic dinoflagellate blooms in the region. The role of resting cysts and
      the existence of different regional Chilean populations was studied by culturing
      and genetic approaches to define: (1) cyst production; (2) dormancy period; (3)
      excystment success; (4) offspring viability and (5) strain mating compatibility.
      This study newly revealed a short cyst dormancy (minimum 69 days), the role of
      key abiotic factors (in decreasing order salinity, irradiance, temperature and
      nutrients) controlling cyst germination (max. 60%) and germling growth rates (up
      to 0.36-0.52div.day-1). Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)
      characterization showed significant differences in genetic distances (GD) among
      A. catenella populations that were primarily determined by the geographical
      origin of isolates and most likely driven by oceanographic dispersal barriers. A
      complex heterothallic mating system pointed to variable reproductive
      compatibility (RCs) among Chilean strains that was high among northern (Los
      Lagos/North Aysen) and southern populations (Magallanes), but limited among the
      genetically differentiated central (South Aysen) populations. Field cyst surveys
      after a massive 2009 bloom event revealed the existence of exceptional high cyst
      densities in particular areas of the fjords (max. 14.627cystscm-3), which
      contrast with low cyst concentrations (<221.3cystscm-3) detected by previous
      oceanographic campaigns. In conclusion, the present study suggests that A.
      catenella resting cysts play a more important role in the success of this species
      in Chilean fjords than previously thought. Results from in vitro experiments
      suggest that pelagic-benthic processes can maintain year-round low vegetative
      cell concentrations in the water column, but also can explain the detection of
      high cysts aggregations after the 2009-bloom event. Regional drivers that lead to
      massive outbreaks, however, are still unknown but potential scenarios are
      discussed.

PMID- 28073538
TI  - Margalef revisited: A new phytoplankton mandala incorporating twelve dimensions,
      including nutritional physiology.
AB  - Building on the classic depiction of the progression from a diatom to a
      dinoflagellate bloom as a function of nutrients and turbulence, known as the
      "Margalef mandala", a new conceptual model or mandala is presented here. The new
      mandala maps twelve response or effects traits, or environmental characteristics,
      related to different phytoplankton functional types: (1) relative preference for
      chemically reduced vs chemically oxidized forms of nitrogen; (2) relative
      availability of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus; (3) adaptation to high vs low
      light and the tendency to be autotrophic vs mixotrophic; (4) cell motility; (5)
      environmental turbulence; (6) pigmentation quality; (7) temperature; (8) cell
      size; (9) relative growth rate; (10) relative production of bioactive compounds
      such as toxins or reactive oxygen species (ROS); (11) r vs K strategy; and (12)
      fate of the production in terms of grazing. The new mandala serves to highlight
      the differences and trade-offs between traits and/or environmental conditions,
      and illustrates some traits tend to track each other, a concept that may be
      helpful in trait-based modeling approaches and in understanding environmental
      factors associated with harmful algal blooms. It is hoped that this new mandala
      captures some of our recent insight into phytoplankton physiology and functional
      traits, and has contemporary relevance in light of anthropogenic changes in
      nutrient form and ratio.

PMID- 28073539
TI  - Physical processes leading to the development of an anomalously large
      Cochlodinium polykrikoides bloom in the East sea/Japan sea.
AB  - An anomalously large Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) was observed in the southwest
      coast of the East/Japan Sea (hereafter the East Sea) during the summer of 2013.
      During this time period, the presence of Cochlodinium polykrikoides (C.
      polykrikoides) was detected by the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) and
      validated by in-situ observations. GOCI observations have been available since
      2011, thus allowingto examine various stages of the physical condition of the
      developing C. polykrikoides bloom, thereby other multi-satellite and buoy
      measurements obtained between 2011 and 2013. Research results indicate that this
      HAB is related to four processes: the transport of C. polykrikoides from the
      south coast of Korea to the HAB area; a relatively high insolation; continuous
      coastal upwelling; and a favorable Sea Surface Temperature (SST) for
      C.polykrikoide growth. In examination of the main transport mechanisms,
      geostrophic current measurements were used to estimate the flow trajectories,
      showing water from the south coast to the HAB area off the southeast coast of
      Korea. Result shows that ninety percent of the water from the south coast reached
      the HAB area in 2013. Furthermore, to examine the insolation mechanism, the
      Photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) value was derived from the Moderate
      Resolution Imaging Spectoradiometer (MODIS), showing that PAR values were
      relatively high in the HAB area during HAB period (47Einm-1day-1). Moreover,
      Upwelling age (UA) was calculated in order to investigate the strength of coastal
      upwelling events, which were found to support relatively high UA values during
      the HAB period. The mean UA value during the HAB period was 1.01, higher than
      those in 2011 and 2012 which were 0.61 and 0.76, respectively. Finally, SST in
      the HAB area was also analyzed to examine which conditions were most favorable
      for HAB growth. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the four
      mechanisms can explain the relative contributions of the anomalously HAB
      development observed off the southeast coast of Korea.

PMID- 28073540
TI  - Phylogenetic structure of bacterial assemblages co-occurring with Ostreopsis cf.
      ovata bloom.
AB  - Extensive blooms of the toxic epiphytic/benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf.
      ovata are being reported with increasing frequency and spatial distribution in
      temperate coastal regions including the Mediterranean. These blooms are of human
      and environmental health concern due to the production of isobaric palytoxin and
      a wide range of ovatoxins by Ostreopsis cf. ovata. Bacterial-microalgal
      interactions are important regulators in algal bloom dynamics and potentially
      toxin dynamics. This study investigated the bacterial assemblages co-occurring
      with O. cf. ovata (OA) and from ambient seawaters (SW) during the early and peak
      phases of bloom development in NW Adriatic Sea. Fractions of the bacterial
      assemblages co-occurring with O. cf. ovata (OA) and more closely associated to
      the mucilage layer (LA) embedding O. cf. ovata cells were also reported. In
      total, 14 bacterial phyla were detected by targeted 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S
      rRNA gene. The dominant bacterial phyla in the OA assemblages were Proteobacteria
      and Bacteroidetes; while at the class level, Alphaproteobacteria were the most
      abundant (83 and 66%, relative abundance, early and peak bloom phases), followed
      by Flavobacteria (7 and 19%, early and peak phases). Actinobacteria and
      Cyanobacteria were of minor importance (<5% of the relative bacterial abundance
      each). Gammaproteobacteria showed a notably presence in OA assemblage only at the
      early phase of the bloom (genus Haliea, 13%). The Alphaproteobacteria were
      predominately composed by the genera Ruegeria, Jannaschia and Erythrobacter which
      represented about half of the total phylotypes' contribution of OA at both early
      and peak phases of the O. cf. ovata bloom, suggesting interactions between this
      consortium and the microalga. Moreover, the highest contribution of Ruegeria (30%
      of the total phylotypes) was observed at the early phase of the bloom in LA
      assemblage. Microbial assemblages associated with the ambient seawaters while
      being also dominated by Alphaproteobacteria and Flavobacteria were partially
      distinct from those associated with O. cf. ovata due to the presence of genera
      almost not retrieved in the latter assemblages.

PMID- 28073541
TI  - The main nitrate transporter of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum is
      constitutively expressed and not responsible for daily variations in nitrate
      uptake rates.
AB  - Dinoflagellates are unicellular eukaryotes capable of forming spectacular harmful
      algal blooms (HABs). Eutrophication of coastal waters by fertilizer runoff,
      nitrate in particular, has contributed to recent increases in the frequency,
      magnitude and geographic extent of HABs. Although physiological nitrate uptake
      and assimilation in dinoflagellates have often been measured in the field and in
      the laboratory, no molecular components involved in nitrate transport have yet
      been reported. This study reports the first identification and characterization
      of dinoflagellate nitrate transporters, found in the transcriptome of the bloom
      forming Lingulodinium polyedrum. Of the 23 putative transporters found by BLAST
      searches, only members of the nitrate transporter 2 (NRT2) family contained all
      key amino acids known to be essential for nitrate transport. The dinoflagellate
      NRT2 sequences have 12 predicted transmembrane domains, as do the NRT2 sequences
      of bacteria, plants and fungi. The NRT2 sequences in Lingulodinium appear to have
      two different evolutionary origins, as determined by phylogenetic analyses. The
      most expressed transcript of all putative nitrate transporters was determined by
      RNA-Seq to be LpNRT2.1. An antibody raised against this transporter showed that
      the same amount of protein was found at different times over the light dark cycle
      and with different sources of N. Finally, global nitrate uptake was assessed
      using a 15N tracer, which showed that the process was not under circadian-control
      as previously suggested, but simply light-regulated.

PMID- 28073542
TI  - The rise of toxic benthic Phormidium proliferations: A review of their taxonomy,
      distribution, toxin content and factors regulating prevalence and increased
      severity.
AB  - There has been a marked increase in the distribution, intensity and frequency of
      proliferations of some species of the benthic mat-forming, toxin-producing genus
      Phormidium in rivers globally over the last decade. This review summarises
      current knowledge on their taxonomy, distribution, toxin content, environmental
      drivers of proliferations, and monitoring and management strategies in New
      Zealand. Although toxic Phormidium proliferation occurs in rivers worldwide
      little is known about these factors in most countries. Proliferations, defined as
      >20% cover of a riverbed, have been identified in 103 rivers across New Zealand.
      Morphological and molecular data indicate the main species responsible is
      Phormidium autumnale. In New Zealand Phormidium produces anatoxins (anatoxin-a,
      homoanatoxin-a, dihydroanatoxin-a, and dihydrohomoanatoxin-a) and these were
      detected in 67% of 771 samples from 40 rivers. The highest concentration measured
      was 712mgkg-1 dried weight (Oreti River, Southland), with considerable spatial
      and temporal variability in anatoxin concentrations between and within rivers. A
      synthesis of field based studies suggests that Phormidium proliferations are most
      likely when there is some enrichment of dissolved inorganic nitrogen but when
      water-column dissolved reactive phosphorus is less than 0.01mgL-1. Once
      established Phormidium-dominated mats trap sediment and internal mat
      biogeochemistry can mobilise sediment-bound phosphorus, which is then available
      for growth. Removal of Phormidium-dominated mats is primarily due to shear stress
      and substrate disturbance, although there is also evidence for autogenic
      detachment. A combination of factors including; changes to riparian margins,
      increased nitrate and fine sediment loads, and alterations in flow regimes are
      likely to have contributed to the rise in Phormidium proliferations.

PMID- 28073543
TI  - Corrigendum to 'Production of ciguatoxin and maitotoxin by strains of
      Gambierdiscus australes, G. pacificus and G. polynesiensis (Dinophyceae) isolated
      from Rarotonga, Cook Islands' [Harmful Algae 39 (2014) 185-190].

PMID- 28073544
TI  - Corrigendum to "Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in fishponds and their effects on
      fish tissue" [Harmful Algae 55 (2016) 66-76].

PMID- 28073546
TI  - Killing potential protist predators as a survival strategy of the newly described
      dinoflagellate Alexandrium pohangense.
AB  - Blooms caused by some species belonging to the dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium
      are known to cause large-scale mortality of fish. Thus, the dynamics of these
      species is important and of concern to scientists, officials, and people in the
      aquaculture industry. To understand the dynamics of such species, their growth
      and mortality due to predation need to be assessed. The newly described
      dinoflagellate Alexandrium pohangense is known to grow slowly, with a maximum
      autotrophic growth rate of 0.1d-1. Thus, it may not form bloom patches if its
      mortality due to predation is high. Therefore, to explore the mortality of A.
      pohangense due to predation, feeding on this species by the common heterotrophic
      dinoflagellates Gyrodinium dominans, Gyrodinium moestrupii, Luciella masanensis,
      Noctiluca scintillans, Oxyrrhis marina, Oblea rotunda, Polykrikos kofoidii, and
      Pfiesteria piscicida, as well as by the ciliate Tiarina fusus, was examined. None
      of these potential predators was able to feed on A. pohangense. In contrast,
      these potential predators were killed and their bodies were dissolved when
      incubated with A. pohangense cells or cell-free culture filtrates. The survival
      of G. moestrupii, O. marina, P. kofoidii, and T. fusus on incubation with
      10cellsml-1 of A. pohangense was 20-60%, while that at the equivalent culture
      filtrates was 20-70%. With increasing A. pohangense cell-concentration (up to
      1000cellsml-1 or equivalent culture filtrates), the survival rate of G.
      moestrupii, O. marina, P. kofoidii, and T. fusus rapidly decreased. The lethal
      concentration (LC50) for G. moestrupii, O. marina, P. kofoidii, and T. fusus at
      the elapsed time of 24h with A. pohangense cells (cultures of 11.4, 13.3, 1.6,
      and 3.3cellsml-1, respectively) was lower than that with A. pohangense filtrates
      (culture filtrates of 35.5, 30.6, 5.5, and 5.0cellsml-1, respectively).
      Furthermore, most of the ciliates and heterotrophic dinoflagellates in the water
      collected from the coast of Tongyoung, Korea, were killed when incubated with
      cultures of 1000 A. pohangense cells ml-1 and equivalent culture filtrates. The
      relatively slow growing A. pohangense may form blooms by reducing mortality due
      to predation through killing potential protist predators.

PMID- 28073545
TI  - A validated UPLC-MS/MS method for the surveillance of ten aquatic biotoxins in
      European brackish and freshwater systems.
AB  - Over the past few decades, there has been an increased frequency and duration of
      cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems globally. These
      can produce secondary metabolites called cyanotoxins, many of which are
      hepatotoxins, raising concerns about repeated exposure through ingestion of
      contaminated drinking water or food or through recreational activities such as
      bathing/swimming. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) multi-toxin method has been developed and validated for
      freshwater cyanotoxins; microcystins-LR, -YR, -RR, -LA, -LY and -LF, nodularin,
      cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin-a and the marine diatom toxin domoic acid.
      Separation was achieved in around 9min and dual SPE was incorporated providing
      detection limits of between 0.3 and 5.6ng/L of original sample. Intra- and inter
      day precision analysis showed relative standard deviations (RSD) of 1.2-9.6% and
      1.3-12.0% respectively. The method was applied to the analysis of aquatic samples
      (n=206) from six European countries. The main class detected were the
      hepatotoxins; microcystin-YR (n=22), cylindrospermopsin (n=25), microcystin-RR
      (n=17), microcystin-LR (n=12), microcystin-LY (n=1), microcystin-LF (n=1) and
      nodularin (n=5). For microcystins, the levels detected ranged from 0.001 to
      1.51MUg/L, with two samples showing combined levels above the guideline set by
      the WHO of 1MUg/L for microcystin-LR. Several samples presented with multiple
      toxins indicating the potential for synergistic effects and possibly enhanced
      toxicity. This is the first published pan European survey of freshwater bodies
      for multiple biotoxins, including two identified for the first time;
      cylindrospermopsin in Ireland and nodularin in Germany, presenting further
      incentives for improved monitoring and development of strategies to mitigate
      human exposure.

PMID- 28073547
TI  - Morphology, molecular phylogeny and azaspiracid profile of Azadinium poporum
      (Dinophyceae) from the Gulf of Mexico.
AB  - Azadinium poporum produces a variety of azaspiracids and consists of several
      ribotypes, but information on its biogeography is limited. A strain of A. poporum
      (GM29) was incubated from a Gulf of Mexico sediment sample. Strain GM29 was
      characterized by a plate pattern of po, cp, x, 4', 3a, 6", 6C, 5S, 6''', 2'''', a
      distinct ventral pore at the junction of po and the first two apical plates, and
      a lack of an antapical spine, thus fitting the original description of A.
      poporum. The genus Azadinium has not been reported in waters of the United States
      of America before this study. Molecular phylogeny, based on large subunit
      ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, reveals
      that strain GM29 is nested within the well-resolved A. poporum complex, but forms
      a sister clade either to ribotype B (ITS) or ribotype C (LSU). It is, therefore,
      designated as a new ribotype, termed as ribotype D. LSU and ITS sequences
      similarity among different ribotypes of A. poporum ranges from 95.4% to 98.2%,
      and from 97.1% to 99.2% respectively, suggesting that the LSU fragment is a
      better candidate for molecular discrimination. Azaspiracid profiles were analyzed
      using LC-MS/MS and demonstrate that strain GM29 produces predominantly AZA-2 with
      an amount of 45fg/cell. The results suggest that A. poporum has a wide
      distribution and highlights the risk potential of azaspiracid intoxication in the
      United States.

PMID- 28073548
TI  - Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in fishponds and their effects on fish tissue.
AB  - Cyanobacteria can produce toxic metabolites known as cyanotoxins. Common and
      frequently investigated cyanotoxins include microcystins (MCs), nodularin (NOD)
      and saxitoxins (STXs). During the summer of 2011 extensive cyanobacterial growth
      was found in several fishponds in Serbia. Sampling of the water and fish (common
      carp, Cyprinus carpio) was performed. Water samples from 13 fishponds were found
      to contain saxitoxin, microcystin, and/or nodularin. LC-MS/MS showed that MC-RR
      was present in samples of fish muscle tissue. Histopathological analyses of fish
      grown in fishponds with cyanotoxin production showed histopathological damage to
      liver, kidney, gills, intestines and muscle tissues. This study is among the
      first so far to report severe hyperplasia of intestinal epithelium and severe
      degeneration of muscle tissue of fish after cyanobacterial exposure. These
      findings emphasize the importance of cyanobacterial and cyanotoxin monitoring in
      fishponds in order to recognize cyanotoxins and their potential effects on fish
      used for human consumption and, further, on human health.

PMID- 28073549
TI  - Mass entrapment and lysis of Mesodinium rubrum cells in mucus threads observed in
      cultures with Dinophysis.
AB  - The entrapment and death of the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum in the mucus threads in
      cultures with Dinophysis is described and quantified. Feeding experiments with
      different concentrations and predator-prey ratios of Dinophysis acuta, Dinophysis
      acuminata and M. rubrum to study the motility loss and aggregate formation of the
      ciliates and the feeding behaviour of Dinophysis were carried out. In cultures of
      either Dinophysis species, the ciliates became entrapped in the mucus, which led
      to the formation of immobile aggregates of M. rubrum and subsequent cell lysis.
      The proportion of entrapped ciliates was influenced by the concentration of
      Dinophysis and the ratio of predator and prey in the cultures. At high cell
      concentrations of prey (136 cells mL-1) and predator (100 cells mL-1), a maximum
      of 17% of M. rubrum cells became immobile and went through cell lysis. Ciliates
      were observed trapped in the mucus even when a single D. acuminata cell was
      present in a 3.4mL growth medium. Both Dinophysis species were able to detect
      immobile or partly immobile ciliates at a distance and circled around the prey
      prior to the capture with a stretched out peduncle. Relatively high entrapment
      and lysis of M. rubrum cells in the mucus threads indicates that under certain
      conditions Dinophysis might have a considerable impact on the population of M.
      rubrum.

PMID- 28073550
TI  - Growth and bioactive secondary metabolites of arctic Protoceratium reticulatum
      (Dinophyceae).
AB  - Harmful algal blooms are mainly caused by marine dinoflagellates and are known to
      produce potent toxins that may affect the ecosystem, human activities and health.
      Such events have increased in frequency and intensity worldwide in the past
      decades. Numerous processes involved in Global Change are amplified in the
      Arctic, but little is known about species specific responses of arctic
      dinoflagellates. The aim of this work was to perform an exhaustive morphological,
      phylogenetical and toxinological characterization of Greenland Protoceratium
      reticulatum and, in addition, to test the effect of temperature on growth and
      production of bioactive secondary metabolites. Seven clonal isolates, the first
      isolates of P. reticulatum available from arctic waters, were phylogenetically
      characterized by analysis of the LSU rDNA. Six isolates were further
      characterized morphologically and were shown to produce both yessotoxins (YTX)
      and lytic compounds, representing the first report of allelochemical activity in
      P. reticulatum. As shown for one of the isolates, growth was strongly affected by
      temperature with a maximum growth rate at 15 degrees C, a significant but slow
      growth at 1 degrees C, and cell death at 25 degrees C, suggesting an adaptation
      of P. reticulatum to temperate waters. Temperature had no major effect on total
      YTX cell quota or lytic activity but both were affected by the growth phase with
      a significant increase at stationary phase. A comparison of six isolates at a
      fixed temperature of 10 degrees C showed high intraspecific variability for all
      three physiological parameters tested. Growth rate varied from 0.06 to 0.19d-1,
      and total YTX concentration ranged from 0.3 to 15.0pg YTXcell-1 and from 0.5 to
      31.0pgYTXcell-1 at exponential and stationary phase, respectively. All six
      isolates performed lytic activity; however, for two isolates lytic activity was
      only detectable at higher cell densities in stationary phase.

PMID- 28073551
TI  - The common bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis is prone to a wide array of
      microbial antagonists.
AB  - Many degraded waterbodies around the world are subject to strong proliferations
      of cyanobacteria - notorious for their toxicity, high biomass build-up and
      negative impacts on aquatic food webs - the presence of which puts serious limits
      on the human use of affected water bodies. Cyanobacterial blooms are largely
      regarded as trophic dead ends since they are a relatively poor food source for
      zooplankton. As a consequence, their population dynamics are generally attributed
      to changes in abiotic conditions (bottom-up control). Blooms however generally
      contain a vast and diverse community of micro-organisms of which some have shown
      devastating effects on cyanobacterial biomass. For Microcystis, one of the most
      common bloom-forming cyanobacteria worldwide, a high number of micro-organisms
      (about 120 taxa) including viruses, bacteria, microfungi, different groups of
      heterotrophic protists, other cyanobacteria and several eukaryotic microalgal
      groups are currently known to negatively affect its growth by infection and
      predation or by the production of allelopathic compounds. Although many of these
      specifically target Microcystis, sharp declines of Microcystis biomass in nature
      are only rarely assigned to these antagonistic microbiota. The commonly found
      strain specificity of their interactions may largely preclude strong antagonistic
      effects on Microcystis population levels but may however induce compositional
      shifts that can change ecological properties such as bloom toxicity. These highly
      specific interactions may form the basis of a continuous arms race (co-evolution)
      between Microcystis and its antagonists which potentially limits the
      possibilities for (micro)biological bloom control.

PMID- 28073552
TI  - Ciguatera fish poisoning: Incidence, health costs and risk perception on Moorea
      Island (Society archipelago, French Polynesia).
AB  - Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is a non-bacterial seafood poisoning well
      characterized in the remote archipelagos of French Polynesia, yet poorly
      documented in the Society archipelago, most notably on Moorea, the second most
      populated island in French Polynesia, which counts a high proportion of fishermen
      fishing on a regular basis. To address this knowledge gap, a holistic study of
      the ciguatera issue was conducted on Moorea. First, ciguatera risk was analysed
      in terms of incidence rate, fish species most commonly involved and risk
      stratification in Moorea lagoon based on 2007-2013 epidemiological data. A mean
      incidence rate of 8 cases per 10,000 inhabitants for the study period and an
      average under-reporting rate of 54% were found. Taking into account
      hospitalization and medication fees, and loss of productive days, the health
      related costs due to CFP were estimated to be USD $1613 and $749 for each
      reported and unreported case, respectively, with an overall cost of USD $241,847
      for the study period. Comparison of the present status of CFP on Moorea with a
      risk map established in the late 1970's showed that the spatial distribution of
      the risk has stayed relatively stable in time, with the north shore of the island
      remaining the most prone to ciguatera. Evaluation of the current knowledge on CFP
      among different populations groups, i.e. fishermen, residents and visitors, was
      also conducted through direct and indirect interviews. About half of the
      fishermen interviewed were actually able to identify risky fishing areas. While,
      overall, the CFP risk perception in the fishing community of Moorea seemed
      accurate, although not scientifically complete, it was sufficient for the safe
      practice of their fishing activities. This may be due in part to adaptive
      responses adopted by 36% of the fishermen interviewed, such as the avoidance of
      either high-risk fishing sites or toxic species. At the residents and visitors'
      level, the study points out a striking lack of awareness of the CFP issue among
      visitors, as compared to local residents. Indeed, less than 25% of Moorea
      visitors vs. an average of 98% in residents were aware of CFP or of its presence
      on the island. Interestingly, evaluation of the fish consumption preferences
      showed that 70% of visitors do not consume lagoon fish during their stay, not for
      fear of CFP, but mainly due to the lack of availability of these species in
      recreational facilities or because they have nutritional preference for pelagic
      fish. This lack of awareness, along with the report by several CFP patients of
      the consumption of fish species yet banned for sale, stress the need for improved
      communication efforts on this critical issue among both residents and visitors on
      Moorea. The implementation of a public outreach strategy is proposed, based on
      both existing information networks and low-cost communication actions through
      information displays at various strategic locations, e.g. Tahiti-Faa'a
      international airport, the ferry boat station, recreational facilities, as well
      as the major trading points on Moorea Island.

PMID- 28073553
TI  - The effects of light intensity on the growth of Japanese Gambierdiscus spp.
      (Dinophyceae).
AB  - Marine toxic dinoflagellates of the genus Gambierdiscus are the causative agents
      of ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), a form of seafood poisoning that is widespread
      in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions worldwide. The distributions of
      Gambierdiscus australes, Gambierdiscus scabrosus and two phylotypes of
      Gambierdiscus spp. type 2 and type 3 have been reported for the waters
      surrounding the main island of Japan. To explore the bloom dynamics and the
      vertical distribution of these Japanese species and phylotypes of Gambierdiscus,
      the effects of light intensity on their growth were tested, using a
      photoirradiation-culture system. The relationship between the observed growth
      rates and light intensity conditions for the four species/phylotypes were
      formulated at R>0.92 (p<0.01) using regression analysis and photosynthesis-light
      intensity (P-L) model. Based on this equation, the optimum light intensity (Lmax)
      and the semi-optimum light intensity range (Ls-opt) that resulted in the maximum
      growth rate (MUmax) and >=80% MUmax values of the four species/phylotypes,
      respectively, were as follows: (1) the Lmax and Ls-opt of G. australes were
      208MUmol photons m-2s-1 and 91-422MUmol photons m-2s-1, respectively; (2) those
      of G. scabrosus were 252 and 120-421MUmol photons m-2s-1, respectively; (3) those
      of Gambierdiscus sp. type 2 were 192 and 75-430MUmol photons m-2s-1,
      respectively; and (4) those of Gambierdiscus sp. type 3 were >=427 and 73
      427MUmol photons m-2s-1, respectively. All four Gambierdiscus species/phylotypes
      required approximately 10MUmol photons m-2s-1 to maintain growth. The light
      intensities in coastal waters at a site in Tosa Bay were measured vertically at
      1m intervals once per season. The relationships between the observed light
      intensity and depth were formulated using Beer's Law. Based on these equations,
      the range of the attenuation coefficients at Tosa Bay site was determined to be
      0.058-0.119m-1. The values 1700MUmol photons m-2s-1, 500MUmol photons m-2s-1, and
      200MUmol photons m-2s-1 were substituted into the equations to estimate the
      vertical profiles of light intensity at sunny midday, cloudy midday and rainy
      midday, respectively. Based on the regression equations coupled with the
      empirically determined attenuation coefficients for each of the four seasons, the
      ranges of the projected depths of Lmax and Ls-opt for the four Gambierdiscus
      species/phylotypes under sunny midday conditions, cloudy midday conditions, and
      rainy midday conditions were 12-38m and 12-54m, 1-16m and 1-33m, and 0m and 0
      16m, respectively. These results suggest that light intensity plays an important
      role in the bloom dynamics and vertical distribution of Gambierdiscus
      species/phylotypes in Japanese coastal waters.

PMID- 28073554
TI  - An overview of cyanobacterial bloom occurrences and research in Africa over the
      last decade.
AB  - Cyanobacterial blooms are a current cause for concern globally, with vital water
      sources experiencing frequent and increasingly toxic blooms in the past decade.
      These increases are resultant of both anthropogenic and natural factors, with
      climate change being the central concern. Of the more affected parts of the
      world, Africa has been considered particularly vulnerable due to its historical
      predisposition and lag in social economic development. This review collectively
      assesses the available information on cyanobacterial blooms in Africa as well as
      any visible trends associated with reported occurrences over the last decade. Of
      the 54 countries in Africa, only 21 have notable research information in the area
      of cyanobacterial blooms within the last decade, although there is substantial
      reason to attribute these blooms as some of the major water quality threats in
      Africa collectively. The collected information suggests that civil wars, disease
      outbreaks and inadequate infrastructure are at the core of Africa's delayed
      advancement. This is even more so in the area of cyanobacteria related research,
      with 11 out of 21 countries having recorded toxicity and physicochemical
      parameters related to cyanobacterial blooms. Compared to the rest of the
      continent, peripheral countries are at the forefront of research related to
      cyanobacteria, with countries such as Angola having sufficient rainfall, but poor
      water quality with limited information on bloom occurrences. An assessment of the
      reported blooms found nitrogen concentrations to be higher in the water column of
      more toxic blooms, validating recent global studies and indicating that
      phosphorous is not the only factor to be monitored in bloom mitigation. Blooms
      occurred at low TN: TP ratios and at temperatures above 12 degrees C. Nitrogen
      was linked to toxicity and temperature also had a positive effect on bloom
      occurrence and toxicity. Microcystis was the most ubiquitous of the
      cyanobacterial strains reported in Africa and the one most frequently toxic.
      Cylindrospermopsis was reported more in the dry, north and western parts of the
      continent countries as opposed to the rest of the continent, whilst Anabaena was
      more frequent on the south eastern regions. In light of the entire continent, the
      inadequacy in reported blooms and advances in this area of research require
      critical intervention and action.

PMID- 28073555
TI  - Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of Ostreopsis (Dinophyceae) and the
      description of a new species, Ostreopsis rhodesae sp. nov., from a subtropical
      Australian lagoon.
AB  - Cryptic and pseudo-cryptic species are common amongst marine phytoplankton, and
      may cause misleading inferences of ecological and physiological data of plankton
      community studies. Deciphering the diversity and distribution of species of the
      benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis is one example, as there are many
      morphologically indistinct clades that differ greatly genetically and
      toxicologically from one another. In this study, a new species, Ostreopsis
      rhodesae from the southern Great Barrier Reef was described. While it initially
      appeared to be highly similar to several other Ostreopsis species, we found O.
      rhodesae can be distinguished based on the relative size of the second apical
      plate (2'), which is twice as long as the APC plate, and separates the third
      apical (3') from the third precingular (3'') plate. Phylogenetic trees based on
      the SSU, ITS/5.8S and D1-D2 and D8-D10 regions of the LSU rRNA were well
      supported, and showed a clear difference to other Ostreopsis clades. Compensatory
      base changes (CBCs) were identified in helices of the ITS2 between O. rhodesae
      and O. cf. ovata and O. cf. siamensis, which were also present in the same
      habitat. Fish gill cell lines were toxic to O. rhodesae, cell extracts but no
      palytoxin-like analogues were found in them. The findings highlight a case of
      pseudo-cryptic speciation, found in sympatry with closely related and
      morphologically similar species, but biologically and functionally distinct.

PMID- 28073556
TI  - The role of heterocytes in the physiology and ecology of bloom-forming harmful
      cyanobacteria.
AB  - Dolichospermum flos-aquae and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii are two
      cyanobacteria species which cause harmful blooms around the world. Both these
      species share the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen in heterocytes (cell where
      fixation occurs). While Dolichospermum can express heterocytes at rather regular
      intervals across the filament, Cylindrospermopsis can only express heterocytes at
      the end of the filament. The aim of this study was to experimentally assess the
      role of heterocyte position in the eco-physiological responses of these bloom
      forming cyanobacteria. Replicated monocultures of each species were grown at
      different eutrophication scenarios (limiting and sufficient nitrogen and
      phosphorus concentrations, in factorial design). Dolichospermum reached high
      biomass regardless of the nitrogen (and phosphorus) provided, suggesting that
      this species could bloom in situations with and without nitrogen limitation. In
      contrast, Cylindrospermopsis reached high biomass only when nitrogen supply was
      high; its biomass was 15-20 times lower when relying on nitrogen fixation. Hence,
      despite its ability to fix nitrogen, blooms of Cylindrospermopsis would be
      expected only under high total nitrogen availability. In Dolichospermum
      heterocytes occurred only in the scenarios without supplied nitrogen while in
      Cylindrospermopsis heterocytes occurred regardless of nitrogen availability. Yet,
      in both species nitrogen fixation occurred (heterocytes were functional) only
      when nitrogen was limiting, and nitrogen fixation increased significantly at
      higher phosphorus concentration. Finally, in the absence of supplied nitrogen,
      filament length in Dolichospermum was the longest, while filaments in
      Cylindrospermopsis were the shortest (up to 13 times shorter than at nitrogen
      sufficiency). Therefore, heterocyte expression in Dolichospermum, and filament
      length in Cylindrospermopsis seem good proxies of nitrogen fixation. The eco
      physiological responses recorded here help understand the distribution of these
      species along nutrient gradients in nature.

PMID- 28073557
TI  - Diatom Nitzschia navis-varingica (Bacillariophyceae) and its domoic acid
      production from the mangrove environments of Malaysia.
AB  - The distribution of the toxic pennate diatom Nitzschia was investigated at four
      mangrove areas along the coastal brackish waters of Peninsular Malaysia. Eighty
      two strains of N. navis-varingica were isolated and established, and their
      identity confirmed morphologically and molecularly. Frustule morphological
      characteristics of the strains examined are identical to previously identified N.
      navis-varingica, but with a sightly higher density of the number of areolae per
      1MUm (4-7 areolae). Both LSU and ITS rDNAs phylogenetic trees clustered all
      strains in the N. navis-varingica clade, with high sequence homogeneity in the
      LSU rDNA (0-0.3%), while the intraspecific divergences in the ITS2 data set
      reached up to 7.4%. Domoic acid (DA) and its geometrical isomers, isodomoic A
      (IA) and isodomoic B (IB), were detected in cultures of N. navis-varingica by
      FMOC-LC-FLD, and subsequently confirmed by LC-MS/MS, with selected ion monitoring
      (SIM) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) runs. DA contents ranged between
      0.37 and 11.06pgcell-1. This study demonstrated that the toxigenic euryhaline
      diatom N. navis-varingica is widely distributed in Malaysian mangrove swamps,
      suggesting the risk of amnesic shellfish poisoning and the possibility of DA
      contamination in the mangrove-related fisheries products.

PMID- 28073558
TI  - Selective growth promotion of bloom-forming raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo by
      a marine bacterial strain.
AB  - Algal bloom is typically caused by aberrant propagation of a single species,
      resulting in its predomination in the local population. While environmental
      factors including temperature and eutrophication are linked to bloom, the precise
      mechanism of its formation process is still obscure. Here, we isolated a
      bacterial strain that promotes growth of Heterosigma akashiwo, a Raphidophyceae
      that causes harmful algal blooms. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, the strain was
      identified as Altererythrobacter ishigakiensis, a member of the class
      Alphaproteobacteria. When added to culture, this strain facilitated growth of H.
      akashiwo and increased its cell culture yield significantly. Importantly, this
      strain did not affect the growth of other raphidophytes, Chattonella ovate and C.
      antiqua, indicating that it promotes growth of H. akashiwo in a species-specific
      manner. We also found that, in co-culture, H. akashiwo suppressed the growth of
      C. ovate. When A. ishigakiensis was added to the mixed culture, H. akashiwo
      growth was facilitated while C. ovate propagation was markedly suppressed,
      indicating that the presence of the bacterium enhances the dominance of H.
      akashiwo over C. ovate. This is the first example of selective growth promotion
      of H. akashiwo by a marine bacterium, and may exemplify importance of symbiotic
      bacterium on algal bloom forming process in general.

PMID- 28073559
TI  - Characterization of total retinoid-like activity of compounds produced by three
      common phytoplankton species.
AB  - Phytoplankton can produce various bioactive metabolites, which may affect other
      organisms in the aquatic environment. This study provides the first information
      on the total retinoid-like activity associated with both intracellular and
      extracellular metabolites produced by selected phytoplankton species that could
      play a role in teratogenic effects and developmental disruption in exposed
      organisms. The studied species included a coccoid cyanobacteria (Microcystis
      aeruginosa), a filamentous cyanobacteria (Aphanizomenon gracile) and a green alga
      (Desmodesmus quadricauda), all of which commonly occur in freshwater bodies in
      Europe. Methanolic extracts from cellular material and extracellular exudates
      were prepared from cultures cultivated in two light-intensity variants with five
      replicates for each species. The retinoid-like activity was evaluated by in vitro
      assays along with chemical analyses of two potent retinoic acids (all-trans
      retinoic acid (ATRA) and 9cis-RA). The mean total retinoid-like activity of
      metabolites produced by the three studied species representing different
      phytoplankton taxonomic groups ranged from 705 to 5572ng ATRA equivalent/g dry
      matter corresponding to 0.064-0.234ng ATRA/106 cells. Retinoid-like activity was
      found in the cellular extracts of all species, while only the extracellular
      exudates of cyanobacteria exhibited detectable activity (41-1081ng ATRA/L). The
      greatest extracellular as well as total (extra- and intra- cellular together)
      retinoid-like activity was detected for Microcystis aeruginosa. The two potent
      retinoic acids studied were more frequently detected in cellular extracts than in
      extracellular exudates of all species. Their contribution to observed in vitro
      effects was relatively low for all tested samples (<10%), indicating a
      substantial contribution of other retinoid-like compounds to the overall
      activity. The results indicate possible influence of light intensity and cell
      density on the production of metabolites with retinoid-like activity and the
      cyanotoxin microcystin by the studied species. The recalculation of the results
      per dry weight, water volume, per 106 cells and biovolume enables a direct
      comparison of the retinoid-like activity distribution between extracts and
      exudates and the use of the data for risk assessment in water bodies.

PMID- 28073560
TI  - An alternative explanation for cyanobacterial scum formation and persistence by
      oxygenic photosynthesis.
AB  - The cause of persistent cyanobacteria scum formation in lakes is an unresolved
      subject. Scum refers to the event in which cyanobacteria are at the water surface
      of a lake. Factors like low turbulence levels, long day-light, high water
      temperatures and the buoyant capacity of cyanobacterial cells play a role in the
      occurrence of scums. However, they do not explain why scums are observed at
      periods during the day when according to theory they should have disappeared into
      the deeper water layers. In this study, we present an alternative explanation.
      The hypothesis we present here is that irreversible buoyancy of cyanobacteria
      colonies is created by the growth of gas bubbles on or within the mucilage of the
      colonies. These bubbles grow under oxygen super-saturated conditions. At low wind
      speed and high chlorophyll levels, the dissolved oxygen (DO) produced during
      photosynthesis by cyanobacteria, cannot escape sufficiently fast to the
      atmosphere hence a DO supersaturated condition arises in the water. At this
      stage, growth of oxygen bubbles may occur inside or attached to the mucilage. We
      present results of compression experiments to support our hypothesis. In a
      chamber, the pressure on lake water containing a natural cyanobacteria population
      is increased. At 3*105 and 4*105Pa the cyanobacteria colonies were not able to
      float anymore and sank. This pressure is lower than the 106Pa needed to collapse
      all gas vacuoles inside the cyanobacteria cells (Walsby, 1994). The observed
      change from floating to sinking colonies due to increased water pressure suggests
      that gas bubbles were present inside the colonies. In lakes, these gas bubbles
      may lead to permanent buoyancy, i.e. a persistent scum.

PMID- 28073561
TI  - Development of real-time RT-PCR for detecting viable Cochlodinium polykrikoides
      (Dinophyceae) cysts in sediment.
AB  - Morphological observations have confirmed that cysts are produced by
      dinoflagellates. However, finding a seed bed or unknown cysts in field samples by
      microscopy is extremely time consuming. Real-time PCR has been used to facilitate
      the detection of dinoflagellate cysts in sediment. However, DNA from dead
      vegetative cells remaining on the surface sediment may persist for a long period
      of time, which can cause false positive DNA detection. In this study, a non
      quantitative RNA targeted probe using real-time RT-PCR was developed for
      detection of viable cysts in sediment. Large-subunit rRNA was used to develop a
      species-specific RNA targeted probe for the ichthyotoxic dinoflagellate
      Cochlodinium polykrikoides. The sediment samples were sieved and incubated at 30
      degrees C for 3h prior to RNA extraction to remove RNA from dead cells remaining
      in the sediment. Nested-PCR was conducted to maximize assay sensitivity. A field
      survey to determine the distribution of cysts at 155 sampling stations in the
      western and southern part of the Korean peninsula showed that C. polykrikoides
      cysts were detected at five sampling stations.

PMID- 28073562
TI  - A new Gambierdiscus species (Dinophyceae) from Rarotonga, Cook Islands:
      Gambierdiscus cheloniae sp. nov.
AB  - Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) has been reported for many years in Rarotonga,
      Cook Islands, and has had the world's highest reported incidence of this illness
      for the last 20 years. Following intensive sampling to understand the
      distribution of the causative organisms of CFP, an undescribed Gambierdiscus
      species was isolated from the Rarotongan lagoon. Gambierdiscus cheloniae sp. nov.
      has the common Gambierdiscus Kofoidian plate formula (except for a variability in
      the number of precingular plates in aberrant cells): Po, 3', 6" (7"), 6C?, 6 or
      7S, 5'", 1p and 2"". The 2' plate is hatchet shaped and the dorsal end of 1p is
      pointed and the relatively narrow 1p plate. Morphologically G. cheloniae is
      similar to the genetically closely related species G. pacificus, G. toxicus and
      G. belizeanus, although smaller (depth and length) than G. toxicus. The apical
      pore plate varies from those of G. belizeanus and G. pacificus, which are shorter
      and narrower, and from G. toxicus, which is larger. G. cheloniae also differs
      from G. pacificus in the shape of the 2' plate. The description of this new
      species is supported by phylogenetic analyses using three different gene regions.
      G. cheloniae produced the putative maitotoxin-3 analogue, MTX-3, but neither
      maitotoxin or monitored ciguatoxin. Extracts of G. cheloniae were shown to be
      highly toxic to mice by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, although they were less
      toxic by gavage. It is possible that this species produces toxins other than
      putative MTX-3.

PMID- 28073563
TI  - Genetic and toxinological characterization of North Atlantic strains of the
      dinoflagellate Ostreopsis and allelopathic interactions with toxic and non-toxic
      species from the genera Prorocentrum, Coolia and Gambierdiscus.
AB  - The genus Ostreopsis includes several toxic species that can develop blooms in
      benthic ecosystems, with potential harmful consequences for human health and
      marine invertebrates. Despite of this, little is known about the allelopathic
      interactions between these organisms and other co-occurring microalgae that
      exploit similar spatial and nutrient resources in benthic ecosystems. The aim of
      this study was to follow these interactions in cultures of two Ostreopsis
      ribotypes with different toxin profiles (O. cf. ovata contained ovatoxins-a, b, c
      and e, while only ovatoxin-d was found in O .sp. "Lanzarote-type"), mixed with
      species of three benthic dinoflagellate genera (Coolia, Prorocentrum and
      Gambierdiscus), isolated from the same area (North East Atlantic, Canary
      Islands). In a first experiment, the potential allelopathic effects on growth
      rates were followed, in mixed cultures of Coolia monotis (a non toxic species)
      exposed to the clarified medium and to cells of O. sp."Lanzarote-type" and O. cf.
      ovata. Growth delayed in C. monotis was observed specially in clarified medium,
      while the O. sp. "Lanzarote-type" strain attained much lower densities in mixed
      cultures. In a second experiment, we examined the potential effects of clarified
      media from O. sp."Lanzarote-type" and O. cf. ovata on the adherence capacity in
      two toxic species (Prorocentrum hoffmannianum and Gambierdiscus excentricus).
      Contrasting effects were found: a significant increase of adherence capacity in
      P. hoffmannianum vs attachment decline in G. excentricus, that experienced also
      severe deleterious effects (cell lysis). Our results suggest the existence of
      weak to moderate allelopathic interactions between the studied organisms,
      although the outcome is dependent on the species involved.

PMID- 28073564
TI  - Education and notification approaches for harmful algal blooms (HABs), Washington
      State, USA.
AB  - While numerous strategies have been used to educate and notify the public about
      potential hazards from exposure to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), at present there
      are no national guidelines or suggested outreach approaches. To raise public
      awareness and determine effective HAB outreach methods, two Washington State
      agencies and three counties in the Puget Sound region implemented several
      education and notification strategies. These approaches were rated for
      effectiveness by state and county public health and water quality professionals.
      At the state level, the most effective action was a three-tiered advisory posting
      protocol for notifying external users that was introduced to local health
      jurisdictions at workshops around the state. Supplemental permanent signage is
      recommended for lakes with blooms to overcome the time lag between HAB onset and
      testing/posting. The state also implements effective notification of toxicity
      test results through a web-based HAB database and listserv. Lake residents were
      best notified through electronic alerts including email and social media while
      mailers to lake residents were useful during initial HAB events and to gain
      subscribers to electronic alerts. Press releases were most valuable when used
      sparingly for severe blooms or for blooms in large lakes. Initial analyses of
      lake recreational use indicates these strategies encourage behavior change in
      lake users. Based on these findings, a general framework for HAB outreach and a
      specific notification strategy is proposed to assist other regions or agencies
      that are developing HAB education and notification programs.

PMID- 28073565
TI  - Heterogeneous distribution in sediments and dispersal in waters of Alexandrium
      minutum in a semi-enclosed coastal ecosystem.
AB  - Within the framework of research aimed at using genetic methods to evaluate
      harmful species distribution and their impact on coastal ecosystems, a portion of
      the ITS1rDNA of Alexandrium minutum was amplified by real-time PCR from DNA
      extracts of superficial (1-3cm) sediments of 30 subtidal and intertidal stations
      of the Bay of Brest (Brittany, France), during the winters of 2013 and 2015. Cell
      germinations and rDNA amplifications of A. minutum were obtained for sediments of
      all sampled stations, demonstrating that the whole bay is currently contaminated
      by this toxic species. Coherent estimations of ITS1rDNA copy numbers were
      obtained for the two sampling cruises, supporting the hypothesis of regular
      accumulation of A. minutum resting stages in the south-eastern, more confined
      embayments of the study area, where fine-muddy sediments are also more abundant.
      Higher ITS1rDNA copy numbers were detected in sediments of areas where blooms
      have been seasonally detected since 2012. This result suggests that specific
      genetic material estimations in superficial sediments of the bay may be a proxy
      of the cyst banks of A. minutum. The simulation of particle trajectory analyses
      by a Lagrangian physical model showed that blooms occurring in the south-eastern
      part of the bay are disconnected from those of the north-eastern zone. The
      heterogeneous distribution of A. minutum inferred from both water and sediment
      suggests the existence of potential barriers for the dispersal of this species in
      the Bay of Brest and encourages finer analyses at the population level for this
      species within semi-enclosed coastal ecosystems.

PMID- 28073566
TI  - Mixotrophy in the phototrophic dinoflagellate Takayama helix (family
      Kareniaceae): Predator of diverse toxic and harmful dinoflagellates.
AB  - Takayama spp. are phototrophic dinoflagellates belonging to the family
      Kareniaceae and have caused fish kills in several countries. Understanding their
      trophic mode and interactions with co-occurring phytoplankton species are
      critical steps in comprehending their ecological roles in marine ecosystems,
      bloom dynamics, and dinoflagellate evolution. To investigate the trophic mode and
      interactions of Takayama spp., the ability of Takayama helix to feed on diverse
      algal species was examined, and the mechanisms of prey ingestion were determined.
      Furthermore, growth and ingestion rates of T. helix feeding on the
      dinoflagellates Alexandrium lusitanicum and Alexandrium tamarense, which are two
      optimal prey items, were determined as a function of prey concentration. T. helix
      ingested large dinoflagellates >=15MUm in size, except for the dinoflagellates
      Karenia mikimotoi, Akashiwo sanguinea, and Prorocentrum micans (i.e., it fed on
      Alexandrium minutum, A. lusitanicum, A. tamarense, A. pacificum, A. insuetum,
      Cochlodinium polykrikoides, Coolia canariensis, Coolia malayensis, Gambierdiscus
      caribaeus, Gymnodinium aureolum, Gymnodinium catenatum, Gymnodinium instriatum,
      Heterocapsa triquetra, Lingulodinium polyedrum, and Scrippsiella trochoidea). All
      these edible prey items are dinoflagellates that have diverse eco-physiology such
      as toxic and non-toxic, single and chain forming, and planktonic and benthic
      forms. However, T. helix did not feed on small flagellates and dinoflagellates
      <13MUm in size (i.e., the prymnesiophyte Isochrysis galbana; the cryptophytes
      Teleaulax sp., Storeatula major, and Rhodomonas salina; the raphidophyte
      Heterosigma akashiwo; the dinoflagellates Heterocapsa rotundata, Amphidinium
      carterae, Prorocentrum minimum; or the small diatom Skeletonema costatum). T.
      helix ingested Heterocapsa triquetra by direct engulfment, but sucked materials
      from the rest of the edible prey species through the intercingular region of the
      sulcus. With increasing mean prey concentration, the specific growth rates of T.
      helix on A. lusitanicum and A. tamarense increased continuously before saturating
      at prey concentrations of 336-620ngC mL-1. The maximum specific growth rates
      (mixotrophic growth) of T. helix on A. lusitanicum and A. tamarense were 0.272
      and 0.268d-1, respectively, at 20 degrees C under a 14:10 h light/dark cycle of
      20MUE m-2 s-1 illumination, while its growth rates (phototrophic growth) under
      the same light conditions without added prey were 0.152 and 0.094d-1,
      respectively. The maximum ingestion rates of T. helix on A. lusitanicum and A.
      tamarense were 1.23 and 0.48ng C predator-1d-1, respectively. The results of the
      present study suggest that T. helix is a mixotrophic dinoflagellate that is able
      to feed on a diverse range of toxic species and, thus, its mixotrophic ability
      should be considered when studying red tide dynamics, food webs, and
      dinoflagellate evolution.

PMID- 28073567
TI  - The influence of native aortic valve calcium and transcatheter valve oversize on
      the need for pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve insertion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Native aortic valve calcium and transcatheter aortic valve oversize
      have been reported to predict pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic
      valve insertion. We reviewed our experience to better understand the association.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 300 patients with no prior
      permanent pacemaker implantation who underwent transcatheter aortic valve
      insertion from November 2008 to February 2015. Valve oversize was calculated
      using area. The end point of the study was 30-day postoperative pacemaker
      implantation. RESULTS: Patient data included age of 81.1 +/- 8.4 years, female
      sex in 135 patients (45%), atrial fibrillation in 74 patients (24.7%), Society of
      Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality of 7.6% (interquartile range [IQR],
      5.3-10.6), aortic valve calcium score of 2568 (IQR, 1775-3526) Agatston units,
      and annulus area of 471 +/- 82 mm2. Balloon-expandable valves were inserted in
      244 patients (81.3%). Transcatheter aortic valve oversize was 12.8% (IQR, 3.9
      23.3). Pacemaker implantation was performed in 59 patients (19.7%). Aortic valve
      calcium score (adjusted P = .275) and transcatheter valve oversize (adjusted P =
      .833) were not independent risk factors for pacemaker implantation when
      controlling for preoperative right bundle branch block (adjusted odds ratio,
      3.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.61-8.55; P = .002), implantation of self
      expanding valve (adjusted odds ratio, 4.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-10.96;
      P = .005), left bundle branch block (adjusted P = .331), previous percutaneous
      coronary intervention (adjusted P = .053), or valve surgery (adjusted P = .111),
      and PR interval (adjusted P = .350). CONCLUSIONS: Right bundle branch block and
      implantation of a self-expanding prosthesis were predictive of pacemaker
      implantation, but not native aortic valve score or transcatheter valve oversize.

PMID- 28073569
TI  - Discussion.

PMID- 28073568
TI  - Three mechanisms of early failure of transcatheter aortic valves: Valve
      thrombosis, cusp rupture, and accelerated calcification.

PMID- 28073570
TI  - Are men from Mars and women from Venus?

PMID- 28073571
TI  - Early clinical outcomes of a novel self-expanding transapical transcatheter
      aortic valve bioprosthesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Coronary obstruction remains a challenging complication of
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement; however, a new self-expanding transapical
      prosthesis may reduce this risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      early 1-year outcomes of patients with low coronary heights who received the
      Acurate TA bioprosthesis (Symetis, Ecublens, Switzerland). METHODS: Between May
      2014 and April 2015, 30 consecutive patients (aged 85 +/- 6 years, 63% were
      female, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 8.4 +/- 6.0) with severe, symptomatic
      aortic stenosis underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the Acurate
      TA bioprosthesis. Relevant patient characteristics included reoperation in 47% (n
      = 14), peripheral vascular disease in 43% (n = 13), and porcelain aorta in 30% (n
      = 9). The mean left and right coronary heights were 10.8 +/- 1.5 mm and 16.4 +/-
      4.1 mm, respectively, with a sinus of Valsalva : annular ratio of 1.3 +/- 0.8.
      RESULTS: All 30 device implants were successful. The 30-day in-hospital mortality
      was 3.3% (n = 1), and no patients had coronary obstruction or stroke. One patient
      (3.3%) had apical rupture requiring cardiopulmonary bypass for repair, 1 patient
      (3.3%) had a localized femoral artery dissection, and 1 patient (3.7%) required a
      new pacemaker. There were no other complications. Mean and peak transaortic valve
      gradients decreased from 59 +/- 17 and 84 +/- 31 mm Hg to 14 +/- 7 and 28 +/- 12
      mm Hg, respectively (P < .0005). No patients had more than mild paravalvular
      aortic insufficiency. At 30 days, there were no further complications and 96.7%
      (n = 29) were in New York Heart Association class I/II. Survival at 30 days and 1
      year was 97% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Symetis Acurate TA device
      demonstrates high procedural success and excellent acute and 1-year patient
      outcomes. The device allows safe implantation in patients at higher risk for
      coronary artery obstruction.

PMID- 28073572
TI  - Routine preoperative laboratory testing in elective pediatric cardiothoracic
      surgery is largely unnecessary.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Routine preoperative laboratory testing (RLT) is common practice in
      pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and is associated with significant cost burden
      to patients and families. We sought to examine the value of RLT in patients
      undergoing elective pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective study of all scheduled elective pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at
      our institution from 2012 to 2014. Inpatients were excluded. Patient charts were
      reviewed to obtain preoperative laboratory values and determine relationship to
      case cancellation. RLT includes complete blood count, prothrombin time, partial
      thromboplastin time, urinalysis, 7 chemistry metabolic panel, electrocardiogram,
      and 2-view chest radiograph. RESULTS: RLT was completed for 1106 scheduled
      elective cases. Six (0.5%) cancellations were related to abnormal preoperative
      laboratory test results: 5 complete blood counts and 1 urinalysis. Hospital
      charge for RLT averaged $2064 per patient. Based on this incidence, we estimated
      that 184 routine preoperative laboratory tests, which generated a total hospital
      charge of $379,776, were required to capture 1 abnormal test significant enough
      to cancel surgery. An estimated charge of $2,169,552 was generated on prothrombin
      time, partial thromboplastin time, 7 chemistry metabolic panel,
      electrocardiogram, and 2-view chest radiograph, and none of these tests resulted
      in a cancellation. CONCLUSIONS: RLT does not significantly impact decision-making
      in elective pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. The decision to order a specific
      screening test should be clinically driven. Selective preoperative laboratory
      testing may have a positive impact on healthcare costs without affecting
      outcomes.

PMID- 28073573
TI  - Surgery for predominant lesion in nonlocalized bronchiectasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with nonlocalized bronchiectasis are encountered commonly;
      however, there is little information regarding surgical intervention in this
      patient population. The aim of this study was to evaluate symptomatic response
      and safety of anatomic resection of the predominant lesion via the use of
      lobectomy for the management of nonlocalized bronchiectasis. METHODS: We reviewed
      the medical records of 37 consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy via
      thoracotomy for nonlocalized bronchiectasis between 2010 and 2013. The main
      surgical indications were nonlocalized bronchiectasis with one predominant
      lesion, failure of medical treatment, and adequate cardiopulmonary reserve. The
      predominant lesion was determined by preoperative computed tomography and/or
      bronchoscopy. Preoperative symptoms were compared with postoperative symptoms and
      analyzed by the use of paired techniques. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 54.5
      +/- 6.4 years. There was no operative mortality. Postoperative complications
      occurred in 8 (21.6%) patients, including 1 with empyema, 1 with persistent air
      leak, and 6 with minor transient complications, all of which were manageable
      without any reoperation. After lobectomy, the median extent of residual
      bronchiectatic areas in the remaining lungs was 25% (range, 12.5%-42.9%). The
      frequency of acute infection (5.3 +/- 2.1/year vs 1.8 +/- 2.3/year) and
      hemoptysis (4.9 +/- 2.8/year vs 1.1 +/- 0.7/year) decreased significantly and the
      amount of sputum also decreased (37.1 +/- 3.4 mL/day vs 10.7 +/- 4.6 mL/day).
      Twenty-three (62.2%) patients were asymptomatic after surgery, 10 (27.0%) were
      symptomatic with clinical improvement, and 4 (10.8%) had no change or worsened.
      CONCLUSIONS: Lobectomy for the predominant lesion is a safe procedure in the
      surgical treatment of nonlocalized bronchiectasis and leads to significant relief
      of symptoms with good rates of satisfaction.

PMID- 28073575
TI  - Discussion.

PMID- 28073576
TI  - Preoperative right ventricular dysfunction should not preclude surgical
      ventricular restoration.

PMID- 28073574
TI  - Massive donor transfusion potentially increases recipient mortality after lung
      transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Donor blood transfusion has been identified as a potential risk factor
      for primary graft dysfunction and by extension early mortality. We sought to
      define the contributing risk of donor transfusion on early mortality for lung
      transplant. METHODS: Donor and recipient data were abstracted from the Organ
      Procurement and Transplantation Network database updated through June 30, 2014,
      which included 86,398 potential donors and 16,255 transplants. Using the United
      Network for Organ Sharing 4-level designation of transfusion (no blood, 1-5
      units, 6-10 units, and >10 units, massive), we analyzed all-cause mortality at 30
      days with the use of logistic regression adjusted for confounders (ischemic time,
      donor age, recipient diagnosis, lung allocation score and recipient age, and
      recipient body mass index). Secondary analyses assessed 90-day and 1-year
      mortality and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: Of the 16,255 recipients
      transplanted, 8835 (54.35%) donors received at least one transfusion. Among those
      transfused, 1016 (6.25%) received a massive transfusion, defined as >10 units.
      Those donors with massive transfusion were most commonly young trauma patients.
      After adjustment for confounding variables, donor massive transfusion was
      associated significantly with an increased risk in 30-day (P = .03) and 90-day
      recipient mortality (P = .01) but not 1-year mortality (P = .09). There was no
      significant difference in recipient length of stay or hospital-free days with
      respect to donor transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Massive donor blood transfusion (>10
      units) was associated with early recipient mortality after lung transplantation.
      Conversely, submassive donor transfusion was not associated with increased
      recipient mortality. The mechanism of increased early mortality in recipients of
      lungs from massively transfused donors is unclear and needs further study but is
      consistent with excess mortality seen with primary graft dysfunction in the first
      90 days posttransplant.

PMID- 28073577
TI  - Zika virus. A teratogenic agent for the eyes.

PMID- 28073579
TI  - Robustness of 4D-optimized scanned carbon ion beam therapy against
      interfractional changes in lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Moving targets could be conformally treated with actively
      scanned carbon ion beams using 4D-optimization. As this heavily exploits 4D-CTs,
      an important question is whether the conformity also upholds in the context of
      interfractional changes, i.e. variable positioning, anatomy and breathing
      patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 4 lung cancer patients, 6 weekly 4D-CTs were
      available. 4D-CTs and their phases were non-rigidly registered to propagate
      contours and 4D-doses. On the first 4D-CT, a 4D-optimized plan delivering a
      uniform dose to each motion phase (total dose 9.4Gy(RBE)) was simulated, as well
      as an ITV plan for comparison. On the five following 4D-CTs, 4D-dose was forward
      calculated and evaluated for target coverage and conformity. Variable uniform (3
      7mm) and range margins (2mm/%) were investigated. RESULTS: For all patients,
      target coverage (V95>95% accumulated over 5 fractions) could be achieved, but
      with variable margin size weakly depending on motion amplitude and range changes.
      The same margins were also necessary for ITV plans, which lead to lower
      conformity and higher integral doses. CONCLUSION: 4D-optimization appears
      feasible also under interfractional changes and maintains a dosimetric advantage
      over less conformal ITV irradiations. Further studies are needed to identify
      patients benefiting most from the technically more complex 4D-optimization.

PMID- 28073578
TI  - Prophylactic cranial irradiation after definitive chemoradiotherapy for limited
      stage small cell lung cancer: Do all patients benefit?
AB  - PURPOSE: Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) can improve overall survival (OS)
      and suppress brain metastases (BM) in patients with limited-stage small cell lung
      cancer (LS-SCLC) after complete response to primary therapy. However, PCI can be
      toxic. We sought to identify characteristics of patients who may not benefit from
      PCI. METHODS: We identified 658 patients who received chemoradiotherapy at MD
      Anderson in 1986-2012; 364 received PCI and 294 did not. Median follow-up time
      was 21.2months (range 1.2-240.8months). Cox proportional hazards regression,
      competing-risk regression, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to identify
      factors influencing OS and BM. RESULTS: PCI reduced risks of death [HR 0.73, 95%
      CI 0.61-0.88, P=0.001] and BM [HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.39-0.76, P<0.001]. Having tumors
      ?5cm increased the risk of BM [HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.22-2.55, P=0.002] but not death
      [HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.96-1.40, P=0.114]. Among patients ?70years with ?5-cm tumors,
      PCI did not improve OS [2-year rates 39.4% vs 40.9%, P=0.739]. CONCLUSIONS: PCI
      remains standard therapy after complete response to chemoradiotherapy for LS
      SCLC. However, older patients may be at risk from comorbidity or extracranial
      disease. Further work is warranted to identify patients who may not benefit from
      PCI.

PMID- 28073580
TI  - Drug information by public health and regulatory institutions: Results of an 8
      country survey in Europe.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the framework of drug information produced by public health
      and regulatory institutions in Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a
      short survey asking editors of ISDB bulletins of the European region to indicate
      the main sources of drug information provided by public health and regulatory
      authorities in their countries, the specific kind of information produced and
      their opinions about strengths and weaknesses of such information. The
      availability of evaluations about the added therapeutic value of drugs and of
      tools facilitating the implementation of such information were particularly
      addressed and checked on the websites of those institutions. RESULTS: Answers
      pertaining to eight countries were available. Regulatory information and safety
      alerts are generally available, but just UK and Germany stand out by showing
      quite an advanced framework of evidence-based, comparative drug information for
      health professionals, decision-makers and for the general public. National plans
      to implement evidence-based drug information seem lacking. CONCLUSION: More
      efforts are warranted to develop sharp formats to make evidence-based drug
      information easier to access, understand and put in context, showing the place in
      therapy of medicines and their added therapeutic value. Harmonization of
      different sources, also at European level, would be important to favor their
      access and limit dispersion. Appropriate tools and specific plans are then
      necessary to favor implementation of information materials.

PMID- 28073581
TI  - Acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis or gallbladder cancer?

PMID- 28073582
TI  - Risk of inflammatory bowel disease in patients with rosacea: Results from a
      nationwide cohort study in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A link between rosacea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been
      proposed with unknown mechanisms. Epidemiologic evidence of this association
      needs to be examined. METHODS: In this nationwide cohort study, a total of 89,356
      patients with rosacea and 178,712 matched patients without rosacea between 1997
      and 2013 were identified in the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research
      Database. Cumulative incidences of IBD were compared between these 2 cohorts.
      Frailty Cox proportional hazard model was used and subgroup analyses were
      conducted to examine the risk factors for IBD. RESULTS: The 15-year cumulative
      incidences of IBD were 0.036% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00%-1.57%) and
      0.019% (95% CI 0.00%-0.83%) in rosacea and nonrosacea cohorts, respectively (P =
      .05). Rosacea (adjusted hazard ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.04-3.63, P = .04) and male
      gender (adjusted hazard ratio 3.52, 95% CI 2.03-6.11, P < .01) were independently
      associated with IBD, after adjustment for major comorbidities. Multivariate
      subgroup analyses revealed consistent results. The incidence rates of IBD
      decreased with increasing antibiotic use in patients with rosacea, but without
      statistical significance. LIMITATION: Information related to lifestyle, diet,
      alcohol, and smoking was not included in the database. CONCLUSION: Patients with
      rosacea may have an increased risk of IBD.

PMID- 28073583
TI  - Clinical factors associated with subclinical spread of in situ melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subclinical spread of in situ melanoma occurs at a wide frequency,
      ranging from 12% to 71%. OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical factors associated with
      subclinical spread of in situ melanoma. METHODS: We used a retrospective, cross
      sectional study of 674 consecutive in situ melanomas to examine 627 patients
      treated with Mohs surgery and melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1
      immunostaining. The presence of subclinical spread was correlated with clinical
      characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were
      performed to generate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
      RESULTS: Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated significantly
      increased odds for subclinical spread of in situ melanomas when they were located
      on the head or neck, at acral sites, or on the pretibial leg (OR 1.97, 95% CI
      1.41-3.40); in persons with a history of prior treatment (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.74
      4.420); melanomas of preoperative size >1 cm (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.23-2.46, P =
      .002); or in persons >=60 years old (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01-2.13, P = .042). A
      count prediction model demonstrated that the risk for subclinical spread
      increased with the number of clinical risk factors. LIMITATION: We used a single
      site, retrospective study design. CONCLUSION: Clarifying the risk factors for
      subclinical spread might help to refine triage of in situ melanomas to the
      appropriate surgical techniques for margin assessment prior to reconstruction.

PMID- 28073584
TI  - Coincident Tuberculosis and Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica in a
      Patient.

PMID- 28073585
TI  - Influence of climate change on the multi-generation toxicity to Enchytraeus
      crypticus of soils polluted by metal/metalloid mining wastes.
AB  - This study aimed at assessing the effects of increased air temperature and
      reduced soil moisture content on the multi-generation toxicity of a soil polluted
      by metal/metalloid mining wastes. Enchytraeus crypticus was exposed to dilution
      series of the polluted soil in Lufa 2.2 soil under different combinations of air
      temperature (20  degrees C and 25  degrees C) and soil moisture content (50% and
      30% of the soil water holding capacity, WHC) over three generations standardized
      on physiological time. Generation time was shorter with increasing air
      temperature and/or soil moisture content. Adult survival was only affected at 30%
      WHC (~30% reduction at the highest percentages of polluted soil). Reproduction
      decreased with increasing percentage of polluted soil in a dose-related manner
      and over generations. Toxicity increased at 30% WHC (>50% reduction in EC50 in F0
      and F1 generations) and over generations in the treatments at 20  degrees C (40
      60% reduction in EC50 in F2 generation). At 25  degrees C, toxicity did not
      change when combined with 30% WHC and only slightly increased with 50% WHC. So,
      higher air temperature and/or reduced soil moisture content does affect the
      toxicity of soils polluted by metal/metalloid mining wastes to E. crypticus and
      this effect may exacerbate over generations.

PMID- 28073586
TI  - Experimental comparison of point-of-use filters for drinking water
      ultrafiltration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Waterborne pathogens such as Pseudomonas spp. and Legionella spp. may
      persist in hospital water networks despite chemical disinfection. Point-of-use
      filtration represents a physical control measure that can be applied in high-risk
      areas to contain the exposure to such pathogens. New technologies have enabled an
      extension of filters' lifetimes and have made available faucet hollow-fibre
      filters for water ultrafiltration. AIM: To compare point-of-use filters applied
      to cold water within their period of validity. METHODS: Faucet hollow-fibre
      filters (filter A), shower hollow-fibre filters (filter B) and faucet membrane
      filters (filter C) were contaminated in two different sets of tests with standard
      bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSM 939 and Brevundimonas diminuta ATCC
      19146) and installed at points-of-use. Every day, from each faucet, 100 L of
      water was flushed. Before and after flushing, 250 mL of water was collected and
      analysed for microbiology. FINDINGS: There was a high capacity of microbial
      retention from filter C; filter B released only low Brevundimonas spp. counts;
      filter A showed poor retention of both micro-organisms. CONCLUSION: Hollow-fibre
      filters did not show good micro-organism retention. All point-of-use filters
      require an appropriate maintenance of structural parameters to ensure their
      efficiency.

PMID- 28073587
TI  - Translational approach to the pathophysiology of panic disorder: Focus on
      serotonin and endogenous opioids.
AB  - Panic patients experience recurrent panic attacks. Two main neurochemical
      hypotheses have been proposed to explain this vulnerability. The first suggests
      that panic patients have deficient serotonergic inhibition of neurons localized
      in the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter of the midbrain that organizes defensive
      reactions to cope with proximal threats as well as of sympathomotor control areas
      of the rostral ventrolateral medulla that generate neurovegetative symptoms of
      the panic attack. The second proposes that endogenous opioids buffer panic
      attacks in normal subjects, and their deficit results in heightened sensitivity
      to suffocation and separation anxiety in panic patients. Experimental results
      obtained in rat models of panic indicate that serotonin interacts synergistically
      with endogenous opioids in the dorsal periaqueductal gray through 5-HT1A and MU
      opioid receptors to inhibit proximal defense and, supposedly, panic attacks.
      These findings allow reconciliation of the serotonergic and opioidergic
      hypotheses of panic pathophysiology. They also indicate that endogenous opioids
      are likely to participate in the panicolytic action of antidepressants and
      suggest that exogenous opioids may be useful for treating panic patients
      resistant to conventional pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 28073588
TI  - Overexpression of cytochrome P450 2A6 in adrenocortical carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of chemotherapeutic agents
      contributes to chemotherapy resistance in multiple malignancies. Adrenocortical
      carcinoma is known to have a poor response to adjuvant therapies; however, the
      mechanism remains unknown. Recent comprehensive genetic analyses of
      adrenocortical carcinomas demonstrated recurrent copy number gains in multiple
      cytochrome P450 genes prompting investigation into whether cytochrome P450
      overexpression potentiates adrenocortical carcinoma chemoresistance. METHODS: We
      determined the expression patterns of 6 cytochrome P450 genes (CYP2A6, CYP2A7,
      CYP2A13, CYP2B6, CYP2S1, and CYP4F2) predicted to be amplified in adrenocortical
      carcinoma (n = 29) relative to normal adrenal cortex (n = 10). Gene copy numbers
      were determined with the TaqMan copy number assay. Gene silencing was performed
      via small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the adrenocortical carcinoma cell line NCI
      H295R and treated with mitotane and cisplatin. RESULTS: Of the 6 cytochrome P450
      genes tested, CYP2A6 was overexpressed with a 55-fold mean increase compared to
      normal adrenal samples (P < .05). Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed protein
      overexpression. Copy gains of CYP2A6 were found in 26% (7/27) of adrenocortical
      carcinoma specimens. Silencing of CYP2A6 in NCI-H295R cells resulted in decreased
      cell viability and increased chemosensitivity (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Frequent
      upregulation in adrenocortical carcinomas and the reversal of chemoresistance in
      adrenocortical carcinoma cells via enforced silencing suggest a role for CYP2A6
      in adrenocortical malignancy.

PMID- 28073590
TI  - Objective detection of apoptosis in rat renal tissue sections using light
      microscopy and free image analysis software with subsequent machine learning:
      Detection of apoptosis in renal tissue.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study proposes an automated machine learning approach for
      the quantification of cells in cell death pathways according to DNA
      fragmentation. METHODS: A total of 17 images of kidney histological slide samples
      from male Wistar rats were used. The slides were photographed using an Axio Zeiss
      Vert.A1 microscope with a 40x objective lens coupled with an Axio Cam MRC Zeiss
      camera and Zen 2012 software. The images were analyzed using CellProfiler
      (version 2.1.1) and CellProfiler Analyst open-source software. RESULTS: Out of
      the 10,378 objects, 4970 (47,9%) were identified as TUNEL positive, and 5408
      (52,1%) were identified as TUNEL negative. On average, the sensitivity and
      specificity values of the machine learning approach were 0.80 and 0.77,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Image cytometry provides a quantitative analytical
      alternative to the more traditional qualitative methods more commonly used in
      studies.

PMID- 28073589
TI  - Mechanisms of oncogene-induced genomic instability.
AB  - Activating mutations in oncogenes promote uncontrolled proliferation and
      malignant transformation. Approximately 30% of human cancers carry mutations in
      the RAS oncogene. Paradoxically, expression of mutant constitutively active Ras
      protein in primary human cells results in a premature proliferation arrest known
      as oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). This is more commonly observed in human pre
      neoplasia than in neoplastic lesions, and is considered a tumor suppressor
      mechanism. Senescent cells are still metabolically active but in a status of cell
      cycle arrest characterized by specific morphological and physiological features
      that distinguish them from both proliferating cells, and cells growth-arrested by
      other means. Although the molecular mechanisms by which OIS is established are
      not totally understood, the current view is that OIS in human cells is tightly
      linked to persistent activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway, as a
      consequence of replication stress. Here we will highlight recent advances in our
      understanding of molecular mechanisms leading to hyper-replication stress in
      response to oncogene activation, and of the crosstalk between replication stress
      and persistent activation of the DDR. We will also discuss new evidence for DNA
      repair deficiencies during OIS, which might increase the genomic instability that
      drives senescence bypass and malignant transformation.

PMID- 28073591
TI  - Neuropeptide Y neuronal network dysfunction in the frontal lobe of a genetic
      mouse model of schizophrenia.
AB  - Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been found to play a critical role in various mental
      functions as a neurotransmitter and is involved in the development of
      schizophrenia, a particularly intractable psychiatric disease whose precise
      etiology remains unknown. Recent molecular biological investigations have
      identified several candidate genes which may be associated with this disease,
      including disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1). The role of DISC1 would involve
      neurogenesis and neuronal migration. However, the functional consequences of this
      gene defect have not yet been fully clarified in neuronal systems. In the present
      study, to clarify the neuropathological changes associated with the function of
      DISC1, we explored how DISC1 dysfunction can induce abnormalities in the NPY
      neuronal network in the central nervous system. We performed immunohistochemical
      analyses (including the observation of the distribution and density) of
      prefrontal cortex specimens from DISC1-knockout (KO) mice, which are considered
      to be a novel animal model of schizophrenia. We then evaluated the number and
      size of NPY-immunoreactive (NPY-IR) neurons and the length of NPY-IR fibers. The
      number of NPY-IR neurons and the length of the fibers were decreased in the
      prefrontal cortex of DISC1-KO mice. The decrease was particularly prominent in
      the superficial regions, and the distribution of NPY-IR neurons differed between
      wild-type and DISC1-KO mice. However, the size of the neurons in the cortices of
      the DISC1-KO and wild-type mice did not differ markedly. Our findings suggest
      that dysfunction of DISC1 may lead to the alteration of NPY neurons and
      neurotransmission issues in NPY-containing neuron systems, which seem to play
      important roles in both the mental function and neuronal development. DISC1
      dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia through the
      impairment of the NPY neuronal network.

PMID- 28073592
TI  - Corrigendum to "Toxic polyacetylenes in the genus Bupleurum (Apiaceae) -
      Distribution, toxicity, molecular mechanism and analysis" [J. Ethnopharmacol. 193
      (2016) 566-573].

PMID- 28073593
TI  - Integrative Cardiopulmonary Ultrasound for Interstitial Lung Disease Assessment:
      Correlation between Lung Ultrasound Performance and Cardiac Involvement.
AB  - The aims of this study were to apply integrative cardiopulmonary ultrasound
      (thoracic ultrasound) to the evaluation of patients with interstitial lung
      disease (ILD) and to determine the relationship between lung ultrasound signs and
      echocardiographic parameters such as systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP)
      and various right ventricular parameters. ILD patients and healthy controls
      underwent lung ultrasound (LUS) and echocardiographic tests. In addition to
      traditional echocardiographic parameters, right ventricular free wall
      longitudinal strain (RVLS_FW) was measured using 2-D speckle-tracking
      echocardiography. The degree of pulmonary fibrosis or the disease severity of
      each ILD patient was scored with a semiquantitative scoring method, taking into
      account multiple LUS signs. Statistical analyses were performed to compare
      various parameters between ILD patients with and those without pulmonary
      hypertension. Correlations between the different parameters were then evaluated,
      and the LUS scores were used to predict pulmonary hypertension using a receiver
      operating characteristic curve analysis. Among the 90 patients who qualified for
      entry into this study, 30% (n = 27) had pulmonary hypertension. The patients with
      pulmonary hypertension had larger right ventricular dimensions, lower RVLS_FW and
      higher LUS scores. An effective correlation was found between ILD LUS scores and
      echocardiographic parameters, especially SPAP (r = 0.735, p < 0.001). The groups
      were comparable with respect to most echocardiographic parameters, with mild,
      moderate and severe pulmonary fibrosis, whereas SPAP was significantly higher in
      the moderate and severe groups. RVLS_FW was obviously reduced in the group with
      severe pulmonary fibrosis. Although RVLS_FW in the mild pulmonary fibrosis group
      was in the normal range, it was slightly reduced compared with that of the
      controls. A cutoff of more than 16 LUS points had 85.2% sensitivity and 80.3%
      specificity in predicting elevated SPAP (>36 mm Hg). Thoracic ultrasound is
      useful in the assessment of ILD. As ILD progresses, the structure or function of
      the right ventricle gradually deteriorates. LUS not only detects lung conditions
      in ILD, but also indirectly reflects SPAP and right ventricular function.
      Integrated use of LUS and echocardiography will provide an invaluable point-of
      care imaging modality to facilitate the diagnosis, management and treatment of
      patients with ILD.

PMID- 28073594
TI  - Analysis of readmission rates to the intensive care unit after implementation of
      a rapid response team in a University Hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare readmission rates to the intensive care unit (ICU) before
      and after the implementation of a rapid response team (RRT), and to identify risk
      factors for readmission. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental before-after study was
      carried out. SETTING: A University Hospital. PATIENTS: All patients discharged
      from the ICU from January to December 2008 (control group) and from January 2010
      to December 2012 (intervention group). INTERVENTION: Implementation of an RRT.
      MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: The data included demographic parameters, diagnoses
      upon admission, ICU readmission, APACHE II, SOFA, and TISS 28 scores, and routine
      daily assessment by an RRT of patients discharged from the ICU. RESULTS: During
      the study interval, 380 patients were analyzed in the period prior to the
      implementation of the RRT and 1361 after implementation. There was a tendency
      toward decreased readmission rates one year after RRT implementation. The APACHE
      II score and SOFA score at ICU discharge were independent factors associated to
      readmission, as well as clinical referral to the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: The RRT
      intervention resulted in a sustained decrease in readmission rates one year after
      implementation of this service. The use of a specialized team in health
      institutions can be recommended for ICU survivors.

PMID- 28073596
TI  - Quantitative EEG during normal aging: association with the Alzheimer's disease
      genetic risk variant in PICALM gene.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies have identified novel risk variants for
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among these, a gene carrying one of the highest risks
      for AD is PICALM. The PICALM rs3851179 A allele is thought to have a protective
      effect, whereas the G allele appears to confer risk for AD. The influence of the
      PICALM genotype on brain function in nondemented subjects remains largely
      unknown. We examined the possible effect of the PICALM rs3851179 genotype on
      quantitative electroencephalography recording at rest in 137 nondemented
      volunteers (age range: 20-79 years) subdivided into cohorts of those younger than
      and those older than 50 years of age. The homozygous presence of the AD risk
      variant PICALM GG was associated with an increase in beta relative power, with
      the effect being more pronounced in the older cohort. Beta power elevation in
      resting-state electroencephalography has previously been linked to cortical
      disinhibition and hyperexcitability. The increase in beta relative power in the
      carriers of the AD risk PICALM GG genotype suggests changes in the cortical
      excitatory-inhibitory balance, which are heightened during normal aging.

PMID- 28073595
TI  - Genetically encoded calcium indicators for studying long-term calcium dynamics
      during apoptosis.
AB  - Intracellular calcium release is essential for regulating almost all cellular
      functions. Specific spatio-temporal patterns of cytosolic calcium elevations are
      critical determinants of cell fate in response to pro-apoptotic cellular
      stressors. As the apoptotic program can take hours or days, measurement of long
      term calcium dynamics are essential for understanding the mechanistic role of
      calcium in apoptotic cell death. Due to the technical limitations of using
      calcium-sensitive dyes to measure cytosolic calcium little is known about long
      term calcium dynamics in living cells after treatment with apoptosis-inducing
      drugs. Genetically encoded calcium indicators could potentially overcome some of
      the limitations of calcium-sensitive dyes. Here, we compared the performance of
      the genetically encoded calcium indicators GCaMP6s and GCaMP6f with the
      ratiometric dye Fura-2. GCaMP6s performed as well or better than Fura-2 in
      detecting agonist-induced calcium transients. We then examined the utility of
      GCaMP6s for continuously measuring apoptotic calcium release over the course of
      ten hours after treatment with staurosporine. We found that GCaMP6s was suitable
      for measuring apoptotic calcium release over long time courses and revealed
      significant heterogeneity in calcium release dynamics in individual cells
      challenged with staurosporine. Our results suggest GCaMP6s is an excellent
      indicator for monitoring long-term changes cytosolic calcium during apoptosis.

PMID- 28073597
TI  - En-bloc resection of the pelvis (EnBRP) in patients with stage IIIC-IV ovarian
      cancer: A 10 steps standardised technique. Surgical and survival outcomes of
      primary vs. interval surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study we describe the technique of the En-bloc resection of
      the pelvis (EnBRP) in 10 standardised and reproducible steps, whereby all pelvic
      organs, except the bladder, are removed together with the peritoneum. In
      addition, we compare the surgical and survival outcomes of patients who underwent
      upfront vs. interval surgery. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with
      FIGO Stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer treated with Visceral Peritoneal Debulking
      (VPD) who had EnBRP. The study population was divided into Group 1 (up-front VPD)
      and group 2 (VPD after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy). The aim was to assess the
      incidence of EnBRP. We also assessed rate of complete resection (CR), procedure
      specific and overall morbidity, disease free and overall survival. Results were
      compared between group 1 and 2. RESULTS: Overall 92 out of 200 patients (46%)
      needed an EnBRP during the VPD. Forty-eight patients were in Group 1 and 44
      patients in Group 2. CR was achieved in all patients. No intra-operative
      procedure specific morbidity was recorded. Dehiscence of bowel anastomosis was
      the only procedure specific morbidity. Rate was 2%, with 1 episode recorded in
      each group. Both patients were managed and settled with formation of a bowel
      diversion. The overall morbidity rate was 33%, 35% in group 1 and 31% in group 2.
      The mortality rate was 1%. Median disease free survival was 20months, 25 in group
      1 vs. 15 in group 2 (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: EnBRP is a safe and effective
      technique to tackle the pelvic disease of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
      The reduced blood loss, the high rate of clear margins and CR of the disease are
      accompanied by a low rate of surgical morbidity. These features are particularly
      suitable for patients who are due to start or re-start chemotherapy. The
      standardization of the technique will make it more reproducible and easier to be
      taught. In addition, it will facilitate comparison of results and the inclusion
      of this technique in the portfolio of procedures as part of debulking surgery.

PMID- 28073599
TI  - Psychotic mania induced by diffuse meditation.

PMID- 28073598
TI  - HDAC10 as a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We analyzed histone deacetylase 10 (HDAC10) for function in the
      context of the DNA damage response in BRCA1-null ovarian cancer cells as well as
      evaluated the potential of general HDAC inhibitors in primary ovarian carcinoma
      cells. HDAC10 had previously been shown to be highly stimulatory to the process
      of homology directed repair in HeLa cells, and in this study we investigated
      whether HDAC10 could impact in vitro the response to anticancer therapies. We
      hypothesized that the loss of HDAC10 would sensitize cells to platinum therapy.
      METHODS: We combined informatics analysis of large DNA sequencing datasets from
      ovarian cancer tumors with tissue culture based assays of primary and established
      cell lines to test for sensitivity to platinum therapy if HDAC10 activity was
      inhibited or depleted. RESULTS: Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, we
      found that deep deletions in HDAC10 occurred in 5-10% of ovarian cancer tumors.
      From the TCGA data we found that low HDAC10 mRNA levels correlated with platinum
      sensitivity of the tumors. Cell proliferation and DNA damage assays in a BRCA1
      null ovarian carcinoma cell line demonstrated reduced DNA repair capacity and
      sensitization of platinum therapy. Similarly, primary ovarian carcinoma cells
      demonstrated a sensitization to platinum therapies when treated with HDAC
      inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: From the results of this study, we suggest that the
      inhibition of HDAC10 may potentiate the effects of platinum therapies in ovarian
      tumors.

PMID- 28073600
TI  - E-cigarettes and Urologic Health: A Collaborative Review of Toxicology,
      Epidemiology, and Potential Risks.
AB  - CONTEXT: Use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) is on the rise in most high-income
      countries. Smoking conventional cigarettes is a known risk factor for urologic
      malignancy incidence, progression, and mortality, as well as for other urologic
      health indicators. The potential impact of EC use on urologic health is therefore
      of clinical interest to the urology community. OBJECTIVE: To review the available
      data on current EC use, including potential benefits in urologic patients,
      potential issues linked to toxicology of EC constituents, and how this might
      translate into urologic health risks. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A Medline search was
      carried out in August 2016 for studies reporting urologic health outcomes and EC
      use. Snowballing techniques were also used to identify relevant studies from
      recent systematic reviews. A narrative synthesis of data around EC health
      outcomes, toxicology, and potential use in smoking cessation and health policy
      was carried out. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We found no studies to date that have been
      specifically designed to prospectively assess urologic health risks, even in an
      observational setting. Generating such data would be an important contribution to
      the debate on the role of ECs in public health and clinical practice. There is
      evidence from a recent Cochrane review of RCTs that ECs can support smoking
      cessation. There are emerging data indicating that potentially harmful components
      of ECs such as tobacco-specific nitrosamines, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and
      heavy metals could be linked to possible urologic health risks. CONCLUSIONS: ECs
      might be a useful tool to encourage cessation of conventional cigarette smoking.
      However, data collection around the specific impact of ECs on urologic health is
      needed to clarify the possible patient benefits, outcomes, and adverse events.
      PATIENT SUMMARY: While electronic cigarettes might help some people to stop
      smoking, their overall impact on urologic health is not clear.

PMID- 28073601
TI  - Re: Management of Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis of
      Guidelines from the Unites States, Europe, and Asia.

PMID- 28073602
TI  - Report on the 6th international FESTEM symposium on "New horizons on trace
      elements and minerals role in human and animal health" (Catania, Sicily, Italy,
      May 26-28th, 2016).

PMID- 28073603
TI  - Relationship between serum selenium, sociodemographic variables, other trace
      elements and lipid profile in an adult Spanish population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several studies have shown an inverse relationship between selenium
      status and cardiovascular health, although epidemiologic evidence yielded by the
      randomized trials did not find a beneficial effect of selenium administration.
      The aim of this study was to analyze the association between serum selenium
      levels and lipid profile adjusted by age, sex and other associated factors among
      a general adult population in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 372
      hospital employee volunteers (60 men and 312 women) with a mean age of 47 (SD:
      10.9), whom were given a standardized questionnaire. Serum selenium concentration
      was measured by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum
      copper and zinc concentrations were measured using flame atomic absorption
      spectrometry. RESULTS: The mean of serum selenium was 79.5MUg/L (SD: 11.7) with
      no sex-dependent differences. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, the
      associated factors with the mean levels of selenium were: age (beta=0.223; CI
      95%: 0.101-0.345), p<0.001; widowhood (beta=-9.668; CI 95%: -17.234 to -2.102),
      p=0.012; calcium supplements (beta=3.949; CI 95%: 0.059-7.838), p=0.047; zinc
      (beta=0.126; CI 95%: 0.013-0.238), p=0.028 and glucose (beta=0.172; CI 95%: 0.062
      0.281), p=0.002; Participants with serum selenium>=79.5MUg/L were 1.98 (OR=1.98;
      CI 95% 1.17-3.35; p=0.011) and 2.04 times (OR=2.04; CI 95% 1.06-3.97; p=0.034)
      more likely to have cholesterol >=200mg/dL and LDL-c >=100mg/dL respectively than
      those with serum selenium <79.5MUg/L. CONCLUSIONS: Higher selenium was positively
      associated with increased total and LDL cholesterol but not with HDL-c and
      triglycerides. More studies are needed in order to confirm the lower serum
      selenium findings in widows.

PMID- 28073604
TI  - Morphometric and genetic analysis of Arcella intermedia and Arcella intermedia
      laevis (Amoebozoa, Arcellinida) illuminate phenotypic plasticity in microbial
      eukaryotes.
AB  - Testate amoebae are eukaryotic microorganisms characterized by the presence of an
      external shell (test). The shell morphology is used as a diagnostic character,
      but discordance between morphological and molecular data has been demonstrated in
      groups of arcellinids (Amoebozoa), one of the principal groups of testate
      amoebae. Morphology of the test is supposed to differentiate genera and species
      and it is applied in ecological, monitoring and paleontological studies. However,
      if phenotype does not reflect genotype, conclusions in these types of studies
      become severely impaired. The objective of this work is to evaluate the
      morphometrical and morphological variation of the closely related and
      morphologically similar taxa Arcella intermedia laevis Tsyganov and Mazei, 2006
      and Arcella intermedia (Deflandre 1928) Tsyganov and Mazei, 2006 in nature and in
      cultured individuals and see how these are correlated with molecular data. Our
      results demonstrate that phenotypic plasticity in Arcella intermedia make
      morphological distinctions impossible in both taxa. Arcella intermedia and
      Arcella intermedia laevis are molecularly identical for SSU rDNA and a
      mitochondrial molecular marker (NAD9/7). We conclude that morphological
      techniques alone cannot identify phenotypic plasticity from natural populations.
      More work is clearly needed to better understand the morphological, morphometric
      and molecular variability in these organisms.

PMID- 28073605
TI  - Comprehensive association analysis of 27 genes from the GABAergic system in
      Japanese individuals affected with schizophrenia.
AB  - Involvement of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic system in schizophrenia
      pathogenesis through disrupted neurodevelopment has been highlighted in numerous
      studies. However, the function of common genetic variants of this system in
      determining schizophrenia risk is unknown. We therefore tested the association of
      375 tagged SNPs in genes derived from the GABAergic system, such as GABAA
      receptor subunit genes, and GABA related genes (glutamate decarboxylase genes,
      GABAergic-marker gene, genes involved in GABA receptor trafficking and
      scaffolding) in Japanese schizophrenia case-control samples (n=2926; 1415 cases
      and 1511 controls). We observed nominal association of SNPs in nine GABAA
      receptor subunit genes and the GPHN gene with schizophrenia, although none
      survived correction for study-wide multiple testing. Two SNPs located in the
      GABRA1 gene, rs4263535 (Pallele=0.002; uncorrected) and rs1157122 (Pallele=0.006;
      uncorrected) showed top hits, followed by rs723432 (Pallele=0.007; uncorrected)
      in the GPHN gene. All three were significantly associated with schizophrenia and
      survived gene-wide multiple testing. Haplotypes containing associated variants in
      GABRA1 but not GPHN were significantly associated with schizophrenia. To
      conclude, we provided substantiating genetic evidence for the involvement of the
      GABAergic system in schizophrenia susceptibility. These results warrant further
      investigations to replicate the association of GABRA1 and GPHN with schizophrenia
      and to discern the precise mechanisms of disease pathophysiology.

PMID- 28073606
TI  - Load-dependent hyperdeactivation of the default mode network in people with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia is associated with impairment in a range of cognitive functions.
      Neuroimaging studies have reported lower, but also higher, task-induced
      activation accompanying impaired performance. Differences in task-load and the
      ability of people with schizophrenia (PSZ) to stay engaged in the cognitive
      operations probed appear to underlie such discrepancies. Similarly, task-induced
      deactivation of the default mode network (DMN) was weaker in PSZ relative to
      healthy control subjects (HCS) in most studies, but some reported greater
      deactivation. An inability to stay engaged in the cognitive operations could
      account for these discrepancies, too, as it would lead to more time off-task and
      consequently less deactivation of DMN functions. The present study employed a
      change detection paradigm with small to moderate set sizes (SSs) of 1, 2, and 4
      items. Task training prior to fMRI scanning abolished the group difference in no
      response trials. Task-positive regions of interest (ROIs) displayed greater
      activation with increasing SS in both groups. PSZ showed greater activation
      relative to HCS at SSs 1 and 2. DMN ROIs displayed greater deactivation with
      increasing SS in PSZ, but not in HCS, and PSZ tended to hyperdeactivate DMN
      regions at SS 4. No hypodeactivation was observed in PSZ. In conclusion, when
      minimizing differences in task-engagement, PSZ tend to over-recruit task-positive
      regions during low-load operations, and hyperdeactivate DMN functions at higher
      load, perhaps reflecting heightened non-specific vigilance or effort when dealing
      with cognitive challenges. This speaks against an inability to down-regulate task
      independent thought processes as a primary mechanism underlying cognitive
      impairment in schizophrenia.

PMID- 28073607
TI  - Thermal Ablation versus Surgical Resection for the Treatment of Stage T1
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results
      Database Population.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare survival outcomes of small solitary hepatocellular carcinomas
      (HCCs) treated with thermal ablation vs resection in the Surveillance,
      Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SEER data
      (November 2014 submission) were searched for histologic diagnoses of HCC and
      stage T1 disease (<= 5-cm solitary tumor without vascular invasion). Comparison
      was made between thermal ablation and resection as the primary treatment. Overall
      and disease-specific survival were compared by log-rank tests (stratified for
      presence of fibrosis) and Cox regression (with tumor size and presence of
      fibrosis covariates). RESULTS: Of 264 patients with <= 2-cm HCCs, 185 underwent
      thermal ablation and 79 underwent resection. Patients undergoing ablation had
      higher Ishak scores (P = .0002). There was no difference in survival (observed P
      = .698, disease-specific P = .446). Of 544 patients with 2.1-4-cm HCCs, 335
      underwent thermal ablation and 209 underwent resection. Patients undergoing
      ablation were more likely to have higher Ishak scores (P < .001), but had
      slightly smaller tumors (2.9 vs 3.1 cm; P < .001). There was no difference in
      survival (observed P = .174, disease-specific P = .609). Of 112 patients with 4.1
      5-cm HCCs, 46 underwent thermal ablation and 66 underwent resection. Patients
      undergoing ablation had higher Ishak scores (P = .0002). Surgical resection was
      associated with improved survival (observed P = .009, disease-specific P = .046).
      CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in overall or disease-specific survival
      between surgical resection and thermal ablation for T1 HCCs <= 4 cm after
      adjusting for the presence of histologic fibrosis and tumor size in the SEER
      cohort. Significant benefit was observed with surgery for tumors measuring 4.1-5
      cm.

PMID- 28073608
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 7-(aryl)-2,3-dihydro
      [1,4]dioxino[2,3-g]quinoline derivatives as potential Hsp90 inhibitors and
      anticancer agents.
AB  - A new series of quinoline analogues was designed and synthesized as Hsp90
      inhibitors. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated
      against three human cancer cell lines including MCF-7 (human breast cancer
      cells), DU145 (human prostate cancer cell lines), and A549 (adenocarcinomic human
      alveolar basal epithelial cells). Some of our compounds (13a-13f) showed
      significant cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cells. The most potent anti-proliferative
      compounds were also tested against Her2, a client protein of Hsp90. Compound 13d
      that demonstrated the highest antiproliferative activity in the series, was found
      the most potent one for both Her2 protein degradation and Hsp70 protein induction
      as well. Molecular modeling studies displayed possible mode of interaction
      between this compound and N-terminal ATP-binding site of Hsp90.

PMID- 28073609
TI  - Interaction of older donor age and survival after weight-matched pediatric heart
      transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Donors are matched for weight in pediatric heart transplantation
      (PHT), yet age differences are not considered in this decision. In this study we
      attempt to identify the effect of age differences in weight-matched patients and
      the effect these differences have on post-transplant survival. METHODS: The
      United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried for the period from
      October 1987 to March 2014 for all pediatric heart transplant patients.
      Transplants with donor-to-recipient (D-R) weight ratios of 0.8 to 1.5 were
      identified (weight-matched). D-R age differences were categorized as: donors 5
      years younger than recipients (D<R-5); donors within 5 years of recipients (D=R+/
      5); and donors 5 years older than recipients (D>R+5). RESULTS: A total of 4,408
      patients were identified as weight-matched transplants. Of these transplants, 681
      were D>R+5, 3,596 were D=R+/-5 and 131 were D<R-5. D>R+5 transplants were found
      to be associated with decreased post-transplant survival compared with D=R+/-5 (p
      = 0.002). Rates of acute rejection were similar among all groups but post
      transplant coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) was more prevalent in D>R+5 than
      D=R+/-5 patients (28% and 18%, respectively; p < 0.001). Increasing age
      difference by each year was associated with decreasing median post-transplant
      survival time (p < 0.001; hazard ratio 1.018, range 1.011 to 1.025). The overall
      negative association with mortality was due to the adolescent cohort (11 to 17
      years), specifically D>R+5 transplants, utilizing organs from donors >25 of age.
      CONCLUSION: In PHT, increasing D-R age difference decreases survival; however,
      this effect is driven by recipients 11 to 17 years old and donors >25 years old.
      Allocation of younger donor organs to adolescent recipients should be a priority.

PMID- 28073610
TI  - Anonymous biomedical publications for security reason? An open letter to the
      ICJME.

PMID- 28073611
TI  - Propofol versus midazolam for procedural sedation in the emergency department: A
      study on efficacy and safety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Procedural sedation for painful procedures in the emergency
      department (ED) can be accomplished with various pharmacological agents. The
      choice of the sedative used is highly dependent on procedure- and patient
      characteristics and on personal- or local preferences. METHODS: We conducted a
      multicenter retrospective cohort study of procedural sedations performed in the
      EDs of 5 hospitals in the Netherlands over a 4year period to evaluate the
      efficacy- (success rate of the intended procedure) and safety (incidence of
      sedation (adverse) events) of propofol sedations compared to midazolam sedations.
      RESULTS: A total of 592 ED sedations were included in our study. Patients sedated
      with propofol (n=284, median dose 75mg) achieved a deeper level of sedation (45%
      vs. 25% deep sedation, p<0.001), had a higher procedure success rate (92% vs.
      81%, p<0.001) and shorter median sedation duration (10 vs. 17min, p<0.001)
      compared to patients receiving midazolam (n=308, median dose 4mg). A total of 112
      sedation events were registered for 99 patients. Transient apnea was the most
      prevalent event (n=73), followed by oxygen desaturation (n=18) airway obstruction
      responsive to simple maneuvers (n=13) and hypotension (n=6). Propofol sedations
      were more often associated with the occurrence of apnea's (20% vs. 10%, p=0.004),
      whereas clinically relevant oxygen desaturations (<90%) were found more often in
      patients sedated with midazolam (8% vs. 1%, p=0.001). No sedation adverse events
      were registered CONCLUSION: Propofol is more effective and at least as safe as
      midazolam for procedural sedation in the ED.

PMID- 28073612
TI  - Gonorrhea and chlamydia in the emergency department: Continued need for more
      focused treatment for men, women and pregnant women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Delay in current nucleic acid amplification testing for Neisseria
      gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis has led to recommendations for presumptive
      treatment in patients with concern for infection and unreliable follow-up. In the
      urban setting, it is assumed that many patients have unreliable follow-up,
      therefore presumptive therapy is thought to be used frequently. We sought to
      measure the frequency of disease and accuracy of presumptive treatment for these
      infections. METHODS: This was an observational cohort study performed at an urban
      academic Level 1 trauma center ED with an annual census of 95,000 visits per
      year. Testing was performed using the APTIMA Unisex swab assay (Gen-Probe
      Incorporated, San Diego, CA). Presumptive therapy was defined as receiving
      treatment for both infections during the initial encounter without confirmation
      of diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 1162 patients enrolled. Infection was present
      in 26% of men, 14% of all women and 11% of pregnant women. Despite high frequency
      of presumptive treatment, >4% of infected patients in each category went
      untreated. CONCLUSION: Inaccuracy of presumptive treatment was common for these
      sexually transmitted infections. There is an opportunity to improve diagnostic
      accuracy for treatment.

PMID- 28073613
TI  - Effect of nasal allergen challenge in allergic rhinitis on mitochondrial function
      of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

PMID- 28073614
TI  - Underuse of allergy services for patients having systemic reactions to
      Hymenoptera venom stings.

PMID- 28073616
TI  - Challenges and Research in Managing Blood Supply in China.
AB  - Although considerable progress has been made in improving the blood service
      system in China over the last 2 decades, many challenges remain. A number of
      issues have received public attentions; however, others continue to be
      underacknowledged and controversial. This article describes 3 of these important
      and less emphasized issues: first, the ambiguity of the definition of voluntary
      nonremunerated blood donation and its relationship to an adequate blood supply;
      second, the current inadequacies of cost recovery from the blood service system;
      and third, the lack of a universally implemented program of hemovigilance.
      Currently, there is controversy regarding these challenges. Open recognition and
      discussion offers the prospect of bringing solutions closer to reality.

PMID- 28073615
TI  - Randomized trial of a question prompt list to increase patient active
      participation during interactions with black patients and their oncologists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Communication during racially-discordant interactions is often of poor
      quality and may contribute to racial treatment disparities. We evaluated an
      intervention designed to increase patient active participation and other
      communication-related outcomes during interactions between Black patients and non
      Black oncologists. METHODS: Participants were 18 non-Black medical oncologists
      and 114 Black patients at two cancer hospitals in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Before
      a clinic visit to discuss treatment, patients were randomly assigned to usual
      care or to one of two question prompt list (QPL) formats: booklet (QPL-Only), or
      booklet and communication coach (QPL-plus-Coach). Patient-oncologist interactions
      were video recorded. Patients reported perceptions of the intervention,
      oncologist communication, role in treatment decisions, and trust in the
      oncologist. Observers assessed interaction length, patient active participation,
      and oncologist communication. RESULTS: The intervention was viewed positively and
      did not increase interaction length. The QPL-only format increased patient active
      participation; the QPL-plus-Coach format decreased patient perceptions of
      oncologist communication. No other significant effects were found. CONCLUSION:
      This QPL booklet is acceptable and increases patient active participation in
      racially-discordant oncology interactions. Future research should investigate
      whether adding physician-focused interventions might improve other outcomes.
      PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This QPL booklet is acceptable and can improve patient
      active participation in racially-discordant oncology interactions.

PMID- 28073617
TI  - District Policies and Practices Vary in Their Association With Adolescents'
      Consumption of Milk and 100% Fruit Juice.
AB  - PURPOSE: Researchers previously examined the relationship between school beverage
      policies and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. This study addressed a
      research gap by examining cross-sectional associations between district-level
      policies and practices and U.S. high school students' consumption of milk and
      100% fruit juice. METHODS: Data from the 2012 School Health Policies and
      Practices Study and 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System were linked for
      12 large urban school districts. Outcome variables were daily milk consumption
      (>=1 glass/day) and 100% fruit juice consumption (>=1 time/day). Exposure
      variables were five district policies (i.e., restrict SSB sales, maintain closed
      campuses, offer/sell healthful alternatives, restrict promotional products, and
      require nutrition education). Logistic regression models estimated the odds of
      consuming milk or 100% fruit juice daily, conditional on the policies and
      adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, grade level, weight status, and district
      free/reduced-price lunch eligibility (n = 23,173). RESULTS: Students in districts
      that required/recommended restricting the times of SSB sales had 55% higher
      (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-1.87) odds
      of consuming >=1 glass/day of milk than students in districts without this
      policy. Closed campus policies were associated with lower odds of consuming milk
      (AOR, .72; 95% CI, .63-.82) and higher odds of consuming juice (AOR, 1.27; 95%
      CI, 1.07-1.50). Policies requiring/recommending that districts offer/sell
      healthful alternatives were associated with lower odds of consuming 100% fruit
      juice daily. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that restricting SSB sales may support
      adolescents' milk consumption. Future studies should assess whether the
      implementation of federal standards that further restrict SSB sales in school
      leads to increased milk consumption.

PMID- 28073618
TI  - Characteristics of Adolescents Lacking Provider-Recommended Human Papillomavirus
      Vaccination.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize subgroups of teens in the United States for whom
      provider recommendation is less likely to impact human papillomavirus (HPV)
      vaccine initiation. METHODS: We analyzed provider-verified vaccination data from
      the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2014 National Immunization
      Survey-Teen. Poisson regression models identified characteristics associated with
      the lack of HPV vaccine initiation among teens who received a provider
      recommendation (n = 12,742). Top qualitative reasons for nonvaccination among
      teens who received a provider recommendation were summarized (n = 1,688).
      RESULTS: Among teens with provider recommendations, males, younger teens, and
      white teens were less likely to initiate vaccination, compared to peers.
      Believing the vaccine was unnecessary, concerns about safety and lack of vaccine
      knowledge were common reasons parents did not initiate the vaccine, despite
      receiving provider recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: These key subgroups and barriers
      to HPV vaccination should be targeted with interventions that complement provider
      recommendation to achieve broad vaccine uptake in the United States.

PMID- 28073620
TI  - Electrochemical monitoring of native catalase activity in skin using skin covered
      oxygen electrode.
AB  - A skin covered oxygen electrode, SCOE, was constructed with the aim to study the
      enzyme catalase, which is part of the biological antioxidative system present in
      skin. The electrode was exposed to different concentrations of H2O2 and the
      amperometric current response was recorded. The observed current is due to H2O2
      penetration through the outermost skin barrier (referred to as the stratum
      corneum, SC) and subsequent catalytic generation of O2 by catalase present in the
      underlying viable epidermis and dermis. By tape-stripping the outermost skin
      layers we demonstrate that SC is a considerable diffusion barrier for H2O2
      penetration. Our experiments also indicate that skin contains a substantial
      amount of catalase, which is sufficient to detoxify H2O2 that reaches the viable
      epidermis after exposure of skin to high concentrations of peroxide (0.5-1mM
      H2O2). Further, we demonstrate that the catalase activity is reduced at acidic
      pH, as compared with the activity at pH 7.4. Finally, experiments with often used
      penetration enhancer thymol shows that this compound interferes with the catalase
      reaction. Health aspect of this is briefly discussed. Summarizing, the results of
      this work show that the SCOE can be utilized to study a broad spectrum of issues
      involving the function of skin catalase in particular, and the native biological
      antioxidative system in skin in general.

PMID- 28073619
TI  - Cytomegalovirus Serostatus as Predictor for Adverse Events After Cardiac Surgery:
      A Prospective Observational Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether reactivated cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in
      critically ill patients lead to worse outcome or just identify more severely ill
      patients. If CMV has a pathogenic role, latently infected (CMV-seropositive)
      patients should have worse outcome than seronegative patients because only
      seropositive patients can experience a CMV reactivation. DESIGN: Post-hoc
      analysis of a prospective observational study. SETTING: Single university
      hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 983 consecutive patients scheduled
      for on-pump surgery. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: CMV
      antibodies were analyzed in preoperative plasma samples. Postoperative adverse
      events (reintubation, low cardiac output or reinfarction, dialysis, stroke) and
      30-day and 1-year mortality were evaluated prospectively. The plasma of
      reintubated patients and matched control patients was tested for CMV
      deoxyribonucleic acid, and 618 patients were found to be seropositive for CMV
      (63%). Among these, the risk for reintubation was increased (10% v 4%, p =
      0.001). This increase remained significant after correction for confounding
      factors (odds ratio 2.70, p = 0.003) and was detectable from the third
      postoperative day throughout the whole postoperative period. Other outcome
      parameters were not different. Reintubated seropositive patients were more
      frequently CMV deoxyribonucleic acid-positive than were matched control patients
      (40% v 8%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CMV-seropositive patients had an increased risk
      of reintubation after cardiac surgery, which was associated with reactivations of
      their CMV infections. Additional studies should determine whether this
      complication may be prevented by monitoring of latently infected patients and
      administering antiviral treatment for reactivated CMV infections.

PMID- 28073621
TI  - Community Engagement for Pediatric Nurses: No Longer a Choice.

PMID- 28073622
TI  - Cost of Children's Healthy vs Unhealthy Snacks Does Not Differ at Convenience
      Stores.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compared the prices of unhealthy (chips) and healthy (ready
      to-eat fruit) snacks that students are likely to purchase from corner stores.
      METHODS: Snacks were purchased from 325 New Jersey corner stores; chip prices
      were compared with fruit prices overall and by store sales volume and block group
      characteristics. RESULTS: Prices did not differ significantly between chips and
      fruit in the overall sample in which both items were available (n = 104) (chips:
      $0.46 +/- $0.15; fruit: $0.49 +/- $0.19; P = .48) or by store or block group
      characteristics. Neither mean fruit prices nor mean chip prices differed by store
      sales volume or by neighborhood characteristics. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      Promoting ready-to-eat fruits in corner stores to children as a price-neutral
      alternative to calorically dense snacks can be a viable strategy to improve the
      nutritional quality of snacks commonly purchased at corner stores.

PMID- 28073624
TI  - European College of Orthodontics: Commission of affiliation and titularisation.
AB  - : Date of birth: 2/8/1982; sex: male. A. PRETREATMENT RECORDS: 25 years;
      7/3/2008. DIAGNOSIS: Very severe Class III malocclusion in adult dentition in
      hyperdivergent facial pattern; Sagittal dimension: skeletal and dental Class II,
      severe alveolar retrusion of the mandibular incisors, negative overjet (-11mm);
      transverse dimension: Class III-related bilateral crossbite with no transverse
      maxillary deficiency; vertical dimension: incisor overbite, increased height of
      the lower facial third; Teeth missing prior to treatment: 16-26. TREATMENT PLAN:
      Appliances or procedures: multi-bracket bi-maxillary appliance and maxillofacial
      surgery; arch decompensation; maxillofacial surgery; fixed retainers; beginning
      of treatment: 26 years; 10/01/2009. B. POSTTREATMENT RECORDS: 17/2/2011; 28
      years. DURATION OF ACTIVE TREATMENT: 25 months. RETENTION: Maxillary: 17/2/2011;
      mandibular: 17/2/2011. C. POST-RETENTION RECORDS: (1 year minimum): 25/04/2016;
      33 years; duration of retention: lifelong. Post-retention duration: 5years and
      2months.

PMID- 28073623
TI  - Stretching Food and Being Creative: Caregiver Responses to Child Food Insecurity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the strategies and behaviors caregivers use to manage the
      household food supply when their children experience food insecurity as measured
      by the US Department of Agriculture's Household Food Security Survey Module.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey with open-ended questions collected in person.
      SETTING: Urban and nonurban areas, South Carolina, US. PARTICIPANTS: Caregivers
      who reported food insecurity among their children (n = 746). PHENOMENON OF
      INTEREST: Strategies and behaviors used to manage the household food supply.
      ANALYSIS: Emergent and thematic qualitative coding of open-ended responses.
      RESULTS: The top 3 strategies and behaviors to change meals were (1) changes in
      foods purchased or obtained for the household, (2) monetary and shopping
      strategies, and (3) adaptations in home preparation. The most frequently
      mentioned foods that were decreased were protein foods (eg, meat, eggs, beans),
      fruits, and vegetables. The most frequently mentioned foods that were increased
      were grains and starches (eg, noodles), protein foods (eg, beans, hot dogs), and
      mixed foods (eg, sandwiches). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Caregivers use a wide
      variety of strategies and behaviors to manage the household food supply when
      their children are food insecure. Future work should examine how these strategies
      might affect dietary quality and well-being of food-insecure children.

PMID- 28073625
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073626
TI  - ?

PMID- 28073627
TI  - Angular photogrammetric analysis and evaluation of facial esthetics of young
      Ivorians with normal dental occlusion.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the angular photogrammetric
      characteristics of subjects according to the facial esthetics criteria applicable
      in Cote d'Ivoire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a horizontal study, concerning
      of group of young people from Cote d'Ivoire whose attractiveness and
      photogrammetric characteristics were assessed. The data obtained were analyzed
      using SPSS 20.0 statistical software. The limit of statistical significance was
      P<0.05. Subjects were characterized by PCA. RESULTS: Attractive subjects had a
      large mid-face section with an upturned nose (P<0.01). Attractive women had
      facial profiles that were more convex than men who were judged handsome.
      CONCLUSION: Despite the subjectivity of the notion of beauty, certain angles of
      the facial profile contribute to the esthetic balance of black Ivorian faces.

PMID- 28073628
TI  - Response to correspondence regarding Cutshall, Bergstrom, Kalish's "Evaluation of
      a functional medicine approach to treating fatigue, stress, and digestive issues
      in women".

PMID- 28073629
TI  - Needs of fathers during labour and childbirth: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - Fathers play an important role in the childbearing process, but are sometimes
      sidelined by midwives. The objectives were: identify fathers' needs during the
      labor and childbirth process; determine if their needs were met by midwives; and
      identify variables influencing these needs. The questionnaire was designed based
      on a systematic literature search and validated by a multistage consensus method.
      Data were collected during a cross-sectional study in two maternity wards in
      Belgium, where a medical-led model is used. Fathers present during natural
      childbirth were recruited via consecutive sampling. Based on multivariate
      analyses, fathers with a higher education level and multiparous fathers needed
      less information about the process of birth compared to less educated fathers
      (p<0.05; OR=4.08; 95% CI=1.02-16.31) or first-time fathers (p<0.001; OR=0.04; 95%
      CI=0.01-0.18). For multiparous fathers, a tour of the delivery room was less
      important than for primiparous fathers (p=0.005; OR=0.14; 95% CI=0.03-0.54).
      Married fathers needed less information on how to support their partners
      physically (p<0.005; OR=0.18; 95% CI=0.06-0.59) and emotionally (p=0.01; OR=0.24;
      95% CI=0.08-0.72) compared to cohabiting fathers. Information needs are more
      important to fathers compared to needs focusing on the birth experience or their
      involvement. Socio-demographic variables like educational level, parity, and
      marital status were associated with fathers' needs. Midwives need to be aware of
      fathers' needs during the birth process and to fulfill these needs appropriately.

PMID- 28073630
TI  - ADONA and perfluoroalkylated substances in plasma samples of German blood donors
      living in South Germany.
AB  - Perfluorinated compounds are fully fluorinated anthropogenic substances that have
      been used in various products, applications, and industrial processes. Due to
      their persistence and toxic effects, some of them are restricted, and therefore
      replacement products have been developed. The aim of the study was to quantify
      the body burden of different perfluorinated substances in two adult populations
      living close to or about 80km apart from a former perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)
      production plant who are exposed via drinking water, and in a control population.
      In this plant, the replacement emulsifier 3H-perfluoro-3-[(3-methoxy
      propoxy)propanoic acid] (ADONA) has been used in the production of fluoropolymers
      since 2008. We quantified 7 perfluorinated compounds and ADONA in a total of 396
      plasma samples collected at different time points. With regard to samples
      collected in 2015 or 2016, the highest 95th percentile levels were 13.5MUg/l for
      perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), 3.0MUg/l for perfluorononanoate (PFNA), and
      1.5MUg/l for perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS). For PFOA, the highest 95th
      percentile was found at the site close to the facility (85.5MUg/l), while in the
      control region the value was 2.4MUg/l. Overall, the concentration of PFOA and
      PFOS declined over time in all study regions. ADONA was detected only in few
      samples slightly above the limit of quantification (0.2MUg/l). While health risks
      related to ADONA are unlikely under the present exposure situation, the exposure
      to PFOA via tap water should be reduced markedly, especially for the population
      living close to the plant.

PMID- 28073632
TI  - Chronic wounds?

PMID- 28073631
TI  - Assessing motivation to smoking cessation in hospitalized patients.
AB  - AIM: To assess motivation to quit smoking in patients admitted to an acute care
      hospital, determine predictors of readiness to change, and identify a risk group
      that requires targeted motivational interviewing. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      descriptive study. A retrospective study was performed on the medical records of
      248 patients aged >18 years with smoking habits admitted to the medical and
      surgery units of a district hospital between May 2014 and April 2015. The data
      collected included sociodemographic data, data on respiratory function, number of
      cigarettes smoked per day, motivation to quit smoking, patient-reported readiness
      to quit, history of respiratory diseases and previous admissions. RESULTS: The
      Richmond test revealed that 54% of patients (n=134) were poorly motivated to quit
      smoking vs. 11.74% (n=29) who reported to be highly motivated. The group of
      patients who reported to be willing to receive support (n=77) was prevailingly
      composed of men (p=.009) admitted to a medical care unit (p=.026) -mainly the
      Unit of Cardiology (51%)- who smoked 11/29 cigarettes/day (p=.015). Dyspnoea at
      admission, a history of respiratory disease and previous admissions for
      respiratory problems were not predictors of readiness to quit. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study identifies a risk group of patients with respiratory disease, low
      motivation to quit smoking and poor readiness to receive smoke cessation support,
      that should be the target of motivational approaches to behavior change.

PMID- 28073633
TI  - University teaching in how to manage emotions and establish a therapeutic bond
      with the patient.

PMID- 28073634
TI  - Cystic adenomatoid pulmonary malformation in adults: A retrospective study in a
      tertiary university hospital.

PMID- 28073636
TI  - Prognosis of double crown-retained removable dental prostheses compared with
      clasp-retained removable dental prostheses: A retrospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study compared the clinical prognosis of double crown
      retained removable dental prostheses (D-DRPs) with that of clasp-retained
      removable dental prostheses (C-RDPs). METHODS: Clinical records of 201 patients
      who had received 52 D-RDPs with 144 abutment teeth (D-teeth) and 199 C-RDPs with
      399 abutment teeth (C-teeth) at the Prosthetic Dentistry Clinic in Hokkaido
      University Hospital between April 2005 and June 2015 were analyzed. Survival and
      complication probabilities of the two types of prostheses and abutment teeth were
      evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Cox
      regression analysis was used to determine the impact of covariates on abutment
      teeth survival and complications such as gender, age, type of retainer, Eichner
      classification, jaw, type of tooth, endodontic therapy performed, type of
      edentulous space, and presence of opposing teeth. RESULTS: Statistical analysis
      showed no significant differences between the two types of prostheses in terms of
      prostheses survival, prostheses complication, and abutment teeth survival.
      However, a significant difference was observed for complications of abutment
      teeth. Decementation was the most frequent cause of failure, which occurred in
      76.9% of D-teeth and 28.3% of C-teeth. Patient's age, jaw, endodontic therapy
      performed, and type of edentulous space affected the survival of abutment teeth,
      whereas the type of retainer and edentulous space affected complications of
      abutment teeth. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of both types of prostheses was
      considered to be acceptable. Although D-RDP had lower complication-free rates for
      abutment teeth, most of the observed complications were decementation, which was
      considered to be reparable.

PMID- 28073637
TI  - Variable angle stereo imaging for rapid patient position correction in an in
      house real-time position monitoring system.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and validate a variable angle stereo image based position
      correction methodology in an X-ray based in-house online position monitoring
      system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stereo imaging module that enables 3D position
      determination and couch correction of the patient based on images acquired at any
      arbitrary angle and arbitrary angular separation was developed and incorporated
      to the in-house SeedTracker real-time position monitoring system. The accuracy of
      the developed system was studied by imaging an anthropomorphic phantom implanted
      with radiopaque markers set to known offset positions from its reference position
      in an Elekta linear accelerator (LA) and associated XVI imaging system. The
      accuracy of the system was further validated using CBCT data set from 10 prostate
      SBRT patients. The time gains achieved with the stereo image based position
      correction was compared with the manual matching of seed positions in Digitally
      Reconstructed Radiographs (DRRs) and kV images in the Mosaiq record and verify
      system. RESULTS: Based on phantom and patient CBCT dataset study stereo imaging
      module implemented in the SeedTracker shown to have an accuracy of
      0.1(sigma=0.5)mm in detecting the 3D position offset. The time comparison study
      showed that stereo image based methodology implemented in SeedTracker was a
      minimum of 80(4)s faster than the manual method implemented in Mosaiq R&V system
      with a maximum time saving of 146(6)s. CONCLUSION: The variable angle stereo
      image based position correction method was shown to be accurate and faster than
      the standard manual DRR-kV image based correction approach, leading to more
      efficient treatment.

PMID- 28073635
TI  - PCNA dependent cellular activities tolerate dramatic perturbations in PCNA client
      interactions.
AB  - Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an essential cofactor for DNA
      replication and repair, recruiting multiple proteins to their sites of action. We
      examined the effects of the PCNAS228I mutation that causes PCNA-associated DNA
      repair disorder (PARD). Cells from individuals affected by PARD are sensitive to
      the PCNA inhibitors T3 and T2AA, showing that the S228I mutation has consequences
      for undamaged cells. Analysis of the binding between PCNA and PCNA-interacting
      proteins (PIPs) shows that the S228I change dramatically impairs the majority of
      these interactions, including that of Cdt1, DNMT1, PolD3p66 and PolD4p12. In
      contrast p21 largely retains the ability to bind PCNAS228I. This property is
      conferred by the p21 PIP box sequence itself, which is both necessary and
      sufficient for PCNAS228I binding. Ubiquitination of PCNA is unaffected by the
      S228I change, which indirectly alters the structure of the inter-domain
      connecting loop. Despite the dramatic in vitro effects of the PARD mutation on
      PIP-degron binding, there are only minor alterations to the stability of p21 and
      Cdt1 in cells from affected individuals. Overall our data suggests that reduced
      affinity of PCNAS228I for specific clients causes subtle cellular defects in
      undamaged cells which likely contribute to the etiology of PARD.

PMID- 28073638
TI  - Stimulation of the human medial temporal lobe between learning and recall
      selectively enhances forgetting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Direct electrical stimulation applied to the human medial temporal
      lobe (MTL) typically disrupts performance on memory tasks, however, the mechanism
      underlying this effect is not known. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of MTL
      stimulation on memory performance. METHODS: We studied the effects of MTL
      stimulation on memory in five patients undergoing invasive electrocorticographic
      monitoring during various phases of a memory task (encoding, distractor, recall).
      RESULTS: We found that MTL stimulation disrupted memory performance in a timing
      dependent manner; we observed greater forgetting when applying stimulation during
      the delay between encoding and recall, compared to when it was applied during
      encoding or recall. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that recall is most
      dependent on the MTL between learning and retrieval.

PMID- 28073639
TI  - Association between volume and glucose metabolism of abdominal adipose tissue in
      healthy population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the association of adipose tissue volume and metabolic
      activity with cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS: 232 healthy subjects
      (43.23+/-4.09y) having 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) results were included. Clinical
      information, anthropometry and laboratory results were obtained. Volume and
      metabolic activity of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose
      tissue (VAT) was obtained from FDG PET/CT. Metabolic activity was presented as
      mean standardised uptake value (SUV). Adipose tissue parameters were compared
      with clinical and biochemical factors. Independent factors affecting adipose
      tissue volume were assessed. RESULTS: Both SAT and VAT volume showed strong
      positive correlation with most of cardiometabolic risk factors. Among them, lipid
      profiles, insulin and C-reactive protein (CRP) had more significant relationship
      with SUV of SAT than that of VAT. On the contrary, glucose, glycated hemoglobin,
      and degree of fatty liver showed more significant correlation with SUV of VAT.
      BMI, age, sex and CRP were independent predictors of SAT volume. BMI, age,
      triglyceride, CRP and fatty liver were independent variables predicting VAT
      volume. Adding SUV of adipose tissue improved the model performance. CONCLUSION:
      This study demonstrated that metabolic activities of SAT and VAT were differently
      correlated with risk factors, suggesting different biologic mechanism for
      obesity.

PMID- 28073640
TI  - Pharmaceuticals in a temperate forest-water reuse system.
AB  - Forest-water reuse systems infiltrate municipal, industrial, and agricultural
      wastewaters through forest soils to shallow aquifers that ultimately discharge to
      surface waters. Their ability to mitigate regulated nutrients, metals, and
      organic chemicals is well known, but the fate of non-regulated chemicals in these
      systems is largely unstudied. This study quantified 33 pharmaceuticals and
      personal care products (PPCPs) in soils, groundwaters, and surface waters in a
      2000-hectare forest that receives ~1200mm/year of secondary-treated, municipal
      wastewater in addition to natural rainfall (~1300mm/year). This forest-water
      reuse system does contribute PPCPs to soils, groundwater, and surface waters.
      PPCPs were more abundant in soils versus underlying groundwater by an order of
      magnitude (5-10ng/g summed PPCPs in soil and 50-100ng/L in groundwater) and the
      more hydrophobic chemicals were predominant in soil over water. PPCP
      concentrations in surface waters were greater at the onset of significant storm
      events and during low-rainfall periods when total summed PPCPs were >80ng/L,
      higher than the annual average. With few exceptions, the margins of exposure for
      PPCPs in groundwater and surface waters were several orders of magnitude above
      values indicative of human health risk.

PMID- 28073641
TI  - Effect of surfactants on the aggregation and sedimentation of zinc oxide
      nanomaterial in natural water matrices.
AB  - The wide application of surfactants and engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in
      industrial and consumer products lead to the high possibility of their co
      presence in natural water environment, making it important to study the effect of
      surfactants on the environmental behavior and fate of ENMs. In this work, we
      selected an anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and a nonionic nonylphenol
      ethoxylate (NPEO, Tergitol NP-9) to study their effects on the aggregation and
      sedimentation of a 20nm ZnO ENM in different water matrices. The adsorption of
      SDS and NP-9 by ZnO ENM were fitted with Langmuir model, and the maximum
      adsorption capacities were 43.73+/-4.62mg/g and 13.79+/-1.09 respectively. As the
      surfactant concentration increased from 0 to 0.030% (m:v), SDS reduced the zeta
      potential of ZnO ENM from 17.56+/-2.13 to -27.96+/-2.59mV, whereas NP-9 did not
      affect the zeta potential. After a 24-h batch reactor experiment, SDS and NP-9
      reduced 93.02% and 80.26% of the aggregate size of ZnO ENM (50mgL-1) in maximum
      at surfactant concentrations>=0.015%. The ZnO ENM was not stable in natural
      aqueous matrices, mainly because of the relatively high ionic strength. However,
      surfactants were found to reduce the aggregation and sedimentation of ZnO ENM in
      six natural water matrices in different degrees. With the presence of 0.030% SDS
      in tap water, maximum reduction rates of aggregate size and sedimentation were
      recorded as 69.54% and 26.69%, respectively. The results of this study indicate
      that the presence of surfactants may alter the behaviors and fate of ENMs in
      natural water environment.

PMID- 28073642
TI  - Long-term impact of primary domestic sewage on metal/loid accumulation in
      drainage ditch sediments, plants and water: Implications for phytoremediation and
      restoration.
AB  - We evaluate the long-term performance of a vegetated drainage ditch (VDD)
      treating domestic sewage with respect to heavy metal/metalloid (HM/M)
      accumulation in sediments, plants and water. VDD sediment contained significantly
      higher macro and trace elements compared to an agricultural ditch (AD) sediment.
      However, concentrations of HM/Ms in VDD sediment were below the ranges considered
      toxic to plants. Most HM/Ms were efficiently removed in the VDD, whereby removal
      efficiencies varied between 11% for Al and 89% for K. Accumulation of HM/Ms
      varied among species and plant parts, although sequestration by plants represents
      only a small proportion (<1%) of the inflow load. Accumulation of Al, As, Cd, Pb,
      Cr, Fe and Ni in VDD plants were mostly distributed in the roots, indicating an
      exclusive strategy for metal tolerance. The opposite was found for Zn, Cu, K, Ca,
      P, K, Na, N and Mg, which were accumulated either in the stems or leaves.
      Overall, concentrations of metals in sediment showed significant positive
      correlations with those in ditch plants. None of the studied species were
      identified as metal hyper-accumulators (i.e. >10,000mgkg-1 of Zn or Mn).
      Nevertheless, the high translocation factor (TF) values for Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Na,
      Mg, P, K and Ca in the ditch plants make them suitable for phytoextraction from
      water/soil, while the low TF values for Pb, Cd, As, Fe, Cr and Al make them
      suitable for their phytostabilization.

PMID- 28073643
TI  - Corrigendum to "Intracortical inhibition abnormality during the remission phase
      of multiple sclerosis is related to upper limb dexterity and lesions" [Clin.
      Neurophysiol. 127 (2016) 1503-1511].

PMID- 28073644
TI  - Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients With Acute Heart Failure: A
      Limited Tool?

PMID- 28073645
TI  - Percutaneous Closure of a "Whale Tail" Left Atrial Appendage.

PMID- 28073646
TI  - Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Without Ventricular Hypertrophy: Usefulness of
      Genetic and Pathological Study in Preventing Sudden Death.

PMID- 28073647
TI  - [Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the province of Cadiz, Spain].

PMID- 28073649
TI  - Accurate respiratory rates count: So should you!
AB  - It is well documented that the respiratory rate is the least accurately recorded
      vital sign. Despite nurses consistently confirming that they understand the
      physiological importance of the respiratory rate, more often than not, they
      estimate a value rather than count for an entire minute. Until recently, little
      has been known about why this phenomenon perpetuates. However, it has now been
      established that many emergency department registered nurses believe they are
      enhancing patients' outcomes by performing tasks other than counting a patient's
      respiratory rate. This discussion highlights the significance of recording
      accurate respiratory rates, as opposed to estimating a rate; emphasizing that
      just four breaths either side of the normal range could be indicative of
      impending clinical deterioration.

PMID- 28073648
TI  - Elevated Neutrophil Elastase in Tears of Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease
      Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the levels of neutrophil elastase (NE), matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in tear washes of patients
      with ocular graft-vs-host disease (oGVHD). DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS:
      Based on established criteria, oGVHD patients (n = 14; 28 eyes) and age-/sex
      matched healthy controls (n = 14; 28 eyes) were enrolled. Tear washes were
      collected and analyzed for NE using a single-analyte enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA). MMPs (1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 12), MPO, and tissue inhibitor of matrix
      metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were analyzed using multianalyte bead-based ELISA
      assays. Total MMP activity was measured using a fluorimetric assay. Correlation
      studies were performed between NE, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO within study groups.
      RESULTS: NE, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO levels were elevated in oGVHD tears when
      compared with controls (P < .0001). NE was the most elevated analyte. MMP
      activity was higher and TIMP-1 levels were lower in oGVHD than in control (P <
      .0001). In oGVHD, NE significantly correlated with MMP-8 (r = 0.92), MMP-9 (r =
      0.90), and MPO (r = 0.79) (P < .0001). MMP-8 correlated with MMP-9 (r = 0.96, P <
      .0001), and MPO (r = 0.60, P = .001). MMP-9 correlated with MPO (r = 0.55, P =
      .002). In controls, NE, MMP-9, and MPO significantly correlated with each other
      (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The marked increase in NE in oGVHD tears that
      correlated strongly with elevated MMP-8, MMP-9, and MPO suggests a common
      neutrophilic source and provides evidence of neutrophil activity on the ocular
      surface of oGVHD patients.

PMID- 28073650
TI  - The utilisation of one district hospital emergency department by people with
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative
      disorder in Australia and the economic burden is more than $8.3 billion a year
      and predicted to escalate. However, little is known of the trends and
      characteristics of people with Parkinson's disease presenting to emergency
      departments (ED). METHOD: The study design was a 12 month retrospective medical
      record audit. The study was conducted in one metropolitan 300 bed district
      hospital in an outer suburb of Sydney. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty nine adult
      patients (0.4%) with PD presented with a mean age of 79.5 years (SD 7.7); all
      were over 60 years of age. Of the 129 PD patient cases, there were 260 separate
      ED episodes of care with the majority (n=151; 58.1%) of patients living in the
      community and presenting with falls (n=108; 41.5%). There was no statistical
      difference in triage code allocation when comparing PD patients and ED adult
      patients (over 60years). There was no difference in representation rate when
      comparing those over 80years (n=128) with those under 80 years (n=132). The
      average length of stay for PD patient episodes was 323min (SD 225) compared with
      193min (SD 136) for ED patients. Younger adult patient episodes (n=132; 51.0%)
      were admitted to hospital more frequently than those aged over 80 years
      (Pearson's X2 test 162.2; df 1; p<0.001. CONCLUSION: We identified in this study
      that people with PD have a high rate of falls, longer length of stay, high
      admission rate and represent frequently to the ED. Improved detection, management
      and a multidisciplinary approach for people with PD along with strict medication
      regime adherence is likely to improve safety, quality of life, reduce symptom
      aggravation and ongoing risk of falls.

PMID- 28073651
TI  - I know I've seen you before: Distinguishing recent-single-exposure-based
      familiarity from pre-existing familiarity.
AB  - This study examines how individuals differentiate recent-single-exposure-based
      familiarity from pre-existing familiarity. If these are two distinct cognitive
      processes, are they supported by the same neural bases? This study examines how
      recent-single-exposure-based familiarity and multiple-previous-exposure-based
      familiarity are supported and represented in the brain using functional MRI. In a
      novel approach, we first behaviorally show that subjects can divide retrieval of
      items in pre-existing memory into judgments of recollection and familiarity.
      Then, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examine the differences in
      blood oxygen level dependent activity and regional connectivity during judgments
      of recent-single-exposure-based and pre-existing familiarity. Judgments of these
      two types of familiarity showed distinct regions of activation in a whole-brain
      analysis, in medial temporal lobe (MTL) substructures, and in MTL substructure
      functional-correlations with other brain regions. Specifically, within the MTL,
      perirhinal cortex showed increased activation during recent-single-exposure-based
      familiarity while parahippocampal cortex showed increased activation during
      judgments of pre-existing familiarity. We find that recent-single-exposure-based
      and pre-existing familiarity are represented as distinct neural processes in the
      brain; this is supported by differing patterns of brain activation and regional
      correlations. This spatially distinct regional brain involvement suggests that
      the two separate experiences of familiarity, recent-exposure-based familiarity
      and pre-existing familiarity, may be cognitively distinct.

PMID- 28073652
TI  - Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Due To Three Different Types of Ganglion During a 12-Year
      Period: A Case Report.
AB  - A 52-year-old male complained of numbness and radiating pain affecting the
      plantar region of his left foot. He was found to have recurrent tarsal tunnel
      syndrome due to posterior tibial nerve compression by 3 different types of
      ganglion during a 12-year period. To the best of our knowledge, a similar case
      has not been documented. At the first operation, flexor retinaculum release and
      simple excision of an epineural ganglion were performed without injuring the
      nerve fascicles; however, an intrafascicular ganglion developed approximately 2
      years later. At the second operation, the ganglion cyst was resected completely
      to prevent recurrence, despite the risk of nerve fiber injury. The cyst
      originated from the subtalar joint; thus, the joint was closed, and a free fat
      graft was placed to prevent adhesion formation. However, an extraneural ganglion
      occurred about 3 years later. At the third operation, the cyst was resected
      completely, and a free periosteal graft was used to close the joint more
      effectively. No recurrence had developed at 6 years after the third operation.
      The findings of the present case show the need for long-term monitoring of
      patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by a ganglion owing to the
      possibility of recurrence related to different ganglion types.

PMID- 28073653
TI  - Rare Lateral Dislocation of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: A Case Report
      and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Traumatic lateral dislocations of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint are
      very rare. A 44-year-old male was referred after a motorcycle to car accident
      because of an exposed head of the left first metatarsal through a laceration on
      the medial aspect of the first MTP joint. Radiographs showed a lateral
      dislocation of the first MTP joint, with concomitant fractures of the neck of the
      second metatarsal and the base of the third and fourth metatarsal bones. The
      dislocation was reduced in the emergency department with the patient under
      conscious sedation after thorough irrigation. At the 1-year postoperative visit,
      the patient had full painless range of motion of the first and second MTP joints
      without any complaints. Lateral dislocation of the first MTP joint is an injury
      usually associated with fracture of the adjacent metatarsals and/or ligamentous
      injuries. It is easily reducible, with acceptable midterm outcomes.

PMID- 28073654
TI  - Staphylococcus lugdunensis: An Underreported Pathogen in Osteomyelitis.

PMID- 28073655
TI  - Fusion of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint and Second to Fifth Metatarsal Head
      Resection for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformity.
AB  - The goals of the present study were to evaluate the mid-term results of first
      metatarsophalangeal joint fusion combined with second to fifth metatarsal head
      resection in rheumatoid forefoot deformity and identify the prognostic factors.
      The inclusion criteria were 2010 American College of Rheumatology and/or European
      League Against Rheumatism criteria for rheumatoid arthritis; symptomatic forefoot
      deformity; first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion and second to fifth metatarsal
      head resection; and a minimum of 4 years of follow-up data available. The
      patients were evaluated using the Disease Activity Score 28 for rheumatoid
      arthritis, Health Assessment Questionnaire for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Foot
      Function Index, forefoot American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale, and
      weightbearing radiographs. Different pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables
      were investigated to identify the prognostic factors. Sixty-two patients (89
      feet) with a mean age of 60.8 degrees +/- 9.4 years and 85.5 degrees +/- 22.4
      months of follow-up data were included. The preoperative American Orthopaedic
      Foot and Ankle Society scale score was 33.4 +/- 16 points and improved
      significantly (p < .001) after surgery (mean 82.9 +/- 11.7 points). The mean Foot
      Function Index improved significantly (p < .001) from 131.6 +/- 37.4 to 77.4 +/-
      46.3 points at the last follow-up visit. Only the revision surgery variable was
      significantly (p = .02) related to poor outcomes. Revision was necessary in 8
      feet (9%). This procedure produced satisfactory results. Poor outcomes were
      significantly related to the necessity for revision surgery for nonunion,
      malunion, inadequate metatarsal resection, and painful hardware.

PMID- 28073656
TI  - Preventive Health Behavior Change Text Message Interventions: A Meta-analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Existing evidence shows that text message interventions can produce
      short-term health behavior change. However, understanding is limited regarding
      intervention characteristics moderating this effect or the long-term
      effectiveness of text message interventions on behavior change after contact
      stops. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: MEDLINE, PubMed Central, ERIC, PsycINFO, and Web of
      Science were searched for articles published between April 2008 and December 2014
      that evaluated an intervention targeting preventive health behaviors, delivered
      primarily by text message. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Intervention development and
      design characteristics and research outcomes were evaluated for 51 studies.
      Thirty-five studies were included in a meta-analysis (conducted in 2015)
      examining overall effect size and moderators of effect size. The overall pooled
      effect of interventions was d=0.24 (95% CI=0.16, 0.32, p<0.001) using outcome
      data collected most proximal to intervention cessation. Seven studies collected
      data following a no-intervention maintenance period and showed a small but
      significant pooled maintenance effect (d=0.17, 95% CI=0.03, 0.31, p=0.017, k=7).
      Few variables significantly moderated intervention efficacy. Interventions that
      did not use a theoretic basis, used supplementary intervention components, and
      had a duration of 6-12 months were most effective. The specific behavior being
      targeted was not associated with differences in efficacy nor was tailoring,
      targeting, or personalization of text message content. CONCLUSIONS: Text message
      interventions are capable of producing positive change in preventive health
      behaviors. Preliminary evidence indicates that these effects can be maintained
      after the intervention stops. The moderator analysis findings are at odds with
      previous research, suggesting a need to examine moderators at the behavior
      specific level.

PMID- 28073657
TI  - Response to: Joveini (Al-Akhawayni) and the early knowledge on Circle of Willis.

PMID- 28073658
TI  - Copeptin levels in patients with vasovagal syncope.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is linked to more than one
      pathophysiologic mechanisms. Copeptin, an emerging cardiovascular marker, is a
      surrogate for arginine-vasopressin, which increases following VVS. We aimed to
      assess the dynamic pattern of copeptin levels in typical VVS, categorized by the
      degree of vasoconstriction during orthostasis, and healthy controls. METHODS: The
      following groups were studied: Group A (n=21), with adequate limb
      vasoconstriction during the first min. of tilt, assessed by limb plethysmography
      (at least 30% flow reduction); Group B (n=15), showing impaired vasoconstriction
      during orthostasis (<10% reduction); Group C (n=18), history of VVS and negative
      tilt test result; Group D (n=18), healthy controls. Copeptin plasma levels were
      assessed before and 5min following tilt test positivity or termination. RESULTS:
      Baseline copeptin values were similar in all groups (8.3+/-6.4 in Group A, 5.7+/
      2.3pmol/l in B, 6.0+/-1.9 in C, and 6.9+/-2.6 in D, p: 0.41). Significant
      increases in copeptin during tilt were observed in all Groups of VVS patients (A,
      B, C), including those with negative tilt (Group C: from 6.0+/-1.9 to 27.7+/
      12.6pmol/l, p: 0.001), but not in controls. Following tilt termination, a greater
      increase was observed in copeptin values in Group B vs all other Groups A, C, and
      D (111.6+/-63.5 vs 29.5+/-51.3, 27.7+/-12.6, and 8.3+/-2.9, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Copeptin increases following tilt not only in VVS with a positive
      response, but also in typical history patients with a negative test. Increased
      copeptin levels following orthostasis may be useful for diagnosing VVS.

PMID- 28073659
TI  - Serotonin norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor (SNRI)-, selective norepinephrine
      reuptake inhibitor (S-NRI)-, and exogenously administered norepinephrine-induced
      takotsubo syndrome: Analysis of published cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome (TS) may be triggered by numerous physical stress
      factors including exogenous Norepinephrine administration. The aim of this study
      is to report on the clinical features and outcome of serotonin-norepinephrine
      reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)-, selective NRI (S-NRI)-, and exogenously administered
      norepinephrine-induced TS in a largest possible cohort of published cases.
      METHODS: A computer assisted search of the electronic data base Pubmed was
      performed from 1990 to August 2016. All cases deemed to have SNRI-, S-NRI-, and
      norepinephrine-induced TS were retrieved. RESULTS: Twenty two cases of SNRI-, S
      NRI-, and norepinephrine-induced TS were retrieved from the literature. At
      presentation, the 22 patients with TS were 11 to 82years of age (mean age 49.9+/
      20years). Seventeen of 21 (81%) of the patients were women. The most common
      presenting symptom was chest pain, which occurred in 59% of cases. The TS
      localization pattern was apical in 68%, mid-ventricular in 13.6%, basal in 13.6%
      and global in 4.5% of cases. Complications occurred in 7 of 22 (32%) with more
      complications in exogenously administered norepinephrine-induced TS (4 of 6,
      66.7%) than SNRI-, and S-NRI-induced TS (3 of 16, 18, 8%) (p=0.054). All 4 male
      patients in the study developed complications. One patient (exogenous
      norepinephrine-induced TS) died during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The SNRI-,
      and S-NRI-induced TS have clinical features, complications and course comparable
      to that of all-TS population cohorts, whereas the exogenously administered
      norepinephrine-induced TS has a more dramatic clinical presentation and
      complication rates, which resembles that of exogenously administered epinephrine
      induced TS.

PMID- 28073660
TI  - Effectiveness of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator testing in
      patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) is a promising option for Hypertrophic
      Cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients at risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). However, its
      effectiveness in terminating ventricular arrhythmias in HCM is yet unresolved.
      METHODS: Consecutive HCM patients referred for S-ICD implantation were
      prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent one or two attempts of VF induction by
      the programmer. Successful conversion was defined as any 65J shock that
      terminated VF (not requiring rescue shocks). Clinical and instrumental parameters
      were analyzed to study predictors of conversion failure. RESULTS: Fifty HCM
      patients (34 males, 40+/-16years) with a mean BMI of 25.2+/-4.4kg/m2 were
      evaluated. Mean ESC SCD risk of was 6.5+/-3.9% and maximal LV wall thickness
      (LVMWT) was 26+/-6mm. In 2/50 patients no arrhythmias were inducible, while in 7
      (14%) only sustained ventricular tachycardia was induced and cardioverted. In the
      remaining 41 (82%) patients, 73 VF episodes were induced (1 episode in 14 and >1
      in 27 patients). Of these, 4 (6%) spontaneously converted. In 68/69 (98%) the S
      ICD successfully cardioverted, but failed in 1 (2%) patient, who needed rescue
      defibrillation. This patient was severely obese (BMI 36) and LVMWT of 25mm. VF
      was re-induced and successfully converted by the 80J reversed polarity S-ICD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Acute DT at 65J at the implant showed the effectiveness of S-ICD in
      the recognition and termination of VT/VF in all HCM patients except one. Extreme
      LVH did not affect the performance of the device, whereas severe obesity was
      likely responsible for the single 65J failure.

PMID- 28073661
TI  - Reply to letter: "5-Methoxytryptophan: A promising early marker for predicting
      post-myocardial infarction heart failure".

PMID- 28073662
TI  - Outpatient follow-up during the first year after heart transplantation is safe.

PMID- 28073663
TI  - ApoM/HDL-C and apoM/apoA-I ratios are indicators of diabetic nephropathy in
      healthy controls and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein M (apoM) concentrations were decreased in type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ApoM was selectively expressed in renal tubular
      epithelial cells. We investigated the changes in plasma apoM concentrations in
      diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients and the potential of apoM as a biomarker of
      DN. METHODS: A total of 96 DN patients and 100 age- and sex-matched diabetic non
      nephropathy (non-DN) patients and 110 healthy controls were included. All T2DM
      patients were divided into 3 groups according to urinary albumin excretion:
      normoalbuminuria (n=100), microalbuminuria (n=50) and macroalbuminuria (n=46).
      Plasma apoM concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      RESULTS: DN Patients had higher plasma apoM concentrations than those in non-DN
      patients (22.23+/-11.69 vs. 18.96+/-7.85ng/MUl, P<0.05). In addition,
      microalbuminuria group showed higher plasma apoM concentrations than those in
      normoalbuminuria group (22.67+/-11.40 vs. 18.96+/-7.85ng/MUl, P<0.05). The areas
      under curve (AUC) of apoM using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      analysis showed that plasma apoM concentrations were not indicators for
      identification of DN from healthy people (AUC=0.478, P=0.585) and from T2DM
      (AUC=0.563, P=0.125). DN patients had higher ratios of apoM/HDL-C and apoM/apoA1
      than those in healthy controls and in non-DN patients. ApoM/HDL-C and apoM/apoA1
      ratios could be used as indicators for identification of DN from healthy people
      (AUC=0.597, P=0.016; AUC=0.665, P=0.000, respectively) and from T2DM (AUC=0.580,
      P=0.050; AUC=0.601, P=0.015, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: ApoM/HDL-C and
      apoM/apoA1 ratios could be used as indicators for identification of DN from
      healthy people and from T2DM patients.

PMID- 28073664
TI  - Extract of bulbus Fritillaria cirrhosa perturbs spindle assembly checkpoint,
      induces mitotic aberrations and genomic instability in human colon epithelial
      cell line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bulbus Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don (BFC) has been used in China as a
      folk medicine for the treatment of cough and asthma for more than 2000 years. The
      antitussive and antiasthmatic effects of BFC have been reported before,
      nevertheless its toxicity and safety have not been documented. This study
      investigated the possible effects of BFC on spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC),
      mitotic fidelity and genomic stability in human NCM460 colon epithelial cells.
      METHODS: Cells were treated with BFC (0, 20, 40, 80 and 160MUg/ml) for 24, 48 and
      72h and harvested differently according to the biomarkers observed. Mitotic
      aberrations were assessed by the biomarkers of chromosome misalignment (CMA),
      chromosome lagging (CL) and chromatin bridge (CB). Frequencies of micronuclei
      (MN), nucleoplasmic bridge and nuclear bud (NB) in cytokinesis-block micronucleus
      assay were used as indicators of genomic instability (GIN). SAC activity was
      determined by anaphase to metaphase ratio (AMR) and the expression of several SAC
      genes, including CENP-E, Mps1, Bub1, Mad-1, BubR1 and Mad-2. RESULTS: Compared
      with the control, cells in BFC treated groups (80 and 160MUg/ml) showed: 1)
      increased AMR (p<0.05), up-regulated expression of Mps1, Bub1 and Mad-1 (p<0.05)
      and down-regulated expression of CENP-E, BubR1 and Mad-2 (p<0.05); 2) increased
      frequencies of CMA, CL and CB (p<0.01); 3) increased incidences of MN and NB
      (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed for the first time that BFC causes
      mitotic aberrations and GIN in human colon epithelial cells and these effects
      maybe the result of SAC dysfunction.

PMID- 28073665
TI  - Predictive ability of the Society for Vascular Surgery Wound, Ischemia, and foot
      Infection (WIfI) classification system after first-time lower extremity
      revascularizations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Wound, Ischemia and foot
      Infection (WIfI) classification system was proposed to predict 1-year amputation
      risk and potential benefit from revascularization. Our goal was to evaluate the
      predictive ability of this scale in a real-world selection of patients undergoing
      a first-time lower extremity revascularization for chronic limb-threatening
      ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: From 2005 to 2014, 1336 limbs underwent a first-time
      lower extremity revascularization for CLTI, of which 992 had sufficient data to
      classify all three WIfI components (wound, ischemia, and foot infection). Limbs
      were stratified into the SVS WIfI clinical stages (from 1 to 4) for 1-year
      amputation risk estimation, a novel WIfI composite score from 0 to 9 (that weighs
      all WIfI variables equally), and a novel WIfI mean score from 0 to 3 (that can
      incorporate limbs missing any of the three WIfI components). Outcomes included
      major amputation; revascularization, major amputation, or stenosis (>3.5* step-up
      by duplex; RAS) events; and death. Predictors were identified using Cox
      regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. RESULTS: Of the 1336 first
      time procedures performed, 992 limbs were classified in all three WIfI components
      (524 endovascular and 468 bypass; 26% rest pain and 74% tissue loss). Cox
      regression demonstrated that a one-unit increase in the WIfI clinical stage
      increases the risk of major amputation (hazard ratio [HR], 2.4; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.7-3.2) and RAS events in all limbs (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3).
      Separate models of the entire cohort, a bypass-only cohort, and an endovascular
      only cohort showed that a one-unit increase in the WIfI mean score is associated
      with an increase in the risk of major amputation (all three cohorts: HR, 5.3 [95%
      CI, 3.6-6.8], 4.1 [2.4-6.9], and 6.6 [3.8-11.6], respectively) and RAS events
      (all three cohorts: HR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.4-2.0], 1.9 [1.4-2.6], and 1.4 [1.1-1.9],
      respectively). The novel WIfI composite and WIfI mean scores were the only
      consistent predictors of death among the three cohorts, with the WIfI mean score
      proving most strongly predictive in the entire cohort (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7),
      the bypass-only cohort (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9), and the endovascular-only
      cohort (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-1.8). Although the individual WIfI wound component
      was able to predict mortality among all patients (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2) and
      bypass-only patients (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3), neither the additional
      individual WIfI components nor the WIfI clinical stage were able to significantly
      predict mortality among any cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the ability
      of the SVS WIfI classification system to predict major amputation; however, the
      novel WIfI mean and WIfI composite scores predict amputation, RAS events, and
      mortality more consistently than any other current WIfI scoring system. The WIfI
      mean score allows inclusion of all limbs, and both novel scoring systems are
      easier to conceptualize, give equal weight to each WIfI component, and may
      provide clinicians more effective comparisons in outcomes between patients.

PMID- 28073666
TI  - Standard endovascular aneurysm repair in patients with wide infrarenal aneurysm
      necks is associated with increased risk of adverse events.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has progressively expanded to
      treat more challenging anatomies. Although EVAR in patients with wide infrarenal
      necks has been reported with acceptable results, there is still controversy
      regarding the longer-term outcomes. Our aim is to determine the impact of
      infrarenal neck diameter on midterm outcome following EVAR with a single
      endograft with suprarenal fixation. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study
      was designed using data from a prospective multicenter database. Patients who
      electively underwent standard EVAR with an Endurant stent graft (Medtronic Ave,
      Santa Rosa, Calif) for a degenerative abdominal aortic aneurysm from January 2008
      to December 2012 in three high-volume centers in The Netherlands were included.
      All measurements were obtained using dedicated reconstruction software and center
      lumen line reconstruction. Patients with an infrarenal neck diameter of >=30 mm
      were compared with patients with a neck diameter of <30 mm. The primary end point
      was freedom from neck-related adverse events (a composite of type Ia endoleak,
      neck-related secondary intervention, and endograft migration). Secondary end
      points were primary clinical success, type Ia endoleak, neck-related
      reinterventions, endoleaks, and aneurysm-related secondary interventions.
      RESULTS: Four-hundred twenty-seven patients were included. Seventy-four patients
      (17.3%) with a neck diameter of >=30 mm were compared with a control group of 353
      patients. There were no significant differences at baseline between groups
      including demographics, comorbidities, baseline aneurysm diameter, infrarenal
      neck length, suprarenal angulation, or infrarenal neck angulation. Median stent
      graft oversizing was 12.5% (7.9-16.1) and 16.6% (12.0-23.1) in the >=30-mm neck
      diameter and control groups, respectively (P < .001). Median follow-up was 3.1
      years (1.2-4.7) and 4.1 years (2.7-5.6) for the large neck and control groups,
      respectively (P < .001). Type Ia endoleaks occurred in 17 patients (4.0%) and
      were significantly more frequent in patients with >=30-mm neck diameter (9.5% vs
      2.8%; P = .005). Neck-related secondary interventions were performed in 20
      patients (4.7%) and were also more common among patients with neck diameters of
      >=30 mm (9.5% vs 3.7%; P = .04). The 4-year freedom from neck-related adverse
      events were 75% and 95% for the large neck and control groups, respectively (P <
      .001). On multivariable regression analysis, infrarenal neck diameter of >=30 mm
      was an independent risk factor for neck-related adverse events (odds ratio [OR],
      3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-9.1), type Ia endoleak (OR, 2.7; 95% CI,
      1.0-8.3), and neck-related secondary interventions (OR, 3.2, 95% CI, 1.1-9.2).
      CONCLUSIONS: EVAR in patients with large diameter necks is associated with an
      increased risk of neck-related adverse events in midterm follow-up. This may
      influence the clinical decision regarding choice of repair and toward a more
      intensive surveillance following EVAR in these patients in the long term.

PMID- 28073667
TI  - Enlargement of aortic arch vessels after surgical repair of type A aortic
      dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on the growth rate of the diameter of the residual
      dissected supra-aortic trunk after surgical repair of type A aortic dissection is
      limited. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 95 consecutive postsurgical
      patients with type A aortic dissection (acute, 91; chronic, 4) between 2005 and
      2016 who were followed up with computed tomography. The diameter of the residual
      dissected supra-aortic trunk was measured by axial images and multiplanar
      reformatting, and the growth rate was calculated. RESULTS: The mean age was 67.2
      +/- 12.8 years (range, 34-89 years). Forty-one brachiocephalic arteries (43%), 14
      left common carotid arteries (15%), and 7 left subclavian arteries (10%)
      exhibited residual dissection. The diameter of the residual dissected branch with
      a patent false lumen (FL) gradually increased over time, whereas that with a
      thrombosed FL decreased and reached a plateau. The growth rate of
      brachiocephalic, left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries with a patent
      FL was 1.3 +/- 1.2, 0.8 +/- 0.3, and 0.6 +/- 0.4 mm/y, respectively. One patient
      required surgical intervention for dilation of the brachiocephalic artery 8 years
      postoperatively. Multivariate analysis showed that male sex was an independent
      risk factor for a patent FL in the brachiocephalic artery (P = .0431; odds ratio,
      2.04). CONCLUSIONS: A residual dissected supra-aortic trunk with a thrombosed FL
      seems to be a benign condition. However, long-term follow-up is necessary for
      patients with a patent FL of residual dissected supra-aortic trunk, which might
      occasionally require surgical intervention.

PMID- 28073669
TI  - Reoperation rates after open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compared reoperation rates associated with open abdominal
      aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (OR) outcomes vs endovascular AAA repair (EVAR).
      METHODS: A retrospective review of the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality
      Improvement Project data was performed with inclusion criteria defined as all
      patients who underwent AAA repair from October 1, 2007, to October 1, 2013. The
      primary outcome was the incidence of reoperations. Reoperations included
      subsequent OR or EVAR procedures performed on the abdominal aorta or iliac
      arteries, surgical treatment of temporally related bowel obstruction, as well as
      treatment of abdominal or groin wound complications <=6 months and treatment of
      bowel or lower limb ischemia <=10 days. RESULTS: Of 6677 patients who underwent
      AAA repair, 476 (7.1%) required reoperations. OR was associated with a higher
      rate of reoperations overall (10.0% vs 6.3%; P < .01), with most being intra
      abdominal and wound complications. OR also had higher rates of bowel ischemia
      requiring operation (0.7% vs 0.3%; P = .01) and lower extremity ischemia (0.5%
      and 0.06%; P < .01). Significantly more endovascular stents were placed during
      EVAR (2.8% vs 0.5%; P < .01). Logistic regression showed EVAR is a negative
      predictor for reoperation after controlling for comorbidities (P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The long-term burden of reoperations after OR may actually be more
      significant than current understanding when including all possible abdominal
      complications in an extended analysis. Future prospective trials should include
      all potential reoperations extended >30 days with associated cost analysis. As
      surgical innovation in EVAR technology advances, complication comparisons with OR
      should undergo frequent re-evaluation given that endovascular indications and
      outcomes continue to expand and improve.

PMID- 28073668
TI  - Drug-eluting stenting for femoropopliteal lesions, followed by cilostazol
      treatment, reduces stent restenosis in patients with symptomatic peripheral
      artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cilostazol improves clinical endovascular therapy outcomes for
      femoropopliteal (FP) lesions in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial
      disease, but whether it also has clinical benefits for patients after drug
      eluting stent implantation remains unclear. METHODS: This study is a subanalysis
      of the ZilvEr PTX for tHe Femoral ArterY and Proximal Popliteal ArteRy (ZEPHYR)
      study, a prospective multicenter study investigating FP lesions treated with the
      Zilver (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) paclitaxel-eluting stent. The present
      study analyzed 475 lesions in 459 limbs of 399 patients who maintained therapy
      with aspirin and thienopyridine, with or without cilostazol, during the 1-year
      follow-up period. RESULTS: Restenosis rates at 1 year were assessed with duplex
      ultrasound imaging (peak systolic velocity ratio >2.4) or angiography (>=50%
      diameter stenosis) and compared in the groups with and without cilostazol.
      Propensity score matching was performed to minimize intergroup differences in
      baseline characteristics. The present study included 93 cilostazol-treated and
      382 cilostazol-free cases. Among the patients, 71% had diabetes mellitus and 31%
      were on dialysis. Critical limb ischemia accounted for 29% of cases. The
      prevalence of de novo lesions was 76%, and in-stent restenosis was present in
      15%. Propensity score matching was performed in 91 pairs. The 1-year restenosis
      rate was 33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23%-43%) in the cilostazol-treated
      group and 51% (95% CI, 41%-62%) in the cilostazol-free group (P = .008). The odds
      ratio was 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3-0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The propensity score-matching
      analysis demonstrated that additional cilostazol administration was associated
      with a significantly lower restenosis incidence 1 year after drug-eluting stent
      implantation for FP lesions.

PMID- 28073670
TI  - Simulation-Based Training Platforms for Arthroscopy: A Randomized Comparison of
      Virtual Reality Learning to Benchtop Learning.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether a virtual reality (VR) arthroscopy simulator or
      benchtop (BT) arthroscopy simulator showed superiority as a training tool.
      METHODS: Arthroscopic novices were randomized to a training program on a BT or a
      VR knee arthroscopy simulator. The VR simulator provided user performance
      feedback. Individuals performed a diagnostic arthroscopy on both simulators
      before and after the training program. Performance was assessed using wireless
      objective motion analysis and a global rating scale. RESULTS: The groups (8 in
      the VR group, 9 in the BT group) were well matched at baseline across all
      parameters (P > .05). Training on each simulator resulted in significant
      performance improvements across all parameters (P < .05). BT training conferred a
      significant improvement in all parameters when trainees were reassessed on the VR
      simulator (P < .05). In contrast, VR training did not confer improvement in
      performance when trainees were reassessed on the BT simulator (P > .05). BT
      trained subjects outperformed VR-trained subjects in all parameters during final
      assessments on the BT simulator (P < .05). There was no difference in objective
      performance between VR-trained and BT-trained subjects on final VR simulator
      wireless objective motion analysis assessment (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Both
      simulators delivered improvements in arthroscopic skills. BT training led to
      skills that readily transferred to the VR simulator. Skills acquired after VR
      training did not transfer as readily to the BT simulator. Despite trainees
      receiving automated metric feedback from the VR simulator, the results suggest a
      greater gain in psychomotor skills for BT training. Further work is required to
      determine if this finding persists in the operating room. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      This study suggests that there are differences in skills acquired on different
      simulators and skills learnt on some simulators may be more transferable. Further
      work in identifying user feedback metrics that enhance learning is also required.

PMID- 28073671
TI  - Fast-track recovery technique applied to primary total hip and knee replacement
      surgery. Analysis of costs and complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the cost reduction and complication rates of using an
      enhanced recovery pathway (Fast-track) when compared to traditional recovery in
      primary total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR), as well as
      to determine if there were significant differences in complication rates.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 100 primary total arthroplasties
      using the Fast-track recovery system and another 100 using conventional recovery.
      Gender, Charlston comorbidity index, ASA score, length of stay and early
      complications were measured, as well in-hospital complications and those in the
      first six months, re-admissions and transfusion rates. The total and daily cost
      of stay was determined and the cost reduction was calculated based on the
      reduction in the length of stay found between the groups. RESULTS: Both groups
      where comparable as regards age, gender, ASA score, and Charlston index. The mean
      reduction in length of stay was 4.5 days for TKR and 2.1 days for THR. The
      calculated cost reduction was 1266 euros for TKR and 583 euros for THR. There
      were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding in
      hospital complications, transfusion requirements, re-admissions and complication
      rates in the first six months. DISCUSSION: There are few publications in the
      literature reviewed that analyse the cost implications of using fast-track
      recovery protocols in arthroplasty. Several published series comparing recovery
      protocols found no significant differences in complication rates either. The use
      of a fast-track recovery protocol resulted in a significant cost reduction of
      1266 euros for the TKR group and 583 for the THR group, without affecting
      complication rates.

PMID- 28073672
TI  - The long story of camptothecin: From traditional medicine to drugs.
AB  - 20-(S)-Camptothecin (CPT) is a natural alkaloid extracted from the bark of
      Camptotheca acuminata (Chinese happy tree). It acts as a DNA topoisomerase 1
      poison with an interesting antitumor activity and its use is limited by low
      stability and solubility and unpredictable drug-drug interactions. Since the late
      20th century, it has been widely used in cancer therapy and, since extraction
      yields from plant tissues are very low, various synthetic routes have been
      developed to satisfy the increase in demand for CPT. Moreover, SAR studies have
      allowed for the development of more potent CPT analogues topotecan and
      irinotecan. Unfortunately, resistance has already occurred in several tumour
      lines. Additional studies are needed to better understand the relationship
      between substituents and resistance, its clinical relevance and the impact of
      related gene polymorphism. One of the latest research approaches focuses on
      modifying the delivery mode to improve tumour cell uptake and reduce toxicity.

PMID- 28073673
TI  - Discovery of FZU-03,010 as a self-assembling anticancer amphiphile for acute
      myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Recently various drug candidates with excellent anticancer potency have been
      demonstrated, whereas their clinical application largely suffers from several
      limitations especially poor solubility. Ursolic acid (UA) as one of ubiquitous
      pentacyclic triterpenes in plantkingdom exhibited versatile antiproliferative
      effects in various cancer cell lines. However, the unfavorable pharmaceutical
      properties became the main obstacle for its clinical development. With the aim of
      development of novel derivatives with enhanced potency, a series of diversified
      UA amphiphiles have been designed, synthesized, and pharmacologically evaluated.
      Amphiphile 10 (FZU-03,010) with significant improved antiproliferative effect can
      self-assemble into stable nanoparticles in water, which may serve as a promising
      candidate for further development.

PMID- 28073674
TI  - Inhibition of invasion by N-trans-feruloyloctopamine via AKT, p38MAPK and EMT
      related signals in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
AB  - N-trans-feruloyloctopamine (FO) isolated from Garlic skin was identified as the
      primary antioxidant constituents, however, the effect of which on HCC invasion is
      still unclear. Herein, the FO was synthesized and its antitumor activities were
      evaluated in HCC cell lines. Cellular functional analyses have revealed that the
      reformed FO owns strong abilities of inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion
      in HCC cells. Molecular data have further showed that FO could significantly
      decrease the phosphorylation levels of Akt and p38 MAPK. In addition, the
      expression of Slug was inhibited and the level of E-cadherin increased. Molecular
      docking analysis indicates that the H-bond and hydrophobic interactions were
      critical for FO and E-cadherin binding, but FO did not seem to act directly on
      phosphorylated Akt and p38 MAPK. We have thus concluded that reformed FO inhibits
      cell invasion might be directly through EMT related signals (E-cadherin) and
      indirectly through PI3K/Akt, p38 MAPK signaling pathways. FO might be a promising
      drug in HCC treatment and prognosis.

PMID- 28073675
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of regioisomers of 666-15 as
      inhibitors of CREB-mediated gene transcription.
AB  - cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) is a nuclear transcription factor
      that has been implicated in the pathogenesis and maintenance of various types of
      human cancers. Identification of small molecule inhibitors of CREB-mediated gene
      transcription has been pursued as a novel strategy for developing cancer
      therapeutics. We recently discovered a potent and cell-permeable CREB inhibitor
      called 666-15. 666-15 is a bisnaphthamide and has been shown to possess
      efficacious anti-breast cancer activity without toxicity in vivo. In this study,
      we designed and synthesized a series of analogs of 666-15 to probe the importance
      of regiochemistry in naphthalene ring B. Biological evaluations of these analogs
      demonstrated that the substitution pattern of the alkoxy and carboxamide in
      naphthalene ring B is very critical for maintaining potent CREB inhibition
      activity, suggesting that the unique bioactive conformation accessible in 666-15
      is critically important.

PMID- 28073676
TI  - Sulfamic and succinic acid derivatives of 25-OH-PPD and their activities to MCF
      7, A-549, HCT-116, and BGC-823 cell lines.
AB  - In the search for new anti-tumor agents with higher potency than our previously
      identified compound 1 (25-OH-PPD, 25-hydroxyprotopanaxadiol), 12 novel sulfamic
      and succinic acid derivatives that could improve water solubility and contribute
      to good drug potency and pharmacokinetic profiles were designed and synthesized.
      Their in vitro anti-tumor activities in MCF-7, A-549, HCT-116, and BGC-823 cell
      lines and one normal cell line were tested by standard MTT assay. Results showed
      that compared with compound 1, compounds 2, 3, and 7 exhibited higher cytotoxic
      activity on A-549 and BGC-823 cell lines, together with lower toxicity in the
      normal cell. In particular, compound 2 exhibited the best anti-tumor activity in
      the in vitro assays, which may provide valuable data for the research and
      development of new anti-tumor agents.

PMID- 28073677
TI  - Synthesis and cell imaging applications of fluorescent mono/di/tri-heterocyclyl
      2,6-dicyanoanilines.
AB  - Synthesis of 3,4,5-triheterocyclyl-2,6-dicyanoanilines, starting from
      heterocyclic aldehydes and 1,2-diheterocycle-substituted ethanones, is described.
      2,6-Dicyanoanilines with one or two heterocyclic substituents have also been
      synthesized. It was found that some of these molecules have selective cell
      staining properties useful for cell imaging applications. The compounds 1g, 10f
      and 11 were found to stain cytoplasm of the cells in contact but not the nucleus
      while the compound 12 showed affinity to apoptotic cells resulting in blue
      fluorescence. The cell imaging results with compound 12 were similar to Annexin V
      FITC, a known reagent containing recombinant Annexin V conjugated to green
      fluorescent FITC dye, used for detection of apoptotic cells. These compounds were
      found to be non-cytotoxic and have potential application as cell imaging agents.

PMID- 28073678
TI  - Natural potential neuroinflammatory inhibitors from Alhagi sparsifolia Shap.
AB  - Neuroinflammation is a key contributor to neuronal damage in neurodegenerative
      diseases. In our previous work on natural effective neuroinflammatory inhibitors,
      Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. (Leguminosae), a folk medicine widely distributed in
      Xinjiang, attracted our attention because of its significant anti
      neuroinflammatory effect. Therefore, further investigation of the bioactive
      material basis was carried out. As a result, 33 major components were
      characterized and identified by chromatographic and spectral methods,
      respectively. Furthermore, the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the extract and
      purified constituents were evaluated in LPS-induced N9 cells in vitro. The
      results displayed that compounds 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 25,
      26, 28, 30, 33 could exhibit significant inhibitory activities without obvious
      cytotoxicities at their effective concentrations. Especially, isorhamnetin (1)
      (IC50 17.87MUM), quercetin (2) (10.22MUM), 3',7-dihydroxyl-4'-methoxylisoflavone
      (5) (17.43MUM), 3',7-dihydroxyl-4',6-dimethoxylisoflavone (6) (11.21MUM),
      syringgaresinol (16) (2.68MUM), bombasinol A (17) (7.61MUM), aurantiamide (23)
      (14.91MUM) and 1,3,3,4-tetramethyl cyclopentene (33) (2.63MUM) showed much
      stronger inhibiting effect than that of the positive control minocycline
      (19.89MUM). Therefore, the effective compositions might be responsible for the
      significant neuroinflammation inhibitory activities exhibited by the herb.
      Moreover, compounds 16 and 33 could be good leading compounds for the development
      of potential therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 28073679
TI  - Identification of early neurodegenerative change in presymptomatic
      spinocerebellar ataxia type 1: A diffusion tensor imaging study.
AB  - We report a 41-year-old man of presymptomatic spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.
      Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) verified decreased fractional anisotropy of
      cerebellar afferent and efferent pathways compared to 5 age-matched healthy
      controls while conventional MRI revealed normal brain. DTI was valuable in
      detection of early microstructural damage of cerebellar pathways.

PMID- 28073680
TI  - Rationale and Design of PEMVITASTART-An Open-label Randomized Trial Comparing
      Simultaneous Versus Standard Initiation of Vitamin B12 and Folate Supplementation
      in Nonsquamous, Non-Small-cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing First-line
      Pemetrexed-based Chemotherapy.
AB  - Pemetrexed is the preferred chemotherapeutic drug for nonsquamous, non-small-cell
      lung cancer patients whenever the predictive molecular biomarkers for targeted
      therapy have either not been assessed or are absent. As per manufacturers'
      instructions, supplementation with folic acid (FA; folate) at a dose of 350 to
      1000 MUg daily should be started seven days before the first dose of pemetrexed
      based chemotherapy and continued during therapy and for 21 days after therapy
      cessation. Vitamin B12 injections (1000 MUg intramuscularly) should also be
      started one week before the first dose of chemotherapy. However, the evidence for
      delaying chemotherapy by one week for the purpose of providing vitamin B12 and FA
      supplementation is not robust. Observational and prospective single-arm studies
      have not shown any increased toxicity if pemetrexed was started earlier than the
      recommended duration of supplementation. In a resource-constrained setting, the
      standard (conventional) approach would lead to one additional visit and a 1-week
      chemotherapy delay, both of which could be inconvenient for patients. Hence, an
      open-label, randomized trial (PEMVITASTART [Vitamin Supplementation in NSCLC
      Patients on Pemetrexed Based Chemotherapy]; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier,
      NCT02679443) is being undertaken to evaluate whether any differences exist in
      pemetrexed-related hematologic toxicity among patients who receive delayed
      initiation of chemotherapy (after 5-7 days of vitamin B12 and FA supplementation
      [delayed arm]) compared with those for whom vitamin B12 and FA supplementation is
      started simultaneously (within 24 hours) of chemotherapy initiation (immediate
      arm). The present report describes the rationale and detailed design of the
      PEMVITASART trial.

PMID- 28073681
TI  - Association of Cytoplasmic CXCR4 With Loss of Epithelial Marker and Activation of
      ERK1/2 and AKT Signaling Pathways in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Compelling evidence demonstrates that CXC-chemokine receptor 4
      (CXCR4) is involved in tumor invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance
      to chemotherapy in addition to being one of the coreceptors for T-tropic human
      immunodeficiency virus entry into T cells. However, it remains controversial as
      to how to identify functionally activated CXCR4 in tumor biopsies, which would
      assist in determining which patients may benefit from potential CXCR4-targeted
      therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining on archival
      tissues of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was used to detect a
      panel of biomarkers, including phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-AKT, and E-cadherin, which
      are relevant to downstream signaling of CXCR4 and epithelial to mesenchymal
      transition (EMT). We also examined whether subcellular localization of CXCR4
      could help define possible activation of CXCR4. RESULTS: A total of 94 primary
      tumor tissue samples from patients with NSCLC were included. Sixty-six patients
      had both cytomembranous and nuclear staining of CXCR4, 22 had solely nuclear
      staining, 5 had solely cytomembranous staining, and 1 had negative staining.
      Cytoplasmic location of CXCR4 with or without nuclear location was associated
      with loss of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (P = .0015) and activation of
      ERK1/2 (P = .0121) and AKT (P = .0024), suggesting EMT in these tumors; whereas
      tumors with only nuclear location of CXCR4 were more indolent and preserved an
      epithelial phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that different subcellular
      localization of CXCR4 may be associated with different activation states;
      cytoplasmic CXCR4 seems to correlate with biomarker changes associated with EMT
      in NSCLC.

PMID- 28073682
TI  - Study design for control of HEART rate in inFant and child tachyarrhythmia with
      heart failure Using Landiolol (HEARTFUL): A prospective, multicenter,
      uncontrolled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persistent tachycardia in pediatric patients after congenital heart
      surgery further deteriorates their hemodynamic condition, and may become fatal.
      Therefore, immediate control of the tachycardia is mandatory in these patients.
      For this purpose, quick-acting, short-acting, titratable intravenous agents are
      required. However, there are no agents with such characteristics among the drugs
      approved for control of pediatric arrhythmias in Japan, and thus novel and
      effective medications for these patients are awaited. Landiolol, an ultrashort
      acting beta-blocker, was approved in 2013 for tachyarrhythmias in adult patients
      with heart failure. However, its efficacy and safety in pediatric patients remain
      unclear. The aim of this prospective, multicenter, open-label phase IIb/III study
      is to investigate the efficacy and safety of landiolol in pediatric patients with
      tachyarrhythmias as well as heart failure. METHODS: Eligible patients are aged >=
      3 months and <15 years, and have tachyarrhythmia (atrial fibrillation, atrial
      flutter, supraventricular tachycardia) as well as heart failure. The primary
      endpoint of the study is >=20% reduction from baseline heart rate or return to
      normal sinus rhythm within 2h after starting intravenous administration of
      landiolol. Patients will receive intravenous infusion of landiolol, starting at
      1MUg/kg/min. The dose will be increased by 1MUg/kg/min every 15-20min until the
      tachycardia rate has decreased by >20% or tachycardia has terminated, and the
      dose will then be maintained or further increased depending on the patient's
      condition. The study was started in April 2015 and will end within a few years.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study was designed and designated the "HEARTFUL study" in the
      hope of establishing a basis for control of HEART rate in inFant and child
      tachyarrhythmia Using Landiolol in children with heart failure.

PMID- 28073683
TI  - Mutant-Allele Tumor Heterogeneity Scores Correlate With Risk of Metastases in
      Colon Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, has
      a very broad mutational spectrum, and there is no clinically available biomarker
      that can predict which patients with stage II or stage III colorectal cancer will
      develop metastatic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used a targeted next
      generation sequencing approach to analyze the mutational spectra in stage II and
      III colon cancer patient samples. RESULTS: Amidst a broad range of acquired
      mutations and variants, we found evidence of tumor heterogeneity that
      distinguished the tumors in different groups. When heterogeneity was quantified
      using the Mutant-Allele Tumor Heterogeneity (MATH) score, there was a strong
      correlation between higher MATH score and risk of metastases. CONCLUSIONS:
      Measures of tumor heterogeneity might be useful biomarkers for identifying
      patients with colon cancer who are at risk of developing metastases. This might
      allow for more specific, tailored follow-up and adjuvant therapies after standard
      surgery.

PMID- 28073686
TI  - Interventions to improve dissemination and implementation of Hepatitis B
      vaccination in patients with diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess provider awareness of routine
      vaccinations recommended for patients with diabetes and to determine whether
      pharmacist-led interventions are associated with increased provider
      implementation of recommendations for hepatitis B vaccination. METHODS: This
      study was conducted in 3 phases at 2 outpatient clinics affiliated with an
      academic institution. In phase 1, adults with diabetes who visited the clinics
      between January and November 2012 and who were eligible for the hepatitis B
      vaccine were identified. In phase 2, medical residents were surveyed twice for
      vaccine recommendations and reasons for (not) recommending the hepatitis B
      vaccine, specifically. Residents were then provided a pharmacist-led in-service
      about hepatitis B vaccine recommendations. The third phase was initiated in April
      2013, following postintervention observation from December 2012 through March
      2013. RESULTS: Forty-eight of 100 (48%) medical residents attended the in-service
      and completed both surveys, with 77% indicating they did not recommend the
      hepatitis B vaccine. During phase 1, 1441 patients were identified, 0.6% (n = 8)
      of whom had received at least the first dose of the series. In phase 3, 946
      patients were identified with 1.7% (n = 16) having received at least the first
      dose (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: An attempt to disseminate updated recommendations
      to providers via educational in-service was successful in increasing the
      percentage of eligible patients vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine.

PMID- 28073687
TI  - Adverse event detection using the FDA post-marketing drug safety surveillance
      system: Cardiotoxicity associated with loperamide abuse and misuse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to identify and characterize
      post-marketing reports of cardiotoxicity, including torsades de pointes (TdP),
      associated with loperamide use. METHODS: We searched the U.S. Food and Drug
      Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database for post-marketing
      reports of serious cardiac adverse events associated with loperamide use from
      December 28, 1976 (U.S. drug approval date), through December 14, 2015. We also
      conducted a Pubmed and Google Scholar search to identify additional published
      reports of cardiotoxicity associated with loperamide in the medical literature
      through February 11, 2016. RESULTS: Forty-eight cases of serious cardiac adverse
      events associated with loperamide use composed the case series. The most
      frequently reported cardiac adverse events were syncope (n = 24), cardiac arrest
      (n = 13), QT-interval prolongation (n = 13), ventricular tachycardia (n = 10),
      and TdP (n = 7). There were 10 cases that resulted in death. Of the 48 cases, the
      most commonly reported reasons for use can be characterized as drug abuse (n =
      22) and diarrhea treatment (n = 17). More than one-half of the 48 cases were
      reported after 2010. Of the 22 drug abuse cases, the median daily dose was 250 mg
      (range 70 mg to 1600 mg) and events occurred as early as 6 hours after a dose and
      as long as 18 months after initiation of loperamide. Thirteen of the 22 cases
      reported using loperamide for euphoric or analgesic effects, and 9 reported use
      to prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms. CONCLUSION: The FAERS case reports provide
      evidence to suggest that high doses of loperamide are associated with TdP and
      other serious cardiac adverse events. The majority of cases in this series
      occurred in the setting of drug abuse for the purpose of preventing opioid
      withdrawal or to produce euphoric effects. It is important for both clinicians
      and patients to be aware of this potential risk, because prompt therapy and
      discontinuation of the offending agent are often essential to management and
      prevention of loperamide-induced cardiac arrhythmias.

PMID- 28073688
TI  - State legal innovations to encourage naloxone dispensing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The opioid overdose epidemic continues to claim the lives of tens of
      thousands of Americans every year. Increased access to the opioid antagonist
      naloxone can reduce opioid-related morbidity and mortality. In this commentary,
      we describe several recent legal innovations designed to encourage pharmacists to
      ensure that naloxone is available when and where it is needed, and dispel some
      common misconceptions regarding potential legal risks associated with pharmacy
      naloxone dispensing. DATA SOURCES: Data are drawn from state laws and
      regulations, as catalogued by the Westlaw database. SUMMARY: States have rapidly
      modified law and policy to increase layperson access to naloxone. As of August
      2016, 44 states permit naloxone to be prescribed for administration to a person
      with whom the prescriber does not have a prescriber-patient relationship. Forty
      two states permit naloxone to be dispensed via a non-patient-specific mechanism
      such as a standing or protocol order, and 5 states permit some pharmacists to
      prescribe naloxone on their own authority. The liability risk associated with
      naloxone dispensing is no higher than any other medication, and may be lower than
      some. However, to encourage the prescription and dispensing of naloxone, 36
      states provide additional protection from civil liability for pharmacy naloxone
      dispensing, and 32 states provide protection from potential criminal action.
      Naloxone access laws in 31 states explicitly provide that dispensing naloxone as
      permitted by law cannot be grounds for disciplinary action by the state board of
      pharmacy or similar entity. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists are key members of the health
      care team and are uniquely situated to reduce potential opioid overdose risk.
      Pharmacists should be aware of and utilize innovative state laws designed to
      increase access to naloxone.

PMID- 28073689
TI  - Corneo-scleral contact lens in a piggyback system for keratoconus: A case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: We describe a case of fitting a corneo-scleral contact lens with a multi
      aspheric geometry design (MAGD CScL) on top of a daily silicone hydrogel lens
      (piggyback system) for keratoconus management. METHODS: A 48-year-old man using
      soft toric contact lenses required an improvement in the unsatisfactory quality
      of his vision. He presented with bilateral asymmetric keratoconus with high
      myopia in the right eye (RE) and severe myopia in the left eye (LE). In addition,
      he had low vision in his LE because of a maculopathy. He was fitted with MAGD
      CScL to correct his irregular astigmatism. A diagnostic trial set was used in the
      fitting process and the patient was assessed according to a standardised fitting
      methodology. Visual acuity, corneal topography and contrast sensitivity were
      evaluated. The follow-up period was 1year. RESULTS: The best spectacle-corrected
      visual acuity was 0.5 logMAR for the RE with -10 D/-5 D*60 degrees  and 2 logMAR
      for the LE with -20 D/-3 D*105 degrees . After fitting MAGD CScL, visual acuity
      improved significantly to 0.1 logMAR for the RE and 1.3 logMAR for the LE, as
      well as contrast sensitivity. The fitting parameters of the base curve, diameter,
      and power were 7.05mm, 12.60mm, -18.50 D and 7.15mm, 12.60mm, -19 D for the RE
      and LE, respectively. Optimal fitting characteristics were found in terms of lens
      position and lens movement. To increase the time of MAGD CScL wear, they
      piggybacked on daily silicone hydrogel lenses of low power (-0.5 D). The patient
      reported being comfortable with this piggyback system for approximately 15h a
      day. After 1year of using the piggyback system, visual quality and wearing time
      were maintained. In addition, no adverse ocular effects were found during this
      period. CONCLUSION: This case report shows that in this patient a MAGD CScL could
      be fitted successfully on a daily silicone hydrogel lens in a piggyback system
      for keratoconus management, providing good visual quality along with prolonged
      use times and without adverse effects on the cornea.

PMID- 28073690
TI  - Citrate pathophysiology and metabolism.
AB  - By chelating ionized calcium, citrate allows extracorporeal circuit
      anticoagulation without a bleeding risk for the patient. Citrate anticoagulation
      is also associated with a reduced activation of leucocytes and platelets. Citrate
      clearance by citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) is not modified by renal failure,
      but is reduced by about 50% in patients with cirrhosis. Toxic effects of citrate
      result from a decrease in plasma ionized calcium of the patient. The first side
      effect is a prolongation of the QT interval. Clinical signs of hypocalcemia and
      hypotension in humans appear below 0.9mmol/L of plasma ionized calcium.

PMID- 28073691
TI  - Rapid dactylitis resolution in a patient with psoriatic arthritis after treatment
      with ustekinumab.

PMID- 28073692
TI  - Population data of 15 autosomal STR loci in Chinese Han population from Jilin
      Province, Northeast China.

PMID- 28073694
TI  - HIV Latency: Should We Shock or Lock?
AB  - Combinatory antiretroviral therapy (cART) increases the survival and quality of
      life of HIV-1-infected patients. However, interruption of therapy almost
      invariably leads to the re-emergence of detectable viral replication because HIV
      1 persists in viral latent reservoirs. Improved understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms involved in HIV-1 latency has paved the way for innovative strategies
      that attempt to purge latent virus. In this article we discuss the results of the
      broadly explored 'shock and kill' strategy, and also highlight the major hurdles
      facing this approach. Finally, we present recent innovative works suggesting that
      locking out latent proviruses could be a potential alternative therapeutic
      strategy.

PMID- 28073693
TI  - Crosstalk between Cytoplasmic RIG-I and STING Sensing Pathways.
AB  - Detection of evolutionarily conserved molecules on microbial pathogens by host
      immune sensors represents the initial trigger of the immune response against
      infection. Cytosolic receptors sense viral and intracellular bacterial genomes,
      as well as nucleic acids produced during replication. Once activated, these
      sensors trigger multiple signaling cascades, converging on the production of type
      I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. Although distinct classes of
      receptors are responsible for the RNA and DNA sensing, the downstream signaling
      components are physically and functionally interconnected. This review highlights
      the importance of the crosstalk between retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I)
      mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) RNA sensing and the cyclic GMP
      AMP synthase (cGAS)- stimulator of interferon genes (STING) DNA sensing pathways
      in potentiating efficient antiviral responses. The potential of cGAS-STING
      manipulation as a component of cancer immunotherapy is also reviewed.

PMID- 28073695
TI  - Paradoxical bradycardia and blood pressure elevation during dobutamine stress
      echocardiography reveal ischemia in a patient with syncope.

PMID- 28073696
TI  - SPOP promotes SIRT2 degradation and suppresses non-small cell lung cancer cell
      growth.
AB  - SIRT2 is a NAD-dependent deacetylase and inhibition of SIRT2 has a broad
      anticancer activity. Here we report that SPOP binds to SIRT2 and mediates its
      degradation by the 26S proteasome, which can be blocked by MG132 treatment. We
      also found that the levels of SPOP significantly decreased, while the levels of
      SIRT2 significantly increased in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines,
      compared to normal bronchial epithelial cell line and NSCLC specimens, compared
      to the paired non-tumor lung tissue. Furthermore, SPOP can suppress NSCLC cell
      growth. Notably, mutations in NSCLC inhibit the abilities of SPOP to degrade
      SIRT2 and suppress NSCLC cell growth. These results reveal a novel regulation of
      SIRT2 by SPOP mediated degradation, which is important for the growth of lung
      tumor cells.

PMID- 28073697
TI  - Proliferation of mouse endometrial stromal cells in culture is highly sensitive
      to lysophosphatidic acid signaling.
AB  - Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) proliferate rapidly both in vivo and in vitro.
      Here we show that proliferation of ESCs in vitro is strongly dependent on
      lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling. LPA is produced by autotaxin (ATX) and
      induces various kinds of cellular processes including migration, proliferation
      and inhibition of cell death possibly through six G protein-coupled receptors
      (LPA1-6). We found that ESCs proliferated rapidly in vitro in an autocrine manner
      and that the proliferation was prominently suppressed by either an ATX inhibitor
      (ONO-8430506) or an LPA1/3 antagonist (Ki16425). Among the cells lines tested,
      mouse ESCs were the most sensitive to these inhibitors. Proliferation of ESCs
      isolated from either LPA1- or LPA3-deficient mice was comparable to proliferation
      of ESCs isolated from control mice. An LPA receptor antagonist (AM095), which was
      revealed to be a dual LPA1/LPA3 antagonist, also suppressed the proliferation of
      ESCs. The present results show that LPA signaling has a critical role in the
      proliferation of ESCs, and that this role is possibly mediated redundantly by
      LPA1 and LPA3.

PMID- 28073698
TI  - Ectopic expression of an apple cytochrome P450 gene MdCYPM1 negatively regulates
      plant photomorphogenesis and stress response in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Cytochrome P450s play an important role in plant growth and are involved in
      multiple stresses response. However, little is known about the functions of
      cytochrome P450s in apple. Here, a Malus * domestica cytochrome P450
      monooxygenase 1 gene, MdCYPM1, was identified and subsequently cloned from apple
      'Gala' (Malus * domestica). To verify the functions of MdCYPM1, we generated
      transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the apple MdCYPM1 gene under the control
      of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Four transgenic lines (#3, #5, #7
      and #8) were selected for further study. The transgenic plants exhibited a series
      of skotomorphogenesis phenotypes relative to wild-type controls, such as
      reduction of the chlorophyll, anthocyanins content and hypocotyls elongation. In
      addition, overexpression of MdCYPM1 influenced auxin transport and flowering time
      in transgenic Arabidopsis. Furthermore, MdCYPM1 expression was induced by salt
      and mannitol treatments, and the transgenic plants were negatively regulated by
      salinity and osmotic stresses during germination. These results suggest that
      MdCYPM1 plays a vital role in plant growth and development.

PMID- 28073699
TI  - Activation of Nrf2 attenuates carbonyl stress induced by methylglyoxal in human
      neuroblastoma cells: Increase in GSH levels is a critical event for the
      detoxification mechanism.
AB  - The present study focused on the methylglyoxal (MG) detoxification mechanism in
      neuroblastoma cells. The involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor
      2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) pathway as a defense
      response against the formation of MG-modified proteins, which is well-known
      evidence of carbonyl stress, was also examined. We found that MG treatment
      resulted in accumulation of modified proteins bearing the structure of advanced
      glycation end products (AGEs) derived from MG in SH-SY5Y cells. This accumulation
      was suppressed by activation of the Nrf2 pathway prior to MG exposure via pre
      treatment with an Nrf2 activator, carnosic acid and CDDO-Im, confirming the
      involvement of the Nrf2 pathway in MG detoxification. Although pre-treatment with
      the Nrf2 activator did not affect mRNA levels of GLO1, AKR1B1, and AKR7A2, the
      expressions of GCL and xCT mRNA, involved in GSH synthesis, were induced prior to
      increase in GSH levels. Furthermore, we demonstrated that a GSH synthesis
      inhibitor eliminated the MG detoxification effect derived from pretreatment with
      the Nrf2 activator. These results indicated that increase in GSH levels, induced
      by pre-treatment with carnosic acid, promoted the formation of the GLO1
      substrate, hemithioacetal, thereby accelerating MG metabolism via the glyoxalase
      system and suppressing its toxicity. It was, therefore, determined that promotion
      of GSH synthesis via the Nrf2/Keap1pathway is important in the MG detoxification
      mechanism against neuronal MG-induced carbonyl stress, and Nrf2 activators
      contribute to reduction in the accumulation and toxic expression of carbonyl
      proteins.

PMID- 28073700
TI  - The yeast Ste2p G protein-coupled receptor dimerizes on the cell plasma membrane.
AB  - Dimerization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) may play an important role in
      maturation, internalization, signaling and/or pharmacology of these receptors.
      However, the location where dimerization occurs is still under debate. In our
      study, variants of Ste2p, a yeast mating pheromone GPCR, were tagged with split
      EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) fragments inserted between
      transmembrane domain seven and the C-terminus or appended to the C-terminus.
      Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) assay was used to determine where
      receptor dimerization occurred during protein trafficking by monitoring
      generation of EGFP fluorescence, which occurred upon GPCR dimerization. Our
      results suggest that these tagged receptors traffic to the membrane as monomers,
      undergo dimerization or higher ordered oligomerization predominantly on the
      plasma membrane, and are internalized as dimers/oligomers. This study is the
      first to provide direct in vivo visualization of GPCR
      dimerization/oligomerization, during trafficking to and from the plasma membrane.

PMID- 28073701
TI  - Effect of asthma therapies on the natural course of asthma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide an evidence-based review on the role of pharmacologic
      (inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, biologic therapies,
      aeroallergen immunotherapy) and nonpharmacologic therapies (environmental
      modifications, microbiome) in secondary and tertiary asthma prevention. DATA
      SOURCES: A PubMed search for English-language publications regarding asthma and
      secondary or tertiary prevention was performed. Some articles cited in selected
      studies were also considered for inclusion in this review. STUDY SELECTIONS:
      Studies were included that were original research and specifically addressed the
      question of asthma prevention and use of pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic
      therapies. When possible, we selected the articles with the most robust level of
      evidence. RESULTS: More than 100 articles were initially identified, 79 were
      reviewed in depth, and 60 were included in this review. Several studies suggest
      no disease-modifying effect for inhaled corticosteroids. Small studies suggest a
      tertiary preventive effect for leukotriene receptor antagonists. Biological
      therapies have somewhat conflicting evidence with a paucity of pediatric data,
      although some have tremendous promise. A role of allergen immunotherapy
      (specifically pollen) in secondary asthma prevention has been suggested, with no
      firm conclusions possible for tertiary prevention. One large trial suggests a
      role for environmental modifications in secondary asthma prevention, whereas the
      preponderance of evidence does not suggest a role in tertiary prevention. The
      microbiome is an active area of research that has promise for a disease-modifying
      effect. CONCLUSION: Further work needs to be performed to allow physicians to
      intervene early and alter the natural course of asthma in children.

PMID- 28073702
TI  - Serum progranulin as an indicator of neutrophilic airway inflammation and asthma
      severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progranulin, a protein secreted from the airway epithelium, is known
      to attenuate the downstream cascade of neutrophilic inflammation in particular.
      We hypothesized that progranulin may have a role in inflammatory regulation in
      asthma. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between serum progranulin
      levels and various clinical features in patients with asthma. METHODS: Serum
      samples and clinical data of 475 patients with asthma and 35 healthy controls at
      a tertiary referral hospital and its affiliated health promotion center were
      collected. Serum progranulin levels were compared between patients with asthma
      and healthy controls and then were compared within the patients with asthma in
      terms of pulmonary function and measures of inflammatory status. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with severity
      of asthma. RESULTS: Serum progranulin levels were significantly lower in the
      asthma group than in healthy group and were positively correlated with
      prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second predicted within patients
      with asthma. We found a negative correlation between serum progranulin levels and
      blood neutrophil counts. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher serum
      progranulin levels were associated with a lower risk of severe asthma (odds
      ratio, 0.888; 95% confidence interval, 0.846-0.932; P < .001) after adjustment
      for other variables, such as age, sex, smoking status, blood neutrophil count,
      and current use of systemic corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Although the exact
      mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action of progranulin remains unknown, we
      suggest that serum progranulin may be an indicator of severe asthma with airflow
      limitation. Future studies with comprehensive airway sampling strategies are
      warranted to clarify its role, particularly in neutrophilic asthma.

PMID- 28073703
TI  - Development of sesame tolerance and cosensitization of sesame allergy with peanut
      and tree nut allergy in children.

PMID- 28073704
TI  - Raltegravir-induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms
      syndrome in a child.

PMID- 28073705
TI  - Contact urticaria caused by alcohol: Clinical characteristics and cross
      reactions.

PMID- 28073706
TI  - Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease associated with uveitis.

PMID- 28073707
TI  - Analytical performances of Optilite(r) turbidimeter (The Binding Site): a new
      dedicated analyser for specific proteins determination.
AB  - We checked analytical performances of Optilite(r) analyser for immunoglobulins G,
      A, M, subclasses of IgG, free light chains of Ig (Freelite(r)) and complement's
      fractions using Binding Site reagents. CVs for repeteability and reproducibility
      showed very good results, respectively <3% and <10% for all tested parameters, in
      agreement with Ricos and SFBC recommendations. Comparisons with results obtained
      on BNTMII (Siemens) or SPAPLUS (r) (Binding site) analysers showed a good
      agreement (>83%) according to Bland and Altman analysis. Sample throughput with
      either a batch of Freelite(r) only or Freelite(r) and immunoglobulins showed a
      gain of total realisation time on Optilite(r) versus BNTMII. Optilite(r) analyser
      performed automatic dilutions until result and antigen excess determination for
      parameters as Freelite(r) or IgG4. In terms of practicability, traceability and
      maintenance, Optilite(r) turbidimeter alone or connected to LIS via DataSite
      software is well adapted to specialized laboratory for proteins determinations.

PMID- 28073708
TI  - Juvenile dermatomyositis positive for anti-DNA mismatch repair enzyme antibodies.

PMID- 28073709
TI  - The French Muskoka Fund for the health of mothers and children.

PMID- 28073710
TI  - Salamatou, Nana and the others.

PMID- 28073711
TI  - Grants by the French Muskoka Fund, by agency and by country (2012-2016).

PMID- 28073712
TI  - Zero infant mortality in Baoule.

PMID- 28073713
TI  - The French Muskoka Fund: origin, objectives, and implementation.
AB  - Through its Priority Solidarity Fund, France set up a partnership with four
      United Nations agencies, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN WOMEN for the years 2011-2015
      with an annual budget of 19 M ?. An additional sixth year supplementary is
      underway. The program was developed through a common framework of actions
      coordinated and harmonized at the level of the target countries: integrated
      management of childhood diseases, mother-child nutrition, prenatal, perinatal,
      and postpartum follow-up, sexual and reproductive health, and adolescent health.
      The contribution of WHO was based on its normative role; UNICEF offered its
      operational capacity in the field, and UNFPA its focus on reproductive health,
      while UN WOMEN dealt with gender questions. The countries targeted specifically
      were: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Haiti, Mali, Nigeria, Central
      Africa Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Chad, and Togo.

PMID- 28073714
TI  - Prudence, 33 years old. Champion of family planning.

PMID- 28073715
TI  - Improving the availability of maternal and child healthcare staff Organizing
      equitable access to competent healthcare professionals.
AB  - From now until 2030, low-income countries are expected to have a deficit of
      around 18 million healthcare workers, unless significant action is taken to
      reduce these shortages. The French Muskoka Fund has made it possible to improve
      the strategies of management of maternal and child healthcare personnel in 9
      French-speaking countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective was to improve
      policies for the training, recruitment, and retention of healthcare personnel in
      these countries to ensure effective staff coverage in healthcare facilities for
      mothers and children.

PMID- 28073716
TI  - "The machine that pulls babies out".

PMID- 28073717
TI  - Quality of care in women's, children's, and adolescent health. Methods for
      assessing evaluation and implementation in West Africa. Experience in the Cote
      d'Ivoire.
AB  - A tool developed by WHO was used to assess the quality of care for mothers,
      newborns, and children in some healthcare facilities in French-speaking Africa;
      this study led to the development of recommendations for the implementation of
      actions intended to resolve the problems observed and to optimize patient
      management. We report here the experience of the maternity units of the
      university hospital center of Treichville, in Abidjan, discuss the presentation
      of the results of the assessment, and make some recommendations as part of an
      action program. The experience of the monthly review of referred cases is also
      reported.

PMID- 28073718
TI  - The ordeal of Haoua, married from the age to 16 to an abuser.

PMID- 28073719
TI  - Practice communities: innovative mechanisms for sharing and producing knowledge
      about health-care systems.

PMID- 28073720
TI  - Children, Healh Care, and Pediatrics in West Africa (ENSPEDIA): Research-Action
      Project to Help Improve the Quality of Care in Pediatrics Departments in West
      Africa (Benin, Burkina-Faso, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Togo).

PMID- 28073721
TI  - The contribution of the French Muskoka Fund to improving access to essential
      medicines and priority health products for mothers and children.
AB  - One objective of the French Muskoka Fund since 2011 has been to improve the
      availability of quality healthcare services for mothers and children and thus to
      contribute to the continued presence of essential drugs and affordable quality
      health products and to their rational use by healthcare personnel. This project
      thus contributed to reinforcing the work of the national regulatory authorities,
      guarantor of the quality of the products supplied to the populations, but also to
      strengthening the coordination of supplies at the country level. It also enabled
      the provision of support for the implementation of drug price controls and helped
      to strengthen the ability of healthcare staff to optimize their use of the
      products available to them. This work should be continued in these countries as
      they meet the agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals, which require the
      establishment of universal healthcare coverage.

PMID- 28073722
TI  - Haoua and Halime: a victory against malnutrition.

PMID- 28073723
TI  - "That's Life!" An Innovative Project.

PMID- 28073724
TI  - Follow the reporter from the African World who travelled 4000 km from the coast
      of Senagal to Lake Chad to meet the women of the Sahel.

PMID- 28073725
TI  - After Muskoka.
AB  - Substantial progress has been accomplished in reducing maternal, neonatal, and
      infant mortality, but the work to meet the Millennium Development Goals, boosted
      by numerous initiatives, including Muskoka, is far from finished. Since 2016, the
      Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the International Strategy for Women's,
      Children's, and Adolescent Health 2016 - 2030, have provided to the countries and
      development partners a consistent framework for action enlarged to all of the
      dimensions of human development, while keeping women, children, and adolescents
      at its heart. In this context, the Muskoka program, after an initial 5-year
      cycle, will continue in 2017.

PMID- 28073726
TI  - Breast cancer in women younger than 35 years : features and outcomes in the
      breast unit at Aristide le Dantec Teaching Hospital, Dakar.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features and outcomes of
      women younger than 35 years with breast cancer. This study was performed at
      Gynecologic and Obstetric Clinic of Dakar Teaching Hospital and retrospectively
      reviewed the records of all women younger than 35 years seen in our department
      for histologically proven breast cancer. Data were analyzed with SPSS software
      (Statistical Package for Social Science) Version 23. Between 2007 and 2015, 62
      women with breast cancer met the inclusion criteria and were included. The
      incidence of women in this age group treated in our department was 22.6%. The
      median age at diagnosis was 29.7 years. The mean time to consultation was 12.5
      months, and the disease was locally advanced at diagnosis in 79% of cases.
      Histological study found 85.5% of cancers were invasive ductal carcinoma. The
      immunohistochemical study found positive hormone receptors in 12 women (19.4%)
      and overexpression of HER-2 in 8 (12.9%). Chemotherapy was performed in 54
      patients (87.1%), and surgery in 47 (62.9%). Recurrence occurred in 12. In all,
      22 women died (35.5%) by the end of the study period. Mean survival was 36.7
      months (CI 29.5 to 43.9) and median survival 39.7 months (CI 22.1 to 57.5). This
      high incidence rate in our study is consistent with that found in young African
      American women and is worrisome. These results seem to point towards a genetic
      origin and call for a thorough search of the profile. They also call also for the
      involvement of pathologists and collaboration with other research teams.

PMID- 28073727
TI  - Psychosocial vulnerability and HIV/AIDS epidemiological situation among people
      with hearing disabilities in four towns in Cameroon.
AB  - The scientific literature about disabled people has stressed their high exposure
      to social exclusion and marginalization, linked to ways of thinking and
      representations about them. In the area of HIV/AIDS, this marginalization, which
      results in higher levels of self-stigmatization and especially in inequalities in
      prevention, continues to put disabled people at high risk of HIV infection. The
      current study, conducted with a socioepidemiological and behavioral approach,
      included 317 people with hearing disabilities, recruited through purposive
      sampling combined with a snowball approach. Participants, after providing
      informed consent in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki, completed a
      questionnaire and underwent HIV screening. The results showed a high rate of
      early sexual intercourse and a high prevalence of HIV, associated with their many
      risk factors and vulnerability. The analysis also revealed that social
      marginalization, erroneous beliefs, lack of communication and more generally of
      appropriate prevention adapted to them, a high rate of multiple partners, a low
      rate of condom use, psychosexual violence, and difficulties in negotiating social
      relations, particularly those of sexual relations, are the principal factors of
      vulnerability and risk.

PMID- 28073728
TI  - Biermer anemia: Hematologic characteristics of 66 patients in a Clinical
      Hematology Unit at Senegal.
AB  - Hematological manifestations can lead to diagnosis of pernicious anemia, also
      known as Biermer disease and Biermer anemia. This disease has been little studied
      among black Africans. Our aim is to describe its diagnostic and therapeutic
      aspects and outcome in our practice. This descriptive study retrospectively
      examined the records of 66 patients with pernicious anemia seen at the Clinical
      Hematology Unit of Le Dantec Hospital in Senegal from January 1, 2000, to June
      30, 2014. Symptoms were anemic syndrome (40 cases), hemolytic anemia (13), anemic
      heart failure (7), isolated pallor of the mucous membranes (5), and venous
      thrombosis (2). Their mean hemoglobin on diagnosis was 6.52 g/dL [1.3-15.2 g/dL],
      macrocytosis (52), normocytosis (14), hypochromia (4), thrombocytopenia (39), and
      leukopenia (28 cases). Cytopenia was associated with pancytopenia (25) and
      bicytopenia (18). Cytologic abnormalities were documented in 42 cases:
      megaloblastic erythrosis (37 cases) and hypersegmented neutrophils (24 cases).
      After vitamin B12 therapy - intramuscular (52) or oral (14) -, a reticulocyte
      crisis was noted on the 8th day and followed by correction of the blood count.
      Macrocytic anemia, frequently associated with thrombocytopenia and/or leukopenia,
      is the main hematologic sign evoking pernicious anemia. Venous thrombosis is a
      rare circumstance of diagnosis that must not be ignored. Intramuscular or oral
      vitamin B12 is recognized to be effective in these cases and reverses
      hematological manifestations.

PMID- 28073729
TI  - Phytotherapy against buruli ulcer in the Health District of Yamoussoukro (Cote
      d'Ivoire) : Identification, description, and symbolic functions of the plants and
      recipes used.
AB  - This study aims to describe the plants and recipes proposed by traditional
      healers against Buruli ulcer in Cote d'Ivoire and to analyze their symbolic
      aspects. Buruli ulcer is an increasingly serious health problem in Cote d'Ivoire.
      The ivorian state through the National Buruli Ulcer Control Programme and its
      partners, has developed various actions to fight that disease. Medical and
      surgical treatments are offered free of charge to patients. Hundreds of health
      centers in different health districts have been converted into Buruli ulcer
      management centers. Despite these actions, traditional treatment continues to
      dominate the treatment journey. In rural areas, traditional healers provide
      management for Buruli ulcer. This qualitative and descriptive study studied 4
      traditional healers and 37 patients at the Kongouanou care center. The
      traditional healers offer patients products that are disinfectants and ointments
      prepared from leaves, bark, roots, and fruits of different plants. The modes of
      treatment are supported by both dietary restrictions and a set of symbolic
      elements. Several reasons explain the predominance of traditional medicine in
      patients' treatment routes, although none of the patients interviewed was cured.
      It is, however, appropriate to establish collaboration with traditional healers
      to promote early detection and immediate recourse to specialized treatment
      centers.

PMID- 28073730
TI  - 2014 Anthrax epidemic in Koubia prefecture, Guinea-Conakry.
AB  - Anthrax disease is an anthropozoonosis caused by a Gram-positive bacterium,
      Bacillus anthracis. Our objective was to describe the epidemiological, clinical
      and therapeutic features of the 2014 epidemic in Koubia prefecture. This
      retrospective study examined all of the anthrax cases reported in Fafaya, Koubia
      Prefecture. In March and April 2014, there were 39 cases of human anthrax
      reported, for an incidence of 1.135%. The mean age was 20.9 (+/- 18.3) with a sex
      ratio of 2.54 (28/11) in favor of men. Seventy-six percent (23/39) were single.
      More than one half were students (53.8%). The main clinical signs were fever in
      71, 8% (n = 28 /), papules 59% (n = 23), vesicles of 59% (n = 23) Digestive and
      cutaneous signs represented 35.9 % and 64.1% respectively; 35% had ingested
      contaminated meat and 17.95% were in direct contact with a sick animal. We didn't
      find any correlation between the mode of infection and onset of signs. The
      fatality rate was 28.21%. The 2014 epidemic of anthrax disease in the Koubia
      prefecture was marked by a high incidence and lethality. Clinical manifestations
      were cutaneaous and digestive. These results may serve further interventions to
      fight against anthrax disease. They should mainly focus on an awareness of
      peasants, surveillance and vaccination of cattle. Other studies seem to be
      necessary.

PMID- 28073731
TI  - Discoveries about tubercolosis from autopsies: topographical and morphological
      profiles of lesions in dakar (Senegal).
AB  - Tuberculosis is endemic in Senegal. It is rate of increase and high mortality
      rate make it a major public health problem. The aim of this study was to describe
      the topographic, macroscopic, and microscopic aspects of tuberculosis lesions
      responsible for deaths in Dakar. This is a retrospective study of 158 autopsy
      reports, collected over 10 years, of deaths due to tuberculosis. The diagnosis of
      tuberculosis was essentially macroscopic; only equivocal cases had histological
      analysis. The average age at death was 47 years, and nearly all patients were men
      (all but 5). The largest percentage of deaths were in the 56-60 year old age
      group (21.6%, n = 34). Cachexia (70.3%), pallor (44.3%), and hemoptysis (20.9%)
      were found in the external examination of these corpses. Autopsy of the viscera
      showed pulmonary disease in 98.7% of cases (n = 156), both bilateral and
      extensive. Renal and pericardial disease were rare, found in respectively 3.8%
      and 2.5% of cases. Macroscopic aspects of tuberculosis were various and often
      related. Miliary tuberculosis (81%), small nodule tuberculosis (76.6%), and
      tuberculomas (62%) were the lesions most commonly encountered. Histologic
      analysis showed these lesions were of different ages. Tubercles (Koster
      follicles) were found consistently. Caseous necrosis was pathognomonic.
      Tuberculosis remains a deadly disease in Dakar, it mainly affects men and older
      individuals.

PMID- 28073732
TI  - Insecticide resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes : additional obstacles in the
      battle against malaria.
AB  - Mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are malaria vectors in tropical areas and were
      of course designated as primary targets by programs for malaria control.
      Repellent sprays, indoor use of insecticides, and massive delivery of mosquito
      nets are standard examples of the means widely used to combat malaria. This
      synthetic review supplies an overview of all of the modes of resistance developed
      by Anopheles mosquitoes against these human actions. The misuse of each available
      tool has gradually led to a decrease in its global effectiveness. Newly-emerging
      forms of resistance, due to modification or overexpression of molecular targets,
      as well as behavioral adaptations by mosquitoes, are some examples of the
      consequences. To enable a categorical reduction in malaria incidence, a thorough
      adjustment of the use of the various means of control should be envisioned.

PMID- 28073733
TI  - Antibiotic therapy and staphylococcal skin infections in a tropical malarial zone
      (Guyana). Practices in conventional and exceptional situations.
AB  - A problem of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus skin infections emerged in
      the French armed forces in 2004, in a malaria-endemic areas. The high incidence
      rate led us to evaluate military staff practices. This was a cross-sectional
      survey of doctors and nurses deployed as officers in French Guyana since 2006.
      The definition of skin and soft-tissue infection came from the criteria for
      epidemiological surveillance of the armed forces. We studied the management of
      antibiotic therapy and its related difficulties. In all, 47 officers responded.
      At the Military Medical Center (MMC), 23.4% of respondents routinely prescribed
      antibiotics, compared with 36.2% when stationed in the jungle (p<0.05%).
      Complication led 68.1 of staff to prescribe antibiotic prescriptions at the MMC,
      compared with 46.8% in the jungle (p<0.05%). Finally, 22.5% of those at MMC
      prescribed antibiotic coverage of surgical drainage, compared with 14.8% in the
      jungle (p<0.05%). Pristinamycin and fusidic acid were the preferred antibiotics.
      Two-thirds of the staff reported difficulties in jungle management. This first
      study indicates the need for an update of military medical recommendations.
      Personnel training must continue to enable them to provide appropriate aggressive
      management in the current endemic context.

PMID- 28073734
TI  - Acute parasitic and other infectious myelopathies in the tropics: 26 cases at the
      University Hospital in Conakry.
AB  - In tropical countries, laboratory-confirmed diagnostic certainty of parasitic and
      other infectious causes of acute myelopathy is difficult because of a shortage of
      medical professionals and consulting delays. We performed a retrospective study
      of 168 patients hospitalized for spinal disorders between 2007 and 2013 and
      identified 26 diagnosed with acute non-compressive myelopathy of presumed sudden
      onset. An parasitic or other infectious cause was established for all. A
      preliminary clinical infection preceding the development of neurologic signs was
      reported for 22 patients (84.6 %). Neurological signs were limited to the
      existence of a progressive sensorimotor symptomatology with sphincter disorders.

PMID- 28073735
TI  - Patient Information Websites About Medically Induced Second-Trimester Abortions:
      A Descriptive Study of Quality, Suitability, and Issues.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing medically induced second-trimester abortions feel
      insufficiently informed and use the Web for supplemental information. However, it
      is still unclear how people who have experience with pregnancy termination
      appraise the quality of patient information websites about medically induced
      second-trimester abortions, whether they consider the websites suitable for
      patients, and what issues they experience with the websites. OBJECTIVE: Our
      objective was to investigate the quality of, suitability of, and issues with
      patient information websites about medically induced second-trimester abortions
      and potential differences between websites affiliated with the health care system
      and private organizations. METHODS: We set out to answer the objective by using 4
      laypeople who had experience with pregnancy termination as quality assessors. The
      first 50 hits of 26 systematic searches were screened (N=1300 hits) using search
      terms reported by the assessors. Of these hits, 48% (628/1300) were irrelevant
      and 51% (667/1300) led to websites about medically induced second-trimester
      abortions. After correcting for duplicate hits, 42 patient information websites
      were included, 18 of which were affiliated with the health care system and 24
      with private organizations. The 4 assessors systematically assessed the websites
      with the DISCERN instrument (total score range 16-80), the Ensuring Quality
      Information for Patients (EQIP) tool (total score range 0-100), as well as
      questions concerning website suitability and perceived issues. RESULTS: The
      interrater reliability was 0.8 for DISCERN and EQIP, indicating substantial
      agreement between the assessors. The total mean score was 36 for DISCERN and 40
      for EQIP, indicating poor overall quality. Websites from the health care system
      had greater total EQIP (45 vs 37, P>.05) and reliability scores (22 vs 20,
      P>.05). Only 1 website was recommended by all assessors and 57% (24/42) were
      rated as very unsuitable by at least one assessor. The most reported issues with
      the websites involved lack of information (76%, 32/42), and poor design (36%,
      15/42). CONCLUSIONS: The high number of irrelevant hits and poor quality of
      patient information websites are considerable issues that must be addressed and
      considered when consulting patients awaiting medically induced second-trimester
      abortions. In clinical encounters, health professionals should initiate
      discussions concerning websites about medically induced second-trimester
      abortions and inform patients about the issues and quality deficits associated
      with these websites.

PMID- 28073736
TI  - Development of an Educational Game to Set Up Surgical Instruments on the Mayo
      Stand or Back Table: Applied Research in Production Technology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Existing research suggests that digital games can be used effectively
      for educational purposes at any level of training. Perioperative nursing
      educators can use games to complement curricula, in guidance and staff
      development programs, to foster team collaboration, and to give support to
      critical thinking in nursing practice because it is a complex environment.
      OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of developing an educational game to set up
      surgical instruments on the Mayo stand or back table as a resource to assist the
      instructor in surgical instrumentation training for students and nursing health
      professionals in continued education. METHODS: The study was characterized by
      applied research in production technology. It included the phases of analysis and
      design, development, and evaluation. The objectives of the educational game were
      developed through Bloom's taxonomy. Parallel to the physical development of the
      educational game, a proposed model for the use of digital elements in educational
      game activities was applied to develop the game content. RESULTS: The development
      of the game called "Playing with Tweezers" was carried out in 3 phases and was
      evaluated by 15 participants, comprising students and professional experts in
      various areas of knowledge such as nursing, information technology, and
      education. An environment was created with an initial screen, menu buttons
      containing the rules of the game, and virtual tour modes for learning and
      assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The "digital" nursing student needs engagement,
      stimulation, reality, and entertainment, not just readings. "Playing with
      Tweezers" is an example of educational gaming as an innovative teaching strategy
      in nursing that encourages the strategy of involving the use of educational games
      to support theoretical or practical classroom teaching. Thus, the teacher does
      not work with only 1 type of teaching methodology, but with a combination of
      different methodologies. In addition, we cannot forget that skill training in an
      educational game does not replace curricular practice, but helps.

PMID- 28073737
TI  - Using Real-Time Social Media Technologies to Monitor Levels of Perceived Stress
      and Emotional State in College Students: A Web-Based Questionnaire Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: College can be stressful for many freshmen as they cope with a
      variety of stressors. Excess stress can negatively affect both psychological and
      physical health. Thus, there is a need to find innovative and cost-effective
      strategies to help identify students experiencing high levels of stress to
      receive appropriate treatment. Social media use has been rapidly growing, and
      recent studies have reported that data from these technologies can be used for
      public health surveillance. Currently, no studies have examined whether Twitter
      data can be used to monitor stress level and emotional state among college
      students. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of our study was to investigate
      whether students' perceived levels of stress were associated with the sentiment
      and emotions of their tweets. The secondary objective was to explore whether
      students' emotional state was associated with the sentiment and emotions of their
      tweets. METHODS: We recruited 181 first-year freshman students aged 18-20 years
      at University of California, Los Angeles. All participants were asked to complete
      a questionnaire that assessed their demographic characteristics, levels of
      stress, and emotional state for the last 7 days. All questionnaires were
      completed within a 48-hour period. All tweets posted by the participants from
      that week (November 2 to 8, 2015) were mined and manually categorized based on
      their sentiment (positive, negative, neutral) and emotion (anger, fear, love,
      happiness) expressed. Ordinal regressions were used to assess whether weekly
      levels of stress and emotional states were associated with the percentage of
      positive, neutral, negative, anger, fear, love, or happiness tweets. RESULTS: A
      total of 121 participants completed the survey and were included in our analysis.
      A total of 1879 tweets were analyzed. A higher level of weekly stress was
      significantly associated with a greater percentage of negative sentiment tweets
      (beta=1.7, SE 0.7; P=.02) and tweets containing emotions of fear (beta=2.4, SE
      0.9; P=.01) and love (beta=3.6, SE 1.4; P=.01). A greater level of anger was
      negatively associated with the percentage of positive sentiment (beta=-1.6, SE
      0.8; P=.05) and tweets related to the emotions of happiness (beta=-2.2, SE 0.9;
      P=.02). A greater level of fear was positively associated with the percentage of
      negative sentiment (beta=1.67, SE 0.7; P=.01), particularly a greater proportion
      of tweets related to the emotion of fear (beta=2.4, SE 0.8; P=.01). Participants
      who reported a greater level of love showed a smaller percentage of negative
      sentiment tweets (beta=-1.3, SE 0.7; P=0.05). Emotions of happiness were
      positively associated with the percentage of tweets related to the emotion of
      happiness (beta=-1.8, SE 0.8; P=.02) and negatively associated with percentage of
      negative sentiment tweets (beta=-1.7, SE 0.7; P=.02) and tweets related to the
      emotion of fear (beta=-2.8, SE 0.8; P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Sentiment and emotions
      expressed in the tweets have the potential to provide real-time monitoring of
      stress level and emotional well-being in college students.

PMID- 28073738
TI  - Evaluating YouTube as a Source of Patient Education on the Role of the
      Hospitalist: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital medicine is a relatively new specialty field, dedicated to
      the delivery of comprehensive medical care to hospitalized patients. YouTube is
      one of the most frequently used websites, offering access to a gamut of videos
      from self-produced to professionally made. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to
      determine the adequacy of YouTube as an effective means to define and depict the
      role of hospitalists. METHODS: YouTube was searched on November 17, 2014, using
      the following search words: "hospitalist," "hospitalist definition," "what is the
      role of a hospitalist," "define hospitalist," and "who is a hospitalist." Videos
      found only in the first 10 pages of each search were included. Non-English,
      noneducational, and nonrelevant videos were excluded. A novel 7-point scoring
      tool was created by the authors based on the definition of a hospitalist adopted
      by the Society of Hospital Medicine. Three independent reviewers evaluated,
      scored, and classified the videos into high, intermediate, and low quality based
      on the average score. RESULTS: A total of 102 videos out of 855 were identified
      as relevant and included in the analysis. Videos uploaded by academic
      institutions had the highest mean score. Only 6 videos were classified as high
      quality, 53 as intermediate quality, and 42 as low quality, with 82.4% (84/102)
      of the videos scoring an average of 4 or less. CONCLUSIONS: Most videos found in
      the search of a hospitalist definition are inadequate. Leading medical
      organizations and academic institutions should consider producing and uploading
      quality videos to YouTube to help patients and their families better understand
      the roles and definition of the hospitalist.

PMID- 28073740
TI  - What can eye-tracking tell us?

PMID- 28073739
TI  - The Associations Among Individual Factors, eHealth Literacy, and Health-Promoting
      Lifestyles Among College Students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: eHealth literacy is gaining importance for maintaining and promoting
      health. Studies have found that individuals with high eHealth literacy are more
      likely to adopt healthy eating, exercise, and sleep behaviors. In addition,
      previous studies have shown that various individual factors (eg, frequency of
      seeking information on health issues, degree of health concern, frequency of
      eating organic food, and students' college major) are associated with eHealth
      literacy and health-promoting lifestyles. Nevertheless, few studies have explored
      the associations among individual factors, eHealth literacy, and health-promoting
      lifestyles among college students. Moreover, there is a lack of studies that
      focus on eHealth literacy as a predictor of psychological health behaviors.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations among various individual factors, eHealth
      literacy, and health-promoting lifestyles. METHODS: The eHealth Literacy Scale is
      a 12-item instrument designed to measure college students' functional,
      interactive, and critical eHealth literacy. The Health-promoting Lifestyle Scale
      is a 23-item instrument developed to measure college students' self
      actualization, health responsibility, interpersonal support, exercise, nutrition,
      and stress management. A nationally representative sample of 556 valid college
      students in Taiwan was surveyed. A questionnaire was administered to gather the
      respondents' background information, including the frequency of seeking
      information on health issues, the frequency of eating organic food, the degree of
      health concern, and the students' major. We then conducted a multiple regression
      analysis to examine the associations among individual factors, eHealth literacy,
      and health-promoting lifestyles. RESULTS: The study found that factors such as
      medical majors (t550=2.47-7.55, P<.05) and greater concern with health (t550=2.15
      9.01, P<.05) predicted college students' 4-6 health-promoting lifestyle
      dimensions and the 3 dimensions of eHealth literacy. Moreover, critical eHealth
      literacy positively predicted all 6 health-promoting lifestyle dimensions
      (t547=2.66-7.28, P<.01), functional literacy positively predicted 2 dimensions
      (t547=2.32-2.98, P<.05), and interactive literacy predicted only the self
      actualization dimension (t547=2.81, P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that
      participants who majored in medical fields had greater concern with their health
      and frequently sought health information, exhibited better eHealth literacy, and
      had a positive health-promoting lifestyle. Moreover, this study showed that
      college students with a higher critical eHealth literacy engaged better in health
      promoting activities than those with functional and interactive literacy.

PMID- 28073741
TI  - Learning from excellence and patient safety incidents.

PMID- 28073742
TI  - Genomics, proteomics and evolution of dengue virus.
AB  - The genome of a pathogenic organism possesses a specific order of nucleotides
      that contains not only information about the synthesis and expression of
      proteomes, which are required for its growth and survival, but also about its
      evolution. Inhibition of any particular protein, which is required for the
      survival of that pathogenic organism, can be used as a potential therapeutic
      target for the development of effective drugs to treat its infections. In this
      review, the genomics, proteomics and evolution of dengue virus have been
      discussed, which will be helpful in better understanding of its origin, growth,
      survival and evolution, and may contribute toward development of new efficient
      anti-dengue drugs.

PMID- 28073743
TI  - Referrals to dentists by GPs could delay diagnosis of oral cancer.

PMID- 28073744
TI  - Better referrals and funding are needed for preserving fertility.

PMID- 28073745
TI  - Norovirus infections in England hit highest rate for five years.

PMID- 28073747
TI  - Exercising as "weekend warrior" still yields mortality benefit, study finds.

PMID- 28073746
TI  - miRDis: a Web tool for endogenous and exogenous microRNA discovery based on deep
      sequencing data analysis.
AB  - Small RNA sequencing is the most widely used tool for microRNA (miRNA) discovery,
      and shows great potential for the efficient study of miRNA cross-species
      transport, i.e., by detecting the presence of exogenous miRNA sequences in the
      host species. Because of the increased appreciation of dietary miRNAs and their
      far-reaching implication in human health, research interests are currently
      growing with regard to exogenous miRNAs bioavailability, mechanisms of cross
      species transport and miRNA function in cellular biological processes. In this
      article, we present microRNA Discovery (miRDis), a new small RNA sequencing data
      analysis pipeline for both endogenous and exogenous miRNA detection.
      Specifically, we developed and deployed a Web service that supports the
      annotation and expression profiling data of known host miRNAs and the detection
      of novel miRNAs, other noncoding RNAs, and the exogenous miRNAs from dietary
      species. As a proof-of-concept, we analyzed a set of human plasma sequencing data
      from a milk-feeding study where 225 human miRNAs were detected in the plasma
      samples and 44 show elevated expression after milk intake. By examining the
      bovine-specific sequences, data indicate that three bovine miRNAs (bta-miR-378, 
      181* and -150) are present in human plasma possibly because of the dietary
      uptake. Further evaluation based on different sets of public data demonstrates
      that miRDis outperforms other state-of-the-art tools in both detection and
      quantification of miRNA from either animal or plant sources. The miRDis Web
      server is available at: http://sbbi.unl.edu/miRDis/index.php.

PMID- 28073748
TI  - David Oliver: Is NHS "candour" on a break for winter?

PMID- 28073749
TI  - Cost effectiveness of a government supported policy strategy to decrease sodium
      intake: global analysis across 183 nations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  To quantify the cost effectiveness of a government policy combining
      targeted industry agreements and public education to reduce sodium intake in 183
      countries worldwide. DESIGN:  Global modeling study. SETTING:  183 countries.
      POPULATION:  Full adult population in each country. INTERVENTION:  A "soft
      regulation" national policy that combines targeted industry agreements,
      government monitoring, and public education to reduce population sodium intake,
      modeled on the recent successful UK program. To account for heterogeneity in
      efficacy across countries, a range of scenarios were evaluated, including 10%,
      30%, 0.5 g/day, and 1.5 g/day sodium reductions achieved over 10 years. We
      characterized global sodium intakes, blood pressure levels, effects of sodium on
      blood pressure and of blood pressure on cardiovascular disease, and
      cardiovascular disease rates in 2010, each by age and sex, in 183 countries.
      Country specific costs of a sodium reduction policy were estimated using the
      World Health Organization Noncommunicable Disease Costing Tool. Country specific
      impacts on mortality and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) were modeled
      using comparative risk assessment. We only evaluated program costs, without
      incorporating potential healthcare savings from prevented events, to provide
      conservative estimates of cost effectiveness MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:  Cost
      effectiveness ratio, evaluated as purchasing power parity adjusted international
      dollars (equivalent to the country specific purchasing power of US$) per DALY
      saved over 10 years. RESULTS:  Worldwide, a 10% reduction in sodium consumption
      over 10 years within each country was projected to avert approximately 5.8
      million DALYs/year related to cardiovascular diseases, at a population weighted
      mean cost of I$1.13 per capita over the 10 year intervention. The population
      weighted mean cost effectiveness ratio was approximately I$204/DALY. Across nine
      world regions, estimated cost effectiveness of sodium reduction was best in South
      Asia (I$116/DALY); across the world's 30 most populous countries, best in
      Uzbekistan (I$26.08/DALY) and Myanmar (I$33.30/DALY). Cost effectiveness was
      lowest in Australia/New Zealand (I$880/DALY, or 0.02*gross domestic product (GDP)
      per capita), although still substantially better than standard thresholds for
      cost effective (<3.0*GDP per capita) or highly cost effective (<1.0*GDP per
      capita) interventions. Most (96.0%) of the world's adult population lived in
      countries in which this intervention had a cost effectiveness ratio <0.1*GDP per
      capita, and 99.6% in countries with a cost effectiveness ratio <1.0*GDP per
      capita. CONCLUSION:  A government "soft regulation" strategy combining targeted
      industry agreements and public education to reduce dietary sodium is projected to
      be highly cost effective worldwide, even without accounting for potential
      healthcare savings.

PMID- 28073750
TI  - First Mid Staffordshire, now the whole country.

PMID- 28073751
TI  - Happy corporate holidays from Coca-Cola.

PMID- 28073752
TI  - Doctors speak out from the front line.

PMID- 28073753
TI  - Migraine and risk of perioperative ischemic stroke and hospital readmission:
      hospital based registry study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  To evaluate whether patients with migraine are at increased risk of
      perioperative ischemic stroke and whether this may lead to an increased hospital
      readmission rate. DESIGN:  Prospective hospital registry study. SETTING: 
      Massachusetts General Hospital and two satellite campuses between January 2007
      and August 2014. PARTICIPANTS:  124 558 surgical patients (mean age 52.6 years;
      54.5% women). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:  The primary outcome was perioperative
      ischemic stroke occurring within 30 days after surgery in patients with and
      without migraine and migraine aura. The secondary outcome was hospital
      readmission within 30 days of surgery. Exploratory outcomes included post
      discharge stroke and strata of neuroanatomical stroke location. RESULTS:  10 179
      (8.2%) patients had any migraine diagnosis, of whom 1278 (12.6%) had migraine
      with aura and 8901 (87.4%) had migraine without aura. 771 (0.6%) perioperative
      ischemic strokes occurred within 30 days of surgery. Patients with migraine were
      at increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke (adjusted odds ratio 1.75, 95%
      confidence interval 1.39 to 2.21) compared with patients without migraine. The
      risk was higher in patients with migraine with aura (adjusted odds ratio 2.61,
      1.59 to 4.29) than in those with migraine without aura (1.62, 1.26 to 2.09). The
      predicted absolute risk is 2.4 (2.1 to 2.8) perioperative ischemic strokes for
      every 1000 surgical patients. This increases to 4.3 (3.2 to 5.3) for every 1000
      patients with any migraine diagnosis, 3.9 (2.9 to 5.0) for migraine without aura,
      and 6.3 (3.2 to 9.5) for migraine with aura. : Patients with migraine had a
      higher rate of readmission to hospital within 30 days of discharge (adjusted odds
      ratio 1.31, 1.22 to 1.41). CONCLUSIONS:  Surgical patients with a history of
      migraine are at increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke and have an
      increased 30 day hospital readmission rate. Migraine should be considered in the
      risk assessment for perioperative ischemic stroke.

PMID- 28073755
TI  - Advanced Boolean modeling of biological networks applied to systems pharmacology.
AB  - Motivation: Literature on complex diseases is abundant but not always
      quantitative. Many molecular pathways are qualitatively well described but this
      information cannot be used in traditional quantitative mathematical models
      employed in drug development. Tools for analysis of discrete networks are useful
      to capture the available information in the literature but have not been
      efficiently integrated by the pharmaceutical industry. We propose an expansion of
      the usual analysis of discrete networks that facilitates the
      identification/validation of therapeutic targets. Results: In this article, we
      propose a methodology to perform Boolean modeling of Systems Biology/Pharmacology
      networks by using SPIDDOR (Systems Pharmacology for effIcient Drug Development On
      R) R package. The resulting models can be used to analyze the dynamics of
      signaling networks associated to diseases to predict the pathogenesis mechanisms
      and identify potential therapeutic targets. Availability and Implementation: The
      source code is available at https://github.com/SPIDDOR/SPIDDOR . Contact:
      itzirurzun@alumni.unav.es , itroconiz@unav.es. Supplementary information:
      Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28073754
TI  - Fast and accurate phylogeny reconstruction using filtered spaced-word matches.
AB  - Motivation: Word-based or 'alignment-free' algorithms are increasingly used for
      phylogeny reconstruction and genome comparison, since they are much faster than
      traditional approaches that are based on full sequence alignments. Existing
      alignment-free programs, however, are less accurate than alignment-based methods.
      Results: We propose Filtered Spaced Word Matches (FSWM) , a fast alignment-free
      approach to estimate phylogenetic distances between large genomic sequences. For
      a pre-defined binary pattern of match and don't-care positions, FSWM rapidly
      identifies spaced word-matches between input sequences, i.e. gap-free local
      alignments with matching nucleotides at the match positions and with mismatches
      allowed at the don't-care positions. We then estimate the number of nucleotide
      substitutions per site by considering the nucleotides aligned at the don't-care
      positions of the identified spaced-word matches. To reduce the noise from
      spurious random matches, we use a filtering procedure where we discard all spaced
      word matches for which the overall similarity between the aligned segments is
      below a threshold. We show that our approach can accurately estimate substitution
      frequencies even for distantly related sequences that cannot be analyzed with
      existing alignment-free methods; phylogenetic trees constructed with FSWM
      distances are of high quality. A program run on a pair of eukaryotic genomes of a
      few hundred Mb each takes a few minutes. Availability and Implementation: The
      program source code for FSWM including a documentation, as well as the software
      that we used to generate artificial genome sequences are freely available at
      http://fswm.gobics.de/. Contact: chris.leimeister@stud.uni-goettingen.de.
      Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics
      online.

PMID- 28073757
TI  - Rebuttal to the Letter to the Editor in response to the paper: proper evaluation
      of alignment-free network comparison methods.

PMID- 28073756
TI  - Feature selection using a one dimensional naive Bayes' classifier increases the
      accuracy of support vector machine classification of CDR3 repertoires.
AB  - Motivation: Somatic DNA recombination, the hallmark of vertebrate adaptive
      immunity, has the potential to generate a vast diversity of antigen receptor
      sequences. How this diversity captures antigen specificity remains incompletely
      understood. In this study we use high throughput sequencing to compare the global
      changes in T cell receptor beta chain complementarity determining region 3
      (CDR3beta) sequences following immunization with ovalbumin administered with
      complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or CFA alone. Results: The CDR3beta sequences
      were deconstructed into short stretches of overlapping contiguous amino acids.
      The motifs were ranked according to a one-dimensional Bayesian classifier score
      comparing their frequency in the repertoires of the two immunization classes. The
      top ranking motifs were selected and used to create feature vectors which were
      used to train a support vector machine. The support vector machine achieved high
      classification scores in a leave-one-out validation test reaching >90% in some
      cases. Summary: The study describes a novel two-stage classification strategy
      combining a one-dimensional Bayesian classifier with a support vector machine.
      Using this approach we demonstrate that the frequency of a small number of linear
      motifs three amino acids in length can accurately identify a CD4 T cell response
      to ovalbumin against a background response to the complex mixture of antigens
      which characterize Complete Freund's Adjuvant. Availability and implementation:
      The sequence data is available at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra/?term1/4SRP075893 .
      The Decombinator package is available at github.com/innate2adaptive/Decombinator
      . The R package e1071 is available at the CRAN repository https://cran.r
      project.org/web/packages/e1071/index.html . Contact: b.chain@ucl.ac.uk.
      Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics
      online.

PMID- 28073758
TI  - Resolution and reconciliation of non-binary gene trees with transfers,
      duplications and losses.
AB  - Summary: Gene trees reconstructed from sequence alignments contain poorly
      supported branches when the phylogenetic signal in the sequences is insufficient
      to determine them all. When a species tree is available, the signal of gains and
      losses of genes can be used to correctly resolve the unsupported parts of the
      gene history. However finding a most parsimonious binary resolution of a non
      binary tree obtained by contracting the unsupported branches is NP-hard if
      transfer events are considered as possible gene scale events, in addition to gene
      origination, duplication and loss. We propose an exact, parameterized algorithm
      to solve this problem in single-exponential time, where the parameter is the
      number of connected branches of the gene tree that show low support from the
      sequence alignment or, equivalently, the maximum number of children of any node
      of the gene tree once the low-support branches have been collapsed. This improves
      on the best known algorithm by an exponential factor. We propose a way to choose
      among optimal solutions based on the available information. We show the usability
      of this principle on several simulated and biological datasets. The results are
      comparable in quality to several other tested methods having similar goals, but
      our approach provides a lower running time and a guarantee that the produced
      solution is optimal. Availability and Implementation: Our algorithm has been
      integrated into the ecceTERA phylogeny package, available at http://mbb.univ
      montp2.fr/MBB/download_sources/16__ecceTERA and which can be run online at
      http://mbb.univ-montp2.fr/MBB/subsection/softExec.php?soft=eccetera . Contact:
      celine.scornavacca@umontpellier.fr. Supplementary information: Supplementary data
      are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28073760
TI  - Better diagnostic signatures from RNAseq data through use of auxiliary co-data.
AB  - Summary: Our aim is to improve omics based prediction and feature selection using
      multiple sources of auxiliary information: co-data. Adaptive group regularized
      ridge regression (GRridge) was proposed to achieve this by estimating additional
      group-based penalty parameters through an empirical Bayes method at a low
      computational cost. We illustrate the GRridge method and software on RNA
      sequencing datasets. The method boosts the performance of an ordinary ridge
      regression and outperforms other classifiers. Post-hoc feature selection
      maintains the predictive ability of the classifier with far fewer markers.
      Availability and Implementation: GRridge is an R package that includes a
      vignette. It is freely available at ( https://bioconductor.org/packages/GRridge/
      ). All information and R scripts used in this study, including those on retrieval
      and processing of the co-data, are available from
      http://github.com/markvdwiel/GRridgeCodata . Contact: mark.vdwiel@vumc.nl.
      Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics
      online.

PMID- 28073761
TI  - Seeing the trees through the forest: sequence-based homo- and heteromeric protein
      protein interaction sites prediction using random forest.
AB  - Motivation: Genome sequencing is producing an ever-increasing amount of
      associated protein sequences. Few of these sequences have experimentally
      validated annotations, however, and computational predictions are becoming
      increasingly successful in producing such annotations. One key challenge remains
      the prediction of the amino acids in a given protein sequence that are involved
      in protein-protein interactions. Such predictions are typically based on machine
      learning methods that take advantage of the properties and sequence positions of
      amino acids that are known to be involved in interaction. In this paper, we
      evaluate the importance of various features using Random Forest (RF), and include
      as a novel feature backbone flexibility predicted from sequences to further
      optimise protein interface prediction. Results: We observe that there is no
      single sequence feature that enables pinpointing interacting sites in our Random
      Forest models. However, combining different properties does increase the
      performance of interface prediction. Our homomeric-trained RF interface predictor
      is able to distinguish interface from non-interface residues with an area under
      the ROC curve of 0.72 in a homomeric test-set. The heteromeric-trained RF
      interface predictor performs better than existing predictors on a independent
      heteromeric test-set. We trained a more general predictor on the combined
      homomeric and heteromeric dataset, and show that in addition to predicting
      homomeric interfaces, it is also able to pinpoint interface residues in
      heterodimers. This suggests that our random forest model and the features
      included capture common properties of both homodimer and heterodimer interfaces.
      Availability and Implementation: The predictors and test datasets used in our
      analyses are freely available ( http://www.ibi.vu.nl/downloads/RF_PPI/ ).
      Contact: k.a.feenstra@vu.nl. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28073762
TI  - A DNA intercalation methodology for an efficient prediction of ligand binding
      pose and energetics.
AB  - Motivation: Drug intercalation is an important strategy for DNA inhibition which
      is often employed in cancer chemotherapy. Despite its high significance, the
      field is characterized by limited success in identification of novel intercalator
      molecules and lack of automated and dedicated drug-DNA intercalation methodology.
      Results: We report here a novel intercalation methodology (christened '
      Intercalate' ) for predicting both the structures and energetics of DNA
      intercalator complexes, covering the processes of DNA unwinding and (non
      covalent) binding. Given a DNA sequence and intercalation site information,
      Intercalate generates the 3D structure of DNA, creates the intercalation site,
      performs docking at the intercalation site and evaluates DNA-intercalator binding
      energy in an automated way. The structures and energetics of the DNA-intercalator
      complexes produced by Intercalate methodology are seen to be in good agreement
      with experiment. The dedicated attempt made in developing a drug-DNA
      intercalation methodology (compatible with its mechanism) with high accuracy
      should prove useful in the discovery of potential intercalators for their use as
      anticancers, antibacterials or antivirals. Availability and Implementation:
      http://www.scfbio-iitd.res.in/intercalate/. Contact: anjali@scfbio-iitd.res.in or
      bjayaram@chemistry.iitd.ac.in. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28073765
TI  - Tracing a Path to the Past: Exploring the Use of Commercial Credit Reporting Data
      to Construct Residential Histories for Epidemiologic Studies of Environmental
      Exposures.
AB  - Large-scale environmental epidemiologic studies often rely on exposure estimates
      based on linkage to residential addresses. This approach, however, is limited by
      the lack of residential histories typically available for study participants. Our
      objective was to evaluate the feasibility of using address data from LexisNexis
      (a division of RELX, Inc., Dayton, Ohio), a commercially available credit
      reporting company, to construct residential histories for participants in the
      California Teachers Study (CTS), a prospective cohort study initiated in 1995
      1996 to study breast cancer (n = 133,479). We evaluated the degree to which
      LexisNexis could provide retrospective addresses prior to study enrollment, as
      well as the concordance with existing prospective CTS addresses ascertained at
      the time of the completion of 4 self-administered questionnaires. For
      approximately 80% of CTS participants, LexisNexis provided at least 1
      retrospective address, including nearly 25,000 addresses completely encompassed
      by time periods prior to enrollment. This approach more than doubled the
      proportion of the study population for whom we had an address of residence during
      the childbearing years-an important window of susceptibility for breast cancer
      risk. While overall concordance between the prospective addresses contained in
      these 2 data sources was good (85%), it was diminished among black women and
      women under the age of 40 years.

PMID- 28073764
TI  - Causal Effect of Genetic Variants Associated With Body Mass Index on Multiple
      Sclerosis Susceptibility.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease with both genetic and
      environmental risk factors. Recent studies indicate that childhood and adolescent
      obesity double the risk of MS, but this association may reflect unmeasured
      confounders rather than causal effects of obesity. We used separate-sample
      Mendelian randomization to estimate the causal effect of body mass index (BMI) on
      susceptibility to MS. Using data from non-Hispanic white members of the Kaiser
      Permanente Medical Care Plan of Northern California (KPNC) (2006-2014; 1,104
      cases of MS and 10,536 controls) and a replication data set from Sweden (the
      Epidemiological Investigation of MS (EIMS) and the Genes and Environment in MS
      (GEMS) studies, 2005-2013; 5,133 MS cases and 4,718 controls), we constructed a
      weighted genetic risk score using 97 variants previously established to predict
      BMI. Results were adjusted for birth year, sex, education, smoking status,
      ancestry, and genetic predictors of MS. Estimates in KPNC and Swedish data sets
      suggested that higher genetically induced BMI predicted greater susceptibility to
      MS (odds ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.22 for the KPNC sample;
      odds ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.15 for the Swedish sample).
      Although the mechanism remains unclear, to our knowledge, these findings support
      a causal effect of increased BMI on susceptibility to MS for the first time, and
      they suggest a role for inflammatory pathways that characterize both obesity and
      the MS disease process.

PMID- 28073766
TI  - A Comprehensive Model of Colorectal Cancer by Risk Factor Status and Subsite
      Using Data From the Nurses' Health Study.
AB  - We expanded and updated our colon cancer risk model to evaluate colorectal cancer
      (CRC) and whether subsite-specific risk models are warranted. Using data from
      1980-2010 for 90,286 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study, we performed
      competing-risks regression and tests for subsite heterogeneity (proximal colon: n
      = 821; distal colon: n = 521; rectum: n = 376). Risk factors for CRC were
      consistent with those in our colon cancer model. Processed meat consumption was
      associated with a higher risk of distal (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.45; P = 0.02) but
      not proximal (HR = 0.95; P = 0.72) colon cancer. Smoking was associated with both
      colon (HR = 1.21) and rectal (HR = 1.27) cancer and was more strongly associated
      with proximal (HR = 1.31) than with distal (HR = 1.04) colon cancer (P = 0.029).
      We observed a significant trend of cancer risk for smoking in subsites from the
      cecum (HR = 1.41) to the proximal colon (excluding the cecum; HR = 1.27) to the
      distal colon (HR = 1.04; P for trend = 0.040). The C statistics for colorectal (C
      = 0.607), colon (C = 0.603), and rectal (C = 0.639) cancer were similar, although
      C was slightly higher for rectal cancer. Despite evidence for site-specific
      differences for several risk factors, overall our findings support the
      application of risk prediction models for colon cancer to CRC.

PMID- 28073767
TI  - Analyses of Sensitivity to the Missing-at-Random Assumption Using Multiple
      Imputation With Delta Adjustment: Application to a Tuberculosis/HIV Prevalence
      Survey With Incomplete HIV-Status Data.
AB  - Multiple imputation with delta adjustment provides a flexible and transparent
      means to impute univariate missing data under general missing-not-at-random
      mechanisms. This facilitates the conduct of analyses assessing sensitivity to the
      missing-at-random (MAR) assumption. We review the delta-adjustment procedure and
      demonstrate how it can be used to assess sensitivity to departures from MAR, both
      when estimating the prevalence of a partially observed outcome and when
      performing parametric causal mediation analyses with a partially observed
      mediator. We illustrate the approach using data from 34,446 respondents to a
      tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence survey that was
      conducted as part of the Zambia-South Africa TB and AIDS Reduction Study (2006
      2010). In this study, information on partially observed HIV serological values
      was supplemented by additional information on self-reported HIV status. We
      present results from 2 types of sensitivity analysis: The first assumed that the
      degree of departure from MAR was the same for all individuals with missing HIV
      serological values; the second assumed that the degree of departure from MAR
      varied according to an individual's self-reported HIV status. Our analyses
      demonstrate that multiple imputation offers a principled approach by which to
      incorporate auxiliary information on self-reported HIV status into analyses based
      on partially observed HIV serological values.

PMID- 28073768
TI  - Government fails to assuage doctors' concerns over NHS crisis.

PMID- 28073770
TI  - Impact of Beta-Blocker Initiation Timing on Mortality Risk in Patients With
      Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery: A Nationwide Population-Based
      Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Relevant clinical studies have been small and have not convincingly
      demonstrated whether the perioperative initiation of beta-blockers should be
      considered in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing noncardiac surgery.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: In this nationwide propensity score-matched study, we
      included patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing noncardiac surgery between
      2000 and 2011 from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients
      were classified as beta-blocker and non-beta-blocker cohorts. We further
      stratified beta-blocker users into cardioprotective beta-blocker (atenolol,
      bisoprolol, metoprolol, or carvedilol) and other beta-blocker users. To
      investigate time of initiation of beta-blocker use, initiation time was
      stratified into 2 periods (>30 and <=30 days preoperatively). The outcomes of
      interest were in-hospital and 30-day mortality. After propensity score matching,
      we identified 50 952 beta-blocker users and 50 952 matched controls. Compared
      with non-beta-blocker users, cardioprotective beta-blocker users were associated
      with lower risks of in-hospital (odds ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.82) and 30-day
      (odds ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.70-0.81) mortality. Among initiation times, only the
      use of cardioprotective beta-blockers for >30 days was associated with decreased
      risk of in-hospital (odds ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.65-0.78) and 30-day (odds ratio
      0.72, 95% CI 0.66-0.78) mortality. Of note, use of other beta-blockers for <=30
      days before surgery was associated with increased risk of both in-hospital and 30
      day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The use of cardioprotective beta-blockers for >30
      days before surgery was associated with reduced mortality risk, whereas short
      term use of beta-blockers was not associated with differences in mortality in
      patients with diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 28073769
TI  - Aldosterone Does Not Predict Cardiovascular Events Following Acute Coronary
      Syndrome in Patients Initially Without Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aldosterone may have adverse effects in the myocardium and
      vasculature. Treatment with an aldosterone antagonist reduces cardiovascular risk
      in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure (HF)
      and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. However, most patients with acute
      coronary syndrome do not have advanced HF. Among such patients, it is unknown
      whether aldosterone predicts cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: To address
      this question, we examined data from the dal-OUTCOMES trial that compared the
      cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor dalcetrapib with placebo, beginning
      4 to 12 weeks after an index acute coronary syndrome. Patients with New York
      Heart Association class II (with LVEF <40%), III, or IV HF were excluded.
      Aldosterone was measured at randomization in 4073 patients. The primary outcome
      was a composite of coronary heart disease death, nonfatal myocardial infarction,
      stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, or resuscitated cardiac arrest.
      Hospitalization for HF was a secondary endpoint. Over a median follow-up of 37
      months, the primary outcome occurred in 366 patients (9.0%), and hospitalization
      for HF occurred in 72 patients (1.8%). There was no association between
      aldosterone and either the time to first occurrence of a primary outcome (hazard
      ratio for doubling of aldosterone 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.78-1.09,
      P=0.34) or hospitalization for HF (hazard ratio 1.38, 95% CI 0.96-1.99, P=0.08)
      in Cox regression models adjusted for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with
      recent acute coronary syndrome but without advanced HF, aldosterone does not
      predict major cardiovascular events. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00658515.

PMID- 28073771
TI  - Out of Borneo: biogeography, phylogeny and divergence date estimates of
      Artocarpus (Moraceae).
AB  - Background and Aims: The breadfruit genus ( Artocarpus , Moraceae) includes
      valuable underutilized fruit tree crops with a centre of diversity in Southeast
      Asia. It belongs to the monophyletic tribe Artocarpeae, whose only other members
      include two small neotropical genera. This study aimed to reconstruct the
      phylogeny, estimate divergence dates and infer ancestral ranges of Artocarpeae,
      especially Artocarpus , to better understand spatial and temporal evolutionary
      relationships and dispersal patterns in a geologically complex region. Methods:
      To investigate the phylogeny and biogeography of Artocarpeae, this study used
      Bayesian and maximum likelihood approaches to analyze DNA sequences from six
      plastid and two nuclear regions from 75% of Artocarpus species, both neotropical
      Artocarpeae genera, and members of all other Moraceae tribes. Six fossil-based
      calibrations within the Moraceae family were used to infer divergence times.
      Ancestral areas and estimated dispersal events were also inferred. Key Results:
      Artocarpeae, Artocarpus and four monophyletic Artocarpus subgenera were well
      supported. A late Cretaceous origin of the Artocarpeae tribe in the Americas is
      inferred, followed by Eocene radiation of Artocarpus in Asia, with the greatest
      diversification occurring during the Miocene. Borneo is reconstructed as the
      ancestral range of Artocarpus , with dozens of independent in situ
      diversification events inferred there, as well as dispersal events to other
      regions of Southeast Asia. Dispersal pathways of Artocarpus and its ancestors are
      proposed. Conclusions: Borneo was central in the diversification of the genus
      Artocarpus and probably served as the centre from which species dispersed and
      diversified in several directions. The greatest amount of diversification is
      inferred to have occurred during the Miocene, when sea levels fluctuated and land
      connections frequently existed between Borneo, mainland Asia, Sumatra and Java.
      Many species found in these areas have extant overlapping ranges, suggesting that
      sympatric speciation may have occurred. By contrast, Artocarpus diversity east of
      Borneo (where many of the islands have no historical connections to the
      landmasses of the Sunda and Sahul shelves) is unique and probably the product of
      over water long-distance dispersal events and subsequent diversification in
      allopatry. This work represents the most comprehensive Artocarpus phylogeny and
      biogeography study to date and supports Borneo as an evolutionary biodiversity
      hotspot.

PMID- 28073772
TI  - A water availability gradient reveals the deficit level required to affect traits
      in potted juvenile Eucalyptus globulus.
AB  - Background and aims: Drought leading to soil water deficit can have severe
      impacts on plants. Water deficit may lead to plant water stress and affect growth
      and chemical traits. Plant secondary metabolite (PSM) responses to water deficit
      vary between compounds and studies, with inconsistent reports of changes to PSM
      concentrations even within a single species. This disparity may result from
      experimental water deficit variation among studies, and so multiple water deficit
      treatments are used to fully assess PSM responses in a single species. Methods:
      Juvenile Eucalyptus globulus were grown for 8 weeks at one of ten water deficit
      levels based on evapotranspiration from control plants (100 %). Treatments ranged
      from 90 % of control evapotranspiration (mild water deficit) to 0 % of control
      evapotranspiration (severe water deficit) in 10 % steps. Plant biomass, foliar
      abscisic acid (ABA) levels, Psi leaf , leaf C/N, selected terpenes and phenolics
      were quantified to assess responses to each level of water deficit relative to a
      control. Key Results: Withholding >=30 % water resulted in higher foliar ABA
      levels and withholding >=40 % water reduced leaf water content. Psi leaf became
      more negative when >=60 % water was withheld. Plant biomass was lower when >=80 %
      water was withheld, and no water for 8 weeks (0 % water) resulted in plant death.
      The total oil concentration was lower and C/N was higher in dead and desiccated
      juvenile E. globulus leaves (0 % water). Concentrations of individual phenolic
      and terpene compounds, along with condensed tannin and total phenolic
      concentrations, remained stable regardless of water deficit or plant stress
      level. Conclusions: These juvenile E. globulus became stressed with a moderate
      reduction in available water, and yet the persistent concentrations of most PSMs
      in highly stressed or dead plants suggests no PSM re-metabolization and continued
      ecological roles of foliar PSMs during drought.

PMID- 28073773
TI  - Long-term Survival and Clinical Benefit from Adoptive T-cell Transfer in Stage IV
      Melanoma Patients Is Determined by a Four-Parameter Tumor Immune Signature.
AB  - The presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells is associated with longer
      survival and a better response to immunotherapy in early-stage melanoma, but a
      comprehensive study of the in situ immune microenvironment in stage IV melanoma
      has not been performed. We investigated the combined influence of a series of
      immune factors on survival and response to adoptive cell transfer (ACT) in stage
      IV melanoma patients. Metastases of 73 stage IV melanoma patients, 17 of which
      were treated with ACT, were studied with respect to the number and functional
      phenotype of lymphocytes and myeloid cells as well as for expression of galectins
      1, -3, and -9. Single factors associated with better survival were identified
      using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression analyses, and those
      factors were used for interaction analyses. The results were validated using The
      Cancer Genome Atlas database. We identified four parameters that were associated
      with a better survival: CD8+ T cells, galectin-9+ dendritic cells (DC)/DC-like
      macrophages, a high M1/M2 macrophage ratio, and the expression of galectin-3 by
      tumor cells. The presence of at least three of these parameters formed an
      independent positive prognostic factor for long-term survival. Patients
      displaying this four-parameter signature were found exclusively among patients
      responding to ACT and were the ones with sustained clinical benefit. Cancer
      Immunol Res; 5(2); 170-9. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28073774
TI  - Temporally Distinct PD-L1 Expression by Tumor and Host Cells Contributes to
      Immune Escape.
AB  - Antibody blockade of programmed death-1 (PD-1) or its ligand, PD-L1, has led to
      unprecedented therapeutic responses in certain tumor-bearing individuals, but PD
      L1 expression's prognostic value in stratifying cancer patients for such
      treatment remains unclear. Reports conflict on the significance of correlations
      between PD-L1 on tumor cells and positive clinical outcomes to PD-1/PD-L1
      blockade. We investigated this issue using genomically related, clonal subsets
      from the same methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma: a highly immunogenic subset
      that is spontaneously eliminated in vivo by adaptive immunity and a less
      immunogenic subset that forms tumors in immunocompetent mice, but is sensitive to
      PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. Using CRISPR/Cas9-induced loss-of-function
      approaches and overexpression gain-of-function techniques, we confirmed that PD
      L1 on tumor cells is key to promoting tumor escape. In addition, the capacity of
      PD-L1 to suppress antitumor responses was inversely proportional to tumor cell
      antigenicity. PD-L1 expression on host cells, particularly tumor-associated
      macrophages (TAM), was also important for tumor immune escape. We demonstrated
      that induction of PD-L1 on tumor cells was IFNgamma-dependent and transient, but
      PD-L1 induction on TAMs was of greater magnitude, only partially IFNgamma
      dependent, and was stable over time. Thus, PD-L1 expression on either tumor cells
      or host immune cells could lead to tumor escape from immune control, indicating
      that total PD-L1 expression in the immediate tumor microenvironment may represent
      a more accurate biomarker for predicting response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy,
      compared with monitoring PD-L1 expression on tumor cells alone. Cancer Immunol
      Res; 5(2); 106-17. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28073776
TI  - Managers must respond to doctors' patient safety concerns, GMC says.

PMID- 28073775
TI  - Dasatinib Changes Immune Cell Profiles Concomitant with Reduced Tumor Growth in
      Several Murine Solid Tumor Models.
AB  - Dasatinib, a broad-range tyrosine kinase inhibitor, induces rapid mobilization of
      lymphocytes and clonal expansion of cytotoxic cells in leukemia patients. Here,
      we investigated whether dasatinib could induce beneficial immunomodulatory
      effects in solid tumor models. The effects on tumor growth and on the immune
      system were studied in four different syngeneic mouse models (B16.OVA melanoma,
      1956 sarcoma, MC38 colon, and 4T1 breast carcinoma). Both peripheral blood (PB)
      and tumor samples were immunophenotyped during treatment. Although in vitro
      dasatinib displayed no direct cytotoxicity to B16 melanoma cells, a significant
      decrease in tumor growth was observed in dasatinib-treated mice compared with
      vehicle-treated group. Further, dasatinib-treated melanoma-bearing mice had an
      increased proportion of CD8+ T cells in PB, together with a higher amount of
      tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Dasatinib-mediated antitumor efficacy was
      abolished when CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were depleted with antibodies. Results were
      confirmed in sarcoma, colon, and breast cancer models, and in all cases mice
      treated daily with dasatinib had a significant decrease in tumor growth. Detailed
      immunophenotyping of tumor tissues with CyTOF indicated that dasatinib had
      reduced the number of intratumoral regulatory T cells in all tumor types. To
      conclude, dasatinib is able to slow down the tumor growth of various solid tumor
      models, which is associated with the favorable blood/tumor T-cell
      immunomodulation. The assessment of synergistic combinatorial therapies with
      other immunomodulatory drugs or targeted small-molecule oncokinase inhibitors is
      warranted in future clinical trials. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(2); 157-69. (c)2017
      AACR.

PMID- 28073777
TI  - Son speaks out on behalf of Indian doctors charged over death of patient.

PMID- 28073779
TI  - Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide promotes lipid deposition in
      subcutaneous adipocytes in obese type 2 diabetes patients: a maladaptive
      response.
AB  - Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) beyond its insulinotropic
      effects may regulate postprandial lipid metabolism. Whereas the insulinotropic
      action of GIP is known to be impaired in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), its
      adipogenic effect is unknown. We hypothesized that GIP is anabolic in human
      subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) promoting triacylglycerol (TAG) deposition
      through reesterification of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and this effect may
      differ according to obesity status or glucose tolerance. Twenty-three subjects
      categorized into four groups, normoglycemic lean (n = 6), normoglycemic obese (n
      = 6), obese with impaired glucose regulation (IGR; n = 6), and obese T2DM (n =
      5), participated in a double-blind, randomized, crossover study involving a
      hyperglycemic clamp with a 240-min GIP infusion (2 pmol.kg-1.min-1) or normal
      saline. Insulin, NEFA, SAT-TAG content, and gene expression of key lipogenic
      enzymes were determined before and immediately after GIP/saline infusions. GIP
      lowered NEFA concentrations in the obese T2DM group despite diminished
      insulinotropic activity (mean NEFA AUC0-4 h +/- SE, 41,992 +/- 9,843 umol.l-1.min
      1 vs. 71,468 +/- 13,605 with placebo, P = 0.039, 95% CI: 0.31-0.95).
      Additionally, GIP increased SAT-TAG in obese T2DM (1.78 +/- 0.4 vs 0.86 +/- 0.1
      fold with placebo, P = 0.043, 95% CI: 0.1-1.8). Such effect with GIP was not
      observed in other three groups despite greater insulinotropic activity. Reduction
      in NEFA concentration with GIP correlated with adipose tissue insulin resistance
      for all subjects (Pearson, r = 0.56, P = 0.005). There were no significant gene
      expression changes in key SAT lipid metabolism enzymes. In conclusion, GIP
      appears to promote fat accretion and thus may exacerbate obesity and insulin
      resistance in T2DM.

PMID- 28073781
TI  - Sixty seconds on . . . diet drinks.

PMID- 28073778
TI  - Overexpression of PGC-1alpha increases peroxisomal activity and mitochondrial
      fatty acid oxidation in human primary myotubes.
AB  - Peroxisomes are indispensable organelles for lipid metabolism in humans, and
      their biogenesis has been assumed to be under regulation by peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). However, recent studies in hepatocytes
      suggest that the mitochondrial proliferator PGC-1alpha (peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha) also acts as an upstream
      transcriptional regulator for enhancing peroxisomal abundance and associated
      activity. It is unknown whether the regulatory mechanism(s) for enhancing
      peroxisomal function is through the same node as mitochondrial biogenesis in
      human skeletal muscle (HSkM) and whether fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is affected.
      Primary myotubes from vastus lateralis biopsies from lean donors (BMI = 24.0 +/-
      0.6 kg/m2; n = 6) were exposed to adenovirus encoding human PGC-1alpha or GFP
      control. Peroxisomal biogenesis proteins (peroxins) and genes (PEXs) responsible
      for proliferation and functions were assessed by Western blotting and real-time
      qRT-PCR, respectively. [1-14C]palmitic acid and [1-14C]lignoceric acid (exclusive
      peroxisomal-specific substrate) were used to assess mitochondrial oxidation of
      peroxisomal-derived metabolites. After overexpression of PGC-1alpha, 1)
      peroxisomal membrane protein 70 kDa (PMP70), PEX19, and mitochondrial citrate
      synthetase protein content were significantly elevated (P < 0.05), 2) PGC-1alpha,
      PMP70, key PEXs, and peroxisomal beta-oxidation mRNA expression levels were
      significantly upregulated (P < 0.05), and 3) a concomitant increase in lignoceric
      acid oxidation by both peroxisomal and mitochondrial activity was observed (P <
      0.05). These novel findings demonstrate that, in addition to the proliferative
      effect on mitochondria, PGC-1alpha can induce peroxisomal activity and
      accompanying elevations in long-chain and very-long-chain fatty acid oxidation by
      a peroxisomal-mitochondrial functional cooperation, as observed in HSkM cells.

PMID- 28073780
TI  - Chronic kidney disease and obesity bias surrogate estimates of insulin
      sensitivity compared with the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp.
AB  - Insulin sensitivity can be measured by procedures such as the hyperinsulinemic
      euglycemic clamp or by using surrogate indices. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and
      obesity may differentially affect these measurements because of changes in
      insulin kinetics and organ-specific effects on insulin sensitivity. In a cross
      sectional study of 59 subjects with nondiabetic CKD [estimated glomerular
      filtration rate: (GFR) <60 ml.min-1.1.73 m2] and 39 matched healthy controls, we
      quantified insulin sensitivity by clamp (SIclamp), oral glucose tolerance test,
      and fasting glucose and insulin. We compared surrogate insulin sensitivity
      indices to SIclamp using descriptive statistics, graphical analyses, correlation
      coefficients, and linear regression. Mean age was 62.6 yr; 48% of the
      participants were female, and 77% were Caucasian. Insulin sensitivity indices
      were 8-38% lower in participants with vs. without CKD and 13-59% lower in obese
      compared with nonobese participants. Correlations of surrogate indices with
      SIclamp did not differ significantly by CKD or obesity status. Adjusting for
      SIclamp in addition to demographic factors, Matsuda index was 15% lower in
      participants with vs. without CKD (P = 0.09) and 36% lower in participants with
      vs. without obesity (P = 0.0001), whereas 1/HOMA-IR was 23% lower in participants
      with vs. without CKD (P = 0.02) and 46% lower in participants with vs. without
      obesity (P < 0.0001). We conclude that CKD and obesity do not significantly alter
      correlations of surrogate insulin sensitivity indices with SIclamp, but they do
      bias surrogate measurements of insulin sensitivity toward lower values. This bias
      may be due to differences in insulin kinetics or organ-specific responses to
      insulin.

PMID- 28073782
TI  - Young people with cancer lack clear information about preserving fertility.

PMID- 28073783
TI  - Podoplanin expression in primary brain tumors induces platelet aggregation and
      increases risk of venous thromboembolism.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in patients with brain tumors, and
      underlying mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that podoplanin, a sialomucin
      like glycoprotein, increases the risk of VTE in primary brain tumors via its
      ability to induce platelet aggregation. Immunohistochemical staining against
      podoplanin and intratumoral platelet aggregates was performed in brain tumor
      specimens of 213 patients (mostly high-grade gliomas [89%]) included in the
      Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study, a prospective observational cohort study of
      patients with newly diagnosed cancer or progressive disease aimed at identifying
      patients at risk of VTE. Platelet aggregation in response to primary human
      glioblastoma cells was investigated in vitro. During 2-year follow-up, 29 (13.6%)
      patients developed VTE. One-hundred fifty-one tumor specimens stained positive
      for podoplanin (33 high expression, 47 medium expression, 71 low expression).
      Patients with podoplanin-positive tumors had lower peripheral blood platelet
      counts (P < .001) and higher D-dimer levels (P < .001). Podoplanin staining
      intensity was associated with increasing levels of intravascular platelet
      aggregates in tumor specimens (P < .001). High podoplanin expression was
      associated with an increased risk of VTE (hazard ratio for high vs no podoplanin
      expression: 5.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-21.26; P =010), independent of
      age, sex, and tumor type. Podoplanin-positive primary glioblastoma cells induced
      aggregation of human platelets in vitro, which could be abrogated by an
      antipodoplanin antibody. In conclusion, high podoplanin expression in primary
      brain tumors induces platelet aggregation, correlates with hypercoagulability,
      and is associated with increased risk of VTE. Our data indicate novel insights
      into the pathogenesis of VTE in primary brain tumors.

PMID- 28073784
TI  - Platelets and neutrophil extracellular traps collaborate to promote intravascular
      coagulation during sepsis in mice.
AB  - Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs; webs of DNA coated in antimicrobial
      proteins) are released into the vasculature during sepsis where they contribute
      to host defense, but also cause tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Various
      components of NETs have also been implicated as activators of coagulation. Using
      multicolor confocal intravital microscopy in mouse models of sepsis, we observed
      profound platelet aggregation, thrombin activation, and fibrin clot formation
      within (and downstream of) NETs in vivo. NETs were critical for the development
      of sepsis-induced intravascular coagulation regardless of the inciting bacterial
      stimulus (gram-negative, gram-positive, or bacterial products). Removal of NETs
      via DNase infusion, or in peptidylarginine deiminase-4-deficient mice (which have
      impaired NET production), resulted in significantly lower quantities of
      intravascular thrombin activity, reduced platelet aggregation, and improved
      microvascular perfusion. NET-induced intravascular coagulation was dependent on a
      collaborative interaction between histone H4 in NETs, platelets, and the release
      of inorganic polyphosphate. Real-time perfusion imaging revealed markedly
      improved microvascular perfusion in response to the blockade of NET-induced
      coagulation, which correlated with reduced markers of systemic intravascular
      coagulation and end-organ damage in septic mice. Together, these data
      demonstrate, for the first time in an in vivo model of infection, a dynamic NET
      platelet-thrombin axis that promotes intravascular coagulation and microvascular
      dysfunction in sepsis.

PMID- 28073785
TI  - Safety and efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant after PD-1
      blockade in relapsed/refractory lymphoma.
AB  - Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibodies are being
      increasingly tested in patients with advanced lymphoma. Following treatment, many
      of those patients are likely to be candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplant (HSCT). However, the safety and efficacy of HSCT may be affected
      by prior PD-1 blockade. We conducted an international retrospective analysis of
      39 patients with lymphoma who received prior treatment with a PD-1 inhibitor, at
      a median time of 62 days (7-260) before HSCT. After a median follow-up of 12
      months, the 1-year cumulative incidences of grade 2-4 and grade 3-4 acute graft
      versus-host disease (GVHD) were 44% and 23%, respectively, whereas the 1-year
      incidence of chronic GVHD was 41%. There were 4 treatment-related deaths (1 from
      hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, 3 from early acute GVHD). In addition, 7
      patients developed a noninfectious febrile syndrome shortly after transplant
      requiring prolonged courses of steroids. One-year overall and progression-free
      survival rates were 89% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74-96) and 76% (95% CI, 56
      87), respectively. One-year cumulative incidences of relapse and nonrelapse
      mortality were 14% (95% CI, 4-29) and 11% (95% CI, 3-23), respectively.
      Circulating lymphocyte subsets were analyzed in 17 patients. Compared with
      controls, patients previously treated with PD-1 blockade had significantly
      decreased PD-1+ T cells and decreased ratios of T-regulatory cells to
      conventional CD4 and CD8 T cells. In conclusion, HSCT after PD-1 blockade appears
      feasible with a low rate of relapse. However, there may be an increased risk of
      early immune toxicity, which could reflect long-lasting immune alterations
      triggered by prior PD-1 blockade.

PMID- 28073786
TI  - Phase 1 study of twice weekly pulse dose and daily low-dose erlotinib as initial
      treatment for patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers.
AB  - Background: Patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers treated with EGFR tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors (TKIs) develop clinical resistance, most commonly with
      acquisition of EGFR T790M. Evolutionary modeling suggests that a schedule of
      twice weekly pulse and daily low-dose erlotinib may delay emergence of EGFR
      T790M. Pulse dose erlotinib has superior central nervous system (CNS) penetration
      and may result in superior CNS disease control. Methods: We evaluated toxicity,
      pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of twice weekly pulse and daily low-dose
      erlotinib. We assessed six escalating pulse doses of erlotinib. Results: We
      enrolled 34 patients; 11 patients (32%) had brain metastases at study entry. We
      observed 3 dose-limiting toxicities in dose escalation: transaminitis, mucositis,
      and rash. The MTD was erlotinib 1200 mg days 1-2 and 50 mg days 3-7 weekly. The
      most frequent toxicities (any grade) were rash, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and
      mucositis. 1 complete and 24 partial responses were observed (74%, 95% CI 60
      84%). Median progression-free survival was 9.9 months (95% CI 5.8-15.4 months).
      No patient had progression of an untreated CNS metastasis or developed a new CNS
      lesion while on study (0%, 95% CI 0-13%). Of the 18 patients with biopsies at
      progression, EGFR T790M was identified in 78% (95% CI 54-91%). Conclusion: This
      is the first clinical implementation of an anti-cancer TKI regimen combining
      pulse and daily low-dose administration. This evolutionary modeling-based dosing
      schedule was well-tolerated but did not improve progression-free survival or
      prevent emergence of EGFR T790M, likely due to insufficient peak serum
      concentrations of erlotinib. This dosing schedule prevented progression of
      untreated or any new central nervous system metastases in all patients.

PMID- 28073787
TI  - COL6A5 variants in familial neuropathic chronic itch.
AB  - Itch is thought to represent the peculiar response to stimuli conveyed by
      somatosensory pathways shared with pain through the activation of specific
      neurons and receptors. It can occur in association with dermatological, systemic
      and neurological diseases, or be the side effect of certain drugs. However, some
      patients suffer from chronic idiopathic itch that is frequently ascribed to
      psychological distress and for which no biomarker is available to date. We
      investigated three multigenerational families, one of which diagnosed with joint
      hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (JHS/EDS-HT),
      characterized by idiopathic chronic itch with predominantly proximal
      distribution. Skin biopsy was performed in all eight affected members and
      revealed in six of them reduced intraepidermal nerve fibre density consistent
      with small fibre neuropathy. Whole exome sequencing identified two COL6A5 rare
      variants co-segregating with chronic itch in eight affected members and absent in
      non-affected members, and in one unrelated sporadic patient with type 1 painless
      diabetic neuropathy and chronic itch. Two families and the diabetic patient
      carried the nonsense c.6814G>T (p.Glu2272*) variant and another family carried
      the missense c.6486G>C (p.Arg2162Ser) variant. Both variants were predicted as
      likely pathogenic by in silico analyses. The two variants were rare (minor allele
      frequency < 0.1%) in 6271 healthy controls and absent in 77 small fibre
      neuropathy and 167 JHS/EDS-HT patients without itch. Null-allele test on cDNA
      from patients' fibroblasts of both families carrying the nonsense variant
      demonstrated functional haploinsufficiency due to activation of nonsense mediated
      RNA decay. Immunofluorescence microscopy and western blotting revealed marked
      disorganization and reduced COL6A5 synthesis, respectively. Indirect
      immunofluorescence showed reduced COL6A5 expression in the skin of patients
      carrying the nonsense variant. Treatment with gabapentinoids provided
      satisfactory itch relief in the patients carrying the mutations. Our findings
      first revealed an association between COL6A5 gene and familiar chronic itch,
      suggesting a new contributor to the pathogenesis of neuropathic itch and
      identifying a new candidate therapeutic target.

PMID- 28073788
TI  - Dopamine controls Parkinson's tremor by inhibiting the cerebellar thalamus.
AB  - Parkinson's resting tremor is related to altered cerebral activity in the basal
      ganglia and the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit. Although Parkinson's disease
      is characterized by dopamine depletion in the basal ganglia, the dopaminergic
      basis of resting tremor remains unclear: dopaminergic medication reduces tremor
      in some patients, but many patients have a dopamine-resistant tremor. Using
      pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging, we test how a dopaminergic
      intervention influences the cerebral circuit involved in Parkinson's tremor. From
      a sample of 40 patients with Parkinson's disease, we selected 15 patients with a
      clearly tremor-dominant phenotype. We compared tremor-related activity and
      effective connectivity (using combined electromyography-functional magnetic
      resonance imaging) on two occasions: ON and OFF dopaminergic medication. Building
      on a recently developed cerebral model of Parkinson's tremor, we tested the
      effect of dopamine on cerebral activity associated with the onset of tremor
      episodes (in the basal ganglia) and with tremor amplitude (in the cerebello
      thalamo-cortical circuit). Dopaminergic medication reduced clinical resting
      tremor scores (mean 28%, range -12 to 68%). Furthermore, dopaminergic medication
      reduced tremor onset-related activity in the globus pallidus and tremor amplitude
      related activity in the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus. Network analyses
      using dynamic causal modelling showed that dopamine directly increased self
      inhibition of the ventral intermediate nucleus, rather than indirectly
      influencing the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit through the basal ganglia.
      Crucially, the magnitude of thalamic self-inhibition predicted the clinical
      dopamine response of tremor. Dopamine reduces resting tremor by potentiating
      inhibitory mechanisms in a cerebellar nucleus of the thalamus (ventral
      intermediate nucleus). This suggests that altered dopaminergic projections to the
      cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit have a role in Parkinson's
      tremor.aww331media15307619934001.

PMID- 28073789
TI  - Dynamics of convulsive seizure termination and postictal generalized EEG
      suppression.
AB  - It is not fully understood how seizures terminate and why some seizures are
      followed by a period of complete brain activity suppression, postictal
      generalized EEG suppression. This is clinically relevant as there is a potential
      association between postictal generalized EEG suppression, cardiorespiratory
      arrest and sudden death following a seizure. We combined human encephalographic
      seizure data with data of a computational model of seizures to elucidate the
      neuronal network dynamics underlying seizure termination and the postictal
      generalized EEG suppression state. A multi-unit computational neural mass model
      of epileptic seizure termination and postictal recovery was developed. The model
      provided three predictions that were validated in EEG recordings of 48 convulsive
      seizures from 48 subjects with refractory focal epilepsy (20 females, age range
      15-61 years). The duration of ictal and postictal generalized EEG suppression
      periods in human EEG followed a gamma probability distribution indicative of a
      deterministic process (shape parameter 2.6 and 1.5, respectively) as predicted by
      the model. In the model and in humans, the time between two clonic bursts
      increased exponentially from the start of the clonic phase of the seizure. The
      terminal interclonic interval, calculated using the projected terminal value of
      the log-linear fit of the clonic frequency decrease was correlated with the
      presence and duration of postictal suppression. The projected terminal
      interclonic interval explained 41% of the variation in postictal generalized EEG
      suppression duration (P < 0.02). Conversely, postictal generalized EEG
      suppression duration explained 34% of the variation in the last interclonic
      interval duration. Our findings suggest that postictal generalized EEG
      suppression is a separate brain state and that seizure termination is a plastic
      and autonomous process, reflected in increased duration of interclonic intervals
      that determine the duration of postictal generalized EEG suppression.

PMID- 28073790
TI  - Clemizole and modulators of serotonin signalling suppress seizures in Dravet
      syndrome.
AB  - Dravet syndrome is a catastrophic childhood epilepsy with early-onset seizures,
      delayed language and motor development, sleep disturbances, anxiety-like
      behaviour, severe cognitive deficit and an increased risk of fatality. It is
      primarily caused by de novo mutations of the SCN1A gene encoding a neuronal
      voltage-activated sodium channel. Zebrafish with a mutation in the SCN1A
      homologue recapitulate spontaneous seizure activity and mimic the convulsive
      behavioural movements observed in Dravet syndrome. Here, we show that phenotypic
      screening of drug libraries in zebrafish scn1 mutants rapidly and successfully
      identifies new therapeutics. We demonstrate that clemizole binds to serotonin
      receptors and its antiepileptic activity can be mimicked by drugs acting on
      serotonin signalling pathways e.g. trazodone and lorcaserin. Coincident with
      these zebrafish findings, we treated five medically intractable Dravet syndrome
      patients with a clinically-approved serotonin receptor agonist (lorcaserin,
      Belviq(r)) and observed some promising results in terms of reductions in seizure
      frequency and/or severity. Our findings demonstrate a rapid path from preclinical
      discovery in zebrafish, through target identification, to potential clinical
      treatments for Dravet syndrome.

PMID- 28073791
TI  - Rapid Deployment Aortic Replacement (RADAR) Registry in Spain: a protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rapid deployment valves (RDV) represent a newly introduced approach
      to aortic valve replacement which facilitates surgical implantation and minimally
      invasive techniques, shortens surgical times and shows excellent haemodynamic
      performance. However, evidence on their safety, efficacy and potential
      complications is mostly fitted with small-volume and retrospective studies.
      Moreover, no current guidelines exist. To improve our knowledge on this
      technology, The Rapid Deployment Aortic Replacement (RADAR) Registry will be
      established across Spain with the aim of assessing RDV outcomes in the real-world
      setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The RADAR Registry is designed as a product
      registry that would provide information on its use and outcomes in clinical
      practice. This multicentre, prospective, national effort will initially involve 4
      centres in Spain. Any patient undergoing cardiac surgery for aortic valve
      replacement and receiving an RDV as an isolated operation or in combination with
      other cardiac procedures may be included. Participation is voluntary. Data
      collection is equal to information obtained during standard care and is
      prospectively entered by the participating physicians perioperatively and during
      subsequent follow-up visits. The primary outcome assessed is in-hospital and up
      to 5 years of follow-up, prosthetic valve functioning and clinical status.
      Secondary outcomes are to perform subgroup analysis, to compare outcomes with
      other existing approaches and to develop future clinical guidelines. The follow
      up assessments are timed with routine clinical appointments. Dissociated data
      will be extracted and collectively analysed. Initial target sample size for the
      registry is 500 participants entered with complete follow-up information.
      Different substudies will be implemented within the registry to investigate
      specific populations undergoing aortic valve replacement. ETHICS AND
      DISSEMINATION: The protocol is approved by all local institutional ethics
      committees. Findings will be shared by the participant hospitals, policymakers
      and the academic community to promote quality monitoring and efficient use of
      this technology.

PMID- 28073792
TI  - Adult parenteral nutrition in the North of England: a region-wide audit.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is widely used to provide nutritional
      support to patients with inaccessible or inadequate length of gut or non
      functioning gut. The objective was to compare practice in PN administration to
      results of the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death
      (NCEPOD) report, 'A Mixed Bag', and to establish whether good practice was being
      followed within this part of the UK. SETTING: Using the Northern Nutrition
      Network (NNN), we examined the care of adult patients receiving PN in all 10
      secondary care hospitals in our region. PARTICIPANTS: All patients receiving PN
      were included with no exclusions. Data were collected on 192 patients (51%
      females, median age 65 years (range 18-96)). OUTCOME MEASURES: A data collection
      tool was designed based on the recommendations of the NCEPOD report. RESULTS: PN
      was used for a median of 7 days with a 30-day mortality rate of 8%. Metabolic
      complications occurred in 34%, of which only 13% were avoidable. The catheter
      sepsis rate was 1.5 per 1000 PN days. The audit suggests that nutrition team
      input improves patient assessment prior to starting PN and review once PN is
      established. Risk of refeeding syndrome was identified in 75%. Areas for
      improvement are documentation of treatment goal (39%), review of PN constitution
      (38%), ensuring patients are weighed regularly (56%) and documentation of line
      tip position (52%). CONCLUSIONS: This region-wide prospective audit suggests
      improved practice within the UK compared to the NCEPOD audit with lower mortality
      and line sepsis rates. However, documentation remains suboptimal. This work
      strengthens the case for introducing nutrition teams in hospitals without this
      service. These findings are likely to be reproduced across the UK and in other
      healthcare settings. We provide a template for similar audits of clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28073794
TI  - Socioeconomic, remoteness and sex differences in life expectancy in New South
      Wales, Australia, 2001-2012: a population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Despite being one of the healthiest countries in the world, Australia
      displays substantial mortality differentials by socioeconomic disadvantage,
      remoteness and sex. In this study, we examined how these mortality differentials
      translated to differences in life expectancy between 2001 and 2012. DESIGN AND
      SETTING: Population-based study using mortality and estimated residential
      population data from Australia's largest state, New South Wales (NSW), between
      2001 and 2012. Age-group-specific death rates by socioeconomic disadvantage
      quintile, remoteness (major cities vs regional and remote areas), sex and year
      were estimated via Poisson regression, and inputted into life table calculations
      to estimate life expectancy. RESULTS: Life expectancy decreased with increasing
      socioeconomic disadvantage in males and females. The disparity between the most
      and least socioeconomically deprived quintiles was 3.77 years in males and 2.39
      years in females in 2012. Differences in life expectancy by socioeconomic
      disadvantage were mostly stable over time. Gender gaps in life expectancy ranged
      from 3.50 to 4.93 years (in 2012), increased with increasing socioeconomic
      disadvantage and decreased by ~1 year for all quintiles between 2001 and 2012.
      Overall, life expectancy varied little by remoteness, but was 1.8 years higher in
      major cities compared to regional/remote areas in the most socioeconomically
      deprived regions in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic disadvantage and sex were
      strongly associated with life expectancy. The disparity in life expectancy across
      the socioeconomic spectrum was larger in males and was stable over time. In
      contrast, gender gaps reduced for all quintiles between 2001 and 2012, and a
      remoteness effect was evident in 2012, but only for those living in the most
      deprived areas.

PMID- 28073793
TI  - Adverse drug reactions to anticoagulants in Spain: analysis of the Spanish
      National Hospital Discharge Data (2010-2013).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyse hospitalisations for adverse drug reactions
      (ADRs) involving anticoagulants. We also analysed the progress of the reactions
      over time, the factors related with ADRs. DESIGN: A retrospective, descriptive,
      epidemiological study. SETTING: This study used the Spanish National Hospital
      Discharge Database (Conjunto Minimo Basico de Datos, CMBD), over a 4-year period.
      PARTICIPANTS: We selected CMBD data corresponding to hospital discharges with a
      diagnosis of ADRs to anticoagulants (International Classification of Diseases
      Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code E934.2) in any diagnostic
      field during the study period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We calculated the annual
      incidence of ADRs to anticoagulants according to sex and age groups. The median
      lengths of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality (IHM) were also estimated for
      each year studied. Bivariate analyses of the changes in variables according to
      year were based on Poisson regression. IHM was analysed using logistic regression
      models. The estimates were expressed as ORs and their 95% CI. RESULTS: During the
      study period, 50 042 patients were hospitalised because of ADRs to anticoagulants
      (6.38% of all ADR-related admissions). The number of cases increased from 10 415
      in 2010 to 13 891 in 2013. Cumulative incidence of ADRs to anticoagulants was
      significantly higher for men than women and in all age groups. An adjusted
      multivariate analysis revealed that IHM did not change significantly over time.
      We observed a statistically significant association between IHM and age, with the
      highest risk for the >=85 age group (OR 2.67; 95% CI 2.44 to 2.93). CONCLUSIONS:
      The incidence of ADRs to anticoagulants in Spain increased from 2010 to 2013, and
      was significantly higher for men than women and in all age groups. Older patients
      were particularly susceptible to being hospitalised with an adverse reaction to
      an anticoagulant.

PMID- 28073795
TI  - In patients presenting to the emergency department with skin and soft tissue
      infections what is the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasonography for
      the diagnosis of abscess compared to the current standard of care? A systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine the
      accuracy of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in diagnosing abscess in
      emergency department (ED) patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI).
      The secondary objective was the accuracy of POCUS in the paediatric population
      subgroup. SETTING: Prospective studies set in emergency departments.
      PARTICIPANTS: Emergency department patients (adult and paediatric) presenting
      with SSTI and suspected abscess. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: This
      systematic review was conducted according to Cochrane Handbook guidelines, and
      the following databases were searched: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane
      database of systematic reviews (1946-2015). We included prospective cohort and
      case-control studies investigating ED patients with SSTI and abscess or
      cellulitis, a defined POCUS protocol, a clearly defined gold standard for abscess
      and a contingency table describing sensitivity and specificity. Two reviewers
      independently ascertained all potentially relevant citations for methodologic
      quality according to QUADAS-2 criteria. The primary outcome measure was the
      sensitivity and specificity of POCUS for abscess. A preplanned subgroup
      (secondary) analysis examined the effects in paediatric populations, and changes
      in management were explored post hoc. RESULTS: Of 3028 articles, 8 were
      identified meeting inclusion criteria; all were rated as good to excellent
      according to QUADAS-2 criteria. Combined test characteristics of POCUS on the ED
      diagnosis of abscess for patients with SSTI were as follows: sensitivity 96.2%
      (95% CI 91.1% to 98.4%), specificity 82.9% (95% CI 60.4% to 93.9%), positive
      likelihood ratio 5.63 (95% CI 2.2 to 14.6) and negative likelihood ratio 0.05
      (95% CI 0.01 to 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: A total of 8 studies of good-to-excellent
      quality were included in this review. The use of POCUS helps differentiate
      abscess from cellulitis in ED patients with SSTI. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      CRD42015017115.

PMID- 28073796
TI  - Comparative efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological interventions for
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents and adults:
      protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a major public
      health issue. Pharmacological treatments play an important role in the multimodal
      treatment of ADHD. Currently, there is a lack of up-to-date and comprehensive
      evidence on how available ADHD drugs compare and rank in terms of efficacy and
      tolerability, in children or adolescents as well as in adults. We will conduct a
      network meta-analysis (NMA), integrating direct and indirect comparisons from
      randomised controlled trials (RCTs), to rank pharmacological treatments for ADHD
      according to their efficacy and tolerability profiles. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We
      will search a broad range of electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, PsycINFO, ERIC and Web of Science, with no date or language restrictions.
      We will also search for unpublished studies using international clinical trial
      registries and contacting relevant drug companies. We will identify and include
      available parallel-group, cross-over and cluster randomised trials that compare
      methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives (including
      lisdexamfetamine), atomoxetine, clonidine, guanfacine, bupropion or modafinil (as
      oral therapy) either with each other or to placebo, in children, adolescents or
      adults with ADHD. Primary outcomes will be efficacy (indicated by reduction in
      severity of ADHD core symptoms measured on a standardised scale) and tolerability
      (the proportion of patients who left a study early due to side effects).
      Secondary outcomes will be global functioning, acceptability (proportion of
      patients who left the study early by any cause) and changes in blood pressure and
      body weight. NMA will be conducted in STATA within a frequentist framework. The
      quality of RCTs will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the
      quality of the evidence will be assessed using the GRADE approach. Subgroup and
      sensitivity analyses will be conducted to assess the robustness of the findings.
      ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical issues are foreseen. Results from this study
      will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and possibly presented at relevant
      national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      CRD42014008976.

PMID- 28073798
TI  - Effectiveness of a lumbopelvic monitor and feedback device to change postural
      behaviour: a protocol for the ELF cluster randomised controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common, costly and disabling
      musculoskeletal disorder worldwide, and is prevalent in healthcare workers.
      Posture is a modifiable risk factor for LBP shown to reduce the prevalence of
      LBP. Our feasibility research suggests that postural feedback might help
      healthcare workers avoid hazardous postures. The Effectiveness of Lumbopelvic
      Feedback (ELF) trial will investigate the extent to which postural monitor and
      feedback (PMF) can reduce exposure to hazardous posture associated with LBP.
      METHODS: This is a participant-blinded, randomised controlled trial with blocked
      cluster random allocation. Participants will include volunteer healthcare workers
      recruited from aged care institutions and hospitals. A postural monitoring and
      feedback device will monitor and record lumbopelvic forward bending posture, and
      provide audio feedback whenever the user sustains a lumbopelvic forward bending
      posture that exceeds predefined thresholds. The primary outcome measure will be
      postural behaviour (exceeding thresholds). Secondary outcome measures will be
      incidence of LBP, participant-reported disability and adherence. Following
      baseline assessment, we will randomly assign participants to 1 of 2 intervention
      arms: a feedback group and a no-feedback control group. We will compare between
      group differences of changes in postural behaviour by using a repeated measures
      mixed-effect model analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at 6 weeks. Postural behaviour
      baseline scores, work-related psychosocial factors and disability scores will be
      input as covariates into the statistical models. We will use logistic mixed model
      analysis and Cox's proportional hazards for assessing the effect of a PMF on LBP
      incidence between groups. DISCUSSION: Posture is a modifiable risk factor for low
      back disorders. Findings from the ELF trial will inform the design of future
      clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of wearable technology on minimising
      hazardous posture during daily living activities in patients with low back
      disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12616000449437.

PMID- 28073799
TI  - Should gluten-free foods be available on prescription?

PMID- 28073797
TI  - Physical and cultural determinants of postpartum pelvic floor support and
      symptoms following vaginal delivery: a protocol for a mixed-methods prospective
      cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), including pelvic organ prolapse
      (POP), stress and urgency urinary incontinence, and faecal incontinence, are
      common and arise from loss of pelvic support. Although severe disease often does
      not occur until women become older, pregnancy and childbirth are major risk
      factors for PFDs, especially POP. We understand little about modifiable factors
      that impact pelvic floor function recovery after vaginal birth. This National
      Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Program Project, 'Bridging physical and
      cultural determinants of postpartum pelvic floor support and symptoms following
      vaginal delivery', uses mixed-methods research to study the influences of intra
      abdominal pressure, physical activity, body habitus and muscle fitness on pelvic
      floor support and symptoms as well as the cultural context in which women
      experience those changes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Using quantitative methods, we
      will evaluate whether pelvic floor support and symptoms 1 year after the first
      vaginal delivery are affected by biologically plausible factors that may impact
      muscle, nerve and connective tissue healing during recovery (first 8 weeks
      postpartum) and strengthening (remainder of the first postpartum year). Using
      qualitative methods, we will examine cultural aspects of perceptions,
      explanations of changes in pelvic floor support, and actions taken by Mexican
      American and Euro-American primipara, emphasising early changes after childbirth.
      We will summarise project results in a resource toolkit that will enhance
      opportunities for dialogue between women, their families and providers, and
      across lay and medical discourses. We anticipate enrolling up to 1530 nulliparous
      women into the prospective cohort study during the third trimester, following
      those who deliver vaginally 1 year postpartum. Participants will be drawn from
      this cohort to meet the project's aims. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The University
      of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare Institutional Review Boards approved this
      study. Data are stored in a secure password-protected database. Papers
      summarising the primary results and ancillary analyses will be published in peer
      reviewed journals.

PMID- 28073800
TI  - Relationship between exposure to tumour necrosis factor inhibitor therapy and
      incidence and severity of myocardial infarction in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of
      myocardial infarction (MI) compared with subjects without RA, with the increased
      risk driven potentially by inflammation. Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi)
      may modulate the risk and severity of MI. We compared the risk and severity of MI
      in patients treated with TNFi with that in those receiving synthetic disease
      modifying antirheumatic drugs (sDMARDs). METHODS: This analysis included patients
      with RA recruited from 2001 to 2009 to the British Society for Rheumatology
      Biologics Register for Rheumatoid Arthritis starting TNFi
      (etanercept/infliximab/adalimumab) and a biologic-naive comparator cohort
      receiving sDMARD. All patients were followed via physician and patient
      questionnaires and national death register linkage. Additionally, all patients
      were linked to the Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project, a national
      registry of hospitalisations for MI. Patients were censored at first verified MI,
      death, 90 days following TNFi discontinuation, last physician follow-up or 20
      April 2010, whichever came first. The risk of first MI was compared between
      cohorts using COX regression, adjusted with propensity score deciles (PD). MI
      phenotype and severity were compared using descriptive statistics. 6-month
      mortality post MI was compared using logistic regression. RESULTS: 252 verified
      first MIs were analysed: 58 in 3058 patients receiving sDMARD and 194 in 11 200
      patients receiving TNFi (median follow-up per person 3.5 years and 5.3 years,
      respectively). The PD-adjusted HR of MI in TNFi referent to sDMARD was 0.61 (95%
      CI 0.41 to 0.89). No statistically significant differences in MI severity or
      mortality were observed between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RA
      receiving TNFi had a decreased risk of MI compared with patients with RA
      receiving sDMARD therapy over the medium term. This might be attributed to a
      direct action of TNFi on the atherosclerotic process or better overall disease
      control.

PMID- 28073801
TI  - Predictors of work disability after start of anti-TNF therapy in a national
      cohort of Swedish patients with rheumatoid arthritis: does early anti-TNF therapy
      bring patients back to work?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine predictors of work ability gain and loss after anti-tumour
      necrosis factor (TNF) start, respectively, in working-age patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a special focus on disease duration. METHODS:
      Patients with RA, aged 19-62 years, starting their first TNF inhibitor 2006-2009
      with full work ability (0 sick leave/disability pension days during 3 months
      before bio-start; n=1048) or no work ability (90 days; n=753) were identified in
      the Swedish biologics register (Anti-Rheumatic Treatment In Sweden, ARTIS) and
      sick leave/disability pension days retrieved from the Social Insurance Agency.
      Outcome was defined as work ability gain >=50% for patients without work ability
      at bio-start and work ability loss >=50% for patients with full work ability, and
      survival analyses conducted. Baseline predictors including disease duration, age,
      sex, education level, employment, Health Assessment Questionnaire, Disease
      Activity Score 28 and relevant comorbidities were estimated using Cox regression.
      RESULTS: During 3 years after anti-TNF start, the probability of regaining work
      ability for totally work-disabled patients was 35% for those with disease
      duration <5 years and 14% for disease duration >=5 years (adjusted HR 2.1 (95% CI
      1.4 to 3.2)). For patients with full work ability at bio-start, disease duration
      did not predict work ability loss. Baseline disability pension was also a strong
      predictor of work ability gain after treatment start. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial
      proportion of work-disabled patients with RA who start anti-TNF therapy regain
      work ability. Those initiating treatment within 5 years of symptom onset have a
      more than doubled 3-year probability of regaining work ability compared with
      later treatment starts. This effect seems largely due to the impact of disease
      duration on disability pension status.

PMID- 28073802
TI  - Assemblage composition of fungal wood-decay species has a major influence on how
      climate and wood quality modify decomposition.
AB  - The interactions among saprotrophic fungal species, as well as their interactions
      with environmental factors, may have a major influence on wood decay and carbon
      release in ecosystems. We studied the effect that decomposer diversity (species
      richness and assemblage composition) has on wood decomposition when the climatic
      variables and substrate quality vary simultaneously. We used two temperatures (16
      and 21 degrees C) and two humidity levels (70% and 90%) with two wood qualities
      (wood from managed and old-growth forests) of Pinus sylvestris. In a 9-month
      experiment, the effects of fungal diversity were tested using four wood-decaying
      fungi (Antrodia xantha, Dichomitus squalens, Fomitopsis pinicola and Gloeophyllum
      protractum) at assemblage levels of one, two and four species. Wood quality and
      assemblage composition affected the influence of climatic factors on
      decomposition rates. Fungal assemblage composition was found to be more important
      than fungal species richness, indicating that species-specific fungal traits are
      of paramount importance in driving decomposition. We conclude that models
      containing fungal wood-decay species (and wood-based carbon) need to take into
      account species-specific and assemblage composition-specific properties to
      improve predictive capacity in regard to decomposition-related carbon dynamics.

PMID- 28073803
TI  - Abdominal aortic occlusion caused by a cardiac myxoma: a multi-modality imaging
      approach.

PMID- 28073804
TI  - Hemodynamic Support With a Microaxial Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device
      (Impella) Protects Against Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing High-Risk
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - RATIONALE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common during high-risk percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI), particularly in those with severely reduced left
      ventricular ejection fraction. The impact of partial hemodynamic support with a
      microaxial percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) on renal function
      after high-risk PCI remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that
      partial hemodynamic support with the Impella 2.5 microaxial pLVAD during high
      risk PCI protected against AKI. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this retrospective,
      single-center study, we analyzed data from 230 patients (115 consecutive pLVAD
      supported and 115 unsupported matched-controls) undergoing high-risk PCI with
      ejection fraction <=35%. The primary outcome was incidence of in-hospital AKI
      according to AKI network criteria. Logistic regression analysis determined the
      predictors of AKI. Overall, 5.2% (6) of pLVAD-supported patients versus 27.8%
      (32) of unsupported control patients developed AKI (P<0.001). Similarly, 0.9% (1)
      versus 6.1% (7) required postprocedural hemodialysis (P<0.05). Microaxial pLVAD
      support during high-risk PCI was independently associated with a significant
      reduction in AKI (adjusted odds ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence intervals, 0.09-0.31;
      P<0.001). Despite preexisting CKD or a lower ejection fraction, pLVAD support
      protection against AKI persisted (adjusted odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence
      intervals, 0.25-0.83; P=0.04 and adjusted odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence
      intervals, 0.12-0.28; P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Impella 2.5 (pLVAD)
      support protected against AKI during high-risk PCI. This renal protective effect
      persisted despite the presence of underlying CKD and decreasing ejection
      fraction.

PMID- 28073807
TI  - Next Steps in Modeling the Tricuspid Valve.

PMID- 28073805
TI  - Sheet-Like Remodeling of the Transverse Tubular System in Human Heart Failure
      Impairs Excitation-Contraction Coupling and Functional Recovery by Mechanical
      Unloading.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac recovery in response to mechanical unloading by left
      ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has been demonstrated in subgroups of patients
      with chronic heart failure (HF). Hallmarks of HF are depletion and
      disorganization of the transverse tubular system (t-system) in cardiomyocytes.
      Here, we investigated remodeling of the t-system in human end-stage HF and its
      role in cardiac recovery. METHODS: Left ventricular biopsies were obtained from 5
      donors and 26 patients with chronic HF undergoing implantation of LVADs. Three
      dimensional confocal microscopy and computational image analysis were applied to
      assess t-system structure, density, and distance of ryanodine receptor clusters
      to the sarcolemma, including the t-system. Recovery of cardiac function in
      response to mechanical unloading was assessed by echocardiography during turndown
      of the LVAD. RESULTS: The majority of HF myocytes showed remarkable t-system
      remodeling, particularly sheet-like invaginations of the sarcolemma. Circularity
      of t-system components was decreased in HF versus controls (0.37+/-0.01 versus
      0.46+/-0.02; P<0.01), and the volume/length ratio was increased in HF (0.36+/
      0.01 versus 0.25+/-0.02 um2; P<0.0001). T-system density was reduced in HF,
      leading to increased ryanodine receptor-sarcolemma distances (0.96+/-0.05 versus
      0.64+/-0.1 um; P<0.01). Low ryanodine receptor-sarcolemma distances at the time
      of LVAD implantation predicted high post-LVAD left ventricular ejection fractions
      (P<0.01) and ejection fraction increases during unloading (P<0.01). Ejection
      fraction in patients with pre-LVAD ryanodine receptor-sarcolemma distances >1 um
      did not improve after mechanical unloading. In addition, calcium transients were
      recorded in field-stimulated isolated human cardiomyocytes and analyzed with
      respect to local t-system density. Calcium release in HF myocytes was restricted
      to regions proximal to the sarcolemma. Local calcium upstroke was delayed (23.9+/
      4.9 versus 10.3+/-1.7 milliseconds; P<0.05) and more asynchronous (18.1+/-1.5
      versus 8.9+/-2.2 milliseconds; P<0.01) in HF cells with low t-system density
      versus cells with high t-system density. CONCLUSIONS: The t-system in end-stage
      human HF presents a characteristic novel phenotype consisting of sheet-like
      invaginations of the sarcolemma. Our results suggest that the remodeled t-system
      impairs excitation-contraction coupling and functional recovery during chronic
      LVAD unloading. An intact t-system at the time of LVAD implantation may
      constitute a precondition and predictor for functional cardiac recovery after
      mechanical unloading.

PMID- 28073806
TI  - Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation Caused by Chronic Atrial Fibrillation: A Real
      Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with a structurally normal
      tricuspid valve (TV) may occur secondary to chronic atrial fibrillation (AF).
      However, the clinical and echocardiographic differences according to functional
      TR subtypes are unclear. Therefore, characterization of functional TR because of
      chronic AF (AF-TR) remains undetermined. METHODS AND RESULTS: To investigate the
      prevalence of AF-TR, 437 patients with moderate to severe TR underwent 3
      dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography. TR severity was determined by
      the averaged vena contracta width on apical and parasternal inflow views. The
      prevalence of AF-TR was 9.2%, whereas that of functional TR because of left-sided
      heart disease was 45.3%. Clinical features of AF-TR included advanced age, female
      sex, greater right atrial than left atrial enlargement and lower systolic
      pulmonary artery pressure compared with left-sided heart disease-TR with sinus
      rhythm (all P<0.05). In 3D TV assessment, patients with AF-TR had a larger TV
      annular area with weaker annular contraction (both P<0.001) but a smaller
      tethering angle (P<0.001) despite a similar leaflet coaptation status compared
      with patients with left-sided heart disease-TR with sinus rhythm. On
      multivariable analysis, only the TV annular area in midsystole (coefficient,
      0.059; 95% confidence interval, 0.041-0.078 per 100 mm2; P<0.001) was associated
      with TR severity in AF-TR. The annular area was more closely correlated with the
      right atrial volume than right ventricular end-systolic volume in AF-TR
      (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AF-TR is not rare and is associated with advanced age and
      right atrial enlargement. TV deformations and their association with right heart
      remodeling differ between AF-TR and left-sided heart disease-TR. Our results
      suggest that in patients with TR secondary to AF, TV annuloplasty should be
      effective because this entity has annular dilatation without leaflet deformation.

PMID- 28073808
TI  - Fifteen-minute consultation: assessment of a child with suspected shunt problems.
AB  - Cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures have saved more lives than any other
      neurosurgical procedure. However, they do have a unique set of complications
      which a paediatrician in a district general hospital may encounter. Timely
      recognition and appropriate referral to the neurosurgeon is vital in order to
      avoid serious consequences and to have a favourable outcome.

PMID- 28073809
TI  - Diabetes insipidus and the use of desmopressin in hospitalised children.

PMID- 28073811
TI  - Exploratory trials in mental health: anything to learn from other disciplines?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Confirmatory randomised controlled trials require solid
      justifications, especially with regard to whether the experimental intervention
      is promising. Such evidence is generated in exploratory trials. However,
      empirical evidence shows that the quality of such trials is still suboptimal.
      More generally, the development process of healthcare interventions and
      especially of drugs, remains inefficient. Over the past 10-20 years, a vast
      amount of methodological work has been published about exploratory trials. This
      overview introduces some of the concepts and recent developments in the field.
      METHODS: A narrative approach was taken for this overview. This article focuses
      on study designs developed outside the mental health field to introduce concepts
      that might not be familiar to clinical researchers in psychiatry and psychology.
      Non-randomised and randomised exploratory trial designs are covered. The article
      ends with a brief discussion on pilot studies and their difference to exploratory
      studies. RESULTS: Classical designs for exploratory trials such as Simon's two
      stage design still have a role. However, randomised exploratory trials are
      probably more suitable for mental health interventions. Newer, more flexible
      designs such as multistage, multiarm trials or platform trials have the potential
      to improve the efficiency of exploratory and subsequently confirmatory
      experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Although often not directly applicable, borrowing
      (study) design ideas from other medical disciplines has the potential to improve
      exploratory trials in the mental health field. At the same time, more explicit
      use of study designs specifically designed for exploratory trials will help to
      improve the transparency of such trials.

PMID- 28073810
TI  - Cognitive-behavioural therapy for non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: a
      clinical review.
AB  - Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and have a
      disproportionate impact on quality of life and carer burden. Pharmacological
      treatment is the main approach in dealing with these symptoms, but it is limited
      by variable efficacy and risk of drug interactions. Non-pharmacological
      approaches using the cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) model are viable
      alternatives and in this review paper we summarise the evidence of CBT for three
      of the most common psychiatric manifestations of PD: depression and anxiety,
      impulse-control disorders and insomnia. Most studies modified the usual CBT
      format to include modules accounting for problems specific to PD: activity
      scheduling around motoric function, motor symptoms as triggers of anxiety, fear
      of falling and preparation for disease progression as well as accommodation of
      materials for suspected executive dysfunction. We found a growing evidence base
      that CBT (modified to account for PD-specific problems) is effective in the
      treatment of PD psychiatric symptoms. Where controlled study design was used,
      moderate effect sizes are reported for the efficacy of CBT for depression,
      including with distance administration of CBT. The effects were sustained during
      follow-up which was between 1 and 6 months. In addition, there are some initial
      data on the effects of CBT on impulse-control disorders and insomnia. The studies
      were limited by their small and potentially unrepresentative samples and the
      quality of sample reporting (eg, concomitant antidepressant and dopaminergic
      therapy use). Additional well-designed and adequately powered studies are
      required to determine the utility of CBT in PD.

PMID- 28073812
TI  - The conserved hypothetical protein PSPTO_3957 is essential for virulence in the
      plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000.
AB  - The plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae accounts for substantial crop losses and
      is considered an important agricultural issue. To better manage disease in the
      field, it is important to have an understanding of the underlying genetic
      mechanisms that mediate virulence. There are a substantial number of genes in
      sequenced bacterial genomes, including P. syringae, that encode for conserved
      hypothetical proteins; some of these have been functionally characterized in
      other Pseudomonads and have been demonstrated to play important roles in disease.
      PSPTO_3957 encodes a conserved hypothetical protein of unknown function. To
      evaluate the role of PSPTO_3957 in P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000, a PSPTO_3957
      deletion mutant was constructed. Here, we show that PSPTO_3957 does not influence
      growth on rich media, motility or biofilm formation but is necessary for nitrate
      assimilation and full virulence in P. syringae. Our results have revealed an
      important role for PSPTO_3957 in the biology of P. syringae. Given the
      conservation of this protein among many bacteria, this protein might serve as an
      attractive target for disease management of this and other bacterial plant
      pathogens.

PMID- 28073813
TI  - Association between the Healthy Eating Index-2010 and nutrient and energy
      densities of German households' food purchases.
AB  - Background: The USDA Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is used widely to measure diet
      quality because it allows a number of different applications. Although several
      evaluations of the HEI-2010 have already been carried out, there is lack of those
      which focus on associations between the HEI and nutrient intakes. This study
      updates and expands upon previous findings on these associations. Using German
      consumption data, where ~12 million purchases from 13 131 households are
      recorded, HEI-2010 total and individual scores, as well as several energy and
      nutrient densities were calculated. Correlations between the HEI and individual
      energy and nutrient densities were carried out to identify which nutrients are
      more or less well represented by the HEI. The HEI had the highest correlations
      with energy density and the densities of water-soluble vitamins (e.g. folic acid)
      and minerals (e.g. calcium). Weaker associations were identified for the
      densities of fat-soluble vitamins (e.g. vitamin D) as well as of the vitamins B1
      and B12. Negligible correlations were detected for the densities of trace
      elements (e.g. fluoride and iodine), salt and fat composition. Given that energy
      intake and the intake of plant-based foods are relevant dietary issues, the HEI
      2010 can be defined as a meaningful index to describe diet quality. However,
      because the intakes of salt, trace elements (e.g. fluoride and iodine) and fat
      soluble vitamins, as well as the fat composition may be less reflected, they
      should be analyzed separately when using the HEI for measuring diet quality.

PMID- 28073814
TI  - Donor-derived mycosis fungoides following reduced intensity haematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation from a matched unrelated donor.
AB  - A 46-year-old woman with a history of dasatinib-resistant chronic myeloid
      leukaemia, clonal evolution and monosomy 7 underwent reduced intensity
      conditioned in vivo T-cell-depleted allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) from a matched unrelated donor. Following the
      transplantation, she developed recurrent cutaneous graft versus host disease
      (GvHD), which required treatment with systemic immunosuppression and
      electrocorporeal photophoresis. Concurrently, she developed a lichenoid rash with
      granulomatous features suggestive of cutaneous sarcoidosis. Additional treatment
      with hydroxychloroquine was initially successful, but 2 months later, she
      developed erythroderma with palpable lymphadenopathy. Repeated histological
      analysis established a diagnosis of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides stage IVA2,
      and the malignant clone was confirmed to be of donor origin. A positive response
      to brentuximab has been shown. This is the first reported case of primary mycosis
      fungoides after matched unrelated donor HSCT, and in a patient still undergoing
      treatment for GvHD.

PMID- 28073815
TI  - Costs of Care for Hospitalized Children Associated With Preferred Language and
      Insurance Type.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study goal was to determine whether preferred language for care
      and insurance type are associated with cost among hospitalized children. METHODS:
      A retrospective cohort study was conducted of inpatients at a freestanding
      children's hospital from January 2011 to December 2012. Patient information and
      hospital costs were obtained from administrative data. Cost differences according
      to language and insurance were calculated using multivariate generalized linear
      model estimates, allowing for language/insurance interaction effects. Models were
      also stratified according to medical complexity and length of stay (LOS) >=3
      days. RESULTS: Of 19 249 admissions, 8% of caregivers preferred Spanish and 6%
      preferred another language; 47% of admissions were covered by public insurance.
      Models controlled for LOS, medical complexity, home-to-hospital distance, age,
      asthma diagnosis, and race/ethnicity. Total hospital costs were significantly
      higher for publicly insured Spanish speakers ($20 211 [95% confidence interval
      (CI), 7781 to 32 641]) and lower for privately insured Spanish speakers (-$16 730
      [95% CI, -28 265 to -5195]) and publicly insured English speakers (-$4841 [95%
      CI, -6781 to -2902]) compared with privately insured English speakers.
      Differences were most pronounced among children with medical complexity and LOS
      >=3 days. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital costs varied significantly according to preferred
      language and insurance type, even adjusting for LOS and medical complexity. These
      differences in the amount of billable care provided to medically similar patients
      may represent either underprovision or overprovision of care on the basis of
      sociodemographic factors and communication, suggesting problems with care
      efficiency and equity. Further investigation may inform development of effective
      interventions.

PMID- 28073816
TI  - Technology Access and Use, and Their Associations With Social Engagement Among
      Older Adults: Do Women and Men Differ?
AB  - Objectives: To examine how information and communication technology (ICT) access
      and use are conceptually incorporated in the Successful Aging 2.0 framework.
      Method: Using data from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (N =
      6,476), we examined how ICT access and use for different purposes are associated
      with social engagement (i.e., informal and formal social participation) by
      gender. Weighted logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Findings
      revealed that men were more likely to access and use ICT than women. ICT access
      was positively associated with all types of women's social engagement, but only
      with men's informal social participation. Information technology (IT) use for
      health matters was positively associated with formal social participation for
      women and with informal social participation for men. IT use for personal tasks
      was negatively associated with formal social participation for older adults.
      Communication technology use was positively associated with formal and informal
      social participation for women and men. Discussion: This study supports the
      expansion of the successful aging model by incorporating ICT access and use.
      Further, it assists in the identification of specific technologies that promote
      active engagement in later life for women and men.

PMID- 28073817
TI  - Paranodal dissection in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with
      anti-neurofascin-155 and anti-contactin-1 antibodies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the morphological features of chronic inflammatory
      demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) with autoantibodies directed against
      paranodal junctional molecules, particularly focusing on the fine structures of
      the paranodes. METHODS: We assessed sural nerve biopsy specimens obtained from 9
      patients with CIDP with anti-neurofascin-155 antibodies and 1 patient with anti
      contactin-1 antibodies. 13 patients with CIDP without these antibodies were also
      examined to compare pathological findings. RESULTS: Characteristic light and
      electron microscopy findings in transverse sections from patients with anti
      neurofascin-155 and anti-contactin-1 antibodies indicated a slight reduction in
      myelinated fibre density, with scattered myelin ovoids, and the absence of
      macrophage-mediated demyelination or onion bulbs. Teased-fibre preparations
      revealed that segmental demyelination tended to be found in patients with
      relatively higher frequencies of axonal degeneration and was tandemly found at
      consecutive nodes of Ranvier in a single fibre. Assessment of longitudinal
      sections by electron microscopy revealed that detachment of terminal myelin loops
      from the axolemma was frequently found at the paranode in patients with anti
      neurofascin-155 and anti-contactin-1 antibody-positive CIDP compared with
      patients with antibody-negative CIDP. Patients with anti-neurofascin-155
      antibodies showed a positive correlation between the frequencies of axo-glial
      detachment at the paranode and axonal degeneration, as assessed by teased-fibre
      preparations (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Paranodal dissection without classical
      macrophage-mediated demyelination is the characteristic feature of patients with
      CIDP with autoantibodies to paranodal axo-glial junctional molecules.

PMID- 28073818
TI  - Transcriptional coregulator RIP140: an essential regulator of physiology.
AB  - Transcriptional coregulators drive gene regulatory decisions in the
      transcriptional space. Although transcription factors including all nuclear
      receptors provide a docking platform for coregulators to bind, these proteins
      bring enzymatic capabilities to the gene regulatory sites. RIP140 is a
      transcriptional coregulator essential for several physiological processes, and
      aberrations in its function may lead to diseased states. Unlike several other
      coregulators that are known either for their coactivating or corepressing roles,
      in gene regulation, RIP140 is capable of acting both as a coactivator and a
      corepressor. The role of RIP140 in female reproductive axis and recent findings
      of its role in carcinogenesis and adipose biology have been summarised.

PMID- 28073820
TI  - Predicting 6-month mortality risk of patients commencing dialysis treatment for
      end-stage kidney disease.
AB  - Background: There is evidence that end-stage kidney disease patients who are
      older or with more comorbidity may have a poor trade-off between benefits of
      dialysis and potential harms. We aimed to develop a tool for predicting patient
      mortality in the early stages of receiving dialysis. Methods: In 23 658 patients
      aged 15+ years commencing dialysis between 2000 and 2009 in Australia and New
      Zealand a point score tool was developed to predict 6-month mortality based on a
      logistic regression analysis of factors available at dialysis initiation.
      Temporal validation used 2009-11 data from Australia and New Zealand. External
      validation used the UK Renal Registry. Results: Within 6 months of commencing
      dialysis 6.1% of patients had died. A small group (4.7%) of patients had a high
      predicted mortality risk (>20%), as predicted by the point score tool. Predictive
      variables were: older age, underweight, chronic lung disease, coronary artery
      disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease (particularly for
      patients <60 years of age), late referral to nephrologist care and underlying
      cause of renal disease. The new point score tool outperformed existing models,
      and had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.755 on
      temporal validation with acceptable calibration and 0.713 on external validation
      with poor calibration. Conclusion: Our point score tool for predicting 6-month
      mortality in patients at dialysis commencement has sufficient prognostic accuracy
      to use in Australia and New Zealand for prognosis and identification of high risk
      patients who may be given appropriate supportive care. Use in other countries
      requires further study.

PMID- 28073821
TI  - Learning from Cross-Border Reproduction.
AB  - Drawing upon the preliminary findings of an Australian empirical project on cross
      border reproduction (CBR), this article argues that regulators and policymakers
      could learn from the experiences of those who travel overseas in order to access
      fertility treatment and surrogacy. It makes four principal observations. First,
      the distinction between so-called 'altruistic' and 'commercial' gamete donation
      and surrogacy is increasingly unsustainable and is not experienced as meaningful
      by many participants in CBR. Secondly, the status of the law in CBR is profoundly
      equivocal; for participants it is often there and not there at the same time.
      Thirdly, self-sourced information, from the internet and more specifically social
      media such as Facebook, is now the principal source of information and peer
      support for reproductive travellers. Fourthly, and relatedly, domestic
      reproductive services providers are often sidestepped. If one of the goals of
      regulation is to minimise the risk of harm to participants, it is not clear that
      it is currently achieving this aim, and this article argues that any reforms will
      only work if they are more responsive to the reality of CBR.

PMID- 28073819
TI  - The opioid epidemic and neonatal abstinence syndrome in the USA: a review of the
      continuum of care.
AB  - As the prescription opioid epidemic grew in the USA, its impact extended to
      pregnant women and their infants. This review summarises how increasing rates of
      neonatal abstinence syndrome resulted in a need to improve care to pregnant women
      and opioid-exposed infants. We discuss the variations in care delivery with
      particular emphasis on screening at-risk mothers, scoring systems for neonatal
      drug withdrawal, type and duration of pharmacotherapy, and discharge safety.

PMID- 28073822
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnoea and quality of life in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a
      parallel cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with the connective tissue disorder Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
      (EDS) often suffer from fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness and impaired
      quality of life. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may be an underlying cause for
      these symptoms but its prevalence in this population is unclear. METHODS: In this
      prospective parallel-cohort study, we included 100 adult patients with EDS (46%
      hypermobile-type, 35% classical-type and 19% other), which were one-to-one
      matched to 100 healthy adult controls according to sex, age, weight and height.
      Participants underwent structured interviews (including short-form 36) and level
      3 respiratory polygraphy. OSA was defined as apnoea-hypopnea index >=5/hour.
      Photographic craniofacial phenotyping was conducted in a subgroup. Conditional
      logistic regression was used to compare the prevalence of OSA. RESULTS: In
      patients with EDS, OSA prevalence was 32% versus 6% in the matched control group
      (OR 5.3 (95% CI 2.5 to 11.2); p<0.001). The EDS group reported impaired quality
      of life in all dimensions (p<0.05) and significantly higher excessive daytime
      sleepiness measured by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (median (quartiles) 11 (7-14)
      vs 7 (5-10); p<0.001). OSA severity was positively associated with daytime
      sleepiness and lower quality of life in the EDS group. There was no evidence of a
      difference between the two study groups in terms of craniofacial phenotypes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of OSA is higher in patients with EDS than in a
      matched control group. This is of clinical relevance as it is associated with
      fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness and impaired quality of life. Further
      studies are needed to assess the clinical benefit of OSA treatment in patients
      with EDS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02435745.

PMID- 28073823
TI  - A bloody bronchoscopy.

PMID- 28073824
TI  - A Drosophila toolkit for defining gene function in spermatogenesis.
AB  - Expression profiling and genomic sequencing methods enable the accumulation of
      vast quantities of data that relate to the expression of genes during the
      maturation of male germ cells from primordial germ cells to spermatozoa and
      potential mutations that underlie male infertility. However, the determination of
      gene function in specific aspects of spermatogenesis or linking abnormal gene
      function with infertility remain rate limiting, as even in an era of CRISPR
      analysis of gene function in mammalian models, this still requires considerable
      resources and time. Comparative developmental biology studies have shown the
      remarkable conservation of spermatogenic developmental processes from insects to
      vertebrates and provide an avenue of rapid assessment of gene function to inform
      the potential roles of specific genes in rodent and human spermatogenesis. The
      vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been used as a model organism for
      developmental genetic studies for over one hundred years, and research with this
      organism produced seminal findings such as the association of genes with
      chromosomes, the chromosomal basis for sexual identity, the mutagenic properties
      of X-irradiation and the isolation of the first tumour suppressor mutations.
      Drosophila researchers have developed an impressive array of sophisticated
      genetic techniques for analysis of gene function and genetic interactions. This
      review focuses on how these techniques can be utilised to study spermatogenesis
      in an organism with a generation time of 9 days and the capacity to introduce
      multiple mutant alleles into an individual organism in a relatively short time
      frame.

PMID- 28073825
TI  - Comparison of characteristics and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention
      in military and non-military men.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Living in a military environment, as a unique job and lifestyle, may
      affect the physical and mental status of military personnel. Coronary artery
      disease (CAD) status and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in
      military personnel as a unique part of each society are less investigated.
      METHOD: In a registry-based study, data of 338 military men and 1954 non-military
      men who underwent successful PCI from March 2012 to March 2013 were analysed. The
      primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after hospital discharge
      during 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Military men were significantly younger and had
      a higher frequency of hypertension, familial history of CAD and cigarette
      smoking. Other risk factors were more prevalent in non-military men. PCI for ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction and lower left ventricular ejection
      fraction were also more prevalent in soldiers. After mean follow-up duration of
      12.3 months, MACE that was defined as the composite endpoint of all-cause
      mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction or target vessel revascularisation was
      similar in both groups (HR=1.01 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.16); p=0.872). By adjustment
      for confounding factors, results were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are
      a number of differences in basic and procedural characteristics between military
      and non-military men who underwent PCI, 1-year clinical outcomes of this
      procedure are not different in these patient groups.

PMID- 28073826
TI  - Testing the psychological pain hypothesis for postnatal depression: Reproductive
      success versus evidence of design.

PMID- 28073827
TI  - Reply to Hagen and Thornhill.

PMID- 28073828
TI  - An Activating Mutation in STAT3 Results in Neonatal Diabetes Through Reduced
      Insulin Synthesis.
AB  - Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare form of diabetes diagnosed within the
      first 6 months of life. Genetic studies have allowed the identification of
      several genes linked to the development of NDM; however, genetic causes for ~20%
      of the cases remain to be clarified. Most cases of NDM involve isolated diabetes,
      but sometimes NDM appears in association with other pathological conditions,
      including autoimmune diseases. Recent reports have linked activating mutations in
      STAT3 with early-onset autoimmune disorders that include diabetes of autoimmune
      origin, but the functional impact of STAT3-activating mutations have not been
      characterized at the pancreatic beta-cell level. By using whole-exome sequencing,
      we identified a novel missense mutation in the binding domain of the STAT3
      protein in a patient with NDM. The functional analyses showed that the mutation
      results in an aberrant activation of STAT3, leading to deleterious downstream
      effects in pancreatic beta-cells. The identified mutation leads to
      hyperinhibition of the transcription factor Isl-1 and, consequently, to a
      decrease in insulin expression. These findings represent the first functional
      indication of a direct link between an NDM-linked activating mutation in STAT3
      and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction.

PMID- 28073829
TI  - dUTPase (DUT) Is Mutated in a Novel Monogenic Syndrome With Diabetes and Bone
      Marrow Failure.
AB  - We describe a new syndrome characterized by early-onset diabetes associated with
      bone marrow failure, affecting mostly the erythrocytic lineage. Using whole-exome
      sequencing in a remotely consanguineous patient from a family with two affected
      siblings, we identified a single homozygous missense mutation
      (chr15.hg19:g.48,626,619A>G) located in the dUTPase (DUT) gene (National Center
      for Biotechnology Information Gene ID 1854), affecting both the mitochondrial
      (DUT-M p.Y142C) and the nuclear (DUT-N p.Y54C) isoforms. We found the same
      homozygous mutation in an unrelated consanguineous patient with diabetes and bone
      marrow aplasia from a family with two affected siblings, whereas none of the
      >60,000 subjects from the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) was homozygous for
      this mutation. This replicated observation probability was highly significant,
      thus confirming the role of this DUT mutation in this syndrome. DUT is a key
      enzyme for maintaining DNA integrity by preventing misincorporation of uracil
      into DNA, which results in DNA toxicity and cell death. We showed that DUT
      silencing in human and rat pancreatic beta-cells results in apoptosis via the
      intrinsic cell death pathway. Our findings support the importance of tight
      control of DNA metabolism for beta-cell integrity and warrant close metabolic
      monitoring of patients treated by drugs affecting dUTP balance.

PMID- 28073830
TI  - Adiponectin Deficiency Impairs Maternal Metabolic Adaptation to Pregnancy in
      Mice.
AB  - Hypoadiponectinemia has been widely observed in patients with gestational
      diabetes mellitus (GDM). To investigate the causal role of hypoadiponectinemia in
      GDM, adiponectin gene knockout (Adipoq-/- ) and wild-type (WT) mice were crossed
      to produce pregnant mouse models with or without adiponectin deficiency.
      Adenoviral vector-mediated in vivo transduction was used to reconstitute
      adiponectin during late pregnancy. Results showed that Adipoq-/- dams developed
      glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia in late pregnancy. Increased fetal body
      weight was detected in Adipoq-/- dams. Adiponectin reconstitution abolished these
      metabolic defects in Adipoq-/- dams. Hepatic glucose and triglyceride production
      rates of Adipoq-/- dams were significantly higher than those of WT dams. Robustly
      enhanced lipolysis was found in gonadal fat of Adipoq-/- dams. Interestingly,
      similar levels of insulin-induced glucose disposal and insulin signaling in
      metabolically active tissues in Adipoq-/- and WT dams indicated that maternal
      adiponectin deficiency does not reduce insulin sensitivity. However, remarkably
      decreased serum insulin concentrations were observed in Adipoq-/- dams.
      Furthermore, beta-cell mass, but not glucose-stimulated insulin release, in
      Adipoq-/- dams was significantly reduced compared with WT dams. Together, these
      results demonstrate that adiponectin plays an important role in controlling
      maternal metabolic adaptation to pregnancy.

PMID- 28073832
TI  - Reperfusion therapy with recombinant human relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) attenuates
      myocardial infarct size and NLRP3 inflammasome following ischemia/reperfusion
      injury via eNOS-dependent mechanism.
AB  - Aims: The preconditioning-like infarct-sparing and anti-inflammatory effects of
      the peptide hormone relaxin following ischemic injury have been studied in the
      heart. Whether reperfusion therapy with recombinant human relaxin-2, serelaxin,
      reduces myocardial infarct size and attenuates the subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome
      activation leading to further loss of functional myocardium following
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is unknown. Methods and results: After baseline
      echocardiography, adult male wild-type C57BL or eNOS knockout mice underwent
      myocardial infarction (MI) by coronary artery ligation for 30 min followed by 24
      h reperfusion. Mice were treated with either serelaxin (10 ug/kg; sc) or saline 1
      h prior to ischemia or 5 min before reperfusion. In both pre-treatment and
      reperfusion therapy arms, serelaxin improved survival at 24 h post MI in wild
      type mice (79% and 82%) as compared with controls (46% and 50%, P = 0.01),
      whereas there was no difference in survival between serelaxin- and saline-treated
      eNOS knockout mice. Moreover, serelaxin significantly reduced infarct size (64%
      and 67% reduction, P < 0.05), measured with TTC staining, and preserved LV
      fractional shortening (FS) and end-systolic diameter (LVESD) in wild-type mice as
      compared with controls (P < 0.05). Interestingly, caspase-1 activity in the heart
      tissue, a measure of inflammasome formation, was markedly reduced in serelaxin
      treated wild-type mice compared with controls at 24 h post-MI in both treatment
      modalities (P < 0.05). Genetic deletion of eNOS abolished the infarct-sparing and
      anti-inflammatory effects of serelaxin as well as functional preservation.
      Serelaxin plasma levels assessed at 5 min and 1 h after treatment, using ELISA,
      approximated physiologic relaxin levels during pregnancy in mice and parallels
      that in humans. Conclusion: Serelaxin attenuates myocardial I/R injury and the
      subsequent caspase-1 activation via eNOS-dependent mechanism.

PMID- 28073833
TI  - Exosomal miR-142-3p is increased during cardiac allograft rejection and augments
      vascular permeability through down-regulation of endothelial RAB11FIP2
      expression.
AB  - Aims: Exosome-mediated microRNA transfer is a recently discovered mode of cell-to
      cell communication, in which microRNAs act as paracrine molecules, exerting their
      regulatory effects in recipient cells. T cells and endothelial cells are two main
      players in the mechanism of acute cellular cardiac rejection. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the role of exosomal microRNAs in the crosstalk between
      T cells and endothelial cells and its implications for the molecular mechanisms
      that drive acute cellular rejection in heart transplantation. Methods and
      results: Exosomes isolated from serum samples of heart transplant patients with
      and without acute cardiac allograft rejection were profiled and showed enrichment
      of miR-142-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-339-3p and miR-21-5p. Treatment of endothelial
      cells with the respected serum exosomes resulted the increased of miR-142-3p
      level in endothelial cells. Using T cells isolated from healthy donors and
      activated with either anti-CD3/CD28 antibody or IL-2/PHA, we could show that miR
      142-3p is released from activated cells, is contained in exosomes and can be
      transferred to human vascular endothelial cells in vitro. Transcriptome analysis
      of endothelial cells treated with activated T cell supernatant with or without
      exosomes was used to identify mRNA targets of transferred miR-142-3-p.
      Overexpression of miR-142-3p in endothelial cells resulted in a significant down
      regulation of RAB11FIP2, and interaction of miR-142-3p with its predicted target
      site was confirmed with a reporter assay. Moreover, treatment of endothelial
      cells with serum exosomes from heart transplant patients with acute cellular
      rejection resulted in down-regulation of RAB11FIP2 expression and increase in
      vascular endothelial permeability. Conclusion: We have identified a novel
      mechanism whereby miR-142-3p, a microRNA enriched in exosomes during acute
      cellular rejection, is transferred to endothelial cells and compromises
      endothelial barrier function via down-regulation of RAB11FIP2. This study sheds
      new light on the interaction between host immune system and cardiac allograft
      endothelium during acute cellular rejection.

PMID- 28073834
TI  - Dynamic and coordinated single-molecular interactions at TM4SF5-enriched
      microdomains guide invasive behaviors in 2- and 3-dimensional environments.
AB  - Membrane proteins sense extracellular cues and transduce intracellular signaling
      to coordinate directionality and speed during cellular migration. They are often
      localized to specific regions, as with lipid rafts or tetraspanin-enriched
      microdomains; however, the dynamic interactions of tetraspanins with diverse
      receptors within tetraspanin-enriched microdomains on cellular surfaces remain
      largely unexplored. Here, we investigated effects of tetraspan(in) TM4SF5
      (transmembrane 4 L6 family member 5)-enriched microdomains (T5ERMs) on the
      directionality of cell migration. Physical association of TM4SF5 with epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) and integrin alpha5 was visualized by live
      fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy and higher-resolution microscopy at
      the leading edge of migratory cells, presumably forming TM4SF5-enriched
      microdomains. Whereas TM4SF5 and EGFR colocalized at the migrating leading region
      more than at the rear, TM4SF5 and integrin alpha5 colocalized evenly throughout
      cells. Cholesterol depletion and disruption in TM4SF5 post-translational
      modifications, including N-glycosylation and palmitoylation, altered TM4SF5
      interactions and cellular localization, which led to less cellular migration
      speed and directionality in 2- or 3-dimensional conditions. TM4SF5 controlled
      directional cell migration and invasion, and importantly, these TM4SF5 functions
      were dependent on cholesterol, TM4SF5 post-translational modifications, and EGFR
      and integrin alpha5 activity. Altogether, we showed that TM4SF5 dynamically
      interacted with EGFR and integrin alpha5 in migratory cells to control
      directionality and invasion.-Kim, H.-J., Kwon, S., Nam, S. H., Jung, J. W., Kang,
      M., Ryu, J., Kim, J. E., Cheong, J.-G., Cho, C. Y., Kim, S., Song, D.-G., Kim, Y.
      N., Kim, T. Y., Jung, M.-K., Lee, K.-M., Pack, C.-G., Lee, J. W. Dynamic and
      coordinated single-molecular interactions at TM4SF5-enriched microdomains guide
      invasive behaviors in 2- and 3-dimensional environments.

PMID- 28073831
TI  - Deletion of Protein Kinase C lambda in POMC Neurons Predisposes to Diet-Induced
      Obesity.
AB  - Effectors of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signal transduction pathway
      contribute to the hypothalamic regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis in
      divergent ways. Here we show that central nervous system (CNS) action of the PI3K
      signaling intermediate atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) constrains food intake,
      weight gain, and glucose intolerance in both rats and mice. Pharmacological
      inhibition of CNS aPKC activity acutely increases food intake and worsens glucose
      tolerance in chow-fed rodents and causes excess weight gain during high-fat diet
      (HFD) feeding. Similarly, selective deletion of the aPKC isoform Pkc-lambda in
      proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons disrupts leptin action, reduces melanocortin
      content in the paraventricular nucleus, and markedly increases susceptibility to
      obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance specifically in HFD-fed male
      mice. These data implicate aPKC as a novel regulator of energy and glucose
      homeostasis downstream of the leptin-PI3K pathway in POMC neurons.

PMID- 28073835
TI  - Mechanosensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 regulates
      Dermatophagoides farinae-induced airway remodeling via 2 distinct pathways
      modulating matrix synthesis and degradation.
AB  - Contributions of mechanical signals to airway remodeling during asthma are poorly
      understood. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a mechanosensitive
      ion channel, has been implicated in cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis; however, its
      role in asthma remains elusive. Employing a Dermatophagoides farinae-induced
      asthma model, we report here that TRPV4-knockout mice were protected from D.
      farinae-induced airway remodeling. Furthermore, lung fibroblasts that were
      isolated from TRPV4-knockout mice showed diminished differentiation potential
      compared with wild-type mice. Fibroblasts from asthmatic lung exhibited increased
      TRPV4 activity and enhanced differentiation potential compared with normal human
      lung fibroblasts. Of interest, TGF-beta1 treatment enhanced TRPV4 activation in a
      PI3K-dependent manner in normal human lung fibroblasts in vitro Mechanistically,
      TRPV4 modulated matrix remodeling in the lung via 2 distinct but dependent
      pathways: one enhances matrix deposition by fibrotic gene activation, whereas the
      other slows down matrix degradation by increased plasminogen activator inhibitor
      1. Of importance, both pathways are regulated by Rho/myocardin-related
      transcription factor-A and contribute to fibroblast differentiation and matrix
      remodeling in the lung. Thus, our results support a unique role for TRPV4 in D.
      farinae-induced airway remodeling and warrant further studies in humans for it to
      be used as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of asthma.-Gombedza, F.,
      Kondeti, V., Al-Azzam, N., Koppes, S., Duah, E., Patil, P., Hexter, M., Phillips,
      D., Thodeti, C. K., Paruchuri, S. Mechanosensitive transient receptor potential
      vanilloid 4 regulates Dermatophagoides farinae-induced airway remodeling via 2
      distinct pathways modulating matrix synthesis and degradation.

PMID- 28073837
TI  - Chronic Co-species Housing Mice and Rats Increased the Competitiveness of Male
      Mice.
AB  - Rats are predators of mice in nature. Nevertheless, it is a common practice to
      house mice and rats in a same room in some laboratories. In this study, we
      investigated the behavioral and physiological responsively of mice in long-term
      co-species housing conditions. Twenty-four male mice were randomly assigned to
      their original raising room (control) or a rat room (co-species-housed) for more
      than 6 weeks. In the open-field and light-dark box tests, the behaviors of the co
      species-housed mice and controls were not different. In a 2-choice test of paired
      urine odors [rabbit urine (as a novel odor) vs. rat urine, cat urine (as a
      natural predator-scent) vs. rabbit urine, and cat urine vs. rat urine], the co
      species-housed mice were more ready to investigate the rat urine odor compared
      with the controls and may have adapted to it. In an encounter test, the rat-room
      exposed mice exhibited increased aggression levels, and their urines were more
      attractive to females. Correspondingly, the levels of major urinary proteins were
      increased in the co-species-housed mouse urine, along with some volatile
      pheromones. The serum testosterone levels were also enhanced in the co-species
      housed mice, whereas the corticosterone levels were not different. The
      norepinephrine, dopamine, and 5-HT levels in the right hippocampus and striatum
      were not different between the 2. Our findings indicate that chronic co-species
      housing results in adaptation in male mice; furthermore, it appears that long
      term rat-odor stimuli enhance the competitiveness of mice, which suggests that
      appropriate predator-odor stimuli may be important to the fitness of prey
      animals.

PMID- 28073836
TI  - Ionotropic glutamate receptors activate cell signaling in response to glutamate
      in Schwann cells.
AB  - In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells (SCs) demonstrate surveillance
      activity, detecting injury and undergoing trans-differentiation to support
      repair. SC receptors that detect peripheral nervous system injury remain
      incompletely understood. We used RT-PCR to profile ionotropic glutamate receptor
      expression in cultured SCs. We identified subunits required for assembly of N
      methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors (NMDA-Rs), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl
      4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors, and kainate receptors. Treatment of SCs with
      40-100 uM glutamate or with 0.5-1.0 uM NMDA robustly activated Akt and ERK1/2.
      The response was transient and bimodal; glutamate concentrations that exceeded
      250 uM failed to activate cell signaling. Phosphoprotein profiling identified
      diverse phosphorylated proteins in glutamate-treated SCs in addition to ERK1/2
      and Akt, including p70 S6-kinase, glycogen synthase kinase-3, ribosomal S6
      kinase, c-Jun, and cAMP response element binding protein. Activation of SC
      signaling by glutamate was blocked by EGTA and dizocilpine and by silencing
      expression of the NMDA-R NR1 subunit. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/PI3K functioned
      as an essential upstream activator of Akt and ERK1/2 in glutamate-treated SCs.
      When glutamate or NMDA was injected directly into crush-injured rat sciatic
      nerves, ERK1/2 phosphorylation was observed in myelinated and nonmyelinating SCs.
      Glutamate promoted SC migration by a pathway that required PI3K and ERK1/2. These
      results identified ionotropic glutamate receptors and NMDA-Rs, specifically, as
      potentially important cell signaling receptors in SCs.-Campana, W. M., Mantuano,
      E., Azmoon, P., Henry, K., Banki, M. A., Kim, J. H., Pizzo, D. P., Gonias, S. L.
      Ionotropic glutamate receptors activate cell signaling in response to glutamate
      in Schwann cells.

PMID- 28073838
TI  - Gender-Specific Relation Between Olfactory Sensitivity and Disgust Perception.
AB  - The perception of disgust is a powerful but yet puzzling emotion, aiming at the
      prevention of potential microbial pathogens and being directly linked to
      olfactory processing in its neurophysiological pathways via the anterior insular
      cortex. In sample of healthy participants with a natural variation in olfactory
      function, we investigated the relation between olfactory sensitivity and disgust
      perception. A total of 123 healthy individuals were surveyed with a disgust
      sensitivity questionnaire. Olfactory threshold was assessed in all participants
      using the Sniffin' Sticks. Additionally, tactile 2-point discrimination threshold
      was tested in a subgroup of the participants as a controlling factor for the
      specificity of the relationship between olfactory sensitivity and disgust. Only
      in men, a significant relation between disgust ratings and olfactory threshold
      was observed. Men with high olfactory sensitivity reported as high levels of
      disgust as female participants, while men with low olfactory sensitivity reported
      significantly lower disgust than women. There was no such relation for tactile
      sensitivity. Investigating sensory subscales of the disgust questionnaire,
      olfactory sensitivity was related to olfactory and tactile, but not to visual
      disgust ratings. In conclusion, there is a specific relation between the level of
      disgust and olfactory sensitivity in men, who generally present lower values of
      disgust than women. When disgust ratings are low, there seems to be an additional
      merit in the ability to perceive subtle olfactory stimuli. Thus high olfactory
      sensitivity may facilitate the perception of potential pathogenic threats and
      contribute to the evolutionary function of disgust as disease avoidance
      mechanism.

PMID- 28073839
TI  - Unsupervised Clustering of Quantitative Image Phenotypes Reveals Breast Cancer
      Subtypes with Distinct Prognoses and Molecular Pathways.
AB  - Purpose: To identify novel breast cancer subtypes by extracting quantitative
      imaging phenotypes of the tumor and surrounding parenchyma and to elucidate the
      underlying biologic underpinnings and evaluate the prognostic capacity for
      predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS).Experimental Design: We retrospectively
      analyzed dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI data of patients from a single-center
      discovery cohort (n = 60) and an independent multicenter validation cohort (n =
      96). Quantitative image features were extracted to characterize tumor morphology,
      intratumor heterogeneity of contrast agent wash-in/wash-out patterns, and tumor
      surrounding parenchyma enhancement. On the basis of these image features, we used
      unsupervised consensus clustering to identify robust imaging subtypes and
      evaluated their clinical and biologic relevance. We built a gene expression-based
      classifier of imaging subtypes and tested their prognostic significance in five
      additional cohorts with publically available gene expression data but without
      imaging data (n = 1,160).Results: Three distinct imaging subtypes, that is,
      homogeneous intratumoral enhancing, minimal parenchymal enhancing, and prominent
      parenchymal enhancing, were identified and validated. In the discovery cohort,
      imaging subtypes stratified patients with significantly different 5-year RFS
      rates of 79.6%, 65.2%, 52.5% (log-rank P = 0.025) and remained as an independent
      predictor after adjusting for clinicopathologic factors (HR, 2.79; P = 0.016).
      The prognostic value of imaging subtypes was further validated in five
      independent gene expression cohorts, with average 5-year RFS rates of 88.1%,
      74.0%, 59.5% (log-rank P from <0.0001 to 0.008). Each imaging subtype was
      associated with specific dysregulated molecular pathways that can be
      therapeutically targeted.Conclusions: Imaging subtypes provide complimentary
      value to established histopathologic or molecular subtypes and may help stratify
      patients with breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); 3334-42. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28073840
TI  - FDA Approval Summary: Sonidegib for Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - On July 24, 2015, the FDA approved sonidegib (ODOMZO; Novartis) for the treatment
      of patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) not amenable to
      curative surgery or radiotherapy. The approval was based on data from one
      randomized, double-blind, noncomparative trial of two doses of sonidegib
      administered to 230 hedgehog inhibitor-naive patients with metastatic basal cell
      carcinoma (mBCC, n = 36) or laBCC (n = 194). Patients were randomized 2:1 to
      receive sonidegib 800 mg (n = 151) or 200 mg (n = 79) daily. The objective
      response rate (ORR) for patients with laBCC was 58% [95% confidence interval
      (CI), 45-70] in the 200 mg group and 44% (95% CI, 35-53) in the 800 mg group. The
      median duration of response for patients with laBCC was nonestimable (NE) in the
      200 mg arm and 15.7 months (95% CI, NE) in the 800 mg arm. The ORR for patients
      with mBCC was 8% (95% CI, 0.2-36) and 17% (95% CI, 5-39) in patients treated with
      200 and 800 mg, respectively. The most common adverse events occurring in >=10%
      of patients were muscle spasms, alopecia, dysgeusia, nausea, fatigue, increased
      serum creatine kinase, decreased weight, and diarrhea. Clin Cancer Res; 23(10);
      2377-81. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28073841
TI  - Activation of EIF4E by Aurora Kinase A Depicts a Novel Druggable Axis in
      Everolimus-Resistant Cancer Cells.
AB  - Purpose: Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is overexpressed in several cancer types, making
      it an attractive druggable target in clinical trials. In this study, we
      investigated the role of AURKA in regulating EIF4E, cap-dependent translation,
      and resistance to mTOR inhibitor, RAD001 (everolimus).Experimental Design: Tumor
      xenografts and in vitro cell models of upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas
      (UGC) were used to determine the role of AURKA in the activation of EIF4E and cap
      dependent translation. Overexpression, knockdown, and pharmacologic inhibition of
      AURKA were used in vitro and in vivoResults: Using in vitro cell models, we found
      that high protein levels of AURKA mediate phosphorylation of EIF4E and
      upregulation of c-MYC. Notably, we detected overexpression of endogenous AURKA in
      everolimus-resistant UGC cell models. AURKA mediated phosphorylation of EIF4E,
      activation of cap-dependent translation, and an increase in c-MYC protein levels.
      Targeting AURKA using genetic knockdown or a small-molecule inhibitor, alisertib,
      reversed these molecular events, leading to a decrease in cancer cell survival in
      acquired and intrinsic resistant cell models. Mechanistic studies demonstrated
      that AURKA binds to and inactivates protein phosphatase 2A, a negative regulator
      of EIF4E, leading to phosphorylation and activation of EIF4E in an AKT-, ERK1/2-,
      and mTOR-independent manner. Data from tumor xenograft mouse models confirmed
      that everolimus-resistant cancer cells are sensitive to alisertib.Conclusions:
      Our results indicate that AURKA plays an important role in the activation of
      EIF4E and cap-dependent translation. Targeting the AURKA-EIF4E-c-MYC axis using
      alisertib is a novel therapeutic strategy that can be applicable for everolimus
      resistant tumors and/or subgroups of cancers that show overexpression of AURKA
      and activation of EIF4E and c-MYC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3756-68. (c)2017
      AACR.

PMID- 28073843
TI  - Active Estrogen Receptor-alpha Signaling in Ovarian Cancer Models and Clinical
      Specimens.
AB  - Purpose: High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is an aggressive disease with
      few available targeted therapies. Despite high expression of estrogen receptor
      alpha (ERalpha) in approximately 80% of HGSOC and some small but promising
      clinical trials of endocrine therapy, ERalpha has been understudied as a target
      in this disease. We sought to identify hormone-responsive, ERalpha-dependent
      HGSOC.Experimental Design: We characterized endocrine response in HGSOC cells
      across culture conditions [ two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D), forced
      suspension] and in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) explants, assessing
      proliferation and gene expression. Estrogen-regulated transcriptome data were
      overlapped with public datasets to develop a comprehensive panel of ERalpha
      target genes. Expression of this panel and ERalpha H-score were assessed in HGSOC
      samples from patients who received endocrine therapy. Time on endocrine therapy
      was used as a surrogate for clinical response.Results: Proliferation is ERalpha
      regulated in HGSOC cells in vitro and in vivo, and is partly dependent on 3D
      context. Transcriptomic studies identified genes shared by cell lines and PDX
      explants as ERalpha targets. The selective ERalpha downregulator (SERD)
      fulvestrant is more effective than tamoxifen in blocking ERalpha action. ERalpha
      H-score is predictive of efficacy of endocrine therapy, and this prediction is
      further improved by inclusion of target gene expression, particularly
      IGFBP3Conclusions: Laboratory models corroborate intertumor heterogeneity of
      endocrine response in HGSOC but identify features associated with functional
      ERalpha and endocrine responsiveness. Assessing ERalpha function (e.g., IGFBP3
      expression) in conjunction with H-score may help select patients who would
      benefit from endocrine therapy. Preclinical data suggest that SERDs might be more
      effective than tamoxifen. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3802-12. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28073842
TI  - Expression of CD14, IL10, and Tolerogenic Signature in Dendritic Cells Inversely
      Correlate with Clinical and Immunologic Response to TARP Vaccination in Prostate
      Cancer Patients.
AB  - Purpose: Despite the vast number of clinical trials conducted so far, dendritic
      cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines have mostly shown unsatisfactory results. Factors
      and manufacturing procedures essential for these therapeutics to induce effective
      antitumor immune responses have yet to be fully characterized. We here aimed to
      identify DC markers correlating with clinical and immunologic response in a
      prostate carcinoma vaccination regimen.Experimental Design: We performed an
      extensive characterization of DCs used to vaccinate 18 patients with prostate
      carcinoma enrolled in a pilot trial of T-cell receptor gamma alternate reading
      frame protein (TARP) peptide vaccination (NCT00908258). Peptide-pulsed DC
      preparations (114) manufactured were analyzed by gene expression profiling, cell
      surface marker expression and cytokine release secretion, and correlated with
      clinical and immunologic responses.Results: DCs showing lower expression of
      tolerogenic gene signature induced strong antigen-specific immune response and
      slowing in PSA velocity, a surrogate for clinical response. These DCs were also
      characterized by lower surface expression of CD14, secretion of IL10 and MCP-1,
      and greater secretion of MDC. When combined, these four factors were able to
      remarkably discriminate DCs that were sufficiently potent to induce strong
      immunologic response.Conclusions: DC factors essential for the activation of
      immune responses associated with TARP vaccination in prostate cancer patients
      were identified. This study highlights the importance of in-depth
      characterization of DC vaccines and other cellular therapies, to understand the
      critical factors that hinder potency and potential efficacy in patients. Clin
      Cancer Res; 23(13); 3352-64. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28073844
TI  - FDA Approval of Nivolumab for the First-Line Treatment of Patients with BRAFV600
      Wild-Type Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma.
AB  - On November 23, 2015, the FDA approved nivolumab (OPDIVO; Bristol-Myers Squibb)
      as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with BRAFV600 wild
      type, unresectable or metastatic melanoma. An international, double-blind,
      randomized (1:1) trial conducted outside of the United States allocated 418
      patients to receive nivolumab 3 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks (n = 210) or
      dacarbazine 1,000 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks (n = 208). Patients with
      disease progression who met protocol-specified criteria (~25% of each trial arm)
      were permitted to continue with the assigned treatment in a blinded fashion until
      further disease progression is documented. Overall survival was statistically
      significantly improved in the nivolumab arm compared with the dacarbazine arm
      [hazard ratio (HR), 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30-0.60; P < 0.0001].
      Progression-free survival was also statistically significantly improved in the
      nivolumab arm (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.34-0.56; P < 0.0001). The most common adverse
      reactions (>=20%) of nivolumab were fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, nausea,
      musculoskeletal pain, rash, and pruritus. Nivolumab demonstrated a favorable
      benefit-risk profile compared with dacarbazine, supporting regular approval;
      however, it remains unclear whether treatment beyond disease progression
      contributes to the overall clinical benefit of nivolumab. Clin Cancer Res;
      23(14); 3479-83. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28073845
TI  - Agreement between Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 Diagnostic Assays across
      Multiple Protein Expression Cutoffs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - Purpose: Immunotherapies targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and programmed
      cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) demonstrate encouraging antitumor activity and
      manageable tolerability in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in
      patients with high tumor PD-L1 expression, as detected by companion or
      complementary diagnostic assays developed for individual agents. A laboratory is
      unlikely to use multiple assay platforms. Furthermore, commercially available
      diagnostic assays are not standardized, and different assay methods could lead to
      inappropriate treatment selection. This study establishes the extent of
      concordance between three validated, commercially available PD-L1 IHC diagnostic
      assays for NSCLC patients [Ventana SP263 (durvalumab), Dako 22C3 (pembrolizumab),
      and Dako 28-8 (nivolumab)].Experimental Design: Five hundred formalin-fixed,
      paraffin-embedded archival NSCLC samples were obtained from commercial sources.
      Stained slides were read in batches on an assay-by-assay basis by a single
      pathologist trained in all methods, in a Clinical Laboratory Improvements
      Amendments program-certified laboratory. An additional pathologist performed an
      independent review of 200 stained samples for each assay.Results: PD-L1
      expression was evaluable with all assays in 493 samples. The three assays showed
      similar patterns of tumor membrane staining, with high correlation between
      percent PD-L1 staining. An overall percentage agreement of >90% was achieved
      between assays at multiple expression cutoffs, including 1%, 10%, 25%, and 50%
      tumor membrane staining.Conclusions: This study builds optimism that
      harmonization between assays may be possible, and that the three assays studied
      could potentially be used interchangeably to identify patients most likely to
      respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies, provided the appropriate clinically
      defined algorithm and agent are always linked. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3585-91.
      (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28073846
TI  - Extended Treatment with Single-Agent Ibrutinib at the 420 mg Dose Leads to
      Durable Responses in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma.
AB  - Purpose: Ibrutinib, a first-in-class, once-daily, oral inhibitor of Bruton
      tyrosine kinase, promotes apoptosis, and inhibits B-cell proliferation, adhesion,
      and migration. Ibrutinib has demonstrated single-agent efficacy and acceptable
      tolerability at doses of 420 and 840 mg in patients with chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who were treatment-naive (TN) or
      had relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL after >=1 prior therapy in a phase Ib/II study
      (PCYC-1102). Subsequently, the ibrutinib 420 mg dose was approved in
      CLL.Experimental Design: We report data with 44 months of follow-up on 94
      patients with TN and R/R CLL/SLL receiving ibrutinib 420 mg once-daily in PCYC
      1102 and the long-term extension study PCYC-1103.Results: Ninety-four CLL/SLL
      patients (27 TN, 67 R/R) were treated with ibrutinib (420 mg/day). Patients with
      R/R disease had received a median of four prior therapies (range, 1-12).
      Responses were rapid and durable and median duration of response was not reached.
      Best overall response was 91% [85% TN (complete response, CR 26%) and 94% R/R (9%
      CR)]. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached in either group. The
      30-month PFS rate was 96% and 76% for TN and R/R patients, respectively.
      Ibrutinib was well tolerated with extended follow-up; rates of grade >=3
      cytopenias and fatigue, as well as discontinuations due to toxicities decreased
      over time.Conclusions: Single-agent ibrutinib at 420 mg once-daily resulted in
      durable responses and was well tolerated with up to 44 months follow-up in
      patients with TN and R/R CLL/SLL. Currently, 66% of patients continue on
      ibrutinib. Clin Cancer Res; 23(5); 1149-55. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28073847
TI  - Identification of CCR2 and CD180 as Robust Pharmacodynamic Tumor and Blood
      Biomarkers for Clinical Use with BRD4/BET Inhibitors.
AB  - Purpose: AZD5153 is a novel BRD4/BET inhibitor with a distinctive bivalent
      bromodomain binding mode. To support its clinical development, we identified
      pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers for use in clinical trials to establish target
      engagement.Experimental Design: CCR2 and CD180 mRNAs, initially identified from
      whole transcriptome profiling, were further evaluated by quantitative PCR in
      hematologic cell lines, xenografts, and whole blood from rat, healthy volunteers,
      and patients with cancer. MYC and HEXIM1 mRNAs were also evaluated.Results: RNA
      sequencing data showed consistent decreases in CCR2/CD180 expression across
      multiple hematologic cell lines upon AZD5153 treatment. Evaluation of dose
      dependence in MV4,11 cells confirmed activity at clinically relevant
      concentrations. In vivo downregulation of CCR2/CD180 mRNAs (>80%) was
      demonstrated in MV4,11 and KMS-11 xenograft tumors at efficacious AZD5153 doses.
      Consistent with in vitro rat blood data, an in vivo rat study confirmed greater
      inhibition of CCR2/CD180 mRNA in whole blood versus MYC at an efficacious dose.
      Finally, in vitro treatment of whole blood from healthy volunteers and patients
      with cancer demonstrated, in contrast to MYC, almost complete downregulation of
      CCR2/CD180 at predicted clinically achievable concentrations.Conclusions: Our
      data strongly support the use of CCR2 and CD180 mRNAs as whole blood PD
      biomarkers for BRD4 inhibitors, especially in situations where paired tumor
      biopsies are unavailable. In addition, they can be used as tumor-based PD
      biomarkers for hematologic tumors. MYC mRNA is useful as a hematologic tumor
      based biomarker but suboptimal as a whole blood biomarker. Utility of HEXIM1 mRNA
      may be limited to higher concentrations. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 1025-35. (c)2017
      AACR.

PMID- 28073848
TI  - Cardiac and Noncardiac Causes of Long-Term Mortality in ST-Segment-Elevation
      Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with ST-segment-elevation acute myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention, long-term risks
      for cardiac and noncardiac death beyond acute phase of STEMI have not been
      thoroughly evaluated yet. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified 3942 STEMI patients
      who had primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 24 hours after onset
      between January 2005 and December 2007 in the CREDO-Kyoto AMI registry (Coronary
      Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome study in Kyoto Acute Myocardial
      Infarction) and evaluated their short-term (within 6-month) and long-term (beyond
      6-month) incidences and causes of deaths. The cumulative 5-year incidence of all
      cause death in the current study population was 20.4% (cardiac death, 12.2% and
      noncardiac death, 9.4%, respectively). The vast majority of deaths were cardiac
      in origin within 6-month (cardiac death, 8.0% and noncardiac death, 0.9%),
      whereas noncardiac death accounted for nearly two thirds of all-cause death
      beyond 6-month (cardiac death, 4.6% and noncardiac death, 8.5%). In the
      stratified analysis according to age, the proportion of noncardiac death was
      similar regardless of age although the absolute mortality rate was higher with
      increasing age. By the multivariable Cox regression models, the independent risk
      factors of all-cause death were advanced age, cardiogenic shock, renal
      dysfunction, large infarct size, and anterior wall infarction within 6 months
      after STEMI, and advanced age, previous heart failure, renal dysfunction, and
      liver cirrhosis beyond 6 months after STEMI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI
      patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention, the long-term
      risk for cardiac death was relatively low compared with that for noncardiac
      death, which accounted for nearly two thirds of all-cause death beyond 6 months.

PMID- 28073849
TI  - Caregivers of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Possible Impacts on
      Patients' Mortality and Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted
      Circulatory Support-Defined Morbidity Events.
AB  - BACKGROUND: How caregivers contribute to positive or negative outcomes for left
      ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients remains unclear. Our primary study
      objectives were to (1) identify caregiver support attributes through a
      retrospective chart review of social workers' psychosocial assessments for LVAD
      patients and (2) determine how these attributes associated with patients' post
      LVAD placement mortality and Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted
      Circulatory Support-defined morbidity events. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      retrospectively reviewed and recorded social workers' clinical assessments of
      adult patients implanted with durable continuous-flow LVADs as bridge to
      transplant, destination therapy, or bridge to decision from January 2010 to
      December 2014. Associations between caregiver characteristics and patient
      mortality and morbidity events were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox
      proportional hazards regression. Patient follow-up time was calculated as the
      time from hospital discharge until the earliest among death with LVAD,
      transplant, or the last day of the study (December 31, 2015). Patients were
      censored for death with LVAD at the time of transplant or the last day of the
      study. A total of 96 LVAD recipients were included in this study. Having a
      caregiver who understands the severity of the illness and options available to
      the patient (as determined and documented by the social worker; P=0.01), a
      caregiver who has identified a backup plan (P=0.02), and a caregiver who is able
      to provide logistical support (P=0.04) significantly mitigated risk of death. The
      risk of death for an LVAD patient was also significantly lower among those who
      have at least 1 adult child who lives within 50 miles (P=0.03) and those who have
      an extended family who can care for the patient (P=0.03). The risk of death was
      3.1* more likely among patients who live alone compared with those who do not
      live alone (P=0.04). No caregiver characteristics were significantly associated
      with morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory, hypothesis-generating study
      suggests that mortality after LVAD placement is impacted by caregiver
      understanding of patient severity of illness and caregiver presence. This study
      provides initial evidence to support further work in understanding the
      associations between caregivers and LVAD patients, as well as interventions that
      may improve patient outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02248974.

PMID- 28073850
TI  - Characterization of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Therapy Initiation in
      High-Risk Patients With Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure guidelines recommend routine monitoring of serum
      potassium, and renal function in patients treated with a mineralocorticoid
      receptor antagonist (MRA). How these recommendations are implemented in high-risk
      patients or according to setting of drug initiation is poorly characterized.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Medicare
      beneficiaries linked to laboratory data in 10 states with prevalent heart failure
      as of July 1, 2011, and incident MRA use between May 1 and September 30, 2011.
      Outcomes included laboratory testing before MRA initiation and in the early (days
      1-10) and extended (days 11-90) post-initiation periods, based on setting of drug
      initiation and the presence of renal insufficiency. Additional outcomes included
      abnormal laboratory results and adverse events proximate to MRA initiation. Of 10
      443 Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure started on an MRA, 19.7% were
      initiated during a hospitalization. Appropriate follow-up laboratory testing
      across all time periods occurred in 25.2% of patients with inpatient initiation
      compared with 2.8% of patients begun as an outpatient. Patients with chronic
      kidney disease had higher rates of both hyperkalemia and acute kidney failure in
      the early (1.3% and 2.7%, respectively) and extended (5.6% and 9.8%,
      respectively) post-initiation periods compared with those without chronic kidney
      disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patients initiated on MRA therapy as an outpatient had
      extremely poor rates of guideline indicated follow-up laboratory monitoring after
      drug initiation. In particular, patients with chronic kidney disease are at high
      risk for adverse events after MRA initiation. Quality improvement initiatives
      focused on systems to improve appropriate laboratory monitoring are needed.

PMID- 28073851
TI  - Increased Risk of Adverse Neurocognitive Outcomes With Proprotein Convertase
      Subtilisin-Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is encouraging evidence of the efficacy of proprotein
      convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors; however, their long-term
      safety remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of studies to evaluate the
      long-term safety of PCSK9 inhibitors. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our search strategy
      yielded 11 studies (9 smaller early-phase and 2 larger outcome trials). The
      outcomes assessed were cumulative serious adverse events, musculoskeletal adverse
      events, neurocognitive adverse events, and stroke. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated
      using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Subgroup analysis was done to assess the
      difference in safety between the smaller early-phase studies and the larger
      outcome studies. Our meta-analysis suggested no difference in the incidence of
      serious adverse events (OR, 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-1.15),
      musculoskeletal adverse events (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.87-1.13), neurocognitive
      adverse events (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.64-2.59), or stroke (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.57
      3.65) with the use of PCSK9 inhibitors. Subgroup analysis of the 2 large outcome
      studies did suggest an increased incidence of neurocognitive adverse events (OR,
      2.85; 95% CI, 1.34-6.06) with the use of PCSK9 inhibitors. However, the overall
      incidence of neurocognitive adverse events and stroke was <1%, whereas the
      cumulative incidence of serious adverse events and musculoskeletal events was
      >10% in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that PCSK9 inhibitors
      are not associated with an increased risk of cumulative severe adverse effects,
      musculoskeletal effects, or stroke. There is a signal toward adverse
      neurocognitive effects, seen in the outcome studies with a larger sample size and
      longer follow-up. There should be close monitoring, for the increased risk of
      neurocognitive events in the ongoing outcome studies and post-marketing
      surveillance.

PMID- 28073852
TI  - Heat Maps of Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, and Smoking in the Continental
      United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Geographic variations in cardiovascular mortality are substantial,
      but descriptions of geographic variations in major cardiovascular risk factors
      have relied on data aggregated to counties. Herein, we provide the first
      description of geographic variation in the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes
      mellitus, and smoking within and across US counties. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline risk factor measurements and
      latitude/longitude of participant residence collected from 2003 to 2007 in the
      REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke). Of the
      30 239 participants, all risk factor measurements and location data were
      available for 28 887 (96%). The mean (+/-SD) age of these participants was
      64.8(+/-9.4) years; 41% were black; 55% were female; 59% were hypertensive; 22%
      were diabetic; and 15% were current smokers. In logistic regression models
      stratified by race, the median(range) predicted prevalence of the risk factors
      were as follows: for hypertension, 49% (45%-58%) among whites and 72% (68%-78%)
      among blacks; for diabetes mellitus, 14% (10%-20%) among whites and 31% (28%-41%)
      among blacks; and for current smoking, 12% (7%-16%) among whites and 18% (11%
      22%) among blacks. Hypertension was most prevalent in the central Southeast among
      whites, but in the west Southeast among blacks. Diabetes mellitus was most
      prevalent in the west and central Southeast among whites but in south Florida
      among blacks. Current smoking was most prevalent in the west Southeast and
      Midwest among whites and in the north among blacks. CONCLUSIONS: Geographic
      disparities in prevalent hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking exist
      within states and within counties in the continental United States, and the
      patterns differ by race.

PMID- 28073853
TI  - Resuscitation of prolonged cardiac arrest from massive pulmonary embolism by
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
AB  - Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be used as a rescue strategy in
      cases of prolonged cardiac arrest caused by massive pulmonary embolism. We
      present a case of a male patient who was in prolonged cardiac arrest following
      massive pulmonary embolism. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was
      initiated approximately 93 min after prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
      After resuscitation, bedside echocardiography and a chest computed tomography
      angiogram revealed a massive pulmonary embolism during extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation support. The patient received transcatheter mechanical thrombectomy
      without haemodynamic instability in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.
      He was also treated with therapeutic hypothermia to improve neurological outcome.
      Renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury was continued for 36 days. The
      patient was discharged at 60 days after admission with no serious complications.
      This case demonstrates that veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and
      therapeutic hypothermia are an effective treatment strategy for prolonged cardiac
      arrest caused by massive pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 28073854
TI  - Reply to De Santo et al.

PMID- 28073855
TI  - The Politics of Framing Policy Solutions and Whether Policies Address Problems.

PMID- 28073857
TI  - First Newborn Baby to Receive Experimental Therapies Survives Ebola Virus
      Disease.
AB  - A neonate born to an Ebola virus-positive woman was diagnosed with Ebola virus
      infection on her first day of life. The patient was treated with monoclonal
      antibodies (ZMapp), a buffy coat transfusion from an Ebola survivor, and the
      broad-spectrum antiviral GS-5734. On day 20, a venous blood specimen tested
      negative for Ebola virus by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain
      reaction. The patient was discharged in good health on day 33 of life. Further
      follow-up consultations showed age-appropriate weight gain and neurodevelopment
      at the age of 12 months. This patient is the first neonate documented to have
      survived congenital infection with Ebola virus.

PMID- 28073860
TI  - Cardiac dysfunction and cognitive decline.

PMID- 28073859
TI  - Experimental Therapies for Ebola Virus Disease: What Have We Learned?

PMID- 28073858
TI  - Boosting Immune Responses Following Fractional-Dose Inactivated Poliovirus
      Vaccine: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.
AB  - Background: Fractional-dose administration of inactivated poliovirus vaccine
      (fIPV) could increase IPV affordability and stretch limited supplies. We assessed
      immune responses following fIPV administered intradermally, compared with full
      dose IPV administered intramuscularly, among adults with a history of oral
      poliovirus vaccine (OPV) receipt. Methods: We conducted a randomized, controlled
      noninferiority trial in Cuba. fIPV or IPV were administered on days 0 and 28;
      serum was collected on days 0, 7, 28, and 56 for analysis by a neutralization
      assay. The primary end point was seroconversion or a >=4-fold rise in antibody
      titer. The noninferiority limit was 10%. The secondary end point was safety,
      assessed by the number and intensity of adverse reactions. Results: A total of
      503 of 534 enrolled participants (94.2%) completed all study requirements. Twenty
      eight days after the first dose, 94.8%, 98.0%, and 98.0% of fIPV recipients had
      an immune response to poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3, respectively, compared with
      98.1% (P = .06), 98.0% (P = 1.00), and 99.2% (P = .45) in the IPV arm.
      Noninferiority was achieved on days 7, 28, and 56 for all serotypes. No serious
      adverse events were reported. Conclusion: fIPV induced similar boosting immune
      responses, compared with full-dose IPV. This suggests that fIPV would be an
      effective strategy to boost population immunity in an outbreak situation.
      Clinical Trials Registration: ACTRN12615000305527.

PMID- 28073861
TI  - The quest for a successful cell-based therapeutic approach for heart failure.

PMID- 28073862
TI  - Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair toward a surgical standard: first-in-man
      report of direct annuloplasty with a cardioband device to treat severe functional
      tricuspid regurgitation.

PMID- 28073863
TI  - Revisiting sex differences in outcomes in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a
      population-based cohort study.
AB  - Aims: In patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), it is uncertain
      whether the higher risk of ischaemic stroke in women reported in some studies is
      due to residual confounding. We assessed this association using standard time
      fixed and more accurate time-dependent adjustment for confounders. Methods and
      results: Using the computerized databases of the Regie de l'assurance maladie du
      Quebec (RAMQ), we identified a cohort of patients with NVAF during 2000-2009 and
      RAMQ medication coverage. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate
      the hazard ratio (HR) of ischaemic stroke, death, and bleeding, associated with
      sex, adjusting for time-fixed covariates at cohort entry. This was compared with
      adjustment for time-dependent covariates using an age and time-matched nested
      case-control analysis. The cohort included 147 622 patients. During a mean follow
      up of 2.9 years 11 326 patients had a stroke (incidence rate 2.6 per 100 per
      year). Using time-fixed adjustment for confounders, women had a moderately higher
      risk of ischaemic stroke than men (HR 1.16 (Confidence interval (CI) 95% 1.11
      1.21). Matching on age and using time-dependent adjustment for confounders, women
      were not at higher risk of stroke than men (Rate Ratio 1.01; 95% CI 0.97-1.05).
      Mortality and bleeding rates were lower in women compared with men in both
      analyses. Conclusion: In NVAF, women were not at higher risk of thromboembolic
      events than men in our study. The small increased risk reported in previous
      studies may be related to residual confounding, in particular from insufficient
      control for age.

PMID- 28073864
TI  - MitraClip improves mitral valve geometry in complex organic mitral regurgitation:
      insights from three-dimensional-echocardiography.

PMID- 28073865
TI  - Angiogenic gene therapy in cardiovascular diseases: dream or vision?
AB  - Chronic cardiovascular diseases are significant health problems. Although current
      treatment strategies have tremendously improved disease management, up to 30% of
      these patients cannot be successfully treated with current treatment approaches
      and new treatment strategies are clearly needed. Gene therapy and therapeutic
      vascular growth may provide a new treatment option for these patients. Several
      growth factors, like vascular endothelial growth factors, fibroblast growth
      factors and hepatocyte growth factor have been tested in clinical trials.
      However, apart from demonstration of increased vascularity, very few results with
      clinical significance have been obtained. Problems with gene transfer efficiency,
      short duration of transgene expression, selection of endpoints, and suboptimal
      patients for gene therapy have been recognized. Ongoing gene therapy trials have
      included improvements in study protocols, vector delivery and endpoints,
      addressing the identified problems. Better, targeted delivery systems and new,
      more optimal growth factors have been taken to clinical testing. Recent advances
      in these areas will be discussed and the concept of angiogenic therapy as a sole
      treatment is re-evaluated. A combination with regenerative therapies or standard
      revascularization operations might be needed to improve tissue function and
      clinical benefits.

PMID- 28073866
TI  - In simulation modelling, there are multiple ways to effectively screen for
      colorectal cancer.

PMID- 28073867
TI  - The Maimed Martian, credible intervals and bias against benefit.
AB  - A sad little story about a maimed Martian astronaut is used to illustrate a
      method of improving confidence interval (CI) calculations. CIs in medical
      statistics are currently calculated from the data available in a clinical trial
      or meta-analysis considered in isolation from all other information available on
      earth. Likewise, the Martian in the story uses only information available to it,
      in isolation from further information from earth. However, there is further
      objective knowledge available to people on earth to improve the Martian's
      estimate. In the same way, we have objective prior knowledge available to us
      outside of the current clinical trial results which we can use to improve CI
      calculations. This prior knowledge is incorporated into the CI calculations using
      Bayesian methods. The objective prior knowledge that is available is the fact
      that there were researchers who felt it worthwhile to conduct the trial and
      journal editors who felt it worthwhile publishing the results. It is shown here
      that the use of this information contracts the width of the log CI by a factor of
      about three quarters on average. Unlike standard CIs, these new intervals also
      have the advantage of being directly interpretable in terms of probabilities.
      These probabilities also enable calculation of improved point estimates. These
      calculations are applied to 100 randomly selected Cochrane systematic reviews and
      show serious problems in assessing medical treatments. For treatments not
      involving new drugs or devices, it is shown that there is evidence of a bias
      towards a negative assessment. The calculations here make a quantitative
      adjustment for publication bias. They show that the proportion of negative
      assessments do not reflect an appropriate adjustment for publication bias.

PMID- 28073868
TI  - Delayed diagnosis of fractured anterior arch of the atlas in a young child.
AB  - A 2-year-old girl fell off a bunk bed onto a parquet floor. She immediately
      reported neck pain and presented with muscle spasm and limited motion of the
      cervical spine (C-spine). Plain X-rays of the C-spine showed no osseous lesion.
      Owing to persisting pain and limited motion in the neck, MRI of the C-spine was
      obtained which revealed intact ligaments and cervical spinal cord, as well as
      soft tissue swelling in front of the anterior arch of the atlas. Subsequent CT of
      the C-spine confirmed a complete, undisplaced fracture of the anterior arch of
      the atlas (Gehweiler type I fracture). A Minerva cast was applied for 2 months,
      followed by a soft cervical collar. Persistent neck pain and limited range of
      motion of the neck after a fall may be indicative of atlas fracture that should
      be ruled out by CT.

PMID- 28073869
TI  - Pancreatic lymphoma complicating early stage chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has also been associated with many extrahepatic
      manifestations including the development of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
      Primary pancreatic lymphoma is very rare and comprises 2.2% of NHL and 4.9% of
      all pancreatic malignancies. Our patient was a woman with a history of infection
      with HCV found to have a mass in the head of the pancreas. Biopsy of the mass
      revealed a high-grade B-cell lymphoma consistent with Burkitt's lymphoma. Our
      case reflects a need to initiate antiviral therapy for all patients infected with
      HCV even in early stages of fibrosis to prevent cirrhosis and other extrahepatic
      manifestations of infection with HCV.

PMID- 28073870
TI  - Successful treatment of Takayasu arteritis with rituximab as a first-line
      immunosuppressant.
AB  - Takayasu arteritis is a rare large vessel vasculitis which has traditionally been
      treated with high-dose steroids. There have been a small number of publications
      where biological agents have been used to manage refractory cases. To the authors
      knowledge, there are no publications using biological agents in combination with
      steroids as a first-line treatment in Takayasu arteritis. In this publication, we
      document the case of Takayasu arteritis, in a 39-year-old woman, where rituximab
      was used in combination with steroids as a first-line agent in the setting of
      poorly controlled bipolar affective disorder.

PMID- 28073871
TI  - Benign cystic mediastinal teratoma presenting as a massive pleural effusion in a
      17-year-old boy.
AB  - Mediastinal teratomas are a rare, albeit an important differential diagnosis of
      anterior/middle mediastinal masses in young adults and various atypical
      presentations have been reported. The authors report a case of a 17-year-old boy
      who presented with a 2-month history of worsening shortness of breath and
      pleuritic chest pain. A massive left-sided pleural fluid collection was seen on a
      chest radiograph (CXR). The pleural fluid was drained and a CT Thorax confirmed
      the presence of a cystic mass. Following re-accumulation of the fluid,
      thoracotomy was performed and a benign mediastinal teratoma excised. The patient
      remained well with no evidence of recurrence on follow-up CXRs a year post
      operatively.

PMID- 28073872
TI  - Gambling disorder: a side effect of an off-label prescription of baclofen
      literature review.
AB  - The use of high-dose baclofen emerged in 2008 in the treatment of alcohol-use
      disorders. Its prescription is still off-label in France, but recent trials have
      suggested the interest of using high doses for alcohol dependence, so we have to
      deal with an increase in its use. However, we still have few data about the
      adverse effects of a high-dose baclofen prescription, especially in complex
      addictive disorders. We present a case of a 32-year-old man who sought treatment
      for gambling disorders (GDs). He had complex addictive disorders, including
      alcohol-use disorders and GDs. He developed a severe GD, after treatment with a
      high dose of baclofen. The maximum dose was 160 mg/day, prescribed for his
      alcohol-use disorders. According to the Naranjo algorithm, the score was +7, it
      enabled to conclude that problem of gambling was probably imputable to baclofen.
      We discuss this case with reference to literature.

PMID- 28073873
TI  - Recurrent angioedema associated with pharmacological inhibition of dipeptidyl
      peptidase IV.
AB  - Angioedema (AE) of the upper airways is a severe and potentially life-threatening
      condition. The incidence has been increasing in the past two decades, primarily
      due to increased use of medications inhibiting the degradation of vasoactive
      peptides. Acquired angioedema related to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
      (ACEI-AAE) is well known, but other pharmaceutical agents also affect the
      degradation of bradykinin and substance P. We present a middle-aged man with
      recurrent episodes of severe AE of the oral cavity, hypopharynx and larynx due to
      pharmacological inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

PMID- 28073874
TI  - Successful pregnancy following treatment of recurrent chronic histiocytic
      intervillositis.
AB  - Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) is a rare placental lesion associated
      with adverse obstetric outcomes and high recurrence rate. We report a case of six
      consecutive pregnancies in one woman, where CHI was detected following an
      intrauterine death in the fifth pregnancy, after being missed in four earlier
      losses. The successful sixth pregnancy was treated with a combination of
      immunosuppressive and antithrombotic agents. While low-molecular-weight heparin
      (LMWH) and aspirin had been shown to improve pregnancy outcome in recurrent
      pregnancy loss, there was limited evidence of improved outcome in CHI. It has
      been suggested that CHI may result from a maternal immunological process and
      there have been a few reports of the use of corticosteroids because of this
      possibility, though without convincing evidence of efficacy. We too tried a
      corticosteroid, in combination with LMWH and aspirin. Comparative
      histopathological analysis of the placentae supported post-treatment
      effectiveness of our intervention strategy.

PMID- 28073875
TI  - Unexpected complication after radical (inguinal) orchidectomy: trans-sphincteric
      anoscrotal fistula.
AB  - Anoscrotal fistula is an extremely rare condition involving an epithelialised
      tract between the anal canal and scrotal wall. It is more commonly seen as a
      congenital phenomenon in the paediatric population, and has not previously been
      described in the literature in adults. We present the case of a man aged 52 years
      who developed a complex anoscrotal fistula after a radical inguinal orchidectomy
      for an intratesticular seminoma. A postsurgical wound-site infection developed
      into a chronically discharging wound refractory to antibiotic treatment prompting
      further investigation. By way of MRI, a 10 cm long trans-sphincteric anoscrotal
      fistula was found. The patient was successfully treated by fistuloscopic
      curettage, internal closure using an Ovesco clip, and negative pressure dressing.
      We present for the first time a rare anoscrotal fistula in an adult.

PMID- 28073876
TI  - Radial artery pseudoaneurysm: rare complication of a frequent procedure.

PMID- 28073877
TI  - Pacemaker pocket infection due to Mycobacterium goodii, a rapidly growing
      mycobacteria.
AB  - A woman aged 74 years with an implanted dual-chamber pacemaker presented with
      pacemaker site infection after failing empiric antimicrobial therapy. The
      pathogen was later identified as Mycobacterium goodii, a rapidly growing
      mycobacteria species. The pacemaker was subsequently removed and the patient was
      treated with oral ciprofloxacin and doxycycline with clinical improvement. In
      this article, we describe a rare case of pacemaker site infection by M. goodii.

PMID- 28073878
TI  - Foamy gland variant of adenocarcinoma of prostate: a rare pathological variant.

PMID- 28073879
TI  - Superficial temporal artery haemorrhage caused by neurophysiological monitoring:
      a unique MRI finding.

PMID- 28073880
TI  - Healing of pathological fracture in a case of multiple myeloma.

PMID- 28073881
TI  - Combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion in lupus.

PMID- 28073882
TI  - The role of superior vena cava in catheter ablation of long-standing persistent
      atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Aims: The superior vena cava (SVC) has been established as an important source of
      atrial fibrillation (AF). The role of SVC in long-standing persistent AF and the
      efficacy of empiric electrical isolation of the SVC are still unclear. The
      purpose of this study was to judge the role of SVC in catheter ablation of long
      standing persistent AF. Methods and results: A total of 102 consecutive patients
      with long-standing persistent AF were enrolled. All patients underwent
      circumferential pulmonary vein isolation, complex fractionated atrial
      electrograms ablation, and linear ablation during the index procedure. Superior
      vena cava-triggered AF and an SVC associated with the maintenance of AF were
      evaluated by mapping catheters during the procedure. The arrhythmogenicity of the
      SVC was confirmed in only 1 of the patients (0.98%). At the end of 12 months
      follow-up, the arrhythmia-free survival rate after a single procedure was 43.1%.
      After the last procedure (mean 1.47 +/- 0.58 procedures), sinus rhythm was
      maintained in 71 (69.6%) patients, 63 of whom without antiarrhythmic drugs. The
      patients in AF recurrence group had higher rates of right atrium enlargement (71
      vs. 34%, P = 0.03), >=2 procedures (65 vs. 34%, P < 0.05), longer AF duration (84
      +/- 46 vs. 45 +/- 34 months, P < 0.05), and larger left atrium diameter (50 +/- 5
      vs. 45 +/- 6 mm, P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, left atrium diameter
      and AF duration were independent predictors of AF recurrence. Conclusion: The
      arrhythmogenic SVC is rarely detected in patients with long-standing persistent
      AF. Empiric SVC electrical isolation in the stepwise approach of long-standing
      persistent AF seems unnecessary.

PMID- 28073883
TI  - Infective endocarditis and risk of death after cardiac implantable electronic
      device implantation: a nationwide cohort study.
AB  - Aims: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of infective
      endocarditis (IE) following implantation of a first-time, permanent, cardiac
      implantable electronic device (CIED). Methods and results : From Danish
      nationwide administrative registers (beginning in 1996), we identified all de
      novo permanent pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators
      (ICDs) together with the occurrence of post-implantation IE-events in the period
      from 2000-2012. Included were 43 048 first-time PM/ICD recipients. Total follow
      up time was 168 343 person-years (PYs). The incidence rate (per 1000 PYs) of IE
      in PM was 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-2.6) for single chamber devices
      and 6.2 (95% CI: 4.5-8.7) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT); similarly,
      the rate of IE in ICD was 3.7 (95% CI: 2.9-4.7) in single chamber devices and 6.3
      (95% CI: 4.4-9.0) in CRT. In multivariable analysis, increased PM complexity
      served as independent risk factor for IE {dual chamber PM [hazard ratio (HR)
      1.39; 95% CI: 1.07-1.80] and CRT [HR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.20-2.84]}. During follow
      up, generator replacement (HR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.87-4.17) and lead revision (HR:
      4.33; 95% CI: 3.25-5.78) in PMs were associated with increased risk.
      Corresponding estimates in ICDs were 2.49 (95% CI: 1.28-4.86) and 6.58 (95% CI:
      4.49-9.63). Risk of death after IE was significantly increased in PM and ICD with
      HRs of 1.56 (95% CI: 1.33-1.82) and 2.63 (95% CI: 2.00-3.48), respectively.
      Conclusion: The risk of IE increased with increasing PM complexity. Other
      important risk factors were subsequent generator replacement and lead revision.
      IE was associated with an increased risk of mortality in the area of CIED.

PMID- 28073884
TI  - Pacemaker-detected severe sleep apnea predicts new-onset atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Aims: Sleep apnea (SA) diagnosed on overnight polysomnography is a risk factor
      for atrial fibrillation (AF). Advanced pacemakers are now able to monitor
      intrathoracic impedance for automatic detection of SA events. Methods 
and
      results: We enrolled 160 consecutive recipients of a dual-chamber pacemaker
      endowed with the ApneaScan algorithm (Boston Scientific). If the pacemaker
      measured Respiratory Disturbance Index was >=30 episodes per hour for at least
      one night during the first week after implantation, SA was defined as severe.
      Patients were considered to have experienced AF episodes if the device detected a
      cumulative AF burden >=6 h in a day. Sixteen patients in AF at the time of
      implantation were excluded from our analysis. During follow-up, AF burden >=6
      h/day was documented in 35 (24%) of the patients included in the analysis and in
      12 (13%) of the 96 patients with no history of AF. Severe SA was detected in 89
      patients during the first week after implantation; 58 of these had no history of
      AF. Severe SA at the baseline was associated with a higher risk of AF both in the
      whole population (log-rank test, hazard ratio: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.21-4.66; P =
      0.025) and among patients with no previous history of AF (log-rank test, hazard
      ratio: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.10-7.10; P = 0.047). Moreover, severe SA at the time of
      follow-up device interrogation predicted AF occurrence within the next 3 months
      (log-rank test, hazard ration: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.11-4.08; P = 0.036). Conclusions:
      In pacemaker patients, device-diagnosed severe SA was independently associated
      with a higher risk of AF (>=6 h/day) and new-onset AF. In particular, severe SA
      on follow-up data review identified patients who were ~2-fold more likely to
      experience an AF episode in the next 3 months.

PMID- 28073885
TI  - Reduction of atrial fibrillation burden by pulmonary vein isolation leads to a
      decrease of CD11b expression on inflammatory cells.
AB  - Aims: It is hypothesized that inflammation could promote structural and
      electrical remodelling processes in atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial infiltration
      of monocytes and granulocytes has been shown to be dependent on CD11b expression.
      The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment of AF by pulmonary
      vein isolation (PVI) may lead to reduced inflammation, as indicated by a decrease
      of CD11b expression on monocytes and granulocytes. Methods  and results: Flow
      cytometric quantification analysis and determination of systemic inflammatory
      markers of peripheral blood were performed in 75 patients undergoing PVI 1 day
      before and 6 months after PVI. The extent of activation of monocytes and
      granulocytes was measured by quantifying the cell adhesion molecule CD11b. The
      mean expression of CD11b on monocytes (20.9 +/- 2.5 vs. 10.2 +/- 1.4; P < 0.001)
      and granulocytes (13.9 +/- 1.6 vs. 6.8 +/- 0.5; P < 0.001), as well as the
      relative count of CD11b-positive monocytes (P < 0.05) and CD11b-positive
      granulocytes (P < 0.01) were significantly reduced when comparing the identical
      patients before and 6 months after PVI. Systemic inflammatory parameters showed
      only a declining tendency after 6 months. Patients with unsuccessful PVI and
      ongoing AF on the day of follow-up showed no decrease in CD11b expression.
      Conclusions: A significant reduction of CD11b expression on monocytes and
      granulocytes, as a sign of reduced cellular inflammation, was achieved by
      treatment of AF using PVI. These data strongly support that AF is not only a
      consequence of but also a cause for inflammatory processes, which, in turn, may
      contribute to atrial remodelling.

PMID- 28073886
TI  - Endocardial left ventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization: systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Aims: Endocardial left ventricular (LV) pacing for Cardiac Resynchronization
      Therapy has been proposed as an alternative to conventional LV lead placement via
      the coronary sinus. In order to assess the relative benefits and risks of this
      technique, we have performed a meta-analysis of published reports. Methods and
      results: A systemic search was performed using online databases to identify
      studies of lead-based endocardial pacing. A random-effects meta-analysis was
      performed, to assess the rate of complications and clinical response (defined as
      >=1 decrease in NYHA class). We selected 23 studies, including 384 patients. The
      trans-atrial septal technique was used in 20 studies, 1 used the trans
      ventricular apical technique, and 2 used the trans-ventricular septal technique.
      Mean age was 66 years, male 66%, EF 26%, NYHA class 3.0. Procedural success rates
      were over 95% in all studies. Clinical response was reported by 16 studies for
      262 patients, giving a response estimate of 82% (95% CI 71-89%). There was
      significant heterogeneity, and response in the only large study was 59%.
      Thromboembolic (TE) complications were reported by all studies, over 22 +/-32
      months follow up. The rate of stroke was 2.5 events per 100 patient years (95% CI
      1.5-4.3), and TIA 2.6 (1.1-6.1). The mortality rate was 4.5 (1.5-13.6) per 100
      patient years. Conclusion: LV endocardial pacing appears to be a viable technique
      when conventional lead placement is not possible. Response rates were
      heterogeneous but comparable with conventional CRT. There is likely to be a small
      increase over expected rates of stroke, although included patients were high
      risk.

PMID- 28073887
TI  - Perioperative predictors of permanent pacing and long-term dependence following
      tricuspid valve surgery: a multicentre analysis.
AB  - Aims: Permanent pacemaker placement (PPM) is often required after valvular
      surgery and is especially common following tricuspid valve surgery [tricuspid
      valve repair or replacement (TVR)]. Literature suggests that surgical
      intervention for isolated tricuspid valve disease is becoming more prevalent.
      Predictors of PPM dependency following TVR are currently unknown and would be
      clinically useful from a prognostication standpoint. Methods and results: We
      conducted a multicentre, retrospective study to assess perioperative factors of
      TVR that predispose to PPM placement and long-term PPM dependency from 2008 to
      2014. Regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of PPM
      implantation. A total of 237 patients (age 66 +/- 15 years, 29% male) were
      studied, and the incidence of PPM placement following TVR was 27% (65/237). No
      significant differences were observed between those who received PPM and those
      who did not in age (P = 0.092), gender (P = 0.359), and co-morbidities.
      Regression analysis identified cross-clamp time >60 min (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.3-12.9,
      P = 0.015) and concomitant mitral valve surgery (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2-12.2, P =
      0.026) as independent risk factors for PPM following TVR. Long-term PPM
      dependency data were only available in 28 patients who received PPM with 14 of
      these patients developing long-term dependence. The only statistically
      significant difference noted was an increased frequency of coronary artery
      disease in the long-term dependent group vs. the non-dependent group (64% vs.
      14%, P = 0.018). Conclusion: Cross-clamp time >60 min and concomitant mitral
      valve surgery were independent predictors of PPM implantation following TVR. Long
      term PPM dependency is more prevalent after TVR than other types of valvular
      surgery.

PMID- 28073888
TI  - Selective targeting of lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) suppresses hepatic fibrosis
      progression and accelerates its reversal.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: We studied the role of lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) in collagen
      crosslinking and hepatic progenitor cell (HPC) differentiation, and the
      therapeutic efficacy of a LOXL2-blocking monoclonal antibody on liver fibrosis
      progression/reversal in mice. METHODS: Anti-LOXL2 antibody, control antilysyl
      oxidase antibody or placebo was administered during thioacetamide (TAA)-induced
      fibrosis progression or during recovery. Therapeutic efficacy in biliary fibrosis
      was tested in BALB/c.Mdr2-/- and 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)
      fed mice. Collagen crosslinking, fibrosis progression and reversal were assessed
      histologically and biochemically. HPC differentiation was studied in primary
      EpCAM(+) liver cells in vitro. RESULTS: LOXL2 was virtually absent from healthy
      but strongly induced in fibrotic liver, with predominant localisation within
      fibrotic septa. Delayed anti-LOXL2 treatment of active TAA fibrosis significantly
      reduced collagen crosslinking and histological signs of bridging fibrosis, with a
      53% reduction in morphometric collagen deposition. In established TAA fibrosis,
      LOXL2 inhibition promoted fibrosis reversal, with enhanced splitting and thinning
      of fibrotic septa, and a 45% decrease in collagen area at 4 weeks of recovery. In
      the Mdr2-/- and DDC-induced models of biliary fibrosis, anti-LOXL2 antibody
      similarly achieved significant antifibrotic efficacy and suppressed the ductular
      reaction, while hepatocyte replication increased. Blocking LOXL2 had a profound
      direct effect on primary EpCAM(+) HPC behaviour in vitro, promoting their
      differentiation towards hepatocytes, while inhibiting ductal cell lineage
      commitment. CONCLUSIONS: LOXL2 mediates collagen crosslinking and fibrotic matrix
      stabilisation during liver fibrosis, and independently promotes fibrogenic HPC
      differentiation. By blocking these two convergent profibrotic pathways,
      therapeutic LOXL2 inhibition attenuates both parenchymal and biliary fibrosis and
      promotes fibrosis reversal.

PMID- 28073889
TI  - Toward chronic hepatitis C eradication in HIV-positive patients, including those
      cirrhotic and infected with genotype 3 viruses.

PMID- 28073891
TI  - Vedolizumab safety in pregnancy and newborn outcomes.

PMID- 28073890
TI  - Pancreatic cancer cell lines as patient-derived avatars: genetic characterisation
      and functional utility.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a therapy recalcitrant
      disease with the worst survival rate of common solid tumours. Preclinical models
      that accurately reflect the genetic and biological diversity of PDAC will be
      important for delineating features of tumour biology and therapeutic
      vulnerabilities. DESIGN: 27 primary PDAC tumours were employed for genetic
      analysis and development of tumour models. Tumour tissue was used for derivation
      of xenografts and cell lines. Exome sequencing was performed on the originating
      tumour and developed models. RNA sequencing, histological and functional analyses
      were employed to determine the relationship of the patient-derived models to
      clinical presentation of PDAC. RESULTS: The cohort employed captured the genetic
      diversity of PDAC. From most cases, both cell lines and xenograft models were
      developed. Exome sequencing confirmed preservation of the primary tumour
      mutations in developed cell lines, which remained stable with extended passaging.
      The level of genetic conservation in the cell lines was comparable to that
      observed with patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Unlike historically
      established PDAC cancer cell lines, patient-derived models recapitulated the
      histological architecture of the primary tumour and exhibited metastatic spread
      similar to that observed clinically. Detailed genetic analyses of tumours and
      derived models revealed features of ex vivo evolution and the clonal architecture
      of PDAC. Functional analysis was used to elucidate therapeutic vulnerabilities of
      relevance to treatment of PDAC. CONCLUSIONS: These data illustrate that with the
      appropriate methods it is possible to develop cell lines that maintain genetic
      features of PDAC. Such models serve as important substrates for analysing the
      significance of genetic variants and create a unique biorepository of annotated
      cell lines and xenografts that were established simultaneously from same primary
      tumour. These models can be used to infer genetic and empirically determined
      therapeutic sensitivities that would be germane to the patient.

PMID- 28073892
TI  - Socioeconomic and ethnic inequities within organised colorectal cancer screening
      programmes worldwide.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes can reduce CRC mortality.
      However, the implementation of a screening programme may create or exacerbate
      socioeconomic and ethnic health inequities if participation varies by subgroup.
      We determined which organised programmes characterise participation inequities by
      socioeconomic and ethnic subgroups, and assessed the variation in subgroup
      participation among programmes collecting group-specific data. DESIGN: Employing
      a literature review and survey among leaders of national or regional screening
      programmes, this study identified published and unpublished data on participation
      by socioeconomic status and ethnicity. We assessed programmes offering faecal
      occult blood tests (FOBT) for screening. Primary outcome was screening
      participation rate. RESULTS: Across 24 organised FOBT-screening programmes
      meeting the inclusion criteria, participation rates ranged from 21% to 73%. Most
      programmes (13/24, 54%) did not collect data on participation by socioeconomic
      status and ethnicity. Among the 11 programmes with data on participation by
      socioeconomic status, 90% (28/31 publications) reported lower participation among
      lower socioeconomic groups. Differences across socioeconomic gradients were
      moderate (66% vs 71%) to severe (35% vs 61%). Only six programmes reported
      participation results by ethnicity. Ethnic differences were moderate, though only
      limited data were available for evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Across organised CRC
      screening programmes worldwide, variation in participation by socioeconomic
      status and ethnicity is often not assessed. However, when measured, marked
      disparities in participation by socioeconomic status have been observed. Limited
      data were available to assess inequities by ethnicity. To avoid exacerbating
      health inequities, screening programmes should systematically monitor
      participation by socioeconomic status and ethnicity, and investigate and address
      determinants of low participation.

PMID- 28073893
TI  - The caecal mucus sign.

PMID- 28073894
TI  - Patient Consent and the Commercialization of Lab Data.

PMID- 28073895
TI  - Evaluation of Genotypic and Phenotypic Methods to Detect Carbapenemase Production
      in Gram-Negative Bacilli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacteria (CP-GNB) are an urgent
      and expanding public health threat. Rapid and accurate identification of these
      organisms facilitates infection prevention efforts in healthcare facilities. The
      objective of our study was to evaluate methods to detect and identify CP-GNB.
      METHODS: We examined 189 carbapenem-resistant GNB(CR-GNB), including
      Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii complex,
      using 3 different methods: 2 methods to screen isolates of GNB for carbapenemase
      production [the carbapenem inactivation method (CIM) and 2 chromogenic agars] and
      a molecular method (Cepheid GeneXpert Carba-R) to identify the mechanism of
      carbapenem resistance and the associated resistance genes (blaKPC, blaNDM,
      blaIMP, blaOXA-48-like, and blaVIM). RESULTS: The CIM was a simple and
      inexpensive phenotypic screen to differentiate between CR-GNB and CP-GNB, with
      improved analytical performance characteristics and inter-reader correlation
      compared to the modified Hodge test. Both chromogenic agars evaluated (HardyCHROM
      CRE and chromID CARBA) were able to support growth of most of the organisms
      tested, including isolates possessing the blaOXA-48-like gene. However, these
      media had a low analytical specificity for carbapenemase production, with
      breakthrough of CR-GNB that did not produce a carbapenemase. The Xpert Carba-R
      assay was rapid and easy to perform, and demonstrated 100% positive and negative
      agreement for characterization of genetic determinants of carbapenem resistance.
      CONCLUSIONS: Screening by CIM followed by the Xpert Carba-R PCR is an accurate
      method for detecting and characterizing CP-GNB, including Enterobacteriaceae, P.
      aeruginosa, and A. baumannii complex.

PMID- 28073896
TI  - Patient-Specific Circulating Tumor DNA Detection during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
      in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In nonmetastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, we
      investigated whether circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection can reflect the
      tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and detect minimal residual
      disease after surgery. METHODS: Ten milliliters of plasma were collected at 4
      time points: before NCT; after 1 cycle; before surgery; after surgery. Customized
      droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays were used to track tumor protein p53 (TP53)
      mutations previously characterized in tumor tissue by massively parallel
      sequencing (MPS). RESULTS: Forty-six patients with nonmetastatic TNBC were
      enrolled. TP53 mutations were identified in 40 of them. Customized ddPCR probes
      were validated for 38 patients, with excellent correlation with MPS (r = 0.99),
      specificity (>=2 droplets/assay), and sensitivity (at least 0.1%). At baseline,
      ctDNA was detected in 27/36 patients (75%). Its detection was associated with
      mitotic index (P = 0.003), tumor grade (P = 0.003), and stage (P = 0.03). During
      treatment, we observed a drop of ctDNA levels in all patients but 1. No patient
      had detectable ctDNA after surgery. The patient with rising ctDNA levels
      experienced tumor progression during NCT. Pathological complete response (16/38
      patients) was not correlated with ctDNA detection at any time point. ctDNA
      positivity after 1 cycle of NCT was correlated with shorter disease-free (P <
      0.001) and overall (P = 0.006) survival. CONCLUSIONS: Customized ctDNA detection
      by ddPCR achieved a 75% detection rate at baseline. During NCT, ctDNA levels
      decreased quickly and minimal residual disease was not detected after surgery.
      However, a slow decrease of ctDNA level during NCT was strongly associated with
      shorter survival.

PMID- 28073897
TI  - Identification of ALK, ROS1, and RET Fusions by a Multiplexed mRNA-Based Assay in
      Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Samples from Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung
      Cancer Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK), ROS proto
      oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1), and ret proto-oncogene (RET) fusions
      are present in 5%-7% of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC); their accurate identification is critical to guide targeted therapies.
      FISH and immunohistochemistry (IHC) are considered the gold standards to
      determine gene fusions, but they have limitations. The nCounter platform is a
      potentially useful genomic tool for multiplexed detection of gene fusions, but
      has not been validated in the clinical setting. METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin
      embedded (FFPE) samples from 108 patients with advanced NSCLC were analyzed with
      an nCounter-based assay and the results compared with FISH, IHC, and reverse
      transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Data on response to fusion kinase inhibitors was
      retrospectively collected in a subset of 29 patients. RESULTS: Of 108 FFPE
      samples, 98 were successfully analyzed by nCounter (91%), which identified 55
      fusion-positive cases (32 ALK, 21 ROS1, and 2 RET). nCounter results were highly
      concordant with IHC for ALK (98.5%, CI = 91.8-99.7), while 11 discrepancies were
      found compared with FISH (87.5% concordance, CI = 79.0-92.9). For ROS1, nCounter
      showed similar agreement with IHC and FISH (87.2% and 85.9%), but a substantial
      number of samples were positive only by 1 or 2 techniques. Of the 25 patients
      deriving clinical benefit from fusion kinase inhibitors, 24 were positive by
      nCounter and 22 by FISH. CONCLUSIONS: nCounter compares favorably with IHC and
      FISH and can be used for identifying patients with advanced NSCLC positive for
      ALK/ROS1/RET fusion genes.

PMID- 28073899
TI  - Paper-Based MicroRNA Expression Profiling from Plasma and Circulating Tumor
      Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) holds
      great promise for monitoring metastatic progression and characterizing metastatic
      disease. However, leukocyte and red blood cell contamination of routinely
      isolated CTCs makes CTC-specific molecular characterization extremely
      challenging. METHODS: Here we report the use of a paper-based medium for
      efficient extraction of microRNAs (miRNAs) from limited amounts of biological
      samples such as rare CTCs harvested from cancer patient blood. Specifically, we
      devised a workflow involving the use of Flinders Technology Associates (FTA)(r)
      Elute Card with a digital PCR-inspired "partitioning" method to extract and
      purify miRNAs from plasma and CTCs. RESULTS: We demonstrated the sensitivity of
      this method to detect miRNA expression from as few as 3 cancer cells spiked into
      human blood. Using this method, background miRNA expression was excluded from
      contaminating blood cells, and CTC-specific miRNA expression profiles were
      derived from breast and colorectal cancer patients. Plasma separated out during
      purification of CTCs could likewise be processed using the same paper-based
      method for miRNA detection, thereby maximizing the amount of patient-specific
      information that can be derived from a single blood draw. CONCLUSIONS: Overall,
      this paper-based extraction method enables an efficient, cost-effective workflow
      for maximized recovery of small RNAs from limited biological samples for
      downstream molecular analyses.

PMID- 28073898
TI  - Two-Stage Isothermal Enzymatic Amplification for Concurrent Multiplex Molecular
      Detection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The wide array of pathogens responsible for infectious diseases makes
      it difficult to identify causative pathogens with single-plex tests. Although
      multiplex PCR detects multiple targets, it is restricted to centralized
      laboratories, which delays test results or makes multiplexing unavailable,
      depriving healthcare providers of critical, real-time information. METHODS: To
      address the need for point-of-care (POC) highly multiplexed tests, we propose the
      2-stage, nested-like, rapid (<40 min) isothermal amplification assay, dubbed
      rapid amplification (RAMP). RAMP's first-stage uses outer loop-mediated
      isothermal amplification (LAMP) primers to amplify all targets with recombinase
      polymerase amplification (RPA). First-stage amplicons are aliquoted to second
      stage reactors, each specialized for a specific target, to undergo LAMP. The
      assay is implemented in a microfluidic chip. LAMP amplicons are detected in situ
      with colorimetric dye or with a fluorescent dye and a smartphone. RESULTS: In
      experiments on a benchtop and in a microfluidic format, RAMP demonstrated high
      level of multiplexing (>=16); high sensitivity (i.e., 1 plaque-forming unit of
      Zika virus) and specificity (no false positives or negatives); speed (<40 min);
      ease of use; and ability to cope with minimally processed samples. CONCLUSIONS:
      RAMP is a hybrid, 2-stage, rapid, and highly sensitive and specific assay with
      extensive multiplexing capabilities, combining the advantages of RPA and LAMP,
      while circumventing their respective shortcomings. RAMP can be used in the lab,
      but one of its distinct advantages is amenability to simple implementation in a
      microfluidic format for use at the POC, providing healthcare personnel with an
      inexpensive, highly sensitive tool to detect multiple pathogens in a single
      sample, on site.

PMID- 28073900
TI  - The Longer, the Better? An Empirical Study of the Extent and Mechanisms of
      Attenuating Biomarker Associations in Cardiovascular Patient Cohorts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying novel risk markers in cardiovascular patients remains a
      research priority. Longer follow-up generally is considered favorable in such
      studies, but associations of interest may become attenuated with increasing
      follow-up. This issue has not been adequately addressed in the context of patient
      cohorts. The current study analyzed the extent and mechanisms of attenuating
      associations in a cardiovascular patient cohort. METHODS: The associations of
      numerous biomarkers with all-cause mortality were estimated by multiple Cox
      regression in the Langzeiterfolge der KARdiOLogischen Anschlussheilbehandlung
      (KAROLA) prospective cohort study of 1204 patients who had participated in an
      inpatient rehabilitation program after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or
      coronary bypass operation. Hazard ratios were estimated based on the entire
      follow-up period (13 years), and after truncation at previous follow-up times (3,
      4.5, 6, 8, 10 years). RESULTS: For the majority of markers, a clear and sometimes
      very pronounced attenuation of the hazard ratios could be observed with
      increasing follow-up duration. Differential attrition generally was not a
      sufficient explanation for this phenomenon, whereas further analyses suggested a
      role for reverse causality for some of the markers. Power analyses showed that
      the relationship of follow-up duration and statistical power can be
      counterintuitive in the presence of realistic amounts of attenuation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The attenuation of estimates of association in patient cohorts is a
      much more substantial and complex issue than currently appreciated. This has
      important implications for the design and interpretation of prognostic, as well
      as etiologic, studies which may be particularly relevant in the case of patient
      cohorts defined by an initial acute event.

PMID- 28073901
TI  - Cardiac Troponin T: Smaller Molecules in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
      than after Onset of Acute Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have found previously that in acute myocardial infarction (AMI),
      cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is degraded in a time-dependent pattern. We
      investigated whether cTnT forms differed in patients with chronic cTnT increases,
      as seen with renal dysfunction, from those in the acute phase of myocardial
      infarction. METHODS: We separated cTnT forms by gel filtration chromatography
      (GFC) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients: prehemodialysis (pre-HD) and
      post-HD (n = 10) and 2 months follow-up (n = 6). Purified (cTnT) standards,
      quality control materials of the clinical cTnT immunoassay (Roche), and AMI
      patients' sera also were analyzed. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting were
      performed with the original cTnT antibodies from the clinical assay and
      antibodies against the N- and C-terminal end of cTnT. RESULTS: GFC analysis
      revealed the retention of purified cTnT at 27.5 mL, identical to that for cTnT in
      quality controls. For all ESRD patients, one cTnT peak was found at 45 mL, pre-
      and post-HD, and stable over time. Western blotting illustrated that this peak
      corresponded to cTnT fragments <18 kDa missing the N- and C-terminal ends. AMI
      patients' sera revealed cTnT peaks at 27.5 and 45 mL, respectively, corresponding
      to N-terminal truncated cTnT of 29 kDa and N- and C-terminal truncated fragments
      of <18 kDa, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We found that cTnT forms in ESRD patients
      are small (<18 kDa) and different from forms seen in AMI patients. These insights
      may prove useful for development of a more specific cTnT immunoassay, especially
      for the acute and diagnostic phase of myocardial infarction.

PMID- 28073902
TI  - State of Harmonization of 24 Serum Albumin Measurement Procedures and
      Implications for Medical Decisions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurements of serum and plasma albumin are widely used in medicine,
      including as indicators of quality of patient care in renal dialysis centers.
      METHODS: Pools were prepared from residual patient serum (n = 50) and heparin
      plasma (n = 48) from patients without renal disease, and serum from patients with
      kidney failure before hemodialysis (n = 53). Albumin was measured in all samples
      and in ERM-DA470k/IFCC reference material (RM) by 3 immunochemical, 9 bromcresol
      green (BCG), and 12 bromcresol purple (BCP) methods. RESULTS: Two of 3
      immunochemical procedures, 5 of 9 BCG, and 10 of 12 BCP methods recovered the RM
      value within its uncertainty. One immunochemical and 3 BCG methods were biased vs
      the RM value. Random error components were small for all measurement procedures.
      The Tina-quant immunochemical method was chosen as the reference measurement
      procedure based on recovery and results of error analyses. Mean biases for BCG vs
      Tina-quant were 1.5% to 13.9% and were larger at lower albumin concentrations.
      BCP methods' mean biases were -5.4% to 1.2% irrespective of albumin
      concentration. Biases for plasma samples were generally higher than for serum
      samples for all method types. For most measurement procedures, biases were lower
      for serum from patients on hemodialysis vs patients without kidney disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences among immunochemical, BCG, and BCP methods
      compromise interpretation of serum albumin results. Guidelines and calculations
      for clinical management of kidney and other diseases must consider the method
      used for albumin measurement until harmonization can be achieved.

PMID- 28073903
TI  - Assessing patient safety culture in Tunisian operating rooms: A multicenter
      study.
AB  - Objective: To assess the patient safety culture (PSC) in operating rooms (ORs)
      and to determine influencing factors. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive
      multicenter study which was conducted over a period of 7 months (October 2014
      April 2015) using the French validated version of the Hospital Survey On Patient
      Safety Culture questionnaire. Setting: Of the note, 15 ORs of public and private
      healthcare institutions. Participants: In total, there were 368 participants
      including surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical and anesthesia technicians,
      nurses and caregivers, divided into 316 professionals exercising in public sector
      and 52 working in private one. Main Outcome Measure(s): A self-administrated
      questionnaire investigating 10 dimensions of PSC (including 45 items), two items
      examining the staff perception of patient safety quality and reporting events,
      and five items regarding demographic characteristics of respondents. Results: The
      participation rate in the study was 70.8%. All 10 dimensions were to be improved.
      The overall perception of patient safety had a score of 34.9%. The dimension that
      had the lowest score (20.5%) was the non-punitive response to error, and the one
      that had the highest score (41.67%) was teamwork in the ORs. Three dimensions
      were developed in private sector, and none in public hospitals. Conclusion: This
      study showed that the level of the PSC needs to be improved not only in public
      hospitals but also in private ones. The obtained results highlight the importance
      of implementing quality management systems and developing PSC.

PMID- 28073904
TI  - Comparability of health service use by veterans with multisymptom illness and
      those with chronic diseases.
AB  - Objective: To compare health service utilization and disability claims among
      military personnel with multisymptom illness (MSI) (but no chronic diseases),
      those with chronic disease(s) and those without MSI or chronic diseases. MSI is
      also known as Gulf War illness. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Australia.
      Participants: In total, 1288 participants of a Gulf War veterans' study conducted
      in 2000-2003 (Wave-1) were followed up in 2011-2012 (Wave-2), aged on average 40
      years. About 160 had MSI, 217 had chronic disease(s) and 911 had neither chronic
      disease(s) nor MSI. Methods: At Wave-2, the cohort was linked to the national
      Medicare and Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) databases to obtain health
      service utilization and disability claims data recorded between 2001 and 2012.
      Results: The likelihood of visiting a general practitioner (GP) (risk ratio [RR]
      = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92, 1.19) or visiting a specialist
      medical doctor (RR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.54, 1.28) or hospitalizations (RR = 0.89;
      95% CI = 0.61, 1.29) or) in the 12 months preceding Wave-2 or successfully
      claiming for DVA disability compensation (RR = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.86, 1.47) was
      similar for personnel with MSI and those with chronic disease(s). However, GP
      consultations, hospitalizations, specialist doctor consultations and disability
      claims were significantly higher among those with MSI than those without
      MSI/chronic diseases. Conclusions: Health service use and disability claims by
      personnel with MSI were comparable to those with chronic disease(s), but were in
      excess of those without MSI/chronic diseases. Hence recognition of the high
      health service use by personnel with MSI is important to ensure adequate
      provision of health services.

PMID- 28073905
TI  - Feeding by Melanaphis sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Facilitates Use of Sorghum
      by Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae), but Reciprocal Effects Are
      Negative.
AB  - In the process of feeding, aphids modify the physiology of their host plants in
      species-specific ways, and plant responses to these aggressions are often
      genotype- or cultivar-specific. Thus, different aphid species sharing a host can
      influence each other's fitness via plant-mediated interactions, usually with
      negative and asymmetric impacts. Here, we show that feeding by the sugarcane
      aphid, Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner, can improve the suitability of sorghum as a
      host plant for the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi L. Whereas the
      reciprocal effects were generally negative for sugarcane aphid, the specific life
      history impacts varied with sorghum cultivar. Line 'PI 550610' was a more
      suitable host plant for both aphid species than the hybrid 'P8500', contrary to
      expectations based on the former representing a source of resistance to
      Schizaphis graminum (Rondani). Whereas coinfestation with sugarcane aphid had
      positive effects on bird cherry-oat aphid survival, development, and reproduction
      on both cultivars, the presence of bird cherry-oat aphid reduced the sugarcane
      aphid fecundity on both cultivars, although other negative effects (lower
      survival and delayed development) were evident only on the less suitable P8500. A
      second experiment using previously infested plants yielded similar results,
      although a gradual decay of aphid-induced effects postinfestation was apparent.
      Bird cherry-oat aphid is the second aphid species, after S. graminum, shown to
      benefit from sugarcane aphid facilitation on sorghum. We conclude that
      facilitation by sugarcane aphid at least partly accounts for the various aphid
      species forming mixed infestations with this invasive species in fields of
      susceptible sorghum cultivars.

PMID- 28073906
TI  - MRI follow-up is unnecessary in patients with macroprolactinomas and long-term
      normal prolactin levels on dopamine agonist treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Both antitumor and antisecretory efficacies of dopamine agonists (DA)
      make them the first-line treatment of macroprolactinomas. However, there is no
      guideline for MRI follow-up once prolactin is controlled. The aim of our study
      was to determine whether a regular MRI follow-up was necessary in patients with
      long-term normal prolactin levels under DA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective multicenter study (Marseille, Paris La Pitie Salpetriere and Nancy,
      France; Liege, Belgium) including patients with macroprolactinomas (largest
      diameter: >10 mm and baseline prolactin level: >100 ng/mL) treated by dopamine
      agonists, and regularly followed (pituitary MRI and prolactin levels) during at
      least 48 months once normal prolactin level was obtained. RESULTS: In total, 115
      patients were included (63 men and 52 women; mean age at diagnosis: 36.3 years).
      Mean baseline prolactin level was 2224 +/- 6839 ng/mL. No significant increase of
      tumor volume was observed during the follow-up. Of the 21 patients (18%) who
      presented asymptomatic hemorrhagic changes of the macroprolactinoma on MRI, 2 had
      a tumor increase (2 and 7 mm in the largest size). Both were treated by
      cabergoline (1 mg/week) with normal prolactin levels obtained for 6 and 24
      months. For both patients, no further growth was observed on MRI during follow-up
      at the same dose of cabergoline. CONCLUSION: No significant increase of tumor
      size was observed in our patients with controlled prolactin levels on DA. MRI
      follow-up thus appears unnecessary in patients with biologically controlled
      macroprolactinomas.

PMID- 28073907
TI  - Metformin prevents metabolic side effects during systemic glucocorticoid
      treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients receiving glucocorticoid treatment are prone to develop
      metabolic complications. In preclinical studies, metformin prevented the
      development of the metabolic syndrome during glucocorticoid excess. We herein
      investigated the metabolic effect of metformin during glucocorticoid treatment in
      non-diabetic patients. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,
      patients starting glucocorticoid treatment (prednisone, prednisolone or
      methylprednisolone) for four weeks were randomised to concomitantly receive
      metformin (850 mg once daily for one week followed by 850 mg twice daily for
      three weeks) or placebo. All patients underwent a standardised oral glucose
      tolerance test at baseline and after four weeks. The primary endpoint was change
      in the 2-h area under the curve (AUC) of glucose during the oral glucose
      tolerance test between baseline and four weeks. RESULTS: 29 of 34 randomised non
      diabetic patients completed the trial (17 metformin and 12 placebo). In patients
      allocated to placebo, median glucose 2-h AUC increased from baseline to four
      weeks (836 (IQR 770-966) to 1202 (1009-1271) mmol/L per min; P = 0.01). In
      contrast, glucose levels remained similar to baseline in the metformin group (936
      (869-1003) to 912 (825-1011) mmol/L per min; P = 0.83). This change within four
      weeks was different between both groups (P = 0.005). Glucocorticoid equivalent
      doses were similar in both groups (placebo: 980.0 (560.0-3259.8) mg/28 days;
      metformin: 683.0 (437.5-1970.5) mg/28 days; P = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: In this first
      randomised controlled trial of metformin targeting metabolic complications in
      patients needing glucocorticoid therapy, we observed a beneficial effect of
      metformin on glycaemic control. Metformin thus seems to be a promising drug for
      preventing metabolic side effects during systemic glucocorticoid treatment.

PMID- 28073908
TI  - The neuroendocrine sequelae of paediatric craniopharyngioma: a 40-year meta-data
      analysis of 185 cases from three UK centres.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The management of paediatric craniopharyngiomas was traditionally
      complete resection (CR), with better reported tumour control compared to that by
      partial resection (PR) or limited surgery (LS). The subsequent shift towards
      hypothalamic sparing, conservative surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) to any
      residual tumour aimed at reducing neuroendocrine morbidity, has not been
      systematically studied. Hence, we reviewed the sequelae of differing management
      strategies in paediatric craniopharyngioma across three UK tertiary centres over
      four decades. METHODS: Meta-data was retrospectively reviewed over two periods
      before (1973-2000 (Group A: n = 100)) and after (1998-2011 (Group B: n = 85)) the
      introduction of the conservative strategy at each centre. RESULTS: Patients had
      CR (A: 34% and B: 19%), PR (A: 48% and B: 46%) or LS (A: 16% and B: 34%), with
      trends reflecting the change in surgical approach over time. Overall recurrence
      rates between the two periods did not change (A: 38% vs B: 32%). More patients
      received RT in B than A, but recurrence rates were similar: for A, 28% patients
      received RT with 9 recurrences (32%); for B, 62% received RT with 14 recurrences
      (26%). However, rates of diabetes insipidus (P = 0.04), gonadotrophin deficiency
      (P < 0.001) and panhypopituitarism (P = 0.001) were lower in B than those in A.
      In contrast, post-operative obesity (BMI SDS >+2.0) (P = 0.4) and hypothalamic (P
      = 0.1) and visual (P = 0.3) morbidity rates were unchanged. CONCLUSION: The shift
      towards more conservative surgery has reduced the prevalence of hormone
      deficiencies, including diabetes insipidus, which can be life threatening.
      However, it has not been associated with reduced hypothalamic and visual
      morbidities, which remain a significant challenge. More effective targeted
      therapies are necessary to improve outcomes.

PMID- 28073909
TI  - The Detection of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia DNA in Tick Samples From Pastoral
      Communities in Kenya.
AB  - In this study, ticks from pastoral communities in Kenya were tested for
      Rickettsia spp. infections in geographical regions where the presence of tick
      borne arboviruses had previously been reported. Rickettsial and arbovirus
      infections have similar clinical features which makes differential diagnosis
      challenging when both diseases occur. The tick samples were tested for Rickettsia
      spp. by conventional PCR using three primer sets targeting the gltA, ompA, and
      ompB genes followed by amplicon sequencing. Of the tick pools screened, 25%
      (95/380) were positive for Rickettsia spp. DNA using the gltA primer set. Of the
      tick-positive pools, 60% were ticks collected from camels. Rickettsia
      aeschlimannii and R. africae were the main Rickettsia spp. detected in the tick
      pools sequenced. The findings of this study indicate that multiple Rickettsia
      species are circulating in ticks from pastoral communities in Kenya and could
      contribute to the etiology of febrile illness in these areas. Diagnosis and
      treatment of rickettsial infections should be a public health priority in these
      regions.

PMID- 28073910
TI  - Implantation of the Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: An
      Evaluation of 4 Implantation Techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alternative techniques to the traditional 3-incision subcutaneous
      implantation of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator may offer
      procedural and cosmetic advantages. We evaluate 4 different implant techniques of
      the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Patients implanted with subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators from
      2 hospitals between 2009 and 2016 were included. Four implantation techniques
      were used depending on physician preference and patient characteristics. The 2-
      and 3-incision techniques both place the pulse generator subcutaneously, but the
      2-incision technique omits the superior parasternal incision for lead
      positioning. Submuscular implantation places the pulse generator underneath the
      serratus anterior muscle and subfascial implantation underneath the fascial layer
      on the anterior side of the serratus anterior muscle. Reported outcomes include
      perioperative parameters, defibrillation testing, and clinical follow-up. A total
      of 246 patients were included with a median age of 47 years and 37% female. Fifty
      four patients were implanted with the 3-incision technique, 118 with the 2
      incision technique, 38 with submuscular, and 37 with subfascial. Defibrillation
      test efficacy and shock lead impedance during testing did not differ among the
      groups; respectively, P=0.46 and P=0.18. The 2-incision technique resulted in the
      shortest procedure duration and time-to-hospital discharge compared with the
      other techniques (P<0.001). A total of 18 complications occurred, but there were
      no significant differences between the groups (P=0.21). All infections occurred
      in subcutaneous implants (3-incision, n=3; 2-incision, n=4). In the 2-incision
      group, there were no lead displacements. CONCLUSIONS: The presented implantation
      techniques are feasible alternatives to the standard 3-incision subcutaneous
      implantation, and the 2-incision technique resulted in shortest procedure
      duration.

PMID- 28073911
TI  - A Truncated Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor Receptor (G-CSFR) Inhibits
      Apoptosis Induced by Neutrophil Elastase G185R Mutant: IMPLICATION FOR
      UNDERSTANDING CSF3R GENE MUTATIONS IN SEVERE CONGENITAL NEUTROPENIA.
AB  - Mutations in ELANE encoding neutrophil elastase (NE) have been identified in the
      majority of patients with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). The NE mutants
      have been shown to activate unfolded protein response and induce premature
      apoptosis in myeloid cells. Patients with SCN are predisposed to acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML), and progression from SCN to AML is accompanied by mutations in
      CSF3R encoding the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR) in
      ~80% of patients. The mutations result in the expression of C-terminally
      truncated G-CSFRs that promote strong cell proliferation and survival. It is
      unknown why the CSF3R mutations, which are rare in de novo AML, are so prevalent
      in SCN/AML. We show here that a G-CSFR mutant, d715, derived from an SCN patient
      inhibited G-CSF-induced expression of NE in a dominant negative manner.
      Furthermore, G-CSFR d715 suppressed unfolded protein response and apoptosis
      induced by an SCN-derived NE mutant, which was associated with sustained
      activation of AKT and STAT5, and augmented expression of BCL-XL. Thus, the
      truncated G-CSFRs associated with SCN/AML may protect myeloid precursor cells
      from apoptosis induced by the NE mutants. We propose that acquisition of CSF3R
      mutations may represent a mechanism by which myeloid precursor cells carrying the
      ELANE mutations evade the proapoptotic activity of the NE mutants in SCN
      patients.

PMID- 28073912
TI  - Distinct Features of Cyanophage-encoded T-type Phycobiliprotein Lyase PhiCpeT:
      THE ROLE OF AUXILIARY METABOLIC GENES.
AB  - Auxiliary metabolic genes (AMG) are commonly found in the genomes of phages that
      infect cyanobacteria and increase the fitness of the cyanophage. AMGs are often
      homologs of host genes, and also typically related to photosynthesis. For
      example, the PhicpeT gene in the cyanophage P-HM1 encodes a putative
      phycobiliprotein lyase related to cyanobacterial T-type lyases, which facilitate
      attachment of linear tetrapyrrole chromophores to Cys-155 of phycobiliprotein
      beta-subunits, suggesting that PhiCpeT may also help assemble light-harvesting
      phycobiliproteins during infection. To investigate this possibility, we
      structurally and biochemically characterized recombinant PhiCpeT. The solved
      crystal structure of PhiCpeT at 1.8-A resolution revealed that the protein adopts
      a similar fold as the cyanobacterial T-type lyase CpcT from Nostoc sp. PCC7120
      but overall is more compact and smaller. PhiCpeT specifically binds
      phycoerythrobilin (PEB) in vitro leading to a tight complex that can also be
      formed in Escherichia coli when it is co-expressed with genes encoding PEB
      biosynthesis (i.e. ho1 and pebS). The formed PhiCpeT.PEB complex was very stable
      as the chromophore was not lost during chromatography and displayed a strong red
      fluorescence with a fluorescence quantum yield of PhiF = 0.3. This complex was
      not directly able to transfer PEB to the host phycobiliprotein beta-subunit.
      However, it could assist the host lyase CpeS in its function by providing a pool
      of readily available PEB, a feature that might be important for fast
      phycobiliprotein assembly during phage infection.

PMID- 28073913
TI  - Raf Kinases Are Essential for Phosphate Induction of ERK1/2 Phosphorylation in
      Hypertrophic Chondrocytes and Normal Endochondral Bone Development.
AB  - Hypophosphatemia causes rickets by impairing hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis.
      Phosphate induction of MEK1/2-ERK1/2 phosphorylation in hypertrophic chondrocytes
      is required for phosphate-mediated apoptosis and growth plate maturation. MEK1/2
      can be activated by numerous molecules including Raf isoforms. A- and B-Raf
      ablation in chondrocytes does not alter skeletal development, whereas ablation of
      C-Raf decreases hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis and impairs vascularization of
      the growth plate. However, ablation of C-Raf does not impair phosphate-induced
      ERK1/2 phosphorylation in vitro, but leads to rickets by decreasing VEGF protein
      stability. To determine whether Raf isoforms are required for phosphate-induced
      hypertrophic chondrocyte apoptosis, mice lacking all three Raf isoforms in
      chondrocytes were generated. Raf deletion caused neonatal death and a significant
      expansion of the hypertrophic chondrocyte layer of the growth plate, accompanied
      by decreased cleaved caspase-9. This was associated with decreased phospho-ERK1/2
      immunoreactivity in the hypertrophic chondrocyte layer and impaired vascular
      invasion. These data further demonstrated that Raf kinases are required for
      phosphate-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in cultured hypertrophic chondrocytes
      and perform essential, but partially redundant roles in growth plate maturation.

PMID- 28073914
TI  - Serine/Threonine Kinase Unc-51-like Kinase-1 (Ulk1) Phosphorylates the Co
      chaperone Cell Division Cycle Protein 37 (Cdc37) and Thereby Disrupts the
      Stability of Cdc37 Client Proteins.
AB  - The serine/threonine kinase Unc-51-like kinase-1 (Ulk1) is thought to be
      essential for induction of autophagy, an intracellular bulk degradation process
      that is activated by various stresses. Although several proteins have been
      suggested as Ulk1 substrates during autophagic process, it still remains largely
      unknown about Ulk1's physiological substrates. Here, by performing in vitro and
      in vivo phosphorylation assay, we report that the co-chaperone cell division
      cycle protein 37 (Cdc37) is a Ulk1 substrate. Ulk1-mediated phosphorylation of
      Ser-339 in Cdc37 compromised the recruitment of client kinases to a complex
      comprising Cdc37 and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) but only modestly affected
      Cdc37 binding to Hsp90. Because the recruitment of protein kinase clients to the
      Hsp90 complex is essential for their stability and functions, Ser-339
      phosphorylation of Cdc37 disrupts its ability as a co-chaperone to coordinate
      Hsp90. Hsp90 inhibitors are cancer chemotherapeutic agents by inducing depletion
      of clients, many of which are oncogenes. Upon treatment with an Hsp90 inhibitor
      in cancer cells, Ulk1 promoted the degradation of Hsp90-Cdc37 client kinases,
      resulting in increased cellular sensitivity to Hsp90 inhibitors. Thus, our study
      provides evidence for an anti-proliferative role of Ulk1 in response to Hsp90
      inhibition in cancer cells.

PMID- 28073915
TI  - UbE2E1/UBCH6 Is a Critical in Vivo E2 for the PRC1-catalyzed Ubiquitination of
      H2A at Lys-119.
AB  - UbE2E1/UbcH6 is an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that is regulated by USP7. We
      identified UbE2E1 as a novel component of Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1),
      the E3 ligase complex responsible for histone H2A ubiquitination and gene
      silencing. We demonstrate that UbE2E1 is critical for the monoubiquitination of
      H2A at residue Lys-119 (uH2AK119) through its association with the PRC1 complex.
      UbE2E1 interacts with PRC1 subunits including Ring1A and Ring1B. Overexpression
      of UbE2E1 results in increased levels of uH2AK119, whereas overexpression of
      catalytically inactive UbE2E1_C131A or UbE2E1 knockdown results in decreased
      levels of uH2AK119. The down-regulation of H2A ubiquitination by loss of function
      of UbE2E1 is correlated with alleviated p16INK4a promoter repression and induced
      growth inhibition in HCT116 cells. These results are specific to UbE2E1 as
      knockdown of UbE2D E2s does not show any effect on uH2AK119. We extended the
      UbE2E1 regulation of uH2AK119 to USP7 and showed that USP7 is also a key
      regulator for monoubiquitination at H2A Lys-119 as both knockdown and deletion of
      USP7 results in decreased levels of uH2AK119. This study reveals that UbE2E1 is
      an in vivo E2 for the PRC1 ligase complex and thus plays an important role in the
      regulation of H2A Lys-119 monoubiquitination.

PMID- 28073916
TI  - Ceramide-CD300f Binding Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-induced Skin Inflammation.
AB  - LPS triggers inflammatory responses; however, the negative regulation of LPS
      responses in vivo remains poorly understood. CD300f is an inhibitory receptor
      among the CD300 family of paired activating and inhibitory receptors. We have
      previously identified ceramide as a ligand for CD300f and shown that the binding
      of ceramide to CD300f inhibits IgE-mediated mast cell activation and allergic
      responses in mouse models. Here we identify the critical role of CD300f in
      inhibiting LPS-induced skin inflammation. CD300f deficiency remarkably enhanced
      LPS-induced skin edema and neutrophil recruitment in mice. Higher levels of
      factors that increase vascular permeability and of factors that induce neutrophil
      recruitment were detected in LPS-injected skin pouch exudates of CD300f-/- mice
      as compared with wild-type mice. CD300f was highly expressed in mast cells and
      recruited neutrophils, but not in macrophages, among skin myeloid cells. CD300f
      deficiency failed to influence the intrinsic migratory ability of neutrophils.
      Ceramide-CD300f binding suppressed the release of chemical mediators from mast
      cells and from neutrophils in response to LPS. Adoptive transfer experiments
      indicated that mast cells mediated enhanced edema in LPS-stimulated skin of
      CD300f-/- mice, whereas mast cells together with recruited neutrophils mediated
      robust neutrophil accumulation. Importantly, administering a ceramide antibody or
      ceramide-containing vesicles enhanced or suppressed LPS-induced skin inflammation
      of wild-type mice, respectively. Thus, ceramide-CD300f binding inhibits LPS
      induced skin inflammation, implicating CD300f as a negative regulator of Toll
      like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in vivo.

PMID- 28073917
TI  - The E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF114 and TAB1 degradation are required for maternal-to
      zygotic transition.
AB  - The functional role of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway during maternal-to
      zygotic transition (MZT) remains to be elucidated. Here we show that the E3
      ubiquitin ligase, Rnf114, is highly expressed in mouse oocytes and that knockdown
      of Rnf114 inhibits development beyond the two-cell stage. To study the underlying
      mechanism, we identify its candidate substrates using a 9,000-protein microarray
      and validate them using an in vitro ubiquitination system. We show that five
      substrates could be degraded by RNF114-mediated ubiquitination, including TAB1.
      Furthermore, the degradation of TAB1 in mouse early embryos is required for MZT,
      most likely because it activates the NF-kappaB pathway. Taken together, our study
      uncovers that RNF114-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of TAB1 activate the
      NF-kappaB pathway during MZT, and thus directly link maternal clearance to early
      embryo development.

PMID- 28073919
TI  - TRUB1 is the predominant pseudouridine synthase acting on mammalian mRNA via a
      predictable and conserved code.
AB  - Following synthesis, RNA can be modified with over 100 chemically distinct
      modifications, which can potentially regulate RNA expression post
      transcriptionally. Pseudouridine (Psi) was recently established to be widespread
      and dynamically regulated on yeast mRNA, but less is known about Psi presence,
      regulation, and biogenesis in mammalian mRNA. Here, we sought to characterize the
      Psi landscape on mammalian mRNA, to identify the main Psi-synthases (PUSs)
      catalyzing Psi formation, and to understand the factors governing their
      specificity toward selected targets. We first developed a framework allowing
      analysis, evaluation, and integration of Psi mappings, which we applied to >2.5
      billion reads from 30 human samples. These maps, complemented with genetic
      perturbations, allowed us to uncover TRUB1 and PUS7 as the two key PUSs acting on
      mammalian mRNA and to computationally model the sequence and structural elements
      governing the specificity of TRUB1, achieving near-perfect prediction of its
      substrates (AUC = 0.974). We then validated and extended these maps and the
      inferred specificity of TRUB1 using massively parallel reporter assays in which
      we monitored Psi levels at thousands of synthetically designed sequence variants
      comprising either the sequences surrounding pseudouridylation targets or
      systematically designed mutants perturbing RNA sequence and structure. Our
      findings provide an extensive and high-quality characterization of the
      transcriptome-wide distribution of pseudouridine in human and the factors
      governing it and provide an important resource for the community, paving the path
      toward functional and mechanistic dissection of this emerging layer of post
      transcriptional regulation.

PMID- 28073920
TI  - Sweet food preference in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PMID- 28073918
TI  - Identical bacterial populations colonize premature infant gut, skin, and oral
      microbiomes and exhibit different in situ growth rates.
AB  - The initial microbiome impacts the health and future development of premature
      infants. Methodological limitations have led to gaps in our understanding of the
      habitat range and subpopulation complexity of founding strains, as well as how
      different body sites support microbial growth. Here, we used metagenomics to
      reconstruct genomes of strains that colonized the skin, mouth, and gut of two
      hospitalized premature infants during the first month of life. Seven bacterial
      populations, considered to be identical given whole-genome average nucleotide
      identity of >99.9%, colonized multiple body sites, yet none were shared between
      infants. Gut-associated Citrobacter koseri genomes harbored 47 polymorphic sites
      that we used to define 10 subpopulations, one of which appeared in the gut after
      1 wk but did not spread to other body sites. Differential genome coverage was
      used to measure bacterial population replication rates in situ. In all cases
      where the same bacterial population was detected in multiple body sites,
      replication rates were faster in mouth and skin compared to the gut. The ability
      of identical strains to colonize multiple body sites underscores the habit
      flexibility of initial colonists, whereas differences in microbial replication
      rates between body sites suggest differences in host control and/or resource
      availability. Population genomic analyses revealed microdiversity within
      bacterial populations, implying initial inoculation by multiple individual cells
      with distinct genotypes. Overall, however, the overlap of strains across body
      sites implies that the premature infant microbiome can exhibit very low microbial
      diversity.

PMID- 28073921
TI  - Parascapular muscle atrophy as a delayed effect of radiation treatment.

PMID- 28073922
TI  - Practical Neurology linked to the curriculum: an online resource.

PMID- 28073923
TI  - What to do when patients with epilepsy cannot take their usual oral medications.
AB  - When people with epilepsy are hospitalised for medical or surgical conditions,
      they may be unable to take their home antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Such 'nil by
      mouth' people with epilepsy require alternative AED regimens to prevent
      breakthrough seizures. Here, we describe several strategies for maintaining
      seizure control in patients with epilepsy who have medical or surgical
      contraindications to their home oral regimens. These strategies include using non
      pill oral formulations, using an intravenous formulation of the patient's home
      AED(s), using a benzodiazepine bridge and/or using alternative intravenous AED(s)
      when there are no intravenous formulations.

PMID- 28073924
TI  - Temporary replacements for oral epilepsy treatments.

PMID- 28073925
TI  - Progranulin regulates lysosomal function and biogenesis through acidification of
      lysosomes.
AB  - Progranulin (PGRN) haploinsufficiency resulting from loss-of-function mutations
      in the PGRN gene causes frontotemporal lobar degeneration accompanied by TDP-43
      accumulation, and patients with homozygous mutations in the PGRN gene present
      with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Although it remains unknown why PGRN
      deficiency causes neurodegenerative diseases, there is increasing evidence that
      PGRN is implicated in lysosomal functions. Here, we show PGRN is a secretory
      lysosomal protein that regulates lysosomal function and biogenesis by controlling
      the acidification of lysosomes. PGRN gene expression and protein levels increased
      concomitantly with the increase of lysosomal biogenesis induced by lysosome
      alkalizers or serum starvation. Down-regulation or insufficiency of PGRN led to
      the increased lysosomal gene expression and protein levels, while PGRN
      overexpression led to the decreased lysosomal gene expression and protein levels.
      In particular, the level of mature cathepsin D (CTSDmat) dramatically changed
      depending upon PGRN levels. The acidification of lysosomes was facilitated in
      cells transfected with PGRN. Then, this caused degradation of CTSDmat by
      cathepsin B. Secreted PGRN is incorporated into cells via sortilin or cation
      independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor, and facilitated the acidification of
      lysosomes and degradation of CTSDmat. Moreover, the change of PGRN levels led to
      a cell-type-specific increase of insoluble TDP-43. In the brain tissue of FTLD
      TDP patients with PGRN deficiency, CTSD and phosphorylated TDP-43 accumulated in
      neurons. Our study provides new insights into the physiological function of PGRN
      and the role of PGRN insufficiency in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative
      diseases.

PMID- 28073926
TI  - Mutations of PQBP1 in Renpenning syndrome promote ubiquitin-mediated degradation
      of FMRP and cause synaptic dysfunction.
AB  - Renpenning syndrome is a group of X-linked intellectual disability syndromes
      caused by mutations in human polyglutamine-binding protein 1 (PQBP1) gene. Little
      is known about the molecular pathogenesis of the various mutations that cause the
      notable variability in patients. In this study, we examine the cellular and
      synaptic functions of the most common mutations found in the patients:
      c.461_462delAG, c.459_462delAGAG and c.463_464dupAG in an AG hexamer in PQBP1
      exon 4. We discovered that PQBP1 c.459_462delAGAG and c.463_464dupAG mutations
      encode a new C-terminal epitope that preferentially binds non-phosphorylated
      fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and promotes its ubiquitin-mediated
      degradation. Impairment of FMRP function up-regulates its targets such as MAP1B,
      and disrupts FMRP-dependent synaptic scaling in primary cultured neurons. In
      Drosophila neuromuscular junction model, PQBP1 c.463_464dupAG transgenic flies
      showed remarkable defects of synaptic over-growth, which can be rescued by
      exogenously expressing dFMRP. Our data strongly support a gain-of-function
      pathogenic mechanism of PQBP1 c.459_462delAGAG and c.463_464dupAG mutations, and
      suggest that therapeutic strategies to restore FMRP function may be beneficial
      for those patients.

PMID- 28073928
TI  - Evidence of epigenetic admixture in the Colombian population.
AB  - DNA methylation (DNAm) measured in lymphoblastoid cell lines has been repeatedly
      demonstrated to differ between various human populations. Due to the role that
      DNAm plays in controlling gene expression, these differences could significantly
      contribute to ethnic phenotypic differences. However, because previous studies
      have compared distinct ethnic groups where genetic and environmental context are
      confounded, their relative contribution to phenotypic differences between
      ethnicities remains unclear. Using DNAm assayed in whole blood and colorectal
      tissue of 132 admixed individuals from Colombia, we identified sites where
      differential DNAm levels were associated with the local ancestral genetic
      context. Our results are consistent with population specific DNAm being primarily
      driven by between population genetic differences in cis, with little
      environmental contribution, and with consistent effects across tissues. The
      findings offer new insights into a possible mechanism driving phenotypic
      differences among different ethnic groups, and could help explain ethnic
      differences in colorectal cancer incidence.

PMID- 28073930
TI  - Editorial: 3Rs tightly intertwined to maintain genome stability.

PMID- 28073932
TI  - Thoracic splenosis mimicking pleural mass: the importance of clinical history.

PMID- 28073929
TI  - Improving heterologous production of phenylpropanoids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      by tackling an unwanted side reaction of Tsc13, an endogenous double-bond
      reductase.
AB  - Phenylpropanoids, such as flavonoids and stilbenoids, are of great commercial
      interest, and their production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a very promising
      strategy. However, to achieve commercially viable production, each step of the
      process must be optimised. We looked at carbon loss, known to occur in the
      heterologous flavonoid pathway in yeast, and identified an endogenous enzyme, the
      enoyl reductase Tsc13, which turned out to be responsible for the accumulation of
      phloretic acid via reduction of p-coumaroyl-CoA. Tsc13 is an essential enzyme
      involved in fatty acid synthesis and cannot be deleted. Hence, two approaches
      were adopted in an attempt to reduce the side activity without disrupting the
      natural function: site saturation mutagenesis identified a number of amino acid
      changes which slightly increased flavonoid production but without reducing the
      formation of the side product. Conversely, the complementation of TSC13 by a
      plant gene homologue essentially eliminated the unwanted side reaction, while
      retaining the productivity of phenylpropanoids in a simulated fed batch
      fermentation.

PMID- 28073931
TI  - Histones and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Enhance Tubular Necrosis and Remote
      Organ Injury in Ischemic AKI.
AB  - Severe AKI is often associated with multiorgan dysfunction, but the mechanisms of
      this remote tissue injury are unknown. We hypothesized that renal
      necroinflammation releases cytotoxic molecules that may cause remote organ
      damage. In hypoxia-induced tubular epithelial cell necrosis in vitro, histone
      secretion from ischemic tubular cells primed neutrophils to form neutrophil
      extracellular traps. These traps induced tubular epithelial cell death and
      stimulated neutrophil extracellular trap formation in fresh neutrophils. In vivo,
      ischemia-reperfusion injury in the mouse kidney induced tubular necrosis, which
      preceded the expansion of localized and circulating neutrophil extracellular
      traps and the increased expression of inflammatory and injury-related genes.
      Pretreatment with inhibitors of neutrophil extracellular trap formation reduced
      kidney injury. Dual inhibition of neutrophil trap formation and tubular cell
      necrosis had an additive protective effect. Moreover, pretreatment with
      antihistone IgG suppressed ischemia-induced neutrophil extracellular trap
      formation and renal injury. Renal ischemic injury also increased the levels of
      circulating histones, and we detected neutrophil infiltration and TUNEL-positive
      cells in the lungs, liver, brain, and heart along with neutrophil extracellular
      trap accumulation in the lungs. Inhibition of neutrophil extracellular trap
      formation or of circulating histones reduced these effects as well. These data
      suggest that tubular necrosis and neutrophil extracellular trap formation
      accelerate kidney damage and remote organ dysfunction through cytokine and
      histone release and identify novel molecular targets to limit renal
      necroinflammation and multiorgan failure.

PMID- 28073933
TI  - Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome.

PMID- 28073927
TI  - New insights into the genetics of primary open-angle glaucoma based on meta
      analyses of intraocular pressure and optic disc characteristics.
AB  - Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common optic neuropathy, is a
      heritable disease. Siblings of POAG cases have a ten-fold increased risk of
      developing the disease. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and optic nerve head
      characteristics are used clinically to predict POAG risk. We conducted a genome
      wide association meta-analysis of IOP and optic disc parameters and validated our
      findings in multiple sets of POAG cases and controls. Using imputation to the
      1000 genomes (1000G) reference set, we identified 9 new genomic regions
      associated with vertical cup-disc ratio (VCDR) and 1 new region associated with
      IOP. Additionally, we found 5 novel loci for optic nerve cup area and 6 for disc
      area. Previously it was assumed that genetic variation influenced POAG either
      through IOP or via changes to the optic nerve head; here we present evidence that
      some genomic regions affect both IOP and the disc parameters. We characterized
      the effect of the novel loci through pathway analysis and found that pathways
      involved are not entirely distinct as assumed so far. Further, we identified a
      novel association between CDKN1A and POAG. Using a zebrafish model we show that
      six6b (associated with POAG and optic nerve head variation) alters the expression
      of cdkn1a. In summary, we have identified several novel genes influencing the
      major clinical risk predictors of POAG and showed that genetic variation in
      CDKN1A is important in POAG risk.

PMID- 28073934
TI  - The influence of customer-medicine seller transactional dynamics on childhood
      diarrhoea management: a qualitative study in Ghana.
AB  - In 2004, the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund
      (UNICEF) jointly revised the recommended treatment for acute paediatric diarrhoea
      to specify supplementing reduced osmolarity oral rehydration salts (ORS) with
      zinc. In many countries, however, a significant knowledge-practice gap persists
      in appropriate diarrhoea management among private healthcare providers. For
      example, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded
      Strengthening Health Outcomes through the Private Sector (SHOPS) project recently
      demonstrated that over-the-counter medicine sellers (MS) in Ghana recommended
      inappropriate diarrhoea treatments, despite their demonstrated knowledge of
      appropriate treatment protocols. To explore and explain these results, we
      conducted 26 focus groups with MS and their customers using an indirect
      elicitation approach, presenting simulated drug shop transaction scenarios for
      each group to analyze and discuss. Through inductive and deductive data analysis,
      we found that the pattern of customer-MS interactions within the transactional
      context plays a critical role in shaping dispensing outcomes, not only in
      diarrhoea management but in other contexts as well. MS who engaged and negotiated
      with their customers were better able to introduce and promote the appropriate
      diarrhoea treatment protocol. Several factors hinder optimal interactions.
      Although MS in fact serve as frontline medical providers, they lack the perceived
      status of a clinician. Moreover, the need to maintain their customer base creates
      a power imbalance that favours accommodating customer requests and discourages
      educational interaction. Finally, many MS lack a complete understanding of the
      recommended treatment, limiting their ability to educate and negotiate. These
      findings have important implications for efforts to position community-level
      private providers to improve outcomes across a number of health areas; the study
      recommends three broad approaches related to training design, marketing, and
      professional linkages. More generally, behaviour change initiatives should
      recognize the potential impact of provider interaction dynamics in facilitating
      or impeding desired health outcomes.

PMID- 28073936
TI  - Human Exploration of Enclosed Spaces through Echolocation.
AB  - Some blind humans have developed echolocation, as a method of navigation in
      space. Echolocation is a truly active sense because subjects analyze echoes of
      dedicated, self-generated sounds to assess space around them. Using a special
      virtual space technique, we assess how humans perceive enclosed spaces through
      echolocation, thereby revealing the interplay between sensory and vocal-motor
      neural activity while humans perform this task. Sighted subjects were trained to
      detect small changes in virtual-room size analyzing real-time generated echoes of
      their vocalizations. Individual differences in performance were related to the
      type and number of vocalizations produced. We then asked subjects to estimate
      virtual-room size with either active or passive sounds while measuring their
      brain activity with fMRI. Subjects were better at estimating room size when
      actively vocalizing. This was reflected in the hemodynamic activity of vocal
      motor cortices, even after individual motor and sensory components were removed.
      Activity in these areas also varied with perceived room size, although the vocal
      motor output was unchanged. In addition, thalamic and auditory-midbrain activity
      was correlated with perceived room size; a likely result of top-down auditory
      pathways for human echolocation, comparable with those described in echolocating
      bats. Our data provide evidence that human echolocation is supported by active
      sensing, both behaviorally and in terms of brain activity. The neural sensory
      motor coupling complements the fundamental acoustic motor-sensory coupling via
      the environment in echolocation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Passive listening is the
      predominant method for examining brain activity during echolocation, the auditory
      analysis of self-generated sounds. We show that sighted humans perform better
      when they actively vocalize than during passive listening. Correspondingly, vocal
      motor and cerebellar activity is greater during active echolocation than
      vocalization alone. Motor and subcortical auditory brain activity covaries with
      the auditory percept, although motor output is unchanged. Our results reveal
      behaviorally relevant neural sensory-motor coupling during echolocation.

PMID- 28073935
TI  - Brain Structure and Function Associated with Younger Adults in Growth Hormone
      Receptor-Deficient Humans.
AB  - Growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHRD) results in short stature, enhanced
      insulin sensitivity, and low circulating levels of insulin and insulin-like
      growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Previous studies in mice and humans suggested that GHRD
      has protective effects against age-related diseases, including cancer and
      diabetes. Whereas GHRD mice show improved age-dependent cognitive performance,
      the effect of GHRD on human cognition remains unknown. Using MRI, we compared
      brain structure, function, and connectivity between 13 people with GHRD and 12
      unaffected relatives. We assessed differences in white matter microstructural
      integrity, hippocampal volume, subregional volumes, and cortical thickness and
      surface area of selected regions. We also evaluated brain activity at rest and
      during a hippocampal-dependent pattern separation task. The GHRD group had larger
      surface areas in several frontal and cingulate regions and showed trends toward
      larger dentate gyrus and CA1 regions of the hippocampus. They had lower mean
      diffusivity in the genu of the corpus callosum and the anterior thalamic tracts.
      The GHRD group showed enhanced cognitive performance and greater task-related
      activation in frontal, parietal, and hippocampal regions compared with controls.
      Furthermore, they had greater functional synchronicity of activity between the
      precuneus and the rest of the default mode network at rest. The results suggest
      that, compared with controls, GHRD subjects have brain structure and function
      that are more consistent with those observed in younger adults reported in
      previous studies. Further investigation may lead to improved understanding of
      underlying mechanisms and could contribute to the identification of treatments
      for age-related cognitive deficits.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT People and mice with
      growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHRD or Laron syndrome) are protected against
      age-related diseases including cancer and diabetes. However, in humans, it is
      unknown whether cognitive function and brain structure are affected by GHRD.
      Using MRI, we examined cognition in an Ecuadorian population with GHRD and their
      unaffected relatives. The GHRD group showed better memory performance than their
      relatives. The differences in brain structure and function that we saw between
      the two groups were not consistent with variations typically associated with
      brain deficits. This study contributes to our understanding of the connection
      between growth genes and brain aging in humans and provides data indicating that
      GHR inhibition has the potential to protect against age-dependent cognitive
      decline.

PMID- 28073937
TI  - Activity of Tachykinin1-Expressing Pet1 Raphe Neurons Modulates the Respiratory
      Chemoreflex.
AB  - Homeostatic control of breathing, heart rate, and body temperature relies on
      circuits within the brainstem modulated by the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT).
      Mounting evidence points to specialized neuronal subtypes within the serotonergic
      neuronal system, borne out in functional studies, for the modulation of distinct
      facets of homeostasis. Such functional differences, read out at the organismal
      level, are likely subserved by differences among 5-HT neuron subtypes at the
      cellular and molecular levels, including differences in the capacity to coexpress
      other neurotransmitters such as glutamate, GABA, thyrotropin releasing hormone,
      and substance P encoded by the Tachykinin-1 (Tac1) gene. Here, we characterize in
      mice a 5-HT neuron subtype identified by expression of Tac1 and the serotonergic
      transcription factor gene Pet1, referred to as the Tac1-Pet1 neuron subtype.
      Transgenic cell labeling showed Tac1-Pet1 soma resident largely in the caudal
      medulla. Chemogenetic [clozapine-N-oxide (CNO)-hM4Di] perturbation of Tac1-Pet1
      neuron activity blunted the ventilatory response of the respiratory CO2
      chemoreflex, which normally augments ventilation in response to hypercapnic
      acidosis to restore normal pH and PCO2Tac1-Pet1 axonal boutons were found
      localized to brainstem areas implicated in respiratory modulation, with highest
      density in motor regions. These findings demonstrate that the activity of a Pet1
      neuron subtype with the potential to release both 5-HT and substance P is
      necessary for normal respiratory dynamics, perhaps via motor outputs that engage
      muscles of respiration and maintain airway patency. These Tac1-Pet1 neurons may
      act downstream of Egr2-Pet1 serotonergic neurons, which were previously
      established in respiratory chemoreception, but do not innervate respiratory motor
      nuclei.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Serotonin (5-HT) neurons modulate physiological
      processes and behaviors as diverse as body temperature, respiration, aggression,
      and mood. Using genetic tools, we characterize a 5-HT neuron subtype defined by
      expression of Tachykinin1 and Pet1 (Tac1-Pet1 neurons), mapping soma localization
      to the caudal medulla primarily and axonal projections to brainstem motor nuclei
      most prominently, and, when silenced, observed blunting of the ventilatory
      response to inhaled CO2Tac1-Pet1 neurons thus appear distinct from and contrast
      previously described Egr2-Pet1 neurons, which project primarily to chemosensory
      integration centers and are themselves chemosensitive.

PMID- 28073938
TI  - Sonic Hedgehog Guides Axons via Zipcode Binding Protein 1-Mediated Local
      Translation.
AB  - Sonic hedgehog (Shh) attracts spinal cord commissural axons toward the
      floorplate. How Shh elicits changes in the growth cone cytoskeleton that drive
      growth cone turning is unknown. We find that the turning of rat commissural axons
      up a Shh gradient requires protein synthesis. In particular, Shh stimulation
      increases beta-actin protein at the growth cone even when the cell bodies have
      been removed. Therefore, Shh induces the local translation of beta-actin at the
      growth cone. We hypothesized that this requires zipcode binding protein 1 (ZBP1),
      an mRNA-binding protein that transports beta-actin mRNA and releases it for local
      translation upon phosphorylation. We found that Shh stimulation increases phospho
      ZBP1 levels in the growth cone. Disruption of ZBP1 phosphorylation in vitro
      abolished the turning of commissural axons toward a Shh gradient. Disruption of
      ZBP1 function in vivo in mouse and chick resulted in commissural axon guidance
      errors. Therefore, ZBP1 is required for Shh to guide commissural axons. This
      identifies ZBP1 as a new mediator of noncanonical Shh signaling in axon
      guidance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Sonic hedgehog (Shh) guides axons via a
      noncanonical signaling pathway that is distinct from the canonical Hedgehog
      signaling pathway that specifies cell fate and morphogenesis. Axon guidance is
      driven by changes in the growth cone in response to gradients of guidance
      molecules. Little is known about the molecular mechanism of how Shh orchestrates
      changes in the growth cone cytoskeleton that are required for growth cone
      turning. Here, we show that the guidance of axons by Shh requires protein
      synthesis. Zipcode binding protein 1 (ZBP1) is an mRNA-binding protein that
      regulates the local translation of proteins, including actin, in the growth cone.
      We demonstrate that ZBP1 is required for Shh-mediated axon guidance, identifying
      a new member of the noncanonical Shh signaling pathway.

PMID- 28073939
TI  - Nanoscale Molecular Reorganization of the Inhibitory Postsynaptic Density Is a
      Determinant of GABAergic Synaptic Potentiation.
AB  - Gephyrin is a key scaffold protein mediating the anchoring of GABAA receptors at
      inhibitory synapses. Here, we exploited superresolution techniques combined with
      proximity-based clustering analysis and model simulations to investigate the
      single-molecule gephyrin reorganization during plasticity of inhibitory synapses
      in mouse hippocampal cultured neurons. This approach revealed that, during the
      expression of inhibitory LTP, the increase of gephyrin density at postsynaptic
      sites is associated with the promoted formation of gephyrin nanodomains. We
      demonstrate that the gephyrin rearrangement in nanodomains stabilizes the
      amplitude of postsynaptic currents, indicating that, in addition to the number of
      synaptic GABAA receptors, the nanoscale distribution of GABAA receptors in the
      postsynaptic area is a crucial determinant for the expression of inhibitory
      synaptic plasticity. In addition, the methodology implemented here clears the way
      to the application of the graph-based theory to single-molecule data for the
      description and quantification of the spatial organization of the synapse at the
      single-molecule level.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The mechanisms of inhibitory
      synaptic plasticity are poorly understood, mainly because the size of the synapse
      is below the diffraction limit, thus reducing the effectiveness of conventional
      optical and imaging techniques. Here, we exploited superresolution approaches
      combined with clustering analysis to study at unprecedented resolution the
      distribution of the inhibitory scaffold protein gephyrin in response to protocols
      inducing LTP of inhibitory synaptic responses (iLTP). We found that, during the
      expression of iLTP, the increase of synaptic gephyrin is associated with the
      fragmentation of gephyrin in subsynaptic nanodomains. We demonstrate that such
      synaptic gephyrin nanodomains stabilize the amplitude of inhibitory postsynaptic
      responses, thus identifying the nanoscale gephyrin rearrangement as a key
      determinant for inhibitory synaptic plasticity.

PMID- 28073940
TI  - Vividness of Visual Imagery Depends on the Neural Overlap with Perception in
      Visual Areas.
AB  - : Research into the neural correlates of individual differences in imagery
      vividness point to an important role of the early visual cortex. However, there
      is also great fluctuation of vividness within individuals, such that only looking
      at differences between people necessarily obscures the picture. In this study, we
      show that variation in moment-to-moment experienced vividness of visual imagery,
      within human subjects, depends on the activity of a large network of brain areas,
      including frontal, parietal, and visual areas. Furthermore, using a novel
      multivariate analysis technique, we show that the neural overlap between imagery
      and perception in the entire visual system correlates with experienced imagery
      vividness. This shows that the neural basis of imagery vividness is much more
      complicated than studies of individual differences seemed to suggest.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Visual imagery is the ability to visualize objects that
      are not in our direct line of sight: something that is important for memory,
      spatial reasoning, and many other tasks. It is known that the better people are
      at visual imagery, the better they can perform these tasks. However, the neural
      correlates of moment-to-moment variation in visual imagery remain unclear. In
      this study, we show that the more the neural response during imagery is similar
      to the neural response during perception, the more vivid or perception-like the
      imagery experience is.

PMID- 28073941
TI  - Prognostic roles of tetrahydroxy bile acids in infantile intrahepatic
      cholestasis.
AB  - Tetrahydroxy bile acids (THBAs) are hydrophilic and are present at minimal or
      undetectable levels in healthy human adults, but are present at high levels in
      bile salt export pump (abcb11)-knockout mice. The roles of THBAs in human
      cholestatic diseases are unclear. We aimed to investigate the presence of THBAs
      in patients with infantile intrahepatic cholestasis and its correlation with
      outcome. Urinary bile acids (BAs) were analyzed by GC-MS. Data were compared
      between good (n = 21) (disease-free before 1 year old) and poor prognosis groups
      (n = 19). Good prognosis patients had a higher urinary THBA proportion than poor
      prognosis patients [25.89% (3.45-76.73%) vs. 1.93% (0.05-48.90%)]. A urinary THBA
      proportion >7.23% predicted good prognosis with high sensitivity (95.24%),
      specificity (84.21%), and area under the curve (0.91) (P < 0.0001). A THBA
      proportion ?7.23% was an independent factor for decreased transplant-free
      survival (hazard ratio = 7.16, confidence interval: 1.24-41.31, P = 0.028).
      Patients with a confirmed ABCB11 or tight junction protein 2 gene mutation (n =
      7) had a minimally detectable THBA proportion (0.23-2.99% of total BAs). Three
      patients with an ATP8B1 mutation had an elevated THBA proportion (7.51-37.26%).
      In conclusion, in addition to disease entity as a major determinant of outcome, a
      high THBA level was associated with good outcome in the infantile intrahepatic
      cholestasis patients.

PMID- 28073942
TI  - Emergency department visits related to functional abdominal pain in the pediatric
      age group.
AB  - To analyze visits to and admissions from the emergency department (ED) in
      children with a primary diagnosis of functional abdominal pain (FAP). This was a
      cross-sectional study using data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample
      (HCUP-NEDS 2008-2012). FAP-related ED visits were identified using International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The most
      frequent secondary diagnoses associated with FAP-related ED visits were also
      extracted. In 2012, a total of 796,665 children presented to the ED with a
      primary diagnosis of FAP. This correlated to a rate of 11.5 ED visits/1000
      population. The highest incidence of ED visits was observed for children in the
      10-14-year age group; median (IQR) age of 11 (8) years. In analyzing the temporal
      trends associated with FAP-related ED visits, we observed an increase in both the
      overall number of visits (14.0%) as well as the population-adjusted incidence
      (16.0%) during the period 2008-2012. This coincided with a decreasing trend in
      hospital admissions from the ED; from 1.4% in 2008 to 1.0% in 2012 (-28.5%). The
      overwhelming majority (96.7%) of patients with FAP who presented to the ED were
      treated and released. On multivariate analysis, the leading factor associated
      with an increased likelihood of admission from the ED was teaching hospital
      status (aOR 2.07; 95% CI 1.97 to 2.18). The secondary diagnosis most commonly
      associated with FAP-related ED visits was nausea and/or emesis (19.8%). Pediatric
      FAP-related ED visits increased significantly from the period 2008 to 2012.
      However, the incidence of hospital admissions from the ED declined during the
      same period.

PMID- 28073943
TI  - KDM4B/JMJD2B is a p53 target gene that modulates the amplitude of p53 response
      after DNA damage.
AB  - The p53 tumor suppressor protein plays a critical role in orchestrating the
      genomic response to various stress signals by acting as a master transcriptional
      regulator. Differential gene activity is controlled by transcription factors but
      also dependent on the underlying chromatin structure, especially on covalent
      histone modifications. After screening different histone lysine
      methyltransferases and demethylases, we identified JMJD2B/KDM4B as a p53
      inducible gene in response to DNA damage. p53 directly regulates JMJD2B gene
      expression by binding to a canonical p53-consensus motif in the JMJD2B promoter.
      JMJD2B induction attenuates the transcription of key p53 transcriptional targets
      including p21, PIG3 and PUMA, and this modulation is dependent on the catalytic
      capacity of JMJD2B. Conversely, JMJD2B silencing led to an enhancement of the DNA
      damage driven induction of p21 and PIG3. These findings indicate that JMJD2B acts
      in an auto-regulatory loop by which p53, through JMJD2B activation, is able to
      influence its own transcriptional program. Functionally, exogenous expression of
      JMJD2B enhanced subcutaneous tumor growth of colon cancer cells in a p53
      dependent manner, and genetic inhibition of JMJD2B impaired tumor growth in vivo.
      These studies provide new insights into the regulatory effect exerted by JMJD2B
      on tumor growth through the modulation of p53 target genes.

PMID- 28073944
TI  - A novel bifunctional transcriptional regulator of riboflavin metabolism in
      Archaea.
AB  - Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is the precursor of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and
      flavin adenine dinucleotide, which are essential coenzymes in all free-living
      organisms. Riboflavin biosynthesis in many Bacteria but not in Archaea is
      controlled by FMN-responsive riboswitches. We identified a novel bifunctional
      riboflavin kinase/regulator (RbkR), which controls riboflavin biosynthesis and
      transport genes in major lineages of Crenarchaeota, Euryarchaeota and
      Thaumarchaeota. RbkR proteins are composed of the riboflavin kinase domain and a
      DNA-binding winged helix-turn-helix-like domain. Using comparative genomics, we
      predicted RbkR operator sites and reconstructed RbkR regulons in 94 archaeal
      genomes. While the identified RbkR operators showed significant variability
      between archaeal lineages, the conserved core of RbkR regulons includes
      riboflavin biosynthesis genes, known/predicted vitamin uptake transporters and
      the rbkR gene. The DNA motifs and CTP-dependent riboflavin kinase activity of two
      RbkR proteins were experimentally validated in vitro. The DNA binding activity of
      RbkR was stimulated by CTP and suppressed by FMN, a product of riboflavin kinase.
      The crystallographic structure of RbkR from Thermoplasma acidophilum was
      determined in complex with CTP and its DNA operator revealing key residues for
      operator and ligand recognition. Overall, this study contributes to our
      understanding of metabolic and regulatory networks for vitamin homeostasis in
      Archaea.

PMID- 28073946
TI  - A randomized Phase III trial of comparing two dose-fractionations stereotactic
      body radiotherapy (SBRT) for medically inoperable Stage IA non-small cell lung
      cancer or small lung lesions clinically diagnosed as primary lung cancer: Japan
      Clinical Oncology Group Study JCOG1408 (J-SBRT trial).
AB  - A randomized Phase III trial commenced in Japan in February 2016. Currently, 42
      Gy in four fractions of stereotactic body radiotherapy prescribed at the D95% of
      the planning target volume, which is considered equal to the commonly used 48 Gy
      in four fractions at the isocenter using an old dose calculation algorithm, is
      the standard treatment in Japan for medically inoperable Stage IA non-small cell
      lung cancer and small lung lesions clinically diagnosed as primary lung cancer.
      This study aims to examine the superiority of 55 Gy in four fractions over 42 Gy
      in four fractions. A total of 750 patients are expected to be accrued in 5 years.
      The primary endpoint is overall survival and the secondary endpoints are
      progression-free survival, local progression-free survival, patterns of failure,
      local control period, adverse events and serious adverse events. This trial is
      registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000021029
      (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm) the dose covering 95% of the volume (D95%)
      of the planning target volume.

PMID- 28073945
TI  - Surgery and imatinib therapy for liver oligometastasis of GIST: a study of
      Japanese Study Group on GIST.
AB  - We conducted a multicenter prospective study to clarify the efficacy and safety
      of surgery and imatinib for liver oligometastasis of gastrointestinal stromal
      tumors. Eligible gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients were enrolled in the
      surgery trial or the imatinib trial. Primary endpoints were recurrence-free
      survival and progression-free survival, respectively. The trials were prematurely
      terminated due to amendment of guidelines for adjuvant imatinib therapy and low
      patient accrual. In the surgery trial, all the six patients showed hepatic
      recurrence: median recurrence-free survival was 145 days (range: 62-1366 days).
      Of the five patients receiving salvage imatinib therapy, two showed progressive
      disease although no death was observed. Of the five patients enrolled in the
      imatinib trial, one died of pneumonia after progressive disease, and four had not
      shown progressive disease as of last visit. The results suggest that liver
      oligometastasis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor may not be controllable by
      surgery alone and require concomitant imatinib therapy.

PMID- 28073947
TI  - Redefining the child pedestrian safety paradigm: identifying high fatality
      concentrations in urban areas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Child pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable users of our
      transportation systems, and they deserve particular attention when we consider
      traffic safety. The objective of this work is to identify urban locations in
      which child pedestrians are at particular risk for fatal collisions with
      vehicles. METHODS: This paper examines 30 years of crash data for six American
      cities to locate areas with high child pedestrian fatality concentrations. Phase
      I of the study, which examines Denver, Colorado, USA, reveals higher
      concentrations of child pedestrian fatalities around parks as compared with other
      areas that children have been shown to frequent. In phase II of the study, we
      specifically examine fatality concentrations near parks as compared with schools.
      RESULTS: Statistical analyses suggest that, once exposure is controlled for,
      child pedestrian fatalities concentrate around parks in densities 1.04-2.23 times
      higher than around schools. Also, the concentration of child pedestrian
      fatalities around parks is 1.16-1.81 times higher than the respective citywide
      concentration. CONCLUSION: Traffic risks for children around parks deserve
      further examination as we pursue the goals of Vision Zero and child safety on our
      streets.

PMID- 28073948
TI  - Functioning and health-related quality of life following injury in older people:
      a systematic review.
AB  - AIM AND BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence around the impact of injury and
      recovery trajectories but little focuses on older people, despite rising burden.
      The aim of this review was to describe the evidence for postinjury functioning
      and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older people. METHOD: A systematic
      search of three databases and an extensive search of the grey literature was
      carried out on prospective injury outcome studies in older people (age >=65
      years) that used a generic health status outcome measure. The search results were
      reported using PRISMA reporting guidelines, and risk of bias was assessed using a
      modification of the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. RESULTS: There was limited
      evidence on functioning and HRQoL postinjury in older people. There were 367
      studies identified, with 13 eligible for inclusion. Most focused on hip fracture
      or traumatic brain injury. Older people appeared to have poorer postinjury
      functioning and HRQoL compared with younger adults or preinjury levels. Poor
      preinjury function, pre-existing conditions and increasing age were associated
      with poorer outcomes, whereas preinjury-independent living was associated with
      better outcomes. DISCUSSION: The studies were heterogeneous, limiting synthesis.
      There was a lack of evidence around the impact of injury on older people in terms
      of paid work and unpaid work. It was unclear if existing injury outcome
      guidelines are appropriate for older people. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is
      required on older people's postinjury course, outcomes and determinants. This
      will require standardised methodologies and qualitative studies. The findings
      will inform clinical care, policy development, health and compensation systems.

PMID- 28073949
TI  - The effects of feedback and incentive-based insurance on driving behaviours:
      study approach and protocols.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Road injury is the leading cause of death for young people, with
      human error a contributing factor in many crash events. This research is the
      first experimental study to examine the extent to which direct feedback and
      incentive-based insurance modifies a driver's behaviour. The study applies in
      vehicle telematics and will link the information obtained from the technology
      directly to personalised safety messaging and personal injury and property damage
      insurance premiums. METHODS: The study has two stages. The first stage involves
      laboratory experiments using a state-of-the-art driving simulator. These
      experiments will test the effects of various monetary incentives on unsafe
      driving behaviours. The second stage builds on these experiments and involves a
      randomised control trial to test the effects of both direct feedback (safety
      messaging) and monetary incentives on driving behaviour. DISCUSSION: Assuming a
      positive finding associated with the monetary incentive-based approach, the study
      will dramatically influence the personal injury and property damage insurance
      industry. In addition, the findings will also illustrate the role that in-vehicle
      telematics can play in providing direct feedback to young/novice drivers in
      relation to their driving behaviours which has the potential to transform road
      safety.

PMID- 28073950
TI  - Differential coupling of gibberellin responses by Rht-B1c suppressor alleles and
      Rht-B1b in wheat highlights a unique role for the DELLA N-terminus in dormancy.
AB  - During the Green Revolution, substantial increases in wheat (Triticum aestivum)
      yields were realized, at least in part, through the introduction of the Reduced
      height (Rht)-B1b and Rht-D1b semi-dwarfing alleles. In contrast to Rht-B1b and
      Rht-D1b, the Rht-B1c allele is characterized by extreme dwarfism and
      exceptionally strong dormancy. Recently, 35 intragenic Rht-B1c suppressor alleles
      were created in the spring wheat cultivar Maringa, and termed overgrowth (ovg)
      alleles. Here, 14 ovg alleles with agronomically relevant plant heights were
      reproducibly classified into nine tall and five semi-dwarf alleles. These alleles
      differentially affected grain dormancy, internode elongation rate, and coleoptile
      and leaf lengths. The stability of these ovg effects was demonstrated for three
      ovg alleles in different genetic backgrounds and environments. Importantly, two
      semi-dwarf ovg alleles increased dormancy, which correlated with improved pre
      harvest sprouting (PHS) resistance. Since no negative effects on grain yield or
      quality were observed, these semi-dwarf ovg alleles are valuable for breeding to
      achieve adequate height reduction and protection of grain quality in regions
      prone to PHS. Furthermore, this research highlights a unique role for the first
      70 amino acids of the DELLA protein, encoded by the Rht-1 genes, in grain
      dormancy.

PMID- 28073951
TI  - Nod factors potentiate auxin signaling for transcriptional regulation and lateral
      root formation in Medicago truncatula.
AB  - Nodulation (Nod) factors (NFs) are symbiotic molecules produced by rhizobia that
      are essential for establishment of the rhizobium-legume endosymbiosis. Purified
      NFs can stimulate lateral root formation (LRF) in Medicago truncatula, but little
      is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. Using a combination of reporter
      constructs, pharmacological and genetic approaches, we show that NFs act on early
      steps of LRF in M. truncatula, independently of the ethylene signaling pathway
      and of the cytokinin receptor MtCRE1, but in interaction with auxin. We conducted
      a whole-genome transcriptomic study upon NF and/or auxin treatments, using a
      lateral root inducible system adapted for M. truncatula. This revealed a large
      overlap between NF and auxin signaling and, more interestingly, synergistic
      interactions between these molecules. Three groups showing interaction effects
      were defined: group 1 contained more than 1500 genes responding specifically to
      the combinatorial treatment of NFs and auxin; group 2 comprised auxin-regulated
      genes whose expression was enhanced or antagonized by NFs; and in group 3 the
      expression of NF regulated genes was antagonized by auxin. Groups 1 and 2 were
      enriched in signaling and metabolic functions, which highlights important
      crosstalk between NF and auxin signaling for both developmental and symbiotic
      processes.

PMID- 28073952
TI  - Alcohol and coronary artery calcification: an investigation using alcohol
      flushing as an instrumental variable.
AB  - Background: We examined whether alcohol flushing could be used as an instrumental
      variable (IV) and investigated the effect of alcohol consumption on coronary
      calcification using alcohol flushing status as an IV. Methods: We analysed cross
      sectional data from 24 681 Korean adults (20 696 men and 3985 women) who had been
      administered a questionnaire assessing alcohol consumption and alcohol flushing,
      as well as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) measurement. The associations of
      alcohol flushing status with potential confounders and alcohol consumption were
      examined. We employed two-stage predictor substitution methodology for the IV
      analysis. Results: The prevalence of alcohol flushing did not differ depending on
      gender, education, household income, cigarette smoking or physical activity.
      Balanced levels of confounders were observed between alcohol flushers and non
      flushers. Alcohol flushing was closely related to alcohol consumption and levels
      of liver enzymes. In men, a doubling in alcohol consumption was associated with
      increased odds of coronary calcification in both the IV analysis [odds ratio (OR)
      of CAC scores of 1 or over = 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-1.20) and
      the multivariable regression analysis (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.01-1.07). For
      cardiovascular risk factors, the IV analysis showed a positive association
      between alcohol consumption and blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol. Conclusions: Alcohol flushing can be used as an IV in studies
      evaluating the health impact of alcohol consumption, especially in East Asian
      countries. Through such an analysis, we found that increased alcohol consumption
      was associated with an increased risk of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28073953
TI  - Commentary: Mining gene-lifestyle interactions in UK Biobank: all that glitters
      isn't gold.

PMID- 28073954
TI  - Gene-obesogenic environment interactions in the UK Biobank study.
AB  - Background: Previous studies have suggested that modern obesogenic environments
      accentuate the genetic risk of obesity. However, these studies have proven
      controversial as to which, if any, measures of the environment accentuate genetic
      susceptibility to high body mass index (BMI). Methods: We used up to 120 000
      adults from the UK Biobank study to test the hypothesis that high-risk obesogenic
      environments and behaviours accentuate genetic susceptibility to obesity. We used
      BMI as the outcome and a 69-variant genetic risk score (GRS) for obesity and 12
      measures of the obesogenic environment as exposures. These measures included
      Townsend deprivation index (TDI) as a measure of socio-economic position, TV
      watching, a 'Westernized' diet and physical activity. We performed several
      negative control tests, including randomly selecting groups of different average
      BMIs, using a simulated environment and including sun-protection use as an
      environment. Results: We found gene-environment interactions with TDI
      (Pinteraction = 3 * 10 -10 ), self-reported TV watching (Pinteraction = 7 * 10 -5
      ) and self-reported physical activity (Pinteraction = 5 * 10 -6 ). Within the
      group of 50% living in the most relatively deprived situations, carrying 10
      additional BMI-raising alleles was associated with approximately 3.8 kg extra
      weight in someone 1.73 m tall. In contrast, within the group of 50% living in the
      least deprivation, carrying 10 additional BMI-raising alleles was associated with
      approximately 2.9 kg extra weight. The interactions were weaker, but present,
      with the negative controls, including sun-protection use, indicating that
      residual confounding is likely. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the
      obesogenic environment accentuates the risk of obesity in genetically susceptible
      adults. Of the factors we tested, relative social deprivation best captures the
      aspects of the obesogenic environment responsible.

PMID- 28073955
TI  - Establishment of a rat model of thrombosis induced by intravenous injection of
      anti-phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex antibody.
AB  - Objective: Recent studies have suggested that aPS-PT antibody is one of the most
      relevant autoantibodies to APS. This study aimed to demonstrate the pathogenicity
      of aPS-PT antibody in vivo . Methods: At first, cultured rat vascular endothelial
      cells (RECs) were exposed to calf thymus-derived histones. Two hours later,
      lactate dehydrogenase release from the RECs and expression of PS on the cell
      surface were assessed. Next, we administered an i.v. injection of calf thymus
      derived histones into Wistar rats (12.5 ug/g weight of 8-week-old female rats),
      and 2 h later they were given an i.v. injection of aPS-PT mAb (1.25 mg/g weight,
      n = 6) or an equal dose of rat IgM as controls (n = 5). Three days later,
      histological examination was conducted. Results: Calf thymus-derived histones
      (>12.5 ug/ml) could injure RECs in vitro . Simultaneously, annexin V could bind
      to the RECs; thereby, this result indicated that cell-free histone exposure of
      vascular endothelial cells induced cell surface expression of PS, which is
      naturally present inside the plasma membrane. Thrombosis developed with higher
      frequency in the rats given an i.v. injection of aPS-PT mAb than in controls.
      Conclusion: We established a rat model of thrombosis induced by i.v. injection of
      aPS-PT mAb.

PMID- 28073956
TI  - The effect of rheumatoid arthritis-associated autoantibodies on the incidence of
      cardiovascular events in a large inception cohort of early inflammatory
      arthritis.
AB  - Objective: . RA is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events
      (CVEs). The objective was to estimate independent effects of RA autoantibodies on
      the incident CVEs in patients with early RA. Methods: Patients were enrolled in
      the Canadian Early Inflammatory Arthritis Cohort, a prospective multicentre
      inception cohort. Incident CVEs, including acute coronary syndromes and
      cerebrovascular events, were self-reported by the patient and partially validated
      by medical chart review. Seropositive status was defined as either RF or ACPA
      positive. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards survival analysis was used to
      estimate the effects of seropositive status on incident CVEs, controlling for RA
      clinical variables and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Results: . A
      total of 2626 patients were included: the mean symptom duration at diagnosis was
      6.3 months ( s . d . 4.6), the mean age was 53 years ( s . d . 15), 72% were
      female and 86% met classification criteria for RA. Forty-six incident CVEs
      occurred over 6483 person-years [incidence rate 7.1/1000 person-years (95%
      confidence interval 5.3, 9.4)]. The CVE rate did not differ in seropositive vs
      seronegative subjects and seropositivity was not associated with incident CVEs in
      multivariable Cox regression models. Baseline covariates independently associated
      with incident CVEs were older age, a history of hypertension and a longer
      duration of RA symptoms prior to diagnosis. Conclusion: The rate of CVEs early in
      the course of inflammatory arthritis was low; however, delays in the diagnosis of
      arthritis increased the rate of CVEs. Hypertension was the strongest independent
      risk factor for CVEs. Results support early aggressive management of RA disease
      activity and co-morbidities to prevent severe complications.

PMID- 28073957
TI  - Primary inefficacy of TNF inhibitors in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a
      long-term follow-up of 25 patients.
AB  - Objectives: Primary inefficacy of TNF inhibitors (TNFi) for axial
      spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is infrequent. The objective of this study was to
      assess the long-term evolution and final diagnosis of patients with primary
      inefficacy of TNFi for axSpA. Methods: This was a systematic retrospective study
      of all patients receiving a TNFi for axSpA in one tertiary referral centre.
      Patients had axSpA confirmed by a rheumatologist and were started on a first
      course of TNFi according to usual practice. If the rheumatologist interrupted
      treatment at 3 months for inefficacy, this was defined as primary inefficacy.
      Five to 10 years later, these patients were re-evaluated. Results: Of 222
      patients receiving a first TNFi for axSpA, 27 (12%) were considered as having
      primary inefficacy. These patients were more often females (48 vs 27%, P = 0.04),
      had higher functional impairment [BASDAI (0-100) 68 vs 42, P = 0.001] and less
      increased CRP (50 vs 78%, P = 0.008.) At the follow-up, 25 (92%) patients were re
      evaluated: the diagnosis of axSpA was confirmed for 21/25 (84%) patients
      according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis criteria and 20/25 (80%)
      patients according to the rheumatologist; but 18/25 (72%) had at least one other
      cause of their symptoms from among OA, widespread pain syndrome or depression. A
      second TNFi was prescribed for 16 patients and was efficacious for 9 (56%).
      Conclusion: Most patients with primary inefficacy had a confirmed diagnosis of
      axSpA, but they often had other causes of pain. We suggest that patients with
      primary inefficacy to TNFi should be screened for comorbidities that may
      interfere with axSpA activity assessment.

PMID- 28073958
TI  - Rudeness and Medical Team Performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rudeness is routinely experienced by medical teams. We sought to
      explore the impact of rudeness on medical teams' performance and test
      interventions that might mitigate its negative consequences. METHODS: Thirty-nine
      NICU teams participated in a training workshop including simulations of acute
      care of term and preterm newborns. In each workshop, 2 teams were randomly
      assigned to either an exposure to rudeness (in which the comments of the
      patient's mother included rude statements completely unrelated to the teams'
      performance) or control (neutral comments) condition, and 2 additional teams were
      assigned to rudeness with either a preventative (cognitive bias modification
      [CBM]) or therapeutic (narrative) intervention. Simulation sessions were
      evaluated by 2 independent judges, blind to team exposure, who used structured
      questionnaires to assess team performance. RESULTS: Rudeness had adverse
      consequences not only on diagnostic and intervention parameters (mean therapeutic
      score 3.81 +/- 0.36 vs 4.31 +/- 0.35 in controls, P < .01), but also on team
      processes (such as information and workload sharing, helping and communication)
      central to patient care (mean teamwork score 4.04 +/- 0.34 vs 4.43 +/- 0.37, P <
      .05). CBM mitigated most of these adverse effects of rudeness, but the
      postexposure narrative intervention had no significant effect. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rudeness has robust, deleterious effects on the performance of medical teams.
      Moreover, exposure to rudeness debilitated the very collaborative mechanisms
      recognized as essential for patient care and safety. Interventions focusing on
      teaching medical professionals to implicitly avoid cognitive distraction such as
      CBM may offer a means to mitigate the adverse consequences of behaviors that,
      unfortunately, cannot be prevented.

PMID- 28073959
TI  - Surrogate Pregnancy After Prenatal Diagnosis of Spina Bifida.
AB  - Some pregnancies today involve infertile individuals or couples who contract with
      a fertile woman to carry a pregnancy for them. The woman who carries the
      pregnancy is referred to as a "gestational carrier." The use of such arrangements
      is increasing. Most of the time, these arrangements play out as planned;
      sometimes, however, problems arise. This article discusses a case in which a
      fetal diagnosis of spina bifida led the infertile couple to request that the
      gestational carrier terminate the pregnancy, and the gestational carrier did not
      wish to do so. Experts in the medical and legal issues surrounding surrogacy
      discuss the considerations that should go into resolving such a conflict.

PMID- 28073960
TI  - Ligand characterization of CYP4B1 isoforms modified for high-level expression in
      Escherichia coli and HepG2 cells.
AB  - Human CYP4B1, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase predominantly expressed in the
      lung, inefficiently metabolizes classical CYP4B1 substrates, such as the
      naturally occurring furan pro-toxin 4-ipomeanol (4-IPO). Highly active animal
      forms of the enzyme convert 4-IPO to reactive alkylating metabolite(s) that
      bind(s) to cellular macromolecules. By substitution of 13 amino acids, we
      restored the enzymatic activity of human CYP4B1 toward 4-IPO and this modified
      cDNA is potentially valuable as a suicide gene for adoptive T-cell therapies. In
      order to find novel pro-toxins, we tested numerous furan analogs in in vitro cell
      culture cytotoxicity assays by expressing the wild-type rabbit and variants of
      human CYP4B1 in human liver-derived HepG2 cells. To evaluate the CYP4B1 substrate
      specificities and furan analog catalysis, we optimized the N-terminal sequence of
      the CYP4B1 variants by modification/truncation and established their heterologous
      expression in Escherichia coli (yielding 70 and 800 nmol.l-1 of recombinant human
      and rabbit enzyme, respectively). Finally, spectral binding affinities and
      oxidative metabolism of the furan analogs by the purified recombinant CYP4B1
      variants were analyzed: the naturally occurring perilla ketone was found to be
      the tightest binder to CYP4B1, but also the analog that was most extensively
      metabolized by oxidative processes to numerous non-reactive reaction products.

PMID- 28073961
TI  - Genetic characterization of mcr-1-bearing plasmids to depict molecular mechanisms
      underlying dissemination of the colistin resistance determinant.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse and compare mcr-1-bearing plasmids from animal Escherichia
      coli isolates, and to investigate potential mechanisms underlying dissemination
      of mcr-1. METHODS: Ninety-seven ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from pig
      farms in China were screened for the mcr-1 gene. Fifteen mcr-1-positive strains
      were subjected to molecular characterization and bioinformatic analysis of the
      mcr-1-bearing plasmids that they harboured. RESULTS: Three major types of mcr-1
      bearing plasmids were recovered: IncX4 (~33 kb), IncI2 (~60 kb) and IncHI2 (~216
      280 kb), among which the IncX4 and IncI2 plasmids were found to harbour the mcr-1
      gene only, whereas multiple resistance elements including blaCTX-M, blaCMY,
      blaTEM, fosA, qnrS, floR and oqxAB were detected, in various combinations,
      alongside mcr-1 in the IncHI2 plasmids. The profiles of mcr-1-bearing plasmids in
      the test strains were highly variable, with coexistence of two mcr-1-bearing
      plasmids being common. However, the MIC of colistin was not affected by the
      number of mcr-1-carrying plasmids harboured. Comparative analysis of the plasmids
      showed that they contained an mcr-1 gene cassette with varied structures (mcr-1
      orf, ISApl1-mcr-1-orf and Tn6330), with the IncHI2 type being the most active in
      acquiring foreign resistance genes. A novel transposon, Tn6330, with the
      structure ISApl1-mcr-1-orf-ISApl1 was found to be the key element mediating
      translocation of mcr-1 into various plasmid backbones through formation of a
      circular intermediate. CONCLUSIONS: The mcr-1 gene can be disseminated via
      multiple mobile elements including Tn6330, its circular intermediate and plasmids
      harbouring such elements. It is often co-transmitted with other resistance
      determinants through IncHI2 plasmids. The functional mechanism of Tn6330, a
      typical composite transposon harbouring mcr-1, should be further investigated.

PMID- 28073963
TI  - In vitro activity of daptomycin combined with dalbavancin and linezolid, and
      dalbavancin with linezolid against MRSA strains.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Combination therapies have a distinct advantage over monotherapies in
      terms of their broad spectrum, synergistic effect and prevention of the emergence
      of drug resistance. In the present study, the in vitro antibacterial activity of
      daptomycin combinations with linezolid and dalbavancin, and dalbavancin with
      linezolid were evaluated against 30 clinical MRSA strains. METHODS: The MICs of
      all antibiotics were determined using microbroth dilution as described by the
      CLSI. The in vitro activities of antibiotics in combination were assessed by
      using a microbroth 'chequerboard' assay. The MIC values of all antibiotics
      determined were evaluated in accordance with the recommendations of the CLSI for
      daptomycin and linezolid, and the FDA for dalbavancin. RESULTS: All strains
      (100%) were found to be susceptible to daptomycin, dalbavancin and linezolid. The
      MIC50, MIC90 and MICrange values of these antibiotics were determined to be 1, 1
      and 0.5-1 mg/L, 0.12, 0.12 and 0.03-0.12 mg/L, and 1, 2 and 1-2 mg/L,
      respectively. The rates of synergistic effects were 67% for daptomycin combined
      with dalbavancin and with linezolid, and 60% for dalbavancin combined with
      linezolid. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that in vitro combinations
      of these new antimicrobials will be effective in the therapy of MRSA infections.

PMID- 28073962
TI  - A case of multiple contamination with methylase ArmA-producing pathogens.

PMID- 28073964
TI  - Single-dose pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral tenofovir and
      emtricitabine in blood, saliva and rectal tissue: a sub-study of the ANRS IPERGAY
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In the ANRS IPERGAY pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trial, a single
      dose of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine was taken orally 2-24 h
      before sexual intercourse. A sub-study was conducted to assess the
      pharmacokinetics of tenofovir and emtricitabine in blood, saliva and rectal
      tissue following this initial oral intake. METHODS: Plasma, PBMC, saliva and
      rectal tissue sampling was performed over 24 h in 12 seronegative men before
      enrolment in the ANRS IPERGAY trial, following a single dose of 600 mg tenofovir
      disoproxil fumarate/400 mg emtricitabine. Ex vivo HIV infectibility of rectal
      biopsies was also assessed. RESULTS: The median plasma Tmax of tenofovir (median
      Cmax: 401 MUg/L) and emtricitabine (median Cmax: 2868 MUg/L) was obtained 1 h
      (range: 0.5-4) and 2 h (range: 1-4) after dosing, respectively. The median C24 of
      tenofovir and emtricitabine was 40 and 63 MUg/L, respectively. The median PBMC
      tenofovir diphosphate and emtricitabine triphosphate levels were 12.2 and 16.7
      fmol/106 cells and 2800 and 2000 fmol/106 cells at 2 and 24 h after dosing,
      respectively. Saliva/plasma AUC0-24 ratios were 2% and 17% for tenofovir and
      emtricitabine, respectively. Emtricitabine was detected in rectal tissue 30 min
      after dosing, whereas tenofovir was only detectable at 24 h. Ex vivo HIV
      infectibility assays of rectal biopsies showed partial protection after dosing (P
      < 0.07). DISCUSSION: A single high dose of oral tenofovir disoproxil
      fumarate/emtricitabine provides rapid and high blood levels of tenofovir and
      emtricitabine, with rapid diffusion of emtricitabine in saliva and rectal tissue.

PMID- 28073965
TI  - Spread of mcr-1-carrying Enterobacteriaceae in sewage water from Spain.
AB  - Objectives: The mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1 has been identified
      worldwide in human and animal sources, while its occurrence in the environment is
      still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of
      mcr-1 -harbouring Enterobacteriaceae in water samples obtained from rivers and
      waste water treatment plants in the area of Barcelona, Spain. Methods: The
      presence of mcr-1 was detected by PCR. Bacterial identification was performed via
      MALDI-TOF MS. Resistance to colistin was determined by a broth dilution method.
      The epidemiological relationship between the positive isolates was assessed with
      PFGE and ST was determined by MLST. Plasmid characterization was performed by
      transformation experiments, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and
      incompatibility group PCR. Results: Thirty MDR isolates bearing mcr-1 , 29
      Escherichia coli (ST632 and ST479) and 1 Klebsiella pneumoniae (ST526), were
      identified in sewage from two different waste water treatment plants, whereas the
      gene was not found in river water. All isolates, including the K. pneumoniae ,
      harboured bla CTX-M-55 and bla TEM-1 . mcr-1 was in all cases associated with an
      IncI2 plasmid, which only conferred resistance to colistin. mcr-1 was harboured
      by two predominant E. coli clones that were found in both waste water treatment
      plants. Conclusions: This study showed a high occurrence of mcr-1 in the sewage
      of Barcelona, mainly due to the dissemination of two E. coli pulsotypes that are
      circulating in the population. The presence of mcr-1 in the environment is a
      cause for concern, and suggests high prevalence of mcr-1 in the community.

PMID- 28073966
TI  - Extended stability of antimicrobial agents in administration devices.
AB  - Background: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is an established
      approach to patient care. A lack of data on antimicrobial stability within
      administration devices is a barrier to service expansion, and poses an
      antimicrobial stewardship dilemma. Often broad-spectrum, long half-life agents
      are used instead of narrow-spectrum agents, which need more frequent
      administration, but could possibly be used if stability data were available.
      Objectives: To complete a comprehensive literature review of published
      antimicrobial stability data, and assess these against a nationally recognized
      minimum dataset for medicines compounded into administration devices. Methods:
      Medline, EMBASE, Global Health, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and
      Biomedical Research Database were interrogated in April 2014 and updated in
      November 2015. Results: A total of 420 citations were reviewed with 121 selected
      for full text review. None of these papers met the inclusion criteria stipulated
      in the national standards. The most frequent reason for study exclusion was the
      tolerance limit for the level of the active pharmaceutical ingredient being wider
      than 95%-105% and absence of 'in-use' testing at 37  degrees C. Conclusions: This
      review found no published studies that comply with UK national standards for
      stability testing. We recommend further research and publication of antimicrobial
      stability data to support OPAT within the antimicrobial stewardship agenda.

PMID- 28073967
TI  - DNA replication proteins as potential targets for antimicrobials in drug
      resistant bacterial pathogens.
AB  - With the impending crisis of antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need to
      develop novel antimicrobials to combat difficult infections and MDR pathogenic
      microorganisms. DNA replication is essential for cell viability and is therefore
      an attractive target for antimicrobials. Although several antimicrobials
      targeting DNA replication proteins have been developed to date,
      gyrase/topoisomerase inhibitors are the only class widely used in the clinic.
      Given the numerous essential proteins in the bacterial replisome that may serve
      as a potential target for inhibitors and the relative paucity of suitable
      compounds, it is evident that antimicrobials targeting the replisome are
      underdeveloped so far. In this review, we report on the diversity of
      antimicrobial compounds targeting DNA replication and highlight some of the
      challenges in developing new drugs that target this process.

PMID- 28073968
TI  - Variants of AbGRI3 carrying the armA gene in extensively antibiotic-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii from Singapore.
AB  - Objectives: To investigate the context of the ribosomal RNA methyltransferase
      gene armA in carbapenem-resistant global clone 2 (GC2) Acinetobacter baumannii
      isolates from Singapore. Methods: Antibiotic resistance was determined using disc
      diffusion; PCR was used to identify resistance genes. Whole genome sequences were
      determined and contigs were assembled and ordered using PCR. Resistance regions
      in unsequenced isolates were mapped. Results: Fifteen GC2 A. baumannii isolated
      at Singapore General Hospital over the period 2004-11 and found to carry the armA
      gene were resistant to carbapenems, third-generation cephalosporins,
      fluoroquinolones and most aminoglycosides. In these isolates, the armA gene was
      located in a third chromosomal resistance island, previously designated AbGRI3.
      In four isolates, armA was in a 19 kb IS 26 -bounded transposon, designated Tn
      6180 . In three of them, a 2.7 kb transposon carrying the aphA1b gene, designated
      Tn 6179 , was found adjacent to and sharing an IS 26 with Tn 6180. However, in
      these four isolates a 3.1 kb segment of the adjacent chromosomal DNA has been
      inverted by an IS 26 -mediated event. The remaining 11 isolates all contained a
      derivative of Tn 6180 that had lost part of the central segment and only one
      retained Tn 6179 . The chromosomal inversion was present in four of these and in
      seven the deletion extended beyond the inversion into adjacent chromosomal DNA.
      AbGRI3 forms were found in available GC2 sequences carrying armA. Conclusions: In
      GC2 A. baumannii , the armA gene is located in various forms of a third genomic
      resistance island named AbGRI3. An aphA1b transposon is variably present in
      AbGRI3.

PMID- 28073969
TI  - Characterization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the West
      Midlands region of England: 2007-14.
AB  - Objectives: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) have been
      increasingly reported in the UK since 2003. We analysed patient and isolate data
      for CPE confirmed by the national reference laboratory from laboratories in the
      West Midlands region from November 2007 to December 2014. Methods: MICs were
      determined by BSAC agar dilution methodology and isolates exhibiting resistance
      to one or more carbapenems were screened for carbapenemase genes by PCR. Plasmid
      analyses were performed after electro-transformation of carbapenemase-encoding
      plasmids. WGS was performed on both transformants and clinical isolates. Patient
      data provided by the sending laboratories were reviewed. Results: During the
      study period, CPE ( n  = 139) were submitted from 13 laboratories in the West
      Midlands region, originating from 108 patients and including one environmental
      isolate. CPE submissions increased significantly from 2009 onwards. Isolates were
      predominantly Klebsiella pneumoniae (89/139) obtained from inpatients. WGS was
      performed on all clinical isolates and transformants. After deduplication 119
      isolates and 96 transformants remained for analysis. Within these, four families
      of carbapenemase genes were identified: bla NDM (69/119), bla KPC (26/119), bla
      OXA-48-like (16/119) and bla VIM (7/119); one isolate carried both bla NDM and
      bla OXA-48-like . Isolates represented diverse STs and plasmid replicon types.
      Plasmid analyses identified plasmids of different replicon types encoding bla KPC
      , bla NDM and bla OXA-48-like genes, found across several species and STs.
      Conclusions: CPE have been reported increasingly in the West Midlands region over
      a 7 year period. bla NDM , bla KPC and bla OXA-48-like were the dominant
      carbapenemase genes and were found in a range of diverse genomic/plasmid
      environments, highlighting their ability to mobilize across different plasmids,
      often impeding the detection of outbreaks.

PMID- 28073970
TI  - Estimated generic prices for novel treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
AB  - Background: The estimated worldwide annual incidence of MDR-TB is 480 000,
      representing 5% of TB incidence, but 20% of mortality. Multiple drugs have
      recently been developed or repurposed for the treatment of MDR-TB. Currently,
      treatment for MDR-TB costs thousands of dollars per course. Objectives: To
      estimate generic prices for novel TB drugs that would be achievable given large
      scale competitive manufacture. Methods: Prices for linezolid, moxifloxacin and
      clofazimine were estimated based on per-kilogram prices of the active
      pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Other costs were added, including formulation,
      packaging and a profit margin. The projected costs for sutezolid were estimated
      to be equivalent to those for linezolid, based on chemical similarity. Generic
      prices for bedaquiline, delamanid and pretomanid were estimated by assessing
      routes of synthesis, costs/kg of chemical reagents, routes of synthesis and per
      step yields. Costing algorithms reflected variable regulatory requirements and
      efficiency of scale based on demand, and were validated by testing predictive
      ability against widely available TB medicines. Results: Estimated generic prices
      were US$8-$17/month for bedaquiline, $5-$16/month for delamanid, $11-$34/month
      for pretomanid, $4-$9/month for linezolid, $4-$9/month for sutezolid, $4
      $11/month for clofazimine and $4-$8/month for moxifloxacin. The estimated generic
      prices were 87%-94% lower than the current lowest available prices for
      bedaquiline, 95%-98% for delamanid and 94%-97% for linezolid. Estimated generic
      prices were $168-$395 per course for the STREAM trial modified Bangladesh
      regimens (current costs $734-$1799), $53-$276 for pretomanid-based three-drug
      regimens and $238-$507 for a delamanid-based four-drug regimen. Conclusions:
      Competitive large-scale generic manufacture could allow supplies of treatment for
      5-10 times more MDR-TB cases within current procurement budgets.

PMID- 28073971
TI  - Sexual dimorphisms in genetic loci linked to body fat distribution.
AB  - Obesity is a chronic condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality
      and is a risk factor for a number of other diseases including type 2 diabetes and
      cardiovascular disease. Obesity confers an enormous, costly burden on both
      individuals and public health more broadly. Body fat distribution is a heritable
      trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes. Body fat
      distribution is distinct from overall obesity in measurement, but studies of body
      fat distribution can yield insights into the risk factors for and causes of
      overall obesity. Sexual dimorphism in body fat distribution is present throughout
      life. Though sexual dimorphism is subtle in early stages of life, it is
      attenuated in puberty and during menopause. This phenomenon could be, at least in
      part, due to the influence of sex hormones on the trait. Findings from recent
      large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for various measures of body fat
      distribution (including waist-to-hip ratio, hip or waist circumference, trunk fat
      percentage and the ratio of android and gynoid fat percentage) emphasize the
      strong sexual dimorphism in the genetic regulation of fat distribution traits.
      Importantly, sexual dimorphism is not observed for overall obesity (as assessed
      by body mass index or total fat percentage). Notably, the genetic loci associated
      with body fat distribution, which show sexual dimorphism, are located near genes
      that are expressed in adipose tissues and/or adipose cells. Considering the
      epidemiological and genetic evidence, sexual dimorphism is a prominent feature of
      body fat distribution. Research that specifically focuses on sexual dimorphism in
      fat distribution can provide novel insights into human physiology and into the
      development of obesity and its comorbidities, as well as yield biological clues
      that will aid in the improvement of disease prevention and treatment.

PMID- 28073972
TI  - Awareness and attitude regarding reproductive options of persons carrying a BRCA
      mutation and their partners.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: To what extent are BRCA mutation carriers and their partners in
      the Netherlands aware about preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and prenatal
      diagnosis (PND) as reproductive options and what is their attitude towards these
      options? SUMMARY ANSWER: Awareness of PGD (66%) and PND (61%) among BRCA mutation
      carriers and their partners is relatively high and 80% and 26%, respectively, of
      BRCA carriers and their partners find offering PGD and PND for hereditary breast
      and ovarian cancer (HBOC) acceptable. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Internationally,
      awareness of PGD among persons with a genetic cancer predisposition appears to be
      relatively low (35%) and although acceptability is generally high (71%), only a
      small proportion of mutation carriers would consider using PGD (36%). However,
      for HBOC, there are no studies available that investigated the perspective of
      individuals with a confirmed BRCA1/2 mutation and their partners about PGD and
      PND including demographic and medical correlates of awareness and acceptability.
      STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A cross-sectional survey was completed by 191
      participants between July 2012 and June 2013. Participants were recruited through
      patient organizations (88%) and the databases of two Clinical Genetics
      departments in the Netherlands (12%). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:
      Male and female BRCA carriers and their partners completed an online survey,
      which assessed demographic and medical characteristics, and awareness, knowledge,
      acceptability and consideration of PGD and PND as main outcomes. Correlations
      between demographic and medical characteristics and the main outcomes were
      investigated. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE: The majority of respondents were
      female (87%), of reproductive age (86%) and about half reported a desire for a
      child in the future. About two-thirds (66%) were aware of PGD and 61% of PND for
      HBOC. PGD knowledge was moderate (5.5 on a 9-point scale) and acceptability of
      PGD and PND for HBOC was 80% and 26%, respectively. A minority would personally
      consider using PGD (39%) or PND (20%). Individuals with a higher educational
      level were more likely to be aware of PGD (P < 0.001) and PND (P < 0.001) and
      persons with a more immediate child wish were more often aware of PGD (P = 0.044)
      and had more knowledge about PGD (P = 0.001). PGD acceptability was positively
      associated with knowledge about PGD (P = 0.047), and PND acceptability was higher
      among partners in comparison to carriers (P = 0.001). Participants with a history
      of cancer and with a higher perceived seriousness of breast and ovarian cancer
      were more likely to consider using PGD (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001 respectively) or
      PND (P = 0.021 and P = 0.017 respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The
      response rate (23%) of participants invited by the clinical genetics departments
      was low, probably related to a simultaneous study that used a similar recruitment
      strategy within the same target group, which may have resulted in selection bias.
      Moreover, PGD knowledge was measured with an instrument that is not yet validated
      since to date such an instrument is not available in the literature. Finally, the
      cross-sectional design of this study limits us from drawing any causal
      conclusions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Improvement of information
      provision remains needed, in order to timely inform all couples with HBOC about
      the available reproductive options and enable them to make a balanced
      reproductive decision. This may limit the risk of negative psychological impact
      due to decisional conflict and possible regret. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING
      INTEREST(S): The Dutch breast cancer foundation Stichting Pink Ribbon (grant
      number 2010.PS11.C74). None of the authors have competing interests to declare.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID- 28073973
TI  - Human foetal ovary shares meiotic preventing factors with the developing testis.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: How can pre-meiotic germ cells persist in the human foetal ovary?
      SUMMARY ANSWER: Numerous oogonia escaping meiotic entry were retrieved throughout
      human ovarian development simultaneously with the expression of signalling
      pathways preventing meiosis, typically described in the rodent embryonic testis.
      WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The transition from mitosis to meiosis is a key event in
      female germ cells that remains poorly documented in research on the human ovary.
      Previous reports described a strikingly asynchronous differentiation in the human
      female germ line during development, with the persistence of oogonia among
      oocytes and follicles during the second and third trimesters. The possible
      mechanisms allowing some cells to escape meiosis remain elusive. STUDY DESIGN
      SIZE, DURATION: In order to document the extent of this phenomenon, we detailed
      the expression profile of germ cell differentiation markers using 73 ovaries
      ranging from 6.4 to 35 weeks post-fertilization. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING,
      METHODS: Pre-meiotic markers were detected by immunohistochemistry or qRT-PCR.
      The expression of the main meiosis-preventing factors identified in mice was
      analysed, and their functionality assessed using organ cultures. MAIN RESULTS AND
      THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Oogonia stained for AP2gamma could be traced from the first
      trimester until the end of the third trimester. Female germ cell differentiation
      is organized both in time and space in a centripetal manner in the foetal human
      ovary. Unexpectedly, some features usually ascribed to rodent pre-spermatogonia
      could be observed in human foetal ovaries, such as NANOS2 expression and
      quiescence in some germ cells. The two main somatic signals known to inhibit
      meiosis in the mouse embryonic testis, CYP26B1 and FGF9, were detected in the
      human ovary and act simultaneously to repress STRA8 and meiosis in human foetal
      female germ cells. LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS REASON FOR CAUTION: Our
      conclusions relied partly on in vitro experiments. Germ cells were not
      systematically identified with immunostaining and some may have thus escaped
      analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: We found evidence that a robust
      repression of meiotic entry is taking place in the human foetal ovary, possibly
      explaining the exceptional long-lasting presence of pre-meiotic germ cells until
      late gestational age. This result calls for a redefinition of the markers known
      as classical male markers, which may in fact characterize mammalian developing
      gonads irrespectively of their sex. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This
      research was supported by the Universite Paris Diderot-Paris 7 and Universite
      Paris-Sud, CEA, INSERM, and Agence de la Biomedecine. The authors declare no
      conflict of interest.

PMID- 28073975
TI  - Modeling Environmental Influences in the Psyllaephagus bliteus (Hymenoptera:
      Encyrtidae)-Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) Parasitoid-Host
      System.
AB  - Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) is an invasive psyllid
      introduced into the Mediterranean area, where it affects several species of
      Eucalyptus. Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a specialized
      parasitoid of this psyllid that was accidentally introduced into Italy in 2011.
      We developed a model of this host-parasitoid system that accounts for the
      influence of environmental conditions on the G. brimblecombei population dynamics
      and P. bliteus parasitism rates in the natural ecosystem. The Lotka-Volterra
      based model predicts non-constant host growth and parasitoid mortality rates in
      association with variation in environmental conditions. The model was tested by
      analyzing sampling data collected in Naples in 2011 (before the parasitoid was
      present) and defining several environmental patterns, termed Temperature-Rain or
      T-R patterns, which correspond to the host growth rate. A mean value of the host
      growth rate was assigned to each T-R pattern, as well as a variation of the
      parasitoid mortality rate based on temperature thresholds. The proposed model was
      applied in simulation tests related to T-R patterns carried out with a data
      series sampled between June 2014 and July 2015 in five Italian sites located in
      Campania, Lazio, Sicily, and Sardinia regions. The simulation results showed that
      the proposed model provides an accurate approximation of population trends,
      although oscillation details may not be apparent. Results predict a 64% reduction
      in G. brimblecombei population density owing to P. bliteus parasitoid activity.
      Our results are discussed with respect to features of the host-parasitoid
      interaction that could be exploited in future biological control programs.

PMID- 28073974
TI  - Infertile women who screen positive for depression are less likely to initiate
      fertility treatments.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Are infertile women who screen positive for depression less
      likely to initiate infertility treatments? SUMMARY ANSWER: Infertile women who
      screen positive for depression are less likely to initiate treatment for
      infertility. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: Infertility imposes a psychological burden on
      many couples. Depression and anxiety have been demonstrated in ~40% of infertile
      women, which is twice that of fertile women. Further, the psychological burden
      associated with infertility treatment has been cited as a major factor for
      discontinuation of infertility care. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Prospective,
      observational study in a clinical-based cohort of 416 women who completed a
      questionnaire after the new patient visit, from January 2013 until December 2014
      inclusive. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: All new female infertility
      patients (n = 959) seen between January 2013 and December 2014 at University of
      North Carolina Fertility received an electronic questionnaire to screen for
      mental health disorders and to evaluate their perception of mental health
      disorders on infertility. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Of 959 surveys
      sent, 416 women completed the questionnaire (43%). The prevalence screening
      positive for depression, using the NIH PROMIS screening tool, was 41%. Sixty-two
      percent of all women initiated infertility treatment, and of these, 81% did so
      within 4 months. In multivariate analysis, women who screened positive for
      depression had 0.55 times the odds of initiating treatment for infertility (95%
      CI: 0.31-0.95). Similarly, women who screened positive for depression had 0.58
      times the odds of initiating infertility treatment within 4 months (95% CI: 0.35
      0.97), which was the time of censoring from the most recent patient evaluated.
      Women who screened positive for depression were less likely to pursue treatment
      with oral medications or IVF (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively), as compared
      to women who did not screen positive for depression. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR
      CAUTION: Questionnaire-based evaluations may result in a lower prevalence of
      psychological disorder as some participants feign emotional well-being. Although
      we did not identify differences in women who responded to our survey and those
      who did not, responder bias may still be present. In addition, infertility is a
      couple's disease. However, this study only included psychological evaluation of
      the female partner. We have no information about the women's previous treatment.
      WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Screening for depression is important in the
      infertility patient population, as further evaluation and psychological
      interventions may improve compliance with fertility treatments, quality of life,
      and potentially, the overall chance of pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING
      INTERESTS: None.

PMID- 28073976
TI  - Effects of Carriers, Emulsifiers, and Biopesticides for Direct Silk Treatments on
      Caterpillar Feeding Damage and Ear Development in Sweet Corn.
AB  - In the northeastern United States, control of Lepidopteran pests of sweet corn,
      particularly corn earworm [Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)], is difficult using organic
      methods. The direct application of corn oil and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to
      corn silk has been shown to reduce ear damage from corn earworm in past studies;
      these studies sought to optimize this method by evaluating additional carrier and
      biopesticide mixtures that comply with the United States Federal Insecticide,
      Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and National Organic Standards. Carriers, which
      are liquids used to dissolve the biopesticide and deliver it into the tip of the
      ear, may have phytotoxic or insecticidal properties. Experiments conducted from
      2001 to 2005 evaluated caterpillar damage and ear development effects from
      carriers (vegetable and paraffinic oils and carrageenan), biopesticides (Bt,
      spinsosad, and neem), and three emulsifiers in various combinations when applied
      directly to the tips of the ears 5-7 d after silk initiation. There were no
      effects of emulsifiers on ear quality, except for slight reduction in caterpillar
      damage in one of the two years. There were no differences among corn, soy,
      canola, and safflower oils in corn earworm control or tip development. The
      carrageenan carrier had the least effect upon ear development as measured by the
      length of nonpollinated kernels at the tip, compared to corn oil or paraffinic
      oil (JMS Stylet Oil), which caused the greatest tip damage as well as an oily
      discoloration. The carrier-pesticide combinations with the best ear quality
      overall were spinosad in carrageenan or corn oil, and Bt in carrageenan.

PMID- 28073977
TI  - The Effects of a Modified Hot Water Treatment on Anastrepha ludens (Diptera:
      Tephritidae)-Infested Mango.
AB  - The Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew), is a quarantine pest in mango
      (Mangifera indica L.) that can be controlled by using a hot water treatment
      (HWT). This treatment is normally followed by a 30-min hydrocooling (HYC) process
      that reduces the negative effects that the treatment has on fruit quality.
      However, if hot water-treated fruits are immediately immersed in water at 21 
      degrees C, the survival rate of third-instar A. ludens may be increased. The
      current approved treatment protocol states that if HYC is used, then treated
      fruit should undergo an additional 10-min HWT or on platform for 30 min before
      HYC. We aimed to determine the efficacy of HWT without an additional 10-min
      treatment before being subjected to HYC, while taking into consideration that the
      most important conditions are the temperature of the fruit core throughout
      treatment and the type of infestation, either oviposition or inoculation. Two
      experimental tests were conducted. Our first aim was to determine the
      effectiveness of HWT followed by HYC using three varieties and different size
      classes of mangoes ('Ataulfo' 200-375 and 401-570 g; 'Tommy Atkins' 401-500 and
      501-700 g; 'Kent' 401-500 g). The four treatment combinations used to test HWT
      and immediate HYC at 21  degrees C were 1) HWT, 2) HWT/HYC, 3) HWT + 10 min/HYC,
      and 4) HWT/30 min on platform/HYC; an independent experiment was used for each
      variety. The second aim was to validate the HWT/HYC combination by performing
      confirmatory tests in commercial packing houses. The results showed that as long
      as the mango core temperature reached 45  degrees C during the HWT, it was not
      necessary to add the 10-min treatment to the HWT before HYC at 21  degrees C was
      applied. To ensure that the larvae are subjected to the HWT treatment for
      sufficient time to be lethal, the temperature of the fruit core throughout the
      treatment must be recorded.

PMID- 28073978
TI  - Effects of Bt Corn and Egg Density on Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera:
      Chrysomelidae) Adult Emergence and Estimation of Effective Bt Dose.
AB  - Since 2003, rootworm-protected transgenic corn has been commercially deployed in
      the United States as a principal method of control of western corn rootworm,
      Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Durability of this technology depends
      partly on larval mortality ("dose") exerted by the traits, but density-dependent
      mortality can confound calculations of dose. Research reported here examined the
      effects of density-dependent mortality on adult emergence and estimates of trait
      dose. At sites in Illinois and Indiana, western corn rootworm eggs were infested
      at four densities on non-Bt corn and at a single density on corn hybrids with
      transgenic events MON 88017 (VT Triple PRO), DAS-59122-7 (Herculex Insect
      Protection), and MON 88017 * DAS-59122-7 (SmartStax corn). Beetles were collected
      weekly in large emergence cages. Density-dependent mortality and the effect of Bt
      traits were examined using percent survival from egg to adult, sex ratio, and
      beetle mass. Beetle emergence from Bt treatments was very low, and percent
      survival from non-Bt treatments was greatest at the lowest egg density (410 eggs
      per row-meter). Therefore, emergence from the lowest infestation density on non
      Bt corn was used to estimate the effective dose of the Bt treatments. Sex ratio
      and beetle mass were unaffected by density-dependent effects and were not
      consistently affected by Bt traits. Dose was estimated at 97.4-99.3% for MON
      88017, 98.8-99.9% for DAS-59122-7, and 99.7-100.0% for MON 88017 * DAS-59122-7.
      This study confirms the need to account for density-dependent mortality when
      estimating dose of corn rootworm protection events even at relatively low egg
      infestation densities.

PMID- 28073979
TI  - Effect of the Presence of Live or Dead Insects on Subsequent Captures of Six
      Stored-Product Beetle Species: The Relative Species Matters.
AB  - In trapping programs prior capture of individuals of the same or different
      species may influence subsequent attractiveness of the trap. To evaluate this
      process with stored-product insects, the effect of the presence of dead or alive
      adults in traps on the behavioral responses of six stored-product insect species,
      Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val, T. castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera:
      Tenebrionidae), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), S. granarius (L.) (Coleoptera:
      Curculionidae), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) and O. mercator (Fauvel)
      (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), was studied in choice tests under laboratory
      conditions. Two series of tests were carried out. In the first series, the choice
      was between either alive or dead adults of same species and blank (no adults).
      Overall, dead adults had the strongest influence, increasing the response of S.
      oryzae, S. granarius, O. surinamensis, and O. mercator and decreasing the
      response of the two Tribolium species. Presence of alive adults generally did not
      result in a response different from blank, except for T. castaneum and O.
      surinamensis that had a reduced response. In the second series of tests, the
      choice was between alive or dead individuals of the species vs. alive or dead
      individuals of its relative cogeneric species. For choices between alive
      individuals, S. oryzae, S. granarius, and O. surinamensis showed a preference for
      alive individuals of the same species vs. the cogeneric species, and for all the
      other species there was no preference. For choices between dead individuals, T.
      castaneum exhibited a preference for individuals of the same species, while S.
      oryzae, S. granarius, and O. mercator showed a preference for individuals of the
      cogeneric species, and all other combinations did exhibit a preference. Our
      results suggest that traps containing alive and dead individuals of the same and
      other species can seriously affect the response and capture of additional
      insects.

PMID- 28073980
TI  - Presence and Prevalence of Raffaelea lauricola, Cause of Laurel Wilt, in
      Different Species of Ambrosia Beetle in Florida, USA.
AB  - We summarize the information available on ambrosia beetle species that have been
      associated in Florida with Raffaelea lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva,
      the primary symbiont of Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff and cause of laurel wilt. In
      total, 14 species in Ambrosiodmus, Euwallacea, Premnobius, Xyleborus,
      Xyleborinus, and Xylosandrus were either reared from laurel wilt-affected host
      trees or trapped in laurel wilt-affected stands of the same, and assayed for R.
      lauricola. In six collections from native species in the southeastern United
      States [Persea borbonia (L.), Persea palustris (Raf.) Sarg., and Persea humilis
      Nash] and four from avocado (Persea americana Mill.), extracted mycangia or heads
      (taxa with mandibular mycangia) or intact bodies (taxa with mycangia in other
      locations) were surface-disinfested before assays on a semi-selective medium for
      the isolation of Raffaelea (CSMA+). Raffaelea lauricola was identified based on
      its characteristic phenotype on CSMA+, and the identity of a random subset of
      isolates was confirmed with taxon-specific microsatellite markers. The pathogen
      was recovered from 34% (246 of 726) of the individuals that were associated with
      the native Persea spp., but only 6% (58 of 931) of those that were associated
      with avocado. Over all studies, R. lauricola was recovered from 10 of the
      ambrosia beetle species, but it was most prevalent in Xyleborus congeners. This
      is the first record of R. lauricola in Ambrosiodmus lecontei Hopkins, Xyleborinus
      andrewesi (Blandford), and Xyleborus bispinatus Eichhoff. The potential effects
      of R. lauricola's promiscuity are discussed.

PMID- 28073981
TI  - Effect of Resin Ducts and Sap Content on Infestation and Development of Immature
      Stages of Anastrepha obliqua and Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Four
      Mango (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) Cultivars.
AB  - We determined the influence of resin ducts, sap content, and fruit
      physicochemical features of four mango cultivars (Criollo, Manila, Ataulfo, and
      Tommy Atkins) on their susceptibility to the attack of the two most pestiferous
      fruit fly species infesting mangoes in Mexico: Anastrepha ludens (Loew) and
      Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart). We performed three studies: 1) analysis of resin
      ducts in mango fruit exocarp to determine the density and area occupied by resin
      ducts in each mango cultivar, 2) assessment of mango physicochemical features
      including fruit sap content, and 3) a forced infestation trial under field
      conditions using enclosed fruit-bearing branches to expose mangoes to gravid A.
      ludens or A. obliqua females. Infestation rates, development time from egg to
      prepupae and pupae, pupal weight, and percent of adult emergence, were assessed.
      'Ataulfo' and 'Tommy Atkins' cultivars exhibited the highest resin duct density
      and sap content, the lowest infestation rate, and had a negative effect on
      immature development and pupal weight. In sharp contrast, 'Manila' and 'Criollo'
      cultivars, with the lowest resin duct density and sap content, were highly
      susceptible to A. ludens and A. obliqua attack. We conclude that sap content and
      the number, size, and distribution of resin ducts as well as firmness in mango
      fruit exocarp are all involved in the resistance of mango to A. ludens and A.
      obliqua attack.

PMID- 28073982
TI  - Urinary triclosan concentrations and early outcomes of in vitro fertilization
      embryo transfer.
AB  - Triclosan (TCS) exists ubiquitously in the environment. Several in vitro and in
      vivo studies have demonstrated that TCS exerts endocrine disruptive effects on
      reproduction, but data from human populations are limited and conflicting. The
      objective of our study was to investigate whether high urinary TCS concentration
      is adversely associated with early reproductive outcomes in women undergoing in
      vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This prospective cohort study was
      conducted from September 2015 to June 2016, including 156 infertile women
      undergoing their first IVF-ET cycle. Two spot urine samples were collected prior
      to oocyte retrieval for TCS detection using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and
      liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Linear
      regression model and binary logistic regression model were used to evaluate the
      association between urinary TCS concentrations and IVF outcomes. The intake of
      aquaculture food may have positive influences on urinary TCS concentrations.
      After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), baseline follicle-stimulating
      hormone (FSH), antral follicle count (AFC) and smoking status, a significant
      decrease of top quality embryo formation and implantation rate was observed in
      patients with urinary TCS concentration greater than or equal to the median level
      (0.045 MUmol/mol Cr). We concluded that TCS exposure may exert negative effects
      during early stages of human reproduction.

PMID- 28073983
TI  - A novel embryo culture media supplement that improves pregnancy rates in mice.
AB  - The preimplantation embryo in vivo is exposed to numerous growth factors in the
      female reproductive tract, which are not recapitulated in embryo culture media in
      vitro The IGF2 and plasminogen activator systems facilitate blastocyst
      development. We hypothesized that the addition of IGF2 in combination with
      urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen could improve rates of
      blastocyst hatching and implantation in mice. B6BcF1 and CBAB6F2 mouse embryos
      were divided into one of four supplemented culture media treatment groups: (1)
      control (media only); (2) 12.5 nM IGF2; (3) 10 ug/mL uPA and 5 ug/mL plasminogen;
      or (4) a combination of IGF2, uPA and plasminogen treatments. Embryo development
      to blastocyst stage and hatching were assessed before transfer to pseudopregnant
      recipient females and implantation, pregnancy rates and postnatal growth were
      assessed. After 90.5 h of culture, IGF2 + U + P treatment increased the
      percentage of B6BcF1 embryos that were hatching/hatched and percentage developing
      to blastocyst stage compared with controls (P < 0.02). Following B6BcF1 embryo
      transfer, IGF2 + U + P treatment increased implantation sites at day 8 of
      pregnancy compared with controls (P < 0.05). Replication in the CBAB6F2 mouse
      strain showed significant improvements in pregnancy rates at days 8 and 18 but
      not in blastocyst development. No adverse effects were seen on gestational age,
      litter size or birthweight, or the reproductive capacity of offspring of IGF2 + U
      + P treated embryos. For embryos susceptible to detrimental effects of in vitro
      culture, IGF2, uPA and plasminogen supplementation of culture media can improve
      pregnancy success, but the effect of treatment is dependent on the mouse strain.

PMID- 28073984
TI  - Transcription Factors PvERF15 and PvMTF-1 Form a Cadmium Stress Transcriptional
      Pathway.
AB  - In plants, cadmium (Cd)-responsive transcription factors are key downstream
      effectors of Cd stress transcriptional pathways, which are capable of converging
      Cd stress signals through triggering the expression of Cd detoxification genes.
      However, the upstream transcriptional regulatory pathways that modulate their
      responses to Cd are less clear. Previously, we identified the bean (Phaseolus
      vulgaris) METAL RESPONSE ELEMENT-BINDING TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR1 (PvMTF-1) that
      responds to Cd and confers Cd tolerance in planta. Here, we demonstrate an
      upstream transcriptional regulation of the PvMTF-1 response to Cd Using a yeast
      one-hybrid system, we cloned the bean ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR15 (PvERF15) that
      binds to the PvMTF-1 promoter. PvERF15 was strongly induced by Cd stress, and its
      overexpression resulted in the up-regulation of PvMTF-1 DNA-protein interaction
      assays further revealed that PvERF15 binds directly to a 19-bp AC-rich element in
      the PvMTF-1 promoter. The AC-rich element serves as a positive element bound by
      PvERF15 to activate gene expression. More importantly, knockdown of PvERF15 by
      RNA interference resulted in reduced Cd-induced expression of PvMTF-1PvERF15
      seems to be involved in Cd tolerance, since knockdown of PvERF15 by RNA
      interference in bean leaf discs decreased Cd tolerance in a transient assay.
      Since PvERF15 is a component of the Cd stress transcriptional pathway in beans
      and PvMTF-1 is one of its downstream targets, our findings provide a
      PvERF15/PvMTF-1 transcriptional pathway and thereby contribute to the
      understanding of Cd stress transcriptional regulatory pathways in plants.

PMID- 28073985
TI  - Population-Based Pertussis Incidence and Risk Factors in Infants Less Than 6
      Months in Nepal.
AB  - Background.: Pertussis is estimated to cause 2 percent of childhood deaths
      globally and is a growing public health problem in developed countries despite
      high vaccination coverage. Infants are at greatest risk of morbidity and
      mortality. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy may be effective to prevent
      pertussis in young infants, but population-based estimates of disease burden in
      infants are lacking, particularly in low-income countries. The objective of this
      study was to estimate the incidence of pertussis in infants less than 6 months of
      age in Sarlahi District, Nepal. Methods.: Nested within a population-based
      randomized controlled trial of influenza vaccination during pregnancy, infants
      were visited weekly from birth through 6 months to assess respiratory illness in
      the prior week. If any respiratory symptoms had occurred, a nasal swab was
      collected and tested with a multitarget pertussis polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      assay. The prospective cohort study includes infants observed between May 2011
      and August 2014. Results.: The incidence of PCR-confirmed Bordetella pertussis
      was 13.3 cases per 1000 infant-years (95% confidence interval, 7.7-21.3) in a
      cohort of 3483 infants with at least 1 day of follow-up. Conclusions.: In a
      population-based active home surveillance for respiratory illness, a low risk for
      pertussis was estimated among infants in rural Nepal. Nepal's immunization
      program, which includes a childhood whole cell pertussis vaccine, may be
      effective in controlling pertussis in infants.

PMID- 28073986
TI  - Does the addition of postoperative radiotherapy to adjuvant chemotherapy offer
      any benefit in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and mediastinal
      lymphadenopathy?
AB  - A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured
      protocol. The question addressed was whether the addition of postoperative
      radiotherapy (PORT) to adjuvant chemotherapy offers any benefit in patients
      undergoing curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer found to harbour
      mediastinal lymphadenopathy. A total of 77 papers were identified using the
      reported search, of which 11 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical
      question. Only studies reporting on survival data of patients receiving adjuvant
      chemotherapy with and without PORT were included in this analysis. The authors,
      date, journal, country, study type, population, outcomes and key results are
      tabulated. Six studies reported a statistically significant positive impact of
      PORT on long-term or disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.048-0.0001). Five more
      studies found no difference in terms of survival between patients receiving and
      not receiving PORT. Among the 11 studies, only two were randomized controlled,
      with one of them reporting improved disease-free (P = 0.041) but not overall
      survival (P = 0.073), while the other finding no difference in survival.
      Furthermore, three more studies reported on DFS and/or locoregional recurrence of
      the disease. One of these studies reported a significantly improved DFS among
      patients receiving PORT (P = 0.003), while two of them reported a reduced rate of
      locoregional recurrence in this group (P = 0.032-0.009). Many studies report a
      positive effect of PORT when combined in parallel or sequentially with adjuvant
      chemotherapy in terms of long-term, disease free survival or locoregional control
      of the disease in patients who have undergone surgical resection of NSCLC and are
      found to harbour N2 disease. However, these reports are counterbalanced by an
      almost equal number of studies which show no difference between PORT and no PORT.
      Only one study reported significantly increased radiation related adverse effects
      in patients undergoing chemotherapy and PORT.

PMID- 28073987
TI  - Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and risk of atrial fibrillation after thoracic
      surgery.
AB  - Objectives: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs frequently in
      patients after noncardiac thoracic surgery and has been associated with increased
      morbidity and risk of stroke. Recent studies have shown conflicting results on
      the role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and its association with the
      development of POAF after cardiac surgery. Our goal was to determine whether an
      association exists between NLR and the incidence of POAF after non-cardiac
      thoracic surgery. Methods: Using a database of 259 consecutive patients age 60 or
      older who had anatomic lung resection or oesophagectomy for oncologic resection,
      we compared preoperative, postanaesthesia care unit and postoperative day 1 NLR
      between patients who did and did not develop POAF during their hospitalization
      using Fisher's exact test or logistic regression. We also compared NLR in
      patients who underwent minimally invasive resection versus open surgery. Results:
      POAF occurred in 50/259 (19%) of patients during their hospitalization. There
      were no significant differences in NLR between patients who did and did not
      develop POAF. In a secondary analysis of 180 patients who underwent open anatomic
      lung resection or oesophagectomy and 79 who underwent minimally invasive anatomic
      lung resection there was no difference in preoperative or immediate postoperative
      NLR, or an interaction in terms of odds of developing POAF. Conclusions: In
      contrast to cardiac surgery, in patients undergoing major non-cardiac thoracic
      surgery, we had no evidence to show that either preoperative or early
      postoperative NLR was associated with the development of POAF.

PMID- 28073988
TI  - Posteromedial papillary muscle rupture due to squeezing of the left anterior
      descending coronary artery.
AB  - An unusual case of posteromedial papillary muscle (PPM) rupture due to isolated
      left anterior descending (LAD) artery ischaemia, associated with severe
      myocardial bridge contraction, is presented. The unusual blood supply to the PPM
      was associated with its apical origin and apex-forming LAD.

PMID- 28073989
TI  - Patency of the vein of Labbe after venous stenting of the transverse and sigmoid
      sinuses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Venous sinus stenting is an emerging treatment for patients with
      idiopathic intracranial hypertension and evidence of venous stenosis. Stents
      placed across the transverse and sigmoid sinuses often cover the vein of Labbe
      (VOL), a major anastomotic vein draining the cerebral hemisphere. The patency of
      the VOL after stenting and its clinical implications are poorly understood.
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospectively collected
      database of patients undergoing venous sinus stenting. Pre- and post-stent
      angiography were compared to assess changes in VOL patency, clinical and
      radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 56 patients. The stent
      covered the VOL in 92.9% of cases. Thirty-two cases with VOL coverage had
      evaluable angiograms immediately after stent placement. Among these, VOL filled
      normally in 75.0%, exhibited diminished caliber with normal transit time in 3.1%,
      filled sluggishly in 18.8%, and was occluded in 3.1%. Follow-up was assessed in
      patients with at least 3 months' angiographic follow-up (46 patients, mean 7.2
      months). Of these, normal filling was seen in 71.7%, diminished caliber in 26.1%,
      and sluggish filling in 2.2% of cases. Neither stent coverage of the VOL nor its
      patency immediately after stenting or at follow-up correlated with stent-adjacent
      stenosis. There were no neurological sequelae from coverage of the VOL or
      alteration of its drainage pattern. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of venous
      stenting cases involving the transverse and sigmoid sinuses, the VOL remains
      widely patent. Complete VOL occlusion rarely occurs after stenting and may not
      result in clinical sequelae. Stent coverage of the VOL should not deter the
      therapeutic use of venous sinus stenting.

PMID- 28073990
TI  - Amyloidotic pseudo-spectacles.

PMID- 28073991
TI  - Man of stone.

PMID- 28073992
TI  - Low productivity of stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for screening of
      coronary artery disease.

PMID- 28073993
TI  - Daily Goals Formulation and Enhanced Visualization of Mechanical Ventilation
      Variance Improves Mechanical Ventilation Score.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The systematic implementation of evidence-based practice through the
      use of guidelines, checklists, and protocols mitigates the risks associated with
      mechanical ventilation, yet variation in practice remains prevalent. Recent
      advances in software and hardware have allowed for the development and deployment
      of an enhanced visualization tool that identifies mechanical ventilation goal
      variance. Our aim was to assess the utility of daily goal establishment and a
      computer-aided visualization of variance. METHODS: This study was composed of 3
      phases: a retrospective observational phase (baseline) followed by 2 prospective
      sequential interventions. Phase I intervention comprised daily goal establishment
      of mechanical ventilation. Phase II intervention was the setting and monitoring
      of daily goals of mechanical ventilation with a web-based data visualization
      system (T3). A single score of mechanical ventilation was developed to evaluate
      the outcome. RESULTS: The baseline phase evaluated 130 subjects, phase I enrolled
      31 subjects, and phase II enrolled 36 subjects. There were no differences in
      demographic characteristics between cohorts. A total of 171 verbalizations of
      goals of mechanical ventilation were completed in phase I. The use of T3
      increased by 87% from phase I. Mechanical ventilation score improved by 8.4% in
      phase I and 11.3% in phase II from baseline (P = .032). The largest effect was in
      the low risk VT category, with a 40.3% improvement from baseline in phase I,
      which was maintained at 39% improvement from baseline in phase II (P = .01).
      mechanical ventilation score was 9% higher on average in those who survived.
      CONCLUSIONS: Daily goal formation and computer-enhanced visualization of
      mechanical ventilation variance were associated with an improvement in goal
      attainment by evidence of an improved mechanical ventilation score. Further
      research is needed to determine whether improvements in mechanical ventilation
      score through a targeted, process-oriented intervention will lead to improved
      patient outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02184208.).

PMID- 28073994
TI  - Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer Compared With Metered-Dose Inhaler in Mechanically
      Ventilated Subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of various aerosol delivery devices on patient outcomes
      during mechanical ventilation is unknown. If one method of delivery results in a
      higher ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rate than another, multiple patient
      outcomes may be affected. This study aimed to determine whether there was a
      difference in VAP occurrence and patient outcomes (days receiving ventilation and
      in-hospital mortality) between the vibrating mesh nebulizer (AeroNeb Solo) and
      the metered-dose inhaler (MDI). METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed
      medical records for all mechanically ventilated, adult patients with an order for
      aerosol treatment from August 2011 to August 2013. The hospital converted from
      MDI to vibrating mesh nebulizers in August 2012, and data were gathered 1 y
      before/after conversion. Excluded were patients with a tracheostomy, patients who
      were mechanically ventilated for <24 h, patients who received a combination of
      nebulizer and MDI treatments, or patients who were re-intubated. RESULTS: Two
      hundred twenty-eight subjects were included. Forty-eight (21%) received treatment
      with an MDI, and 180 (79%) were treated with the vibrating mesh nebulizer.
      Descriptive data did not significantly differ for age or APACHE II (Acute
      Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) scores between the groups but did
      for sex (P = .03). Difference in median days receiving ventilation for the MDI (5
      d, interquartile range 3.0-8.5 d) and the vibrating mesh nebulizer (6 d,
      interquartile range 4.0-10.0 d) was not statistically significant. No correlation
      was found between the use of either device and the primary outcomes of VAP and in
      hospital mortality. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the number of
      days receiving ventilation increased the odds of VAP (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, 95% CI
      1.14-1.49, P < .001) and mortality (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.21, P = .002). Higher
      APACHE II scores increased the odds of mortality (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.001-1.092, P
      = .044). CONCLUSION: We found no association between an MDI or vibrating mesh
      nebulizer and our primary outcomes, days receiving ventilation, in-hospital
      mortality, or VAP, in mechanically ventilated subjects.

PMID- 28073995
TI  - A pericentric inversion of chromosome X disrupting F8 and resulting in
      haemophilia A.
AB  - AIMS: The frequency of X chromosome pericentric inversion is much less than that
      of autosome chromosome. We hereby characterise a pericentric inversion of X
      chromosome associated with severe factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency in a sporadic
      haemophilia A (HA) pedigree. METHODS: PCR primer walking and genome walking
      strategies were adopted to identify the exact breakpoints of the inversion. Copy
      number variations (CNVs) of the F8 and the whole chromosomes were detected by
      AccuCopy and Affymetrix CytoScan High Definition (HD) assays, respectively. A
      karyotype analysis was performed by cytogenetic G banding technique. RESULTS: We
      identified a previously undescribed type of pericentric inversion of the X
      chromosome [inv(X)(p11.21q28)] in the proband with FVIII:C <1%. One breakpoint
      was located in the intron 7 of the F8, which disrupted the transcription of the
      F8, and the other located in the upstream of the PFKFB1 of the X chromosome. The
      inversion segment was approximately 64.4% of the total chromosomal length. The
      karyotype analysis of the X chromosome confirmed the pericentric inversion of the
      X chromosome in the proband and his mother. A haplotype analysis traced the
      inversion to his maternal grandfather, who was not a somatic mosaic of the
      inversion. This finding indicated that the causative mutation may originate from
      his germ cells or a rare possibility of germ-cell mosaicism. CONCLUSIONS: The
      characterisation of pericentric inversion involving F8 extended the molecular
      mechanisms causing HA. The pericentric inversion rearrangement involves F8 by non
      homologous end joining is responsible for pathogensis of severe HA.

PMID- 28073997
TI  - Beyond Ageist Attitudes: Researchers Call for NIH Action to Limit Funding for
      Older Academics.
AB  - Purpose: This article explores manifestations of ageism in response to a proposed
      National Institutes of Health (NIH) Emeritus Grant initiative aimed at funding
      older investigators. Design and Methods: Comments were requested by NIH in 2015,
      through a Request for Information (RFI) as well as a public blog regarding the
      merits of a proposed grant mechanism that would help older researchers transfer
      their labs to junior scientists and transition into retirement. This article
      reports content analysis of comments from 134 respondents to the blog. Results:
      We found consistent patterns of disapproval of the proposed NIH initiative, which
      was viewed by most respondents as an undeserved benefit for older scientists.
      Negative attitudes were also expressed toward senior investigators by a large
      majority of commenters. In addition to broad opposition to new grant funding for
      senior investigators, many commenters also advocated for other punitive actions
      toward older investigators, including forced retirement. These opinions were
      generally justified by negative appraisals of senior investigators' competence,
      productivity, and even their character. Ageist comments were not limited to
      younger researchers, suggesting potential internalized ageism by older
      investigators. Implications: We discuss manifestations of ageism and advocacy for
      age discrimination in the broader social context of modernization theory,
      intergenerational conflict and social closure. Our findings raise important
      questions about the limited value of higher education in counteracting prejudice
      toward older people. We propose potential remedies to reduce ageism in academia.

PMID- 28073996
TI  - Estimate of false-positive breast cancer diagnoses from accuracy studies: a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: False-positive histological diagnoses have the same consequences of
      overdiagnosis in terms of unnecessary treatment. The aim of this systematic
      review is to assess their frequency at needle core biopsy (CB) and/or surgical
      excision of the breast. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library were
      systematically searched up to 30 October 2015. Eligibility criteria: cross
      sectional studies assessing diagnostic accuracy of CB compared with surgical
      excision; studies assessing reproducibility of pathologists reading the same
      slides. OUTCOMES: false-positive rates; Misclassification of Benign as Malignant
      (MBM) histological diagnosis; K statistic. Independent reviewers extracted data
      and assessed quality using an adapted QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: Sixteen studies
      assessed CB false-positive rates. In 10 studies (41 989 screen-detected lesions),
      the range of false-positive rates was 0%-7.1%. Twenty-seven studies assessed
      pathologists' reproducibility. Studies with consecutive, random or stratified
      samples of all the specimens: at CB the MBM range was 0.25%-2.4% (K values 0.83
      0.98); at surgical excision, it was 0.67%-1.2% (K values 0.86-0.94). Studies with
      enriched samples: the MBM range was 1.4%-6.2% (K values 0.57-0.86). Studies of
      cases selected for second opinion: the MBM range was 0.29%-12.2% (K values 0.48
      and 0.50). CONCLUSIONS: High heterogeneity of the included studies precluded
      formal pooling estimates. When considering studies of higher sample size or
      methodological quality, false-positive rates and MBM are around 1%. The impact of
      false-positive histological diagnoses of breast cancer on unnecessary treatment,
      as well as that of overdiagnosis, is not negligible and is of importance in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 28073998
TI  - Recent Health Care Use and Medicaid Entry of Medicare Beneficiaries.
AB  - Purpose of the Study: To examine the relationship between Medicaid entry and
      recent health care use among Medicare beneficiaries. Design and Methods: We
      identified Medicare beneficiaries without full Medicaid or use of hospital or
      nursing home services in 2008 (N = 2,163,387). A discrete survival analysis
      estimated beneficiaries' monthly likelihood of entry into the full Medicaid
      program between January 2009 and June 2010. Results: During the 18-month study
      period, Medicaid entry occurred for 1.1% and 3.7% of beneficiaries who aged into
      Medicare or originally qualified for Medicare due to disability, respectively.
      Among beneficiaries who aged into Medicare, 49% of new Medicaid participants had
      no use of inpatient, skilled nursing facility, or nursing home services during
      the study period. Individuals who recently used inpatient, skilled nursing
      facility or nursing home services had monthly rates of 1.9, 14.0, and 38.1 new
      Medicaid participants per 1,000 beneficiaries, respectively, compared with 0.4
      new Medicaid participants per 1,000 beneficiaries with no recent use of these
      services. Implications: Although recent health care use predicted greater
      likelihood of Medicaid entry, half of new Medicaid participants used no hospital
      or nursing home care during the study period. These patterns should be considered
      when designing and evaluating interventions to reform health care delivery for
      dual-eligible beneficiaries.

PMID- 28073999
TI  - Everyday Support to Aging Parents: Links to Middle-Aged Children's Diurnal
      Cortisol and Daily Mood.
AB  - Purpose of the Study: Middle-aged adults are often called upon to support aging
      parents. However, providing support to an aging parent with health problems and
      disability may be a stressful experience. This study asked whether giving
      everyday support to parents in the context of health problems and disability has
      implications for middle-aged children's diurnal cortisol and daily mood. Design
      and Methods: During four consecutive days, 148 middle-aged adults (mean age = 55)
      reported the support they gave to their parents and provided saliva 4 times a day
      (wake, 30 min post-wake, lunchtime, and bedtime). Multilevel models estimated
      within-person differences in positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA),
      cortisol awakening response and area under the curve with respect to ground (AUC
      G) as a function of giving same-day and previous-day support. We examined whether
      these associations are exacerbated when a parent has health problems or
      activities of daily living (ADL) needs. Results: Middle-aged children had
      significantly higher next-day AUC-G on days after they gave support to parents
      with ADL needs. When participants gave support to parents with ADL needs, they
      had significantly greater same-day PA and lower next-day NA. Giving support to
      parents with health problems was associated with significantly higher next-day
      NA. Implications: Giving support to parents is an ambiguous experience with
      implications for biological stress and daily mood. A biopsychosocial approach
      reveals under what conditions giving support to parents may become detrimental to
      health and well-being; this knowledge is essential for the development and
      implementation of interventions.

PMID- 28074000
TI  - How Does Rurality Influence the Staffing of Social Service Departments in Nursing
      Homes?
AB  - Purpose of the Study: Social service departments in nursing homes (NHs) are
      staffed by qualified social workers (QSWs) and paraprofessionals. Due to greater
      workforce challenges in rural areas, this article aims to describe the staffing
      levels and composition of these departments by rurality. Design and Methods:
      Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports data from 2009 to 2015 are
      used to examine the effect of rurality on social service staffing using random
      effects linear panel regressions. Results: The average NH employed 1.8 full-time
      equivalents (FTEs), with approximately two thirds of social services staffed by
      QSWs. Large NHs had more staff, but employed fewer staff hours per resident day.
      Staffing levels were lower and QSWs made up a smaller percentage of staff in
      rural areas. Implications: National trends indicate variability in staffing by NH
      size and degree of rurality. Very low staffing within rural NHs is a concern, as
      staff may have less time to respond to residents' needs and these NHs may utilize
      fewer QSWs.

PMID- 28074001
TI  - The Family Time Squeeze: Perceived Family Time Adequacy Buffers Work Strain in
      Certified Nursing Assistants With Multiple Caregiving Roles.
AB  - Purpose of the Study: This study examined how certified nursing assistants (CNAs)
      with unpaid family caregiving roles for children ("double-duty-child
      caregivers"), older adults ("double-duty-elder caregivers"), and both children
      and older adults ("triple-duty caregivers") differed from their nonfamily
      caregiving counterparts ("workplace-only caregivers") on four work strain
      indicators (emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and work
      climate for family sacrifices). The moderating effects of perceived family time
      adequacy were also evaluated. Design and Methods: Regression analyses were
      conducted on survey data from 972 CNAs working in U.S.-based nursing homes.
      Results: Compared with workplace-only caregivers, double-and-triple-duty
      caregivers reported more emotional exhaustion and pressure to make family
      sacrifices for the sake of work. Triple-duty caregivers also reported less job
      satisfaction. Perceived family time adequacy buffered double-duty-child and
      triple-duty caregivers' emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions, as well as
      reversed triple-duty caregivers' negative perceptions of the work climate.
      Implications: Perceived family time adequacy constitutes a salient psychological
      resource for double-duty-child and triple-duty caregivers' family time squeezes.
      Amid an unprecedented demand for long-term care and severe direct-care workforce
      shortages, future research on workplace factors that increase double-and-triple
      duty caregiving CNAs' perceived family time adequacy is warranted to inform long
      term care organizations' development of targeted recruitment, retention, and
      engagement strategies.

PMID- 28074002
TI  - Metabolic Profiling in Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Prostate Cancer
      Tissues.
AB  - Metabolite profiling has significantly contributed to a deeper understanding of
      the biochemical metabolic networks and pathways in cancer cells. Metabolomics
      based biomarker discovery would greatly benefit from the ability to interrogate
      retrospective annotated clinical specimens archived as formalin-fixed, paraffin
      embedded (FFPE) material. Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis was
      performed in matched frozen and FFPE human prostate cancers as well as isogenic
      prostate cancer cell lines. A total of 352 and 460 metabolites were profiled in
      human tissues and cell lines, respectively. Classes and physical-chemical
      characteristics of the metabolites preserved in FFPE material were characterized
      and related to their preservation or loss following fixation and embedding.
      Metabolite classes were differentially preserved in archival FFPE tissues,
      regardless of the age of the block, compared with matched frozen specimen,
      ranging from maximal preservation of fatty acids (78%) to loss of the majority of
      peptides and steroids. Generally, FFPE samples showed a decrease of metabolites
      with functional groups, such as carboxamide. As an adjunct technique, metabolic
      profiles were also obtained in situ from FFPE tissue sections where metabolites
      were extracted in a manner that preserves tissue architecture. Despite the fact
      that selected metabolites were not retained after processing, global metabolic
      profiles obtained from FFPE can be used to predict biologic states and study
      biologic pathways. These results pave the way for metabolomics-based biomarker
      discovery/validation utilizing retrospective and clinically annotated FFPE
      collections.Implications: Metabolic profiles can be performed in archival tissue
      and may be used to complement other profiling methods such as gene expression for
      biomarker discovery or pathway analysis in the assessment of biologic states. Mol
      Cancer Res; 15(4); 439-47. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28074003
TI  - DNA Polymerase Beta Germline Variant Confers Cellular Response to Cisplatin
      Therapy.
AB  - Resistance to cancer chemotherapies leads to deadly consequences, yet current
      research focuses only on the roles of somatically acquired mutations in this
      resistance. The mutational status of the germline is also likely to play a role
      in the way cells respond to chemotherapy. The carrier status for the POLB
      rs3136797 germline mutation encoding P242R DNA polymerase beta (Pol beta) is
      associated with poor prognosis for lung cancer, specifically in response to
      treatment with cisplatin. Here, it is revealed that the P242R mutation is
      sufficient to promote resistance to cisplatin in human cells and in mouse
      xenografts. Mechanistically, P242R Pol beta acts as a translesion polymerase and
      prefers to insert the correct nucleotide opposite cisplatin intrastrand cross
      links, leading to the activation of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway,
      removal of crosslinks, and resistance to cisplatin. In contrast, wild-type (WT)
      Pol beta preferentially inserts the incorrect nucleotide initiating mismatch
      repair and cell death. Importantly, in a mouse xenograft model, tumors derived
      from lung cancer cells expressing WT Pol beta displayed a slower rate of growth
      when treated with cisplatin, whereas tumors expressing P242R Pol beta had no
      response to cisplatin. Pol beta is critical for mediating crosstalk in response
      to cisplatin. The current data strongly suggest that the status of Pol beta
      influences cellular responses to crosslinking agents and that Pol beta is a
      promising biomarker to predict responses to specific chemotherapies. Finally,
      these results highlight that the genetic status of the germline is a critical
      factor in the response to cancer treatment.Implications: Pol beta has prognostic
      biomarker potential in the treatment of cancer with cisplatin and perhaps other
      intrastrand crosslinking agents. Mol Cancer Res; 15(3); 269-80. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28074005
TI  - Synergistic regulation of serotonin and opioid signaling contributes to pain
      insensitivity in Nav1.7 knockout mice.
AB  - Genetic loss of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 (Nav1.7-/-) results in
      lifelong insensitivity to pain in mice and humans. One underlying cause is an
      increase in the production of endogenous opioids in sensory neurons. We analyzed
      whether Nav1.7 deficiency altered nociceptive heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide
      binding protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, such as initiated by GPCRs
      that respond to serotonin (pronociceptive) or opioids (antinociceptive), in
      sensory neurons. We found that the nociceptive neurons of Nav1.7 knockout (Nav1.7
      /-) mice, but not those of Nav1.8 knockout (Nav1.8-/-) mice, exhibited decreased
      pronociceptive serotonergic signaling through the 5-HT4 receptors, which are
      Galphas-coupled GPCRs that stimulate the production of cyclic adenosine
      monophosphate resulting in protein kinase A (PKA) activity, as well as reduced
      abundance of the RIIbeta regulatory subunit of PKA. Simultaneously, the efficacy
      of antinociceptive opioid signaling mediated by the Galphai-coupled mu opioid
      receptors was increased. Consequently, opioids inhibited more efficiently
      tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium currents, which are important for pain-initiating
      neuronal activity in nociceptive neurons. Thus, Nav1.7 controls the efficacy and
      balance of GPCR-mediated pro- and antinociceptive intracellular signaling, such
      that without Nav1.7, the balance is shifted toward antinociception, resulting in
      lifelong endogenous analgesia.

PMID- 28074004
TI  - Signaling by two-component system noncognate partners promotes intrinsic
      tolerance to polymyxin B in uropathogenic Escherichia coli.
AB  - Bacteria use two-component systems (TCSs) to react appropriately to environmental
      stimuli. Typical TCSs comprise a sensor histidine kinase that acts as a receptor
      coupled to a partner response regulator that coordinates changes in bacterial
      behavior, often through its activity as a transcriptional regulator. TCS
      interactions are typically confined to cognate pairs of histidine kinases and
      response regulators. We describe two distinct TCSs in uropathogenic Escherichia
      coli (UPEC) that interact to mediate a response to ferric iron. The PmrAB and
      QseBC TCSs were both required for proper transcriptional response to ferric iron.
      Ferric iron induced the histidine kinase PmrB to phosphotransfer to both its
      cognate response regulator PmrA and the noncognate response regulator QseB,
      leading to transcriptional responses coordinated by both regulators. Pretreatment
      of the UPEC strain UTI89 with ferric iron led to increased resistance to
      polymyxin B that required both PmrA and QseB. Similarly, pretreatment of several
      UPEC isolates with ferric iron increased tolerance to polymyxin B. This study
      defines physiologically relevant cross talk between TCSs in a bacterial pathogen
      and provides a potential mechanism for antibiotic resistance of some strains of
      UPEC.

PMID- 28074006
TI  - Autocrine Wnt regulates the survival and genomic stability of embryonic stem
      cells.
AB  - Wnt signaling plays an important role in the self-renewal and differentiation of
      stem cells. The secretion of Wnt ligands requires Evi (also known as Wls).
      Genetically ablating Evi provides an experimental approach to studying the
      consequence of depleting all redundant Wnt proteins, and overexpressing Evi
      enables a nonspecific means of increasing Wnt signaling. We generated Evi
      deficient and Evi-overexpressing mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to analyze the
      role of autocrine Wnt production in self-renewal and differentiation. Self
      renewal was reduced in Evi-deficient ESCs and increased in Evi-overexpressing
      ESCs in the absence of leukemia inhibitory factor, which supports the self
      renewal of ESCs. The differentiation of ESCs into cardiomyocytes was enhanced
      when Evi was overexpressed and teratoma formation and growth of Evi-deficient
      ESCs in vivo were impaired, indicating that autocrine Wnt ligands were necessary
      for ESC differentiation and survival. ESCs lacking autocrine Wnt signaling had
      mitotic defects and showed genomic instability. Together, our study demonstrates
      that autocrine Wnt secretion is important for the survival, chromosomal
      stability, differentiation, and tumorigenic potential of ESCs.

PMID- 28074010
TI  - Tumors block pain with CXCL12.
AB  - The chemokine CXCL12 released from early stage pancreatic cancer recruits Schwann
      cells and suppresses pain signaling.

PMID- 28074011
TI  - New connections: NHERF gates activity.
AB  - The NHERF molecular adaptors serve as gates for TRPC4 and TRPC5 regulation by
      diacylglycerol and recognition of CFTR by the quality control checkpoint.

PMID- 28074012
TI  - Reduced abundance of the E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP contributes to decreased
      expression of the INK4/ARF locus in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - The tumor suppressor p16INK4a, one protein encoded by the INK4/ARF locus, is
      frequently absent in multiple cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). Whereas increased methylation of the encoding gene (CDKN2A) accounts for
      its loss in a third of patients, no molecular explanation exists for the
      remainder. We unraveled an alternative mechanism for the silencing of the
      INK4/ARF locus involving the E3 ubiquitin ligase and transcriptional cofactor
      E6AP (also known as UBE3A). We found that the expression of three tumor
      suppressor genes encoded in the INK4/ARF locus (p15INK4b, p16INK4a, and p19ARF)
      was decreased in E6AP-/- mouse embryo fibroblasts. E6AP induced the expression of
      the INK4/ARF locus at the transcriptional level by inhibiting CDC6 transcription,
      a gene encoding a key repressor of the locus. Luciferase assays revealed that
      E6AP inhibited CDC6 expression by reducing its E2F1-dependent transcription.
      Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that E6AP reduced the amount of
      E2F1 at the CDC6 promoter. In a subset of NSCLC samples, an E6AP-low/CDC6
      high/p16INK4a-low protein abundance profile correlated with low methylation of
      the gene encoding p16INK4a (CDKN2A) and poor patient prognosis. These findings
      define a previously unrecognized tumor-suppressive role for E6AP in NSCLC, reveal
      an alternative silencing mechanism of the INK4/ARF locus, and reveal E6AP as a
      potential prognostic marker in NSCLC.

PMID- 28074013
TI  - Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields From Wi-Fi in Australian
      Schools.
AB  - The increasing use of Wi-Fi in schools and other places has given rise to public
      concern that the radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi have the
      potential to adversely affect children. The current study measured typical and
      peak RF levels from Wi-Fi and other sources in 23 schools in Australia. All of
      the RF measurements were much lower than the reference levels recommended by
      international guidelines for protection against established health effects. The
      typical and peak RF levels from Wi-Fi in locations occupied by children in the
      classroom were of the order of 10-4 and 10-2% of the exposure guidelines,
      respectively. Typical RF levels in the classroom were similar between Wi-Fi and
      radio but higher than other sources. In the schoolyard typical RF levels were
      higher for radio, TV and mobile phone base stations compared to Wi-Fi. The
      results of this study showed that the typical RF exposure of children from Wi-Fi
      at school is very low and comparable or lower to other sources in the
      environment.

PMID- 28074014
TI  - RISKS AND RADIATION DOSES DUE TO RESIDENTIAL RADON IN GERMANY.
AB  - The population-averaged risk rate and the annual average effective dose due to
      residential radon in Germany were calculated. The calculations were based on an
      epidemiological approach taking into account the age- and gender-specific lung
      cancer incidence rates for the German population and the excess relative risk of
      0.16 per 100 Bq.m-3 for residential radon. In addition, the risk estimates
      adjusted for the smoking habits were determined. The population-averaged risk
      rate for the whole population was estimated with 4.1.10-5 y-1 (95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.4.10-5-7.6.10-5 y-1). Residential radon causes a detriment per
      year of 3.3.10-5 y-1 (95% CI 1.1.10-5-6.0.10-5 y-1), which corresponds to an
      annual average effective dose of 0.6 mSv (95% CI 0.2-1.1 mSv). Annually, ~3400
      lung cancer incidences are attributed to residential radon. The results from the
      epidemiological approach exercised in this study are considerably lower than the
      effective dose, which would be obtained from the dose conversion coefficient
      calculated using biokinetic and dosimetric models.

PMID- 28074015
TI  - ELECTRON ABSORBED FRACTIONS IN AN IMAGE-BASED MICROSCOPIC SKELETAL DOSIMETRY
      MODEL OF CHINESE ADULT MALE.
AB  - Based on the Chinese reference adult male voxel model, a set of microscopic
      skeletal models of Chinese adult male is constructed through the processes of
      computed tomography (CT) imaging, bone coring, micro-CT imaging, image
      segmentation, merging into macroscopic bone model and implementation in Geant4.
      At the step of image segmentation, a new bone endosteum (BE) segmentation method
      is realized by sampling. The set of model contains 32 spongiosa samples with
      voxel size of 19 MUm cubes. The microscopic spongiosa bone data for Chinese adult
      male are provided. Electron absorbed fractions in red bone marrow (RBM) and BE
      are calculated. Source tissues include the bone marrow (red and yellow),
      trabecular bone (surfaces and volumes) and cortical bone (surfaces and volumes).
      Target tissues include RBM and BE. Electron energies range from 10 keV to 10 MeV.
      Additionally, comparison of the result with other investigations is provided.

PMID- 28074016
TI  - CARI-7A: DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION.
AB  - Aircrew members can be exposed to higher annual doses of natural ionizing
      radiation than members of the general population in most parts of the world. The
      principal ionizing radiation to which they are exposed is galactic cosmic
      radiation (GCR). Among the particles present in the primary spectrum are heavy
      ions: relativistic nuclei of lithium and heavier elements. These ions have very
      high radiation weighting factors and can contribute significantly to the
      effective dose at altitudes above the Pfotzer maximum. This report describes the
      latest version of the US Federal Aviation Administration's GCR flight dose
      calculation software, CARI-7A. Unlike its predecessor, CARI-6, CARI-7A directly
      includes heavy ion transport, using a database of atmospheric particle spectra
      generated by incident GCR ions pre-calculated with MCNPX 2.7.0. to enable
      calculations to the edge of space. Results are compared with measurements aboard
      commercial passenger aircraft, high altitude research aircraft and similar
      calculations by others.

PMID- 28074017
TI  - The Mayak Worker Dosimetry System-2013: Treatment of Organ Masses in the
      Calculation of Organ Doses.
AB  - Previous Mayak worker epidemiological studies designed to quantify the risk of
      cancer following exposure to airborne plutonium have calculated organ doses by
      dividing the organ-absorbed energy by the individual's estimated organ mass. For
      living workers, this was done by using a relationship between organ mass and
      total mass and height. For autopsy cases, this was measured directly. In the
      Mayak Worker Dosimetry System-2013 study, organ doses are calculated by dividing
      this energy by a population average organ mass. The reasons for departing from
      previous methodologies are described in this note. The average organ masses that
      were used in the final analysis are tabulated for males and females.

PMID- 28074018
TI  - Evaluation of Dose Homogeneity in Cone-Beam Breast Computed Tomography.
AB  - The aim of this study is to determine, via measurements on phantoms and Monte
      Carlo (MC) simulations, the dose distribution of absorbed dose in a cone-beam
      breast computed tomography scan. The absorbed dose volume distribution was
      measured inside a polyethylene cylindrical phantom, simulating adipose breast
      tissue, using LiF:Mg,Ti thermoluminescence dosimeters. A reasonable agreement
      (between 2 and 8%) between the simulated and measured data was observed. The 3D
      distribution of absorbed dose was evaluated at 40, 60 and 80 kV in a phantom
      simulating a pendant breast. MC simulations indicate a significantly lower spread
      of volume dose than in mammography. The dose variation along the radial distance
      in the simulated phantoms was in the range of 4-14%. These findings might be
      useful when devising models for breast imaging dose assessment that take into
      account the uneven distribution of the glandular mass in the breast volume.

PMID- 28074019
TI  - Point Organ Radiation Dose in Abdominal CT: Effect of Patient Off-Centering in an
      Experimental Human Cadaver Study.
AB  - To determine the effect of patient off-centering on point organ radiation dose
      measurements in a human cadaver scanned with routine abdominal CT protocol. A
      human cadaver (88 years, body-mass-index 20 kg/m2) was scanned with routine
      abdominal CT protocol on 128-slice dual source MDCT (Definition Flash, Siemens).
      A total of 18 scans were performed using two scan protocols (a) 120 kV-200 mAs
      fixed-mA (CTDIvol 14 mGy) (b) 120 kV-125 ref mAs (7 mGy) with automatic exposure
      control (AEC, CareDose 4D) at three different positions (a) gantry isocenter, (b)
      upward off-centering and (c) downward off-centering. Scanning was repeated three
      times at each position. Six thimble (in liver, stomach, kidney, pancreas, colon
      and urinary bladder) and four MOSFET dosimeters (on cornea, thyroid, testicle and
      breast) were placed for calculation of measured point organ doses. Organ dose
      estimations were retrieved from dose-tracking software (eXposure, Radimetrics).
      Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance. There was a
      significant difference between the trends of point organ doses with AEC and fixed
      mA at all three positions (p < 0.01). Variation in point doses between fixed-mA
      and AEC protocols were statistically significant across all organs at all Table
      positions (p < 0.001). There was up to 5-6% decrease in point doses with upward
      off-centering and in downward off-centering. There were statistical significant
      differences in point doses from dosimeters and dose-tracking software (mean
      difference for internal organs, 5-36% for fixed-mA & 7-48% for AEC protocols; p <
      0.001; mean difference for surface organs, >92% for both protocols; p < 0.0001).
      For both protocols, the highest mean difference in point doses was found for
      stomach and lowest for colon. Measured absorbed point doses in abdominal CT vary
      with patient-centering in the gantry isocenter. Due to lack of consideration of
      patient positioning in the dose estimation on automatic software-over estimation
      of the doses up to 92% was reported.

PMID- 28074020
TI  - LEAD COMPOSITE VS. NONLEAD PROTECTIVE GARMENTS: WHICH ARE BETTER? A MULTIVENDOR
      COMPARISON.
AB  - This study aims to provide more insight in attenuation characteristics and
      corresponding lead (Pb) equivalences of a broad range of commercially available
      lead composite and nonlead protective garments. Thirty garments of five
      manufacturers (listed as 0.25-0.35-0.50 mm Pb equivalent) were tested.
      Transmission values were determined at 70, 90 and 110 kVp using an inverse broad
      beam geometry. Pb equivalence was determined using lead sheets as reference
      material. A substantial variability in photon transmission across garments was
      found. Differences between lead composite and nonlead garments were not
      statistically significant. Depending on tube voltage, between 9 and 12 out of 30
      garments had a lower Pb equivalence than the indicated value. This work shows
      that lead equivalence as indicated on a garment's label may overestimate its
      protective performance. Depending on the application a more thorough verification
      of the effectiveness of protective garments at the desired kVp is warranted.

PMID- 28074021
TI  - The Assimilation of Diazotroph-Derived Nitrogen by Scleractinian Corals Depends
      on Their Metabolic Status.
AB  - : Tropical corals are associated with a diverse community of dinitrogen (N2)
      fixing prokaryotes (diazotrophs) providing the coral an additional source of
      bioavailable nitrogen (N) in oligotrophic waters. The overall activity of these
      diazotrophs changes depending on the current environmental conditions, but to
      what extent it affects the assimilation of diazotroph-derived N (DDN) by corals
      is still unknown. Here, in a series of 15N2 tracer experiments, we directly
      quantified DDN assimilation by scleractinian corals from the Red Sea exposed to
      different environmental conditions. We show that DDN assimilation strongly varied
      with the corals' metabolic status or with phosphate availability in the water.
      The very autotrophic shallow-water (~5 m) corals showed low or no DDN
      assimilation, which significantly increased under elevated phosphate availability
      (3 uM). Corals that depended more on heterotrophy (i.e., bleached and deep-water
      [~45 m] corals) assimilated significantly more DDN, which contributed up to 15%
      of the corals' N demand (compared to 1% in shallow corals). Furthermore, we
      demonstrate that a substantial part of the DDN assimilated by deep corals was
      likely obtained from heterotrophic feeding on fixed N compounds and/or
      diazotrophic cells in the mucus. Conversely, in shallow corals, the net release
      of mucus, rich in organic carbon compounds, likely enhanced diazotroph abundance
      and activity and thereby the release of fixed N to the pelagic and benthic reef
      community. Overall, our results suggest that DDN assimilation by corals varies
      according to the environmental conditions and is likely linked to the capacity of
      the coral to acquire nutrients from seawater. IMPORTANCE: Tropical corals are
      associated with specialized bacteria (i.e., diazotrophs) able to transform
      dinitrogen (N2) gas into a bioavailable form of nitrogen, but how much of this
      diazotroph-derived nitrogen (DDN) is assimilated by corals under different
      environmental conditions is still unknown. Here, we used 15N2 labeling to trace
      the fate of DDN within the coral symbiosis. We show that DDN is assimilated by
      both the animal host and the endosymbiotic algae. In addition, the amount of
      assimilated DDN was significantly greater in mesophotic, bleached, or phosphorus
      enriched corals than in surface corals, which almost did not take up this
      nitrogen form. DDN can thus be of particular importance for the nutrient budget
      of corals whenever they are limited by the availability of other forms of
      dissolved nutrients.

PMID- 28074023
TI  - Emergence of Epidemic Zika Virus Transmission and Congenital Zika Syndrome: Are
      Recently Evolved Traits to Blame?
AB  - The mechanisms responsible for the dramatic emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV),
      accompanied by congenital Zika syndrome and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), remain
      unclear. However, two hypotheses are prominent: (i) evolution for enhanced urban
      transmission via adaptation to mosquito vectors, or for enhanced human infection
      to increase amplification, or (ii) the stochastic introduction of ZIKV into
      large, naive human populations in regions with abundant Aedes aegypti
      populations, leading to enough rare, severe infection outcomes for their first
      recognition. Advances in animal models for human infection combined with
      improvements in serodiagnostics, better surveillance, and reverse genetic
      approaches should provide more conclusive evidence of whether mosquito
      transmission or human pathogenesis changed coincidentally with emergence in the
      South Pacific and the Americas. Ultimately, understanding the mechanisms of
      epidemic ZIKV emergence, and its associated syndromes, is critical to predict
      future risks as well as to target surveillance and control measures in key
      locations.

PMID- 28074022
TI  - Making Home Sweet and Sturdy: Toxoplasma gondii ppGalNAc-Ts Glycosylate in
      Hierarchical Order and Confer Cyst Wall Rigidity.
AB  - : The protozoan intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii forms latent cysts in
      the central nervous system (CNS) and persists for the lifetime of the host. This
      cyst is cloaked with a glycosylated structure called the cyst wall. Previously,
      we demonstrated that a mucin-like glycoprotein, CST1, localizes to the cyst wall
      and confers structural rigidity on brain cysts in a mucin-like domain-dependent
      manner. The mucin-like domain of CST1 is composed of 20 units of threonine-rich
      tandem repeats that are O-GalNAc glycosylated. A family of enzymes termed
      polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (ppGalNAc-Ts) initiates O-GalNAc
      glycosylation. To identify which isoforms of ppGalNAc-Ts are responsible for the
      glycosylation of the CST1 mucin-like domain and to evaluate the function of each
      ppGalNAc-T in the overall glycosylation of the cyst wall, all five ppGalNAc-T
      isoforms were deleted individually from the T. gondii genome. The ppGalNAc-T2 and
      -T3 deletion mutants produced various glycosylation defects on the cyst wall,
      implying that many cyst wall glycoproteins are glycosylated by T2 and T3. Both T2
      and T3 glycosylate the CST1 mucin-like domain, and this glycosylation is
      necessary for CST1 to confer structural rigidity on the cyst wall. We established
      that T2 is required for the initial glycosylation of the mucin-like domain and
      that T3 is responsible for the sequential glycosylation on neighboring acceptor
      sites, demonstrating hierarchical glycosylation by two distinct initiating and
      filling-in ppGalNAc-Ts in an intact organism. IMPORTANCE: Toxoplasma gondii is an
      obligate intracellular parasite that infects a third of the world's population.
      It can cause severe congenital disease and devastating encephalitis in
      immunocompromised individuals. We identified two glycosyltransferases, ppGalNAc
      T2 and -T3, which are responsible for glycosylating cyst wall proteins in a
      hierarchical fashion. This glycosylation confers structural rigidity on the brain
      cyst. Our studies provide new insights into the mechanisms of O-GalNAc
      glycosylation in T. gondii.

PMID- 28074024
TI  - Whole-Genome Sequencing of Invasion-Resistant Cells Identifies Laminin alpha2 as
      a Host Factor for Bacterial Invasion.
AB  - : To understand the role of glycosaminoglycans in bacterial cellular invasion,
      xylosyltransferase-deficient mutants of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were
      created using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)
      and CRISPR-associated gene 9 (CRISPR-cas9) gene targeting. When these mutants
      were compared to the pgsA745 cell line, a CHO xylosyltransferase mutant generated
      previously using chemical mutagenesis, an unexpected result was obtained.
      Bacterial invasion of pgsA745 cells by group B Streptococcus (GBS), group A
      Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus was markedly reduced compared to the
      invasion of wild-type cells, but newly generated CRISPR-cas9 mutants were only
      resistant to GBS. Invasion of pgsA745 cells was not restored by transfection with
      xylosyltransferase, suggesting that an additional mutation conferring
      panresistance to multiple bacteria was present in pgsA745 cells. Whole-genome
      sequencing and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) uncovered a deletion in the
      gene encoding the laminin subunit alpha2 (Lama2) that eliminated much of domain
      L4a. Silencing of the long Lama2 isoform in wild-type cells strongly reduced
      bacterial invasion, whereas transfection with human LAMA2 cDNA significantly
      enhanced invasion in pgsA745 cells. The addition of exogenous laminin
      alpha2beta1gamma1/laminin-alpha2beta2gamma1 strongly increased bacterial invasion
      in CHO cells, as well as in human alveolar basal epithelial and human brain
      microvascular endothelial cells. Thus, the L4a domain in laminin alpha2 is
      important for cellular invasion by a number of bacterial pathogens. IMPORTANCE:
      Pathogenic bacteria penetrate host cellular barriers by attachment to
      extracellular matrix molecules, such as proteoglycans, laminins, and collagens,
      leading to invasion of epithelial and endothelial cells. Here, we show that
      cellular invasion by the human pathogens group B Streptococcus, group A
      Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus depends on a specific domain of the
      laminin alpha2 subunit. This finding may provide new leads for the molecular
      pathogenesis of these bacteria and the development of novel antimicrobial drugs.

PMID- 28074027
TI  - A Unique cis-Encoded Small Noncoding RNA Is Regulating Legionella pneumophila Hfq
      Expression in a Life Cycle-Dependent Manner.
AB  - : Legionella pneumophila is an environmental bacterium that parasitizes protozoa,
      but it may also infect humans, thereby causing a severe pneumonia called
      Legionnaires' disease. To cycle between the environment and a eukaryotic host, L.
      pneumophila is regulating the expression of virulence factors in a life cycle
      dependent manner: replicating bacteria do not express virulence factors, whereas
      transmissive bacteria are highly motile and infective. Here we show that Hfq is
      an important regulator in this network. Hfq is highly expressed in transmissive
      bacteria but is expressed at very low levels in replicating bacteria. A L.
      pneumophila hfq deletion mutant exhibits reduced abilities to infect and multiply
      in Acanthamoeba castellanii at environmental temperatures. The life cycle
      dependent regulation of Hfq expression depends on a unique cis-encoded small RNA
      named Anti-hfq that is transcribed antisense of the hfq transcript and overlaps
      its 5' untranslated region. The Anti-hfq sRNA is highly expressed only in
      replicating L. pneumophila where it regulates hfq expression through binding to
      the complementary regions of the hfq transcripts. This results in reduced Hfq
      protein levels in exponentially growing cells. Both the small noncoding RNA
      (sRNA) and hfq mRNA are bound and stabilized by the Hfq protein, likely leading
      to the cleavage of the RNA duplex by the endoribonuclease RNase III. In contrast,
      after the switch to transmissive bacteria, the sRNA is not expressed, allowing
      now an efficient expression of the hfq gene and consequently Hfq. Our results
      place Hfq and its newly identified sRNA anti-hfq in the center of the regulatory
      network governing L. pneumophila differentiation from nonvirulent to virulent
      bacteria. IMPORTANCE: The abilities of L. pneumophila to replicate
      intracellularly and to cause disease depend on its capacity to adapt to different
      extra- and intracellular environmental conditions. Therefore, a timely and fine
      tuned expression of virulence factors and adaptation traits is crucial. Yet, the
      regulatory circuits governing the life cycle of L. pneumophila from replicating
      to virulent bacteria are only partly uncovered. Here we show that the life cycle
      dependent regulation of the RNA chaperone Hfq relies on a small regulatory RNA
      encoded antisense to the hfq-encoding gene through a base pairing mechanism.
      Furthermore, Hfq regulates its own expression in an autoregulatory loop. The
      discovery of this RNA regulatory mechanism in L. pneumophila is an important step
      forward in the understanding of how the switch from inoffensive, replicating to
      highly virulent, transmissive L. pneumophila is regulated.

PMID- 28074028
TI  - Assessment of Postoperative Pain Control with an Elastomeric Pain Pump Following
      Cardiothoracic Surgery.
AB  - Objective: To assess the effectiveness of local anesthesia, delivered via
      elastomeric pump to manage pain in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.
      Methods: A retrospective, comparative analysis evaluating adult cardiothoracic
      surgery patients (by median sternotomy) who received continuous infusion
      bupivacaine + traditional methods of pain control (N = 100) or traditional pain
      control alone (N = 100) from July 2011-October 2013. The primary efficacy end
      point was total postoperative opioid requirements for 96 hours following surgery.
      Secondary end points included postoperative pain scores, nonopioid analgesic
      requirements for 96 hours after surgery, and frequency of postoperative adverse
      events. Results: Demographic characteristics were similar between both groups. No
      difference was noted in overall opioid utilization for the first 96 hours
      postoperatively between the two groups ( P  = 0.36). Similar pain scores were
      reported by patients in both groups for 96 hours following surgery, with the
      highest pain scores reported during the first 24 hours following surgery ( P  =
      0.37). No difference between groups was noted in utilization of ketorolac or
      acetaminophen. Frequency of postoperative adverse events, including the use of
      antiemetic agents for nausea and vomiting, was similar in between both groups.
      Conclusion: The use of elastomeric pumps in patients undergoing cardiothoracic
      surgery for reducing postoperative opioid consumption and pain may not be as
      beneficial as previously reported.

PMID- 28074026
TI  - Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein (PML) Controls Listeria monocytogenes Infection.
AB  - : The promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) is the main organizer of stress
      responsive subnuclear structures called PML nuclear bodies. These structures
      recruit multiple interactors and modulate their abundance or their
      posttranslational modifications, notably by the SUMO ubiquitin-like modifiers.
      The involvement of PML in antiviral responses is well established. In contrast,
      the role of PML in bacterial infection remains poorly characterized. Here, we
      show that PML restricts infection by the pathogenic bacterium Listeria
      monocytogenes but not by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. During
      infection, PML undergoes oxidation-mediated multimerization, associates with the
      nuclear matrix, and becomes de-SUMOylated due to the pore-forming activity of the
      Listeria toxin listeriolysin O (LLO). These events trigger an antibacterial
      response that is not observed during in vitro infection by an LLO-defective
      Listeria mutant, but which can be phenocopied by specific induction of PML de
      SUMOylation. Using transcriptomic and proteomic microarrays, we also
      characterized a network of immunity genes and cytokines, which are regulated by
      PML in response to Listeria infection but independently from the listeriolysin O
      toxin. Our study thus highlights two mechanistically distinct complementary roles
      of PML in host responses against bacterial infection. IMPORTANCE: The
      promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) is a eukaryotic protein that can polymerize
      in discrete nuclear assemblies known as PML nuclear bodies (NBs) and plays
      essential roles in many different cellular processes. Key to its function, PML
      can be posttranslationally modified by SUMO, a ubiquitin-like modifier.
      Identification of the role of PML in antiviral defenses has been deeply
      documented. In contrast, the role of PML in antibacterial defenses remains
      elusive. Here, we identify two mechanistically distinct complementary roles of
      PML in antibacterial responses against pathogens such as Listeria: (i) we show
      that PML regulates the expression of immunity genes in response to bacterial
      infection, and (ii) we unveil the fact that modification of PML SUMOylation by
      bacterial pore-forming toxins is sensed as a danger signal, leading to a
      restriction of bacterial intracellular multiplication. Taken together, our data
      reinforce the concept that intranuclear bodies can dynamically regulate important
      processes, such as defense against invaders.

PMID- 28074025
TI  - Flavivirus Infection Uncouples Translation Suppression from Cellular Stress
      Responses.
AB  - : As obligate parasites, viruses strictly depend on host cell translation for the
      production of new progeny, yet infected cells also synthesize antiviral proteins
      to limit virus infection. Modulation of host cell translation therefore
      represents a frequent strategy by which viruses optimize their replication and
      spread. Here we sought to define how host cell translation is regulated during
      infection of human cells with dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), two
      positive-strand RNA flaviviruses. Polysome profiling and analysis of de novo
      protein synthesis revealed that flavivirus infection causes potent repression of
      host cell translation, while synthesis of viral proteins remains efficient.
      Selective repression of host cell translation was mediated by the DENV
      polyprotein at the level of translation initiation. In addition, DENV and ZIKV
      infection suppressed host cell stress responses such as the formation of stress
      granules and phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2alpha
      (alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2). Mechanistic analyses revealed
      that translation repression was uncoupled from the disruption of stress granule
      formation and eIF2alpha signaling. Rather, DENV infection induced p38-Mnk1
      signaling that resulted in the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation
      initiation factor eIF4E and was essential for the efficient production of virus
      particles. Together, these results identify the uncoupling of translation
      suppression from the cellular stress responses as a conserved strategy by which
      flaviviruses ensure efficient replication in human cells. IMPORTANCE: For
      efficient production of new progeny, viruses need to balance their dependency on
      the host cell translation machinery with potentially adverse effects of antiviral
      proteins produced by the infected cell. To achieve this, many viruses evolved
      mechanisms to manipulate host cell translation. Here we find that infection of
      human cells with two major human pathogens, dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus
      (ZIKV), leads to the potent repression of host cell translation initiation, while
      the synthesis of viral protein remains unaffected. Unlike other RNA viruses,
      these flaviviruses concomitantly suppress host cell stress responses, thereby
      uncoupling translation suppression from stress granule formation. We identified
      that the p38-Mnk1 cascade regulating phosphorylation of eIF4E is a target of DENV
      infection and plays an important role in virus production. Our results define
      several molecular interfaces by which flaviviruses hijack host cell translation
      and interfere with stress responses to optimize the production of new virus
      particles.

PMID- 28074029
TI  - Response to Crudele et al. Commentary on Gudin et al. "Comparing the Effect of
      Tampering on the Oral Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Two Extended-Release Oxycodone
      Formulations with Abuse-Deterrent Properties".

PMID- 28074032
TI  - Opinion: Urban resilience efforts must consider social and political forces.

PMID- 28074030
TI  - A Working Model of the Deep Relationships of Diverse Modern Human Genetic
      Lineages Outside of Africa.
AB  - A major topic of interest in human prehistory is how the large-scale genetic
      structure of modern populations outside of Africa was established. Demographic
      models have been developed that capture the relationships among small numbers of
      populations or within particular geographical regions, but constructing a
      phylogenetic tree with gene flow events for a wide diversity of non-Africans
      remains a difficult problem. Here, we report a model that provides a good
      statistical fit to allele-frequency correlation patterns among East Asians,
      Australasians, Native Americans, and ancient western and northern Eurasians,
      together with archaic human groups. The model features a primary eastern/western
      bifurcation dating to at least 45,000 years ago, with Australasians nested inside
      the eastern clade, and a parsimonious set of admixture events. While our results
      still represent a simplified picture, they provide a useful summary of deep
      Eurasian population history that can serve as a null model for future studies and
      a baseline for further discoveries.

PMID- 28074034
TI  - Reply to Janoschek et al.: The excited delta-phase of plutonium.

PMID- 28074035
TI  - Relevance of Kondo physics for the temperature dependence of the bulk modulus in
      plutonium.

PMID- 28074036
TI  - Redox crisis underlies conditional light-dark lethality in cyanobacterial mutants
      that lack the circadian regulator, RpaA.
AB  - Cyanobacteria evolved a robust circadian clock, which has a profound influence on
      fitness and metabolism under daily light-dark (LD) cycles. In the model
      cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, a functional clock is not
      required for diurnal growth, but mutants defective for the response regulator
      that mediates transcriptional rhythms in the wild-type, regulator of
      phycobilisome association A (RpaA), cannot be cultured under LD conditions. We
      found that rpaA-null mutants are inviable after several hours in the dark and
      compared the metabolomes of wild-type and rpaA-null strains to identify the
      source of lethality. Here, we show that the wild-type metabolome is very stable
      throughout the night, and this stability is lost in the absence of RpaA.
      Additionally, an rpaA mutant accumulates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      during the day and is unable to clear it during the night. The rpaA-null
      metabolome indicates that these cells are reductant-starved in the dark, likely
      because enzymes of the primary nighttime NADPH-producing pathway are direct
      targets of RpaA. Because NADPH is required for processes that detoxify ROS,
      conditional LD lethality likely results from inability of the mutant to activate
      reductant-requiring pathways that detoxify ROS when photosynthesis is not active.
      We identified second-site mutations and growth conditions that suppress LD
      lethality in the mutant background that support these conclusions. These results
      provide a mechanistic explanation as to why rpaA-null mutants die in the dark,
      further connect the clock to metabolism under diurnal growth, and indicate that
      RpaA likely has important unidentified functions during the day.

PMID- 28074038
TI  - Iconic photographs and the ebb and flow of empathic response to humanitarian
      disasters.
AB  - The power of visual imagery is well known, enshrined in such familiar sayings as
      "seeing is believing" and "a picture is worth a thousand words." Iconic photos
      stir our emotions and transform our perspectives about life and the world in
      which we live. On September 2, 2015, photographs of a young Syrian child, Aylan
      Kurdi, lying face-down on a Turkish beach, filled the front pages of newspapers
      worldwide. These images brought much-needed attention to the Syrian war that had
      resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and created millions of refugees.
      Here we present behavioral data demonstrating that, in this case, an iconic photo
      of a single child had more impact than statistical reports of hundreds of
      thousands of deaths. People who had been unmoved by the relentlessly rising death
      toll in Syria suddenly appeared to care much more after having seen Aylan's
      photograph; however, this newly created empathy waned rather quickly. We briefly
      examine the psychological processes underlying these findings, discuss some of
      their policy implications, and reflect on the lessons they provide about the
      challenges to effective intervention in the face of mass threats to human well
      being.

PMID- 28074037
TI  - Developmental pruning of excitatory synaptic inputs to parvalbumin interneurons
      in monkey prefrontal cortex.
AB  - Working memory requires efficient excitatory drive to parvalbumin-positive (PV)
      interneurons in the primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Developmental
      pruning eliminates superfluous excitatory inputs, suggesting that working memory
      maturation during adolescence requires pruning of excitatory inputs to PV
      interneurons. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that excitatory synapses on PV
      interneurons are pruned during adolescence. The density of excitatory synapses,
      defined by overlapping vesicular glutamate transporter 1-positive (VGlut1+) and
      postsynaptic density 95-positive (PSD95+) puncta, on PV interneurons was lower in
      postpubertal relative to prepubertal monkeys. In contrast, puncta levels of
      VGlut1 and PSD95 proteins were higher in postpubertal monkeys and positively
      predicted activity-dependent PV levels, suggesting a greater strength of the
      remaining synapses after pruning. Because excitatory synapse number on PV
      interneurons is regulated by erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ErbB4), whose
      function is influenced by alternative splicing, we tested the hypothesis that
      pruning of excitatory synapses on PV interneurons is associated with
      developmental shifts in ErbB4 expression and/or splicing. Pan-ErbB4 expression
      did not change, whereas the minor-to-major splice variant ratios increased with
      age. In cell culture, the major, but not the minor, variant increased excitatory
      synapse number on PV interneurons and displayed greater kinase activity than the
      minor variant, suggesting that the effect of ErbB4 signaling in PV interneurons
      is mediated by alternative splicing. Supporting this interpretation, in monkey
      DLPFC, higher minor-to-major variant ratios predicted lower PSD95+ puncta density
      on PV interneurons. Together, our findings suggest that ErbB4 splicing may
      regulate the pruning of excitatory synapses on PV interneurons during
      adolescence.

PMID- 28074039
TI  - CD34+ mesenchymal cells are a major component of the intestinal stem cells niche
      at homeostasis and after injury.
AB  - The intestinal epithelium is continuously renewed by intestinal epithelial stem
      cells (IESCs) positioned at the base of each crypt. Mesenchymal-derived factors
      are essential to maintain IESCs; however, the cellular composition and
      development of such mesenchymal niche remains unclear. Here, we identify
      pericryptal CD34+ Gp38+ alphaSMA- mesenchymal cells closely associated with Lgr5+
      IESCs. We demonstrate that CD34+ Gp38+ cells are the major intestinal producers
      of the niche factors Wnt2b, Gremlin1, and R-spondin1, and are sufficient to
      promote maintenance of Lgr5+ IESCs in intestinal organoids, an effect mainly
      mediated by Gremlin1. CD34+ Gp38+ cells develop after birth in the intestinal
      submucosa and expand around the crypts during the third week of life in mice,
      independently of the microbiota. We further show that pericryptal CD34+gp38+
      cells are rapidly activated by intestinal injury, up-regulating niche factors
      Gremlin1 and R-spondin1 as well as chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines, and
      growth factors with key roles in gut immunity and tissue repair, including IL-7,
      Ccl2, Ptgs2, and Amphiregulin. Our results indicate that CD34+ Gp38+ mesenchymal
      cells are programmed to develop in the intestine after birth to constitute a
      specialized microenvironment that maintains IESCs at homeostasis and contribute
      to intestinal inflammation and repair after injury.

PMID- 28074040
TI  - Potent neutralization of hepatitis A virus reveals a receptor mimic mechanism and
      the receptor recognition site.
AB  - Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infects ~1.4 million people annually and, although there
      is a vaccine, there are no licensed therapeutic drugs. HAV is unusually stable
      (making disinfection problematic) and little is known of how it enters cells and
      releases its RNA. Here we report a potent HAV-specific monoclonal antibody, R10,
      which neutralizes HAV infection by blocking attachment to the host cell. High
      resolution cryo-EM structures of HAV full and empty particles and of the complex
      of HAV with R10 Fab reveal the atomic details of antibody binding and point to a
      receptor recognition site at the pentamer interface. These results, together with
      our observation that the R10 Fab destabilizes the capsid, suggest the use of a
      receptor mimic mechanism to neutralize virus infection, providing new
      opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 28074041
TI  - Transcription factor Xpp1 is a switch between primary and secondary fungal
      metabolism.
AB  - Fungi can produce a wide range of chemical compounds via secondary metabolism.
      These compounds are of major interest because of their (potential) application in
      medicine and biotechnology and as a potential source for new therapeutic agents
      and drug leads. However, under laboratory conditions, most secondary metabolism
      genes remain silent. This circumstance is an obstacle for the production of known
      metabolites and the discovery of new secondary metabolites. In this study, we
      describe the dual role of the transcription factor Xylanase promoter binding
      protein 1 (Xpp1) in the regulation of both primary and secondary metabolism of
      Trichoderma reesei Xpp1 was previously described as a repressor of xylanases.
      Here, we provide data from an RNA-sequencing analysis suggesting that Xpp1 is an
      activator of primary metabolism. This finding is supported by our results from a
      Biolog assay determining the carbon source assimilation behavior of an xpp1
      deletion strain. Furthermore, the role of Xpp1 as a repressor of secondary
      metabolism is shown by gene expression analyses of polyketide synthases and the
      determination of the secondary metabolites of xpp1 deletion and overexpression
      strains using an untargeted metabolomics approach. The deletion of Xpp1 resulted
      in the enhanced secretion of secondary metabolites in terms of diversity and
      quantity. Homologs of Xpp1 are found among a broad range of fungi, including the
      biocontrol agent Trichoderma atroviride, the plant pathogens Fusarium graminearum
      and Colletotrichum graminicola, the model organism Neurospora crassa, the human
      pathogen Sporothrix schenckii, and the ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea.

PMID- 28074042
TI  - Different clades and traits yield similar grassland functional responses.
AB  - Plant functional traits are viewed as key to predicting important ecosystem and
      community properties across resource gradients within and among biogeographic
      regions. Vegetation dynamics and ecosystem processes, such as aboveground net
      primary productivity (ANPP), are increasingly being modeled as a function of the
      quantitative traits of species, which are used as proxies for photosynthetic
      rates and nutrient and water-use efficiency. These approaches rely on an
      assumption that a certain trait value consistently confers a specific function or
      response under given environmental conditions. Here, we provide a critical test
      of this idea and evaluate whether the functional traits that drive the well-known
      relationship between precipitation and ANPP differ between systems with distinct
      biogeographic histories and species assemblages. Specifically, we compared
      grasslands spanning a broad precipitation gradient (~200-1,000 mm/y) in North
      America and South Africa that differ in the relative representation and abundance
      of grass phylogenetic lineages. We found no significant difference between the
      regions in the positive relationship between annual precipitation and ANPP, yet
      the trait values underlying this relationship differed dramatically. Our results
      challenge the trait-based approach to predicting ecosystem function by
      demonstrating that different combinations of functional traits can act to
      maximize ANPP in a given environmental setting. Further, we show the importance
      of incorporating biogeographic and phylogenetic history in predicting community
      and ecosystem properties using traits.

PMID- 28074043
TI  - Correction: Dasatinib, a Src inhibitor, sensitizes liver metastatic colorectal
      carcinoma to oxaliplatin in tumors with high levels of phospho-Src.

PMID- 28074044
TI  - Diabetic Myonecrosis: A Rare Complication of Diabetes Mellitus Mimicking Deep
      Vein Thrombosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND Diabetic myonecrosis is an uncommon complication of long-standing
      poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. It presents as acute non-traumatic swelling
      and pain of the lower extremity, which can mimic deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The
      clinical course is usually self-limiting and patients respond well to supportive
      medical therapy. CASE REPORT A 54-year-old male with past medical history of
      poorly controlled diabetes mellitus type II, hyperlipidemia, gastroesophageal
      reflux disease (GERD), and remote history of DVT presented to our emergency
      department with 2-week history of progressively worsening left calf pain and
      swelling. On physical examination, the patient had increased warmth, edema,
      erythema, and tenderness in the left calf, with positive Homan's sign. A lower
      extremity venous Doppler was negative for DVT. His creatinine phosphokinase (CPK)
      level was normal, but hemoglobin A1C was 11.0%, reflective of poor glycemic
      control. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left calf revealed a focus of
      non-enhancement in the gastrocnemius muscle along with increased enhancement of
      the rest of the muscle, suggestive of diabetic myonecrosis. CONCLUSIONS Diabetic
      myonecrosis is a rare complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus that can
      often mimic DVT. Diagnosis can be made on an MRI, and treatment involves strict
      glycemic control along with antiplatelet therapy and non-steroidal anti
      inflammatories (NSAIDs).

PMID- 28074045
TI  - High Expression of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 (SDF-1) and NF-kappaB Predicts
      Poor Prognosis in Cervical Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND SDF-1 and NF-kappaB are associated with the prognosis of a wide range
      of cancers, but their value in cervical cancer remains controversial. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the expression of SDF-1and NF-kappaB in cervical
      cancer and their significance in clinical prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The
      expression of SDF-1and NF-kappaB in 105 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded
      cervical cancer tissues and the adjacent tissues was examined by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results were semi-quantitatively scored and
      analyzed by chi-square test. The overall survival times (OS) were collected by
      follow-up and analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS The expression level of
      both SDF-1and NF-kappaB in cervical cancer are higher than that in the adjacent
      tissues (P<0.05). SDF-1 expression are correlated with tumor size and FIGO
      histology grade (P<0.05). NF-kappaB expression are correlated with tumor size and
      FIGO histology grade, and lymph node metastasis (LNM) status (P<0.05). The
      patients with a positive expression of SDF-1or NF-kappaB tended to have much
      shorter survival time than patients with negative expression. In addition,
      multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that SDF-1 expression and lymph
      node metastasis are independent predictors of the OS in cervical cancer patients.
      CONCLUSIONS The expression of SDF-1 is significantly associated with tumor size
      and FIGO histology grade. The expression of NF-kappaB is significantly associated
      with tumor size, FIGO histology grade, and lymph node metastasis. The positive
      SDF-1or NF-kappaB expression is significantly correlated with poor prognosis.
      These may be valuable biomarkers for the prognosis and the potential therapeutic
      targets of cervical cancer.

PMID- 28074047
TI  - Arabilin overcomes resistance to AR-targeted therapy.

PMID- 28074048
TI  - Elmenols C-H, new angucycline derivatives isolated from a culture of Streptomyces
      sp. IFM 11490.
AB  - Chemical investigations of the ethyl acetate extract of Streptomyces sp. IFM
      11490 have led to the isolation of six new angucycline metabolites, named
      elmenols C-H (1-6), along with the previously reported elmonin (7) and elmenols A
      (8) and B (9). The known LS1924A (10), 6-deoxy-8-methylrabelomycin (11),
      tetrangulol methyl ether (12) and angucyclinone (13) were additionally
      identified. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by means of
      spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR. Compounds 1-6
      were evaluated for their abilities to overcome tumor necrosis factor-related
      apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resistance in human gastric adenocarcinoma
      (AGS) cells. Compounds 5 (10 MUm) and 6 (50 MUm) in combination with TRAIL showed
      moderate activity in sensitizing TRAIL-resistant AGS cells.

PMID- 28074050
TI  - Enhanced dereplication of fungal cultures via use of mass defect filtering.
AB  - Effective and rapid dereplication is a hallmark of present-day drug discovery
      from natural sources. This project strove to both decrease the time and expand
      the structural diversity associated with dereplication methodologies. A 5 min
      liquid chromatographic run time employing heated electrospray ionization (HESI)
      was evaluated to determine whether it could be used as a faster alternative over
      the 10 min ESI method we reported previously. Results revealed that the 5 min
      method was as sensitive as the 10 min method and, obviously, was twice as fast.
      To facilitate dereplication, the retention times, UV absorption maxima, full-scan
      HRMS and MS/MS were cross-referenced with an in-house database of over 300 fungal
      secondary metabolites. However, this strategy was dependent upon the makeup of
      the screening in-house database. Thus, mass defect filtering (MDF) was explored
      as an additional targeted screening strategy to permit identification of
      structurally related components. The use of a dereplication platform
      incorporating the 5 min chromatographic method together with MDF facilitated
      rapid and effective identification of known compounds and detection of
      structurally related analogs in extracts of fungal cultures.

PMID- 28074049
TI  - In vitro antibacterial activity of alpha-methoxyimino acylide derivatives against
      macrolide-resistant pathogens and mutation analysis in 23S rRNA.
AB  - We characterized in vitro activities of alpha-methoxyimino acylides against
      macrolide-resistant clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus
      pyogenes and Mycoplasma pneumoniae with ribosome modification or substitution and
      selected acylide-resistant mutants to clarify the binding point of the acylides.
      The acylides had low MICs against erm(B) gene-containing S. pneumoniae and S.
      pyogenes (MIC90s, 1-4 MUg ml-1). For M. pneumoniae, although they had poor
      potencies against macrolide-resistant strains with the A2058G (Escherichia coli
      numbering) mutation in 23S rRNA (MICs, >32 MUg ml-1), one of them showed in vitro
      activities against macrolide-resistant strains with the A2058U or A2059G
      mutations (MICs, 0.5-1 MUg ml-1). These A2058U and A2059G mutant strains were
      used for the selection of acylide-resistant mutants. A genetic analysis showed
      that new point mutations in acylide-resistant mutants were found at G2576 in
      domain V of 23S rRNA and at Lys90 in L22 ribosomal protein. Furthermore, a
      molecular modeling study revealed that G2505/C2610, which enables stacking with
      G2576, might interact with a pyridyl moiety or an alpha-methoxyimino group at the
      3-position of acylides. The alpha-methoxyimino acylides were shown to possess a
      tertiary binding point at G2505/C2610 in 23S rRNA. Our results suggest that alpha
      methoxyimino acylides represent significant progress in macrolide antimicrobials.

PMID- 28074051
TI  - Anti-folates potentiate bactericidal effects of other antimicrobial agents.
AB  - Synergies between sulfonamides and other antimicrobial agents have long been
      reported, but the reason still remains unclear. Previously, Vilcheze et al. found
      that, sulfamethoxazole (SMX) could potentiate the bacterialcidal activity of
      isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (RIF) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. To test if this
      was also the case in other bacteria, the ability to potentiate bactericidal
      effect of RIF by SMX was evaluated in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
      Salmonella typhimurium and Mycobacterium smegmatis. And the ability to potentiate
      bactericidal effect of streptomycin (SM) by SMX was also evaluated in E. coli and
      M. Smegmatis. Susceptibility tests and drug exposure experiments were performed
      for RIF and SM in the presence of sub-ICs of SMX. In drug exposure experiments,
      10 mg l-1 of 7,8-dihydropteroic acid (DHP) was used to reverse the effect of SMX.
      In the presence of sub-ICs of SMX, MIC of RIF for E. coli and M. smegmatis
      decreased 2 and 16 fold, respectively. In the drug exposure experiments, addition
      of sub-ICs of SMX suppressed the growth of RIF and SM resistant population in a
      pool of susceptible bacteria, and the effects of SMX could be reversed by DHP.
      Besides, we also found that, sub-ICs of para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) could
      bactericidal effects of INH, RIF and SM in M. tuberculosis. Taken together, our
      data suggest that, sub-ICs of anti-folates can potentiate bactericidal effects of
      other antimicrobial agents in various bacteria.

PMID- 28074052
TI  - Kribellosides, novel RNA 5'-triphosphatase inhibitors from the rare actinomycete
      Kribbella sp. MI481-42F6.
AB  - Yeast capping enzymes differ greatly from those of mammalian, both structurally
      and mechanistically. Yeast-type capping enzyme repressors are therefore candidate
      antifungal drugs. The 5'-guanine-N7 cap structure of mRNAs are an essential
      feature of all eukaryotic organisms examined to date and is the first co
      transcriptional modification of cellular pre-messenger RNA. Inhibitors of the RNA
      5'-triphosphatase in yeast are likely to show fungicidal effects against
      pathogenic yeast such as Candida. We discovered a new RNA 5'-triphosphatase
      inhibitor, designated as the kribellosides, by screening metabolites from
      actinomycetes. Kribellosides belong to the alkyl glyceryl ethers. These novel
      compounds inhibit the activity of Cet1p (RNA 5'-triphosphatase) from
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae in vitro with IC50s of 5-8 MUM and show antifungal
      activity with MICs ranging from 3.12 to 100 MUg ml-1 against S. cerevisiae.

PMID- 28074053
TI  - Identification of pyripyropene A as a promising insecticidal compound in a
      microbial metabolite screening.
AB  - Approximately 300 microbial natural products in our library were screened for
      insecticidal activities against three species of agricultural pests, including
      aphids. Among the several compounds that showed insecticidal activities,
      pyripyropene A had high aphicidal activity in vivo. Furthermore, in advanced
      tests, pyripyropene A applications with foliar sprays and soil drenching
      controlled aphids on cabbage. On the basis of its unique and promising
      activities, we selected pyripyropene A as the active component of potential
      insecticides.

PMID- 28074054
TI  - Synergistic antifungal indolecarbazoles from Streptomyces sp. CNS-42 associated
      with traditional Chinese medicine Alisma orientale.

PMID- 28074055
TI  - Effects of two 6-quinolinyl chalcones on the integrity of plasma membrane of
      Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
AB  - Paracoccidioidomycosis is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America,
      yet few therapeutic options exist. Our aim was to search for new compounds with
      high efficacy, low toxicity, shorter treatment time and affordable cost. We
      studied two synthetic 6-quinolinyl chalcones, 3b and 3e, to determine their
      effects on VERO cells, antifungal activity, survival curve, interaction with
      other drugs and phenotypic effects against several isolates of Paracoccidioides
      spp. In this study, we verified that the compounds were not toxic, exhibited
      superior in vitro activity compared with that shown by trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole, and after 5 days of treatment, decreased the fungal cell
      viability by approximately 70%. Additionally, no interactions were observed
      between the tested compounds and other drugs. We also found that these compounds
      induced morphological changes, such as shriveling of cells, fragmentation of the
      plasma membrane and cytoplasmic disorganization in vitro. The changes observed by
      microscopy assays corroborate the observation made with propidium iodide, where
      the number of cells stained with the compounds was higher than that observed
      after amphotericin B treatment. We observed an increase in the efflux of K+ and a
      loss of intracellular contents in cells treated with 3b and 3e, confirming their
      effects on fungal membranes. However, damage to the membrane was not associated
      with a decrease in membrane ergosterol levels. The experimental evidences showed
      no direct indications of cellular wall damage caused by these compounds. Thus,
      these results confirm the antifungal potential of 3b and 3e against
      Paracoccidioides spp. with possible action on the membrane.

PMID- 28074056
TI  - Biphenyl ether derivatives with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory
      activity from the freshwater fungus Phoma sp.

PMID- 28074057
TI  - Development of new polymyxin derivatives for multi-drug resistant Gram-negative
      infections.
AB  - Over the last decade, there has been a resurgence of interest in polymyxins owing
      to the rapid rise in multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria against which
      polymyxins offer a last-resort treatment. Although having excellent antibacterial
      activity, the clinical utility of polymyxins is limited by toxicity, especially
      renal toxicity. There is much interest therefore in developing polymyxin
      analogues with an improved therapeutic index. This review describes recent work
      aimed at improving the activity and/or reducing the toxicity of polymyxins.
      Consideration to providing activity against emerging strains with reduced
      susceptibility to polymyxins is also made.

PMID- 28074058
TI  - Intracellular ATP in balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in adipose
      tissue with and without tissue expansion.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To understand the mechanism of white fat expansion in the presence of
      inflammation, we examined the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in
      epididymal fat during weight gain in diet-induced obese mice. METHODS: The pro-
      and anti-inflammatory cytokines were examined in white fat of diet-induced obese
      mice and lean mice. The mechanism of gene expression was investigated with a
      focus on intracellular ATP (iATP). ATP activity was tested in cellular and non
      cellular systems in activation of serine kinases (IKKbeta, JNK and ERK). RESULTS:
      The pro- (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta),
      IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, interferon gamma and osteopontin) and
      the anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-1Ra, IL-13, soluble TNF receptor 2,
      pigment epithelium-derived factor and adiponectin) were increased at the same
      time during the weight gain. The balance was observed even in the absence of
      tissue expansion upon feeding in lean and obese mice. The iATP levels were
      positively associated with the cytokine elevation in the adipose tissue. In
      macrophages, induction of iATP with lauric acid stimulated the expression.
      Inhibition of iATP with beta-oxidation inhibitor (Etomoxir) or mitochondrial
      uncoupler (2,4-dinitrophenol, DNP) suppressed the expression. ATP exhibited an
      activity in the activation of inflammatory kinases (IKKbeta, JNK and ERK) in the
      living cells and cell lysate. The kinase activation was blocked in the cells by
      ATP inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the pro- and anti-inflammatory
      cytokines are dynamically balanced in the white adipose tissue by iATP.

PMID- 28074059
TI  - School environment and policies, child eating behavior and overweight/obesity in
      urban China: the childhood obesity study in China megacities.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity is rising rapidly in China, especially in urban
      areas. Knowledge about how school environment and policies (SEPs) may have
      contributed to the epidemic remains limited. We examined SEP and their
      associations with students' eating behaviors and overweight/obesity in urban
      China. METHODS: Data were collected from 1648 students (plus their parents and
      schools) in 16 primary and middle schools (4 schools per city) in four megacities
      across China: Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing and Xi'an. We examined nutrition-related
      SEP such as unhealthy food restriction, healthy food promotion, price control and
      nutrition guideline in school cafeterias (SCs), campus food stores (CFS), school
      vicinity food stalls (SVFS); SEP on physical activity, physical education (PE)
      and physical examination. Cluster robust regression models were fit to assess
      associations of SEP with child eating behaviors and overweight/obesity (defined
      based on body mass index, from measured weight and height). RESULTS: All 16
      schools had regular PE classes and annual physical examination. Most schools
      (n=12; 75%) had food policies in SC; few had policies on CFS (n=1; 6.25%) or SVFS
      (n=4; 25%). Local governments had a major role in regulating food prices, setting
      nutrition guidelines and regulating SVFS. Policies on CFS and SVFS were
      associated with less frequent intake of sugary beverage (odds ratio (OR)=0.54
      (0.47-0.61); OR=0.70 (0.61-0.80)), snack (OR=0.84 (0.74-0.95); OR=0.78 (0.67
      0.92)) and fast food (OR=0.58 (0.42-0.81); OR=0.56 (0.39-0.80)). The associations
      were stronger for boys. Policies on SC, CFS and SVFS were associated with lower
      likelihood for overweight/obesity (OR=0.60 (0.46-0.79); OR=0.74 (0.62-0.90);
      OR=0.51 (0.35-0.73)) and central obesity (OR=0.79 (0.70-0.89); OR=0.67 (0.48
      0.92); OR=0.63 (0.48-0.84)) in boys. Policies on SC were associated with lower
      overweight/obesity odds (OR=0.48 (0.28-0.82)) for girls. CONCLUSIONS: SEP are
      heterogeneous in the four Chinese megacities, high-income areas. They affect
      child unhealthy eating and overweight/obesity, and are critical for fighting
      childhood obesity in China.

PMID- 28074061
TI  - Cell death: Pulling the apoptotic trigger for necrosis.

PMID- 28074062
TI  - Translation: Smoothening the coding sequence for translation.

PMID- 28074060
TI  - S100A8/A9 and S100A9 reduce acute lung injury.
AB  - S100A8 and S100A9 are myeloid cell-derived proteins that are elevated in several
      types of inflammatory lung disorders. Pro- and anti-inflammatory properties are
      reported and these proteins are proposed to activate TLR4. S100A8 and S100A9 can
      function separately, likely through distinct receptors but a systematic
      comparison of their effects in vivo are limited. Here we assess inflammation in
      murine lung following S100A9 and S100A8/A9 inhalation. Unlike S100A8, S100A9
      promoted mild neutrophil and lymphocyte influx, possibly mediated in part, by
      increased mast cell degranulation and selective upregulation of some chemokine
      genes, particularly CXCL-10. S100 proteins did not significantly induce
      proinflammatory mediators including TNF-alpha, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6
      or serum amyloid A3 (SAA3). In contrast to S100A8, neither preparation induced
      S100A8 or IL-10 mRNA/protein in airway epithelial cells, or in tracheal
      epithelial cells in vitro. Like S100A8, S100A9 and S100A8/A9 reduced neutrophil
      influx in acute lung injury provoked by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge but
      were somewhat less inhibitory, possibly because of differential effects on
      expression of some chemokines, IL-1beta, SAA3 and IL-10. Novel common pathways
      including increased induction of an NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1
      that may reduce NF-kappaB signalling, and increased STAT3 activation may reduce
      LPS activation. Results suggest a role for these proteins in normal homeostasis
      and protective mechanisms in the lung.

PMID- 28074065
TI  - HDAC3 activity is required for initiation of leukemogenesis in acute
      promyelocytic leukemia.

PMID- 28074063
TI  - Direct in vivo evidence for increased proliferation of CLL cells in lymph nodes
      compared to bone marrow and peripheral blood.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a progressive malignancy of mature B-cells
      that involves the peripheral blood (PB), lymph nodes (LNs) and bone marrow (BM).
      Although the majority of CLL cells are in a resting state, small populations of
      proliferating cells exist; however, the anatomical site of active cell
      proliferation remains to be definitively determined. Based on findings that CLL
      cells in LNs have increased expression of B-cell activation genes, we tested the
      hypothesis that the fraction of 'newly born' cells would be highest in the LNs.
      Using a deuterium oxide (2H) in vivo labeling method in which patients consumed
      deuterated (heavy) water (2H2O), we determined CLL cell kinetics in concurrently
      obtained samples from LN, PB and BM. The LN was identified as the anatomical site
      harboring the largest fraction of newly born cells, compared to PB and BM. In
      fact, the calculated birth rate in the LN reached as high a 3.3% of the clone per
      day. Subdivision of the bulk CLL population by flow cytometry identified the
      subpopulation with the CXCR4dimCD5bright phenotype as containing the highest
      proportion of newly born cells within each compartment, including the LN,
      identifying this subclonal population as an important target for novel treatment
      approaches.

PMID- 28074064
TI  - O-GlcNAcylation of STAT5 controls tyrosine phosphorylation and oncogenic
      transcription in STAT5-dependent malignancies.
AB  - The signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) regulates
      differentiation, survival, proliferation and transformation of hematopoietic
      cells. Upon cytokine stimulation, STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation (pYSTAT5) is
      transient, while in diverse neoplastic cells persistent overexpression and
      enhanced pYSTAT5 are frequently found. Post-translational modifications might
      contribute to enhanced STAT5 activation in the context of transformation, but the
      strength and duration of pYSTAT5 are incompletely understood. We found that O
      GlcNAcylation and tyrosine phosphorylation act together to trigger pYSTAT5 levels
      and oncogenic transcription in neoplastic cells. The expression of a mutated
      hyperactive gain-of-function (GOF) STAT5 without O-GlcNAcylation resulted in
      decreased tyrosine phosphorylation, oligomerization and transactivation potential
      and complete loss of oncogenic transformation capacity. The lack of O
      GlcNAcylation diminished phospho-ERK and phospho-AKT levels. Our data show that O
      GlcNAcylation of STAT5 is an important process that contributes to oncogenic
      transcription through enhanced STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation and oligomerization
      driving myeloid transformation. O-GlcNAcylation of STAT5 could be required for
      nutrient sensing and metabolism of cancer cells.

PMID- 28074066
TI  - Preclinical targeting of aggressive T-cell malignancies using anti-CD5 chimeric
      antigen receptor.
AB  - The outlook for T-cell malignancies remain poor due to the lack of effective
      therapeutic options. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy has recently
      shown promise in clinical trials for B-cell malignancies, however, designing CARs
      for T-cell based disease remain a challenge due to the shared surface antigen
      pool between normal and malignant T-cells. Normal T-cells express CD5 but NK
      (natural killer) cells do not, positioning NK cells as attractive cytotoxicity
      cells for CD5CAR design. Additionally, CD5 is highly expressed in T-cell acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs). Here, we
      report a robust anti-CD5 CAR (CD5CAR) transduced into a human NK cell line NK-92
      that can undergo stable expansion ex vivo. We found that CD5CAR NK-92 cells
      possessed consistent, specific, and potent anti-tumor activity against a variety
      of T-cell leukemia and lymphoma cell lines as well as primary tumor cells.
      Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate significant inhibition and control of
      disease progression in xenograft mouse models of T-ALL. The data suggest that CAR
      redirected targeting for T-cell malignancies using NK cells may be a viable
      method for new and complementary therapeutic approaches that could improve the
      current outcome for patients.

PMID- 28074067
TI  - Expression of the CTLA-4 ligand CD86 on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC)
      predicts risk of disease recurrence after treatment discontinuation in CML.
AB  - It is unknown, why only a minority of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients
      sustains treatment free remission (TFR) after discontinuation of tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor (TKI) therapy in deep molecular remission (MR). Here we studied,
      whether expression of the T-cell inhibitory receptor (CTLA-4)-ligand CD86 (B7.2)
      on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) affects relapse risk after TKI cessation.
      CML patients in MR displayed significantly higher CD86+pDC frequencies than
      normal donors (P<0.0024), whereas TFR patients had consistently low CD86+pDC
      (n=12). This suggested that low CD86+pDC might be predictive of TFR. Indeed, in a
      prospective analysis of 122 patients discontinuing their TKI within the EURO-SKI
      trial, the one-year relapse-free survival (RFS) was 30.1% (95% CI 15.6-47.9) for
      patients with >95 CD86+pDC per 105 lymphocytes, but 70.0% (95% CI 59.3-78.3) for
      patients with <95 CD86+pDC (hazard ratio (HR) 3.4, 95%-CI: 1.9-6.0; P<0.0001).
      Moreover, only patients with <95 CD86+pDC derived a significant benefit from
      longer (>8 years) TKI exposure before discontinuation (HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8;
      P=0.0263). High CD86+pDC counts significantly correlated with leukemia-specific
      CD8+ T-cell exhaustion (Spearman correlation: 0.74, 95%-CI: 0.21-0.92; P=0.0098).
      Our data demonstrate that CML patients with high CD86+pDC counts have a higher
      risk of relapse after TKI discontinuation.

PMID- 28074069
TI  - Myelodysplastic syndromes and bone loss in mice and men.

PMID- 28074070
TI  - Gain of function in Jak2V617F-positive T-cells.

PMID- 28074068
TI  - A CpG island methylator phenotype in acute myeloid leukemia independent of IDH
      mutations and associated with a favorable outcome.
AB  - Genetic changes are infrequent in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) compared with
      other malignancies and often involve epigenetic regulators, suggesting that an
      altered epigenome may underlie AML biology and outcomes. In 96 AML cases
      including 65 pilot samples selected for cured/not-cured, we found higher CpG
      island (CGI) promoter methylation in cured patients. Expanded genome-wide digital
      restriction enzyme analysis of methylation data revealed a CGI methylator
      phenotype independent of IDH1/2 mutations we term AML-CGI methylator phenotype
      (CIMP) (A-CIMP+). A-CIMP was associated with longer overall survival (OS) in this
      data set (median OS, years: A-CIMP+=not reached, CIMP-=1.17; P=0.08). For
      validation we used 194 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas interrogated with
      Illumina 450k methylation arrays where we confirmed longer OS in A-CIMP (median
      OS, years: A-CIMP+=2.34, A-CIMP-=1.00; P=0.01). Hypermethylation in A-CIMP+
      favored CGIs (OR: CGI/non-CGI=5.21), and while A-CIMP+ was enriched in CEBPA
      (P=0.002) and WT1 mutations (P=0.02), 70% of cases lacked either mutation.
      Hypermethylated genes in A-CIMP+ function in pluripotency maintenance, and a gene
      expression signature of A-CIMP was associated with outcomes in multiple data
      sets. We conclude that CIMP in AML cannot be explained solely by gene mutations
      (for example, IDH1/2, TET2), and that curability in A-CIMP+ AML should be
      validated prospectively.

PMID- 28074071
TI  - Olaptesed pegol, an anti-CXCL12/SDF-1 Spiegelmer, alone and with bortezomib
      dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a Phase IIa Study.

PMID- 28074073
TI  - Gut microbiota in 2016: A banner year for gut microbiota research.

PMID- 28074074
TI  - IBD in 2016: Biologicals and biosimilars in IBD - the road to personalized
      treatment.

PMID- 28074072
TI  - Targeting BET proteins improves the therapeutic efficacy of BCL-2 inhibition in T
      cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Inhibition of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) has recently emerged as a
      promising new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a variety of human
      cancers, including leukemia. Here, we used T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T
      ALL) as a model system to identify novel synergistic drug combinations with the
      BH3 mimetic venetoclax (ABT-199). In vitro drug screening in primary leukemia
      specimens that were derived from patients with high risk of relapse or relapse
      and cell lines revealed synergistic activity between venetoclax and the BET
      (bromodomain and extraterminal) bromodomain inhibitor JQ1. Notably, this drug
      synergism was confirmed in vivo using T-ALL cell line and patient-derived
      xenograft models. Moreover, the therapeutic benefit of this drug combination
      might, at least in part, be mediated by an acute induction of the pro-apoptotic
      factor BCL2L11 and concomitant reduction of BCL-2 upon BET bromodomain
      inhibition, ultimately resulting in an enhanced binding of BIM (encoded by
      BCL2L11) to BCL-2. Altogether, our work provides a rationale to develop a new
      type of targeted combination therapy for selected subgroups of high-risk leukemia
      patients.

PMID- 28074075
TI  - Primary biliary cholangitis in 2016: High-definition PBC: biology, models and
      therapeutic advances.

PMID- 28074076
TI  - A solid dielectric gated graphene nanosensor in electrolyte solutions.
AB  - This letter presents a graphene field effect transistor (GFET) nanosensor that,
      with a solid gate provided by a high-kappa dielectric, allows analyte detection
      in liquid media at low gate voltages. The gate is embedded within the sensor and
      thus is isolated from a sample solution, offering a high level of integration and
      miniaturization and eliminating errors caused by the liquid disturbance,
      desirable for both in vitro and in vivo applications. We demonstrate that the
      GFET nanosensor can be used to measure pH changes in a range of 5.3-9.3. Based on
      the experimental observations and quantitative analysis, the charging of an
      electrical double layer capacitor is found to be the major mechanism of pH
      sensing.

PMID- 28074079
TI  - Immunotherapeutic Targeting in Autoimmune Diseases.

PMID- 28074077
TI  - Identification of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Sampling, Analytical Methods, and
      Oral Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Periodontal Diseases: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - Background. Several studies in the last decades have focused on finding a precise
      method for the diagnosis of periodontal disease in its early stages. Aim. To
      evaluate from current scientific literature the most common and precise method
      for gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) sample collection, biomarker analytical
      methods, and the variability of biomarker quantification, even when using the
      same analytical technique. Methodology. An electronic search was conducted on in
      vivo studies that presented clinical data on techniques used for GCF collection
      and biomarker analysis. Results. The results showed that 71.1%, 24.7%, and 4.1%
      of the studies used absorption, microcapillary, and washing techniques,
      respectively, in their gingival crevicular fluid collection. 73.1% of the
      researchers analyzed their samples by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA). 22.6%, 19.5%, and 18.5% of the researchers included interleukin-1 beta
      (IL-1beta), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha), respectively, in their studies as biomarkers for periodontal
      disease. Conclusion. IL-1beta can be considered among the most common biomarkers
      that give precise results and can be used as an indicator of periodontal disease
      progression. Furthermore, paper strips are the most convenient and accurate
      method for gingival crevicular fluid collection, while enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay can be considered the most conventional method for the
      diagnosis of biofluids.

PMID- 28074078
TI  - Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury and Autism: Elucidating Shared Mechanisms.
AB  - Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two
      serious conditions that affect youth. Recent data, both preclinical and clinical,
      show that pediatric TBI and ASD share not only similar symptoms but also some of
      the same biologic mechanisms that cause these symptoms. Prominent symptoms for
      both disorders include gastrointestinal problems, learning difficulties,
      seizures, and sensory processing disruption. In this review, we highlight some of
      these shared mechanisms in order to discuss potential treatment options that
      might be applied for each condition. We discuss potential therapeutic and
      pharmacologic options as well as potential novel drug targets. Furthermore, we
      highlight advances in understanding of brain circuitry that is being propelled by
      improved imaging modalities. Going forward, advanced imaging will help in
      diagnosis and treatment planning strategies for pediatric patients. Lessons from
      each field can be applied to design better and more rigorous trials that can be
      used to improve guidelines for pediatric patients suffering from TBI or ASD.

PMID- 28074081
TI  - The Time Course of Markers of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Patients
      Undergoing Revascularisation for Acute Myocardial Infarction or Stable Angina
      Pectoris.
AB  - Background and Aims. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been identified
      in acute myocardial infarction. We assessed the time profile and association with
      infarct size for NETs markers in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and
      stable angina pectoris (AP). Methods. In 20 patients with STEMI and 10 with AP
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), blood samples were collected
      before PCI (only AP group) and after 3 and 12 hours, days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 for
      measurement of NETs markers. Results. Double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid
      (dsDNA) and nucleosome levels were higher in STEMI than AP until day 3 and 12
      hours (p < 0.03, all). DsDNA declined after day 5 in both groups (p < 0.04, all),
      while nucleosomes declined until day 3 only in the AP group (p < 0.05, all).
      DsDNA correlated with peak troponin T and creatine kinase MB (CKMB) at day 5 (r =
      0.48, p = 0.03, both) and with MRI-measured infarct size at days 5 and 7 (r =
      0.61, p = 0.01 and r = 0.52, p = 0.04, resp.), while nucleosomes correlated with
      infarct size at day 5 (r = 0.58, p = 0.02). Conclusions. High levels of NETs
      markers were observed in STEMI shortly after revascularisation and were partly
      associated with infarct size. The decline thereafter in both groups indicates a
      role for NETs in both acute and chronic atherothrombosis.

PMID- 28074080
TI  - Role of Mitochondria-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane in Inflammation
      Mediated Metabolic Diseases.
AB  - Inflammation is considered to be one of the most critical factors involved in the
      development of complex metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and
      cardiovascular disease. A few decades ago, the discovery of mitochondria
      associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (MAM) was followed by the
      identification of its roles in regulating cellular homeostatic processes, ranging
      from cellular bioenergetics to apoptosis. MAM provides an excellent platform for
      numerous signaling pathways; among them, inflammatory signaling pathways
      associated with MAM play a critical role in cellular defense during pathogenic
      infections and metabolic disorders. However, induction of MAM causes deleterious
      effects by amplifying mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation through
      increased calcium transfer from the ER to mitochondria, thereby causing
      mitochondrial damage and release of mitochondrial components into the cytosol as
      damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These mitochondrial DAMPs rapidly
      activate MAM-resident inflammasome components and other inflammatory factors,
      which promote inflammasome complex formation and release of proinflammatory
      cytokines in pathological conditions. Long-term stimulation of the inflammasome
      instigates chronic inflammation, leading to the pathogenesis of metabolic
      diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of MAM and its
      association with inflammation-mediated metabolic diseases.

PMID- 28074082
TI  - The Fate of the Tumor in the Hands of Microenvironment: Role of TAMs and mTOR
      Pathway.
AB  - Since 2000, written with elegance and accuracy, Hanahan and Weinberg have
      proposed six major hallmarks of cancer and, together, they provide great advances
      to the understanding of tumoral biology. Our knowledge about tumor behavior has
      improved and the investigators have now recognized that inflammatory
      microenvironment may be a new feature for the tumor entities. Macrophages are
      considered as an important component of tumoral microenvironment. Biologically,
      two forms of activated macrophages can be observed: classically activated
      macrophages (M1) and alternative activated macrophages (M2). Despite the
      canonical pathways that control this puzzle of macrophages polarization,
      recently, mTOR signaling pathway has been implicated as an important piece in
      determining the metabolic and functional differentiation of M1 and M2 profiles.
      Currently, it is believed that macrophages related to tumoral microenvironment
      present an "M2-like" feature promoting an immunosuppressive microenvironment
      enhancing tumoral angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis. In the present review we
      discuss the role of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment and the role of
      mTOR pathway in M1 and M2 differentiation. We also discuss the recent findings in
      M1 and M2 polarization as a possible target in the cancer therapy.

PMID- 28074083
TI  - Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion with ASEPT(r) Pleural Catheter: Quality
      of Life, Feasibility, and Patient Satisfaction.
AB  - Objective. The PleurX(r) IPC system has been used extensively in the past. Over
      time, management of MPE with the PleurX system can be costly. The new ASEPT
      pleural catheter, through advantages in design, may ultimately show cost savings.
      The primary outcome of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of the
      ASEPT system. Method. This single centre, prospective study enrolled 50 patients
      with MPE, who were followed for as long as they were alive with a catheter.
      Quality of Life (QoL) was assessed before, at 2 weeks, and 6 weeks after ASEPT
      catheter insertion using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 questionnaires. Ease of
      catheter use and complications were reported by physician and community nurses.
      Results. 50 patients with MPE with a mean age of 64.5 +/- 1.9, BDI of 2.8 +/-
      0.9, and ECOG score of 3.0 +/- 0.7 were recruited. No immediate or long-term
      complications were reported during the study period. Compared to precatheter
      insertion, global health status (-18, p < 0.001), QLQ-C30 dyspnea (-39, p <
      0.00001), and LC13 dyspnea (-11, p < 0.0005) significantly improved at 2 and 6
      weeks after intervention. Provider surveys indicated favourable ease of use.
      Conclusion. The new ASEPT catheter offers a safe and effective option for the
      management of MPE.

PMID- 28074085
TI  - Erratum to: In vivo enhancement of the MAGE-specific cellular immune response by
      a recombinant MAGE1-MAGE3-TBHSP70 tumor vaccine.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s12935-016-0317-2.].

PMID- 28074084
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Methanogenic Communities in Different Laboratory-Scale
      Anaerobic Digesters.
AB  - Comparative analysis of methanogenic archaea compositions and dynamics in 11
      laboratory-scale continuous stirred tank reactors fed with different agricultural
      materials (chicken manure, cattle manure, maize straw, maize silage, distillers
      grains, and Jatropha press cake) was carried out by analysis of the methyl
      coenzyme-M reductase alpha-subunit (mcrA) gene. Various taxa within
      Methanomicrobiales, Methanobacteriaceae, Methanosarcinaceae, Methanosaetaceae,
      and Methanomassiliicoccales were detected in the biogas reactors but in different
      proportions depending on the substrate type utilized as well as various process
      parameters. Improved coverage and higher taxonomic resolution of methanogens were
      obtained compared to a previous 16S rRNA gene based study of the same reactors.
      Some members of the genus Methanoculleus positively correlated with the relative
      methane content, whereas opposite correlations were found for Methanobacterium.
      Specific biogas production was found to be significantly correlating with
      Methanosarcinaceae. Statistical analysis also disclosed that some members of the
      genus Methanoculleus positively correlated with the ammonia level, whereas the
      prevalence of Methanocorpusculum, Methanobacterium, and Methanosaeta was
      negatively correlated with this parameter. These results suggest that the
      application of methanogenic archaea adapted to specific feedstock might enhance
      the anaerobic digestion of such waste materials in full-scale biogas reactors.

PMID- 28074086
TI  - Role of CYP2E1 polymorphisms in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CYP2E1 polymorphisms have been reported to influence individual's
      breast cancer susceptibility as a phase I enzyme, but the results of these
      previous studies remain controversial. We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis
      to assess their association. METHODS: A comprehensive search of literature
      included in various databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Google scholar),
      published before August 2016, was performed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) calculated in fixed or random-effects models were used
      to estimate the strength of the associations between three polymorphisms of
      CYP2E1 and breast cancer susceptibility. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis
      and test for publication bias were also performed. A total of 11 separate
      comparisons involving 4311 cases and 4407 controls were included in the meta
      analysis. RESULTS: Our result showed that there was no significant association
      between the two common polymorphisms CYP2E1 rs2031920 C>T, CYP2E1*5 Rsa I/Rst I
      (c1/c2) and BC risk. For CYP2E1*6 Dra I (D/C) polymorphism, a significantly
      increased BC risk in the overall population was found in genetic model D/C vs.
      D/D (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.04-1.61, P = 0.023) and C/C + D/C vs. D/D (OR = 1.25,
      95% CI = 1.04-1.51, P = 0.019), together with subjects who have at least one C
      allele (C vs. D: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.20-1.79, P < 0.001). Similar results were
      also found in subgroup analyses in Caucasians of these three comparison models.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis suggests that CYP2E1*6 Dra I (D/C)
      variation significantly associated with the risk of BC. Individuals with D/C and
      C/C + D/C genotypes or carried at least one C allele of CYP2E1*6 Dra I (D/C)
      polymorphism had a significant higher susceptibility to develop BC.

PMID- 28074087
TI  - The genetic variation rs6903956 in the novel androgen-dependent tissue factor
      pathway inhibitor regulating protein (ADTRP) gene is not associated with levels
      of plasma coagulation factors in the Singaporean Chinese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) has reported that rs6903956
      within the first intron of androgen-dependent tissue factor pathway inhibitor
      (TFPI) regulating protein (ADTRP) gene is associated with coronary artery disease
      (CAD) risk in the Chinese population. Although ADTRP is believed to be involved
      in the upregulation of TFPI, the underlying mechanism involved is largely
      unknown. This study investigated the association of rs6903956 with plasma Factor
      VII coagulant activity (FVIIc) and fibrinogen levels, which are regulated by TFPI
      and are independent risk predictors for CAD. METHODS: We conducted the analysis
      in both Chinese adult (N = 309) and neonatal cohorts (N = 447). The genotypes of
      the rs6903956 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were determined by the
      polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR
      RFLP). FVIIc and fibrinogen level were measured from citrated plasma. The
      association between rs6903956 and coagulation factors was tested by linear
      regression with adjustment for possible confounders. Analysis was carried out in
      adults and neonates separately. RESULTS: No significant association was observed
      between rs6903956 and plasma FVIIc nor fibrinogen levels with adjustment for age,
      gender, body mass index (BMI) and cigarette smoking in adults (P for FVIIc =
      0.464; P for fibrinogen = 0.349). The SNP was also not associated with these two
      coagulation factors in the neonates (P for FVIIc = 0.579; P for fibrinogen =
      0.359) after adjusting for gestational age, gender and birth weight. CONCLUSIONS:
      SNP rs6903956 on ADTRP gene was not associated with plasma FVIIc nor fibrinogen
      levels.

PMID- 28074088
TI  - Accurate optimization of amino acid form factors for computing small-angle X-ray
      scattering intensity of atomistic protein structures.
AB  - Structure modelling via small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data generally
      requires intensive computations of scattering intensity from any given
      biomolecular structure, where the accurate evaluation of SAXS profiles using
      coarse-grained (CG) methods is vital to improve computational efficiency. To
      date, most CG SAXS computing methods have been based on a single-bead-per-residue
      approximation but have neglected structural correlations between amino acids. To
      improve the accuracy of scattering calculations, accurate CG form factors of
      amino acids are now derived using a rigorous optimization strategy, termed
      electron-density matching (EDM), to best fit electron-density distributions of
      protein structures. This EDM method is compared with and tested against other CG
      SAXS computing methods, and the resulting CG SAXS profiles from EDM agree better
      with all-atom theoretical SAXS data. By including the protein hydration shell
      represented by explicit CG water molecules and the correction of protein excluded
      volume, the developed CG form factors also reproduce the selected experimental
      SAXS profiles with very small deviations. Taken together, these EDM-derived CG
      form factors present an accurate and efficient computational approach for SAXS
      computing, especially when higher molecular details (represented by the q range
      of the SAXS data) become necessary for effective structure modelling.

PMID- 28074091
TI  - Advances in Biliary Tract Disorders: Novel Biomarkers, Pharmacotherapies,
      Endoscopic Techniques, and Surgical Management.

PMID- 28074089
TI  - Antiviral activity of animal venom peptides and related compounds.
AB  - Viruses exhibit rapid mutational capacity to trick and infect host cells,
      sometimes assisted through virus-coded peptides that counteract host cellular
      immune defense. Although a large number of compounds have been identified as
      inhibiting various viral infections and disease progression, it is urgent to
      achieve the discovery of more effective agents. Furthermore, proportionally to
      the great variety of diseases caused by viruses, very few viral vaccines are
      available, and not all are efficient. Thus, new antiviral substances obtained
      from natural products have been prospected, including those derived from venomous
      animals. Venoms are complex mixtures of hundreds of molecules, mostly peptides,
      that present a large array of biological activities and evolved to putatively
      target the biochemical machinery of different pathogens or host cellular
      structures. In addition, non-venomous compounds, such as some body fluids of
      invertebrate organisms, exhibit antiviral activity. This review provides a
      panorama of peptides described from animal venoms that present antiviral
      activity, thereby reinforcing them as important tools for the development of new
      therapeutic drugs.

PMID- 28074090
TI  - Application of Machine Learning in Postural Control Kinematics for the Diagnosis
      of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - The use of wearable devices to study gait and postural control is a growing field
      on neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this paper,
      we investigate if machine-learning classifiers offer the discriminative power for
      the diagnosis of AD based on postural control kinematics. We compared Support
      Vector Machines (SVMs), Multiple Layer Perceptrons (MLPs), Radial Basis Function
      Neural Networks (RBNs), and Deep Belief Networks (DBNs) on 72 participants (36 AD
      patients and 36 healthy subjects) exposed to seven increasingly difficult
      postural tasks. The decisional space was composed of 18 kinematic variables
      (adjusted for age, education, height, and weight), with or without
      neuropsychological evaluation (Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score), top
      ranked in an error incremental analysis. Classification results were based on
      threefold cross validation of 50 independent and randomized runs sets: training
      (50%), test (40%), and validation (10%). Having a decisional space relying solely
      on postural kinematics, accuracy of AD diagnosis ranged from 71.7 to 86.1%.
      Adding the MoCA variable, the accuracy ranged between 91 and 96.6%. MLP
      classifier achieved top performance in both decisional spaces. Having
      comprehended the interdynamic interaction between postural stability and
      cognitive performance, our results endorse machine-learning models as a useful
      tool for computer-aided diagnosis of AD based on postural control kinematics.

PMID- 28074092
TI  - Clinical Significance of UCA1 to Predict Metastasis and Poor Prognosis of
      Digestive System Malignancies: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Purpose. Urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) has been reported to be
      overexpressed and correlated with progression in various cancers. However, the
      association between UCA1 expression and some clinicopathological features of
      digestive system malignancies, such as metastasis and survival, remains
      inconclusive. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to investigate the
      clinical significance of UCA1 in digestive system malignancies. Methods. Relevant
      literatures were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase
      databases updated to May 2016. Results. A total of 1089 patients from 10 studies
      were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed that digestive
      system malignancy patients with UCA1 overexpression were significantly more
      susceptible to developing lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.28
      2.67) and distant metastasis (DM) (OR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.77-5.58) and suffer from
      poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.89-2.82, univariate analysis; HR
      = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.69-2.98, multivariate analysis) and poor disease-free survival
      (DFS) (HR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.59-4.43, univariate analysis; HR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.62
      3.86, multivariate analysis). Conclusion. UCA1 overexpression was correlated with
      LNM, DM, poor OS, and poor DFS. UCA1 may serve as an indicator for metastasis and
      poor prognosis in digestive system malignancies.

PMID- 28074093
TI  - Involvement of Reduced Microbial Diversity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - A considerable number of studies have been conducted to study the microbial
      profiles in inflammatory conditions. A common phenomenon in inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD) is the reduction of the diversity of microbiota, which demonstrates
      that microbial diversity negatively correlates with disease severity in IBD.
      Increased microbial diversity is known to occur in disease remission. Species
      diversity plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the intestinal
      ecosystem as well as normal ecological function. A reduction in microbial
      diversity corresponds to a decrease in the stability of the ecosystem and can
      impair ecological function. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotics,
      and prebiotics, which aim to modulate the microbiota and restore its normal
      diversity, have been shown to be clinically efficacious. In this study, we
      hypothesized that a reduction in microbial diversity could play a role in the
      development of IBD.

PMID- 28074094
TI  - To Identify Predictors of Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with
      Clinically Node-Negative Conventional Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.
AB  - Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with
      central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with clinically node-negative
      conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (cN0 CPTC). Methods. A total of 190 cN0
      CPTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy with prophylactic central neck
      dissection (pCND) in the Department of General Surgery at Guangdong General
      Hospital between March 2014 and December 2015 were assessed retrospectively. The
      relations of CLNM with clinicopathologic characteristics of cN0 CPTC were
      analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results. The
      incidence of CLNM in patients with cN0 CPTC was 63.2% (120 of 190 cases).
      Univariate analysis showed that age <45 years (P = 0.000), tumor size >2 cm (P =
      0.009), multifocality (P = 0.001), and bilaterality (P = 0.000) were
      significantly associated with the increased incidence of CLNM in cN0 CPTC. No
      significant correlations were found between CLNM and other variables such as
      gender (P = 0.150), capsular invasion (P = 0.973), extrathyroidal invasion (P =
      0.616), and lymphadenectomy (P = 0.062). Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis revealed that age <45 years (P = 0.000), tumor size >2 cm (P = 0.025),
      and bilaterality (P = 0.000) were independent risk factors of CLNM in patients
      with cN0 CPTC. Conclusions. Metastatic disease to central compartment lymph nodes
      is prevalent in patients with cN0 CPTC. Age <45 years, tumor size >2 cm, and
      bilaterality are independent risk factors of CLNM, which allow for selective CND
      in patients with cN0 CPTC.

PMID- 28074095
TI  - Multidisciplinary Management of Pituitary Apoplexy.
AB  - Pituitary apoplexy is a rare clinical syndrome due to ischemic or haemorrhagic
      necrosis of the pituitary gland which complicates 2-12% of pituitary tumours,
      especially nonfunctioning adenomas. In many cases, it results in severe
      neurological, ophthalmological, and endocrinological consequences and may require
      prompt surgical decompression. Pituitary apoplexy represents a rare medical
      emergency that necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Modalities of treatment
      and times of intervention are still largely debated. Therefore, the management of
      patients with pituitary apoplexy is often empirically individualized and clinical
      outcome is inevitably related to the multidisciplinary team's skills and
      experience. This review aims to highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary
      approach in the management of pituitary apoplexy and to discuss modalities of
      presentation, treatment, and times of intervention.

PMID- 28074096
TI  - The Signaling Pathways Involved in Chondrocyte Differentiation and Hypertrophic
      Differentiation.
AB  - Chondrocytes communicate with each other mainly via diffusible signals rather
      than direct cell-to-cell contact. The chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSCs) is well regulated by the interactions of varieties of growth
      factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules. A number of critical signaling
      molecules have been identified to regulate the differentiation of chondrocyte
      from mesenchymal progenitor cells to their terminal maturation of hypertrophic
      chondrocytes, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), SRY-related high
      mobility group-box gene 9 (Sox9), parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP),
      Indian hedgehog (Ihh), fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), and beta
      catenin. Except for these molecules, other factors such as adenosine, O2 tension,
      and reactive oxygen species (ROS) also have a vital role in cartilage formation
      and chondrocyte maturation. Here, we outlined the complex transcriptional network
      and the function of key factors in this network that determine and regulate the
      genetic program of chondrogenesis and chondrocyte differentiation.

PMID- 28074097
TI  - Integrating Gene Correction in the Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation
      Processes: A One-Step Strategy to Overcome Stem Cell-Based Gene Therapy
      Limitations.
AB  - The recent advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and gene therapy
      tools has raised the possibility of autologous cell therapy for rare genetic
      diseases. However, cellular reprogramming is inefficient in certain diseases such
      as ataxia telangiectasia, Fanconi anemia, LIG4 syndrome, and fibrodysplasia
      ossificans progressiva syndrome, owing to interference of the disease-related
      genes. To overcome these therapeutic limitations, it is necessary to
      fundamentally correct the abnormal gene during or prior to the reprogramming
      process. In addition, as genetic etiology of Parkinson's disease, it has been
      well known that induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) were progressively depleted by
      LRRK2 gene mutation, LRRK2 (G2019S). Thus, to maintain the induced NSCs directly
      derived from PD patient cells harboring LRRK2 (G2019S), it would be ideal to
      simultaneously treat the LRRK2 (G2019S) fibroblast during the process of TD.
      Therefore, simultaneous reprogramming (or TD) and gene therapy would provide the
      solution for therapeutic limitation caused by vulnerability of reprogramming or
      TD, in addition to being suitable for general application to the generation of
      autologous cell-therapy products for patients with genetic defects, thereby
      obviating the need for the arduous processes currently required.

PMID- 28074098
TI  - Human Cord Blood-Derived CD133+/C-Kit+/Lin- Cells Have Bipotential Ability to
      Differentiate into Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Outgrowth Endothelial Cells.
AB  - Recent evidence suggests that mononuclear cells (MNCs) derived from bone marrow
      and cord blood can differentiate into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or outgrowth
      endothelial cells (OECs). However, controversy exists as to whether MNCs have the
      pluripotent capacity to differentiate into MSCs or OECs or are a mixture of cell
      lineage-determined progenitors of MSCs or OECs. Here, using CD133+/C-kit+/Lin-
      mononuclear cells (CKL- cells) isolated from human umbilical cord blood using
      magnetic cell sorting, we characterized the potency of MNC differentiation. We
      first found that CKL- cells cultured with conditioned medium of OECs or MSCs
      differentiated into OECs or MSCs and this differentiation was also induced by
      cell-to-cell contact. When we cultured single CKL- cells on OEC- or MSC
      conditioned medium, the cells differentiated morphologically and genetically into
      OEC- or MSC-like cells, respectively. Moreover, we confirmed that OECs or MSCs
      differentiated from CKL- cells had the ability to form capillary-like structures
      in Matrigel and differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes.
      Finally, using microarray analysis, we identified specific factors of OECs or
      MSCs that could potentially be involved in the differentiation fate of CKL-
      cells. Together, these results suggest that cord blood-derived CKL- cells possess
      at least bipotential differentiation capacity toward MSCs or OECs.

PMID- 28074099
TI  - A Network Pharmacology Approach to Explore the Pharmacological Mechanism of
      Xiaoyao Powder on Anovulatory Infertility.
AB  - Aim. To explore the pharmacological mechanism of Xiaoyao powder (XYP) on
      anovulatory infertility by a network pharmacology approach. Method. Collect XYP's
      active compounds by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) databases, and input them
      into PharmMapper to get their targets. Then note these targets by Kyoto
      Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and filter out targets that can be noted
      by human signal pathway. Get the information of modern pharmacology of active
      compounds and recipe's traditional effects through databases. Acquire infertility
      targets by Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). Collect the interactions of all the
      targets and other human proteins via String and INACT. Put all the targets into
      the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to
      do GO enrichment analysis. Finally, draw the network by Cytoscape by the
      information above. Result. Six network pictures and two GO enrichment analysis
      pictures are visualized. Conclusion. According to this network pharmacology
      approach some signal pathways of XYP acting on infertility are found for the
      first time. Some biological processes can also be identified as XYP's effects on
      anovulatory infertility. We believe that evaluating the efficacy of TCM recipes
      and uncovering the pharmacological mechanism on a systematic level will be a
      significant method for future studies.

PMID- 28074101
TI  - Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacities and Cytotoxic Effects of Ten
      Parmeliaceae Lichen Species.
AB  - Parmeliaceae represents the largest and widespread family of lichens and includes
      species that attract much interest regarding pharmacological activities, due to
      their production of unique secondary metabolites. The current work aimed to
      investigate the in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the methanol
      extracts of ten Parmeliaceae species, collected in different continents. Methanol
      extraction afforded high phenolic content in the extracts. The antioxidant
      activity displayed by lichens was evaluated through chemical assays, such as the
      ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
      (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and the ferric reducing antioxidant power
      (FRAP). A moderately positive correlation was found between the phenolic content
      and the antioxidant properties for all the species: R: 0.7430 versus ORAC values,
      R: 0.7457 versus DPPH scavenging capacity, and R: 0.7056 versus FRAP reducing
      power. The methanol extract of Flavoparmelia euplecta exhibited the highest ORAC
      value, the extract of Myelochroa irrugans showed the maximum DPPH scavenging
      capacity, and Hypotrachyna cirrhata methanol extract demonstrated the highest
      reducing power. Further, the cytotoxic activity of the ten species was
      investigated on the human cancer cell lines HepG2 and MCF-7; Myelochroa irrugans
      exhibited the highest anticancer potential. The pharmacological activities shown
      here could be attributed to their phytochemical constituents.

PMID- 28074100
TI  - Antidepressant-Like Effect of Lipid Extract of Channa striatus in Chronic
      Unpredictable Mild Stress Model of Depression in Rats.
AB  - This study evaluated the antidepressant-like effect of lipid extract of C.
      striatus in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression in male
      rats and its mechanism of action. The animals were subjected to CUMS for six
      weeks by using variety of stressors. At the end of CUMS protocol, animals were
      subjected to forced swimming test (FST) and open field test followed by
      biochemical assay. The CUMS protocol produced depressive-like behavior in rats by
      decreasing the body weight, decreasing the sucrose preference, and increasing the
      duration of immobility in FST. The CUMS protocol increased plasma corticosterone
      and decreased hippocampal and prefrontal cortex levels of monoamines (serotonin,
      noradrenaline, and dopamine) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Further, the
      CUMS protocol increased interleukin-6 (in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) and
      nuclear factor-kappa B (in prefrontal cortex but not in hippocampus). The lipid
      extract of C. striatus (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05)
      reversed all the above parameters in rats subjected to CUMS, thus exhibiting
      antidepressant-like effect. The mechanism was found to be mediated through
      decrease in plasma corticosterone, increase in serotonin levels in prefrontal
      cortex, increase in dopamine and noradrenaline levels in hippocampus and
      prefrontal cortex, increase in BDNF in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and
      decrease in IL-6 and NF-kappaB in prefrontal cortex.

PMID- 28074102
TI  - Activation of p53/miR-34a Tumor Suppressor Axis by Chinese Herbal Formula JP-1 in
      A549 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide; the most common
      pathologic type is lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). In spite of the recent progress in
      targeted therapy, most LADC patients eventually expired due to the inevitable
      recurrence and drug resistance. New complementary agent with evidence-based
      molecular mechanism is urgently needed. MiR-34a is an important p53 downstream
      tumor suppressor, which regulates apoptosis, cell-cycle, EMT (epithelial
      mesenchymal transition), and so forth. Its expression is deficient in many types
      of cancers including LADC. Here, we show that a Chinese herbal formula JP-1
      activates p53/miR-34a axis in A549 human LADC cells (p53 wild-type). Treatment
      with JP-1 induces p53 and its downstream p21 and BAX proteins as well as the miR
      34a, resulting in growth inhibition, colony formation reduction, migration
      repression, and apoptosis induction. Accordingly, the decreases of miR-34a
      downstream targets such as CDK6, SIRT1, c-Myc, survivin, Snail, and AXL were
      observed. Moreover, JP-1 activates AMPKalpha and reduces mTOR activity, implying
      its inhibitory effect on the energy-sensitive protein synthesis and cell
      proliferation signaling. Our results show that JP-1 activates p53/miR-34a tumor
      suppressor axis and decreases proteins related to proliferation, apoptosis
      resistance, and metastasis, suggesting its potential as a complementary medicine
      for LADC treatment.

PMID- 28074103
TI  - Thai Fruits Exhibit Antioxidant Activity and Induction of Antioxidant Enzymes in
      HEK-293 Cells.
AB  - The cellular antioxidant enzymes play the important role of protecting the cells
      and organisms from the oxidative damage. Natural antioxidants contained in fruits
      have attracted considerable interest because of their presumed safety and
      potential nutritional value. Even though antioxidant activities of many fruits
      have been reported, the effects of phytochemicals contained in fruits on the
      induction of antioxidant enzymes in the cells have not been fully defined. In
      this study, we showed that extracts from Antidesma ghaesembilla, Averrhoa
      bilimbi, Malpighia glabra, Mangifera indica, Sandoricum koetjape, Syzygium
      malaccense, and Ziziphus jujuba inhibited H2O2-induced intracellular reactive
      oxygen species production in HEK-293 cells. Additionally, these Thai fruit
      extracts increased the mRNA and protein expressions of antioxidant enzymes,
      catalase, glutathione peroxidase-1, and manganese superoxide dismutase. The
      consumption of Thai fruits rich in phenolic compounds may reduce the risk of
      oxidative stress.

PMID- 28074104
TI  - Bufalin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Osteosarcoma Cells by
      Downregulating MicroRNA-221.
AB  - Bufalin, a major component of the Chinese medicine ChanSu, which is prepared from
      the skin and parotid venom glands of toads, has shown cytotoxicity in several
      malignant tumors. Here, we reported that bufalin inhibited proliferation and
      induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in U-2OS and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells
      with intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By microRNA (miR)
      array analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,
      we found that miR-221 was downregulated after treatment with bufalin. In
      accordance with TargetScan prediction and luciferase reporter assay, Bcl2 binding
      component 3 (BBC3) was the direct target of miR-221. Furthermore, upregulating
      miR-221 by its MIMIC and suppressing BBC3 by small interfering RNA (siRNA)
      reversed the effects of bufalin on osteosarcoma cells. Collectively, our data
      indicate that bufalin inhibits cell proliferation and induces mitochondria
      dependent apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells through downregulating miR-221 and
      triggering BBC3 expression.

PMID- 28074105
TI  - Work-related exposures and disorders among physical therapists: experiences and
      beliefs of professional representatives assessed using a qualitative approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to international study results, physical therapists are
      afflicted with work-related musculoskeletal, psychosocial and dermal disorders as
      well as infections. The few existing studies in German-speaking regions focus
      mainly on dermal and psychosocial exposures and resulting complaints. An overview
      of all relevant work-related exposures and complaints of physical therapists is
      currently lacking. We sought to identify work-related exposures based on the
      subjective experiences and beliefs of physiotherapeutic representatives, in order
      to identify relevant work-related complaints and diseases. Likewise we aimed to
      compare the international evidence with the actual situation of physical
      therapists in Germany. METHODS: Two complementary qualitative approaches were
      used: 1) a focus group discussion with representatives of professional
      physiotherapy associations as well as health and safety stakeholders and 2)
      qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews incorporating currently employed
      physical therapists. The group discussion was conducted applying a moderation
      technique, and interviews were analyzed using the content analysis approach by
      Mayring. RESULTS: The focus group discussion with five participants and the 40
      semi-structured interviews with physical therapists identified comparable
      results. The main exposures of physiotherapeutic work were considered to be
      musculoskeletal (e.g., awkward body postures during treatment, patient transfers,
      passive mobilization), psychosocial (e.g., statutory audit of prescriptions and
      the associated conflicts with doctors and health insurance providers) and partly
      dermal and infectious (e.g., wet work and risk of infection) factors. Diseases of
      the spine, wrist or finger joints, burnout syndrome and infections were mentioned
      as possible consequences. CONCLUSIONS: The subjective data generated by both
      groups (focus group discussion and interviews) were comparable and consistent
      with the current state of research. The results provide new insight regarding
      work-related exposures and diseases of physical therapists working in Germany.
      These findings aided the design of a German-wide representative survey of
      practicing physical therapists.

PMID- 28074106
TI  - Factors that influence early breastfeeding of singletons and twins in Korea: a
      retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the factors that influence breastfeeding
      throughout the hospital stay, including prenatal preparation, early skin-to-skin
      contact directly after delivery, rooming-in, feeding before the first breastfeed,
      time to first breastfeed, and postpartum support. This study also aimed to verify
      whether these factors were significant after adjusting for the mother's
      characteristics, the newborn's characteristics, and the delivery characteristics.
      METHODS: A retrospective survey was used to collect the data. Factors that
      influenced breastfeeding throughout the hospital stay, and differences between
      the types of newborns were analyzed. RESULTS: Among twins, a higher likelihood of
      breastfeeding throughout the hospital stay was associated with not feeding before
      the first breastfeeding and an earlier start time for the first breastfeeding.
      Among singletons, a higher likelihood of breastfeeding throughout the hospital
      stay was associated with early skin-to-skin contact, no other feeding before the
      first breastfeed, and an earlier commencement of the first breastfeed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Effort should encourage early breastfeeding, without restriction, to
      improve the breastfeeding rate among mothers of twins. Moreover, an
      individualized approach that addresses the factors that influence breastfeeding
      for each type of newborn may help improve the corresponding rates of
      breastfeeding throughout the hospital stay.

PMID- 28074107
TI  - Frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in cervical intraepithelial lesions
      and the status of cytological p16/Ki-67 dual-staining.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is not a disease subject to mandatory
      reporting in Brazil, and the prevalence rate of this genital infection varies
      according to the region in which studies are conducted, as well as by the
      detection technique employed. Ct has been associated with persistence of Human
      papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the facilitation of cervical carcinoma
      development. We evaluated the Chlamydia trachomatis infection and its association
      with cytology, p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology and cervical intraepithelial
      lesions status in a screening cohort in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross
      sectional study of 1481 cervical samples from asymptomatic women aged 18 to 64.
      Samples were collected for liquid-based cytology and Ct detection by polymerase
      chain reaction. p16/Ki-67 double staining was performed on samples with abnormal
      cytology. Statistical analysis was by chi-square and likelihood-ratio tests. Odds
      ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined. RESULTS: The
      frequency of Ct was 15.6% and its presence was not associated with detection of
      p16/Ki-67 [OR = 1.35 (0.5-3.4)]. There was also no association between abnormal
      cervical cytology and Ct-positivity [OR = 1.21 (0.46-3.2)]. Associations were
      observed between p16/Ki-67 and high-grade lesions detected by cytology and in
      biopsies [OR = 3.55 (1.50-8.42) and OR = 19.00 (0.6-7.2), respectively].
      CONCLUSIONS: The asymptomatic women in our study had a high frequency of Ct
      infection but this was not associated with p16/Ki-67 detection in samples with
      abnormal cytology. The expression of p16/Ki-67 was highest in women with high
      grade CIN (p = 0.003).

PMID- 28074108
TI  - Cellulolytic RoboLector - towards an automated high-throughput screening platform
      for recombinant cellulase expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cellulases are key player in the hydrolyzation of cellulose.
      Unfortunately, this reaction is slow and a bottleneck in the process chain from
      biomass to intermediates and biofuels due to low activities of the enzymes. To
      overcome this draw back, a lot of effort is put into the area of protein
      engineering, to modify these enzymes by directed evolution or rational design.
      Huge clone libraries are constructed and have to be screened for improved
      variants. High-throughput screening is the method of choice to tackle this
      experimental effort, but up to now only a few process steps are adapted to
      automated platforms and little attention has been turned to the reproducibility
      of clone rankings. RESULTS: In this study, an extended robotic platform is
      presented to conduct automated high-throughput screenings of clone libraries
      including preculture synchronization and biomass specific induction. Automated
      upstream, downstream and analytical process steps are described and evaluated
      using E. coli and K. lactis as model organisms. Conventional protocols for media
      preparation, cell lysis, Azo-CMC assay and PAHBAH assay are successfully adapted
      to automatable high-throughput protocols. Finally, a recombinant E. coli celA2
      clone library was screened and a reliable clone ranking could be realized.
      CONCLUSION: The RoboLector device is a suitable platform to perform all process
      steps of an automated high-throughput clone library screening for improved
      cellulases. On-line biomass growth measurement controlling liquid handling
      actions enables fair comparison of clone variants.

PMID- 28074109
TI  - Improvement of quality of life through glycemic control by liraglutide, a GLP-1
      analog, in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the PAGE1 study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to achieving good glycemic control, diabetes care
      management aims to improve the quality of life (QOL) in patients. Treatment
      associated difficulties and side effects frequently cause deterioration in QOL.
      Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is a novel injection drug that promotes
      insulin secretion. It is a user-friendly, once-daily injection with fewer
      hypoglycemic events. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of liraglutide
      therapy on QOL in patients. METHODS: In total, 304 insulin- and liraglutide-naive
      patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in this observational study; they
      received liraglutide therapy for 12 weeks. The main outcome measure was change in
      QOL from baseline, which was assessed using diabetes therapy-related QOL (DTR
      QOL). RESULTS: At week 12, liraglutide significantly decreased HbA1c levels (8.7
      +/- 1.5 vs. 7.5 +/- 1.3, p < 0.001) and BMI (27.9 +/- 5.3 vs. 27.3 +/- 5.2, p <
      0.001). According to the QOL scores, although the treatment modality had changed
      from non-injection to injection therapy, liraglutide improved patient
      satisfaction with treatment. Significant correlations were found between change
      in HbA1c level and satisfaction with treatment, as well as between change in body
      weight and burden on social and daily activities, anxiety and dissatisfaction
      with treatment, and hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Liraglutide significantly improved
      glycemic control and reduced the body weight without deteriorating QOL in obese
      patients with type 2 diabetes. Trial registration UMIN-CTR: UMIN000007159.

PMID- 28074110
TI  - An exploratory study on the impact of daily activities on the pleasure and
      physical activity of older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pleasure is one determinant of intrinsic motivation and yet a
      dimension often forgotten when promoting physical activity among the older
      population. In this study we investigate the relation between daily activities
      and physical activity, experience of pleasure, and the interaction between
      pleasure and physical activity in the daily lives of community-dwelling older
      adults. METHODS: Participants carried a hip-worn accelerometer during 30
      consecutive days resulting in a total of 320 days of data collection. Current
      activity, location, companion and experience of pleasure during each activity
      were assessed through experience sampling on a smartphone every 1-2 h. Between-
      and within-individual differences were analysed with multi-level models and 10xN
      = 1 regression analysis. RESULTS: Outdoor activities were associated with higher
      physical activity than indoor activities (p < 0.001). Performing leisure
      activities, outdoors and not alone significantly predicted pleasure in daily life
      (all p's < 0.05). Being more active while performing leisure activities resulted
      in higher experiences of pleasure (p < 0.001). However, when performing basic
      activities of daily living (e.g. commuting or households) this relation was
      inverted. Results provide meaningful indication for individual variance. The 30
      days of data collected from each participant allow for identification of
      individual differences. CONCLUSIONS: Daily activities and their contexts do
      influence the experience of pleasure and physical activity of older adults in
      daily life of older adults, although similar research with larger population is
      recommended. Results are in accordance with the literature, indicating that the
      method adopted (accelerometry combined with experience sampling) provides
      reliable representation of daily life. Identification of individual differences
      can eventually be automatically performed through data mining techniques. Further
      research could look at innovative approaches to promote Active Ageing using
      mobile technology in the daily life, by promoting physical activity through
      recommendation of pleasurable activities, and thus likely to increase the
      intrinsic motivation to become physically active.

PMID- 28074111
TI  - Absence of in vivo mutagenicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in single
      intratracheal instillation study using F344 gpt delta rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is known that fibrous particles of micrometer length, such as
      carbon nanotubes, which have same dimensions as asbestos, are carcinogenic.
      Carcinogenicity of nanomaterials is strongly related to inflammatory reactions;
      however, the genotoxicity mechanism(s) is unclear. Indeed, inconsistent results
      on genotoxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been shown in
      several reports. Therefore, we analyzed the in vivo genotoxicity induced by an
      intratracheal instillation of straight MWCNTs in rats using a different test
      system-the Pig-a gene mutation assay-that can reflect the genotoxicity occurring
      in the bone marrow. Since lungs were directly exposed to MWCNTs upon
      intratracheal instillation, we also performed the gpt assay using the lungs.
      FINDINGS: We detected no significant differences in Pig-a mutant frequencies
      (MFs) between the MWCNT-treated and control rats. Additionally, we detected no
      significant differences in gpt MFs in the lung between the MWCNT-treated and
      control rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that a single intratracheal
      instillation of MWCNTs was non-mutagenic to both the bone marrow and lung of
      rats.

PMID- 28074112
TI  - Isolation and characterization of antimutagenic components of Glycyrrhiza aspera
      against N-methyl-N-nitrosourea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A powdered ethanolic extract of Glycyrrhiza aspera root exhibits
      antimutagenic activity against N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) based on the Ames
      assay with Salmonella typhimurium TA1535. The aim of this study was to identify
      the antimutagenic components of the powdered ethanolic extract of G. aspera root.
      RESULTS: The powdered ethanolic extract of G. aspera root was sequentially
      suspended in n-hexane, carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and
      ethanol, and each solvent soluble fraction and the residue were assayed for
      antimutagenic activity against MNU in S. typhimurium TA1535. The dichloromethane
      soluble fraction exhibited the highest antimutagenicity and was fractionated
      several times by silica gel chromatography. The fraction with the highest
      antimutagenic activity was further purified using HPLC, and the fractions were
      assayed for antimutagenicity against MNU in S. typhimurium TA1535. Finally, five
      components with antimutagenic activity against MNU were identified as glyurallin
      A, glyasperin B, licoricidin, 1-methoxyphaseollin, and licoisoflavone B.
      CONCLUSIONS: The five components were demonstrated to possess an antigenotoxic
      effect against carcinogenic MNU for the first time. It is important to prevent
      DNA damage by N-nitrosamines for cancer chemoprevention.

PMID- 28074113
TI  - Genetic polymorphisms of human cytochrome P450 CYP1A1 in an Egyptian population
      and tobacco-induced lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 CYP1A1 helps detoxify the potential carcinogens in
      tobacco smoke, it was reported that polymorphisms in the coding gene result in
      variation in the expression and activity levels which alter metabolism and
      clearance of carcinogens and therefore modify cancer risk. In this work, we aimed
      to identify CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms associated with lung cancer in Egyptian
      population and to examine the interaction effect with Tobacco smoking in
      modulating disease risk. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 150
      unrelated lung cancer patients and 150 unrelated control subjects. Genomic DNA
      was extracted and sequencing analysis of CYP1A1 gene was performed on ABI PRISM
      3100 genetic analyzer. RESULTS: Three variants in CYP1A1 gene were identified in
      heterozygous forms in lung cancer patients I462V, T461N and I286T. A combined
      variant T461N/ I462V associated with lung cancer and those who carried this
      variant were 2-times more likely to develop lung cancer (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.81
      2.29, P = 0.04), specially the non-small cell type (NSCLC) (OR = 2.20, 95% CI =
      1.93-2.50, P = 0.02). Wild type was more frequent among smoker controls (83.3%)
      compared to smoker lung cancer patients (54.8%), P = 0.03. Association studies to
      examine the interaction effect of identified variants with Tobacco smoking in
      modulating disease risk showed no significant associations. Identified
      polymorphisms showed no significant implication on the stage or the prognosis of
      the disease. CONCLUSION: Our findings support that CYP1A1 polymorphisms play a
      role in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. In Egyptian population, CYP1A1 I462V,
      T461N and I286T variants were identified among lung cancer patients and combined
      T461N/ I462V was a risk variant for NSCLC in non smokers.

PMID- 28074114
TI  - Low-omega3 Fatty Acid and Soy Protein Attenuate Alcohol-Induced Fatty Liver and
      Injury by Regulating the Opposing Lipid Oxidation and Lipogenic Signaling
      Pathways.
AB  - Chronic ethanol-induced downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1alpha) and upregulation of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-beta (PGC1beta) affect
      hepatic lipid oxidation and lipogenesis, respectively, leading to fatty liver
      injury. Low-omega3 fatty acid (Low-omega3FA) that primarily regulates PGC1alpha
      and soy protein (SP) that seems to have its major regulatory effect on PGC1beta
      were evaluated for their protective effects against ethanol-induced
      hepatosteatosis in rats fed with Lieber-deCarli control or ethanol liquid diets
      with high or low omega3FA fish oil and soy protein. Low-omega3FA and SP opposed
      the actions of chronic ethanol by reducing serum and liver lipids with
      concomitant decreased fatty liver. They also prevented the downregulation of
      hepatic Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and PGC1alpha and their target fatty acid oxidation
      pathway genes and attenuated the upregulation of hepatic PGC1beta and sterol
      regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) and their target lipogenic
      pathway genes via the phosphorylation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated
      protein kinase (AMPK). Thus, these two novel modulators attenuate ethanol-induced
      hepatosteatosis and consequent liver injury potentially by regulating the two
      opposing lipid oxidation and lipogenic pathways.

PMID- 28074116
TI  - Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate on Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced
      Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Rat Liver Mitochondria and Hepatocytes.
AB  - Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a green tea antioxidant with adverse effects
      on rat liver mitochondria and hepatocytes at high doses. Here, we assessed
      whether low doses of EGCG would protect these systems from damage induced by tert
      butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP). Rat liver mitochondria or permeabilized rat
      hepatocytes were pretreated with EGCG and then exposed to tBHP. Oxygen
      consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and mitochondrial retention
      capacity for calcium were measured. First, 50 MUM EGCG or 0.25 mM tBHP alone
      increased State 4 Complex I-driven respiration, thus demonstrating uncoupling
      effects; tBHP also inhibited State 3 ADP-stimulated respiration. Then, the
      coexposure to 0.25 mM tBHP and 50 MUM EGCG induced a trend of further decline in
      the respiratory control ratio beyond that observed upon tBHP exposure alone. EGCG
      had no effect on MMP and no effect, in concentrations up to 50 MUM, on
      mitochondrial calcium retention capacity. tBHP led to a decline in both MMP and
      mitochondrial retention capacity for calcium; these effects were not changed by
      pretreatment with EGCG. In addition, EGCG dose-dependently enhanced hydrogen
      peroxide formation in a cell- and mitochondria-free medium. Conclusion. Moderate
      nontoxic doses of EGCG were not able to protect rat liver mitochondria and
      hepatocytes from tBHP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

PMID- 28074115
TI  - Gamma-Glutamylcysteine Ethyl Ester Protects against Cyclophosphamide-Induced
      Liver Injury and Hematologic Alterations via Upregulation of PPARgamma and
      Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis.
AB  - Gamma-glutamylcysteine ethyl ester (GCEE) is a precursor of glutathione (GSH)
      with promising hepatoprotective effects. This investigation aimed to evaluate the
      hepatoprotective effects of GCEE against cyclophosphamide- (CP-) induced
      toxicity, pointing to the possible role of peroxisome proliferator activated
      receptor gamma (PPARgamma). Wistar rats were given GCEE two weeks prior to CP.
      Five days after CP administration, animals were sacrificed and samples were
      collected. Pretreatment with GCEE significantly alleviated CP-induced liver
      injury by reducing serum aminotransferases, increasing albumin, and preventing
      histopathological and hematological alterations. GCEE suppressed lipid
      peroxidation and nitric oxide production and restored GSH and enzymatic
      antioxidants in the liver, which were associated with downregulation of COX-2,
      iNOS, and NF-kappaB. In addition, CP administration significantly increased serum
      proinflammatory cytokines and the expression of liver caspase-3 and BAX, an
      effect that was reversed by GCEE. CP-induced rats showed significant
      downregulation of PPARgamma which was markedly upregulated by GCEE treatment.
      These data demonstrated that pretreatment with GCEE protected against CP-induced
      hepatotoxicity, possibly by activating PPARgamma, preventing GSH depletion, and
      attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Our findings point to
      the role of PPARgamma and suggest that GCEE might be a promising agent for the
      prevention of CP-induced liver injury.

PMID- 28074117
TI  - The Essential Oils of Rhaponticum carthamoides Hairy Roots and Roots of Soil
      Grown Plants: Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and
      Antioxidant Activities.
AB  - The essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation from the hairy roots (HR)
      and roots of soil-grown plants (SGR) of Rhaponticum carthamoides and were
      analyzed by GC-MS method. In the both essential oils 62 compounds were
      identified. The root essential oils showed the differences in the qualitative and
      quantitative composition. The sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (55-62%) dominated in
      both essential oils. The major compounds of HR essential oil were cyperene, 13
      norcypera-1(5),11(12)-diene, and cadalene while aplotaxene, nardosina-1(10),11
      diene, and dauca-4(11),8-diene dominated in SGR essential oil. Both essential
      oils showed antibacterial activity especially against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC
      29212) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) (MIC value = 125 ug/mL). HR and
      SGR essential oils also decreased the expression of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha
      and the ROS level in LPS-treatment astrocytes. This is the first report to
      describe the chemical composition of R. carthamoides essential oil from hairy
      roots, its protective effect against LPS-induced inflammation and ROS production
      in astrocytes, and its antimicrobial potential. The results show that R.
      carthamoides hairy roots may be a valuable source of the essential oil and may be
      an alternative to the roots of soil-grown plants.

PMID- 28074119
TI  - Complete genome sequence of the salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis
      bacteriophages fSE1C and fSE4C isolated from food matrices.
AB  - Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is one of the most common causes of
      Salmonellosis worldwide. Utilization of bacteriophages as prophylactic agents is
      a practical solution to prevent Salmonellosis in ready-to-eat products. Shelf
      stability is one of the desirable properties for prophylactic bacteriophages.
      Here, we describe the phenotype, genome, and phylogeny of fSE1C and fSE4S
      Salmonella bacteriophages. fSE1C and fSE4S were previously isolated from pickle
      sauce and ground beef respectively and selected for their significant shelf
      stability. fSE1C and fSE4S showed a broad S. enterica serovar range, infecting
      several Salmonella serovars. The viral particles showed an icosahedral head
      structure and flexible tail, a typical morphology of the Siphoviridae family.
      fSE1C and fSE4C genomes consists of dsDNA of 41,720 bp and 41,768 bp with 49.73%
      and 49.78% G + C, respectively. Comparative genomic analysis reveals a mosaic
      relationship between S. enterica serovar Enteritidis phages isolated from
      Valparaiso, Chile.

PMID- 28074120
TI  - Complete genome sequence of the heavy metal resistant bacterium Agromyces aureus
      AR33T and comparison with related Actinobacteria.
AB  - Agromyces aureus AR33T is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped and motile bacterium
      belonging to the Microbacteriaceae family in the phylum Actinobacteria that was
      isolated from a former zinc/lead mining and processing site in Austria. In this
      study, the whole genome was sequenced and assembled combining sequences obtained
      from Illumina MiSeq and Sanger sequencing. The assembly resulted in the complete
      genome sequence which is 4,373,124 bp long and has a GC content of 70.1%.
      Furthermore, we performed a comparative genomic analysis with other related
      organisms: 6 Agromyces spp., 4 Microbacteriaceae spp. and 2 other members of the
      class Actinobacteria.

PMID- 28074118
TI  - Behavior of Oxidative Stress Markers in Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis Patients.
AB  - Alcohol is the most socially accepted addictive substance worldwide, and its
      metabolism is related with oxidative stress generation. The aim of this work was
      to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC). This
      study included 187 patients divided into two groups: ALC, classified according to
      Child-Pugh score, and a control group. We determined the levels of reduced and
      oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) and the GSH/GSSG ratio by an enzymatic method
      in blood. Also, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were estimated
      in serum. MDA levels increased in proportion to the severity of damage, whereas
      the GSH and GSSG levels decreased and increased, respectively, at different
      stages of cirrhosis. There were no differences in the GSH/GSSG ratio and
      carbonylated protein content between groups. We also evaluated whether the active
      consumption of or abstinence from alcoholic beverages affected the behavior of
      these oxidative markers and only found differences in the MDA, GSH, and GSSG
      determination and the GSH/GSSG ratio. Our results suggest that alcoholic
      cirrhotic subjects have an increase in oxidative stress in the early stages of
      disease severity and that abstinence from alcohol consumption favors the major
      antioxidant endogen: GSH in patients with advanced disease severity.

PMID- 28074121
TI  - Complete genome sequence and whole-genome phylogeny of Kosmotoga pacifica type
      strain SLHLJ1T from an East Pacific hydrothermal sediment.
AB  - Kosmotoga pacifica strain SLHLJ1T is a thermophilic chemoorganoheterotrophic
      bacterium isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal sediment. It belongs to the
      physiologically homogeneous Thermotogaceae family. Here, we describe the
      phenotypic features of K. pacifica together with its genome sequence and
      annotation. The chromosome has 2,169,170 bp, organized in one contig. A total of
      1897 candidate protein-encoding genes and 177 RNA genes were identified. The 16S
      rRNA gene sequence of this strain is distantly related to sequences of some
      relatives classified in the same genus (K. olearia 7.02% and K. shengliensis
      7.83%), with dissimilarity percentages close to the threshold generally described
      for genus delineation. Nevertheless, the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP),
      which is much higher than 50% (around 70%), together with phenotypic features of
      the isolates, confirm the affiliation all Kosmotoga species described so far to
      the same genus.

PMID- 28074122
TI  - High quality draft genome of Nakamurella lactea type strain, a rock
      actinobacterium, and emended description of Nakamurella lactea.
AB  - Nakamurella lactea DLS-10T, isolated from rock in Korea, is one of the four type
      strains of the genus Nakamurella. In this study, we describe the high quality
      draft genome of N. lactea DLS-10T and its annotation. A summary of phenotypic
      data collected from previously published studies was also included. The genome of
      strain DLS-10T presents a size of 5.82 Mpb, 5100 protein coding genes, and a C +
      G content of 68.9%. Based on the genome analysis, emended description of N.
      lactea in terms of G + C content was also proposed.

PMID- 28074123
TI  - Role of autophagy in bone and muscle biology.
AB  - Autophagy in eukaryotic cells is a constitutive process and functions as a
      homeostatic mechanism; it is upregulated in response to specific stress stimuli
      such as starvation, hypoxia and as oxidative stress. In addition to playing a
      crucial role in adaptive responses to different stimuli, autophagy is also
      required for intracellular quality control. This second aspect is important to
      prevent the activation of pathological processes. Autophagy also plays a central
      role in cellular development and differentiation because it is involved in the
      regulation of energetic balance. This final aspect is critical for maintaining
      proper bone and muscle function as well as to prevent any pathological changes.
      Therefore, identifying new molecular targets involved in autophagy is critical to
      assure a good quality of life.

PMID- 28074125
TI  - Shiga (Vero)-toxin producing Escherichia coli isolated from the hospital foods;
      virulence factors, o-serogroups and antimicrobial resistance properties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the presence of the weak, diabetic and immunosuppressive
      patients in hospitals, hospital foods should have a high quality and safety.
      Cooking a lot of foods higher than daily requirement, storage of cooked foods in
      an inappropriate condition and presence of nurses and servants in distribution of
      food to patients are the main reasons caused contamination of hospital foods.
      Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli is one of the common cause of food poisoning in
      hospitals. The present research was carried out to study the distribution of
      virulence factors, O-serogroups and antibiotic resistance properties in STEC
      strains recovered from Iranian hospital food samples. METHODS: Five-hundred and
      eighty raw and cooked food samples were collected and immediately transferred to
      the laboratory. E. coli-positive strains were subjected to PCR and disk diffusion
      method. RESULTS: Thirty-nine out of 580 (6.72%) hospital food samples were
      contaminated with E. coli. Raw (20%) and cooked meat (6%) were the most commonly
      contaminated samples. Raw samples had the higher prevalence of E. coli (P <0.01).
      Samples which were collected in the summer season had the highest prevalence of
      bacteria (64.10%). Significant difference was seen between the prevalence of EHEC
      and AEEC subtypes (P <0.01). The most commonly detected virulence factors in both
      EHEC and AEEC subtypes were stx1 and eae. The most commonly detected serogroups
      were O26 (43.75%) and O157 (25%) and there were no positive results for O103,
      O145, O91, O113 and O128 serogroups. Aac (3)-IV (100%), CITM (100%) and tetA
      (62.50%) were the most commonly detected antibiotic resistance genes. STEC
      strains harbored the highest levels of resistance against ampicillin (93.75%),
      gentamycin (93.75%), tetracycline (87.50%) and ciprofloxacin (81.25%). All of the
      STEC strains were resistant to at least 3 antibiotics, while the prevalence of
      resistance against more than 12 antibiotics were 12.50%. CONCLUSIONS: High
      presence of O157 serogroups, EHEC strains and animal-based antibiotics in cooked
      foods showed insufficiency of cooking time and temperature in the kitchens of
      hospitals. Judicious prescription of antibiotics and attentions to the principles
      of food safety can reduce the risk of resistant and virulent strains of STEC in
      hospital foods.

PMID- 28074124
TI  - Involvement of blood mononuclear cells in the infertility, age-associated
      diseases and cancer treatment.
AB  - Blood mononuclear cells consist of T cells and monocyte derived cells. Beside
      immunity, the blood mononuclear cells belong to the complex tissue control system
      (TCS), where they exhibit morphostatic function by stimulating proliferation of
      tissue stem cells followed by cellular differentiation, that is stopped after
      attaining the proper functional stage, which differs among various tissue types.
      Therefore, the term immune and morphostatic system (IMS) should be implied. The
      TCS-mediated morphostasis also consists of vascular pericytes controlled by
      autonomic innervation, which is regulating the quantity of distinct tissues in
      vivo. Lack of proper differentiation of tissue cells by TCS causes either tissue
      underdevelopment, e.g., muscular dystrophy, or degenerative functional failures,
      e.g., type 1 diabetes and age-associated diseases. With the gradual IMS
      regression after 35 years of age the gonadal infertility develops, followed by a
      growing incidence of age-associated diseases and cancers. Without restoring an
      altered TCS function in a degenerative disease, the implantation of tissue
      specific stem cells alone by regenerative medicine can not be successful.
      Transfused young blood could temporarily restore fertility to enable parenthood.
      The young blood could also temporarily alleviate aging diseases, and this can be
      extended by substances inducing IMS regeneration, like the honey bee propolis.
      The local and/or systemic use of honey bee propolis stopped hair and teeth loss,
      regressed varicose veins, improved altered hearing, and lowered high blood
      pressure and sugar levels. Complete regression of stage IV ovarian cancer with
      liver metastases after a simple elaborated immunotherapy is also reported.

PMID- 28074127
TI  - Transfer of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate from sows to their offspring and its
      impact on muscle fiber type transformation and performance in pigs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggested that supplementation of lactating sows
      with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) could improve the performance of
      weaning pigs, but there were little information in the muscle fiber type
      transformation of the offspring and the subsequent performance in pigs from
      weaning through finishing in response to maternal HMB consumption. The purpose of
      this study was to determine the effect of supplementing lactating sows with HMB
      on skeletal muscle fiber type transformation and growth of the offspring during d
      28 and 180 after birth. A total of 20 sows according to their body weight were
      divided into the control (CON, n = 10) or HMB groups (HMB, n = 10). Sows in the
      HMB group were supplemented with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate calcium (HMB
      Ca) 2 g /kg feed during d 1 to 27 of lactation. After weaning, 48 mixed sex
      piglets were blocked by sow treatment and fed standard diets for post-weaning,
      growing, finishing periods. Growth performance was recorded during d 28 to 180
      after birth. Pigs were slaughtered on d 28 (n = 6/treatment) and 180 (n =
      6/treatment) postnatal, and the longissimus dorsi (LD) was collected,
      respectively. RESULTS: The HMB-fed sows during lactation showed increased HMB
      concentration (P < 0.05) in milk and LD of weaning piglets (P < 0.05). In
      addition, offsprings in HMB group had a higher finishing BW and lean percentage
      than did pigs in CON group (P < 0.05), meanwhile, compared with pigs from sows
      fed the CON diet, pigs from sows fed HMB diet showed higher type II muscle fiber
      cross-sectional area (CSA), elevated myosin heavy chain (MyHC) IIb and Sox6 mRNA,
      and fast-MyHC protein levels in LD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HMB supplemented to
      sow diets throughout lactation increases the levels of HMB in maternal milk and
      skeletal muscle of pigs during d 28 after birth and promotes subsequent
      performance of pigs between d 28 and 180 of age by enhancing glycolytic muscle
      fiber transformation.

PMID- 28074126
TI  - The emergence of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Malaysia:
      correlation between microbiological trends with host characteristics and clinical
      factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae is a growing concern
      worldwide including Malaysia. The emergence of this pathogen is worrying because
      carbapenem is one of the 'last-line' antibiotics. The main objective of this
      study was to determine the prevalence of genetic mechanisms and clinical risk
      factors of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) in
      Malaysia. METHODS: In this study, seventeen carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae
      strains isolated from a tertiary teaching hospital in 2013 were studied. Minimal
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the bacterial strains was determined and genes
      associated with carbapenemases and extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were
      sequenced and compared with the closest representatives published in public
      domains. All strains were also sub-typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis
      (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Statistical analyses were performed
      to determine the correlation between risk factors for acquiring carbapenem
      resistant K. pneumoniae and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The predominant
      carbapenemase was blaOXA-48, detected in 12 strains (70.59%). Other
      carbapenemases detected in this study were blaKPC-2, blaIMP-8, blaNMC-A and
      blaNDM-1. Nine different pulsotypes were identified and nine strains which were
      affiliated with ST101, the predominant sequence type had similar PFGE patterns
      (similarity index of 85%). Based on univariate statistical analysis, resistance
      to imipenem and usage of mechanical ventilation showed a statistically
      significant effect separately to in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The diverse
      genetic mechanisms harbored by these carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae
      facilitates its spread and complicates its detection. Thus, correlation between
      microbiological trends with host characteristics and clinical factors will
      provide a better insight of rational treatment strategies and pathogen control.

PMID- 28074129
TI  - Improving oxygen prescribing rates by tailoring interventions for specific
      healthcare professional groups.
AB  - Oxygen prescription remains a nationwide problem. The dangers associated with
      unregulated oxygen administration are well described in the literature with the
      potential for serious harm in patients with chronic hypercapnia, as well as
      potentially delaying discharge in patients who are administered it without a
      prescription. This project identifies poor compliance with regional and national
      standards and sets out to improve the frequency of oxygen prescribing on a
      cardiology ward. By studying the problem at a Somerset district general hospital
      we identified two main groups of professionals responsible for the poor
      compliance, nursing staff (who administer the oxygen) and junior doctors (who
      should prescribe it). A series of interventions was designed to firstly raise
      awareness of the problem within these two groups before going on to target each
      group with a further intervention over 24 weeks. At baseline we found only 11.3%
      of patients receiving oxygen had it prescribed. At the end of the project this
      had improved to 69.6%. We also found that following raised awareness in the
      nursing staff and introduction of a bedside warning the number of patients
      receiving oxygen on the ward fell by 35%. In conclusion, this project outlines a
      strategy for improving oxygen prescribing rates on a medical ward. By targeting
      different populations we had hoped to see a cumulative improvement after each
      improvement cycle, however, some resistance from junior doctors in engaging with
      our third intervention was reflected with a slight decrease in prescribing rates.
      Further work should address this issue and look to apply this strategy across a
      wider clinical area with a greater sample size to see if the results are
      replicable on a larger scale.

PMID- 28074128
TI  - Epidemic outbreak of Chikungunya in two neighboring towns in the Colombian
      Caribbean: a survival analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first autochthonous Chikungunya virus transmission in Colombia
      was reported in September 2014. Three months later, every town in the Caribbean
      region was affected, including the bordering towns of Ovejas and Corozal, in the
      department of Sucre. The objective of the study was to analyze and compare the
      temporal dynamics of the outbreak of Chikungunya in two towns of the department
      of Sucre. METHODS: Households with suspicious cases with clinical symptomatology
      for Chikungunya were enrolled. In each house an epidemiological questionnaire was
      applied to collect economic and social information and methods for vector
      control. RESULTS: The study analyzed data collected between 09/01/2014 and
      01/31/2015; 458 families in Corozal and 516 families in Ovejas were identified
      with Chikungunya cases. Estimated attack rates were 10,621 cases and 1640 cases
      per 100,000 inhabitants, in Ovejas and Corozal, respectively. The 75-day survival
      curve was 27.2% lower (0.632, CI = 0.614-0.651) in Ovejas than in Corozal (0.904,
      CI = 0.891-0.917). After 120 days, both curves showed a stable horizontal slope,
      close to a survival probability of 0.54, indicating the end of the epidemic
      period. The log-rank test (X2 = 94.6, 1fd, p-value = 0.000) showed the improved
      survival of Chikungunya in the town of Corozal. The relative risk between the two
      towns was 0.863 (CI = 0.809-0.921; p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The dynamics of
      the temporal distribution of CHIKV could be influenced by socioeconomic and
      preventable risk factors. Poor socioeconomic conditions such as the lack and poor
      efficiency of water supply and waste collection services could be determining
      factors in the proliferation of CHIKV. The survival analysis proved to be a
      suitable method for studying the presentation of CHIKV and can be applied to
      other prevalent vector-borne diseases such as the ZIKA and Dengue.

PMID- 28074130
TI  - Inbox Messaging: an effective tool for minimizing non-urgent paging related
      interruptions in hospital medicine provider workflow.
AB  - Communication is one of the foundations on which safe, high quality care is
      built.1, 3, 6, 17, 20 The nature of hospital medicine requires that nurses and
      providers be efficient and effective in communicating with multiple
      disciplines.17 This need for timely communication must continually be balanced
      with the need to minimize interruptions in workflow.1,2 3,4,6,7,9,13,15,17,18
      Interruptions not only lead to distraction, they also add inefficiency to the
      care process and have been shown to contribute to an increased risk of medical
      error.2,3,4,7,17,18 A major source of interruptions are pagers that emit an
      audible tone with each message received.3,9,10,17,18 This interruptive nature
      makes pagers a less-than-ideal tool for communicating non-urgent (address within
      one hour) messages received.3,9,10,17,18 In addition to increasing interruptions,
      pagers do not facilitate closed loop communication, another feature that has been
      shown to improve safety.14,17,25 Inbox Messaging is intended to provide a less
      disruptive closed-loop method of communication for non-urgent messages. Inbox
      Messaging is an interface within the electronic health record (EHR) that
      functions similarly to e-mail. A multi-disciplinary communication workgroup
      identified this interface as having potential to not only decrease interruptions,
      but to also facilitate closed-loop communication. Inbox is currently utilized
      between the hours of 0700 and 1800 for non-urgent nurse-provider communication
      about patients on the hospital medicine service. The number of RN non-urgent
      pages per day was 103 (SD=19, n=97) prior to the Inbox intervention, with a
      significant decrease (p<.001) during follow-up to 38 (SD=14, n=354) pages per
      day. At the same time, the number of messages per day increased from 0 to 80
      (SD=20, n=354) messages during follow-up. As desired, the mean number of RN
      urgent pages was unchanged from 13 per day to 13 per day (p=.52). Cerner Inbox
      Messaging decreases the frequency of non-urgent pager-related interruptions in
      workflow.

PMID- 28074131
TI  - Reducing the incidence of Obstetric Sphincter Injuries using a hands-on
      technique: an interventional quality improvement project.
AB  - A main concern for women giving birth is the risk of obstetric anal sphincter
      injuries. In our department the incidence of sphincter injuries was around 8 %
      among vaginally delivering first time mothers. We aimed to halve the incidence to
      4 % or less. A prospective interventional program was instituted. We implemented
      a hands-on technique with four elements in a bundle of care together with a
      certification process for all staff on the delivery ward. The incidence of
      episiotomies served as a balancing indicator. The adherence to three of the four
      elements of the care bundle rose significantly while the all-or-nothing indicator
      leveled around 80 %. The median number of deliveries between cases with a
      sphincter injury increased from 9.5 in the baseline period to 20 during the
      intervention period. This corresponded with a reduction in the incidence from 7.0
      % to 3.4 %. The rate of episiotomy remained low at 8.4 % in this group. By
      implementing the hands-on technique, we halved the risk of obstetric anal
      sphincter injuries. Our data suggest that further improvement may be anticipated.
      The study has demonstrated how implementation of a hands-on technique can be
      carried out within a quality improvement framework with rapid and sustainable
      results.

PMID- 28074132
TI  - Improving door-to-needle times for patients presenting with ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction at a rural district general hospital.
AB  - Acute coronary syndrome is a common condition with a major global impact on
      healthcare resources and expenditure. International guidelines are clear in
      specifying that patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
      should receive urgent coronary reperfusion with either primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolysis. Although PCI is the gold standard in
      the treatment of STEMI, this is not always achievable in a rural hospital with no
      cardiac catheterization service. Consequently, local recommendations on STEMI
      management exist to promote timely administration of thrombolysis within 30
      minutes of patient arrival. However, translating updated clinical policy into
      practice is a challenging and complex task that requires a multi-faceted approach
      with sustained engagement from local stakeholders. Whilst working at a district
      general hospital in New Zealand, we noted a high incidence of patients presenting
      with STEMI receiving thrombolytic therapy outside the recommended 30 minutes door
      to-needle time. Although final treatment was often only delayed by 5-10 minutes,
      we were concerned by the seemingly inconsistent management of these patients,
      often leading to unnecessary delays in the initiation of rapid reperfusion
      therapy. We therefore championed a newly updated clinical guideline and promoted
      an early STEMI recognition and treatment algorithm in our hospital to raise
      awareness amongst staff and improve door-to-needle times. We introduced a number
      of simple low-cost interventions that included educational sessions for junior
      doctors and cardiac nursing staff, as well as posters and training on the use of
      a remote electronic ECG interpretation system to streamline out-of-hours
      management. Overall, we found there to a be a steady improvement in door-to
      needle times at our hospital, with 74% of patients receiving appropriate care
      within 30 minutes, compared to 43% prior to our interventions. This also
      translated to better patient outcomes. This project forms part of an ongoing
      process to instigate quality improvements in the management of STEMI within rural
      institutions. Whilst we have demonstrated improved utilisation of a local STEMI
      guideline and streamlining of out-of-hours services, the key challenge remains to
      ensure that momentum of this project continues and forms a platform for
      sustainable clinical improvement in the long term.

PMID- 28074133
TI  - A QI initiative: implementing a patient handoff checklist for pediatric
      hospitalist attendings.
AB  - Handoffs represent a critical transition point in patient care that play a key
      role in patient safety. Our quality improvement project was a descriptive
      observational study aimed at standardizing pediatric hospitalist handoffs via
      implementation of a handoff checklist, with the goal of improving handoff quality
      and physician satisfaction within six months. The handoff checklist was quickly
      adapted by hospitalists, with median compliance rate of 83% during the study.
      Handoff quality was assessed by trained observers using the validated Handoff
      Clinical Evaluation Exercise (CEX) tool at multiple time periods pre- and post
      implementation (at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months). Handoff quality improved during our
      study, with a significant decrease in the percentage of "unsatisfactory" handoffs
      from 9% to 0% (p-value 0.004), an effect which was sustained after initial
      project completion. The cumulative time required for verbal handoffs for
      different attending physicians paralleled patient census. However, our project
      identified wasted down time between individual physician handoffs, and an
      intervention to change shift times led to a decrease in the average total handoff
      process time from 86 minutes to 60 minutes, p-value <0.001. An average of 7.4
      patient care items was identified during handoffs. A physician perception survey
      revealed improved situational awareness, efficiency, patient safety, and
      physician satisfaction as a result of our handoff improvement project. In
      conclusion, implementation of a checklist and standardized handoff process for
      pediatric hospitalists improved handoff efficiency and quality, as well as
      physician satisfaction.

PMID- 28074134
TI  - Managing complex respiratory patients in the community: an evaluation of a pilot
      integrated respiratory care service.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the UK, there is significant variation in respiratory care and
      outcomes. An integrated approach to the management of high-risk respiratory
      patients, incorporating specialist and primary care teams' expertise, is the
      basis for new integrated respiratory services designed to reduce this variation;
      however, this model needs evaluating. METHODS: To evaluate an integrated service
      managing high-risk respiratory patients, electronic searches for patients with
      asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at risk of poor outcomes were
      performed in two general practitioner (GP) practices in a local service
      development initiative. Patients were reviewed at joint clinics by primary and
      secondary care professionals. GPs also nominated patients for inclusion. Reviews
      were delivered to best standards of care including assessments of diagnosis,
      control, spirometry, self-management, education, medication, inhaler technique
      and smoking cessation support. Follow-up of routine clinical data collected at 9
      months postclinic were compared with seasonally matched 9-months prior to
      integrated review. RESULTS: 82 patients were identified, 55 attended. 13 (23.6%)
      had their primary diagnosis changed. In comparison with the seasonally adjusted
      baseline period, in the 9-month follow-up there was an increase in inhaled
      corticosteroid prescriptions of 23.3%, a reduction in short-acting beta2-agonist
      prescription of 33.3%, a reduction in acute respiratory exacerbations of 67.6%,
      in unscheduled GP surgery visits of 53.3% and acute respiratory hospital
      admissions reduced from 3 to 0. Only 4 patients (7.3%) required referral to
      secondary care. Health economic evaluation showed respiratory-related costs per
      patient reduced by L231.86. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with respiratory disease in
      this region at risk of suboptimal outcomes identified proactively and managed by
      an integrated team improved outcomes without the need for hospital referral.

PMID- 28074135
TI  - Effect of aclidinium bromide on cough and sputum symptoms in moderate-to-severe
      COPD in three phase III trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cough and sputum are troublesome symptoms in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) and are associated with adverse outcomes. The efficacy
      of aclidinium bromide 400 ug twice daily in patients with stable COPD has been
      established in two phase III studies (ACCORD COPD I and ATTAIN) and a phase IIIb
      active-comparator study. This analysis evaluated cough-related symptoms across
      these studies. METHOD: Patients were randomised to placebo, aclidinium 200 ug or
      400 ug twice daily in ACCORD (12 weeks) and ATTAIN (24 weeks), or to placebo,
      aclidinium 400 ug twice daily or tiotropium 18 ug once daily (6-week active
      comparator study). Analysed end points included changes from baseline in
      Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms (E-RS; formerly known as EXAcerbations of Chronic
      pulmonary disease Tool), total and cough/sputum scores and frequency/severity of
      morning and night-time cough and sputum symptoms. RESULTS: Data for 1792 patients
      were evaluated. E-RS cough/sputum domain scores were significantly reduced with
      aclidinium 400 ug versus placebo in ATTAIN (-0.7 vs -0.3, respectively; p<0.01)
      and the active-comparator study (-0.6 vs -0.2, respectively; p<0.01). In the
      active-comparator study, significantly greater improvements were observed with
      aclidinium versus placebo for severity of morning cough (-0.19 vs -0.02; p<0.01)
      and phlegm (-0.19 vs -0.02; p<0.05). In ACCORD, aclidinium reduced night-time
      cough frequency (-0.36 vs 0.1 for placebo; p<0.001) and severity (-0.24 vs -0.1
      for placebo; p<0.05), and frequency of night-time sputum production (-0.37 vs
      0.05 for placebo; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Aclidinium 400 ug twice daily improves
      cough and sputum expectoration versus placebo in stable COPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBERS: NCT00891462; NCT01001494; NCT01462929.

PMID- 28074136
TI  - Clinical manifestations and outcomes of pulmonary aspergillosis: experience from
      Pakistan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary aspergillosis has variable course of illness, severity
      and outcomes depending on underlying conditions. There is limited data available
      on the clinical manifestations and outcome of pulmonary aspergillosis from
      Pakistan. METHODS: To determine the clinical manifestations and outcome of
      pulmonary aspergillosis in a tertiary care hospital a retrospective study was
      conducted from 2004 to 2014 in patients admitted with pulmonary aspergillosis at
      the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. RESULTS: Of the 280 cases
      with provisional diagnosis of aspergillosis 69 met the inclusion criteria. The
      mean age was 45+/-15.7 years, 48 (69.6%) were men and 21 (30.4%) had diabetes
      mellitus (DM). The average length of hospital stay (LOS) was 10.61+/-9.08 days.
      Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common (42.0%), followed by Aspergillus flavus
      (28.9%). More than one-third of patients previously had tuberculosis (TB)
      (39.13%). The commonest pulmonary manifestation was chronic pulmonary
      aspergillosis (CPA) 47 (68.1%) followed by invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA)
      12 (17.4%) and subacute invasive aspergillosis (SAIA) 8 (11.6%). Surgical
      excision was performed in 28 patients (40.57%). Intensive care unit admission was
      required for 18 patients (26.08%). Case fatality rate was 14/69 (20.3%). DM, mean
      LOS and hypoxic respiratory failure were identified as independent risk factors
      of mortality on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: A. fumigatus was the most
      frequent species found especially in patients with prior TB. CPA was the
      commonest pulmonary manifestation seen as post TB sequel. Diabetes, hypoxic
      respiratory failure and increased LOS were independent predictors of poor
      outcomes. Overall patients had good outcome with CPA compared with SAIA and IPA.

PMID- 28074137
TI  - Pen needle design influences ease of insertion, pain, and skin trauma in subjects
      with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pen needles used for subcutaneous injections have gradually become
      shorter, thinner and more thin walled, and thereby less robust to patient reuse.
      Thus, different needle sizes, alternative tip designs and needles resembling
      reuse were tested to explore how needle design influences ease of insertion, pain
      and skin trauma. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: 30 subjects with injection-treated
      type 2 diabetes and body mass index 25-35 kg/m2 were included in the single
      blinded study. Each subject received abdominal insertions with 18 different types
      of needles. All needles were tested twice per subject and in random order.
      Penetration force (PF) through the skin, pain perception on 100 mm visual analog
      scale, and change in skin blood perfusion (SBP) were quantified after the
      insertions. RESULTS: Needle diameter was positively related to PF and SBP
      (p<0.05) and with a positive pain trend relation. Lack of needle lubrication and
      small 'needle hooks' increased PF and SBP (p<0.05) but did not affect pain. Short
      tip, obtuse needle grinds affected PF and SBP, but pain was only significantly
      affected in extreme cases. PF in skin and in polyurethane rubber were linearly
      related, and pain outcome was dependent of SBP increase. CONCLUSIONS: The shape
      and design of a needle and the needle tip affect ease of insertion, pain and skin
      trauma. Relations are seen across different data acquisition methods and across
      species, enabling needle performance testing outside of clinical trials. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02531776; results.

PMID- 28074138
TI  - Undiagnosed diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in HFE C282Y homozygotes and
      HFE wild-type controls in the HEIRS Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalences and predictors of undiagnosed diabetes
      mellitus (UDM) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in non-Hispanic whites with HFE
      p.C282Y homozygosity and controls without common HFE mutations identified in
      population screening. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed these observations
      in a postscreening examination: age; sex; body mass index; systolic/diastolic
      blood pressure; metacarpophalangeal joint hypertrophy; hepatomegaly; blood
      neutrophils; alanine and aspartate aminotransferase; elevated C reactive protein;
      transferrin saturation; serum ferritin; and Field Center. RESULTS: There were 223
      p.C282Y homozygotes and 449 controls without diagnosed diabetes (43.9% men). Mean
      age of p.C282Y homozygotes was 52+/-13 years (controls 57+/-14 years; p<0.0001).
      Mean transferrin saturation in p.C282Y homozygotes was 67+/-26% (controls 34+/
      14%; p<0.0001). Mean serum ferritin in p.C282Y homozygotes was 607 pmol/L (95% CI
      497 to 517; controls 274 pmol/L (247 to 301); p<0.0001). Overall prevalences of
      UDM (4.0% vs 4.2%) and IFG (23.8% vs 25.6%) did not differ significantly between
      p.C282Y homozygotes and wt/wt controls, respectively. In logistic regressions,
      male sex, body mass index, and alanine aminotransferase were significantly
      associated with UDM. ORs were 2.7 (1.2 to 2.8); 1.0 (1.0 to 1.1); and 1.0 (1.0 to
      1.0), respectively. Age, male sex, and body mass index were significantly
      associated with IFG. ORs were 1.0 (1.0 to 1.1); 2.8 (1.9 to 4.2); and 1.0 (1.0 to
      1.1), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalences of UDM and IFG were similar in
      p.C282Y homozygotes and controls in a postpopulation screening examination. Male
      sex was the strongest predictor of UDM and IFG.

PMID- 28074139
TI  - Egg ingestion in adults with type 2 diabetes: effects on glycemic control,
      anthropometry, and diet quality-a randomized, controlled, crossover trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The inclusion of eggs as part of a healthful diet for adults with
      diabetes is controversial. We examined the effects of including eggs in the diet
      of adults with type 2 diabetes on cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS:
      Randomized, controlled, single-blind, crossover trial of 34 adults (mean age 64.5
      years; 14 postmenopausal women, 20 men) with type 2 diabetes assigned to one of
      two possible sequence permutations of two different 12-week treatments (two
      eggs/day inclusion or egg exclusion), with 6-week washout periods. For the egg
      inclusion phase, participants received advice from a dietitian on how to preserve
      an isocaloric condition relative to the egg exclusion phase. The primary outcome
      was glycemic control as measured by glycated hemoglobin. Secondary measures
      included anthropometry, blood pressure, and diet quality. RESULTS: Compared with
      the exclusion of eggs in the habitual diet, the inclusion of eggs did not
      measurably affect glycated hemoglobin (0.01+/-0.5% vs -0.24+/-0.7%; p=0.115) and
      systolic blood pressure (-0.8+/-13.0 vs -3.0+/-10.0 mm Hg; p=0.438); and
      significantly reduced body mass index (0.06+/-0.8 vs -0.4+/-0.8 kg/m2; p=0.013)
      and visceral fat rating (0.2+/-1.1 vs -0.4+/-1.0; p=0.016). The inclusion of eggs
      in the habitual diet of diabetics significantly reduced waist circumference (
      0.4+/-1.2 cm; p=0.004) and percent body fat (-0.7+/-1.8; p=0.033) from baseline.
      CONCLUSIONS: Short-term daily inclusion of eggs in the habitual diet of adults
      with type 2 diabetes does not improve glycemic control but can improve
      anthropometric measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02052037; results.

PMID- 28074140
TI  - Disparities in recommended preventive care usage among persons living with
      diabetes in the Appalachian region.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine disparities in the receipt of preventive care recommended
      by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) between Appalachian and non
      Appalachian counties and within Appalachian counties. RESEARCH DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for 2008-2010
      were used to identify individuals with diabetes and their preventive care usage.
      Each Appalachian respondent county of residence was categorised into one of the
      five economic levels: distressed, at-risk, transitional, competitive and
      attainment counties. Competitive and attainment counties were combined and
      designated as competitive counties. We used logistic regressions to compare
      receipt of ADA preventive care recommendations by county economic level,
      adjusting for respondent demographic, socioeconomic, health and access-to-care
      factors. RESULTS: Compared to the most affluent (competitive) counties, less
      affluent (distressed and at-risk) counties demonstrated equivalent or higher
      rates of self-care practices such as daily blood glucose monitoring and daily
      foot checks. But they showed 40-50% lower uptake of annual foot and eye
      examinations and 30% lower uptake of diabetes education and pneumococcal
      vaccinations compared to competitive counties. After adjusting for demographic
      factors, significant disparities still existed in the uptake of annual foot
      examinations, annual eye examinations, 2 or more A1c tests per year and
      pneumococcal vaccinations in distressed and at-risk counties compared to
      competitive counties. Appalachian counties as a whole were similar to non
      Appalachian counties in the uptake of all recommendations with the absolute
      differences of <=3%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there are significant
      disparities in the uptake of many recommended preventive services between less
      and more affluent counties in the Appalachian region.

PMID- 28074141
TI  - Evaluation of exposure to pioglitazone and risk of prostate cancer: a nested case
      control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Investigate potential association between pioglitazone exposure and
      risk of prostate cancer. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Nested, matched case
      control study. UK primary care data (Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)
      GOLD) linked to inpatient (Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)) and cancer registry
      (National Cancer Information Network (NCIN)) data. English men aged >=40 years
      diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, January 1, 2001 to January 5, 2015.
      Cases, with prostate cancer diagnosis, matched with up to 4 controls by age,
      cohort entry date and region. ORs for association of exposure to pioglitazone to
      incident prostate cancer, adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: From a
      cohort of 47 772 men with 243 923 person-years follow-up, 756 definite cases of
      prostate cancer were identified. Incidence was 309.9/100 000 person-years (95% CI
      288.6 to 332.8). Pioglitazone use was not associated with prostate cancer risk;
      adjusted OR 0.759, 95% CI 0.502 to 1.148. Analyses showed no difference when
      possible cases, prostate cancer in CPRD GOLD only, included (adjusted OR 0.726,
      95% CI 0.510 to 1.034). No association when adjusted for channeling bias (OR
      0.778, 95% CI 0.511 to 1.184) or limited to an index date prior to July 1, 2011
      (adjusted OR 0.508, 95% CI 0.294 to 0.879), despite prostate-specific antigen
      screening occurring more frequently among cases than controls (81.6% of 756
      definite cases cf. 24.2% of 2942 controls (p<0.01)). No association with duration
      of pioglitazone use, increasing pioglitazone dose or increasing time since
      initiation. CONCLUSIONS: In this real-world, nested matched case-control study,
      exposure to pioglitazone was not associated with increased risk of prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 28074142
TI  - Relationship between diabetic nephropathy and depression: a cross-sectional
      analysis using the Diabetes Study from the Center of Tokyo Women's Medical
      University (DIACET).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We conducted this cross-sectional study to investigate the
      relationship between stage of diabetic nephropathy and likelihood or severity of
      depression in patients with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied
      2212 patients with diabetes (mean age 60.9 years; 928 women; 1838 patients with
      type 2 diabetes). Presence and severity of depression was examined using the
      Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Patients were classified into 5 stages of
      nephropathy, according to albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (eGFR); patients in stage 5 undergoing dialysis and kidney transplantation were
      analyzed separately (stages 5D and 5T). The relationship between stage of
      nephropathy and depression was examined using analysis of covariance and
      multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Both least square mean PHQ-9
      scores and prevalence of patients with PHQ-9 scores >=5 points (mild depression)
      and >=10 points (moderate or severe depression) increased from stage 1 to 5D, and
      then declined in stage 5T. Multivariate ORs for mild or greater depression
      increased in patients in stages 3, 4, and 5D in reference to those in stage 1,
      which declined in patients in stage 5T. Albuminuria was significantly, but eGFR
      was not, associated with higher PHQ-9 scores and the PHQ-9 scores >=5 or >=10
      after adjustment for clinical findings. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with diabetes,
      progression of nephropathy is likely to be associated with increased risk and
      severity of depression, which may be reduced after successful kidney
      transplantation. Albuminuria may be more strongly associated with depression than
      eGFR.

PMID- 28074144
TI  - Cattle are a potential reservoir of bubaline herpesvirus 1 (BuHV1).
AB  - In the present work, controlled experimental infection and transmission studies
      in domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) were
      carried out to study the in vivo behaviour of bubaline herpesvirus 1 (BuHV1). Two
      bovine and two buffalo calves were infected with BuHV1 (20287N isolate) by
      intranasal aerosolisation. Two sentinel cattle did not receive the virus
      challenge, but were housed with infected buffaloes to evaluate horizontal
      transmission. All experimentally inoculated animals showed viral infection and
      respiratory clinical signs. BuHV1 experimentally infected calves showed
      intermittent viral excretion between 2 days and 18 days postinfection (dpi) with
      a maximum titre of excretion of 106 TCID50/ml and moderate rhinitis between 2 dpi
      and 20 dpi. BuHV1 experimentally inoculated buffaloes showed mild respiratory
      signs, which consisted mainly of serous nasal secretions during the infection
      period. Sentinel calves showed mucosal specific IgG1 antibodies at seven days
      postcontact. Viral DNA was detected by PCR and sequencing in both buffaloes and
      sentinel calves, which could be associated with latency. In conclusion, this
      study showed the susceptibility of cattle to BuHV1 after both experimental
      infection and contact with infected buffaloes. These data increase the scarce
      knowledge on the pathogenesis in natural host and the susceptibility of cattle to
      BuHV1 experimental infection.

PMID- 28074143
TI  - Gestational diabetes mellitus treatment reduces obesity-induced adverse pregnancy
      and neonatal outcomes: the St. Carlos gestational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increase the
      morbidity of the mother and newborn, which could increase further should they
      coexist. We aimed to determine the risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal
      outcomes associated with excess weight (EW), and within this group identify
      potential differences between those with and without GDM. METHODS: We carried out
      a post-hoc analysis of the St. Carlos Gestational Study which included 3312
      pregnant women, arranged in 3 groups: normal-weight women (NWw) (2398/72.4%),
      overweight women (OWw) (649/19.6%) and obese women (OBw) (265/8%). OWw and OBw
      were grouped as EW women (EWw). We analyzed variables related to adverse
      pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: The relative risk (95% CI) for GDM was
      1.82 (1.47 to 2.25; p<0.0001) for OWw, and 3.26 (2.45 to 4.35; p<0.0001) in OBw.
      Univariate analysis showed associations of EW to higher rates of prematurity,
      birth weight >90th centile, newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care unit
      (NICU), instrumental delivery and cesarean delivery (all p<0.005). Multivariate
      analysis, adjusted for parity and ethnicity, showed that EW increased the risk of
      prematurity, admission to NICU, cesarean and instrumental delivery, especially in
      EWw without GDM. NWw with GDM had a significantly lower risk of admission to NICU
      and cesarean delivery, compared with NWw without GDM. CONCLUSIONS: EW is
      detrimental for pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and treatment of GDM contributes
      to lowering the risk in EWw and NWw. Applying the same lifestyle changes to all
      pregnant women, independent of their weight or GDM condition, could improve these
      outcomes.

PMID- 28074145
TI  - Genome-wide profiling identifies associations between lupus nephritis and
      differential methylation of genes regulating tissue hypoxia and type 1 interferon
      responses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that differential DNA methylation is
      associated with SLE susceptibility. How DNA methylation affects the clinical
      heterogeneity of SLE has not been fully defined. We conducted this study to
      identify differentially methylated CpG sites associated with nephritis among
      women with SLE. METHODS: The methylation status of 428 229 CpG sites across the
      genome was characterised for peripheral blood cells from 322 women of European
      descent with SLE, 80 of whom had lupus nephritis, using the Illumina
      HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Multivariable linear regression adjusting for
      population substructure and leucocyte cell proportions was used to identify
      differentially methylated sites associated with lupus nephritis. The influence of
      genetic variation on methylation status was investigated using data from a genome
      wide association study of SLE. Pathway analyses were used to identify biological
      processes associated with lupus nephritis. RESULTS: We identified differential
      methylation of 19 sites in 18 genomic regions that was associated with nephritis
      among patients with SLE (false discovery rate q<0.05). Associations for four
      sites in HIF3A, IFI44 and PRR4 were replicated when examining methylation data
      derived from CD4+ T cells collected from an independent set of patients with SLE.
      These associations were not driven by genetic variation within or around the
      genomic regions. In addition, genes associated with lupus nephritis in a prior
      genome-wide association study were not differentially methylated in this
      epigenome-wide study. Pathway analysis indicated that biological processes
      involving type 1 interferon responses and the development of the immune system
      were associated with nephritis in patients with SLE. CONCLUSIONS: Differential
      methylation of genes regulating the response to tissue hypoxia and interferon
      mediated signalling is associated with lupus nephritis among women with SLE.
      These findings have not been identified in genetic studies of lupus nephritis,
      suggesting that epigenome-wide association studies can help identify the genomic
      differences that underlie the clinical heterogeneity of SLE.

PMID- 28074146
TI  - Assessing QT interval in patients with autoimmune chronic inflammatory diseases:
      perils and pitfalls.

PMID- 28074147
TI  - Cerebellar ataxia and sensory ganglionopathy associated with light-chain myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebellar ataxia with sensory ganglionopathy is a rare neurological
      combination that can occur in some hereditary ataxias including mitochondrial
      diseases and in gluten sensitivity. Individually each condition can be a classic
      paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. We report a patient with this combination
      who was diagnosed with light-chain myeloma ten years after initial presentation.
      CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old Caucasian lady was referred to our Ataxia Clinic
      because of a 6-year history of progressive unsteadiness and a 2-year history of
      slurred speech. Past medical history included arterial hypertension. The patient
      was a non-smoker was not consuming alcohol excessively. There was no family
      history of ataxia. Neurological examination revealed prominent gaze-evoked
      nystagmus, heel to shin ataxia, gait ataxia, reduced reflexes and loss of
      vibration sensation in the legs. Cerebellar ataxia was confirmed using magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy of the cerebellum and sensory ganglionopathy using
      neurophysiological assessments including blink reflex study. A muscle biopsy that
      was arranged to explore the possibility of mitochondrial disease revealed
      amyloidosis. Urinalysis confirmed the presence of light chains. A bone marrow
      biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of light chain multiple myeloma. CONCLUSIONS:
      Whilst it could be argued that this could simply be a coincidence, the rarity of
      these conditions and the absence of an alternative aetiology for the neurological
      dysfunction argue in favour of a paraneoplastic phenomenon.

PMID- 28074148
TI  - Apraxia of speech and cerebellar mutism syndrome: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) or posterior fossa syndrome (PFS)
      consists of a constellation of neuropsychiatric, neuropsychological and
      neurogenic speech and language deficits. It is most commonly observed in children
      after posterior fossa tumor surgery. The most prominent feature of CMS is mutism,
      which generally starts after a few days after the operation, has a limited
      duration and is typically followed by motor speech deficits. However, the core
      speech disorder subserving CMS is still unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: This study
      investigates the speech and language symptoms following posterior fossa
      medulloblastoma surgery in a 12-year-old right-handed boy. An extensive battery
      of formal speech (DIAS = Diagnostic Instrument Apraxia of Speech) and language
      tests were administered during a follow-up of 6 weeks after surgery. Although the
      neurological and neuropsychological (affective, cognitive) symptoms of this
      patient are consistent with Schmahmann's syndrome, the speech and language
      symptoms were markedly different from what is typically described in the
      literature. In-depth analyses of speech production revealed features consistent
      with a diagnosis of apraxia of speech (AoS) while ataxic dysarthria was
      completely absent. In addition, language assessments showed genuine aphasic
      deficits as reflected by distorted language production and perception,
      wordfinding difficulties, grammatical disturbances and verbal fluency deficits.
      CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge this case might be the first example
      that clearly demonstrates that a higher level motor planning disorder (apraxia)
      may be the origin of disrupted speech in CMS. In addition, identification of non
      motor linguistic disturbances during follow-up add to the view that the
      cerebellum not only plays a crucial role in the planning and execution of speech
      but also in linguistic processing. Whether the cerebellum has a direct or
      indirect role in motor speech planning needs to be further investigated.

PMID- 28074149
TI  - Non-selective beta-blockers in advanced cirrhosis: a critical review of the
      effects on overall survival and renal function.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) are widely prescribed in
      patients with cirrhosis for primary and secondary prophylaxis of bleeding
      oesophageal varices. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the clinical
      benefits of NSBBs may extend beyond their haemodynamic effects. Recently, a
      potentially harmful effect has been described in patients with refractory ascites
      or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature
      search on beta-blockers and cirrhosis survival using the electronic databases
      PubMed/MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials. Full-text manuscripts published over more than 35 years, from 1980 to
      April 2016 were reviewed for relevance and reference lists were cross-checked for
      additional pertinent studies regarding potential NSBB effects, especially focused
      on those concerned with survival and/or acute kidney injury (AKI). DISCUSSION:
      The proposed review will be able to provide valuable evidence to help decision
      making in the use of NSBB for the treatment of advanced cirrhosis and highlights
      some limitations in existing evidence to direct future research.

PMID- 28074150
TI  - Colorectal cancer mortality 10 years after a single round of guaiac faecal occult
      blood test (gFOBT) screening: experiences from a Danish screening cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Denmark, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent
      cancer. Randomised trials have shown that guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
      screening can reduce CRC mortality, but a recent large randomised study from
      Finland did not find any effect. A feasibility study was carried out in Denmark
      in 2005-2006 where residents aged 50-74 years in 2 Danish counties were invited
      once to participate in gFOBT screening. We used the unique Danish registers to
      assess the impact of gFOBT screening in this group on CRC incidence and
      mortality. METHODS: In this cohort study, we followed a group comprising 166 277
      individuals invited to screening and a reference group comprising the remaining 1
      240 348 Danes of the same age. We linked the Danish population and health service
      registers to obtain information about colonoscopies, polypectomies, incident CRC
      and cause of death. RESULTS: After a median follow-up time of 8.9 years, the CRC
      mortality was significantly lower in the screening group than in the reference
      group with an adjusted HR (aHR) of 0.92 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.99), while the aHR for
      all-cause mortality was 0.95 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.96). For screening participants,
      the aHR for CRC mortality and all-cause mortality was 0.72 (0.64 to 0.80) and
      0.59 (0.57 to 0.60), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: About 10 years after a single
      round of gFOBT screening, we found a significant 8% deficit in CRC mortality in
      the screening group compared with other Danes. We found almost the same deficit
      in all-cause mortality, and on this basis, it is not possible to conclude that
      one screening round had an effect on CRC mortality. Our study indicated that
      close monitoring of the outcome of CRC screening is warranted.

PMID- 28074151
TI  - Clinical and pH study characteristics in reflux patients with and without
      ineffective oesophageal motility (IEM).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aetiology and clinical impact of ineffective oesophageal motility
      (IEM) remain poorly understood, but the condition is thought to worsen supine
      gastro-oesophageal acid reflux (GERD). AIMS: In this retrospective cohort
      analysis of symptomatic patients with abnormal oesophageal acid exposure, we
      sought to determine any clinical or functional characteristics that would
      distinguish those with normal peristalsis from those with IEM, defined using the
      Chicago classification. We hypothesised that the impaired oesophageal clearance
      in IEM would be contributing to more severe degrees of pathological acid
      exposure, as well as clinical and endoscopic GERD severity. METHODS: Consecutive
      symptomatic patients with GERD underwent clinical, endoscopic and functional
      evaluation that included high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) and
      ambulatory pH monitoring performed 'off' acid suppressive therapy. RESULTS: Of
      the 114 patients with abnormal oesophageal acid exposure, 71 had normal
      oesophageal motility by HRIM and 43 were diagnosed with IEM (38% prevalence).
      Age, gender and symptom duration were similar between the two groups. Both groups
      had similar magnitude and frequency of symptoms, making a distinction clinically
      impossible. Endoscopically, the two groups had similar rates of erosive disease,
      hiatal hernia and Barrett's oesophagus. Ambulatory pH, proton pump inhibitor
      (PPI) dosage and PPI response rates were also similar. Nevertheless, patients
      with IEM had significantly more impairment of oesophageal clearance (mean 56.9+/
      6.4) than those with normal motility (mean 32.4+/-5.0) (p<0.003). CONCLUSIONS:
      Symptomatic patients with IEM exhibit significant impairment of oesophageal
      clearance but are otherwise clinically indistinguishable from those with normal
      oesophageal motility and have a similar prevalence of erosive disease and
      pathological acid exposure.

PMID- 28074152
TI  - Optimal dosage of cefmetazole for intraoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in
      patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the dosage of cefmetazole (CMZ) for
      intraoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients underwent surgery for
      colorectal cancer. We therefore examined the optimal intraoperative dosage of CMZ
      according to pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) theory in patients who
      undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. METHODS: The study group comprised 23
      patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery, using CMZ as antimicrobial
      treatment to prevent postoperative infection. CMZ was administered intravenously
      within 60 min before surgery. PK/PD analysis was performed by population
      pharmacokinetic analysis and Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS: The final
      population pharmacokinetic parameters of CMZ were as follows: CLCMZ = 0.0704 *
      creatinine clearance (Ccr) and VdCMZ = 0.163 * body weight (Bw). In patients with
      a Ccr of >=90 to <130 mL/min, the probability of achieving concentrations
      exceeding MIC was 52.9 to 82.2% at 2 h after the initial dose and less than 20%
      at 3 h after the initial dose. CONCLUSIONS: Additional doses of CMZ should be
      given every 2 h in patients with a Ccr of >=90 to <130 mL/min, every 3 h in those
      with a Ccr of >=50 to <90 mL/min, and every 4 to 5 h in those with a Ccr of >=10
      to <50 mL/min.

PMID- 28074153
TI  - Effects of metabolic syndrome on aortic pulse wave velocity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the value and evaluate the
      validity of non-invasive methods for the detection of vascular stiffness in never
      treated individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: A total of 59
      subjects (mean age, 60 +/- 12 years; male:female = 35:24) were enrolled in the
      study and were categorized into the positive MetS (MetS[+]: N = 32) and negative
      group (MetS[-]: N = 27), according to the parameters set by the National
      Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. Pulse wave velocity
      (PWV) of the aorta, arm, and leg, Framingham risk score (FRS), ankle-brachial
      index (ABI), and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) for vascular aging were
      measured for the two groups. RESULTS: Aortic PWV (PWVaor) was significantly
      higher in MetS(+) than MetS(-) group (7.0 +/- 1.4 m/s vs. 8.4 +/- 1.6 m/s, p <
      0.01), while ABI was significantly lower in MetS(+) than MetS(-) group (1.2 +/-
      0.1 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.2, p = 0.03), respectively. FRS was significantly higher in
      MetS(+) than MetS(-) group (11 +/- 5 vs. 14 +/- 4, p = 0.05). The both mean IMT
      was higher in MetS(+) than MetS(-) group (right: 0.94 +/- 0.20 mm vs. 0.81 +/-
      0.20 mm, p = 0.03; left: 0.93 +/- 0.20 mm vs. 0.79 +/- 0.20 mm, p = 0.03,
      respectively). For predicting the probability of the presence of MetS, PWVaor was
      an independent tool (p = 0.04; odds ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to
      3.42) and a cut-off value of PWVaor of 7.4 m/s showed a sensitivity of 66.7% and
      a specificity of 47.6%. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that PWVaor, combined with
      traditional tools, can play an important role as a complementary or alternative
      tool for the detection of vascular stiffness in never-treated individuals with
      MetS.

PMID- 28074154
TI  - Development of a feasible and responsive ultrasound inflammation score for
      rheumatoid arthritis through a data-driven approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a responsive and feasible ultrasound
      inflammation score for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We used data from
      cohorts of early RA (development) and established RA starting/switching biologic
      therapy (validation). 4 tendons and 36 joints were examined by a grey scale
      (GSUS) and power Doppler semiquantitative ultrasound (PDUS) scoring system (full
      score). Ultrasound score components were selected based on factor analyses of 3
      month change in the development cohort. Responsiveness was assessed by
      standardised response means (SRMs). We assessed the proportion of information
      retained from the full score by linear regression. RESULTS: 118 patients with
      early and 212 patients with established RA were included. The final ultrasound
      score included 8 joints (metacarpophalangeal 1-2-3, proximal interphalangeal 2-3,
      radiocarpal, metatarsophalangeal 2-3) and 1 tendon (extensor carpi ulnaris)
      examined bilaterally. The 6-month SRMs for the final score were -1.24 (95% CI 
      1.47 to -1.02) for GSUS, and -1.09 (-1.25 to -0.92) for PDUS in early RA, with
      87% of total information retained for GSUS and 90% for PDUS. The new score
      performed somewhat better than formerly proposed scores in the validation cohort.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Ultrasound in Rheumatoid Arthritis 9 joint/tendon score (USRA9)
      inflammation score showed good responsiveness, retained most of the information
      from the original full score and overall performed better than previous scores in
      a validation cohort. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT01205854,
      ACTRN12610000284066; Post-results.

PMID- 28074155
TI  - An Automated Detection System for Microaneurysms That Is Effective across
      Different Racial Groups.
AB  - Patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR) represent a large proportion of the
      caseload seen by the DR screening service so reliable recognition of the absence
      of DR in digital fundus images (DFIs) is a prime focus of automated DR screening
      research. We investigate the use of a novel automated DR detection algorithm to
      assess retinal DFIs for absence of DR. A retrospective, masked, and controlled
      image-based study was undertaken. 17,850 DFIs of patients from six different
      countries were assessed for DR by the automated system and by human graders. The
      system's performance was compared across DFIs from the different countries/racial
      groups. The sensitivities for detection of DR by the automated system were Kenya
      92.8%, Botswana 90.1%, Norway 93.5%, Mongolia 91.3%, China 91.9%, and UK 90.1%.
      The specificities were Kenya 82.7%, Botswana 83.2%, Norway 81.3%, Mongolia 82.5%,
      China 83.0%, and UK 79%. There was little variability in the calculated
      sensitivities and specificities across the six different countries involved in
      the study. These data suggest the possible scalability of an automated DR
      detection platform that enables rapid identification of patients without DR
      across a wide range of races.

PMID- 28074156
TI  - Laparoscopic Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Adults.
AB  - Background, Aims, and Objectives. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia typically
      presents in childhood but in adults is extremely rare entity. Surgery is
      indicated for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients who are fit for surgery. It
      can be done by laparotomy, thoracotomy, thoracoscopy, or laparoscopy. With the
      advent of minimal access techniques, the open surgical repair for this hernia has
      decreased and results are comparable with early recovery and less hospital stay.
      The aim of this study is to establish that laparoscopic repair of congenital
      diaphragmatic hernia is a safe and effective modality of surgical treatment.
      Materials and Methods. A retrospective study of laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia
      repair done during May 2011 to Oct 2014. Total n = 13 (M/F: 11/2) cases of
      confirmed diaphragmatic hernia on CT scan, 4 cases Bochdalek hernia (BH), 8 cases
      of left eventration of the diaphragm (ED), and one case of right-sided
      eventration of the diaphragm (ED) were included in the study. Largest defect
      found on the left side was 15 * 6 cm and on the right side it was 15 * 8 cm.
      Stomach, small intestine, transverse colon, and omentum were contents in the
      hernial sac. The contents were reduced with harmonic scalpel and thin sacs were
      usually excised. The eventration was plicated and hernial orifices were repaired
      with interrupted horizontal mattress sutures buttressed by Teflon pieces. A
      composite mesh was fixed with nonabsorbable tackers. All patients had good
      postoperative recovery and went home early with normal follow-up and were
      followed up for 2 years. Conclusion. The laparoscopic repair is a safe and
      effective modality of surgical treatment for congenital diaphragmatic hernia in
      experienced hands.

PMID- 28074157
TI  - The Efficiency of Sclerotherapy in the Treatment of Vascular Malformations: A
      Retrospective Study of 63 Patients.
AB  - Background and Aims. Vascular malformations are a vast group of congenital
      malformations that are present at birth. These malformations can cause pain,
      pressure, and cosmetic annoyance as well as downturn growth and development in a
      child in the case of high flow. Sclerotherapy has become an important tool in the
      treatment of vascular malformations. However, little is known about the success
      rate of sclerotherapy. Material and Methods. In this study, the efficiency of
      sclerotherapy in the treatment of vascular anomalies was investigated
      retrospectively in 63 patients treated in Turku University Hospital between 2003
      and 2013. Results. Out of the 63 patients investigated, 83% (53) had venous
      malformations (VMs) and 9% (5) were defined as having arteriovenous malformations
      (AVMs). Patients with a VM were operated on, in 14% (8) out of all VM cases.
      Hence 86% (45) of patients with a VM received adequate help to their symptoms
      solely from sclerotherapy. The duration of treatment for the 14% of the VM
      patients that needed a surgical procedure was prolonged by 7-9 months, that is,
      by 41%. Conclusions. Sclerotherapy is an effective method in the treatment of VMs
      with a satisfactory clinical response in patients symptoms in 84% of cases.

PMID- 28074158
TI  - Visualization of Inflammation at Early Stage of Lung Cancer in Xenografted
      Temporally Immunosuppression Rats by Ferrioxamine Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - Physiological responses such as chronic inflammation and angiogenesis could be
      used as biomarkers for early detection of cancer with noninvasive imaging
      modalities. The present study reports the application of magnetic resonance
      imaging instrument to image the binding of ferrioxamine with hemin that allows
      visualizing the chronic inflammation foci of lung tissue of immunocompromised
      rats xenografted using small cell lung carcinoma. A low concentration of
      ferrioxamine (0.05 +/- 0.02 MUM.kg-1 of rat weight) deposited on tissue outside
      the vasculature was found to diffuse across the capillary walls to the
      interstitial space and inflammation foci, which provided a clear enhancement of
      T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence images. Ferrioxamine imaging allowed the
      determination of inflammatory sites and their localization in 3D fat-suppressed
      maximum intensity projections. The smallest dimension of foci that can be clearly
      determined is about 0.1 mm3. In concomitant to the in vivo imaging, analysis of
      histological tissue section showed the development of inflammatory sites. This
      study provides evidence that medical imaging instrument such as MRI scanner
      allows researchers to correlate images taken with MRI with those using high
      resolution microscopy. Moreover, ferrioxamine is a useful molecular probe for
      determining chronic inflammation particularly at the very early stages of cancer.

PMID- 28074159
TI  - A Comprehensive Review of Portosystemic Collaterals in Cirrhosis: Historical
      Aspects, Anatomy, and Classifications.
AB  - Portosystemic collateral formation in cirrhosis plays an important part in events
      that define the natural history in affected patients. A detailed understanding of
      collateral anatomy and hemodynamics in cirrhotics is essential to envisage
      diagnosis, management, and outcomes of portal hypertension. In this review, we
      provide detailed insights into the historical, anatomical, and hemodynamic
      aspects to portal hypertension and collateral pathways in cirrhosis with emphasis
      on the various classification systems.

PMID- 28074160
TI  - Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Cognitive Impairment in Children with
      Perinatal Stroke.
AB  - Perinatal stroke is a leading cause of congenital hemiparesis and neurocognitive
      deficits in children. Dysfunctions in the large-scale resting-state functional
      networks may underlie cognitive and behavioral disability in these children. We
      studied resting-state functional connectivity in patients with perinatal stroke
      collected from the Estonian Pediatric Stroke Database. Neurodevelopment of
      children was assessed by the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measurement and the Kaufman
      Assessment Battery. The study included 36 children (age range 7.6-17.9 years): 10
      with periventricular venous infarction (PVI), 7 with arterial ischemic stroke
      (AIS), and 19 controls. There were no differences in severity of hemiparesis
      between the PVI and AIS groups. A significant increase in default mode network
      connectivity (FDR 0.1) and lower cognitive functions (p < 0.05) were found in
      children with AIS compared to the controls and the PVI group. The children with
      PVI had no significant differences in the resting-state networks compared to the
      controls and their cognitive functions were normal. Our findings demonstrate
      impairment in cognitive functions and neural network profile in hemiparetic
      children with AIS compared to children with PVI and controls. Changes in the
      resting-state networks found in children with AIS could possibly serve as the
      underlying derangements of cognitive brain functions in these children.

PMID- 28074161
TI  - Direct Current-Induced Calcium Trafficking in Different Neuronal Preparations.
AB  - The influence of direct current (DC) stimulation on radioactive calcium
      trafficking in sciatic nerve in vivo and in vitro, spinal cord, and synaptosomes
      was investigated. The exposure to DC enhanced calcium redistribution in all of
      these preparations. The effect was dependent on the strength of the stimulation
      and extended beyond the phase of exposure to DC. The DC-induced increase in
      calcium sequestration by synaptosomes was significantly reduced by cobalt and
      rupture of synaptosomes by osmotic shock. Although both anodal and cathodal
      currents were effective, the experiments with two electrodes of different areas
      revealed that cathodal stimulation exerted stronger effect. The exposure to DC
      induced not only relocation but also redistribution of calcium within segments of
      the sciatic nerve. Enzymatic removal of sialic acid by preincubation of
      synaptosomes with neuroaminidase, or carrying out the experiments in sodium-free
      environment, amplified DC-induced calcium accumulation.

PMID- 28074162
TI  - Altered Effective Connectivity of Hippocampus-Dependent Episodic Memory Network
      in mTBI Survivors.
AB  - Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are generally recognized to affect episodic
      memory. However, less is known regarding how external force altered the way
      functionally connected brain structures of the episodic memory system interact.
      To address this issue, we adopted an effective connectivity based analysis,
      namely, multivariate Granger causality approach, to explore causal interactions
      within the brain network of interest. Results presented that TBI induced
      increased bilateral and decreased ipsilateral effective connectivity in the
      episodic memory network in comparison with that of normal controls. Moreover, the
      left anterior superior temporal gyrus (aSTG, the concept forming hub), left
      hippocampus (the personal experience binding hub), and left parahippocampal gyrus
      (the contextual association hub) were no longer network hubs in TBI survivors,
      who compensated for hippocampal deficits by relying more on the right hippocampus
      (underlying perceptual memory) and the right medial frontal gyrus (MeFG) in the
      anterior prefrontal cortex (PFC). We postulated that the overrecruitment of the
      right anterior PFC caused dysfunction of the strategic component of episodic
      memory, which caused deteriorating episodic memory in mTBI survivors. Our
      findings also suggested that the pattern of brain network changes in TBI
      survivors presented similar functional consequences to normal aging.

PMID- 28074163
TI  - Mycosis Fungoides of the Oral Cavity: Fungating Tumor Successfully Treated with
      Electron Beam Radiation and Maintenance Bexarotene.
AB  - Oral involvement in mycosis fungoides is unusual and portends a poor prognosis.
      The clinical findings of three new cases are described along with a differential
      diagnosis and review of the literature. For brevity, only one patient is
      discussed in detail below whereas the other two cases are solely described in
      table form. The patient had a four-year history of mycosis fungoides before
      developing an exophytic tongue tumor. He was treated with local electron beam
      radiation and is disease-free to date while being on maintenance therapy with
      oral bexarotene. Analysis of the data collected from our review of the literature
      and the present cases reveal key insights.

PMID- 28074164
TI  - Radiation-Induced Alopecia after Endovascular Embolization under Fluoroscopy.
AB  - Radiation-induced alopecia after fluoroscopically guided procedures is becoming
      more common due to an increasing use of endovascular procedures. It is
      characterized by geometric shapes of nonscarring alopecia related to the area of
      radiation. We report a case of a 46-year-old man presenting with asymptomatic,
      sharply demarcated rectangular, nonscarring alopecic patch on the occipital scalp
      following cerebral angiography with fistula embolization under fluoroscopy. His
      presentations were compatible with radiation-induced alopecia. Herein, we also
      report a novel scalp dermoscopic finding of blue-grey dots in a target pattern
      around yellow dots and follicles, which we detected in the lesion of radiation
      induced alopecia.

PMID- 28074165
TI  - Bamboo Leaf Sign as a Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding in Spinal
      Subependymoma: Case Report and Literature Review.
AB  - Background and Importance. Subependymoma occurs very rarely in the spinal cord.
      We report another case of spinal subependymoma along with a review of the
      literature and discussion of a radiological finding that is useful for
      preoperative diagnosis of this tumor. Clinical Presentation. A 51-year-old man
      presented with a 2-year history of progressive muscle weakness in the right lower
      extremity. Sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinal cord expansion
      at the Th7-12 vertebral level. Surgical resection was performed and the tumor was
      found to involve predominantly subpial growth. Histological diagnosis was
      subependymoma, classified as Grade I according to criteria of World Health
      Organization. We made an important discovery of what seems to be a characteristic
      appearance for spinal subependymoma on sagittal MRI. Swelling of the spinal cord
      is extremely steep, providing unusually large fusiform dilatation resembling a
      bamboo leaf. We have termed this characteristic MRI appearance as the "bamboo
      leaf sign." This characteristic was apparent in 76.2% of cases of spinal
      subependymoma for which MRI findings were reported. Conclusion. The bamboo leaf
      sign on spinal MRI is useful for differentiating between subependymoma and other
      intramedullary tumors. Neurosurgeons encountering the bamboo leaf sign on spinal
      MRI should consider the possibility of subependymoma.

PMID- 28074166
TI  - Can Cell Bound Complement Activation Products Predict Inherited Complement
      Deficiency in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
AB  - Activation of the classical pathway complement system has long been implicated in
      stimulating immune complex mediated tissue destruction in systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE). C3 and C4 complement levels are utilized as part of SLE
      diagnosis and monitoring criteria. Recently, cell bound complement activation
      products (CBCAPs) have shown increased sensitivity in diagnosing and monitoring
      lupus activity, compared to traditional markers. CBCAPs are increasingly utilized
      in rheumatology practice as additional serological markers in evaluating SLE
      patients. We report a case of a patient diagnosed with SLE that had chronically
      low C3 and C4, along with negative CBCAPs. We surmise that the patient has an
      inherited complement deficiency as the etiology of her SLE and that CBCAPs could
      be used to predict such deficiency.

PMID- 28074167
TI  - Delayed Tension Pneumocephalus following Gunshot Wound to the Head: A Case Report
      and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Tension pneumocephalus is a rare complication of head trauma and neurosurgical
      procedures, amongst other causes. It is defined by the combination of
      intracranial air, increased intracranial pressure, and mass effect. Although it
      often presents soon after surgery, it can also rarely present in a delayed
      fashion. We present a case of delayed tension pneumocephalus, occurring
      approximately 16 weeks after bifrontal craniectomy for a self-inflicted gunshot
      wound. Following a month of rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and cough, the patient
      presented with a sensation of expansion in the area of the right forehead. As
      tension pneumocephalus is an emergency that can be fatal, this patient was
      treated expediently and avoided severe neurological deficits. The case recounted
      here is important as a demonstrative example that tension pneumocephalus does not
      always follow a defined course immediately after trauma or neurosurgery but
      rather can develop insidiously without obvious signs.

PMID- 28074168
TI  - Reconstruction of Abdominal Wall Defects Using a Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh
      Flap including the Vastus Lateralis Muscle: A Report of Two Cases.
AB  - The purpose of abdominal wall reconstruction is to prevent hernias and protect
      the abdominal viscera. In cases involving full-thickness defects of the rectus
      abdominis muscle, the muscle layer should be repaired. We present 2 cases in
      which full-thickness lower rectus abdominis muscle defects were reconstructed
      using vastus lateralis-anterolateral thigh flaps. The pedicled vastus lateralis
      anterolateral thigh flap provides skin, fascia, and muscle tissue. Furthermore,
      it has a long neurovascular pedicle and can reach up to the periumbilical area
      and cover large defects. We consider that this muscle flap is a good option for
      repairing full-thickness lower abdominal defects.

PMID- 28074169
TI  - Multilocular Cystic Renal Cell Carcinoma or Cystic Nephroma?
AB  - The incidence of Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma (MCRCC) in literature
      is very low and confounding MCRCC with cystic nephroma (CN) is even more unusual.
      The aim of this report is to present a case of MCRCC and emphasize the importance
      of the preoperative radiologic evaluation and immunohistochemical staining
      confirmation to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A 73-year-old woman presented with
      a history of 4-month right flank pain. CT showed a Bosniak type III renal mass.
      After laparoscopic partial nephrectomy the initial report was cystic nephroma.
      Immunohistochemical staining was performed being positive for Epithelial Membrane
      Antigen thus changing the diagnosis to MCRCC. Multilocular cystic renal cell
      carcinoma cannot reliably be distinguished from cystic nephroma neither by
      physical examination nor by radiologic evaluation; immunohistochemical staining
      assay is useful to differentiate between these conditions allowing an accurate
      diagnosis and proper follow-up.

PMID- 28074170
TI  - Nonobese Diabetic (NOD) Mice Lack a Protective B-Cell Response against the
      "Nonlethal" Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL Malaria Protozoan.
AB  - Background. Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL is a nonlethal malaria strain in mice of
      different genetic backgrounds including the C57BL/6 mice (I-Ab/I-Enull) used in
      this study as a control strain. We have compared the trends of blood stage
      infection with the nonlethal murine strain of P. yoelii 17XNL malaria protozoan
      in immunocompetent Nonobese Diabetic (NOD) mice prone to type 1 diabetes (T1D)
      and C57BL/6 mice (control mice) that are not prone to T1D and self-cure the P.
      yoelii 17XNL infection. Prediabetic NOD mice could not mount a protective
      antibody response to the P. yoelii 17XNL-infected red blood cells (iRBCs), and
      they all succumbed shortly after infection. Our data suggest that the lack of
      anti-P. yoelii 17XNL-iRBCs protective antibodies in NOD mice is a result of
      parasite-induced, Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells able to suppress the parasite
      specific antibody secretion. Conclusions. The NOD mouse model may help in
      identifying new mechanisms of B-cell evasion by malaria parasites. It may also
      serve as a more accurate tool for testing antimalaria therapeutics due to the
      lack of interference with a preexistent self-curing mechanism present in other
      mouse strains.

PMID- 28074171
TI  - Critical evaluation of reverse engineering tool Imagix 4D!
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The comprehension of legacy codes is difficult to understand.
      Various commercial reengineering tools are available that have unique working
      styles, and are equipped with their inherent capabilities and shortcomings. The
      focus of the available tools is in visualizing static behavior not the dynamic
      one. Therefore, it is difficult for people who work in software product
      maintenance, code understanding reengineering/reverse engineering. Consequently,
      the need for a comprehensive reengineering/reverse engineering tool arises. We
      found the usage of Imagix 4D to be good as it generates the maximum pictorial
      representations in the form of flow charts, flow graphs, class diagrams, metrics
      and, to a partial extent, dynamic visualizations. CASE DESCRIPTION AND EVOLUTION:
      We evaluated Imagix 4D with the help of a case study involving a few samples of
      source code. The behavior of the tool was analyzed on multiple small codes and a
      large code gcc C parser. Large code evaluation was performed to uncover dead
      code, unstructured code, and the effect of not including required files at
      preprocessing level. The utility of Imagix 4D to prepare decision density and
      complexity metrics for a large code was found to be useful in getting to know how
      much reengineering is required. At the outset, Imagix 4D offered limitations in
      dynamic visualizations, flow chart separation (large code) and parsing loops.
      CONCLUSION: The outcome of evaluation will eventually help in upgrading Imagix 4D
      and posed a need of full featured tools in the area of software
      reengineering/reverse engineering. It will also help the research community,
      especially those who are interested in the realm of software reengineering tool
      building.

PMID- 28074172
TI  - Non-allergic rhinitis in children: Epidemiological aspects, pathological
      features, diagnostic methodology and clinical management.
AB  - Chronic rhinitis is a very common disease, as the prevalence in the general
      population resulted to be 40%. Allergic rhinitis has been considered to be the
      most frequent form of chronic rhinitis, as non-allergic rhinitis has been
      estimated to account for 25%. However, several evidences suggested that non
      allergic rhinitis have been underrated, especially in children. In pediatrics,
      the diagnostic definition of non-allergic rhinitis has been often limited to the
      exclusion of an allergic sensitization. Actually, local allergic rhinitis has
      been often misdiagnosed as well as mixed rhinitis has not been recognized in most
      cases. Nasal cytology is a diagnostic procedure being suitable for routine
      clinical practice with children and could be a very useful tool to characterize
      and diagnose non-allergic rhinitis, providing important clues for epidemiological
      analysis and clinical management.

PMID- 28074173
TI  - Radiological clinical trials: Proposal of a problem-finding questionnaire to
      improve study success.
AB  - AIM: To develop a survey to help define the main problems in radiological
      clinical trials. METHODS: Since 2006, we have managed seven different
      radiological clinical trials recruiting patients in academic and non-academic
      centres. We developed a preliminary questionnaire using a four-round Delphi
      approach to identify problems occurring in radiological clinical trials run at
      our centre. We investigated the recruitment experience, involvement of all multi
      disciplinary team members and main obstacles to completing the projects. A final
      round of Delphi processes elucidated solutions to the identified problems.
      RESULTS: Among 19/20 (95%) respondents, 10 (53%) were young physicians (under 35
      years old), and the respondents included non-faculty members, fellows, residents,
      and undergraduate students. Ninety-four percent (18/19) of respondents showed
      interest in conducting clinical trials. On a scale of 1 to 10, the problems with
      higher/worse scores (8-9) were related to technical or communication problems.
      The most frequent problems across all studies were technical problems related to
      clinical trial equipment, insufficient willingness to participate, obstacles to
      understanding the design of electronic-case report form and extra work.
      CONCLUSION: The developed questionnaire identified the main recurring problems in
      radiological clinical trials as perceived by end-users and helped define possible
      solutions that are mostly related to having dedicated clinical trial research
      staff.

PMID- 28074174
TI  - Colectomy Rates for Ulcerative Colitis Differ between Ethnic Groups: Results from
      a 15-Year Nationwide Cohort Study.
AB  - Introduction. Previous epidemiological studies suggest a higher rate of
      pancolonic disease in South Asians (SA) compared with White Europeans (WE). The
      aim of the study was to compare colectomy rates for ulcerative colitis (UC) in SA
      to those of WE. Methods. Patients with UC were identified from a national
      administrative dataset (Hospital Episode Statistics, HES) between 1997 and 2012
      according to ICD-10 diagnosis code K51 for UC. The colectomy rate for each ethnic
      group was calculated as the proportion of patients who underwent colectomy from
      the total UC cases for that group. Results. Of 212,430 UC cases, 73,318 (35.3%)
      were coded for ethnicity. There was no significant difference in the colectomy
      rate between SA and WE (6.93% versus 6.90%). Indians had a significantly higher
      colectomy rate than WE (9.8% versus 6.9%, p < 0.001). Indian patients were 21%
      more likely to require colectomy for UC compared with WE group (OR: 1.21, 95% CI:
      1.04-1.42, and p = 0.001). Conclusions. Given the limitations in coding, the
      colectomy rate in this cohort was higher in Indians compared to WE. A
      prospectively recruited ethnic cohort study will decipher whether this reflects a
      more aggressive phenotype or is due to other confounding factors.

PMID- 28074175
TI  - Gene Expression Analysis of Alfalfa Seedlings Response to Acid-Aluminum.
AB  - Acid-Aluminum (Al) is toxic to plants and greatly affects crop production
      worldwide. To understand the responses of plants to acid soils and Aluminum
      toxicity, we examined global gene expression using microarray data in alfalfa
      seedlings with the treatment of acid-Aluminum. 3,926 genes that were identified
      significantly up- or downregulated in response to Al3+ ions with pH 4.5
      treatment, 66.33% of which were found in roots. Their functional categories were
      mainly involved with phytohormone regulation, reactive oxygen species, and
      transporters. Both gene ontology (GO) enrichment and KEGG analysis indicated that
      phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and flavonoid
      biosynthesis played a critical role on defense to Aluminum stress in alfalfa. In
      addition, we found that transcription factors such as the MYB and WRKY family
      proteins may be also involved in the regulation of reactive oxygen species
      reactions and flavonoid biosynthesis. Thus, the finding of global gene expression
      profile provided insights into the mechanisms of plant defense to acid-Al stress
      in alfalfa. Understanding the key regulatory genes and pathways would be
      advantageous for improving crop production not only in alfalfa but also in other
      crops under acid-Aluminum stress.

PMID- 28074176
TI  - Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Effects of Exogenous Hematin on
      Anthocyanin Biosynthesis during Strawberry Fruit Ripening.
AB  - Anthocyanin in strawberries has a positive effect on fruit coloration. In this
      study, the role of exogenous hematin on anthocyanin biosynthesis was
      investigated. Our result showed that the white stage of strawberries treated with
      exogenous hematin had higher anthocyanin content, compared to the control group.
      Among all treatments, 5 MUM of hematin was the optimal condition to promote color
      development. In order to explore the molecular mechanism of fruit coloring
      regulated by hematin, transcriptomes in the hematin- and non-hematin-treated
      fruit were analyzed. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were
      identified in regulating anthocyanin synthesis, including the DEGs involved in
      anthocyanin biosynthesis, hormone signaling transduction, phytochrome signaling,
      starch and sucrose degradation, and transcriptional pathways. These regulatory
      networks may play an important role in regulating the color process of
      strawberries treated with hematin. In summary, exogenous hematin could promote
      fruit coloring by increasing anthocyanin content in the white stage of
      strawberries. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis suggests that hematin-promoted
      fruit coloring occurs through multiple related metabolic pathways, which provides
      valuable information for regulating fruit color via anthocyanin biosynthesis in
      strawberries.

PMID- 28074177
TI  - Pain Analysis in Patients with Pancreatic Carcinoma: Irreversible Electroporation
      versus Cryoablation.
AB  - The aim of this article is to evaluate and compare the postprocedure pain in
      patients with pancreatic carcinoma treated with irreversible electroporation
      (IRE) and cryoablation (CRYO). We compared 22 patients with 22 lesions in
      pancreas treated with IRE and 26 patients with 27 lesions treated with
      cryosurgery. All the patients in the two groups were under celiac plexus block
      (CPB) treatment to alleviate the postprocedure pain. A numerical rating scale
      (VAS) consisting of 11-point scales and the 24 h total hydromorphone use were
      recorded for the analysis of the pain level in the patients who underwent these
      two technologies separately. Other parameters, such as the complications and the
      ECOG performance status, were also noted. Statistical analysis was performed by
      Fisher's exact test, the Chi-square test, and Student's t-test. All the
      pancreatic carcinoma patients in our study were reported to have postprocedure
      pain in the two groups. But there was no significant difference in the mean pain
      score (4.95 (IRE) versus 4.85 (CRYO); P = 0.52) and 24 h total hydromorphone use
      (3.89 mg (IRE) versus 3.97 mg (CRYO); P = 0.30). IRE is comparable to cryotherapy
      in the amount of pain that patients with pancreatic carcinoma experience.

PMID- 28074178
TI  - Effects of Frequency and Acceleration Amplitude on Osteoblast Mechanical
      Vibration Responses: A Finite Element Study.
AB  - Bone cells are deformed according to mechanical stimulation they receive and
      their mechanical characteristics. However, how osteoblasts are affected by
      mechanical vibration frequency and acceleration amplitude remains unclear. By
      developing 3D osteoblast finite element (FE) models, this study investigated the
      effect of cell shapes on vibration characteristics and effect of acceleration
      (vibration intensity) on vibrational responses of cultured osteoblasts. Firstly,
      the developed FE models predicted natural frequencies of osteoblasts within 6.85
      48.69 Hz. Then, three different levels of acceleration of base excitation were
      selected (0.5, 1, and 2 g) to simulate vibrational responses, and acceleration of
      base excitation was found to have no influence on natural frequencies of
      osteoblasts. However, vibration response values of displacement, stress, and
      strain increased with the increase of acceleration. Finally, stress and stress
      distributions of osteoblast models under 0.5 g acceleration in Z-direction were
      investigated further. It was revealed that resonance frequencies can be a
      monotonic function of cell height or bottom area when cell volumes and material
      properties were assumed as constants. These findings will be useful in
      understanding how forces are transferred and influence osteoblast mechanical
      responses during vibrations and in providing guidance for cell culture and
      external vibration loading in experimental and clinical osteogenesis studies.

PMID- 28074179
TI  - Integrative Evaluation of Automated Massage Combined with Thermotherapy:
      Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Viewpoints.
AB  - Various types of massages are reported to relieve stress, pain, and anxiety which
      are beneficial for rehabilitation; however, more comprehensive studies are needed
      to understand the mechanism of massage therapy. In this study, we investigated
      the effect of massage therapy, alone or in combination with infrared heating, on
      3 different aspects: physical, physiological, and psychological. Twenty-eight
      healthy university students were subjected to 3 different treatment conditions on
      separate days, one condition per day: control, massage only, or massage with
      infrared heating. Physical (trunk extension [TE]; maximum power of erector
      spinae), physiological (heart-rate variability [HRV]; electroencephalogram
      [EEG]), and psychological (state-trait anxiety inventory [STAI]; visual analogue
      scale [VAS]) measurements were evaluated and recorded before and after each
      treatment condition. The results showed that massage therapy, especially when
      combined with infrared heating, significantly improved physical functioning,
      increased parasympathetic response, and decreased psychological stress and
      anxiety. In the current study, we observed that massage therapy contributes to
      various physical, physiological, and psychological changes, where the effect
      increases with thermotherapy.

PMID- 28074180
TI  - Horizontally Transferred Genetic Elements in the Tsetse Fly Genome: An Alignment
      Free Clustering Approach Using Batch Learning Self-Organising Map (BLSOM).
AB  - Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) are the primary vectors of trypanosomes, which can
      cause human and animal African trypanosomiasis in Sub-Saharan African countries.
      The objective of this study was to explore the genome of Glossina morsitans
      morsitans for evidence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from microorganisms. We
      employed an alignment-free clustering method, that is, batch learning self
      organising map (BLSOM), in which sequence fragments are clustered based on the
      similarity of oligonucleotide frequencies independently of sequence homology.
      After an initial scan of HGT events using BLSOM, we identified 3.8% of the tsetse
      fly genome as HGT candidates. The predicted donors of these HGT candidates
      included known symbionts, such as Wolbachia, as well as bacteria that have not
      previously been associated with the tsetse fly. We detected HGT candidates from
      diverse bacteria such as Bacillus and Flavobacteria, suggesting a past
      association between these taxa. Functional annotation revealed that the HGT
      candidates encoded loci in various functional pathways, such as metabolic and
      antibiotic biosynthesis pathways. These findings provide a basis for
      understanding the coevolutionary history of the tsetse fly and its microbes and
      establish the effectiveness of BLSOM for the detection of HGT events.

PMID- 28074181
TI  - Transperitoneal Subcostal Access for Urologic Laparoscopy: Experience of a Large
      Chinese Center.
AB  - Objective. To present our experience of using transperitoneal subcostal access,
      Palmer's point (3 cm below the left costal margin in the midclavicular line), and
      its right corresponding site, in urologic laparoscopy. Methods. We used Palmer's
      point and the right corresponding site for initial access in 302 urologic
      surgeries (62 cases with prior surgeries). The record of these cases was
      reviewed. Results. Success rate of initial access is 99.4%, and complication rate
      of puncturing is only 3.4% with no serious complication. In the cases with prior
      surgeries, there were only two cases with access complication on the right side
      (minor laceration of liver). For people with BMI more than 30 kg/m2 (12, 3.9%),
      the success rate was also 100 percent. Conclusions. Palmer's point and the
      corresponding right location are feasible, effective, and safe for initial access
      in urologic laparoscopic surgeries. This entry technique should be used routinely
      in urologic laparoscopic surgeries.

PMID- 28074182
TI  - Current Computational Models for Prediction of the Varied Interactions Related to
      Noncoding RNAs.

PMID- 28074183
TI  - A Novel Assay for the Identification of NOTCH1 PEST Domain Mutations in Chronic
      Lymphocytic Leukemia.
AB  - Aims. To develop a fast and robust DNA-based assay to detect insertions and
      deletions mutations in exon 34 that encodes the PEST domain of NOTCH1 in order to
      evaluate patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Methods. We designed a
      multiplexed allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with a
      fragment analysis assay to detect specifically the mutation c.7544_7545delCT and
      possibly other insertions and deletions in exon 34 of NOTCH1. Results. We
      evaluated our assay in peripheral blood samples from two cohorts of patients with
      CLL. The frequency of NOTCH1 mutations was 8.4% in the first cohort of 71
      unselected CLL patients. We then evaluated a second cohort of 26 CLL patients
      with known cytogenetic abnormalities that were enriched for patients with trisomy
      12. NOTCH1 mutations were detected in 43.7% of the patients with trisomy 12.
      Conclusions. We have developed a fast and robust assay combining allele-specific
      PCR and fragment analysis able to detect NOTCH1 PEST domain insertions and
      deletions.

PMID- 28074184
TI  - Profiles of Inflammatory Cytokines in the Vitreous Fluid from Patients with
      Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and Their Correlations with Clinical Features.
AB  - Purpose. To characterize the profiles for inflammatory cytokines in the vitreous
      fluid from patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) by comparing
      those of other vitreoretinal diseases and to analyze the correlation between
      intravitreal cytokines and clinical features. Materials and Methods. Vitreous
      fluid was obtained at the time of surgery from 28 RRD eyes. Vitreous fluid was
      similarly collected from patients with macular hole (MH), epiretinal membrane,
      proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and retinal vein occlusion as controls.
      Twenty-seven cytokines were measured. Intravitreal cytokine profiles in RRD were
      characterized by comparing these with those in other vitreoretinal diseases. We
      also analyzed the correlations between vitreous cytokines and clinical features.
      Results. There were statistical differences in the MCP-1, MIP-1beta, and IP-10
      between the RRD and MH, while the IL-6 and IL-8 exhibited levels that were
      between those for the PDR and MH. MIP-1beta was significantly correlated to both
      the extent and duration of the RRD, while IL-8 was significantly correlated to
      the extent of the RRD. Conclusions. MCP-1, MIP-1beta, and IP-10 may modify the
      pathologic features of RRD. The levels of these cytokines are related in part to
      the clinical features and the level of photoreceptor damage.

PMID- 28074185
TI  - Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Isolated from Animal-Origin
      Food Items in Gondar, Ethiopia.
AB  - Salmonella has been found to be the major cause of foodborne diseases and a
      serious public health problem in the world, with an increasing concern for the
      emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant strains. A cross-sectional study
      was conducted between February 2014 and December 2015 on food items of animal
      origin to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of
      Salmonella isolates using standard bacteriological methods. The overall
      prevalence rate of 5.5% was recorded from the total analyzed food items of animal
      origin. Salmonella isolates were detected from 12% of raw meat, 8% of minced
      meat, 2.9% of burger samples, 18% of raw eggs, and 6% of raw milk. Furthermore,
      antimicrobial susceptibility test identified 47.6% resistant Salmonella isolates,
      28.6% intermediately sensitive isolates, and 23.8% susceptible isolates. Among
      Salmonella isolates tested, 42.6%, 28.6%, and 14.3% were found to be relatively
      resistant to tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and ampicillin,
      respectively, while 9.5%-19% were intermediately resistant to tetracycline,
      amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalothin, and nitrofurantoin. Therefore, our findings
      provide the prevalence and drug resistance of Salmonella from foods of animal
      origin and contribute information to scientists as well as public health
      researchers to minimize the prevalent and resistant foodborne Salmonella species
      in Ethiopia.

PMID- 28074187
TI  - Baseline Chronic Kidney Disease and Ischemic Method of Partial Nephrectomy Are
      Important Factors for the Short- and Long-Term Deterioration in Renal Function
      for Renal Cell Carcinoma Staged T1-T2: A Retrospective Single Center Study.
AB  - The renal functions of 215 patients (24 with benign renal mass, the rest with RCC
      staged T1-T2) who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN) between 2003 and 2014 were
      evaluated to identify predictors of short- and long-term deterioration in renal
      function after PN among renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with or without
      preoperative predisposition to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and among patients
      with benign renal mass. The 1- and 5-year predictive factors for de novo CKD were
      statistically analyzed. The incidence of de novo CKD differed significantly (p <
      0.001) among patients with benign renal mass, those with RCC but no preoperative
      CKD predisposition, and those with RCC combined with preoperative CKD
      predisposition. Independent predictors for de novo CKD at 1 year postoperatively
      included intraoperative ischemic method, ECOG score, elevated albumin levels,
      male sex, and smoking exposure (in pack-years). Predictors for de novo CKD at 5
      years postoperatively included hypertension, high preoperative albumin levels, De
      Ritis ratio (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio), smoking
      exposure, and preoperative predisposition to CKD. Preoperative predisposition to
      CKD and ischemic method applied during PN, along with other preoperative
      parameters, were important factors affecting postoperative renal function
      deterioration in patients with T1-T2 RCC.

PMID- 28074186
TI  - TAMH: A Useful In Vitro Model for Assessing Hepatotoxic Mechanisms.
AB  - In vitro models for hepatotoxicity can be useful tools to predict in vivo
      responses. In this review, we discuss the use of the transforming growth factor
      alpha transgenic mouse hepatocyte (TAMH) cell line, which is an attractive model
      to study drug-induced liver injury due to its ability to retain a stable
      phenotype and express drug-metabolizing enzymes. Hepatotoxicity involves damage
      to the liver and is often associated with chemical exposure. Since the liver is a
      major site for drug metabolism, drug-induced liver injury is a serious health
      concern for certain agents. At the molecular level, various mechanisms may
      protect or harm the liver during drug-induced hepatocellular injury including
      signaling pathways and endogenous factors (e.g., Bcl-2, GSH, Nrf2, or MAPK). The
      interplay between these and other pathways in the hepatocyte can change upon drug
      or drug metabolite exposure leading to intracellular stress and eventually cell
      death and liver injury. This review focuses on mechanistic studies investigating
      drug-induced toxicity in the TAMH line and how alterations to hepatotoxic
      mechanisms in this model relate to the in vivo situation. The agents discussed
      herein include acetaminophen (APAP), tetrafluoroethylcysteine (TFEC), flutamide,
      PD0325901, lapatinib, and flupirtine.

PMID- 28074188
TI  - Effect of Negative Pressure on Proliferation, Virulence Factor Secretion, Biofilm
      Formation, and Virulence-Regulated Gene Expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa In
      Vitro.
AB  - Objective. To investigate the effect of negative pressure conditions induced by
      NPWT on P. aeruginosa. Methods. P. aeruginosa was cultured in a Luria-Bertani
      medium at negative pressure of -125 mmHg for 24 h in the experimental group and
      at atmospheric pressure in the control group. The diameters of the colonies of P.
      aeruginosa were measured after 24 h. ELISA kit, orcinol method, and elastin-Congo
      red assay were used to quantify the virulence factors. Biofilm formation was
      observed by staining with Alexa Fluor(r) 647 conjugate of concanavalin A (Con A).
      Virulence-regulated genes were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Results. As
      compared with the control group, growth of P. aeruginosa was inhibited by
      negative pressure. The colony size under negative pressure was significantly
      smaller in the experimental group than that in the controls (p < 0.01). Besides,
      reductions in the total amount of virulence factors were observed in the negative
      pressure group, including exotoxin A, rhamnolipid, and elastase. RT-PCR results
      revealed a significant inhibition in the expression level of virulence-regulated
      genes. Conclusion. Negative pressure could significantly inhibit the growth of P.
      aeruginosa. It led to a decrease in the virulence factor secretion, biofilm
      formation, and a reduction in the expression level of virulence-regulated genes.

PMID- 28074189
TI  - Ethnobotanical Research at the Kutuku Scientific Station, Morona-Santiago,
      Ecuador.
AB  - This work features the results of an ethnobotanical study on the uses of
      medicinal plants by the inhabitants of the region near to the Kutuku Scientific
      Station of Universidad Politecnica Salesiana, located in the Morona-Santiago
      province, southeast of Ecuador. In the surroundings of the station, one ethnic
      group, the Shuar, has been identified. The survey hereafter reports a total of
      131 plant species, with 73 different therapeutic uses.

PMID- 28074190
TI  - Influence of Aluminium and EGCG on Fibrillation and Aggregation of Human Islet
      Amyloid Polypeptide.
AB  - The abnormal fibrillation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) has been
      implicated in the development of type II diabetes. Aluminum is known to trigger
      the structural transformation of many amyloid proteins and induce the formation
      of toxic aggregate species. The (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is considered
      capable of binding both metal ions and amyloid proteins with inhibitory effect on
      the fibrillation of amyloid proteins. However, the effect of Al(III)/EGCG complex
      on hIAPP fibrillation is unclear. In the present work, we sought to view insight
      into the structures and properties of Al(III) and EGCG complex by using
      spectroscopic experiments and quantum chemical calculations and also investigated
      the influence of Al(III) and EGCG on hIAPP fibrillation and aggregation as well
      as their combined interference on this process. Our studies demonstrated that
      Al(III) could promote fibrillation and aggregation of hIAPP, while EGCG could
      inhibit the fibrillation of hIAPP and lead to the formation of hIAPP amorphous
      aggregates instead of the ordered fibrils. Furthermore, we proved that the
      Al(III)/EGCG complex in molar ratio of 1 : 1 as Al(EGCG)(H2O)2 could inhibit the
      hIAPP fibrillation more effectively than EGCG alone. The results provide the
      invaluable reference for the new drug development to treat type II diabetes.

PMID- 28074191
TI  - Repeated Long-Term DT Application in the DEREG Mouse Induces a Neutralizing Anti
      DT Antibody Response.
AB  - Regulatory T (Tregs) cells play an important role in mediating tolerance to self
      antigens but can also mediate detrimental tolerance to tumours and pathogens in a
      Foxp3-dependent manner. Genetic tools exploiting the foxp3 locus including
      bacterial artificial chromosome- (BAC-) transgenic DEpletion of REGulatory T
      cells (DEREG) mice have provided essential information on Treg biology and the
      potential therapeutic modulation of tolerance. In DEREG mice, Foxp3+ Tregs
      selectively express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and diphtheria
      toxin (DT) receptor, allowing for the specific depletion of Tregs through DT
      administration. We here provide a detailed overview about an important
      consideration that long-term administration of DT induces a humoral immune
      response with an appropriate production of anti-DT antibodies that can inactivate
      DT and thus abrogate its effect in the DEREG mouse. Additionally, we showed that
      anti-DT mouse serum partially neutralized DT-induced Foxp3 inhibition.

PMID- 28074192
TI  - Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Are Impaired in Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
AB  - Background. The myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) comprises a group of clonal
      hematopoietic stem cell diseases characterized by cytopenia, dysplasia in one or
      more of the major myeloid lineages, ineffective hematopoiesis, and increased risk
      of development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Macrophages are innate immune
      cells that ingest and degrade abnormal cells, debris, and foreign material and
      orchestrate inflammatory processes. We analyzed the role of macrophages from MDS
      patients in vitro. Methods. Macrophages were induced from peripheral blood of
      patients with MDS via granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF).
      Phagocytic capacity of macrophages was measured with carboxyfluorescein
      succinimidyl ester and fluorescent microspheres. CD206 and signal regulatory
      protein alpha (SIRPalpha) on macrophages were detected by flow cytometry.
      Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was measured by ELISA method. Results.
      Compared with normal control group, the number of monocytes increased in MDS
      patients. However, the monocytes showed impaired ability to induce macrophages
      and the number of macrophages induced from MDS samples was lower. Further, we
      demonstrated that the ex vivo phagocytic function of macrophages from MDS
      patients was impaired and levels of reorganization receptors CD206 and SIRPalpha
      were lower. Levels of iNOS secreted by macrophages in MDS were increased.
      Conclusions. Monocyte-derived macrophages are impaired in myelodysplastic
      syndromes.

PMID- 28074195
TI  - Harnessing the advantages of hard and soft colloids by the use of core-shell
      particles as interfacial stabilizers.
AB  - The ability of colloidal particles to penetrate fluid interfaces is a crucial
      factor in the preparation of particle stabilized disperse systems such as foams
      and emulsions. For hard micron-sized particles the insertion into fluid
      interfaces requires substantial energy input, but soft particles are known to
      adsorb spontaneously. Particle hardness, however, may also affect foam and
      emulsion stability. The high compliance of soft particles may compromise their
      ability to withstand the lateral compression associated with disproportionation.
      Hence, particles which can spontaneously adsorb onto fluid interfaces, and yet
      depict low compliance may be ideal as interfacial stabilizers. In the present
      work, we prepared core-shell particles comprising a hard, polystyrene core and a
      soft poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) based shell. We found that such core-shell
      particles adsorb spontaneously onto various fluid interfaces. The absence of a
      pronounced energy barrier for interfacial adsorption allowed the facile
      preparation of particle-stabilized bubbles as well as emulsion droplets. For
      bubbles, the stability was better than that of bubbles stabilized by entirely
      soft particles, but disproportionation was not stopped completely. Emulsion
      droplets, in contrast, showed excellent stability against both coalescence and
      disproportionation. Lateral compression of core-shell particles due to
      disproportionation was clearly limited by the presence of the polystyrene core,
      leading to long-lasting stability. For emulsions, we even observed non-spherical
      droplets, indicating a negligible Laplace pressure. Our results indicate that
      core-shell particles comprising a hard core and a soft shell combine the
      advantageous properties of hard and soft particles, namely spontaneous adsorption
      and limited compliance, and can therefore be superior materials for the
      preparation of particle-stabilized dispersions.

PMID- 28074193
TI  - Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and BAFF Levels Are Associated with Disease Activity
      in Primary Sjogren's Syndrome.
AB  - The study investigated the association between disease activity and serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)-D3), B cell activation of the tumor necrosis factor
      family (BAFF), or beta2 microglobulin in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome
      (SS). Sixty-nine primary SS patients and 22 sicca control patients were included
      in the study. Disease activity was measured with EULAR Sjogren's syndrome disease
      activity index (ESSDAI). Serum levels of 25(OH)-D3 and beta2 microglobulin were
      measured by radioimmunoassay and BAFF was measured by an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of 25(OH)-D3 were significantly lower in SS
      patients compared to the sicca controls (p = 0.036). Serum levels of BAFF tended
      to be higher (p = 0.225) and those of beta2 microglobulin were significantly
      higher in patients with SS than in sicca controls (p = 0.023). In univariate
      regression analyses, ESSDAI was significantly associated with serum levels of
      25(OH)-D3, BAFF, and beta2 microglobulin. After stepwise backward multivariate
      linear regression analyses including age and acute phase reactants, ESSDAI was
      associated with 25(OH)-D3 (beta = -0.042, p = 0.015) and BAFF (beta = 0.001, p =
      0.015) in SS patients. In SS patients, ESSDAI is negatively associated with serum
      levels of 25(OH)-D3 and positively associated with BAFF.

PMID- 28074196
TI  - Ionic Flash NanoPrecipitation (iFNP) for the facile, one-step synthesis of
      inorganic-organic hybrid nanoparticles in water.
AB  - Ionic Flash NanoPrecipitation (iFNP) was evaluated as a novel method for the
      synthesis of inorganic-organic hybrid nanomaterials and proved to be remarkably
      effective, fast and practical. To prove the potential of iFNP, various
      nanostructured GdPO4-based materials of biomedical imaging relevance were easily
      prepared in a one-step, tunable and highly controlled manner using only water as
      solvent.

PMID- 28074194
TI  - Returning for HIV Test Results: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Facilitators.
AB  - This systematic review aims to identify factors that facilitate or hinder the
      return for HIV test results. Four electronic databases were searched. Two
      independent reviewers selected eligible publications based on inclusion/exclusion
      criteria. Quantitative studies published since 1985 were included. Thirty-six
      studies were included in the final review. Individual level barriers included
      sociodemographic characteristics, such as being a male, of young age and low
      education level, risk behaviours such as injecting drugs, having multiple sexual
      partners, and psychosocial factors. Older age, higher education level, being a
      woman, having high self-esteem, having coping skills, and holding insurance
      coverage were identified as facilitators. Interpersonal barriers and facilitators
      were linked to risk behaviours of sexual partners. Contextual barriers included
      essentially the HIV testing center and its characteristics. This review
      identified the most important factors that need to be addressed to ensure that
      people return for their HIV test results.

PMID- 28074197
TI  - Azido- and amido-substituted gallium hydrides supported by N-heterocyclic
      carbenes.
AB  - Despite recent advances in main group N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) coordination
      chemistry, gallium hydrides remain, in large part, an unexplored area of
      research. In this paper we outline efficient routes to azide- and amido
      functionalized gallium hydrides such as NHC.GaH2N3 and NHC.GaH2N(SiMe3)2 and
      explore these species as potential precursors to HGaNH complexes and bulk gallium
      nitride (GaN).

PMID- 28074198
TI  - Synergetic effect in heterogeneous acid catalysis by a porous ionic crystal based
      on Al(iii)-salphen and polyoxometalate.
AB  - A porous ionic crystal is synthesized with a cationic Al(iii)-salphen complex
      (Al(iii)-salphen) and a alpha-Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM). The compound
      possesses stable three dimensional porous structure and shows high activity as a
      heterogeneous catalyst in pinacol rearrangement, which is a typical acid
      reaction. Notably, Al(iii)-salphen, POM, and a physical mixture of the two
      components are much less active, suggesting a synergetic effect of Al(iii)
      salphen and POM in a porous framework.

PMID- 28074199
TI  - Topological phase transformations and intrinsic size effects in ferroelectric
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Composite materials comprised of ferroelectric nanoparticles in a dielectric
      matrix are being actively investigated for a variety of functional properties
      attractive for a wide range of novel electronic and energy harvesting devices.
      However, the dependence of these functionalities on shapes, sizes, orientation
      and mutual arrangement of ferroelectric particles is currently not fully
      understood. In this study, we utilize a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau approach
      combined with coupled-physics finite-element-method based simulations to
      elucidate the behavior of polarization in isolated spherical PbTiO3 or BaTiO3
      nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric medium, including air. The equilibrium
      polarization topology is strongly affected by particle diameter, as well as the
      choice of inclusion and matrix materials, with monodomain, vortex-like and
      multidomain patterns emerging for various combinations of size and materials
      parameters. This leads to radically different polarization vs. electric field
      responses, resulting in highly tunable size-dependent dielectric properties that
      should be possible to observe experimentally. Our calculations show that there is
      a critical particle size below which ferroelectricity vanishes. For the PbTiO3
      particle, this size is 2 and 3.4 nm, respectively, for high- and low-permittivity
      media. For the BaTiO3 particle, it is ~3.6 nm regardless of the medium dielectric
      strength.

PMID- 28074200
TI  - Hydrophenoxylation of internal alkynes catalysed with a heterobimetallic Cu
      NHC/Au-NHC system.
AB  - A straightforward method for the hydrophenoxylation of internal alkynes, using N
      heterocyclic carbene-based copper(i) and gold(i) complexes, is described. The
      heterobimetallic catalytic system proceeds via dual activation of the substrates
      to afford the desired vinylether derivatives. This methodology is shown to be
      highly efficient and tolerates a wide range of substituted phenols and alkynes.

PMID- 28074201
TI  - Metabolic stability of cells for extended metabolomical measurements using NMR. A
      comparison between lysed and additionally heat inactivated cells.
AB  - NMR measurements for metabolic characterization of biological samples like cells,
      biopsies or plasma, may take several hours for advanced methods. Preanalytical
      issues, such as sample preparation and stability over the measurement time, may
      have a high impact on metabolite content, and potentially lead to
      misinterpretation. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate by 1H HR
      MAS NMR the impact of different cell handling preparation protocols on the
      stability of the cell metabolite content over the measurement time. For this
      purpose, the metabolite content of fibroblasts and adrenal cells were measured at
      different time points after lysis and after additional heating. Interestingly the
      results showed similar metabolite concentrations between lysed and lysed-heated
      cells at the beginning of the measurement, but increasing differences after some
      hours of measurement. In lysed cells, metabolism was ongoing, producing
      metabolite changes over time, contrary to a stable metabolite content of the
      lysed-heated cells. These results were confirmed in both fibroblasts and adrenal
      cells. Therefore, in order to minimize metabolite content modifications over the
      measurement time, it is suggested to use cell lysis in combination with heat
      inactivation for extended HR-MAS NMR measurements.

PMID- 28074202
TI  - An Ising iron(ii) chain exhibits a large finite-size energy barrier and "hard"
      magnetic behaviour.
AB  - One-dimensional spin chains featuring strong axial anisotropic magnetism are
      promising candidates for isolatable and miniatured information storage materials,
      the so-called single-chain magnets (SCMs). Here we show a mixed azido/carboxylato
      bridged metamagnetic iron(ii) chain [Fe(N3)2(4-mpc)]n (4-mpc = N-methylpyridinium
      4-carboxylate) with a large energy barrier of 150 K, a large remnant
      magnetization (1.55Nbeta) and coercivity (1.7 T at 2 K) for homo-spin SCMs. Heat
      capacity and Mossbauer spectroscopy studies corroborate the intrinsic nature of
      SCM behavior regardless of weak interchain magnetic interactions, which lead to
      the coexistence of metamagnetism but not long-range magnetic ordering. Moreover,
      detailed magnetic investigations indicate that the system is not only within the
      "Ising limit" but also in the "finite-size" regime.

PMID- 28074203
TI  - Multitopic ligand directed assembly of low-dimensional metal-chalcogenide organic
      frameworks.
AB  - Despite tremendous progress in metal-organic frameworks, only limited success has
      been achieved with metal-chalcogenide organic frameworks. Metal-chalcogenide
      organic frameworks are desirable because they offer a promising route towards
      tunable semiconducting porous frameworks. Here, four novel semiconducting
      chalcogenide-organic hybrid compounds have been synthesized through a
      solvothermal method. Multitopic organic molecules, i.e., 1,2-di-(4
      pyridyl)ethylene (L1), 1,3,5-tris(4-pyridyl-trans-ethenyl)benzene (L2) and
      tetrakis(4-pyridyloxymethylene)methane (L3), have been used as linkers to
      assemble Zn(SAr)2 or Zn2(SAr)4 units to generate different patterns of spatial
      organizations. Single-crystal structural analyses indicate that compounds NTU-2,
      NTU-3 and NTU-4 possess two-dimensional layer structures, while compound NTU-1
      adopts a one-dimensional coordination framework (NTU-n, where n is the number
      related to a specific structure). The diffuse-reflectance spectra demonstrate
      that these four compounds possess indirect bandgaps and their tunable bandgaps
      are correlated with their compositions and crystal structures.

PMID- 28074204
TI  - Surfactants adsorption on crossing stripes and steps.
AB  - Using coarse-grained dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations, we
      systematically study the effect of surface heterogeneity on surfactant
      adsorption. Here we investigate the adsorption and aggregation of surfactants on
      hydrophobic stripes crossing each other perpendicularly (i.e., crossing stripes)
      and on hydrophobic steps. The results are compared with those obtained for
      isolated stripes. We find that on crossing stripes of moderate stripe widths
      (e.g., L = 0.61LS, 1.22LS and 1.83LS, where LS is the length of one surfactant
      molecule) the crossing region hinders the formation of defect-free adsorbed
      surfactant structures. By increasing the stripe width and/or by increasing the
      length of one of the two perpendicularly crossing stripes (i.e., lowering the
      surface density of defects/intersections), the crossing region is found to have a
      weaker effect on the features of the adsorbed structures. Regarding surfactant
      adsorption on steps, our simulation results show that the self-assembled
      aggregates can be stretched along the step corner, and the resultant elastic
      deformation can hinder adsorption. This qualitative observation can facilitate a
      description of surfactant adsorption that takes into consideration also the
      deformation of the self-assembled film. As suggested by such a general model,
      increasing the convex angle of the step, increasing the size of the surfactant
      head groups, and changing other physical parameters can reduce the elastic energy
      penalty, and yield larger amounts of surfactants adsorbed. The results presented
      could assist in understanding and sometimes predicting surfactant adsorption on
      heterogeneous surfaces, suggest methods to formulate surfactant mixtures to
      control surface coverage on heterogeneous surfaces, and perhaps facilitate new
      methods for the fabrication of nano-structured surfaces.

PMID- 28074205
TI  - Transport and adsorption under liquid flow: the role of pore geometry.
AB  - We study here the interplay between transport and adsorption in porous systems
      with complex geometries under fluid flow. Using a lattice Boltzmann scheme
      extended to take into account the adsorption at solid/fluid interfaces, we
      investigate the influence of pore geometry and internal surface roughness on the
      efficiency of fluid flow and the adsorption of molecular species inside the pore
      space. We show how the occurrence of roughness on pore walls acts effectively as
      a modification of the solid/fluid boundary conditions, introducing slippage at
      the interface. We then compare three common pore geometries, namely honeycomb
      pores, inverse opal, and materials produced by spinodal decomposition. Finally,
      we quantify the influence of those three geometries on fluid transport and tracer
      adsorption. This opens perspectives for the optimization of materials' geometries
      for applications in dynamic adsorption under fluid flow.

PMID- 28074206
TI  - Synthesis, reactivity and characterization of Pt(ii) complexes with N,N'
      chelating ligands; structure and dimethylsulfoxide reactivity relationship.
AB  - Platinum(ii) complexes of the formula PtLCl2 [L = 2-(2'-pyridyl)quinoxaline,
      (pqx) (1), 2,(2'-pyridyl)benzo[g]quinoxaline, (pbqx) (3) and 2,(2'
      pyridyl)quinoline, (pqn) (5)] were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic
      and X-ray diffraction methods. Also, monodentate coordination of the ligands pqx
      and pbqx formed the complexes trans-Pt(DMSO)pqxCl2 (2) and trans-Pt(DMSO)pbqxCl2
      (4) as it is indicated from X-ray crystal structure and NMR studies. The reaction
      of the complexes (1), (3) and (5) with DMSO-d6 revealed a ligand-release
      solvolysis, which was studied by means of NMR techniques. Correlation between the
      crystal structures of (1), (3), and (5) and the kinetic or thermodynamic
      parameters of the solvolysis reactions showed that the tendency of the ligands
      pqx, pbqx, and pqn to return to the anti-configuration in addition to their
      ability to form non-classical H-bonds are crucial factors for the ligand-release
      solvolysis. Instantaneous DMSO-d6 solvolysis for the complexes (1) and (3) and
      slow kinetics solvolysis for (5) (k = 10-4 +/- 6.4 * 10-6 s-1) reflect their
      structural differences in ligand planarity. Based on NMR techniques a two-step
      mechanism of the chelate ring opening was suggested with equilibrium constants of
      the overall reaction at 298 K, Keq = 4.1 +/- 0.2 * 10-4 M-1 (1) and Keq = 1.7 +/-
      0.2 * 10-4 M-1 (2).

PMID- 28074207
TI  - Plutonium segregation in glassy aerodynamic fallout from a nuclear weapon test.
AB  - This study combines electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive
      spectroscopy to probe major element composition and autoradiography to map
      plutonium in order to examine the spatial relationships between plutonium and
      fallout composition in aerodynamic glassy fallout from a nuclear weapon test. A
      sample set of 48 individual fallout specimens were interrogated to reveal that
      the significant chemical heterogeneity of this sample set could be described
      compositionally with a relatively small number of compositional endmembers.
      Furthermore, high concentrations of plutonium were never associated with several
      endmember compositions and concentrated with the so-called mafic glass endmember.
      This result suggests that it is the physical characteristics of the compositional
      endmembers and not the chemical characteristics of the individual component
      elements that govern the un-burnt plutonium distribution with respect to major
      element composition in fallout.

PMID- 28074208
TI  - Optomagnetic detection of DNA triplex nanoswitches.
AB  - We report on optomagnetic dose-dependent detection of DNA triplex-mediated and pH
      switchable clusters of functionalised magnetic nanoparticles.

PMID- 28074209
TI  - Cu(i) and Ag(i) complex formation with the hydrophilic phosphine 1,3,5-triaza-7
      phosphadamantane in different ionic media. How to estimate the effect of a
      complexing medium.
AB  - The complexes of Cu(i) and Ag(i) with 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphadamantane (PTA) are
      currently studied for their potential clinical use as anticancer agents, given
      the cytotoxicity they exhibited in vitro towards a panel of several human tumor
      cell lines. These metallodrugs are prepared in the form of [M(PTA)4]+ (M = Cu+,
      Ag+) compounds and dissolved in physiological solution for their administration.
      However, the nature of the species involved in the cytotoxic activity of the
      compounds is often unknown. In the present work, the thermodynamics of formation
      of the complexes of Cu(i) and Ag(i) with PTA in aqueous solution is investigated
      by means of potentiometric, spectrophotometric and microcalorimetric methods. The
      results show that both metal(i) ions form up to four successive complexes with
      PTA. The formation of Ag(i) complexes is studied at 298.15 K in 0.1 M NaNO3
      whereas the formation of the Cu(i) one is studied in 1 M NaCl, where Cu(i) is
      stabilized by the formation of three successive chloro-complexes. Therefore, for
      this latter system, conditional stability constants and thermodynamic data are
      obtained. To estimate the affinity of Cu(i) for PTA in the absence of chloride,
      Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations have been done to obtain the
      stoichiometry and the relative stability of the possible Cu/PTA/Cl species.
      Results indicate that one chloride ion is involved in the formation of the first
      two complexes of Cu(i) ([CuCl(PTA)] and [CuCl(PTA)2]) whereas it is absent in the
      successive ones ([Cu(PTA)3]+ and [Cu(PTA)4]+). The combination of DFT results and
      thermodynamic experimental data has been used to estimate the stability constants
      of the four [Cu(PTA)n]+ (n = 1-4) complexes in an ideal non-complexing medium.
      The calculated stability constants are higher than the corresponding conditional
      values and show that PTA prefers Cu(i) to the Ag(i) ion. The approach used here
      to estimate the hidden role of chloride on the conditional stability constants of
      Cu(i) complexes may be applied to any Cu(i)/ligand system, provided that the
      stoichiometry of the species in NaCl solution is known. The speciation for the
      two systems shows that the [M(PTA)4]+ (M = Cu+, Ag+) complexes present in the
      metallodrugs are dissociated into lower stoichiometry species when diluted to the
      micromolar concentration range, typical of the in vitro biological testing.
      Accordingly, [Cu(PTA)2]+, [Cu(PTA)3]+ and [Ag(PTA)2]+ are predicted to be the
      species actually involved in the cytotoxic activity of these compounds.

PMID- 28074210
TI  - Diagnostic value of additional 68Ga-PSMA-PET before 223Ra-dichloride therapy in
      patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Medical imaging plays an important role in selecting patients with
      metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer for 223Ra-dichloride therapy of
      bone metastases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 68Ga-PSMA
      PET has incremental value over conventional imaging for selecting patients
      suitable for 223Ra-dichloride therapy. METHODS: In 27 consecutive patients
      referred for 223Ra-dichloride therapy additional 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT was performed
      and tracer distribution was evaluated systematically with respect to the
      detection of visceral metastases and bone metastases with inadequate uptake on
      bone scintigraphy. RESULTS: In 4 patients (15 %) 68Ga-PSMA-PET revealed
      previously unknown visceral metastases (3 liver, 1 adrenal gland), which changed
      the therapeutic decision in 2 cases. PET revealed more extended tumour
      involvement in the bone compared to bone scintigraphy in 9 patients (33 %). In 3
      of these, the mismatch was extensive enough to question suitability for 223Ra
      dichloride therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Additional 68Ga-PSMA-PET as a gatekeeper between
      conventional staging and 223Ra-dichloride therapy can provide valuable additional
      information with regard to visceral metastases and tumour manifestations without
      adequate bone mineral turnover. It may lead to a change in therapeutic management
      in a significant number of patients and should therefore be considered in future
      clinical trials.

PMID- 28074211
TI  - Safe Practices for Copy and Paste in the EHR. Systematic Review, Recommendations,
      and Novel Model for Health IT Collaboration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Copy and paste functionality can support efficiency during clinical
      documentation, but may promote inaccurate documentation with risks for patient
      safety. The Partnership for Health IT Patient Safety was formed to gather data,
      conduct analysis, educate, and disseminate safe practices for safer care using
      health information technology (IT). OBJECTIVE: To characterize copy and paste
      events in clinical care, identify safety risks, describe existing evidence, and
      develop implementable practice recommendations for safe reuse of information via
      copy and paste. METHODS: The Partnership 1) reviewed 12 reported safety events,
      2) solicited expert input, and 3) performed a systematic literature review (2010
      to January 2015) to identify publications addressing frequency,
      perceptions/attitudes, patient safety risks, existing guidance, and potential
      interventions and mitigation practices. RESULTS: The literature review identified
      51 publications that were included. Overall, 66% to 90% of clinicians routinely
      use copy and paste. One study of diagnostic errors found that copy and paste led
      to 2.6% of errors in which a missed diagnosis required patients to seek
      additional unplanned care. Copy and paste can promote note bloat, internal
      inconsistencies, error propagation, and documentation in the wrong patient chart.
      Existing guidance identified specific responsibilities for authors,
      organizations, and electronic health record (EHR) developers. Analysis of 12
      reported copy and paste safety events was congruent with problems identified from
      the literature review. CONCLUSION: Despite regular copy and paste use, evidence
      regarding direct risk to patient safety remains sparse, with significant study
      limitations. Drawing on existing evidence, the Partnership developed four safe
      practice recommendations: 1) Provide a mechanism to make copy and paste material
      easily identifiable; 2) Ensure the provenance of copy and paste material is
      readily available; 3) Ensure adequate staff training and education; 4) Ensure
      copy and paste practices are regularly monitored, measured, and assessed.

PMID- 28074212
TI  - [Specific dermatoses of pregnancy].
AB  - The specific dermatoses of pregnancy represent a heterogeneous group of
      inflammatory skin diseases related to pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. A
      clinically relevant classification has been well established over the past 10
      years and includes pemphigoid gestationis, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy,
      intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and atopic eruption of pregnancy. The
      hallmark of all four entities is severe pruritus that is accompanied by
      characteristic skin changes. While some of these dermatoses are distressing only
      to the mother because of pruritus, others may be associated with significant
      fetal risks. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are therefore essential. In
      this review, we discuss in detail pemphigoid gestationis, polymorphic and atopic
      eruptions of pregnancy whereas intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is discussed
      in a separate article (Kremer A, Stander S, DOI 10.1007/s00105-016-3923-y ).
      Furthermore, we present a helpful algorithm for diagnosis and management of
      pruritus in pregnancy.

PMID- 28074213
TI  - [Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy : Rare but important].
AB  - Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver-specific disorder
      occurring in approximately 0.5-2.0% of all pregnancies with a considerable
      variation in certain ethnic groups. ICP usually runs a benign course for the
      mother and is characterized by maternal pruritus mainly in the third trimester,
      elevated transaminases and fasting total serum bile salts and increased fetal
      adverse events. The etiology of ICP is only partially understood but seems to be
      multifactorial. Cholestasis-inducing effects of certain female sex hormones and
      their metabolites play an important role in genetically susceptible women. The
      mechanisms resulting in fetal complications such as spontaneous preterm labour,
      antepartum passage of meconium, asphyxia events, still birth and fetal death are
      not well understood. Certain sulfated progesterone metabolites are likely to play
      a role in the pathogenesis of pruritus in ICP. In contrast to pregnancy-related
      dermatoses, pruritus does not present with primary skin alterations. However,
      intense scratching may cause secondary skin changes such as abrasions,
      excoriations and sometimes prurigo nodularis. Treatment is based on
      ursodeoxycholate treatment to reduce pruritus and hepatic impairment as well as
      elective delivery between gestation week 37-38 to pre-empt potential stillbirths.
      This article reviews clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and in particular
      pathogenesis of pruritus in ICP.

PMID- 28074214
TI  - [Buschke-Lowenstein tumors].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A giant condyloma acuminatum which shows destructive growth but
      lacking invasion is designated as a Buschke-Lowenstein tumor (BLT). OBJECTIVES:
      Classification of the BLT and therapeutic guidelines are provided. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A MEDLINE literature search from 2006-2016 was performed. RESULTS:
      Induction through low-risk mucosotropic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
      separates BLT from verrucous carcinoma. In the last 10 years, slightly more than
      100 new cases have been described. Invasion as a true sign of malignancy was
      described in 12% of cases. HIV infection was observed in 14%. As invasion often
      occurs only focally and may only be detected after complete resection, BLT must
      be treated and considered as a low grade in situ epithelial cancer that evolves
      from condylomata acuminata. Diagnosis is confirmed by HPV detection and typical
      histology. CT scans are recommended to rule out deeper invasion. Organ
      preservation surgery remains the recommended therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Buschke
      Lowenstein tumors represent low grade epithelial in situ carcinomas which evolved
      from condylomata acuminata. Focal invasion is frequent but metastases occur only
      rarely. Organ preservation surgery is recommended.

PMID- 28074215
TI  - [Management of dysphagia in acute stroke : A prospective study for validation of
      current recommendations].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The German expert recommendations on the management of dysphagia in
      patients after acute stroke suggest an algorithm for clinical and technical
      investigations to identify patients at risk for aspiration and thus reduce the
      rate of aspiration pneumonia. The effectiveness of this algorithm has, however,
      not yet been prospectively validated . METHODS: In this study 144 consecutive
      stroke patients were assessed by a full bedside swallowing assessment including
      the screening procedures of standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and 2 out of
      6. Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was performed in all
      patients. RESULTS: Aspiration was diagnosed in 25 patients (17.4%) by FEES. The
      SSA predicted aspiration with a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 55.5% and
      the 2 out of 6 screening with a sensitivity of 68.0% and a specificity of 61.0%.
      Of the patients 7 with negative screening for 2 out of 6 and 6 patients with
      negative SSA showed silent aspiration with the penetration aspiration scale (PAS
      8) during FEES (28% of all patients with aspiration). Significant predictors for
      aspiration were dysarthria, dysphonia, abnormal volitional cough and cough after
      swallowing water; however, in multivariable analysis only dysarthria and cough
      after swallowing water were identified as independent predictors for aspiration.
      The rate of aspiration pneumonia was 2.8%. CONCLUSION: Clinical screening alone
      is not sufficient to identify patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia. The FEES
      should be used at a low threshold in cases of severe stroke and minor clinical
      abnormalities, especially concerning isolated dysarthria and cough after
      swallowing water; therefore, current recommendations should be correspondingly
      modified.

PMID- 28074216
TI  - Adenosine effectively restores endotoxin-induced inhibition of human neutrophil
      chemotaxis via A1 receptor-p38 pathway.
AB  - Neutrophil chemotaxis plays an essential role in recruiting neutrophils to sites
      of inflammation. Neutrophil chemotaxis is suppressed both after exposure to
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro and during clinical and experimental
      endotoxemia, leading to serious consequences. Adenosine (ADO) is a potent anti
      inflammatory agent that acts on a variety of neutrophil functions. However, its
      effects on human neutrophil chemotaxis during infection have been less well
      characterized. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ADO and its
      receptor-specific antagonist and agonist on neutrophil chemotaxis in an in vitro
      LPS-stimulated model. The results showed that increasing the concentration of ADO
      effectively restored the LPS-inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis to IL-8. A similar
      phenomenon occurred after intervention with a selective A1 receptor agonist but
      not with a selective antagonist. Pre-treatment with cAMP antagonist failed to
      restore LPS-inhibited chemotaxis. Furthermore, protein array and western blot
      analysis showed that the activation of A1 receptor significantly decreased LPS
      induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. However, the surface expression of the A1
      receptor in LPS-stimulated neutrophils was not significantly changed. Taken
      together, these data indicated that ADO restored the LPS-inhibited chemotaxis via
      the A1 receptor, which downregulated the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK,
      making this a promising new therapeutic strategy for infectious diseases.

PMID- 28074217
TI  - [Nutrition in dementia].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the course of dementia sooner or later nutritional problems
      appear, and the question arises which interventions are effective in ensuring
      adequate nutrition and thus may contribute to the maintenance of health,
      functionality and independence. OBJECTIVE: This overview presents the state of
      knowledge regarding nutrition in dementia. METHODS: This work is based on the
      present guidelines of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism
      (ESPEN) on nutrition in dementia, which systematically investigated relevant
      available evidence. RESULTS: Nutritional interventions should be an integral
      component of dementia treatment. They should be based on a routine screening for
      malnutrition, followed by assessment when appropriate, and periodic body weight
      control in order to recognize problems early. In all stages of dementia, adequate
      oral nutrition can be supported by attractive, high-quality food according to
      individual needs served in a pleasant ambience, by adequate nursing support and
      treatment of underlying causes of malnutrition. If nutritional requirements are
      not met by usual or enriched food, oral nutritional supplements are recommended
      in order to improve nutritional status. Beneficial effects of energy and/or
      nutrient supplementation on cognitive abilities are however not proven.
      Artificial nutrition is only rarely indicated, namely after careful weighing of
      individual benefits and risks considering the patients (presumed) will. In
      patients with advanced dementia and in the terminal phase of life artificial
      nutrition is not recommended.

PMID- 28074218
TI  - [Autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland].
AB  - Autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland are considered to be the most frequent
      cause of thyroid gland disorders. Autoimmune thyroid diseases consist of two
      subgroups: autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and Graves' disease. The AIT is the most
      common human autoimmune disease. Infiltration of the thyroid gland with cytotoxic
      T-cells can lead to an initial thyrotoxicosis und during the course to
      hypothyroidism due to destruction of the thyroid gland. Substitution with
      Levothyroxine is indicated for manifest hypothyroidism and subclinical
      hypothyroidism with increased thyroid antibodies with the intention of
      normalizing the serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Graves' disease is
      characterized by the appearance of stimulating TSH receptor antibodies leading to
      hyperthyroidism. Endocrine ophthalmopathy may also occur. Ablative therapy with
      radioiodine therapy or thyroidectomy is administered to patients with Graves'
      disease without remission after at least 1 year of antithyroid drug therapy.

PMID- 28074219
TI  - Bioremediation of mercury: not properly exploited in contaminated soils!
AB  - Contamination of land and water caused by heavy metal mercury (Hg) poses a
      serious threat to biota worldwide. The seriousness of toxicity of this neurotoxin
      is characterized by its ability to augment in food chains and bind to thiol
      groups in living tissue. Therefore, different remediation approaches have been
      implemented to rehabilitate Hg-contaminated sites. Bioremediation is considered
      as cheaper and greener technology than the conventional physico-chemical means.
      Large-scale use of Hg-volatilizing bacteria are used to clean up Hg-contaminated
      waters, but there is no such approach to remediate Hg-contaminated soils. This
      review focuses on recent uses of Hg-resistant bacteria in bioremediation of
      mercury-contaminated sites, limitation and advantages of this approach, and
      identifies the gaps in existing research.

PMID- 28074220
TI  - Biology, dynamics, and applications of transposable elements in basidiomycete
      fungi.
AB  - The phylum Basidiomycota includes filamentous fungi and yeast species with
      different ecological and genomic characteristics. Transposable elements (TEs) are
      abundant components of most eukaryotic genomes, and their transition from being
      genomic parasites to key drivers of genomic architecture, functionality, and
      evolution is a subject receiving much attention. In light of the abundant genomic
      information released during the last decade, the aims of this mini-review are to
      discuss the dynamics and impact of TEs in basidiomycete fungi. To do this, we
      surveyed and explored data from 75 genomes, which encompass the phylogenetic
      diversity of the phylum Basidiomycota. We describe annotation approaches and
      analyze TE distribution in the context of species phylogeny and genome size.
      Further, we review the most relevant literature about the role of TEs in species
      lifestyle, their impact on genome architecture and functionality, and the defense
      mechanisms evolved to control their proliferation. Finally, we discuss potential
      applications of TEs that can drive future innovations in fungal research.

PMID- 28074221
TI  - Exploring the thermostable properties of halohydrin dehalogenase from
      Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1 by a combinatorial directed evolution strategy.
AB  - As a crucial factor for biocatalysts, protein thermostability often arises from a
      combination of factors that are often difficult to rationalize. In this work, the
      thermostable nature of halohydrin dehalogenase from Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1
      (HheC) was systematically explored using a combinatorial directed evolution
      approach. For this, a mutagenesis library of HheC mutants was first constructed
      using error-prone PCR with low mutagenesis frequency. After screening
      approximately 2000 colonies, six mutants with eight mutation sites were obtained.
      Those mutation sites were subsequently combined by adopting several rounds of
      iterative saturation mutagenesis (ISM) approach. After four rounds of saturation
      mutagenesis, one best mutant ISM-4 with a 3400-fold improvement in half-life (t
      1/2) inactivation at 65  degrees C, 18  degrees C increase in apparent T m value,
      and 20  degrees C increase in optimum temperature was obtained, compared to wild
      type HheC. To the best of our knowledge, the mutant represents the most
      thermostable HheC variant reported up to now. Moreover, the mutant was as active
      as wild-type enzyme for the substrate 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol, and they remained
      most enantioselectivity of wild-type enzyme in the kinetic resolution of rac-2
      chloro-1-phenolethanol, exhibiting a great potential for industrial applications.
      Our structural investigation highlights that surface loop regions are hot spots
      for modulating the thermostability of HheC, the residues located at these regions
      contribute to the thermostability of HheC in a cooperative way, and protein
      rigidity and oligomeric interface connections contribute to the thermostability
      of HheC. All of these essential factors could be used for further design of an
      even more thermostable HheC, which, in turn, could greatly facilitate the
      application of the enzyme as a biocatalyst.

PMID- 28074222
TI  - Regulation of membrane fixation and energy production/conversion for adaptation
      and recovery of ZnO nanoparticle impacted Nitrosomonas europaea.
AB  - The ZnO nanoparticle (NP) effects on typical ammonia-oxidizing bacteria,
      Nitrosomonas europaea in a chemostat bioreactor, and the cells' toxicity
      adaptation and recovery potentials were explored. Hardly any inhibition was
      observed when the NP concentration was high up to 10 mg/L. The cells exposed to
      50 mg/L ZnO NPs displayed time-dependent impairment and recovery potentials in
      terms of cell density, membrane integrity, nitrite production rate, and ammonia
      monooxygenase activity. The 6-h NP stress impaired cells were nearly completely
      restored during a 12-h recovery incubation, while the longer exposure time would
      cause irretrievable cell damage. Microarray analysis further indicated the
      transcriptional adaptation of N. europaea to NP stress. The regulations of genes
      encoding for membrane permeability or osmoprotectant, membrane integrity
      preservation, and inorganic ion transport during NP exposure and cell recovery
      revealed the importance of membrane fixation and the associated metabolisms for
      cells' self-protection and the following recovery from NP stress. The oxidative
      phosphorylation, carbon assimilation, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycling
      pathways involved in the cells' antitoxicity activities and would promote the
      energy production/conversion efficiency for cell recovery. The heavy metal
      resistance, histidine metabolism, toxin-antitoxin defense, glycolysis, and
      sulfate reduction pathways were also suggested to participate in the cell
      detoxication and recovery processes. All these findings provided valuable
      insights into the mechanisms of cell-mediated ZnO NP cytotoxicity and their
      potential impacts on wastewater nitrogen removal system.

PMID- 28074223
TI  - Characterization and mechanism of anti-Aeromonas salmonicida activity of a marine
      probiotic strain, Bacillus velezensis V4.
AB  - The bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida is the causative agent of furunculosis, a
      systemic, ubiquitous disease of fish in the salmon family, characterized by high
      mortality and morbidity. Probiotics are a promising approach for prevention of
      furunculosis in aquaculture. A bacterial strain with anti-A. salmonicida
      properties, Bacillus velezensis V4, was isolated and the mechanisms underlying
      these properties were investigated. Anti-A. salmonicida compounds present in cell
      free supernatant of V4 were purified and structurally identified as members of
      the iturin, macrolactin, and difficidin groups. The compounds contributed jointly
      to inhibition of A. salmonicida, and the diversity of the compounds was related
      to the versatility of their mode of action. Addition of the compounds to A.
      salmonicida cell suspensions reduced cell density. Analyses by confocal
      microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed cell membrane disruption,
      deletion of cellular content, and cell lysis of A. salmonicida. The V4 genome was
      sequenced, and gene clusters involved in synthesis of anti-Aeromonas compounds
      were detected and identified. A possible probiotic effect on growth performance
      of Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) was investigated by addition of 0, 1, and
      3 % (v/w) V4. Relative to control, mortality was reduced 27.25 % in the 1 %
      addition group and 81.86 % in the 3 % addition group. Feed coefficient ratio was
      reduced 19.49 % and weight gain ratio was increased 71.22 % in the 1 % addition
      group. Our findings demonstrate that V4 is an effective probiotic strain in O.
      mykiss and has clear potential for both control of furunculosis and growth
      promotion of aquaculture animals.

PMID- 28074224
TI  - ARTP mutation and genome shuffling of ABE fermentation symbiotic system for
      improvement of butanol production.
AB  - Butanol is an ideal renewable biofuel which possesses superior fuel properties.
      Previously, butanol-producing symbiotic system TSH06 was isolated in our lab,
      with microoxygen tolerance ability. To boost butanol yield for large-scale
      industrial production, TSH06 was used as parental strain and subjected to
      atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) and four rounds of genome
      shuffling (GS). ARTP mutant and GS strain were co-cultured with facultative
      anaerobic Bacillus cereus TSH2 to form a symbiotic system with microoxygen
      tolerance, which was then subjected to fermentation. Relative messenger RNA
      (mRNA) level of key enzyme gene was measured by real-time PCR. The highest
      butanol titer of TS4-30 reached 15.63 g/L, which was 34% higher than TSH06 (12.19
      g/L). Compared with parental strain, mRNA of acid-forming gene in TS4-30
      decreased in acidogenesis phase, while solvent-forming gene increased in
      solventogenesis phase. This gene expression pattern was consistent with high
      butanol yield and low acid level in TS4-30. In summary, symbiotic system TS4-30
      was obtained with butanol titer improvement and microoxygen tolerance.

PMID- 28074225
TI  - Recent advances in biotechnological applications of alcohol dehydrogenases.
AB  - Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs), which belong to the oxidoreductase superfamily,
      catalyze the interconversion between alcohols and aldehydes or ketones with high
      stereoselectivity under mild conditions. ADHs are widely employed as biocatalysts
      for the dynamic kinetic resolution of racemic substrates and for the preparation
      of enantiomerically pure chemicals. This review provides an overview of
      biotechnological applications for ADHs in the production of chiral
      pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

PMID- 28074226
TI  - Synergistic effects of host B7-H4 deficiency and gemcitabine treatment on tumor
      regression and anti-tumor T cell immunity in a mouse model.
AB  - B7-H4 (B7x/B7S1), a B7 family inhibitor of T cell activity, is expressed in
      multiple human cancers and correlates with decreased infiltrating lymphocytes and
      poor prognosis. In murine models, tumor-expressed B7-H4 enhances tumor growth and
      reduces T cell immunity, and blockade of tumor-B7-H4 rescues T cell activity and
      lowers tumor burden. This implicates B7-H4 as a target for cancer immunotherapy,
      yet limits the efficacy of B7-H4 blockade exclusively to patients with B7-H4+
      tumors. Given the expression of B7-H4 on host immune cells, we have previously
      shown that BALB/c mice lacking host B7-H4 have enhanced anti-tumor profiles, yet
      similar 4T1 tumor growth relative to control. Given that T cell-mediated
      immunotherapies work best for tumors presenting tumor-associated neoantigens, we
      further investigated the function of host B7-H4 in the growth of a more
      immunogenic derivative, 4T1-12B, which is known to elicit strong anti-tumor CD8 T
      cell responses due to expression of a surrogate tumor-specific antigen, firefly
      luciferase. Notably, B7-H4 knockout hosts not only mounted greater tumor
      associated anti-tumor T cell responses, but also displayed reduced tumors.
      Additionally, B7-H4-deficiency synergized with gemcitabine to further inhibit
      tumor growth, often leading to tumor eradication and the generation of protective
      T cell immunity. These findings imply that inhibition of host B7-H4 can enhance
      anti-tumor T cell immunity in immunogenic cancers, and can be combined with other
      anti-cancer therapies to further reduce tumor burden regardless of tumor-B7-H4
      positivity.

PMID- 28074227
TI  - Heavy Metals in Liver and Brain of Waterfowl from the Evros Delta, Greece.
AB  - The concentrations of six heavy metals (cadmium [Cd], chromium [Cr], copper [Cu],
      manganese [Mn], lead [Pb], and zinc [Zn]) were determined in liver and brain of
      nine species of waterfowl from the Evros Delta, one of the most important
      wetlands in Greece, to assess metal contamination and potential risk to
      waterfowl. Significant differences among species were found for hepatic Cr, Cu,
      Pb, and Zn; the highest levels of all metals were found in liver of mute swans.
      Cd increased significantly with age in both organs of wigeon; some differences
      were also observed between males and females of the same species. Feeding habits
      were found to significantly affect hepatic Cr, Zn, and Cu concentrations with
      greater concentrations found in herbivorous than omnivorous species. Several
      significant positive correlations between metals were detected mainly in liver
      samples, which were attributable either to their association to metallothioneins
      or to common routes of exposure of waterfowl. Hepatic and cerebral concentrations
      of Cd and Pb correlated positively. Given the discrepancies in the thresholds or
      critical levels of metals in tissues of waterfowl, our survey showed that
      environmental exposure to increased levels of heavy metals may threaten, at least
      to some degree, the populations of waterfowl wintering in the Evros Delta. In a
      small percentage of birds, values indicative of severe adverse effects were
      determined. Swans that had been found dead showed some of the highest values,
      whereas accumulation levels did not follow a consistent pattern among the ducks
      examined.

PMID- 28074228
TI  - Ventilation-induced lung injury exists in spontaneously breathing patients with
      acute respiratory failure: Yes.

PMID- 28074229
TI  - Ventilation-induced lung injury exists in spontaneously breathing patients with
      acute respiratory failure: We are not sure.

PMID- 28074230
TI  - Ventilation-induced lung injury exists in spontaneously breathing patients with
      acute respiratory failure: No.

PMID- 28074231
TI  - Development of a novel magnetic resonance imaging acquisition and analysis
      workflow for the quantification of shock wave lithotripsy-induced renal
      hemorrhagic injury.
AB  - The current accepted standard for quantifying shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)
      induced tissue damage is based on morphometric detection of renal hemorrhage in
      serial tissue sections from fixed kidneys. This methodology is time and labor
      intensive and is tissue destructive. We have developed a non-destructive magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) method that permits rapid assessment of SWL-induced
      hemorrhagic lesion volumes in post-mortem kidneys using native tissue contrast to
      reduce cycle time. Kidneys of anesthetized pigs were targeted with shock waves
      using the Dornier Compact S lithotripter. Harvested kidneys were then prepared
      for tissue injury quantification. T1 weighted (T1W) and T2 weighted (T2W) images
      were acquired on a Siemens 3T Tim Trio MRI scanner. Images were co-registered,
      normalized, difference (T1W - T2W) images generated, and volumes classified and
      segmented using a Multi-Spectral Neural Network (MSNN) classifier. Kidneys were
      then subjected to standard morphometric analysis for the measurement of lesion
      volumes. Classifications of T1W, T2W and difference image volumes were correlated
      with morphometric measurements of whole kidney and parenchymal lesion volumes.
      From these relationships, a mathematical model was developed that allowed
      predictions of the morphological parenchymal lesion volume from MRI whole kidney
      lesion volumes. Predictions and morphology were highly correlated (R = 0.9691, n
      = 20) and described by the relationship y = 0.84x + 0.09, and highly accurate
      with a sum of squares difference error of 0.79%. MRI and the MSNN classifier
      provide a semi-automated segmentation approach, which provide a rapid and
      reliable means to quantify renal injury lesion volumes due to SWL.

PMID- 28074232
TI  - Vasoactive actions of nitroxyl (HNO) are preserved in resistance arteries in
      diabetes.
AB  - Endothelial dysfunction is a major risk factor for the vascular complications of
      diabetes. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, a hallmark of
      diabetes, reduces the bioavailability of endothelial vasodilators, including
      nitric oxide (NO.). The vascular endothelium also produces the one electron
      reduced and protonated form of NO., nitroxyl (HNO). Unlike NO., HNO is resistant
      to scavenging by superoxide anions (.O2?). The fate of HNO in resistance arteries
      in diabetes is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the vasodilator actions of
      endogenous and exogenous HNO are preserved in resistance arteries in diabetes. We
      investigated the actions of HNO in small arteries from the mesenteric and femoral
      beds as they exhibit marked differences in endothelial vasodilator function
      following 8 weeks of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus. Vascular
      reactivity was assessed using wire myography and .O2? generation using lucigenin
      enhanced chemiluminescence. The HNO donor, Angeli's salt, and the NO. donor,
      DEA/NO, evoked relaxations in both arteries of control rats, and these responses
      were unaffected by diabetes. Nox2 oxidase expression and .O2? generation were
      upregulated in mesenteric, but unchanged, in femoral arteries of diabetic rats.
      Acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation was impaired in mesenteric
      but not femoral arteries in diabetes. The HNO scavenger, L-cysteine, reduced this
      endothelium-dependent relaxation to a similar extent in femoral and mesenteric
      arteries from control and diabetic animals. In conclusion, HNO and NO. contribute
      to the NO synthase (NOS)-sensitive component of endothelium-dependent relaxation
      in mesenteric and femoral arteries. The role of HNO is sustained in diabetes,
      serving to maintain endothelium-dependent relaxation.

PMID- 28074233
TI  - Microbial diversity in different compartments of an aquaponics system.
AB  - Aquaponics is a solution for sustainable production of fish and plants in a
      single semi-closed system, where nutrient-rich water from the aquaculture
      provides nutrients for plant growth. We examined the microbial communities within
      an experimental aquaponics system. Whereas the fish feces contained a separate
      community dominated by bacteria of the genus Cetobacterium, the samples from
      plant roots, biofilter, and periphyton were more similar to each other, while the
      communities were more diverse. Detailed examination of the data gave the first
      indications to functional groups of organisms in the different compartments of
      the aquaponic system. As other nitrifiers other than members of the genus
      Nitrospira were only present at low numbers, it was anticipated that Nitrospirae
      may perform the nitrification process in the biofilm.

PMID- 28074234
TI  - [Biological downsizing : Acetabular defect reconstruction in revision total hip
      arthroplasty].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periacetabular bony defects remain a great challenge in revision
      total hip arthroplasty. After assessment and classification of the defect and
      selection of a suitable implant the primary stable fixation and sufficient
      biological reconstitution of a sustainable bone stock are essential for long term
      success in acetabular revision surgery. Biological defect reconstruction aims for
      the down-sizing of periacetabular defects for later revision surgeries.
      TECHNIQUE: In the field of biological augmentation several methods are currently
      available. Autologous transplants feature a profound osseointegrative capacity.
      However, limitations such as volume restrictions and secondary complications at
      the donor site have to be considered. Structural allografts show little weight
      bearing potential in the long term and high failure rates. In clinical practice,
      the usage of spongious chips implanted via impaction bone grafting technique in
      combination with antiprotrusio cages for the management of contained defects have
      shown promising long time results. Nevertheless, when dealing with craniolateral
      acetabular and dorsal column defects, the additional implantation of macroporous
      metal implants or augments should be considered since biological augmentation has
      shown little clinical success in these particular cases. PROSPECT: This article
      provides an overview of the current clinically available biological augmentation
      methods of peri-acetabular defects. Due to the limitations of autologous and
      allogeneic bone transplants in terms of size and availability, the emerging field
      of innovative implantable tissue engineering constructs gains interest and will
      also be discussed in this article.

PMID- 28074235
TI  - Long-term brain structural magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive functioning
      in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with high-dose methotrexate
      chemotherapy alone or combined with CNS radiotherapy at reduced total dose to 12
      Gy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term side effects of
      central nervous system prophylaxis (high-dose chemotherapy alone vs chemotherapy
      and CNS radiotherapy) according to the ALL IC-BFM 2002. METHODS: Thirty-tree
      children aged 6.7-19.9 years have been studied. The control group consisted of 12
      children newly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We assessed
      subcortical gray matter volume using automatic MRI segmentation and cognitive
      performance to identify differences between two therapeutic schemes and patients
      prior to treatment. RESULTS: Patients treated with chemotherapy and CNS
      radiotherapy had smaller hippocampi than two other subgroups and lower IQ score
      than patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Both treated groups, whether with
      chemotherapy only or in combination with CNS radiotherapy, had significantly
      lower volumes of caudate nucleus and performed significantly worse on measures of
      verbal fluency in comparison with patients prior to treatment. There were no
      differences in the mean volumes of total white matter, total gray matter,
      thalamus, putamen, and amygdala between the studied groups. CONCLUSION: In all
      children treated according to the ALL IC-BFM 2002 with high-dose chemotherapy,
      both decreased volume of selected subcortical structures and cognitive impairment
      was observed, especially in children who received chemotherapy in combination
      with reduced dose CNS radiotherapy. In all children treated according to the ALL
      IC-BFM 2002 with high-dose chemotherapy, both decreased volume of selected
      subcortical structures and cognitive impairment were observed, especially in
      children who received chemotherapy in combination with CNS radiotherapy.

PMID- 28074244
TI  - Total synchronous fluorescence scan spectra of petroleum products.
AB  - Extending the two-dimensional synchronous fluorescence scan to a three
      dimensional total synchronous fluorescence scan (TSFS) spectral measurement gives
      the total synchronous fluorescence characteristics of a multifluorophoric sample
      at various possible wavelength intervals (Deltalambda), which could help to
      characterize multifluorophoric systems better. TSFS spectra of petroleum products
      such as diesel, kerosene, petrol, engine oil etc., available in the Indian
      market, are reported. Fluorescence in these samples is due to the presence of
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of various ring sizes. The TSFS contour
      plot profiles of the neat samples measured at right-angle geometry is a result of
      various energy-degrading photophysical processes such as inner filter effect,
      light attenuation, resonance energy transfer, collisional quenching etc. TSFS
      plots make it easy to obtain the optimized Deltalambda of an unknown sample of
      analytical interest. TSFS and the excitation-emission matrix (EEM) techniques are
      similar, but the contour profiles generated are different. The response of the
      TSFS contour profiles to dilution is different from that in the EEM contour
      profiles. Thus, TSFS can provide an alternative way of presenting the
      fluorescence response of concentrated multifluorophoric samples.

PMID- 28074245
TI  - Antifeedants Produced by Bacteria Associated with the Gut of the Pine Weevil
      Hylobius abietis.
AB  - The pine weevil, Hylobius abietis, is a severe forest pest insect as it feeds on
      newly planted conifer seedlings. To identify and develop an antifeedant could be
      one step towards the protection of seedlings from feeding damage by the pine
      weevil. With the aim to trace the origin of the antifeedants previously found in
      feces of the pine weevil, we investigated the culturable bacteria associated with
      the gut and identified the volatiles they produced. Bacterial isolates were
      identified by 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis. The volatile emissions of selected
      bacteria, cultivated on NB media or on the grated phloem of Scots pine twigs
      dispersed in water, were collected and analyzed by solid-phase microextraction
      gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The bacterial isolates released a variety
      of compounds, among others 2-methoxyphenol, 2-phenylethanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol,
      1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanone, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide. A strong
      antifeedant effect was observed by 2-phenylethanol, which could thus be a good
      candidate for use to protect planted conifer seedlings against feeding damage
      caused by H. abietis.

PMID- 28074246
TI  - Draft Genome of Scalindua rubra, Obtained from the Interface Above the Discovery
      Deep Brine in the Red Sea, Sheds Light on Potential Salt Adaptation Strategies in
      Anammox Bacteria.
AB  - Several recent studies have indicated that members of the phylum Planctomycetes
      are abundantly present at the brine-seawater interface (BSI) above multiple brine
      pools in the Red Sea. Planctomycetes include bacteria capable of anaerobic
      ammonium oxidation (anammox). Here, we investigated the possibility of anammox at
      BSI sites using metagenomic shotgun sequencing of DNA obtained from the BSI above
      the Discovery Deep brine pool. Analysis of sequencing reads matching the 16S rRNA
      and hzsA genes confirmed presence of anammox bacteria of the genus Scalindua.
      Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that this Scalindua sp.
      belongs to a distinct group, separate from the anammox bacteria in the seawater
      column, that contains mostly sequences retrieved from high-salt environments.
      Using coverage- and composition-based binning, we extracted and assembled the
      draft genome of the dominant anammox bacterium. Comparative genomic analysis
      indicated that this Scalindua species uses compatible solutes for osmoadaptation,
      in contrast to other marine anammox bacteria that likely use a salt-in strategy.
      We propose the name Candidatus Scalindua rubra for this novel species, alluding
      to its discovery in the Red Sea.

PMID- 28074247
TI  - Trends in Taxonomic and Functional Composition of Soil Microbiome Along a
      Precipitation Gradient in Israel.
AB  - The soil microbiome is important for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.
      However, the impacts of climate on taxonomic and functional diversity of soil
      microbiome are not well understood. A precipitation gradient along regional scale
      transects may offer a model setting for understanding the effect of climate on
      the composition and function of the soil microbiome. Here, we compared taxonomic
      and functional attributes of soil microorganisms in arid, semiarid,
      Mediterranean, and humid Mediterranean climatic conditions of Israel using
      shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We hypothesized that there would be a distinct
      taxonomic and functional soil community for each precipitation zone, with arid
      environments having lower taxonomic and functional diversity, greater relative
      abundance of stress response and sporulation-related genes, and lower relative
      abundance of genes related to nutrient cycling and degradation of complex organic
      compounds. As hypothesized, our results showed a distinct taxonomic and
      functional community in each precipitation zone, revealing differences in soil
      taxonomic and functional selection in the different climates. Although the
      taxonomic diversity remained similar across all sites, the functional diversity
      was-as hypothesized-lower in the arid environments, suggesting that functionality
      is more constrained in "extreme" environments. Also, with increasing aridity, we
      found a significant increase in genes related to dormancy/sporulation and a
      decrease in those related to nutrient cycling (genes related to nitrogen,
      potassium, and sulfur metabolism), respectively. However, relative abundance of
      genes related to stress response were lower in arid soils. Overall, these results
      indicate that climatic conditions play an important role in shaping taxonomic and
      functional attributes of soil microbiome. These findings have important
      implications for understanding the impacts of climate change (e.g., precipitation
      change) on structure and function of the soil microbiome.

PMID- 28074248
TI  - Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis: a case-control study.
AB  - : The etiology and underlying mechanisms of pregnancy-associated osteoporosis
      (PAO) are still unknown, since no systematic analyses exist. Our results indicate
      that PAO is a heterogeneous, rare but severe disease including a substantial
      number of fractures with a significant delay from first symptom to diagnose.
      INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare but severe type
      of premenopausal osteoporosis. Most common symptom includes acute lower back pain
      due to vertebral fracture predominantly occurring in the last trimester of
      pregnancy or immediately postpartum. The exact underlining mechanisms and risk
      factors of PAO are still unknown, and up to date, there are no published
      systematic analyses. METHODS: We identified 102 PAO patients and matched them
      with 102 healthy controls according to age, region, and gravidity to evaluate
      risk factors in a large and homogenous population of women. RESULTS: The baseline
      characteristics and anthropometric data of the two study groups were similar.
      Eighty-eight percent of the patients with PAO suffered from one or more fractures
      with a mean of 3.3 fractures per patient. The most common fracture site was the
      thoracolumbar spine, whereas 29, 37, 48, and 35% of the patients reported
      fractures at TH11, TH12, L1, and L2, respectively. PAO patients suffered more
      frequently from excessive dental problems in childhood (p < 0.001). The control
      group performed significantly more frequently sports both before (p < 0.002) and
      after puberty (p < 0.01). Compared to the controls, the patients with PAO
      reported twice as often severe diseases during pregnancy (p < 0.029). Hereby, the
      frequency of immobilization was twice as often in the PAO group compared to that
      in the control group (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that PAO is a
      heterogeneous, rare but severe disease including a substantial number of
      fractures with a significant delay from first symptom to diagnose. Increased
      awareness is warranted to immediately start effective treatment.

PMID- 28074249
TI  - Protein intake and risk of hip fractures in postmenopausal women and men age 50
      and older.
AB  - : In this study, we followed postmenopausal women and men aged 50 and above for
      up to 32 years and found no evidence that higher protein intake increased the
      risk of hip fracture. Protein intake from specific sources was inversely
      associated with risk, but these associations appeared to differ by gender.
      INTRODUCTION: We examined the association between intakes of total and specific
      sources of protein and hip fracture risk in postmenopausal women and men over 50
      years of age. Our hypothesis was that a higher protein intake would not be
      associated with a higher risk of hip fractures. METHODS: In this analysis, we
      followed 74,443 women in the Nurses' Health Study between 1980 and 2012 and
      35,439 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study between 1986 and 2012.
      Health and lifestyle information and hip fractures were self-reported on biennial
      questionnaires. Protein was assessed approximately every 4 years with a food
      frequency questionnaire. Relative risks (RR) were computed for hip fracture by
      quintiles of total, animal, dairy, and plant protein intakes using Cox
      proportional hazard models, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: During
      follow-up, we ascertained 2156 incident hip fractures in women and 595 fractures
      in men. Among men, we observed significant inverse associations for each 10 g
      increase of total protein (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85-0.99) and animal protein (RR
      = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85-0.98) intakes. Total and animal proteins were not
      significantly associated with hip fractures in women. Both plant (RR = 0.88, 95%
      CI 0.79-0.99 per 10 g) and dairy protein (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.97) were
      associated with significantly lower risks of hip fracture when results for men
      and women were combined. None of these associations were modified by BMI,
      smoking, physical activity, age, or calcium intake. CONCLUSION: We found no
      evidence that higher protein intake increases risk of hip fracture in these
      Caucasian men and women. Protein intake from specific sources was inversely
      associated with risk, but these associations appeared to differ by gender.

PMID- 28074251
TI  - Hyponatremia and fractures: should hyponatremia be further studied as a potential
      biochemical risk factor to be included in FRAX algorithms?
AB  - The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX(r)) was developed by the WHO
      Collaborating Centre for metabolic bone diseases to evaluate fracture risk of
      patients. It is based on patient models that integrate the risk associated with
      clinical variables and bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck. The
      clinical risk factors included in FRAX were chosen to include only well
      established and independent variables related to skeletal fracture risk. The FRAX
      tool has acquired worldwide acceptance despite having several limitations. FRAX
      models have not included biochemical derangements in estimation of fracture risk
      due to the lack of validation in large prospective studies. Recently, there has
      been an increasing number of studies showing a relationship between hyponatremia
      and the occurrence of fractures. Hyponatremia is the most frequent electrolyte
      abnormality measured in the clinic, and serum sodium concentration is a very
      reproducible, affordable, and readily obtainable measurement. Thus, we think that
      hyponatremia should be further studied as a biochemical risk factor for skeletal
      fractures prediction, particularly those at the hip which carries the greatest
      morbidity and mortality. To achieve this will require the collection of large
      patient cohorts from diverse geographical locations that include a measure of
      serum sodium in addition to the other FRAX variables in large numbers, in both
      sexes, over a wide age range and with wide geographical representation. It would
      also require the inclusion of data on duration and severity of hyponatremia.
      Information will be required both on the risk of fracture associated with the
      occurrence and length of exposure to hyponatremia and to the relationship with
      the other risk variables included in FRAX and also the independent effect on the
      occurrence of death which is increased by hyponatremia.

PMID- 28074250
TI  - Cortical porosity exhibits accelerated rate of change in peri- compared with post
      menopausal women.
AB  - : The rate of change in bone density was not different between peri- and post
      menopausal women. Differences in rate of change were observed in bone
      microarchitecture, specifically cortical porosity (Ct.Po), where peri-menopausal
      women increased +9% per year compared with the +6% per year for post-menopausal
      women. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in bone
      density and microarchitecture in peri- and post-menopausal women over 6 years.
      METHODS: Peri- (n = 26) and post- (n = 65) menopausal women were selected from
      the Canadian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study. Caucasian women were scanned on dual
      x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed
      tomography (HR-pQCT) at baseline and follow-up, an average 6 years later. To
      compare repeat scans, automated 3D image registration was conducted. At the
      radius and tibia, total volumetric BMD (Tt.BMD), total bone area (Tt.Ar) and
      cortical porosity (Ct.Po) were assessed, and finite element analysis estimated
      apparent bone strength. RESULTS: At the tibia, the rate of change for Ct.Po and
      Tt.Ar was different between groups. Peri-menopausal women had a + 9% per year
      increase in Ct.Po, but this increase was slower for post-menopausal women at +6%
      per year (p = 0.049). In addition, post-menopausal women had an increase in Tt.Ar
      of +0.13% per year compared with a slower increase of +0.06% per year for peri
      menopausal women (p = 0.017). The rate of change of density between groups was
      not significantly different and was approximately -1% per year at the hip by DXA,
      and -1% per year at the radius and -0.5% per year tibia by HR-pQCT. CONCLUSION:
      This is a 6-year prospective HR-pQCT study exploring rate of change in Caucasian
      peri- and post-menopausal women. The microarchitectural features represented by
      Ct.Po and Tt.Ar changed at a significantly different rate between groups, but
      group differences were not detected by density measures.

PMID- 28074252
TI  - High dietary sodium intake is associated with low bone mass in postmenopausal
      women: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008-2011.
AB  - : The present cross-sectional study performed using data from the Korea National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 9526 women older than 18 years of age
      demonstrates that high sodium intake is associated with lower bone mineral
      density and sodium intake >=2000 mg/day is a risk factor for osteoporosis in
      postmenopausal women. INTRODUCTION: Several studies have reported that large
      amount of dietary sodium intake is highly associated with elevated urinary
      calcium. However, the direct effect of excessive dietary sodium intake on bone
      mass, as a risk factor for osteoporosis, is still a controversial issue. The aim
      of the present study was to assess the relationship between high intake of sodium
      and lower bone mass and risk of osteoporosis in adult women. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study was performed using data from the Korea National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2008-2011. Participants (n = 9526 women
      older than 18 years) were divided into a premenopausal (n = 4793) and
      postmenopausal (n = 4733) group. Both groups were subdivided into five groups
      according to quintiles of energy-adjusted sodium intake. Multiple regression
      analysis was performed to assess relationships between sodium intake and lower
      bone mass. RESULTS: Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that high
      sodium intake was negatively associated with bone mineral content (BMC) and bone
      mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. After adjusting confounding
      factors, high sodium intake was negatively associated with BMC and BMD of the
      lumbar spine in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women, whose sodium intake
      was >=2000 mg/day (odds ratio 1.284, 95% CI 1.029-1.603, P = 0.027), were at risk
      of developing osteoporosis after adjustment of confounding variables.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that high sodium intake could be a
      potential risk factor for low bone mass after adjusting for confounding factors
      in postmenopausal women.

PMID- 28074253
TI  - c-Abl inhibition mitigates diet-induced obesity through improving insulin
      sensitivity of subcutaneous fat in mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: High-energy diets are among the main causes of the global
      epidemic of metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. The
      mechanisms of high-energy-diet-induced metabolic disorders are complex and
      largely unknown. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Abl plays an important role
      in adipogenesis in vitro but its role in vivo in the regulation of metabolism is
      still elusive. Hence, we sought to address the role of c-Abl in diet-induced
      obesity and obesity-associated insulin resistance. METHODS: The expression of c
      Abl in different fat tissues from obese humans or mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD)
      were first analysed by western blotting and quantitative PCR. We employed
      conditional deletion of the c-Abl gene (also known as Abl1) in adipose tissue
      using Fabp4-Cre and 6-week-old mice were fed with either a chow diet (CD) or an
      HFD. Age-matched wild-type mice were treated with the c-Abl inhibitor nilotinib
      or with vehicle and exposed to either CD or HFD, followed by analysis of body
      mass, fat mass, glucose and insulin tolerance. Histological staining, ELISA and
      biochemical analysis were used to clarify details of changes in physiology and
      molecular signalling. RESULTS: c-Abl was highly expressed in subcutaneous fat
      from obese humans and HFD-induced obese mice. Conditional knockout of c-Abl in
      adipose tissue improved insulin sensitivity and mitigated HFD-induced body mass
      gain, hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia. Consistently, treatment with
      nilotinib significantly reduced fat mass and improved insulin sensitivity in HFD
      fed mice. Further biochemical analyses suggested that c-Abl inhibition improved
      whole-body insulin sensitivity by reducing HFD-triggered insulin resistance and
      increasing adiponectin in subcutaneous fat. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our
      findings define a new biological role for c-Abl in the regulation of diet-induced
      obesity through improving insulin sensitivity of subcutaneous fat. This suggests
      it may become a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of metabolic disorders.

PMID- 28074254
TI  - The cardiovascular benefits of empagliflozin: SGLT2-dependent and -independent
      effects.

PMID- 28074255
TI  - Bortezomib-containing regimens (BCR) for the treatment of non-transplant eligible
      multiple myeloma.
AB  - In multiple myeloma (MM) patients ineligible for transplant, the selection of up
      front therapy needs to balance efficacy and toxicity. Recently, regimens with
      bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor with anti-myeloma effects, have been reported.
      We aimed to evaluate the impact of different bortezomib-containing regimens (BCR)
      for the treatment of transplant-ineligible MM. All- consecutive patients treated
      with BCR at our institution from 01/05 to 02/16 were evaluated. With a median of
      6 cycles, an overall response rate of 95.2, 80.9, and 76.3% was observed for
      patients treated with cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone (CyBorD),
      bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone (VMP), and bortezomib-dexamethasone (VD),
      respectively (p = 0.03). The median overall survival was similar between the
      three different BCR, but a trend for better progression-free survival was noted
      in favor of CyBorD. BCR are efficacious in the treatment of transplant-ineligible
      MM. Patients receiving continuous therapy (CT) exhibited better outcomes,
      suggesting that strategies to prevent toxicity and increase the cumulative dose
      are warranted.

PMID- 28074256
TI  - Erratum to: Visions of Restoration in Fire-Adapted Forest Landscapes: Lessons
      from the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program.

PMID- 28074257
TI  - Outcomes of dual mobility cups in a young Middle Eastern population and its
      influence on life style.
AB  - Dual mobility cups (DMC) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are becoming popular
      among orthopaedic surgeons. Substantial benefit of their use has been reported
      among high risk patients, particularly in reducing post-operative hip instability
      (dislocation). Many reports stated some concern when implanted in young and
      active people where complications such as polyethylene wear and mechanical
      loosening could potentially be higher. This Middle Eastern study analyses a
      retrospective series of THA for any aetiology other than infection, using DMC for
      the acetabular component in 75 patients (85 implants) less than 70 years old. No
      instability, intra-prosthetic dislocation or mechanical failure was reported
      during a mean follow-up of five years. The only major complication was a post
      operative infection. The mean post- operative modified Harris hip score was 97.1
      out of 100. All patients resumed their daily activities and all religious
      practicing patients were able to accomplish their prayer positions without pain.
      DMC is found to be an interesting option in reducing dislocation events in young
      patients. Those excellent short-term results would encourage surgeons to use DMC
      in an active and highly demanding population. Further research is necessary to
      confirm maintenance of such results at long term follow-up.

PMID- 28074258
TI  - The treatment options for posterior malleolar fractures in tibial spiral
      fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: The posterior malleolar fracture (PMF) in tibial spiral fractures are a
      common type of complication that occurs in tibial fractures. However, the
      indication of fixation for posterior fractures is still under debate and varies
      between different surgeons'. It is not unusual to find the smaller PMF (<25%),
      which could be treated conservatively within guidelines, treated with internal
      fixation in clinic. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of
      tibial spiral fractures with PMF and provide proper guidance for the treatment of
      this special fracture. METHODS: A total of 284 cases of spiral fractures combined
      with PMF were collected and analyzed. Demographic data, fragment size (classified
      by 25% involvement of ankle joint), time to weight-bearing and functional scores
      post-operatively were recorded. The ankle-hindfoot scale of the American
      Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain
      score, assessment of dorsiflexion restriction and arthritis scale were used as
      the main evaluations. RESULTS: Forty patients with a larger PMF (>=25%) and 72
      with smaller ones (<25%) were fixed and categorized as the fixation group (FG).
      In the nonfixation group (NG), the corresponding numbers were four and 168
      patients respectively. A total of 279 PMF were classified as large posterolateral
      triangular fragment carrying the posterior half of the fibular notch and intra
      incisural posterolateral fragment involving one-fourth to one-third of the
      fibular notch. However, no obvious differences were observed in terms of the
      clinical outcomes in PMF involving one-fourth to one-third of the fibular notch.
      In the treatment of smaller PMF (<25%) of this type, there were no obvious
      differences in the functional outcomes between fixed (SF) and nonfixed PMF (SN).
      CONCLUSIONS: Many patients with smaller PMFs were fixated, but functional
      outcomes of SF were not better than those of SN. There is no need to emphasize
      other factors guiding the treatment of PMF involving one-fourth to one-third of
      the fibular notch in spiral fractures. The traditional size of PMF may be only
      enough to guide the treatment of spiral fracture with PMF. But other types of PMF
      should still be treated considering morphology and fragment simultaneously.

PMID- 28074260
TI  - Accuracy and reproducibility of measurements on plaster models and digital models
      created using an intraoral scanner.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy and
      reproducibility of measurements made on digital models created using an intraoral
      color scanner compared to measurements on dental plaster models. METHODS: This
      study included impressions of 28 volunteers. Alginate impressions were used to
      make plaster models, and each volunteers' dentition was scanned with a TRIOS
      Color intraoral scanner. Two examiners performed measurements on the plaster
      models using a digital caliper and measured the digital models using Ortho
      Analyzer software. The examiners measured 52 distances, including tooth diameter
      and height, overjet, overbite, intercanine and intermolar distances, and the
      sagittal relationship. The paired t test was used to assess intra-examiner
      performance and measurement accuracy of the two examiners for both plaster and
      digital models. The level of clinically relevant differences between the
      measurements according to the threshold used was evaluated and a formula was
      applied to calculate the chance of finding clinically relevant errors on
      measurements on plaster and digital models. RESULTS: For several parameters,
      statistically significant differences were found between the measurements on the
      two different models. However, most of these discrepancies were not considered
      clinically significant. The measurement of the crown height of upper central
      incisors had the highest measurement error for both examiners. Based on the
      interexaminer performance, reproducibility of the measurements was poor for some
      of the parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings showed that most of the
      measurements on digital models created using the TRIOS Color scanner and measured
      with Ortho Analyzer software had a clinically acceptable accuracy compared to the
      same measurements made with a caliper on plaster models, but the measuring method
      can affect the reproducibility of the measurements.

PMID- 28074261
TI  - Perioperative chemotherapy in upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a comprehensive
      review.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of neoadjuvant (NAC) and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC)
      in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated with radical
      nephroureterectomy (RNU). METHODS: A comprehensive review of the current
      literature was performed searching for all studies investigating NAC and AC in
      UTUC in MEDLINE and https://clinicaltrials.gov , prior to April 2016. The
      following keywords were used: "ureteral neoplasms," "urothelium," "ureter,"
      "upper tract urothelial," "chemotherapy," "adjuvant," "neoadjuvant" and relevant
      variants. RESULTS: No randomized trials investigated the role of AC or NAC for
      UTUC. There was one prospective study with n = 36 patients investigating AC with
      carboplatin-paclitaxel. We included 14 retrospective studies (four in the NAC and
      ten in the AC setting), with a total of 694 patients receiving cisplatin-based or
      non-cisplatin-based AC after RNU and 1437 patients undergoing RNU alone. We found
      that the current literature, mainly based on retrospective studies, suggests
      significant overall and cancer-specific survival benefits for AC in UTUC. NAC
      appears promising, with favorable pathologic response rates up to 14%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Evidence is scarce for both NAC and AC use in UTUC. This
      comprehensive review suggests promising response rates for NAC and a survival
      benefit for patients treated with AC. Prospective randomized trials are needed to
      establish the role of AC and NAC in UTUC.

PMID- 28074263
TI  - Treatment options and outcome after bony avulsion of the flexor digitorum
      profundus tendon: a review of 29 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this retrospective review was to evaluate the
      functional and esthetic outcomes in patients with non- or minimally (<2 mm), and
      severely (>2 mm) displaced bony avulsions of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP)
      tendon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1996 and 2010, 29 patients with a bony
      avulsion of the FDP tendon were treated. The displacement magnitude of the
      avulsed fragment determined, whether conservative or surgical treatment was
      performed. Persisting functional deficit, radiological findings, remaining
      disabilities using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, as
      well as treatment-related deformities and complications were evaluated
      retrospectively and at a mean follow-up of 7 years. RESULTS: In 16 patients,
      conservative therapy by initial static splinting due to a fragment displacement
      of <2 mm was conducted. These patients reported no functional impairment at
      follow-up. In 13 cases, major displacement (>2 mm) of the bony fragment led to an
      open reconstruction of the avulsion injury either by screw fixation or a
      Lengemann pull-out wire. In a majority, an extension deficit in the DIP joint and
      a decrease of tip pinch strength by 25% was present at follow-up. In five
      patients, peri- or short-term postoperative complications occurred and in five, a
      nail deformity remained. DASH score revealed satisfying results after both
      therapeutic approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment in non- or minimally
      displaced avulsions leads to satisfying functional results. Patients receiving
      surgery after major fragment displacement need to be aware of a possible impaired
      ROM at the DIP joint. The use of the Lengemann pull-out wire may place patients
      at an increased complication risk and frequently induces nail deformities. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level IV.

PMID- 28074262
TI  - Activated microglia induce the production of reactive oxygen species and promote
      apoptosis of co-cultured retinal microvascular pericytes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pericyte apoptosis is a predominant feature of early diabetic
      retinopathy. In diabetic retinopathy, activated microglia migrate and release
      proinflammatory cytokines that contribute to disruption of the blood-retinal
      barrier, neuronal loss, and enhanced ROS production. Reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) are implicated in pericyte death; however, the mechanism by which activated
      microglia affect retinal microvascular pericytes is unclear. We hypothesized that
      activated microglia may promote pericyte apoptosis by enhancing ROS production.
      METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia and pericytes were co
      cultured in a cell culture system. Pericyte ROS production and the mitochondrial
      membrane potential (DeltaPsim) were determined by flow cytometry. The pericyte
      protein expression levels of NADPH oxidase subunits, uncoupling protein 2,
      nuclear NF-kappaB-p65, and caspase-3 were determined by western blotting. One-way
      ANOVAs were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: LPS successfully activated
      the microglia, as demonstrated by their morphological and phenotype changes and
      the significant increase in tumor necrosis factor secretion (P < 0.01). Co
      culture with activated microglia significantly up-regulated NADPH oxidase
      subunits (NOX4, NOX2, and NCF1; P < 0.01) and down-regulated uncoupling protein 2
      expression (P < 0.01) in pericytes. Pericyte ROS production increased by 20% in
      the activated microglia co-cultured group, and was inhibited by pretreatment with
      diphenyleneiodonium, coenzyme Q10, and N-acetylcysteine. The proapoptotic
      pericyte changes induced by co-culture with activated microglia included a 9.50%
      decrease in pericyte DeltaPsim and significant increases in NF-kappaB-p65 nuclear
      translocation (P < 0.01) and activated caspase-3 (P < 0.01). These proapoptotic
      effects of activated microglia were inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with our hypothesis that activated
      microglia may promote pericyte apoptosis by enhancing ROS production. Further
      studies are needed to examine retinal microglia activation and the corresponding
      changes in pericytes in a rat model of diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 28074264
TI  - NaCl stress induces CsSAMs gene expression in Cucumis sativus by mediating the
      binding of CsGT-3b to the GT-1 element within the CsSAMs promoter.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: The CsSAMs promoter is a salt-stress-inducible promoter
      containing three GT-1 elements that are sufficient for the salt-stress response.
      The transcription factor CsGT-3b was found to bind to the GT-1 element. The S
      adenosyl-L-methionine synthase (SAMs) gene is among the functional genes induced
      during environmental stress. However, little is known about the regulatory
      mechanism and upstream regulators of this salt-inducible gene in cucumber plants.
      Thus, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the SAMs gene by
      analyzing its promoter and transcription factors. In this study, we isolated and
      functionally analyzed a 1743-bp flanking fragment of the CsSAMs gene from Cucumis
      sativus. To examine promoter activity, the full-length promoter, as well as
      different promoter fragments, were fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter
      gene and introduced into the tobacco genome. The full-length promoter displayed
      maximal promoter activity, whereas the P4 promoter, containing 321 bp of upstream
      sequence, showed no basal promoter activity. In addition, the CsSAMs promoter
      exhibited stress-inducible regulation rather than tissue-specific activity in
      transgenic tobacco. Histochemical analysis revealed strong GUS staining in
      leaves, stems, and roots, especially in the veins of leaves, the vascular bundle
      of stems, and root tip zones following NaCl stress. A transient expression assay
      confirmed that the 242-bp region (-1743 to -1500) was sufficient for the NaCl
      stress response. Yeast one-hybrid assays further revealed interaction between the
      NaCl-response protein CsGT-3b and the GT-1 (GAAAAA) element within the 242-bp
      region. Taken together, we revealed the presence of four salt-stress-responsive
      elements (GT-1 cis-elements) in the CsSAMs promoter and identified a
      transcription factor, CsGT-3b, that specifically binds to this sequence. These
      results might help us better understand the intricate regulatory network of the
      cucumber SAMs gene.

PMID- 28074265
TI  - Pharmacokinetic and exposure-response analyses of pertuzumab in combination with
      trastuzumab and docetaxel during neoadjuvant treatment of HER2+ early breast
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The NeoSphere trial evaluated pertuzumab in the neoadjuvant setting
      [early breast cancer (EBC)] with pathological complete response (pCR) as the
      primary efficacy end point. This analysis of pertuzumab aimed to (1) compare its
      pharmacokinetics (PK) in patients with EBC versus advanced cancers, (2) to
      further evaluate PK drug-drug interactions (DDIs) when given in combination with
      trastuzumab, and (3) to assess the relationship between exposure and efficacy to
      assess the clinical dosing regimen in the EBC patients. METHODS: Pertuzumab serum
      concentration data from 180 patients in NeoSphere were compared to historical
      observations and potential DDI was assessed, by applying simulation techniques
      using a population PK model. The impact of pertuzumab exposure on pCR rate was
      evaluated using a logit response model (n = 88). RESULTS: The observed PK matched
      the population PK model simulations, confirming that the PK in neoadjuvant EBC
      appear to be in agreement with the historical observations. No evidence of a DDI
      effect of trastuzumab or docetaxel on pertuzumab was observed supporting the
      doses when given in combination. In NeoSphere >90% of EBC patients achieved the
      non-clinical target serum concentration. There was no association between the
      pertuzumab serum concentration and pCR within the range observed in this study
      (20-100 MUg/mL) supporting no dose adjustments needed for patients with lower
      exposure. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis further supports the lack of DDI between the
      two therapeutic proteins and the appropriateness of the approved fixed non-body
      weight-adjusted pertuzumab dose in the treatment of neoadjuvant EBC with
      pertuzumab in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel.

PMID- 28074266
TI  - Fever of unknown origin, giant cell arteritis, and aortic dissection.
AB  - Giant cell arteritis is one of the most frequent causes of pyrexia of unknown
      origin after infectious or malignant causes have been ruled out. In this case
      report we describe a 66-year old female patient, who after five weeks of
      remitting fever developed a life-threatening, painless severe aortic dissection.
      The timely use of modern imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance
      angiography or positron emission computed tomography could in the future be of
      help to recognize aortic involvement early and to avoid this devastating
      complication in patients with fever of unknown origin.

PMID- 28074267
TI  - Reduced serum myostatin concentrations associated with genetic muscle disease
      progression.
AB  - Myostatin is a highly conserved protein secreted primarily from skeletal muscle
      that can potently suppress muscle growth. This ability to regulate skeletal
      muscle mass has sparked intense interest in the development of anti-myostatin
      therapies for a wide array of muscle disorders including sarcopenia, cachexia and
      genetic neuromuscular diseases. While a number of studies have examined the
      circulating myostatin concentrations in healthy and sarcopenic populations, very
      little data are available from inherited muscle disease patients. Here, we have
      measured the myostatin concentration in serum from seven genetic neuromuscular
      disorder patient populations using immunoaffinity LC-MS/MS. Average serum
      concentrations of myostatin in all seven muscle disease patient groups were
      significantly less than those measured in healthy controls. Furthermore,
      circulating myostatin concentrations correlated with clinical measures of disease
      progression for five of the muscle disease patient populations. These findings
      greatly expand the understanding of myostatin in neuromuscular disease and
      suggest its potential utility as a biomarker of disease progression.

PMID- 28074268
TI  - Cognitive deficits in patients with a chronic vestibular failure.
AB  - Behavioral studies in rodents and humans have demonstrated deficits of spatial
      memory and orientation in bilateral vestibular failure (BVF). Our aim was to
      explore the functional consequences of chronic vestibular failure on different
      cognitive domains including spatial as well as non-spatial cognitive abilities.
      Sixteen patients with a unilateral vestibular failure (UVF), 18 patients with a
      BVF, and 17 healthy controls (HC) participated in the study. To assess the
      cognitive domains of short-term memory, executive function, processing speed and
      visuospatial abilities the following tests were used: Theory of Visual Attention
      (TVA), TAP Alertness and Visual Scanning, the Stroop Color-Word, and the Corsi
      Block Tapping Test. The cognitive scores were correlated with the degree of
      vestibular dysfunction and the duration of the disease, respectively. Groups did
      not differ significantly in age, sex, or handedness. BVF patients were
      significantly impaired in all of the examined cognitive domains but not in all
      tests of the particular domain, whereas UVF patients exhibited significant
      impairments in their visuospatial abilities and in one of the two processing
      speed tasks when compared independently with HC. The degree of vestibular
      dysfunction significantly correlated with some of the cognitive scores. Neither
      the side of the lesion nor the duration of disease influenced cognitive
      performance. The results demonstrate that vestibular failure can lead to
      cognitive impairments beyond the spatial navigation deficits described earlier.
      These cognitive impairments are more significant in BVF patients, suggesting that
      the input from one labyrinth which is distributed into bilateral vestibular
      circuits is sufficient to maintain most of the cognitive functions. These results
      raise the question whether BVF patients may profit from specific cognitive
      training in addition to physiotherapy.

PMID- 28074269
TI  - Varied exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) chemicals in
      occupational settings in France.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore varied exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic
      chemicals (CMR) for French employees. METHODS: Our study assessed data from the
      French national cross-sectional survey of occupational risks (SUMER) that was
      conducted in 2010 in a national representative sample of employees. We selected
      28 CMR agents that were classified by the International Agency for Research on
      Cancer or European Union as being known or presumed to have CMR potential in
      humans. The association of individual and job characteristics with exposure
      prevalence, duration, and intensity of the CMR agents during a 1-week period was
      examined using multilevel logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 10.4%
      of employees in 2010 were exposed to one or more CMR agents at their workplace,
      and 3.4% were subjected to multiple CMR exposures. Blue-collar workers, night
      shift workers and workers with short-term employment contracts experienced higher
      exposure prevalence (p < 0.01) and intensity (p < 0.05). Blue-collar workers and
      shift workers experienced also longer exposure duration (p < 0.001). Conversely,
      managers, workers of large companies, and women were less exposed to CMR agents
      (p < 0.001). The presence of a Committee for Health, Safety, and Working
      Conditions, and intervention by Occupational Health and Safety officers were
      significantly associated with reduced exposure intensities (p < 0.001 and p <
      0.05). Establishment of European CMR regulations and the existence of an
      applicable substitution principle reduced the exposure duration (p < 0.001) and
      intensity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results point out disparities in CMR
      exposure and identify high-priority targets for prevention measures to help
      reducing social health discrepancies.

PMID- 28074270
TI  - Tree leaf litter composition drives temporal variation in aquatic beetle
      colonization and assemblage structure in lentic systems.
AB  - Tree leaf litter inputs to freshwater systems are a major resource and primary
      drivers of ecosystem processes and structure. Spatial variation in tree species
      distributions and forest composition control litter inputs across landscapes, but
      inputs to individual lentic habitat patches are determined by adjacent plant
      communities. In small, ephemeral, fishless ponds, resource quality and abundance
      can be the most important factor affecting habitat selection preferences of
      colonizing animals. We used a landscape of experimental mesocosms to assess how
      natural populations of aquatic beetles respond over time to variation in tree
      leaf litter composition (pine or hardwood). Patches with faster-decomposing
      hardwood leaf litter were initially colonized at higher rates than slower
      decomposing pine pools by most species of Hydrophilidae, but this pattern
      reversed later in the experiment with higher colonization of pine pools by
      hydrophilids. Colonization did not differ between pine and hardwood for dytiscids
      and the small hydrophilid Paracymus, but there were distinct beetle assemblages
      between pine and hardwood patches both early and late in the experiment. Our data
      support the importance of patch quality and habitat selection as determinants of
      species abundances, richness, and community structure in freshwater aquatic
      systems, not only when new habitat patches are formed and initial conditions set,
      but as patches change due to interactions of processes such as decomposition with
      time.

PMID- 28074271
TI  - [Erratum to: Optic disc swelling. A compilation of relevant differential
      diagnoses].

PMID- 28074272
TI  - [Role of the aging visual system in glaucoma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and is
      usually diagnosed in higher age groups. The goal was to survey how patient age
      influences the development of glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based search
      on aging of the visual system and its influence on glaucoma was performed and the
      most important results are summarized. RESULTS: The prevalence of glaucoma rises
      with age. Aging processes of the trabecular meshwork and the uveoscleral outflow
      pathway lead to a rise in the intraocular pressure. Chronically elevated
      intraocular pressure leads to remodelling of the lamina cribrosa and narrowing of
      its pores through which ganglion cell axons leave the eye. Age-dependent glia
      cell, mitochondria and immune system alterations are discussed to influence
      glaucoma. Patient age and further age-related nonophthalmological systemic
      diseases also influence adherence and persistence to the prescribed therapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Aging is an important risk factor for developing glaucoma and is a
      main factor which influences therapy and course of the disease. At this point in
      time it remains unclear to which extent additional factors determine the
      development of glaucoma.

PMID- 28074273
TI  - Experimental models of neurological disease: neuropathology determines what is
      virtual reality, science or fiction.

PMID- 28074275
TI  - Crossover assessment of cardiolocomotor synchronization during running.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed at testing the hypothesis that positive cardiolocomotor
      coordination (CLC) measure occurs by chance during a running task where the heart
      rate (HR) is approximated to the step frequency (StepF). METHODS: The
      electrocardiogram and electromyogram from the right gastrocnemius lateralis
      muscle were continuously recorded from ten healthy young men running at a paced
      rhythm of 152 step/min, to monitor HR and StepF. CLC was evaluated by phase
      synchrograms and the index of conditional probability (iCP). Results were
      validated with surrogate data and a crossover approach, where the HR of one
      subject was related to the StepF of another one, and comparisons were made
      combining subjects two by two. RESULTS: Six subjects showed synchrogram
      structures and high iCP values (>=0.8), suggesting the occurrence of
      physiological entrainment, when the HR reached the SF range. In crossover
      analysis, phase synchrograms and iCP presented similar behavior of original data
      when the HR from one subject was close enough to the SF from another one.
      Significant iCP values in 46 of 90 comparisons (51%) were observed, including all
      cases crossing signals among the six positive cases. CONCLUSION: Synchrogram and
      iCP tools currently employed for measuring CLC are not appropriate because they
      indicate the occurrence of this phenomenon even among subjects who ran on
      different days and times of each other.

PMID- 28074274
TI  - Glioma: experimental models and reality.
AB  - In theory, in vitro and in vivo models for human gliomas have great potential to
      not only enhance our understanding of glioma biology, but also to facilitate the
      development of novel treatment strategies for these tumors. For reliable
      prediction and validation of the effects of different therapeutic modalities,
      however, glioma models need to comply with specific and more strict demands than
      other models of cancer, and these demands are directly related to the combination
      of genetic aberrations and the specific brain micro-environment gliomas grow in.
      This review starts with a brief introduction on the pathological and molecular
      characteristics of gliomas, followed by an overview of the models that have been
      used in the last decades in glioma research. Next, we will discuss how these
      models may play a role in better understanding glioma development and especially
      in how they can aid in the design and optimization of novel therapies. The
      strengths and weaknesses of the different models will be discussed in light of
      genotypic, phenotypic and metabolic characteristics of human gliomas. The last
      part of this review provides some examples of how therapy experiments using
      glioma models can lead to deceptive results when such characteristics are not
      properly taken into account.

PMID- 28074276
TI  - In stage pT1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), high KRT20 and low KRT5
      mRNA expression identify the luminal subtype and predict recurrence and survival.
AB  - Differential expression of cytokeratins (CK) is a characteristic feature of
      chemoresistant luminal (KRT20) and chemosensitive intrinsic aggressive basal
      (KRT5) subtypes in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). We investigated mRNA
      expression of KRT5 and KRT20 and its predictive value in stage pT1 bladder
      cancer. In retrospective analysis of clinical data and formalin-fixed paraffin
      embedded tissues (FFPE) of patients with stage pT1 NMIBC who underwent
      transurethral resection of the bladder, a single-step RT-qPCR was used to measure
      mRNA expression. Furthermore, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of CK20, panCK,
      and MIB1 was performed. Valid measurements were obtained from 231 samples out of
      a series of 284 patients. Spearman correlation revealed significant associations
      between mRNA and protein expression of KRT20/CK20 (rho 0.6096, p < 0.0001) and
      MKI67/MIB1 (rho 0.5467, p < 0.0001). A positive correlation was found between
      MKI67 and KRT20 expression (rho 0.3492, p < 0.0001), while MKI67 and KRT5 were
      negatively correlated (rho -0.1693, p = 0.01). High KRT20 expression (>=40.26)
      was significantly associated with worse recurrence free survival (RFS) (p =
      0.001), progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.0003), and cancer specific
      survival (CSS) (p = 0.0414). The combination of high KRT20 expression and low
      KRT5 expression (<36.83) was associated with unfavorable RFS (p = 0.0038) and PFS
      (p = 0.0003) and proved to be the only independent predictor for RFS (p = 0.0055)
      and PFS (p = 0.0023) in multivariate analysis. KRT20 mRNA determination was
      superior to CK20 protein estimation with regard to RFS and PFS prediction. KRT20
      and KRT5 mRNA quantification can predict recurrence and progression of stage pT1
      NMIBC reflecting basal and luminal subtypes of MIBC and is superior to CK20
      protein expression determined by IHC.

PMID- 28074277
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes for Acute Gallstone Pathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of prominent surgical trials and clinical guidelines regard
      length of hospital stay and rates of daycase surgery as being of upmost
      importance following cholecystectomy. However, it is unclear whether these
      outcomes also matter to patients. This study aimed to identify the factors
      patients regard as most important when admitted with acute gallstone pathology.
      METHODS: A 41-item survey was produced by combining outcomes assessed in recent
      clinical trials with results from a preliminary patient questionnaire. This was
      then given out prospectively to patients presenting with acute gallstone
      pathology, prior to their cholecystectomy. Patients were asked to read an
      information sheet about laparoscopic cholecystectomy and then complete the
      survey, scoring each item out of 100 in terms of importance to them. RESULTS:
      Fifty-six patients completed the survey (43 females; median age 51 years).
      Diagnoses were: cholecystitis (28 patients), biliary colic (13), pancreatitis
      (10), common bile duct stones (3) and cholangitis (2). The top-scoring survey
      item was "long-term quality of life after surgery", with a median value of 97 out
      of 100. Other high-scoring items included "cleanliness of the ward environment"
      and "pain control after surgery" (both 96). The lowest-scoring item was "being
      treated as a daycase" (54). CONCLUSION: Patients with acute gallstone pathology
      view long-term quality of life after surgery as the most important factor and
      daycase surgery as the least important. These results should be considered when
      planning future surgical trials and clinical guidelines.

PMID- 28074278
TI  - Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Risk Factors for Postoperative Intraabdominal Abscess.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has obtained wide acceptance over the
      last two decades. However, some studies suggest that there is an increased rate
      of intraabdominal abscess (IAA) when is compared with open appendectomy. Since
      postoperative IAA is associated with high morbidity, identifying predictive
      factors of this complication may help to prevent it. The aim of this study was to
      identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for IAA after LA. METHODS:
      From January 2005 to June 2015, all charts of consecutive patients underwent to
      LA were revised. Demographics, clinical and intraoperative variables were
      analyzed. Independent risk factors for postoperative IAA were determined by
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1300 LA were performed. The
      mean age was 34.7 (14-94) years. Two hundred and twenty-five patients (17.3%) had
      complicated appendicitis with perforation and peritonitis. The conversion rate
      was 2.3% (30 cases). The average hospital stay was 1.6 (0-27) days. There were 30
      (2.3%) postoperative IAA. In the multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) >30
      (p 0.01), leukocytosis >20,000/mm3 (p 0.02), perforated appendicitis (p < 0.001)
      and operative time >90 min (p 0.04) were associated with the development of
      postoperative IAA. There was no mortality in the series. CONCLUSION: Patients
      with obesity, leukocytosis >20,000/mm3, perforated appendicitis and surgical time
      longer than 90 min have a higher chance of having a postoperative IAA. A close
      postoperative follow-up would be necessary in these situations in order to
      prevent and identify IAA after LA.

PMID- 28074280
TI  - ?

PMID- 28074279
TI  - Identification and clinical course of 166 pediatric cardiac tumors.
AB  - : The aim of this study was to investigate the pathological classifications,
      clinical features, and natural history of pediatric cardiac tumors to provide a
      basis for the selection of an appropriate therapeutic method. The medical records
      of in- or outpatients with cardiac tumors at four hospitals were classified to
      analyze various types of tumor growth locations, clinical manifestations,
      surgical indications, and long-term follow-up results. There were 166 patients,
      including 158 with primary cardiac tumors, six with metastatic cardiac tumors,
      and two with unclassified cardiac tumors. Among the 158 cases of primary cardiac
      tumor, 150 were benign and eight were malignant. The rhabdomyoma, fibroma, and
      myxoma are the most common types of benign cardiac tumors. The major clinical
      manifestations of cardiac tumors include outflow tract obstruction, arrhythmia,
      dyspnea, pericardial effusion, heart failure, and seizures. Among the 59 patients
      who underwent surgery, 49 had primary benign cardiac tumors, eight had primary
      malignant tumors, and two had malignant metastatic tumors. Post-surgery, nine of
      the patients had residual tumor tissues that did not significantly affect their
      hemodynamics. Following surgery, there were two cases of recurrence and nine
      deaths, including four of benign and five of malignant tumors with mortality
      rates of 8.2 and 50.0 %, respectively. Of the remaining 107 cases of patients who
      did not undergo surgery, five (4.7 %) died. CONCLUSION: The primary benign
      cardiac tumors are the predominant pediatric cardiac tumors, of which
      rhabdomyoma, fibroma, and myxoma are the most common types. If severe symptoms
      are nonexistent and the hemodynamics is unaffected, most of the patients can
      survive in the long term despite the tumors. What is known: * Pediatric cardiac
      tumors are rare and are predominantly primary and benign. * The symptoms of heart
      failure, arrhythmia, and outflow obstruction are the most severe complications of
      cardiac tumors. What is new: * The rhabdomyoma, fibroma, and myxoma are the most
      common types of primary benign cardiac tumors. * If severe symptoms are not
      present and the hemodynamics are unaffected, most of the patients can survive in
      the long term despite the tumors.

PMID- 28074281
TI  - One-step CAD/CAM titanium cranioplasty after drilling template-assisted resection
      of intraosseous skull base meningioma: technical note.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cranial defects following intra-osseous tumor removal may be large
      and require adequate reconstruction. CAD/CAM implants have been used for years to
      achieve an optimal cosmetic result. The disadvantage is that such implants
      require a second surgery. A preoperative virtual planning of resection margins
      and the simultaneously fabrication of the cranioplasty could be a possibility to
      subsume the steps tumor resection and cosmetic restoration to a single procedure.
      METHODS: We present two cases of patients with complex intra-osseous spheno
      orbital meningioma. Tumor resection was performed with the help of a drilling
      template in form of a frame. The template also served as a negative for the
      computer-designed cranioplasty. The devices were manufactured by DMD GmbH -
      Digital Medical Design/DDI-Group, Dortmund, Germany. DISCUSSION: The usage of the
      template was highly practicable. Small adjustments in bone removal were necessary
      to achieve an optimal fitting of the implant. The 6-month follow-up showed for
      one patient a good and for one a satisfactory cosmetic result. No second surgery
      was necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Drilling template application could contribute to
      challenging cases of large fronto-basal meningiomas with the aim of minimizing
      operation time and achieving a good esthetic outcome.

PMID- 28074283
TI  - Diabetes and nephrotic syndrome: Questions.

PMID- 28074282
TI  - Unique findings of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma within cortical tubers in
      patients with tuberous sclerosis complex: a histopathological evaluation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tuberous sclerosis is associated with three central nervous system
      pathologies: cortical/subcortical tubers, subependymal nodules (SENs), and
      subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs). Tubers are associated with
      epilepsy, which is often medication-resistant and often leads to resective
      surgery. Recently, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) have been
      shown to be effective reducing seizure burden in some patients with tuberous
      sclerosis complex (TSC)-related refractory epilepsy. mTORi have also been shown
      to be an alternative for surgery treating SEGAs. We describe several cases of
      resected tubers that contained SEGA tissue without an intraventricular SEGA.
      METHODS: After institutional review board (IRB) protocol approval, we
      retrospectively reviewed the surgical-pathological data for all TSC patients who
      underwent cortical resections for treatment of refractory epilepsy at NYU Langone
      Medical Center and Tel Aviv Medical Center between 2003 and 2013. Data included
      demographics, epilepsy type, MRI characteristics, epilepsy outcome, and
      histopathological staining. RESULTS: We reviewed cortical resections from 75
      patients with complete pathological studies. In three patients, cortical lesions
      demonstrated histopathological findings consistent with a SEGA within the
      resected tuber tissue, with no intraventricular SEGA. All lesions were cortically
      based and none had any intraventricular extension. No patient had been treated
      before surgery with an mTORi. Two of the three patients remain Engel grade I-II.
      All lesions stained positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP),
      synaptophysin, and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN). CONCLUSION: This is the first
      description of cortical tubers harboring SEGA tissue. This observation though
      preliminary may suggest a subgroup of patients with intractable epilepsy in whom
      mTORi may be considered before surgical intervention.

PMID- 28074284
TI  - High-affinity RNA binding by a hyperthermophilic single-stranded DNA-binding
      protein.
AB  - Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs), including replication protein A
      (RPA) in eukaryotes, play a central role in DNA replication, recombination, and
      repair. SSBs utilise an oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB) fold domain
      to bind DNA, and typically oligomerise in solution to bring multiple OB fold
      domains together in the functional SSB. SSBs from hyperthermophilic crenarchaea,
      such as Sulfolobus solfataricus, have an unusual structure with a single OB fold
      coupled to a flexible C-terminal tail. The OB fold resembles those in RPA, whilst
      the tail is reminiscent of bacterial SSBs and mediates interaction with other
      proteins. One paradigm in the field is that SSBs bind specifically to ssDNA and
      much less strongly to RNA, ensuring that their functions are restricted to DNA
      metabolism. Here, we use a combination of biochemical and biophysical approaches
      to demonstrate that the binding properties of S. solfataricus SSB are essentially
      identical for ssDNA and ssRNA. These features may represent an adaptation to a
      hyperthermophilic lifestyle, where DNA and RNA damage is a more frequent event.

PMID- 28074287
TI  - Responses triggered in chloroplast of Chlorella variabilis NC64A by long-term
      association with Paramecium bursaria.
AB  - The unicellular green alga Chlorella variabilis NC64A is an endosymbiont of the
      ciliate Paramecium bursaria. The host's control, including the transfer of
      biochemical substrates from P. bursaria to C. variabilis, is involved in
      symbiotic relationships. C. variabilis NC64A that had been re-infected to P.
      bursaria for more than 1 year and isolated from the host showed higher
      chlorophyll levels compared to those in free-living cells. Unlike the host, the
      expression of C. variabilis NC64A heat shock 70 kDa protein was independent of
      establishment of endosymbiosis. In symbiotic cells, the levels of PII signal
      transduction protein (CvPII) that coordinate the central C/N anabolic metabolism
      were slightly higher than those in free-living cells. Furthermore, the
      environmental cues (light and host food bacteria availability) affected the
      abundance of CvPII, suggesting that synthesis of the protein was influenced by
      the host. Moreover, arginine concentrations in the symbiotic algae of P. bursaria
      were also controlled by the host's nutritional conditions. Together, our results
      imply that signal substrates and/or products of metabolism in host cells might
      act as messengers mediating the regulation of key events in symbiont cells.

PMID- 28074286
TI  - Regulation of microtubule nucleation mediated by gamma-tubulin complexes.
AB  - The microtubule cytoskeleton is critically important for spatio-temporal
      organization of eukaryotic cells. The nucleation of new microtubules is typically
      restricted to microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) and requires gamma-tubulin
      that assembles into multisubunit complexes of various sizes. gamma-Tubulin ring
      complexes (TuRCs) are efficient microtubule nucleators and are associated with
      large number of targeting, activating and modulating proteins. gamma-Tubulin
      dependent nucleation of microtubules occurs both from canonical MTOCs, such as
      spindle pole bodies and centrosomes, and additional sites such as Golgi
      apparatus, nuclear envelope, plasma membrane-associated sites, chromatin and
      surface of pre-existing microtubules. Despite many advances in structure of gamma
      tubulin complexes and characterization of gammaTuRC interacting factors,
      regulatory mechanisms of microtubule nucleation are not fully understood. Here,
      we review recent work on the factors and regulatory mechanisms that are involved
      in centrosomal and non-centrosomal microtubule nucleation.

PMID- 28074285
TI  - T cell receptor repertoire usage in cancer as a surrogate marker for immune
      responses.
AB  - Characterizing the interaction of cancer cells with the host adaptive immune
      system is critical for understanding tumor immunology and the modus operandi of
      immunotherapeutic interventions to treat cancer. As the key cellular effectors of
      adaptive immunity, T cells are endowed with specialized receptors (the T cell
      receptor; TCR), to recognize and to eliminate cancer cells. The diversity of the
      TCR repertoire results from specialized genetic diversification mechanisms that
      generate an incredible variability allowing recognizing extensive collections of
      antigens. Based on the attainment and function of the TCR, the TCR repertoire is
      a mirror of the human immune response, and the dynamic changes of its usage can
      be assumed as a promising biomarker to monitor immunomodulatory therapies. Recent
      advances in multiplexed PCR amplification and massive parallel sequencing
      technologies have facilitated the characterization of TCR repertoires at high
      resolution even when only biomaterial of limited quantity and quality, such as
      formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archived tissues, is available. Here, we
      review the concept framework and current experimental approaches to characterize
      the TCR repertoire usage in cancer including inherent technical and biological
      challenges.

PMID- 28074288
TI  - Clinical research participation among adolescent and young adults at an NCI
      designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated pediatric hospital.
AB  - PURPOSE: Minimal clinical trial participation among adolescents and young adults
      (AYAs) with cancer limits scientific progress and ultimately their clinical care
      and outcomes. These analyses examine the current state of AYA clinical research
      participation at a Midwestern comprehensive cancer center and affiliated
      pediatric hospital to advise program development and increase availability of
      trials and AYA participation. Enrollment is examined across all diagnoses, the
      entire AYA age spectrum (15-39), and both cancer therapeutic and supportive care
      protocols. METHODS: his study was a retrospective review of electronic medical
      records via existing databases and registries for all AYAs. Data were collected
      for AYAs seen by an oncologist at the adult outpatient cancer center or at the
      pediatric hospital between the years 2010 and 2014. Descriptive statistics and
      logistic regression analyses were conducted to characterize this sample. RESULTS:
      In the pediatric setting, 42.3% of AYAs were enrolled in a study compared to
      11.2% in the adult setting. Regression analyses in the pediatric setting revealed
      that AYAs with private insurance or Caucasian race were more likely to
      participate. Within the adult setting, ethnicity, race, insurance, and diagnosis
      were associated with study participation; 54.8% of study enrollments were for
      cancer therapeutic and 43.4% for supportive care studies. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results are comparable to previously published data and support the need for new
      local and national AYA initiatives to increase the availability of and enrollment
      in therapeutic clinical trials. The same is true for supportive care studies
      which play a crucial role in improving quality of life.

PMID- 28074290
TI  - A trans-diagnostic approach to psychosis, psychiatric medication nomenclature and
      stigma.

PMID- 28074289
TI  - Anamorelin for cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of
      Anamorelin on patients with cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS) based on a
      meta-analysis of published randomized trials. METHODS: We searched PubMed,
      Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      databases. Data from each selected study were evaluated individually. All
      continuous outcomes were calculated by the mean difference or standardized mean
      difference with 95% confidence interval for each study. Heterogeneity was
      assessed by using the Chi2 test at a significance level of P < 0.1, in addition
      to the I 2 statistic (I 2 > 50% indicated substantial heterogeneity). RESULT: At
      last, four studies were included from 284 records. In three studies, lean body
      mass was reported and there was a significant difference between placebo and
      Anamorelin groups (P < 0.00001), without significant heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%).
      All the four studies reported the body weight change from baseline, and there was
      significant difference between placebo and Anamorelin groups (P = 0.007), but
      with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 97%). Two studies reported Anderson Symptom
      Assessment Scale (ASAS) score, and Anamorelin significantly increased the total
      ASAS score of CACS patients (P < 0.00001), without any heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%).
      Three studies reported non-dominant handgrip strength, and there was no
      significant difference between Anamorelin and placebo groups (P = 0.16). Three
      studies reported insulin-like growth factor-1 level, and there was significant
      difference between Anamorelin and placebo groups (P = 0.02), but with high
      heterogeneity (I 2 = 96%). Three studies reported IGF binding protein-3
      concentration. Anamorelin significantly increased such concentration compared
      with placebo did (P < 0.00001). However, there was still higher heterogeneity (I
      2 = 59%). All the included studies reported adverse events. Compared with
      placebo, Anamorelin induced fewer adverse events, but there was no significant
      difference between the two groups (RR = 0.07, P = 0.35). CONCLUSION: In the
      included studies, Anamorelin had some positive effects to relieve the symptoms
      and improved the quality of life. However, the heterogeneity was apparent, so the
      clinical effects of Anamorelin should be further validated by increasing the
      sample size, varying the range of doses during treatment, and observing other
      outcomes. We are still confident for the future application of Anamorelin in
      phase III clinical trials.

PMID- 28074291
TI  - Unaccompanied refugee minors in Germany: attitudes of the general population
      towards a vulnerable group.
AB  - Germany saw an increase in numbers of refugees in 2015, with nearly a third being
      below the age of 18. Unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) present an especially
      vulnerable group. In addition to pre-flight and flight stress, the acculturation
      process can work as potential stressor, and we wanted to explore attitudes
      towards URM. We conducted a study in a representative sample (n = 2524) of the
      German population (ages 14 years or older) between January and March 2016. Only
      22.8% of participants thought that Germany could accompany more URM. While few
      participants argued in support of immediate deportation of URM in general (38.6%)
      or of URM from the Middle East (35.3%), a majority advocated for immediate
      deportations of URM from the Balkan region (62%) or from Africa (51.1%).
      Difference in the variance regarding attitudes towards deportation was explained
      mostly by right-wing political attitudes as well as by islamophobic attitudes and
      general rejection of asylum seekers. High rates of approval were found for
      guaranteeing the same chances to schooling or apprenticeship for URM as to German
      children and for bestowing URM a right to permanent residence if they were able
      to complete school or apprenticeship. Education and qualification are key to
      integration. Studies about needs and wishes of URM consistently report a high
      motivation to learn the language of their new host country and attend school. At
      this point, hopes of URM and expectations of society meet, which underlines the
      importance of participation in education as key factor in integration.

PMID- 28074292
TI  - Reliability of the nociceptive blink reflex evoked by electrical stimulation of
      the trigeminal nerve in humans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The nociceptive blink reflex (nBR) can be useful to investigate
      trigeminal nociceptive function. The aim of this study was to estimate the
      reliability of the nBR evoked by electrical stimulation of the three branches of
      the trigeminal nerve under the following conditions: over time (test-retest and
      intrarater reliability) and by two examiners (interrater reliability). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Twenty-one healthy participants were evaluated in two sessions (24 h
      apart). The nBR was elicited by a so-called "nociceptive-specific" electrode
      placed over the entry zone of the right supraorbital (V1R), infraorbital (V2R),
      mental (V3R), and left infraorbital (V2L) nerve. The outcomes were individual
      electrical sensory (I 0) and pain thresholds (I P); root mean square (RMS), area
      under-the-curve (AUC), and onset latencies of R2 responses (determined twice
      after a recalibration session); and stimulus-evoked pain on a 0-10 numerical
      rating scale. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Kappa statistics
      were computed (alpha = 5%). RESULTS: ICCs were fair to excellent in 82% of the
      psychophysical measures (fair 21%, good 31%, excellent 30%) and in 86% of V1R,
      V2R, and V2L nBR parameters, whereas 52% of V3R showed poor reliability. ICCs for
      intrarater reliability were fair to good in 70% of measurements (fair 20%, good
      50%) and in 75% of interrater measurements after the recalibration (fair 55%,
      good 20%). All kappa values showed at least fair agreement and the majority of
      the nBR measures (93%) presented moderate to excellent reliability. CONCLUSION:
      The nBR and its associated psychophysical measures can be considered a
      sufficiently reliable test. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The nBR can be recommended as
      an electrophysiological technique to assess trigeminal nociceptive function.

PMID- 28074293
TI  - [Management of NOAK administration during invasive or surgical interventions :
      When and how to pause and when to restart?]
AB  - Many patients under oral anticoagulation therapy need percutaneous or surgical
      interventions/operations. For vitamin K antagonists (VKA), there are
      recommendations regarding preoperative or postoperative administration.
      Management of the new oral anticoagulants (NOAC) was supposed to be easier - but
      some aspects must be considered. Due to the different pharmacokinetic profiles of
      substances such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, different
      recommendations are given.Upon periprocedural management, thromboembolic risk has
      to be considered in patients treated with NOACs. NOACS have a pharmacokinetic
      advantage in terms of a rapid onset and rapid elimination via the liver and
      kidneys. Impaired renal function results in extended half-life of NOACs
      considerably.Surgical procedures under NOACS can be scheduled at the beginning of
      next dosing interval or omitted in low/minimal bleeding risk patients, so that
      only 2-3 NOAC doses are not administered. In patients with moderate and high risk
      of bleeding, there should be a NOAC break of 24-48 h prior to surgery in order to
      allow a corresponding decay of the active metabolite. In patients with
      low/intermediate risk for thromboembolism, no bridging is necessary if the
      "unprotected" time (NOAC break) is less than 4-5-(7) days. In patients at high
      risk of thromboembolism, individual consideration must be taken regarding
      bridging or extended NOAC break. Whether NOACs can be dispensed or bridging is
      necessary in these patients must be clarified in randomized trials for
      periprocedural management of NOACs patients.

PMID- 28074294
TI  - [Procedures on patients receiving NOACs : What's possible?]
AB  - Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are increasingly used in
      patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and atrial
      fibrillation (AF). However, there is insufficient data concerning the
      periinterventional, perioperative, and intensive care management of patients on
      NOACs. Therefore, the recommendations regarding this management rely on
      pharmacokinetics of the particular NOAC in combination with the individual
      patient's characteristics, bleeding risk of the planned intervention/surgery, and
      urgency of the procedure. This review summarizes evidence and recommendations
      regarding the optimal periinterventional/perioperative antithrombotic management
      of patients on NOACs.

PMID- 28074295
TI  - [Neuraxial anaesthesia and NOACs].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular comorbidities in surgical patients are frequent and
      have a substantial impact on the postoperative outcome. Neuraxial blockades are
      able to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. The increasing use of new
      oral anticoagulants (NOAC) requires a high level of attention, especially in
      patients undergoing neuraxial blockades or requiring postoperative analgesia.
      OBJECTIVE: The goal of this article is to present the benefit of neuraxial
      anaesthesia and analgesia in patients with cardiovascular risks and perioperative
      management of NOAC in this setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the
      respective literature in PubMed during the last 25 years as well as presentation
      of the S1 guideline "Neuraxial anaesthesia and thrombo-embolic
      prophylaxis/antithrombotic medication" of the German Society of Anaesthesiology
      and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI). RESULTS: Thoracic epidural anaesthesia and
      analgesia contribute to an improved outcome in surgical patients with high
      cardiovascular risk. In order to avoid severe complications in patients on NOACs
      undergoing neuraxial blockades the S1 guideline of the DGAI must be respected and
      close interdisciplinary consultations between anaesthetist, cardiologist and
      surgeon are mandatory. CONCLUSION: In consideration of the respective guideline
      neuraxial blockades can be performed in cardiovascular risk patients on NOACs,
      since these techniques contribute to an improved postoperative outcome.

PMID- 28074297
TI  - [Delirium, analgesia, and sedation in intensive care medicine : Development of a
      protocol-based management approach].
AB  - Intensive care treatment has long-term consequences that are often not
      immediately apparent to the health care providers. The combination of muscle
      weakness, cognitive damage, and psychological disorders is comprised under the
      term post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Analgesia and sedation protocols, as
      well as nonpharmacological preventive and therapeutic approaches, are effective
      tools for avoiding complications and improving long-term survival. The principle
      of "early goal-directed therapy" is fundamental. Here, a treatment target is
      defined and continuously re-evaluated by validated monitoring methods. Evidence
      clearly supports a paradigm shift towards patients that are awake, attentive, and
      able to participate in their therapy. Individualized analgesia and (non)sedation
      approaches allow a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) target value of 0/-1
      for the majority of patients. Should sedation indeed be necessary, there must be
      a focus on avoiding oversedation, especially an early deep sedation.

PMID- 28074298
TI  - Effect of intraoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of retroperitoneal
      sarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the
      treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) endorse surgical resection, but the
      role of radiotherapy (RT) is less clear. We investigate the utilization and
      benefits of intraoperative RT (IORT) in the treatment of RPS. METHODS: We queried
      the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (1988-2013) for
      the utilization of IORT and perioperative external beam RT (EBRT) in patients who
      underwent surgical resection of RPS. Groups were defined as any IORT (aIORT),
      IORT alone (IORT-), IORT with EBRT (IORT+) and preoperative and/or postoperative
      EBRT without IORT (EBRT). Demographics, tumor characteristics, extent of disease,
      and survival were compared between groups. RESULTS: We identified 908 patients
      with RPS who underwent surgical resection with perioperative RT. Demographics of
      age, sex, and race were similar between groups. There was no difference in
      baseline tumor characteristics of mean size, tumor grade, or histological subtype
      between groups. A higher percentage of patients receiving aIORT had tumors >20 cm
      in size, and extension beyond local tissues. Liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma were
      the most common subtypes overall and in each subgroup. Patients with liposarcoma
      undergoing IORT and EBRT (IORT+) demonstrated a survival benefit over both IORT
      alone (IORT-) and EBRT alone. CONCLUSION: IORT was used infrequently for RPS but
      generated equivalent outcomes compared to EBRT, despite being utilized more often
      for larger tumors and those with peri-tumoral soft-tissue invasion. Patients with
      the most common subtype (liposarcoma) may benefit from combination IORT with
      adjuvant EBRT versus other regimens.

PMID- 28074300
TI  - Solving the crystal structure of human calcium-free S100Z: the siege and conquer
      of one of the last S100 family strongholds.
AB  - The X-ray structure of human apo-S100Z has been solved and compared with that of
      the zebrafish calcium-bound S100Z, which is the closest in sequence. Human apo
      S100A12, which shows only 43% sequence identity to human S100Z, has been used as
      template model to solve the crystallographic phase problem. Although a
      significant buried surface area between the two physiological dimers is present
      in the asymmetric unit of human apo-S100Z, the protein does not form the
      superhelical arrangement in the crystal as observed for the zebrafish calcium
      bound S100Z and human calcium-bound S100A4. These findings further demonstrate
      that calcium plays a fundamental role in triggering quaternary structure
      formation in several S100s. Solving the X-ray structure of human apo-S100Z by
      standard molecular replacement procedures turned out to be a challenge and
      required trying different models and different software tools among which only
      one was successful. The model that allowed structure solution was that with one
      of the lowest sequence identity with the target protein among the S100 family in
      the apo state. Based on the previously solved zebrafish holo-S100Z, a putative
      human holo-S100Z structure has been then calculated through homology modeling;
      the differences between the experimental human apo and calculated holo structure
      have been compared to those existing for other members of the family.

PMID- 28074299
TI  - Dioxygen activation by nonheme iron enzymes with the 2-His-1-carboxylate facial
      triad that generate high-valent oxoiron oxidants.
AB  - The 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad is a widely used scaffold to bind the iron
      center in mononuclear nonheme iron enzymes for activating dioxygen in a variety
      of oxidative transformations of metabolic significance. Since the 1990s, over a
      hundred different iron enzymes have been identified to use this platform. This
      structural motif consists of two histidines and the side chain carboxylate of an
      aspartate or a glutamate arranged in a facial array that binds iron(II) at the
      active site. This triad occupies one face of an iron-centered octahedron and
      makes the opposite face available for the coordination of O2 and, in many cases,
      substrate, allowing the tailoring of the iron-dioxygen chemistry to carry out a
      plethora of diverse reactions. Activated dioxygen-derived species involved in the
      enzyme mechanisms include iron(III)-superoxo, iron(III)-peroxo, and high-valent
      iron(IV)-oxo intermediates. In this article, we highlight the major
      crystallographic, spectroscopic, and mechanistic advances of the past 20 years
      that have significantly enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms of O2
      activation and the key roles played by iron-based oxidants.

PMID- 28074302
TI  - ENABLE (Exportable Notation and Bookmark List Engine): an Interface to Manage
      Tumor Measurement Data from PACS to Cancer Databases.
AB  - Oncologists evaluate therapeutic response in cancer trials based on tumor
      quantification following selected "target" lesions over time. At our cancer
      center, a majority of oncologists use Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid
      Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 quantifying tumor progression based on lesion measurements
      on imaging. Currently, our oncologists handwrite tumor measurements, followed by
      multiple manual data transfers; however, our Picture Archiving Communication
      System (PACS) (Carestream Health, Rochester, NY) has the ability to export tumor
      measurements, making it possible to manage tumor metadata digitally. We developed
      an interface, "Exportable Notation and Bookmark List Engine" (ENABLE), which
      produces prepopulated RECIST v1.1 worksheets and compiles cohort data and data
      models from PACS measurement data, thus eliminating handwriting and manual data
      transcription. We compared RECIST v1.1 data from eight patients (16 computed
      tomography exams) enrolled in an IRB-approved therapeutic trial with ENABLE
      outputs: 10 data fields with a total of 194 data points. All data in ENABLE's
      output matched with the existing data. Seven staff were taught how to use the
      interface with a 5-min explanatory instructional video. All were able to use
      ENABLE successfully without additional guidance. We additionally assessed 42
      metastatic genitourinary cancer patients with available RECIST data within PACS
      to produce a best response waterfall plot. ENABLE manages tumor measurements and
      associated metadata exported from PACS, producing forms and data models
      compatible with cancer databases, obviating handwriting and the manual re-entry
      of data. Automation should reduce transcription errors and improve efficiency and
      the auditing process.

PMID- 28074301
TI  - Tightrope fixation of syndesmotic injuries in Weber C ankle fractures: a
      multicentre case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No general consensus has yet been established for the gold standard
      treatment of ankle syndesmotic complex injuries. Recent literature has documented
      the success of ankle tightrope fixation for heterogeneous ankle fracture
      patterns, resulting in syndesmotic complex injuries. We present a multicentre
      case series assessing the clinical, radiological and functional outcomes of
      patients with Weber C ankle fractures treated with the Arthrex TightRope(r)
      fixation system. METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult
      patients with Weber C ankle fractures who were treated with the Arthrex
      TightRope(r) fixation system at four centres over a 3-year period. All patients
      were followed up for a mean of 14 months (range 12-26). Outcomes measures were
      assessed subjectively using functional scores (AOFAS and Olerud and Molander) and
      objectively using radiological measurements, complication rates and revision
      surgery rates. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients met our eligibility criteria. The
      mean age at operation was 31 years (range 18-65). There were 20 males and 16
      females. No patients were lost to follow-up. The ankle tightrope maintained
      satisfactory reduction in the ankle mortise in 97% of cases. Of these 35
      successfully treated cases, no evidence of re-displacement on follow-up
      radiographs of the syndesmotic complex was observed at an average of 10.8 months
      (range 6-12). Post-operative mean medial clear space was 3.1 mm, and mean tibio
      fibular overlap was 10.1 mm. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
      (AOFAS) score was 88.8 (range 67-98) at a mean follow-up of 14 months (range 12
      26). The overall complication rate was 6% (one failure requiring revision surgery
      and one medial sided skin irritation requiring removal of suture button). No
      infections or wound complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Tightrope fixation is a
      safe alternative to screw fixation for syndesmotic complex injuries in Weber C
      ankle fractures. We have shown that it has low complication rates and a high
      patient satisfaction.

PMID- 28074304
TI  - Evaluation of endothelial dysfunction in patients with familial Mediterranean
      fever: the relationship between the levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine and
      endocan with carotid intima-media thickness and endothelium-dependent
      vasodilation.
AB  - It has been suggested that there is an ongoing subclinical inflammation in
      familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients also in attack-free periods as well.
      Due to this ongoing inflammation, endothelial dysfunction (ED) may develop.
      Previously, ED has been suggested to increase the risk of the atherosclerosis and
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endocan is recognized as a specific molecule of the
      endothelium and has been shown to increase in some cases associated with
      inflammation. However, there is not sufficient data whether those with FMF could
      develop ED in the early period of life. In this study, we aimed to investigate ED
      and its relation with endocan in young FMF patients. A total of 57 male patients
      diagnosed with FMF according to the Tel Hashomer criteria and a total of 33
      healthy males with similar characteristics to the patient group were included in
      this research. Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR),
      fibrinogen, serum glucose, serum LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG),
      asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and endocan levels were tested from fasting
      blood samples. Moreover, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and flow-mediated
      dilatation (FMD) were measured. The endocan levels of the FMF patients during an
      attack-free period were significantly higher than those of the control group (p <
      0.001). On the other hand, FMD measurements were significantly lower among FMF
      patients (p < 0.001). ADMA levels were higher in the patient group; however, this
      difference was similar (p > 0.05). CIMT values were similar among FMF patients
      and healthy controls (p > 0.05). These results have suggested that ED may develop
      in the patients with FMF who have no additional CVD risk, even during young
      adulthood, and endocan may be a favorable biomarker at demonstration of ED than
      ADMA among FMF patients.

PMID- 28074305
TI  - Clinical effectiveness of low-level laser treatment on peripheral somatosensory
      neuropathy.
AB  - Peripheral sensory neuropathy treatment is one of the common treatment problems
      and causes morbidity and mortality in people suffering from that. Although
      treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition, nevertheless, in some
      cases, there is no cure for it, and it requires palliative and symptomatic
      treatment. In laboratory studies, low-level laser has been effective in the
      nerves protection and restoration. The aim of this article is to investigate the
      clinical efficacy of low-level laser on improvement of the peripheral
      somatosensory neuropathy. Search in the articles published up to 30 October 2015
      (full text and abstracts) in databases PubMed (Medline), Cochrane library,
      Physiotherapy Evidence Database was performed. The studies of low-level laser
      trials on patients with peripheral neuropathy were carried out and evaluated in
      terms of the exclusion criteria. There are 35 articles among which 10 articles
      had the intended and required criteria. 1, 3, and 6 articles study the patients
      with diabetes, neuropathy caused by trauma, and carpal tunnel syndrome,
      respectively. In six studies, laser led to a reduction in sensory impairment and
      improvement of the physiological function of the sensory nerves. In these
      articles, lasers (Diode, GaAlAs, He-Ne) had wavelength range 660-860 nm,
      radiation power 20-250 mW, energy density 0.45-70 J/cm2. The intervention
      sessions range was 6-21 times and patient follow-up was 0-6 months. According to
      the results of these studies, low-level laser therapy can improve sensory
      function in patients with peripheral somatosensory neuropathy, although little
      research have not been done, laser treatment regimens are varied and do not
      recommend a specific treatment protocol. It seems it requires more research to
      sum up better, particularly in relation to diabetes.

PMID- 28074306
TI  - Second and Thirdhand Smoke Exposure, Attitudes and Protective Practices: Results
      from a Survey of Hispanic Residents in Multi-unit Housing.
AB  - Secondhand and third hand smoke (SHS, THS) exposure is prevalent in multi-unit
      housing (MUH). Minorities and low-income MUH residents are disproportionally
      exposed to SHS and THS compared to other populations. This study describes the
      characteristics, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors related to SHS, THS and
      marijuana smoke exposure (MSHS) of a sample of Hispanic tenants in randomly
      selected MUH units in eastern metro Los Angeles (n = 402). Although most
      participants (97%) banned smoking inside their homes, 80% reported infiltration
      of SHS inside their apartments within the last year. Most (85%) favored a
      complete ban on smoking in apartment buildings. Twenty-eight percent did not know
      that marijuana (MSHS) smoke exposure is also harmful to their health. Knowledge
      scores were higher among Spanish-speakers (p < 0.05). Given the interpersonal
      barriers to advocating for change, widespread policy and communication
      interventions are also necessary to protect Hispanic MUH residents' rights to
      clean air in their living space.

PMID- 28074307
TI  - Clinical characteristics and long-term outcome of diarrhea-associated hemolytic
      uremic syndrome: a single center experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To clarify the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of
      patients with diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (D + HUS) with a
      particular focus on time course. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical
      records of 61 patients with D + HUS who were admitted to Kobe University Hospital
      between 1995 and 2015. The onset of D + HUS was defined as day 1 of diarrhea.
      RESULTS: The age of onset was 4.1 (1.5-13.4) years, and the period between onset
      and diagnosis of D + HUS was 5 (3-18) days. The platelet count was lowest on day
      7 (4-24), and the lactase dehydrogenase level was maximal on day 8 (4-25). Twenty
      three patients required dialysis for 13 (2-37) days, starting at day 5-9.
      Seventeen patients showed central nervous system (CNS) symptoms at day 4-18. They
      were followed up for 3.7 (0-18.4) years. At the final follow-up, estimated
      glomerular filtration rate was 113.7 (57.9-159.9) ml/min/1.73 m2 with five
      patients having chronic kidney disease. Three patients developed CNS sequelae.
      The time to diagnosis was significantly shorter in the group of patients
      receiving dialysis than without dialysis (p = 0.018) and in the group with CNS
      complications than without (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: CNS complications were often
      apparent after blood examination results improved. Moreover, a shorter period
      between the onset of diarrhea and a diagnosis of D + HUS indicated a more severe
      clinical course or long-term sequelae, and it should be considered as a risk
      factor for poor prognosis.

PMID- 28074308
TI  - Influence of TS and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms on survival outcomes of 5-FU-based
      chemotherapy in a Chinese population of advanced gastric cancer patients.
AB  - To investigate the impacts of gene variations on survival outcomes of advanced
      gastric cancer (AGC) patients treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based
      chemotherapy, we analyzed the associations of 2 indels of the TS gene rs34743033
      (double or triple tandem repeats of a 28 bp sequence in 5'-UTR, denoted as 2R or
      3R allele) and rs16430 (a 6 bp variation at 1494 bp in 3'-UTR, denoted as ins6 or
      del6 allele) and 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCB1gene rs2032582
      in exon 21 and rs1045642 in exon 26, with clinical outcomes after 5-FU treatment.
      Generally, indels rs34743033 and rs16430 were genotyped by PCR and polyacrylamide
      gel electrophoresis assay and SNPs rs2032582 and rs1045642 were genotyped by
      polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)
      assay in 110 Chinese AGC patients post-chemotherapy. Cox regression analysis was
      used to analyze the risk factors affecting patient survival. As a result,
      rs34743033, rs1045642 and rs2032582 were shown to be significantly associated
      with overall survival (P < 0.05), and associations between the four polymorphisms
      with disease-free survival were also observed (P < 0.05). Moreover, we found that
      genotypes rs34743033 3R/2R, rs16430 ins6/del6, rs1045642 CC or CT, and rs2032582
      GG were beneficial predictors of clinical treatment outcome in AGC patients,
      suggesting some clinical implications in chemotherapy of a Chinese population.

PMID- 28074309
TI  - Helicobacter pylori-induced premature senescence of extragastric cells may
      contribute to chronic skin diseases.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori, one of the most frequently observed bacterium in the human
      intestinal flora, has been widely studied since Marshall and Warren documented a
      link between the presence of H. pylori in the gastrointestinal tract and
      gastritis and gastric ulcers. Interestingly, H. pylori has also been found in
      several other epithelial tissues, including the eyes, ears, nose and skin that
      may have direct or indirect effects on host physiology and may contribute to
      extragastric diseases, e.g. chronic skin diseases. More recently, it has been
      shown that H. pylori cytotoxin CagA expression induces cellular senescence of
      human gastric nonpolarized epithelial cells that may lead to gastrointestinal
      disorders and systemic inflammation. Here, we hypothesize that also chronic skin
      diseases may be promoted by stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) of skin
      cells, namely fibroblasts and keratinocytes, stimulated with H. pylori
      cytotoxins. Future studies involving cell culture models and clinical specimens
      are needed to verify the involvement of H. pylori in SIPS-based chronic skin
      diseases.

PMID- 28074310
TI  - Recurrence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Following Prostate Artery Embolization
      for Benign Hyperplasia: Single Center Experience Comparing Two Techniques.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare recurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) recurrence
      at 12 months following original prostate artery embolization (oPAE) or "proximal
      embolization first, then embolize distal" (PErFecTED) PAE for benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 105 consecutive patients older than 45
      years, with prostate size greater than 30 cm3, International Prostate Symptom
      Score (IPSS) >= 8, quality of life (QoL) index >= 3, and refractory status or
      intolerance of medical management were prospectively enrolled between June 2008
      and August 2013. The study was IRB-approved, and all patients provided informed
      consent. Patients underwent oPAE or PErFecTED PAE and were followed for at least
      12 months. Technical success was defined as bilateral embolization and clinical
      success (non-recurrence) was defined as removal of the Foley catheter in patients
      with urinary retention, IPSS < 8 and QoL index < 3 at 12 months of follow-up.
      Nonparametric statistics were used to compare the study groups due to the size of
      the study population and distributions of clinical data. RESULTS: 97 patients had
      12-month data and were categorized as oPAE without recurrence (n = 46), oPAE with
      recurrence (n  = 13), PErFecTED without recurrence (n  = 36), or PErFecTED with
      recurrence (n  = 2). Recurrence was significantly more common in oPAE patients
      (chi 2, p = 0.026). Unilateral embolization was significantly associated with
      recurrence among patients who underwent oPAE (chi 2, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS:
      Both oPAE and PErFecTED PAE are safe and effective methods for treatment of LUTS,
      but PErFecTED PAE is associated with a significantly lower rate of symptom
      recurrence.

PMID- 28074311
TI  - Improving Maternal and Infant Child Health Outcomes with Community-Based
      Pregnancy Support Groups: Outcomes from Moms2B Ohio.
AB  - Objectives To describe temporal changes in maternal and child health outcomes in
      an impoverished urban community after the implementation of an innovative
      community-based pregnancy support program, named Moms2B. Methods Beginning in
      2011, pregnant women in an urban impoverished community were recruited for
      participation in a community-based pregnancy support program focused on improving
      nutrition coupled with increasing social and medical support. The comprehensive
      program targeting pregnancy through the infants' first year of life was developed
      and staffed by a multidisciplinary team from an academic health system. As a
      preliminary effort to assess the effectiveness of Moms2B, we examined maternal
      and infant health characteristics in the community before and after
      implementation of the program. Results From 2011 to 2014, 195 pregnant women
      attended one or more Moms2B sessions at the Weinland Park (WP) location. Most
      (75%) were African American (AA) with incomes below $800 per month and
      significant medical and social stressors. Outcomes from the two WP census tracts
      before and after implementation of the Moms2B program were studied. From 2007 to
      2010, there were 442 births in WP and 6 infant deaths for an infant mortality
      rate of 14.2/1000. In 2011-2014, the first four years of the Moms2B program there
      were 339 births and one infant death giving an IMR of 2.9/1000, nearly a five
      fold reduction in the rate of an infant death. Among pregnant women in WP who
      were covered by Medicaid, the breastfeeding initiation rate improved from 37.9 to
      75.5% (p < .01) after the introduction of Moms2B. There were no infant deaths
      among Moms2B participants at the WP location in the first four years of the
      program. Conclusions Implementation of an innovative community-based pregnancy
      support program was associated with important improvements in maternal and infant
      health in an impoverished neighborhood.

PMID- 28074312
TI  - Barriers to and Facilitators of Adherence to Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices
      Among HIV Infected and Non-Infected Women in Jos, Nigeria.
AB  - Objectives In Nigeria adherence to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices is
      currently suboptimal and a better understanding of the factors affecting
      adherence to EBF is needed. We sought to identify and delineate the barriers to
      and facilitators of adherence to EBF amongst HIV-infected and uninfected women in
      Nigeria. Methods We explored the barriers and facilitators to EBF amongst 37 (25
      HIV-infected and 12 HIV-uninfected) pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic
      in Jos, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted with each of the pregnant
      women in their third trimester of pregnancy and again 1 month after giving birth.
      Results The themes that emerged were mothers' feeding intentions, significant
      role players in the decision to breastfeed, perceived barriers (e.g.
      physiological issues, stigma, employment) and perceived facilitators (e.g.
      pleasure and enjoyment derived from breastfeeding, natural milk from God,
      disclosure and family support) associated with EBF. Conclusions Most women
      preferred EBF and offered it to their infants. However, more efforts are needed
      to improve support structures at home and at work to accommodate women who choose
      to do EBF.

PMID- 28074313
TI  - Characterizing Clinical Genetic Counselors' Countertransference Experiences: an
      Exploratory Study.
AB  - Countertransference (CT) refers to conscious and unconscious emotions, fantasies,
      behaviors, perceptions, and psychological defenses genetic counselors experience
      in response to any aspect of genetic counseling situations (Weil 2010). Some
      authors theorize about the importance of recognizing and managing CT, but no
      studies solely aim to explore genetic counselors' experiences of the phenomenon.
      This study examined the extent to which clinical genetic counselors' perceive
      themselves as inclined to experience CT, gathered examples of CT encountered in
      clinical situations, and assessed their CT management strategies. An anonymous
      online survey, sent to NSGC members, yielded 127 usable responses. Participants
      completed Likert-type items rating their CT propensities; 57 of these individuals
      also provided examples of CT they experienced in their practice. Factor analysis
      of CT propensities tentatively suggested four factors: Control, Conflict
      Avoidance, Directiveness, and Self-Regulation, accounting for 38.5% of response
      variance. Thematic analysis of CT examples yielded five common triggers: general
      similarity to patient, medical/genetic similarity, angry patients, patient
      behaves differently from counselor expectations, and disclosing bad news; six
      common manifestations: being self-focused, projecting feelings onto the patient,
      intense emotional reaction to patient, being overly invested, disengagement, and
      physical reaction; five CT effects: disruption in rapport building, repaired
      empathy, over-identification, conversation does not reach fullest potential, and
      counselor is drained emotionally; and three management strategies: recognizing CT
      as it occurs, self-reflection, and consultation. Results suggest CT is a common
      experience, occurring in both "routine" and emotionally complex cases. Training
      programs, continuing education, and peer supervision might include discussion of
      CT, informed by examples from the present study, to increase genetic counselor
      awareness and skills for managing the phenomenon.

PMID- 28074314
TI  - A Novel Effect of beta-Adrenergic Receptor on Mammary Branching Morphogenesis and
      its Possible Implications in Breast Cancer.
AB  - Understanding the mechanisms that govern normal mammary gland development is
      crucial to the comprehension of breast cancer etiology. beta-adrenergic receptors
      (beta-AR) are targets of endogenous catecholamines such as epinephrine that have
      gained importance in the context of cancer biology. Differences in beta2-AR
      expression levels may be responsible for the effects of epinephrine on tumor vs
      non-tumorigenic breast cell lines, the latter expressing higher levels of beta2
      AR. To study regulation of the breast cell phenotype by beta2-AR, we over
      expressed beta2-AR in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and knocked-down the receptor in
      non-tumorigenic MCF-10A breast cells. In MCF-10A cells having knocked-down beta2
      AR, epinephrine increased cell proliferation and migration, similar to the
      response by tumor cells. In contrast, in MCF-7 cells overexpressing the beta2-AR,
      epinephrine decreased cell proliferation and migration and increased adhesion,
      mimicking the response of the non-tumorigenic MCF-10A cells, thus underscoring
      that beta2-AR expression level is a key player in cell behavior. beta-adrenergic
      stimulation with isoproterenol induced differentiation of breast cells growing in
      3-dimension cell culture, and also the branching of murine mammary epithelium in
      vivo. Branching induced by isoproterenol was abolished in fulvestrant or
      tamoxifen-treated mice, demonstrating that the effect of beta-adrenergic
      stimulation on branching is dependent on the estrogen receptor (ER). An ER
      independent effect of isoproterenol on lumen architecture was nonetheless found.
      Isoproterenol significantly increased the expression of ERalpha, Ephrine-B1 and
      fibroblast growth factors in the mammary glands of mice, and in MCF-10A cells. In
      a poorly differentiated murine ductal carcinoma, isoproterenol also decreased
      tumor growth and induced tumor differentiation. This study highlights that
      catecholamines, through beta-AR activation, seem to be involved in mammary gland
      development, inducing mature duct formation. Additionally, this differentiating
      effect could be resourceful in a breast tumor context.

PMID- 28074315
TI  - The roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis in children, dogs, and soil inside and
      outside a segregated settlement in Eastern Slovakia: frequent but hardly
      detectable parasite.
AB  - A comparative study was carried out to evaluate the Strongyloides stercoralis
      infections in children and dogs inside and outside the segregated settlement in
      Medzev, Eastern Slovakia, and a survey of the soil within the settlement was
      included. Applying the Koga agar plate (KAP) culture method and microscopy
      examination of stool samples collected from 60 Roma and 21 nonRoma children, no
      larvae of S. stercoralis were detected but eggs of three nematodes (Ascaris
      lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Enterobius vermicularis) and cysts of two
      protozoan endoparasites (Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.) were often
      found. However, immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) for the evidence of IgG antibodies
      against S. stercoralis showed 33.3% seroprevalence in Roma children and 23.8%
      prevalence in children from the majority population, attending the same school.
      Eosinophilia was regularly present in children with exclusive infection of S.
      stercoralis (eight cases) as well as in individuals suffering from mixed
      infections of S. stercoralis and some of the above listed parasites (16 cases);
      high eosinophil counts sometimes, but not always, occurred in parasitized
      children lacking S. stercoralis antibodies. A comparison of S. stercoralis in
      dogs from the settlement (40 dogs) and from a distant dog shelter (20 dogs) did
      not reveal remarkable differences: the direct microscopy of faecal samples
      revealed rhabditiform larvae in 13.3% of the dogs from the settlement (4/30) and
      in 10.0% of the dogs from the shelter (2/20). Out of blood samples collected from
      the second dog group, 55% of the dogs contained antibodies against S.
      stercoralis. In the soil collected from 14 various locations within the
      settlement, S. stercoralis larvae were observed in two samples (14.3%); however,
      13 samples (92.9%) were positive for human or dog endoparasites of the genera
      Ancylostoma, Ascaris, Toxocara, Toxascaris, Trichuris, and Hymenolepis.

PMID- 28074316
TI  - Familial Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

PMID- 28074317
TI  - The First Everett Mendelsohn Prize.

PMID- 28074318
TI  - Boosted large-scale production and purification of a thermostable archaeal
      phosphotriesterase-like lactonase for organophosphate decontamination.
AB  - Thermostable phosphotriesterase-like lactonases (PLLs) from extremophile archaea,
      like SsoPox from Sulfolobus solfataricus, are attractive biotechnological tools
      with industrial applications as organophosphate decontaminants, but their
      manufacturing still remains an unresolved issue because of the high costs and the
      low production yields. In this paper, for the first time, an efficient
      biotechnological process for the production and purification of a recombinant,
      engineered PLL, SsoPox W263F, expressed in E. coli, has been set up by studying
      new induction strategies, by designing high cell density cultivations and a new
      membrane-based downstream process. In fed batches, the enzyme production was
      boosted of 69-fold up to 4660.0 U L-1 using galactose as inducer in the
      replacement of IPTG; the process was scalable from 2.5 up to 150 L. By coupling a
      single thermo-precipitation step and an ultrafiltration process, a total enzyme
      recovery of 77% with a purity grade of almost 80% was reached.

PMID- 28074319
TI  - Trans-Fatty Acid-Stimulated Mammary Gland Growth in Ovariectomized Mice is Fatty
      Acid Type and Isomer Specific.
AB  - We previously reported that the trans-18:2 fatty acid trans-10, cis-12 conjugated
      linoleic acid (t10,c12-CLA) stimulates mammary gland development independent of
      estrogen and its receptor. Given the negative consequences of dietary trans-fatty
      acids on various aspects of human health, we sought to establish whether other
      trans-fatty acids could similarly induce ovary-independent mammary gland growth
      in mice. Prepubertal BALB/cJ mice were ovariectomized at 21 days of age then were
      fed diets enriched with cis-9, trans-11 CLA (c9,t11-CLA), or mixtures of trans
      18:1 fatty acids supplied by partially hydrogenated sunflower, safflower, or
      linseed oil. The resultant mammary phenotype was evaluated 3 weeks later and
      compared to the growth response elicited by t10,c12-CLA, or the defined control
      diet. Whereas partially hydrogenated safflower oil increased mammary gland
      weight, none of the partially hydrogenated vegetable oils promoted mammary ductal
      growth. Similarly, the c9,t11-CLA supplemented diet was without effect on mammary
      development. Taken together, our data emphasize a unique effect of t10,c12-CLA in
      stimulating estrogen-independent mammary gland growth manifest as increased
      mammary ductal area and elongation that was not recapitulated by c9,t11-CLA or
      the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil diets.

PMID- 28074320
TI  - Algorithmic three-dimensional analysis of tumor shape in MRI improves prognosis
      of survival in glioblastoma: a multi-institutional study.
AB  - In this retrospective, IRB-exempt study, we analyzed data from 68 patients
      diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM) in two institutions and investigated the
      relationship between tumor shape, quantified using algorithmic analysis of
      magnetic resonance images, and survival. Each patient's Fluid Attenuated
      Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) abnormality and enhancing tumor were manually
      delineated, and tumor shape was analyzed by automatic computer algorithms. Five
      features were automatically extracted from the images to quantify the extent of
      irregularity in tumor shape in two and three dimensions. Univariate Cox
      proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine how prognostic
      each feature was of survival. Kaplan Meier analysis was performed to illustrate
      the prognostic value of each feature. To determine whether the proposed
      quantitative shape features have additional prognostic value compared with
      standard clinical features, we controlled for tumor volume, patient age, and
      Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS). The FLAIR-based bounding ellipsoid volume
      ratio (BEVR), a 3D complexity measure, was strongly prognostic of survival, with
      a hazard ratio of 0.36 (95% CI 0.20-0.65), and remained significant in regression
      analysis after controlling for other clinical factors (P = 0.0061). Three
      enhancing-tumor based shape features were prognostic of survival independently of
      clinical factors: BEVR (P = 0.0008), margin fluctuation (P = 0.0013), and angular
      standard deviation (P = 0.0078). Algorithmically assessed tumor shape is
      statistically significantly prognostic of survival for patients with GBM
      independently of patient age, KPS, and tumor volume. This shows promise for
      extending the utility of MR imaging in treatment of GBM patients.

PMID- 28074321
TI  - Predictive factors of early distant brain failure after gamma knife radiosurgery
      alone in patients with brain metastases of non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - The objective of this study was to elucidate the predictive factors for early
      distant brain failure in patients with brain metastases of non-small-cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) who were treated with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) without
      previous whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or surgery. We retrospectively reviewed
      clinical and imaging data of 459 patients with brain metastases of NSCLC who
      underwent GKRS from June 2008 to December 2013. The primary end-point was early
      distant brain failure, defined as the detection of newly developed metastatic
      lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 3 months after GKRS. Factors such as
      tumor pathology subtype, concurrent systemic chemotherapy, epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status, use of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors
      (TKIs), systemic disease status, presence of a metastatic lesion only in delayed
      MRI, and volume and number of metastases were analyzed. There were no
      statistically significant differences with respect to pathologic subtype,
      concurrent systemic chemotherapy, EGFR mutation, and early distant brain failure.
      Patients treated with EGFR-TKIs (p = 0.004), with a stable systemic disease
      status (p = 0.028) and 3 or fewer brain lesions (p = 0.000) experienced a
      significantly lower incidence of early distant brain failure. This study suggests
      that GKRS alone could be considered for patients treated with EGFR-TKIs who have
      a stable systemic disease status and 3 or fewer brain lesions. WBRT should be
      considered for other patients.

PMID- 28074322
TI  - Decreased survival in glioblastomas is specific to contact with the ventricular
      subventricular zone, not subgranular zone or corpus callosum.
AB  - The clinical effect of radiographic contact of glioblastoma (GBM) with neurogenic
      zones (NZ)-the ventricular-subventricular (VSVZ) and subgranular (SGZ) zones-and
      the corpus callosum (CC) remains unclear and, in the case of the SGZ, unexplored.
      We investigated (1) if GBM contact with a NZ correlates with decreased survival;
      (2) if so, whether this effect is associated with a specific NZ; and (3) if
      radiographic contact with or invasion of the CC by GBM is associated with
      decreased survival. We retrospectively identified 207 adult patients who
      underwent cytoreductive surgery for GBM followed by chemotherapy and/or
      radiation. Age, preoperative Karnofsky performance status score (KPS), and extent
      of resection were recorded. Preoperative MRIs were blindly analyzed to calculate
      tumor volume and assess its contact with VSVZ, SGZ, CC, and cortex. Overall (OS)
      and progression free (PFS) survivals were calculated and analyzed with
      multivariate Cox analyses. Among the 207 patients, 111 had GBM contacting VSVZ
      (VSVZ+GBMs), 23 had SGZ+GBMs, 52 had CC+GBMs, and 164 had cortex+GBMs. VSVZ+,
      SGZ+, and CC+ GBMs were significantly larger in size relative to their respective
      non-contacting controls. Multivariate Cox survival analyses revealed GBM contact
      with the VSVZ, but not SGZ, CC, or cortex, as an independent predictor of lower
      OS, PFS, and early recurrence. We hypothesize that the VSVZ niche has unique
      properties that contribute to GBM pathobiology in adults.

PMID- 28074323
TI  - Changes in cerebral metabolism during ketogenic diet in patients with primary
      brain tumors: 1H-MRS study.
AB  - Normal brain cells depend on glucose metabolism, yet they have the flexibility to
      switch to the usage of ketone bodies during caloric restriction. In contrast,
      tumor cells lack genomic and metabolic flexibility and are largely dependent on
      glucose. Ketogenic-diet (KD) was suggested as a therapeutic option for malignant
      brain cancer. This study aimed to detect metabolic brain changes in patients with
      malignant brain gliomas on KD using proton magnetic-resonance-spectroscopy (1H
      MRS). Fifty MR scans were performed longitudinally in nine patients: four
      patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GB) treated with KD in addition to
      bevacizumab; one patient with gliomatosis-cerebri treated with KD only; and four
      patients with recurrent GB who did not receive KD. MR scans included conventional
      imaging and 1H-MRS acquired from normal appearing-white-matter (NAWM) and lesion.
      High adherence to KD was obtained only in two patients, based on high urine
      ketones; in these two patients ketone bodies, Acetone and Acetoacetate were
      detected in four MR spectra-three within the NAWM and one in the lesion area -4
      and 25 months following initiation of the diet. No ketone-bodies were detected in
      the control group. In one patient with gliomatosis-cerebri, who adhered to the
      diet for 3 years and showed stable disease, an increase in glutamin + glutamate
      and reduction in N-Acetyl-Aspartate and myo-inositol were detected during KD. 1H
      MRS was able to detect ketone-bodies in patients with brain tumors who adhered to
      KD. Yet it remains unclear whether accumulation of ketone bodies is due to
      increased brain uptake or decreased utilization of ketone bodies within the
      brain.

PMID- 28074324
TI  - How to deal with giant pituitary adenomas: transsphenoidal or transcranial,
      simultaneous or two-staged?
AB  - Giant pituitary adenomas (diameter >4 cm) are a challenge to treat, and there is
      no consensus on the optimal surgical strategy. We report here our experience in
      surgical management of these lesions. Adult patients with giant pituitary
      adenomas (n = 62; 54 non-functioning and eight hormone-secreting adenomas) who
      underwent surgical resection at our hospital from 2009 to 2015 were
      retrospectively reviewed. Surgical and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Single
      transsphenoidal and transcranial approaches were used in 43 (69.4%) and four
      (6.5%) patients, respectively. A combined transsphenoidal and transcranial
      approach was used in 13 patients (20.9%) and in two patients (3.2%), a
      transcranial procedure was followed 3 months later by a transsphenoidal approach.
      Greater than 90% resection was achieved in 47 cases (75.8%). During a mean follow
      up period of 46.9 months, 49 patients (79%) showed improved visual impairment
      scores, while none experienced visual deterioration. There was no post-operative
      hemorrhage or mortality. A total of 27 patients (43.5%) received adjuvant medical
      and/or radiation therapy. At last follow-up, eight patients (12.9%) had
      recurrence. For giant pituitary adenoma, the transsphenoidal and transcranial
      approaches should be combined flexibly based on the characteristics of the tumor.
      In certain cases, a simultaneous combined approach can maximize tumor extirpation
      and lower the risk of swelling and bleeding of the residual tumor.

PMID- 28074325
TI  - Anticipatory Positive Urine Tests for Bladder Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish the criteria defining an
      anticipatory positive test for bladder cancer. METHODS: We reviewed all patients
      at our institution who underwent urine cytology or UroVysion fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) and cystoscopy from 2003 to 2012. Test performance and
      cancer anticipation was assessed using generalized linear mixed models, mixed
      effects proportional hazards models, and cumulative incidence curves using tests
      performed within 30 days of each other as well as within a lag time of 1 year.
      RESULTS: Overall, 6729 urine tests (4729 cytology and 2040 UroVysion FISH) were
      paired with gold-standard cystoscopies. Sensitivity and specificity were 63 and
      41% for cytology, and 37 and 84% for UroVysion FISH, respectively. A 1-year lag
      time allowed for cancer anticipation and neither test improved. Among patients
      with positive cytology and initially negative cystoscopy, the hazard ratio of
      developing a bladder tumor at 1 year was 1.83; 76% of these patients developed a
      tumor within 1 year. Similarly, among patients with a positive FISH and initially
      negative cystoscopy, the hazard ratio of developing a bladder tumor at 1 year was
      1.56; 40% of these patients developed a tumor within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Urine
      based tests for bladder cancer are frequently falsely positive. With further
      follow-up time, some of these false positive tests are vindicated as true
      (anticipatory) positive tests, although many will remain false positives. We
      developed statistical criteria to determine if a test anticipates future cancers
      or not.

PMID- 28074326
TI  - Minimally Invasive Staging Surgery in Women with Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer:
      Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with the
      adoption of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared with laparotomy in the
      treatment of endometrial cancer and to compare surgical outcomes and survival
      between these two surgical modalities. METHODS: We utilized the National Cancer
      Data Base (NCDB) to identify women diagnosed with presumed early-stage
      endometrial cancer between 2010 and 2012. We also identified factors associated
      with the performance of MIS and utilized propensity score matching to create a
      matched cohort of women who underwent minimally invasive staging surgery or
      laparotomy for surgical staging. RESULTS: Overall, 20,346 women were eligible for
      inclusion in the study; 12,604 (61.9%) had MIS, while 7742 (38.1%) had a
      laparotomy. African American race (odds ratio [OR] 0.54, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 0.49-0.60], Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61-0.80), Charlson score
      >2 (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.91), high-grade histology (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.59-0.68),
      presumed clinical stage II disease (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.46-0.60), and surgery at a
      community cancer program (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.39-0.55) or in the Midwest region (OR
      0.70, 95% CI 0.64-0.76) were associated with a decreased likelihood of having
      MIS, while private insurance (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.45-1.97) and highest quartile
      median household income (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24) were associated with an
      increased likelihood of having MIS. After propensity score matching, there was no
      association between minimally invasive staging surgery and 3-year overall
      survival (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% CI 0.92-1.16). CONCLUSION: There are notable
      racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic variations in the utilization of
      MIS for endometrial cancer staging in the US. After controlling for the
      aforementioned factors, MIS had a similar 3-year survival compared with
      laparotomy in women undergoing staging surgery for endometrial cancer.

PMID- 28074327
TI  - When Should Negative Endobronchial Ultrasonography Findings be Confirmed by a
      More Invasive Procedure?
AB  - The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer is largely dependent on accurate
      staging in order to determine appropriate therapy. Despite advances in imaging,
      such as computed tomography and positron emission tomography, invasive
      mediastinal staging is frequently needed to rule out mediastinal involvement
      prior to curative-intent stereotactic ablative radiotherapy or surgical
      resection. Surgical mediastinal staging with mediastinoscopy, or anterior
      mediastinotomy, were traditionally considered the gold standard for invasive
      mediastinal staging. Endobronchial and endoscopic ultrasound have emerged as
      modern techniques that are being used as first-line options instead of surgical
      staging. As experience is gained with these newer techniques, the need for
      confirmatory surgical staging continues to diminish. This article addresses the
      situations in which negative results should be confirmed by a more invasive
      procedure.

PMID- 28074328
TI  - LipidPioneer : A Comprehensive User-Generated Exact Mass Template for Lipidomics.
AB  - Lipidomics, the comprehensive measurement of lipid species in a biological
      system, has promising potential in biomarker discovery and disease etiology
      elucidation. Advances in chromatographic separation, mass spectrometric
      techniques, and novel substrate applications continue to expand the number of
      lipid species observed. The total number and type of lipid species detected in a
      given sample are generally indicative of the sample matrix examined (e.g., serum,
      plasma, cells, bacteria, tissue, etc.). Current exact mass lipid libraries are
      static and represent the most commonly analyzed matrices. It is common practice
      for users to manually curate their own lists of lipid species and adduct masses;
      however, this process is time-consuming. LipidPioneer, an interactive template,
      can be used to generate exact masses and molecular formulas of lipid species that
      may be encountered in the mass spectrometric analysis of lipid profiles. Over 60
      lipid classes are present in the LipidPioneer template and include several unique
      lipid species, such as ether-linked lipids and lipid oxidation products. In the
      template, users can add any fatty acyl constituents without limitation in the
      number of carbons or degrees of unsaturation. LipidPioneer accepts naming using
      the lipid class level (sum composition) and the LIPID MAPS notation for fatty
      acyl structure level. In addition to lipid identification, user-generated lipid
      m/z values can be used to develop inclusion lists for targeted fragmentation
      experiments. Resulting lipid names and m/z values can be imported into software
      such as MZmine or Compound Discoverer to automate exact mass searching and
      isotopic pattern matching across experimental data. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 28074329
TI  - Dietary adequacy of Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder compared to
      healthy developing children.
AB  - Although the etiology and pathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still
      poorly understood, a number of environmental, anthropological, neurobiological
      and genetic factors have been related to the pathophysiology of ASD, even the
      impact of oxidative stress response related to the environment and nutrition
      intake. Usual recommended dietary habits are based on the combination of
      behavioral and dietary or nutraceutical interventions together with
      pharmacotherapy. Investigations about a reliable relationship between diet and
      ASD are still lacking. The present study aimed at comparing dietary regimens and
      habits of normally developing apparently healthy children, without diagnosed ASD,
      with a pediatric population of individuals affected by autistic disorder.
      Assessments of nutritional and anthropometric data, in addition to biochemical
      evaluation for nutrient deficiencies, were performed. A total of 80 children with
      autistic disorder and 80 healthy, normally developing pediatric individuals were
      enrolled in the study. Parents were asked to complete the standardized
      questionnaire regarding the different types of food and the proportion of a
      serving for their children. Biochemical analysis of micro- and macronutrients
      were also done. Plotting on the Egyptian sex-specific anthropometric growth
      (auximetric) chart, absolute weights as well as weight-related for age classes,
      were significantly higher in cases than healthy controls. No differences between
      groups were observed in regard to total kilocalories (kcal), carbohydrates, and
      fat intake. A total of 23.8% of children with autistic disorder vs. 11.3% in the
      healthy control group had a nutrient intake with features below the Recommended
      Dietary Allowance (RDA) of protein. Children with autistic disorder showed low
      dietary intake of some micronutrients; calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe),
      selenium (Se) and sodium (Na), also they had significantly high intake of
      potassium (K) and vitamin C compared to healthy controls. Serum Mg, Fe, Ca,
      folate and vitamin B12 in children with autistic disorder were significantly low
      compared with healthy children. Significant positive correlations between serum
      Mg, Fe, Ca, vitamin B12 and folate and their levels in food were present. These
      results confirmed that different nutritional inadequacy was observed in Egyptian
      children with autistic disorder. The evidence reported in the present study
      should recommend screening of the nutritional status of ASD children for nutrient
      adequacy to reduce these deficiencies by dietary means or by administering
      appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements. Nutritional intervention plan should
      be tailored to address specific needs.

PMID- 28074330
TI  - Comparison of Core Needle Biopsy and Excision Specimens for the Accurate
      Evaluation of Breast Cancer Molecular Markers: a Report of 1003 Cases.
AB  - In this study, we compared the accuracy of marker evaluation in core needle
      biopsy (CNB) specimens versus excision specimens (ESs) from breast cancer
      patients. This retrospective study used data collected from the breast cancer
      database at the West China Hospital, China. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results
      from CNB specimens and ESs were compared, using estrogen receptor (ER),
      progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and
      Ki-67 as markers. Molecular subtyping and endocrine therapy usage correlations
      based on CNB samples and ESs were evaluated. The results obtained from CNB
      samples and ESs exhibited substantial agreement for the detection of ER (kappa =
      0.522), PR (kappa = 0.441), and HER2 (kappa = 0.451), and also influenced
      endocrine therapy usage. Fair and poor correlations were observed for Ki-67
      staining and molecular subtyping (kappa = 0.195), respectively. This disagreement
      might be attributable to a combination of heterogeneity and large tumor size.
      This study indicates that the discordance rate in molecular marker staining
      between CNB specimens and ESs is significant enough that results obtained with
      CNB specimens should be used cautiously or verified using ESs.

PMID- 28074331
TI  - A Retrospective Analysis of the First 41 mCRPC Patients with Bone Pain Treated
      with Radium-223 at the National Institute of Oncology in Hungary.
AB  - Radium-223 dichloride is an alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical which
      significantly prolongs overall survival in patients with castration-resistant
      prostate cancer (CRPC) and symptomatic bone metastases. This was a retrospective
      analysis of the efficacy and safety of Radium-223 in the first 41 patients
      treated at a single center in Hungary. Radium-223 was given at a dose of 50
      kBq/kg intravenously every 4 weeks for up to 6 cycles. Between 23rd July 2014 and
      23rd February 2016, 41 patients were treated. Patient demographics, laboratory
      values, treatment outcomes and adverse events were collected from medical
      records. The mean age was 72.2 years (SD: 7.1). 24 patients received Radium-223
      as first-line treatment (58%), 7 patients as second (17%), 3 as third (7.3%), 6
      as (14.6%), and 1 as fifth-line therapy (2.4%). The mean number of cycles
      administered was 5.5 (SD: 1.1). The most common side effects were anemia (32%
      grade 1-3), nausea (28%, grade 1), diarrhea (4%, grade 2), thrombocytopenia (4%,
      grade 3). The mean baseline PSA level was 307.2 ng/ml (SD: 525.7), which
      increased to a mean value of 728.5 ng/ml (SD: 1277) by the end of treatment. The
      baseline mean ALP of 521.1 U/L (SD: 728) decreased to 245.1 U/L (SD: 283.5). The
      majority of patients experienced a decrease (37%) or complete cessation (43%) of
      bone pain intensity. In our symptomatic prostate cancer patient population,
      Radium-223 proved to be efficient in terms of pain relief, with moderate side
      effects. No PSA response was detected, while alkaline phosphatase levels
      significantly decreased.

PMID- 28074332
TI  - Functional Analysis of Ribonucleotide Reductase from Cordyceps militaris
      Expressed in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Cordyceps militaris produces cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), which has various
      activities, including anti-oxidant, anti-tumoral, anti-viral, and anti
      inflammatory. Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) seems to be a candidate to produce
      cordycepin in C. militaris because RNR catalyzes the reduction of nucleotides to
      2'-deoxynucleotides, whose structures are similar to that of cordycepin. However,
      the role of RNR has not been confirmed yet. In this study, complementary DNAs
      (cDNAs) of C. militaris RNR (CmRNR) large and small subunits (CmR1 and CmR2) were
      cloned from C. militaris NBRC9787 to investigate the function of CmRNR for its
      cordycepin production. C. militaris NBRC9787 began to produce cordycepin when
      grown in a liquid surface culture in medium composed of glucose and yeast extract
      for 15 days. CmR1 cDNA and CmR2 cDNA were obtained from its genomic DNA and from
      total RNA extracted from its mycelia after cultivation for 21 days, respectively.
      Recombinant CmR1 and CmR2 were expressed individually in Escherichia coli and
      purified. Purified recombinant CmR1 and CmR2 showed RNR activity toward adenosine
      diphosphate (ADP) only when two subunits were mixed but only show the reduction
      of ADP to 2'-deoxyADP. These results indicate that the pathway from ADP to
      3'deoxyADP via CmRNR does not exist in C. militaris and cordycepin production in
      C. militaris may be mediated by other enzymes.

PMID- 28074333
TI  - Rosiglitazone Metabolism in Human Liver Microsomes Using a Substrate Depletion
      Method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elimination of rosiglitazone in humans is via hepatic metabolism. The
      existing studies suggest that CYP2C8 is the major enzyme responsible, with a
      minor contribution from CYP2C9; however, other studies suggest the involvement of
      additional cytochrome P450 enzymes and metabolic pathways. Thus a full picture of
      rosiglitazone metabolism is unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to improve the
      current understanding of potential drug-drug interactions and implications for
      therapy by evaluating the kinetics of rosiglitazone metabolism and examining the
      impact of specific inhibitors on its metabolism using the substrate depletion
      method. METHODS: In vitro oxidative metabolism of rosiglitazone in human liver
      microsomes obtained from five donors was determined over a 0.5-500 uM substrate
      range including the contribution of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2E1, and CYP2D6.
      RESULTS: The maximum reaction velocity was 1.64 +/- 0.98 nmol.mg-1.min-1. The
      CYP2C8 (69 +/- 20%), CYP2C9 (42 +/- 10%), CYP3A4 (52 +/- 23%), and CEP2E1 (41 +/-
      13%) inhibitors all significantly inhibited rosiglitazone metabolism. CONCLUSION:
      The results suggest that other cytochrome P450 enzymes, including CYP2C9, CYP3A4,
      and CEP2E1, in addition to CYP28, also play an important role in the metabolism
      of rosiglitazone. This example demonstrates that understanding the complete
      metabolism of a drug is important when evaluating the potential for drug-drug
      interactions and will assist to improve the current therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 28074334
TI  - Saliva Versus Plasma Bioequivalence of Azithromycin in Humans: Validation of
      Class I Drugs of the Salivary Excretion Classification System.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to compare human pharmacokinetics and
      bioequivalence metrics in saliva versus plasma for azithromycin as a model class
      I drug of the Salivary Excretion Classification System (SECS). METHODS: A pilot,
      open-label, two-way crossover bioequivalence study was done, and involved a
      single 500-mg oral dose of azithromycin given to eight healthy subjects under
      fasting conditions, followed by a 3-week washout period. Blood and unstimulated
      saliva samples were collected over 72 h and deep frozen until analysis by a
      validated liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy method. The
      pharmacokinetic parameters and bioequivalence metrics of azithromycin were
      calculated by non-compartment analysis using WinNonlin V5.2. Descriptive
      statistics and dimensional analysis of the pharmacokinetic parameters of
      azithromycin were performed using Microsoft Excel. PK-Sim V5.6 was used to
      estimate the effective intestinal permeability of azithromycin. RESULTS AND
      DISCUSSION: No statistical differences were shown in area under the concentration
      curves to 72 h (AUC0-72), maximum measured concentration (C max) and time to
      maximum concentration (T max) between test and reference azithromycin products (P
      > 0.05) in the saliva matrix and in the plasma matrix. Due to the high intra
      subject variability and low sample size of this pilot study, the 90% confidence
      intervals of AUC0-72 and C max did not fall within the acceptance range (80
      125%). However, saliva levels were higher than that of plasma, with a longer
      salivary T max. The mean saliva/plasma concentration of test and reference were
      2.29 and 2.33, respectively. The mean +/- standard deviation ratios of
      saliva/plasma of AUC0-72, C max and T max for test were 2.65 +/- 1.59, 1.51 +/-
      0.49 and 1.85 +/- 1.4, while for the reference product they were 3.37 +/- 2.20,
      1.57 +/- 0.77 and 2.6 +/- 1.27, respectively. A good correlation of R = 0.87
      between plasma and saliva concentrations for both test and reference products was
      also observed. Azithromycin is considered a class I drug based on the SECS, since
      it has a high permeability and high fraction unbound, and saliva sampling could
      be used as an alternative to plasma sampling to characterize its pharmacokinetics
      and bioequivalence in humans when adequate sample size is used.

PMID- 28074335
TI  - Clinical Effects of Topiroxostat on Renal and Endothelial Function in A Patient
      with Chronic Kidney Disease and Hyperuricemic Arteriolopathy: A Case Report.
AB  - Hyperuricemia is associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
      and cardiovascular diseases. Topiroxostat, a selective xanthine oxidase
      inhibitor, effectively reduces serum uric acid (UA) levels and urinary albumin
      excretion (UAE) in CKD patients. A 50-year-old Japanese man was referred to our
      hospital due to albuminuria and hyperuricemia, and renal biopsy showed a typical
      hyperuricemic arteriolopathy. Treatment with topiroxostat decreased serum UA
      levels (9.2 mg/dL at baseline to 6.4 mg/dL after 6 months), UAE (388 to 88
      mg/g.cr), and urinary level of liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (28.8 to
      19.8 ug/g.cr). Interestingly, topiroxostat treatment was associated with a trend
      towards improved flow-mediated dilation (5.4 to 5.8%). These results suggested
      that topiroxostat in CKD patients with hyperuricemia is potentially effective,
      not only for ameliorating renal damages but also for improving endothelial
      function beyond its UA-lowering action.

PMID- 28074337
TI  - Economic Burden of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Italy: Possible Consequences on Anti
      Citrullinated Protein Antibody-Positive Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with a substantial
      medical and economic burden. In Italy, it affects approximately 280,000 people,
      therefore representing the musculoskeletal disease with the highest economic
      impact in terms of costs for the National Health Service and the social security
      system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the annual economic
      burden of RA in Italy and determine the potential cost reduction considering the
      most effective biologic treatment for early rapidly progressing RA (ERPRA)
      patients. METHODS: The model developed considers both direct costs that are
      mainly due to the pharmacological treatments, and indirect costs, which also
      include the productivity lost because of the disease. A systematic literature
      review provided the epidemiological and economic data used to inform the model. A
      one-way probabilistic sensitivity analysis based on 5000 Monte Carlo simulations
      was performed. Furthermore, specific scenario analyses were developed for those
      patients presenting an ERPRA, with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of
      different biologic treatments for this subgroup of patients and estimating
      potential cost reduction. RESULTS: The total economic burden associated with RA
      was estimated to be ?2.0 billion per year (95% confidence interval [CI] ?1.8-2.3
      billion). Forty-five percent of the expenditure was due to indirect costs (95% CI
      ?0.8-1.0 billion); 45% depended on direct medical costs (95% CI ?0.7-1.1
      billion), and the residual 10% was determined by direct non-medical costs (95% CI
      ?0.16-0.25 billion). In particular, the costs estimated for ERPRA patients
      totalled ?76,171,181, of which approximately ?18 million was associated with
      patients with a high level of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). The
      results of the analysis outline how it is possible to obtain a cost reduction for
      ERPRA patients of between ?1 and ?3 million by varying the number of patients
      with a high level of immunoglobulin G treated with the most effective biologic
      drug. In fact, the latter may determine higher efficacy outcomes, especially for
      poor prognostic ERPRA patients, ensuing higher levels of productivity.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a pioneering approach to estimate the direct and
      indirect costs of RA. The model developed is a useful tool for policy makers as
      it allows to understand the economic implications of RA treatment in Italy,
      identify the most effective allocation of resources, and select the most
      appropriate treatment for ERPRA patients.

PMID- 28074338
TI  - Erratum to: Histochemical changes of occlusal surface enamel of permanent teeth,
      where dental caries is questionable vs sound enamel surfaces.

PMID- 28074336
TI  - Small heat shock proteins in ageing and age-related diseases.
AB  - Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are gatekeepers of cellular homeostasis across
      species, preserving proteome integrity under stressful conditions. Nonetheless,
      recent evidence suggests that sHSPs are more than molecular chaperones with
      merely auxiliary role. In contrast, sHSPs have emerged as central lifespan
      determinants, and their malfunction has been associated with the manifestation of
      neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancer malignancies. In this
      review, we focus on the role of sHSPs in ageing and age-associated diseases and
      highlight the most prominent paradigms, where impairment of sHSP function has
      been implicated in human pathology.

PMID- 28074339
TI  - Factors associated with dental anxiety in Brazilian children during the first
      transitional period of the mixed dentition.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the prevalence of dental anxiety in children during the first
      transitional period of the mixed dentition and associated factors. METHODS: A
      Cross-sectional study was performed with 1367 children of both genders aged 6-7
      years old conducted in schools in Recife, Brazil in 2013. The data were collected
      through interviews and intra-oral examinations. Dental anxiety data were obtained
      using the dental anxiety questionnaire (DAQ). The associated factors considered
      were: age, gender, social group, child's experience with the dentist, history of
      dental pain, experience of caries and phase of exfoliation. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of children with some level of dental anxiety was 54.4%. Visit to the
      dentist and social group were associated with dental anxiety (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental anxiety was high, although children
      attending private schools and those who had visited the dentist before had a
      lower prevalence of dental anxiety.

PMID- 28074340
TI  - Clinical significance of cathepsin L and cathepsin B in dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Dysregulated expression of lysosomal cysteine cathepsins is associated with
      adverse cardiac remodeling, a characteristic of several cardiovascular diseases.
      However, the information regarding the role of cysteine cathepsin L (CTSL) and
      cathepsin B (CTSB) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is limited. The present study
      was aimed to investigate the expression of CTSL and CTSB in animal model of
      doxorubicin (doxo)-induced cardiomyopathy as well as in peripheral blood samples
      of DCM patients. Cardiac tissue sections from doxo-treated and control rats were
      used to study the expression of CTSL and CTSB by enzyme assay and
      immunohistochemistry (IHC). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated
      from DCM patients (n = 29) along with age-matched healthy controls (n = 28) were
      used to assay enzymatic activity of these cathepsins. Activities of these
      proteases were further correlated with echocardiographic parameters of DCM
      patients. A significant increase in CTSL activity and protein expression was
      observed with no changes in CTSB levels in doxo-treated rats as compared to
      controls. We also observed a drastic increase in the functional activity of
      cathepsin L+cathepsin B (CTSL+B), CTSL, and CTSB in DCM patients compared to
      controls (p <= 0.001). Increased levels of these proteases exhibited a
      statistically significant correlation with reduced left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF) in DCM patients (rho = -0.58, p = 0.01). For the first time, this
      study demonstrates a correlation between increased expression of CTSL and CTSB in
      PBMCs with severity of left ventricular dysfunction in DCM patients. Thus, these
      proteases may serve as blood-based biomarker of DCM and prove useful in its
      management.

PMID- 28074341
TI  - Gap junction protein connexin43 deregulation contributes to bladder
      carcinogenesis via targeting MAPK pathway.
AB  - High expression of connexins was found in a variety of cancers, but their role is
      still controversial. We investigated whether connexin43 (Cx43) contributed to
      bladder carcinogenesis through MAPK activation. In this study, we found that Cx43
      expression was significantly increased in bladder cancer tissues and cell line.
      Overexpression of Cx43 in bladder cancer 5637 cells increased cell proliferation,
      promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis. Western blot showed
      that JNK and ERK pathways were dramatically activated in Cx43-overexpressed
      cells. Conversely, knockdown of Cx43 inhibited cell proliferation by increasing
      apoptosis and causing cell cycle arrest, concomitant with inhibition of JNK and
      ERK signaling. In addition, JNK and ERK pathways were also activated in bladder
      cancer tissues. In conclusion, abnormal high expression and cytoplasmic
      localization of Cx43 contributed to bladder cancer. Inhibition of Cx43 activity
      could be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing the progression of
      bladder cancer.

PMID- 28074343
TI  - Interspecies sexual behaviour between a male Japanese macaque and female sika
      deer.
AB  - Interspecies sexual behaviour or 'reproductive interference' has been reported
      across a wide range of animal taxa. However, most of these occurrences were
      observed in phylogenetically close species and were mainly discussed in terms of
      their effect on fitness, hybridization and species survival. The few cases of
      heterospecific mating in distant species occurred between animals that were bred
      and maintained in captivity. Only one scientific study has reported this
      phenomenon, describing sexual harassment of king penguins by an Antarctic fur
      seal. This is the first article to report mating behaviour between a male
      Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui) and female sika deer (Cervus nippon
      yakushimae) on Yakushima Island, Japan. Although Japanese macaques are known to
      ride deer, this individual showed clearly sexual behaviour towards several female
      deer, some of which tried to escape whilst others accepted the mount. This male
      seems to belong to a group of peripheral males. Although this phenomenon may be
      explained as copulation learning, this is highly unlikely. The most realistic
      hypothesis would be that of mate deprivation, which states that males with
      limited access to females are more likely to display this behaviour. Whatever the
      cause for this event may be, the observation of highly unusual animal behaviour
      may be a key to understanding the evolution of heterospecific mating behaviour in
      the animal kingdom.

PMID- 28074342
TI  - The presence of modified nucleosides in extracellular fluids leads to the
      specific incorporation of 5-chlorocytidine into RNA and modulates the
      transcription and translation.
AB  - Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is able to promote several kinds of damage and is involved
      in mechanisms leading to various diseases such as atherosclerosis or cancers. An
      example of these damages is the chlorination of nucleic acids, which is
      considered as a specific marker of the MPO activity. Since 5-chlorocytidine has
      been recently shown in healthy donor plasmas, this study aimed at discovering if
      these circulating modified nucleosides could be incorporated into RNA and DNA and
      if their presence impacts the ability of enzymes involved in the incorporation,
      transcription, and translation processes. Experimentations, which were carried
      out in vitro with endothelial and prostatic cells, showed a large penetration of
      all chloronucleosides but an exclusive incorporation of 5-chlorocytidine into
      RNA. However, no incorporation into DNA was observed. This specific incorporation
      is accompanied by an important reduction of translation yield. Although, in
      vitro, DNA polymerase processed in the presence of chloronucleosides but more
      slowly than in control conditions, ribonucleotide reductase could not reduce
      chloronucleotides prior to the replication. This reduction seems to be a limiting
      step, protecting DNA from chloronucleoside incorporation. This study shows the
      capacity of transcription enzyme to specifically incorporate 5-chlorocytidine
      into RNA and the loss of capacity-complete or partial-of different enzymes,
      involved in replication, transcription or translation, in the presence of
      chloronucleosides. Questions remain about the long-term impact of such specific
      incorporation in the RNA and such decrease of protein production on the cell
      viability and function.

PMID- 28074344
TI  - Multiple Oral Mucosal Hamartomas in a 34-Year Old Female.
AB  - A case of Cowden syndrome (CS) is described in a 34-year-old African American
      female who reported a history of breast and thyroid malignancies. Clinical
      examination demonstrated multiple soft, white-pink papules across multiple
      mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity. Microscopy of the lesions revealed
      hyperkeratotic surface squamous epithelium with papillomatosis and acanthosis
      along with elongated rete processes. A genomic polymerase chain reaction direct
      sequencing using the patient's blood was positive for mutations of the PTEN gene
      typical of CS.

PMID- 28074345
TI  - The Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity: Is It Down to Your Genes? A
      Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Twin and Family Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence for considerable heterogeneity in the
      responsiveness to regular physical activity (PA) which might reflect the
      influence of genetic factors. The aim of this systematic review was to assess
      whether the response to a PA intervention for measures of body composition and
      cardiorespiratory fitness is (i) correlated within twin pairs and/or families and
      (ii) more correlated in monozygotic twins (MZ) compared to dizygotic twins (DZ),
      which would be consistent with genetic effects. METHODS: We performed electronic
      database searches, combining key words relating to "physical activity" and
      "genetics", in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTS Discuss, AMED, PsycINFO, WEB OF
      SCIENCE, and SCOPUS from the earliest records to March 2016. Twin and family
      studies were included if they assessed body composition and/or cardiorespiratory
      fitness following a PA intervention, and provided a heritability estimate,
      maximal heritability estimate, or within MZ twin pair correlation (rMZ). Data on
      heritability (twin studies), maximal heritability (family studies), and the rMZ
      were extracted from included studies, although heritability estimates were not
      reported as small sample sizes made them uninformative. RESULTS: After screening
      224 full texts, nine twin and five family studies were included in this review.
      The pooled rMZ in response to PA was significant for body mass index (rMZ = 0.69,
      n = 58), fat mass (rMZ = 0.58, n = 48), body fat percentage (rMZ = 0.55, n = 72),
      waist circumference (rMZ = 0.50, n = 27), and VO2max (rMZ = 0.39, n = 48), where
      "n" represents the total number of twin pairs from all studies. Maximal
      heritability estimates ranged from 0-21% for measures of body composition, and 22
      57% for cardiorespiratory fitness. Twin studies differed in sample age, baseline
      values, and PA intervention, although the exclusion of any one study did not
      affect the results. CONCLUSIONS: Shared familial factors, including genetics, are
      likely to be a significant contributor to the response of body composition and
      cardiorespiratory fitness following PA. Genetic factors may explain individual
      variation in the response to PA. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: PROSPERO Registration No
      CRD42015020056 .

PMID- 28074346
TI  - Actively Negotiating the Mind-Body Divide: How Clozapine-Treated Schizophrenia
      Patients Make Health for Themselves.
AB  - It is well recognised that antipsychotic treatments impact the whole body, not
      just the target area of the brain. For people with refractory schizophrenia on
      clozapine, the gold standard antipsychotic treatment in England and Australia,
      the separation of mental and physical regimes of health is particularly
      pronounced, resulting in multiple, compartmentalised treatment registers.
      Clinicians often focus on the mental health aspects of clozapine use, using
      physical indicators to determine whether treatment can continue. Our observations
      of 59 participants in England and Australia over 18 months revealed that patients
      did not observe this hierarchisation of mental treatments and physical outcomes.
      Patients often actively engaged in the management of their bodily symptoms,
      leading us to advance the figure of the active, rather than passive, patient. In
      our paper, we do not take the position that the facility for active management is
      a special one utilised only by these patients. We seek instead to draw attention
      to what is currently overlooked as an ordinary capacity to enact some sort of
      control over life, even under ostensibly confined and confining circumstances. We
      argue that clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients utilise the clinical
      dichotomy between mental and physical domains of health to rework what health
      means to them. This permits patients to actively manage their own
      phenomenological 'life projects' (Rapport, I am Dynamite: an Alternative
      Anthropology of Power, Routledge, London 2003), and forces us to reconsider the
      notion of clinical giveness of what health means. This making of one's own
      meanings of health may be critical to the maintenance of a sense of self.

PMID- 28074348
TI  - Challenges and Opportunities in the Development of HIV Medications in Pediatric
      Patients.
AB  - Successful management of pediatric HIV disease requires high therapeutic efficacy
      and adherence, which can be achieved by providing affordable, easy to store, and
      palatable antiretrovirals. Current challenges in pediatric antiretroviral drug
      development include poor palatability, large pill size, limited oral liquid
      formulations, and few incentives for development by drug manufacturers as the
      number of children with HIV continues to decline due to successful worldwide
      preventive interventions and improved access to antiretrovirals. This article
      summarizes the various challenges and opportunities with current pediatric
      antiretrovirals, recent and ongoing trials, new formulations, and suggestions
      that may expedite and provide incentives for the development of suitable
      pediatric formulations.

PMID- 28074347
TI  - Pattern- and motion-related visual evoked potentials in HIV-infected adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of the current study was to explore visual function in virally
      suppressed HIV patients undergoing combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) by
      using pattern-reversal and motion-onset visual evoked potentials (VEPs). METHODS:
      The pattern-reversal and motion-onset VEPs were recorded in 20 adult HIV+
      patients with a mean age of 38 years and CD4 cell counts >=230 * 106 cells/L of
      blood. RESULTS: Nine out of 20 patients displayed VEP abnormalities. Pattern
      reversal VEPs pathology was observed in 20% of subjects, and 45% HIV patients had
      impaired motion-onset VEPs. Five out of 16 neurologically asymptomatic HIV
      patients had prolonged motion-onset VEP latencies in both eyes. Four
      neurologically symptomatic patients displayed simultaneously abnormal motion
      onset and pattern-reversal VEP latencies: monocular involvement was observed in
      two patients with Lyme and cytomegalovirus unilateral optic neuritis. Binocular
      involvement was noted in two patients with cognitive deficits. Correlation
      analysis between disease duration, CD4 cell count, HIV copies in plasma, MoCA and
      electrophysiological parameters did not show any significant relationships.
      CONCLUSIONS: The functional changes of the visual system in neurologically
      asymptomatic virally suppressed HIV patients displayed higher motion-onset VEP
      sensitivity than in standard pattern-reversal VEP examinations. This promising
      marker, however, has no significant association with clinical conditions. Further
      exploration is warranted.

PMID- 28074349
TI  - Second-Generation Antipsychotic Utilization and Metabolic Parameter Monitoring in
      an Inpatient Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are prescribed for a variety
      of indications and are strongly associated with adverse metabolic effects.
      Studies of pediatric outpatients have revealed several deficiencies in monitoring
      practices for adverse effects associated with SGAs. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was
      to characterize SGA prescribing and metabolic parameter monitoring (MPM) in an
      inpatient pediatric population. METHODS: Patients aged <18 years and discharged
      on SGA treatment between 1 November 2013 and 30 April 2014 from an inpatient
      psychiatric institution in Pittsburgh, PA, USA were included. Electronic medical
      records (EMRs) were reviewed for patient age and weight and for parameters used
      by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to define metabolic syndrome:
      waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, high-density
      lipoprotein, and blood pressure. The primary outcome was the percent of patients
      with completed MPM, defined as all parameters being available within the
      patient's EMR in any form, except estimates. Secondary outcomes included percent
      of patients with existing metabolic syndrome or obesity according to IDF
      criteria, average total daily dose of individual SGAs, and frequency of
      individual SGA utilization. Data were analyzed utilizing univariate descriptive
      statistics. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients met inclusion criteria and were
      included in the analysis. For the primary outcome, 13.2% (n = 32) of patients had
      completed MPM for all parameters. Blood pressure was the most frequently
      documented parameter (n = 241; 99.2%), whereas waist circumference was the least
      (n = 67; 28%). Risperidone was the most commonly prescribed SGA (n = 99; 41%;
      average daily dose 1.92 mg). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with outpatient studies, rates
      of documented MPM for certain parameters (i.e., fasting blood glucose, lipids) is
      higher for pediatric inpatients treated with SGAs. However, several monitoring
      deficiencies are still noted.

PMID- 28074350
TI  - A Comparative Study of the Bone Regenerative Effect of Chemically Modified RNA
      Encoding BMP-2 or BMP-9.
AB  - Employing cost-effective biomaterials to deliver chemically modified ribonucleic
      acid (cmRNA) in a controlled manner addresses the high cost, safety concerns, and
      lower transfection efficiency that exist with protein and gene therapeutic
      approaches. By eliminating the need for nuclear entry, cmRNA therapeutics can
      potentially overcome the lower transfection efficiencies associated with non
      viral gene delivery systems. Here, we investigated the osteogenic potential of
      cmRNA-encoding BMP-9, in comparison to cmRNA-encoding BMP-2. Polyethylenimine
      (PEI) was used as a vector to increase in vitro transfection efficacy. Complexes
      of PEI-cmRNA (encoding BMP-2 or BMP-9) were fabricated at an amine (N) to
      phosphate (P) ratio of 10 and characterized for transfection efficacy in vitro
      using human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The osteogenic potential of BMSCs
      treated with these complexes was determined by evaluating the expression of bone
      specific genes as well as through the detection of bone matrix deposition. It was
      found that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression 3 days post transfection in the
      group treated with BMP-9-cmRNA was significantly higher than that in the group
      that received BMP-2-cmRNA treatment. Alizarin red staining and atomic absorption
      spectroscopy demonstrated enhanced osteogenic differentiation as evidenced by
      increased bone matrix production by the BMSCs treated with BMP-9-cmRNA when
      compared to cells treated with BMP-2-cmRNA. In vivo studies showed increased bone
      formation in calvarial defects treated with the BMP-9-cmRNA and BMP-2-cmRNA
      collagen scaffolds when compared to empty defects. The connectivity density of
      the regenerated bone was higher (2-fold-higher) in the group that received BMP-9
      cmRNA compared to BMP-2-cmRNA. Together, these findings suggest that cmRNA
      activated matrix encoding osteogenic molecules can provide a powerful strategy
      for bone regeneration with significant clinical translational potential.

PMID- 28074352
TI  - Optshrink LR + S: accelerated fMRI reconstruction using non-convex optimal
      singular value shrinkage.
AB  - This paper presents a new accelerated fMRI reconstruction method, namely,
      OptShrink LR + S method that reconstructs undersampled fMRI data using a linear
      combination of low-rank and sparse components. The low-rank component has been
      estimated using non-convex optimal singular value shrinkage algorithm, while the
      sparse component has been estimated using convex l 1 minimization. The
      performance of the proposed method is compared with the existing state-of-the-art
      algorithms on real fMRI dataset. The proposed OptShrink LR + S method yields good
      qualitative and quantitative results.

PMID- 28074351
TI  - KRAS, NRAS and BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer and melanoma.
AB  - Cancers are the group of diseases, which arise because of the uncontrolled
      behavior of some of the genes in our cells. There are possibilities of gene
      amplifications, overexpressions, deletions and other anomalies which might lead
      to the development and spread of cancer. One of the most dangerous ways to the
      cancers is the mutations of the genes. The mutated genes can start unstoppable
      proliferation of cells, their uncontrolled motility, protection from apoptosis,
      the DNA mutation enhancement as well as other anomalies, leading to the cancer.
      This review focuses on the genes, which are frequently mutated in various cancers
      and are known to be important in the advance and progression of colorectal cancer
      and melanoma, namely KRAS, NRAS and BRAF.

PMID- 28074353
TI  - Language Skills of Males with Fragile X Syndrome or Nonsyndromic Autism Spectrum
      Disorder.
AB  - Despite the similarities observed between the fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD) phenotypes, few studies have compared their behavioral
      profiles outside of ASD symptomatology. In the present study, we sought to
      compare lexical and grammatical abilities in these two conditions. Comparisons of
      language abilities in both of these conditions are particularly interesting
      because both conditions are characterized by difficulties navigating social
      interactions. Results suggest that although both FXS and ASD are associated with
      language difficulties, there are important differences between the two conditions
      in terms of the language profiles observed and the factors influencing language
      when considering children of similar developmental levels. Theoretical
      implications are discussed.

PMID- 28074354
TI  - Parent-Reported Developmental Regression in Autism: Epilepsy, IQ, Schizophrenia
      Spectrum Symptoms, and Special Education.
AB  - Examined the psychiatric and clinical correlates of loss of previously acquired
      skills (regression) as reported by parents of youth with autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD). Study sample comprised 6- to 18-year old (N = 213) children and
      adolescents with ASD. Parents reported regression in 77 (36%) youth. A more
      homogeneous subgroup with regression between 18 and 36 months (n = 48) had higher
      rates of intellectual disability, epilepsy, and special education, more socially
      restrictive educational settings, and more severe ASD communication deficits and
      schizophrenia spectrum symptoms than non-regressed youth (n = 136). Similar
      results were obtained for a more inclusive definition of regression (n = 77). A
      brief parent report of developmental regression may be a useful clinical
      indicator of later general functioning.

PMID- 28074355
TI  - Evaluation of Visual Pedagogy in Dental Check-ups and Preventive Practices Among
      6-12-Year-Old Children with Autism.
AB  - This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of visual pedagogy in dental check
      ups and preventive practices among children with autism aged 6-12. In this
      randomized double-blind clinical trial, the cooperation of 40 children with
      autism age 6-12. The selected children were equally divided into two groups of
      case and control (n = 20). The obtained data were analyzed by statistical tests,
      including Chi square and independent t test. The results of Cochran showed a
      significant increase in children's cooperation with regard to fluoride therapy in
      the case group by repeating the visit and training sessions (p <= 0.001). The
      findings of this study demonstrated, visual pedagogy was merely effective in the
      case of fluoride therapy in the case group.

PMID- 28074356
TI  - How Anxious Do You Think I Am? Relationship Between State and Trait Anxiety in
      Children With and Without ASD During Social Tasks.
AB  - Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit increased anxiety,
      even in non-stressful situations. We investigate general anxiousness (anxiety
      trait) and responses to stressful situations (anxiety state) in 22 adolescents
      with ASD and 32 typically developing controls. We measured trait anxiety with
      standardized self- and parent-reported questionnaires. We used a Biopac system to
      capture state anxiety via skin conductance responses, mean heart rate and heart
      rate variability during high- and low-anxiety tasks. Results reveal higher trait
      anxiety in adolescents with ASD (p < 0.05) and no group difference in state
      anxiety. Increased parent-reported trait anxiety may predict decreased state
      anxiety during high-stress conditions. Together, these findings suggest that
      higher trait anxiety may result in dampened physical responses to stress.

PMID- 28074357
TI  - The Longitudinal Effects of Parenting on Adaptive Behavior in Children with
      Fragile X Syndrome.
AB  - Several studies have reported declines in adaptive behavior amongst children with
      fragile X syndrome (FXS) starting in middle childhood. We examined the effects of
      maternal responsivity on adaptive behavior in 55 children with FXS visited 5-6
      times in their homes from early through middle childhood. Our analyses indicated
      that sustained maternal responsivity had a significant positive impact on the
      trajectories of communication and to a lesser extent other adaptive behavior
      domains through middle childhood with many effects remaining significant after
      controlling for autism symptoms and developmental level. For children who showed
      declines in adaptive behavior during middle childhood, sustained high levels of
      maternal responsivity minimized the amount of decline observed in the
      communication, socialization, and daily living domains.

PMID- 28074358
TI  - Genotype 3 Infection: The Last Stand of Hepatitis C Virus.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a significant global disease burden, with an
      estimated 130-150 million people worldwide living with chronic HCV infection.
      Within the six major clinical HCV genotypes, genotype 3 represents 22-30% of all
      infection and is described as a unique entity with higher rates of steatosis,
      faster progression to cirrhosis, and higher rates of hepatocellular carcinoma.
      Hepatic steatosis in the setting of hepatitis C genotype 3 (HCV-3) is driven by
      viral influence on three major pathways: microsomal triglyceride transfer
      protein, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and peroxisome
      proliferator-associated receptor-alpha. Historically with direct-acting
      antivirals, the rates of cure for HCV-3 therapies lagged behind the other
      genotypes. As current therapies for HCV-3 continue to close this gap, it is
      important to be cognizant of common drug interactions such as acid-suppressing
      medication and amiodarone. In this review, we discuss the rates of steatosis in
      HCV-3, the mechanisms behind HCV-3-specific steatosis, and current and future
      therapies.

PMID- 28074360
TI  - Exploring the stability of ligand binding modes to proteins by molecular dynamics
      simulations.
AB  - The binding mode prediction is of great importance to structure-based drug
      design. The discrimination of various binding poses of ligand generated by
      docking is a great challenge not only to docking score functions but also to the
      relatively expensive free energy calculation methods. Here we systematically
      analyzed the stability of various ligand poses under molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulation. First, a data set of 120 complexes was built based on the typical
      physicochemical properties of drug-like ligands. Three potential binding poses
      (one correct pose and two decoys) were selected for each ligand from self-docking
      in addition to the experimental pose. Then, five independent MD simulations for
      each pose were performed with different initial velocities for the statistical
      analysis. Finally, the stabilities of ligand poses under MD were evaluated and
      compared with the native one from crystal structure. We found that about 94% of
      the native poses were maintained stable during the simulations, which suggests
      that MD simulations are accurate enough to judge most experimental binding poses
      as stable properly. Interestingly, incorrect decoy poses were maintained much
      less and 38-44% of decoys could be excluded just by performing equilibrium MD
      simulations, though 56-62% of decoys were stable. The computationally-heavy
      binding free energy calculation can be performed only for these survived poses.

PMID- 28074359
TI  - Pharmacological Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women.
AB  - Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a multifaceted condition that often has both
      peripheral and central generators of pain. An understanding of neurobiology and
      neuropsychology of CPP should guide management. Successful treatment of CPP is
      typically multimodal, and pharmacologic treatment strategies include analgesics,
      hormonal suppression, anesthetics, antidepressants, membrane stabilizers, and
      anxiolytics. Evidence for these and other emerging pharmacologic therapies is
      presented in this article.

PMID- 28074361
TI  - Partially-deuterated samples of HET-s(218-289) fibrils: assignment and deuterium
      isotope effect.
AB  - Fast magic-angle spinning and partial sample deuteration allows direct detection
      of 1H in solid-state NMR, yielding significant gains in mass sensitivity. In
      order to further analyze the spectra, 1H detection requires assignment of the 1H
      resonances. In this work, resonance assignments of backbone HN and Halpha are
      presented for HET-s(218-289) fibrils, based on the existing assignment of Calpha,
      Cbeta, C', and N resonances. The samples used are partially deuterated for higher
      spectral resolution, and the shifts in resonance frequencies of Calpha and Cbeta
      due to the deuterium isotope effect are investigated. It is shown that the
      deuterium isotope effect can be estimated and used for assigning resonances of
      deuterated samples in solid-state NMR, based on known resonances of the
      protonated protein.

PMID- 28074362
TI  - The determination and fate of disinfection by-products from ozonation
      chlorination of fulvic acid.
AB  - Ozonation of fulvic acid (FA) can result in diverse intermediate oxidation by
      products, significantly affecting disinfection by-product (DBP) formation
      following chlorination. The objective of this study was to provide insight into
      ozone reaction intermediates and reveal the possible formation pathway of DBPs
      from ozonation of FA due to the formation of intermediate oxidation by-products.
      Aldehydes, aromatic acids, short-chain acids, chloroform, and dichloroacetic acid
      were detected at various ozone dosage additions. Aromatic acids were studied by
      using solid-phase extraction-ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (SPE
      UPLC). This new analytical approach enables the extraction and analysis of highly
      polar carboxylic acids that are difficult to measure using conventional methods.
      The results showed that formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, glyoxal, methyl-glyoxal,
      fumaric, malonic protocatechuic, 3-hydroxybenzoic, and benzoic acid were
      predominant oxidation by-products. The yields of the four aldehydes increased
      steadily with ozone dosage. When ozone dosage was 2~2.5 mg/l, the amount of
      carboxylic acids was largest, and the total amount of the carboxylic acids was
      about 5~10 times higher than that of the aldehydes. Besides, hydroxybenzoic acids
      are the major precursor, although they have low content in ozone reaction
      solution, they have a great contribution to the DBP formation. This study
      provides a new perspective on ozonation natural organic matter, which contributes
      to understand the other sources of DBPs and thus broadens the knowledge of
      drinking water treatment.

PMID- 28074363
TI  - Risk assessment of agriculture impact on the Frio River watershed and Cano Negro
      Ramsar wetland, Costa Rica.
AB  - The Cano Negro Ramsar wetland is a conservation area of great natural and
      societal value, located in the lower part of the Frio River watershed in the
      north of Costa Rica. Its aquatic ecosystems may be considered vulnerable to
      pollution due to recent changes in land use toward agriculture. In 2011 and 2012,
      quarterly sampling was done at ten sites located in the middle and lower sections
      of the Frio River Basin that pass through crop areas and later drain into Cano
      Negro wetland. Pesticide residues, nitrates, sediment concentrations, and
      diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates and fish biomarkers were studied in the
      selected sites. Additionally, risk of toxicity was calculated in two different
      ways: (1) by using a ratio of MEC to hazard concentrations threshold for 5% of
      species (HC5) to calculate a risk quotient (RQ), and (2) by using a ratio of MEC
      to available ecotoxicity data of native fish and cladocera for diazinon and
      ethoprophos, to obtain a risk quotient for native species (RQns). Results
      indicated that three out of the ten sites (rivers Thiales, Monico, and Sabogal)
      showed variable levels of pollution including six different active ingredients
      (a.i.) of pesticide formulations (herbicides ametryn, bromacil, and diuron;
      insecticides cypermethrin, diazinon, and ethoprophos). Moreover, potential
      adverse effects on fishes in Thiales and Monico rivers were indicated by
      cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enhancement.
      Risk evaluations indicated pesticide residues of ametryn, bromacil, and
      ethoprophos to be exceeding the limits set by MTR, also RQ was high (>1) in 70%
      of the positive samples for diuron (most frequently found pesticide in water
      samples), cypermethrin, diazinon, and ethoprophos, and RQns was high for
      diazinon. Therefore, these substances might be of major concern for the
      ecological health of aquatic ecosystems in the middle basin of the Frio River.
      The most critical site was Monico River, which had the highest pollution (75%
      detection samples with 3-5 a.i.) and highest calculated risk (RQ > 1 in 75% of
      the samples). This is also the river that most directly drains into the protected
      wetland. Even though pesticide pollution in this area is not as severe as in
      other parts of Costa Rica, it is imperative that measures are taken, particularly
      in the surroundings of Monico River, in order to diminish and mitigate possible
      detrimental effects to biota in Cano Negro Ramsar Site.

PMID- 28074364
TI  - Efficient photo-catalytic degradation of malachite green using nickel tungstate
      material as photo-catalyst.
AB  - The present study focused on the evaluation of photo-catalytic and photo
      electrochemical properties of the photo-catalyst based on nickel tungstate
      material prepared by a nitrate method through the degradation of malachite green
      (MG) dye's. The effect of catalyst loading and dye concentration was examined.
      Physico-chemical, optical, electrical, electrochemical, and photo-electrochemical
      properties of the prepared material were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD),
      fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), BET analysis, optical reflectance
      diffuse (DR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), electrical conductivity,
      cyclic voltammetry (CV), current intensity, mott-shottky, and nyquist. XRD
      revealed the formation of monoclinic structure with a small particle size. BET
      surface area of the sample was around 10 m2/g. The results show that the
      degradation of MG was more than 80%, achieved after 3 h of irradiation at pH 4.6
      and with a catalyst loading of 75 mg. Also, it was found that the dye photo
      degradation obeyed the pseudo-first order kinetic via Langmuir Hinshelwood model.

PMID- 28074366
TI  - Improved slant drilling well for in situ remediation of groundwater and soil at
      contaminated sites.
AB  - Soil contamination has become a crucial issue in urban redevelopment. Japan has
      many contaminated sites on which manufacturing has been conducted over several
      decades. Site holders are now under pressure to manage chemical contamination;
      however, the use of heavy machinery is difficult in remedial operations on
      restricted sites, especially where there are still working factories. The slant
      well is a potentially useful technique in such settings, but its use is
      technically challenging because of the need for high drilling accuracy and the
      difficulty in sealing the slanted bores. In this study, we investigated an
      improved technique for slant drilling that can be used around existing structures
      to treat contaminated soil and groundwater. A key to this novel approach was the
      use of water-swelling materials as sealants. Research at a test site investigated
      the accuracy of drilling. Tracer tests were also conducted using sodium chloride
      and urea. The improved slant borings showed a deviation of less than 2% from the
      target bore. The spread of the two tracers at different depths was demonstrated.
      The proposed technique provides a useful approach to the treatment of brownfield
      sites in countries where in situ remediation has not yet been undertaken.

PMID- 28074365
TI  - Determination of cytostatic drugs in Besos River (NE Spain) and comparison with
      predicted environmental concentrations.
AB  - The number of cytostatic drugs used in cancer treatments is wide and increases
      every year; therefore, tools have been developed to predict their concentration
      in the environment to prioritize those for monitoring studies. In the present
      study, the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) were calculated
      according to consumption data in Catalonia (NE Spain) for 2014. According to PECs
      and to the most widely reported compounds, 19 cytostatics were monitored in two
      sampling campaigns performed along the Besos River. A total of seven drugs were
      detected at levels between 0.5 and 656 ng L-1. PEC and measured environmental
      concentrations (MECs) were compared in order to validate PECs. The PEC/MEC ratio
      presented a good agreement between predicted and measured concentrations
      confirming the PEC estimations. Mycophenolic acid, prioritized as the compound
      with the highest PEC, was detected at the highest concentrations (8.5-656 ng L-1)
      but showed no risk for aquatic organisms (risk quotient <1) considering acute
      toxicity tests performed in Daphnia magna.

PMID- 28074368
TI  - Evaluation of 2D resistivity imaging technique for delineating subsurface seepage
      of hydrocarbon-contaminated water southeast of Karbala city, Iraq.
AB  - 2D imaging technique was applied in (8) transects near a pit of contaminated
      water near contaminated well southeast of Karbala city, Iraq. Each transect was
      30 m long with 1 m electrode spacing. Data acquisition was fulfilled by using
      Wenner electrode array. The resistivity of water-contaminated zone is found less
      than 3Omega.m and the top dry zone recorded relatively high resistivity (more
      than 170Omega.m). It is found that the greatest amount of seepage was found
      moving towards northeast direction coincided with groundwater movement direction,
      whereas there was no movement towards northwest and southeast directions and
      restricted on the closest areas to the pit location. The outcomes suggested that
      the 2D imaging technique is a successful and powerful tool in separating
      contaminated zone from clear one and in detecting underground seepage depth and
      moving direction.

PMID- 28074367
TI  - Assessment of metal contamination in the Hun River, China, and evaluation of the
      fish Zacco platypus and the snail Radix swinhoei as potential biomonitors.
AB  - The Hun River is a major tributary of the Liao River in the northeast area of
      China and provides drinking water for 23 million local residents. This study was
      designed to assess the severity of metal contamination in the Hun River and the
      potential use of indigenous organisms (the fish Zacco platypus and the snail
      Radix swinhoei) as biomonitors of metal contamination. Water, sediment, and the
      native fish and snails were collected at four sampling sites that differed in
      their physicochemical characteristics and their contamination levels. The samples
      were analyzed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn by ICP-MS. The results showed that
      although the overall potential ecological risks of the metals were low at our
      sampling sites, Cd posed a noteworthy ecological risk. Strong correlations were
      obtained between Cd concentrations in the organisms and in the environment. The
      results indicated that Z. platypus and R. swinhoei can be useful biomonitoring
      species for assessing Cd contamination. Biomonitoring with the snail may be most
      effective when focused on the gonad/digestive tissue (because of the high metal
      accumulation there), but further work is needed to confirm this.

PMID- 28074369
TI  - Mitigating cadmium accumulation in greenhouse lettuce production using biochar.
AB  - Greenhouse experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of rice straw
      biochar (RSB) on soil cadmium (Cd) availability and accumulation in lettuce. The
      RSB was applied either in bands or broadcast in the test site of four greenhouses
      with soil Cd concentrations ranging from 1.70-3.14 MUg g-1. Biochar doses applied
      in bands were half of those broadcast. The Cd levels in the shoots of lettuce
      were observed to be reduced by up to 57% with increasing RSB application rate (0,
      6, 12, 18 t ha-1). Following RSB application, shoot Cd concentrations of lettuce
      were reduced to below the Chinese threshold value set for food, and hazard
      quotients for Cd associated with vegetable consumption were reduced from 0.70
      1.11 to 0.42-0.65. A decrease in soil bulk density (11%) and increases in water
      holding capacity (16%), available phosphorus (30%), available potassium (197%),
      and lettuce yield (15%) were observed after RSB application. Multiple linear
      regression analysis suggested that the soil extractable Cd level (but not biomass
      dilution) and soil bulk density, as influenced by RSB addition, were the dominant
      contributors to the shoot Cd levels in lettuce and lettuce yield, respectively.
      These results highlight the potential for RSB to mitigate the phytoaccumulation
      of Cd and thereby to reduce human exposure from vegetable consumption.
      Application of biochar in band, rather than broadcasting over the entire area,
      represents an opportunity to halve the biochar cost while retaining a good
      remediation effect.

PMID- 28074370
TI  - Comparative toxicity of nano ZnO and bulk ZnO towards marine algae Tetraselmis
      suecica and Phaeodactylum tricornutum.
AB  - The wide use of ZnO nanoparticles in a number of products implies an increasing
      release into the marine environment, resulting in the need to evaluate the
      potential effects upon organisms, and particularly phytoplankton, being at the
      base of the throphic chain. To this aim, dose-response curves for the green alga
      Tetraselmis suecica and the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum derived from the
      exposure to nano ZnO (100 nm) were evaluated and compared with those obtained for
      bulk ZnO (200 nm) and ionic zinc. The toxic effects to both algae species were
      reported as no observable effect concentration (NOEC) of growth inhibition and as
      1, 10, and 50% effect concentrations (EC1, EC10, and EC50). The toxicity
      decreased in the order nano ZnO > Zn2+ > bulk ZnO. EC50 values for nano ZnO were
      3.91 [3.66-4.14] mg Zn/L towards the green microalgae and 1.09 [0.96-1.57] mg
      Zn/L towards the diatom, indicating a higher sensitivity of P. tricornutum. The
      observed diverse effects can be ascribed to the interaction occurring between
      different algae and ZnO particles. Due to algae motility, ZnO particles were
      intercepted in different phases of aggregation and sedimentation processes, while
      algae morphology and size can influence the level of entrapment by NP
      aggregates.This underlines the need to take into account the peculiarity of the
      biological system in the assessment of NP toxicity.

PMID- 28074371
TI  - Microbial flora analysis for the degradation of beta-cypermethrin.
AB  - In the Xinjiang region of Eurasia, sustained long-term and continuous cropping of
      cotton over a wide expanse of land is practiced, which requires application of
      high levels of pyrethroid and other classes of pesticides-resulting in high
      levels of pesticide residues in the soil. In this study, soil samples were
      collected from areas of long-term continuous cotton crops with the aim of
      obtaining microbial resources applicable for remediation of pyrethroid pesticide
      contamination suitable for the soil type and climate of that area. Soil samples
      were first used to culture microbial flora capable of degrading beta-cypermethrin
      using an enrichment culture method. Structural changes and ultimate microbial
      floral composition during enrichment were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing.
      Four strains capable of degrading beta-cypermethrin were isolated and
      preliminarily classified. Finally, comparative rates and speeds of degradation of
      beta-cypermethrin between relevant microbial flora and single strains were
      determined. After continuous subculture for 3 weeks, soil sample microbial flora
      formed a new type of microbial flora by rapid succession, which showed stable
      growth by utilizing beta-cypermethrin as the sole carbon source (GXzq). This
      microbial flora mainly consisted of Pseudomonas, Hyphomicrobium, Dokdonella, and
      Methyloversatilis. Analysis of the microbial flora also permitted separation of
      four additional strains; i.e., GXZQ4, GXZQ6, GXZQ7, and GXZQ13 that,
      respectively, belonged to Streptomyces, Enterobacter, Streptomyces, and
      Pseudomonas. Under culture conditions of 37  degrees C and 180 rpm, the
      degradation rate of beta-cypermethrin by GXzq was as high as 89.84% within 96 h,
      which exceeded that achieved by the single strains GXZQ4, GXZQ6, GXZQ7, and
      GXZQ13 and their derived microbial flora GXh.

PMID- 28074372
TI  - Tracking fluorescent components of dissolved organic matter from soils in large
      scale irrigated area.
AB  - Combination of fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy with parallel
      factor analysis (PARAFAC) and principal component analysis (PCA) was engaged to
      track fluorescent components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) extracted from
      soils, to seek potential factors, and to reveal their correlations with physico
      chemical properties of soils. Soil samples at different depths were collected in
      Hetao irrigated area of Inner Mongolia, China. Five fluorescent components (C1 to
      C5) were identified by PARAFAC modeling of DOM extracted from the soil samples.
      C1 was referred as fulvic-like fluorescent component, by which DOM was dominated
      in the whole soil samples. C2 was associated with salinity and agriculture, which
      was similar to marine humic-like fluorescent component. C3 was assigned as
      traditional humic-like fluorescent component. The three components were of the
      terrestrial origin. C4 was involved in tryptophan-like fluorescent component,
      which was autochthonous productions of biological degradation. C5 might be a
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminant, which could be relative to
      anthropogenic sources of pesticides. The C1, C2, and C3 were the potential
      factors of characterizing DOM fractions using PCA on fluorescent components and
      physico-chemical parameters. Moreover, DOM might restrained by exchangeable
      sodium percentage, and its formation and decomposition might be influenced by
      soil moisture.

PMID- 28074373
TI  - Introduction to the Special Issue: Precarious Solidarity-Preferential Access in
      Canadian Health Care.
AB  - Systems of universal health coverage may aspire to provide care based on need and
      not ability to pay; the complexities of this aspiration (conceptual, practical,
      and ethical) call for normative analysis. This special issue arises in the wake
      of a judicial inquiry into preferential access in the Canadian province of
      Alberta, the Vertes Commission. I describe this inquiry and set out a taxonomy of
      forms of differential and preferential access. Papers in this special issue focus
      on the conceptual specification of health system boundaries (the concept of
      medical need) and on the normative questions raised by complex models of funding
      and delivery of care, where patients, providers, and services cross system
      boundaries.

PMID- 28074374
TI  - Can We Predict the Perioperative Pulmonary Complications Before Laparoscopic
      Sleeve Gastrectomy: Original Research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of obesity in worldwide is one of the most
      serious chronic public health problems and is considered to be a global epidemic.
      Bariatric surgical procedures have also been applied more often with increased
      prevalence of obesity. As a result, the incidence of surgical complications has
      increased. Preoperative evaluation is quite important for these patients. AIMS:
      The aim of our study is to determine the predictors of perioperative pulmonary
      complications of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. STUDY DESIGN: The study is a
      cross-sectional study. METHODS: One hundred eighty-three consecutive patients who
      received laparoscopic bariatric surgery were followed up during 3 months.
      Patients were divided into two groups A and B. Group A being the patients who had
      perioperative pulmonary complications (n = 28) and group B being patients who had
      not (n = 155). Pulmonary function test (PFT), body mass index (BMI), preoperative
      oxygen saturation, age, gender, comorbid diseases, and smoking history were
      compared between these groups. RESULTS: Mean age, size, weight, BMI, PFT
      parameters of groups A and B were close to each other. The strongest predictors
      of perioperative pulmonary complications were duration of smoking in current
      smokers and low baseline oxygen saturation. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative oxygen
      saturation and smoking history may help to predict perioperative complications of
      laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

PMID- 28074375
TI  - Identity Theft in the Academic World Leads to Junk Science.
AB  - In recent years, identity theft has been growing in the academic world.
      Cybercriminals create fake profiles for prominent scientists in attempts to
      manipulate the review and publishing process. Without permission, some fraudulent
      journals use the names of standout researchers on their editorial boards in the
      effort to look legitimate. This opinion piece, highlights some of the usual types
      of identity theft and their role in spreading junk science. Some general
      guidelines that editors and researchers can use against such attacks are
      presented.

PMID- 28074376
TI  - Synthetic Biology, Genome Editing, and the Risk of Bioterrorism.
AB  - The SynBioSecurity argument says that synthetic biology introduces new risks of
      intentional misuse of synthetic pathogens and that, therefore, there is a need
      for extra regulations and oversight. This paper provides an analysis of the
      argument, sets forth a new version of it, and identifies three developments that
      raise biosecurity risks compared to the situation earlier. The developments
      include (1) a spread of the required know-how, (2) improved availability of the
      techniques, instruments and biological parts, and (3) new technical possibilities
      such as "resurrecting" disappeared pathogens. It is first shown that the general
      argument from SynBioSecurity needs to be qualified and that many improvements to
      biosecurity have already been implemented, most notably in the United States.
      Second, I suggest a new strain of the argument: the situation that most branches
      of synthetic biology fall under the gene technology regulation in the European
      Union and that this regulation in its current form does not adequately address
      SynBioSecurity risks together provide a weighty reason to review and possibly
      refine the legislation as well as the supervisory practices. Ethically speaking,
      the rise in the relative risk of bioterrorism brings to the fore new extrinsic
      issues.

PMID- 28074377
TI  - Reflection on the Fazlul Sarkar versus PubPeer ("John Doe") Case.

PMID- 28074378
TI  - Neuroimaging findings of Zika virus infection : Emphasis of the emerging global
      threat.

PMID- 28074379
TI  - Neuroimaging findings of congenital Zika virus infection: a pictorial essay.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus from the Flaviviridae family. It
      had caused several epidemics since its discovery in 1947, but there was no
      significant attention to this virus until the recent outbreak in Brazil in 2015.
      The main concern is the causal relationship between prenatal ZIKV infection and
      congenital microcephaly, which has been confirmed recently. Moreover, ZIKV may
      cause other central nervous system abnormalities such as brain parenchymal
      atrophy with secondary ventriculomegaly, intracranial calcification,
      malformations of cortical development (such as polymicrogyria, and lissencephaly
      pachygyria), agenesis/hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, cerebellar and brainstem
      hypoplasia, sensorineural hearing-loss, and ocular abnormalities as well as
      arthrogryposis in the infected fetuses. Postnatal (acquired) ZIKV infection
      usually has an asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic course, while prenatal
      (congenital) ZIKV infection has a more severe course and may cause severe brain
      anomalies that are described as congenital Zika syndrome. In this pictorial
      essay, we aim to illustrate the prenatal and postnatal neuroimaging findings that
      may be seen in fetuses and neonates with congenital Zika syndrome, and will
      discuss possible radiological differential diagnoses. A detailed knowledge of
      these findings is paramount for an early correct diagnosis, prognosis
      determination, and counseling of the affected children and families.

PMID- 28074380
TI  - Usefulness of diffusion-weighted MR imaging for differentiating between Warthin's
      tumor and oncocytoma of the parotid gland.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of diffusion-weighted (DW) MR imaging for
      differentiating between Warthin's tumor and oncocytoma of the parotid gland.
      METHODS: Forty-five histopathologically confirmed parotid gland tumors (41
      Warthin's tumors and 4 oncocytomas) were examined by MR imaging including DW
      imaging. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT was also performed in 9 Warthin's tumors
      and 3 oncocytomas. We retrospectively reviewed the images and compared the MR
      signal intensities, apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), and maximum
      standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the solid components between the two
      pathologies. RESULTS: The signal intensity ratios (SIRs) on both T2-weighted
      images (0.92 +/- 0.18 vs 0.65 +/- 0.13, p < 0.01) and DW images (1.24 +/- 0.42 vs
      0.43 +/- 0.16, p < 0.001) were higher in Warthin's tumors than in oncocytomas.
      ADCs (0.79 +/- 0.11 vs 1.06 +/- 0.06 * 10-3 mm2/s, p < 0.001) were lower in
      Warthin's tumors than in oncocytomas. No significant differences in the SIRs on
      T1-weighted images (1.09 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.99 +/- 0.07, p = 0.051) and SUVmax (8.22
      +/- 3.86 vs. 8.11 +/- 1.33, p = 0.864) were found between Warthin's tumor and
      oncocytoma. CONCLUSION: DW imaging with ADC measurements is useful for the
      differentiation of Warthin's tumor from oncocytoma of the parotid gland.

PMID- 28074381
TI  - Adrenal hormones before and after venography during adrenal venous sampling: a
      self-controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A stress reaction involving increased adrenal hormone release occurs
      when starting adrenal venous sampling (AVS). The purpose of the present study was
      to investigate the effect of single shot venography on adrenal hormone production
      during AVS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective self-controlled study.
      We enrolled 54 consecutive patients (21 men, 33 women; mean age 52 +/- 11 years)
      with primary aldosteronism who underwent AVS from May 2014 to February 2015.
      Under non-stimulated conditions, blood samples were obtained from a common trunk
      of the left adrenal vein before and after single shot venography. The initial
      plasma aldosterone and cortisol concentration (PAC and PCC) were compared with
      those measured after venography for each patient. RESULTS: PAC and PCC were
      slightly but significantly decreased between before and after venography (after
      log transformation 2.12 +/- 0.73 vs 2.07 +/- 0.72, P = 0.00066, 1.89 +/- 0.52 vs
      1.83 +/- 0.53, P = 0.00031, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: During non-stimulated
      left AVS, adrenal hormone secretion was slightly but significantly decreased
      after venography, similar to the normal time-related stress reaction. Venography
      did not increase the adrenal hormone secretion.

PMID- 28074382
TI  - Engaging Hmong adults in genomic and pharmacogenomic research: Toward reducing
      health disparities in genomic knowledge using a community-based participatory
      research approach.
AB  - Advancing precision medicine relies in part on examining populations that may
      exhibit unique genetic variants that impact clinical outcomes. Failure to include
      diverse populations in genomic-based research represents a health disparity. We
      implemented a community-based participatory research (CBPR) process with the
      Hmong community in Minnesota, who were refugees from Laos, in order to assess the
      feasibility of conducting genomic and pharmacogenomic-based research for genetic
      variants that are relevant to the Hmong community. Our Hmong Genomics Board,
      consisting of Hmong and non-Hmong professionals, used CBPR principles and built
      on previous formative research to create and implement culturally and
      linguistically appropriate informed consent processes for Hmong people at six
      community venues. The Board chose genetic variants for diabetes risk and warfarin
      response as relevant to the community. The Institutional Review Board approved
      aggregate but not individual return of results. Two hundred thirty-seven Hmong
      participants with mean (range) age of 30.2 (18-81) years and diverse levels of
      education (22% without and 75% with high-school education) provided saliva for
      genetic (DNA) analyses. Eighty-five percent of participants agreed to store DNA
      for future analyses, 82% agreed to share DNA with other researchers, and 78%
      agreed to be contacted for future studies. Twenty-five elders refused to
      participate because they wanted individual results. Aggregate results were shared
      with all participants. This CBPR approach proved highly successful to obtain
      informed consent and recruit a sample from the Hmong community for a genomic and
      pharmacogenomic study. Investment in the CBPR process may prove successful to
      address the gap of genomic information in under-represented communities.

PMID- 28074383
TI  - Poisoning the pika: must protection of grasslands be at the expense of
      biodiversity?

PMID- 28074384
TI  - Microfluidic Gut-liver chip for reproducing the first pass metabolism.
AB  - After oral intake of drugs, drugs go through the first pass metabolism in the gut
      and the liver, which greatly affects the final outcome of the drugs' efficacy and
      side effects. The first pass metabolism is a complex process involving the gut
      and the liver tissue, with transport and reaction occurring simultaneously at
      various locations, which makes it difficult to be reproduced in vitro with
      conventional cell culture systems. In an effort to tackle this challenge, here we
      have developed a microfluidic gut-liver chip that can reproduce the dynamics of
      the first pass metabolism. The microfluidic chip consists of two separate layers
      for gut epithelial cells (Caco-2) and the liver cells (HepG2), and is designed so
      that drugs go through a sequential absorption in the gut chamber and metabolic
      reaction in the liver chamber. We fabricated the chip and showed that the two
      different cell lines can be successfully co-cultured on chip. When the two cells
      are cultured on chip, changes in the physiological function of Caco-2 and HepG2
      cells were noted. The cytochrome P450 metabolic activity of both cells were
      significantly enhanced, and the absorptive property of Caco-2 cells on chip also
      changed in response to the presence of flow. Finally, first pass metabolism of a
      flavonoid, apigenin, was evaluated as a model compound, and co-culture of gut and
      liver cells on chip resulted in a metabolic profile that is closer to the
      reported profile than a monoculture of gut cells. This microfluidic gut-liver
      chip can potentially be a useful platform to study the complex first pass
      metabolism of drugs in vitro.

PMID- 28074385
TI  - Use of a CD laser pickup head to fabricate microelectrodes in
      polymethylmethacrylate substrates for biosensing applications.
AB  - In this work, we report a simple fabrication method for microelectrodes on a
      polymethylmethacrylate substrate, using a low-cost laser platform based on a CD
      DVD unit for direct rapid-prototyping. We used this laser microfabrication
      technique to etch any desired design on polymethylmethacrylate substrates to
      produce microchannels with controlled geometry, with a highly repeatable micron
      scale resolution. Those shallow microchannels were then filled with a conductive
      paste of material of our choice that was converted into microelectrodes of
      desired shapes and geometries after drying. To validate our process, different
      geometries, sizes and materials were used as electrodes, and then tested for
      amperometry and impedance measurements. Development of these microelectrodes is
      motivated by their potential application in sensors and biosensors, such as
      glucose and cell counting, as demonstrated in this paper.

PMID- 28074386
TI  - The effect of ceramic thickness and resin cement shades on the color matching of
      ceramic veneers in discolored teeth.
AB  - The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of ceramic material
      thickness and resin cement shade on the color matching of ceramic veneers at the
      gray tooth structures. Seventy-two artificial maxillary right central incisor
      teeth (C2 shade) were prepared according to veneer tooth preparation in practice.
      Ceramic materials (LT, A2 shade, IPS e.max Press) were selected to fabricate the
      0.50- and 0.75-mm thick veneers at the body region. The ceramic veneer specimens
      were bonded to the artificial teeth by the 6 shades of resin cements (Variolink
      Veneer: shades of HV+3, LV-2, LV-3; and RelyXTM Veneer: shades of WO, TR, A3). A
      clinical spectrophotometer (Crystaleye, Olympus) was used to measure the color
      parameters. The color differences (DeltaE values) of ceramic veneers and A2 shade
      tab (Vitapan Classical, Vita) and C* ab values were calculated. The results of
      three-way ANOVA indicated that the DeltaE values of ceramic veneer and A2 shade
      tab were significantly different in the thickness of ceramic materials, shades of
      resin cements, and measuring regions (p < 0.001). There were significant
      differences in 0.50-mm-thick ceramic veneers that exhibited higher DeltaE values
      compared with veneers that were 0.75-mm thick. Tukey's HSD test showed that the
      average DeltaE values in body region were significantly smaller than that in
      cervical and incisal regions. The color matching of ceramic veneers was
      significantly influenced not only by the ceramic thickness and the resin cement
      shades but also the tooth regions.

PMID- 28074388
TI  - Lactobacillus slpA promotes ESC growth through the ERK1/2 pathway.
AB  - Bacterial surface layers (S-layers) are cell envelope structures ubiquitously
      found in gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including Lactobacillus. S
      layers play a role in the determination and maintenance of cell shape as
      virulence factors, mediate cell adhesion, and regulate immature dendritic and T
      cells. In this study, we sought to understand the involvement of MAPK
      serine/threonine kinases in alterations in Endometrial epithelial cells (ESC)
      growth induced by Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus) slpA, an S-layer
      protein. We applied various concentrations of L. crispatus to cultured ESCs and
      observed growth and changes in the phosphorylation status of ERK1/2, JNK, and
      p38. Similar experiments were conducted using L. crispatus lacking and
      overexpressing slpA. We found that ESC growth was altered by slpA primarily via
      ERK1/2. Our findings suggest that L. crispatus slpA promotes ESC growth mainly
      through an ERK1/2-dependent pathway.

PMID- 28074387
TI  - Epigenetic sampling effects: nephrectomy modifies the clear cell renal cell
      cancer methylome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Currently, it is unclear to what extent sampling procedures affect the
      epigenome. Here, this phenomenon was evaluated by studying the impact of artery
      ligation on DNA methylation in clear cell renal cancer. METHODS: DNA methylation
      profiles between vascularised tumour biopsy samples and devascularised
      nephrectomy samples from two individuals were compared. The relevance of
      significantly altered methylation profiles was validated in an independent
      clinical trial cohort. RESULTS: We found that six genes were differentially
      methylated in the test samples, of which four were linked to ischaemia or hypoxia
      (REXO1L1, TLR4, hsa-mir-1299, ANKRD2). Three of these genes were also found to be
      significantly differentially methylated in the validation cohort, indicating that
      the observed effects are genuine. CONCLUSION: Tissue ischaemia during normal
      surgical removal of tumour can cause epigenetic changes. Based on these results,
      we conclude that the impact of sampling procedures in clinical epigenetic studies
      should be considered and discussed, particularly after inducing
      hypoxia/ischaemia, which occurs in most oncological surgery procedures through
      which tissues are collected for translational research.

PMID- 28074389
TI  - Cochlear epithelial of dog fetuses: a new source of multipotent stem cells.
AB  - Hearing loss caused by the damage of cochlea sensory cells or neurons is a common
      human disease, but also affects dogs and other animals. To test their progenitor
      nature as potential value for future therapies, we characterized cells derived
      from the cochlear epithelium in dog fetuses. In total, 8 fetuses of 35-40 days of
      gestation, derived from castration campaigns, were investigated. Cells were
      analysed by the MTT colorimetric assay and in regard to cell cycle,
      differentiation capacities, immunophenotypes and qPCR analysis. In culture, cells
      had a fibroblast-like morphology. Phenotypic immunocharacterization showed
      positive staining for mesenchymal stem cell and pluripotency markers and were
      negative for hematopoietic cell markers. Cells possessed differentiation capacity
      for the three main cell lineages: osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic,
      altogether indicating their nature as mesenchymal stem cells. Thus, cells derived
      from fetal cochlear tissues indeed may provide valuable sources of progenitor
      cells for cell therapy of canine deafness and other diseases.

PMID- 28074390
TI  - Anti-allergic triterpenes isolated from olive milled waste.
AB  - The degranulation of basophils stimulated by antigen is one of the allergic
      mechanisms of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. In a previous study, the beta
      hexosaminidase release of rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells stimulated by
      IgE cross-linking was specifically inhibited by ethanol extract of olive milled
      waste (OMW). OMW is a potential source of triterpenes, which show several
      biological activities. However, little is known about the effect of triterpenes
      in OMW on beta-hexosaminidase release. Here we investigated anti-allergic
      triterpenes from the ethanol extract of OMW, and we discuss the structure
      activity relationship. We subjected ethanol extract of OMW to activity-guided
      fractionation; this led to the isolation of five known triterpenes, i.e.,
      maslinic acid (1), oleanolic acid (2), punicanolic acid (3), 2-O-acetylmaslinic
      acid (4), and epimaslinic acid (5) as well as one new triterpene, 11-oxo-maslinic
      acid (6). An anti-allergic assay revealed that 2-O-acetylmaslinic acid (4) and 11
      oxo-maslinic acid (6) showed anti-allergic activity. Considering the structure
      activity relationship of these triterpenes, it appears that the existence of a
      ketone group at C-11 or an acetyl group at C-2 would influence the anti-allergic
      activity.

PMID- 28074391
TI  - Etiologic spectrum and functional outcome of the acute inflammatory myelitis.
AB  - Clinical, neuroimaging, and laboratory features are not specific enough to
      establish the etiological diagnosis of the acute inflammatory myelitis (AIM).
      Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) seen on magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) has been associated with a poor functional prognosis. The aim of
      this study was to assess the functional outcomes of a first AIM event comparing
      patients with LETM vs. no LETM on MRI and to report the differential diagnosis.
      Clinical, radiological, biochemical aspects were collected, and Winner-Hughes
      Functional Disability Scale (WHFDS) was performed after 3 and 6 months.
      Centromedullary lesions were associated with LETM, lateral lesions with partial
      lesion (PL), and brain MRI lesions with multiple sclerosis and acute
      encephalomyelitis disseminated. LETM patients were associated with a worse
      functional outcome as the need of a wheelchair after 3 and 6 months (OR = 7.61 p
      = 0.01; OR 4.8 p = 0.04, respectively), a walker or cane (OR = 11.0 p = 0.002, OR
      = 4.3 p = 0.03, respectively). In addition, we found a correlation between LETM
      and acute complete transverse myelitis and PL with acute partial transverse
      myelitis (83.3 and 90.9%, respectively; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, AIM is a
      heterogeneous syndrome from an etiological point of view and LETM patients had
      worse functional prognosis compared with PL after 3 and 6 months.

PMID- 28074392
TI  - Effect of cerebrolysin on gross motor function of children with cerebral palsy: a
      clinical trial.
AB  - Gross motor dysfunction is considered as the most challenging problem in cerebral
      palsy (CP). It is proven that improvement of gross motor function could reduce CP
      related disabilities and provide better quality of life in this group of
      patients. Therefore, the aim of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of
      cerebrolysin (CBL) on gross motor function of children with CP who are undergoing
      treatment. In this clinical trial study, paediatric patients aged 18-75 months
      with spastic diplegic or quadriplegic cerebral palsy, who were under
      rehabilitation therapy, were selected and randomly allocated in control and CBL
      groups. Patients in CBL group underwent treatment with standard rehabilitation
      therapy plus CBL. The latter was administrated intramuscularly as a single daily
      dose of 0.1 cc/kg for 10 days and then continued weekly for 4 months. Gross motor
      function of participants in the two studied groups, before and after trial, was
      evaluated and compared using the validated Persian version of gross motor
      function classification system-expanded and revised (GMFCS-E&R). During this
      trial, 108 patients with CP were evaluated for eligibility. From these, 50
      patients were enrolled and randomly allocated in the CBL and control groups. Four
      months after trial, the mean level of GMFCS decreased significantly in the two
      groups (P < 0.05). However, it was significantly lower in the CBL group than in
      the control group (2.1 vs. 3.16, P < 0.05). The results of this trial indicated
      that CBL could improve gross motor function in patients with CP. This finding is
      consistent with neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of CBL, which have been
      reported in various clinical trials in other neurological disorders. Further
      studies are recommended to establish the value of continued neuroprotection and
      to determine the pharmacokinetics/dynamics of CBL in this group of patients.

PMID- 28074393
TI  - 45th ESCP-NSF international symposium on clinical pharmacy: clinical pharmacy
      tackling inequalities and access to health care. Oslo, Norway, 5-7 October 2016.

PMID- 28074394
TI  - The Specificity of Women's Sexual Response and Its Relationship with Sexual
      Orientations: A Review and Ten Hypotheses.
AB  - Category-specific sexual response describes a pattern wherein the individual
      shows significantly greater responses to preferred versus nonpreferred categories
      of sexual stimuli; this pattern is described as gender specific for sexual
      orientation to gender, or gender nonspecific if lacking response differentiation
      by gender cues. Research on the gender specificity of women's sexual response has
      consistently produced sexual orientation effects, such that androphilic women
      (sexually attracted to adult males) typically show gender-nonspecific patterns of
      genital response and gynephilic women (sexually attracted to adult females) show
      more gender-specific responses. As research on the category specificity of sexual
      response has grown, this pattern has also been observed for other measures of
      sexual response. In this review, I use the Incentive Motivation and Information
      Processing Models as complementary frameworks to organize the empirical
      literature examining the gender specificity of women's sexual response at each
      stage of sexual stimulus processing and response. Collectively, these data
      disconfirm models of sexual orientation that equate androphilic women's sexual
      attractions with their sexual responses to sexual stimuli. I then discuss 10
      hypotheses that might explain variability in the specificity of sexual response
      among androphilic and gynephilic women, and conclude with recommendations for
      future research on the (non)specificity of sexual response.

PMID- 28074395
TI  - Target-mediated drug disposition with drug-drug interaction, Part I: single drug
      case in alternative formulations.
AB  - Target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) describes drug binding with high affinity
      to a target such as a receptor. In application TMDD models are often over
      parameterized and quasi-equilibrium (QE) or quasi-steady state (QSS)
      approximations are essential to reduce the number of parameters. However,
      implementation of such approximations becomes difficult for TMDD models with drug
      drug interaction (DDI) mechanisms. Hence, alternative but equivalent formulations
      are necessary for QE or QSS approximations. To introduce and develop such
      formulations, the single drug case is reanalyzed. This work opens the route for
      straightforward implementation of QE or QSS approximations of DDI TMDD models.
      The manuscript is the first part to introduce DDI TMDD models with QE or QSS
      approximations.

PMID- 28074396
TI  - Target mediated drug disposition with drug-drug interaction, Part II: competitive
      and uncompetitive cases.
AB  - We present competitive and uncompetitive drug-drug interaction (DDI) with target
      mediated drug disposition (TMDD) equations and investigate their pharmacokinetic
      DDI properties. For application of TMDD models, quasi-equilibrium (QE) or quasi
      steady state (QSS) approximations are necessary to reduce the number of
      parameters. To realize those approximations of DDI TMDD models, we derive an
      ordinary differential equation (ODE) representation formulated in free
      concentration and free receptor variables. This ODE formulation can be
      straightforward implemented in typical PKPD software without solving any non
      linear equation system arising from the QE or QSS approximation of the rapid
      binding assumptions. This manuscript is the second in a series to introduce and
      investigate DDI TMDD models and to apply the QE or QSS approximation.

PMID- 28074397
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of secondary metabolites isolated from the marine
      derived fungal strain Penicillium sp. SF-5629.
AB  - After the chemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of the marine
      derived fungal strain Penicillium sp. SF-5629, the isolation and structural
      elucidation of eight secondary metabolites, including (3R,4S)-6,8-dihydroxy-3,4,7
      trimethylisocoumarin (1), (3S,4S)-sclerotinin A (2), penicitrinone A (3),
      citrinin H1 (4), emodin (5), omega-hydroxyemodin (6), 8-hydroxy-6-methyl-9-oxo-9H
      xanthene-1-carboxylate (7), and 3,8-dihydroxy-6-methyl-9-oxo-9H-xanthene-1
      carboxylate (8) were carried out. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of
      these metabolites showed that 4 inhibited nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2
      production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia, with IC50 values of
      8.1 +/- 1.9 and 8.0 +/- 2.8 MUM, respectively. The inhibitory function of 4 was
      confirmed based on decreases in inducible nitric oxide synthesis and
      cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression. In addition, 4 was found to suppress the
      phosphorylation of inhibitor kappa B-alpha, interrupt the nuclear translocation
      of nuclear factor kappa B, and decrease the activation of p38 mitogen-activated
      protein kinase.

PMID- 28074398
TI  - Liquid chromatographic enantiomer separation of 1-naphthylamides of chiral acids
      using several amylose- and cellulose-derived chiral stationary phases.
AB  - The liquid chromatographic enantiomer separation of various chiral acids as 1
      naphthylamides was performed using several chiral stationary phases (CSPs). The
      CSPs used in this study were six covalently bonded and four coated type CSPs
      derived from amylose and cellulose derivatives as chiral selectors. The degree of
      enantioseparation is affected by the structure of chiral acids and the CSPs used,
      which have different chiral selectors and types of immobilization. For the
      enantiomer resolution of chiral acids as 1-naphthylamide derivatives, the
      performance of the coated type Lux Cellulose-1 was superior to those of the other
      CSPs, except for 2-aryloxypropionic acid derivatives. Owing to the strong
      ultraviolet absorbance of the 1-naphthyl group, the convenient analytical method
      developed and validated in this study could be expected to be very useful for the
      enantiomer separation of various chiral acids as 1-naphthylamide derivatives
      using polysaccharide-derived CSPs.

PMID- 28074399
TI  - Evaluating the impact of lower resolutions of digital elevation model on rainfall
      runoff modeling for ungauged catchments.
AB  - Geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) usually uses geomorphologic
      parameters of catchment estimated from digital elevation model (DEM) for rainfall
      runoff modeling of ungauged watersheds with limited data. Higher resolutions
      (e.g., 5 or 10 m) of DEM play an important role in the accuracy of rainfall
      runoff models; however, such resolutions are expansive to obtain and require much
      greater efforts and time for preparation of inputs. In this research, a modeling
      framework is developed to evaluate the impact of lower resolutions (i.e., 30 and
      90 m) of DEM on the accuracy of Clark GIUH model. Observed rainfall-runoff data
      of a 202-km2 catchment in a semiarid region was used to develop direct runoff
      hydrographs for nine rainfall events. Geographical information system was used to
      process both the DEMs. Model accuracy and errors were estimated by comparing the
      model results with the observed data. The study found (i) high model efficiencies
      greater than 90% for both the resolutions, and (ii) that the efficiency of Clark
      GIUH model does not significantly increase by enhancing the resolution of the DEM
      from 90 to 30 m. Thus, it is feasible to use lower resolutions (i.e., 90 m) of
      DEM in the estimation of peak runoff in ungauged catchments with relatively less
      efforts. Through sensitivity analysis (Monte Carlo simulations), the kinematic
      wave parameter and stream length ratio are found to be the most significant
      parameters in velocity and peak flow estimations, respectively; thus, they need
      to be carefully estimated for calculation of direct runoff in ungauged watersheds
      using Clark GIUH model.

PMID- 28074400
TI  - Peculiarities of the obese patient with cancer: a national consensus statement by
      the Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity and the Spanish Society of Medical
      Oncology.
AB  - The relationship between obesity and cancer is clear and is present at all times
      during course of the disease. The importance of obesity in increasing the risk of
      developing cancer is well known, and some of the most prevalent tumours (breast,
      colorectal, and prostate) are directly related to this risk increase. However,
      there is less information available on the role that obesity plays when the
      patient has already been diagnosed with cancer. Certain data demonstrate that in
      some types of cancer, obese patients tolerate the treatments more poorly. Obesity
      is also known to have an impact on the prognosis, favouring lower survival rates
      or the appearance of secondary tumours. In this consensus statement, we will
      analyse the scientific evidence on the role that obesity plays in patients
      already diagnosed with cancer, and the available data on how obesity control can
      improve the quality of daily life for the cancer patient.

PMID- 28074401
TI  - Adipsic diabetes insipidus in adult patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adipsic diabetes insipidus (ADI) is a very rare disorder,
      characterized by hypotonic polyuria due to arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency
      and failure to generate the sensation of thirst in response to hypernatraemia. As
      the sensation of thirst is the key homeostatic mechanism that prevents
      hypernatraemic dehydration in patients with untreated diabetes insipidus (DI),
      adipsia leads to failure to respond to aquaresis with appropriate fluid intake.
      This predisposes to the development of significant hypernatraemia, which is the
      typical biochemical manifestation of adipsic DI. METHODS: A literature search was
      performed to review the background, etiology, management and associated
      complications of this rare condition. RESULTS: ADI has been reported to occur in
      association with clipping of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm following
      subarachnoid haemorrhage, major hypothalamic surgery, traumatic brain injury and
      toluene exposure among other conditions. Management is very difficult and
      patients are prone to marked changes in plasma sodium concentration, in
      particular to the development of severe hypernatraemia. Associated hypothalamic
      disorders, such as severe obesity, sleep apnoea and thermoregulatory disorders
      are often observed in patients with ADI. CONCLUSION: The management of ADI is
      challenging and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prognosis
      is variable; hypothalamic complications lead to early death in some patients, but
      recent reports highlight the possibility of recovery of thirst.

PMID- 28074402
TI  - Riparian rehabilitation planning in an urban-rural gradient: Integrating social
      needs and ecological conditions.
AB  - In the present context of global change and search for sustainability, we
      detected a gap between restoration and society: local communities are usually
      only considered as threats or disturbances when planning for restoration. To
      bridge this gap, we propose a landscape design framework for planning riparian
      rehabilitation in an urban-rural gradient. A spatial multi-criteria analysis was
      used to assess the priority of riversides by considering two rehabilitation
      objectives simultaneously-socio-environmental and ecological-and two sets of
      criteria were designed according to these objectives. The assessment made it
      possible to identify 17 priority sites for riparian rehabilitation that were
      associated with different conditions along the gradient. The double goal setting
      enabled a dual consideration of citizens, both as beneficiaries and potential
      impacts to rehabilitation, and the criteria selected incorporated the multi
      dimensional nature of the environment. This approach can potentially be adapted
      and implemented in any other anthropic-natural interface throughout the world.

PMID- 28074403
TI  - Commensal in conflict: Livestock depredation patterns by free-ranging domestic
      dogs in the Upper Spiti Landscape, Himachal Pradesh, India.
AB  - In human-populated landscapes worldwide, domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
      are the most abundant terrestrial carnivore. Although dogs have been used for the
      protection of livestock from wild carnivores, they have also been implicated as
      predators of livestock. We used a combination of methods (field surveys,
      interview surveys, and data from secondary sources) to examine the patterns and
      factors driving livestock depredation by free-ranging dogs, as well as economic
      losses to local communities in a Trans-Himalayan agro-pastoralist landscape in
      India. Our results show that livestock abundance was a better predictor of
      depredation in the villages than local dog abundance. Dogs mainly killed small
      bodied livestock and sheep were the most selected prey. Dogs were responsible for
      the majority of livestock losses, with losses being comparable to that by snow
      leopards. This high level of conflict may disrupt community benefits from
      conservation programs and potentially undermine the conservation efforts in the
      region through a range of cascading effects.

PMID- 28074404
TI  - A method for the assessment of long-term changes in carbon stock by construction
      of a hydropower reservoir.
AB  - Sustainability of hydropower reservoirs has been questioned since the detection
      of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which are mainly composed of carbon
      dioxide and methane. A method to assess the impact on the carbon cycle caused by
      the transition from a natural river system into a reservoir is presented and
      discussed. The method evaluates the long term changes in carbon stock instead of
      the current approach of monitoring and integrating continuous short term fluxes.
      A case study was conducted in a subtropical reservoir in Brazil, showing that the
      carbon content within the reservoir exceeds that of the previous landuse. The
      average carbon sequestration over 43 years since damming was 895 mg C m[Formula:
      see text] and found to be mainly due to storage of carbon in sediments. These
      results demonstrate that reservoirs have two opposite effects on the balance of
      GHGs. By storing organic C in sediments, reservoirs are an important carbon sink.
      On the other hand, reservoirs increase the flux of methane into the atmosphere.
      If the sediments of reservoirs could be used for long term C storage, reservoirs
      might have a positive effect on the balance of GHGs.

PMID- 28074405
TI  - Big concerns with small projects: Evaluating the socio-ecological impacts of
      small hydropower projects in India.
AB  - Although Small Hydropower Projects (SHPs) are encouraged as sources of clean and
      green energy, there is a paucity of research examining their socio-ecological
      impacts. We assessed the perceived socio-ecological impacts of 4 SHPs within the
      Western Ghats in India by conducting semi-structured interviews with local
      respondents. Primary interview data were sequentially validated with secondary
      data, and respondent perceptions were subsequently compared against the expected
      baseline of assured impacts. We evaluated the level of awareness about SHPs,
      their perceived socio-economic impacts, influence on resource access and impacts
      on human-elephant interactions. The general level of awareness about SHPs was
      low, and assurances of local electricity and employment generation remained
      largely unfulfilled. Additionally most respondents faced numerous unanticipated
      adverse impacts. We found a strong relationship between SHP construction and
      increasing levels of human-elephant conflict. Based on the disparity between
      assured and actual social impacts, we suggest that policies regarding SHPs be
      suitably revised.

PMID- 28074406
TI  - Testosterone and Jamaican Fathers : Exploring Links to Relationship Dynamics and
      Paternal Care.
AB  - This paper investigates relationships between men's testosterone and family life
      in a sample of approximately 350 Jamaican fathers of children 18-24 months of
      age. The study recognizes the role of testosterone as a proximate mechanism
      coordinating and reflecting male life history allocations within specific family
      and cultural contexts. A sample of Jamaican fathers and/or father figures
      reported to an assessment center for an interview based on a standardized
      questionnaire and provided a saliva sample for measuring testosterone level.
      Outcomes measured include subject demographics such as age and relationship
      status as well as partnership quality and sexuality and paternal attitudes and
      behavior. The variation in these fathers' relationship status (e.g., married co
      residential fathers, fathers in new non-residential relationships) was not
      associated with men's testosterone. Too few stepfathers participated to enable a
      direct test of the prediction that stepfathers would have higher testosterone
      than biological fathers, although fathers who reported living with partners' (but
      not his own) children did not have higher testosterone than fathers not reporting
      residing with a non-biological child. Fathers' relationship quality was
      negatively related to their testosterone. Measures of paternal attitudes and
      behavior were not related to fathers' testosterone. Consistent with previous
      ethnography, this sample of Jamaican fathers exhibited variable life history
      profiles, including residential status. We discuss why fathers' relationship
      quality was found to be negatively related to their testosterone level, but other
      predictions were not upheld.

PMID- 28074407
TI  - Youth Views on Communication About ADHD and Medication Adherence.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine youth perceptions of attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) communication with their pediatric providers, their
      reported adherence to their ADHD medications, and their desired location for an
      ADHD educational program. Youth ages 7 through 17 with an ADHD diagnosis were
      recruited. A research associate interviewed the youth. Parents completed
      demographic questionnaires. Seventy families participated. One-third of the youth
      wanted more discussion about ADHD with their providers during visits. The average
      youth had over eight questions about ADHD and its treatment. Most youth wanted to
      learn about ADHD at their provider's office. Non-white and older youth were
      significantly more likely to be less adherent to their ADHD medications. Youth
      want their providers to engage them more during visits. Providers should take
      advantage of this interest to engage youth more in discussions regarding ADHD and
      its treatment during pediatric ADHD visits.

PMID- 28074408
TI  - Pharmacologic stress myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with pulmonary
      hypertension: What do we know, and what remains to be learned?

PMID- 28074409
TI  - Management of Depression in Patients with Dementia: Is Pharmacological Treatment
      Justified?
AB  - Depression in the context of dementia is common and contributes to poorer
      outcomes in individuals and those who care for them. Non-pharmacological
      treatments are the preferred initial approach to managing these symptoms but data
      in support of these are scarce. There are a number of pharmacological treatment
      options available to clinicians but efficacy is uncertain and concern about
      potential side effects in an aging and vulnerable population needs to be taken
      into consideration. This review aims to provide a concise overview of
      pharmacological treatments for depression in dementia. Antidepressants are the
      mainstay of pharmacological treatment for clinically significant depression in
      the general population but evidence to support their use in dementia is mixed.
      Trials of antidepressants should generally be reserved for individuals with
      depression where the symptoms are distressing and surpass the threshold for major
      depression. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are effective in the
      symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease but current evidence does not
      support their use to treat depressive symptoms in dementia. Similarly,
      antipsychotics and mood stabilizers have no proven efficacy for depression and
      the risk of adverse effects seems to outweigh any potential benefit. Pain can be
      a frequent problem in dementia and may have significant effects on behavior and
      mood. Preliminary evidence supports a role of adequate analgesia in improving
      mood in people with dementia.

PMID- 28074410
TI  - Improving Medication Adherence and Health Outcomes in Older Adults: An Evidence
      Based Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor medication adherence is a major public health problem in older
      adults often resulting in negative health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of
      this review was to provide an updated summary of evidence from randomized
      controlled studies to determine whether interventions aimed at improving
      medication adherence also improve the health outcomes of older adults residing in
      community-based settings. METHODS: Articles that assessed medication adherence
      interventions and related health outcomes in elderly individuals were identified
      through searches of MEDLINE (1970-June 2016), the Cochrane Database of Systematic
      Reviews (through to June 2016), and Google Scholar. Across the 12 included
      studies, interventions were grouped into three main categories:
      behavioral/educational (n = 3), pharmacist-led (n = 7), and
      reminder/simplification (n = 2). RESULTS: Among the behavioral/educational
      intervention studies, two showed improvements in both adherence and related
      health outcomes, whereas one found no changes in adherence or health outcomes.
      Among the pharmacist-led studies, three showed improvements in both adherence and
      related health outcomes, while three reported no changes in adherence or health
      outcomes. One found an improvement in adherence but not health outcomes. Among
      the reminder/simplification studies, both studies reported improvements in
      adherence without a significant impact on related health outcomes. CONCLUSION:
      This evidence-based review of medication adherence interventions in older adults
      revealed promising strategies in the larger context of a largely mixed body of
      literature. Future patient-centered and multidisciplinary interventions should be
      developed and tested using evidence-based principles to improve medication
      adherence and health outcomes in older adults.

PMID- 28074411
TI  - Biomass and terpenoids produced by mutant strains of Arthrospira under low
      temperature and light conditions.
AB  - The filamentous Cyanobacterium Arthrospira is commercially produced and is a
      functional, high-value, health food. We identified 5 low temperature and low
      light intensity tolerant strains of Arthrospira sp. (GMPA1, GMPA7, GMPB1, GMPC1,
      and GMPC3) using ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis and low temperature
      screening. The 5 Arthrospira strains grew rapidly below 14  degrees C, 43.75
      MUmol photons m-2 s-1 and performed breed conservation at 2.5  degrees C, 8.75
      MUmol photons m-2 s-1. We used morphological identification and molecular genetic
      analysis to identify GMPA1, GMPA7, GMPB1 and GMPC1 as Arthrospira platensis,
      while GMPC3 was identified as Arthrospira maxima. Growth at different culture
      temperatures was determined at regular intervals using dry biomass. At 16 
      degrees C and 43.75 MUmol photons m-2 s-1, the maximum dry biomass production and
      the mean dry biomass productivity of GMPA1, GMPB1, and GMPC1 were 2057 +/- 80 mg
      l-1, 68.7 +/- 2.5 mg l-1 day-1, 1839 +/- 44 mg l-1, 60.6 +/- 1.8 mg l-1 day-1,
      and 2113 +/- 64 mg l-1, 77.7 +/- 2.5 mg l-1 day-1 respectively. GMPB1 was chosen
      for additional low temperature tolerance studies and growth temperature
      preference. In winter, GMPB1 grew well at mean temperatures <10  degrees C,
      achieving 3258 mg dry biomass from a starting 68 mg. In summer, GMPB1 grew
      rapidly at mean temperatures more than 28  degrees C, achieving 1140 mg l-1 dry
      biomass from a starting 240 mg. Phytonutrient analysis of GMPB1 showed high
      levels of C-phycocyanin and carotenoids. Arthrospira metabolism relates to
      terpenoids, and the methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate pathway is the only terpenoid
      biosynthetic pathway in Cyanobacteria. The 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate
      reductoisomerase (DXR) gene from GMPB1 was cloned and phylogenetic analysis
      showed that GMPB1 is closest to the Cyanobacterium Oscillatoria nigro-viridis
      PCC711. Low temperature tolerant Arthrospira strains could broaden the areas
      suitable for cultivation, extend the seasonal cultivation time, and lower
      production costs.

PMID- 28074412
TI  - A Scientific Rationale to Improve Resistance Training Prescription in Exercise
      Oncology.
AB  - To date, the prevailing evidence in the field of exercise oncology supports the
      safety and efficacy of resistance training to attenuate many oncology treatment
      related adverse effects, such as risk for cardiovascular disease, increased
      fatigue, and diminished physical functioning and quality of life. Moreover,
      findings in the extant literature supporting the benefits of exercise for
      survivors of and patients with cancer have resulted in the release of exercise
      guidelines from several international agencies. However, despite research
      progression and international recognition, current exercise oncology-based
      exercise prescriptions remain relatively basic and underdeveloped, particularly
      in regards to resistance training. Recent publications have called for a more
      precise manipulation of training variables such as volume, intensity, and
      frequency (i.e., periodization), given the large heterogeneity of a cancer
      population, to truly optimize clinically relevant patient-reported outcomes.
      Indeed, increased attention to integrating fundamental principles of exercise
      physiology into the exercise prescription process could optimize the safety and
      efficacy of resistance training during cancer care. The purpose of this article
      is to give an overview of the current state of resistance training prescription
      and discuss novel methods that can contribute to improving approaches to exercise
      prescription. We hope this article may facilitate further evaluation of best
      practice regarding resistance training prescription, monitoring, and modification
      to ultimately optimize the efficacy of integrating resistance training as a
      supportive care intervention for survivors or and patients with cancer.

PMID- 28074413
TI  - Procoagulant activity of extracellular vesicles as a potential biomarker for risk
      of thrombosis and DIC in patients with acute leukaemia.
AB  - Haemostatic complication is common for patients with hematologic malignancies.
      Recent studies suggest that the procoagulant activity (PCA) of extracellular
      vesicles (EV) may play a major role in venous thromboembolism and disseminated
      intravascular coagulation (DIC) in acute leukaemia. To study the impact of EVs
      from leukaemic patients on thrombin generation and to assess EV-PCA as a
      potential biomarker for thrombotic complications in patients with acute
      leukaemia. Blood samples from a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed acute
      leukaemia were obtained before treatment (D-0), 3 and 7 days after treatment (D-3
      and D-7). Extracellular vesicles were isolated and concentrated by
      ultracentrifugation. EV-PCA was assessed by thrombin generation assay, and EV
      associated tissue factor activity was measured using a commercial bio-immunoassay
      (Zymuphen MP-TF(r)). Of the 53 patients, 6 had increased EV-PCA at D-0 and 4 had
      a thrombotic event. Patients without thrombotic events (n = 47) had no elevated
      EV-PCA. One patient had increased EVs with procoagulant activity at D-3 and
      developed a DIC at D-5. This patient had no increased EVs-related tissue factor
      activity from D-0 to D-7 (<2 pg/ml). Eight patients had increased EVs with tissue
      factor activity (>2 pg/ml), of these, four had a thrombosis and two had
      haemorrhages. Procoagulant activity of extracellular vesicles could have a
      predictive value in excluding the risk of thrombotic events. Our findings also
      suggest a possible association between thrombotic events and EV-PCA.

PMID- 28074414
TI  - Spontaneous Remission of Subcutaneous Scedosporiosis Caused by Scedosporium
      dehoogii in a Psoriatic Patient.
AB  - To date, only one case of post-traumatic endophthalmitis caused by Scedosporium
      dehoogii has been reported, but its contamination or colonization might not be
      precluded due to the absence of pathogenic isolation and/or pathological
      examination. We report the first case to our knowledge of S. dehoogii-induced
      subcutaneous scedosporiosis in a psoriatic patient. A 58-year-old man with 5-year
      history of psoriasis vulgaris and immunosuppressant therapy developed pyrexia and
      multiple subcutaneous abscesses on both knees. Direct microscopy of the yellowish
      pus showed masses of bright green short spores. Skin biopsy revealed some
      branched septate hyphae within the granuloma. Two aspirated pus specimens
      collected at a 1-week interval produced white cottony colonies on Sabouraud
      dextrose agar. Bacterial cultures of one blood and two purulent samples were
      negative, and fungal culture of blood sample was not performed. The isolate was
      identified as S. dehoogii using beta-tubulin phylogeny and species-specific PCR
      with primer MSDE1/MSA2. Without addition of antifungal treatment, subcutaneous
      lesions disappeared spontaneously after immunosuppressant withdrawal and no
      relapse occurred during 64-month follow-up. The spontaneous recovery may result
      from immune reconstitution following immunosuppressant discontinuation.

PMID- 28074417
TI  - Influence of the marvelousTM three-way stopcock on the natural frequency and
      damping coefficient in blood pressure transducer kits.
AB  - Two types of PlanectaTM ports are commonly used as sampling ports in blood
      pressure transducer kits: a flat-type port (FTP) and a port with a three-way
      stopcock (PTS). Recently, a new type of three-way stopcock (MarvelousTM) has been
      released as a PlanectaTM counterpart, but its effects on the frequency
      characteristics and reliability of blood pressure monitoring have not been
      investigated. We assessed the influence of the MarvelousTM stopcock on the
      frequency characteristics of the pressure transducer kit. The basic pressure
      transducer kit, DT4812J, was modified by replacing one or two of the original
      three-way stopcocks with MarvelousTM stopcocks. The frequency characteristics
      (i.e., natural frequency and damping coefficient) of each kit were determined
      using wave parameter analysis software, and subsequently evaluated on a Gardner
      chart. Replacement of the original blood pressure transducer kit stopcocks with
      MarvelousTM stopcocks decreased the natural frequency (48.3 Hz) to 46.3 Hz or
      44.8 Hz, respectively; the damping coefficient was not significantly changed.
      Plotting the data on a Gardner chart revealed that the changes fell within the
      adequate dynamic response region, indicating they were within the allowable
      range. Insertion of MarvelousTM stopcocks slightly affects the natural frequency
      of the pressure transducer kit, similar to inserting a PTS. The results indicate
      that the MarvelousTM stopcock is useful for accurate monitoring of arterial blood
      pressure, and may be recommended when insertion of two or more closed-loop blood
      sampling systems is necessary.

PMID- 28074418
TI  - Identification of low-molecular-weight vitellogenin 1 (Vg1)-like proteins as
      nucleotide excision repair (NER) factors in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio)
      using a transcription-based DNA repair assay.
AB  - Nucleotide excision repair (NER) removes helix-distorting DNA lesions such as UV
      induced pyrimidine dimers and cisplatin-induced strand crosslinking. Our earlier
      studies have identified low-molecular-weight proteins homologous to the 150-kDa
      vitellogenin 1 (Vg1) as UV-damaged DNA-binding factors expressed in developing
      zebrafish (Danio rerio). This present study explored if Vg1-like proteins also
      participated in NER in zebrafish. Immunoblot analysis of affinity-captured 12 h
      post-fertilization (hpf) zebrafish extract proteins showed a transient binding of
      a 30-kDa Vg1-like polypeptide to UV-damaged DNA. A transcription-based in vitro
      repair assay revealed a significant up-regulation of UVC or cisplatin-suppressed
      transcriptional activity of a marker cDNA driven by a SP6 RNA polymerase
      regulated promotor after incubating the damaged plasmid with the extracts of 12
      hpf embryos or 96 hpf larvae. The up-regulation of UV or cisplatin-suppressed
      transcription was abolished in the presence of a monoclonal anti-zebrafish Vg1
      antibody. The differential sensitivity of UV-induced repair in 12 and 96 hpf
      zebrafish extracts to exogenous ATP suggested a development-dependent expression
      of Vg1-like NER factors. A T4 endonuclease V digestion assay showed no inhibition
      of the anti-Vg1 antibody on the excision of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine
      dimers. Our results identified the participation of Vg1-like factors in NER in
      developing zebrafish, and these factors may function at post-incison steps of
      NER.

PMID- 28074419
TI  - Deciphering the molecular mechanisms involved in HIV-associated lipoatrophy by
      transcriptomics: a pilot study.
AB  - HIV-associated lipoatrophy (LA) has considerable implications for risk of
      metabolic diseases, quality of life, and adherence to treatments. Although it has
      decreased in high-income countries, it is still very common in resource-limited
      countries. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of LA can open the
      possibility to explore new ways to treat or prevent this condition. To identify
      new markers for an accurate and quick diagnosis will be also of interest. Thus,
      we aimed to examine functional classes of genes implicated in LA and to identify
      potential new markers for an accurate/quick diagnosis of LA and future
      complications. Eighteen participants were recruited: seven healthy volunteers,
      five non-LA-HIV patients, and six LA-HIV subjects. Clinical lipoatrophy was
      considered when changes in fat volume in the cheeks next to the nose, lateral
      aspect of the face, legs, arms, and buttocks were observed by the physicians.
      mRNA was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to perform a
      transcriptomic and Gene Ontology analysis. To confirm RNA sequencing results,
      qPCRs were developed. A total of 55 genes were differentially expressed between
      LA and non-LA patients. Thirty-seven genes were overexpressed, whereas 18 genes
      were repressed. Functional analysis showed that overexpressed genes were involved
      in lymphocyte/neutrophil activation, inflammation, and atherogenesis. Several
      lymphoma markers and members of the lipocalin and aquaporin families were also
      found more expressed in LA patients. In contrast, most of the genes found less
      expressed in LA subjects were involved in angiogenesis and protection against
      myocardial infarction. Our results demonstrated a distinct transcriptomic
      signature in PBMCs of LA patients in comparison with non-LA-HIV subjects and,
      therefore, provided novel insights to the pathogenesis of HIV-associated
      lipoatrophy. Our study also highlights the potential usage of some of these genes
      as early markers of future complications.

PMID- 28074420
TI  - Efficacy of systemic diclofenac sodium on intravitreal concentration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as an alternative, are
      replacing corticosteroids in ocular inflammatory diseases. Diclofenac has been
      used mainly topically, and recent focus has been on intravitreal delivery. Both
      of these methods have been shown to have complications in long-term application.
      PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of slow release oral diclofenac sodium on
      intravitreal concentration in experimental model of chemically injured eyes.
      METHODS: In an experimental double-masked clinical trial, right eyes of 24 albino
      rabbits were chemically injured by 1 N NaOH. One hour after chemical injury, 10
      cc suspension gavage containing 100 mg slow release diclofenac sodium was
      administered in all cases. 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 h after gavage, vitreous samples
      were obtained in all cases. Intravitreal concentration of diclofenac sodium was
      evaluated in all samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
      method. RESULTS: Intravitreal diclofenac levels by oral intake were enhanced by
      the inflammation in all the measurements. In inflamed eyes, diclofenac
      concentration was ten times more than control eye (2.658 +/- 0.344 vs. 0.242 +/-
      0.0279 and 1.617 +/- 0.527 vs. 0.148 +/- 0.095; in 2 and 4 h, respectively).
      After 6 h, diclofenac concentration was statistically different, although it
      reduced below 1 MUg/ml. CONCLUSION: Diclofenac is delivered to the inflamed eye
      more than healthy eye. It seems that by oral diclofenac consumption, it is
      possible to make a significant intravitreal concentration.

PMID- 28074422
TI  - Compacted Multiparticulate Systems for Colon-Specific Delivery of Ketoprofen.
AB  - Pellet-containing tablets for colon-specific drug delivery present higher
      targeting efficiency and lower costs when compared with monolithic tablets and
      pellet-filled capsules, respectively. In this study, pellets containing
      ketoprofen were coated with different acrylic polymers and submitted to
      compaction. The influence of formulation and process factors on film integrity
      was then evaluated. Pellets were prepared via extrusion-spheronization and coated
      using two acrylic polymers (Eudragit(r) FS 30 D and Opadry(r) 94 k28327, PMMA and
      PMA, respectively). The resulting pellets were mixed with placebo granules and
      compressed in a hydraulic press. Multiple regression showed that ketoprofen
      release from pellet-containing tablets is predominantly influenced by pellet
      content, hardness, friability, and disintegration time. PMA-containing tablets
      prepared under low compaction force or with low pellet content showed rapid
      disintegration (<1 min) and ketoprofen release similar to those of uncompressed
      coated pellets (~30% at 360 min of experiment). On the other hand, PMMA
      containing tablets showed a higher rupture level, and those prepared with higher
      pellet content gave rise to a non-disintegrating matrix. Coated pellets were
      shown to be able to target ketoprofen to the colonic region. Targeting capacity
      was dependent on the physicochemical characteristics of the tablets.

PMID- 28074421
TI  - Community-Based Accompaniment with Supervised Antiretrovirals for HIV-Positive
      Adults in Peru: A Cluster-Randomized Trial.
AB  - We conducted a cluster-randomized trial to estimate effects of directly observed
      combination antiretroviral therapy (DOT-cART) on retention with viral suppression
      among HIV-positive adults in Peru. We randomly allocated facilities to receive
      the 12-month intervention plus the standard of care, including adherence support
      provided through accompaniment. In the intervention arm, health workers
      supervised doses, twice daily, and accompanied patients to appointments. Among
      356 patients, intention-to-treat analyses showed no statistically significant
      benefit of DOT, relative to no-DOT, at 12 or 24 months (adjusted probability of
      primary outcome: 0.81 vs. 0.73 and 0.76 vs. 0.68, respectively). A statistically
      significant benefit of DOT was found in per-protocol and as-treated analyses at
      12 months (0.83 for DOT vs. 0.73 for no DOT, p value: 0.02 per-protocol, 0.01 as
      treated), but not 24 months. Rates of retention with viral suppression were high
      in both arms. Among adults receiving robust adherence support, the added effect
      of time-limited DOT, if any, is small-to-moderate.

PMID- 28074423
TI  - Effectiveness of Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for
      Lenalidomide and Thalidomide: Patient Comprehension and Knowledge Retention.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of patient education activities conducted within
      the lenalidomide and thalidomide risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS)
      programs was evaluated by measuring understanding of serious risk and safe-use
      messages. METHODS: Results from mandatory knowledge, attitude, and behavior
      surveys and voluntary patient surveys completed between June 2012 and June 2013
      were analyzed, and responses to questions relating to compliance with birth
      control measures and understanding of safe-use messages are presented by patient
      risk category. RESULTS: In total, 73,645 patients were enrolled into the REMS
      programs for lenalidomide and thalidomide and completed mandatory surveys prior
      to medication dispense. Of these, 2790 (3.8%) completed an additional voluntary
      survey. Among voluntary survey participants, for all patient pregnancy risk
      categories, reported compliance with birth control requirements was above 90%
      when starting therapy and at follow-up. At the beginning of therapy, complete
      compliance was 96.3%; 3 months later it was 96.4%. Patient understanding of safe
      use messages was very high in all pregnancy risk groups, notably for messages
      repeated at each physician visit. Overall, 98.2% of patients knew that
      lenalidomide and thalidomide could cause birth defects, which is part of the
      repeated educational messaging. In contrast, 87.1% recalled that unused product
      should be returned to their healthcare professional, which is not included in
      repeated messaging. CONCLUSION: The lenalidomide and thalidomide REMS programs
      enhance patient understanding of safe-use messages, resulting in high levels of
      compliance with the birth control precautions essential to prevent fetal exposure
      to these known and potential human teratogens. Overall compliance was maintained
      after 3 months of follow-up and throughout therapy.

PMID- 28074424
TI  - Signal Detection Based on Time to Onset Algorithm in Spontaneous Reporting System
      of China.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The method of time-to-onset (TTO) has been proposed to overcome the
      drawbacks of traditional disproportionality analyses (DPAs), and it has been used
      for detecting safety signals of vaccines and some non-vaccine products in
      spontaneous reporting systems (SRSs). However, there is no consensus on its
      superiority over DPAs. Further, it is still not clear whether this novel approach
      can be generalized to the entire national SRS database. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      this study was to generalize the TTO method to the Chinese SRS and to identify
      suitable parameters for its optimal performance. METHODS: Reports submitted to
      the national SRS of China in 2014 were used as the data source for analysis. We
      evaluated the performance of TTO by using product labels as proxies for the gold
      standard. A series of values of significance level and time windows were explored
      to identify the most suitable parameters for TTO based on Youden's index, a
      statistic that summarizes the performance of a diagnostic test. Additionally, we
      compared TTO with traditional DPAs and explored the characteristics of signals
      detected by these methods. RESULTS: Compared with DPAs, TTO had a lower
      sensitivity, but higher specificity and positive predictive value. At a
      significance level of 0.2 and no restrictions on time windows, TTO had the
      highest Youden's index. The kappa coefficients between TTO and DPAs were rather
      low, indicating poor agreement between the two methods. More than 30% of the true
      signals detected by TTO were not identified by DPAs. Furthermore, TTO needed more
      number of reports to be able to detect signals. CONCLUSIONS: TTO can detect
      signals missed by traditional DPAs and could be an important complementary tool
      to the currently used DPAs in the SRS of China. We recommend a significance level
      of 0.2 and no restrictions on time windows for TTO.

PMID- 28074425
TI  - High wall shear stress and high-risk plaque: an emerging concept.
AB  - In recent years, there has been a significant effort to identify high-risk
      plaques in vivo prior to acute events. While number of imaging modalities have
      been developed to identify morphologic characteristics of high-risk plaques,
      prospective natural-history observational studies suggest that vulnerability is
      not solely dependent on plaque morphology and likely involves additional
      contributing mechanisms. High wall shear stress (WSS) has recently been proposed
      as one possible causative factor, promoting the development of high-risk plaques.
      High WSS has been shown to induce specific changes in endothelial cell behavior,
      exacerbating inflammation and stimulating progression of the atherosclerotic
      lipid core. In line with experimental and autopsy studies, several human studies
      have shown associations between high WSS and known morphological features of high
      risk plaques. However, despite increasing evidence, there is still no
      longitudinal data linking high WSS to clinical events. As the interplay between
      atherosclerotic plaque, artery, and WSS is highly dynamic, large natural history
      studies of atherosclerosis that include WSS measurements are now warranted. This
      review will summarize the available clinical evidence on high WSS as a possible
      etiological mechanism underlying high-risk plaque development.

PMID- 28074427
TI  - Erratum to: Functional identification and regulatory analysis of Delta6-fatty
      acid desaturase from the oleaginous fungus Mucor sp. EIM-10.

PMID- 28074426
TI  - Use of colour Doppler and M-mode ultrasonography to confirm the location of an
      epidural catheter - a retrospective case series.
AB  - PURPOSE: Epidural anesthesia and analgesia has a reported failure rate ranging
      from 13% to 32%. We describe a technique using colour Doppler and M-mode
      ultrasonography to determine the position of the epidural catheter after
      placement in adults. METHODS: This retrospective review included 37 adult
      patients who received postoperative epidural analgesia and underwent technically
      difficult epidural catheter placement. The demographic characteristics, type of
      surgery, use of ultrasonography, method of insertion, intervertebral level, and
      success of epidural localization using colour Doppler were noted for each
      patient. Pain scores on postoperative day 1 and the presence of a patchy block
      were also reviewed. RESULTS: Colour Doppler study helped to indicate the
      catheter's path from the skin to the epidural space during saline injection in 33
      patients (89%). Saline flow within the epidural space (catheter tip confirmation)
      was successfully detected with colour Doppler in 25 patients (67.5%) and with M
      mode ultrasonography in 28 patients (75%). Appropriate dermatomal analgesia was
      noted in 35 patients (94.5%) during local anesthetic infusion. CONCLUSION: Our
      preliminary data suggest the feasibility of using colour Doppler and M-mode
      ultrasonography to confirm proper epidural catheter placement.

PMID- 28074428
TI  - Tat-DJ-1 enhances cell survival by inhibition of oxidative stress, NF-kappaB and
      MAPK activation in HepG2 cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the protective effect of DJ-1 protein against oxidative
      stress-induced HepG2 cell death, we used cell-permeable wild type (WT) and a
      mutant (C106A Tat-DJ-1) protein. RESULTS: By using western blotting and
      fluorescence microscopy, we observed WT and C106A Tat-DJ-1 proteins were
      efficiently transduced into HepG2 cells. Transduced WT Tat-DJ-1 proteins
      increased cell survival and protected against DNA fragmentation and intracellular
      ROS generation levels in H2O2-exposed HepG2 cells. At the same time, transduced
      WT Tat-DJ-1 protein significantly inhibited NF-kappaB and MAPK (JNK and p38)
      activation as well as regulated the Bcl-2 and Bax expression levels. However,
      C106A Tat-DJ-1 protein did not show any protective effect against cell death
      responses in H2O2-exposed HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress-induced
      HepG2 cell death was significantly reduced by transduced WT Tat-DJ-1 protein, not
      by C106A Tat-DJ-1 protein. Thus, transduction of WT Tat-DJ-1 protein could be a
      novel strategy for promoting cell survival in situations of oxidative stress
      induced HepG2 cell death.

PMID- 28074429
TI  - Longitudinal Associations between Change in Neighborhood Social Disorder and
      Change in Food Swamps in an Urban Setting.
AB  - Few studies have examined how neighborhood contextual features may influence the
      food outlet mix. We evaluated the relationship between changes in neighborhood
      crime and changes in the food environment, namely the relative density of
      unhealthy (or intermediate) food outlets out of total food outlets, or food swamp
      score, in Baltimore City from 2000 to 2012, using neighborhood fixed-effects
      linear regression models. Comparing neighborhoods to themselves over time, each
      unit increase in crime rate was associated with an increase in the food swamp
      score (b = 0.13; 95% CI, -0.00017 to 0.25). The association with food swamp score
      was in the same direction for violent crime and in the inverse direction for
      arrests related to juvenile crimes (proxy of reduced crime), but did not reach
      statistical significance when examined separately. Unfavorable conditions, such
      as crime, may deter a critical consumer base, diminishing the capacity of a
      community to attract businesses that are perceived to be neighborhood enhancing.
      Addressing these more distal drivers may be important for policies and programs
      to improve these food environments.

PMID- 28074430
TI  - The monomeric GTPase RabA2 is required for progression and maintenance of
      membrane integrity of infection threads during root nodule symbiosis.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Progression of the infection canal that conducts rhizobia to the
      nodule primordium requires a functional Rab GTPase located in Golgi/trans-Golgi
      that also participate in root hair polar growth. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
      symbiotically associates with its partner Rhizobium etli, resulting in the
      formation of root nitrogen-fixing nodules. Compatible bacteria can reach cortical
      cells in a tightly regulated infection process, in which the specific recognition
      of signal molecules is a key step to select the symbiotic partner. In this work,
      we show that RabA2, a monomeric GTPase from common bean, is required for the
      progression of the infection canal, referred to as the infection thread (IT),
      toward the cortical cells. Expression of miss-regulated mutant variants of RabA2
      resulted in an increased number of abortive infection events, including bursting
      of ITs and a reduction in the number of nodules. Nodules formed in these plants
      were small and contained infected cells with disrupted symbiosome membranes,
      indicating either early senescence of these cells or defects in the formation of
      the symbiosome membrane during bacterial release. RabA2 localized to mobile
      vesicles around the IT, but mutations that affect GTP hydrolysis or GTP/GDP
      exchange modified this localization. Colocalization of RabA2 with ArfA1 and a
      Golgi marker indicates that RabA2 localizes in Golgi stacks and the trans-Golgi
      network. Our results suggest that RabA2 is part of the vesicle transport events
      required to maintain the integrity of the membrane during IT progression.

PMID- 28074432
TI  - Stereo- and region-specific biotransformation of physapubescin by four fungal
      strains.
AB  - Biotransformations of physapubescin (1) were performed by four fungal strains
      Mucor subtilissimus AS 3.2454, Mucor polymorphosporus AS 3.3443, Aspergillus
      niger AS 3.795, and Syncephalastrum racemosum AS 3.264. Four metabolites were
      prepared in the biotransformation process of 1, and their structures were
      elucidated as 15alpha-acetoxy-5,6beta:22,26:24,25-triepoxy-26alpha-hydroxy-3beta
      methoxy 4beta-hydroxyergost-1-one (2), 15alpha-acetoxy-5,6beta:22,26-diepoxy
      4beta,24beta,25alpha,26(alpha, beta)-tetrahydroxyergost-3beta-methoxy-1-one
      (3a/3b), 15alpha-acetoxy-5,6beta:22,26-diepoxy-4beta,24beta,25alpha,26(alpha,
      beta)-tetrahydroxyergost-2-en-1-one (4a/4b), and physapubescin D (5), by
      spectroscopic data analysis. Among them, metabolites 2 and 3 are new. All of
      these fungal strains showed the ability to be highly stereo- and region-specific
      for the bioconversion of substrate (1). Our research provides a reference for the
      structural derivatization of withanolides or possibly even other natural
      products.

PMID- 28074431
TI  - Detection and Specific Elimination of EGFR+ Ovarian Cancer Cells Using a Near
      Infrared Photoimmunotheranostic Approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: Targeted theranostics is an alternative strategy in cancer management
      that aims to improve cancer detection and treatment simultaneously. This approach
      combines potent therapeutic and diagnostic agents with the specificity of
      different cell receptor ligands in one product. The success of antibody drug
      conjugates (ADCs) in clinical practice has encouraged the development of antibody
      theranostics conjugates (ATCs). However, the generation of homogeneous and
      pharmaceutically-acceptable ATCs remains a major challenge. The aim of this study
      is to detect and eliminate ovarian cancer cells on-demand using an ATC directed
      to EGFR. METHODS: An ATC with a defined drug-to-antibody ratio was generated by
      the site-directed conjugation of IRDye(r)700 to a self-labeling protein (SNAP
      tag) fused to an EGFR-specific antibody fragment (scFv-425). RESULTS: In vitro
      and ex vivo imaging showed that the ATC based on scFv-425 is suitable for the
      highly specific detection of EGFR+ ovarian cancer cell, human tissues and ascites
      samples. The construct was also able to eliminate EGFR+ cells and human ascites
      cells with IC50 values of 45-66 nM and 40-90 nM, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our
      experiments provide a framework to create a versatile technology platform for the
      development of ATCs for precise detection and treatment of ovarian cancer cells.

PMID- 28074433
TI  - Partial contribution of Rho-kinase inhibition to the bioactivity of Ganoderma
      lingzhi and its isolated compounds: insights on discovery of natural Rho-kinase
      inhibitors.
AB  - Recent studies identified Rho-kinase enzymes (ROCK-I and ROCK-II) as important
      targets that are involved in a variety of diseases. Synthetic Rho-kinase
      inhibitors have emerged as potential therapeutic agents to treat disorders such
      as hypertension, stroke, cancer, diabetes, glaucoma, etc. Our study is the first
      to screen the total ethanol extract of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lingzhi
      with thirty-five compounds for Rho-kinase inhibitory activity. Moreover, a
      molecular binding experiment was designed to investigate the binding affinity of
      the compounds at the active sites of Rho-kinase enzymes. The structure-activity
      relationship analysis was investigated. Our results suggest that the traditional
      uses of G. lingzhi might be in part due to the ROCK-I and ROCK-II inhibitory
      potential of this mushroom. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed some
      interesting features of the lanostane triterpenes that potentiate their Rho
      kinase inhibition. These findings would be helpful for further studies on the
      design of Rho-kinase inhibitors from natural sources and open the door for
      contributions from other researchers for optimizing the development of natural
      Rho-kinase inhibitors.

PMID- 28074434
TI  - Lessons learned from the world's first successful penis allotransplantation.
AB  - We performed a successful penis allotransplantation on 11 December 2014. Sharing
      the lessons learned might help more patients in need to be treated this way. We
      divided the project into manageable segments that was each overseen by an expert.
      The ethical review and conduct paved the way for a publically acceptable and
      successful project. Screening for a psychological stable recipient is important.
      The most difficult part of the project was finding a donor penis. This was
      successfully negotiated with the family of a brain dead donor by creating a neo
      phallus for the donor, thereby maintaining the dignity of the donor. Working with
      transplant coordinators that are sympathetic to aphallic men is crucial. Surgeons
      versed in microvascular techniques is a critical part of the team. Transplant
      immunologists have to adapt to treat composite tissue transplantation patients.

PMID- 28074435
TI  - Plk1 inhibition leads to a failure of mitotic division during the first mitotic
      division in pig embryos.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the dynamic distribution of polo
      like 1 kinase (Plk1) and the possible role it plays in first mitotic division
      during early porcine embryo development. METHODS: Indirect immunofluorescence and
      confocal microscopy imaging techniques combined with western blot analyses were
      used to study the dynamic expression and subcellular localization of Plk1 protein
      in pig parthenogenetic embryos. Finally, a selective Plk1 inhibitor, GSK461364,
      was used to evaluate the potential role of Plk1 during this special stage.
      RESULTS: The results showed that Plk1 upon expression exhibited specific dynamic
      intracellular localization, which closely correlated with the alpha-tubulin
      distribution during the first mitotic division. GSK461364 treatment resulted in
      cleavage failure, with majority of the GSK461364-treated embryos being arrested
      in prometaphase. Further results of the subcellular structure examination showed
      that GSK461364 treatment led to a significantly higher proportion of the treated
      embryos having abnormal spindles and misarranged chromosomes at the prometaphase
      stage. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, these results indicated that Plk1 is essential for
      porcine embryos to complete the first mitotic division. Furthermore, Plk1
      regulation was associated with effects on spindle assembly and chromosome
      arrangement.

PMID- 28074437
TI  - Aberrant endometrial DNA methylome of homeobox A10 and catechol-O
      methyltransferase in endometriosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Differential methylation of both HOXA10 and catechol-O-methyltransferase
      (COMT) has been reported in different endometrium disorders, and the two genes
      are linked through the estrogen pathway. The current study investigates the DNA
      methylation of HOXA10 and COMT in ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues and its
      correlation with and the occurrence of endometriosis in women from Xinjiang
      province in China. METHODS: In the current study, 120 patients with endometriosis
      were recruited from our hospital between January 2011 and June 2014. The DNA
      methylation sites of HOXA10 and COMT were detected using a DNA methylation array.
      The methylation levels of specific sites were compared between ectopic and
      eutopic endometrial tissues via pyrosequencing. RESULTS: Five differentially
      expressed CpGs were localized in the promoter region of the COMT gene and
      expressed significantly higher in the ectopic endometrium than the eutopic
      endometrium (P < 0.001). Two out of the five differentially expressed CpGs in the
      HOXA10 gene located in the promoter region were both significantly lower (nearly
      half) in the ectopic endometrium than the eutopic endometrium (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: To summarize, significant differential methylation of HOXA10 and
      COMT promoter regions was found between the ectopic and eutopic endometrial
      tissues. This is the first study investigating the methylation of HOXA10 and COMT
      genes and their linkage to endometriosis in Chinese patients.

PMID- 28074436
TI  - Intrafollicular inflammatory cytokines but not steroid hormone concentrations are
      increased in naturally matured follicles of women with proven endometriosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess whether the intrafollicular cytokine
      profile in naturally developed follicles is different in women with
      endometriosis, possibly explaining the lower reproductive outcome in
      endometriosis patients. METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted at a
      university-based infertility and endometriosis centre. The study population
      included 17 patients with laparoscopically and histologically confirmed
      endometriosis (rAFS stages II-IV), each undergoing one natural cycle IVF (NC-IVF)
      treatment cycle between 2013 and 2015, and 17 age-matched NC-IVF women without
      diagnosed endometriosis (control group). Follicular fluid and serum was collected
      at the time of follicle aspiration. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines
      (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, IL-18, TNF-alpha) and hormones (testosterone,
      estradiol, AMH) were determined in follicular fluid and serum by single or
      multiplexed immunoassay and compared between both groups. RESULTS: In the
      follicular fluid, IL-1beta and IL-6 showed significantly (P < 0.001 and 0.01,
      respectively) higher median concentrations in the endometriosis group than in the
      control group and a tendency towards endometriosis severity (rAFS stage)
      dependence. The levels of the interleukins detectable in follicular fluid were
      significantly higher than those in the serum (P < 0.01). Follicular estradiol
      concentration was lower in severe endometriosis patients than in the control
      group (P = 0.036). Follicular fluid IL-1beta and IL-6 levels were not correlated
      with estradiol in the same compartment in neither patient group. CONCLUSIONS: In
      women with moderate and severe endometrioses, some intrafollicular inflammatory
      cytokines are upregulated and not correlated with intrafollicular hormone
      concentrations. This might be due to the inflammatory microenvironment in
      endometriosis women, affecting follicular function and thereby possibly
      contributing to the reproductive dysfunction in endometriosis.

PMID- 28074438
TI  - Is There Variation in Procedural Utilization for Lumbar Spine Disorders Between a
      Fee-for-Service and Salaried Healthcare System?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether compensation for professional services drives the use of
      those services is an important question that has not been answered in a robust
      manner. Specifically, there is a growing concern that spine care practitioners
      may preferentially choose more costly or invasive procedures in a fee-for-service
      system, irrespective of the underlying lumbar disorder being treated.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Were proportions of interbody fusions higher in the fee
      for-service setting as opposed to the salaried Department of Defense setting? (2)
      Were the odds of interbody fusion increased in a fee-for-service setting after
      controlling for indications for surgery? METHODS: Patients surgically treated for
      lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis (2006-2014) were
      identified. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether the surgery
      was performed in the fee-for-service setting (beneficiaries receive care at a
      civilian facility with expenses covered by TRICARE insurance) or at a Department
      of Defense facility (direct care). There were 28,344 patients in the entire
      study, 21,290 treated in fee-for-service and 7054 treated in Department of
      Defense facilities. Differences in the rates of fusion-based procedures,
      discectomy, and decompression between both healthcare settings were assessed
      using multinomial logistic regression to adjust for differences in case-mix and
      surgical indication. RESULTS: TRICARE beneficiaries treated for lumbar spinal
      disorders in the fee-for-service setting had higher odds of receiving interbody
      fusions (fee-for-service: 7267 of 21,290 [34%], direct care: 1539 of 7054 [22%],
      odds ratio [OR]: 1.25 [95% confidence interval 1.20-1.30], p < 0.001). Purchased
      care patients were more likely to receive interbody fusions for a diagnosis of
      disc herniation (adjusted OR 2.61 [2.36-2.89], p < 0.001) and for spinal stenosis
      (adjusted OR 1.39 [1.15-1.69], p < 0.001); however, there was no difference for
      patients with spondylolisthesis (adjusted OR 0.99 [0.84-1.16], p = 0.86).
      CONCLUSIONS: The preferential use of interbody fusion procedures was higher in
      the fee-for-service setting irrespective of the underlying diagnosis. These
      results speak to the existence of provider inducement within the field of spine
      surgery. This reality portends poor performance for surgical practices and
      hospitals in Accountable Care Organizations and bundled payment programs in which
      provider inducement is allowed to persist. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, economic
      and decision analysis.

PMID- 28074439
TI  - CORR Insights(r): Racial Disparities in Above-knee Amputations after TKA: A
      National Database Study.

PMID- 28074440
TI  - Distal femoral extension and shortening osteotomy as a part of multilevel surgery
      in children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are several reports describing an increase in anterior pelvic
      tilt after hamstring lengthening in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Distal
      femoral extension and shortening osteotomy (DFESO) is an alternative treatment
      for correction of flexed knee gait, but investigations analyzing outcome and
      influence on adjacent joint are few in the literature. The purpose of this study
      was to analyze the influence of DFESO on knee and pelvis in children with CP.
      Furthermore, it was of interest if an additional patellar tendon advancement (PA)
      influences outcome. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 31 limbs of 22 children
      (GMFCS I-III; mean age: 12.1+/-3.1 years), who received DFESO were included and
      kinematic parameters (knee, pelvis) measured by 3-D-gait analysis were compared
      before and at least 1 year after surgery (mean follow-up period: 15.6 months).
      RESULTS: After surgery, during stance phase minimum knee flexion improved
      significantly by 20.5 degrees  (P<0.001) and mean anterior pelvic tilt increased
      by 4.0 degrees (P=0.045). In 16 limbs, the postoperative increase in maximum
      anterior pelvic tilt was more than 5 degrees . Limbs who received an additional
      PA showed the biggest increase in anterior pelvic tilt. CONCLUSIONS: DFESO is an
      effective method for correction of flexed knee gait in children with CP.
      Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that DFESO may lead to an
      increase in anterior pelvic tilt, which may lead to a recurrence of flexed knee
      gait. In this context, PA seemed to aggravate the effect on the pelvis.

PMID- 28074441
TI  - Activation of Parvalbumin-Positive Neurons in Both Retina and Primary Visual
      Cortex Improves the Feature-Selectivity of Primary Visual Cortex Neurons.
AB  - Several recent studies using either viral or transgenic mouse models have shown
      different results on whether the activation of parvalbumin-positive (PV+) neurons
      expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in the primary visual cortex (V1) improves
      the orientation- and direction-selectivity of V1 neurons. Although this
      discrepancy was thoroughly discussed in a follow-up communication, the issue of
      using different models to express ChR2 in V1 was not mentioned. We found that
      ChR2 was expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and V1 neurons in ChR2fl/+;
      PV-Cre mice. Our results showed that the activation of PV+ RGCs using white
      drifting gratings alone significantly decreased the firing rates of V1 neurons
      and improved their direction- and orientation-selectivity. Long-duration
      activation of PV+ interneurons in V1 further enhanced the feature-selectivity of
      V1 neurons in anesthetized mice, confirming the conclusions from previous
      findings. These results suggest that the activation of both PV+ RGCs and V1
      neurons improves feature-selectivity in mice.

PMID- 28074442
TI  - Undifferentiated carcinoma of the liver: a case report with immunohistochemical
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated carcinoma (UC) of the liver is extremely rare, and
      its clinicopathological characteristics have not been fully elucidated. CASE
      PRESENTATION: The present study reports the case of a 56-year-old male with UC of
      the liver. At 16 days post-admission, the patient suddenly succumbed due to intra
      abdominal bleeding resulting from a ruptured liver. Macroscopic examination
      revealed that the hepatic parenchyma was almost completely replaced by
      innumerable minute nodules. Microscopically, the tumor demonstrated a diffuse
      proliferation of anaplastic cells that were positive for epithelial membrane
      antigen and neuron-specific enolase, suggesting neuroendocrine differentiation.
      Grimelius and Fontana-Masson staining were negative. Neuroendocrine markers were
      also negative, including chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and S-100 protein.
      Cytokeratin markers and mesenchymal markers were all negative. Tumor markers,
      such as alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen, were also negative.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although larger studies involving more patients are required to
      establish a therapeutic strategy, appropriate chemotherapy following an early
      diagnosis may be important to UC of the liver because the tumor behaves in an
      aggressive way.

PMID- 28074443
TI  - Knowledge, Behaviors, and Attitudes About Human Papilloma Virus Among Nursing
      Students in Izmir, Turkey.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through sexual contact and can cause
      cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge, behaviors, and
      attitudes about human papillomavirus (HPV) in nursing students in a baccalaureate
      program. This study was conducted with a sample of 624 students. Data were
      collected via questionnaires administered during the first class time. Students'
      knowledge about HPV was high; 90.5% knew HPV can cause cervical cancer; 94.6%
      recognized it as a sexually transmitted disease. Although; 87.7% stated a vaccine
      is available to protect women from HPV, nearly all participants (98.1%) had not
      received HPV vaccination. Findings show students' level of knowledge about HPV's
      risk factors and modes of transmission were high. However, this knowledge did not
      translate into engagement in health related behaviors such as being vaccinated
      against HPV.

PMID- 28074444
TI  - Effects of an Education Intervention about HPV Self-Testing for Healthcare
      Providers and Staff.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing is an emerging cervical cancer screening
      strategy, yet efforts to educate healthcare providers and staff about HPV self
      testing are lacking. We report the findings of a brief education intervention
      about HPV self-testing for healthcare providers and staff. We conducted education
      sessions during 2015 with healthcare providers and staff (n = 33) from five
      federally qualified health centers located in Appalachian Ohio. Participants
      attended a one-time session and completed pre- and post-intervention surveys.
      Analyses for paired data assessed changes in knowledge and beliefs about HPV, HPV
      related disease, and HPV self-testing. The intervention increased participants'
      knowledge and affected many of the beliefs examined. Participants answered an
      average of 4.67 of six knowledge items correctly on pre-intervention surveys and
      5.82 items correctly on post-intervention surveys (p < 0.001). The proportion of
      participants who answered all six knowledge items correctly increased
      substantially (pre-intervention =9% vs. post-intervention =82%, p < 0.001).
      Compared to pre-intervention surveys, participants more strongly believed on post
      intervention surveys that it is important to examine HPV self-testing as a
      potential cervical cancer screening strategy, that their female patients would be
      willing to use an HPV self-test at home by themselves, and that they have the
      knowledge to talk with their patients about HPV self-testing (all p < 0.05). A
      brief education intervention can be a viable approach for increasing knowledge
      and affecting beliefs about HPV self-testing among healthcare providers and
      staff. Findings will be valuable for planning and developing future HPV self-test
      interventions that include an education component for healthcare providers and
      staff.

PMID- 28074445
TI  - Intrathoracic tumor of the chest wall: A case of Castleman's disease mimicking
      myositis of the lower extremities.
AB  - Castleman's disease refers to a group of uncommon lymphoproliferative disorders
      which exhibit common lymph-node histological features. A 72-year-old male patient
      presented with signs of lower limb myositis. Detailed work-up focused initially
      on evaluating hematological malignancies, the presence of a solid tumor,
      autoimmune diseases and degenerative disorders of the peripheral nerves. Finally,
      a PET-CT scan was performed to exclude paraneoplastic manifestations of a primary
      tumor, revealing  however a tumor of the thoracic wall. The definite histological
      diagnosis confirmed the presence of unicentric Castleman's disease of the chest
      wall. The manifestations of the present case suggest that a systemic inflammation
      might occur in the unicentric form of the disease possibly due to cytokine
      hypersecretion. The unicentric manifestation of the disease should be well
      distinguished from the multicentric appearance. Unicentric disease is a surgical
      condition and warrants a follow-up based on the systemic inflammation that might
      occur.

PMID- 28074447
TI  - Seasonal Polyphenism and Behavioral Variations of Ceroplastes glomeratus Peronti
      (Hemiptera: Coccidae).
AB  - The wax scale Ceroplastes glomeratus Peronti shows seasonal behavioral and
      phenotypic differences. Individuals develop gregariously during autumn, whereas
      solitarily in spring. Besides such behavioral differences, spring ("isolated
      form") and autumn ("aggregated form") will also produce different morphotypes. We
      provide additional data on the morphological data of the species based on the
      microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of adult females and of first-instars
      of the two adult morphotypes of C. glomeratus.

PMID- 28074448
TI  - The importance of accurate sample size calculations in clinical trials.

PMID- 28074446
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Switching to Ixekizumab in Etanercept Non-Responders: A
      Subanalysis from Two Phase III Randomized Clinical Trials in Moderate-to-Severe
      Plaque Psoriasis (UNCOVER-2 and -3).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with psoriasis who have an inadequate response to one
      biologic may benefit from switching to a new biologic, such as ixekizumab, a high
      affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin (IL)-17A.
      OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the response to ixekizumab in patients with
      moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who did not respond adequately to etanercept
      using a post-hoc analysis in two phase III studies. METHODS: For the subanalyses
      in two phase III trials (UNCOVER-2 and -3), non-response was defined by either
      failure to have a static physician global assessment (sPGA) of 0/1 in UNCOVER-2
      or failure to have at least 75% improvement in psoriasis area and severity index
      (PASI 75) in UNCOVER-3 at Week 12 of each study. Non-responders treated with
      twice-weekly etanercept 50 mg in the first 12 weeks received two injections of
      placebo at Week 12 (4-week wash-out period), followed by ixekizumab every 4 weeks
      (Q4W) for Weeks 16-60. Non-responders to placebo in the first 12 weeks were
      administered ixekizumab 160 mg at Week 12, followed by ixekizumab Q4W for Weeks
      16-60. RESULTS: After switching to ixekizumab Q4W, a substantial proportion of
      patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who did not respond to etanercept
      experienced rapid and durable improvement in all efficacy evaluations. Among sPGA
      0/1 (UNCOVER-2) and PASI 75 (UNCOVER-3) non-responders to etanercept, 73.0%
      achieved sPGA 0/1 and 78.2% achieved PASI 75, respectively, after 12 weeks of
      ixekizumab treatment. Safety profiles in patients switched from etanercept to
      ixekizumab were similar to those in patients switched from placebo to ixekizumab.
      CONCLUSION: Patients who were non-responders to etanercept after 12 weeks, as
      defined by failure to meet sPGA 0/1 (UNCOVER-2) or PASI 75 (UNCOVER-3), achieved
      high levels of response 12 weeks after switching to ixekizumab. Studies are
      registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01597245 and NCT01646177).

PMID- 28074449
TI  - Effects of acupuncture on quality of life and pain in patients with osteoporosis
      a pilot randomized controlled trial: reply to comments by Moran et al.

PMID- 28074451
TI  - ERCP with stenting of traumatic pancreatic duct transection: A case report.
AB  - Pancreatic injuries, though rare, are associated with high morbidity because of
      location of pancreas adjacent to the various hollow and solid organs. Difficulty
      in early diagnosis adds to morbidity. Condition of the pancreatic duct is an
      important factor in grading the injury and deciding upon course of management.
      Conservative management is the line of treatment in lower grade injuries. Higher
      grades of pancreatic injuries are usually managed surgically. Endoscopic
      retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) has recently emerged as an effective
      diagnostic as well as therapeutic modality for hepatobiliary and pancreatic
      pathologies. Presently described is case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with
      post-traumatic complete transection of pancreatic duct, which was successfully
      managed by ERCP-guided stenting of the duct. Therapeutic advantages of ERCP in
      trauma setting and difficulties involved are highlighted.

PMID- 28074450
TI  - Forget Me if You Can: Attentional capture by to-Be-remembered and to-Be-forgotten
      visual stimuli.
AB  - Previous studies on directed forgetting in visual working memory (VWM) have shown
      that, if people are cued to remember only a subset of the items currently held in
      VWM, they will completely forget the uncued, no longer relevant items. While this
      finding is indicative of selective remembering, it remains unclear whether
      directed forgetting can also occur in the absence of any concurrent to-be
      remembered information. In the current study, we addressed this matter by asking
      participants to memorize a single object that could be followed by a cue to
      forget or remember this object. Following the cue, we assessed the object's
      activation in VWM by determining whether a matching distractor would capture
      attention in a visual search task. The results showed that, compared to a cue to
      remember, a cue to forget led to a reduced likelihood of attentional capture by a
      matching distractor. In addition, we found that capture effects by to-be
      remembered and to-be-forgotten distractors remained stable as the interval
      between the onset of the cue and the search task increased from 700 ms to 3900
      ms. We conclude that, in the absence of any to-be-remembered objects, an
      instruction to forget an object held in WM leads to a rapid but incomplete
      deactivation of the representation of that object, thus allowing it to continue
      to produce a weak biasing effect on attentional selection for several seconds
      after the instruction to forget.

PMID- 28074452
TI  - Hemoptysis caused by pulmonary sequestration in perforated appendicitis: A rare
      case report.
AB  - Pulmonary sequestration is a rare and usually asymptomatic congenital anomaly.
      Optimal management of this condition is still a subject of debate, including
      superiority of surgical resection or angiographic embolization of the aberrant
      arterial vessel. Presently described is rare case of a 51-year-old male who
      presented with hemoptysis related to pulmonary sequestration associated with
      acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain caused by perforated appendicitis.

PMID- 28074453
TI  - Laparoscopic resection and intracorporeal anastomosis of perforated small bowel
      caused by fish bone ingestion.
AB  - Presently described is case of a 52-year-old man who was admitted to the
      emergency department with 3-day history of epigastric pain. Abdominal examination
      revealed diffuse tenderness and muscle guarding. Plain abdominal X-ray showed
      free subdiaphragmatic air. The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy with
      presumptive diagnosis of peptic ulcer perforation. Laparoscopy showed several
      inflamed, edematous jejunal loops with proximal obstruction and perforation by an
      impacted fish bone. Completely intracorporeal resection and anastomosis using
      laparoscopic linear stapler was performed and segment of resected bowel was
      removed through trocar site. Postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient
      was discharged on fourth day.

PMID- 28074454
TI  - Obturator hernia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hip and
      knee pain.
AB  - Obturator hernia is a rare disease usually occurring in debilitated elderly
      women. Pain radiating down the medial thigh and knee (Howship-Romberg sign) is a
      specific sign of the disease. Presently described is a case of obturator hernia
      in a 73-year-old female patient who presented with severe left hip pain radiating
      down the medial thigh and knee, nausea, and loss of appetite. Initially,
      vertebral disc herniation was thought to be cause, but abdomino-pelvic computed
      tomography scan revealed left strangulated obturator hernia. Diagnosis of
      obturator hernia can be challenging. Physicians should consider obturator hernia
      in the differential diagnosis of knee and hip pain, and investigate for Howship
      Romberg sign. Early diagnosis of the disease not only decreases morbidity and
      mortality, but also presents opportunity to treat with minimally invasive
      methods.

PMID- 28074455
TI  - Effect of medical treatment on histological findings in rabbits with acute
      appendicitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common reason for abdominal
      surgery in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of medical
      treatment on histological findings in rabbits with AA. METHODS: Twenty-one male
      New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups: appendix ligation and medical
      treatment, appendix ligation and no treatment, and control group, which underwent
      only laparotomy. RESULTS: In appendix ligation without treatment group, AA
      findings were much more severe. CONCLUSION: Medical treatment reduced
      inflammation of AA.

PMID- 28074456
TI  - Therapeutic efficacy of tadalafil and eriythropoietin in experimental spinal cord
      injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This experimental study was an investigation of the efficacy of
      erythropoietin and tadalafil in rats with induced spinal cord injury (SCI).
      METHODS: Thirty-five Sprague Dawley rats were distributed into 5 groups. First
      group was used for normal biochemical values. Spinal cord injury was induced in 4
      remaining groups with clip compression technique after laminectomy process to T10
      vertebra. Second group was designated solvent group and received 1 cc
      physiological serum after injury. Third group was medicated with intraperitoneal
      2000 u/kg single dose erythropoietin after injury. Orogastric 2 mg/kg single dose
      tadalafil was administered to fourth group after injury. Fifth group did not
      receive any treatment and was used for biochemical values with injury. All
      subjects were sacrificed 48 hours after application. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and
      total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) values were evaluated using blood and tissue
      samples. RESULTS: Lowest serum and tissue MDA values were found in group with
      erythropoietin intake. While highest serum TAOC values of all groups were seen in
      tadalafil group, highest tissue TAOC values were observed in group given
      erythropoietin. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that by decreasing oxidative stress,
      tadalafil and erythropoietin can inhibit secondary damage in SCI.

PMID- 28074457
TI  - The acute effects of thymoquinone on acute peripheral nerve injury: an
      experimental study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of
      thymoquinone (TQ) on acute nerve injury. METHODS: A rat model of crush injury of
      the sciatic nerve was used. Animals were divided into 3 groups: control, trauma,
      and TQ treatment groups (n=6 per group). Seven days after injury, sciatic nerve
      specimens were obtained from the site of the injury and analyzed histologically
      and stereologically. Axon diameter, myelin thickness, and axon density were
      measured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in axon diameter, myelin
      thickness, or axon density among groups. CONCLUSION: TQ has no acute therapeutic
      effect on acute nerve injury.

PMID- 28074458
TI  - Endovascular treatment of peripheral and visceral arterial injuries in patients
      with acute trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study is an evaluation of the efficacy of endovascular
      treatment in emergency setting for patients with acute peripheral and visceral
      arterial injury secondary to penetrating or blunt trauma. METHODS: Twelve
      patients (11 men) aged 35.8+/-11.3 years (range: 18-56 years) with penetrating or
      blunt trauma who underwent endovascular treatment in our department between March
      2010 and June 2014 for peripheral and visceral arterial injury were
      retrospectively reviewed. Selective coil embolization was performed on 11
      patients and particle embolization of the injured vessel was performed on 1
      patient. Criteria for endovascular treatment included active extravasation or
      pseudoaneurysm on contrast-enhanced computed tomography and decrease in
      hemoglobin level or temporary hemodynamic instability. RESULTS: Arterial injuries
      were secondary to penetrating injury due to gunshot wound in 4 patients and stab
      wound in 5, and blunt abdominal injury as result of traffic accident in 3
      patients. Traumatic lesions were in the right hepatic artery (n=3), left hepatic
      (n=2), right hepatic and right renal (n=1), left inferior epigastric (n=2), left
      facial (n=1), anterior tibial (n=1), and deep femoral (n=1) arteries. Technical
      success with no procedural complications was seen in all cases. Two patients died
      due to coexisting injuries on 29th and 43rd days of hospitalization. Median
      hospitalization period was 6.0 days (range: 1-43 days) and mean intensive care
      unit hospitalization was 7.7 days (range: 0-43 days). CONCLUSION: In our
      experience, endovascular treatment was a safe and effective option for acute
      traumatic peripheral and visceral arterial lesions.

PMID- 28074459
TI  - Comparison of Revised Trauma Score, Injury Severity Score and Trauma and Injury
      Severity Score for mortality prediction in elderly trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trauma is the fifth leading cause of death in patients 65 years and
      older. This study is a comparison of results of Revised Trauma Score (RTS),
      Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) in
      prediction of mortality in cases of geriatric trauma. METHODS: This is a cross
      sectional study of records of 352 elderly trauma patients who were admitted to
      Pour-Sina Hospital in Rasht between 2010 and 2011. Injury scoring systems were
      compared in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and cut-off points using receiver
      operating characteristic curve of patient prognosis. RESULTS: Mean age of
      patients was 71.5 years. Most common mechanism of injury was traffic accident
      (53.7%). Of the total, 13.9% of patients died. Mean ISS was higher for patients
      who did not survive. Mean of TRISS and RTS scores in elderly survivors was higher
      than non-survivors and difference in all 3 scores was statistically significant
      (p<0.001). Best cut-off points for predicting mortality in elderly trauma
      patients in RTS, ISS, and TRISS systems were <=6, >=13.5, and <=2, with
      sensitivity of 99%, 84%, and 95% and specificity of 62%, 62%, and 72%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: TRISS was the strongest predictor of mortality in
      elderly trauma patients as result of combination of both anatomical and
      physiological parameters.

PMID- 28074460
TI  - Gender does not affect the prognosis of Fournier's gangrene: a case-matched
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Female gender is accepted as a poor prognostic factor for Fournier's
      gangrene (FG). However, there is a paucity of data in the literature regarding
      this matter. This case-matched study was designed to investigate the impact of
      gender on outcomes of FG. METHODS: Study patient data were retrieved from 120
      patient, prospectively maintained database. Thirty-two female patients with FG
      were case-matched to 32 male patients based on symptom duration (days), FG
      severity index score, patient age, etiology, and presence of diabetes mellitus
      (DM) terms. Outcomes of FG were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Median
      age was 57 years (range: 22-80 years), and 35 (54.7%) patients had DM. Patients
      underwent average of 3 debridement procedures (range: 1-9 debridements), and 15
      (23.4%) received diverting stoma. Overall mortality rate was 28.1% (18 of 64
      patients). Female gender was associated with widespread disease (p=0.009),
      increased need for consecutive debridements (p=0.005), prolonged length of
      intensive care unit stay (p=0.035), and increased requirement for split-thickness
      skin graft reconstruction (p=0.040). However, mortality rates were comparable
      between genders (p=0.264). CONCLUSION: FG is often more extensive in females and
      seems to be associated with anatomical features of female pelvis. However, female
      gender is not a factor affecting prognosis of patients with FG.

PMID- 28074461
TI  - Acute appendicitis during pregnancy: case series of 20 pregnant women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common cause of acute abdomen
      during pregnancy. Most of the signs of appendicitis are also found during normal
      pregnancy period, however, and diagnosis of appendicitis during pregnancy remains
      challenging. The aim of the current study was to report our clinical experience
      of AA during pregnancy and investigate optimal management of this difficult
      situation. METHODS: Records of 20 pregnant women with diagnosis of AA who
      underwent appendectomy between 2005 and 2015 were included in this study. Data
      were collected retrospectively. Patients were evaluated according to age, signs
      and symptoms, gestational age, physical findings, serum white blood cell count,
      ultrasound (US) findings, pathology reports, surgical technique, operation time,
      and complications. RESULTS: Of 20 patients, 16 (80%) underwent open appendectomy
      and 4 (20%) underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Mean age of patients was 29.6+/
      5.6 years. Most common symptom was abdominal pain (95%). Six (30%) patients were
      in first trimester, 9 (45%) patients were in second trimester and 5 (25%)
      patients in were in third trimester. US findings consistent with AA were found in
      12 (60%) patients. Negative appendectomy rate was 30%. Maternal complication was
      seen in only 1 (5%) patient. No fetal complication was observed. CONCLUSION:
      Accurate diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment of AA in pregnant women should
      be performed due to high rates of maternal and fetal complications.

PMID- 28074462
TI  - Contribution of MRI to clinically equivocal penile fracture cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Penile fracture is a surgical emergency defined as rupture of the
      tunica albuginea. Although most cases can be diagnosed with clinical evaluation,
      it has been stated in the literature that diagnosis in as many as 15% of cases
      can be challenging. In uncertain cases, imaging can help determine diagnosis.
      METHODS: Present study included 20 cases where diagnosis could not be made with
      certainty and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. MR images were
      examined for tunical rupture and accompanying pathologies. When rupture was
      observed, localization and length of rupture were noted. All patients underwent
      degloving surgery. All imaging findings were compared to surgical findings.
      RESULTS: MRI revealed 19 tunical ruptures. In 1 case, hematoma was seen with no
      sign of penile fracture. No urethral injuries were found. All MRI findings were
      confirmed during surgery. CONCLUSION: Performing MRI in clinically equivocal
      cases can provide crucial data to make precise diagnosis and improve patient
      management.

PMID- 28074463
TI  - Importance of fixation of posterior malleolus fracture in trimalleolar fractures:
      A retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate treatment effect
      and importance of posterior malleolus (PM) fixation in surgically treated
      trimalleolar fractures. METHODS: A total of 57 cases of ankle joint fracture
      involving PM and treated with open reduction and internal fixation technique
      between 2004 and 2011 were evaluated. PM fixation was performed with cannulated
      screws in 46 cases, and in 11 cases, PM plate was used. All patients were
      assessed using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score,
      American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) foot and ankle questionnaire, and
      Visual Analog Score (VAS) pain scale. Ankle joint mobility was also compared with
      unaffected side. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 44.6 months (range: 24-108
      months). There were 36 female patients and 21 male patients between 23 and 85
      years of age (mean: 55.9 years). Average time to surgery was 1.1 day (range: 1-3
      days). According to AOFAS assessment, result was excellent in 21 patients and
      good in 26 patients. AAOS score was 92.4 (range: 32-100). Mean VAS score when
      resting was 1.1, and mean score was 1.3 when walking (range: 0-10). When compared
      with uninjured side, there was no significant difference in plantar flexion of
      ankle (p=0.325) but there was significant difference in dorsiflexion of ankle
      joint (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation of
      PM provide satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes even in elderly patients
      where bone quality may make adequate fixation difficult. Fixation of even small
      PM fragments can facilitate rehabilitation by creating more stable construction.

PMID- 28074464
TI  - Investigation of hand function among children diagnosed with autism spectrum
      disorder with upper extremity trauma history.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to compare hand function in autistic
      children with history of upper extremity trauma with that of autistic children
      those who do not have history of trauma. METHODS: The study group included total
      of 65 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and was divided into
      2 groups: children with trauma history (Group I) and control group (Group II)
      (Group I: n=28; Group II: n=37). Hand function was evaluated with 9-Hole Peg Test
      and Jebsen Hand Function Test. Somatosensory function was evaluated using
      somatosensory subtests of Sensory Integration and Praxis Test. Results were
      analyzed with Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test using SPSS version 20
      software. RESULTS: Hand function and somatosensory perception test scores were
      statistically significantly better in children without upper extremity trauma
      history (p<0.05). When association between hand function tests and upper
      extremity somatosensory perception tests was taken into account, statistically
      significant correlations were found between all parameters of hand function tests
      and Manual Form Perception and Localization of Tactile Stimuli Test results
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Autistic children with upper extremity trauma history had
      poor somatosensory perception and hand function. It is important to raise
      awareness among emergency service staff and inform them about strong relationship
      between somatosensory perception, hand function, and upper extremity trauma in
      children with ASD in order to develop appropriate rehabilitation process and
      prevent further trauma.

PMID- 28074465
TI  - Effects of alpha lipoic acid on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat hindlimb
      ischemia model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of alpha lipoic acid
      (ALA) on prevention of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rat hindlimb ischemia
      model. METHODS: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 250 and 300 g
      were divided into 4 groups of 10 rats. Hindlimb composite island flaps were
      raised in all rats. Clamps were applied to femoral vessels of all subjects, but
      immediately released without causing ischemia in Group 1. In Group 2, after 4
      hours of ischemia, 24 hours of reperfusion was performed. Following 4 hours of
      ischemia, saline was administered to rats in Group 3 and flaps were reperfused
      for 24 hours. In Group 4, ALA was administered intraperitoneally after 4 hours of
      ischemia and flaps were reperfused for 24 hours. RESULTS: In Group 4, there was a
      significant decrease of liver malondialdehyde compared to Group 2 and decrease of
      muscle tumor necrosis factor-alpha compared to Group 3. There was also increase
      in levels of glutathione in erythrocytes compared to Group 3 and increase of
      plasma vitamin C compared to all groups. CONCLUSION: ALA was found to be
      effective in prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Further studies are
      needed before clinical application.

PMID- 28074466
TI  - Anatomical organization of the brain of a diurnal and a nocturnal dung beetle.
AB  - To avoid the fierce competition for food, South African ball-rolling dung beetles
      carve a piece of dung off a dung-pile, shape it into a ball and roll it away
      along a straight line path. For this unidirectional exit from the busy dung pile,
      at night and day, the beetles use a wide repertoire of celestial compass cues.
      This robust and relatively easily measurable orientation behavior has made ball
      rolling dung beetles an attractive model organism for the study of the
      neuroethology behind insect orientation and sensory ecology. Although there is
      already some knowledge emerging concerning how celestial cues are processed in
      the dung beetle brain, little is known about its general neural layout. Mapping
      the neuropils of the dung beetle brain is thus a prerequisite to understand the
      neuronal network that underlies celestial compass orientation. Here, we describe
      and compare the brains of a day-active and a night-active dung beetle species
      based on immunostainings against synapsin and serotonin. We also provide 3D
      reconstructions for all brain areas and many of the fiber bundles in the brain of
      the day-active dung beetle. Comparison of neuropil structures between the two
      dung beetle species revealed differences that reflect adaptations to different
      light conditions. Altogether, our results provide a reference framework for
      future studies on the neuroethology of insects in general and dung beetles in
      particular.

PMID- 28074468
TI  - Do changes in mitochondrial quality contribute to increases in skeletal muscle
      oxidative capacity following endurance training?

PMID- 28074467
TI  - Systems pharmacology modeling of drug-induced hyperbilirubinemia: Differentiating
      hepatotoxicity and inhibition of enzymes/transporters.
AB  - Elevations in serum bilirubin during drug treatment may indicate global liver
      dysfunction and a high risk of liver failure. However, drugs also can increase
      serum bilirubin in the absence of hepatic injury by inhibiting specific
      enzymes/transporters. We constructed a mechanistic model of bilirubin disposition
      based on known functional polymorphisms in bilirubin metabolism/transport. Using
      physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model-predicted drug exposure and
      enzyme/transporter inhibition constants determined in vitro, our model correctly
      predicted indinavir-mediated hyperbilirubinemia in humans and rats. Nelfinavir
      was predicted not to cause hyperbilirubinemia, consistent with clinical
      observations. We next examined a new drug candidate that caused both elevations
      in serum bilirubin and biochemical evidence of liver injury in rats. Simulations
      suggest that bilirubin elevation primarily resulted from inhibition of
      transporters rather than global liver dysfunction. We conclude that mechanistic
      modeling of bilirubin can help elucidate underlying mechanisms of drug-induced
      hyperbilirubinemia, and thereby distinguish benign from clinically important
      elevations in serum bilirubin.

PMID- 28074469
TI  - Development of cone photoreceptors and their synapses in the human and monkey
      fovea.
AB  - During retinal development, ribbon synapse assembly in the photoreceptors is a
      crucial step involving numerous molecules. While the developmental sequence of
      plexiform layers in human retina has been characterized, the molecular steps of
      synaptogenesis remain largely unknown. In the present study, we focused on the
      central rod-free region of primate retina, the fovea, to specifically investigate
      the development of cone photoreceptor ribbon synapses. Immunocytochemistry and
      electron microscopy were utilized to track the expression of photoreceptor
      transduction proteins and ribbon and synaptic markers in fetal human and Macaca
      retina. Although the inner plexiform layer appears earlier than the outer
      plexiform layer, synaptic proteins, and ribbons are first reliably recognized in
      cone pedicles. Markers first appear at fetal week 9. Both short (S) and
      medium/long (M/L) wavelength-selective cones express synaptic markers in the same
      temporal sequence; this is independent of opsin expression which takes place in S
      cones a month before M/L cones. The majority of ribbon markers, presynaptic
      vesicular release and postsynaptic neurotransduction-related machinery is present
      in both plexiform layers by fetal week 13. By contrast, two crucial components
      for cone to bipolar cell glutamatergic transmission, the metabotropic glutamate
      receptor 6 and voltage-dependent calcium channel alpha1.4, are not detected until
      fetal week 22 when bipolar cell invagination is present in the cone pedicle.
      These results suggest an intrinsically programmed but nonsynchronous expression
      of molecules in cone synaptic development. Moreover, functional ribbon synapses
      and active neurotransmission at foveal cone pedicles are possibly present as
      early as mid-gestation in human retina.

PMID- 28074471
TI  - The Probability of Hospitalizations for Mild-to-Moderate Injuries by Trauma
      Center Ownership Type.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To corroborate anecdotal evidence with systematic evidence of a lower
      threshold for admission among for-profit hospitals. DATA SOURCES: The study used
      Florida emergency department and hospital discharge datasets for 2012 to 2014.
      The treatment variable of interest was for-profit-designated trauma center
      status. The dependent variable indicated whether a patient with mild-to-moderate
      injuries was admitted after presenting as a trauma alert and then discharged to
      home. A separate analysis was conducted of discharges that had a 1-day length of
      stay. STUDY DESIGN: Generalized estimation equations with logistic distribution
      models were used to control for the confounding influences and developed for four
      groups of patients: ICISS = 1 (no probability of mortality), ICISS >= 0.99, ICISS
      >= 0.95, and ICISS >= 0.85 (zero to 15 percent probability of mortality, which
      includes all mild and moderate injury patients). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: For the
      ICISS = 1 and ICISS >= 0.99 models, the centers' for-profit status was the most
      important predictor. In the ICISS >= 0.95 and ICISS >= 0.85 models, injury type
      played a more important role, but for-profit status remained important. For
      patients with a 1-day stay, for-profit status was associated with an even higher
      probability of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable differences exist
      between for-profit and not-for-profit trauma centers concerning hospitalization
      among the study population, which may be explained by supplier-induced demand.

PMID- 28074470
TI  - Evidence that oxidative dephosphorylation by the nonheme Fe(II), alpha
      ketoglutarate:UMP oxygenase occurs by stereospecific hydroxylation.
AB  - LipL and Cpr19 are nonheme, mononuclear Fe(II)-dependent, alpha-ketoglutarate
      (alphaKG):UMP oxygenases that catalyze the formation of CO2 , succinate,
      phosphate, and uridine-5'-aldehyde, the last of which is a biosynthetic precursor
      for several nucleoside antibiotics that inhibit bacterial translocase I (MraY).
      To better understand the chemistry underlying this unusual oxidative
      dephosphorylation and establish a mechanistic framework for LipL and Cpr19, we
      report herein the synthesis of two biochemical probes-[1',3',4',5',5'-2 H]UMP and
      the phosphonate derivative of UMP-and their activity with both enzymes. The
      results are consistent with a reaction coordinate that proceeds through the loss
      of one 2 H atom of [1',3',4',5',5'-2 H]UMP and stereospecific hydroxylation
      geminal to the phosphoester to form a cryptic intermediate, (5'R)-5'-hydroxy-UMP.
      Thus, these enzyme catalysts can additionally be assigned as UMP hydroxylase
      phospholyases.

PMID- 28074472
TI  - Cost Evaluation of Irinotecan-Related Toxicities Associated With the UGT1A1*28
      Patient Genotype.
AB  - The adoption of a preemptive UGT1A1*28 genotyping to increase irinotecan safety
      in clinical practice is still limited. This is the first actual study of costs
      associated with the management of irinotecan-related toxicities, and their
      association with UGT1A1*28 genotype. A retrospective analysis of the cost of
      toxicity management was conducted on 243 metastatic colorectal cancer patients
      enrolled in a clinical trial and treated with standard of care FOLFIRI (5
      fluorouracil combined with irinotecan). The mean predicted cost per patient was
      higher for *28/*28 (?4,886), vs. *1/*1 (?812), (regression coefficient 1.79, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) = 1.31-2.28; P < 0.001) and for *1/*28 (?1,119) vs.
      *1/*1 (regression coefficient 0.32, 95% CI = 0.04-0.60; P = 0.024). This is
      consistent with a different grade 4 toxicity profile among the three genotypes,
      and a higher frequency of costly interventions like hospitalization among
      patients with the *28 allele. A differential toxicity management cost by *28
      genotype is herein demonstrated, representing a first step towards the
      demonstration of the test clinical utility.

PMID- 28074473
TI  - Predicting CD4 T-Cell Reconstitution Following Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell
      Transplantation.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an increasingly common
      treatment for children with a range of hematological disorders. Conditioning with
      cytotoxic chemotherapy and total body irradiation leaves patients severely
      immunocompromised. T-cell reconstitution can take several years due to delayed
      restoration of thymic output. Understanding T-cell reconstitution in children is
      complicated by normal immune system maturation, heterogeneous diagnoses, and
      sparse uneven sampling due to the long time spans involved. We describe here a
      mechanistic mathematical model for CD4 T-cell immune reconstitution following
      pediatric transplantation. Including relevant biology and using mixed-effects
      modeling allowed the factors affecting reconstitution to be identified. Bayesian
      predictions for the long-term reconstitution trajectories of individual children
      were then obtained using early post-transplant data. The model was developed
      using data from 288 children; its predictive ability validated on data from a
      further 75 children, with long-term reconstitution predicted accurately in 81% of
      the patients.

PMID- 28074475
TI  - What Makes You Feel Sick After Inflammation? Predictors of Acute and Persisting
      Physical Sickness Symptoms Induced by Experimental Endotoxemia.
AB  - We aimed to identify statistical predictor variables of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      induced physical sickness symptoms during the acute and late inflammatory phases
      using multivariate regression analyses. Data from N = 128 healthy volunteers who
      received i.v. LPS injection (0.4 or 0.8 ng/kg) or placebo were pooled for
      analyses. Physical sickness symptoms experienced during the acute (0-6h
      postinjection) and late (6-24h postinjection) phases were assessed with the
      validated General-Assessment-of-Side-Effects (GASE) questionnaire. LPS-treated
      subjects reported significantly more physical sickness symptoms. Physical
      symptoms during the acute phase were associated with LPS-induced mood impairments
      and interleukin (IL)-6 increases, explaining 28.5% of variance in GASE scores.
      During late phase, LPS-induced increases in cortisol and IL-6 plasma
      concentrations and baseline depression were significant predictor variables,
      explaining 38.5% of variance. In patients with recurrent or chronic inflammatory
      states, these factors may act as risk factors ultimately contributing to an
      exacerbation of sickness symptoms, and should be considered as potential targets
      for therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 28074474
TI  - Optimal defense theory explains deviations from latitudinal herbivory defense
      hypothesis.
AB  - The latitudinal herbivory defense hypothesis (LHDH) postulates that the
      prevalence of species interactions, including herbivory, is greater at lower
      latitudes, leading to selection for increased levels of plant defense. While
      latitudinal defense clines may be caused by spatial variation in herbivore
      pressure, optimal defense theory predicts that clines could also be caused by
      ecogeographic variation in the cost of defense. For instance, allocation of
      resources to defense may not increase plant fitness when growing seasons are
      short and plants must reproduce quickly. Here we use a common garden experiment
      to survey genetic variation for constitutive and induced phenylpropanoid
      glycoside (PPG) concentrations across 35 Mimulus guttatus populations over a ~13
      degrees  latitudinal transect. Our sampling regime is unique among studies of the
      LHDH in that it allows us to disentangle the effects of growing season length
      from those of latitude, temperature, and elevation. For five of the seven PPGs
      surveyed, we find associations between latitude and plant defense that are robust
      to population structure. However, contrary to the LHDH, only two PPGs were found
      at higher levels in low latitude populations, and total PPG concentrations were
      higher at higher latitudes. PPG levels are strongly correlated with growing
      season length, with higher levels of PPGs in plants from areas with longer
      growing seasons. Further, flowering time is positively correlated with the
      concentration of nearly all PPGs, suggesting that there may be a strong trade-off
      between development time and defense production. Our results reveal that
      ecogeographic patterns in plant defense may reflect variation in the cost of
      producing defense compounds in addition to variation in herbivore pressure. Thus,
      the biogeographic pattern predicted by the LHDH may not be accurate because the
      underlying factors driving variation in defense, in this case, growing season
      length, are not always associated with latitude in the same manner. Given these
      results, we conclude that LHDH cannot be interpreted without considering life
      history, and we recommend that future work on the LHDH move beyond solely testing
      the core LHDH prediction and place greater emphasis on isolating agents of
      selection that generate spatial variation in defense and herbivore pressure.

PMID- 28074476
TI  - Drug Development, Trial Design, and Endpoints in Oncology: Adapting to Rapidly
      Changing Science.
AB  - As a result of enhanced understanding of genetic and immunologic underpinnings of
      cancer, there has been progress in development of targeted and immunotherapies in
      oncology. The traditional linear sequential model of drug development has
      evolved. Early clinical trials of breakthrough therapies often include expansion
      cohorts, termed "seamless drug development." The US Food and Drug Administration
      (FDA) uses expedited programs, such as breakthrough designation and accelerated
      approval ensuring that transformative therapies are available to patients earlier
      in the cycle of evidence generation.

PMID- 28074477
TI  - Same but different: Comparative modes of information processing are implicated in
      the construction of perceptions of autonomy support.
AB  - An implicit assumption behind tenets of self-determination theory is that
      perceptions of autonomy support are a function of absolute modes of information
      processing. In this study, we examined whether comparative modes of information
      processing were implicated in the construction of perceptions of autonomy
      support. In an experimental study, we demonstrated that participants employed
      comparative modes of information processing in evaluating receipt of small, but
      not large, amounts of autonomy support. In addition, we found that social
      comparison processes influenced a number of outcomes that are empirically related
      to perceived autonomy support such as sense of autonomy, positive affect,
      perceived usefulness, and effort. Findings shed new light upon the processes
      underpinning construction of perceptions related to autonomy support and yield
      new insights into how to increase the predictive validity of models that use
      autonomy support as a determinant of motivation and psychological well-being.

PMID- 28074479
TI  - GDF8 inhibits bone formation and promotes bone resorption in mice.
AB  - Growth Differentiation Factor 8 (GDF8), also called myostatin, is a member of the
      transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta super-family. As a negative regulator of
      skeletal muscle growth, GDF8 is also associated with bone metabolism. However,
      the function of GDF8 in bone metabolism is not fully understood. Our study aimed
      to investigate the role of GDF8 in bone metabolism, both in vitro and in vivo.
      Our results showed that GDF8 had a negative regulatory effect on primary mouse
      osteoblasts, and promoted receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand
      (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Intraperitoneal injection of
      recombinant GDF8 repressed bone formation and accelerated bone resorption in
      mice. Furthermore, treatment of aged mice with a GDF8 neutralizing antibody
      stimulated new bone formation and prevented bone resorption. Thus, our study
      showed that GDF8 plays a significant regulatory role in bone formation and bone
      resorption, thus providing a potential therapeutic pathway for osteoporosis.

PMID- 28074478
TI  - Ultrastructural analysis of parvalbumin synapses in human dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex.
AB  - Coordinated activity of neural circuitry in the primate dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex (DLPFC) supports a range of cognitive functions. Altered DLPFC activation
      is implicated in a number of human psychiatric and neurological illnesses. Proper
      DLPFC activity is, in part, maintained by two populations of neurons containing
      the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV): local inhibitory interneurons that
      form Type II synapses, and long-range glutamatergic inputs from the thalamus that
      form Type I synapses. Understanding the contributions of each PV neuronal
      population to human DLPFC function requires a detailed examination of their
      anatomical properties. Consequently, we performed an electron microscopic
      analysis of (1) the distribution of PV immunoreactivity within the neuropil, (2)
      the properties of dendritic shafts of PV-IR interneurons, (3) Type II PV-IR
      synapses from PV interneurons, and (4) Type I PV-IR synapses from long-range
      projections, within the superficial and middle laminar zones of the human DLPFC.
      In both laminar zones, Type II PV-IR synapses from interneurons comprised ~60% of
      all PV-IR synapses, and Type I PV-IR synapses from putative thalamocortical
      terminals comprised the remaining ~40% of PV-IR synapses. Thus, the present study
      suggests that innervation from PV-containing thalamic nuclei extends across
      superficial and middle layers of the human DLPFC. These findings contrast with
      previous ultrastructural studies in monkey DLPFC where Type I PV-IR synapses were
      not identified in the superficial laminar zone. The presumptive added modulation
      of DLPFC circuitry by the thalamus in human may contribute to species-specific,
      higher-order functions.

PMID- 28074480
TI  - Clonal reticulohistiocytosis of the skin and bone marrow associated with systemic
      mastocytosis and acute myeloid leukaemia.
AB  - AIMS: The aims of this study were to define whether diffuse cutaneous
      reticulohistiocytosis could be underpinned by somatic genetic alterations and
      represent a precursor of more aggressive forms of disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      59-year-old man with diffuse cutaneous reticulohistiocytosis experienced bone
      marrow localization of the disease, with associated systemic mastocytosis and
      acute myeloid leukaemia. Cytogenetic analyses of the bone marrow aspirate
      revealed the presence of a derivative chromosome giving rise to a partial trisomy
      of chromosome 1q and a partial monosomy of chromosome 9q. Therefore, we
      characterized the cutaneous lesions before and after chemotherapy by using an
      integrative approach combining histopathology, electron microscopy, and
      fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Histologically, the skin lesions belonged to
      the spectrum of diffuse cutaneous reticulohistiocytoses, as confirmed by
      immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural analyses. Fluorescence in-situ
      hybridization in the skin nodules confirmed the presence of the genetic
      alterations previously detected in the bone marrow. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we provide
      circumstantial evidence to suggest that at least a subset of cutaneous
      reticulohistiocytoses harbour clonal molecular alterations. Furthermore, we
      confirm that these lesions have the potential to arise in the setting of
      concurrent haematological disorders. In this hypothesis-generating study, two
      possible tumorigenesis models are proposed.

PMID- 28074481
TI  - Electronic structure of stoichiometric and reduced ZnO from periodic relativistic
      all electron hybrid density functional calculations using numeric atom-centered
      orbitals.
AB  - The atomic and electronic structure of stoichiometric and reduced ZnO wurtzite
      has been studied using a periodic relativistic all electron hybrid density
      functional (PBE0) approach and numeric atom-centered orbital basis set with
      quality equivalent to aug-cc-pVDZ. To assess the importance of relativistic
      effects, calculations were carried out without and with explicit inclusion of
      relativistic effects through the zero order regular approximation. The calculated
      band gap is ~0.2 eV smaller than experiment, close to previous PBE0 results
      including relativistic calculation through the pseudopotential and ~0.25 eV
      smaller than equivalent nonrelativistic all electron PBE0 calculations indicating
      possible sources of error in nonrelativistic all electron density functional
      calculations for systems containing elements with relatively high atomic number.
      The oxygen vacancy formation energy converges rather fast with the supercell
      size, the predicted value agrees with previously hybrid density functional
      calculations and analysis of the electronic structure evidences the presence of
      localized electrons at the vacancy site with a concomitant well localized peak in
      the density of states ~0.5 eV above the top of the valence band and a significant
      relaxation of the Zn atoms near to the oxygen vacancy. Finally, present work
      shows that accurate results can be obtained in systems involving large supercells
      containing up to ~450 atoms using a numeric atomic-centered orbital basis set
      within a full all electron description including scalar relativistic effects at
      an affordable cost. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28074483
TI  - Sample size calculations for randomised trials including both independent and
      paired data.
AB  - Randomised trials including a mixture of independent and paired data arise in
      many areas of health research, yet methods for determining the sample size for
      such trials are lacking. We derive design effects algebraically assuming
      clustering because of paired data will be taken into account in the analysis
      using generalised estimating equations with either an independence or
      exchangeable working correlation structure. Continuous and binary outcomes are
      considered, along with three different methods of randomisation: cluster
      randomisation, individual randomisation and randomisation to opposite treatment
      groups. The design effect is shown to depend on the intracluster correlation
      coefficient, proportion of observations belonging to a pair, working correlation
      structure, type of outcome and method of randomisation. The derived design
      effects are validated through simulation and example calculations are presented
      to illustrate their use in sample size planning. These design effects will enable
      appropriate sample size calculations to be performed for future randomised trials
      including both independent and paired data. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 28074482
TI  - Remote ischaemic preconditioning suppresses endogenous plasma nitrite during
      ischaemia-reperfusion: a randomized controlled crossover pilot study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this article is to test the hypothesis that remote ischaemic
      preconditioning (RIPC) increases circulating endogenous local and systemic plasma
      (nitrite) during RIPC and ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) as a potential protective
      mechanism against ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). METHODS: Six healthy male
      volunteers (mean age 29.5 +/- 7.6 years) were randomized in a crossover study to
      initially receive either RIPC (4 * 5 min cycles) to the left arm, or no RIPC
      (control), both followed by an ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) sequence (20 min cuff
      inflation to 200 mmHg, 20 min reperfusion) to the right arm. The volunteers
      returned at least 7 days later for the alternate intervention. The primary
      outcome was the effect of RIPC vs. control on local and systemic plasma
      (nitrite). RESULTS: RIPC did not significantly change plasma (nitrite) in either
      the left or the right arm during the RIPC sequence. However, compared to control,
      RIPC decreased plasma (nitrite) during the subsequent IR sequence by ~26% (from
      118 +/- 9 to 87 +/- 5 nmol l-1 ) locally in the left arm (P = 0.008) overall,
      with an independent effect of -58.70 nmol l-1 (95% confidence intervals -116.1 to
      -1.33) at 15 min reperfusion, and by ~24% (from 109 +/- 9 to 83 +/- 7 nmol l-1 )
      systemically in the right arm (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: RIPC had no effect on
      plasma (nitrite) during the RIPC sequence, but instead decreased plasma (nitrite)
      by ~25% during IR. This would likely counteract the protective mechanisms of
      RIPC, and contribute to RIPC's lack of efficacy, as observed in recent clinical
      trials. A combined approach of RIPC with nitrite administration may be required.

PMID- 28074484
TI  - How to define successful transition? An exploration of consensus indicators and
      outcomes in young adults with chronic conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this short report, we use data from a previous cohort study to
      explore the relationship between five out of eight consensus indicators for
      successful transition and patient-reported outcomes in young adulthood. METHODS:
      Data came from a 6-year cohort study that consisted of a survey among 518 young
      adults with various chronic conditions and a review of their electronic patient
      records. Associations between five indicators for successful transition and
      background variables and patient-reported outcomes were explored with Spearman's
      r. Significant variables were included in stepwise (logistic) regression analyses
      with transition outcomes as dependent variables. RESULTS: The indicators relate
      to some extent to better healthcare-related transition outcomes, but not to
      autonomy in participation. The explained variance of the models varied from 9.7%
      to 26.4%. The change in explained variance after adding indicators varied from 2%
      to 16%. CONCLUSIONS: The challenge of translating the definition of transition
      into holistic indicators remains. The current consensus indicators are a good
      start, but there is more to transition than transfer.

PMID- 28074485
TI  - Light, temperature and tocopherol status influence foliar vascular anatomy and
      leaf function in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - This study addressed whether the winter annual Arabidopsis thaliana can adjust
      foliar phloem and xylem anatomy both differentially and in parallel. In plants
      acclimated to hot vs cool temperature, foliar minor vein xylem-to-phloem ratio
      was greater, whereas xylem and phloem responded concomitantly to growth light
      intensity. Across all growth conditions, xylem anatomy correlated with
      transpiration rate, while phloem anatomy correlated with photosynthetic capacity
      for two plant lines (wild-type Col-0 and tocopherol-deficient vte1 mutant)
      irrespective of tocopherol status. A high foliar vein density (VD) was associated
      with greater numbers and cross-sectional areas of both xylem and phloem cells per
      vein as well as higher rates of both photosynthesis and transpiration under high
      vs low light intensities. Under hot vs cool temperature, high foliar VD was
      associated with a higher xylem-to-phloem ratio and greater relative rates of
      transpiration to photosynthesis. Tocopherol status affected development of foliar
      vasculature as dependent on growth environment. The most notable impact of
      tocopherol deficiency was seen under hot growth temperature, where the vte1
      mutant exhibited greater numbers of tracheary elements (TEs) per vein, a greater
      ratio of TEs to sieve elements, with smaller individual sizes of TEs, and
      resulting similar total areas of TEs per vein and transpiration rates compared
      with Col-0 wild-type. These findings illustrate the plasticity of foliar vascular
      anatomy acclimation to growth environment resulting from independent adjustments
      of the vasculature's components.

PMID- 28074486
TI  - Introduction of steered molecular dynamics into UNRES coarse-grained simulations
      package.
AB  - In this article, an implementation of steered molecular dynamics (SMD) in coarse
      grain UNited RESidue (UNRES) simulations package is presented. Two variants of
      SMD have been implemented: with a constant force and a constant velocity. The
      huge advantage of SMD implementation in the UNRES force field is that it allows
      to pull with the speed significantly lower than the accessible pulling speed in
      simulations with all-atom representation of a system, with respect to a
      reasonable computational time. Therefore, obtaining pulling speed closer to those
      which appear in the atomic force spectroscopy is possible. The newly implemented
      method has been tested for behavior in a microcanonical run to verify the
      influence of introduction of artificial constrains on keeping total energy of the
      system. Moreover, as time dependent artificial force was introduced, the
      thermostat behavior was tested. The new method was also tested via unfolding of
      the Fn3 domain of human contactin 1 protein and the I27 titin domain. Obtained
      results were compared with Go-like force field, all-atom force field, and
      experimental results. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28074487
TI  - Higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with greater odds of remission
      with anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha medications among patients with
      inflammatory bowel diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has been linked to disease activity among patients with
      inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Prior investigation has also suggested that
      vitamin D levels may affect duration of therapy with anti-tumour necrosis factor
      alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) medications among patients with IBD. AIM: To evaluate the
      relationship between vitamin D levels and odds of reaching remission while on an
      anti-TNF-alpha medication. METHODS: A total of 521 IBD patients enrolled in the
      Brigham and Women's IBD Centre database were eligible for inclusion. Patients
      treated with anti-TNF-alpha therapy who had vitamin D levels drawn within 6
      months prior or 2 weeks after initiation of anti-TNF-alpha medication and who had
      reported remission status at 3 months were included. A logistic regression model
      adjusting for age, gender, IBD diagnosis, anti-TNF-alpha medication (infliximab
      vs. adalimumab) and first or subsequent anti-TNF-alpha medication was used to
      identify the effect of vitamin D level on initial response to anti-TNF-alpha
      therapy. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients were included in the final analysis. On
      logistic regression, patients with normal vitamin D levels n = 122 at the time of
      anti-TNF-alpha medication initiation had a 2.64 increased odds of remission at 3
      months compared to patients with low vitamin D levels n = 51 when controlling for
      age, gender, diagnosis, type of anti-TNF-alpha medication and first or subsequent
      anti-TNF-alpha medication (OR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.31-5.32, P = 0.0067).
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that vitamin D levels may influence initial
      response to anti-TNF-alpha medication and that low vitamin D levels may pre
      dispose patients to decreased odds of remission.

PMID- 28074488
TI  - Molecular "Sameness" Is the Key Guiding Principle for Extrapolation to Multiple
      Indications.
AB  - Much has been made of biosimilars as a new regulatory concept, yet it is clear
      that misunderstandings are widespread, including the scientific justification for
      use in all indications of the reference product or "extrapolation." However, as
      this article shows, biosimilarity and extrapolation are not new concepts and most
      patients being treated with a branded biologic have already received a similar
      version of the original reference biologic based on changes in the manufacturing
      process.

PMID- 28074490
TI  - Rationally Designed Blue Triplet Emitting Gold(III) Complexes Based on a
      Phenylpyridine-Derived Framework.
AB  - A series of blue-emitting phosphorescent mono-cyclometalated AuIII complexes have
      been successfully synthesized. Tailoring the substitutions on the phenylpyridine
      (ppy) ligand scaffold with electron-withdrawing fluorine groups on the phenyl
      ring to achieve stabilization of the HOMO and an electron-donating dimethylamino
      group on the pyridine ring to destabilize the LUMO resulted in a large energy gap
      and bestowed on the gold(III) complexes high-energy emission and high quantum
      efficiencies. The results of cyclic voltammetry studies suggested a predominantly
      redox event localized on the cyclometalated ligand. Thermogravimetric analysis of
      selected complexes revealed a high stability up to 280  degrees C, thus the
      complexes are suitable for device fabrication through vacuum-deposition.
      Photophysical investigations performed on all the derivatives revealed
      phosphorescence emission in neat solid, solution, doped in poly(methyl
      methacrylate) (PMMA) films at room temperature as well as in rigidified glass
      media (2-MeTHF) at 77 K. A high photoluminescent quantum efficiency of 28 % was
      obtained for a complex in PMMA, the highest quantum yield reported for a blue
      emitting gold(III) complex.

PMID- 28074489
TI  - A Novel NF-kappaB Inhibitor, Edasalonexent (CAT-1004), in Development as a
      Disease-Modifying Treatment for Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Phase
      1 Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics in Adult Subjects.
AB  - In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), NF-kappaB is activated in skeletal muscle
      from infancy regardless of the underlying dystrophin mutation and drives
      inflammation and muscle degeneration while inhibiting muscle regeneration.
      Edasalonexent (CAT-1004) is a bifunctional orally administered small molecule
      that covalently links 2 compounds known to inhibit NF-kappaB, salicylic acid and
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Edasalonexent is designed to inhibit activated NF
      kappaB upon intracellular cleavage to these bioactive components. Preclinical
      data demonstrate disease-modifying activity in DMD animal models. Three placebo
      controlled studies in adult subjects assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and
      pharmacodynamics of single or multiple edasalonexent doses up to 6000 mg. Seventy
      nine adult subjects received edasalonexent, and 25 received placebo.
      Pharmacokinetic results were consistent with the intracellular cleavage of
      edasalonexent to its active components. Food increased plasma exposures of
      edasalonexent and salicyluric acid, an intracellularly formed metabolite of
      salicylic acid. The NF-kappaB pathway and proteosome gene expression profiles in
      peripheral mononuclear cells were significantly decreased (P = .02 and P = .002,
      respectively) after 2 weeks of edasalonexent treatment. NF-kappaB activity was
      inhibited following a single dose of edasalonexent but not by equimolar doses of
      salicylic acid and DHA. Edasalonexent was well tolerated, and the most common
      adverse events were mild diarrhea and headache. In first-in-human studies,
      edasalonexent was safe, well tolerated, and inhibited activated NF-kappaB
      pathways, suggesting potential therapeutic utility in DMD regardless of the
      causative dystrophin mutation, as well as other NF-kappaB-mediated diseases.

PMID- 28074491
TI  - Parental influences on weight-related health behaviors in western and eastern
      cultures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excessive bodyweight contributes to a myriad of risk factors for
      chronic diseases, and multiple reports have demonstrated that parents influence
      the development of their children's behaviors that contribute to bodyweight.
      However, studies that include considerations for cultural influences are limited,
      and methodology that considers direct reports from young adults and their parents
      across cultures does not exist. METHODS: A sample of young adults (N = 327) and
      their parents in the U.S. and in China were recruited and completed a series of
      questionnaires in two cycles (2010 and 2014). With correlation and multiple
      regression analyses, parents' characteristics, behaviors, and parental authority
      styles were examined and compared to weight-related health behaviors and
      bodyweight of their young-adult children. Additionally, similarities and
      differences of parental influences between the two cultures were explored.
      RESULTS: Parents' body mass indexes (BMIs) and dietary behaviors were positively
      associated with those of their young adult children in the mixed-culture sample
      (P < .001 for both). When controlling for gender, at high levels of authoritarian
      and permissive parental authority, the relationships between young adults' and
      their parents' BMIs were negative for U.S. participants and positive for Chinese
      participants (P < .05 for both). Further, at high levels of authoritarian
      parenting, the relationship between young adults' and their parents' dietary
      consumption behaviors was negative for U.S. participants and positive for Chinese
      participants (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the
      development of life-long health behaviors that contribute to BMI are
      significantly influenced by parents' behaviors and parenting styles. Moreover, an
      interaction of parental characteristics and cultural norms is indicated.

PMID- 28074492
TI  - Confirmation of resting-state BOLD fluctuations in the human brainstem and spinal
      cord after identification and removal of physiological noise.
AB  - PURPOSE: Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) has been used to investigate
      networks within the cortex, but its use in the brainstem (BS) and spinal cord
      (SC) has been limited. This region presents challenges for fMRI, partly because
      of sources of physiological noise. This study aims to quantify noise
      contributions to rs-fMRI, and to obtain evidence of resting-state blood
      oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) fluctuations. METHODS: Resting-state-fMRI data
      were obtained from the BS/SC in 16 participants, at 3 Tesla, with T2 -weighted
      single-shot fast spin-echo imaging. The peripheral pulse, respiration, and
      expired CO2 were recorded continuously. Physiological noise was modeled from
      these recordings, movement parameters, and white matter regions. Model fits were
      then subtracted from the data. BOLD contributions were then investigated through
      connectivity. RESULTS: Bulk motion was the largest contributor to the signal
      variance (19% of the total), followed by cardiac-related motion (14%),
      nonspecific signal variations detected in white matter (10%), respiratory-related
      motion (2.6%), and end-tidal CO2 variations (0.7%). After noise was removed,
      significant left-right connectivity was detected in the SC dorsal horns and
      ventral horns. CONCLUSIONS: Resting-state BOLD fluctuations are demonstrated in
      the SC, as are the dominant noise contributions. These findings are an essential
      step toward establishing rs-fMRI in the BS/SC. Magn Reson Med 78:2149-2156, 2017.
      (c) 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28074494
TI  - An Insight into the Interface through Excited-State Carrier Dynamics for
      Promising Enhancement of Power Conversion Efficiency in a Mn-Doped CdZnSSe
      Gradient Alloy.
AB  - To explore the significance of impurity doping in power conversion efficiency,
      quaternary gradient CdZnSSe alloy nanocrystals (NCs) and its Mn-doped analogues
      were synthesized by high-temperature pyrolysis. The undoped and Mn-doped CdZnSSe
      alloy NCs have been characterized by employing high-resolution TEM, X-ray
      diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic
      resonance spectroscopy measurements. A low-temperature injection of chalcogens
      led to a gradient interface in the alloy, comprised of a CdSe/CdS/ZnSe/ZnS
      nanostructure. Both steady-state and ultrafast time-resolved absorption studies
      suggested the formation of a charge-transfer (CT) state due to the inner quasi
      type II CdSe/CdS part of the gradient CdZnSSe alloy NCs, in which electrons are
      delocalized throughout the conduction band (CB) of both CdSe and CdS. The CT
      state bleach recovery kinetics gave an additional slow electron cooling component
      (8 ps) in the undoped alloy NCs, which has been assigned to electron
      equilibration in the delocalized CB before recombination (or trapping).
      Interestingly, in the presence of dopant Mn, the slow electron cooling component
      became even more sluggish at 10 ps due to Mn-mediated electron cooling, in which
      Mn acts as an electron storage center. An unprecedented increase in the
      photocurrent conversion efficiency (PCE) of approximately 30 % from (3.3+/-0.11)
      to (4.29+/-0.07) % was observed in the Mn-doped gradient alloy compared with the
      undoped alloy.

PMID- 28074493
TI  - AMPK does not play a requisite role in regulation of PPARGC1A gene expression via
      the alternative promoter in endurance-trained human skeletal muscle.
AB  - NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? This study was designed
      to investigate the role of AMPK in the regulation of PGC-1alpha gene expression
      via the alternative promoter through a cAMP response element-binding protein-1
      dependent mechanism in human skeletal muscle. What is the main finding and its
      importance? Low-intensity exercise markedly increased the expression of PGC
      1alpha mRNA via the alternative promoter, without increases in ACCSer79/222 (a
      marker of AMPK activation) and AMPKThr172 phosphorylation. A single dose of the
      AMPK activator metformin indicated that AMPK was not involved in regulating PGC
      1alpha mRNA expression via the alternative promoter in endurance-trained human
      skeletal muscle. In human skeletal muscle, PGC-1alpha is constitutively expressed
      via the canonical promoter. In contrast, the expression of PGC-1alpha mRNA via
      the alternative promoter was found to be highly dependent on the intensity of
      exercise and to contribute largely to the postexercise increase of total PGC
      1alpha mRNA. This study investigated the role of AMPK in regulating PGC-1alpha
      gene expression via the alternative promoter through a cAMP response element
      binding protein-1-dependent mechanism in human skeletal muscle. AMPK activation
      and PGC-1alpha gene expression were assayed in skeletal muscle of nine endurance
      trained men before and after low-intensity exercise (38% of maximal oxygen
      uptake) and with or without administration of a single dose (2 g) of the AMPK
      activator metformin. Low-intensity exercise markedly and significantly increased
      (~100-fold, P < 0.05) the expression of PGC-1alpha mRNA via the alternative
      promoter, without increasing ACCSer79/222 (a marker of AMPK activation) and
      AMPKThr172 phosphorylation. Moreover, in contrast to placebo, metformin increased
      the level of ACCSer79/222 phosphorylation immediately after exercise (2.6-fold, P
      < 0.05). However postexercise expression of PGC-1alpha gene via the alternative
      promoter was not affected. This study was unable to confirm that AMPK plays a
      role in regulating PGC-1alpha gene expression via the alternative promoter in
      endurance-trained human skeletal muscle.

PMID- 28074495
TI  - Comparison of Medicaid Payments Relative to Medicare Using Inpatient Acute Care
      Claims from the Medicaid Program: Fiscal Year 2010-Fiscal Year 2011.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) inpatient hospital payments
      to expected Medicare payments. DATA SOURCES: Medicaid and Medicare claims data,
      Medicare's MS-DRG grouper and inpatient prospective payment system pricer (IPPS
      pricer). STUDY DESIGN: Medicaid FFS inpatient hospital claims were run through
      Medicare's MS-DRG grouper and IPPS pricer to compare Medicaid's actual payment
      against what Medicare would have paid for the same claim. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Average inpatient hospital claim payments for Medicaid were 68.8 percent of what
      Medicare would have paid in fiscal year 2010, and 69.8 percent in fiscal year
      2011. Including Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH), graduate medical
      education (GME), and supplemental payments reduces a substantial proportion of
      the gap between Medicaid and Medicare payments. CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid payments
      relative to expected Medicare payments tend to be lower and vary by state
      Medicaid program, length of stay, and whether payments made outside of the
      Medicaid claims process are included.

PMID- 28074496
TI  - Passages 2017.

PMID- 28074497
TI  - In vivo imaging of the progression of acute lung injury using hyperpolarized [1
      13 C] pyruvate.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate pulmonary metabolic alterations during progression of
      acute lung injury. METHODS: Using hyperpolarized [1-13 C] pyruvate imaging, we
      measured pulmonary lactate and pyruvate in 15 ventilated rats 1, 2, and 4 h after
      initiation of mechanical ventilation. Lung compliance was used as a marker for
      injury progression. 5 untreated rats were used as controls; 5 rats (injured-1)
      received 1 ml/kg and another 5 rats (injured-2) received 2 ml/kg hydrochloric
      acid (pH 1.25) in the trachea at 70 min. RESULTS: The mean lactate-to-pyruvate
      ratio of the injured-1 cohort was 0.15 +/- 0.02 and 0.15 +/- 0.03 at baseline and
      1 h after the injury, and significantly increased from the baseline value 3 h
      after the injury to 0.23 +/- 0.02 (P = 0.002). The mean lactate-to-pyruvate ratio
      of the injured-2 cohort decreased from 0.14 +/- 0.03 at baseline to 0.08 +/- 0.02
      1 h after the injury and further decreased to 0.07 +/- 0.02 (P = 0.08) 3 h after
      injury. No significant change was observed in the control group. Compliance in
      both injured groups decreased significantly after the injury (P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that in severe cases of lung injury, edema and
      hyperperfusion in the injured lung tissue may complicate interpretation of the
      pulmonary lactate-to-pyruvate ratio as a marker of inflammation. However,
      combining the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio with pulmonary compliance provides more
      insight into the progression of the injury and its severity. Magn Reson Med
      78:2106-2115, 2017. (c) 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in
      Medicine.

PMID- 28074499
TI  - Eye coloboma and complex cardiac malformations belong to the clinical spectrum of
      PUF60 variants.

PMID- 28074498
TI  - Imaging and T2 relaxometry of short-T2 connective tissues in the knee using
      ultrashort echo-time double-echo steady-state (UTEDESS).
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a radial, double-echo steady-state (DESS) sequence with ultra
      short echo-time (UTE) capabilities for T2 measurement of short-T2 tissues along
      with simultaneous rapid, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)-efficient, and high
      isotropic-resolution morphological knee imaging. METHODS: THe 3D radial UTE
      readouts were incorporated into DESS, termed UTEDESS. Multiple-echo-time UTEDESS
      was used for performing T2 relaxometry for short-T2 tendons, ligaments, and
      menisci; and for Dixon water-fat imaging. In vivo T2 estimate repeatability and
      SNR efficiency for UTEDESS and Cartesian DESS were compared. The impact of coil
      combination methods on short-T2 measurements was evaluated by means of
      simulations. UTEDESS T2 measurements were compared with T2 measurements from
      Cartesian DESS, multi-echo spin-echo (MESE), and fast spin-echo (FSE). RESULTS:
      UTEDESS produced isotropic resolution images with high SNR efficiency in all
      short-T2 tissues. Simulations and experiments demonstrated that sum-of-squares
      coil combinations overestimated short-T2 measurements. UTEDESS measurements of
      meniscal T2 were comparable to DESS, MESE, and FSE measurements while the tendon
      and ligament measurements were less biased than those from Cartesian DESS.
      Average UTEDESS T2 repeatability variation was under 10% in all tissues.
      CONCLUSION: The T2 measurements of short-T2 tissues and high-resolution
      morphological imaging provided by UTEDESS makes it promising for studying the
      whole knee, both in routine clinical examinations and longitudinal studies. Magn
      Reson Med 78:2136-2148, 2017. (c) 2017 International Society for Magnetic
      Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28074500
TI  - Level of environmental threat posed by horticultural trade in Cactaceae.
AB  - Ornamental horticulture has been identified as an important threat to plant
      biodiversity and is a major pathway for plant invasions worldwide. In this
      context, the family Cactaceae is particularly challenging because it is
      considered the fifth most threatened large taxonomic group in the world; several
      species are among the most widespread and damaging invasive species; and
      Cactaceae is one of the most popular horticultural plant groups. Based on the
      Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
      and the 11 largest online auction sites selling cacti, we documented the
      international cactus trade. To provide an in-depth look at the dynamics of the
      industry, we surveyed the businesses involved in the cactus trade in South Africa
      (a hotspot of cactus trade and invasions). We purchased seeds of every available
      species and used DNA barcoding to identify species to the genus level. Although
      <20% of this trade involved threatened species and <3% involved known invasive
      species, many species were identified by a common name. However, only 0.02% of
      the globally traded cacti were collected from wild populations. Despite a large
      commercial network, all South African imports (of which 15% and 1.5% were of
      species listed as threatened and invasive, respectively) came from the same
      source. With DNA barcoding, we identified 24% of the species to genus level.
      Based on our results, we believe that if trade restrictions are placed on the
      small proportion of cacti that are invasive and there is no major increase in
      harvesting of native populations, then the commercial trade in cactus poses a
      negligible environmental threat. However, there are currently no effective
      methods for easily identifying which cacti are traded, and both the illicit
      harvesting of cacti from the wild and the informal trade in invasive taxa pose on
      going conservation challenges.

PMID- 28074501
TI  - Synthesis and Physical Properties of Strained Doubly Phosphorus-Bridged Biaryls
      and Viologens.
AB  - New P/N-containing pi-electron systems comprising fully planar biaryl arrays are
      synthesized by multiple radical phosphanylation. The biaryl moiety in these
      highly strained planar pi-systems is rigidified by double P-bridging. The
      electronic properties of the core biaryl entity are varied by introducing N-donor
      substituents or by installing N-atoms within the pi-system, thereby moving to the
      viologen core structure. The electrochemical and photophysical properties of
      these compounds are discussed and compared with those of related systems.

PMID- 28074502
TI  - Seedless Synthesis of Monodispersed Gold Nanorods with Remarkably High Yield:
      Synergistic Effect of Template Modification and Growth Kinetics Regulation.
AB  - Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are versatile materials due to their broadly tunable
      optical properties associated with their anisotropic feature. Conventional seed
      mediated synthesis is, however, not only limited by the operational complexity
      and over-sensitivity towards subtle changes of experimental conditions but also
      suffers from low yield (~15 %). A facile seedless method is reported to overcome
      these challenges. Monodispersed AuNRs with high yield (~100 %) and highly
      adjustable longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are reproducibly
      synthesized. The parameters that influence the AuNRs growth were thoroughly
      investigated in terms of growth kinetics and soft-template regulation, offering a
      better understanding of the template-based mechanism. The facile synthesis, broad
      tunability of LSRP, high reproducibility, high yield, and ease of scale-up make
      this method promising for the future mass production of monodispersed AuNRs for
      applications in catalysis, sensing, and biomedicine.

PMID- 28074503
TI  - Bioorthogonal Diversification of Peptides through Selective Ruthenium(II)
      Catalyzed C-H Activation.
AB  - Methods for the chemoselective modification of amino acids and peptides are
      powerful techniques in biomolecular chemistry. Among other applications, they
      enable the total synthesis of artificial peptides. In recent years, significant
      momentum has been gained by exploiting palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling for
      peptide modification. Despite major advances, the prefunctionalization elements
      on the coupling partners translate into undesired byproduct formation and lengthy
      synthetic operations. In sharp contrast, we herein illustrate the unprecedented
      use of versatile ruthenium(II)carboxylate catalysis for the step-economical late
      stage diversification of alpha- and beta-amino acids, as well as peptides,
      through chemo-selective C-H arylation under racemization-free reaction
      conditions. The ligand-accelerated C-H activation strategy proved water-tolerant
      and set the stage for direct fluorescence labelling as well as various modes of
      peptide ligation with excellent levels of positional selectivity in a
      bioorthogonal fashion. The synthetic utility of our approach is further
      demonstrated by twofold C-H arylations for the complexity-increasing assembly of
      artificial peptides within a multicatalytic C-H activation manifold.

PMID- 28074504
TI  - Letter: Helicobacter pylori-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with
      concomitant metabolic syndrome as risk factor for colorectal neoplasia.

PMID- 28074505
TI  - Letter: Helicobacter pylori-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with
      concomitant metabolic syndrome as risk factor for colorectal neoplasia - authors'
      reply.

PMID- 28074506
TI  - Editorial: treating the liver to treat the kidney in non-alcoholic
      steatohepatitis - authors' reply.

PMID- 28074508
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28074507
TI  - Letter: levofloxacin resistance - a challenge for the treatment of Helicobacter
      pylori infection.

PMID- 28074509
TI  - Editorial: volatile organic compounds in irritable bowel syndrome - technology
      for an accurate and reliable point-of-care test?

PMID- 28074510
TI  - Editorial: ultrasound surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma in the 21st
      century - authors' reply.

PMID- 28074511
TI  - Editorial: direct acting antivirals - not the be-all and end-all in HIV/HCV co
      infection. Authors' reply.

PMID- 28074512
TI  - Editorial: ultrasound surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma in the 21st
      century.

PMID- 28074513
TI  - Editorial: direct-acting anti-virals - not the be-all and end-all in HIV/HCV co
      infection.

PMID- 28074514
TI  - Editorial: increased expression of nerve growth factor correlates with visceral
      hypersensitivity and impaired gut barrier function in diarrhoea-predominant
      irritable bowel syndrome.

PMID- 28074515
TI  - Letter: need to re-evaluate non-invasive markers for staging fibrosis in chronic
      delta hepatitis.

PMID- 28074516
TI  - Letter: need to re-evaluate non-invasive markers for staging fibrosis in chronic
      delta hepatitis - authors' reply.

PMID- 28074517
TI  - Editorial: treating the liver to treat the kidney in non-alcoholic
      steatohepatitis.

PMID- 28074518
TI  - Editorial: increased expression of nerve growth factor correlates with visceral
      hypersensitivity and impaired gut barrier function in diarrhoea-predominant
      irritable bowel syndrome. Authors' reply.

PMID- 28074519
TI  - Letter: levofloxacin resistance - a challenge for treatment of Helicobacter
      pylori infection. Authors' reply.

PMID- 28074520
TI  - Assessing the accuracy of opioid overdose and poisoning codes in diagnostic
      information from electronic health records, claims data, and death records.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess positive predictive value (PPV),
      relative to medical chart review, of International Classification of Diseases
      (ICD)-9/10 diagnostic codes for identifying opioid overdoses and poisonings.
      METHODS: Data were obtained from Kaiser Permanente Northwest and Northern
      California. Diagnostic data from electronic health records, submitted claims, and
      state death records from Oregon, Washington, and California were linked.
      Individual opioid-related poisoning codes (e.g., 965.xx and X42), and adverse
      effects of opioids codes (e.g., E935.xx) combined with diagnoses possibly
      indicative of overdoses (e.g., respiratory depression), were evaluated by
      comparison with chart audits. RESULTS: Opioid adverse effects codes had low PPV
      to detect overdoses (13.4%) as assessed in 127 charts and were not pursued.
      Instead, opioid poisoning codes were assessed in 2100 individuals who had those
      codes present in electronic health records in the period between the years 2008
      and 2012. Of these, 10/2100 had no available information and 241/2100 were
      excluded potentially as anesthesia-related. Among the 1849 remaining individuals
      with opioid poisoning codes, 1495 events were accurately identified as opioid
      overdoses; 69 were miscodes or misidentified, and 285 were opioid adverse
      effects, not overdoses. Thus, PPV was 81%. Opioid adverse effects or overdoses
      were accurately identified in 1780 of 1849 events (96.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Opioid
      poisoning codes have a predictive value of 81% to identify opioid overdoses,
      suggesting ICD opioid poisoning codes can be used to monitor overdose rates and
      evaluate interventions to reduce overdose. Further research to assess
      sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value are ongoing. Copyright
      (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28074521
TI  - Assessment of the effectiveness of topical propranolol 4% gel for infantile
      hemangiomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common vascular tumors in
      children. Because of their benign character and natural involution, the vast
      majority of IHs do not require any treatment. In the past few years, topical beta
      blockers have been reported to be an effective treatment of superficial IHs.
      OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of
      topical propranolol 4% gel for the treatment of IHs. METHODS: A retrospective
      study of all cases of IHs treated with topical propranolol 4% gel between 2013
      and 2015 was performed. All patients were evaluated in a pediatric dermatology
      unit of a tertiary medical center. Epidemiologic, clinical, and treatment data,
      including effectiveness score and safety, were reviewed. RESULTS: The study
      included 63 patients with a total of 75 IHs. Of the total number of IHs, 43
      (57.3%) showed a good response to treatment, 19 (25.3%) a partial response, and
      13 (17.33%) poor or no response, thus 62 (82.6%) had good or partial response to
      treatment. Age at treatment initiation, treatment time, thickness of the
      superficial component, and size of the lesions were shown to predict response to
      therapy. Out of the entire examined group, only two patients reported minor local
      side effects manifested by irritation, redness, and scaling of the treated area.
      No systemic adverse effects were reported. LIMITATIONS: This is an uncontrolled
      retrospective study. CONCLUSION: Propranolol 4% gel is a safe and efficient
      topical therapy for IH.

PMID- 28074522
TI  - Protective effects of tacalcitol against oxidative damage in human epidermal
      melanocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative damage may lead to the dysfunction of melanocytes (MCs) and
      is one of the causative mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
      OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of the
      vitamin D3 analog tacalcitol on oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2
      O2 ) in human epidermal MCs. METHODS: Human epidermal MCs were cultured and
      identified by l-DOPA staining and HMB-45 immunohistochemical staining. The model
      of oxidative damage induced by H2 O2 was established, and the cells were treated
      with tacalcitol. The viability of MCs was determined using an MTS assay.
      Morphological changes in cell dendrites were observed by microscopy, and the rate
      of change of dendrites was calculated. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in
      MCs was determined using immunofluorescence microscopy. Superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in MCs were determined using the
      WST-1 and TBA methods, respectively. RESULTS: In comparison with the control
      group, the viability of MCs and SOD activity were significantly decreased in the
      H2 O2 group (P < 0.05) and significantly increased in the tacalcitol group (P <
      0.05). In comparison with the control group, the rate of change of cell dendrites
      and levels of ROS and MDA were significantly increased in the H2 O2 group (P <
      0.05) and significantly decreased in the tacalcitol group (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Tacalcitol can reduce oxidative damage induced by H2 O2 in MCs by
      inhibiting intracellular ROS overproduction, increasing SOD activity, and
      decreasing the level of MDA, thereby reducing cell apoptosis.

PMID- 28074523
TI  - Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumors, lentigines, and cafe-au-lait macules
      associated with germline c-kit mutation treated with imatinib.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Familial lentiginosis syndromes are characterized by a wide array of
      manifestations resulting from activation of molecular pathways which control
      growth, proliferation, and differentiation of a broad range of tissues. Familial
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are often accompanied by additional
      features like hyperpigmentation, mastocytosis, and dysphagia. They have been
      described with mutations in c-kit (most commonly), platelet-derived growth factor
      receptor A, neurofibromatosis-1, and succinate dehydrogenase genes. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We report on molecular characterization and tumor histopathology of two
      siblings in whom lentigines and cafe-au-lait macules were present along with
      multifocal GIST. Immuhistochemical analysis of CD34 and CD117 was performed on
      GIST biopsy samples from both siblings, while c-kit mutational analysis was done
      by PCR and direct sequencing on DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes of all
      family members and from paraffin-embedded gastric biopsy specimens of affected
      siblings. RESULTS: Histopathology revealed positive expression of CD117 and CD34.
      Mutational analysis showed the germline c.1676T>C mutation in c-kit exon 11,
      (p.(Val559Ala)), in the peripheral blood of both siblings and a second exon 11
      mutation, c.1669T>A (p.(Trp557Arg)) in the tumor biopsy of one of them.
      Initiation of imatinib treatment resulted in striking resolution of their
      hyperpigmentation and a stable gastrointestinal disease in one of them.
      CONCLUSIONS: A c-kit mutational test in familial GISTs is indicated before
      initiation of imatinib therapy, as it can help predict tumor response to
      treatment.

PMID- 28074524
TI  - Trichoscopic clues for diagnosis of alopecia areata and trichotillomania in
      Asians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trichoscopy has become a useful diagnostic tool for various hair and
      scalp diseases, including alopecia areata (AA) and trichotillomania (TTM), which
      are sometimes difficult to distinguish clinically. OBJECTIVES: To describe
      trichoscopic findings of AA and TTM in an Asian population and to establish
      diagnostic clues for these conditions. METHODS: Trichoscopy was performed with a
      handheld dermoscope in 52 patients diagnosed with AA and 23 patients diagnosed
      with TTM. Trichoscopic images were then blindly evaluated. RESULTS: The
      trichoscopic features more frequently observed in AA than in TTM included
      exclamation mark hairs (AA 59.6%, TTM 26.1%), tapered hairs (AA 59.6%, TTM 4.3%),
      yellow dots (AA 46.2%, TTM 21.7%), and angulated hairs (AA 26.9%, TTM 0%) (P <
      0.05). On the other hand, broken hairs of different lengths (TTM 100%, AA 3.8%),
      trichoptilosis (TTM 78.3%, AA 5.8%), V-sign (TTM 43.5%, AA 3.8%), flame hairs
      (TTM 43.5%, AA 0%), and hair powder (TTM 13%, AA 1.9%) were more commonly
      demonstrated in TTM than in AA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exclamation mark hairs
      indicate a diagnosis of AA but not pathognomonic. In addition, angulated hairs,
      fractured hairs forming a sharp angle along the hair shaft, appear to be typical
      for AA in Asians when differentiating from TTM. It is important to consider
      various trichoscopic findings together to establish the diagnosis of AA or TTM.

PMID- 28074525
TI  - Efficacy of superficial cryotherapy on the eyebrows of patients with alopecia
      universalis also treated with contact immunotherapy on the scalp: a prospective,
      split-face comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few treatment modalities are available for treating alopecia areata
      (AA) of the eyebrow. Due to the anatomical proximity of the eyebrows to the eyes,
      safety issues and side effects should always be taken into consideration when
      choosing the treatment modality. This study was designed to examine the efficacy
      of superficial cryotherapy on patients with AA of the eyebrow. METHODS:
      Superficial cryotherapy was performed every other week on the right eyebrow (SC
      treated) in a total of 20 patients who had been previously treated with
      diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) immunotherapy on the scalp. No specific treatment
      was performed on the left eyebrows as a control. The degree of eyebrow recovery
      was compared in 15 patients who continued to receive more than 10 superficial
      cryotherapy treatments (5 months of treatment) on their right eyebrow. RESULTS:
      Hair density was significantly increased on both treated and control eyebrows
      after 5 months of treatment compared with the pretreatment density; moreover, the
      SC-treated eyebrows exhibited a significantly greater increase in density than
      the control eyebrows. Although hair thickness in the control eyebrows did not
      change significantly over the treatment period, hair thickness of the SC-treated
      eyebrows showed a statistically significant increase at months 3 and 5.
      CONCLUSIONS: Superficial cryotherapy is associated with minimal to no adverse
      events and exhibits high compliance and relatively good efficacy. Thus, this
      treatment is an important additional option for patients with AA of the eyebrow.

PMID- 28074526
TI  - Risk factors for nonmelanoma skin cancer in renal transplant recipients: a case
      control study from a reference outpatient clinic in Southeast Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common tumor in humans,
      and its incidence increases among renal transplant recipients (RTRs). The aims of
      this study were to characterize the RTRs with NMSC, to identify risk factors, and
      to calculate the probability of this tumor in this population. METHODS: This was
      a hospital-based case-control study. Epidemiological and clinical variables were
      evaluated. Hierarchical logistic regression was used, and a mathematical model
      was built. RESULTS: In total, 245 subjects were included. Possible associations
      were identified using a univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified
      risk factors with respective odds ratios and confidence intervals (95% CI): males
      2.5 (1.3-4.7), age over 50 years 5.4 (2.3-12.9), Fitzpatrick's skin phototypes I
      III 3.7 (1.6-8.7), occupational sun exposure 4.1 (2.1-8.1), timetable of
      recreational sun exposure all day 3.0 (1.4-6.1), and duration of transplantation
      (80 months or more) 3.3 (1.6-6.5). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the receiver
      operating characteristics curve showed a strong fit and accuracy, respectively.
      The probability of an NMSC ranged from less than 1 to 92.5%. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study characterized the RTRs with NMSC and identified risk factors. The
      multivariate analysis by hierarchical logistic regression proved to be a useful
      tool and allowed for the determination of the probability of NMSC in this
      population.

PMID- 28074527
TI  - Narcissus' reflection: toxic ingredients in cosmetics through the ages.

PMID- 28074529
TI  - Epigenetic-mediated immune suppression of positive co-stimulatory molecules in
      chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - The immunological response against cancer is a critical balance between immune
      activating and immune-suppressing mechanisms. Ovarian cancer creates a
      suppressive microenvironment to escape immune elimination; however, the molecular
      mechanisms are poorly understood, and it is unclear whether chemotherapeutic
      drugs exert an immunoreactive or immunosuppressive effect on the tumor
      microenvironment. 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL/CD157) and OX-40 ligand (OX-40L/CD252) are
      important regulators of effector cytotoxic T-cells activity. This study
      demonstrates that expression of positive co-stimulatory molecules, OX-40L and 4
      1BBL, is suppressed while expression of immunosuppressive molecule programmed
      death ligand-1 (PD-L1/CD274) is enhanced in chemoresistant cells compared to
      parental chemosensitive ovarian cancer cells. Here, the molecular mechanisms of
      silencing of OX-40L and 4-1BBL expression were investigated in chemoresistant
      A2780-AD ovarian cancer cells. The suppression of OX-40L and 4-1BBL are due to
      DNA hypermethylation and histone deacetylation, two important mechanisms that
      contribute to gene silencing during cancer progression. We identify important
      epigenetic regulators, histone deacetylase 1/3 (HDAC1/HDAC3) and DNA
      methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), that exhibit aberrant association with OX-40L and 4
      1BBL promoters in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. Knockdown of HDAC1 or
      DNMT1 expression, and pharmacological inhibition of DNMT or HDAC enzymatic
      activity, significantly increase OX-40L and 4-1BBL expression in chemoresistant
      cells. This study suggests that loss of histone acetylation and accumulation of
      DNA methylation correlates with suppressed expression of OX-40L and 4-1BBL in
      chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. This study marks the first report of the
      regulation of these two molecules by histone deacetylation and DNA methylation in
      chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells.

PMID- 28074528
TI  - Respiratory motion prediction and prospective correction for free-breathing
      arterial spin-labeled perfusion MRI of the kidneys.
AB  - PURPOSE: Respiratory motion prediction using an artificial neural network (ANN)
      was integrated with pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) MRI to allow
      free-breathing perfusion measurements in the kidney. In this study, we evaluated
      the performance of the ANN to accurately predict the location of the kidneys
      during image acquisition. METHODS: A pencil-beam navigator was integrated with a
      pCASL sequence to measure lung/diaphragm motion during ANN training and the pCASL
      transit delay. The ANN algorithm ran concurrently in the background to predict
      organ location during the 0.7-s 15-slice acquisition based on the navigator data.
      The predictions were supplied to the pulse sequence to prospectively adjust the
      axial slice acquisition to match the predicted organ location. Additional
      navigators were acquired immediately after the multislice acquisition to assess
      the performance and accuracy of the ANN. The technique was tested in eight
      healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute
      error (MAE) for the eight volunteers were 1.91 +/- 0.17 mm and 1.43 +/- 0.17 mm,
      respectively, for the ANN. The RMSE increased with transit delay. The MAE
      typically increased from the first to last prediction in the image acquisition.
      The overshoot was 23.58% +/- 3.05% using the target prediction accuracy of +/- 1
      mm. CONCLUSION: Respiratory motion prediction with prospective motion correction
      was successfully demonstrated for free-breathing perfusion MRI of the kidney. The
      method serves as an alternative to multiple breathholds and requires minimal
      effort from the patient.

PMID- 28074530
TI  - Slice profile and B1 corrections in 2D magnetic resonance fingerprinting.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to characterize and improve the accuracy of 2D
      magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) scans in the presence of slice profile
      (SP) and B1 imperfections, which are two main factors that affect quantitative
      results in MRF. METHODS: The SP and B1 imperfections are characterized and
      corrected separately. The SP effect is corrected by simulating the radiofrequency
      pulse in the dictionary, and the B1 is corrected by acquiring a B1 map using the
      Bloch-Siegert method before each scan. The accuracy, precision, and repeatability
      of the proposed method are evaluated in phantom studies. The effects of both SP
      and B1 imperfections are also illustrated and corrected in the in vivo studies.
      RESULTS: The SP and B1 corrections improve the accuracy of the T1 and T2 values,
      independent of the shape of the radiofrequency pulse. The T1 and T2 values
      obtained from different excitation patterns become more consistent after
      corrections, which leads to an improvement of the robustness of the MRF design.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that MRF is sensitive to both SP and B1
      effects, and that corrections can be made to improve the accuracy of MRF with
      only a 2-s increase in acquisition time. Magn Reson Med 78:1781-1789, 2017. (c)
      2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28074531
TI  - Antibiotic use during infectious episodes in the first 6 months of anticancer
      treatment-A Swedish cohort study of children aged 7-16 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children undergoing cancer therapy are at risk for infectious
      complications that require hospitalization and antimicrobial therapy. Host
      factors such as age and underlying disease may predict the risk of severe
      infections in these children. To describe the increased morbidity due to
      infections in children with cancer, we characterized the antibiotic use during
      the infectious complications in a national cohort of children 7-16 years of age
      with cancer. PROCEDURE: Data on infectious complications were prospectively
      collected from the medical records of all newly diagnosed children with cancer,
      aged 7-16 years, in Sweden between 2004 and 2006. An episode of infection was
      defined as a period of time when oral or intravenous antimicrobial treatment was
      prescribed because of symptoms of infection. RESULTS: A total of 230 infectious
      episodes occurred in 80 of the 101 patients. Pathogens were isolated in 15% of
      the blood cultures that showed a predominance of Gram-positive bacteria.
      Intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics with cephalosporins and carbapenems were
      mostly used as single drugs but also in combination with aminoglycosides and
      glycopeptide. The median treatment length varied between 6 and 11 days depending
      on cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that infectious
      complications contribute significantly to morbidity in children with cancer aged
      7-16 years. At the time of this survey, antibiotic prescription patterns varied
      and cephalosporins and carbapenems were mostly used. With increasing antibiotic
      resistance, a more stringent antibiotic stewardship with less use of
      cephalosporins and carbapenems should be encouraged for children with cancer.
      Data on prescription patterns should be incorporated as a quality measurement in
      pediatric cancer care.

PMID- 28074532
TI  - Pathogenesis of developmental anomalies of the central nervous system induced by
      congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
AB  - In humans, the herpes virus family member cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most
      prevalent mediator of intrauterine infection-induced congenital defect. Central
      nervous system (CNS) dysfunction is a distinguishing symptom of CMV infection,
      and characterized by ventriculoencephalitis and microglial nodular encephalitis.
      Reports on the initial distribution of CMV particles and its receptors on the
      blood brain barrier (BBB) are rare. Nevertheless, several factors are suggested
      to affect CMV etiology. Viral particle size is the primary factor in determining
      the pattern of CNS infections, followed by the expression of integrin beta1 in
      endothelial cells, pericytes, meninges, choroid plexus, and neural stem
      progenitor cells (NSPCs), which are the primary targets of CMV infection. After
      initial infection, CMV disrupts BBB structural integrity to facilitate the spread
      of viral particles into parenchyma. Then, the initial meningitis and vasculitis
      eventually reaches NSPC-dense areas such as ventricular zone and subventricular
      zone, where viral infection inhibits NSPC proliferation and differentiation and
      results in neuronal cell loss. These cellular events clinically manifest as brain
      malformations such as a microcephaly. The purpose of this review is to clearly
      delineate the pathophysiological basis of congenital CNS anomalies caused by CMV.

PMID- 28074533
TI  - Netrin G1: its downregulation in the nucleus accumbens of cocaine-conditioned
      mice and genetic association in human cocaine dependence.
AB  - Netrin G1 is a presynaptic ligand involved in axonal projection. Although
      molecular mechanisms underlying cocaine addiction are still poorly understood,
      Netrin G1 might have a role as a regulator of anxiety, fear and spatial memory,
      behavioural traits impaired in the context of cocaine exposure. In this study,
      the Netrin G1 (Ntng1) expression was investigated in the nucleus accumbens of
      mice primarily conditioned to cocaine using a place preference paradigm. A
      genetic association study was then conducted on 146 multiplex families of the
      Collaborative study on Genetics of Alcoholism, in which seven single nucleotide
      polymorphisms located in the NTNG1 gene were genotyped. NTNG1 expression levels
      were also quantified in BA10, BA46 and the cerebellum of healthy controls (with
      no Axis 1 psychopathology). Decreased Ntng1 expression was initially observed in
      the nucleus accumbens of mice conditioned to cocaine. Significant genetic family
      based associations were detected between NTNG1 polymorphisms and cocaine
      dependence. NTNG1 expression in BA10, BA46 and the cerebellum, however, were not
      significantly associated with any allele or haplotype of this gene. These results
      confirm that Ntng1 expression is disturbed in the nucleus accumbens of mice,
      after cocaine conditioning. A haplotype of NTNG1 was found to constitute a
      vulnerability factor for cocaine use disorder in patients, although none of its
      single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with a differential expression
      pattern in healthy controls. The data suggest that change in the Ntng1 expression
      is a consequence of cocaine exposure, and that some of its genetic markers are
      associated with a greater risk for cocaine use disorder.

PMID- 28074534
TI  - Depolarizing gamma-aminobutyric acid contributes to glutamatergic network
      rewiring in epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rewiring of excitatory glutamatergic neuronal circuits is a major
      abnormality in epilepsy. Besides the rewiring of excitatory circuits, an abnormal
      depolarizing gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) drive has been hypothesized
      to participate in the epileptogenic processes. However, a remaining clinically
      relevant question is whether early post-status epilepticus (SE) evoked chloride
      dysregulation is important for the remodeling of aberrant glutamatergic neuronal
      circuits. METHODS: Osmotic minipumps were used to infuse intracerebrally a
      specific inhibitor of depolarizing GABAergic transmission as well as a
      functionally blocking antibody toward the pan-neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR
      ). The compounds were infused between 2 and 5 days after pilocarpine-induced SE.
      Immunohistochemistry for NKCC1, KCC2, and ectopic recurrent mossy fiber (rMF)
      sprouting as well as telemetric electroencephalographic and electrophysiological
      recordings were performed at day 5 and 2 months post-SE. RESULTS: Blockade of
      NKCC1 after SE with the specific inhibitor bumetanide restored NKCC1 and KCC2
      expression, normalized chloride homeostasis, and significantly reduced the
      glutamatergic rMF sprouting within the dentate gyrus. This mechanism partially
      involves p75NTR signaling, as bumetanide application reduced SE-induced p75NTR
      expression and functional blockade of p75NTR decreased rMF sprouting. The early
      transient (3 days) post-SE infusion of bumetanide reduced rMF sprouting and
      recurrent seizures in the chronic epileptic phase. INTERPRETATION: Our findings
      show that early post-SE abnormal depolarizing GABA and p75NTR signaling fosters a
      long-lasting rearrangement of glutamatergic network that contributes to the
      epileptogenic process. This finding defines promising and novel targets to
      constrain reactive glutamatergic network rewiring in adult epilepsy. Ann Neurol
      2017;81:251-265.

PMID- 28074535
TI  - Gene Ages, Nomenclatures, and Functional Diversification of the
      Methuselah/Methuselah-Like GPCR Family in Drosophila and Tribolium.
AB  - Affecting lifespan regulation and oxidative stress resistance, the G-protein
      coupled receptor (GPCR) gene methuselah (mth) plays important roles in the life
      history of Drosophila melanogaster. Substantial progress has been made in
      elucidating the molecular pathways by which mth affects these traits, yet
      conflicting ideas exist as to how old these genetic interactions are as well as
      how old the mth gene itself is. Root to these issues is the complex gene family
      history of the Mth/Mthl GPCR family, which experienced independent expansions in
      a variety of animal clades, leading to at least six subfamilies in insects.
      Within insects, drosophilid flies stand out by possessing up to three times more
      Mth/Mthl receptors due to the expansion of a single subfamily, the mth superclade
      subfamily, which contains an even younger subfamily introduced here as the
      melanogaster subgroup subfamily. As a result, most of the 16 Mth/Mthl receptors
      of D. melanogaster are characterized by n:1 orthology relationships to singleton
      mth superclade homologs in nondrosophilid species. This challenge is exacerbated
      by the inconsistent naming of Mth/Mthl orthologs across species. To consolidate
      this situation, we review established ortholog relationships among insect
      Mth/Mthl receptors, clarify the gene nomenclatures in two important satellite
      model species, the fruit fly relative D. virilis and the red flour beetle
      Tribolium castaneum, and discuss the genetic and functional evolution of the D.
      melanogaster Mth GPCR.

PMID- 28074536
TI  - Use of an intravenous sclerosing foam (3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate) for
      treatment of orbital varix in a dog.
AB  - A 6-month-old intact male Standard Dachshund was referred for evaluation of a
      soft tissue swelling above the right eye. Examination of the right eye revealed
      mild lateral deviation of the globe, normal vision, and a dorsonasal soft tissue
      swelling. Examination of the posterior segment was normal. Dual-phase computed
      tomography angiography was consistent with an orbital varix of the angularis
      oculi and right dorsal external ophthalmic veins with no evidence of arterial
      involvement. Treatment involved fluoroscopically guided coil embolization of the
      venous outflow with nine platinum microcoils, followed by sclerotherapy of the
      varix using 1.5 mL of 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam. Moderate-to-marked
      swelling was noted at the treatment site in the weeks following therapy, which
      gradually resolved. At final reexamination 3 months post-therapy, complete
      sclerosis and resolution of the orbital varix were documented. To the authors'
      knowledge, this is the first reported case involving the use of a sclerotic agent
      for successful treatment of a venous malformation in a dog.

PMID- 28074537
TI  - Neuroblastoma causes alterations of the intestinal microbiome, gut hormones,
      inflammatory cytokines, and bile acid composition.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of neuroblastoma (NB) on the intestinal
      microbiome, metabolism, and inflammatory parameters in a murine model. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Athymic Hsd:Fox1nu mice received subperitoneal implantation of human
      NB cells (MHH-NB11) (tumor group, TG) or culture medium (sham group). Following
      10 weeks of tumor growth, all animals were sacrificed to collect total white
      adipose tissue (WAT). Luminex assays were performed for gut hormone and
      inflammation marker analysis. Bile acids were measured by high-performance liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry in feces and serum. The microbiome of the ileal
      content was determined by 16S rDNA next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: At 10
      weeks, tumors masses in the TG reached a mean weight of 1.10 g (interquartile
      range 3.45 g) associated with a significant reduction in WAT. Furthermore, in the
      TG, there was a marked reduction in leptin and an increase in glucagon-like
      peptide 1 serum levels. Moreover, the TG mice displayed a pro-inflammatory
      profile, with significant increases in monocyte chemotactic protein 1, tumor
      necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-10. Lithocholic acid, deoxycholic acid,
      and ursodeoxycholic acid were significantly decreased in the stool of TG mice.
      Significant alterations of the intestinal microbiome were found in the ileal
      contents of the TG. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides a first glimpse that
      human NB in a murine model induces tumor cachexia associated with alterations in
      metabolic and inflammatory parameters, as well as changes in the intestinal
      microbiota. Since the intestinal microbiome is known to contribute to the host's
      ability to harvest energy, a favorable modulation of the intestinal microbiome in
      tumor patients could potentially represent a novel therapeutic target to prevent
      tumor-associated cachexia.

PMID- 28074538
TI  - Ultrasound biomicroscopy and tonometry in ophthalmologically normal pigeon eyes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and
      tonometry in pigeons and to provide biometric reference ranges for normal pigeon
      eyes. ANIMALS STUDIED: Ten pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) with
      ophthalmologically normal eyes. PROCEDURES: Ophthalmic examinations, including
      slit-lamp biomicroscopy and tonometry, were performed to confirm that the eyes
      were normal. UBM was then performed on the left eye. On each obtained image, the
      ciliary cleft (CC) length, CC width, and CC area, and iridocorneal angle (ICA)
      were measured. RESULTS: Richly vascularized iris was observed in all pigeon eyes.
      Mean intraocular pressure was 11.7 +/- 1.6 mmHg, without any statistical
      difference between the left and right eyes. The UBM scanning procedure was well
      tolerated in all pigeons. Mean values of CC length, CC width, CC area, and ICA
      were 1.55 +/- 0.17 mm, 0.36 +/- 0.05 mm, 0.39 +/- 0.04 mm2 , and 15.17 +/- 1.06
      degrees , respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy could be a useful
      diagnostic tool to evaluate anterior ocular segment of pigeons.

PMID- 28074539
TI  - Ritterostatin GN 1N , a Cephalostatin-Ritterazine Bis-steroidal Pyrazine Hybrid,
      Selectively Targets GRP78.
AB  - Natural products discovered by using agnostic approaches, unlike rationally
      designed leads or those obtained through high-throughput screening, offer the
      ability to reveal new biological pathways and, hence, serve as an important
      vehicle to unveil new avenues in drug discovery. The ritterazine-cephalostatin
      family of natural products displays robust and potent antitumor activities, with
      sub-nanomolar growth inhibition against multiple cell lines and potent activity
      in xenograft models. Herein, we used comparative cellular and molecular
      biological methods to uncover the ritterazine-cephalostatin cytotoxic mode of
      action (MOA) in human tumor cells. Our findings indicated that, whereas
      ritterostatin GN 1N , a cephalostatin-ritterazine hybrid, binds to multiple
      HSP70s, its cellular trafficking confines activity to the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER)-based HSP70 isoform, GRP78. This targeting results in activation of the
      unfolding protein response (UPR) and subsequent apoptotic cell death.

PMID- 28074541
TI  - Comparison of respiratory motion suppression techniques for 4D flow MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to assess the impact of respiratory motion
      and to compare methods for suppression of respiratory motion artifacts in 4D Flow
      MRI. METHODS: A numerical 3D aorta phantom was designed based on an aorta
      velocity field obtained by computational fluid mechanics. Motion-distorted 4D
      Flow MRI measurements were simulated and several different motion-suppression
      techniques were evaluated: Gating with fixed acceptance window size, gating with
      different window sizes in inner and outer k-space, and k-space reordering.
      Additionally, different spatial resolutions were simulated. RESULTS: Respiratory
      motion reduced the image quality. All motion-suppression techniques improved the
      data quality. Flow rate errors of up to 30% without gating could be reduced to
      less than 2.5% with the most successful motion suppression methods. Weighted
      gating and gating combined with k-space reordering were advantageous compared
      with conventional fixed-window gating. Spatial resolutions finer than the amount
      of accepted motion did not lead to improved results. CONCLUSION: Respiratory
      motion affects 4D Flow MRI data. Several different motion suppression techniques
      exist that are capable of reducing the errors associated with respiratory motion.
      Spatial resolutions finer than the degree of accepted respiratory motion do not
      result in improved data quality. Magn Reson Med 78:1877-1882, 2017. (c) 2017
      International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28074542
TI  - Do cultural factors still exert an impact on the suicide rate in Japan?

PMID- 28074540
TI  - Complications of percutaneous liver biopsy with Klatskin needles: a 36-year
      single-centre experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is the gold standard in evaluating liver diseases but is
      susceptible to complications. Safety data on aspiration needle biopsies remain
      limited. AIM: To evaluate the safety of percutaneous liver biopsy performed with
      Klatskin needle. METHODS: Clinical and biochemical data were retrospectively
      retrieved from sequential subjects who underwent liver biopsy with Klatskin
      needle from 1978 to 2015. Subjects with complications underwent thorough chart
      reviews for hospital course. RESULTS: Of 3357 biopsies performed, complications
      occurred in 135 (4%) biopsies with 33 (1%) resulting in major complications.
      Severe pain occurred in 78 (2.3%) subjects and bleeding occurred in 21 (0.6%)
      subjects. Biliary injury occurred in 8 (0.2%) biopsies. Three subjects died as a
      result of massive intraperitoneal bleeding. Compared to viral hepatitis, biopsies
      performed with certain diagnosis had significantly higher odds of major
      complications: NRH (OR: 17), DILI (OR: 20), GVHD (OR: 32) and HCC (OR: 34).
      Subjects with major complications had higher pre-biopsy median AP (153 vs. 78
      U/L, P < 0.001), ALT (105 vs. 64 U/L, P < 0.05), AST (62 vs. 47 U/L, P < 0.02),
      along with marginally lower total bilirubin (1.0 vs. 0.7 mg/dL, P < 0.01) and
      albumin (3.7 vs. 4.0 g/dL, P < 0.001). By multivariate backward logistic
      regression, platelets <=100 K/MUL and aPTT >35 were independent risk factors of
      post-biopsy bleeding. CONCLUSION: Klatskin needle liver biopsies are safe with
      rare procedural morbidity. Our data suggests certain acutely ill subjects and
      those with systemic illnesses may be at higher risk of major complications.
      Clinicians should weigh the risks and benefits of liver biopsy in these patients
      with other alternative approaches.

PMID- 28074543
TI  - Low distress tolerance predicts heightened drug seeking and taking after extended
      abstinence from cocaine self-administration.
AB  - Distress tolerance (DT), defined as the ability to persist in goal-directed
      behavior while experiencing psychological distress, is associated with greater
      frequency of substance use and poor treatment outcomes. To examine a potential
      causal role substance use may play in DT, we developed a rodent model of DT in
      which rats had to press a lever within a continuously decreasing time window for
      reward while receiving negative feedback on failure trials. DT was defined as the
      time rats continued to seek reward before quitting the task. We assessed the
      relationship of DT with cocaine seeking/taking by measuring DT before cocaine
      self-administration (SA), and after 1 week and 1 month of drug abstinence. We
      found that DT prior to cocaine SA did not predict cocaine seeking/taking, yet DT
      measured after 1 month abstinence significantly predicted subsequent high levels
      of early session cocaine taking. Additionally, high DT measured after abstinence
      protected against high cocaine seeking, but this protective effect was blocked in
      rats with high impulsivity. Finally, while a decrease in 1 month-abstinent DT was
      observed following SA across treatment conditions, among cocaine-exposed rats,
      greater cocaine SA correlated with a steeper decrease in DT. These results show
      that low DT after drug abstinence is associated with heightened levels of cocaine
      seeking and taking behavior and that impulsivity influences this effect.
      Collectively, these results support the validity of our rodent DT model while
      extending the human literature and set the foundation for future animal studies
      designed to determine neural mechanisms underlying DT.

PMID- 28074544
TI  - A message from the new editor in chief.

PMID- 28074545
TI  - Development and testing of a database of NIH research funding of AAPM members: A
      report from the AAPM Working Group for the Development of a Research Database
      (WGDRD).
AB  - PURPOSE: To produce and maintain a database of National Institutes of Health
      (NIH) funding of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)
      members, to perform a top-level analysis of these data, and to make these data
      (hereafter referred to as the AAPM research database) available for the use of
      the AAPM and its members. METHODS: NIH-funded research dating back to 1985 is
      available for public download through the NIH exporter website, and AAPM
      membership information dating back to 2002 was supplied by the AAPM. To link
      these two sources of data, a data mining algorithm was developed in Matlab. The
      false-positive rate was manually estimated based on a random sample of 100
      records, and the false-negative rate was assessed by comparing against 99 member
      supplied PI_ID numbers. The AAPM research database was queried to produce an
      analysis of trends and demographics in research funding dating from 2002 to 2015.
      RESULTS: A total of 566 PI_ID numbers were matched to AAPM members. False
      positive and -negative rates were respectively 4% (95% CI: 1-10%, N = 100) and
      10% (95% CI: 5-18%, N = 99). Based on analysis of the AAPM research database, in
      2015 the NIH awarded $USD 110M to members of the AAPM. The four NIH institutes
      which historically awarded the most funding to AAPM members were the National
      Cancer Institute, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering,
      National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, and National Institute of Neurological
      Disorders and Stroke. In 2015, over 85% of the total NIH research funding awarded
      to AAPM members was via these institutes, representing 1.1% of their combined
      budget. In the same year, 2.0% of AAPM members received NIH funding for a total
      of $116M, which is lower than the historic mean of $120M (in 2015 USD).
      CONCLUSIONS: A database of NIH-funded research awarded to AAPM members has been
      developed and tested using a data mining approach, and a top-level analysis of
      funding trends has been performed. Current funding of AAPM members is lower than
      the historic mean. The database will be maintained by members of the Working
      group for the development of a research database (WGDRD) on an annual basis, and
      is available to the AAPM, its committees, working groups, and members for
      download through the AAPM electronic content website. A wide range of questions
      regarding financial and demographic funding trends can be addressed by these
      data. This report has been approved for publication by the AAPM Science Council.

PMID- 28074547
TI  - A Pharmacokinetic and Safety Study of Trebananib, an Fc-Fusion Peptibody, in
      Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors and Varying Degrees of Renal Dysfunction.
AB  - Clearance of trebananib (AMG 386), a 64-kD antiangiogenic peptibody, has been
      associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We prospectively
      evaluated trebananib pharmacokinetics and safety/tolerability in advanced solid
      tumor patients with varying degrees of renal function. Patients were assigned to
      normal renal function, mild, moderate, or severe renal dysfunction cohorts based
      on eGFR, received trebananib 15 mg/kg i.v. weekly, and underwent week 1 and week
      5 pharmacokinetic and weekly safety assessments. For 28 patients, trebananib
      clearance decreased from normal renal function (1.52 mL/hr/kg), to mild (1.20
      mL/hr/kg), moderate (0.79 mL/hr/kg), and severe (0.53 mL/hr/kg) renal dysfunction
      (P <= 0.001). Treatment-related adverse events showed no association with
      clearance. Trebananib clearance was proportional to eGFR and unrelated to
      pretreatment protein excretion. These data confirm a role for renal clearance of
      a recombinant peptibody with molecular weight <69 kD and support a longer dosing
      interval for patients with severe renal dysfunction.

PMID- 28074546
TI  - Hypoxia and cellular metabolism in tumour pathophysiology.
AB  - Cancer cells are optimised for growth and survival via an ability to outcompete
      normal cells in their microenvironment. Many of these advantageous cellular
      adaptations are promoted by the pathophysiological hypoxia that arises in solid
      tumours due to incomplete vascularisation. Tumour cells are thus faced with the
      challenge of an increased need for nutrients to support the drive for
      proliferation in the face of a diminished extracellular supply. Among the many
      modifications occurring in tumour cells, hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) act as
      essential drivers of key pro-survival pathways via the promotion of numerous
      membrane and cytosolic proteins. Here we focus our attention on two areas: the
      role of amino acid uptake and the handling of metabolic acid (CO2 /H+ )
      production. We provide evidence for a number of hypoxia-induced proteins that
      promote cellular anabolism and regulation of metabolic acid-base levels in tumour
      cells including amino-acid transporters (LAT1), monocarboxylate transporters, and
      acid-base regulating carbonic anhydrases (CAs) and bicarbonate transporters
      (NBCs). Emphasis is placed on current work manipulating multiple CA isoforms and
      NBCs, which is at an interesting crossroads of gas physiology as they are
      regulated by hypoxia to contribute to the cellular handling of CO2 and pHi
      regulation. Our research combined with others indicates that targeting of HIF
      regulated membrane proteins in tumour cells will provide promising future anti
      cancer therapeutic approaches and we suggest strategies that could be potentially
      used to enhance these tactics.

PMID- 28074548
TI  - Annual Report of the Perinatology Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and
      Gynecology, 2015: Proposal of urgent measures to reduce maternal deaths.
AB  - Perinatal care in Japan has progressed rapidly in recent decades, remarkably
      reducing maternal, perinatal and neonatal mortality rates. This is attributable
      not only to the sustained efforts and dedication of past obstetricians and
      midwives, but also to the collective results achieved by the Japan Society of
      Obstetrics and Gynecology and healthcare administration, including research on
      advanced medical care, education, medical care improvements and establishing
      perinatal care centers. Although the maternal mortality rate was in steady
      decline until 2007 (3.1/100 000 births), it repeatedly fluctuated thereafter,
      plateauing at 3.4 per 100 000 births in 2013 and 2.7 per 100 000 births in 2014.
      Thus, the Perinatology Committee has analyzed the current situation of maternal
      deaths and has proposed countermeasures to reduce such death. The items
      deliberated upon by related subcommittees in 2015 are presented herein. The
      addition of indications for 'fibrinogen concentrate', 'eptacog alfa' and approval
      of the PGE2 vaginal tablet for cervical ripening were discussed in the
      subcommittee for unapproved drug review. Thus, a request for approval for health
      insurance coverage was submitted to the 'Evaluation committee on unapproved or
      off-label drugs with high medical needs' of the Ministry of Health, Labour and
      Welfare. Maternal and late-maternal deaths from suicide during the 10 years from
      2005 to 2014 in Tokyo's 23 wards were jointly examined with the Tokyo Medical
      Examiner's Office. The suicide rate in the 23 wards is very high, at 8.7 per 100
      000 births. Thus, the subcommittee for the reduction of maternal death discussed
      countermeasures for the eradication of maternal death and maternal suicide and
      the revision of death certificates.

PMID- 28074549
TI  - Systemic alterations and their oral manifestations in pregnant women.
AB  - The aims of this literature review are: to depict the main oral diseases that are
      related to pregnancy; to clarify some of the possible systemic mechanisms that
      are associated with these changes; and to address issues about oral care during
      pregnancy. A woman's organs undergo various physiological, neurological, and
      hormonal changes during pregnancy. Such changes occur gradually and are essential
      for the development of the fetus, providing what is needed for tissue formation
      and establishment of reserves for uterine and fetal life. In turn, the oral
      cavity shows some events during this period. Among the changes most frequently
      cited in the literature are pyogenic granuloma, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
      The inflammation of the periodontal tissues due to the formation of the biofilm
      increases dramatically in size and severity during the course of a normal
      pregnancy, even without changes in the amount of biofilm present. In addition, a
      decrease in salivary pH is observed in pregnant women and may lead to an
      increased incidence of dental caries in this period.

PMID- 28074550
TI  - Treatment strategy for urinary frequency in women.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to discuss the differential diagnosis of the
      underlying etiologies of urinary frequency and the treatment strategies for
      urinary frequency in women. Urinary frequency is a symptom, a sign, and a
      condition of uncertainty and of multifactorial cause. Common causes of urinary
      frequency include psychosocial, medical, sexual, urological, gynecologic,
      endocrine, and pharmacological in origin. Hence, treatment of symptoms and
      possible cures need a high-level plan or strategy to overcome the multifactorial
      etiology. Proper investigation of the chief complaint, history and physical
      examinations, is needed to evaluate urinary frequency. Pregnancy test, wet smear,
      urinalysis, midstream urine culture, frequency-volume charts, cystourethroscopy,
      urodynamics, and genitourinary imaging are the basic routine of office
      investigations. These tools promote the accuracy of the differential diagnosis of
      the underlying cause of urinary frequency. It is then often helpful to adopt an
      algorithmic approach to the management of this complaint. Treatment of urinary
      frequency might be empirical, and it remains a clinical challenge to
      gynecologists. To cure the disease, it is important to listen to the patient and
      consider the condition in all its aspects and use proven techniques.

PMID- 28074551
TI  - Detection of a clone-specific GATA1 mutation to monitor treatment response and
      involvement of a monozygotic twin in myeloid leukemia of Down syndrome.

PMID- 28074553
TI  - Risk of bias in overviews of reviews: a scoping review of methodological guidance
      and four-item checklist.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the conditions under which employing an overview of
      systematic reviews is likely to lead to a high risk of bias. STUDY DESIGN: To
      synthesise existing guidance concerning overview practice, a scoping review was
      conducted. Four electronic databases were searched with a pre-specified strategy
      (PROSPERO 2015:CRD42015027592) ending October 2015. Included studies needed to
      describe or develop overview methodology. Data were narratively synthesised to
      delineate areas highlighted as outstanding challenges or where methodological
      recommendations conflict. RESULTS: Twenty-four papers met the inclusion criteria.
      There is emerging debate regarding overlapping systematic reviews; systematic
      review scope; quality of included research; updating; and synthesizing and
      reporting results. While three functions for overviews have been proposed
      identify gaps, explore heterogeneity, summarize evidence-overviews cannot perform
      the first; are unlikely to achieve the second and third simultaneously; and can
      only perform the third under specific circumstances. Namely, when identified
      systematic reviews meet the following four conditions: (1) include primary trials
      that do not substantially overlap, (2) match overview scope, (3) are of high
      methodological quality, and (4) are up-to-date. CONCLUSION: Considering the
      intended function of proposed overviews with the corresponding methodological
      conditions may improve the quality of this burgeoning publication type. Copyright
      (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28074552
TI  - Validation of microRNA pathway polymorphisms in esophageal adenocarcinoma
      survival.
AB  - Polymorphisms in miRNA and miRNA pathway genes have been previously associated
      with cancer risk and outcome, but have not been studied in esophageal
      adenocarcinoma outcomes. Here, we evaluate candidate miRNA pathway polymorphisms
      in esophageal adenocarcinoma prognosis and attempt to validate them in an
      independent cohort of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Among 231 esophageal
      adenocarcinoma patients of all stages/treatment plans, 38 candidate genetic
      polymorphisms (17 biogenesis, 9 miRNA targets, 5 pri-miRNA, 7 pre-miRNA) were
      genotyped and analyzed. Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for
      sociodemographic and clinicopathological covariates helped assess the association
      of genetic polymorphisms with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival
      (PFS). Significantly associated polymorphisms were then evaluated in an
      independent cohort of 137 esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Among the 231
      discovery cohort patients, 86% were male, median diagnosis age was 64 years, 34%
      were metastatic at diagnosis, and median OS and PFS were 20 and 12 months,
      respectively. GEMIN3 rs197412 (aHR = 1.37, 95%CI: [1.04-1.80]; P = 0.02), hsa-mir
      124-1 rs531564 (aHR = 0.60, 95% CI: [0.53-0.90]; P = 0.05), and KIAA0423
      rs1053667 (aHR = 0.51, 95% CI: [0.28-0.96]; P = 0.04) were found associated with
      OS. Furthermore, GEMIN3 rs197412 (aHR = 1.33, 95% CI: [1.03-1.74]; P = 0.03) and
      KRT81 rs3660 (aHR = 1.29, 95% CI: [1.01-1.64]; P = 0.04) were found associated
      with PFS. Although none of these polymorphisms were significant in the second
      cohort, hsa-mir-124-1 rs531564 and KIAA0423 rs1053667 had trends in the same
      direction; when both cohorts were combined together, GEMIN3 rs197412, hsa-mir-124
      1 rs531564, and KIAA0423 rs1053667 remained significantly associated with OS. We
      demonstrate the association of multiple miRNA pathway polymorphisms with
      esophageal adenocarcinoma prognosis in a discovery cohort of patients, which did
      not validate in a separate cohort but had consistent associations in the pooled
      cohort. Larger studies are required to confirm/validate the prognostic value of
      these polymorphisms in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 28074555
TI  - Paediatric stress: from neuroendocrinology to contemporary disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress is defined as a state of threatened or perceived as threatened
      homeostasis. A broad spectrum of extrinsic or intrinsic, real or perceived
      stressful stimuli, called 'stressors', activates a highly conserved system, the
      'stress system', which adjusts homeostasis through central and peripheral
      neuroendocrine responses. Inadequate, excessive or prolonged adaptive responses
      to stress may underlie the pathogenesis of several disease states prevalent in
      modern societies. The development and severity of these conditions primarily
      depend on the genetic vulnerability of the individual, the exposure to adverse
      environmental factors and the timing of the stressful event(s), given that
      prenatal life, infancy, childhood and adolescence are critical periods
      characterized by increased vulnerability to stressors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a systematic review of original articles and reviews published in
      MEDLINE from 1975 through June 2016. The search terms were 'childhood stress',
      'pediatric stress', 'stress and disorders' and 'stress management'. RESULTS: In
      this review, we discuss the historical and neuroendocrine aspects of stress, and
      we present representative examples of paediatric stress system disorders, such as
      early-life adversity, obesity and bullying. We also discuss the adverse impact of
      a socio-economic crisis on childhood health. The tremendous progress of
      epigenetics has enabled us to have a deeper understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms underlying paediatric stress-related disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The need
      for early successful stress management techniques to decrease the incidence of
      paediatric stress-related diseases, as well as to prevent the development of
      several pathologic conditions in adolescence and adulthood, is imperative.

PMID- 28074554
TI  - Population genetic analysis of Giardia duodenalis: genetic diversity and
      haplotype sharing between clinical and environmental sources.
AB  - Giardia duodenalis is a flagellated intestinal protozoan responsible for
      infections in various hosts including humans and several wild and domestic
      animals. Few studies have correlated environmental contamination and clinical
      infections in the same region. The aim of this study was to compare groups of
      Giardia duodenalis from clinical and environmental sources through population
      genetic analyses to verify haplotype sharing and the degree of genetic similarity
      among populations from clinical and environmental sources in the metropolitan
      region of Campinas. The results showed high diversity of haplotypes and
      substantial genetic similarity between clinical and environmental groups of G.
      duodenalis. We demonstrated sharing of Giardia genotypes among the different
      populations studied. The comparison between veterinary and human sequences led us
      to identify new zoonotic genotypes, including human isolates from genetic
      assemblage C. The application of a population genetic analysis in epidemiological
      studies allows quantification of the degree of genetic similarity among
      populations of Giardia duodenalis from different sources of contamination. The
      genetic similarity of Giardia isolates among human, veterinary, and environmental
      groups reinforced the correlation between clinical and environmental isolates in
      this region, which is of great importance for public health.

PMID- 28074557
TI  - Microbiome and the future for food and nutrient security.
AB  - Microbiome and the future for food and nutrient security.

PMID- 28074556
TI  - QT Interval Shortening With Isavuconazole: In Vitro and In Vivo Effects on
      Cardiac Repolarization.
AB  - The effects of isavuconazole (active moiety of isavuconazonium sulfate) on
      cardiac ion channels in vitro and cardiac repolarization clinically were assessed
      in a phase I, randomized, double-blind study in healthy individuals who received
      isavuconazole (after 2-day loading dose), at therapeutic or supratherapeutic
      doses daily for 11 days, moxifloxacin (400 mg q.d.), or placebo. A post-hoc
      analysis of the phase III SECURE trial assessed effects on cardiac safety. L-type
      Ca2+ channels were most sensitive to inhibition by isavuconazole. The 50%
      inhibitory concentrations for ion channels were higher than maximum serum
      concentrations of nonprotein-bound isavuconazole in vivo. In the phase I study (n
      = 161), isavuconazole shortened the QT interval in a dose- and plasma
      concentration-related manner. There were no serious treatment-emergent adverse
      events; palpitations and tachycardia were observed in placebo and
      supratherapeutic isavuconazole groups; no cardiac safety signals were detected in
      the SECURE study (n = 257). Isavuconazole was associated with a shortened cardiac
      QT interval.

PMID- 28074558
TI  - Chelation for diabetes complications: A neglected approach?
AB  - ,Zou1 ,,?,,,,,2-4 ?,,,56 ,?2(T2D),,,7 ?1,,8 ?,,(TETA),,D-9 ? ,?,TETAT2D10 ;11 ,12
      ?24,50T2D,EDTA,EDTA13 ?,1708EDTA,18%14 ,63341%, + 15 ,16 ;17 ? ?,,,,18 ?Zou1 ,?.

PMID- 28074559
TI  - Effects of traffic noise on tree frog stress levels, immunity, and color
      signaling.
AB  - During the last decade, many studies have focused on the detrimental effects of
      noise pollution on acoustic communication. Surprisingly, although it is known
      that noise exposure strongly influences health in humans, studies on wildlife
      remain scarce. In order to gain insight into the consequences of traffic noise
      exposure, we experimentally manipulated traffic noise exposure as well as the
      endocrine status of animals to investigate physiological and phenotypic
      consequences of noise pollution in an anuran species. We showed that noise
      exposure increased stress hormone level and induced an immunosuppressive effect.
      In addition, both traffic noise exposure and stress hormone application
      negatively impacted H. arborea vocal sac coloration. Moreover, our results
      suggest profound changes in sexual selection processes because the best quality
      males with initial attractive vocal sac coloration were the most impacted by
      noise. Hence, our study suggests that the recent increases in anthropogenic noise
      worldwide might affect a broader range of animal species than previously thought,
      because of alteration of visual signals and immunity. Generalizing these results
      to other taxa is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity in an increasingly
      noisy world.

PMID- 28074560
TI  - Experience of tailoring prophylaxis using factor VIII pharmacokinetic parameters
      estimated with myPKFiT(r) in patients with severe haemophilia A without
      inhibitors.

PMID- 28074561
TI  - Substance use outcomes of patients served by a large US implementation of
      Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).
AB  - AIMS: To estimate changes in the substance use behaviors of patients who received
      services as part of the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
      Administration's (SAMHSA) Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
      (SBIRT) grant program. METHODS: We use a pre-post design and performance
      monitoring data collected by SBIRT organizations. For a sample of 17 575
      patients, we compare pre-SBIRT substance use with substance use 6 months after
      receipt of SBIRT services. SBIRT's correlation with changes in substance use was
      estimated using generalized linear mixed models to account for the clustering of
      patients within health-care facility and US state. RESULTS: From pre- to post
      SBIRT we found large and statistically significant decreases for almost every
      measure of substance use. Model-adjusted means indicate that the prevalence of
      alcohol use was lower 6 months later by 35.6%, heavy drinking by 43.4% and
      illicit drug use by 75.8%. Greater intervention intensity was associated with
      larger decreases in substance use. The study design does not support causal
      conclusions and estimated decreases in reported substance use are due, at least
      in part, to a well-known set of confounders and natural substance use patterns
      that may be unrelated to any particular SBIRT intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Compared
      with previously published findings on the Screening, Brief Intervention and
      Referral to Treatment grant program, our estimates of substance use reduction
      were smaller, but still consistently large in absolute magnitude and within
      ranges of estimates from past trials of Screening, Brief Intervention and
      Referral to Treatment.

PMID- 28074562
TI  - The influence of state-level policy environments on the activation of the
      Medicaid SBIRT reimbursement codes.
AB  - AIMS: To examine how institutional constraints, comprising federal actions and
      states' substance abuse policy environments, influence states' decisions to
      activate Medicaid reimbursement codes for screening and brief intervention for
      risky substance use in the United States. METHODS: A discrete-time duration model
      was used to estimate the effect of institutional constraints on the likelihood of
      activating the Medicaid reimbursement codes. Primary constraints included federal
      Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) grant funding,
      substance abuse priority, economic climate, political climate and interstate
      diffusion. Study data came from publicly available secondary data sources.
      RESULTS: Federal SBIRT grant funding did not affect significantly the likelihood
      of activation (P = 0.628). A $1 increase in per-capita block grant funding was
      associated with a 10-percentage point reduction in the likelihood of activation
      (P = 0.003) and a $1 increase in per-capita state substance use disorder
      expenditures was associated with a 2-percentage point increase in the likelihood
      of activation (P = 0.004). States with enacted parity laws (P = 0.016) and a
      Democratic-controlled state government were also more likely to activate the
      codes. CONCLUSION: In the United States, the determinants of state activation of
      Medicaid Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
      reimbursement codes are complex, and include more than financial considerations.
      Federal block grant funding is a strong disincentive to activating the SBIRT
      reimbursement codes, while more direct federal SBIRT grant funding has no
      detectable effects.

PMID- 28074563
TI  - A time and motion study of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to
      Treatment implementation in health-care settings.
AB  - AIMS: Screening and brief intervention for harmful substance use in medical
      settings is being promoted heavily in the United States. To justify service
      provision fiscally, the field needs accurate estimates of the number and type of
      staff required to provide services, and thus the time taken to perform activities
      used to deliver services. This study analyzed the time spent in activities for
      the component services of the substance misuse Screening, Brief Intervention and
      Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program implemented in emergency departments, in
      patient units and ambulatory clinics. DESIGN: Observers timed activities
      according to 18 distinct codes among SBIRT practitioners. SETTING: Twenty-six US
      sites within four grantees. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred and one practitioner
      patient interactions; 63 SBIRT practitioners. MEASUREMENTS: Timing of
      practitioner activities. INTERVENTIONS: Delivery of component services of SBIRT.
      FINDINGS: The mean (standard error) time to deliver services was 1:19 (0:06) for
      a pre-screen (n = 210), 4:28 (0:24) for a screen (n = 97) and 6:51 (0:38) for a
      brief intervention (n = 66). Estimates of service duration varied by setting.
      Overall, practitioners spent 40% of their time supporting SBIRT delivery to
      patients and 13% of their time delivering services. CONCLUSIONS: In the United
      States, support activities (e.g. reviewing the patient's chart, locating the
      patient, writing case-notes) for substance abuse Screening, Brief Intervention
      and Referral to Treatment require more staff time than delivery of services.
      Support time for screens and brief interventions in the emergency
      department/trauma setting was high compared with the out-patient setting.

PMID- 28074564
TI  - Sustaining SBIRT in the wild: simulating revenues and costs for Screening, Brief
      Intervention and Referral to Treatment programs.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the conditions under which Screening, Brief Intervention and
      Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs can be sustained by health insurance
      payments. DESIGN: A mathematical model was used to estimate the number of
      patients needed for revenues to exceed costs. SETTING: Three medical settings in
      the United States were examined: in-patient, out-patient and emergency
      department. Components of SBIRT were delivered by combinations of health-care
      practitioners (generalists) and behavioral health specialists. PARTICIPANTS:
      Practitioners in seven SBIRT programs who received grants from the US Substance
      Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). MEASUREMENTS: Program
      costs and revenues were measured using data from grantees. Patient flows were
      measured from administrative data and adjusted with prevalence and screening
      estimates from the literature. FINDINGS: SBIRT can be sustained through health
      insurance reimbursement in out-patient and emergency department settings in most
      staffing mixes. To sustain SBIRT in in-patient programs, a patient flow larger
      than the national average may be needed; if that flow is achieved, the range of
      screens required to maintain a surplus is narrow. Sensitivity analyses suggest
      that the results are very sensitive to changes in the proportion of insured
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
      programs in the United States can be sustained by health insurance payments under
      a variety of staffing models. Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to
      Treatment programs can be sustained only in an in-patient setting with above
      average patient flow (more than 2500 screens). Screening, Brief Intervention and
      Referral to Treatment programs in out-patient and emergency department settings
      can be sustained with below-average patient flows (fewer than 125 000 out-patient
      visits and fewer than 27 000 emergency department visits).

PMID- 28074565
TI  - Sustaining Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
      services in health-care settings.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the sustainability of Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral
      to Treatment (SBIRT) services after cessation of initial start-up funding.
      DESIGN: Descriptive study with quantitative and qualitative data collected from
      34 staff participants from six grantees (comprising 103 sites) funded previously
      through a large, federally supported SBIRT program. SETTING: Primary care out
      patient clinics and hospitals in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-four
      grantee-related staff members, including administrators, evaluators, key
      stakeholders and SBIRT service providers from six grantees. MEASUREMENTS: Changes
      to levels and types of service delivery activities after federal funding stopped,
      alternative sources of funding and obstacles to delivery of services. FINDINGS:
      Of the 103 original sites in the six SBIRT grantee programs, 69 sites continued
      providing services in some capacity (same as before, reduced, modified or
      expanded). Most of the 69 sites (67%) adapted and redesigned the delivery of
      SBIRT services post-initial grant funding. In addition, new sites were added
      after grant funding ended, bringing the total number of sites to 88. Analysis of
      participant responses identified four primary factors that influenced SBIRT
      sustainability: presence of champions, funding availability, systemic change and
      SBIRT practitioner characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 70% of the Screening,
      Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services in the United
      States funded initially through a federal program were able to sustain operations
      after federal funding ceased and some expanded SBIRT services beyond the original
      sites. The key factors related to sustainability were securing new funding,
      having champions, adapting and making system changes and managing program
      staffing challenges.

PMID- 28074566
TI  - Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT): rationale,
      program overview and cross-site evaluation.
AB  - AIMS: Since 2003, the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
      Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA, CSAT) has awarded
      32 Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) grants to
      states, territories and tribal organizations to enhance services for persons
      with, or at risk for, substance use disorders. The grants supported an expansion
      of the continuum of care to include screening, brief intervention, brief
      treatment and referral to treatment in general medical and community settings.
      This paper describes the SAMHSA SBIRT program in the context of the scientific
      research that motivated its development, as well as the two cross-site
      evaluations that are the subject of subsequent papers in this Supplement.
      METHODS: A narrative review of research evidence pertaining to SBIRT and of the
      cross-site evaluation design that made it possible to determine whether the
      SAMHSA SBIRT grant program achieved its intended aims. The 11 programs within the
      two cohorts of grant recipients that were the subject of the cross-site
      evaluations are described in terms of SBIRT service components, performance
      sites, providers, management structure/activities and patient/client
      characteristics. CONCLUSION: The US SAMHSA SBIRT program is an effective way to
      introduce a variety of new services that extend the continuum of care for
      substance-involved individuals, ranging from early intervention with non
      dependent substance users to referral of more serious cases to specialized
      substance abuse treatment.

PMID- 28074567
TI  - The cost-effectiveness of brief intervention versus brief treatment of Screening,
      Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in the United States.
AB  - AIMS: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) comparing the delivery of
      brief intervention (BI) with brief treatment (BT) within Screening, Brief
      Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs. DESIGN: Quasi
      experimental differences in observed baseline characteristics between BI and BT
      patients were adjusted using propensity score techniques. Incremental comparison
      of costs and health outcomes associated with BI and BT. SETTING: Health-care
      settings in four US states participating in Substance Abuse and Mental Health
      Services Administration SBIRT grant programs. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety patients who
      received BT and 878 who received BI. MEASUREMENTS: Per-patient cost of SBIRT,
      patient demographics and six measures of substance use: proportion using alcohol,
      proportion using alcohol to intoxication, days of alcohol use, days of alcohol
      use to intoxication, proportion using drugs and days using drugs. FINDINGS: BI
      and BT were associated with better outcomes. The cost of SBIRT was significantly
      higher for BT patients ($75.54 versus 16.32, 95% confidence interval, P < 0.01).
      BT would be cost-effective if the decision-maker had a willingness to pay of
      $8.90 for a 1 percentage point reduction in the probability of using any alcohol.
      For the other five outcomes, BT was less effective and more costly, and BI would
      be a better use of resources. CONCLUSIONS: It might be cost-effective to offer
      brief treatment if the goal is to abstain from alcohol. However, the higher
      effectiveness of brief treatment for this outcome is associated with considerable
      uncertainty and, because both brief intervention and brief treatment improve all
      outcomes, brief treatment does not appear to be a good use of resources.

PMID- 28074568
TI  - The relative impact of brief treatment versus brief intervention in primary
      health-care screening programs for substance use disorders.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the relative impact of brief treatment (BT) compared with brief
      intervention (BI) on changes in substance use behavior in primary care screening
      programs for substance use disorders, overall and by patient severity. DESIGN AND
      PARTICIPANTS: A total of 9029 patients with both baseline and follow-up
      interviews were identified in the US Government Performance and Results Act
      (GPRA) data from October 2004 and February 2008. Using a propensity score
      framework, multiple generalized linear mixed models and a local linear matching
      method with a difference in difference estimator, patients from the BI group that
      resemble BT patients were used to determine the relative treatment effect of BT.
      A total of 3218 of these US patients with baseline and follow-up interviews were
      used in the final analysis sample after the propensity score-matching procedure
      (1448 patients assigned to a BI service category and 1770 assigned to a BT
      service category). SETTING: United States. MEASUREMENTS: Dependent variables were
      the number of days of use in the past 30 days of any alcohol, alcohol to
      intoxication, illicit drugs and marijuana. FINDINGS: The relative impact of BT
      was not significant for alcohol (0.269; P > 0.1) or alcohol to intoxication
      (0.462; P > 0.1). BT was found to reduce the frequency of use of illicit drugs at
      follow-up by 0.634 days more than BI (P < 0.05). Marijuana days were not affected
      significantly by assignment to BT (-0.128; P > 0.1). Higher severity patients
      assigned to BT had a decrease in days of illicit drug use of 1.765 (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, brief treatment appears to have a stronger
      impact on reducing illicit drug use than brief intervention but is similar to
      brief intervention for reducing alcohol use, alcohol to intoxication and
      marijuana use alone.

PMID- 28074569
TI  - Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment: implications of SAMHSA's
      SBIRT initiative for substance abuse policy and practice.
AB  - AIMS: This paper describes the major findings and public health implications of a
      cross-site evaluation of a national Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to
      Treatment (SBIRT) demonstration program funded by the US Substance Abuse and
      Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). METHODS: Eleven multi-site
      programs in two cohorts of SAMHSA grant recipients were each funded for 5 years
      to promote the adoption and sustained implementation of SBIRT. The SBIRT cross
      site evaluation used a multi-method evaluation design to provide comprehensive
      information on the processes, outcomes and costs of SBIRT as implemented in a
      variety of medical and community settings. FINDINGS: SBIRT programs in the two
      evaluated SAMHSA cohorts screened more than 1 million patients/clients. SBIRT
      implementation was facilitated by committed leadership and the use of substance
      use specialists, rather than medical generalists, to deliver services. Although
      the quasi-experimental nature of the outcome evaluation does not permit causal
      inferences, pre-post differences were clinically meaningful and statistically
      significant for almost every measure of substance use. Greater intervention
      intensity was associated with larger decreases in substance use. Both brief
      intervention and brief treatment were associated with positive outcomes, but
      brief intervention was more cost-effective for most substances. Sixty-nine (67%)
      of the original performance sites adapted and redesigned SBIRT service delivery
      after initial grant funding ended. Four factors influenced SBIRT sustainability:
      presence of program champions, availability of funding, systemic change and
      effective management of SBIRT provider challenges. CONCLUSIONS: The US Substance
      Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Screening, Brief Intervention
      and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) demonstration program was adapted successfully
      to the needs of early identification efforts for hazardous use of alcohol and
      illicit drugs. SBIRT is an innovative way to integrate the management of
      substance use disorders into primary care and general medicine. Screening, Brief
      Intervention and Referral to Treatment implementation was associated with
      improvements in treatment system equity, efficiency and economy.

PMID- 28074570
TI  - Development of the SBIRT checklist for observation in real-time (SCORe).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
      (SBIRT) programs have been implemented widely in medical settings, with little
      attention focused on how well providers adhere to evidence-based service delivery
      in everyday practice. The purposes of this paper were to: (1) introduce a
      flexible, relatively simple methodology, the SBIRT Checklist for Observation in
      Real-time (SCORe), to assess adherence to evidence-based practice and provide
      preliminary evidence supporting its criterion validity; and (2) illustrate the
      feasibility and potential utility of the SCORe by analyzing observations of
      providers within four large-scale SBIRT programs in the United States. METHODS:
      Eighteen potential adherence judges were trained to recognize SBIRT service
      elements presented in realistic taped portrayals constructed to serve as
      criterion coding standards. Across the four SBIRT programs, 76 providers were
      observed performing 388 services in three types of medical settings; emergency
      departments (n = 10), hospital out-patient/ambulatory clinics (n = 16) and
      hospital in-patient settings (n = 5). RESULTS: Across two exercises, trainees
      identified 81% of screening and 75% of brief intervention (BI) elements
      correctly; for the six FRAMES components (Feedback, Responsibility, Advice, Menu
      of options, Empathy, Self-efficacy), agreement ranged from 69% to 91%. Across
      programs, 56% of screening, 54% of brief intervention (BI) (81% of FRAMES) and
      53% of referral to treatment elements were observed. Programs differed
      significantly in adherence [screening, P = 0.024; BI, P < 0.001; FRAMES, P <
      0.001; referral to treatment (RT), P < 0.001]; medical setting differences were
      minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
      Checklist for Observation in Real-time provides a flexible method for assessing
      adherence to evidence-based Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to
      Treatment service protocols. Preliminary evidence supports the criterion
      validity, feasibility and potential utility of the Screening, Brief Intervention
      and Referral to Treatment Checklist for Observation in Real-time protocol.

PMID- 28074571
TI  - Screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT): implementation
      barriers, facilitators and model migration.
AB  - AIMS: To identify barriers and facilitators associated with initial
      implementation of a US alcohol and other substance use Screening, Brief
      Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) grant program, and to identify
      modifications in program design that addressed implementation challenges. DESIGN:
      A mixed-method approach used quantitative and qualitative data, including SBIRT
      provider ratings of implementation barriers and facilitators, staff interview
      responses and program documentation. SETTING: Multiple sites within the first
      seven programs funded in a national demonstration program in the United States.
      PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and two SBIRT providers were surveyed; 221 SBIRT
      stakeholders and staff were interviewed. MEASUREMENTS: Mean ratings of barriers
      and facilitators were calculated using provider survey responses. An inductive
      content analysis of interview responses identified factors perceived to support
      and challenge implementation; program modifications that occurred over time were
      recorded. FINDINGS: Providers rated pre-selected implementation facilitators
      higher than barriers. Content analysis of interview responses revealed six
      themes: committed leaders; intra- and inter-organizational
      communication/collaboration; provider buy-in and model acceptance; contextual
      factors; quality assurance; and grant requirements. Over time, programs tended
      to: adopt more efficient 'pre-screen' item sets; screen for risk factors in
      addition to alcohol/substance use; use contracted specialists to deliver SBIRT
      services; conduct services in high-volume emergency department and trauma center
      settings; and implement on-site and telephonic treatment delivery. CONCLUSIONS:
      Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment program implementation in
      the United States is facilitated by committed leadership and the use of substance
      use specialists, rather than medical generalists, to deliver services. Many
      implementation challenges can be addressed by an adequate start-up phase focused
      on comprehensive education and training, and on the development of intra- and
      inter-organizational communication and collaboration; opinion leader support; and
      practitioner and host site buy-in.

PMID- 28074572
TI  - The SBIRT program matrix: a conceptual framework for program implementation and
      evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
      (SBIRT) is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of
      services to those at risk for the adverse consequences of alcohol and other drug
      use, and for those with probable substance use disorders. Research on successful
      SBIRT implementation has lagged behind studies of efficacy and effectiveness.
      This paper (1) outlines a conceptual framework, the SBIRT Program Matrix, to
      guide implementation research and program evaluation and (2) specifies potential
      implementation outcomes. METHODS: Overview and narrative description of the SBIRT
      Program Matrix. RESULTS: The SBIRT Program Matrix has five components, each of
      which includes multiple elements: SBIRT services; performance sites; provider
      attributes; patient/client populations; and management structure and activities.
      Implementation outcomes include program adoption, acceptability, appropriateness,
      feasibility, fidelity, costs, penetration, sustainability, service provision and
      grant compliance. CONCLUSIONS: The Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to
      Treatment Program Matrix provides a template for identifying, classifying and
      organizing the naturally occurring commonalities and variations within and across
      SBIRT programs, and for investigating which variables are associated with
      implementation success and, ultimately, with treatment outcomes and other
      impacts.

PMID- 28074574
TI  - Editorial for December JCD.

PMID- 28074573
TI  - Structural, Functional, and Clinical Characterization of a Novel PTPN11 Mutation
      Cluster Underlying Noonan Syndrome.
AB  - Germline mutations in PTPN11, the gene encoding the Src-homology 2 (SH2) domain
      containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP2), cause Noonan syndrome (NS), a
      relatively common, clinically variable, multisystem disorder. Here, we report on
      the identification of five different PTPN11 missense changes affecting residues
      Leu261 , Leu262 , and Arg265 in 16 unrelated individuals with clinical diagnosis
      of NS or with features suggestive for this disorder, specifying a novel disease
      causing mutation cluster. Expression of the mutant proteins in HEK293T cells
      documented their activating role on MAPK signaling. Structural data predicted a
      gain-of-function role of substitutions at residues Leu262 and Arg265 exerted by
      disruption of the N-SH2/PTP autoinhibitory interaction. Molecular dynamics
      simulations suggested a more complex behavior for changes affecting Leu261 , with
      possible impact on SHP2's catalytic activity/selectivity and proper interaction
      of the PTP domain with the regulatory SH2 domains. Consistent with that,
      biochemical data indicated that substitutions at codons 262 and 265 increased the
      catalytic activity of the phosphatase, while those affecting codon 261 were only
      moderately activating but impacted substrate specificity. Remarkably, these
      mutations underlie a relatively mild form of NS characterized by low prevalence
      of cardiac defects, short stature, and cognitive and behavioral issues, as well
      as less evident typical facial features.

PMID- 28074575
TI  - The ACA from behind the "Veil of Ignorance".
AB  - John Rawls posited that we could determine the nature of justice if we imagined
      ourselves observing conditions in society from behind a hypothetical "veil of
      ignorance." Not knowing how or where we would end up-rich, poor, empowered,
      disabled-we would choose governing principles that did not leave one
      disadvantaged because of his or her circumstances. Rawls's concepts are
      implicitly embedded in the Affordable Care Act, which guarantees that vastly more
      Americans can obtain health insurance. The law effectively closed down the de
      facto lottery that awarded coverage to most but left out millions of others.

PMID- 28074576
TI  - Decisions and Authority.
AB  - This issue of the Hastings Center Report (January-February 2017) features three
      articles exploring aspects of decision-making for others. In the first two, the
      focus is on the limits of surrogate decision-makers' authority when the
      surrogates' judgments about a patient's treatment conflict with the physicians'.
      If a physician decides that a patient will not benefit from CPR, for example, but
      the patient's surrogate insists on it, is the physician obliged to proceed with
      the procedure? Or can the physician, pointing to a duty to provide good care to
      the patient and not to cause the patient to suffer, get a do-not-resuscitate
      order for the patient-even in the face of the surrogate's objections? These are
      the questions that animate the first article, in which a group of authors report
      on a policy implemented at Massachusetts General Hospital to help doctors who
      face this dilemma. The second article, by physician Jeffrey Berger, flips the
      questions. If a physician decides that a patient's intractable suffering requires
      palliative sedation, may the surrogate prevent it anyway? Or can the physician,
      pointing to a duty to alleviate the suffering, administer palliative sedation
      even in the face of the surrogate's objections? Such circumstances, says Berger,
      show the need for conceptual work delineating the limits of surrogates' authority
      and practical work on mechanisms for doing so-protecting patients and giving
      physicians a clear route to follow.

PMID- 28074577
TI  - Permanent Patients: Hospital Discharge Planning Meets Housing Insecurity.
AB  - Not all hospital inpatients need the level of care (including staffing, testing,
      monitoring, and treatment) uniquely available in the acute-care setting. In the
      United States, these longer-term, nonacute inpatients tend to be some combination
      of chronically ill, poor, homeless, undocumented, uninsured, and disabled-all
      groups who have struggled for health equity, political recognition, and voice.
      Even so, these "permanent patients" continue to receive care in one of the most
      expensive settings. This phenomenon is the result of federal legislation that
      creates an affirmative duty to care for all able to access our emergency
      departments without also making safe housing available to all. A handful of
      federal laws and policies as well as a potpourri of state laws and policies are
      involved.

PMID- 28074578
TI  - Managing Conflicts between Physicians and Surrogates.
AB  - Two articles in this issue of the Hastings Center Report explore two sides of the
      same problematic coin. In "The Limits of Surrogates' Moral Authority and
      Physician Professionalism," Jeffrey Berger discusses the moral problem of a
      surrogate refusing a treatment, palliative sedation, on behalf of a patient whose
      suffering is refractory to intensive palliative efforts provided by a
      multidisciplinary team. In "After the DNR: Surrogates Who Persist in Requesting
      Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation," Ellen Robinson and her colleagues analyze data
      from a study of cases in which physicians wished not to perform cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation on patients whom they thought it would harm. Both articles begin
      from the idea of a professional determination about a physician's duty to a
      patient that conflicted with a surrogate's determination about what should or
      should not be done for that patient. Berger's argument stops just short of a
      solution, however, because a physician's professional obligation to help
      patients, even within guidelines set by other professionals, is insufficient
      protection for patients. But if Berger's theory is right-that sometimes
      surrogates lack moral authority to make decisions on behalf of patients-then the
      Robinson team has developed a careful and public process for attending to that
      conflict.

PMID- 28074579
TI  - Bioethics in the law.
AB  - The role of law in bioethics is clear. Laws are enforcement tools: they govern
      which conditions qualify an individual for disability benefits, or what oversight
      is necessary for clinical trial protocols, or how patent applications for medical
      devices should be regulated. I initially studied the law in order to enhance my
      work in bioethics, but in examining how the law works, I have become convinced
      that the converse opportunity also exists: there are many areas of law that would
      benefit from greater input from those in the bioethics community.

PMID- 28074580
TI  - Employer Wellness Programs Challenged in Court.
AB  - Many employers faced with rising health care costs have adopted "voluntary"
      wellness programs that urge employees to engage in various health-promotion
      activities, such as smoking cessation and weight reduction. In the proper
      setting, measures to promote a more healthful lifestyle are difficult to
      question, but there is little compelling evidence that workplace wellness
      programs have significant, sustained health benefits or substantially reduce
      health care costs other than through cost-shifting to unhealthy employees.
      Congressional support for workplace wellness programs has persisted on a
      bipartisan basis for the last twenty years, and the incentives that current
      statutes allow employers to offer employees have become strong enough that the
      voluntariness of the programs has been called into question. In recent months,
      the battleground has shifted to the courts, where federal regulations and
      employer practices have been challenged. Three recent or pending cases raise
      questions about whether the incentives are coercing employees into the programs.

PMID- 28074581
TI  - Conflating Capacity & Authority: Why We're Asking the Wrong Question in the
      Adolescent Decision-Making Debate.
AB  - Whether adolescents should be allowed to make their own medical decisions has
      been a topic of discussion in bioethics for at least two decades now. Are
      adolescents sufficiently capacitated to make their own medical decisions? Is the
      mature-minor doctrine, an uncommon legal exception to the rule of parental
      decision-making authority, something we should expand or eliminate? Bioethicists
      have dealt with the curious liminality of adolescents-their being neither
      children nor adults-in a variety of ways. However, recently there has been a
      trend to rely heavily, and often exclusively, on emerging neuroscientific and
      psychological data to answer these questions. Using data from magnetic resonance
      imaging and functional MRI studies on the adolescent brain, authors have argued
      both that the adolescent brain isn't sufficiently mature to broadly confer
      capacity on this population and that the adolescent brain is sufficiently mature
      to assume adolescent capacity. Scholars then accept these data as sufficient for
      concluding that adolescents should or should not have decision-making authority.
      Two critical mistakes are being made here. The first is the expectation that
      neuroscience or psychology is or will be able to answer all our questions about
      capacity. The second, and more concerning, mistake is the conflation of decision
      making capacity with decision-making authority.

PMID- 28074583
TI  - Show Code.
AB  - "Let's get one thing straight: there is no such thing as a show code," my
      attending asserted, pausing for effect. "You either try to resuscitate, or you
      don't. None of this halfway junk." He spoke so loudly that the two off-service
      consultants huddled at computers at the end of the unit looked up... We did four
      rounds of compressions and pushed epinephrine twice. It was not a long code. We
      did good, strong compressions and coded this man in earnest until the end. Toward
      the final round, though, as I stepped up to do compressions, my attending looked
      at me in a deep way. It was a look in between willing me as some object under his
      command and revealing to me everything that lay within his brash, confident
      surface but could not be spoken.

PMID- 28074584
TI  - The Limits of Surrogates' Moral Authority and Physician Professionalism: Can the
      Paradigm of Palliative Sedation Be Instructive?
AB  - With narrow exception, physicians' treatment of incapacitated patients requires
      the consent of health surrogates. Although the decision-making authority of
      surrogates is appropriately broad, their moral authority is not without limits.
      Discerning these bounds is particularly germane to ethically complex treatments
      and has important implications for the welfare of patients, for the professional
      integrity of clinicians, and, in fact, for the welfare of surrogates. Palliative
      sedation is one such complex treatment; as such, it provides a valuable model for
      analyzing the scope of surrogates' moral authority. Guidelines for palliative
      sedation that present it as a "last-resort" treatment for severe and intractable
      suffering yet require surrogate consent in order to offer it are ethically
      untenable, precisely because the moral limits of surrogate authority have not
      been considered.

PMID- 28074585
TI  - A Good Death.
AB  - A good death is hard to find. Family members tell us that loved ones die in the
      wrong place-the hospital-and do not receive high-quality care at the end of life.
      This issue of the Hastings Center Report offers two articles from authors who
      strive to provide good end-of-life care and to prevent needless suffering. We
      agree with their goals, but we have substantial reservations about the approaches
      they recommend. Respect for the decisions of patients and their surrogates is a
      relatively new and still vulnerable aspect of medical care. For thousands of
      years, patients and surrogates had no say in medical decision-making. Today,
      standards support shared decision-making, but these articles both carve out
      exceptions to those standards, limiting the rights of patients and families in
      decisions about specific end-of-life treatments. As bioethics consultants in an
      acute care setting, we frequently confront conflicts similar to those described
      by Jeffrey Berger and by Ellen Robinson and colleagues. In such cases, our
      service emphasizes redoubled efforts at communication and mediation. Focusing on
      goals and values, rather than interventions, produces the best possible
      collaboration in health care decision-making. Cases in which we would overturn a
      surrogate's recommendations regarding palliative sedation or do-not-resuscitate
      orders are rare and require careful processes and clear evidence that the
      surrogate's choice is contrary to patient values.

PMID- 28074586
TI  - The Theory and Practice of Surrogate Decision-Making.
AB  - When a patient lacks decision-making capacity and has not left a clear advance
      directive, there is now widespread agreement that patient-designated and next-of
      kin surrogates should implement substituted judgment within a process of shared
      decision-making. Specifically, after discussing the "best scientific evidence
      available, as well as the patient's values, goals, and preferences" with the
      patient's clinicians, the patient-designated or next-of-kin surrogate should
      attempt to determine what decision the patient would have made in the
      circumstances. To the extent that this approach works, it seems to provide about
      as much respect for the autonomy of incapacitated patients as we could ask for.
      But, as articles in this issue of the Report by Jeffrey Berger and by Ellen
      Robinson and colleagues emphasize, reality presents challenges.

PMID- 28074587
TI  - After the DNR: Surrogates Who Persist in Requesting Cardiopulmonary
      Resuscitation.
AB  - Some health care organizations allow physicians to withhold cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation from a patient, despite patient or surrogate requests that it be
      provided, when they believe it will be more harmful than beneficial. Such cases
      usually involve patients with terminal diagnoses whose medical teams argue that
      aggressive treatments are medically inappropriate or likely to be harmful.
      Although there is state-to-state variability and a considerable judicial gray
      area about the conditions and mechanisms for refusals to perform CPR, medical
      teams typically follow a set of clearly defined procedures for these decisions.
      The procedures are based on the principle of nonmaleficence and typically include
      consultation with hospital ethics committees, reflecting the guidelines of
      relevant professional associations. Ethical debates about when CPR can and should
      be limited tend to rely more on discussions of theory, principles, and case
      studies than systematic empirical study of the situations in which such
      limitations are applied. Sociologists of bioethics call for empirical study,
      arguing that what ethicists and health professionals believe they are doing when
      they draft policies or invoke principles does not always mirror what is happening
      on the ground. In this article, we begin the task of modeling the empirical
      analyses sociologists call for, focusing on a cohort at Massachusetts General
      Hospital. We inductively analyzed ethics committee notes and medical records of
      nineteen patients whose surrogates did not accept the decision to withhold CPR.

PMID- 28074588
TI  - Care under the Influence.
AB  - A forty-year-old man is brought to the emergency room by his wife at five in the
      morning, two hours after he fell down the stairs at home, hitting his head and
      injuring his arm. He tells the ER physician that he got up to get a drink of
      water and tripped in the dark. His speech is slurred, and he smells strongly of
      alcohol. Lab results reveal elevated liver enzymes, and his blood alcohol level
      is 0.1. His medical history is unremarkable. When asked about his alcohol
      consumption, he says he usually has one or two drinks a night with dinner but
      that he drinks more on holidays and special occasions. He admits he had more to
      drink than usual last night because it had been a stressful day at work, but he
      is vague about how much he drank. His wife takes the ER physician aside and
      describes a very different situation. She says that her husband regularly has
      three or four drinks a night. She always goes to bed before he does and thinks he
      stays up later so he can continue to drink. She says that he often has no memory
      of conversations they had the night before and is concerned because he makes work
      related calls at night. When asked what he does for a living, she hesitates, and
      then answers that he is an internist. He does not work at this hospital but works
      at one of its affiliated clinics. The ER doctor is concerned that his patient is
      an impaired physician. Yet when the admitting hospitalist, to whom he explains
      the situation, asks if he really wants to "go there," he shrugs his shoulders. "I
      suppose," she replies, "you might as well call an ethics consult."

PMID- 28074589
TI  - On Patient Well-being and Professional Authority.
AB  - Two papers in this issue address the limits of surrogates' authority when making
      life-and-death decisions for dying family members or friends. Using palliative
      sedation as an example, Jeffrey Berger offers a conceptual argument for bounding
      surrogate authority. Since freedom from pain is an essential interest, when
      imminently dying, cognitively incapacitated patients are in duress and their
      symptoms are not manageable in any other way, clinicians should be free to offer
      palliative sedation without surrogate consent, although assent should be sought
      and every effort made to work with surrogates as harmoniously as possible. Ellen
      Robinson and her colleagues report on the implementation of a policy at
      Massachusetts General Hospital that supports do-not-resuscitate orders when
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation is likely to be ineffective or harmful, even if
      surrogates disagree. The "Doing No Harm" policy at MGH allows for what MGH calls
      a "medically indicated DNR" and what in some other places is called "a unilateral
      DNR"-the writing of an order not to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation,
      regardless of surrogate disapproval. These kinds of DNR policies have emerged in
      some hospitals across the country and for much the same reason that Berger
      provides in his argument regarding palliative sedation. I support the reasoning
      and the policies in both the Berger and Robinson papers. However, as the authors
      would most likely agree, the problems they aim to remedy are not simply about the
      scope of surrogate and professional authority. They are also symptoms of
      inattention to professional obligations and system failures.

PMID- 28074590
TI  - Improving clinical handover in a paediatric ward: implications for nursing
      management.
AB  - AIM: To describe how nursing staff in a paediatric ward improved the conduct of
      clinical handover, using a practise development approach. BACKGROUND: ISBAR
      (Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation) is a mnemonic
      tool to aid the safe transfer of patient information in clinical handover. The
      nurses identified the need to improve the use of ISBAR, and other issues related
      to handover that could compromise patient safety and constrain family-centred
      care. METHOD: Sixty-one percent of nurses on the ward contributed to issue
      identification and the design of the educational material, including a set of
      written and video resources and incorporating the role of a handover coach. Staff
      performance was evaluated before and after access to the resources using self
      administered Likert scales, observation and a focus group. RESULTS: After the
      intervention, there was a stronger relationship between the participants'
      understanding of ISBAR and their application of it in handover. Further, there
      were statistically significant increases in improved handover practises,
      including family inclusion and safety checks. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING
      MANAGEMENT: A practise development approach is useful in the provision of
      education to guide clinical performance in patient handover. Nurse managers can
      use this approach to empower their staff to make positive changes to practise.

PMID- 28074591
TI  - Variations in crestal cortical bone thickness at dental implant sites in
      different regions of the jawbone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental implants have become reliable and predictable tools for
      treating missing teeth. The survival rate of dental implants is markedly
      influenced by the host bone quality and quantity of the jawbone. A better host
      bone provides higher initial stability of the dental implant, resulting in better
      osseointegration and a higher success rate. Host bone quality and quantity are
      determined by the crestal cortical bone thickness and inner cancellous bone
      density. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the crestal
      cortical bone thickness at dental implant sites in different regions of the
      jawbone through the use of dental cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 661 dental implant sites (81 in the anterior
      mandible, 122 in the anterior maxilla, 224 in the posterior mandible, and 234 in
      the posterior maxilla) were obtained from the jawbones of 173 humans. The data
      were subjected to statistical analysis to determine any correlation between
      crestal cortical bone thicknesses and jawbone regions using one-way analysis of
      variance with Tukey's post-test. RESULTS: The crestal cortical bone thicknesses
      at dental implant sites in the four regions decreased in the following order:
      posterior mandible (1.07 +/- 0.47 mm, mean +/- SD) >anterior mandible (0.99 +/-
      0.36 mm) >anterior maxilla (0.82 +/- 0.30 mm) >posterior maxilla (0.75 +/- 0.35
      mm). CONCLUSION: The dental CBCT data demonstrate that crestal cortical bone
      thickness varies markedly between dental implant sites in the four regions of the
      jawbone.

PMID- 28074592
TI  - Birthweight and site of osteosarcoma development.

PMID- 28074594
TI  - Iridium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Asymmetric Allylic Dearomatization Reaction of
      Benzoxazoles, Benzothiazoles, and Benzimidazoles.
AB  - An iridium-catalyzed intramolecular asymmetric allylic dearomatization reaction
      of benzoxazoles, benzothiazoles, and benzimidazoles was developed. The reaction
      was found to be compatible with a wide range of five-membered-ring electron
      deficient heteroaromatic compounds and furnished the corresponding dearomatized
      heterocycles in high yield with excellent enantioselectivity.

PMID- 28074593
TI  - Microtubule-associated protein 1B: Novel paraneoplastic biomarker.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the identification of microtubule-associated protein (MAP)
      1B as the antigen of the previously described Purkinje cell cytoplasmic antibody
      type 2 (PCA-2) antibody, its frequency, and clinical, oncological, and
      serological associations. METHODS: Archival serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      specimens were available from 96 of 118 consecutive PCA-2-IgG-seropositive
      patients identified during 1993-2016. The autoantigen, defined in mouse brain
      lysate by Western blot and mass spectrometry, was confirmed by dual
      immunohistochemical staining using commercial antibodies. The major antigenic
      region was defined by Western blot using recombinant protein fragments. RESULTS:
      IgG in 95 of 96 patients' serum or CSF (but in none of 98 healthy or disease
      control subjects' serum specimens) bound to recombinant MAP1B. A minority (17.5%)
      of patients' IgG also bound to MAP1A. PCA-2 was often accompanied by additional
      neural autoantibody markers of small-cell carcinoma, including collapsin response
      mediated protein 5 (CRMP5) IgG (26%) or antineuronal nuclear antibody type 1
      (ANNA-1) IgG (also known as anti-Hu; 13%). Neurological manifestations in 95
      patients were (in decreasing frequency): peripheral neuropathy, 53%; cerebellar
      ataxia, dysmetria, or dysarthria, 38%; and encephalopathy, 27%. Cancer (majority
      small-cell lung carcinoma [SCLC]) was detected in 66 of 84 evaluated patients
      (79%). The MAP1B (PCA-2) autoantibody detection rate, among approximately 70,000
      patients undergoing service neural autoantibody evaluation in 2015, was 0.024%,
      equaling amphiphysin IgG (0.026%) and more common than ANNA-2 (also known as anti
      Ri; 0.016%) and PCA-Tr (also known as delta/notch-like epidermal growth factor
      related receptor [DNER]; 0.006%). INTERPRETATION: MAP1B, the PCA-2 autoantigen,
      represents a novel target in paraneoplastic neurological disorders and has high
      predictive value for SCLC. Its relatively high prevalence, compared with other
      recognized paraneoplastic neural autoantibodies, justifies its testing in
      comprehensive paraneoplastic neural autoantibody evaluation. Ann Neurol
      2017;81:266-277.

PMID- 28074595
TI  - Providing opportunistic immunisations for at-risk inpatients in a tertiary
      paediatric hospital.
AB  - Attaining high immunisation coverage rates for children with medical conditions
      is vital. The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Immunisation Service has the
      opportunity to check each inpatient's immunisation status and provide
      opportunistic vaccines and/or bring the Australian Childhood Immunisation
      Register (ACIR) up-to-date. This paper highlights that during admission, one
      quarter of children were not up-to-date with routine scheduled immunisations and
      42% of those inpatients due or overdue for immunisation were vaccinated. The
      model of establishing routine checking of immunisation records and reminding
      hospital staff about immunisation can result in improvements in vaccination
      coverage. Healthcare providers have a responsibility to check immunisation status
      and offer vaccines when necessary; however, often there are missed opportunities
      to immunise. This paper demonstrates that having a dedicated Immunisation
      Service, a partnership with a relevant government agency, and effective
      collaboration with inpatient clinical teams, opportunistic immunisation can be
      achieved for inpatients.

PMID- 28074596
TI  - Full-length sequence of 2 HLA-B alleles, B*52:01:01:01 and B*52:01:02:01,
      identified by cloning and sequencing.
AB  - Full-length sequence of HLA-B*52:01:01:01 and B*52:01:02:01, identified by
      cloning and sequencing in Chinese donors.

PMID- 28074597
TI  - Convergence of bark investment according to fire and climate structures ecosystem
      vulnerability to future change.
AB  - Fire regimes in savannas and forests are changing over much of the world.
      Anticipating the impact of these changes requires understanding how plants are
      adapted to fire. In this study, we test whether fire imposes a broad selective
      force on a key fire-tolerance trait, bark thickness, across 572 tree species
      distributed worldwide. We show that investment in thick bark is a pervasive
      adaptation in frequently burned areas across savannas and forests in both
      temperate and tropical regions where surface fires occur. Geographic variability
      in bark thickness is largely explained by annual burned area and precipitation
      seasonality. Combining environmental and species distribution data allowed us to
      assess vulnerability to future climate and fire conditions: tropical rainforests
      are especially vulnerable, whereas seasonal forests and savannas are more robust.
      The strong link between fire and bark thickness provides an avenue for assessing
      the vulnerability of tree communities to fire and demands inclusion in global
      models.

PMID- 28074599
TI  - Functionalization of C-H Bonds by Photoredox Catalysis.
AB  - Visible-light photoredox catalysis has been successfully used in the
      functionalization of inert C-H bonds including C(sp2 )-H bonds of arenes and
      C(sp3 )-H bonds of aliphatic compounds over the past decade. These
      transformations are typically promoted by the process of single-electron-transfer
      (SET) between substrates and photo-excited photocatalyst upon visible light
      irradiation (household bulbs or LEDs). Compared with other synthetic strategies,
      such as the transition-metal catalysis and traditional radical reactions, visible
      light photoredox approach has distinct advantages in terms of operational
      simplicity and practicability. Versatile direct functionalization of inert C(sp2
      )-H and C(sp3 )-H bonds including alkylation, trifluoromethylation, arylation and
      amidation, has been achieved using this practical strategy.

PMID- 28074600
TI  - Analyzing multiple endpoints in a confirmatory randomized clinical trial-an
      approach that addresses stratification, missing values, baseline imbalance and
      multiplicity for strictly ordinal outcomes.
AB  - Confirmatory randomized clinical trials with a stratified design may have ordinal
      response outcomes, ie, either ordered categories or continuous determinations
      that are not compatible with an interval scale. Also, multiple endpoints are
      often collected when 1 single endpoint does not represent the overall efficacy of
      the treatment. In addition, random baseline imbalances and missing values can add
      another layer of difficulty in the analysis plan. Therefore, the development of
      an approach that provides a consolidated strategy to all issues collectively is
      essential. For a real case example that is from a clinical trial comparing a test
      treatment and a control for the pain management for patients with osteoarthritis,
      which has all aforementioned issues, multivariate Mann-Whitney estimators with
      stratification adjustment are applicable to the strictly ordinal responses with
      stratified design. Randomization based nonparametric analysis of covariance is
      applied to account for the possible baseline imbalances. Several approaches that
      handle missing values are provided. A global test followed by a closed testing
      procedure controls the family wise error rate in the strong sense for the
      analysis of multiple endpoints. Four outcomes indicating joint pain, stiffness,
      and functional status were analyzed collectively and also individually through
      the procedures. Treatment efficacy was observed in the combined endpoint as well
      as in the individual endpoints. The proposed approach is effective in addressing
      the aforementioned problems simultaneously and straightforward to implement.

PMID- 28074598
TI  - Prediction of skin sensitization potency using machine learning approaches.
AB  - The replacement of animal use in testing for regulatory classification of skin
      sensitizers is a priority for US federal agencies that use data from such
      testing. Machine learning models that classify substances as sensitizers or non
      sensitizers without using animal data have been developed and evaluated. Because
      some regulatory agencies require that sensitizers be further classified into
      potency categories, we developed statistical models to predict skin sensitization
      potency for murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) and human outcomes. Input
      variables for our models included six physicochemical properties and data from
      three non-animal test methods: direct peptide reactivity assay; human cell line
      activation test; and KeratinoSensTM assay. Models were built to predict three
      potency categories using four machine learning approaches and were validated
      using external test sets and leave-one-out cross-validation. A one-tiered
      strategy modeled all three categories of response together while a two-tiered
      strategy modeled sensitizer/non-sensitizer responses and then classified the
      sensitizers as strong or weak sensitizers. The two-tiered model using the support
      vector machine with all assay and physicochemical data inputs provided the best
      performance, yielding accuracy of 88% for prediction of LLNA outcomes (120
      substances) and 81% for prediction of human test outcomes (87 substances). The
      best one-tiered model predicted LLNA outcomes with 78% accuracy and human
      outcomes with 75% accuracy. By comparison, the LLNA predicts human potency
      categories with 69% accuracy (60 of 87 substances correctly categorized). These
      results suggest that computational models using non-animal methods may provide
      valuable information for assessing skin sensitization potency. Copyright (c) 2017
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28074601
TI  - Boraformylation and Silaformylation of Allenes.
AB  - The boraformylation of allenes with B2 (pin)2 and a formate ester as boron and
      formyl source, respectively, proceeds in the presence of a copper catalyst. The
      reaction selectively affords the corresponding beta-boryl beta,gamma-unsaturated
      aldehydes in good to high yields. Furthermore, the silaformylation of allenes was
      achieved with a formate ester and PhMe2 Si-B(pin) as the silicon source.

PMID- 28074602
TI  - Direct MALDI-MS analysis of the disulfide bonds in peptide using thiosalicylic
      acid as a reactive matrix.
AB  - The ability of a thiol-containing molecule, thiosalicylic acid (TSA), to function
      as a reactive matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass
      spectrometry analysis of peptides has been investigated. Although TSA has
      reducing characteristics, the use of TSA did not cause a reduction-induced MALDI
      in-source decay, probably because of the weak interactions between the thiol
      group in TSA and the carboxyl oxygen in the peptide. In contrast, when peptides
      containing disulfide bonds were analyzed by MALDI with TSA as the matrix, the
      disulfide bond was partially cleaved owing to the reaction with TSA, producing
      TSA-adducted peptides. The reaction between the disulfide bond and TSA was
      suggested to be occurred in solution. The comparison of the MALDI mass spectra
      obtained using conventional matrix and TSA allows us to count the number of
      disulfide bonds in the peptides. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28074603
TI  - Supplementing diet with Manitoba lingonberry juice reduces kidney ischemia
      reperfusion injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) contains high levels of
      anthocyanins which are bioavailable in the kidney and may be protective against
      ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced acute kidney injury. This study investigated
      the effect of lingonberry juice on the IR-induced stress-activated signalling
      pathway and inflammatory response in the kidney. RESULTS: Sprague-Dawley rats
      subjected to kidney IR had significantly impaired kidney function, with increased
      activation of the JNK signalling pathway and increased inflammatory response,
      measured using a multiplex panel containing an extensive array of inflammatory
      biomarkers. In rats fed 1 mL lingonberry juice daily for 3 weeks prior to IR,
      kidney function was protected and attenuation of inflammatory response and JNK
      signalling was reflected in the reduction of the measured biomarkers. In vitro
      results in cultured HK-2 cells confirmed that lingonberry anthocyanins reduced
      JNK signalling and inflammatory gene expression after IR. CONCLUSION: This study
      shows, for the first time, that daily supplementation with lingonberry juice may
      protect against loss of kidney function induced by IR injury by modulating JNK
      signalling and inhibiting the subsequent inflammatory response. (c) 2017 Her
      Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Journal of the Science of Food and
      Agriculture (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28074604
TI  - Visible-Light-Triggered Activation of a Protein Kinase Inhibitor.
AB  - A photoresponsive small molecule undergoes a ring-opening reaction when exposed
      to visible light and becomes an active inhibitor of the enzyme protein kinase C.
      This "turning on" of enzyme inhibition with light puts control into the hands of
      the user, creating the opportunity to regulate when and where enzyme catalysis
      takes place.

PMID- 28074605
TI  - Eye-tracking-based assessment suggests preserved well-being in locked-in
      patients.
AB  - We assessed quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being in patients with
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-induced locked-in state and their next of kin in a
      fully unbiased manner using eye-tracking computer systems. Eleven of 30 screened
      patients and 9 next of kin completed study procedures. Patients reported good
      QoL, which appeared to be at the cost of the QoL of their next of kin. Next of
      kin rated their own or patients' QoL similarly, but they identified different
      areas as important as compared with patients. Our results are of importance for
      the discussion of end-of-life decisions and the evaluation of patients' presumed
      wishes as well as for psychosocial interventions. Ann Neurol 2017;81:310-315.

PMID- 28074606
TI  - Assembly of Ring-Shaped Phosphorus within Carbon Nanotube Nanoreactors.
AB  - A phosphorus allotrope that has not been observed so far, ring-shaped phosphorus
      consisting of alternate P8 and P2 structural units, has been assembled inside
      multi-walled carbon nanotube nanoreactors with inner diameters of 5-8 nm by a
      chemical vapor transport and reaction of red phosphorus at 500  degrees C. The
      ring-shaped nanostructures with surrounding graphene walls are stable under
      ambient conditions. The nanostructures were characterized by high-resolution
      transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy,
      energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman scattering, attenuated total
      reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy.

PMID- 28074607
TI  - The use of intravenous pentamidine for the prophylaxis of Pneumocystis pneumonia
      in pediatric patients.
AB  - Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia was common in the immunocompromised host before
      the widespread use of prophylaxis. When trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is not
      tolerated, prophylaxis with intravenous pentamidine (IVP) may be initiated. We
      performed a retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients who received IVP
      regarding efficacy, safety, and reason for initiation. Of 106 patients included
      in our analysis, one patient tested positive for Pneumocystis DNA. Adverse events
      were reported in 18% of IVP courses, and main reason for initiation was cytopenia
      (59%). We found IVP to be effective and safe, and recommend the use of IVP in
      pediatric patients in whom first-line prophylaxis is contraindicated.

PMID- 28074608
TI  - Aged garlic extract suppresses the increase of plasma glycated albumin level and
      enhances the AMP-activated protein kinase in adipose tissue in TSOD mice.
AB  - SCOPE: In this study, we investigated the effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on
      the high level of blood glucose in Tsumura Suzuki Obese-Diabetes (TSOD) mice.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: TSOD mice were fed standard diet with or without 2% AGE for
      19 weeks. AGE treatment lowered the blood glucose level and significantly reduced
      the plasma level of glycated albumin in TSOD mice as compared with those without
      AGE treatment. In addition, AGE treatment increased the level of phosphorylated
      AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the adipose tissue, liver and muscle that
      played an important role in the maintenance of insulin sensitivity. Moreover, AGE
      treatment also suppressed the mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase, a known
      factor regulated by AMPK, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, one of the
      representative inflammatory chemokines, in the adipose tissue but not in the
      liver. CONCLUSION: AGE treatment suppresses the increase of plasma glycated
      albumin level in TSOD mice and this effect is accompanied by the activation of
      AMPK in adipose tissue, and suggests that AGE may play a potential role in the
      prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28074609
TI  - Rapid chemical shift encoding with single-acquisition single-slab 3D GRASE.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of chemical shift encoded, single-slab 3D
      GRASE for rapid fat-water separation within a single acquisition. METHODS: The
      proposed method incorporates signal-to-noise-ratio-optimal chemical shift
      encoding into single-slab 3D GRASE with variable flip angles. Chemical shift
      induced phase information was encoded in succession to different positions in k
      space by inserting phase encoding blips between adjacent lobes of the oscillating
      readout gradients. To enhance imaging efficiency, signal prescription-based
      variable flip angles were used in the long refocusing pulse train. After echo
      independent phase correction, missing signals in k-echo space were interpolated
      using convolution kernels that span over all echoes. Fat-water separation in a
      single acquisition was performed using both multi-echo fast spin echo and GRASE
      as compared to conventional multiacquisition fast spin echo with echo shifts.
      RESULTS: The proposed single-slab 3D GRASE shows superior performance in
      accurately delineating cartilage structures compared to its counterpart, multi
      echo 3D fast spin echo. Compared with multiacquisition fast spin echo with three
      echo shifts (63 min), the proposed method substantially speeds up imaging time (7
      min), and achieves 0.6 mm isotropic resolution in knee imaging with reduced
      artifacts and noise. CONCLUSION: We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of
      rapid chemical shift encoding and separation using the proposed, single
      acquisition single-slab 3D GRASE for high resolution isotropic imaging within
      clinically acceptable time. Magn Reson Med 78:1852-1861, 2017. (c) 2017
      International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28074610
TI  - An in vitro model yields 'importin' new insights into chronic traumatic
      encephalopathy: damaged astrocytes stop 'thrombospondin' to the injury: An
      Editorial Highlight for 'Defective synthesis and release of astrocytic
      thrombospondin-1 mediates the neuronal TDP-43 proteinopathy, resulting in defects
      in neuronal integrity associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy: in vitro
      studies'.
AB  - Read the highlighted article 'Defective synthesis and release of astrocytic
      thrombospondin-1 mediates the neuronal TDP-43 proteinopathy, resulting in defects
      in neuronal integrity associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy: in vitro
      studies' on page 645.

PMID- 28074611
TI  - Impact of physiologically based pharmacokinetic models on regulatory reviews and
      product labels: Frequent utilization in the field of oncology.
AB  - Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling can be used to predict drug
      pharmacokinetics in virtual populations using models that integrate understanding
      of physiological systems. PBPK models have been widely utilized for predicting
      pharmacokinetics in clinically untested scenarios during drug applications and
      regulatory reviews in recent years. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of
      the application of PBPK in new drug application (NDA) review documents from the
      US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past 4 years.

PMID- 28074612
TI  - A New CuO-Fe2 O3 -Mesocarbon Microbeads Conversion Anode in a High-Performance
      Lithium-Ion Battery with a Li1.35 Ni0.48 Fe0.1 Mn1.72 O4 Spinel Cathode.
AB  - A ternary CuO-Fe2 O3 -mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) conversion anode was
      characterized and combined with a high-voltage Li1.35 Ni0.48 Fe0.1 Mn1.72 O4
      spinel cathode in a lithium-ion battery of relevant performance in terms of
      cycling stability and rate capability. The CuO-Fe2 O3 -MCMB composite was
      prepared by using high-energy milling, a low-cost pathway that leads to a
      crystalline structure and homogeneous submicrometrical morphology as revealed by
      XRD and electron microscopy. The anode reversibly exchanges lithium ions through
      the conversion reactions of CuO and Fe2 O3 and by insertion into the MCMB carbon.
      Electrochemical tests, including impedance spectroscopy, revealed a conductive
      electrode/electrolyte interface that enabled the anode to achieve a reversible
      capacity value higher than 500 mAh g-1 when cycled at a current of 120 mA g-1 .
      The remarkable stability of the CuO-Fe2 O3 -MCMB electrode and the suitable
      characteristics in terms of delivered capacity and voltage-profile retention
      allowed its use in an efficient full lithium-ion cell with a high-voltage Li1.35
      Ni0.48 Fe0.1 Mn1.72 O4 cathode. The cell had a working voltage of 3.6 V and
      delivered a capacity of 110 mAh gcathode-1 with a Coulombic efficiency above 99 %
      after 100 cycles at 148 mA gcathode-1 . This relevant performances, rarely
      achieved by lithium-ion systems that use the conversion reaction, are the result
      of an excellent cell balance in terms of negative-to-positive ratio, favored by
      the anode composition and electrochemical features.

PMID- 28074613
TI  - Health benefits of methylxanthines in neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - Methylxanthines (MTXs) are consumed by almost everybody in almost every area of
      the world. Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine are the most well-known members
      of this family of compounds; they are present, inter alia, in coffee, tea, cacao,
      yerba mate and cola drinks. MTXs are readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal
      tract and are able to penetrate into the central nervous system, where they exert
      significant psychostimulant actions, which are more evident in acute intake.
      Coffee has been paradigmatic, as its use was forbidden in many diseases, however,
      this negative view has radically changed; evidence shows that MTXs display health
      benefits in diseases involving cell death in the nervous system. This paper
      reviews data that appraise the preventive and even therapeutic potential of MTXs
      in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Future perspectives include the use
      of MTXs to advance the understanding the pathophysiology of, inter alia,
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and the use of the
      methylxanthine chemical moiety as a basis for the development of new and more
      efficacious drugs.

PMID- 28074614
TI  - Mutation analysis and gene expression profiling of ocular melanomas in cats.
AB  - Feline ocular melanomas show a high malignant behaviour, but adjunctive therapies
      are non-existent. The aim of this pilot study was to determine, whether feline
      ocular melanomas harbour mutations comparable to mutations in human melanomas and
      to evaluate the gene expression status of genes known to be involved in
      initiation and progression of human melanomas. Mutation hotspot regions of
      several genes of feline ocular melanomas were analysed by DNA sequencing and RNA
      expression levels of the respective genes and others were evaluated by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Common mutations
      found in human melanomas are not present in feline tumours. Gene expression
      analysis revealed a significant upregulation of KIT and LTA4H, as well as a
      downregulation of GNAQ, GNA11, BRAF and RASSF1 in feline ocular melanomas. As KIT
      seems to harbour a potential as target gene in human uveal melanomas, future
      studies should further investigate the potential of KIT as target for adjunctive
      therapy in feline ocular melanomas.

PMID- 28074615
TI  - Database of Optimized Proteomic Quantitative Methods for Human Drug Disposition
      Related Proteins for Applications in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic
      Modeling.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to create an open access repository of validated
      liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) multiple reaction
      monitoring (MRM) methods for quantifying 284 important proteins associated with
      drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Various in
      silico and experimental approaches were used to select surrogate peptides and
      optimize instrument parameters for LC-MS/MS quantification of the selected
      proteins. The final methods were uploaded to an online public database (QPrOmics;
      www.qpromics.uw.edu/qpromics/assay/), which provides essential information for
      facile method development in triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS)
      instruments. To validate the utility of the methods, the differential tissue
      expression of 107 key ADME proteins was characterized in the tryptic digests of
      the pooled subcellular fractions of human liver, kidneys, intestines, and lungs.
      These methods and the data are critical for development of physiologically based
      pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to predict xenobiotic disposition.

PMID- 28074616
TI  - Is Hemodialysis Patient Survival Dependent upon Small Solute Clearance (Kt/V)?:
      If So How Can Kt/V be Adjusted to Prevent Under Dialysis in Vulnerable Groups?
AB  - Small solute clearance achieved during a single hemodialysis session has been
      traditionally evaluated by urea clearance, normalized for total body water
      (Kt/Vurea) for more than 30 years. By consensus, the target sessional KtVurea for
      thrice weekly treatments has been increased from 0.9 to 1.2 over the years.
      Although this is supported by observational studies, there is a fundamental lack
      of prospective studies to support this threshold target. In clinical practice
      achieving sessional Kt/Vurea targets are most closely followed in the US. Yet
      there appears to be a paradox in that by following Kt/Vurea targets in the US
      hemodialysis patient survival is better for men and the obese, the opposite of
      what is seen in the general population. Delivery of a lower dose of hemodialysis
      to women and smaller men can be explained by underestimation of total body water.
      The advent of bioimpedance techniques which can measure both body water and body
      composition will potentially allow a rescaling and re-evaluation of the
      importance of small solute clearances (Kt/Vurea) in the hemodialysis patient
      population.

PMID- 28074617
TI  - Soft drink intake and the risk of metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether consumption of sugar- or artificially sweetened
      beverages is independently associated with the development of metabolic syndrome.
      A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate whether soft
      drink consumption is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome.
      METHODS: Medline and EMBASE were searched in November 2015 for studies which
      considered soft drink (sugar-sweetened beverage [SSB] and artificially sweetened
      beverage [ASB]) intake and risk of metabolic syndrome. Pooled risk ratios for
      adverse outcomes were calculated using inverse variance with a random effects
      model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. RESULTS: A total of
      12 studies (eight cross-sectional, four prospective cohort studies) with 56 244
      participants (age range 6-98 years) were included in the review. Our pooled
      analysis found that soft drink intake is associated with metabolic syndrome. This
      relationship is shown in cross-sectional studies of SSB consumption (RR 1.46, 95%
      CI 1.18-1.91) and both cross-sectional and prospective studies of ASB consumption
      (RR 2.45; 95% CI 1.15-5.14; RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21-1.44, respectively). However,
      pooled results of prospective cohort studies of SSB consumption found no
      association between intake and risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sugar-sweetened beverage and ASB intake are both associated with
      metabolic syndrome. This association may be driven by the fact that soft drink
      intake serves as a surrogate for an unhealthy lifestyle, or an adverse
      cardiovascular risk factor profile.

PMID- 28074619
TI  - Too busy to lead? Current challenges for German nurse leaders.

PMID- 28074618
TI  - Review article: dose optimisation of infliximab for acute severe ulcerative
      colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although optimal medical management of acute severe ulcerative
      colitis (UC) is ill-defined, infliximab has become a standard of care.
      Accumulating evidence suggests an increased rate of infliximab clearance in
      patients with acute severe UC and a reduced colectomy rate with an intensified
      infliximab induction regimen. AIM: To assess the strength of the current evidence
      for the relationship between infliximab pharmacokinetics, dosing strategies and
      disease behaviour in patients with acute severe UC. METHODS: We systematically
      searched MEDLINE and conference proceedings from 2000 to 2016 for relevant
      articles describing the pharmacokinetics of infliximab in acute severe UC and/or
      infliximab dose intensification strategies in acute severe UC. Eligible articles
      described randomised controlled trials, and cohort, cross-sectional, and case
      controlled studies. RESULTS: Of 400 citations identified, 76 studies were
      eligible. Increased infliximab clearance occurs in patients with acute severe UC,
      and is driven by the total inflammatory burden and leakage of drug into the
      colonic lumen. Several cohort studies suggest that infliximab dose
      intensification is beneficial to at least 50% of acute severe UC patients and the
      results of case-controlled studies indicate that an intensified infliximab dosing
      regimen with 1-2 additional infusions in the first 3 weeks of treatment could
      reduce the early (3-month) colectomy rate by up to 80%, although these data
      require prospective validation. CONCLUSIONS: Uncontrolled studies suggest a
      benefit for infliximab dose optimisation in patients with acute severe UC. A
      randomised controlled trial in acute severe UC patients comparing a personalised
      infliximab dose-optimisation strategy with conventional dosing is a research
      priority.

PMID- 28074620
TI  - Double immunostaining for maspin and p53 on cell blocks increases the diagnostic
      value of biliary brushing cytology.
AB  - Our objective is to elucidate the usefulness of maspin/p53 double immunostaining
      on biliary brushing cytology specimens. We first examined the expression of
      maspin in the biliary epithelium with variable degrees of dysplasia using
      surgically resected specimens (n = 56). Maspin appeared to be overexpressed in a
      stepwise manner from benign to malignant cholangiocytes: the reactive epithelium
      (20%), biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (~50%), and invasive cholangiocarcinomas
      (>90%). Next, an automated sequential double immunostaining protocol for maspin
      and p53 was applied to paraffin-embedded cell blocks of the biliary brushing
      cytology specimens obtained from 58 consecutive patients. Cell block preparation
      was successful in 44 cases (76%), which were morphologically diagnosed as
      adenocarcinoma (n = 16), atypical cells not diagnostic for malignancy (n = 10),
      and benign (n  = 18). Double positive cells were observed in 14/16 (88%)
      morphologically malignant, 6/10 (60%) borderline, and 0/18 benign cases. All 20
      positive cases were proven to have pancreatobiliary malignancies by subsequent
      imaging or pathological analyses. A similar staining protocol for S100P and p53
      was also applied to the same cohort; however, the positive frequency was slightly
      lower than those of maspin and p53 (36% vs. 45%). In conclusion, Maspin/p53
      double immunostaining on cell blocks contributes to the detection of malignant
      cells in biliary brushing cytology specimens.

PMID- 28074621
TI  - Total Synthesis of (-)-Tetrodotoxin and 11-norTTX-6(R)-ol.
AB  - The enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-tetrodotoxin [(-)-TTX] and 4,9
      anhydrotetrodotoxin, which are selective blockers of voltage-gated sodium
      channels, was accomplished from the commercially available p-benzoquinone. This
      synthesis was based on efficient stereocontrol of the six contiguous stereogenic
      centers on the core cyclohexane ring through Ogasawara's method, [3,3]
      sigmatropic rearrangement of an allylic cyanate, and intramolecular 1,3-dipolar
      cycloaddition of a nitrile oxide. Our synthetic route was applied to the
      synthesis of the tetrodotoxin congeners 11-norTTX-6(R)-ol and 4,9-anhydro-11
      norTTX-6(R)-ol through late-stage modification of the common intermediate.
      Neutral deprotection at the final step enabled easy purification of tetrodotoxin
      and 11-norTTX-6(R)-ol without competing dehydration to their 4,9-anhydro forms.

PMID- 28074622
TI  - "Holostei versus Halecostomi" Problem: Insight from Cytogenetics of Ancient
      Nonteleost Actinopterygian Fish, Bowfin Amia calva.
AB  - Bowfin belongs to an ancient lineage of nonteleost ray-finned fishes
      (actinopterygians) and is the only extant survivor of a once diverged group, the
      Halecomorphi or Amiiformes. Owing to the scarcity of extant nonteleost ray-finned
      lineages, also referred as "living fossils," their phylogenetic
      interrelationships have been the target of multiple hypotheses concerning their
      sister group relationships. Molecular and morphological data sets have produced
      controversial results; bowfin is considered as either the sister group to genome
      duplicated teleosts (together forming the group of Halecostomi) or to gars
      (Lepisosteiformes; together forming the group of Holostei). However, any detailed
      cytogenetic analysis of bowfin chromosomes has never been performed to address
      this issue. Here we examined bowfin chromosomes by conventional (Giemsa-staining,
      C-banding, base-specific fluorescence and silver staining) and molecular (FISH
      with rDNA probes) cytogenetic protocols. We identified diploid chromosome number
      2n = 46 with a middle-sized submetacentric chromosome pair as the major ribosomal
      DNA-bearing (45S rDNA), GC-positive and silver-positive element. The minor rDNA
      (5S rDNA) sites were localized in the pericentromeric region of one middle-sized
      acrocentric chromosome pair. Comparison with available cytogenetic data of other
      nonteleost actinopterygians (bichirs, sturgeons, gars) and teleost species
      including representative of basally branching lineages showed bowfin chromosomal
      characteristics more similar to the teleost type than to any other nonteleosts.
      Particularly striking differences were identified between bowfin and gars, the
      latter of which were found to mimic mammalian AT/GC genomic organisation. Such
      conclusion however contradicts the most recent phylogenomic results and raises
      the question what states are ancestral and what are derived.

PMID- 28074623
TI  - Characterization and application of a self-aspirating electrospray source with
      pneumatic-assisted ionization.
AB  - A single gas-assisted electrospray ion source developed for ambient mass
      spectrometry is introduced in this paper. Simultaneous self-aspiration and
      electrospray could be achieved by using a constant sheath gas flow supplied from
      a mini air pump. A gas dynamic study of the spray module is carried out for
      structural optimization. The entire device exhibits a simplified design and has
      been systematically characterized through both simulated and experimental
      investigations. According to the results, the ion source exhibited satisfactory
      stability and the ability for quantitative operation in routine electrospray
      ionization mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the ion source can be operated as a
      desorption electrospray ionization source to perform direct desorption/ionization
      of the solid samples. The versatile source described here appears to provide a
      practical approach to perform ambient mass spectrometry analysis with
      unrestricted sampling operation, and the extensive gas dynamic studies together
      with the experimental characterization are believed to be helpful in building
      self-aspirating spray devices. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28074624
TI  - Sustainability and comanagement of subsistence hunting in an indigenous reserve
      in Guyana.
AB  - Although hunting is a key component of subsistence strategies of many Amazonians,
      it is also one of the greatest threats to wildlife. Because indigenous reserves
      comprise over 20% of Amazonia, effective conservation often requires that
      conservation professionals work closely with indigenous groups to manage resource
      use. We used hunter-generated harvesting data in spatially explicit
      biodemographic models to assess the sustainability of subsistence hunting of
      indigenous Waiwai in Guyana. We collected data through a hunter self-monitoring
      program, systematic follows of hunters, and semistructured interviews. We used
      these data to predict future densities of 2 indicator species, spider monkeys
      (Ateles paniscus) and bearded sakis (Chiropotes sagulatus), under different
      scenarios of human population expansion and changing hunting technology. We used
      encounter rates from transect surveys and hunter catch-per-unit effort (CPUE) to
      validate model predictions. Paca (Cuniculus paca) (198 /year), Currosaw (Crax
      alector) (168), and spider monkey (117) were the most frequently harvested
      species. Predicted densities of spider monkeys were statistically
      indistinguishable from empirically derived transect data (Kolmogorov-Smirnov D =
      0.67, p = 0.759) and CPUE (D = 0.32, p = 1.000), demonstrating the robustness of
      model predictions. Ateles paniscus and C. sagulatus were predicted to be
      extirpated from <13% of the Waiwai reserve in 20 years, even under the most
      intensive hunting scenarios. Our results suggest Waiwai hunting is currently
      sustainable, primarily due to their low population density and use of bow and
      arrow. Continual monitoring is necessary, however, particularly if human
      population increases are accompanied by a switch to shotgun-only hunting. We
      suggest that hunter self-monitoring and biodemographic modeling can be used
      effectively in a comanagement approach in which indigenous parabiologists
      continuously provide hunting data that is then used to update model parameters
      and validate model predictions.

PMID- 28074625
TI  - Heterocumulene Sulfinyl Radical OCNSO.
AB  - Neutral five-atomic cumulenes formally consisting of two pseudohalogens (e.g.,
      NCO, NNN, NSO) by sharing the central nitrogen atom are exotic species that have
      been barely studied. Through flash vacuum pyrolysis of CF3 S(O)NCO at ca. 1200 K,
      sulfinyl isocyanate, bearing resonance structures of O=C-N=S=O and O=C=N-S=O, has
      been generated in the gas phase and subsequently characterized in cryogenic
      matrices (Ar and N2 ). Its reversible conformational (syn and anti)
      interconversion and photodecomposition were observed.

PMID- 28074626
TI  - Radio-cephalic fistula recovered with drainage to forearm basilic vein.
AB  - Dysfunction problems with vascular access are a concern to patients and dialysis
      units. The vascular surgeon should analyse such dysfunction and perform a careful
      assessment of the vascular network in order to find new fistula layouts. We
      introduce and discuss the case of creation of a radio-cephalic fistula with
      outflow into the forearm basilic vein through rotation of the forearm basilic
      vein toward the cephalic vein in the forearm of an 88-year-old hemodialysis male
      patient. This technique enables extending fistula patency and improves cost
      efficiency.

PMID- 28074628
TI  - S100A4 (metastasin) positive mesenchymal canine mammary tumour spheroids reduce
      Tenascin C synthesis under DMSO exposure in vitro.
AB  - In breast cancer research S100A4-positive tumour-associated stromal cells are
      assumed as primary source of Tenascin C (TNC) in the metastatic environment. Aim
      of the present study was to isolate and characterize S100A4/TNC positive stromal
      canine mammary tumour (CMT) cells. Cells grown as scaffold-free spheroids were
      investigated for S100A4, TNC, and proliferative activity under 1.8% DMSO
      stimulation by means of Western blot and immunohistochemistry. DMSO is a commonly
      used drug solvent despite well-known side effects on cells including TNC
      expression. DMSO did not affect proliferation, but TNC was significantly reduced
      under DMSO exposure for 7 and 14 days, whereby for S100A4 a reducing effect was
      only observed after 14 days. Without DMSO, cells stably expressed TNC and S100A4
      which makes them suitable to be used in experimental approaches requiring
      S100A4/TNC expressing CMT stromal cells. Results show that 1.8% DMSO should not
      be used as solvent for experiments concerning TNC/S100A4 expression.

PMID- 28074629
TI  - A comparison of approaches for stratifying on the propensity score to reduce
      bias.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Stratification is a popular propensity score
      (PS) adjustment technique. It has been shown that stratifying the PS into 5
      quantiles can remove over 90% of the bias due to the covariates used to generate
      the PS. Because of this finding, many investigators partition their data into 5
      quantiles of the PS without examining whether a more robust solution (one that
      increases covariate balance while potentially reducing bias in the outcome
      analysis) can be found for their data. Two approaches (referred to herein as
      PSCORE and PSTRATA) obtain the optimal stratification solution by repeatedly
      dividing the data into strata until balance is achieved between treatment and
      control groups on the PS. These algorithms differ in how they partition the data,
      and it is not known which is better, or if either is better than a 5-quantile
      default approach, for reducing bias in treatment effect estimates. METHOD: Monte
      Carlo simulations and empirical data are used to assess whether PS strata defined
      by PSCORE, PSTRATA, or 5 quantiles is best at reducing bias in treatment effect
      estimates, when used within a marginal mean weighting framework (MMWS). These
      estimates are further compared to results derived using inverse probability of
      treatment weights (IPTW). RESULTS: PSTRATA was slightly better than PSCORE in
      balancing covariates and reducing bias, while both approaches outperformed the 5
      quantile approach. Overall MMWS using any stratification method outperformed
      IPTW. CONCLUSIONS: Investigators should routinely use stratification approaches
      that obtain the optimal stratification solution, rather than simply partitioning
      the data into 5 quantiles of the PS. Moreover, MMWS (in conjunction with an
      optimal stratification approach) should be considered as an alternative to IPTW
      in studies that use PS weights.

PMID- 28074630
TI  - Quantification of Phenotype Information Aids the Identification of Novel Disease
      Genes.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing led to the identification of many potential novel
      disease genes. The presence of mutations in the same gene in multiple unrelated
      patients is, however, a priori insufficient to establish that these genes are
      truly involved in the respective disease. Here, we show how phenotype information
      can be incorporated within statistical approaches to provide additional evidence
      for the causality of mutations. We developed a broadly applicable statistical
      model that integrates gene-specific mutation rates, cohort size, mutation type,
      and phenotype frequency information to assess the chance of identifying de novo
      mutations affecting the same gene in multiple patients with shared phenotype
      features. We demonstrate our approach based on the frequency of phenotype
      features present in a unique cohort of 6,149 patients with intellectual
      disability. We show that our combined approach can decrease the number of
      patients required to identify novel disease genes, especially for patients with
      combinations of rare phenotypes. In conclusion, we show how integrating genotype
      phenotype information can aid significantly in the interpretation of de novo
      mutations in potential novel disease genes.

PMID- 28074631
TI  - Transdifferentiation of Human Dermal Fibroblasts to Smooth Muscle-Like Cells to
      Study the Effect of MYH11 and ACTA2 Mutations in Aortic Aneurysms.
AB  - Mutations in genes encoding proteins of the smooth muscle cell (SMC) contractile
      apparatus contribute to familial aortic aneurysms. To investigate the
      pathogenicity of these mutations, SMC are required. We demonstrate a novel method
      to generate SMC-like cells from human dermal fibroblasts by transdifferentiation
      to study the effect of variants in genes encoding proteins of the SMC contractile
      apparatus (ACTA2 and MYH11) in patients with aortic aneurysms. Dermal fibroblasts
      from seven healthy donors and cells from seven patients with MYH11 or ACTA2
      variants were transdifferentiated into SMC-like cells within a 2-week duration
      using 5 ng/ml TGFbeta1 on a scaffold containing collagen and elastin. The induced
      SMC were comparable to primary human aortic SMC in mRNA expression of SMC markers
      which was confirmed on the protein level by immunofluorescence quantification
      analysis and Western blotting. In patients with MYH11 or ACTA2 variants, the
      effect of intronic variants on splicing was demonstrated on the mRNA level in the
      induced SMC, allowing classification into pathogenic or nonpathogenic variants.
      In conclusion, direct conversion of human dermal fibroblasts into SMC-like cells
      is a highly efficient method to investigate the pathogenicity of variants in
      proteins of the SMC contractile apparatus.

PMID- 28074632
TI  - Gene expression profiles of the Southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus
      during exposure to permethrin.
AB  - Insecticide resistance is a major obstacle to the management of disease-vectoring
      mosquitoes worldwide. The genetic changes and detoxification genes involved in
      insecticide resistance have been extensively studied in populations of
      insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, however few studies have focused on the
      resistance genes upregulated upon insecticide exposure and the possible
      regulation pathways involved in insecticide resistance. To characterize the
      changes in gene expression during insecticide exposure, and to investigate the
      possible connection of known regulation pathways with insecticide resistance, we
      conducted RNA-Seq analysis of a highly permethrin-resistant strain of Culex
      quinquefasciatus following permethrin exposure. Gene expression profiles revealed
      a total of 224 upregulated and 146 downregulated genes when compared to a blank
      acetone carrier treated control, respectively, suggesting that there were
      multiple, but specific genes involved in permethrin resistance. Functional
      enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated genes contained multiple
      detoxification genes including a glutathione S-transferase and multiple
      cytochrome P450 genes, as well as several immune-related genes, while the
      downregulated genes consisted primarily of proteases and carbohydrate metabolism
      and transport. Further analysis showed that permethrin exposure resulted in a
      decrease in the expression of serum storage proteins and likely represented a
      delay in the development of the fourth instar possibly due to a decrease in
      feeding. This effect was more pronounced in an insecticide-resistant strain than
      in an insecticide-susceptible strain and may represent a behavioral mechanism of
      insecticide resistance in Culex mosquitoes.

PMID- 28074633
TI  - A computational interactome for prioritizing genes associated with complex
      agronomic traits in rice (Oryza sativa).
AB  - Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important staple foods for more than half
      of the global population. Many rice traits are quantitative, complex and
      controlled by multiple interacting genes. Thus, a full understanding of genetic
      relationships will be critical to systematically identify genes controlling
      agronomic traits. We developed a genome-wide rice protein-protein interaction
      network (RicePPINet, http://netbio.sjtu.edu.cn/riceppinet) using machine learning
      with structural relationship and functional information. RicePPINet contained 708
      819 predicted interactions for 16 895 non-transposable element related proteins.
      The power of the network for discovering novel protein interactions was
      demonstrated through comparison with other publicly available protein-protein
      interaction (PPI) prediction methods, and by experimentally determined PPI data
      sets. Furthermore, global analysis of domain-mediated interactions revealed
      RicePPINet accurately reflects PPIs at the domain level. Our studies showed the
      efficiency of the RicePPINet-based method in prioritizing candidate genes
      involved in complex agronomic traits, such as disease resistance and drought
      tolerance, was approximately 2-11 times better than random prediction. RicePPINet
      provides an expanded landscape of computational interactome for the genetic
      dissection of agronomically important traits in rice.

PMID- 28074634
TI  - ARF2 coordinates with PLETHORAs and PINs to orchestrate ABA-mediated root
      meristem activity in Arabidopsis .
AB  - Multiple hormones, including abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin, regulate cell
      division and differentiation of Arabidopsis root meristems. AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR
      2 (ARF2) functions as a negative regulator of ABA responses, as seed germination
      and primary root growth of arf2 mutants are hypersensitive to ABA. In this study,
      we found that ABA treatment reduced the expression levels of the PIN-FORMEDs
      (PIN) auxin efflux carriers, PIN1, PIN3, PIN4, and PIN7, to a greater extent in
      the root meristems of arf2-101 mutant than in the wild type. Also, arf2-101 pin1
      and arf2-101 pin4 double mutants show less ABA-induced inhibition of root
      meristem activity than the arf2-101 mutants. Furthermore, ARF2 positively
      mediates the transcripts of transcription factor PLETHORA 1 (PLT1) gene but
      negatively mediates PLT2 at protein level in root meristems. Using a
      dexamethasone (DEX)-inducible transgenic line, Pro35S:PLT2-GR, we showed that
      PLT2 greatly promotes cell division and completely inhibits cell differentiation
      in root meristems of the arf2-101 mutant once PLT2 is induced by DEX, which can
      be partially reversed by ABA treatment, suggesting that ABA regulates root
      meristem activity in both ARF2-dependent and independent pathways. Our results
      uncover a complex regulatory architecture in which ARF2 coordinates with PLTs and
      PINs to orchestrate ABA-mediated regulation of root meristem activity in
      Arabidopsis.

PMID- 28074635
TI  - Physician step prescription and monitoring to improve ARTERial health (SMARTER):
      A randomized controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
AB  - AIMS: There are few proven strategies to enhance physical activity and
      cardiometabolic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. We
      examined the effects of physician-delivered step count prescriptions and
      monitoring. METHODS: Participants randomized to the active arm were provided with
      pedometers and they recorded step counts. Over a 1-year period, their physicians
      reviewed their records and provided a written step count prescription at each
      clinic visit. The overall goal was a 3000 steps/day increase over 1 year
      (individualized rate of increase). Control arm participants were advised to
      engage in physical activity 30 to 60 min/day. We evaluated effects on step
      counts, carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV, primary) and other
      cardiometabolic indicators including haemoglobin A1c in diabetes (henceforth
      abbreviated as A1c) and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
      in participants not receiving insulin therapy. RESULTS: A total of 79% completed
      final evaluations (275/347; mean age, 60 years; SD, 11). Over 66% of participants
      had type 2 diabetes and over 90% had hypertension. There was a net 20% increase
      in steps/day in active vs control arm participants (1190; 95% CI, 550-1840).
      Changes in cfPWV were inconclusive; active vs control arm participants with type
      2 diabetes experienced a decrease in A1c (-0.38%; 95% CI, -0.69 to -0.06). HOMA
      IR also declined in the active arm vs the control arm (ie, assessed in all
      participants not treated with insulin; -0.96; 95% CI, -1.72 to -0.21).
      CONCLUSIONS: A simple physician-delivered step count prescription strategy
      incorporated into routine clinical practice led to a net 20% increase in step
      counts; however, this was below the 3000 steps/day targeted increment. While
      conclusive effects on cfPWV were not observed, there were improvements in both
      A1c and insulin sensitivity. Future studies will evaluate an amplified
      intervention to increase impact.

PMID- 28074636
TI  - Comment on: Juvenile granulosa cell ovarian tumor in a child with Beckwith
      Wiedemann syndrome.

PMID- 28074638
TI  - Clinical management of Candida albicans keratomycosis in a bottlenose dolphin
      (Tursiops truncatus).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Corneal ulceration secondary to trauma commonly affects marine
      mammals, often with opportunistic secondary bacterial or fungal infections. This
      report characterizes the combined use of auriculopalpebral and ophthalmic nerve
      blocks, adipose-derived stem cells, and subconjunctival injections for successful
      treatment of corneal trauma and infection in dolphins. ANIMAL STUDIED: An 11-year
      old, female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presented with bilateral
      diffuse corneal opacities, which progressed to keratomycosis caused by Candida
      albicans. PROCEDURE: Aggressive medical management was employed, including the
      use of subconjunctival injections of adipose-derived stem cells, plasma, topical
      and oral antifungals and antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory and pain medications.
      Anesthetic block of the auriculopalpebral and ophthalmic nerves was employed to
      evaluate the corneas. CONCLUSION: Subconjunctival injections were employed over
      52 days, followed by topical drops for 5 months. At last evaluation, there was no
      evidence of blepharospasm bilaterally. Only a faint superficial gray corneal
      opacity remained OS. A temporal paraxial corneal opacity was present OD, with
      receding inactive vascularization and a small amount of melanosis temporally.

PMID- 28074637
TI  - Moderately elevated blood pressure during pregnancy and odds of hypertension
      later in life: the POUCHmoms longitudinal study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy signal an increased risk of
      cardiovascular disease for women. However, future hypertension risk among
      pregnant women with moderately elevated blood pressure (BP) is unknown. We
      examined associations among moderately elevated BP or hypertensive disorders
      during pregnancy and later prehypertension or hypertension. DESIGN: Longitudinal
      cohort study. SETTING: Five communities in Michigan, USA. SAMPLE: Data are from
      pregnant women enrolled in the Pregnancy Outcomes and Community Health Study. We
      included 667 women with gestational BP measurements who participated in the
      POUCHmoms Study follow-up 7-15 years later. METHODS: Moderately elevated BP was
      defined as two measures of systolic BP >= 120 mmHg or diastolic BP >=80 mmHg
      among women without a hypertensive disorder. Weighted multinomial logistic
      regression models estimated odds of prehypertension or hypertension at follow-up,
      adjusted for maternal confounders and time to follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Prehypertension or hypertension. RESULTS: Women meeting the moderately elevated
      BP criteria (64%) had significantly higher odds of hypertension at follow-up
      (adjusted odds ratio 2.6; 95% confidence interval 1.2-5.5). These increased odds
      were observed for moderately elevated BP first identified before or after 20
      weeks of gestation, and for elevated systolic BP alone or combined with elevated
      diastolic BP. CONCLUSIONS: Moderately elevated BP in pregnancy may be a risk
      factor for future hypertension. Pregnancy offers an opportunity to identify women
      at risk for hypertension who may not have been identified otherwise. TWEETABLE
      ABSTRACT: Moderately elevated blood pressure in pregnancy may be associated with
      hypertension later in life.

PMID- 28074639
TI  - Colloidal Synthesis of CH3 NH3 PbBr3 Nanoplatelets with Polarized Emission
      through Self-Organization.
AB  - We report a combined experimental and theoretical study of the synthesis of CH3
      NH3 PbBr3 nanoplatelets through self-organization. Shape transformation from
      spherical nanodots to square or rectangular nanoplatelets can be achieved by
      keeping the preformed colloidal nanocrystals at a high concentration (3.5 mg mL-1
      ) for 3 days, or combining the synthesis of nanodots with self-organization. The
      average thickness of the resulting CH3 NH3 PbBr3 nanoplatelets is similar to the
      size of the original nanoparticles, and we also noticed several nanoplatelets
      with circular or square holes, suggesting that the shape transformation
      experienced a self-organization process through dipole-dipole interactions along
      with a realignment of dipolar vectors. Additionally, the CH3 NH3 PbBr3
      nanoplatelets exhibit excellent polarized emissions for stretched CH3 NH3 PbBr3
      nanoplatelets embedded in a polymer composite film, showing advantageous
      photoluminescence properties for display backlights.

PMID- 28074641
TI  - Editorial: Methods and advances for systems and synthetic biology, nanobiotech
      and medicine.
AB  - Congratulations to the winners of our cover competition. The first prize goes to
      the cover of the October issue, which was provided by the authors of the article
      "Chlorella species as hosts for genetic engineering and expression of
      heterologous proteins: Progress, challenge and perspective" by Bo Yang, Jin Liu,
      Yue Jiang and Feng Chen (http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/biot.201500617). Very close by
      only very few votes followed the July issue cover showing a nice illustration of
      Aspergillus fungi, which was selected by BTJs Production manager Sigi Mehren and
      Technical editor Bernadette Gmeiner. The winner of the book voucher was already
      informed via email. Many thanks to the more than 1000 participants who were
      voting for these covers!

PMID- 28074640
TI  - Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Lesinurad, a New Selective
      Urate Reabsorption Inhibitor, and Commonly Used Drugs for Gout Treatment.
AB  - Lesinurad is a novel selective uric acid reabsorption inhibitor approved for
      treatment of hyperuricemia associated with gout in combination with xanthine
      oxidase inhibitors (XOIs). Open-label pharmacokinetic studies were performed in
      volunteers or subjects with hyperuricemia (serum uric acid >= 8 mg/dL) to
      investigate interactions of lesinurad (with and without concurrent XOIs) with
      colchicine and 2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: naproxen and indomethacin.
      Colchicine studies included consecutive 7-day treatment periods of (1)
      allopurinol 300 mg, allopurinol 300 mg plus lesinurad 400 or 600 mg, and
      continued lesinurad 400 or 600 mg; or (2) febuxostat 40 or 80 mg, febuxostat 40
      or 80 mg plus lesinurad 400 mg, and continued febuxostat 40 or 80 mg plus
      lesinurad 600 mg. Naproxen and indomethacin studies included lesinurad 400 mg on
      day 1, naproxen 250 mg twice daily or indomethacin 25 mg twice daily on days 2-6,
      and lesinurad 400 mg plus continued naproxen or indomethacin on days 7-13 and the
      morning of day 14. Lesinurad did not alter the pharmacokinetics of naproxen and
      modestly altered exposure to colchicine (AUC decrease of <= 25%) and indomethacin
      (AUC increase of ~35%). Indomethacin did not alter the pharmacokinetics of
      lesinurad, whereas naproxen modestly decreased the Cmax of lesinurad by ~27%.

PMID- 28074642
TI  - As dental hygienists, we should support WHO sugar tax recommendations!

PMID- 28074643
TI  - Ultraphotostable Mesoporous Silica-Coated Gap-Enhanced Raman Tags (GERTs) for
      High-Speed Bioimaging.
AB  - Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tags can be utilized as optical labeling
      nanoprobes similar to fluorescent dyes and quantum dots for bioimaging with
      additional advantages of fingerprint vibrational signals as unique optical codes
      and ultranarrow line widths for multiplexing. However, the development of the
      SERS imaging technique is much less well-established compared to the devlopment
      of fluorescence imaging mainly because of speed limitations. An effective
      strategy for improving the SERS imaging speed and simultaneously maintaining the
      photostability of SERS tags has not, to the best of our knowledge, been reported.
      In this work, mesoporous silica- (MS-) coated gap-enhanced Raman tags (GERTs)
      were designed with built-in Raman reporters for off-resonance near-infrared laser
      excitation and reduced photothermal effects, leading to ultraphotostability
      during laser irradiation. Additionally, they achieve large amplification of Raman
      signals by combining the chemical (CHEM) and electromagnetic (EM) enhancement
      effects due to the subnanometer core-shell junction, so SERS imaging can be
      performed in a dramatically reduced duration. With these unique structural and
      optical advantages, MS GERTs exhibit high storage, pH, serum, and
      photostabilities; strong Raman enhancements; and favorable biocompatibility.
      Therefore, MS GERTs achieve long-term cell imaging that can last for 30 min
      without being photobleached and also maintain decent imaging effects.
      Furthermore, MS GERTs enable continuous and stable imaging in living tissues for
      more than 30 min. With these advantages, MS GERTs might potentially have more
      biomedical applications.

PMID- 28074644
TI  - Virus-Inspired Self-Assembled Nanofibers with Aggregation-Induced Emission for
      Highly Efficient and Visible Gene Delivery.
AB  - High-efficiency gene transfer and suitably low cytotoxicity are the main goals of
      gene transfection systems based on nonviral vectors. In addition, it is desirable
      to track the gene transfer process in order to observe and explain the mechanism.
      Herein, inspired by viral structures that are optimized for gene delivery, we
      designed a small-molecule gene vector (TR4) with aggregation-induced emission
      properties by capping a peptide containing four arginine residues with
      tetraphenylethene (TPE) and a lipophilic tail. This novel vector can self
      assemble with plasmid DNA to form nanofibers in solution with low cytotoxicity,
      high stability, and high transfection efficiency. pDNA@TR4 complexes were able to
      transfect a variety of different cell lines, including stem cells. The self
      assembly process induces bright fluorescence from TPE, which makes the nanofibers
      visible by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). This allows us for the
      tracking of the gene delivery process.

PMID- 28074645
TI  - Highly Sensitive Bendable and Foldable Paper Sensors Based on Reduced Graphene
      Oxide.
AB  - Over the past decade, the demand for high-performance wearable sensors has
      increased because of their capability for interaction with humans. Such sensors
      have typically been prepared on conventional substrates, such as silicon, PDMS,
      and copper mesh. In this work, we propose a class of wearable sensors fabricated
      from reduced graphene oxide (rGO) patterned paper substrates (rGO-paper). These
      rGO-paper sensors are highly sensitive to various deformations and capable of
      measuring bending and folding angles as small as 0.2 degrees  and 0.1 degrees ,
      respectively. We have demonstrated the applicability of these high-performance
      rGO-paper sensors by patterning rGO on kirigamis that can detect pulse and the
      motion of knees, wrists, and fingers. Finally, paper rings lined with rGO sensors
      were used to control a robotic hand, and an rGO-paper keyboard was used to light
      LEDs.

PMID- 28074647
TI  - Sustainable and Superior Heat-Resistant Alginate Nonwoven Separator of
      LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Li Batteries Operated at 55  degrees C.
AB  - High-voltage lithium-ion batteries have become a major research focus. As a major
      part of lithium batteries, the separator plays a critical role in the development
      of high-voltage lithium batteries. Herein, we demonstrated a sustainable and
      superior heat-resistant alginate nonwoven separator for high-voltage (5 V)
      lithium batteries. It was demonstrated that the resultant alginate nonwoven
      separator exhibited better mechanical property (37 MPa), superior thermal
      stability (up to 150  degrees C), and higher ionic conductivity (1.4 * 10-3 S/cm)
      as compared to commercially available polyolefin (PP) separator. More
      impressively, the 5 V class LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO)/Li cell with this alginate
      nonwoven separator delivered much better cycling stability (maintaining 79.6% of
      its initial discharge capacity) than that (69.3%) of PP separator after 200
      cycles at an elevated temperature of 55  degrees C. In addition, the LiFePO4/Li
      cell assembled with such alginate nonwoven separator could still charge and
      discharge normally even at an elevated temperature of 150  degrees C. The above
      mentioned fascinating characteristics of alginate separator provide great
      probability for its application for high-voltage (5 V) lithium batteries at
      elevated temperatures.

PMID- 28074646
TI  - Differences in Protein Concentration Dependence for Nucleation and Elongation in
      Light Chain Amyloid Formation.
AB  - Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a lethal disease characterized by the deposition
      of the immunoglobulin light chain into amyloid fibrils, resulting in organ
      dysfunction and failure. Amyloid fibrils have the ability to self-propagate,
      recruiting soluble protein into the fibril by a nucleation-polymerization
      mechanism, characteristic of autocatalytic reactions. Experimental data suggest
      the existence of a critical concentration for initiation of fibril formation. As
      such, the initial concentration of soluble amyloidogenic protein is expected to
      have a profound effect on the rate of fibril formation. In this work, we present
      in vitro evidence that fibril formation rates for AL light chains are affected by
      the protein concentration in a differential manner. De novo reactions of the
      proteins with the fastest amyloid kinetics (AL-09, AL-T05, and AL-103) do not
      present protein concentration dependence. Seeded reactions, however, exhibited
      weak protein concentration dependence. For AL-12, seeded and protein
      concentration dependence data suggest a synergistic effect for recruitment and
      elongation at low protein concentrations, while reactions of kappaI exhibited
      poor efficiency in nucleating and elongating preformed fibrils. Additionally, co
      aggregation and cross seeding of kappaI variable domain (VL) and the kappaI full
      length (FL) light chain indicate that the presence of the constant domain in
      kappaI FL modulates fibril formation, facilitating the recruitment of kappaI VL.
      Together, these results indicate that the dominant process in fibril formation
      varies among the AL proteins tested with a differential dependence of the protein
      concentration.

PMID- 28074649
TI  - Bio-Based Artificial Nacre with Excellent Mechanical and Barrier Properties
      Realized by a Facile In Situ Reduction and Cross-Linking Reaction.
AB  - Demands for high strength integrated materials have substantially increased
      across various kinds of industries. Inspired by the relationship of excellent
      integration of mechanical properties and hierarchical nano/microscale structure
      of the natural nacre, a simple and facile method to fabricate high strength
      integrated artificial nacre based on sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and
      borate cross-linked graphene oxide (GO) sheets has been developed. The tensile
      strength and toughness of cellulose-based hybrid material reached 480.5 +/- 13.1
      MPa and 11.8 +/- 0.4 MJm-3 by a facile in situ reduction and cross-linking
      reaction between CMC and GO (0.7%), which are 3.55 and 6.55 times that of natural
      nacre. This hybrid film exhibits better thermal stability and flame retardancy.
      More interestingly, the hybrid material showed good water stability compared to
      that in the original water-soluble CMC. This type of hybrid has great potential
      applications in aerospace, artificial muscle, and tissue engineering.

PMID- 28074648
TI  - Mispacking and the Fitness Landscape of the Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore
      Milieu.
AB  - The autocatalytic maturation of the chromophore in green fluorescent protein
      (GFP) was thought to require the precise positioning of the side chains
      surrounding it in the core of the protein, many of which are strongly conserved
      among homologous fluorescent proteins. In this study, we screened for green
      fluorescence in an exhaustive set of point mutations of seven residues that make
      up the chromophore microenvironment, excluding R96 and E222 because mutations at
      these positions have been previously characterized. Contrary to expectations,
      nearly all amino acids were tolerated at all seven positions. Only four point
      mutations knocked out fluorescence entirely. However, chromophore maturation was
      found to be slower and/or fluorescence reduced in several cases. Selected
      combinations of mutations showed nonadditive effects, including cooperativity and
      rescue. The results provide guidelines for the computational engineering of GFPs.

PMID- 28074650
TI  - Revisiting the Val/Ile Mutation in Mammalian and Bacterial Nitric Oxide
      Synthases: A Spectroscopic and Kinetic Study.
AB  - Nitric oxide is produced in mammals by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms
      at a catalytic site comprising a heme associated with a biopterin cofactor.
      Through genome sequencing, proteins that are highly homologous to the oxygenase
      domain of NOSs have been identified, in particular in bacteria. The active site
      is highly conserved except for a valine residue in the distal pocket that is
      replaced with an isoleucine in bacteria. This switch was previously reported to
      influence the kinetics of the reaction. We have used the V346I mutant of the
      mouse inducible NOS (iNOS) as well as the I224V mutant of the NOS from Bacillus
      subtilis (bsNOS) to study their spectroscopic signatures in solution and look for
      potential structural differences compared to their respective wild types. Both
      mutants seem destabilized in the absence of substrate and cofactor. When both
      substrate and cofactor are present, small differences can be detected with Nomega
      hydroxy-l-arginine compared to arginine, which is likely due to the differences
      in the hydrogen bonding network of the distal pocket. Stopped-flow experiments
      evidence significant changes in the kinetics of the reaction due to the mutation
      as was already known. We found these effects particularly marked for iNOS. On the
      basis of these results, we performed rapid freeze-quench experiments to trap the
      biopterin radical and found the same results that we had obtained for the wild
      types. Despite differences in kinetics, a radical could be trapped in both steps
      for the iNOS mutant but only for the first step in the mutant of bsNOS. This
      strengthens the hypothesis that mammalian and bacterial NOSs may have a different
      mechanism during the second catalytic step.

PMID- 28074651
TI  - N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed [4 + 2] Cyclization of Saturated Carboxylic Acid
      with o-Quinone Methides through in Situ Activation: Enantioselective Synthesis of
      Dihydrocoumarins.
AB  - An N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed formal [4 + 2] synthesis of
      dihydrocoumarins was realized from saturated carboxylic acids and o-quinone
      methides via an in situ activation strategy. This protocol results in excellent
      diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity and good yields and uses readily
      available and inexpensive starting materials.

PMID- 28074652
TI  - Trends in Methyl tert-Butyl Ether Concentrations in Private Wells in Southeast
      New Hampshire: 2005 to 2015.
AB  - In southeast New Hampshire, where reformulated gasoline was used from the 1990s
      to 2007, methyl tert-butyl ether (MtBE) concentrations >=0.2 MUg/L were found in
      water from 26.7% of 195 domestic wells sampled in 2005. Ten years later in 2015,
      and eight years after MtBE was banned, 10.3% continue to have MtBE. Most wells
      (140 of 195) had no MtBE detections (concentrations <0.2 MUg/L) in 2005 and 2015.
      Of the remaining wells, MtBE concentrations increased in 4 wells, decreased in 47
      wells, and did not change in 4 wells. On average, MtBE concentrations decreased
      65% among 47 wells whereas MtBE concentrations increased 17% among 4 wells
      between 2005 and 2015. The percent change in detection frequency from 2005 to
      2015 (the decontamination rate) was lowest (45.5%) in high-population-density
      areas and in wells completed in the Berwick Formation geologic units. The
      decontamination rate was the highest (78.6%) where population densities were low
      and wells were completed in bedrock composed of granite, metamorphic, and mafic
      rocks. Wells in the Berwick Formation are characteristically deeper and have
      lower yields than wells in other rock types and have shallower overburden cover,
      which may allow for more rapid transport of MtBE from land-surface releases. Low
      yielding, deep bedrock wells may require large contributing areas to achieve
      adequate well yield, and thus have a greater chance of intercepting MtBE, in
      addition to diluting contaminants at a slower rate and thus requiring more time
      to decontaminate.

PMID- 28074654
TI  - Rhodium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Transannulation Reaction of Alkynyl Thiadiazole
      Enabled 5,n-Fused Thiophenes.
AB  - A method for the synthesis of a wide range of fused thiophenes, including those
      fused with lactams, lactones, or cyclic ethers, was developed from a rhodium
      catalyzed intramolecular transannulation reaction of alkynyl thiadiazoles. This
      transannulation reaction provides an efficient platform for the construction of a
      variety of 5,n-fused thiophenes from readily available starting materials
      together with the release of molecular nitrogen.

PMID- 28074655
TI  - Stereodivergent Coupling of Aldehydes and Alkynes via Synergistic Catalysis Using
      Rh and Jacobsen's Amine.
AB  - We report an enantioselective coupling between alpha-branched aldehydes and
      alkynes to generate vicinal quaternary and tertiary carbon stereocenters. The
      choice of Rh and organocatalyst combination allows for access to all possible
      stereoisomers with high enantio-, diastereo-, and regioselectivity. Our study
      highlights the power of catalysis to activate two common functional groups and
      provide access to divergent stereoisomers and constitutional structures.

PMID- 28074653
TI  - The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Curcumin.
AB  - Curcumin is a constituent (up to ~5%) of the traditional medicine known as
      turmeric. Interest in the therapeutic use of turmeric and the relative ease of
      isolation of curcuminoids has led to their extensive investigation. Curcumin has
      recently been classified as both a PAINS (pan-assay interference compounds) and
      an IMPS (invalid metabolic panaceas) candidate. The likely false activity of
      curcumin in vitro and in vivo has resulted in >120 clinical trials of
      curcuminoids against several diseases. No double-blinded, placebo controlled
      clinical trial of curcumin has been successful. This manuscript reviews the
      essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin and provides evidence that curcumin is
      an unstable, reactive, nonbioavailable compound and, therefore, a highly
      improbable lead. On the basis of this in-depth evaluation, potential new
      directions for research on curcuminoids are discussed.

PMID- 28074656
TI  - Atomistic Modeling of Ion Conduction through the Voltage-Sensing Domain of the
      Shaker K+ Ion Channel.
AB  - Voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) sense changes in the membrane electrostatic
      potential and, through conformational changes, regulate a specific function. The
      VSDs of wild-type voltage-dependent K+, Na+, and Ca2+ channels do not conduct
      ions, but they can become ion-permeable through pathological mutations in the
      VSD. Relatively little is known about the underlying mechanisms of conduction
      through VSDs. The most detailed studies have been performed on Shaker K+ channel
      variants in which ion conduction through the VSD is manifested in
      electrophysiology experiments as a voltage-dependent inward current, the so
      called omega current, which appears when the VSDs are in their resting state
      conformation. Only monovalent cations appear to permeate the Shaker VSD via a
      pathway that is believed to be, at least in part, the same as that followed by
      the S4 basic side chains during voltage-dependent activation. We performed MUs
      time scale atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of a cation-conducting
      variant of the Shaker VSD under applied electric fields in an experimentally
      validated resting-state conformation, embedded in a lipid bilayer surrounded by
      solutions containing guanidinium chloride or potassium chloride. Our simulations
      provide insights into the Shaker VSD permeation pathway, the protein-ion
      interactions that control permeation kinetics, and the mechanism of voltage
      dependent activation of voltage-gated ion channels.

PMID- 28074657
TI  - Photocontrol of Anion Binding Affinity to a Bis-urea Receptor Derived from Stiff
      Stilbene.
AB  - Toward the development of photoresponsive anion receptors, a stiff-stilbene
      photoswitch has been equipped with two urea anion-binding motifs. Photoinduced
      E/Z isomerization has been studied in detail by UV-vis and NMR spectroscopy.
      Titration experiments (1H NMR) reveal strong binding of acetate and phosphate to
      the (Z)-isomer, in which the urea groups are closely together. Isomerization to
      the (E)-form separates the urea motifs, resulting in much weaker binding.
      Additionally, geometry optimizations by density functional theory (DFT)
      illustrate that oxo-anion binding to the (Z)-form involves four hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 28074658
TI  - Hyperglycemia as a prognosis predictor of length of stay and functional outcomes
      in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia has been shown to influence prognosis outcome of
      stroke. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between
      hyperglycemia with length of stay (LOS) and functional outcomes in ischemic
      stroke patients. This is the first study to correlate hyperglycemia in ischemic
      stroke patients with their functional outcome as assessed by using Barthel index.
      METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of patients admitted to the Stroke
      Unit of Dr. Sardjito General Hospital for ischemic stroke from January 2012 to
      June 2014. Subjects were selected in a consecutive manner until the required
      number of subjects was obtained. Data collected from medical records included the
      baseline social demographic variables and clinical variables. Bivariate and
      multivariate analyses with multiple linear regression analysis were used to
      identify correlation between hyperglycemia with LOS and functional outcomes.
      RESULTS: In total, 208 patients were included, of which 126 (60.6%) were men. The
      mean age was 61.18 (SD = 10.45), and the mean LOS in our study was 4.52 (SD =
      5.89) d. For the univariate analysis, factors associated with LOS were history of
      diabetes (p = 0.003), urinary tract infection (p = 0.025), hyperglycemia (p <
      0.001) and moderate to severe Barthel index on admission (p < 0.001), and the
      independent factor was hyperglycemia (beta: 6.212, p < 0.001) based on
      multivariate analysis. Furthermore, hyperglycemia was an independent factor of
      functional outcomes as measured with Barthel index (beta: 9.185, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemia is a prognosis predictor of LOS and functional
      outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke measured by discharge Barthel
      index.

PMID- 28074659
TI  - Ferulic acid (FA) abrogates gamma-radiation induced oxidative stress and DNA
      damage by up-regulating nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and activation of NHEJ
      pathway.
AB  - The present study was aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of ferulic
      acid (FA), a naturally occurring plant flavonoid in terms of DNA damage and
      damage related alterations of repair pathways by gamma radiation. FA was
      administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for five consecutive days prior to
      exposing the swiss albino mice to a single dose of 10 Gy gamma radiation.
      Ionising radiation induces oxidative damage manifested by decreased expression of
      Cu, Zn-SOD (SOD stands for super oxide dismutase), Mn-SOD and catalase. Gamma
      radiation promulgated reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated DNA damage and
      modified repair pathways. ROS enhanced nuclear translocation of p53, activated
      ATM (ataxia telangiectasia-mutated protein), increased expression of GADD45a
      (growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein) gene and inactivated Non
      homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair pathway. The comet formation in irradiated
      mice peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) reiterated the DNA damage in IR
      exposed groups. FA pretreatment significantly prevented the comet formation and
      regulated the nuclear translocation of p53, inhibited ATM activation and
      expression of GADD45a gene. FA promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear
      factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and activated NHEJ repair pathway to
      overcome ROS mediated oxidative stress and DNA damage. Therefore, the current
      study stated that FA can challenge the oxidative stress by (i) inducing nuclear
      translocation of Nrf2, (ii) scavenging ROS, and (iii) activating NHEJ DNA repair
      process.

PMID- 28074660
TI  - Optimizing the management of children with latent tuberculosis infection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The management of latent tuberculosis (LTBI) in children represents
      an important issue for paediatricians because of the disease burden, the lack of
      a gold standard for the diagnosis and the high annual risk of progression to
      active disease. Areas covered: A review of English language articles on LTBI in
      children, published between the 1st of January 2010 and the 1st of July 2016, was
      conducted using multiple keywords and standardized terminology in PubMed
      database. This review provides an updated overview of the available tests for
      LTBI diagnosis in children, management strategies and treatment options. Expert
      commentary: Two tests are available for LTBI diagnosis: tuberculin skin test and
      interferon-gamma release assays, both with a suboptimal specificity and
      sensitivity, and both with the lack of capability in distinguishing between
      infection and disease. Several new markers have been identified but further
      studies are needed. Among all treatment regimes, because of the high safety and
      efficacy profile showed and to avoid the poor completion rate, the treatment with
      a three-month course of isoniazid and rifampicin is currently recommended. New
      vaccines are needed because of the spread of the disease despite BCG vaccination
      in high risk countries. Currently, 15 new vaccines are in the pipeline.

PMID- 28074661
TI  - Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitors: a patent and
      scientific literature review (2002-2016).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is an enzyme
      involved in the de novo biosynthesis of guanine nucleotides. To date human IMPDH
      inhibitors have been approved for prevention of organ transplant rejection and as
      anti-viral agents. More recently, the use of IMPDH inhibitors for other
      indications including cancer and pathogenic microorganisms has been pursued.
      Areas covered: IMPDH inhibitors disclosed primarily in the patent and scientific
      literature from 2002 to the present are discussed. Several interesting chemotypes
      that have not been pursued by patent protection are also highlighted. Expert
      opinion: Progress has been made in the development of IMPDH inhibitors,
      particularly compounds that are structurally distinct from mycophenolic acid and
      nucleoside-based inhibitors. However, clinical progression has been hampered
      primarily by a limited understanding of the enzyme's role in disease
      pathophysiology. Finally, most of the IMPDH inhibitors developed over the past
      fourteen years fall within a relatively narrow set of chemotypes. This provides
      opportunities for expanding IMPDH inhibitor chemical space to further evaluate
      this class of molecular targets.

PMID- 28074662
TI  - Misuse of 2-(ethylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-pentanone (4-MEAP), a synthetic
      cathinone.

PMID- 28074664
TI  - Recent advances in molecular biomarkers for diabetes mellitus: a systematic
      review.
AB  - CONTEXT: Diabetes is a growing global metabolic epidemic. Current research is
      focussing on exploring how the biological processes and clinical outcomes of
      diabetes are related and developing novel biomarkers to measure these
      relationships, as this can subsequently improve diagnostic, therapeutic and
      management capacity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify the
      most recent advances in molecular biomarkers of diabetes and directions that
      warrant further research. METHODS: Using a systematic search strategy, the
      MEDLINE, CINAHL and OVID MEDLINE databases were canvassed for articles that
      investigated molecular biomarkers for diabetes. Initial selections were made
      based on article title, whilst final inclusion was informed by a critical
      appraisal of the full text of each article. RESULTS: The systematic search
      returned 246 records, of which 113 were unique. Following screening, 29 records
      were included in the final review. Three main research strategies (the
      development of novel technologies, broad biomarker panels, and targeted
      approaches) identified a number of potential biomarkers for diabetes including
      miR-126, C-reactive protein, 2-aminoadipic acid and betatrophin. CONCLUSION: The
      most promising research avenue identified is the detection and quantification of
      micro RNA. Further, the utilisation of functionalised electrodes as a means to
      detect biomarker compounds also warrants attention.

PMID- 28074663
TI  - Primary graft dysfunction: pathophysiology to guide new preventive therapies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a common complication of lung
      transplantation characterized by acute pulmonary edema associated with bilateral
      pulmonary infiltrates and hypoxemia in the first 3 post-operative days.
      Development of PGD is a predictor of poor short- and long-term outcomes after
      lung transplantation, but there are currently limited tools to prevent its
      occurrence. Areas covered: Several potentially modifiable donor, recipient, and
      operative risk factors for PGD have been identified. In addition, basic and
      translational studies in animals and ex vivo lung perfusion systems have
      identified several biomarkers and mechanisms of injury in PGD. In this review, we
      outline the clinical and genetic risk factors for PGD and summarize experimental
      data exploring PGD mechanisms, with a focus on strategies to reduce PGD risk and
      on potential novel molecular targets for PGD prevention. Expert commentary:
      Because of the clinical importance of PGD, development of new therapies for
      prevention and treatment is critically important. Improved understanding of the
      pathophysiology of clinical PGD provides a framework to explore novel agents to
      prevent or reverse PGD. Ex vivo lung perfusion provides a new opportunity for
      rapid development of therapeutics that target this devastating complication of
      lung transplantation.

PMID- 28074665
TI  - Diterpenoid alkaloids from the root of Aconitum sinchiangense W. T. Wang with
      their antitumor and antibacterial activities.
AB  - A phytochemical study of the root barks of Aconitum sinchiangense W. T. Wang, a
      traditional Chinese herb medicine, led to the isolation of 15 diterpenoid
      alkaloids, including one new C19-diterpenoid alkaloid, sinchiangensine A (1),
      whose structure was determined by spectral methods including 2D NMR.
      Additionally, sinchiangensine A and its known analogue 3 were first reported as
      potential antitumor and antibacterial diterpenoid alkaloids, which showed
      significant antitumor activities against tumour cells (HL-60, A-549, SMCC-7721,
      MCF-7 and SW480), with IC50 comparable to cisplatin, and significant
      antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-25923 with MIC value
      of 0.147 and 0.144 MUmol/mL, respectively.

PMID- 28074666
TI  - Association between posttraumatic stress and acceptance of social changes:
      Findings from a general population study and proposal of a new concept.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing understanding of the importance of the social
      factors of posttraumatic stress disorder. AIMS: This study expands research on
      association between posttraumatic stress and social factors by introducing the
      measure of the acceptance of social changes and evaluating possible links between
      posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and acceptance of social changes. METHODS:
      A general population sample ( n = 778) aged from 18 to 89 years ( M = 40.2) from
      Lithuania participated in our study, of whom 68% reported exposure to traumatic
      events. Posttraumatic stress reactions were measured with the Impact of Event
      Scale - Revised (IES-R), and acceptance of social changes was measured with the
      Acceptance of Social Changes Instrument (SOCHI) developed by the authors of this
      study. RESULTS: About 8% of the participants had a potential posttraumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Acceptance of social changes was negatively associated
      with posttraumatic stress. PTSD was related to lower acceptance of social changes
      ( d = .61). Structural equation model (SEM) revealed the mediating role of PTSD
      for acceptance of social changes following trauma exposure. CONCLUSION: Findings
      of our study indicate that the acceptance of social changes might be an important
      psychosocial factor of PTSD.

PMID- 28074667
TI  - A systematic analysis of methylene blue for drug-induced shock in humans.

PMID- 28074668
TI  - In-vivo evidence of nephrotoxicity and altered hepatic function in rats following
      administration of diglycolic acid, a metabolite of diethylene glycol.
AB  - CONTEXT: Diglycolic acid (DGA) is one of the two primary metabolites of
      diethylene glycol (DEG). DEG is an industrial solvent that has been implicated in
      mass poisonings resulting from product misuse in the United States and worldwide,
      with the hallmark toxicity being acute kidney injury, hepatotoxicity,
      encephalopathy and peripheral neuropathy. Our laboratory has generated in-vitro
      evidence suggesting that DGA is the metabolite responsible for the proximal
      tubule necrosis and decreased kidney function observed following DEG ingestion.
      Furthermore, we have shown that DGA specifically accumulates in kidney tissues
      (100* higher than peak blood concentrations) following DEG administration.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine renal and hepatic accumulation and dysfunction following
      direct administration of DGA in-vivo. We hypothesize that administration of DGA
      will result in renal and hepatic DGA accumulation, as well as proximal tubular
      necrosis and liver injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were
      divided into three groups dosed with 0, 100 or 300 mg/kg DGA via single oral
      gavage. Urine was collected every 6-12 h and blood, kidneys and liver were
      removed upon sacrifice at 48 h post-dosing for analysis. RESULTS: DGA accumulated
      significantly in both kidney and liver tissue only at 300 mg DGA/kg. DGA
      concentrations in the kidneys and liver correlated with renal and hepatic injury,
      respectively. Histopathological and clinical chemistry analysis revealed that DGA
      treated animals exhibited moderate liver fatty accumulation and marked renal
      injury, again only at 300 mg/kg. DISCUSSION: DGA-induced kidney injury
      demonstrated a steep dose response threshold, where severe damage occurred only
      in animals given 300 mg/kg DGA, while no toxicity was observed at 100 mg/kg.
      CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence for in-vivo toxicity following direct
      administration of DGA, a metabolite of DEG. The steep dose-response threshold for
      toxicity suggests mechanistically that there is likely a saturable step that
      results in DGA accumulation in target organs.

PMID- 28074669
TI  - Implementation of a novel ultra fast metabolic stability analysis method using
      exact mass TOF-MS.
AB  - AIM: Increasing numbers of compounds requiring stability data means highly
      optimized methods capable of rapid turnaround are desirable during early
      discovery. Materials and methods/results: An advanced, generic analytical
      workflow for metabolic stability has been developed that utilizing ballistic
      gradient LC (sub 1 min run times), exact mass TOF-MS (Waters Xevo-G2-XS Q-TOF)
      and automated data processing (Waters UNIFI software) allowed for rapid
      integration and interpretation of all data produced, eliminating the need for
      method development and manual processing. We can analyze and process 96 compounds
      across two species in quadruplicate in a 24-h period with no method development.
      CONCLUSION: An advanced bioanalytical workflow has increased our capacity
      threefold and reduced our instrument/processing needs threefold.

PMID- 28074670
TI  - Metabolism of psilocybin and psilocin: clinical and forensic toxicological
      relevance.
AB  - Psilocybin and psilocin are controlled substances in many countries. These are
      the two main hallucinogenic compounds of the "magic mushrooms" and both act as
      agonists or partial agonists at 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A subtype receptors.
      During the last few years, psilocybin and psilocin have gained therapeutic
      relevance but considerable physiological variability between individuals that can
      influence dose-response and toxicological profile has been reported. This review
      aims to discuss metabolism of psilocybin and psilocin, by presenting all major
      and minor psychoactive metabolites. Psilocybin is primarily a pro-drug that is
      dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase to active metabolite psilocin. This last
      is then further metabolized, psilocin-O-glucuronide being the main urinary
      metabolite with clinical and forensic relevance in diagnosis.

PMID- 28074671
TI  - Effect of illusory kinesthesia on hand function in patients with distal radius
      fractures: a quasi-randomized controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of the illusion of motion through tendon
      vibration on hand function in patients with distal radius fractures. SETTING:
      Kawachi General Hospital, Japan. SUBJECTS: A total of 22 patients with distal
      radius fractures were divided into either an illusory kinesthesia group ( n = 11)
      or a control group ( n = 11). INTERVENTION: We performed the intervention for
      seven consecutive days after surgery. Evaluations were performed at one day,
      seven days, one month, and two months postsurgery. MAIN MEASURES: Data were
      collected on pain at rest and pain during movement. The Patient-Rated Wrist
      Evaluation and Pain Catastrophizing Scale were also used. RESULTS: The illusory
      kinesthesia group showed significantly better scores on Patient-Rated Wrist
      Evaluation ( p < 0.01) compared with the control group at seven days, one month,
      and two months postsurgery. The mean (SD) of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation
      total score was 97.6 (2.2) at one day postsurgery and 9.1 (5.3) at seven days
      postsurgery in the illusory kinesthesia group, while the Patient-Rated Wrist
      Evaluation total score was 96.3 (4.4) at one day postsurgery and 20.1 (17.0) at
      seven days postsurgery in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate
      that illusory kinesthesia is an effective postsurgery management strategy not
      only for pain alleviation, but also hand function in patients with distal radius
      fractures. Furthermore, the significant improvements persisted for up to two
      months after intervention in the illusory kinesthesia group, but not in the
      control group. In addition, patients in the kinesthetic illusions group showed
      increased use of the affected limb in daily living.

PMID- 28074672
TI  - A power-assisted exercise intervention in people with profound intellectual and
      multiple disabilities living in a residential facility: a pilot randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial
      to determine the effectiveness of a twenty-week power-assisted exercise
      intervention in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and
      to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of this intervention. DESIGN: Pilot
      randomised controlled trial. SETTING: A large-scale twenty-four-hour residential
      facility in the Netherlands. SUBJECTS: Thirty-seven persons with profound
      intellectual and multiple disabilities. INTERVENTION: Participants in the
      intervention group received a power-assisted exercise intervention three times a
      week for thirty minutes over a twenty-week period. Participants in the control
      group received care as usual. MAIN MEASURES: Trial feasibility by recruitment
      process and outcomes completion rates; intervention feasibility by programme
      compliance rates; potential outcomes by functional abilities, alertness, body
      composition, muscle tone, oxygen saturation, cardiovascular fitness and quality
      of life. RESULTS: Thirty-seven participants were recruited ( M age = 32.1, SD =
      14.6) and were randomly allocated to intervention ( n = 19) and control ( n = 18)
      groups. Programme compliance rates ranged from 54.2% to 97.7% with a mean (SD) of
      81.5% (13.4). Oxygen saturation significantly increased in the intervention
      group. Standardised effect sizes on the difference between groups in outcome
      varied between 0.02 and 0.62. CONCLUSIONS: The power-assisted exercise
      intervention and the trial design were feasible and acceptable to people with
      profound intellectual and multiple disabilities living in a residential facility.
      This pilot study suggests that the intervention improves oxygen saturation, but
      further implementation with the aim of improving other outcomes should be
      considered with caution.

PMID- 28074673
TI  - One-hour rule-in and rule-out of acute myocardial infarction using high
      sensitivity cardiac troponin I.

PMID- 28074674
TI  - Microneedle-array patches loaded with hypoxia-sensitive vesicles provide fast
      glucose-responsive insulin delivery.

PMID- 28074675
TI  - The Emergence of an Abstract Grammatical Category in Children's Early Speech.
AB  - How do children begin to use language to say things they have never heard before?
      The origins of linguistic productivity have been a subject of heated debate:
      Whereas generativist accounts posit that children's early language reflects the
      presence of syntactic abstractions, constructivist approaches instead emphasize
      gradual generalization derived from frequently heard forms. In the present
      research, we developed a Bayesian statistical model that measures the degree of
      abstraction implicit in children's early use of the determiners "a" and "the."
      Our work revealed that many previously used corpora are too small to allow
      researchers to judge between these theoretical positions. However, several data
      sets, including the Speechome corpus-a new ultra-dense data set for one child
      showed evidence of low initial levels of productivity and higher levels later in
      development. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that children lack
      rich grammatical knowledge at the outset of language learning but rapidly begin
      to generalize on the basis of structural regularities in their input.

PMID- 28074676
TI  - Potential route of Th17/Treg cell dynamics in targeting type 1 diabetes and
      rheumatoid arthritis: an autoimmune disorder perspective.
AB  - Cytokines, small secreted proteins, have a specific effect on the interactions
      and communications between cells. They play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of
      autoimmune diseases. Factors in the breakdown of self-tolerance and the
      subsequent events leading to the induction of pathogenic responses remain unclear
      for most of the autoimmune diseases. Large numbers of studies have revealed a
      general scheme in which pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to the initiation
      and propagation of autoimmune inflammation, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines
      facilitate the regression of inflammation and thereby recovery from the disease.
      The interleukin (IL)-17/IL-23 axis that emerged as the new paradigm has compelled
      us to critically re-examine the cytokine-driven immune events in the pathogenesis
      and treatment of autoimmunity. T-helper 17 cells and Regulatory T cells are two
      lymphocyte subsets with opposing action. In this review, we discuss the mechanism
      that promotes development of these cells from common precursors and specific
      factors that impact their cell numbers and function. Also presented are findings
      that suggest how the equilibrium between pre-inflammatory T helper and regulatory
      T-cell subsets might be pharmacologically restored for therapeutic benefit,
      emphasising type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, the emerging
      clinical data showing anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 treatments for their efficacy in
      treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are presented.

PMID- 28074677
TI  - The effective tool for self-assessment of adherence to treatment in patients with
      benign prostatic obstruction and overactive bladder symptoms.
AB  - PURPOSE: Study of validity of the Medication Adherence Self-Report Inventory
      (MASRI) for use in clinical practice to treat patients with benign prostatic
      obstruction (BPO) accompanied with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. METHODS:
      During 12 weeks of the randomized study, 452 patients with BPO and OAB symptoms
      (mean age of 61.3 (12.7)) were studied for adherence to the treatment with
      Tamsulosin, Solifenacin and Trospium using the MASRI. External monitoring
      instruments included the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) and the visual
      remaining pill count. The state of the prostate gland and the lower urinary tract
      was monitored using questionnaires I-PSS, OAB Awareness Tool, uroflowmetry and
      voiding diaries. RESULT: Correlation between the percentage of men non-adherent
      to treatment (MASRI) and the percentage of patients having a belief barrier on
      the screen of the BMQ was r = 0.89, p <=0.05, r = 0.92, p <=0.01, r = 0.85, p
      <=0.05, a number of missed doses on the Regimen Screen of the BMQ was r = 0.79; p
      <=0.05; r = 0.81; p <=0.05; r = 0.75, p <=0.05, a number of non-adherent patients
      according to the BMQ was r = 0.83 (p <=0.05), r = 0.88 (p <=0.05), r = 0.79, p
      <=0.05, the results of the pill count were r = 0.65-0.76; p <=0.05-0.01. These
      data confirm high validity of the MASRI. CONCLUSION: The MASRI is a valid tool
      for rapid assessment of adherence to treatment of patients with BPO and OAB
      receiving Tamsulosin and antimuscarinic drugs and may be recommended for use in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 28074678
TI  - Prevention of Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular disease and dementia in women:
      the case for menopause hormone therapy.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular disease and aging-related cognitive
      impairment and dementia (ARCID) increase in prevalence in women with advancing
      age. The development of Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular disease and ARCID
      may be postponed or prevented by protective measures including the active
      treatment of vascular risk factors and continuing exercise and healthy lifestyle
      from early- and mid-life onward. Bilateral oophorectomy before the natural
      menopause is associated with an increased incidence of ARCID and the increased
      risk is significantly reduced by estrogen therapy. Recent advances in menopause
      hormone therapy including transdermal estrogen therapy have favorably influenced
      the balance of benefits and risks. A case can be made for menopause hormone
      therapy in healthy postmenopausal women for 5-10 years starting during the
      menopausal transition (the 'window of opportunity'), together with all other
      protective measures, to delay or prevent the development of ARCID in later life.

PMID- 28074679
TI  - Vitamin D treatment improves levels of sexual hormones, metabolic parameters and
      erectile function in middle-aged vitamin D deficient men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The associations between serum vitamin D (VD), serum testosterone
      (TT) and metabolic syndrome are complex and with limited published research,
      particularly on the effects of VD treatment on sexual hormones, erectile function
      and the metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed whether a monthly
      high dose VD treatment for 12 months in VD deficient middle-aged men was
      associated with: changes in levels of sexual hormones, improvement of diabetes
      control and metabolic syndrome components, better erectile function
      [International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 questionnaire]; and changes in
      a prostate marker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive research of a prospective
      study, conducted between October 2014 and September 2015, 102 male patients >=35
      [(+/-SD: 53.2 +/- 10.5), (range 35-64)] years with deficient serum VD level (<30
      ng/mL) were included in the study. Participants were followed up for one year,
      with monitoring at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months. At the initial baseline visit, a
      complete medical examination was conducted, and blood was drawn for laboratory
      tests for above biochemical and hormonal variables under examination.
      Participants received an initial VD (Ergocalciferol; oral solution 600 000 IU/1.5
      ml), and followed a VD treatment regime thereafter. At the four follow up visits
      (3, 6, 9 and 12 months), blood was collected, and patients' erectile function was
      evaluated by IIEF-5 questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: During the follow up
      visits, all the biochemical and hormonal (TT, estradiol and luteinizing hormones,
      HbA1c, serum lipids profile) were assessed, and patients' erectile function was
      evaluated by IIEF-5 questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 53.2 +/- 10.4
      years. Serum VD exhibited significant increments (p <0.001) from baseline (15.16
      +/- 4.64 ng/mL), to 3 (31.90 +/- 15.99 ng/mL), 6 (37.23 +/- 12.42 ng/mL), 9
      (44.88 +/- 14.49 ng/mL) and 12 months (48.54 +/- 11.62 ng/mL), and there was
      significant stepladder increases in both serum TT level (12.46 +/- 3.30 to 15.99
      +/- 1.84 nmol/L) and erectile function scores (13.88 +/- 3.96 to 20.25 +/- 3.24)
      (p <0.001 for both). We also observed significant stepladder decreases in
      estradiol (87.90 +/- 27.16 to 69.85 +/- 14.80 pmol/L, p = 0.001), PTH (from 58.52
      +/- 28.99 to 38.33 +/- 19.44 pg/mL, p <0.001) and HbA1c levels (7.41 +/- 2.85 to
      6.66 +/- 1.67%, p = 0.001). Mean BMI significantly decreased from 33.91 +/- 6.67
      to 33.14 +/- 6.35 kg/m2 (p = 0.001); and PSA values significantly increased from
      0.59 +/- 0.30 to 0.82 +/- 0.39 ng/mL (p <0.001) at the end of the 12 months'
      follow-up. There were no changes in LH levels. CONCLUSION: This study
      demonstrated that VD treatment improves testosterone levels, metabolic syndrome
      and erectile function in middle-aged men. More randomized placebo-controlled
      interventional trials of VD treatment in patients with the metabolic syndrome and
      low TT could assist in uncovering the putative roles of VD.

PMID- 28074680
TI  - Sero-discovering versus sero-cognisant: initial challenges and needs of HIV
      serodiscordant couples in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
AB  - This paper focuses on challenges faced by heterosexual couples of mixed HIV
      status in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and argues for more conceptual nuance in our
      understanding of 'serodiscordance'. Couples' stories, collected over 11 months of
      qualitative research, demonstrate how profoundly serodiscordance involves both
      partners and suggest that the timing of relationship formation relative to HIV
      diagnosis influenced the particular challenges they confronted. In recognition of
      this variation, we propose the distinction of 'sero-discovering' from 'sero
      cognisant' couples. Though Brazilian health policy strives to address the needs
      of individuals diagnosed with HIV, the needs of seronegative partners in this
      cohort received relatively little attention. In addition, the transformation of
      HIV from a death sentence to a chronic condition both facilitated the formation
      of serodiscordant unions and raised special challenges for such couples.
      Conceiving of any person receiving an HIV diagnosis as 'potentially partnered'
      may help address some of these lacunae while promoting primary prevention within
      mixed-status couples, and HIV testing more generally. More research with this
      population is needed.

PMID- 28074681
TI  - Community-Based Exercise in the Context of HIV: Factors to Consider when
      Developing and Implementing Community-Based Exercise Programs for People Living
      with HIV.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify factors to consider for developing and implementing a
      community-based exercise (CBE) program for people living with HIV (PLWH).
      METHODS: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured
      interviews with PLWH, rehabilitation professionals, and recreation providers from
      Canada and the United Kingdom. We asked participants to describe their experience
      with exercise, facilitators, and barriers to accessing and participating in
      exercise, and factors to consider in developing a CBE program for PLWH.
      Interviews were analyzed using content analytical techniques. RESULTS: We
      developed a Framework of CBE in the Context of HIV that describes (1) exercise
      experiences of PLWH (nature of exercise, motivators for initiating or sustaining
      exercise, perceived benefits, and barriers and facilitators to exercise) and (2)
      11 factors to consider in developing and implementing a CBE program for PLWH.
      CONCLUSION: Recommendations for the development and implementation of an
      accessible and feasible CBE program may enhance exercise participation among
      PLWH.

PMID- 28074684
TI  - Health and the Built Environment.

PMID- 28074683
TI  - Objectively measured sedentary behavior and brain volumetric measurements in
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - AIM: This study examined the association between sedentary behavior patterns and
      whole brain gray matter (GM), white matter (WM) and subcortical GM structures in
      persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: 36 persons with MS wore an
      accelerometer and underwent a brain MRI. Whole brain GM and WM and deep GM
      structures were calculated from 3D T1-weighted structural brain images. RESULTS:
      There were statistically significant (p < 0.01) and moderate or large
      associations between number of sedentary bouts/day and brain volume measures. The
      primary result was a consistent negative association between number of sedentary
      bouts/day and whole brain GM and WM, and deep GM structures. CONCLUSION: We
      provide novel evidence for decreased brain volume as a correlate of a sedentary
      behavior pattern in persons with MS.

PMID- 28074685
TI  - Waist measurement as an aid to type II diabetes screening among Asian Americans.

PMID- 28074688
TI  - Health and the built environment.

PMID- 28074687
TI  - The NHS Healthy New Towns programme.

PMID- 28074689
TI  - Refocusing upstream - three decades of public health: a personal reflection.

PMID- 28074690
TI  - Well Communities.

PMID- 28074691
TI  - Health, cities and planning: using universities to achieve place innovation.

PMID- 28074692
TI  - GoodSAM - how digital networks can revolutionise care in life-threatening
      emergencies.

PMID- 28074693
TI  - A green perspective: what good does it do?

PMID- 28074694
TI  - RSPH policy update.

PMID- 28074695
TI  - Diary.

PMID- 28074698
TI  - Crowd planning for public safety.

PMID- 28074696
TI  - Dr Fiona Sim, OBE - highlights of an outgoing Chair.

PMID- 28074699
TI  - RSPH Awards 2016: championing the public's health.

PMID- 28074701
TI  - Editors.

PMID- 28074700
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28074702
TI  - Operative technique and pitfalls in donor heart procurement.
AB  - We describe a simple and reproducible donor heart procurement technique in
      sequential steps. A detailed understanding of procurement and organ preservation
      techniques should be an essential part of a heart transplant training program.

PMID- 28074703
TI  - Early surgery after angiography in patients scheduled for valve replacement.
AB  - Background There are limited data regarding the risks of cardiac surgery early
      after coronary angiography in patients scheduled for isolated aortic and/or
      mitral valve replacement. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of early surgery after
      coronary angiography in these patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data
      of 1044 patients who underwent isolated aortic and/or mitral valve replacement
      from 2006 to 2014. Baseline, operative, and postoperative variables were
      collected. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the interval between
      coronary angiography and surgery: <=3 days ( n = 216), 4-7 days ( n = 109), and
      >=8 days ( n = 719). We evaluated hospital mortality and postoperative acute
      kidney injury. Subgroup analysis was performed according to preoperative
      creatinine clearance. Results Postoperative creatinine clearance was lower in
      patients who underwent surgery <=3 days after coronary angiography (63.57 +/-
      38.52 mL min-1) compared to >=8 days after coronary angiography (74.56 +/- 54.25
      mL min-1, p = 0.015). Patients who underwent surgery <=3 days after coronary
      angiography had higher hospital mortality when preoperative creatinine clearance
      was <=60 mL min-1 (12% vs. 4% for creatinine clearance <=and >60 mL min-1,
      respectively; p = 0.039). Predictors of hospital mortality were New York Heart
      Association class and postoperative creatinine clearance. Conclusion Hospital
      mortality was higher in patients with decreased preoperative renal function who
      underwent surgery within the first 3 days after coronary angiography. Delaying
      surgery in this subgroup of patients could be a good strategy.

PMID- 28074704
TI  - The toxicology of zinc chloride smoke producing bombs and screens.
AB  - CONTEXT: Zinc chloride (ZnCl2)-based smoke bombs and screens are in use since the
      Second World War (1939-1945). Many case descriptions on ZnCl2 smoke inhalation
      incidents appeared since 1945. OBJECTIVE: We provide a comprehensive overview of
      the clinical symptoms and underlying pathophysiology due to exposure to fumes
      from ZnCl2 smoke producing bombs. In addition, we give a historical overview of
      treatment regimens and their outcomes. METHODOLOGY: We performed a literature
      search on Medline, Scopus and Google Scholar databases using combinations of the
      following search terms "smoke bomb", "smoke screen", "ZnCl2", "intoxication",
      "poisoning", "case report", "HE smoke", "hexachloroethane smoke", "smoke
      inhalation" and "white smoke". We retrieved additional reports based on the
      primary hits. We collected 30 case reports from the last seven decades
      encompassing 376 patients, 23 of whom died. Of all the patient descriptions, 31
      were of sufficient detail for prudent analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:
      Intoxication with clinical signs mainly took place in war situations and in
      military and fire emergency training sessions in enclosed spaces. Symptoms follow
      a biphasic course mainly characterised by dyspnoea, coughing and lacrimation,
      related to irritation of the airways in the first six hours, followed by
      reappearance of early signs complemented with inflammation related signs and
      tachycardia from 24 h onwards. Acute respiratory stress syndrome developed in
      severely affected individuals. Chest radiographs did not always correspond with
      clinical symptoms. Common therapy comprises corticosteroids, antibiotics and
      supplemental oxygen or positive pressure ventilation in 64% of the cases. Of the
      31 patients included, eight died, three had permanent lung damage and 15 showed
      complete recovery, whereas in five patients outcome was not reported. Early signs
      likely relate to caustic reactions in the airway lining, whereas inhaled ZnCl2
      particles may trigger an inflammatory response and associated delayed fibrotic
      lung damage. Smoke bomb poisoning is a potentially lethal condition that can
      occur in large cohorts of victims simultaneously.

PMID- 28074705
TI  - An uncommon cause of sciatic pain: tuberculous osteomyelitis of the ischial
      tuberosity.
AB  - A 66-year-old Caucasian female presented with insidious sciatic pain leading to
      an uncommon diagnosis of tuberculous osteomyelitis with unknown portal entry. The
      patient did not report a history of a previous tuberculosis (TB) infection and
      her chest X-ray was negative for TB. Considering TB in the differential diagnosis
      of a 'bone abscess', it is of paramount importance to come to a correct
      diagnosis. Conventional radiographs still remain the first-line imaging modality
      for evaluation of skeletal symptomatology. However, biopsies or aspirates are
      often needed to yield the definitive diagnosis. The lack of awareness of the
      potential extrapulmonary involvement of TB leads to an important delay in
      diagnosis and treatment. Antituberculous drugs should be started at the time of
      biopsy and continued during 12-18 months, due to poor drug penetration into
      osseous and fibrous tissues.

PMID- 28074706
TI  - Christians' cut: popular religion and the global health campaign for medical male
      circumcision in Swaziland.
AB  - Swaziland faces one of the worst HIV epidemics in the world and is a site for the
      current global health campaign in sub-Saharan Africa to medically circumcise the
      majority of the male population. Given that Swaziland is also majority Christian,
      how does the most popular religion influence acceptance, rejection or
      understandings of medical male circumcision? This article considers interpretive
      differences by Christians across the Kingdom's three ecumenical organisations,
      showing how a diverse group people singly glossed as 'Christian' in most public
      health acceptability studies critically rejected the procedure in unity, but not
      uniformly. Participants saw medical male circumcision's promotion and messaging
      as offensive and circumspect, and medical male circumcision as confounding
      gendered expectations and sexualised ideas of the body in Swazi Culture.
      Pentecostal-charismatic churches were seen as more likely to accept medical male
      circumcision, while traditionalist African Independent Churches rejected the
      operation. The procedure was widely understood to be a personal choice, in line
      with New Testament-inspired commitments to metaphorical circumcision as a way of
      receiving God's grace.

PMID- 28074708
TI  - E. P. Pope Memorial Award to Dr. John M. Adaska.

PMID- 28074707
TI  - 2016 AAVLD Awards.

PMID- 28074709
TI  - A serosurvey for ruminant pestivirus exposure conducted using cattle sera
      collected for brucellosis surveillance in the United States.
AB  - Four species of ruminant pestivirus are currently circulating in the United
      States: Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 and 2 (BVDV-1, -2; predominant host:
      cattle), Border disease virus (BDV; predominant host: sheep), and pronghorn virus
      (sporadically detected in wild ruminants). A third bovine pestivirus called HoBi
      like virus has been detected in cattle and water buffalo in South America, Asia,
      and Europe. To date, no isolations of HoBi-like viruses from U.S. cattle have
      been reported. To assess exposure, 2,000 cattle sera, collected between 2014 and
      2015 as part of the U.S. brucellosis surveillance program, were tested for
      antibodies against BVDV-1, BVDV-2, and HoBi-like viruses. In addition, RNA was
      extracted and tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for the
      presence of pestiviruses; all samples tested negative. The percent of VN-positive
      samples was 91.3% for BVDV-1, 89.3% for BVDV-2, and 84.9% for HoBi-like viruses.
      Because the 3 bovine pestiviruses are antigenically cross-reactive, the
      comparative level of antibody against each pestivirus species was determined.
      Based on comparative titers, samples were segregated into 6 categories: no titers
      (7.6%), titers clearly higher against BVDV-1 (22.2%), titers substantially higher
      against BVDV-2 (9.1%), BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 titers equivalent but substantially
      higher than HoBi titers (25.7%), titers substantially higher against HoBi-like
      viruses (0%), and equivocal (35.4%). Titers tended to be higher against BVDV-1
      than BVDV-2. However, the overall percentage of animals with titers below levels
      considered protective against acute bovine pestivirus infection were ~11% for
      BVDV-1, 12% BVDV-2, and 18% for HoBi-like virus.

PMID- 28074710
TI  - Canine spinal cord glioma.
AB  - Spinal cord glioma is uncommonly reported in dogs. We describe the
      clinicopathologic and diagnostic features of 7 cases of canine spinal cord glioma
      and briefly review the veterinary literature on this topic. The median age at
      presentation was 7.2 y. Six females and 1 male were affected and 4 dogs were
      brachycephalic. The clinical course lasted from 3 d to 12 wk, and clinical signs
      were progressive and associated with multiple suspected neuroanatomic locations
      in the spinal cord. Magnetic resonance imaging of 6 cases revealed T2-weighted
      hyperintense lesions with variable contrast enhancement in the spinal cord. All
      dogs had a presumptive clinical diagnosis of intraparenchymal neoplasia or
      myelitis based on history, advanced imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
      Euthanasia was elected in all cases because of poor outcome despite anti
      inflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment or because of poor prognosis at the
      time of diagnosis. Tumor location during autopsy ranged from C1 to L6, with no
      clear predilection for a specific spinal cord segment. The diagnosis was based on
      histopathology and the immunohistochemistry expression of glial fibrillary acidic
      protein, oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2, 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide
      3'-phosphodiesterase, neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin, and Ki-67.
      Diagnoses consisted of 4 cases of oligodendroglioma, 2 cases of gliomatosis
      cerebri, and 1 astrocytoma. This case series further defines the
      clinicopathologic features of canine spinal glioma and highlights the need for
      comprehensive immunohistochemistry in addition to routine histopathology to
      confirm the diagnosis of these tumors.

PMID- 28074711
TI  - A comparison of the reliability of two gene targets in loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification assays for detecting leptospiral DNA in canine urine.
AB  - We compared 2 novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays that
      target either the 16S ribosomal RNA ( rrs) gene or the gene encoding a 32-kDa
      leptospiral lipoprotein ( lipL32) in order to assess the effect of the target on
      the accuracy of the LAMP assays. The most sensitive assay was the rrs assay with
      a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.2 * 101 genome equivalents per reaction. The
      novel lipL32 assay showed an LOD of 1.2 * 102 genome equivalents per reaction.
      Both assays showed adequate specificity when tested against a collection of
      bacteria commonly found in voided canine urine. However, when field samples were
      assayed, the rrs assays gave many false-positive results and a poor positive
      predictive value of 8.33%. In conclusion, even if the LAMP assay is used in low
      prevalence areas, the lipL32 assay would be preferable. Conversely, the higher
      analytical sensitivity of the rrs assay could be effectively used as a screening
      test in endemic areas with high disease prevalence, followed by confirmation of
      the positive results using the lipL32 assay.

PMID- 28074712
TI  - High-throughput whole genome sequencing of Porcine reproductive and respiratory
      syndrome virus from cell culture materials and clinical specimens using next
      generation sequencing technology.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have increasingly played crucial
      roles in biological and medical research, but are not yet in routine use in
      veterinary diagnostic laboratories. We developed and applied a procedure for high
      throughput RNA sequencing of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
      (PRRSV) from cell culture-derived isolates and clinical specimens. Ten PRRSV
      isolates with known sequence information, 2 mixtures each with 2 different PRRSV
      isolates, and 51 clinical specimens (19 sera, 16 lungs, and 16 oral fluids) with
      various PCR threshold cycle (Ct) values were subjected to nucleic acid
      extraction, cDNA library preparation (24-plexed), and sequencing. Whole genome
      sequences were obtained from 10 reference isolates with expected sequences and
      from sera with a PRRSV real-time reverse transcription PCR Ct <= 23.6, lung
      tissues with Ct <= 21, and oral fluids with Ct <= 20.6. For mixtures with PRRSV-1
      and -2 isolates (57.8% nucleotide identity), NGS was able to distinguish them as
      well as obtain their respective genome sequences. For mixtures with 2 PRRSV-2
      isolates (92.4% nucleotide identity), sequence reads with nucleotide ambiguity at
      numerous sites were observed, indicating mixed infection; however, individual
      virus sequences could only be separated when 1 isolate identity and sequence in
      the mixture is known. The NGS approach described herein offers the prospect of
      high-throughput sequencing and could be adapted to routine workflows in
      veterinary diagnostic laboratories, although further improvement of sequencing
      outcomes from clinical specimens with higher Ct values remains to be
      investigated.

PMID- 28074713
TI  - Pathogens, patterns of pneumonia, and epidemiologic risk factors associated with
      respiratory disease in recently weaned cattle in Ireland.
AB  - We examined the pathogens, morphologic patterns, and risk factors associated with
      bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in 136 recently weaned cattle ("weanlings"), 6
      12 mo of age, that were submitted for postmortem examination to regional
      veterinary laboratories in Ireland. A standardized sampling protocol included
      routine microbiologic investigations as well as polymerase chain reaction and
      immunohistochemistry. Lungs with histologic lesions were categorized into 1 of 5
      morphologic patterns of pneumonia. Fibrinosuppurative bronchopneumonia (49%) and
      interstitial pneumonia (48%) were the morphologic patterns recorded most
      frequently. The various morphologic patterns of pulmonary lesions suggest the
      involvement of variable combinations of initiating and compounding infectious
      agents that hindered any simple classification of the etiopathogenesis of the
      pneumonias. Dual infections were detected in 58% of lungs, with Mannheimia
      haemolytica and Histophilus somni most frequently recorded in concert. M.
      haemolytica (43%) was the most frequently detected respiratory pathogen; H. somni
      was also shown to be frequently implicated in pneumonia in this age group of
      cattle. Bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3) and Bovine respiratory syncytial
      virus (16% each) were the viral agents detected most frequently. Potential
      respiratory pathogens (particularly Pasteurella multocida, BPIV-3, and H. somni)
      were frequently detected (64%) in lungs that had neither gross nor histologic
      pulmonary lesions, raising questions regarding their role in the pathogenesis of
      BRD. The breadth of respiratory pathogens detected in bovine lungs by various
      detection methods highlights the diagnostic value of parallel analyses in
      respiratory disease postmortem investigation.

PMID- 28074714
TI  - Oncocytic carcinoma of the salivary gland in a dog.
AB  - A 3-y-old male miniature Dachshund was presented with an ~0.8 cm diameter mass in
      the right mandibular region. Fourteen months later, the mass was 5 * 4 * 3 cm.
      Grossly, the mass was encapsulated and was homogeneously gray-white on cut
      surface. Microscopically, the mass was composed of large, round to polygonal
      tumor cells that were arranged in solid nests and cords separated by a
      fibrovascular stroma. Tumor cells had large, round, hypochromatic nuclei
      containing large prominent nucleoli and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm
      containing dark blue granules visible with phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin
      stain. Metastasis was observed in the mandibular lymph node.
      Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for CK AE1/AE3, low-molecular
      weight CK (CAM5.2), E-cadherin, mitochondria ATPase beta subunit, and S100, but
      were negative for vimentin, carcinoembryonic antigen, p63, CK14, CD10, and
      chromogranin A. Ultrastructurally, tumor cells contained numerous mitochondria.
      Therefore, the tumor was diagnosed as an oncocytic carcinoma of the mandibular
      gland.

PMID- 28074715
TI  - Comparison of three different primer sets for sexing birds.
AB  - Because many bird species are monomorphic or only sexually dimorphic in adult
      stages, it is difficult to determine their sexes, which may cause significant
      problems in population and conservation studies. DNA-based sexing relies on the
      chromodomain helicase DNA binding ( CHD) gene located on the W chromosome and its
      homolog on the Z chromosome, giving distinct banding patterns on agarose gel as a
      result of length differences in intronic regions within this gene. We used 3
      specific primer sets, CHD1F/CHD1R, 2550F/2718R, and P2/P8, for sex determination
      of 230 samples from 77 avian species. We report here the records for 70 of those
      species analyzed using the CHD1F/CHD1R primer set, and 49 species using
      2550F/2718R, and 46 species using P2/P8. CHD1F/CHD1R PCR products on agarose gel
      generally showed an apparent single band in males and 2 bands in females, but the
      products of 2550F/2718R (61%) and P2/P8 (42%) showed distinct banding patterns
      for separate bird orders. However, when PCR products of these last 2 primer pairs
      labeled with fluorescent dye were run in a capillary gel and detected using a DNA
      analyzer, P2/P8 gave 2 distinguishable peaks in females, whereas 2550F/2718R
      results remained the same. DNA sexing with any of those 3 primer sets can be used
      for all sexually monomorphic avian taxa although the primer sets should be
      compared before choosing the most efficient one for molecular sexing of the
      studied species.

PMID- 28074716
TI  - Semiquantitative immunohistochemical detection of progesterone receptors in male
      accessory sex glands as a screening assay for anabolic steroid use in bulls.
AB  - We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of progesterone receptors
      (PRs) in the prostate and bulbourethral glands of thirty-two 10-14-mo-old
      Charolais bulls following treatment with a low dosage of estrogens. Animals were
      divided into 2 groups: 16 animals (group T) were treated for 71 d with a
      therapeutic dose of trenbolone acetate and estradiol by subcutaneous implant, 16
      animals (group C) received no treatment. Urine samples were collected both at the
      beginning of the trial and 9 times during the study. A semiquantitative analysis
      of immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed by counting the number of positive
      cells in 10 randomly selected high-power fields (hpf). Both groups showed no
      significant histologic lesions. IHC examination showed positive cells in the
      epithelium of both glands, with different patterns of distribution between
      groups. In group C, IHC-positive cells per hpf varied from 0 to 40 in the
      prostate and from 0 to 32 in the bulbourethral gland. In group T, positive cells
      varied from 0 to 85 per hpf in the prostate and from 0 to 75 in the bulbourethral
      gland. The treated group showed significantly higher median numbers of positively
      stained cells in both organs than the controls (  p < 0.001). Chemical analysis
      of the urine samples confirmed that the experimental treatment mimics continuous,
      low-dose administration of anabolic steroids. IHC quantification showed good
      sensitivity with a high predictive power to correctly classify treated animals
      and could be used as a preliminary screening test in bulls.

PMID- 28074717
TI  - Endosulfan poisoning in canids and felids in the Calabria region of southern
      Italy.
AB  - Endosulfan, a highly toxic insecticide and acaricide, was globally banned under
      the Stockholm Convention in May 2011 because of its threats to human health and
      the environment. Despite the ban on its use, endosulfan is still present in the
      environment, causing poisoning events in domestic animals and wildlife.
      Toxicologic analysis of poisoned animals conducted by the Istituto
      Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno revealed that in the past 3 y, this
      pesticide has not disappeared in the regions of interest. More than 650 samples
      (baits and animal organs) collected from 2013 to 2015 were analyzed through solid
      phase extraction followed by gas chromatography-electron capture detection. This
      methodology allowed us to identify 45 positive samples from the Calabria region
      of southern Italy (10.2 % of the total samples). Most were samples of gastric
      content (alpha-endosulfan range: 1.27-3,800 mg/kg) and baits (alpha-endosulfan
      range: 92-1,497 mg/kg). Lower concentrations of pesticide were found in samples
      of stomach (alpha-endosulfan: 6.7-118 mg/kg) and liver (alpha-endosulfan: 0.38
      14.2 mg/kg).

PMID- 28074718
TI  - Pyrolysis-catalysis of waste plastic using a nickel-stainless-steel mesh catalyst
      for high-value carbon products.
AB  - A stainless-steel mesh loaded with nickel catalyst was produced and used for the
      pyrolysis-catalysis of waste high-density polyethylene with the aim of producing
      high-value carbon products, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The catalysis
      temperature and plastic-to-catalyst ratio were investigated to determine the
      influence on the formation of different types of carbon deposited on the nickel
      stainless-steel mesh catalyst. Increasing temperature from 700 to 900 degrees C
      resulted in an increase in the carbon deposited on the nickel-loaded stainless
      steel mesh catalyst from 32.5 to 38.0 wt%. The increase in sample-to-catalyst
      ratio reduced the amount of carbon deposited on the mesh catalyst in terms of g
      carbon g-1 plastic. The carbons were found to be largely composed of filamentous
      carbons, with negligible disordered (amorphous) carbons. Transmission electron
      microscopy analysis of the filamentous carbons revealed them to be composed of a
      large proportion (estimated at ~40%) multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The
      optimum process conditions for CNT production, in terms of yield and graphitic
      nature, determined by Raman spectroscopy, was catalysis temperature of 800
      degrees C and plastic-to-catalyst ratio of 1:2, where a mass of 334 mg of
      filamentous/MWCNTs g-1 plastic was produced.

PMID- 28074719
TI  - [Ten tips for initial assessment and treatment of minor burns].
AB  - The initial care of a patient with burns is a challenge for every doctor. After
      cooling the burn appropriately, a careful history and a good initial assessment
      are of essential importance for treatment. The burn should be inspected regularly
      for early detection of any infection and to evaluate wound healing. If healing
      has not occurred in two weeks, hypertrophic scarring may develop and surgical
      treatment should be considered. It is always possible to contact the burns
      centres in Beverwijk, Rotterdam and Groningen to discuss treatment of the burn,
      any infection of a wound, consideration of surgical treatment, or transfer of a
      patient to a burn centre.

PMID- 28074720
TI  - [Registration of assessments in orthopaedic residents' portfolios is falling
      short].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate of the number of registered competency assessments in the
      portfolios of orthopaedic residents in the Netherlands, for whom a competency
      based training programme is mandatory. DESIGN: National cohort study. METHOD: We
      collected data regarding the registered assessments of all orthopaedic residents
      who finished their training between 2012-2015. We determined the number of
      registered assessments of 'standard orthopaedic treatments' (evaluating
      residents' competency in 70 different orthopaedic treatments), objective
      structured clinical skills evaluations (OSCEs), critically appraised topics
      (CATs), and 360 degree feedback appraisals. We compared the number of registered
      assessments in the portfolios with the minimum requirements laid down by the
      training curriculum. RESULTS: A total of 196 residents finished their training
      between 2012 and 2015. These residents finished their training with a mean (i.e.,
      percentage of minimally required number of assessments) of 17.0 (34%) 'standard
      orthopaedic treatments' (level 4 or 5), 13.6 (34%) OSCEs, 2.6 (33%) CATs and 0.2
      (4%) 360 degree feedback. CONCLUSION: On average, only one-third of the minimally
      required number of assessments were registered in the portfolios of orthopaedic
      residents (OSCEs and standard orthopaedic treatments level 4 or 5). These
      revelations show that action is needed to improve the way in which the progress
      of residents is monitored. These findings are going to have an effect on the new
      curriculum which must be more practical and less complex. Additionally, external
      quality control will focus more on residents at the end of their training and on
      the training region involved. This information may serve as a framework for
      postgraduate training programmes in other scientific associations which also find
      themselves in the same process of modernisation.

PMID- 28074721
TI  - [Capecitabine-induced ventricular fibrillation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Capecitabine is an orally-administered chemotherapeutic agent used in
      the treatment of colorectal, gastric and breast carcinoma. Capecitabine has
      relatively mild side effects. Less known are its potential severe cardiotoxic
      effects. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of a 61-year-old man recently
      diagnosed with rectal cancer. Six days after starting with capecitabine, he
      developed a cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (VF). Extensive
      additional diagnostics did not explain the cardiac arrest nor VF. Given the
      observed time relation between initiation of capecitabine administration and the
      occurrence of VF, combined with the absence of other causes for VF, we suspect
      that VF is a likely consequence of capecitabine-induced coronary vasospasm.
      CONCLUSION: Capecitabine-induced VF is a rare occurrence. With the increasing use
      of capecitabine for the treatment of various cancers, health professionals should
      be aware of these potential cardiotoxic side effects.

PMID- 28074722
TI  - [An adolescent with inability to bear weight on his knee after a jump].
AB  - A 15-year-old boy sustained a left tuberositas tibiae avulsion fracture as a
      result of jumping. This type of fracture typically occurs in adolescent boys
      during sports.

PMID- 28074723
TI  - [A woman with excessive dynamic airway collapse].
AB  - BACKGROUND: 'Excessive dynamic airway collapse' (EDAC) is a form of
      tracheamalacia, that does not affect the rings of cartilage on the anterior side
      of the trachea, but in which the posterior wall of the trachea collapses during
      inspiration and expiration. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 80 year-old woman presented to
      the accident and emergency department with dyspnoea and severe inspiratory and
      expiratory stridor, with sudden onset a few hours previously. Following a series
      of investigations, she was shown to have a narrowing of the trachea, radiating
      from the posterior wall. The diagnosis was EDAC. Because her saturation levels
      were acceptable and she was otherwise well she was admitted to the intensive care
      unit for observation only. The symptoms disappeared within 4 days, without
      intervention. CONCLUSION: EDAC is usually asymptomatic, but when symptoms arise
      the clinical picture is often confused with asthma, COPD or laryngeal oedema. The
      diagnostic gold standard is bronchoscopy. Therapy is chosen on the basis of
      severity of the symptoms.

PMID- 28074724
TI  - [Tasty food for cancer patients: the impact of smell and taste alterations on
      eating behaviour].
AB  - - This article provides an overview of smell and taste changes in cancer patients
      and the influence of these changes on eating behaviour and food preferences.-
      Taste changes seem to be more common than alterations in the sense of smell.- The
      changes in taste and smell are often temporary; smell and taste functions mostly
      return to their previous level after treatment cessation.- The type of cancer and
      its treatment influence changes in the sense of smell and taste, making it
      challenging to give general advice.- Changes in taste and smell - which can lead
      to modified food preferences and decreased appetite - should be taken into
      consideration during the treatment of cancer patients to improve the nutritional
      status and the effectiveness of the treatment.- This requires a personal
      approach, a multidisciplinary team and validated methods. Moreover, it is
      important to involve the environment of the patient.

PMID- 28074725
TI  - [We are living longer, but in good health? Inequality in quality-adjusted life
      expectancy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Quantifying trends in quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) by level
      of education in the Netherlands 2001-2011. DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHOD:
      For this study we used data from several sources. Using regression models we
      estimated mortality rates and quality of life as functions of age, gender,
      calendar year and educational level. Quality of life was measured using the SF-6D
      questionnaire. In order to calculate QALE we combined estimates of mortality
      rates and quality of life into Sullivan's life tables. RESULTS: Over the period
      2001-2011 quality of life and survival increased at all educational levels. This
      resulted in an increase of QALE varying from 1.5 to 3 years depending on gender
      and education. QALE increased less strongly in people with lower education than
      in those with higher education, which to a large extent was due to widening
      inequalities in mortality. CONCLUSION: The Dutch are living longer and have a
      better quality of life but inequalities in QALE have increased.

PMID- 28074726
TI  - [Assessments during Medical Specialists Training: quantity or quality?]
AB  - Structured assessments form a mandatory part of Dutch Medical Specialist
      Training, but create administrative workload for both the staff and supervisors.
      One could argue that the quality of the narrative feedback is more important than
      the extensive reporting in learning portfolios, and that the focus should be on
      continuous on-the-job coaching.

PMID- 28074727
TI  - [Flank pain caused by a renal artery dissection].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A spontaneous renal artery dissection is a very rare diagnosis. The
      clinical presentation can vary and its course can be atypical. There are no
      guidelines available regarding treatment; however, the options are a conservative
      (medication) or interventional (radiological or surgical) approach. CASE
      DESCRIPTION: A 45-year-old man presented to the emergency department with
      hypertensive urgency after earlier episodes of flank pain. The cause appeared to
      be a spontaneous bilateral renal artery dissection with infarction. After a
      multidisciplinary consultation, the decision was made to manage the patient
      conservatively since symptoms had subsided, blood pressure was acceptable and
      renal function remained stable. Eventually, kidney function restored to normal
      and CT images showed almost complete recovery of the previously damaged renal
      parenchyma. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that in the event of renal artery
      dissection, a conservative medication policy may be a good option in clinically
      stable patients with non-deteriorating renal function. Timely recognition and
      adequate follow-up are important to prevent serious complications, such as renal
      ischaemia or renal infarction that could necessitate a nephrectomy.

PMID- 28074728
TI  - [Relation between continuity of care and mortality].
AB  - Continuity of care is one of the most important features of primary care. In this
      commentary we discuss the article by Maarsingh et al. regarding the relation
      between personal continuity (seeing the same care provider) and mortality. We
      raise some important points on the way continuity of care is measured and show
      how it affects the results. Our conclusion is that the relation between
      continuity of care and mortality is still weak. However, this does not alter the
      importance of having a personal care provider. It increases patient satisfaction
      and trust in the care provider, both of which are essential for a good doctor
      patient relationship.

PMID- 28074729
TI  - [A woman with episodes of abdominal pain].
AB  - A 63-year-old woman was referred to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic with
      gallstones and a big liver mass on ultrasound. She had episodes of upper
      abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed typical images for a giant
      liver haemangioma. We performed a surgical resection of the giant haemangioma and
      the gallbladder.

PMID- 28074730
TI  - [Thrombocytopenia].
AB  - Thrombocytopenia can be caused by many different underlying disorders. The
      diagnostic approach to this haematological abnormality may, therefore, be
      challenging for physicians. Causes of thrombocytopenia may be classified
      according to decreased production, increased peripheral consumption or
      destruction, or abnormal distribution of platelets. Additionally, it is important
      to rule out pseudothrombocytopenia, a laboratory artefact caused in vitro by
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulants. Here we discuss the
      clinical and laboratory evaluation of drug-induced thrombocytopenia based on the
      description of two patients, one with ceftriaxone-induced thrombocytopenia and
      the other with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia is
      rare, but it is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of
      thrombocytopenic patients. The aetiology is often not recognised or is ascribed
      to other complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or
      immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Misdiagnosis or late recognition may result in
      morbidity and mortality due to bleeding or thrombotic complications.

PMID- 28074731
TI  - [An older woman with dextrocardia and shortness of breath].
AB  - A 73-year-old woman, who had a history of chronic sinusitis, presented to the
      emergency department with shortness of breath. Additional imaging demonstrated
      situs inversus totalis and multiple bronchiectases. The clinical triad of
      sinusitis, situs inversus totalis and bronchiectasis is often characteristic of
      Kartagener's syndrome, a subset of primary ciliary dyskinesia.

PMID- 28074732
TI  - [Acute abdominal pain in children caused by pneumonia].
AB  - Three children presented with symptoms of an acute abdomen. In all three a
      diagnosis of pneumonia was subsequently established, and the patients made a full
      recovery following antibiotic therapy. When a paediatric patient presents with
      symptoms of an acute abdomen, the possibility of pneumonia should be considered.
      It can be difficult to differentiate between appendicitis and pneumonia because
      of the subtle clinical signs. Early recognition is, however, important in order
      to start the correct therapy and to avoid an unnecessary laparotomy.

PMID- 28074733
TI  - [Normoglycaemic ketoacidosis in pregnant patients with diabetes; early
      recognition is critical].
AB  - Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during pregnancy is a rare but very serious
      complication that requires early recognition and treatment to prevent severe
      complications. Here we present three cases in which DKA occurred during
      normoglycaemia, demonstrating the importance of early recognition. In pregnancy,
      DKA can occur at lower blood glucose levels than usual due to several pregnancy
      related factors, such as altered metabolism, increased insulin resistance, lower
      buffering capacity related to chronic hyperventilation and hunger. Symptoms that
      are common during pregnancy, such as vomiting, may be missed as a first sign of
      DKA. In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (especially those on continuous
      subcutaneous insulin infusion) insulin administration must never be discontinued,
      as this prevents lipolysis and ketone formation. Physicians and patients need to
      be aware of the risks and management of DKA in pregnancy.

PMID- 28074734
TI  - [A rare form of obstructive pulmonary disease].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is characterised by progressive
      dyspnoea, spontaneous pneumothorax and cystic pulmonary destruction. The disease
      may show similarities with emphysema clinically, radiologically and on lung
      function tests. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 44-year-old woman was referred for lung
      transplantation because of a 6-year history of dyspnoea and severe obstructive
      pulmonary function disorder with decreased diffusion capacity. Both her
      relatively young age and the fact that she had never smoked made us doubt the
      diagnosis 'COPD'. The pulmonary cysts seen on high-resolution CT (HRCT) suggested
      LAM. This was confirmed when we revised a pulmonary biopsy that had previously
      been performed. CONCLUSION: CT investigation should be carried out in patients
      with severe obstructive pulmonary disease without a risk profile appropriate for
      COPD. Diffuse, homogenous cysts on CT scan can indicate LAM, particularly in
      women. Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.

PMID- 28074735
TI  - [Diagnostic delay of pulmonary embolism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify the different stages of diagnostic delay of pulmonary
      embolism (PE) in patients and to identify other clinical factors associated with
      this delay. DESIGN: Case series. METHOD: Medical records were reviewed for all
      patients diagnosed with PE in the period 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2009 in
      Isala Hospital in Zwolle (the Netherlands), and data was collated for: the dates
      of symptom onset, presentation to a GP, referral to secondary care, and diagnosis
      respectively. The relationship between diagnostic delay and other clinical
      parameters such as gender, age, risk factors, symptoms and co-morbidities was
      tested using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: For the 261
      patients included in the analysis, the average total delay was 8.6 days. Patient
      delay (4.2 days average) and delay in primary care (3.9 days) were the major
      contributors to this delay. Chest pain and symptoms of deep venous thrombosis
      were associated with an early diagnosis. Patient delay was shorter in patients
      with chest pain and longer in patients with dyspnoea. In primary care, chest pain
      and rales were associated with an early referral, whereas the presence of co
      morbidity led to a delayed referral. Delay in secondary care was shorter when the
      patient presented with dyspnoea. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic delay of PE is
      substantial, especially patient delay and delays originating in primary care.
      Further research is needed to identify clinical factors that raise suspicion of
      PE in primary care, to aid the development of improved diagnostic models.

PMID- 28074736
TI  - [An athletic man with a swollen arm].
AB  - A 28-year-old male was referred to our emergency department with a swollen left
      arm after intensive exercise. Physical examination revealed distension of the
      superficial veins of his left arm and chest. Duplex ultrasound confirmed the
      diagnosis of Paget-Schroetter syndrome. He was successfully treated with
      thrombolysis and first rib resection.

PMID- 28074737
TI  - [An elderly, cachexic patient with a painful leg].
AB  - A 68-year-old female presented with acute abdominal discomfort in the left lower
      quadrant and a painful left leg. Her medical history only revealed an eating
      disorder. Physical examination was insignificant. Diagnostic imaging showed an
      obturator hernia; subsequently, a laparotomy was performed. An obturator hernia,
      also known as little old ladies' disease, is associated with abdominal pain and a
      painful leg.

PMID- 28074738
TI  - [Do mental health nurses take over care from general practitioners?]
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine mental health care provided
      by general practitioners and by mental health nurses working in general
      practices. DESIGN: Observational research. METHOD: We analysed how many
      consultations with patients with mental health problems were recorded in Dutch
      general practices in the period 2010-2014. General practices with and without a
      mental health nurse were compared, and we investigated which patients were mainly
      treated by mental health nurses. RESULTS: An increasing number of patients
      visited the GP for mental health problems in the period 2010-2014. GPs
      collaborating with a mental health nurse recorded a somewhat higher number of
      patients with mental health problems than GPs without a mental health nurse, but
      used as many consultations per patient. Mental health nurses mainly treat
      females, adult patients, and patients with common mental health problems.
      CONCLUSION: Mental health nurses do not take over care from GPs, but provide
      additional mental health care to patients with mental health problems.
      Collaborating with a mental health nurse might increase GPs' alertness to record
      mental health problems.

PMID- 28074739
TI  - [Power in the ICU: awareness and change].
AB  - - Power is a charged issue but, when executed with integrity, a potent instrument
      to improve quality of care.- Execution of power has various manifestations, which
      have an important effect on several aspects of the care process including the
      doctor-patient relationship, primary responsible physician and the relationship
      with other team members.- Abuse of power is a source of conflicts and may also
      result in emotional exhaustion and burnout.- Various measures may stimulate the
      appropriate use of power.

PMID- 28074741
TI  - Efficiency of Rosemary and Basil Essential Oils on the Shelf-Life Extension of
      Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) Fillets Stored at 2 degrees C.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of rosemary and
      basil essential oils (EOs) on the quality of Atlantic mackerel fillets stored at
      2 degrees C up to 15 days. Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets were
      periodically evaluated to assess their textural, color, physicochemical, and
      spectral characteristics. The results indicated that rosemary and basil
      treatments were effective for inhibiting the formation of total volatile basic
      nitrogen (TVB-N) and lipid oxidation products during storage. Based on TVB-N
      values, the shelf life of Atlantic mackerel fillets treated with rosemary and
      basil EOs was extended by 2 and 5 days, respectively, compared to the control
      group. Similar results were obtained with thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance
      analysis, which demonstrated an extended shelf life of Atlantic mackerel immersed
      with rosemary and basil EOs of 2 and 3 days, respectively, compared to the
      control group. The factorial discriminant analysis applied on the concatenated
      first five principal components corresponding to the physicochemical, textural,
      color, and fluorescence measurements allowed clear discrimination of the three
      groups, because a correct classification rate of 93.3% was obtained. Therefore,
      treatment with basil and rosemary EOs, as natural biopreservative compounds,
      could present a high-potential application in the seafood industry.

PMID- 28074742
TI  - Development and Validation of an RP-HPLC Method for the Determination of
      Vinpocetine and Folic Acid in the Presence of a Vinpocetine Alkaline Degradation
      Product in Bulk and in Capsule Form.
AB  - An alkaline-forced degradation hydrolytic product of vinpocetine was prepared and
      characterized by 1H-NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and MS. Subsequently, a simple,
      selective, and validated reversed-phase HPLC method was developed for the
      simultaneous estimation of vinpocetine and folic acid in the presence of a
      vinpocetine alkaline degradation product. Chromatographic separation was achieved
      using an isocratic mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.02 M KH2PO4
      [containing 0.2% (v/v) triethylamine and adjusted to pH 6 with orthophosphoric
      acid; (80 + 20, v/v)] at a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min at ambient temperature on a
      Eurospher II C18 (250 * 4.6 mm, 5 MUm) column, with UV detection at 280 nm for
      folic acid and 230 nm for vinpocetine and its alkaline hydrolytic product.
      Linearity, accuracy, and precision were found to be acceptable over a
      concentration range of 12.5-200 MUg/mL for vinpocetine and 1-16 MUg/mL for folic
      acid. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of both
      drugs and a vinpocetine hydrolysis product in a laboratory-prepared mixture and
      in a capsule containing both drugs.

PMID- 28074743
TI  - Synthesis of Nanoporous Carbon for Fast Uptake of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) from Aqueous
      Solution.
AB  - Nanoporous carbon (NPC), based on organic xerogel compounds, was prepared at
      650  degrees C pyrolysis temperature by sol-gel method from pyrogallol and
      formaldehyde (PF-650) mixtures in water using picric acid as a catalyst. The
      performance of NPC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy,
      transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and nitrogen porosimetry. The
      metal uptake characteristics were explored using effective parameters including
      pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, and temperature. Better
      adsorption of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) was observed at pH 2 and 4, respectively. The
      Langmuir model gave the better fit for Cr(VI), whereas for Ni(II), the Freundlich
      model is better than the other models. The kinetic studies revealed that the
      adsorption is fast and its data are well fitted by the pseudo-second-order
      kinetic model. The thermodynamic properties, i.e., DeltaG degrees , and DeltaS
      degrees , showed that adsorption of Cr(VI) and Ni(II) onto NPC was endothermic,
      spontaneous and feasible in the temperature range of 300 to 328 K.

PMID- 28074744
TI  - Being Ever Mindful.

PMID- 28074745
TI  - A Day in the Life of a Specialty Pharmacist.

PMID- 28074746
TI  - Oncology's Trojan Horse: Using Viruses to Battle Cancer.
AB  - : In 2016, the American health care system was faced with more than 1.6 million
      new cases of cancer, and individuals older than 65 years of age will be affected
      disproportionately. Many older individuals are poor candidates for traditional
      treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation) because of actual or potential
      treatment-related adverse events. Researchers continuously look for novel
      therapeutic strategies, and an exciting new one is on the horizon: virotherapy.
      Viruses' ability to infect and kill human cells makes them promising cancer
      treatments. The greatest success has been seen in acute lymphocytic leukemia. To
      date, four genetically engineered oncolytic viruses have been approved globally
      by several countries' health regulatory agencies, but several challenges remain.
      Only one, talimogene laherparepvec (T-Vec), is available in the United States.
      Treatment-naive patients tend to respond better than patients receiving T-Vec as
      second-line therapy. Other good candidates for T-Vec include elderly patients who
      do not tolerate checkpoint inhibitors (the leading immunotherapy in advanced
      melanoma). Researchers continue to look for ways to increase oncolytic viruses'
      clinical potency. Once they do, these agents will become effective cancer
      therapy. ABBREVIATIONS: GM-CSF = Genetically modified colony-stimulating factor,
      HIV = Human immunodeficiency virus, HSV-1 = Herpes simplex virus, OV = Oncolytic
      virus.

PMID- 28074747
TI  - Liraglutide: A Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonist for Chronic Weight Management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy and safety of liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight
      loss. DATA SOURCE: A literature search was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE
      from 2000 to 2016. The following key terms were used alone or in combination:
      glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, liraglutide, obesity, overweight, and weight
      loss. Additional supporting literature was identified utilizing the reference
      lists of the preceding articles. STUDY SELECTION: Analyzed studies were published
      in English and investigated use of liraglutide and its impact on weight loss.
      DATA EXTRACTION: Clinical studies with a primary focus of liraglutide use in
      weight loss were included in this review. Author consensus determined final study
      inclusion. DATA SYNTHESIS: Management of obesity centers on behavior modification
      that includes diet and exercise; however, pharmacologic therapy may be used.
      Several studies have indicated that GLP-1 receptor agonists promote weight loss
      in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The efficacy of liraglutide 3.0
      mg as a weight-loss agent in patients with and without T2DM was established in
      three SCALETM clinical trials. Liraglutide 3.0 mg was generally well tolerated
      during clinical trials. Common adverse events were typically related to the
      gastrointestinal system (i.e., nausea, vomiting). CONCLUSION: Based on available
      evidence, liraglutide 3.0 mg appears to be a safe and effective addition to the
      pharmacologic armamentarium available for chronic weight management in the
      general population. However, there are limited data within the geriatric
      population. Clinicians should consider liraglutide's cost, route of
      administration, and concomitant drug therapy when deciding which patients are
      appropriate candidates for liraglutide therapy. ABBREVIATIONS: AE = Adverse
      events, AHA/ACC/TOS = American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/
      The Obesity Society, BMI = Body mass index, CV = Cardiovascular, FDA = Food and
      Drug Administration, GI = Gastrointestinal, GLP-1 = Glucagon-like peptide-1,
      HbA1c = Hemoglobin A1c, Kcal = Kilocalorie, LCD = Low-calorie diet, MTC =
      Medullary thyroid carcinoma, NHLBI = National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NNH
      = Number needed to harm, PYE = Patient years of exposure, REMS = Risk Evaluation
      and Mitigation Strategy, SCALETM = Satiety and Clinical Adiposity - Liraglutide
      Evidence in Non-diabetic and Diabetic individuals, T2DM = Type 2 diabetes
      mellitus.

PMID- 28074748
TI  - Possible Parkinson's Disease Induced by Chronic Manganese Supplement Ingestion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective is to report a case of possible neurotoxicity resulting
      from an incorrect dietary supplement for osteoporosis taken at a toxic dose.
      SUMMARY: The case study examined here is a 37-year-old African-American female
      who consumed excessive manganese over a period of years, resulting in Parkinson's
      disease (PD). This patient was referred to the pharmacist pharmacotherapy service
      by a neurology physician. PD has been shown in the medical literature to be
      caused by chronic exposure to high levels of manganese. It may be concluded that
      daily doses of manganese well above the upper limit of 9 mg per day were taken by
      this patient for an extended period of time, possibly causing PD via manganism.
      CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the unknown risks taken by patients who use
      excessive amounts of over-the-counter herbals and supplements and how pharmacists
      can assist patients and physicians in the proper use of these popular products.
      ABBREVIATIONS: AI = Adequate intake, EMS = Eosinophilia myalgia syndrome, MTM =
      Medication therapy management, UL = Tolerable upper limit.

PMID- 28074749
TI  - Students Use "STAMP-OUT" Program to Advance Seniors' Knowledge of Drug Misuse.
AB  - : This program assessed the impact of student presentations on 30 seniors and
      sought to improve their knowledge of prescription drug misuse and abuse. The six
      pharmacy students used the ASCP Foundation's "STAMP Out Prescription Drug Misuse
      and Abuse Tool Kit." Information presented to senior audiences included
      descriptions of drug misuse and abuse and preventive measures to uphold
      medication safety. Students assessed seniors' prior knowledge about the topics
      through audience participation. Afterwards, a self-assessment quiz was given that
      examined participants' learning about safe medication practices. Before the
      presentation, only 36% of participants recognized the difference between
      prescription drug misuse and abuse. The self-assessment quiz results showed that
      following the three presentations, all 30 participants received perfect scores:
      The results showed an improvement in knowledge after attending the student
      presentations. This program demonstrates advancement of the pharmacy profession
      through educating seniors on proper medication use to prevent drug abuse and
      improve medication safety. ABBREVIATION: OTC = Over-the-counter, UB SPPS:
      University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

PMID- 28074750
TI  - Physician Perceptions of Consultant Pharmacist Services Associated with an
      Intervention for Adverse Drug Events in the Nursing Facility.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance and performance of consultant pharmacist
      services delivered before and after an intervention to detect and manage adverse
      drug events among nursing facility residents. DESIGN: Before and after
      intervention survey of physicians participating in a randomized, controlled
      trial. SETTING: Four nonprofit, academically affiliated nursing facilities.
      PARTICIPANTS: Attending physicians providing nursing facility care who were
      randomized to intervention or control groups. INTERVENTIONS: Within the
      intervention arm, consultant pharmacists provided academic detailing in which
      trained health care professionals visit practicing physicians in their offices
      and present the most up-to-date clinical information. Physicians responded to
      alerts from a medication monitoring system, adjudicated system alerts for adverse
      drug events (ADEs), and provided structured recommendations about ADE management.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We compared physicians' assessments of the importance and
      performance of consultant pharmacist services before and after the trial
      intervention in the intervention and control groups. RESULTS: In the intervention
      group, ratings of importance increased for all 24 survey questions, and 5 of the
      changes were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the control group, ratings
      of importance increased for 16 questions, and none of the changes were
      statistically significant. In the intervention group, ratings of performance
      increased for all 24 questions, and 20 of the changes were statistically
      significant. In the control group, ratings of performance increased for 16
      questions, and none of the changes was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A
      multifaceted, consultant pharmacist-led intervention comprising academic
      detailing, computerized decision support, and structured communication framework
      can improve physicians' assessment of importance and performance of consultant
      pharmacist services. ABBREVIATIONS: ADE = Adverse drug event, M = Statistically
      significant mean, RCT = Randomized controlled trial, SBAR = Situation,
      Background, Discussion, Recommendation, SD = Standard deviation.

PMID- 28074751
TI  - What Does the Future Hold Under President-Elect Trump?

PMID- 28074752
TI  - Removal of 17beta-estradiol in a Biological Active Carbon Reactor with Acetic
      Acid and Humic Acid.
AB  - The objective of this study is to characterize the removal of 17beta-estradiol
      (E2) and the microbial community of a biologically active carbon (BAC) reactor
      under acetic acid or humic acid as the primary carbon source. Influent E2
      concentration was maintained at 20 MUg/L. Higher than 99% removal of E2 was
      achieved by the BAC reactor. The concentration of E2 increased from below
      detection limit (<5.8 ng/L) to 48 +/- 8 ng/L after switching the primary carbon
      source from acetic acid to humic acid in the reactor influent. Meanwhile,
      effluent estrone concentration increased from 50 +/- 15 to 55 +/- 15 ng/L after
      the switch of primary carbon source in the reactor influent. 17beta-estradiol
      degrading bacteria were isolated. Microbial community structures under different
      nutrient conditions were revealed by high throughput sequencing. The presence of
      readily biodegradable carbon source such as acetic acid benefited E2 removal in
      the BAC reactor.

PMID- 28074753
TI  - Conversion of Wastes to Bioelectricity, Bioethanol, and Fertilizer.
AB  - This research article presents production of bioelectricity, bioethanol, and
      fertilizer from different industrial wastewaters supplemented with waste fruit
      and vegetables. Bioelectricity was generated from wastewater through the
      development of different microbial fuel cells (MFCs). It was observed that the
      voltage was increased in series combination, whereas current was increased in
      parallel combinations. The series combination of four units of single-chamber and
      eight units of double-chamber MFCs produced the power output of 5.43 mW and 4.08
      mW, respectively, which is sufficient to light up the light emitting diode (LED).
      Power output was increased by the addition of waste fruit and vegetables. The
      leftover filtrates of MFCs were used for the production of bioethanol using
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while residues were used as fertilizer to check the
      growth of okra plant. The result showed that minor amount of bioethanol is
      produced from different samples, which was confirmed by the preparation of
      ethylbenzoate derivative.

PMID- 28074754
TI  - Legal and Ethical Imperatives for Using Certified Sign Language Interpreters in
      Health Care Settings: How to "Do No Harm" When "It's (All) Greek" (Sign Language)
      to You.
AB  - Communication obstacles in health care settings adversely impact patient
      practitioner interactions by impeding service efficiency, reducing mutual trust
      and satisfaction, or even endangering health outcomes. When interlocutors are
      separated by language, interpreters are required. The efficacy of interpreting,
      however, is constrained not just by interpreters' competence but also by health
      care providers' facility working with interpreters. Deaf individuals whose
      preferred form of communication is a signed language often encounter
      communicative barriers in health care settings. In those environments, signing
      Deaf people are entitled to equal communicative access via sign language
      interpreting services according to the Americans with Disabilities Act and
      Executive Order 13166, the Limited English Proficiency Initiative. Yet,
      litigation in states across the United States suggests that individual and
      institutional providers remain uncertain about their legal obligations to provide
      equal communicative access. This article discusses the legal and ethical
      imperatives for using professionally certified (vs. ad hoc) sign language
      interpreters in health care settings. First outlining the legal terrain governing
      provision of sign language interpreting services, the article then describes
      different types of "sign language" (e.g., American Sign Language vs. manually
      coded English) and different forms of "sign language interpreting" (e.g.,
      interpretation vs. transliteration vs. translation; simultaneous vs. consecutive
      interpreting; individual vs. team interpreting). This is followed by reviews of
      the formal credentialing process and of specialized forms of sign language
      interpreting-that is, certified deaf interpreting, trilingual interpreting, and
      court interpreting. After discussing practical steps for contracting professional
      sign language interpreters and addressing ethical issues of confidentiality, this
      article concludes by offering suggestions for working more effectively with Deaf
      clients via professional sign language interpreters.

PMID- 28074755
TI  - Attachment Theory and Neuroscience for Care Managers.
AB  - This article describes a model for care managers that is based on attachment
      theory supplemented by knowledge from neuroscience. Together, attachment theory
      and basic knowledge from neuroscience provide for both an organizing conceptual
      framework and a scientific, measureable approach to assessment and planning
      interventions in a care plan.

PMID- 28074756
TI  - Risk Factors and Effects of Care Management on Hospital Readmissions Among High
      Users at an Academic Medical Center.
AB  - Few studies have examined predictors of hospital readmission among high-using
      patients enrolled in a behaviorally oriented intensive care management program.
      The purpose of this case control study was to describe risk factors and the
      effectiveness of a complex care management program for hospital readmission among
      vulnerable patients at a large academic medical center. One hundred sixty-three
      patients enrolled in the University of Michigan Complex Care Management Program
      (UM CCMP) were hospitalized between January 2014 and March 2015. Sixty were
      readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Among all patients, the mean age was 51.1
      years, 38.7% were non-White, 81.5% had Medicaid and/or Medicare, 50.3% were
      without stable housing, and 27.6% had significant psychiatric illnesses. Although
      mostly not statistically significant, multivariable risk of readmission was
      increased by having twice the mean number of hospitalizations in the last 6
      months (odds ratio [OR] = 1.44, 95% CI [1.00, 2.06]), having chronic pain on a
      scheduled narcotic (OR = 1.49, 95% CI [0.67, 3.35]), and going to a primary care
      physician within 30 days of discharge (OR = 1.35, 95% CI [0.63, 2.89]). Risk was
      decreased by going to a specialist (OR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.23, 1.27]) and receiving
      moderate-intensity CCMP intervention (OR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.20, 1.19]). Among
      hospitalized high-using patients enrolled in the UM intensive care management
      program, readmission is likely significantly influenced by medical, behavioral,
      and social challenges. Care management appears most effective in preventing
      readmission among patients with mid- rather than high- or low-level needs. These
      findings at a single program should be explored in further, larger studies.

PMID- 28074757
TI  - Advanced Practice Nurse Transitional Care Model Promotes Healing in Wound Care.
AB  - : Optimally, transition in health care should be seamless and incorporate a well
      thought-out patient-centered discharge plan; yet, many hospitalized patients are
      unprepared for discharge, thereby compromising patient safety and quality of
      care. Transition of care should include a broad range of time-limited services
      designed to ensure health care continuity to avoid poor outcomes among at-risk
      populations. This case study demonstrates that advanced practice nurses (APNs)
      are in the perfect position to bridge the existing gap, reduce readmissions, and
      improve patient health. Transition from hospital to home is stressful under the
      best of circumstances. Naylor's transition of care model and Meleis's transition
      theory provides the foundation for APNs to manage patients' wounds across the
      continuum of care. The patient is educated and guided through the convoluted
      health care system, resulting in decreased discontinuity and improved outcomes
      and safety. CONCLUSION: A smooth transition between levels of care requires
      collaboration and care coordination of medical services and health care
      providers. The result of this continuity is improved patient outcomes, improved
      patient satisfaction, and reduced medical errors. APNs as care coordinators have
      the ability to bridge the existing gap between hospitalization and home while
      preventing readmission.

PMID- 28074759
TI  - ?

PMID- 28074761
TI  - ?

PMID- 28074760
TI  - ?

PMID- 28074762
TI  - [Ileus forarsaget af pille i blisterpakning].

PMID- 28074763
TI  - [Dysfunctional breathing in patients with asthma].
AB  - Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is a common comorbidity in adults with incomplete
      asthma control. The few available large-scale, randomized studies suggest
      efficacy of physiotherapy on symptom burden. In this article we discuss the
      current evidence including the need for systematic description of
      physiotherapeutic interventions. We also describe how access to physiotherapy
      service for DB (with or without asthma) is highly heterogeneous in Denmark, and
      that there is a need for increasing awareness of physiotherapy implementation for
      and research in DB (with or without concomitant asthma).

PMID- 28074764
TI  - [Chemoprevention of photocarcinogenesis using antioxidants].
AB  - The skin is constantly exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) from both
      endogenous and exogenous sources. Ultraviolet irradiation is a well-known
      contributor of photocarcinogenesis and photoaging, as it - among other things -
      promotes the production of ROS which damage nucleic acids, proteins and lipids.
      Topical or oral administration of antioxidants is presumed to counteract the
      damaging effects of ROS to the skin, thus potentially lowering the risk of skin
      cancers and skin aging. We review the current literature on chemoprevention of
      photocarcinogenesis using antioxidants.

PMID- 28074765
TI  - [Osteoporosis treatment can be discontinued based on an individual assessment].
AB  - In most patients, treatment of osteoporosis is a long-term challenge. Because
      alendronate and zoledronic acid accumulate in bone with some persistent
      antifracture efficacy after therapy, it is reasonable to consider a "drug
      holiday" for low-risk patients. It is recommended that the duration and length of
      drug holiday should be individualized for each patient. For all other
      bisphosphonates data are limited. For other antiresorptive and anabolic agents
      "drug holiday" is not recommended.

PMID- 28074766
TI  - [Herpes simplex encephalitis].
AB  - Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a rare disease, although it is the most
      common form of sporadic encephalitis worldwide. Recently, studies have provided
      important new insight into the genetic and immunological basis of HSE. However,
      even in the presence of antiviral treatment, mortality and morbidity remain
      relatively high. Therefore, precise and early diagnosis together with basic and
      clinical studies to gain better insight into the pathogenesis of HSE is a
      prerequisite for the development of improved prophylaxis and treatment of this
      severe disease.

PMID- 28074767
TI  - [Diet consisting mainly of sunflower seeds and chicken as the cause of small
      bowel obstruction in a bodybuilder].
AB  - Diet-induced small bowel obstruction is a rare condition in young, healthy
      patients. We describe a case of a 26-year-old man, who presented with acute small
      bowel obstruction. During a period of eight days prior to admission the patient
      had been eating an extremely restricted diet along with a regulated intake of
      fluids. The diet was part of a preparation for a major fitness contest. We chose
      a conservative treatment of IV fluids and laxatives, and the patient recovered
      uneventfully.

PMID- 28074768
TI  - [Erythema multiforme med svaer slimhindeinvolvering].

PMID- 28074769
TI  - [Neuroradiological changes by suppression of tics].
AB  - Tourette's syndrome is characterized by involuntary tics. First choice of
      treatment has been pharmacological, but recently, behavioural therapy teaching
      patients to suppress their tics has been introduced. Neuroimaging studies have
      shown an increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobes and caudate
      nucleus, and a decreased activity in globus pallidus and putamen during
      inhibition of tics. The activity in the frontal lobes changes with age, probably
      caused by a lack of compensatory hypertrophy. In order to fully understand the
      mechanism behind behavioural therapy further studies are needed.

PMID- 28074770
TI  - [18F-FDG PET/CT contributes to diagnostics and therapy monitoring of radiation
      induced angiosarcoma].
AB  - Angiosarcomas are rare, aggressive malignant mesenchymal tumours with a poor
      prognosis. Radiation therapy is an independent risk factor for the development of
      secondary angiosarcoma. The onset of angiosarcoma may resemble benign lesions,
      leading to delayed diagnosis. It has been suggested that 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose
      (FDG) PET/CT scan may be useful in the early diagnosis in differentiating
      angiosarcoma from benign lesions and in therapy monitoring. We report the utility
      of 18F-FDG PET/CT scan in the diagnosis and follow-up of radiation-induced
      angiosarcoma in a patient previously treated for uterine cancer.

PMID- 28074771
TI  - [Practical management of troponin screening after non-cardiac surgery].
AB  - Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) is associated with significant
      morbidity and mortality. Routine troponin screening is necessary to identify
      patients with MINS. Although some evidence indicates benefit with aspirin and
      statin therapy in these patients, a number of clinical considerations must be
      done in the practical management of MINS. This article describes current
      experience with identification and treatment in Denmark of patients with MINS.

PMID- 28074772
TI  - [Nuclear medicine techniques for selective internal radiotherapy of liver
      cancer].
AB  - Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) of hepatocellular carcinoma has been
      introduced at Aarhus University Hospital. 90Y-microspheres are implanted in the
      tumour by catheterization of the tumour feeding liver artery. Pretreatment
      angiography and test treatment using 99mTc-labelled particles followed by
      scintigraphy ensure a feasible and effective treatment. Post-treatment imaging of
      radiation from 90Y visualize the localization of microspheres. Currently, SIRT is
      also applied for liver metastases of neuroendocrine tumours. Future indications
      may include other liver tumours and metastases.

PMID- 28074773
TI  - Low-dose dialysis combined with low protein intake can maintain nitrogen balance
      in peritoneal dialysis patients in poor economies?.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Due to limited economic conditions, we tried to provide "fitted"
      dialysis doses instead of the doses recommended by the international guidelines
      to the individual patients. In the present cross-sectional study, we studied the
      dialysis adequacy and nutritional status of 5 peritoneal dialysis patients who
      had a low dialysis dose (2 bags, 4,000 mL/day). METHODS: The 3-day dietary
      records were reviewed to calculate patients' energy, protein, and nitrogen intake
      (NI). The nitrogen removal (NR) from urine and dialysate was measured by Kjeldahl
      technique. Fecal nitrogen was estimated as 0.0155 g/kg/day. Subjective global
      nutritional assessment was used to evaluate the nutritional status. RESULTS:
      Among the 5 patients, 1 male and 4 female, mean age was 59 (42 - 81) years,
      dialysis duration 43 (33 - 74) months, body weight 51.05 +/- 2.53 kg. The mean
      dietary protein intake was 0.66 g/kg/day, total weekly Kt/v was 1.25 (residual
      kidney Kt/v was 0.09), and total daily fluid removal was 699 mL. However, they
      achieved lower-level neutral nitrogen balance (NI 5.26 +/- 0.93 g/day vs. NR 5.33
      +/- 0.81 g/day, N balance -0.07 +/- 0.60 g/day). All of them maintained good
      nutritional status (SGA "A") without symptoms of nitrogen retention (serum urea
      22 +/- 4.18 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Lower dialysis dose with lower daily protein
      intake can achieve a lower-level nitrogen balance and does not lead to
      malnutrition. It may be an effective approach to solve the dialysis problem for
      the economically week population in China, especially for people with a smaller
      body size with lower transport membrane.?.

PMID- 28074774
TI  - The DAIR (debridement, antibiotics and implant retention) procedure for infected
      total knee replacement - a literature review.
AB  - Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication in total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) and third most common cause of revision of TKA with
      significant morbidity and surgical challenges. Treatment options include non
      operative measures with long term antibiotic suppression, debridement and implant
      retention (DAIR), one- or two-stage revision arthroplasty, arthrodesis and
      amputation. Implant retention without infection is ideal and DAIR has been
      reported to have variable success rates depending on patient factors, duration of
      infection, infecting micro-organisms, choice of procedure, single or multiple
      debridement procedures, arthroscopic or open, antibiotic choice and duration of
      antibiotic use. We present a thorough literature review of DAIR for infected TKA.
      The important factors contributing to failure are presence of sinus,
      immunocompromised patient, delay between onset of infection and debridement
      procedure, Staphylococcal infection in particular Meticillin Resistant
      Staphylococcal aureus, multiple debridement procedures, retention of exchangeable
      components and short antibiotic duration. In conclusion DAIR can be successful
      procedure to eradicate infection in TKA in selective patients with factors
      contributing to failure taken into account.

PMID- 28074775
TI  - Axillary artery transection and bilateral pulmonary embolism after anterior
      shoulder dislocation: case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anterior shoulder dislocation can be associated with vascular and
      neurological complications. However, axillary artery injury associated with
      shoulder dislocation is rare and extremely rare without bone fracture. An early
      diagnosis of these complications allows predicting long-term functional outcomes.
      METHODS: This article reports the case of a 66-year-old patient who presented an
      anterior shoulder dislocation after a ski fall without any neurological
      dysfunction or pulse deficit. RESULTS: The first reduction attempts were
      unsuccessful and during the new attempt, we observed a hematoma. A CT scan showed
      a disruption of the axillary artery and a bilateral pulmonary embolism.
      CONCLUSION: Neurovascular injury must be systematically sought before and after
      reduction, and a multidisciplinary approach is always necessary.

PMID- 28074776
TI  - Morphological classification of acromial spur: correlation between Rockwood tilt
      view and arthroscopic finding.
AB  - : Purpose and hypothesis: Acromion spur is the extrinsic factor for impingement
      syndrome and rotator cuff tear. The Rockwood tilt view can be used to evaluate
      prominence of the anterior acromion, however no study has shown the correlation
      of findings between the Rockwood tilt view and the arthroscopic finding. METHODS:
      We developed the arthroscopic classification of acromion spur as type 1 flat
      spur, type 2 bump spur, type 3 heel spur, type 4 keel spur, and type 5 irregular
      spur. Patients with rotator cuff syndrome who underwent arthroscopic surgery were
      recruited. Two observers were asked to classify the type of spur from
      arthroscopic findings and Rockwood tilt views separately in random pattern. The
      prevalence of supraspinatus tendon tear was also recorded as no tear, partial
      thickness tear, and full-thickness tear. RESULTS: The keel spur (33.9%) was the
      most common finding followed by the heel spur (27.8%). The correlation was high
      especially for the heel, the keel, and the irregular spur (75.47%, 74.03%, and
      72.73%, respectively.) These three types of spurs have a high prevalence of full
      thickness of supraspinatus tendon tear. CONCLUSION: The Rockwood tilt view can be
      used to evaluate the morphology of an acromion spur, especially the at-risk spur
      that correlates highly with the full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear. The
      arthroscopic classification will also be a useful tool to improve communication
      between the surgeon and the guide for appropriate treatment in a rotator cuff
      tear patient when encountering the heel, keel, and irregular spur.

PMID- 28074778
TI  - "Thunderclap" headache in a patient with depression: Answer.

PMID- 28074777
TI  - Cell assemblies at multiple time scales with arbitrary lag constellations.
AB  - Hebb's idea of a cell assembly as the fundamental unit of neural information
      processing has dominated neuroscience like no other theoretical concept within
      the past 60 years. A range of different physiological phenomena, from precisely
      synchronized spiking to broadly simultaneous rate increases, has been subsumed
      under this term. Yet progress in this area is hampered by the lack of statistical
      tools that would enable to extract assemblies with arbitrary constellations of
      time lags, and at multiple temporal scales, partly due to the severe
      computational burden. Here we present such a unifying methodological and
      conceptual framework which detects assembly structure at many different time
      scales, levels of precision, and with arbitrary internal organization. Applying
      this methodology to multiple single unit recordings from various cortical areas,
      we find that there is no universal cortical coding scheme, but that assembly
      structure and precision significantly depends on the brain area recorded and
      ongoing task demands.

PMID- 28074779
TI  - "Thunderclap" headache in a patient with depression: Question.

PMID- 28074781
TI  - Mechanically tunable sub-10 nm metal gap by stretching PDMS substrate.
AB  - Manipulating light in sub-10 nm or subnanometer metal nanogaps is crucial to
      study the strong interaction between electromagnetic waves and matters. However,
      the fabrication of metallic nanogaps with precisely controlled size and high
      throughput still remains a challenge. Here, we developed an approach to actively
      control the gap distance between adjacent metal nanoparticles from 140 nm to sub
      10 nm or even 0 nm via mechanical stretching process. To demonstrate this method,
      we manufactured the gold disk arrays in a square lattice on the
      polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate through interference lithography and gold
      deposition, and sub-10 nm interparticle gap was achieved as exerting a strain of
      100% to the PDMS substrate. Transmission spectra show a remarkable red shift of
      the dipole resonance with narrowing gap from 140 nm to sub-10 nm. Importantly, a
      universal scaling law between the gap distance in nanoscale and the stretching
      amount of PDMS substrate in macroscopic scale were demonstrated experimentally
      and theoretically. Our method can tune the gap distance continuously and
      reversibly, suggesting potential applications in surface-enhanced Raman
      scattering, single photon emitter and quantum tunneling of electric charge.

PMID- 28074780
TI  - MRI-directed cognitive fusion-guided biopsy of the anterior prostate tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      directed cognitive fusion transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided anterior
      prostate biopsy for diagnosis of anterior prostate tumors and to illustrate this
      technique. METHODS: A total of 39 patients with previous negative TRUS biopsy,
      but high clinical suspicion of occult prostate cancer, prospectively underwent
      prostate MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Patients with a
      suspicious anterior lesion on MRI underwent targeted anterior gland TRUS-guided
      biopsy with cognitive fusion technique using sagittal probe orientation. PIRADS
      version 1 scores (T2, DWI, and overall), lesion size, prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA), PSA density, and prostate gland volume were compared between positive and
      negative biopsy groups and between clinically significant cancer and remaining
      cases. Logistic regression analysis of imaging parameters and prostate cancer
      diagnosis was performed. RESULTS: Anterior gland prostate adenocarcinoma was
      diagnosed in 18 patients (46.2%) on targeted anterior gland TRUS-guided biopsy.
      Clinically significant prostate cancer was diagnosed in 13 patients (33.3%). MRI
      lesion size, T2, DWI, and overall PIRADS scores were significantly higher in
      patients with positive targeted biopsies and those with clinically significant
      cancer (P < 0.05). Biopsies were positive in 90%, 33%, and 29% of patients with
      overall PIRADS scores of 5, 4, and 3 respectively. Overall PIRADS score was an
      independent predictor of all prostate cancer diagnosis and of clinically
      significant prostate cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Targeted anterior gland TRUS
      guided biopsy with MRI-directed cognitive fusion enables accurate sampling and
      may improve tumor detection yield of anterior prostate cancer.

PMID- 28074782
TI  - The need for a life-cycle based aging paradigm for nanomaterials: importance of
      real-world test systems to identify realistic particle transformations.
AB  - Assessing the risks of manufactured nanomaterials (MNM) has been almost
      exclusively focused on the pristine, as-produced materials with far fewer studies
      delving into more complex, real world scenarios. However, when considering a life
      cycle perspective, it is clear that MNM released from commercial products during
      manufacturing, use and disposal are far more relevant both in terms of more
      realistic environmental fate and transport as well as environmental risk. The
      quantity in which the particles are released and their (altered) physical and
      chemical form should be identified and it is these metrics that should be used to
      assess the exposure and hazard the materials pose. The goal of this review is to
      (1) provide a rationale for using a life-cycle based approach when dealing with
      MNM transformations, (2) to elucidate the different chemical and physical forces
      which age and transform MNM and (3) assess the pros and cons of current
      analytical techniques as they pertain to the measurement of aged and transformed
      MNM in these complex release scenarios. Specifically, we will describe the
      possible transformations common MNM may undergo during the use or disposal of
      nano-products based on how these products will be used by the consumer by taking
      stock of the current nano-enabled products on the market. Understanding the
      impact of these transformations may help forecast the benefits and/or risks
      associated with the use of products containing MNM.

PMID- 28074783
TI  - Automated extraction of single H atoms with STM: tip state dependency.
AB  - The atomistic structure of the tip apex plays a crucial role in performing
      reliable atomic-scale surface and adsorbate manipulation using scanning probe
      techniques. We have developed an automated extraction routine for controlled
      removal of single hydrogen atoms from the H:Si(100) surface. The set of atomic
      extraction protocols detect a variety of desorption events during scanning
      tunneling microscope (STM)-induced modification of the hydrogen-passivated
      surface. The influence of the tip state on the probability for hydrogen removal
      was examined by comparing the desorption efficiency for various classifications
      of STM topographs (rows, dimers, atoms, etc). We find that dimer-row-resolving
      tip apices extract hydrogen atoms most readily and reliably (and with least
      spurious desorption), while tip states which provide atomic resolution counter
      intuitively have a lower probability for single H atom removal.

PMID- 28074784
TI  - Electronic properties and transistors of the NbS2-MoS2-NbS2 NR heterostructure.
AB  - Based on density function theory and nonequilibrium Green's functions, we
      construct a NbS2-MoS2-NbS2 NR inplane heterostructure. The effects of channel
      length, width, chirality and vacancy of the heterostructure on transport
      properties are systematically investigated. The electron transport of the
      armchair-edge heterostructure device shows ballistic transport properties, while
      the zigzag-edge heterostructure device exhibits resonance tunneling transport
      properties. Further study indicates NbS2-MoS2-NbS2 field effect transistors
      (FETs) to be excellent ambipolar transistors. The FETs have high performances
      with current on/off ratio 4.7 * 105 and subthreshold swing 90 mV/decade with
      channel length m = 16 and width n = 6.  Increases in the channel length sharply
      reduce the off-state current and enhance the performance of the devices
      significantly.

PMID- 28074785
TI  - Deformable registration of CT and cone-beam CT with local intensity matching.
AB  - Cone-beam CT (CBCT) is a widely used intra-operative imaging modality in image
      guided radiotherapy and surgery. A short scan followed by a filtered
      backprojection is typically used for CBCT reconstruction. While data on the mid
      plane (plane of source-detector rotation) is complete, off-mid-planes undergo
      different information deficiency and the computed reconstructions are
      approximate. This causes different reconstruction artifacts at off-mid-planes
      depending on slice locations, and therefore impedes accurate registration between
      CT and CBCT. In this paper, we propose a method to accurately register CT and
      CBCT by iteratively matching local CT and CBCT intensities. We correct CBCT
      intensities by matching local intensity histograms slice by slice in conjunction
      with intensity-based deformable registration. The correction-registration steps
      are repeated in an alternating way until the result image converges. We integrate
      the intensity matching into three different deformable registration methods, B
      spline, demons, and optical flow that are widely used for CT-CBCT registration.
      All three registration methods were implemented on a graphics processing unit for
      efficient parallel computation. We tested the proposed methods on twenty five
      head and neck cancer cases and compared the performance with state-of-the-art
      registration methods. Normalized cross correlation (NCC), structural similarity
      index (SSIM), and target registration error (TRE) were computed to evaluate the
      registration performance. Our method produced overall NCC of 0.96, SSIM of 0.94,
      and TRE of 2.26 -> 2.27 mm, outperforming existing methods by 9%, 12%, and 27%,
      respectively. Experimental results also show that our method performs
      consistently and is more accurate than existing algorithms, and also
      computationally efficient.

PMID- 28074786
TI  - Annals of Cardiac Anesthesia: Beacon journey toward excellence: 2015-2017.

PMID- 28074787
TI  - Anesthesiology and the difficult airway - Where do we currently stand?

PMID- 28074788
TI  - Comparison of two doses of heparin on outcome in off-pump coronary artery bypass
      surgery patients: A prospective randomized control study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: While off pump coronary artery bypass surgery is practiced with an
      intention to reduce the morbidity associated with cardiopulmonary bypass, the
      resultant 'hypercoagulability' needs to be addressed. Complications such as
      cavitary thrombus possibly due to the hyper coagulability after off pump coronary
      artery bypass surgery have been described. Many clinicians use higher doses of
      heparin - up to 5 mg/kg in order to thwart this fear. Overall, there appears to
      be no consensus on the dose of heparin in off pump coronary artery bypass
      surgeries. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was understand the differences
      in outcome of such as transfusion requirement, myocardial ischemia, and morbidity
      when two different doses were used for systemic heparinization. METHODS: Elective
      patients scheduled for off pump coronary artery bypass surgery were included.
      Ongoing anti platelet medication was not an exclusion criteria, however, anti
      platelet medications were ceased about a week prior to surgery when possible.
      Thoracic epidural anesthesia was administered as an adjunct in patients who
      qualified for it. By computer generated randomization chart, patients were chosen
      to receive either 2 or 3 mg/kg of intravenous unfractioned heparin to achieve
      systemic heparinization with activated clotting time targeted at >240 secs.
      Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood loss, myocardial ischemic
      episodes, requirement of intraaortic balloon counter pulsation and transfusion
      requirement were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty two patients participated in the study.
      There was one conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass. The groups had comparable ACT
      at baseline (138.8 vs. 146.64 seconds, P = 0.12); 3 mg/kg group had significantly
      higher values after heparin, as expected. But after reversal with protamine, ACT
      and need for additional protamine was similar among the groups. Intraoperative
      (685.56 +/- 241.42 ml vs. 675.15 +/- 251.86 ml, P = 0.82) and postoperative blood
      loss (1906.29 +/- 611.87 ml vs 1793.65 +/- 663.54 ml , p value 0.49) were similar
      among the groups [Table 4]. The incidence of ECG changes of ischemia,
      arrhythmias, conversion to CPB, or need for intra-aortic balloon counter
      pulsation were not different. CONCLUSIONS: Use of either 2 or 3 mg/kg heparin for
      systemic heparinization in patients undergoing OPCAB did not affect the outcome.

PMID- 28074789
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in severe influenza infection with
      respiratory failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been extensively
      used for potentially reversible acute respiratory failure associated with severe
      influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia; however, it remains an expensive, resource
      intensive therapy, with a high associated mortality. This systematic review and
      meta-analysis aims to summarize and pool outcomes data available in the published
      literature to guide clinical decision-making and further research. METHODS: We
      conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE (1966 to April 15, 2015), EMBASE (1980
      to April 15, 2015), CENTRAL, and Google Scholar for patients with severe H1N1
      pneumonia and respiratory failure who received ECMO. The study validity was
      appraised by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.
      The secondary outcomes were duration of ECMO therapy, mechanical ventilation, and
      Intensive Care Unit (ICU) length of stay. RESULTS: Of 698 abstracts screened and
      142 full-text articles reviewed, we included 13 studies with a total of 494
      patients receiving ECMO in our final review and meta-analysis. The study validity
      was satisfactory. The overall mortality was 37.1% (95% confidence interval: 30
      45%) limited by underlying heterogeneity (I2 = 65%, P value of Q statistic =
      0.006). The median duration for ECMO was 10 days, mechanical ventilation was 19
      days, and ICU length of stay was 33 days. Exploratory meta-regression did not
      identify any statistically significant moderator of mortality (P < 0.05), except
      for the duration of pre-ECMO mechanical ventilation in days (coefficient 0.19,
      standard error: 0.09, Z = 2.01, P < 0.04, R2 = 0.16). The visual inspection of
      funnel plots did not suggest the presence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO
      therapy may be used as an adjunct or salvage therapy for severe H1N1 pneumonia
      with respiratory failure. It is associated with a prolonged duration of
      ventilator support, ICU length of stay, and high mortality. Initiating ECMO early
      once the patient has been instituted on mechanical ventilation may result in
      improved survival.

PMID- 28074790
TI  - Incidence and progression of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury and
      its relationship with bypass and cross clamp time.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery-associated kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is common but
      relatively less is known about its progression. The present study is aimed at
      evaluating the incidence and course of CSA-AKI and its relationship with the
      different durations of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cross clamp times.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Occurrences of CSA-AKI are evaluated as per the Akin
      Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria over the course of 5 postoperative day
      (POD) in 100 patients. The relationship of different durations of CPB and aortic
      cross clamp time with CSA-AKI is analyzed by Chi-squared test for trend and other
      appropriate tests using INSTAT software. RESULTS: One hundred (43 male, 57
      female; mean age of 37.01 +/- 12.28 years, and baseline mean serum creatinine
      0.99 +/- 0.20 mg %) patients undergone mostly valve replacement, and congenital
      heart disease correction was evaluated. Nearly 49% suffered CSA-AKI (81.63% AKIN
      Class I) with maximum numbers on 2 nd POD. Serum creatinine followed a falling
      trend 3 rd POD onward except in 8.16% cases of CSA-AKI. Oliguria was absent even
      in AKIN Class II. The CPB time >70 min and cross clamp time >60 min increase CSA
      AKI risk by an OR of 4.76 and 2.84, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CSA-AKI
      is very prevalent; mostly of AKIN Class I and increases with increasing CPB and
      cross clamp time. Urine output is not a reliable indicator of CSA-AKI. The AKIN
      Class II on the very 1 st POD or increasing trend of serum creatinine beyond 3 rd
      POD should alert for early intervention.

PMID- 28074791
TI  - Selection of an appropriate left-sided double-lumen tube size for one-lung
      ventilation among Asians.
AB  - CONTEXT: Selecting an appropriate size double-lumen tube (DLT) for one-lung
      ventilation has always been a challenge as most choose it based on experience or
      using the existing guidelines based on gender and height. AIMS: The aim of this
      study was to determine if the appropriate choice of this tube could be based on
      the patients' height, weight, tracheal diameter (TD), or the left main stem
      bronchus diameter (LMBD) and also to determine the relationship between height
      and depth of insertion among Asians. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a
      retrospective review of 179 patients who were intubated with a left-sided DLT and
      also had a posterior-anterior view of a digital chest radiograph for tracheal and
      left main bronchus diameter measurements. Additional data collected included
      patients' demographics and DLT size used. RESULTS: There were 123 (68.7%) males
      and 56 (31.3%) females with an overall mean age of 33.3 +/- 16.3 years. Majority
      of the males (48.8%) used a size 39 Fr while females (46.4%) used a 35 Fr. There
      were weak correlations between DLT size with height (male: R2 = 0.222; female: R2
      = 0.193), DLT size with weight (male: R2 = 0.109; female: R2 = 0.211), DLT size
      with TD (male: R2 = 0.027); female: R2 = 0.016), and DLT size with LMBD (male: R2
      = 0.222; female: R2 = 0.193). There was a good correlation between depth of DLT
      inserted with patient's height for both genders. CONCLUSION: The appropriate size
      of the left-sided DLT could not be predicted based on patients' height, weight,
      tracheal or left main bronchus diameter alone in Asians; however, the depth of
      insertion of the tube was dependent on the height in both genders.

PMID- 28074792
TI  - Remifentanil prevents increases of blood glucose and lactate levels during
      cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric cardiac surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can cause stress response that
      increases levels of cytokine and catecholamine in plasma, resulting in
      hyperglycemia. In adults, it has been demonstrated that remifentanil infusion
      during CPB could prevent increases of cytokine, catecholamine, and blood glucose
      levels, but such effects of remifentanil in children have not been elucidated.
      AIM: In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of remifentanil on
      blood glucose and lactate levels during CPB in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This retrospective study included children who underwent ventricular septal
      defect or atrial septal defect closure. Data for patients who did not receive,
      during CPB period, remifentanil infusion (non-Remi group) and patients who
      received remifentanil infusion at 0.5 MUg/kg/min (Remi group) during CPB were
      used for analysis. Primary outcomes were lactate and blood glucose levels just
      before and after CPB. Data are presented as medians and interquartile ranges.
      Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square test. A P < 0.05 was
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: During CPB, 13 and 11 patients
      were allocated into Remi and non-Remi groups, respectively. Pre-CPB lactate and
      blood glucose levels were not significantly different between the two groups, but
      post-CPB lactate and blood glucose levels in the Remi group were significantly
      lower than that in the non-Remi group. CONCLUSION: 0.5 MUg/kg/min remifentanil
      infusion during CPB suppresses the increases of blood glucose and lactate levels
      in children.

PMID- 28074793
TI  - Assessment of limited chest x-ray technique in postcardiac surgery management.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate the safety of
      elimination of chest radiography in the postcardiac surgery Intensive Care Unit
      (ICU). METHODS AND DESIGN: We compared patients in two different groups of
      routine CXR (RCXR) and limited CXR (LCXR) and their diagnostic and therapeutic
      outcome in a University hospital-based single center from 2014 to 2016. 3 CXR in
      the RCXR group and 1 CXR in the limited group was performed, in addition to on
      demand criteria. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 978 samples were
      acceptable for analysis which 55.21% of RCXR and 59.50% of LCXR were male
      patients. In total, 523 abnormalities in RCXR group and 154 occasions in LCXR
      group resulted in 26.73% diagnostic efficacy for RCXRs and 28.57% for LCXR. From
      1956 CXR that was taken in RCXR group, 72 occasions required intervention (3.68%)
      and 84 cases out of 539 (15.58%) LCXR needed an action to therapy. This means a
      14.40% in RCXRs' abnormalities and 56.00% of LCXRs' abnormalities were
      accompanied with some interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Abolishing routine CXR in the
      ICUs would not be harmful for the patients, and it can be managed based on their
      clinical status and other safer imaging techniques.

PMID- 28074794
TI  - Acute effect of treatment of mitral stenosis on left atrium function.
AB  - AIM: Peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) is used to evaluate left atrium (LA)
      function in patients with mitral stenosis (MS), before and after percutaneous
      transmitral commissurotomy (PTMC) and mitral valve replacement (MVR). METHODS:
      Patients with severe symptomatic MS, who were referred to our echocardiographic
      laboratory for a diagnostic examination before cardiac surgery or PTMC from
      October of 2014 to October of 2015, were included in the study. RESULT: The peak
      systolic global LA strain improved post-PTMC (P < 0.001) and post-MVR (P =
      0.012). This difference was statistically highly significant. CONCLUSION: PALS is
      impaired in patients with severe symptomatic MS and improved acutely after
      treatment and may be a good indicator of LA function and may predict the right
      time for intervention on mitral valve.

PMID- 28074795
TI  - Comparative effect of grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) and ascorbic acid in
      oxidative stress induced by on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to test the beneficial effect of grape seed extract
      (GSE) (Vitis vinifera) and Vitamin C in oxidative stress and reperfusion injury
      induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in coronary artery bypass surgery.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized trial, 87 patients undergoing elective
      and isolated coronary bypass surgery included. The patients were randomly
      assigned into three groups (n = 29 each): (1) Control group with no treatment,
      (2) GSE group who received the extract 24 h before operation, 100 mg every 6 h,
      orally, (3) Vitamin C group who received 25 mg/kg Vitamin C through CPB during
      surgery. Blood samples were taken from coronary sinus at (T1) just before aortic
      cross clamp; (T2) just before starting controlled aortic root reperfusion; and
      (T3) 10 min after root reperfusion. Some clinical parameters and biochemical
      markers were compared among the groups. RESULTS: There were significant
      differences in tracheal intubation times, sinus rhythm return, and left
      ventricular function between treatment groups compared with control (P < 0.05).
      Total antioxidant capacity was higher (P < 0.05) in both grape seed and Vitamin C
      groups at T2 and T3 times. In reperfusion period, malondialdehyde level was
      increased in control group; however, it was significantly lower for the grape
      seed group (P = 0.04). The differences in the mean levels of superoxide dismutase
      and glutathione peroxidase among the three groups were not significant (P > 0.05
      in all cases). CONCLUSIONS: In our patients, GSE and Vitamin C had antioxidative
      effects and reduced deleterious effects of CPB during coronary artery bypass
      grafting surgery.

PMID- 28074796
TI  - Low-intensity laser (660 NM) has analgesic effects on sternotomy of patients who
      underwent coronary artery bypass grafts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser
      therapy for reducing the acute pain of sternotomy in patients who underwent a
      coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). METHODS: This study was conducted with
      ninety volunteers who electively submitted to CABG. The volunteers were randomly
      allocated into three groups of equal size (n = 30): control, placebo, and laser
      (lambda of 660 nm and spatial average energy fluency of 1.06 J/cm 2 ). Pain when
      coughing was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) and McGill Pain
      Questionnaire, according to sensory, affective, evaluative, and miscellaneous
      domains. The patients were followed for 1 month after the surgery. RESULTS: The
      laser group had a greater decrease in pain with analogous results, as indicated
      by both the VAS and the McGill questionnaire (P <= 0.05) on sensory and affective
      scores, on days 6 and 8 postsurgery compared to the placebo and control groups.
      CONCLUSION: Laser seems to be effective promoting pain reduction after coronary
      arterial bypass grafting.

PMID- 28074797
TI  - Minimally invasive compared to conventional approach for coronary artery bypass
      grafting improves outcome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive (MI) cardiac surgery is a rapidly gaining
      popularity, globally as well as in India. We aimed to compare the outcome of MI
      to the conventional approach for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
      METHODS: This prospective, comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care
      cardiac surgical center. All patients who underwent CABG surgery via MI approach
      (MI group) from July 2015 to December 2015 were enrolled and were compared
      against same number of EuroSCORE II matched patients undergoing CABG through
      conventional mid-sternotomy approach (CON group). Demographic, intra- and post
      operative variables were collected. RESULTS: In MI group, duration of the surgery
      was significantly longer (P = 0.029). Intraoperative blood loss lesser (P =
      0.002), shorter duration of ventilation (P = 0.002), shorter Intensive Care Unit
      stay (P = 0.004), shorter hospital stay (P = 0.003), lesser postoperative
      analgesic requirements (P = 0.027), and lower visual analog scale scores on day
      of surgery (P = 0.032) and 1 st postoperative day (P = 0.025). No significant
      difference in postoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, or duration of
      inotrope requirement observed. There was no conversion to mid-sternotomy in any
      patients, 8% of patients had desaturation intraoperatively. There was no
      operative mortality. CONCLUSION: MI surgery is associated with lesser
      intraoperative blood loss, better analgesia, and faster recovery.

PMID- 28074798
TI  - ProSeal laryngeal mask airway as an alternative to standard endotracheal tube in
      securing upper airway in the patients undergoing beating-heart coronary artery
      bypass grafting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: ProSeal laryngeal mask airways (PLMAs) are routinely used after
      failed tracheal intubation as airway rescue, facilitating tracheal intubation by
      acting as a conduit and to secure airway during emergencies. In long duration
      surgeries, use of endotracheal tube (ETT) is associated with various hemodynamic
      complications, which are minimally affected during PLMA use. However, except for
      few studies, there are no significant data available that promote the use of
      laryngeal mask during cardiac surgery. This prospective study was conducted with
      the objective of demonstrating the advantages of PLMA over ETT in the patients
      undergoing beating-heart coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). METHODOLOGY: This
      prospective, interventional study was carried out in 200 patients who underwent
      beating-heart CABG. Patients were randomized in equal numbers to either ETT group
      or PLMA group, and various hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were observed
      at different time points. RESULTS: Patients in PLMA group had mean systolic blood
      pressure 126.10 +/- 5.31 mmHg compared to the patients of ETT group 143.75 +/-
      6.02 mmHg. Pulse rate in the PLMA group was less (74.52 +/- 10.79 per min) (P <
      0.05) compared to ETT group (81.72 +/- 9.8). Thus, hemodynamic changes were
      significantly lower (P < 0.05) in PLMA than in ETT group. Respiratory parameters
      such as oxygen saturation, pressure CO 2 (pCO 2 ), peak airway pressure, and lung
      compliance were similar to ETT group at all evaluation times. The incidence of
      adverse events was also lower in PLMA group. CONCLUSION: In experience hand, PLMA
      offers advantages over the ETT in airway management in the patients undergoing
      beating-heart CABG.

PMID- 28074799
TI  - Basic arterial blood gas biomarkers as a predictor of mortality in tetralogy of
      Fallot patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum lactate and base deficit have been shown to be a predictor of
      morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Poor preoperative oxygenation
      appears to be one of the significant factors that affects early mortality in
      tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). There is little published literature evaluating the
      utility of serum lactate, base excess (BE), and oxygen partial pressure (PO 2 )
      as simple, widely available, prognostic markers in patients undergoing surgical
      repair of TOF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, observational study was
      conducted in 150 TOF patients, undergoing elective intracardiac repair. PO 2 ,
      BE, and lactate levels at three different time intervals were recorded. Arterial
      blood samples were collected after induction (T1), after cardiopulmonary bypass
      (T2), and 48 h (T3) after surgery in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). To observe
      the changes in PO 2 , BE, and lactate levels over a period of time, repeated
      measures analysis was performed with Bonferroni method. The receiver operating
      characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to find area under curve (AUC) and cutoff
      values of various biomarkers for predicting mortality in ICU. RESULTS: The
      patients who could not survive showed significant elevated lactate levels at
      baseline (T1) and postoperatively (T2) as compared to patients who survived after
      surgery (P < 0.001). However, in nonsurvivors, the BE value decreased
      significantly in the postoperative period in comparison to survivors (-2.8 +/-
      4.27 vs. 5.04 +/- 2.06) (P < 0.001). In nonsurvivors, there was a significant
      fall of PO 2 to a mean value of 59.86 +/- 15.09 in ICU (T3), whereas those who
      survived had a PO 2 of 125.86 +/- 95.09 (P < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis
      showed that lactate levels (T3) have highest mortality predictive value (AUC:
      96.9%) as compared to BE (AUC: 94.5%) and PO 2 (AUC: 81.1%). CONCLUSION: Serum
      lactate and BE may be used as prognostic markers to predict mortality in patients
      undergoing TOF repair. The routine analysis of these simple, fast, widely
      available, and cost-effective biomarkers should be encouraged to predict
      prognosis of TOF patients.

PMID- 28074800
TI  - Effectiveness of ventilation of nondependent lung for a brief period in improving
      arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation: A prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypoxemia is common during one-lung ventilation(OLV), predominantly
      due to transpulmonary shunt. None of the strategies tried showed consistent
      results. We evaluated the effectiveness of ventilating the operated, non
      dependent lung (NDL) with small tidal volumes in improving the oxygenation during
      OLV. METHODS: 30 ASA 1 and 2 patients undergoing elective, open thoracotomy were
      studied. After standard induction of anesthesia, lung seperation was acheived
      with left sided DLT. The ventilatory settings for two lung ventilation (TLV)
      were: FiO 2 of 0.5, tidal volume of 8-10ml/kg and respiratory rate of 10-12/min.
      After initiating OLV, the dependent lung alone was ventilated with the above
      settings for 15 minutes and an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis was done. Then
      the NDL was ventilated with a separate ventilator, with FiO 2 of 1, tidal volume
      of 70 ml, I:E ratio of 1:10 and respiratory rate of 6/min for 15 minutes. The NDL
      ventilation was started early if the patients desaturated to <95%. ABG was done
      at 5 and 15 mins of NDL ventilation. We compared the PaO 2 values. RESULTS: The
      mean PaO 2 decreased from 232.2 +/- 67.2 mm of Hg (TLV-ABG1) to 91.2 +/- 31.7 mm
      of Hg on OLV (OLV-ABG1). The ABG after 5 minutes and 15 minutes after institution
      of NDL ventilation during OLV showed a PaO2 of 145.7 +/- 50.2 mm of Hg and 170.6
      +/- 50.4 mm of Hg which were significantly higher compared to the one lung
      ventilation values.

PMID- 28074801
TI  - Delirium after cardiac surgery: A pilot study from a single tertiary referral
      center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advances in cardiac surgery has shifted paradigm of management to
      perioperative psychological illnesses. Delirium is a state of altered
      consciousness with easy distraction of thoughts. The pathophysiology of this
      complication is not clear, but identification of risk factors is important for
      positive postoperative outcomes. The goal of the present study was to
      prospectively identify the incidence, motoric subtypes, and risk factors
      associated with development of delirium in cardiac surgical patients admitted to
      postoperative cardiac intensive care, using a validated delirium monitoring
      instrument. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study.
      This study included 120 patients of age 18-80 years, admitted to undergo cardiac
      surgery after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Specific preoperative,
      intraoperative, and postoperative data for possible risk factors were obtained.
      Once in a day, assessment of delirium was done. Continuous variables were
      measured as mean +/- standard deviation, whereas categorical variables were
      described as proportions. Differences between groups were analyzed using
      Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, or Chi-square test. Variables with a P <
      0.1 were then used to develop a predictive model using stepwise logistic
      regression with bootstrapping. RESULTS: Delirium was seen in 17.5% patients. The
      majority of cases were of hypoactive delirium type (85.72%). Multiple risk
      factors were found to be associated with delirium, and when logistic regression
      with bootstrapping applied to these risk factors, five independent variables were
      detected. History of hypertension (relative risk [RR] =6.7857, P = 0.0003),
      carotid artery disease (RR = 4.5000, P < 0.0001) in the form of stroke or
      hemorrhage, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) use (RR = 5.0446, P < 0.0001),
      Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay more than 10 days (RR = 3.1630, P = 0.0021), and
      poor postoperative pain control (RR = 2.4958, P = 0.0063) was associated with
      postcardiac surgical delirium. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who developed delirium had
      systemic disease in the form of hypertension and cerebrovascular disease.
      Delirium was seen in patients who had higher postoperative pain scores, longer
      ICU stay, and NIV use. This study can be used to develop a predictive tool for
      diagnosing postcardiac surgical delirium.

PMID- 28074802
TI  - Goal-directed therapy improves the outcome of high-risk cardiac patients
      undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been a constant emphasis on developing management
      strategies to improve the outcome of high-risk cardiac patients undergoing
      surgical revascularization. The performance of coronary artery bypass surgery on
      an off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) avoids the risks associated with extra
      corporeal circulation. The preliminary results of goal-directed therapy (GDT) for
      hemodynamic management of high-risk cardiac surgical patients are encouraging.
      The present study was conducted to study the outcome benefits with the combined
      use of GDT with OPCAB as compared to the conventional hemodynamic management.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients with the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk
      Evaluation >=3 scheduled for OPCAB were randomly divided into two groups; the
      control and GDT groups. The GDT group included the monitoring and optimization of
      advanced parameters, including cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance
      index, oxygen delivery index, stroke volume variation; continuous central venous
      oxygen saturation (ScVO 2 ), global end-diastolic volume, and extravascular lung
      water (EVLW), using FloTracTM , PreSepTM , and EV-1000 (r) monitoring panels, in
      addition to the conventional hemodynamic management in the control group. The
      hemodynamic parameters were continuously monitored for 48 h in Intensive Care
      Unit (ICU) and corrected according to GDT protocol. A total of 163 patients
      consented for the study. RESULT: Seventy-five patients were assigned to the GDT
      group and 88 patients were in the control group. In view of 9 exclusions from the
      GDT group and 12 exclusions from control group, 66 patients in the GDT group and
      76 patients in control group completed the study. CONCLUSION: The length of stay
      in hospital (LOS-H) (7.42 +/- 1.48 vs. 5.61 +/- 1.11 days, P < 0.001) and ICU
      stay (4.2 +/- 0.82 vs. 2.53 +/- 0.56 days, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in
      the GDT group as compared to control group. The duration of inotropes (3.24 +/-
      0.73 vs. 2.89 +/- 0.68 h, P = 0.005) was also significantly lower in the GDT
      group. The two groups did not differ in duration of ventilated hours, mortality,
      and other complications. The parameters such as ScVO 2 , CI, and EVLW had a
      strong negative and positive correlation with the LOS-H with r values of - 0.331,
      -0.319, and 0.798, respectively. The study elucidates the role of a goal-directed
      hemodynamic optimization for improved outcome in high-risk cardiac patients
      undergoing OPCAB.

PMID- 28074803
TI  - Prayer sign as a marker of increased ventilatory hours, length of intensive care
      unit and hospital stay in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
      surgery.
AB  - CONTEXT: Various predictors have been used to predict diabetic patients who are
      likely to have increased ventilatory hours and an increased length of stay (LOS)
      in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as well as in the hospital after undergoing
      coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, for example, glycosylated
      hemoglobin (HbA1c). The authors propose a simple bed-side test, i.e., the prayer
      sign to predict increased ventilatory hours and increased length of ICU and
      hospital stay. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to assess whether any
      association exists between a positive prayer sign and increased ventilatory
      hours, length of ICU and hospital stay after CABG surgery in diabetic patients.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective observational study was conducted in a 650
      bedded tertiary cardiac center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 501 diabetic
      patients were recruited in the study over a period of 1 year. Group P consisted
      of 121 patients with prayer sign positive, whereas Group N consisted of 380
      patients with prayer sign negative. HbA1c levels, ventilatory hours, LOS in the
      postoperative ICU and hospital were compared. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Unpaired
      Student's t-test was used to compare the data. RESULTS: The mean HbA1c levels in
      Group P were 8.01 +/- 2.28% as compared to 6.52 +/- 2.46% in Group N (P <
      0.0001). The mean ventilatory hours in Group P were 9.52 +/- 6.46 h, and in Group
      N were 7.42 +/- 8.01 h (P = 0.013). Whereas, the mean length of ICU stay and
      hospital stay in Group P was 156.42 +/- 32.66 h (6.51 +/- 1.36 days) and 197.36
      +/- 32.46 h (8.22 +/- 1.35 days), respectively, it was 121.12 +/- 29.48 h (5.04
      +/- 1.22 days) and 178.52 +/- 28.52 h (7.43 +/- 1.18 days) in Group N (P <
      0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A positive prayer sign is a useful bedside test for
      predicting increased ventilatory hours and increased length of ICU and hospital
      stay after CABG surgery.

PMID- 28074805
TI  - Misdirected minitracheostomy tube.
AB  - We report a patient who after an uneventful coronary artery bypass graft surgery
      and left ventricular aneurysmorrhaphy developed intracerebral hemorrhage and
      subsequently required minitracheostomy. Chest X-ray showed misdirected
      minitracheostomy tube facing upward toward the laryngeal opening which was
      repositioned using bronchoscope.

PMID- 28074804
TI  - Outcome of four pretreatment regimes on hemodynamics during electroconvulsive
      therapy: A double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is associated with tachycardia and
      hypertension. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare two doses of
      dexmedetomidine, esmolol, and lignocaine with respect to hemodynamics, seizure
      duration, emergence agitation (EA), and recovery profile. METHODOLOGY: Thirty
      patients undergoing ECT were assigned to each of the following pretreatment
      regimes over the course of five ECT sessions in a randomized crossover design:
      Group D1 (dexmedetomidine 1 MUg/kg), Group D0.5 (dexmedetomidine0.5 MUg/kg),
      Group E (esmolol 1 mg/kg), Group L (lignocaine 1 mg/kg), and Group C (saline as
      placebo) before induction. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), seizure
      duration, EA, and time to discharge were evaluated. RESULTS: Groups D1, D0.5, and
      esmolol had significantly reduced response of HR, MAP compared to lignocaine and
      control groups at 1, 3, 5 min after ECT (P < 0.05). Motor seizure duration was
      comparable in all groups except Group L (P = 0.000). Peak HR was significantly
      decreased in all groups compared to control. Total propofol requirement was
      reduced in D1 (P = 0.000) and D0.5 (P = 0.001) when compared to control. Time to
      spontaneous breathing was comparable in all the groups (P > 0.05). Time to eye
      opening and time to discharge were comparable in all groups (P > 0.05) except
      Group D1 (P = 0.001). EA score was least in Group D1 (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION:
      Dexmedetomidine 1 MUg/kg, 0.5 MUg/kg, and esmolol produced significant
      amelioration of cardiovascular response to ECT without affecting seizure
      duration, results being best with dexmedetomidine 1 MUg/kg. However, the latter
      has the shortcoming of delayed recovery.

PMID- 28074806
TI  - An unusual cause of postpartum heart failure.
AB  - Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a weakness of the heart muscle. It is an idiopathic
      cardiomyopathy that presents with heart failure secondary to left ventricular
      systolic dysfunction toward the end of pregnancy or in the months after delivery,
      in the absence of any other cause of heart failure. It is a rare condition that
      can carry mild or severe symptoms.

PMID- 28074807
TI  - Isolated persistent left superior vena cava: A case report and its clinical
      implications.
AB  - The venous anomaly of a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) affects 0.3%
      0.5% of the general population. PLSVC with absent right superior vena cava, also
      termed as "isolated PLSVC," is an extremely rare venous anomaly. Almost half of
      the patients with isolated PLSVC have cardiac anomalies in the form of atrial
      septal defect, endocardial cushion defects, or tetralogy of Fallot. Isolated
      PLSVC is usually innocuous. Its discovery, however, has important clinical
      implications. It can pose clinical difficulties with central venous access,
      cardiothoracic surgeries, and pacemaker implantation. When it drains to the left
      atrium, it may create a right to left shunt. In this case report, we present the
      incidental finding of isolated PLSVC in a patient who underwent aortic valve
      replacement. Awareness about this condition and its variations is important to
      avoid complications.

PMID- 28074808
TI  - Demonstration of blood flow by color doppler in the femoral artery distal to
      arterial cannula during peripheral venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation.
AB  - In spite of distal perfusion of the limb using a cannula, the limb can have
      ischemic events if there is an undetected kink or clot anywhere in the line or
      thrombus in the artery. There are several ways to monitor and assess the limb
      ischemia. Monitoring for clinical signs of limb ischemia like temperature change
      and pallor is reliable and mandatory. We report a method where we used color
      Doppler to document the blood flow. Curvilinear vascular probe of an echo machine
      is used to identify the flow in the distal femoral artery of the lower limb. . As
      we have demonstrated in the video attached, once flow to the distal limb
      perfusion system is shut off by closing the three way stop cock, we can
      appreciate the immediate cessation of flow in the artery by Doppler.

PMID- 28074809
TI  - Holt-Oram syndrome: Anesthetic challenges and safe outcome.
AB  - Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS) is an autosomal dominant disease with skeletal and
      cardiac manifestations. We here are presenting a 31-year-old man and a diagnosed
      case of HOS, with an ulceroproliferative lesion on lateral border of the tongue,
      was posted for wide excision of lesion with primary closure and left side radical
      neck dissection.

PMID- 28074810
TI  - Nucleic acid-based methods for early detection of sepsis.

PMID- 28074811
TI  - Reliability and validity of perceived heart risk factors scale.

PMID- 28074812
TI  - Iatrogenic vocal cord paralysis after cardiac surgery: evocative note for surgeon
      and anesthesiologist.

PMID- 28074814
TI  - Percutaneous tracheostomy.

PMID- 28074813
TI  - Anesthetic management of a patient with Yamaguchi syndrome for laparoscopic
      radical nephroureterectomy.

PMID- 28074815
TI  - Effect of heparin and Bivalirudin on the kinetics of clot formation: Viscoelastic
      coagulation testing.

PMID- 28074816
TI  - Echocardiography in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

PMID- 28074817
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiac arrest.
AB  - Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is the use of rapid
      deployment venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to support
      systemic circulation and vital organ perfusion in patients in refractory cardiac
      arrest not responding to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
      Although prospective controlled studies are lacking, observational studies
      suggest improved outcomes compared with conventional CPR when ECPR is instituted
      within 30-60 min following cardiac arrest. Adult and pediatric patients with
      witnessed in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and good quality CPR,
      failure of at least 15 min of conventional resuscitation, and a potentially
      reversible cause for arrest are candidates. Percutaneous cannulation where
      feasible is rapid and can be performed by nonsurgeons (emergency physicians,
      intensivists, cardiologists, and interventional radiologists). Modern
      extracorporeal systems are easy to prime and manage and are technically easy to
      manage with proper training and experience. ECPR can be deployed in the emergency
      department for out-of-hospital arrest or in various inpatient units for in
      hospital arrest. ECPR should be considered for patients with refractory cardiac
      arrest in hospitals with an existing extracorporeal life support program, able to
      provide rapid deployment of support, and with resources to provide
      postresuscitation evaluation and management.

PMID- 28074818
TI  - Cannulation strategies in adult veno-arterial and veno-venous extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation: Techniques, limitations, and special considerations.
AB  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) refers to specific mechanical devices
      used to temporarily support the failing heart and/or lung. Technological advances
      as well as growing collective knowledge and experience have resulted in increased
      ECMO use and improved outcomes. Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO is used in selected
      patients with various etiologies of cardiogenic shock and entails either central
      or peripheral cannulation. Central cannulation is frequently used in
      postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock and is associated with improved venous drainage
      and reduced concern for upper body hypoxemia as compared to peripheral
      cannulation. These concerns inherent to peripheral VA ECMO may be addressed
      through so-called triple cannulation approaches. Veno-venous (VV) ECMO is
      increasingly employed in selected patients with respiratory failure refractory to
      more conventional measures. Newer dual lumen VV ECMO cannulas may facilitate
      extubation and mobilization. In summary, the pathology being addressed impacts
      the ECMO approach that is deployed, and each ECMO implementation has distinct
      virtues and drawbacks. Understanding these considerations is crucial to safe and
      effective ECMO use.

PMID- 28074820
TI  - Airway management of the cardiac surgical patients: Current perspective.
AB  - The difficult airway (DA) is a common problem encountered in patients undergoing
      cardiac surgery. However, the challenge is not only just establishment of airway
      but also maintaining a definitive airway for the safe conduct of cardiopulmonary
      bypass from initiation to weaning after surgical correction or palliation, de
      airing of cardiac chambers. This review describes the management of the DA in a
      cardiac theater environment. The primary aims are recognition of DA both
      anatomical and physiological, necessary preparations for (and management of)
      difficult intubation and extubation. All patients undergoing cardiac surgery
      should initially be considered as having potentially DA as many of them have poor
      physiologic reserve. Making the cardiac surgical theater environment conducive to
      DA management is as essential as it is to deal with low cardiac output syndrome
      or acute heart failure. Tube obstruction and/or displacement should be suspected
      in case of a new onset ventilation problem, especially in the recovery unit.
      Cardiac anesthesiologists are often challenged with DA while inducing general
      endotracheal anesthesia. They ought to be familiar with the DA algorithms and
      possess skill for using the latest airway adjuncts.

PMID- 28074819
TI  - Percutaneous tracheostomy.
AB  - Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a commonly performed procedure in
      critically sick patients. It can be safely performed bedside by intensivists.This
      has resulted in decline in the use of surgical tracheostomy in intensive care
      unit (ICU) except in few selected cases. Most common indication of tracheostomy
      in ICU is need for prolonged ventilation. About 10% of patients requiring at
      least 3 days of mechanical ventilator support get tracheostomised during ICU
      stay. The ideal timing of PDT remains undecided at present. Contraindications and
      complications become fewer with increase in experience. Various methods of
      performing PDT have been discovered in last two decades. Preoperative work up,
      patient selection and post tracheostomy care form key components of a successful
      PDT. Bronchoscopy and ultrasound have been found to be useful procedural
      adjuncts, especially in presence of unfavorable anatomy. This article gives a
      brief overview about the use of PDT in ICU.

PMID- 28074821
TI  - Acyanotic congenital heart disease and transesophageal echocardiography.
AB  - The spectrum of congenital heart disease (CHD) seen in the adult varies widely.
      Malformations range from mild anomalies requiring no intervention to extremely
      complex pathologies characterized by the presence of multiple coexistent defects.
      Echocardiography represents the primary noninvasive imaging modality in the
      assessment of these lesions. The transesophageal approach expands the
      applications of echocardiography by allowing the acquisition of anatomic and
      functional information that may not be obtainable by transthoracic imaging.

PMID- 28074822
TI  - Pleiotropic effects of statins in the perioperative setting.
AB  - Statins belong to a specific group of drugs that have been described for their
      ability to control hyperlipidemia as well as for other pleiotropic effects such
      as improving vascular endothelial function, inhibition of oxidative stress
      pathways, and anti-inflammatory actions. Accumulating clinical evidence strongly
      suggests that statins also have a beneficial effect on perioperative morbidity
      and mortality. Therefore, this review aims to present all recent and pooled data
      on statin treatment in the perioperative setting as well as to highlight
      considerations regarding their indications and therapeutic application.

PMID- 28074823
TI  - Pharmacological update: New drugs in cardiac practice: A critical appraisal.
AB  - Cardiac practice involves the application of a range of pharmacological
      therapies. An anesthesiologist needs to keep pace with the rampant drug
      developments in the field of cardiovascular medicine for appropriate management
      in both perioperative and intensive care set-up, to strengthen his/her role as a
      perioperative physician in practice. The article reviews the changing trends and
      the future perspectives in major classes of cardiovascular medicine.

PMID- 28074824
TI  - Studying diastology with speckle tracking echocardiography: The essentials.
AB  - Diastolic dysfunction is common in cardiac disease and an important finding
      independent of systolic function as it contributes to the signs and symptoms of
      heart failure. Tissue Doppler mitral early diastolic velocity (Ea) combined with
      peak transmitral early diastolic velocity (E) to obtain E/Ea ratio provides an
      estimate of the left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. However, E/Ea has a
      significant gray zone and less reliable in patients with preserved ejection
      fraction (>50%). Two-dimensional echocardiographic speckle tracking measure
      myocardial strain and strain rate (Sr) avoiding the Doppler-associated angulation
      errors and tethering artifacts. Global myocardial peak diastolic strain (Ds) and
      diastolic Sr (DSr) at the time of E and isovolumic relaxation combined with E
      (E/Ds and E/10 DSr) have been recently proposed as novel indices to determine LV
      filling pressure. The present article elucidates the methodology of studying
      diastology with strain echocardiography along with the advantages and limitations
      of the novel technique in light of the available literature.

PMID- 28074825
TI  - Goldenhar syndrome: Cardiac anesthesiologist's perspective.
AB  - Goldenhar syndrome or oculo-auriculo-vertebral dysplasia was defined by Goldenhar
      in 1952 and redefined by Grolin et al. later. As the name denotes, children with
      this syndrome present with craniofacial and vertebral anomalies which increase
      the risk of airway compromise. Neonates and infants with this syndrome often have
      premature internal organs, low birth weight, and airway disorders. For this
      reason, safe anesthesia in such infants requires a complete knowledge regarding
      metabolism and side effects of the drugs. The association of cardiovascular
      abnormalities is not uncommon and possesses additional challenge for anesthetic
      management. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the various
      perioperative problems that can be faced in these infants when they undergo
      surgery or the correction of the underlying cardiac problem.

PMID- 28074826
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for repair of tracheal injury during
      transhiatal esophagectomy.
AB  - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for repair of tracheal injury during
      transhiatal esophagectomy Tracheal injury is a rare but potentially fatal
      complication of esophagectomies requiring prompt recognition and treatment. We
      describe a case of tracheal injury recognized in the operative period of an open
      transhiatal esophagectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the mid to distal
      esophagus. When injury was discovered, attempts to improve oxygenation and
      ventilation by conventional methods were unsuccessful. Therefore, peripheral ECMO
      was used to support oxygenation during the tracheal defect repair. The use of
      ECMO for the repair of a tracheal injury during esophagectomy is very uncommon
      but, in our case, provided adequate oxygenation and ventilation while the surgeon
      repaired the injury and the patient was able to be promptly weaned from ECMO
      support and extubated not long after.

PMID- 28074827
TI  - The perceval S aortic valve implantation in patients with porcelain aorta; is
      this ideal option?
AB  - We would like to present in this paper a patient with severe aortic valve
      stenosis referred to our department for surgical aortic valve replacement. In
      this patient, it was intraoperatively detected an unexpected heavily calcified
      porcelain ascending aorta. We present the treatment options in this situation,
      the difficulties affronted intraoperatively, the significance of the preoperative
      chest computed tomography scan and the use of the Perceval S aortic valve as
      ideal bioprosthesis implantation. This is a self-expanding, self-anchoring, and
      sutureless valve with a wide indication in all patients requiring aortic
      bioprosthesis.

PMID- 28074828
TI  - Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography-guided transcathetar closure
      of ruptured noncoronary sinus of valsalva aneurysm.
AB  - Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm accounts for only 1% of congenital cardiac anomalies.
      Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm can cause aortic insufficiency, coronary artery flow
      compromise, cardiac arrhythmia, or aneurysm rupture. Three-dimensional
      transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) represents an adjunctive tool to
      demonstrate the ruptured sinus of Valsalva with better delineation. We present an
      adult patient with rupture of noncoronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm into the
      right atrium (RA). 3DTEE accurately delineated the site of rupture into the RA
      and showed the exact size and shape of the defect, which helped in the successful
      transcatheter closure of the defect with a duct occluder device.

PMID- 28074829
TI  - Large fault slip peaking at trench in the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake.
AB  - During the 2011 magnitude 9 Tohoku-oki earthquake, very large slip occurred on
      the shallowest part of the subduction megathrust. Quantitative information on the
      shallow slip is of critical importance to distinguishing between different
      rupture mechanics and understanding the generation of the ensuing devastating
      tsunami. However, the magnitude and distribution of the shallow slip are
      essentially unknown due primarily to the lack of near-trench constraints, as
      demonstrated by a compilation of 45 rupture models derived from a large range of
      data sets. To quantify the shallow slip, here we model high-resolution bathymetry
      differences before and after the earthquake across the trench axis. The slip is
      determined to be about 62 m over the most near-trench 40 km of the fault with a
      gentle increase towards the trench. This slip distribution indicates that
      dramatic net weakening or strengthening of the shallow fault did not occur during
      the Tohoku-oki earthquake.

PMID- 28074830
TI  - Tet1 in Nucleus Accumbens Opposes Depression- and Anxiety-Like Behaviors.
AB  - Depression is a leading cause of disease burden, yet current therapies fully
      treat <50% of affected individuals. Increasing evidence implicates epigenetic
      mechanisms in depression and antidepressant action. Here we examined a possible
      role for the DNA dioxygenase, ten-eleven translocation protein 1 (TET1), in
      depression-related behavioral abnormalities. We applied chronic social defeat
      stress, an ethologically validated mouse model of depression-like behaviors, and
      examined Tet1 expression changes in nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain reward
      region. We show decreased Tet1 expression in NAc in stress-susceptible mice only.
      Surprisingly, selective knockout of Tet1 in NAc neurons of adult mice produced
      antidepressant-like effects in several behavioral assays. To identify Tet1
      targets that mediate these actions, we performed RNAseq on NAc after conditional
      deletion of Tet1 and found that immune-related genes are the most highly
      dysregulated. Moreover, many of these genes are also upregulated in the NAc of
      resilient mice after chronic social defeat stress. These findings reveal a novel
      role for TET1, an enzyme important for DNA hydroxymethylation, in the brain's
      reward circuitry in modulating stress responses in mice. We also identify a
      subset of genes that are regulated by TET1 in this circuitry. These findings
      provide new insight into the pathophysiology of depression, which can aid in
      future antidepressant drug discovery efforts.

PMID- 28074832
TI  - Correlation-driven transport asymmetries through coupled spins in a tunnel
      junction.
AB  - Spin-spin correlations can be the driving force that favours certain ground
      states and are key in numerous models that describe the behaviour of strongly
      correlated materials. While the sum of collective correlations usually lead to a
      macroscopically measurable change in properties, a direct quantification of
      correlations in atomic scale systems is difficult. Here we determine the
      correlations between a strongly hybridized spin impurity on the tip of a scanning
      tunnelling microscope and its electron bath by varying the coupling to a second
      spin impurity weakly hybridized to the sample surface. Electronic transport
      through these coupled spins reveals an asymmetry in the differential conductance
      reminiscent of spin-polarized transport in a magnetic field. We show that at zero
      field, this asymmetry can be controlled by the coupling strength and is related
      to either ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic spin-spin correlations in the tip.

PMID- 28074831
TI  - RGS9-2 Modulates Responses to Oxycodone in Pain-Free and Chronic Pain States.
AB  - Regulator of G-protein signaling 9-2 (RGS9-2) is a striatal-enriched signal
      transduction modulator known to have a critical role in the development of
      addiction-related behaviors following exposure to psychostimulants or opioids.
      RGS9-2 controls the function of several G-protein-coupled receptors, including
      dopamine receptor and mu opioid receptor (MOR). We previously showed that RGS9-2
      complexes negatively control morphine analgesia, and promote the development of
      morphine tolerance. In contrast, RGS9-2 positively modulates the actions of other
      opioid analgesics, such as fentanyl and methadone. Here we investigate the role
      of RGS9-2 in regulating responses to oxycodone, an MOR agonist prescribed for the
      treatment of severe pain conditions that has addictive properties. Using mice
      lacking the Rgs9 gene (RGS9KO), we demonstrate that RGS9-2 positively regulates
      the rewarding effects of oxycodone in pain-free states, and in a model of
      neuropathic pain. Furthermore, although RGS9-2 does not affect the analgesic
      efficacy of oxycodone or the expression of physical withdrawal, it opposes the
      development of oxycodone tolerance, in both acute pain and chronic neuropathic
      pain models. Taken together, these data provide new information on the signal
      transduction mechanisms that modulate the rewarding and analgesic actions of
      oxycodone.

PMID- 28074833
TI  - Shifting molecular localization by plasmonic coupling in a single-molecule
      mirage.
AB  - Over the last decade, two fields have dominated the attention of sub-diffraction
      photonics research: plasmonics and fluorescence nanoscopy. Nanoscopy based on
      single-molecule localization offers a practical way to explore plasmonic
      interactions with nanometre resolution. However, this seemingly straightforward
      technique may retrieve false positional information. Here, we make use of the DNA
      origami technique to both control a nanometric separation between emitters and a
      gold nanoparticle, and as a platform for super-resolution imaging based on single
      molecule localization. This enables a quantitative comparison between the
      position retrieved from single-molecule localization, the true position of the
      emitter and full-field simulations. We demonstrate that plasmonic coupling leads
      to shifted molecular localizations of up to 30 nm: a single-molecule mirage.

PMID- 28074834
TI  - Corrigendum: Differential transcriptional responses to Ebola and Marburg virus
      infection in bat and human cells.

PMID- 28074835
TI  - Topological Dirac nodal lines and surface charges in fcc alkaline earth metals.
AB  - In nodal-line semimetals, the gaps close along loops in k space, which are not at
      high-symmetry points. Typical mechanisms for the emergence of nodal lines involve
      mirror symmetry and the pi Berry phase. Here we show via ab initio calculations
      that fcc calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr) and ytterbium (Yb) have topological nodal
      lines with the pi Berry phase near the Fermi level, when spin-orbit interaction
      is neglected. In particular, Ca becomes a nodal-line semimetal at high pressure.
      Owing to nodal lines, the Zak phase becomes either pi or 0, depending on the
      wavevector k, and the pi Zak phase leads to surface polarization charge. Carriers
      eventually screen it, leaving behind large surface dipoles. In materials with
      nodal lines, both the large surface polarization charge and the emergent drumhead
      surface states enhance Rashba splitting when heavy adatoms are present, as we
      have shown to occur in Bi/Sr(111) and in Bi/Ag(111).

PMID- 28074836
TI  - Impact of interfacial coupling of oxygen octahedra on ferromagnetic order in
      La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures.
AB  - La0.7Sr0.3MnO3, a half-metallic ferromagnet with full spin polarization, is
      generally used as a standard spin injector in heterostructures. However, the
      magnetism of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 is strongly modified near interfaces, which was
      addressed as "dead-layer" phenomenon whose origin is still controversial. Here,
      both magnetic and structural properties of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures
      were investigated, with emphasis on the quantitative analysis of oxygen
      octahedral rotation (OOR) across interfaces using annular-bright-field imaging.
      OOR was found to be significantly altered near interface for both La0.7Sr0.3MnO3
      and SrTiO3, as linked to the magnetism deterioration. Especially in
      La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 superlattices, the almost complete suppression of OOR in 4
      unit-cell-thick La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 results in a canted ferromagnetism. Detailed
      comparisons between strain and OOR relaxation and especially the observation of
      an unexpected La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 lattice c expansion near interfaces, prove the
      relevance of OOR for the magnetic properties. These results indicate the
      capability of tuning the magnetism by engineering OOR at the atomic scale.

PMID- 28074837
TI  - Two-Layer Elastographic 3-D Traction Force Microscopy.
AB  - Cellular traction force microscopy (TFM) requires knowledge of the mechanical
      properties of the substratum where the cells adhere to calculate cell-generated
      forces from measurements of substratum deformation. Polymer-based hydrogels are
      broadly used for TFM due to their linearly elastic behavior in the range of
      measured deformations. However, the calculated stresses, particularly their
      spatial patterns, can be highly sensitive to the substratum's Poisson's ratio. We
      present two-layer elastographic TFM (2LETFM), a method that allows for
      simultaneously measuring the Poisson's ratio of the substratum while also
      determining the cell-generated forces. The new method exploits the analytical
      solution of the elastostatic equation and deformation measurements from two
      layers of the substratum. We perform an in silico analysis of 2LETFM concluding
      that this technique is robust with respect to TFM experimental parameters, and
      remains accurate even for noisy measurement data. We also provide experimental
      proof of principle of 2LETFM by simultaneously measuring the stresses exerted by
      migrating Physarum amoeboae on the surface of polyacrylamide substrata, and the
      Poisson's ratio of the substrata. The 2LETFM method could be generalized to
      concurrently determine the mechanical properties and cell-generated forces in
      more physiologically relevant extracellular environments, opening new
      possibilities to study cell-matrix interactions.

PMID- 28074838
TI  - The effect of brumation on memory retention.
AB  - Long-term torpor is an adaptive strategy that allows animals to survive harsh
      winter conditions. However, the impact that prolonged torpor has on cognitive
      function is poorly understood. Hibernation causes reduced synaptic activity and
      experiments with mammals reveal that this can have adverse effects on memories
      formed prior to hibernation. The impact of brumation, the winter dormancy that is
      observed in ectotherms, on memory remains unknown. The aim of this study was to
      examine whether an amphibian, the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra), was
      able to retain learned spatial information after a period of brumation. Twelve
      fire salamanders were trained to make a simple spatial discrimination using a T
      maze. All subjects learned the initial task. Upon reaching criterion, half of the
      subjects were placed into brumation for 100 days while the other half served as
      controls and were maintained under normal conditions. A post-brumation memory
      retention test revealed that animals from both conditions retained the learned
      response. Control tests showed that they solved the task using learned
      information and not olfactory cues. This finding contrasts with much of the
      mammalian research and suggests that the processes involved in prolonged torpor
      may have a fundamentally different impact on memory in mammals and amphibians.

PMID- 28074839
TI  - High-precision, non-invasive anti-microvascular approach via concurrent
      ultrasound and laser irradiation.
AB  - Antivascular therapy represents a proven strategy to treat angiogenesis. By
      applying synchronized ultrasound bursts and nanosecond laser irradiation, we
      developed a novel, selective, non-invasive, localized antivascular method, termed
      photo-mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT). PUT takes advantage of the high native
      optical contrast among biological tissues and can treat microvessels without
      causing collateral damage to the surrounding tissue. In a chicken yolk sac
      membrane model, under the same ultrasound parameters (1 MHz at 0.45 MPa and 10 Hz
      with 10% duty cycle), PUT with 4 mJ/cm2 and 6 mJ/cm2 laser fluence induced 51% (p
      = 0.001) and 37% (p = 0.018) vessel diameter reductions respectively. With 8
      mJ/cm2 laser fluence, PUT would yield vessel disruption (90%, p < 0.01).
      Selectivity of PUT was demonstrated by utilizing laser wavelengths at 578 nm or
      650 nm, where PUT selectively shrank veins or occluded arteries. In a rabbit ear
      model, PUT induced a 68.5% reduction in blood perfusion after 7 days (p < 0.001)
      without damaging the surrounding cells. In vitro experiments in human blood
      suggested that cavitation may play a role in PUT. In conclusion, PUT holds
      significant promise as a novel non-invasive antivascular method with the
      capability to precisely target blood vessels.

PMID- 28074840
TI  - Observational evidence for cloud cover enhancement over western European forests.
AB  - Forests impact regional hydrology and climate directly by regulating water and
      heat fluxes. Indirect effects through cloud formation and precipitation can be
      important in facilitating continental-scale moisture recycling but are poorly
      understood at regional scales. In particular, the impact of temperate forest on
      clouds is largely unknown. Here we provide observational evidence for a strong
      increase in cloud cover over large forest regions in western Europe based on
      analysis of 10 years of 15 min resolution data from geostationary satellites. In
      addition, we show that widespread windthrow by cyclone Klaus in the Landes forest
      led to a significant decrease in local cloud cover in subsequent years. Strong
      cloud development along the downwind edges of larger forest areas are consistent
      with a forest-breeze mesoscale circulation. Our results highlight the need to
      include impacts on cloud formation when evaluating the water and climate services
      of temperate forests, in particular around densely populated areas.

PMID- 28074843
TI  - Sexy males and sexless females: the origin of triploid apomicts.
AB  - Apomixis and polyploidy are closely associated in angiosperms, but the
      evolutionary reason for this association is unknown. Taraxacum officinale, the
      common dandelion, exists both as diploid sexuals and triploid apomicts. Here, in
      the context of T. officinale, we provide a model of the evolution of triploid
      apomicts from diploid sexuals. We posit an apomictic allele that arrests female
      meiosis in diploids, so that the plant produces diploid egg cells that can
      develop without fertilization, but haploid pollen. We propose occasional
      fertilization of diploid egg cells by haploid pollen, resulting in triploid
      apomicts that produce triploid egg cells but largely nonfunctional pollen. The
      irreversibility of this process renders diploid partial apomicts evolutionarily
      short-lived, and results in fixation of triploid apomicts except when they suffer
      extreme selective disadvantages. Our model can account for the high genetic
      diversity found in T. officinale triploid populations, because recombinant
      haploid pollen produced by diploids allows the apomictic allele to spread onto
      many genetic backgrounds. This leads to multiple clonal lineages in the newly
      apomictic population, and thereby alleviates some of the usual pitfalls of
      asexual reproduction.

PMID- 28074841
TI  - The mito-DAMP cardiolipin blocks IL-10 production causing persistent inflammation
      during bacterial pneumonia.
AB  - Bacterial pneumonia is a significant healthcare burden worldwide. Failure to
      resolve inflammation after infection precipitates lung injury and an increase in
      morbidity and mortality. Gram-negative bacteria are common in pneumonia and
      increased levels of the mito-damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP)
      cardiolipin can be detected in the lungs. Here we show that mice infected with
      Klebsiella pneumoniae develop lung injury with accumulation of cardiolipin.
      Cardiolipin inhibits resolution of inflammation by suppressing production of anti
      inflammatory IL-10 by lung CD11b+Ly6GintLy6CloF4/80+ cells. Cardiolipin induces
      PPARgamma SUMOylation, which causes recruitment of a repressive NCOR/HDAC3
      complex to the IL-10 promoter, but not the TNF promoter, thereby tipping the
      balance towards inflammation rather than resolution. Inhibition of HDAC activity
      by sodium butyrate enhances recruitment of acetylated histone 3 to the IL-10
      promoter and increases the concentration of IL-10 in the lungs. These findings
      identify a mechanism of persistent inflammation during pneumonia and indicate the
      potential of HDAC inhibition as a therapy.

PMID- 28074842
TI  - Analysis of the FGF gene family provides insights into aquatic adaptation in
      cetaceans.
AB  - Cetacean body structure and physiology exhibit dramatic adaptations to their
      aquatic environment. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of essential
      factors that regulate animal development and physiology; however, their role in
      cetacean evolution is not clearly understood. Here, we sequenced the fin whale
      genome and analysed FGFs from 8 cetaceans. FGF22, a hair follicle-enriched gene,
      exhibited pseudogenization, indicating that the function of this gene is no
      longer necessary in cetaceans that have lost most of their body hair. An
      evolutionary analysis revealed signatures of positive selection for FGF3 and
      FGF11, genes related to ear and tooth development and hypoxia, respectively. We
      found a D203G substitution in cetacean FGF9, which was predicted to affect FGF9
      homodimerization, suggesting that this gene plays a role in the acquisition of
      rigid flippers for efficient manoeuvring. Cetaceans utilize low bone density as a
      buoyancy control mechanism, but the underlying genes are not known. We found that
      the expression of FGF23, a gene associated with reduced bone density, is greatly
      increased in the cetacean liver under hypoxic conditions, thus implicating FGF23
      in low bone density in cetaceans. Altogether, our results provide novel insights
      into the roles of FGFs in cetacean adaptation to the aquatic environment.

PMID- 28074844
TI  - No signs of inbreeding despite long-term isolation and habitat fragmentation in
      the critically endangered Montseny brook newt (Calotriton arnoldi).
AB  - Endemic species with restricted geographic ranges potentially suffer the highest
      risk of extinction. If these species are further fragmented into genetically
      isolated subpopulations, the risk of extinction is elevated. Habitat
      fragmentation is generally considered to have negative effects on species
      survival, despite some evidence for neutral or even positive effects. Typically,
      non-negative effects are ignored by conservation biology. The Montseny brook newt
      (Calotriton arnoldi) has one of the smallest distribution ranges of any European
      amphibian (8 km2) and is considered critically endangered by the International
      Union for Conservation of Nature. Here we apply molecular markers to analyze its
      population structure and find that habitat fragmentation owing to a natural
      barrier has resulted in strong genetic division of populations into two sectors,
      with no detectable migration between sites. Although effective population size
      estimates suggest low values for all populations, we found low levels of
      inbreeding and relatedness between individuals within populations. Moreover, C.
      arnoldi displays similar levels of genetic diversity to its sister species
      Calotriton asper, from which it separated around 1.5 million years ago and which
      has a much larger distribution range. Our extensive study shows that natural
      habitat fragmentation does not result in negative genetic effects, such as the
      loss of genetic diversity and inbreeding on an evolutionary timescale. We
      hypothesize that species in such conditions may evolve strategies (for example,
      special mating preferences) to mitigate the effects of small population sizes.
      However, it should be stressed that the influence of natural habitat
      fragmentation on an evolutionary timescale should not be conflated with
      anthropogenic habitat loss or degradation when considering conservation
      strategies.

PMID- 28074845
TI  - Local coexistence and genetic isolation of three pollinator species on the same
      fig tree species.
AB  - Molecular tools increasingly reveal cryptic lineages and species that were
      previously unnoticed by traditional taxonomy. The discovery of cryptic species in
      sympatry prompts the question of how they coexist in the apparent absence of
      ecological divergence. However, this assumes first that the molecular taxonomy
      used to identify cryptic lineages delimits species boundaries accurately. This
      issue is important, because many diversity studies rely heavily or solely on data
      from mitochondrial DNA sequences for species delimitation, and several factors
      may lead to poor identification of species boundaries. We used a multilocus
      population genetics approach to show that three mtDNA-defined cryptic lineages of
      the fig wasp Pleistodontes imperialis Saunders, which pollinate Port Jackson figs
      (Ficus rubiginosa) in north-eastern Australia, represent reproductively isolated
      species. These species coexist locally, with about 13% of figs (where mating
      occurs) containing wasps from two or three species. However, there was no
      evidence for gene flow between them. Confirmed cases of coexisting cryptic
      species provide excellent opportunities for future studies of the ecological and
      evolutionary forces shaping both species coexistence and fig/pollinator
      coevolution.

PMID- 28074847
TI  - Nitrogen-doped porous carbon monoliths from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and carbon
      nanotubes as electrodes for supercapacitors.
AB  - Nitrogen-doped porous activated carbon monoliths (NDP-ACMs) have long been the
      most desirable materials for supercapacitors. Unique to the conventional template
      based Lewis acid/base activation methods, herein, we report on a simple yet
      practicable novel approach to production of the three-dimensional NDP-ACMs (3D
      NDP-ACMs). Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) contained carbon nanotubes (CNTs), being pre
      dispersed into a tubular level of dispersions, were used as the starting material
      and the 3D-NDP-ACMs were obtained via a template-free process. First, a
      continuous mesoporous PAN/CNT based 3D monolith was established by using a
      template-free temperature-induced phase separation (TTPS). Second, a nitrogen
      doped 3D-ACM with a surface area of 613.8 m2/g and a pore volume 0.366 cm3/g was
      obtained. A typical supercapacitor with our 3D-NDP-ACMs as the functioning
      electrodes gave a specific capacitance stabilized at 216 F/g even after 3000
      cycles, demonstrating the advantageous performance of the PAN/CNT based 3D-NDP
      ACMs.

PMID- 28074846
TI  - Novel blood-based microRNA biomarker panel for early diagnosis of chronic
      pancreatitis.
AB  - Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease characterized by progressive
      fibrosis of pancreas. Early diagnosis will improve the prognosis of patients.
      This study aimed to obtain serum miRNA biomarkers for early diagnosis of CP. In
      the current study, we analyzed the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) of CP
      patients from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the DEmiRs in plasma of early CP
      patients (n = 10) from clinic by miRNA microarrays. Expression levels of DEmiRs
      were further tested in clinical samples including early CP patients (n = 20),
      late CP patients (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 18). The primary endpoints
      were area under curve (AUC) and expression levels of DEmiRs. Four DEmiRs (hsa-miR
      320a-d) were obtained from GEO CP, meanwhile two (hsa-miR-221 and hsa-miR-130a)
      were identified as distinct biomarkers of early CP by miRNA microarrays. When
      applied on clinical serum samples, hsa-miR-320a-d were accurate in predicting
      late CP, while hsa-miR-221 and hsa-miR-130a were accurate in predicting early CP
      with AUC of 100.0% and 87.5%. Our study indicates that miRNA expression profile
      is different in early and late CP. Hsa-miR-221 and hsa-miR-130a are biomarkers of
      early CP, and the panel of the above 6 serum miRNAs has the potential to be
      applied clinically for early diagnosis of CP.

PMID- 28074848
TI  - Crystal Structure of StnA for the Biosynthesis of Antitumor Drug Streptonigrin
      Reveals a Unique Substrate Binding Mode.
AB  - Streptonigrin methylesterase A (StnA) is one of the tailoring enzymes that modify
      the aminoquinone skeleton in the biosynthesis pathway of Streptomyces species.
      Although StnA has no significant sequence homology with the reported alpha/beta
      fold hydrolases, it shows typical hydrolytic activity in vivo and in vitro. In
      order to reveal its functional characteristics, the crystal structures of the
      selenomethionine substituted StnA (SeMet-StnA) and the complex (S185A mutant)
      with its substrate were resolved to the resolution of 2.71 A and 2.90 A,
      respectively. The overall structure of StnA can be described as an alpha-helix
      cap domain on top of a common alpha/beta hydrolase domain. The substrate methyl
      ester of 10'-demethoxystreptonigrin binds in a hydrophobic pocket that mainly
      consists of cap domain residues and is close to the catalytic triad Ser185-His349
      Asp308. The transition state is stabilized by an oxyanion hole formed by the
      backbone amides of Ala102 and Leu186. The substrate binding appears to be
      dominated by interactions with several specific hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen
      bonds in the cap domain. The molecular dynamics simulation and site-directed
      mutagenesis confirmed the important roles of the key interacting residues in the
      cap domain. Structural alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis indicate that
      StnA represents a new subfamily of lipolytic enzymes with the specific binding
      pocket located at the cap domain instead of the interface between the two
      domains.

PMID- 28074849
TI  - Genetic Variants Identified from Epilepsy of Unknown Etiology in Chinese Children
      by Targeted Exome Sequencing.
AB  - Genetic factors play a major role in the etiology of epilepsy disorders. Recent
      genomics studies using next generation sequencing (NGS) technique have identified
      a large number of genetic variants including copy number (CNV) and single
      nucleotide variant (SNV) in a small set of genes from individuals with epilepsy.
      These discoveries have contributed significantly to evaluate the etiology of
      epilepsy in clinic and lay the foundation to develop molecular specific
      treatment. However, the molecular basis for a majority of epilepsy patients
      remains elusive, and furthermore, most of these studies have been conducted in
      Caucasian children. Here we conducted a targeted exome-sequencing of 63 trios of
      Chinese epilepsy families using a custom-designed NGS panel that covers 412 known
      and candidate genes for epilepsy. We identified pathogenic and likely pathogenic
      variants in 15 of 63 (23.8%) families in known epilepsy genes including SCN1A,
      CDKL5, STXBP1, CHD2, SCN3A, SCN9A, TSC2, MBD5, POLG and EFHC1. More importantly,
      we identified likely pathologic variants in several novel candidate genes such as
      GABRE, MYH1, and CLCN6. Our results provide the evidence supporting the
      application of custom-designed NGS panel in clinic and indicate a conserved
      genetic susceptibility for epilepsy between Chinese and Caucasian children.

PMID- 28074851
TI  - Corrigendum: Dynamics and genetics of a disease-driven species decline to near
      extinction: lessons for conservation.

PMID- 28074850
TI  - Juvenile hormone biosynthesis in adult Blattella germanica requires nuclear
      receptors Seven-up and FTZ-F1.
AB  - In insects, the transition from juvenile development to the adult stage is
      controlled by juvenile hormone (JH) synthesized from the corpora allata (CA)
      glands. Whereas a JH-free period during the last juvenile instar triggers
      metamorphosis and the end of the growth period, the reappearance of this hormone
      after the imaginal molt marks the onset of reproductive adulthood. Despite the
      importance of such transition, the regulatory mechanism that controls it remains
      mostly unknown. Here, using the hemimetabolous insect Blattella germanica, we
      show that nuclear hormone receptors Seven-up-B (BgSvp-B) and Fushi tarazu-factor
      1 (BgFTZ-F1) have essential roles in the tissue- and stage-specific activation of
      adult CA JH-biosynthetic activity. Both factors are highly expressed in adult CA
      cells. Moreover, RNAi-knockdown of either BgSvp-B or BgFTZ-F1 results in adult
      animals with a complete block in two critical JH-dependent reproductive
      processes, vitellogenesis and oogenesis. We show that this reproductive blockage
      is the result of a dramatic impairment of JH biosynthesis, due to the CA-specific
      reduction in the expression of two key JH biosynthetic enzymes, 3-hydroxy-3
      methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase-1 (BgHMG-S1) and HMG-reductase (BgHMG-R). Our
      findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying the specific
      changes in the CA gland necessary for the proper transition to adulthood.

PMID- 28074852
TI  - Initiation and growth kinetics of solidification cracking during welding of
      steel.
AB  - Solidification cracking is a key phenomenon associated with defect formation
      during welding. To elucidate the failure mechanisms, solidification cracking
      during arc welding of steel are investigated in situ with high-speed, high-energy
      synchrotron X-ray radiography. Damage initiates at relatively low true strain of
      about 3.1% in the form of micro-cavities at the weld subsurface where peak
      volumetric strain and triaxiality are localised. The initial micro-cavities, with
      sizes from 10 * 10-6 m to 27 * 10-6 m, are mostly formed in isolation as revealed
      by synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography. The growth of micro-cavities is driven by
      increasing strain induced to the solidifying steel. Cavities grow through
      coalescence of micro-cavities to form micro-cracks first and then through the
      propagation of micro-cracks. Cracks propagate from the core of the weld towards
      the free surface along the solidifying grain boundaries at a speed of 2-3 * 10-3
      m s-1.

PMID- 28074853
TI  - Plasmonic plano-semi-cylindrical nanocavities with high-efficiency local-field
      confinement.
AB  - Plasmonic nanocavity arrays were achieved by producing isolated silver semi
      cylindrical nanoshells periodically on a continuous planar gold film.
      Hybridization between localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the Ag semi
      cylindrical nanoshells (SCNS) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) in the gold
      film was observed as split bonding and anti-bonding resonance modes located at
      different spectral positions. This led to strong local field enhancement and
      confinement in the plano-concave nanocavites. Narrow-band optical extinction with
      an amplitude as high as 1.5 OD, corresponding to 97% reduction in the
      transmission, was achieved in the visible spectrum. The resonance spectra of this
      hybrid device can be extended from the visible to the near infrared by adjusting
      the structural parameters.

PMID- 28074854
TI  - Facile Synthesis of Highly Crystalline and Large Areal Hexagonal Boron Nitride
      from Borazine Oligomers.
AB  - A novel and facile synthetic method for h-BN films from borazine oligomer
      (B3N3H4)x precursors has been developed. This method only includes spin-coating
      of borazine oligomer onto nickel catalysts and a subsequent annealing step. Large
      areal and highly crystalline h-BN films were obtained. The stoichiometric B/N
      ratio of borazine oligomer precursor was preserved in the final h-BN product such
      that it was close to 1 as revealed by XPS. Catalytic effect of nickel for h-BN
      formation was clearly demonstrated by lowering crystallization temperature
      compared to the growth condition in the absence of catalyst. The graphene field
      effect transistor (GFET) characterization has proved the high quality synthesis
      of h-BN films, showing the shift of neutrality point and the increase of the
      mobility. This method can also provide functional h-BN coating on various
      surfaces by annealing Ni-coated borazine oligomer films and subsequent removal of
      Ni catalyst.

PMID- 28074855
TI  - MiR-218 targets MeCP2 and inhibits heroin seeking behavior.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of evolutionarily conserved, 18-25 nucleotide non
      coding sequences that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Recent
      studies implicated their roles in the regulation of neuronal functions, such as
      learning, cognition and memory formation. Here we report that miR-218 inhibits
      heroin-induced behavioral plasticity. First, network propagation-based method was
      used to predict candidate miRNAs that played potential key roles in regulating
      drug addiction-related genes. Microarray screening was also carried out to
      identify miRNAs responding to chronic heroin administration in the nucleus
      accumbens (NAc). Among the collapsed miRNAs, top-ranked miR-218 was decreased
      after chronic exposure to heroin. Lentiviral overexpression of miR-218 in NAc
      could inhibit heroin-induced reinforcement in both conditioned place preference
      (CPP) test and heroin self-administration experiments. Luciferase activity assay
      indicated that miR-218 could regulate 3' untranslated regions (3' UTR) of
      multiple neuroplasticity-related genes and directly target methyl CpG binding
      protein 2 (Mecp2). Consistently, Mecp2308/y mice exhibited reduced heroin seeking
      behavior in CPP test. These data reveal a functional role of miR-218 and its
      target, MeCP2, in the regulation of heroin-induced behavioral plasticity.

PMID- 28074856
TI  - Local field potentials primarily reflect inhibitory neuron activity in human and
      monkey cortex.
AB  - The local field potential (LFP) is generated by large populations of neurons, but
      unitary contribution of spiking neurons to LFP is not well characterised. We
      investigated this contribution in multi-electrode array recordings from human and
      monkey neocortex by examining the spike-triggered LFP average (st-LFP). The
      resulting st-LFPs were dominated by broad spatio-temporal components due to
      ongoing activity, synaptic inputs and recurrent connectivity. To reduce the
      spatial reach of the st-LFP and observe the local field related to a single spike
      we applied a spatial filter, whose weights were adapted to the covariance of
      ongoing LFP. The filtered st-LFPs were limited to the perimeter of 800 MUm around
      the neuron, and propagated at axonal speed, which is consistent with their
      unitary nature. In addition, we discriminated between putative inhibitory and
      excitatory neurons and found that the inhibitory st-LFP peaked at shorter
      latencies, consistently with previous findings in hippocampal slices. Thus, in
      human and monkey neocortex, the LFP reflects primarily inhibitory neuron
      activity.

PMID- 28074857
TI  - Deubiquitylation of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) by ubiquitin-specific
      peptidase 15 (USP15) increases HBx stability and its transactivation activity.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays important roles in viral replication and
      the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. HBx is a rapid turnover protein and
      ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has been suggested to influence HBx stability as
      treatment with proteasome inhibitors increases the levels of HBx protein and
      causes accumulation of the polyubiquitinated forms of HBx. Deubiquitinases (DUBs)
      are known to act by removing ubiquitin moieties from proteins and thereby reverse
      their stability and/or activity. However, no information is available regarding
      the involvement of DUBs in regulation of ubiquitylation-dependent proteasomal
      degradation of HBx protein. This study identified the deubiquitylating enzyme
      USP15 as a critical regulator of HBx protein level. USP15 was found to directly
      interact with HBx via binding to the HBx region between amino acid residues 51
      and 80. USP15 increased HBx protein levels in a dose-dependent manner and siRNA
      mediated knockdown of endogenous USP15 reduced HBx protein levels. Increased HBx
      stability and steady-state level by USP15 were attributable to reduced HBx
      ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Importantly, the transcriptional
      transactivation function of HBx is enhanced by overexpression of USP15. These
      results suggest that USP15 plays an essential role in stabilizing HBx and
      subsequently affects the biological function of HBx.

PMID- 28074858
TI  - Traces of an ancient immune system - how an injured arthropod survived 465
      million years ago.
AB  - This report of a severely injured trilobite from the Middle Ordovician (~465 Ma)
      accords with a number of similar observations of healed lesions observed in
      trilobites. The uniqueness of the specimen described here is that the character
      of the repair-mechanisms is reflected by the secondarily built structures, which
      form the new surface of the ruptured compound eye. Smooth, repaired areas inside
      the visual surface advert to a clotting principle, rather similar to those of
      today, and the way in which broken parts of the exoskeleton fused during
      restoration seem to simulate modern samples. The irregularity and variance of
      newly inserted visual units indicate the severity of the injury, which, most
      probably, was caused by a predatory attack, presumably by a cephalopod; these
      were most likely, the top predators of the Ordovician. Furthermore, the state of
      the moulted cephalon tells the dramatic struggle of an organism that lived in the
      Palaeozoic, to survive. In sum the specimen analysed here is evidence of an
      ancient clotting mechanism not dissimilar to those of today, rapidly preventing
      any exsanguination and the breakdown of osmoregulation of this marine arthropod.

PMID- 28074859
TI  - Identifying a gene expression signature of cluster headache in blood.
AB  - Cluster headache is a relatively rare headache disorder, typically characterized
      by multiple daily, short-lasting attacks of excruciating, unilateral (peri
      )orbital or temporal pain associated with autonomic symptoms and restlessness. To
      better understand the pathophysiology of cluster headache, we used RNA sequencing
      to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways in whole blood of
      patients with episodic (n = 19) or chronic (n = 20) cluster headache in
      comparison with headache-free controls (n = 20). Gene expression data were
      analysed by gene and by module of co-expressed genes with particular attention to
      previously implicated disease pathways including hypocretin dysregulation. Only
      moderate gene expression differences were identified and no associations were
      found with previously reported pathogenic mechanisms. At the level of functional
      gene sets, associations were observed for genes involved in several brain-related
      mechanisms such as GABA receptor function and voltage-gated channels. In
      addition, genes and modules of co-expressed genes showed a role for intracellular
      signalling cascades, mitochondria and inflammation. Although larger study samples
      may be required to identify the full range of involved pathways, these results
      indicate a role for mitochondria, intracellular signalling and inflammation in
      cluster headache.

PMID- 28074860
TI  - Sex- and age-dependent patterns of survival and breeding success in a long-lived
      endangered avian scavenger.
AB  - In long-lived species, the age-, stage- and/or sex-dependent patterns of survival
      and reproduction determine the evolution of life history strategies, the shape of
      the reproductive value, and ultimately population dynamics. We evaluate the
      combined effects of age and sex in recruitment, breeder survival and breeding
      success of the globally endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus),
      using 31-years of exhaustive data on marked individuals in Spain. Mean age of
      first reproduction was 7-yrs for both sexes, but females showed an earlier median
      and a larger variance than males. We found an age-related improvement in breeding
      success at the population level responding to the selective appearance and
      disappearance of phenotypes of different quality but unrelated to within
      individual aging effects. Old males (>=8 yrs) showed a higher survival than both
      young males (<=7 yrs) and females, these later in turn not showing aging effects.
      Evolutionary trade-offs between age of recruitment and fitness (probably related
      to costs of territory acquisition and defense) as well as human-related mortality
      may explain these findings. Sex- and age-related differences in foraging
      strategies and susceptibility to toxics could be behind the relatively low
      survival of females and young males, adding a new concern for the conservation of
      this endangered species.

PMID- 28074861
TI  - Deployment of check-in nodes in complex networks.
AB  - In many real complex networks such as the city road networks and highway
      networks, vehicles often have to pass through some specially functioned nodes to
      receive check-in like services such as gas supplement at gas stations. Based on
      existing network structures, to guarantee every shortest path including at least
      a check-in node, the location selection of all check-in nodes is very essential
      and important to make vehicles to easily visit these check-in nodes, and it is
      still remains an open problem in complex network studies. In this work, we aim to
      find possible solutions for this problem. We first convert it into a set cover
      problem which is NP-complete and propose to employ the greedy algorithm to
      achieve an approximate result. Inspired by heuristic information of network
      structure, we discuss other four check-in node location deployment methods
      including high betweenness first (HBF), high degree first (HDF), random and low
      degree first (LDF). Finally, we compose extensive simulations in classical scale
      free networks, random networks and real network models, and the results can well
      confirm the effectiveness of the greedy algorithm. This work has potential
      applications into many real networks.

PMID- 28074863
TI  - Herb pair Danggui-Honghua: mechanisms underlying blood stasis syndrome by system
      pharmacology approach.
AB  - Herb pair Danggui-Honghua has been frequently used for treatment of blood stasis
      syndrome (BSS) in China, one of the most common clinical pathological syndromes
      in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, its therapeutic mechanism has not
      been clearly elucidated. In the present study, a feasible system pharmacology
      model based on chemical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological data was developed
      via network construction approach to clarify the mechanisms of this herb pair.
      Thirty-one active ingredients of Danggui-Honghua possessing favorable
      pharmacokinetic profiles and biological activities were selected, interacting
      with 42 BSS-related targets to provide potential synergistic therapeutic actions.
      Systematic analysis of the constructed networks revealed that these targets such
      as HMOX1, NOS2, NOS3, HIF1A and PTGS2 were mainly involved in TNF signaling
      pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway and neurotrophin
      signaling pathway. The contribution index of every active ingredient also
      indicated six compounds, including hydroxysafflor yellow A, safflor yellow A,
      safflor yellow B, Z-ligustilide, ferulic acid, and Z-butylidenephthalide, as the
      principal components of this herb pair. These results successfully explained the
      polypharmcological mechanisms underlying the efficiency of Danggui-Honghua for
      BSS treatment, and also probed into the potential novel therapeutic strategies
      for BSS in TCM.

PMID- 28074864
TI  - A novel monoclonal antibody targeting coxsackie virus and adenovirus receptor
      inhibits tumor growth in vivo.
AB  - To create a new anti-tumor antibody, we conducted signal sequence trap by
      retrovirus-meditated expression method and identified coxsackie virus and
      adenovirus receptor (CXADR) as an appropriate target. We developed monoclonal
      antibodies against human CXADR and found that one antibody (6G10A) significantly
      inhibited the growth of subcutaneous as well as orthotopic xenografts of human
      prostate cancer cells in vivo. Furthermore, 6G10A also inhibited other cancer
      xenografts expressing CXADR, such as pancreatic and colorectal cancer cells.
      Knockdown and overexpression of CXADR confirmed the dependence of its anti-tumor
      activity on CXADR expression. Our studies of its action demonstrated that 6G10A
      exerted its anti-tumor activity primarily through both antibody-dependent
      cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Moreover, 6G10A
      reacted with human tumor tissues, such as prostate, lung, and brain, each of
      which express CXADR. Although we need further evaluation of its reactivity and
      safety in human tissues, our results show that a novel anti-CXADR antibody may be
      a feasible candidate for cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 28074862
TI  - Hypoxia activates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling by regulating the expression of BCL9
      in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is abnormally activated in the progression of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BCL9 is an essential co-activator in the Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling. Importantly, BCL9 is absent from tumors originating from
      normal cellular counterparts and overexpressed in many cancers including HCC. But
      the mechanism for BCL9 overexpression remains unknown. Ample evidence indicates
      that hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) play a role in the development of HCC. It
      was found in our study that BCL9 was overexpressed in both primary HCC and bone
      metastasis specimens; loss of BCL9 inhibited the proliferation, migration and
      angiogenesis of HCC; and that that hypoxia mechanically induced the expression of
      BCL9. BCL9 induction under the hypoxic condition was predominantly mediated by
      HIF-1alpha but not HIF2alpha. In vitro evidence from xenograft models indicated
      that BCL9 promoter/gene knockout inhibited HCC tumor growth and angiogenesis.
      Notably, we found that BCL9 and HIF-1alpha were coordinately regulated in human
      HCC specimen. The above findings suggest that hypoxia may promote the expression
      of BCL9 and associate with the development of HCC. Specific regulation of BCL9
      expression by HIF-1alpha may prove to be an underlying crosstalk between Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling and hypoxia signaling pathways.

PMID- 28074865
TI  - Bendable solid-state supercapacitors with Au nanoparticle-embedded graphene
      hydrogel films.
AB  - In this study, we fabricate bendable solid-state supercapacitors with Au
      nanoparticle (NP)-embedded graphene hydrogel (GH) electrodes and investigate the
      influence of the Au NP embedment on the internal resistance and capacitive
      performance. Embedding the Au NPs into the GH electrodes results in a decrease of
      the internal resistance from 35 to 21 Omega, and a threefold reduction of the IR
      drop at a current density of 5 A/g when compared with GH electrodes without Au
      NPs. The Au NP-embedded GH supercapacitors (NP-GH SCs) exhibit excellent
      capacitive performances, with large specific capacitance (135 F/g) and high
      energy density (15.2 W.h/kg). Moreover, the NP-GH SCs exhibit comparable areal
      capacitance (168 mF/cm2) and operate under tensile/compressive bending.

PMID- 28074866
TI  - "Mycobacterium massilipolynesiensis" sp. nov., a rapidly-growing mycobacterium of
      medical interest related to Mycobacterium phlei.
AB  - In French Polynesia, respiratory tract clinical isolate M26, displayed unusual
      phenotype and contradictory phylogenetic affiliations, suggesting a hitherto
      unidentified rapidly-growing Mycobacterium species. The phenotype of strain M26
      was further characterized and its genome sequenced. Strain M26 genome consists in
      a 5,732,017-bp circular chromosome with a G + C% of 67.54%, comprising 5,500
      protein-coding genes and 52 RNA genes (including two copies of the 16 S rRNA
      gene). One region coding for a putative prophage was also predicted. An
      intriguing characteristic of strain M26's genome is the large number of genes
      encoding polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthases. Phylogenomic
      analysis showed that strain M26's genome is closest to the Mycobacterium phlei
      genome with a 76.6% average nucleotide identity. Comparative genomics of 33
      Mycobacterium genomes yielded 361 genes unique to M26 strain which functional
      annotation revealed 84.21% of unknown function and 3.88% encoding lipid transport
      and metabolism; while 48.87% of genes absent in M26 strain have unknown function,
      9.5% are implicated in transcription and 19% are implicated in transport and
      metabolism. Strain M26's unique phenotypic and genomic characteristics indicate
      it is representative of a new species named "Mycobacterium massilipolynesiensis".
      Looking for mycobacteria in remote areas allows for the discovery of new
      Mycobacterium species.

PMID- 28074867
TI  - The role of macrophages in the susceptibility of Fc gamma receptor IIb deficient
      mice to Cryptococcus neoformans.
AB  - Dysfunctional polymorphisms of FcgammaRIIb, an inhibitory receptor, are
      associated with Systemic Lupus Erythaematosus (SLE). Cryptococcosis is an
      invasive fungal infection in SLE, perhaps due to the de novo immune defect. We
      investigated cryptococcosis in the FcgammaRIIb-/- mouse-lupus-model. Mortality,
      after intravenous C. neoformans-induced cryptococcosis, in young (8-week-old) and
      older (24-week-old) FcgammaRIIb-/- mice, was higher than in age-matched wild
      types. Severe cryptococcosis in the FcgammaRIIb-/- mice was demonstrated by high
      fungal burdens in the internal organs with histological cryptococcoma-like
      lesions and high levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6, but not IL-10. Interestingly,
      FcgammaRIIb-/- macrophages demonstrated more prominent phagocytosis but did not
      differ in killing activity in vitro and the striking TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10
      levels, compared to wild-type cells. Indeed, in vivo macrophage depletion with
      liposomal clodronate attenuated the fungal burdens in FcgammaRIIb-/- mice, but
      not wild-type mice. When administered to wild-type mice, FcgammaRIIb-/-
      macrophages with phagocytosed Cryptococcus resulted in higher fungal burdens than
      FcgammaRIIb+/+ macrophages with phagocytosed Cryptococcus. These results support,
      at least in part, a model whereby, in FcgammaRIIb-/- mice, enhanced C. neoformans
      transmigration occurs through infected macrophages. In summary, prominent
      phagocytosis, with limited effective killing activity, and high pro-inflammatory
      cytokine production by FcgammaRIIb-/- macrophages were correlated with more
      severe cryptococcosis in FcgammaRIIb-/- mice.

PMID- 28074868
TI  - Nucleoplasmin-like domain of FKBP39 from Drosophila melanogaster forms a tetramer
      with partly disordered tentacle-like C-terminal segments.
AB  - Nucleoplasmins are a nuclear chaperone family defined by the presence of a highly
      conserved N-terminal core domain. X-ray crystallographic studies of isolated
      nucleoplasmin core domains revealed a beta-propeller structure consisting of a
      set of five monomers that together form a stable pentamer. Recent studies on
      isolated N-terminal domains from Drosophila 39-kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP39)
      and from other chromatin-associated proteins showed analogous, nucleoplasmin-like
      (NPL) pentameric structures. Here, we report that the NPL domain of the full
      length FKBP39 does not form pentameric complexes. Multi-angle light scattering
      (MALS) and sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation (SE AUC) analyses of the
      molecular mass of the full-length protein indicated that FKBP39 forms
      homotetrameric complexes. Molecular models reconstructed from small-angle X-ray
      scattering (SAXS) revealed that the NPL domain forms a stable, tetrameric core
      and that FK506-binding domains are linked to it by intrinsically disordered,
      flexible chains that form tentacle-like segments. Analyses of full-length FKBP39
      and its isolated NPL domain suggested that the distal regions of the polypeptide
      chain influence and determine the quaternary conformation of the nucleoplasmin
      like protein. These results provide new insights regarding the conserved
      structure of nucleoplasmin core domains and provide a potential explanation for
      the importance of the tetrameric structural organization of full-length
      nucleoplasmins.

PMID- 28074869
TI  - Urinary exosome-derived microRNAs reflecting the changes of renal function and
      histopathology in dogs.
AB  - MicroRNAs act as post-transcriptional regulators, and urinary exosome (UExo)
      derived microRNAs may be used as biomarkers. Herein, we screened for UExo-derived
      microRNAs reflecting kidney disease (KD) status in dogs. Examined dogs were
      divided into healthy kidney control (HC) and KD groups according to renal
      dysfunction. We confirmed the appearance of UExo having irregular globe-shapes in
      a dog by immunoblot detection of the exosome markers, TSG101 and CD9. Based on
      our previous data using KD model mice and the data obtained herein by next
      generation sequencing of UExo-derived microRNAs in dogs, miR-26a, miR-146a, miR
      486, miR-21a, and miR-10a/b were selected as candidate microRNAs. In particular,
      UExo-derived miR-26a and miR-10a/b were significantly decreased in KD dogs, and
      miR-26a levels negatively correlated with deteriorated renal function compared to
      the other miRNAs. UExo-derived miR-21a levels corrected or not to that of
      internal control microRNAs in UExo, miR-26a and miR-191, significantly increased
      with renal dysfunction. In kidney tissues, the decrease of miR-26a and miR-10a/b
      in the glomerulus and miR-10b in the tubulointerstitium negatively correlated
      with deteriorated renal function and histopathology. Increased miR-21a in the
      tubulointerstitium rather than in the glomerulus correlated with deteriorated
      renal histopathology. In conclusion, microRNAs reflecting the changes in renal
      function and histopathology in dogs were identified in this study.

PMID- 28074870
TI  - MicroRNA-155 is upregulated in ascites in patients with spontaneous bacterial
      peritonitis.
AB  - MircoRNA's (miR) have been recognised as important modulators of gene expression
      and potential biomarkers. However, they have been rarely investigated in bio
      fluids apart from blood. We investigated the association of miR-125b and miR-155
      with complications of cirrhosis. Ascites was prospectively collected from
      patients with cirrhosis undergoing paracentesis at our department. miR's were
      determined in the supernatant using qPCR and normalized by SV-40. Clinical
      parameters were assessed at paracentesis and during follow-up. 76 specimens from
      72 patients were analysed. MiR's were not associated to age, sex or aetiology of
      cirrhosis. MiR-125b levels differed between patients with low and high MELD
      score, and miR-125b levels showed an inverse correlation to serum creatinine (r2
      = -0.23; p = 0.05). MiR-155 was elevated in patients with spontaneous bacterial
      peritonitis (SBP) (n = 10; p = 0.04). MiR-155 levels differed between patients
      with and without 30-day survival (p = 0.02). No association of ascites levels of
      investigated miR's to size of varices, episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding or
      hepatorenal syndrome was observed. While miR-125b levels in ascites seem to be
      associated with liver and renal dysfunction, miR-155 might be implicated in local
      immune response in SBP.

PMID- 28074871
TI  - Long-term MODIS observations of cyanobacterial dynamics in Lake Taihu: Responses
      to nutrient enrichment and meteorological factors.
AB  - We developed and validated an empirical model for estimating chlorophyll a
      concentrations (Chla) in Lake Taihu to generate a long-term Chla and algal bloom
      area time series from MODIS-Aqua observations for 2003 to 2013. Then, based on
      the long-term time series data, we quantified the responses of cyanobacterial
      dynamics to nutrient enrichment and climatic conditions. Chla showed substantial
      spatial and temporal variability. In addition, the annual mean cyanobacterial
      surface bloom area exhibited an increasing trend across the entire lake from 2003
      to 2013, with the exception of 2006 and 2007. High air temperature and phosphorus
      levels in the spring can prompt cyanobacterial growth, and low wind speeds and
      low atmospheric pressure levels favor cyanobacterial surface bloom formation. The
      sensitivity of cyanobacterial dynamics to climatic conditions was found to vary
      by region. Our results indicate that temperature is the most important factor
      controlling Chla inter-annual variability followed by phosphorus and that air
      pressure is the most important factor controlling cyanobacterial surface bloom
      formation followed by wind speeds in Lake Taihu.

PMID- 28074872
TI  - Corrigendum: Targeting High Dynamin-2 (DNM2) Expression by Restoring Ikaros
      Function in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

PMID- 28074873
TI  - The NAC-type transcription factor OsNAC2 regulates ABA-dependent genes and
      abiotic stress tolerance in rice.
AB  - Plants can perceive environmental changes and respond to external stressors.
      Here, we show that OsNAC2, a member of the NAC transcription factor family, was
      strongly induced by ABA and osmotic stressors such as drought and high salt. With
      reduced yields under drought conditions at the flowering stage, OsNAC2
      overexpression lines had lower resistance to high salt and drought conditions.
      RNAi plants showed enhanced tolerance to high salinity and drought stress at both
      the vegetative and flowering stages. Furthermore, RNAi plants had improved yields
      after drought stress. A microarray assay indicated that many ABA-dependent stress
      related genes were down-regulated in OsNAC2 overexpression lines. We further
      confirmed that OsNAC2 directly binds the promoters of LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT
      3 (OsLEA3) and Stress-Activated Protein Kinases 1 (OsSAPK1), two marker genes in
      the abiotic stress and ABA response pathways, respectively. Our results suggest
      that in rice OsNAC2 regulates both abiotic stress responses and ABA-mediated
      responses, and acts at the junction between the ABA and abiotic stress pathways.

PMID- 28074874
TI  - Modeling confirmation bias and polarization.
AB  - Online users tend to select claims that adhere to their system of beliefs and to
      ignore dissenting information. Confirmation bias, indeed, plays a pivotal role in
      viral phenomena. Furthermore, the wide availability of content on the web fosters
      the aggregation of likeminded people where debates tend to enforce group
      polarization. Such a configuration might alter the public debate and thus the
      formation of the public opinion. In this paper we provide a mathematical model to
      study online social debates and the related polarization dynamics. We assume the
      basic updating rule of the Bounded Confidence Model (BCM) and we develop two
      variations a) the Rewire with Bounded Confidence Model (RBCM), in which
      discordant links are broken until convergence is reached; and b) the Unbounded
      Confidence Model, under which the interaction among discordant pairs of users is
      allowed even with a negative feedback, either with the rewiring step (RUCM) or
      without it (UCM). From numerical simulations we find that the new models (UCM and
      RUCM), unlike the BCM, are able to explain the coexistence of two stable final
      opinions, often observed in reality. Lastly, we present a mean field
      approximation of the newly introduced models.

PMID- 28074875
TI  - From an indirect response pharmacodynamic model towards a secondary signal model
      of dose-response relationship between exercise training and physical performance.
AB  - The aim of this study was to test the suitability of using indirect responses for
      modeling the effects of physical training on performance. We formulated four
      different models assuming that increase in performance results of the
      transformation of a signal secondary to the primary stimulus which is the
      training dose. The models were designed to be used with experimental data with
      daily training amounts ascribed to input and performance measured at several
      dates ascribed to output. The models were tested using data obtained from six
      subjects who trained on a cycle ergometer over a 15-week period. The data fit for
      each subject was good for all of the models. Goodness-of-fit and consistency of
      parameter estimates favored the model that took into account the inhibition of
      production of training effect. This model produced an inverted-U shape graphic
      when plotting daily training dose against performance because of the effect of
      one training session on the cumulated effects of previous sessions. In
      conclusion, using secondary signal-dependent response provided a framework
      helpful for modeling training effect which could enhance the quantitative methods
      used to analyze how best to dose physical activity for athletic performance or
      healthy living.

PMID- 28074876
TI  - Scale-up of nature's tissue weaving algorithms to engineer advanced functional
      materials.
AB  - We are literally the stuff from which our tissue fabrics and their fibers are
      woven and spun. The arrangement of collagen, elastin and other structural
      proteins in space and time embodies our tissues and organs with amazing
      resilience and multifunctional smart properties. For example, the periosteum, a
      soft tissue sleeve that envelops all nonarticular bony surfaces of the body,
      comprises an inherently "smart" material that gives hard bones added strength
      under high impact loads. Yet a paucity of scalable bottom-up approaches stymies
      the harnessing of smart tissues' biological, mechanical and organizational detail
      to create advanced functional materials. Here, a novel approach is established to
      scale up the multidimensional fiber patterns of natural soft tissue weaves for
      rapid prototyping of advanced functional materials. First second harmonic
      generation and two-photon excitation microscopy is used to map the microscopic
      three-dimensional (3D) alignment, composition and distribution of the collagen
      and elastin fibers of periosteum, the soft tissue sheath bounding all
      nonarticular bone surfaces in our bodies. Then, using engineering rendering
      software to scale up this natural tissue fabric, as well as multidimensional
      weaving algorithms, macroscopic tissue prototypes are created using a computer
      controlled jacquard loom. The capacity to prototype scaled up architectures of
      natural fabrics provides a new avenue to create advanced functional materials.

PMID- 28074877
TI  - Microwave-synthesized freestanding iron-carbon nanotubes on polyester composites
      of woven Kevlar fibre and silver nanoparticle-decorated graphene.
AB  - We synthesized Ag nanoparticle-decorated multilayered graphene nanosheets (Ag
      graphene) from graphite nanoplatelets and silver nitrate through 90-100 s of
      microwave exposure, without the use of any mineral acids or harsh reducing
      agents. Fe nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes (Fe-CNTs) were grown on
      polypyrrole (PPy) deposited on woven Kevlar fibre (WKF), using ferrocene as a
      catalyst, under microwave irradiation. Fe-CNTs grown on WKF and Ag-graphene
      dispersed in polyester resin (PES) were combined to fabricate Ag-graphene/Fe
      CNT/PPy-coated WKF/PES composites by vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding. The
      combined effect of Fe-CNTs and Ag-graphene in the resulting composites resulted
      in a remarkable enhancement of tensile properties (a 192.56% increase in strength
      and 100.64% increase in modulus) as well as impact resistance (a 116.33%
      increase). The electrical conductivity significantly increased for Ag-graphene/Fe
      CNT/PPy-coated WKF/PES composites. The effectiveness of electromagnetic
      interference shielding, which relies strongly on the Ag-graphene content in the
      composites, was 25 times higher in Ag-graphene/Fe-CNT/PPy-coated WKF/PES than in
      neat WKF/PES composites. The current work offers a novel route for fabricating
      highly promising, cost effective WKF/PES composites through microwave-assisted
      synthesis of Fe-CNTs and Ag-graphene.

PMID- 28074878
TI  - Microscopic Evolution of Laboratory Volcanic Hybrid Earthquakes.
AB  - Characterizing the interaction between fluids and microscopic defects is one of
      the long-standing challenges in understanding a broad range of cracking
      processes, in part because they are so difficult to study experimentally. We
      address this issue by reexamining records of emitted acoustic phonon events
      during rock mechanics experiments under wet and dry conditions. The frequency
      spectrum of these events provides direct information regarding the state of the
      system. Such events are typically subdivided into high frequency (HF) and low
      frequency (LF) events, whereas intermediate "Hybrid" events, have HF onsets
      followed by LF ringing. At a larger scale in volcanic terranes, hybrid events are
      used empirically to predict eruptions, but their ambiguous physical origin limits
      their diagnostic use. By studying acoustic phonon emissions from individual
      microcracking events we show that the onset of a secondary instability-related to
      the transition from HF to LF-occurs during the fast equilibration phase of the
      system, leading to sudden increase of fluid pressure in the process zone. As a
      result of this squeezing process, a secondary instability akin to the LF event
      occurs. This mechanism is consistent with observations of hybrid earthquakes.

PMID- 28074879
TI  - Prediction of Local Quality of Protein Structure Models Considering Spatial
      Neighbors in Graphical Models.
AB  - Protein tertiary structure prediction methods have matured in recent years.
      However, some proteins defy accurate prediction due to factors such as inadequate
      template structures. While existing model quality assessment methods predict
      global model quality relatively well, there is substantial room for improvement
      in local quality assessment, i.e. assessment of the error at each residue
      position in a model. Local quality is a very important information for practical
      applications of structure models such as interpreting/designing site-directed
      mutagenesis of proteins. We have developed a novel local quality assessment
      method for protein tertiary structure models. The method, named Graph-based Model
      Quality assessment method (GMQ), explicitly considers the predicted quality of
      spatially neighboring residues using a graph representation of a query protein
      structure model. GMQ uses conditional random field as its core of the algorithm,
      and performs a binary prediction of the quality of each residue in a model,
      indicating if a residue position is likely to be within an error cutoff or not.
      The accuracy of GMQ was improved by considering larger graphs to include quality
      information of more surrounding residues. Moreover, we found that using different
      edge weights in graphs reflecting different secondary structures further improves
      the accuracy. GMQ showed competitive performance on a benchmark for quality
      assessment of structure models from the Critical Assessment of Techniques for
      Protein Structure Prediction (CASP).

PMID- 28074880
TI  - Tailoring Mechanically Robust Poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) Nanofiber/nets for
      Ultrathin High-Efficiency Air Filter.
AB  - Effective promotion of air filtration applications proposed for fibers requires
      their real nanoscale diameter, optimized pore structure, and high service
      strength; however, creating such filter medium has proved to be a tremendous
      challenge. This study first establishes a strategy to design and fabricate novel
      poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) nanofiber/nets (PMIA NF/N) air filter via
      electrospinning/netting. Our strategy results in generation of a bimodal
      structure including a scaffold of nanofibers and abundant two-dimensional
      ultrathin (~20 nm) nanonets to synchronously construct PMIA filters by combining
      solution optimization, humidity regulation, and additive inspiration. Benefiting
      from the structural features including the true nanoscale diameter, small pore
      size, high porosity, and nets bonding contributed by the widely distributed
      nanonets, our PMIA NF/N filter exhibits the integrated properties of superlight
      weight (0.365 g m-2), ultrathin thickness (~0.5 MUm), and high tensile strength
      (72.8 MPa) for effective air filtration, achieving the ultra-low penetration air
      filter level of 99.999% and low pressure drop of 92 Pa for 300-500 nm particles
      by sieving mechanism. The successful synthesis of PMIA NF/N would not only
      provide a promising medium for particle filtration, but also develop a versatile
      platform for exploring the application of nanonets in structural enhancement,
      separation and purification.

PMID- 28074881
TI  - Erratum: Discovery of a Carbazole-Derived Lead Drug for Human African
      Trypanosomiasis.

PMID- 28074883
TI  - Etalon Array Reconstructive Spectrometry.
AB  - Compact spectrometers are crucial in areas where size and weight may need to be
      minimized. These types of spectrometers often contain no moving parts, which
      makes for an instrument that can be highly durable. With the recent proliferation
      in low-cost and high-resolution cameras, camera-based spectrometry methods have
      the potential to make portable spectrometers small, ubiquitous, and cheap. Here,
      we demonstrate a novel method for compact spectrometry that uses an array of
      etalons to perform spectral encoding, and uses a reconstruction algorithm to
      recover the incident spectrum. This spectrometer has the unique capability for
      both high resolution and a large working bandwidth without sacrificing
      sensitivity, and we anticipate that its simplicity makes it an excellent
      candidate whenever a compact, robust, and flexible spectrometry solution is
      needed.

PMID- 28074882
TI  - Immunomagnetic separation of tumor initiating cells by screening two surface
      markers.
AB  - Isolating tumor initiating cells (TICs) often requires screening of multiple
      surface markers, sometimes with opposite preferences. This creates a challenge
      for using bead-based immunomagnetic separation (IMS) that typically enriches
      cells based on one abundant marker. Here, we propose a new strategy that allows
      isolation of CD44+/CD24- TICs by IMS involving both magnetic beads coated by anti
      CD44 antibody and nonmagnetic beads coated by anti-CD24 antibody (referred to as
      two-bead IMS). Cells enriched with our approach showed significant enhancement in
      TIC marker expression (examined by flow cytometry) and improved tumorsphere
      formation efficiency. Our method will extend the application of IMS to cell
      subsets characterized by multiple markers.

PMID- 28074885
TI  - First objective evaluation of taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), a
      paradigm gustatory stimulus in humans.
AB  - Practical and reliable methods for the objective measure of taste function are
      critically important for studying eating behavior and taste function impairment.
      Here, we present direct measures of human gustatory response to a prototypical
      bitter compound, 6-n-propyltiouracil (PROP), obtained by electrophysiological
      recordings from the tongue of subjects who were classified for taster status and
      genotyped for the specific receptor gene (TAS2R38), and in which taste papilla
      density was determined. PROP stimulation evoked negative slow potentials that
      represent the summated depolarization of taste cells. Depolarization amplitude
      and rate were correlated with papilla density and perceived bitterness, and
      associated with taster status and TAS2R38. Our study provides a robust and
      generalizable research tool for the quantitative measure of peripheral taste
      function, which can greatly help to resolve controversial outcomes on the PROP
      phenotype role in taste perception and food preferences, and be potentially
      useful for evaluating nutritional status and health.

PMID- 28074884
TI  - Actin-Interacting Protein 1 Contributes to Intranuclear Rod Assembly in
      Dictyostelium discoideum.
AB  - Intranuclear rods are aggregates consisting of actin and cofilin that are formed
      in the nucleus in consequence of chemical or mechanical stress conditions. The
      formation of rods is implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, such as
      certain myopathies and some neurological disorders. It is still not well
      understood what exactly triggers the formation of intranuclear rods, whether
      other proteins are involved, and what the underlying mechanisms of rod assembly
      or disassembly are. In this study, Dictyostelium discoideum was used to examine
      appearance, stages of assembly, composition, stability, and dismantling of rods.
      Our data show that intranuclear rods, in addition to actin and cofilin, are
      composed of a distinct set of other proteins comprising actin-interacting protein
      1 (Aip1), coronin (CorA), filactin (Fia), and the 34 kDa actin-bundling protein B
      (AbpB). A finely tuned spatio-temporal pattern of protein recruitment was found
      during formation of rods. Aip1 is important for the final state of rod compaction
      indicating that Aip1 plays a major role in shaping the intranuclear rods. In the
      absence of both Aip1 and CorA, rods are not formed in the nucleus, suggesting
      that a sufficient supply of monomeric actin is a prerequisite for rod formation.

PMID- 28074886
TI  - Post-mortem whole-exome analysis in a large sudden infant death syndrome cohort
      with a focus on cardiovascular and metabolic genetic diseases.
AB  - Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is described as the sudden and unexplained
      death of an apparently healthy infant younger than one year of age. Genetic
      studies indicate that up to 35% of SIDS cases might be explained by familial or
      genetic diseases such as cardiomyopathies, ion channelopathies or metabolic
      disorders that remained undetected during conventional forensic autopsy
      procedures. Post-mortem genetic testing by using massive parallel sequencing
      (MPS) approaches represents an efficient and rapid tool to further investigate
      unexplained death cases and might help to elucidate pathogenic genetic variants
      and mechanisms in cases without a conclusive cause of death. In this study, we
      performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 161 European SIDS infants with focus on
      192 genes associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Potentially
      causative variants were detected in 20% of the SIDS cases. The majority of
      infants had variants with likely functional effects in genes associated with
      channelopathies (9%), followed by cardiomyopathies (7%) and metabolic diseases
      (1%). Although lethal arrhythmia represents the most plausible and likely cause
      of death, the majority of SIDS cases still remains elusive and might be explained
      by a multifactorial etiology, triggered by a combination of different genetic and
      environmental risk factors. As WES is not substantially more expensive than a
      targeted sequencing approach, it represents an unbiased screening of the exome,
      which could help to investigate different pathogenic mechanisms within the
      genetically heterogeneous SIDS cohort. Additionally, re-analysis of the datasets
      provides the basis to identify new candidate genes in sudden infant death.

PMID- 28074888
TI  - A review of the carbohydrate-insulin model of obesity.
AB  - The carbohydrate-insulin model of obesity theorizes that diets high in
      carbohydrate are particularly fattening due to their propensity to elevate
      insulin secretion. Insulin directs the partitioning of energy toward storage as
      fat in adipose tissue and away from oxidation by metabolically active tissues and
      purportedly results in a perceived state of cellular internal starvation. In
      response, hunger and appetite increases and metabolism is suppressed, thereby
      promoting the positive energy balance associated with the development of obesity.
      Several logical consequences of this carbohydrate-insulin model of obesity were
      recently investigated in a pair of carefully controlled inpatient feeding studies
      whose results failed to support key model predictions. Therefore, important
      aspects of carbohydrate-insulin model have been experimentally falsified
      suggesting that the model is too simplistic. This review describes the current
      state of the carbohydrate-insulin model and the implications of its recent
      experimental tests.

PMID- 28074887
TI  - Association analysis of dyslexia candidate genes in a Dutch longitudinal sample.
AB  - Dyslexia is a common specific learning disability with a substantive genetic
      component. Several candidate genes have been proposed to be implicated in
      dyslexia susceptibility, such as DYX1C1, ROBO1, KIAA0319, and DCDC2. Associations
      with variants in these genes have also been reported with a variety of
      psychometric measures tapping into the underlying processes that might be
      impaired in dyslexic people. In this study, we first conducted a literature
      review to select single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dyslexia candidate
      genes that had been repeatedly implicated across studies. We then assessed the
      SNPs for association in the richly phenotyped longitudinal data set from the
      Dutch Dyslexia Program. We tested for association with several quantitative
      traits, including word and nonword reading fluency, rapid naming, phoneme
      deletion, and nonword repetition. In this, we took advantage of the longitudinal
      nature of the sample to examine if associations were stable across four
      educational time-points (from 7 to 12 years). Two SNPs in the KIAA0319 gene were
      nominally associated with rapid naming, and these associations were stable across
      different ages. Genetic association analysis with complex cognitive traits can be
      enriched through the use of longitudinal information on trait development.

PMID- 28074889
TI  - Limitations and requirements for measuring metabolic rates: a mini review.
AB  - Metabolic measurement of humans and model animals is an important aspect of
      biomedicine. Particularly, in the case of model animals, the limitations of
      currently widely used metabolic measurement methods are not widely understood. In
      this mini-review, I explain the theoretical underpinnings of flow-through
      respirometry as a linear time-invariant system, and the (usually serious)
      distortions of metabolic data caused by the interaction of chamber volume and
      flow rate. These can be ameliorated by increasing the flow rate through the
      chamber, though this is at the expense of the magnitude of the O2 depletion and
      CO2 enhancement signals from which metabolic rates are calculated. If achieved,
      however, the improvement in temporal response that follows higher flow rates can
      be marked, and allows confident and accurate measurement of resting and active
      energy expenditure. Applications of this approach in multiplexing gas signals
      from multiple cages, and in human room calorimetry, are also discussed.

PMID- 28074890
TI  - Longitudinal association of leisure time physical activity and sedentary
      behaviors with body weight among Chinese adults from China Health and Nutrition
      Survey 2004-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Present study aims to longitudinally explore independent
      association of physical activity and sedentary behaviors with body weight.
      SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study included 15050 adults who have complete demographic
      and dietary data, leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and sedentary behavior
      evaluations, anthropometric measurements from longitudinal data of China Health
      and Nutrition Survey 2004-2011. Three-level mixed-effects linear and logistic
      regression models were performed for association analysis. RESULTS: Overweight
      and obesity prevalence in men and women progressively increased from 2004 to
      2011. MET-h/week from LTPA declined, whereas time (h/day) spent in sedentary
      behaviors increased in men and women over 7 years. After adjustment for
      confounders, LTPA (MET-h/week) was linked with weight gain for moderate
      (beta=0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16-0.60, P<0.01) and low (beta=0.52,
      95% CI: 0.23-0.81, P<0.01) versus high LTPA in men; weight was increased by 0.7
      kg (95% CI: 0.44-0.93, P<0.001) and 0.4 kg (95% CI: 0.12-0.68, P<0.01) among men
      and women without LTPA, respectively, compared with those with high LTPA.
      Sedentary behavior was associated with weight gain in men (beta=0.45, 95% CI:
      0.14-0.76, P<0.01) and in women (beta=0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.49, P<0.05) for high
      versus low level. Moreover, overweight and obesity risk in men with low LTPA or
      without LTPA was 1.88 (95% CI: 1.15-2.51, P<0.05) and 2.01 (95% CI: 1.41-3.03,
      P<0.001) times higher than those with high LTPA, respectively. Odds of overweight
      and obesity were increased to 1.63 (95% CI: 1.29-2.21, P<0.01) times in women
      with low LTPA and 1.69 (95% CI: 1.37-2.27, P<0.001) times in women without LTPA
      compared with those with high LTPA. High level sedentary behavior was associated
      with 19% (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.04-1.35, P<0.05) greater odds of overweight and
      obesity against low level in men. CONCLUSIONS: LTPA and sedentary behaviors are
      independently and longitudinally associated with overweight and obesity,
      especially in men.

PMID- 28074891
TI  - Intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc and polyunsaturated fatty acids
      and upper respiratory tract infection-a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have
      a role in the human immune defense and may affect the susceptibility to upper
      respiratory tract infection (URTI). To examine dietary intake of vitamin C,
      vitamin E, selenium, zinc and PUFAs in relation to URTI incidence in a
      prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 1533 Swedish women and men
      aged 25-64 years were followed for nine months during 2011-2012. Information on
      dietary intake was assessed through a web-based food frequency questionnaire, and
      events of URTI were self-reported prospectively as they occurred. Cox
      proportional hazards regression was applied to obtain incidence rate ratios with
      95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The mean number of URTI events was 0.9 among
      all participants, 1.0 among women and 0.7 among men. In women, the incidence rate
      ratios (95% confidence interval) for high compared with low intake were 0.69
      (0.55-0.88) for vitamin C, 0.77 (0.62-0.96) for vitamin E, 0.57 (0.39-0.83) for
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.80 (0.65-0.99) for arachidonic acid (AA). No
      association was found for selenium or zinc among women. In men, an increased URTI
      incidence was seen with medium vitamin E intake (1.42 (1.09-1.85)) and high zinc
      intake (1.50 (1.04-2.16)). No association was found for vitamin C, selenium or
      PUFAs among men. CONCLUSIONS: We found an inverse association of URTI incidence
      among women for vitamin C, vitamin E, DHA and AA intake and a positive
      association among men for vitamin E and zinc intake. The observed gender
      differences warrant further investigation.

PMID- 28074892
TI  - Are sleep duration, midpoint of sleep and sleep quality associated with dietary
      intake among Bavarian adults?
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Only few epidemiologic studies examined sleep
      characteristics in relation to dietary behaviour. Our aim was to analyse
      associations of sleep duration, midpoint of sleep and sleep quality with dietary
      intake among the Bavarian population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Within the cross
      sectional Bavarian Food Consumption Survey II, 1050 subjects aged 13-81 years
      were recruited. Dietary intake was assessed with three 24-h dietary recalls by
      telephone (EPIC-Soft). In our study, 814 participants aged 18 years or older, who
      completed at least two 24-h dietary recalls and who had complete and plausible
      information on sleep characteristics were analysed. Dietary intake was described
      by the consumption of main food groups, energy-proving nutrients and energy
      intake. Sleep was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire,
      from which categories of self-reported usual sleep duration in half-h-steps per
      night, midpoint of sleep and overall sleep quality were derived. RESULTS: Sleep
      duration was associated with intake of non-alcoholic beverages (P<0.01),
      carbonated beverages (P=0.04), water (P=0.04) and coffee/black tea (P=0.01) with
      higher intake among short duration sleepers. No association was found between the
      consumption of other main food groups, energy-proving nutrients or total daily
      energy intake and sleep duration. Midpoint of sleep was associated with intake of
      carbonated beverages (P=0.02, highest intake among subjects with early midpoint
      of sleep). No association between sleep quality and dietary intake was detected.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate only specific associations between sleep
      characteristics and dietary intake, and mainly sleep duration was associated with
      beverage intake.

PMID- 28074893
TI  - Understanding the molecular mechanism for the differential inhibitory activities
      of compounds against MTH1.
AB  - MTH1 can hydrolyze oxidized nucleotides and is required for cancer survival. The
      IC50 values were 0.8 nM for TH287 with a methyl substitution, 5.0 nM for TH588
      with a cyclopropyl substitution, and 2.1 MUM for TH650 with an oxetanyl
      substitution. Thus, it is very significant to understand inhibitory mechanisms of
      these structurally similar compounds against MTH1 and influences of the
      substituent on the bioactivities. Our MD researches indicate that TH287 maintains
      significant hydrogen bonds with Asn33 and Asp119, stabilizes the binding site,
      and induces MTH1 adopt a closed motion, leading to a high inhibitory activity.
      When bound with TH588, the binding site can be partially stabilized and take a
      semi-closed state, which is because the cyclopropyl group in TH588 has larger
      steric hindrance than a methyl group in TH287. So TH588 has a slightly reduced
      inhibitory activity compared to TH287. TH650 induces greater conformation
      fluctuations than TH588 and the binding site adopts an opening state, which is
      caused by the large bulk of oxetanyl group and the interference of solvent on the
      oxetanyl substituent, leading to the lowest inhibitory activity. Thus, the
      inhibitory activity follows a TH287 > TH588 > TH650 trend, which well matches
      with the experimental finding.

PMID- 28074894
TI  - Characteristics of unilateral tibial plateau fractures among adult patients
      hospitalized at an orthopaedic trauma centre in China.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of unilateral tibial
      plateau fractures among hospitalized adult patients in Xijing Hospital, to
      evaluate the accuracy of Schatzker classification system and AO/OTA
      classification system to tibial plateau fractures. We retrospectively analysed
      clinical data on 274 patients admitted to Xijing Hospital between September 2006
      and August 2015. The patients' demographic characteristics, admission periods and
      seasons, external causes and fracture types were recorded and summarized. Then
      the characteristics of tibial plateau fractures and the accuracy rate of these
      two classification systems were analysed. Schatzker type II fractures and AO/OTA
      type 41-B3 fractures were the most common types. The external causes differed
      between genders, types of employment, urban-rural residents and both two systems.
      In addition, some fractures were difficult to classify using Schatzker or AO/OTA
      classification system. Rural male physical labourers aged between 30-59 years-old
      were most likely to suffer from unilateral tibial plateau fractures, due to
      traffic accidents, falls and indoor activity injuries, or falls from height. We
      should pay more attention to the related people and professions, which
      contributed to the high occurrence of tibial plateau fractures. Besides that,
      further improvements are required for both Schatzker and AO/OTA classification
      systems.

PMID- 28074895
TI  - Multi-cellular natural killer (NK) cell clusters enhance NK cell activation
      through localizing IL-2 within the cluster.
AB  - Multi-cellular cluster formation of natural killer (NK) cells occurs during in
      vivo priming and potentiates their activation to IL-2. However, the precise
      mechanism underlying this synergy within NK cell clusters remains unclear. We
      employed lymphocyte-laden microwell technologies to modulate contact-mediated
      multi-cellular interactions among activating NK cells and to quantitatively
      assess the molecular events occurring in multi-cellular clusters of NK cells. NK
      cells in social microwells, which allow cell-to-cell contact, exhibited
      significantly higher levels of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) signaling compared with
      those in lonesome microwells, which prevent intercellular contact. Further, CD25,
      an IL-2R alpha chain, and lytic granules of NK cells in social microwells were
      polarized toward MTOC. Live cell imaging of lytic granules revealed their dynamic
      and prolonged polarization toward neighboring NK cells without degranulation.
      These results suggest that IL-2 bound on CD25 of one NK cells triggered IL-2
      signaling of neighboring NK cells. These results were further corroborated by
      findings that CD25-KO NK cells exhibited lower proliferation than WT NK cells,
      and when mixed with WT NK cells, underwent significantly higher level of
      proliferation. These data highlights the existence of IL-2 trans-presentation
      between NK cells in the local microenvironment where the availability of IL-2 is
      limited.

PMID- 28074896
TI  - The Neuropeptide Oxytocin Enhances Information Sharing and Group Decision Making
      Quality.
AB  - Groups can make better decisions than individuals when members cooperatively
      exchange and integrate their uniquely held information and insights. However,
      under conformity pressures group members are biased towards exchanging commonly
      known information, and away from exchanging unique information, thus undermining
      group decision-making quality. At the neurobiological level, conformity
      associates with the neuropeptide oxytocin. A double-blind placebo controlled
      study found no evidence for oxytocin induced conformity. Compared to placebo
      groups, three-person groups whose members received intranasal oxytocin, focused
      more on unique information (i) and repeated this information more often (ii).
      These findings reveal oxytocin as a neurobiological driver of group decision
      making processes.

PMID- 28074897
TI  - Prognostic factors in neuroendocrine carcinoma: biological markers are more
      useful than histomorphological markers.
AB  - Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NEC) are a very aggressive
      type of cancer, for which prognostic factors are lacking. We analysed clinical
      and histomorphological prognostic markers of overall survival (OS), completed
      with a record of biological and haematological data of patients diagnosed between
      December 2002 and December 2015. The median OS was 16 months (95% CI 13.9-18.1).
      After univariate analysis, performance status (PS) >= 2 and stage IV were
      associated with a worse outcome (9 months and 14 months, respectively), as well
      as patients with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
      levels >= 2 ULN (9 months and 8 months, respectively). After multivariate
      analysis, LDH and AST levels were the only factors that remained significantly
      associated with better survival: HR 0.36 (p = 0.04) and 0.31 (p = 0.03),
      respectively. When patients had elevated LDH and AST levels, OS was 20 months,
      when they had high LDH or AST levels, 13 months and 8 months in the group with
      low LDH and AST levels (p < 0.001). Therefore, biological data appeared to be
      more relevant prognostic factors than usual factors described in other studies
      (PS, stage, and Ki-67). Considering LDH and AST levels at diagnosis could help
      physicians to predict survival and to stratify patients for clinical trials.

PMID- 28074898
TI  - The "curved lead pathway" method to enable a single lead to reach any two
      intracranial targets.
AB  - Deep brain stimulation is an effective way to treat movement disorders, and a
      powerful research tool for exploring brain functions. This report proposes a
      "curved lead pathway" method for lead implantation, such that a single lead can
      reach in sequence to any two intracranial targets. A new type of stereotaxic
      system for implanting a curved lead to the brain of human/primates was designed,
      the auxiliary device needed for this method to be used in rat/mouse was
      fabricated and verified in rat, and the Excel algorithm used for automatically
      calculating the necessary parameters was implemented. This "curved lead pathway"
      method of lead implantation may complement the current method, make lead
      implantation for multiple targets more convenient, and expand the experimental
      techniques of brain function research.

PMID- 28074899
TI  - MOF-derived multifractal porous carbon with ultrahigh lithium-ion storage
      performance.
AB  - Porous carbon is one of the most promising alternatives to traditional graphite
      materials in lithium-ion batteries. This is not only attributed to its advantages
      of good safety, stability and electrical conductivity, which are held by all the
      carbon-based electrodes, but also especially ascribed to its relatively high
      capacity and excellent cycle stability. Here we report the design and synthesis
      of a highly porous pure carbon material with multifractal structures. This
      material is prepared by the vacuum carbonization of a zinc-based metal-organic
      framework, which demonstrates an ultrahigh lithium storage capacity of 2458 mAh g
      1 and a favorable high-rate performance. The associations between the structural
      features and the lithium storage mechanism are also revealed by small-angle X-ray
      scattering (SAXS), especially the closed pore effects on lithium-ion storage.

PMID- 28074900
TI  - Physical controllability of complex networks.
AB  - A challenging problem in network science is to control complex networks. In
      existing frameworks of structural or exact controllability, the ability to steer
      a complex network toward any desired state is measured by the minimum number of
      required driver nodes. However, if we implement actual control by imposing input
      signals on the minimum set of driver nodes, an unexpected phenomenon arises: due
      to computational or experimental error there is a great probability that
      convergence to the final state cannot be achieved. In fact, the associated
      control cost can become unbearably large, effectively preventing actual control
      from being realized physically. The difficulty is particularly severe when the
      network is deemed controllable with a small number of drivers. Here we develop a
      physical controllability framework based on the probability of achieving actual
      control. Using a recently identified fundamental chain structure underlying the
      control energy, we offer strategies to turn physically uncontrollable networks
      into physically controllable ones by imposing slightly augmented set of input
      signals on properly chosen nodes. Our findings indicate that, although full
      control can be theoretically guaranteed by the prevailing structural
      controllability theory, it is necessary to balance the number of driver nodes and
      control cost to achieve physical control.

PMID- 28074901
TI  - Live visualization of genomic loci with BiFC-TALE.
AB  - Tracking the dynamics of genomic loci is important for understanding the
      mechanisms of fundamental intracellular processes. However, fluorescent labeling
      and imaging of such loci in live cells have been challenging. One of the major
      reasons is the low signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of images mainly caused by
      the background fluorescence from diffuse full-length fluorescent proteins (FPs)
      in the living nucleus, hampering the application of live cell genomic labeling
      methods. Here, combining bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and
      transcription activator-like effector (TALE) technologies, we developed a novel
      method for labeling genomic loci (BiFC-TALE), which largely reduces the
      background fluorescence level. Using BiFC-TALE, we demonstrated a significantly
      improved SBR by imaging telomeres and centromeres in living cells in comparison
      with the methods using full-length FP.

PMID- 28074902
TI  - A reduced mechanical model for cAMP-modulated gating in HCN channels.
AB  - We developed an in silico mechanical model to analyze the process of cAMP-induced
      conformational modulations in hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated
      (HCN) channels, which conduct cations across the membrane of mammalian heart and
      brain cells. The structural analysis reveals a quaternary twist in the cytosolic
      parts of the four subunits in the channel tetramer. This motion augments the
      intrinsic dynamics of the very same protein structure. The pronounced differences
      between the cAMP bound and unbound form include a mutual interaction between the
      C-linker of the cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) and the linker between
      the S4 and S5 transmembrane domain of the channel. This allows a mechanistic
      annotation of the twisting motion in relation to the allosteric modulation of
      voltage-dependent gating of this channel by cAMP.

PMID- 28074903
TI  - Alterations in the brain adenosine metabolism cause behavioral and neurological
      impairment in ADA-deficient mice and patients.
AB  - Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) deficiency is an autosomal recessive variant of severe
      combined immunodeficiency (SCID) caused by systemic accumulation of ADA
      substrates. Neurological and behavioral abnormalities observed in ADA-SCID
      patients surviving after stem cell transplantation or gene therapy represent an
      unresolved enigma in the field. We found significant neurological and cognitive
      alterations in untreated ADA-SCID patients as well as in two groups of patients
      after short- and long-term enzyme replacement therapy with PEG-ADA. These
      included motor dysfunction, EEG alterations, sensorineural hypoacusia, white
      matter and ventricular alterations in MRI as well as a low mental development
      index or IQ. Ada-deficient mice were significantly less active and showed anxiety
      like behavior. Molecular and metabolic analyses showed that this phenotype
      coincides with metabolic alterations and aberrant adenosine receptor signaling.
      PEG-ADA treatment corrected metabolic adenosine-based alterations, but not
      cellular and signaling defects, indicating an intrinsic nature of the
      neurological and behavioral phenotype in ADA deficiency.

PMID- 28074904
TI  - Gd(III)-induced Supramolecular Hydrogelation with Enhanced Magnetic Resonance
      Performance for Enzyme Detection.
AB  - Here we report a supramolecular hydrogel based on Gd(III)-peptide complexes with
      dramatically enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) performance. The hydrogelations
      were formed by adding Gd(III) ion to the nanofiber dispersion of self-assembling
      peptides naphthalene-Gly-Phe-Phe-Tyr-Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp (Nap-GFFYGRGD) or
      naphthalene-Gly-Phe-Phe-Tyr-Gly-Arg-Gly-Glu (Nap-GFFYGRGE). We further showed
      that, by adjusting the molar ratio between Gd(III) and the corresponding peptide,
      the mechanical property of resulting gels could be fine-tuned. The longitudinal
      relaxivity (r1) of the Nap-GFFYGRGE-Gd(III) was 58.9 mM-1 S-1, which to our
      knowledge is the highest value for such peptide-Gd(III) complexes so far. Such an
      enhancement of r1 value could be applied for enzyme detection in aqueous
      solutions and cell lysates.

PMID- 28074905
TI  - MiR-488 inhibits proliferation and cisplatin sensibility in non-small-cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) cells by activating the eIF3a-mediated NER signaling pathway.
AB  - Our previous studied indicated that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3a
      (eIF3a) increases the sensitive of platinum-based chemotherapy in lung cancer.
      MiRNAs play an important role in lung carcinogenesis and drug response. In this
      study, we aimed to identify potential endogenous miRNAs that inhibit eIF3a
      expression and determine their influence of this inhibition on cisplatin
      resistance. Using bioinformatics analysis prediction and confirmation with dual
      luciferase reporter assays, we found that miRNA-488 inhibited eIF3a expression by
      directly binding to the 3'UTR of eIF3a. In addition, the overexpression of miRNA
      488 inhibited cell migration and invasion in A549 cells, and also inhibited cell
      proliferation, cell cycle progression by elevated P27 expression. Compared to the
      parental cell line, A549/cisplatin (DDP) resistant cells exhibited a higher level
      of miRNA-488. Moreover, we found that miRNA-488 was associated with cisplatin
      resistance in three NSCLC cells (A549, H1299 and SK-MES-1). The mechanism of
      miRNA-488 induced cisplatin resistance was that miRNA-488 activated nucleotide
      excision repair (NER) by increasing the expression of Replication Protein A (RPA)
      14 and Xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC). In conclusion, our results
      demonstrated that miRNA-488 is a tumor suppressor miRNA that acts by targeting
      eIF3a. Moreover, miRNA-488 also participates in eIF3a mediated cisplatin
      resistance in NSCLC cells.

PMID- 28074906
TI  - Antiproliferative Effects of 1alpha-OH-vitD3 in Malignant Melanoma: Potential
      Therapeutic implications.
AB  - Early detection and surgery represent the mainstay of treatment for superficial
      melanoma, but for high risk lesions (Breslow's thickness >0.75 mm) an effective
      adjuvant therapy is lacking. Vitamin D insufficiency plays a relevant role in
      cancer biology. The biological effects of 1alpha hydroxycholecalciferol on
      experimental melanoma models were investigated. 105 melanoma patients were
      checked for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (circulating vitamin D) serum levels. Human
      derived melanoma cell lines and in vivo xenografts were used for studying 1alpha
      hydroxycholecalciferol-mediated biological effects on cell proliferation and
      tumor growth. 99 out of 105 (94%) melanoma patients had insufficient 25
      hydroxycholecalciferol serum levels. Interestingly among the six with vitamin D
      in the normal range, five had a diagnosis of in situ/microinvasive melanoma.
      Treatment with 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol induced antiproliferative effects on
      melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo, modulating the expression of cell cycle key
      regulatory molecules. Cell cycle arrest in G1 or G2 phase was invariably observed
      in vitamin D treated melanoma cells. The antiproliferative activity induced by
      1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol in experimental melanoma models, together with the
      discovery of insufficient 25-hydroxycholecalciferol serum levels in melanoma
      patients, provide the rationale for using vitamin D in melanoma adjuvant therapy,
      alone or in association with other therapeutic options.

PMID- 28074908
TI  - Mapping curved spacetimes into Dirac spinors.
AB  - We show how to transform a Dirac equation in a curved static spacetime into a
      Dirac equation in flat spacetime. In particular, we show that any solution of the
      free massless Dirac equation in a 1 + 1 dimensional flat spacetime can be
      transformed via a local phase transformation into a solution of the corresponding
      Dirac equation in a curved static background, where the spacetime metric is
      encoded into the phase. In this way, the existing quantum simulators of the Dirac
      equation can naturally incorporate curved static spacetimes. As a first example
      we use our technique to obtain solutions of the Dirac equation in a particular
      family of interesting spacetimes in 1 + 1 dimensions.

PMID- 28074907
TI  - Insights into an evolutionary strategy leading to antibiotic resistance.
AB  - Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) with activity towards a broad-spectrum of beta
      lactam antibiotics have become a major threat to public health, not least due to
      their ability to rapidly adapt their substrate preference. In this study, the
      capability of the MBL AIM-1 to evade antibiotic pressure by introducing specific
      mutations was probed by two alternative methods, i.e. site-saturation mutagenesis
      (SSM) of active site residues and in vitro evolution. Both approaches
      demonstrated that a single mutation in AIM-1 can greatly enhance a pathogen's
      resistance towards broad spectrum antibiotics without significantly compromising
      the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Importantly, the evolution experiments
      demonstrated that relevant amino acids are not necessarily in close proximity to
      the catalytic centre of the enzyme. This observation is a powerful demonstration
      that MBLs have a diverse array of possibilities to adapt to new selection
      pressures, avenues that cannot easily be predicted from a crystal structure
      alone.

PMID- 28074909
TI  - Extreme weather caused by concurrent cyclone, front and thunderstorm occurrences.
AB  - Phenomena such as cyclones, fronts and thunderstorms can cause extreme weather in
      various regions throughout the world. Although these phenomena have been examined
      in numerous studies, they have not all been systematically examined in
      combination with each other, including in relation to extreme precipitation and
      extreme winds throughout the world. Consequently, the combined influence of these
      phenomena represents a substantial gap in the current understanding of the causes
      of extreme weather events. Here we present a systematic analysis of cyclones,
      fronts and thunderstorms in combination with each other, as represented by seven
      different types of storm combinations. Our results highlight the storm
      combinations that most frequently cause extreme weather in various regions of the
      world. The highest risk of extreme precipitation and extreme wind speeds is found
      to be associated with a triple storm type characterized by concurrent cyclone,
      front and thunderstorm occurrences. Our findings reveal new insight on the
      relationships between cyclones, fronts and thunderstorms and clearly demonstrate
      the importance of concurrent phenomena in causing extreme weather.

PMID- 28074910
TI  - Myosin phosphatase and RhoA-activated kinase modulate arginine methylation by the
      regulation of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 in hepatocellular carcinoma
      cells.
AB  - Myosin phosphatase (MP) holoenzyme is a protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) type Ser/Thr
      specific enzyme that consists of a PP1 catalytic (PP1c) and a myosin phosphatase
      target subunit-1 (MYPT1). MYPT1 is an ubiquitously expressed isoform and it
      targets PP1c to its substrates. We identified the protein arginine
      methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) enzyme of the methylosome complex as a MYPT1-binding
      protein uncovering the nuclear MYPT1-interactome of hepatocellular carcinoma
      cells. It is shown that PRMT5 is regulated by phosphorylation at Thr80 by RhoA
      associated protein kinase and MP. Silencing of MYPT1 increased the level of the
      PRMT5-specific symmetric dimethylation on arginine residues of histone 2 A/4, a
      repressing gene expression mark, and it resulted in a global change in the
      expression of genes affecting cellular processes like growth, proliferation and
      cell death, also affecting the expression of the retinoblastoma protein and c
      Myc. The phosphorylation of the MP inhibitory MYPT1T850 and the regulatory
      PRMT5T80 residues as well as the symmetric dimethylation of H2A/4 were elevated
      in human hepatocellular carcinoma and in other types of cancers. These changes
      correlated positively with the grade and state of the tumors. Our results suggest
      the tumor suppressor role of MP via inhibition of PRMT5 thereby regulating gene
      expression through histone arginine dimethylation.

PMID- 28074911
TI  - Further evidence for microtubule-independent dimerization of TPPP/p25.
AB  - Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Protein (TPPP/p25) is a brain-specific
      disordered protein that modulates the dynamics and stability of the microtubule
      network by its assembly promoting, cross-linking and acetylation enhancing
      activities. In normal brain it is expressed primarily in differentiated
      oligodendrocytes; however, at pathological conditions it is enriched in
      inclusions of both neurons and oligodendrocytes characteristic for Parkinson's
      disease and multiple system atrophy, respectively. The objective of this paper is
      to highlight a critical point of a recently published Skoufias's paper in which
      the crucial role of the microtubules in TPPP/p25 dimerization leading to
      microtubule bundling was suggested. However, our previous and present data
      provide evidence for the microtubule-independent dimerization of TPPP/p25 and its
      stabilization by disulphide bridges. In addition, our bimolecular fluorescence
      complementation experiments revealed the dimerization ability of both the full
      length and the terminal-free (CORE) TPPP/p25 forms, however, while TPPP/p25
      aligned along the bundled microtubule network, the associated CORE segments
      distributed mostly homogeneously within the cytosol. Now, we identified a
      molecular model from the possible ones suggested in the Skoufias's paper that
      could be responsible for stabilization of the microtubule network in the course
      of the oligodendrocyte differentiation, consequently in the constitution of the
      myelin sheath.

PMID- 28074912
TI  - Influences of calcium silicate on chemical forms and subcellular distribution of
      cadmium in Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.
AB  - A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of calcium silicate
      (CS) on the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium (Cd) in grain
      amaranths (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. Cv. 'K112') grown in a Cd contaminated
      soil. Results showed that the dry weight and the photosynthetic pigments contents
      in grain amaranths increased significantly with the increasing doses of CS
      treatments, with the highest value found for the treatment of CS3 (1.65 g/kg).
      Compared with the control, application of CS4 (3.31 g/kg) significantly reduced
      Cd concentrations in the roots, stems and leaves of grain amaranths by 68%, 87%
      and 89%, respectively. At subcellular level, CS treatment resulted in
      redistribution of Cd, higher percentages of Cd in the chloroplast and soluble
      fractions in leaves of grain amaranths were found, while lower proportions of Cd
      were located at the cell wall of the leaves. The application of CS enhanced the
      proportions of pectate and protein integrated forms of Cd and decreased the
      percentages of water soluble Cd potentially associated with toxicity in grain
      amaranths. Changes of free Cd ions into inactive forms sequestered in subcellular
      compartments may indicate an important mechanism of CS for alleviating Cd
      toxicity and accumulation in plants.

PMID- 28074913
TI  - Auditory Localisation Biases Increase with Sensory Uncertainty.
AB  - Psychophysical studies have frequently found that adults with normal hearing
      exhibit systematic errors (biases) in their auditory localisation judgments. Here
      we tested (i) whether systematic localisation errors could reflect reliance on
      prior knowledge, as has been proposed for other systematic perceptual biases, and
      (ii) whether auditory localisation biases can be reduced following training with
      accurate visual feedback. Twenty-four normal hearing participants were asked to
      localise the position of a noise burst along the azimuth before, during, and
      after training with visual feedback. Consistent with reliance on prior knowledge
      to reduce sensory uncertainty, we found that auditory localisation biases
      increased when auditory localisation uncertainty increased. Specifically,
      participants mis-localised auditory stimuli as being more eccentric than they
      were, and did so more when auditory uncertainty was greater. However, biases also
      increased with eccentricity, despite no corresponding increase in uncertainty,
      which is not readily explained by use of a simple prior favouring peripheral
      locations. Localisation biases decreased (improved) following training with
      visual feedback, but the reliability of the visual feedback stimulus did not
      change the effects of training. We suggest that further research is needed to
      identify alternative mechanisms, besides use of prior knowledge, that could
      account for increased perceptual biases under sensory uncertainty.

PMID- 28074914
TI  - Hydroxysafflor yellow A attenuates the expression of inflammatory cytokines in
      acute soft tissue injury.
AB  - We examined the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on the inflammatory
      response to strike-induced acute soft tissue injury in rats. Soft tissue injury
      was induced in rat leg muscles using a strike hammer, followed by intraperitoneal
      administration of HSYA at 16, 32, or 64 mg/kg. After 24 h, the rats were
      anaesthetized, blood and muscle samples were taken. Plasma levels of interleukin
      (IL)-6, IL-1beta, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alphawere measured by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay. Total RNA and protein were isolated from muscle
      tissue to determine the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, vascular cell
      adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and the
      protein level of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).
      Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB expression was determined by muscle histopathology and
      immunohistochemistry. HSYA attenuated pathologic changes instrike-induced soft
      tissue inflammation. Treatment with HSYA also alleviated strike-induced increases
      in TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1mRNA levels and inhibited the
      increased activation of NF-kappaB and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in muscle
      tissue. These findings suggest that HSYA effectively inhibits strike-induced
      inflammatory signal transduction in rats.

PMID- 28074915
TI  - Psychological distress and cancer pain: Results from a controlled cross-sectional
      survey in China.
AB  - We evaluated the pain associated with cancer and its impact on pain management,
      anxiety, and depression in Chinese patients using a controlled cross-sectional
      study. One hundred and twenty-six cancer outpatients were evaluated from January
      2012 to June 2014; 64 reported pain and 62 did not. Patients with cancer eligible
      for this study were older than 18 years and able to effectively communicate with
      medical personnel. Patients were administered a questionnaire regarding their
      medical status. The information collected was used along with patient charts to
      complete a socio-demographic and clinical characteristic summary for each
      patient. Results showed that patients who reported pain had mean State-Trait
      Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores of 46.38 for state anxiety and 44.64 for trait
      anxiety, as well as a mean BDI (Beck Depression Inventory) score of 19.17. The
      pain-free patient group had mean STAI scores of 40.73 for state anxiety and 42.87
      for trait anxiety, and a mean BDI score of 15.35. In conclusion, patients who
      reported pain were more prone to anxiety and depression, with pain severity being
      a strong predictor of anxiety. Adequate pain assessment and adjustment proved
      necessary for pain management.

PMID- 28074916
TI  - Corrigendum: IL-17 Promotes Angiogenic Factors IL-6, IL-8, and Vegf Production
      via Stat1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 28074917
TI  - Corrigendum: A unique peptide deformylase platform to rationally design and
      challenge novel active compounds.

PMID- 28074918
TI  - Regulation of plasma histamine levels by the mast cell clock and its modulation
      by stress.
AB  - At steady state, plasma histamine levels exhibit circadian variations with
      nocturnal peaks, which is implicated in the nighttime exacerbation of allergic
      symptoms. However, the regulatory mechanisms are largely unexplored. This study
      determined how steady-state plasma histamine levels are regulated and affected by
      environmental factors. We found that plasma histamine levels decreased in mast
      cell-deficient mice and their circadian variations were lost in mast cell
      deficient mice reconstituted with bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs)
      harboring a mutation in the circadian gene Clock. Clock temporally regulates
      expression of organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3), which is involved in histamine
      transport, in mast cells; OCT inhibition abolished circadian variations in plasma
      histamine levels. Mice housed under aberrant light/dark conditions or suffering
      from restraint stress exhibited de-synchronization of the mast cell clockwork,
      concomitant with the loss of circadian variations in OCT3 expression and plasma
      histamine levels. The degree of compound 48/80-induced plasma extravasation in
      mice was correlated with plasma histamine levels. Collectively, the mast cell
      clock mediates circadian regulation of plasma histamine levels at steady state,
      in part by controlling OCT3 expression, which can be modulated by stress.
      Additionally, we propose that plasma histamine levels potentiate mast cell
      mediated allergic reactions.

PMID- 28074919
TI  - Development of microsatellite markers and estimation of inbreeding frequency in
      the parasitoid wasp Melittobia.
AB  - The parasitoid wasp Melittobia is an important insect for basic and applied
      biology. Specifically, their extremely female-biased sex ratios, which contrast
      to the prediction of pre-existing theories, are needed to be explained from the
      aspect of evolutionary biology. In this study, using next-generation sequencing,
      20 microsatellite loci were developed and characterized for M. australica. The
      developed loci were used to analyze two populations, one from a mainland Japan
      and one from the Okinawa island region. Both populations showed a smaller
      observed heterozygosity than expected, and a high inbreeding coefficient.
      Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were recorded for the majority of the
      20 loci, suggesting that both the populations are subdivided due to inbreeding as
      is expected by the reproductive biology in Melittobia. The sib-mating frequency
      in the two populations was calculated as 0.873 and 0.996, which is higher than
      the values estimated by the number of females observed in a host cocoon or cell,
      implying that closely related females lay eggs on a host. The microsatellite loci
      developed in this study can be used for more comprehensive analyses to identify
      genetic structure in natural populations for understanding their sex allocation
      behavior and for more generally evolutionary and population genetic studies.

PMID- 28074921
TI  - Heat-Related Hospitalizations in Older Adults: An Amplified Effect of the First
      Seasonal Heatwave.
AB  - Older adults are highly vulnerable to the detriment of extreme weather. The rapid
      non-linear increase in heat-related morbidity is difficult to quantify, hindering
      the attribution of direct effects of exposure on severe health outcomes. We
      examine the effects of ambient temperatures on heat-related hospitalizations (HH)
      among the elderly in presence of strong seasonality and by assessing the effects
      caused by the first and subsequent seasonal heatwaves. We empirically derived the
      thresholds for a heatwave episode in Boston MSA based on 16 years of daily
      observations. We compared the health risks of heatwaves using the proposed and
      four alternative definitions. 701 cases of HH in older residents of Boston area
      were examined using harmonic regression models, designed to capture the non
      linear effects of ambient temperatures and heatwave episodes when the night-time
      temperature is above 65.5  degrees F for 3 consecutive nights. The overall
      relative risk of HH associated with a heatwave episode was 6.9 [95%CI:4.8-9.8].
      The relative risk of HH associated with the first heatwave increases up to 13.3
      [95%CI:7.4-24.0]. The risk declined to 3.7 [95%CI:2.4-5.8] for the subsequent
      heatwave. Four other commonly used heatwave definitions confirmed these findings.
      Public health actions have to target the first heatwave to maximize the impact of
      preventive measures.

PMID- 28074923
TI  - Bacterial community composition in costal dunes of the Mediterranean along a
      gradient from the sea shore to the inland.
AB  - Sand dunes are unique ecosystems with distinct features which limited the
      accumulation of biomass. The distance from seashore affects both the physical
      properties of the sand dunes and the biota living above- and below ground. The
      goal of the present study was to determine the effects of the distance from shore
      to inland on soil bacterial community composition during wet and dry season. We
      studied a chronosequence of sites close to the eastern Mediterranean coast.
      Bacterial diversity was assessed using directly extracted DNA from soil samples
      and 16 S ribosomal RNA gene fingerprinting. Our data indicates a significant
      influence of season and site on bacterial community structure. We showed that
      during the wet season soil organic matter, pH and salinity strongly influence
      bacterial community composition, whereas during the dry period bacterial
      diversity was mainly driven by the shortage of water at all sites. Consequently
      diversity was lowest during dry season at dunes close to the shore, whereas
      during the wet season the higher water content and the reduced salinity at the
      dunes which are more at the inland induced an increase in diversity, which
      illustrates the pronounced dynamics of microbial communities in soil over a
      season mainly at inland dunes.

PMID- 28074920
TI  - A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Activity and Selectivity Profile of Ligands for
      RGD-binding Integrins.
AB  - Integrins, a diverse class of heterodimeric cell surface receptors, are key
      regulators of cell structure and behaviour, affecting cell morphology,
      proliferation, survival and differentiation. Consequently, mutations in specific
      integrins, or their deregulated expression, are associated with a variety of
      diseases. In the last decades, many integrin-specific ligands have been developed
      and used for modulation of integrin function in medical as well as biophysical
      studies. The IC50-values reported for these ligands strongly vary and are
      measured using different cell-based and cell-free systems. A systematic
      comparison of these values is of high importance for selecting the optimal
      ligands for given applications. In this study, we evaluate a wide range of
      ligands for their binding affinity towards the RGD-binding integrins alphavbeta3,
      alphavbeta5, alphavbeta6, alphavbeta8, alpha5beta1, alphaIIbbeta3, using
      homogenous ELISA-like solid phase binding assay.

PMID- 28074922
TI  - Soybean cyclophilin GmCYP1 interacts with an isoflavonoid regulator GmMYB176.
AB  - Cyclophilins (CYPs) belong to the immunophilin superfamily with peptidyl-prolyl
      cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. They catalyze the interconversion of the
      cis- and trans-rotamers of the peptidyl-prolyl amide bond of peptides. A yeast
      two-hybrid screening using the isoflavonoid regulator GmMYB176 as bait identified
      GmCYP1 as one of the interacting proteins in soybean embryos. GmCYP1 localizes
      both in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and interacts in planta with GmMYB176, in the
      nucleus, and with SGF14l (a soybean 14-3-3 protein) in the nucleus and the
      cytoplasm. GmCYP1 contains a single cyclophilin-like domain and displays a high
      sequence identity with other plant CYPs that are known to have stress-specific
      function. Tissue-specific expression of GmCYP1 revealed higher expression in
      developing seeds compared to other vegetative tissues, suggesting their seed
      specific role. Furthermore, GmCYP1 transcript level was reduced in response to
      stress. Since isoflavonoids are involved in plant stress resistance against
      biotic and abiotic factors, the interaction of GmCYP1 with the isoflavonoid
      regulators GmMYB176 and 14-3-3 protein suggests its role in defense in soybean.

PMID- 28074924
TI  - Metabotyping Patients' Journeys Reveals Early Predisposition to Lung Injury after
      Cardiac Surgery.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and patients with
      severe symptoms undergo cardiac surgery. Even after uncomplicated surgeries, some
      patients experience postoperative complications such as lung injury. We
      hypothesized that the procedure elicits metabolic activity that can be related to
      the disease progression, which is commonly observed two-three days
      postoperatively. More than 700 blood samples were collected from 50 patients at
      nine time points pre-, intra-, and postoperatively. Dramatic metabolite shifts
      were observed during and immediately after the intervention. Prolonged surgical
      stress was linked to an augmented anaerobic environment. Time series analysis
      showed shifts in purine-, nicotinic acid-, tyrosine-, hyaluronic acid-, ketone-,
      fatty acid, and lipid metabolism. A characteristic 'metabolic biosignature' was
      identified correlating with the risk of developing postoperative complications
      two days before the first clinical signs of lung injury. Hence, this study
      demonstrates the link between intra- and postoperative time-dependent metabolite
      changes and later postoperative outcome. In addition, the results indicate that
      metabotyping patients' journeys early, during or just after the end of surgery,
      may have potential impact in hospitals for the early diagnosis of postoperative
      lung injury, and for the monitoring of therapeutics targeting disease
      progression.

PMID- 28074925
TI  - Atomization of High-Viscosity Fluids for Aromatherapy Using Micro-heaters for
      Heterogeneous Bubble Nucleation.
AB  - The development of a novel lead-free microelectromechanical-system (MEMS)-based
      atomizer using the principle of thermal bubble actuation is presented. It is a
      low-cost, lead-free design that is environmentally friendly and harmless to
      humans. It has been tested to be applicable over a wide range of fluid
      viscosities, ranging from 1 cP (e.g., water) to 200 cP (e.g., oil-like fluid) at
      room temperature, a range that is difficult to achieve using ordinary atomizers.
      The results demonstrate that the average power consumption of the atomizer is
      approximately 1 W with an atomization rate of 0.1 to 0.3 mg of deionized (DI)
      water per cycle. The relationships between the micro-heater track width and the
      track gap, the size of the micro-cavities and the nucleation energy were studied
      to obtain an optimal atomizer design. The particle image velocimetry (PIV)
      results indicate that the diameter of the ejected droplets ranges from 30 to 90
      MUm with a speed of 20 to 340 mm/s. In addition, different modes of spraying are
      reported for the first time. It is envisioned that the successful development of
      this MEMS-based atomizing technology will revolutionize the existing market for
      atomizers and could also benefit different industries, particularly in
      applications involving viscous fluids.

PMID- 28074926
TI  - Disrupted global metastability and static and dynamic brain connectivity across
      individuals in the Alzheimer's disease continuum.
AB  - As findings on the neuropathological and behavioral components of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) continue to accrue, converging evidence suggests that macroscale
      brain functional disruptions may mediate their association. Recent developments
      on theoretical neuroscience indicate that instantaneous patterns of brain
      connectivity and metastability may be a key mechanism in neural communication
      underlying cognitive performance. However, the potential significance of these
      patterns across the AD spectrum remains virtually unexplored. We assessed the
      clinical sensitivity of static and dynamic functional brain disruptions across
      the AD spectrum using resting-state fMRI in a sample consisting of AD patients (n
      = 80) and subjects with either mild (n = 44) or subjective (n = 26) cognitive
      impairment (MCI, SCI). Spatial maps constituting the nodes in the functional
      brain network and their associated time-series were estimated using spatial group
      independent component analysis and dual regression, and whole-brain oscillatory
      activity was analyzed both globally (metastability) and locally (static and
      dynamic connectivity). Instantaneous phase metrics showed functional coupling
      alterations in AD compared to MCI and SCI, both static (putamen, dorsal and
      default-mode) and dynamic (temporal, frontal-superior and default-mode), along
      with decreased global metastability. The results suggest that brains of AD
      patients display altered oscillatory patterns, in agreement with theoretical
      premises on cognitive dynamics.

PMID- 28074927
TI  - Quaternary climate change drives allo-peripatric speciation and refugial
      divergence in the Dysosma versipellis-pleiantha complex from different forest
      types in China.
AB  - Subtropical China harbours the world's most diverse temperate flora, but little
      is known about the roles of geographical and eco-climatic factors underlying the
      region's exceptionally high levels of species diversity and endemism. Here we
      address this key question by investigating the spatio-temporal and ecological
      processes of divergence within the Dysosma versipellis-pleiantha species complex,
      endemic to subtropical China. Our cpDNA phylogeny showed that this monophyletic
      group of understory herbs is derived from a Late Pliocene ancestor of the Qinghai
      Tibetan Plateau (QTP)/Southwest China. Genetic and ENM data in conjunction with
      niche differentiation analyses support that the early divergence of D.
      versipellis and D. pleiantha proceeded through allo-peripatric speciation,
      possibly triggered by Early Pleistocene climate change, while subsequent climate
      induced cycles of range contractions/expansions enhanced the eco-geographical
      isolation of both taxa. Furthermore, modelling of population-genetic data
      indicated that major lineage divergences within D. versipellis likely resulted
      from long-term allopatric population isolation in multiple localized refugia over
      the last glacial/interglacial periods, and which in turn fostered endemic species
      formation (D. difformis, D. majoensis) from within D. versipellis in Southwest
      China. These findings point to an overriding role of Quaternary climate change in
      triggering essentially allopatric (incipient) speciation in this group of forest
      restricted plant species in subtropical China.

PMID- 28074928
TI  - Exocyst subunit SEC3A marks the germination site and is essential for pollen
      germination in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Arabidopsis exocyst subunit SEC3A has been reported to participate in embryo
      development. Here we report that SEC3A is involved during pollen germination. A T
      DNA insertion in SEC3A leads to an absolute, male-specific transmission defect
      that can be complemented by the expression of SEC3A coding sequence from the
      LAT52 promoter or SEC3A genomic DNA. No obvious abnormalities in the
      microgametogenesis are observed in the sec3a/SEC3A mutant, however, in vitro and
      in vivo pollen germination are defective. Further studies reveal that the
      callose, pectin, and cellulose are apparently not deposited at the germination
      site during pollen germination. SEC3A is expressed ubiquitously, including in
      pollen grains and pollen tubes. Notably, SEC3A-GFP fusion proteins are
      specifically recruited to the future pollen germination site. This particular
      localization pattern is independent of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI
      4,5P2), although SEC3-HIS fusion proteins are able to bind to several
      phosphoinositols in vitro. These results suggest that SEC3A plays an important
      role in the establishment of the polar site for pollen germination.

PMID- 28074930
TI  - Mechanism, reactivity, and regioselectivity in rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric ring
      opening reactions of oxabicyclic alkenes: a DFT Investigation.
AB  - The origin of the enantio- and regioselectivity of ring-opening reaction of
      oxabicyclic alkenes catalyzed by rhodium/Josiphos has been examined using M06-2X
      density functional theory(DFT). DFT calculations predict a 98% ee for the
      enantioselectivity and only the 1,2-trans product as one regio- and diastereomer,
      in excellent agreement with experimental results. The solvent
      tetrahydrofuran(THF) plays a key role in assisting nucleophilic attack. Orbital
      composition analysis of the LUMO and the NPA atomic charge calculations were
      conducted to probe the origins of the regioselectivity. The orbital composition
      analysis reveals two potential electrophilic sites of the Rh-pi-allyl
      intermediate M3 and the NPA atomic charges demonstrate that Calpha carries more
      positive charges than Cgamma, which suggests that Calpha is the electrophilic
      site.

PMID- 28074929
TI  - Evolution of protein N-glycosylation process in Golgi apparatus which shapes
      diversity of protein N-glycan structures in plants, animals and fungi.
AB  - Protein N-glycosylation (PNG) is crucial for protein folding and enzymatic
      activities, and has remarkable diversity among eukaryotic species. Little is
      known of how unique PNG mechanisms arose and evolved in eukaryotes. Here we
      demonstrate a picture of onset and evolution of PNG components in Golgi apparatus
      that shaped diversity of eukaryotic protein N-glycan structures, with an emphasis
      on roles that domain emergence and combination played on PNG evolution. 23
      domains were identified from 24 known PNG genes, most of which could be
      classified into a single clan, indicating a single evolutionary source for the
      majority of the genes. From 153 species, 4491 sequences containing the domains
      were retrieved, based on which we analyzed distribution of domains among
      eukaryotic species. Two domains in GnTV are restricted to specific eukaryotic
      domains, while 10 domains distribute not only in species where certain unique PNG
      reactions occur and thus genes harboring these domains are supoosed to be
      present, but in other ehkaryotic lineages. Notably, two domains harbored by beta
      1,3 galactosyltransferase, an essential enzyme in forming plant-specific Lea
      structure, were present in separated genes in fungi and animals, suggesting its
      emergence as a result of domain shuffling.

PMID- 28074931
TI  - EID3 directly associates with DNMT3A during transdifferentiation of human
      umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells to NPC-like cells.
AB  - There has been recently been increased interest in the plasticity of human
      umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) and their potential in the
      treatment of neurological disorders. In this study, UMSCs were
      transdifferentiated into neural stem-like cells (uNSCL), these cells grow in
      neurosphere-like structures and express high levels of NSCs markers. Epigenetics
      related gene screening was here used to assess the relationship between E1A-like
      inhibitor of differentiation 3 (EID3), a p300 inhibitor, and DNA
      methyltransferase 3 A (DNMT3A) during the transdifferentiation of UMSCs into
      uNSCL in vitro. Before transdifferentiation of UMSCs into uNSCLs, high levels of
      EID3 and low levels of DNMT3A were detected; after transdifferentiation, low
      levels of EID3 and high levels of DNMT3A were detected. The current work showed
      that EID3 and DNMT3A co-localized in cell nuclei and EID3 interacted directly
      with DNMT3A in uNSCL. In summary, these results suggest that DNMT3A is probably
      directly regulated by EID3 during UMSC transdifferentiation into uNSCLs. These
      findings indicated a novel mechanism by which EID3, a p300 acetyltransferase
      inhibitor, could directly affect DNMT3A, this enzyme possesses dual methylation
      and demethylation abilities. These studies may be helpful for understanding a
      complex regulation mode of DNMT3A, which is a unique member of the
      methyltransferase family.

PMID- 28074933
TI  - Ultrafast carrier dynamics in Ge by ultra-broadband mid-infrared probe
      spectroscopy.
AB  - In this study, we carried out 800-nm pump and ultra-broadband mid-infrared (MIR)
      probe spectroscopy with high time-resolution (70 fs) in bulk Ge. By fitting the
      time-resolved difference reflection spectra [DeltaR(omega)/R(omega)] with the
      Drude model in the 200-5000 cm-1 region, the time-dependent plasma frequency and
      scattering rate have been obtained. Through the calculation, we can further get
      the time-dependent photoexcited carrier concentration and carrier mobility. The
      Auger recombination essentially dominates the fast relaxation of photoexcited
      carriers within 100 ps followed by slow relaxation due to diffusion.
      Additionally, a novel oscillation feature is clearly found in time-resolved
      difference reflection spectra around 2000 cm-1 especially for high pump fluence,
      which is the Lorentz oscillation lasting for about 20 ps due to the Coulomb force
      exerted just after the excitation.

PMID- 28074932
TI  - The Helicobacter cinaedi antigen CAIP participates in atherosclerotic
      inflammation by promoting the differentiation of macrophages in foam cells.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that certain specific microbial infections participate
      in atherosclerosis by inducing inflammation and immune reactions, but how the
      pathogens implicated in this pathology trigger the host responses remains
      unknown. In this study we show that Helicobacter cinaedi (Hc) is a human pathogen
      linked to atherosclerosis development since at least 27% of sera from
      atherosclerotic patients specifically recognize a protein of the Hc proteome,
      that we named Cinaedi Atherosclerosis Inflammatory Protein (CAIP) (n = 71). CAIP
      appears to be implicated in this pathology because atheromatous plaques isolated
      from atherosclerotic patients are enriched in CAIP-specific T cells (10%) which,
      in turn, we show to drive a Th1 inflammation, an immunopathological response
      typically associated to atherosclerosis. Recombinant CAIP promotes the
      differentiation and maintenance of the pro-inflammatory profile of human
      macrophages and triggers the formation of foam cells, which are a hallmark of
      atherosclerosis. This study identifies CAIP as a relevant factor in
      atherosclerosis inflammation linked to Hc infection and suggests that preventing
      and eradicating Hc infection could reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28074934
TI  - Disease-modifying effect of intravenous immunoglobulin in an experimental model
      of epilepsy.
AB  - Novel therapies that prevent or modify the development of epilepsy following an
      initiating brain insult could significantly reduce the burden of this disease. In
      light of evidence that immune mechanisms play an important role in generating and
      maintaining the epileptic condition, we evaluated the effect of a well
      established immunomodulatory treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), on the
      development of epilepsy in an experimental model of epileptogenesis. In separate
      experiments, IVIg was administered either before (pre-treatment) or after (post
      treatment) the onset of pilocarpine status epilepticus (SE). Our results show
      that both pre- and post-treatment with IVIg attenuated acute inflammation in the
      SE model. Specifically, IVIg reduced local activation of glial cells, complement
      system activation, and blood-brain barrier damage (BBB), which are all thought to
      play important roles in the development of epilepsy. Importantly, post-treatment
      with IVIg was also found to reduce the frequency and duration of subsequent
      spontaneous recurrent seizures as detected by chronic video
      electroencephalographic (video-EEG) recordings. This finding supports a novel
      application for IVIg, specifically its repurposing as a disease-modifying therapy
      in epilepsy.

PMID- 28074935
TI  - Neutrophil elastase cleavage of the gC1q domain impairs the EMILIN1-alpha4beta1
      integrin interaction, cell adhesion and anti-proliferative activity.
AB  - The extracellular matrix glycoprotein EMILIN1 exerts a wide range of functions
      mainly associated with its gC1q domain. Besides providing functional significance
      for adhesion and migration, the direct interaction between alpha4beta1 integrin
      and EMILIN1-gC1q regulates cell proliferation, transducing net anti-proliferative
      effects. We have previously demonstrated that EMILIN1 degradation by neutrophil
      elastase (NE) is a specific mechanism leading to the loss of functions disabling
      its regulatory properties. In this study we further analysed the proteolytic
      activity of NE, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP on EMILIN1 and found that MMP-3 and MT1
      MMP partially cleaved EMILIN1 but without affecting the functional properties
      associated with the gC1q domain, whereas NE was able to fully impair the
      interaction of gC1q with the alpha4beta1 integrin by cleaving this domain outside
      of the E933 integrin binding site. By a site direct mutagenesis approach we
      mapped the bond between S913 and R914 residues and selected the NE-resistant
      R914W mutant still able to interact with the alpha4beta1 integrin after NE
      treatment. Functional studies showed that NE impaired the EMILIN1-alpha4beta1
      integrin interaction by cleaving the gC1q domain in a region crucial for its
      proper structural conformation, paving the way to better understand NE effects on
      EMILIN1-cell interaction in pathological context.

PMID- 28074936
TI  - Hygroscopic motions of fossil conifer cones.
AB  - Conifer cones represent natural, woody compliant structures which move their
      scales as passive responses to changes in environmental humidity. Here we report
      on water-driven opening and closing motions in coalified conifer cones from the
      Eemian Interglacial (approx. 126,000-113,000 years BP) and from the Middle
      Miocene (approx. 16.5 to 11.5 million years BP). These cones represent by far the
      oldest documented evidence of plant parts showing full functionality of such
      passive hydraulically actuated motion. The functional resilience of these
      structures is far beyond the biological purpose of seed dispersal and protection
      and is because of a low level of mineralization of the fossils. Our analysis
      emphasizes the functional-morphological integrity of these biological compliant
      mechanisms which, in addition to their biological fascination, are potentially
      also role models for resilient and maintenance-free biomimetic applications
      (e.g., adaptive and autonomously moving structures including passive hydraulic
      actuators).

PMID- 28074938
TI  - Sprayable superhydrophobic nano-chains coating with continuous self-jumping of
      dew and melting frost.
AB  - Spontaneous movement of condensed matter provides a new insight to efficiently
      improve condensation heat transfer on superhydrophobic surface. However, very few
      reports have shown the jumping behaviors on the sprayable superhydrophobic
      coatings. Here, we developed a sprayable silica nano-porous coating assembled by
      fluorinated nano-chains to survey the condensates' dynamics. The dewdrops were
      continuously removed by self- and/or trigger-propelling motion due to abundant
      nano-pores from random multilayer stacking of nano-chains. In comparison, the
      dewdrops just could be slipped under the gravity effect on lack of nano-pores
      coatings stacked by silica nano-spheres and nano-aggregates. More interestingly,
      the spontaneous jumping effect also occurred on micro-scale frost crystals under
      the defrosting process on nano-chains coating surfaces. Different from self
      jumping of dewdrops motion, the propelling force of frost crystals were provided
      by a sudden increase of the pressure under the frost crystal.

PMID- 28074937
TI  - Circulating T lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, and immune checkpoint inhibitors in
      patients with bipolar II or major depression: a preliminary study.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the less known activation pattern of T lymphocyte
      populations and immune checkpoint inhibitors on immunocytes in patients with
      bipolar II disorder depression (BD) or major depression (MD). A total of 23
      patients with BD, 22 patients with MD, and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were
      recruited. The blood cell count of T lymphocyte subsets and the plasma level of
      cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma) were selectively
      investigated. The expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing
      3 (TIM-3), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD
      L2, on T lymphocytes and monocytes, was detected. In results, blood proportion of
      cytotoxic T cells significantly decreased in BD patients than in either MD
      patients or HCs. The plasma level of IL-6 increased in patients with BD and MD.
      The expression of TIM-3 on cytotoxic T cells significantly increased, whereas the
      expression of PD-L2 on monocytes significantly decreased in patients with BD than
      in HCs. These findings extended our knowledge of the immune dysfunction in
      patients with affective disorders.

PMID- 28074939
TI  - The influence of tip shape on bending force during needle insertion.
AB  - Steering of needles involves the planning and timely modifying of instrument
      tissue force interactions to allow for controlled deflections during the
      insertion in tissue. In this work, the effect of tip shape on these forces was
      studied using 10 mm diameter needle tips. Six different tips were selected,
      including beveled and conical versions, with or without pre-bend or pre-curve. A
      six-degree-of-freedom force/torque sensor measured the loads during indentations
      in tissue simulants. The increased insertion (axial) and bending (radial) forces
      with insertion depth - the force-displacement slopes - were analyzed. Results
      showed that the ratio between radial and axial forces was not always
      proportional. This means that the tip load does not have a constant orientation,
      as is often assumed in mechanics-based steering models. For all tip types, the
      tip-load assumed a more radial orientation with increased axial load. This effect
      was larger for straight tips than for pre-bent or pre-curved tips. In addition,
      the force-displacement slopes were consistently higher for (1) increased tip
      angles, and for (2) beveled tips compared to conical tips. Needles with a bent or
      curved tip allow for an increased bending force and a decreased variability of
      the tip load vector orientation.

PMID- 28074942
TI  - Chemistry at the square nanometer: reactivity at liquid/solid interfaces revealed
      with an STM.
AB  - For more than three decades the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) has proven
      to be an indispensable tool to image molecules adsorbed at a surface at the
      highest detail possible. In addition to simply imaging molecules, STM can also be
      applied to monitor dynamic surface phenomena, including chemical reactions. By
      studying reactions at a surface at the single molecule level, unique information
      about reaction mechanisms can be obtained which remains hidden when conventional
      ensemble techniques are used. Many STM studies of chemical reactions have been
      performed in extreme environments like ultrahigh vacuum or high pressure
      chambers, but these are far removed from conditions in which most chemical and
      biological processes take place, i.e., in a liquid at ambient atmospheres. This
      feature paper highlights the developments in the relatively unexplored research
      area of investigating chemical reactions with an STM at a liquid/solid interface
      under ambient conditions. Covalent couplings between molecules, light-induced
      isomerisations, reactions under electrochemical control, and complex multistep
      processes and catalysis are discussed.

PMID- 28074941
TI  - Enhancing the Detection of Dysmorphic Red Blood Cells and Renal Tubular
      Epithelial Cells with a Modified Urinalysis Protocol.
AB  - Urinary sediment is used to evaluate patients with possible urinary tract
      diseases. Currently, numerous protocols are applied to detect dysmorphic red
      blood cells (RBCs) and renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) in urinary
      sediment. However, distinct protocols are used by nephrologists and medical
      technologists for specimen concentration and observation, which leads to major
      discrepancies in the differential counts of formed elements such as dysmorphic
      RBCs and RTECs and might interfere with an accurate clinical diagnosis. To
      resolve these problems, we first tested a modified urinalysis protocol with an
      increased relative centrifuge force and concentration factor in 20 biopsy
      confirmed glomerulonephritis patients with haematuria. We successfully improved
      the recovery ratio of dysmorphic RBCs in clinical specimens from 34.7% to 42.0%
      (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we confirmed the correlation between counts by the
      modified urinary protocol and Sysmex UF-1000i urinary flow cytometer (r >= 0.898,
      P < 0.001). A total of 28 types of isomorphic and dysmorphic RBCs were detected
      using a bright field microscope, with results comparable to those using a
      standard phase contrast microscope. Finally, we applied Sternheimer stain to
      enhance the contrast of RTECs in the urinary sediments. We concluded that this
      modified urinalysis protocol significantly enhanced the quality of urinalysis.

PMID- 28074943
TI  - The influence of flaxseed gum on the microrheological properties and
      physicochemical stability of whey protein stabilized beta-carotene emulsions.
AB  - The impact of flaxseed gum (FG) on the microrheological properties and
      physicochemical stability of whey protein isolate (WPI) stabilized beta-carotene
      emulsions at pH 3.0 was studied. A layer-by-layer electrostatic deposition method
      was used to prepare multilayered beta-carotene emulsions with interfacial
      membranes consisting of WPI and FG. The microrheological behavior of the
      multilayered beta-carotene emulsions was measured through the diffusive wave
      spectroscopy technique. WPI alone and WPI-FG (concentration of FG = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3
      wt%) stabilized beta-carotene emulsions were purely viscous giving a mean square
      displacement that scaled linearly with decorrelation time (tau). The presence of
      0.01, 0.02, and 0.05 wt% FG in the WPI-stabilized emulsions caused them to
      exhibit viscoelastic properties. Meanwhile, the increase in tau reflected the
      increase in the length scale of connectivity in the emulsions until a "cluster"
      was formed and the droplets were not free to move due to droplet-network
      interaction. The apparent increase in the macroscopic viscosity and elasticity
      index and decrease in the solid lipid balance and fluidity index of emulsions
      with lower concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.05 wt%) of FG indicated that the
      bridging flocculation of FG had a much more appreciable influence on the
      microrheological properties than depletion flocculation (higher concentrations,
      0.1, 0.2, 0.3 wt%). Droplet size, zeta-potential, and transmission profiles using
      the centrifugal sedimentation technique and beta-carotene degradation during
      storage were also characterized. With the addition of FG, the zeta-potential of
      WPI coated beta-carotene droplets decreased from positive to negative, and an
      increase in the apparent droplet size was also noted. LUMISizer analysis
      exhibited an improvement in physical stability with the addition of 0.1 wt% FG.
      FG also helped to chemically stabilize the WPI emulsions against beta-carotene
      degradation mainly by slowing down the mobility of the droplets.

PMID- 28074940
TI  - Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is required for amyloid pathology in
      brain endothelial cells induced by Glycoprotein 120, methamphetamine and
      nicotine.
AB  - One of the most challenging issues in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders
      (HAND) caused by HIV-1 virotoxins and drug abuse is the lack of understanding the
      underlying mechanisms that are commonly associated with disorders of the blood
      brain barrier (BBB), which mainly consists of brain microvascular endothelial
      cells (BMEC). Here, we hypothesized that Glycoprotein 120 (gp120),
      methamphetamine (METH) and nicotine (NT) can enhance amyloid-beta (Abeta)
      accumulation in BMEC through Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7
      nAChR). Both in vitro (human BMEC) (HBMEC) and in vivo (mice) models of BBB were
      used to dissect the role of alpha7 nAChR in up-regulation of Abeta induced by
      gp120, METH and NT. Abeta release from and transport across HBMEC were
      significantly increased by these factors. Methyllycaconitine (MLA), an antagonist
      of alpha7 nAChR, could efficiently block these pathogenic effects. Furthermore,
      our animal data showed that these factors could significantly increase the levels
      of Abeta, Tau and Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in mouse
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and Abeta in the mouse brains. These pathogenicities
      were significantly reduced by MLA, suggesting that alpha7 nAChR may play an
      important role in neuropathology caused by gp120, METH and NT, which are the
      major pathogenic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of HAND.

PMID- 28074944
TI  - Synthesis and biophysical analysis of modified thymine-containing DNA
      oligonucleotides.
AB  - We report the synthesis of a 5-formyl-2'-deoxyuridine (5fU) phosphoramidite and
      the preparation of oligonucleotides comprising all known, naturally observed
      eukaryotic thymidine modifications. Biophysical characterization of the synthetic
      oligonucleotides indicates that 5fU, but not the other T-derivatives, can alter
      DNA structures.

PMID- 28074945
TI  - Solid-state NMR at natural isotopic abundance for the determination of
      conformational polymorphism - the case of designed beta-turn peptides containing
      di-prolines.
AB  - The proton double quantum-carbon single quantum correlation experiment has been
      applied to designed peptides in the solid state in natural isotopic abundance.
      Analogous to nOe studies in solution, through-space double-quantum connectivities
      have been exploited to obtain the cis-trans conformational polymorphism of
      diproline residues occurring at beta-turns in the peptides.

PMID- 28074946
TI  - Modulating the oxidation of cucurbit[n]urils.
AB  - The functionalisation of cucurbit[n]uril macrocycles carried out through an
      oxidative approach in water using ammonium persulfate was studied. Through
      complexation with a doubly-charged bisimidazolium guest we were able to detect,
      distinguish and quantify the presence of each CB[n]-(OH)x (where 1 <= x <= 2n)
      derivative for the first time. The impact of oxidation on each CB[n] (n = 6-8)
      was studied individually, as well as in the presence of other competing CB[n]
      species. We were able to understand the reactivity of the parent CB[n] alongside
      its hydroxylated derivatives, CB[n]-(OH)x, and show that the oxidation of CB[n]
      through a free-radical approach cannot result in stoichiometric hydroxylation
      despite previous literature reports by Bardelang, Ouari and co-workers, J. Am.
      Chem. Soc., 2015, 137, 10238. Furthermore, an in-depth study on hydroxylation of
      CB[7] was conducted. Through DFT calculations we were able to show that the
      second hydroxy substituent is preferentially located on the same glycoluril unit.
      Moreover, through optimisation of the reaction conditions we were able to access
      a protocol for controlled oxidation to yield a chemically monofunctional CB[7]
      derivative.

PMID- 28074947
TI  - Predicting the solubility of mixtures of sugars and their replacers using the
      Flory-Huggins theory.
AB  - In this paper we investigate whether the Flory-Huggins theory can describe the
      thermodynamics of solutions of simple carbohydrates, like sugars and polyols. In
      particular, we focus on the description of the solubility of the carbohydrates in
      water. This is investigated for both binary and ternary mixtures, having two
      types of these carbohydrates. This research question arises especially in the
      case of bakery products, where one seeks to replace sucrose with other simple
      carbohydrates - which are often polyols. Based on the model parameters obtained
      from fitting the theory to the experimental data of binary solutions, we show
      that the theory can predict (a) solubility data for ternary mixtures, over a
      broad range of concentrations and temperatures, and (b) the deliquescence point
      of binary mixtures of carbohydrate crystals as a function of temperature. The
      theory can even be applied to carbohydrates, which form hydrate crystals.
      Together with our earlier theories on the thermodynamics of complex food
      mixtures, we have now a complete thermodynamic framework to describe the phase
      and state transitions of food materials as confectionery and bakery products,
      where the question of sucrose replacement is urgent.

PMID- 28074948
TI  - Hot electron-driven photocatalytic water splitting.
AB  - We report measurements of photocatalytic water splitting using Au films with and
      without TiO2 coatings. In these structures, a thin (3-10 nm) film of TiO2 is
      deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD) on top of a 100 nm thick Au film.
      We utilize an AC lock-in technique, which enables us to detect the relatively
      small photocurrents (~MUA) produced by the short-lived hot electrons that are
      photoexcited in the metal. Under illumination, the bare Au film produces a small
      AC photocurrent (<1 MUA) for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the
      oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to hot electrons and hot holes, respectively,
      that are photoexcited in the Au film. The samples with TiO2 produce a larger AC
      photocurrent indicating that hot electrons are being injected from the metal into
      the TiO2 semiconductor where they then reduce hydrogen ions in solution forming
      H2 (i.e., 2H+ + 2e- -> H2). The AC photocurrent exhibits a narrow peak when
      plotted as a function of reference potential, which is a signature of hot
      electrons. Here, we photoexcite a monoenergetic source of hot electrons, which
      produces a peak in the photocurrent, as the electrode potential is swept through
      the resonance with the redox potential of the desired half-reaction. This stands
      in contrast to conventional bulk semiconductor photocatalysts, whose AC
      photocurrent saturates beyond a certain potential (i.e., light limited
      photocurrent). The photocurrents produced at the metal-liquid interface are
      smaller than those of the metal-semiconductor system, mainly because, in the
      metal-semiconductor system, there is a continuum of energy and momentum states
      that each hot electron can be injected into, while for an ion in solution, the
      number of energy and momentum states are very small.

PMID- 28074949
TI  - New compounds from a hydrothermal vent crab-associated fungus Aspergillus
      versicolor XZ-4.
AB  - Three new quinazoline derivatives (1-3), one new oxepin-containing natural
      product (4) and four new cyclopenin derivatives (5-7 and 9) have been isolated
      from an EtOAc extract of the Taiwan Kueishantao hydrothermal vent crab-associated
      fungus Aspergillus versicolor XZ-4. Their planar structures were established by
      HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data analyses. The absolute configurations for
      compounds 1 and 4 were determined by chiral phase HPLC analysis of their
      hydrolysis products. The absolute configurations of 2, 3 and 7 were defined
      mainly by comparison of the quantum chemical TDDFT calculated and the
      experimental ECD spectra, and the absolute configuration of 5 was deduced from
      comparison of the optical rotation values reported in the literature. The
      presence of two atropisomers of 5 was established by NOE analyses. The Ile & Val
      units in compounds 1-3 allowed the assignment of a new quinazoline skeleton and
      it's the first time the configuration of isoleucine in the quinazoline skeleton
      was defined. A series of 7-methoxy cyclopenin derivatives were reported for the
      first time in this study. The bioevaluation of compounds 5, 7, 8 and 9 revealed
      inhibitory activities against E. coli at MIC values around 32 MUg mL-1.

PMID- 28074951
TI  - Access to N-cyanosulfoximines by transition metal-free iminations of sulfoxides.
AB  - A transition metal-free synthesis of N-cyanosulfoximines from sulfoxides using N
      chlorosuccinimide (NCS) as oxidising agent and cyanamide as nucleophilic amine
      source is reported. The products are obtained in moderate to excellent yields.
      The protocol enables an easy access to N-cyanosulfoximines from readily available
      starting materials under inversion of configuration at a preexisting stereogenic
      center.

PMID- 28074950
TI  - Self-neutralizing oligonucleotides with enhanced cellular uptake.
AB  - There is tremendous potential for oligonucleotide (ON) therapeutics, but low
      cellular penetration due to their polyanionic nature is a major obstacle. We
      addressed this problem by developing a new approach for ON charge neutralization
      in which multiple branched charge-neutralizing sleeves (BCNSs) are attached to
      the internucleoside phosphates of ON by phosphotriester bonds. The BCNSs are
      terminated with positively charged amino groups, and are optimized to form ion
      pairs with the neighboring phosphate groups. The new modified ONs can be prepared
      by standard automated phosphoramidite chemistry in good yield and purity. They
      possess good solubility and hybridization properties, are not involved in non
      standard intramolecular aggregation, have low cytotoxicity, adequate chemical
      stability, improved serum stability, and above all, display significantly
      enhanced cellular uptake. Thus, the new ON derivatives exhibit properties that
      make them promising candidates for the development of novel therapeutics or
      research tools for modulation of the expression of target genes.

PMID- 28074952
TI  - Upregulation of caveolin-1 by mulberry leaf extract and its major components,
      chlorogenic acid derivatives, attenuates alcoholic steatohepatitis via inhibition
      of oxidative stress.
AB  - Excessive alcohol uptake exerts hepatocellular toxicity, ultimately leading to
      multiple liver diseases such as steatohepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Here, we
      aimed to explore the effects of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) and its major
      components chlorogenic acid (CGA) and neochlorogenic acid (nCGA) on alcoholic
      steatohepatitis. We determined the composition of MLE using liquid chromatography
      mass spectrometric (LC-MS) analysis, which showed that MLE consisted of mainly
      chlorogenic acid derivatives and other polyphenols. Next, we utilized a high
      alcohol-fed mouse model and demonstrated that MLE alleviated alcohol-induced
      hepatocellular disorders, resulting in lowered hepatic injury markers and lipid
      accumulation. In addition, MLE reduced lipid peroxidation and meanwhile elevated
      hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining revealed
      that MLE elevated the expression of caveolin-1 but reduced the expressions of
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of
      transcription (STAT), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and receptor
      interacting protein (RIP) 1/3. Major components of MLE, CGA and nCGA, not only
      exerted a similar biological activity as MLE but also inhibited alcohol-induced
      pro-apoptotic signals. Involvement of caveolin-1 in MLE, CGA and nCGA was
      demonstrated by using specific small inhibitory RNA. In conclusion, MLE and its
      chlorogenic derivatives CGA and nCGA upregulate caveolin-1 expression and
      diminish EGFR/STAT3/iNOS signalling, which may contribute to lowered hepatic
      lipid accumulation and peroxidation and inhibited pro-apoptotic cascades.

PMID- 28074953
TI  - Gastrointestinal interactions, absorption, splanchnic metabolism and
      pharmacokinetics of orally ingested phenolic compounds.
AB  - The positive health effects of phenolic compounds (PCs) have been extensively
      reported in the literature. An understanding of their bioaccessibility and
      bioavailability is essential for the elucidation of their health benefits. Before
      reaching circulation and exerting bioactions in target tissues, numerous
      interactions take place before and during digestion with either the plant or
      host's macromolecules that directly impact the organism and modulate their own
      bioaccessibility and bioavailability. The present work is focused on the
      gastrointestinal (GI) interactions that are relevant to the absorption and
      metabolism of PCs and how these interactions impact their pharmacokinetic
      profiles. Non-digestible cell wall components (fiber) interact intimately with
      PCs and delay their absorption in the small intestine, instead carrying them to
      the large intestine. PCs not bound to fiber interact with digestible nutrients in
      the bolus where they interfere with the digestion and absorption of proteins,
      carbohydrates, lipids, cholesterol, bile salts and micronutrients through the
      inhibition of digestive enzymes and enterocyte transporters and the disruption of
      micelle formation. PCs internalized by enterocytes may reach circulation (through
      transcellular or paracellular transport), be effluxed back into the lumen (P
      glycoprotein, P-gp) or be metabolized by phase I and phase II enzymes. Some PCs
      can inhibit P-gp or phase I/II enzymes, which can potentially lead to drug
      nutrient interactions. The absorption and pharmacokinetic parameters are modified
      by all of the interactions within the digestive tract and by the presence of
      other PCs. Undesirable interactions have promoted the development of
      nanotechnological approaches to promote the bioaccessibility, bioavailability,
      and bioefficacy of PCs.

PMID- 28074954
TI  - A highly selective fluorescent probe for Fe3+ in living cells: a stress induced
      cell based model study.
AB  - A rhodamine-phenanthroline dyad based fluorescent probe 4 has been designed and
      synthesized which selectively monitors Fe3+ ions among the various metal ions
      tested. Furthermore, probe 4 has been explored for monitoring of dynamic changes
      in the Fe3+ ion level under aggressive Fenton reaction conditions using a cell
      based model study. More significantly, probe 4 has also been utilized for real
      time imaging of endogenous Fe3+ ions in living C6 cell lines, the results of
      which demonstrated that probe 4 acts as an efficient fluorescent tool for Fe3+
      ion detection in biological systems.

PMID- 28074955
TI  - Total synthesis and biological activity of dolastatin 16.
AB  - The total synthesis of dolastatin 16, a macrocyclic depsipeptide first isolated
      from the sea hare Dolabella auricularia as a potential antineoplastic metabolite
      by Pettit et al., was achieved in a convergent manner. Dolastatin 16 was reported
      by Tan to exhibit strong antifouling activity, and thus shows promise for
      inhibiting the attachment of marine benthic organisms such as Amphibalanus
      amphitrite to ships and submerged artificial structures. Therefore, dolastatin 16
      is a potential compound for a new, environmentally friendly antifouling material
      to replace banned tributyltin-based antifouling paints. The synthesis of
      dolastatin 16 involved the use of prolinol to prevent formation of a
      diketopiperazine composed of l-proline and N-methyl-d-valine during peptide
      coupling. This strategy for the elongation of peptide chains allowed the
      efficient and scalable synthesis of one segment, which was subsequently coupled
      with a second segment and cyclized to form the macrocyclic framework of
      dolastatin 16. The synthetic dolastatin 16 exhibited potent antifouling activity
      similar to that of natural dolastatin 16 toward cypris larvae of Amphibalanus
      amphitrite.

PMID- 28074956
TI  - Tunable superapolar Lotus-to-Rose hierarchical nanosurfaces via vertical carbon
      nanotubes driven electrohydrodynamic lithography.
AB  - The development of a robust, cost-effective, scalable and simple technique that
      enables the design and construction of well-controlled large area
      superhydrophobic surface structures which can be easily tuned from lotus-leaf to
      rose-petal state is essential to enable progress in realising the full applied
      potential of such surfaces. In this study, we introduce the tuneable carbon
      nanotubes-based electrohydrodynamic lithography (CNT-EHL) to fabricate unique
      multiscale structured cones and nanohair-like architectures with various
      periodicities and dimensions, successfully enabling surface energy minimization.
      The possibility of contact-less lithography via the CNT-EHL morphology
      replication combined with the electric field coupling to smaller self-assembled
      patterns within the film, provides a way for hierarchical structure control
      spanning many length scales along with tuneable wetting capabilities. By
      controlling the hierarchy of micro- to nano cones and spikes, these morphologies
      provide a range of architectures with sufficient roughness for very low
      wettability, with the highest contact angle achieved of 173 degrees  and their
      properties can be easily switched between lotus-leaf to rose-petal behaviour.

PMID- 28074957
TI  - High-efficiency perovskite solar cells prepared by using a sandwich structure MAI
      PbI2-MAI precursor film.
AB  - Two-step deposition has been widely used in the perovskite layer preparation for
      perovskite solar cells due to its attractive morphology controllability. However,
      the limited diffusivity of CH3NH3I (MAI) might cause some PbI2 to remain in the
      perovskite film. The residual PbI2 in the perovskite film would lead to inferior
      performance of devices, such as, low power conversion efficiency (PCE), poor
      reproducibility and weak air stability. In this work, we developed a sandwich
      structure MAI-PbI2-MAI precursor film to prepare a PbI2-free CH3NH3PbI3
      perovskite film. In comparison to the two-step approach, the MAI-PbI2-MAI
      precursor film with a typical sandwich structure formed a uniform and pinhole
      free perovskite film without any PbI2 residue, which could significantly improve
      the performance of the devices. Moreover, the bottom MAI layer of the MAI-PbI2
      MAI precursor film could improve the interfacial contact of the porous TiO2
      layer, leading to the promotion of the charge transfer and reduction of the
      recombination rate. Therefore, the devices fabricated from the sandwich structure
      MAI-PbI2-MAI precursor films showed dramatic improvements of open-circuit voltage
      (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF) and PCE. As a
      result, a promising PCE of 17.8% with good long-term air stability was achieved
      for the MAI-PbI2-MAI precursor film based PSC, which is better than that prepared
      by a two-step approach.

PMID- 28074958
TI  - Distant ultrafast energy transfer in a trimetallic {Ru-Ru-Cr} complex facilitated
      by hole delocalization.
AB  - Multi-metallic complexes based on {Ru-Cr}, {Ru-Ru} and {Ru-Ru-Cr} fragments are
      investigated for their light-harvesting and long-range energy transfer
      properties. We report the synthesis and characterization of [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(MU
      CN)Ru(py)4Cl]2+ and [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(MU-CN)Ru(py)4(MU-NC)Cr(CN)5]. The intercalation
      of {RuII(py)4} linked by cyanide bridges between {Ru(tpy)(bpy)} and {Cr(CN)5}
      results in efficient, distant energy transfer followed by emission from the Cr
      moiety. Characterization of the energy transfer process based on photophysical
      and ultrafast time-resolved absorption suggests the delocalization of holes in
      the excited state, providing a pathway for energy transfer between the end
      moieties. The proposed mechanism opens the door to utilize this family of
      complexes as an appealing platform for the design of antenna compounds as the
      properties of the fragments could be tuned independently.

PMID- 28074959
TI  - Partial hydrogenation induced interaction in a graphene-SiO2 interface:
      irreversible modulation of device characteristics.
AB  - The transformation of systematic vacuum and hydrogen annealing effects in
      graphene devices on the SiO2 surface is reported based on experimental and van
      der Waals interaction corrected density functional theory (DFT) simulation
      results. Vacuum annealing removes p-type dopants and reduces charged impurity
      scattering in graphene. Moreover, it induces n-type doping into graphene, leading
      to the improvement of the electron mobility and conductivity in the electron
      transport regime, which are reversed by exposing to atmospheric environment. On
      the other hand, annealing in hydrogen/argon gas results in smaller n-type doping
      along with a decrease in the overall conductivity and carrier mobility. This
      degradation of the conductivity is irreversible even the graphene devices are
      exposed to ambience. This was clarified by DFT simulations: initially, silicon
      dangling bonds were partially terminated by hydrogen, subsequently, the remaining
      dangling bonds became active and the distance between the graphene and SiO2
      surface decreased. Moreover, both annealing methods affect the graphene channel
      including the vicinity of the metal contacts, which plays an important role in
      asymmetric carrier transport.

PMID- 28074960
TI  - Search for effective chemical quenching to arrest molecular assembly and directly
      monitor DNA nanostructure formation.
AB  - Structural DNA nanotechnology has demonstrated both versatility and potential as
      a molecular manufacturing tool; the formation and processing of DNA
      nanostructures has therefore been subject to much interest. Characterization of
      the formation process itself is vital to understanding the role of design in
      production yield. We present our search for a robust new technique, chemical
      quenching, to arrest molecular folding in DNA systems for subsequent
      characterization. Toward this end we will introduce two miniM13 origami designs
      based on a 2.4 kb scaffold, each with diametrically opposed scaffold routing
      strategies (maximized scaffold crossovers versus maximized staple crossovers) to
      examine the relevance of design in the folding process. By chemically rendering
      single strand DNA inert and unable to hybridize, we probe the folding pathway of
      several scaffolded DNA origami structures.

PMID- 28074961
TI  - Tunable electrical properties of multilayer HfSe2 field effect transistors by
      oxygen plasma treatment.
AB  - HfSe2 field effect transistors are systematically studied in order to selectively
      tune their electrical properties by optimizing layer thickness and oxygen plasma
      treatment. The optimized plasma-treated HfSe2 field effect transistors showed a
      high on/off ratio improvement of four orders of magnitude, from 27 to 105, a
      field effect mobility increase from 2.16 to 3.04 cm2 V-1 s-1, a subthreshold
      swing improvement from 30.6 to 4.8 V dec-1, and a positive threshold voltage
      shift between depletion mode and enhancement mode, from -7.02 to 11.5 V. The
      plasma-treated HfSe2 photodetector also demonstrates a reasonable
      photoresponsivity from the visible to the near-infrared region of light.

PMID- 28074962
TI  - Crossed flow microfluidics for high throughput screening of bioactive chemical
      cell interactions.
AB  - This paper describes the use of crossed laminar flow microfluidics for the
      selective capture of multiple cell types on-chip aiming for high throughput
      screening of various cell treatment compounds. Parallel laminar streams
      containing different cell types were perfused and captured on a cell adhesion
      protein-functionalized reaction area. Thereafter, parallel streams containing
      cell treatment solutions were delivered orthogonally over the captured cells.
      Multiple cell types and a range of cell treatment conditions could therefore be
      assessed in a single experiment. We were also able to sort mixed cell populations
      via antibody array clusters, and to further deliver treatments to subpopulations
      of cells. Moreover, using solutions with different tonicities, we successfully
      demonstrated the incorporation of a live/dead cell viability assessment on-chip
      for a direct read out assay following the treatments. This crossed laminar flow
      microfluidics for generation of a cell-based assay could therefore offer an
      interesting platform for high throughput screening of potential drug candidates,
      nanoparticle toxicity testing, or other cellular and molecular interventions.

PMID- 28074964
TI  - How the alignment of adsorbed ortho H pairs determines the onset of selective
      carbon nanotube etching.
AB  - Unlocking the enormous technological potential of carbon nanotubes strongly
      depends on our ability to specifically produce metallic or semiconducting tubes.
      While selective etching of both has already been demonstrated, the underlying
      reasons, however, remain elusive as yet. We here present computational and
      experimental evidence on the operative mechanisms at the atomic scale. We
      demonstrate that during the adsorption of H atoms and their coalescence, the
      adsorbed ortho hydrogen pairs on single-walled carbon nanotubes induce higher
      shear stresses than axial stresses, leading to the elongation of HC-CH bonds as a
      function of their alignment with the tube chirality vector, which we denote as
      the gamma-angle. As a result, the C-C cleavage occurs more rapidly in nanotubes
      containing ortho H-pairs with a small gamma-angle. This phenomenon can explain
      the selective etching of small-diameter semiconductor nanotubes with a similar
      curvature. Both theoretical and experimental results strongly indicate the
      important role of the gamma-angle in the selective etching mechanisms of carbon
      nanotubes, in addition to the nanotube curvature and metallicity effects and lead
      us to clearly understand the onset of selective synthesis/removal of CNT-based
      materials.

PMID- 28074963
TI  - Ultrahigh-capacity dynamic holographic displays via anisotropic nanoholes.
AB  - For the miniaturization of optical holographic and data recording devices, large
      information capacity or data density is indispensable but difficult to obtain
      using traditional technologies. In this paper, an ultrahigh-capacity metasurface
      hologram is proposed by encoding information in deep-subwavelength scale nanohole
      arrays, which can be reconstructed via a light beam with proper designed incident
      angles. The imaging information capacity of the two-dimensional (2D) hologram,
      defined by the distortion-free region, can be increased 11.5 times, which is
      experimentally demonstrated by focused ion beam (FIB) milling of an ultrathin
      metallic film. We also prove the feasibility of a three-dimensional (3D) hologram
      of spiral lines designed by using the point source algorithm. Benefitting from
      the ultrahigh capacity of the deep-subwavelength metasurface, dynamic holographic
      displays can be realized by controlling the incident angle. The method proposed
      here can also be leveraged to achieve large capacity optical storage, colorful
      holographic displays, lithography technology etc.

PMID- 28074965
TI  - N-Heterocyclic carbene-palladium(ii)-1-methylimidazole complex catalyzed direct C
      H bond arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with aryl chlorides.
AB  - We herein reported the N-heterocyclic carbene-palladium(ii)-1-methylimidazole
      complex catalyzed direct C-H bond arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with aryl
      chlorides. Under suitable conditions, all reactions between various imidazo[1,2
      a]pyridines and aryl chlorides worked well to give the desired C3-H arylated
      products in acceptable to high yields, giving a convenient and alternative method
      for the direct C-H bond arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines, using economic and
      easily available aryl chlorides as the arylating reagents.

PMID- 28074966
TI  - The relationship between sun exposure and all-cause mortality.
AB  - We aimed to conduct a narrative review of the rapid advances in knowledge
      regarding sun exposure and all-cause mortality. Data support the hypothesis that
      sun exposure avoidance is a major risk factor for all-cause mortality in adjusted
      analysis (age, income, education, marital status, smoking, and comorbidity). This
      was caused by an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and
      noncancer/non-CVD. However, the increased life span among those with high sun
      exposure naturally results in an increased prevalence of cancer death. In
      addition, sun exposure increases the incidence, but is related to better
      prognosis of skin cancer. The new findings indicate that there is a need for
      modification of guidelines regarding sun exposure. They may also add to our
      knowledge regarding the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus and increased
      mortality among non-Caucasians in western countries. According to the present
      knowledge, in a low solar intensity region we should aim for sound and safe sun
      exposure habits, especially for those at increased risk of CVD or noncancer/non
      CVD.

PMID- 28074967
TI  - Direct enantioselective C-acylation for the construction of a quaternary
      stereocenter catalyzed by a chiral bicyclic imidazole.
AB  - A direct enantioselective C-acylation of 3-substituted benzofuran-2(3H)-ones
      (with up to 97% ee) was developed using a chiral bicyclic imidazole catalyst OAc
      DPI and an achiral tertiary amine additive DIPEA. The reaction mechanism for the
      direct C-acylation has been investigated using both experimental and theoretical
      studies.

PMID- 28074968
TI  - Symmetry breaking above room temperature in an Fe(ii) spin crossover complex with
      an N4O2 donor set.
AB  - [Fe(qsal-Cl)2] is one of the few known Fe(ii) spin crossover compounds with an
      N4O2 donor atom environment. It shows an abrupt two-step spin transition at 308
      and 316 K and importantly, symmetry breaking at the highest temperature reported,
      to date, in spin crossover compounds.

PMID- 28074969
TI  - Direct coordination of a germanium(ii) dicationic center to transition metals.
AB  - The germanium(ii) center of dicationic compound 1 donates an electron pair to
      transition metal Ag(i) and Au(i) cations, leading to complexes 2 and 3
      respectively. Complex 3 is stabilized by [Ge:]2+->Au(i) sigma-donation and pi
      back donation from filled d-orbitals of Au(i) to the two sets of p-orbitals
      available on Ge(ii) centers.

PMID- 28074970
TI  - Synthesis of partially dextran-coated gold nanoworms and anisotropic structure
      based dual-strategic cargo conjugation for efficient combinational cancer
      therapy.
AB  - Partially dextran-coated gold nanoworms enabled the dual-strategic conjugation of
      peptides and genes. Combinational cancer therapy with photothermal conversion
      under near-infrared irradiation was shown to be a highly efficient cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 28074971
TI  - Bio-orthogonal "click-and-release" donation of caged carbonyl sulfide (COS) and
      hydrogen sulfide (H2S).
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important biomolecule with high therapeutic
      potential. Here we leverage the inverse-electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) click
      reaction between a thiocarbamate-functionalized trans-cyclooctene and a tetrazine
      to deliver carbonyl sulfide (COS), which is quickly converted to H2S by the
      uniquitous enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA), thus providing a new strategy for bio
      orthogonal COS/H2S donation.

PMID- 28074972
TI  - Correlated/non-correlated ion dynamics of charge-neutral ion couples: the origin
      of ionicity in ionic liquids.
AB  - Proton/fluoride spin-lattice (T1) nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD)
      measurements of 1-butyl-3-methyl-1H-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate,
      [C4mim][PF6], have been carried out using high field spectrometers and a fast
      field-cycling instrument at proton Larmor frequencies ranging from 10 kHz to 40
      MHz, at different temperatures. The NMRD profiles are interpreted by means of a
      simple relaxation model based on the inter- and intra-ionic dipole-dipole
      relaxation mechanism. Using an atomic molecular-ion dynamic simulation at 323 K
      the relevant spin dipole-dipole (DD) correlation functions are calculated. The
      results indicate that the NMRD profiles can be rationalized using intra- and
      inter-ionic spin DD interactions, however, anions are mainly modulated by ionic
      reorientation because of temporary correlations with cations, where modulation by
      translational diffusion plays a minor role. Reorientational dynamics of charge
      neutral ion couples (i.e. [C4mim][PF6]) and [C4mim]+ ions are in the nano-second
      (ns) time range whereas the reorientation of [PF6]- is characterized by a
      reorientational correlation time in the pico-second (ps) regime. Based on the
      NMRD profiles we conclude that the main relaxation mechanism for [PF6]- is due to
      fast internal reorientational motion, a partially averaged F-F intra- and F-H
      inter-ionic DD coupling as the anion resides in close proximity to its temporary
      oppositely charged cation partner. The F-T1-NMRD data display a ns dispersion
      which is interpreted as being due to correlated reorientational modulations
      resulting from the H-containing charge-neutral ion couple [C4mim][PF6]. The
      analysis of ionicity is based on the free anion fraction, f, and it increases
      with temperature with f -> 1 at the highest temperatures investigated. The
      fraction is obtained from the H-F NMRD profiles as correlated-non-correlated
      dynamics of the ions. The analysis of T1 relaxation rates of C, H, F and P at
      high fields cannot generally give the fraction of ions but is consistent with the
      interpretation based on the NMRD profiles with relaxation contributions due to DD
      intra and -inter, CSA-intra (and -inter for C), including spin rotation for P.
      The investigation has led to a description of the mechanics governing ion
      transport in the title ionic liquid via identification of transient
      correlated/non-correlated ion dynamics.

PMID- 28074973
TI  - Fluorescence turn-on hairpin-probe PCR.
AB  - A new fluorescence turn-on type of PCR monitoring system (Hpro-PCR) using a
      hairpin probe and a primer having a tag sequence at the 5' end with the
      fluorescent molecule 2,7-diamino-1,8-naphthyridine derivative (DANP) has been
      developed. The Hpro-PCR exploited the modulation of the equilibrium states
      between the DANP-bound hairpin structure and probe-tag duplex, and the PCR
      progress alternated the equilibrium state, resulting in the change of fluorescent
      intensity.

PMID- 28074974
TI  - Ligand-assisted mechanochemical synthesis of ceria-based catalysts for the
      selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH3.
AB  - CeO2/TiO2 catalysts were fabricated by dry ball milling in the presence or
      absence of an organic ligand. It was found that the catalysts prepared by ligand
      assisted ball milling exhibited high NH3-SCR activities due to the interaction
      between cerium ions and ligand molecules resulting in good dispersion, a high
      Ce3+ ratio and high reducibility of cerium species.

PMID- 28074975
TI  - Accessing alternative reaction pathways of the intermolecular condensation
      between homo-propargyl alcohols and terminal alkynes through divergent gold
      catalysis.
AB  - An intermolecular condensation of alkynols and terminal alkynes is reported.
      Using IPrAuNTf2, an efficient Au-catalyzed cyclization-alkynylation strategy
      furnishes (2-arylalkynyl) cyclic ethers in moderate to excellent yields (up to
      94%). This strategy is extended to the synthesis of functionalized 2,3
      dihydrooxepines via the sequential Au-catalyzed ring expansion of the cyclic
      ether substrates.

PMID- 28074976
TI  - Utility of urinary markers in the assessment of renal dysfunction in canine
      babesiosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Canine babesiosis is a common and clinically significant tick-borne
      disease caused by haemoprotozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. Acute renal
      failure is considered to be one of the most prevalent complications of canine
      babesiosis. This complication leads to a decrease in the glomerular filtration
      rate and in consequence causes azotemia and uremia. The objective of this study
      was to assess the localization and extent of renal damage in dogs infected with
      Babesia canis using an urinary marker for glomerular (urinary immunoglobulin G,
      uIgG), proximal tubular dysfunction (urinary retinol binding protein, uRBP) and
      distal tubular dysfunction (urinary Tamm-Horsfal protein, uTHP). Material und
      methods: In 10 dogs naturally infected with B. canis and 10 healthy control dogs
      the levels of urinary biomarkers were measured using commercially available ELISA
      tests. RESULTS: Higher concentrations of uIgG, uRBP and uTHP were found in the
      urine of all dogs with babesiosis than in those from the control group. This
      indicates that in the course of the disease, the glomeruli as well as the renal
      tubules become damaged. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study results
      allow a better understanding of the pathogenesis of canine babesiosis. However,
      in order to fully determine the extent and the nature of the damage to the
      kidneys of the infected dogs, it is advisable to conduct additional
      histopathological examinations of these organs.

PMID- 28074977
TI  - [Association of C reactive protein levels with metabolic syndrome in adults: a
      population-based study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among adults in Chile and
      represents a health risk. AIM: To determine the relationship between metabolic
      syndrome (MetS) and its components, with C reactive protein levels (CRP) as an
      inflammation marker. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population studied consisted of
      736 individuals born in a hospital from Valparaiso Region, aged between 32-38
      years at the time of the study. MetS was identified according to the Adult
      Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines and inflammation was measured using ultra
      sensitive CRP. This parameter was classified as normal for values from 0 to 3
      mg/L, high for values from 3.01 to 10 mg/L and very high for values > 10 mg/L.
      RESULTS: Median CRP was in the normal range (1.9 mg/L, interquartile range 0.7
      5.2) and was higher among women than men (2.2 and 1.4 mg/L respectively, p <
      0.01). Twenty seven percent of participants had MetS. One-fourth had high blood
      glucose values, one-third had high triglyceride levels and 28% had blood pressure
      values over those established as normal in MetS. Elevated waist circumference
      (WC) and low HDL cholesterol were found among almost 50% of participants. A
      relationship between MetS and high CRP was only found among men with an Odds
      ratio (OR) of 2.04 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.11-3.73). The same
      association was observed for high triglyceride levels with an OR of 2.02 (CI:
      1.17-3.49) and high WC with an OR of 3.89 (CI: 2.06-7.36). Among women, the only
      relationship observed was between abdominal obesity and very high CRP with an OR
      of 2. 65 (CI: 1.20-5.84). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome, high triglyceride
      levels, and abdominal obesity were associated with inflammation only in men.

PMID- 28074978
TI  - [Effect of meal frequency and carbohydrate intake on the metabolic control of
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing meal frequency is commonly used in the clinical practice
      as part of the nutritional treatment of patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
      (DM2), although its effect on metabolic control parameters is controversial. AIM:
      To evaluate the association of energy intake, meal frequency, and amount of
      carbohydrates with fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in a group
      of patients with DM2 without insulin therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dietary
      intake was evaluated in 60 subjects with DM2 through three-day food records. The
      meal frequency was estimated establishing the main meal times considering snacks.
      RESULTS: Meal frequency was 4.7 +/- 1.1 times per day. There was a positive
      association between glycosylated and fasting blood glucose levels (p <0.01). Meal
      frequency was associated with energy intake (p <0.01). When meal frequency,
      available carbohydrates and energy intake, body mass index and fasting plasma
      glucose were analyzed in a multiple linear regression model, fasting blood
      glucose was the variable that best predicted changes in glycosylated hemoglobin
      (45.5%). Meal frequency had no association with glycosylated hemoglobin.
      CONCLUSIONS: Meal frequency showed no association with metabolic control
      parameters in DM2 patients.

PMID- 28074979
TI  - [Effects of 12 sessions of high intensity intermittent training and nutrition
      counseling on body fat in obese and overweight participants].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The search of efficient exercise alternatives to treat obesity is
      worthwhile. AIM: To demonstrate the effect of high intensity intermittent
      exercise on body fat reduction in overweight and obese subjects. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A group of 65 overweight and obese adult subjects (25 men), aged 18-65
      years, participated during 12 sessions in a high intensity physical exercise
      program, 3 days/week. Weight, height and body fat was measured before and after
      the intervention by bioimpedance. Each session consisted of 1 min stationary
      cycling exercise at high intensity, followed by 2 min inactive rest. This cycle
      was repeated 10 times, thus the method is called 1*2*10. RESULTS: There was a
      significant reduction of body fat of -1.88 +/- 2.8 and -3.44 +/- 2.7 kg, in women
      and men, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 1*2*10 training protocol
      lasting 12 weeks in association with nutrition counseling is effective in
      reducing body fat in overweight persons.

PMID- 28074980
TI  - [Implications of chilean legal framework in teen pregnancy prevention: conflict
      and insecurity in health professionals].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teenage pregnancy is a psychosocial and multifactorial problem
      described as a lack of exercise of rights in sexual and reproductive health.
      There are important aspects in the doctor-patient relationship and
      confidentiality that directly affect the continuity and quality of care. There
      are controversies in the laws relating to the provision of contraception and
      confidentiality, and those that protect the sexual indemnity, especially in
      adolescents under 14 years. AIM: To describe the implications of the legal
      framework for professional midwives in the care of adolescents younger than 14
      years in sexual and reproductive health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In-depth
      interviews were conducted to 13 female and 2 male midwives working at Primary
      Health Care Centers in the Metropolitan Region. RESULTS: The attention of
      adolescents younger than 14 years in sexual and reproductive health involves
      medical-legal issues for health professionals. All professionals recognize that
      mandatory reporting sexual activity is a complex situation. All professionals
      notify pregnancies. In relation to the delivery of contraception, clinical care
      is problematic since professionals should take shelter from a legal standpoint.
      CONCLUSIONS: The medical-legal context of pregnant women under 14 years of age
      care generates a context of uncertainty and fear for professionals and becomes a
      source of conflict and insecurity in the exercise of the profession.

PMID- 28074981
TI  - [Thrombolysis in stroke mimics: Experience in 10 cases].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in cerebral
      ischemia is time dependent. Stroke mimics (SM) are frequent in emergency rooms.
      The effort to reduce door to needle time, can lead to administer thrombolytics to
      SM. AIM: To describe the frequency and prognosis of SM treated with IVT. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Prospective analysis of all patients evaluated in a Chilean private
      clinic between December 2004 and July 2015 with a suspected acute ischemic stroke
      (AIS). We calculated the number of SM that were treated with IVT. In these
      patients, we analyzed the presence of symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage defined as
      the presence of a neurological deterioration of four points or more on the
      National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, the presence of extracranial bleeding
      according to Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA for Occluded Coronary
      Arteries criteria and the patient's functional status at three months by modified
      Rankin scale (MRS). RESULTS: We evaluated 1,417 patients with suspected AIS, of
      which 240 (16.9%) were finally diagnosed as SM. A total of 197 patients were
      treated with IVT, of these 10 (5%) corresponded to SM. All SM patients treated
      with thrombolytic drugs were functionally independent at 3 months and showed no
      bleeding complications. CONCLUSIONS: Occasionally SM patients were treated with
      IVT. This treatment was not associated with bleeding complications and the
      prognosis of these patients at three months was favorable.

PMID- 28074982
TI  - [Healthcare mistreatment attributed to discrimination among mapuche patients and
      discontinuation of diabetes care].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The negative impact of perceived discrimination on health outcomes is
      well established. However, less attention has been directed towards understanding
      the effect of perceived discrimination on health behaviors relevant for the
      treatment of diabetes in ethnic minorities. AIM: To examine the effects of
      healthcare mistreatment attributed to discrimination on the continuity of Type 2
      Diabetes (DM2) care among mapuche patients in a southern region of Chile.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A non-probabilistic sample of 85 mapuche DM2 patients were
      recruited from public and private health systems. Eligibility criteria included
      having experienced at least one incident of interpersonal healthcare
      mistreatment. All participants answered an instrument designed to measure
      healthcare mistreatment and continuity of diabetes care. RESULTS: Healthcare
      mistreatment attributed to ethnic discrimination was associated with the
      discontinuation of diabetes care. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare mistreatment attributed
      to discrimination negatively impacted the continuity of diabetes care, a fact
      which may provide a better understanding of health disparities in ethnic
      minorities.

PMID- 28074983
TI  - [Role of coronary computed tomography angiography for the diagnosis of coronary
      anomalies].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary anomalies are rare heart diseases that can cause sudden
      cardiac death, especially in young individuals. Coronary computed tomography
      angiography delivers a three-dimensional view of excellent quality with
      information of the origin, course and anatomic relationships of the anomalous
      vessel, allowing differentiation between benign and malignant variants, entities
      that require different management and treatment. AIM: To show that coronary
      computed tomography angiography is the non-invasive technique of choice for the
      evaluation of a coronary anomaly due to its high diagnostic accuracy. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2014, 368 coronary computed tomography
      angiographies were carried out. Six (1.6%) patients had a coronary anomaly.
      RESULTS: The age of these six patients ranged from 38 to 82 years (five were
      women). The coronary computed tomography angiography was requested due to cardiac
      symptoms (angina and dyspnea) in two patients, after a selective coronary
      arteriography to obtain additional information of the coronary anomaly in three
      patients, and after a cardiorespiratory arrest in one patient. Three patients had
      an anomaly of the right coronary artery, two patients had an anomaly of the left
      coronary artery and one patient had absent left main coronary artery. In five
      patients the coronary anomaly was malignant. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary computed
      tomography angiography is a robust diagnostic method to evaluate patients with
      suspected coronary anomalies.

PMID- 28074984
TI  - [Wellbeing of Chilean older adults is associated with group participation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subjective aspects such as personal growth and the development of
      their potential are relevant for the perception of wellbeing of older adults.
      These dimensions appear to be connected with meaningful group participation. AIM:
      To assess the perception of psychological wellbeing of older adults in a Chilean
      region and determine its association with socio-demographic variables and
      participation in organizations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ryff's scale of
      psychological wellbeing perception was applied to 101 adults (43 men) from
      Magallanes, aged 60 and 88 years. Sociodemographic data was also collected.
      RESULTS: Mean wellbeing scores reported were 193.7 +/- 20 (maximum score: 234).
      Those older adults who participated in organizations had higher scores than those
      who did not take part in them. Participation in organizations appeared to be
      specifically associated to positive relationships (p = 0.03) and personal growth
      (p < 0.01). The number of organizations in which older adults participated was
      positively correlated with the perception of wellbeing (p < 0.01). Greater
      personal wellbeing was associated with leadership roles in organizations (p =
      0.01). Significant differences between level of schooling and personal growth (p
      = 0.01) were also observed found. There were no differences associated with sex,
      age and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: The perception of wellbeing of older adults
      is influenced by their participation in organizations. Leadership is associated
      with the highest levels of wellbeing.

PMID- 28074985
TI  - [Characteristics and evolution of patients admitted to a public hospital
      intensive care unit].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of critical patients in Chile could differ from that
      reported in international studies. AIM: To describe the causes of admission and
      evolution of patients who were admitted to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) of a
      general hospital in Chile in a two-year period (2012-2013). PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      A retrospective study was carried out using the ICU database. The following
      variables were registered: admission diagnosis, APACHE II (Acute Physiology and
      Chronic Health Evaluation), days of mechanical ventilation (MV), ICU length of
      stay and ICU and hospital survival. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 1075 aged 54
      +/- 18 years (55% males), representing 75% of the admissions during the study
      period. The median ICU and MV lengths were 5 and 3 days respectively (92% of
      patients required MV). APACHE II was 20.5 +/- 8.2. The ICU and hospital mortality
      rate were 19.4% and 31%, respectively. Critical neurological diseases were the
      most common diagnoses requiring ICU, representing 26.8% of the admissions. No
      differences were found between 2012 and 2013 in age, APACHE II, ICU or hospital
      survival. A longer post ICU length of stay was found during 2013, both for
      patients who survived and those who died at the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      highlights the high percentage of patients that required MV and the high
      percentage critical neurological conditions requiring ICU admission. The
      characteristics and evolution of patients admitted to the ICU did not differ
      during 2012 and 2013.

PMID- 28074987
TI  - [Towards universal access to health care: incorporation of advanced practice
      nurses in primary care].
AB  - To move towards universal access to health, the Pan American Health Organization
      recommends strengthening primary health care (PHC). One of the strategies is to
      increase the number qualified professionals, both medical and non-medical,
      working in PHC. In Chile there is a lack of professionals in this level of care,
      hampering the provision of health. Physicians still prefer secondary and tertiary
      levels of health. International experience has shown that advanced practice
      nurses (APN), specialists in PHC are cost-effective professionals able to deliver
      a complete and quality care to patients. Strong evidence demonstrates the
      benefits that APN could provide to the population, delivering nursing care that
      incorporates medical tasks, for example in patients with chronic diseases,
      allowing greater availability of medical hours for patients requiring more
      complex management. The success in the implementation of this new role requires
      the support of the health team, especially PHC physicians, endorsing and
      promoting the benefits of the APN for the population.

PMID- 28074986
TI  - [Recommendations for the management of pancreatic cancer type adenocarcinoma: A
      consensus statement reached during the 2015 Latin American Symposium on
      Gastroenterological Oncology].
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy of great impact in developed countries and is
      having an increasing impact in Latin America. Incidence and mortality rates are
      similar for this cancer. This is an important reason to offer to the patients the
      best treatments available. During the Latin American Symposium of
      Gastroenterology Oncology (SLAGO) held in Vina del Mar, Chile, in April 2015, a
      multidisciplinary group of specialists in the field met to discuss about this
      disease. The main conclusions of this meeting, where practitioners from most of
      Latin American countries participated, are listed in this consensus that seek to
      serve as a guide for better decision making for patients with pancreatic cancer
      in Latin America.

PMID- 28074988
TI  - [What is human infection with Zika virus?]

PMID- 28074989
TI  - [Antidepressants agents in breast cancer patients using tamoxifen: review of
      basic and clinical evidence].
AB  - Tamoxifen (Tmf), is a standard of care for women with estrogen receptor positive
      (ER+) breast cancer. Endoxifen is a Tmf metabolite generated by cytochrome P450
      2D6 (CYP2D6). Antidepressive agents (AD) are often prescribed to women with
      breast cancer not only for depression, but also for anxiety and hot flashes. Some
      AD are substrates or inhibitors of the Tmf metabolic pathway. Therefore there may
      be interactions when Tmf and AD are prescribed simultaneously. Oncologic
      protection afforded by Tmf may become less effective or null when AD are
      indicated, especially in poor metabolizing patients. We performed an update of
      the literature about the criteria for choosing AD in women receiving Tmf.
      Tricyclic AD, paroxetine and fluoxetine should be avoided in patients receiving
      Tmf, because they are strong inhibitors of CYP2D6. Bupropion, duloxetine and
      sertraline are only moderate inhibitors of the cytochrome and are not
      contraindicated. Citalopram, desvenlafaxine, escitalopram, milnacipran and
      venlafaxine are recommended, because they do not influence the metabolism and
      clinical efficacy of Tmf and have fewer drug interactions. However, other
      additional pharmacological and clinical issues should be considered when choosing
      an antidepressant in women with breast cancer.

PMID- 28074990
TI  - [Assessment of patients' capacity to give a valid consent].
AB  - Autonomy is an inherent condition of every ethical act. This attribution is
      expressed, when decisions are made, as capacity. Physician-patient alliance is
      defied when there is a reasonable doubt of patients' ability to make a choice, an
      extraordinarily complex scenario. As a response, in the last few decades multiple
      tools have been developed aiming to determine in a standardized fashion whether
      capacity is present or not. In the present article, we present a classification
      of the most well-known tools and discuss their usefulness, the implications for
      standardization of capacity, and make recommendations for their use, based in
      evidence.

PMID- 28074991
TI  - [Factors affecting the educational environment in undergraduate medical schools].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Educational environment has an important effect on the quality of
      learning and student satisfaction in medicine. Most of previous studies have been
      conducted using questionnaires that assess the phenomenon considering overall
      dimensions, without paying attention to the specific manifestations of this
      topic, especially those aspects that are related to the protagonists of the
      learning process: teachers and students. AIM: To describe factors that affect the
      educational environment in the preclinical Medical formation, according to
      Medical teachers in Concepcion, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Qualitative study,
      using the Grounded theory method. Semi-structured interviews were performed to 10
      medical teachers in Concepcion, Chile. They were selected by theoretical
      sampling. Data were analyzed using open coding. RESULTS: Four emerging categories
      about the factors that affect the learning environment were identified: Personal
      factors of students, academic factors of students, personal factors of teachers
      and academic factors of teachers. CONCLUSIONS: According to interviewed teachers,
      both personal factors in teachers and students that promote a positive learning
      environment are related with an attitude oriented towards others and
      communication skills. Academic factors are related with the responsible exercise
      of student and teacher roles and with the promotion of participation in the
      educational process.

PMID- 28074992
TI  - [Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated renal vasculitis and
      pregnancy: Report of one case].
AB  - ANCA mediated vasculitis mainly occur between the fourth and fifth decade of
      life; therefore, it is very uncommon to see pregnant patients with the disease.
      Vasculitis may affect significantly the course of pregnancy; in turn pregnancy
      can change the course of vasculitis. We report a 20 years old woman with ANCA
      mediated renal vasculitis lasting 10 years who consulted with a pregnancy of 15
      weeks. She was in remission and had amenorrhea attributed to ovarian toxicity due
      to cyclophosphamide. Pregnancy had an uneventful course with spontaneous delivery
      at the 37th week, giving birth to a healthy newborn. Proteinuria increased during
      the course of pregnancy with a mild deterioration of kidney function. During the
      year after delivery, she had nephrotic proteinuria and a worsening of renal
      function.

PMID- 28074993
TI  - [Fatal interstitial lung disease associated with maximum androgen blockade].
AB  - Maximum androgen blockade is the standard endocrine treatment for advanced
      prostate cancer. Interstitial lung disease in different degrees of severity, with
      low mortality and excellent response to treatment may appear with its use. We
      report a 77 years old patient with advanced prostate cancer who developed severe
      and progressive respiratory failure associated to bilateral pulmonary
      infiltrates, attributed to the direct effect of maximum androgen blockade.
      Despite the therapeutic efforts, the patient died. Lung pathology revealed Usual
      Interstitial Pneumonia.

PMID- 28074994
TI  - [Normoglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy: Report of one case].
AB  - Normoglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis should be suspected in pregnant women
      presenting nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and anorexia. We report a 39 years
      old woman with a 32 weeks pregnancy who sought emergency care due to hyperemesis.
      She was hospitalized with the following diagnoses: pregnancy hypertension
      syndrome, gestational diabetes, morbid obesity and poor prenatal control. The
      evaluation of the feto-placental unit showed perception of fetal movements, non
      reactive non-stress baseline record and a biophysical profile of 6/8. Fetal
      maturation was initiated. Laboratory tests showed a metabolic acidosis, a low pH,
      an increased Gap anion, elevated ketonemia and a blood glucose of 172 mg/dl. A
      diagnosis of normoglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis was formulated and treatment
      with hydration and regular insulin according to capillary blood glucose levels
      was started. An emergency caesarean section was performed. The newborn weighed
      2.650 kg, had a length of 46 cm, was large for gestational age, had an Apgar
      score of 2.7, had perinatal asphyxia, convulsive syndrome and a possible
      congenital cardiopathy. Once the ketoacidosis was resolved during the immediate
      puerperium, slow acting insulin was initiated.

PMID- 28074995
TI  - [Chilean Healthcare Professionals? Perception of Knowledge about Dementia].

PMID- 28074996
TI  - [Older adults and hiv: beyond risk perception].

PMID- 28074997
TI  - [Classification of idiopathic generalised epilepsies in patients over 16 years of
      age].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic generalised epilepsies (IGE) are a set of
      electroclinical syndromes with different phenotypes. Our aim is to analyse those
      phenotypes in patients over 16 years of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective analysis of a series of patients with IGE. They were classified as
      childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), juvenile
      myoclonic epilepsy (JME), epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures only (TCSE),
      epilepsy with eyelid myoclonias and absences (EMA) and pure photogenic epilepsy
      (PE). RESULTS: We included 308 patients, the majority females (56.8%), in our
      study. JME was the most prevalent (40.9%), followed by TCSE (30%), JAE (10%), EMA
      (8.7%), CAE (7.7%) and PE (1.6%). The types of seizures presented by the most
      patients were tonic-clonic (89.6%), myoclonic (45.4%), absence (31.4%), reflex
      seizures (13.3%), eyelid myoclonias (12.6%), non-epileptic psychogenic seizures
      (3.6%) and status epilepticus (1.9%). They all had generalised spike-and-wave
      discharges in the electroencephalogram (EEG). 19.2% presented asymmetrical
      discharges and 28.2% showed a photoparoxysmal response. We observed differences
      between syndromes in polytherapy (p < 0.0001), withdrawal of therapy (p = 0.01)
      and being seizure-free beyond the age of 50 (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: JME was the
      most frequent. Generalised tonic-clonic seizures were the type of seizures
      presented by the most patients, followed by myoclonic, absent and reflex
      seizures. The EEG showed a photoparoxysmal response in over a quarter of the
      patients, and one in five displayed asymmetrical anomalies. Differences were
      observed according to the syndrome in polytherapy, persistence of seizures and
      withdrawal of treatment.

PMID- 28074998
TI  - [Prognostic factors of functional recovery from a stroke at one year].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recovery of the ability to walk and independence is fundamental for
      any patient who suffers a stroke, and it can be influenced by a number of
      factors. AIM: To determine what variables are more important to achieve a good
      functional recovery at one year after the stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An
      observational, longitudinal prospective study was conducted with 231 patients
      diagnosed with a stroke in the year 2013. An analysis was performed of the
      clinical characteristics, socio-demographic data, neurological situation at the
      time of hospitalisation -National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)-,
      functional situation (Rankin Scale and Barthel Index) and ability to walk, both
      on hospitalisation and on discharge from rehabilitation and at one year. RESULTS:
      The mean age was 74.26 +/- 13.1 years, and 55.4% were males. The mean length of
      stay in hospital was 16.24 days. 68.9% followed rehabilitation therapy, with an
      average of 95.5 sessions. Good functional capacity was recovered by 51.7% at one
      year (Rankin < 2 and Barthel > 85), and 63.5% regained the ability to walk
      independently. The factors that had the most significant influence on functional
      and gait recovery at one year were: lower age, NIHSS score < 10 in the first
      week, the type of stroke (small vessel), the absence of atrial fibrillation and
      better previous functional situation. CONCLUSION: At one year of having suffered
      a stroke, most of the patients recover the capacity for independent gait and to a
      lesser extent independence in activities of daily living.

PMID- 28074999
TI  - [Predictive value of cerebellar growth and general movements assessments for
      neurodevelopment of very preterm infants at 18-24 months' corrected age].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fidgety movements assessments is very sensitive predicting long
      term outcome or cerebral palsy of preterm, disrupted cerebellar growth has been
      reported in these patients. AIM: To compare the predictive value of cerebellar
      ultrasound growth and fidgety movements assessments, for neurodevelopment outcome
      of very preterm at 18-24 month's corrected age (CA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      Prospective study of 88 infants cohort (<= 32 weeks' gestation), transverse
      cerebellar diameter was obtained by ultrasound via mastoid fontanel, in a weekly
      basis, until 40 weeks CA. Fidgety movements were assessed at 3 months CA.
      Neurodevelopment outcome at 18-24 month's CA was evaluated in 68 using Schedule
      of Growing Skills II Scale (SGS-II) and Amiel-Tison Neurologic Assessment (ATNA).
      RESULTS: At term age, cerebellar growth was under 3rd percentile in 11 (10.3%).
      Fidgety movements were normal in 42 (61.8%) and abnormal or absent in 7 (10.3%).
      At 18-24 months CA, 54 (79.4%) were normal by the SGS-II and in 6 (8.8%) ATNA
      classified as cerebral palsy. Cerebellar diameter under 3rd percentile at term
      was associated with abnormal motor outcome and normal fidgety movements
      correlated with normal neurodevelopment. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound cerebellar
      measurements and functional examinations (fidgety movements) have important
      complementary roles in predicting neurodevelopment of very preterm.

PMID- 28075000
TI  - [Bromocriptine: could it be the cure for post-surgical akinetic mutism?]
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Akinetic mutism is considered as an alteration of the motivational
      state of the person, which the patient is unable to initiate verbal or motor
      responses voluntary, even with preserved sensorimotor and surveillance functions.
      CASE REPORT: A 43 year-old male involved in a cerebellum arteriovenous fistula
      complicated with hydrocephalus, who responded dramatically to treatment with
      bromocriptine. CONCLUSION: Typically, akinetic mutism is described as a transient
      surgeries posterior fossa. However, it can also occur after multiple valvular
      failure in patients with hydrocephalus.

PMID- 28075001
TI  - [Proposed model of executive functions based on factorial analyses].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since Lezak coined the term executive functions to refer to the
      mental capabilities that are considered essential for performing efficacious,
      creative and socially acceptable behaviour, they have gradually grown in
      importance in neuropsychological research. Different models have been proposed to
      explain their nature, but there is no general agreement as to whether we are
      dealing with a unitary construct or a multimodal processing system with
      independent, but interconnected, components. With the aim of gaining a deeper
      knowledge of the structure of this construct, researchers have conducted lesion,
      neuroimaging and, more recently, factorial analysis studies, the latter being
      seen as a promising methodology for expanding our knowledge about such a generic
      concept as the executive functions. DEVELOPMENT: The purpose of this study is to
      carry out a systematic review of factorial models of attention and executive
      control in adults, between the years 1991 and 2016, using the PubMed, OvidSP and
      PsycINFO databases. Altogether, 33 papers were reviewed. Based on the literature,
      an integrating proposal of the executive functions is put forward. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although we do not have just one single model that can account for the complexity
      of the executive functions, there does seem to be general agreement on their
      multidimensionality. In factorial analyses, there is strong evidence of updating,
      inhibition and alternation, although there are also studies that propose novel
      factors. Our integrating proposal aims to combine the executive processes found
      in the literature with their corresponding neuroanatomical correlates, and
      defends the stance that the ideal methodology should use information from lesion
      studies, neuroimaging techniques and psychometric-computational models.

PMID- 28075003
TI  - [XVIII Reunion Anual de la Sociedad Extremena de Neurologia. Communications].

PMID- 28075002
TI  - [Why do we call the brain 'brain'?]
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Every day millions of professionals use a countless number of
      technical words to refer to the different structures inside the skull. But few of
      them would know how to explain their origin. In this study we take an in-depth
      look into the etymological origins of some of these neuroanatomical terms.
      DEVELOPMENT: The study takes an etymological tour of the central nervous system.
      It is in no way meant to be an exhaustive, detailed review of the terms currently
      in use, but instead a means to familiarise the reader with the linguistic past of
      words like brain, hippocampus, thalamus, claustrum, fornix, corpus callosum or
      limbic system. All of them come from either Greek or Latin, which were used for
      centuries as the lingua francas of science. The study also analyses the evolution
      of the word meninges, originally of Greco-Latin origin, although its current
      usages derive from Arabic. CONCLUSIONS: The neuroanatomical terms that are in use
      today do not come from words that associate a particular brain structure with its
      function, but instead from words that reflect the formal or conceptual similarity
      between a structure and a familiar or everyday entity (for example, an object or
      a part of the human body). In other cases, these words indicate the spatial
      location of the neuroanatomical structure with respect to a third, or they may be
      terms derived from characters in Greco-Latin mythology.

PMID- 28075004
TI  - [Trigeminal neuropathy with atypical pain as the presenting symptom of
      contralateral meningioma of the posterior fossa].

PMID- 28075005
TI  - [Syringomyelias in paediatrics].

PMID- 28075006
TI  - Georgiy Shulman 1929-2016.

PMID- 28075007
TI  - Transition to market economy promotes individualistic values: Analysing changes
      in frequencies of Russian words from 1980 to 2008.
AB  - Google Books Ngram was used to assess changes in frequency of usage in words
      corresponding to collectivistic and individualistic values in Russia during the
      time of economic changes. It was found that in many domains transition to market
      economy was associated with a rise in the use of words corresponding to
      individualistic values and a decrease in the use of words associated with
      collectivistic values. In several cases, words corresponding to collectivistic
      terms were used more often than words corresponding to individualistic values.
      The results suggest that economic changes lead to a change in values structure,
      but that individualistic and collectivistic values can co-exist because of the
      transitional sate of the Russian society.

PMID- 28075008
TI  - Promising anti-tumor properties of bisdemethoxycurcumin: A naturally occurring
      curcumin analogue.
AB  - Curcuminoids are turmeric-extracted phytochemicals with documented
      chemopreventive and anti-tumor activities against several types of malignancies.
      Curcuminoids can modulate several molecular pathways and cellular targets
      involved in different stages of tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis.
      Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is a minor constituent (approximately 3%) of
      curcuminoids that has been shown to be more stable than the other two main
      curcuminoids, that is, curcumin and demthoxycurcumin. Recent studies have
      revealed that BDMC has anti-tumor effects exerted through a multimechanistic mode
      of action involving inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion and migration,
      metastasis and tumour growth, and induction of apoptotic death in cancer cells.
      The present review discusses the findings on the anti-tumor effects of BDMC,
      underlying mechanisms, and the relevance of finding for translational studies in
      human.

PMID- 28075009
TI  - The physiological costs of prey switching reinforce foraging specialization.
AB  - Sympatric speciation is thought to be strongly linked to resource specialization
      with alternative resource use acting as a fundamental agent driving divergence.
      However, sympatric speciation through niche expansion is dependent on foraging
      specialization being consistent over space and time. Standard metabolic rate is
      the minimal maintenance metabolic rate of an ectotherm in a post-absorptive and
      inactive state and can constitute a significant portion of an animal's energy
      budget; thus, standard metabolic rate and growth rate are two measures frequently
      used as an indication of the physiological performance of individuals.
      Physiological adaptations to a specific diet may increase the efficiency with
      which it is utilized, but may have an increased cost associated with switching
      diets, which may result in a reduced standard metabolic rate and growth rate. In
      this study, we use the diet specialization often seen in polymorphic Arctic charr
      (Salvelinus alpinus) populations to study the effects of different prey on
      standard metabolic rate and growth rate as well as the effects that early prey
      specialization may have on the ability to process other prey types efficiently.
      We found a significant effect of prey type on standard metabolic rate and growth
      rate. Furthermore, we found evidence of diet specialization with all fish
      maintaining a standard metabolic rate and growth rate lower than expected when
      fed on a diet different to which they were raised, possibly due to a
      maladaptation in digestion of alternative prey items. Our results show that early
      diet specialization may be reinforced by the elevated costs of prey switching,
      thus promoting the process of resource specialization during the incipient stages
      of sympatric divergence.

PMID- 28075010
TI  - Stimulatory actions of a novel thiourea derivative on large-conductance, calcium
      activated potassium channels.
AB  - In this study, we examine whether an anti-inflammatory thiourea derivative,
      compound #326, actions on ion channels. The effects of compound #326 on Ca2+ 
      activated K+ channels were evaluated by patch-clamp recordings obtained in cell
      attached, inside-out or whole-cell configuration. In pituitary GH3 cells,
      compound #326 increased the amplitude of Ca2+ -activated K+ currents (IK(Ca) )
      with an EC50 value of 11.6 MUM, which was reversed by verruculogen, but not
      tolbutamide or TRAM-34. Under inside-out configuration, a bath application of
      compound #326 raised the probability of large-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+
      (BKCa ) channels. The activation curve of BKCa channels was shifted to less
      depolarised potential with no modification of the gating charge of the curve;
      consequently, the difference of free energy was reduced in the presence of this
      compound. Compound #326-stimulated activity of BKCa channels is explained by a
      shortening of mean closed time, despite its inability to alter single-channel
      conductance. Neither delayed-rectifier nor erg-mediated K+ currents was modified.
      Compound #326 decreased the peak amplitude of voltage-gated Na+ current with no
      clear change in the overall current-voltage relationship of this current. In
      HEK293T cells expressing alpha-hSlo, compound #326 enhanced BKCa channels
      effectively. Intriguingly, the inhibitory actions of compound #326 on interleukin
      1beta in lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia were significantly reversed by
      verruculogen, whereas BKCa channel inhibitors suppressed the expressions of
      inducible nitric oxide synthase. The BKCa channels could be an important target
      for compound #326 if similar in vivo results occur, and the multi-functionality
      of BKCa channels in modulating microglial immunity merit further investigation.

PMID- 28075011
TI  - The changing contribution of top-down and bottom-up limitation of mesopredators
      during 220 years of land use and climate change.
AB  - Apex predators may buffer bottom-up driven ecosystem change, as top-down
      suppression may dampen herbivore and mesopredator responses to increased resource
      availability. However, theory suggests that for this buffering capacity to be
      realized, the equilibrium abundance of apex predators must increase. This raises
      the question: will apex predators maintain herbivore/mesopredator limitation, if
      bottom-up change relaxes resource constraints? Here, we explore changes in
      mesopredator (red fox Vulpes vulpes) abundance over 220 years in response to
      eradication and recovery of an apex predator (Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx), and
      changes in land use and climate which are linked to resource availability. A
      three-step approach was used. First, recent data from Finland and Sweden were
      modelled to estimate linear effects of lynx density, land use and winter
      temperature on fox density. Second, lynx density, land use and winter temperature
      was estimated in a 22 650 km2 focal area in boreal and boreo-nemoral Sweden in
      the years 1830, 1920, 2010 and 2050. Third, the models and estimates were used to
      project historic and future fox densities in the focal area. Projected fox
      density was lowest in 1830 when lynx density was high, winters cold and the
      proportion of cropland low. Fox density peaked in 1920 due to lynx eradication, a
      mesopredator release boosted by favourable bottom-up changes - milder winters and
      cropland expansion. By 2010, lynx recolonization had reduced fox density, but it
      remained higher than in 1830, partly due to the bottom-up changes. Comparing 1830
      to 2010, the contribution of top-down limitation decreased, while environment
      enrichment relaxed bottom-up limitation. Future scenarios indicated that by 2050,
      lynx density would have to increase by 79% to compensate for a projected climate
      driven increase in fox density. We highlight that although top-down limitation in
      theory can buffer bottom-up change, this requires compensatory changes in apex
      predator abundance. Hence apex predator recolonization/recovery to historical
      levels would not be sufficient to compensate for widespread changes in climate
      and land use, which have relaxed the resource constraints for many herbivores and
      mesopredators. Variation in bottom-up conditions may also contribute to context
      dependence in apex predator effects.

PMID- 28075012
TI  - Rare ecomorphological convergence on a complex adaptive landscape: Body size and
      diet mediate evolution of jaw shape in squirrels (Sciuridae).
AB  - Convergence is widely regarded as compelling evidence for adaptation, often being
      portrayed as evidence that phenotypic outcomes are predictable from ecology,
      overriding contingencies of history. However, repeated outcomes may be very rare
      unless adaptive landscapes are simple, structured by strong ecological and
      functional constraints. One such constraint may be a limitation on body size
      because performance often scales with size, allowing species to adapt to
      challenging functions by modifying only size. When size is constrained, species
      might adapt by changing shape; convergent shapes may therefore be common when
      size is limiting and functions are challenging. We examine the roles of size and
      diet as determinants of jaw shape in Sciuridae. As expected, size and diet have
      significant interdependent effects on jaw shape and ecomorphological convergence
      is rare, typically involving demanding diets and limiting sizes. More surprising
      is morphological without ecological convergence, which is equally common between
      and within dietary classes. Those cases, like rare ecomorphological convergence,
      may be consequences of evolving on an adaptive landscape shaped by many-to-many
      relationships between ecology and function, many-to-one relationships between
      form and performance, and one-to-many relationships between functionally
      versatile morphologies and ecology. On complex adaptive landscapes, ecological
      selection can yield different outcomes.

PMID- 28075013
TI  - Prevalence, geographic distribution and phenotypic differences of Piscirickettsia
      salmonis EM-90-like isolates.
AB  - Early reports accounted for two main genotypes of Piscirickettsia salmonis, a
      fish pathogen and causative agent of piscirickettsiosis, placing the single
      isolate EM-90 apart from the prototypic LF-89 and related isolates. In this
      study, we provide evidence that, contrary to what has been supposed, the EM-90
      like isolates are highly prevalent and disseminated across Chilean marine farms.
      Molecular analysis of 507 P. salmonis field isolates derived from main rearing
      areas, diverse hosts and collected over 6 years, revealed that nearly 50% of the
      entire collection were indeed typed as EM-90-like. Interestingly, these isolates
      showed a marked host preference, being recovered exclusively from Atlantic salmon
      (Salmo salar) samples. Although both strains produce undistinguishable
      pathological outcomes, differences regarding growth kinetics and susceptibility
      to the antibiotics and bactericidal action of serum could be identified. In sum,
      our results allow to conclude that the EM-90-like isolates represent an
      epidemiologically relevant group in the current situation of piscirickettsiosis.
      Based on the consistency between genotype and phenotype exhibited by this strain,
      we point out the need for genotypic studies that may be as important for the
      Chilean salmon industry as the continuous surveillance of antimicrobial
      susceptibility patterns.

PMID- 28075014
TI  - Knockdown of REV3 synergizes with ATR inhibition to promote apoptosis induced by
      cisplatin in lung cancer cells.
AB  - It has been demonstrated that REV3, the catalytic subunit of the translesion
      synthesis (TLS) polymerase zeta, play an important role in DNA damage response
      (DDR) induced by cisplatin, and Ataxia-telangietasia mutated and Rad-3-related
      (ATR) knase is a central player in activating cell cycle checkpoint, stabilizing
      replication forks, regulating DDR, and promoting repair of DNA damage caused by
      cisplatin. Cancer cells deficient in either one of REV3 and ATR are more
      sensitive to cisplatin. However, whether co-inhibition of REV3 and ATR can
      further increase sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells to
      cisplatin is not clear. In this study, we show that REV3 knockdown combined with
      ATR inhibition further enhance cytotoxicity of cisplatin in NSCLC cells,
      including cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant cell lines, compared to individual
      knockdown of REV3 or ATR, which are accompanied by markedly caspase-dependent
      apoptosis response, pronounced DNA damage accumulation and severe impediment of
      interstrand crosslink (ICL), and double strand break (DSB) repair. Our results
      suggest that REV3 knockdown synergize strongly with ATR inhibition to
      significantly increase sensitivity of cisplatin in NSCLC cells by inhibiting ICL
      and DSB repair. Thus simultaneously targeting REV3 and ATR may represent one
      approach to overcome cisplatin resistance and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy
      in NSCLC treatment.

PMID- 28075015
TI  - Leaf emergence (phyllochron index) and leaf expansion response to soil drying in
      cowpea genotypes.
AB  - Drought can result in severely decreased leaf area development, which impacts
      plant growth and yield. However, rarely is leaf emergence or leaf expansion
      separated to resolve the relative sensitivity to water-deficit of these two
      processes. Experiments were undertaken to impose drought over approximately 2
      weeks for eight cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes grown in pots under
      controlled environmental conditions. Daily measures of phyllochron index (PI,
      leaf emergence) and leaf area increase (leaf expansion) were obtained. Each of
      these measures was referenced against volumetric soil water content, i.e.
      fraction transpirable soil water. Although there was no clear difference between
      leaf emergence and leaf expansion in sensitivity to drying soil, both processes
      were more sensitive to soil drying than plant transpiration rate. Genotypic
      differences in the soil water content at the initiation of the decline in PI were
      identified. However, no consistent difference in sensitivity to water-deficit in
      leaf expansion was found. The difference in leaf emergence among genotypes in
      sensitivity to soil drying can now be exploited to provide guidance for plant
      improvement and crop yield increase.

PMID- 28075016
TI  - Modulation of long-term endothelial-barrier integrity is conditional to the cross
      talk between Akt and Src signaling.
AB  - Although numerous studies have implicated Akt and Src kinases in vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1)-induced endothelial
      barrier regulation, a link between these two pathways has never been
      demonstrated. We determined the long-term effects of Akt inhibition on Src
      activity and vice versa, and in turn, on the human microvascular endothelial cell
      (HMEC) barrier integrity at the basal level, and in response to growth factors.
      Our data showed that Akt1 gene knockdown increases gap formation in HMEC
      monolayer at the basal level. Pharmacological inhibition of Akt, but not Src
      resulted in exacerbated VEGF-induced vascular leakage and impaired Ang-1-induced
      HMEC-barrier protection in vitro at 24 hr. Whereas inhibition of Akt had no
      effect on VEGF-induced HMEC gap formation in the short term, inhibition of Src
      blunted this process. In contrast, inhibition of Akt disrupted the VEGF and Ang-1
      stabilized barrier integrity in the long-term while inhibition of Src did not.
      Interestingly, both long-term Akt inhibition and Akt1 gene knockdown in HMECs
      resulted in increased Tyr416 phosphorylation of Src. Treatment of HMECs with
      transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) that inhibited Akt Ser473
      phosphorylation in the long-term, activated Src through increased Tyr416
      phosphorylation and decreased HMEC-barrier resistance. The effect of TGFbeta1 on
      endothelial-barrier breakdown was blunted in Akt1 deficient HMEC monolayers,
      where endothelial-barrier resistance was already impaired compared to the
      control. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating a direct cross
      talk between Akt and Src in endothelial-barrier regulation.

PMID- 28075017
TI  - Intrapopulation variability in the timing of ontogenetic habitat shifts in sea
      turtles revealed using delta15 N values from bone growth rings.
AB  - Determining location and timing of ontogenetic shifts in the habitat use of
      highly migratory species, along with possible intrapopulation variation in these
      shifts, is essential for understanding mechanisms driving alternate life
      histories and assessing overall population trends. Measuring variations in multi
      year habitat-use patterns is especially difficult for remote oceanic species. To
      investigate the potential for differential habitat use among migratory marine
      vertebrates, we measured the naturally occurring stable nitrogen isotope (delta15
      N) patterns that differentiate distinct ocean regions to create a 'regional
      isotope characterization', analysed the delta15 N values from annual bone growth
      layer rings from dead-stranded animals, and then combined the bone and regional
      isotope data to track individual animal movement patterns over multiple years. We
      used humeri from juvenile North Pacific loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta),
      animals that undergo long migrations across the North Pacific Ocean (NPO), using
      multiple discrete regions as they develop to adulthood. Typical of many migratory
      marine species, ontogenetic changes in habitat use throughout their decades-long
      juvenile stage is poorly understood, but each potential habitat has unique
      foraging opportunities and spatially explicit natural and anthropogenic threats
      that could affect key life-history parameters. We found a bimodal size/age
      distribution in the timing that juveniles underwent an ontogenetic habitat shift
      from the oceanic central North Pacific (CNP) to the neritic east Pacific region
      near the Baja California Peninsula (BCP) (42.7 +/- 7.2 vs. 68.3 +/- 3.4 cm
      carapace length, 7.5 +/- 2.7 vs. 15.6 +/- 1.7 years). Important to the survival
      of this population, these disparate habitats differ considerably in their food
      availability, energy requirements and threats, and these differences can
      influence life-history parameters such as growth, survival and future fecundity.
      This is the first evidence of alternative ontogenetic shifts and habitat-use
      patterns for juveniles foraging in the eastern NPO. We combine two techniques,
      skeletochronology and stable isotope analysis, to reconstruct multi-year habitat
      use patterns of a remote migratory species, linked to estimated ages and body
      sizes of individuals, to reveal variable ontogeny during the juvenile life stage
      that could drive alternate life histories and that has the potential to
      illuminate the migration patterns for other species with accretionary tissues.

PMID- 28075018
TI  - C-Met as a potential target for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer: Current
      status and future perspectives.
AB  - Aberrant activation of the HGF/c-Met signalling pathways is shown to be related
      with cell proliferation, progression, metastasis, and worse prognosis in several
      tumor types, including gastrointestinal cancers, suggesting its value as a
      stimulating-target for cancer-therapy. Several approaches have been developed for
      targeting HGF and/or c-Met, and one of them, crizotinib (dual c-Met/ALK
      inhibitor), is recently been approved by FDA for lung-cancers with ALK
      rearrangement. The main aim of current review is to give an overview on the role
      of c-Met/HGF pathway in gastrointestinal cancer, in preclinical and clinical
      trials. Although several important matters is still remained to be elucidated on
      the molecular pathways underlying the antitumor effects of this therapy in
      gastrointestinal-cancers. Further investigations are warranted to recognize the
      main determinants of the activity of c-Met inhibitors, for parallel targeting
      signalling pathway associated/activated via MET/HGF pathway or in response to the
      cell resistance to anti-c-Met agents. Additionally, identification of patients
      that might benefit from therapy could help to increase the selectivity and
      efficacy of the therapy.

PMID- 28075019
TI  - Differential Recruitment of Brain Regions During Response Inhibition in Children
      Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Response inhibition is a distinct aspect of executive function that
      is frequently impaired in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
      We used a Go/NoGo (GNG) task in a functional MRI protocol to investigate
      differential activation of brain regions in the response inhibition network in
      children diagnosed with full or partial fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS/PFAS),
      compared with healthy controls. METHODS: A rapid, event-related task with 120 Go
      and 60 NoGo trials was used to study children aged 8 to 12 years-8 with FAS/PFAS,
      17 controls. Letters were projected sequentially, with Go and NoGo trials
      randomly interspersed across the task. BOLD signal in the whole brain was
      contrasted for the correct NoGo minus correct Go trials between the FAS/PFAS and
      control groups. RESULTS: Compared to the FAS/PFAS group, controls showed greater
      activation of the inferior frontal and anterior cingulate network linked to
      response inhibition in typically developing children. By contrast, the FAS/PFAS
      group showed greater BOLD response in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other
      middle prefrontal regions, suggesting compensation for inefficient function of
      pathways that normally mediate inhibitory processing. All group differences were
      significant after control for potential confounding variables. None of the
      effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on activation of the regions associated with
      response inhibition were attributable to the effects of this exposure on IQ.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first FASD GNG study in which all participants in the
      exposed group met criteria for a diagnosis of full FAS or PFAS. Although FASD is
      frequently comorbid with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the pattern of
      brain activation seen in these disorders differs, suggesting that different
      neural pathways mediate response inhibition in FASD and that different
      interventions for FASD are, therefore, warranted.

PMID- 28075021
TI  - Ablative fractional laser resurfacing: A powerful tool to help restore form and
      function during international medical exchange.

PMID- 28075020
TI  - Adenosine receptors regulate gap junction coupling of the human cerebral
      microvascular endothelial cells hCMEC/D3 by Ca2+ influx through cyclic nucleotide
      gated channels.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Gap junction channels are essential for the formation and regulation
      of physiological units in tissues by allowing the lateral cell-to-cell diffusion
      of ions, metabolites and second messengers. Stimulation of the adenosine receptor
      subtype A2B increases the gap junction coupling in the human blood-brain barrier
      endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3. Although the increased gap junction coupling is
      cAMP-dependent, neither the protein kinase A nor the exchange protein directly
      activated by cAMP were involved in this increase. We found that cAMP activates
      cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels and thereby induces a Ca2+ influx, which
      leads to the increase in gap junction coupling. The report identifies CNG
      channels as a possible physiological link between adenosine receptors and the
      regulation of gap junction channels in endothelial cells of the blood-brain
      barrier. ABSTRACT: The human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line
      hCMEC/D3 was used to characterize the physiological link between adenosine
      receptors and the gap junction coupling in endothelial cells of the blood-brain
      barrier. Expressed adenosine receptor subtypes and connexin (Cx) isoforms were
      identified by RT-PCR. Scrape loading/dye transfer was used to evaluate the impact
      of the A2A and A2B adenosine receptor subtype agonist 2-phenylaminoadenosine (2
      PAA) on the gap junction coupling. We found that 2-PAA stimulated cAMP synthesis
      and enhanced gap junction coupling in a concentration-dependent manner. This
      enhancement was accompanied by an increase in gap junction plaques formed by
      Cx43. Inhibition of protein kinase A did not affect the 2-PAA-related enhancement
      of gap junction coupling. In contrast, the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel
      inhibitor l-cis-diltiazem, as well as the chelation of intracellular Ca2+ with
      BAPTA, or the absence of external Ca2+ , suppressed the 2-PAA-related enhancement
      of gap junction coupling. Moreover, we observed a 2-PAA-dependent activation of
      CNG channels by a combination of electrophysiology and pharmacology. In
      conclusion, the stimulation of adenosine receptors in hCMEC/D3 cells induces a
      Ca2+ influx by opening CNG channels in a cAMP-dependent manner. Ca2+ in turn
      induces the formation of new gap junction plaques and a consecutive sustained
      enhancement of gap junction coupling. The report identifies CNG channels as a
      physiological link that integrates gap junction coupling into the adenosine
      receptor-dependent signalling of endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier.

PMID- 28075022
TI  - The mechanistic basis for photobiomodulation therapy of neuropathic pain by near
      infrared laser light.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Various irradiances have been reported to be beneficial
      for the treatment of neuropathic pain with near infrared light. However, the
      mechanistic basis for the beneficial outcomes may vary based on the level of
      irradiance or fluence rate used. Using in vivo and in vitro experimental models,
      this study determined the mechanistic basis of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT)
      for the treatment of neuropathic pain using a high irradiance. STUDY
      DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro experiments: Cultured, rat DRG were
      randomly assigned to control or laser treatment (LT) groups with different
      irradiation times (2, 5, 30, 60, or 120 seconds). The laser parameters were:
      output power = 960 mW, irradiance = 300 mW/cm2 , 808 nm wavelength, and spot size
      = 3 cm diameter/area = 7.07cm2 , with different fluences according to irradiation
      times. Mitochondrial metabolic activity was measured with the MTS assay. The DRG
      neurons were immunostained using a primary antibody to beta-Tubulin III. In vivo
      experiments: spared nerve injury surgery (SNI), an animal model of persistent
      peripheral neuropathic pain, was used. The injured rats were randomly divided
      into three groups (n = 5). (i) Control: SNI without LT; (ii) Short term: SNI with
      LT on day 7 and euthanized on day 7; (iii) Long term: SNI with LT on day 7 and
      euthanized on day 22. An 808 nm wavelength laser was used for all treatment
      groups. Treatment was performed once on day 7 post-surgery. The transcutaneous
      treatment parameters were: output power: 10 W, fluence rate: 270 mW/cm2 ,
      treatment time: 120 seconds. The laser probe was moved along the course of the
      sciatic/sural nerve during the treatment. Within 1 hour of irradiation, behavior
      tests were performed to assess its immediate effect on sensory allodynia and
      hyperalgesia caused by SNI. RESULTS: In vitro experiments: Mitochondrial
      metabolism was significantly lower compared to controls for all LT groups.
      Varicosities and undulations formed in neurites of DRG neurons with a cell body
      diameter 30 um or less. In neurites of DRG neurons with a cell body diameter of
      greater than 30 um, varicosities formed only in the 120 seconds group. In vivo
      experiments: For heat hyperalgesia, there was a statistically significant
      reduction in sensitivity to the heat stimulus compared to the measurements done
      on day 7 prior to LT. A decrease in the sensitivity to the heat stimulus was
      found in the LT groups compared to the control group on days 15 and 21. For cold
      allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia, a significant decrease in sensitivity to
      cold and pin prick was found within 1 hour after LT. Sensitivity to these stimuli
      returned to the control levels after 5 days post-LT. No significant difference
      was found in mechanical allodynia between control and LT groups for all time
      points examined. CONCLUSION: These in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that
      treatment with an irradiance/fluence rate at 270 mW/cm2 or higher at the level of
      the nerve can rapidly block pain transmission. A combination therapy is proposed
      to treat neuropathic pain with initial high irradiance/fluence rates for fast
      pain relief, followed by low irradiance/fluence rates for prolonged pain relief
      by altering chronic inflammation. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:516-524, 2017. (c) 2017
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28075023
TI  - Classifying Gestational Weight Gain Trajectories Using the SITAR Growth Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gestational weight gain is often characterized by the total amount of
      weight gained during pregnancy, however, the pattern of gain may be an important
      determinant of health outcomes. The SITAR (Super Imposition by Translation And
      Rotation) model has been used to describe childhood growth trajectories and has
      appeal because of the biological interpretability of its parameters. The
      objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of applying this model
      to gestational weight gain trajectories. METHODS: The study cohort included 3470
      normal-weight, overweight, and obese women delivering at Magee-Womens Hospital in
      Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1998 to 2010. We applied the SITAR model, a non-linear
      mixed effects model, to serial prenatal weight gain measurements in each pre
      pregnancy body mass index (BMI) category. We fit models of varying complexity,
      and chose the best-fitting model to describe the pattern of weight gain (by its
      absolute amount, timing, and acceleration) for each BMI group. RESULTS: The most
      complex SITAR models failed to converge, but reduced models could successfully be
      fit by specifying fewer random effects and simplifying the modelling of
      gestational age. Best-fitting models for each BMI group explained between 95% and
      97% of the variation in weight gain trajectories. Peak rates of weight gain were
      reached between the 20th and 22nd weeks, and were higher for normal and
      overweight women (0.59 kg/week and 0.57 kg/week, respectively) than obese women
      (0.46 kg/week). CONCLUSIONS: Following some modifications, the SITAR model can be
      used to characterize pregnancy weight gain patterns.

PMID- 28075024
TI  - Uncovering iron regulation with species-specific transcriptome patterns in
      Atlantic and coho salmon during a Caligus rogercresseyi infestation.
AB  - Salmon species cultured in Chile evidence different levels of susceptibility to
      the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi. These differences have mainly been
      associated with specific immune responses. Moreover, iron regulation seems to be
      an important mechanism to confer immunity during the host infestation. This
      response called nutritional immunity has been described in bacterial infections,
      despite that no comprehensive studies involving in marine ectoparasites
      infestation have been reported. With this aim, we analysed the transcriptome
      profiles of Atlantic and coho salmon infected with C. rogercresseyi to evidence
      modulation of the iron metabolism as a proxy of nutritional immune responses.
      Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed in samples of skin and head kidney
      from Atlantic and coho salmon infected with sea lice. RNA-seq analyses revealed
      significant upregulation of transcripts in both salmon species at 7 and 14 dpi in
      skin and head kidney, respectively. However, iron regulation transcripts were
      differentially modulated, evidencing species-specific expression profiles. Genes
      related to heme degradation and iron transport such as hepcidin, transferrin and
      haptoglobin were primary upregulated in Atlantic salmon; meanwhile, in coho
      salmon, genes associated with heme biosynthesis were strongly transcribed. In
      summary, Atlantic salmon, which are more susceptible to infestation, presented
      molecular mechanisms to deplete cellular iron availability, suggesting putative
      mechanisms of nutritional immunity. In contrast, resistant coho salmon were less
      affected by sea lice, mainly activating pro-inflammatory mechanisms to cope with
      infestation.

PMID- 28075025
TI  - Warmer temperatures reduce the influence of an important keystone predator.
AB  - Predator-prey interactions may be strongly influenced by temperature variations
      in marine ecosystems. Consequently, climate change may alter the importance of
      predators with repercussions for ecosystem functioning and structure. In North
      eastern Pacific kelp forests, the starfish Pycnopodia helianthoides is known to
      be an important predator of the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus.
      Here we investigated the influence of water temperature on this predator-prey
      interaction by: (i) assessing the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of
      both species across a temperature gradient in the northern Channel Islands,
      California, and (ii) investigating how the feeding rate of P. helianthoides on S.
      purpuratus is affected by temperature in laboratory tests. On average, at sites
      where mean annual temperatures were <14  degrees C, P. helianthoides were common,
      S. purpuratus was rare and kelp was persistent, whereas where mean annual
      temperatures exceeded 14  degrees C, P. helianthoides and kelp were rare and S.
      purpuratus abundant. Temperature was found to be the primary environmental factor
      influencing P. helianthoides abundance, and in turn P. helianthoides was the
      primary determinant of S. purpuratus abundance. In the laboratory, temperatures
      >16  degrees C (equivalent to summer temperatures at sites where P. helianthoides
      were rare) reduced predation rates regardless of predator and prey sizes,
      although larger sea urchins were consumed only by large starfishes. These results
      clearly demonstrate that the effect of P. helianthoides on S. purpuratus is
      strongly mediated by temperature, and that the local abundance and predation rate
      of P. helianthoides on sea urchins will likely decrease with future warming. A
      reduction in top-down control on sea urchins, combined with other expected
      impacts of climate change on kelp, poses significant risks for the persistence of
      kelp forests in the future.

PMID- 28075026
TI  - Updating histological data on crown initiation and crown completion ages in
      southern Africans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To update histological data on crown initiation and completion ages
      in southern Africans. To evaluate implications of these data for studies that:
      (a) rely on these data to time linear enamel hypoplasias (LEHs), or, (b) use
      these data for comparison to fossil hominins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initiation
      ages were calculated on 67 histological sections from southern Africans, with
      sample sizes ranging from one to 11 per tooth type. Crown completion ages for
      southern Africans were calculated in two ways. First, actual derived initiation
      ages were added to crown formation times for each histological section to obtain
      direct information on the crown completion ages of individuals. Second, average
      initiation ages from this study were added to average crown formation times of
      southern Africans from the Reid and coworkers previous studies that were based on
      larger samples. RESULTS: For earlier-initiating tooth types (all anterior teeth
      and first molars), there is little difference in ages of initiation and crown
      completion between this and previous studies. Differences increase as a function
      of initiation age, such that the greatest differences between this and previous
      studies for both initiation and crown completion ages are for the second and
      third molars. DISCUSSION: This study documents variation in initiation ages,
      particularly for later-initiating tooth types. It upholds the use of previously
      published histological aging charts for LEHs on anterior teeth. However, this
      study finds that ages of crown initiation and completion in second and third
      molars for this southern African sample are earlier than previously estimated.
      These earlier ages reduce differences between modern humans and fossil hominins
      for these developmental events in second and third molars.

PMID- 28075027
TI  - A novel missense mutation in NR0B1 causes delayed-onset primary adrenal
      insufficiency in adults.
AB  - A novel missense mutation (c.775T>C; p.ser259Pro) in the NROBI gene cause a late
      onset adrenal insufficiency without hypogonadism.

PMID- 28075028
TI  - A recognizable type of syndromic short stature with arthrogryposis caused by bi
      allelic SEMA3A loss-of-function variants.
AB  - The semaphorins constitute a large family of secreted and membrane-associated
      proteins that regulate many developmental processes, including neural circuit
      assembly, bone formation and angiogenesis. Recently, bi-allelic loss-of-function
      variants in SEMA3A (semaphorin 3A) were identified in a single patient with a
      particular pattern of multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Using homozygosity
      mapping combined with exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous SEMA3A variant
      causing a premature stop codon in an 8 year old boy with the same pattern of MCA.
      The phenotype of these patients is characterized by postnatal short stature,
      skeletal anomalies of the thorax, a minor congenital heart or vascular defect,
      camptodactyly, micropenis, and variable additional anomalies. Motor development
      is delayed in both patients, and intellectual development is delayed in one
      patient. Our observation of a second case supports the notion that bi-allelic
      mutations in SEMA3A cause an autosomal recessive type of syndromic short stature.

PMID- 28075029
TI  - Does cortical bone thickness in the last sacral vertebra differ among tail types
      in primates?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The external morphology of the sacrum is demonstrably informative
      regarding tail type (i.e., tail presence/absence, length, and prehensility) in
      living and extinct primates. However, little research has focused on the
      relationship between tail type and internal sacral morphology, a potentially
      important source of functional information when fossil sacra are incomplete.
      Here, we determine if cortical bone cross-sectional thickness of the last sacral
      vertebral body differs among tail types in extant primates and can be used to
      reconstruct tail types in extinct primates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cortical bone
      cross-sectional thickness in the last sacral vertebral body was measured from
      high-resolution CT scans belonging to 20 extant primate species (N = 72) assigned
      to tail type categories ("tailless," "nonprehensile short-tailed," "nonprehensile
      long-tailed," and "prehensile-tailed"). The extant dataset was then used to
      reconstruct the tail types for four extinct primate species. RESULTS: Tailless
      primates had significantly thinner cortical bone than tail-bearing primates.
      Nonprehensile short-tailed primates had significantly thinner cortical bone than
      nonprehensile long-tailed primates. Cortical bone cross-sectional thickness did
      not distinguish between prehensile-tailed and nonprehensile long-tailed taxa.
      Results are strongly influenced by phylogeny. Corroborating previous studies,
      Epipliopithecus vindobonensis was reconstructed as tailless, Archaeolemur
      edwardsi as long-tailed, Megaladapis grandidieri as nonprehensile short-tailed,
      and Palaeopropithecus kelyus as nonprehensile short-tailed or tailless.
      CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that, in the context of phylogenetic clade,
      measures of cortical bone cross-sectional thickness can be used to allocate
      extinct primate species to tail type categories.

PMID- 28075030
TI  - Erythropoietic protoporphyria a clinical and molecular study from Lebanon:
      Ferrochelatase a potential tumor suppressor gene in colon cancer.
AB  - Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare cutaneous and systemic disease
      caused by mutations in the ferrochelatase gene (FECH). The molecular
      underpinnings of EPP in Middle Eastern populations and relative to other ethnic
      groups secondary to increased consanguinity are unknown. To understand the
      molecular pathogenesis of Middle Eastern EPP, we surveyed clinicopathological and
      molecular features in 6 large consanguineous families from Lebanon and Syria
      presenting with cutaneous and systemic features consistent with EPP. We observed
      30% increased liver disease and 20% elevated end-stage liver complications in our
      EPP cohort compared to EPP patients previously reported elsewhere. In addition,
      Middle Eastern EPP patients in our cohort exhibited uniquely an increased
      incidence of colon cancer. Sequence analysis revealed 2 novel non-synonymous FECH
      mutations in the studied families designated p.M294T and p.I230M. In addition,
      FECH activity was significantly decreased (6%) in fibroblasts obtained from sun
      exposed sites in a patient with p.M294T mutation, whereas in sharp contrast,
      protected sites from the same patient exhibited 54% activity for the gene. We
      also found that sun-exposed fibroblasts, relative to sun-protected and control
      fibroblasts, exhibited suppressed growth and atypical morphology in vitro, and
      that these effects were alleviated when the cells were co-cultured with sun
      protected fibroblasts. Our findings on the increased incidence of colon cancer in
      EPP patients prompted us to survey FECH expression patterns in cancer. Using
      publicly available microarray datasets we found that FECH mRNA was largely
      significantly decreased in colon adenocarcinomas relative to normal colon
      tissues. Our findings suggest that families with autosomal recessive EPP should
      be screened more extensively for systemic involvement including liver diseases
      and colon cancer, and point to a previously unknown yet plausible tumor
      suppressor role for FECH in colon malignancy.

PMID- 28075031
TI  - Angiotropic syringomatous carcinoma.
AB  - Syringomatous carcinoma (SC) is a slow-growing malignant skin tumor that usually
      affects the face or scalp. An 83-year-old female developed SC on the sole, a rare
      location. Histopathologically, numerous ducts with few keratinizing cysts were
      seen in the upper dermis, and cords, strands and nests with sclerotic stroma were
      seen in the deep dermis and subcutis. In addition to the perineural and
      intraneural invasion of the tumor, the tumor cells had also invaded the vessel
      walls. There was no intravasation of tumor cells or interruption of the
      endothelium. Because melanoma with vascular wall invasion without intravasation
      of melanoma cells or interruption of the endothelium has been called angiotropic
      melanoma, we termed the present tumor angiotropic SC. Tumor cells showed wide
      local invasion.

PMID- 28075032
TI  - Microbiological findings and antibacterial therapy in Stevens-Johnson
      syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis patients from a Swedish Burn Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Superimposed infections/sepsis are the major cause of
      morbidity/mortality in Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
      (SJS/TEN). It is a delicate balance between avoiding new pharmaceuticals and
      prophylactically treat an incipient infection. The objective of this study was to
      investigate the rates and types of infection-microbials and antibiotics involved
      in SJS/TEN patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microbiology and clinical data were
      collected for SJS/TEN patients admitted to our Burn Center from January 2010
      through January 2016. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were admitted over the
      study period. There were 303 bacterial cultures taken whereof 113 (37.3%) were
      positive (median of 4.4 per patient). Twenty-two (91.7%) patients had at least 1
      positive sample recorded. Fifteen (62.5%) patients had a confirmed episode of
      sepsis with skin being the most common source of colonization (77.8%). Eleven
      (45.8%) patients received empiric antibiotic therapy at referral facility/prior
      to admission to our Center. Patients who grew a higher number of different
      species were significantly less likely to have received early empiric
      antimicrobial therapy (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Secondary bacterial infection and
      sepsis were a highly common finding in our patient population. Despite the risk
      of resistance and further immunological provocation, empirical antibiotic
      treatment might have a place in clinical management.

PMID- 28075033
TI  - 3D Printing of Transparent and Conductive Heterogeneous Hydrogel-Elastomer
      Systems.
AB  - A hydrogel-dielectric-elastomer system, polyacrylamide and poly(dimethylsiloxane)
      (PDMS), is adapted for extrusion printing for integrated device fabrication. A
      lithium-chloride-containing hydrogel printing ink is developed and printed onto
      treated PDMS with no visible signs of delamination and geometrically scaling
      resistance under moderate uniaxial tension and fatigue. A variety of designs are
      demonstrated, including a resistive strain gauge and an ionic cable.

PMID- 28075034
TI  - Abdominal lean muscle is associated with lower mortality among kidney waitlist
      candidates.
AB  - Morphometric assessments, such as muscle density and body fat distribution, have
      emerged as strong predictors of cardiovascular risk and postoperative morbidity
      and mortality. To date, no study has examined morphometric mortality risk
      prediction among kidney transplant (KT) candidates. KT candidates, waitlisted
      2008-2009, were identified (n=96) and followed to the earliest of transplant,
      death, or administrative end of study. Morphometric measures, including abdominal
      adipose tissue, paraspinous and psoas muscle composition, and aortic
      calcification, were measured from CTs. Risk of waitlist mortality was examined
      using Cox proportional hazard regression. On adjusted analyses, radiologic
      measures remained independently and significantly associated with lower waitlist
      mortality; the addition of radiologic measures significantly improved model
      predictive ability over models containing traditional risk factors alone (net
      reclassification index: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.31-0.75). Higher psoas muscle attenuation
      (indicative of leaner muscle) was associated with decreased risk of death (aHR:
      0.93, 95% CI: 0.91-0.96, P<.001), and for each unit increase in lean paraspinous
      volume, there was an associated 2% decreased risk for death (aHR: 0.98, 95% CI:
      0.96-0.99, P=.03). Radiologic measures of lean muscle mass, such as psoas muscle
      attenuation and paraspinous lean volume, may improve waitlist mortality risk
      prediction and candidate selection.

PMID- 28075035
TI  - Direct Observations of Nanofilament Evolution in Switching Processes in HfO2 
      Based Resistive Random Access Memory by In Situ TEM Studies.
AB  - Resistive switching processes in HfO2 are studied by electron holography and in
      situ energy-filtered imaging. The results show that oxygen vacancies are
      gradually generated in the oxide layer under ramped electrical bias, and finally
      form several conductive channels connecting the two electrodes. It also shows
      that the switching process occurs at the top interface of the hafnia layer.

PMID- 28075036
TI  - Double trouble: A case of periprocedural detection of intracardiac thrombus and
      aortic root dissection during emergent transfemoral TAVR.
AB  - We report a case of emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in a
      65-year-old patient presenting with decompensated severe aortic stenosis.
      Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used effectively to obtain
      measurements of the aortic annulus and for intra-procedural guidance. At
      baseline, we detected a left atrial appendage thrombus and a localized aortic
      root dissection after balloon valvuloplasty. The case highlights the important
      role that TEE may play during TAVR procedures.

PMID- 28075037
TI  - Gauging the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: The important
      interplay between predictor variables and definition of a favorable outcome.
AB  - AIMS: Selection of patients who are viable candidates for cardiac
      resynchronization therapy (CRT), prediction of the response to CRT as well as an
      optimal definition of a favorable response, all require further exploration. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the interplay between the prediction of the
      response to CRT and the definition of a favorable outcome. METHODS: Seventy
      patients who received CRT were included. All patients met current guideline
      criteria for CRT. Forty-three echocardiographic parameters were evaluated before
      CRT and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. M-mode, 2D echocardiography, and Doppler
      imaging were used to quantify left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic
      function, mitral regurgitation, right ventricular systolic function, pulmonary
      artery pressure, and myocardial mechanical dyssynchrony. The following
      definitions of a favorable CRT response were used: left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF) improvement more >5% acutely following CRT, LVEF improvement >20%
      at 12-month follow-up, and a LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) decrease >15% at 12
      month follow-up. RESULTS: For the LVEF improvement >5%, the best predictor was
      isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT; P=.035). For improvement of LVEF >20%, the
      best predictors were left ventricular stroke index (LVSI; P=.044) and left
      ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS; P=.031). For the drop in left
      ventricular systolic volume (LVESV >15%), the best predictor was septal-to
      lateral wall delay (DeltaT) (P=.043, RR=1.023, 95% CI for RR=1.001-1.045).
      CONCLUSION: The definition of a favorable CRT response influenced the optimal
      predictor variable(s). Standardization of defining a favorable response to CRT is
      needed to guide clinical decision making processes.

PMID- 28075038
TI  - Effect of aerobic exercise on cancer-associated cognitive impairment: A proof-of
      concept RCT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Change in cognitive ability is a commonly reported adverse effect by
      breast cancer survivors. The underlying etiology of cognitive complaints is
      unclear and to date, there is limited evidence for effective intervention
      strategies. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults
      and animal models treated with chemotherapy. This proof-of-concept randomized
      controlled trial tested the effect of aerobic exercise versus usual lifestyle on
      cognitive function in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Women,
      aged 40 to 65 years, postmenopausal, stages I to IIIA breast cancer, and who self
      reported cognitive dysfunction following chemotherapy treatment, were recruited
      and randomized to a 24-week aerobic exercise intervention (EX; n = 10) or usual
      lifestyle control (CON; n = 9). Participants completed self-report measures of
      the impact of cognitive issues on quality of life (Functional Assessment of
      Cancer Therapy-Cognitive version 3), objective neuropsychological testing, and
      functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Compared
      to CON, EX had a reduced time to complete a processing speed test (trail making
      test-A) (-14.2 seconds, P < .01; effect size 0.35). Compared to CON, there was no
      improvement in self-reported cognitive function and effect sizes were small.
      Interestingly, lack of between-group differences in Stroop behavioral performance
      was accompanied by functional changes in several brain regions of interest in EX
      compared to CON at 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: These findings provide preliminary proof
      of-concept results for the potential of aerobic exercise to improve cancer
      related cognitive impairment and will serve to inform the development of future
      trials.

PMID- 28075039
TI  - Using DNA barcoding to track seafood mislabeling in Los Angeles restaurants.
AB  - Seafood mislabeling is common in both domestic and international markets. Studies
      on seafood fraud often report high rates of mislabeling (e.g., >70%), but these
      studies have been limited to a single sampling year, which means it is difficult
      to assess the impact of stricter governmental truth-in-labeling regulations. We
      used DNA barcoding to assess seafood labeling in 26 sushi restaurants in Los
      Angeles over 4 years. Seafood from 3 high-end grocery stores were also sampled (n
      = 16) in 2014. We ordered 9 common sushi fish from menus, preserved tissue
      samples in 95% ethanol, extracted the genomic DNA, amplified and sequenced a
      portion of the mtDNA COI gene, and identified the resulting sequence to known
      fish sequences from the National Center for Biotechnology Information nucleotide
      database. We compared DNA results with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
      (FDA) list of acceptable market names and retail names. We considered sushi
      sample labels that were inconsistent with FDA names mislabeled. Sushi restaurants
      had a consistently high percentage of mislabeling (47%; 151 of 323) from 2012 to
      2015, yet mislabeling was not homogenous across species. Halibut, red snapper,
      yellowfin tuna, and yellowtail had consistently high (<77%) occurrences of
      mislabeling on menus, whereas mislabeling of salmon and mackerel were typically
      low (>15%). All sampled sushi restaurants had at least one case of mislabeling.
      Mislabeling of sushi-grade fish from high-end grocery stores was also identified
      in red snapper, yellowfin tuna, and yellowtail, but at a slightly lower frequency
      (42%) than sushi restaurants. Despite increased regulatory measures and media
      attention, we found seafood mislabeling continues to be prevalent.

PMID- 28075040
TI  - N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline mediates the anti-fibrotic properties of
      captopril in unilateral ureteric obstructed BALB/C mice.
AB  - AIM: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are widely used to deter the
      progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Besides controlling hypertension and
      reduction of intra-glomerular pressure, ACEi appear to have anti-fibrotic effects
      in the renal cortex. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), an
      endogenous tetrapeptide that is degraded by ACE, has also been shown to
      ameliorate the pro-fibrotic phenotype displayed in CKD in our recent study.
      Whether the anti-fibrotic properties of ACEi are mediated by Ac-SDKP has not been
      fully investigated. METHODS: To delineate the role of Ac-SDKP in ACE blockade, 12
      week-old male BALB/c mice underwent sham operation or unilateral ureteric
      obstruction (UUO). UUO mice were subjected to: (i) vehicle; (ii) captopril or
      (iii) captopril in conjunction with S17092, a prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor.
      After 7 days, mice were sacrificed and kidneys harvested for analyses. RESULTS:
      After UUO, there were heightened expressions of collagen I, collagen III,
      fibronectin and alpha-SMA associated with significant levels of
      tubulointerstitial injury on histological examination. Furthermore, p44/42
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF
      beta1) signalling were upregulated. These were significantly ameliorated by
      captopril treatment alone but unaffected by co-administration of captopril with
      S17092. Captopril treatment had resulted in elevated urinary Ac-SDKP levels, an
      effect that was eliminated by the co-administration with S17092. CONCLUSION: This
      study allowed the investigation of the renoprotective property of ACEi in the
      absence of Ac-SDKP and proved conclusively that Ac-SDKP is the prime anti
      fibrotic mediator of captopril, acting via p44/42 MAPK and TGF-beta1 signalling
      pathways. Future research to expand CKD armamentarium should explore the utility
      of augmenting Ac-SDKP levels.

PMID- 28075041
TI  - Engineering matrix-free laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry using
      glancing angle deposition films.
AB  - RATIONALE: Thin, nanoporous films fabricated using Glancing Angle Deposition
      (GLAD) technology are demonstrated for solid matrix laser desorption/ionization
      mass spectrometry (SMALDI-MS). GLAD allows facile engineering of nanoporosity,
      film thickness, post alignment, and material composition, as demonstrated here by
      the fabrication of Co-GLAD and Si-GLAD films for SMALDI, and by exploration of
      the SMALDI performance as a function of thickness, post density, and angle of the
      post relative to surface normal. METHODS: GLAD films were prepared by electron
      beam evaporation onto silicon substrates, using steep angles of incidence for the
      vacuum deposition, with computer controlled substrate rotation. LDI from the GLAD
      films was evaluated using an MDS-Sciex time-of-flight (TOF) MALDI mass
      spectrometer. RESULTS: Co-GLAD films give a limit of quantitation of 6 fmol for
      complex carbohydrate derivatives, and slanted-post Si-GLAD films show up to three
      times higher sensitivity than vertical post structures. Reproducibility of both
      Si and Co films is much higher than conventional MALDI methods for m/z below at
      least 2100 Da. Both reproducibility and detection limits are comparable to or
      better than other nano-structured materials. Co-GLAD films are significantly
      better in performance than Co powders or Co thin films on silicon substrates
      previously evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The flexibility of GLAD for thin film
      fabrication of LDI materials is demonstrated by the range of nanoporous materials
      that can be grown, and the fine control over structural conformation, thickness
      and porosity. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28075042
TI  - Protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) producing large
      cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of lung with multiple liver metastases: A
      case report.
AB  - A 78-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for multiple lung and liver
      tumors. Initial clinical diagnosis was hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with lung
      metastases because of a high value of serum protein induced by vitamin K absence
      or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) (6,705 mAU/mL). However, a review of a prior CT
      showed the lung tumor had existed 6 months before liver tumors were detected. The
      tumors progressed rapidly and the patient died 37 days after admission. Autopsy
      revealed that both lung and liver tumors exhibited the histology of large cell
      neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor
      cells expressed not only neuroendocrine markers but also PIVKA-II diffusely.
      Hepatoid differentiation was not detected. Background liver did not show any
      chronic liver disease. The final diagnosis was PIVKA-II producing LCNEC of the
      lung with multiple liver metastases. PIVKA-II producing tumors other than HCC are
      extremely rare. To our best knowledge, this is the first case report of PIVKA-II
      producing neuroendocrine tumors of the lung.

PMID- 28075043
TI  - All-Organic Rechargeable Battery with Reversibility Supported by "Water-in-Salt"
      Electrolyte.
AB  - Rechargeable batteries with organic electrodes are preferred to those with
      transition-metal-containing electrodes for their environmental friendliness, and
      resource availability, but all such batteries reported to date are based on
      organic electrolytes, which raise concerns of safety and performance. Here an
      aqueous-electrolyte all-organic rechargeable battery is reported, with a maximum
      operating voltage of 2.1 V, in which polytriphenylamine (PTPAn) and 1,4,5,8
      naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA)-derived polyimide (PNTCDA) serve
      as cathode and anode material, respectively. A key feature of the design is use
      of a "water-in-salt" electrolyte to bind "free" water; this impedes the side
      reaction of water oxidation, thereby enabling excellent reversibility in aqueous
      solution. The battery can deliver a maximum energy density of 52.8 Wh kg-1 ,
      which is close to most of the all-organic batteries with organic electrolytes.
      The battery exhibits a supercapacitor-like high power of 32 000 W kg-1 and a long
      cycle life (700 cycles with capacity retention of 85 %), due to the kinetics not
      being limited by ion diffusion at either electrode.

PMID- 28075044
TI  - Population impacts in white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) exposed to oil sands
      derived contaminants in the Athabasca River.
AB  - Biological and chemical endpoints were measured in white sucker collected
      downstream of Athabasca oil sands developments (AB, Canada) and compared with
      those at Calling Lake (AB, Canada), a reference location upstream of the
      Athabasca oil sands deposit. Naphthenic acid concentrations were also measured at
      14 sites in the Athabasca River watershed. Concentrations of naphthenic acids
      were elevated in tributaries adjacent to oil sands mining developments. Tributary
      naphthenic acid profiles were more similar to aged oil sands process water than
      samples from the Athabasca River, suggesting an influence of tailings in the
      tributaries. White sucker showed higher energy storage in the Athabasca River as
      indicated by significantly higher condition and liver size. White sucker were not
      investing that energy into reproductive effort as measured by gonad size and
      fecundity, which were significantly reduced relative to the reference location.
      White sucker showed increased exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as
      indicated by hepatic cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) activity and fluorescent bile
      metabolites, as well as higher concentrations of naphthenic acids in bile.
      Cadmium, copper, nickel, and selenium were also elevated in white sucker liver
      tissue compared with the reference location. Based on the exposure profile and
      response pattern observed, effects on energy storage and utilization in white
      sucker from the Athabasca River most likely resulted from exposure to polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons derived from petrogenic and pyrolytic sources. Environ
      Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2058-2067. (c) 2017 SETAC.

PMID- 28075045
TI  - Interplay Between Long Noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 and miR-200s Regulates Osteosarcoma
      Cell Proliferation and Migration.
AB  - In our previous study, we found long noncoding RNA ZEB1-AS1 is upregulated and
      functions as an oncogene in osteosarcoma. MiR-200 family (miR-200s) functions as
      tumor suppressor via directly targeting ZEB1 in various cancers. In this study,
      we further investigate the potential interplay between ZEB1-AS1, miR-200s, and
      ZEB1 in osteosarcoma. Our results showed that ZEB1-AS1 functions as a molecular
      sponge for miR-200s and relieves the inhibition of ZEB1 caused by miR-200s. ZEB1
      AS1 and miR-200s reciprocally negatively regulate each other. MiR-200s are
      downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues, and negatively correlated with ZEB1-AS1
      and ZEB1 expression levels in osteosarcoma. Functional experiments showed that
      consistent with ZEB1-AS1 depletion, miR-200s overexpression and ZEB1 depletion
      both inhibit osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration. Overexpression of miR
      200s partially abolished the effects of ZEB1-AS1 on osteosarcoma cell
      proliferation and migration. Moreover, the combination of ZEB1-AS1 depletion and
      miR-200s overexpression significantly inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation
      and migration. In conclusion, this study revealed a novel regulatory mechanism
      between ZEB1-AS1, miR-200s, and ZEB1. The interplay between ZEB1-AS1 and miR-200s
      contributes to osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration, and targeting this
      interplay could be a promising strategy for osteosarcoma treatment. J. Cell.
      Biochem. 118: 2250-2260, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28075046
TI  - Standardized fluoroscopy-based technique to measure intraoperative cup
      anteversion.
AB  - Direct anterior approach (DAA) with the patient lying supine has facilitated the
      use of intraoperative fluoroscopy and allows for standardized positioning of the
      patient. The current study presents a new technique to measure acetabular
      component anteversion using intraoperative fluoroscopy. The current paper
      describes a mathematical formula to calculate true acetabular component
      anteversion based on the acetabular component abduction angle and the c-arm tilt
      angle (CaT). The CaT is determined by tilting the c-arm until an external pelvic
      oblique radiograph with the equatorial plane of the acetabular component
      perpendicular to the fluoroscopy receptor is obtained. CaT is determined by
      direct reading on the C-arm device. The technique was validated using a
      radiopaque synbone model comparing the described technique to computed tomography
      anteversion measurement. The experiment was repeated 25 times. The difference in
      anteversion between the two measuring techniques was on average 0.2 degrees 
      (range -3.0-3.1). The linear regression coefficients evaluating the agreement
      between the experimental and control methods were 0.99 (95%CI 0.88-1.10, p <
      0.001) and 0.33 (95%CI -1.53-2.20, p = 0.713) for the slope and intercept,
      respectively. The current study confirms that the described three-step c-arm
      acetabular cup measuring technique can reproducibly and reliably assess
      acetabular component anteversion in the supine position, as compared to CT
      imaging. (c) 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2307-2312, 2017.

PMID- 28075047
TI  - Growing larger with domestication: a matter of physiology, morphology or
      allocation?
AB  - Domestication might affect plant size. We investigated whether herbaceous crops
      are larger than their wild progenitors, and the traits that influence size
      variation. We grew six crop plants and their wild progenitors under common garden
      conditions. We measured the aboveground biomass gain by individual plants during
      the vegetative stage. We then tested whether photosynthesis rate, biomass
      allocation to leaves, leaf size and specific leaf area (SLA) accounted for
      variations in whole-plant photosynthesis, and ultimately in aboveground biomass.
      Despite variations among crops, domestication generally increased the aboveground
      biomass (average effect +1.38, Cohen's d effect size). Domesticated plants
      invested less in leaves and more in stems than their wild progenitors.
      Photosynthesis rates remained similar after domestication. Variations in whole
      plant C gains could not be explained by changes in leaf photosynthesis. Leaves
      were larger after domestication, which provided the main contribution to
      increases in leaf area per plant and plant-level C gain, and ultimately to larger
      aboveground biomass. In general, cultivated plants have become larger since
      domestication. In our six crops, this occurred despite lower investment in
      leaves, comparable leaf-level photosynthesis and similar biomass costs of leaf
      area (i.e. SLA) than their wild progenitors. Increased leaf size was the main
      driver of increases in aboveground size. Thus, we suggest that large seeds, which
      are also typical of crops, might produce individuals with larger organs (i.e.
      leaves) via cascading effects throughout ontogeny. Larger leaves would then scale
      into larger whole plants, which might partly explain the increases in size that
      accompanied domestication.

PMID- 28075048
TI  - The STI and UBA Domains of UBQLN1 Are Critical Determinants of Substrate
      Interaction and Proteostasis.
AB  - There are five Ubiquilin proteins (UBQLN1-4, UBQLN-L), which are evolutionarily
      conserved and structurally similar. UBQLN proteins have three functional domains:
      N-terminal ubiquitin-like domain (UBL), C-terminal ubiquitin-associated domain
      (UBA), and STI chaperone-like regions in the middle. Alterations in UBQLN1 gene
      have been detected in a variety of disorders ranging from Alzheimer's disease to
      cancer. UBQLN1 has been largely studied in neurodegenerative disorders in the
      context of protein quality control. Several studies have hypothesized that the
      UBA domain of UBQLN1 binds to poly-ubiquitin chains of substrate and shuttles it
      to the proteasome via its UBL domain for degradation. UBQLN1 either facilitates
      degradation (Ataxin3, EPS15) or stabilizes (PSEN1/2, BCLb) substrates it binds
      to. The signal that determines this fate is unknown and there is conflicting data
      to support the existing working model of UBQLN1. Using BCLb as a model substrate,
      we characterized UBQLN1-substrate interaction. We identified the first two STI
      domains of UBQLN1 as critical for binding to BCLb. Interaction of UBQLN1 with
      BCLb is independent of ubiquitination of BCLb, but interaction with ubiquitin via
      UBA domain is required for stabilization of BCLb. Similarly, we showed that
      UBQLN1 interacts with IGF1R and ESYT2 through the STI domains and stabilizes
      these proteins through its UBA domain. Interactions that are not dependent on STI
      domains, for example, UBL mediated interaction with PSMD4 and BAG6, do not appear
      to be stabilized by UBQLN1. We conclude that fate of substrates that UBQLN1
      associates with, is interaction domain specific. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2261
      2270, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28075049
TI  - Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing Inositol 5'-Phosphatase Ameliorates High Glucose
      Induced Extracellular Matrix Deposition via the Phosphatidylinositol 3
      Kinase/Protein Kinase B Pathway in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells.
AB  - A typical hallmark of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is an excessive deposition of
      extracellular matrix (ECM) in the glomerulus and renal tubulointerstitium,
      leading to glomerulosclerosis and tubular interstitial fibrosis. Src homology 2
      domain-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase (SHIP) is a negative regulator of the
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling. Here, we
      investigated the effect of SHIP on ECM deposition in diabetic mice and high
      glucose-stimulated human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK2 cells). The
      decreased SHIP and increased phospho-Akt (Ser 473, Thr 308) were found in the
      renal tubular cells of diabetic mice, which were accompanied by overexpression of
      transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha
      SMA), and secreted collagen type 3 (Col 3) and a low expression of E-cadherin
      compared to that in normal mice. In vitro research revealed that high glucose
      attenuated SHIP expression accompanied the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling
      and ECM production. Knocking down SHIP in HK2 cells caused an increase in the
      levels of phospho-Akt (Ser 473), phospho-Akt (Thr 308), TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA, and
      secreted Col 3 and a decrease in E-cadherin. Again, either the M90-SHIP plasmid
      or the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002 could significantly prevent the high
      glucose-induced increase in TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA, and secreted Col 3 and
      decreased E-cadherin. Furthermore, we confirmed that inhibition of the TGF-beta1
      pathway with SB431542 blocked the effect of SHIP knockdown on ECM production in
      HK2 cells. In summary, our study suggests that decreased SHIP mediates high
      glucose-induced TGF-beta1 upregulation and ECM deposition through activation of
      the PI3K/Akt pathway in renal tubular cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2271-2284,
      2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28075050
TI  - Formyl Peptide Receptors in Cellular Differentiation and Inflammatory Diseases.
AB  - Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are a family of classical chemoattractant
      receptors. Although FPRs are mainly expressed in phagocytic innate immune cells
      including monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils, recent reports demonstrated that
      additional different cell types such as T-lymphocytes and several non-immune
      cells also express functional FPRs. FPRs were first reported as a specific
      receptor to detect bacteria-derived N-formyl peptides. However, accumulating
      evidence has shown that FPRs can recognize various ligands derived from
      pathogens, mitochondria, and host. This review summarizes studies on some
      interesting endogenous agonists for FPRs. Here, we discuss functional roles of
      FPRs and their ligands concerning the regulation of cellular differentiation
      focusing on myeloid lineage cells. Accumulating evidence also suggests that FPRs
      may contribute to the control of inflammatory diseases. Here, we briefly review
      the current understanding of the functional role of FPRs and their ligands in
      inflammatory disorders in some animal disease models. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1300
      1307, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28075051
TI  - Bilateral multifocal upper extremity atypical granular cell tumors presenting as
      long-standing right wrist and left hand masses in a 15-year-old African-American
      female.
AB  - Granular cell tumor (GrCT) is a benign nerve sheath tumor. Atypical and malignant
      variants of GrCT are rare but have been well described. We report a case of
      multifocal symmetric atypical GrCT in the bilateral hand/wrists of a 15-year-old
      African-American female. The initial clinical impression for both masses was
      favored to be ganglion cysts. Ultrasound findings of both masses revealed
      hypoechoic soft tissue lesions with some internal echogenicity favoring complex
      cysts. On excision, both masses were histologically circumscribed, lobulated and
      attached to tendon. Large epithelioid cells with abundant granular eosinophilic
      cytoplasm arranged in syncytial cords and trabeculae percolated through collagen.
      Many cells had pleomorphism and/or prominent nucleoli. Mitotic figures,
      spindling, high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and necrosis were absent. Both
      masses showed diffuse S100 protein but negative desmin and pancytokeratin
      expression. Ki-67 index was 1% to 2%. p53 was positive in 5% to 10% of nuclei.
      Both masses met criteria for atypical (but not malignant) GrCT. Our case shows
      that atypical GrCT may be not only multifocal but also symmetric. We speculate
      that migration of defective neural crest stem cells along both upper limb buds
      during embryogenesis may have allowed these essentially identical tumors to arise
      in similar locations bilaterally simultaneously.

PMID- 28075052
TI  - Functional characterisation and cell specificity of BvSUT1, the transporter that
      loads sucrose into the phloem of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) source leaves.
AB  - Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is one of the most important sugar-producing plants
      worldwide and provides about one third of the sugar consumed by humans. Here we
      report on molecular characterisation of the BvSUT1 gene and on the functional
      characterisation of the encoded transporter. In contrast to the recently
      identified tonoplast-localised sucrose transporter BvTST2.1 from sugar beet
      taproots, which evolved within the monosaccharide transporter (MST) superfamily,
      BvSUT1 represents a classical sucrose transporter and is a typical member of the
      disaccharide transporter (DST) superfamily. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants
      expressing the beta-GLUCURONIDASE (GUS) reporter gene under control of the BvSUT1
      promoter showed GUS histochemical staining of their phloem; an anti-BvSUT1
      antiserum identified the BvSUT1 transporter specifically in phloem companion
      cells. After expression of BvSUT1 cDNA in bakers' yeasts (Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae) uptake characteristics of the BvSUT1 protein were studied. Moreover,
      the sugar beet transporter was characterised as a proton-coupled sucrose
      symporter in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our findings indicate that BvSUT1 is the
      sucrose transporter that is responsible for loading of sucrose into the phloem of
      sugar beet source leaves delivering sucrose to the storage tissue in sugar beet
      taproot sinks.

PMID- 28075053
TI  - Synthesis, Characterization and Immunological Evaluation of Self-Adjuvanting
      Group A Streptococcal Vaccine Candidates Bearing Various Lipidic Adjuvanting
      Moieties.
AB  - Four group A streptococcal glycolipopeptide vaccine candidates with different
      lipidic adjuvanting moieties were prepared and characterized. The immunogenicity
      of the compounds was evaluated by macrophage and dendritic cell uptake studies
      and by in vivo quantification of systemic IgG antibody by ELISA. Three of the
      candidates showed significant induction of the IgG response.

PMID- 28075054
TI  - Inkjet-Printed Lithium-Sulfur Microcathodes for All-Printed, Integrated
      Nanomanufacturing.
AB  - Improved thin-film microbatteries are needed to provide appropriate energy
      storage options to power the multitude of devices that will bring the proposed
      "Internet of Things" network to fruition (e.g., active radio-frequency
      identification tags and microcontrollers for wearable and implantable devices).
      Although impressive efforts have been made to improve the energy density of 3D
      microbatteries, they have all used low energy-density lithium-ion chemistries,
      which present a fundamental barrier to miniaturization. In addition, they require
      complicated microfabrication processes that hinder cost-competitiveness. Here,
      inkjet-printed lithium-sulfur (Li-S) cathodes for integrated nanomanufacturing
      are reported. Single-wall carbon nanotubes infused with electronically conductive
      straight-chain sulfur (S@SWNT) are adopted as an integrated current
      collector/active-material composite, and inkjet printing as a top-down approach
      to achieve thin-film shape control over printed electrode dimensions is used. The
      novel Li-S cathodes may be directly printed on traditional microelectronic
      semicoductor substrates (e.g., SiO2 ) or on flexible aluminum foil. Profilometry
      indicates that these microelectrodes are less than 10 um thick, while cyclic
      voltammetry analyses show that the S@SWNT possesses pseudocapacitive
      characteristics and corroborates a previous study suggesting the S@SWNT discharge
      via a purely solid-state mechanism. The printed electrodes produce ~800 mAh g-1 S
      initially and ~700 mAh g-1 after 100 charge/discharge cycles at C/2 rate.

PMID- 28075056
TI  - M1 aminopeptidases as drug targets: broad applications or therapeutic niche?
AB  - M1 aminopeptidase enzymes are a diverse family of metalloenzymes characterized by
      conserved structure and reaction specificity. Excluding viruses, M1
      aminopeptidases are distributed throughout all phyla, and have been implicated in
      a wide range of functions including cell maintenance, growth and development, and
      defense. The structure and catalytic mechanism of M1 aminopeptidases are well
      understood, and make them ideal candidates for the design of small-molecule
      inhibitors. As a result, many research groups have assessed their utility as
      therapeutic targets for both infectious and chronic diseases of humans, and many
      inhibitors with a range of target specificities and potential therapeutic
      applications have been developed. Herein, we have aimed to address these studies,
      to determine whether the family of M1 aminopeptidases does in fact present a
      universal target for the treatment of a diverse range of human diseases. Our
      analysis indicates that early validation of M1 aminopeptidases as therapeutic
      targets is often overlooked, which prevents the enzymes from being confirmed as
      drug targets. This validation cannot be neglected, and needs to include a
      thorough characterization of enzymes' specific roles within complex physiological
      pathways. Furthermore, any chemical probes used in target validation must be
      carefully designed to ensure that specificity over the closely related enzymes
      has been achieved. While many drug discovery programs that target M1
      aminopeptidases remain in their infancy, certain inhibitors have shown promise
      for the treatment of a range of conditions including malaria, hypertension, and
      cancer.

PMID- 28075055
TI  - Argonaute 2 immunoprecipitation revealed large tumor suppressor kinase 1 as a
      novel proapoptotic target of miR-21 in T cells.
AB  - MicroRNA (miR)-21 is an important suppressor of T-cell apoptosis that is also
      overexpressed in many types of cancers. The exact mechanisms underlying the
      antiapoptotic effects of miR-21 are not well understood. In this study, we used
      the Jurkat T-cell line as a model to identify apoptosis-associated miR-21 target
      genes. We showed that expression of miR-21 rapidly increases upon
      alphaCD3/alphaCD28 activation of Jurkat cells. Inhibition of miR-21 reduced cell
      growth which could be explained by an increase in apoptosis. MicroRNA target gene
      identification by AGO2 RNA-immunoprecipitation followed by gene expression
      microarray (RIP-Chip) resulted in the identification of 72 predicted miR-21
      target genes that were at least twofold enriched in the AGO2-IP fraction of miR
      21 overexpressing cells. Of these, 71 were at least twofold more enriched in the
      AGO2-IP fraction of miR-21 overexpressing cells as compared to AGO2-IP fraction
      of control cells. The target gene for which the AGO2-IP enrichment was most
      prominently increased upon miR-21 overexpression was the proapoptotic protein
      LATS1. Luciferase reporter assays and western blot analysis confirmed targeting
      of LATS1 by miR-21. qRT-PCR analysis in primary T cells showed an inverse
      expression pattern between LATS1 transcript levels and miR-21 upon T-cell
      stimulation. Finally, LATS1 knockdown partially rescued the miR-21 inhibition
      induced impaired cell growth. Collectively, these data identify LATS1 as a miR-21
      target important for the antiapoptotic function of miR-21 in T cells and likely
      also in many types of cancer.

PMID- 28075057
TI  - Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Cancer Nanotheranostics.
AB  - Emerging nanotechnologies show unprecedented advantages in accelerating cancer
      theranostics. Among them, two-dimensional nanomaterials (2DNMs) represent a novel
      type of material with versatile physicochemical properties that have enabled a
      new horizon for applications in both cancer diagnosis and therapy. Studies have
      demonstrated that 2DNMs may be used in diverse aspects, including i) cancer
      detection due to their high propensity towards tumor markers; ii) molecular
      imaging for guided tumor therapies, and iii) drug and gene loading, photothermal
      and photodynamic cancer therapies. However, their biomedical applications raise
      concerns due to the limited understanding of their in vivo metabolism,
      transformation and possible toxicities. In this comprehensive review, the state
      of-the-art development of 2DNMs and their implications for cancer
      nanotheranostics are presented. The modification strategies to enhance the
      biocompatibility of 2DNMs are also reviewed.

PMID- 28075058
TI  - MOF-Derived Hollow Cage Nix Co3-x O4 and Their Synergy with Graphene for
      Outstanding Supercapacitors.
AB  - Highly optimized nickel cobalt mixed oxide has been derived from zeolite
      imidazole frameworks. While the pure cobalt oxide gives only 178.7 F g-1 as the
      specific capacitance at a current density of 1 A g-1 , the optimized Ni:Co 1:1
      has given an extremely high and unprecedented specific capacitance of 1931 F g-1
      at a current density of 1 A g-1 , with a capacitance retention of 69.5% after
      5000 cycles in a three electrode test. This optimized Ni:Co 1:1 mixed oxide is
      further used to make a composite of nickel cobalt mixed oxide/graphene 3D
      hydrogel for enhancing the electrochemical performance by virtue of a continuous
      and porous graphene conductive network. The electrode made from GNi:Co 1:1
      successfully achieves an even higher specific capacitance of 2870.8 F g-1 at 1 A
      g-1 and also shows a significant improvement in the cyclic stability with 81%
      capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor is also
      assembled using a pure graphene 3D hydrogel as the negative electrode and the
      GNi:Co 1:1 as the positive electrode. With a potential window of 1.5 V and binder
      free electrodes, the capacitor gives a high specific energy density of 50.2 Wh kg
      1 at a high power density of 750 W kg-1 .

PMID- 28075059
TI  - Photochemically Driven Polymeric Network Formation: Synthesis and Applications.
AB  - Polymeric networks have been intensely investigated and a large number of
      applications have been found in areas ranging from biomedicine to materials
      science. Network fabrication via light-induced reactions is a particularly
      powerful tool, since light provides ready access to temporal and spatial control,
      opening an array of synthetic access routes for structuring the network geometry
      as well as functionality. Herein, the most recent light-induced modular reactions
      and their use in the formation of precision polymeric networks are collated. The
      synthetic strategies including photoinduced thiol-based reactions, Diels-Alder
      systems, and photogenerated reactive dipoles, as well as photodimerizations, are
      discussed in detail. Importantly, applications of the fabricated networks via the
      aforementioned reactions are highlighted with selected examples. Concomitantly,
      we provide future directions for the field, emphasizing the most critically
      required advances.

PMID- 28075060
TI  - Self-Templated Synthesis of Co- and N-Doped Carbon Microtubes Composed of Hollow
      Nanospheres and Nanotubes for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction.
AB  - A facile, self-templated strategy for the synthesis of Co- and N-doped carbon
      microtubular structures composed of nanoscale hollow spheres and nanotubes is
      proposed. Cobalt oxalate microtubes serve simultaneously as the solid cobalt
      precursor for the in situ conversion reaction to metal-organic framework and self
      templates for the 1D tubular structure.

PMID- 28075061
TI  - Constructing Post-Permeation Method to Fabricate Polymer/Nanocrystals Hybrid
      Solar Cells with PCE Exceeding 6.
AB  - A post-permeation method is constructed for fabricating bulk-heterojunction
      hybrid solar cells. Porous CdTe film is prepared by annealing the mixture
      solution of aqueous CdTe nanocrystals and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, after
      which the post-permeation of polymer is employed. By this method, kinds of
      polymers can be applied regardless of the intermiscibility with the
      nanoparticles. The inorganic nanocrystals and the polymer can be treated under
      respective optimized annealing temperatures, which can facilitate the growth of
      nanocrystals without damaging the polymers. A high power conversion efficiency of
      6.36% in the polymer/nanocrystals hybrid solar cells is obtained via systematical
      optimization.

PMID- 28075063
TI  - Well-Covered.

PMID- 28075062
TI  - Specific Arabidopsis thaliana malic enzyme isoforms can provide anaplerotic
      pyruvate carboxylation function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - NAD(P)-malic enzyme (NAD(P)-ME) catalyzes the reversible oxidative
      decarboxylation of malate to pyruvate, CO2 , and NAD(P)H and is present as a
      multigene family in Arabidopsis thaliana. The carboxylation reaction catalyzed by
      purified recombinant Arabidopsis NADP-ME proteins is faster than those reported
      for other animal or plant isoforms. In contrast, no carboxylation activity could
      be detected in vitro for the NAD-dependent counterparts. In order to further
      investigate their putative carboxylating role in vivo, Arabidopsis NAD(P)-ME
      isoforms, as well as the NADP-ME2del2 (with a decreased ability to carboxylate
      pyruvate) and NADP-ME2R115A (lacking fumarate activation) versions, were
      functionally expressed in the cytosol of pyruvate carboxylase-negative (Pyc- )
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. The heterologous expression of NADP-ME1, NADP
      ME2 (and its mutant proteins), and NADP-ME3 restored the growth of Pyc- S.
      cerevisiae on glucose, and this capacity was dependent on the availability of CO2
      . On the other hand, NADP-ME4, NAD-ME1, and NAD-ME2 could not rescue the Pyc-
      strains from C4 auxotrophy. NADP-ME carboxylation activity could be measured in
      leaf crude extracts of knockout and overexpressing Arabidopsis lines with
      modified levels of NADP-ME, where this activity was correlated with the amount of
      NADP-ME2 transcript. These results indicate that specific A. thaliana NADP-ME
      isoforms are able to play an anaplerotic role in vivo and provide a basis for the
      study on the carboxylating activity of NADP-ME, which may contribute to the
      synthesis of C4 compounds and redox shuttling in plant cells.

PMID- 28075065
TI  - Sulfur-Immobilized, Activated Porous Carbon Nanotube Composite Based Cathodes for
      Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.
AB  - Activated highly porous carbon nanotubes are synthesized with a facile dual
      nozzle co-electrospinning and a redox process to apply the framework of a sulfur
      immobilized composite as a high-performance cathode in lithium-sulfur batteries.

PMID- 28075064
TI  - Efficacy of nebivolol-valsartan single-pill combination in obese and nonobese
      patients with hypertension.
AB  - Antihypertensive efficacy of single-pill combinations (SPCs) consisting of a
      beta1 -selective adrenergic blocker with vasodilatory properties via beta3 
      agonism (nebivolol) and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (valsartan) was
      demonstrated in an 8-week phase 3 trial (NCT01508026). In this post hoc analysis,
      seated blood pressure, heart rate, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring,
      plasma aldosterone, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and safety measures
      were assessed in obese (body mass index >32 kg/m2 ; n=1823) and nonobese (body
      mass index <27 kg/m2 ; n=847) adults with hypertension (stage I or II) treated
      with nebivolol-valsartan SPCs, nebivolol or valsartan monotherapy, or placebo. At
      week 8, reductions from baseline in blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure
      monitoring were greater with SPCs and most nebivolol and valsartan monotherapy
      doses vs placebo regardless of obesity status. Aldosterone declined with all
      active treatments and estimated glomerular filtration rate remained steady. The
      nebivolol-valsartan 5/80 mg/d SPC was efficacious regardless of degree of
      obesity.

PMID- 28075067
TI  - National implementation of a mental health service model: A survey of Crisis
      Resolution Teams in England.
AB  - In response to pressures on mental health inpatient beds and a perceived 'crisis
      in acute care', Crisis Resolution Teams (CRTs), acute home treatment services,
      were implemented nationally in England following the NHS Plan in the year 2000:
      an unprecedentedly prescriptive policy mandate for three new types of functional
      community mental health team. We examined the effects of this mandate on
      implementation of the CRT service model. Two hundred and eighteen CRTs were
      mapped in England, including services in all 65 mental health administrative
      regions. Eighty-eight percent (n = 192) of CRT managers in England participated
      in an online survey. CRT service organization and delivery was highly variable.
      Nurses were the only professional group employed in all CRT staff teams. Almost
      no teams adhered fully to government implementation guidance. CRT managers
      identified several aspects of CRT service delivery as desirable but not routinely
      provided. A national policy mandate and government guidance and standards have
      proved insufficient to ensure CRT implementation as planned. Development and
      testing of resources to support implementation and monitoring of a complex mental
      health intervention is required.

PMID- 28075068
TI  - Binding and processing of beta-lactam antibiotics by the transpeptidase LdtMt2
      from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - : beta-lactam antibiotics represent a novel direction in the chemotherapy of
      tuberculosis that brings the peptidoglycan layer of the complex mycobacterial
      cell wall in focus as a therapeutic target. Peptidoglycan stability in
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially during infection, relies on the
      nonconventional peptide cross-links formed by l,d-transpeptidases. These enzymes
      are known to be inhibited by beta-lactams, primarily carbapenems, leading to a
      stable covalent modification at the enzyme active site. A panel of 16 beta-lactam
      antibiotics was characterized by inhibition kinetics, mass spectrometry, and x
      ray crystallography to identify efficient compounds and study their action on the
      essential transpeptidase, LdtMt2 . Members of the carbapenem class displayed fast
      binding kinetics, but faropenem, a penem type compound showed a three to four
      time higher rate in the adduct formation. In three cases, mass spectrometry
      indicated that carbapenems may undergo decarboxylation, while faropenem
      decomposition following the acylation step results in a small 87 Da beta-OH
      butyryl adduct bound at the catalytic cysteine residue. The crystal structure of
      LdtMt2 at 1.54 A resolution with this fragment bound revealed that the protein
      adopts a closed conformation that shields the thioester bond from the solvent,
      which is in line with the high stability of this dead-end complex observed also
      in biochemical assays. DATABASE: Structural data are available in Protein Data
      Bank under the accession numbers 5LB1 and 5LBG.

PMID- 28075066
TI  - Efficacy and safety of fixed-dose combination therapy, alogliptin plus metformin,
      in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes: A phase 3 trial.
AB  - This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 26 weeks of twice-daily (BID)
      alogliptin + metformin fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapy in Asian patients
      with type 2 diabetes. Patients aged 18 to 75 years with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of
      7.5% to 10.0% after >=2 months of diet and exercise and a 4-week placebo run-in
      were enrolled. Eligible patients were randomized (1:1:1:1) to placebo, alogliptin
      12.5 mg BID, metformin 500 mg BID or alogliptin 12.5 mg plus metformin 500 mg FDC
      BID. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline to end of treatment
      (Week 26). In total, 647 patients were randomized. The least-squares mean change
      in HbA1c from baseline to Week 26 was -0.19% with placebo, -0.86% with
      alogliptin, -1.04% with metformin and -1.53% with alogliptin + metformin FDC.
      Alogliptin + metformin FDC was significantly more effective ( P  < .0001) in
      lowering HbA1c than either alogliptin or metformin alone. The safety profile of
      alogliptin + metformin FDC was similar to that of the individual components
      alogliptin and metformin. The study demonstrated that treatment with alogliptin +
      metformin FDC BID resulted in better glycaemic control than either monotherapy
      and was well tolerated in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28075069
TI  - Ebola Vaccination Using a DNA Vaccine Coated on PLGA-PLL/gammaPGA Nanoparticles
      Administered Using a Microneedle Patch.
AB  - Ebola DNA vaccine is incorporated into PLGA-PLL/gammaPGA nanoparticles and
      administered to skin using a microneedle (MN) patch. The nanoparticle delivery
      system increases vaccine thermostability and immunogenicity compared to free
      vaccine. Vaccination by MN patch produces stronger immune responses than
      intramuscular administration.

PMID- 28075070
TI  - Celebrating 5 years of Advanced Healthcare Materials!

PMID- 28075071
TI  - Multitarget selection of catalytic antibodies with beta-lactamase activity using
      phage display.
AB  - beta-lactamase enzymes responsible for bacterial resistance to antibiotics are
      among the most important health threats to the human population today.
      Understanding the increasingly vast structural motifs responsible for the
      catalytic mechanism of beta-lactamases will help improve the future design of new
      generation antibiotics and mechanism-based inhibitors of these enzymes. Here we
      report the construction of a large murine single chain fragment variable (scFv)
      phage display library of size 2.7 * 109 with extended diversity by combining
      different mouse models. We have used two molecularly different inhibitors of the
      R-TEM beta-lactamase as targets for selection of catalytic antibodies with beta
      lactamase activity. This novel methodology has led to the isolation of five
      antibody fragments, which are all capable of hydrolyzing the beta-lactam ring.
      Structural modeling of the selected scFv has revealed the presence of different
      motifs in each of the antibody fragments potentially responsible for their
      catalytic activity. Our results confirm (a) the validity of using our two target
      inhibitors for the in vitro selection of catalytic antibodies endowed with beta
      lactamase activity, and (b) the plasticity of the beta-lactamase active site
      responsible for the wide resistance of these enzymes to clinically available
      inhibitors and antibiotics.

PMID- 28075073
TI  - Resolving the relationships of Paleocene placental mammals.
AB  - The 'Age of Mammals' began in the Paleocene epoch, the 10 million year interval
      immediately following the Cretaceous-Palaeogene mass extinction. The apparently
      rapid shift in mammalian ecomorphs from small, largely insectivorous forms to
      many small-to-large-bodied, diverse taxa has driven a hypothesis that the end
      Cretaceous heralded an adaptive radiation in placental mammal evolution. However,
      the affinities of most Paleocene mammals have remained unresolved, despite
      significant advances in understanding the relationships of the extant orders,
      hindering efforts to reconstruct robustly the origin and early evolution of
      placental mammals. Here we present the largest cladistic analysis of Paleocene
      placentals to date, from a data matrix including 177 taxa (130 of which are
      Palaeogene) and 680 morphological characters. We improve the resolution of the
      relationships of several enigmatic Paleocene clades, including families of
      'condylarths'. Protungulatum is resolved as a stem eutherian, meaning that no
      crown-placental mammal unambiguously pre-dates the Cretaceous-Palaeogene
      boundary. Our results support an Atlantogenata-Boreoeutheria split at the root of
      crown Placentalia, the presence of phenacodontids as closest relatives of
      Perissodactyla, the validity of Euungulata, and the placement of Arctocyonidae
      close to Carnivora. Periptychidae and Pantodonta are resolved as sister taxa,
      Leptictida and Cimolestidae are found to be stem eutherians, and Hyopsodontidae
      is highly polyphyletic. The inclusion of Paleocene taxa in a placental phylogeny
      alters interpretations of relationships and key events in mammalian evolutionary
      history. Paleocene mammals are an essential source of data for understanding
      fully the biotic dynamics associated with the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. The
      relationships presented here mark a critical first step towards accurate
      reconstruction of this important interval in the evolution of the modern fauna.

PMID- 28075072
TI  - Use of erythrocyte indicators of health and condition in vertebrate
      ecophysiology: a review and appraisal.
AB  - We review evidence for and against the use of erythrocyte indicators of health
      status and condition, parasite infection level and physiological stress in free
      living vertebrates. The use of indicators that are measured directly from the
      blood, such as haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate, and parameters that are calculated from multiple measured
      metrics, such as mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin content or mean cell
      haemoglobin concentration is evaluated. The evidence for or against the use of
      any given metric is equivocal when the relevant research is considered in total,
      although there is sometimes strong support for using a particular metric in a
      particular taxon. Possibly the usefulness of these metrics is taxon, environment
      or condition specific. Alternatively, in an uncontrolled environment where
      multiple factors are influencing a metric, its response to environmental change
      will sometimes, but not always, be predictable. We suggest that (i) researchers
      should validate a metric's utility before use, (ii) multiple metrics should be
      used to construct an overall erythrocyte profile for an individual or population,
      (iii) there is a need for researchers to compile reference ranges for free-living
      species, and (iv) some metrics which are useful under controlled, clinical
      conditions may not have the same utility or applicability for free-living
      vertebrates. Erythrocyte metrics provide useful information about health and
      condition that can be meaningfully interpreted in free-living vertebrates, but
      their use requires careful forethought about confounding factors.

PMID- 28075075
TI  - Ten Sins of Office Medicine.

PMID- 28075074
TI  - Should We Fear the Unintended Consequences of MACRA?

PMID- 28075076
TI  - New Codes, New Payment Opportunities for 2017.

PMID- 28075077
TI  - Making Sense of MACRA, Part 2: Value-Based Payment and Your Future.

PMID- 28075078
TI  - Why Best Practices Fail to Spread.

PMID- 28075080
TI  - Reduce faxed requests for Rx renewals.

PMID- 28075079
TI  - The State of Family Medicine: 2017.

PMID- 28075081
TI  - Create improvement that lasts.

PMID- 28075082
TI  - Rethink how you store patient records.

PMID- 28075083
TI  - Vital signs.

PMID- 28075084
TI  - Noncontributory documentation.

PMID- 28075085
TI  - Preoperative exam.

PMID- 28075086
TI  - FX modifier for x-ray.

PMID- 28075088
TI  - AFP Online: We're on a Mission.

PMID- 28075090
TI  - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management.
AB  - Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper
      extremity, is caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the
      carpal tunnel. Classically, patients with the condition experience pain and
      paresthesias in the distribution of the median nerve, which includes the palmar
      aspect of the thumb, index and middle fingers, and radial half of the ring
      finger. Additional clues include positive physical examination findings, such as
      the flick sign, Phalen maneuver, and median nerve compression test. Although
      patients with typical symptoms and signs of carpal tunnel syndrome do not need
      additional testing, ultrasonography and electrodiagnostic studies are useful to
      confirm the diagnosis in atypical cases and rule out other causes. If surgical
      decompression is planned, electrodiagnostic studies should be obtained to
      determine severity and surgical prognosis. Conservative treatment may be offered
      initially to patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Options
      include splinting, corticosteroids, physical therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and
      yoga. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, and vitamin B6 are not
      effective therapies. Local corticosteroid injection can provide relief for more
      than one month and delay the need for surgery at one year. Patients with severe
      carpal tunnel syndrome or whose symptoms have not improved after four to six
      months of conservative therapy should be offered surgical decompression.
      Endoscopic and open techniques are equally effective, but patients return to work
      an average of one week earlier with endoscopic repair.

PMID- 28075089
TI  - Autism Spectrum Disorder: Primary Care Principles.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by difficulty with social communication
      and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interest, or activities. The
      Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed., created an
      umbrella diagnosis that includes several previously separate conditions: autistic
      disorder, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive
      developmental disorder not otherwise specified. There is insufficient evidence to
      recommend screening for autism spectrum disorder in children 18 to 30 months of
      age in whom the disorder is not suspected; however, there is a growing body of
      evidence that early intensive behavioral intervention based on applied behavior
      analysis improves cognitive ability, language, and adaptive skills. Therefore,
      early identification of autism spectrum disorder is important, and experts
      recommend the use of a validated screening tool at 18- and 24-month well-child
      visits. Medications can be used as adjunctive treatment for maladaptive behaviors
      and comorbid psychiatric conditions, but there is no single medical therapy that
      is effective for all symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Prognosis is heavily
      affected by the severity of diagnosis and the presence of intellectual
      disability. Children with optimal outcomes receive earlier, more intensive
      behavioral interventions and less pharmacologic treatment.

PMID- 28075091
TI  - Empagliflozin (Jardiance) for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 28075092
TI  - Diabetes Mellitus: Management of Gastrointestinal Complications.
AB  - Gastrointestinal disorders are common complications of diabetes mellitus and
      include gastroparesis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, gastroesophageal reflux
      disease, and chronic diarrhea. Symptoms of gastroparesis include early satiety,
      postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting of undigested food, bloating, and
      abdominal pain. Gastroparesis is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and a delay
      in gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Gastric emptying
      scintigraphy is the preferred diagnostic test. Treatment involves glucose
      control, dietary changes, and prokinetic medications when needed. Nonalcoholic
      fatty liver disease and its more severe variant, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,
      are becoming increasingly prevalent in persons with diabetes. Screening for
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is not recommended, and most cases are diagnosed
      when steatosis is found incidentally on imaging or from liver function testing
      followed by diagnostic ultrasonography. Liver biopsy is the preferred diagnostic
      test for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Clinical scoring systems are being
      developed that, when used in conjunction with less invasive imaging, can more
      accurately predict which patients have severe fibrosis requiring biopsy.
      Treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease involves weight loss and improved
      glycemic control; no medications have been approved for treatment of this
      condition. Diabetes is also a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
      Patients may be asymptomatic or present with atypical symptoms, including globus
      sensation and dysphagia. Diabetes also may exacerbate hepatitis C and
      pancreatitis, resulting in more severe complications. Glycemic control improves
      or reverses most gastrointestinal complications of diabetes.

PMID- 28075093
TI  - Screening for Lipid Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Recommendation
      Statement.

PMID- 28075094
TI  - Prognosis Following Mild Head Injury in Children.

PMID- 28075095
TI  - Needle Phobia: A Vasovagal Response During Acupuncture.

PMID- 28075096
TI  - A Pedunculated Mass on the Thigh.

PMID- 28075098
TI  - Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PMID- 28075099
TI  - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PMID- 28075100
TI  - ADA Updates Standards of Medical Care for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 28075101
TI  - The CDC's Recommendations to Help Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

PMID- 28075102
TI  - Interventions to Facilitate Shared Decision Making to Address Antibiotic Use for
      Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Care.

PMID- 28075103
TI  - Extended-Release Bupropion for Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder in Adults.

PMID- 28075104
TI  - Esophageal Cancer.
AB  - Esophageal cancer has a poor prognosis and high mortality rate, with an estimated
      16,910 new cases and 15,910 deaths projected in 2016 in the United States.
      Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma account for more than 95% of
      esophageal cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in nonindustrialized
      countries, and important risk factors include smoking, alcohol use, and
      achalasia. Adenocarcinoma is the predominant esophageal cancer in developed
      nations, and important risk factors include chronic gastroesophageal reflux
      disease, obesity, and smoking. Dysphagia alone or with unintentional weight loss
      is the most common presenting symptom, although esophageal cancer is often
      asymptomatic in early stages. Physicians should have a low threshold for
      evaluation with endoscopy if any symptoms are present. If cancer is confirmed,
      integrated positron emission tomography and computed tomography should be used
      for initial staging. If no distant metastases are found, endoscopic
      ultrasonography should be performed to determine tumor depth and evaluate for
      nodal involvement. Localized tumors can be treated with endoscopic mucosal
      resection, whereas regional tumors are treated with esophagectomy, neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, or a combination of modalities. Nonresectable
      tumors or tumors with distant metastases are treated with palliative
      interventions. Specific prevention strategies have not been proven, and there are
      no recommendations for esophageal cancer screening.

PMID- 28075105
TI  - Heart Failure Due to Reduced Ejection Fraction: Medical Management.
AB  - Heart failure is an increasingly common condition resulting in high rates of
      morbidity and mortality. For patients who have heart failure and reduced ejection
      fraction, randomized clinical trials demonstrate consistent mortality benefit
      from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers,
      direct-acting vasodilators, beta blockers, and aldosterone antagonists.
      Additionally, some data show benefits from two new classes of drugs: angiotensin
      receptor blocker/neprilysin inhibitor and sinus node modulator. Diuretics and
      digoxin can be used as needed for symptom control. Statins are not recommended
      solely for treatment of heart failure. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
      and biventricular pacemakers improve mortality and function in selected patients.
      For patients who have been hospitalized for heart failure, disease management
      programs and telemonitoring can reduce hospitalizations and mortality.

PMID- 28075106
TI  - Membrane Sweeping to Decrease Rates of Postdate Induction.

PMID- 28075108
TI  - Alpha-adrenergic Agonists for the Management of Opioid Withdrawal.

PMID- 28075109
TI  - Patient-Centered Communication: Basic Skills.
AB  - Communication skills needed for patient-centered care include eliciting the
      patient's agenda with open-ended questions, especially early on; not interrupting
      the patient; and engaging in focused active listening. Understanding the
      patient's perspective of the illness and expressing empathy are key features of
      patient-centered communication. Understanding the patient's perspective entails
      exploring the patient's feelings, ideas, concerns, and experience regarding the
      impact of the illness, as well as what the patient expects from the physician.
      Empathy can be expressed by naming the feeling; communicating understanding,
      respect, and support; and exploring the patient's illness experience and
      emotions. Before revealing a new diagnosis, the patient's prior knowledge and
      preferences for the depth of information desired should be assessed. After
      disclosing a diagnosis, physicians should explore the patient's emotional
      response. Shared decision making empowers patients by inviting them to consider
      the pros and cons of different treatment options, including no treatment. Instead
      of overwhelming the patient with medical information, small chunks of data should
      be provided using repeated cycles of the "ask-tell-ask" approach. Training
      programs on patient-centered communication for health care professionals can
      improve communication skills.

PMID- 28075110
TI  - Rash in a U.S. Marine After Predeployment Vaccinations.

PMID- 28075111
TI  - Esophageal Cancer: What You Should Know.

PMID- 28075112
TI  - Heart Failure: What You Should Know.

PMID- 28075113
TI  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasR.DNA Binding Is Directly Inhibited by Quorum Sensing
      Antagonists.
AB  - Inhibition of quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is of interest as a
      possible antivirulence strategy for this pathogenic bacterium. The LasR regulator
      protein is important in coordinating gene expression in response to quorum
      sensing signaling molecules. One predominant strategy for LasR inhibition is the
      development of small-molecule antagonists that mimic the native autoinducer,
      though the mechanism by which they inactivate LasR is not known. This work
      reveals that multiple antagonists function by binding to and stabilizing LasR in
      a conformation that renders it unable to bind DNA. Further analysis of purified
      LasR complexed with known antagonists indicates that DNA binding can be recovered
      with the addition of native autoinducer, providing insights into the
      reversibility of ligand binding for this transcription factor. This in vitro
      assay could be used to assess future promising antagonists and complements
      existing cell-based reporter assays.

PMID- 28075114
TI  - Unveiling the Critical Role of Polymeric Binders for Silicon Negative Electrodes
      in Lithium-Ion Full Cells.
AB  - Because of its natural abundance and high theoretical specific capacity (3579 mAh
      g-1, based on Li15Si4), silicon and its composites have been extensively studied
      as the negative electrode for future high energy density lithium-ion batteries.
      While rapid failure due to the significant volumetric strain of lithium-silicon
      reactions makes bulk silicon unsuitable for practical applications, silicon
      nanoparticles can sustain the large volume changes without fracturing. However,
      polymeric binders are usually required to maintain the structural integrity of
      electrodes made of particles. Recent lithium-ion half-cell tests have shown that
      lithium ion-exchanged Nafion (designated as Li-Nafion) and sodium alginate are
      highly promising binders for nanoparticle silicon electrodes. Nevertheless, there
      is scant information on the performance and durability of these electrodes in
      full cell tests which are likely to reveal the role of binders under more
      realistic conditions. This work focuses on understanding the role of various
      binders in lithium-ion full cells consisting of Si negative electrode and
      LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 positive electrode. This study demonstrates, possibly for the
      first time, that silicon nanoparticles with either Li-Nafion or sodium alginate
      as binder can maintain a constant capacity of 1200 mAh g-1 for more than 100
      cycles. In addition, during deep charge/discharge cycling, silicon electrodes
      containing Li-Nafion, Nafion, and sodium alginate can exhibit better capacity
      retention and higher specific capacity than that of silicon electrodes using
      polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a binder.

PMID- 28075115
TI  - Recent Methodologies That Exploit C-C Single-Bond Cleavage of Strained Ring
      Systems by Transition Metal Complexes.
AB  - In this review, synthetic and mechanistic aspects of key methodologies that
      exploit C-C single-bond cleavage of strained ring systems are highlighted. The
      focus is on transition-metal-catalyzed processes that are triggered by C-C bond
      activation and beta-carbon elimination, with the review concentrating on
      developments from mid-2009 to mid-2016.

PMID- 28075116
TI  - Metal-Organic Frameworks for Thin-Layer Chromatographic Applications.
AB  - Preparation of thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) plates based on metal-organic
      frameworks (MOFs) as porous stationary phases is described. DUT-67 (DUT = Dresden
      University of Technology), a zirconium based MOF, was used in combination with a
      fluorescent indicator as stationary phase for analyzing a small selection of a
      wide spectrum of relevant analytes. The successful separation of benzaldehyde
      from trans-cinnamaldehyde and 4-aminophenol from 2-aminotoluene is reported as a
      model system using optimized eluent mixtures containing acetic acid.

PMID- 28075117
TI  - Decoding Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer with Potential-pKa Diagrams.
AB  - Aqueous potential-pH diagrams, commonly called Pourbaix diagrams, were originally
      developed to study metal corrosion in the 1930s and 1940s. Pourbaix diagrams have
      since been widely adopted for use across chemistry disciplines, particularly for
      the study of aqueous proton-coupled electron transfer reactions. Despite this
      enormous versatility, a clear extension of analogous diagrams to nonaqueous
      solvents is lacking. The problem hinges on the difficulty of defining the
      nonaqueous solution pH. Here, we address this issue by reporting the development
      of diagrams based on nonaqueous pKa scales. We experimentally construct diagrams
      for two transition-metal complexes that undergo proton-coupled electron transfer
      reactivity by recording their reduction potentials in the presence of acids with
      varying pKa values. These experimental diagrams validate the potential-pKa theory
      and provide valuable thermochemical information for proton-coupled electron
      transfer reactions, including for fleetingly stable species.

PMID- 28075118
TI  - Uranyl Peroxide Cage Cluster Solubility in Water and the Role of the Electrical
      Double Layer.
AB  - Uranium concentrations as high as 2.94 * 105 parts per million (1.82 mol of U/1
      kg of H2O) occur in water containing nanoscale uranyl cage clusters. The anionic
      cage clusters, with diameters of 1.5-2.5 nm, are charge-balanced by encapsulated
      cations, as well as cations within their electrical double layer in solution. The
      concentration of uranium in these systems is impacted by the countercations (K,
      Li, Na), and molecular dynamics simulations have predicted their distributions in
      selected cases. Formation of uranyl cages prevents hydrolysis reactions that
      would result in formation of insoluble uranyl solids under alkaline conditions,
      and these spherical clusters reach concentrations that require close packing in
      solution.

PMID- 28075119
TI  - Bubble-Driven Detachment of Bacteria from Confined Microgeometries.
AB  - Moving air-liquid interfaces, for example, bubbles, play a significant role in
      the detachment and transport of colloids and microorganisms in confined systems
      as well as unsaturated porous media. Moreover, they can effectively prevent
      and/or postpone the development of mature biofilms on surfaces that are colonized
      by bacteria. Here we demonstrate the dynamics and quantify the effectiveness of
      this bubble-driven detachment process for the bacterial strain Staphylococcus
      aureus. We investigate the effects of interface velocity and geometrical factors
      through microfluidic experiments that mimic some of the confinement features of
      pore-scale geometries. Depending on the bubble velocity U, at least three
      different flow regimes are found. These operating flow regimes not only affect
      the efficiency of the detachment process but also modify the final distribution
      of the bacteria on the surface. We organize our results according to the
      capillary number, [Formula: see text], where MU and gamma are the viscosity and
      the surface tension, respectively. Bubbles at very low velocities, corresponding
      to capillary numbers Ca < 5 * 10-5, exhibit detachment efficiencies of up to 80%
      at the early stage of bacterial adhesion. In contrast, faster bubbles at
      capillary numbers Ca > 10-3, have lower detachment efficiencies and cause
      significant nonuniformities in the final distribution of the cells on the
      substrate. This effect is associated with the formation of a thin liquid film
      around the bubble at higher Ca. In general, at higher bubble velocities bacterial
      cells in the corners of the geometry are less influenced by the bubble passage
      compared to the central region.

PMID- 28075120
TI  - Femtosecond Study of Dimolybdenum Paddlewheel Compounds with Amide/Thioamide
      Ligands: Symmetry, Electronic Structure, and Charge Distribution in the 1MLCT S1
      State.
AB  - Four photophysically interesting dimolybdenum paddlewheel compounds are
      synthesized and characterized: I and II contain amide ligand (N,3-diphenyl-2
      propynamide), and III and IV contain thioamide ligand (N,3-diphenyl-2
      propynethioamide). I and III are trans-Mo2L2(O2C-TiPB)2-type compounds, and II
      and IV are Mo2L4-type compounds, where O2C-TiPB is 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoate. I
      IV display strong light absorption due to metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT)
      transitions from molybdenum to the amide/thioamide ligands. Charge transfer
      dynamics in the MLCT excited states of I-IV have been examined using femtosecond
      transient absorption (fs-TA) spectroscopy and femtosecond time-resolved infrared
      (fs-TRIR) spectroscopy. The asymmetric amide/thioamide ligands show two forms of
      regioarrangements in the paddlewheel compounds. Analyses of the nu(C=C) bands in
      the fs-TRIR spectra of I and II show similar electron density distribution over
      ligands in their 1MLCT S1 states where only two amide ligands are involved and
      the transferred electron is mainly localized on one of them. The fs-TRIR spectra
      of III and IV, however, show different charge distribution patterns where the
      transferred electron is fully delocalized over two thioamide ligands in III and
      partially delocalized in IV. Fast interligand electron transfer (ILET) was
      recognized as the explanation for the various charge distribution patterns, and
      ILET was shown to be influenced by both the ligands and the ligand arrangements.

PMID- 28075121
TI  - Computationally-Guided Assignment of Unexpected Signals in the Raman Spectra of
      Uranyl Triperoxide Complexes.
AB  - Combination of uranium, peroxide, and mono- (Na, K) or divalent (Mg, Ca, Sr)
      cations under alkaline aqueous conditions results in the rapid formation of
      anionic uranyl triperoxide monomers (UTs), (UO2(O2)3)4-, exhibiting unique Raman
      signatures. Electronic structure calculations were decisive for the
      interpretation of the spectra and assignment of unexpected signals associated
      with vibrations of the uranyl and peroxide ions. Assignments were verified by 18O
      isotopic labeling of the uranyl ions supporting the computational-based
      interpretation of the experimentally observed peaks and the assignment of a novel
      asymmetric vibration of the peroxide ligands, v2(O22-).

PMID- 28075122
TI  - Acetylene Fuels TCE Reductive Dechlorination by Defined
      Dehalococcoides/Pelobacter Consortia.
AB  - Acetylene (C2H2) can be generated in contaminated groundwater sites as a
      consequence of chemical degradation of trichloroethene (TCE) by in situ minerals,
      and C2H2 is known to inhibit bacterial dechlorination. In this study, we show
      that while high C2H2 (1.3 mM) concentrations reversibly inhibit reductive
      dechlorination of TCE by Dehalococcoides mccartyi isolates as well as enrichment
      cultures containing D. mccartyi sp., low C2H2 (0.4 mM) concentrations do not
      inhibit growth or metabolism of D. mccartyi. Cocultures of Pelobacter SFB93, a
      C2H2-fermenting bacterium, with D. mccartyi strain 195 or with D. mccartyi strain
      BAV1 were actively sustained by providing acetylene as the electron donor and
      carbon source while TCE or cis-DCE served as the electron acceptor. Inhibition by
      acetylene of reductive dechlorination and methanogenesis in the enrichment
      culture ANAS was observed, and the inhibition was removed by adding Pelobacter
      SFB93 into the consortium. Transcriptomic analysis of D. mccartyi strain 195
      showed genes encoding for reductive dehalogenases (e.g., tceA) were not affected
      during the C2H2-inhibition, while genes encoding for ATP synthase, biosynthesis,
      and Hym hydrogenase were down-regulated during C2H2 inhibition, consistent with
      the physiological observation of lower cell yields and reduced dechlorination
      rates in strain 195. These results will help facilitate the optimization of TCE
      bioremediation at contaminated sites containing both TCE and C2H2.

PMID- 28075123
TI  - Nitrogen-Doped Yolk-Shell-Structured CoSe/C Dodecahedra for High-Performance
      Sodium Ion Batteries.
AB  - In this work, nitrogen-doped, yolk-shell-structured CoSe/C mesoporous dodecahedra
      are successfully prepared by using cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (ZIF-67)
      as sacrificial templates. The CoSe nanoparticles are in situ produced by reacting
      the cobalt species in the metal-organic frameworks with selenium (Se) powder, and
      the organic species are simultaneously converted into nitrogen-doped carbon
      material in an inert atmosphere at temperatures between 700 and 900  degrees C
      for 4 h. For the composite synthesized at 800  degrees C, the carbon framework
      has a relatively higher extent of graphitization, with high nitrogen content
      (17.65%). Furthermore, the CoSe nanoparticles, with a size of around 15 nm, are
      coherently confined in the mesoporous carbon framework. When evaluated as novel
      anode materials for sodium ion batteries, the CoSe/C composites exhibit high
      capacity and superior rate capability. The composite electrode delivers the
      specific capacities of 597.2 and 361.9 mA h g-1 at 0.2 and 16 A g-1,
      respectively.

PMID- 28075124
TI  - PtNi/NiO Clusters Coated by Hollow Sillica: Novel Design for Highly Efficient
      Hydrogen Production from Ammonia-Borane.
AB  - Ammonia-borane (NH3.BH3; AB) has been considered as an excellent chemical
      material for hydrogen storage. However, developing highly efficient catalysts for
      continuous hydrogen generation from AB is still a challenge for future fuel cell
      applications. The combination of Pt with Ni is an effective strategy to achieve
      active bimetallic nanocatalyst, and the particle size has proved to play a
      crucial role in determining its final activity. However, the synthesis of PtNi
      bimetallic catalyst in the size of highly dispersed clusters has always been a
      challenge. In this report, PtNi/NiO clusters coated by small-sized hollow silica
      (R-PtNi/NiO@SiO2) were designed for efficient hydrogen generation from the
      hydrolysis of ammonia-borane. The newly designed catalysis system showed
      extremely high activity with the initial turnover frequency value reaching 1240.3
      mol of H2.mol-1 of Pt.min-1, which makes it one the most active Pt-based
      catalysts for this reaction. Detailed characterization by means of scanning
      transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy
      dispersive X-ray spectroscopy element mapping, etc. revealed that the excellent
      performance of R-PtNi/NiO@SiO2 is derived from the highly dispersed PtNi/NiO
      clusters and the reduction of extra Pt4+ on the surface of PtNi/NiO clusters to
      Pt0 at relatively low temperature.

PMID- 28075125
TI  - Multifunctional Nanoparticles by Coordinative Self-Assembly of His-Tagged Units
      with Metal-Organic Frameworks.
AB  - Self-assembly of individual units into multicomponent complexes is a powerful
      approach for the generation of functional superstructures. We present the
      coordinative interaction of oligohistidine-tags (His-tags) with metal-organic
      framework nanoparticles (MOF NPs). By this novel concept, different molecular
      units can be anchored on the outer surface of MOF NPs in a self-assembly process
      generating multifunctional nanosystems. The article focuses on two main
      objectives: first, the detailed investigation of the assembly process and
      fundamental establishment of the novel functionalization concept; and second, its
      subsequent use for the development of biomacromolecule (e.g., peptides and
      proteins) delivery vehicles. Three exemplary MOF structures, MIL-88A, HKUST-1,
      and Zr-fum, based on different metal components, were selected for the external
      binding of various His-tagged synthetic peptides and recombinant or chemically H6
      modified proteins. Evidence for simultaneous assembly of different functional
      units with Zr-fum MOF NPs as well as their successful transport into living cells
      illustrate the promising potential of the self-assembly approach for the
      generation of multifunctional NPs and future biological applications. Taking the
      high number of possible MOF NPs and different functional units into account, the
      reported functionalization approach opens great flexibility for the targeted
      synthesis of multifunctional NPs for specific purposes.

PMID- 28075126
TI  - Cell-Conditioned Protein Coronas on Engineered Particles Influence Immune
      Responses.
AB  - A protein corona, which forms on engineered particles as soon as they are
      introduced into biological environments, is known to provide particles with a
      "biological identity". Protein coronas derived from various biological
      environments have been demonstrated to alter the cell internalization mechanism,
      to diminish targeting ability and to induce nanoparticle aggregation. So far,
      most of these studies have challenged engineered particles with a static
      biological environment. However, the extracellular environment is highly dynamic
      due to the process termed "cell-conditioning", in which cells deplete and secrete
      biomolecules. In this work, we demonstrate that protein coronas formed on
      engineered particles from such cell-conditioned media affect the biophysical
      particle properties and protein adsorption differently to protein coronas derived
      from an unconditioned environment. When investigating particles with protein
      coronas formed in various biologically relevant environments for their
      interaction with immune cells, we observed differences in pro-inflammatory
      cytokine secretion and immune cell apoptosis. We found that the particles either
      increased or mitigated the secretion of a specific cytokine, depending on the
      environment where the protein corona was formed. Our study suggests that the use
      of protein coronas could be useful to engineer drug carriers for elongated
      circulation, enhanced biocompatibility, and lower toxicity by triggering a
      specific immune response.

PMID- 28075127
TI  - Homeomorphic Isomerization as a Design Element in Container Molecules; Binding,
      Displacement, and Selective Transport of MCl2 Species (M = Pt, Pd, Ni).
AB  - The dibridgehead diphosphine ((CH2)14)3 P (1) can rapidly turn inside-out
      (homeomorphic isomerization) to give a mixture of in,in and out,out isomers. The
      exo directed lone pairs in the latter are able to scavenge Lewis acidic MCl2;
      cagelike adducts of the in,in isomer, trans- Cl2(P((CH2)14)3 P) (M = 2/Pt, 3/Pd,
      4/Ni), then form. The NiCl2 unit in 4 may be replaced by PtCl2 or PdCl2, but 2
      and 3 do not give similar substitutions. U-tubes are charged with CH2Cl2
      solutions of 1 (lower phase), an aqueous solution of K2MCl4 (charging arm; M =
      Pt, Pd), and an aqueous solution of excess KCl (receiving arm). The MCl2 units
      are then transported to the receiving arm until equilibrium is reached (up to 22
      d). When the receiving arm is charged with KCN, transport is much faster (ca. 100
      h) and higher K2MX4 equilibrium ratios are obtained (>=96<=4). Analogous
      experiments with K2PtCl4/K2PdCl4 mixtures show PdCl2 transport to be more rapid.
      A similar diphosphine with longer methylene chains, P((CH2)18)3P, is equally
      effective. No transport occurs in the absence of 1, and other diphosphines or
      monophosphines assayed give only trace levels.

PMID- 28075128
TI  - Pursuit of Record Breaking Energy Barriers: A Study of Magnetic Axiality in
      Diamide Ligated DyIII Single-Molecule Magnets.
AB  - DyIII single-ion magnets (SIMs) with strong axial donors and weak equatorial
      ligands are attractive model systems with which to harness the maximum magnetic
      anisotropy of DyIII ions. Utilizing a rigid ferrocene diamide ligand (NNTBS), a
      DyIII SIM, (NNTBS)DyI(THF)2, 1-Dy (NNTBS = fc(NHSitBuMe2)2, fc = 1,1'
      ferrocenediyl), composed of a near linear arrangement of donor atoms, exhibits a
      large energy barrier to spin reversal (770.8 K) and magnetic blocking (14 K). The
      effects of the transverse ligands on the magnetic and electronic structure of 1
      Dy were investigated through ab initio methods, eliciting significant magnetic
      axiality, even in the fourth Kramers doublet, thus demonstrating the potential of
      rigid diamide ligands in the design of new SIMs with defined magnetic axiality.

PMID- 28075129
TI  - Substituted Diarylnorbornadienes and Quadricyclanes: Synthesis, Photochemical
      Properties, and Effect of Substituent on the Kinetic Stability of Quadricyclanes.
AB  - In this Article, we present a new method for the synthesis of diarylnorbornadiene
      derivatives. Through the use of a two-step procedure consisting of a tandem
      alkene insertion-Suzuki coupling reaction followed by a DDQ dehydrogenation, we
      have been able to synthesize derivatives with a wide variety of substituents. We
      also present the results of UV-visible spectroscopy studies and kinetics
      experiments that show the effect of substituent on light absorption properties of
      the norbornadienes as well as the kinetic stability of the quadricyclanes that
      result from their photochemical conversion. While substitution on the aromatic
      rings had comparatively little effect on quadricyclane lability, substitution at
      a bridgehead position with a methyl group produced a quadricyclane that thermally
      reverted to the norbornadiene at a rate that was significantly slower than that
      for the quadricyclane without the methyl substituent. From the results of the
      kinetics experiments, we determined that the reversion of the quadricyclanes
      occurs via a free radical mechanism with very little contribution from polar
      effects. This observation led us to speculate as to whether our data may form the
      basis for a free radical substituent constant, sigmaQ*, analogous to the
      traditional Hammett sigma parameter.

PMID- 28075130
TI  - Expression and Characterization of Levansucrase from Clostridium acetobutylicum.
AB  - The Clostridium acetobutylicum gene Ca-SacB encoding levansucrase was cloned and
      expressed in Escherichia coli. Ca-SacB is composed of 1287 bp and encodes 428
      amino acid residues, which could convert 150 mmol/L sucrose to levan with the
      liberation of glucose. The optimum pH and temperature of this enzyme for levan
      formation were pH 6 and 60  degrees C, respectively. Levansucrase activity of Ca
      SacB was completely abolished by 5 mmol/L Ag+ and Hg2+. The Km and Vmax values
      for levansucrase were calculated to be 64 mmol/L and 190 MUmol/min/mg,
      respectively. Interestingly, Ca-SacB was found to have high product specificity,
      and no fructooligosaccharide was identified in the product, indicating that Ca
      SacB may be valuable for industrial production of levan. In addition, Ca-SacB is
      the first characterized levansucrase isolated from an anaerobic bacterium, which
      should be valuable for exploring new enzyme resources and deepening the
      understanding of the catalytic mechanisms of levansucrases.

PMID- 28075131
TI  - Classical Galactosemia: Insight into Molecular Pathomechanisms by Differential
      Membrane Proteomics of Fibroblasts under Galactose Stress.
AB  - Classical galactosemia, a hereditary metabolic disease caused by the deficiency
      of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT; EC 2.7.712), results in an
      impaired galactose metabolism and serious long-term developmental affection of
      the CNS and ovaries, potentially related in part to endogenous galactose-induced
      protein dysglycosylation. In search for galactose-induced changes in membrane
      raft proteomes of GALT-deficient cells, we performed differential analyses of
      lipid rafts from patient-derived (Q) and sex- and age-matched control fibroblasts
      (H) in the presence or absence of the stressor. Label-based proteomics revealed
      of the total 454 (female) or 678 (male) proteins a proportion of ~12% in at least
      one of four relevant ratios as fold-changed. GALT(-) cell-specific effects in the
      absence of stressor revealed cell-model-dependent affection of biological
      processes related to protein targeting to the plasma membrane (female) or to
      cellular migration (male). However, a series of common galactose-induced effects
      were observed, among them the strongly increased ER-stress marker GRP78 and
      calreticulin involved in N-glycoprotein quality control. The membrane-anchored N
      glycoprotein receptor CD109 was concertedly decreased under galactose-stress
      together with cadherin-13, GLIPR1, glypican-1, and semaphorin-7A. A series of
      proteins showed opposite fold-changes in the two cell models, whereas others
      fluctuated in only one of the two models.

PMID- 28075133
TI  - Phosphine Supported Ruthenium Nanoparticle Catalyzed Synthesis of Substituted
      Pyrazines and Imidazoles from alpha-Diketones.
AB  - A new methodology has been developed for the synthesis of highly substituted
      nitrogen heterocycles such as pyrazines and imidazoles starting from alpha
      diketones using phosphine supported ruthenium nanoparticles (RuNPs) as catalysts.
      Ruthenium nanoparticles Ru1-Ru4 supported with different phosphines such as
      dbdocphos, dppp, DPEphos, and Xantphos are screened, of which Ru1 and Ru4 are
      found to be the most active. Interestingly, aryl-substituted and alkyl
      substituted alpha-diketones produced different products: namely, pyrazine and
      imidazoles, respectively. This reaction methodology has been applied to the
      synthesis of a key intermediate (2m) of the marine cytotoxic natural product
      Dragmacidin B and an estrogen receptor (2l). This work represents the first
      examples of pyrazines prepared by RuNPs.

PMID- 28075134
TI  - Dynamic Optical Switching of Polymer/Plasmonic Nanoparticle Hybrids with Sparse
      Loading.
AB  - Responsive nanomaterials composed of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and temperature
      responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels offer the promise of
      designing smart materials that can change color in response to varying thermal or
      photothermal stimuli. Typical PNIPAM/AuNP hybrids are heavily loaded with AuNPs.
      Here, we demonstrate that hybrids with an average loading of three to five AuNPs
      per PNIPAM sphere exhibit peak extinction shifts of over 150 nm and color change
      from red to purple to gray as the temperature increases from 25 to 50  degrees C.
      We observe that the time scale for spectral shifts is offset from that for
      hydrophobic collapse of the PNIPAM spheres. Facilitated by the low loading
      density, we combine kinetic studies of the changes in the extinction spectra with
      finite-difference time-domain simulations to show that the location of AuNPs
      relative to the PNIPAM sphere at different stages of collapse is a key variable
      accounting for the time and temperature dependence of the experimental data.

PMID- 28075132
TI  - Discovery of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Ethers and Squaramides as Selective and
      Potent Inhibitors of Mycobacterial Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Synthesis.
AB  - The approval of bedaquiline to treat tuberculosis has validated adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) synthase as an attractive target to kill Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis (Mtb). Herein, we report the discovery of two diverse lead series
      imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ethers (IPE) and squaramides (SQA) as inhibitors of
      mycobacterial ATP synthesis. Through medicinal chemistry exploration, we
      established a robust structure-activity relationship of these two scaffolds,
      resulting in nanomolar potencies in an ATP synthesis inhibition assay. A
      biochemical deconvolution cascade suggested cytochrome c oxidase as the potential
      target of IPE class of molecules, whereas characterization of spontaneous
      resistant mutants of SQAs unambiguously identified ATP synthase as its molecular
      target. Absence of cross resistance against bedaquiline resistant mutants
      suggested a different binding site for SQAs on ATP synthase. Furthermore, SQAs
      were found to be noncytotoxic and demonstrated efficacy in a mouse model of
      tuberculosis infection.

PMID- 28075135
TI  - Access to Enantiopure alpha-Hydrazino Acids for N-Amino Peptide Synthesis.
AB  - Backbone N-methylation of alpha-peptides has been widely employed to enhance the
      bioavailability and bioactivity of parent sequences. Heteroatomic peptide amide
      substituents have received less attention due, in part, to the lack of practical
      synthetic strategies. Here, we report the synthesis of alpha-hydrazino acids
      derived from 19 out of the 20 canonical proteinogenic amino acids and demonstrate
      their use in the solid-phase synthesis of N-amino peptide derivatives.

PMID- 28075136
TI  - Theoretical Investigation of the Interfaces and Mechanisms of Induced Spin
      Polarization of 1D Narrow Zigzag Graphene- and h-BN Nanoribbons on a SrO
      Terminated LSMO(001) Surface.
AB  - The structure of the interfaces and the mechanisms of induced spin polarization
      of 1D infinite and finite narrow graphene- and h-BN zigzag nanoribbons placed on
      a SrO-terminated La1-xSrxMnO3 (LSMO) (001) surface were studied using density
      functional theory (DFT) electronic structure calculations. It was found that the
      pi-conjugated nanofragments are bonded to the LSMO(001) surface by weak disperse
      interactions. The types of coordination of the fragments, the strength of
      bonding, and the rate of spin polarization depend upon the nature of the
      fragments. Infinite and finite graphene narrow zigzag nanoribbons are
      characterized by the lift of the spin degeneracy and strong spin polarization
      caused by interface-induced structural asymmetry and oxygen-mediated indirect
      exchange interactions with Mn ions of LSMO support. Spin polarization changes the
      semiconducting nature of infinite graphene nanoribbons to half-metallic state
      with visible spin-up density of states at the Fermi level. The h-BN nanoribbon
      binding energy is weaker than graphene nanoribbon ones with noticeably shorter
      interlayer distance. The asymmetry effect and indirect exchange interactions
      cause spin polarization of h-BN nanoribbon as well with formation of embedded
      states inside the band gap. The results show a possibility to use one-atom thick
      nanofragments to design LSMO-based heterostructures for spintronic nanodevices
      with h-BN as an inert spacer to develop different potential barriers.

PMID- 28075138
TI  - Control of Chemo-, Regio-, and Enantioselectivity in Copper Hydride Reductions of
      Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adducts.
AB  - Nonracemically ligated copper hydride can be used to effect tandem SN2'/1,2
      reductions of racemic Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) acetates to access
      enantioenriched chiral allylic alcohols with defined olefin geometry. MBH esters,
      including those with beta-substitution, can be transformed to stereodefined
      enoates by taking advantage of a bulky, oligomeric, in situ generated
      trialkoxysiloxane leaving group. Finally, an atypical conversion of easily
      arrived at MBH alcohol derivatives to nonracemic allylic alcohols is disclosed.

PMID- 28075137
TI  - Anisotropic Electroless Deposition on DNA Origami Templates To Form Small
      Diameter Conductive Nanowires.
AB  - An improved method for the metallization of DNA origami is examined in this work.
      DNA origami, a simple and robust method for creating a wide variety of
      nanostructured shapes and patterns, provides an enabling template for bottom-up
      fabrication of next-generation nanodevices. Selective metallization of these DNA
      templates is needed to make nanoelectronic devices. Here, we demonstrate a
      metallization process that uses gold nanorod seeds followed by anisotropic
      plating to provide improved morphology and greater control of the final
      metallized width of the structure. In our approach, gold nanorods are attached to
      an origami template to create a seed layer. Electroless gold deposition is then
      used to fill the gaps between seeds in order to create continuous, conductive
      nanowires. Importantly, growth during electroless deposition occurs
      preferentially in the length direction at a rate that is approximately 4 times
      the growth rate in the width direction, which enables fabrication of narrow,
      continuous wires. The electrical properties of 49 nanowires with widths ranging
      from 13 to 29 nm were characterized, and resistivity values as low as 8.9 * 10-7
      Omega.m were measured. The anisotropic metallization process presented here
      represents important progress toward the creation of nanoelectronic devices by
      molecularly directed placement of functional components onto self-assembled
      biological templates.

PMID- 28075140
TI  - Impact of blood collection method on first-trimester dried blood free Beta hCG
      and PAPP-A.
AB  - Background Analysis of dried blood specimens has been an integral part of
      laboratory medicine dating back to the early 1960s when they were introduced as
      part of neonatal screening programs. More recently, they have been used in Down
      syndrome screening programmes. Dried blood spot specimens can be collected either
      by finger-stick or by traditional venipuncture and spotted onto filter paper. We
      sought to evaluate whether first-trimester free Beta hCG and PAPP-A multiples of
      the median (MoMs) were different in dried blood specimens collected via finger
      stick compared to specimens collected via venipuncture. Methods A total of 2786
      consecutive dried blood specimens were evaluated including 2144 collected using
      finger-stick and 644 specimens collected using venipuncture and spotted onto
      filter paper. Linear regression was used to assess the overall impact of
      collection method on dried blood free Beta hCG and PAPP-A and the impact of
      collection method on the trend of dried blood free Beta hCG and PAPP-A with
      transport time. Results For finger-stick and venipuncture, the median for free
      Beta hCG MoM was 0.99 and 1.04, respectively while the median PAPP-A MoM was 1.00
      and 1.01, respectively. The regression formula for free Beta hCG was ln(MoM) = 
      0.00918 + 0.05112*Venipuncture + 0.00299*Days -0.00983*Days*Venipuncture and for
      PAPP-A the formula was ln(MoM) = -0.01000 + 0.04779*Venipuncture -0.00051*Days 
      0.02117*Days*Venipuncture. None of the coefficients were significant. Conclusions
      Collection method does not impact MoM values. Thus, centres have flexibility in
      the collection method utilized while being able to use a single reference
      database for all dried blood specimens.

PMID- 28075141
TI  - Distinct injury markers for the early detection and prognosis of incident acute
      kidney injury in critically ill adults with preserved kidney function.

PMID- 28075142
TI  - Predicting late recurrence in surgically treated patients with Cushing's disease.

PMID- 28075143
TI  - Contemporary bloodletting in cardiac surgical care.

PMID- 28075144
TI  - Comparison of a direct enzymatic assay and polyacrylamide tube gel
      electrophoresis for measurement of small, dense low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol.

PMID- 28075145
TI  - Knee-to-Ankle Mosaicplasty for the Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the
      Ankle Joint.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions are frequently seen in athletes after ankle
      injuries. At this time, osteochondral autologous transplantation (OATS,
      mosaicplasty) is the only surgical treatment that replaces the entire
      osteochondral unit in symptomatic lesions. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and
      radiological midterm to long-term outcome of ankles treated with knee-to-ankle
      mosaicplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Clinical
      evaluation consisted of patient satisfaction, pain evaluation (visual analog
      scale [VAS]), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score,
      sports activity score, range of motion, the radiological evaluation of magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI), and single photon emission computed tomography-computed
      tomography (SPECT-CT) analysis of both the ankle and the knee joint. RESULTS:
      Twelve of 21 patients (mean age, 43 years; male, 8; female, 4) were available for
      latest follow-up (mean, 72 months). At follow-up, patients reported a
      satisfaction rate of good to excellent in 92% (n 5 11) and poor in 8% (n 5 1).
      The average VAS pain score was 3.9 (preoperative, 5.9; P 5 .02), AOFAS ankle
      score significantly increased from 45.9 to 80.2 points (P< .0001), sports
      activity score remained significantly decreased with 1.25 (preinjury level, 2.3;
      P 5 .035), and ankle dorsiflexion was significantly reduced (P 5 .003). Knee pain
      was reported in 6 patients (50%). Radiologically, recurrent lesions were found in
      10 of 10 cases (100%) and some degree of cartilage degeneration and discontinuity
      of the subchondral bone plate in 100%. CONCLUSION: Indications for mosaicplasty
      with a plug transfer from the knee to the talus must be considered carefully, as
      at midterm, moderate outcome and considerable donor-site morbidity may be found.

PMID- 28075146
TI  - Five Near Full-Length Hepatitis C Virus Sequences Were Identified from HIV
      Coinfected Injection Drug Users of China.
AB  - HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) share transmission routes, including contaminated
      blood transfusion, sexual intercourse, and needle-sharing in injection drug users
      (IDUs). We obtained five near full-length genome sequences of HCV isolated from
      five HIV-1-coinfected IDUs in Sichuan and Xinjiang provinces, China. By
      conducting reconstruction of neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree, our results
      revealed that the five isolates are of four different genotypes (1b, 3a, 6a, and
      6n). The amino acid substitutions (170I) in XJN0021 related to resistant to
      protease inhibitors (grazoprevir) were also identified. The genetic diversity of
      these sequences uncovered more complicated transmission situation of HCV among
      IDUs in China.

PMID- 28075147
TI  - Evaluating the Efficacy of the Feeding Exercise Randomized Trial in Overweight
      and Obese Adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Feeding Exercise Trial in Adolescents (FETA) aimed to evaluate
      whether a community-based, parents-involving, combined physical activity and
      nutritional education program was effective in improving adiposity profiles in
      overweight and obese adolescents. METHODS: A total of 181 overweight and obese
      adolescents aged 13-15 years old were randomized in the three study groups ("Diet
      & Activity," "Activity," and Control). The Activity intervention included a 45
      minute, 3-day per week supervised training program, while the Diet & Activity
      intervention included a supplementary 15 minutes of group-based sessions attended
      by the parents. The intervention lasted 3 months and the participants were
      followed for another 3 months after the intervention. The participants were
      assessed for anthropometric measures and activity and fulfilled the modified
      version of the questionnaire "Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire"
      (FEAHQ). RESULTS: Both "Activity" only and "Diet & Activity" groups reduced
      significantly (p < 0.001) their mean body mass index (BMI) (-1.1, 95% CI -1.3, 
      0.8, and -1.4, 95% CI -1.7, -1.2, respectively), waist circumference, systolic
      and diastolic blood pressure, pulses per minute, and 50 m sprint run test at 3
      months, while greater reductions in BMI were observed at 6 months (-2.3, 95% CI 
      2.6, -2.0, and -3.1, 95% CI -3.3, -2.8). Significant changes in the total FEAHQ
      score were achieved only in the "Diet & Activity" group both at 3 months and at 6
      months. CONCLUSIONS: FETA resulted in significant effects on improving adiposity
      profiles in overweight and obese adolescents, as well as family activity and
      feeding habits, maintained at 3 months follow-up.

PMID- 28075150
TI  - 2016-2017 Conferences.

PMID- 28075149
TI  - Journal Watch.

PMID- 28075152
TI  - CYP24 inhibition as a therapeutic target in FGF23-mediated renal phosphate
      wasting disorders.

PMID- 28075151
TI  - Multilevel Correlates of Healthy BMI Maintenance and Return to a Healthy BMI
      among Children in Massachusetts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine predictors of healthy BMI maintenance (HBM) or return to a
      healthy BMI (RHB) among children. METHODS: We studied 33,272 children in
      Massachusetts between 2008 and 2012. We used multinomial logistic regression to
      examine associations of individual- and neighborhood-level factors with the odds
      of: (1) HBM: maintenance of a healthy BMI >=5th to <85th percentile and (2) RHB:
      transition to a healthy BMI range from an initial BMI >=85th percentile between
      two clinic visits spanning an average of 3.5 years. RESULTS: Racial/ethnic
      minorities had lower odds of HBM and RHB than non-Hispanic white children. Higher
      neighborhood educational attainment was associated with an increased odds of HBM
      and RHB. Higher neighborhood median household income, proximity to a supermarket,
      and access to more open recreational space were associated with a higher odds of
      HBM. Children of ages 2-5 years at baseline had higher odds of RHB and HBM than
      children 13 years and older. CONCLUSIONS: Early childhood interventions and
      efforts to create health-promoting neighborhoods including improving access to
      supermarkets and open recreational space could have important effects on obesity
      prevention and management.

PMID- 28075154
TI  - Survivorship After Meniscal Allograft Transplantation According to Articular
      Cartilage Status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes after meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) in
      arthritic knees are unclear, and objective estimates of graft survival according
      to the articular cartilage status have not been performed. HYPOTHESIS: MAT should
      provide clinical benefits in knees with high-grade cartilage damage, but their
      graft survivorship should be inferior to that in knees with low-grade chondral
      degeneration after MAT. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.
      METHODS: The records of 222 consecutive patients who underwent primary MAT were
      reviewed to compare clinical outcomes and graft survivorship. The patients were
      grouped according to the degree and location of articular cartilage degeneration:
      low-grade chondral lesions (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] grade
      <=2) on both the femoral and tibial sides (ideal indication), high-grade lesions
      (ICRS grade 3 or 4) on either the femoral or tibial side (relative indication),
      and high-grade lesions on both sides (salvage indication). Kaplan-Meier survival
      analysis with the log-rank test was performed to compare the clinical survival
      rates and graft survival rates between the groups. A Lysholm score of <65 was
      considered a clinical failure, and graft failure was defined as a meniscal tear
      or meniscectomy of greater than one-third of the allograft, objectively evaluated
      by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and second-look arthroscopic surgery.
      RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) Lysholm score significantly improved from 63.1 +/- 15.1
      preoperatively to 85.1 +/- 14.3 at the latest follow-up of a mean 44.6 +/- 19.7
      months ( P < .001). However, the postoperative scores were not significantly
      different between the 3 groups (85.7 +/- 14.2 for ideal indication, 84.7 +/- 17.0
      for relative indication, and 84.7 +/- 14.2 for salvage indication; P = .877). On
      MRI at the latest follow-up of a mean 23.0 +/- 19.9 months and second-look
      arthroscopic surgery of a mean 19.3 +/- 20.7 months, there were 25 (11.3%) failed
      MAT procedures (4 medial, 21 lateral); of these, 5 lateral MAT procedures (2.3%)
      went on to allograft removal. Clinical survival rates were not significantly
      different between the groups ( P = .256). However, on objective evaluation, the
      estimated cumulative graft survival rate at 5 years in the salvage indication
      group (62.2% [95% CI, 41.6-82.8]) was significantly lower than that in the other
      2 groups (ideal indication: 93.8% [95% CI, 88.5-99.1]; relative indication: 90.9%
      [95% CI, 81.1-100.0]) ( P = .006). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that MAT was
      an effective symptomatic treatment in knees with advanced bipolar chondral
      lesions. However, better graft survival can be expected when articular cartilage
      is intact or if chondral damage is limited to a unipolar lesion. MAT should be
      considered before the progression of chondral damage to a bipolar lesion for
      better graft survivorship and should be performed cautiously in arthritic knees.

PMID- 28075157
TI  - Visual Occlusion During Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Contemporary Review of
      Methods to Reduce Laparoscopic and Robotic Lens Fogging and Other Sources of
      Optical Loss.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maintenance of optimal vision during minimally invasive surgery is
      crucial to maintaining operative awareness, efficiency, and safety. Hampered
      vision is commonly caused by laparoscopic lens fogging (LLF), which has prompted
      the development of various antifogging fluids and warming devices. However,
      limited comparative evidence exists in contemporary literature. Despite
      technologic advancements there remains no consensus as to superior methods to
      prevent LLF or restore visual acuity once LLF has occurred. We performed a review
      of literature to present the current body of evidence supporting the use of
      numerous techniques. METHODS: A standardized Preferred Reporting Items for
      Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis review was performed, and PubMed, Embase,
      Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. Articles pertaining to
      mechanisms and prevention of LLF were reviewed. We applied no limit to year of
      publication or publication type and all articles encountered were included in
      final review. Limited original research and heterogenous outcome measures
      precluded meta-analytical assessment. RESULTS: Vision loss has a multitude of
      causes and although scientific theory can be applied to in vivo environments, no
      authors have completely characterized this complex problem. No method to prevent
      or correct LLF was identified as superior to others and comparative evidence is
      minimal. Robotic LLF was poorly investigated and aside from a single analysis has
      not been directly compared to standard laparoscopic fogging in any capacity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Obscured vision during surgery is hazardous and typically caused by
      LLF. The etiology of LLF despite application of scientific theory is yet to be
      definitively proven in the in vivo environment. Common methods of prevention of
      LLF or restoration of vision due to LLF have little evidence-based data to
      support their use. A multiarm comparative in vivo analysis is required to
      formally assess these commonly used techniques in both standard and robotic
      laparoscopes.

PMID- 28075155
TI  - A Qualitative Study Exploring Community Yoga Practice in Adults with Rheumatoid
      Arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Yoga may improve physical function and reduce disease symptoms in
      adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, little is known about how
      patients with RA are practicing yoga in the community. The objective of this
      qualitative study was to explore community yoga practice characteristics and
      thoughts about yoga practice for adults with RA. DESIGN: Participants completed a
      semi-structured telephone interview with open-ended questions. Thematic analysis
      was used to analyze interview transcripts. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of
      17 adults with rheumatologist-diagnosed RA who had participated in yoga within
      the past year were asked about the decision to start, continue, and stop yoga;
      the perceived benefits of yoga; components of yoga sessions; and general thoughts
      about yoga as it relates to RA. RESULTS: Although eight different styles of yoga
      were practiced, commonalities in yoga class components (such as stretching,
      strengthening, deep breathing, meditation, and positive messaging from the
      instructor) reveal examples of preferred types of yoga for patients with RA.
      Three main themes emerged, each with multiple subthemes: (1) motivators (physical
      fitness, influence of others, reduced price), (2) barriers (cost, symptom burden,
      class difficulty), and (3) benefits of yoga practice (mind-body, a tool for
      coping, pride/achievement, social, and "yoga meets you where you are").
      CONCLUSION: In this study, patients with RA described how yoga practice helped
      improve physical and psychosocial symptoms related to their disease. Yoga
      practice, a dynamic exercise, encompassing many different styles, can provide
      many benefits for adults with RA; however, yoga may not be beneficial for every
      adult with RA.

PMID- 28075160
TI  - Can We Accomplish Better Oncological Results with Robot-Assisted Radical
      Prostatectomy?
AB  - Surgical removal with radical prostatectomy has been a cornerstone for the
      treatment of prostate cancer and is associated with level 1 evidence for survival
      advantage compared with watchful waiting. Since the first structured robotic
      program was launched in 2000, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has had
      a rapid diffusion and surpassed its open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and
      laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) counterparts in the United States and is
      progressively expanding in other countries. Interestingly, this common acceptance
      of RARP was initially driven in the paucity of robust clinical evidence. There is
      still lack of level 1 evidence with prospective randomized trials on the
      oncologic outcomes of RARP. In that scenario, the clinician has to rely on
      retrospective data and systemic and meta-analyses. In comparison with ORP and
      LRP, RARP has proven to reach at least equivalent oncological outcomes. Lower
      rate of positive surgical margins may probably be achieved with RARP in pT2
      patients. Although urologists were initially reluctant to embrace RARP in high
      risk patients and lymph node yield was low, contemporary series have revealed
      that RARP and extended lymphadenectomy may be safely performed with obtaining
      similar (or better) nodal yields compared with ORP. Surgeon experience is
      universally of utmost importance in obtaining good outcomes. We will need to wait
      for long-term results of contemporary series to comprehend the impact of RARP on
      cancer-specific survival and overall survival. Using novel imaging before surgery
      and frozen section analysis during surgery may allow for superior oncological
      outcomes.

PMID- 28075162
TI  - Cognitive development in congenital hypothyroidism: is overtreatment a greater
      threat than undertreatment?

PMID- 28075163
TI  - Endocrine assays and pitfalls.

PMID- 28075169
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Redmond JM, El Bitar YF, Gupta A, Stake CE, Domb BG. Arthroscopic acetabuloplasty
      and labral refixation without labral detachment. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(1):105
      112. (Original DOI: 10.1177/0363546514555330 ) In the above article, an author
      was inadvertently omitted: S. Pavan Vemula, MA (Hinsdale Orthopaedics, American
      Hip Institute in Chicago, Westmont, Illinois, USA). The corrected citation
      information is as follows: Redmond JM, El Bitar YF, Gupta A, Stake CE, Vemula SP,
      Domb BG. Arthroscopic acetabuloplasty and labral refixation without labral
      detachment. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(1):105-112.

PMID- 28075166
TI  - The predictive value of Ki-67 before neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer:
      a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: To review the predictive values of Ki-67 before neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      (NAC) for breast cancer patients. METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE were searched.
      Random-effect model meta-analysis was conducted using Revman software. RESULTS:
      High Ki-67 was associated with more pathological complete responses (pCRs) events
      (odds ratio: 3.10; 95% CI: 2.52-3.81; 53 studies, 10,848 patients) regardless of
      HR+, HER2+ and triple-negative breast cancer types, the definitions of pCR and
      cut-off points for Ki-67. Ki-67 could predict pCR in those who received
      anthracyclines plus taxanes, and anthracyclines only, and those from Asia and
      Europe. CONCLUSION: High Ki-67 before NAC was a predictor for pCR in neoadjuvant
      setting for breast cancer patients.

PMID- 28075171
TI  - The role of tumor microenvironment in collective tumor cell invasion.
AB  - For many cancer types, cancer cells invade into surrounding tissues by collective
      movement of cell groups that remain connected via cell-cell junctions. This
      migration is completely distinguished from single-cell migration, in which cancer
      cells disrupt the tight intercellular junctions and gain a mesenchymal phenotype.
      Recently, emerging evidence has revealed that collective cell invasion depends on
      not only cell-intrinsic mechanisms but also on extracellular mechanisms by
      bidirectional interplay between the tumor cell and the tumor environment. Herein,
      in this review we discuss the role and underline mechanisms of tumor
      microenvironment in collective tumor cell invasion, particularly focusing on
      extracellular matrix remodeling and cross-talk between tumor and stromal cells.

PMID- 28075172
TI  - Clinical News.

PMID- 28075173
TI  - TGFbeta1-Induced LncRNA UCA1 Upregulation Promotes Gastric Cancer Invasion and
      Migration.
AB  - According to recent studies, long noncoding RNA urothelial carcinoma associated 1
      (UCA1) is involved in the development and progression of many malignant tumors,
      including gastric cancer (GC). We validated the detailed role of UCA1 in human GC
      cell lines and GC tissues so as to determine its exact function and the
      underlying mechanism of GC invasion and migration. In our research, lncRNA-UCA1
      was specifically upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines, and augmented GC cell
      proliferation, and invasive and migratory capabilities. High UCA1 expression in
      GC was related with poorer prognosis (poorer invasion depth, lymph node
      metastasis, advanced TNM [T is for the original (primary) tumor, N for nearby
      (regional) lymph nodes that are involved, and M for distant metastasis] stage,
      and shorter overall survival). Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT),
      associated with malignancy of cancers, was reported to be responsible for
      invasion and migration of cancer cells. Transforming growth factor beta1
      (TGFbeta1)-induced EMT was well evaluated. UCA1 silence reduced the protein
      levels of EMT-related factors, vimentin and snail, while promoted E-cadherin and
      zonula occludens-1 protein levels in GC cells; the effect of UCA1 could be partly
      restored by TGFbeta1 treatment. Taken together, UCA1 might regulate the tumor
      proliferation, invasion, and metastasis under TGFbeta1 induction. Taken together,
      UCA1 might present a potential oncogenic factor by promoting GC cell
      proliferation, invasion, and migration. UCA1 could serve as a novel biomarker for
      prognosis and a novel therapeutic target of GC treatment.

PMID- 28075175
TI  - Racial group categorization in minority drug use studies.

PMID- 28075174
TI  - Analysis of SIVmac Envelope-Specific Antibodies Selected Through Phage Display.
AB  - We have constructed a single chain fragment variable (scFv) phage display library
      from a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaque that developed
      unusually high-titer neutralizing antibody responses against tier-3,
      neutralization-resistant SIVmac239. The library was screened using trimeric
      (gp140) and monomeric (gp120) forms of the SIVmac239 envelope (Env) glycoprotein.
      We also cloned variable-heavy and variable-light (VH-VL) antibody fragments from
      seven previously described rhesus macaque B-cell lines (BLCLs) that produce SIV
      gp120-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Thirty-two gp140-specific mAbs were
      selected along with 20 gp120-specific ones. gp120-specific mAbs were only from
      the VH4 family, while gp41-specific mAbs were primarily from VH1, followed by VH4
      and VH3. Rhesus macaque BLCL-derived mAbs belonged primarily to the VH4 family of
      antibodies followed by VH3 and a smaller number of VH1s. A preferential VH
      combination with Vlambda light chain was observed with phage display-selected SIV
      Env-specific mAbs (gp120 and gp140), but not with BLCL-derived antibodies or the
      unpanned library. None of the tested antibodies had detectable neutralizing
      activity against tier-3 SIVmac239. The majority of gp120-specifc mAbs potently
      neutralized tier-1 SIVmac316 with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values
      below 1 MUg/ml. For gp140-specific antibodies, which were all specific for the
      gp41-subunit, 2 out of 11 tested neutralized SIVmac316 (IC50 of 7 and 5 MUg/ml,
      respectively). These data suggest an order of preferential VH segment usage for
      SIV-specific antibodies in rhesus macaques. These antibodies will be useful in
      assessing the contribution of non-neutralizing antibodies to inhibition of SIV
      infection in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 28075176
TI  - The ADAPP trial: a two-year longitudinal multidisciplinary intervention study for
      prostate cancer frail patients on androgen deprivation associated to curative
      radiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation (AD) therapy combined to radiotherapy (RT) is a
      curative therapeutic option for patients with non-metastatic locally advanced or
      aggressive intermediate prostate cancer (PC), though with a range of nutritional,
      physical, and psychological side effects. A multidisciplinary care program was
      created to help frail patients to prevent and manage those side effects. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal interventional study in frail patients,
      presenting either cardiovascular/pulmonary comorbidities, old age (>=75 years),
      vulnerability ratings, or balance impairment. Patients were treated by AD and RT
      and, benefited from nutritional coaching, supervised biweekly 45 minute physical
      training, and psychological counseling for two years. Treatment outcomes included
      PC-related quality of life (QoL), body mass index, fat mass index, and fat-free
      mass index derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, Six-Minute Walk Test,
      Timed Up&Go, handgrip strength, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Mini
      Mental State Examination. Measures were repeated after zero, three, six, nine,
      12, 18, 24 months, and 12-months post-study follow-up. A prospective mixed-model
      design was used to assess longitudinal outcome. RESULTS: Regression analyses
      revealed no significant change over the two years, including post-study follow
      up. Means of QoL, nutritional, physical, as well as psychological variables
      remained stable over more than two years in the 35 men aged 74 (range 68-76)
      years. CONCLUSION: The expected side effects of AD and RT were not observed in
      frail PC patients who followed this multidisciplinary care program.

PMID- 28075178
TI  - The scope of physiotherapy services provided in public ICUs in Greece: A pilot
      study.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the scope of physiotherapy services
      provided in Greek ICUs in Athens. A cross-sectional study was conducted with two
      postal questionnaires administered separately, one for ICU directors and one for
      ICU physiotherapists. Responses were received from 19 ICU directors and 103
      physiotherapists employed in all the adult public mixed medical and surgical ICUs
      across Athens. The response rate for the survey completion was 100% for ICU
      directors and 68.7% for physiotherapists. The results showed a 1:50 to 1:12 range
      in the ratio of physiotherapists to ICU beds. Among the 19 ICUs, 15 (78.9%)
      employed physiotherapists on a rotational basis, while four (21.0%) retained them
      exclusively. On weekdays, all surveyed ICUs were covered by physiotherapists in
      the morning and 10/19 (52.6%) during the afternoon. On weekends, 12/19 (63.2%) of
      the surveyed ICUs reported physiotherapy care during the morning and 4/19 (21.0%)
      during both morning and afternoon. All 103 physiotherapists conducted airway
      clearance techniques and progressive mobilization, 92/103 (89.3%) were involved
      in extubating patients, 102/103 (99.0%) in passive and active range of motion
      exercises, and 61/103 (59.2%) in walking. In conclusion, all Greek ICUs in Athens
      surveyed had physiotherapy cover. The physiotherapists working in these ICUs in
      Athens were involved in respiratory care and mobilization.

PMID- 28075179
TI  - Informatics and Computing.

PMID- 28075177
TI  - Function and origin of mistranslation in distinct cellular contexts.
AB  - Mistranslation describes errors during protein synthesis that prevent the amino
      acid sequences specified in the genetic code from being reflected within
      proteins. For a long time, mistranslation has largely been considered an aberrant
      cellular process that cells actively avoid at all times. However, recent evidence
      has demonstrated that cells from all three domains of life not only tolerate
      certain levels and forms of mistranslation, but actively induce mistranslation
      under certain circumstances. To this end, dedicated biological mechanisms have
      recently been found to reduce translational fidelity, which indicates that
      mistranslation is not exclusively an erroneous process and can even benefit cells
      in particular cellular contexts. There currently exists a spectrum of
      mistranslational processes that differ not only in their origins, but also in
      their molecular and cellular effects. These findings suggest that the optimal
      degree of translational fidelity largely depends on a specific cellular context.
      This review aims to conceptualize the basis and functional consequence of the
      diverse types of mistranslation that have been described so far.

PMID- 28075181
TI  - Accelerated or conventional whole brain irradiation of malignant melanoma.

PMID- 28075183
TI  - Systematic evaluation of lung tumor motion using four-dimensional computed
      tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory-induced lung tumor motion may decrease robustness and
      outcome of radiation therapy (RT) if not accounted for. This study provides
      detailed information on the motion distribution of lung tumors for a group of 126
      patients treated with stereotactic body RT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four
      dimensional computed tomography scans were reviewed to assess lung tumor motion.
      The tumor motion was determined by the center of mass shift based on a rigid
      registration of the breathing phases containing the largest positional
      differences in the inferior-superior (IS), left-right (LR), and anterior
      posterior (AP) directions. The patients were divided into subgroups depending on
      tumor diameter (phi < 2.0 cm, 2.0 <= phi <= 5.0 cm, phi > 5.0 cm) and tumor
      location within the lung (upper, middle, or lower lobe). The observed motion
      distributions were evaluated for each group separately to assess the dependence
      on tumor size and location. For each tumor size, the motion pattern in each
      direction (IS, LR, and AP) was analyzed for every tumor moving >5 mm. Sinusoidal
      trigonometric functions were fitted to the measured data using the least mean
      square method to determine which type of function best describes the motion
      pattern. Tumor volumes between 1.6 and 52.3 cm3 were evaluated. Mann-Whitney
      statistical tests were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean amplitude
      for the tumors in this study was 1.5 mm (LR), 2.5 mm (AP), and 6.9 mm (IS) while
      the maximum amplitude was 11.0 mm (LR), 9.0 mm (AP), and 53.0 mm (IS). In total,
      95% of the tumors moved <=20 mm in the IS direction, <=3 mm in the LR direction,
      and <=6 mm in the AP direction. The observed motion distributions showed no
      statistically significant correlation with tumor size or location within the lung
      except for motion in the IS direction, where the mean and maximum amplitudes
      significantly increased for tumors located in the middle and lower parts of the
      lung. The motion pattern of a tumor in any direction was best described using a
      squared trigonometric function of the type [Formula: see text], where A is the
      maximum amplitude of the motion in the current direction, t is the time of
      measurement, T is the total time of the breathing cycle and B is a constant used
      to synchronize the starting point of the breathing cycle. CONCLUSION: Lung tumor
      movements were generally larger in the IS direction and the motion amplitude in
      this direction increased for tumors located in the middle and lower parts of the
      lungs. Motions in LR or AP showed no such relation. Tumor size was not found to
      have any correlation with the motion amplitude in any direction. The motion
      pattern of a lung tumor in any direction is best described with a squared
      sinusoidal function independently of the tumor size or tumor location.

PMID- 28075182
TI  - Dispersing the Mists: An Experimental History of Medicine Study into the Quality
      of Volatile Inhalations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dr. Nelson's Improved Inhaler was first marketed with an
      advertisement in The Lancet in 1865. Revolutionary at the time for its ease of
      use and patient-friendliness, the inhaler is still in use for self-treatment by
      many all over the world. On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, this study
      reports an experimental historical medicine approach to identify evidence for the
      quality of vapor inhalers. METHODS: Through accessing reviews of the device's use
      by the contemporary medical establishment, it was established that Dr. Nelson's
      Inhaler enjoyed a reputation of quality and efficacy among reputable physicians
      generating empirical evidence of clinical performance. There was a general
      absence of product performance tests during this period. Therefore, modern
      inhalation performance testing was applied to test the aerosol delivery
      performance for Friars' Balsam, and its key chemical constituent, benzoic acid
      (BA). RESULTS: A respirable dose of 59.9 +/- 9.0 MUg of BA was aerosolized in a
      10 minutes period from a dose of 3.3 mL Friars' Balsam (equivalent to 35.1 +/-
      0.2 mg of BA) in 375 mL of steaming water using the glass twin stage impinger at
      a flow rate of 60 L.min-1. The respirable dose from a standardized aqueous BA
      inhalation formulation increased from 115.9 +/- 10.6 to 200.2 +/- 19.9 MUg by
      increasing the simulated inhalation period from 5 to 10 minutes. When tested with
      a simulated inhalation maneuver (500 mL tidal volume, 13 minutes-1 respiration
      rate, 1:2 inspiratory:expiratory ratio) a respirable dose of 112.8 +/- 40.3 MUg
      was produced. CONCLUSIONS: This work has highlighted the potential for aerosol
      drug delivery using steam inhalers that are popular with patients. Physicians
      should therefore be aware of the potential for lung dosing with irritants when
      patients self-medicate using the Nelson Inhaler with vaporizing formulations such
      as Friars' Balsam.

PMID- 28075184
TI  - Elucidation of Formulation and Delivery Device-Related Effects on In Vitro
      Performance of Nasal Spray with Implication to Rational Product Specification
      Identification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to use an experimental design approach to
      identify and study influential formulation and delivery device properties, which
      can be controlled by final product manufacturer, to establish design space,
      within which desired in vitro performance can be reached. METHODS: Combining
      three factors, viscosity of suspension, nozzle orifice diameter (OD), and shot
      weight (SW), at three levels resulted in D-optimal experimental design with 20
      runs. Responses within this study were droplet size distribution (DSD) and spray
      pattern (SP) in vitro tests. In addition, the amount of mechanical work needed
      for actuation was integrated from force profiles and used as a response. Results
      were fit to quadratic model by regression, which allowed also for determination
      of second-order and interaction effects between factors. Models were further
      optimized by keeping significant terms only. Optimized models were used to create
      response surfaces and design space with confidence levels. RESULTS: Viscosity has
      a dominant effect on DSD and modest effect on SP, with lower viscosities related
      to generation of smaller DSD and larger SP. Orifice diameter was found to have
      the highest impact on SP, with larger diameter resulting in larger SP. This
      effect was additionally confirmed by results of Plume Geometry in vitro test.
      Shot weight factor exerts significant influence on all tested metrics. Work,
      however, did not vary greatly with suspension viscosity or orifice diameter. Shot
      weight is the most dominant factor for work and important for DSD having a
      positive effect on both responses. In the case of SP, its relationship with shot
      weight is described by second-order polynomial fit. Inspection of raw data
      revealed that density of droplets within SP area is different for different shot
      weights. CONCLUSION: Presented study elucidated an inherent relationship between
      factors and responses and established mathematical models (response surfaces) for
      predictive purposes to target specific in vitro performance of nasal sprays by
      appropriate specification of factors, taking into account control space with
      included risk and uncertainty analysis.

PMID- 28075185
TI  - Cerebellar heterogeneity and its impact on PET data quantification of 5-HT
      receptor radioligands.
AB  - In the quantification of positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer binding,
      a commonly used method is reference tissue modeling (RTM). RTM necessitates a
      proper reference and a ubiquitous choice for G-protein coupled receptors is the
      cerebellum. We investigated regional differences in uptake within the grey matter
      of the cerebellar hemispheres (CH), the cerebellar white matter (CW), and the
      cerebellar vermis (CV) for five PET radioligands targeting the serotonin system.
      Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of choosing different reference regions when
      quantifying neocortical binding. The PET and MR images are part of the Cimbi
      database: 5-HT1AR ([11C]CUMI-101, n = 8), 5-HT1BR ([11C]AZ10419369, n = 36), 5
      HT2AR ([11C]Cimbi-36, n = 29), 5-HT4R ([11C]SB207145, n = 59), and 5-HTT
      ([11C]DASB, n = 100). We employed SUIT and FreeSurfer to delineate CV, CW, and CH
      and quantified mean standardized uptake values (SUV) and nondisplaceable
      neocortical binding potential (BPND). Statistical difference was assessed with
      paired nonparametric two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and multiple comparison
      corrected via false discovery rate. We demonstrate significant radioligand
      specific regional differences in cerebellar uptake. These differences persist
      when using different cerebellar regions for RTM, but the influence on the
      neocortical BPND is small. Nevertheless, our data highlight the importance of
      validating each radioligand carefully for defining the optimal reference region.

PMID- 28075188
TI  - Automated Systems.

PMID- 28075186
TI  - Performance on tasks of visuospatial memory and ability: A cross-sectional study
      in 330 adolescents aged 11 to 20.
AB  - Cognitive functions mature at different points in time between birth and
      adulthood. Of these functions, visuospatial skills, such as spatial memory and
      part-to-whole organization, have often been tested in children and adults but
      have been less frequently evaluated during adolescence. We studied visuospatial
      memory and ability during this critical developmental period, as well as the
      correlation between these abilities, in a large group of 330 participants (aged
      11 to 20 years, 55% male). To assess visuospatial memory, the participants were
      asked to memorize and reproduce sequences of random locations within a grid using
      a computer. Visuospatial ability was tested using a variation of the Design
      Organization Test (DOT). In this paper-and-pencil test, the participants had one
      minute to reproduce as many visual patterns as possible using a numerical code.
      On the memory task, compared with younger participants, older participants
      correctly reproduced more locations overall and longer sequences of locations,
      made fewer mistakes and needed less time to reproduce the sequences. In the
      visuospatial ability task, the number of correctly reproduced patterns increased
      with age. We show that both visuospatial memory and ability improve significantly
      throughout adolescence and that performance on both tasks is significantly
      correlated.

PMID- 28075189
TI  - 11 analytically confirmed cases of mexedrone use among polydrug users.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mexedrone, 3-methoxy-2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1
      one, is the alpha-methoxy-derivative of mephedrone (4-methyl-N-methyl cathinone).
      Mexedrone inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin and dopamine in a dose-dependent
      manner and has affinity for serotonin and dopamine membrane transporters and
      receptors (5-HT2 and D2 receptors), producing sympathomimetic effects similar to
      amfetamines. To date there are no published clinical reports on mexedrone use
      that are analytically confirmed. OBJECTIVE: To characterise the features of
      mexedrone use in patients who presented to our hospital after using a variety of
      psychoactive substances including mexedrone, with analytical confirmation in each
      case. METHODS: This is an observational case series. Urine toxicological
      screening using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass
      spectrometry and exact mass time of flight was employed in all patients. RESULTS:
      A total of 305 cases were screened and mexedrone was identified in 11 urine
      samples. Agitation was the most common presenting feature in 10 of 11 patients.
      This was marked to the extent of aggression in some cases, with six patients
      requiring sedation and/or physical restraint. Delusions and hallucinations, often
      with paranoia, were observed in three cases with a prominent supernatural/demonic
      theme. None of these individuals had a history of psychosis. Seven of 11 patients
      were tachycardic >100 bpm. The median length of stay was 20 hours (range 2-77;
      IQR 4-33). Mexedrone alone is only likely to have been responsible for these
      clinical features in 2 cases; in two others mexedrone was found in high
      concentration along with substantial amounts of other stimulants. In 7 other
      cases other stimulants detected more likely explained the features. However,
      comprehensive analytical data enabled us to identify the full complement of
      agents contributing to the clinical presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Agitation was the
      predominant clinical feature in this case series and was often accompanied by a
      sinus tachycardia; mexedrone was primarily responsible in 2 patients but
      contributed substantially in two others. Patients typically recovered fully
      within 24 hours, unless they required sedation.

PMID- 28075190
TI  - Gestational age within normal range and infants' health and temperament at 3
      months of age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between gestational age (GA) at birth
      across the normal GA spectrum (37-41 weeks) and the temperament and health of 3
      month old infants. METHODS: The sample comprised 242 "low-risk" mothers and
      infants without chronic illnesses or severe pregnancy complications. Infant
      temperament was defined by three constructs: Negative Affectivity (NA),
      Extraversion, and Regulation, assessed by parents' reports on the Infant Behavior
      Questionnaire. Infants' health was defined as the number of nonroutine doctors'
      visits attended by the infants since their release from the hospital after birth.
      Analyses employed a continuous measure of GA to assess outcomes across GAs and a
      categorical measure (37, 38, 39-41 weeks GA) to examine contrasts. RESULTS:
      Extraversion was positively related to GA primarily due to the lower scores of
      infants born at 37 weeks compared to infants born at 39-41 weeks GA. NA showed a
      similar effect. The odds of infants born at 37 weeks attending a nonroutine
      medical visit were 2.8 times that of infants born full-term. DISCUSSION: Infants
      born at 37 weeks GA express less affect and use more nonroutine medical services
      than do infants born at 39-41 weeks GA. The findings underscore the importance of
      considering the risks of pregnancy prolongation with the developmental risk
      associated with early-term delivery.

PMID- 28075191
TI  - Reduction mammaplasty improves levels of anxiety, depression and body image
      satisfaction in patients with symptomatic macromastia in the short and long term.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychological consequences (anxiety, depression and
      body image dissatisfaction) of symptomatic macromastia and the effectiveness of
      breast reduction surgery in re-establishing the mental health of the patient in
      the short and long term. METHOD: 119 patients over 18 years old who had been
      diagnosed with symptomatic macromastia were assessed, before surgery, one month
      after the operation and one year later. Patients completed the Hospital Anxiety
      and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Body Image Dissatisfaction subscale of the
      Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-2). Participants were also asked about their
      physical appearance, social relationships and their satisfaction with regards to
      clothing and dress. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 40.7 (SD =
      12.02), 80.2% had a body mass index >=25 kg/m2. Before surgery, we found
      psychological distress with values indicating clinical anxiety and body image
      dissatisfaction. Younger women (< 36 years old) were more psychologically
      affected. At one month after surgery, there were significant improvements: there
      were lower scores for anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001) and body image
      dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). When compared with the pre-surgery scores, all these
      results showed improvement one year after the intervention (p < 0.001). There
      were also improvements in social relationships (p < 0.001) and satisfaction with
      clothing and dress. CONCLUSION: Reduction mammaplasty can alleviate the
      psychological impact of symptomatic macromastia.

PMID- 28075192
TI  - Loss of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression delays mammary
      tumorigenesis and reduces localized inflammation in the C3(1)/SV40Tag triple
      negative breast cancer model.
AB  - Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) has been implicated as a major
      modulator in the progression of mammary tumorigenesis, largely due to its ability
      to recruit macrophages to the tumor microenvironment. Macrophages are key
      mediators in the connection between inflammation and cancer progression and have
      been shown to play an important role in tumorigenesis. Thus, MCP-1 may be a
      potential therapeutic target in inflammatory and difficult-to-treat cancers such
      as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We examined the effect of MCP-1
      depletion on mammary tumorigenesis in a model of TNBC. Tumor measurements were
      conducted weekly (until 22 weeks of age) and at sacrifice (23 weeks of age) in
      female C3(1)/SV40Tag and C3(1)/SV40Tag MCP-1 deficient mice to determine tumor
      numbers and tumorvolumes. Histopathological scoring was performed at 12 weeks of
      age and 23 weeks of age. Gene expression of macrophage markers and inflammatory
      mediators were measured in the mammary gland and tumor microenvironment at
      sacrifice. As expected, MCP-1 depletion resulted in decreased tumorigenesis,
      indicated by reduced primary tumor volume and multiplicity, and a delay in tumor
      progression represented by histopathological scoring (12 weeks of age).
      Deficiency in MCP-1 significantly downregulated expression of macrophage markers
      in the mammary gland (Mertk and CD64) and the tumor microenvironment (CD64), and
      also reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines in the mammary gland (TNFalpha
      and IL-1beta) and the tumor microenvironment (IL-6). These data support the
      hypothesis that MCP-1 expression contributes to increased tumorigenesis in a
      model of TNBC via recruitment of macrophages and subsequent increase in
      inflammatory mediators.

PMID- 28075193
TI  - Workshop Report: Aerosol Delivery to Spontaneously Breathing Tracheostomized
      Patients.
AB  - The number of pediatric and adult patients requiring tracheostomy has increased.
      Many of them require aerosol therapy as part of their treatment. Practitioners
      have little guidance on how to optimize drug delivery in this population. The
      following is a report of a workshop dedicated to review the current status of
      aerosol delivery to spontaneously breathing tracheostomized patients and to
      provide practice recommendations.

PMID- 28075196
TI  - Typhlitis (neutropenic enterocolitis) in patients with acute leukemia: a review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Typhlitis is an abdominal complication of cancer chemotherapy,
      affecting mostly patients receiving intensive chemotherapeutic regimens with high
      potential to induce mucosal damage, such as patients with acute leukemia. Despite
      being relatively frequent, there are no randomized trials or high-quality cohort
      studies addressing important aspects of the diagnosis and management of the
      disease. Areas covered: In this review we discuss the gaps in the literature,
      acknowledging that the evidences for recommendations regarding the management of
      typhlitis are mostly expert opinion. We performed a computerized search of the
      MEDLINE database (PubMed version) for appropriate articles published from 1963
      through July, 2016 in English language. Thereafter the reference lists of all
      identified studies were screened, reviewing the abstracts of all potentially
      pertinent articles for inclusion. Expert commentary: The diagnosis of typhlitis
      still relies on clinical and radiologic features consisting of fever, abdominal
      pain and thickness of a segment of the bowel wall, as seen by ultrasonography or
      CT scan. The treatment consists in antimicrobial therapy with a regimen that
      covers the most frequent pathogens, taking into consideration the local
      epidemiology. Other measures include bowel rest, and the use of G-CSF. Surgery is
      indicated only in selected situations.

PMID- 28075194
TI  - Aerosol Drug Delivery During Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation: Effects
      of Intersubject Variability and Excipient Enhanced Growth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nebulized aerosol drug delivery during the administration of
      noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is commonly implemented. While
      studies have shown improved patient outcomes for this therapeutic approach,
      aerosol delivery efficiency is reported to be low with high variability in lung
      deposited dose. Excipient enhanced growth (EEG) aerosol delivery is a newly
      proposed technique that may improve drug delivery efficiency and reduce
      intersubject aerosol delivery variability when coupled with NPPV. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A combined approach using in vitro experiments and computational fluid
      dynamics (CFD) was used to characterize aerosol delivery efficiency during NPPV
      in two new nasal cavity models that include face mask interfaces. Mesh nebulizer
      and in-line dry powder inhaler (DPI) sources of conventional and EEG aerosols
      were both considered. RESULTS: Based on validated steady-state CFD predictions,
      EEG aerosol delivery improved lung penetration fraction (PF) values by factors
      ranging from 1.3 to 6.4 compared with conventional-sized aerosols. Furthermore,
      intersubject variability in lung PF was very high for conventional aerosol sizes
      (relative differences between subjects in the range of 54.5%-134.3%) and was
      reduced by an order of magnitude with the EEG approach (relative differences
      between subjects in the range of 5.5%-17.4%). Realistic in vitro experiments of
      cyclic NPPV demonstrated similar trends in lung delivery to those observed with
      the steady-state simulations, but with lower lung delivery efficiencies. Reaching
      the lung delivery efficiencies reported with the steady-state simulations of 80%
      90% will require synchronization of aerosol administration during inspiration and
      reducing the size of the EEG aerosol delivery unit. CONCLUSIONS: The EEG approach
      enabled high-efficiency lung delivery of aerosols administered during NPPV and
      reduced intersubject aerosol delivery variability by an order of magnitude. Use
      of an in-line DPI device that connects to the NPPV mask appears to be a
      convenient method to rapidly administer an EEG aerosol and synchronize the
      delivery with inspiration.

PMID- 28075197
TI  - Validation of an established prognostic score after re-irradiation of recurrent
      glioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Re-irradiation (Re-RT) is offered widely in clinical routine, and has
      been established as a key element in the treatment of recurrent gliomas. At our
      center, generally re-resection is performed widely by an experienced
      neurosurgical team. Thus, Re-RT mostly offered to patients with macroscopic
      residuals or irresectable lesions, is applied later compared to other centers.
      Therefore, we sought to validate the Combs Prognostic Score developed in 2012
      using our independent patient cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 199
      patients treated from 2002 until April 2016 for recurrent glioma at the
      Department of Radiation Oncology at the Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich.
      Different concepts of Re-RT were applied. RESULTS: Median follow-up after Re-RT
      was 2.5 months. Median overall survival (OS) after Re-RT was 7.9 months for WHO
      IV gliomas, 11.3 months for WHO III gliomas, and 13.6 months for low-grade
      gliomas (WHO I/II). Univariate analyses confirmed the prognostic factors primary
      histology (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.002), and time between primary radiotherapy and
      Re-RT (p < 0.001). We also tested Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), gender, and
      neurological symptoms before Re-RT as well as planning target volume and found
      only KPS also significant at p < 0.001. Comparing the prognostic score groups,
      the outcome was highly statistically significant at p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: In our
      analysis, we validated the Combs Prognostic Score. Validation in this independent
      large patient cohort confirms the significance of the score for glioma
      recurrences. Thus, the role of the Combs Prognostic Score might be an essential
      component of future clinical decision making and patient stratification.

PMID- 28075198
TI  - Impact of a history of maternal depression and anxiety on asthma control during
      pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of self-reported maternal depression/anxiety
      on asthma control during pregnancy. METHOD: Pregnant women with a doctor
      diagnosis of asthma (n = 189) were prospectively recruited at their antenatal
      booking visit, and the presence of maternal depression and anxiety was identified
      using self-report and routine questionnaire assessments. Data on exacerbations
      and asthma control were collected during gestation. Asthma control was assessed
      using the Juniper Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and women were classified as
      having recurrent uncontrolled asthma if their ACQ score was >1.5 during two or
      more consecutive study visits. Exacerbations were defined as events that led to
      increased treatment requirements, and doctor or hospital visits. RESULTS: There
      were 85 women with self-reported depression/anxiety and 104 women without self
      reported depression/anxiety. The presence of depression/anxiety was associated
      with an increased likelihood (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.67: 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.03-2.72) and incidence (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.71:
      95% CI 1.13-2.58) of uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy, as well as an
      increased risk of recurrent uncontrolled asthma during 2 or more study visits
      (adjusted relative risk (RR) 1.98: 95% CI 1.00-3.91). No impact of
      depression/anxiety was observed with respect to the likelihood (adjusted HR 0.70:
      95% CI 0.35-1.41) or incidence of exacerbations during pregnancy (adjusted IRR
      0.66: 95% CI 0.35-1.26). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the
      presence of maternal depression/anxiety is associated with an increased
      likelihood and incidence of uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy. Given the high
      prevalence of co-morbid depression/anxiety among asthmatics, further research
      investigating such associations is urgently required.

PMID- 28075200
TI  - In response to: "Gautam N, Singh R, Agarwal A, et al. Pattern of Pediatric
      Uveitis at a Tertiary Referral Institute in North India".

PMID- 28075199
TI  - An epigenome-wide association analysis of cardiac autonomic responses among a
      population of welders.
AB  - DNA methylation is one of the potential epigenetic mechanisms associated with
      various adverse cardiovascular effects; however, its association with cardiac
      autonomic dysfunction, in particular, is unknown. In the current study, we aimed
      to identify epigenetic variants associated with alterations in cardiac autonomic
      responses. Cardiac autonomic responses were measured with two novel markers:
      acceleration capacity (AC) and deceleration capacity (DC). We examined DNA
      methylation levels at more than 472,506 CpG probes through the Illumina Infinium
      HumanMethylation450 BeadChip assay. We conducted separate linear mixed models to
      examine associations of DNA methylation levels at each CpG with AC and DC. One
      CpG (cg26829071) located in the GPR133 gene was negatively associated with DC
      values after multiple testing corrections through false discovery rate. Our study
      suggests the potential functional importance of methylation in cardiac autonomic
      responses. Findings from the current study need to be replicated in future
      studies in a larger population.

PMID- 28075204
TI  - Automated Systems.

PMID- 28075201
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28075205
TI  - A Genomic and Protein-Protein Interaction Analyses of Nonsyndromic Hearing
      Impairment in Cameroon Using Targeted Genomic Enrichment and Massively Parallel
      Sequencing.
AB  - Hearing impairment (HI) is one of the leading causes of disability in the world,
      impacting the social, economic, and psychological well-being of the affected
      individual. This is particularly true in sub-Saharan Africa, which carries one of
      the highest burdens of this condition. Despite this, there are limited data on
      the most prevalent genes or mutations that cause HI among sub-Saharan Africans.
      Next-generation technologies, such as targeted genomic enrichment and massively
      parallel sequencing, offer new promise in this context. This study reports, for
      the first time to the best of our knowledge, on the prevalence of novel mutations
      identified through a platform of 116 HI genes (OtoSCOPE(r)), among 82 African
      probands with HI. Only variants OTOF NM_194248.2:c.766-2A>G and MYO7A
      NM_000260.3:c.1996C>T, p.Arg666Stop were found in 3 (3.7%) and 5 (6.1%) patients,
      respectively. In addition and uniquely, the analysis of protein-protein
      interactions (PPI), through interrogation of gene subnetworks, using a custom
      script and two databases (Enrichr and PANTHER), and an algorithm in the igraph
      package of R, identified the enrichment of sensory perception and mechanical
      stimulus biological processes, and the most significant molecular functions of
      these variants pertained to binding or structural activity. Furthermore, 10 genes
      (MYO7A, MYO6, KCTD3, NUMA1, MYH9, KCNQ1, UBC, DIAPH1, PSMC2, and RDX) were
      identified as significant hubs within the subnetworks. Results reveal that the
      novel variants identified among familial cases of HI in Cameroon are not common,
      and PPI analysis has highlighted the role of 10 genes, potentially important in
      understanding HI genomics among Africans.

PMID- 28075206
TI  - Hydrogel rectum-prostate spacers mitigate the uncertainties in proton relative
      biological effectiveness associated with anterior-oblique beams.
AB  - AIM: Anterior-oblique (AO) proton beams can form an attractive option for
      prostate patients receiving external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) as they avoid the
      femoral heads. For a cohort with hydrogel prostate-rectum spacers, we asked
      whether it was possible to generate AO proton plans robust to end-of-range
      elevations in linear energy transfer (LET) and modeled relative biological
      effectiveness (RBE). Additionally we considered how rectal spacers influenced
      planned dose distributions for AO and standard bilateral (SB) proton beams versus
      intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied three
      treatment strategies for 10 patients with rectal spacers: (A) AO proton beams,
      (B) SB proton beams and (C) IMRT. For strategy (A) dose and LET distributions
      were simulated (using the TOPAS Monte Carlo platform) and the McNamara model was
      used to calculate proton RBE as a function of LET, dose per fraction, and photon
      alpha/beta. All calculations were performed on pretreatment scans: inter- and
      intra-fractional changes in anatomy/set-up were not considered. RESULTS: For 9/10
      patients, rectal spacers enabled generation of AO proton plans robust to modeled
      RBE elevations: rectal dose constraints were fulfilled even when the variable RBE
      model was applied with a conservative alpha/beta = 2 Gy. Amongst a subset of
      patients the proton rectal doses for the planning target volume plans were
      remarkably low: for 2/10 SB plans and 4/10 AO plans, <=10% of the rectum received
      >=20 Gy. AO proton plans delivered integral doses a factor of approximately three
      lower than IMRT and spared the femoral heads almost entirely. CONCLUSION:
      Typically, rectal spacers enabled the generation of anterior beam proton plans
      that appeared robust to modeled variation in RBE. However, further analysis of
      day-to-day robustness would be required prior to a clinical implementation of AO
      proton beams. Such beams offer almost complete femoral head sparing, but their
      broader value relative to IMRT and SB protons remains unclear.

PMID- 28075208
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - The authors would like to apologise for errors made in ECTRIMS, Supplement 4,
      October 2012, 28th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research
      in Multiple Sclerosis; 10-13 October 2012, Lyon, France.

PMID- 28075207
TI  - Perceived needs for different components in a rehabilitation program among cancer
      survivors with chronic fatigue compared to survivors without chronic fatigue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the user' needs is important to develop targeted
      rehabilitation for cancer patients with chronic fatigue (CF). The aims of the
      study were to examine prevalence of CF in cancer survivors attending an one-week
      inpatient educational program (IEP) and to identify characteristics of those with
      CF. Further to examine the perceived needs for different components in a
      rehabilitation program, need of complex rehabilitation (at least two components)
      and aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among survivors with CF
      versus those without CF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cancer survivors >=18 years,
      diagnosed with different types of cancer within the last 10 years and attending a
      one-week IEP were invited to this cross-sectional study. CF was assessed by the
      Fatigue Questionnaire, perceived needs by asking a question about needs for
      different components in a rehabilitation program and HRQoL was assessed by The
      Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36. RESULTS: Of 564 participants, 45% reported
      CF. Breast cancer, mixed cancer types (including small groups with different
      cancer types) and comorbidities increased the risk for having CF. Compared to
      participants without CF, the participants with CF reported more frequently need
      for physical training (86% vs. 65%, p < 0.001), physiotherapy (71% vs. 55%, p <
      0.001) and nutrition counseling (68% vs. 53%, p = 0.001). Among participants with
      CF, 75% reported need for three or more components whereas 54% reported need for
      the same number of components among those without CF (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Almost half of the cancer survivors attending the IEP had CF. Physical training,
      physiotherapy and nutrition counseling were the most frequently reported needs
      and significantly more often observed in participants with CF than without CF. A
      higher percentage of those with CF reported need for a complex rehabilitation
      compared to those without CF. More research is necessary to obtain more knowledge
      to further make targeted programs to better match cancer survivors' needs.

PMID- 28075209
TI  - Abstracts from PACTRIMS.

PMID- 28075212
TI  - Response to Letter to the Editor 'Simvastatin improves final visual outcome in
      acute optic neuritis, a randomized study'.

PMID- 28075213
TI  - American Academy of Neurology (AAN) response to Goodin and Reder letter.

PMID- 28075215
TI  - Reviewers in 2011.

PMID- 28075216
TI  - Abstracts from PACTRIMS.

PMID- 28075214
TI  - Intralipid Vehicle Does Not Interfere with the Efficacy of Progesterone in
      Attenuating Edema following Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - The recent disappointing results of phase III trials for progesterone (PROG) in
      traumatic brain injury (TBI) have triggered speculation about reasons for the
      negative outcomes. One confounding factor may have been the vehicle used to
      administer PROG. Virtually all of the many pre-clinical experiments informing the
      clinical trials and reporting beneficial PROG effects used more soluble 2
      hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin as a vehicle given intraperitoneally or
      subcutaneously rather than a lipid formulation given intravenously (IV). The
      present investigation compared the effect of PROG infusion with that of lipid
      emulsion (Intralipid(r)) as a carrier/vehicle on edema following TBI in rats.
      Eight-mg/kg doses of PROG with 20% Intralipid were given IV via central venous
      catheter beginning 1 h post-injury over a 1 h duration (1.2 mL/h). Animals were
      killed and brains removed at 24 h post-injury. All the brain-injured groups
      showed more edema compared with the control group. However, PROG+Intralipid
      significantly attenuated cerebral swelling compared with Intralipid alone. No
      difference was observed between the TBI-alone and Intralipid groups. Although
      this study used much a smaller volume and shorter duration of Intralipid infusion
      than the clinical trials (up to 5 days of continuous infusion), our results
      suggest that the use of Intralipid in rats did not prevent or mask the beneficial
      effect of PROG.

PMID- 28075218
TI  - The relationship between stroke survivors' perceived identity and mood, self
      esteem and quality of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine change in identity after stroke and to elucidate its
      relationship with mood and quality of life. To test Higgins' theory of the impact
      of identity (self-discrepancy) on anxiety and depression. To examine the role of
      self-esteem in mediating the relationship between identity and outcomes. METHOD:
      Sixty-five community-living first-time stroke survivors, mean age 61.58 and time
      since stroke 5.60 years, were recruited from stroke charities. A cross-sectional
      study used the Head Injury Semantic Differential Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Stroke-Specific Quality of
      Life Questionnaire (adapted) and the Barthel Index. RESULTS: Identity was rated
      more negatively after stroke than before (t(64) = 6.46, p < .00). Greater
      discrepancy in identity was associated with anxiety (r = .38, p < .00),
      depression (r = .59, p < .00), self-esteem (r = -.48, p < .00) and quality of
      life (r = -.54, p < .00). Overall positivity of identity after stroke predicted
      outcomes even better than discrepancy. The association between discrepancy and
      mood and quality of life was mediated by self-esteem (beta = .30, p < .01; beta =
      -.24, p < .01, respectively). Specific types of discrepancy defined by Higgins
      did not show differential relationships with anxiety and depression as predicted.
      CONCLUSIONS: Identity changes after stroke and identity and self-esteem are
      associated with important outcomes for stroke survivors.

PMID- 28075217
TI  - Endoscopy-Assisted Laparoscopic Resections for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal
      Tumors: A Retrospective Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety, feasibility, and clinical curative effect of
      endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic resections for gastric gastrointestinal stromal
      tumors (GISTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared the general
      condition of 41 GIST patients undergoing endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic
      resections (n = 41, combined group) with those undergoing traditional open
      gastrectomy (n = 43, open surgery group). RESULTS: All patients survived during
      the surgery. The average operation time of the combined group and the open
      surgery group was 90 +/- 40 minutes and 120 +/- 60 minutes, respectively, and no
      significant difference (P = .088) was observed. Bleeding volume during operation
      was significantly lower [(50 +/- 20 versus 150 +/- 40) mL, P < .001] and recovery
      time of the gastrointestinal function was significantly shorter in the combined
      group [(2.02 +/- 0.99) days versus (3.02 +/- 1) days, P < .001]. No statistical
      difference was found in the postoperative complications (5% versus 12%, P = .442)
      or GIST recurrence (2.44% versus 2.33%, P = 1.000) between the two groups. Follow
      up visit showed no death. CONCLUSION: For GIST patients who attempted to receive
      gastrectomy, endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic resections showed advantages on the
      operation time, bleeding volume, and recovery time and are suggested as a better
      alternative for GISTs.

PMID- 28075219
TI  - How do assessments of activities of daily living address executive functions: A
      scoping review.
AB  - : Executive functions (EF) allow persons to adapt to situations arising in daily
      life and can be affected following acquired brain injury (ABI). Measuring the
      impact of EF impairments on the accomplishment of activities of daily living
      (ADL) requires specific assessment tools, but choosing the right tool may be
      difficult. PURPOSE: To conduct a scoping review on how assessments of ADL address
      EF and EF impairments in persons with ABI. METHOD: A scoping review of literature
      (peer-reviewed and grey literature) published until August 2014 was conducted.
      Using a systematic procedure, literature was selected, results were charted, and
      tools were analysed with respect to their goals, underlying models, psychometric
      properties and applicability. The analysis also included how tools considered
      components of EF according to Lezak's model. RESULTS: 12 tools, developed either
      to assess EF in ADL, independence in ADL considering EF or ADL capacities, were
      identified and analysed according to multiple criteria. CONCLUSIONS: This review
      provides important information about existing tools to assist in tool selection
      and clinical decision-making related to ABI and EF.

PMID- 28075220
TI  - The contribution of assessing cognitive impairment in radiologically-isolated
      syndrome (RIS): A single case report follow-up study.

PMID- 28075221
TI  - Editorial comment.
AB  - Owing to errors made by the authors, Gavin Giovannoni and Tove Christensen, the
      editorial 'HERVs: have we been here before?' Multiple Sclerosis Journal 18(12):
      1670-1672, (DOI: 10.1177/1352458512469331 )1 is incorrect. This editorial
      addressing the article written by Perron and colleagues2 in the same issue,
      contained a number of errors identified by both the authors of the editorial and
      the authors of the article. The latter are outlined in the letter from Herve
      Perron et al to follow, (DOI: 10.1177/1352458513485051) with additional
      supplemental information. The authors of the editorial suggested that they
      rewrite the entire piece to address many of the issues raised and this has also
      been published on the following pages.

PMID- 28075223
TI  - [Formula: see text]The statistical crisis in science: how is it relevant to
      clinical neuropsychology?
AB  - There is currently increased attention to the statistical (and replication)
      crisis in science. Biomedicine and social psychology have been at the heart of
      this crisis, but similar problems are evident in a wide range of fields. We
      discuss three examples of replication challenges from the field of social
      psychology and some proposed solutions, and then consider the applicability of
      these ideas to clinical neuropsychology. In addition to procedural developments
      such as preregistration and open data and criticism, we recommend that data be
      collected and analyzed with more recognition that each new study is a part of a
      learning process. The goal of improving neuropsychological assessment, care, and
      cure is too important to not take good scientific practice seriously.

PMID- 28075222
TI  - Expression of MYD88 in Adipose Tissue of Obese People: Is There Some Role in the
      Development of Metabolic Syndrome?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanism leading to the development of metabolic complications
      in obese individuals is not fully understood. Thus, the objective of this study
      was to examine differences in insulin resistance, inflammation, cytokine and
      adipokine levels, and expression of selected genes across obese individuals with
      different number of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components. METHODS: Forty obese
      individuals who underwent bariatric surgery, divided in three groups based on the
      number of components of MetS, in addition to abdominal obesity (0, 1, and 2-3
      additional components), were studied. Levels of inflammatory proteins, insulin
      resistance, cytokines, adipokines, and gene expression in subcutaneous (SAT) and
      visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were compared. RESULTS: There was a significantly
      higher expression of MYD88 in SAT among those with more components of MetS (P =
      0.008). In SAT, but not in VAT, MYD88 expression was significantly correlated
      with toll-like receptor 4 expression (r = 0.7, P < 0.05). Expression of adipsin
      in SAT was also associated with the presence of more components of MetS, but with
      borderline statistical significance (P = 0.05). There were no significant
      differences in insulin resistance, inflammation, and cytokine and adipokine
      levels by the number of components of MetS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that
      MYD88 expression in SAT of obese subjects could be associated with the
      development of components of MetS.

PMID- 28075224
TI  - Integrating Approaches Requires More Than a Division of Labor.

PMID- 28075225
TI  - Plants contain small families of UPF0016 proteins including the PHOTOSYNTHESIS
      AFFECTED MUTANT71 transporter.
AB  - PHOTOSYNTHESIS AFFECTED MUTANT71 (PAM71) is an integral thylakoid membrane
      protein that functions in manganese uptake into the lumen. Manganese is needed in
      the thylakoid lumen to build up the inorganic Mn4CaO5 cluster, the catalytic
      center for water oxidation, and is hence indispensable for oxygen evolution. A
      recent study revealed that PAM71 is well conserved in plants and shares homology
      to GCR1 DEPENDENT TRANSLATION FACTOR1 (GDT1) and TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEIN 165
      (TMEM165) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Homo sapiens, respectively. In most
      eukaryotes only single members of this family, designated "Uncharacterized
      Protein Family 0016" (UPF0016), are present; however, plant genomes contain genes
      for several UPF0016 proteins. In Arabidopsis thaliana, this protein family
      comprises 5 members, which mainly differ in their N-terminal regions. PAM71 and
      its closest homolog PAM71-HL possess chloroplast transit peptides at their N
      terminus. Two of the remaining 3 members are derived from a segmental chromosomal
      duplication event and lack an N-terminal extension. Thus, plants have evolved
      UPF0016 members residing in various compartments of the cell, whereas in non
      plant eukaryotes just a Golgi localization occurs. The identification of PAM71 as
      a candidate Mn2+ transporter opens the question on the function of the remaining
      plant members. Here we resume briefly our current knowledge of UPF0016 members in
      Arabidopsis in comparison to their yeast and human UPF0016 members.

PMID- 28075228
TI  - Impacts of a population-based prostate cancer screening programme on excess total
      mortality rates in men with prostate cancer: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Objectives To assess the effect of screening in terms of excess mortality in the
      European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC). Methods A
      total of 141,578 men aged 55-69 were randomized to systematic screening or usual
      care in ERSPC sections in Finland, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden. The excess
      number of deaths was defined as the difference between the observed number of
      deaths in the prostate cancer (PC) patients and the expected number of deaths up
      to 31 December 2006. The expected number was derived from mortality of all study
      participants before a diagnosis with PC adjusted for study centre, study arm and
      study attendance. The excess mortality rates were compared between the two study
      arms. Results The PC incidence was 9.25 per 1000 person-years in the intervention
      arm and 5.49 per 1000 person-years in the control arm, relative risk (RR) 1.69
      (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-1.76). The excess mortality among men with PC
      was 0.29 per 1000 person-years in the intervention arm and 0.37 per 1000 person
      years in the control arm; the RR for excess mortality was 0.77 (95% CI 0.55
      1.08). The absolute risk reduction in the excess mortality was 0.08 per 1000
      person-years. The overall mortality was not significantly different between the
      intervention and the control arms of the study: RR 0.99 (95% CI 0.96-1.01).
      Conclusions Although the reduction in excess mortality was not statistically
      significant, the between-arm reduction in excess mortality rate was in line with
      the previously reported 20% reduction in the disease-specific mortality. This
      finding indicates that the reduction in PC mortality in the ERSPC trial cannot be
      due to a bias in cause of death adjudication.

PMID- 28075231
TI  - Presumptive granulocytic leukemia in a hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos).

PMID- 28075229
TI  - Altered mitochondrial dynamics as a consequence of Venezuelan Equine encephalitis
      virus infection.
AB  - Mitochondria are sentinel organelles that are impacted by various forms of
      cellular stress, including viral infections. While signaling events associated
      with mitochondria, including those activated by pathogen associated molecular
      patterns (PAMPs), are widely studied, alterations in mitochondrial distribution
      and changes in mitochondrial dynamics are also beginning to be associated with
      cellular insult. Cells of neuronal origin have been demonstrated to display
      remarkable alterations in several instances, including neurodegenerative
      disorders. Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) is a New World alphavirus
      that infects neuronal cells and contributes to an encephalitic phenotype. We
      demonstrate that upon infection by the vaccine strain of VEEV (TC-83),
      astrocytoma cells experience a robust drop in mitochondrial activity, which
      corresponds with an increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in an
      infection-dependent manner. Infection status also corresponds with a prominent
      perinuclear accumulation of mitochondria. Cellular enzymatic machinery, including
      PINK1 and Parkin, appears to be enriched in mitochondrial fractions as compared
      with uninfected cells, which is indicative of mitochondrial damage. Dynamin
      related protein 1 (Drp1), a protein that is associated with mitochondrial
      fission, demonstrated a modest enrichment in mitochondrial fractions of infected
      cells. Treatment with an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission, Mdivi-1, led to a
      decrease in caspase cleavage, suggesting that mitochondrial fission was likely to
      contribute to apoptosis of infected cells. Finally, our data demonstrate that
      mitophagy ensues in infected cells. In combination, our data suggest that VEEV
      infection results in significant changes in the mitochondrial landscape that may
      influence pathological outcomes in the infected cell.

PMID- 28075232
TI  - Records of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera; Culicidae) and Culex
      tritaeniorhynchus (Diptera; Culicidae) Expansion in Areas in Mainland Greece and
      Islands.
AB  - Annual entomological surveillance programs aiming to monitor mosquito populations
      and record presence and absence of mosquito species have been performed in
      Greece. We report, in this study, new records and expansion of Aedes albopictus
      in the islands of Lesvos (region of North Aegean), Crete (region of Crete), and
      the regional units of Rodopi in East Macedonia-Thrace. Furthermore, Culex
      tritaeniorhynchus was recorded for the first time in Arta (region of Epirus) in
      northwestern Greece.

PMID- 28075234
TI  - Different Outcomes Require Different Explanations.

PMID- 28075235
TI  - Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Human Infection Cases in Spain: Dog-to-Human
      Transmission.
AB  - Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic pathogen that has been
      identified as infectious agent or colonizer mainly in dogs. S. pseudintermedius
      has been also detected in humans and more specifically in people in contact with
      dogs. In this study, the possible S. pseudintermedius pet-to-human transmission
      was analyzed in four clinical human cases. Two patients were dog owners and S.
      pseudintermedius was also detected as colonizer in these healthy animals. S.
      pseudintermedius isolates from patients and dogs of the same household showed
      identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, sequence types (STs), and
      antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes, and were methicillin
      susceptible. Resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, trimetoprim
      sulfamethoxazole, and/or ciprofloxacin was identified among S. pseudintermedius
      strains. The lineages ST241 and the new ST521 were detected in the strains of the
      two dog-owner patients, respectively. The strains from the other two patients
      presented two new STs, ST719 and ST720. To our knowledge, this is the first
      description of human infections caused by S. pseudintermedius in Spain.

PMID- 28075236
TI  - First Serological Evidence of West Nile Virus in Horses and Dogs from Corsica
      Island, France.
AB  - West Nile virus (WNV) is widely distributed over the world, including Europe,
      Africa, and Asia and spread over the past two decades to North and South America.
      In the south of France, sporadic cases are frequently described and the virus is
      endemic in Italy with frequent cases and outbreaks. The aim of this study was to
      identify a possible WNV circulation in Corsica (French island in the
      Mediterranean Sea) in sheep, horses, and dogs as sentinel animals for the virus
      surveillance. In 2014, 386 blood samples were collected from 219 sheep, 96
      horses, and 71 dogs, in 12 localities in Corsica, in the oriental coast of
      Corsica. Each sample was systematically tested for WNV immunoglobulin G using an
      in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with inactivated WNV as
      antigen. The result of the ELISA for the WNV antibody test on the sheep sera was
      all negative, whereas 9 of 96 horses (9.4%) and 6 of 71 dogs (8.4%) presented WNV
      antibodies. All the positive samples from horses and dogs were confirmed by serum
      neutralization test. Although no clinical case in humans and horses was reported
      to date, this report highlights the necessity to improve WNV surveillance in
      animals and humans, as well as in blood donors in Corsica.

PMID- 28075238
TI  - Safety of stationary grinding machines - impact resistance of work zone
      enclosures.
AB  - Guards on machine tools are intended to protect persons from being injured by
      parts ejected with high kinetic energy from the work zone of the machine.
      Stationary grinding machines are a typical example. Generally such machines are
      provided with abrasive product guards closely enveloping the grinding wheel.
      However, many machining tasks do not allow the use of abrasive product guards. In
      such cases, the work zone enclosure has to be dimensioned so that, in case of
      failure, grinding wheel fragments remain inside the machine's working zone. To
      obtain data for the dimensioning of work zone enclosures on stationary grinding
      machines, which must be operated without an abrasive product guard, burst tests
      were conducted with vitrified grinding wheels. The studies show that, contrary to
      widely held opinion, narrower grinding wheels can be more critical concerning the
      impact resistance than wider wheels although their fragment energy is smaller.

PMID- 28075242
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28075239
TI  - Hantavirus Strains in East Africa Related to Western African Hantaviruses.
AB  - Hantaviruses are RNA viruses primarily carried by rodents, soricomorphs, and
      bats. The data about the distribution and genetic diversity of these viruses are
      often limited, especially in most regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, the
      majority of representatives were identified in western African localities, while
      only three hantaviruses have been reported in East Africa to date. In this study,
      a total of 1866 small mammals captured between 2009 and 2014 in various countries
      of Eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Zambia, Mozambique, Kenya, and Tanzania) were
      molecularly screened for the presence of hantaviruses. Hantavirus RNA was
      detected in dried blood samples of the Cape pipistrelle bat (Neoromicia capensis)
      captured in Ethiopia and the African wood mouse (Hylomyscus endorobae) from
      Kenya. Phylogenetic analysis of partial genomic segments revealed that the
      Ethiopian sample represents a sister lineage of the Mouyassue virus (reported
      previously from the congeneric bat in Cote d'Ivoire), and the Kenyan sample is a
      sister lineage of the Sangassou virus (described from the same mouse genus in
      Guinea).

PMID- 28075243
TI  - Mouse HistoArt.

PMID- 28075248
TI  - Evaluation of vibrant muscles over the shoulder region among workers of the hand
      screen printing industry.
AB  - This study focuses on evaluation of the muscle activities associated with
      shoulder pain among workers of the hand screen printing (HSP) industry.
      Activities of three major muscles which showed higher muscle activity for a HSP
      job were observed for fatigue using surface electromyography (SEMG). The
      anatomical sites were chosen on the basis of a statistical survey and a visual
      inspection conducted before the experiment. Activities of the deltoid, teres
      major and infraspinatus were recorded using SEMG and the nature of muscle
      activities was studied for about 50 m of cloth printing. Data collected were
      processed using LabVIEW 2014 and the activities were analyzed using statistical
      tests and regression analyses. The results showed an increased risk of shoulder
      disorders with an increase in working time. Some of the risks which might cause
      disorders were predicted from the results; inspection and possible mitigations
      were suggested.

PMID- 28075251
TI  - The Spatial Variation of the Weekday/Weekend Differences in the Baltimore Area.
AB  - This study examined the spatial distribution of the weekday/weekend difference in
      Baltimore, MD, and vicinity. The difference in Baltimore was characterized by
      having ~39% more NOx , ~59% more CO, and ~27% more volatile organic compounds
      (VOCs) on the average weekday, but there was ~13% more O3 on the weekend day.
      Spatially, the difference was elongated in the northeast-southwest direction. It
      decreased from 13% more O3 in Baltimore to 6% at ~20 km west of Baltimore and to
      4% at ~40 km south of Baltimore. It also appeared to decrease to the east, but
      the magnitude of the decrease could not be determined because of the lack of data
      east of the Chesapeake Bay. However, the difference increased to the north,
      reaching a value of almost 18% at a northern Delaware site.

PMID- 28075249
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of AS04-adjuvanted human papillomavirus 16/18 vaccine
      compared with human papillomavirus 6/11/16/18 vaccine in the Philippines, with
      the new 2-dose schedule.
AB  - Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer death among Filipino
      women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination protects against CC. Two vaccines
      (AS04-HPV-16/18 and 4vHPV) are approved in the Philippines; they were originally
      developed for a 3-dose (3D) administration and have recently been approved in a 2
      dose schedule (2D). This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of HPV
      vaccination of 13-year-old Filipino girls, in addition to current screening, in
      the new 2D schedule. An existing static lifetime, one-year cycle Markov cohort
      model was adapted to the Philippine settings to simulate the natural history of
      low-risk and oncogenic HPV infection, the effects of screening and vaccination of
      a 13-year-old girls cohort vaccinated with either the 2D-AS04-HPV-16/18 or 2D
      4vHPV assuming a 100% vaccination coverage. Incremental cost, quality-adjusted
      life year (QALY) and cost-effectiveness were derived from these estimates. Input
      data were obtained from published sources and Delphi panel, using country
      specific data where possible. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the
      robustness of the model. The model estimated that 2D-AS04-HPV-16/18 prevented 986
      additional CC cases and 399 CC deaths (undiscounted), as well as 555 increased
      QALY (discounted), and save 228.1 million Philippine pesos (PHP) compared with
      the 2D-4vHPV. In conclusion, AS04-HPV-16/18 is shown to be dominant over 4vHPV in
      the Philippines, with greater estimated health benefits and lower costs.

PMID- 28075252
TI  - Characterization of PM25 and PM10 in the South Coast Air Basin of Southern
      California: Part 1-Spatial Variations.
AB  - In December 1994, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
      initiated a comprehensive program, the PM10 Technical Enhancement Program (PTEP),
      to characterize fine PM in the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB). A 1-year special
      particulate monitoring project was conducted from January 1995 to February 1996
      as part of the PTEP. Under this enhanced monitoring, HNO3, NH3, and speciated
      PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were measured at five stations (Anaheim, downtown
      Los Angeles, Diamond Bar, Fontana, and Rubidoux) in the SCAB and at one
      background station at San Nicolas Island. PM2.5 and PM10 mass and 43 individual
      species were analyzed for a full chemical speciation of the particle data. The
      PTEP data indicate that the most abundant chemical components of PM10 and PM25 in
      the SCAB are NH4+ (8-9% of PM10 and 14-17% of PM25), NO3- (23-26% of PM10 and 28
      41% of PM25), SO4= (6-11% of PM10 and 9-18% of PM2 5), organic carbon (OC) (15
      19% of PM10 and 18-26% of PM2.5), and elemental carbon (EC) (5-8% of PM10 and 8
      13% of PM25). On an annual average basis, PM25 comprises 52-59% of the SCAB PM10.
      Annual average PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations showed strong spatial variations,
      low at coastal sites and high at inland sites. Annual average PM10 concentrations
      varied from 40.8 ug/m3 at Anaheim to 76.8 ug/m3 at Rubidoux, while annual average
      PM2.5 concentrations varied from 21.7 ug/m3 at Anaheim to 39.8 ug/m3 at Rubidoux.
      The chemical characterizations of the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, as well as
      their spatial variations, were examined; the important findings are summarized in
      this paper, and the temporal variations are discussed in the companion paper.1.

PMID- 28075253
TI  - Characterization of PM25 and PM10 in the South Coast Air Basin of Southern
      California: Part 2-Temporal Variations.
AB  - The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) conducted a 1-year
      special particulate monitoring study from January 1995 to February 1996. This
      monitoring data indicates that high PM10 and PM2 5 concentrations were observed
      in the fall (October, November, and December), with November concentrations being
      the highest. During the rest of the year, PM2.5 and PM10 masses gradually
      increased from January to September. Monthly PM10 mass varied from 20 to 120
      |ig/m3, and monthly PM25 mass varied from 13 to 63 |j.g/m3. The PM2.5-to-PM10
      ratio varied daily and ranged between 22 and 96%. Two types of high-PM days were
      observed. The first type was observed under fall stagnation conditions, which
      lead to high secondary species concentrations. The second type was observed under
      high wind conditions, which lead to high primary coarse particles of crustal
      components. The highest 24-hr average PM10 concentration (226.3 |ig/m3) was
      observed at the Fontana station, while the highest PM25 concentration (129.3
      |ig/m3) was observed at the Diamond Bar station.

PMID- 28075254
TI  - Modeling Traffic-Related Air Pollution in Street Canyons of Beijing.
AB  - It is important to develop a general model to accurately simulate the air
      pollution in urban street areas. In this paper, the Operational Street Pollution
      Model (OSPM) initially developed in Denmark is tested with measured data from a
      relatively wide and open street in Beijing. Major factors influencing the
      dispersion, such as emission factors, stationary source emissions, and solar
      radiation, are analyzed. Results show that the model can reflect the basic
      dispersion pattern in the street but gives systematically higher concentrations.
      After modifications to estimate street-level wind speed in the model, performance
      is obviously improved.

PMID- 28075255
TI  - Performance Characteristics of a Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizer for Treating VOC
      Contaminated Airstreams.
AB  - A pilot apparatus of a regenerative catalytic oxidizer (RCO) equipped with two
      electrical heaters and two 20-cm i.d. * 200-cm height regenerative beds was used
      to treat methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and toluene, respectively, in an airstream.
      The regenerative beds were packed with gravel (approximate particle size 1.25 cm,
      specific area 205 m2/m3, and specific heat capacity 840 J/kg  degrees C) as a
      solid regenerative material and K-type thermal couples for measuring solid and
      gas temperatures, respectively. The catalyst bed temperature was kept around 400 
      degrees C and the gas superficial velocity was operated at 0.234 m/sec. This
      investigation measured and analyzed distributions of solid and gas temperatures
      with operating time and variations of volatile organic compound (VOC)
      concentrations in the regenerative beds. The overall VOC removal efficiency
      exceeded 98% for MEK and 95% for toluene. Degradation of VOCs will exist for MEK
      on the surface of solid material (gravel) in the temperature range of 330-400 
      degrees C, but toluene does not exhibit this phenomenon.

PMID- 28075256
TI  - Use of Two Different Acidic Aerosol Samplers To Measure Acidic Aerosols in
      Hsinchu, Taiwan.
AB  - Acidic aerosol concentrations measured by an annular denuder system (ADS) and a
      honeycomb denuder system (HDS) in Hsinchu, Taiwan, were compared. Aerosols were
      also sampled by a MOUDI (micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor) and analyzed by
      an ion chromatograph to determine the size distributions of different species.
      Using the measured aerosol size distribution, theoretical analysis showed that
      positive HNO3 artifact due to volatiliza-tion of NH4NO3 is generally negligible
      for both samplers.4 3Comparing two different denuder samplers, the average
      concentration of HNO3 measured by the ADS was found3to be lower than that
      measured by the HDS, while the difference between the two samplers for the
      average concentration of other species was found to be within +/-15%. A possible
      cause of the difference in HNO3 con-3centrations is due to a greater loss of HNO3
      in the cyclone3 used by the ADS than in the impactor used by the HDS. The study
      also showed incomplete absorption of the evaporated HCl and HNO3 from the
      particles on the Teflon3filter by the first nylon filter in the filter pack of
      the ADS. Collection efficiency and capacity of HCl and HNO3 by3the nylon filters
      need further investigation.

PMID- 28075257
TI  - Emission Factors for Gasoline Light-Duty Vehicles: Experimental Program in
      Santiago, Chile.
AB  - The emission inventory of the city of Santiago, Chile, related to mobile sources
      was built up using constant emission factors extracted from international
      literature. To improve the estimate of mobile source emissions, an experimental
      program was designed, consisting of transient tests on a chassis dynamometer over
      a sample of about 166 vehicles, applying 9 local driving cycles with average
      speeds of 3-80 km/hr, and experimentally determined in previous research carried
      out by the authors. An analysis of the influence of fuel inlet technology, and a
      year time-length model over emissions, was undertaken. We proposed emission
      factors as a function of average speed and of CO, THC, and NOx for catalytic and
      noncatalytic light-duty gasoline vehicles, disaggregated on commercial and
      private cars. A comparative analysis with emission factors obtained for the
      application of the COPERT II and AP-42 models was also presented. Our current
      analysis gives solid evidence indicating that to obtain a reasonable accuracy on
      emission estimates and calculations, local emission factors must be used.

PMID- 28075258
TI  - The Use of Ambient Measurements To Identify which Precursor Species Limit Aerosol
      Nitrate Formation.
AB  - A thermodynamic equilibrium model was used to investigate the response of aerosol
      NO3 to changes in concentrations of HNO3, NH3, and H2SO4. Over a range of
      temperatures and relative humidities (RHs), two parameters provided sufficient
      information for indicating the qualitative response of aerosol NO3. The first was
      the excess of aerosol NH4+ plus gas-phase NH3 over the sum of HNO3, particulate
      NO3, and particulate SO42- concentrations. The second was the ratio of
      particulate to total NO3 concentrations. Computation of these quantities from
      ambient measurements provides a means to rapidly analyze large numbers of samples
      and identify cases in which inorganic aerosol NO3 formation is limited by the
      availability of NH3. Example calculations are presented using data from three
      field studies. The predictions of the indicator variables and the equilibrium
      model are compared.

PMID- 28075260
TI  - Introduction to the Air & Waste Management Association's 28th Annual Critical
      Review.

PMID- 28075259
TI  - Systematic Evaluation and Uncertainty Analysis of the Refuse-Derived Fuel Process
      in Taiwan.
AB  - In the last few years, Taiwan has set a bold agenda in solid waste recycling and
      incineration programs. Not only were the recycling activities and incineration
      projects promoted by government agencies, but the related laws and regulations
      were continuously promulgated by the Legislative Yen. The solid waste presorting
      process that is to be considered prior to the existing incineration facilities
      has received wide attention. This paper illustrates a thorough evaluation for the
      first refuse-derived fuel pilot process from both quantitative and qualitative
      aspects. The process is to be installed and integrated with a large-scale
      municipal incinerator. This pilot process, developed by an engineering firm in
      Tainan County, consists of standard unit operations of shredding, magnetic
      separation, trommel screening, and air classification. A series of sampling and
      analyses were initialized in order to characterize its potentials in the solid
      waste management system. The probabilistic modeling for various types o f waste
      pro perties derived in this analysis may provide a basic understanding of system
      reliability.

PMID- 28075262
TI  - Real-World Emissions from Conventional Passenger Cars.
AB  - It has long been recognized that vehicles emit more pollutants than allowed under
      the new car emission standards. Further tightening of the certification standards
      based on existing test procedures does not directly address the largest sources
      of emissions. This study attempts to quantify vehicle emissions by source, in
      order to prioritize future policymaking. Several new sets of data are used in
      conjunction with regulatory emission models to characterize the lifetime
      emissions from the average Model Year (MY)93 vehicle. Special attention is paid
      to two of the largest sources of real-world emissions: (1) high-power driving by
      cars with properly functioning emissions controls, and (2) cars with
      malfunctioning emissions controls. Emissions are projected to MY2000 and 2010,
      based on estimates of the effectiveness of recently adopted and proposed
      regulatory policies. These new policies are projected to reduce total emissions
      substantially.

PMID- 28075263
TI  - Feasibility Testing of Biofiltration Technology for Remediating Air Contaminated
      by a Boat Manufacturing Facility.
AB  - This research investigated and compared the use of both bench- and pilot-scale
      biofilters to determine the effectiveness of controlling styrene, methyl ethyl
      ketone (MEK), and acetone emissions from an industrial gas waste stream. Critical
      operating parameters, including contaminant loading rate, temperature, and empty
      bed contact time, were manipulated in both the laboratory and field. At steady
      state conditions, the bench and pilot-scale biofilters showed a 99% removal
      efficiency for styrene when the contaminant loading rate was less than 50 g m-3hr
      1 and 40 g m-3hr-1, respectively. Although few data points were collected in the
      pilot-scale reactor where the styrene load was greater than 40 g m-3hr-1, the
      total organic contaminant load including both MEK and acetone typically ranged
      between 50 g m-3hr-1 and 80 g m-3hr-1. Greater than 99% removal efficiencies were
      observed for acetone and MEK in the pilot-scale biofilter at all evaluated
      loading rates. Also studied were biofilter acclimation and re-acclimation
      periods. In inoculated bench and pilot biofilter systems, microbial acclimation
      to styrene was achieved in less than five days. In comparison, no MEK degrading
      microbial inoculum was added, so during the first months of pilot-scale biofilter
      operation, MEK removal efficiencies lagged behind those noted with styrene.

PMID- 28075264
TI  - Use of Tracer Gas for Direct Calibration of Emission-Factor Measurements in a
      Traffic Tunnel.
AB  - Pollutant measurements in traffic tunnels have been used to estimate motor
      vehicle emissions for several decades. The objective in this type of study is to
      use the traffic tunnel as a tool for characterizing motor vehicles rather than
      seeking a tunnel design with acceptably low pollutant concentrations. In the
      past, very simple aerodynamic models have been used to relate measured
      concentrations to vehicle emissions. Typically, it is assumed that velocities and
      concentrations are uniform across the tunnel cross section. In the present work,
      a vehicle emitting a known amount of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) was driven
      repeatedly through a 730-m-long traffic tunnel in Vancouver, Canada. Comparing
      the measured SF6 concentrations to the known emission rates, it is possible to
      directly assess the accuracy of the simple tunnel aerodynamic models typically
      used to interpret tunnel data. Correction factors derived from this procedure
      were then applied to measurements of carbon monoxide and other pollutants to
      obtain gram-per-kilometer emission factors for vehicles. Although the specific
      correction factors measured here are valid only for the tunnel tested, the
      magnitude of the factors (up to two or more) suggests that the phenomena observed
      here should be considered when interpreting data from other tunnels.

PMID- 28075265
TI  - Musculoskeletal Load Assessment of the Upper Limb Positions Subjectively Chosen
      as the Most Convenient.
AB  - Work posture is determined by interdependence between work stand design, the
      necessity to perform given activities, and the anthropometric dimensions of the
      worker, but it also depends on individual preferences. The aim of the study was
      to compare the musculoskeletal load of the right upper extremity under conditions
      of imposed (standard) upper limb position and subjectively chosen ones, and to
      assess the influence of the changes in magnitude of the external force on the
      musculoskeletal load in the examined limb positions. Ten healthy male
      participants took part in the study. Muscular load associated with different
      upper extremity positions with and without external load were assessed.
      Musculoskeletal load for standard and subjectively chosen limb positions and two
      different values of external load were compared by means of theoretical and
      experimental methods. Results indicate that differences in musculoskeletal load
      between imposed and subjectively chosen limb positions were not high enough to
      show statistically significant differences, and the upper limb position chosen by
      the participant does not always cause the lowest musculoskeletal load.

PMID- 28075266
TI  - A Comparison of VDT Workstation Adjustment Methods by Evaluating and Optimizing
      VDT Operator's Seated Posture.
AB  - Three methods of visual display terminal (VDT) workstation adjustment were
      compared in this study in order to investigate their effects on the operator's
      seated posture. The first two methods were adjustments made both with and without
      any suggestion on the correct seated posture. The third method was an adjustment
      after which the workstation settings were initially set according to the results
      recommended by the IntelAd computer program. Ten male and 5 female participants
      were asked to readjust a VDT workstation until their most comfortable seated
      posture was obtained. When comparing the final seated postures to the ones
      ergonomically recommended, it was found that the workstation adjustment assisted
      by the computer program yielded the best result, followed by the adjustment
      without any suggestion on the seated posture, and then the adjustment with a
      suggestion on the seated posture. Furthermore, factors such as gender and typing
      skill level were not found to have any significant influence on the results.

PMID- 28075267
TI  - Morphology-Related Isometric Trunk Strength of South African Manual Workers:
      Implications for Prevention of Occupational Low-Back Stress.
AB  - Occupational back stress among manual workers in South Africa is now a cause of
      governmental concern. Yet no data on the back strength of the South African
      workforce have been published. This study represents a first step in reporting
      the trunk strength of Xhosa workers in South Africa, in absolute and size
      relative terms. Thirty-five male manual workers were tested isometrically while
      making maximal extension and flexion efforts at 0 degrees , 23 degrees , 46
      degrees , 69 degrees , and 92 degrees  of stoop. The results show nonlinearity of
      the extensor-to-flexor (E/F) ratio of the trunk musculature. The E/F ratio
      increases in deep stoop because of a drop in flexor torques. The data suggest
      that predictions of flexor from extensor torques or vice versa can confidently be
      made so long as testing is done away from the fully flexed position. Significant
      differences between morphologically gracile and robust workers in this sample are
      discussed. The study has implications for occupational rehabilitation and for
      prophylaxis, for whereas muscular strength alone may not protect the spine from
      occupational injury, muscular weakness certainly predisposes it.

PMID- 28075268
TI  - Footedness and Mounting-Short Review and Two Case Studies.
AB  - Footedness is a personal quality like handedness. Footedness may be associated
      with moving ability during mounting, dismounting, and jumping movements.
      Occupational accidents have occurred during movement at different working levels,
      during the use of access and exit systems, and during the mounting of vehicles.
      Aging can also affect accident risk and body laterality. For example, falling
      accidents on stairs are common among the elderly. One reason for accidents may be
      that the structure of the access system or stair system is unsuitable for
      individual moving patterns depending partly on body laterality. Footedness and
      the way the feet are used may be contradictory to the demands of the moving
      situation, especially during uncommon or rapid situations. This contradiction may
      trigger disturbance during moving. The aims of this pilot study were (a) to
      review the literature briefly and (b) to describe the use of the dominant and
      nondominant foot by farmers and the elderly when mounting a tractor and stairs,
      respectively. The study also gives ideas for future studies based on both (a) and
      (b).

PMID- 28075269
TI  - Work-Related Accidents Among Young Workers in Finland.
AB  - The aim of this study was to discover accident factors specific to young workers,
      using two accident data sets gathered at the same time but with different
      methods. The first data set consisted of 99 serious occupational accidents, which
      occured in Southern Finland in 1988 and 1989. The second data set was based on
      the interview study of over 13,000 people of whom 792 were involved in an
      accident at work. Both data sets showed consistently that the accident frequency
      of young workers was higher than that of older workers. The accidents of young
      workers, however, were less severe. Young accident victims hurt themselves more
      often when feeding or cleaning machines. Incautiousness contributed more often to
      accidents of young workers. In order to prevent occupational accidents of young
      workers, companies should introduce training programmes for new employees.

PMID- 28075271
TI  - Children in low-income countries have higher risk of death from emergency
      surgery.
AB  - The likelihood of dying after emergency abdominal surgery is seven times higher
      for children in poor countries than those in rich nations, a study suggests.

PMID- 28075270
TI  - Defending the Wrist Deviation Test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Screening: A
      Comparison of Vibration Thresholds and Distal Motor Latency.
AB  - This research used distal motor latency (DML) and vibration thresholds (VT) to
      evaluate 84 hand activity and wrist deviation combinations to determine the best
      association with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Female volunteers, 2 healthy and 2
      CTS diagnosed, were age matched and operated a keyboard for 4 hrs a day. Room
      temperature was 28 degrees C(+/-2). Beginning DML and VT were taken with a
      relaxed neutral posture hand. The wrist was deviated in a randomly selected
      combination, and determinations were taken at 5-min intervals. The trial ended at
      20 min or when discomfort was felt. The CTS conditions were discriminated by pain
      four times, DML once, and VT 14 times. Vibrometry was the most consistent CTS
      discriminator. The best VT results for wrist positions were obtained with wrist
      extension and extended extension, whereas the unclenched, clenched, and loaded
      power grip activities proved to be the most consistent hand activities.

PMID- 28075272
TI  - Measuring peak expiratory flow rate: what the nurse needs to know.
AB  - Rationale and key points This article provides information on monitoring a
      patient's peak expiratory flow rate. It explains the rationale for measuring the
      peak expiratory flow rate, provides guidance for nurses to undertake this
      investigation and offers advice on how to instruct patients in the use of this
      technique. " Measuring the peak expiratory flow rate is an inexpensive,
      straightforward and useful clinical investigation that enables fluctuations in
      the patient's respiratory effort to be monitored over time. " The peak expiratory
      flow rate is used for the diagnosis, monitoring and assessment of the severity of
      respiratory compromise, particularly in patients with asthma. " The nurse can
      enable significant improvements in patient care by providing patient education on
      the correct technique, and by accurate assessment and recording of the peak
      expiratory flow rate. " The nurse should advise the patient on the action
      required if variation between readings occurs, where the patient is required to
      monitor their condition at home.

PMID- 28075273
TI  - Ensuring fair care for people with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - In November 2016, the MS Trust published the MS Forward View: a consensus for the
      future of multiple sclerosis (MS) services.

PMID- 28075274
TI  - Student life - When does compassion become caring too much?
AB  - The decision to become a nurse is often driven by a desire to help people, and
      many nurses are prepared to go the extra mile to support their patients. But for
      some, particularly those just starting out in their careers, it can be hard to
      know how involved to get in patients' lives.

PMID- 28075275
TI  - The perils of alcohol.
AB  - Listening to some of the older generation reminisce about the good old days, I
      was transported back to my childhood and a vow I made that when I grew up,
      alcohol would never sully my lips.

PMID- 28075276
TI  - Readers' panel - Is nursing in the UK losing its appeal as a profession?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28075278
TI  - Antipsychotic drug use raises risk of death in people with Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The prescription of psychotropic drugs is associated with a sharply higher risk
      of falling among residents of nursing homes.

PMID- 28075277
TI  - Social isolation linked to higher mortality rates in breast cancer.
AB  - Women with breast cancer who are more socially isolated have higher rates of
      recurrence and mortality than women with larger social networks, new study
      results suggest.

PMID- 28075279
TI  - Focus on workplace safety as staff injury bill tops L47m.
AB  - The overall bill for compensation payments and legal costs for NHS staff injuries
      last year was L47.5 million, Nursing Standard can reveal.

PMID- 28075280
TI  - Making the big move.
AB  - One reason Josie Gilday wanted to study nursing was the exciting opportunities it
      offered to work abroad.

PMID- 28075281
TI  - Nursing associates.
AB  - I think this role will give people a brilliant opportunity to enter the care
      service, obtain qualifications and develop a career. The degree pathway prevents
      some individuals from entering nursing. We must encourage people into the
      profession and support this - we need more people bedside with patients.

PMID- 28075282
TI  - Learning together.
AB  - Even as a newbie to medical education, I'm aware of how we doctors rely heavily
      on nursing colleagues and their monitoring of patients.

PMID- 28075283
TI  - Dorset trust offers nurses L5,000 relocation package to 'leave London behind'.
AB  - A trust is offering a relocation package of up to L5,000 to tempt nurses away
      from London.

PMID- 28075284
TI  - After 43 years, I'm still enthusiastic about nursing.
AB  - I have been nursing for 43 years in an acute area. I was not a nurse at 18 so had
      other jobs before starting as a nursing auxiliary. I am now registered and still
      enthusiastic about my job.

PMID- 28075285
TI  - Narcolepsy drug could help food addicts lose weight.
AB  - A drug used to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy could help people addicted to
      food to lose weight, say UK researchers.

PMID- 28075286
TI  - Heavy alcohol use in adolescence alters brain development.
AB  - Young people who drink heavily throughout their teenage years risk altering the
      development of the brain, say Finnish researchers.

PMID- 28075287
TI  - Nursing in the Trump era.
AB  - Do nurses in the US know what to expect from President Trump? The predominant
      mood at the moment is one of uncertainty, according to editor-in-chief of the
      American Journal of Nursing Shawn Kennedy. While presidential candidate Trump had
      a lot to say about health care, it is far from clear what President Trump will
      do. One reason for this is that he has been inconsistent in his views. He was pro
      choice in 1999, for example, and antiabortion afterwards. Another reason is that
      the reality of politics may limit his power.

PMID- 28075288
TI  - Trust makes Twitter plea for off-duty staff to help in A&E.
AB  - Emergency department pressures caused by an influx of patients to a hospital
      trust prompted a plea on social media and radio for off-duty nurses to work an
      extra shift.

PMID- 28075289
TI  - 'My daughter's rheumatology nurse took away all of her fear'.
AB  - My daughter Isabella was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of one. She
      was unable to walk and in pain constantly.

PMID- 28075291
TI  - Board game helps hone new nurses' management skills on the ward.
AB  - New nurses and students are learning about management skills thanks to a board
      game featuring a miniature ward.

PMID- 28075293
TI  - Take the lead and get involved in research.
AB  - Trends in health and social care are changing how care is delivered. This is
      creating new roles for nurses, who are needed to supervise and coordinate work in
      many settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community.

PMID- 28075294
TI  - Nursing is stronger when we work together.
AB  - There are some striking similarities between Brexit and the election of Donald
      Trump as president of the United States: anger with an out-of-touch
      establishment, a desire to take back control and many people feeling left behind
      by globalisation.

PMID- 28075295
TI  - The high cost of cataracts.
AB  - A report from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has revealed
      that in some parts of the UK, patients with sight loss wait up to 15 months for
      cataract surgery, increasing their risk of falls, social isolation and
      depression.

PMID- 28075296
TI  - A dangerous game.
AB  - The government's ending of the cap on nurse training places in 2017 in England
      was a calculated gamble. The hope was to contain public funding for nurse
      education while encouraging growth in nursing student numbers by using other
      funding models. In short, more nurses are being trained, but someone else is
      picking up the tab.

PMID- 28075297
TI  - Physical health of people in prison.
AB  - Essential facts Since 2013, NHS England has commissioned health services for
      prisoners in England. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
      (NICE) says health care in prison plays an important role in identifying health
      needs, including chronic conditions.

PMID- 28075299
TI  - Prevention is better than compensation.
AB  - It has become rather fashionable to blame 'health and safety' for many of the
      nation's ills. Most of us have heard colleagues complain - or joke - that routine
      tasks can no longer be completed without first undertaking a cumbersome risk
      assessment.

PMID- 28075300
TI  - Leading clinic reports 40% drop in HIV diagnoses.
AB  - A nurse-led sexual health clinic has reported a 'significant' 40% fall in HIV
      diagnoses.

PMID- 28075301
TI  - Revalidation.
AB  - What was the nature of the CPD activity, practice-related feedback and/or event
      and/or experience in your practice? The article discussed the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council (NMC) revalidation process, which replaced the post
      registration education and practice requirements in April 2016. It stated that
      nurses and midwives must undertake revalidation every three years to renew their
      NMC registration.

PMID- 28075302
TI  - Using mentorship activities to assist nurses and midwives with their revalidation
      requirements.
AB  - Before the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) introduced revalidation in 2016,
      the proposed model for revalidation was piloted in 19 healthcare organisations in
      the UK. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) was among the pilot sites,
      and invited more than 1,000 registered nurses and midwives to take part. One of
      these participants, a member of the ABUHB practice facilitator team, used this
      experience to identify links between mentorship activities and the NMC
      requirements for revalidation. This article discusses how becoming a mentor and
      maintaining mentor status can provide registered nurses and midwives with
      evidence to assist them in their revalidation.

PMID- 28075304
TI  - We must help BME staff to whistleblow.
AB  - There are two main reasons why people do not raise concerns about wrongdoing -
      the belief that nothing will be done about what they report and the fear of
      retaliation. Indeed, there is more evidence of reprisals being suffered than of
      'successful' whistleblowing.

PMID- 28075306
TI  - Coping with a patient's death.
AB  - During my clinical placement in a hospice in my first year of training, a patient
      with bowel cancer was admitted.

PMID- 28075308
TI  - Pulmonary Nodule Risk.
AB  - This app aims to help nurses, doctors and technicians assess the risk of lung
      cancer in people with lung nodules.

PMID- 28075307
TI  - Chronic heart failure part 2: treatment and management.
AB  - Chronic heart failure is a common and complex clinical syndrome that results from
      impaired cardiac relaxation or contraction. There have been considerable advances
      in the management of chronic heart failure; however, the mortality rate remains
      high. Patients with chronic heart failure may experience multiple debilitating
      symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and peripheral oedema. However, breathlessness
      may be considered the most debilitating symptom. The management of chronic heart
      failure aims to improve the patient's quality of life by reducing symptoms and
      supporting the patient to manage their condition. Treatment of patients with
      chronic heart failure may involve a combination of pharmacological therapy,
      device implantation and cardiac rehabilitation. This is the second of two
      articles on chronic heart failure. Part 1 discussed the pathophysiology of
      chronic heart failure, its causes, assessment, signs and symptoms. Part 2
      outlines the treatment and management of patients with the condition, including
      pharmacological strategies, device implantation, lifestyle modification, cardiac
      rehabilitation and palliative care.

PMID- 28075309
TI  - BME staff less likely to raise concerns in the workplace.
AB  - Asian and black healthcare staff are significantly less likely to whistleblow
      than their white British colleagues, research shows.

PMID- 28075312
TI  - Pay petition nearing 100,000 signatures.
AB  - The RCN has renewed its appeal for nurses to sign a petition urging the
      government to scrap the 1% cap on annual pay rises for NHS staff.

PMID- 28075313
TI  - Stories of Dignity within Healthcare: Research, Narratives and Theories Tranvag
      Oscar Synnes Oddgeir and McSherry Wilf Stories of Dignity within Healthcare:
      Research, Narratives and Theories 212pp L35 M & K Publishers 9781905539970
      1905539975 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Dignity is fundamental to us all. It is reflected in what we do every day and
      includes respect, attitudes and behaviour. It applies to the worth we see in
      ourselves and how we see and treat others. As healthcare professionals, we have
      our own dignity and also need to ensure we preserve the dignity of others.

PMID- 28075314
TI  - Sickness absence halved in trial of six-hour day.
AB  - Assistant nurses taking part in a trial of six-hour working days in Sweden
      reported higher rates of good health, calmness and alertness.

PMID- 28075315
TI  - Age and experience.
AB  - I enjoyed the online article, How to stay enthusiastic after years of nursing
      (December 27).

PMID- 28075316
TI  - A portrait of compassion.
AB  - The film Ethel & Ernest - an animation based on the Raymond Briggs book about the
      lives of his parents, from marriage to death - should be compulsory viewing for
      all involved in health care.

PMID- 28075318
TI  - Deserving Desire: Women's Stories of Sexual Evolution.

PMID- 28075317
TI  - 'Respect everyone around you'.
AB  - Estephanie Dunn qualified as a nurse at London's King's College Hospital. She has
      held clinical, managerial and academic roles, including health visitor, lecturer
      in nurse education at the University of Northumbria, and director of nursing for
      South Tyneside Primary Care Trust. She was appointed operational manager for the
      RCN Northern region in 2009 and has been in her current role as RCN North West
      regional director since 2014.

PMID- 28075319
TI  - Couple Relationships in the Middle and Later Years: Their Nature, Complexity, and
      Role in Health and Illness.

PMID- 28075320
TI  - Evidence-Based Approaches to Sexuality Education: A Global Perspective.

PMID- 28075322
TI  - Pathology in Context.

PMID- 28075321
TI  - Effects of exercise and lifestyle intervention on oxidative stress in chronic
      kidney disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Determine the effects of a 12-month exercise and lifestyle
      intervention program on changes in plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress in pre
      dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. METHODS: A total of 136 stage 3-4
      CKD patients were randomized to receive standard nephrological care with (N = 72)
      or without (N = 64) a lifestyle and exercise intervention for 12 months. Plasma
      total F2-isoprostanes (IsoP), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, total
      antioxidant capacity (TAC), anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at
      baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between
      groups at baseline. There were no significant differences in changes for standard
      care and lifestyle intervention, respectively, in IsoP (p = 0.88), GPX (p =
      0.87), or TAC (p = 0.56). Patients identified as having high IsoP at baseline
      (>250 pg/mL) had a greater decrease in IsoP with lifestyle intervention compared
      to standard care; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p =
      0.06). There was no difference in the change in kidney function (eGFR) between
      standard care and lifestyle intervention (p = 0.33). DISCUSSION: Exercise and
      lifestyle modification in stage 3-4 CKD did not produce changes in systemic
      biomarkers of oxidative stress over a 12-month period, but patients with high
      IsoP may benefit most from the addition of intervention to standard care.

PMID- 28075325
TI  - Detection of Zika Virus in Desiccated Mosquitoes by Real-Time Reverse
      Transcription PCR and Plaque Assay.
AB  - We assayed Zika virus-infected mosquitoes stored at room temperature for <30 days
      for live virus by using plaque assay and virus RNA by using real-time reverse
      transcription PCR. Viable virus was detected in samples stored <10 days, and
      virus RNA was detected in samples held for 30 days.

PMID- 28075327
TI  - Orbital driven impurity spin effect on the magnetic order of quasi-3D cupric
      oxide.
AB  - Density functional calculations are performed to study the magnetic order of the
      severely distorted square planar cupric oxide (CuO) and local spin disorder in it
      in the presence of the transition metal impurities M (=Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni).
      The distortion in the crystal structure, arisen to reduce the band energy by
      minimizing the covalent interaction, creates two crisscrossing zigzag spin-1/2
      chains. From the spin dimer analysis we find that while the spin chain along
      [Formula: see text] has strong Heisenberg type antiferromagnetic coupling (J ~
      127 meV), along [Formula: see text] it exhibits weak, but robust, ferromagnetic
      coupling (J ~ 9 meV) mediated by reminiscent p-d covalent interactions. The
      impurity effect on the magnetic ordering is independent of M and purely orbital
      driven. If the given spin-state of M is such that the [Formula: see text] orbital
      is spin-polarized, then the original long-range ordering is maintained. However,
      if [Formula: see text] orbital is unoccupied, the absence of corresponding
      covalent interaction breaks the weak ferromagnetic coupling and a spin-flip takes
      place at the impurity site leading to breakdown of the long range magnetic
      ordering.

PMID- 28075328
TI  - Magnetization at the interface of Cr2O3 and paramagnets with large stoner
      susceptibility.
AB  - From the Cr 2p3/2 x-ray magnetic circular dichroism signal, there is clear
      evidence of interface polarization with overlayers of both Pd and Pt on chromia
      (Cr2O3). The residual boundary polarization of chomia is stronger for a Pt
      overlayer than in the case of a Pd overlayer. The reduction of chromia boundary
      magnetization with a paramagnetic metal overlayer, compared to the free surface,
      is interpreted as a response to the induced spin polarization in Pt and Pd.
      Magnetization induced in a Pt overlayer, via proximity to the chromia boundary
      magnetization, is evident in the polar magneto-optical Kerr measurements. These
      results are essential to explainations why Pt and Pd are excellent spacer layers
      for voltage controlled exchange bias, in the [Pd/Co] n /Pd/Cr2O3 and [Pt/Co] n
      /Pt/Cr2O3 perpendicular magneto-electric exchange bias systems. The findings pave
      the way to realize ultra-fast reversal of induced magnetization in a free moment
      paramagnetic layer, with possible application in voltage-controlled magnetic
      random access memory.

PMID- 28075329
TI  - Fano-Andreev effect in a T-shape double quantum dot in the Kondo regime.
AB  - In the present work, we investigate the electronic transport through a T-shape
      double quantum dot system coupled to two normal leads and to one superconducting
      lead. We explore the interplay between Kondo and Andreev states due to proximity
      effects. We find that Kondo resonance is modified by the Andreev bound states,
      which manifest through Fano antiresonances in the local density of states of the
      embedded quantum dot and normal transmission. This means that there is a
      correlation between Andreev bound states and Fano resonances that is robust under
      the influence of high electronic correlation. We have also found that the
      dominant couplings at the quantum dots are characterized by a crossover region
      that defines the range where the Fano-Kondo and the Andreev-Kondo effect prevail
      in each quantum dot. Likewise, we find that the interaction between Kondo and
      Andreev bound states has a notable influence on the Andreev transport.

PMID- 28075326
TI  - Transformation of spatiotemporal dynamics in the macaque vestibular system from
      otolith afferents to cortex.
AB  - Sensory signals undergo substantial recoding when neural activity is relayed from
      sensors through pre-thalamic and thalamic nuclei to cortex. To explore how
      temporal dynamics and directional tuning are sculpted in hierarchical vestibular
      circuits, we compared responses of macaque otolith afferents with neurons in the
      vestibular and cerebellar nuclei, as well as five cortical areas, to identical
      three-dimensional translational motion. We demonstrate a remarkable spatio
      temporal transformation: otolith afferents carry spatially aligned cosine-tuned
      translational acceleration and jerk signals. In contrast, brainstem and
      cerebellar neurons exhibit non-linear, mixed selectivity for translational
      velocity, acceleration, jerk and position. Furthermore, these components often
      show dissimilar spatial tuning. Moderate further transformation of translation
      signals occurs in the cortex, such that similar spatio-temporal properties are
      found in multiple cortical areas. These results suggest that the first synapse
      represents a key processing element in vestibular pathways, robustly shaping how
      self-motion is represented in central vestibular circuits and cortical areas.

PMID- 28075330
TI  - Building an open-source simulation platform of acoustic radiation force-based
      breast elastography.
AB  - Ultrasound-based elastography including strain elastography, acoustic radiation
      force impulse (ARFI) imaging, point shear wave elastography and supersonic shear
      imaging (SSI) have been used to differentiate breast tumors among other clinical
      applications. The objective of this study is to extend a previously published
      virtual simulation platform built for ultrasound quasi-static breast elastography
      toward acoustic radiation force-based breast elastography. Consequently, the
      extended virtual breast elastography simulation platform can be used to validate
      image pixels with known underlying soft tissue properties (i.e. 'ground truth')
      in complex, heterogeneous media, enhancing confidence in elastographic image
      interpretations. The proposed virtual breast elastography system inherited four
      key components from the previously published virtual simulation platform: an
      ultrasound simulator (Field II), a mesh generator (Tetgen), a finite element
      solver (FEBio) and a visualization and data processing package (VTK). Using a
      simple message passing mechanism, functionalities have now been extended to
      acoustic radiation force-based elastography simulations. Examples involving three
      different numerical breast models with increasing complexity-one uniform model,
      one simple inclusion model and one virtual complex breast model derived from
      magnetic resonance imaging data, were used to demonstrate capabilities of this
      extended virtual platform. Overall, simulation results were compared with the
      published results. In the uniform model, the estimated shear wave speed (SWS)
      values were within 4% compared to the predetermined SWS values. In the simple
      inclusion and the complex breast models, SWS values of all hard inclusions in
      soft backgrounds were slightly underestimated, similar to what has been reported.
      The elastic contrast values and visual observation show that ARFI images have
      higher spatial resolution, while SSI images can provide higher inclusion-to
      background contrast. In summary, our initial results were consistent with our
      expectations and what have been reported in the literature. The proposed (open
      source) simulation platform can serve as a single gateway to perform many
      elastographic simulations in a transparent manner, thereby promoting
      collaborative developments.

PMID- 28075331
TI  - Predictive modeling of respiratory tumor motion for real-time prediction of
      baseline shifts.
AB  - Baseline shifts in respiratory patterns can result in significant spatiotemporal
      changes in patient anatomy (compared to that captured during simulation), in
      turn, causing geometric and dosimetric errors in the administration of thoracic
      and abdominal radiotherapy. We propose predictive modeling of the tumor motion
      trajectories for predicting a baseline shift ahead of its occurrence. The key
      idea is to use the features of the tumor motion trajectory over a 1 min window,
      and predict the occurrence of a baseline shift in the 5 s that immediately follow
      (lookahead window). In this study, we explored a preliminary trend-based analysis
      with multi-class annotations as well as a more focused binary classification
      analysis. In both analyses, a number of different inter-fraction and intra
      fraction training strategies were studied, both offline as well as online, along
      with data sufficiency and skew compensation for class imbalances. The performance
      of different training strategies were compared across multiple machine learning
      classification algorithms, including nearest neighbor, Naive Bayes, linear
      discriminant and ensemble Adaboost. The prediction performance is evaluated using
      metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall and the area under the curve (AUC)
      for repeater operating characteristics curve. The key results of the trend-based
      analysis indicate that (i) intra-fraction training strategies achieve highest
      prediction accuracies (90.5-91.4%); (ii) the predictive modeling yields lowest
      accuracies (50-60%) when the training data does not include any information from
      the test patient; (iii) the prediction latencies are as low as a few hundred
      milliseconds, and thus conducive for real-time prediction. The binary
      classification performance is promising, indicated by high AUCs (0.96-0.98). It
      also confirms the utility of prior data from previous patients, and also the
      necessity of training the classifier on some initial data from the new patient
      for reasonable prediction performance. The ability to predict a baseline shift
      with a sufficient look-ahead window will enable clinical systems or even human
      users to hold the treatment beam in such situations, thereby reducing the
      probability of serious geometric and dosimetric errors.

PMID- 28075332
TI  - Ab initio calculations of the elastic and thermodynamic properties of gold under
      pressure.
AB  - The paper presents first-principles FP-LMTO calculations on the relative
      stability of fcc, bcc, hcp and dhcp gold under pressure. They were done in local
      density approximation (LDA), as well as in generalized gradient approximation
      (GGA) with and without spin-orbit interaction. Phonon spectra for the considered
      gold structures were obtained from LDA calculations within linear response theory
      and the contribution of lattice vibrations to the free energy of the system was
      determined in quasiharmonic approximation. Our thorough adjustment of FP-LMTO
      internal parameters (linearization and tail energies, the MT-sphere radius)
      helped us to obtain results that agree well with the available experimental phase
      relation Dubrovinsky et al (2007 Phys. Rev. Lett. 98 045503) between fcc and hcp
      structures of gold under pressure. The calculations suggest that gold compressed
      at room temperature successively undergoes the following structural changes:
      [Formula: see text]. The paper also presents the calculated elastic constants of
      fcc, bcc and hcp Au, the principal Hugoniot and the melting curve. Calculated
      results were used to construct the PT-diagram which describes the relative
      stability of the gold structures under study up to 500 GPa.

PMID- 28075333
TI  - Magnetic resonance study of bulk and thin film EuTiO3.
AB  - Magnetic resonance spectra of EuTiO3 in both bulk and thin film form were taken
      at temperatures from 3-350 K and microwave frequencies from 9.2-9.8 and 34 GHz.
      In the paramagnetic phase, magnetic resonance spectra are determined by magnetic
      dipole and exchange interactions between Eu2+ spins. In the film, a large
      contribution arises from the demagnetization field. From detailed analysis of the
      linewidth and its temperature dependence, the parameters of spin-spin
      interactions were determined: the exchange frequency is 10.5 GHz and the
      estimated critical exponent of the spin correlation length is  ~0.4. In the bulk
      samples, the spectra exhibited a distinct minimum in the linewidth at the Neel
      temperature, T N  ~  5.5 K, while the resonance field practically does not change
      even on cooling below T N. This is indicative of a small magnetic anisotropy ~320
      G in the antiferromagnetic phase. In the film, the magnetic resonance spectrum is
      split below T N into several components due to excitation of the magnetostatic
      modes, corresponding to a non-uniform precession of magnetization. Moreover, the
      film was observed to degrade over two years. This was manifested by an increase
      of defects and a change in the domain structure. The saturated magnetization in
      the film, estimated from the magnetic resonance spectrum, was about 900 emu cm-3
      or 5.5 u B/unit cell at T  =  3.5 K.

PMID- 28075334
TI  - Spin and valley-dependent electron transport through arrays of ferromagnet on
      monolayer MoS2.
AB  - We theoretically study ballistic transport of Dirac fermions in MoS2 junction
      through arrays of barriers, of width [Formula: see text], in the presence of a
      tunable potential of height [Formula: see text] and an exchange field [Formula:
      see text]. The charge conductance as functions of [Formula: see text] and
      [Formula: see text], exhibits more conspicuous and sharpened oscillation as the
      number of barriers increase, due to the contribution of evanescent modes near the
      edges of the extremum conductance which are exponentially suppressed or enhanced.
      Furthermore, we found the valley-resolved conductance exhibits a similar
      oscillating behavior as the charge conductance for multiple barriers, but with
      inverse oscillatory phases for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text],
      accordingly, a high-efficiency fully valley polarized device is proposed in our
      system. Also, a perfect 100% spin polarized conductance is observed for 4
      barriers and the polarized direction can be switched by changing the direction of
      exchange field. These findings not only benefit understanding of basic physics in
      monolayers MoS2, but also provide us a new way to generate a pure and high
      efficiency spintronics and valleytronics.

PMID- 28075335
TI  - Towards standardization of x-ray beam filters in digital mammography and digital
      breast tomosynthesis: Monte Carlo simulations and analytical modelling.
AB  - In digital breast tomosynthesis and digital mammography, the x-ray beam filter
      material and thickness vary between systems. Replacing K-edge filters with Al was
      investigated with the intent to reduce exposure duration and to simplify system
      design. Tungsten target x-ray spectra were simulated with K-edge filters (50 um
      Rh; 50 um Ag) and Al filters of varying thickness. Monte Carlo simulations were
      conducted to quantify the x-ray scatter from various filters alone, scatter-to
      primary ratio (SPR) with compressed breasts, and to determine the radiation dose
      to the breast. These data were used to analytically compute the signal-difference
      to-noise ratio (SDNR) at unit (1 mGy) mean glandular dose (MGD) for W/Rh and W/Ag
      spectra. At SDNR matched between K-edge and Al filtered spectra, the reductions
      in exposure duration and MGD were quantified for three strategies: (i) fixed Al
      thickness and matched tube potential in kilovolts (kV); (ii) fixed Al thickness
      and varying the kV to match the half-value layer (HVL) between Al and K-edge
      filtered spectra; and, (iii) matched kV and varying the Al thickness to match the
      HVL between Al and K-edge filtered spectra. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that
      the SPR with and without the breast were not different between Al and K-edge
      filters. Modelling for fixed Al thickness (700 um) and kV matched to K-edge
      filtered spectra, identical SDNR was achieved with 37-57% reduction in exposure
      duration and with 2-20% reduction in MGD, depending on breast thickness.
      Modelling for fixed Al thickness (700 um) and HVL matched by increasing the kV
      over (0,4) range, identical SDNR was achieved with 62-65% decrease in exposure
      duration and with 2-24% reduction in MGD, depending on breast thickness. For kV
      and HVL matched to K-edge filtered spectra by varying Al filter thickness over
      (700, 880) um range, identical SDNR was achieved with 23-56% reduction in
      exposure duration and 2-20% reduction in MGD, depending on breast thickness.
      These simulations indicate that increased fluence with Al filter of fixed or
      variable thickness substantially decreases exposure duration while providing for
      similar image quality with moderate reduction in MGD.

PMID- 28075336
TI  - Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Wasting and Underweight among
      Children Under-Five Years in Nigeria.
AB  - Wasting and underweight reflect poor nutrition, which in children leads to
      retarded growth. The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated
      with wasting and underweight among children aged 0-59 months in Nigeria. A sample
      of 24,529 children aged 0-59 months from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health
      Survey (NDHS) was used. Multilevel logistic regression analysis that adjusted for
      cluster and survey weights was used to identify significant factors associated
      with wasting/severe wasting and underweight/severe underweight. The prevalence of
      wasting was 18% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 17.1, 19.7) and severe wasting 9%
      (95% CI: 7.9, 9.8). The prevalence of underweight was 29% (95% CI: 27.1, 30.5)
      and severe underweight 12% (95% CI: 10.6, 12.9). Multivariable analysis revealed
      that the most consistent factors associated with wasting/severe wasting and
      underweight/severe underweight are: geopolitical zone (North East, North West and
      North Central), perceived birth size (small and average), sex of child (male),
      place/mode of delivery (home delivery and non-caesarean) and a contraction of
      fever in the two weeks prior to the survey. In order to meet the WHO's global
      nutrition target for 2025, interventions aimed at improving maternal health and
      access to health care services for children especially in the northern
      geopolitical zones of Nigeria are urgently needed.

PMID- 28075337
TI  - Implementation of Point-of-Care Diagnostics in Rural Primary Healthcare Clinics
      in South Africa: Perspectives of Key Stakeholders.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Key stakeholders' involvement is crucial to the sustainability of
      quality point-of-care (POC) diagnostics services in low-and-middle income
      countries. The aim of this study was to explore key stakeholder perceptions on
      the implementation of POC diagnostics in rural primary healthcare (PHC) clinics
      in South Africa. METHOD: We conducted a qualitative study encompassing in-depth
      interviews with multiple key stakeholders of POC diagnostic services for rural
      and resource-limited PHC clinics. Interviews were digitally recorded and
      transcribed verbatim prior to thematic content analysis. Thematic content
      analysis was conducted using themes guided by the World Health Organisation (WHO)
      quality-ASSURED (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User friendly, Rapid and to
      enable treatment at first visit and Robust, Equipment free and Delivered to those
      who need it) criteria for POC diagnostic services in resource-limited settings.
      RESULTS: 11 key stakeholders participated in the study. All stakeholders
      perceived the main advantage of POC diagnostics as enabling access to healthcare
      for rural patients. Stakeholders perceived the current POC diagnostic services to
      have an ability to meet patients' needs, but recommended further improvement of
      the following areas: research on cost-effectiveness; improved quality management
      systems; development of affordable POC diagnostic and clinic-based monitoring and
      evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Key stakeholders of POC diagnostics in rural PHC clinics
      in South Africa highlighted the need to assess affordability and ensure quality
      assurance of current services before adopting new POC diagnostics and scaling up
      current POC diagnostics.

PMID- 28075338
TI  - Maternal Exposure to Pyrethroid Insecticides during Pregnancy and Infant
      Development at 18 Months of Age.
AB  - The possible association between maternal exposure to pyrethroid insecticides
      (PYRs) during pregnancy and infant development was explored. Levels of exposure
      to PYRs was assessed by metabolite (3-phenoybenzoic acid, 3-PBA) concentration in
      maternal spot urine sampled in the first trimester of index pregnancy, and infant
      development was assessed at 18 months of age using the Kinder Infants Development
      Scale (KIDS), which is based on a questionnaire to the caretaker. The
      relationship between KIDS score and maternal urinary 3-PBA levels was examined by
      a stepwise multiple regression analysis using biological attributes of the mother
      and infant, breast feeding, and nursing environment as covariates. The analysis
      extracted 3-PBA and the nursing environment as significant to explain the KIDS
      score at 18 months of age with positive partial regression coefficients.
      Inclusion of fish consumption frequency of the mother during pregnancy as an
      independent variable resulted in the selection of fish consumption as
      significant, while the two variables were marginally insignificant but still with
      a positive coefficient with the KIDS score. The result suggested a positive
      effect of maternal PYR exposure on infant development, the reason for which is
      not clear, but an unknown confounding factor is suspected.

PMID- 28075339
TI  - NO Exchange for a Water Molecule Favorably Changes Iontophoretic Release of
      Ruthenium Complexes to the Skin.
AB  - Ruthenium (Ru) complexes have been studied as promising anticancer agents. Ru
      nitrosyl complex (Ru-NO) is one which acts as a pro-drug for the release of
      nitric oxide (NO). The Ru-aqueous complex formed by the exchange of NO for a
      water molecule after NO release could also possess therapeutic effects. This
      study evaluates the influence of iontophoresis on enhancing the skin penetration
      of Ru-NO and Ru-aqueous and assesses its applicability as a tool in treating
      diverse skin diseases. Passive and iontophoretic (0.5 mA.cm-2) skin permeation of
      the complexes were performed for 4 h. The amount of Ru and NO in the stratum
      corneum (SC), viable epidermis (VE), and receptor solution was quantified while
      the influence of iontophoresis and irradiation on NO release from Ru-NO complex
      was also evaluated. Iontophoresis increased the amount of Ru-NO and Ru-aqueous
      recovered from the receptor solution by 15 and 400 times, respectively, as
      compared to passive permeation. Iontophoresis produced a higher accumulation of
      Ru-aqueous in the skin layers as compared to Ru-NO. At least 50% of Ru-NO
      penetrated the SC was stable after 4 h. The presence of Ru-NO in this skin layer
      suggests that further controlled release of NO can be achieved by photo
      stimulation after iontophoresis.

PMID- 28075341
TI  - A Non-Invasive Multichannel Hybrid Fiber-Optic Sensor System for Vital Sign
      Monitoring.
AB  - In this article, we briefly describe the design, construction, and functional
      verification of a hybrid multichannel fiber-optic sensor system for basic vital
      sign monitoring. This sensor uses a novel non-invasive measurement probe based on
      the fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The probe is composed of two FBGs encapsulated
      inside a polydimethylsiloxane polymer (PDMS). The PDMS is non-reactive to human
      skin and resistant to electromagnetic waves, UV absorption, and radiation. We
      emphasize the construction of the probe to be specifically used for basic vital
      sign monitoring such as body temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate. The
      proposed sensor system can continuously process incoming signals from up to 128
      individuals. We first present the overall design of this novel multichannel
      sensor and then elaborate on how it has the potential to simplify vital sign
      monitoring and consequently improve the comfort level of patients in long-term
      health care facilities, hospitals and clinics. The reference ECG signal was
      acquired with the use of standard gel electrodes fixed to the monitored person's
      chest using a real-time monitoring system for ECG signals with virtual
      instrumentation. The outcomes of these experiments have unambiguously proved the
      functionality of the sensor system and will be used to inform our future research
      in this fast developing and emerging field.

PMID- 28075342
TI  - Trunk Motion System (TMS) Using Printed Body Worn Sensor (BWS) via Data Fusion
      Approach.
AB  - Human movement analysis is an important part of biomechanics and rehabilitation,
      for which many measurement systems are introduced. Among these, wearable devices
      have substantial biomedical applications, primarily since they can be implemented
      both in indoor and outdoor applications. In this study, a Trunk Motion System
      (TMS) using printed Body-Worn Sensors (BWS) is designed and developed. TMS can
      measure three-dimensional (3D) trunk motions, is lightweight, and is a portable
      and non-invasive system. After the recognition of sensor locations, twelve BWSs
      were printed on stretchable clothing with the purpose of measuring the 3D trunk
      movements. To integrate BWSs data, a neural network data fusion algorithm was
      used. The outcome of this algorithm along with the actual 3D anatomical movements
      (obtained by Qualisys system) were used to calibrate the TMS. Three healthy
      participants with different physical characteristics participated in the
      calibration tests. Seven different tasks (each repeated three times) were
      performed, involving five planar, and two multiplanar movements. Results showed
      that the accuracy of TMS system was less than 1.0 degrees , 0.8 degrees , 0.6
      degrees , 0.8 degrees , 0.9 degrees , and 1.3 degrees  for flexion/extension,
      left/right lateral bending, left/right axial rotation, and multi-planar motions,
      respectively. In addition, the accuracy of TMS for the identified movement was
      less than 2.7 degrees . TMS, developed to monitor and measure the trunk
      orientations, can have diverse applications in clinical, biomechanical, and
      ergonomic studies to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, and to determine the
      impact of interventions.

PMID- 28075343
TI  - A Fast Synthetic Aperture Radar Raw Data Simulation Using Cloud Computing.
AB  - Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) raw data simulation is a fundamental problem in
      radar system design and imaging algorithm research. The growth of surveying swath
      and resolution results in a significant increase in data volume and simulation
      period, which can be considered to be a comprehensive data intensive and
      computing intensive issue. Although several high performance computing (HPC)
      methods have demonstrated their potential for accelerating simulation, the
      input/output (I/O) bottleneck of huge raw data has not been eased. In this paper,
      we propose a cloud computing based SAR raw data simulation algorithm, which
      employs the MapReduce model to accelerate the raw data computing and the Hadoop
      distributed file system (HDFS) for fast I/O access. The MapReduce model is
      designed for the irregular parallel accumulation of raw data simulation, which
      greatly reduces the parallel efficiency of graphics processing unit (GPU) based
      simulation methods. In addition, three kinds of optimization strategies are put
      forward from the aspects of programming model, HDFS configuration and scheduling.
      The experimental results show that the cloud computing based algorithm achieves
      4_ speedup over the baseline serial approach in an 8-node cloud environment, and
      each optimization strategy can improve about 20%. This work proves that the
      proposed cloud algorithm is capable of solving the computing intensive and data
      intensive issues in SAR raw data simulation, and is easily extended to large
      scale computing to achieve higher acceleration.

PMID- 28075344
TI  - Pull-In Effect of Suspended Microchannel Resonator Sensor Subjected to
      Electrostatic Actuation.
AB  - In this article, the pull-in instability and dynamic characteristics of
      electrostatically actuated suspended microchannel resonators are studied. A
      theoretical model is presented to describe the pull-in effect of suspended
      microchannel resonators by considering the electrostatic field and the internal
      fluid. The results indicate that the system is subjected to both the pull-in
      instability and the flutter. The former is induced by the applied voltage which
      exceeds the pull-in value while the latter occurs as the velocity of steady flow
      get closer to the critical velocity. The statically and dynamically stable
      regions are presented by thoroughly studying the two forms of instability. It is
      demonstrated that the steady flow can remarkably extend the dynamic stable range
      of pull-in while the applied voltage slightly decreases the critical velocity. It
      is also shown that the dc voltage and the steady flow can adjust the resonant
      frequency while the ac voltage can modulate the vibrational amplitude of the
      resonator.

PMID- 28075345
TI  - Software Defined Doppler Radar as a Contactless Multipurpose Microwave Sensor for
      Vibrations Monitoring.
AB  - A vibration sensor based on the use of a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) platform is
      adopted in this work to provide a contactless and multipurpose solution for low
      cost real-time vibrations monitoring. In order to test the vibration detection
      ability of the proposed non-contact method, a 1 GHz Doppler radar sensor is
      simulated and successfully assessed on targets at various distances, with various
      oscillation frequencies and amplitudes. Furthermore, an SDR Doppler platform is
      practically realized, and preliminary experimental validations on a device able
      to produce a harmonic motion are illustrated to prove the effectiveness of the
      proposed approach.

PMID- 28075340
TI  - Bioactive Nutrients and Nutrigenomics in Age-Related Diseases.
AB  - The increased life expectancy and the expansion of the elderly population are
      stimulating research into aging. Aging may be viewed as a multifactorial process
      that results from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, which
      include lifestyle. Human molecular processes are influenced by physiological
      pathways as well as exogenous factors, which include the diet. Dietary components
      have substantive effects on metabolic health; for instance, bioactive molecules
      capable of selectively modulating specific metabolic pathways affect the
      development/progression of cardiovascular and neoplastic disease. As bioactive
      nutrients are increasingly identified, their clinical and molecular
      chemopreventive effects are being characterized and systematic analyses
      encompassing the "omics" technologies (transcriptomics, proteomics and
      metabolomics) are being conducted to explore their action. The evolving field of
      molecular pathological epidemiology has unique strength to investigate the
      effects of dietary and lifestyle exposure on clinical outcomes. The mounting body
      of knowledge regarding diet-related health status and disease risk is expected to
      lead in the near future to the development of improved diagnostic procedures and
      therapeutic strategies targeting processes relevant to nutrition. The state of
      the art of aging and nutrigenomics research and the molecular mechanisms
      underlying the beneficial effects of bioactive nutrients on the main aging
      related disorders are reviewed herein.

PMID- 28075346
TI  - Automated Surveillance of Fruit Flies.
AB  - Insects of the Diptera order of the Tephritidae family cause costly, annual crop
      losses worldwide. Monitoring traps are important components of integrated pest
      management programs used against fruit flies. Here we report the modification of
      typical, low-cost plastic traps for fruit flies by adding the necessary
      optoelectronic sensors to monitor the entrance of the trap in order to detect,
      time-stamp, GPS tag, and identify the species of incoming insects from the
      optoacoustic spectrum analysis of their wingbeat. We propose that the
      incorporation of automated streaming of insect counts, environmental parameters
      and GPS coordinates into informative visualization of collective behavior will
      finally enable better decision making across spatial and temporal scales, as well
      as administrative levels. The device presented is at product level of maturity as
      it has solved many pending issues presented in a previously reported study.

PMID- 28075347
TI  - SDTCP: Towards Datacenter TCP Congestion Control with SDN for IoT Applications.
AB  - The Internet of Things (IoT) has gained popularity in recent years. Today's IoT
      applications are now increasingly deployed in cloud platforms to perform Big Data
      analytics. In cloud data center networks (DCN), TCP incast usually happens when
      multiple senders simultaneously communicate with a single receiver. However, when
      TCP incast happens, DCN may suffer from both throughput collapse for TCP burst
      flows and temporary starvation for TCP background flows. In this paper, we
      propose a software defined network (SDN)-based TCP congestion control mechanism,
      referred to as SDTCP, to leverage the features, e.g., centralized control methods
      and the global view of the network, in order to solve the TCP incast problems.
      When we detect network congestion on an OpenFlow switch, our controller can
      select the background flows and reduce their bandwidth by adjusting the
      advertised window of TCP ACK packets of the corresponding background flows so as
      to reserve more bandwidth for burst flows. SDTCP is transparent to the end
      systems and can accurately decelerate the rate of background flows by leveraging
      the global view of the network gained via SDN. The experiments demonstrate that
      our SDTCP can provide high tolerance for burst flows and achieve better flow
      completion time for short flows. Therefore, SDTCP is an effective and scalable
      solution for the TCP incast problem.

PMID- 28075348
TI  - A Novel Monopulse Technique for Adaptive Phased Array Radar.
AB  - The monopulse angle measuring technique is widely adopted in radar systems due to
      its simplicity and speed in accurately acquiring a target's angle. However, in a
      spatial adaptive array, beam distortion, due to adaptive beamforming, can result
      in serious deterioration of monopulse performance. In this paper, a novel
      constrained monopulse angle measuring algorithm is proposed for spatial adaptive
      arrays. This algorithm maintains the ability to suppress the unwanted signals
      without suffering from beam distortion. Compared with conventional adaptive
      monopulse methods, the proposed algorithm adopts a new form of constraint in
      forming the difference beam with the merit that it is more robust in most
      practical situations. At the same time, it also exhibits the simplicity of one
      dimension monopulse, helping to make this algorithm even more appealing to use in
      adaptive planar arrays. The theoretical mean and variance of the proposed
      monopulse estimator is derived for theoretical analysis. Mathematical simulations
      are formulated to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed
      algorithm. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the
      proposed algorithm can outperform the conventional adaptive monopulse methods in
      the presence of severe interference near the mainlobe.

PMID- 28075349
TI  - Transthyretin: A Transporter Protein Essential for Proliferation of Myoblast in
      the Myogenic Program.
AB  - Irregularities in the cellular uptake of thyroid hormones significantly affect
      muscle development and regeneration. Herein, we report indispensable role of
      transthyretin (TTR) in maintaining cellular thyroxine level. TTR was found to
      enhance recruitment of muscle satellite cells to the site of injury, thereby
      regulating muscle regeneration. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and
      immunofluorescence analysis of TTRwt (TTR wild type) and TTRkd (TTR knock-down)
      cells revealed that TTR controlled cell cycle progression by affecting the
      expression of Cyclin A2. Deiodinase 2 (D2) mediated increases in triiodothyronine
      levels were found to regulate the expression of myogenic marker, myogenin (MYOG).
      Moreover, use of a coumarin derivative (CD) revealed a significant reduction in
      cellular thyroxine, thereby indicating that TTR play a role in the transport of
      thyroxine. Taken together, these findings suggest that TTR mediated transport of
      thyroxine represents a survival mechanism necessary for the myogenic program. The
      results of this study will be highly useful to the strategic development of novel
      therapeutics to combat muscular dystrophies.

PMID- 28075350
TI  - Hydroxypyridinone Chelators: From Iron Scavenging to Radiopharmaceuticals for PET
      Imaging with Gallium-68.
AB  - Derivatives of 3,4-hydroxypyridinones have been extensively studied for in vivo
      Fe3+ sequestration. Deferiprone, a 1,2-dimethyl-3,4-hydroxypyridinone, is now
      routinely used for clinical treatment of iron overload disease. Hexadentate
      tris(3,4-hydroxypyridinone) ligands (THP) complex Fe3+ at very low iron
      concentrations, and their high affinities for oxophilic trivalent metal ions have
      led to their development for new applications as bifunctional chelators for the
      positron emitting radiometal, 68Ga3+, which is clinically used for molecular
      imaging in positron emission tomography (PET). THP-peptide bioconjugates rapidly
      and quantitatively complex 68Ga3+ at ambient temperature, neutral pH and
      micromolar concentrations of ligand, making them amenable to kit-based
      radiosynthesis of 68Ga PET radiopharmaceuticals. 68Ga-labelled THP-peptides
      accumulate at target tissue in vivo, and are excreted largely via a renal
      pathway, providing high quality PET images.

PMID- 28075352
TI  - A Case Study of Upper-Room UVGI in Densely-Occupied Elementary Classrooms by Real
      Time Fluorescent Bioaerosol Measurements.
AB  - Recently, the requirement to continuously collect bioaerosol samples using
      shorter response times has called for the use of real-time detection. The
      decreased cost of this technology makes it available for a wider application than
      military use, and makes it accessible to pharmaceutical and academic research. In
      this case study, real-time bioaerosol monitors (RBMs) were applied in elementary
      school classrooms-a densely occupied environment-along with upper-room
      ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) devices. The classrooms were separated
      into a UVGI group and a non-UVGI control group. Fluorescent bioaerosol counts
      (FBCs) were monitored on 20 visiting days over a four-month period. The classroom
      with upper-room UVGI showed significantly lower concentrations of fine size (<3
      MUm) and total FBCs than the control classroom during 13 of the 20 visiting days.
      The results of the study indicate that the upper-room UVGI could be effective in
      reducing FBCs in the school environment, and RBMs may be applicable in reflecting
      the transient conditions of the classrooms due to the dynamic activity levels of
      the students and teachers.

PMID- 28075351
TI  - Circulating Nucleosomes and Nucleosome Modifications as Biomarkers in Cancer.
AB  - Traditionally the stratification of many cancers involves combining tumour and
      clinicopathological features (e.g., patient age; tumour size, grade, receptor
      status and location) to inform treatment options and predict recurrence risk and
      survival. However, current biomarkers often require invasive excision of the
      tumour for profiling, do not allow monitoring of the response to treatment and
      stratify patients into broad heterogeneous groups leading to inconsistent
      treatment responses. Here we explore and describe the benefits of using
      circulating biomarkers (nucleosomes and/or modifications to nucleosomes) as a non
      invasive method for detecting cancer and monitoring response to treatment.
      Nucleosomes (DNA wound around eight core histone proteins) are responsible for
      compacting our genome and their composition and post-translational modifications
      are responsible for regulating gene expression. Here, we focus on breast and
      colorectal cancer as examples where utilizing circulating nucleosomes as
      biomarkers hold real potential as liquid biopsies. Utilizing circulating
      nucleosomes as biomarkers is an exciting new area of research that promises to
      allow both the early detection of cancer and monitoring of treatment response.
      Nucleosome-based biomarkers combine with current biomarkers, increasing both
      specificity and sensitivity of current tests and have the potential to provide
      individualised precision-medicine based treatments for patients.

PMID- 28075353
TI  - Biochemical and Structural Insights into a Novel Thermostable beta-1,3
      Galactosidase from Marinomonas sp. BSi20414.
AB  - A novel beta-1,3-galactosidase, designated as MaBGA (beta-galactosidase from
      Marinomonas sp. BSi20414), was successfully purified to homogeneity from
      Marinomonas sp. BSi20414 isolated from Arctic sea ice by ammonium sulfate
      precipitation and anion exchange chromatography, resulting in an 8.12-fold
      increase in specific activity and 9.9% recovery in total activity. MaBGA
      displayed its maximum activity at pH 6.0 and 60  degrees C, and maintained at
      least 90% of its initial activity over the pH range of 5.0-8.0 after incubating
      for 1 h. It also exhibited considerable thermal stability, which retained 76% of
      its initial activity after incubating at 50  degrees C for 6 h. In contrast to
      other beta-galactosidases, MaBGA displayed strict substrate specificity, not only
      for the glycosyl group, but also for the linkage type. To better understand the
      structure-function relationship, the encoding gene of MaBGA was obtained and
      subject to bioinformatics analysis. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis
      revealed that MaBGA belonged to the glycoside hydrolase family 42 and had closer
      genetic relationships with thermophilic beta-galactosidases of extremophiles.
      With the aid of homology modeling and molecular docking, we proposed a reasonable
      explanation for the linkage selectivity of MaBGA from a structural perspective.
      On account of the robust stability and 1,3-linkage selectivity, MaBGA would be a
      promising candidate in the biosynthesis of galacto-oligosaccharide with beta1-3
      linkage.

PMID- 28075354
TI  - The State of the Art of Lethal Oviposition Trap-Based Mass Interventions for
      Arboviral Control.
AB  - The intensifying expansion of arboviruses highlights the need for effective
      invasive Aedes control. While mass-trapping interventions have long been
      discredited as inefficient compared to insecticide applications, increasing
      levels of insecticide resistance, and the development of simple affordable traps
      that target and kill gravid female mosquitoes, show great promise. We summarize
      the methodologies and outcomes of recent lethal oviposition trap-based mass
      interventions for suppression of urban Aedes and their associated diseases. The
      evidence supports the recommendation of mass deployments of oviposition traps to
      suppress populations of invasive Aedes, although better measures of the effects
      on disease control are needed. Strategies associated with successful mass-trap
      deployments include: (1) high coverage (>80%) of the residential areas; (2) pre
      intervention and/or parallel source reduction campaigns; (3) direct involvement
      of community members for economic long-term sustainability; and (4) use of new
      generation larger traps (Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap, AGO; Gravid Aedes Trap, GAT)
      to outcompete remaining water-holding containers. While to the best of our
      knowledge all published studies so far have been on Ae. aegypti in resource-poor
      or tropical settings, we propose that mass deployment of lethal oviposition traps
      can be used for focused cost-effective control of temperate Ae. albopictus pre
      empting arboviral epidemics and increasing participation of residents in urban
      mosquito control.

PMID- 28075355
TI  - The CSIRO Healthy Diet Score: An Online Survey to Estimate Compliance with the
      Australian Dietary Guidelines.
AB  - There are few dietary assessment tools that are scientifically developed and
      freely available online. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
      Organisation (CSIRO) Healthy Diet Score survey asks questions about the quantity,
      quality, and variety of foods consumed. On completion, individuals receive a
      personalised Diet Score-reflecting their overall compliance with the Australian
      Dietary Guidelines. Over 145,000 Australians have completed the survey since it
      was launched in May 2015. The average Diet Score was 58.8 out of a possible 100
      (SD = 12.9). Women scored higher than men; older adults higher than younger
      adults; and normal weight adults higher than obese adults. It was most common to
      receive feedback about discretionary foods (73.8% of the sample), followed by
      dairy foods (55.5%) and healthy fats (47.0%). Results suggest that Australians'
      diets are not consistent with the recommendations in the guidelines. The
      combination of using technology and providing the tool free of charge has
      attracted a lot of traffic to the website, providing valuable insights into what
      Australians' report to be eating. The use of technology has also enhanced the
      user experience, with individuals receiving immediate and personalised feedback.
      This survey tool will be useful to monitor population diet quality and understand
      the degree to Australians' diets comply with dietary guidelines.

PMID- 28075357
TI  - Correlations between Endomyocardial Biopsies and Cardiac Manifestations in
      Taiwanese Patients with the Chinese Hotspot IVS4+919G>A Mutation: Data from the
      Fabry Outcome Survey.
AB  - We retrospectively evaluated correlations between cardiac manifestations and
      globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) accumulation in cardiomyocytes from Taiwanese
      patients with Fabry disease and the IVS4+919G>A (IVS4) mutation who underwent
      endomyocardial biopsy (Shire; Fabry Outcome Survey data; extracted January 2015).
      Of 24 males and six females (median age [Q1; Q3] at biopsy 60.4 [57.4; 64.1] and
      61.3 [60.4; 65.1] years, respectively), 13 males (54.2%) and five females (83.3%)
      received agalsidase alfa enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) before biopsy. Median
      left ventricular mass indexed to height (LVMI) within +/-6 months of biopsy was
      65.3 (52.7; 93.1) in males and 53.2 (42.0; 55.0) g/m2.7 in females. A moderate,
      positive, statistically significant correlation was found between the percentage
      area Gb3 accumulation in cardiomyocytes and LVMI (Spearman's rho, 0.45; p =
      0.014); a smaller, positive, non-statistically significant correlation was
      observed between cardiomyocyte diameter and LVMI (Spearman's rho 0.16, p =
      0.394). Moderate, statistically significant, negative correlations were found
      between Gb3 accumulation and ERT duration (Spearman's rho, -0.49, p = 0.007) and
      between cardiomyocyte size and ERT duration (Spearman's rho, -0.37, p = 0.048).
      Longer ERT duration was associated with smaller amounts of Gb3 accumulation and
      smaller cardiomyocyte size. Further follow-up is recommended to confirm these
      trends in a larger sample size.

PMID- 28075356
TI  - Targeting MicroRNAs in Cancer Gene Therapy.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a kind of conserved small non-coding RNAs that participate
      in regulating gene expression by targeting multiple molecules. Early studies have
      shown that the expression of miRNAs changes significantly in different tumor
      tissues and cancer cell lines. It is well acknowledged that such variation is
      involved in almost all biological processes, including cell proliferation,
      mobility, survival and differentiation. Increasing experimental data indicate
      that miRNA dysregulation is a biomarker of several pathological conditions
      including cancer, and that miRNA can exert a causal role, as oncogenes or tumor
      suppressor genes, in different steps of the tumorigenic process. Anticancer
      therapies based on miRNAs are currently being developed with a goal to improve
      outcomes of cancer treatment. In our present study, we review the function of
      miRNAs in tumorigenesis and development, and discuss the latest clinical
      applications and strategies of therapy targeting miRNAs in cancer.

PMID- 28075358
TI  - Diet Quality during Infancy and Early Childhood in Children with and without Risk
      of Type 1 Diabetes: A DEDIPAC Study.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated that mothers of children at increased risk of
      type 1 diabetes (T1D) may modify their child's diet following risk notification.
      Our aim was to investigate the diet quality after notified of T1D risk in at-risk
      children compared to not-at-risk children. The quality of nutrient intake
      (PANDiet score) and food intake (analyzed by a newly developed score and the
      HuSKY score) were assessed using three-day dietary records collected for at-risk
      children (BABYDIET study, n = 109) and a matched sample of not-at-risk children
      (DONALD study, n = 205) at nine and 24 months of age. Nutrient and food intake
      quality were lower at nine months of age and food intake quality was lower at 24
      months of age in at-risk than in not-at-risk children (p = 0.01 and p < 0.0001,
      respectively). The amount of added sugar was higher in at-risk children at both
      ages (p < 0.0001). In at-risk children, dietary quality was similar between
      children who were first exposed to gluten at six or 12 months of age. Despite
      being notified about their child's risk of T1D, the child's mother did not switch
      to healthier diets compared with not-at-risk mothers.

PMID- 28075359
TI  - Development of Pharmacophore Model for Indeno[1,2-b]indoles as Human Protein
      Kinase CK2 Inhibitors and Database Mining.
AB  - Protein kinase CK2, initially designated as casein kinase 2, is an ubiquitously
      expressed serine/threonine kinase. This enzyme, implicated in many cellular
      processes, is highly expressed and active in many tumor cells. A large number of
      compounds has been developed as inhibitors comprising different backbones. Beside
      others, structures with an indeno[1,2-b]indole scaffold turned out to be potent
      new leads. With the aim of developing new inhibitors of human protein kinase CK2,
      we report here on the generation of common feature pharmacophore model to further
      explain the binding requirements for human CK2 inhibitors. Nine common chemical
      features of indeno[1,2-b]indole-type CK2 inhibitors were determined using MOE
      software (Chemical Computing Group, Montreal, Canada). This pharmacophore model
      was used for database mining with the aim to identify novel scaffolds for
      developing new potent and selective CK2 inhibitors. Using this strategy several
      structures were selected by searching inside the ZINC compound database. One of
      the selected compounds was bikaverin (6,11-dihydroxy-3,8-dimethoxy-1
      methylbenzo[b]xanthene-7,10,12-trione), a natural compound which is produced by
      several kinds of fungi. This compound was tested on human recombinant CK2 and
      turned out to be an active inhibitor with an IC50 value of 1.24 uM.

PMID- 28075360
TI  - Design and Integration for High Performance Robotic Systems Based on
      Decomposition and Hybridization Approaches.
AB  - Currently, the uses of robotics are limited with respect to performance
      capabilities. Improving the performance of robotic mechanisms is and still will
      be the main research topic in the next decade. In this paper, design and
      integration for improving performance of robotic systems are achieved through
      three different approaches, i.e., structure synthesis design approach, dynamic
      balancing approach, and adaptive control approach. The purpose of robotic
      mechanism structure synthesis design is to propose certain mechanism that has
      better kinematic and dynamic performance as compared to the old ones. For the
      dynamic balancing design approach, it is normally accomplished based on employing
      counterweights or counter-rotations. The potential issue is that more weight and
      inertia will be included in the system. Here, reactionless based on the
      reconfiguration concept is put forward, which can address the mentioned problem.
      With the mechanism reconfiguration, the control system needs to be adapted
      thereafter. One way to address control system adaptation is by applying the
      "divide and conquer" methodology. It entails modularizing the functionalities:
      breaking up the control functions into small functional modules, and from those
      modules assembling the control system according to the changing needs of the
      mechanism.

PMID- 28075362
TI  - Transparency of Mandatory Information Disclosure and Concerns of Health Services
      Providers and Consumers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study analyzed differences between transparency of information
      disclosure and related demands from the health service consumer's perspective. It
      also compared how health service providers and consumers are associated by
      different levels of mandatory information disclosure. METHODS: We obtained our
      research data using a questionnaire survey (health services providers, n = 201;
      health service consumers, n = 384). RESULTS: Health service consumers do not have
      major concerns regarding mandatory information disclosure. However, they are
      concerned about complaint channels and settlement results, results of patient
      satisfaction surveys, and disclosure of hospital financial statements (p <
      0.001). We identified significant differences in health service providers' and
      consumers' awareness regarding the transparency of information disclosure (p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It may not be possible for outsiders to properly interpret
      the information provided by hospitals. Thus, when a hospital discloses
      information, it is necessary for the government to consider the information's
      applicability. Toward improving medical expertise and information asymmetry, the
      government has to reduce the burden among health service consumers in dealing
      with this information, and it has to use the information effectively.

PMID- 28075361
TI  - Role of IRE1alpha/XBP-1 in Cystic Fibrosis Airway Inflammation.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary disease is characterized by chronic airway
      infection and inflammation. The infectious and inflamed CF airway environment
      impacts on the innate defense of airway epithelia and airway macrophages. The CF
      airway milieu induces an adaptation in these cells characterized by increased
      basal inflammation and a robust inflammatory response to inflammatory mediators.
      Recent studies have indicated that these responses depend on activation of the
      unfolded protein response (UPR). This review discusses the contribution of airway
      epithelia and airway macrophages to CF airway inflammatory responses and
      specifically highlights the functional importance of the UPR pathway mediated by
      IRE1/XBP-1 in these processes. These findings suggest that targeting the IRE1/XBP
      1 UPR pathway may be a therapeutic strategy for CF airway disease.

PMID- 28075363
TI  - Maternal and Child Health of Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine: A
      Qualitative Study.
AB  - Due to the conflict that started in spring 2014 in Eastern Ukraine, a total of
      1.75 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) fled the area and have been
      registered in government-controlled areas of the country. This paper explores
      perceived health, barriers to access to healthcare, caring practices, food
      security, and overall financial situation of mothers and young children displaced
      by the conflict in Ukraine. This is a qualitative study, which collected data
      through semi-structured in-depth interviews with nine IDP mothers via Skype and
      Viber with a convenience sample of participants selected through snowball
      technique. Contrary to the expectations, the perceived physical health of mothers
      and their children was found not to be affected by conflict and displacement,
      while psychological distress was often reported. A weak healthcare system,
      Ukraine's proneness to informal payments, and heavy bureaucracy to register as an
      IDP were reported in our study. A precarious social safety net to IDP mothers in
      Ukraine, poor dietary diversity, and a generalized rupture of vaccine stocks,
      with halted or delayed vaccinations in children were identified. Increasing
      social allowances and their timely delivery to IDP mothers might be the most
      efficient policy measure to improve health and nutrition security.
      Reestablishment and sustainability of vaccine stocks in Ukraine is urgent to
      avoid the risks of a public health crisis. Offering psychological support for IDP
      mothers is recommended.

PMID- 28075364
TI  - A Social Potential Fields Approach for Self-Deployment and Self-Healing in
      Hierarchical Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks.
AB  - Autonomous mobile nodes in mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN) allow self
      deployment and self-healing. In both cases, the goals are: (i) to achieve
      adequate coverage; and (ii) to extend network life. In dynamic environments,
      nodes may use reactive algorithms so that each node locally decides when and
      where to move. This paper presents a behavior-based deployment and self-healing
      algorithm based on the social potential fields algorithm. In the proposed
      algorithm, nodes are attached to low cost robots to autonomously navigate in the
      coverage area. The proposed algorithm has been tested in environments with and
      without obstacles. Our study also analyzes the differences between non
      hierarchical and hierarchical routing configurations in terms of network life and
      coverage.

PMID- 28075365
TI  - A Two-Phase Coverage-Enhancing Algorithm for Hybrid Wireless Sensor Networks.
AB  - Providing field coverage is a key task in many sensor network applications. In
      certain scenarios, the sensor field may have coverage holes due to random initial
      deployment of sensors; thus, the desired level of coverage cannot be achieved. A
      hybrid wireless sensor network is a cost-effective solution to this problem,
      which is achieved by repositioning a portion of the mobile sensors in the network
      to meet the network coverage requirement. This paper investigates how to redeploy
      mobile sensor nodes to improve network coverage in hybrid wireless sensor
      networks. We propose a two-phase coverage-enhancing algorithm for hybrid wireless
      sensor networks. In phase one, we use a differential evolution algorithm to
      compute the candidate's target positions in the mobile sensor nodes that could
      potentially improve coverage. In the second phase, we use an optimization scheme
      on the candidate's target positions calculated from phase one to reduce the
      accumulated potential moving distance of mobile sensors, such that the exact
      mobile sensor nodes that need to be moved as well as their final target positions
      can be determined. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm provided
      significant improvement in terms of area coverage rate, average moving distance,
      area coverage-distance rate and the number of moved mobile sensors, when compare
      with other approaches.

PMID- 28075366
TI  - Stepwise, Protecting Group Free Synthesis of [4]Rotaxanes.
AB  - Despite significant advances in the last three decades towards high yielding
      syntheses of rotaxanes, the preparation of systems constructed from more than two
      components remains a challenge. Herein we build upon our previous report of an
      active template copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) rotaxane
      synthesis with a diyne in which, following the formation of the first mechanical
      bond, the steric bulk of the macrocycle tempers the reactivity of the second
      alkyne unit. We have now extended this approach to the use of 1,3,5
      triethynylbenzene in order to successively prepare [2]-, [3]- and [4]rotaxanes
      without the need for protecting group chemistry. Whilst the first two iterations
      proceeded in good yield, the steric shielding that affords this selectivity also
      significantly reduces the efficacy of the active template (AT)-CuAAC reaction of
      the third alkyne towards the preparation of [4]rotaxanes, resulting in severely
      diminished yields.

PMID- 28075367
TI  - High-Performance Anti-Retransmission Deception Jamming Utilizing Range Direction
      Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
AB  - Retransmission deception jamming seriously degrades the Synthetic Aperture Radar
      (SAR) detection efficiency and can mislead SAR image interpretation by forming
      false targets. In order to suppress retransmission deception jamming, this paper
      proposes a novel multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) SAR structure range
      direction MIMO SAR, whose multiple channel antennas are vertical to the azimuth.
      First, based on the multiple channels of range direction MIMO SAR, the orthogonal
      frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) linear frequency modulation (LFM) signal
      was adopted as the transmission signal of each channel, which is defined as a sub
      band signal. This sub-band signal corresponds to the transmission channel. Then,
      all of the sub-band signals are modulated with random initial phases and
      concurrently transmitted. The signal form is more complex and difficult to
      intercept. Next, the echoes of the sub-band signal are utilized to synthesize a
      wide band signal after preprocessing. The proposed method will increase the
      signal to interference ratio and peak amplitude ratio of the signal to resist
      retransmission deception jamming. Finally, well-focused SAR imagery is obtained
      using a conventional imaging method where the retransmission deception jamming
      strength is degraded and defocused. Simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of
      the proposed method.

PMID- 28075369
TI  - Validation of a Dish-Based Semiquantitative Food Questionnaire in Rural
      Bangladesh.
AB  - A locally validated tool was needed to evaluate long-term dietary intake in rural
      Bangladesh. We assessed the validity of a 42-item dish-based semi-quantitative
      food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) using two 3-day food diaries (FDs). We
      selected a random subset of 47 families (190 participants) from a longitudinal
      arsenic biomonitoring study in Bangladesh to administer the FFQ. Two 3-day FDs
      were completed by the female head of the households and we used an adult male
      equivalent method to estimate the FD for the other participants. Food and
      nutrient intakes measured by FFQ and FD were compared using Pearson's and
      Spearman's correlation, paired t-test, percent difference, cross-classification,
      weighted Kappa, and Bland-Altman analysis. Results showed good validity for total
      energy intake (paired t-test, p < 0.05; percent difference <10%), with no
      presence of proportional bias (Bland-Altman correlation, p > 0.05). After energy
      adjustment and de-attenuation for within-person variation, macronutrient intakes
      had excellent correlations ranging from 0.55 to 0.70. Validity for micronutrients
      was mixed. High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were found for most
      nutrients between the two seasons, except vitamin A. This dish-based FFQ provided
      adequate validity to assess and rank long-term dietary intake in rural Bangladesh
      for most food groups and nutrients, and should be useful for studying dietary
      disease relationships.

PMID- 28075368
TI  - Critical Windows of Prenatal Exposure to Cadmium and Size at Birth.
AB  - Prenatal cadmium (Cd) exposure has been associated with adverse birth outcomes,
      but the findings of previous studies are inconsistent. We measured Cd
      concentrations in urine samples at or near 13, 24, and 35 gestational weeks from
      282 women in Wuhan, China. We used generalized estimating equation models to
      assess the associations between maternal creatinine adjusted urinary Cd
      concentrations at each trimester and birth size. A significant inverse
      association was observed between higher maternal Cd levels measured during the
      1st trimester and birth size in girls. For each log unit increase in Cd (ug/g
      creatinine) levels from the 1st trimester, there was a decrease in birth weight
      by 116.99 g (95% confidence interval (CI): -208.87, -25.11 g). The Cd levels from
      the 1st and 2nd trimesters were also borderline significantly associated with
      ponderal index in girls. Joint estimation of trimester-specific effects suggested
      that associations with Cd levels for ponderal index (pint = 0.02) were
      significantly different across trimesters, and differences for effects across
      trimesters for birth weight were marginally significant (pint = 0.08) in girls.
      No significant associations were observed between Cd levels from any trimester
      and birth size in boys. Maternal Cd exposure during earlier periods of pregnancy
      may have a larger impact on delayed fetal growth.

PMID- 28075371
TI  - Dynamic Oil-in-Water Concentration Acquisition on a Pilot-Scaled Offshore Water
      Oil Separation Facility.
AB  - This article is a feasibility study on using fluorescence-based oil-in-water
      (OiW) monitors for on-line dynamic efficiency measurement of a deoiling
      hydrocyclone. Dynamic measurements are crucial in the design and validation of
      dynamic models of the hydrocyclones, and to our knowledge, no dynamic OiW
      analysis of hydrocyclones has been carried out. Previous studies have extensively
      studied the steady state efficiency perspective of hydrocyclones, and have
      related them to different key parameters, such as the pressure drop ratio (PDR),
      inlet flow rate, and the flow-spilt. Through our study, we were able to measure
      the dynamics of the hydrocyclone's efficiency ( epsilon ) response to step
      changes in the inlet flow rate with high accuracy. This is a breakthrough in the
      modelling, control, and monitoring of hydrocyclones.

PMID- 28075370
TI  - Effect of Carotenoid Supplemented Formula on Carotenoid Bioaccumulation in
      Tissues of Infant Rhesus Macaques: A Pilot Study Focused on Lutein.
AB  - Lutein is the predominant carotenoid in the developing primate brain and retina,
      and may have important functional roles. However, its bioaccumulation pattern
      during early development is not understood. In this pilot study, we investigated
      whether carotenoid supplementation of infant formula enhanced lutein tissue
      deposition in infant rhesus macaques. Monkeys were initially breastfed; from 1 to
      3 months of age they were fed either a formula supplemented with lutein,
      zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and lycopene, or a control formula with low levels of
      these carotenoids, for 4 months (n = 2/group). All samples were analyzed by high
      pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Final serum lutein in the supplemented
      group was 5 times higher than in the unsupplemented group. All brain regions
      examined showed a selective increase in lutein deposition in the supplemented
      infants. Lutein differentially accumulated across brain regions, with highest
      amounts in occipital cortex in both groups. beta-carotene accumulated, but
      zeaxanthin and lycopene were undetectable in any brain region. Supplemented
      infants had higher lutein concentrations in peripheral retina but not in macular
      retina. Among adipose sites, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue exhibited the
      highest lutein level and was 3-fold higher in the supplemented infants. The
      supplemented formula enhanced carotenoid deposition in several other tissues. In
      rhesus infants, increased intake of carotenoids from formula enhanced their
      deposition in serum and numerous tissues and selectively increased lutein in
      multiple brain regions.

PMID- 28075372
TI  - Distributed Sensor Nodes Charged by Mobile Charger with Directional Antenna and
      by Energy Trading for Balancing.
AB  - Provision of energy to wireless sensor networks is crucial for their sustainable
      operation. Sensor nodes are typically equipped with batteries as their operating
      energy sources. However, when the sensor nodes are sited in almost inaccessible
      locations, replacing their batteries incurs high maintenance cost. Under such
      conditions, wireless charging of sensor nodes by a mobile charger with an antenna
      can be an efficient solution. When charging distributed sensor nodes, a
      directional antenna, rather than an omnidirectional antenna, is more energy
      efficient because of smaller proportion of off-target radiation. In addition, for
      densely distributed sensor nodes, it can be more effective for some undercharged
      sensor nodes to harvest energy from neighboring overcharged sensor nodes than
      from the remote mobile charger, because this reduces the pathloss of charging
      signal due to smaller distances. In this paper, we propose a hybrid charging
      scheme that combines charging by a mobile charger with a directional antenna, and
      energy trading, e.g., transferring and harvesting, between neighboring sensor
      nodes. The proposed scheme is compared with other charging scheme. Simulations
      demonstrate that the hybrid charging scheme with a directional antenna achieves a
      significant reduction in the total charging time required for all sensor nodes to
      reach a target energy level.

PMID- 28075373
TI  - Visual Object Tracking Based on Cross-Modality Gaussian-Bernoulli Deep Boltzmann
      Machines with RGB-D Sensors.
AB  - Visual object tracking technology is one of the key issues in computer vision. In
      this paper, we propose a visual object tracking algorithm based on cross-modality
      featuredeep learning using Gaussian-Bernoulli deep Boltzmann machines (DBM) with
      RGB-D sensors. First, a cross-modality featurelearning network based on aGaussian
      Bernoulli DBM is constructed, which can extract cross-modality features of the
      samples in RGB-D video data. Second, the cross-modality features of the samples
      are input into the logistic regression classifier, andthe observation likelihood
      model is established according to the confidence score of the classifier.
      Finally, the object tracking results over RGB-D data are obtained using aBayesian
      maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability estimation algorithm. The experimental
      results show that the proposed method has strong robustness to abnormal changes
      (e.g., occlusion, rotation, illumination change, etc.). The algorithm can
      steadily track multiple targets and has higher accuracy.

PMID- 28075374
TI  - A Point Mutation in a Herpesvirus Co-Determines Neuropathogenicity and Viral
      Shedding.
AB  - A point mutation in the DNA polymerase gene in equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1)
      is one determinant for the development of neurological disease in horses. Three
      recently conducted infection experiments using domestic horses and ponies failed
      to detect statistically significant differences in viral shedding between the
      neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic variants. These results were interpreted
      as suggesting the absence of a consistent selective advantage of the
      neuropathogenic variant and therefore appeared to be inconsistent with a
      systematic increase in the prevalence of neuropathogenic strains. To overcome
      potential problems of low statistical power related to small group sizes in these
      infection experiments, we integrated raw data from all three experiments into a
      single statistical analysis. The results of this combined analysis showed that
      infection with the neuropathogenic EHV-1 variant led to a statistically
      significant increase in viral shedding. This finding is consistent with the idea
      that neuropathogenic strains could have a selective advantage and are therefore
      systematically increasing in prevalence in domestic horse populations. However,
      further studies are required to determine whether a selective advantage indeed
      exists for neuropathogenic strains.

PMID- 28075375
TI  - An Approach to Biometric Verification Based on Human Body Communication in
      Wearable Devices.
AB  - In this paper, an approach to biometric verification based on human body
      communication (HBC) is presented for wearable devices. For this purpose, the
      transmission gain S21 of volunteer's forearm is measured by vector network
      analyzer (VNA). Specifically, in order to determine the chosen frequency for
      biometric verification, 1800 groups of data are acquired from 10 volunteers in
      the frequency range 0.3 MHz to 1500 MHz, and each group includes 1601 sample
      data. In addition, to achieve the rapid verification, 30 groups of data for each
      volunteer are acquired at the chosen frequency, and each group contains only 21
      sample data. Furthermore, a threshold-adaptive template matching (TATM) algorithm
      based on weighted Euclidean distance is proposed for rapid verification in this
      work. The results indicate that the chosen frequency for biometric verification
      is from 650 MHz to 750 MHz. The false acceptance rate (FAR) and false rejection
      rate (FRR) based on TATM are approximately 5.79% and 6.74%, respectively. In
      contrast, the FAR and FRR were 4.17% and 37.5%, 3.37% and 33.33%, and 3.80% and
      34.17% using K-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification, support vector machines
      (SVM), and naive Bayesian method (NBM) classification, respectively. In addition,
      the running time of TATM is 0.019 s, whereas the running times of KNN, SVM and
      NBM are 0.310 s, 0.0385 s, and 0.168 s, respectively. Therefore, TATM is
      suggested to be appropriate for rapid verification use in wearable devices.

PMID- 28075377
TI  - Complex Messages in Long-Term Monitoring of Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia)
      (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in the State of Wisconsin, USA, 1988-2015.
AB  - The regal fritillary ("regal") (Speyeria idalia) is endangered in Wisconsin, USA,
      and declining and at risk range-wide. During 1988-2015, we surveyed 24 known
      regal sites and >100 areas of potential habitat in Wisconsin. We recorded 9037
      individuals in 742.7 km on the peak survey per year at occupied sites. At six
      sites surveyed over 5-25 years, we found regal fritillaries in only one year,
      mostly in the latter half of the study. The three populations in the state with
      more favorable trends than the median had a never-burned refugium and/or
      infrequent fire management. They also all had substantial amounts of grazing,
      haying, and/or mowing managements. Sites with trends below the regional median
      trend had frequent or moderate fire management, and either a diminishing never
      burned refugium or none at all. Regal populations at sites with <=15 ha of
      grassland have become undetectable. Nonetheless, Hogback, a slightly larger than
      15 ha site, had the most favorable trend, a significant increase. Nearly all
      Wisconsin Regal populations known before 1990 declined to consistent non
      findability, even though these were conserved sites. More favorable trends at
      more recently discovered populations may be attributable to species-specific
      habitat management protocols implemented in the 1990s. Two sites with better than
      median long-term trends represent the longest consistent land ownership of known
      Regal populations in the state. This wide range of population outcomes
      illustrates both the need for long-term monitoring and the challenges of
      explaining the outcomes. Despite evidence of increasing Regal dispersal, this
      species remains very localized, indicating the unsuitability of the wider
      landscape as regal habitat. The number of significantly declining or no longer
      detectable populations in Wisconsin indicates an ever more adverse landscape for
      this species. Sites will need to have habitat characteristics that are ever more
      optimal in a wide range of climatic conditions for Regal populations to persist.

PMID- 28075376
TI  - The New High Resolution Crystal Structure of NS2B-NS3 Protease of Zika Virus.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV) is the cause of a significant viral disease affecting humans,
      which has spread throughout many South American countries and has also become a
      threat to Southeastern Asia. This commentary discusses the article "Crystal
      structure of unlinked NS2B-NS3 protease from Zika virus" published recently in
      the journal Science by Zhang et al. of Nanyang Technological University,
      Singapore. They resolved a 1.58 A resolution structure of the NS2B-NS3 protease
      of ZIKV and demonstrated how peptide and non-peptide inhibitors interact with
      this structure, along with the different conformational states that were
      observed. This protease crystal structure offers new opportunities for the design
      and development of novel antiviral drugs used for the treatment and control of
      ZIKV.

PMID- 28075379
TI  - Veterinary Compounding: Regulation, Challenges, and Resources.
AB  - The spectrum of therapeutic need in veterinary medicine is large, and the
      availability of approved drug products for all veterinary species and indications
      is relatively small. For this reason, extemporaneous preparation, or compounding,
      of drugs is commonly employed to provide veterinary medical therapies. The scope
      of veterinary compounding is broad and focused primarily on meeting the
      therapeutic needs of companion animals and not food-producing animals in order to
      avoid human exposure to drug residues. As beneficial as compounded medical
      therapies may be to animal patients, these therapies are not without risks, and
      serious adverse events may occur from poor quality compounds or excipients that
      are uniquely toxic when administered to a given species. Other challenges in
      extemporaneous compounding for animals include significant regulatory variation
      across the global veterinary community, a relative lack of validated compounding
      formulas for use in animals, and poor adherence by compounders to established
      compounding standards. The information presented in this article is intended to
      provide an overview of the current landscape of compounding for animals; a
      discussion on associated benefits, risks, and challenges; and resources to aid
      compounders in preparing animal compounds of the highest possible quality.

PMID- 28075380
TI  - Splenic Immune Response Is Down-Regulated in C57BL/6J Mice Fed Eicosapentaenoic
      Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Enriched High Fat Diet.
AB  - Dietary n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid
      (DHA) are associated with reduction of inflammation, although the mechanisms are
      poorly understood, especially how the spleen, as a secondary lymphoid organ, is
      involved. To investigate the effects of EPA and DHA on spleen gene expression,
      male C57BL/6J mice were fed high fat diets (HFD) differing in fatty acid
      composition, either based on corn oil (HFD-CO), or CO enriched with 2 g/100 g EPA
      and DHA (HFD-ED), for eight weeks. Spleen tissue was analyzed using
      transcriptomics and for fatty acids profiling. Biological processes (BPs) related
      to the immune response, including T-cell receptor signaling pathway, T-cell
      differentiation and co-stimulation, myeloid dendritic cell differentiation,
      antigen presentation and processing, and the toll like receptor pathway were
      downregulated by HFD-ED compared with control and HFD-CO. These findings were
      supported by the down-regulation of NF-kappaB in HFD-ED compared with HFD-CO fed
      mice. Lower phospholipid arachidonic acid levels in HFD-ED compared with HFD-CO,
      and control mice suggest attenuation of pathways via prostaglandins and
      leukotrienes. The HFD-ED also upregulated BPs related to erythropoiesis and
      hematopoiesis compared with control and HFD-CO fed mice. Our findings suggest
      that EPA and DHA down-regulate the splenic immune response induced by HFD-CO,
      supporting earlier work that the spleen is a target organ for the anti
      inflammatory effects of these n-3 fatty acids.

PMID- 28075381
TI  - The n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Improved the Cognitive
      Function in the Chinese Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Double-Blind
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may protect
      against mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there is still a lack of the n
      3 PUFAs intervention in the elderly with MCI in China. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on cognitive
      function in the Chinese elderly with MCI. METHODS: Eighty six MCI individuals
      aged 60 years or older were randomly assigned to receive either n-3 PUFAs (480 mg
      DHA and 720 mg EPA per day, n = 44) or placebo (olive oil, n = 42) capsules. The
      changes of cognitive functions were assessed using Basic Cognitive Aptitude Tests
      (BCAT). RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 71 years old, and 59% of the
      participants were men. n-3 PUFA supplementation was associated with improved
      total BCAT scores, perceptual speed, space imagery efficiency, and working memory
      (p < 0.01), but not with mental arithmetic efficiency or recognition memory (p >
      0.05). Subgroup analysis by sex showed that n-3 PUFAs significantly improved
      perceptual speed (p = 0.001), space imagery efficiency (p = 0.013), working
      memory (p = 0.018), and total BCAT scores (p = 0.000) in males. However, in
      females, the significant beneficial effects can only be observed in perceptual
      speed (p = 0.027), space imagery efficiency (p = 0.006), and total BCAT scores (p
      = 0.015)-not working memory (p = 0.113). CONCLUSION: n-3 PUFAs can improve
      cognitive function in people with MCI. Further studies with different fish oil
      dosages, longer intervention periods, and larger sample sizes should be
      investigated before definite recommendations can be made.

PMID- 28075382
TI  - B-Vitamin Intake and Biomarker Status in Relation to Cognitive Decline in Healthy
      Older Adults in a 4-Year Follow-Up Study.
AB  - Advancing age can be associated with an increase in cognitive dysfunction, a
      spectrum of disability that ranges in severity from mild cognitive impairment to
      dementia. Folate and the other B-vitamins involved in one-carbon metabolism are
      associated with cognition in ageing but the evidence is not entirely clear. The
      hypothesis addressed in this study was that lower dietary intake or biomarker
      status of folate and/or the metabolically related B-vitamins would be associated
      with a greater than expected rate of cognitive decline over a 4-year follow-up
      period in healthy older adults. Participants (aged 60-88 years; n = 155) who had
      been previously screened for cognitive function were reassessed four years after
      initial investigation using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). At the 4
      year follow-up assessment when participants were aged 73.4 +/- 7.1 years, mean
      cognitive MMSE scores had declined from 29.1 +/- 1.3 at baseline to 27.5 +/- 2.4
      (p < 0.001), but some 27% of participants showed a greater than expected rate of
      cognitive decline (i.e., decrease in MMSE > 0.56 points per year). Lower vitamin
      B6 status, as measured using pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP; <43 nmol/L) was
      associated with a 3.5 times higher risk of accelerated cognitive decline, after
      adjustment for age and baseline MMSE score (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.58 to 7.63; p <
      0.05). Correspondingly, lower dietary intake (0.9-1.4 mg/day) of vitamin B6 was
      also associated with a greater rate of cognitive decline (OR, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.28
      13.90; p < 0.05). No significant relationships of dietary intake or biomarker
      status with cognitive decline were observed for the other B-vitamins. In
      conclusion, lower dietary and biomarker status of vitamin B6 at baseline
      predicted a greater than expected rate of cognitive decline over a 4-year period
      in healthy older adults. Vitamin B6 may be an important protective factor in
      helping maintain cognitive health in ageing.

PMID- 28075383
TI  - Soluble Fibre Meal Challenge Reduces Airway Inflammation and Expression of GPR43
      and GPR41 in Asthma.
AB  - Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced following the fermentation of
      soluble fibre by gut bacteria. In animal models, both dietary fibre and SCFAs
      have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects via the activation of free fatty acid
      receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptor 41 and 43 (GPR41 and GPR43). This
      pilot study examined the acute effect of a single dose of soluble fibre on airway
      inflammation-including changes in gene expression of free fatty acid receptors-in
      asthma. Adults with stable asthma consumed a soluble fibre meal (n = 17)
      containing 3.5 g inulin and probiotics, or a control meal (n = 12) of simple
      carbohydrates. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) was measured and induced sputum was
      collected at 0 and 4 h for differential cell counts, measurement of interleukin-8
      (IL-8) protein concentration, and GPR41 and GPR43 gene expression. At 4 h after
      meal consumption, airway inflammation biomarkers, including sputum total cell
      count, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, sputum IL-8, and eNO significantly
      decreased compared to baseline in the soluble fibre group only. This corresponded
      with upregulated GPR41 and GPR43 sputum gene expression and improved lung
      function in the soluble fibre group alone. Soluble fibre has acute anti
      inflammatory effects in asthmatic airways. Long-term effects of soluble fibre as
      an anti-inflammatory therapy in asthma warrants further investigation.

PMID- 28075384
TI  - Monitoring Lead (Pb) Pollution and Identifying Pb Pollution Sources in Japan
      Using Stable Pb Isotope Analysis with Kidneys of Wild Rats.
AB  - Although Japan has been considered to have little lead (Pb) pollution in modern
      times, the actual pollution situation is unclear. The present study aims to
      investigate the extent of Pb pollution and to identify the pollution sources in
      Japan using stable Pb isotope analysis with kidneys of wild rats. Wild brown
      (Rattus norvegicus, n = 43) and black (R. rattus, n = 98) rats were trapped from
      various sites in Japan. Mean Pb concentrations in the kidneys of rats from
      Okinawa (15.58 mg/kg, dry weight), Aichi (10.83), Niigata (10.62), Fukuoka
      (8.09), Ibaraki (5.06), Kyoto (4.58), Osaka (4.57), Kanagawa (3.42), and Tokyo
      (3.40) were above the threshold (2.50) for histological kidney changes.
      Similarly, compared with the previous report, it was regarded that even
      structural and functional kidney damage as well as neurotoxicity have spread
      among rats in Japan. Additionally, the possibility of human exposure to a high
      level of Pb was assumed. In regard to stable Pb isotope analysis, distinctive
      values of stable Pb isotope ratios (Pb-IRs) were detected in some kidney samples
      with Pb levels above 5.0 mg/kg. This result indicated that composite factors are
      involved in Pb pollution. However, the identification of a concrete pollution
      source has not been accomplished due to limited differences among previously
      reported values of Pb isotope composition in circulating Pb products. Namely, the
      current study established the limit of Pb isotope analysis for source
      identification. Further detailed research about monitoring Pb pollution in Japan
      and the demonstration of a novel method to identify Pb sources are needed.

PMID- 28075391
TI  - AAC as a Potential Target Gene to Control Verticillium dahliae.
AB  - Verticillium dahliae invades the roots of host plants and causes vascular wilt,
      which seriously diminishes the yield of cotton and other important crops. The
      protein AAC (ADP, ATP carrier) is responsible for transferring ATP from the
      mitochondria into the cytoplasm. When V. dahliae protoplasts were transformed
      with short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the VdAAC gene, fungal growth and
      sporulation were significantly inhibited. To further confirm a role for VdAAC in
      fungal development, we generated knockout mutants (DeltaVdACC). Compared with
      wild-type V. dahliae (Vd wt), DeltaVdAAC was impaired in germination and
      virulence; these impairments were rescued in the complementary strains
      (DeltaVdAAC-C). Moreover, when an RNAi construct of VdAAC under the control of
      the 35S promoter was used to transform Nicotiana benthamiana, the expression of
      VdAAC was downregulated in the transgenic seedlings, and they had elevated
      resistance against V. dahliae. The results of this study suggest that VdAAC
      contributes to fungal development, virulence and is a promising candidate gene to
      control V. dahliae. In addition, RNAi is a highly efficient way to silence fungal
      genes and provides a novel strategy to improve disease resistance in plants.

PMID- 28075392
TI  - A Distance Detector with a Strip Magnetic MOSFET and Readout Circuit.
AB  - This paper presents a distance detector composed of two separated metal-oxide
      semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), a differential polysilicon
      cross-shaped Hall plate (CSHP), and a readout circuit. The distance detector was
      fabricated using 0.18 MUm 1P6M Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
      technology to sense the magnetic induction perpendicular to the chip surface. The
      differential polysilicon CSHP enabled the magnetic device to not only increase
      the magnetosensitivity but also eliminate the offset voltage generated because of
      device mismatch and Lorentz force. Two MOSFETs generated two drain currents with
      a quadratic function of the differential Hall voltages at CSHP. A readout circuit
      composed of a current-to-voltage converter, a low-pass filter, and a difference
      amplifier-was designed to amplify the current difference between two drains of
      MOSFETs. Measurements revealed that the electrostatic discharge (ESD) could be
      eliminated from the distance sensor by grounding it to earth; however, the sensor
      could be desensitized by ESD in the absence of grounding. The magnetic influence
      can be ignored if the magnetic body (human) stays far from the magnetic sensor,
      and the measuring system is grounded to earth by using the ESD wrist strap (Strap
      E-GND). Both 'no grounding' and 'grounding to power supply' conditions were
      unsuitable for measuring the induced Hall voltage.

PMID- 28075389
TI  - Control of Initiation of DNA Replication in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - Initiation of DNA Replication is tightly regulated in all cells since imbalances
      in chromosomal copy number are deleterious and often lethal. In bacteria such as
      Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, at the point of cytokinesis, there must
      be two complete copies of the chromosome to partition into the daughter cells
      following division at mid-cell during vegetative growth. Under conditions of
      rapid growth, when the time taken to replicate the chromosome exceeds the
      doubling time of the cells, there will be multiple initiations per cell cycle and
      daughter cells will inherit chromosomes that are already undergoing replication.
      In contrast, cells entering the sporulation pathway in B. subtilis can do so only
      during a short interval in the cell cycle when there are two, and only two,
      chromosomes per cell, one destined for the spore and one for the mother cell.
      Here, we briefly describe the overall process of DNA replication in bacteria
      before reviewing initiation of DNA replication in detail. The review covers DnaA
      directed assembly of the replisome at oriC and the multitude of mechanisms of
      regulation of initiation, with a focus on the similarities and differences
      between E. coli and B. subtilis.

PMID- 28075394
TI  - Coffee Intake Is Associated with a Lower Liver Stiffness in Patients with Non
      Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B.
AB  - There is emerging evidence for the positive effects or benefits of coffee in
      patients with liver disease. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study
      on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis C virus
      (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to determine the effects of coffee
      intake on a non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis: liver stiffness assessed by
      transient elastography (TE). We assessed coffee and tea intake and measured TE in
      1018 patients with NAFLD, HCV, and HBV (155 with NAFLD, 378 with HCV and 485 with
      HBV). Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed taking into
      account potential confounders. Liver stiffness was higher in males compared to
      females (p < 0.05). Patients with HBV had lower liver stiffness than those with
      HCV and NAFLD. After adjustment for age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, M
      or XL probe, and disease state (NAFLD, HCV, and HBV status), those who drank 2 or
      more cups of coffee per day had a lower liver stiffness (p = 0.044). Tea
      consumption had no effect (p = 0.9). Coffee consumption decreases liver
      stiffness, which may indicate less fibrosis and inflammation, independent of
      disease state. This study adds further evidence to the notion of coffee maybe
      beneficial in patients with liver disease.

PMID- 28075395
TI  - Disability Weights for Chronic Mercury Intoxication Resulting from Gold Mining
      Activities: Results from an Online Pairwise Comparisons Survey.
AB  - In artisanal small-scale gold mining, mercury is used for gold-extraction,
      putting miners and nearby residents at risk of chronic metallic mercury vapor
      intoxication (CMMVI). Burden of disease (BoD) analyses allow the estimation of
      the public health relevance of CMMVI, but until now there have been no specific
      CMMVI disability weights (DWs). The objective is to derive DWs for moderate and
      severe CMMVI. Disease-specific and generic health state descriptions of 18
      diseases were used in a pairwise comparison survey. Mercury and BoD experts were
      invited to participate in an online survey. Data were analyzed using probit
      regression. Local regression was used to make the DWs comparable to the Global
      Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Alternative survey (visual analogue scale) and
      data analyses approaches (linear interpolation) were evaluated in scenario
      analyses. A total of 105 participants completed the questionnaire. DWs for
      moderate and severe CMMVI were 0.368 (0.261-0.484) and 0.588 (0.193-0.907),
      respectively. Scenario analyses resulted in higher mean values. The results are
      limited by the sample size, group of interviewees, questionnaire extent, and lack
      of generally accepted health state descriptions. DWs were derived to improve the
      data basis of mercury-related BoD estimates, providing useful information for
      policy-making. Integration of the results into the GBD DWs enhances
      comparability.

PMID- 28075397
TI  - The Sulfur Metabolite Lanthionine: Evidence for a Role as a Novel Uremic Toxin.
AB  - Lanthionine is a nonproteinogenic amino acid, composed of two alanine residues
      that are crosslinked on their beta-carbon atoms by a thioether linkage. It is
      biosynthesized from the condensation of two cysteine molecules, while the related
      compound homolanthionine is formed from the condensation of two homocysteine
      molecules. The reactions can be carried out by either cystathionine-beta-synthase
      (CBS) or cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) independently, in the alternate
      reactions of the transsulfuration pathway devoted to hydrogen sulfide
      biosynthesis. Low plasma total hydrogen sulfide levels, probably due to reduced
      CSE expression, are present in uremia, while homolanthionine and lanthionine
      accumulate in blood, the latter several fold. Uremic patients display a
      derangement of sulfur amino acid metabolism with a high prevalence of
      hyperhomocysteinemia. Uremia is associated with a high cardiovascular mortality,
      the causes of which are still not completely explained, but are related to uremic
      toxicity, due to the accumulation of retention products. Lanthionine inhibits
      hydrogen sulfide production in hepatoma cells, possibly through CBS inhibition,
      thus providing some basis for the biochemical mechanism, which may significantly
      contribute to alterations of metabolism sulfur compounds in these subjects (e.g.,
      high homocysteine and low hydrogen sulfide). We therefore suggest that
      lanthionine is a novel uremic toxin.

PMID- 28075402
TI  - Comment on Neiser et al. Assessment of Dextran Antigenicity of Intravenous Iron
      Preparations with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Int. J. Mol. Sci.
      2016, 17, 1185.
AB  - All IV iron complexes carry a risk of potentially fatal allergic type
      hypersensitivity reactions. The mechanism(s) behind these reactions is unknown
      but the limited data available suggests that classic IgE mediated allergy is
      exceedingly rare, if ever occurring. Iron-carbohydrate molecules are complex nano
      particles and trying to reduce the risk of serious hypersensitivity to antibody
      binding of an artificial antibody seems meaningless. A recently published
      analysis of safety data from randomized clinical trials confirms the method
      reported by Neiser to be useless to predict reaction risk. In conclusion, the
      study by Neiser et al. is biased, contains no new information, and has no
      clinical relevance. We are concerned that the association of the authors with a
      commercial entity has caused a conflict of interest that biases not only the
      results, but the entire experimental setup against competitors. (Comment on
      Neiser et al. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17, 1185, doi:10.3390/ijms17071185).

PMID- 28075401
TI  - Anti-Neuroblastoma Properties of a Recombinant Sunflower Lectin.
AB  - According to their sugar recognition specificity, plant lectins are proposed as
      bioactive proteins with potential in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Helja is a
      mannose-specific jacalin-like lectin from sunflower which was shown to inhibit
      the growth of certain fungi. Here, we report its recombinant expression in a
      prokaryotic system and its activity in neurobalstoma cells. Helja coding sequence
      was fused to the pET-32 EK/LIC, the enterokinase/Ligation-independent cloning
      vector and a 35 kDa protein was obtained in Escherichia coli representing Helja
      coupled to thioredoxin (Trx). The identity of this protein was verified using
      anti-Helja antibodies. This chimera, named Trx-rHelja, was enriched in the
      soluble bacterial extracts and was purified using Ni+2-Sepharose and d-mannose
      agarose chromatography. Trx-rHelja and the enterokinase-released recombinant
      Helja (rHelja) both displayed toxicity on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastomas. rHelja
      decreased the viability of these tumor cells by 75% according to the tetrazolium
      reduction assay, and microscopic analyses revealed that the cell morphology was
      disturbed. Thus, the stellate cells of the monolayer became spheroids and were
      isolated. Our results indicate that rHelja is a promising tool for the
      development of diagnostic or therapeutic methods for neuroblastoma cells, the
      most common solid tumors in childhood.

PMID- 28075403
TI  - Reply to "Comment on Neiser et al. Assessment of Dextran Antigenicity of
      Intravenous Iron Preparations with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
      Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17, 1185."
AB  - n/a.

PMID- 28075396
TI  - Translesion Synthesis: Insights into the Selection and Switching of DNA
      Polymerases.
AB  - DNA replication is constantly challenged by DNA lesions, noncanonical DNA
      structures and difficult-to-replicate DNA sequences. Two major strategies to
      rescue a stalled replication fork and to ensure continuous DNA synthesis are: (1)
      template switching and recombination-dependent DNA synthesis; and (2) translesion
      synthesis (TLS) using specialized DNA polymerases to perform nucleotide
      incorporation opposite DNA lesions. The former pathway is mainly error-free, and
      the latter is error-prone and a major source of mutagenesis. An accepted model of
      translesion synthesis involves DNA polymerase switching steps between a
      replicative DNA polymerase and one or more TLS DNA polymerases. The mechanisms
      that govern the selection and exchange of specialized DNA polymerases for a given
      DNA lesion are not well understood. In this review, recent studies concerning the
      mechanisms of selection and switching of DNA polymerases in eukaryotic systems
      are summarized.

PMID- 28075404
TI  - Advanced Oxidation Protein Products-Modified Albumin Induces Differentiation of
      RAW264.7 Macrophages into Dendritic-Like Cells Which Is Modulated by Cell Surface
      Thiols.
AB  - Local accumulation of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) induces pro
      inflammatory and pro-fibrotic processes in kidneys and is an independent
      predictor of renal fibrosis and of rapid decline of eGFR in patients with chronic
      kidney disease (CKD). In addition to kidney damage, circulating AOPP may be
      regarded as mediators of systemic oxidative stress and, in this capacity, they
      might play a role in the progression of atherosclerotic damage of arterial walls.
      Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves activation of
      innate and adaptive immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are key cells in this
      process, due to their role in antigen presentation, inflammation resolution and T
      cell activation. AOPP consist in oxidative modifications of proteins (such as
      albumin and fibrinogen) that mainly occur through myeloperoxidase (MPO)-derived
      hypochlorite (HOCl). HOCl modified proteins have been found in atherosclerotic
      lesions. The oxidizing environment and the shifts in cellular redox equilibrium
      trigger inflammation, activate immune cells and induce immune responses. Thus,
      surface thiol groups contribute to the regulation of immune functions. The aims
      of this work are: (1) to evaluate whether AOPP-proteins induce activation and
      differentiation of mature macrophages into dendritic cells in vitro; and (2) to
      define the role of cell surface thiol groups and of free radicals in this
      process. AOPP-proteins were prepared by in vitro incubation of human serum
      albumin (HSA) with HOCl. Mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 were treated with various
      concentrations of AOPP-HSA with or without the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine
      (NAC). Following 48 h of HSA-AOPP treatment, RAW264.7 morphological changes were
      evaluated by microscopic observation, while markers of dendritic lineage and
      activation (CD40, CD86, and MHC class II) and allogeneic T cell proliferation
      were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell surface thiols were measured by AlexaFluor
      maleimide binding, and ROS production was assessed as DCF fluorescence by flow
      cytometry. HSA-AOPP induced the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into a
      dendritic-like phenotype, as shown by morphological changes, by increased CD40,
      CD86 and MHC class II surface expression and by induction of T cell
      proliferation. The cell surface thiols dose dependently decreased following HSA
      AOPP treatment, while ROS production increased. NAC pre-treatment enhanced the
      amount of cell surface thiols and prevented their reduction due to treatment with
      AOPP. Both ROS production and RAW264.7 differentiation into DC-like cells induced
      by HSA-AOPP were reduced by NAC. Our results highlight that oxidized plasma
      proteins modulate specific immune responses of macrophages through a process
      involving changes in the thiol redox equilibrium. We suggest that this mechanism
      may play a role in determining the rapid progression of the atherosclerotic
      process observed in CKD patients.

PMID- 28075406
TI  - Molecular Signals in Nodulation Control.
AB  - Our world is facing major problems relating to food production. According to an
      August 30, 2015 program of LANDLINE (Australian Broadcasting Corporation,
      Australia),we lose 120,000,000 hectares of agricultural land per year due to
      population growth, associated urbanisation, and desertification.

PMID- 28075405
TI  - The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the Biological Activities of
      Metallic Nanoparticles.
AB  - Nanoparticles (NPs) possess unique physical and chemical properties that make
      them appropriate for various applications. The structural alteration of metallic
      NPs leads to different biological functions, specifically resulting in different
      potentials for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The amount of ROS
      produced by metallic NPs correlates with particle size, shape, surface area, and
      chemistry. ROS possess multiple functions in cellular biology, with ROS
      generation a key factor in metallic NP-induced toxicity, as well as modulation of
      cellular signaling involved in cell death, proliferation, and differentiation. In
      this review, we briefly explained NP classes and their biomedical applications
      and describe the sources and roles of ROS in NP-related biological functions in
      vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we also described the roles of metal NP-induced
      ROS generation in stem cell biology. Although the roles of ROS in metallic NP
      related biological functions requires further investigation, modulation and
      characterization of metallic NP-induced ROS production are promising in the
      application of metallic NPs in the areas of regenerative medicine and medical
      devices.

PMID- 28075407
TI  - Diagnostic Value of Serum Angiogenesis Markers in Ovarian Cancer Using Multiplex
      Immunoassay.
AB  - As cancer development involves pathological vessel formation, 16 angiogenesis
      markers were evaluated as potential ovarian cancer (OC) biomarkers. Blood samples
      collected from 172 patients were divided based on histopathological result: OC (n
      = 38), borderline ovarian tumours (n = 6), non-malignant ovarian tumours (n =
      62), healthy controls (n = 50) and 16 patients were excluded. Sixteen
      angiogenesis markers were measured using BioPlex Pro Human Cancer Biomarker Panel
      1 immunoassay. Additionally, concentrations of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and
      human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) were measured in patients with adnexal masses
      using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. In the comparison between OC vs. non
      OC, osteopontin achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79
      (sensitivity 69%, specificity 78%). Multimarker models based on four to six
      markers (basic fibroblast growth factor-FGF-basic, follistatin, hepatocyte growth
      factor-HGF, osteopontin, platelet-derived growth factor AB/BB-PDGF-AB/BB, leptin)
      demonstrated higher discriminatory ability (AUC 0.80-0.81) than a single marker
      (AUC 0.79). When comparing OC with benign ovarian tumours, six markers had
      statistically different expression (osteopontin, leptin, follistatin, PDGF-AB/BB,
      HGF, FGF-basic). Osteopontin was the best single angiogenesis marker (AUC 0.825,
      sensitivity 72%, specificity 82%). A three-marker panel consisting of
      osteopontin, CA125 and HE4 better discriminated the groups (AUC 0.958) than HE4
      or CA125 alone (AUC 0.941 and 0.932, respectively). Osteopontin should be further
      investigated as a potential biomarker in OC screening and differential diagnosis
      of ovarian tumours. Adding osteopontin to a panel of already used biomarkers
      (CA125 and HE4) significantly improves differential diagnosis between malignant
      and benign ovarian tumours.

PMID- 28075408
TI  - Time Course Exo-Metabolomic Profiling in the Green Marine Macroalga Ulva
      (Chlorophyta) for Identification of Growth Phase-Dependent Biomarkers.
AB  - The marine green macroalga Ulva (Chlorophyta) lives in a mutualistic symbiosis
      with bacteria that influence growth, development, and morphogenesis. We surveyed
      changes in Ulva's chemosphere, which was defined as a space where organisms
      interact with each other via compounds, such as infochemicals, nutrients,
      morphogens, and defense compounds. Thereby, Ulva mutabilis cooperates with
      bacteria, in particular, Roseovarius sp. strain MS2 and Maribacter sp. strain MS6
      (formerly identified as Roseobacter sp. strain MS2 and Cytophaga sp. strain MS6).
      Without this accompanying microbial flora, U. mutabilis forms only callus-like
      colonies. However, upon addition of the two bacteria species, in effect forming a
      tripartite community, morphogenesis can be completely restored. Under this
      strictly standardized condition, bioactive and eco-physiologically-relevant
      marine natural products can be discovered. Solid phase extracted waterborne
      metabolites were analyzed using a metabolomics platform, facilitating gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, combined with the necessary acquisition of
      biological metadata. Multivariate statistics of the GC-MS and LC-MS data revealed
      strong differences between Ulva's growth phases, as well as between the axenic
      Ulva cultures and the tripartite community. Waterborne biomarkers, including
      glycerol, were identified as potential indicators for algal carbon source and
      bacterial-algal interactions. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that U. mutabilis
      releases glycerol that can be utilized for growth by Roseovarius sp. MS2.

PMID- 28075411
TI  - Tamaractam, a New Bioactive Lactam from Tamarix ramosissima, Induces Apoptosis in
      Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes.
AB  - Chemical investigation of Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb, a traditional herbal
      medicine used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment in northwest China, led to
      the discovery of a new phenolic aromatic rings substituted lactam, tamaractam
      (1), together with the previously reported compounds cis-N-feruloyl-3-O
      methyldopamine (2) and trans-N-feruloyl-3-O-methyldopamine (3). The structures of
      the compounds were determined by high resolution electrospray ionization mass
      spectroscopy (HRESIMS) and 1D and 2D-NMR experiments, as well as comparison with
      the literature data. The effects of the three compounds on the viability of RA
      fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2
      thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Pro-apoptosis effect
      of compound 1 in RA-FLS was further investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl
      transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, activated caspase-3/7
      level assessment using luminescence assay, and sub-G1 fraction measurement using
      flow cytometry. It was found that these three compounds displayed variable
      proliferation inhibitory activity in RA-FLS, and compound 1 exhibited the
      strongest effect. Compound 1 could remarkably induce cellular apoptosis of RA
      FLS, increase activated caspase-3/7 levels, and significantly increase sub-G1
      fraction in the cell cycle. The results suggested that compound 1 may inhibit the
      proliferation of RA-FLS through apoptosis-inducing effect, and these compounds
      may contribute to the anti-RA effect of T. ramosissima.

PMID- 28075409
TI  - The HIV-1 Vpr Protein: A Multifaceted Target for Therapeutic Intervention.
AB  - The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr protein is an attractive
      target for antiretroviral drug development. The conservation both of the
      structure along virus evolution and the amino acid sequence in viral isolates
      from patients underlines the importance of Vpr for the establishment and
      progression of HIV-1 disease. While its contribution to virus replication in
      dividing and non-dividing cells and to the pathogenesis of HIV-1 in many
      different cell types, both extracellular and intracellular forms, have been
      extensively studied, its precise mechanism of action nevertheless remains
      enigmatic. The present review discusses how the apparently multifaceted interplay
      between Vpr and host cells may be due to the impairment of basic metabolic
      pathways. Vpr protein modifies host cell energy metabolism, oxidative status, and
      proteasome function, all of which are likely conditioned by the concentration and
      multimerization of the protein. The characterization of Vpr domains along with
      new laboratory tools for the assessment of their function has become increasingly
      relevant in recent years. With these advances, it is conceivable that drug
      discovery efforts involving Vpr-targeted antiretrovirals will experience
      substantial growth in the coming years.

PMID- 28075410
TI  - Is Toxoplasma gondii a Trigger of Bipolar Disorder?
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous intracellular parasite, has a strong tropism for
      the brain tissue, where it forms intracellular cysts within the neurons and glial
      cells, establishing a chronic infection. Although latent toxoplasmosis is
      generally assumed to be asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, it is now
      clear that it can induce behavioral manipulations in mice and infected humans.
      Moreover, a strong relation has emerged in recent years between toxoplasmosis and
      psychiatric disorders. The link between T. gondii and schizophrenia has been the
      most widely documented; however, a significant association with bipolar disorder
      (BD) and suicidal/aggressive behaviors has also been detected. T. gondii may play
      a role in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders affecting
      neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, that are implicated in the emergence of
      psychosis and behavioral Toxoplasma-induced abnormalities, and inducing brain
      inflammation by the direct stimulation of inflammatory cytokines in the central
      nervous system. Besides this, there is increasing evidence for a prominent role
      of immune dysregulation in psychosis and BD. The aim of this review is to
      describe recent evidence suggesting a link between Toxoplasma gondii and BD,
      focusing on the interaction between immune responses and this infectious agent in
      the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric symptoms.

PMID- 28075412
TI  - The Antagonistic Effect of Mycotoxins Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on Metabolic
      Profiling in Serum and Liver of Mice.
AB  - Metabolic profiling in liver and serum of mice was studied for the combined toxic
      effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN), through gas chromatography
      mass spectrum. The spectrum of serum and liver sample of mice, treated with
      individual 2 mg/kg DON, 20 mg/kg ZEN, and the combined DON + ZEN with final
      concentration 2 mg/kg DON and 20 mg/kg ZEN for 21 days, were deconvoluted,
      aligned and identified with MS DIAL. The data matrix was processed with
      univariate analysis and multivariate analysis for selection of metabolites with
      variable importance for the projection (VIP) > 1, t-test p value < 0.05. The
      metabolic pathway analysis was performed with MetaMapp and drawn by CytoScape.
      Results show that the combined DON and ZEN treatment has an obvious "antagonistic
      effect" in serum and liver tissue metabolic profiling of mice. The blood
      biochemical indexes, like alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and albumin
      (ALB)/globulin (GLO), reveal a moderated trend in the combined DON + ZEN
      treatment group, which is consistent with histopathological examination. The
      metabolic pathway analysis demonstrated that the combined DON and ZEN treatment
      could down-regulate the valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, glycine,
      serine and threonine metabolism, and O-glycosyl compounds related glucose
      metabolism in liver tissue. The metabolic profiling in serum confirmed the
      finding that the combined DON and ZEN treatment has an "antagonistic effect" on
      liver metabolism of mice.

PMID- 28075414
TI  - Atom-Economic Synthesis of 4-Pyrones from Diynones and Water.
AB  - Transition-metal-free synthesis of 4-pyrones via TfOH-promoted nucleophilic
      addition/cyclization of diynones and water has been developed. This
      transformation is simple, atom economical and environmentally benign, providing
      rapid and efficient access to substituted 4-pyrones.

PMID- 28075415
TI  - Inhibitory Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus on the Growth of Human Colonic
      Carcinoma Cell Line HT-29.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus
      cells and supernatants on the growth of the human colon cancer cell line HT-29.
      Our study results indicated that the PM153 strain exhibits the best adhesion
      ability and the highest survival in the gastrointestinal tract simulation
      experiment. Furthermore, after an 8-h co-culture of PM153 and HT-29 cells, the
      PM153 strain can induce the secretion of nitric oxide from the HT-29 cells. In
      addition, after the co-culture of the BCRC17010 strain (108 cfu/mL) and HT-29
      cells, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the HT-29 cells was 1.19, which showed a
      significant difference from the other control and LAB groups (p < 0.05), which
      therefore led to the inference that the BCRC17010 strain exerts a pro-apoptotic
      effect on the HT-29 cells. Upon co-culture with HT-29 cells for 4, 8 and 12 h,
      the BCRC14625 strain (108 cfu/mL) demonstrated a significant increase in lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (p < 0.05), causing harm to the HT-29 cell membrane;
      further, after an 8-h co-culture with the HT-29 cells, it induced the secretion
      of nitric oxide (NO) from the HT-29 cells. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB)
      strains have ability to inhibit the growth of the colorectal cancer cell line HT
      29 Bax/Bcl-2 pathway or NO production. In summary, we demonstrated that the
      BCRC17010 strain, good abilities of adhesion and increased LDH release, was the
      best probiotic potential for inhibition of HT-29 growth amongst the seven LAB
      strains tested in vitro.

PMID- 28075416
TI  - Phosphorylated Radix Cyathulae officinalis Polysaccharides Act as Adjuvant via
      Promoting Dendritic Cell Maturation.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate whether phosphorylated Radix Cyathulae
      officinalis Kuan polysaccharides (pRCPS) used as adjuvant with foot-and-mouth
      disease vaccine (FMDV) can stimulate specific humoral and cellular immune
      responses in ICR mice. The results demonstrated that pRCPS significantly up
      regulated FMDV-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2b and IgG2a antibody levels and splenocyte
      proliferation. pRCPS also promoted the killing activities of cytotoxic T
      lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK). In addition, pRCPS enhanced the
      expression levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-gamma in CD4+ T cells and the level of
      IFN-gamma in CD8+ T cells. Importantly, pRCPS enhanced the expression of MHCII,
      CD40+, CD86+, and CD80+ in dendritic cells (DCs). This study indicated that
      phosphorylation modification could increase immune-enhancing activities of RCPS,
      and pRCPS could promote humoral and cellular immune responses through
      facilitating DC maturation.

PMID- 28075417
TI  - Enriching Mental Health Mobile Assessment and Intervention with Situation
      Awareness.
AB  - Current mobile devices allow the execution of sophisticated applications with the
      capacity for identifying the user situation, which can be helpful in treatments
      of mental disorders. In this paper, we present SituMan, a solution that provides
      situation awareness to MoodBuster, an ecological momentary assessment and
      intervention mobile application used to request self-assessments from patients in
      depression treatments. SituMan has a fuzzy inference engine to identify patient
      situations using context data gathered from the sensors embedded in mobile
      devices. Situations are specified jointly by the patient and mental health
      professional, and they can represent the patient's daily routine (e.g.,
      "studying", "at work", "working out"). MoodBuster requests mental status self
      assessments from patients at adequate moments using situation awareness. In
      addition, SituMan saves and displays patient situations in a summary, delivering
      them for consultation by mental health professionals. A first experimental
      evaluation was performed to assess the user satisfaction with the approaches to
      define and identify situations. This experiment showed that SituMan was well
      evaluated in both criteria. A second experiment was performed to assess the
      accuracy of the fuzzy engine to infer situations. Results from the second
      experiment showed that the fuzzy inference engine has a good accuracy to identify
      situations.

PMID- 28075418
TI  - Serum Polychlorinated Biphenyls Increase and Oxidative Stress Decreases with a
      Protein-Pacing Caloric Restriction Diet in Obese Men and Women.
AB  - The purposes were to compare the effects of a: (1) 12-week P-CR weight loss (WL)
      diet (Phase 1) between obese men and women and; (2) 52-week modified P-CR (mP-CR)
      vs. heart healthy (HH) weight maintenance (WM) diet (Phase 2) on serum PCBs and
      oxidative stress biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS;
      total antioxidant capacity, TAC) in 40 obese participants (men, n = 21; women, n
      = 19). Participants received dietary counseling and monitoring of compliance.
      PCBs, TBARS, and TAC were assessed at weeks -1 (CON), 12 (WL), and 64 (WM).
      Following WL (Week 12), concomitant with reductions in TBARS (0.24 +/- 0.15 vs.
      0.18 +/- 0.11 uM; p < 0.01), PCB serum concentrations (86.7 +/- 45.6 vs. 115.6 +/
      65.9 ng/g lipid; p < 0.01) and TAC (18.9 +/- 2.6 vs. 19.9 +/- 2.3 nmol/mL; p <
      0.02) were increased similarly in men and women. At the end of WM (Week 64), a
      significant effect of time * group interaction was observed for % change in PCB
      170 and 187; whereby mP-CR values were higher compared to HH (PCB170: 19.31% +/-
      26.48% vs. -6.61% +/- 28.88%, p = 0.02; PCB187: -3.04% +/- 17.78% vs. -21.4% +/-
      27.31%, p = 0.04). PCB changes were positively correlated with TBARS levels (r >
      0.42, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with body weight, fat mass, and
      abdominal fat (r < -0.46, p < 0.02). Our results support mobilization of stored
      PCBs as well as enhanced redox status following a 12-week P-CR WL diet.
      Additionally, a 52-week mP-CR WM diet demonstrated an advantage in preventing
      weight gain relapse accompanied by an increase in circulating PCBs compared to a
      traditional HH diet.

PMID- 28075420
TI  - The Trend of Voluntary Warnings in Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Magazine
      Advertisements.
AB  - Some manufacturers of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) voluntarily
      carried health warnings in their advertisements. This study examined these
      voluntary warnings in magazine ads and plotted their trends between 2012 and
      early 2015. ENDS magazine ads were obtained through Kantar media and warnings
      were collected from the Chicago Public Library or the Trinkets and Trash
      surveillance system. The prevalence of voluntary warnings, warnings with the
      specific capitalized word "WARNING", and MarkTen warnings were examined after
      being weighted using factors related to exposure between January 2012 and March
      2015. Five brands (MarkTen, NJOY, MISTIC, and some Blu) carried warnings during
      the study period. The prevalence of warnings post 2012 that contained a
      description of nicotine did not significantly increase until the launch of
      MarkTen, which also happened several months before April 2014 when the U.S. food
      and drug administration (FDA) published its proposed deeming rule. In addition,
      none of these warnings met the criteria required by the FDA in the final rules.
      Voluntary warnings, particularly MarkTen warnings, significantly increased in
      ENDS magazine ads between 2014 and 2015. It is important to monitor how ENDS
      manufacturers will comply with the FDA regulation related to warnings and how
      this regulation will ultimately impact ENDS risk perceptions and use.

PMID- 28075419
TI  - Surveillance of Clostridium difficile Infections: Results from a Six-Year
      Retrospective Study in Nine Hospitals of a North Italian Local Health Authority.
AB  - Clostridium difficile is an emerging cause of healthcare associated infections.
      In nine hospitals of an Italian Local Health Authority the episodes of C.
      difficile infection (CDI) were identified using the data registered by the
      centralized Laboratory Information System, from 2010 to 2015. CDI incidence
      (positive patients for A and/or B toxins per patients-days) was analysed per
      year, hospital, and ward. A number of cases approximately equivalent to the mean
      of identified cases per year were studied retrospectively to highlight the risk
      factors associated to CDI and their severity. Nine hundred and forty-two patients
      affected by CDI were identified. The overall incidence was 3.7/10,000 patients
      days, with a stable trend across the six years and the highest rates observed in
      smaller and outlying hospitals (up to 17.8/10,000), where the admitted patients
      were older and the wards with the highest incidences (long-term-care: 7.6/10,000,
      general medicine: 5.7/10,000) were more represented. The mean age of patients in
      each hospital was correlated with CDI rates. Of the 101 cases selected for the
      retrospective study, 86.1% were healthcare associated, 10.9% community acquired;
      9.1% met the criteria for recurrent case and 23.8% for severe case of CDI. The
      overall mortality rate was 28.7%. Comorbidity conditions occurred in 91.1%,
      previous exposure to antibiotics in 76.2%, and proton pump inhibitors in 77.2%.
      Recurrent and severe cases were significantly associated with renal insufficiency
      and creatinine levels >=2 mg/dL. The survey based on the centralized laboratory
      data was useful to study CDI epidemiology in the different centres in order to
      identify possible weaknesses and plan control strategies, in particular the
      reinforcement of staff training, mainly targeted at compliance with contact
      precautions and hand hygiene.

PMID- 28075421
TI  - Mx Is Not Responsible for the Antiviral Activity of Interferon-alpha against
      Japanese Encephalitis Virus.
AB  - Mx proteins are interferon (IFN)-induced dynamin-like GTPases that are present in
      all vertebrates and inhibit the replication of myriad viruses. However, the role
      Mx proteins play in IFN-mediated suppression of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)
      infection is unknown. In this study, we set out to investigate the effects of Mx1
      and Mx2 expression on the interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) restriction of JEV
      replication. To evaluate whether the inhibitory activity of IFNalpha on JEV is
      dependent on Mx1 or Mx2, we knocked down Mx1 or Mx2 with siRNA in IFNalpha
      treated PK-15 cells and BHK-21 cells, then challenged them with JEV; the
      production of progeny virus was assessed by plaque assay, RT-qPCR, and Western
      blotting. Our results demonstrated that depletion of Mx1 or Mx2 did not affect
      JEV restriction imposed by IFNalpha, although these two proteins were knocked
      down 66% and 79%, respectively. Accordingly, expression of exogenous Mx1 or Mx2
      did not change the inhibitory activity of IFNalpha to JEV. In addition, even
      though virus-induced membranes were damaged by Brefeldin A (BFA), overexpressing
      porcine Mx1 or Mx2 did not inhibit JEV proliferation. We found that BFA inhibited
      JEV replication, not maturation, suggesting that BFA could be developed into a
      novel antiviral reagent. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that IFNalpha
      inhibits JEV infection by Mx-independent pathways.

PMID- 28075422
TI  - Inflammation, cardiometabolic markers, and functional changes in men with
      prostate cancer. A randomized controlled trial of a 12-month exercise program.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Previous studies have shown that physical exercise in cancer
      patients during radiation therapy (RT) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)
      improves cardiac fitness and quality of life (QoL), as well as reduces fatigue,
      but it is still not entirely known how it affects inflammation or metabolic
      factors and what its consequences are in patients with prostate cancer (PCa).
      OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a 12-month physical
      exercise program on inflammatory and cardiometabolic parameters, as well as on
      functional status in patients with PCa undergoing RT and ADT. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS This was a randomized controlled clinical trial including 72 men with
      high-risk and intermediate-risk PCa, allocated to 2 groups before RT. The
      physical exercise group trained 5 days/ wk during RT and then 3 days/wk. The
      control group received usual care according to recommendations. Measurements were
      performed at baseline, after RT (8 weeks), and after 10 months. The parameters
      assessed were proinflammatory cytokine levels, lipid profile, aerobic capacity,
      body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and functional status (FACT-F
      and EORTC questionnaires). RESULTS We observed an significant improvement in
      functional capacity, BMI, and WHR, and a decrease in the levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines and fatigue in the exercise group compared with
      controls after 12 months. The level of fatigue was significantly higher in
      controls than in the exercise group, especially after RT. CONCLUSIONS Long-term
      supervised exercise training is more effective than educational materials on
      physical activity in terms of a decrease in cardiovascular risk and improvement
      in functional status in patients with PCa during RT and ADT.

PMID- 28075423
TI  - Effects of device-guided slow breathing training on exercise capacity, cardiac
      function, and respiratory patterns during sleep in male and female patients with
      chronic heart failure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Slow breathing training (SBT) has been proposed as a new
      nonpharmacologic treatment in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
      OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the effects of SBT on exercise
      capacity, hemodynamic parameters, and sleep respiratory patterns in a relatively
      large sample of CHF patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A crossover open study was
      conducted. Patients completed, in a random order, 10- to 12-week SBT, with 2 15
      minute sessions of device-guided SBT each day, reaching 6 breaths/ min, and a 10-
      to 12-week follow-up under standard care. Clinical data collection,
      polysomnography, echocardiography, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and laboratory
      tests were performed. RESULTS A total of 96 patients (74 men, 22 women) in New
      York Heart Association classes I-III, with an average age of 65 years and an
      ejection fraction (EF) of 31%, completed the study. Home-based SBT was safe.
      After training, EF and 6MWT distance improved (EF: 31.3% +/-7.3% vs 32.3% +/
      7.7%; P = 0.030; 6MWT: 449.9 +/-122.7 m vs 468.3 +/-121.9 m; P <0.001), and the
      apnea-hypopnea index decreased (5.6 [interquartile range (IQR), 2.1; 12.8] vs.
      5.4 [IQR, 2.0; 10.8]; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS SBT improved physical capacity and
      systolic heart function; it also diminished sleep disturbances. The results
      support the benefits of SBT as a novel component of cardiorespiratory
      rehabilitation programs in patients with CHF.

PMID- 28075424
TI  - Managing challenging patients with venous thromboembolism: a practical, case
      based approach.
AB  - The management of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common clinical
      scenario that, for the most part, involves well-established, evidence-based
      treatment pathways. However, important unanswered clinical questions remain that
      are the focus of ongoing research. The aim of this narrative review is to provide
      a practical, case-based approach to the following clinical scenarios in which
      therapeutic management pathways are less well established: How long to administer
      anticoagulation to patients with a first unprovoked VTE? How to manage complex
      patients with cancer-associated VTE? When and how to treat patients with
      splanchnic vein thrombosis? When to use thrombolytic therapy for deep vein
      thrombosis?

PMID- 28075425
TI  - Management of fibromyalgia: practical guides from recent evidence-based
      guidelines.
AB  - Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent and costly condition worldwide, affecting
      approximately 2% of the general population. Recent evidence- and consensus-based
      guidelines from Canada, Germany, Israel, and the European League Against
      Rheumatism aim to support physicians in achieving a comprehensive diagnostic
      workup of patients with chronic widespread (generalized) pain (CWP) and to assist
      patients and physicians in shared decision making on treatment options. Every
      patient with CWP requires, at the first medical evaluation, a complete history,
      medical examination, and some laboratory tests (complete blood count, measurement
      of C-reactive protein, serum calcium, creatine phosphokinase, thyroid-stimulating
      hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels) to screen for metabolic or inflammatory
      causes of CWP. Any additional laboratory or radiographic testing should depend on
      red flags suggesting some other medical condition. The diagnosis is based on the
      history of a typical cluster of symptoms (CWP, nonrestorative sleep, physical
      and/or mental fatigue) that cannot be sufficiently explained by another medical
      condition. Optimal management should begin with education of patients regarding
      the current knowledge of FM (including written materials). Management should be a
      graduated approach with the aim of improving health-related quality of life. The
      initial focus should ensure active participation of patients in applying healthy
      lifestyle practices. Aerobic and strengthening exercises should be the foundation
      of nonpharmacologic management. Cognitive behavioral therapies should be
      considered for those with mood disorder or inadequate coping strategies.
      Pharmacologic therapies may be considered for those with severe pain (duloxetine,
      pregabalin, tramadol) or sleep disturbance (amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine,
      pregabalin). Multimodal programs should be considered for those with severe
      disability.

PMID- 28075426
TI  - Age-adjusted plasma D-dimer levels in suspected acute pulmonary embolism: a
      retrospective, single-center study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION The conventional D-dimer threshold (CDD) is characterized by high
      sensitivity and low specificity in diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in
      older patients. A higher cut-off level for D-dimer has been proposed, aiming at
      increasing the specificity while maintaining high sensitivity. It is calculated
      by multiplying the patient's age in years by a coefficient of 10 (YADD10).
      OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to validate the clinical value of YADD10 in
      patients with suspected acute PE and to optimize this threshold to achieve
      increased specificity paired with high sensitivity. PATIENTS AND METHODS The
      medical records of 1022 patients with suspected acute PE, hospitalized between
      the years 2014 and 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients older than 50
      years, with complete medical records and good quality of multislice computed
      tomography (CT) scans were enrolled. The sensitivity, specificity, negative
      predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy of the proposed
      thresholds were calculated and compared with those of the CCD. The number of
      computed tomography scans that could have been avoided with higher thresholds was
      determined. RESULTS The final analysis included 321 patients (176 women; mean
      age, 74.2 years; range, 51-101 years). Acute PE was confirmed in 135 patients.
      The sensitivity of CDD was 100%, and specificity-5.4%. The use of the YADD10 and
      YADD11 thresholds (obtained by multiplying by the coefficients of 10 and 11,
      respectively) resulted in maintaining high sensitivity, with increased
      specificity of 8.6% (YADD10) and 12.4% (YADD11). The number of unnecessary CT
      scans was reduced by 7%. CONCLUSIONS The YADD thresholds are characterized by
      high sensitivity and increased specificity when compared with CDD, thus allowing
      for a safe reduction of the number of CT scans. A prospective study should be
      conducted to validate these results.

PMID- 28075427
TI  - Evaluation of sudomotor function in adult patients with long-lasting type 1
      diabetes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION The function of the sweat glands appears to be impaired in patients
      with diabetic complications. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate
      sudomotor function in adult patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1) and healthy
      controls and its relationship with metabolic control and diabetic complications.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS The study group included 404 patients with DM1 (194 women),
      aged 41 years (interquartile range [IQR], 32-51 years) and with disease duration
      of 23 years (IQR, 18-31 years). The control group included 84 healthy volunteers.
      Electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) in the feet and hands was measured in both
      groups. RESULTS Patients with DM1 had lower ESC than controls (feet: 80 MUS [IQR,
      65-85 MUS] vs 83 MUS [IQR, 78.5-87 MUS], P <0.001; hands: 63 MUS (IQR, 51-75 MUS)
      vs 69 MUS (IQR, 61.5-78.5 MUS), P <0.001). In the study group, there was a
      negative correlation between ESC and patients' age, duration of diabetes, waist
      to-hip ratio, skin autofluorescence, vibration perception threshold, as well as
      hemoglobin A1c and triglyceride levels, and a positive correlation with estimated
      glomerular filtration rate. Microvascular complications were diagnosed in 73.3%
      of the patients. Patients with retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, peripheral
      neuropathy, and cardiac autonomic neuropathy had lower ESC in the feet and hands
      compared with those without complications. In multivariate logistic regression
      models, ESC was associated with the presence of any microvascular complications
      independently of potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS Diabetic microangiopathy, and
      in particular neuropathy, is related with reduced sudomotor function in DM1. A
      longer duration of diabetes, worse metabolic control, and reduced renal function
      are associated with greater sudomotor dysfunction.

PMID- 28075428
TI  - Balanced secretion of anti-CEA * anti-CD3 diabody chains using the 2A self
      cleaving peptide maximizes diabody assembly and tumor-specific cytotoxicity.
AB  - Adoptive transfer of genetically engineered human cells secreting bispecific T
      cell engagers has shown encouraging therapeutic effects in preclinical models of
      cancer. However, reducing the toxicity and improving the effectiveness of this
      emerging immunotherapeutic strategy will be critical to its successful
      application. We have demonstrated that for gene-based bispecific antibody
      strategies, two-chain diabodies have a better safety profile than single-chain
      tandem scFvs (single-chain variable fragments), because their reduced tendency to
      form aggregates reduces the risk of inducing antigen-independent T-cell
      activation. Here, we demonstrate that the incorporation of a 2A self-processing
      peptide derived from foot-and-mouth disease virus conveying co-translational
      cleavage into a two-chain anti-CD3 * anti-CEA diabody gene enables near-equimolar
      expression of diabody chains 1 and 2, and thus increases the final amount of
      assembled diabody. This was found to maximize diabody-mediated T-cell activation
      and cytotoxicity against carcinoembryonic antigen-positive tumor cells.

PMID- 28075430
TI  - Correction: Inhibition of TLR1/2 dimerization by enantiomers of metal complexes.
AB  - Correction for 'Inhibition of TLR1/2 dimerization by enantiomers of metal
      complexes' by Li-Juan Liu et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 12278-12281.

PMID- 28075429
TI  - Telomerase-specific oncolytic adenovirus expressing TRAIL suppresses peritoneal
      dissemination of gastric cancer.
AB  - Peritoneal dissemination is the most common condition of metastasis in gastric
      cancer. The survival duration of a patient with advanced stage gastric cancer,
      may be improved by gene therapy. In this study, we used an oncolytic adenovirus
      vector (Ad/TRAIL-E1) that expresses both the TRAIL and E1A genes under the
      control of a tumor-specific promoter. We evaluated the anti-tumor effect of
      Ad/TRAIL-E1 on gastric cancer cells in vitro, as well as in vivo in a xenograft
      peritoneal carcinomatosis mouse model. Our data showed that Ad/TRAIL-E1 induced
      TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in gastric cancer cell lines, but not in the normal cell
      lines. In addition, Ad/TRAIL-E1 significantly inhibited peritoneal metastasis and
      prolonged the survival of mice without treatment-related toxicity. Therefore,
      tumor-specific TRAIL expression from an oncolytic adenovirus vector may provide a
      novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of advance stage gastric cancer with
      peritoneal dissemination.

PMID- 28075431
TI  - Influencing colloidal formation with optical traps.
AB  - We present a novel concept where optical traps are used to influence an ongoing
      polymerization process of emulsion droplets. By directed coalescence and partial
      fusion of intermediate nucleation sites, spherical and elongated colloids with
      specific dimensions are formed. The strength of this approach lies in its
      versatility and ease of making various changes to the end product without the
      need for chemical modifications.

PMID- 28075432
TI  - Aggregation and deposition of in situ formed colloidal particles in the presence
      of polyelectrolytes.
AB  - In this work, aggregation and deposition of in situ formed magnesium hydroxide
      (IFM) in the presence of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) were investigated.
      Relative concentrations of interactants, as well as other experimental
      conditions, were changed to elucidate the interaction mechanisms from microscopic
      to macroscopic levels. Light scattering measurements were used to investigate the
      aggregation kinetics, fractal dimension, and collision efficiency of the
      aggregates on a microscopic level. Electrophoretic mobility and TEM were utilized
      to measure the charging properties and morphologies of aggregates, respectively.
      Adsorption and rheology experiments were performed to determine the deposition
      mechanism at higher concentrations of interactants on a macroscopic level. The
      results demonstrate that the initial rapid aggregation of IFM in the presence of
      HPAM is due to an electrostatic patch mechanism. In addition, the deposition was
      accelerated by flocculation with different mechanisms. When more IFM is involved,
      bridging flocculation dominates; when more HPAM is added, depletion flocculation
      plays a leading role. The results of this work may provide further insight into
      understanding the aggregation and deposition of in situ formed natural/engineered
      particles in the presence of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, as well as
      provide new possibilities for produced water treatment, biomedical applications,
      biomineralization, etc.

PMID- 28075433
TI  - [Effects of morphine, butorphanol and levomethadone in different doses on thermal
      nociceptive thresholds in horses].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Various opioids are available for use in equine medicine. Studies
      directly comparing their analgesic effects and side effects are rare. Therefore,
      the aim of this study was to compare the antinociceptive effect and the duration
      of analgesia of two different doses of morphine, butorphanol and levomethadone in
      horses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight adult, healthy horses were used for this
      randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded cross-over trail. Each horse received
      placebo (P = 0.9% saline) and morphine (M0.1 = 0.1 mg/kg; M0.2 = 0.2 mg/kg),
      butorphanol (B0.1 = 0.1 mg/kg; B0.2 = 0.2 mg/kg) and levomethadone (L0.1 = 0.1
      mg/kg; L0.2 = 0.2 mg/kg) in a low and a high dose and with a wash-out period of
      14 days. Thermal thresholds were determined by incremental contact heat applied
      to the skin at the withers. Single stimulations were performed 15 minutes prior
      and 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, 540 and 1350 minutes after
      treatment. Threshold values, gastrointestinal auscultation score and horses'
      behavior were recorded. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance for repeated
      measurements (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In group M0.1, changes in thermal thresholds
      did not reach significance. Thermal threshold increased significantly in the
      groups M0.2, B0.1, B0.2, L0.1 and L0.2 for 240, 90, 90, 60 and 300 minutes,
      respectively. Behavioural changes, increased locomotion and decreased bowel
      sounds as well as delayed time until defecation were noticed in all groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Levomethadone induced a dose-dependent increase and prolongation of
      analgesia, whereas with butorphanol there was no difference between dosages
      regarding duration and intensity of analgesia. Morphine provided detectable
      analgesia only in the high dose of 0.2 mg/kg. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Levomethadone
      and morphine in the low dose (0.1 mg/kg) produced only minor and short lived anti
      nociception and further studies are necessary to give a profound dose
      recommendation for the use of these drugs in horses.

PMID- 28075434
TI  - Diagnosis and surgical correction of congenital bilateral patellar luxation in
      two dwarf zebu calves.
AB  - This case study presents two female dwarf zebu calves with permanent bilateral
      flexion of the stifle joint secondary to bilateral congenital lateral patellar
      luxation. The patella could be manually repositioned bilaterally in the first
      calf (14 days old), but re-luxated immediately with release of manual pressure
      (luxation grade III). In the second calf (28 days old) both patellae were
      permanently luxated laterally (grade IV). The right and left stifles of each calf
      were operated in a staged procedure with approximately 14 days between surgery of
      the two sides. While a lateral release and a medial imbrication were sufficient
      for correction in the left stifle of the younger calf, a trochlear wedge
      resection was required in the other three stifle joints with hypo- to aplastic
      trochleas in order to stabilize the patella. Postoperatively each stifle was
      immobilized for 10 days with a cast. The younger calf regained full function of
      the hind limbs during the complete gait cycle in walk and in trot one month after
      the procedure. The older calf regained full function in the hind limbs in walk
      but in trot there was some degree of lameness due to a reduced extension of
      approximately 20 degrees .

PMID- 28075435
TI  - Cardiac Biomarkers Predict 1-Year Mortality in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip
      Fracture Surgery.
AB  - This prospective study included 152 elderly patients (mean age, 80 years; range,
      72-88 years) with a hip fracture treated surgically. Comorbidities were
      evaluated, and B-type natriuretic peptide was measured at baseline and at
      postoperative days 4 and 5 in addition to troponin I. Major cardiac events were
      recorded, and 1-year mortality was assessed. Comorbidity models with the
      important multivariate predictors of 1-year mortality were analyzed. Overall, 9
      patients (6%) experienced major cardiac events postoperatively during their
      hospitalization. Three patients (2%) died postoperatively, at days 5, 7, and 10,
      from autopsy-confirmed myocardial infarction. Three patients (2%) experienced a
      nonfatal myocardial infarction, and 3 patients (2%) experienced acute heart
      failure. At 1-year follow-up, 37 patients (24%) had died. Age older than 80 years
      (P=.000), renal failure (P=.016), cardiovascular disease (P=.003), respiratory
      disease (P=.010), Parkinson disease (P=.024), and dementia (P=.000) were
      univariate predictors of 1-year mortality. However, in the multivariate model,
      only age older than 80 years (P=.000) and dementia (P=.024) were important
      predictors of 1-year mortality. In all comorbidity models, age older than 80
      years and dementia were important predictors of 1-year mortality. Postoperative
      increase in B-type natriuretic peptide was the most important predictor of 1-year
      mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a threshold of
      90 ng/mL of preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (area under the curve=0.773,
      95% confidence interval, 0.691-0.855, P<.001) had 82% sensitivity and 62%
      specificity to predict 1-year mortality. Similarly, a threshold of 190 ng/mL of
      postoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (area under the curve=0.753, 95%
      confidence interval, 0.662-0.844, P<.001) had 70% sensitivity and 77% specificity
      to predict the study endpoint. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):e417-e424.].

PMID- 28075436
TI  - Gait Kinematic Deviations in Patients With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
      Treated With Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - Comprehensive gait analysis of patients with Crowe type II and III developmental
      dysplasia of the hip (DDH) after successful total hip arthroplasty (THA) is
      lacking in the literature. This study evaluated gait function in joint kinematics
      after unilateral and bilateral THA in patients with DDH. In addition, the effect
      of high cup position on gait function was investigated. A total of 16 unilateral
      and 15 bilateral cementless THA patients due to DDH and 10 healthy participants
      comprised the study population. Levels of superior displacement of the acetabular
      cup and leg-length discrepancy after THA were measured. Three-dimensional gait
      analysis for patients who underwent THA was performed at least 1 year
      postoperatively. Range of motion (ROM), particularly sagittal (flexion/extension)
      and frontal (adduction/abduction) hip joint ROM, was significantly lower in both
      the unilateral and bilateral groups than in healthy participants. Sagittal
      (flexion/extension) hip ROM in patients with DDH was greater in the unilateral
      group than in the bilateral group. A significant influence of high acetabular cup
      position on hip joint kinematics was not observed in the unilateral subgroups
      (mean level of cup superior displacement was 11.8 mm). In contrast, a significant
      influence of high acetabular cup position on hip joint kinematics was observed in
      the bilateral subgroups (mean level of cup superior displacement was 21.3 mm).
      The functional symmetry and cup superior displacement within 12 mm in patients
      with DDH after unilateral THA contributed to the restoration of normal hip
      biomechanics. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):e425-e431.].

PMID- 28075437
TI  - Comparison of Irrigation Times Using Gravity and High-Pressure Lavage.
AB  - The benefits of high-pressure pulsatile lavage for open fracture irrigation have
      been controversial based on conflicting experimental animal research. Recently
      published data definitively demonstrated that irrigation pressure does not affect
      the incidence of reoperation for the treatment of open fractures. However,
      proponents of pulsatile lavage argue a faster irrigation time is an important
      benefit of the high-pressure treatment. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the difference in irrigation time between gravity and high-pressure
      lavage. The experimental setup was designed to mimic clinical practice and
      compared mean irrigation flow times for high-pressure pulsatile lavage and
      gravity flow with 2 commonly used tube diameters. Each irrigation setup was
      tested 5 times at 3 different irrigation bag heights. Analysis of variance and
      Student's t tests were used to compare the mean flow times of 3 irrigation
      methods at each height and among the 3 heights for each irrigation method. The
      mean irrigation flow time in the various experimental models ranged from 161 to
      243 seconds. Gravity irrigation with wide tubing was significantly faster than
      pulsatile lavage or gravity with narrow tubing (P<.001). Increasing irrigation
      bag height had only a marginal effect on the overall flow times (<9% difference).
      The difference in mean flow time among the testing techniques was slightly longer
      than 1 minute, which is unlikely to have a material impact on procedural costs,
      operating times, and subsequent gains in patient safety. [Orthopedics. 2017;
      40(3):e413-e416.].

PMID- 28075438
TI  - Quantitative Anatomical Differences in the Shoulder.
AB  - This study explored the radiographic and anatomical differences in normal
      shoulders between men and women, as well as factors such as race, height, weight,
      and age. A total of 205 patients with documented normal anatomical radiographs
      comprised the study population. Five fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon
      reviewers measured head diameter, humeral head size, head to tuberosity distance,
      greater tuberosity width, neck-shaft angle, surface-arc angle, glenoid neck
      length, and distance from the lateral acromion process to the greater tuberosity
      on anteroposterior radiographs with the shoulder in external rotation. After the
      reviewers identified and marked defined anatomical landmarks, a comprehensive
      automated calculator was used to compute all parameters. Between men and women,
      head diameter (P<.001), humeral head size (P<.001), greater tuberosity width
      (P<.001), distance from the lateral acromion process to the greater tuberosity
      (P<.001), and glenoid neck length (P<.001) were significantly different, whereas
      race was not significantly different for any anatomical parameter. Using
      Spearman's rho, there was a strong correlation between head diameter/humeral head
      height and height (rs=0.77/rs=0.68), weight (rs =0.62), and greater tuberosity
      width (rs=0.66/rs= 0.61); there also was a strong negative correlation between
      head to tuberosity distance and neck-shaft angle (rs=-0.80). This study
      demonstrated precisely defined proximal humeral anatomical relationships and
      sizes using an advanced standardized imaging software program. With these data,
      orthopedic surgeons and implant designers can better understand the anatomy and
      glenohumeral relationships to re-create when performing total shoulder
      arthroplasty. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):155-160.].

PMID- 28075439
TI  - Effects of S100A6 gene silencing on the biological features of eutopic
      endometrial stromal cells and beta-catenin expression.
AB  - Protein expression levels of S100 calcium binding protein A6 (S100A6) are
      increased in various malignancies and are associated with tumor behavior;
      however, the association between S100A6 and endometriosis remains to be
      elucidated. In order to investigate the influence of S100A6 protein, recombinant
      lentivirus siS100A6 was used to transfect the eutopic endometrial stromal cells.
      CCK-8 assay was performed to identify the proliferation ability of cell and the
      cell migration was detected by Transwell assay. Flow cytometry was performed to
      detect cell apoptosis, and western blotting and reverse transcription
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to identify the expression
      of beta-catenin. The present study investigated the role of S100A6 in
      endometriosis and its interaction with beta-catenin by transfecting eutopic
      endometrial stromal cells with a recombinant lentivirus containing S100A6
      specific small interfering RNA. Inhibition of S100A6 expression had a significant
      antiproliferative effect and reduced the migratory ability of eutopic endometrial
      stromal cells, and induced their apoptosis. In addition, inhibition of S100A6
      expression suppressed beta-catenin expression. These results suggested that
      inhibition of S100A6 may represent a promising novel approach for the targeted
      therapy of endometriosis.

PMID- 28075440
TI  - The metastasis suppressor gene KISS-1 regulates osteosarcoma apoptosis and
      autophagy processes.
AB  - The expression of the metastasis suppressor gene KISS-1 in osteosarcoma cells
      during apoptosis and autophagy was evaluated. MG-63 osteosarcoma cells were
      transfected with either KISS-1 overexpression or KISS-1 knockdown expression
      vector in vitro, and compared with cell lines transfected with empty vector.
      After 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of cell culture, the cell proliferation was examined.
      The MTT method was used to detect apoptosis by flow cytometry, and the mRNA
      levels of apoptosis and autophagy markers caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, LC3 and Beclin1
      were assessed by RT-PCR. Our results showed that cells in the control and low
      expression group kept proliferating during the cell culture period of 72 h, while
      the cells in the overexpression group progressively decreased in number. Also,
      the proliferation rate of the low expression group was significantly higher than
      that of the control group. The relative mRNA expression levels of caspase-3 and
      Bax mRNA in the control and low expression group showed no change (the expression
      was lowest in the low expression group). Moreover, the mRNA level of Bcl-2
      increased in both cell groups. The mRNA expression levels of caspase-3 and Bax in
      the overexpression group were increased, and the level of Bcl-2 was reduced
      significantly. At the same time, the relative expression level of LC3 and Beclin1
      mRNA in the control and low expression groups remained the same, and that of the
      overexpression group increased. The mRNA levels of LC3 and Beclin1 in the
      overexpression group were the highest, and that of the low expression group the
      lowest. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Based on these
      results, we showed that KISS-1 inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma in
      vitro, probably by accelerating the processes of apoptosis and autophagy in the
      cells.

PMID- 28075441
TI  - miR-34c-3p acts as a tumor suppressor gene in osteosarcoma by targeting MARCKS.
AB  - Previous studies have demonstrated that microRNA (miR)-34c-3p is important in
      human cancer progression. However, the function of miR-34c-3p in osteosarcoma
      (OS) remains to be elucidated. In the present study, miR-34c-3p level was
      measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction in OS
      tissues and the associated prognostic value for overall survival was determined.
      The function of miR-34c-3p was examined in vitro and in vivo. A luciferase
      reporter assay was used to identify the targets of miR-34c-3p. The results of the
      present study revealed that miR-34c-3p was downregulated in OS tissues and cell
      lines, and decreased levels of miR-34c-3p were associated with a high mortality
      rate in patients with OS. Furthermore, restoration of miR-34c-3p expression
      reduced cell growth in vitro and suppressed tumorigenesis in vivo. Conversely,
      inhibition of miR-34c-3p stimulated OS cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
      Myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate (MARCKS) was identified as
      a direct target of miR-34c-3p and its overexpression partly reversed the
      suppressive effects of miR-34c-3p. Furthermore, MARCKS was revealed to be
      upregulated and inversely correlated with miR-34c-3p levels in OS tissues. These
      data suggested that miR-34c-3p acts as a tumor suppressor via regulation of
      MARCKS expression in OS progression and miR-34c-3p may be a promising therapeutic
      target for this type of cancer.

PMID- 28075442
TI  - Increased expression of PD-L1 by the human papillomavirus 16 E7 oncoprotein
      inhibits anticancer immunity.
AB  - Cytotoxic T lymphocyte dysfunction is frequently associated with PD-L1/PD-1
      pathway activation, and is a principal obstacle in cancer therapy. In the present
      study, the mechanisms underlying the human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced evasion
      of cervical cancer cells to the host immune system via the programmed death
      ligand  1/programmed death 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) signaling pathway was investigated. A
      significant increase in the expression of the HPV16E7 viral protein and PD-L1 in
      cervical tissues was observed when compared with normal cervical tissues. In
      addition, a positive correlation between HPV16E7 and PD-L1 expression was
      observed by immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription-polymerase
      chain reaction. Overexpressing HPV16E7 oncoprotein in the epithelial carcinoma of
      PC3 cells increased the expression level of the PD-L1 protein and inhibited
      peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte
      (CTL) activity. Upon knockdown of HPV16E7 in HPV16-associated CaSki cervical
      cancer cells with a relevant siRNA, a reduction in PD-L1 protein expression was
      observed, as well as a significant increase in PBMC proliferation and CTL
      activity. A recombinant plasmid, MSCVPIG-soluble PD-1, was constructed and
      transfected into the CaSki cell line, and was co-cultured with PBMCs. PBMC
      proliferation and CTL activity were observed to increase significantly. In
      conclusion, the results presented in the current study suggest that
      overexpression of PD-L1, induced by HPV16E7, may be responsible for lymphocyte
      dysfunction. In addition, soluble PD-1 may restore the function of tumor
      infiltrating lymphocytes by inhibiting the PD-L1/PD-1 signaling pathway. These
      results may provide a novel insight for immunotherapeutic approaches in the
      treatment of cervical cancer.

PMID- 28075443
TI  - MicroRNA expression signature and the therapeutic effect of the microRNA-21
      antagomir in hypertrophic scarring.
AB  - Hypertrophic scars (HS) area fibroproliferative disorder of the skin, which
      causes aesthetic and functional impairment. However, the molecular pathogenesis
      of this disease remains largely unknown and currently no efficient treatment
      exists. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in a variety of pathophysiological
      processes, however the role of miRNAs in HS development remains unclear. To
      investigate the miRNA expression signature of HS, microarray analysis was
      performed and 152 miRNAs were observed to be differentially expressed in HS
      tissue compared with normal skin tissues. Of the miRNAs identified, miRNA-21 (miR
      21) was significantly increased in HS tissues and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts
      (HSFBs) as determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction analysis. It was also observed that, when miR-21 in HSFBs was blocked
      through use of an antagomir, the phenotype of fibrotic fibroblasts in vitro was
      reversed, as demonstrated by growth inhibition, induction of apoptosis and
      suppressed expression of fibrosis-associated genes collagen type I alpha 1 chain
      (COL1A1), COL1A2 and fibronectin. Furthermore, miR-21 antagomir administration
      significantly reduced the severity of HS formation and decreased collagen
      deposition in a rabbit ear HS model. The total scar area and scar elevation index
      were calculated and were demonstrated to be significantly decreased in the
      treatment group compared with control rabbits. These results indicated that the
      miR-21 antagomir has a therapeutic effect on HS and suggests that targeting
      miRNAs may be a successful and novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of
      fibrotic diseases that are difficult to treat with existing methods.

PMID- 28075444
TI  - The role of lncRNA MALAT1 in the regulation of hepatocyte proliferation during
      liver regeneration.
AB  - Exploring the biological functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has come to
      the foreground in recent years. Studies have indicated that the lncRNA metastasis
      associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) not only regulates
      tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma, but also controls cell cycle
      progression in hematopoietic cells. The present study was designed to investigate
      the biological role of lncRNA MALAT1 in liver regeneration. We carried out a
      series of assays during liver regeneration following 2/3 partial hepatectomy in
      mice. We explored the functions of lncRNA MALAT1 with a series of functional
      analyses in vitro. We found that MALAT1 was upregulated during liver
      regeneration. Moreover, MALAT1 accelerated hepatocyte proliferation by
      stimulating cell cycle progression from the G1 to the S phase and inhibiting
      apoptosis in vitro. In addition, our findings also demonstrated that MALAT1 was
      regulated by p53 during liver regeneration, and that p53 may be a key upstream
      regulator of MALAT1 activity. Mechanistically, we found that MALAT1 activated the
      Wnt/beta-catenin pathway by inhibiting the expression of Axin1 and adenomatous
      polyposis coli (APC), and subsequently promoting the expression of cyclin D1. On
      the whole, the findings of this study suggest that MALAT1 is a critical molecule
      for liver regeneration. Pharmacological interventions targeting MALAT1 may thus
      prove to be therapeutically beneficial in liver failure or liver transplantation
      by promoting liver regeneration.

PMID- 28075445
TI  - A clinical and molecular analysis of a patient with Emanuel syndrome.
AB  - Emanuel syndrome (ES) is the most frequent type of recurrent non-Robertsonian
      translocation that is characterized by numerous anomalies. Over 100 patients with
      ES have been described in the literature. The phenotype of this syndrome varies
      but often consists of facial dysmorphism, microcephaly, severe intellectual
      disability, developmental retardation, congenital heart disease and genital
      anomalies. The present study describes a 2-year-old boy with multiple
      malformations, including facial dysmorphism, severe intellectual disability,
      growth retardation, congenital heart disease, cleft lip and palate, genital
      malformation (micropenis), amblyopia, thymic dysplasia and hearing impairment.
      The karyotype of the patient was 47,XY,+del(22)(q13), and the maternal karyotype
      was 46,XX,t(11;22)(q25;q13),9qh-,15p+. Single-nucleotide polymorphism-array
      analysis of the proband indicated a partial duplication of chromosomes 22 and 11
      at 22q11.1-q11.21 and 11q23.3-q25, respectively, which confirmed the diagnosis of
      ES. To date, no cases of ES have been reported in mainland China. The present
      case further emphasizes the necessity and importance of high-resolution
      techniques for genetic diagnosis and for subsequent genetic counseling. The
      present study contributed to the phenotypic delineation of ES and confirmed the
      first ES patient in mainland China.

PMID- 28075446
TI  - NF-kappaB inhibition is associated with OPN/MMP-9 downregulation in cutaneous
      melanoma.
AB  - The development of cutaneous melanoma is influenced by genetic factors, including
      BRAF mutations and environmental factors, such as ultraviolet exposure. Its
      progression has been also associated with the involvement of several tumour
      microenvironmental molecules. Among these, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) has
      been indicated as a key player of osteopontin (OPN) and matrix metalloproteinase
      9 (MMP-9) activation. However, whether NF-kappaB plays a role in the development
      and progression of melanoma in association with the OPN/MMP-9 axis according to
      the BRAFV600E mutation status has not been investigated in detail to date. Thus,
      in the present study, in order to shed light on this matter, 148 patients with
      melanoma and 53 healthy donors were recruited for the analysis of OPN, MMP-9 and
      NF-kappaB. Significantly higher circulating levels of OPN and MMP-9 were observed
      in the patients with melanoma when compared to the healthy donors. Similar data
      were obtained for NF-kappaB p65 activity. The OPN levels did not differ
      significantly between melanomas with or without BRAFV600E mutation. However, as
      regards NF-kappaB and MMP-9, significant differences were observed between the
      melanomas with or without BRAFV600E mutation. To determine whether NF-kappaB
      inhibition is associated with a decrease in the levels of OPN and MMP-9,
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 29 patients with melanoma were treated
      with the NF-kappaB inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomycin (DHMEQ), with or
      without OPN. As expected, the inhibition of NF-kappaB induced a marked decrease
      in both the OPN and MMP-9 levels. Furthermore, the decrease in MMP-9 levels was
      higher among melanomas harbouring the BRAFV600E mutation. Overall, our data
      suggest that the activation of MMP-9 is associated with the BRAFV600E mutation
      status. Furthermore, such an activation is mediated by NF-kappaB, suggesting its
      role as therapeutic target in patients with melanoma.

PMID- 28075447
TI  - Anti-metastatic effect of rhodomyrtone from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa on human skin
      cancer cells.
AB  - This study focused on the inhibitory effect of rhodomyrtone, a bioactive compound
      isolated from the leaves of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk., on cancer
      metastasis in epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells and on the verification of the
      underlying related molecular mechanisms of this event. We demonstrated that
      rhodomyrtone at the subcytotoxic concentration (0.5 and 1.5 ug/ml) exhibited
      pronounced inhibition of cancer metastasis by reducing cell migration, cell
      adhesive ability and cell invasion of A431 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Data
      demonstrated that rhodomyrtone could inhibit the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and
      phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), c-Raf, extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK involved in the downregulation the enzyme
      activities and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP
      9. Moreover, we found that rhodomyrtone increased the expression of TIMP-1 and
      TIMP-2, which are inhibitors of MMP-9 and MMP-2, respectively. Rhodomyrtone also
      inhibited the expression of NF-kappaB and phosphorylation of NF-kappaB in a dose
      dependent manner. These results suggested that rhodomyrtone inhibited A431 cell
      metastasis by reducing MMP-2/9 activities and expression through inhibiting
      ERK1/2, p38 and FAK/Akt signaling pathways via NF-kappaB activities. This finding
      suggested that rhodomyrtone may be a novel antimetastasis agent for treatment of
      skin cancer cells.

PMID- 28075448
TI  - Microarray analysis of circular RNA expression patterns in polarized macrophages.
AB  - Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are generated from diverse genomic locations and are a
      new player in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent
      studies have revealed that circRNAs play a crucial role in fine-tuning the level
      of microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation of gene expression by sequestering
      miRNAs. The interaction of circRNAs with disease-associated miRNAs suggests that
      circRNAs are important in the pathology of disease. However, the effects and
      roles of circRNAs in macrophage polarization have yet to be explored. In the
      present study, we performed a circRNA microarray to compare the circRNA
      expression profiles of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) under two distinct
      polarizing conditions (M1 macrophages induced by interferon-gamma and LPS
      stimulation, and M2 macrophages induced by interleukin-4 stimulation). Our
      results showed that a total of 189 circRNAs were differentially expressed between
      M1 and M2 macrophages. Differentially expressed circRNAs with a high fold-change
      were selected for validation by RT-qPCR: circRNA-003780, circRNA-010056, and
      circRNA-010231 were upregulated and circRNA-003424, circRNA-013630, circRNA
      001489 and circRNA-018127 were downregulated (fold-change >4, P<0.05) in M1
      compared to M2, which was found to correlate with the microarray data.
      Furthermore, the most differentially expressed circRNAs within all the
      comparisons were annotated in detail with circRNA/miRNA interaction information
      using miRNA target prediction software. In conclusion, the present study provides
      novel insight into the role of circRNAs in macrophage differentiation and
      polarization.

PMID- 28075449
TI  - Construction of an miRNA-regulated drug-pathway network reveals drug repurposing
      candidates for myasthenia gravis.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare debilitating autoimmune neuromuscular disorder.
      Many studies have focused on the mechanism and treatment strategies of MG.
      However, the exact pathogenesis of MG and effective treatment strategies remain
      unclear. Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) can
      regulate the pathological pathways of MG, suggesting their potential role in
      novel treatments. In the present study, we created a comprehensive catalog of
      experimentally confirmed MG risk genes and miRNAs by manually mining published
      literature and public databases. Based on these genes and miRNAs, we identified
      41 MG risk pathways and 105 approved drugs that can affect these pathways. Some
      important MG-related pathways, such as hsa04060 (cytokine-cytokine receptor
      interaction) and hsa05200 (pathway in cancer), were found to be regulated by MG
      risk miRNAs and drugs. Furthermore, we constructed an miRNA-regulated drug
      pathway network and identified miRNAs and drugs that synergistically regulate key
      MG pathways and biological processes. We developed a drug repurposing strategy to
      identify 25 drug repurposing candidates for MG; several of these drugs, such as
      rituximab, adalimumab, sunitinib, and muromonab, have the potential to be novel
      MG treatment drugs. This study provides novel insight into the pathogenesis of MG
      and potential drug candidates for MG were identified.

PMID- 28075450
TI  - Integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes and pathways in triple
      negative breast cancer.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by
      an aggressive phenotype and reduced survival. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis of TNBC and
      to identify novel target molecules for therapy. The differentially expressed
      genes (DEGs) in TNBC and normal adjacent tissue were assessed by analyzing the
      GSE41970 microarray data using Qlucore Omics Explorer, Gene Ontology (GO) and
      Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Pathway enrichment analyses for DEGs
      were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated
      Discovery online resource. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was
      constructed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes, and
      subnetworks were analyzed by ClusterONE. The PPI network and subnetworks were
      visualized using Cytoscape software. A total of 121 DEGs were obtained, of which
      101 were upregulated and 20 were downregulated. The upregulated DEGs were
      significantly enriched in 14 pathways and 83 GO biological processes, while the
      downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 18 GO biological processes. The
      PPI network with 118 nodes and 1,264 edges was constructed and three subnetworks
      were extracted from the entire network. The significant hub DEGs with high
      degrees were identified, including TP53, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase, cyclin D1, HRAS and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, which were
      predominantly enriched in the cell cycle pathway and pathways in cancer. A number
      of critical genes and pathways were revealed to be associated with TNBC. The
      present study may provide an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of TNBC
      and contribute to the development of therapeutic targets for TNBC.

PMID- 28075452
TI  - A novel pathway in NSCLC cells: miR-191, targeting NFIA, is induced by chronic
      hypoxia, and promotes cell proliferation and migration.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as being important in cancer biology. miR-191 is a
      conserved miRNA, which has been investigated in detail and is reported to be
      induced by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and has an contributory action
      in the progression of breast, hepatic and pancreatic cancer. However, the effects
      of miR-191 in the progression of lung cancer are a subject of debate. In the
      present study, it was found that the expression of miR-191 was significantly
      upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in patients in vivo.
      However, the levels of miR-191 remained unchanged in SK-MES-1, A549 and NCI-H460
      NSCLC cell lines, compared with the level in the normal HBE lung cell line,
      however, the levels were markedly upregulated in these NSCLC cell lines under
      conditions of chronic hypoxia. Subsequently, an miR-191 mimic was transfected
      into the NSCLC cell lines to examine its effect on the progression of the NSCLC
      cells in vitro. The data obtained using MTT and Cell counting kit-8 assays
      revealed that miR-191 had no effect on the proliferation of the cells under
      normal condition, however, their proliferation was promoted under mild hypoxic
      conditions. In addition, the results of a Transwell migration assay showed that
      miR-191 had a promoting effect on NSCLC cell migration under the conditions of
      chronic hypoxia. Furthermore, the TargetScan bioinformatics server and 3'
      untranslated region luciferase reporter assay indicated that the transcription
      factor, nuclear factor 1alpha (NFIA) was a target of miR-191. Subsequent western
      blot analysis showed that, in chronic-hypoxia, the protein levels of NFIA and the
      tumor suppressor, CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein alpha, were sharply reduced in
      A549 cells. In conclusion, miR-191 was induced by chronic hypoxia and promoted
      the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells under chronic hypoxic conditions.
      This promotion may be associated with its targeting of NFIA. The present findings
      may provide a potential molecular target for the therapeutic treatment of NSCLC.

PMID- 28075451
TI  - The role of sphingolipid signalling in diabetes-associated pathologies (Review).
AB  - Sphingosine kinase (SphK) is an important signalling enzyme that catalyses the
      phosphorylation of sphingosine (Sph) to form sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). The
      multifunctional lipid, S1P binds to a family of five G protein-coupled receptors
      (GPCRs). As an intracellular second messenger, S1P activates key signalling
      cascades responsible for the maintenance of sphingolipid metabolism, and has been
      implicated in the progression of cancer, and the development of other
      inflammatory and metabolic diseases. SphK and S1P are critical molecules involved
      in the regulation of various cellular metabolic processes, such as cell
      proliferation, survival, apoptosis, adhesion and migration. There is strong
      evidence supporting the critical roles of SphK and S1P in the progression of
      diabetes mellitus, including insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion,
      pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis, and the development of diabetic inflammatory
      state. In this review, we summarise the current state of knowledge for SphK/S1P
      signalling effects, associated with the development of insulin resistance,
      pancreatic beta-cell death and the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 28075453
TI  - miR-375 inhibits cancer stem cell phenotype and tamoxifen resistance by degrading
      HOXB3 in human ER-positive breast cancer.
AB  - Cancer stem cell (CSC) formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are
      pivotal events in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. They have been shown to
      occur in resistance to tamoxifen. Moreover, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been
      associated with CSCs, EMT as well as tamoxifen resistance. Studying molecular
      mechanism of CSCs, EMT as well as tamoxifen resistance will help us to further
      understand the pathogenesis and progression of the disease and offer new targets
      for effective therapies. In the present study, we showed that miR-375 inhibits
      CSC traits in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Bioinformatics analysis and experimental
      validation identified HOXB3 as a direct target of miR-375. Overexpressing miR-375
      degraded HOXB3 mRNA in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, overexpression of HOXB3 induced
      formation of CSC phenotypes, EMT and tamoxifen-resistance as well as enhanced
      ability of migration and invasion in MCF-7 cells. Most ER-positive breast cancer
      related deaths occur, because of resistance to standard therapies and metastasis,
      restoring miR-375 or targeting HOXB3 might serve as potential therapeutic
      approaches for the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.

PMID- 28075454
TI  - Expression of glia maturation factor gamma is associated with colorectal cancer
      metastasis and its downregulation suppresses colorectal cancer cell migration and
      invasion in vitro.
AB  - Glia maturation factor gamma (GMFG) functions to reorganize the actin
      cytoskeleton and appears to play a causative role in cell migration and
      adherence. The present study assessed GMFG expression in colorectal cancer cells
      and tissue specimens and then explored the role of GMFG in colorectal cancer
      progression in vitro. GMFG protein was highly expressed in colorectal cancer
      tissues and a metastatic colon cancer cell line. Knockdown of GMFG expression
      using GMFG siRNA or anti-GMFG antibody decreased the capacity of colon cancer
      LoVo cell migration and invasion in vitro, while recombinant GMFG treatment
      induced LoVo cell migration. Furthermore, GMFG knockdown also decreased
      expression of MMP2 protein and reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      phenotypes in LoVo cells. Co-culture of LoVo cells with human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs) and exogenous GMFG treatment promoted LoVo cell
      migration and invasion. The data from the present study indicate that GMFG should
      be further evaluated as a biomarker for detection of colorectal cancer metastasis
      and that the targeting of GMFG expression or function could be a novel strategy
      in the future control of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 28075455
TI  - TNF-alpha regulates apoptosis of human vascular smooth muscle cells through gap
      junctions.
AB  - Inflammatory cytokines are released by immune cells and are able to induce
      vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to undergo apoptosis, causing
      atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Changes in the expression levels of connexins
      (Cxs) have been demonstrated in VSMCs to be involved in the pathogenesis of
      atherosclerotic progression. The present study examined the effect of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on Cx43 expression levels and apoptosis in
      human VSMCs. Overexpression of Cx43 plasmids notably stimulated VSMC
      proliferation. TNF-alpha directly inhibited Cx43 expression levels in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner in VSMCs, however this was blocked by c-Jun N-terminal
      kinase inhibitor. TNF-alpha also increased caspase-3 activity and apoptosis of
      VSMCs through the inhibition of Cx43. These data suggested that TNF-alpha induced
      the apoptosis of VMSCs and prompted the destabilization of atherosclerotic
      plaques by downregulating Cx43.

PMID- 28075456
TI  - HPIP silencing inhibits TGF-beta1-induced EMT in lung cancer cells.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported to play an important
      role in the migration and invasion of tumor cells. Hematopoietic pre-B-cell
      leukemia transcription factor (PBX)-interacting protein (HPIP/PBXIP1) has emerged
      as an important regulator of the development of cancer. However, the role of HPIP
      in lung cancer is unclear. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the role
      of HPIP in transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1-induced EMT in A549 lung cancer
      cells in vitro. Our data demonstrated that HPIP was overexpressed in the lung
      cancer cell lines. TGF-beta1 increased the expression of HPIP in the A549 cells.
      In addition, HPIP silencing significantly attenuated TGF-beta1-induced EMT and
      migration/invasion in the A549 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of HPIP greatly
      inhibited TGF-beta1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2 in the A549 cells. In
      conclusion, we demonstrated that HPIP silencing suppressed TGF-beta1-induced EMT
      in lung cancer cells by inhibiting Smad2 activation. Therefore, HPIP may be a new
      therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer.

PMID- 28075457
TI  - High-resolution melting analysis for rapid and sensitive NOTCH1 screening in
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a biological and clinical heterogeneous
      disease. Activating mutations of NOTCH1 have been implicated to be associated
      with adverse prognosis in CLL. The objective of the present study was to develop
      an effective high-resolution melting (HRM) assay for detecting NOTCH1 mutations.
      Genomic DNA (gDNA) extracted from 133 CLL patients was screened by HRM assay, and
      the results were compared with the data obtained using direct sequencing. The
      relative sensitivity of the HRM assay and direct sequencing was evaluated using
      diluted gDNA with different NOTCH1 mutational frequencies. The HRM assay was able
      to detect and discriminate samples with NOTCH1 mutations from the wild-type
      template in CLL. Eight of the 133 CLL patients (6.02%) were scored positively for
      NOTCH1 mutations in the HRM assay. The results of the NOTCH1 mutations detected
      by HRM analysis achieved 100% concordance with those determined from direct
      sequencing. HRM had a higher sensitivity (1%) and shorter turn-around time (TAT),
      compared to direct sequencing. In conclusion, the HRM assay developed by us was
      confirmed to be a rapid, sensitive, and promising approach for high-throughput
      prognostic NOTCH1 screening in CLL. It enables real-time NOTCH1 evaluation, which
      is of great significance in clinical practice and may facilitate the decision
      making of clinicians in CLL.

PMID- 28075458
TI  - Silencing of Forkhead box D1 inhibits proliferation and migration in glioma
      cells.
AB  - Despite the extensive role of Forkhead box transcription factors in the
      development and progression of various cancers, little is known about their role
      in glioma. We examined the expression and function of Forkhead box D1 (FOXD1) in
      glioma cell behavior and found that FOXD1 was upregulated and directly correlated
      with the glioma grade. Data analysis also revealed significant differences in
      FOXD1 expression for both gene expression profiles (GSE4290 and GSE7696) and the
      TCGA datasets. Additionally, decreased FOXD1 expression in U251 and U87 glioma
      cells caused a delay in cell growth and a disruption in colony formation. FOXD1
      silencing also promoted generation of apoptotic bodies containing nuclear
      fragments. Cells with suppressed expression of FOXD1 markedly reduced glioma cell
      migration. Our results suggest that FOXD1 may serve as a novel regulator of
      glioblastoma cell behavior that may offer a novel target for gene targeted glioma
      therapies.

PMID- 28075459
TI  - Death-associated protein kinase 3 controls the tumor progression of A549 cells
      through ERK MAPK/c-Myc signaling.
AB  - Death-associated protein kinases (DAPKs) are members of the serine/threonine
      protein kinase family, which regulate cell death. Although DAPK3 has been
      implicated as a tumor suppressor, a recent study revealed an oncogenic role of
      DAPK3. However, the role of DAPK3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains
      unclear. Therefore, we examined whether DAPK3 controls the progression of NSCLC
      using the NSCLC cell line, A549. We generated A549 cells stably expressing small
      hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting DAPK3. In the A549 cells, the protein level of
      DAPK3 was decreased and the cell proliferation was inhibited. DAPK3 knockdown
      caused G1/G0 cell cycle arrest as assessed by flow cytometric assay and reduced
      cyclin D1 expression in A549 cells. Phosphorylation of ERK and c-Myc, but not Akt
      and JNK, was inhibited by DAPK3 knockdown. Cell migration and invasion were also
      inhibited by DAPK3 knockdown as determined by a Boyden chamber assay and an
      invasion assay, respectively. Moreover, DAPK3 knockdown inhibited anchorage
      independent cell growth as determined by soft-agar colony formation assay. In a
      mouse xenograft model, tumors derived from DAPK3-knockdown cells exhibited
      reduced tumor growth. The present results demonstrated for the first time that
      DAPK3 controls proliferation, migration, invasion, soft-agar colony formation and
      tumor growth through activation of ERK/c-Myc signaling in A549 cells. These
      findings indicate that DAPK3 may be a novel target for the treatment of NSCLC.

PMID- 28075460
TI  - Roles of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes in osteoclastogenesis (Review).
AB  - Osteoporosis is a bone disease that poses a tremendous burden to health care. The
      receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) have
      been a major focus of this research field. RANKL signaling not only activates a
      variety of downstream signaling pathways required for osteoclast development, but
      crosstalk with other signaling pathways also adjusts bone homeostasis both in
      normal physiology and in bone disease. Consequently, novel drugs specifically
      targeting RANK-RANKL and their signaling pathways in osteoclasts are expected to
      revolutionize the treatment of various bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
      Osteoclasts are the exclusive cells involved in bone resorption. Abnormal
      activation of osteoclasts can lead to reduced bone density, resulting in
      osteopenia, osteoporosis and other bone disorders. To date, the mechanism of how
      osteoclast precursors differentiate into mature osteoclasts remains elusive. Cell
      proliferation and cell death may be key processes in the progression as well as
      other cell types. Oncogene products and tumor-suppressor molecules play a pivotal
      role in regulating the processes, which are important in regulating the
      configuration of bone disorders. Based on the understanding of these processes,
      promising alternatives to the use of medications against osteoporosis include
      specific diets with plant-derived supplements to modulate the expression and/or
      activity of these molecules. In this review, we summarize the progress of
      research with a focus on the modulatory roles of oncogene products and tumor
      suppressor molecules and suggest the scope of further research concerning the
      prevention of osteoporosis in this field.

PMID- 28075461
TI  - Resistance of interleukin-6 to the extracellular inhibitory environment promotes
      axonal regeneration and functional recovery following spinal cord injury.
AB  - Interleukin-6 (IL)-6 was originally discovered as a factor that contributes to
      the secondary pathological and inflammatory response in the central nervous
      system (CNS) following injury. However, accumulating evidence suggests that IL-6
      is also involved in functional and structural recovery following CNS injury by
      promoting axonal sprou-ting. This suggests a potential dual role of IL-6 in CNS
      injury. However, the definitive function of IL-6 in neural injury and the
      corresponding underlying mechanisms are still topics of controversy. The present
      study was carried out to examine the potential function of IL-6 in resistance to
      neurite growth-inhibitory effects via regulation of the expression of growth
      associated protein-43 (GAP-43), myelin-associated neurite outgrowth inhibitor
      (Nogo-A) and its receptor (NgR). Rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons cultured
      in an inhibitory microenvironment mimicking injured CNS were used to investigate
      the effects of IL-6 on the outgrowth of neuronal processes. Additionally, IL-6
      was subarachnoidally injected into rats to establish a spinal cord injury (SCI)
      model, and the neurobehavioral manifestations and neural morphology were
      subsequently evaluated to determine the effect of IL-6 on neural regeneration.
      Finally, the potential molecular mechanisms of IL-6-mediated rege-neration and
      functional recovery following CNS injury are discussed. The results of the
      present study demonstrated that the in vitro administration of IL-6 enhanced the
      neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons in a dose-dependent manner via resisting the
      inhibitory function of myelin proteins. All doses of the IL-6 subarachnoid
      injection improved the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores following SCI, with a
      large number of axonal sproutings observed at the spinal lesion site, and several
      sprouting fibers being elongated and bypassing the lesion and entered the caudal
      spinal cord. Additionally, a significantly increased density area of
      diaminobenzidine-labeled neural fiber was observed in rats that received a
      subarachnoid injection of IL-6, and the rats exhibited increased expression of
      GAP-43 and decreased expression of Nogo-A. In conclusion, the results of the
      present study indicated that IL-6 interferes with the inhibitory functions of
      myelin proteins by upregulating the expression of GAP-43 and simultaneously
      downregulating the expression of Nogo-A and NgR to promote axonal sprouting and
      functional recovery following SCI.

PMID- 28075462
TI  - DNALK2 inhibits the proliferation and invasiveness of breast cancer MDA-MB-231
      cells through the Smad-dependent pathway.
AB  - Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms diagnosed in females
      worldwide. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which belong to the TGF-beta
      superfamily, regulate a wide range of cellular responses including cell
      proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration and apoptosis in breast
      cancer. BMPs can bind to type I and II serine/threonine kinase receptors to
      regulate cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. Type I receptors
      are expressed in various breast cancer cell lines and primary tumor samples.
      Activin-like kinase 2 (ALK2) is generally expressed in breast cancer cells (MDA
      MB-231, MCF7, SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-468); however, the effect of ALK2 on the
      proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells remains unknown. We used a
      dominant-negative mutant of ALK2 to research the function of ALK2. We aimed to
      ascertain whether dominant-negative mutant ALK2 adenovirus vector (DNALK2)
      receptors can compete with wild-type ALK2 receptors. The present study showed
      that DNALK2 inhibited the growth, migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells
      by inhibiting the SMAD-dependent pathway and downregulating connective tissue
      growth factor and inhibitor of differentiation 1 expression, in vivo and in
      vitro. These observations indicate that ALK2 is a potential therapeutic agent for
      the treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 28075463
TI  - Expression of the promyelocytic leukemia protein without the nuclear localization
      signal as a novel diagnostic marker for acute promyelocytic leukemia.
AB  - Promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha (PML-RARalpha) is a fusion
      protein generated by the t(15;17)(q22;q12) translocation associated with acute
      promyelocytic leukemia (APL). PML-RARalpha is cleaved by neutrophil elastase, an
      early myeloid-specific serine protease, leading to translocation of the nuclear
      localization signal (NLS) of the PML protein to the N-terminal of RARalpha, and
      the mutational product PML(NLS-). The present study was designed to analyze the
      role of the NLS in mediating PML transport into the nucleus and to evaluate the
      value of measuring NLS translocation in the early diagnosis of APL. PML and
      PML(NLS-) localization was examined by immunofluorescence (IF). The interaction
      between PML/PML(NLS-) and importin alpha was detected by an in vivo binding assay
      using co-immunoprecipitation and double IF labeling. Twenty-seven untreated APL
      patients with PML-RARalpha and 22 non-APL controls were evaluated. PML(NLS-) was
      detected in primary APL, but not non-APL cells. IF showed that PML was localized
      to the nucleus, interacted with importin alpha in vivo, and co-localized in the
      PML nuclear bodies. PML(NLS-) was primarily localized in the cytoplasm and the
      interaction with importin alpha was lost. IF had a sensitivity and specificity of
      92.6 and 77.3%, respectively, for diagnosing APL. These data suggest that PML(NLS
      ) may be a novel diagnostic biomarker for APL.

PMID- 28075464
TI  - Downregulation of the N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 is related to enhanced
      proliferation, invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - The N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is differently expressed in human
      malignancies according to the tumor type. We investigated the expression of NDRG1
      in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines as well as how it affects tumor
      growth, invasion and migration in pancreatic cancer cells. Experimental groups
      included NDRG1 overexpression and knockdown pancreatic cancer cell lines.
      Lentivirus-based empty vector transfected cells (NC group) were considered
      control groups. Proliferation, invasion and migration related proteins such as
      STAT3, MMPs, PTEN, PI3K/AKT were assessed by CCK-8, Transwell assay and western
      blotting. Efficient NDRG1 overexpression results in reduced cell proliferation,
      invasion and migration. Inversely, downregulation of NDRG1 promoted
      proliferation, invasion and migration. We also found NDRG1 could deactivate p
      STAT3, PI3K, p-AKT, MMP2, MMP9 and activate PTEN. NDRG1 is a potential anti
      oncogene. Its upregulation significantly decreases pancreatic cancer
      tumorigenesis, likely by inhibiting STAT3 and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

PMID- 28075465
TI  - Monoclonal antibody Zt/g4 targeting RON receptor tyrosine kinase enhances
      chemosensitivity of bladder cancer cells to Epirubicin by promoting G1/S arrest
      and apoptosis.
AB  - Epirubicin (EPI) is one of the most used intravesical chemotherapy agents after
      transurethral resection to non-muscle invasive bladder tumors (NMIBC) to prevent
      cancer recurrence and progression. However, even after resection of bladder
      tumors and intravesical chemotherapy, half of them will recur and progress. RON
      is a membrane tyrosine kinase receptor usually overexpressed in bladder cancer
      cells and associated with poor pathological features. This study aims to
      investigate the effects of anti-RON monoclonal antibody Zt/g4 on the
      chemosensitivity of bladder cells to EPI. After Zt/g4 treatment, cell
      cytotoxicity was significantly increased and cell invasion was markedly
      suppressed in EPI-treated bladder cancer cells. Further investigation indicated
      that combing Zt/g4 with EPI promoted cell G1/S-phase arrest and apoptosis, which
      are the potential mechanisms that RON signaling inhibition enhances
      chemosensitivity of EPI. Thus, combing antibody-based RON targeted therapy
      enhances the therapeutic effects of intravesical chemotherapy, which provides new
      strategy for further improvement of NMIBC patient outcomes.

PMID- 28075466
TI  - Co-delivery of doxorubicin and pH-sensitive curcumin prodrug by transferrin
      targeted nanoparticles for breast cancer treatment.
AB  - The natural product curcumin and the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin have been
      used in the treatment of many cancers, including breast cancer. However, fast
      clearance and unspecific distribution in the body after intravenous injection are
      still challenges to be overcome by an ideal nano-sized drug delivery system in
      cancer treatment. In this study we design transferrin (Tf) decorated
      nanoparticles (NPs) to co-deliver CUR and DOX for breast cancer treatment. A pH
      sensitive prodrug, transferrin-poly(ethylene glycol)-curcumin (Tf-PEG-CUR), was
      synthesized and used for the self-assembling of NPs (Tf-PEG-CUR NPs). DOX is
      incorporated into the Tf-PEG-CUR NPs to obtain Tf-PEG-CUR/DOX NPs. In vitro
      cytotoxicity studies and in vivo antitumor activity were carried out using MCF-7
      cells and mice bearing MCF-7 cells, respectively. Tf-PEG-CUR/DOX NPs has a
      particle size of 89 nm and a zeta potential of -15.6 mV. This system displayed
      remarkably higher efficiency than other systems both in vitro and in vivo. DOX
      and CUR were successfully loaded into nanocarriers. The in vitro cell viability
      assays revealed the combination of Tf-PEG-CUR and DOX NPs exhibited higher
      cytotoxicity in vitro in MCF-7 cells compared with Tf-PEG-CUR NPs alone. Using
      the breast cancer xenograft mouse model, we demonstrate that this co
      encapsulation approach resulted in an efficient tumor-targeted drug delivery,
      decreased cytotoxic effects and exhibited stronger antitumor effect.

PMID- 28075467
TI  - Resveratrol suppresses human hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting HGF-c-Met
      signaling pathway.
AB  - Resveratrol, one of the major polyphenols found in red wine, is suggested to have
      a role as a chemo-prevention or chemotherapy agent in various human cancer
      models. Herein, we report that resveratrol has a profound antitumor effect on
      human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by down-regulation of the HGF-c-Met
      signaling pathway. Resveratrol inhibited anchorage-dependent and -independent
      growth of HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Short-term resveratrol exposure
      substantially decreased HGF-induced c-Met signaling pathway activation, and long
      term exposure to resveratrol markedly inhibited c-Met expression on the cell
      membrane. Additionally, resveratrol suppressed HGF-induced cell invasion, and
      knockdown of c-Met decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to resveratrol
      treatment. Finally, the antitumor activity of resveratrol was validated in
      xenograft model and resveratrol prominently restrained tumor growth in vivo. In
      summary, our results suggested that c-Met offers a candidate molecular target for
      hepatocellular carcinoma management.

PMID- 28075468
TI  - MicroRNA-138-5p controls sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to radiation by
      targeting EIF4EBP1.
AB  - Radiation therapy is the standard treatment for primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      (NPC). MicroRNA regulates cancer responsiveness to radiation therapy by
      controlling the genes involved in radiation responses. Recent studies suggested
      that downregulation of microRNA-138-5p was clinically significant in NPC. Here,
      we evaluated the effect of miR-138-5p on radiosensitivity of NPC cells and
      explored the underlying mechanisms by identifying its target gene that impacted
      sensitivity to radiation. Our results revealed that overexpression of miR-138-5p
      reduced the ability to form colonies, inhibited proliferation, and enhanced
      radiation-induced DNA damage and autophagy in NPC cells upon radiation treatment.
      By integrating predicted targets with the transcripts downregulated by miR-138
      5p, EIF4EBP1 was identified to be a target gene of miR-138-5p. Results from
      luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-138-5p downregulated the
      expression of EIF4EBP1 by binding to the 3'-UTR. Silence of EIF4EBP1 enhanced
      radiosensitivity of NPC cells as evidenced by reduced ability to form colonies
      after radiation exposure. In summary, our results indicated that miR-138-5p
      enhanced radiosensitivity of NPC cells by targeting EIF4EBP1. Further studies are
      warranted to investigate the potential use of miR-138-5p in the clinical
      management and treatment prediction of NPC patients.

PMID- 28075469
TI  - Urinary kidney injury molecule-1 as an early diagnostic biomarker of obstructive
      acute kidney injury and development of a rapid detection method.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate whether urinary kidney injury
      molecule-1 (KIM-1) presents a suitable early diagnostic biomarker of obstructive
      nephropathy-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), and to develop a rapid detection
      method for urinary KIM-1. Obstructive AKI was induced in an experimental rat
      model by a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) operation. Macro- and
      micromorphological kidney alterations were determined by visual observation and
      hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, respectively. Kidney functions were
      evaluated by detecting urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in rat urine and
      blood. Urinary KIM-1 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay, and the protein expression levels of KIM-1, alpha-smooth muscle actin
      (alpha-SMA) and vimentin in kidney tissues were detected using
      immunohistochemical assays. In order to measure KIM-1 levels, colloidal gold
      immunochromatographic strips were developed based on the colloidal gold
      immunochromatographic assay. The results indicated that KIM-1 levels were
      significantly higher in the UUO group when compared with the Sham group. KIM-1
      levels in the urine and kidney tissues exhibited a time-dependent increase,
      together with increasing obstructive AKI in the UUO group. In addition, KIM-1
      levels were demonstrated to be a more sensitive biomarker of early obstructive
      AKI, when compared with alpha-SMA and vimentin. A colloidal gold-based
      immunochromatographic strip was developed, whereby the detection of urinary KIM-1
      could be completed within 5-10 min. In conclusion, results of the present study
      demonstrated that urinary KIM-1 may be a valuable biomarker for the early
      diagnosis of obstructive AKI, and the use of a colloidal gold
      immunochromatographic strip may be a promising method for the rapid detection of
      urinary KIM-1.

PMID- 28075470
TI  - Combined effects of atorvastatin and aspirin on growth and apoptosis in human
      prostate cancer cells.
AB  - Epidemiologic studies indicate the use of either statins or aspirin have
      beneficial effects in prostate cancer patients. The present study was undertaken
      to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of atorvastatin and aspirin alone or in
      combination in human prostate cancer cells cultured in vitro and grown as
      xenograft tumors in severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) mice. The growth and
      apoptosis in prostate cancer cells were determined by the trypan blue exclusion
      and propidium iodide staining assays. Activation of the nuclear factor kappaB (NF
      kappaB) was measured by luciferase reporter assay, and the levels of phospho
      signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)3 and phospho
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 were determined by western blot
      analysis. Mice were injected subcutaneously with PC-3 cells in Matrigel. After 4
      6 weeks, mice with PC-3 tumors received i.p. injections of vehicle, atorvastatin
      (5 mg/kg), aspirin (80 mg/kg), or atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) + aspirin (80 mg/kg)
      three times a week for 30 days. Our results demonstrated the combination of
      atorvastatin and aspirin had more potent effects on growth inhibition and
      apoptosis stimulation in prostate cancer cells than either drug alone.
      Mechanistic studies indicated the induction of apoptosis in PC-3 cells was
      associated with strong inhibition of NF-kappaB and decreases in the levels of
      phospho-Stat3 and phospho-Erk1/2. Results of the present study demonstrated a
      strong combined effect of atorvastatin and aspirin on inhibiting the growth of
      prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The findings provide a strong
      rationale for clinical evaluation of the combination of atorvastatin and aspirin
      in patients with prostate cancer.

PMID- 28075471
TI  - Alterations in splenic function and gene expression in mice with depressive-like
      behavior induced by exposure to corticosterone.
AB  - Depressed patients present with increased cortisol levels and attenuated immune
      responses. However, little is known about the association between depression and
      the spleen, as this is the largest peripheral immune organ. In this study, we
      examined alterations in splenic function and gene expression in mice with
      depressive-like behavior, well as the expression of certain proteins in related
      pathways. A mouse model of depression was established with the use of
      corticosterone. Splenic function and histopathology were assessed using Wright
      and H&E staining. The Agilent Whole Mouse Genome Oligo Microarray containing
      >41,174 transcript probes was used to measure the levels of gene-expression in
      the spleens from control and model mice, and the levels of certain proteins
      associated with depression were measured by western blot analysis in the brain
      and spleen separately. We found that splenic function and immunity in the mice
      with depressive-like behavior were markedly impaired. A total of 53 genes
      exhibited a differential response in the mice with depressive-like behavior, 11
      of which were more notable, including collagen, type VI, alpha5 (Col6a5),
      immunoglobulin superfamily, member 11 (Igsf11), D site albumin promoter binding
      protein (Dbp), tachykinin 2 (Tac2) and gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor 2
      (Gabbr2). Pathway analysis revealed that the amino acid biosynthesis and the
      clock gene pathways were more meaningful among these genes. The levels of GABBR2,
      DBP and substance P (SP; encoded by the Tac2 gene) related proteins in the brain
      were markedly downregulated, and similar results were observed in the spleen. The
      anti-depressant, fluoxetine, reversed the changes in the levels of these
      proteins. The findings of our study regarding changes occurring in the spleen
      during depression may indirectly elucidate and shed light into the pathogenesis
      of depression and depressive-like behavior.

PMID- 28075472
TI  - Suppression of PTEN/AKT signaling decreases the expression of TUBB3 and TOP2A
      with subsequent inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis in human
      breast cancer MCF-7 cells via ATP and caspase-3 signaling pathways.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of PTEN/AKT signaling on
      TUBB3 and TOP2A expression and on the subsequent cell growth of human breast
      cancer MCF-7 cells. We found that the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall
      survival (OS) of breast cancer patients with TUBB3-positive tumors were lower
      than these rates in the patients with TUBB3-negative tumors. Meanwhile, DFS and
      OS of breast cancer patients with TOP2A-positive tumors were also lower than
      these rates in patients with TOP2A-negative tumors. Suppression of PTEN reduced
      the protein expression of TUBB3 and TOP2A in MCF-7 cells. Suppression of PTEN
      also reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in
      MCF-7 cells. Moreover, an increase in ATP also reduced TUBB3 and TOP2A protein
      expression, reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and caspase-3
      activity in the MCF-7 cells following suppression of PTEN. Suppression of
      phosphorylation-AKT (p-AKT) reduced the protein expression of TUBB3 and TOP2A in
      the MCF-7 cells. Suppression of p-AKT also reduced cell proliferation and induced
      apoptosis and caspase-3 activity in the MCF-7 cells. Then, ATP also reduced TUBB3
      and TOP2A protein expression, reduced cell proliferation and induced apoptosis
      and caspase-3 activity in MCF-7 cells following suppression of p-AKT. These
      results suggest that PTEN/AKT signaling affects the expression of TUBB3 and TOP2A
      reducing cell growth and inducing apoptosis of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells
      through ATP and caspase-3 signaling pathways. TUBB3 and TOP2A may be promising
      prognostic markers for the efficacy of adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

PMID- 28075474
TI  - Isomahanine induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and simultaneously triggers p38
      MAPK-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in multidrug-resistant human oral squamous
      cell carcinoma cells.
AB  - Advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is typically aggressive and closely
      correlated with disease recurrence and poor survival. Multidrug resistance (MDR)
      is the most critical problem leading to therapeutic failure. Investigation of
      novel anticancer candidates targeting multidrug-resistant OSCC cells may provide
      a basis for developing effective strategies for OSCC treatment. In the present
      study, we investigated the cytotoxic mechanism of a carbazole alkaloid, namely
      isomahanine, in a multidrug-resistant OSCC cell line CLS-354/DX. We demonstrated
      that CLS-354/DX cells overexpressing multidrug resistance-associated protein 1
      (MRP1) were resistant to anticancer drugs cisplatin and camptothecin. Isomahanine
      effectively induced cytotoxicity against CLS-354/DX cells regardless of
      resistance. Apoptosis as determined by FITC-Annexin V/PI staining and western
      blot analysis of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)
      was significantly induced in a time-dependent manner upon isomahanine treatment.
      Isomahanine-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis was determined using z-VAD-fmk.
      The effects on autophagy in isomahanine-treated cells were investigated via
      conversion of LC3B and degradation of p62/SQSTM1 (p62). Isomahanine obviously
      induced autophagic flux as shown by an increase in punctate GFP-LC3B and the LC3B
      II/LC3B-I ratio with a concomitant decrease in p62 levels. Autophagy inhibitors 3
      methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ) protected isomahanine-induced cell
      death, indicating the activation of autophagic cell death. Endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) stress and MAPK activation were examined to elucidate the mechanism
      underlying cell death. The expression levels of PERK, CHOP and phosphorylated
      MAPK (p38, ERK1/2 and JNK1/2) were upregulated following isomahanine treatment.
      We found that p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) significantly attenuated isomahanine
      induced apoptosis and autophagic flux and this prevented cell death.
      Collectively, the present study demonstrated that isomahanine was able to induce
      ER stress and trigger p38 MAPK-mediated apoptosis and autophagic cell death in
      multidrug-resistant OSCC cells. The potential cytotoxic action of isomahanine may
      provide the development of anticancer candidates for treating multidrug-resistant
      cancer.

PMID- 28075473
TI  - Spirulina lipopolysaccharides inhibit tumor growth in a Toll-like receptor 4
      dependent manner by altering the cytokine milieu from interleukin-17/interleukin
      23 to interferon-gamma.
AB  - Th17 cells and the cytokine they produce, interleukin (IL)-17, play an important
      role in tumor progression in humans and in mice. IL-6 and IL-23 are critical
      cytokines for the differentiation and propagation of Th17 cells, respectively.
      Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are known to stimulate immune cells to
      produce such inflammatory cytokines. Contrary to Escherichia coli (E. coli) LPS,
      LPS from Spirulina has low toxicity and barely induces in vivo production of IL-6
      and IL-23 in mice. We examined the antitumor effects of Spirulina LPS compared to
      E. coli LPS in an MH134 hepatoma model. Administration of Spirulina LPS
      suppressed tumor growth in C3H/HeN mice, but not in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)
      mutant C3H/HeJ mice, by reducing serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23, while
      increasing interferon (IFN)-gamma levels. The antitumor activity and IFN-gamma
      production were mediated by T cells. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that
      Spirulina LPS impaired the antigen-presenting function that supports the
      generation of IL-17-producing cells in a toll-like receptor (TLR)4-dependent
      manner. Of note, injection of anti-IL-17 antibody in tumor-bearing C3H/HeN mice
      in the absence of Spirulina LPS markedly suppressed tumor growth and augmented
      IFN-gamma responses. Thus, our results support the notion that IFN-gamma and IL
      17/IL-23 mutually regulate Th17 and Th1 responses in tumor-bearing hosts, and
      Spirulina LPS modulates the balance of the IFN-gamma-IL-17/IL-23 axis towards IFN
      gamma production, which leads to tumor inhibition. Furthermore, Spirulina LPS
      effectively inhibited the spontaneous development of mammary tumors. This study
      has important implications for the exploitation of TLR-based immunomodulators for
      cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 28075475
TI  - miR-134 suppresses the migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer by
      targeting ITGB1.
AB  - Most cancer-related deaths are caused by the development of metastatic disease.
      Thus, investigation of the underlying mechanisms of metastasis is urgent to
      design more effective targeted drugs and to treat metastatic disease more
      effectively. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential targets for cancer
      treatment. In the present study, we aimed to identify the roles of miR-134 in non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell migration and invasion. We demonstrated that
      overexpression of miR-134 inhibited migration and invasion of A549 and H1299
      cells. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that miR-134 inhibited
      epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) evidenced by upregulation of E
      cadherin expression and downregulation of vimentin expression. Using luciferase
      assays, we identified integrin beta1 (ITGB1) as a direct target of miR-134.
      Performing RNAi and rescue experiments, we confirmed that miR-134 exerted its
      migratory and invasive suppressive role partly by downregulating ITGB1. Finally,
      an in vivo experiment also, to some extent, suggested that miR-134 may function
      as a suppressor of metastasis. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR-134
      suppresses migration and invasion of NSCLC by targeting ITGB1.

PMID- 28075476
TI  - Silencing of GP73 inhibits invasion and metastasis via suppression of epithelial
      mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with invasion and
      metastasis of cancer cells. Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is a serum biomarker for
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and our previous study demonstrated that the
      expression of GP73 correlated with aggressive behavior and EMT molecules in HCC.
      However, its role in metastatic mechanism of HCC is not clear. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the effect of GP73 on invasion and migration, and
      underlying mechanism of GP73 involved in EMT of HCC. The expression of GP73 was
      downregulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA). The metastatic and invasive
      abilities were analyzed using scratch assay and Transwell assay. Changes in EMT
      related molecules were evaluated by western blot and qRT-PCR analyses, and
      epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype changes were also observed. Expression of GP73
      was upregulated in the more metastatic HCC cell lines. Knockdown of GP73 by siRNA
      resulted in a significant decrease in migratory and invasive abilities in both
      MHCC97H and Bel-7404 cell lines. Importantly, EMT-related markers and
      morphological phenotypes significantly changed following by the inhibition of
      GP73. Silencing GP73 contributed to the reduction of invasion and metastasis via
      suppressing EMT in HCC. GP73 may serve as a novel molecular target against EMT in
      HCC metastasis therapy.

PMID- 28075477
TI  - Escin induces apoptosis in human renal cancer cells through G2/M arrest and
      reactive oxygen species-modulated mitochondrial pathways.
AB  - Escin, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, exhibits antitumor effects on
      various types of human cancer cells, but its effect on human renal cancer cells
      has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrated that escin
      elicits cytotoxic effects on human renal cancer cells (786-O and Caki-1) in a
      dose-dependent manner, as determined by MTT assay. Escin induced G2/M arrest, and
      then increased the sub-G1 population, Annexin V binding, activation of caspase-9/
      3, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Bax protein. Escin also
      decreased the anti-apoptotic protein levels of Bcl-2, X-linked inhibitor of
      apoptosis protein and survivin. In addition, escin induced reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) generation, leading to mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction
      and inducing apoptosis in 786-O renal cancer cells, which were suppressed by
      antioxidants, such as NAC. Collectively, our results suggest that escin induces
      apoptosis via the intrinsic-mitochondrial apoptosis pathway through G2/M arrest
      and ROS generation in human renal cancer cells. Escin appears to have potential
      as a clinically useful chemotherapeutic agent for human renal cancer.

PMID- 28075478
TI  - High expression of RAB43 predicts poor prognosis and is associated with
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gliomas.
AB  - The Ras-related GTP-binding protein (RAB) family plays an important role in
      regulating signal transduction and cellular processes including vesicle
      transport, cytoskeleton formation and membrane trafficking. More recently,
      several RAB members have been reported to promote tumorigenesis in many types of
      cancers. However, the clinical significance and potential function of RAB43 in
      gliomas remain unclear. Herein, we found that RAB43 was upregulated and
      positively correlated with the grade of progression in glioma patients by in
      silico analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Patients with high RAB43
      displayed worse clinical outcomes in comparison to those with low RAB43. RAB43
      was also highly expressed in mesenchymal and G3 subtypes, and isocitrate
      dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) wild-type gliomas. Moreover, transcriptomic analyses via
      Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways
      revealed that RAB43-related gene sets were mainly involved in the regulation of
      cell adhesion and cell migration processes. Further investigation indicated that
      RAB43 downregulation significantly suppressed the migratory and invasive ability
      of glioma cells, as well as decreased the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) markers (N-cadherin, vimentin and Snail). In conclusion, a high
      level of RAB43 was significantly associated with the malignant phenotypes of
      gliomas, which suggests that RAB43 may serve as a novel biomarker and a potential
      therapeutic target for gliomas.

PMID- 28075479
TI  - Different contributions of local- and distant-regulatory changes to transcriptome
      divergence between stickleback ecotypes.
AB  - Differential gene expression can play an important role in phenotypic evolution
      and divergent adaptation. Although differential gene expression can be caused by
      both local- and distant-regulatory changes, we know little about their relative
      contribution to transcriptome evolution in natural populations. Here, we
      conducted expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis to investigate the
      genetic architecture underlying transcriptome divergence between marine and
      stream ecotypes of threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We
      identified both local and distant eQTLs, some of which constitute hotspots,
      regions with a disproportionate number of significant eQTLs relative to the
      genomic background. The majority of local eQTLs including those in the hotspots
      caused expression changes consistent with the direction of transcriptomic
      divergence between ecotypes. Genome scan analysis showed that many local eQTLs
      overlapped with genomic regions of high differentiation. In contrast, nearly half
      of the distant eQTLs including those in the hotspots caused opposite expression
      changes, and few overlapped with regions of high differentiation, indicating that
      distant eQTLs may act as a constraint of transcriptome evolution. Finally, a
      comparison between two salinity conditions revealed that nearly half of eQTL
      hotspots were environment specific, suggesting that analysis of genetic
      architecture in multiple conditions is essential for predicting response to
      selection.

PMID- 28075480
TI  - Costs of selfing prevent the spread of a self-compatibility mutation that causes
      reproductive assurance.
AB  - In flowering plants, shifts from outcrossing to partial or complete self
      fertilization have occurred independently thousands of times, yet the underlying
      adaptive processes are difficult to discern. Selfing's ability to provide
      reproductive assurance when pollination is uncertain is an oft-cited ecological
      explanation for its evolution, but this benefit may be outweighed by costs
      diminishing its selective advantage over outcrossing. We directly studied the
      fitness effects of a self-compatibility mutation that was backcrossed into a self
      incompatible (SI) population of Leavenworthia alabamica, illuminating the
      direction and magnitude of selection on the mating-system modifier. In array
      experiments conducted in two years, self-compatible (SC) plants produced 17-26%
      more seed, but this advantage was counteracted by extensive seed discounting-the
      replacement of high-quality outcrossed seeds by selfed seeds. Using a simple
      model and simulations, we demonstrate that SC mutations with these attributes
      rarely spread to high frequency in natural populations, unless inbreeding
      depression falls below a threshold value (0.57 <= deltathreshold <= 0.70) in SI
      populations. A combination of heavy seed discounting and inbreeding depression
      likely explains why outcrossing adaptations such as self-incompatibility are
      maintained generally, despite persistent input of selfing mutations, and frequent
      limits on outcross seed production in nature.

PMID- 28075481
TI  - Diagnosis of Spinocerebellar Ataxias Caused by Trinucleotide Repeat Expansions.
AB  - Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of disorders that are both clinically
      and genetically heterogeneous. They usually demonstrate onset in adulthood, but
      some forms may have juvenile or infantile onset. There are many different types
      of SCA, demonstrating different modes of inheritance and types of mutation. The
      most common forms are due to dominantly inherited expansions in trinucleotide
      repeat sequences located within the coding region of the relevant genes, and
      these are readily identifiable by molecular genetic testing. In general, it is
      possible to test for these disorders using PCR-based assays, amplifying across
      the trinucleotide repeat regions and sizing the PCR products to determine the
      number of repeats. Larger expansions are generally associated with a more severe
      presentation of the disorder, and alternative methods may be necessary to detect
      these alleles. This protocol describes methods for detecting normal and expanded
      triplet repeat alleles in the most common SCA genes. (c) 2017 by John Wiley &
      Sons, Inc.

PMID- 28075482
TI  - Human Induced Pluripotent Stem (hiPS) Cells from Urine Samples: A Non-Integrative
      and Feeder-Free Reprogramming Strategy.
AB  - Human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cell technology has already revolutionized
      some aspects of fundamental and applied research such as study of disease
      mechanisms and pharmacology screening. The first clinical trial using hiPS cell
      derived cells began in Japan, only 10 years after the publication of the proof-of
      concept article. In this exciting context, strategies to generate hiPS cells have
      evolved quickly, tending towards non-invasive protocols to sample somatic cells
      combined with "safer" reprogramming strategies. In this unit, we describe a
      protocol combining both of these advantages to generate hiPS cells with episomal
      plasmid transfection from urine samples of individuals carrying the desired
      genotype. Based on previous published works, this simplified protocol requires
      minimal equipment and reagents, and is suitable both for scientists familiar with
      the hiPS cells technology and neophytes. HiPS cells displaying classical features
      of pluripotency and suitable for all desired downstream applications are
      generated rapidly (<10 weeks) and with high efficiency. (c) 2017 by John Wiley &
      Sons, Inc.

PMID- 28075483
TI  - Detecting APC Gene Mutations in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP).
AB  - Hereditary forms of colorectal cancer (CRC) account for up to 5% of total cases.
      Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant condition affecting
      nearly 1 in 5000 people and accounts for only about 1% of all CRCs. It is
      characterized by the progressive development of hundreds to thousands of
      adenomatous colon polyps. The gene associated with FAP (APC) contains 15 coding
      exons. The mutation spectrum of the APC gene is broad in that 87% of causative
      mutations are point mutations (including other sequence variants) and around 10%
      to 15% are intragenic deletions and duplications. The strategy for molecular
      diagnostic testing for FAP involves initial full sequence analysis of APC for
      sequence variants followed by screening for deletion/duplications using
      microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) or Multiplex
      Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). Recently, next generation
      sequencing (NGS)-based targeted gene analysis has become clinically available for
      detection of point mutations and other sequence variants. This unit discusses
      detailed protocols for an NGS-based sequencing assay, PCR-based Sanger
      sequencing, and array CGH. (c) 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

PMID- 28075484
TI  - Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin Using Sequencing (ATAC-seq) Data
      Analysis.
AB  - The study of epigenetic properties of the human genome, including structural
      modifications of DNA and chromatin, has increased tremendously as mounting
      evidence has demonstrated how much epigenetics affects human gene expression.
      Buenrostro et al. have developed a rapid method, requiring low numbers of living
      cells as input, for examining chromatin accessibility across the epigenome, known
      as the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq).
      The overall goal of this unit is to provide a thorough ATAC-seq data analysis
      plan, as well as describe how primary human blood samples can be processed for
      use in ATAC-seq. In addition, a number of quality control parameters are
      discussed to ensure the integrity and confidence in the ATAC-seq data. (c) 2017
      by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

PMID- 28075485
TI  - Culturing and Neuronal Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.
AB  - A major issue in studying human neurogenetic disorders, especially rare syndromes
      affecting the nervous system, is the ability to grow neuronal cultures that
      accurately represent these disorders for analysis. Although there has been some
      success in generating induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from both skin and
      blood, there are still limitations to the collection and production of iPS cells
      from these biospecimens. We have had significant success in collecting and
      growing human dental pulp stem (DPS) cells from exfoliated teeth sent to our
      laboratory by the parents of children with a variety of rare neurogenetic
      syndromes. This protocol outlines our current methods for the growth and
      expansion of DPS cells from exfoliated (baby) teeth. These DPS cells can be
      differentiated into a variety of cell types including osteoblasts, chondrocytes,
      and mixed neuron and glial cultures. Here we provide our protocol for the
      differentiation of early passage DPS cell cultures into neurons for molecular
      studies. (c) 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

PMID- 28075487
TI  - Molecular Analysis of Gene Rearrangements and Mutations in Acute Leukemias and
      Myeloid Neoplasms.
AB  - A subset of acute leukemias and other myeloid neoplasms contains specific genetic
      alterations, many of which are associated with unique clinical and pathologic
      features. These alterations include chromosomal rearrangements leading to
      oncogenic fusion proteins or alteration of gene expression by juxtaposing
      oncogenes to enhancer elements, as well as mutations leading to aberrant
      activation of a variety of proteins critical to hematopoietic progenitor cell
      proliferation and differentiation. Molecular analysis is central to diagnosis and
      clinical management of leukemias, permitting genetic confirmation of a clinical
      and histologic impression, providing prognostic and predictive information, and
      facilitating detection of minimal residual disease. This unit will outline
      approaches to the molecular diagnosis of the most frequent and clinically
      relevant genetic alterations in acute leukemias and myeloid neoplasms. (c) 2017
      by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

PMID- 28075486
TI  - Highly Expandable Human iPS Cell-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells (NPC) and
      Neurons for Central Nervous System Disease Modeling and High-Throughput
      Screening.
AB  - Reprogramming of human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells
      has greatly expanded the set of research tools available to investigate the
      molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying central nervous system (CNS)
      disorders. Realizing the promise of iPS cell technology for the identification of
      novel therapeutic targets and for high-throughput drug screening requires
      implementation of methods for the large-scale production of defined CNS cell
      types. Here we describe a protocol for generating stable, highly expandable, iPS
      cell-derived CNS neural progenitor cells (NPC) using multi-dimensional
      fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) to purify NPC defined by cell surface
      markers. In addition, we describe a rapid, efficient, and reproducible method for
      generating excitatory cortical-like neurons from these NPC through inducible
      expression of the pro-neural transcription factor Neurogenin 2 (iNgn2-NPC).
      Finally, we describe methodology for the use of iNgn2-NPC for probing human
      neuroplasticity and mechanisms underlying CNS disorders using high-content,
      single-cell-level automated microscopy assays. (c) 2017 by John Wiley & Sons,
      Inc.

PMID- 28075488
TI  - Generating Exome Enriched Sequencing Libraries from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin
      Embedded Tissue DNA for Next-Generation Sequencing.
AB  - This unit describes a technique for generating exome-enriched sequencing
      libraries using DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE)
      samples. Utilizing commercially available kits, we present a low-input FFPE
      workflow starting with 50 ng of DNA. This procedure includes a repair step to
      address damage caused by FFPE preservation that improves sequence quality.
      Subsequently, libraries undergo an in-solution-targeted selection for exons,
      followed by sequencing using the Illumina next-generation short-read sequencing
      platform. (c) 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

PMID- 28075489
TI  - Cough augmentation techniques for extubation or weaning critically ill patients
      from mechanical ventilation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are various reasons why weaning and extubation failure occur,
      but ineffective cough and secretion retention can play a significant role. Cough
      augmentation techniques, such as lung volume recruitment or manually- and
      mechanically-assisted cough, are used to prevent and manage respiratory
      complications associated with chronic conditions, particularly neuromuscular
      disease, and may improve short- and long-term outcomes for people with acute
      respiratory failure. However, the role of cough augmentation to facilitate
      extubation and prevent post-extubation respiratory failure is unclear.
      OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to determine extubation success using cough
      augmentation techniques compared to no cough augmentation for critically-ill
      adults and children with acute respiratory failure admitted to a high-intensity
      care setting capable of managing mechanically-ventilated people (such as an
      intensive care unit, specialized weaning centre, respiratory intermediate care
      unit, or high-dependency unit).Secondary objectives were to determine the effect
      of cough augmentation techniques on reintubation, weaning success, mechanical
      ventilation and weaning duration, length of stay (high-intensity care setting and
      hospital), pneumonia, tracheostomy placement and tracheostomy decannulation, and
      mortality (high-intensity care setting, hospital, and after hospital discharge).
      We evaluated harms associated with use of cough augmentation techniques when
      applied via an artificial airway (or non-invasive mask once
      extubated/decannulated), including haemodynamic compromise, arrhythmias,
      pneumothorax, haemoptysis, and mucus plugging requiring airway change and the
      type of person (such as those with neuromuscular disorders or weakness and spinal
      cord injury) for whom these techniques may be efficacious. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 4,
      2016), MEDLINE (OvidSP) (1946 to April 2016), Embase (OvidSP) (1980 to April
      2016), CINAHL (EBSCOhost) (1982 to April 2016), and ISI Web of Science and
      Conference Proceedings. We searched the PROSPERO and Joanna Briggs Institute
      databases, websites of relevant professional societies, and conference abstracts
      from five professional society annual congresses (2011 to 2015). We did not
      impose language or other restrictions. We performed a citation search using
      PubMed and examined reference lists of relevant studies and reviews. We contacted
      corresponding authors for details of additional published or unpublished work. We
      searched for unpublished studies and ongoing trials on the International Clinical
      Trials Registry Platform (apps.who.int/trialsearch) (April 2016). SELECTION
      CRITERIA: We included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that
      evaluated cough augmentation compared to a control group without this
      intervention. We included non-randomized studies for assessment of harms. We
      included studies of adults and of children aged four weeks or older, receiving
      invasive mechanical ventilation in a high-intensity care setting. DATA COLLECTION
      AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts
      identified by our search methods. Two review authors independently evaluated full
      text versions, independently extracted data and assessed risks of bias. MAIN
      RESULTS: We screened 2686 citations and included two trials enrolling 95
      participants and one cohort study enrolling 17 participants. We assessed one
      randomized controlled trial as being at unclear risk of bias, and the other at
      high risk of bias; we assessed the non-randomized study as being at high risk of
      bias. We were unable to pool data due to the small number of studies meeting our
      inclusion criteria and therefore present narrative results rather than meta
      analyses. One trial of 75 participants reported that extubation success (defined
      as no need for reintubation within 48 hours) was higher in the mechanical
      insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) group (82.9% versus 52.5%, P < 0.05) (risk ratio
      (RR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13 to 2.20, very low-quality evidence).
      No study reported weaning success or reintubation as distinct from extubation
      success. One trial reported a statistically significant reduction in mechanical
      ventilation duration favouring MI-E (mean difference -6.1 days, 95% CI -8.4 to 
      3.8, very low-quality evidence). One trial reported mortality, with no
      participant dying in either study group. Adverse events (reported by two trials)
      included one participant receiving the MI-E protocol experiencing haemodynamic
      compromise. Nine (22.5%) of the control group compared to two (6%) MI-E
      participants experienced secretion encumbrance with severe hypoxaemia requiring
      reintubation (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.10). In the lung volume recruitment
      trial, one participant experienced an elevated blood pressure for more than 30
      minutes. No participant experienced new-onset arrhythmias, heart rate increased
      by more than 25%, or a pneumothorax.For outcomes assessed using GRADE, we based
      our downgrading decisions on unclear risk of bias, inability to assess
      consistency or publication bias, and uncertainty about the estimate of effect due
      to the limited number of studies contributing outcome data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      The overall quality of evidence on the efficacy of cough augmentation techniques
      for critically-ill people is very low. Cough augmentation techniques when used in
      mechanically-ventilated critically-ill people appear to result in few adverse
      events.

PMID- 28075490
TI  - Soluble transferrin receptor and risk of type 2 diabetes in the obese and
      nonobese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the relationship between soluble transferrin
      receptor (sTfR), a biomarker inversely related to body iron stores, and risk of
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are scarce and inconclusive. Furthermore, sTfR
      concentrations have been observed to be significantly higher in obese than in
      nonobese individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the
      relationship between sTfR and the risk of T2DM in obese and nonobese subjects.
      DESIGN: A nested case-control study of 153 cases of newly diagnosed diabetic
      subjects, 73 obese and 80 nonobese, and 306 individually matched controls, 138
      obese and 166 nonobese, who did not develop T2DM for a median 6-year follow-up
      (interquartile range: 3.9-6.5) was conducted using data from the PREvention with
      MEDiterranean Diet (PREDIMED) cohort (http://www.controlled
      trials.com/ISRCTN35739639). Cases and controls were matched for age (<= 67 vs. >
      67 years), gender, dietary intervention group and BMI (<= 27 vs. > 27 kg/m2 ).
      RESULTS: Waist circumference is the main determinant of sTfR concentrations in
      the whole sample (beta = 0.476, P < 0.001), in the obese (beta = 0.802, P <
      0.001) and the nonobese (beta = 0.455, P = 0.003). Furthermore, sTfR is directly
      associated with the risk of T2DM in obese individuals (OR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.35
      5.77, P = 0.005) and inversely associated in nonobese individuals (OR = 0.40; 95%
      CI: 0.20-0.79, P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The association between sTfR levels and
      risk of T2DM in a population at high cardiovascular risk depend on the presence
      or absence of obesity. While in nonobese subjects elevated sTfR levels are
      associated with a decreased risk of developing T2DM, in obese subjects the risk
      increases. This suggests that obesity alters the relationship between sTfR and
      T2DM incidence.

PMID- 28075491
TI  - Integrated classification of inflammatory myopathies.
AB  - Inflammatory myopathies comprise a multitude of diverse diseases, most often
      occurring in complex clinical settings. To ensure accurate diagnosis,
      multidisciplinary expertise is required. Here, we propose a comprehensive
      myositis classification that incorporates clinical, morphological and molecular
      data as well as autoantibody profile. This review focuses on recent advances in
      myositis research, in particular, the correlation between autoantibodies and
      morphological or clinical phenotypes that can be used as the basis for an
      'integrated' classification system.

PMID- 28075492
TI  - A thematic content analysis of #cheatmeal images on social media: Characterizing
      an emerging dietary trend.
AB  - Despite the pervasive social endorsement of "cheat meals" within pro-muscularity
      online communities, there is an absence of empirical work examining this dietary
      phenomenon. The present study aimed to characterize cheat meals, and explore the
      meaning ascribed to engagement in this practice. Thematic content analysis was
      employed to code the photographic and textual elements of a sample (n = 600) that
      was extracted from over 1.6 million images marked with the #cheatmeal tag on the
      social networking site, Instagram. Analysis of the volume and type of food
      revealed the presence of very large quantities (54.5%) of calorie-dense foods
      (71.3%) that was rated to qualify as an objective binge episode. Photographic
      content of people commonly portrayed highly-muscular bodies (60.7%) in the act of
      intentional body exposure (40.0%). Meanwhile, textual content exemplified the
      idealization of overconsumption, a strict commitment to fitness, and a reward
      based framework around diet and fitness. Collectively, these findings position
      cheat meals as goal-oriented dietary practices in the pursuit of physique-ideals,
      thus underscoring the potential clinical repercussions of this socially-endorsed
      dietary phenomenon.

PMID- 28075493
TI  - Joint stability after canine cranial cruciate ligament graft reconstruction
      varies among femoral fixation sites.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify stability in cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficient
      canine stifles with hamstring grafts affixed at 3 femoral locations. STUDY
      DESIGN: Canine stifle motion study using a multi-cohort, repeated measures
      design. SAMPLE POPULATION: 27 canine cadaver stifles. METHODS: Hamstring grafts
      (HG) were affixed at the gracilis-semitendinosus insertion and on the lateral
      femur (1) proximal trochlear ridge (TR), (2) craniodistal to fabella (F), or (3)
      condyle center (CC). Total, cranial, and caudal tibial translation and total,
      medial, and lateral angular displacement, with and without translational load,
      were quantified with the CrCL intact, transected, and reconstructed. Angular
      displacement was quantified from points on the distal femur and proximal tibia.
      Graft strain was calculated from tissue displacement measured at joint angles of
      30 degrees , 60 degrees , 90 degrees , and 120 degrees . RESULTS: Tibial
      translation was lowest in F constructs, which also achieved the least difference
      in tibial translation from intact stifles. Tibial translation was lower in intact
      stifles than in CrCL transected or reconstructed stifles. Less angular
      displacement of the proximal tibia was detected in the medial than in the lateral
      direction, and tibial displacement was lower in the cranial than the caudal
      direction. Angular displacement was lowest in the F treatment group. F constructs
      had the lowest graft strain at joint angles greater than 30 degrees .
      CONCLUSIONS: Femoral fixation of a canine hamstring graft craniodistal to the
      lateral fabella conferred the best joint stability and lowest graft strain in
      vitro. No fixation method restored joint stability of the intact CrCL.

PMID- 28075494
TI  - Geographic access to dental care varies in Missouri and Wisconsin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine geographic access to dental providers for the general
      population and children with public insurance in Missouri and Wisconsin. METHODS:
      Using a newly constructed dentist office database from the American Dental
      Association master file and other sources, we use the two-step floating area
      catchment area method to calculate population to provider ratios at the census
      block group level. These ratios are used to determine potential geographic
      dentist shortage areas. We utilize street network data to estimate travel times
      and catchment areas between population centers and dental offices. This
      methodology accounts for the actual spatial distribution of dental providers and
      potential dental patients. RESULTS: Within and across Missouri and Wisconsin,
      there is some variation in geographic access to dental offices for the general
      population and publicly insured children. More than 90 percent of publicly
      insured children have access to dental providers within 30 minutes. Among the
      states examined, Missouri has more geographic disparities to dental care.
      CONCLUSION: The Health Resources and Services Administration, which designates
      dental health professional shortage areas, relies on administrative boundaries to
      calculate population to dental provider ratios. These boundaries may not reflect
      actual or "real-time" dental care markets. The methods employed in this paper may
      give policymakers a template to better determine geographic dentist shortage
      areas.

PMID- 28075495
TI  - Oral tactile sensitivity and masticatory performance are impaired in stroke
      patients.
AB  - Oro-facial impairment following stroke frequently involves reduced chewing
      performance, that is oral phase dysphagia. The aim was to investigate the
      sensitivity of oral tissues following stroke and its potential impact on
      masticatory function. Therefore, hospitalised post-stroke patients were recruited
      and compared to healthy controls. Outcome measures comprised masticatory
      performance employing a colour-mixing ability, that is a bolus-kneading test,
      maximum lip- and bite force and the one-point and two-point tactile thresholds.
      Food hoarding and prevalence of dry mouth were evaluated with ordinal scales.
      Twenty-seven stroke patients (age 64.3 +/- 14.1 years) and 27 healthy controls
      (age 60.8 +/- 14.3 years, P = 0.254) participated in this study. The groups had
      similar numbers of occluding units. Stroke patients reported more frequently dry
      mouth sensations and food hoarding. The intra-oral tactile sensitivity on the
      contra-lesional side was significantly lower in stroke patients compared to
      controls (0.0001 < P < 0.0002), and significant intra-group side differences were
      found only in the stroke group (0.0001 < P < 0.0010). For the lip, both sides
      were less sensitive in the stroke group compared with controls. The experiments
      confirmed lower masticatory performance and lip force in the stroke group, but
      the bite force was similar compared to healthy controls. Oral sensitivity was
      correlated with masticatory performance when a global correlation model was
      applied. A stroke may affect the sensitivity of the intra-oral tissues contra
      lesionally, thus potentially affecting chewing function. Rehabilitation should
      therefore not only focus on motor impairment, but equally stimulate the
      sensitivity of the oral tissues, employing dry ice application or similar
      specific treatments.

PMID- 28075496
TI  - Effect of dorsal laminectomy and dorsal annulectomy with partial lumbosacral
      discectomy on the volume of the lateral intervertebral neuroforamina in dogs when
      the lumbosacral junction is extended.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of dorsal annulectomy and partial discectomy
      on the volume of the lumbosacral lateral intervertebral neurovascular foramina
      (intervertebral foramina) in canine cadavers during extension of the lumbosacral
      junction. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo experiment. SAMPLE POPULATION: Lumbosacral
      specimens from 10 large breed dogs euthanatized for reasons unrelated to
      lumbosacral disease. METHODS: The lumbosacral specimens were clamped in a wooden
      jig and scanned using computed tomography (CT) with the lumbosacral junction in a
      neutral position and loaded in extension using a tensioning device. The 3
      dimensional volumes of the lumbosacral intervertebral neurovascular foramina were
      measured and the extent of any disc degeneration was determined from the CT data.
      A limited dorsal laminectomy of S1 and a dorsal LS annulectomy and partial
      discectomy were then performed. The lumbosacral specimens were remounted into the
      jig and loaded into extension at the same tension and were re-scanned.
      Measurements of intervertebral foraminal volume were then repeated. RESULTS: The
      mean volume of the lumbosacral foramina (n = 20) was 381 mm3 in neutral
      (unloaded) positioning and 137 mm3 when loaded in extension. Following dorsal
      annulectomy, the mean volume was significantly reduced by a mean of 28% to 98 mm3
      (P < .01). The foraminal volume was reduced in 19/20 lumbosacral foramen, with
      the post-annulectomy volume ranging from 31% to 97% of the pre-annulectomy volume
      (3%-69% reduction). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a dorsal annulectomy
      with partial discectomy may induce further dynamic collapse of the lumbosacral
      articulation in the dog.

PMID- 28075497
TI  - Computed tomographic evaluation of dynamic alteration of the canine lumbosacral
      intervertebral neurovascular foramina.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a computed tomographic (CT) method to measure the volume of
      the lumbosacral intervertebral neurovascular foramina (IVF) in dogs, and
      determine the effect of the range of motion of the lumbosacral (LS) junction on
      this measurement in German shepherd dogs (GSDs) with degenerative lumbosacral
      stenosis (DLSS) compared to unaffected controls. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo analysis
      and retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty-four working Police
      GSDs, 12 diagnosed with DLSS and 12 unaffected by DLSS were compared to 10
      Greyhounds without DLSS. METHODS: Three-dimensional renderings of CT data were
      used to measure the lumbosacral foraminal volume of dogs positioned in dorsal
      recumbency with the LS junction alternately positioned in extension, neutral
      position, and flexion. RESULTS: Volumetric analysis of the IVF was found
      repeatable for the extended and neutral positions (interclass correlation
      coefficient of 0.89 and 0.8, respectively). The mean lumbosacral IVF volume was
      decreased by 74% between LS flexion and extension in Greyhounds, compared to 79
      and 85% reductions in GSDs unaffected and affected by DLSS, respectively. The
      lumbosacral IVF volume was decreased by 23% when comparing extended to neutral LS
      positions in Greyhounds, 29% in unaffected GSDs, and 31% in affected GSDs. IVF
      volumes were smaller in affected GSDs compared to unaffected GSDs (P < .05) and
      Greyhounds (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Positioning the LS junction in full extension
      decreases the volume of the lumbosacral IVF. This dynamic narrowing was more
      pronounced in GSDs with signs of DLSS than in GSDs not overtly affected by DLSS.

PMID- 28075498
TI  - Tamoxifen and its active metabolites inhibit dopamine transporter function
      independently of the estrogen receptors.
AB  - As one of the primary mechanisms by which dopamine signaling is regulated, the
      dopamine transporter (DAT) is an attractive pharmacological target for the
      treatment of diseases based in dopaminergic dysfunction. In this work we
      demonstrate for the first time that the commonly prescribed breast cancer
      therapeutic tamoxifen and its major metabolites, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and
      endoxifen, inhibit DAT function. Tamoxifen inhibits [3 H]dopamine uptake into
      human DAT (hDAT)-N2A cells via an uncompetitive or mixed mechanism. Endoxifen, an
      active metabolite of tamoxifen, asymmetrically inhibits DAT function in hDAT-N2A
      cells, showing a preference for the inhibition of amphetamine-stimulated dopamine
      efflux as compared to dopamine uptake. Importantly, we demonstrate that the
      effects of tamoxifen and its metabolites on the DAT occur independently of its
      activity as selective estrogen receptor modulators. This work suggests that
      tamoxifen is inhibiting DAT function through a previously unidentified mechanism.

PMID- 28075499
TI  - Long-term outcome following remote ischemic postconditioning during percutaneous
      coronary interventions-the RIP-PCI trial long-term follow-up.
AB  - The clinical value of ischemic conditioning during percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) and mode of administration is controversial. Our aim was to
      assess the long-term effect of remote ischemic postconditioning among patients
      undergoing PCI. We randomized 360 patients undergoing PCI who presented with a
      negative troponin T at baseline into 3 groups: 2 groups received remote ischemic
      postconditioning (with ischemia applied to the arm in 1 group and to the thigh in
      the other group), and the third group acted as a control group. Remote ischemic
      postconditioning was applied during PCI immediately following stent deployment,
      by 3, 5-minute cycles of blood pressure cuff inflation to >200 mm Hg on the arm
      or thigh (20 mm Hg to the arm in the control), with 5-minute breaks between each
      cycle. There were no differences in baseline characteristics among the 3 groups.
      Periprocedural myocardial injury occurred in 33% (P = 0.64). After 1 year, there
      was no difference between groups in death (P = 0.91), myocardial infarction (P =
      0.78), or repeat revascularization (P = 0.86). During 3 years of follow-up, there
      was no difference in death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization among
      the groups (P = 0.45). Remote ischemic postconditioning during PCI did not affect
      long-term cardiovascular outcome. A similar effect was obtained when remote
      ischemia was induced to the upper or lower limb. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT00970827.

PMID- 28075500
TI  - Very short/short-term benefit of inpatient/outpatient cardiac rehabilitation
      programs after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise-based rehabilitation is an important part of treatment
      patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. HYPOTHESIS: To
      evaluate effect of very short/short-term exercise training on cardiopulmonary
      exercise testing (CPET) parameters. METHODS: We studied 54 consecutive patients
      with myocardial infarction (MI) treated with CABG surgery referred for
      rehabilitation. The study population consisted of 50 men and 4 women (age 57.72
      +/- 7.61 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 55% +/- 5.81%), who
      participated in a 3-week clinical and 6-month outpatient cardiac rehabilitation
      program. The Inpatient program consisted of cycling 7 times/week and daily
      walking for 45 minutes. The outpatient program consisted mainly of walking 5
      times/week for 45 minutes and cycling 3 times/week. All patients performed
      symptom-limited CPET on a bicycle ergometer with a ramp protocol of 10 W/minute
      at the start, for 3 weeks, and for 6 months. RESULTS: After 3 weeks of an
      exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program, exercise tolerance improved as
      compared to baseline, as well as peak respiratory exchange ratio. Most
      importantly, peak VO2 (16.35 +/- 3.83 vs 17.88 +/- 4.25 mL/kg/min, respectively,
      P < 0.05), peak VCO2 (1.48 +/- 0.40 vs 1.68 +/- 0.43, respectively, P < 0.05),
      peak ventilatory exchange (44.52 +/- 11.32 vs 52.56 +/- 12.37 L/min,
      respectively, P < 0.05), and peak breathing reserve (52.00% +/- 13.73% vs 45.75%
      +/- 14.84%, respectively, P < 0.05) were also improved. The same improvement
      trend continued after 6 months (respectively, P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001). No major
      adverse cardiac events were noted during the rehabilitation program. CONCLUSIONS:
      Very short/short-term exercise training in patients with MI treated with CABG
      surgery is safe and improves functional capacity.

PMID- 28075501
TI  - A Recoverable Ruthenium Aqua Complex Supported on Silica Particles: An Efficient
      Epoxidation Catalyst.
AB  - The preparation and characterization of complexes with a phosphonated terpyridine
      (trpy) ligand (trpy-P-Et) and a bidentate pyridylpyrazole (pypz-Me) ligand, with
      formula [RuII (trpy-P-Et)(pypz-Me)X]n+ (2: X=Cl, n=1; 3: X=H2 O, n=2), is
      described, together with the anchoring of 3 on two types of supports: mesoporous
      silica particles (SP) and silica-coated magnetic particles (MSP). Aqua complex 3
      is easily obtained by heating 2 in refluxing water and exhibits a two-electron
      RuIV/II redox process. It was anchored on SP and MSP supports by two different
      synthetic strategies, yielding the heterogeneous systems SP@3 and MSP@3, which
      were fully characterized by IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, SEM, cyclic voltammetry,
      and differential pulse voltammetry. Catalytic olefin epoxidation was tested with
      molecular complex 3 and its SP@3 and MSP@3 heterogeneous counterparts, including
      reuse of the heterogeneous systems. The MSP@3 material can be easily recovered by
      a magnet, which facilitates its reusability.

PMID- 28075502
TI  - Antibody and cytokine levels in humans fed on by the common bedbug, Cimex
      lectularius L.
AB  - Little is known about cimicosis, the resultant dermal reaction from feeding
      activity by the common bedbug, Cimex lectularius L. We fed C. lectularius on
      human study subjects four times over four weeks and measured serum cytokine and
      antibody levels, and subjects recorded any cimicosis. The average time for
      subjects to develop cimicosis decreased with each feeding from 8.4, to 2.1, 1.5
      and 1.3 days, respectively. There were no significant changes in total IgG, IgG1,
      IgG2, IgG4 or IgE levels between the first and fourth bedbug feedings, but there
      was a significant decrease in total IgG3 levels (P<.001). IgG4 was not required
      for cimicosis. Higher IgG2 and IgG4 levels at study visit 4 were associated with
      an increased duration of cimicosis (P=.04) and lower pruritis (P=.03),
      respectively. There were no significant changes in serum TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL
      4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma and IL-17A levels before and one hour after the
      C. lectularius feeding. Lower post-C. lectularius feeding IL-6 levels were
      associated with increased pruritis (P=.001) and the time to maximum pruritis
      (P=.04), respectively. Higher post-C. lectularius feeding IL-5 levels were
      associated with a longer duration of pruritis (P=.05).

PMID- 28075503
TI  - Correlation between cardiac rhythm, left atrial appendage flow velocity, and CHA2
      DS2 -VASc score: Study based on transesophageal echocardiography and 2
      dimensional speckle tracking.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The CHA2 DS2 -VASc score is a classic predictor of stroke in patients
      with atrial fibrillation (AF). Decreased left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAA
      FV) reflects the blood stasis, and left atrial (LA) strain is a manifestation of
      atrial remodeling. This study aimed to explore the effects of AF rhythm and CHA2
      DS2 -VASc score in the development of thrombogenesis and their potential
      correlation with LAA-FV and LA strain. HYPOTHESIS: AF rhythm and high CHA2 DS2 
      VASc score correlate independently with decreased LAA-FV, which can be predicted
      by LA strain. METHODS: In 98 AF patients, LAA-FV was measured by transesophageal
      echocardiography and LA strain was measured by transthoracic echocardiography.
      RESULTS: LAA-FV decreased sharply in the AF rhythm group (26.22 vs 61.87 mm/s; P
      < 0.001), and CHA2 DS2 -VASc score did not differ between the decreased and
      normal LAA-FV groups in all patients (P = 0.289). However, in sinus rhythm (SR),
      LAA-FV was associated with CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (coefficient = -0.317, P =
      0.013), and the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score differed between the normal and decreased
      LAA-FV groups (2 [0-7] vs 3 [0-6], respectively; P = 0.038). Moreover, LA strain
      was a predictor of LAA-FV in both AF rhythm and SR, whereas a peak positive
      systolic strain divided by LA volume index <0.744 predicted decreased LAA-FV.
      CONCLUSIONS: AF rhythm caused a sharp decrease in LAA-FV independent of CHA2 DS2 
      VASc score. In SR, the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score correlated negatively with LAA-FV. LA
      strain was a predictor of LAA-FV in both SR and AF rhythm.

PMID- 28075504
TI  - Anxiety and burnout in young athletes: The mediating role of cognitive appraisal.
AB  - This study tested the relationship between trait anxiety, cognitive appraisal,
      and athletes' burnout proposing two hypotheses: (a) there is a direct
      relationship between athletes' trait anxiety and cognitive appraisal and burnout,
      and (b) cognitive appraisal mediates the relationship between trait anxiety and
      burnout, and this mediation occurs despite the competitive level and sport
      records of athletes. The study included 673 young athletes and provided measures
      of trait anxiety, cognitive appraisal, and burnout. Structural equation modeling
      indicated that cognitive appraisal mediates the relationship between trait
      anxiety and burnout, confirming hypothesis 2, and this model provided better fit
      than the direct model of hypothesis 1. However, the mediation also indicated that
      the direct relationship between trait anxiety and burnout should be considered.
      The mediating model was invariant according to competitive levels and sport
      records. In conclusion, cognitive appraisal is an important variable in
      explaining athletes' burnout.

PMID- 28075505
TI  - Terminal Uranium(V/VI) Nitride Activation of Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Disulfide:
      Factors Governing Diverse and Well-Defined Cleavage and Redox Reactions.
AB  - The reactivity of terminal uranium(V/VI) nitrides with CE2 (E=O, S) is presented.
      Well-defined C=E cleavage followed by zero-, one-, and two-electron redox events
      is observed. The uranium(V) nitride [U(TrenTIPS )(N)][K(B15C5)2 ] (1, TrenTIPS
      =N(CH2 CH2 NSiiPr3 )3 ; B15C5=benzo-15-crown-5) reacts with CO2 to give
      [U(TrenTIPS )(O)(NCO)][K(B15C5)2 ] (3), whereas the uranium(VI) nitride
      [U(TrenTIPS )(N)] (2) reacts with CO2 to give isolable [U(TrenTIPS )(O)(NCO)]
      (4); complex 4 rapidly decomposes to known [U(TrenTIPS )(O)] (5) with concomitant
      formation of N2 and CO proposed, with the latter trapped as a vanadocene adduct.
      In contrast, 1 reacts with CS2 to give [U(TrenTIPS )(kappa2 -CS3 )][K(B15C5)2 ]
      (6), 2, and [K(B15C5)2 ][NCS] (7), whereas 2 reacts with CS2 to give [U(TrenTIPS
      )(NCS)] (8) and "S", with the latter trapped as Ph3 PS. Calculated reaction
      profiles reveal outer-sphere reactivity for uranium(V) but inner-sphere
      mechanisms for uranium(VI); despite the wide divergence of products the initial
      activation of CE2 follows mechanistically related pathways, providing insight
      into the factors of uranium oxidation state, chalcogen, and NCE groups that
      govern the subsequent divergent redox reactions that include common one-electron
      reactions and a less-common two-electron redox event. Caution, we suggest, is
      warranted when utilising CS2 as a reactivity surrogate for CO2 .

PMID- 28075506
TI  - Efficacy of chlorhexidine for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in
      cancer patients: a systematic review with meta-analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis occurs in patients undergoing chemoradiation for
      cancer treatment. It is believed that colonization of ulcerated mucosa by
      bacteria, fungi, and virus results in secondary infections. The effect of
      chlorhexidine on the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in patients with
      cancer was evaluated in this review. METHODS: Studies were limited to randomized
      placebo-controlled trials. Three databases were searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed),
      Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to May 25, 2016. RESULTS: Ninety
      eight abstracts were evaluated by three independent reviewers. Twelve studies met
      the criteria for inclusion. Four of these studies were assessed at unclear risk
      of bias and eight of them at high risk. Of the 12 studies, nine were included in
      two meta-analyses. Pooled results showed that chlorhexidine did not significantly
      reduce incidence of mucositis compared to placebo (P = 0.129), nor chlorhexidine
      did significantly reduce the severity of mucositis (P = 0.127), although subgroup
      analysis in the chemotherapy group showed a trend toward significance (P =
      0.054). Side effects reported in the included studies were teeth staining and
      altered taste perception. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review found that
      chlorhexidine is not significantly effective in reducing the severity of
      mucositis (moderate quality of evidence) nor in preventing the incidence of
      mucositis (low quality of evidence). However, more studies are needed in patients
      receiving chemotherapy only, as a positive trend toward significance was found (P
      = 0.054).

PMID- 28075507
TI  - Labour induction near term for women aged 35 or over: an economic evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Induction of labour at 39 weeks for nulliparous women aged 35 years
      and over may prevent stillbirths and does not increase caesarean births, so it
      may be popular. But the overall costs and benefits of such a policy have not been
      compared. DESIGN: A cost-utility analysis alongside a randomised controlled trial
      (the 35/39 trial). SETTING: Obstetric departments of 38 UK National Health
      Service hospitals and one UK primary-care trust. POPULATION: Nulliparous women
      aged 35 years or over on their expected due date, with a singleton live fetus in
      a cephalic presentation. METHODS: Costs were estimated from the National Health
      Service and Personal Social Services perspective and quality-adjusted life-years
      (QALYs) were calculated based on patient responses to the EQ-5D at baseline and 4
      weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data on antenatal care, mode of delivery, analgesia
      in labour, method of induction, EQ-5D (baseline and 4 weeks postnatal) and
      participant-administered postnatal health resource use data were collected.
      RESULTS: The intervention was associated with a mean cost saving of L263 and a
      small additional gain in QALYs (though this was not statistically significant),
      even without considering any possible QALY gains from stillbirth prevention.
      CONCLUSION: A policy of induction of labour at 39 weeks for women of advanced
      maternal age would save money. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A policy of induction of
      labour at 39 weeks of gestation for women of advanced maternal age would save
      money.

PMID- 28075508
TI  - Differences in Access to and Use of Electronic Personal Health Information
      Between Rural and Urban Residents in the United States.
AB  - PURPOSE: The increase in use of health information technologies (HIT) presents
      new opportunities for patient engagement and self-management. Patients in rural
      areas stand to benefit especially from increased access to health care tools and
      electronic communication with providers. We assessed the adoption of 4 HIT tools
      over time by rural or urban residency. METHODS: Analyses were conducted using
      data from 7 iterations of the National Cancer Institute's Health Information
      National Trends Survey (HINTS; 2003-2014). Rural/urban residency was based on the
      USDA's 2003 Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Outcomes of interest included managing
      personal health information online; whether providers maintain electronic health
      records (EHRs); e-mailing health care providers; and purchasing medicine online.
      Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were used to assess relationships
      between geography and outcomes, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.
      FINDINGS: In total, 6,043 (17.6%, weighted) of the 33,749 respondents across the
      7 administrations of HINTS lived in rural areas. Rural participants were less
      likely to report regular access to Internet (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.61-0.80).
      Rural respondents were neither more nor less likely to report that their health
      care providers maintained EHRs than were urban respondents; however, they had
      decreased odds of managing personal health information online (OR = 0.59, 95% CI
      = 0.40-0.78) and e-mailing health care providers (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.49-0.77).
      CONCLUSIONS: The digital divide between rural and urban residents extends to HIT.
      Additional investigation is needed to determine whether the decreased use of HIT
      may be due to lack of Internet connectivity or awareness of these tools.

PMID- 28075509
TI  - Complexation and Electronic Communication between Corannulene-Based Buckybowls
      and a Curved Truxene-TTF Donor.
AB  - The association behavior of an electron-donating, bowl-shaped, truxene-based
      tetrathiafulvalene (truxTTF) with two corannulene-based fullerene fragments, C32
      H12 and C38 H14 , is investigated in several solvents. Formation of 1:1 complexes
      is followed by absorption titrations and complemented by density functional
      theory (DFT) calculations. The binding constants are in the range log Ka =2.9
      3.5. DFT calculations reveal that the most stable arrangement is the conformation
      in which the 1,3-dithiole ring of truxTTF is placed inside the concave cavity of
      the corannulene derivative. This arrangement is confirmed experimentally by NMR
      measurements, and implies that a combination of pi-pi and CH-pi interactions is
      the driving force for association. Time-dependent DFT calculations reproduce the
      experimental UV/Vis titrations and provide a detailed understanding of the
      spectral changes observed. Femtosecond transient absorption studies reveal the
      processes occurring after photoexcitation of either C32 H12 or C38 H14 and their
      supramolecular associates with truxTTF. In the case of truxTTF?C38 H14 ,
      photoexcitation yields the charge-separated state truxTTF.+ ?C38 H14.- with a
      lifetime of approximately 160 ps.

PMID- 28075510
TI  - Development of a voided urine assay for detecting prostate cancer non-invasively:
      a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate a hypothesis that prostate cancer can be detected non
      invasively by a simple and reliable assay by targeting genomic VPAC receptors
      expressed on malignant prostate cancer cells shed in voided urine.
      PATIENTS/SUBJECTS AND METHODS: VPAC receptors were targeted with a specific
      biomolecule, TP4303, developed in our laboratory. With an Institutional Review
      Board exempt approval of use of de-identified discarded samples, an aliquot of
      urine collected as a standard of care, from patients presenting to the urology
      clinic (207 patients, 176 men and 31 women, aged >=21 years) was cytospun. The
      cells were fixed and treated with TP4303 and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI).
      The cells were then observed under a microscope and cells with TP4303 orange
      fluorescence around the blue (DAPI) nucleus were considered 'malignant' and those
      only with a blue nucleus were regarded as 'normal'. VPAC presence was validated
      using receptor blocking assay and cell malignancy was confirmed by prostate
      cancer gene profile examination. RESULTS: The urine specimens were labelled only
      with gender and presenting diagnosis, with no personal health identifiers or
      other clinical data. The assay detected VPAC positive cells in 98.6% of the men
      with a prostate cancer diagnosis (141), and none of the 10 men with benign
      prostatic hyperplasia. Of the 56 'normal' patients, 62.5% (35 patients, 10 men
      and 25 women) were negative for VPAC cells; 19.6% (11, 11 men and no women) had
      VPAC positive cells; and 17.8% (10, four men and six women) were uninterpretable
      due to excessive crystals in the urine. Although data are limited, the
      sensitivity of the assay was 99.3% with a confidence interval (CI) of 96.1-100%
      and the specificity was 100% with a CI of 69.2-100%. Receptor blocking assay and
      fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses demonstrated the presence of
      VPAC receptors and gene profiling examinations confirmed that the cells
      expressing VPAC receptors were malignant prostate cancer cells. CONCLUSION: These
      preliminary data are highly encouraging and warrant further evaluation of the
      assay to serve as a simple and reliable tool to detect prostate cancer non
      invasively.

PMID- 28075511
TI  - Postoperative iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy for the early stages of minor
      salivary gland carcinomas of the lip and buccal mucosa with positive or close
      margins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to present our preliminary exploration
      of safety and efficacy of postoperative low-dose-rate brachytherapy for the early
      clinical stages of minor salivary gland carcinomas of the lip and buccal mucosa.
      METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with the early stages of minor salivary gland
      carcinomas of the lip and buccal mucosa received postoperative 125 I seed
      interstitial brachytherapy from March 2005 to May 2015. Actuarial likelihood
      estimates for local control, overall survival, and disease-free survival were
      calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The actuarial 3-year, 5-year, and 10
      year local control rates were 94.7%, 82.9%, and 82.9%, respectively. The
      actuarial 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year overall survival rates were 93.3%, 93.3%,
      and 77.8%, respectively. No patient experienced toxicity above grade 2.
      CONCLUSION: Postoperative 125 I seed interstitial brachytherapy is an alternative
      to radical surgery for early stages of minor salivary gland carcinomas of the lip
      and buccal mucosa, which offers satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes.
      (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 572-577, 2017.

PMID- 28075512
TI  - Alkyl Formate Ester Synthesis by a Fungal Baeyer-Villiger Monooxygenase.
AB  - We investigated Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO)-mediated synthesis of alkyl
      formate esters, which are important flavor and fragrance products. A recombinant
      fungal BVMO from Aspergillus flavus was found to transform a selection of
      aliphatic aldehydes into alkyl formates with high regioselectivity. Near complete
      conversion of 10 mm octanal was achieved within 8 h with a regiomeric excess of
      ~80 %. Substrate concentration was found to affect specific activity and
      regioselectivity of the BVMO, as well as the rate of product autohydrolysis to
      the primary alcohol. More than 80 % conversion of 50 mm octanal was reached after
      72 h (TTN nearly 20 000). Biotransformation on a 200 mL scale under unoptimized
      conditions gave a space-time yield (STY) of 4.2 g L-1  d-1 (3.4 g L-1  d-1
      extracted product).

PMID- 28075513
TI  - Regio- and Enantioselective Rhodium-Catalyzed Addition of 1,3-Diketones to
      Allenes: Construction of Asymmetric Tertiary and Quaternary All Carbon Centers.
AB  - An unprecedented highly regio- and enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed addition of
      1,3-diketones to terminal and 1,1-disubstituted allenes furnishing asymmetric
      tertiary and quaternary all-carbon centers is reported. By applying a RhI
      /phosphoramidite/TFA catalytic system under mild conditions, the desired chiral
      branched alpha-allylated 1,3-diketones could be obtained in good to excellent
      yields, with perfect regioselectivity and in high enantioselectivity. The
      reaction shows a broad functional-group tolerance on both reaction partners
      highlighting its synthetic potential.

PMID- 28075514
TI  - TANGO - a screening tool to identify comorbidities on the causal pathway of
      nocturia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a robust screening metric for use in identifying non-lower
      urinary tract comorbidities pertinent to the multidisciplinary assessment of
      patients with nocturia. METHODS: Variables having a significant risk association
      with nocturia of greater than once per night were identified. Discriminating
      items from validated and reliable tools measuring these comorbidities were
      identified. A self-completed 57-item questionnaire was developed and a medical
      checklist and pertinent clinical measures added. Pre-determined criteria were
      applied to retain or remove items in the development of the Short-Form (SF)
      screening tool. The tool was administered to 252 individuals with nocturia who
      were attending either a tertiary level Sleep, Continence, Falls or Rehabilitation
      service for routine care. Data collected were subjected to descriptive analysis;
      criteria were applied to reduce the number of items. Using pre-determined
      domains, a nocturia screening metric, entitled TANGO, was generated. The acronym
      TANGO stands for Targeting the individual's Aetiology of Nocturia to Guide
      Outcomes. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the sample are described,
      along with item endorsement levels. The statistical and structural framework to
      justify deleting or retaining of items from the TANGO Long-Form to the SF is
      presented. The resultant TANGO-SF patient-completed nocturia screening tool is
      reported. CONCLUSIONS: A novel all-cause diagnostic metric for identifying co
      existing morbidities of clinical relevance to nocturia in patients who present
      across disciplines and medical specialties has been developed. TANGO has the
      potential to improve practice and smooth inequalities associated with a siloed
      approach to assessment and subsequent care of patients with nocturia.

PMID- 28075515
TI  - The limitations of pulse oximetry for critical congenital heart disease screening
      in the neonatal intensive care units.

PMID- 28075516
TI  - Quantifying severe urinary complications after radical prostatectomy: the
      development and validation of a surgical performance indicator using hospital
      administrative data.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a surgical performance indicator based on
      severe urinary complications that require an intervention within 2 years of
      radical prostatectomy (RP), identified in hospital administrative data. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Men who underwent RP between 2008 and 2012 in England were
      identified using hospital administrative data. A transparent coding framework
      based on procedure codes was developed to identify severe urinary complications
      which were grouped into 'stricture', 'incontinence' and 'other'. Their validity
      as a performance indicator was assessed by evaluating the consistency with
      diagnosis codes and association with patient and surgical characteristics. Kaplan
      Meier methods were used to assess time to first occurrence and multivariable
      logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for patient
      and surgical characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 17 299 men were included, of
      whom 2695 (15.6%) experienced at least one severe urinary complication within 2
      years. High proportions of men with a complication had relevant diagnosis codes:
      86% for strictures and 93% for incontinence. Urinary complications were more
      common in men from poorer socio-economic backgrounds (OR comparing lowest with
      highest quintile: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-1.67) and in those with
      prolonged length of hospital stay (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.40-1.69), and were less
      common in men who underwent robot-assisted surgery (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.58-0.74).
      CONCLUSION: These results show that severe urinary complications identified in
      administrative data provide a medium-term performance indicator after RP. They
      can be used for research assessing outcomes of treatment methods and for service
      evaluation comparing performance of prostate cancer surgery providers.

PMID- 28075517
TI  - Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio: Prognostic indicator for head and neck squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has prognostic significance
      for many cancers, with higher values correlating with poor outcomes. The purpose
      of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of this inflammatory
      marker for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS:
      Univariate logistic regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were
      performed on a retrospective cohort of 123 patients treated with primary
      chemoradiotherapy. RESULTS: The NLR is an indicator of both recurrence-free and
      overall survival, but the NLR does not have independent prognostic significance
      when the favorable prognostic influence of human papillomavirus (HPV) status is
      incorporated into multivariate models. CONCLUSION: The interaction between NLR
      and HPV status suggests that HPV status may be a determining factor in the
      favorable prognosis associated with a decreased NLR in HNSCC; these findings also
      suggest that HPV status may interact with the prognostic associations of
      indicators of systemic inflammation in HNSCC. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
      Head Neck 39: 662-667, 2017.

PMID- 28075518
TI  - Rapid Asymmetric Synthesis of Disubstituted Allenes by Coupling of Flow-Generated
      Diazo Compounds and Propargylated Amines.
AB  - We report herein the asymmetric coupling of flow-generated unstabilized diazo
      compounds and propargylated amine derivatives, using a new
      pyridinebis(imidazoline) ligand, a copper catalyst and base. The reaction
      proceeds rapidly, generating chiral allenes in 10-20 minutes with high
      enantioselectivity (89-98 % de/ee), moderate yields and a wide functional group
      tolerance.

PMID- 28075519
TI  - An update of management of insomnia in patients with chronic orofacial pain.
AB  - In this review, we discuss the management of chronic orofacial pain (COFP)
      patients with insomnia. Diagnostic work-up and follow-up routines of COFP
      patients should include assessment of sleep problems. Management is based on a
      multidisciplinary approach, addressing the factors that modulate the pain
      experience as well as insomnia and including both non-pharmacological and
      pharmacological modalities. Parallel to treatment, patients should receive
      therapy for comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders, and possible substance
      abuse that may be that may trigger or worsen the COFP and/or their insomnia.
      Insomnia treatment should begin with non-pharmacological therapy, to minimize
      potential side effects, drug interactions, and risk of substance abuse associated
      with pharmacological therapy. Behavioral therapies for insomnia include the
      following: sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia,
      multicomponent behavioral therapy or brief behavioral therapy for insomnia,
      relaxation strategies, stimulus control, and sleep restriction. Approved U.S.
      Food and Drug Administration medications to treat insomnia include the following:
      benzodiazepines (estazolam, flurazepam, temazepam, triazolam, and quazepam), non
      benzodiazepine hypnotics (eszopiclone, zaleplon, zolpidem), the melatonin
      receptor agonist ramelteon, the antidepressant doxepin, and the orexin receptor
      antagonist suvorexant. Chronic orofacial pain can greatly improve following
      treatment of the underlying insomnia, and therefore, re-evaluation of COFP is
      advised after 1 month of treatment.

PMID- 28075520
TI  - Long-term enhanced winter soil frost alters growing season CO2 fluxes through its
      impact on vegetation development in a boreal peatland.
AB  - At high latitudes, winter climate change alters snow cover and, consequently, may
      cause a sustained change in soil frost dynamics. Altered winter soil conditions
      could influence the ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and, in turn,
      provide feedbacks to ongoing climate change. To investigate the mechanisms that
      modify the peatland CO2 exchange in response to altered winter soil frost, we
      conducted a snow exclusion experiment to enhance winter soil frost and to
      evaluate its short-term (1-3 years) and long-term (11 years) effects on CO2
      fluxes during subsequent growing seasons in a boreal peatland. In the first 3
      years after initiating the treatment, no significant effects were observed on
      either gross primary production (GPP) or ecosystem respiration (ER). However,
      after 11 years, the temperature sensitivity of ER was reduced in the treatment
      plots relative to the control, resulting in an overall lower ER in the former.
      Furthermore, early growing season GPP was also lower in the treatment plots than
      in the controls during periods with photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)
      >=800 MUmol m-2  s-1 , corresponding to lower sedge leaf biomass in the treatment
      plots during the same period. During the peak growing season, a higher GPP was
      observed in the treatment plots under the low light condition (i.e. PPFD 400
      MUmol m-2  s-1 ) compared to the control. As Sphagnum moss maximizes
      photosynthesis at low light levels, this GPP difference between the plots may
      have been due to greater moss photosynthesis, as indicated by greater moss
      biomass production, in the treatment plots relative to the controls. Our study
      highlights the different responses to enhanced winter soil frost among plant
      functional types which regulate CO2 fluxes, suggesting that winter climate change
      could considerably alter the growing season CO2 exchange in boreal peatlands
      through its effect on vegetation development.

PMID- 28075521
TI  - Association between adolescent sport activities and lumbar disk degeneration
      among young adults.
AB  - The relationship between different sport activities and lumbar intervertebral
      disk degeneration (DD) is largely unknown. We evaluated whether adolescent
      participation in different sports is associated with lumbar DD in a population
      based birth cohort of young adults. A total of 558 young adults (325 females and
      233 males) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 1.5-T scanner). A DD sum
      score, based on the Pfirrmann grading, was calculated for all lumbar levels. The
      sum score was categorized into no DD, 1, 2, or at least 3. Participation in
      different sport activities was self-reported by postal surveys at 16, 18, and 19
      years, and three groups were formed based on participation frequency in 11
      sports: (a) highly active (at least twice a week), (b) moderately active (2-4
      times a month), and (c) inactive (maximum once a month). Cumulative odds ratios
      (COR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained for each sport by
      ordinal logistic regression, adjusting for gender, body mass index, age,
      socioeconomic status, smoking, and other sports. Highly active participation in
      jogging/running and swimming was associated with a higher DD sum score (COR: 3.0;
      95% CI: 1.4-6.3 and 5.0; 1.7-15.2, respectively) compared to inactive
      participation, whereas highly active participation in skating showed low COR. In
      conclusion, running and swimming at least twice a week in early adulthood are
      potentially associated with lumbar DD. Follow-up studies with MRI are needed to
      show whether frequent exposure to running or swimming has further effect on the
      integrity of lumbar intervertebral disks.

PMID- 28075523
TI  - Extreme rainfall and snowfall alter responses of soil respiration to nitrogen
      fertilization: a 3-year field experiment.
AB  - Extreme precipitation is predicted to be more frequent and intense accompanying
      global warming and may have profound impacts on soil respiration (Rs) and its
      components, that is, autotrophic (Ra) and heterotrophic (Rh) respiration.
      However, how natural extreme rainfall or snowfall events affect these fluxes are
      still lacking, especially under nitrogen (N) fertilization. In this study,
      extreme rainfall and snowfall events occurred during a 3-year field experiment,
      allowing us to examine their effects on the response of Rs, Rh, and Ra to N
      supply. In normal rainfall years of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, N fertilization
      significantly stimulated Rs by 23.9% and 10.9%, respectively. This stimulation
      was mainly due to the increase of Ra because of N-induced increase in plant
      biomass. In the record wet year of 2013/2014, however, Rs was independent on N
      supply because of the inhibition effect of the extreme rainfall event. Compared
      with those in other years, Rh and Ra were reduced by 36.8% and 59.1%,
      respectively, which were likely related to the anoxic stress on soil microbes and
      decreased photosynthates supply. Although N supply did not affect annual Rh, the
      response ratio (RR) of Rh flux to N fertilization decreased firstly during
      growing season, increased in nongrowing season and peaked during spring thaw in
      each year. Nongrowing season Rs and Rh contributed 5.5-16.4% to their annual
      fluxes and were higher in 2012/2013 than other years due to the extreme snowfall
      inducing higher soil moisture during spring thaw. The RR of nongrowing season Rs
      and Rh decreased in years with extreme snowfall or rainfall compared to those in
      normal years. Overall, our results highlight the significant effects of extreme
      precipitation on responses of Rs and its components to N fertilization, which
      should be incorporated into models to improve the prediction of carbon-climate
      feedbacks.

PMID- 28075522
TI  - Crucial role of carbonic anhydrase IX in tumorigenicity of xenotransplanted adult
      T-cell leukemia-derived cells.
AB  - Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) is a membrane-associated carbonic anhydrase that
      regulates cellular pH, is upregulated in various solid tumors, and is considered
      to be a therapeutic target. Here, we describe the essential role of CA9 in the
      tumorigenicity of cells derived from human adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL).
      We previously established the highly tumorigenic ST1-N6 subline from the ATL
      derived ST1 cell line by serial xenotransplantation in NOG mice. In the present
      study, we first show that CA9 expression is strongly enhanced in ST1-N6 cells. We
      then sorted ST1 cells by high or low CA9 expression and established ST1-CA9high
      and ST1-CA9low sublines. ST1-CA9high cells, like ST1-N6 cells, were more strongly
      tumorigenic than ST1-CA9low or parental ST1 cells when injected into NOG mice.
      Knockdown of CA9 with shRNAs suppressed the ability of ST1-CA9high cells to
      initiate tumors, and the tumorigenicity of ST1 cells was significantly enhanced
      by introducing wild-type CA9 or a CA9 mutant with deletion of an intracytoplasmic
      domain. However, a CA9 with point mutations in the catalytic site did not
      increase the tumorigenicity of ST1 cells. Furthermore, we detected a small
      population of CA9+ CD25+ cells in lymph nodes of ATL patients. These findings
      suggest that CA9, and particularly its carbonic anhydrase activity, promotes the
      tumorigenicity of ATL-derived cells and may be involved in malignant development
      of lymphoma-type ATL.

PMID- 28075524
TI  - TOPK (T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase) inhibitor exhibits growth suppressive
      effect on small cell lung cancer.
AB  - T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) plays
      critical roles in cancer cell proliferation as well as maintenance of cancer stem
      cells (CSC). Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has highly aggressive phenotype,
      reveals early spread to distant sites, and results in dismal prognosis with
      little effective treatment. In this study, we demonstrate that TOPK expression
      was highly upregulated in both SCLC cell lines and primary tumors. Similar to
      siRNA-mediated TOPK knockdown effects, treatment with a potent TOPK inhibitor,
      OTS514, effectively suppressed growth of SCLC cell lines (IC50 ; 0.4-42.6 nM) and
      led to their apoptotic cell death. TOPK inhibition caused cell morphologic
      changes in SCLC cells, elongation of intercellular bridges caused by cytokinesis
      defects or neuronal protrusions induced by neuronal differentiation in a subset
      of CSC-like SCLC cells. Treatment with OTS514 suppressed forkhead box protein M1
      (FOXM1) activity, which was involved in stemness of CSC. Furthermore, OTS514
      treatment reduced CD90-positive SCLC cells and showed higher cytotoxic effect
      against lung sphere-derived CSC-like SCLC cells. Collectively, our results
      suggest that targeting TOPK is a promising approach for SCLC therapy.

PMID- 28075525
TI  - Dynamic remodeling of arteriolar collaterals after acute occlusion in chick
      chorioallantoic membrane.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: After arteriolar occlusion, collaterals enlarge and initially elevated
      WSS normalizes. While most previous studies focused on endpoints of such adaptive
      changes in larger collaterals, the present investigation aimed to continuously
      determine the relation between WSS and diameter in microvascular collaterals
      during adaptive reactions. METHODS: In Hamburger-Hamilton stage 40 CAMs, junction
      points between arteriolar segments were identified and the third upstream segment
      on one side was occluded. Intravital microscopy recordings were taken for 24
      hours post-occlusion. Segment diameter and blood velocity were measured: WSS and
      capillary density were calculated. RESULTS: After occlusion, vascular diameters
      exhibited an immediate decrease, then increased with a time constant of 2.5 +/-
      0.8 hours and reached a plateau of up to 60% above baseline after about 7 hours.
      Vascular tone showed no significant change. WSS exhibited an immediate increase
      post-occlusion and linearly returned to baseline after about 12 hours. Local WSS
      change and diameter change rate showed similar patterns during the initial but
      not the later phase of post-occlusive adaptation. CONCLUSIONS: CAM collaterals
      undergo fast structural remodeling within 24 hours post-occlusion. This
      remodeling might be driven by local WSS and by other regulators within the
      vascular network.

PMID- 28075527
TI  - Recent Development of the Second and Third Generation Irreversible Epidermal
      Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors.
AB  - Recent reports suggested that essential directions for new lung cancer, breast
      carcinoma therapies, as well as the roomier realm of targeted cancer therapies
      were provided through targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
      Patients who carrying non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with activating
      mutations in EGFR initially respond well to the EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and
      gefitinib, which were located the active site of the EGFR kinase and designed to
      act as competitive inhibitors of combining with the ATP. However, patients who
      were treated with the erlotinib and gefitinib will relapse because of the
      emergence of drug-resistant mutations, with T790M mutations accounting for
      approximately 60% of all resistance. In order to overcome drug resistance,
      Pharmaceutical chemistry experts recently devoted great endeavors to the
      development of second-generation irreversible selective inhibitors which
      covalently modify Cys797 or Cys773 at the ATP binding cleft. Nevertheless, these
      inhibitors have not reached ideal effect of experts in patients with T790M
      positive mutation and apparently because of the dose-limiting toxicities
      associated with inhibition of wild type EGFR. A novel class of 'third generation'
      EGFR TKIs have been developed that is sensitising and T790M mutant-specific
      whilst sparing WT EGFR, representing a significant breakthrough in the treatment
      in NSCLC patients with acquired resistance harboring these genotypes. Herein, we
      provides an overview of the second and third generation inhibitors currently
      approved, in clinical trial and also encompasses novel structures of discovery.
      This review mainly focuses on drug resistance, their mechanisms of action,
      development of structure-activity relationships and binding modes.

PMID- 28075526
TI  - Cetuximab strongly enhances immune cell infiltration into liver metastatic sites
      in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Cetuximab has activity against colorectal cancers. Recent studies demonstrated
      that cetuximab induces antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity via immune
      cells, and a new immune-related mechanism of inducing immunogenic cell death.
      This study aimed to evaluate the immune responses induced by cetuximab in tumor
      microenvironments at liver metastasis sites of metastatic colorectal cancer
      patients. We assessed immune cell infiltration in the liver metastatic sites of
      53 colorectal cancer patients. These patients were divided into three groups
      according to the treatment before operation: chemotherapy with cetuximab,
      chemotherapy without cetuximab, and no chemotherapy. The inflammatory cells in
      the liver metastatic sites were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, focusing
      on the invasive margin. The overall inflammatory reaction and number of lymphoid
      cells were assessed with a four-point scoring system. We then assessed immune
      cell infiltration (CD3, CD8 and CD56) in 15 liver metastatic sites. Hematoxylin
      eosin staining demonstrated more inflammatory cells in the chemotherapy with
      cetuximab group than in the other groups (P < 0.001). Of note, inflammatory cells
      were found in intratumoral areas, and the destruction of cancer cell foci was
      observed in the chemotherapy with cetuximab group. Moreover, a higher
      infiltration of CD3+ (P = 0.003), CD8+ (P = 0.003) and CD56+ (P = 0.001) cells
      was observed in the chemotherapy with cetuximab group than in the other groups.
      These results suggest that cetuximab might have an immune-enhancing effect. As
      such, the immune-related mechanism of action of cetuximab may enhance the
      efficacy of combination therapy, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy using
      therapeutic peptides.

PMID- 28075528
TI  - Prospective Evaluation of Genetic Variation in Platelet Endothelial Aggregation
      Receptor 1 Reveals Aspirin-Dependent Effects on Platelet Aggregation Pathways.
AB  - Genetic variation in the platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1)
      gene, most notably rs12041331, is implicated in altered on-aspirin platelet
      aggregation and increased cardiovascular event risk. We prospectively tested the
      effects of aspirin administration at commonly prescribed doses (81, 162, and 324
      mg/day) on agonist-induced platelet aggregation by rs12041331 genotype in 67
      healthy individuals. Prior to aspirin administration, rs12041331 minor allele
      carriers had significantly reduced adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet
      aggregation compared with noncarriers (P = 0.03) but was not associated with
      other platelet pathways. In contrast, rs12041331 was significantly associated
      with on-aspirin platelet aggregation when collagen and epinephrine were used to
      stimulate platelet aggregation (P < 0.05 for all associations), but not ADP. The
      influence of PEAR1 rs12041331 on platelet aggregation is pathway-specific and is
      altered by aspirin at therapeutic doses, but not in a dose-dependent manner.
      Additional studies are needed to determine the impact of PEAR1 on cardiovascular
      events in aspirin-treated patients.

PMID- 28075531
TI  - Three-dimensional imaging flow cytometry through light-sheet fluorescence
      microscopy.
AB  - Flow cytometry is the tool of choice for high-speed acquisition and analysis of
      large cell populations, with the tradeoff of lacking intracellular spatial
      information. Although in the last decades flow cytometry systems that can
      actually acquire two-dimensional spatial information were developed, some of the
      limitations remained though, namely constrains related to sample size and lack of
      depth or dynamic information. The combination of fluidics and light-sheet
      illumination has the potential to address these limitations. By having cells
      travelling with the flowing sheath one can, in a controlled fashion, force them
      at constant speed through the light-sheet enabling the synchronized acquisition
      of several optical sections, that is, three-dimensional imaging. This approach
      has already been used for imaging cellular spheroids, plankton, and zebra-fish
      embryos. In this review, we discuss the known solutions and standing challenges
      of performing three-dimensional high-throughput imaging of multicellular
      biological models using fluidics, while retaining cell and organelle-level
      resolution. (c) 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

PMID- 28075529
TI  - Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and long-term risk of renal disease mortality:
      Racial and socioeconomic differences.
AB  - AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Diabetes, hypertension, and obesity increase the risk of
      chronic kidney disease and associated mortality. Race and socioeconomic status
      (SES) differences in the effects of these risk factors are, however, still
      unknown. The current study aimed to investigate whether or not race and SES alter
      the effects of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity on mortality due to renal
      disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data came from the Americans' Changing Lives
      Study, 1986-2011, a nationally representative prospective cohort of adults with
      25 years of follow up. The study included 3,361 adults aged 25 years and older
      who were followed for up to 25 years. The outcome was death from renal disease.
      Diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were the main predictors. Race and SES
      (education, income, and employment) were moderators. Health behaviors and health
      status at baseline were covariates. We used Cox proportional hazards models for
      data analysis. RESULTS: In separate models, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity
      at baseline were associated with a higher risk of death from renal disease. From
      our SES indicators, education and income interacted with diabetes, hypertension,
      and obesity on death from renal disease. In a consistent pattern, diabetes,
      hypertension, and obesity showed stronger effects on the risk of death from renal
      disease among high-SES groups compared with low-SES individuals. Race and
      employment did not alter the effects of diabetes, hypertension and obesity on the
      risk of death from renal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Social groups differ in how
      diabetes, hypertension, and obesity influence health outcomes over long-term
      periods. Elimination of disparities in renal disease mortality in the USA
      requires understanding of the complex and non-linear effects of socioeconomic and
      medical risk factors on health outcomes. Multidisciplinary programs and policies
      are required to reduce social inequality in renal disease burden caused by
      diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

PMID- 28075530
TI  - Dysregulation of PLDN (pallidin) is a mechanism for platelet dense granule
      deficiency in RUNX1 haplodeficiency.
AB  - : Essentials Platelet dense granule (DG) deficiency is a major abnormality in
      RUNX1 haplodeficiency patients. The molecular mechanisms leading to the platelet
      DG deficiency are unknown. Platelet expression of PLDN (BLOC1S6, pallidin),
      involved in DG biogenesis, is regulated by RUNX1. Downregulation of PLDN is a
      mechanism for DG deficiency in RUNX1 haplodeficiency. SUMMARY: Background
      Inherited RUNX1 haplodeficiency is associated with thrombocytopenia and platelet
      dysfunction. Dense granule (DG) deficiency has been reported in patients with
      RUNX1 haplodeficiency, but the molecular mechanisms are unknown. Platelet mRNA
      expression profiling in a patient previously reported by us with a RUNX1 mutation
      and platelet dysfunction showed decreased expression of PLDN (BLOC1S6), which
      encodes pallidin, a subunit of biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex
      1 (BLOC-1) involved in DG biogenesis. PLDN mutations in the pallid mouse and
      Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome-9 are associated with platelet DG deficiency.
      Objectives We postulated that PLDN is a RUNX1 target, and that its decreased
      expression leads to platelet DG deficiency in RUNX1 haplodeficiency. Results
      Platelet pallidin and DG levels were decreased in our patient. This was also
      observed in two siblings from a different family with a RUNX1 mutation. Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays with phorbol ester
      treated human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells showed RUNX1 binding to RUNX1 consensus
      sites in the PLDN1 5' upstream region. In luciferase reporter studies, mutation
      of RUNX1 sites in the PLDN promoter reduced activity. RUNX1 overexpression
      enhanced and RUNX1 downregulation decreased PLDN1 promoter activity and protein
      expression. RUNX1 downregulation resulted in impaired handling of mepacrine and
      mislocalization of the DG marker CD63 in HEL cells, indicating impaired DG
      formation, recapitulating findings on PLDN downregulation. Conclusions These
      studies provide the first evidence that PLDN is a direct target of RUNX1 and that
      its dysregulation is a mechanism for platelet DG deficiency associated with RUNX1
      haplodeficiency.

PMID- 28075533
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28075532
TI  - Clinical and biochemical characterization of the prothrombin Belgrade mutation in
      a large Serbian pedigree: new insights into the antithrombin resistance
      mechanism.
AB  - : Essentials Prothrombin Belgrade mutation leads to antithrombin resistance.
      Clinical and biochemical phenotypes in a large family with this mutation were
      investigated. In carriers, we detected decreased factor II activity and increased
      endogenous thrombin potential. Prothrombin Belgrade mutation represents a strong
      prothrombotic risk factor. SUMMARY: Background The recently reported c.1787G>A
      mutation in the prothrombin gene leads to Arg596Gln replacement in the protein
      molecule (prothrombin Belgrade). This substitution impairs binding of
      antithrombin to thrombin and results in inherited thrombophilia, known as
      antithrombin resistance. Objectives We aimed to elucidate the clinical and
      biochemical characteristics of thrombophilia associated with antithrombin
      resistance in a large Serbian family with the prothrombin Belgrade mutation.
      Patients and methods Nineteen family members were investigated, among whom 10
      were carriers of the c.1787G>A mutation. In all subjects the clinical phenotype
      was determined and laboratory investigations of hemostatic parameters were
      performed. Results Six out of the 10 mutation carriers developed thromboembolic
      events, mainly deep venous and mesenteric vein thrombosis. The median age of the
      first thrombotic event was 26.5 (12-41) years, whereas the incidence rate of
      first thrombosis was 2.2% per year. In all mutation carriers prothrombin activity
      was significantly decreased in comparison with non-carriers, clearly
      distinguishing each group. However, the presence of the mutation did not affect
      the prothrombin antigen level in plasma. The endogenous thrombin potential was
      significantly increased in all carriers in comparison with non-carriers,
      indicating the presence of blood hypercoagulability. Interestingly, levels of D
      dimer and the F1+2 fragment were similar in both groups. Conclusions Although
      rare, the prothrombin Belgrade mutation represents strong thrombophilia with
      early onset of thrombosis in the investigated family. According to our results,
      decreased prothrombin activity may be a simple screening test for detection of
      this mutation in thrombotic patients.

PMID- 28075534
TI  - Commentary on Wilson et al. (2016): The meaning of success in failure.

PMID- 28075535
TI  - Response to Smith and Brogly et al. commentaries on Zedler et al.

PMID- 28075536
TI  - Commentary on Greenland (2016): Tobacco companies' response to plain packaging in
      Australia and implications for tobacco control.

PMID- 28075537
TI  - The comparative safety of buprenorphine versus methadone in pregnancy-what about
      confounding?

PMID- 28075539
TI  - Commentary on Nardone et al. (2016): Satisfaction, dissatisfaction and
      complicating the nicotine-reduction strategy with more nicotine.

PMID- 28075540
TI  - Zero is an important number.

PMID- 28075542
TI  - Considering marijuana legalization carefully: insights for other jurisdictions
      from analysis for Vermont.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In 2014 the legislature of Vermont, USA passed a law
      requiring the Secretary of Administration to report on the consequences of
      legalizing marijuana. The RAND Corporation was commissioned to write that report.
      This paper summarizes insights from that analysis that are germane to other
      jurisdictions. METHOD: Translation of key findings from the RAND Corporation
      report to the broader policy debate. RESULTS: Marijuana legalization encompasses
      a wide range of possible regimes, distinguished along at least four dimensions:
      which organizations are allowed to produce and supply the drug, the regulations
      under which they operate, the nature of the products that can be distributed and
      taxes and prices. Vermont's decriminalization had already cut its costs of
      enforcing marijuana prohibition against adults to about $1 per resident per year.
      That is probably less than the cost of regulating a legal market. Revenues from
      taxing residents' purchases after legalization could be many times that amount,
      so the main fiscal cost of prohibition after decriminalization relative to
      outright legalization may be foregone tax revenues, not enforcement costs.
      Approximately 40 times as many users live within 200 miles of Vermont's borders
      as live within the state; drug tourism and associated tax revenues will be
      important considerations, as will be the response of other states. Indeed, if
      another state legalized with lower taxes, that could undermine the ability to
      collect taxes on even Vermont residents' purchases. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of
      possible outcomes if Vermont, USA, legalized marijuana reveal that choices about
      how, and not just whether, to legalize a drug can have profound consequences for
      the effects on health and social wellbeing, and the choices of one jurisdiction
      can affect the options and incentives available to other jurisdictions.

PMID- 28075543
TI  - Prognostic value of tissue-based biomarker signature in clear cell renal cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To improve risk stratification for recurrence prognostication in
      patients with localised clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: In all, 367 patients with non-metastatic ccRCC were included. The cohort
      was divided into a training and validation set. Using tissue microarrays,
      immunostaining was performed for 24 biomarkers representative of key pathways in
      ccRCC. Using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox
      regression, we identified several markers that were used to construct a risk
      classifier for risk of disease recurrence. RESULTS: The median (interquartile
      range) follow-up was 63.5 (24.0-85.3) months. Five out of 24 markers were
      selected by LASSO Cox regression for the risk classifier: N-cadherin, E-cadherin,
      Ki67, cyclin D1 and phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding
      protein-1 (p-4EBP1). Patients were classified as either low, intermediate or high
      risk of disease recurrence by tertiles of risk score. The 5-year recurrence-free
      survival (RFS) was 93.8%, 87.7% and 70% for patients with low-, intermediate- and
      high-risk scores, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients with a high marker score had
      worse RFS on multivariate analysis adjusted for age, gender, race and the Mayo
      Clinic Stage, Size, Grade, and Necrosis (SSIGN) score (hazard ratio 3.66, 95%
      confidence interval 1.58-8.49, P = 0.003 for high vs low marker score in the
      overall cohort). The five-marker classifier increased the concordance index of
      the clinical model in both the training and validation sets. CONCLUSION: We
      developed a five-marker-based prognostic tool that can effectively classify
      patients with ccRCC according to risk of disease recurrence after surgery. This
      tool, if prospectively validated, could provide individualised risk estimation
      for patients with ccRCC.

PMID- 28075545
TI  - Fetal growth and parental cardiovascular risk: preterm birth matters.

PMID- 28075544
TI  - The impact of Type 2 diabetes prevention programmes based on risk-identification
      and lifestyle intervention intensity strategies: a cost-effectiveness analysis.
AB  - AIMS: To develop a cost-effectiveness model to compare Type 2 diabetes prevention
      programmes targeting different at-risk population subgroups with a lifestyle
      intervention of varying intensity. METHODS: An individual patient simulation
      model was constructed to simulate the development of diabetes in a representative
      sample of adults without diabetes from the UK population. The model incorporates
      trajectories for HbA1c , 2-h glucose, fasting plasma glucose, BMI, systolic blood
      pressure, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Patients can be diagnosed with
      diabetes, cardiovascular disease, microvascular complications of diabetes,
      cancer, osteoarthritis and depression, or can die. The model collects costs and
      utilities over a lifetime horizon. The perspective is the UK National Health
      Service and personal social services. We used the model to evaluate the
      population-wide impact of targeting a lifestyle intervention of varying intensity
      to six population subgroups defined as high risk for diabetes. RESULTS: The
      intervention produces 0.0003 to 0.0009 incremental quality-adjusted life years
      and saves up to L1.04 per person in the general population, depending upon the
      subgroup targeted. Cost-effectiveness increases with intervention intensity. The
      most cost-effective options are to target individuals with HbA1c > 42 mmol/mol
      (6%) or with a high Finnish Diabetes Risk (FINDRISC) probability score (> 0.1).
      CONCLUSION: The model indicates that diabetes prevention interventions are likely
      to be cost-effective and may be cost-saving over a lifetime. In the model, the
      criteria for selecting at-risk individuals differentially impact upon diabetes
      and cardiovascular disease outcomes, and on the timing of benefits. These
      findings have implications for deciding who should be targeted for diabetes
      prevention interventions.

PMID- 28075546
TI  - Matrix pathobiology-central roles for proteoglycans and heparanase in health and
      disease.
AB  - This thematic minireview series highlights new concepts in matrix pathobiology.
      The reviews in this series cover the roles of the two matrix proteoglycans,
      decorin and biglycan, in inflammation and autophagy, the various functions of
      syndecans in cancer development and prognosis and the recently discovered
      mechanisms underlying the multiple roles of heparanase in cancer progression,
      inflammation, and autophagy.

PMID- 28075548
TI  - Triindole-Tris-Alkynyl-Bridged Trinuclear Gold(I) Complexes for Cooperative
      Supramolecular Self-Assembly and Small-Molecule Solution-Processable Resistive
      Memories.
AB  - A novel class of luminescent trinuclear alkynylgold(I) complexes with N-alkyl
      substituted triindole ligands has been synthesized and characterized. They are
      found to exhibit rich photophysical and electrochemical properties. The complexes
      have been demonstrated to display interesting supramolecular assembly with
      spherical nanostructures in aqueous THF solution through a cooperative growth
      mechanism. The self-assembly process is shown to be mediated by the pi-pi
      stacking interactions and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions of the triindole
      moieties upon solvent modulation. These gold(I) complexes have been employed as
      active materials in the fabrication of solution-processable resistive memory
      devices, showing promising binary memory performances with low switching
      threshold voltages of ca. 1.5 V, high ON/OFF current ratio of up to 105, long
      retention time of over 104 s, and excellent stability. The present work opens up
      a new avenue for the future design of versatile organogold(I) complexes that
      could serve as multifunctional materials.

PMID- 28075549
TI  - Solvent-Morphology-Property Relationship of PTB7:PC71BM Polymer Solar Cells.
AB  - The influence of three different solvents and a solvent additive on the
      morphology and photovoltaic performance of bulk heterojunction films made of the
      copolymer based on thieno[3,4-b]thiophene-alt-benzodithiophene unit PTB7-F40
      blended with [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) is investigated.
      Optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy are combined with X-ray
      reflectivity and grazing incidence small and wide-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS
      and GIWAXS, respectively), enabling the characterization of the morphology of the
      whole photoactive film. The detailed study reveals that different length scales
      of PCBM clusters are observed using different solvents, while adding a solvent
      additive results in the PCBM clusters being selectively dissolved. Vertical and
      lateral phase separation occurs during spin coating and depends on the solvent
      used. A hierarchical morphology is detected within the bulk film through GISAXS
      measurements. Furthermore, GIWAXS shows that a rather amorphous film with low
      crystallinity was probed, which substantiates that high crystallinity is not
      necessarily required for high performance organic solar cells. Different models
      for the morphology are proposed through the combination of all the findings and
      correlated with the corresponding device properties. Consequently, the solvent
      induced different device performance is mainly ascribed to the varied lateral
      structure sizes, whereas the highest device performance is a result of the
      smallest average multilength scale lateral structure sizes with the smallest
      length scale matching the exciton diffusion length.

PMID- 28075550
TI  - Vascularization in Engineered Tissue Construct by Assembly of Cellular Patterned
      Micromodules and Degradable Microspheres.
AB  - Tissue engineering aims to generate functional tissue constructs in which proper
      extracellular matrix (ECM) for cell survival and establishment of a vascular
      network are necessary. A modular approach via the assembly of modules mimicking
      the complex tissues' microarchitectural features and establishing a vascular
      network represents a promising strategy for fabricating larger and more complex
      tissue constructs. Herein, as a model for this modular tissue engineering,
      engineered bone-like constructs were developed by self-assembly of osteon-like
      modules and fast degradable gelatin microspheres. The collagen microspheres
      acting as osteon-like modules were developed by seeding human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs) onto collagen microspheres laden with human osteoblast
      like cells (MG63) and collagenase. Both HUVECs and MG63 cells were well spatially
      patterned in the modules, and collagen as ECM well supported cell adhesion,
      spreading, and functional expression due to its native RGD domains and enzymatic
      degradation activity. The patterned modules facilitated both the cellular
      function expression of osteogenic MG63 cells and vasculogenic HUVECs; that is,
      the osteon-like units were successfully achieved. The assembly of the osteon-like
      modules and fast degradable gelatin microspheres promoted the vascularization,
      thus facilitating the osteogenic function expression. The study provides a highly
      efficient approach to engineering complex 3D tissues with micropatterned cell
      types and interconnected channels.

PMID- 28075551
TI  - Cucurbit[n]uril-Based Microcapsules Self-Assembled within Microfluidic Droplets:
      A Versatile Approach for Supramolecular Architectures and Materials.
AB  - Microencapsulation is a fundamental concept behind a wide range of daily
      applications ranging from paints, adhesives, and pesticides to targeted drug
      delivery, transport of vaccines, and self-healing concretes. The beauty of
      microfluidics to generate microcapsules arises from the capability of fabricating
      monodisperse and micrometer-scale droplets, which can lead to
      microcapsules/particles with fine-tuned control over size, shape, and
      hierarchical structure, as well as high reproducibility, efficient material
      usage, and high-throughput manipulation. The introduction of supramolecular
      chemistry, such as host-guest interactions, endows the resultant microcapsules
      with stimuli-responsiveness and self-adjusting capabilities, and facilitates
      hierarchical microstructures with tunable stability and porosity, leading to the
      maturity of current microencapsulation industry. Supramolecular architectures and
      materials have attracted immense attention over the past decade, as they open the
      possibility to obtain a large variety of aesthetically pleasing structures, with
      myriad applications in biomedicine, energy, sensing, catalysis, and biomimicry,
      on account of the inherent reversible and adaptive nature of supramolecular
      interactions. As a subset of supramolecular interactions, host-guest molecular
      recognition involves the formation of inclusion complexes between two or more
      moieties, with specific three-dimensional structures and spatial arrangements, in
      a highly controllable and cooperative manner. Such highly selective, strong yet
      dynamic interactions could be exploited as an alternative methodology for
      programmable and controllable engineering of supramolecular architectures and
      materials, exploiting reversible interactions between complementary components.
      Through the engineering of molecular structures, assemblies can be readily
      functionalized based on host-guest interactions, with desirable physicochemical
      characteristics. In this Account, we summarize the current state of development
      in the field of monodisperse supramolecular microcapsules, fabricated through the
      integration of traditional microfluidic techniques and interfacial host-guest
      chemistry, specifically cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n])-mediated host-guest interactions.
      Three different strategies, colloidal particle-driven assembly, interfacial
      condensation-driven assembly and electrostatic interaction-driven assembly, are
      classified and discussed in detail, presenting the methodology involved in each
      microcapsule formation process. We highlight the state-of-the-art in design and
      control over structural complexity with desirable functionality, as well as
      promising applications, such as cargo delivery stemming from the assembled
      microcapsules. On account of its dynamic nature, the CB[n]-mediated host-guest
      complexation has demonstrated efficient response toward various external stimuli
      such as UV light, pH change, redox chemistry, and competitive guests. Herein, we
      also demonstrate different microcapsule modalities, which are engineered with
      CB[n] host-guest chemistry and also can be disrupted with the aid of external
      stimuli, for triggered release of payloads. In addition to the overview of recent
      achievements and current limitations of these microcapsules, we finally summarize
      several perspectives on tunable cargo loading and triggered release, directions,
      and challenges for this technology, as well as possible strategies for further
      improvement, which will lead to substainitial progress of host-guest chemistry in
      supramolecular architectures and materials.

PMID- 28075552
TI  - Nanoparticles Coated with Neutrophil Membranes Can Effectively Treat Cancer
      Metastasis.
AB  - The dissemination, seeding, and colonization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs)
      serve as the root of distant metastasis. As a key step in the early stage of
      metastasis formation, colonization of CTCs in the (pre-)metastatic niche appears
      to be a valuable target. Evidence showed that inflammatory neutrophils possess
      both a CTC- and niche-targeting property by the intrinsic cell adhesion molecules
      on neutrophils. Inspired by this mechanism, we developed a nanosize neutrophil
      mimicking drug delivery system (NM-NP) by coating neutrophils membranes on the
      surface of poly(latic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPs). The membrane
      associated protein cocktails on neutrophils membrane were mostly translocated to
      the surface of NM-NP via a nondisruptive approach, and the biobinding activity of
      neutrophils was highly preserved. Compared with uncoated NP, NM-NP exhibited
      enhanced cellular association in 4T1 cell models under shear flow in vitro, much
      higher CTC-capture efficiency in vivo, and improved homing to the premetastatic
      niche. Following loading with carfilzomib, a second generation of proteasome
      inhibitor, the NM-NP-based nanoformulation (NM-NP-CFZ) selectively depleted CTCs
      in the blood, prevented early metastasis and potentially inhibited the progress
      of already-formed metastasis. Our NP design can neutralize CTCs in the
      circulation and inhibit the formation of a metastatic niche.

PMID- 28075553
TI  - Double-Layer Graphene Outperforming Monolayer as Catalyst on Silicon Photocathode
      for Hydrogen Production.
AB  - Photoelectrochemical cells are used to split hydrogen and oxygen from water
      molecules to generate chemical fuels to satisfy our ever-increasing energy
      demands. However, it is a major challenge to design efficient catalysts to use in
      the photoelectochemical process. Recently, research has focused on carbon-based
      catalysts, as they are nonprecious and environmentally benign. Interesting
      advances have also been made in controlling nanostructure interfaces and in
      introducing new materials as catalysts in the photoelectrochemical cell. However,
      these catalysts have as yet unresolved issues involving kinetics and light
      transmittance. In this work, we introduce high-transmittance graphene onto a
      planar p-Si photocathode to produce a hydrogen evolution reaction to dramatically
      enhance photon-to-current efficiency. Interestingly, double-layer graphene/Si
      exhibits noticeably improved photon-to-current efficiency and modifies the band
      structure of the graphene/Si photocathode. On the basis of in-depth
      electrochemical and electrical analyses, the band structure of graphene/Si was
      shown to result in a much lower work function than Si, accelerating the electron
      to-hydrogen production potential. Specifically, plasma-treated double-layer
      graphene exhibited the best performance and the lowest work function. We
      electrochemically analyzed the mechanism at work in the graphene-assisted
      photoelectrode. Atomistic calculations based on the density functional theory
      were also carried out to more fully understand our experimental observations. We
      believe that investigation of the underlying mechanism in this high-performance
      electrode is an important contribution to efforts to develop high-efficiency
      metal-free carbon-based catalysts for photoelectrochemical cell hydrogen
      production.

PMID- 28075554
TI  - An Engineered Allele of afsQ1 Facilitates the Discovery and Investigation of
      Cryptic Natural Products.
AB  - New approaches to antimicrobial discovery are needed to address the growing
      threat of antibiotic resistance. The Streptomyces genus, a proven source of
      antibiotics, is recognized as having a large reservoir of untapped secondary
      metabolic genes, many of which are likely to produce uncharacterized compounds.
      However, most of these compounds are currently inaccessible, as they are not
      expressed under standard laboratory conditions. Here, we present a novel
      methodology for activating these "cryptic" metabolites by heterologously
      expressing a constitutively active pleiotropic regulator. By screening wild
      Streptomyces isolates, we identified the antibiotic siamycin-I, a lasso peptide
      that we show is active against multidrug pathogens. We further revealed that
      siamycin-I interferes with cell wall integrity via lipid II. This new technology
      has the potential to be broadly applied for use in the discovery of additional
      "cryptic" metabolites.

PMID- 28075555
TI  - Familial Mutations May Switch Conformational Preferences in alpha-Synuclein
      Fibrils.
AB  - The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is closely associated with the
      aggregation of the alpha-synuclein protein. Several familial mutants have been
      identified and shown to affect the aggregation kinetics of alpha-synuclein
      through distinct molecular mechanisms. Quantitative evaluation of the relative
      stabilities of the wild type and mutant fibrils is crucial for understanding the
      aggregation process and identifying the key component steps. In this work, we
      examined two topologically different alpha-synuclein fibril structures that are
      either determined by solid-state NMR method or modeled based on solid-state NMR
      data, and characterized their conformational properties and thermodynamic
      stabilities using molecular dynamics simulations. We show that the two fibril
      morphologies have comparable size, solvent exposure, secondary structures, and
      similar molecule/peptide binding modes; but different stabilities. Familial
      mutations do not significantly alter the overall fibril structures but shift
      their relative stabilities. Distinct mutations display altered fibril
      conformational behavior, suggesting different propagation preferences,
      reminiscent of cross-seeding among prion strains and tau deletion mutants. The
      simulations quantify the hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, as well as N
      terminal dynamics, that may contribute to the divergent aggregation kinetics that
      has been observed experimentally. Our results indicate that small molecule and
      peptide inhibitors may share the same binding region, providing molecular
      recognition that is independent of fibril conformation.

PMID- 28075557
TI  - Facile Synthesis of Magnetic Covalent Organic Framework with Three-Dimensional
      Bouquet-Like Structure for Enhanced Extraction of Organic Targets.
AB  - A facile strategy for the fabrication of novel bouquet-shaped magnetic porous
      nanocomposite via grafting a covalent organic framework (COF, TpPa-1) onto the
      surface-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) was reported. The magnetic TpPa
      1 (a COF synthesized from 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) and p
      phenylenediamine (Pa-1)) contains clusters of core-shell magnetic nanoparticles
      and interconnected porous TpPa-1 nanofibers. Thus, it possesses larger specific
      surface area, higher porosity, and supermagnetism, making it an ideal sorbent for
      enrichment of trace analytes. Its performance was evaluated by the magnetic solid
      phase extraction (MSPE) of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from
      environmental samples prior to high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis.
      The results indicated that the magnetic TpPa-1 possessed superior enrichment
      capacity of such organic compounds.

PMID- 28075556
TI  - Biosynthesis of the Methylthioxylose Capping Motif of Lipoarabinomannan in
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a lipoglycan found in abundant quantities in the cell
      envelope of all mycobacteria. The nonreducing arabinan termini of LAM display
      species-specific structural microheterogeneity that impacts the biological
      activity of the entire molecule. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, for instance,
      produces mannoside caps made of one to three alpha-(1 -> 2)-Manp-linked residues
      that may be further substituted with an alpha-(1 -> 4)-linked methylthio-d-xylose
      (MTX) residue. While the biological functions and catalytic steps leading to the
      formation of the mannoside caps of M. tuberculosis LAM have been well
      established, the biosynthetic origin and biological relevance of the MTX motif
      remain elusive. We here report on the discovery of a five-gene cluster dedicated
      to the biosynthesis of the MTX capping motif of M. tuberculosis LAM, and on the
      functional characterization of two glycosyltransferases, MtxS and MtxT,
      responsible, respectively, for the production of decaprenyl-phospho-MTX (DP-MTX)
      and the transfer of MTX from DP-MTX to the mannoside caps of LAM. Collectively,
      our NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses of mtxS and mtxT
      overexpressors and knockout mutants support a biosynthetic model wherein the
      conversion of 5'-methylthioadenosine, which is a ubiquitous byproduct of
      spermidine biosynthesis, into 5'-methylthioribose-1-phosphate precedes the
      formation of a 5'-methylthioribose nucleotide sugar, followed by the
      epimerization at C-3 of the ribose residue, and the transfer of MTX from the
      nucleotide sugar to decaprenyl-phosphate yielding the substrate for transfer onto
      LAM. The conservation of the MTX biosynthetic genes in a number of Actinomycetes
      suggests that this discrete glycosyl substituent may be more widespread in
      prokaryotes than originally thought.

PMID- 28075558
TI  - Immunological Principles Guiding the Rational Design of Particles for Vaccine
      Delivery.
AB  - Despite the immense public health successes of immunization over the past
      century, effective vaccines are still lacking for globally important pathogens
      such as human immunodeficiency virus, malaria, and tuberculosis. Exciting recent
      advances in immunology and biotechnology over the past few decades have
      facilitated a shift from empirical to rational vaccine design, opening
      possibilities for improved vaccines. Some of the most important advancements
      include (i) the purification of subunit antigens with high safety profiles, (ii)
      the identification of innate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and cognate
      agonists responsible for inducing immune responses, and (iii) developments in
      nano- and microparticle fabrication and characterization techniques. Advances in
      particle engineering now allow highly tunable physicochemical properties of
      particle-based vaccines, including composition, size, shape, surface
      characteristics, and degradability. Enhanced collaborative efforts between
      researchers in immunology and materials science are expected to rise to next
      generation vaccines. This process will be significantly aided by a greater
      understanding of the immunological principles guiding vaccine antigenicity,
      immunogenicity, and efficacy. With specific emphasis on PRR-targeted adjuvants
      and particle physicochemical properties, this review aims to provide an overview
      of the current literature to guide and focus rational particle-based vaccine
      design efforts.

PMID- 28075560
TI  - Multilayer-Grown Ultrathin Nanostructured GaAs Solar Cells as a Cost-Competitive
      Materials Platform for III-V Photovoltaics.
AB  - Large-scale deployment of GaAs solar cells in terrestrial photovoltaics demands
      significant cost reduction for preparing device-quality epitaxial materials.
      Although multilayer epitaxial growth in conjunction with printing-based materials
      assemblies has been proposed as a promising route to achieve this goal, their
      practical implementation remains challenging owing to the degradation of
      materials properties and resulting nonuniform device performance between solar
      cells grown in different sequences. Here we report an alternative approach to
      circumvent these limitations and enable multilayer-grown GaAs solar cells with
      uniform photovoltaic performance. Ultrathin single-junction GaAs solar cells
      having a 300-nm-thick absorber (i.e., emitter and base) are epitaxially grown in
      triple-stack releasable multilayer assemblies by molecular beam epitaxy using
      beryllium as a p-type impurity. Microscale (~500 * 500 MUm2) GaAs solar cells
      fabricated from respective device layers exhibit excellent uniformity (<3%
      relative) of photovoltaic performance and contact properties owing to the
      suppressed diffusion of p-type dopant as well as substantially reduced time of
      epitaxial growth associated with ultrathin device configuration. Bifacial photon
      management employing hexagonally periodic TiO2 nanoposts and a vertical p-type
      metal contact serving as a metallic back-surface reflector together with
      specialized epitaxial design to minimize parasitic optical losses for efficient
      light trapping synergistically enable significantly enhanced photovoltaic
      performance of such ultrathin absorbers, where ~17.2% solar-to-electric power
      conversion efficiency under simulated AM1.5G illumination is demonstrated from
      420-nm-thick single-junction GaAs solar cells grown in triple-stack epitaxial
      assemblies.

PMID- 28075559
TI  - One-Component Supramolecular Filament Hydrogels as Theranostic Label-Free
      Magnetic Resonance Imaging Agents.
AB  - Gadolinium (Gd)-based compounds and materials are the most commonly used magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents in the clinic; however, safety concerns
      associated with their toxicities in the free ionic form have promoted the
      development of new generations of metal-free contrast agents. Here we report a
      supramolecular strategy to convert an FDA-approved anticancer drug, Pemetrexed
      (Pem), to a molecular hydrogelator with inherent chemical exchange saturation
      transfer (CEST) MRI signals. The rationally designed drug-peptide conjugate can
      spontaneously associate into filamentous assemblies under physiological
      conditions and consequently form theranostic supramolecular hydrogels for
      injectable delivery. We demonstrated that the local delivery and distribution of
      Pem-peptide nanofiber hydrogels can be directly assessed using CEST MRI in a
      mouse glioma model. Our work lays out the foundation for the development of drug
      constructed theranostic supramolecular materials with an inherent CEST MRI signal
      that enables noninvasive monitoring of their in vivo distribution and drug
      release.

PMID- 28075561
TI  - Selective Tuning of Elastin-like Polypeptide Properties via Methionine Oxidation.
AB  - We have designed and prepared a recombinant elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)
      containing precisely positioned methionine residues, and performed the selective
      and complete oxidation of its methionine thioether groups to both sulfoxide and
      sulfone derivatives. Since these oxidation reactions substantially increase
      methionine residue polarity, they were found to be a useful means to precisely
      adjust the temperature responsive behavior of ELPs in aqueous solutions. In
      particular, lower critical solution temperatures were found to be elevated in
      oxidized sample solutions, but were not eliminated. These transition temperatures
      were found to be further tunable by the use of solvents containing different
      Hofmeister salts. Overall, the ability to selectively and fully oxidize
      methionine residues in ELPs proved to be a convenient postmodification strategy
      for tuning their transition temperatures in aqueous media.

PMID- 28075563
TI  - Particulate Formation from a Copper Oxide-Based Oxygen Carrier in Chemical
      Looping Combustion for CO2 Capture.
AB  - Attrition behavior and particle loss of a copper oxide-based oxygen carrier from
      a methane chemical looping combustion (CLC) process was investigated in a
      fluidized bed reactor. The aerodynamic diameters of most elutriated particulates,
      after passing through a horizontal settling duct, range between 2 and 5 MUm. A
      notable number of submicrometer particulates are also identified. Oxygen carrier
      attrition was observed to lead to increased CuO loss resulting from the chemical
      looping reactions, i.e., Cu is enriched in small particles generated primarily
      from fragmentation in the size range of 10-75 MUm. Cyclic reduction and oxidation
      reactions in CLC have been determined to weaken the oxygen carrier particles,
      resulting in increased particulate emission rates when compared to those of
      oxygen carriers without redox reactions. The generation rate for particulates <10
      MUm was found to decrease with progressive cycles over as-prepared oxygen carrier
      particles and then reach a steady state. The surface of the oxygen carrier is
      also found to be coarsened due to a Kirkendall effect, which also explains the
      enrichment of Cu on particle surfaces and in small particles.

PMID- 28075562
TI  - Evidence for a Di-MU-oxo Diamond Core in the Mn(IV)/Fe(IV) Activation
      Intermediate of Ribonucleotide Reductase from Chlamydia trachomatis.
AB  - High-valent iron and manganese complexes effect some of the most challenging
      biochemical reactions known, including hydrocarbon and water oxidations
      associated with the global carbon cycle and oxygenic photosynthesis,
      respectively. Their extreme reactivity presents an impediment to structural
      characterization, but their biological importance and potential chemical utility
      have, nevertheless, motivated extensive efforts toward that end. Several such
      intermediates accumulate during activation of class I ribonucleotide reductase
      (RNR) beta subunits, which self-assemble dimetal cofactors with stable one
      electron oxidants that serve to initiate the enzyme's free-radical mechanism. In
      the class I-c beta subunit from Chlamydia trachomatis, a heterodinuclear
      Mn(II)/Fe(II) complex reacts with dioxygen to form a Mn(IV)/Fe(IV) intermediate,
      which undergoes reduction of the iron site to produce the active Mn(IV)/Fe(III)
      cofactor. Herein, we assess the structure of the Mn(IV)/Fe(IV) activation
      intermediate using Fe- and Mn-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure
      (EXAFS) analysis and multifrequency pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)
      spectroscopy. The EXAFS results reveal a metal-metal vector of 2.74-2.75 A and an
      intense light-atom (C/N/O) scattering interaction 1.8 A from the Fe. Pulse EPR
      data reveal an exchangeable deuterium hyperfine coupling of strength |T| = 0.7
      MHz, but no stronger couplings. The results suggest that the intermediate
      possesses a di-MU-oxo diamond core structure with a terminal hydroxide ligand to
      the Mn(IV).

PMID- 28075564
TI  - Spatiotemporal Trends of Heavy Metals in Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa
      chinensis) from the Western Pearl River Estuary, China.
AB  - We assessed the spatiotemporal trends of the concentrations of 11 heavy metals
      (HMs) in the liver and kidney of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis)
      from western Pearl River Estuary (PRE) during 2004-2015. The hepatic levels of
      Cr, As, and Cu in these dolphins were among the highest reported for cetaceans
      globally, and the levels of Zn, Cu, and Hg were sufficiently high to cause
      toxicological effects in some of the animals. Between same age-sex groups,
      dolphins from Lingdingyang were significantly more contaminated with Hg, Se, and
      V than those from the West-four region, while the opposite was true for Cd.
      Generalized additive mixed models showed that most metals had significant but
      dissimilar temporal trends over a 10-year period. The concentrations of Cu and Zn
      increased significantly in recent years, corresponding to the high input of these
      metals in the region. Body-length-adjusted Cd levels peaked in 2012, accompanied
      by the highest annual number of dolphin stranding events. In contrast to the
      significant decrease in HM levels in the dolphins in Hong Kong waters (the
      eastern reaches of the PRE), the elevated metal exposure in the western PRE
      raises serious concerns.

PMID- 28075565
TI  - Redox Couple Involving NOx in Aerobic Pd-Catalyzed Oxidation of sp3-C-H Bonds:
      Direct Evidence for Pd-NO3-/NO2- Interactions Involved in Oxidation and Reductive
      Elimination.
AB  - NaNO3 is used in oxidative Pd-catalyzed processes as a complementary co-catalyst
      to common oxidants, e.g., CuII salts, in C-H bond activation and Wacker oxidation
      processes. NaNO3 and NaNO2 (with air or O2) assist the sp3-C-H bond acetoxylation
      of substrates bearing an N-directing group. It has been proposed previously that
      a redox couple is operative. The role played by NOx anions is examined in this
      investigation. Evidence for an NOx anion interaction at PdII is presented.
      Palladacyclic complexes containing NOx anions are competent catalysts for
      acetoxylation of 8-methylquinoline, with and without exogenous NaNO3. The
      oxidation of 8-methylquinoline to the corresponding carboxylic acid has also been
      noted at PdII. 18O-Labeling studies indicate that oxygen derived from nitrate
      appears in the acetoxylation product, the transfer of which can only occur by
      interaction of 18O at Pd with a coordinating-acetate ligand. Nitrated organic
      intermediates are formed under catalytic conditions, which are converted to
      acetoxylation products, a process that occurs with (50  degrees C) and without Pd
      (110  degrees C). A catalytically competent palladacyclic dimer intermediate has
      been identified. Head-space analysis measurements show that NO and NO2 gases are
      formed within minutes on heating catalytic mixtures to 110  degrees C from room
      temperature. Measurements by in situ infrared spectroscopy show that N2O is
      formed in sp3-C-H acetoxylation reactions at 80  degrees C. Studies confirm that
      cyclopalladated NO2 complexes are rapidly oxidized to the corresponding NO3
      adducts on exposure to NO2(g). The investigation shows that NOx anions act as
      participating ligands at PdII in aerobic sp3-C-H bond acetoxylation processes and
      are involved in redox processes.

PMID- 28075566
TI  - Chilling Stress Upregulates alpha-Linolenic Acid-Oxidation Pathway and Induces
      Volatiles of C6 and C9 Aldehydes in Mango Fruit.
AB  - Mango-fruit storage period and shelf life are prolonged by cold storage. However,
      chilling temperature induces physiological and molecular changes, compromising
      fruit quality. In our previous transcriptomic study of mango fruit, cold storage
      at suboptimal temperature (5  degrees C) activated the alpha-linolenic acid
      metabolic pathway. To evaluate changes in fruit quality during chilling, we
      analyzed mango "Keitt" fruit peel volatiles. GC-MS analysis revealed significant
      modulations in fruit volatiles during storage at suboptimal temperature. Fewer
      changes were seen in response to the time of storage. The mango volatiles related
      to aroma, such as delta-3-carene, (Z)-beta-ocimene, and terpinolene, were
      downregulated during the storage at suboptimal temperature. In contrast, C6 and
      C9 aldehydes and alcohols-alpha-linolenic acid derivatives 1-hexanal, (Z)-3
      hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenol, (E)-2-hexenal, and nonanal-were elevated during
      suboptimal-temperature storage, before chilling-injury symptoms appeared.
      Detection of those molecules before chilling symptoms could lead to a new agro
      technology to avoid chilling injuries and maintain fruit quality during cold
      storage at the lowest possible temperature.

PMID- 28075567
TI  - Facile Syntheses of Ba2[B4O7(OH)2] and Na[B5O7(OH)2](H2O) Borate Salts Exhibiting
      Nonlinear Optical Activity in the Ultraviolet.
AB  - Two novel noncentrosymmetric metal borates, Ba2[B4O7(OH)2] (1) and
      Na[B5O7(OH)2](H2O) (2), have been obtained by hydrothermal and surfactant-thermal
      means. Compound 1 consists of novel one-dimensional borate chains formed by B3O9
      and B3O8 rings, assembled into a three-dimensional (3D) framework by Ba2+
      cations. The structure of 2 exhibits double-helical chains constructed from B5O10
      primary building units, which are interconnected via Na+ cations and H-bonding
      interactions to generate a 3D framework. Second-harmonic-generation (SHG)
      measurements show that 1 shows a phase-matching powder SHG response of ~2.2 *
      KH2PO4 (KDP), while 2 exhibits a weak SHG response. The cutoff edges of 1 and 2
      are ~242 and ~221 nm, respectively, which suggests that they are potential
      ultraviolet nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Band structures and NLO properties
      have also been theoretically studied.

PMID- 28075568
TI  - Reaction Pathways and Kinetics of a Cyanobacterial Neurotoxin beta-N-Methylamino
      L-Alanine (BMAA) during Chlorination.
AB  - beta-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a probable cause of the amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC), or Alzheimer's disease, has
      been identified in more than 20 cyanobacterial genera. However, its removal and
      fate in drinking water has never been reported before. In this study, the
      reaction of BMAA with chlorine, a common drinking-water oxidant/disinfectant, was
      investigated. A liquid chromatograph coupled with a triple quadrupole mass
      spectrometer was employed to quantify BMAA and its intermediates. Upon
      chlorination, four chlorinated intermediates, each with one or two chlorines,
      were identified. The disappearance of BMAA caused by chlorine follows a second
      order reaction, with the rate constant k1 is 5.0 * 104 M-1 s-1 at pH ~7.0. The
      chlorinated intermediates were found to further react with free chlorine,
      exhibiting a second-order rate constant k3 = 16.8 M-1 s-1. After all free
      chlorine was consumed, the chlorinated intermediates autodecomposed slowly with a
      first order rate constant k2 = 0.003 min-1; when a reductant was added, these
      chlorinated intermediates were then reduced back to BMAA. The results as
      described shed a useful light on the reactivity, appearance, and removal of BMAA
      in the chlorination process of a drinking-water system.

PMID- 28075570
TI  - Contrasting Behavior of the Z Bonds in X-Z...Y Weak Interactions: Z = Main Group
      Elements Versus the Transition Metals.
AB  - In contrast to the increasing family of weak intermolecular interactions in main
      group compounds (X-Z...Y, Z = main-group elements), an analysis of the Cambridge
      Structural Database indicates that electron-saturated (18-electron) transition
      metal complexes show reluctance toward weak M bond formation (X-M...Y, M =
      transition metal). In particular, weak M bonds involving electron-saturated (18
      electron) complexes of transition metals with partially filled d-orbitals are not
      found. We propose that the nature of valence electron density distribution in
      transition-metal complexes is the primary reason for this reluctance. A survey of
      the interaction of selected electron-saturated transition-metal complexes with
      electron-rich molecules (Y) demonstrates the following: shielding the possible
      sigma-hole on the metal center by the core electron density in 3d series, and
      enhanced electronegativity and relativistic effects in 4d and 5d series, hinders
      the formation of the M bond. A balance in all the destabilizing effects has been
      found in the 4d series due to its moderate polarizability and primogenic
      repulsion from inner core d-electrons. A changeover in the donor-acceptor nature
      of the metal center toward different types of incoming molecules is also unveiled
      here. The present study confirms the possibility of M bond as a new
      supramolecular force in designing the crystal structures of electron-saturated
      transition-metal complexes by invoking extreme ligand conditions.

PMID- 28075569
TI  - Inlet Particle-Sorting Cyclone for the Enhancement of PM2.5 Separation.
AB  - Many cities are suffering from severe air pollution from fine particulate matter.
      Cyclone is an effective separator for particulate pollutant but has low
      efficiency for those with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 MUm or less (PM2.5). In
      this research, four novel inlet particle-sorting cyclones were first developed to
      enhance the separation of PM2.5. The energy consumption, overall separation
      efficiency, particle grade efficiency,outlet particle concentration and size
      distribution were compared with common cyclone (CM-C). It was found that the
      vertical reverse rotation cyclone (VRR-C), which made the smaller particles enter
      cyclone from radially outer side and axially lower side at the rectangular inlet,
      had the best separation performance, especially for PM2.5 separation. The mean
      diameter of inlet particles was 15.7 MUm and the particle concentration was 2000
      mg/m3, the overall separation efficiency of the VRR-C reached 98.3%, which was
      6.4% higher than that of CM-C. PM2.5 grade efficiency of the VRR-C exceeded 80%,
      which was 15~20% higher than that of CM-C. The PM2.5 content at the VRR-C outlet
      was 30.8 mg/m3, while that of CM-C was still 118.4 mg/m3. The novel inlet
      particle-sorting cyclone is an effective separation enhancement for PM2.5 source
      control in the process of industrial production and environment protection.

PMID- 28075571
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28075572
TI  - Effect of Protein Corona on Silver Nanoparticle Stabilization and Ion Release
      Kinetics in Artificial Seawater.
AB  - In parallel with the growing use of nanoparticle-containing products, their
      release into the environment over the coming years is expected to increase
      significantly. With many large population centers located in near-coastal areas,
      and increasing evidence that various nanoparticles may be toxic to a range of
      organisms, biota in estuarine and coastal waters may be particularly vulnerable.
      While size effects may be important in cases, silver nanoparticles have been
      found to be toxic in large part due to their release of silver ions. However,
      there is relatively little data available on how nanoparticle coatings can affect
      silver ion release in estuarine or marine waters. We have found that albumin, as
      a model for biocorona-forming macromolecules which nanoparticles may encounter in
      wastewater streams, stabilizes silver colloids from agglomeration in high
      salinity marine waters by electrosteric repulsion for long time periods. A
      minimum mass ratio of about 130 for albumin:silver nanoparticles (40 nm) was
      required for stable dispersion in seawater. Increasing albumin concentration was
      also found to reduce dissolution of nanoparticles in seawater with up to 3.3
      times lower concentrations of silver ions noted. Persistent colloids and slow
      sustained ion release may have important consequences for biota in these
      environmental compartments.

PMID- 28075573
TI  - Functional Graphene Nanomaterials Based Architectures: Biointeractions,
      Fabrications, and Emerging Biological Applications.
AB  - Functional graphene nanomaterials (FGNs) are fast emerging materials with
      extremely unique physical and chemical properties and physiological ability to
      interfere and/or interact with bioorganisms; as a result, FGNs present manifold
      possibilities for diverse biological applications. Beyond their use in drug/gene
      delivery, phototherapy, and bioimaging, recent studies have revealed that FGNs
      can significantly promote interfacial biointeractions, in particular, with
      proteins, mammalian cells/stem cells, and microbials. FGNs can adsorb and
      concentrate nutrition factors including proteins from physiological media. This
      accelerates the formation of extracellular matrix, which eventually promotes cell
      colonization by providing a more beneficial microenvironment for cell adhesion
      and growth. Furthermore, FGNs can also interact with cocultured cells by physical
      or chemical stimulation, which significantly mediate their cellular signaling and
      biological performance. In this review, we elucidate FGNs-bioorganism
      interactions and summarize recent advancements on designing FGN-based two
      dimensional and three-dimensional architectures as multifunctional biological
      platforms. We have also discussed the representative biological applications
      regarding these FGN-based bioactive architectures. Furthermore, the future
      perspectives and emerging challenges will also be highlighted. Due to the lack of
      comprehensive reviews in this emerging field, this review may catch great
      interest and inspire many new opportunities across a broad range of disciplines.

PMID- 28075575
TI  - Correction to "Electrocatalytic Currents from Single Enzyme Molecules".

PMID- 28075574
TI  - Visualization of mycobacterial membrane dynamics in live cells.
AB  - Mycobacteria are endowed with a highly impermeable mycomembrane that confers
      intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics. Several unique mycomembrane glycolipids
      have been isolated and structurally characterized, but the underlying
      organization and dynamics of glycolipids within the cell envelope remain poorly
      understood. We report here a study of mycomembrane dynamics that was enabled by
      trehalose-fluorophore conjugates capable of labeling trehalose glycolipids in
      live actinomycetes. We identified fluorescein-trehalose analogues that are
      metabolically incorporated into the trehalose mycolates of representative
      Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, Nocardia, and Rhodococcus species. Using these
      probes, we studied the mobilities of labeled glycolipids by time-lapse microscopy
      and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments and found that
      mycomembrane fluidity varies widely across species and correlates with mycolic
      acid structure. Finally, we discovered that treatment of mycobacteria with
      ethambutol, a front-line tuberculosis (TB) drug, significantly increases
      mycomembrane fluidity. These findings enhance our understanding of mycobacterial
      cell envelope structure and dynamics and have implications for development of TB
      drug cocktails.

PMID- 28075576
TI  - Proton Coupled Electronic Rearrangement within the H-Cluster as an Essential Step
      in the Catalytic Cycle of [FeFe] Hydrogenases.
AB  - The active site of [FeFe] hydrogenases, the H-cluster, consists of a [4Fe-4S]
      cluster connected via a bridging cysteine to a [2Fe] complex carrying CO and CN-
      ligands as well as a bridging aza-dithiolate ligand (ADT) of which the amine
      moiety serves as a proton shuttle between the protein and the H-cluster. During
      the catalytic cycle, the two subclusters change oxidation states: [4Fe-4S]H2+ <=>
      [4Fe-4S]H+ and [Fe(I)Fe(II)]H <=> [Fe(I)Fe(I)]H thereby enabling the storage of
      the two electrons needed for the catalyzed reaction 2H+ + 2e- ? H2. Using FTIR
      spectro-electrochemistry on the [FeFe] hydrogenase from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
      (CrHydA1) at different pH values, we resolve the redox and protonation events in
      the catalytic cycle and determine their intrinsic thermodynamic parameters. We
      show that the singly reduced state Hred of the H-cluster actually consists of two
      species: Hred = [4Fe-4S]H+ - [Fe(I)Fe(II)]H and HredH+ = [4Fe-4S]H2+ -
      [Fe(I)Fe(I)]H (H+) related by proton coupled electronic rearrangement. The two
      redox events in the catalytic cycle occur on the [4Fe-4S]H subcluster at similar
      midpoint-potentials (-375 vs -418 mV); the protonation event (Hred/HredH+) has a
      pKa ~ 7.2.

PMID- 28075577
TI  - Reversible Unfolding and Folding of the Metalloprotein Ferredoxin Revealed by
      Single-Molecule Atomic Force Microscopy.
AB  - Plant type [2Fe-2S] ferredoxins function primarily as electron transfer proteins
      in photosynthesis. Studying the unfolding-folding of ferredoxins in vitro is
      challenging, because the unfolding of ferredoxin is often irreversible due to the
      loss or disintegration of the iron-sulfur cluster. Additionally, the in vivo
      folding of holo-ferredoxin requires ferredoxin biogenesis proteins. Here, we
      employed atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force microscopy and
      protein engineering techniques to directly study the mechanical unfolding and
      refolding of a plant type [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin from cyanobacteria Anabaena. Our
      results indicate that upon stretching, ferredoxin unfolds in a three-state
      mechanism. The first step is the unfolding of the protein sequence that is
      outside and not sequestered by the [2Fe-2S] center, and the second one relates to
      the force-induced rupture of the [2Fe-2S] metal center and subsequent unraveling
      of the protein structure shielded by the [2Fe-2S] center. During repeated
      stretching and relaxation of a single polyprotein, we observed that the
      completely unfolded ferredoxin can refold to its native holo-form with a fully
      reconstituted [2Fe-2S] center. These results demonstrate that the unfolding
      refolding of individual ferredoxin is reversible at the single-molecule level,
      enabling new avenues of studying both folding-unfolding mechanisms, as well as
      the reactivity of the metal center of metalloproteins in vitro.

PMID- 28075578
TI  - Probing Structural Perturbation in a Bent Molecular Crystal with Synchrotron
      Infrared Microspectroscopy and Periodic Density Functional Theory Calculations.
AB  - The range of unit cell orientations generated at the kink of a bent single
      crystal poses unsurmountable challenges with diffraction analysis and limits the
      insight into the molecular-scale mechanism of bending. On a plastically bent
      crystal of hexachlorobenzene, it is demonstrated here that spatially resolved
      microfocus infrared spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation can be applied in
      conjunction with periodic density functional theory calculations to predict
      spectral changes or to extract information on structural changes that occur as a
      consequence of bending. The approach reproduces well the observed trends, such as
      the wall effects, and provides estimations of the vibrational shifts, unit cell
      deformations, and intramolecular parameters. Generally, expansion of the lattice
      induces red-shift while compression induces larger blue-shift of the
      characteristic nu(C-C) and nu(C-Cl) modes. Uniform or non-uniform expansion or
      contraction of the unit cell of 0.1 A results in shifts of several cm-1, whereas
      deformation of the cell of 0.5 degrees  at the unique angle causes shifts of <0.5
      cm-1. Since this approach does not include parameters related to the actual
      stimulus by which the deformation has been induced, it can be generalized and
      applied to other mechanically, photochemically, or thermally bent crystals.

PMID- 28075579
TI  - Human Health and Economic Impacts of Ozone Reductions by Income Group.
AB  - Low-income households may be disproportionately affected by ozone pollution and
      ozone policy. We quantify how three factors affect the relative benefits of ozone
      policies with household income: (1) unequal ozone reductions; (2) policy delay;
      and (3) economic valuation methods. We model ozone concentrations under baseline
      and policy conditions across the full continental United States to estimate the
      distribution of ozone-related health impacts across nine income groups. We
      enhance an economic model to include these impacts across household income
      categories, and present its first application to evaluate the benefits of ozone
      reductions for low-income households. We find that mortality incidence rates
      decrease with increasing income. Modeled ozone levels yield a median of 11 deaths
      per 100 000 people in 2005. Proposed policy reduces these rates by 13%. Ozone
      reductions are highest among low-income households, which increases their
      relative welfare gains by up to 4% and decreases them for the rich by up to 8%.
      The median value of reductions in 2015 is either $30 billion (in 2006 U.S.
      dollars) or $1 billion if reduced mortality risks are valued with willingness-to
      pay or as income from increased life expectancy. Ozone reductions were relatively
      twice as beneficial for the lowest- compared to the highest-income households.
      The valuation approach affected benefits more than a policy delay or differential
      ozone reductions with income.

PMID- 28075581
TI  - Antagonizing NOD2 Signaling with Conjugates of Paclitaxel and Muramyl Dipeptide
      Derivatives Sensitizes Paclitaxel Therapy and Significantly Prevents Tumor
      Metastasis.
AB  - A noncleavable paclitaxel (PTX) and N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamine (MDP)
      derivative conjugate, 22 (DY-16-43), and its analogues were prepared and
      characterized as antagonists of NOD2 signaling. This conjugate enhanced the
      antitumor and antimetastatic efficacy of PTX in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumor
      bearing mice. This work first describes a molecular strategy that enables the
      sensitization of a chemotherapeutic response via antagonizing NOD2 inflammatory
      signaling and suggests NOD2 antagonist as potential adjunct in treating non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PMID- 28075580
TI  - Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Phenolic Metabolites from the Fruits of Amorpha
      fruticosa.
AB  - Fourteen new natural products, namely, 2-[(Z)-styryl]-5-geranylresorcin-1
      carboxylic acid (1), amorfrutin D (2), 4-O-demethylamorfrutin D (3), 8-geranyl
      3,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone (4), 8-geranyl-5,7,3'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone
      (5), 6-geranyl-5,7,3'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone (6), 8-geranyl-7,3'
      dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone (7), 3-O-demethyldalbinol (8), 6a,12a-dehydro-3-O
      demethylamorphigenin (9), (6aR,12aR,5'R)-amorphigenin (10), amorphispironones B
      and C (11 and 12), resokaempferol 3-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-beta-d
      glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-l-rhamnopyranoside (13), and daidzein 7-O-beta-d
      glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-beta-d-glucopyranoside (14), together with 40 known
      compounds, were isolated from the fruits of Amorpha fruticosa. The structures of
      the new compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis as well
      as from the mass spectrometry data. ECD calculations were performed to determine
      the absolute configurations of 11 and 15. Compounds 1, 4-6, and 16-23 showed
      potent to moderate antibacterial activities against several Gram-positive
      bacteria with MIC values ranging from 3.1 to 100 MUM. In addition, compounds 11
      and 24-33 were significantly cytotoxic against the L5178Y mouse lymphoma cell
      line and exhibited IC50 values from 0.2 to 10.2 MUM.

PMID- 28075582
TI  - The Form in Which Nitrogen Is Supplied Affects the Polyamines, Amino Acids, and
      Mineral Composition of Sweet Pepper Fruit under an Elevated CO2 Concentration.
AB  - We investigated the effect of supplying nitrogen, as NO3- or as NO3-/NH4+, on the
      composition of fruits of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Melchor) plants
      grown with different CO2 concentrations ([CO2]): ambient or elevated (800 MUmol
      mol-1). The results show that the application of NH4+ and high [CO2] affected the
      chroma related to the concentrations of chlorophylls. The concentrations of Ca,
      Cu, Mg, P, and Zn were significantly reduced in the fruits of plants nourished
      with NH4+, the loss of Fe being more dramatic at increased [CO2], which was also
      the case with the protein concentration. The concentration of total phenolics was
      increased by NH4+, being unaffected by [CO2]. Globally, the NH4+ was the main
      factor that affected fruit free amino acid concentrations. Polyamines were
      affected differently: putrescine was increased by elevated [CO2], while the
      response of cadaverine depended on the form of N supplied.

PMID- 28075583
TI  - Amyloid Fibril Polymorphism: Almost Identical on the Atomic Level, Mesoscopically
      Very Different.
AB  - Amyloid polymorphism of twisted and straight beta-endorphin fibrils was studied
      by negative-stain transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission
      electron microscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
      Whereas fibrils assembled in the presence of salt formed flat, striated ribbons,
      in the absence of salt they formed mainly twisted filaments. To get insights into
      their structural differences at the atomic level, 3D solid-state NMR spectra of
      both fibril types were acquired, allowing the detection of the differences in
      chemical shifts of 13C and 15N atoms in both preparations. The spectral
      fingerprints and therefore the chemical shifts are very similar for both fibril
      types. This indicates that the monomer structure and the molecular interfaces are
      almost the same but that these small differences do propagate to produce flat and
      twisted morphologies at the mesoscopic scale. This finding is in agreement with
      both experimental and theoretical considerations on the assembly of polymers
      (including amyloids) under different salt conditions, which attribute the
      mesoscopic difference of flat versus twisted fibrils to electrostatic
      intermolecular repulsions.

PMID- 28075585
TI  - Acidity of M(VI)O2(OH)2 for M = Group 6, 16, and U as Central Atoms.
AB  - Gas-phase acidities and aqueous solution pKa's are predicted for MO2(OH)2, where
      the center atom M is a main Group 6, 16, and U atom using the Feller-Peterson
      Dixon approach based on coupled cluster CCSD(T) calculations with additional
      corrections. The gas-phase acidities of the MO2(OH)2 compounds are essentially
      the same for elements (M) of the same group, 304-310 kcal/mol at 298 K. All of
      the Group 6 compounds are 5-6 kcal/mol less acidic in the gas phase than H2SO4.
      The gas-phase acidity of UO2(OH)2 is calculated to be up to 338.0 kcal/mol, ~10%
      less acidic in the gas phase than the other MO2(OH)2 acids. The most acidic
      molecule in aqueous solution is predicted to be H2SO4. Overall, for the Group 16
      compounds, the pKa's increase going down the group, with H2PoO4 predicted to be
      slightly more acidic than nitric acid. H2CrO4 is the most acidic of the Group 6
      transition metal compounds. The aqueous acidities of H2MoO4 and H2WO4 are
      comparable and about 3 pKa units less acidic than H2CrO4 and comparable in
      acidity to HNO3. H2UO4 is not acidic at all in aqueous solution with a pKa near
      20 pKa units and is also not predicted to readily undergo hydrolysis reactions.

PMID- 28075586
TI  - Determining Substrate Specificities of beta1,4-Endogalactanases Using Plant
      Arabinogalactan Oligosaccharides Synthesized by Automated Glycan Assembly.
AB  - Pectin is a structurally complex plant polysaccharide with many industrial
      applications in food products. The structural elucidation of pectin is aided by
      digestion assays with glycosyl hydrolases. We report the automated glycan
      assembly of oligosaccharides related to the arabinogalactan side chains of pectin
      as novel biochemical tools to determine the substrate specificities of
      endogalactanases. Analysis of the digestion products revealed different
      requirements for the lengths and arabinose substitution pattern of the
      oligosaccharides to be recognized and hydrolyzed by the galactanases.

PMID- 28075587
TI  - Design and Synthesis of Novel Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Carbonic
      Anhydrase Inhibitors Hybrids (NSAIDs-CAIs) for the Treatment of Rheumatoid
      Arthritis.
AB  - We report the synthesis of a series of hybrid compounds incorporating 6- and 7
      substituted coumarins (carbonic anhydrase, CA inhibitors) derivatized with
      clinically used NSAIDs (indomethacin, sulindac, ketoprofen, ibuprofen,
      diclofenac, ketorolac, etc., cyclooxygenase inhibitors) as agents for the
      management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Most compounds were effective in
      inhibiting the RA overexpressed hCA IX and XII, with KI values in the low
      nanomolar-subnanomolar ranges. The antihyperalgesic activity of such compounds
      was assessed by means of the paw-pressure and incapacitance tests using an in
      vivo RA model. Among all tested compounds, the 7-coumarine hybrid with ibuprofen
      showed potent and persistent antihyperalgesic effect up to 60 min after
      administration.

PMID- 28075588
TI  - Accurate Reference Data for the Nonadditive, Noninteracting Kinetic Energy in
      Covalent Bonds.
AB  - The nonadditive, noninteracting kinetic energy (NAKE) is calculated numerically
      for fragments of H2, Li2, Be2, C2, N2, F2, and Na2 within partition density
      functional theory (PDFT). The resulting fragments are uniquely determined, and
      their sum reproduces the Kohn-Sham molecular density of the corresponding XC
      functional. We present the NAKE of these unique fragments as a function of
      internuclear separation and compare the use of fractional orbital occupation to
      the usual PDFT ensemble method for treating the fragment energies and densities.
      We also compare Thomas-Fermi and von Weizsacker approximate kinetic energy
      functionals to the numerically exact solutions and find significant regions where
      the von Weizsacker functional is nearly exact. In addition, we find that the von
      Weizsacker approximation can provide accurate NAKE in stretched covalent bonds,
      especially in the cases of Li2 and Na2.

PMID- 28075589
TI  - Water-Soluble Ruthenium (II) Chiral Heteroleptic Complexes with Amoebicidal in
      Vitro and in Vivo Activity.
AB  - Three water-soluble Ru(II) chiral heteroleptic coordination compounds
      [Ru(en)(pdto)]Cl2 (1), [Ru(gly)(pdto)]Cl (2), and [Ru(acac)(pdto)]Cl (3), where
      pdto = 2,2'-[1,2-ethanediylbis-(sulfanediyl-2,1-ethanediyl)]dipyridine, en =
      ethylendiamine, gly = glycinate, and acac = acetylacetonate, have been
      synthezised and fully characterized. The crystal structures of compounds 1-3 are
      described. The IC50 values for compounds 1-3 are within nanomolar range (14, 12,
      and 6 nM, respectively). The cytotoxicity for human peripheral blood lymphocytes
      is extremely low (>100 MUM). Selectivity indexes for Ru(II) compounds are in the
      range 700-1300. Trophozoites exposed to Ru(II) compounds die through an apoptotic
      pathway triggered by ROS production. The orally administration to infected mice
      induces a total elimination of the parasite charge in mice faeces 1-2-fold faster
      than metronidazole. Besides, all compounds inhibit the trophozoite proliferation
      in amoebic liver abscess induced in hamster. All our results lead us to propose
      these compounds as promising candidates as antiparasitic agents.

PMID- 28075590
TI  - Nanometer-Sized Water Bridge and Pull-Off Force in AFM at Different Relative
      Humidities: Reproducibility Measurement and Model Based on Surface Tension
      Change.
AB  - This article deals with the analysis of the relationship between the pull-off
      force measured by atomic force microscopy and the dimensions of water bridge
      condensed between a hydrophilic silicon oxide tip and a silicon oxide surface
      under ambient conditions. Our experiments have shown that the pull-off force
      increases linearly with the radius of the tip and nonmonotonically with the
      relative humidity (RH). The latter dependence generally consists of an initial
      constant part changing to a convex-concave-like increase of the pull-off force
      and finally followed by a concave-like decrease of this force. The
      reproducibility tests have demonstrated that the precision limits have to be
      taken into account for comparing these measurements carried out under atmospheric
      conditions. The results were fitted by a classical thermodynamic model based on
      water-bridge envelope calculations using the numerical solution of the Kelvin
      equation in the form of axisymmetric differential equations and consequent
      calculation of adhesive forces. To describe the measured data more precisely, a
      decrease of the water surface tension for low RH was incorporated into the
      calculation. Such a decrease can be expected as a consequence of the high surface
      curvature in the nanometer-sized water bridge between the tip and the surface.

PMID- 28075591
TI  - Discovery of Potent Cyclophilin Inhibitors Based on the Structural Simplification
      of Sanglifehrin A.
AB  - Cyclophilin inhibition has been a target for the treatment of hepatitis C and
      other diseases, but the generation of potent, drug-like molecules through
      chemical synthesis has been challenging. In this study, a set of macrocyclic
      cyclophilin inhibitors was synthesized based on the core structure of the natural
      product sanglifehrin A. Initial compound optimization identified the valine-m
      tyrosine-piperazic acid tripeptide (Val-m-Tyr-Pip) in the sanglifehrin core,
      stereocenters at C14 and C15, and the hydroxyl group of the m-tyrosine (m-Tyr)
      residue as key contributors to compound potency. Replacing the C18-C21 diene unit
      of sanglifehrin with a styryl group led to potent compounds that displayed a
      novel binding mode in which the styrene moiety engaged in a pi-stacking
      interaction with Arg55 of cyclophilin A (Cyp A), and the m-Tyr residue was
      displaced into solvent. This observation allowed further simplifications of the
      scaffold to generate new lead compounds in the search for orally bioavailable
      cyclophilin inhibitors.

PMID- 28075592
TI  - Total Syntheses and Biological Activities of Vinylamycin Analogues.
AB  - Natural depsipeptide vinylamycin was reported to be an antibiotic previously.
      Herein we report vinylamycin to be active against K562 leukemia cells (IC50 =
      4.86 MUM) and be unstable in plasma (t1/2 = 0.54 h). A total of 24 vinylamycin
      analogues with modification of the OH group and chiral centers were generated via
      a combinatorial approach. The lead compound 1a was subsequently characterized as
      having the following: no antimicrobial activity, significantly higher plasma
      stability (t1/2 = 14.3 h), improved activity against K562 leukemia cells (IC50 =
      0.64 MUM), and up to 75% cell inhibition without significant toxicities in K562
      cells xenograft zebrafish model. Furthermore, compound 1a maintained its activity
      against the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 under hypoxic conditions. In
      comparison, the activity of gemcitabine in the same hypoxic in vitro model of MCF
      7 cells was 15-fold lower. Therefore, the present results demonstrate that 1a has
      great potential as an anticancer agent.

PMID- 28075593
TI  - Formation of Nickel Clusters Wrapped in Carbon Cages: Toward New Endohedral
      Metallofullerene Synthesis.
AB  - Despite the high potential of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) for application
      in biology, medicine and molecular electronics, and recent efforts in EMF
      synthesis, the variety of EMFs accessible by conventional synthetic methods
      remains limited and does not include, for example, EMFs of late transition
      metals. We propose a method in which EMF formation is initiated by electron
      irradiation in aberration-corrected high-resolution transmission electron
      spectroscopy (AC-HRTEM) of a metal cluster surrounded by amorphous carbon inside
      a carbon nanotube serving as a nanoreactor and apply this method for synthesis of
      nickel EMFs. The use of AC-HRTEM makes it possible not only to synthesize new,
      previously unattainable nanoobjects but also to study in situ the mechanism of
      structural transformations. Molecular dynamics simulations using the state-of-the
      art approach for modeling the effect of electron irradiation are performed to
      rationalize the experimental observations and to link the observed processes with
      conditions of bulk EMF synthesis.

PMID- 28075594
TI  - High-Curvature Nanostructuring Enhances Probe Display for Biomolecular Detection.
AB  - High-curvature electrodes facilitate rapid and sensitive detection of a broad
      class of molecular analytes. These sensors have reached detection limits not
      attained using bulk macroscale materials. It has been proposed that immobilized
      DNA probes are displayed at a high deflection angle on the sensor surface, which
      allows greater accessibility and more efficient hybridization. Here we report the
      first use of all-atom molecular dynamics simulations coupled with electrochemical
      experiments to explore the dynamics of single-stranded DNA immobilized on high
      curvature versus flat surfaces. We find that high-curvature structures suppress
      DNA probe aggregation among adjacent probes. This results in conformations that
      are more freely accessed by target molecules. The effect observed is amplified in
      the presence of highly charged cations commonly used in electrochemical
      biosensing. The results of the simulations agree with experiments that measure
      the degree of hybridization in the presence of mono-, di-, and trivalent cations.
      On high-curvature structures, hybridization current density increases as positive
      charge increases, whereas on flat electrodes, the trivalent cations cause
      aggregation due to electrostatic overscreening, which leads to decreased current
      density and less sensitive detection.

PMID- 28075595
TI  - Adsorption of Small Cationic Nanoparticles onto Large Anionic Particles from
      Aqueous Solution: A Model System for Understanding Pigment Dispersion and the
      Problem of Effective Particle Density.
AB  - The present study focuses on the use of copolymer nanoparticles as a dispersant
      for a model pigment (silica). Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer
      (RAFT) alcoholic dispersion polymerization was used to synthesize sterically
      stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles. The steric stabilizer block was
      poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMA) and the core-forming block was
      poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA). The mean degrees of polymerization for the
      PDMA and PBzMA blocks were 71 and 100, respectively. Transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) studies confirmed a near-monodisperse spherical morphology,
      while dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies indicated an intensity-average
      diameter of 30 nm. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) reported a volume-average
      diameter of 29 +/- 0.5 nm and a mean aggregation number of 154. Aqueous
      electrophoresis measurements confirmed that these PDMA71-PBzMA100 nanoparticles
      acquired cationic character when transferred from ethanol to water as a result of
      protonation of the weakly basic PDMA chains. Electrostatic adsorption of these
      nanoparticles from aqueous solution onto 470 nm silica particles led to either
      flocculation at submonolayer coverage or steric stabilization at or above
      monolayer coverage, as judged by DLS. This technique indicated that saturation
      coverage was achieved on addition of approximately 465 copolymer nanoparticles
      per silica particle, which corresponds to a fractional surface coverage of around
      0.42. These adsorption data were corroborated using thermogravimetry, UV
      spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. TEM studies indicated that the
      cationic nanoparticles remained intact on the silica surface after electrostatic
      adsorption, while aqueous electrophoresis confirmed that surface charge reversal
      occurred below pH 7. The relatively thick layer of adsorbed nanoparticles led to
      a significant reduction in the effective particle density of the silica particles
      from 1.99 g cm-3 to approximately 1.74 g cm-3, as judged by disk centrifuge
      photosedimentometry (DCP). Combining the DCP and SAXS data suggests that
      essentially no deformation of the PBzMA cores occurs during nanoparticle
      adsorption onto the silica particles.

PMID- 28075596
TI  - Yeast Microcapsule-Mediated Targeted Delivery of Diverse Nanoparticles for
      Imaging and Therapy via the Oral Route.
AB  - Targeting of nanoparticles to distant diseased sites after oral delivery remains
      highly challenging due to the existence of many biological barriers in the
      gastrointestinal tract. Here we report targeted oral delivery of diverse
      nanoparticles in multiple disease models, via a "Trojan horse" strategy based on
      a bioinspired yeast capsule (YC). Diverse charged nanoprobes including quantum
      dots (QDs), iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), and assembled organic fluorescent
      nanoparticles can be effectively loaded into YC through electrostatic force
      driven spontaneous deposition, resulting in different diagnostic YC assemblies.
      Also, different positive nanotherapies containing an anti-inflammatory drug
      indomethacin (IND) or an antitumor drug paclitaxel (PTX) are efficiently packaged
      into YC. YCs containing either nanoprobes or nanotherapies may be rapidly
      endocytosed by macrophages and maintained in cells for a relatively long period
      of time. Post oral administration, nanoparticles packaged in YC are first
      transcytosed by M cells and sequentially endocytosed by macrophages, then
      transported to neighboring lymphoid tissues, and finally delivered to remote
      diseased sites of inflammation or tumor in mice or rats, all through the natural
      route of macrophage activation, recruitment, and deployment. For the examined
      acute inflammation model, the targeting efficiency of YC-delivered QDs or IONPs
      is even higher than that of control nanoprobes administered at the same dose via
      intravenous injection. Assembled IND or PTX nanotherapies orally delivered via
      YCs exhibit remarkably potentiated efficacies as compared to nanotherapies alone
      in animal models of inflammation and tumor, which is consistent with the
      targeting effect and enhanced accumulation of drug molecules at diseased sites.
      Consequently, through the intricate transportation route, nanoprobes or
      nanotherapies enveloped in YC can be preferentially delivered to desired targets,
      affording remarkably improved efficacies for the treatment of multiple diseases
      associated with inflammation.

PMID- 28075597
TI  - A Class of Electron-Transporting Vinylogous Tetrathiafulvalenes Constructed by
      the Dimerization of Core-Expanded Naphthalenediimides.
AB  - The combination of the (1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)malononitrile (DTYM) and/or (1,3
      dithiol-2-ylidene)acetonitrile (DTYA) moieties with naphthalenediimide (NDI) core
      affords two singly linked NDI-based dimers, (DTYM-NDI-DTYA)2 (D1) and (NDI-DTYA)2
      (D2), which both contain a dicyano-substituted vinylogous tetrathiafulvalene
      (TTF) unit. The synthesis, thermal/optical/electrochemical properties of D1 and
      D2, and their primary applications in n-channel organic thin film transistors are
      studied. The results demonstrate that these NDI-fused vinylogous TTFs are
      excellent electron acceptors, and their further applications are promising.

PMID- 28075598
TI  - Organocatalytic Regioselective Concomitant Thiocyanation and Acylation of
      Oxiranes Using Aroyl Isothiocyanates.
AB  - A regioselective and concomitant transfer of thiocyanate (-SCN) and aroyl/acyl (
      COR) groups from aroyl/acyl isothiocyanates onto oxiranes was achieved, giving
      thiocyanato benzoates in 100% atom economy. In this biomimetic organocatalytic
      process, one part (-SCN) of aroyl/acyl isothiocyanates acts as the nucleophile
      whereas the other half (-COR) serves as an electrophilic partner.

PMID- 28075599
TI  - Enhancing Cation Diffusion and Suppressing Anion Diffusion via Lewis-Acidic
      Polymer Electrolytes.
AB  - Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have the potential to increase both the energy
      density and stability of lithium-based batteries, but low Li+ conductivity
      remains a barrier to technological viability. SPEs are designed to maximize Li+
      diffusivity relative to the anion while maintaining sufficient salt solubility.
      It is thus remarkable that poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), the most widely used SPE,
      exhibits Li+ diffusivity that is an order of magnitude smaller than that of
      typical counterions at moderate salt concentrations. We show that Lewis-basic
      polymers like PEO favor slow cation and rapid anion diffusion, while this
      relationship can be reversed in Lewis-acidic polymers. Using molecular dynamics,
      polyboranes are identified that achieve up to 10-fold increases in Li+
      diffusivities and significant decreases in anion diffusivities, relative to PEO
      in the dilute-ion regime. These results illustrate a general principle for
      increasing Li+ diffusivity and transference number with chemistries that exhibit
      weaker cation and stronger anion coordination.

PMID- 28075600
TI  - A Synthesis of "Dual Warhead" beta-Aryl Ethenesulfonyl Fluorides and One-Pot
      Reaction to beta-Sultams.
AB  - Herein, we report an operationally simple, ligand- and additive-free oxidative
      boron-Heck coupling that is compatible with the ethenesulfonyl fluoride
      functional group. The protocol proceeds at room temperature with chemoselectivity
      and E-isomer selectivity and offers facile access to a wide range of beta
      aryl/heteroaryl ethenesulfonyl fluorides from commercial boronic acids.
      Furthermore, we demonstrate a "one-pot click" reaction to directly transform the
      products to aryl-substituted beta-sultams.

PMID- 28075601
TI  - Nitrogen-Doped Mesoporous Carbons as Counter Electrodes in Quantum Dot Sensitized
      Solar Cells with a Conversion Efficiency Exceeding 12.
AB  - The exploration of catalyst materials for counter electrodes (CEs) in quantum dot
      sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) that have both high electrocatalytic activity and
      low charge transfer resistance is always significant yet challenging. In this
      work, we report the incorporation of nitrogen heteroatoms into carbon lattices
      leading to nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon (N-MC) materials with superior
      catalytic activity when used as CEs in Zn-Cu-In-Se QDSCs. A series of N-MC
      materials with different nitrogen contents were synthesized by a colloidal silica
      nanocasting method. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the N-MC with a
      nitrogen content of 8.58 wt % exhibited the strongest activity in catalyzing the
      reduction of a polysulfide redox couple (Sn2-/S2-), and therefore, the
      corresponding QDSC device showed the best photovoltaic performance with an
      average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.23% and a certified PCE of 12.07%
      under one full sun illumination, which is a new PCE record for quantum dot based
      solar cells.

PMID- 28075602
TI  - Enantioselective Hydrophosphonylation of in Situ Generated N-Acyl Ketimines
      Catalyzed by BINOL-Derived Phosphoric Acid.
AB  - An efficient route to pharmacologically interesting isoindolinone-based alpha
      amino phosphonates is described via asymmetric hydrophosphonylation of in situ
      generated ketimines catalyzed by BINOL-derived phosphoric acid. The reaction
      proceeds smoothly at ambient temperature affording a variety of alpha-amino
      phosphonates with a quaternary stereogenic center embedded in isoindolinone motif
      in high yields with excellent enantiomeric ratios (up to 98.5:1.5 er). Several
      interesting transformations of the products into valuable synthetic intermediates
      are also depicted.

PMID- 28075603
TI  - Mobility and Oxidation of Adsorbed CO on Shape-Controlled Pt Nanoparticles in
      Acidic Medium.
AB  - The knowledge about how CO occupies and detaches from specific surface sites on
      well-structured Pt surfaces provides outstanding information on both
      dynamics/mobility of COads and oxidation of this molecule under electrochemical
      conditions. This work reports how the potentiostatic growth of different coverage
      CO adlayers evolves with time on both cubic and octahedral Pt nanoparticles in
      acidic medium. Data suggest that during the growth of the CO adlayer, COads
      molecules slightly shift toward low coordination sites only on octahedral Pt
      nanoparticles, so that these undercoordinated sites are the first filled on
      octahedral Pt nanoparticles. Conversely, on cubic Pt nanoparticles, adsorbed CO
      behaves as an immobile species, and low coordinated sites as well as (100)
      terraces are apparently filled uniformly and simultaneously. However, once the
      adlayer is complete, irrespectively of whether the CO is oxidized in a single
      step or in a sequence of different potential steps, results suggest that COads
      behaves as an immobile species during its oxidation on both octahedral and cubic
      Pt nanoparticles.

PMID- 28075604
TI  - High-Level ab Initio Predictions for the Ionization Energies, Bond Dissociation
      Energies, and Heats of Formation of Titanium Oxides and Their Cations
      (TiOn/TiOn+, n = 1 and 2).
AB  - The ionization energies (IEs) of TiO and TiO2 and the 0 K bond dissociation
      energies (D0) and the heats of formation at 0 K (DeltaH degrees f0) and 298 K
      (DeltaH degrees f298) for TiO/TiO+ and TiO2/TiO2+ are predicted by the wave
      function-based CCSDTQ/CBS approach. The CCSDTQ/CBS calculations involve the
      approximation to the complete basis set (CBS) limit at the coupled cluster level
      up to full quadruple excitations along with the zero-point vibrational energy
      (ZPVE), high-order correlation (HOC), core-valence (CV) electronic, spin-orbit
      (SO) coupling, and scalar relativistic (SR) effect corrections. The present
      calculations yield IE(TiO) = 6.815 eV and are in good agreement with the
      experimental IE value of 6.819 80 +/- 0.000 10 eV determined in a two-color laser
      pulsed field ionization-photoelectron (PFI-PE) study. The CCSDT and MRCI+Q
      methods give the best predictions to the harmonic frequencies: omegae (omegae+) =
      1013 (1069) and 1027 (1059) cm-1 and the bond lengths re (re+) = 1.625 (1.587)
      and 1.621 (1.588) A, for TiO (TiO+) compared with the experimental values. Two
      nearly degenerate, stable structures are found for TiO2 cation: TiO2+(C2v)
      structure has two equivalent TiO bonds, while the TiO2+(Cs) structure features a
      long and a short TiO bond. The IEs for the TiO2+(C2v)<-TiO2 and TiO2+(Cs)<-TiO2
      ionization transitions are calculated to be 9.515 and 9.525 eV, respectively,
      giving the theoretical adiabatic IE value in good agreement with the experiment
      IE(TiO2) = 9.573 55 +/- 0.000 15 eV obtained in the previous vacuum ultraviolet
      (VUV)-PFI-PE study of TiO2. The potential energy surface of TiO2+ along the
      normal vibrational coordinates of asymmetric stretching mode (omega3+) is nearly
      flat and exhibits a double-well potential with the well of TiO2+ (Cs) situated
      around the central well of TiO2+(C2v). This makes the theoretical calculation of
      omega3+ infeasible. For the symmetric stretching (omega1+), the current
      theoretical predictions overestimate the experimental value of 829.1 +/- 2.0 cm-1
      by more than 100 cm-1. This work together with the previous experimental and
      theoretical investigations supports the conclusion that the CCSDTQ/CBS approach
      is capable of providing reliable IE and D0 predictions for TiO/TiO+ and
      TiO2/TiO2+ with error limits less than or equal to 60 meV. The CCSDTQ/CBS
      calculations give the predictions of D0(Ti+-O) - D0(Ti-O) = 0.004 eV and D0(O
      TiO) - D0(O-TiO+) = 2.699 eV, which are also consistent with the respective
      experimental determination of 0.008 32 +/- 0.000 10 and 2.753 75 +/- 0.000 18 eV.

PMID- 28075605
TI  - Pyrazolofluostatins A-C, Pyrazole-Fused Benzo[a]fluorenes from South China Sea
      Derived Micromonospora rosaria SCSIO N160.
AB  - Pyrazolofluostatins A-C (1-3), three new benzo[a]fluorenes with an unprecedented
      carbon skeleton, were obtained from the South China Sea-derived Micromonospora
      rosaria SCSIO N160. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic
      analyses. The structure of pyrazolofluostatin A (1) was confirmed by X-ray
      crystallographic analysis. Notably, 1-3 possessed a benzo[cd]indeno[2,1-f]indazol
      skeleton with a pyrazole-fused 6/5/6/6/5 pentacyclic ring system.
      Pyrazolofluostatin A (1) showed moderate antioxidation activity (EC50 48.6 MUM).

PMID- 28075606
TI  - Potential Application of Dual-Energy CT in Gynecologic Cancer: Initial
      Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the use of dual-energy CT
      (DECT) in the assessment of gynecologic cancer. CONCLUSION: DECT has the
      potential to improve diagnostic performance, may improve the ability to
      differentiate between simple cystic lesions and primary ovarian cancer, and may
      also improve the detection of musculoskeletal and liver metastases. Additional
      studies will be needed to determine the direction of future developments and the
      degree to which DECT will affect the imaging and management of gynecologic
      cancer.

PMID- 28075608
TI  - Sonographic Appearance of Lesions Diagnosed as Lobular Neoplasia at
      Sonographically Guided Biopsies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to review the sonographic features of
      breast lesions yielding lobular neoplasia (LN) at sonographically guided biopsy,
      evaluate the surgical pathology outcome of these lesions, and determine if
      imaging findings or clinical features can be used to predict an upgrade to
      malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 8205 sonographically guided breast
      biopsies (14-gauge cores) performed from 2007 through 2014, 22 yielded a
      diagnosis of LN, which means that LN was the most severe pathologic lesion.
      Imaging features were analyzed in consensus by two radiologists. Correlation of
      biopsy findings with definitive pathologic results was performed when available.
      RESULTS: Twenty-two LN lesions (20 patients [mean age +/- SD, 52.05 +/- 13.66
      years]) were diagnosed at biopsy. Of the LN lesions that were seen on mammography
      (6/22, 27.3%), most lesions appeared as masses (3/6, 50%). On sonography, LN
      lesions (mean size, 8.10 mm) appeared as masses (15/22, 68.2%) with oval shape
      (10/15, 66.7%), well-circumscribed or microlobulated margins (11/15, 73.3%),
      hypoechoic echotexture (10/15, 66.7%), posterior enhancement (73.3%, 11/15), and
      parallel orientation (8/15, 53.3%). Most of the masses were categorized as BI
      RADS category 4 (21/22, 95.5%). Seven lesions (7/22, 31.8%) appeared as areas of
      shadowing or distortion without discrete masses. Twenty (20/22, 90.9%) lesions
      were excised surgically, and pathology results led to an upgrade in five lesions
      (5/20, 25% [one nonmass lesion and four masses]). Neither mammographic nor
      sonographic features were associated with malignant outcome (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: LN diagnosed at sonographically guided 14-gauge core needle biopsy
      does not show any specific features according to the BI-RADS lexicon and is
      associated with a 25% underestimation rate. No clinical or imaging characteristic
      is predictive of malignancy.

PMID- 28075607
TI  - Efficacy of an Escherichia coli O157:H7 SRP Vaccine in Orally Challenged Goats
      and Strain Persistence Over Time.
AB  - Small ruminants have been implicated in outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 at
      livestock exhibitions throughout the United States. Additionally, goat meat or
      milk may serve as a reservoir for foodborne transmission of the organism. These
      associations highlight the public health importance of an effective strategy to
      reduce E. coli O157:H7 shedding in goats. We examined the efficacy of the SRP(r)
      vaccine in goats orally challenged with E. coli O157:H7. Mixed-breed goats (n =
      14) were randomly allocated into vaccinated and unvaccinated treatments (n = 7
      per treatment). Goats were housed with a vaccinated and unvaccinated animal in
      each pen. Feces were collected for 3 weeks, then at necropsy, gastrointestinal
      contents were collected to determine the concentration of E. coli O157:H7. Three
      isolates per positive sample were saved and evaluated by pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE) to assess strain persistence over time. The mean
      concentration of E. coli O157:H7 in the feces of goats was numerically reduced in
      the vaccinated treatment; however, it was not statistically significant. In
      addition, the total number of days goats were fecal positive for E. coli O157:H7
      were not different between vaccinated and unvaccinated treatments. Pulsotypes of
      isolates revealed that goats initially shed two of the four challenge strains of
      E. coli O157:H7, after which there was a distinct shift to two different strains.
      Further work is needed to evaluate cost-effective intervention strategies that
      reliably reduce E. coli O157:H7 shedding in goats, particularly those that may
      reduce the risk of transmission at public events, including petting zoos and
      fairs.

PMID- 28075609
TI  - Female Smokers Are at Greater Risk of Airflow Obstruction Than Male Smokers. UK
      Biobank.
AB  - RATIONALE: The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
      increasing faster among women than among men. OBJECTIVES: To examine sex
      differences in the risk of airflow obstruction (a COPD hallmark) in relation to
      smoking history. METHODS: We analyzed 149,075 women and 100,252 men taking part
      in the UK Biobank who had provided spirometry measurements and information on
      smoking. The association of airflow obstruction with smoking characteristics was
      assessed by sex using regression analysis. The shape of this relationship was
      examined using restricted cubic splines. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The
      association of airflow obstruction with smoking status was stronger in women
      (odds ratio for ex-smokers [ORex], 1.44; ORcurrent, 3.45) than in men (ORex,
      1.25; ORcurrent, 3.06) (P for interaction = 5.6 * 10-4). In both sexes, the
      association of airflow obstruction with cigarettes per day, smoking duration, and
      pack-years did not follow a linear pattern, with the increase in risk at lower
      doses being steeper among women. For equal doses of exposure, sex differences
      were present in both ex-smokers and current smokers for cigarettes per day (P for
      interactionex = 6.0 * 10-8; P for interactioncurrent = 1.1 * 10-5), smoking
      duration (P for interactionex = 7.9 * 10-4; P for interactioncurrent = 0.004),
      and pack-years (P for interactionex = 6.6 * 10-18; P for interactioncurrent = 1.3
      * 10-6). Overall, those who started smoking before age 18 years were more likely
      to have airflow obstruction, but a sex difference in this association was not
      clear. For equal time since quitting, the reduction in risk among women seemed
      less marked than among men. CONCLUSIONS: Exposed to the same dose of smoking,
      women showed a higher risk of airflow obstruction than men. This could partly
      explain the increasingly smaller sex difference in the prevalence of COPD,
      especially in countries where smoking patterns have become similar between women
      and men.

PMID- 28075610
TI  - Factors affecting lactoferrin concentration in human milk: how much do we know?
AB  - Lactoferrin (LF) is a breast milk glycoprotein with antimicrobial and anti
      inflammatory effects. Its beneficial properties in infants, especially in those
      born preterm, are currently being studied in clinical trials. However, the
      maternal and nursing infant factors that may affect LF concentration in breast
      milk are still not clear. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the
      factors that may affect the concentration of LF in breast milk. We used a 2-step
      approach to identify the eligible studies according to inclusion/exclusion
      criteria, and to determine which studies would be considered. We included 70
      qualified articles from 29 countries with publication dates ranging from 1976 to
      2015. We described the correlation between LF concentration in breast milk and
      lactation stage; 10 maternal factors, such as race, parity, among others; and 2
      infant factors: infections and prematurity. Colostrum has the highest LF levels,
      but they decrease with days postpartum. No other factor has been consistently
      associated with LF concentration. A major limitation of the majority of the
      published studies is the small sample size and the different methods used to
      measure LF concentration. Therefore, there is a need for large, multicenter
      studies with standardized study design, sample collection, and LF measurement
      methods to identify clinically significant factors associated with LF expression
      in breast milk, which will help promote exclusive breastfeeding in preterm
      infants.

PMID- 28075611
TI  - What the Radiologist Should Know About Treatment of Peritoneal Malignancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of the radiologist
      in the treatment of peritoneal cancer, with focus placed on advanced treatment
      options and selection of patients with resectable disease for whom complete
      cytoreduction can be achieved. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal cancers traditionally have
      been associated with significant morbidity and universal mortality; however, the
      management of such cancers has evolved substantially. Advanced treatment options,
      including cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy, are associated
      with significantly improved long-term patient survival. To ensure that patients
      benefit from aggressive multimodality treatments, the radiologist plays a pivotal
      role in the multidisciplinary team to ensure careful patient selection,
      identifying individuals with resectable disease for whom complete cytoreduction
      can be achieved.

PMID- 28075612
TI  - Comparison of Mechanical Versus Hand Administration of IV Contrast Agents for
      Pediatric Pulmonary CT Angiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the difference between
      mechanical versus hand administration of IV contrast agents on the diagnostic
      quality of pediatric pulmonary CT angiography (CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective review of the medical records was performed to detect pediatric
      patients (<= 18 years) with pulmonary CTA performed between September 2012 and
      March 2015. Patients were placed into two cohorts on the basis of the method of
      contrast administration (mechanical vs hand). Additional information obtained
      included IV size or gauge, IV site, amount and type of contrast agent
      administered, and rate of administration (mL/s). The quality of the CT images was
      independently evaluated by two pediatric radiologists using a qualitative 4-point
      visual assessment scale and quantitatively with attenuation (HU). An ANOVA
      controlling for age compared the contrast enhancement in the central pulmonary
      arteries between the cohorts. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight consecutive
      pediatric patients (71 boys and 77 girls; mean age, 11.1 years; age range, 8 days
      17.9 years) were identified between September 2012 and March 2015. Mechanical
      administration of contrast material was performed in 117 patients (79.1%; mean
      age [+/- SD], 13.7 +/- 3.7 years), and hand administration of contrast material
      was performed in 31 patients (20.9%; mean age, 1.6 +/- 1.8 years). After
      adjusting for age, the degree of enhancement within the pulmonary arteries was
      not statistically different between the two IV contrast administration methods at
      the main pulmonary artery (mechanical vs hand administration: mean attenuation,
      310 +/- 128 vs 338 +/- 142 HU, respectively, p = 0.505), right pulmonary artery
      (305 +/- 124 vs 329 +/- 146 HU, p = 0.556), and left pulmonary artery (303 +/-
      125 vs 340 +/- 151 HU, p = 0.349). CONCLUSION: It is possible to perform
      diagnostic-quality pulmonary CTA for the assessment of the central pulmonary
      arteries with hand administration of IV contrast material in pediatric patients
      with small-gauge IV catheters.

PMID- 28075613
TI  - Vertebral Venous Congestion Mimicking Sclerotic Metastasis in the Absence of
      Venous Obstruction.

PMID- 28075614
TI  - Peritoneal Insufflation Facilitates CT-Guided Percutaneous Jejunostomy
      Replacement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report was to examine whether peritoneal
      insufflation can facilitate CT-guided percutaneous jejunostomy replacement.
      CONCLUSION: Peritoneal insufflation allowed clear differentiation of the adherent
      jejunum from adjacent bowel, permitting confident direct puncture into the
      adherent jejunum without the need for jejunopexy anchors.

PMID- 28075615
TI  - Ignorance=Fear.

PMID- 28075617
TI  - Medicolegal-Malpractice and Ethical Issues in Radiology.

PMID- 28075616
TI  - Role of CXC chemokine receptor type 4 as a lactoferrin receptor.
AB  - Lactoferrin exerts its biological activities by interacting with receptors on
      target cells, including LDL receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1/CD91), intelectin-1
      (omentin-1), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, the effects mediated by
      these receptors are not sufficient to fully explain the many functions of
      lactoferrin. C-X-C-motif cytokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a ubiquitously expressed
      G-protein coupled receptor for stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12).
      Lactoferrin was found to be as capable as SDF-1 in blocking infection by an HIV
      variant that uses CXCR4 as a co-receptor (X4-tropic HIV), suggesting that
      lactoferrin interacts with CXCR4. We addressed whether CXCR4 acts as a
      lactoferrin receptor using HaCaT human keratinocytes and Caco-2 human intestinal
      cells. We found that bovine lactoferrin interacted with CXCR4-containing
      lipoparticles, and that this interaction was not antagonized by SDF-1. In
      addition, activation of Akt in response to lactoferrin was abrogated by AMD3100,
      a small molecule inhibitor of CXCR4, or by a CXCR4-neutralizing antibody,
      suggesting that CXCR4 functions as a lactoferrin receptor able to mediate
      activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Lactoferrin stimulation mimicked
      many aspects of SDF-1-induced CXCR4 activity, including receptor dimerization,
      tyrosine phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Cycloheximide chase assays
      indicated that turnover of CXCR4 was accelerated in response to lactoferrin.
      These results indicate that CXCR4 is a potent lactoferrin receptor that mediates
      lactoferrin-induced activation of Akt signaling.

PMID- 28075618
TI  - Rodent models of glaucoma and their applicability for drug discovery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rodents have widely been used to represent glaucomatous changes
      both in the presence and absence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) as they
      offer clear advantages over other animal species. IOP elevation is commonly
      achieved by creating an obstruction in the aqueous outflow pathways, consequently
      leading to retinal ganglion cell and optic nerve (ON) damage, the hallmark of
      glaucoma. These changes may also be achieved in the absence of elevated IOP by
      directly inflicting injury to retina or ON. Areas covered: This paper presents a
      summary of currently used rodent models of glaucoma. The characteristics of these
      models from several studies are summarized. The benefits and shortcomings of
      these models are also discussed. Expert opinion: The choice of animal model that
      closely represents human disease is key for successful translational of
      preclinical research to clinical practice. Rodent models of rapid IOP elevation
      are likely to be least representative, whereas models such as steroid-induced
      glaucoma models more closely resemble the trabecular meshwork changes seen in
      glaucomatous human eyes. However, this model needs further characterization.
      Rodent models based on direct retinal and ON injury are also useful tools to
      investigate molecular mechanisms involved at the site of final common pathology
      and neuroprotective strategies.

PMID- 28075619
TI  - Role of CT in the Diagnosis of Nonspecific Abdominal Pain: A Multicenter
      Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine whether specific patient
      and physician factors-known before CT-are associated with a diagnosis of
      nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) after CT in the emergency department (ED).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data originally collected in a prospective
      multicenter study. In the parent study, we identified ED patients referred to CT
      for evaluation of abdominal pain. We surveyed their physicians before and after
      CT to identify changes in leading diagnoses, diagnostic confidence, and admission
      decisions. In the current study, we conducted a multiple regression analysis to
      identify whether the following were associated with a post-CT diagnosis of NSAP:
      patient age; patient sex; physicians' years of experience; physicians' pre-CT
      diagnostic confidence; and physicians' pre-CT admission decision if CT had not
      been available. We analyzed patients with and those without a pre-CT diagnosis of
      NSAP separately. For the sensitivity analysis, we excluded patients with
      different physicians before and after CT. RESULTS: In total, 544 patients were
      included: 10% (52/544) with a pre-CT diagnosis of NSAP and 90% (492/544) with a
      pre-CT diagnosis other than NSAP. The leading diagnoses changed after CT in a
      large proportion of patients with a pre-CT diagnosis of NSAP (38%, 20/52). In
      regression analysis, we found that physicians' pre-CT diagnostic confidence was
      inversely associated with a post-CT diagnosis of NSAP in patients with a pre-CT
      diagnosis other than NSAP (p = 0.0001). No other associations were significant in
      both primary and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: With the exception of
      physicians' pre-CT diagnostic confidence, the factors evaluated were not
      associated with a post-CT diagnosis of NSAP.

PMID- 28075620
TI  - Diagnostic Efficacy of Structural MRI in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer
      Disease: Automated Volumetric Assessment Versus Visual Assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic efficacies of
      an automated volumetric assessment tool and visual assessment in the evaluation
      of medial temporal lobar atrophy in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease (AD).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 30 patients with mild-to
      moderate AD and 25 age-matched healthy control subjects undergoing MRI with a 3D
      fast spoiled gradient recalled-echo sequence at 3 T. The images were processed
      with fully automated volumetric analysis software. To assess medial temporal lobe
      (MTL) atrophy, two MTL indexes, which took into account the volumes of the
      hippocampus and the inferior lateral ventricle, were calculated with the
      automated volumetric assessment software. In addition, two neuroradiologists
      assessed MTL atrophy visually using the Scheltens scale. ROC curve analysis was
      used to compare the diagnostic performances of the two methods. The weighted
      kappa statistic was used to assess the intrarater and interrater reliability of
      visual inspection. RESULTS: The automated volumetric assessment tool had moderate
      sensitivity (63.3%) and high specificity (100%) in differentiating patients with
      mild-to-moderate AD from control subjects. Visual inspection showed sensitivity
      of 63.3% and specificity of 92.0%. The diagnostic performance was not
      significantly different between the two methods (p = 0.536-0.906). Intraobserver
      reliability for visual inspection was 0.858 and 0.902 for the two reviewers, and
      interobserver reliability was 0.692-0.780. CONCLUSION: Both the automated
      volumetric assessment tool and visual inspection can be used to evaluate MTL
      atrophy and differentiate patients with AD from healthy individuals with good
      diagnostic accuracy. Thus, the automated tool can be a useful and efficient
      adjunct in clinical practice for evaluating MTL atrophy in the diagnosis of AD.

PMID- 28075621
TI  - Key Principles in Quality and Safety in Radiology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to introduce the reader to basic
      concepts of quality and safety in radiology. CONCLUSION: Concepts are introduced
      that are keys to identifying, understanding, and utilizing certain quality tools
      with the aim of making process improvements. Challenges, opportunities, and
      change drivers can be mapped from the radiology quality perspective. Best
      practices, informatics, and benchmarks can profoundly affect the outcome of the
      quality improvement initiative we all aim to achieve.

PMID- 28075623
TI  - Identifying Hidden Zones of the Far Posterior Cartilage of the Femoral Condyles
      Not Visible During Knee Arthroscopy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare standard knee arthroscopic
      and MRI findings and measurements for visualization of the femoral condyle
      articular cartilage. The hypothesis was that certain posterior cartilage defects
      identified with MRI may not be accessible with routine arthroscopy. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Six cadaveric knees were examined by routine arthroscopy through
      standard inferomedial and inferolateral portals. Suture anchors were inserted
      into the femoral condyles at 30 degrees , 60 degrees , 90 degrees , and 120
      degrees  of flexion as markers of the cartilage surface at the most posterior
      aspect of the condyle that could be accessed at each degree of flexion. Each
      specimen was then examined with 3-T MRI and gross dissection. Measurements were
      obtained and compared. RESULTS: During arthroscopy at 90 degrees  of knee
      flexion, only 5.83 mm of the medial femoral condyle and 6.83 mm of the lateral
      femoral condyle were visualized posterior to the anchor placed at 90 degrees  of
      flexion. These arthroscopic measurements were statistically significant
      underestimates of the actual amount of cartilage identified posterior to the 90
      degrees  anchor at gross dissection (medial condyle, 44.20 mm; lateral condyle,
      37.50 mm) and MRI (medial, 41.33 mm; lateral, 38.87 mm). This indicates that
      85.9% of the medial and 81.8% of the lateral posterior articular cartilage of the
      femoral condyle seen at MRI were not visualized during arthroscopy. CONCLUSION:
      More than 80% of the articular cartilage proximal to the menisci seen at MRI is
      not visible during routine arthroscopy. This far posterior articular cartilage
      should be called the hidden zone.

PMID- 28075624
TI  - Use of Preprocedural MDCT for Cardiac Implantable Electric Device Lead
      Extraction: Frequency of Findings That Change Management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Five percent of cardiac implantable electric devices (CIEDs) are
      removed each year. Percutaneous extraction is preferred but can be complicated if
      the leads adhere to the vasculature or perforate. The goal of this study is to
      assess the frequency of findings on dedicated MDCT that alter preprocedural
      planning for percutaneous CIED extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred
      patients with CIEDs who underwent MDCT before percutaneous lead extraction were
      analyzed. Major findings that could preclude percutaneous removal, including lead
      course and termination, were distinguished from moderately significant findings
      that could alter but not preclude percutaneous removal, including endofibrosis of
      leads to the vasculature, lead termination abnormalities, central vein stenosis,
      or thrombus. Incidental findings were characterized separately. Findings were
      correlated with preprocedural decisions, the extraction procedure performed, and
      procedural outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-six women and 74 men with 125 right
      ventricular leads, 84 right atrial leads, and 26 coronary venous leads were
      evaluated. Major findings were present in 7% of patients, including six patients
      with lead perforation and one with a lead coursing outside a tricuspid
      annuloplasty ring. Moderately significant findings of endothelial fibrosis were
      found in 78% of patients. The central veins were narrowed or occluded in 42% of
      patients, and thrombus was present in 2% of patients. Thirty-six percent of
      patients had incidental findings, and 4% of patients had unexpected findings
      requiring immediate inpatient attention. CONCLUSION: MDCT performed before CIED
      lead extraction is able to identify major and moderately significant findings
      that can alter either percutaneous extraction or preprocedural planning. The use
      of dedicated preprocedural MDCT can help to stratify patient risk, guide decision
      making by the proceduralist, and identify non-catheter-related findings that
      affect patient management.

PMID- 28075622
TI  - Imaging Surveillance After Primary Breast Cancer Treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Current clinical guidelines are consistent in supporting annual
      mammography for women after treatment of primary breast cancer. Surveillance
      imaging beyond standard digital mammography, including digital breast
      tomosynthesis (DBT), breast ultrasound, and MRI, may improve outcomes. This
      article reviews the evidence on the performance and effectiveness of breast
      imaging modalities available for surveillance after treatment of sporadic
      unilateral primary breast cancer and identifies additional factors to be
      considered when selecting an imaging surveillance regimen. CONCLUSION: Evidence
      review supports the use of mammography for surveillance after primary breast
      cancer treatment. Variability exists in guideline recommendations for
      surveillance initiation, interval, and cessation. DBT offers the most promise as
      a potential modality to replace standard digital mammography as a front-line
      surveillance test; a single published study to date has shown a significant
      decrease in recall rates compared with standard digital mammography alone. Most
      guidelines do not support the use of whole-breast ultrasound in breast cancer
      surveillance, and further studies are needed to define the characteristics of
      women who may benefit from MRI surveillance. The emerging evidence about
      surveillance imaging outcomes suggests that additional factors, including patient
      and imaging characteristics, tumor biology and gene expression profile, and
      choice of treatment, warrant consideration in selecting personalized
      posttreatment imaging surveillance regimens.

PMID- 28075625
TI  - Unenhanced and Contrast-Enhanced MR Angiography and Perfusion Imaging for
      Suspected Pulmonary Thromboembolism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the basics of unenhanced MR angiography (MRA)
      and MR venography (MRV), time-resolved contrast-enhanced (CE) MRA and dynamic
      first-pass CE perfusion MRI, and unenhanced and CE MRV, in addition to assessing
      the clinical relevance of these techniques for evaluating patients with suspected
      pulmonary thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Since the
      1990s, the efficacy of MRA or MRV and dynamic perfusion MRI for patients with
      suspected pulmonary thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis has been
      evaluated. On the basis of the results of single-center trials, comprehensive MRI
      protocols, including pulmonary unenhanced and CE MRA, perfusion MRI, and MRV,
      promise to be safe and time effective for assessing patients with suspected
      pulmonary thromboembolism, although future multicenter trials are required to
      assess the real clinical value of MRI.

PMID- 28075626
TI  - Could the President and Congress Precipitate a Public Health Crisis?

PMID- 28075627
TI  - Sokolow et al. Respond.

PMID- 28075628
TI  - How Will Public Health Fare in a Trump Administration?

PMID- 28075630
TI  - A Public Health of Consequence: Review of the February 2017 Issue of AJPH.

PMID- 28075631
TI  - Universal Health Coverage and Public Health: Ensuring Parity and Complementarity.

PMID- 28075632
TI  - Transgender Population Size in the United States: a Meta-Regression of Population
      Based Probability Samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transgender individuals have a gender identity that differs from the
      sex they were assigned at birth. The population size of transgender individuals
      in the United States is not well-known, in part because official records,
      including the US Census, do not include data on gender identity. Population
      surveys today more often collect transgender-inclusive gender-identity data, and
      secular trends in culture and the media have created a somewhat more favorable
      environment for transgender people. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the current
      population size of transgender individuals in the United States and evaluate any
      trend over time. SEARCH METHODS: In June and July 2016, we searched PubMed,
      Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science for
      national surveys, as well as "gray" literature, through an Internet search. We
      limited the search to 2006 through 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: We selected
      population-based surveys that used probability sampling and included self
      reported transgender-identity data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used random
      effects meta-analysis to pool eligible surveys and used meta-regression to
      address our hypothesis that the transgender population size estimate would
      increase over time. We used subsample and leave-one-out analysis to assess for
      bias. MAIN RESULTS: Our meta-regression model, based on 12 surveys covering 2007
      to 2015, explained 62.5% of model heterogeneity, with a significant effect for
      each unit increase in survey year (F = 17.122; df = 1,10; b = 0.026%; P = .002).
      Extrapolating these results to 2016 suggested a current US population size of 390
      adults per 100 000, or almost 1 million adults nationally. This estimate may be
      more indicative for younger adults, who represented more than 50% of the
      respondents in our analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Future national surveys are
      likely to observe higher numbers of transgender people. The large variety in
      questions used to ask about transgender identity may account for residual
      heterogeneity in our models. Public health implications. Under- or
      nonrepresentation of transgender individuals in population surveys is a barrier
      to understanding social determinants and health disparities faced by this
      population. We recommend using standardized questions to identify respondents
      with transgender and nonbinary gender identities, which will allow a more
      accurate population size estimate.

PMID- 28075634
TI  - The Health of the Transgender Community: Out, Proud, and Coming Into Their Own.

PMID- 28075636
TI  - How Has Legal Recreational Cannabis Affected Adolescents in Your State? A Window
      of Opportunity.

PMID- 28075637
TI  - Eliminating Coverage Discrimination Through the Essential Health Benefit's Anti
      Discrimination Provisions.

PMID- 28075638
TI  - Children Need Sufficient Time to Eat School Lunch.

PMID- 28075639
TI  - Enhancing Transgender Health Care.

PMID- 28075640
TI  - Toward Developing Clinical Competence: Improving Health Care of Gender Diverse
      People.

PMID- 28075641
TI  - The Transgender Women of Color Initiative: Implementing and Evaluating Innovative
      Interventions to Enhance Engagement and Retention in HIV Care.
AB  - To improve health outcomes among transgender women of color living with HIV, the
      Health Resources and Services Administration's Special Programs of National
      Significance program funded the Enhancing Engagement and Retention in Quality HIV
      Care for Transgender Women of Color Initiative in 2012. Nine demonstration
      projects in four US urban areas implemented innovative, theory-based
      interventions specifically targeting transgender women of color in their
      jurisdictions. An evaluation and technical assistance center was funded to
      evaluate the outcomes of the access to care interventions, and these findings
      will yield best practices and lessons learned to improve the care and treatment
      of transgender women of color living with HIV infection.

PMID- 28075642
TI  - Shaping a New Field: Three Key Challenges for Population Health Science.

PMID- 28075644
TI  - Carbon Footprint of Water in California.

PMID- 28075646
TI  - AJPH Global News.

PMID- 28075645
TI  - Lessons From a 2016 Large-Scale Contamination of Cereals With Salmonella altona
      in Israel.

PMID- 28075647
TI  - More States Should Regulate Pain Management Clinics to Promote Public Health.

PMID- 28075648
TI  - Leveraging Housing Vouchers to Address Health Disparities.

PMID- 28075649
TI  - Polls, the Election, and Public Health Research: Reaching the Hard to Reach.

PMID- 28075650
TI  - Pharmacokinetic evaluation of pregabalin for the treatment of generalized anxiety
      disorder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pregabalin is an alternative compound to SSRIs and SNRIs for the
      first-line treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Areas covered: We
      describe the pharmacokinetic properties of pregabalin and their implications for
      the treatment of GAD. A search in the main database sources (Medline, ISI, Web of
      Knowledge and Medscape) was performed in order to obtain a comprehensive and
      balanced evaluation about the clinical implications of the pharmacokinetic
      properties of pregabalin in the treatment of GAD. The word "pregabalin" was
      associated with "pharmacokinetics", "interactions"', "GAD", "anxiety" and
      "tolerability". No restriction criteria were established in relation to
      methodology or publication year. Only English-language articles were selected.
      Expert opinion: Pregabalin is a safe and efficacious compound for GAD treatment.
      Short half-life (preventing persistence of side effects), absence of active
      metabolites and no interactions with CYP450 enzymatic system are all favorable
      pharmacokinetic properties for the treatment of GAD patients, including those
      with comorbid depressive symptoms or medical conditions. On the other hand,
      prescription of pregabalin should be handled with caution to minimize the
      incidence of renal impairment (especially in elderly patients), where a history
      of substance misuse or concomitant medications (e.g. anti-hypertensives or some
      antibiotics) are risk factors that can affect renal function.

PMID- 28075651
TI  - Imaging Characteristics of Prostate Cancer Patients Who Discontinued Active
      Surveillance on 3-T Multiparametric Prostate MRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Early-stage prostate cancer may be followed with active surveillance
      to avoid overtreatment. Our institution's active surveillance regimen uses annual
      MRI in place of serial biopsies, and biopsies are performed only when clinically
      necessary. The objective of our study was to report the multiparametric MRI
      characteristics of prostate cancer patients who discontinued active surveillance
      at our institution after repeat imaging revealed possible evidence of tumor
      upgrading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Department of Urology at Winthrop
      University Hospital prospectively maintains a database of prostate cancer
      patients who are monitored with active surveillance. At the time of this study,
      there were 200 prostate cancer patients being monitored with active surveillance.
      Of those patients, 114 patients had an initial multiparametric MRI study that was
      performed before active surveillance started and at least one follow-up
      multiparametric MRI study that was performed after active surveillance began. The
      MRI findings were evaluated and correlated with pathology results, if available.
      RESULTS: Fourteen patients discontinued active surveillance because changes on
      follow-up MRI suggested progression of cancer. Follow-up MRI showed an enlarged
      or more prominent lesion compared with the appearance on a previous MRI in three
      (21.4%) patients, a new lesion or lesions suspicious for cancer in two (14.3%)
      patients, and findings suspicious for or confirming extracapsular extension in
      nine (64.3%) patients. Seven of the 14 (50.0%) patients had a biopsy after follow
      up multiparametric MRI, and biopsy results led to tumor upgrading in six of the
      14 (42.9%) patients. The duration of active surveillance ranged from 4 to 110
      months. All patients received definitive treatment. CONCLUSION: The small number
      of patients with follow-up multiparametric MRI findings showing worsening disease
      supports the role of MRI in patients with early-stage prostate cancer.
      Multiparametric MRI is useful in monitoring patients on active surveillance and
      may identify patients with clinically significant cancer amenable to definitive
      treatment.

PMID- 28075652
TI  - Parent-Adolescent Cross-Informant Agreement in Clinically Referred Samples:
      Findings From Seven Societies.
AB  - To conduct international comparisons of parent-adolescent cross-informant
      agreement in clinical samples, we analyzed ratings on the Child Behavior
      Checklist (CBCL) and Youth Self-Report (YSR) for 6,762 clinically referred
      adolescents ages 11-18 from 7 societies (M = 14.5 years, SD = 2.0 years; 51%
      boys). Using CBCL and YSR data, we asked the following questions: (a) Do parents
      report more problems for their adolescent children than the adolescents report
      about themselves? (b) How do cross-informant correlations (rs) for scale scores
      differ by problem type and by society? (c) How well do parents and adolescents,
      on average, agree regarding which problems they rate as low, medium, or high? (d)
      How does within-dyad item agreement vary within and between societies? (e) How do
      societies vary in dichotomous cross-informant agreement with respect to the
      deviance status of the adolescents? CBCL and YSR scores were quite similar, with
      small and inconsistent informant effects across societies. Cross-informant rs
      averaged .47 across scales and societies. On average, parents and adolescents
      agreed well regarding which problem items received low, medium, or high ratings
      (M r = .87). Mean within-dyad item agreement was moderate across all societies,
      but dyadic agreement varied widely within every society. In most societies,
      adolescent noncorroboration of parent-reported deviance was more common than
      parental noncorroboration of adolescent-reported deviance. Overall, somewhat
      better parent-adolescent agreement and more consistency in agreement patterns
      across diverse societies were found in these seven clinical samples than in
      population samples studied using the same methods.

PMID- 28075653
TI  - Serum creatine kinase elevations in ultramarathon runners at high altitude.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Creatine kinase (CK) is a sensitive enzyme marker for muscle damage
      in athletes. Elevated CK levels have been reported in many endurance physical
      activities. The consequence and possible long-term sequela of the CK elevation in
      athletes is unknown. There is a paucity of literature stating actual numerical
      values of CK associated with competing in an ultramarathon with extreme
      environmental conditions. Our hypothesis was that the serum CK levels increase
      significantly as a result of running a 161 km ultramarathon at high altitude.
      METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of participants of the
      Leadville 100 ultramarathon race in Leadville, Colorado at high altitude (2800
      3840 m) in August 2014. We collected blood samples from sixty-four volunteer
      runners before and eighty-three runners immediately after the race. RESULTS: Out
      of 669 athletes who started the race, 352 successfully completed the race in less
      than the 30-hour cut-off time (52%). The majority of runners were male (84%). We
      were able to collect both pre- and post-race blood samples from 36 runners. Out
      of these 36 runners, the mean pre-race CK was increased from 126 +/- 64 U/L to
      14,569 +/- 14,729 U/L (p < 0.001). There was a weak linear correlation between
      lower sodium levels and higher CK levels post-race (p = 0.003; R2 = 0.10). Using
      a multiple regression model, other than a negative correlation between sodium and
      CK levels (p = 0.001), there were no statistically significant correlations
      between post-race CK levels and athletes' age, BMI, or finishing time.
      CONCLUSIONS: Significant elevation of CK level occurs as a result of running
      ultramarathons. The majority of athletes with significantly elevated CK levels
      were asymptomatic and required no major medical attention.

PMID- 28075654
TI  - ZSOLT SZABO MD, PhD.

PMID- 28075655
TI  - Experiences and Preferences for End-of-Life Care for Young Adults with Cancer and
      Their Informal Carers: A Narrative Synthesis.
AB  - To review the qualitative literature on experiences of and preferences for end-of
      life care of people with cancer aged 16-40 years (young adults) and their
      informal carers. A systematic review using narrative synthesis of qualitative
      studies using the 2006 UK Economic and Social Research Council research methods
      program guidance. Seven electronic bibliographic databases, two clinical trials
      databases, and three relevant theses databases were searched from January 2004 to
      October 2015. Eighteen articles were included from twelve countries. The selected
      studies included at least 5% of their patient sample within the age range 16-40
      years. The studies were heterogeneous in their aims, focus, and sample, but
      described different aspects of end-of-life care for people with cancer. Positive
      experiences included facilitating adaptive coping and receiving palliative home
      care, while negative experiences were loss of "self" and nonfacilitative services
      and environment. Preferences included a family-centered approach to care, honest
      conversations about end of life, and facilitating normality. There is little
      evidence focused on the end-of-life needs of young adults. Analysis of reports
      including some young adults does not explore experience or preferences by age;
      therefore, it is difficult to identify age-specific issues clearly. From this
      review, we suggest that supportive interventions and education are needed to
      facilitate open and honest communication at an appropriate level with young
      people. Future research should focus on age-specific evidence about the end-of
      life experiences and preferences for young adults with cancer and their informal
      carers.

PMID- 28075658
TI  - Labware, Lab Supplies, and Microplates.

PMID- 28075656
TI  - Intimate Partner Violence and 5-Year Weight Change in Young Women: A Longitudinal
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) and obesity are national public
      health problems that are potentially associated. We examined the association
      between IPV exposure and 5-year weight gain in young women. We also examined
      whether depressive mood conferred additional increases in weight gain. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Analyses were conducted among women in Project EAT, a longitudinal
      cohort study of weight-related health, which has collected data at three 5-year
      survey waves: "EAT I" (mean age 15 years), "EAT II" (mean age 19 years), and "EAT
      III" (mean age 25 years). Height and body weight were self-reported at each
      survey wave. IPV victimization and depressive mood were assessed on the EAT II
      survey. The study comprised women with data on IPV and body mass index (BMI) (N =
      619). Linear regression analyses examined (1) 5-year (EAT II to EAT III) BMI
      change as a function of IPV exposure and (2) 5-year BMI change as a function of
      depressive mood at EAT II in women with and without IPV exposure. RESULTS: Almost
      20% of the study sample reported IPV. Women exposed to both physical and sexual
      IPV at EAT II gained 1.1 kg/m2 (95% CI -0.2 to 2.4) more, over 5 years, than
      women unexposed to IPV, although this did not reach statistical significance.
      Among those with IPV exposure, depressive mood at EAT II was associated with an
      additional increase in BMI of 1.8 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.2-3.4) relative to no
      depressive mood. CONCLUSION: Survivors of IPV with depressive mood may have
      accelerated weight gain. Trauma-informed obesity prevention strategies may be
      warranted in this group.

PMID- 28075662
TI  - Centriolin, a centriole-appendage protein, regulates peripheral spindle migration
      and asymmetric division in mouse meiotic oocytes.
AB  - Unlike somatic cells mitosis, germ cell meiosis consists of 2 consecutive rounds
      of division that segregate homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids,
      respectively. The meiotic oocyte is characterized by an absence of centrioles and
      asymmetric division. Centriolin is a relatively novel centriolar protein that
      functions in mitotic cell cycle progression and cytokinesis. Here, we explored
      the function of centriolin in meiosis and showed that it is localized to meiotic
      spindles and concentrated at the spindle poles and midbody during oocyte meiotic
      maturation. Unexpectedly, knockdown of centriolin in oocytes with either siRNA or
      Morpholino micro-injection, did not affect meiotic spindle organization, cell
      cycle progression, or cytokinesis (as indicated by polar body emission), but led
      to a failure of peripheral meiotic spindle migration, large polar body emission,
      and 2-cell like oocytes. These data suggest that, unlike in mitotic cells, the
      centriolar protein centriolin does not regulate cytokinesis, but plays an
      important role in regulating asymmetric division of meiotic oocytes.

PMID- 28075666
TI  - The European Board of Hand Surgery Diploma Examination 2014.

PMID- 28075670
TI  - The Indian Society For Surgery of the Hand Executive Committee.

PMID- 28075663
TI  - Comparative study of Her-2, p53, Ki-67 expression and clinicopathological
      characteristics of breast cancer in a cohort of northern China female patients.
AB  - The objective was to study the relationship among Her-2, Ki-67, p53 expression
      and the clinicopathologic characteristics of breast cancer in the patients of
      northern China. Expression of Her-2, Ki-67, p53 and clinical characteristics of
      260 breast cancer patients were retrospectively studied. Her-2 overexpression led
      to higher incidence rates of infiltrating ductal carcinoma and axillary lymph
      node metastasis, bigger diameters of the primary tumors, later pTNM staging, and
      a lower incidence rate of ductal carcinoma in situ (p < 0.05). High expression of
      ER and PR led to fewer patients classified histologically in higher grade (p =
      0.001), while high expression of Ki-67 and p53 caused more patients classified
      histologically in higher grade (p = 0.001). In patients histologically classified
      in grade 1 and 2, the expression of Ki-67 and p53 was significantly (p = 0.001)
      higher, and the expression of ER and PR was significantly lower, in Her-2
      positive patients than Her-2 negative patients. Breast cancer with Her-2
      overexpression was more likely to recur and metastasize than Her-2 negative
      breast cancer. Higher coincidence of high expression of p53 and Ki-67 with Her-2
      overexpression and more progressed tumors suggested that in addition to p53, Ki
      67 might also be a prognostic biomarker of breast cancer.

PMID- 28075669
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28075671
TI  - Hospitalization rates for intussusception in children aged 0-59 months from 2009
      to 2014 in Italy.
AB  - The real cause of intussusception is not fully understood and a variety of
      conditions have been associated with it (Meckel diverticulum, polyps, duplication
      cysts, parasites, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, cystic fibrosis, hemolytic-uremic
      syndrome and infectious gastroenteritis). Furthermore few European countries,
      following WHO recommendation to monitor baseline incidence of intussusception
      before implementation of immunization program for rotavirus, used intussusception
      rate as a baseline value to compare the same figures in the period before and
      after introduction of vaccination. In this study, data of intussusception
      hospitalizations occurred among Italian children aged 0 through 59 months from
      2009 to 2014 were analyzed. A total amount of 3,088 children were included,
      accounting for a hospitalization rate of 20.2 per 100,000. Overall, the
      hospitalization rate for intussusception had a slight increase in trend from 2009
      to 2014 (18%). In particular children 0-11 months had a hospitalization rate
      higher than 12-59 months with an aggregate value of 36 Vs. 16 per 100,000
      respectively. Among all children hospitalized for intussusception a total of 239
      (7.7%) had also a previous or concomitant hospitalization for gastroenteritis.
      This study demonstrates that Italian hospitalizations for intussusception are
      increasing by time and the role played by different risk factors, including acute
      gastroenteritis, have to be investigated in the future. These data could be
      useful to monitor intussusception hospitalization in the perspective of anti
      rotavirus vaccination introduction in Italy.

PMID- 28075672
TI  - Application Areas.

PMID- 28075673
TI  - Introducing the 2014 JALA Ten Honorees.

PMID- 28075679
TI  - Presentation To the Best Candidate in the European Diploma in Hand Surgery
      Examination 2009.

PMID- 28075680
TI  - Re: Salem et al. Analysis of rewarming curves in Raynaud's phenomenon of various
      aetiologies. J Hand Surg Eur. 2009, 34: 621-6.

PMID- 28075682
TI  - Lab Automation Services.

PMID- 28075687
TI  - Automated Systems.

PMID- 28075688
TI  - Genome editing of crops: A renewed opportunity for food security.
AB  - Genome editing of crop plants is a rapidly advancing technology whereby targeted
      mutations can be introduced into a plant genome in a highly specific manner and
      with great precision. For the most part, the technology does not incorporate
      transgenic modifications and is far superior to conventional chemical
      mutagenesis. In this study we bring into focus some of the underlying differences
      between the 3 existing technologies: classical plant breeding, genetic
      modification and genome editing. We discuss some of the main achievements from
      each area and highlight their common characteristics and individual limitations,
      while emphasizing the unique capabilities of genome editing. We subsequently
      examine the possible regulatory mechanisms which governments may be inclined to
      use in assessing the status of genome edited products. If assessed on the basis
      of their phenotype rather than the process by which they are obtained, these
      products will be categorized as equivalent to those produced by classical
      mutagenesis. This would mean that genome edited products will not be subject to
      the restrictions imposed on genetically modified products, except in some cases
      where the mutation involves a large sequence insertion into the genome. We
      conclude by examining the potential of societal acceptance of genome editing
      technology, reinforced by a scientific perspective on promoting such acceptance.

PMID- 28075691
TI  - Complexity of brain signals is associated with outcome in preterm infants.
AB  - A characteristic feature of complex healthy biological systems is the ability to
      react and adapt to minute changes in the environment. This 'complexity' manifests
      itself in highly irregular patterns of various physiological measurements. Here,
      we apply Multiscale Entropy (MSE) analysis to assess the complexity of systemic
      and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) signals in a cohort of 61
      critically ill preterm infants born at median (range) gestational age of 26 (23
      31) weeks, before 24 h of life. We further correlate the complexity of these
      parameters with brain injury and mortality. Lower complexity index (CoI) of
      oxygenated haemoglobin (HbO2), deoxygenated haemoglobin (Hb) and tissue
      oxygenation index (TOI) were observed in those infants who developed
      intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) compared to those who did not (P = 0.002, P =
      0.010 and P = 0.038, respectively). Mean CoI of HbO2, Hb and total haemoglobin
      index (THI) were lower in those infants who died compared to those who survived
      (P = 0.012, P = 0.004 and P = 0.003, respectively). CoI-HbO2 was an independent
      predictor of IVH (P = 0.010). Decreased complexity of brain signals was
      associated with mortality and brain injury. Measurement of brain signal
      complexity in preterm infants is feasible and could represent a significant
      advance in the brain-oriented care.

PMID- 28075692
TI  - Comparing Emergency Department Use Among Medicaid and Commercial Patients Using
      All-Payer All-Claims Data.
AB  - The high rate of emergency department (ED) use by Medicaid patients is not fully
      understood. The objective of this paper is (1) to provide context for ED service
      use by comparing Medicaid and commercial patients' differences across ED and non
      ED health service use, and (2) to assess the extent to which Medicaid-commercial
      differences in ED use can be explained by observable factors in administrative
      data. Statistical decomposition methods were applied to ED, mental health, and
      inpatient care using 2011-2013 Medicaid and commercial insurance claims from the
      Oregon All Payer All Claims database. Demographics, comorbidities, health
      services use, and neighborhood characteristics accounted for 44% of the Medicaid
      commercial difference in ED use, compared to 83% for mental health care and 75%
      for inpatient care. This suggests that relative to mental health and inpatient
      care, a large portion of ED use cannot be explained by administrative data.
      Models that further accounted for patient access to different primary care
      physicians explained an additional 8% of the Medicaid-commercial difference in ED
      use, suggesting that the quality of primary care may influence ED use. The
      remaining unexplained difference suggests that appropriately reducing ED use
      remains a credible target for policy makers, although success may require
      knowledge about patients' perceptions and behaviors as well as social
      determinants of health.

PMID- 28075693
TI  - Making the Paradigm Shift from Siloed Population Health Management to an
      Enterprise-Wide Approach.
AB  - Health systems across the United States have started their journeys toward
      population health management and the future of accountable care. Models of
      population health management include patient-centered medical homes and private
      sector accountable care organizations (ACOs). Other models include public sector
      efforts, such as Physician Group Practice Transition Demonstrations, Medicare
      Health Care Quality Demonstration Programs, Beacon Communities, Medicare Shared
      Savings Program, and Pioneer ACOs. As a result, health care organizations often
      have pockets of population health initiatives that lack an enterprise-wide
      strategy. The next steps are to build on these efforts, leverage the learnings
      from these experiences, and incorporate the initiatives into an overarching
      framework and a road map for the future. This paper describes the current
      challenge many organizations face to implement an enterprise solution, describes
      how to transition from existing siloed initiatives, and shares a case study of
      how Mayo Clinic launched its Mayo Model of Community Care.

PMID- 28075694
TI  - Cutaneous Eruption in a U.S. Woman with Locally Acquired Zika Virus Infection.

PMID- 28075695
TI  - Lessons from Launching the Diabetes Prevention Program in a Large Integrated
      Health Care Delivery System: A Case Study.
AB  - There is urgent need for health systems to prevent diabetes. To date, few health
      systems have implemented the evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP),
      and the few that have mostly partnered with community-based organizations to
      implement the program. Given the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare &
      Medicaid Services to reimburse for diabetes prevention, there is likely much
      interest in how such programs can be implemented within large health systems or
      how community partnerships can be expanded to support DPP implementation.
      Beginning in 2010, Montefiore Health System (MHS), a large health care system in
      the Bronx, NY, partnered with the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of
      Greater New York to deliver the YMCA's DPP. Over 4 years, 1390 referrals to
      YMCA's DPP were made; 287 participants attended >=3 classes, and average weight
      loss was 3.4%. Because of increased patient demand and internal capacity, MHS
      assumed responsibility for DPP implementation in May 2015. Fully integrating the
      program within the health system took 5-6 months, including configuring
      electronic health record templates/reports, hiring a coordinator, and creating
      clinical referral workflows/training guides. Billing workflows were designed for
      risk-based contracts. In the first 11 months of implementation, 1277 referrals
      were made, and referrals increased over time. Twenty-four class cycles were
      initiated, and 282 patients began attending classes. Average weight loss among 61
      graduates from the Summer/Fall 2015 wave of MDPP classes was 3.8%. Additional
      opportunities for expansion include training allied health staff, providing
      patient incentives, increasing master trainer capacity, offering DPP to
      employees, and securing reimbursement.

PMID- 28075696
TI  - Dual Eligibles' Experience of Care with North Carolina's Patient-Centered Medical
      Home.
AB  - Although individuals enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles) are
      among those with the nation's greatest need, at $300 billion per year, their care
      is also expensive and beset by quality problems. Previous research found problems
      associated with inadequate coordination of benefits and services; however, these
      studies have largely used quantitative approaches and focused on providers-few
      studies have explored the perspective of dual eligible patients. In an effort to
      improve care and reduce costs, North Carolina (NC) developed a Patient-Centered
      Medical Home (PCMH) model centered on a continuous relationship with a primary
      care provider who is responsible for coordination of services and addressing
      patients' health care needs by providing direct services or arranging care with
      other qualified professionals. This article presents the history of the NC PCMH
      model and describes results of an in-depth qualitative investigation of dual
      eligible patients' experience of care with this model. Experience of care was
      captured through 11 focus groups with 61 dual eligible patients. Focus groups
      were audio recorded and analyzed using NVivo 9 software, which supported the
      categorization of data into themes based on frequency and intensity of
      discussions. Findings indicate that dual eligible patients were generally
      satisfied by the care received through the NC PCMH program. However, many
      patients reported continuity of care issues, problems accessing necessary
      prescription drugs, and difficulties navigating the health care delivery system.
      Findings also revealed that conflicting state and federal Medicaid drug co-pay
      policies confused and limited access for some patients.

PMID- 28075699
TI  - Outcome and Impact Evaluation of a Transgender Health Course for Health
      Profession Students.
AB  - PURPOSE: Being transgender is associated with numerous health disparities, and
      transgender individuals face mistreatment and discrimination in healthcare
      settings. At the same time, healthcare professionals report inadequate
      preparation to care for transgender people, and patients often have to teach
      their own medical providers about transgender care. Our study aimed to evaluate
      the impact of an elective course for health profession students in transgender
      health that was implemented to address these gaps in provider knowledge. METHODS:
      Students participated in a 10-session, lunch-hour elective course during the
      spring of 2015. To evaluate impact, course participants completed pre-,
      immediately post-, and 3-month postcourse questionnaires, including a previously
      validated nine-item transphobia scale, to determine the course's effect on
      knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about transgender health. RESULTS: Forty-six
      students completed the pre- and immediately postelective questionnaire (74%
      response rate). Compared with pre-elective surveys, immediately postelective
      scores demonstrated increased knowledge in most domains and reduced transphobia.
      Specific knowledge domains with improvements included terminology, best practices
      for collecting gender identity, awareness of the DSM-V gender dysphoria
      diagnosis, medications used for gender affirmation, and relevant federal
      policies. A previously validated transphobia scale was found to have good
      reliability in the current sample. CONCLUSION: This elective course led to
      positive short-term changes in measures of multiple knowledge domains and reduced
      measures of transphobia among health profession students. Further study is needed
      to assess the long-term impact. Our methods and findings, including the
      demonstration of reliability of a previously validated nine-item transphobia
      scale, serve as formative data for the future development of theory-based
      transgender medicine curricula and measures.

PMID- 28075698
TI  - Older Adults and Management of Medical Devices in the Home: Five Requirements for
      Appropriate Use.
AB  - Medical devices, or instruments or tools to manage disease, are increasingly used
      in the home, yet there have been limited evaluations of how older adults and
      caregivers safely use these devices. This study concerns a qualitative evaluation
      of (1) barriers and facilitators of appropriate use, and (2) outcomes of
      inappropriate use, among older adults at the transition from hospital to home
      with skilled home health care (SHHC). Guided by a human factors engineering work
      system model, the authors (1) conducted direct observations with contextual
      inquiry of the start-of-care or resumption-of-care SHHC provider visit, and (2)
      semi-structured interviews with 24 older adults and their informal caregivers,
      and 39 SHHC providers and administrators. Five requirements for the appropriate
      use of home medical devices were identified. A systems approach integrating the
      hospital with the SHHC agency is needed to make the use of home medical devices
      safer.

PMID- 28075701
TI  - Expression Analysis of Genes Associated with Prolificacy in FecB Carrier and
      Noncarrier Indian Sheep.
AB  - The effect of FecB mutation on the gene expression in FecB carrier and noncarrier
      estrous synchronized ewes, has been analyzed. For this study the whole ovarian
      tissues and Graafian follicles were collected from estrus synchronized FecB
      carrier Garole, and non-carrier Deccani Indian sheep, showing remarkable
      differences in the numbers of preovulatory follicles among two groups. Eleven
      potential candidate genes (BMP15, GDF9, BMP4, BMP7, BMPR1B, BMPR1A, SMAD9, LHCGR,
      FSHR, IGF1R, and STAT5) were selected for their expression analysis by SybrGreen
      based real-time PCR, across ovaries and Graafian follicles of different fecundity
      groups, for having better insights into the effect of FecB genotypes on
      follicular development. Variable expression was observed for almost all the genes
      included in the present study among high and low fecundity groups that was most
      significant for the BMP7, BMP4, LHCGR, and FSHR transcripts in the ovarian
      follicles of high and low fecundity ewes, indicating their importance in
      governing the fecundity in FecB carrier, Indian Garole sheep. BMP4 expression
      among the genes studied was significantly higher in FecB carrier Garole sheep.
      This study confirms the changes in mRNA expression of the genes implicated in
      follicular development in FecB carrier and noncarrier Indian sheep breeds.

PMID- 28075702
TI  - Features of Patient-Centered Primary Care and the Use of Ambulatory Care.
AB  - This study explores the association between patients' use of ambulatory care
      resources and features of patient-centered primary care (PCPC), specifically
      clinic-level National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognition of PCPC,
      continuity of care, and care team communication. Data for this study were
      compiled from the electronic health records of a large multispecialty group
      practice in California, covering the period between 2009 and 2010 for 37,042
      nonelderly patients under capitated managed care plans. Regression analysis of
      these data was performed using a generalized linear model, comparing measures of
      patient-level annual resource use (in total relative value units [tRVUs]) against
      measures of both clinic- and patient-level PCPC, and patient-level risk (eg, age,
      comorbidities). Patients linked to NCQA Recognition Level III versus Level II
      clinics used 4.8% (P < 0.001) fewer ambulatory care tRVUs. Patients with a 1
      standard deviation increase in primary care continuity used 3.9% (P < 0.001)
      fewer ambulatory care tRVUs. Patients who switched primary care physicians used
      17.4% (P < 0.001) more ambulatory care tRVUs. These results indicate that PCPC is
      associated with reductions in resource use related to both clinic- and patient
      level features. The patient-level associations document within-clinic
      heterogeneity in PCPC. Based on these findings, practices can be encouraged to
      perform consistent with high NCQA recognition, promote primary care continuity,
      and be mindful of differences at an individual patient level.

PMID- 28075704
TI  - Changes in Cardiorespiratory Responses and Kinematics With Hippotherapy in Youth
      With and Without Cerebral Palsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize pelvic displacement and
      cardiorespiratory responses to simulated horseback riding and walking in youth
      with cerebral palsy and to compare responses to youth without cerebral palsy
      before and after 8 weeks of hippotherapy. METHOD: Eight youth with cerebral palsy
      (Mage = 10 +/- 4 years; Mheight = 137 +/- 24 cm; Mweight = 32 +/- 16 kg) and 8
      youth without cerebral palsy (Mage = 11 +/- 2 years; Mheight = 149 +/- 14 cm;
      Mweight = 48 +/- 15 kg) underwent a hippotherapy intervention. Participants
      completed simulated horseback riding at an intensity approximating a fast walk
      (0.65 Hz) and walked on a treadmill (1 mph, 0% grade) before and after
      hippotherapy. Pelvic displacement along the anterior-posterior, vertical, and
      medial-lateral axes, heart rate, oxygen consumption, ventilation, and blood
      pressure were measured at rest and during steady-state exercise in both exercise
      modes. RESULTS: Kinematics and cardiorespiratory responses were similar between
      the 2 groups during simulated horseback riding (p > .05 for all) before the
      intervention. Significantly greater cardiorespiratory responses were observed in
      the youth with cerebral palsy compared with the group without cerebral palsy
      while walking before and after the intervention (p <  .05, effect sizes 26% to
      237% greater). Eight weeks of hippotherapy did not alter responses, but anecdotal
      improvements in gait, balance, posture, and range of motion were observed in
      those with cerebral palsy. CONCLUSION: These results contribute to our
      understanding regarding the efficacy of hippotherapy as an intervention to
      improve functional abilities in those with cerebral palsy.

PMID- 28075705
TI  - Tracking of Gross Motor Coordination From Childhood Into Adolescence.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze tracking and stability of motor
      coordination in children from age 6 years to ages 9 and 13 years. METHOD: Data
      were from the Copenhagen School Child Intervention Study. Motor coordination (MC)
      was measured using the korperkoordinationstest fur Kinder (KTK) test. The crude
      performance score on every item was converted into a standardized "score" based
      on the original German reference study, which was used to generate a total
      standardized motor coordination (MQ) score. The MQ scores, which represented
      children's level of gross MC, were classified as low (MQ score < 85), normal (MQ
      score = 85-115), or high (MQ score>115). Pearson correlation was used to
      calculate the tracking coefficients of each KTK element and MQ score, and
      weighted kappa was used to analyze maintenance in MC classification groups. Mixed
      effects logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the odds of
      remaining in the low MC group over time based on body mass index (BMI), weight,
      and height tertiles. RESULTS: Tracking coefficients among the MQ score and each
      KTK element at different ages were moderate (r>.35). Children in the highest BMI
      and weight tertiles had a 5.44 and 5.15 times greater chance to be in the lower
      MC classification group during the 7-year follow-up, respectively, in comparison
      with children in their lowest tertiles. CONCLUSION: MC tracked moderately through
      childhood to early adolescence. Because heavier children had a greater chance to
      be in the lower MC group at older ages, intervention may be useful at earlier
      ages for those with lower MC and disadvantageous weight status.

PMID- 28075707
TI  - Is Flibanserin Meaningfully Superior to Placebo?

PMID- 28075708
TI  - Conflict Resolution in Chinese Adolescents' Friendship: Links with Regulatory
      Focus and Friendship Satisfaction.
AB  - It is generally acknowledged that people adopt different resolution strategies
      when facing conflicts with others. However, the mechanisms of conflict resolution
      are still unclear and under researched, in particular within the context of
      Chinese adolescents' same-sex friendship relations. Thus, the present study
      investigated the mediator role of conflict resolution strategies in the
      relationship between regulatory foci and friendship satisfaction for the first
      time. 653 Chinese adolescents completed the regulatory foci, conflict resolution
      style, and friendship satisfaction measures. The results of the structure
      equation modeling showed that while promotion focus was positively associated
      with problem-solving and compliance, prevention focus was positively associated
      with withdrawal and conflict engagement. In addition, problem-solving mediated
      the relationship between promotion focus and friendship satisfaction, and
      conflict engagement mediated the relationship between prevention focus and
      friendship satisfaction. These findings contribute to understanding Chinese
      adolescents' use of conflict resolution strategies as well as the relationship
      between regulatory foci and behavioral strategies in negative situations.

PMID- 28075709
TI  - The Influence of Exercise Intensity on Postexercise Baroreflex Sensitivity.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise
      intensity on postexercise supine and tilt baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). METHOD:
      Nine healthy, active men performed 2 conditions of interval cycling of 40%
      maximal work rate (WRmax) and 75% WRmax of matched work done and a control
      condition of no exercise in a counterbalanced order. BRS outcome measures were
      determined at preexercise and postexercise up to +24 hr in supine and tilt
      positions. R-R interval and blood pressure data were collected over consecutive
      10-min periods and were analyzed by Fast Fourier transformation analysis.
      RESULTS: A fully repeated analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction
      (p < .05) between time and condition in supine for BRSalphaLF, F(3, 134) = 5.19,
      p < .05, ES = .39, and BRSTFTG, F(3, 134) = 5.65, p < .05, ES = .41, and in tilt
      for BRSUpUp, F(3, 134) = 3.54, p < .05, ES = .31, BRSDownDown, F(3, 134) = 5.94,
      p < .05, ES = .43, BRSalphaLF, F(4, 134) = 6.23, p < .05, ES = .44, and BRSTFTG,
      F(4, 134) = 9.22, p < .05, ES = .54. There were significant differences (p < .05)
      between condition comparisons at +15 min and between control and 75% WRmax and
      between the 40% WRmax and 75% WRmax conditions at +60 min. At +15 min, BRS was
      lower in the 75% WRmax condition compared with the 40% WRmax condition and the
      control condition, and it was lower in the 40% WRmax condition than in the
      control condition. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate an intensity-dependent
      relationship in the BRS response following exercise.

PMID- 28075710
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Camp CL, Stuart MJ, Krych AJ. Current concepts of articular cartilage restoration
      techniques in the knee. Sports Health. 2014;6(3):265-273. Original DOI:
      10.1177/1941738113508917 In the above article, a citation was omitted on pages
      266 and 267 in the discussion of the treatment algorithm. The algorithm, and
      Figure 2, were adapted from Cole et al. and should have been cited as such. The
      online version of the article has been updated as follows.

PMID- 28075713
TI  - An Activist Approach to Sport Meets Youth From Socially Vulnerable Backgrounds:
      Possible Learning Aspirations.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was a 2-phase activist research project aimed at co-creating
      a prototype pedagogical model for working with youth from socially vulnerable
      backgrounds in a sport context. This article addresses the learning aspirations
      (learning outcomes) that emerged when we created spaces for youth to develop
      strategies to manage the risks they face in their community. METHOD: This study
      took place in a socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhood in a
      Brazilian city where we worked with a group of 17 boys aged 13 to 15 years old, 4
      coaches, a pedagogic coordinator, and a social worker. During a 6-month period,
      we collected multiple sources of data including field journal
      entries/observations (38) and audio records of youth work sessions (18), coaches'
      work sessions (16), combined coaches and youth work sessions (3), and meetings
      between the lead and the 2nd author for debriefing and planning sessions (36).
      RESULTS: By using an activist approach, 4 learning aspirations emerged: becoming
      responsible/committed, learning from mistakes, valuing each other's knowledge,
      and communicating with others. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest there is a need for
      more sports programs that start from young people's concrete needs and life
      situations and look to create places for youth to see alternative possibilities
      and take action.

PMID- 28075715
TI  - Abstracts of the 18th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Addiction
      Medicine (ISAM)-2016.

PMID- 28075716
TI  - Factors Predicting the Provision of Smoking Cessation Services Among Occupational
      Health Nurses in Thailand.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify factors predicting occupational health
      nurses' provision of smoking cessation services. Data were collected via a self
      administered questionnaire distributed to 254 occupational health nurses in
      Thailand. Analysis by structural equation modeling revealed that self-efficacy
      directly and positively influenced smoking cessation services, and mediated the
      relationship between workplace factors, nurse factors, and smoking cessation
      services. The final model had good fit to the data, accounting for 20.4% and
      38.0% of the variance in self-efficacy and smoking cessation services,
      respectively. The findings show that self-efficacy is a mediator that influences
      provision of smoking cessation services by occupational health nurses.
      Interventions to enhance nurses' self-efficacy in providing smoking cessation
      services are expected to promote provision of smoking cessation services to
      workers.

PMID- 28075717
TI  - Reviewing Manuscripts for JAPNA.

PMID- 28075718
TI  - Whole Health Begins With Mental Health.

PMID- 28075720
TI  - Transferred bank staff to lose out on NHS pensions.
AB  - Bank nurses who worked for a trust that has transferred staff to a private
      provider are to lose access to the NHS pension scheme from this week.

PMID- 28075721
TI  - Treasury puts selective increments on review body's agenda.
AB  - The body that makes recommendations on NHS pay increases has been asked to look
      into offering more generous rises to some staff than others.

PMID- 28075722
TI  - Council members question trusts' regional pay plans as dispute widens.
AB  - Local authorities have intervened in a row over moves by 20 NHS trusts in the
      south west of England to cut nurses' pay, terms and conditions.

PMID- 28075725
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28075728
TI  - Call for funding of nursing placements.
AB  - An independent commission examining how nurse education and training can be
      improved is likely to call for funding for employers who offer nursing students
      clinical placements.

PMID- 28075729
TI  - Concern over centralisation of specialist care services.
AB  - RCN Wales has expressed concerns about plans to concentrate specialist services
      such as neonatal care at four or five hospital sites in south Wales.

PMID- 28075732
TI  - People with disabilities need new champion like the late alf morris.
AB  - I welcome Stephen Wright's tribute to the late Lord Morris of Manchester
      (September 12).

PMID- 28075731
TI  - E-learning is an exciting way to broaden our horizons.
AB  - Many thanks to Heather Bain for her article highlighting the potential for e
      learning to build international links and extend our access to learning (careers
      September 12).

PMID- 28075733
TI  - Our experience of psychological difficulties and mental illness.
AB  - Steve Flatt seems to take issue with the notion of mental illness (reflections
      September 12), referring to 'psychological distress' and 'psychological
      difficulties', but without defining what he means by these terms.

PMID- 28075734
TI  - Losing person-centred care to more technical approaches.
AB  - I welcome Jennifer Trueland's article on compassion (features September 12),
      especially given the ongoing criticisms of nursing care. I too am concerned that
      the profession is losing the skill of compassion in favour of more technical and
      medical approaches.

PMID- 28075735
TI  - Workforce.
AB  - A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) gave an insight into how the
      NHS looks in the four UK countries. Its publication also showed us how the media
      and politicians spin the results selectively.

PMID- 28075736
TI  - Medicines management.
AB  - I am a first-year nursing student. What medicines management advice can you give
      me?

PMID- 28075737
TI  - Constant reorganisation of the NHS is pointless and counterproductive.
AB  - The first paragraph of the editorial (September 12) summarises the state of the
      NHS over the past 20 to 30 years, with new names and logos, and managers being
      made redundant, only to be re-engaged.

PMID- 28075738
TI  - Guidelines must be underpinned by compassion and empathy.
AB  - It is refreshing to read that the Leadership in Compassionate Care programme is
      benefiting from L1 million of funding from former nurse Ann Gloag (features
      September 12).

PMID- 28075739
TI  - Deconstruction is easy, the hard part is offering alternatives.
AB  - Jane Wright's article (Art & Science September 19) is a decent academic exercise
      that highlights the shortcomings of clinical supervision, but offers little by
      way of advancing our thinking. What is offered by Ms Wright to take its place?
      Sadly she offers no alternative.

PMID- 28075740
TI  - Leaders need to show more courage.
AB  - Since I wrote the editorial for Black History Month in 2011, the NHS has changed
      almost beyond recognition. The 'no major change' promised by Andrew Lansley on
      taking office as health secretary in 2010 has turned into a huge, organisational
      and economic restructuring. It has culminated in an entirely new ministerial team
      and the appointment of Jane Cummings as chief nursing officer and Viv Bennett as
      director of nursing at the Department of Health.

PMID- 28075741
TI  - Our experience - the good and the bad - of working in the health service.
AB  - 'I spent 13 years working in an older people's care ward before coming out into
      the community.

PMID- 28075742
TI  - 'I have rarely experienced discrimination in the NHS'.
AB  - Robert Nicholls (pictured), deputy chief nurse at Great Western Hospitals NHS
      Foundation Trust in Swindon, has been a nurse for 19 years. During his varied
      career he has been a pharmaceutical company nurse adviser, clinical nurse
      specialist, matron, head of clinical governance and head of nursing.

PMID- 28075743
TI  - Exercise scheme reduces risk of falls.
AB  - An exercise programme devised by a Nursing Standard award winner has improved
      older people's balance and reduced their risk of falling, according to research.

PMID- 28075745
TI  - Leading champions of bme health care priorities.
AB  - Members of the BME advisory group for England's chief nursing officer Jane
      Cummings include.

PMID- 28075744
TI  - 'Having the views of BME nurses is vital to improve patient care'.
AB  - When Joan Myers was three years old she received a nursing outfit for Christmas,
      and by the time she was 11 she was determined to join the profession.

PMID- 28075746
TI  - Hands up who's opposed to local pay for NHS workers.
AB  - Liberal Democrats overwhelmingly backed a party conference motion calling on the
      coalition to rule out regional pay last week.

PMID- 28075747
TI  - Equality is our aim.
AB  - When the Afi ya Trust was set up in 1997, one of the charity's main goals was to
      improve access to health and social care services for people from black and
      minority ethnic (BME) communities in the UK.

PMID- 28075748
TI  - Patients taking certain psychotropic medications should be advised not to drive.
AB  - Newer drugs prescribed to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia may increase
      patients' risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, according to a
      study in Taiwan.

PMID- 28075749
TI  - Hunger games.
AB  - Excuse the pun, but it is 'fast' becoming the nation's favourite health trend. If
      I had a Kit Kat for everyone I know who has embraced the idea with vigour, I
      would be the size of a house. I am talking about fasting, which was featured on a
      television programme a few weeks ago.

PMID- 28075751
TI  - Voices- the open working culture in the us should be copied here, says yvonne
      coghill.
AB  - I am writing this from the state of Massachusetts in the US, where I have come to
      work with colleagues from the Institute of Health Improvement (IHI) on their
      diversity strategy.

PMID- 28075752
TI  - Conference notes.
AB  - 'There is nothing like making people share a kettle to get them off their
      professional high horse,' according to Liberal Democrat health spokesperson in
      the Lords, Baroness Liz Barker.

PMID- 28075753
TI  - Coalition will be urged to make mental health services a priority.
AB  - Stricter checks on NHS organisations are required to ensure money earmarked for
      mental health is actually spent on that area, Liberal Democrat members agreed.

PMID- 28075754
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28075755
TI  - By giving L2, you could make a big difference.
AB  - Many nurses and midwives throughout history have made a difference, and Mary
      Seacole was one such person. However, as a profession we lag behind our medical
      colleagues in remembering the historical giants on whose shoulders we stand.

PMID- 28075757
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - A language system involving signs and graphic symbols, Makaton is used alongside
      the spoken word. It was devised in the 1970s and 1980s for people who cannot
      communicate easily, such as children with Down's syndrome and those with
      cognitive impairment.

PMID- 28075756
TI  - Lack of training means patients are lest waiting.
AB  - Cannulation, phlebotomy and IV administration are extended skills that qualified
      nurses are only able to practise once they have attended the appropriate
      training.

PMID- 28075758
TI  - Readers panel.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28075759
TI  - Starting out - Health visitor role has opened my time to eyes to childhood
      obesity problem.
AB  - When I decided on a career change and began my nurse training, I had clear ideas
      of what I considered 'good parenting' to be, and what constituted a suitable
      environment in which to raise a child.

PMID- 28075760
TI  - Hormonal changes in pregnancy may influence cancer tumour growth.
AB  - The increasing rate of pregnancy-associated cancer is only partly explained by
      the rise in older mothers, suggests a large Australian study.

PMID- 28075761
TI  - Nurse support is most effective follow-up for heart failure patients.
AB  - Nurse-led follow-up of heart failure patients following discharge from hospital
      reduces the risk of mortality, suggests a review of case management
      interventions.

PMID- 28075762
TI  - Study findings support case for rotavirus vaccinations in high income countries.
AB  - A rotavirus vaccination programme in Belgium has proved effective in preventing
      hospital admissions for gastroenteritis among young children, according to the
      first study to examine the effectiveness of such a programme in a European
      country.

PMID- 28075763
TI  - Inhaled pain relief is more efficient and safer in early stage of labour.
AB  - Analgesia that can be inhaled appear to be effective in reducing pain intensity
      in the first stage of labour, according to a review of the evidence by Cochrane
      researchers.

PMID- 28075764
TI  - Old age giggles.
AB  - It might come as a surprise to anyone under 50, but getting older can actually be
      fun. Whoever would have thought it?

PMID- 28075765
TI  - Double-sole socks help to stop falls.
AB  - Socks designed to reduce patient falls have been introduced by nurses following a
      successful trial.

PMID- 28075767
TI  - Bursary restrictions will hit recruitment.
AB  - EDUCATION AND nursing representatives are dismayed by government moves to push
      through changes in the rules that determine which diploma students qualify for
      bursaries.

PMID- 28075766
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28075768
TI  - Overseas staff badly treated.
AB  - UNETHICAL recruitment of nurses from overseas was slated at last week's RCN
      Congress.

PMID- 28075770
TI  - Support for whistle-blowers.
AB  - THE PERSONAL and professional anguish suffered by people who blow the whistle on
      poor care standards was spelled out in an RCN Congress debate.

PMID- 28075769
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - We are having a baby. I announced that to a friend and was almost laughed off the
      train. 'Good heavens,' he yelped. 'You don't still use politically correct
      expressions like that, do you?' Empathy is out of fashion.

PMID- 28075771
TI  - Public access to the register could put nurses in danger.
AB  - NURSES COULD be put at further risk of attack and harassment under government
      proposals for the new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), it has been claimed.

PMID- 28075772
TI  - Give it up.
AB  - Faced with an emotional crisis, not everyone will go to a therapist or
      counsellor. Happiness is the Best Revenge (1997) is a self- help programme for
      those who need to let go of attachment and heartbreak.

PMID- 28075773
TI  - Foot and mouth trauma sparks mental health crisis.
AB  - FARMERS AND their families face incalculable risks of mental health problems and
      suicide because the foot and mouth crisis has cost them their livelihoods, RCN
      Congress heard.

PMID- 28075774
TI  - Blooming marvellous.
AB  - Bristol-based community nurse Catherine Le Roy was last week named Marie Curie's
      nurse of the year for England. She received her award from the Prince of Wales at
      a ceremony in St James' Palace, London.

PMID- 28075775
TI  - Last chance for action.
AB  - Polling day is fast approaching and in these last days before the general
      election all the parties will make a final push to snag votes.

PMID- 28075776
TI  - Jobs website stalled by High Court challenge.
AB  - HEALTH DEPARTMENT plans for the NHS Executive to advertise all health service
      jobs on the internet have suffered a set back after a successful High Court
      challenge.

PMID- 28075777
TI  - Ask the experts.
AB  - I work in a satellite hospital in a medical I elderly directorate. Many of the
      patients received onto our wards are confused, often agitated and aggressive, and
      tend to wander. Some of my colleagues believe that locks should be fitted to the
      doors, preventing patients from leaving the ward. I feel that this impinges on
      patients' human rights, but no one seems to be able to offer any guidance. Surely
      this is a form of restraint?

PMID- 28075778
TI  - Follow the leader.
AB  - NORTH AND WEST Devon has been severely affected by foot and mouth disease. It has
      hit everyone, not just the farmers. Everything in a rural area is allied to
      agriculture, from businesses to social circles. At one point we had 178,000 dead
      animals lying in farmyards and fields, many of which had been there for several
      weeks, waiting to be disposed of.

PMID- 28075779
TI  - Debate on CHC abolition needed.
AB  - THE PLANNED abolition of community health councils would leave patients without
      an independent voice, RCN congress agreed by an overwhelming majority.

PMID- 28075780
TI  - Call for national living cost help.
AB  - COST OF LIVING supplements currently handed out only in southern England should
      be given to nurses all over the UK, eight in ten nurses have said.

PMID- 28075781
TI  - Labour launches plan for NHS University.
AB  - NURSES IN England will be able to undertake post-registration courses at a new
      University of the NHS, the Labour party promised last week.

PMID- 28075782
TI  - Agencies to be 'kitemarked'.
AB  - NURSING AGENCIES should be 'kitemarked' to show whether they comply with NHS
      guidance on overseas recruitment, according to a three-point plan published by
      the Liberal Democrats last week.

PMID- 28075783
TI  - Fury at long-term care charges.
AB  - THE FUNDING of long-term care proved the dominant theme of this year's RCN
      Congress.

PMID- 28075784
TI  - New era dawns as Malone addresses her first congress.
AB  - RCN MEMBERS paid tribute to their retiring general secretary, Christine Hancock,
      last week and gave a warm welcome to her successor, Beverly Malone.

PMID- 28075785
TI  - Congress rejects prescribing limit.
AB  - THE RCN is to call a meeting of nursing organisations in a bid to challege the
      government's latest move on nurse prescribing. The college wants to forge a joint
      initiative that will demand a more radical extension to the nurse prescribing
      formulary.

PMID- 28075786
TI  - At least Mr Mullet has put some swing in the election.
AB  - If you ask me, anyone who sports a mullet haircut in this day and age is asking
      for a fat lip. Combine this hair-like-a-burst-sofa with a propensity to throw
      eggs at people, and you double your chances of getting walloped.

PMID- 28075788
TI  - State of play.
AB  - With the party manifestos published ' and the politicians hitting the campaign
      trail hard, the election is well and truly under way. Nurses have just two weeks
      to make up their minds how to cast their votes.

PMID- 28075787
TI  - Let's shout about our new image.
AB  - I'M HALFWAY through my adult nursing diploma and have worked hard every spare
      minute in the hope that, at the end of the three years, I will be the best nurse
      I possibly can.

PMID- 28075789
TI  - What's on: the best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28075790
TI  - Missing the positive in the new code of conduct.
AB  - As chair of the UKCC's recent consultative conference in Belfast on the new code
      of professional conduct (news May 23), I was disappointed with Nursing Standard's
      coverage.

PMID- 28075791
TI  - Benefits are for basic needs, not takeaways.
AB  - I would like to reply to Fo Ettinger's article 'Ask and you might receive'
      (perspectives May 23).

PMID- 28075792
TI  - Domestic life can lead to chronic weariness.
AB  - Female employees obviously take more sick leave because of their domestic
      responsibilities (letters May 23).

PMID- 28075793
TI  - Strong induction needed for fairness in new code.
AB  - Further to your coverage of the recent UKCC consultative conference in Belfast on
      the new Code of Professional Conduct (news May 23), the point I wished to make
      about the role of lay members in professional conduct cases is that a strong
      induction programme will be needed for all those who will sit in judgement on
      such cases brought before the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

PMID- 28075794
TI  - Research shows foramen ovale link with migraine.
AB  - The most severe forms of migraine might be the result of a patent foramen ovale,
      say UK researchers.

PMID- 28075795
TI  - Desire to see new century led to mortality peak.
AB  - Although January 1 2000 came and went quite uneventfully in the electronic world,
      its influence on mortality might have been overlooked.

PMID- 28075796
TI  - Home chemotherapy can improve compliance.

PMID- 28075797
TI  - independent sector has made huge advances.
AB  - In her address to RCN Congress, outgoing general secretary Christine Hancock
      criticised the NHS for the past practice of providing care in open wards with no
      curtains and no dignity. In the next breath she said there is no evidence to
      suggest the independent sector does it any better.

PMID- 28075799
TI  - Atopic eczema halved with Lactobacillus rhammosus use.
AB  - Probiotics might prevent atopic disease in infants at high risk, Finnish
      researchers report.

PMID- 28075798
TI  - Assessment charges are a backward step.
AB  - Do nurses realise that the single assessment process for long-term care will be
      introduced in October this year for older people and in April 2002 for all other
      care groups? NHS nurses will be expected to assess nursing and personal needs
      using purely financial criteria and with a charging limit of L100 per week for
      nursing interventions.

PMID- 28075800
TI  - Give cancer service framework time to work.
AB  - It is fairly obvious that cancer initiatives in the NHS cancer plan will have an
      impact on other services, but this doesn't have to be a negative one. Some are
      concerned that the two-week wait from GP to consultation could lead to longer
      waiting times for those without a malignancy. But could the funding for this and
      similar initiatives enhance the speed of diagnosis for everyone?

PMID- 28075801
TI  - Practical solutions.
AB  - The experiences of black staff in the workplace are well known: inequality of
      treatment; lack of opportunities for advancement; exodus when they fail to gain
      promotion; and little representation on trust decision-making boards.

PMID- 28075802
TI  - Qualified nurses who are barred from practice.
AB  - There are a significant number of highly skilled registered learning disability
      nurses working in non-NHS settings who are currently unable to practise because
      of Section 31 of the NHS Act (1999).

PMID- 28075803
TI  - Be choosy.
AB  - WHAT STRATEGIES can you use to identify a good employer? A starting point when
      applying U If for a new job is the job W W advert and application pack. Look for
      symbols indicating initiatives such as Investors in People, Positive about
      Disabled People or the Charter Mark. Is there an equal opportunities statement or
      mention of employee- friendly policies? Does the material contain an indication
      of the organisation's mission? If so, do you identify with it? How positive is
      the advert? Visit the organisation's website, if there is one, to find out more
      information.

PMID- 28075804
TI  - Tories slam 'offensive' overseas recruitment.
AB  - THE CONSERVATIVES will keep more nurses in the health service than Labour by
      giving them a greater say in the decision making process, party leader William
      Hague said last week.

PMID- 28075805
TI  - The answer lies with long-term care.
AB  - FOR THE SECOND year running, the topic that aroused most passion at RCN Congress
      was funding of long-term care. If party leaders are wondering why nurses appear
      disillusioned with the political process, they need look no further. Hopes were
      raised when the new Labour government set up a Royal Commission. At last
      something would be done about this injustice.

PMID- 28075806
TI  - Floating voters make waves.
AB  - NURSES GAVE politicians a rough ride at the RCN Congress in Harrogate last week
      and that message is reinforced with the publication of our MTS telephone survey
      today.

PMID- 28075807
TI  - Oil's well that ends well.
AB  - So there I was - 3am on a cold December morning walking around the pontoons of an
      oil rig, seawater swirling over my boots, torch in one hand, lead in the other
      and on the end of the lead.., a diver. How did this happen to a nurse and why
      wasn't I in a nice warm hospital?

PMID- 28075809
TI  - On with the plan.
AB  - Alan Milburn was well received at RCN Congress a year ago and a clear majority
      said they had more confidence in the Labour Party than any other when the future
      of the NHS was debated.

PMID- 28075808
TI  - Boys like to make noise.
AB  - I work as a part-time school nurse in a special needs school. Last summer
      provided a few days respite care for a student who has a tracheostomy, so I was
      pleased to find the article on tracheostomy care.

PMID- 28075810
TI  - Sexist, outdated...matron rejected for modem NHS.
AB  - CALLS FOR the return of matron, modern or otherwise, were rejected at RCN
      Congress last week, with college members agreeing the title was sexist and the
      role outdated.

PMID- 28075811
TI  - TV distorting survival rates.
AB  - TELEVISION VIEWERS are receiving an inaccurate impression of the success rate of
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), congress heard.

PMID- 28075813
TI  - Mixed wards 'of no clinical benefit'.
AB  - MIXED-SEX wards have no clinical benefit in acute settings, six out of ten
      members at RCN Congress agreed.

PMID- 28075814
TI  - Struggling in silence.

PMID- 28075815
TI  - Mortality increases in patients who are depressed after coronary stent
      implantation.
AB  - Depression increases the risk of death in patients who have had a coronary stent
      implanted, suggests research.

PMID- 28075816
TI  - No agreement between ambulance services on how to respond to falls.
AB  - The ambulance service response to emergency calls for older people who have
      fallen varies widely across the UK, reveals a national survey.

PMID- 28075817
TI  - Under deconstruction - employers chip away at agenda for change.
AB  - Nurses' entitlement to paid annual leave, incremental pay progression and sick
      leave, all covered by Agenda for Change, is being threatened by employers across
      England.

PMID- 28075819
TI  - Trust loses legal bid to save its children's heart unit from closure.
AB  - A decision on which four or five of England's ten children's heart units could
      close will be made in July following a high court ruling into the consultation
      process.

PMID- 28075818
TI  - Student life - Wheel of learning support.
AB  - There are many reasons why nursing students drop out of pre-registration courses,
      but a known contributory factor is the quality of support and learning
      experiences on practice placements.

PMID- 28075820
TI  - Findings from mid staffs inquiry to be reported in october, chair announces.
AB  - The chair of the public inquiry set up to investigate failings at Mid
      Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust has announced he will report his findings in
      October.

PMID- 28075821
TI  - Loopy lingual.
AB  - The word burst through the foggy mass that is my early morning brain.
      'Euroneurology', said the report on my bedside radio.

PMID- 28075822
TI  - Voices -The NHS reforms offer opportunities for nurses, explains Viv Bennett.
AB  - My new position as director of nursing at the Department of Health offers me the
      opportunity to provide strong national leadership to nurses, midwives and health
      visitors.

PMID- 28075824
TI  - Student lobbying to screen women at 20.
AB  - A nursing student diagnosed with cervical cancer when she was 20 is campaigning
      to get the age of cervical screening lowered from 25 to 20.

PMID- 28075823
TI  - Age-old values.
AB  - It can be no accident that the recent high profile cases of uncaring nurses
      focused on the care, or lack of it, of older patients.

PMID- 28075825
TI  - Conclusions about circumcision and prostate cancer are dubious.
AB  - The Wright study of circumcision and the risk of prostate cancer (clinical digest
      April 11 and letters April 18) is a boon for those wishing to promote the
      circumcision of infants.

PMID- 28075826
TI  - Nurses need the right to strike to protect patients.
AB  - Four of your readers panellists were asked if the RCN should be affiliated to the
      Trades Union Congress (reflections April 4). One of them said the RCN needs to
      modernise and join the wider trade union movement, but 'should keep the "no
      strike" policy that has always served it so well'.

PMID- 28075828
TI  - Never underestimate the pure pleasure of caring for patients.
AB  - Second-year nursing student Antonia Kitching has captured all that is good about
      nursing in her Starting Out article (reflections April 18).

PMID- 28075827
TI  - Learning zone article helped me appreciate asthma/ rhinitis link.
AB  - Thank you for the excellent learning zone article (April 11) on the management of
      patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Dave Burns notes that the two
      conditions frequently co-exist, have similar aetiologies and genetic and
      environmental influences.

PMID- 28075829
TI  - The gloves should have been off before recording a procedure.
AB  - I was surprised to see a photograph (analysis April 4) showing a nurse with
      gloved hands using a ballpoint pen.

PMID- 28075830
TI  - Malaria death risk higher in older people of european origin.
AB  - Older tourists from the UK who have visited a country where malaria is endemic
      are ten times more likely to die from the disease than travellers aged 35 or
      younger.

PMID- 28075831
TI  - Eating less saturated fat and more omega-3 oils may benefit men's fertility.
AB  - A diet high in saturated fats has been linked to reduced sperm quality in a small
      study of men attending a fertility clinic in the United States.

PMID- 28075832
TI  - Link between antidepressant use in pregnancy and high blood pressured identified.
AB  - Women who take antidepressants during pregnancy appear to be at increased risk of
      high blood pressure.

PMID- 28075834
TI  - Cameron spells out quality forum's.
AB  - The new Nursing and Care Quality Forum will identify ways for nurses to have more
      time to show care and compassion towards patients with existing staffing levels,
      according to health secretary Andrew Lansley.

PMID- 28075833
TI  - Combine practice with theory.
AB  - For many nurses, a career in clinical research might seem like an impossible
      dream. Unlike medicine, where it is accepted that most senior doctors will be
      involved in clinical work as well as in research, nurses have found that they
      must choose one or the other.

PMID- 28075835
TI  - Compassion tests may be introduced.
AB  - Assessing potential nurses' values will be a focus of the Nursing and Care
      Quality Forum, according to one of its members.

PMID- 28075837
TI  - I am fed up with agency nurses being unfairly stereotyped.
AB  - I read with interest the obituary of Dorothy Gardiner (letters April 11), who
      worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the agency nurse.

PMID- 28075840
TI  - Web wise.
AB  - It was not only sailors, soldiers and air crew who set sail with the task force
      to the Falkland Islands 30 years ago. The hospital ship Uganda had a contingent
      of nurses and sisters from Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service.

PMID- 28075841
TI  - Clock watch.
AB  - I equate punctuality with being conscientious and reliable, and I always try to
      turn up on time. So it is hardly surprising that, during my recent visit to
      Pakistan, the total disregard for time set my teeth on edge.

PMID- 28075842
TI  - Commission could help shape a better workforce.
AB  - The way nursing students are prepared for practice has been a hot topic for
      years. Debates about modern professional standards are usually characterised by
      vociferous arguments about whether students are leaving their courses with an
      appropriate mix of practical and academic skills.

PMID- 28075843
TI  - Political notebook.
AB  - Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has rejected claims that an elected House of
      Lords would remove members with expert knowledge, such as senior nurses and
      doctors.

PMID- 28075844
TI  - Left speechless.
AB  - The firm that runs my commuter service likes to chat. 'I would ask you to take
      time to read the safety notices displayed around the train,' repeats our driver,
      and there are other notices advertising the firm's Twitter feed and Facebook
      site.

PMID- 28075845
TI  - Tweeting does not preclude the ability to communicate.
AB  - I share the frustration of your correspondent (letters April 11) who deplores the
      use of mobile phones and social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook in
      the workplace. I also agree that their use should be restricted in the clinical
      area.

PMID- 28075846
TI  - Readers panel- A test of temperament.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28075847
TI  - The arts should be central in the lives of people with dementia.
AB  - Further to the art&science article on the benefits of creative therapy for people
      with dementia (April 18), who among us does not need to belong, have fun and
      contact with others?

PMID- 28075849
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28075848
TI  - Texting patients on the ward is the next step for the twitterati.
AB  - Following on from the letter (April 11) about Twitter-obsessed nurses, my
      colleagues and I thought we could go one step further.

PMID- 28075850
TI  - Broadmoor jobs cut after closure of unit.
AB  - A total of 78 staff, including 33 nurses, at the high-security psychiatric
      Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire have taken voluntary redundancy following the
      closure of its personality disorder service.

PMID- 28075851
TI  - Starting out - Transition to staff nurse can be a a test of daunting, but
      positive experience.
AB  - In my final weeks at university, the daunting prospect of leaving behind my
      comfortable nursing student status to become a qualified nurse started to dawn on
      me.

PMID- 28075853
TI  - Benefits of using the liverpool care pathway in end of life care.
AB  - The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is an integrated care pathway used to manage
      terminally ill patients in their final days or hours of life. It was developed by
      the Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute Liverpool to incorporate 'gold
      standard' care associated with the hospice setting into mainstream healthcare.
      The LCP has been advocated by the National Institute for Health and Clinical
      Excellence and the Department of Health for use in the care of dying patients. A
      literature review was undertaken to determine whether there is sufficient
      evidence that the LCP represents best practice in end of life care and whether
      patients cared for using the LCP receive better end of life care. Eight research
      articles were selected for inclusion in the review. The key themes of symptom
      management, communication and documentation were identified, and the research
      surrounding these themes was analysed. The analysis showed that use of the LCP
      promotes better care for patients in the terminal stage of illness; however, some
      weaknesses in the research were identified and recommendations have been made for
      further research and future practice.

PMID- 28075854
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28075855
TI  - Colleges rule out joining day of action over pension reforms.
AB  - RCN and Royal College of Midwives members will not be asked to take part in
      industrial action planned for next month in opposition to pension reforms.

PMID- 28075856
TI  - Advice published on how to defend pay.
AB  - Employers proposing changes to NHS terms and conditions should be asked to
      provide a written copy of their plans, according to guidance for local healthcare
      union representatives.

PMID- 28075858
TI  - Pressure ulcer tool brings incidence to zero.
AB  - A system that has reduced pressure ulcers at a Welsh health board has been rolled
      out across England, Wales and Denmark.

PMID- 28075859
TI  - Leading figures spearhead recruitment initiative.
AB  - The government has enlisted senior nurses to spearhead a recruitment campaign
      that aims to enlist and train thousands of health visitors.

PMID- 28075861
TI  - Nurse calls for famine fund donors.
AB  - A leading humanitarian nurse has urged the public to donate funds to help the
      millions of people affected by famine in east Africa.

PMID- 28075860
TI  - Minister claims to have heard no dissent over control of budgets.
AB  - Plans to give local authorities far greater control of public health have
      received widespread support, health minister Anne Milton told the House of
      Commons health committee.

PMID- 28075862
TI  - Remembering a wonderful matron and friend to many.
AB  - I would like to thank Laurence Dopson for his obituary of Moyra Yates (letters
      June 29). She died aged 57, the week before she was due to receive a Norfolk
      Community Health and Care NHS Trust award for being an inspirational role model.

PMID- 28075863
TI  - Trust faces grievance as unions battle pay penalty for sickness.
AB  - Unions have challenged a foundation trust's decision to penalise staff for taking
      sick leave.

PMID- 28075866
TI  - Separate talks agreed for NHS pension scheme.
AB  - The RCN and other health unions are to take part in talks about how public sector
      pension reforms will specifically affect the NHS scheme.

PMID- 28075864
TI  - New end of life care pathway will surely benefit everyone.
AB  - It is good to see that end of life care is being addressed in a systematic way
      through a clear six-step pathway outlining the actions nurses need to take at
      each stage (analysis July 6).

PMID- 28075867
TI  - Ann Young.
AB  - Ann Young, who has died aged 65, was a nurse, author and academic who pioneered
      the teaching of law to nurses.

PMID- 28075870
TI  - 'Nurses lead at every level here'.
AB  - Five million hours are donated each year by 40,000 St John Ambulance volunteers,
      and the organisation's recently retired chief nurse Alison Leary offered 4,200 of
      them over her three-year term of office.

PMID- 28075868
TI  - Letter.
AB  - Further to the news story (July 6) on the stained glass window to be installed in
      the Jenny Lind Chapel of the old Worcester Royal Infirmary (WRI), only the newer
      parts of the former hospital have been demolished.

PMID- 28075871
TI  - High-profile cases cause NMC backlog.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council's caseload of fitness to practise cases has
      been swollen by the large number of alleged high profile failures of care.

PMID- 28075872
TI  - 'We will be burnt out in three years'.
AB  - Unions fear nursing students in England will be forced to take second jobs
      throughout their studies after the government revealed they will receive a L1,000
      a-year grant.

PMID- 28075874
TI  - Position of trust.
AB  - The Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of General Practitioners and
      the British Medical Association (BMA) are unanimous in their opposition to the
      legalisation of 'assisted dying' - the euphemism for physician-assisted suicide.
      The RCN is the odd one out: two years ago it shifted its position from opposition
      to neutrality.

PMID- 28075875
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - There are sections on the importance of attractive surroundings, physical
      comfort, hygiene, food, communication, children, activities, waiting rooms and
      waiting lists, long-term care, bereavement, going home and volunteering.

PMID- 28075876
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - Good news, said the woman on the telly. The rate of inflation has fallen. But
      then the bad news: the fall was due to retailers having to slash the price of
      electronic goods. Meanwhile, food prices were still rising.

PMID- 28075878
TI  - Pulmonary tuberculosis: clinical features and patient management.

PMID- 28075879
TI  - Re-registration process 'is unfit for purpose'.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council's system for checking that nurses are keeping
      their skills up to date is 'wholly inadequate', according to MPs.

PMID- 28075880
TI  - Travelling should not cost the earth.
AB  - In the current financial climate many nurses will be considering a stay-at-home
      or local holiday break to save money. Those still keen to travel overseas this
      year should consider these tips to make their holiday funds go further.

PMID- 28075881
TI  - One-page patient passport for people with learning disabilities.

PMID- 28075882
TI  - A fair deal in retirement.
AB  - The hard sell against nurses and other public sector workers receiving modest,
      but reasonable pensions during their retirement continues. However, last week
      there was a chink of light as the chances increased of NHS staff winning their
      case for a fair deal. The government announced that it would hold separate talks
      with health unions over the future of the NHS pension scheme, rather than lumping
      all the public sector schemes together in a single set of negotiations.

PMID- 28075884
TI  - People who sleep a lot or a little are at risk of heart disease.
AB  - Both short and long duration of sleep are predictors, or markers, of
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 28075883
TI  - Voices.
AB  - In June I visited Londonderry/ Derry and Perth to hear from nurses and midwives
      about the issues that matter to them.

PMID- 28075885
TI  - Blood pressure unaffected by level of coffee consumption.
AB  - Habitual consumption of more than three cups of coffee a day is not associated
      with an increased risk of hypertension compared with less than one cup a day, but
      there is a slightly higher risk associated with the consumption of one to three
      cups.

PMID- 28075886
TI  - Law change on smoking in cars would protect children.
AB  - As well cared for and much loved children, my brother and I were driven to the
      seaside or countryside regularly for exercise and fresh air.

PMID- 28075887
TI  - For the good of the patients-Should nurses support hospital closures? We asked
      our readers panel.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28075889
TI  - Managers put on alert across the NHS over bogus advertising bills.
AB  - Nurses involved in recruitment advertising have been put on their guard against a
      scam that has already tricked some employers out of thousands of pounds.

PMID- 28075888
TI  - Pack gives details of dementia services.
AB  - A resource to help NHS commissioners design and purchase high quality dementia
      services was published by the Department of Health last week.

PMID- 28075890
TI  - Demon doris.
AB  - Twice recently I have known patients who have been prescribed pretty vital
      medication, one for angina and the other for hypertension. And in both cases a
      well-meaning friend or neighbour has regaled the person with horror stories about
      that particular drug.

PMID- 28075892
TI  - Incentives to improve health are unpopular with the public.
AB  - There are negative attitudes among the public both in the UK and United States
      towards the use of financial incentives - rewards as well as penalties in
      improving health outcomes.

PMID- 28075891
TI  - Night operations had no worse survival outcomes than those performed in the day.
AB  - There is no significant link between the time of day thoracic transplant surgery
      is performed and survival at one year.

PMID- 28075894
TI  - Letter.
AB  - NHS Direct consistently receives patient satisfaction ratings of 90 per cent or
      higher and we are determined to maintain this level of service (letters July 20).
      We believe that the savings we need to make at NHS Direct can be done effectively
      without jeopardising the quality and clinical effectiveness of our services.

PMID- 28075895
TI  - Three cycles of single embryo IVF are economically viable.
AB  - I agree with Jane Denton about the lack of equity in the provision of NHS
      fertility treatment (reflections July 20). It has long been inadequate, despite
      strong messages of support from successive health ministers and prime ministers
      from the time of the first Blair government.

PMID- 28075896
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28075897
TI  - Starting out - Disengagement can be a way of maintaining professionalism.
AB  - As a nanny, I built up a series of close relationships with the children and
      families that I worked with. It was always difficult when it was time to leave,
      and this worried me when I began my training in children's nursing.

PMID- 28075898
TI  - Saline solution deaths will tarnish nurses' reputation.
AB  - The problem with incidents such as the contaminated saline solution at Stepping
      Hill Hospital in Stockport is that they often cause knee-jerk responses. Whatever
      the outcome of this particular case, there will inevitably be a spotlight on
      nurses. But people should not question the professionalism of the vast majority
      of nurses and nursing students.

PMID- 28075899
TI  - School nurses are being forgotten in the rush to recruit health visitors.
AB  - As a school nurse I was most interested in your news story, 'School nurses being
      "poached" in rush to recruit health visitors' (July 6). I am saddened that this
      follows the failure of the previous government's pledge to have one qualified
      school nurse per school cluster by 2010.

PMID- 28075900
TI  - Nurses reduce catheter use.
AB  - Catheter use on a hospital ward fell by around a third in one year after nurses
      introduced a policy to remove the device 48 hours after surgery.

PMID- 28075901
TI  - Nurses take tea at the palace.
AB  - RCN members and staff enjoyed tea and cakes as guests of the Queen at a
      Buckingham Palace garden party.

PMID- 28075903
TI  - RCN concern over proposed regulators.
AB  - RCN Scotland has expressed concern about the creation of two regulators for
      health and social care instead of one overall body, believing it will confuse the
      public.

PMID- 28075905
TI  - Airline drops charge for supplementary oxygen.
AB  - Nurses are hoping all airlines will follow the lead of Thomson Airways, which has
      decided to scrap charges for customers who require supplementary oxygen on its
      flights.

PMID- 28075904
TI  - A gift of hope to people with HIV.

PMID- 28075906
TI  - Identifying and assessing anxiety in pre-operative patients.

PMID- 28075907
TI  - Leadership training aims to create more nursing directors.
AB  - An ambitious leadership programme has been developed to create assertive and
      politically astute nurses.

PMID- 28075908
TI  - Standard uniform colours could be a big help in cases of mistaken identity.
AB  - I was interested to read your news story (August 19) on the new uniforms being
      introduced at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust as part of its Start of
      Our Journey to World Class Nursing Care initiative.

PMID- 28075909
TI  - Why return a day's pay when we already give too much?
AB  - Is Janet Smith (reflections August 19) serious when she suggests that we help the
      NHS by giving back a day's pay? Perhaps as a clinical nurse specialist she has
      lost touch with how things really are in the NHS.

PMID- 28075910
TI  - Improving standards of care for patients: A pilot project.

PMID- 28075911
TI  - Teaching carers the tricks of the trade.
AB  - Britain's silent army of carers delivers a self-sacrificing service that saves
      the NHS an estimated L87 billion every year, but with precious little training or
      support. That situation is changing thanks to a nurse-led initiative set up by St
      John Ambulance.

PMID- 28075912
TI  - Nurses need support to care.
AB  - Broadmoor high security hospital managers have announced an open day to recruit
      100 registered mental health nurses, a significant boost to the current team of
      550.

PMID- 28075913
TI  - PCTs poaching staff from other services to bridge swine flu gaps.
AB  - Specialist nurses are being diverted during some shifts to cope with the outbreak
      of swine flu because their work is considered 'non-essential'.

PMID- 28075914
TI  - Foreign nurses disadvantaged by migration rules on diplomas.
AB  - Failure to clarify whether the nursing diploma and degree have equal status in
      migration rules could limit the recruitment of overseas nurses to the UK, it is
      claimed.

PMID- 28075916
TI  - Health visitors make baby safety film.
AB  - Nurses are enlisting students to help them make a film warning young people about
      the risks of shaking babies.

PMID- 28075915
TI  - Crowds gather to defend the NHS.
AB  - Protesters gathered in London to defend the NHS against a barrage of criticism
      during the debate on healthcare reform in the United States.

PMID- 28075917
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28075920
TI  - 'If you want to eat an elephant, do it one bite at a time'.
AB  - We have a new nurse starting, at last, after months of struggling with inadequate
      cover and filling in on days when we had somewhere better to go.

PMID- 28075918
TI  - Screening men for abdominal aneurysm is cost effective.
AB  - The mortality benefit of screening men aged 65-74 for abdominal aortic aneurysm
      is maintained up to ten years and cost effectiveness becomes more favourable over
      time.

PMID- 28075921
TI  - Rocky road to recovery.
AB  - In February last year I was struck down by a mystery illness. The next few weeks
      were a spiral of pain, fever, sleepless nights, loss of mobility and anxiety.

PMID- 28075922
TI  - Introduction to stoma care.
AB  - Venue Online learning resource. Run by Nurse Learning, via CancerNursing.org.in
      collaboration with SecuriCare Medical. Summary of content Introduction to stoma
      care and related issues; anatomy and physiology; types of stoma; description of
      nursing roles in the specialty; and the practical management of a stoma.

PMID- 28075923
TI  - Opportunity knocks.
AB  - Recognising and acting on opportunities for career development is a skill that
      can help you climb the career ladder.

PMID- 28075924
TI  - Bed of nails.
AB  - Glancing idly over a list of procedures while I was damp-dusting our theatre, I
      reeled in shock. 'Operation on the nail bed,' it read.

PMID- 28075926
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Infant and Toddler Forum gives healthcare professionals practical help and
      information on infant and toddler nutrition and development.

PMID- 28075927
TI  - Little progress with staff development.
AB  - Around four out of ten nurses have not received an annual appraisal in the past
      year, preliminary findings from the RCN's employment survey show.

PMID- 28075929
TI  - Delays or freeze in recruitment masks true deficit in personnel.
AB  - Official figures on nurse vacancies severely underestimate the number of posts
      that are currently unfilled, according to the RCN.

PMID- 28075930
TI  - Studies link migraine with pathological changes in brain.
AB  - Migraine is considered to be an episodic condition with no long-term
      consequences. However, recent studies suggest that migraine attacks may be
      associated with pathological changes in the brain, particularly in the
      cerebellum.

PMID- 28075931
TI  - Orthopaedic plaster casting: nurse and patient education.

PMID- 28075932
TI  - Starting out - Even when pushed for time, it is vital to keep up routine checks.
AB  - During my first week on a male orthopaedic ward I participated in a drug round
      while being supervised by my mentor.

PMID- 28075934
TI  - Voices-strong nursing leaders are role models for students, says elizabeth
      anionwu.
AB  - Last month United States and UK national nursing organisations hit the headlines
      with their positions on highly controversial policies. The RCN took a neutral
      stance on assisted suicide, while the American Nurses Association strongly
      reaffirmed its support of president Barack Obama's healthcare reform proposals.

PMID- 28075933
TI  - The nut crackers.

PMID- 28075935
TI  - Patients with faith should know their needs will be met.
AB  - I am a nurse and I am also a Roman Catholic. My faith is an important part of who
      I am.

PMID- 28075936
TI  - Readers panel - Donor incentivesl.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28075937
TI  - Big response to ideal nurse consultation.
AB  - The consultation on what makes the ideal nurse by the prime minister's Commission
      on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery received more than 2,000 responses.

PMID- 28075938
TI  - Otitis more likely to recur in children given antibiotics.
AB  - Children treated with antibiotics for acute otitis media are more likely to get a
      recurrence of the condition.

PMID- 28075939
TI  - RCN calls for improvements in career progress.
AB  - The RCN is calling for a post-registration curriculum that helps qualified nurses
      to move towards advanced and consultant-level practice.

PMID- 28075940
TI  - Extra cleaner on wards reduces MRSA infections.
AB  - MRSA infections Having one extra cleaner on a ward can apparently benefit
      patients with regard to meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

PMID- 28075941
TI  - Negative stereotypes prevent men from entering profession.
AB  - The image of nursing needs to be bolstered to encourage more people into the
      profession, according to the union that represents health visitors and community
      nurses.

PMID- 28075942
TI  - A timely article from Belgium shows the way forward here.
AB  - The RCN policy unit put together a balanced briefing paper on assisted suicide
      and I believe the feedback on the consultation is a fair reflection of the range
      of opinion in the profession. The latest RCN position of being neutral on
      assisted suicide is a sensible one.

PMID- 28075943
TI  - NHS and public libraries are a real boon for free materials.
AB  - Bridget Ryan complains about having to pay for health articles (letters August
      19). Has she never used her local NHS library?

PMID- 28075944
TI  - Nurses returning from sick leave too soon - survey.
AB  - Nurses are forcing themselves back to work while still feeling unwell, risking
      harm to themselves, colleagues and patients, according to a major study.

PMID- 28075945
TI  - Life worth living.

PMID- 28075946
TI  - Congratulations should be in order for academic scheme.
AB  - It was with familiar disappointment that I read Julie Scholes's letter 'Drive to
      meet targets may undermine learning aims' (August 12).

PMID- 28075947
TI  - More postgraduate study can only have a positive impact.
AB  - In response to Julie Scholes's comments in relation to boosting the number of
      nurses with degrees (letters August 12), I find it surprising that she cannot see
      the broader picture.

PMID- 28075948
TI  - Time for the RCN to review literature on assisted suicide.
AB  - Gay Lee is correct to suggest that many responses to the debate on assisted
      suicide and euthanasia are emotive and illogical (letters August 19). This holds
      true for both sides.

PMID- 28075949
TI  - Power to the patient.
AB  - For UK nurses, holistic care, patient empowerment and multidisciplinary
      approaches to care are constant themes in our professional codes, as well as
      health policies and funding principles.

PMID- 28075950
TI  - Intravenous therapy.
AB  - As a newly qualified nurse working in an oncology and haematology unit, my role
      includes undertaking intravenous (IV) therapy. The article has raised my
      awareness of the legal implications of my actions and/or omissions in relation to
      IV therapy.

PMID- 28075951
TI  - Broadmoor's recruitment drive looks to add an extra 100 staff.
AB  - Broadmoor high security hospital is recruiting up to 100 mental health nurses as
      part of moves to increase the nurse to patient ratio.

PMID- 28075952
TI  - Scottish board meets to start community plan of action.
AB  - Plans to modernise community nursing in Scotland have taken a step forward with
      the first meeting of the board that will lead the way forward.

PMID- 28075954
TI  - From my perspective, the private sector is thriving.
AB  - Many people may be under the impression that the private healthcare sector is
      suffering during the recession (analysis August 12). But as a former nurse and
      now doctor liaison manager with BMI Healthcare but, from my perspective, the
      private sector is doing well.

PMID- 28075955
TI  - Should dying prisoners be given their freedom for a more dignified end?
AB  - While train robber Ronnie Biggs prepared to spend his final weeks in a London
      nursing home, Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi travelled home to Libya
      after being released from jail on compassionate grounds.

PMID- 28075956
TI  - ?Como es la promocion de la salud mundial?

PMID- 28075957
TI  - A quoi ressemble la promotion de la sante mondiale ?

PMID- 28075962
TI  - What you need to know about the new approach.
AB  - A rapid response report (RRR) issued in March says that all organisations in the
      NHS and independent sector where nasogastric feeding tubes are placed and used
      for feeding patients must comply with the following by September 12.

PMID- 28075959
TI  - Iniciativas escolares y deportivas lideradas desde la Federation Internationale
      de Football Association (FIFA): revision sistematica.
AB  - Introduccion: Los programas iniciados por la Federation Internationale de
      Football Association (FIFA) consisten en la difusion de mensajes relacionados con
      el cuidado de la salud y como estrategia de prevencion de lesiones deportivas
      entre los ninos y jovenes. El objetivo de esta revision sistematica fue resumir
      los resultados de la implementacion de los programas "FIFA 11 para la salud" y
      "FIFA 11+". Metodos: Se realizo una busqueda sistematica en las bases de datos
      electronicos de MEDLINE, EMBASE y Scopus, identificando los estudios que
      evaluaran la implementacion de los programas "FIFA 11 para la salud" y "FIFA
      11+", durante los ultimos 10 anos (1 enero 2003 a 1 diciembre 2013). Resultados:
      Incluimos 17 estudios. Dos estudios evaluaron la implementacion del programa
      "FIFA 11 para la salud" y encontraron un aumento significativo en el conocimiento
      de los mensajes de promocion de la salud; 15 estudios evaluaron los efectos del
      programa "FIFA 11+", reportando una reduccion en el riesgo de lesiones deportivas
      y mejorias en el rendimiento deportivo. Discusion: Los programas "FIFA 11 para la
      salud" y "FIFA 11+" han demostrado resultados positivos para la salud, en el
      ambito escolar y deportivo. Conclusiones: Dichos programas del FIFA representan
      una oportunidad para crear habitos protectores y fomentar modos de vida
      saludables en ninos y jovenes.

PMID- 28075963
TI  - Nurses and patients describe inpatient anorexia wards in terms of incarceration.
AB  - A small study of an inpatient unit for adolescents with anorexia has found that
      patients and nurses viewed the treatment programme as a form of incarceration.

PMID- 28075964
TI  - Study reveals that inactivity is a threat to health on a par with smoking and
      obesity.
AB  - Physical inactivity is responsible for one in ten premature deaths worldwide and
      is a public health threat on a level with smoking and obesity, suggests an
      analysis of the evidence by international researchers.

PMID- 28075965
TI  - Overdiagnosis of malaria means other life-threatening infections are missed.
AB  - Substantial overdiagnosis and mistreatment of malaria is taking place, wasting
      resources and leaving people vulnerable to other serious non-malarial infections.

PMID- 28075966
TI  - Skin cancer risk from indoor sunbed use is higher than estimated.
AB  - People who use indoor sunbeds to get a tan increase their risk of skin cancer by
      20 per cent, according to an analysis of 27 European studies between 1981 and
      2012.

PMID- 28075967
TI  - Procedures and training review aims to bring an end to 'never event'.
AB  - Deaths from misplaced nasogastric tubes are listed among the Department of
      Health's 'never events' - incidents considered unacceptable and preventable.

PMID- 28075969
TI  - Course prompts optimistic outlook.
AB  - Nurses who took a module on mental health problems in primary care as part of
      their master's degree were more likely to believe that intervention would improve
      patient outcomes after taking the course than before.

PMID- 28075968
TI  - Planning for your retirement.
AB  - The new NHS pension scheme is due to come into effect in 2015. In this scheme,
      pensions will be calculated on the basis of earnings averaged over the length of
      a career rather than the worker's final salary amount, as it is now. The amount
      by which pensions increase each year as employer and employee contributions are
      added to the pension pot (known as the accrual rate) will be 1/54th of each
      year's earnings.

PMID- 28075970
TI  - Occupational clinic sessions could help people with back pain take more control.
AB  - A counselling intervention for people with low back pain, focused on overcoming
      the barriers to getting back to work and being physically active, can help people
      to 'transform', suggests a Danish trial.

PMID- 28075972
TI  - Rules of engagement.
AB  - When researchers at Birmingham's Aston University compared the NHS Staff Survey
      and Patient Survey two years ago, they made an important observation: in
      organisations where staff reported higher levels of engagement, patients were
      more satisfied with their care.

PMID- 28075971
TI  - Voices - The battle for reform of us health care rages on, writes Jean Gray.
AB  - Dr Russell Dohner is seen as something of a hero by the people of Rushville,
      Illinois. Patients visiting the GP's practice are charged only $5 per
      consultation, the same price they would have paid in the 1970s.

PMID- 28075973
TI  - Load of hot air.
AB  - One of the worst aspects of travelling must be hotel hairdryers. They are so
      feeble that they hardly produce any air current at all - you might as well be
      coughed at by a baby.

PMID- 28075975
TI  - Study highlights influence of drug company gifts.
AB  - Nurse practitioners are more likely to prescribe a drug after hearing about it at
      an event sponsored by a pharmaceutical company, according to research conducted
      in Canada.

PMID- 28075976
TI  - Are NHS trusts merely paying lip service to wage equality?
AB  - The equality delivery statements of NHS trusts in England state: 'Levels of pay
      and related terms and conditions are fairly determined for all posts, with staff
      doing the same work in the same job being remunerated equally.'

PMID- 28075978
TI  - Survey reveals use of prescribing powers.
AB  - Independent prescribers working in general practice prescribe an average of 39
      items a week, a survey of more than 800 non-medical prescribers has revealed.

PMID- 28075977
TI  - Help us to develop a vaccine that will prevent meningitis.
AB  - I read with interest Louise Rowland's practice profile on meningococcal B disease
      and the importance of early detection (learning zone August 1).

PMID- 28075979
TI  - Students urged to publish more research papers.
AB  - Nursing students at a United States university must submit a study paper to a
      journal as part of moves to bolster nurse research, conference delegates heard.

PMID- 28075981
TI  - Pay Cartel will damage nurse morale and local economies.
AB  - Unions have written to the chief executives of trusts in south west England
      urging them to abandon plans to introduce a 'cartel' to drive down nurses' pay
      (news August 22).

PMID- 28075982
TI  - Carter slams loss of almost 5,000 nurses since 2010.
AB  - RCN general secretary Peter Carter has condemned the 'slash and burn' approach to
      nurse jobs after fi gures were released showing the loss of more than 4,800 posts
      in two years.

PMID- 28075983
TI  - Anger at trust's attempts to claw back parking fees.
AB  - Almost 600 NHS staff have received a bill for one year of car parking that
      employers forgot to deduct from their monthly wages last year.

PMID- 28075988
TI  - Mentors need support to assess students on their placements.
AB  - Bob Price provides a pragmatic and welcome approach for mentors when undertaking
      practice-based assessments (learning zone August 8).

PMID- 28075984
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The International Paralympic Committee website - the offi cial site of the
      paralympic movement - is a tremendous resource.

PMID- 28075989
TI  - Starting out - Treating a patient with pressure ulcers has taught me compassion.
AB  - While on an acute placement at the end of my second year of training, I helped to
      look after a patient who was admitted to hospital from her home following gradual
      deterioration of health and reduced mobility.

PMID- 28075990
TI  - Shortage of funds behind delay in salary payments.
AB  - Nurses employed at a private hospital had their pay withheld for three weeks
      because of cash-flow problems.

PMID- 28075991
TI  - Women who miscarry need to be looked after by skilled nurses.
AB  - When working as a midwife in Nigeria I encountered many women who had miscarried,
      so I was interested to read staff nurse Rachel Evans's article, 'Emotional care
      for women who experience miscarriage' (art&science June 20).

PMID- 28075993
TI  - The life-saving care received by my godson deserves a gold medal.
AB  - The Paralympic Games are here, so it is a good time to express my pride and
      respect for all those in the NHS and other public services who helped to save the
      life of my godson Alistair Patrick-Heselton.

PMID- 28075992
TI  - Get up, stand up.
AB  - I read a newspaper article recently that said the 'labor movement' in the United
      States - their version of trade unions - is being 'pummelled into insignificance
      by economic forces beyond its control'.

PMID- 28075994
TI  - Better drug monitoring will reduce risk and benefit patients.
AB  - I read with interest the news story on a specialised drug prescribing system that
      aims to improve surveillance in hospitals and highlight patients at risk of harm
      resulting from clinical error or criminal activity (news August 8).

PMID- 28075995
TI  - Wards in good cheer.
AB  - Over the past year a West Midlands trust has introduced activities to improve the
      experience of patients in a co-ordinated and sustainable way. The initiative is
      spreading to other settings across the country.

PMID- 28075997
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28075996
TI  - All in the curves.
AB  - The man on the food programme was talking about shapes. Tests have shown that
      food tastes sweeter in round bowls, he said, while angular shapes enhance sharp,
      sour and salty flavours.

PMID- 28075999
TI  - 'Outrage, disgust and distress' at proposed 58 per cent NMC fee hike.
AB  - Tens of thousands of nurses have overwhelmingly rejected Nursing and Midwifery
      Council proposals to increase fees from L76 to L120.

PMID- 28076000
TI  - Local pay plans set alarm bells ringing.
AB  - Nursing staff in south west England must feel under siege. Their managers have
      embarked on an unprecedented attack on pay, terms and conditions that will leave
      them fearful for their futures. Nurses throughout the UK have reason to be
      concerned because, as Nursing Standard revealed recently, employers in other
      areas are preparing to follow suit.

PMID- 28076001
TI  - Smoother, faster.

PMID- 28076002
TI  - Readers panel - a fragmented approach to pay.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28076003
TI  - Reducing Functional MR Imaging Acquisition Times by Optimizing Workflow.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a complex, specialized examination
      that is able to noninvasively measure information critical to patient care such
      as hemispheric language lateralization ( 1 ). Diagnostic functional MR imaging
      requires extensive patient interaction as well as the coordinated efforts of the
      entire health care team. We observed in our practice at an academic center that
      the times to perform functional MR imaging examinations were excessively lengthy,
      making scheduling of the examination difficult. The purpose of our project was to
      reduce functional MR imaging acquisition times by increasing the efficiency of
      our workflow, using specific quality tools to drive improvement of functional MR
      imaging. We assembled a multidisciplinary team and retrospectively reviewed all
      functional MR imaging examinations performed at our institution from January 2013
      to August 2015. We identified five key drivers: (a) streamlined protocols, (b)
      consistent patient monitoring, (c) clear visual slides and audio, (d) improved
      patient understanding, and (e) minimized patient motion. We then implemented four
      specific interventions over a period of 10 months: (a) eliminating intravenous
      contrast medium, (b) reducing repeated language paradigms, (c) updating
      technologist and physician checklists, and (d) updating visual slides and audio.
      Our mean functional MR imaging acquisition time was reduced from 76.3 to 53.2
      minutes, while our functional MR imaging examinations remained of diagnostic
      quality. As a result, we reduced our routine scheduling time for functional MR
      imaging from 2 hours to 1 hour, improving patient comfort and satisfaction as
      well as saving time for additional potential MR imaging acquisitions. Our efforts
      to optimize functional MR imaging workflow constitute a practice quality
      improvement project that is beneficial for patient care and can be applied
      broadly to other functional MR imaging practices. (c)RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076004
TI  - Fetal Cardiac Screening Sonography: Methodology: Women's Imaging.

PMID- 28076005
TI  - A Review of 2016 and a Look Forward to 2017 and Beyond: Editor's Page.

PMID- 28076006
TI  - David A. Bluemke, MD, PhD, Named Editor of Radiology.

PMID- 28076008
TI  - Pictorial Review of False-Positive Results on Radioiodine Scintigrams of Patients
      with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.
AB  - Radioiodine has served an important role in the diagnostic workup and treatment
      of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer for more than 6 decades. The
      interpretation of radioiodine scintigraphic studies should be performed in
      conjunction with a comprehensive history, histopathologic correlation, and
      pertinent laboratory values, as well as correlation with available anatomic
      images and the findings from physical examination. A thorough understanding of
      the physiology and biodistribution of radioiodine is critical when interpreting
      radioiodine scintigraphic studies to avoid misinterpretation of physiologic and
      nonthyroid pathologic variants as thyroid cancer metastases. Differentiating a
      false-positive finding from a true metastasis on pretherapy radioiodine
      scintigrams is important to determine the appropriate radioiodine treatment dose.
      The correct interpretation of posttherapy radioiodine scintigraphic studies is
      also important to determine if repeat radioiodine treatment will be necessary and
      for the future clinical and imaging followup of the patient. A variety of
      different factors, such as the presence of the sodium-iodide symporter and the
      passive diffusion or retention of radioiodine in normal and pathologic
      structures, can result in false-positive results on radioiodine scintigrams.
      Numerous false-positive findings have been reported in the literature and are
      further demonstrated with the increasing availability of single photon emission
      computed tomography (SPECT) integrated with computed tomography (CT) as true dual
      modality imaging (SPECT/CT). SPECT/CT has been documented to be of incremental
      value in the accurate anatomic localization and characterization of radioiodine
      uptake as false-positive findings, particularly in cases with discordant findings
      of a low serum thyroglobulin level but positive findings on radioiodine whole
      body planar scintigrams. The objectives of this review are to describe the
      physiology and biodistribution of radioiodine and to provide examples of false
      positive results on radioiodine scintigrams, with clinical and anatomic
      correlation, in the following categories of radioiodine uptake: functional uptake
      secondary to sodium-iodide symporter expression, radioiodine retention,
      nonthyroid neoplasms, inflammatory or infectious uptake, contamination, and other
      causes. (c)RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076009
TI  - Delineating Extramammary Findings at Breast MR Imaging.
AB  - Breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the only breast imaging modality that
      consistently encompasses extramammary structures in the thorax and upper abdomen.
      Incidental extramammary findings on breast MR images of patients with a history
      of breast cancer or other malignancies are significantly more likely to be
      malignant and may affect staging and treatment. An understanding of the
      frequency, distribution, and context of extramammary findings on breast MR images
      and a familiarity with common and uncommon sites of breast cancer metastasis
      inform the differential diagnosis and prompt the appropriate diagnostic next
      step, to differentiate benign from malignant findings. High-yield organ systems
      on breast MR images, as reflected by a high positive predictive value for
      malignancy, are correlated with known distant sites of breast cancer metastasis
      in the bone, lung, liver, and lymph nodes. Staging is considered when disease
      involves the skin and chest wall. Unusual sites of breast cancer metastasis from
      invasive lobular carcinoma are discussed, including the gastrointestinal tract,
      peritoneum, and adrenal glands. Nonmalignant clinically important findings
      involving the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems are reviewed, and
      potential pitfalls in diagnosis and interpretation are highlighted. A
      consistently systematic diagnostic approach is emphasized for identifying
      extramammary abnormalities on breast MR images. All things considered, the
      radiologist should be able to improve diagnostic sensitivity and specificity
      while interpreting extramammary findings on breast MR images. (c)RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076010
TI  - Foreign Bodies on Lateral Neck Radiographs in Adults: Imaging Findings and Common
      Pitfalls.
AB  - Foreign-body (FB) ingestion is less common in adults than in children, but still
      occurs. Diagnostic management of patients with suspected FB ingestion in
      emergency departments depends on FB type and location, both of which are related
      to the patient profile. In adults, fish and chicken bones are the most common FB
      types, and the oropharynx and cricopharyngeal muscle are the most common
      locations. Once accidentally swallowed, an FB may become lodged in the
      oropharynx, and in such cases indirect or fiberoptic laryngoscopy is the first
      clinical management option. For FBs that have passed beyond this location,
      radiologic study is recommended, including anteroposterior and lateral neck
      radiographs (LNRs) using the soft-tissue technique. This is a quick and simple
      imaging method that in emergency departments achieves detection rates of 70%-80%
      in assessing FBs in the hypopharynx and upper cervical esophagus. Careful initial
      evaluation using LNRs can determine the presence and nature of an FB, which helps
      with predicting the location and risk assessment, making further imaging
      including computed tomography-unnecessary. Prevertebral soft-tissue swelling is a
      nonspecific indirect sign, which in the appropriate clinical context raises
      suspicion of a radiolucent FB or related complications. LNRs can sometimes be
      difficult to interpret due to the presence of multiple overlapping soft-tissue
      structures and variable patterns of laryngeal cartilage calcification in adults.
      Adequate performance in interpreting LNRs along with familiarity with the full
      diagnostic process in these patients will enable radiologists to use the right
      imaging technique for the right patient, as described in the clinical algorithm
      proposed by the authors. (c)RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076011
TI  - Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Role of Radiology in Diagnosis and Management.
AB  - Tuberculosis is a public health problem worldwide, including in the United States
      particularly among immunocompromised patients and other high-risk groups.
      Tuberculosis manifests in active and latent forms. Active disease can occur as
      primary tuberculosis, developing shortly after infection, or postprimary
      tuberculosis, developing after a long period of latent infection. Primary
      tuberculosis occurs most commonly in children and immunocompromised patients, who
      present with lymphadenopathy, pulmonary consolidation, and pleural effusion.
      Postprimary tuberculosis may manifest with cavities, consolidations, and
      centrilobular nodules. Miliary tuberculosis refers to hematogenously disseminated
      disease that is more commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, who present
      with miliary lung nodules and multiorgan involvement. The principal means of
      testing for active tuberculosis is sputum analysis, including smear, culture, and
      nucleic acid amplification testing. Imaging findings, particularly the presence
      of cavitation, can affect treatment decisions, such as the duration of therapy.
      Latent tuberculosis is an asymptomatic infection that can lead to postprimary
      tuberculosis in the future. Patients who are suspected of having latent
      tuberculosis may undergo targeted testing with a tuberculin skin test or
      interferon-gamma release assay. Chest radiographs are used to stratify for risk
      and to assess for asymptomatic active disease. Sequelae of previous tuberculosis
      that is now inactive manifest characteristically as fibronodular opacities in the
      apical and upper lung zones. Stability of radiographic findings for 6 months
      distinguishes inactive from active disease. Nontuberculous mycobacterial disease
      can sometimes mimic the findings of active tuberculosis, and laboratory
      confirmation is required to make the distinction. Familiarity with the imaging,
      clinical, and laboratory features of tuberculosis is important for diagnosis and
      management. (c)RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076012
TI  - Imaging of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Imaging Patterns and Their Differential
      Diagnosis.
AB  - Diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) remains a challenge
      because of the large variability of the clinical scenario, especially in its
      early stages, which may mimic several reversible or treatable disorders. The
      molecular basis of prion disease, as well as its brain propagation and the
      pathogenesis of the illness, have become better understood in recent decades.
      Several reports have listed recognizable clinical features and paraclinical tests
      to supplement the replicable diagnostic criteria in vivo. Nevertheless, we lack
      specific data about the differential diagnosis of CJD at imaging, mainly
      regarding those disorders evolving with similar clinical features (mimicking
      disorders). This review provides an update on the neuroimaging patterns of sCJD,
      emphasizing the relevance of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, summarizing the
      clinical scenario and molecular basis of the disease, and highlighting clinical,
      genetic, and imaging correlations in different subtypes of prion diseases. A long
      list of differential diagnoses produces a comprehensive pictorial review, with
      the aim of enabling radiologists to identify typical and atypical patterns of
      sCJD. This review reinforces distinguishable imaging findings and confirms
      diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) features as pivotal in the diagnostic workup of
      sCJD, as these findings enable radiologists to reliably recognize this rare but
      invariably lethal disease. A probable diagnosis is justified when expected MR
      imaging patterns are demonstrated and CJD-mimicking disorders are confidently
      ruled out. (c)RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076013
TI  - Exercise Oximetry and Exercise Near-infrared Spectroscopy to Assess Peripheral
      Artery Disease.

PMID- 28076014
TI  - Ankle-Brachial Index for Diagnosing Peripheral Arterial Disease.

PMID- 28076015
TI  - US and MR Imaging of Pectoralis Major Injuries.
AB  - During the past 2 decades, the frequency of pectoralis major muscle injuries has
      increased in association with the increased popularity of bench press exercises.
      Injury of the pectoralis major can occur at the muscle origin, muscle belly,
      musculotendinous junction, intratendinous region, and/or humeral insertion-with
      or without bone avulsion. The extent of the tendon injury ranges from partial to
      complete tears. Treatment may be surgical or conservative, depending on the
      clinical scenario and anatomic characteristics of the injury. The radiologist has
      a critical role in the patient's treatment-first in detecting and then in
      characterizing the injury. In this article, the authors review the normal anatomy
      and anatomic variations of the pectoralis major muscle, classifications and
      typical patterns of pectoralis major injuries, and associated treatment
      considerations. The authors further provide an instructive guide for
      ultrasonographic (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging evaluation of
      pectoralis major injuries, with emphasis on a systematic approach involving the
      use of anatomic landmarks. After reviewing this article, the reader should have
      an understanding of how to perform-and interpret the findings of-US and MR
      imaging of the pectoralis major. The reader should also understand how to
      classify pectoralis major injuries, with emphasis on the key findings used to
      differentiate injuries for which surgical management is required from those for
      which nonsurgical management is required. Familiarity with the normal but complex
      anatomy of the pectoralis major is crucial for performing imaging-based
      evaluation and understanding the injury findings. (c)RSNA, 2017 Online
      supplemental material is available for this article.

PMID- 28076016
TI  - Herpes Simplex Encephalitis.

PMID- 28076017
TI  - Morel-Lavallee Lesion: AIRP Best Cases in Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation.

PMID- 28076018
TI  - Invited Commentary on "Tumor-Vessel Relationships in Pancreatic Ductal
      Adenocarcinoma at Multidetector CT," with Response from Dr Zaky and Colleagues.

PMID- 28076019
TI  - Viral and Prion Infections of the Central Nervous System: Radiologic-Pathologic
      Correlation: From the Radiologic Pathology Archives.
AB  - Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) range in clinical severity,
      with the most severe proving fatal within a matter of days. Some of the more than
      100 different viruses known to affect the brain and spinal cord are neurotropic
      with a predilection for producing CNS infection. The host response to viral
      infection of the CNS is responsible for the pathophysiology and imaging findings
      seen in affected patients. Viral CNS infections can take the form of meningitis,
      encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, or, when involving the spinal cord and nerve
      roots, encephalomyeloradiculitis. In 1982, an infectious particle termed a prion
      that lacked nucleic acid and therefore was not a virus was reported to produce
      the fatal neurodegenerative disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and related
      disorders. These prion diseases produce characteristic neuroimaging findings that
      are distinct from those seen in most viral infections. The clinical and imaging
      findings associated with viral CNS infection are often nonspecific, with
      microbiologic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid the most useful single test
      allowing for diagnosis of a specific viral infection. This review details the
      spectrum of viral CNS infections and uses case material from the archives of the
      American Institute for Radiologic Pathology, with a focus on the specific
      clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging features seen in these
      infections. Where possible, the imaging features that allow distinction of these
      infections from other CNS inflammatory conditions are highlighted.

PMID- 28076021
TI  - Radiologic Assessment of Native Renal Vasculature: A Multimodality Review.
AB  - A wide range of clinically important anatomic variants and pathologic conditions
      may affect the renal vasculature, and radiologists have a pivotal role in the
      diagnosis and management of these processes. Because many of these entities may
      not be suspected clinically, renal artery and vein assessment is an essential
      application of all imaging modalities. An understanding of the normal vascular
      anatomy is essential for recognizing clinically important anatomic variants. An
      understanding of the protocols used to optimize imaging modalities also is
      necessary. Renal artery stenosis is the most common cause of secondary
      hypertension and is diagnosed by using both direct ultrasonographic (US) findings
      at the site of stenosis and indirect US findings distal to the stenosis.
      Fibromuscular dysplasia, while not as common as atherosclerosis, remains an
      important cause of renal artery hypertension, especially among young female
      individuals. Fibromuscular dysplasia also predisposes individuals to renal artery
      aneurysms and dissection. Although most renal artery dissections are extensions
      of aortic dissections, on rare occasion they occur in isolation. Renal artery
      aneurysms often are not suspected clinically before imaging, but they can lead to
      catastrophic outcomes if they are overlooked. Unlike true aneurysms,
      pseudoaneurysms are typically iatrogenic or posttraumatic. However, multiple
      small pseudoaneurysms may be seen with underlying vasculitis. Arteriovenous
      fistulas also are commonly iatrogenic, whereas arteriovenous malformations are
      developmental (ie, congenital). Both of these conditions involve a prominent
      feeding artery and draining vein; however, arteriovenous malformations contain a
      nidus of tangled vessels. Nutcracker syndrome should be suspected when there is
      distention of the left renal vein with abrupt narrowing as it passes posterior to
      the superior mesenteric artery. Filling defects in a renal vein can be due to a
      bland or tumor thrombus. A tumor thrombus is most commonly an extension of renal
      cell carcinoma. When an enhancing mass is located predominantly within a renal
      vein, leiomyosarcoma of the renal vein should be suspected. (c)RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076020
TI  - Structure of the Medullary Veins of the Cerebral Hemisphere and Related
      Disorders.
AB  - Deep medullary veins drain into subependymal veins with four convergence zones
      and show parallel distribution patterns adjacent to the body or inferior horn and
      a radial pattern in the frontal horn or trigon of the lateral ventricle. As white
      matter imaging develops such as diffusion tensor imaging or susceptibility
      weighted imaging, requirements for understanding of white matter structures are
      increasing, not only for understanding of neuronal tracts but also for that of
      other structures including the fine anatomy of white matter vessels. Some
      disorders are related to deep medullary veins and show characteristic
      distributions of the lesions indicating the relationship to the medullary veins.
      When lesions show a parallel or radial distribution pattern in the certebral deep
      white matter, disorders related to deep medullary veins should be considered for
      differential diagnosis. In this review, we discuss disorders related to deep
      medullary veins, including (a) anomalies of the medullary veins, (b) hemorrhagic
      disorders related to the medullary veins (diffuse vascular injury due to high
      energy trauma, deep medullary vein engorgement/thrombosis in neonates), (c)
      inflammatory changes that spread along the medullary veins, (d) neoplasms within
      the medullary veins, and (e) metabolic changes that lead to altered visualization
      of medullary veins. Understanding the anatomic structure of medullary veins in
      the cerebral hemisphere and becoming familiar with disorders in which the
      medullary veins play a major role in disease development may be helpful in the
      interpretation of brain images. (c)RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076023
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - Nigel in the health food shop was amused at my ignorance. 'I thought you were a
      child of the sixties,' he said. Wrong, I told him, I was a child in the sixties.
      Which is why I missed out on all the swinging.

PMID- 28076022
TI  - Renal Papillary and Calyceal Lesions at CT Urography: Genitourinary Imaging.

PMID- 28076024
TI  - Down tools.
AB  - Poor Saint George. I think of him every time I see the St George's Forceps in our
      store room. Have you ever seen a pair? They are about six inches long and used
      for biopsies somewhere where the sun does not shine.

PMID- 28076025
TI  - People who sit for long periods have higher mortality rate.
AB  - People who spend a lot of time sitting down have higher rates of mortality,
      regardless of overall physical activity levels.

PMID- 28076026
TI  - Us nurses inspired by nightingale.
AB  - Florence Nightingale revolutionised military nursing practice and transformed
      negative attitudes towards female nurses during the American Civil War,
      conference-goers heard last week.

PMID- 28076027
TI  - Delaying gratification helps children avoid gaining weight.
AB  - Boys and girls who exercise self-control are less likely to become overweight by
      the time they reach adolescence.

PMID- 28076028
TI  - Voices - Being newly qualified is daunting, but guidance is available, says Tony
      Hazell.
AB  - This autumn more than 8,000 newly qualified nurses and midwives will bid farewell
      to student life and join our register for the first time. Their years of hard
      work will finally be rewarded.

PMID- 28076029
TI  - Fitness to practise targets not met despite 179 extra panellists.
AB  - Almost one third of the 4,000 fitness to practise (FtP) cases on the books of the
      Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have not been completed.

PMID- 28076030
TI  - Unions join forces to fight pay freezes for sickness absences.
AB  - Health unions and employers met last week to discuss moves by several NHS trusts
      to freeze annual pay increments for underperforming nurses and those absent from
      work through sickness.

PMID- 28076031
TI  - Readers panel.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28076032
TI  - Mentoring scheme deals effectively with issue of job 'fatigue'.
AB  - A scheme giving all new staff two mentors rather than one has improved staff
      retention and helped treble the number of mentors.

PMID- 28076033
TI  - Initiative helps bolster staff confidence.
AB  - Ward sisters and charge nurses are being trained to deal with staff conflict,
      hospital-acquired infections and budgets as part of an initiative to improve
      staff retention in Jersey.

PMID- 28076036
TI  - Ninety years strong for Dame Sheila.
AB  - Dame Sheila Quinn, one of the UK's most influential nurses in the 20th century,
      celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends last week.

PMID- 28076034
TI  - Over-reliance on technology is bad news for care.
AB  - I teach pre-registration nursing students clinical skills. Here in Shropshire,
      hospitals use an automated data collection system designed to alert nurses when
      the patient's condition is deteriorating. The dominance of such technology
      sometimes makes me think about hanging up my uniform for good.

PMID- 28076037
TI  - Nursing and medical students benefit from training together.
AB  - Communication and respect between nursing and medical students improved when they
      were taught alongside each other on wards as part of a project to improve working
      relations.

PMID- 28076039
TI  - Greater risk of death in people with cystic fibrosis and MRSA.
AB  - Detection of meticilin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in patients with
      cystic fibrosis is associated with lower survival rates.

PMID- 28076040
TI  - Chance of a heart attack is higher in a colder climate.
AB  - Increases in the risk of myocardial infarction at colder ambient temperatures may
      be one driver of cold-related increases of overall mortality. An increased risk
      of myocardial infarction at higher temperatures has not been found.

PMID- 28076041
TI  - Working conditions in care homes are ideal for student placements.
AB  - I agree with Stuart Keeling (career development September 8) that care homes
      offer tremendous opportunities for nursing students and those thinking of going
      into nursing and medicine.

PMID- 28076042
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Independent Living Alternatives (ILA) advocates the rights of people with
      disabilities. Run by the clients it serves, the organisation provides a
      comprehensive range of personal assistance services.

PMID- 28076043
TI  - A more complete picture of mental health legislation.
AB  - As research and development officer for mental health at NHS Grampian, I was
      interested to read Ian Harvey's article on the implementation of the Mental
      Health Act 2007 in England and Wales (art&science August 25).

PMID- 28076047
TI  - Five hand hygiene elements may be useful audit tools.
AB  - I was pleased that Dinah Gould's learning zone article on auditing hand hygiene
      practice (September 15) referred to the guidelines on hand hygiene issued last
      year by the World Health Organization (WHO).

PMID- 28076045
TI  - Therapeutic touch is good, but technology cannot be ignored.
AB  - While I agree that nurses should rely more on their sense of touch, sight and
      hearing when assessing patients (features September 8), this should be in
      conjunction with state-of-the-art technology and monitoring devices. We need to
      nurse in the 21st century, not the 19th.

PMID- 28076048
TI  - Midwife shortage is at its most acute in inner cities.
AB  - Further to Christian Duffin's interview with Cathy Warwick, general secretary of
      the Royal College of Midwives (career development September 8), I fear for the
      future of maternity services.

PMID- 28076049
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28076051
TI  - Scots look south for jobs.
AB  - Newly qualified nurses struggling to find jobs in Scotland are searching for work
      in England.

PMID- 28076052
TI  - Doctors demand better training for nurses in continence care.
AB  - Inconsistent training for nursing staff in bladder and bowel problems is leading
      to variable standards in continence care, according to a major audit by the Royal
      College of Physicians.

PMID- 28076053
TI  - Public health campaign launched to promote safe sex for over-50s.
AB  - A campaign urging people over 50 years old to use condoms has been launched by
      the Family Planning Association (FPA) after its nurse advisers noticed a surge in
      calls from the age group.

PMID- 28076055
TI  - An ambitious agenda.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) revealed its new standards for pre
      registration education last week. They have been endorsed by professional leaders
      from the four corners of the UK and will be in place by the time all students are
      being prepared to degree level.

PMID- 28076054
TI  - New NMC standards place more emphasis on community learning.
AB  - Pre-registration education standards to be introduced at the same time as the
      move to all-graduate entry into nursing were published by the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council (NMC) last week.

PMID- 28076056
TI  - Reader's practice profile gunshot wounds.
AB  - As a newly qualified nurse who has just joined the Royal Air Force, I believe it
      is important to have an understanding of the complicated nature of gunshot
      wounds, including the importance of effective record keeping and the role this
      may have in any court action involving the perpetrator.

PMID- 28076057
TI  - Starting out - Medical terminology confuses patients and nursing staff.
AB  - On my second placement I worked in a medical ward. I helped to care for a patient
      who was prone to falling, had multiple conditions and was generally frail. A care
      of the elderly review was required for this patient as he was unable to carry out
      most activities of living without some assistance, particularly mobilising,
      personal cleansing and dressing.

PMID- 28076059
TI  - More talking therapy would improve care, say mental health patients.
AB  - Almost all people with mental health problems who are seen by a community
      psychiatric nurse in England feel they have been listened to, according to a
      survey by the healthcare regulator.

PMID- 28076058
TI  - Outreach project targets sex workers.
AB  - Nurses are visiting up to 60 flats in central London per month and screening sex
      workers for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as part of a project to
      increase access to health care.

PMID- 28076060
TI  - Learning from each other to improve dementia care.

PMID- 28076062
TI  - Expert advice when you need it is only a phone call away.
AB  - David James (pictured) has been a nurse information scientist at the Regional
      Drug and Therapeutics Centre for the past eight years, and for the next six
      months he will be seconded as information manager.

PMID- 28076061
TI  - Advice helps women after termination.
AB  - A nurse-led telephone service for women who have undergone an abortion has
      increased uptake and awareness of contraception, results of a pilot show.

PMID- 28076063
TI  - Nurses as information scientists.
AB  - Nurses at the Regional Drug and Therapeutics Centre (RDTC) in Newcastle upon Tyne
      are helping in efforts to provide health professionals with the information they
      need about the safe use of medicines.

PMID- 28076064
TI  - Pope's visit boosts care home staff.
AB  - The Pope greeted 80 members of staff, including about 40 HCAs, who work at St
      Peter's Residence for Older People in Vauxhall.

PMID- 28076065
TI  - Health visitors' caseloads 'way too high' and a risk to families.
AB  - Nearly half of health visitors have more than 400 children on their books,
      according to preliminary results from a Community Practitioners' and Health
      Visitors' Association (CPHVA) survey.

PMID- 28076067
TI  - An opportunity to influence politicians in uncertain times.
AB  - As well as the continuing economic challenges, there is a new coalition
      government, public sector pensions are being reviewed as part of a comprehensive
      spending review, and the NHS has been told to make L20 billion of efficiency
      savings. Thousands of nursing posts are being lost all over the country.

PMID- 28076066
TI  - Fast, honest feedback.

PMID- 28076068
TI  - The future of health care relies on motivated people.
AB  - I read with interest Rose-Marie Gilbert's experience of negative comments when
      mentioning community nursing as a career choice (letters September 8).

PMID- 28076069
TI  - Training should include community placements.
AB  - I agree with RCN education adviser Dame Betty Kershaw that we desperately need
      more community placements (analysis September 1).

PMID- 28076070
TI  - New nurses need to be urged to apply for various posts.
AB  - Jemma Rhodes' letter (September 15) gives the impression that I endured an
      unsatisfactory placement in a nursing home, when this was not the case.

PMID- 28076071
TI  - Present and correct - Student Life.
AB  - Some universities pursue a policy of enforced attendance at lectures to ensure
      grade attainment, to encourage what is described as discipline and
      professionalism and to meet Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements.

PMID- 28076072
TI  - Patient assessment.
AB  - Patient consultation and history taking are important aspects of nursing. Reading
      this article enabled me to recognise the essential factors that need to be
      considered.

PMID- 28076074
TI  - Starting out-Patient's cash gift to my mentor made me feel uncomfortable.
AB  - Before he left the ward, Mr D walked to the nurses' station, said goodbye to the
      team and discreetly slipped some money under the planner on the desk where my
      mentor was sitting. My mentor, who had just discharged him, said 'thank you' and
      took the money.

PMID- 28076073
TI  - Experiences of stress among nurses in acute mental health settings.
AB  - Aim To explore occupational stressors, the lived experience of stress and the
      meaning of this experience for staff working in acute mental health care. Method
      The study adopted a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to ascertain the lived
      experience of stress among eight qualified staff working in a mental health NHS
      trust in London. A semi-structured interview format was used. Interviews were
      transcribed verbatim and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological
      analysis framework. Findings The occupational experience of nurses in this study
      indicates that staff are frequently subjected to violent and aggressive behaviour
      from patients. Such experiences adversely affect patient outcomes in that staff
      may be reluctant to engage with such individuals because of anxiety about being
      hurt or experiencing further intimidation. Environmental pressures coupled with
      high activity levels mean that staff have little time to focus on the task at
      hand or to plan future activities. As a result they find that when they go home
      they are unable to switch off from work. Conclusion Further investment is needed
      in acute mental health settings and in staff who work in this area. If this does
      not happen, it is likely that the quality of service provision will deteriorate
      and nurses' health and wellbeing will suffer.

PMID- 28076075
TI  - Readers panel - No MMR, no free education.

PMID- 28076076
TI  - Voices-Politicians beware - cuts in health spending hurt even more during a
      recession.
AB  - Over the past few weeks the latest row between the main political parties has
      concerned the slashing of public spending. Will they? Won't they? Who would do it
      more? And perhaps most importantly, how much will be cut?

PMID- 28076077
TI  - Opinions split on minimum age for cervical smears.
AB  - Nurse opinion is divided over a decision to keep the minimum cervical screening
      age of women at 25 in England.

PMID- 28076078
TI  - Generic community role to be scrapped.
AB  - The way community nursing care is delivered in Scotland will be re-examined after
      plans to create a generic community role were scrapped.

PMID- 28076081
TI  - Newborn babies might benefit from having music played to them.
AB  - Playing music to neonates may have physiological and behavioural benefits and
      might reduce pain and improve feeding, according to the preliminary findings of
      researchers in Canada who investigated the effects of music played to term or
      premature infants.

PMID- 28076080
TI  - CBT plus medication for initial treatment of insomnia, then CBT.
AB  - In patients with persistent insomnia, the addition of medication to cognitive
      behavioural therapy (CBT) produces added benefits during acute therapy. But long
      term outcome is optimal when medication is discontinued during maintenance CBT.

PMID- 28076082
TI  - Developing a community matron service:a neighbourhood model.
AB  - NHS Blackburn with Darwen Provider Services Unit has adopted an innovative team
      approach to improve patient access to its community matron service. This article
      reviews the national picture and local development of the community matrons role.

PMID- 28076083
TI  - The cruellest cuts of all.
AB  - Gill Donovan and Michele Pengelly are special nurses whose work is highly valued
      by their patients. Ms Donovan set up a round-the-clock telephone callback system
      to give cancer patients support, advice and guidance. One of her patients, Sheila
      Bevins, says the nurse's help was invaluable in her successful battle with breast
      cancer.

PMID- 28076084
TI  - On the cover - using coaching interventions to develop clinical skills.
AB  - This article contributes to the development of senior nurse coaching
      interventions to help colleagues develop their clinical skills. It introduces a
      practice skill analysis framework as a recommended tool and examines the
      challenges that can arise in its use.

PMID- 28076085
TI  - Nurses at troubled trust 'should be given chance to speak out'.
AB  - Nurses at an NHS trust where 'catastrophic failures' in care led to the deaths of
      at least 400 patients should be called to give evidence on why problems were not
      picked up sooner, MPs told ministers last week.

PMID- 28076086
TI  - Heat sends wimbledon fans to a&e.
AB  - Emergency nurses at the south London hospital that serves Wimbledon treated an
      influx of tennis fans suffering the effects of heatstroke last week. St George's
      in Tooting reported that the numbers were up on previous years.

PMID- 28076087
TI  - Anna's living legacy.
AB  - Megs and Bob Wilson set up a charity to help young adults with life-threatening
      illnesses after losing their daughter Anna, a nurse, to cancer.

PMID- 28076089
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28076091
TI  - Health-check drive boosts access to care.
AB  - Practice nurses are carrying out health checks on people with learning
      disabilities in a bid to ensure they have equal access to health care.

PMID- 28076090
TI  - Metric mania.
AB  - 'What's that in old money?' patients ask after they have been coerced on to the
      scales and we tell them their weight in kilograms.

PMID- 28076092
TI  - Recession forces charity to close, leaving cancer nurses out of work.
AB  - Specialist nurses were left feeling 'shocked and devastated' after a cancer
      charity that employed them was forced to fold due to the economic downturn.

PMID- 28076093
TI  - A genderless cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer in men accounts for less than 1 per cent of all breast cancers in
      the UK, but for each man diagnosed it is devastating and life threatening. As a
      man with breast cancer, I know how awful it is.

PMID- 28076095
TI  - Outsidein-New research has forced David Newnham to make sure he knows his left
      from his right.
AB  - When the phone rings, I pick it up with my left hand and hold it to my left ear.
      This leaves my right hand free to hold a pen or drink coffee. I have done it that
      way since the phone was invented. Is that wrong?

PMID- 28076098
TI  - As healthcare assistants take on more responsibility, should they be regulated?
AB  - The expanding role of the healthcare assistant (HCA) in primary, acute and
      independent settings has intensified the debate about whether the workforce
      should be regulated.

PMID- 28076096
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) is the UK's leading charity working to
      reduce the number of children and young people killed, disabled or seriously
      injured in accidents. Its aim is to see children leading active, healthy lives -
      not 'wrapped in cotton wool'.

PMID- 28076099
TI  - Graduate diploma in aesthetic medicine.

PMID- 28076101
TI  - Antiretroviral programme cuts HIV birth rate in South Africa.
AB  - A nurse-led programme in which pregnant women with HIV are administered
      antiretroviral drugs has dramatically reduced the number of babies born with HIV.

PMID- 28076100
TI  - Complaints against nurses go up but number struck off is down.
AB  - The number of complaints about nurses from members of the public doubled last
      year compared with the previous 12 months, latest figures from the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council (NMC) reveal.

PMID- 28076103
TI  - Maternal mortality group lobbies PM.
AB  - RCN midwifery forum chair Gill Barber presented prime minister Gordon Brown with
      a petition last week highlighting the number of women dying needlessly in
      childbirth.

PMID- 28076104
TI  - UK ranks highly in 'work happiness' global survey.
AB  - The world's happiest nurses are those working in Canada, according to a global
      survey released last week.

PMID- 28076105
TI  - Safety remains concern in crime capital.
AB  - Violence and sexual harassment is one of the main problems faced by healthcare
      staff in South Africa, according to nurses at an International Council of Nurses
      congress debate.

PMID- 28076106
TI  - Internal damage to bronchoscopes could pose infection risk.
AB  - Periodic engineering maintenance of bronchoscopes may be needed to prevent
      contamination that is resistant to high-level disinfection.

PMID- 28076107
TI  - Medication concordance not caused by social factors.
AB  - Europeans' drug concordance increases with age but decreases with education.

PMID- 28076108
TI  - RCN joins colourful parade to celebrate worldwide gathering of nurses in Durban.
AB  - The International Council of Nurses (ICN) 24th congress opened in South Africa
      last week with a procession of nurse leaders from across the world.

PMID- 28076109
TI  - 'Emigration of nurses is crippling Africa's embattled health system'.
AB  - The migration of African-trained nurses to developed countries such as the UK is
      'crippling' health systems for the world's most needy, the former president of
      Botswana told an event attended by 5,000 nurses last week.

PMID- 28076110
TI  - Promoting christianity is unacceptable in health care.
AB  - Offering to say a prayer is a warm and kind thought (letters June 10). Most
      patients will accept it as such. It is no more offensive than being offered a
      sleeping pill. If they do not like the idea, they can simply say: 'Thanks, but no
      thanks.' 'Thanks, but no thanks.'

PMID- 28076112
TI  - A suitable case for treatment.

PMID- 28076111
TI  - Nail care feature gets to the heart of core nursing skills.
AB  - Thank you for drawing attention to the importance of personal hygiene in nail
      care (art&science June 17). Authors Bridget Malkin and Pat Berridge discuss the
      subject in depth and address the confusion over who should perform nail care for
      patients.

PMID- 28076113
TI  - Epilepsy article will help me improve patient outcomes.
AB  - As a practice nurse with a special interest in epilepsy, I very much enjoyed
      Rebecca Walsh and Sarah Kerley's clear, thorough and comprehensive article
      'Nursing patients with epilepsy in secondary care settings' (learning zone May
      13).

PMID- 28076114
TI  - Now the UK knows how it feels to lose trained nurses.
AB  - In your report on nurse migration to Australia (news June 17), James Buchan
      identifies the weakening pound, pay, and limitations on continuing professional
      development and pensions as drivers of migration.

PMID- 28076115
TI  - Report of increase in NMC fees was pure speculation.
AB  - I wish to correct the misleading report about Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
      registration fees (news July 1). The NMC recently held a briefing for journalists
      on our trustees' report and accounts. Due to careful financial management and
      prudent investment, the NMC has cleared the historical debt inherited from its
      predecessor, the UKCC.

PMID- 28076116
TI  - NHS direct turns to band 5 nurses after success in scotland.
AB  - An evaluation of band 5 nurses working for an NHS helpline has been launched to
      determine the effectiveness of the group in handling calls and supporting
      colleagues.

PMID- 28076117
TI  - Guidance is needed on storing drugs during a heatwave.
AB  - DRUGS DURING A HEATWAVE The recent heatwave prompted a number of health warnings.
      One possible consequence that does not seem to have been considered is the effect
      of heat on drug stability.

PMID- 28076118
TI  - 'Fat suit' innovation AIDS staff training.
AB  - A former healthcare assistant has invented a 'fat suit' to train healthcare
      professionals in safely moving and handling obese patients.

PMID- 28076119
TI  - Let's keep things in perspective in terms of relationships with patients.
AB  - I do not believe sexual relationships between nurses and patients or former
      patients are always wrong (readers panel July 1). As Jane Scullion says: 'It
      depends on the relationship, the setting, the participants and the integrity of
      the nurse.'

PMID- 28076120
TI  - DH insists pay award will be honoured.
AB  - Next year's 2.25 per cent pay deal will be honoured by the government, the
      Department of Health (DH) assured Nursing Standard readers this week.

PMID- 28076121
TI  - Corrections.
AB  - Our report about the plans by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to collect
      new data (news July 1) incorrectly stated that personal information about
      registrants' ethnicity, sexual orientation and religious beliefs would be
      published on the nursing register next year.

PMID- 28076122
TI  - Student life - The two sides of stress.
AB  - Training to be a nurse involves exposure to many stressors. Whatever they are
      studying, most students face the stresses of leaving home and adjusting to
      university life with the attendant financial worries, time pressures and
      anxieties associated with examinations and assessments. But nursing students face
      additional pressures.

PMID- 28076123
TI  - Nurses with diplomas are as worthy as those with degrees.
AB  - Mandy Dervis (readers panel June 17) states that nurse training should be to
      degree level. She adds: 'Those who do not feel up to it because they are too busy
      or only have a "handful of GCSEs" can undertake further education or work as
      nursing assistants.'

PMID- 28076125
TI  - 'Personal experience taught me about grief'.
AB  - Dawn Chaplin, pictured, is head of bereavement services at the Heart of England
      NHS Foundation Trust, vice chair of the Bereavement Services Association and a
      member of the steering group of the Bereavement Pathways project.

PMID- 28076124
TI  - Stroke units benefit from work of nutrition assistants.
AB  - As a support service manager in the stroke and rehabilitation unit at
      Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, I manage a team of band 3 nutrition assistants
      working effectively to meet the nutritional needs of all our patients (letters
      July 1).

PMID- 28076126
TI  - Cultural shift cultural shif.
AB  - THE HEALTH service is a major employer of minority ethnic groups, although it has
      not always been an equal opportunities employer. NHS trusts are now required to
      ensure that their employee profile more accurately reflects the local population
      ( NHSE 2000 ).

PMID- 28076127
TI  - Appeals expected after care home assessments.
AB  - NURSING HOME residents expecting to receive the maximum L110 a week contribution
      to their care costs are being left disappointed, emerging evidence suggests.

PMID- 28076129
TI  - Sign of change.
AB  - Department of Health nursing officer Anna Maslin has edited a book about how well
      known women have overcome challenges on the road to success. Royal College of
      Midwives president Lorna Muirhead is among those featured in Women at Work:
      Perspectives and Experiences. For details, call Kerry Veitch on 0191 227 4018.

PMID- 28076128
TI  - 100,000 patients get private care.
AB  - SPARE CAPACITY in the independent healthcare sector means private hospitals could
      treat 100,000 NHS patients a year, health minister John Hutton said last week.

PMID- 28076130
TI  - Who'll join me in backing the modest bumbag?
AB  - On watching the weekly episode of ER, I noticed that the nurses were equipped
      with bumbags to hold some of their necessary equipment.

PMID- 28076131
TI  - ?
AB  - What a superb suggestion by Chris Buswell for nurses to have bumbags to keep
      basic equipment on hand. Why this has not been thought of before I do not know. A
      roll-down pouch is already available from St John Ambulance Supplies at L12.95
      (empty). Or there is a roll-down bumbag from SP Services. Nurses could kit
      themselves out to suit their own particular needs.

PMID- 28076132
TI  - Less whingeing on pay or we alienate the public.
AB  - I am fed up with hearing nurses whingeing about an above-inflation pay rise of
      3.6 per cent. The vast majority of the public do not get yearly pay rises. If
      nurses really want wages that are comparable with other public sector employees
      they should ensure that their unions agree a pay structure with the government
      through Agenda for Change.

PMID- 28076135
TI  - Cardiac nursing: a comprehensive guide Richard Hatchet Cardiac nursing: a
      comprehensive guide and David Thompson Churchill Livingstone 603pp; L59.95 0 443
      06346 X 044306346X.
AB  - This book deals with all aspects of care, prevention and management of heart
      disease. Contents are listed at the beginning of each chapter, making everything
      easy to find.

PMID- 28076133
TI  - It's a lonely job for our strategic thinkers.
AB  - Nurses who really want to influence health policy may be disappointed if they
      think Strategic Health Authorities (StHAs) will have much influence over national
      or local government, at least for the first year or two.

PMID- 28076136
TI  - Whats on: the best of the week's Health related tv and Radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28076137
TI  - The gift of 'the gap' that appears unwanted.
AB  - As a member of the audience at the 7th European Mental Health Conference, it was
      good to hear Beverly Malone talk of the 'gift' of mental health nursing to the
      profession.

PMID- 28076138
TI  - Enema suggestion works every time.
AB  - I read Jane Bates's recollections of 'high, hot and hell of a lot' enemas with
      great amusement (perspectives February 13). I would add that they still have the
      power to instil fear in those who remember. I sometimes use the memory of them to
      good effect!

PMID- 28076139
TI  - Dorothy Clifford, OBE (nee white).
AB  - As deputy chief nursing officer at the Department of Health, Dorothy White OBE
      was a high flyer with an atypical career. An unobtrusive nurse with an artistic
      temperament, she had wide experience in nursing administration, but relatively
      little experience at ward level.

PMID- 28076140
TI  - The naked truth about my classical nude figures.
AB  - The story 'Concerns raised over nudes at cancer clinic' (news February 13) does
      not truly reflect the situation. Although the hospital authorities had concerns
      about placing the classical nude figures in the hospital environment, the
      overwhelming response from the public has been positive. Moreover, considerable
      support for the figures has come from cancer patients.

PMID- 28076141
TI  - MRI scans show benefits of fluoxetine after stroke.
AB  - The antidepressant fluoxetine might improve functional recovery in people who
      have had a stroke, French researchers say.

PMID- 28076143
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 28076142
TI  - Sugar fragments could target specific cancer cells.
AB  - Tiny sugar fragments might herald a new approach to treating cancer, according to
      research from the US.

PMID- 28076144
TI  - Fusidic acid cream proved effective against impetigo.
AB  - Topical fusidic acid should be considered the first choice of treatment for
      impetigo, researchers from the Netherlands say.

PMID- 28076145
TI  - Transplanting liver cells for inherited metabolic disease.
AB  - Transplanting hepatocytes might be an alternative to liver transplantation in
      some people with inherited liver disorders.

PMID- 28076146
TI  - Tea and toast combats dangers in the night.
AB  - I would like to dispute the findings reported in Lynne Wallis's article, 'Dangers
      in the night' (features February 13). I believe heart problems found in night
      nurses are due to disrupted coping strategies. I have worked nights for more than
      30 years and my heart is perfect.

PMID- 28076147
TI  - No degrees - and no pressure areas either.
AB  - The articles by Stephen Wright (perspectives February 13) and Miles Maylor
      (tissue viability supplement) struck a note with me. I have no problem with
      degrees or, for that matter, any training that will improve patient care but, as
      a matron/manager of a nursing home, I am dismayed at the condition of the
      pressure areas of some patients who are admitted from hospitals.

PMID- 28076148
TI  - Reluctance to refer sexual health cases.
AB  - SCHOOL NURSES have come under fire from doctors for failing to refer more
      youngsters to genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics.

PMID- 28076149
TI  - Durex sponsors university course.
AB  - DUREX IS part-funding a university sexual health course for nurses, providing,
      among other things, guest speakers and free condoms.

PMID- 28076150
TI  - Add up the benefits benefits.
AB  - Health secretary Alan Milburn wants ward sisters to manage their own budgets,
      typically worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, so that they can make decisions
      about how money is spent on the front line. I was appointed to my current post as
      a G grade sister four years ago. Of all the areas of responsibility in my job
      description - clinical standards, professional development of staff, effective
      skill mix, daily organisation and management of clinics across specialities - it
      was the words 'will be responsible for managing the outpatient budget' that made
      me wince.

PMID- 28076151
TI  - A thrifty vicar' son could teach the NHS a thing or two about cutting costs.
AB  - Awarm glow sweeps over me whenever I find a bargain, so when Poundland had a half
      price sale recently - well, I glowed like a nuclear accident. If you don't shop
      there, you don't know what you are missing: toiletries, big pants, six-pack socks
      and sets of bendy spanners all at a quid each.

PMID- 28076152
TI  - Children's champion lines up next battle.
AB  - THE RCN's new adviser in paediatric nursing has been caring for children for as
      long as she can remember. Fiona Smith grew up as the oldest of eight children and
      used to help her mother care for her siblings. 'I can recall, as a little tot,
      putting flannels on my sister's forehead in the middle of the night when she had
      mumps,' she says.

PMID- 28076153
TI  - Itchy business.
AB  - Over the past six years I have come across a number of patients with scabies. I
      have tried to find out as much as I can on the subject through talking to
      colleagues, searching the internet and by reading the CPD article ( Hadfield-Law
      2001 ).

PMID- 28076154
TI  - A team dame.
AB  - A BRIGHT PURPLE nursing uniform hangs in Dame Catherine Elcoat's office. The
      chief nurse of a major teaching hospital, she has just been awarded a DBE for her
      work on clinical governance at the Department of Health (DoH). But when she goes
      into a clinical area, she wants colleagues and the public to identify her as one
      of the nursing staff.

PMID- 28076155
TI  - Most staff seem to be feeling that if things are getting better it's not in their
      neck of the healthcare woods '.
AB  - If you saw the Tonight programme on television last week, your heart must have
      gone out to the A&E staff whose department was being secretly filmed.

PMID- 28076156
TI  - Prime minister vows to raise public sector pay.
AB  - PRIME MINISTER Tony Blair has admitted that nurses' pay is too low and vowed to
      increase it. He said that wages were especially inadequate in London and areas
      where house prices are high.

PMID- 28076157
TI  - Welsh equal pay guidelines.
AB  - NEW GUIDELINES to give practice nurses in Wales the same pay awards as their
      colleagues working elsewhere in the health service have been issued to GPs and
      health authorities.

PMID- 28076158
TI  - Safe to use the 'T' word.
AB  - IT IS POSSIBLE, of course, that things will have changed by the time you read
      this, but as Nursing Standard went to press this week, it seemed that politicians
      were finally getting some- where on health service funding.

PMID- 28076159
TI  - NHS statistics at a glance.
AB  - DATA REVEALED in the NHS performance tables for England include.

PMID- 28076160
TI  - That's what you call a thank-you gesture.
AB  - SHOULD LONG-SERVING health service staff be paid loyalty bonuses? This was one of
      the suggestions put to Tony Blair last week in a letter signed by a number of
      public service leaders, including RCN general secretary Beverly Malone.

PMID- 28076161
TI  - Nursing leaders say NHS indicators are confusing.
AB  - MINISTERS HAVE come under fire from nursing leaders for the way they are
      measuring performance in the health service.

PMID- 28076162
TI  - Co-operation key to timely discharge.
AB  - NURSES HAVE expressed frustration at the way thousands of patients are still
      being discharged too early to free up beds or too late because there is nowhere
      for them to go.

PMID- 28076163
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions/new appointments.

PMID- 28076164
TI  - Prescription-only medicines added to formulary.
AB  - THE NEW nurse prescribers will be able to prescribe all general sales list and
      pharmacy list medicines available to GPs, together with the following
      prescription-only medicines.

PMID- 28076165
TI  - Go-ahead for more MS nurses.
AB  - AN ADDITIONAL 20 to 25 specialist nursing posts are being created to speed up the
      prescription and monitoring of MS drugs.

PMID- 28076166
TI  - Lessons have been learned from Victoria Climbie case.
AB  - TWO NHS TRUSTS accused of failing to protect murdered eight-year-old Victoria
      Climbie say they have learnt important lessons from the case and updated their
      policies.

PMID- 28076167
TI  - Out of the ashes.
AB  - September 11 2001 has been hailed as 'the day that changed the world'. In a
      series of articles I wrote last year for Nursing Standard I offered evidence that
      a cultural shift, in the western world at least, is under way. People are turning
      away from materialistic lifestyles towards global, personal and spiritual
      wellbeing and concerns. Ground zero may have accelerated this, prompting people
      to ask themselves: 'If I were facing death, could I say that I have done
      everything I wanted?' ( Arlidge et al 2001 ). No one ever died wishing they had
      spent more time at the office.

PMID- 28076168
TI  - Funding campaign.
AB  - Nursing students from Unison led a march in London last week calling for better
      financial support. They are unhappy that diploma nursing students receive
      bursaries worth L2.70 an hour and are not entitled to certain benefits. Unison is
      campaigning for students to be paid 'a living wage', while the RCN prefers a
      sharp increase in bursaries.

PMID- 28076169
TI  - Ask the experts.
AB  - W hat can I do with my RCN continuing education points? I have collected more
      than 200 points over the past three years through attendance at conferences and
      writing practice profiles based on Nursing Standard continuing professional
      development articles. Is it worth my while keeping a record of them and do they
      have any currency elsewhere?

PMID- 28076170
TI  - Doubt over reliability of nursing vacancy figures.
AB  - THE PUBLICATION of performance indicators relating to nurse vacancy rates has
      been met with disbelief by managers and staff in some NHS trusts.

PMID- 28076171
TI  - Sharp contrasts in suicide levels.
AB  - HEALTH AUTHORITY performance tables reveal sharp contrasts in suicide rates.

PMID- 28076173
TI  - Cost of living keeps London rates high.
AB  - NURSES IN London were far from surprised to discover that vacancy rates are a lot
      higher in the capital than elsewhere in England.

PMID- 28076172
TI  - Can celebrity chefs crack it?
AB  - What became of the splendid idea to involve celebrity chefs in hospital catering?
      (No doubt they were offered a larger budget than the paltry 10p per patient per
      day that is allocated to our poor cooks.) Our worthy founder Florence Nightingale
      engaged the help of top chefs to nourish her charges in the Crimea. She
      recognised the importance of appetising food for sick patients, not just for
      nutritional purposes, but also as a psychological aid to recovery.

PMID- 28076174
TI  - Executive decision.
AB  - Nursing underpins the NHS - without us, the structure collapses. And nurses feel
      that even the most perceptive of non-nurse chief executives cannot fully
      understand the clinical issues that prevent them from working adequately or to
      their satisfaction. Nurses will have greater respect for managers with a nursing
      background and will accept proposals for change from them more readily.

PMID- 28076175
TI  - Research notes.
AB  - In a culture where randomised controlled trials are considered the 'gold
      standard', qualitative research suffers from the 'stigma of the small n'. A small
      number of cases are studied, the cases are not statistically representative of
      the population and the data collected are unstructured and difficult to analyse.
      Consequently, some NHS staff may see the study as not worthwhile, and indeed as a
      waste of money and resources.

PMID- 28076176
TI  - Network.
AB  - I was recently appointed health adviser to a local council community and housing
      directorate, with a remit for older people. I am interested in hearing from other
      nurses working in similar posts throughout the UK and would like to know if there
      is a national group that represents this type of nursing practice.

PMID- 28076178
TI  - Hay fever relief seven jabs away.
AB  - THE MISERY suffered by people with hay fever could be reduced thanks to a new
      treatment being tested by an allergy research nurse specialist.

PMID- 28076177
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - I always thought it was tough for children who couldn't go to school because of
      chronic illness, but having met Emma, I am not so sure. Emma was diagnosed with
      diabetes when she was ten, and her problem is that she does go to school. Well,
      that is probably a bit simplistic. But the fact is that, at 16, she is finding it
      all a bit much.

PMID- 28076179
TI  - Union fears shift to local pay at NHS Professionals.
AB  - NURSES EMPLOYED by NHS Professionals, the government's national staff agency, are
      receiving vastly differing sums depending on where in the country they work.

PMID- 28076181
TI  - Type 2 diabetes trend 'worrying'.
AB  - THE NUMBER of children with adult-type diabetes will continue to rise unless
      youngsters are encouraged to change their lifestyles, a nurse who specialises in
      the condition said this week.

PMID- 28076183
TI  - Markov Influence Diagrams.
AB  - Markov influence diagrams (MIDs) are a new type of probabilistic graphical model
      that extends influence diagrams in the same way that Markov decision trees extend
      decision trees. They have been designed to build state-transition models, mainly
      in medicine, and perform cost-effectiveness analyses. Using a causal graph that
      may contain several variables per cycle, MIDs can model various patient
      characteristics without multiplying the number of states; in particular, they can
      represent the history of the patient without using tunnel states. OpenMarkov, an
      open-source tool, allows the decision analyst to build and evaluate MIDs
      including cost-effectiveness analysis and several types of deterministic and
      probabilistic sensitivity analysis-with a graphical user interface, without
      writing any code. This way, MIDs can be used to easily build and evaluate complex
      models whose implementation as spreadsheets or decision trees would be cumbersome
      or unfeasible in practice. Furthermore, many problems that previously required
      discrete event simulation can be solved with MIDs; i.e., within the paradigm of
      state-transition models, in which many health economists feel more comfortable.

PMID- 28076186
TI  - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

PMID- 28076192
TI  - In Memoriam.

PMID- 28076182
TI  - Promoting healthy transition to college through mindfulness training with first
      year college students: Pilot randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Given the importance of developmental transitions on young adults'
      lives and the high rates of mental health issues among U.S. college students,
      first-year college students can be particularly vulnerable to stress and
      adversity. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of
      mindfulness training aiming to promote first-year college students' health and
      wellbeing. PARTICIPANTS: 109 freshmen were recruited from residential halls (50%
      Caucasian, 66% female). Data collection was completed in November 2014. METHODS:
      A randomized control trial was conducted utilizing the Learning to BREATHE (L2B)
      program, a universal mindfulness program adapted to match the developmental tasks
      of college transition. RESULTS: Participation in the pilot intervention was
      associated with significant increase in students' life satisfaction, and
      significant decrease in depression and anxiety. Marginally significant decrease
      was found for sleep issues and alcohol consequences. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness
      based programs may be an effective strategy to enhance a healthy transition into
      college.

PMID- 28076196
TI  - Impacts of Lowered Urban Air Temperatures on Precursor Emission and Ozone Air
      Quality.
AB  - Meteorological, photochemical, building-energy, and power plant simulations were
      performed to assess the possible precursor emission and ozone air quality impacts
      of decreased air temperatures that could result from implementing the "cool
      communities" concept in California's South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB). Two pathways
      are considered. In the direct pathway, a reduction in cooling energy use
      translates into reduced demand for generation capacity and, thus, reduced
      precursor emissions from electric utility power plants. In the indirect pathway,
      reduced air temperatures can slow the atmospheric production of ozone as well as
      precursor emission from anthropogenic and biogenic sources. The simulations
      suggest small impacts on emissions following implementation of cool communities
      in the SoCAB. In summer, for example, there can be reductions of up to 3% in NOx
      emissions from in-basin power plants. The photochemical simulations suggest that
      the air quality impacts of these direct emission reductions are small. However,
      the indirect atmospheric effects of cool communities can be significant. For
      example, ozone peak concentrations can decrease by up to 11% in summer and
      population-weighted exceedance exposure to ozone above the California and
      National Ambient Air Quality Standards can decrease by up to 11 and 17%,
      respectively. The modeling suggests that if these strategies are combined with
      others, such as mobile-source emission control, the improvements in ozone air
      quality can be substantial.

PMID- 28076197
TI  - A Method for the Removal of Chromium from Tanned Leather Wastes.
AB  - The separation of Cr(III) from collagen in chromium-tanned leather (wet-blue) is
      achieved by a combination of the protein (collagen) stabilization (protective
      cross-linking) and a subsequent labilization of the Cr(III) species bound to the
      protein. During the separation collagen retains the tertiary triple helical and
      higher (fibril) structures. The model proposed for the protective cross-linking
      involves inter- rather than intramolecular bridging, that is, a supramolecular
      bridging. The process of chromium removal takes place in a restricted aqueous
      environment, and it can be characterized as semihomogeneous or semiheterogeneous.

PMID- 28076198
TI  - Performance of a Suspended-Growth Bioscrubber for the Control of Methanol.
AB  - An experimental study is presented on the control of methanol emissions using a
      single-stage, laboratory-scale, suspended-growth bioscrubber. The inlet
      concentration was 50 or 100 ppmv. The bioscrubber was operated for over 80 days
      at a solids residence time of either one or two days. The overall removal
      efficiency of the scrubber with biomass ranged from 69.0 to 81.0%. The efficiency
      increased with the liquid flow rate. Model simulations were in good agreement
      with the data.

PMID- 28076200
TI  - The Relationship between Historic Industrial Site Use and Environmental
      Contamination.
AB  - A methodology is presented for estimating the probability that particular classes
      of environmental contaminants will be of concern at brownfield redevelopment
      sites. These probabilities are predicted by a logistics model that is based on
      qualitative information about site history and status. This qualitative
      information comprises data that would be collected through a Phase I
      Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), including historic site use, current use and
      ownership status, and the nature of adjacent properties. The model is fit and
      demonstrated using a set of 59 former industrial sites in southwestern
      Pennsylvania that were collected from the files of the Pennsylvania Department of
      Environmental Protection (PADEP). Predictive models are developed for exceedances
      of contaminants as grouped into the following classes: metals, chlorinated
      hydrocarbons, fuel hydrocarbons, and PCBs. A procedure for estimating the
      parametric uncertainty of the model predictions is also illustrated. This method
      can serve as a starting point for more effective usage of existing Phase I ESA
      information and for evaluation of the benefit of obtaining additional site
      information. By increasing the decision-making value of existing (or inexpensive)
      data, this method can help to reduce the information asymmetry that may be an
      obstacle to redevelopment.

PMID- 28076202
TI  - Sources of SO2, SO42-, NOx, and NO3- in the Air of Four Spanish Remote Stations.
AB  - In this study we have analyzed the sources of SO2, SO42-, Nox, and NO3- in the
      air of four remote Spanish stations belonging to the European Monitoring and
      Evaluation Programme (EMEP) network. Information about trajectories has been used
      together with the conditional probability functions (CPFs).1 The most remarkable
      result is that the Mediterranean area is the main source of these pollutants in
      the air of the Spanish EMEP stations. Northern Africa and Central Europe are also
      important sources while the Atlantic Ocean and British Islands are, in general
      terms, low sources of these pollutants. The role of the Iberian Peninsula as a
      source of pollutants in one of the stations, Logrono, is analyzed with more
      details using smaller regions to define CPFs.

PMID- 28076203
TI  - Sulfur Dioxide Emissions and Market Effects under the Clean Air Act Acid Rain
      Program.
AB  - The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA90) established a national program to
      control sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from electricity generation. CAAA90's
      market-based approach includes trading and banking of Soumissions allowances. We
      analyzed data describing electric utility SO2 emissions in 1995, the first year
      of the program's Phase I, and market effects over the 1990-1995 period. Fuel
      switching and flue-gas desulfurization were the dominant means used in 1995 by
      targeted generators to reduce emissions to 51% of 1990 levels. Flue-gas desulfur
      ization costs, emissions allowance prices, low-sulfur coal prices, and average
      sulfur contents of coals shipped to electric utilities declined over the 1990
      1995 period. Projections indicate that 13-15 million allowances will have been
      banked during the program's Phase I, which ends in 1999, a quantity expected to
      last through the first decade of the program's stricter Phase II controls. In
      1995, both allowance prices and SO2 emissions were below pre-CAAA90 expectations.
      The reduction of SO2 emissions beyond pre-CAAA90 expectations, combined with
      lower-than-expected allowance prices and declining compliance costs, can be
      viewed as a success for market-based environmental controls.

PMID- 28076205
TI  - Letters To The Editor.

PMID- 28076204
TI  - Ozone and Its Precursors in the Atmosphere of Mexico City.
AB  - The relative apportionment of hydrocarbons (HCs) coming from mobile, fixed, and
      other sources (not correlated either to carbon monoxide [CO] or sulfur dioxide
      [SO2] emissions as solvent evaporation and biogenic sources) is calculated as
      previously proposed by Riveros et al.1 through the linear approximation [HC]tol =
      [HC]0 + m1 [CO] + m2 [SO2], where m1 and m2 are fitted constants. The obtained
      apportionment with air samples taken in 1993 is consistent with the earlier
      published apportionment with air samples taken in 1992, validating the previous
      procedure. This analysis suggests that 75% of HC originate from mobile sources, 5
      18% from fixed sources, and 7-20% from other sources (mainly solvents and bio
      genic sources). A similar analysis was employed to estimate the relative
      contribution of HCs and nitric oxides (NO2) to ozone (O3) formation, the most
      important air pollutant in Mexico City. In this way, through a local lineation of
      O3 isopleths, simultaneous measurements of HC and NO2 in the atmosphere were
      fitted to the equation-[O3]peak = [O3]0 + ma [HC] + mb [NO2]-to predict O3 peak.
      With these data, the adjusted parameters show that NO2, not HC as was proposed
      previously, is the most important contributor to O3 formation.

PMID- 28076206
TI  - Processing older persons as clients in elderly care: A study of the micro
      processes of care management practice.
AB  - Elder care has undergone a marketization in recent years in which various models
      for care management have been introduced with the aim of making assessments
      efficient. This article investigates the effects the care management model has on
      resource allocation for home care when handling the requests of older persons in
      the needs assessment process. Sixteen tape-recorded assessment conversations with
      associated case-file texts were analyzed through discourse analysis. The results
      show that a managerialist thinking has had a partial impact on the assessment
      process where the documentation requirements have entailed bureaucratization in
      terms of the transfer that occurs from talk to text. The findings from the study
      nevertheless indicate that the assessment conversations have clear elements of an
      individual-centred perspective in which there is room for a care rational
      dialogue. This constitutes a welfare policy dilemma today. Providing for older
      people's requests should be on the basis of quality and an individual-centred
      perspective and care management has had a contrary effect in which focus is
      directed instead towards needs assessment and bureaucratic processes.

PMID- 28076208
TI  - Introduction to the Air & Waste Management Association's 30th Annual Critical
      Review.
AB  - This marks the 30th year of the Air & Waste Management Association's Critical
      Review Program. The Critical Review is a feature of A&WMA's Annual Conference,
      and is directed by the Critical Review Committee. The committee evaluates several
      topics each year, selects the best for presentation, and invites an individual
      (or group) to prepare the Critical Review Paper. This paper is thoroughly
      reviewed by the committee members and a panel of experts. After presentation of
      the review by the authors (typically on the Wednesday of the Annual Conference),
      there is a panel discussion and question-and-answer session. Panel members are
      invited to prepare their comments on the Critical Review, which, along with
      audience comments and the author's closing statements, are published in the
      Journal.

PMID- 28076211
TI  - Vitrification Process for Treatment of Sewage Sludge and Incineration Ash.
AB  - Vitrification processes, in which the operating temperature is higher than the
      melting point of the silica compounds contained in sewage sludge that turns into
      slag, are studied in this paper. The dried sludge and the incineration ash are
      injected into a furnace with auxiliary fuel and flux. The flux is the material
      used to control basicity of the ash content. Crushed limestone is used as the
      flux in this test. Almost all ashes in the sludge are vitrificated into slag. The
      flow of molten slag from the tap is smooth. After the slag is treated, it can be
      used as wall tile, interlocking tile, insulating material, and slag wool. This
      technology conforms to resource recycling.

PMID- 28076213
TI  - In Situ Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium in Alkaline Soils Enriched with Chromite
      Ore Processing Residue.
AB  - In investigating chromium sites in New Jersey, it has been observed that an
      organic-rich 0.5- to 4-foot-thick layer of decayed vegetation (locally known as
      "meadowmat") underlying the chromium-containing material acts as a natural
      barrier to the migration of Cr(VI). The groundwater in a sand layer directly
      beneath the meadowmat has been shown to contain low or nondetectable levels of
      chromium. The meadowmat is under highly reduced conditions due to bacterial
      activity associated with the organic material. Based on the observed ability of
      the meadowmat to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), the feasibility of in situ reduction
      of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) at chromite ore processing residue (COPR) sites was
      investigated in biologically-active, laboratory-scale test columns. COPR
      typically has a high pH (in excess of 12) and may contain total chromium
      concentrations as high as 70,000 mg/kg. Experimental results demonstrated that
      the addition of a mineral acid (to lower the pH to between 7.0 and 9.5) and a
      bacteria-rich organic substrate (fresh manure) resulted in the reduction of
      Cr(VI) to the less toxic and less mobile trivalent form. Pore water Cr(VI) was
      reduced from approximately 800 mg/L to less than 0.05 mg/L over a period of eight
      months. This is less than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)
      Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for chromium in drinking water of 0.1 mg/L. Solid
      phase Cr(VI) concentrations decreased from approximately 2,000 mg/kg to less than
      10 mg/kg in the columns over a period of 11 months while the total chromium
      concentrations remained unchanged. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
      (TCLP) extract from the treated columns met the regulatory limit of 5 mg/L of Cr,
      whereas the untreated samples had TCLP extract concentrations greater than 40
      mg/L. This study demonstrated the potential applicability of in situ reduction to
      soils contaminated with Cr(VI) by adjusting the pH to between 7.0 and 9.5 and
      mixing in a bacteria-rich organic substrate.

PMID- 28076219
TI  - Children's Risk from Multimedia Exposure to Environmental Chemicals.

PMID- 28076215
TI  - National Annual Dioxin Emissions Estimate for Hazardous Waste Incinerators.
AB  - Reducing emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-di-oxins and dibenzofurans,
      commonly known as di-oxins, is a high priority for environmental regulatory
      bodies throughout much of the world. In the United States, Section 112 (c)(6) of
      the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires the Environmental Protectio n Agency (EPA) to
      identify and control emissions from sources that are responsible for at least 90%
      of the overall emissions of seven targeted hazardous air pollutants, including
      dioxins.1 On April 19, 1996, the EPA proposed Maximum Achievable Control
      Technology (MACT) Standards for Hazardous Waste Combustors2 (HWCs). In that
      preamble, the EPA estimated annual dioxin emissions from the nation's hazardous
      waste incinerators (HWIs) to be 79 grams expressed as 2,3,7,8 tetrachloro dibenzo
      p-dioxins (TCDD) international toxic equivalents (ITEQs). However, early EPA
      dioxin emission estimates from medical waste incinerators and cement kilns were
      significantly overestimated;3-5 so, the following independent national dioxin
      emissions estimate for HWIs was prepared. This estimate corrects the errors in
      the EPA's HWI emissions database, uses an updated inventory of HWIs in the United
      States, and applies statistical imputation techniques that take maximum advantage
      of the limited dioxin emissions data for HWIs.

PMID- 28076221
TI  - Evaluation of a Portable Fourier Transform Infrared Gas Analyzer for Measurements
      of Air Toxics in Pollution Prevention Research.
AB  - A portable Fourier transform infrared gas analyzer with a photoacoustic detector
      performed reliably during pollution prevention research at two industrial
      facilities. It exhibited good agreement (within approximately 6%) with other
      analytical instruments (dispersive infrared and flame ionization) when analyte
      concentrations were high and relatively steady. It did not show good agreement
      when analyte concentrations were low (approximately 10 parts per million [ppm])
      or were varying rapidly (less than 1.5 min). The precision for total acetates
      measurements was estimated to be approximately 40 ppm for measurements in the 0-
      to 700-ppm region. The precision for styrene measurements was estimated to be
      approximately 10 ppm for measurements in the 0- to 90-ppm region.

PMID- 28076222
TI  - Modeling Powdered Activated Carbon Injection for the Uptake of Elemental Mercury
      Vapors.
AB  - Batch kinetic experiments were performed to assess the rate of elemental mercury
      uptake by virgin activated carbon at 25 and 140  degrees C, and the homogeneous
      surface diffusion model (HSDM) was used to obtain Langmuir isotherm constants,
      the film mass transfer coefficient, and the surface diffusion coefficient for
      this adsorbent-adsor-bate pair. The adsorptive capacity of the carbon decreased,
      while the adsorption kinetics improved, with an increase in temperature.
      Simulations showed that the adsorptive capacity, particle size, and activated
      carbon dose, as well as the contact time influenced the removal of elemental
      mercury under conditions that may be encountered in the flue gases of coal-fired
      power plants. When adsorption equilibrium was achieved, the adsorptive capacity
      determined the carbon dose required to attain a certain percentage of mercury
      removal. When the system was mass-transfer limited, smaller particle size
      resulted in beter mercury removal. Although increasing the adsorptive capacity
      also led to better mercury removal for mass-transfer-limited systems, the
      magnitude of the improvement depended on the carbon particle size. Longer contact
      times resulted in the system approaching equilibrium and a more efficient use of
      the adsorptive capacity of activated carbon. Design nomo-grams were developed to
      estimate the carbon dose required to attain 80 and 90% removals of elemental
      mercury from nitrogen atmosphere for various process conditions and carbon
      properties.

PMID- 28076224
TI  - A Method for Removal of CO from Exhaust Gas Using Pulsed Corona Discharge.
AB  - An experimental study of the oxidation of CO in exhaust gas from a motorcycle has
      been carried out using plasma chemical reactions in a pulsed corona discharge. In
      the process, some main parameters, such as the initial CO concentration,
      amplitude and frequency of pulses, residence time, reactor volume, and relative
      humidity (RH), as well as their effects on CO removal characteristics, were
      investigated. O3, which is beneficial to reducing CO, was produced during CO
      removal . When the exhaust gas was at ambient temperature, more than 80% CO
      removal efficiency was realized at an initial concentration of 288 ppm in a
      suitable range of the parameters.

PMID- 28076227
TI  - An Evaluation of Flare Combustion Efficiency Using Open-Path Fourier Transform
      Infrared Technology.
AB  - Open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) technology was used to evaluate
      the combustion efficiency of a flare for comparison to several combustion models.
      Most flares have been considered an effective method for destroying organic
      compounds and anything that burns. As the Btu content of the flare gas is
      reduced, the combustion efficiency may also be reduced. Recent studies have
      suggested that lower Btu flares may have efficiencies as low as 65%. In addition,
      models have been developed to predict the effect of wind speed and stack
      discharge velocity on the combustion efficiency. This study was conducted on a
      low-Btu flare gas that is primarily CO. While the models would predict
      efficiencies as low as 30%, the sampling using OP-FTIR showed most combustion
      efficiencies well above 90%. Three methods were used to track combustion
      efficiency: monitoring the ratio of CO to CO2, monitoring the ratio of CO to
      tracer gas, and dispersion modeling. This study was complicated by the presence
      of two flare stacks, thus two tracer gases were used-SF6 and CF4. A method was
      developed for distinguishing between the two stacks and quantifying the
      efficiency in each stack.

PMID- 28076229
TI  - The Fate of Hydrogen Peroxide as an Oxygen Source for Bioremediation Activities
      within Saturated Aquifer Systems.
AB  - In situ bioremediation is an innovative technique for the remediation of
      contaminated aquifers that involves the use of microorganisms to remediate soils
      and groundwaters polluted by hazardous substances. During its application, this
      process may require the addition of nutrients and/or electron acceptors to
      stimulate appropriate biological activity. Hydrogen peroxide has been commonly
      used as an oxygen source because of the limited concentrations of oxygen that can
      be transferred into the groundwater using above-ground aeration followed by
      reinjection of the oxygenated groundwater into the aquifer or subsurface air
      sparging of the aquifer. Because of several potential interactions of H2O2 with
      various aquifer material constituents, its decomposition may be too rapid, making
      effective introduction of the H2O2 into targeted treatment zones extremely
      difficult and costly. Therefore, a bench-scale study was conducted to determine
      the fate of H2O2 within subsurface aquifer environments. The purpose of this
      investigation was to identify those aquifer constituents, both biotic and
      abiotic, that are most active in controlling the fate of H2O2. The decomposition
      rates of H2O2 were determined using both equilibrated water samples and soil
      slurries. Results showed H2O2 decomposition to be effected by several commonly
      found inorganic soil components; however, biologically mediated catalytic
      reactions were determined to be the most substantial.

PMID- 28076230
TI  - Characterization of Emissions from Diffusion Flare Systems.
AB  - Emissions from flares typical of those found at oil-field battery sites in
      Alberta, Canada, were investigated to determine the degree to which the flared
      gases were burned and to characterize the products of combustion in the
      emissions. The study consisted of laboratory, pilot-scale, and field-scale
      investigations. Combustion of all hydrocarbon fuels in both laboratory and pilot
      scale tests produced a complex variety of hydrocarbon products within the flame,
      primarily by pyrolytic reactions. Acetylene, eth-ylene, benzene, styrene, ethynyl
      benzene, and naphthalene were some of the major constituents produced by
      conversion of more than 10% of the methane within the flames. The majority of the
      hydrocarbons produced within the flames of pure gas fuels were effectively
      destroyed in the outer combustion zone, resulting in combustion efficiencies
      greater than 98% as measured in the emissions. The addition of liquid hydrocarbon
      fuels or condensates to pure gas streams had the largest effect on impairing the
      ability of the resulting flame to destroy the pyrolytically produced
      hydrocarbons, as well as the original hydrocarbon fuels directed to the flare.
      Crosswinds were also found to reduce the combustion efficiency (CE) of the co
      flowing gas/condensate flames by causing more unburned fuel and the pyrolytically
      produced hydrocarbons to escape into the emissions. Flaring of solution gas at
      oil-field battery sites was found to burn with an efficiency of 62-82%, depending
      on either how much fuel was directed to flare or how much liquid hydrocarbon was
      in the knockout drum. Benzene, styrene, ethynyl benzene, ethynyl-methyl benzenes,
      toluene, xylenes, acenaphthalene, biphenyl, and fluorene were, in most cases, the
      most abundant compounds found in any of the emissions examined in the field flare
      testing. The emissions from sour solution gas flaring also contained reduced
      sulfur compounds and thiophenes.

PMID- 28076231
TI  - Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Particulate Matter Emission Factor
      Model for European Motor Vehicles.
AB  - Although modeling of gaseous emissions from motor vehicles is now quite advanced,
      prediction of particulate emissions is still at an unsophisticated stage.
      Emission factors for gasoline vehicles are not reliably available, since gasoline
      vehicles are not included in the European Union (EU) emission test procedure.
      Regarding diesel vehicles, emission factors are available for different driving
      cycles but give little information about change of emissions with speed or engine
      load. We have developed size-specific speed-dependent emission factors for
      gasoline and diesel vehicles. Other vehicle-generated emission factors are also
      considered and the empirical equation for re-entrained road dust is modified to
      include humidity effects. A methodology is proposed to calculate modal
      (accelerating, cruising, or idling) emission factors. The emission factors cover
      particle size ranges up to 10 um, either from published data or from user-defined
      size distributions. A particulate matter emission factor model (PMFAC), which
      incorporates virtually all the available information on particulate emissions for
      European motor vehicles, has been developed. PMFAC calculates the emission
      factors for five particle size ranges [i.e., total suspended particulates (TSP),
      PM10, PM5, PM25, and PM1] from both vehicle exhaust and nonexhaust emissions,
      such as tire wear, brake wear, and re-entrained road dust. The model can be used
      for an unlimited number of roads and lanes, and to calculate emission factors
      near an intersection in user-defined elements of the lane. PMFAC can be used for
      a variety of fleet structures. Hot emission factors at the user-defined speed can
      be calculated for individual vehicles, along with relative cold-to-hot emission
      factors. The model accounts for the proportions of distance driven with cold
      engines as a function of ambient temperature and road type (i.e., urban, rural,
      or motorway). A preliminary evaluation of PMFAC with an available dispersion
      model to predict the airborne concentration in the urban environment is
      presented. The trial was on the A6 trunk road where it passes through
      Loughborough, a medium-size town in the English East Midlands. This evaluation
      for TSP and PM10 was carried out for a range of traffic fleet compositions,
      speeds, and meteorological conditions. Given the limited basis of the evaluation,
      encouraging agreement was shown between predicted and measured concentrations.

PMID- 28076232
TI  - A Life-Cycle Comparison of Alternative Automobile Fuels.
AB  - We examine the life cycles of gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and
      ethanol (C2H5OH)-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) automobiles. Port and
      direct injection and spark and compression ignition engines are examined. We
      investigate diesel fuel from both petroleum and biosources as well as C2H5OH from
      corn, herbaceous bio-mass, and woody biomass. The baseline vehicle is a gasoline
      fueled 1998 Ford Taurus. We optimize the other fuel/powertrain combinations for
      each specific fuel as a part of making the vehicles comparable to the baseline in
      terms of range, emissions level, and vehicle lifetime. Life-cycle calculations
      are done using the economic input-output life-cycle analysis (EIO-LCA) software;
      fuel cycles and vehicle end-of-life stages are based on published model results.
      We find that recent advances in gasoline vehicles, the low petroleum price, and
      the extensive gasoline infrastructure make it difficult for any alternative fuel
      to become commercially viable. The most attractive alternative fuel is compressed
      natural gas because it is less expensive than gasoline, has lower regulated
      pollutant and toxics emissions, produces less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and
      is available in North America in large quantities. However, the bulk and weight
      of gas storage cylinders required for the vehicle to attain a range comparable to
      that of gasoline vehicles necessitates a redesign of the engine and chassis.
      Additional natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure is required
      for large-scale use of natural gas for transportation. Diesel engines are
      extremely attractive in terms of energy efficiency, but expert judgment is
      divided on whether these engines will be able to meet strict emissions standards,
      even with reformulated fuel. The attractiveness of direct injection engines
      depends on their being able to meet strict emissions standards without losing
      their greater efficiency. Biofuels offer lower GHG emissions, are sustainable,
      and reduce the demand for imported fuels. Fuels from food sources, such as
      biodiesel from soybeans and C2H5OH from corn, can be attractive only if the co
      products are in high demand and if the fuel production does not diminish the food
      supply. C2H5OH from herbaceous or woody biomass could replace the gasoline burned
      in the light-duty fleet while supplying electricity as a co-product. While it
      costs more than gasoline, bioethanol would be attractive if the price of gasoline
      doubled, if significant reductions in GHG emissions were required, or if fuel
      economy regulations for gasoline vehicles were tightened.

PMID- 28076240
TI  - Effects of bariatric surgery on gout incidence in the Swedish Obese Subjects
      study: a non-randomised, prospective, controlled intervention trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on the incidence
      of gout and hyperuricaemia in participants of the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS)
      study. METHODS: This report includes 1982 subjects who underwent bariatric
      surgery and 1999 obese controls from the SOS study, a prospective intervention
      trial designed to assess the effect of bariatric surgery compared with
      conventional treatment. None of the subjects had gout at baseline. An endpoint on
      gout incidence was created based on information on gout diagnosis and use of gout
      medications through national registers and questionnaires. Median follow-up for
      the incidence of gout was about 19 years for both groups. Moreover, the incidence
      of hyperuricaemia over up to 20 years was examined in a subgroup of participants
      having baseline uric acid levels <6.8 mg/dL. RESULTS: Bariatric surgery was
      associated with a reduced incidence of gout compared with usual care (adjusted HR
      0.60, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.75, p<0.001). The difference in absolute risk between
      groups was 3 percentage points at 15 years, and the number of subjects needed to
      be treated by bariatric surgery to prevent one incident gout event was 32 (95% CI
      22 to 59). The effect of bariatric surgery on gout incidence was not influenced
      by baseline risk factors, including body mass index. During follow-up, the
      surgery group had a lower incidence of hyperuricaemia (adjusted HR 0.47, 95% CI
      0.39 to 0.58, p<0.001). The difference in absolute risk between groups was 12
      percentage points at 15 years, and the number of participants needed to be
      treated by bariatric surgery to prevent hyperuricaemia was 8 (95% CI 6 to 13).
      CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery prevents gout and hyperuricaemia in obese
      subjects. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01479452; Results.

PMID- 28076242
TI  - Bread and Butter of Family Medicine: Guidelines, Population Screening, Diagnostic
      Evaluations, and Practice Models.
AB  - This issue of JABFM is full of evidence and thoughtful articles on topics central
      to family medicine. These articles critically examine what family physicians do
      on a daily basis. Reports in this issue provide new evidence regarding
      guidelines, screening programs, evaluation procedures, and practice models.
      Clinical articles report that the sensitivity of mailed Fecal Immunochemical
      Testing changes with the weather; a dermatoscope and a simple algorithm can help
      differentiate malignant from benign skin lesions; and that a few almonds can
      alter blood glucose levels in response to a glucose tolerance test. Readers will
      find an excellent discussion about whether, and how, the growing number of
      clinical guidelines should be overseen going forward. We also have a first-hand
      account of the Inaugural Starfield Summit, a meeting of family medicine leaders
      working to improve primary care for all. These topics, and plenty of additional
      new evidence pertinent to the daily practice of family physicians can be found in
      this issue.

PMID- 28076243
TI  - Clinical Practice Guidelines-Is "Regulation" the Answer?

PMID- 28076241
TI  - Phenotypic and functional characteristics of HLA-DR+ neutrophils in Brazilians
      with cutaneous leishmaniasis.
AB  - The protozoan Leishmania braziliensis causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in
      endemic regions. In murine models, neutrophils (PMNs) are recruited to the site
      of infection soon after parasite inoculation. However, the roles of neutrophils
      during chronic infection and in human disease remain undefined. We hypothesized
      that neutrophils help maintain a systemic inflammatory state in subjects with CL.
      Lesion biopsies from all patients with CL tested contained neutrophils expressing
      HLA-DR, a molecule thought to be restricted to professional antigen-presenting
      cells. Although CL is a localized disease, a subset of patients with CL also had
      circulating neutrophils expressing HLA-DR and the costimulatory molecules CD80,
      CD86, and CD40. PMNs isolated from a low-density leukocyte blood fraction (LD
      PMNs) contained a higher percentage of HLA-DR+ PMNs than did normal-density PMNs.
      In vitro coculture experiments suggested LD-PMNs do not suppress T cell
      responses, differentiating them from MDSCs. Flow-sorted HLA-DR+ PMNs
      morphologically resembled conventional PMNs, and they exhibited functional
      properties of PMNs. Compared with conventional PMNs, HLA-DR+ PMNs showed
      increased activation, degranulation, DHR123 oxidation, and phagocytic capacity. A
      few HLA-DR+ PMNs were observed in healthy subjects, and that proportion could be
      increased by incubation in either inflammatory cytokines or in plasma from a
      patient with CL. This was accompanied by an increase in PMN hladrb1 mRNA,
      suggesting a possible connection between neutrophil "priming" and up-regulation
      of HLA-DR. These data suggest that PMNs that are primed for activation and that
      also express surface markers of antigen-presenting cells emerge in the
      circulation and infected tissue lesions of patients with CL.

PMID- 28076244
TI  - The Need to Systematically Evaluate Clinical Practice Guidelines.
AB  - Clinical practice guidelines abound. The recommendations contained in these
      guidelines are used not only to make decisions about the care of individual
      patients but also as practice standards to rate physician "quality." Physicians'
      confidence in guidelines is based on the supposition that there is a rigorous,
      objective process for developing recommendations based on the best available
      evidence. Though voluntary standards for the development of guidelines exist, the
      process of guideline development is unregulated and the quality of many
      guidelines is low. In addition, the few tools available to assess the quality of
      guidelines are time consuming and designed for researchers, not clinicians. Few
      guidelines are evaluated, either before or after their dissemination, for their
      impact on patient outcomes. Just as with pharmaceuticals and other products that
      can affect patients for better or worse, perhaps it is time to develop more
      standardized ways to evaluate the development and dissemination of clinical
      practice guidelines to ensure a similar balance between risk and benefit.

PMID- 28076245
TI  - Care Coordination for Primary Care Practice.

PMID- 28076246
TI  - Care Coordination and Population Management Services Are More Prevalent in Large
      Practices and Patient-centered Medical Homes.
AB  - Despite efforts to better coordinate health care and improve population health,
      primary care practices may face difficulty dedicating an individual to provide
      these services. Using data from the American Board of Family Medicine, we found
      that the presence of care coordinators or population health managers was higher
      in larger practices and those with patient-centered medical home certification.

PMID- 28076247
TI  - 5-Day versus 10-Day Course of Fluoroquinolones in Outpatient Males with a Urinary
      Tract Infection (UTI).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines classify urinary tract infections (UTIs) in
      males as complicated and recommend longer treatment than for UTIs in females. The
      objective of this study is to demonstrate that males with UTIs may be
      successfully treated with an outpatient 5-day course of levofloxacin. METHODS:
      Data were obtained from a previously conducted clinical trial
      (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00210886), a multicenter, double-blind,
      randomized, noninferiority study comparing levofloxacin 750 mg intravenously/by
      mouth once daily for 5 days and ciprofloxacin 400/500 mg intravenously/by mouth
      twice daily for 10 days in complicated UTI (cUTI). The current study was a post
      hoc, subgroup analysis of male and female subjects with cUTI. Subjects were
      stratified into groups based on sex and antibiotic received. The subjects were
      analyzed at the end of therapy (EOT) and post therapy (PT) for clinical success
      rates, defined as no further need for antimicrobial treatment. RESULTS: Totals of
      427 patients (224 male, 203 female) and 350 patients (189 male, 161 female) were
      included in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population and microbiologically
      evaluable (ME) populations, respectively. Clinical success rates between males
      and females were not statistically different between antibiotic groups in either
      the mITT or ME populations at EOT or PT. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that
      males with UTI may be treated with a shorter course of antimicrobial therapy for
      UTI than previously recommended.

PMID- 28076248
TI  - Prediabetes Screening and Treatment in Diabetes Prevention: The Impact of
      Physician Attitudes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Detection and treatment of prediabetes is an effective strategy in
      diabetes prevention. However, most patients with prediabetes are not identified.
      Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between attitudes toward
      prediabetes as a clinical construct and screening/treatment behaviors for
      diabetes prevention among US family physicians. METHODS: An electronic survey of
      a national sample of academic family physicians (n 1248) was conducted in 2016.
      Attitude toward prediabetes was calculated using a summated scale assessing
      agreement with statements regarding prediabetes as a clinical construct.
      Perceived barriers to diabetes prevention, current strategies for diabetes
      prevention, and perceptions of peers were also examined. RESULTS: Physicians who
      have a positive attitude toward prediabetes as a clinical construct are more
      likely to follow national guidelines for screening (58.4% vs 44.4; P < .0001) and
      recommend metformin to their patients for prediabetes (36.4% vs 20.9%; P <
      .0001). Physicians perceived a number of barriers to treatment, including a
      patient's economic resources (71.9%), sustaining patient motivation (83.2%), a
      patient's ability to modify his or her lifestyle (75.3%), and time to educate
      patient (75.3%) as barriers to diabetes prevention. CONCLUSIONS: How physicians
      view prediabetes varies significantly, and this variation is related to
      treatment/screening behaviors for diabetes prevention.

PMID- 28076249
TI  - Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for Colon Cancer Screening: Variable Performance
      with Ambient Temperature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are widely used in colorectal
      cancer (CRC) screening, but hemoglobin degradation, due to exposure of the
      collected sample to high temperatures, could reduce test sensitivity. We examined
      the relation of ambient temperature exposure with FIT positivity rate and
      sensitivity. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients 50 to 75
      years in Kaiser Permanente Northern California's CRC screening program, which
      began mailing FIT kits annually to screen-eligible members in 2007. Primary
      outcomes were FIT positivity rate and sensitivity to detect CRC. Predictors were
      month, season, and daily ambient temperatures of test result dates based on US
      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. RESULTS: Patients (n =
      472,542) completed 1,141,162 FITs. Weekly test positivity rate ranged from 2.6%
      to 8.0% (median, 4.4%) and varied significantly by month (June/July vs
      December/January rate ratio [RR] = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76 to
      0.83) and season. FIT sensitivity was lower in June/July (74.5%; 95% CI, 72.5 to
      76.6) than January/December (78.9%; 95% CI, 77.0 to 80.7). CONCLUSIONS: FITs
      completed during high ambient temperatures had lower positivity rates and lower
      sensitivity. Changing kit design, specimen transportation practices, or avoiding
      periods of high ambient temperatures may help optimize FIT performance, but may
      also increase testing complexity and reduce patient adherence, requiring careful
      study.

PMID- 28076250
TI  - Patient-Reported Offers of Alcohol Treatment for Primary Care Patients at High
      Risk for an Alcohol Use Disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed patient-reported alcohol treatment offers by
      health care providers following routine annual screening for alcohol use in
      primary care. METHODS: A telephone interview within 30 days of the annual screen
      assessed demographics, alcohol and other drug use, mental health symptoms, and
      offers of formal treatment for alcohol by a Veterans Affairs health care
      provider. We included male patients (n = 349) at high risk for an alcohol use
      disorder (AUD) who had not received alcohol treatment in the past 3 months. We
      assessed self-reported receipt of any offers of formal treatment for alcohol use
      and associations of offers of formal treatment for alcohol with demographic and
      clinical variables. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients (41.5%) reported an offer of
      at least 1 type of formal treatment for alcohol use. More severe alcohol misuse
      (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.11) and younger age (odds
      ratio, 0.97, 95% confidence interval, 0.95-0.99) were associated with reporting
      an offer of formal treatment. CONCLUSION: Most primary care patients at high risk
      for an AUD were not offered treatment following annual screening. Our results
      highlight the importance of training primary care providers in what constitutes
      appropriate medical treatment for this population and the most effective ways of
      offering treatment.

PMID- 28076251
TI  - Comparison of Medical Diagnoses among Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex-Partnered
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health disparities for gay and lesbian individuals are well
      documented in survey research. However, a limitation throughout the existing
      literature is the reliance on self-reported health conditions. This study used
      medical record diagnoses for gay and lesbian patients seen in primary care
      clinics. METHODS: This study used medical records of primary care patients (n =
      31,569) seen at Midwestern, university-affiliated primary care clinics. First,
      all records with information about the sexual partnering of the patient were
      identified (n = 13,509). Then, opposite-sex-partnered and same-sex-partnered
      (SSP) patients were compared for prevalence of common chronic conditions and
      clinic utilization. RESULTS: Only 44.20% of medical records included information
      about patients' sexual partners. Both male and female SSP patients were more
      likely to be lower socioeconomic status, be a current or former smoker, and be
      diagnosed with substance abuse/dependence and depression. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings suggest the need for more consistent screening of the sexual partnering
      of patients for identifying patients who are at greater risk of poorer health
      outcomes. However, identifying the sexual partnering of patients may not occur
      systematically in primary care, and there may be a lack of disclosure by SSP
      patients to their physicians given the social stigma about same-sex
      relationships.

PMID- 28076253
TI  - Presenting Signs of Multiple Myeloma and the Effect of Diagnostic Delay on the
      Prognosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Presenting symptoms of multiple myeloma (MM) are vague and
      nonspecific. Early detection poses a diagnostic challenge in primary care. We
      assessed whether clinical and laboratory data could provide early clues to MM
      diagnosis and whether time to detection affects survival. METHODS: A
      retrospective population-based study, including 110 men and women diagnosed with
      MM between 2002 and 2011, and matched cancer-free controls presenting with back
      pain. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from medical records for the 2
      year period prior to diagnosis of MM/back pain complaint. RESULTS: During the two
      years prior to diagnosis 64 (58%) of MM patients complained of back pain, and 37
      (34%) suffered from fatigue or weight loss. Case-control comparisons did not
      reveal any significant differences in the number of pain complaints or infections
      in the two-year prediagnostic period. However, fatigue or weight loss, anemia,
      elevated ESR and creatinine (p < 0.001 for all) occurred more frequently in MM
      patients than controls and were confirmed as independent predictors in
      multivariated analysis. TTD did not impact stage at diagnosis, survival, or
      mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Back pain accompanied by fatigue, weight loss or abnormal
      lab results should raise a "red flag" warning of MM. Nonetheless, we did not find
      evidence that TTD influences the initial stage or the prognosis of MM.

PMID- 28076252
TI  - A Clinical Aid for Detecting Skin Cancer: The Triage Amalgamated Dermoscopic
      Algorithm (TADA).
AB  - PURPOSE: Family physicians (FPs) frequently evaluate skin lesions but may not
      have the necessary training to accurately and confidently identify lesions that
      require skin biopsy or specialist referral. We evaluated the diagnostic
      performance of a new, simplified dermoscopy algorithm for skin cancer detection.
      METHODS: In this cross-sectional, observation study, attendees of a dermoscopy
      course evaluated 50 polarized dermoscopy images of skin lesions (27 malignant and
      23 benign) using the Triage Amalgamated Dermoscopic Algorithm (TADA). The
      dermoscopic criteria of TADA include architectural disorder (ie, disorganized or
      asymmetric distribution of colors and/or structures), starburst pattern, blue
      black or gray color, white structures, negative network, ulcer, and vessels. The
      study occurred after 1 day of basic dermoscopy training. Clinical information
      related to palpation (ie, firm, dimpling) was provided when relevant. RESULTS: Of
      200 course attendees, 120 (60%) participated in the study. Participants included
      64 (53.3%) dermatologists and 41 (34.2%) primary care physicians, 19 (46.3%) of
      whom were FPs. Fifty-two (43%) individuals had no previous dermoscopy training.
      Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of TADA for malignant skin lesions was
      94.8% and 72.3%, respectively. Previous dermoscopy training and years of
      dermoscopy experience were not associated with diagnostic sensitivity (P = .13
      and P = .05, respectively) or specificity (P = .36 and P = .21, respectively).
      Specialty type was not associated with sensitivity (P = .37) but dermatologists
      had a higher specificity than nondermatologists (79% v. 72%, P = .008).
      CONCLUSIONS: After basic instruction, TADA may be a useful dermoscopy algorithm
      for FPs who examine skin lesions as it has a high sensitivity for detecting skin
      cancer.

PMID- 28076254
TI  - Watchful Waiting Strategy May Reduce Low-Value Diagnostic Testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PCPs need effective communication strategies to address patient
      requests for low-value testing while sustaining patient-provider partnerships.
      Watchful waiting - allowing a negotiated period of time to pass before making a
      firm testing decision - shows promise as a tool for addressing patient requests
      for low-value testing. METHODS: Observational analysis of data from a randomized
      controlled trial of a communication intervention designed to boost patient
      centeredness and reduce low-value test ordering among 61 resident primary care
      physicians. Intervention effectiveness was assessed during follow-up encounters
      of unannounced standardized patients (SPs) who requested low-value tests. We
      examined associations between five physician counseling behaviors and overall
      patient-centeredness (Measure of Patient-Centered Communication) and requested
      test ordering. RESULTS: During 155 SP encounters, residents most commonly used
      reassurance (96% of encounters), evidence-based recommendations (97%), and
      watchful waiting (68 %). Resident advice to pursue watchful waiting was
      associated with 39% lower likelihood of test ordering (adjusted marginal effect
      of -38.6% [95% CI -43.6 to -33.6]). When all communication behaviors were
      examined together, only watchful waiting was significantly associated with test
      ordering (marginal effect of -38% [95% CI -44.3% to -31.7%]). Overall patient
      centeredness was not associated with low-value testing. CONCLUSION: Resident
      physician counseling to pursue watchful waiting was associated with less ordering
      of requested low-value diagnostic tests, while overall patient-centeredness was
      not.

PMID- 28076255
TI  - Problem Drug-related Behavior and Discontinuation of Opioids Following the
      Introduction of an Opioid Management Program.
AB  - PURPOSE: Problem drug-related behavior (PDB) among patients on chronic opioid
      therapy may reflect an opioid use disorder. This study assessed PDB prevalence
      and the relationship between PDB and ongoing prescription of opioids at a primary
      care clinic that implemented a multifaceted opioid management program. METHODS: A
      chart review of patients in a chronic opioid registry assessed prevalence of
      different types of PDB over 2 years, and whether opioids were prescribed during
      the last 3 months of the 2-year study period among patients with different levels
      of PDB. RESULTS: Among 233 registry patients, 84.1% exhibited PDB; 45.5%
      exhibited >=3 types of PDB. At the end of 2 years, most registry patients were
      still prescribed opioids, though patients with >=3 types of PDB were less likely
      than those without PDB to be prescribed opioids (62.3% vs. 78.4%, P = 0.016).
      CONCLUSIONS: PDB was pervasive in this population of patients on chronic opioid
      therapy. Those with the most PDB, and thus with the greatest likelihood of opioid
      use disorder and its social and medical consequences, were the least likely to be
      prescribed opioids by the clinic after 2 years. Given the rising rates of illicit
      opioid use in the U.S., it is important that clinics work closely with their
      patients who display PDB, systematically assess them for opioid use disorder, and
      offer evidence-based treatment.

PMID- 28076256
TI  - Statin Therapy as Primary Prevention in Exercising Adults: Best Evidence for
      Avoiding Myalgia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This review aims to determine whether active adults who begin
      statins and develop myalgia reduce or stop activity to become less symptomatic.
      If this occurs, strategies to mitigate symptoms are explored. Should these
      strategies fail, the question of whether exercise is an adequate alternative to
      statin therapy is addressed. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane
      Database were searched with keywords designed to retrieve information on statin
      myopathy in exercising adults. RESULTS: Statins are well tolerated by most people
      who exercise; however, caution is warranted in those who exercise at high levels,
      in the elderly, and in those receiving high-dose therapy. Several strategies
      improve statin tolerance while maintaining exercise levels, based on low-quality
      evidence. If statins are not tolerated, a continuing physical activity program
      can provide equivalent or superior cardiometabolic protection. CONCLUSIONS:
      Statins may occasionally present a barrier to physical activity. A number of
      strategies exist that can reduce the risk of myopathy. If a choice between
      exercise and statins becomes necessary, exercise provides equal benefit in terms
      of cardiovascular protection and superior mortality reduction, with improved
      quality of life.

PMID- 28076257
TI  - Physician Advice for e-Cigarette Use.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine characteristics of smokers discussing e-cigarette use with
      their physician and receiving recommendations from their physician to use e
      cigarettes for smoking cessation. METHODS: US adult smokers who had visited a
      physician in the previous 12 months (n = 2671) were surveyed. Logistic
      generalized estimating equation models were used to assess the characteristics of
      smokers who (1) talked to a physician about e-cigarettes, and (2) received
      physician advice to use e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. RESULTS: 15% (n =
      406) of smokers who visited a physician talked with their physician about e
      cigarettes. Among those asked whether their physician recommend e-cigarettes for
      smoking cessation (n = 257), 61% responded affirmatively. Current e-cigarette
      users were more likely to talk to their physicians about e-cigarettes (nondaily
      users vs never users: OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.79-4.05; daily users vs never users:
      OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 2.34-7.84) and have their physician recommend e-cigarettes for
      smoking cessation (daily users vs never users: OR, 9.40; 95% CI, 2.54-34.71).
      CONCLUSIONS: The majority of smokers who talk to their physician about e
      cigarettes report that they received advice to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking,
      despite limited evidence for their efficacy. More studies are needed to better
      understand e-cigarette recommendations in clinical settings.

PMID- 28076258
TI  - Perspectives of Primary Care Providers Toward Palliative Care for Their Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The need for all providers to deliver basic palliative care has emerged
      as patients' needs outstrip the capacity of specialty palliative care. Many
      patients with complex illnesses have unmet needs and are seen in primary care
      more than other settings. We explore primary care providers' willingness and
      perceived capacity to provide basic palliative care, and their concerns and
      perceived barriers. METHODS: We performed semistructured telephone interviews
      with 20 primary care providers about their perceptions of palliative care,
      including needs, practices, experiences, access, and what would be helpful for
      their practices to systematically provide basic palliative care. RESULTS: We
      identified 3 major themes: (1) Participants recognize palliative needs in
      patients with complex problems. (2) They reactively respond to those needs using
      practice and community resources, believing that meeting those needs at a basic
      level is within the scope of primary care. (3) They can identify opportunities to
      improve the delivery of a basic palliative approach in primary care through
      practice change and redesign strategies used in enhanced primary care
      environments. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic attention along the multidimensional
      domains of basic palliative care might allow practices to address unmet needs in
      patients with complex illnesses by using existing practice improvement models,
      strategies, and prioritization.

PMID- 28076259
TI  - Almond "Appetizer" Effect on Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) Results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The extent to which glucose intolerance can be acutely improved with
      dietary modification is unclear. The purpose of this study was to test the effect
      of ingesting a low-calorie almond preload ("appetizer") 30 minutes before oral
      glucose tolerance testing in glucose-intolerant individuals without diabetes.
      METHODS: Twenty adults with prediabetes or isolated 1-hour glucose >=160 mg/dL
      underwent 2 fasting oral glucose tolerance tests (GTTs)-1 standard GTT and 1 GTT
      30 minutes after eating a half ounce (12) of dry-roasted almonds. Fourteen
      participants met 1 or more prediabetes diagnostic criteria; 6 had only elevated 1
      hour glucose >=160 mg/dL. RESULTS: The mean 1-hour plasma glucose after the
      almond preload was 37.1 mg/dL (19.4%) lower (154.6 vs 191.7; P < .001) than in
      the standard GTT. The almond preload reduced the area under the glucose curve by
      15.5% (P < .001). Eight individuals had a marked hypoglycemic effect (glucose
      reduced by 45 to 110 mg/dL); 4 had a moderate hypoglycemic effect (22-32 mg/dL).
      CONCLUSION: A low-calorie almond "appetizer" showed promise as an option for
      decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia in individuals with prediabetes or isolated
      1-hour postprandial hyperglycemia. Further study is needed to confirm and refine
      the role of such a premeal appetizer in the self-care of prediabetes.

PMID- 28076260
TI  - Medical Home Implementation in Small Primary Care Practices: Provider
      Perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield of Maryland implemented a voluntary
      patient-centered medical home (PCMH) program in 2011 that did not require formal
      certification to participate. This study assessed attitudes and awareness of PCMH
      programs among participating providers in Maryland and Northern Virginia.
      METHODS: This qualitative study used information from 13 focus groups. In
      addition, 39 telephone interviews were conducted. An experienced facilitator
      moderated the focus groups. Written transcripts were analyzed using NVivo
      software. RESULTS: Several cross-cutting themes emerged. First, the payment bump
      of 12% was a motivating factor to participate but did not have long-term effects
      on participation. Second, nurse care coordinators were perceived as the key
      element of the PCMH program. Third, providers had limited awareness of an
      external data portal. Finally, small practices were generally receptive to the
      externally supported program elements. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of PCMH
      program elements can be facilitated in small primary care practices even if third
      party certification is not a requirement. Participating providers viewed having
      an external nurse care coordinator as the key element of the PCMH program. Small
      practices were receptive to external supports, but a lack of trust was viewed as
      a barrier to implementing a payer-based medical home program.

PMID- 28076261
TI  - "How Can We Talk about Patient-centered Care without Patients at the Table?"
      Lessons Learned from Patient Advisory Councils.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Patient advisory councils (PACs) are a strategy for
      primary care clinics to engage patients in practice improvement. However, there
      is scant research on how PACs function. This study aimed to understand how PACs
      are organized and identify common challenges and perceived benefits of high
      functioning PACs. SETTING AND POPULATION: Key informants identified 8 primary
      care clinics in California with high-functioning PACs. Leaders from each of the 8
      clinics nominated 1 clinic staff member and 1 PAC patient member to be
      interviewed. STUDY DESIGN: Semistructured, one-on-one interviews were conducted
      at each clinic site or by phone. Interviews were dual-coded using modified
      grounded theory. Common themes were identified that would be pertinent to the
      development of future best practices for running PACs. RESULTS: Common
      characteristics of high-functioning PACs included careful attention to
      participant recruitment, facilitation strategies guiding diverse personalities
      toward a common purpose, and assigning accountability for practice improvement
      projects. Interviewees identified a variety of positive outcomes that ranged from
      tangible improvements to the waiting area to a more patient-centered staff
      culture. CONCLUSIONS: PACs show potential for promoting patient-centered practice
      improvements in primary care. Lessons learned from high-functioning PACs can
      inform a common set of strategies to assist practices in creating and sustaining
      effective advisory councils.

PMID- 28076262
TI  - Physician Cost Consciousness and Use of Low-Value Clinical Services.
AB  - PURPOSE: Choosing WiselyTM engaged medical specialties, creating "top 5 lists" of
      low-value services. We describe primary care physicians' (PCPs') self-reported
      use of these services and perceived barriers to guideline adherence. We quantify
      physician cost consciousness and determine associations with use. METHODS: PCP
      attendees of a continuing medical education conference completed a survey. For
      each Family Medicine Choosing Wisely behavior, participants reported clinical
      adherence. Likert scale items assessed perceived barriers. Low-value service
      frequency was the dependent variable. A validated Cost Consciousness Scale
      created the predictor variable. We hypothesized that participants with greater
      cost consciousness would report less frequent use of low-value services. RESULTS:
      Of 199 PCP attendees, 143 (72%) participated. Papanicolaou test after
      hysterectomy was performed least (0.2 mean services performed/10 patients).
      Provider knowledge of sinusitis treatment guidelines was greatest but provided
      most frequently (3.9 mean services performed/10 patients). Practice related
      barriers were perceived most frequently for adhering to sinusitis treatment
      guidelines. Attitudinal barriers were greatest for avoiding osteoporosis
      screening in low risk patients. Greater cost consciousness was associated with
      less use of low-value services (P = .03), greater knowledge of guidelines (P =
      .001), and fewer perceived attitudinal and practice behavior-related barriers (P
      < .001 for each). Greater knowledge of guidelines was not associated with less
      use of low-value services (P = .58). Familiarity with Choosing Wisely was
      associated with both greater cost consciousness (P = .004) and less use of low
      value services (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Greater PCP cost consciousness was
      associated with less use of low-value services. Interventions to decrease
      perceived barriers and increase cost consciousness, perhaps by increasing
      awareness of Choosing Wisely, may translate into improved performance.

PMID- 28076263
TI  - "A Paradox Persists When the Paradigm Is Wrong": Pisacano Scholars' Reflections
      from the Inaugural Starfield Summit.
AB  - The inaugural Starfield Summit was hosted in April 2016 by the Robert Graham
      Center for Policy Studies in Family Medicine and Primary Care with additional
      partners and sponsors, including the Pisacano Leadership Foundation (PLF). The
      Summit addressed critical topics in primary care and health care delivery,
      including payment, measurement, and team-based care. Invited participants
      included an interdisciplinary group of pediatricians, family physicians,
      internists, behaviorists, trainees, researchers, and advocates. Among the family
      physicians invited were both current and past PLF (Pisacano) scholars. After the
      Summit, a small group of current and past Pisacano scholars formed a writing
      group to reflect on and summarize key lessons and conclusions from the Summit. A
      Summit participant's statement, "a paradox persists when the paradigm is wrong,"
      became a repeated theme regarding the paradox of primary care within the context
      of the health care system in the United States. The Summit energized participants
      to renew their commitment to Dr. Starfield's 4 C's of Primary Care (first contact
      access, continuity, comprehensiveness, and care coordination) and to the
      Quadruple Aim (quality, value, and patient and physician satisfaction) and to
      continue to explore how primary care can best shape the future of the nation's
      health care system.

PMID- 28076264
TI  - Researchers' Experience with Clinical Data Sharing.
AB  - The topic of transparency in industry-sponsored clinical trials has gathered the
      attention of researchers in medicine. Patient-level data from recently completed
      clinical trials is now available for investigators to reanalyze or perform new
      analyses. In this Special Communication, the authors discuss their experience
      using this type of research and provide recommendations for success.

PMID- 28076265
TI  - Nonbacterial Causes of Lymphangitis with Streaking.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymphangitic streaking, characterized by linear erythema on the skin,
      is most commonly observed in the setting of bacterial infection. However, a
      number of nonbacterial causes can result in lymphangitic streaking. We sought to
      elucidate the nonbacterial causes of lymphangitic streaking that may mimic
      bacterial infection to broaden clinicians' differential diagnosis for patients
      presenting with lymphangitic streaking. METHODS: We performed a review of the
      literature, including all available reports pertaining to nonbacterial causes of
      lymphangitic streaking. RESULTS: Various nonbacterial causes can result in
      lymphangitic streaking, including viral and fungal infections, insect or spider
      bites, and iatrogenic etiologies. CONCLUSION: Awareness of potential nonbacterial
      causes of superficial lymphangitis is important to avoid misdiagnosis and delay
      the administration of appropriate care.

PMID- 28076266
TI  - Re: Social Justice as the Moral Core of Family Medicine: A Perspective from the
      Keystone IV Conference.

PMID- 28076267
TI  - Response: Re: Social Justice as the Moral Core of Family Medicine: A Perspective
      from the Keystone IV Conference.

PMID- 28076268
TI  - Re: Over Half of Graduating Family Medicine Residents Report More Than $150,000
      in Educational Debt.

PMID- 28076269
TI  - A Message from the President of the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).

PMID- 28076270
TI  - Correction to "The Performance of Fertility Awareness-based Method Apps Marketed
      to Avoid Pregnancy".
AB  - In the above-mentioned article,1 the electronic version differs from the print
      version due to typos in Table 2. The only data affected were the apps that did
      not predict the fertile window. The electronic version on the Journal of the
      American Board of Family Medicine website has been corrected. We apologize for
      the error, and we regret any confusion or inconvenience it may have caused.

PMID- 28076271
TI  - Correction to "Family Physicians with a Certificate of Added Qualifications
      (CAQs) in Sports Medicine Spend the Majority of Their Time Practicing Sports
      Medicine".
AB  - In the above-mentioned article,1 the electronic version differs from the print
      version due to data errors in the figure. Consequently, the original title no
      longer accurately reflects the findings after correcting the data errors and has
      been changed to: "Family Physicians with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in
      Sports Medicine Spend an Increasing Amount of Time Practicing Sports Medicine."
      The electronic version on the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
      website has been corrected. We apologize for the error, and we regret any
      confusion or inconvenience it may have caused.

PMID- 28076272
TI  - Correction to "Reported Practice Patterns Among Family Physicians With a
      Geriatrics Certificate of Added Qualifications".
AB  - In the above-mentioned article,1 the electronic version differs from the print
      version due to data reporting errors. The electronic version on the Journal of
      the American Board of Family Medicine website has been corrected. We apologize
      for the error, and we regret any confusion or inconvenience it may have caused.

PMID- 28076275
TI  - Atmospheric fine particulate matter and breast cancer mortality: a population
      based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has multiple adverse
      effects on human health. Global atmospheric levels of PM2.5 increased by 0.55
      MUg/m3/year (2.1%/year) from 1998 through 2012. There is evidence of a causal
      relationship between atmospheric PM2.5 and breast cancer (BC) incidence, but few
      studies have investigated BC mortality and atmospheric PM2.5. We investigated BC
      mortality in relation to atmospheric PM2.5 levels among patients living in Varese
      Province, northern Italy. METHODS: We selected female BC cases, archived in the
      local population-based cancer registry, diagnosed at age 50-69 years, between
      2003 and 2009. The geographic coordinates of each woman's place of residence were
      identified, and individual PM2.5 exposures were assessed from satellite data.
      Grade, stage, age at diagnosis, period of diagnosis and participation in BC
      screening were potential confounders. Kaplan-Meir and Nelson-Aalen methods were
      used to test for mortality differences in relation to PM2.5 quartiles.
      Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling estimated HRs and 95% CIs of BC
      death in relation to PM2.5 exposure. RESULTS: Of 2021 BC cases, 325 died during
      follow-up to 31 December 2013, 246 for BC. Risk of BC death was significantly
      higher for all three upper quartiles of PM2.5 exposure compared to the lowest,
      with HRs of death: 1.82 (95% CI 1.15 to 2.89), 1.73 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.67) and
      1.72 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.75). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that the risk of BC
      mortality increases with PM2.5 exposure. Although additional research is required
      to confirm these findings, they are further evidence that PM2.5 exposure is
      harmful and indicate an urgent need to improve global air quality.

PMID- 28076276
TI  - Analysis of Acquisition and Titer of Maize Mosaic Rhabdovirus in Its Vector,
      Peregrinus maidis (Hemiptera: Delphacidae).
AB  - The corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis (Ashmead) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae),
      transmits Maize mosaic rhabdovirus (MMV), an important pathogen of maize and
      sorghum, in a persistent propagative manner. To better understand the vectorial
      capacity of P. maidis, we determined the efficiency of MMV acquisition by nymphal
      and adult stages, and characterized MMV titer through development. Acquisition
      efficiency, i.e., proportion of insects that acquired the virus, was determined
      by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and virus titer of
      individual insects was estimated by quantitative RT-PCR. Acquisition efficiency
      of MMV differed significantly between nymphs and adults. MMV titer increased
      significantly over time and throughout insect development from nymphal to adult
      stage, indication of virus replication in the vector during development. There
      was a positive association between the vector developmental stage and virus
      titer. Also, the average titer in male insects was threefold higher than female
      titers, and this difference persisted up to 30 d post adult eclosion. Overall,
      our findings indicate that nymphs are more efficient than adults at acquiring MMV
      and virus accumulated in the vector over the course of nymphal development.
      Furthermore, sustained infection over the lifespan of P. maidis indicates a
      potentially high capacity of this vector to transmit MMV.

PMID- 28076277
TI  - The Combined Effect of Methyl- and Ethyl-Paraben on Lifespan and Preadult
      Development Period of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae).
AB  - Parabens are widely used as preservative substances in foods, pharmaceuticals,
      industrial products, and cosmetics. But several studies have cautioned that
      parabens have estrogenic or endocrine-disrupting properties. Drosophila
      melanogaster is an ideal model in vivo to detect the toxic effects of chemistry.
      The study was designed to assess the potential additive toxic effects of
      methylparaben (MP) and ethylparaben (EP) mixture (MP + EP) on lifespan and
      preadult development period in D. melanogaster The data revealed that the MP + EP
      can reduce the longevity of flies compared with the control group, consistent
      with a significant reduction in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in
      superoxide dismutase activities. Furthermore, MP + EP may have a greater toxic
      effect on longevity of flies than separate using with the same concentration.
      Additionally, parabens had a nonmonotonic dose-response effect on D. melanogaster
      preadult development period, showing that MP + EP delayed preadult development
      period compared with control group while individual MP or EP significantly
      shortened (P < 0.01) at low concentration (300 mg/l). In conclusion, MP + EP had
      the potential additive toxicity on lifespan and preadult development period for
      D. melanogaster.

PMID- 28076278
TI  - Characterization of the Ryanodine Receptor Gene With a Unique 3'-UTR and
      Alternative Splice Site From the Oriental Fruit Moth.
AB  - The ryanodine receptor (RyR), the largest calcium channel protein, has been
      studied because of its key roles in calcium signaling in cells. Insect RyRs are
      molecular targets for novel diamide insecticides. The target has been focused
      widely because of the diamides with high activity against lepidopterous pests and
      safety for nontarget organisms. To study our understanding of effects of diamides
      on RyR, we cloned the RyR gene from the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta,
      which is the most serious pest of stone and pome tree fruits throughout the
      world, to investigate the modulation of diamide insecticides on RyR mRNA
      expression in G. molesta (GmRyR). The full-length cDNAs of GmRyR contain a unique
      3'-UTR with 625 bp and an open reading frame of 15,402 bp with a predicted
      protein consisting of 5,133 amino acids. GmRyR possessed a high level of overall
      amino acid homology with insect and vertebrate isoforms, with 77-92% and 45-47%
      identity, respectively. Furthermore, five alternative splice sites were
      identified in GmRyR. Diagnostic PCR showed that the inclusion frequency of one
      optional exon (f) differed between developmental stages, a finding only found in
      GmRyR. The lowest expression level of GmRyR mRNA was in larvae, the highest was
      in male pupae, and the relative expression level in male pupae was 25.67 times
      higher than that of in larvae. The expression level of GmRyR in the male pupae
      was 8.70 times higher than in female pupae, and that in male adults was 5.70
      times higher than female adults.

PMID- 28076279
TI  - Identification and Validation of Reference Genes for the Normalization of Gene
      Expression Data in qRT-PCR Analysis in Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae).
AB  - To obtain accurate and reliable results from quantitative real-time reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, it is necessary to
      select suitable reference genes as standards for normalizing target gene
      expression data. QRT-PCR is a popular analytical methodology for studying gene
      expression and it has been used widely in studies of Aphis gossypii Glover in
      recent years. However, there is absence of study on the stability of the
      expression of reference genes in A. gossypii. In this study, eight commonly used
      candidate reference genes, including 18S, 28S, beta-ACT, GAPDH, EF1alpha, RPL7,
      alpha-TUB, and TBP, were evaluated under various experimental conditions to
      assess their suitability for use in the normalization of qRT-PCR data. The
      optimal number of reference genes was determined using the geNorm program, and
      the suitability of particular reference genes was empirically validated by
      performing normalizations of expression data for the HSP70 gene. The results
      showed the most suitable combinations of reference genes for the different
      experimental conditions. For experiments based on divergent developmental stages,
      EF1alpha, beta-ACT, and RPL7 are the optimal reference gene combination, both
      EF1alpha and beta-ACT are the optimal combination used in the experiments of
      different geographical populations, whereas for experiments of the temperature
      changes, the combination of GAPDH and RPL7 is optimal, both 18S and beta-ACT are
      an optimal combination for feeding assay experiments. These research results
      should be useful for the selection of the suitable reference genes to obtain
      reliable qRT-PCR data in the gene expression study of A. gossypii.

PMID- 28076280
TI  - The Effect of Organic Fertilizers and Flowering Plants on Sheet-Web and Wolf
      Spider Populations (Araneae: Lycosidae and Linyphiidae) and Its Importance for
      Pest Control.
AB  - The main goal of this study was to identify the treatment that increases the
      populations of spiders, which are effective predators in agroecosystems. In 2013
      and 2014 the experimental eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) field was two different
      treatments, organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizer treatment, and in 2014 we
      surrounded organic fertilizer plots with the flowering plants mealy cup sage
      (Salvia farinacea Benth.), spearmint (Mentha spicata L.), and basil (Ocimum
      basilicum L.). Analysis using repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant
      influences of fertilizer type on the numbers of linyphiid spiders and Collembola
      in 2013. In 2014, the numbers of Collembola, thrips, and lycosid and linyphiid
      spider were higher in organic fertilizer with flowering plants treatment
      comparing with the chemical fertilizer treatment. Moreover, the numbers of
      Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) were significantly lower in the organic
      fertilizer with flowering plants treatment than in chemical fertilizers
      treatment. Finally, we expect that Thysanoptera and Collembola were important
      alternative prey for linyphiid and lycosid spiders and the use of organic
      fertilizer and flowering plants enhanced the density of these spiders, and may
      increase their effectiveness in suppressing the populations of H.
      vigintioctopunctata (F.).

PMID- 28076281
TI  - Transcriptome and Gene Expression Analysis of Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera:
      Brentidae) During Different Development Stages.
AB  - The sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (F.) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), is an
      important pest of sweet potato worldwide. However, there is limited knowledge on
      the molecular mechanisms underlying growth and differentiation of C. formicarius
      The transcriptomes of the eggs, second instar larvae, third instar larvae (L3),
      pupae, females, and males of C. formicarius were sequenced using Illumina
      sequencing technology for obtaining global insights into developing transcriptome
      characteristics and elucidating the relative functional genes. A total of
      54,255,544 high-quality reads were produced, trimmed, and de novo assembled into
      115,281 contigs. 61,686 unigenes were obtained, with an average length of 1,009
      nt. Among these unigenes, 17,348 were annotated into 59 Gene Ontology (GO) terms
      and 12,660 were assigned to 25 Cluster of Orthologous Groups classes, whereas
      24,796 unigenes were mapped to 258 pathways. Differentially expressed unigenes
      between various developmental stages of C. formicarius were detected. Higher
      numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were recorded in the eggs versus
      L3 and eggs versus male samples (2,141 and 2,058 unigenes, respectively) than the
      others. Genes preferentially expressed in each stage were also identified. GO and
      pathway-based enrichment analysis were used to further investigate the functions
      of the DEGs. In addition, the expression profiles of ten DEGs were validated by
      quantitative real-time PCR. The transcriptome profiles presented in this study
      and these DEGs detected by comparative analysis of different developed stages of
      C. formicarius will facilitate the understanding of the molecular mechanism of
      various living process and will contribute to further genome-wide research.

PMID- 28076282
TI  - Enzyme Activity, Cold Hardiness, and Supercooling Point in Developmental Stages
      of Acrosternum arabicum (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).
AB  - Several species of pentatomid bugs feed on pistachio fruits in Iran. Acrosternum
      arabicum Wagner (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is one of the most important pests of
      pistachio in Rafsanjan, Iran. This study was carried out to investigate the
      carbohydrase activities, supercooling points, and cold hardiness profiles of
      different developmental stages of A. arabicum under laboratory conditions. The
      midgut amylolytic of A. arabicum showed an optimal pH at 7.0. The highest
      amylolytic activity was found in the female adults (35.41 +/- 0.90 nmol/min/gut).
      The mean amylolytic activity measured in first instar nymph was 6.75 +/- 0.54
      nmol/min/gut. Midgut alpha- and beta-glucosidase showed an optimal activity at pH
      5 and 7, respectively. These activities increased from first (83 +/- 5 and 54 +/-
      5 nmol/min, respectively) to fifth (881 +/- 17 and 237 +/- 14 nmol/min,
      respectively) instar nymphs. The enzyme activities increased in the adults.
      Midgut alpha- and beta-galactosidase showed an optimal activity at pH 5. alpha-
      and beta-galactosidase activities were low in the first instar nymphs (73 +/- 5
      and 21 +/- 3 nmol/min, respectively). The level of alpha- and beta-galactosidase
      activities in the female adults (533 +/- 18 and 246 +/- 6 nmol/min, respectively)
      was higher than the nymphs. The lowest super cooling points (-19 and -18.2 
      degrees C, respectively) and the highest cold hardiness (22 and 18% following 24
      h exposure at - 20  degrees C, respectively) were recorded for the eggs and adult
      females.

PMID- 28076283
TI  - Potential Distribution Map of Culicoides insignis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae),
      Vector of Bluetongue Virus, in Northwestern Argentina.
AB  - Culicoides insignis Lutz is incriminated as a vector of bluetongue virus (BTV) to
      ruminants in America. In South America, almost all countries have serological
      evidence of BTV infections, but only four outbreaks of the disease have been
      reported. Although clinical diseases have never been cited in Argentina, viral
      activity has been detected in cattle. In this study, we developed a potential
      distribution map of Culicoides insignis populations in northwestern Argentina
      using Maximum Entropy Modeling (Maxent). For the analyses, information regarding
      both data of specimen collections between 2003 and 2013, and climatic and
      environmental variables was used. Variables selection was based on the ecological
      relevance in relation to Culicoides spp. biology and distribution in the area.
      The best Maxent model according to the Jackknife test included 53 C. insignis
      presence records and precipitation of the warmest quarter, altitude, and
      precipitation of the wettest month. Accuracy was evaluated by the area under the
      curve (AUC = 0.97). These results provide an important analytical resource of
      high potential for both the development of suitable control strategies and the
      assessment of disease transmission risk in the region.

PMID- 28076284
TI  - Abnormal Development of Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis (Acari: Ixodidae).
AB  - A single Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis specimen exhibiting abnormal morphology was
      collected from a tick laboratory colony. The tick had a heart-shaped body with
      partial twinning of the posterior region (with two anal orifices and two genital
      grooves). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of teratological
      changes in H. qinghaiensis The abnormal morphological features are described
      herein.

PMID- 28076285
TI  - Ephemera danica (Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae) As a Resource for Two Commensals:
      Ciliated Protozoans (Sessilida) and Chironomids (Diptera).
AB  - The distribution and coexistence of two unrelated commensals, the chironomid
      Epoicocladius ephemerae (Kieffer 1924) and ciliate Carchesium polypinum L. 1758,
      on one host species, Ephemera danica Muller 1764, sampled in two small lowland
      rivers in 2009, 2010 and 2011, were investigated. We analyzed 288 mayfly
      specimens from the Bzura River and 101 from the Mroga River. The number of
      commensals on a single mayfly specimen varied between 0 and 18 chironomids, and
      from 0 to 46 colonies of ciliates. Prevalences were >48% for chironomids and ~30%
      for ciliates, whereas mean intensities were low (4.01+/-6.04 commensals on one
      host). The spatial distribution of each commensal species was investigated on
      different parts of the host body. Neither chironomids nor ciliates infected the
      whole mayfly body. The co-occurrence of these two commensals was not random and
      showed a negative association. Chironomids were most frequent on two or three
      parts of the body (two parts of the abdomen, with gills and without gills, and
      legs), whereas ciliates were found on two parts (the whole abdomen). Coexistence
      of the two commensal species led to partitioning of resources that was host body
      size dependent: small mayflies (optimal size 11.63 mm) were primarily settled by
      ciliated protozoans while larger specimens (optimal size 28.77 mm) were settled
      by chironomids.

PMID- 28076287
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28076286
TI  - Spinosad Induces Antioxidative Response and Ultrastructure Changes in Males of
      Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae).
AB  - The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is of great concern worldwide,
      especially in the Middle East, where dates are a strategic crop. Despite their
      ecological hazard, insecticides remain the most effective means of control. A
      bioinsecticide of bacterial origin, spinosad is effective against several pests,
      and its efficacy against male R. ferrugineus was assessed in the present study.
      The antioxidative responses of key enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) to spinosad were
      investigated in the midgut and testes, and the effects of this insecticide on the
      cell ultrastructure of the midgut, Malpighian tubules, and testes were also
      determined. The lethal concentration 50 of spinosad was measured at 58.8 ppm, and
      the insecticide inhibited the activities of CAT, SOD, and GST in the midgut.
      However, no significant changes in the activities of these enzymes were observed
      in the testes. Spinosad treatment resulted in concentration-dependent changes in
      the cellular organelles of the midgut, Malpighian tubules, and testes of R.
      ferrugineus, and some of these effects were similar to those exerted by other
      xenobiotics. However, specific changes were observed as a result of spinosad
      treatment, including an increase in the number and size of concretions in
      Malpighian tubule cells and the occasional absence of the central pair of
      microtubules in the axonemes of sperm tails. This study introduces spinosad for
      potential use as an insecticide within an integrated control program against male
      red palm weevils. Additionally, the study provides biochemical and
      ultrastructural evidence for use in the development of bioindicators.

PMID- 28076289
TI  - From bacteria to chloroplasts: evolution of the chloroplast SRP system.
AB  - Chloroplasts derive from a prokaryotic symbiont that lost most of its genes
      during evolution. As a result, the great majority of chloroplast proteins are
      encoded in the nucleus and are posttranslationally imported into the organelle.
      The chloroplast genome encodes only a few proteins. These include several
      multispan thylakoid membrane proteins which are synthesized on thylakoid-bound
      ribosomes and cotranslationally inserted into the membrane. During evolution,
      ancient prokaryotic targeting machineries were adapted and combined with novel
      targeting mechanisms to facilitate post- and cotranslational protein transport in
      chloroplasts. This review focusses on the chloroplast signal recognition particle
      (cpSRP) protein transport system, which has been intensively studied in higher
      plants. The cpSRP system derived from the prokaryotic SRP pathway, which mediates
      the cotranslational protein transport to the bacterial plasma membrane.
      Chloroplasts contain homologs of several components of the bacterial SRP system.
      The function of these conserved components in post- and/or cotranslational
      protein transport and chloroplast-specific modifications of these transport
      mechanisms are described. Furthermore, recent studies of cpSRP systems in algae
      and lower plants are summarized and their impact on understanding the evolution
      of the cpSRP system are discussed.

PMID- 28076288
TI  - Transfer RNAs with novel cloverleaf structures.
AB  - We report the identification of novel tRNA species with 12-base pair amino-acid
      acceptor branches composed of longer acceptor stem and shorter T-stem. While
      canonical tRNAs have a 7/5 configuration of the branch, the novel tRNAs have
      either 8/4 or 9/3 structure. They were found during the search for selenocysteine
      tRNAs in terabytes of genome, metagenome and metatranscriptome sequences. Certain
      bacteria and their phages employ the 8/4 structure for serine and histidine
      tRNAs, while minor cysteine and selenocysteine tRNA species may have a modified
      8/4 structure with one bulge nucleotide. In Acidobacteria, tRNAs with 8/4 and 9/3
      structures may function as missense and nonsense suppressor tRNAs and/or
      regulatory noncoding RNAs. In delta-proteobacteria, an additional cysteine tRNA
      with an 8/4 structure mimics selenocysteine tRNA and may function as opal
      suppressor. We examined the potential translation function of suppressor tRNA
      species in Escherichia coli; tRNAs with 8/4 or 9/3 structures efficiently
      inserted serine, alanine and cysteine in response to stop and sense codons,
      depending on the identity element and anticodon sequence of the tRNA. These
      findings expand our view of how tRNA, and possibly the genetic code, is
      diversified in nature.

PMID- 28076290
TI  - Tailored interactive sequences for continuous MR-image-guided freehand biopsies
      of different organs in an open system at 1.0 tesla (T) - Initial experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility, image quality, and accuracy of freehand
      biopsies of liver, bone, muscle, vertebral disc, soft tissue, and other lesions
      using balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP, balanced fast field echo:
      bFFE), spoiled and nonspoiled gradient echo (FFE), and turbo spin echo (TSE)
      sequences for interactive continuous navigation in an open magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) system at 1.0 tesla (T). METHODS: Twenty-six MR-guided biopsies
      (five liver, five bone, four muscle, four vertebral disc, one lung, one kidney,
      one suprarenal gland, and five soft or other tissue) were performed in 23
      patients in a 1.0-T open magnetic resonance (MR) scanner (Panorama HFO, Philips
      Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands). A total of 42 samples were obtained.
      Depending on lesion size and location, 14-18-gauge MR-compatible biopsy sets with
      a length of 100 or 200 mm (Somatex Medical, Teltow, Germany), 14-18-gauge MR
      compatible semiautomatic biopsy guns with a length of 100 or 150 mm (Invivo,
      Schwerin, Germany), or 11-gauge MR-compatible bone marrow biopsy needles with a
      length of 100 mm (Somatex Medical, Teltow, Germany) were employed. RESULTS: All
      lesions were visible with continuous interactive imaging. Our initial results
      indicate that bFFE is particularly suitable for fast-moving organs (pulmonary,
      paracardial); moving organs are targeted better with T1-weighted (T1W) TSE, T1W
      FFE (liver) or T2-weighted (T2W) TSE (complicated cysts, adrenal glands), and
      static organs are successfully approached with proton density (PD) (spine) or T1W
      TSE (peripheral bones, musculoskeletal system). No adverse events related to the
      use of MRI were obtained. No complications occurred according to the Society of
      Interventional Radiology (SIR) clinical practice guidelines. CONCLUSION: Applying
      tailored interactive dynamic imaging sequences for continuous navigation to
      liver, bone, muscle, vertebral disc, soft tissue, and other lesions can improve
      the feasibility, image quality, and interventional accuracy of freehand MR-guided
      biopsies and may hence reduce the risk of complications.

PMID- 28076291
TI  - Individual construction of freeform-fabricated polycaprolactone scaffolds for
      osteogenesis.
AB  - The construction of engineered bone mostly focuses on simulating the
      extracellular matrix (ECM) for proper biological activity. However, the
      complexity of architecture and the variability of the mechanical properties of
      natural bones are related to individual differences in age, nutritional state,
      mechanical loading and disease status. Defect substitutions should be normed with
      the host natural bone, balancing architectural and mechanical adaption, as well
      as biological activity. Using a freeform fabrication (FFF) method, we prepared
      polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with different architectures. With simulation of
      structural and mechanical parameters of rabbit femur cancellous bone, individual
      defect substitution with the characteristics of the rabbit femur was obtained
      with high porosity and connectivity. Biological adaption in vitro was examined
      and osteoid formation in vivo was assessed by implantation in situ. Simulating
      the femur cancellous bone, 300-MUm FFF PCL scaffolds had better architectural and
      mechanical properties. The protocol produced an architecturally, mechanically and
      biologically adaptive construction of an individual model for rapid-prototype PCL
      scaffolds. A guide system was developed to accurately reproduce virtually
      individual defect substitutions of the bone.

PMID- 28076292
TI  - 445-nm diode laser-assisted debonding of self-ligating ceramic brackets.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study determined the influence of irradiation on aesthetic
      ceramic brackets with a novel 445-nm diode laser prior to debonding on the
      bracket failure mode. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty ceramic brackets (In
      Ovation(r) C, GAC) were standard-bonded to the oral and buccal planed and
      polished enamel surfaces of 15 caries-free human 3rd molars. Prior to study
      blinded debonding, the brackets in the laser group were irradiated with the diode
      laser (SIROLaser Blue(r), Sirona), while the irradiation was simulated within the
      conventional group. To determine the degree of enamel fractures and the adhesive
      remnant index (ARI) before debonding (T0), after debonding (T1) and after removal
      of the remaining composite using a rotating fraise (red ring, Comet) (T2),
      micrographs of the enamel surface at 10-fold and 20-fold magnifications were
      taken. Additionally, the enamel surface was investigated using seven randomly
      chosen samples from each group at every time point by SEM at 200-fold and 500
      fold magnifications. RESULTS: In the laser group, the ARI-score was statistically
      significantly reduced (p<0.05) at 10-fold and 20-fold magnifications compared to
      the conventional group, while enamel fractures were not found at any
      magnification in either group at T1. Enamel fractures and grinding marks were
      increasingly found in the conventional group by SEM at T2. CONCLUSION:
      Irradiation with the novel diode laser prior to debonding of ceramic brackets
      significantly changes bonding failure in terms of less remaining adhesive. This
      is of clinical importance as the risk of enamel fractures and chair time can be
      reduced.

PMID- 28076293
TI  - Electromyographic classification of effort in muscle strength assessment.
AB  - Dual-channel evaluation of surface electromyogram (SEMG) signals acquired from
      amputee subjects using computational techniques for classification of arm motions
      is presented in this study. SEMG signals were classified by the neural network
      (NN) and interpretation was done using statistical techniques to extract the
      effectiveness of the recorded signals. From the results, it was observed that
      there exists a calculative difference in amplitude gain across different motions
      and that SEMG signals have great potential to classify arm motions. The outcomes
      indicated that the NN algorithm performs significantly better than other
      algorithms, with a classification rate (CR) of 96.40%. Analysis of variance
      (ANOVA) presents the results to validate the effectiveness of the recorded data
      to discriminate SEMG signals. The results are of significant thrust in
      identifying the operations that can be implemented for classifying upper-limb
      movements suitable for prostheses' design.

PMID- 28076294
TI  - Simulation of effects of the electrode structure and material in the density
      measuring system of the peripheral nerve based on micro-electrical impedance
      tomography.
AB  - The electrode structure in micro-electrical impedance tomography (MEIT) highly
      influences the measurement sensitivity and therefore the reconstructed image
      quality. Hence, optimizing the electrode structure leads to the improvement of
      image quality in the reconstruction procedure. Although there have been many
      investigations on electrical impedance tomography (EIT) electrodes, there is no
      comprehensive study on their influence on images of the peripheral nerve. In this
      paper, we present a simulation method to study the effects of the electrode
      structure in the density measurement system of the peripheral nerve based on
      MEIT. The influence of the electrode structure such as dimensions, material and
      the number of electrodes and also the recognition feature of different radii of
      fascicle and different locations of fascicles has been studied. Data were
      reconstructed from the real and imaginary parts of complex conductivity data,
      respectively. It has been shown that the material of the electrodes had no effect
      on the reconstructed images, while the dimensions of the electrodes significantly
      affected the image sensitivity and thus the image quality. An increase in the
      number of electrodes increased the amount of data and information content.
      However, as the number of electrodes increased due to the given perimeter of the
      peripheral nerve, the area of the electrodes was reduced. This reduction affects
      the reconstructed image quality. The real and imaginary parts of the data were
      separately reconstructed for each case. Although, in real EIT systems, the
      reconstructed images using the real part of the signal have a better signal-to
      noise ratio (SNR), this study proved that for a density measuring system of the
      peripheral nerve, the reconstructed images using the imaginary part of the signal
      had better quality. This simulation study proposes the effects of the electrode
      size and material and obtained spatial resolution that was high enough to
      reconstruct fascicles in a peripheral nerve.

PMID- 28076295
TI  - Convolutive blind source separation of surface EMG measurements of the
      respiratory muscles.
AB  - Electromyography (EMG) has long been used for the assessment of muscle function
      and activity and has recently been applied to the control of medical ventilation.
      For this application, the EMG signal is usually recorded invasively by means of
      electrodes on a nasogastric tube which is placed inside the esophagus in order to
      minimize noise and crosstalk from other muscles. Replacing these invasive
      measurements with an EMG signal obtained non-invasively on the body surface is
      difficult and requires techniques for signal separation in order to reconstruct
      the contributions of the individual respiratory muscles. In the case of muscles
      with small cross-sectional areas, or with muscles at large distances from the
      recording site, solutions to this problem have been proposed previously. The
      respiratory muscles, however, are large and distributed widely over the upper
      body volume. In this article, we describe an algorithm for convolutive blind
      source separation (BSS) that performs well even for large, distributed muscles
      such as the respiratory muscles, while using only a small number of electrodes.
      The algorithm is derived as a special case of the TRINICON general framework for
      BSS. To provide evidence that it shows potential for separating inspiratory,
      expiratory, and cardiac activities in practical applications, a joint numerical
      simulation of EMG and ECG activities was performed, and separation success was
      evaluated in a variety of noise settings. The results are promising.

PMID- 28076296
TI  - Efficiency test of current carotid embolic protection devices.
AB  - Embolic protection devices were developed to reduce the risk of stroke during
      carotid artery stenting. The aim of this study was to test the capture efficiency
      of five embolic protection devices under reproducible in vitro conditions. The
      setup consisted of silicone tubes representing the vessel modeling round and oval
      cross sections. Spherical polystyrene particles (150 MUm, COOH-coating) were used
      to simulate the plaque. The particles were inserted in a clean water circuit and
      either captured by the device or collected in a glass filter. The missed
      particles were counted by laser obscuration as a measure of device leakage. The
      systems Angioguard RX, RX Accunet, FiberNet, FilterWire EZ and EmboshieldNAV were
      analyzed. At the round cross section, FilterWire EZ demonstrated the highest
      capture efficiency (0% of missed particles) and RX Accunet the lowest, at 34%.
      The amount of leaked particles increased to 22% for FilterWire EZ and 89% for
      Angioguard RX during the test with the oval cross profile.

PMID- 28076298
TI  - Comparison of Abbott RealTime genotype II, GeneMatrix restriction fragment mass
      polymorphism and Sysmex HISCL HCV Gr assays for hepatitis C virus genotyping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype is a predictive marker for treatment
      response. We sequentially evaluated the performances of two nucleic acid
      amplification tests (NAATs) and one serology assay for HCV genotype: Abbott
      RealTime genotype II (RealTime II), GeneMatrix restriction fragment mass
      polymorphism (RFMP), and Sysmex HISCL HCV Gr (HISCL Gr). METHODS: We examined 281
      clinical samples with three assays. The accuracy was assessed using the HCV
      Genotype Performance Panel PHW204 (SeraCare Life Sciences) for two NAATs.
      Discrepant cases were re-genotyped by the Versant HCV v.2.0 (line probe 2.0)
      assay. RESULTS: With the RealTime II assay, clinic samples were analyzed as
      follows: genotypes 1b (43.1%), 2 (40.2%), 1 subtypes other than 1a and 1b
      (12.5%), 3 (1.8%), 4 (1.4%), 1a (0.7%), 6 (0.4%), and mixed (1.1%). The RealTime
      II and RFMP assays showed a type concordance rate of 97.5% (274/281) (kappa=0.80)
      and no significant discordance (p=0.25). Both assays accurately genotyped all
      samples in the Performance Panel by the subtype level. The HISCL Gr assay showed
      concordance rates of about 91% (kappa<0.40) and statistically significant
      discordances with two NAATs (p<0.05). In confirmation tests, the results of RFMP
      assay were the most consistent with those of Versant 2.0 assay. CONCLUSIONS: The
      three HCV assays provided genotyping and serotyping results with good concordance
      rates. The two NAATs (RealTime II and RFMP) showed comparable performance and
      good agreement. However, the results of the HISCL Gr assay showed statistically
      significant differences with those of the NAATs.

PMID- 28076297
TI  - Dynamics of the cardiovascular autonomic regulation during orthostatic challenge
      is more relaxed in women.
AB  - Linear dynamic analysis of cardiovascular and respiratory time series was
      performed in healthy subjects with respect to gender by shifted short-term
      segments throughout a head-up tilt (HUT) test. Beat-to-beat intervals (BBI),
      systolic (SYS) and diastolic (DIA) blood pressure and respiratory interval (RESP)
      time series were acquired in 14 men and 15 women. In time domain (TD), the
      descending slope of the auto-correlation function (ACF) (BBI_a31cor) was more
      pronounced in women than in men (p<0.05) during the HUT test and considerably
      steeper (p<0.01) at the end of orthostatic phase (OP). The index SYS_meanNN was
      slightly but significantly lower (p<0.05) in women during the complete test,
      while higher respiratory frequency and variability (RESP_sdNN) were found in
      women (p<0.05), during 10-20 min after tilt-up. In frequency domain (FD), during
      baseline (BL), BBI-normalized low frequency (BBI_LFN) and BBI_LF/HF were slightly
      but significantly lower (p<0.05), while normalized high frequency (BBI_HFN) was
      significantly higher in women. These differences were highly significant from the
      first 5 min after tilt-up (p<0.01) and highly significant (p<0.001) during 10-14
      min of OP. Findings revealed that men showed instantaneously a pronounced and
      sustained increase in sympathetic activity to compensate orthostatism. In women,
      sympathetic activity was just increased slightly with delayed onset without
      considerably affecting sympatho-vagal balance.

PMID- 28076299
TI  - Association between plasma proANP and hyperuricemia in Chinese Han women: a cross
      sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Association between pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP) and
      hyperuricemia has not yet been investigated in population. This study aimed to
      examine the association in Chinese Han women. METHODS: We measured plasma proANP,
      serum uric acid, and other traditional biomarkers in 1360 women older than 30
      years residing in the Gusu district of Suzhou City. Association between plasma
      proANP and hyperuricemia was analyzed in women aged >=45 years and those aged <45
      years, respectively. RESULTS: In women aged >=45 years, the odds ratio (OR) [95%
      confidence interval (CI)] of hyperuricemia with high proANP (over the median) was
      0.57 (0.34-0.97) compared to those with low proANP (p=0.040). After adjustment
      for age and other potential covariates, a high plasma proANP was associated with
      a decreased risk of hyperuricemia in women aged >=45 years (OR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19
      0.84), when the highest and lowest categories were compared. In contrast, there
      was no association between plasma proANP and hyperuricemia in women aged <45
      years. We did not observe a significant interaction between age and proANP
      (pinteraction=0.113). Sensitivity analyses further confirmed these age-specific
      findings. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma proANP was significantly and inversely associated
      with hyperuricemia in Chinese Han women aged >=45 years. This study suggests that
      an increased plasma proANP should be a protective factor of hyperuricemia among
      middle-aged and old women.

PMID- 28076300
TI  - Usefulness of maternal red cell antibodies to predict hemolytic disease of the
      fetus and newborn and significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: a retrospective
      study.

PMID- 28076301
TI  - Clinical use of targeted high-throughput whole-genome sequencing for a dengue
      virus variant.

PMID- 28076303
TI  - Implementation and application of moving average as continuous analytical quality
      control instrument demonstrated for 24 routine chemistry assays.
AB  - BACKGROUND: General application of a moving average (MA) as continuous analytical
      quality control (QC) for routine chemistry assays has failed due to lack of a
      simple method that allows optimization of MAs. A new method was applied to
      optimize the MA for routine chemistry and was evaluated in daily practice as
      continuous analytical QC instrument. METHODS: MA procedures were optimized using
      an MA bias detection simulation procedure. Optimization was graphically supported
      by bias detection curves. Next, all optimal MA procedures that contributed to the
      quality assurance were run for 100 consecutive days and MA alarms generated
      during working hours were investigated. RESULTS: Optimized MA procedures were
      applied for 24 chemistry assays. During this evaluation, 303,871 MA values and 76
      MA alarms were generated. Of all alarms, 54 (71%) were generated during office
      hours. Of these, 41 were further investigated and were caused by ion selective
      electrode (ISE) failure (1), calibration failure not detected by QC due to
      improper QC settings (1), possible bias (significant difference with the other
      analyzer) (10), non-human materials analyzed (2), extreme result(s) of a single
      patient (2), pre-analytical error (1), no cause identified (20), and no
      conclusion possible (4). CONCLUSIONS: MA was implemented in daily practice as a
      continuous QC instrument for 24 routine chemistry assays. In our setup when an MA
      alarm required follow-up, a manageable number of MA alarms was generated that
      resulted in valuable MA alarms. For the management of MA alarms, several
      applications/requirements in the MA management software will simplify the use of
      MA procedures.

PMID- 28076302
TI  - Detecting paraprotein interference on a direct bilirubin assay by reviewing the
      photometric reaction data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The direct bilirubin (D-Bil) assay on the AU Beckman Coulter
      instrumentation can be interfered by paraproteins, which may result in spurious D
      Bil results. In a previous work, we took advantage of this fact to detect this
      interference, thus helping with the identification of patients with unsuspected
      monoclonal gammopathies. In this work, we investigate the possibility to detect
      interference based on the review of the photometric reactions, regardless of the
      D-Bil result. METHODS: The D-Bil assay was carried out in a set of 2164 samples.
      It included a group of 164 samples with paraproteins (67 of which caused
      interference on the assay), as well as different groups of samples for which high
      absorbance background readings could also be expected (i.e. hemolyzed, lipemic,
      or icteric samples). Photometric reaction data were reviewed and receiver
      operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to establish a cut-off for
      absorbance that best discriminates interference. RESULTS: The best cut-off was
      0.0100 for the absorbance at the first photometric point of the complementary
      wavelength in the blank cuvette. Once the optimal cut-off for probable
      interference was selected, all samples analyzed in our laboratory that provided
      absorbance values above this cut-off were further investigated to try to discover
      paraproteins. During a period of 6 months, we detected 44 samples containing
      paraproteins, five of which belonged to patients with non-diagnosed monoclonal
      gammopathies. CONCLUSIONS: Review of the photometric reaction data permits the
      systematic detection of paraprotein interference on the D-Bil AU assay, even for
      samples for which reasonable results are obtained.

PMID- 28076304
TI  - The use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for therapeutic drug
      monitoring of antibiotics in cancer patients.
AB  - Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In addition
      to organ failure, the most frequent reasons for admission of cancer patients to
      intensive care units (ICU) are: infections and sepsis. As critically ill, the
      complexity of the health situation of cancer patients renders the standard
      antimicrobial regimen more complex and even inadequate which results in increased
      mortality rates. This is due to pathophysiological changes in the volume of
      distribution, increased clearance, as well as to organ dysfunction. While in the
      former cases a decrease in drug efficacy is observed, the hallmark of the latter
      one is overdosing leading to increased toxicity at the expense of efficacy.
      Furthermore, an additional risk factor is the potential drug-drug interaction
      between antibiotics and antineoplastic agents. Therefore, therapeutic drug
      monitoring (TDM) is a necessity to improve the clinical outcome of antimicrobial
      therapy in cancer patients. To be applied in routine analysis the method used for
      TDM should be cheap, fast and highly accurate/sensitive. Furthermore, as ICU
      patients are treated with a cocktail of antibiotics the method has to cover the
      simultaneous analysis of antibiotics used as a first/second line of treatment.
      The aim of the current review is to briefly survey the pitfalls in the current
      antimicrobial therapy and the central role of TDM in dose adjustment and drug
      drug interaction's evaluation. A major section is dedicated to summarize the
      currently published analytical methods and to shed light on the difficulties and
      potential problems that can be encountered during method development.

PMID- 28076305
TI  - Analytical and diagnostic performance of two automated fecal calprotectin
      immunoassays for detection of inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the (pre-)analytical and diagnostic performance of two
      automated fecal calprotectin (FC) immunoassays, Liaison(r) Calprotectin
      (Diasorin) on Liaison(r) XL and fCALTM turbo (Buhlmann laboratories AG) on Cobas
      C501 (Roche Diagnostics), and compared it with our established Buhlmann ELISA
      method. METHODS: Our study comprised 229 consecutive patients with clinical
      suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). RESULTS: All assay related stool
      extraction procedures showed excellent correlation with the established method,
      but the new stool extraction devices tend to give higher results as compared with
      stool weight methods. Both automated assays demonstrated good performance in
      terms of precision (CVt<=8.1%), accuracy (bias<=6.7%) and total error (<=16.4%).
      Method comparison with established enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      showed good correlation (rs>0.925), but regression analysis showed significant
      proportional differences. Diagnostic performance characteristics with regard to
      diagnosis of IBD were good and in line with other reports. In addition, we were
      able to show that optimization of manufacturer's cut-off and moreover, the
      introduction of a gray zone resulted in a significant increase of post-test
      probability. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the newly developed stool extraction
      device protocols showed acceptable and comparable performance to the stool weight
      method. Overall, the automated Liaison(r) Calprotectin and fCALTM turbo assay
      showed good analytical and diagnostic performance for detection of IBD.

PMID- 28076306
TI  - Parallel diurnal fluctuation of testosterone, androstenedione,
      dehydroepiandrosterone and 17OHprogesterone as assessed in serum and saliva:
      validation of a novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for
      salivary steroid profiling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Salivary androgen testing represents a valuable source of biological
      information. However, the proper measurement of such low levels is challenging
      for direct immunoassays, lacking adequate accuracy. In the last few years, many
      conflicting findings reporting low correlation with the serum counterparts have
      hampered the clinical application of salivary androgen testing. Liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) makes it possible to overcome
      previous analytical limits, providing new insights in endocrinology practice.
      METHODS: Salivary testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone
      (DHEA) and 17OHprogesterone (17OHP) were extracted from 500uL of saliva,
      separated in 9.5 min LC-gradient and detected by positive electrospray ionization
      - multiple reaction monitoring. The diurnal variation of salivary and serum
      androgens was described by a four paired collection protocol (8 am, 12 am, 4 pm
      and 8 pm) in 19 healthy subjects. RESULTS: The assay allowed the quantitation of
      T, A, DHEA and 17OHP down to 3.40, 6.81, 271.0 and 23.7 pmol/L, respectively,
      with accuracy between 83.0 and 106.1% for all analytes. A parallel diurnal rhythm
      in saliva and serum was observed for all androgens, with values decreasing from
      the morning to the evening time points. Salivary androgen levels revealed a high
      linear correlation with serum counterparts in both sexes (T: R>0.85; A: R>0.90;
      DHEA: R>0.73 and 17OHP: R>0.89; p<0.0001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Our LC-MS/MS
      method allowed a sensitive evaluation of androgen salivary levels and represents
      an optimal technique to explore the relevance of a comprehensive androgen profile
      as measured in saliva for the study of androgen secretion modulation and activity
      in physiologic and pathologic states.

PMID- 28076307
TI  - Evaluation of the Greiner Bio-One serum separator BCA Fast Clot tube.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current commercial tubes have difficulties in producing "true" serum
      from all blood samples even within the recommended clotting times. Hence, Becton
      Dickinson (BD) and now Greiner have produced tubes containing thrombin as the
      procoagulant to reduce the clotting time and increase the possibility of
      producing serum from anticoagulated blood samples. METHODS: The Greiner BCA Fast
      Clot (GBBCAFC) tube was evaluated in a hospital environment using 40
      participants, (30 healthy and 10 undergoing renal dialysis) for 32 analytes
      against the Greiner lithium heparin tube and the BD Rapid Serum Tubes (BD RST)
      tube measured on Beckman DxC 800 and DxI 800 analyzers. Clotting strength was
      also examined using thromboelastography (TEG). RESULTS: The analytes results
      showed there was a very close agreement between the BD RST tube and GBBCAFC tube
      in comparison with lithium heparin plasma. The result comparison data showed
      equivalent performance with lower levels of hemolysis. The prolonged storage
      study also showed very similar agreement between the BD RST and the GBBCAFC
      tubes. Likewise, the TEG data showed there was very little difference in clotting
      ability between the tubes, and neither was capable of producing true serum from
      blood spiked with 2 U heparin/mL of blood. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed the
      GBBCAFC tube with the combination of the two procoagulants blood clotting
      activator and thrombin produced comparable performance with the lithium heparin
      plasma and the BD RST serum samples.

PMID- 28076308
TI  - Measurements of serum non-ceruloplasmin copper by a direct fluorescent method
      specific to Cu(II).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses indicated the breakdown of copper homeostasis in the
      sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease (AD), comprising copper decreases within the
      brain and copper increases in the blood and the pool not bound to ceruloplasmin
      (non-Cp Cu, also known in the literature as "free" copper). The calculated non-Cp
      Cu (Walshe's) index has many limitations. METHODS: A direct fluorescent method
      for non-Cp Cu detection has been developed and data are presented herein. The
      study included samples from 147 healthy subjects, 36 stable mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI) and 89 AD patients, who were tested for non-Cp Cu through the
      direct method, total serum copper, ceruloplasmin concentration and o-dianisidine
      ceruloplasmin activity. The indirect non-Cp Cu Walshe's index was also
      calculated. RESULTS: The direct method was linear (0.9-5.9 MUM), precise (within
      laboratory coefficient variation of 9.7% for low and 7.1% for high measurements),
      and had a good recovery. A reference interval (0-1.9 MUM) was determined
      parametrically in 147 healthy controls (27-84 years old). The variation of non-Cp
      Cu was evaluated according to age and sex. Non-Cp Cu was 1.5 times higher in AD
      patients (regarding the upper value of the reference interval) than in healthy
      controls. Healthy, MCI and AD subjects were differentiated through the direct non
      Cp Cu method [areas under the curve (AUC)=0.755]. Considering a 95% specificity
      and a 1.91 MUmol/L cut-off, the sensitivity was 48.3% (confidence interval 95%:
      38%-58%). The likelihood ratio (LR) was 9.94 for positive test results (LR+) and
      0.54 for negative test result (LR-). CONCLUSIONS: The direct fluorescent test
      reliably and accurately measures non-Cp Cu, thereby determining the probability
      of having AD.

PMID- 28076309
TI  - Activation of the tryptophan/serotonin pathway is associated with severity and
      predicts outcomes in pneumonia: results of a long-term cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As part of the immune defense during infection, an increase in enzyme
      activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) leads to a breakdown of tryptophan
      to kynurenine. In previous animal studies, therapeutic antagonism of IDO resulted
      in reduced sepsis mortality. We investigated the prognostic ability of
      tryptophan, serotonin, kynurenine and IDO (represented by the ratio of
      kynurenine/tryptophan) to predict adverse clinical outcomes in patients with
      community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). METHODS: We measured tryptophan, serotonin
      and kynurenine on admission plasma samples from CAP patients included in a
      previous multicenter trial by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We studied their association with inflammation (C
      reactive protein), infection (procalcitonin) and clinical outcome. RESULTS:
      Mortality in the 268 included patients was 45% within 6 years of follow-up. IDO
      and kynurenine showed a strong positive correlation with markers of infection
      (procalcitonin) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) as well as sepsis and CAP
      severity scores. Tryptophan showed similar, but negative correlations. In a
      multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age and comorbidities, higher IDO
      activity and lower tryptophan levels were strongly associated with short-term
      adverse outcome defined as death and/or ICU admission within 30 days with
      adjusted odds ratios of 9.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-59.5, p=0.021] and
      0.11 (95% CI 0.02-0.70, p=0.021). Multivariate analysis did not reveal
      significant associations for kynurenine and serotonin. CONCLUSIONS: In
      hospitalized CAP patients, higher IDO activity and lower tryptophan levels
      independently predicted disease severity and short-term adverse outcome. Whether
      therapeutic modulation of IDO has positive effects on outcome needs further
      investigation.

PMID- 28076310
TI  - The serum concentrations of leptin and MCP-1 independently predict low back pain
      duration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a very frequent condition, affecting most
      people at some point throughout their life. This cross-sectional study was aimed
      to investigate a selected panel of cytokines and inflammatory biomarkers in
      patients with or without LBP. METHODS: The study population consisted of 104
      patients diagnosed with LBP (52 non-persistent and 52 persistent) and 52 healthy
      subjects with no LBP. Blood samples were collected for assessment of adiponectin,
      leptin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and C reactive protein (CRP).
      The duration of LBP was categorized as "no pain", "non-persistent LBP" and
      "persistent LBP". RESULTS: Higher values of CRP and lower concentrations of both
      leptin and MCP-1 were found in LBP patients compared to controls, whereas
      adiponectin did not differ among groups. MCP-1 was also lower in patients with
      non-persistent than in those with persistent LBP. Age, leptin (relative risk,
      11.8; 95% CI, 3.9-35.8) and MCP-1 (relative risk, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.7-4.4) were
      independently associated with presence and duration of LBP. The combination of
      age, leptin and MCP-1 predicted 61% of the risk of LBP duration. The area under
      the curve of MCP-1 for distinguishing persistent from non-persistent LBP was 0.65
      (95% CI, 0.54-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Then results of our study suggest that leptin
      and MCP-1 may be promising biomarkers for diagnosis of acute LBP and its risk to
      become chronic.

PMID- 28076311
TI  - Biomarkers of acute kidney injury: the pathway from discovery to clinical
      adoption.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of critical illnesses and has
      a significant impact on outcomes, including mortality and morbidities.
      Unfortunately, apart from prophylactic measures, no effective treatment for this
      syndrome is known. Therefore, early recognition of AKI not only can provide
      better opportunities for preventive interventions, but also opens many gates for
      research and development of effective therapeutic options. Over the last few
      years, several new AKI biomarkers have been discovered and validated to improve
      early detection, differential diagnosis, and differentiation of patients into
      risk groups for progressive renal failure, need for renal replacement therapy
      (RRT), or death. These novel AKI biomarkers complement serum creatinine (SCr) and
      urine output, which are the standard diagnostic tools for AKI detection. In this
      article, we review the available literature on characteristics of promising AKI
      biomarkers that are currently the focus of preclinical and clinical
      investigations. These biomarkers include neutrophil gelatinase-associated
      lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), liver-type fatty acid-binding
      protein, interleukin 18 (lL-18), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7,
      tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), calprotectin, urine
      angiotensinogen (AGT), and urine microRNA. We then describe the clinical
      performance of these biomarkers for diagnosis and prognostication. We also
      appraise each AKI biomarker's advantages and limitations as a tool for early AKI
      recognition and prediction of clinical outcomes after AKI. Finally, we review the
      current and future states of implementation of biomarkers in the clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28076312
TI  - Implausible elevation of peripheral thyroid hormones during therapy with a
      protein supplement.

PMID- 28076313
TI  - Ethnopharmacological investigation of the aerial part of Phragmites karka
      (Poaceae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this ethnopharmacological study, methanolic extract of the aerial
      plant parts of Phragmites karka (Family: Poaceae) and its petroleum ether and
      carbon tetrachloride fractions were investigated for bioactivities in Swiss
      albino mice, namely, analgesic, central nervous system (CNS) depressant,
      hypoglycemic, and antidiarrheal activity. METHODS: The cold methanolic extract of
      the aerial plant parts of Phragmites karka (MEPK) was first prepared, and it was
      then further fractionated as petroleum ether (PEFMEPK) and carbon tetrachloride
      (CTFMEPK) fractions. Analgesic activity was performed employing acidic acid
      induced writhing test, central analgesic effect by radiant heat tail-flick
      method. CNS depressant activity was evaluated by phenobarbitone-induced sleeping
      time test. Hypoglycemic activity was tested by glucose tolerance test (GTT).
      Antidiarrheal activity was evaluated by castor oil-induced diarrhea method. For
      all in vivo tests, doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight were used. RESULTS: In
      the mice model, the MEPK, PEFMEPK, and CTFMEPK fractions showed significant
      peripheral analgesic activity at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight with percentage
      of inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing 77.67 (p<0.001), 33.50 (p<0.001),
      and 40.29 (p<0.001), respectively, compared to the standard dichlofenac (60.68%,
      p<0.001) group. The hypoglycemic properties of MEPK, PEFMEPK, and CTFMEPK
      extracts were evaluated in normoglycemic mice where the reduction of blood
      glucose level after 30 min of glucose load were 69.85%, 78.91%, and 72.73%,
      respectively, and for standard glibenclamide, the reduction was 72.85%. All
      results were significant (p<0.05). In the case of the CNS depressant activity by
      phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time test, the crude ME significantly reduced
      sleep latency by 57.14% and increased the duration of sleep by 63.29% compared to
      the control, which were comparable to that of standard diazepam (65.71% and
      77.62%, respectively). Among all the extract and fractions, methanolic extract
      showed the maximum antidiarrheal effect. The methanolic extract at 200 mg/kg dose
      induced a significant decrease in the total number of defecation in 4 h (69.05%
      of inhibition, p<0.001) and at 400 mg/kg dose showed 76.19% of inhibition
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In light of the available literature, these findings
      represent the first experimental investigation of biological activities of P.
      karka in the perspective of their traditional use.

PMID- 28076314
TI  - In vivo sedative and hypnotic activities of methanol extract from the leaves of
      Jacquemontia paniculata (Burm.f.) Hallier f. in Swiss Albino mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The superior genus Jacquemontia belongs to Convolvulaceae, with
      around 120 species, and is also considered taxonomically difficult. The aim of
      this experiment was to assess the sedative and hypnotic activities of methanol
      extract from the leaves of Jacquemontia paniculata (Burm.f.) Hallier f. METHODS:
      The sedative and hypnotic activities were evaluated by hole-cross, open field,
      hole-board, elevated plus maze (EPM), and thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time
      determination tests in mice at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. RESULTS: In this
      investigation, we found that methanol extract of Jacquemontia paniculata (MEJP)
      produced a significant dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous activity of mice
      both in hole-cross and open field tests. In addition, it also decreased the
      number of head dips in hole-board test. In the case of EPM test, this crude
      extract induced an anxiogenic-like effect rather than anxiolytic effect in mice.
      Moreover, MEJP significantly decreased the induction time to sleep and prolonged
      the duration of sleeping, induced by thiopental sodium. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude,
      these results suggest that the MEJP leaves possess potent sedative and hypnotic
      activities, which supported its therapeutic use for sleep disorders like
      insomnia.

PMID- 28076315
TI  - Meteorological parameters and pollutants on asthma exacerbation in Bangalore,
      India - an ecological retrospective time-series study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Literature has shown a significant association between asthma
      exacerbations and pollutant levels during that time. There is very limited
      evidence in India, especially Bangalore, for impacts of meteorological changes
      and pollution on asthma hospital admissions in adults. The objective was to study
      the impact of air pollution and meteorological parameters on asthma exacerbation
      in Bangalore. METHODS: This study quantitatively analyzed the relation between
      acute exacerbations of asthma and related admissions to the hospital with the air
      pollution and the meteorological conditions during that time. Data regarding the
      daily hospital admissions in about 13 tertiary care centers in Bangalore,
      Karnataka and air pollutant levels and the meteorological conditions prevailing
      during each day over a year were collected from the Karnataka State pollution
      control board and meteorology departments, respectively. RESULTS: An average
      daily asthma admission of 4.84+/-2.91, with clear seasonal variation and
      autocorrelations between meteorological parameters and pollutants was observed.
      Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that average temperature (p=0.005)
      and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (p=0.034) were the two factors that were affecting the
      number of admissions. Quasi-poisson regression analysis using multi-pollutants
      and meteorological variables showed that particulate matter and NO2 had
      significant lag effect for up to 5 days (p<0.05) and rainfall for 1 day
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Bangalore city, levels of NO2 and particulate matter,
      temperature, rainfall, and season increase asthma exacerbations.

PMID- 28076316
TI  - Changes of thyroid hormonal status in patients receiving ketogenic diet due to
      intractable epilepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ketogenic diet (KD), which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates,
      mimics the metabolic state of starvation and is used therapeutically for
      pharmacoresistant epilepsy. It is known that generation of triiodothyronine (T3)
      from thyroxine (T4) decreases during fasting periods. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the thyroid function of children receiving KD for at least 1 year due
      to drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: A total of 120 patients [63 males, 52.5%;
      mean age 7.3+/-4.3 years, median interquartile range (IQR): 7.0 (4-10 years)]
      treated with KD for at least 1 year were enrolled. Seizure control, side effects,
      and compliance with the diet were recorded, and free T3, free T4, and thyroid
      stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured at baseline and at post-treatment
      months 1, 3, 6, and 12. The Mann-Whitney U-test, repeated measures analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc Bonferroni correction, and logistic regression
      analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Hypothyroidism was diagnosed and L
      thyroxine medication was initiated for eight, seven and five patients (20
      patients in total, 16.7%) at 1, 3, and 6 months of KD therapy, respectively.
      Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline TSH elevation [odds ratio (OR):
      26.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.48-111.76, p<0.001] and female gender (OR:
      3.69, 95% CI 1.05-12.97, p=0.042) were independent risk factors for development
      of hypothyroidism during KD treatment in epileptic children. CONCLUSIONS: KD
      causes thyroid malfunction and L-thyroxine treatment may be required. This is the
      first report documenting the effect of KD treatment on thyroid function. Thyroid
      function should be monitored regularly in epileptic patients treated with KD.

PMID- 28076317
TI  - High predictability of impaired glucose tolerance by combining cardiometabolic
      screening parameters in obese children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is debate on which overweight and obese children should be
      screened for the presence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) by oral glucose
      tolerance testing (OGTT). The objective of the study was to identify risk factors
      predictive of the presence of IGT. METHODS: In a cohort of overweight children,
      who underwent OGTT, we determined the association of anthropometric and
      laboratory parameters with IGT and whether combining parameters improved the
      sensitivity of screening for IGT. RESULTS: Out of 145 patients, IGT was present
      in 11, of whom two had impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Elevated blood pressure
      (p=0.025) and elevated liver enzymes (p=0.003) were associated with IGT, whereas
      IFG was not (p=0.067), screening patients with either one of these parameters
      predicted IGT with a high sensitivity of 1.00, and a number needed to screen of
      5.7. CONCLUSIONS: Screening all patients with either IFG, presence of elevated
      blood pressure and elevated liver enzymes, significantly increases predictability
      of IGT compared to using IFG alone.

PMID- 28076318
TI  - Beta cell function and clinical course in three siblings with thiamine-responsive
      megaloblastic anemia (TRMA) treated with thiamine supplementation.
AB  - Three siblings with thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia (TRMA) with a
      homozygous c.454delGGCATinsAT mutation in SLC19A2 are described. The index case
      presented at 14 months' old with severe non-ketotic hyperglycemia, dehydration,
      seizures and sinovenous thrombosis. She was started on insulin and developed
      sensorineural hearing loss around 2 years old. Two siblings were found to have
      the same mutation and were started on thiamine. One sibling developed transient
      hyperglycemia after several years of thiamine supplementation of 12 mg/kg that
      resolved with an increased thiamine dose (23 mg/kg). A younger sibling continues
      to remain diabetes-free on thiamine (24 mg/kg). The clinical course in this
      family suggests that there is an effect of thiamine on pancreatic beta cell
      function in patients with TRMA given the resolution of impaired fasting glucose
      with increasing thiamine dose in one sibling and the lack of diabetes to date in
      the siblings that were treated early with thiamine.

PMID- 28076320
TI  - Solid waste management in Thailand: an overview and case study (Tha Khon Yang sub
      district).
AB  - Due to rapid urbanization, solid waste management (SWM) has become a significant
      issue in several developing countries including Thailand. Policies implemented by
      the Central Thai Government to manage SWM issues have had only limited success.
      This article reviews current municipal waste management plans in Thailand and
      examines municipal waste management at the local level, with focus on the Tha
      Khon Yang sub-district surrounding Mahasarakham University in Mahasarakham
      Province. Within two decades this area has been converted from a rural to an
      urban landscape featuring accommodation for over 45,000 university students and a
      range of business facilities. This development and influx of people has outpaced
      the government's ability to manage municipal solid waste (MSW). There are
      significant opportunities to improve local infrastructure and operational
      capacity; but there are few mechanisms to provide and distribute information to
      improve community participation in waste management. Many community-based waste
      management projects, such as waste recycling banks, the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and
      recycle), and waste-to-biogas projects have been abandoned. Additionally, waste
      from Tha Kon Yang and its surrounding areas has been transferred to unsanitary
      landfills; there is also haphazard dumping and uncontrolled burning of waste,
      which exacerbate current pollution issues.

PMID- 28076319
TI  - Impact of nutrition on pollutant toxicity: an update with new insights into
      epigenetic regulation.
AB  - Exposure to environmental pollutants is a global health problem and is associated
      with the development of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease,
      diabetes and metabolic syndrome. There is a growing body of evidence that
      nutrition can both positively and negatively modulate the toxic effects of
      pollutant exposure. Diets high in proinflammatory fats, such as linoleic acid,
      can exacerbate pollutant toxicity, whereas diets rich in bioactive and anti
      inflammatory food components, including omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, can
      attenuate toxicant-associated inflammation. Previously, researchers have
      elucidated direct mechanisms of nutritional modulation, including alteration of
      nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB)
      signaling, but recently, increased focus has been given to the ways in which
      nutrition and pollutants affect epigenetics. Nutrition has been demonstrated to
      modulate epigenetic markers that have been linked either to increased disease
      risks or to protection against diseases. Overnutrition (i.e. obesity) and
      undernutrition (i.e. famine) have been observed to alter prenatal epigenetic tags
      that may increase the risk of offspring developing disease later in life.
      Conversely, bioactive food components, including curcumin, have been shown to
      alter epigenetic markers that suppress the activation of NF-kappaB, thus reducing
      inflammatory responses. Exposure to pollutants also alters epigenetic markers and
      may contribute to inflammation and disease. It has been demonstrated that
      pollutants, via epigenetic modulations, can increase the activation of NF-kappaB
      and upregulate microRNAs associated with inflammation, cardiac injury and
      oxidative damage. Importantly, recent evidence suggests that nutritional
      components, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can protect against
      pollutant-induced inflammation through epigenetic regulation of proinflammatory
      target genes of NF-kappaB. Further research is needed to better understand how
      nutrition can modulate pollutant toxicity through epigenetic regulation.
      Therefore, the objective of this review is to elucidate the current evidence
      linking epigenetic changes to pollutant-induced diseases and how this regulation
      may be modulated by nutrients allowing for the development of future personalized
      lifestyle interventions.

PMID- 28076321
TI  - Secretion modification region-derived peptide blocks exosome release and mediates
      cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Discovery and development of a novel anticancer PEG-SMR-Clu peptide to
      prevent breast cancer metastasis. How breast cancer cells and primary mammary
      epithelial cells interact and communicate with each other to promote
      tumorigenesis and how to prevent tumor metastasis has long been a concern of
      researchers. Cancer cells secrete exosomes containing proteins and RNA. These
      factors can influence tumor development by directly targeting cancer cells and
      tumor stroma. In this study, we determined the effects of a peptide as an
      inhibitor of exosome secretion on breast tumors. We developed a peptide derived
      from the Secretion Modification Region (SMR) of HIV-1 Nef protein that was
      modified with PEG on the N-terminus and with a Clusterin (Clu)-binding peptide on
      the C-terminus. Attachment of PEG to the SMR peptide, termed PEGylation, offers
      improved water solubility and stability as well as reduced clearance through the
      kidneys, leading to a longer circulation time. The 12-mer Clu-binding peptide
      plays multiple roles in tumor development and metastasis. The Clu peptide can be
      detected by antibody in vivo, thus it has the potential to be used to monitor
      tumor status and treatment efficacy in animal studies and eventually in cancer
      patients. RESULTS: PEG-SMRwt-Clu and PEG-SMRwt peptides inhibited the growth of
      both of MCF-7 (estrogen responsive, ER+) and MDA-MD-231 (estrogen non-responsive,
      ER-) human breast cancer cells in a dose and time-dependent manner, without
      inducing cytotoxic effects. The SMRwt peptide, combined with paclitaxel, induced
      G2/M phase cell cycle arrest on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells but did not promote
      apoptosis. PEG-SMRwt-Clu peptide treatment blocked exosome release from both MCF
      7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. This effect was blocked by knockdown of the chaperone
      protein mortalin by either antibody or siRNA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MCF-7 and
      MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells were treated with PEG-SMR-Clu peptide alone and in
      combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin. Cell proliferation and viabilty were
      determined via cell cycle analysis using Cellometer imaging cytometry, Annexin V
      and MTT assays. The effects of the PEG-SMR-Clu peptide on tumor exosome release
      were determined by testing isolated exosome fractions, for (i) expression of CD63
      and Alix proteins by Western blotting, (ii) NanoSight nanoparticle tracking
      analysis (NTA 10) to measure exosomes size and concentration, and (iii)
      measurement of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) for exosome specific enzyme activity.
      CONCLUSIONS: PEG-SMRwt-CLU peptides inhibited the growth of human breast cancer
      cells and blocked tumor exosome release in vitro. The peptide alone did not cause
      increased cytotoxicity or apoptosis induction, but did cause cell cycle G2/M
      phase arrest in both estrogen responsive and non-responsive breast cancer cells.
      These data suggest a potential therapeutic value of SMR to prevent breast cancer
      metastasis and as an adjuvant for the chemotherapeutic treatment of human breast
      cancer.

PMID- 28076322
TI  - Aeroallergen Der p 2 promotes motility of human non-small cell lung cancer cells
      via toll-like receptor-mediated up-regulation of urokinase-type plasminogen
      activator and integrin/focal adhesion kinase signaling.
AB  - House dust mite (HDM) allergens are one of the major causes leading to
      respiratory hypersensitiveness and airway remodeling. Here we hypothesized that a
      major HDM allergen Der p 2 could increase cell motility and invasiveness of non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Our results showed that low dose (1 and 3
      MUg/mL) recombinant Der p 2 protein (DP2) enhanced the migration and invasiveness
      of human NSCLC cell A549, H1299 and CL1-5, but nonsignificantly altered their
      growth. Further investigation revealed that integrin alphaV level was increased
      and its downstream signaling including focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin
      were activated in A549 cells exposed to DP2. In parallel, DP2 also activated the
      FAK-associated signaling effectors such as Src, phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase
      (PI3K), AKT, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38), extracellular signal
      regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Our findings
      also revealed that DP2 increased expression level of urokinase type plasminogen
      activated kinase (uPA) and uPA receptor (uPAR), and subsequently enhanced the
      binding of uPAR to integrin alphaV. Moreover, the involvement of toll-like
      receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4)-triggered ERK1/2 activation in the increased expression of
      uPA and uPAR was also demonstrated. Collectively, these findings indicate that
      DP2 can enhance cell motility and invasiveness of NSCLC cells, attributing to
      TLR2/4-ERK1/2 activation, increased uPA and uPAR expression, enhanced binding of
      uPAR to integrin alphaV, and the consequent FAK signaling cascades. Thus, we
      suggest that DP2 may exacerbate NSCLC via promoting metastatic ability of
      carcinoma cell.

PMID- 28076324
TI  - Poly(C)-binding protein 1 mediates drug resistance in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is standard treatment for colorectal cancer. However,
      resistance to L-OHP often leads to treatment failure or cancer relapse.
      Understanding of the mechanism underlying L-OHP resistance is important to
      overcome the resistance and improve colorectal cancer treatment. This study aimed
      to identify new proteins that mediates L-OHP resistance in colorectal cancer and
      elucidate their mode of function. HT-29 cells were exposed to gradually increased
      concentration of L-OHP to select L-OHP resistant HT-29/L-OHP cell line. Proteomic
      analysis of HT-29 and HT-29/L-OHP cells were performed to identify differentially
      expressed proteins, including Poly(C)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1). PCBP1 expression
      level in 20 cases of L-OHP sensitive patients and 20 cases of L-OHP refractory
      patients was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Chemoresistance and Akt activation
      in HT-29 and HT-29/L-OHP cells were analyzed by MTT assay and Western blot
      analysis. We identified 37 proteins showing differential expression in HT-29/L
      OHP and HT-29 cells. In particular, PCBP1 protein level increased 15.6 fold in HT
      29/L-OHP cells compared to HT-29 cells. Knockdown of PCBP1 sensitized HT-29/L-OHP
      and HT-29 cells to L-OHP, while overexpression of PCBP1 increased L-OHP
      resistance in HT-29 cells. In addition, PCBP1 expression was significantly higher
      in tumor samples from L-OHP refractory patients than in those from L-OHP
      responsive patients. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of PCBP1 inhibited the
      activation of Akt in HT-29/L-OHP and HT-29 cells. In conclusion, our findings
      suggest that PCBP1 is a molecular marker of L-OHP resistance in colorectal cancer
      and a promising target for colorectal cancer therapy.

PMID- 28076323
TI  - Clinical outcome of tyrosine kinase inhibitors alone or combined with
      radiotherapy for brain metastases from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
      mutant non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
AB  - This study compared treatment outcomes between TKI monotherapy and TKI
      administration combined with brain radiotherapy (TKI + RT) in 133 non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastasis (BM). We also evaluated the
      association of different epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation
      subtypes with treatment outcome. To screen for potential variables affecting
      cranial progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), we performed
      univariate and multivariate analysis based on Cox proportional-hazards models.
      Median cranial PFS and OS were longer for the TKI + RT group (n = 67) than TKI
      alone group (n = 66). Intracranial metastasis correlated with a better median OS
      than extracranial metastasis. For patients with exon 21 mutations, TKI + RT
      yielded a better median OS and cranial PFS than TKI alone. However, there were no
      significant differences in median OS and cranial PFS between the two treatment
      groups for patients with exon 19 deletions. Thus EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with
      BM could benefit more from TKI + RT than from TKI monotherapy, especially when
      they suffer from exon 21 mutations. However, TKI + RT confers no advantage over
      TKI treatment alone for patients with exon 19 deletions. These results underscore
      the urgent need to develop individualized disease management strategies in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 28076325
TI  - Identification of long noncoding RNAs for the detection of early stage lung
      squamous cell carcinoma by microarray analysis.
AB  - The aberrant expressions of long noncoding RNAs have been reported in numerous
      cancers, which have facilitated the cancer diagnosis. However, the expression
      profile of lncRNAs in early stage lung squamous cell carcinoma has not been well
      discussed. The present study aimed to examine the expression profile of lncRNAs
      in early stage lung squamous cell carcinoma and identify lncRNA biomarkers for
      diagnosis. Through high-throughput lncRNA microarray, we screened thousands of
      aberrantly expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in early stage lung squamous cell
      carcinoma tissues compared to their corresponding adjacent nontumorous tissues.
      Bioinformatics analyses were used to investigate the functions of aberrantly
      expressed mRNAs and their associated lncRNAs. After that, in order to identify
      lncRNA biomarkers for early detection, candidate lncRNA biomarkers were selected
      based on our established filtering pipeline and validated by real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction on a total of 63 pairs of tumor samples.
      Five lncRNAs were finally identified which were able to distinguish early stage
      tumor and normal samples with high sensitivity (92%) and specificity (83%). These
      results imply that lncRNAs may be powerful biomarker for early diagnosis.

PMID- 28076326
TI  - Cytosolic THUMPD1 promotes breast cancer cells invasion and metastasis via the
      AKT-GSK3-Snail pathway.
AB  - Human THUMP domain-containing protein 1 (THUMPD1) is a specific adaptor protein
      that modulates tRNA acetylation through interaction with NAT10.
      Immunohistochemical analysis of 146 breast cancer specimens (82 triple-negative
      and 64 non-triple-negative cases) indicated THUMPD1 expression is higher in
      breast cancer tissues (60.9%, 89/146) than normal breast tissues (28.3%, 15/53; p
      < 0.001). Overall and cytosolic, but not nuclear, THUMPD1 expression in breast
      cancer correlated with advanced TNM stage (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001,
      respectively), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), and
      poor patient prognosis (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). THUMPD1
      interacted and co-localized with YAP, but did not affect Hippo pathway activity.
      THUMPD1 overexpression enhanced breast cancer cells invasion and migration in
      vivo and in vitro, possibly through activation of AKT, GSK3beta and Snail, and
      inhibition of E-cadherin. Treatment with the AKT inhibitor, LY294002, reduced the
      effects of THUMPD1 overexpression in breast cancer cells. These results indicate
      that THUMPD1 promotes breast cancer cells invasion and migration via the AKT
      GSK3beta-Snail pathway.

PMID- 28076327
TI  - MiR-410 induces stemness by inhibiting Gsk3beta but upregulating beta-catenin in
      non-small cells lung cancer.
AB  - Our previous research indicated miR-410 played a critical role in promoting the
      tumorigenesis and development of NSCLC (non-small cells lung cancer). MiR-410 has
      been recently reported to be crucial for development and differentiation of
      embryonic stem cells. But it remains elusive whether miR-410 stimulates the
      stemness of cancer until now. Herein, we identify miR-410 induces the stemness
      and is associated with the progression of NSCLC. We demonstrate miR-410 increases
      the levels of stem cells marker Sox2, Oct4, Nanog, CXCR4 as well as lung cancer
      stem cells surface marker CD44 and CD166. MiR-410 promotes stem cells-like
      properties such as proliferation, sphere formation, metastasis and
      chemoresistance. Moreover, Gsk3beta is directly targeted and post
      transcriptionally downregulated by miR-410. Also, the expression levels of miR
      410 and Gsk3beta may be correlated to clinicopathological differentiation in
      NSCLC tumor specimens. Additionally, we demonstrate miR-410 induces stemness
      through inhibiting Gsk3beta but increasing Sox2, Oct4, Nanog and CXCR4, which
      binds to beta-catenin signaling. In conclusion, our findings identify the miR
      410/Gsk3beta/beta-catenin signaling axis is a novel molecular circuit in inducing
      stemness of NSCLC.

PMID- 28076328
TI  - Albumin to gamma-glutamyltransferase ratio as a prognostic indicator in
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative resection.
AB  - The prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains poor whereas
      predictive models for survival prediction in ICC patients following curative
      resection are limited. Herein, we established a novel inflammation-based score
      derived from preoperative albumin to gamma-glutamyltransferase ratio (AGR) and
      evaluated its prognostic significance in ICC patients underwent curative
      resection. Prognostic value of AGR was retrospectively studied in a cohort
      comprising 206 ICC patients following curative resection. The predictive
      performance of AGR was compared with other inflammation-based scores and
      serological tumor markers in terms of concordance index (C-index). Further,
      prognostic nomograms incorporating AGR into the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM)
      staging systems were established to achieve a better discriminatory ability. The
      optimal cut-off value of AGR was 0.6. Multivariate analysis showed that AGR was
      an independent predictor for overall survival (OS; P = 0.003) and recurrence-free
      survival (RFS; P = 0.046). The C-index of AGR was superior to other inflammation
      based scores and serological tumor markers in OS and RFS prediction. The
      established nomograms showed improved predictive accuracy compared with the TNM
      staging systems alone. These results indicate that AGR is an independent
      prognostic indicator for ICC underwent curative resection. The incorporation of
      AGR into the existing TNM staging systems achieved improved predictive accuracy.

PMID- 28076329
TI  - Feasibility of abbreviated cycles of immunochemotherapy for completely resected
      limited-stage CD20+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (CISL 12-09).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The appropriate number of chemotherapy cycles for limited stage
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients without gross residual lesions
      after complete resection, has not been specifically questioned. We performed a
      multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 study to investigate the feasibility of 3 cycles
      of abbreviated R-CHOP chemotherapy in low-risk patients with completely resected
      localized CD20+ DLBCL. RESULTS: Between December 2010 and May 2013, we recruited
      23 patients. One was excluded due to ineligibility, and hence, 22 were included
      in the final analysis. The primary sites comprised the intestine (n = 15),
      cervical lymph nodes (n = 4), stomach (n = 1), tonsil (n = 1), and spleen (n =
      1). All patients successfully completed the 3 cycles of planned R-CHOP
      chemotherapy. Over a median follow-up of 39.5 months (95% confidence interval,
      29.9-47.1 months), both the estimated 2-year disease-free survival and overall
      survival rates was 95% confidence interval, 85.9-104.1%. Only one patient with an
      international prognostic index of 2 experienced relapse and died. The most common
      grade 3 or 4 toxicity condition included neutropenia (n = 8, 36.4%). Three
      patients experienced grade 3 febrile neutropenia, but no grade 3 or 4 non
      hematologic toxicity was observed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DLBCL patients without
      residual lesions after resection were enrolled and R-CHOP chemotherapy was
      repeated at 3-week-intervals over 3 cycles. The primary endpoint was 2-year
      disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Three cycles of abbreviated R-CHOP
      immunochemotherapy is feasible for completely resected low risk localized DLBCL.

PMID- 28076330
TI  - The correlation of age with chemotherapy-induced ovarian function failure in
      breast cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of chemotherapy-induced ovarian function failure
      (COFF) based on estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) monitoring in
      premenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer treated with
      second and third generation (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: We identified
      115 eligible women. Two years after start of chemotherapy, COFF was significantly
      more often present in women >= 40 years (85.6%) as compared to women < 40 years
      (8.7%). Only age was significantly associated with COFF two years after start of
      chemotherapy (HR 12.26; 95% CI 5.21-28.86). In 50% of the patients, premenopausal
      hormone levels were the first or only evidence of ovarian function recovery
      (OFR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included all premenopausal women with hormone
      receptor positive breast cancer treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy,
      with or without taxanes, in our university hospital in the Netherlands in the
      years 2005-2013. Patients were 3-monthly monitored for ovarian function. Cox
      proportional hazards model was used to determine the predictive impact of various
      parameters on the occurrence of COFF. CONCLUSIONS: After second- or third
      generation (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy, COFF was still present in 8.7% of
      patients < 40 years after two years. FSH and estradiol monitoring may be relevant
      for those in whom ovarian function suppression is considered an additional
      effective endocrine treatment.

PMID- 28076331
TI  - A short-term intervention with selenium affects expression of genes implicated in
      the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the prostate.
AB  - In parallel with the inconsistency in observational studies and chemoprevention
      trials, the mechanisms by which selenium affects prostate cancer risk have not
      been elucidated. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to examine
      the effects of a short-term intervention with selenium on gene expression in non
      malignant prostate tissue. Twenty-three men received 300 ug selenium per day in
      the form of selenized yeast (n=12) or a placebo (n=11) during 5 weeks. Prostate
      biopsies collected from the transition zone before and after intervention were
      analysed for 15 participants (n=8 selenium, n=7 placebo). Pathway analyses
      revealed that the intervention with selenium was associated with down-regulated
      expression of genes involved in cellular migration, invasion, remodeling and
      immune responses. Specifically, expression of well-established epithelial
      markers, such as E-cadherin and epithelial cell adhesion molecule EPCAM, was up
      regulated, while the mesenchymal markers vimentin and fibronectin were down
      regulated after intervention with selenium. This implies an inhibitory effect of
      selenium on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, selenium
      was associated with down-regulated expression of genes involved in wound healing
      and inflammation; processes which are both related to EMT. In conclusion, our
      explorative data showed that selenium affected expression of genes implicated in
      EMT in the transition zone of the prostate.

PMID- 28076332
TI  - Lysosomal acid phosphatase 2 is an unfavorable prognostic factor but is
      associated with better survival in stage II colorectal cancer patients receiving
      chemotherapy.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading cancers worldwide. Surgery is the
      main therapeutic modality for stage II CRC. However, the implementation of
      adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial and is not universally applied so
      far. In this study, we found that the protein expression of lysosomal acid
      phosphatase 2 (ACP2) was increased in CRC and that stage II CRC patients with
      high ACP2 expression showed a poorer outcome than those with low ACP2 expression
      (p = 0.004). To investigate this discrepancy, we analyzed the relation between
      ACP2 expression and several clinical cofactors.Among patients who received
      chemotherapy, those with an high expression of ACP2 showed better survival in
      both stage II and III CRC than those with low ACP2 expression. In stage II CRC
      patients, univariate analysis showed ACP2 expression and T stage to be cofactors
      significantly associated with overall survival (ACP2: p = 0.006; T stage: p =
      0.034). Multivariate Cox proportion hazard model analysis also revealed ACP2 to
      be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (ACP2: p = 0.006; T
      stage: p = 0.041). Furthermore, ACP2-knockdown CRC cells showed an increase in
      chemoresistance to 5-FU treatment and increased proliferation marker in the ACP2
      knockdown clone.Taken together, our results suggested that ACP2 is an unfavorable
      prognostic factor for stage II CRC and may serve as a potential chemotherapy
      sensitive marker to help identify a subset of stage II and III CRC patients for
      whom chemotherapy would improve survival.Highlights1. To the best of our
      knowledge, the study is the first report to show ACP2 overexpression in human
      colorectal cancer (CRC) and its association with poor outcome in stage II CRC.2.
      Patients with stage II and III CRCs with high expression of ACP2 were more
      sensitive to chemotherapy than those with a low expression.3. ACP2 expression may
      serve as a marker for CRC patients receiving chemotherapy and help identify the
      subset of CRC patients who would benefit from chemotherapy.

PMID- 28076333
TI  - Surgical debulking promotes recruitment of macrophages and triggers glioblastoma
      phagocytosis in combination with CD47 blocking immunotherapy.
AB  - Surgical resection is a standard component of treatment in the clinical
      management of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, experimental
      therapies are rarely investigated in the context of tumor debulking in
      preclinical models. Here, a surgical debulking GBM xenograft model was developed
      in nude rats, and was used in combination with CD47 blocking immunotherapy, a
      novel treatment strategy that triggers phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages
      in diverse cancer types including GBM. Orthotopic patient-derived xenograft
      tumors expressing CD47 were resected at 4 weeks after implantation and
      immediately thereafter treated with anti-CD47 or control antibodies injected into
      the cavity. Debulking prolonged survival (median survival, 68.5 vs 42.5 days,
      debulking and non-debulking survival times, respectively; n = 6 animals/group; P
      = 0.0005). Survival was further improved in animals that underwent combination
      treatment with anti-CD47 mAbs (median survival, 81.5 days vs 69 days, debulking +
      anti-CD47 vs debulking + control IgG, respectively; P = 0.0007).
      Immunohistochemistical staining of tumor sections revealed an increase in
      recruitment of cells positive for CD68, a marker for macrophages/immune cell
      types, to the surgical site (50% vs 10%, debulking vs non-debulking,
      respectively). Finally, analysis of tumor protein lysates on antibody microarrays
      demonstrated an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as CXCL10, and a
      decrease in angiogenic proteins in debulking + anti-CD47 vs non-debulking + IgG
      tumors. The results indicated that surgical resection combined with anti-CD47
      blocking immunotherapy promoted an inflammatory response and prolonged survival
      in animals, and is therefore an attractive strategy for clinical translation.

PMID- 28076334
TI  - Establishment of a normal-derived estrogen receptor-positive cell line comparable
      to the prevailing human breast cancer subtype.
AB  - Understanding human cancer increasingly relies on insight gained from subtype
      specific comparisons between malignant and non-malignant cells. The most frequent
      subtype in breast cancer is the luminal. By far the most frequently used model
      for luminal breast cancer is the iconic estrogen receptor-positive (ERpos) MCF7
      cell line. However, luminal specific comparisons have suffered from the lack of a
      relevant non-malignant counterpart. Our previous work has shown that transforming
      growth factor-beta receptor (TGFbetaR) inhibition suffices to propagate
      prospectively isolated ERpos human breast luminal cells from reduction
      mammoplasties (HBEC). Here we demonstrate that transduction of these cells with
      hTERT/shp16 renders them immortal while remaining true to the luminal lineage
      including expression of functional ER (iHBECERpos). Under identical culture
      conditions a major difference between MCF7 and normal-derived cells is the
      dependence of the latter on TGFbetaR inhibition for ER expression. In a breast
      fibroblast co-culture model we further show that whereas MCF7 proliferate
      concurrently with ER expression, iHBECERpos form correctly polarized acini, and
      segregate into proliferating and ER expressing cells. We propose that iHBECERpos
      may serve to shed light on hitherto unappreciated differences in ER regulation
      and function between normal breast and breast cancer.

PMID- 28076335
TI  - Infrequent development of drug resistance in HIV-1-infected treatment-naive
      subjects after 96 weeks of treatment with
      elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide or
      elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a novel prodrug of the nucleotide
      reverse transcriptase inhibitor tenofovir (TFV) that loads lymphocytes with TFV
      diphosphate more efficiently than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). The single
      tablet regimen (STR) comprising elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and TAF
      (E/C/F/TAF) has demonstrated non-inferiority to the STR of E/C/F/TDF in clinical
      studies, with high proportions of subjects achieving HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml at
      week 48 that were maintained through week 96. A resistance analysis of the
      combined Phase III clinical studies through 96 weeks is described here. METHODS:
      Genotypic and phenotypic susceptibility to antiretrovirals (ARVs) was evaluated
      for subjects with HIV-1 RNA >=400 copies/ml at time of virological failure (VF)
      or early discontinuation. RESULTS: Through week 96, VF resistance analyses were
      conducted for 24 subjects in each arm (2.8%, 24/866 and 2.8%, 24/867; for
      E/C/F/TAF and E/C/F/TDF arms, respectively). Primary resistance development to
      ARVs of the regimen occurred in 10 of 24 subjects in the E/C/F/TAF arm, and 8 of
      24 subjects in the E/C/F/TDF arm (E/C/F/TAF: M184V/I, n=9; integrase strand
      transfer inhibitor resistance-associated mutations [INSTI-RAMs], n=8; K65R/N,
      n=2; E/C/F/TDF: M184V/I, n=6; INSTI-RAMs, n=5; K65R/N, n=3). The emergent
      resistance mutations were similar between the treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS:
      E/C/F/TAF achieved a high level of virological suppression in HIV-1 treatment
      naive subjects through 96 weeks of treatment, with infrequent resistance
      development and comparable genotypic changes across both the E/C/F/TAF and
      E/C/F/TDF treatment groups.

PMID- 28076336
TI  - A theoretical framework to predict the most likely ion path in particle imaging.
AB  - In this work, a generic rigorous Bayesian formalism is introduced to predict the
      most likely path of any ion crossing a medium between two detection points. The
      path is predicted based on a combination of the particle scattering in the
      material and measurements of its initial and final position, direction and
      energy. The path estimate's precision is compared to the Monte Carlo simulated
      path. Every ion from hydrogen to carbon is simulated in two scenarios, (1) where
      the range is fixed and (2) where the initial velocity is fixed. In the scenario
      where the range is kept constant, the maximal root-mean-square error between the
      estimated path and the Monte Carlo path drops significantly between the proton
      path estimate (0.50 mm) and the helium path estimate (0.18 mm), but less so up to
      the carbon path estimate (0.09 mm). However, this scenario is identified as the
      configuration that maximizes the dose while minimizing the path resolution. In
      the scenario where the initial velocity is fixed, the maximal root-mean-square
      error between the estimated path and the Monte Carlo path drops significantly
      between the proton path estimate (0.29 mm) and the helium path estimate (0.09 mm)
      but increases for heavier ions up to carbon (0.12 mm). As a result, helium is
      found to be the particle with the most accurate path estimate for the lowest
      dose, potentially leading to tomographic images of higher spatial resolution.

PMID- 28076337
TI  - Coded excitation for diverging wave cardiac imaging: a feasibility study.
AB  - Diverging wave (DW) based cardiac imaging has gained increasing interest in
      recent years given its capacity to achieve ultrahigh frame rate. However, the
      signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast, and penetration depth of the resulting B
      mode images are typically low as DWs spread energy over a large region. Coded
      excitation is known to be capable of increasing the SNR and penetration for
      ultrasound imaging. The aim of this study was therefore to test the feasibility
      of applying coded excitation in DW imaging to improve the corresponding SNR,
      contrast and penetration depth. To this end, two types of codes, i.e. a linear
      frequency modulated chirp code and a set of complementary Golay codes were tested
      in three different DW imaging schemes, i.e. 1 angle DW transmit without
      compounding, 3 and 5 angles DW transmits with coherent compounding. The
      performances (SNR, contrast ratio (CR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and
      penetration) of different imaging schemes were investigated by means of
      simulations and in vitro experiments. As for benchmark, corresponding DW imaging
      schemes with regular pulsed excitation as well as the conventional focused
      imaging scheme were also included. The results showed that the SNR was improved
      by about 10 dB using coded excitation while the penetration depth was increased
      by 2.5 cm and 1.8 cm using chirp code and Golay codes, respectively. The CNR and
      CR gains varied with the depth for different DW schemes using coded excitations.
      Specifically, for non-compounded DW imaging schemes, the gain in the CR was about
      5 dB and 3 dB while the gain in the CNR was about 4.5 dB and 3.5 dB at larger
      depths using chirp code and Golay codes, respectively. For compounded imaging
      schemes, using coded excitation, the gain in the penetration and contrast were
      relatively smaller compared to non-compounded ones. Overall, these findings
      indicated the feasibility of coded excitation in improving the image quality of
      DW imaging. Preliminary in vivo cardiac images of a healthy volunteer were
      presented finally, and higher SNR and deeper penetration depth can be achieved by
      coded schemes.

PMID- 28076338
TI  - Quantification of confounding factors in MRI-based dose calculations as applied
      to prostate IMRT.
AB  - Magnetic resonance (MR)-only radiotherapy treatment planning requires pseudo-CT
      (pCT) images to enable MR-based dose calculations. To verify the accuracy of MR
      based dose calculations, institutions interested in introducing MR-only planning
      will have to compare pCT-based and computer tomography (CT)-based dose
      calculations. However, interpreting such comparison studies may be challenging,
      since potential differences arise from a range of confounding factors which are
      not necessarily specific to MR-only planning. Therefore, the aim of this study is
      to identify and quantify the contribution of factors confounding dosimetric
      accuracy estimation in comparison studies between CT and pCT. The following
      factors were distinguished: set-up and positioning differences between imaging
      sessions, MR-related geometric inaccuracy, pCT generation, use of specific
      calibration curves to convert pCT into electron density information, and
      registration errors. The study comprised fourteen prostate cancer patients who
      underwent CT/MRI-based treatment planning. To enable pCT generation, a commercial
      solution (MRCAT, Philips Healthcare, Vantaa, Finland) was adopted. IMRT plans
      were calculated on CT (gold standard) and pCTs. Dose difference maps in a high
      dose region (CTV) and in the body volume were evaluated, and the contribution to
      dose errors of possible confounding factors was individually quantified. We found
      that the largest confounding factor leading to dose difference was the use of
      different calibration curves to convert pCT and CT into electron density (0.7%).
      The second largest factor was the pCT generation which resulted in pCT stratified
      into a fixed number of tissue classes (0.16%). Inter-scan differences due to
      patient repositioning, MR-related geometric inaccuracy, and registration errors
      did not significantly contribute to dose differences (0.01%). The proposed
      approach successfully identified and quantified the factors confounding accurate
      MRI-based dose calculation in the prostate. This study will be valuable for
      institutions interested in introducing MR-only dose planning in their clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28076339
TI  - Drugs for type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28076340
TI  - Telomere Length Assessment for Prediction of Organ Transplantation Outcome.
      Future or Failure: A Review of the Literature.
AB  - Telomeres are located at each end of eukaryotic chromosomes. Their functional
      role is genomic stability maintenance. The protective role of telomeres depends
      on various factors, including number of nucleotides repeats, telomere-binding
      proteins, and telomerase activity. Organ transplantation is the preferred
      replacement therapy in the case of chronic kidney disease and the only
      possibility of sustaining recipients' life in the case of advanced liver failure.
      While the prevalence of acute rejection is constantly decreasing, prevention of
      transplanted organ long-term function loss is still challenging. It has been
      demonstrated that post-transplant stressors accelerate aging of the allografts
      manifested through telomere shortening. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the
      importance of telomere length assessment for prediction of organ transplantation
      outcome. Literature review included the 10 most important studies regarding
      linkage between allograft function and telomere erosion, including 2 of our own
      reports. Telomere length assessment is useful to predict organ transplantation
      outcome. The importance of telomere length as a prediction marker depends on the
      analyzed material. To obtain reliable results, both graft cells (donor material)
      and lymphocytes (recipient material) should be examined. In the case of kidney
      transplantation, assessment of telomere length in the early post-transplant
      period allows prediction of the long-term function of the transplanted organ. To
      increase the accuracy of transplantation outcome prediction, telomere length
      assessment should be combined with evaluation of other aging biomarkers, like
      CDKN2A (p16). Large-scale clinical studies regarding telomere length measurement,
      including genome wide association analysis introducing relevant genetic factors,
      are needed for the future.

PMID- 28076341
TI  - Risk factors for post coronary artery bypass graft atrial fibrillation: role of
      obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - In this chapter, we start by discussing coronary artery bypass grafting and the
      most common complication after surgery ? post coronary artery bypass grafting
      atrial fibrillation (PCAF). We then discuss the major risk factors for PCAF, and
      subsequently conduct an in-depth discussion of obstructive sleep apnea as a risk
      factor. In this endeavor, we outline how obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed,
      its pathophysiological relationship to PCAF, and recent clinical studies
      investigating the association between obstructive sleep apnea and PCAF. We
      conclude with prevention and treatment strategies for PCAF, and a discussion of
      future research recommendations.

PMID- 28076342
TI  - Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes report on patient care and safety in
      undergraduate students: validating the modified APSQ-III questionnaire.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patient safety aims to achieve healthcare free of damage. The World
      Health Organization indicates that this objective is achieved through
      communication, analysis, and prevention of adverse events in patients.
      Organizational culture has been identified as one of the main factors for
      interventions aimed to reduce medical errors; and an essential component of
      safety culture is the attitude of health professionals towards medical error.
      Attitudes can be improved through appropriate education in biomedical careers but
      its inclusion in Argentina is scarce. The Attitudes Questionnaire for Patient
      Safety, measures knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about patient safety and could
      be a useful tool in our country. OBJECTIVES: To validate the modified attitudes
      for patient safety questionnaire to measure knowledges, beliefs, and attitudes of
      medical students at CEMIC University Institute. To describe the level of
      knowledges, beliefs, and attitudes in patient safety of medical students at CEMIC
      University Institute in 2012, 2015 and 2016. METHODS: Design: descriptive study.
      Scope: Exploratory. Setting: the CEMIC University Institute in Buenos Aires,
      Argentina. Population: medical students of 4th and 5th year. Sampling: a sample
      size of 100 participants was estimated to derive meaningful estimates as per a
      Cronbach's alpha> 0.60. RESULTS: The reliability of the instrument (internal
      consistency) by Cronbach's alpha showed an overall correlation of 0.695. Suitable
      Cronbach's alpha values were obtained in all categories, except in two:
      importance of patient safety in the curriculum and the inevitability of error.
      The responses on knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about patient safety in the
      three cohorts showed that 57% of students believe they understand concepts about
      patient safety, 53% consider their training prepares them to understand the cause
      of medical errors, only 59% believe that human error is inevitable and 98%
      believe that real professionals do not make mistakes. Lastly, 64% believe that
      this knowledge is only acquired from clinical experience. CONCLUSION: This study
      shows that the APSQ-III modified survey is valid and could be used in Argentina
      and the region to measure the impact of incorporating patient safety topics in
      the medical curriculum.

PMID- 28076343
TI  - Pigmented basal cell carcinoma mimicking a superficial spreading melanoma.
AB  - Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, especially in
      elderly people. Pigmented basal cell carcinoma is a rare subtype and has been
      described in the literature as a nodular and hyperpigmented lesion; rarely, it
      can appear as an extensive pigmented plate, which may be clinically
      indistinguishable from superficial spreading melanoma and Bowen disease.
      Dermatoscopy has a high sensitivity in the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma.
      When Menzies criteria are used; however, the final diagnosis is made by
      histopathology. The objective of the present report is to analyze the case of a
      patient with pigmented basal cell carcinoma simulating a superficial spreading
      melanoma.

PMID- 28076344
TI  - Qualitative aspects of the process of Neonatal Hearing Screening Program in
      Mexico evaluated from the parental perspective.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program in Mexico began in
      2010. Its results, published in 2013 by the National Council for the Development
      and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (CONADIS), report low coverage and,
      currently, there is a dearth of information about its activities. This study
      describes the process of the program from the epistemological perspective of
      women whose children participated in the program, evaluating it under the
      sustenance of the constructivist-respondent model in search of aspects that could
      help explain its results. METHODS: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach
      based on the constructivist?respondent paradigm. We elected the 14 women who
      participated in the study through trial and number until theoretical saturation.
      After signing an informed consent form and respecting the confidentiality and
      anonymity, these women underwent semi-structured interviews that were audio
      recorded and transcribed as were conducted. The researchers separately analyzed
      and coded categories and conjointly summarized categories and subcategories.
      Validity and reliability were obtained through the credibility, transferability
      and triangulation. RESULTS: From the speeches, we obtained the general profile of
      the interviewed, evolution of their children in the program process and four
      categories with 15 subcategories related to the reconstruction of the process:
      knowledge, needs, feelings and attitudes. One was evaluated as favorable, six
      without agreement and eight as unfavorable. The latter refer to our own context.
      CONCLUSIONS: The epistemological perspective of the interviewed women showed
      aspects that could help explain the low coverage of the program. Attention from
      public policies could improve this feature. With the establishment of the
      program, children with deafness are diagnosed and treated at a lower age than
      before the program.

PMID- 28076345
TI  - Structure of a spliceosome remodelled for exon ligation.
AB  - The spliceosome excises introns from pre-mRNAs in two sequential
      transesterifications-branching and exon ligation-catalysed at a single catalytic
      metal site in U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA). Recently reported structures of the
      spliceosomal C complex with the cleaved 5' exon and lariat-3'-exon bound to the
      catalytic centre revealed that branching-specific factors such as Cwc25 lock the
      branch helix into position for nucleophilic attack of the branch adenosine at the
      5' splice site. Furthermore, the ATPase Prp16 is positioned to bind and
      translocate the intron downstream of the branch point to destabilize branching
      specific factors and release the branch helix from the active site. Here we
      present, at 3.8 A resolution, the cryo-electron microscopy structure of a
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae spliceosome stalled after Prp16-mediated remodelling but
      before exon ligation. While the U6 snRNA catalytic core remains firmly held in
      the active site cavity of Prp8 by proteins common to both steps, the branch helix
      has rotated by 75 degrees  compared to the C complex and is stabilized in a new
      position by Prp17, Cef1 and the reoriented Prp8 RNase H-like domain. This
      rotation of the branch helix removes the branch adenosine from the catalytic
      core, creates a space for 3' exon docking, and restructures the pairing of the 5'
      splice site with the U6 snRNA ACAGAGA region. Slu7 and Prp18, which promote exon
      ligation, bind together to the Prp8 RNase H-like domain. The ATPase Prp22, bound
      to Prp8 in place of Prp16, could interact with the 3' exon, suggesting a possible
      basis for mRNA release after exon ligation. Together with the structure of the C
      complex, our structure of the C* complex reveals the two major conformations of
      the spliceosome during the catalytic stages of splicing.

PMID- 28076346
TI  - Cryo-EM structure of a human spliceosome activated for step 2 of splicing.
AB  - Spliceosome rearrangements facilitated by RNA helicase PRP16 before catalytic
      step two of splicing are poorly understood. Here we report a 3D cryo-electron
      microscopy structure of the human spliceosomal C complex stalled directly after
      PRP16 action (C*). The architecture of the catalytic U2-U6 ribonucleoprotein
      (RNP) core of the human C* spliceosome is very similar to that of the yeast pre
      Prp16 C complex. However, in C* the branched intron region is separated from the
      catalytic centre by approximately 20 A, and its position close to the U6 small
      nuclear RNA ACAGA box is stabilized by interactions with the PRP8 RNase H-like
      and PRP17 WD40 domains. RNA helicase PRP22 is located about 100 A from the
      catalytic centre, suggesting that it destabilizes the spliced mRNA after step two
      from a distance. Comparison of the structure of the yeast C and human C*
      complexes reveals numerous RNP rearrangements that are likely to be facilitated
      by PRP16, including a large-scale movement of the U2 small nuclear RNP.

PMID- 28076347
TI  - Spatiotemporal Feedback and Network Structure Drive and Encode Caenorhabditis
      elegans Locomotion.
AB  - Using a computational model of the Caenorhabditis elegans connectome dynamics, we
      show that proprioceptive feedback is necessary for sustained dynamic responses to
      external input. This is consistent with the lack of biophysical evidence for a
      central pattern generator, and recent experimental evidence that proprioception
      drives locomotion. The low-dimensional functional response of the Caenorhabditis
      elegans network of neurons to proprioception-like feedback is optimized by input
      of specific spatial wavelengths which correspond to the spatial scale of real
      body shape dynamics. Furthermore, we find that the motor subcircuit of the
      network is responsible for regulating this response, in agreement with
      experimental expectations. To explore how the connectomic dynamics produces the
      observed two-mode, oscillatory limit cycle behavior from a static fixed point, we
      probe the fixed point's low-dimensional structure using Dynamic Mode
      Decomposition. This reveals that the nonlinear network dynamics encode six
      clusters of dynamic modes, with timescales spanning three orders of magnitude.
      Two of these six dynamic mode clusters correspond to previously-discovered
      behavioral modes related to locomotion. These dynamic modes and their timescales
      are encoded by the network's degree distribution and specific connectivity. This
      suggests that behavioral dynamics are partially encoded within the connectome
      itself, the connectivity of which facilitates proprioceptive control.

PMID- 28076349
TI  - Mechanical Control of Whole Body Shape by a Single Cuticular Protein Obstructor-E
      in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Body shapes are much more variable than body plans. One way to alter body shapes
      independently of body plans would be to mechanically deform bodies. To what
      extent body shapes are regulated physically, or molecules involved in physical
      control of morphogenesis, remain elusive. During fly metamorphosis, the cuticle
      (exoskeleton) covering the larval body contracts longitudinally and expands
      laterally to become the ellipsoidal pupal case (puparium). Here we show that
      Drosophila melanogaster Obstructor-E (Obst-E) is a protein constituent of the
      larval cuticle that confers the oriented contractility/expandability. In the
      absence of obst-E function, the larval cuticle fails to undergo metamorphic shape
      change and finally becomes a twiggy puparium. We present results indicating that
      Obst-E regulates the arrangement of chitin, a long-chain polysaccharide and a
      central component of the insect cuticle, and directs the formation of
      supracellular ridges on the larval cuticle. We further show that Obst-E is
      locally required for the oriented shape change of the cuticle during
      metamorphosis, which is associated with changes in the morphology of those
      ridges. Thus, Obst-E dramatically affects the body shape in a direct, physical
      manner by controlling the mechanical property of the exoskeleton.

PMID- 28076348
TI  - Reverse Pathway Genetic Approach Identifies Epistasis in Autism Spectrum
      Disorders.
AB  - Although gene-gene interaction, or epistasis, plays a large role in complex
      traits in model organisms, genome-wide by genome-wide searches for two-way
      interaction have limited power in human studies. We thus used knowledge of a
      biological pathway in order to identify a contribution of epistasis to autism
      spectrum disorders (ASDs) in humans, a reverse-pathway genetic approach. Based on
      previous observation of increased ASD symptoms in Mendelian disorders of the
      Ras/MAPK pathway (RASopathies), we showed that common SNPs in RASopathy genes
      show enrichment for association signal in GWAS (P = 0.02). We then screened
      genome-wide for interactors with RASopathy gene SNPs and showed strong enrichment
      in ASD-affected individuals (P < 2.2 x 10-16), with a number of pairwise
      interactions meeting genome-wide criteria for significance. Finally, we utilized
      quantitative measures of ASD symptoms in RASopathy-affected individuals to
      perform modifier mapping via GWAS. One top region overlapped between these
      independent approaches, and we showed dysregulation of a gene in this region,
      GPR141, in a RASopathy neural cell line. We thus used orthogonal approaches to
      provide strong evidence for a contribution of epistasis to ASDs, confirm a role
      for the Ras/MAPK pathway in idiopathic ASDs, and to identify a convergent
      candidate gene that may interact with the Ras/MAPK pathway.

PMID- 28076350
TI  - Emergence of Rare Species of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria as Potential Pathogens
      in Saudi Arabian Clinical Setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical relevance of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is increasing
      worldwide including in Saudi Arabia. A high species diversity of NTM's has been
      noticed in a recent study. However, the identification in diagnostic laboratories
      is mostly limited to common species. The impact of NTM species diversity on
      clinical outcome is so far neglected in most of the clinical settings.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: During April 2014 to September 2015, a nationwide
      collection of suspected NTM clinical isolates with clinical and demographical
      data were carried out. Primary identification was performed by commercial line
      probe assays. Isolates identified up to Mycobacterium species level by line probe
      assays only were included and subjected to sequencing of 16S rRNA, rpoB, hsp65
      and 16S-23S ITS region genes. The sequence data were subjected to BLAST analysis
      in GenBank and Ez-Taxon databases. Male Saudi nationals were dominated in the
      study population and falling majorly into the 46-59 years age group. Pulmonary
      cases were 59.3% with a surprising clinical relevance of 75% based on American
      Thoracic Society guidelines. Among the 40.7% extra-pulmonary cases, 50% of them
      were skin infections. The identification revealed 16 species and all of them are
      reporting for the first time in Saudi Arabia. The major species obtained were
      Mycobacterium monascence (18.5%), M. cosmeticum (11.1%), M. kubicae (11.1%), M.
      duvalli (7.4%), M.terrae (7.4%) and M. triplex (7.4%). This is the first report
      on clinical relevance of M. kubicae, M. tusciae, M.yongonense, M. arupense and
      M.iranicum causing pulmonary disease and M. monascence, M. duvalli, M.
      perigrinum, M. insubricum, M. holsaticum and M. kyorinense causing various extra
      pulmonary diseases in Saudi Arabia. Ascites caused by M. monascence and cecum
      infection by M. holsaticum were the rarest incidents. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
      To the first time in the country, clinical significance of various rare NTM's are
      well explored and the finding warrants a new threat to the Saudi Arabian clinical
      settings.

PMID- 28076351
TI  - Ultra-Fine Scale Spatially-Integrated Mapping of Habitat and Occupancy Using
      Structure-From-Motion.
AB  - Organisms respond to and often simultaneously modify their environment. While
      these interactions are apparent at the landscape extent, the driving mechanisms
      often occur at very fine spatial scales. Structure-from-Motion (SfM), a computer
      vision technique, allows the simultaneous mapping of organisms and fine scale
      habitat, and will greatly improve our understanding of habitat suitability,
      ecophysiology, and the bi-directional relationship between geomorphology and
      habitat use. SfM can be used to create high-resolution (centimeter-scale) three
      dimensional (3D) habitat models at low cost. These models can capture the abiotic
      conditions formed by terrain and simultaneously record the position of individual
      organisms within that terrain. While coloniality is common in seabird species, we
      have a poor understanding of the extent to which dense breeding aggregations are
      driven by fine-scale active aggregation or limited suitable habitat. We
      demonstrate the use of SfM for fine-scale habitat suitability by reconstructing
      the locations of nests in a gentoo penguin colony and fitting models that
      explicitly account for conspecific attraction. The resulting digital elevation
      models (DEMs) are used as covariates in an inhomogeneous hybrid point process
      model. We find that gentoo penguin nest site selection is a function of the
      topography of the landscape, but that nests are far more aggregated than would be
      expected based on terrain alone, suggesting a strong role of behavioral
      aggregation in driving coloniality in this species. This integrated mapping of
      organisms and fine scale habitat will greatly improve our understanding of fine
      scale habitat suitability, ecophysiology, and the complex bi-directional
      relationship between geomorphology and habitat use.

PMID- 28076352
TI  - High-Intensity Interval Training Elicits Higher Enjoyment than Moderate Intensity
      Continuous Exercise.
AB  - : Exercise adherence is affected by factors including perceptions of enjoyment,
      time availability, and intrinsic motivation. Approximately 50% of individuals
      withdraw from an exercise program within the first 6 mo of initiation, citing
      lack of time as a main influence. Time efficient exercise such as high intensity
      interval training (HIIT) may provide an alternative to moderate intensity
      continuous exercise (MICT) to elicit substantial health benefits. This study
      examined differences in enjoyment, affect, and perceived exertion between MICT
      and HIIT. Twelve recreationally active men and women (age = 29.5 +/- 10.7 yr,
      VO2max = 41.4 +/- 4.1 mL/kg/min, BMI = 23.1 +/- 2.1 kg/m2) initially performed a
      VO2max test on a cycle ergometer to determine appropriate workloads for
      subsequent exercise bouts. Each subject returned for two additional exercise
      trials, performing either HIIT (eight 1 min bouts of cycling at 85% maximal
      workload (Wmax) with 1 min of active recovery between bouts) or MICT (20 min of
      cycling at 45% Wmax) in randomized order. During exercise, rating of perceived
      exertion (RPE), affect, and blood lactate concentration (BLa) were measured.
      Additionally, the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) was completed after
      exercise. Results showed higher enjoyment (p = 0.013) in response to HIIT (103.8
      +/- 9.4) versus MICT (84.2 +/- 19.1). Eleven of 12 participants (92%) preferred
      HIIT to MICT. However, affect was lower (p<0.05) and HR, RPE, and BLa were higher
      (p<0.05) in HIIT versus MICT. Although HIIT is more physically demanding than
      MICT, individuals report greater enjoyment due to its time efficiency and
      constantly changing stimulus. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT:02981667.

PMID- 28076353
TI  - A Topological Criterion for Filtering Information in Complex Brain Networks.
AB  - In many biological systems, the network of interactions between the elements can
      only be inferred from experimental measurements. In neuroscience, non-invasive
      imaging tools are extensively used to derive either structural or functional
      brain networks in-vivo. As a result of the inference process, we obtain a matrix
      of values corresponding to a fully connected and weighted network. To turn this
      into a useful sparse network, thresholding is typically adopted to cancel a
      percentage of the weakest connections. The structural properties of the resulting
      network depend on how much of the inferred connectivity is eventually retained.
      However, how to objectively fix this threshold is still an open issue. We
      introduce a criterion, the efficiency cost optimization (ECO), to select a
      threshold based on the optimization of the trade-off between the efficiency of a
      network and its wiring cost. We prove analytically and we confirm through
      numerical simulations that the connection density maximizing this trade-off
      emphasizes the intrinsic properties of a given network, while preserving its
      sparsity. Moreover, this density threshold can be determined a-priori, since the
      number of connections to filter only depends on the network size according to a
      power-law. We validate this result on several brain networks, from micro- to
      macro-scales, obtained with different imaging modalities. Finally, we test the
      potential of ECO in discriminating brain states with respect to alternative
      filtering methods. ECO advances our ability to analyze and compare biological
      networks, inferred from experimental data, in a fast and principled way.

PMID- 28076354
TI  - Where Have All the Giants Gone? How Animals Deal with the Problem of Size.
AB  - The survival of both the hunter and the hunted often comes down to speed. Yet how
      fast an animal can run is intricately linked to its size, such that the fastest
      animals are not the biggest nor the smallest. The ability to maintain high speeds
      is dependent on the body's capacity to withstand the high stresses involved with
      locomotion. Yet even when standing still, scaling principles would suggest that
      the mechanical stress an animal feels will increase in greater demand than its
      body can support. So if big animals want to be fast, they must find solutions to
      overcome these high stresses. This article explores the ways in which extant
      animals mitigate size-related increases in musculoskeletal stress in an effort to
      help understand where all the giants have gone.

PMID- 28076355
TI  - Multiple Choice Neurodynamical Model of the Uncertain Option Task.
AB  - The uncertain option task has been recently adopted to investigate the neural
      systems underlying the decision confidence. Latterly single neurons activity has
      been recorded in lateral intraparietal cortex of monkeys performing an uncertain
      option task, where the subject is allowed to opt for a small but sure reward
      instead of making a risky perceptual decision. We propose a multiple choice model
      implemented in a discrete attractors network. This model is able to reproduce
      both behavioral and neurophysiological experimental data and therefore provides
      support to the numerous perspectives that interpret the uncertain option task as
      a sensory-motor association. The model explains the behavioral and neural data
      recorded in monkeys as the result of the multistable attractor landscape and
      produces several testable predictions. One of these predictions may help
      distinguish our model from a recently proposed continuous attractor model.

PMID- 28076356
TI  - The Limitations of the GRE in Predicting Success in Biomedical Graduate School.
AB  - Historically, admissions committees for biomedical Ph.D. programs have heavily
      weighed GRE scores when considering applications for admission. The predictive
      validity of GRE scores on graduate student success is unclear, and there have
      been no recent investigations specifically on the relationship between general
      GRE scores and graduate student success in biomedical research. Data from
      Vanderbilt University Medical School's biomedical umbrella program were used to
      test to what extent GRE scores can predict outcomes in graduate school training
      when controlling for other admissions information. Overall, the GRE did not prove
      useful in predicating who will graduate with a Ph.D., pass the qualifying exam,
      have a shorter time to defense, deliver more conference presentations, publish
      more first author papers, or obtain an individual grant or fellowship. GRE scores
      were found to be moderate predictors of first semester grades, and weak to
      moderate predictors of graduate GPA and some elements of a faculty evaluation.
      These findings suggest admissions committees of biomedical doctoral programs
      should consider minimizing their reliance on GRE scores to predict the important
      measures of progress in the program and student productivity.

PMID- 28076357
TI  - Soil, Leaf and Root Ecological Stoichiometry of Caragana korshinskii on the Loess
      Plateau of China in Relation to Plantation Age.
AB  - Caragana korshinskii, a leguminous shrub, a common specie, is widely planted to
      prevent soil erosion on the Loess Plateau. The objective of this study was to
      determine how the plantation ages affected soil, leaf and root nutrients and
      ecological stoichiometry. The chronosequence ages of C. korshinskii plantations
      selected for this study were 10, 20 and 30 years. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and
      soil total nitrogen (STN) of C. korshinskii plantations significantly increased
      with increase in the chronosequence age. However, soil total phosphorous (STP)
      was not affected by the chronosequence age. The soil C: N ratio decreased and the
      soil C: P and N: P ratios increased with increasing plantation age. The leaf and
      root concentrations of C, N, and P increased and the ratios C: N, C: P, and N: P
      decreased with age increase. Leaf N: P ratios were >20, indicating that P was the
      main factor limiting the growth of C. korshinskii. This study also demonstrated
      that the regeneration of natural grassland (NG) effectively preserved and
      enhanced soil nutrient contents. Compared with NG, shrub lands (C. korshinskii)
      had much lower soil nutrient concentrations, especially for long (>20 years)
      chronosequence age. Thus, the regeneration of natural grassland is an
      ecologically beneficial practice for the recovery of degraded soils in this area.

PMID- 28076358
TI  - A Randomized Trial Examining Housing First in Congregate and Scattered Site
      Formats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: No previous experimental trials have investigated Housing First (HF)
      in both scattered site (SHF) and congregate (CHF) formats. We hypothesized that
      CHF and SHF would be associated with a greater percentage of time stably housed
      as well as superior health and psychosocial outcomes over 24 months compared to
      treatment as usual (TAU). METHODS: Inclusion criteria were homelessness, mental
      illness, and high need for support. Participants were randomised to SHF, CHF, or
      TAU. SHF consisted of market rental apartments with support provided by Assertive
      Community Treatment (ACT). CHF consisted of a single building with supports
      equivalent to ACT. TAU included existing services and supports. RESULTS: Of 800
      people screened, 297 were randomly assigned to CHF (107), SHF (90), or TAU (100).
      The percentage of time in stable housing over 24 months was 26.3% in TAU
      (reference; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 20.5, 32.0), compared to 74.3% in CHF
      (95% CI = 69.3, 79.3, p<0.001) and 74.5% in SHF (95% CI = 69.2, 79.7, p<0.001).
      Secondary outcomes favoured CHF but not SHF compared to TAU. CONCLUSION: HF in
      scattered and congregate formats is capable of achieving housing stability among
      people experiencing major mental illness and chronic homelessness. Only CHF was
      associated with improvement on select secondary outcomes. REGISTRATION: Current
      Controlled Trials: ISRCTN57595077.

PMID- 28076359
TI  - Environmental Factors Affecting Survival of Immature Ixodes scapularis and
      Implications for Geographical Distribution of Lyme Disease: The Climate/Behavior
      Hypothesis.
AB  - Recent reports suggest that host-seeking nymphs in southern populations of Ixodes
      scapularis remain below the leaf litter surface, while northern nymphs seek hosts
      on leaves and twigs above the litter surface. This behavioral difference
      potentially results in decreased tick contact with humans in the south, and fewer
      cases of Lyme disease. We studied whether north-south differences in tick
      survival patterns might contribute to this phenomenon. Four month old larvae
      resulting from a cross between Wisconsin males and South Carolina females died
      faster under southern than under northern conditions in the lab, as has
      previously been reported for ticks from both northern and southern populations.
      However, newly-emerged larvae from Rhode Island parents did not differ
      consistently in mortality under northern and southern conditions, possibly
      because of their younger age. Survival is lower, and so the north-south survival
      difference might be greater in older ticks. Larval survival was positively
      related to larval size (as measured by scutal area), while survival was
      positively related to larval fat content in some, but not all, trials. The
      difference in larval survival under northern vs. southern conditions might simply
      result from faster metabolism under warmer southern conditions leading to shorter
      life spans. However, ticks consistently died faster under southern than under
      northern conditions in the laboratory when relative humidity was low (75%), but
      not under moderate (85%) or high (95%) RH. Therefore, mortality due to
      desiccation stress is greater under southern than under northern conditions. We
      hypothesize that mortality resulting from the greater desiccation stress under
      southern conditions acts as a selective pressure resulting in the evolution of
      host-seeking behavior in which immatures remain below the leaf litter surface in
      southern I. scapularis populations, so as to avoid the desiccating conditions at
      the surface. If this hypothesis is correct, it has implications for the effect of
      climate change on the future distribution of Lyme disease.

PMID- 28076360
TI  - Consequences of Global Warming of 1.5  degrees C and 2  degrees C for Regional
      Temperature and Precipitation Changes in the Contiguous United States.
AB  - The differential warming of land and ocean leads to many continental regions in
      the Northern Hemisphere warming at rates higher than the global mean temperature.
      Adaptation and conservation efforts will, therefore, benefit from understanding
      regional consequences of limiting the global mean temperature increase to well
      below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels, a limit agreed upon at the United
      Nations Climate Summit in Paris in December 2015. Here, we analyze climate model
      simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) to
      determine the timing and magnitude of regional temperature and precipitation
      changes across the contiguous United States (US) for global warming of 1.5 and 2
      degrees C and highlight consensus and uncertainties in model projections and
      their implications for making decisions. The regional warming rates differ
      considerably across the contiguous US, but all regions are projected to reach 2
      degrees C about 10-20 years before the global mean temperature. Although there is
      uncertainty in the timing of exactly when the 1.5 and 2 degrees C thresholds will
      be crossed regionally, over 80% of the models project at least 2 degrees C
      warming by 2050 for all regions for the high emissions scenario. This threshold
      based approach also highlights regional variations in the rate of warming across
      the US. The fastest warming region in the contiguous US is the Northeast, which
      is projected to warm by 3 degrees C when global warming reaches 2 degrees C. The
      signal-to-noise ratio calculations indicate that the regional warming estimates
      remain outside the envelope of uncertainty throughout the twenty-first century,
      making them potentially useful to planners. The regional precipitation
      projections for global warming of 1.5 degrees C and 2 degrees C are uncertain,
      but the eastern US is projected to experience wetter winters and the Great Plains
      and the Northwest US are projected to experience drier summers in the future. The
      impact of different scenarios on regional precipitation projections is negligible
      throughout the twenty-first century compared to uncertainties associated with
      internal variability and model diversity.

PMID- 28076361
TI  - Synergy and Order Effects of Antibiotics and Phages in Killing Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa Biofilms.
AB  - In contrast to planktonic cells, bacteria imbedded biofilms are notoriously
      refractory to treatment by antibiotics or bacteriophage (phage) used alone. Given
      that the mechanisms of killing differ profoundly between drugs and phages, an
      obvious question is whether killing is improved by combining antibiotic and phage
      therapy. However, this question has only recently begun to be explored. Here, in
      vitro biofilm populations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 were treated singly and
      with combinations of two phages and bactericidal antibiotics of five classes. By
      themselves, phages and drugs commonly had only modest effects in killing the
      bacteria. However some phage-drug combinations reduced bacterial densities to
      well below that of the best single treatment; in some cases, bacterial densities
      were reduced even below the level expected if both agents killed independently of
      each other (synergy). Furthermore, there was a profound order effect in some
      cases: treatment with phages before drugs achieved maximum killing. Combined
      treatment was particularly effective in killing in Pseudomonas biofilms grown on
      layers of cultured epithelial cells. Phages were also capable of limiting the
      extent to which minority populations of bacteria resistant to the treating
      antibiotic ascend. The potential of combined antibiotic and phage treatment of
      biofilm infections is discussed as a realistic way to evaluate and establish the
      use of bacteriophage for the treatment of humans.

PMID- 28076362
TI  - Temporal Dependency and the Structure of Early Looking.
AB  - Although looking time is used to assess infant perceptual and cognitive
      processing, little is known about the temporal structure of infant looking. To
      shed light on this temporal structure, 127 three-month-olds were assessed in an
      infant-controlled habituation procedure and presented with a pre-recorded display
      of a woman addressing the infant using infant-directed speech. Previous
      individual look durations positively predicted subsequent look durations over a
      six look window, suggesting a temporal dependency between successive infant
      looks. The previous look duration continued to predict the subsequent look
      duration after accounting for habituation-linked declines in look duration, and
      when looks were separated by an inter-trial interval in which no stimulus was
      displayed. Individual differences in temporal dependency, the strength of
      associations between consecutive look durations, are distinct from individual
      differences in mean infant look duration. Nevertheless, infants with stronger
      temporal dependency had briefer mean look durations, a potential index of
      stimulus processing. Temporal dependency was evident not only between individual
      infant looks but between the durations of successive habituation trials (total
      looking within a trial). Finally, temporal dependency was evident in associations
      between the last look at the habituation stimulus and the first look at a novel
      test stimulus. Thus temporal dependency was evident across multiple timescales
      (individual looks and trials comprised of multiple individual looks) and
      persisted across conditions including brief periods of no stimulus presentation
      and changes from a familiar to novel stimulus. Associations between consecutive
      look durations over multiple timescales and stimuli suggest a temporal structure
      of infant attention that has been largely ignored in previous work on infant
      looking.

PMID- 28076363
TI  - Effects of Loading Duration and Short Rest Insertion on Cancellous and Cortical
      Bone Adaptation in the Mouse Tibia.
AB  - The skeleton's osteogenic response to mechanical loading can be affected by
      loading duration and rest insertion during a series of loading events. Prior
      animal loading studies have shown that the cortical bone response saturates
      quickly and short rest insertions between load cycles can enhance cortical bone
      formation. However, it remains unknown how loading duration and short rest
      insertion affect load-induced osteogenesis in the mouse tibial compressive
      loading model, and particularly in cancellous bone. To address this issue, we
      applied cyclic loading (-9 N peak load; 4 Hz) to the tibiae of three groups of 16
      week-old female C57BL/6 mice for two weeks, with a different number of continuous
      load cycles applied daily to each group (36, 216 and 1200). A fourth group was
      loaded under 216 daily load cycles with a 10 s rest insertion after every fourth
      cycle. We found that as few as 36 load cycles per day were able to induce
      osteogenic responses in both cancellous and cortical bone. Furthermore, while
      cortical bone area and thickness continued to increase through 1200 cycles, the
      incremental increase in the osteogenic response decreased as load number
      increased, indicating a reduced benefit of the increasing number of load cycles.
      In the proximal metaphyseal cancellous bone, trabecular thickness increased with
      load up to 216 cycles. We also found that insertion of a 10 s rest between load
      cycles did not improve the osteogenic response of the cortical or cancellous
      tissues compared to continuous loading in this model given the age and sex of the
      mice and the loading parameters used here. These results suggest that relatively
      few load cycles (e.g. 36) are sufficient to induce osteogenic responses in both
      cortical and cancellous bone in the mouse tibial loading model. Mechanistic
      studies using the mouse tibial loading model to examine bone formation and
      skeletal mechanobiology could be accomplished with relatively few load cycles.

PMID- 28076364
TI  - IFNgamma Regulates Activated Vdelta2+ T Cells through a Feedback Mechanism
      Mediated by Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
AB  - gammadelta T cells play a role in a wide range of diseases such as autoimmunity
      and cancer. The majority of circulating human gammadelta T lymphocytes express a
      Vgamma9Vdelta2+ (Vdelta2+) T cell receptor (TCR) and following activation release
      pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we show that IFNgamma, produced by
      Vdelta2+ cells, activates mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-mediated immunosupression,
      which in turn exerts a negative feedback mechanism on gammadelta T cell function
      ranging from cytokine production to proliferation. Importantly, this modulatory
      effect is limited to a short period of time (<24 hours) post-T cell activation,
      after which MSCs can no longer exert their immunoregulatory capacity. Using
      genetically modified MSCs with the IFNgamma receptor 1 constitutively silenced,
      we demonstrate that IFNgamma is essential to this process. Activated gammadelta T
      cells induce expression of several factors by MSCs that participate in the
      depletion of amino acids. In particular, we show that indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase
      (IDO), an enzyme involved in L-tryptophan degradation, is responsible for MSC
      mediated immunosuppression of Vdelta2+ T cells. Thus, our data demonstrate that
      gammadelta T cell responses can be immuno-modulated by different signals derived
      from MSC.

PMID- 28076365
TI  - Gene Expression Profiling in Slow-Type Calf Soleus Muscle of 30 Days Space-Flown
      Mice.
AB  - Microgravity exposure as well as chronic disuse are two main causes of skeletal
      muscle atrophy in animals and humans. The antigravity calf soleus is a reference
      postural muscle to investigate the mechanism of disuse-induced maladaptation and
      plasticity of human and rodent (rats or mice) skeletal musculature. Here, we
      report microgravity-induced global gene expression changes in space-flown mouse
      skeletal muscle and the identification of yet unknown disuse susceptible
      transcripts found in soleus (a mainly slow phenotype) but not in extensor
      digitorum longus (a mainly fast phenotype dorsiflexor as functional counterpart
      to soleus). Adult C57Bl/N6 male mice (n = 5) flew aboard a biosatellite for 30
      days on orbit (BION-M1 mission, 2013), a sex and age-matched cohort were housed
      in standard vivarium cages (n = 5), or in a replicate flight habitat as ground
      control (n = 5). Next to disuse atrophy signs (reduced size and myofiber
      phenotype I to II type shift) as much as 680 differentially expressed genes were
      found in the space-flown soleus, and only 72 in extensor digitorum longus (only
      24 genes in common) compared to ground controls. Altered expression of gene
      transcripts matched key biological processes (contractile machinery, calcium
      homeostasis, muscle development, cell metabolism, inflammatory and oxidative
      stress response). Some transcripts (Fzd9, Casq2, Kcnma1, Ppara, Myf6) were
      further validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Besides previous
      reports on other leg muscle types we put forth for the first time a complete set
      of microgravity susceptible gene transcripts in soleus of mice as promising new
      biomarkers or targets for optimization of physical countermeasures and
      rehabilitation protocols to overcome disuse atrophy conditions in different
      clinical settings, rehabilitation and spaceflight.

PMID- 28076366
TI  - Plum Fruit Development Occurs via Gibberellin-Sensitive and -Insensitive DELLA
      Repressors.
AB  - Fruit growth depends on highly coordinated hormonal activities. The phytohormone
      gibberellin (GA) promotes growth by triggering degradation of the growth
      repressing DELLA proteins; however, the extent to which such proteins contribute
      to GA-mediated fruit development remains to be clarified. Three new plum genes
      encoding DELLA proteins, PslGAI, PslRGL and PslRGA were isolated and functionally
      characterized. Analysis of expression profile during fruit development suggested
      that PslDELLA are transcriptionally regulated during flower and fruit ontogeny
      with potential positive regulation by GA and ethylene, depending on organ and
      developmental stage. PslGAI and PslRGL deduced proteins contain all domains
      present in typical DELLA proteins. However, PslRGA exhibited a degenerated DELLA
      domain and subsequently lacks in GID1-DELLA interaction property. PslDELLA
      overexpression in WT Arabidopsis caused dramatic disruption in overall growth
      including root length, stem elongation, plant architecture, flower structure,
      fertility, and considerable retardation in development due to dramatic distortion
      in GA-metabolic pathway. GA treatment enhanced PslGAI/PslRGL interaction with
      PslGID1 receptors, causing protein destabilization and relief of growth
      restraining effect. By contrast, PslRGA protein was not degraded by GA due to its
      inability to interact with PslGID1. Relative to other PslDELLA-mutants, PslRGA
      plants displayed stronger constitutive repressive growth that was irreversible by
      GA application. The present results describe additional complexities in GA
      signalling during plum fruit development, which may be particularly important to
      optimize successful reproductive growth.

PMID- 28076367
TI  - A Chemogenomic Screen Reveals Novel Snf1p/AMPK Independent Regulators of Acetyl
      CoA Carboxylase.
AB  - Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc1p) is a key enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis and is
      essential for cell viability. To discover new regulators of its activity, we
      screened a Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion library for increased sensitivity to
      soraphen A, a potent Acc1p inhibitor. The hits identified in the screen (118
      hits) were filtered using a chemical-phenotype map to exclude those associated
      with pleiotropic drug resistance. This enabled the identification of 82 ORFs that
      are genetic interactors of Acc1p. The main functional clusters represented by
      these hits were "transcriptional regulation", "protein post-translational
      modifications" and "lipid metabolism". Further investigation of the
      "transcriptional regulation" cluster revealed that soraphen A sensitivity is
      poorly correlated with ACC1 transcript levels. We also studied the three top
      unknown ORFs that affected soraphen A sensitivity: SOR1 (YDL129W), SOR2 (YIL092W)
      and SOR3 (YJR039W). Since the C18/C16 ratio of lipid acyl lengths reflects Acc1p
      activity levels, we evaluated this ratio in the three mutants. Deletion of SOR2
      and SOR3 led to reduced acyl lengths, suggesting that Acc1p is indeed down
      regulated in these strains. Also, these mutants showed no differences in
      Snf1p/AMPK activation status and deletion of SNF1 in these backgrounds did not
      revert soraphen A sensitivity completely. Furthermore, plasmid maintenance was
      reduced in sor2Delta strain and this trait was shared with 18 other soraphen A
      sensitive hits. In summary, our screen uncovered novel Acc1p Snf1p/AMPK
      independent regulators.

PMID- 28076368
TI  - Functional Laterality of Task-Evoked Activation in Sensorimotor Cortex of Preterm
      Infants: An Optimized 3 T fMRI Study Employing a Customized Neonatal Head Coil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in neonates has been
      introduced as a non-invasive method for studying sensorimotor processing in the
      developing brain. However, previous neonatal studies have delivered conflicting
      results regarding localization, lateralization, and directionality of blood
      oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) responses in sensorimotor cortex (SMC).
      Amongst the confounding factors in interpreting neonatal fMRI studies include the
      use of standard adult MR-coils providing insufficient signal to noise, and
      liberal statistical thresholds, compromising clinical interpretation at the
      single subject level. PATIENTS / METHODS: Here, we employed a custom-designed
      neonatal MR-coil adapted and optimized to the head size of a newborn in order to
      improve robustness, reliability and validity of neonatal sensorimotor fMRI.
      Thirteen preterm infants with a median gestational age of 26 weeks were scanned
      at term-corrected age using a prototype 8-channel neonatal head coil at 3T
      (Achieva, Philips, Best, NL). Sensorimotor stimulation was elicited by passive
      extension/flexion of the elbow at 1 Hz in a block design. Analysis of temporal
      signal to noise ratio (tSNR) was performed on the whole brain and the SMC, and
      was compared to data acquired with an 'adult' 8 channel head coil published
      previously. Task-evoked activation was determined by single-subject SPM8
      analyses, thresholded at p < 0.05, whole-brain FWE-corrected. RESULTS: Using a
      custom-designed neonatal MR-coil, we found significant positive BOLD responses in
      contralateral SMC after unilateral passive sensorimotor stimulation in all
      neonates (analyses restricted to artifact-free data sets = 8/13). Improved
      imaging characteristics of the neonatal MR-coil were evidenced by additional
      phantom and in vivo tSNR measurements: phantom studies revealed a 240% global
      increase in tSNR; in vivo studies revealed a 73% global and a 55% local (SMC)
      increase in tSNR, as compared to the 'adult' MR-coil. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      strengthen the importance of using optimized coil settings for neonatal fMRI,
      yielding robust and reproducible SMC activation at the single subject level. We
      conclude that functional lateralization of SMC activation, as found in children
      and adults, is already present in the newborn period.

PMID- 28076369
TI  - Novel Inflammation-Based Prognostic Score for Predicting Survival in Patients
      with Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: We developed a novel inflammation-based model (NPS), which consisted of
      a neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet count (PC), for assessing the
      prognostic role in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic UC
      who underwent systemic chemotherapy between January 1997 and December 2014 in
      Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The defined cutoff values for the NLR and
      PC were 3.0 and 400 * 103/MUL, respectively. Patients were scored 1 for either an
      elevated NLR or PC, and 0 otherwise. The NPS was calculated by summing the
      scores, ranging from 0 to 2. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) by
      using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to
      identify the independent prognostic factors for OS. RESULTS: In total, 256
      metastatic UC patients were enrolled. Univariate analysis revealed that patients
      with either a high NLR or PC had a significantly shorter survival rate compared
      with those with a low NLR (P = .001) or PC (P < .0001). The median OS in patients
      with NPS 0, 1, and 2 was 19.0, 12.8, and 9.3 months, respectively (P < .0001).
      Multivariate analysis revealed that NPS, along with the histologic variant, liver
      metastasis, age, and white cell count, was an independent factor facilitating OS
      prediction (hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.20-2.24, P = .002).
      CONCLUSION: The NLR and PC are independent prognostic factors for OS in patients
      with metastatic UC. The NPS model has excellent discriminant ability for OS.

PMID- 28076370
TI  - Dizziness and Falls in Obese Inpatients Undergoing Metabolic Rehabilitation.
AB  - AIM: The relationship between dizziness and falls in the obese population is a
      relatively unexplored issue. The aims of the present study were to define the 1
      year prevalence of dizziness in an obese inpatient population undergoing
      metabolic rehabilitation and to investigate possible correlations with fall
      events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 329 obese subjects: 203 female (BMI
      43,74 kg/m2 +/- 0.5 SE; age 17-83 years, 58.33 +/- 0.9 SE) and 126 male (BMI
      44,27kg/m2 +/- 0.7 DE age 27-79 years, 58.84 +/- 1 SE). To assess dizziness we
      used the validated Italian version (38) of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory
      (DHI). RESULTS: Out of the experimental sample, 100 subjects did not complain of
      dizziness and felt confident about their balance control, while 69.6% reported
      some degree of dizziness. Their mean DHI score was 22.3, which corresponds to
      mild dizziness. Twenty-one percent reported more severe dizziness (DHI score >
      40). The majority of our sample reported minor dizziness and its perception
      appears to be independent from BMI: DHI scores were consistent across classes of
      obesity. DISCUSSION: The rate of dizziness and falls (30.1%) in an this obese
      population was higher than that previously reported in a general matched
      population. However, obese subjects, in our sample, seem to underestimate their
      risk of fall and DHI score does not appear a reliable predictor of falls. Since
      complications associated with falls in obese persons generally require longer
      treatments than in lean individuals, our findings should be taken into account in
      order to identify other predictors, including cognitive and perceptual, of risk
      of fall and to implement fall prevention programs.

PMID- 28076371
TI  - Meta-Analysis of the Long Term Success Rate of Different Interventions in Benign
      Biliary Strictures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benign biliary stricture is a rare condition and the majority of the
      cases are caused by operative trauma or chronic inflammation based on various
      etiology. Although the initial results of endoscopic, percutaneous and surgical
      treatment are impressive, no comparison about long term stricture resolution is
      available. AIMS: The goal of this study was to compare the long term disease free
      survival in benign biliary strictures with various etiology after surgery,
      percutaneous transhepatic-and endoscopic treatment. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and
      Cochrane Library were searched by computer and manually for published studies.
      The investigators selected the publications according to the inclusion and
      exclusion criteria, processed the data and assessed the quality of the selected
      studies. Meta-analysis of data of 24 publications was performed to compare long
      term disease free survival of different treatment groups. RESULTS: Compared the
      subgroups surgery resulted in the highest long term stricture resolution rate,
      followed by the percutaneous transhepatic treatment, the multiple plastic stent
      insertion and covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS), however the difference
      was not significant. All compared methods are significantly superior to the
      single plastic stent placement. Long term stricture resolution rate
      irrespectively of any therapy is still not more than 84%. CONCLUSIONS: In
      summary, the use of single plastic stent is not recommended. Further randomized
      studies and innovative technical development are required for improving the
      treatment of benign biliary strictures.

PMID- 28076372
TI  - Bad to the Bone: On In Vitro and Ex Vivo Microbial Biofilm Ability to Directly
      Destroy Colonized Bone Surfaces without Participation of Host Immunity or
      Osteoclastogenesis.
AB  - Bone infections are a significant public health burden associated with morbidity
      and mortality in patients. Microbial biofilm pathogens are the causative agents
      in chronic osteomyelitis. Research on the pathogenesis of osteomyelitis has
      focused on indirect bone destruction by host immune cells and cytokines secondary
      to microbial insult. Direct bone resorption by biofilm pathogens has not yet been
      seriously considered. In this study, common osteomyelitis pathogens
      (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and
      Streptococcus mutans) were grown as biofilms in multiple in vitro and ex vivo
      experiments to analyze quantitative and qualitative aspects of bone destruction
      during infection. Pathogens were grown as single or mixed species biofilms on the
      following substrates: hydroxyapatite, rat jawbone, or polystyrene wells, and in
      various media. Biofilm growth was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and
      pH levels were monitored over time. Histomorphologic and quantitative effects of
      biofilms on tested substrates were analyzed by microcomputed tomography and
      quantitative cultures. All tested biofilms demonstrated significant damage to
      bone. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that all strains formed mature
      biofilms within 7 days on all substrate surfaces regardless of media.
      Experimental conditions impacted pH levels, although this had no impact on
      biofilm growth or bone destruction. Presence of biofilm led to bone dissolution
      with a decrease of total volume by 20.17+/-2.93% upon microcomputed tomography
      analysis, which was statistically significant as compared to controls (p <0.05,
      ANOVA). Quantitative cultures indicated that media and substrate did not impact
      biofilm formation (Kruskall-Wallis test, post-hoc Dunne's test; p <0.05).
      Overall, these results indicate that biofilms associated with osteomyelitis have
      the ability to directly resorb bone. These findings should lead to a more
      complete understanding of the etiopathogenesis of osteomyelitis, where direct
      bone resorption by biofilm is considered in addition to the well-known
      osteoclastic and host cell destruction of bone.

PMID- 28076373
TI  - Larvae and Nests of Aculeate Hymenoptera (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) Nesting in Reed
      Galls Induced by Lipara spp. (Diptera: Chloropidae) with a Review of Species
      Recorded. Part II.
AB  - The ability of aculeate Hymenoptera to utilize wetlands is poorly understood, and
      descriptions of their nests and developmental stages are largely absent. Here we
      present results based on our survey of hymenopterans using galls induced by
      Lipara spp. flies on common reed Phragmites australis in the years 2015-2016. We
      studied 20,704 galls, of which 9,446 were longitudinally cut and the brood from
      them reared in the laboratory, while the remaining 11,258 galls reared in rearing
      bags also in laboratory conditions. We recorded eight species that were
      previously not known to nest in reed galls: cuckoo wasps Chrysis rutilans and
      Trichrysis pumilionis, solitary wasps Stenodynerus chevrieranus and Stenodynerus
      clypeopictus, and bees Pseudoanthidium tenellum, Stelis punctulatissima, Hylaeus
      communis and Hylaeus confusus. Forty five species of Hymenoptera: Aculeata are
      known to be associated with reed galls, of which 36 make their nests there, and
      the other are six parasitoids of the family Chrysididae and three cuckoo bees of
      the genus Stelis. Of these species, Pemphredon fabricii and in southern Europe
      also Heriades rubicola are very common in reed galls, followed by Hylaeus
      pectoralis and two species of the genus Trypoxylon. We also found new host
      parasite associations: Chrysis angustula in nests of Pemphredon fabricii, Chrysis
      rutilans in nests of Stenodynerus clypeopictus, Trichrysis pumilionis in nests of
      Trypoxylon deceptorium, and Stelis breviuscula in nests of Heriades rubicola. We
      provide new descriptions of the nests of seven species nesting in reed galls and
      morphology of mature larvae of eight species nesting in reed galls and two
      parasitoids and one nest cleptoparasite. The larvae are usually very similar to
      those of related species but possess characteristics that make them easy to
      distinguish from related species. Our results show that common reeds are not only
      expansive and harmful, but very important for many insect species associated with
      habitats dominated by this plant species.

PMID- 28076374
TI  - A Burgeoning Crisis? A Nationwide Assessment of the Geography of Water
      Affordability in the United States.
AB  - While basic access to clean water is critical, another important issue is the
      affordability of water access for people around the globe. Prior international
      work has highlighted that a large proportion of consumers could not afford water
      if priced at full cost recovery levels. Given growing concern about affordability
      issues due to rising water rates, and a comparative lack of work on affordability
      in the developed world, as compared to the developing world, more work is needed
      in developed countries to understand the extent of this issue in terms of the
      number of households and persons impacted. To address this need, this paper
      assesses potential affordability issues for households in the United States using
      the U.S. EPA's 4.5% affordability criteria for combined water and wastewater
      services. Analytical results from this paper highlight high-risk and at-risk
      households for water poverty or unaffordable water services. Many of these
      households are clustered in pockets of water poverty within counties, which is a
      concern for individual utility providers servicing a large proportion of
      customers with a financial inability to pay for water services. Results also
      highlight that while water rates remain comparatively affordable for many U.S.
      households, this trend will not continue in the future. If water rates rise at
      projected amounts over the next five years, conservative projections estimate
      that the percentage of U.S. households who will find water bills unaffordable
      could triple from 11.9% to 35.6%. This is a concern due to the cascading economic
      impacts associated with widespread affordability issues; these issues mean that
      utility providers could have fewer customers over which to spread the large fixed
      costs of water service. Unaffordable water bills also impact customers for whom
      water services are affordable via higher water rates to recover the costs of
      services that go unpaid by lower income households.

PMID- 28076375
TI  - SensibleSleep: A Bayesian Model for Learning Sleep Patterns from Smartphone
      Events.
AB  - We propose a Bayesian model for extracting sleep patterns from smartphone events.
      Our method is able to identify individuals' daily sleep periods and their
      evolution over time, and provides an estimation of the probability of sleep and
      wake transitions. The model is fitted to more than 400 participants from two
      different datasets, and we verify the results against ground truth from dedicated
      armband sleep trackers. We show that the model is able to produce reliable sleep
      estimates with an accuracy of 0.89, both at the individual and at the collective
      level. Moreover the Bayesian model is able to quantify uncertainty and encode
      prior knowledge about sleep patterns. Compared with existing smartphone-based
      systems, our method requires only screen on/off events, and is therefore much
      less intrusive in terms of privacy and more battery-efficient.

PMID- 28076376
TI  - Increased Natural Killer Cell Activation in HIV-Infected Immunologic Non
      Responders Correlates with CD4+ T Cell Recovery after Antiretroviral Therapy and
      Viral Suppression.
AB  - The role of natural killer (NK) cell function in HIV disease especially in the
      setting of long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral suppression is not
      fully understood. In the current study, we have investigated NK cell activation
      in healthy controls and aviremic ART-treated HIV+ subjects with different degrees
      of immune restoration. We performed a cross sectional study in 12 healthy
      controls and 24 aviremic ART-treated HIV-infected subjects including 13 HIV+
      subjects with CD4+ T cells above 500 cells/MUL defined as "immunologic
      responders" and 11 HIV+ subjects with CD4+ T cells below 350 cells/MUL defined as
      "immunologic non-responders". We analyzed NK cell number, subset, and activation
      by expression of CD107a and NKG2D and co-expression of CD38 and HLA-DR. NK cell
      mediated cytotoxicity against uninfected CD4+ T cells was tested in vitro. We
      found that NK cell absolute number, percentage of NK cells, and percentage of NK
      cell subsets were similar in the three study groups. The increased NK cell
      activation was found predominantly in CD56dimCD16+ subset of immunologic non
      responders but not immunologic responders compared to healthy controls. The
      activation of NK cells was inversely correlated with the peripheral CD4+ T cell
      count in HIV+ subjects, even after controlling for chronic T cell activation,
      sex, and age, potential contributors for CD4+ T cell counts in HIV disease.
      Interestingly, NK cells from immunologic non-responders mediated cytotoxicity
      against uninfected CD4+ T cells ex vivo. NK cells may play a role in blunted CD4+
      T cell recovery in ART-treated HIV disease.

PMID- 28076377
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Vertebrate Diurnal/Circadian Transcriptomes.
AB  - From photosynthetic bacteria to mammals, the circadian clock evolved to track
      diurnal rhythms and enable organisms to anticipate daily recurring changes such
      as temperature and light. It orchestrates a broad spectrum of physiology such as
      the sleep/wake and eating/fasting cycles. While we have made tremendous advances
      in our understanding of the molecular details of the circadian clock mechanism
      and how it is synchronized with the environment, we still have rudimentary
      knowledge regarding its connection to help regulate diurnal physiology. One
      potential reason is the sheer size of the output network. Diurnal/circadian
      transcriptomic studies are reporting that around 10% of the expressed genome is
      rhythmically controlled. Zebrafish is an important model system for the study of
      the core circadian mechanism in vertebrate. As Zebrafish share more than 70% of
      its genes with human, it could also be an additional model in addition to rodent
      for exploring the diurnal/circadian output with potential for translational
      relevance. Here we performed comparative diurnal/circadian transcriptome analysis
      with established mouse liver and other tissue datasets. First, by combining liver
      tissue sampling in a 48h time series, transcription profiling using
      oligonucleotide arrays and bioinformatics analysis, we profiled rhythmic
      transcripts and identified 2609 rhythmic genes. The comparative analysis revealed
      interesting features of the output network regarding number of rhythmic genes,
      proportion of tissue specific genes and the extent of transcription factor family
      expression. Undoubtedly, the Zebrafish model system will help identify new
      vertebrate outputs and their regulators and provides leads for further
      characterization of the diurnal cis-regulatory network.

PMID- 28076378
TI  - p62 Pathology Model in the Rat Substantia Nigra with Filamentous Inclusions and
      Progressive Neurodegeneration.
AB  - One of the proteins most frequently found in neuropathological lesions is the
      ubiquitin binding protein p62 (sequestosome 1). Post-mortem analysis of p62 is a
      defining diagnostic marker in several neurodegenerative diseases including
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and inclusion body myositis. Since p62 functions in
      protein degradation pathways including autophagy, the build-up of p62-positive
      inclusions suggests defects in protein clearance. p62 was expressed unilaterally
      in the rat substantia nigra with an adeno-associated virus vector (AAV9) in order
      to study p62 neuropathology. Inclusions formed within neurons from several days
      to several weeks after gene transfer. By electron microscopy, the inclusions were
      found to contain packed 10 nm thick filaments, and mitochondria cristae structure
      was disrupted, resulting in the formation of empty spaces. In corollary cell
      culture transfections, p62 clearly impaired mitochondrial function. To probe for
      potential effects on macroautophagy, we co-expressed p62 with a double
      fluorescent tagged reporter for the autophagosome protein LC3 in the rat. p62
      induced a dramatic and specific dissociation of the two tags. By 12 weeks, a
      rotational behavior phenotype manifested, consistent with a significant loss of
      dopaminergic neurons analyzed post-mortem. p62 overexpression resulted in a
      progressive and robust pathology model with neuronal inclusions and
      neurodegeneration. p62 gene transfer could be a novel methodological probe to
      disrupt mitochondrial function or autophagy in the brain and other tissues in
      vivo.

PMID- 28076379
TI  - Upregulation of Far Upstream Element-Binding Protein 1 (FUBP1) Promotes Tumor
      Proliferation and Tumorigenesis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The far upstream element (FUSE)-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) is a
      transactivator of human c-myc proto-oncogene transcription, with important roles
      in carcinogenesis. However, the expression pattern and potential biological
      function of FUBP1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is yet to be
      established. METHODS: FUBP1 expression was detected in ccRCC tissues and cell
      lines by real-time RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. The
      correlations of FUBP1 mRNA expression levels with clinicopathological factors
      were evaluated. The biological function of FUBP1 during tumor cell proliferation
      was studied by MTS, colony formation, and soft-agar colony formation. The effects
      of FUBP1 on cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow
      cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to identify the potential mechanism of
      FUBP1 regulating cell cycle and apoptosis. RESULTS: The levels of FUBP1 mRNA and
      protein expression were upregulated in human ccRCC tissues compared with adjacent
      noncancerous tissues. High levels of FUBP1 mRNA expression were associated with
      higher tumor stage and tumor size. FUBP1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation
      and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Meanwhile, the expression levels of
      c-myc and p21 mRNA were correlated with that of FUBP1 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: FUBP1
      acts as a potential oncogene in ccRCC and may be considered as a novel biomarker
      or an attractive treatment target of ccRCC.

PMID- 28076380
TI  - A Device-Independent Evaluation of Carbonyl Emissions from Heated Electronic
      Cigarette Solvents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate how the two main electronic (e-) cigarette solvents
      propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (GL)-modulate the formation of toxic volatile
      carbonyl compounds under precisely controlled temperatures in the absence of
      nicotine and flavor additives. METHODS: PG, GL, PG:GL = 1:1 (wt/wt) mixture, and
      two commercial e-cigarette liquids were vaporized in a stainless steel, tubular
      reactor in flowing air ranging up to 318 degrees C to simulate e-cigarette
      vaping. Aerosols were collected and analyzed to quantify the amount of volatile
      carbonyls produced with each of the five e-liquids. RESULTS: Significant amounts
      of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were detected at reactor temperatures >=215
      degrees C for both PG and GL. Acrolein was observed only in e-liquids containing
      GL when reactor temperatures exceeded 270 degrees C. At 318 degrees C, 2.03+/
      0.80 MUg of formaldehyde, 2.35+/-0.87 MUg of acetaldehyde, and a trace amount of
      acetone were generated per milligram of PG; at the same temperature, 21.1+/-3.80
      MUg of formaldehyde, 2.40+/-0.99 MUg of acetaldehyde, and 0.80+/-0.50 MUg of
      acrolein were detected per milligram of GL. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a device
      independent test method to investigate carbonyl emissions from different e
      cigarette liquids under precisely controlled temperatures. PG and GL were
      identified to be the main sources of toxic carbonyl compounds from e-cigarette
      use. GL produced much more formaldehyde than PG. Besides formaldehyde and
      acetaldehyde, measurable amounts of acrolein were also detected at >=270 degrees
      C but only when GL was present in the e-liquid. At 215 degrees C, the estimated
      daily exposure to formaldehyde from e-cigarettes, exceeded United States
      Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and California Office of Environmental
      Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) acceptable limits, which emphasized the need to
      further examine the potential cancer and non-cancer health risks associated with
      e-cigarette use.

PMID- 28076381
TI  - Stain Deconvolution Using Statistical Analysis of Multi-Resolution Stain Colour
      Representation.
AB  - Stain colour estimation is a prominent factor of the analysis pipeline in most of
      histology image processing algorithms. Providing a reliable and efficient stain
      colour deconvolution approach is fundamental for robust algorithm. In this paper,
      we propose a novel method for stain colour deconvolution of histology images.
      This approach statistically analyses the multi-resolutional representation of the
      image to separate the independent observations out of the correlated ones. We
      then estimate the stain mixing matrix using filtered uncorrelated data. We
      conducted an extensive set of experiments to compare the proposed method to the
      recent state of the art methods and demonstrate the robustness of this approach
      using three different datasets of scanned slides, prepared in different labs
      using different scanners.

PMID- 28076382
TI  - Deregulated Expression of Mitochondrial Proteins Mfn2 and Bcnl3L in Placentae
      from Sheep Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) Conceptuses.
AB  - In various animal species, the main cause of pregnancy loss in conceptuses
      obtained by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) are placental abnormalities.
      Most abnormalities described in SCNT pregnancies (such as placentomegaly, reduced
      vascularisation, hypoplasia of trophoblastic epithelium) suggest that placental
      cell degeneration may be triggered by mitochondrial failure. We hypothesized that
      placental abnormalities of clones obtained by SCNT are related to mitochondrial
      dysfunction. To test this, early SCNT and control (CTR, from pregnancies obtained
      by in vitro fertilization) placentae were collected from pregnant ewes (at day 20
      and 22 of gestation) and subjected to morphological, mRNA and protein analysis.
      Here, we demonstrated swollen and fragmented mitochondria and low expression of
      mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), the protein which plays a crucial role in mitochondrial
      functionality, in SCNT early placentae. Furthermore, reduced expression of the
      Bcnl3L/Nix protein, which plays a crucial role in selective elimination of
      damaged mitochondria, was observed and reflected by the accumulation of numerous
      damaged mitochondria in SCNT placental cells. Likely, this accumulation of
      damaged organelles led to uncontrolled apoptosis in SCNT placentae, as
      demonstrated by the high number of apoptotic bodies, fragmented cytoplasm,
      condensed chromatin, lack of integrity of the nuclear membrane and the perturbed
      mRNA expression of apoptotic genes (BCL2 and BAX). In conclusion, our data
      indicate that deregulated expression of Mfn2 and Bcnl3L is responsible for
      placental abnormalities in SCNT conceptuses. Our results suggest that some
      nuclear genes, that are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function, do
      not work well and consequently this influence the function of mitochondria.

PMID- 28076383
TI  - Time-Varying Transition Probability Matrix Estimation and Its Application to
      Brand Share Analysis.
AB  - In a product market or stock market, different products or stocks compete for the
      same consumers or purchasers. We propose a method to estimate the time-varying
      transition matrix of the product share using a multivariate time series of the
      product share. The method is based on the assumption that each of the observed
      time series of shares is a stationary distribution of the underlying Markov
      processes characterized by transition probability matrices. We estimate
      transition probability matrices for every observation under natural assumptions.
      We demonstrate, on a real-world dataset of the share of automobiles, that the
      proposed method can find intrinsic transition of shares. The resulting transition
      matrices reveal interesting phenomena, for example, the change in flows between
      TOYOTA group and GM group for the fiscal year where TOYOTA group's sales beat
      GM's sales, which is a reasonable scenario.

PMID- 28076384
TI  - Anti-Epileptic Drug Combination Efficacy in an In Vitro Seizure Model - Phenytoin
      and Valproate, Lamotrigine and Valproate.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the relative efficacy of different classes of
      commonly used anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) with different mechanisms of action,
      individually and in combination, to suppress epileptiform discharges in an in
      vitro model. Extracellular field potential were recorded in 450 MUm thick
      transverse hippocampal slices prepared from juvenile Wistar rats, in which
      "epileptiform discharges" (ED's) were produced with a high-K+ (8.5 mM)
      bicarbonate-buffered saline solution. Single and dual recordings in stratum
      pyramidale of CA1 and CA3 regions were performed with 3-5 MOmega glass
      microelectrodes. All drugs-lamotrigine (LTG), phenytoin (PHT) and valproate (VPA)
      were applied to the slice by superfusion at a rate of 2 ml/min at 32 degrees C.
      Effects upon frequency of ED's were assessed for LTG, PHT and VPA applied at
      different concentrations, in isolation and in combination. We demonstrated that
      high-K+ induced ED frequency was reversibly reduced by LTG, PHT and VPA, at
      concentrations corresponding to human therapeutic blood plasma concentrations.
      With a protocol using several applications of drugs to the same slice, PHT and
      VPA in combination displayed additivity of effect with 50MUM PHT and 350MUM VPA
      reducing SLD frequency by 44% and 24% individually (n = 19), and together
      reducing SLD frequency by 66% (n = 19). 20MUM LTG reduced SLD frequency by 32%
      and 350MUM VPA by 16% (n = 18). However, in combination there was a supra-linear
      suppression of ED's of 64% (n = 18). In another independent set of experiments,
      similar results of drug combination responses were also found. In conclusion, a
      combination of conventional AEDs with different mechanisms of action, PHT and
      VPA, displayed linear additivity of effect on epileptiform activity. More
      intriguingly, a combination of LTG and VPA considered particularly efficacious
      clinically showed a supra-additive suppression of ED's. This approach may be
      useful as an in vitro platform for assessing drug combination efficacy.

PMID- 28076385
TI  - The Effect of a Novel c.820C>T (Arg274Trp) Mutation in the Mitofusin 2 Gene on
      Fibroblast Metabolism and Clinical Manifestation in a Patient.
AB  - Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A) is an autosomal dominant axonal
      peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in the mitofusin 2 gene (MFN2).
      Mitofusin 2 is a GTPase protein present in the outer mitochondrial membrane and
      responsible for regulation of mitochondrial network architecture via the fusion
      of mitochondria. As that fusion process is known to be strongly dependent on the
      GTPase activity of mitofusin 2, it is postulated that the MFN2 mutation within
      the GTPase domain may lead to impaired GTPase activity, and in turn to
      mitochondrial dysfunction. The work described here has therefore sought to verify
      the effects of MFN2 mutation within its GTPase domain on mitochondrial and
      endoplasmic reticulum morphology, as well as the mtDNA content in a cultured
      primary fibroblast obtained from a CMT2A patient harboring a de novo Arg274Trp
      mutation. In fact, all the parameters studied were affected significantly by the
      presence of the mutant MFN2 protein. However, using the stable model for
      mitofusin 2 obtained by us, we were next able to determine that the Arg274Trp
      mutation does not impact directly upon GTP binding. Such results were also
      confirmed for GTP-hydrolysis activity of MFN2 protein in patient fibroblast. We
      therefore suggest that the biological malfunctions observable with the disease
      are not consequences of impaired GTPase activity, but rather reflect an impaired
      contribution of the GTPase domain to other MFN2 activities involving that region,
      for example protein-protein interactions.

PMID- 28076386
TI  - Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Predicting Loss of Response to Infliximab in
      Ulcerative Colitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been used to determine the
      outcome in malignancies and coronary heart disease. Some reports considered the
      value of NLR as a predictor of response to infliximab in patients with Crohn's
      disease or rheumatoid arthritis; however, no similar studies have been reported
      for ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical
      significance of the baseline NLR in patients with UC treated by infliximab.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with moderate-to-severe active UC who received
      the first infliximab infusion in our hospital between 2010 and 2015, who showed
      clinical response during the induction period, were retrospectively evaluated for
      long-term outcomes and risk factors for loss of response (LOR) during infliximab
      maintenance therapy. Baseline inflammatory markers including NLR were measured
      within one week before the initiation of infliximab. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients
      with moderate-to-severe active UC started treatment with infliximab and 37
      patients (62.7%) experienced clinical response after induction therapy. Fourteen
      of 37 patients on maintenance therapy lost the response during follow-up.
      Baseline NLR of patients with LOR was significantly higher than in patients with
      sustained response. The NLR cut-off value of 4.488 was predictive of LOR, using
      receiver operating characteristic analysis (sensitivity: 78.6%, specificity:
      78.3%). A univariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between relapse
      free survival and the NLR (P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis indicated the NLR as
      an independent prognostic factor for LOR (hazard ratio = 3.86, 95% confidence
      interval: 1.20-12.4, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline NLR is a useful prognostic
      marker in patients with moderate-to-severe active UC treated with infliximab, and
      may contribute to appropriate use of infliximab.

PMID- 28076387
TI  - Distinct Subtypes of Apathy Revealed by the Apathy Motivation Index.
AB  - Apathy is a debilitating but poorly understood disorder characterized by a
      reduction in motivation. As well as being associated with several brain
      disorders, apathy is also prevalent in varying degrees in healthy people. Whilst
      many tools have been developed to assess levels of apathy in clinical disorders,
      surprisingly there are no measures of apathy suitable for healthy people.
      Moreover, although apathy is commonly comorbid with symptoms of depression,
      anhedonia and fatigue, how and why these symptoms are associated is unclear. Here
      we developed the Apathy-Motivation Index (AMI), a brief self-report index of
      apathy and motivation. Using exploratory factor analysis (in a sample of 505
      people), and then confirmatory analysis (in a different set of 479 individuals),
      we identified subtypes of apathy in behavioural, social and emotional domains.
      Latent profile analyses showed four different profiles of apathy that were
      associated with varying levels of depression, anhedonia and fatigue. The AMI is a
      novel and reliable measure of individual differences in apathy and might provide
      a useful means of probing different mechanisms underlying sub-clinical lack of
      motivation in otherwise healthy individuals. Moreover, associations between
      apathy and comorbid states may be reflective of problems in different emotional,
      social and behavioural domains.

PMID- 28076388
TI  - Risk Factors for Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogens and Failure of Empiric First-Line
      Therapy in Acute Cholangitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute cholangitis (AC) requires the immediate initiation of
      antibiotic therapy in addition to treatment for biliary obstruction. Against a
      background of an increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria,
      the risk factors for the failure of empiric therapy must be defined. METHODS:
      Using a pathogen-based approach, 1764 isolates from positive bile duct cultures
      were retrospectively analyzed to characterize the respective pathogen spectra in
      two German tertiary centers. Using a patient-based approach, the clinical and
      laboratory data for 83 patients with AC were assessed to identify risk factors
      for AC with pathogens resistant to the applied empiric therapy. RESULTS: Bile
      cultures were predominantly polymicrobial, and empiric antibiotic therapies did
      not cover the full biliary pathogen spectrum in 78% of cases. MDR bacteria were
      isolated from the bile of 24/83 (29%) patients. The univariate risk factors for
      biliary MDR bacteria were male sex, nosocomial AC, prior antibiotic exposure and
      prior biliary stenting, of which biliary stenting was the only independent risk
      factor according to multivariate analysis (OR = 3.8; 95% CI 1.3-11.0, P = 0.013).
      Although there were no significant differences in survival or hospital stay in AC
      patients with and without detected biliary MDR pathogens, the former more often
      had a concomitant bloodstream infection (58% vs. 24%; P = 0.019), including those
      involving MDR pathogens or fungi (21% vs. 2%; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Patients
      with biliary stents who develop AC should receive empiric therapy covering
      enterococci and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae. These patients are at an increased risk for bloodstream
      infections by MDR pathogens or fungi.

PMID- 28076389
TI  - A Computational Study on the Relation between Resting Heart Rate and Atrial
      Fibrillation Hemodynamics under Exercise.
AB  - AIMS: Clinical data indicating a heart rate (HR) target during rate control
      therapy for permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) and assessing its eventual
      relationship with reduced exercise tolerance are lacking. The present study aims
      at investigating the impact of resting HR on the hemodynamic response to exercise
      in permanent AF patients by means of a computational cardiovascular model.
      METHODS: The AF lumped-parameter model was run to simulate resting (1 Metabolic
      Equivalent of Task-MET) and various exercise conditions (4 METs: brisk walking; 6
      METs: skiing; 8 METs: running), considering different resting HR (70 bpm for the
      slower resting HR-SHR-simulations, and 100 bpm for the higher resting HR-HHR
      simulations). To compare relative variations of cardiovascular variables upon
      exertion, the variation comparative index (VCI)-the absolute variation between
      the exercise and the resting values in SHR simulations referred to the absolute
      variation in HHR simulations-was calculated at each exercise grade (VCI4, VCI6
      and VCI8). RESULTS: Pulmonary venous pressure underwent a greater increase in HHR
      compared to SHR simulations (VCI4 = 0.71, VCI6 = 0.73 and VCI8 = 0.77), while for
      systemic arterial pressure the opposite is true (VCI4 = 1.15, VCI6 = 1.36, VCI8 =
      1.56). CONCLUSIONS: The computational findings suggest that a slower, with
      respect to a higher resting HR, might be preferable in permanent AF patients,
      since during exercise pulmonary venous pressure undergoes a slighter increase and
      systemic blood pressure reveals a more appropriate increase.

PMID- 28076390
TI  - IL-37 Confers Protection against Mycobacterial Infection Involving Suppressing
      Inflammation and Modulating T Cell Activation.
AB  - Interleukin-37 (IL-37), a novel member of the IL-1 family, plays fundamental
      immunosuppressive roles by broadly reducing both innate inflammation and acquired
      immunity, but whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB) has
      not been clearly elucidated. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      analysis demonstrated an association of the genetic variant rs3811047 of IL-37
      with TB susceptibility. In line with previous report, a significant elevated IL
      37 abundance in the sera and increased expression of IL-37 protein in the
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were observed in TB patients in
      comparison to healthy controls. Moreover, release of IL-37 were detected in
      either macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) or the lung of
      BCG-infected mice, concurrent with reduced production of proinflammatory
      cytokines including IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Furthermore, in contrast to wild-type
      mice, BCG-infected IL-37-Tg mice manifested with reduced mycobacterial burden and
      tissue damage in the lung, accompanied by higher frequency of Th1 cell and less
      frequencies of regulatory T cells and Th17 cells in the spleen. Taken together,
      our findings demonstrated that IL-37 conferred resistance to Mtb infection
      possibly involving suppressing detrimental inflammation and modulating T cell
      responses. These findings implicated that IL-37 may be employed as a new
      molecular target for the therapy and diagnosis of TB.

PMID- 28076391
TI  - Assessing Sexual Dicromatism: The Importance of Proper Parameterization in
      Tetrachromatic Visual Models.
AB  - Perceptual models of animal vision have greatly contributed to our understanding
      of animal-animal and plant-animal communication. The receptor-noise model of
      color contrasts has been central to this research as it quantifies the difference
      between two colors for any visual system of interest. However, if the properties
      of the visual system are unknown, assumptions regarding parameter values must be
      made, generally with unknown consequences. In this study, we conduct a
      sensitivity analysis of the receptor-noise model using avian visual system
      parameters to systematically investigate the influence of variation in light
      environment, photoreceptor sensitivities, photoreceptor densities, and light
      transmission properties of the ocular media and the oil droplets. We calculated
      the chromatic contrast of 15 plumage patches to quantify a dichromatism score for
      70 species of Galliformes, a group of birds that display a wide range of sexual
      dimorphism. We found that the photoreceptor densities and the wavelength of
      maximum sensitivity of the short-wavelength-sensitive photoreceptor 1 (SWS1) can
      change dichromatism scores by 50% to 100%. In contrast, the light environment,
      transmission properties of the oil droplets, transmission properties of the
      ocular media, and the peak sensitivities of the cone photoreceptors had a smaller
      impact on the scores. By investigating the effect of varying two or more
      parameters simultaneously, we further demonstrate that improper parameterization
      could lead to differences between calculated and actual contrasts of more than
      650%. Our findings demonstrate that improper parameterization of tetrachromatic
      visual models can have very large effects on measures of dichromatism scores,
      potentially leading to erroneous inferences. We urge more complete
      characterization of avian retinal properties and recommend that researchers
      either determine whether their species of interest possess an ultraviolet or near
      ultraviolet sensitive SWS1 photoreceptor, or present models for both.

PMID- 28076392
TI  - Arthropod Pest Control for UK Oilseed Rape - Comparing Insecticide Efficacies,
      Side Effects and Alternatives.
AB  - Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is an important combinable break crop in the UK,
      which is largely protected from arthropod pests by insecticidal chemicals.
      Despite ongoing debate regarding the use of neonicotinoids, the dominant seed
      treatment ingredients used for this crop, there is little publicly available data
      comparing the efficacy of insecticides in controlling key arthropod pests or
      comparing the impacts on non-target species and the wider environment. To provide
      an insight into these matters, a UK-wide expert survey targeting agronomists and
      entomologists was conducted from March to June 2015. Based on the opinions of 90
      respondents, an average of 20% yield loss caused by the key arthropod pests was
      expected to have occurred in the absence of insecticide treatments. Relatively
      older chemical groups were perceived to have lower efficacy for target pests than
      newer ones, partly due to the development of insecticide resistance. Without
      neonicotinoid seed treatments, a lack of good control for cabbage stem flea
      beetle was perceived. Wide spectrum foliar insecticide sprays were perceived to
      have significantly greater negative impacts than seed treatments on users'
      health, natural enemies, pollinators, soil and water, and many foliar active
      ingredients have had potential risks for non-target arthropod species in UK
      oilseed rape fields for the past 25 years. Overall, 72% of respondents opposed
      the neonicotinoid restriction, while 10% supported it. Opposition and support of
      the restriction were largely based on concerns for pollinators and the wider
      environment, highlighting the uncertainty over the side effects of neonicotinoid
      use. More people from the government and research institutes leaned towards
      neutrality over the issue, compared to those directly involved in growing the
      crop. Neonicotinoid restriction was expected to result in greater effort and
      expenditure on pest control and lower production (0-1 t/ha less). Alternatives
      for future oilseed rape protection were then discussed.

PMID- 28076393
TI  - Alder, Nitrogen, and Lake Ecology: Terrestrial-Aquatic Linkages in the
      Postglacial History of Lone Spruce Pond, Southwestern Alaska.
AB  - Diatoms, combined with a multiproxy study of lake sediments (organic matter, N,
      delta15N, delta13C, biogenic silica, grain size, Cladocera and chironomids, Alnus
      pollen) from Lone Spruce Pond, Alaska detail the late-glacial to Holocene history
      of the lake and its response to regional climate and landscape change over the
      last 14.5 cal ka BP. We show that the immigration of alder (Alnus viridis) in the
      early Holocene marks the rise of available reactive nitrogen (Nr) in the lake as
      well as the establishment of a primarily planktonic diatom community. The later
      establishment of diatom Discostella stelligera is coupled to a rise of
      sedimentary delta15N, indicating diminished competition for this nutrient. This
      terrestrial-aquatic linkage demonstrates how profoundly vegetation may affect
      soil geochemistry, lake development, and lake ecology over millennial timescales.
      Furthermore, the response of the diatom community to strengthened stratification
      and N levels in the past confirms the sensitivity of planktonic diatom
      communities to changing thermal and nutrient regimes. These past ecosystem
      dynamics serve as an analogue for the nature of threshold-type ecological
      responses to current climate change and atmospheric nitrogen (Nr) deposition, but
      also for the larger changes we should anticipate under future climate, pollution,
      and vegetation succession scenarios in high-latitude and high-elevation regions.

PMID- 28076394
TI  - Correction: Electrode Mass Balancing as an Inexpensive and Simple Method to
      Increase the Capacitance of Electric Double-Layer Capacitors.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163146.].

PMID- 28076395
TI  - Mapping and Genetic Structure Analysis of the Anthracnose Resistance Locus Co-1HY
      in the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).
AB  - Anthracnose is a destructive disease of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).
      The Andean cultivar Hongyundou has been demonstrated to possess strong resistance
      to anthracnose race 81. To study the genetics of this resistance, the Hongyundou
      cultivar was crossed with a susceptible genotype Jingdou. Segregation of
      resistance for race 81 was assessed in the F2 population and F2:3 lines under
      controlled conditions. Results indicate that Hongyundou carries a single dominant
      gene for anthracnose resistance. An allele test by crossing Hongyundou with
      another resistant cultivar revealed that the resistance gene is in the Co-1 locus
      (therefore named Co-1HY). The physical distance between this locus and the two
      flanking markers was 46 kb, and this region included four candidate genes,
      namely, Phvul.001G243500, Phvul.001G243600, Phvul.001G243700 and
      Phvul.001G243800. These candidate genes encoded serine/threonine-protein kinases.
      Expression analysis of the four candidate genes in the resistant and susceptible
      cultivars under control condition and inoculated treatment revealed that all the
      four candidate genes are expressed at significantly higher levels in the
      resistant genotype than in susceptible genotype. Phvul.001G243600 and
      Phvul.001G243700 are expressed nearly 15-fold and 90-fold higher in the resistant
      genotype than in the susceptible parent before inoculation, respectively. Four
      candidate genes will provide useful information for further research into the
      resistance mechanism of anthracnose in common bean. The closely linked flanking
      markers identified here may be useful for transferring the resistance allele Co
      1HY from Hongyundou to elite anthracnose susceptible common bean lines.

PMID- 28076396
TI  - Neutrophil Interactions Stimulate Evasive Hyphal Branching by Aspergillus
      fumigatus.
AB  - Invasive aspergillosis (IA), primarily caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, is an
      opportunistic fungal infection predominantly affecting immunocompromised and
      neutropenic patients that is difficult to treat and results in high mortality.
      Investigations of neutrophil-hypha interaction in vitro and in animal models of
      IA are limited by lack of temporal and spatial control over interactions. This
      study presents a new approach for studying neutrophil-hypha interaction at single
      cell resolution over time, which revealed an evasive fungal behavior triggered by
      interaction with neutrophils: Interacting hyphae performed de novo tip formation
      to generate new hyphal branches, allowing the fungi to avoid the interaction
      point and continue invasive growth. Induction of this mechanism was independent
      of neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)
      formation, but could be phenocopied by iron chelation and mechanical or
      physiological stalling of hyphal tip extension. The consequence of branch
      induction upon interaction outcome depends on the number and activity of
      neutrophils available: In the presence of sufficient neutrophils branching makes
      hyphae more vulnerable to destruction, while in the presence of limited
      neutrophils the interaction increases the number of hyphal tips, potentially
      making the infection more aggressive. This has direct implications for infections
      in neutrophil-deficient patients and opens new avenues for treatments targeting
      fungal branching.

PMID- 28076397
TI  - When Viruses Don't Go Viral: The Importance of Host Phylogeographic Structure in
      the Spatial Spread of Arenaviruses.
AB  - Many emerging infections are RNA virus spillovers from animal reservoirs.
      Reservoir identification is necessary for predicting the geographic extent of
      infection risk, but rarely are taxonomic levels below the animal species
      considered as reservoir, and only key circumstances in nature and methodology
      allow intrinsic virus-host associations to be distinguished from simple
      geographic (co-)isolation. We sampled and genetically characterized in detail a
      contact zone of two subtaxa of the rodent Mastomys natalensis in Tanzania. We
      find two distinct arenaviruses, Gairo and Morogoro virus, each spatially confined
      to a single M. natalensis subtaxon, only co-occurring at the contact zone's
      centre. Inter-subtaxon hybridization at this centre and a continuum of quality
      habitat for M. natalensis show that both viruses have the ecological opportunity
      to spread into the other substaxon's range, but do not, strongly suggesting host
      intrinsic barriers. Such barriers could explain why human cases of another M.
      natalensis-borne arenavirus, Lassa virus, are limited to West Africa.

PMID- 28076398
TI  - Identification of a Novel Mutation in BRD4 that Causes Autosomal Dominant
      Syndromic Congenital Cataracts Associated with Other Neuro-Skeletal Anomalies.
AB  - Congenital cataracts can occur as a non-syndromic isolated ocular disease or as a
      part of genetic syndromes accompanied by a multi-systemic disease. Approximately
      50% of all congenital cataract cases have a heterogeneous genetic basis. Here, we
      describe three generations of a family with an autosomal dominant inheritance
      pattern and common complex phenotypes, including bilateral congenital cataracts,
      short stature, macrocephaly, and minor skeletal anomalies. We did not find any
      chromosomal aberrations or gene copy number abnormalities using conventional
      genetic tests; accordingly, we conducted whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify
      disease-causing genetic alterations in this family. Based on family WES data, we
      identified a novel BRD4 missense mutation as a candidate causal variant and
      performed cell-based experiments by ablation of endogenous BRD4 expression in
      human lens epithelial cells. The protein expression levels of connexin 43, p62,
      LC3BII, and p53 differed significantly between control cells and cells in which
      endogenous BRD4 expression was inhibited. We inferred that a BRD4 missense
      mutation was the likely disease-causing mutation in this family. Our findings may
      improve the molecular diagnosis of congenital cataracts and support the use of
      WES to clarify the genetic basis of complex diseases.

PMID- 28076399
TI  - Epidemiology of Injury-Related Death in Children under 5 Years of Age in Hunan
      Province, China, 2009-2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Injury is an important cause of childhood mortality in China. We
      described the epidemiology and trends of injury-related deaths of children <5
      years of age in Hunan province, and discussed several policy implications.
      METHODS: Injury-related deaths of children <5 years of age in 2009-2014 were
      identified from surveillance data. All specific injury mortality and mortality
      rates in urban and rural area were calculated from census data; Cochran-armitage
      trend test was used to assess the time trends. RESULTS: Injury was the leading
      cause of death in children <5 years of age. Overall injury mortality was 48.96
      per 100,000 persons, gradually declined with the year (Z = -18.75, P<0.001), and
      accounted for 27.14% of all deaths. Injury mortality in rural areas was 64.66 per
      100,000 persons, which was more than 3.73 times higher than the rate in urban
      areas. The three leading causes of injury-related death were drowning (43.63%),
      suffocation (27.57%), and traffic accidents (14.34%). Suffocation was the leading
      cause in children <1 year of age (79.49%). Suffocation has high incidence in the
      winter and spring, and drowning has high incidence in the summer season. Drowning
      was the leading cause in children 1-4 years of age (62.80%). Drowning and
      suffocation accounted for 67.74% and 65.11%, of injury-related deaths that
      occurred at home; while the traffic injury deaths (54.12%) occurred mainly in
      transit. CONCLUSIONS: Injury-related fatalities in children <5 years of age
      followed time trends that were different in rural and urban areas. Effective
      childhood injury prevention may require different prevention policies combination
      depending on epidemiological characteristics such as development of injury
      surveillance and public education on injury knowledge. There is a need for
      evidence-based surveillance of risk factors for development of effective injury
      prevention programs.

PMID- 28076400
TI  - Mandarin-English Bilinguals Process Lexical Tones in Newly Learned Words in
      Accordance with the Language Context.
AB  - Previous research has mainly considered the impact of tone-language experience on
      ability to discriminate linguistic pitch, but proficient bilingual listening
      requires differential processing of sound variation in each language context.
      Here, we ask whether Mandarin-English bilinguals, for whom pitch indicates word
      distinctions in one language but not the other, can process pitch differently in
      a Mandarin context vs. an English context. Across three eye-tracked word-learning
      experiments, results indicated that tone-intonation bilinguals process tone in
      accordance with the language context. In Experiment 1, 51 Mandarin-English
      bilinguals and 26 English speakers without tone experience were taught Mandarin
      compatible novel words with tones. Mandarin-English bilinguals out-performed
      English speakers, and, for bilinguals, overall accuracy was correlated with
      Mandarin dominance. Experiment 2 taught 24 Mandarin-English bilinguals and 25
      English speakers novel words with Mandarin-like tones, but English-like phonemes
      and phonotactics. The Mandarin-dominance advantages observed in Experiment 1
      disappeared when words were English-like. Experiment 3 contrasted Mandarin-like
      vs. English-like words in a within-subjects design, providing even stronger
      evidence that bilinguals can process tone language-specifically. Bilinguals (N =
      58), regardless of language dominance, attended more to tone than English
      speakers without Mandarin experience (N = 28), but only when words were Mandarin
      like-not when they were English-like. Mandarin-English bilinguals thus tailor
      tone processing to the within-word language context.

PMID- 28076401
TI  - Exploring Nurses', Preschool Teachers' and Parents' Perspectives on Information
      Sharing Using SDQ in a Swedish Setting - A Qualitative Study Using Grounded
      Theory.
AB  - Evidence-based methods to identify behavioural problems among children are not
      regularly used within the Swedish Child healthcare. A new procedure was therefore
      introduced to assess children through parent- and preschool teacher reports using
      the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). This study aims to explore
      nurses', preschool teachers' and parents' perspectives of this new information
      sharing model. Using the grounded theory methodology, semi-structured interviews
      with nurses (n = 10) at child health clinics, preschool teachers (n = 13) and
      parents (n = 11) of 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children were collected and analysed
      between March 2014 and June 2014. The analysis was conducted using constant
      comparative method. The participants were sampled purposively within a larger
      trial in Sweden. Results indicate that all stakeholders shared a desire to have a
      complete picture of the child's health. The perceptions that explain why the
      stakeholders were in favour of the new procedure-the 'causal conditions' in a
      grounded theory model-included: (1) Nurses thought that visits after 18-months
      were unsatisfactory, (2) Preschool teachers wanted to identify children with
      difficulties and (3) Parents viewed preschool teachers as being qualified to
      assess children. However, all stakeholders had doubts as to whether there was a
      reliable way to assess children's behaviour. Although nurses found the SDQ to be
      useful for their clinical evaluation, they noticed that not all parents chose to
      participate. Both teachers and parents acknowledged benefits of information
      sharing. However, the former had concerns about parental reactions to their
      assessments and the latter about how personal information was handled. The
      theoretical model developed describes that the causal conditions and current
      context of child healthcare in many respects endorse the introduction of
      information sharing. However, successful implementation requires considerable
      work to address barriers: the tension between normative thinking versus helping
      children with developmental problems for preschool teachers and dealing with
      privacy issues and inequity in participation for parents.

PMID- 28076402
TI  - Non-Orthogonal Random Access in MIMO Cognitive Radio Networks: Beamforming, Power
      Allocation, and Opportunistic Transmission.
AB  - We study secondary random access in multi-input multi-output cognitive radio
      networks, where a slotted ALOHA-type protocol and successive interference
      cancellation are used. We first introduce three types of transmit beamforming
      performed by secondary users, where multiple antennas are used to suppress the
      interference at the primary base station and/or to increase the received signal
      power at the secondary base station. Then, we show a simple decentralized power
      allocation along with the equivalent single-antenna conversion. To exploit the
      multiuser diversity gain, an opportunistic transmission protocol is proposed,
      where the secondary users generating less interference are opportunistically
      selected, resulting in a further reduction of the interference temperature. The
      proposed methods are validated via computer simulations. Numerical results show
      that increasing the number of transmit antennas can greatly reduce the
      interference temperature, while increasing the number of receive antennas leads
      to a reduction of the total transmit power. Optimal parameter values of the
      opportunistic transmission protocol are examined according to three types of
      beamforming and different antenna configurations, in terms of maximizing the
      cognitive transmission capacity. All the beamforming, decentralized power
      allocation, and opportunistic transmission protocol are performed by the
      secondary users in a decentralized manner, thus resulting in an easy
      implementation in practice.

PMID- 28076403
TI  - Correction: Virtual Morality: Transitioning from Moral Judgment to Moral Action?
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164374.].

PMID- 28076404
TI  - Combined Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System and Neprilysin Positively
      Influences Complex Mitochondrial Adaptations in Progressive Experimental Heart
      Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhibitors of the renin angiotensin system and neprilysin (RAS-/NEP
      inhibitors) proved to be extraordinarily beneficial in systolic heart failure.
      Furthermore, compelling evidence exists that impaired mitochondrial pathways are
      causatively involved in progressive left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.
      Consequently, we aimed to assess whether RAS-/NEP-inhibition can attenuate
      mitochondrial adaptations in experimental heart failure (HF). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: By progressive right ventricular pacing, distinct HF stages were induced
      in 15 rabbits, and 6 animals served as controls (CTRL). Six animals with manifest
      HF (CHF) were treated with the RAS-/NEP-inhibitor omapatrilat. Echocardiographic
      studies and invasive blood pressure measurements were undertaken during HF
      progression. Mitochondria were isolated from LV tissue, respectively, and further
      worked up for proteomic analysis using the SWATH technique. Enzymatic activities
      of citrate synthase and the electron transfer chain (ETC) complexes I, II, and IV
      were assessed. Ultrastructural analyses were performed by transmission electron
      microscopy. During progression to overt HF, intricate expression changes were
      mainly detected for proteins belonging to the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glucose
      and fat metabolism, and the ETC complexes, even though ETC complex I, II, or IV
      enzymatic activities were not significantly influenced. Treatment with a RAS-/NEP
      inhibitor then reversed some maladaptive metabolic adaptations, positively
      influenced the decline of citrate synthase activity, and altered the composition
      of each respiratory chain complex, even though this was again not accompanied by
      altered ETC complex enzymatic activities. Finally, ultrastructural evidence
      pointed to a reduction of autophagolytic and degenerative processes with
      omapatrilat-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes complex adaptations of
      the mitochondrial proteome in experimental tachycardia-induced heart failure and
      shows that a combined RAS-/NEP-inhibition can beneficially influence
      mitochondrial key pathways.

PMID- 28076405
TI  - Development and Validation of a New Reliable Method for the Diagnosis of Avian
      Botulism.
AB  - Liver is a reliable matrix for laboratory confirmation of avian botulism using
      real-time PCR. Here, we developed, optimized, and validated the analytical steps
      preceding PCR to maximize the detection of Clostridium botulinum group III in
      avian liver. These pre-PCR steps included enrichment incubation of the whole
      liver (maximum 25 g) at 37 degrees C for at least 24 h in an anaerobic chamber
      and DNA extraction using an enzymatic digestion step followed by a DNA
      purification step. Conditions of sample storage before analysis appear to have a
      strong effect on the detection of group III C. botulinum strains and our results
      recommend storage at temperatures below -18 degrees C. Short-term storage at 5
      degrees C is possible for up to 24 h, but a decrease in sensitivity was observed
      at 48 h of storage at this temperature. Analysis of whole livers (maximum 25 g)
      is required and pooling samples before enrichment culturing must be avoided.
      Pooling is however possible before or after DNA extraction under certain
      conditions. Whole livers should be 10-fold diluted in enrichment medium and
      homogenized using a Pulsifier(r) blender (Microgen, Surrey, UK) instead of a
      conventional paddle blender. Spiked liver samples showed a limit of detection of
      5 spores/g liver for types C and D and 250 spores/g for type E. Using the method
      developed here, the analysis of 268 samples from 73 suspected outbreaks showed
      100% specificity and 95.35% sensitivity compared with other PCR-based methods
      considered as reference. The mosaic type C/D was the most common neurotoxin type
      found in examined samples, which included both wild and domestic birds.

PMID- 28076406
TI  - The Development and Validation of the Empathy Components Questionnaire (ECQ).
AB  - Key research suggests that empathy is a multidimensional construct comprising of
      both cognitive and affective components. More recent theories and research
      suggest even further factors within these components of empathy, including the
      ability to empathize with others versus the drive towards empathizing with
      others. While numerous self-report measures have been developed to examine
      empathy, none of them currently index all of these wider components together. The
      aim of the present research was to develop and validate the Empathy Components
      Questionnaire (ECQ) to measure cognitive and affective components, as well as
      ability and drive components within each. Study one utilized items measuring
      cognitive and affective empathy taken from various established questionnaires to
      create an initial version of the ECQ. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used
      to examine the underlying components of empathy within the ECQ in a sample of 101
      typical adults. Results revealed a five-component model consisting of cognitive
      ability, cognitive drive, affective ability, affective drive, and a fifth factor
      assessing affective reactivity. This five-component structure was then validated
      and confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in an independent sample
      of 211 typical adults. Results also showed that females scored higher than males
      overall on the ECQ, and on specific components, which is consistent with previous
      findings of a female advantage on self-reported empathy. Findings also showed
      certain components predicted scores on an independent measure of social behavior,
      which provided good convergent validity of the ECQ. Together, these findings
      validate the newly developed ECQ as a multidimensional measure of empathy more in
      line with current theories of empathy. The ECQ provides a useful new tool for
      quick and easy measurement of empathy and its components for research with both
      healthy and clinical populations.

PMID- 28076407
TI  - Medicinal Plant Diversity and Inter-Cultural Interactions between Indigenous
      Guarani, Criollos and Polish Migrants in the Subtropics of Argentina.
AB  - Numerous studies highlight the importance of phytotherapy for indigenous and non
      indigenous people in different parts of the world. In this work we analyze the
      richness (number of species), diversity (plant identity and the number of
      illnesses for which it is used) and similarity of plant species and illnesses
      treated with them, in order to contribute new data and insight into the
      importance of plant medicines to the local medical systems of people living in
      Misiones province, in the subtropics of Argentina. Three sympatric groups were
      compared: Guarani Indians, Criollos (mestizos) and Polish migrants. Quantitative
      scrutiny was focused on both primary and secondary sources. The similarity and
      diversity of medicinal plants and uses between groups was calculated by applying
      the Sorensen quantitative coefficient and the Shannon-Wiener index, respectively.
      In order to identify the characteristic plant species used by each group, the
      Cultural Importance and Prevalence Value (CIPV) was calculated based on the
      species Indicator Value (IndVal), which combines a species relative abundance
      with its relative frequency of occurrence in the various groups, and modified
      according to the type of the analyzed data. The important finding is a great
      variation in the number of species used by the study groups. Altogether, 509
      botanical species were registered: Guarani (397), Criollos (243) and Polish
      migrants (137). For all groups, the use of native medicinal plants prevailed. The
      Guarani appear to be the local experts in use of medicinal plants. There is the
      significant difference in the number of treated illnesses by each taxon among
      three groups. Criollos and Polish migrants exhibit the greatest similarity in
      illnesses treated with medicinal plants. These groups share a corpus of knowledge
      related to illness nosology, and have a symptomatic approach to illness
      treatment. The Guarani have an etiological approach to illness diagnosis and
      healing, which may be viewed as a barrier to the exchange of knowledge about home
      medicine with other ethnic groups of Misiones.

PMID- 28076408
TI  - Development of a Novel Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Targeting a Neo-Epitope
      Generated by Cathepsin-Mediated Turnover of Type III Collagen and Its Application
      in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - A high level of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover characterizes several lung
      diseases with fibrotic features. Type III collagen is one of the most abundant
      collagens in lung parenchyma, and cathepsins play a role in lung pathology, being
      responsible for tissue remodeling. In this study, we explore the diagnostic
      features of neo-epitope fragments of type III collagen generated by cathepsins
      that could reflect the pathological tissue turnover in patients with different
      diseases. A novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measuring cathepsins
      B, L, S and K -generated type III collagen fragments (C3C) was developed for
      assessment in serum and plasma. The assay was biologically validated in serum
      from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Serological
      levels of C3C were significantly elevated in patients with COPD compared to
      healthy controls (p = 0.0006). Levels of C3C in serum and heparin plasma of COPD
      patients had a highly significant correlation (R2 = 0.86, p<0.0001). The data
      suggests that the C3C fragment is elevated in patients with COPD compared to
      healthy controls.

PMID- 28076409
TI  - An Efficient Antioxidant System in a Long-Lived Termite Queen.
AB  - The trade-off between reproduction and longevity is known in wide variety of
      animals. Social insect queens are rare organisms that can achieve a long lifespan
      without sacrificing fecundity. The extended longevity of social insect queens,
      which contradicts the trade-off, has attracted much attention because it implies
      the existence of an extraordinary anti-aging mechanism. Here, we show that queens
      of the termite Reticulitermes speratus incur significantly lower oxidative damage
      to DNA, protein and lipid and have higher activity of antioxidant enzymes than
      non-reproductive individuals (workers and soldiers). The levels of 8-hydroxy-2'
      deoxyguanosine (oxidative damage marker of DNA) were lower in queens than in
      workers after UV irradiation. Queens also showed lower levels of protein
      carbonyls and malondialdehyde (oxidative damage markers of protein and lipid,
      respectively). The antioxidant enzymes of insects are generally composed of
      catalase (CAT) and peroxiredoxin (Prx). Queens showed more than two times higher
      CAT activity and more than seven times higher expression levels of the CAT gene
      RsCAT1 than workers. The CAT activity of termite queens was also markedly higher
      in comparison with other solitary insects and the queens of eusocial Hymenoptera.
      In addition, queens showed higher expression levels of the Prx gene RsPRX6. These
      results suggested that this efficient antioxidant system can partly explain why
      termite queens achieve long life. This study provides important insights into the
      evolutionary linkage of reproductive division of labor and the development of
      queens' oxidative stress resistance in social insects.

PMID- 28076411
TI  - Participatory Online Surveillance as a Supplementary Tool to Sentinel Doctors for
      Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance in Italy.
AB  - The monitoring of seasonal influenza yearly epidemics remains one of the main
      activity of national syndromic surveillance systems. The development of internet
      based surveillance tools has brought an innovative approach to seasonal influenza
      surveillance by directly involving self-selected volunteers among the general
      population reporting their health status on a weekly basis throughout the flu
      season. In this paper, we explore how Influweb, an internet-based monitoring
      system for influenza surveillance, deployed in Italy since 2008 has performed
      during three years from 2012 to 2015 in comparison with data collected during the
      same period by the Italian sentinel doctors surveillance system.

PMID- 28076412
TI  - Significant Local-Scale Plant-Insect Species Richness Relationship Independent of
      Abiotic Effects in the Temperate Cape Floristic Region Biodiversity Hotspot.
AB  - Globally plant species richness is a significant predictor of insect richness.
      Whether this is the result of insect diversity responding directly to plant
      diversity, or both groups responding in similar ways to extrinsic factors, has
      been much debated. Here we assess this relationship in the Cape Floristic Region
      (CFR), a biodiversity hotspot. The CFR has higher plant diversity than expected
      from latitude (i.e., abiotic conditions), but very little is known about the
      diversity of insects residing in this region. We first quantify diversity
      relationships at multiple spatial scales for one of the dominant plant families
      in the CFR, the Restionaceae, and its associated insect herbivore community.
      Plant and insect diversity are significantly positively correlated at the local
      scales (10-50 m; 0.1-3 km), but not at the regional scales (15-20 km; 50-70 km).
      The local scale relationship remains significantly positively correlated even
      when accounting for the influence of extrinsic variables and other vegetation
      attributes. This suggests that the diversity of local insect assemblages may be
      more strongly influenced by plant species richness than by abiotic variables.
      Further, vegetation age and plant structural complexity also influenced insect
      richness. The ratio of insect species per plant species in the CFR is comparable
      to other temperate regions around the world, suggesting that the insect diversity
      of the CFR is high relative to other areas of the globe with similar abiotic
      conditions, primarily as a result of the unusually high plant diversity in the
      region.

PMID- 28076410
TI  - Role for Egr1 in the Transcriptional Program Associated with Neuronal
      Differentiation of PC12 Cells.
AB  - PC12 cells are a well-established model to study how differences in signal
      transduction duration can elicit distinct cell behaviors. Epidermal growth factor
      (EGF) activates transient ERK signaling in PC12 cells that lasts 30-60 min, which
      in turn promotes proliferation; nerve growth factor (NGF) activates more
      sustained ERK signaling that lasts 4-6 h, which in turns induces neuronal
      differentiation. Data presented here extend a previous study by Mullenbrock et
      al. (2011) that demonstrated that sustained ERK signaling in response to NGF
      induces preferential expression of a 69-member gene set compared to transient ERK
      signaling in response to EGF and that the transcription factors AP-1 and CREB
      play a major role in the preferential expression of several genes within the set.
      Here, we examined whether the Egr family of transcription factors also
      contributes to the preferential expression of the gene set in response to NGF.
      Our data demonstrate that NGF causes transient induction of all Egr family member
      transcripts, but a corresponding induction of protein was detected for only Egr1
      and 2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments provided clearest evidence that,
      after induction, Egr1 binds 12 of the 69 genes that are preferentially expressed
      during sustained ERK signaling. In addition, Egr1 expression and binding upstream
      of its target genes were both sustained in response to NGF versus EGF within the
      same timeframe that its targets are preferentially expressed. These data thus
      provide evidence that Egr1 contributes to the transcriptional program activated
      by sustained ERK signaling in response to NGF, specifically by contributing to
      the preferential expression of its target genes identified here.

PMID- 28076413
TI  - Dynamic Characteristics of Ventilatory and Gas Exchange during Sinusoidal Walking
      in Humans.
AB  - Our present study investigated whether the ventilatory and gas exchange responses
      show different dynamics in response to sinusoidal change in cycle work rate or
      walking speed even if the metabolic demand was equivalent in both types of
      exercise. Locomotive parameters (stride length and step frequency), breath-by
      breath ventilation (VE) and gas exchange (CO2 output (VCO2) and O2 uptake (VO2))
      responses were measured in 10 healthy young participants. The speed of the
      treadmill was sinusoidally changed between 3 km.h-1 and 6 km.h-1 with various
      periods (from 10 to 1 min). The amplitude of locomotive parameters against
      sinusoidal variation showed a constant gain with a small phase shift, being
      independent of the oscillation periods. In marked contrast, when the periods of
      the speed oscillations were shortened, the amplitude of VE decreased sharply
      whereas the phase shift of VE increased. In comparing walking and cycling at the
      equivalent metabolic demand, the amplitude of VE during sinusoidal walking (SW)
      was significantly greater than that during sinusoidal cycling (SC), and the phase
      shift became smaller. The steeper slope of linear regression for the VE amplitude
      ratio to VCO2 amplitude ratio was observed during SW than SC. These findings
      suggested that the greater amplitude and smaller phase shift of ventilatory
      dynamics were not equivalent between SW and SC even if the metabolic demand was
      equivalent between both exercises. Such phenomenon would be derived from central
      command in proportion to locomotor muscle recruitment (feedforward) and muscle
      afferent feedback.

PMID- 28076414
TI  - A MRI-Compatible Combined Mechanical Loading and MR Elastography Setup to Study
      Deformation-Induced Skeletal Muscle Damage in Rats.
AB  - Deformation of skeletal muscle in the proximity of bony structures may lead to
      deep tissue injury category of pressure ulcers. Changes in mechanical properties
      have been proposed as a risk factor in the development of deep tissue injury and
      may be useful as a diagnostic tool for early detection. MRE allows for the
      estimation of mechanical properties of soft tissue through analysis of shear wave
      data. The shear waves originate from vibrations induced by an external actuator
      placed on the tissue surface. In this study a combined Magnetic Resonance (MR)
      compatible indentation and MR Elastography (MRE) setup is presented to study
      mechanical properties associated with deep tissue injury in rats. The proposed
      setup allows for MRE investigations combined with damage-inducing large strain
      indentation of the Tibialis Anterior muscle in the rat hind leg inside a small
      animal MR scanner. An alginate cast allowed proper fixation of the animal leg
      with anatomical perfect fit, provided boundary condition information for FEA and
      provided good susceptibility matching. MR Elastography data could be recorded for
      the Tibialis Anterior muscle prior to, during, and after indentation. A decaying
      shear wave with an average amplitude of approximately 2 MUm propagated in the
      whole muscle. MRE elastograms representing local tissue shear storage modulus Gd
      showed significant increased mean values due to damage-inducing indentation (from
      4.2 +/- 0.1 kPa before to 5.1 +/- 0.6 kPa after, p<0.05). The proposed setup
      enables controlled deformation under MRI-guidance, monitoring of the wound
      development by MRI, and quantification of tissue mechanical properties by MRE. We
      expect that improved knowledge of changes in soft tissue mechanical properties
      due to deep tissue injury, will provide new insights in the etiology of deep
      tissue injuries, skeletal muscle damage and other related muscle pathologies.

PMID- 28076416
TI  - The CCR2 Inhibitor Propagermanium Attenuates Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance,
      Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Obese patients with chronic inflammation in white adipose
      tissue (WAT) have an increased risk of developing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
      (NASH). The C-C chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2) has a crucial role in the recruitment
      of immune cells to WAT and liver, thereby promoting the inflammatory component of
      the disease. Herein, we examined whether intervention with propagermanium, an
      inhibitor of CCR2, would attenuate tissue inflammation and NASH development.
      METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 0, 6, 12 and 24
      weeks to characterize the development of early disease symptoms of NASH, i.e.
      insulin resistance and WAT inflammation (by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and
      histology, respectively) and to define the optimal time point for intervention.
      In a separate study, mice were pretreated with HFD followed by propagermanium
      treatment (0.05% w/w) after 6 weeks (early intervention) or 12 weeks (late
      intervention). NASH was analyzed after 24 weeks of diet feeding. RESULTS: Insulin
      resistance in WAT developed after 6 weeks of HFD, which was paralleled by modest
      WAT inflammation. Insulin resistance and inflammation in WAT intensified after 12
      weeks of HFD, and preceded NASH development. The subsequent CCR2 intervention
      experiment showed that early, but not late, propagermanium treatment attenuated
      insulin resistance. Only the early treatment significantly decreased Mcp-1 and
      CD11c gene expression in WAT, indicating reduced WAT inflammation.
      Histopathological analysis of liver demonstrated that propagermanium treatment
      decreased macrovesicular steatosis and tended to reduce lobular inflammation,
      with more pronounced effects in the early intervention group. Propagermanium
      improved the ratio between pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2)
      macrophages, quantified by CD11c and Arginase-1 gene expression in both
      intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, early propagermanium administration
      was more effective to improve insulin resistance, WAT inflammation and NASH
      compared to late intervention. These data suggest that therapeutic interventions
      for NASH directed at the MCP-1/CCR2 pathway should be initiated early.

PMID- 28076417
TI  - Colonization of Wheat, Maize and Cucumber by Paenibacillus polymyxa WLY78.
AB  - Paenibacillus polymyxa WLY78 is a nitrogen fixer and it can be potentially
      applied to biofertilizer in agriculture. In this study, P. polymyxa WLY78 is
      labelled with gfp gene. The GFP-labelled P. polymyxa WLY78 is used to inoculate
      wheat, maize and cucumber seedlings grown in the gnotobiotic system and in soil,
      respectively. Observation by confocal laser scanning microscope reveals that the
      GFP-labeled bacterial cells are mainly located on the root surface and epidermis
      of wheat, and only a few cells are present within cortical cells. In maize and
      cucumber seedlings, bacterial cells were colonized in epidermal and cortical
      cells, intercellular spaces and vascular system of root, stem and leaf tissue
      interiors besides on root surfaces. Higher densities of the bacterial cells in
      roots, stems and leaves indicated that P. polymyxa WLY78 cells could migrate from
      roots to stems and leaves of maize and cucumber. This study will provide insight
      into interaction between P. polymyxa WLY78 and host cells.

PMID- 28076415
TI  - Structure and Recognition of a Novel HIV-1 gp120-gp41 Interface Antibody that
      Caused MPER Exposure through Viral Escape.
AB  - A comprehensive understanding of the regions on HIV-1 envelope trimers targeted
      by broadly neutralizing antibodies may contribute to rational design of an HIV-1
      vaccine. We previously identified a participant in the CAPRISA cohort, CAP248,
      who developed trimer-specific antibodies capable of neutralizing 60% of
      heterologous viruses at three years post-infection. Here, we report the isolation
      by B cell culture of monoclonal antibody CAP248-2B, which targets a novel
      membrane proximal epitope including elements of gp120 and gp41. Despite low
      maximum inhibition plateaus, often below 50% inhibitory concentrations, the
      breadth of CAP248-2B significantly correlated with donor plasma. Site-directed
      mutagenesis, X-ray crystallography, and negative-stain electron microscopy 3D
      reconstructions revealed how CAP248-2B recognizes a cleavage-dependent epitope
      that includes the gp120 C terminus. While this epitope is distinct, it overlapped
      in parts of gp41 with the epitopes of broadly neutralizing antibodies PGT151,
      VRC34, 35O22, 3BC315, and 10E8. CAP248-2B has a conformationally variable
      paratope with an unusually long 19 amino acid light chain third complementarity
      determining region. Two phenylalanines at the loop apex were predicted by docking
      and mutagenesis data to interact with the viral membrane. Neutralization by
      CAP248-2B is not dependent on any single glycan proximal to its epitope, and low
      neutralization plateaus could not be completely explained by N- or O-linked
      glycosylation pathway inhibitors, furin co-transfection, or pre-incubation with
      soluble CD4. Viral escape from CAP248-2B involved a cluster of rare mutations in
      the gp120-gp41 cleavage sites. Simultaneous introduction of these mutations into
      heterologous viruses abrogated neutralization by CAP248-2B, but enhanced
      neutralization sensitivity to 35O22, 4E10, and 10E8 by 10-100-fold. Altogether,
      this study expands the region of the HIV-1 gp120-gp41 quaternary interface that
      is a target for broadly neutralizing antibodies and identifies a set of mutations
      in the gp120 C terminus that exposes the membrane-proximal external region of
      gp41, with potential utility in HIV vaccine design.

PMID- 28076418
TI  - Sensorless Modeling of Varying Pulse Width Modulator Resolutions in Three-Phase
      Induction Motors.
AB  - A sensorless algorithm was developed to predict rotor speeds in an electric three
      phase induction motor. This sensorless model requires a measurement of the stator
      currents and voltages, and the rotor speed is predicted accurately without any
      mechanical measurement of the rotor speed. A model of an electric vehicle
      undergoing acceleration was built, and the sensorless prediction of the
      simulation rotor speed was determined to be robust even in the presence of
      fluctuating motor parameters and significant sensor errors. Studies were
      conducted for varying pulse width modulator resolutions, and the sensorless model
      was accurate for all resolutions of sinusoidal voltage functions.

PMID- 28076419
TI  - Stability of A Coevolving Host-parasite System Peaks at Intermediate
      Productivity.
AB  - Habitat productivity may affect the stability of consumer-resource systems,
      through both ecological and evolutionary mechanisms. We hypothesize that
      coevolving consumer-resource systems show more stable dynamics at intermediate
      resource availability, while very low-level resource supply cannot support
      sufficiently large populations of resource and consumer species to avoid
      stochastic extinction, and extremely resource-rich environments may promote
      escalatory arms-race-like coevolution that can cause strong fluctuations in
      species abundance and even extinction of one or both trophic levels. We tested
      these ideas by carrying out an experimental evolution study with a model
      bacterium-phage system (Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 and its phage SBW25Phi2).
      Consistent with our hypothesis, this system was most stable at intermediate
      resource supply (fewer extinction events and smaller magnitude of population
      fluctuation). In our experiment, the rate of coevolution between bacterial
      resistance and phage infectivity was correlated with the magnitude of population
      fluctuation, which may explain the different in stability between levels of
      resource supply. Crucially, our results are consistent with a suggestion that,
      among the two major modes of antagonistic coevolution, arms race is more likely
      than fluctuation selection dynamics to cause extinction events in consumer
      resource systems. This study suggests an important role of environment-dependent
      coevolutionary dynamics for the stability of consumer-resource species systems,
      therefore highlights the importance to consider contemporaneous evolutionary
      dynamics when studying the stability of ecosystems, particularly those under
      environmental changes.

PMID- 28076420
TI  - Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy Protein BAG3 Negatively Regulates Ebola and Marburg
      VP40-Mediated Egress.
AB  - Ebola (EBOV) and Marburg (MARV) viruses are members of the Filoviridae family
      which cause outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever. The filovirus VP40 matrix protein is
      essential for virus assembly and budding, and its PPxY L-domain motif interacts
      with WW-domains of specific host proteins, such as Nedd4 and ITCH, to facilitate
      the late stage of virus-cell separation. To identify additional WW-domain-bearing
      host proteins that interact with VP40, we used an EBOV PPxY-containing peptide to
      screen an array of 115 mammalian WW-domain-bearing proteins. Using this unbiased
      approach, we identified BCL2 Associated Athanogene 3 (BAG3), a member of the BAG
      family of molecular chaperone proteins, as a specific VP40 PPxY interactor. Here,
      we demonstrate that the WW-domain of BAG3 interacts with the PPxY motif of both
      EBOV and MARV VP40 and, unexpectedly, inhibits budding of both eVP40 and mVP40
      virus-like particles (VLPs), as well as infectious VSV-EBOV recombinants. BAG3 is
      a stress induced protein that regulates cellular protein homeostasis and cell
      survival through chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). Interestingly, our results
      show that BAG3 alters the intracellular localization of VP40 by sequestering VP40
      away from the plasma membrane. As BAG3 is the first WW-domain interactor
      identified that negatively regulates budding of VP40 VLPs and infectious virus,
      we propose that the chaperone-mediated autophagy function of BAG3 represents a
      specific host defense strategy to counteract the function of VP40 in promoting
      efficient egress and spread of virus particles.

PMID- 28076422
TI  - Monoclonal Antibody against G Glycoprotein Increases Respiratory Syncytial Virus
      Clearance In Vivo and Prevents Vaccine-Enhanced Diseases.
AB  - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract
      illness in infants, young children, and the elderly. The G glycoprotein plays a
      role in host cell attachment and also modulates the host immune response, thereby
      inducing disease pathogenesis. We generated two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs; 5H6
      and 3A5) against G protein core fragment (Gcf), which consisted of amino acid
      residues 131 to 230 from RSV A2 G protein. Epitope mapping study revealed that
      5H6 specifically binds to the G/164-176 peptide that includes conserved sequences
      shared by both RSV A and B subtypes, and 3A5 binds to the G/190-204 peptide.
      Studies with mutant Gcf proteins in which cysteine residues were substituted with
      alanine revealed that 5H6 requires four cysteines for binding and 3A5 binds to
      Gcf variants with alanine substitutions better than wild-type. To determine if
      these mAbs reduce pulmonary viral infection, BALB/c mice were administered mAb
      and subsequently challenged with RSV. On day 4 post-infection, lung viral titers
      were reduced by up to 93% with the 5H6 injection and 90% with the 3A5 injection,
      indicating that prophylactic injection of these mAbs contributes to RSV clearance
      in vivo. Importantly, 5H6 injection reduced vaccine-enhanced diseases. Overall,
      our results suggest that this novel anti-G mAb could be used as a prophylactic
      regimen against RSV diseases.

PMID- 28076421
TI  - Oscillatory Dynamics Supporting Semantic Cognition: MEG Evidence for the
      Contribution of the Anterior Temporal Lobe Hub and Modality-Specific Spokes.
AB  - The "hub and spoke model" of semantic representation suggests that the multimodal
      features of objects are drawn together by an anterior temporal lobe (ATL) "hub",
      while modality-specific "spokes" capture perceptual/action features. However,
      relatively little is known about how these components are recruited through time
      to support object identification. We used magnetoencephalography to measure
      neural oscillations within left ATL, lateral fusiform cortex (FC) and central
      sulcus (CS) during word-picture matching at different levels of specificity
      (employing superordinate vs. specific labels) for different categories (manmade
      vs. animal). This allowed us to determine (i) when each site was sensitive to
      semantic category and (ii) whether this was modulated by task demands. In ATL,
      there were two phases of response: from around 100 ms post-stimulus there were
      phasic bursts of low gamma activity resulting in reductions in oscillatory power,
      relative to a baseline period, that were modulated by both category and
      specificity; this was followed by more sustained power decreases across frequency
      bands from 250 ms onwards. In the spokes, initial power increases were not
      stronger for specific identification, while later power decreases were stronger
      for specific-level identification in FC for animals and in CS for manmade objects
      (from around 150 ms and 200 ms, respectively). These data are inconsistent with a
      temporal sequence in which early sensory-motor activity is followed by later
      retrieval in ATL. Instead, knowledge emerges from the rapid recruitment of both
      hub and spokes, with early specificity and category effects in the ATL hub. The
      balance between these components depends on semantic category and task, with
      visual cortex playing a greater role in the fine-grained identification of
      animals and motor cortex contributing to the identification of tools.

PMID- 28076423
TI  - Unique Features of Germline Variation in Five Egyptian Familial Breast Cancer
      Families Revealed by Exome Sequencing.
AB  - Genetic predisposition increases the risk of familial breast cancer. Recent
      studies indicate that genetic predisposition for familial breast cancer can be
      ethnic-specific. However, current knowledge of genetic predisposition for the
      disease is predominantly derived from Western populations. Using this existing
      information as the sole reference to judge the predisposition in non-Western
      populations is not adequate and can potentially lead to misdiagnosis. Efforts are
      required to collect genetic predisposition from non-Western populations. The
      Egyptian population has high genetic variations in reflecting its divergent
      ethnic origins, and incident rate of familial breast cancer in Egypt is also
      higher than the rate in many other populations. Using whole exome sequencing, we
      investigated genetic predisposition in five Egyptian familial breast cancer
      families. No pathogenic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2 and other classical breast
      cancer-predisposition genes were present in these five families. Comparison of
      the genetic variants with those in Caucasian familial breast cancer showed that
      variants in the Egyptian families were more variable and heterogeneous than the
      variants in Caucasian families. Multiple damaging variants in genes of different
      functional categories were identified either in a single family or shared between
      families. Our study demonstrates that genetic predisposition in Egyptian breast
      cancer families may differ from those in other disease populations, and supports
      a comprehensive screening of local disease families to determine the genetic
      predisposition in Egyptian familial breast cancer.

PMID- 28076424
TI  - Sensitization of TRPA1 by Protein Kinase A.
AB  - The TRPA1 ion channel is expressed in nociceptive (pain-sensitive) somatosensory
      neurons and is activated by a wide variety of chemical irritants, such as
      acrolein in smoke or isothiocyanates in mustard. Here, we investigate the
      enhancement of TRPA1 function caused by inflammatory mediators, which is thought
      to be important in lung conditions such as asthma and COPD. Protein kinase A is
      an important kinase acting downstream of inflammatory mediators to cause
      sensitization of TRPA1. By using site-directed mutagenesis, patch-clamp
      electrophysiology and calcium imaging we identify four amino acid residues, S86,
      S317, S428, and S972, as the principal targets of PKA-mediated phosphorylation
      and sensitization of TRPA1.

PMID- 28076425
TI  - The Fatty Acid Profile and Oxidative Stability of Meat from Turkeys Fed Diets
      Enriched with n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Dried Fruit Pomaces as a Source
      of Polyphenols.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of different dietary fruit
      pomaces in reducing lipid oxidation in the meat of turkeys fed diets with a high
      content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Over a period of 4 weeks
      before slaughter, turkeys were fed diets with the addition of 5% dried apple,
      blackcurrant, strawberry and seedless strawberry pomaces (groups AP, BP, SP and
      SSP, respectively) and 2.5% linseed oil. Pomaces differed in the content (from
      5.5 in AP to 43.1 mg/g in SSP) and composition of polyphenols Proanthocyanidins
      were the main polyphenolic fraction in all pomaces, AP contained flavone
      glycosides and dihydrochalcones, BP contained anthocyanins, and SP and SSP
      ellagitannins. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in all diets was comparable and lower than
      2:1. In comparison with groups C and AP, the percentage of n-3 PUFAs in the total
      fatty acid pool of white meat from the breast muscles of turkeys in groups BP, SP
      and SSP was significantly higher, proportionally to the higher content of alpha
      linolenic acid in berry pomaces. The fatty acid profile of dark meat from thigh
      muscles, including the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, was similar and lower than 3:1 in all
      groups. Vitamin A levels in raw breast muscles were higher in group AP than in
      groups C and BP (P<0.05). The addition of fruit pomaces to turkey diets lowered
      vitamin E concentrations (P = 0.001) in raw breast muscles relative to group C.
      Diets supplemented with fruit pomaces significantly lowered the concentration of
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in raw, frozen and cooked meat.
      Our results indicate that the dietary application of dried fruit pomaces
      increases the oxidative stability of meat from turkeys fed linseed oil, and
      strawberry pomace exerted the most desirable effects due to its highest
      polyphenol content and antioxidant potential.

PMID- 28076426
TI  - Evidence of a Vocalic Proto-System in the Baboon (Papio papio) Suggests Pre
      Hominin Speech Precursors.
AB  - Language is a distinguishing characteristic of our species, and the course of its
      evolution is one of the hardest problems in science. It has long been generally
      considered that human speech requires a low larynx, and that the high larynx of
      nonhuman primates should preclude their producing the vowel systems universally
      found in human language. Examining the vocalizations through acoustic analyses,
      tongue anatomy, and modeling of acoustic potential, we found that baboons (Papio
      papio) produce sounds sharing the F1/F2 formant structure of the human [i ae
      alpha o u] vowels, and that similarly with humans those vocalic qualities are
      organized as a system on two acoustic-anatomic axes. This confirms that hominoids
      can produce contrasting vowel qualities despite a high larynx. It suggests that
      spoken languages evolved from ancient articulatory skills already present in our
      last common ancestor with Cercopithecoidea, about 25 MYA.

PMID- 28076427
TI  - Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Cambay Amber Indicate that the
      Eocene Fauna of the Indian Subcontinent Was Not Isolated.
AB  - India's unique and highly diverse biota combined with its unique geodynamical
      history has generated significant interest in the patterns and processes that
      have shaped the current distribution of India's flora and fauna and their
      biogeographical relationships. Fifty four million year old Cambay amber from
      northwestern India provides the opportunity to address questions relating to
      endemism and biogeographic history by studying fossil insects. Within the present
      study seven extant and three fossil genera of biting midges are recorded from
      Cambay amber and five new species are described: Eohelea indica Stebner &
      Szadziewski n. sp., Gedanohelea gerdesorum Stebner & Szadziewski n. sp.,
      Meunierohelea cambayana Stebner & Szadziewski n. sp., Meunierohelea borkenti
      Stebner & Szadziewski n. sp., and Meunierohelea orientalis Stebner & Szadziewski
      n. sp. Fossils of species in the genera Leptoconops Skuse, 1889, Forcipomyia
      Meigen, 1818, Brachypogon Kieffer, 1899, Stilobezzia Kieffer, 1911, Serromyia
      Meigen, 1818, and Mantohelea Szadziewski, 1988 are recorded without formal
      description. Furthermore, one fossil belonging to the genus Camptopterohelea
      Wirth & Hubert, 1960 is included in the present study. Our study reveals faunal
      links among Ceratopogonidae from Cambay amber and contemporaneous amber from
      Fushun, China, Eocene Baltic amber from Europe, as well as the modern
      Australasian and the Oriental regions. These findings imply that faunal exchange
      between Europe, Asia and India took place before the formation of Cambay amber in
      the early Eocene.

PMID- 28076429
TI  - Turning Simulation into Estimation: Generalized Exchange Algorithms for
      Exponential Family Models.
AB  - The Single Variable Exchange algorithm is based on a simple idea; any model that
      can be simulated can be estimated by producing draws from the posterior
      distribution. We build on this simple idea by framing the Exchange algorithm as a
      mixture of Metropolis transition kernels and propose strategies that
      automatically select the more efficient transition kernels. In this manner we
      achieve significant improvements in convergence rate and autocorrelation of the
      Markov chain without relying on more than being able to simulate from the model.
      Our focus will be on statistical models in the Exponential Family and use two
      simple models from educational measurement to illustrate the contribution.

PMID- 28076428
TI  - Does Measles Vaccination Reduce the Risk of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) and
      Diarrhea in Children: A Multi-Country Study?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumonia and diarrhea occur either as complications or secondary
      infections in measles affected children. So, the integrated Global Action Plan
      for Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD) by WHO and UNICEF includes measles vaccination
      as preventive measure in children. The objective of the study is to examine the
      effect of measles vaccination on Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) and diarrhea
      in children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, and
      Pakistan. METHODS: We analyzed data from the most recent rounds of Demographic
      and Health Surveys (DHS) in the selected countries. We included children age 12
      59 months in the analysis. We used multivariable binary logistic regression to
      examine the effect of measles vaccination on ARI and diarrhea in children. We
      also estimated Vaccination Effectiveness (VE). FINDINGS: More than 60 percent of
      the children age 12-59 months were given measles vaccine before the survey in the
      Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India and Pakistan. Children who were
      given the measles vaccine were less likely to suffer from ARI than unvaccinated
      children in India and Pakistan. Children who were given the measles vaccine had a
      lower risk of diarrhea than those who did not receive it in all the selected
      countries except Ethiopia. Measles vaccination was associated with reduction in
      ARI cases by 15-30 percent in India and Pakistan, and diarrhea cases by 12-22
      percent in the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Nigeria and Pakistan.
      CONCLUSION: The receipt of the measles vaccine was associated with decrease in
      ARI and diarrhea in children. The immunization program must ensure that each
      child gets the recommended doses of measles vaccine at the appropriate age. The
      measles vaccination should be given more attention as a preventive intervention
      under the Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhea (GAPPD) in all low and
      middle-income countries.

PMID- 28076430
TI  - Effects of Zn Deficiency and Bicarbonate on the Growth and Photosynthetic
      Characteristics of Four Plant Species.
AB  - Calcareous soils are characterized by low nutrient contents, high bicarbonate
      (HCO3-) content, and high alkalinity. The effects of HCO3- addition under zinc
      sufficient (+Zn) and zinc-deficient (-Zn) conditions on the growth and
      photosynthetic characteristics of seedlings of two Moraceae species (Broussonetia
      papyrifera and Morus alba) and two Brassicaceae species (Orychophragmus violaceus
      and Brassica napus) were investigated. These four species were hydroponically
      grown in nutrient solution with 0 mM Zn (-Zn) or 0.02 mM Zn (+Zn) and 0 mM or 10
      mM HCO3-. The photosynthetic response to HCO3- treatment, Zn deficiency, or both
      varied according to plant species. Of the four species, Broussonetia papyrifera
      showed the best adaptability to Zn deficiency for both the 0 mM and 10 mM HCO3-
      treatments due to its strong growth and minimal inhibition of photosynthesis and
      photosystem II (PS II). Brassica napus was sensitive to Zn deficiency, HCO3-
      treatment, or both as evidenced by the considerable inhibition of photosynthesis
      and high PS II activity. The results indicated different responses of various
      plant species to Zn deficiency and excess HCO3-. Broussonetia papyrifera was
      shown to have potential as a pioneer species in karst regions.

PMID- 28076432
TI  - Development of a Humane Slaughter Device for Green Turtles for Use by Traditional
      Owners in the Torres Strait Islands, Australia.
AB  - Marine turtles are caught and slaughtered for consumption as part of traditional
      indigenous community harvest in Australia as well as in many countries in which
      marine turtles can be found. However, changes to the Animal Care and Protection
      Act 2001 in 2012 resulted in Australian indigenous hunters becoming potentially
      liable to prosecution for using traditional practices to slaughter marine
      turtles. To provide indigenous hunters with an alternative scientifically tested
      method to hunt, we developed and tested a humane method as an option to use in
      indigenous communities. Between 2012 and 2015, a device was developed, tested on
      11 carcasses to determine effectiveness and repeatability, used on 5
      anaesthetised animals independently diagnosed as candidates for euthanasia, and
      ultimately used on 2 healthy, conscious animals as part of normal indigenous
      community subsistence harvesting under observation before being left with the
      communities for use. Feedback was sought from the communities on the suitability
      and potential adoption of the device. The device effectively ablated the hind
      brain and severed the spinal cord when deployed in 81% (9/11) of the tested
      carcasses, with death in 100% (5/5) of turtles, on average, within 78 seconds of
      deployment on anaesthetised turtles and death in 100% (2/2) of turtles, on
      average, within 144 seconds when deployed on healthy turtles within community.
      Failure to ablate the hindbrain and sever the spinal cord in the cadaver cases
      was due to incorrect deployment of the device. This device showed promise as an
      alternative euthanasia method available to indigenous communities of the Torres
      Straits. Further work is required to encourage acceptance by hunters.

PMID- 28076431
TI  - Knee Cartilage Thickness, T1rho and T2 Relaxation Time Are Related to Articular
      Cartilage Loading in Healthy Adults.
AB  - Cartilage is responsive to the loading imposed during cyclic routine activities.
      However, the local relation between cartilage in terms of thickness distribution
      and biochemical composition and the local contact pressure during walking has not
      been established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relation
      between cartilage thickness, proteoglycan and collagen concentration in the knee
      joint and knee loading in terms of contact forces and pressure during walking. 3D
      gait analysis and MRI (3D-FSE, T1rho relaxation time and T2 relaxation time
      sequence) of fifteen healthy subjects were acquired. Experimental gait data was
      processed using musculoskeletal modeling to calculate the contact forces,
      impulses and pressure distribution in the tibiofemoral joint. Correlates to local
      cartilage thickness and mean T1rho and T2 relaxation times of the weight-bearing
      area of the femoral condyles were examined. Local thickness was significantly
      correlated with local pressure: medial thickness was correlated with medial
      condyle contact pressure and contact force, and lateral condyle thickness was
      correlated with lateral condyle contact pressure and contact force during stance.
      Furthermore, average T1rho and T2 relaxation time correlated significantly with
      the peak contact forces and impulses. Increased T1rho relaxation time correlated
      with increased shear loading, decreased T1rho and T2 relaxation time correlated
      with increased compressive forces and pressures. Thicker cartilage was correlated
      with higher condylar loading during walking, suggesting that cartilage thickness
      is increased in those areas experiencing higher loading during a cyclic activity
      such as gait. Furthermore, the proteoglycan and collagen concentration and
      orientation derived from T1rho and T2 relaxation measures were related to
      loading.

PMID- 28076433
TI  - Enhanced Rb/E2F and TSC/mTOR Pathways Induce Synergistic Inhibition in PDGF
      Induced Proliferation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.
AB  - Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays an essential role in proliferation of
      vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The Rb/E2F and TSC/mTOR pathways contribute
      to the proliferation of VSMCs, but its exact roles in PDGF-induced proliferation
      are unclear. In this study, we demonstrated the roles of Rb/E2F and TSC/mTOR
      pathways in PDGF-induced proliferation in VSMCs. We found that PDGF stimulates
      the activity of E2F and mTOR pathways, and knockdown of either Rb or TSC2
      increases PDGF-induced proliferation in VSMCs. More interestingly, we revealed
      that enhancing both E2F and mTOR activity leads to synergistic inhibition of PDGF
      induced proliferation in VSMCs. We further identified that the synergistic
      inhibition effect is caused by the induced oxidative stress. Summarily, these
      data suggest the important regulations of Rb/E2F and TSC/mTOR pathways in PDGF
      induced proliferation in VSMCs, and also present a promising way to limit
      deregulated proliferation by PDGF induction in VSMCs.

PMID- 28076435
TI  - Walking Ahead: The Headed Social Force Model.
AB  - Human motion models are finding an increasing number of novel applications in
      many different fields, such as building design, computer graphics and robot
      motion planning. The Social Force Model is one of the most popular alternatives
      to describe the motion of pedestrians. By resorting to a physical analogy,
      individuals are assimilated to point-wise particles subject to social forces
      which drive their dynamics. Such a model implicitly assumes that humans move
      isotropically. On the contrary, empirical evidence shows that people do have a
      preferred direction of motion, walking forward most of the time. Lateral motions
      are observed only in specific circumstances, such as when navigating in
      overcrowded environments or avoiding unexpected obstacles. In this paper, the
      Headed Social Force Model is introduced in order to improve the realism of the
      trajectories generated by the classical Social Force Model. The key feature of
      the proposed approach is the inclusion of the pedestrians' heading into the
      dynamic model used to describe the motion of each individual. The force and
      torque representing the model inputs are computed as suitable functions of the
      force terms resulting from the traditional Social Force Model. Moreover, a new
      force contribution is introduced in order to model the behavior of people walking
      together as a single group. The proposed model features high versatility, being
      able to reproduce both the unicycle-like trajectories typical of people moving in
      open spaces and the point-wise motion patterns occurring in high density
      scenarios. Extensive numerical simulations show an increased regularity of the
      resulting trajectories and confirm a general improvement of the model realism.

PMID- 28076434
TI  - Diabetes and Breast Cancer Subtypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women with diabetes have a worse survival after breast cancer
      diagnosis compared to women without diabetes. This may be due to a different
      etiological profile, leading to the development of more aggressive breast cancer
      subtypes. Our aim was to investigate whether insulin and non-insulin treated
      women with diabetes develop specific clinicopathological breast cancer subtypes
      compared to women without diabetes. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This cross-sectional
      study included randomly selected patients with invasive breast cancer diagnosed
      in 2000-2010. Stratified by age at breast cancer diagnosis (<=50 and >50 years),
      women with diabetes were 2:1 frequency-matched on year of birth and age at breast
      cancer diagnosis (both in 10-year categories) to women without diabetes, to
      select ~300 patients with tumor tissue available. Tumor MicroArrays were stained
      by immunohistochemistry for estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER, PR), HER2,
      Ki67, CK5/6, CK14, and p63. A pathologist scored all stains and revised
      morphology and grade. Associations between diabetes/insulin treatment and
      clinicopathological subtypes were analyzed using multivariable logistic
      regression. Morphology and grade were not significantly different between women
      with diabetes (n = 211) and women without diabetes (n = 101), irrespective of
      menopausal status. Premenopausal women with diabetes tended to have more often PR
      negative (OR = 2.44(95%CI:1.07-5.55)), HER2-negative (OR = 2.84(95%CI:1.11
      7.22)), and basal-like (OR = 3.14(95%CI:1.03-9.60) tumors than the women without
      diabetes, with non-significantly increased frequencies of ER-negative (OR =
      2.48(95%CI:0.95-6.45)) and triple negative (OR = 2.60(95%CI:0.88-7.67) tumors.
      After adjustment for age and BMI, the associations remained similar in size but
      less significant. We observed no evidence for associations of clinicopathological
      subtypes with diabetes in postmenopausal women, or with insulin treatment in
      general. CONCLUSIONS: We found no compelling evidence that women with diabetes,
      treated with or without insulin, develop different breast cancer subtypes than
      women without diabetes. However, premenopausal women with diabetes tended to
      develop breast tumors that do not express hormonal receptors, which are typically
      associated with poor prognosis.

PMID- 28076436
TI  - Correction: A Network-Based Data Integration Approach to Support Drug Repurposing
      and Multi-Target Therapies in Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162407.].

PMID- 28076438
TI  - The Roles of Sea-Ice, Light and Sedimentation in Structuring Shallow Antarctic
      Benthic Communities.
AB  - On polar coasts, seasonal sea-ice duration strongly influences shallow marine
      environments by affecting environmental conditions, such as light, sedimentation,
      and physical disturbance. Sea-ice dynamics are changing in response to climate,
      but there is limited understanding of how this might affect shallow marine
      environments and benthos. Here we present a unique set of physical and biological
      data from a single region of Antarctic coast, and use it to gain insights into
      factors shaping polar benthic communities. At sites encompassing a gradient of
      sea-ice duration, we measured temporal and spatial variation in light and
      sedimentation and hard-substrate communities at different depths and substrate
      orientations. Biological trends were highly correlated with sea-ice duration, and
      appear to be driven by opposing gradients in light and sedimentation. As sea-ice
      duration decreased, there was increased light and reduced sedimentation, and
      concurrent shifts in community structure from invertebrate to algal dominance.
      Trends were strongest on shallower, horizontal surfaces, which are most exposed
      to light and sedimentation. Depth and substrate orientation appear to mediate
      exposure of benthos to these factors, thereby tempering effects of sea-ice and
      increasing biological heterogeneity. However, while light and sedimentation both
      varied spatially with sea-ice, their dynamics differed temporally. Light was
      sensitive to the site-specific date of sea-ice breakout, whereas sedimentation
      fluctuated at a regional scale coincident with the summer phytoplankton bloom.
      Sea-ice duration is clearly the overarching force structuring these shallow
      Antarctic benthic communities, but direct effects are imposed via light and
      sedimentation, and mediated by habitat characteristics.

PMID- 28076437
TI  - Mutations in Splicing Factor Genes Are a Major Cause of Autosomal Dominant
      Retinitis Pigmentosa in Belgian Families.
AB  - PURPOSE: Autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) is characterized by an
      extensive genetic heterogeneity, implicating 27 genes, which account for 50 to
      70% of cases. Here 86 Belgian probands with possible adRP underwent genetic
      testing to unravel the molecular basis and to assess the contribution of the
      genes underlying their condition. METHODS: Mutation detection methods evolved
      over the past ten years, including mutation specific methods (APEX chip
      analysis), linkage analysis, gene panel analysis (Sanger sequencing, targeted
      next-generation sequencing or whole exome sequencing), high-resolution copy
      number screening (customized microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization).
      Identified variants were classified following American College of Medical
      Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommendations. RESULTS: Molecular genetic
      screening revealed mutations in 48/86 cases (56%). In total, 17 novel pathogenic
      mutations were identified: four missense mutations in RHO, five frameshift
      mutations in RP1, six mutations in genes encoding spliceosome components
      (SNRNP200, PRPF8, and PRPF31), one frameshift mutation in PRPH2, and one
      frameshift mutation in TOPORS. The proportion of RHO mutations in our cohort
      (14%) is higher than reported in a French adRP population (10.3%), but lower than
      reported elsewhere (16.5-30%). The prevalence of RP1 mutations (10.5%) is
      comparable to other populations (3.5%-10%). The mutation frequency in genes
      encoding splicing factors is unexpectedly high (altogether 19.8%), with PRPF31
      the second most prevalent mutated gene (10.5%). PRPH2 mutations were found in
      4.7% of the Belgian cohort. Two families (2.3%) have the recurrent NR2E3 mutation
      p.(Gly56Arg). The prevalence of the recurrent PROM1 mutation p.(Arg373Cys) was
      higher than anticipated (3.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we identified mutations in
      48 of 86 Belgian adRP cases (56%), with the highest prevalence in RHO (14%), RP1
      (10.5%) and PRPF31 (10.5%). Finally, we expanded the molecular spectrum of PRPH2,
      PRPF8, RHO, RP1, SNRNP200, and TOPORS-associated adRP by the identification of 17
      novel mutations.

PMID- 28076439
TI  - Predictors of Student Productivity in Biomedical Graduate School Applications.
AB  - Many US biomedical PhD programs receive more applications for admissions than
      they can accept each year, necessitating a selective admissions process. Typical
      selection criteria include standardized test scores, undergraduate grade point
      average, letters of recommendation, a resume and/or personal statement
      highlighting relevant research or professional experience, and feedback from
      interviews with training faculty. Admissions decisions are often founded on
      assumptions that these application components correlate with research success in
      graduate school, but these assumptions have not been rigorously tested. We sought
      to determine if any application components were predictive of student
      productivity measured by first-author student publications and time to degree
      completion. We collected productivity metrics for graduate students who entered
      the umbrella first-year biomedical PhD program at the University of North
      Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2008-2010 and analyzed components of their
      admissions applications. We found no correlations of test scores, grades, amount
      of previous research experience, or faculty interview ratings with high or low
      productivity among those applicants who were admitted and chose to matriculate at
      UNC. In contrast, ratings from recommendation letter writers were significantly
      stronger for students who published multiple first-author papers in graduate
      school than for those who published no first-author papers during the same
      timeframe. We conclude that the most commonly used standardized test (the general
      GRE) is a particularly ineffective predictive tool, but that qualitative
      assessments by previous mentors are more likely to identify students who will
      succeed in biomedical graduate research. Based on these results, we conclude that
      admissions committees should avoid over-reliance on any single component of the
      application and de-emphasize metrics that are minimally predictive of student
      productivity. We recommend continual tracking of desired training outcomes
      combined with retrospective analysis of admissions practices to guide both
      application requirements and holistic application review.

PMID- 28076440
TI  - Application of a Cloud Model-Set Pair Analysis in Hazard Assessment for Biomass
      Gasification Stations.
AB  - Because a biomass gasification station includes various hazard factors, hazard
      assessment is needed and significant. In this article, the cloud model (CM) is
      employed to improve set pair analysis (SPA), and a novel hazard assessment method
      for a biomass gasification station is proposed based on the cloud model-set pair
      analysis (CM-SPA). In this method, cloud weight is proposed to be the weight of
      index. In contrast to the index weight of other methods, cloud weight is shown by
      cloud descriptors; hence, the randomness and fuzziness of cloud weight will make
      it effective to reflect the linguistic variables of experts. Then, the cloud
      connection degree (CCD) is proposed to replace the connection degree (CD); the
      calculation algorithm of CCD is also worked out. By utilizing the CCD, the hazard
      assessment results are shown by some normal clouds, and the normal clouds are
      reflected by cloud descriptors; meanwhile, the hazard grade is confirmed by
      analyzing the cloud descriptors. After that, two biomass gasification stations
      undergo hazard assessment via CM-SPA and AHP based SPA, respectively. The
      comparison of assessment results illustrates that the CM-SPA is suitable and
      effective for the hazard assessment of a biomass gasification station and that CM
      SPA will make the assessment results more reasonable and scientific.

PMID- 28076441
TI  - Effects of an Integrated 'Fast Track' Rehabilitation Service for Multi-Trauma
      Patients: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial in the Netherlands.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effects on health related outcomes of a newly-developed
      rehabilitation program, called 'supported Fast Track multi-trauma rehabilitation
      service' (Fast Track), were evaluated in comparison with conventional trauma
      rehabilitation service (Care as Usual). METHODS: Prospective, multi-center, non
      randomized controlled study. Between 2009 and 2012, 132 adult multi-trauma
      patients were included: 65 Fast Track and 67 Care as Usual patients with an
      Injury Severity Score >=16, complex multiple injuries in several extremities or
      complex pelvic and/or acetabulum fractures. The Fast Track program involved:
      integrated coordination between trauma surgeon and rehabilitation physician,
      shorter stay in hospital with faster transfer to a specialized trauma
      rehabilitation unit, earlier start of multidisciplinary treatment and 'non-weight
      bearing' mobilization. Primary outcomes were functional status (FIM) and quality
      of life (SF-36) measured through questionnaires at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12
      months post-trauma. Outcomes were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects
      regression model. RESULTS: The FIM scores significantly increased between 0 and 3
      months (p<0.001) for both groups showing that they had improved overall, and
      continued to improve between 3 and 6 months for Fast Track (p = 0.04) and between
      3 and 9 months for Care as Usual (p = 0.03). SF-36 scores significantly improved
      in both groups between 3 and 6 months (Fast Track, p<0.001; Care as Usual, p =
      0.01). At 12 months, SF-36 scores were still below (self-reported) baseline
      measurements of patient health prior to the accident. However, the FIM and SF-36
      scores differed little between the groups at any of the measured time points.
      CONCLUSION: Both Fast Track and Care as Usual rehabilitation programs were
      effective in that multi-trauma patients improved their functional status and
      quality of life. A faster (maximum) recovery in functional status was observed
      for Fast Track at 6 months compared to 9 months for Care as Usual. At twelve
      months follow-up no differential effects between treatment conditions were found.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN68246661.

PMID- 28076442
TI  - Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between subfoveal choroidal thickness
      (SFCT) and eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) versus fellow or
      control eyes. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis using databases including
      PubMed, Embase and ISI Web of Science to find relevant studies. Weighted mean
      difference (WMD) was calculated for the SFCT in CSC eyes, the unaffected fellow
      eyes and normal controls. RESULTS: Twelve studies were selected for this meta
      analysis, including 1108 eyes (397 CSC eyes, 228 unaffected fellow eyes and 483
      eyes of normal controls). The meta-analysis clearly demonstrated that the
      subfoveal choiroid of eyes with a clinical presentation of CSC was thickened
      compared to unaffected fellow eyes (WMD = 52.81, 95% confidence interval (CI),
      39.13-66.49, P<0.00001) and was thickened compared to control eyes (WMD = 145.03,
      95%CI, 121.33-168.73, P<0.00001). The mean SFCT measurement of the unaffected
      fellow eyes showed also significantly increased choroidal thickness compared to
      that of normal control eyes (WMD = 77.20, 95% CI, 44.98-109.42, P<0.00001).
      Similar results were obtained in a sub-analysis based on the same instrument.
      CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that SFCT is significantly increased in eyes with
      clinical manifestation of CSC, and in the clinically non-manifested fellow eyes.
      These results support the hypothesis that CSC is a bilateral disorder with an
      initial unilateral clinical presentation.

PMID- 28076443
TI  - Predicting Reoffending Using the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth
      (SAVRY): A 5-Year Follow-Up Study of Male Juvenile Offenders in Hunan Province,
      China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Juvenile violent offending is a serious worldwide public health
      issue. OBJECTIVE: The study examined whether the Structured Assessment of
      Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) can be used to predict violent reoffending in
      Chinese male juvenile offenders, and to determine which risk/protective domains
      (items) are associated with violent recidivism. METHODS: A total of 246 male
      juvenile offenders were recruited. SAVRY domains were scored by trained raters
      based on file review and interviews with participants and their legal guardians.
      Information on further arrests, charges, or convictions for violent offences were
      collected from police records over a five year follow-up. RESULTS: Over the
      course of the five year follow-up periods, 63 (25.6%) juvenile offenders were re
      arrested for a further violent reoffence. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC)
      analyses showed Areas Under the Curve (AUCs) ranging from 0.60 to 0.68 for the
      SAVRY total, risk and protective score domains. Univariate logistic regression
      analysis showed that 7 of the 30 SAVRY items were significantly associated with
      reoffending; explaining 36.2% of the variance. Backward stepwise multiple
      logistic regression analysis showed the independently predictive items were items
      2 ('history of non-violent offending'), 17 ('negative attitudes'), 18 ('risk
      taking/impulsivity'), and 20 ('anger management problems'). Together these four
      items explained 25.0% of the variance in reoffending. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      suggested that the SAVRY can be meaningfully used to inform the development and
      evaluation of effective violence risk assessment and management approaches for
      male juvenile offenders detained in a Youth Detention Center in Hunan province,
      China.

PMID- 28076444
TI  - WiseEye: Next Generation Expandable and Programmable Camera Trap Platform for
      Wildlife Research.
AB  - The widespread availability of relatively cheap, reliable and easy to use digital
      camera traps has led to their extensive use for wildlife research, monitoring and
      public outreach. Users of these units are, however, often frustrated by the
      limited options for controlling camera functions, the generation of large numbers
      of images, and the lack of flexibility to suit different research environments
      and questions. We describe the development of a user-customisable open source
      camera trap platform named 'WiseEye', designed to provide flexible camera trap
      technology for wildlife researchers. The novel platform is based on a Raspberry
      Pi single-board computer and compatible peripherals that allow the user to
      control its functions and performance. We introduce the concept of confirmatory
      sensing, in which the Passive Infrared triggering is confirmed through other
      modalities (i.e. radar, pixel change) to reduce the occurrence of false positives
      images. This concept, together with user-definable metadata, aided identification
      of spurious images and greatly reduced post-collection processing time. When
      tested against a commercial camera trap, WiseEye was found to reduce the
      incidence of false positive images and false negatives across a range of test
      conditions. WiseEye represents a step-change in camera trap functionality,
      greatly increasing the value of this technology for wildlife research and
      conservation management.

PMID- 28076445
TI  - Emerging Bordetella pertussis Strains Induce Enhanced Signaling of Human Pattern
      Recognition Receptors TLR2, NOD2 and Secretion of IL-10 by Dendritic Cells.
AB  - Vaccines against pertussis have been available for more than 60 years.
      Nonetheless, this highly contagious disease is reemerging even in countries with
      high vaccination coverage. Genetic changes of Bordetella pertussis over time have
      been suggested to contribute to the resurgence of pertussis, as these changes may
      favor escape from vaccine-induced immunity. Nonetheless, studies on the effects
      of these bacterial changes on the immune response are limited. Here, we
      characterize innate immune recognition and activation by a collection of
      genetically diverse B. pertussis strains isolated from Dutch pertussis patients
      before and after the introduction of the pertussis vaccines. For this purpose, we
      used HEK-Blue cells transfected with human pattern recognition receptors TLR2,
      TLR4, NOD2 and NOD1 as a high throughput system for screening innate immune
      recognition of more than 90 bacterial strains. Physiologically relevant human
      monocyte derived dendritic cells (moDC), purified from peripheral blood of
      healthy donors were also used. Findings indicate that, in addition to inducing
      TLR2 and TLR4 signaling, all B. pertussis strains activate the NOD-like receptor
      NOD2 but not NOD1. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in TLR2 and
      NOD2, but not TLR4, activation by strains circulating after the introduction of
      pertussis vaccines. When using moDC, we observed that the recently circulating
      strains induced increased activation of these cells with a dominant IL-10
      production. In addition, we observed an increased expression of surface markers
      including the regulatory molecule PD-L1. Expression of PD-L1 was decreased upon
      blocking TLR2. These in vitro findings suggest that emerging B. pertussis strains
      have evolved to dampen the vaccine-induced inflammatory response, which would
      benefit survival and transmission of this pathogen. Understanding how this
      disease has resurged in a highly vaccinated population is crucial for the design
      of improved vaccines against pertussis.

PMID- 28076446
TI  - Downscaling Global Emissions and Its Implications Derived from Climate Model
      Experiments.
AB  - In climate change research, future scenarios of greenhouse gas and air pollutant
      emissions generated by integrated assessment models (IAMs) are used in climate
      models (CMs) and earth system models to analyze future interactions and feedback
      between human activities and climate. However, the spatial resolutions of IAMs
      and CMs differ. IAMs usually disaggregate the world into 10-30 aggregated
      regions, whereas CMs require a grid-based spatial resolution. Therefore,
      downscaling emissions data from IAMs into a finer scale is necessary to input the
      emissions into CMs. In this study, we examined whether differences in downscaling
      methods significantly affect climate variables such as temperature and
      precipitation. We tested two downscaling methods using the same regionally
      aggregated sulfur emissions scenario obtained from the Asian-Pacific Integrated
      Model/Computable General Equilibrium (AIM/CGE) model. The downscaled emissions
      were fed into the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC). One of
      the methods assumed a strong convergence of national emissions intensity (e.g.,
      emissions per gross domestic product), while the other was based on inertia
      (i.e., the base-year remained unchanged). The emissions intensities in the
      downscaled spatial emissions generated from the two methods markedly differed,
      whereas the emissions densities (emissions per area) were similar. We
      investigated whether the climate change projections of temperature and
      precipitation would significantly differ between the two methods by applying a
      field significance test, and found little evidence of a significant difference
      between the two methods. Moreover, there was no clear evidence of a difference
      between the climate simulations based on these two downscaling methods.

PMID- 28076447
TI  - Lower Methane Emissions from Yak Compared with Cattle in Rusitec Fermenters.
AB  - Globally methane (CH4) emissions from ruminant livestock account for 29% of total
      CH4 emissions. Inherited variation about CH4 emissions of different animal
      species might provide new opportunity for manipulating CH4 production. Six rumen
      simulating fermenters (Rusitec) were set up for this study lasting for 16 d. The
      diet consisted of forage to concentrate ratio of 50:50 with barley straw as the
      forage. Treated vessels were supplied with rumen fluid from yak or cattle (3
      vessels per animal species). Microbial growth was measured using 15N as a marker.
      The microbial community structure from liquid- and solid-fraction of each vessel
      was determined based on the 16S rRNA genes targeting both bacteria and archaea
      with MiSeq platform. CH4 yield was lower when the inoculum used from yak than
      that from cattle (0.26 and 0.33 mmol CH4/g dry matter intake, respectively).
      Lower H2 production was observed in Rusitec fermenters with rumen fluid from yak
      compare with that from cattle (0.28 and 0.86 mmol/d, respectively). The apparent
      digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, the isovalerate percentage with respect
      to the total amount of volatile fatty acids, the hydrogen recovery, and the
      proportion of liquid-associated microbial nitrogen derived from ammonia-nitrogen
      were higher in Rusitec fermenters incubated with rumen fluid from cattle than
      that from yak. The relative abundances of methanogens were no difference between
      two animal species. We hypothesize that more H2 production contributes to the
      higher methane emissions in cattle compare with yak.

PMID- 28076448
TI  - IGF-1 Induces GHRH Neuronal Axon Elongation during Early Postnatal Life in Mice.
AB  - Nutrition during the perinatal period programs body growth. Growth hormone (GH)
      secretion from the pituitary regulates body growth and is controlled by Growth
      Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) neurons located in the arcuate nucleus of the
      hypothalamus. We observed that dietary restriction during the early postnatal
      period (i.e. lactation) in mice influences postnatal growth by permanently
      altering the development of the somatotropic axis in the pituitary gland. This
      alteration may be due to a lack of GHRH signaling during this critical
      developmental period. Indeed, underfed pups showed decreased insulin-like growth
      factor I (IGF-I) plasma levels, which are associated with lower innervation of
      the median eminence by GHRH axons at 10 days of age relative to normally fed
      pups. IGF-I preferentially stimulated axon elongation of GHRH neurons in in vitro
      arcuate explant cultures from 7 day-old normally fed pups. This IGF-I stimulating
      effect was selective since other arcuate neurons visualized concomitantly by
      neurofilament labeling, or AgRP immunochemistry, did not significantly respond to
      IGF-I stimulation. Moreover, GHRH neurons in explants from age-matched underfed
      pups lost the capacity to respond to IGF-I stimulation. Molecular analyses
      indicated that nutritional restriction was associated with impaired activation of
      AKT. These results highlight a role for IGF-I in axon elongation that appears to
      be cell selective and participates in the complex cellular mechanisms that link
      underfeeding during the early postnatal period with programming of the growth
      trajectory.

PMID- 28076449
TI  - Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with
      Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold.
AB  - Background:: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were developed to improve the
      long-term results of percutaneous coronary intervention, restoring vasomotion.
      Objectives:: To report very late follow-up of everolimus-eluting Absorb BVS
      (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, USA) in our center. Methods:: Observational
      retrospective study, in a single Brazilian center, from August 2011 to October
      2013, including 49 patients submitted to Absorb BVS implantation. Safety and
      efficacy outcomes were analyzed in the in-hospital and very late follow-up phases
      (> 2 years). Results:: All 49 patients underwent a minimum follow-up of 2.5 years
      and a maximum of 4.6 years. Mean age was 56.8 +/- 7.6 years, 71.4% of the
      patients were men, and 26.5% were diabetic. Regarding clinical presentation, the
      majority (94%) had stable angina or silent ischemia. Device success was achieved
      in 100% of cases with 96% overall procedure success rate. Major adverse
      cardiovascular events rate was 4% at 30 days, 8.2% at 1 year, and 12.2% at 2
      years, and there were no more events until 4.6 years. There were 2 cases of
      thrombosis (1 subacute and 1 late). Conclusions:: In this preliminary analysis,
      Absorb BVS showed to be a safe and effective device in the very late follow-up.
      Establishing the efficacy and safety profiles of these devices in more complex
      scenarios is necessary. Fundamento:: Os suportes vasculares bioabsorviveis (SVB)
      foram desenvolvidos com o intuito de melhorar os resultados da intervencao
      coronaria percutanea a longo prazo, restabelecendo-se a vasomotricidade.
      Objetivos:: Reportar o seguimento muito tardio do implante do SVB eluidor de
      everolimus Absorb(r) (Abbot Vascular, Santa Clara, EUA) em nosso centro.
      Metodos:: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, em um unico centro brasileiro, que
      incluiu 49 pacientes submetidos ao implante do SVB Absorb(r) entre agosto/2011 e
      outubro/2013. Foram analisados os desfechos de seguranca e eficacia na fase
      hospitalar e bastante tardia (> 2 anos). Resultados:: Todos os 49 pacientes
      completaram um seguimento minimo de 2,5 anos, sendo o maximo de 4,6 anos. A media
      de idade foi 56,8 +/- 7,6 anos, sendo 71,4% da populacao estudada do sexo
      masculino e 26,5% composta por diabeticos. Considerando a apresentacao clinica, a
      grande maioria (94%) tinha angina estavel ou isquemia silenciosa. Obteve-se
      sucesso do dispositivo em 100% dos casos e do procedimento, em 96%. A taxa de
      eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 4% aos 30 dias, de 8,2% em 1 ano, e de
      12,2% em 2 anos, sem mais eventos ate 4,6 anos. Houve 2 casos de trombose (1
      subaguda e 1 tardia) ate o ultimo seguimento. Conclusoes:: Nesta analise
      preliminar, o uso do SVB Absorb(r) mostrou-se seguro e eficaz no seguimento
      bastante tardio. Faz-se necessario estabelecer o perfil de eficacia e seguranca
      destes dispositivos em cenarios de maior complexidade.

PMID- 28076450
TI  - Time course of changes in heart rate and blood pressure variability in rats with
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - Our aim was to determine the time course of changes in autonomic balance in the
      acute (1 and 3 days), sub-acute (7 days) and chronic (28 days) phases of
      myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Autonomic balance was assessed by temporal
      and spectral analyses of blood pressure variability (BPV) and heart rate
      variability (HRV). Pulsatile blood pressure (BP) recordings (30 min) were
      obtained in awake and unrestrained male Wistar rats (N = 77; 8-10 weeks old) with
      MI (coronary ligature) or sham operation (SO). Data are reported as means+/-SE.
      The high frequency (HF) component (n.u.) of HRV was significantly lower in MI-1-
      (P<0.01) and MI-3-day rats (P<0.05) than in their time-control groups (SO-1=68+/
      4 vs MI-1=35.3+/-4.3; SO-3=71+/-5.8 vs MI-3=45.2+/-3.8), without differences
      thereafter (SO-7=69.2+/-4.8 vs MI-7=56+/-5.8; SO-28=73+/-4 vs MI-28=66+/-6.6). A
      sharp reduction (P<0.05) of BPV (mmHg2) was observed in the first week after MI
      (SO-1=8.55+/-0.80; SO-3=9.11+/-1.08; SO-7=7.92+/-1.10 vs MI-1=5.63+/-0.73; MI
      3=5.93+/-0.30; MI-7=5.30+/-0.25). Normal BPV, however, was observed 4 weeks after
      MI (SO-28=8.60+/-0.66 vs MI-28=8.43+/-0.56 mmHg2; P>0.05). This reduction was
      mainly due to attenuation of the low frequency (LF) band of BPV in absolute and
      normalized units (SO-1=39.3+/-7%; SO-3=55+/-4.5%; SO-7=46.8+/-4.5%; SO-28=45.7+/
      5%; MI-1=13+/-3.5%; MI-3=35+/-4.7%; MI-7=25+/-2.8%; MI-28=21.4+/-2.8%). The
      results suggest that the reduction in HRV was associated with decrease of the HF
      component of HRV suggesting recovery of the vagal control of heartbeats along the
      post-infarction healing period. The depression of BPV was more dependent on the
      attenuation of the LF component, which is linked to the baroreflex modulation of
      the autonomic balance.

PMID- 28076451
TI  - Survival benefits of interferon-based therapy in patients with recurrent
      hepatitis C after orthotopic liver transplantation.
AB  - Recurrent hepatitis C after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is universal
      and can lead to graft failure and, consequently, reduced survival. Hepatitis C
      treatment can be used to prevent these detrimental outcomes. The aim of this
      study was to describe rates of hepatitis C recurrence and sustained virological
      response (SVR) to interferon-based treatment after OLT and its relationship to
      survival and progression of liver disease through retrospective analysis of
      medical records of 127 patients who underwent OLT due to cirrhosis or
      hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to chronic hepatitis C between January 2002
      and December 2013. Fifty-six patients were diagnosed with recurrent disease, 42
      started interferon-based therapy and 37 completed treatment. Demographic,
      treatment- and outcome-related variables were compared between SVR and non
      responders (non-SVR). There was an overall 54.1% SVR rate with interferon-based
      therapies. SVR was associated with longer follow-up after treatment (median 66.5
      vs 37 months for non-SVR, P=0.03) and after OLT (median 105 vs 72 months,
      P=0.074), and lower rates of disease progression (15 vs 64.7%, P=0.0028) and
      death (5 vs 35.3%, P=0.033). Regardless of the result of therapy (SVR or non
      SVR), there was a significant difference between treated and untreated patients
      regarding the occurrence of death (P<0.001) and months of survival (P<0.001).
      Even with suboptimal interferon-based therapies (compared to the new direct
      acting antivirals) there is a 54.1% SVR rate to treatment. SVR is associated with
      improved survival and reduced risks of clinical decompensation, loss of the liver
      graft and death.

PMID- 28076452
TI  - Angiotensin-(1-7) relieved renal injury induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia
      in rats by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis.
AB  - We aimed to study the renal injury and hypertension induced by chronic
      intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and the protective effects mediated by angiotensin 1-7
      [Ang(1-7)]. We randomly assigned 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 180-200
      g) to normoxia control, CIH, Ang(1-7)-treated normoxia, and Ang(1-7)-treated CIH
      groups. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored at the start and end of each
      week. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded. CTGF and TGF-beta
      were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Tissue parameters of
      oxidative stress were also determined. In addition, renal levels of interleukin
      6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitrotyrosine, and hypoxia-inducible factor
      1alpha were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and ELISA. TUNEL
      assay results and cleaved caspase 3 and 12 were also determined. Ang(1-7) induced
      a reduction in SBP together with a restoration of RSNA in the rat model of CIH.
      Ang(1-7) treatment also suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species,
      reduced renal tissue inflammation, ameliorated mesangial expansion, and decreased
      renal fibrosis. Thus, Ang(1-7) treatment exerted renoprotective effects on CIH
      induced renal injury and was associated with a reduction of oxidative stress,
      inflammation and fibrosis. Ang(1-7) might therefore represent a promising therapy
      for obstructive sleep apnea-related hypertension and renal injury.

PMID- 28076453
TI  - Ferulic acid lowers body weight and visceral fat accumulation via modulation of
      enzymatic, hormonal and inflammatory changes in a mouse model of high-fat diet
      induced obesity.
AB  - Previous studies have reported on the glucose and lipid-lowering effects of
      ferulic acid (FA) but its anti-obesity potential has not yet been firmly
      established. This study investigated the possible anti-obesitogenic effects of FA
      in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. To assess the antiobesity
      potential of FA, 32 male Swiss mice, weighing 20-25 g (n=6-8 per group) were fed
      a normal diet (ND) or HFD, treated orally or not with either FA (10 mg/kg) or
      sibutramine (10 mg/kg) for 15 weeks and at the end of this period, the body
      weights of animals, visceral fat accumulation, plasma levels of glucose and
      insulin hormone, amylase and lipase activities, the satiety hormones ghrelin and
      leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and monocyte chemoattractant
      protein-1 (MCH-1) were analyzed. Results revealed that FA could effectively
      suppress the HFD-associated increase in visceral fat accumulation, adipocyte size
      and body weight gain, similar to sibutramine, the positive control. FA also
      significantly (P<0.05) decreased the HFD-induced elevations in serum lipid
      profiles, amylase and lipase activities, and the levels of blood glucose and
      insulin hormone. The markedly elevated leptin and decreased ghrelin levels seen
      in HFD-fed control mice were significantly (P<0.05) reversed by FA treatment,
      almost reaching the values seen in ND-fed mice. Furthermore, FA demonstrated
      significant (P<0.05) inhibition of serum levels of inflammatory mediators TNF
      alpha, and MCH-1. These results suggest that FA could be beneficial in lowering
      the risk of HFD-induced obesity via modulation of enzymatic, hormonal and
      inflammatory responses.

PMID- 28076454
TI  - A broad pH range and processive chitinase from a metagenome library.
AB  - Chitinases are hydrolases that degrade chitin, a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine
      linked beta(1-4) present in the exoskeleton of crustaceans, insects, nematodes
      and fungal cell walls. A metagenome fosmid library from a wastewater-contaminated
      soil was functionally screened for chitinase activity leading to the isolation
      and identification of a chitinase gene named metachi18A. The metachi18A gene was
      subcloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and the MetaChi18A chitinase
      was purified by affinity chromatography as a 6xHis-tagged fusion protein. The
      MetaChi18A enzyme is a 92-kDa protein with a conserved active site domain of
      glycosyl hydrolases family 18. It hydrolyses colloidal chitin with an optimum pH
      of 5 and temperature of 50 degrees C. Moreover, the enzyme retained at least 80%
      of its activity in the pH range from 4 to 9 and 98% at 600 mM NaCl. Thin layer
      chromatography analyses identified chitobiose as the main product of MetaChi18A
      on chitin polymers as substrate. Kinetic analysis showed inhibition of MetaChi18A
      activity at high concentrations of colloidal chitin and 4-methylumbelliferyl N,N'
      diacetylchitobiose and sigmoid kinetics at low concentrations of colloidal
      chitin, indicating a possible conformational change to lead the chitin chain from
      the chitin-binding to the catalytic domain. The observed stability and activity
      of MetaChi18A over a wide range of conditions suggest that this chitinase, now
      characterized, may be suitable for application in the industrial processing of
      chitin.

PMID- 28076455
TI  - Decreased platelet responsiveness to clopidogrel correlates with CYP2C19 and PON1
      polymorphisms in atherosclerotic patients.
AB  - Clopidogrel and aspirin are the most commonly used medications worldwide for dual
      antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention. However,
      clopidogrel hyporesponsiveness related to gene polymorphisms is a concern.
      Populations with higher degrees of genetic admixture may have increased
      prevalence of clopidogrel hyporesponsiveness. To assess this, we genotyped
      CYP2C19, ABCB1, and PON1 in 187 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary
      intervention. Race was self-defined by patients. We also performed light
      transmission aggregometry with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid
      during dual antiplatelet therapy. We found a significant difference for presence
      of the CYP2C19*2 polymorphism between white and non-white patients. Although 7%
      of patients had platelet resistance to clopidogrel, this did not correlate with
      any of the tested genetic polymorphisms. We did not find platelet resistance to
      aspirin in this cohort. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with PON1 and
      CYP2C19 polymorphisms had higher light transmission after ADP aggregometry than
      patients with native alleles. There was no preponderance of any race in patients
      with higher light transmission aggregometry. In brief, PON1 and CYP2C19
      polymorphisms were associated with lower clopidogrel responsiveness in this
      sample. Despite differences in CYP2C19 polymorphisms across white and non-white
      patients, genetic admixture by itself was not able to identify clopidogrel
      hyporesponsiveness.

PMID- 28076456
TI  - Propofol inhibits lung cancer cell viability and induces cell apoptosis by
      upregulating microRNA-486 expression.
AB  - Propofol is a frequently used intravenous anesthetic agent. Recent studies show
      that propofol exerts a number of non-anesthetic effects. The present study aimed
      to investigate the effects of propofol on lung cancer cell lines H1299 and H1792
      and functional role of microRNA (miR)-486 in these effects. H1299 and/or H1792
      cells were treated with or without propofol and transfected or not with miR-486
      inhibitor, and then cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed by 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry.
      The expression of miR-486 was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (qRT-PCR) with or without propofol treatment. Western blot was
      performed to analyze the protein expression of Forkhead box, class O (FOXO) 1 and
      3, Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim), and pro- and activated
      caspases-3. Results showed that propofol significantly increased the miR-486
      levels in both H1299 and H1792 cells compared to untreated cells in a dose
      dependent manner (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Propofol statistically decreased cell
      viability but increased the percentages of apoptotic cells and protein
      expressions of FOXO1, FOXO3, Bim, and pro- and activated caspases-3; however, miR
      486 inhibitor reversed the effects of propofol on cell viability, apoptosis, and
      protein expression (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In conclusion, propofol might be an ideal
      anesthetic for lung cancer surgery by effectively inhibiting lung cancer cell
      viability and inducing cell apoptosis. Modulation of miR-486 might contribute to
      the anti-tumor activity of propofol.

PMID- 28076457
TI  - Removal of calcium hydroxide from Weine Type II systems using photon-induced
      photoacoustic streaming, passive ultrasonic, and needle irrigation: a
      microcomputed tomography study.
AB  - Objective: This study compared the effectiveness of Er:YAG laser-activated
      irrigation (PIPS), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with EndoUltra and
      standard needle irrigation (SNI) in the removal of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]
      from the mesial roots of Weine Type II mandibular molars. Material and Methods:
      Thirty mandibular molars were screened by uCT for the presence of mesial roots
      with complex intra-canal anatomy and a common apical foramen. The teeth were
      enlarged to a standardized 25/.06 preparation and filled with Ca(OH)2 paste.
      Specimens were divided into three groups (n=10) according to the technique used
      for Ca(OH)2 removal: PIPS, at 15 Hz and 20 mJ using a 9 mm long, 600 um diameter
      tip; PUI using a 15/.02 tip; and SNI (30 Ga. side-vented needle). Equal volumes
      of 8.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA were used in all groups. uCT was used to measure the
      initial amount of Ca(OH)2 present and to assess the residual volume of Ca(OH)2
      following each irrigation protocol. Data were analyzed using Tukey HSD and
      Kruskal-Wallis tests (alpha=5%). Results: The mean volume of Ca(OH)2 before
      removal was significantly higher in the coronal third than in the middle and
      apical third (p<0.001). Ca(OH)2 was similarly removed from the coronal and middle
      thirds with the three methods used (p>0.05). PIPS (median 0%; IQR: 0-0) showed
      significant higher Ca(OH)2 removal in the apical third than PUI (median 100%,
      IQR: 85-100) and SNI (median 47%; IQR: 16-72) (p<0.001). Conclusions: PIPS laser
      activation was more effective for the removal of Ca(OH)2 from mesial roots of
      mandibular molars with Weine Type II canal configurations than PUI with EndoUltra
      and SNI.

PMID- 28076458
TI  - Risk of developing palatally displaced canines in patients with early detectable
      dental anomalies: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - Objective: To estimate the risk of PDC occurrence in children with dental
      anomalies identified early during mixed dentition. Material and Methods: The
      sample comprised 730 longitudinal orthodontic records from children (448 females
      and 282 males) with an initial mean age of 8.3 years (SD=1.36). The dental
      anomaly group (DA) included 263 records of patients with at least one dental
      anomaly identified in the initial or middle mixed dentition. The non-dental
      anomaly group (NDA) was composed of 467 records of patients with no dental
      anomalies. The occurrence of PDC in both groups was diagnosed using panoramic and
      periapical radiographs taken in the late mixed dentition or early permanent
      dentition. The prevalence of PDC in patients with and without early diagnosed
      dental anomalies was compared using the chi-square test (p<0.01), relative risk
      assessments (RR), and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV).
      Results: PDC frequency was 16.35% and 6.2% in DA and NDA groups, respectively. A
      statistically significant difference was observed between groups (p<0.01), with
      greater risk of PDC development in the DA group (RR=2.63). The PPV and NPV was
      16% and 93%, respectively. Small maxillary lateral incisors, deciduous molar
      infraocclusion, and mandibular second premolar distoangulation were associated
      with PDC. Conclusion: Children with dental anomalies diagnosed during early mixed
      dentition have an approximately two and a half fold increased risk of developing
      PDC during late mixed dentition compared with children without dental anomalies.

PMID- 28076459
TI  - Evaluation of phenyl-propanedione on yellowing and chemical-mechanical properties
      of experimental dental resin-based materials.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the influence of phenyl-propanedione on yellowing and
      chemical-mechanical properties of experimental resin-based materials
      photoactivated using different light curing units (LCUs). Material and Methods:
      Experimental resin-based materials with the same organic matrix (60:40 wt%
      BisGMA:TEGDMA) were mechanically blended using a centrifugal mixing device. To
      this blend, different photoinitiator systems were added in equimolar
      concentrations with aliphatic amine doubled by wt%: 0.4 wt% CQ; 0.38 wt% PPD; or
      0.2 wt% CQ and 0.19 wt% PPD. The degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength
      (FS), Young's modulus (YM), Knoop hardness (KNH), crosslinking density (CLD), and
      yellowing (Y) were evaluated (n=10). All samples were light cured with the
      following LCUs: a halogen lamp (XL 2500), a monowave LED (Radii), or a polywave
      LED (Valo) with 16 J/cm2. The results were analysed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's
      test (alpha=0.05). Results: No statistical differences were found between the
      different photoinitiator systems to KNH, CLS, FS, and YM properties (p>=0.05).
      PPD/CQ association showed the higher DC values compared with CQ and PPD isolated
      systems when photoactivated by a polywave LED (p<=0.05). Y values were highest
      for the CQ compared with the PPD systems (p<=0.05). Conclusion: PPD isolated
      system promoted similar chemical and mechanical properties and less yellowing
      compared with the CQ isolated system, regardless of the LCU used.

PMID- 28076460
TI  - The accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology for diagnosis of parotid gland
      masses: a clinicopathological study of 114 patients.
AB  - Objective: Fine-needle aspiration cytology is a valuable method for preoperative
      assessment of head and neck tumors. However, its accuracy in detection of
      salivary gland masses is controversial compared with other methods. The aim of
      this work was to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of fine-needle
      aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of parotid gland masses. Material and
      Methods: Over a 10-year period, 126 parotid gland masses were resected.
      Retrospective chart reviews of 114 patients were performed. The results of FNAC
      and final histological diagnosis were compared and the accuracy of FNAC was
      determined. Results: Final histological evaluation revealed 11 malignant tumors
      and 103 benign lesions. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common neoplasm (63%),
      followed by Warthin's tumor (17.5%). The sensitivity of FNAC in detecting
      malignant tumors was 73% and the specificity was 97%. Positive predictive value
      (PPV) was 73% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 97%. The overall accuracy
      of FNAC in detecting parotid masses was 95%. False-negative diagnosis was found
      in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, and epithelial-myoepithelial
      carcinoma whereas there was false-positive diagnosis in cases of pleomorphic
      adenoma and normal parotid gland tissue. Conclusion: FNAC is a reliable minimally
      invasive diagnostic method with a high sensitivity in diagnosis of lesions in
      parotid glands. The sensitivity of detection of malignant tumors in parotid
      glands was low due to the biopsy technique used, and depended on tumor location.
      Postoperative complications decreased after superficial parotidectomy.

PMID- 28076461
TI  - An in vitro evaluation of various irrigation techniques for the removal of double
      antibiotic paste from root canal surfaces.
AB  - Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of
      conventional syringe irrigations, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), Vibringe,
      CanalBrush, XP-endo Finisher, and laser-activated irrigation (LAI) systems in
      removing double antibiotic paste (DAP) from root canals. Material and Methods:
      One hundred five extracted single-rooted teeth were instrumented. The roots were
      split longitudinally. Three standard grooves were created and covered with DAP.
      The roots were distributed into seven groups: Group 1, beveled needle irrigation;
      Group 2, double side-vented needle irrigation; Group 3, CanalBrush; Group 4, XP
      endo Finisher; Group 5, Vibringe; Group 6, PUI; Group 7, LAI. The amount of
      remaining DAP was scored under a stereomicroscope. Results: Group 4, Group 6, and
      Group 7 removed significantly more DAP than the other protocols in the coronal
      region. Group 7 was more efficient in the middle region; however, no significant
      difference was found between Group 7 and Group 6. No differences were found
      between groups in the apical region either, except for the comparisons between
      groups 7 and 2, and groups 2 and 3. Conclusions: None of the investigated
      protocols were able to completely remove the DAP from the grooves. The Vibringe
      and XP-endo Finisher systems showed results similar to those of conventional
      needle irrigation.

PMID- 28076462
TI  - Effect of ultrasonic streaming on intra-dentinal disinfection and penetration of
      calcium hydroxide paste in endodontic treatment.
AB  - Objective: The antimicrobial effect of ultrasonic agitation of calcium hydroxide
      (CH) pastes in infected bovine dentin and their penetrability were evaluated
      using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and microbiological culture.
      Material and Methods: Fifty-two bovine teeth were infected with Enterococcus
      faecalis using a new contamination protocol; then they received CH paste and were
      divided into groups with or without ultrasound. Ultrasonic agitation was
      conducted for 1 min with a plain point insert. After 15 d, the CLSM analyzed the
      viable and dead bacteria with Live and Dead assay. The dentinal wall debris was
      collected by burs, and the colony forming units (CFU/mL) were counted. The
      penetrability of the paste inside dentinal tubules was tested using the B
      rodamine dye. Results: The calcium hydroxide paste showed better results with the
      use of ultrasonic agitation (p<0.05). Conclusion: The ultrasonic agitation of CH
      paste increased its antimicrobial action and was responsible for intradentinal
      penetration with the fulfilment of the tubules.

PMID- 28076463
TI  - In vitro effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on growth and production
      of volatile sulphur compounds by oral bacteria.
AB  - Objective: Halitosis can be caused by microorganisms that produce volatile
      sulphur compounds (VSCs), which colonize the surface of the tongue and
      subgingival sites. Studies have reported that the use of natural products can
      reduce the bacterial load and, consequently, the development of halitosis. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil
      of Melaleuca alternifolia on the growth and volatile sulphur compound (VSC)
      production of oral bacteria compared with chlorhexidine. Material and Methods:
      The effects of these substances were evaluated by the Minimum Inhibitory
      Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in planktonic
      cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis. In addition,
      gas chromatography analyses were performed to measure the concentration of VSCs
      from bacterial cultures and to characterize M. alternifolia oil components.
      Results: The MIC and MBC values were as follows: M. alternifolia - P. gingivalis
      (MIC and MBC=0.007%), P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%=0.5%); chlorhexidine -
      P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=1.5 mg/mL). M. alternifolia
      significantly reduced the growth and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by P.
      gingivalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet) and the H2S and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) levels
      of P. endodontalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Chlorhexidine reduced the growth of
      both microorganisms without altering the production of VSC in P. endodontalis.
      For P. gingivalis, the production of H2S and CH3SH decreased (p<0.05, ANOVA
      Dunnet). Conclusion: M. alternifolia can reduce bacterial growth and VSCs
      production and could be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine.

PMID- 28076464
TI  - Silver nanoparticle incorporation effect on mechanical and thermal properties of
      denture base acrylic resins.
AB  - Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical and
      thermal characteristics of two denture base acrylic resins containing silver
      nanoparticles (AgNPs). Material and Methods: Two different acrylic denture base
      resins (heat-polymerized and microwave polymerized) containing 0.3, 0.8 and 1.6
      wt% AgNPs were evaluated for flexural strength, elastic modulus and impact
      strength. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and relative heat capacity (Cp)
      of the samples were determined from the Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
      results. For statistical analysis, two-way ANOVA and Tukey-HSD tests were
      performed. Results: Addition of 0.8% and 1.6% AgNPs in microwave-polymerized
      resin significantly decreased the transverse strength and elastic modulus. In
      terms of impact strength, the addition of AgNPs has no effect on both resin
      groups. Glass transition temperature (Tg) was decreased with the addition of
      AgNPs for both denture base resins. Conclusions: The incorporation of AgNPs,
      generally used for antimicrobial efficiency, affected the transverse strength of
      the denture base acrylic resins depending on the concentration of nanoparticles.
      Tg was decreased with the addition of AgNPs for both denture base resins.

PMID- 28076465
TI  - The effect of capsaicin on expression patterns of CGRP in trigeminal ganglion and
      trigeminal nucleus caudalis following experimental tooth movement in rats.
AB  - Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of capsaicin on
      expression patterns of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the trigeminal
      ganglion (TG) and trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) following experimental
      tooth movement. Material and Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this
      study and divided into small-dose capsaicin+force group, large-dose
      capsaicin+force group, saline+force group, and no force group. Closed coil
      springs were used to mimic orthodontic forces in all groups except for the no
      force group, in which springs were inactivated. Capsaicin and saline were
      injected into periodontal tissues. Rats were euthanized at 0 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 5
      d, and 7 d following experimental tooth movement. Then, TG and Vc were obtained
      for immunohistochemical staining and western blotting against CGRP. Results:
      Immunohistochemical results indicated that CGRP positive neurons were located in
      the TG, and CGRP immunoreactive fibers were distributed in the Vc.
      Immunohistochemical semiquantitative analysis and western blotting analysis
      demonstrated that CGRP expression levels both in TG and Vc were elevated at 12 h,
      1 d, 3 d, 5 d, and 7 d in the saline + force group. However, both small-dose and
      large-dose capsaicin could decrease CGRP expression in TG and Vc at 1 d and 3 d
      following experimental tooth movement, as compared with the saline + force group.
      Conclusions: These results suggest that capsaicin could regulate CGRP expression
      in TG and Vc following experimental tooth movement in rats.

PMID- 28076466
TI  - Ozone therapy as an adjuvant for endondontic protocols: microbiological - ex vivo
      study and citotoxicity analyses.
AB  - Objectives: This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of ozone therapy in
      teeth contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and
      Staphylococcus aureus using a mono-species biofilm model. Parallel to this, the
      study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of ozone for human gingival fibroblasts.
      Material and Methods: One hundred and eighty single-root teeth were contaminated
      with a mono-species biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and
      Staphylococcus aureus. Groups were formed: Group I - control; Group II - standard
      protocol; Group III - standard protocol + ozone gas at 40 ug/mL; and Group IV -
      standard protocol + aqueous ozone at 8 ug/mL. In parallel, human gingival
      fibroblasts were submitted to the MTT test. Cells were plated, then ozone was
      applied as follows: Group I (control) - broth medium; Group II - aqueous ozone at
      2 ug/mL; Group III - aqueous ozone at 5 ug/mL; and Group IV - aqueous ozone at 8
      ug/mL. Data were submitted to the Kruskal Wallis test and Bonferroni post hoc
      analyses to assess microbiology and cytotoxicity, respectively (p<0.05%).
      Results: The results revealed antimicrobial efficacy by Group IV with no CFU
      count. The cytotoxicity assay showed Groups III and IV to be the most aggressive,
      providing a decrease in cell viability at hour 0 from 100% to 77.3% and 68.6%,
      respectively. Such a decrease in cell viability was reverted, and after 72 hours
      Groups III and IV provided the greatest increase in cell viability, being
      statistically different from Groups I and II. Conclusion: According to the
      applied methodology and the limitations of this study, it was possible to
      conclude that ozone therapy improved the decontamination of the root canal ex
      vivo. Ozone was toxic to the cells on first contact, but cell viability was
      recovered. Thus, these findings suggest that ozone might be useful to improve
      root canal results.

PMID- 28076467
TI  - The search for novel insecticide targets in the post-genomics era, with a
      specific focus on G-protein coupled receptors.
AB  - Insects are considered pests globally, implicated in the destruction of
      agricultural fields and transmission of pathogens that cause deadly human
      diseases, such as dengue, Zika and malaria. The diversity of the insecticide
      arsenal has remained stagnant for decades, but the recent rise of insecticide
      resistance fueled the discovery of novel modes of action, and the power of
      genomics has reinvigorated this search. This review discusses the importance of
      comparative and functional insect genomics in the identification of potential
      gene targets for an insecticidal mode of action with low off-target toxicity. Due
      to the global participation in the sequencing and annotation of insect genomes,
      the targeting of specific genes with molecular tools like RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9
      for genome engineering and consequent functional identification and validation
      has become more efficient. While there are multiple avenues to explore for
      insecticidal candidates, this review identifies G-protein coupled receptors as
      attractive targets, and hones in on the octopamine and dopamine receptors due to
      their potential.

PMID- 28076468
TI  - Phenotypic diversity and selection maintain Leishmania amazonensis infectivity in
      BALB/c mouse model.
AB  - Leishmania are protozoan parasites that show remarkable diversity, as revealed by
      the various clinical forms of leishmaniasis, which can range from mild skin
      lesions to severe metastatic cutaneous/mucosal lesions. The exact nature and
      extent of Leishmania phenotypic diversity in establishing infection is not fully
      understood. In order to try to understand some aspects of this diversity, we
      subcutaneously infected BALB/c mice with first and second generation subclones of
      a L. amazonensis strain isolated from a patient (BA125) and examined in vivo
      lesion growth rate and antimony susceptibility. In vivo fast-, medium- and slow
      growing subclones were obtained; moreover, fast-growing subclones could generate
      slow-growing subclones and inversely, revealing the continuous generation of
      diversity after passage into mice. No antimony-resistant subclone appeared,
      probably a rare occurrence. By tagging subclone cells with a L. amazonensis
      genomic cosmid library, we found that only a very small number of founding cells
      could produce lesions. Leishmania clones transfected with in vivo selected
      individual cosmids were also diverse in terms of lesion growth rate, revealing
      the cosmid-independent intrinsic characteristics of each clone. Our results
      suggest that only a few of the infecting parasites are able to grow and produce
      lesions; later, within the cell mixture of each lesion, there coexist several
      parasite populations with different potentialities to grow lesions during the
      next infection round. This may reflect a sort of programmed heterogeneity of
      individual parasites, favoring the survival of some individuals in various
      environmental conditions.

PMID- 28076469
TI  - Scoring clinical signs can help diagnose canine visceral leishmaniasis in a
      highly endemic area in Brazil.
AB  - Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) diagnosis is still a challenge in endemic
      areas with limited diagnostic resources. This study proposes a score with the
      potential to distinguish positive CVL cases from negative ones. We studied 265
      dogs that tested positive for CVL on ELISA and parasitological tests. A score
      ranging between 0 and 19 was recorded on the basis of clinical signs. Dogs with
      CVL had an overall higher positivity of the majority of clinical signs than did
      dogs without CVL or with ehrlichiosis. Clinical signs such as enlarged lymph
      nodes (83.93%), muzzle/ear lesions (55.36%), nutritional status (51.79%), bristle
      condition (57.14%), pale mucosal colour (48.21%), onychogryphosis (58.93%), skin
      lesion (39.28%), bleeding (12.50%), muzzle depigmentation (41.07%), alopecia
      (39.29%), blepharitis (21.43%), and keratoconjunctivitis (42.86%) were more
      frequent in dogs with CVL than in dogs with ehrlichiosis or without CVL.
      Moreover, the clinical score increased according to the positivity of all
      diagnostic tests (ELISA, p < 0.001; parasite culture, p = 0.0021; and smear, p =
      0.0003). Onychogryphosis (long nails) [odds ratio (OR): 3.529; 95% confidence
      interval (CI): 1.832-6.796; p < 0.001], muzzle depigmentation (OR: 4.651; 95% CI:
      2.218-9.750; p < 0.001), and keratoconjunctivitis (OR: 5.400; 95% CI: 2.549
      11.441; p < 0.001) were highly associated with CVL. Interestingly, a score cut
      off value >= 6 had an area under the curve of 0.717 (p < 0.0001), sensitivity of
      60.71%, and specificity of 73.64% for CVL diagnosis. The clinical sign-based
      score for CVL diagnosis suggested herein can help veterinarians reliably identify
      dogs with CVL in endemic areas with limited diagnostic resources.

PMID- 28076470
TI  - First description of Leishmania (Viannia) infection in Evandromyia saulensis,
      Pressatia sp. and Trichophoromyia auraensis (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in a
      transmission area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Acre state, Amazon Basin, Brazil.
AB  - Studies on the sandfly fauna to evaluate natural infection indexes are still
      limited in the Brazilian Amazon, a region with an increasing incidence of
      cutaneous leishmaniasis. Here, by using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction
      directed to Leishmania kDNA and hybridisation, we were able to identify L.
      (Viannia) subgenus in 12 out of 173 sandflies captured in the municipality of Rio
      Branco, Acre state, revealing a positivity of 6.94%. By sequencing the Leishmania
      234 bp-hsp70 amplified products from positive samples, infection by L. (V.)
      braziliensis was confirmed in five sandflies: one Evandromyia saulensis, three
      Trichophoromyia auraensis and one Pressatia sp. The finding of L. (Viannia) DNA
      in two Ev. saulensis corresponds to the first record of possible infection
      associated with this sandfly. Moreover, our study reveals for the first time in
      Brazil, Th. auraensis and Pressatia sp. infected by L. (Viannia) parasites.

PMID- 28076471
TI  - Genomic information on multidrug-resistant livestock-associated methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 isolated from a Brazilian patient with
      cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Alarmingly, the isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
      has been increasing among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). During a previous
      molecular characterisation of MRSA isolates obtained from patients with CF from
      Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one isolate was identified as the ST398 clone, a
      livestock-associated (LA) MRSA. In this study, we report the draft genome
      sequence of an LA-MRSA ST398 clone isolated from a patient with CF.

PMID- 28076472
TI  - EVALUATION OF LYMPHATIC SPREAD, VISCERAL METASTASIS AND TUMORAL LOCAL INVASION IN
      ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMAS.
AB  - Background: : Knowing esophageal tumors behavior in relationship to lymph node
      involvement, distant metastases and local tumor invasion is of paramount
      importance for the best esophageal tumors management. Aim: : To describe lymph
      node involvement, distant metastases, and local tumor invasion in esophageal
      carcinoma, according to tumor topography and histology. Methods: : A total of 444
      patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 105 adenocarcinoma were
      retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into four groups: adenocarcinoma and
      squamous cell carcinoma in the three esophageal segments: cervical, middle, and
      distal. They were compared based on their CT scans at the time of the diagnosis.
      Results: : Nodal metastasis showed great relationship with of primary tumor site.
      Lymph nodes of hepatogastric, perigastric and peripancreatic ligaments were
      mainly affected in distal tumors. Periaortic, interaortocaval and portocaval
      nodes were more commonly found in distal squamous carcinoma; subcarinal,
      paratracheal and subaortic nodes in middle; neck chains were more affected in
      cervical squamous carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma had a higher frequency of peritoneal
      involvement (11.8%) and liver (24.5%) than squamous cell carcinoma. Considering
      the local tumor invasion, the more cranial neoplasia, more common squamous
      invasion of airways, reaching 64.7% in the incidence of cervical tumors. Middle
      esophageal tumors invade more often aorta (27.6%) and distal esophageal tumors,
      the pericardium and the right atrium (10.4%). Conclusion: : Esophageal
      adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in different topographies present
      peculiarities in lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and local tumor
      invasion. These differences must be taken into account in esophageal cancer
      patients' care. Racional: : Conhecer o comportamento das neoplasias esofagicas em
      relacao a disseminacao linfonodal, distribuicao de metastases e invasao local do
      tumor, pode auxiliar o manejo dos pacientes. Objetivo: : Descrever o envolvimento
      linfonodal, disseminacao metastatica e invasao local dos carcinomas esofagicos,
      de acordo com a topografia e o tipo histologico do tumor. Metodo: : Pacientes com
      diagnostico de carcinoma espinocelular de esofago (n=444) e adenocarcinoma de
      esofago (n=105) foram retrospectivamente analisados. Foram divididos em quatro
      grupos: adenocarcinoma e carcinoma espinocelular do segmento cervical, medio e
      distal. Tais grupos foram comparados baseando-se em tomografias computadorizadas
      realizadas no momento do diagnostico. Resultados: : Disseminacao linfonodal
      mostrou grande associacao com topografia do tumor. Linfonodos do ligamento
      hepatogastrico, perigastricos e peripancreaticos foram acometidos principalmente
      por tumores de esofago distal; linfonodos periaorticos, interaortocavais,
      portocavais no carcinoma espinocelular de esofago distal; e linfonodos
      subcarinais, paratraqueais, subaorticos nos tumores de esofago medio. Cadeias
      cervicais foram acometidas por espinocelulares cervicais. Adenocarcinoma teve
      maior frequencia de acometimento peritoneal (11,8%) e hepatico (24,5%) do que
      carcinoma espinocelular. Considerando invasao tumoral local, quanto mais cranial
      a neoplasia, mais comum a invasao do espinocelular em vias aereas, chegando a
      incidencia de 64,7% nos tumores cervicais. Tumores de esofago medio invadem mais
      frequentemente aorta (27,6%) e tumores de esofago distal, o pericardio e atrio
      direito (10,4%). Conclusoes: : Adenocarcinoma e carcinoma espinocelular de
      esofago em diferentes topografias apresentam peculiaridades na disseminacao
      linfatica, metastases a distancia e invasao local do tumor. Tais diferencas devem
      ser consideradas no manejo do paciente com carcinoma esofagico.

PMID- 28076473
TI  - INFLUENCE OF TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND DIABETES ON THE COLLAGEN OF CREMASTER MUSCLE IN
      PATIENTS WITH INGUINAL HERNIAS.
AB  - Background: : New findings point out that the mechanism of formation of the
      hernias can be related to the collagenous tissues, under activity of aggressive
      agents such as the tobacco, alcohol and diabetes. Aim: : To analyze the collagen
      present in the cremaster muscle in patients with inguinal hernias, focusing the
      effect of tobacco, alcohol, and diabetes. Methods: : Fifteen patients with
      inguinal hernia divided in three groups were studied: group I (n=5) was control;
      group II (n=5) were smokers and/or drinkers; and group III (n=5) had diabetes
      mellitus. All subjects were underwent to surgical repair of the inguinal hernias
      obeying the same pre, intra and postoperative conditions. During surgery, samples
      of the cremaster muscle were collected for analysis in polarized light
      microscopy, collagen morphometry and protein. Results: : The area occupied by the
      connective tissue was higher in groups II and III (p<0.05). The collagen tissue
      occupied the majority of the samples analyzed in comparison to the area occupied
      by muscle cells. The content of total protein was higher in groups II and III
      compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: : The tobacco, alcohol and
      diabetes cause a remodel the cremaster muscle, leading to a loss of support or
      structural change in this region, which may enhance the occurrences and damage
      related to inguinal hernias. Racional: : Estudos recentes sinalizam que o
      mecanismo de formacao das hernias pode estar relacionado aos tecidos colagenosos,
      sob a acao de agentes agressores como o tabaco, o alcool e o diabete. Objetivo: :
      Avaliar o colageno presente no musculo cremaster em pacientes com hernias
      inguinais enfocando o efeito do tabaco, alcool e diabete. Metodos: : Foram
      estudados 15 pacientes com hernias inguinais divididos em: grupo I (n=5)
      controles; grupo II (n=5) individuos fumantes e/ou etilistas; e grupo III (n=5)
      individuos que apresentavam diabete melito. Todos foram submetidos a correcao
      cirurgica das hernias inguinais obedecendo as mesmas condicoes pre, intra e pos
      operatorias. Durante o procedimento cirurgico, amostras do musculo cremaster
      foram coletadas para analises em microscopia de luz polarizada, morfometria do
      colageno e de proteinas. Resultados: : A area ocupada por tecido conjuntivo foi
      maior nos grupos II e III (p<0,05). O tecido colageno ocupou a maior parte das
      amostras analisadas, em comparacao a area ocupada pelas celulas musculares. O
      conteudo de proteinas totais foi maior nos grupos II e III, quando comparado com
      o grupo controle (p<0,05). Conclusao: : O tabaco, o alcool e o diabete ocasionam
      remodelacao no musculo cremaster, levando a perda de suporte ou alteracao
      estrutural nesta regiao, podendo intensificar as ocorrencias e os danos
      relacionados as hernias inguinais.

PMID- 28076474
TI  - GROWTH FACTORS AND COX2 IN WOUND HEALING: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY WITH EHRLICH
      TUMORS.
AB  - Background:: Healing is an innate biological phenomenon, and carcinogenesis
      acquired, but with common humoral and cellular elements. Carcinogenesis
      interferes negatively in healing. Aim: : To evaluate the histological changes in
      laparotomy scars of healthy Balb/c mice and with an Ehrlich tumor in its various
      forms of presentation. Methods:: Fifty-four mice were divided into three groups
      of 18 animals. First group was the control; the second had Ehrlich tumor with
      ascites; and the third had the subcutaneous form of this tumor. Seven days after
      tumor inoculation, all 54 mice were submitted to laparotomy. All of the animals
      in the experiment were operated on again on 7th day after surgery, with resection
      of the scar and subsequent euthanasia of the animal. The scars were sent for
      histological assessment using immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate Cox-2
      (cyclooxygenase 2), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and FGF (fibroblast
      growth factor). Semi-quantitatively analysis was done in the laparotomy scars and
      in the abdominal walls far away from the site of the operation. Results::
      Assessing the weight of the animals, the correct inoculation of the tumor and
      weight gain in the group with tumoral ascites was observed. The histological
      studies showed that groups with the tumor showed a statistically significant
      higher presence of Cox-2 compared to the control. In the Cox-2 analysis of the
      abdominal wall, the ascites group showed the most significant difference. VEGF
      did not present any significant differences between the three groups, regardless
      of the site. The FGF showed a significant increase in animals with the tumor.
      Conclusion: : Histological findings in both laparotomy scar and the abdominal
      wall showed that with Ehrlich's neoplasia there was an exacerbated inflammatory
      response, translated by more intense expression of Cox-2 and greater fibroblast
      proliferation, translated by more intense expression of FGF, that is, it
      stimulated both the immediate inflammatory reactions, observed with Cox-2
      reactions, and late scarring by fibroblasts and FGF. Racional:: A cicatrizacao e
      fenomeno biologico inato, e a carcinogenese adquirido, mas com elementos humorais
      e celulares comuns. A carcinogenese interfere de forma negativa na cicatrizacao.
      Objetivo: : Avaliar as modificacoes histologicas nas cicatrizes laparotomicas de
      camundongos Balb/c sadios como controles, e com a neoplasia de Ehrlich, em suas
      diferentes formas de apresentacao. Metodos: : Foram utilizados 54 camundongos,
      divididos em tres grupos de 18 animais cada um. O primeiro era controle; o
      segundo com a neoplasia de Ehrlich em sua forma ascitica; e o terceiro na forma
      subcutanea. Sete dias apos a inoculacao do tumor, todos os 54 camundongos foram
      submetidos a laparotomia e reoperados no setimo dia de pos-operatorio, com
      resseccao da cicatriz e posterior eutanasia. As cicatrizes foram encaminhadas
      para estudo histologico com tecnicas imunoistoquimicas para avaliar Cox-2 (ciclo
      oxigenase 2), VEGF (fator de crescimento do endotelio vascular) e FGF (fator de
      crescimento dos fibroblastos) e analisadas de forma semiquantitativana tanto na
      cicatriz laparotomica como na parede abdominal mais distante do local operado.
      Resultados: : Avaliando o peso, observou-se a correta inoculacao do tumor e o
      aumento de peso no grupo com a neoplasia na modalidade ascitica. Os estudos
      histologicos mostraram que os grupos com a neoplasia apresentaram maior presenca
      da Cox-2 em relacao ao controle, estatisticamente significante. No estudo da Cox
      2 da parede abdominal foi o local em que o grupo ascitico apresentou a diferenca
      mais expressiva. O VEGF nao apresentou diferencas significantes entre os tres
      grupos, independentemente do local estudado. O FGF teve aumento significante nos
      animais com neoplasia. Conclusao:: Os achados histologicos encontrados tanto na
      cicatriz das laparotomias quanto na parede abdominal mostraram que com a
      neoplasia de Ehrlich houve resposta inflamatoria exacerbada, traduzida por
      expressao mais intensa da Cox-2 e maior proliferacao fibroblastica, traduzida por
      expressao mais intensa do FGF, ou seja, estimulou tanto as reacoes inflamatorias
      imediatas, observadas nas reacoes da Cox-2, como nas cicatriciais tardias com os
      fibroblastos e o FGF.

PMID- 28076475
TI  - EXPRESSION OF E-CADHERIN AND WNT PATHWAY PROTEINS BETACATENIN, APC, TCF-4 AND
      SURVIVIN IN GASTRIC ADENOCARCINOMA: CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL IMPLICATION.
AB  - Background:: Gastric cancer is the fifth most frequent cancer and the third most
      common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.It has been reported that Wnt/
      betacatenin pathway is activated in 30-50% of these tumors. However,the
      deregulation of this pathway has not been fully elucidated. Aim:: To determine
      the expression of E-cadherin, betacatenin, APC, TCF-4 and survivin proteins in
      gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and correlate with clinical and pathological
      parameters. Method:: Seventy-one patients with gastric adenocarcinoma undergoing
      gastrectomy were enrolled. The expression of E-cadherin, betacatenin, APC, TCF-4
      and survivin proteins was detected by immunohistochemistryand related to the
      clinical and pathological parameters. Results:: The expression rates of E
      cadherin in the membrane was 3%; betacatenin in the cytoplasm and nucleus were
      23,4% and 3,1% respectively; APC in the cytoplasm was 94,6%; TCF-4 in the nucleus
      was 19,4%; and survivin in the nucleus 93,9%. The expression rate of E-cadherin
      was correlated with older patients (p=0,007), while betacatenin with tumors <5 cm
      (p=0,041) and APC with proximal tumors (p=0,047). Moreover, the expression of TCF
      4 was significantly higher in the diffuse type (p=0,017) and T4 tumors (p=0,002).
      Conclusion:: The Wnt/betacatenin is not involved in gastric carcinogenesis.
      However, the high frequency of survivin allows to suggest that other signaling
      pathways must be involved in the transformation of gastric tissue. Racional:: O
      cancer gastrico encontra-se entre as principais neoplasias malignas do mundo
      sendo o quinto mais incidente e o terceiro em relacao ao indice de mortalidade.
      Acredita-se que a via Wnt/betacatenina esteja ativada em 30-50% desses tumores,
      porem a desregulacao dela ainda nao esta completamente esclarecida. Objetivo::
      Avaliar a imunoexpressao das proteinas E-caderina, betacatenina, APC, TCF-4 e
      survivina em tecidos de adenocarcinoma gastrico e correlaciona-las com as
      variaveis clinicas dos doentes e anatomopatologicas do tumor. Metodo:: Foram
      coletados os dados clinicos e anatomopatologicos dos prontuarios de 71 doentes
      com adenocarcinoma gastrico submetidos a gastrectomia. O material obtido na
      operacao foi submetido a analise imunoistoquimica e a frequencia da expressao de
      cada proteina pode ser analisada de acordo com a sua localizacao na celula e
      relacionada com as variaveis clinicopatologicas. Resultados:: A graduacao
      percentualda expressao e da localizacao das proteinas foi a seguinte: E-caderina
      em 3% na membrana; betacatenina em 23,4% no citoplasma e 3,1% no nucleo; APC em
      94,6% no citoplasma; TCF-4 em19,4% no nucleo; e survivina em 93,9% no nucleo.
      Houve relacao entre expressao da proteina E-caderina com a idade mais avancada
      (p=0,007); betacatenina com tumores <5 cm de diametro (p=0,041);APC com tumores
      proximais (p=0,047); e TCF-4 com tipo difuso da classificacao de Lauren (p=0,017)
      e com o grau de penetracao tumoral (p=0,002). Conclusao:: A via Wnt/betacatenina
      nao esta envolvida na carcinogenese gastrica. Porem, a frequencia elevada de
      survivina permite sugerir que outras vias sinalizadoras devam estar envolvidas na
      transformacao do tecido gastrico.

PMID- 28076476
TI  - DO PROXIMAL AND DISTAL GASTRIC TUMOURS BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY?
AB  - Background:: Although the incidence of gastric (adenocarcinoma) cancer has been
      decreasing over time, it is still one of the most common malignancies worldwide,
      and proximal tumours tend to have a worse prognosis. Aim:: To compare surgical
      outcomes and prognosis between proximal - excluding tumours of the cardia - and
      distal gastric cancer. Methods:: Out of 293 cases reviewed - 209 with distal and
      69 with proximal gastric cancer - were compared for clinical and pathological
      features, stage, surgical outcome, mortality and survival. Results::
      Statistically, there was no significant difference between patients in both
      groups regarding mortality (p=0.661), adjuvant chemotherapy (p 0.661), and
      radiation (p=1.000). However, there was significant difference in the degree of
      lymph node dissection employed (p=0.002) and the number of positive lymph nodes
      resected (p=0.038) between the two groups. The odds of death at five years for
      patients who had a D0 dissection was three times greater (odds ratio 2.78; (95%CI
      1.33-5.82) than that for patients who had a D2 dissection, while for patients who
      had a D1 dissection the odds ratio was only 1.41 (95%CI 0.71-2.83) compared to D2
      dissected patients. Conclusion:: Although no significant differences were found
      between proximal and distal gastric cancer, the increased risk of death in D0-
      and D1-dissected patients clearly suggests an important role of radical D2 lymph
      node dissection in survival. Racional: : Embora a incidencia do cancer gastrico
      esteja diminuindo nas ultimas decadas, ele ainda aparece como uma das neoplasias
      malignas mais comuns, e tumores proximais tendem a ter pior prognostico.
      Objetivo:: Comparar os resultados cirurgicos e o prognostico entre o cancer
      gastrico proximal, excluindo os tumores da cardia e juncao esofagogastrica, e o
      distal. Metodos: : De 293 casos revistos - 209 distais e 69 proximais - foram
      comparados quanto aos achados clinicos e patologicos, estagio, resultados
      cirurgicos, mortalidade e sobrevida. Resultados: : Estatisticamente nao houve
      diferenca entre pacientes em ambos os grupos quanto a mortalidade (p=0.661),
      emprego de quimioterapia adjuvante (p=0.661) e de radioterapia (p=1.000).
      Entretanto, houve diferenca significativa no grau de disseccao linfonodal
      empregada (p=0.002) e no numero de linfonodos positivos ressecados (p=0.038)
      entre os dois grupos. A razao de chances para morte em cinco anos nos casos de
      disseccao D0 foi tres vezes maior (2,78; IC95% de 1,33 a 5,82) do que a D2,
      enquanto que para disseccao D1, ela foi apenas 1,41 vezes maior (95%CI 0.71-2.83)
      quando comparado a D2. Conclusao: : Ainda que nao se tenha observado diferencas
      significativas entre o cancer gastrico proximal e o distal, o risco de morte
      aumentado nos casos de D0 e D1, claramente demonstra o papel preponderante da
      linfadenectomia radical D2 no tratamento dessa doenca.

PMID- 28076477
TI  - PEDIATRIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION WITH EX-SITU LIVER TRANSECTION AND THE
      APPLICATION OF THE HUMAN FIBRINOGEN AND THROMBIN SPONGE IN THE WOUND AREA.
AB  - Background: : Surgical strategy to increase the number of liver transplants in
      the pediatric population is the ex-situ liver transection (reduction or split).
      However, it is associated with complications such as hemorrhage and leaks. The
      human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge is useful for improving hemostasis in liver
      surgery. Aim:: Compare pediatric liver transplants with ex-situ liver transection
      (reduction or split) with or without the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge.
      Methods:: Was performed a prospective analysis of 21 patients submitted to liver
      transplantation with ex-situ liver transection with the application of the human
      fibrinogen and thrombin sponge in the wound area (group A) and retrospective
      analysis of 59 patients without the sponge (group B). Results:: The
      characteristics of recipients and donors were similar. There were fewer
      reoperations due to bleeding in the wound area in group A (14.2%) compared to
      group B (41.7%, p=0.029). There was no difference in relation to the biliary leak
      (group A: 17.6%, group B: 5.1%, p=0.14). Conclusion:: There was a lower number of
      reoperations due to bleeding of the wound area of the hepatic graft when the
      human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge were used. Racional: : Estrategia cirurgica
      para aumentar o numero de transplantes hepaticos na populacao pediatrica e a
      transeccao hepatica ex-situ (reducao ou split). No entanto, ela esta associada
      com complicacoes, tais como hemorragia e fistulas. A esponja de fibrinogenio e
      trombina humana e util para melhorar a hemostasia nas operacoes hepaticas.
      Objetivo:: Comparar transplantes hepaticos pediatricos com transeccao hepatica ex
      situ (reducao ou split) com ou sem a esponja de fibrinogenio e trombina humana.
      Metodos:: Foi realizada analise prospectiva de 21 pacientes submetidos ao
      transplante de figado com transeccao hepatica ex-situ com a aplicacao da esponja
      de fibrinogenio e trombina humana na area cruenta (grupo A) e analise
      retrospectiva de 59 pacientes sem a esponja (grupo B). Resultados:: As
      caracteristicas dos receptores e doadores eram semelhantes. Observou-se menor
      numero de reoperacoes devido a hemorragia na area da cruenta no grupo A (14,2%)
      em comparacao com o grupo B (41,7%, p=0,029). Nao houve diferenca em relacao a
      fistula biliar (grupo A: 17,6%, grupo B: 5,1%, p=0,14). Conclusao:: Houve menor
      numero de reoperacoes por sangramento da area cruenta do enxerto hepatico quando
      a esponja de fibrinogenio e trombina humana foi utilizada.

PMID- 28076478
TI  - LIVER TRANSPLANTATION FOR CARCINOMA HEPATOCELLULAR IN SAO PAULO: 414 CASES BY THE
      MILAN/BRAZIL CRITERIA.
AB  - Background:: The criterion of Milan (CM) has been used as standard for indication
      of liver transplantation (LTx) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide for
      nearly 20 years. Several centers have adopted criteria expanded in order to
      increase the number of patients eligible to liver transplantation, while
      maintaining good survival rates. In Brazil, since 2006, the criterion of
      Milan/Brazil (CMB), which disregards nodules <2 cm, is adopted, including
      patients with a higher number of small nodules. Aim:: To evaluate the outcome of
      liver transplantation within the CMB. Methods:: The medical records of patients
      with HCC undergoing liver transplantation in relation to recurrence and survival
      by comparing CM and CMB, were analyzed. Results:: 414 LTx for HCC, the survival
      at 1 and 5 years was 84.1 and 72.7%. Of these, 7% reached the CMB through
      downstaging, with survival at 1 and 5 years of 93.1 and 71.9%. The CMB patient
      group that exceeded the CM (8.6%) had a survival rate of 58.1% at five years.
      There was no statistical difference in survival between the groups CM, CMB and
      downstaging. Vascular invasion (p<0.001), higher nodule size (p=0.001) and number
      of nodules >2 cm (p=0.028) were associated with relapse. The age (p=0.001),
      female (p<0.001), real MELD (p<0.001), vascular invasion (p=0.045) and number of
      nodes >2 cm (p<0.014) were associated with worse survival. Conclusions:: CMB
      increased by 8.6% indications of liver transplantation, and showed survival rates
      similar to CM. Racional:: O criterio de Milao (CM) vem sendo utilizado como
      padrao para indicacao do transplante hepatico (TxH) por hepatocarcinoma (HCC) em
      todo mundo ha quase 20 anos. Diversos centros tem adotado criterios expandidos
      com intuito de aumentar o numero de pacientes candidatos ao transplante, mantendo
      bons indices de sobrevida. No Brasil, desde 2006, o criterio de Milao/Brasil
      (CMB), que desconsidera nodulos <2 cm, e adotado, incluindo pacientes com maior
      numero de nodulos pequenos. Objetivo:: Avaliar o resultado do transplante
      hepatico dentro do CMB. Metodos:: Foram analisados os prontuarios dos pacientes
      com HCC submetidos ao TxH em relacao a recidiva e sobrevida atraves da comparacao
      entre CM e CMB. Resultados:: Em 414 TxH por HCC, a sobrevida em 1 e 5 anos foi de
      84,1 e 72,7%. Destes, 7% atingiram o CMB atraves de downstaging, com sobrevida em
      1 e 5 anos de 93,1 e 71,9%. O grupo de pacientes do CMB que excederam o CM (8,6%)
      teve sobrevida de 58,1% em cinco anos. Nao houve diferenca estatistica na
      sobrevida entre os grupos CM, CMB e downstaging. A invasao vascular (p<0,001),
      tamanho do maior nodulo (p=0,001) e numero de nodulos >2 cm (p=0,028) associaram
      se com recidiva. A idade (p=0,001), sexo feminino (p<0,001), MELD real (p<0,001),
      invasao vascular (p=0,045) e o numero de nodulos >2 cm (p<0,014) estiveram
      associados com a piora na sobrevida. Conclusoes:: O CMB aumentou em 8,6% as
      indicacoes de TxH e apresentou indices de sobrevida semelhantes ao CM.

PMID- 28076479
TI  - DIETARY MANAGEMENT FOR DYSLIPIDEMIA IN LIVER TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS.
AB  - Background: : Dyslipidemia occurs in approximately 70% of all liver transplant
      (LT) recipients, and no prior control studies have demonstrated any dietary
      intervention to change it. Aim: : To analyze the effects of a dietary
      intervention on the lipid profile of dyslipidemic LT recipients. Methods: : All
      LT recipients with dyslipidemia on clinical follow-up were enrolled.
      Anthropometric evaluation, food history, body composition (bioimpedance) and
      assessment of basal metabolism through indirect calorimetry were performed.
      Patients met with a dietitian and an individualized diet based on estimate of
      basal metabolism and consisting of 25% of the total energy value in total fat and
      <200 mg/day of cholesterol was prescribed. Total cholesterol (TC), HDL
      cholesterol (HDL), LDL-cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and anthropometric
      measures were measured at baseline and six months after intervention. Results::
      Fifty-thee out of 56 patients concluded follow-up; age was 59+/-10 years; 29 were
      men (51.8%). The analysis pre- and post-intervention were, respectively: TC
      238.9+/-30 and 165.1+/-35, p<0.001; LDL 154+/-33 and 90+/-29, p<0.001; and TG 168
      (IQR=51-200) and 137 (IQR=94-177), p=<0.001. They were all modified at six months
      following intervention. At baseline, none of the patients had normal TC, and only
      12 (22.7%) had optimal/near optimal LDL. Following dietary intervention, 45
      patients (84.9%) reached normal TC and 50 (94.4%) had optimal/near optimal LDL.
      HDL and anthropometric measures were not modified. Conclusions:: Dietary
      counseling with prescription of individualized diet based on estimate of basal
      metabolism through indirect calorimetry was able to manage dyslipidemia in most
      LT recipients; so, all dyslipidemic LT recipients must be enrolled on a dietary
      program. Racional:: A dislipidemia ocorre em aproximadamente 70% de todos os
      pacientes transplantados de figado em acompanhamento ambulatorial. Nao ha relato
      previo de qualquer intervencao dietetica que houvesse controlado a dislipidemia
      nesse grupo de pacientes. Objetivo:: Analisar os efeitos de uma intervencao
      dietetica no perfil lipidico de pacientes transplantados hepaticos dislipidemicos
      em acompanhamento ambulatorial. Metodos:: Foram incluidos todos os pacientes
      adultos transplantados hepaticos com dislipidemia e em acompanhamento
      ambulatorial em nossa instituicao. Avaliacao antropometrica, anamnese alimentar,
      composicao corporal (bioimpedancia) e calculo do metabolismo basal (calorimetria
      indireta) foram realizados. Pacientes foram atendidos por uma nutricionista e uma
      dieta individualizada baseada no metabolismo basal e consistindo de 25% do valor
      energetico em gorduras totais e menos de 200 mg/dia de colesterol foi prescrita.
      Colesterol total (CT), HDL-colesterol (HDL), LDL-colesterol (LDL), triglicerideos
      (TG) e medidas antropometricas foram medidos antes do inicio da dieta, sendo
      repetidos seis meses apos o inicio da intervencao dietetica. Resultados::
      Cinquenta e tres pacientes concluiram o seguimento e tinham idade 59+/-10 anos e
      29 eram homens (51,8%). CT pre-intervencao=238,9+/-30; pos-intervencao=165,1+/
      35, p<0.001; LDL pre-intervencao=154+/-33; pos-intervencao=90+/-29, p<0.001 e TG
      pre-intervencao=168, IQR=151-200; pos-intervencao=137, IQR=94-177, p=<0.001
      sofreram modificacoes significativas seis meses apos a intervencao. Antes do
      estudo, nenhum dos pacientes apresentava niveis sericos normais para o CT, e
      apenas 12 pacientes (22,7%) tinham niveis sericos otimo ou quase otimos para o
      LDL. Seis meses apos o inicio da intervencao, 45 pacientes (84,9%) alcancaram
      niveis sericos normais de CT e 50 (94,4%) niveis sericos otimos ou quase otimos
      de LDL. Os niveis sericos de HDL e as medidas antropometricas nao sofreram
      modificacoes significativas. Conclusoes:: Aconselhamento dietetico com prescricao
      de dieta individualizada baseada no calculo do metabolismo basal mostrou-se
      efetivo no manejo da dislipidemia em pacientes transplantados hepaticos em
      seguimento ambulatorial. Assim, todos os pacientes transplantados hepaticos com
      dislipidemia devem ser incluidos em um programa de intervencao dietetica sob
      orientacao de nutricionista.

PMID- 28076480
TI  - PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF INTERLEUKIN-6 CHANGES IN PRE- AND POSTOPERATIVE IN
      DIABETIC PATIENTS WITH BMI<35 SUBMITTED TO PARTIAL DUODENAL SWITCH.
AB  - Background:: Studies related to obesity have shown association with metabolic
      syndrome. Data showing that obesity is capable to cause low grade chronic
      inflammation, without its classic signs and symptoms, call attention to
      researches to study different cells types and the mechanism of the inflammatory
      process. Aim:: To evaluate the variation of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the
      pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL6) in diabetic patients with BMI <35
      kg/m2 in the pre and postoperative of partial duodenal switch. Method:: Nine
      patients were studied before and one year after the operation and the variation
      of the serum IL6 was measured by Elisa. The changes of HbA1c were also
      registered. Results:: The pre-operative IL6 levels reached 65,50436+/-2,911993
      pg/ml and one year after de operation 39,47739+/-3,410057 and the HbA1c average
      of 10,67 and 5.8 in the same period. Conclusion:: The partial duodenal switch was
      efficient to control one year after the procedure the chronic inflammatory
      process caused by the diabetes mellitus type 2 with BMI <35 by dropping the IL6
      levels and bringing the HbA1c to normal. Racional:: Os estudos relacionados a
      obesidade tem evidenciado sua associacao com a sindrome metabolica. A descoberta
      que a obesidade e capaz de promover inflamacao, sem os sinais classicos, tem
      levado varios grupos de pesquisa a caracterizar os tipos celulares que agem e o
      mecanismo envolvido neste processo. Objetivo:: Avaliar a variacao da hemoglobina
      glicada e a secrecao da citocina inflamatoria, interleucina-6, em individuos
      diabeticos com IMC<35 kg/m2 no pre e pos-operatorio da tecnica de desvio duodenal
      parcial. Metodos:: Nove pacientes foram avaliados antes e um ano apos a operacao
      e a variacao da concentracao da interleucina-6 foi avaliada pela metodologia de
      Elisa. Tambem foi avaliada a variacao da HbA1c. Resultados: : A quantificacao de
      interleucina-6 apresentou no pre-operatorio valor de 65,50436+/-2,911993 pg/ml e
      de 39,47739+3,410057 pg/ml apos um ano da operacao e a hemoglobina glicada
      apresentou media de 10,67 no pre-operatorio e de 5,8 apos um ano da operacao.
      Conclusao: : O desvio duodenal parcial foi capaz de, um ano apos o procedimento,
      diminuir os efeitos da inflamacao cronica demonstrada pela diminuicao da
      concentracao da interleucina-6 plasmatica e normalizar a hemoglobina glicada em
      pacientes diabeticos com IMC<35 kg/m2.

PMID- 28076481
TI  - CORRELATION BETWEEN PRE AND POSTOPERATIVE LEVELS OF GLP-1/GLP-2 AND WEIGHT LOSS
      AFTER ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.
AB  - Background:: The role of gut hormones in glucose homeostasis and weight loss
      achievement and maintenance after bariatric surgery appears to be a key point in
      the understanding of the beneficial effects observed following these procedures.
      Aim:: To determine whether there is a correlation between the pre and
      postoperative levels of both GLP-1 and GLP-2 and the excess weight loss after
      Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods:: An exploratory prospective study which
      enrolled 11 individuals who underwent RYGB and were followed-up for 12 months.
      GLP-1 and GLP-2 after standard meal tolerance test (MTT) were determined before
      and after surgery and then correlated with the percentage of excess loss (%EWL).
      Results:: GLP-2 AUC presented a significant postoperative increase (945.3+/-449.1
      vs.1787.9+/-602.7; p=0.0037); GLP-1 AUC presented a non-significant trend towards
      increase after RYGB (709.6+/-320.4 vs. 1026.5+/-714.3; p=0.3808). Mean %EWL was
      66.7+/-12.2%. There was not any significant correlation between both the pre and
      postoperative GLP-1 AUCs and GLP-2 AUCs and the %EWL achieved after one year.
      Conclusion:: There was no significant correlation between the pre and
      postoperative levels of the areas under the GLP-1 and GLP-2 curves with the
      percentage of weight loss reached after one year. Racional:: O papel de hormonios
      gastrointestinais sobre a homeostase glicemica e a obtencao e manutencao da perda
      de peso apos a cirurgia bariatrica parece ser elemento fundamental na compreensao
      dos beneficios observados apos estes procedimentos. Objetivo:: Determinar se ha
      correlacao entre os niveis pre e pos-operatorios de GLP-1 e GLP-2 com a perda do
      excesso de peso apos o bypass gastrico em Y-de-Roux. Metodos:: Estudo prospectivo
      exploratorio que envolveu 11 individuos submetidos ao bypass gastrico,
      acompanhados por 12 meses. Os niveis GLP-1 e GLP-2 apos um teste de refeicao
      padrao foram determinados antes e 12 meses apos a operacao e entao foram
      correlacionados com o percentual de perda do excesso de peso. Resultados:: Houve
      aumento significativo da area sob a curva do GLP-2 apos a operacao (945,3+/-449,1
      vs. 1787,9+/-602,7; p=0,0037); a area sob a curva do GLP-1 apresentou tendencia
      nao-significativa a elevacao apos o procedimento (709,6+/-320,4 vs. 1026,5+/
      714,3; p=0,3808). O percentual medio de perda de peso foi 66,7+/-12,2%.
      Conclusao:: Nao houve nenhuma correlacao significativa entre os niveis pre e pos
      operatorios das areas sob as curvas de GLP-1 e GLP-2 com o percentual de perda de
      peso atingido apos um ano.

PMID- 28076482
TI  - CORRELATION OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AND FEATURES OF METABOLIC
      SYNDROME IN MORBIDLY OBESE PATIENTS IN THE PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR BARIATRIC
      SURGERY.
AB  - Background:: Obesity is an epidemic and chronic disease that can bring other
      comorbidities to the patient. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is present in up
      to 90% of these patients and can progress to hepatitis and hepatocarcinoma. The
      relationship of this liver disease and obesity is already well known; however, it
      is possible that some parameters of the comorbidities are more related than
      others in the pathophysiology of the disease. Aim:: Was analyzed the relationship
      between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the comorbidities of
      metabolic syndrome in morbidly obese patients. Methods:: Was involved
      ultrasonography and laboratory assessment of obese patients before bariatric
      surgery. NAFLD was assessed using the same sonography parameters for all
      patients. Based on the results, the patients were divided into groups with and
      without NAFLD. Comparisons between them involved clinical and laboratory
      variables such as fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR (homeostasis model
      assessment - insulin resistance), glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol and
      fractions, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase,
      gamma glutamyl transferase, C-reactive protein, albumin and ferritin. Patients
      who reported alcohol abuse (defined as the consumption of >14 drinks per week) or
      who had hepatitis were excluded. Results:: Eighty-two patients (74 women and 8
      men) were studied, of whom 53 (64.6%) had NAFLD and 29 (35.4%) did not. The
      levels of glycated hemoglobin (p=0.05) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.01) were
      significantly altered in patients with NAFLD. However, weight, body mass index
      and excess weight did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.835,
      p=0.488 and p=0.727, respectively). Conclusions:: Altered LDL cholesterol and
      glycated hemoglobin levels were related to the presence of NAFLD. Racional: : A
      obesidade e doenca epidemica e cronica que pode trazer outras comorbidades ao
      paciente. A doenca hepatica gordurosa nao alcoolica esta presente em ate 90%
      desses pacientes e pode evoluir para hepatite e hepatocarcinoma. A relacao desta
      hepatopatia e a obesidade ja e bem conhecida; porem, e possivel que alguns
      parametros das comorbidades estejam mais relacionados do que outros na
      fisiopatogenia da doenca. Objetivo:: Correlacionar a doenca hepatica gordurosa
      nao alcoolica (DHGNA) com as comorbidades da sindrome metabolica em pacientes
      obesos morbidos em pre-operatorio de cirurgia bariatrica. Metodos:: Avaliacao
      ultrassonografica e laboratorial de pacientes obesos em pre-operatorio para
      cirurgia bariatrica. Durante o preparo para a operacao em todos os pacientes foi
      avaliada DHGNA atraves de ultrassonografia. De acordo com o resultado, os
      pacientes foram separados em dois grupos: sem DHGNA e com DHGNA. Para analise
      entre os grupos, avaliaram-se as seguintes variaveis clinicas e laboratoriais:
      insulina, HOMA-IR, hemoglobina glicada, colesterol total e fracoes,
      triglicerideos, transaminase piruvica, transaminase glutamico oxalacetica, gama
      glutamil transferase, proteina C reativa, albumina, ferritina. Os pacientes que
      relataram uso de bebida alcoolica ou que apresentaram hepatite foram excluidos do
      estudo. Resultados:: Avaliou-se um total de 82 pacientes (74 mulheres e 8
      homens), sendo 53 (64.6%) com DHGNA e 29 (35.4%) sem. Os niveis de hemoglobina
      glicada (p=0.05) e de LDL (p=0.01) mostraram-se mais relacionados no grupo de
      pacientes com DHGNA. Conclusao:: A hemoglobina glicada e o LDL tiveram relacao
      com a presenca de DHGA.

PMID- 28076483
TI  - SEDATION IN COLONOSCOPY BY USING THREE DIFFERENT PROPOFOL INFUSION METHODS AND
      ANALYSIS OF PLASMA CONCENTRATION LEVELS: A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY.
AB  - Background: : The propofolemia becomes directly linked to the clinical effects of
      this anesthetic and is the focus for studies comparing propofol clinical use, in
      different administration methods routinely used in endoscopy units where sedation
      is widely administered to patients. Aim: : To evaluate the effects of three
      different regimens of intravenous propofol infusion in colonoscopies. Methods: :
      A total of 50 patients that underwent colonoscopies were consecutively assigned
      to three groups: 1) intermittent bolus infusion; 2) continuous manually
      controlled infusion; 3) continuous automatic infusion. Patients were monitored
      with Bispectral IndexTM (BIS) and propofol serum levels were collected at three
      different timepoints. The development of an original dilution of propofol and an
      inventive capnography catheter were necessary. Results: : Regarding clinical
      outcomes, statistical differences in agitation (higher in group 1, p=0.001) and
      initial blood pressure (p=0.008) were found. As for propofol serum levels,
      findings were similar in consumption per minute (p=0.748) and over time
      (p=0.830). In terms of cost analysis, group 1 cost was R$7.00 (approximately
      US$2,25); group2, R$17.50 (approximately US$5,64); and group 3, R$112.70
      (approximately US$36,35, p<0.001). Capnography was able to predict 100% of the
      oxygen saturation drop (below 90%). Conclusion: : The use of propofol bolus
      administration for colonoscopies, through continuous manually controlled infusion
      or automatic infusion are similar regarding propofolemia and the clinical
      outcomes evaluated. The use of an innovative capnography catheter is liable and
      low-cost solution for the early detection of airway obstruction. Racional: : A
      propofolemia esta diretamente relacionada com os efeitos clinicos desse
      anestesico e e foco de diversos estudos comparando os usos clinicos do propofol e
      os diferentes metodos de administracao, como realizado amplamente nos centros de
      endoscopia. Objetivo: : Avaliar os efeitos de tres diferentes regimes de infusao
      de propofol intravenoso em colonoscopias. Metodos: : Ao todo 50 pacientes que
      foram submetidos a colonoscopia foram consecutivamente divididos em tres grupos:
      1) infusao em bolus intermitente; 2) perfusao continua controlada manualmente; 3)
      infusao automatica continua. Os pacientes foram monitorados com Bispectral
      IndexTM (BIS) e os niveis sericos de propofol foram coletados em tres momentos
      diferentes. Foi necessario a preparacao de uma diluicao especifica de propofol e
      o desenvolvimento de um cateter de capnografia original manufaturado para a
      realizacao do estudo. Resultados: : Em relacao aos desfechos clinicos, houve
      diferenca estatistica na agitacao (maior no grupo 1, p=0,001) e pressao arterial
      inicial (p=0,008). Com relacao aos niveis sericos de propofol, os resultados
      foram semelhantes no consumo por minuto (p=0,748) e ao longo do tempo (p=0,830).
      Em termos de analise de custo, no grupo 1 o custo foi de R$ 7,00 (aproximadamente
      US$ 2,25); grupo 2, R$ 17,50 (aproximadamente US$ 5,64); e grupo 3, R$ 112,70
      (cerca de US$ 36,35, p<0,001). A capnografia foi capaz de diagnosticar 100% das
      dessaturacoes de oxigenio (abaixo de 90%). Conclusao: : O uso de propofol em
      bolus para colonoscopias, por meio de infusao continua controlada manualmente ou
      infusao automatica sao semelhantes quanto a propofolemia e os resultados clinicos
      avaliados. Alem disso, o uso de um cateter de capnografia inovador e solucao de
      baixo custo para a deteccao precoce da obstrucao da via aerea.

PMID- 28076484
TI  - AN INNOVATIVE EX-VIVO MODEL FOR RAPID CHANGE OF THE PAPILLA FOR TEACHING ADVANCED
      ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY PROCEDURES.
AB  - Background:: Models for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography training
      allow practice with an expert feedback and without risks. A method to rapidly
      exchange the papilla can be time saving and accelerate the learning curve. Aim::
      To demonstrate a newly method of rapid exchange papilla in ex-vivo models to
      teach retrograde cholangiopancreatography advanced procedures. Methods:: A new
      model of ex-vivo papilla was developed in order to resemble live conditions of
      procedures as cannulation, papilotomy or fistula-papilotomy, papiloplasty,
      biliary dilatation, plastic and metallic stentings. Results:: The ex-vivo model
      of papilla rapid exchange is feasible and imitates with realism conditions of
      retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures. Conclusion:: This model allows an
      innovative method of advanced endoscopic training. Racional:: Nas ultimas decadas
      os simuladores de colangiopancreatografia retrograda tiveram grande evolucao.
      Atualmente dispoem-se de varios metodos para realizar o treinamento minimizando
      os riscos de complicacoes e tornando a curva de aprendizagem muito rapida.
      Objetivo:: Demonstrar uma variacao dos modelos ex-vivos desenvolvidos para o
      treinamento avancado em colangiopancreatografia retrograda. Metodo:: Foi criado
      um modelo ex-vivo simulando fatores e condicoes reais para o treinamento avancado
      de colangiopancreatografia retrograda como canulacao, papilotomia, fistulotomia,
      papiloplastia e uso de proteses plasticas e metalicas. Resultados:: Esse modelo
      ex-vivo, com a possibilidade de troca rapida da papila, mostrou-se viavel e no
      treinamento simula condicoes muito proximas as reais. Conclusao:: Neste modelo ha
      grande inovacao para o treinamento de novos endoscopistas em procedimento
      avancados na colangiopancreatografia retrograda.

PMID- 28076485
TI  - GLP-2: A POORLY UNDERSTOOD MEDIATOR ENROLLED IN VARIOUS BARIATRIC/METABOLIC
      SURGERY-RELATED PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC MECHANISMS.
AB  - Introduction:: Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a gastrointestinal hormone
      whose effects are predominantly trophic on the intestinal mucosa. Aim::
      Critically evaluate the current literature on the influence of
      bariatric/metabolic surgery on the levels of GLP-2 and its potential clinical
      implications. Method: s: Narrative review through online research on the
      databases Medline and Lilacs. There were six prospective human studies, two cross
      sectional human studies, and three experimental animal studies selected.
      Results:: There is evidence demonstrating significant increase in the levels of
      GLP-2 following gastric bypass, Scopinaro operation, and sleeve gastrectomy.
      There are no differences between gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in regards
      to the increase in the GLP-2 levels. There is no correlation between the
      postoperative levels of GLP-2 and the occurrence of adequate or insufficient
      postoperative weight loss. Conclusion:: GLP-2 plays significant roles on the
      regulation of nutrient absorption, permeability of gut mucosa, control of bone
      resorption, and regulation of satiety. The overall impact of these effects
      potentially exerts a significant adaptive or compensatory effect within the
      context of varied bariatric surgical techniques. Introducao:: O peptideo
      semelhante ao glucagon-2 (GLP-2) e hormonio gastrointestinal com efeitos
      predominantemente troficos sobre a mucosa intestinal. Objetivo:: Avaliar
      criticamente a literatura atual a respeito da cirurgia bariatrica/metabolica
      sobre os niveis de GLP-2 e suas potenciais implicacoes clinicas. Metodos::
      Revisao narrativa realizada atraves de pesquisa on-line nas bases de dados
      Medline e LILACS. Foram selecionados seis estudos prospectivos em humanos, dois
      transversais em humanos e tres experimentais em animais. Resultados:: Existem
      evidencias demonstrando aumento significativo nos niveis de GLP-2 apos o bypass
      gastrico, a operacao de Scopinaro e a gastrectomia vertical. Nao foram observadas
      diferencas entre o bypass gastrico e a gastrectomia vertical em relacao ao
      aumento do GLP-2. Nao ha correlacao entre os niveis de GLP-2 e a ocorrencia de
      perda de peso pos-operatoria adequada ou insuficiente. Conclusao:: O GLP-2
      desempenha importantes papel sobre a regulacao da absorcao de nutrientes,
      permeabilidade da mucosa intestinal, controle da reabsorcao ossea e regulacao da
      saciedade. O impacto combinado destes efeitos potencialmente exerce efeito
      adaptativo ou compensatorio importante no contexto das diferentes tecnicas
      bariatricas.

PMID- 28076486
TI  - SERUM LEPTIN LEVENS AND HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA: REVIEW ARTICLE.
AB  - Introduction: : Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most frequent types of
      malignant tumors in the world. There is growing evidence of the relationship
      between it development and obesity. The mechanism that links obesity to cancer is
      still not fully understood; however, it is essential to the understanding the
      adipose tissue in metabolic changes related to obesity and hepatocellular
      carcinoma. Objective:: To review the influence of serum leptin levels in patients
      with hepatocelular carcinoma. Method:: Systematic review of the literature based
      on the methodology of the Cochrane Institute. The search for articles was in the
      database: Science Direct, Scielo, Medline, Lilacs e Pubmed. The key words used
      were hepatocellular carcinoma, leptin, adipokine. Results:: After evaluation of
      individual studies, were selected seven studies. The results previously studied
      are still inconsistent and contradictory, and leptin can be effectively involved
      in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion::
      Therefore, it is necessary to develop prospective, well-designed and conducted
      focusing on the role and specific mechanisms of this hormone in patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma, so that new correlations can be properly supported.
      Introducao: : O carcinoma hepatocelular e um dos tipos mais frequentes de tumores
      malignos no mundo. Ha crescentes evidencias da relacao entre o seu
      desenvolvimento e a obesidade. O mecanismo que os relaciona ainda nao e
      completamente entendido. Entretanto e essencial a compreensao do tecido adiposo
      nas alteracoes metabolicas relacionadas a obesidade e ao cancer. Objetivo::
      Revisar a influencia dos niveis sericos de leptina em pacientes com carcinoma
      hepatocelular. Metodo:: Trata-se de revisao bibliografica baseada na metodologia
      do Instituto Cochrane; a busca de dados foi realizada na base de dados Science
      Direct, Scielo, Medline, Lilacs e Pubmed, empregando as seguintes descritores:
      hepatocellular carcinoma, leptin, adipokine. Resultado:: Apos avaliacao
      individual dos artigos selecionaram-se sete estudos. Os resultados ainda sao
      inconsistentes e contraditorios, e a leptina pode estar efetivamente envolvida na
      ocorrencia e no desenvolvimento do carcinoma hepatocelular. Conclusao:: Faz-se
      necessario o desenvolvimento de estudos prospectivos, bem desenhados e conduzidos
      sobre o papel e mecanismos especificos deste hormonio em pacientes com carcinoma
      hepatocelular para que novas correlacoes sejam devidamente comprovadas.

PMID- 28076487
TI  - TECHNOLOGICAL INFORMATION REGARDING PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS NUTRITION VERSUS
      THE PATENT REGISTERS: WHAT IS NEW?
AB  - Introduction:: Food is a key factor both in prevention and in promoting human
      health. Among the functional food are highlighted probiotics and prebiotics.
      Patent databases are the main source of technological information about
      innovation worldwide, providing extensive library for research sector.
      Objective:: Perform mapping in the main patent databases about pre and
      probiotics, seeking relevant information regarding the use of biotechnology,
      nanotechnology and genetic engineering in the production of these foods. Method:
      : Electronic consultation was conducted (online) in the main public databases of
      patents in Brazil (INPI), United States (USPTO) and the European Patent Bank
      (EPO). The research involved the period from January 2014 to July 2015, being
      used in the title fields and summary of patents, the following descriptors in
      INPI "prebiotic", "prebiotic" "probiotics", "probiotic" and the USPTO and EPO:
      "prebiotic", "prebiotics", "probiotic", "probiotics". Results:: This search
      haven't found any deposit at the brazilian patents website (INPI) in this period;
      US Patent &Trademark Office had registered 60 titles in patents and the European
      Patent Office (EPO) showed 10 documents on the issue. Conclusion:: Information
      technology offered by genetic engineering, biotechnology and nanotechnology
      deposited in the form of titles and abstracts of patents in relation to early
      nutritional intervention as functional foods, has increasingly required to
      decrease the risks and control the progression of health problems. But, the
      existing summaries, although attractive and promising in this sense, are still
      incipient to recommend them safely as a therapeutic tool. Therefore, they should
      be seen more as diet elements and healthy lifestyles. Introducao: : A alimentacao
      e fator primordial tanto na prevencao quanto na promocao para a saude humana.
      Dentre os alimentos funcionais destacam-se os probioticos e prebioticos. Os
      bancos de dados de patentes representam a maior fonte de informacao tecnologica
      acerca de inovacao em nivel mundial, provendo vasta biblioteca para o setor de
      pesquisa. Objetivo:: Realizar mapeamento nas principais bases de dados de
      patentes relacionada aos pre e probioticos buscando informacoes relevantes com
      relacao ao uso da biotecnologia, nanotecnologia e engenharia genetica na producao
      desses alimentos. Metodo:: Foi realizada consulta eletronica (online) nas
      principais bases de dados publicas de patentes do Brasil (INPI), Estados Unidos
      da America (USPTO) e o Banco de Patentes Europeu (EPO). A pesquisa envolveu o
      periodo de janeiro de 2014 a julho 2015, sendo utilizado nos campos de titulo e
      resumo das patentes, os seguintes descritores no INPI: "prebiotico",
      "prebioticos" "probiotico", "probioticos" e no USPTO e EPO: "prebiotic",
      "prebiotics", "probiotic", "probiotics". Resultados:: Nao foram observados, no
      INPI, depositos de residentes (empresas ou universidades). Ja no USPTO foram
      detectados 60 depositos e no EPO 10 titulos de interesse a pesquisa. Conclusao::
      A tecnologia da informacao ofertada pela engenharia genetica, biotecnologia e
      nanotecnologia depositada na forma de titulos e resumos das patentes em relacao a
      intervencao nutricional precoce como alimentos funcionais, tem cada vez mais
      pretendido diminuir os riscos e controlar a progressao de agravos a saude. Mas,
      os resumos existentes, embora atraentes e promissores neste sentido, ainda sao
      incipientes para recomenda-los de forma segura como ferramenta terapeutica.
      Portanto, devem ser encarados mais como integrantes de dieta e estilos de vida
      saudaveis.

PMID- 28076488
TI  - USE OF TRANEXAMIC ACID IN TRAUMA PATIENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS FOR
      USE IN BRAZIL.
AB  - Introduction:: Use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in trauma has been the subject of
      growing interest by researchers and health professionals. However, there are
      still several open questions regarding its use. In some aspects medical
      literature is controversial. The points of disagreement among experts include
      questions such as: Which patients should receive TXA in trauma? Should treatment
      be performed in the pre-hospital environment? Is there any need for laboratory
      parameters before starting TXA treatment? What is the drug safety profile? The
      main issue on which there is still no basis in literature is: What is the
      indication for treatment within massive transfusion protocols? Objective:: Answer
      the questions proposed based on critical evaluation of the evidence gathered so
      far and carry out a study of cost-effectiveness of TXA use in trauma adapted to
      the Brazilian reality. Methods:: A literature review was performed through
      searching Pubmed.com, Embase and Cab Abstract by headings "tranexamic AND
      trauma", in all languages, yielding 426 articles. Manuscripts reporting on TXA
      utilization for elective procedures were excluded, remaining 79 articles. Fifty
      five articles were selected, and critically evaluated in order to answer study
      questions. The evaluation of cost effectiveness was performed using CRASH-2 trial
      data and Brazilian official population data. Results:: TXA is effective and
      efficient, and should be administered to a wide range of patients, including
      those with indication evaluated in research protocols and current indication
      criteria for TXA should be expanded. As for the cost-effectiveness, the TXA
      proved to be cost-effective with an average cost of R$ 61.35 (currently US$16)
      per year of life saved. Conclusion:: The use of TXA in trauma setting seems to be
      effective, efficient and cost-effective in the various groups of polytrauma
      patients. Its use in massive transfusion protocols should be the subject of
      further investigations. Introducao:: O uso do acido tranexamico (TXA) no trauma
      tem sido alvo de interesse crescente por parte de pesquisadores e profissionais
      de saude. No entanto, seus beneficios ainda nao foram completamente definidos. Os
      pontos de divergencia entre especialistas incluem questoes como: quais pacientes
      devem receber TXA no trauma? O tratamento deve ser realizado em ambiente pre
      hospitalar? Ha necessidade de exames laboratoriais para indicar o tratamento?
      Qual o perfil de seguranca da droga? A principal questao para a qual ainda nao
      existe qualquer embasamento na literatura e: qual a indicacao do tratamento
      dentro de protocolos de transfusao macica? Objetivo:: Responder as questoes
      propostas, com base em avaliacao critica da evidencia reunida ate o momento e
      realizar estudo de custo-efetividade do uso do TXA no trauma adaptado a realidade
      brasileira. Metodos:: Foi realizada revisao da literatura atraves de estrategia
      de busca: PubMed.com, Embase e no Cab Abstract pelos descritores "tranexamic AND
      trauma", em todos idiomas, resultando em 426 artigos. Foram excluidos aqueles
      relativos as operacoes eletivas, restando 79 artigos. Cinquenta e cinco foram
      selecionados e avaliados criticamente com vistas a responder as questoes em
      estudo. A avaliacao de custo-efetividade foi realizada utilizando dados do estudo
      CRASH-2 e populacionais oficiais brasileiros. Resultados:: Atraves da analise da
      evidencia disponivel chegou-se a conclusao de que o acido tranexamico e
      tratamento eficaz e efetivo, devendo ser administrado a ampla gama de pacientes,
      incluindo todos aqueles com indicacao ja avaliada nos protocolos de pesquisa
      publicados e provavelmente devam-se expandir os criterios de indicacao. Quanto a
      avaliacao de custo-efetividade, o TXA mostrou-se bastante custo-eficaz com gasto
      medio de R$ 61,35 por ano de vida salvo. Conclusao:: O uso do acido tranexamico
      no trauma parece ser eficaz, efetivo e custo-eficaz nos diversos grupos de
      pacientes politraumatizados. Seu uso em protocolos de transfusao macica ainda
      deve ser objeto de futuras investigacoes.

PMID- 28076489
TI  - ROBOTIC SURGERY: BIOETHICAL ASPECTS.
AB  - Introduction: : The use of robots in surgery has been increasingly common today,
      allowing the emergence of numerous bioethical issues in this area. Objective:: To
      present review of the ethical aspects of robot use in surgery. Method:: Search in
      Pubmed, SciELO and Lilacs crossing the headings "bioethics", "surgery", "ethics",
      "laparoscopy" and "robotic". Results:: Of the citations obtained, were selected
      17 articles, which were used for the preparation of the article. It contains
      brief presentation on robotics, its inclusion in health and bioethical aspects,
      and the use of robots in surgery. Conclusion:: Robotic surgery is a reality today
      in many hospitals, which makes essential bioethical reflection on the
      relationship between health professionals, automata and patients. Introducao: : A
      utilizacao de robos em procedimentos cirurgicos tem sido cada vez mais frequente
      na atualidade, o que permite a emergencia de inumeras questoes bioeticas nesse
      ambito. Objetivo:: Apresentar revisao sobre os aspectos eticos dos usos de robos
      em cirurgia. Metodo:: Realizou-se revisao nas bases de dados Pubmed, SciELO e
      Lilacs cruzando-se os descritores "bioetica", "cirurgia", "etica", "laparoscopia"
      e "robotica". Resultados:: Do total de citacoes obtidas, selecionou-se 17
      artigos, os quais foram utilizados para a elaboracao do artigo. Ele contem breve
      apresentacao sobre a robotica, sua insercao na saude e os aspectos bioeticos da
      utilizacao dos robos em procedimentos cirurgicos. Conclusao:: A cirurgia robotica
      e uma realidade, hoje, em muitas unidades hospitalares, o que torna essencial a
      reflexao bioetica sobre as relacoes entre profissionais da saude, automatos e
      pacientes.

PMID- 28076490
TI  - COMPLEX PANCREATIC RESSECTIONS WITH VASCULAR INVOLVEMENT IN JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES:
      HOW TO APPROACH?

PMID- 28076491
TI  - SYNCHRONOUS ANAL MELANOMA AND COLON ADENOCARCINOMA: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF
      DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT.

PMID- 28076492
TI  - CENTRAL HEPATECTOMY FOR BILIARY CYSTADENOMA: PARENCHYMA-SPARING APPROACH FOR
      BENIGN LESIONS.

PMID- 28076493
TI  - COMMENT: HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR CHOLECYSTITIS AND CHOLELITHIASIS IN THE STATE OF
      RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZILREPLY.

PMID- 28076494
TI  - Accuracy of mandibular measurements of sexual dimorphism using stabilizer
      equipment.
AB  - The objective of this investigation was to compare the accuracy of mandibular
      measurements using a stabilizer (MS) with gold standard computed tomography (GS)
      images. Sixty mandibles were studied. Werth TomoScope HV Compact(r) was used to
      obtain CT images (GS), and the MS was also used. Analysis of the CT scans was
      performed using the VG Studio Max software(r) (Volume Graphics GmbH, Heidelberg,
      Germany), and MS was used after the proper positioning of the mandible.
      Descriptive and paired t test measures were used, and a ROC curve was calculated,
      as well as sensibility and specificity. MedCalc and STATA 13.0(r) were used (95%
      level of significance). Bicondylar breadth, bicoronoid breadth and minimum ramus
      breadth reached the highest concordance correlation coefficients at 0.99 (0.99
      1.00), 0.99 (0.99-1.00) and 1.00 (0.99-1.00), respectively. Comparing observers
      with GS, the lowest accuracy was noted for the maximum mandibular length [0.59
      (0.45-0.69), 0.64 (0.51-0.74)], the breadth of the right (0.14 (0.04-0.23), 0.14
      (0.004-0.24)) and left mandibular body [0.14 (0.03-0.24), 0.16 (0.05-0.26)], and
      the right [0.58 (0.45-0.69), 0.63 (0.51-0.73) and left (0.59 (0.45-0.70), 0.59
      (0.46-0.69)] mandibular angle. Various measurements exhibited good sensibility
      for males using MS: maximum mandibular length (78.12), bicondylar breadth
      (78.12), left mandibular notch breadth (84.37), and the left height of the
      mandibular body at the mental foramen (75.00). High specificity in discriminating
      females was observed for the left maximal ramus height (85.19), mandibular length
      (85.71), bicoronoid breadth (96.43), right height of the mandibular body at the
      mental foramen (82.19), bimental breadth (78.57), breadth right (92.86) and left
      (96.43) mandibular body, minimum ramus breadth (89.29), and left mandibular angle
      (85.71). MS was able to discriminate sexual dimorphism.

PMID- 28076495
TI  - Antimicrobial activity of ozone and NaF-chlorhexidine on early childhood caries.
AB  - An early childhood carie (ECC) is an extremely destructive form of tooth decay.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the action of ozone (O3), and the
      association of sodium fluoride (NaF) with chlorhexidine (CHX) on bacteria related
      to ECC. Overnight culture of the bacteria was performed. On exponential phase the
      suspension was adjusted (101-108 CFU/mL). A drop (10MUL) of each concentration of
      bacteria was applied on sheep blood agar plates and treated with O3 (2, 20, 200,
      and 2,000 ppm); after 18 hours, recovery analysis of CFU verified the reduction
      of bacterial activity. For NaF-CHX, sterile 96-well plates were prepared and
      divided into groups: G1 (150 uL TSB); G2 (20 uL of bacteria + 25 uL CHX + 25 uL
      NaF); and G3 (150 uL TSB + 20 uL of bacteria + 50 uL water). The plates were
      verified by analysis of the optical density (0, 12, 14, 16, and 18 hours). The
      data from O3 test were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). For the
      data from NaF-CHX, the ANOVA 2-way and Bonferroni's test (p < 0.05) were used.
      The number of CFU/mL showed death > 3log10 (99.9%) for all bacteria (ozone >=
      20ppm), while the combination of NaF-CHX was more effective (p < 0.001) compared
      to each substance tested alone and the control group. The antimicrobial agents
      tested were able to inhibit all bacteria tested; O3 seemed to be a good
      alternative for controlling progression of carious lesions, while the association
      of NaF-CHX showed to be a good antimicrobial with easy and inexpensive
      application.

PMID- 28076496
TI  - Evaluation of dentin hypersensitivity treatment with glass ionomer cements: A
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial was performed compared the
      desensitizing efficacy of the resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) ClinproTM
      XT (3M ESPE, Minnesota, USA) and the conventional GIC Vidrion R (SS White,
      Gloucester, UK) in a 6-month follow-up. Subjects were required to have at least
      two teeth with dentin hypersensitivity. Teeth were divided at random into 2
      groups, one group received Clinpro XT and the other conventional GIC Vidrion R.
      Treatments were assessed by tactile and air blast tests using Visual Analogue
      Scale (VAS) at baseline, after 20 minutes, and at 7, 15, 21, 30, 90 and 180 days
      post-treatment. Twenty subjects (152 teeth) were included. Both tests (tactile
      and air blast) showed a significant reduction of dentin hypersensitivity
      immediately after the application of Vidrion R and Clinpro XT (20 min). VAS
      scores obtained along the 6-month follow-up were statistically lower when
      compared to initial rates (p < 0.05). Both GIC were able to reduce dentin
      hypersensitivity up to 6-month post-treatment period without statistically
      significant differences among them (p > 0.05). Both cements provided satisfactory
      results in long-term dental sensitivity reduction.

PMID- 28076497
TI  - One-year aging effects on microtensile bond strengths of composite and repairs
      with different surface treatments.
AB  - The present study aimed to evaluate effects of different surface treatments and
      aging of composite cylinders on bond strength of composite resin repair. Thirty
      two composite cylinders were produced and divided into four groups according to
      type of surface treatment and storage time of composite cylinder and repair.
      Cylinder surface of control group (Gcontrol) received no treatment before
      composite repair. Other groups were sandblasted with aluminum oxide (GAl2O3),
      followed by silane (GAl2O3sil) or adhesive (GAl2O3ad). Composite cylinders were
      stored in artificial saliva for either 24 hours or 1 year. Repairs were performed
      and stored in artificial saliva for 24 hours or 1 year and repair strength was
      evaluated using microtensile bond strength test. Data were submitted to Student's
      t test, two-way ANOVA, and post hoc test for storage time and treatment (alpha =
      0.05). Gcontrol group showed lower values of aging of composite cylinder and
      storage time of repair (24 hours or 1 year for both) compared with other groups
      (p < 0.05). GAl2O3ad and GAl2O3sil groups did not exhibit decreased microtensile
      bond strength with aged repairs (1 year; p > 0.05). Polymer degradation was
      significant for composite cylinders during the first year of storage in Gcontrol,
      GAl2O3, and GAl2O3ad groups (p < 0.05). In GAl2O3sil group, storage time of
      composite cylinders was not significant (p > 0.05). Aging of composite resin
      influenced bond strength of restoration repair for up to 1 year. Sandblasting
      with Al2O3, followed by application of silane layer, produced high bond strength
      after composite or repair aging.

PMID- 28076498
TI  - The efficacy of low-level 940 nm laser therapy with different energy intensities
      on bone healing.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-level 940 nm laser
      therapy with energy intensities of 5, 10 and 20 J/cm2 on bone healing in an
      animal model. A total of 48 female adult Wistar rats underwent surgery to create
      bone defects in the right tibias. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was applied
      immediately after surgery and on post-operative days 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 in
      three study groups with energy intensities of 5 J/cm2, 10 J/cm2 and 20 J/cm2
      using a 940 nm Gallium-Aluminium-Arsenide (Ga-Al-As) laser, while one control
      group underwent only the tibia defect surgery. All animals were sacrificed 4 or 8
      weeks post-surgery. Fibroblasts, osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts and newly
      formed vessels were evaluated by a histological examination. No significant
      change was observed in the number of osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts and
      newly formed vessels at either time period across all laser groups. Although LLLT
      with the 10 J/cm2 energy density increased fibroblast activity at the 4th week in
      comparison with the 5 and 20 J/cm2 groups, no significant change was observed
      between the laser groups and the control group. These results indicate that low
      level 940 nm laser with different energy intensities may not have marked effects
      on the bone healing process in both phases of bone formation.

PMID- 28076499
TI  - Association between the clinical severity of oral lichen planus and anti-TPO
      level in thyroid patients.
AB  - This study considered a possible relationship between the severity of oral lichen
      planus (OLP), serum anti-TPO autoantibodies (TPOAb) titer and thyroid disease in
      OLP patients. Forty-six OLP patients with positive TPOAb results (> 35 IU/ml) who
      had also been diagnosed with thyroid disease were included in the study group.
      The control group consisted of 46OLP patients with no thyroid disease. The study
      and control groups (92) were divided to two subgroups of erosive OLP (EOLP) and
      non-erosive OLP (NEOLP). Serum TPOAb levels and IL-8 (to measure OLP severity)
      were evaluated using the independent t-test, chi-square and conditional logistic
      regression analysis (alpha = 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found
      between serum IL-8 and TPOAb levels in the study group (r = 0.783; p = 0.001).
      The positive blood levels of TPOAb were significantly associated with an
      increased risk of EOLP (OR = 4.02 at 95%CI; 1.21-13.4; p = 0.023). It is possible
      to used positive serum TPOAb levels in patients with OLP as in indicator of
      possible undetected thyroid disorders in those patients. Because erosive OLP has
      been associated with TPOAb in thyroid patients, it may be useful to determine
      TPOAb levels of such patients to diagnose a possible undetected thyroid disorders
      and follow-up for malignancy.

PMID- 28076500
TI  - Histological evaluation of capsules formed by silicon implants coated with
      polyurethane foam and with a textured surface in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: : To assess the capsules formed by silicone implants coated with
      polyurethane foam and with a textured surface. METHODS: : Sixty-four Wistar
      albinus rats were divided into two groups of 32 each using polyurethane foam and
      textured surface. The capsules around the implants were analyzed for 30, 50, 70
      and 90 days. Were analyzed the following parameters: foreign body reaction,
      granulation tissue, presence of myofibroblasts, neoangiogenesis, presence of
      synovial metaplasia, capsular thickness, total area and collagen percentage of
      type I and III, in capsules formed around silicone implants in both groups.
      RESULTS: : The foreign body reaction was only present in the four polyurethane
      subgroups. The formation of granulation tissue and the presence of myofibroblasts
      were higher in the four polyurethane subgroups. Regarding to neoangiogenesis and
      synovial metaplasia, there was no statistical difference between the groups.
      Polyurethane group presented (all subgroups) a greater capsule thickness, a
      smaller total area and collagen percentage of type I and a higher percentage area
      of type III, with statistical difference. CONCLUSION: : The use of polyurethane
      coated implants should be stimulated by the long-term results in a more stable
      capsule and a lower incidence of capsular contracture, despite developing a more
      intense and delayed inflammatory reaction in relation to implants with textured
      surface.

PMID- 28076501
TI  - Evaluating the best time to intervene acute liver failure in rat models induced
      by d-galactosamine.
AB  - PURPOSE:: To describe an animal model for acute liver failure by intraperitoneal
      d-galactosamine injections in rats and to define when is the best time to
      intervene through King's College and Clichy's criteria evaluation. METHODS::
      Sixty-one Wistar female rats were distributed into three groups: group 1 (11 rats
      received 1.4 g/kg of d-galactosamine intraperitoneally and were observed until
      they died); group 2 (44 rats received a dose of 1.4 g/kg of d-galactosamine and
      blood and histological samples were collected for analysis at 12 , 24, 48 , 72
      and 120 hours after the injection); and the control group as well (6 rats) .
      RESULTS:: Twelve hours after applying d-galactosamine, AST/ALT, bilirubin, factor
      V, PT and INR were already altered. The peak was reached at 48 hours. INR > 6.5
      was found 12 hours after the injection and factor V < 30% after 24 hours. All the
      laboratory variables presented statistical differences, except urea (p = 0.758).
      There were statistical differences among all the histological variables analyzed.
      CONCLUSION:: King's College and Clichy's criteria were fulfilled 12 hours after
      the d-galactosamine injection and this time may represent the best time to
      intervene in this acute liver failure animal model.

PMID- 28076502
TI  - Carcinogenesis in rats subjected to a new model ureterosigmoidostomy and treated
      with L-lysine.
AB  - PURPOSE: : To evaluate the effects of L-lysine on the intestinal and urothelial
      epithelium of rats subjected to ureterosigmoidostomy (new model for surgical
      carcinogenesis). METHODS: : Forty-two rats, 9 weeks of age, were divided into 6
      groups. Animals in groups A, B, C were subjected to ureterosigmoidostomy (US) and
      treated with L-lysine, celecoxib and H2O, respectively. Groups D, E and F (non
      operated controls) received L-lysine, celecoxib and H2O, respectively. The L
      lysine dose was 150 mg/kg and that of celecoxib was 20 mg/kg. The colon was
      analyzed for the presence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) under a
      stereomicroscope.The tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin and PAS alcian
      blue. RESULTS: : There were rare ACF, and there was no statistically significant
      difference between the groups. Histopathologic study of the ureteral epithelium
      identified moderate to severe urothelial hyperplasia in rats with
      ureterosigmoidostomy. Transitional hyperplasia in the ureters of animals
      receiving L-lysine (A) showed an apparent difference compared to the control (C)
      (P=0.2424). There was no dysplasia or atypia. CONCLUSION: : L-lysine does not
      promote carcinogenesis of the intestinal and urethelial epithelium of rats
      subjected to ureterosigmoidostomy at the doses and times studied.

PMID- 28076504
TI  - The role of bradykinin in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat lung
      transplantation model.
AB  - PURPOSE: : To investigate the role of bradykinin in a rat lung transplantation
      (LTx) model and preliminarily discuss the relationship between bradykinin and
      CD26/DPP-4. METHODS: : Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control
      (CON), Sham, low potassium dextranglucose (LPD), and AB192 (n=15/group).
      Orthotopic single LTx was performed in the LPD and AB192 groups. The donor lungs
      were flush-perfused and preserved with low potassium dextranglucose (LPD) or
      LPD+CD26/DPP-4 catalytic inhibitor (AB192). LTx was performed after 18 h cold
      ischemia time and harvested two days post-LTx. Blood gas analysis (PO2), wet/dry
      weight ratio (W/D), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), and lipid peroxidation (MDA)
      were analyzed at 48 hr after transplantation. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis
      was performed in the same sample and validated by Western-Blot. RESULTS: :
      Compared to the LPD group, the AB192 group showed higher PO2, lower W/D ratio,
      and decreased MPO and MDA. IHC studies showed strong bradykinin beta2 receptor
      (B2R) staining in the LPD group, especially in inflammatory cells, alveolar
      macrophages, and respiratory epithelial cells. Expression of B2R by Western-Blot
      was significantly different between the AB192 and LPD groups. CONCLUSION: :
      Bradykinin may be a competitive substrate of DPP-4, and decreased bradykinin
      levels may enhance protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury during
      LTx.

PMID- 28076503
TI  - Effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and liver histopathology in experimental
      obstructive jaundice model.
AB  - PURPOSE:: To investigate the effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and hepatic
      injury induced by obstructive jaundice in an experimental model. METHODS:: Thirty
      Wistar-Albino type female rats were divided into 3 groups each including 10 rats.
      Only laparotomy was performed in group 1. Bile duct ligation was performed in
      group 2. In group 3, bile duct ligation was performed and orogastic silymarin 300
      mg/kg/day dose was given for seven days. At the end of seven days, rats were
      sacrificed. The blood and liver tissue samples were taken to be examined
      biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS:: The plasma and liver levels of
      malondialdehyde were significantly lower in silymarin group than in the bile duct
      ligated group. Although liver levels of GSH were significantly higher in
      silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group, there was no significant
      difference between the plasma GSH levels of these groups. In silymarin group; the
      enlargement of hepatocytes, dilatation of canaliculi and the edema were
      regressed. CONCLUSION:: Silymarin diminished the harmful effects of obstructive
      jaundice on liver.

PMID- 28076505
TI  - Therapeutic effect of low molecular weight chitosan containing sepia ink on
      ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: : To evaluate the role of low molecular chitosan containing sepia ink
      (LMCS) in ethanol-induced (5 ml/kg) gastric ulcer in rats. METHODS: : Animals
      were divided into four groups (n = 12): normal group (Normal), negative control
      group (Con), experiment group (LMCS) and positive control Omeprazole group (OMZ).
      Gastric empty rate was detected in the first 7 days. Rats were sacrificed at 7,
      14 and 21 day for histology and ELISA detections. RESULTS: : Gastric empty was no
      significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). Histological observation
      showed gastric mucosal LMCS treated had better healing effect. Hydroxyproline
      (Hyp) was significantly increased from 7 day (P < 0.05). LMCS significantly
      inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) generation for lipid peroxidation from 7 day (P <
      0.05). LMCS significantly promoted the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD),
      catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) at the earlier stage (P < 0.05).
      OMZ had the similar effects above. As for myeloperoxidase (MPO), LMCS
      significantly decreased and restored it to normal levels from 7 day (P < 0.05),
      it is earlier than OMZ which is from 14 day. CONCLUSION: : LMCS can improve
      gastric mucosa tissue repair, exert significant influences on oxidative and
      antioxidant enzyme activities and neutrophil infiltration.

PMID- 28076506
TI  - Stem cells from adipose tissue improve the time of wound healing in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: : To evaluate the Adipose Stem Cells (ACS) therapy efficacy on the time
      and quality of wound healing process in rats. METHODS: : Nine male Wistar rats
      were randomly distributed into three groups I) 7 days of healing; II) 14 days of
      healing; III) 21 days of healing. Four incisions were made on the dorsal surface
      of each rat and then treated with intralesional ACS, meloxicam, and no treatment
      and ACS+meloxicam. Macroscopic evaluation was measured by percentage of healing
      and histopathological by hematoxylin-eosin was performed. RESULTS: : All groups
      have the wound reduced during the three weeks (p<0.001) and after 14 days of
      healing had greater reduction than others. Wounds treated with ASC had
      accelerated healing in relation to no treatment and only meloxicam (p<0.001),
      excepting the ASC+Meloxicam that was similar (p=0.13). There was no difference in
      histopathological analysis between lesions. CONCLUSION: : Adipose stem cell have
      benefits in reducing time of healing of experimental model of wound in rats,
      observed 7 days of after application.

PMID- 28076507
TI  - Effects of cococonut water and simvastatin in the treatment of sepsis and
      hemorrhagic shock in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE:: To evaluate the effects of modified coconut water as fluid of
      resuscitation combined with simvastatin in hemorrhagic shock and sepsis model in
      rats. METHODS:: Four groups of Wistar rats with hemorrhagic shock and abdominal
      sepsis were studied (n=8/group). Rats were bled and maintained at a mean blood
      pressure 35mmHg for 60min. They were then resuscitated with: 1) saline 0.9%; 2)
      coconut water+3% NaCl; 3) coconut water+NaCl 3%+simvastatin microemulsion (10
      mg/kg i.v.; 4) normal coconut water. At 8h post-resuscitation, blood and lungs
      were collected for exams. RESULTS:: Clinical scores, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta,
      liver/kidney proof levels, and lung injury were significantly reduced in coconut
      water+NaCl 3%+simvastatin group treated rats, comparing with the other
      resuscitation treatments. CONCLUSIONS:: Resuscitation with coconut water with
      Nacl 3%+simvastatin had a significant beneficial effect on downregulating
      cytokines and decreasing lung injury in a rat model of abdominal sepsis and
      hemorrhagic shock. We also demonstrated that coconut water with Nacl
      3%+simvastatin administration clearly made liver and kidney function better and
      improved clinical score.

PMID- 28076508
TI  - Swing mesh versus Modified Kugel mesh for primary inguinal hernia repair. A
      prospective randomized clinical trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new mesh in the pre-peritoneal
      repair of inguinal hernia. METHODS: We randomly divided 120 patients undergoing
      pre-peritoneal repair into 2 groups between March 2012 and December 2013. The
      patients were randomized to receive the Swing mesh (n=60; study group) or the
      Modified Kugel mesh (n=60; control group). The primary end point of this study
      was to compare postoperative groin pain of the two groups. Complications,
      recurrence and analgesic use were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no recurrent
      cases in either group throughout the study period. There was no significant
      difference between the groups with respect to postoperative complications. The
      VAS of early postoperative pain was 1.32+/-1.69 in study group and 1.52+/-1.93 in
      control group, with the difference being not statistically significant (p =
      0.547). Concerning chronic pain, no remarkable statistically significant
      difference was observed between the two groups at 3-month, 6-month, 12- and 18
      month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Swing mesh can be safely and effectively used
      in inguinal hernia repair with the same advantage compared to the Modified Kugel
      mesh.

PMID- 28076509
TI  - Animal models of obesity in rodents. An integrative review.
AB  - PURPOSE:: To perform an integrative review of the main animal disease models in
      rodents used for obesity. METHODS:: Research was conducted in the CAPES Portal
      database using the following keywords "obesity animal models, diet and rodents",
      published between the years 2010 to 2016. We found 108 articles, of which 19 were
      selected and analyzed in full for this study. RESULTS:: Larger part of
      publications occurred in the last 6 years, the rats (n = 10) were used in the
      same proportion mice (n = 10). The choice of male animals (n = 18) and age
      greater than 21 days (n = 17) showed a major highlight. The greater than 5 week
      follow-up period (n = 18) was the most applied. A High Fat Diet was the most used
      in studies (n = 18) . CONCLUSIONS:: Male rodents continue to be considered the
      species most used in experimental studies to induce obesity, also was found
      variations of age to the beginning of the experiment. For the most part are
      follow-up time studies along with the use of High Fat Diet.

PMID- 28076510
TI  - Writing scientific articles like a native English speaker: concise writing for
      Portuguese speakers.

PMID- 28076511
TI  - Passive acquisition of anti-Staphylococcus aureus antibodies by newborns via
      transplacental transfer and breastfeeding, regardless of maternal colonization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:: To investigate the transmission of anti-Staphylococcus aureus (Sa)
      IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 via placental transfer and the transfer of IgA via the
      colostrum according to maternal Sa carrier status at delivery. METHODS:: We
      evaluated anti-Sa IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 in maternal and cord sera and IgA in
      colostrum from a case (n=49, Sa+) and a control group (n=98, Sa-). RESULTS:: Of
      the 250 parturients analyzed for this study, 49 were nasally colonized with S.
      aureus (prevalence of 19.6%). Ninety-eight non-colonized subjects were selected
      for the control group. The anti-Sa IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 levels and the IgG avidity
      indexes in the maternal and cord sera did not differ between the groups, with a
      low transfer ratio of anti-Sa IgG to the newborns in both groups. The anti-Sa
      IgG2 titers were significantly higher than the IgG1 titers in the maternal and
      cord sera. Inversely, the transfer ratios were higher for anti-Sa IgG1 compared
      with IgG2; however, no differences between the groups were detected. The Sa
      specific IgA levels and avidity indexes in the colostrum were equivalent between
      groups. CONCLUSIONS:: Maternal Sa nasal colonization at delivery is not
      associated with higher antibody levels in the mother or newborns. The high titers
      of anti-Sa IgG2 found in the cord serum indicate a greater reactivity with non
      protein antigens, which may further contribute to the susceptibility to
      staphylococcal infections at birth. The presence of IgA in the colostrum with
      avidity to S. aureus reinforces the importance of breastfeeding shortly after
      birth.

PMID- 28076512
TI  - Mutation analysis of NANOS3 in Brazilian women with primary ovarian failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES:: Primary ovarian failure is a rare disorder, and approximately 90% of
      cases are of unknown etiology. The aim of this study was to search for mutations
      in NANOS3, a gene that was recently related to the etiology of primary ovarian
      failure, in a group of Brazilian women. METHODS:: We screened for NANOS3 DNA
      variants in 30 consecutive women who were previously diagnosed with primary
      ovarian failure, of unknown etiology and compared the results with those from 185
      women with normal fertility. The NANOS3 gene was amplified by polymerase chain
      reaction using pairs of specific primers and then sequenced. The resulting
      sequences were compared with control sequences available in the National Center
      for Biotechnology and Information database. RESULTS:: No mutations in NANOS3 were
      found in primary ovarian failure patients, but four previously described
      polymorphisms were identified at a similar frequency in the control and primary
      ovarian failure groups. CONCLUSIONS:: Mutations in NANOS3 were not associated
      with primary ovarian failure in the present cohort.

PMID- 28076513
TI  - Serum concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor and depth of
      trophoblastic invasion in ampullary ectopic pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the association between the depth of trophoblastic
      infiltration and serum vascular endothelial growth factorconcentration in
      patients with an ampullary pregnancy. METHODS:: This prospective cross
      sectionalstudy involved 34 patients with an ampullary ectopic pregnancy who
      underwent salpingectomy between 2012 and 2013. Maternal serum vascular
      endothelial growth factor concentrations were measured using Luminex technology.
      Trophoblastic invasion was classified histologically as follows: stage I, limited
      to the tubal mucosa; stage II, reaching the muscle layer; and stage III,involving
      the full thickness. The qualitative data were compared using Fisher's exact test.
      The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to evaluate
      differences in serum vascular endothelial growth factor among the degrees of
      trophoblastic invasion. ROC curves were constructed to determine vascular
      endothelial growth factor cut-off values that predict the degree of tubal
      invasion based on the best sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS:: Eight patients
      had stage I trophoblastic invasion, seven had stage II, and 19 had stage III. The
      median serum vascular endothelial growth factorconcentration was 69.88 pg/mL for
      stage I, 14.53 pg/mL for stage II and 9.08 pg/mL for stage III, with a
      significant difference between stages I and III. Based on the ROC curve, a serum
      vascular endothelial growth factor concentration of 25.9 pg/mL best
      differentiated stage I from stages II and III with asensitivity of 75.0%,
      specificity of 76.9%, and area under the curve of 0.798. CONCLUSIONS:: The depth
      of trophoblastic penetration into the tubal wall isassociated with serum vascular
      endothelial growth factor concentration in ampullary pregnancies.

PMID- 28076514
TI  - Evaluation of embolization for periuterine varices involving chronic pelvic pain
      secondary to pelvic congestion syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES:: To evaluate the clinical response and success rate after periuterine
      varices embolization in patients with chronic pelvic pain secondary to pelvic
      congestion syndrome and to report the safety of endovascular treatment and its
      rate of complications. METHODS:: Retrospective cohort of patients undergoing
      endovascular treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome in our department from
      January 2012 to November 2015. Data were analyzed based on patient background,
      imaging findings, embolized veins, rate of complications, and clinical response
      as indicated by the visual analog pain scale. RESULTS:: We performed periuterine
      varices embolization in 22 patients during the study, four of which required a
      second embolization. Seventeen patients reported a reduction in pelvic pain after
      the first embolization and three patients reported a reduction in pelvic pain
      after the second embolization. Minor complications were observed in our patients,
      such as postural hypotension, postoperative pain, and venous perforation during
      the procedure, without clinical repercussion. CONCLUSION:: Periuterine varices
      embolization in patients with chronic pelvic pain secondary to pelvic congestion
      syndrome appears to be an effective and safe technique.

PMID- 28076515
TI  - Serum adipocytokine profile and metabolic syndrome in young adult female
      dermatomyositis patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES:: To analyse the frequency of metabolic syndrome in young adult female
      dermatomyositis patients and its possible association with clinical and
      laboratory dermatomyositis-related features and serum adipocytokines. METHOD::
      This cross-sectional study included 35 dermatomyositis patients and 48 healthy
      controls. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 2009 Joint Interim
      Statement. RESULTS:: Patient age was comparable in the dermatomyositis and
      control groups, and the median disease duration was 1.0 year. An increased
      prevalence of metabolic syndrome was detected in the dermatomyositis group (34.3%
      vs. 6.3%; p=0.001). In addition, increased serum adiponectin and resistin levels
      were noted in contrast to lower leptin levels. In dermatomyositis patients,
      adipocytokine levels were correlated with the levels of total cholesterol, low
      density cholesterol, triglycerides and muscle enzymes. A comparison of
      dermatomyositis patients with (n=12) and without (n=23) syndrome metabolic
      revealed that adipocytokine levels were also correlated with age, and that
      dermatomyositis patients with metabolic syndrome tended to have more disease
      activity despite similar adipocytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS:: Metabolic syndrome
      is highly prevalent in young adult female dermatomyositis patients and is related
      to age and disease activity. Moreover, increased serum adiponectin and resistin
      levels were detected in dermatomyositis patients, but lower serum leptin levels
      were observed.

PMID- 28076516
TI  - Septic arthritis of the knee: clinical and laboratory comparison of groups with
      different etiologies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES:: To clinically and epidemiologically characterize a population
      diagnosed with and treated for septic arthritis of the knee, to evaluate the
      treatment results and to analyze the differences between patients with positive
      and negative culture results, patients with Gram-positive and Gram-negative
      bacterial isolates and patients with S. aureus- and non-S. aureus-related
      infections. METHODS:: One hundred and five patients with septic knee arthritis
      were included in this study. The clinical and epidemiological data were
      evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare patients with and
      without an isolated causative agent, patients with Gram-positive and Gram
      negative pathogens and patients with S. aureus-related and non S. aureus-related
      infections. RESULTS:: Causative agents were isolated in 81 patients. Gram
      positive bacteria were isolated in 65 patients and Gram-negative bacteria were
      isolated in 16 patients. The most commonly isolated bacterium was S. aureus.
      Comparing cases with an isolated pathogen to cases without an isolated pathogen,
      no differences between the studied variables were found except for the longer
      hospital stays of patients in whom an etiological agent was identified. When
      comparing Gram-positive bacteria with Gram-negative bacteria, patients with Gram
      positive-related infections exhibited higher leukocyte counts. Patients with S.
      aureus-related infections were more frequently associated with healthcare-related
      environmental encounters. CONCLUSION:: S. aureus is the most common pathogen of
      septic knee arthritis. Major differences were not observed between infections
      with isolated and non-isolated pathogens and between infections with Gram
      positive and Gram-negative bacteria. S. aureus infections were more likely to be
      associated with a prior healthcare environment exposure.

PMID- 28076517
TI  - Standardization of the face-hand test in a Brazilian multicultural population:
      prevalence of sensory extinction and implications for neurological diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:: The face-hand test is a simple, practical, and rapid test to detect
      neurological syndromes. However, it has not previously been assessed in a
      Brazilian sample; therefore, the objective of the present study was to
      standardize the face-hand test for use in the multi-cultural population of Brazil
      and identify the sociodemographic factors affecting the results. METHODS:: This
      was a cross sectional study of 150 individuals. The sociodemographic variables
      that were collected included age, gender, race, body mass index and years of
      education. Standardization of the face-hand test occurred in 2 rounds of 10
      sensory stimuli, with the participant seated to support the trunk and their
      vision obstructed in a sound-controlled environment. The face-hand test was
      conducted by applying 2 rounds of 10 sensory stimuli that were applied to the
      face and hand simultaneously. The associations between the face-hand test and
      sociodemographic variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests and Spearman
      correlations. Binomial models were adjusted for the number of face-hand test
      variations, and ROC curves evaluated sensitivity and specificity of sensory
      extinction. RESULTS:: There was no significant relationship between the
      sociodemographic variables and the number of stimuli perceived for the face-hand
      test. There was a high relative frequency of detection, 8 out of 10 stimuli, in
      this population. Sensory extinction was 25.3%, which increased with increasing
      age (OR=1.4[1:01-1:07]; p=0.006) and decreased significantly with increasing
      education (OR=0.82[0.71-0.94]; p=0.005). CONCLUSION:: In the Brazilian
      population, a normal face-hand test score ranges between 8-10 stimuli, and the
      results indicate that sensory extinction is associated with increased age and
      lower levels of education.

PMID- 28076518
TI  - Serum Klotho (but not haplotypes) associate with the post-myocardial infarction
      status of older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES:: The number of deaths from vascular diseases is incredibly high
      worldwide, and reliable markers for major events are still needed. The current
      cross-sectional study investigated the association of Klotho haplotypes and
      Klotho serum levels with classic risk factors and a clinical history of vascular
      events. METHODS:: Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical and nutritional
      assessments were conducted with 168 older adults, complemented by genotyping
      (rs9536314 and rs9527025) and the detection of serum Klotho (ELISA). RESULTS::
      Klotho levels and haplotypes did not associate with most classic risk factors for
      vascular events, including markers such as C-reactive protein and homocysteine. A
      positive association was only found between Klotho levels and the previous
      occurrence of a myocardial infarction by both correlational (p=0.006) and
      variance analyses (p<0.001), and these associations were independent of the
      context. CONCLUSION:: Our results suggest that serum Klotho is higher in
      individuals with a clinical history of myocardial infarction but not with a
      history of coronary artery disease or stroke. None of the Klotho haplotypes were
      associated with the variables investigated herein.

PMID- 28076520
TI  - Qualitative research in medicine.

PMID- 28076521
TI  - Knowledge references: analysis of Brazilian health journal instructions to
      authors.
AB  - Health researchers refer to the difficulty in publishing which is a barrier to
      conducting qualitative studies. We sought to identify which Brazilian
      publications indexed in SciELO in the area of health sciences include
      instructions to authors that allow the publication of original studies based on
      qualitative methods. Of the 88 current titles analyzed, more than half (52)
      impose conditions that are incompatible with the qualitative research, most of
      them medical publications. Some publications (19) do not provide information on
      the type of study, but do not present typical requirements of quantitative
      research, such as statistical tests and reproducibility. Magazines demonstrating
      the acceptance of qualitative research (17) allow longer texts, study designs
      that include interviews, and some even specifically state acceptance of studies
      with qualitative approaches. In general, these publications belong to the
      collective health or nursing areas and have higher scores in CAPES. The lack of
      clear instructions for qualitative manuscripts and the need for quantification
      are barriers to the publishing of qualitative studies, which does not favor the
      expansion of the clinical look to the human phenomena related to health. The
      scientific and accuracy criteria should be reviewed.

PMID- 28076519
TI  - Detection value of free cancer cells in peritoneal washing in gastric cancer: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Intraperitoneal free cancer cells in gastric adenocarcinoma are associated with a
      poor outcome. However, the true prognostic value of intraperitoneal free cancer
      cells is still unclear, leading to a lack of consensus in the management of
      gastric cancer. The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic review
      and meta-analysis to analyze intraperitoneal free cancer cells-positive patients
      with regard to tumor oncologic stage, recurrence, grade of cellular
      differentiation, and survival rates and to analyze the clinical significance of
      intraperitoneal free cancer cells with regard to prognosis. Databases were
      searched up to January 2016 for prognostic factors associated with
      intraperitoneal free cancer cells, including oncologic stage, depth of neoplasm
      invasion, lymph nodal spread, differentiation grade of the tumor, and recurrence
      and survival rates. A total of 100 studies were identified. Meta-analysis
      revealed a clear association between intraperitoneal free cancer cells and a poor
      prognosis. intraperitoneal free cancer cells -positive patients had higher rates
      of nodal spread (risk difference: 0.29; p<0.01), serosal invasion (risk
      difference: 0.43; p<0.01), recurrence (after 60 months of follow-up, risk
      difference: 0.44; p<0.01), and mortality (after 60 months of follow-up, risk
      difference: 0.34; p<0.01). Intraperitoneal free cancer cells are associated with
      a poor outcome in gastric cancer. This surrogate biomarker should be used to
      guide therapy both prior to and after surgery.

PMID- 28076522
TI  - A dialogue between scientific health editors and scientists responsible for
      qualitative studies.

PMID- 28076523
TI  - Scientificity, generalization and dissemination of qualitative studies.

PMID- 28076524
TI  - Science or sciences? Interdisciplinary dialogues in the crossroads.

PMID- 28076525
TI  - The authors respond.

PMID- 28076526
TI  - Perception of pre- and post-HIV test counseling among patients diagnosed with
      aids in adolescence HIV test counseling for adolescents.
AB  - Pre- and post-HIV test counseling has singular importance in adolescence, since
      it is a phase of great changes, and AIDS is an incurable chronic disease. In
      order to comprehend the perception of young people with AIDS diagnosed in
      adolescence regarding the counseling received upon testing, we conducted 39 in
      depth interviews, with 23 in female patients and 16 male patients, and then
      analyzed the data with extensive reading, categorization and interpretation on a
      comprehensive basis. The results revealed that less than one third received pre
      test counseling (30.8%), which often was limited to the explanation of the reason
      of the test, and 51.2% were counseled post-test. We found that most patients were
      unaccompanied when receiving the communication of their seropositivity, some of
      which were later informed by the adolescent's guardian. Some patients felt secure
      after counseling, realizing that the disease is something that would not change
      their lives, if they properly followed the guidelines. On the other hand, the
      feelings of desperation and suicide expressed by some of the patients may have
      been influenced by the lack of adequate counseling. We have concluded that, for
      the improved management of the epidemic, there is a need to enhance the
      communications of health professionals, especially those that are in primary
      care, pre-natal services, gynecology and family health strategy.

PMID- 28076527
TI  - [On the sidelines of society: crack use, deviation, criminalization and social
      exclusion - a narrative review].
AB  - The article comprises a narrative review of the scientific literature, aiming to
      identify and discuss the contexts of vulnerability and social exclusion faced by
      users of crack cocaine and other substances who live on the sidelines of society
      in the Brazilian and international context. The paper summarizes insights from
      different theoretical frameworks, focusing on an integrated perspective of
      substance use and abuse, with an emphasis on the use of crack and its inter
      relationships with social vulnerability, marginalization, social exclusion and
      deviation. In a first step, broad aspects of qualitative research on drugs are
      outlined. The subsequent section highlights issues associated with exclusion and
      social vulnerability of crack users, followed by an assessment of the main
      associations mentioned in the literature on drug use and criminal involvement.
      Finally, the concept of "sidelines of society" is discussed, as exemplified by
      situations and events experienced by users of crack and other substances, as
      mentioned in the literature.

PMID- 28076528
TI  - The brief life of Norplant(r) in Brazil: controversies and reassemblages between
      science, society and State.
AB  - Norplant(r) is the brand name of the world's first registered subdermal hormonal
      contraceptive implant, developed by the laboratories of the Population Council,
      an international organisation working in the area of fertility and population
      growth. The article revisits the trajectory of this contraceptive in Brazil from
      its arrival through clinical trials to its eventual ban in 1986 by the Brazilian
      regulatory agency responsible for approving medications at the time. Its
      circulation generated controversies related to research practices, side effects
      and political uses of the drug as a birth control method. This article focuses
      its analysis on the divergences related to research practices. It uses a
      controversy analysis technique, reviewing the versions of those involved,
      investigating their understandings and the effects that this object generated in
      their networks. Norplant(r) provoked displacements and associations between civil
      society groups, State authorities, scientists and physicians, industry,
      pharmaceutical products, research procedures, bureaucratic instruments, and the
      female users of the contraceptives. Scientific styles of medical thought were
      shaken up and new forms of thinking about scientific autonomy began to be
      discussed in the country.

PMID- 28076529
TI  - Relationships between oncohematopediatrics, mothers and children in communicating
      bad news.
AB  - We present a study about the relations between pediatric oncological
      haematologists, mothers, and children in sharing bad news (BN) in a public
      hospital in Rio de Janeiro. The text emphasizes the intertwining of technique and
      emotions for the treatment of children with diagnoses in which the fatal outcome
      is always a probability. We used a qualitative approach, privileging participant
      observation and open interviews with oncologists (at this service all
      professionals were female) and mothers. We sought to understand the importance of
      communication which includes expressions and control of emotions; bioethical
      issues that require sensitivity, serenity, and truth about approaching the end of
      life; and how the professionals balance proximity to children and families and
      objectivity in their activity. The main results showed: intense exchanges on BN
      among professionals; relapse of children who were evolving positively as the most
      difficult news; constant update of BN facing terminally ill children; quality of
      communication influencing the treatment; professionals permanently balancing
      between closeness and distance from patients and evidence of the their
      irreplaceable role to secure the family and the child.

PMID- 28076530
TI  - Factors associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among the elderly.
AB  - This study aimed to identify factors associated with Chronic Obstructive
      Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among non-institutionalized elderly people. It involved
      a cross-sectional study conducted on the basis of a household survey, followed by
      spirometry. People diagnosed with COPD were compared with those with normal
      spirometry, through bivariate analysis, followed by multivariate regression
      analysis. We identified 53 elderly people were identified with COPD. After
      multivariate analysis, the following factors associated with COPD were
      identified: past or current smoking (OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 1.65-8.46), presence of
      chronic sputum (OR: 4.92; 95% CI: 2.03-11.95), pulse oximetry at rest <= 90% (OR:
      8.74; 95%CI: 1.27-60.07), self-reported asthma (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.01-11.57).
      The results reveal associated factors that highlight the need to review the
      selection criteria for patients at risk of COPD among the elderly.

PMID- 28076532
TI  - [Trajectories of women living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil. Progress and permanence of
      the response to the epidemic].
AB  - This article analyzes the trajectories of 85 women living with HIV/AIDS in six
      Brazilian cities: Belem, Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Goiania, Recife and Pelotas,
      to understand some specific aspects of their experiences before and after
      diagnosis. It is based on in-depth interviews conducted in 2009 addressing women
      diagnosed with HIV between 1 and 20 years previously. The results show a profile
      characterized by limited access to school, health services and labor and a marked
      presence of violence. The reasons for applying HIV tests vary over time and there
      is an increase in prenatal testing, although no modifications in the context of
      the infection are apparent. For some women, the diagnosis determines changes in
      lifestyle. However, for the majority, social and labor experiences and the
      decisions about love, sexuality and reproduction seem to respond to their
      immediate demands and opportunities. The management of the diagnosis and the
      support received influence living with HIV/AIDS. These results show the need for
      actions for prevention and testing not restricted to pregnant women, even in the
      context of a concentrated epidemic. Studies adopting a biographical perspective
      can contribute to prevent or improve living with HIV/AIDS appropriate to the
      different moments of the womens' trajectories.

PMID- 28076531
TI  - Anxious and depressed women's experiences of emotional suffering and help seeking
      in a Rio de Janeiro favela.
AB  - Taking into consideration issues such as stigma and the mental health gap, this
      study explores narratives of anxious and depressed women treated in a community
      based primary care service in a Rio de Janeiro favela about their suffering and
      care. We analysed 13 in-depth interviews using questions from Kadam's study.
      Framework analysis studied Access, Gateway, Trust, Psychosocial Issues, and
      Primary Mental Health Care, as key-concepts. Vulnerability and accessibility were
      the theoretical references. Thematic analysis found "suffering category",
      highlighting family and community problems, and "help seeking category",
      indicating how these women have coped with their emotional problems and addressed
      their needs through health services, community resources and self-help. Women's
      language patterns indicated links between implicit social rules and constraints
      to talk about suffering, especially if related to local violence. High medical
      turnover and overload are barriers for establishing a positive relationship with
      family physicians and continuity of care is a facilitator that promotes trust,
      security and adherence. Concluding, to plan community-based primary mental health
      care of this population, cultural and social factors must be comprehended as well
      as the work health teams conditions.

PMID- 28076533
TI  - Similarities and differences in crack cocaine use patterns in Santa Catarina,
      Brazil: Capital vs. Midwest.
AB  - Crack cocaine has been a major public health problem in Brazil due to the
      individual and social harms and risks deriving from its use. This article aims to
      assess the characteristics of drug scenes in the capital and Midwest of Santa
      Catarina state. The project used the Time-Location Sampling. Between January and
      June 2011, 41 crack cocaine scenes were mapped in capital of Santa Catarina,
      whereas 33 were mapped in the Midwest of that state. Such scenes were randomly
      selected to be observed, as well as their days and shifts (time periods/day) for
      in-depth observation. Overall, 98 scenes/shifts were observed in the capital and
      62 in the Midwest. First-hand reports were logged as field notes into notebooks.
      Analyses of the empirical material were based on Bardin's content analysis, and
      findings were compared and contrasted with Brazilian and international
      literature. Most crack cocaine users were adult males. In the capital, a
      substantial fraction of the users lived in the streets, but in both settings most
      interviewees have used multiple substances. In the Midwest, most scenes occurred
      at night, whereas in the capital scenes occurred in all shifts. Risk practices
      associated with the use of crack cocaine were: association of multiple drugs,
      prostitution, pipe sharing and sexual favors in exchange for the substance.

PMID- 28076534
TI  - Absorption and metabolization of sex hormones and their transformation into
      contraceptive technologies: the paths taken by medical thought in Brazil.
AB  - The article analyses knowledge assimilation and the development of clinical and
      research practices relating to sex hormones among Brazilian gynaecologists. It
      discusses the paths taken by medical thought from the reception of the hormones
      to their transformation into contraceptives. Our objective is to comprehend
      styles of introducing and disseminating medical technologies in the area of
      reproductive health in Brazil. It uses methods of historical analysis and takes
      as its source the Anais Brasileiros de Ginecologia, a journal published between
      1936 and 1970. From the outset, the accompaniment of scientific breakthroughs in
      relation to sex hormones and their use to treat diverse female illnesses played a
      key role in the rapid medical acceptance of hormonal contraception. Scientific
      and technical questions (side effects, dosages) and the demographic issue formed
      part of the majority of the debates. Objections from the Catholic Church were
      considered but did not set the agenda of medical thought on contraceptives. The
      quest to consolidate gynaecology as a scientific, modern and cosmopolitan area of
      expertise, along with sanitary and demographic motives that allowed
      contraceptives to be classed as ethical drugs, are identified as processes
      underlying the assimilation and metabolization of sex hormones as hormonal
      contraceptives.

PMID- 28076535
TI  - [Femicides in ethnic and racialized groups: syntheses].
AB  - The text entitled "Femicides in ethnic and racialized groups: syntheses" presents
      some of the discussions that took place during a seminar on this topic in
      Buenaventura. Buenaventura is the main Colombian port on the Pacific, a region
      rich in minerals and a corridor for the movement of goods, which makes it a
      strategic territory and a center for disputes. At the seminar, the social and
      political determinants of femicide were discussed, understanding it as a tactic
      of waging war against women. The forum provided a space for academic discussion,
      but also for grievances over inter-personal violence, the manifestation of
      feelings and the elaboration of pain and grief through the medium of art. We
      believe that the dissemination of this experience to the Brazilian public, in a
      country with ethnic, social and racial vulnerability similar to that in Colombia,
      will be of value to social and health workers. The scope of this paper is
      therefore to provide the opinion of its authors on the determinants of femicides
      and on actions to tackle them, in addition to a synthesis of the discussions and
      debates that permeated the event.

PMID- 28076536
TI  - [Quality of life of family caregivers of adults with spinal cord injury: a
      systematic review].
AB  - The scope of this study was to analyze the quality of life of family caregivers
      of adults with spinal cord injury. Two researchers conducted a systematic review
      independently, based on articles published between 2000 to 2014, using the key
      words quality of life and caregivers or family and spinal cord, in Portuguese,
      English and Spanish. The search was conducted in the Virtual Health Library (BVS)
      and the United States National Library of Medicine (PubMED) databases. Caregivers
      of tetraplegics have a worse quality of life than caregivers of paraplegics.
      Changes in the quality of life for the caregivers were not significant over time.
      Different results were observed when comparing caregivers of adults with spinal
      cord injury and healthy subjects. Factors that negatively influence the quality
      of life of caregivers were the presence of chronic disease; greater care time,
      age and number of children; and lower schooling level of caregivers. There is a
      need for public health policy development and preparation of more comprehensive
      intervention strategies that include not only the patient but also the caregiver.

PMID- 28076537
TI  - Risk factors of breast cancer and knowledge about the disease: an integrative
      revision of Latin American studies.
AB  - The aim of this integrative review was to compare Latin American literature about
      risk and knowledge on breast cancer. Of 47 studies selected, 20 were about
      knowledge or awareness and 27 about risk of breast cancer. English was the
      dominant language in studies about risk, whereas studies about knowledge were
      mainly written in Spanish or Portuguese. Studies about knowledge were all cross-
      sectional, whereas case- control studies dominated authors' interest about risk
      of breast cancer. Studies about knowledge were mainly focused on early detection
      of the disease and the most common study objective was breast self- examination
      (N = 14). In contrast, few studies about risk of breast cancer focused on early
      detection (N = 5). Obesity and overweight (N = 14), family history (N = 13),
      decreased parity (N = 12), and short breastfeeding duration (N = 10) were among
      the most frequent identified risk factors. Socio- economic factors such as income
      and educational level had variable effects on breast cancer risk and affected
      also knowledge of women about risk factors and early detection. Present results
      indicated that studies about risk of breast cancer were more often based on a
      better sound analytical background, compared to studies about knowledge, which
      were mostly descriptive.

PMID- 28076538
TI  - Comparative study of satisfaction of users and health professionals with the
      public dental service.
AB  - The objective was to confront the view of users and health professionals about
      the satisfaction with the public dental service. Interviews were conducted with
      users, professionals considered directly (ESB) and indirectly (ACS) involved in
      oral health. Variables were evaluated individually and grouped into domains. A
      score was created for the analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied. The
      respondents positively assessed the quality of the dental services. The ACS
      demonstrated less satisfaction compared to users regarding general satisfaction
      in the Physical Structure and Medical Care domains and the variables: quality of
      clinical care; guidance to the patient after treatment performed in the
      specialty; and period of dental care. The ESB professionals expressed greater
      satisfaction than the users in the Medical Care domain and in the variables
      related to the provision of guidance, answering questions, attention solvability
      and consultation scheduling. It is concluded that the ESB professionals
      demonstrated a high degree of similarity to the satisfaction displayed by users,
      although positively expanded, and the ACS expressed more critically discrepant
      opinions in relation to users.

PMID- 28076539
TI  - Comparative study on mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in Sao Caetano do
      Sul, Sao Paulo, Brazil, between 1980 and 2010.
AB  - Analysis of the mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) can provide
      subsidies for preventive and control measures. The goal of this article is to
      compare CVD mortality rates in Sao Caetano do Sul, the state of Sao Paulo and the
      country as a whole. Standardized mortality and mortality due to CVD were
      calculated for the 1980-2010 period. We found a significant reduction in
      cardiovascular mortality in all three study units during this period, with the
      largest reduction in CVD in Sao Caetano do Sul. The largest mortality rate was
      found in the state of Sao Paulo. In adults 30 to 59, the CVD mortality rate in
      Sao Caetano do Sul was three times as high in men as in women, yet among adults
      60 and older, CVD mortality was higher in women than in men. The lower rate is
      the result of implementing different healthcare policies. However, specific
      interventions are required that focus on changes in lifestyle, especially among
      adult men and the elderly.

PMID- 28076540
TI  - Self-reported occupational accidents among Brazil's adult population based on
      data from the 2013 National Health Survey.
AB  - Objective:: to provide an overview of occupational accidents among Brazil's adult
      population. Methods:: descriptive study using data from the 2013 National Health
      Survey. Results:: A total of 4.9 million workers mentioned having suffered some
      kind of work-related accident, which is equivalent to 3.4% (CI95% 4.6-5.6) of
      Brazil's adult population. Prevalence rates were higher among men, young adults
      aged between 18 and 39 years, and black people and in the North Region of the
      country. Prevalence was highest in the State of Para and lowest in the State of
      Rio de Janeiro State. Around one third of all accidents were commuting accidents,
      50.4% (CI95% 45.3-55.5) of people who had suffered an occupational accident were
      prevented from carrying out some kind of routine activity due to the accident,
      8.8% (CI95% 6.4-11.2) were hospitalized and 19% (CI95% 15.3-22.7) had sequelae
      resulting from occupational accidents. Conclusion:: the data provided by the
      National Health Survey comprises an unprecedented and invaluable source of
      information on these issues in Brazil. The results of the survey confirm that
      occupational accidents are underreported, since official figures do not cover
      individuals working in the informal sector.

PMID- 28076541
TI  - Private Health Care Coverage in the Brazilian population, according to the 2013
      Brazilian National Health Survey.
AB  - This study aims to present the percentages of the Brazilian population holding
      health insurance plans, itemized by social-demographic characteristics, based on
      the data of the National Health Survey carried out in 2013, and to compare this
      information with the administrative data of the National Supplementary Health
      Agency for the same year. Data from the National Health Survey, and from the
      Beneficiaries Information System of the National Health Agency for the year 2013,
      were used. The percentage of people having a health plan was described according
      to stratification for: all of Brazil, urban/rural, Brazilian official Regions,
      Brazilian States and state capitals, gender, age group, level of schooling,
      position in the workforce, ethnic classification, and self-assessed state of
      health. Results include the following: The percentage of people saying they had
      some health plan in Brazil was 27.9% (CI 95%: 27.1-28.8). A significant
      difference was found relating to level of schooling - the percentage being
      highest for those who stated they had complete secondary education (68.8% CI 95%:
      67.2-70.4) and for those who said they were currently in work (32.5% CI 95%: 31.5
      33.5). The increase in health plan coverage in the Brazilian population reflects
      the improvement of the suply of employment and the growth in the country's
      economy.

PMID- 28076542
TI  - [Dental decay in 5-year-old children: sociodemographic factors, monitoring points
      and parental attitudes].
AB  - Dental decay affects many children, especially those from the lower socioeconomic
      classes. In this cross-sectional study designed to investigate the role played by
      sociodemographic factors, parental attitudes, and monitoring points, which are an
      indicator of personal perception of what controls individual health, on the
      prevalence of tooth decay among 5-year-old pre-school children living in a
      midsized city in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The ceo-d index of 426 children was assessed;
      the parents reported sociodemographic characteristics and completed two
      questionnaires concerning monitoring points and parental attitudes. The results
      show that 52.35% of the children had decay; higher levels of severe decay were
      observed among lower E-F socioeconomic classes. Higher socioeconomic status and
      low externality appear to be protective factors. Low parental internality emerged
      as a risk factor for decay in primary teeth, possibly because the mother expects
      or delegates the action to others, delaying care. Parental perceptions of control
      over a child's health seem to impact preventive care and, consequently, the level
      of tooth decay among children.

PMID- 28076543
TI  - Oral Health in the Children's Preventive Health Care Initiative: indicators and
      goals in a Primary Health Care Service.
AB  - The objective of this study is to assess fulfillment of the oral health goals of
      the Children's Preventive Health Care Initiative in 12 Health Units (HU) of a
      Primary Health Care Service, in Porto Alegre, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul,
      through a cross-sectional analytical study on the annual dental visit coverage in
      early childhood. The study was comprised of 660 children born in 2010. In
      relation to the coverage of dental visits for each year of life of children, the
      health units did not achieve the set targets (100%). However, a considerable
      number of children (35%) had their first dental visit during the first year of
      life. In relation to the total number of visits, 22% of the children had never
      gone to the dentist and only 8% did the recommended four visits. There was a
      positive correlation between the ratio of the total population and children from
      ages 0 to 4 years in the area enrolled in the initiative, on the one hand, and
      the number of dental professionals and coverage in the first year of life in each
      health unit, on the other. Although few children had adequate follow-up visits in
      relation to the set targets, the percentage of coverage was higher than that
      found in the literature.

PMID- 28076544
TI  - The process of defining the hospital care profile in federal hospitals in the
      city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
AB  - This article analyzes the process of shaping the care profile of federal
      hospitals in the city of Rio de Janeiro. This is a qualitative, descriptive study
      that draws on semi-structured interviews with hospital administrators. Data
      analysis used the Collective Subject Discourse approach. Managers believe this
      process is the result of a set of emerging strategies, proposals and need for
      change, which result in adaptive reactions that hospitals develop with no
      coordination between them to resolve problems identified by professionals and
      managers. The process is analyzed much more from a political point of view than
      from a rational and systemic one. Some of the experience with the hospital
      mission, such as the focus on a strategic approach, already signals a more
      collegiate approach to defining the profile of care, where the hospital is one
      component of an integrated network of services, with a decision process that is
      less incremental and more integrating.

PMID- 28076545
TI  - Economic evaluation of the Programs Rede Farmacia de Minas do SUS versus Farmacia
      Popular do Brasil.
AB  - We conducted an economic assessment of the Pharmaceutical Assistance - Rede
      Farmacia de Minas Gerais-RFMG and Farmacia Popular do Brasil-FPB to ascertain
      which of the two models stands out as the most efficient. To do this, a model,
      which consisted of a study of incurred costs in both programs, up to the
      dispensing of medicine to citizens, was developed. The uncertainties of the
      proposed model were tested using the Monte Carlo method. If the entire population
      initially estimated in the RFMG were attended in the FPB, there would be an
      additional cost of R$ 139,324,050.19. The sensitivity analysis appeared to be
      favorable to the RFMG. A total of 10000 simulations were carried out, resulting
      in a median value of R$ 114,053,709.99 for the RFMG and R$ 254,106,120.65 for the
      FPB. The current National Drug Policy emphasizes the need to strengthen
      pharmaceutical services beyond the mere acquisition and delivery of
      pharmaceutical products. The public healthcare service model, consistent with the
      principles and guidelines of the SUS, seems to be more appropriate in ensuring
      complete and universal quality healthcare services to the citizens. The economic
      study conducted reinforces this fact, as it appears to be a more efficient
      alternative of the direct use of resources in the public health network.

PMID- 28076546
TI  - Pharmacist's contribution to the promotion of access and rational use of
      essential medicines in SUS.
AB  - Objective:: to describe the pharmaceutical inclusion process in a Basic Health
      Unit multidisciplinary team and evaluate results related to rational use and
      promotion of access to essential medicines. Methods:: This is a descriptive,
      cross-sectional study conducted in a primary care health unit in the city of Sao
      Paulo. Pharmacist's activities were evaluated regarding the service structure and
      organization and prescribing quality improvement, guidance method creation, and
      implementation of clinical pharmacy service. Data measured before and after the
      interventions and between 2010 and 2011 were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square
      test with a significance level of 5%, and odds ratio. Results:: Pharmacist's
      activities had statistically significant result in drug shortage reduction;
      prescribing quality improvement associated with an increased proportion of
      prescriptions met; decrease in the total of prescribed drugs among patients
      receiving pharmacotherapeutic follow-up and, comparing the years 2010 and 2011,
      changes in the pharmacotherapy recommendations have gained increased acceptance
      level. Conclusions:: Pharmacist's activities may effectively provide rational use
      and promotion of access to essential medicines.

PMID- 28076547
TI  - [Spatial distribution of biomass burning and mortality among the elderly in a
      Brazilian Amazon region, 2001 - 2012].
AB  - The burning of biomass has a significant impact on the Amazon ecosystem in the
      dry season due to the emissions of air pollutants. The effects on the health of
      the population, especially in the region of the arc of deforestation, has been
      the subject of recent studies. The scope of this study was to evaluate the
      spatial distribution of biomass burning and mortality from respiratory and
      cardiovascular diseases among the elderly in the state of Rondonia in the period
      from 2001 to 2012. Mortality data were obtained through the Mortality Information
      System of the Ministry of Health. Biomass burning data were provided by the
      National Institute for Space Research. The Kernel estimator was used. The highest
      mortality rates were observed in the central-east and south-east of Rondonia. The
      focuses of the fires were concentrated in the northern part of the state, though
      with a significant amount in other regions. The spatial distribution of the hot
      areas of mortality and fires were not directly associated. However, fires were
      observed in all municipalities in the state. Pollutants emitted from biomass
      burning can be transported thousands of kilometers from the source areas and
      influence the health of the elderly.

PMID- 28076548
TI  - Recruitment rate and retention of stroke subjects in cross-sectional studies.
AB  - This article aimed to determine the recruitment rate of chronic stroke survivors
      to cross-sectional studies and to determine their retention at the two days of
      assessments. Participants after six months of a unilateral stroke were screened
      for eligibility and invited to participate in two cross-sectional studies, by
      telephone. The number of people who were screened, eligible, and successfully
      recruited was recorded. Retention at the two days of assessments was also
      recorded. From a list of 654 individuals, 87 were ineligible. Of the 567 left,
      216 had wrong contact numbers, 144 refused to participate, and 12 had died. A
      total of 165 subjects participated in both studies. Out of the 56 who agreed to
      attend to the second day of assessment, eight did not return. The results showed
      that individuals with chronic stroke had low rates of recruitment and retention.

PMID- 28076549
TI  - Training of pharmacy technicians for dispensing drugs in Primary Health Care.
AB  - Few Brazilian articles discuss the importance of pharmacy technicians who offer
      direct assistance to patients. This paper describes an experience of the training
      of pharmacy technicians in drug dispensing. A descriptive, cross-sectional study
      was conducted in the primary healthcare setting. The technicians were trained by
      the pharmacist to advise patients at the time of drug dispensing and to screen
      cases that needed pharmaceutical consultation. Problems were identified by
      verifying the prescription and return date for dispensing the medication as well
      as through direct questioning of the patients. Flowcharts for problem
      identification and intervention were created for use by the technicians. After
      training, pharmacy technicians identified 3944 problems, the most common of which
      were the use of a lower dosage than that prescribed (26%) and non-adherence to
      pharmacological treatment. The findings of the present study demonstrate the
      importance of training pharmacy technicians with regard to dispensing drugs so
      that they can assist pharmacists in the process of identifying and solving drug
      related problems, thereby making them active members of the care process in the
      public health system.

PMID- 28076550
TI  - Suicide in University students in Bogota, Colombia, 2004-2014.
AB  - We report the results of a retrospective, descriptive, qualitative study of
      suicide among university students in Bogota, Colombia. The objective of this
      study was to document the magnitude, principal characteristics, and impact of
      this phenomenon in the selected population. A semi-structured survey was employed
      to collect information from 66 individuals linked to the universities. A total of
      45 cases of suicide were documented in the study period (2004 - 2014). Of these,
      69% occurred in males and 31% in females. The age range was 17 - 27 years, with
      62% of the cases in the 19 - 22 year-old group. The most common mechanisms
      employed were suffocation and poisoning, followed by intentional falls, use of a
      firearm, and drug overdose. The selected location was the place of residence in
      52% of cases and the university campus in 16% of cases. The distribution of
      students by area of knowledge showed a predominance of social and human science
      (44%) followed by engineering (22%). A history of difficulties in family and
      affective relationships was common among victims, as was a history of exposure to
      intolerance of differences in sexual orientation. The individuals surveyed
      expressed a wide range of interpretations of the significance of suicide, both
      positive (courage, self-affirmation, autonomy) and negative (defeat, despair, and
      an inability to adapt).

PMID- 28076551
TI  - Prevalence and factors associated with the use of public health services for
      adult men.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify prevalence and factors associated with use
      of public health services by adult males residing in the city of Maringa, Parana.
      A household survey was carried out with 410 men aged 20 to 59 years old. Analysis
      was performed by means of descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression
      models. The prevalence of use of public services stood at 56.3%. Men who used
      public health services most often were those with little education, no health
      plan, no partner, unemployed, who had more contact with nurses and other
      professionals, sought the services due to disease/symptoms/emergency, had
      difficulties with the service, rated health services as regular and chose
      attention and promptness as the most important aspects of health services -
      variables adjusted for family income, economic class and need for treatment.
      Men's health care should be reorganized according to factors linked to the use of
      health services by them, with the promotion of greater contact between health
      services and men and the centering of assistance on users, expanding men's
      participation in promotional and preventive practices.

PMID- 28076552
TI  - Perceptions about men's health in a gender relational perspective, Brazil, 2014.
AB  - The goal of this article is to assess the perception of male health from the
      viewpoint of men and women. The study drew from a random sample of men aged 20 to
      59 who were SUS (Unified Healthcare System) users and resided in the capitals of
      Brazilian states and the Federal District. Participants were interviewed by
      phone. Sociodemographic variables and variables related to perception of
      healthcare services, health status and health care were recorded. Logistic
      regression was used to assess failure to seek service and good and very good self
      care. The majority of the study population considers it has no health problem,
      especially men. The main reason for failure to seek treatment is no access to
      services, although both men and women claim the healthcare services receive them
      adequately. Over 40% of men and almost 30% of women self-medicate. Men believe
      they are taking good care of their health, while women have a different
      perception of this. Perceptions differ when we take into consideration age, years
      of schooling, ethnicity and occupation.

PMID- 28076553
TI  - Acupuncture in Brazil's Unified Health System - an analysis based on different
      health management tools.
AB  - The integration of Integrative and Complementary Practices into public health
      systems has been the subject of national and international debate. In Brazil, the
      National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices guides the integration
      of acupuncture into the Unified Health System (UHS). This article explored the
      availability and/or accessibility of acupuncture in the UHS in 26 municipalities
      in the XIII Health Region of the State of Sao Paulo between 2001 and 2011, based
      on the analysis of Municipal Health Plans, Annual Management Reports and
      complementary data obtained from Information Systems. The data was analyzed using
      a framework for policy analysis based on: context, process, content and actors.
      Results show that the legislative framework provides a favorable environment;
      however public funding for these activities is particularly limited. Only
      government actors participated in the decision-making processes; the plans and
      reports contained inconsistencies both in structure and in the references made to
      acupuncture; the process showed that the policy helped to describe the
      organization of the provision of acupuncture services. The study concludes that
      the integration of acupuncture and use of health management and planning tools is
      limited in the 26 municipalities and that this precludes monitoring and maintains
      these practices on the periphery of the system.

PMID- 28076554
TI  - [Training of health professionals in breastfeeding and its association with
      knowledge, skills and practices].
AB  - A cross-sectional study was conducted in the 15 hospitals with over 1000
      deliveries/year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to verify the association between
      training of health professionals in breastfeeding and professional knowledge,
      skills and practices. Interviews were staged with 215 health professionals, 48.4%
      working in Baby-Friendly Hospitals, by means of a questionnaire adapted from the
      revalidation instrument of the initiative. The three dichotomized outcomes were
      subjected to bivariate and multivariate analysis. Adjusted prevalence ratios were
      obtained by the Poisson regression model: 48.1% of the professionals had adequate
      knowledge, 58.9% adequate skills and 74.9% reported adequate practice.
      Theoretical and practical training >= 18 hours considered adequate (by 65.6% of
      the professionals) showed a significant association with professional knowledge
      (aPR = 1.575), skills (aPR = 1.530) and practices (aPR = 1.312). Less working
      experience was associated with less knowledge (aPR = 0.723), but with better
      practices (aPR = 1.183). Nursing staff reported better practices than physicians
      (aPR = 0.808) and other categories (aPR = 0.658). The study concludes that
      training contributes to improved breastfeeding knowledge, skills and practices
      that are essential for maternal and child care.

PMID- 28076555
TI  - [Qualitative research as a vocation?Resposta dos autores].

PMID- 28076556
TI  - [Is it possible to generalize in qualitative studies?]

PMID- 28076557
TI  - ?
AB  - [This corrects the article doi: 10.1590/1413-812320152112.17532016].

PMID- 28076558
TI  - Visual impairment and autism in children: when the ophthalmologist makes the
      difference.

PMID- 28076559
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effect of lycopene on endotoxin-induced uveitis in rats.
AB  - Purpose:: We evaluated the efficacy of lycopene, a dietary carotenoid and potent
      antioxidant, against ocular inflammation and oxidative stress in an experimental
      uveitis model. Methods:: Endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) was induced in Sprague
      Dawley rats by a single subcutaneous injection of 200 MUg lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS). Induction of EIU was preceded by daily intraperitoneal injection of 10
      mg/kg lycopene for three consecutive days (Lycopene + LPS group) or equivolume
      vehicle (Vehicle + LPS group). A positive control group received 1 mg/kg
      dexamethasone pretreatment (DEX + LPS), and a negative control group received
      daily vehicle injection but no LPS (Vehicle Control). Twenty-four hours after LPS
      or final vehicle administration, eyes were enucleated, and aqueous humor was
      collected for measurement of the number of infiltrating cells, total protein
      concentration, and levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and oxidative stress markers. Inflammatory response
      severity was compared among groups clinically and histopathologically. Results::
      Infiltrating cell number, total protein concentration, and NO, TNF-alpha, and IL
      6 levels were significantly elevated in the aqueous humor of Vehicle + LPS group
      rats compared to Vehicle Controls. Compared to the Vehicle + LPS group, lycopene
      pretreatment significantly reduced aqueous humor concentrations of oxidative
      stress markers, NO (0.29 +/- 0.1 MUM vs. 0.19 +/- 0.1 MUM, p=0.003), TNF-alpha
      (71.0 +/- 22.3 ng/ml vs. 50.1 +/- 2.1 ng/ml, p=0.043), and IL-6 (121.6 +/- 3.0
      pg/ml vs. 111.1 +/- 5.6 pg/ml, p=0.008). Inflammatory score was also reduced (2.0
      +/- 0.0 vs. 0.4 +/- 0.5, p=0.001). Lycopene reduced the infiltrating cell count
      and protein concentration, but differences did not reach significance. Most
      lycopene effects were equivalent to dexamethasone. Conclusions:: Lycopene may aid
      in the clinical management of uveitis by suppressing inflammation and oxidative
      stress.

PMID- 28076560
TI  - Evaluation of anterior segment parameters using Scheimpflug technology during the
      Valsalva maneuver in patients with keratoconus.
AB  - Purpose:: This study aimed to explore the effects of the Valsalva maneuver (VM)
      on ectatic corneas during anterior segment tomography scans using a Scheimpflug
      camera. Methods:: This prospective observational study included 100 eyes of 50
      patients with bilateral keratoconus (KC). Anterior segment tomography was first
      performed when the patients were in a resting position and immediately repeated
      as the participant performed VM. Scheimpflug images were taken using a
      Pentacam(r). Results:: The mean age of the participants was 24.14 +/- 6.59 years.
      Of the 100 eyes included in the study, 7% had stage 1 KC, 47% had stage 2 KC, 32%
      had stage 3 KC, and 14% had stage 4 KC. The indices of KC were not significantly
      affected by VM. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were found
      between the stages of KC, or with the mean pachymetric progression index during
      VM. Pupil diameter showed a statistically significant increase during VM
      (p=0.017). There was a statistically significant decrease in the anterior chamber
      angle measurement during VM (p=0.001). Maximum curvature power in the front of
      the cornea decreased more during VM in stage 4 KC than for the other stages
      (p=0.014). Conclusions:: No changes associated with VM were found in the KC
      indices or the stage of the disease. However, an increase in pupil diameter and a
      decrease in anterior chamber angle value were found. These changes were
      comparable to values obtained from previous studies performed on normal corneas.

PMID- 28076561
TI  - Visual outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using donor corneas
      without removal of Descemet membrane and endothelium.
AB  - Purpose:: The optical quality of the interface after deep anterior lamellar
      keratoplasty (DALK) using the big-bubble technique has been shown to be
      excellent, leading to results comparable to penetrating keratoplasty. However,
      there is little in the literature with respect to the controversy surrounding the
      preparation of the donor cornea. The purpose of this study was to evaluate visual
      acuity (VA) in patients with keratoconus who underwent DALK without removal of
      the donor graft endothelium. Methods:: The records of 90 patients who underwent
      DALK without the removal of the Descemet membrane (DM) and endothelium were
      retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included uncorrected VA (UCVA) and
      spectacle-corrected VA (SCVA) at 7, 30, 180 days, and 1 year postoperatively.
      Contact lens-corrected visual acuity (CLVA) was evaluated after 1 year of the
      procedure. Results:: UCVA was significantly better than preoperative values at 7
      days (p<0.001), 30 days (p<0.001), 180 days (p<0.001), and 1 year (p<0.001) after
      surgery. The 1-year postoperative mean SCVA and CLVA also improved when compared
      with preoperative SCVA (p<0.001 for both). Conclusions:: DALK utilizing donor
      corneas with attached Descemet membrane and endothelium results in satisfactory
      VA in patients with keratoconus.

PMID- 28076562
TI  - Mycophenolate mofetil as an immunomodulator in refractory noninfectious uveitis.
AB  - Purpose:: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)
      for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis using the methods advocated by the
      Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) Working Group and to compare this
      with other studies of immunosuppression in ocular inflammation. Methods::
      Retrospective case series. Patients with noninfectious uveitis, followed at a
      tertiary Uveitis Service in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 2007 to 2014 and receiving
      oral MMF for a minimum of 6 months, were retrospectively reviewed. After reaching
      an optimal dose of MMF, patients were evaluated after 6 (T6), 12 (T12), and 24
      months (T24). The optimal dose varied for each patient (medium 2.2 g/day, range
      1.0-3.0 g/day). The main outcome measures were: 1) success on achieving complete
      control of inflammation in both eyes and/or oral prednisone dosage reduction to
      <=10 mg per day, and 2) the length of time required to reduce oral prednisone to
      <=10 mg/day, partial control of ocular inflammation, and side effects. Results::
      In a cohort of 16 patients with refractory noninfectious uveitis, 67% reached the
      ideal prednisone dose after 1 year of MMF treatment and 83% after 2 years of MMF
      treatment. Complete or partial inflammation control was achieved in 43.7% at T12.
      Two patients (14%) had disease remission after 4.7 years of MMF treatment.
      Adverse effects were gastrointestinal disturbances, infection, insomnia, and
      liver function abnormalities at a rate of 0.03 patient-year each. Conclusions::
      This small retrospective case series is consistent with the literature concerning
      the high efficacy and moderate tolerability of MMF in noninfectious uveitis.
      Observation of patients should be continued for at least 1 year to clearly
      determine MMF efficacy.

PMID- 28076563
TI  - Influence of the epiretinal membrane on ranibizumab therapy outcomes in patients
      with diabetic macular edema.
AB  - Purpose:: To investigate the influence of the epiretinal membrane (ERM) on
      intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME).
      Methods:: This retrospective study included 56 eyes of 48 patients with DME
      divided into two groups: the DME with ERM (study) and only DME (control) groups.
      Changes in the central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity
      (BCVA) were evaluated. Results:: In the study group, although the CMT was
      significantly reduced following the first injection (p<0.001), BCVA did not
      improve significantly (p=0.296). However, after the first injection, the control
      group exhibited both a significant decrease in CMT (p<0.001) and improvement in
      BCVA (p<0.001). However, the improvement in BCVA in the control group was not
      significantly different from the outcome of the study group. Conclusions:: We
      observed a negative short-term influence of the ERM on IVR treatment for DME.

PMID- 28076564
TI  - Atopic keratoconjunctivitis: long-term results of medical treatment and
      penetrating keratoplasty.
AB  - Purpose:: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of medically or surgically treated
      patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC). Methods:: Charts of 16 patients
      with AKC (32 eyes) observed between 1996 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively.
      Outcome measures included demographic features, follow-up duration, and
      biomicroscopic findings at the first and most recent visits. The corrected
      distance visual acuity (CDVA; in decimal units) was evaluated at the initial
      visit and the 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits. Results:: In the medically
      treated group (25 eyes of 15 patients), the median follow-up duration was 3
      (range, 1-9) years, and the median CDVA values were 0.01 (0.001-1.0) at the first
      visit and 0.01 (0.001-0.8) at the most recent visit (p=0.916). In the penetrating
      keratoplasty (PK) group (7 eyes of 6 patients), the median follow-up duration was
      7 years (range, 1-11), and the median CDVA increased from 0.01 (0.001-0.01) to
      0.2 (0.001-0.7) postoperatively (p=0.043). Conclusion:: Whereas most AKC patients
      maintained a useful CDVA with medical treatment, PK may be required in some
      cases. Despite the frequent occurrence of complications, PK can significantly
      improve the CDVA.

PMID- 28076565
TI  - Effect of corneal biomechanical properties on surgically-induced astigmatism and
      higher-order aberrations after cataract surgery.
AB  - Purpose:: To investigate the relationship between biomechanical properties of the
      cornea and postoperative refractive changes in patients with low-level
      astigmatism after cataract surgery. Methods:: This prospective study recruited
      patients undergoing cataract surgery involving 2.8-mm superior incisions.
      Biomechanical properties of the cornea were evaluated preoperatively using the
      Ocular Response Analyzer, and corneal profiles were evaluated using a Scheimpflug
      system (Pentacam HR). Topographic astigmatism, total corneal aberrations (TCA)
      and higher-order corneal aberrations (HOCA) analyses were performed
      preoperatively and during 1- and 3-month postoperative exams. The incidences of
      surgically-induced astigmatism (SIA) and HOCAs were calculated using vector
      analyses. Associations of the preoperative biomechanical properties of the cornea
      with SIA and HOCAs were evaluated. Results:: This study included 28 eyes of 28
      patients. The preoperative corneal hysteresis (CH) was 8.68 +/- 1.86 mmHg, and
      the corneal resistance factor (CRF) was 8.66 +/- 1.61 mmHg. At the 1-month
      postoperative evaluation, significant changes were observed in HOCAs (p=0.023),
      TCAs (p=0.05), astigmatism (p=0.02), and trefoil (p=0.033); in contrast,
      differences in coma (p=0.386) and spherical aberration (SA) were not significant
      (p=0.947). At the 3-month visit, significant changes were only observed in TCAs
      (p=0.02) and HOCAs (p=0.012). No relationships between the preoperative corneal
      hysteresis and corneal resistance factor and postoperative SIA and HOCA were
      identified, other than a positive correlation between the 3-month postoperative
      incidence of corneal hysteresis and spherical aberration. Conclusions:: Despite
      the observed lack of relationships of preoperative biomechanical properties of
      the cornea with SIA and postoperative aberrations (except for SA), further
      studies involving larger patient groups are needed to explore the unexpected
      refractive deviations after cataract surgery.

PMID- 28076566
TI  - Efficacy of aflibercept on exudative age-related macular degeneration in patients
      exhibiting complete ranibizumab resistance and tachyphylaxis.
AB  - Purpose:: The present study compared the efficacy of aflibercept for neovascular
      age-related macular degeneration (NV-AMD) in patients with complete ranibizumab
      resistance and tachyphylaxis. Methods:: Forty-four eyes of 38 neovascular age
      related macular degeneration patients were evaluated. Eyes were divided into a
      complete resistance group (n=23 eyes) and tachyphylaxis group (n=21 eyes).
      Results:: After three injections, eight (38.1%) patients in the tachyphylaxis
      group and nine (39.1%) in the complete resistance group presented with macular
      dryness. After the first injection of aflibercept, the mean visual acuity
      improved significantly in the tachyphylaxis group (p=0.018) but remained
      unchanged in the complete resistance group (p=0.37). There was a non-significant
      trend towards improved mean visual acuity in both groups after the second and
      third injections relative to the acuity at the final visit for ranibizumab
      treatment. In the tachyphylaxis group, the presence of subfoveal pigmented
      epithelium detachment (PED) decreased significantly after intravitreal
      aflibercept treatment. Conclusions:: Although treatment with aflibercept yielded
      generally positive anatomical results in both groups, no significant increase in
      visual acuity was achieved.

PMID- 28076567
TI  - Full-field electroretinogram recorded with skin electrodes in normal adults.
AB  - Purpose:: Alternative recording methods have been tested to allow the
      electroretinogram (ERG) recording in uncooperative patients and/or patients with
      palpebral alterations, including recordings with skin electrodes. The purpose of
      this study was to compare ERG recorded with skin electrodes and well-established
      microfiber electrodes and to determine normative values of ERG parameters for
      recording with skin electrodes. Methods:: Fifty healthy volunteers (17-26 years;
      mean 20.63 +/- 2.01 years) participated in the study. A gold disk skin electrode
      was placed on the lower orbital rim of a randomly chosen eye. On the
      contralateral eye, a microfiber electrode was positioned in the lower
      conjunctival sac. Gold disc electrodes were positioned at the ipsilateral outer
      canthus of both eyes acting as reference electrodes for the creation of a
      potential difference. Two ground electrodes were placed on the lobe of each ear.
      ERGs were recorded according to the International Society of Clinical
      Electrophysiology Visual (ISCEV) protocol using the VERIS 5.1.9 system for data
      acquisition and analysis. Results:: Both types of electrodes showed similar wave
      response morphologies. The implicit time of responses between the two electrodes
      was comparable. On peak-to-peak amplitude, skin electrode recordings showed an
      amplitude reduction of 61.4% for rod responses, 61.5% for maximal responses,
      46.2% for oscillatory potentials, 57.4% for cone responses, and 54.4% for 30Hz
      flicker responses, when compared with microfiber electrode recordings. Based on
      these findings, normative values for peak-to-peak amplitude and implicit time to
      be used as a reference for ERGs recorded with skin electrodes were determined.
      Conclusions:: ERGs recorded with skin electrodes presented lower peak-to-peak
      amplitude compared with microfiber electrodes. However, using appropriate
      normative values, skin electrodes may be useful for specific target populations
      such as uncooperative infants and/or patients with ocular surface alterations.

PMID- 28076568
TI  - Immunohistochemical analysis of retinoblastoma cell phenotype using neuronal and
      glial cell markers.
AB  - Purpose:: The cellular origin of retinoblastoma is uncertain as constituent tumor
      cells heterogeneously express markers of both immature and mature retinal cells.
      An immunohistochemical analysis of cellular origin may yield valuable insights
      into disease progression and treatment options. This study aimed to determine the
      cellular origin of retinoblastoma in a large case series and correlate these
      findings with histopathological prognostic factors. Methods:: Thirty-nine
      retinoblastoma cases were histopathologically diagnosed and analyzed by
      immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against the immature neural cell
      marker SRY-box containing gene 2 (SOX-2), the mature neuronal cell marker
      microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), and the mature glial cell marker glial
      fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Histopathological features were also evaluated,
      including patterns of growth, differentiation, vitreous seeding, and
      choroidal/scleral, optic nerve, and anterior chamber invasion. Two retinoblastoma
      cell lines, WERI-1 and Y79, were studied by immunocytochemistry using the same
      antibodies. Results:: Expression of SOX-2 was strong in 97.4% of retinoblastoma
      cases, while MAP-2 was expressed in 59% of cases. Immunostaining for GFAP was
      positive only in reactive stromal astrocytes interspersed amongst tumor cells and
      in peritumoral tissue. There was no correlation between histopathological
      prognostic factors and immunohistochemical markers. Retinoblastoma cell lines
      showed strong positivity for SOX2 (90% of WERI-1 cells and 70% of Y79 cells) and
      MAP2 (90% of cells in both lines). GFAP was completely negative in both cell
      lines. Conclusion:: The majority of retinoblastomas and both RB cell lines
      expressed an immature neural and/or a mature neuronal cell marker, but not a
      glial marker. These results indicate a typical neuroblast or neuronal origin and
      eliminate astrocyte differentiation from neural stem cells as the source of
      retinoblastoma.

PMID- 28076569
TI  - Optical coherence tomography of macular atrophy associated with microcephaly and
      presumed intrauterine Zika virus infection.
AB  - This case report describes the retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      findings in a microcephalic infant with macular atrophy presumably caused by
      intrauterine Zika virus infection. OCT demonstrated atrophy of the outer retinal
      layers and choriocapillaris, including the outer nuclear layer and ellipsoid
      zone, associated with retinal pigment epithelium hyper-reflectivity and increased
      OCT penetration into deeper layers of the choroid and sclera. A major concern
      associated with this infection is the apparent increased incidence of
      microcephaly in fetuses born to mothers infected with the Zika virus. It is
      becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the upsurge in congenital microcephaly
      observed in Brazil. Recently, ocular findings in infants with microcephaly
      associated with intrauterine Zika virus infection have been described. This is
      the first report of OCT imaging of macular atrophy in a child with presumed Zika
      virus infection-associated microcephaly.

PMID- 28076570
TI  - Bilateral retinal vasculitis in a patient with lichen planus.
AB  - Lichen planus (LP) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease of unknown etiology
      that commonly affects the skin and mucous membranes. Retinal vasculitis is a
      group of vision-threatening disorders, in which autoimmunity is thought to play a
      role in pathogenesis. We present the case of a patient who was diagnosed with
      retinal vasculitis and who was followed up for mucosal LP. LP has not been
      reported as a cause of retinal vasculitis in the literature. We believe that the
      retinal vasculitis in this case was related to LP because cellular immunity plays
      a role in the pathogenesis of both entities.

PMID- 28076571
TI  - Pupilloplasty in a patient with true polycoria: a case report.
AB  - Here we report a case of surgical pupilloplasty in an adult with true polycoria.
      A 44-year old man was referred to our clinic with a best-corrected visual acuity
      (BCVA) of 0.5 diopters (D) in his left eye. Biomicroscopy revealed two pupils
      within a 2.5-mm central zone, with diameters of 1.2 and 1.1 mm. Both pupils had
      real iris sphincters and responded to light and chemical stimulation. Therefore,
      we surgically cut the bridge between the two pupils without any intraoperative or
      postoperative complications. One month after the surgery, BCVA had improved to
      0.9 D, and the final pupil was almost round, measuring 2.7 mm in diameter.

PMID- 28076572
TI  - Iris metastases from systemic cancer: a report of three cases.
AB  - Ocular metastasis is relatively uncommon, with a reported incidence of
      approximately 8%, according to the results of autopsy evaluation. The majority of
      ocular metastases are located within the choroid, while metastatic tumors
      affecting the iris are rare. Metastatic tumors may manifest as stromal nodules or
      ill-defined iris thickening, or they may present with nonspecific features such
      as pain, iridocyclitis, and hyphema. Here, we describe three patients with iris
      metastasis and discuss the diagnostic challenges and unusual findings associated
      with these cases.

PMID- 28076573
TI  - Dacryoliths causing intermittent epiphora associated with a patent lacrimal
      system.
AB  - We present two patients with dacryoliths and patent lacrimal drainage with
      intermittent tearing and without infection. Dacryoliths can be present in the
      lacrimal sac or lacrimal duct without acute or chronic inflammation. In these
      cases, we believe dacryolith formation was a causative factor of intermittent
      epiphora even with a patent drainage system, and we propose that dacryoliths and
      even fungal colonization formation may be the first event before dacryocystitis
      and should be considered as a cause of epiphora.

PMID- 28076574
TI  - Macular hemorrhage after roller coaster riding in a single-eyed patient with
      congenital glaucoma.
AB  - A 21-year-old female presented with a 4-day history of decreased vision in her
      only functional eye (right eye, OD). She had a history of multiple ocular
      surgeries in both eyes because of congenital glaucoma and had lost light
      perception in her left eye several years prior. Ophthalmological examination
      revealed 0.15 Snellen visual acuity, and fundoscopy revealed nearly total cupping
      and pallor of the optic disc and multiple retinal hemorrhagic foci in the macula
      in OD. Lesions spontaneously resolved over a few months. Gravitational forces
      during a roller coaster ride may have caused this macular hemorrhage.

PMID- 28076575
TI  - Selective laser trabeculoplasty as an initial treatment option for open-angle
      glaucoma.
AB  - Although eye drops are frequently used as an initial treatment option for open
      angle glaucoma (OAG), side effects, and poor adherence, among others, may
      compromise treatment efficacy. In this scenario, laser trabeculoplasty is an
      interesting therapeutic option for open angle glaucoma cases. Commonly used for
      many years as a last alternative prior to glaucoma incisional surgery, laser
      trabeculoplasty has been changing its indication after the advent of selective
      laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). In the current review, we critically evaluated the
      published data regarding the use of laser trabeculoplasty as a first treatment
      option for open angle glaucoma patients. Studies using SLT as a first-line
      treatment have encouraging findings. One-year efficacy results are comparable to
      those obtained with prostaglandin analogues, with a good safety profile. Although
      the laser's effect is known to be transitory, recent data suggest it can be
      successfully repeated in cases with good response to the first SLT treatment.

PMID- 28076576
TI  - [Optimization of registry of deaths from chronic kidney disease in agricultural
      communities in Central America].
AB  - Several Central American countries are seeing continued growth in the number of
      deaths from chronic kidney disease of nontraditional causes (CKDnT) among farm
      workers and there is underreporting. This report presents the results of a
      consensus process coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization/World
      Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention (CDC), and the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension
      (SLANH). This consensus seeks to increase the probability of detecting and
      recording deaths from these causes. There has been recognition of the negative
      impact of the lack of a standardized instrument and the lack of training in the
      medical profession for adequate registration of the cause or causes of death. As
      a result of the consensus, the following has been proposed: temporarily use a
      code from the Codes for Special Purposes in the International Classification of
      Diseases (ICD-10); continue to promote use of the WHO international standardized
      instrument for recording causes and preceding events related to death; increase
      training of physicians responsible for filling out death certificates; take
      action to increase the coverage and quality of information on mortality; and
      create a decision tree to facilitate selection of CKDnT as a specific cause of
      death, while presenting the role that different regional and subregional
      mechanisms in the Region of the Americas should play in order to improve CKD and
      CKDnT mortality records.

PMID- 28076577
TI  - Chronic kidney disease of nontraditional etiology in Central America: a
      provisional epidemiologic case definition for surveillance and epidemiologic
      studies.
AB  - SYNOPSIS Over the last two decades, experts have reported a rising number of
      deaths caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD) along the Pacific coast of Central
      America, from southern Mexico to Costa Rica. However, this specific disease is
      not associated with traditional causes of CKD, such as aging, diabetes, or
      hypertension. Rather, this disease is a chronic interstitial nephritis termed
      chronic kidney disease of nontraditional etiology (CKDnT). According to the Pan
      American Health Organization (PAHO) mortality database, there are elevated rates
      of deaths related to kidney disease in many of these countries, with the highest
      rates being reported in El Salvador and Nicaragua. This condition has been
      identified in certain agricultural communities, predominantly among male
      farmworkers. Since CKD surveillance systems in Central America are under
      development or nonexistent, experts and governmental bodies have recommended
      creating standardized case definitions for surveillance purposes to monitor and
      characterize this epidemiological situation. A group of experts from Central
      American ministries of health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention (CDC), and PAHO held a workshop in Guatemala to discuss CKDnT
      epidemiologic case definitions. In this paper, we propose that CKD in general be
      identified by the standard definition internationally accepted and that a suspect
      case of CKDnT be defined as a person age < 60 years with CKD, without type 1
      diabetes mellitus, hypertensive diseases, and other well-known causes of CKD. A
      probable case of CKDnT is defined as a suspect case with the same findings
      confirmed three or more months later.

PMID- 28076578
TI  - Confirmed clinical case of chronic kidney disease of nontraditional causes in
      agricultural communities in Central America: a case definition for surveillance.
AB  - Over the last 20 years, many reports have described an excess of cases of chronic
      kidney disease (CKD) in the Pacific coastal area of Central America, mainly
      affecting male farmworkers and signaling a serious public health problem. Most of
      these cases are not associated with traditional risk factors for CKD, such as
      aging, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. This CKD of nontraditional causes
      (CKDnT) might be linked to environmental and/or occupational exposure or working
      conditions, limited access to health services, and poverty. In response to a
      resolution approved by the Directing Council of the Pan American Health
      Organization (PAHO) in 2013, PAHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention, and the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension (SLANH)
      organized a consultation process in order to expand knowledge on the epidemic of
      CKDnT and to develop appropriate surveillance instruments. The Clinical Working
      Group from SLANH was put in charge of finding a consensus definition of a
      confirmed clinical case of CKDnT. The resulting definition establishes mandatory
      criteria and exclusion criteria necessary for classifying a case of CKDnT. The
      definition includes a combination of universally accepted definitions of CKD and
      the main clinical manifestations of CKDnT. Based on the best available evidence,
      the Clinical Working Group also formulated general recommendations about clinical
      management that apply to any patient with CKDnT. Adhering to the definition of a
      confirmed clinical case of CKDnT and implementing it appropriately is expected to
      be a powerful instrument for understanding the prevalence of the epidemic,
      evaluating the results of interventions, and promoting appropriate advocacy and
      planning efforts.

PMID- 28076579
TI  - Factors that influence career choice in primary care among medical students
      starting social service in Honduras.
AB  - Objective: To 1) describe patterns of specialty choice; 2) investigate
      relationships between career selection and selected demographic indicators; and
      3) identify salary perception, factors that influence career choice in primary
      care, and factors that influence desired location of future medical practice.
      Methods: The study used a mixed-methods approach that included a cross-sectional
      questionnaire survey applied to 234 last-year medical students in Honduras
      (September 2014), and semi-structured interviews with eight key informants
      (October 2014). Statistical analysis included chi-square and factor analysis. An
      alpha level of 0.05 was used to determine significance. Results: In the
      qualitative analysis, several codes were associated with each other, and five
      major themes emerged. Primary care careers were the preferred choice for 8.1% of
      students, who preferred urban settings for future practice location. The
      perceived salary of specialties other than primary care was significantly higher
      than those of general practitioners, family practitioners, and pediatricians (P <
      0.001). Participants considered "making a difference," income, teaching,
      prestige, and challenging work the most important factors influencing career
      choice. Practice in ambulatory settings was significantly associated with a
      preference for primary care specialties (P = < 0.05). Logistic regression
      analysis found that factors related to patient-based care were statistically
      significant for selecting primary care (P = 0.006). The qualitative analysis
      further endorsed the survey findings, identifying additional factors that
      influence career choice (future work option; availability of residency positions;
      and social factors, including violence). Rationales behind preference of a
      specialty appeared to be based on a combination of ambition and prestige, and on
      personal and altruistic considerations. Conclusions: Most factors that influence
      primary care career choice are similar to those found in the literature. There
      are several factors distinctive to medical students in Honduras-most of them
      barriers to primary care career choice.

PMID- 28076580
TI  - [(CAG)n polymorphism of the ATXN2 gene, a new marker of susceptibility for type 2
      diabetes mellitus].
AB  - Objective: Estimate whether there is an association between the (CAG)n repeat in
      the ATXN2 gene in the Mexican population and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).
      Methods: Epidemiological case-control study, including healthy people and
      diabetics. (CAG)n expansion was detected by end-point polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR). PCR outputs were analyzed by electrophoresis (PAGE 8%) and silver nitrate
      staining. Results: (CAG)n nucleotide allele distribution in the study population
      was similar to that reported in central Mexico. The 22-repeat allele is the most
      frequent; however, there is an association with carriers of long repeats in the
      normal range with diabetes. Conclusions: The results suggest that the (CAG)n
      repeat of the ATXN2 gene could be a causal factor for type 2 DM.

PMID- 28076581
TI  - [Social determinants of health and convergence in health agendas of regional
      agencies in South America].
AB  - Objective: Characterize areas of interinstitutional cooperation and converging
      health agendas of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization
      (PAHO/WHO), the Health Council of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR),
      and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) in South America based on
      social determinants of health. Methods: A qualitative study based on official
      documentary sources from the three organizations, using a comparative analysis of
      the health agendas of these agencies and the Rio Political Declaration on Social
      Determinants of Health (2011). Information was systematized using an analytical
      matrix that identifies convergences in the respective agendas. Results:
      Development of the health agendas of these agencies is influenced by various
      international forces such as Member States' foreign policy, international
      cooperation strategies and models, and the institutions' political and strategic
      guidelines. These agendas reveal efforts to strengthen blocs, cooperation
      mechanisms, and coordinated programmatic actions. Conclusions: The agendas of
      PAHO/WHO, the UNASUR Health Council, and ACTO point towards opportunities for
      convergence in various programmatic areas, emphasizing social determinants of
      health. Based on the overall agreements of the Rio Declaration as an analytical
      framework with recommendations in five decision-making spheres, structural
      cooperation actions can be carried out in the region's countries, jointly
      mediated by these agencies.

PMID- 28076582
TI  - Interventions that facilitate sustainable jobs and have a positive impact on
      workers' health: an overview of systematic reviews.
AB  - Objective: To identify interventions that facilitate sustainable jobs and have a
      positive impact on the health of workers in health sector workplaces. Methods:
      This overview utilized systematic review methods to synthesize evidence from
      multiple systematic reviews and economic evaluations. A comprehensive search was
      conducted based on a predefined protocol, including specific inclusion criteria.
      To be classified as "sustainable," interventions needed to aim (explicitly or
      implicitly) to 1) have a positive impact on at least two key dimensions of the
      integrated framework for sustainable development and 2) include measures of
      health impact. Only interventions conducted in, or applicable to, health sector
      workplaces were included. Results: Fourteen systematic reviews and no economic
      evaluations met the inclusion criteria for the overview. The interventions that
      had a positive impact on health included 1) enforcement of occupational health
      and safety regulations; 2) use of the "degree of experience rating" feature of
      workers' compensation; 3) provision of flexible working arrangements that
      increase worker control and choice; 4) implementation of certain organizational
      changes to shift work schedules; and 5) use of some employee participation
      schemes. Interventions with negative impacts on health included 1)
      downsizing/restructuring; 2) temporary and insecure work arrangements; 3)
      outsourcing/home-based work arrangements; and 4) some forms of task
      restructuring. Conclusions: What is needed now is careful implementation, in
      health sector workplaces, of interventions likely to have positive impacts, but
      with careful evaluation of their effects including possible adverse impacts. Well
      evaluated implementation of the interventions (including those at the pilot-study
      stage) will contribute to the evidence base and inform future action.
      Interventions with negative health impacts should be withdrawn from practice
      (through regulation, where possible). If use of these interventions is necessary,
      for other reasons, considerable care should be taken to ensure an appropriate
      balance between business needs and human health and well-being.

PMID- 28076583
TI  - [Social factors associated with use of prenatal care in Ecuador].
AB  - Objectives: Prenatal care is a pillar of public health, enabling access to
      interventions including prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and
      congenital syphilis. This paper describes social factors related to use of
      prenatal care in Ecuador. Methods: In 2011 and 2012, participant clinical history
      and interview information was analyzed from a national probability sample of 5
      998 women presenting for delivery or miscarriage services in 15 healthcare
      facilities in Ecuador, to estimate prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and Chagas
      disease, and prenatal care coverage. Results: The study found that 94.1% of women
      had attended at least one prenatal visit, but that attendance at no less than
      four visits was 73.1%. Furthermore, lower educational level, greater number of
      pregnancies, occupation in the agriculture or livestock sector, and membership in
      ethnic indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, or other minority groups were factors
      associated with lack of use (no prenatal visits) or insufficient use of prenatal
      care (fewer than four visits or first visit at >20 weeks gestation) in Ecuador.
      Conclusions: These results point to persistence of marked inequalities in access
      to and use of prenatal health services attributable to socioeconomic factors and
      to the need to strengthen strategies to address them, to reach the goal of
      universal prenatal care coverage.

PMID- 28076584
TI  - Impact of bullying victimization on suicide and negative health behaviors among
      adolescents in Latin America.
AB  - Objective: To compare the prevalence of bullying victimization, suicidal
      ideation, suicidal attempts, and negative health behaviors (current tobacco use,
      recent heavy alcohol use, truancy, involvement in physical fighting, and
      unprotected sexual intercourse) in five different Latin American countries and
      determine the association of bullying victimization with these outcomes,
      exploring both bullying type and frequency. Methods: Study data were from Global
      School-based Student Health Surveys from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Peru, and
      Uruguay, which covered nationally representative samples of school-going
      adolescents. The surveys used a two-stage clustered sample design, sampling
      schools and then classrooms. Logistic regression models were run to determine the
      statistical significance of associations with bullying. Results: Among the 14 560
      school-going adolescents included in this study, the prevalence of any bullying
      victimization in the past 30 days was 37.8%. Bullying victimization was
      associated with greater odds of suicidal ideation with planning (adjusted odds
      ratio (AOR): 3.12; P < 0.0001) and at least one suicide attempt (AOR: 3.07; P <
      0.0001). An increasing exposure-response effect of increasing days of bullying
      victimization on suicide outcomes was also observed. Bullying victimization was
      associated with higher odds of current tobacco use (AOR: 2.14; P < 0.0001);
      truancy (AOR: 1.76; P < 0.0001); physical fighting (AOR: 2.40; P < 0.0001); and
      unprotected sexual intercourse (AOR: 1.77; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Although the
      prevalence of bullying victimization varied by country, its association with
      suicidal ideation and behavior and negative health behaviors remained relatively
      consistent. Addressing bullying needs to be made a priority in Latin America, and
      an integrated approach that also includes mental and physical health promotion is
      needed.

PMID- 28076585
TI  - [Priorities of clinical drug trials in Brazil and neglected diseases of poverty].
AB  - Objective: To identify clinical drug trials performed in Brazil between 2012 and
      2015, with emphasis on those focusing on neglected diseases of poverty. Method:
      Two clinical trial registries, ReBEC (Brazilian registry) and ClinicalTrials.gov
      were surveyed. The following aspects were investigated: distribution of clinical
      trials in relation to the burden of disease in Brazil, distribution of trials
      regarding their focus on diseases of poverty vs. diseases not linked to poverty,
      phase of trials, performing institution, and type of funding (private, public, or
      mixed). Results: The search revealed 866 eligible trials, 88 registered in ReBEC
      and 778 in ClinicalTrials.gov. Of these, 73 (8.5%) were phase I trials, 610
      (70.5%) were phase II and III trials, and 183 (21%) were phase IV trials. There
      were 38 trials (4%) focusing on neglected diseases of poverty. Regarding the
      burden of disease, 734 (84.8%) trials focused on noncommunicable diseases, which
      in fact represent the largest burden of disease in Brazil. Most trials were
      carried out by pharmaceutical companies (55.3%), with predominance of private
      funding (57.1%); however, if only the diseases of poverty are considered, 63.1%
      were financed by public resources. Conclusions: The clinical drug trials carried
      out in Brazil in the study period are in agreement with the proportional burden
      of disease for the country. However, the neglected diseases of poverty were not
      prioritized. More effective action is necessary to redirect clinical research on
      drug development to meet national needs.

PMID- 28076586
TI  - Predictors of readiness for oral rapid HIV testing by Chilean health care
      providers.
AB  - Objective: This study identified the personal characteristics that affect Chilean
      health care providers' readiness to adopt HIV Oral Rapid Testing (ORT) in Chile
      as a new clinical evidence-based practice (EBP). Methods: Using a cross-sectional
      research design, the study sampled 150 nurses, midwives, and physicians employed
      at four clinics within the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Health
      Network in Santiago. Participants completed a self-administered survey asking
      about their demographic background, EBP attitudes and experience, personal
      beliefs related to HIV, the importance of HIV testing, and perceived self-comfort
      in performing a rapid HIV test. Results: Of the participants, 90% believed that
      incorporating ORT would make a positive difference in their practice and said
      that they would be willing to adopt the technology for that reason. Nonetheless,
      the providers reported a mean "readiness to implement ORT" score of 15.1 out of a
      possible value of 20, suggesting only moderate self-perceived readiness to adopt
      the EBP. Education, beliefs about evidence-based practice, perceived comfort in
      performing ORT, and perceived importance of HIV testing explained 43.6% of the
      variance in readiness to adopt ORT. Conclusion: The findings of this first ORT
      pre-implementation study in Chile can help guide policy makers and HIV
      stakeholders to prepare for and increase primary health care providers' readiness
      to successfully adopt this evidence-based technology. Successful adoption of ORT
      could increase Chile's capacity to reach HIV-vulnerable Chileans for testing and
      referral to care if infected, thus helping the country to reduce further
      transmission of the virus and its medical complications.

PMID- 28076587
TI  - [Interventions to improve access to health services by indigenous peoples in the
      Americas].
AB  - Objective: Synthesize evidence on effectiveness of interventions designed to
      improve access to health services by indigenous populations. Methods: Review of
      systematic reviews published as of July 2015, selecting and analyzing only
      studies in the Region of the Americas. The bibliographic search encompassed
      MEDLINE, Lilacs, SciELO, EMBASE, DARE, HTA, The Cochrane Library, and
      organization websites. Two independent reviewers selected studies and analyzed
      their methodological quality. A narrative summary of the results was produced.
      Results: Twenty-two reviews met the inclusion criteria. All selected studies were
      conducted in Canada and the United States of America. The majority of the
      interventions were preventive, to surmount geographical barriers, increase use of
      effective measures, develop human resources, and improve people's skills or
      willingness to seek care. Topics included pregnancy, cardiovascular risk factors,
      diabetes, substance abuse, child development, cancer, mental health, oral health,
      and injuries. Some interventions showed effectiveness with moderate or high
      quality studies: educational strategies to prevent depression, interventions to
      prevent childhood caries, and multicomponent programs to promote use of child
      safety seats. In general, results for chronic non-communicable diseases were
      negative or inconsistent. Conclusions: Interventions do exist that have potential
      for producing positive effects on access to health services by indigenous
      populations in the Americas, but available studies are limited to Canada and the
      U.S. There is a significant research gap on the topic in Latin America and the
      Caribbean.

PMID- 28076588
TI  - [Essential competencies in training in obstetrics].
AB  - Objective: Analyze international reports related to training in obstetrics and
      present guidelines to help leading educational institutions to develop curriculum
      guidelines for the teaching of obstetrics and advanced nursing practice in this
      specialty. Methods: A narrative review was conducted of documents from the World
      Health Organization and the International Confederation of Midwives. The search
      used the descriptors midwifery and education. All official reports that guide
      midwife education policies, published from 2009 to 2015 in English and Spanish,
      and available online, were included. Reports that did not specifically refer to
      training were excluded. Results: Five reports were selected. Analysis and
      synthesis of their respective objectives and contents were based on three themes:
      requirements for professional qualification, continuing education, and guidelines
      for skilled training in obstetrics, taking into account accepted core
      competencies for this specialty. Conclusions: Analysis of reports related to
      training in obstetrics identified that key tasks are being implemented for both
      educators and midwives. The reports represent a solid basis to develop
      educational policies that can contribute to universal access and coverage in
      health and to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, and potentially can be
      used to guide international policies.

PMID- 28076589
TI  - Time volunteered on community health activities by brigadistas in Nicaragua.
AB  - Objective: To report on how brigadistas ("health brigadiers") in Nicaragua
      volunteer their time before the introduction of expanded responsibilities (beyond
      the scope of integrated community case management (iCCM)) for sick children 2-59
      months old. Methods: Three complete teams of brigadistas (n = 12 brigadistas
      total) were selected from remote communities in the department of Matagalpa. Each
      respondent brigadista was interviewed privately regarding the frequency and
      duration (i.e., preparation, round-trip travel, and implementation time) of 13
      separate activities. The correlation between their overall estimates and summed
      times of individual activities were measured. Results: Brigadista mean density
      was 1 per 156 total population (range: 120-217). Each team had one encargado/a
      ("manager") with an iCCM drug box plus two to four asistentes ("assistants"). All
      resided in the community they served. Eight reported competing time demands
      during one to nine months of the year. Brigadistas volunteered an average of 75
      hours per month (range: 35-131). Encargados were busier than asistentes (98
      versus 68 hours per month). Three activities accounted for 70% of their time: 1)
      iCCM (30%: treatment (11%), follow-up (19%)); 2) receiving training (21%); and 3)
      promoting birth planning (19%). Brigadistas' time was divided among preparation
      (12%), travel (27%), and implementation (61%). Overall estimates were highly
      correlated (+0.70) with summed implementation time. Conclusions: Brigadistas from
      these remote Nicaraguan communities were busy with different activities, levels
      of effort, and patterns of task-sharing. These findings, plus an ongoing job
      satisfaction survey and a follow-on time study after the introduction of the new
      interventions, will inform policy for this valuable volunteer cadre.

PMID- 28076590
TI  - Effect of maternal exercises on biophysical fetal and maternal parameters: a
      transversal study.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the acute effects of maternal and fetal hemodynamic
      responses in pregnant women submitted to fetal Doppler and an aerobic physical
      exercise test according to the degree of effort during the activity and the
      impact on the well-being. Methods: Transversal study with low risk pregnant
      women, obtained by convenience sample with gestational age between 26 to 34
      weeks. The participants carry out a progressive exercise test. Results: After the
      exercise session, reduced resistance (p=0.02) and pulsatility indices (p=0.01)
      were identified in the umbilical artery; however, other Doppler parameters
      analyzed, in addition to cardiotocography and fetal biophysical profile did not
      achieve significant change. Maternal parameters obtained linear growth with
      activity, but it was not possible to establish a standard with the Borg scale,
      and oxygen saturation remained stable. Conclusion: A short submaximal exercise
      had little effect on placental blood flow after exercise in pregnancies without
      complications, corroborating that healthy fetus maintains homeostasis even in
      situations that alter maternal hemodynamics. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos agudos
      de respostas hemodinamicas maternas e fetais em gestantes submetidas a Doppler
      fetal e a um teste de exercicio fisico aerobio, de acordo com o grau de esforco
      durante a atividade e o impacto sobre o bem-estar. Metodos: Estudo transversal
      desenvolvido com gestantes de baixo risco, por amostra de conveniencia com idade
      gestacional entre 26 e 34 semanas. As participantes realizam um teste de esforco
      progressivo. Resultados: Na arteria umbilical, apos sessao de exercicio fisico,
      identificou-se a reducao do indice de resistencia (p=0,02) e do indice de
      pulsatilidade (p=0,01), mas os demais parametros Doppler analisados, alem da
      cardiotocografia e do perfil biofisico fetal, nao obtiveram alteracao
      significativa. Os parametros maternos obtiveram crescimento linear com a
      atividade, mas nao foi possivel estabelecer padrao com a escala de Borg, e a
      saturacao de oxigenio se manteve estavel. Conclusao: O esforco submaximo curto
      teve pouco efeito sobre o fluxo de sangue da placenta apos o exercicio em
      gestacoes sem complicacoes, corroborando que o feto higido mantem a homeostase
      mesmo em situacoes que alterem a hemodinamica materna.

PMID- 28076591
TI  - Urban versus rural lifestyle in adolescents: associations between environment,
      physical activity levels and sedentary behavior.
AB  - Objective: To analyze the levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior in
      adolescents living in urban and rural areas. Methods: An epidemiological, cross
      section study with quantitative design, carried out at the regional level. The
      sample comprised 6,234 students aged 14 to 19 years, selected using random
      cluster sampling. The chi2 test and binary logistic regression were used in the
      analysis. Results: A total of 74.5% of adolescents lived in urban areas. After
      adjustment, rural residents spent less time watching television (odds ratio - OR:
      0.45; 95% confidence interval - 95%CI: 0.39-0.52), using a computer and/or
      playing video games (OR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.22-0.42), or sitting down (OR: 0.66;
      95%CI: 0.54-0.80); chose passive leisure less often (OR: 0.83; 95%IC: 0.72-0.95)
      and were less likely to be classified as insufficiently active (OR: 0.88; 95%IC:
      0.78-0.99) when compared to urban residents, regardless of sex or age. The fact
      that adolescents living in rural areas who did not work were more likely to be
      classified as insufficiently active (OR: 2.59; 95%CI: 2.07-3.24) emphasized the
      significant role of occupation in physical activity levels in this group.
      Conclusion: Adolescents living in rural areas were less exposed to the sedentary
      behaviors, chose more active leisure, and had higher levels of physical activity.
      Place of residence and occupation may play a major role in youth lifestyle.
      Objetivo: Analisar os niveis de atividade fisica e o comportamento sedentario em
      adolescentes das areas urbanas e rurais. Metodos: Estudo epidemiologico,
      transversal, com abordagem quantitativa e abrangencia estadual, cuja amostra foi
      constituida por 6.234 estudantes (14 a 19 anos), selecionados por meio de uma
      estrategia de amostragem aleatoria de conglomerados. As analises foram realizadas
      por meio do teste chi2 e da regressao logistica binaria. Resultados: Na amostra,
      74,5% dos adolescentes eram residentes em area urbana. Apos o ajuste, constatou
      se que os adolescentes oriundos da area rural usavam menos televisao (odds ratio 
      OR: 0,45; intervalo de confianca de 95% - IC95%: 0,39-0,52), computador e/ou
      videogame (OR: 0,30; IC95%: 0,22-0,42), passavam menos tempo sentados (OR: 0,66;
      IC95%: 0,54-0,80), optaram menos pelo lazer passivo (OR: 0,83; IC95%: 0,72-0,95)
      e tinham menos chances de serem classificados como insuficientes ativos (OR:
      0,88; IC95%: 0,78-0,99), quando comparados aqueles que residiam na area urbana,
      independentemente do sexo e da idade. Os adolescentes da area rural que nao
      trabalhavam apresentaram mais chances de serem classificados como
      insuficientemente ativos (OR: 2,59; IC95%: 2,07-3,24), mostrando que a ocupacao
      tinha um papel importante no nivel de atividade fisica deste grupo. Conclusao: Os
      adolescentes residentes na area rural estiveram menos expostos aos comportamentos
      sedentarios, optaram mais por um lazer ativo e apresentaram um melhor nivel de
      atividade fisica, podendo a zona de domicilio e a ocupacao influenciar no estilo
      de vida deles.

PMID- 28076592
TI  - Assessment of laparoscopic skills of Gynecology and Obstetrics residents after a
      training program.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate laparoscopic skills of third-year Gynecology and
      Obstetrics residents after training at a training and surgical experimentation
      center. Methods: Use of a prospective questionnaire analyzing demographic data,
      medical residency, skills, competences, and training in a box trainer and in
      pigs. Results: After the training, there was significant improvement in
      laparoscopic skills according to the residents (before 1.3/after 2.7; p=0.000)
      and preceptors (before 2.1/after 4.8; p=0.000). There was also significant
      improvement in the feeling of competence in surgeries with level 1 and 2 of
      difficulty. All residents approved the training. Conclusion: The training was
      distributed into 12 hours in the box trainer and 20 hours in animals, and led to
      better laparoscopic skills and a feeling of more surgical competence in
      laparoscopic surgery levels 1 and 2. Objetivo: Avaliar a habilidade laparoscopica
      dos residentes do terceiro ano de residencia medica em Ginecologia e Obstetricia
      apos treinamento em um centro de treinamento e experimentacao cirurgica. Metodos:
      Aplicacao de questionario de forma prospectiva analisando dados demograficos, da
      residencia medica, da habilidade, da competencia e do treinamento em caixa preta
      e em porcas. Resultados: Apos o treinamento, houve melhora da habilidade em
      laparoscopia de forma significativa na avaliacao dos residentes (antes 1,3/depois
      2,7; p=0,000) e preceptores (antes 2,1/depois 4,8; p=0,000). Houve melhora
      significativa na sensacao de competencia em cirurgias de niveis 1 e 2 de
      dificuldade. Todos os residentes aprovaram o treinamento. Conclusao: O
      treinamento dividido em 12 horas de caixa preta e 20 horas em animais trouxe
      melhora na habilidade em laparoscopia e na sensacao de melhora na competencia
      cirurgica em cirurgias laparoscopicas de niveis 1 e 2.

PMID- 28076593
TI  - Brachial insertion of fully implantable venous catheters for chemotherapy:
      complications and quality of life assessment in 35 patients.
AB  - Objective: To prospectively evaluate the perioperative safety, early
      complications and satisfaction of patients who underwent the implantation of
      central catheters peripherally inserted via basilic vein. Methods: Thirty-five
      consecutive patients with active oncologic disease requiring chemotherapy were
      prospectively followed up after undergoing peripheral implantation of indwelling
      venous catheters, between November 2013 and June 2014. The procedures were
      performed in the operating room by the same team of three vascular surgeons. The
      primary endpoints assessed were early postoperative complications, occurring
      within 30 days after implantation. The evaluation of patient satisfaction was
      based on a specific questionnaire used in previous studies. Results: In all
      cases, ultrasound-guided puncture of the basilic vein was feasible and the
      procedure successfully completed. Early complications included one case of
      basilic vein thrombophlebitis and one case of pocket infection that did not
      require device removal. Out of 35 patients interviewed, 33 (94.3%) would
      recommend the device to other patients. Conclusion: Implanting brachial ports is
      a feasible option, with low intraoperative risk and similar rates of early
      postoperative complications when compared to the existing data of the
      conventional technique. The patients studied were satisfied with the device and
      would recommend the procedure to others. Objetivo: Avaliar prospectivamente
      seguranca perioperatoria, complicacoes precoces e grau de satisfacao de pacientes
      submetidos ao implante de cateteres centrais de insercao periferica pela veia
      basilica. Metodos: Foram acompanhados prospectivamente e submetidos ao implante
      de cateteres de longa permanencia de insercao periferica, entre novembro de 2013
      e junho de 2014, 35 pacientes consecutivos com doenca oncologica ativa
      necessitando de quimioterapia. Os procedimentos foram realizados em centro
      cirurgico por uma mesma equipe composta por tres cirurgioes vasculares. Os
      desfechos primarios avaliados foram as complicacoes pos-operatorias precoces,
      ocorridas em ate 30 dias apos o implante. A avaliacao do grau de satisfacao foi
      realizada com base na aplicacao de um questionario especifico ja utilizado em
      estudos previos. Resultados: Em todos os casos, a puncao ecoguiada da veia
      basilica foi possivel, e o procedimento foi concluido com sucesso. As
      complicacoes precoces observadas incluiram um caso de tromboflebite de basilica e
      um de infeccao de bolsa, ambos tratados clinicamente sem necessidade de retirada
      do dispositivo. Dos 35 pacientes interrogados, 33 (94,3%) recomendariam o
      dispositivo para outras pessoas. Conclusao: A implantacao do port braquial e uma
      opcao factivel, com baixo risco intraoperatorio e taxas semelhantes de
      complicacoes pos-operatorias imediatas quando comparada a dados ja existentes da
      tecnica convencional. Os pacientes estudados apresentaram-se satisfeitos com o
      dispositivo e recomendariam o procedimento para outras pessoas.

PMID- 28076594
TI  - Predictive factors of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting.
AB  - Objective: To analyze predictive demographic and perioperative variables of
      postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients who underwent exclusively coronary
      artery bypass grafting. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort. We randomly
      selected 105 medical records of patients who underwent exclusively coronary
      artery bypass grafting in 2014. Demographic, clinical (preoperative and immediate
      postoperative) data and related with surgical procedure were collected from
      medical records. The occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was
      considered until the third day after the surgery. Variables were analyzed using
      descriptive and inferential statistics. To identify predictive factors of
      postoperative atrial fibrillation we used a decision tree model with
      Classification and Regression Trees algorithm. Results: Atrial fibrillation
      incidence was 19.0% (n=20). Patients with left atrial >40.5mm and aged >64.5
      years were more likely to develop the arrhythmia during the post-surgical period.
      Conclusion: Left atrial diameter and advanced age were predictive factors of
      atrial fibrillation in patients who underwent exclusively coronary artery bypass
      grafting. Objetivo: Analisar as variaveis demograficas e perioperatorias
      preditivas de fibrilacao atrial pos-operatoria em pacientes brasileiros
      submetidos exclusivamente a cirurgia de revascularizacao do miocardio. Metodos:
      Trata-se de coorte retrospectiva. A amostra foi constituida de 105 prontuarios de
      pacientes submetidos exclusivamente a revascularizacao do miocardio no ano de
      2014, selecionados aleatoriamente. Dados demograficos, clinicos (preoperatorios e
      do pos-operatorio imediato) e relacionados ao procedimento cirurgico foram
      coletados por meio de consulta ao prontuario. A ocorrencia de fibrilacao atrial
      no pos-operatorio foi considerada ate o terceiro dia apos a cirurgia. As
      variaveis foram analisadas por estatistica descritiva e inferencial. Para
      identificar os fatores preditivos de fibrilacao atrial no pos-operatorio,
      utilizou-se um modelo de arvore de decisao com algoritmo Classification and
      Regression Trees. Resultados: A incidencia de fibrilacao atrial pos-operatoria
      foi de 19,0% (n=20). Pacientes com atrio esquerdo >40,5mm e idade >64,5 anos
      foram aqueles com mais chance de desenvolver a arritmia no pos-operatorio.
      Conclusao: Tamanho do atrio esquerdo e idade avancada foram fatores preditivos de
      fibrilacao atrial em pacientes submetidos exclusivamente a cirurgia de
      revascularizacao do miocardio.

PMID- 28076595
TI  - Short version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21: is it valid for
      Brazilian adolescents?
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the interday reproducibility, agreement and validity of
      the construct of short version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 applied
      to adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of adolescents of both sexes, aged
      between 10 and 19 years, who were recruited from schools and sports centers. The
      validity of the construct was performed by exploratory factor analysis, and
      reliability was calculated for each construct using the intraclass correlation
      coefficient, standard error of measurement and the minimum detectable change.
      Results: The factor analysis combining the items corresponding to anxiety and
      stress in a single factor, and depression in a second factor, showed a better
      match of all 21 items, with higher factor loadings in their respective
      constructs. The reproducibility values for depression were intraclass correlation
      coefficient with 0.86, standard error of measurement with 0.80, and minimum
      detectable change with 2.22; and, for anxiety/stress: intraclass correlation
      coefficient with 0.82, standard error of measurement with 1.80, and minimum
      detectable change with 4.99. Conclusion: The short version of the Depression
      Anxiety Stress Scale-21 showed excellent values of reliability, and strong
      internal consistency. The two-factor model with condensation of the constructs
      anxiety and stress in a single factor was the most acceptable for the adolescent
      population. Objetivo: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade interdias, a concordancia e a
      validade do construto da versao reduzida da Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21
      aplicada a adolescentes. Metodo: A amostra foi composta por adolescentes de ambos
      os sexos, com idades entre 10 e 19 anos, recrutados de escolas e centros
      esportivos. A validade de construto foi realizada por analise fatorial
      exploratoria, e a confiabilidade foi calculada para cada construto, por meio de
      coeficiente de correlacao intraclasse, erro padrao de medida e mudanca minima
      detectavel. Resultados: A analise fatorial combinando os itens correspondentes a
      ansiedade e estresse em um unico fator, e depressao em um segundo fator
      apresentou melhor adequacao de todos os 21 itens, com cargas fatoriais mais altas
      em seus respectivos construtos. Os valores de reprodutibilidade para a depressao
      foram coeficiente de correlacao intraclasse com 0,86, erros padrao de medida com
      0,80 e mudanca minima detectavel com 2,22 e, para a ansiedade/estresse, foram
      coeficiente de correlacao intraclasse com 0,82, erro padrao de medida com 1,80 e
      mudanca minima detectavel com 4,99. Conclusao: A versao reduzida da Depression
      Anxiety Stress Scale-21 apresentou excelentes valores de confiabilidade e tambem
      uma forte consistencia interna. O modelo de dois fatores com a condensacao dos
      construtos ansiedade e estresse em um unico fator foi o mais aceitavel para a
      populacao adolescente.

PMID- 28076596
TI  - Prevalence of inter-hemispheric asymetry in children and adolescents with
      interdisciplinary diagnosis of non-verbal learning disorder.
AB  - Objective: To describe clinical and epidemiological features of children and
      adolescents with interdisciplinary diagnosis of non-verbal learning disorder and
      to investigate the prevalence of inter-hemispheric asymmetry in this population
      group. Methods: Cross-sectional study including children and adolescents referred
      for interdisciplinary assessment with learning difficulty complaints, who were
      given an interdisciplinary diagnosis of non-verbal learning disorder. The
      following variables were included in the analysis: sex-related prevalence,
      educational system, initial presumptive diagnoses and respective prevalence,
      overall non-verbal learning disorder prevalence, prevalence according to school
      year, age range at the time of assessment, major family complaints, presence of
      inter-hemispheric asymmetry, arithmetic deficits, visuoconstruction impairments
      and major signs and symptoms of non-verbal learning disorder. Results: Out of 810
      medical records analyzed, 14 were from individuals who met the diagnostic
      criteria for non-verbal learning disorder, including the presence of inter
      hemispheric asymmetry. Of these 14 patients, 8 were male. Conclusion: The high
      prevalence of inter-hemispheric asymmetry suggests this parameter can be used to
      predict or support the diagnosis of non-verbal learning disorder. Objetivo:
      Descrever as caracteristicas clinicas e epidemiologicas de criancas e
      adolescentes com transtorno de aprendizagem nao verbal, e investigar a
      prevalencia de assimetria inter-hemisferica neste grupo populacional. Metodos:
      Estudo transversal que incluiu criancas e adolescentes encaminhados para uma
      avaliacao interdisciplinar, com queixas de dificuldades de aprendizagem e que
      receberam diagnostico interdisciplinar de transtorno de aprendizagem nao verbal.
      As variaveis avaliadas foram prevalencia por sexo, sistema de ensino, hipoteses
      diagnosticas iniciais e respectivas prevalencias, prevalencia de condicoes em
      relacao a amostra total, prevalencia geral do transtorno de aprendizagem nao
      verbal, prevalencia de acordo com ano escolar, faixa etaria no momento da
      avaliacao, principais queixas familiares, presenca assimetria inter-hemisferica,
      dificuldade em aritmetica, alteracoes em visuoconstrucao, e principais sinais e
      sintomas do transtorno de aprendizagem nao verbal. Resultados: Dos 810
      prontuarios medicos analisados, 14 eram de individuos que preencheram os
      criterios diagnosticos para transtorno de aprendizagem nao verbal, incluindo a
      assimetria inter-hemisferica. Destes 14 pacientes, 8 eram do sexo masculino.
      Conclusao: A alta prevalencia de assimetria inter-hemisferica sugere que este
      parametro possa ser usado como preditor ou reforcador para diagnostico de
      transtorno de aprendizagem nao verbal.

PMID- 28076597
TI  - Oral health evaluation in special needs individuals.
AB  - Objective: To identify the prevalence of the main oral problems present in
      special needs children and to relate the underlying conditions with the clinical
      and demographic variables. Methods: The study was based on the physical
      examination of 47 students from the Associacao de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais
      diagnosed as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and intellectual deficit. For data
      collection, we used a self-administered questionnaire that included indices of
      dental caries and oral hygiene, Angle classification, malposition of dental
      groups and oral hygiene habits. Results: The predominant age group was 12-25
      years (46.8%) and most patients were male (55.3%). Regarding daily brushing,
      63.8% reported brushing their teeth three times a day, and 85.1% did it by
      themselves. A total of 48.9% were rated as Angle class I, and 25.5% had no type
      of malocclusion. A high dental carries index (decayed, missing, filled >10) was
      observed in 44.7%, and 53.2% had inadequate oral hygiene (zero to 1.16). There
      was a statistically significant difference between cerebral palsy and the act of
      the participants brushing their teeth by themselves. Conclusion: There was a high
      decayed-missing-filled teeth index and malocclusion class I, as well as
      inadequate oral hygiene. The type of underlying condition of the participants
      influenced the act of brushing teeth by themselves. Objetivo: Conhecer a
      prevalencia dos principais problemas bucais em criancas com necessidades
      especiais, e relacionar as doencas de base com variaveis clinicas e demograficas.
      Metodos: O estudo foi realizado a partir de exame clinico em 47 alunos da
      Associacao de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais com diagnostico medico de sindrome
      de Down, paralisia cerebral e deficit intelectual. Para a coleta de dados, foi
      utilizado um questionario autoaplicativo com indices de carie dentaria e higiene
      oral, classificacao de Angle, malposicao de grupos dentarios e habitos de higiene
      oral. Resultados: A faixa etaria predominante foi de 12 a 25 anos (46,8%) e a
      maioria era do sexo masculino (55,3%). Em relacao a escovacao dentaria, 63,8%
      relataram escovar os dentes tres vezes ao dia, sendo que 85,1% realizavam-na
      sozinhos. Constatou-se que 48,9% dos examinados apresentavam uma classificacao de
      Angle tipo I e 25,5% nao apresentavam qualquer tipo de maloclusao. Os avaliados
      (44,7%) apresentaram alto indice de carie dentaria (cariados, perdidos e
      obturados >10) e 53,2% apresentaram higiene oral inadequada (zero a 1,16). Houve
      diferenca estatisticamente significativa entre a paralisia cerebral e o ato de
      escovar os dentes sozinho. Conclusao: Constataram-se altos indices de carie e de
      maloclusao classe I, alem de inadequada higiene oral. Houve influencia do tipo de
      patologia de base na realizacao do ato de escovar os dentes sozinhos.

PMID- 28076598
TI  - Minor intraoral salivary gland tumors: a clinical-pathological study.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the clinical-pathological profile of patients with minor
      salivary gland neoplasms. Methods: A retrospective study of specific cases
      diagnosed as benign and malignant tumors of the minor salivary glands was
      performed. The data were collected from medical records of patients seen at a
      hospital over a period of 15 years. The sample was made up of 37 cases. For the
      pathological study, slides containing 5MUm thick sections stained with
      hematoxylin and eosin were used. The data were tabulated using descriptive
      statistics. Results: Malignant neoplasms represented 70.3% of cases. The
      mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common neoplasm (45.9%), followed by
      pleomorphic adenoma (24.4%). Most patients were female (70.3%), aged between 71
      and 80 years. The palate (67.6%) and the retromolar region (10.8%) were the most
      affected sites. Conclusion: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common tumor in
      minor salivary glands. These tumors are more common in females aged over 40
      years. The palate was the most common affected site. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil
      clinico-patologico de pacientes com neoplasias de glandula salivar menor.
      Metodos: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de casos especificos
      diagnosticados como neoplasias benignas ou malignas de glandula salivar menor. Os
      dados foram coletados dos prontuarios dos pacientes atendidos em um hospital no
      periodo de 15 anos. A amostra final foi de 37 casos. Para o estudo
      histopatologico, foram usadas laminas contendo seccoes com 5MUm de espessura,
      coradas pela tecnica de hematoxilina e eosina. Os dados foram tabulados de forma
      descritiva. Resultados: As neoplasias malignas representaram 70,3% dos casos. O
      tipo histologico mais prevalente foi o carcinoma mucoepidermoide (45,9%), seguido
      do adenoma pleomorfico (24,4%). A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino
      (70,3%), com idade entre 71 e 80 anos. O palato (67,6%) e a regiao retromolar
      (10,8%) foram os sitios mais acometidos. Conclusao: O carcinoma mucoepidermoide
      foi o tumor mais comum das glandulas salivares menores. Estes tumores foram mais
      comuns em mulheres com mais de 40 anos. O palato foi o sitio mais acometido.

PMID- 28076599
TI  - Applicability of the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy Patients with Diabetes in
      Brazilian elderly.
AB  - Objective: To translate, adapt and evaluate the properties of a Brazilian
      Portuguese version of the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy Patients with
      Diabetes, which is a questionnaire that evaluate diabetes knowledge. Methods: A
      cross-sectional study with type 2 diabetes patients aged >=60 years, seen at a
      public healthcare organization in the city of Sao Paulo (SP). After the
      development of the Portuguese version, we evaluated the psychometrics properties
      and the association with sociodemographic and clinical variables. The regression
      models were adjusted for sociodemographic data, functional health literacy,
      duration of disease, use of insulin, and glycemic control. Results: We evaluated
      129 type 2 diabetic patients, with mean age of 75.9 (+/-6.2) years, mean
      scholling of 5.2 (+/-4.4) years, mean glycosylated hemoglobin of 7.2% (+/-1.4),
      and mean score on Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy Patients with Diabetes of
      42.1% (+/-25.8). In the regression model, the variables independently associated
      to Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy Patients with Diabetes were schooling
      (B=0.193; p=0.003), use of insulin (B=1.326; p=0.004), duration of diabetes
      (B=0.053; p=0.022) and health literacy (B=0.108; p=0.021). The determination
      coefficient was 0.273. The Cronbach a was 0.75, demonstrating appropriate
      internal consistency. Conclusion: This translated version of the Spoken Knowledge
      in Low Literacy Patients with Diabetes showed to be adequate to evaluate diabetes
      knowledge in elderly patients with low schooling levels. It presented normal
      distribution, adequate internal consistency, with no ceiling or floor effect. The
      tool is easy to be used, can be quickly applied and does not depend on reading
      skills. Objetivo: Traduzir, adaptar e avaliar as propriedades de uma versao, em
      portugues do Brasil, do Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy Patients with Diabetes,
      um questionario que avalia conhecimento em diabetes. Metodos: Estudo transversal,
      em diabeticos tipo 2, com idade >=60 anos de uma instituicao publica de saude, em
      Sao Paulo (SP). Apos o desenvolvimento da versao na lingua portuguesa, foram
      avaliadas suas propriedades psicometricas e associacao com variaveis
      sociodemograficas e clinicas. Os modelos de regressao foram ajustados para dados
      sociodemograficos, alfabetismo funcional em saude, tempo de doenca, uso de
      insulina e controle glicemico. Resultados: Foram avaliados 129 diabeticos, com
      media de idade de 75,9 (+/-6,2) anos, escolaridade media de 5,2 (+/-4,4) anos,
      hemoglobina glicada media de 7,2% (+/-1,4) e valor medio do Spoken Knowledge in
      Low Literacy Patients with Diabetes de 42,1% (+/-25,8). No modelo de regressao,
      as variaveis associadas de forma independente ao Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy
      Patients with Diabetes foram escolaridade (B=0,193; p=0,003), uso de insulina
      (B=1,326; p=0,004), tempo de doenca (B=0,053; p=0,022) e alfabetismo em saude
      (B=0,108; p=0,021). O coeficiente de determinacao foi de 0,273. O a de Cronbach
      apresentou valor de 0,75, revelando consistencia interna adequada. Conclusao:
      Esta versao traduzida do Spoken Knowledge in Low LiteraFcy Patients with Diabetes
      mostrou-se adequada para avaliar conhecimentos em diabetes em idosos de baixa
      escolaridade, apresentando distribuicao normal, consistencia interna adequada,
      sem a presenca de efeito teto ou chao. O instrumento teve boa aplicabilidade, ja
      que pode ser administrado de maneira rapida e nao depende da capacidade de
      leitura.

PMID- 28076600
TI  - Use of cuff tear arthroplasty head prosthesis for rotator cuff arthropathy
      treatment in elderly patients with comorbidities.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the clinical and functional behavior of patients
      undergoing cuff tear arthroplasty at different stages of the disease. Methods:
      Cuff tear arthroplasty hemiarthroplasties were performed in 34 patients with
      rotator cuff arthropathy and associated comorbidities, classified according to
      Seebauer. The mean age was 76.3 years, and the sample comprised 23 females
      (67.6%) and 11 males (32.4%). The mean follow-up period was 21.7 months, and
      evaluations were performed using the Visual Analog Scale for pain and the
      Constant scale. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in
      the mean reduction in the Visual Analog Scale or in the Constant scale increase
      between the female and male groups. The variation between the pre- and
      postoperative Visual Analog Scale and Constant scale evaluations was significant.
      There was also no statistically significant difference between the Seebauer
      classification groups regarding the mean Visual Analog Scale reduction, or the
      mean Constant scale increase. Conclusion: Cuff tear arthroplasty shoulder
      hemiarthroplasty is a good option for rotator cuff arthropathy in patients with
      comorbidities. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento clinico e funcional dos
      pacientes submetidos a artroplastia do tipo cuff tear arthroplasty para o
      tratamento da artropatia do manguito rotador em diferentes estagios da afeccao.
      Metodos: Foram realizadas 34 hemiartroplastias do tipo cuff tear arthroplasty em
      34 pacientes com artropatia do manguito rotador e comorbidades associadas,
      classificadas de acordo com Seebauer. A media de idade foi de 76,3 anos, sendo 23
      pacientes do sexo feminino (67,6%) e 11 do sexo masculino (32,4%). O seguimento
      medio foi de 21,7 meses e a avaliacao foi realizada por meio da Escala Visual
      Analogica da dor e pela escala de Constant. Resultados: Nao houve diferenca
      estatisticamente significante entre os grupos feminino e masculino, tanto nas
      medias de reducao na Escala Visual Analogica quanto nas de aumento na escala de
      Constant. A variacao entre as avaliacoes da Escala Visual Analogica e da escala
      de Constant pre e pos-operatorias foi significante. Nao houve diferenca
      estatisticamente significante entre os grupos de classificacao de Seebauer quanto
      as medias de reducao na Escala Visual Analogica e nem quanto as medias de aumento
      na escala de Constant, e nao houve casos de infeccao. Conclusao: A
      hemiartroplastia do ombro tipo cuff tear arthroplasty e boa uma opcao nos
      pacientes com artropatia do manguito rotador, especialmente em pacientes com
      comorbidades.

PMID- 28076601
TI  - Retrospective analysis of a case series of patients with traumatic injuries to
      the craniocervical junction.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the treatment, the characteristics
      of the lesions and the clinical outcome of patients with traumatic injuries to
      the craniocervical junction. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients
      treated conservatively or surgically between 2010 and 2013 with complete data
      sets. Results: We analyzed 37 patients, 73% were men with mean age of 41.7 years.
      Of these, 32% were submitted to initial surgical treatment and 68% received
      conservative treatment. Seven (29%) underwent surgery subsequently. In the
      surgical group, there were seven cases of odontoid type II fractures, two cases
      of fracture of posterior elements of the axis, one case of C1-C2 dislocation with
      associated fractured C2, one case of occipitocervical dislocation, and one case
      of combined C1 and C2 fractures, and facet dislocation. Only one patient had
      neurological deficit that improved after treatment. Two surgical complications
      were seen: a liquoric fistula and one surgical wound infection (reaproached). In
      the group treated conservatively, odontoid fractures (eight cases) and fractures
      of the posterior elements of C2 (five cases) were more frequent. In two cases, in
      addition to the injuries of the craniocervical junction, there were fractures in
      other segments of the spine. None of the patients who underwent conservative
      treatment presented neurological deterioration. Conclusion: Although injuries of
      craniocervical junction are relatively rare, they usually involve fractures of
      the odontoid and the posterior elements of the axis. Our results recommend early
      surgical treatment for type II odontoid fractures and ligament injuries, the
      conservative treatment for other injuries. Objetivo: Avaliar a correlacao entre o
      tratamento, as caracteristicas das lesoes e o resultado clinico em pacientes com
      lesoes traumaticas na juncao craniocervical. Metodos: Estudo retrospectivo de
      pacientes maiores de 18 anos tratados de forma conservadora ou cirurgica, entre
      2010 e 2013. Resultados: Foram analisados 37 pacientes, 73% eram do sexo
      masculino e a media de idade foi de 41,7 anos. Inicialmente 32% dos pacientes
      foram submetidos a tratamento cirurgico, e 68% foram submetidos a tratamento
      conservador. Sete pacientes (29%) do grupo conservador foram submetidos
      posteriormente a cirurgia. No grupo cirurgico, houve sete casos de fratura de
      odontoide tipo II, dois casos de fratura de elementos posteriores do axis, um
      caso de luxacao C1-C2, um caso de deslocamento occipito-cervical e um caso de
      fraturas de C1 e C2 e luxacao facetaria. Um paciente apresentava deficit
      neurologico, melhorando apos o tratamento. Houve duas complicacoes pos
      cirurgicas, uma fistula liquorica e uma infeccao de ferida operatoria
      (reabordada). No grupo conservador, predominaram as fraturas do odontoide (oito)
      e dos elementos posteriores de C2 (cinco). Em dois casos, havia tambem fraturas
      em outros segmentos da coluna. Nenhum dos pacientes deste grupo apresentou
      deterioracao neurologica. Conclusao: As lesoes da juncao craniocervical sao
      raras, sendo mais frequentes as fraturas do odontoide e dos elementos posteriores
      do axis. Nossos resultados recomendam o tratamento cirurgico precoce para os
      pacientes com fraturas do odontoide tipo II e lesoes ligamentares, e tratamento
      conservador para os demais pacientes.

PMID- 28076602
TI  - Incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in children whose fathers underwent
      vasectomy reversal or in vitro fertilization with epididymal sperm aspiration: a
      case-control study.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in
      individuals born from vasectomized fathers who underwent vasectomy reversal or in
      vitro fertilization with sperm retrieval by epididymal aspiration (percutaneous
      epididymal sperm aspiration). Methods: A case-control study comprising male
      children of couples in which the man had been previously vasectomized and chose
      vasectomy reversal (n=31) or in vitro fertilization with sperm retrieval by
      percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (n=30) to conceive new children, and a
      Control Group of male children of fertile men who had programmed vasectomies
      (n=60). Y-chromosome microdeletions research was performed by polymerase chain
      reaction on fathers and children, evaluating 20 regions of the chromosome.
      Results: The results showed no Y-chromosome microdeletions in any of the studied
      subjects. The incidence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in individuals born from
      vasectomized fathers who underwent vasectomy reversal or in vitro fertilization
      with spermatozoa recovered by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration did not
      differ between the groups, and there was no difference between control subjects
      born from natural pregnancies or population incidence in fertile men. Conclusion:
      We found no association considering microdeletions in the azoospermia factor
      region of the Y chromosome and assisted reproduction. We also found no
      correlation between these Y-chromosome microdeletions and vasectomies, which
      suggests that the assisted reproduction techniques do not increase the incidence
      of Y-chromosome microdeletions. Objetivo: Avaliar a incidencia de microdelecoes
      do cromossomo Y em individuos nascidos de pais vasectomizados submetidos a
      reversao de vasectomia ou fertilizacao in vitro com recuperacao de
      espermatozoides por aspiracao do epididimo (aspiracao percutanea de
      espermatozoides do epididimo). Metodos: Estudo caso-controle que compreende
      criancas do sexo masculino de casais em que o homem havia sido previamente
      vasectomizado e escolheu reversao da vasectomia (n=31) ou fertilizacao in vitro
      com recuperacao espermatica por aspiracao percutanea de espermatozoides do
      epididimo (n=30) para obtencao de novos filhos, e um Grupo Controle de criancas
      do sexo masculino de homens ferteis com vasectomia programada (n=60). A pesquisa
      de microdelecoes do cromossomo Y foi realizada por reacao em cadeia da polimerase
      nos pais e filhos, avaliando 20 regioes do cromossomo. Resultados: O resultado
      nao revelou microdelecoes do cromossomo Y em qualquer individuo estudado. A
      incidencia de microdelecoes do cromossomo Y em individuos nascidos de pais
      vasectomizados que sofreram reversao de vasectomia ou fertilizacao in vitro com
      espermatozoides recuperados pela aspiracao percutanea de espermatozoides do
      epididimo nao diferiu entre os grupos, e nao houve nenhuma diferenca entre
      individuos controle nascidos de gestacoes naturais ou incidencia populacional em
      homens ferteis. Conclusao: Nao foi encontrada nenhuma associacao considerando
      microdelecoes da regiao do fator de azoospermia no cromossomo Y e reproducao
      assistida. Nao houve correlacao entre microdelecoes do cromossomo Y e vasectomia,
      o que sugere que as tecnicas de reproducao assistida nao aumentam a incidencia de
      microdelecoes do cromossomo Y.

PMID- 28076603
TI  - Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate concentrations changes in rat spinal cord
      associated with the activation of urinary bladder afferents. A microdialysis
      study.
AB  - Objective: To determine adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels in the interstice of
      spinal cord L6-S1 segment, under basal conditions or during mechanical and
      chemical activation of urinary bladder afferents. Methods: A microdialysis probe
      was transversally implanted in the dorsal half of spinal cord L6-S1 segment in
      female rats. Microdialysate was collected at 15 minutes intervals during 135
      minutes, in anesthetized animals. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate concentrations were
      determined with a bioluminescent assay. In one group of animals (n=7)
      microdialysate samples were obtained with an empty bladder during a 10-minutes
      bladder distension to 20 or 40cmH2O with either saline, saline with acetic acid
      or saline with capsaicin. In another group of animals (n=6) bladder distention
      was performed and the microdialysis solution contained the ectonucleotidase
      inhibitor ARL 67156. Results: Basal extracellular adenosine triphosphate levels
      were 110.9+/-35.34fmol/15 minutes, (mean+/-SEM, n=13), and bladder distention was
      associated with a significant increase in adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels which
      was not observed after bladder distention with saline solution containing
      capsaicin (10uM). Microdialysis with solution containing ARL 67156 (1mM) was
      associated with significantly higher extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate
      levels and no further increase in adenosine 5'-triphosphate was observed during
      bladder distension. Conclusion: Adenosine 5'-triphosphate was present in the
      interstice of L6-S1 spinal cord segments, was degraded by ectonucleotidase, and
      its concentration increased following the activation of bladder mechanosensitive
      but not of the chemosensitive afferents fibers. Adenosine 5'-triphosphate may
      originate either from the central endings of bladder mechanosensitive primary
      afferent neurons, or most likely from intrinsic spinal neurons, or glial cells
      and its release appears to be modulated by capsaicin activated bladder primary
      afferent or by adenosine 5'-triphosphate itself. Objetivo: Determinar as
      concentracoes extracelulares do 5'-trifosfato de adenosina no intersticio dos
      segmentos medulares L6-S1, em condicoes basais ou durante a ativacao mecanica e
      quimica das fibras aferentes vesicais. Metodos: Um cateter de microdialise foi
      implantado no sentido transversal na parte dorsal da medula espinal, entre os
      segmentos L6-S1 de ratas. O microdialisado foi coletado em intervalos de 15
      minutos, durante 135 minutos, com os animais anestesiados. A concentracao de 5'
      trifosfato de adenosina nas amostras foi determinada mediante ensaio de
      bioluminescencia. Em um grupo de animais (n=7), as amostras de microdialisado
      foram obtidas com a bexiga vazia, com distensao da bexiga para volume de 20 ou
      40cmH2O, com solucao salina, solucao salina com acido acetico, ou solucao salina
      com capsaicina. Em outro grupo (n=6), foi realizada com a bexiga distendida, e a
      solucao para microdialise continha o inibidor de ectonucleotidase ARL 67156.
      Resultados: Os niveis extracelulares de trifosfato de adenosina no inicio do
      estudo foram 110,9+/-35,36fmol/15 minutos (media+/-EPM, n=13), e a distensao da
      bexiga causou um aumento nos niveis de 5'-trifosfato de adenosina, o que nao foi
      observado apos a distensao da bexiga com solucao salina contendo capsaicina
      (10uM). A microdialise com solucao contendo ARL 67156 (1mM) foi associada com
      significante aumento dos niveis de trifosfato de adenosina extracelular, e nenhum
      aumento do trifosfato de adenosina foi observado durante a distensao da bexiga.
      Conclusao: O 5'-trifosfato de adenosina esta presente no intersticio do segmento
      L6-S1 da medula espinal, e degradado por ectonucleotidases, e sua concentracao
      aumentou com a ativacao das fibras aferentes mecanossensiveis da bexiga, mas nao
      das quimiossensiveis. O 5'-trifosfato de adenosina pode ter sido liberado das
      terminacoes centrais dos neuronios aferentes primarios mecanossensiveis ou, mais
      provavelmente, de neuronios espinais intrinsecos, ou ainda de celulas gliais. Sua
      liberacao parece ser modulada por fibras aferentes primarias da bexiga ativadas
      pela capsaicina ou pelo proprio 5'-trifosfato de adenosina.

PMID- 28076604
TI  - Quality Program: what influences the opinion of nursing team.
AB  - Objective: To analyze the major impact variables in the opinion of nursing staff
      about the Quality Program of a teaching hospital. Methods: An exploratory
      descriptive study was performed with 72 nursing staff. Data were collected
      through self-administered questionnaire containing 24 statements about the
      Quality Program; and the degree of agreement of the participants was expressed in
      a Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed by factor analysis and Pearson's
      correlation coefficient. Results: The analysis grouped the statements in six
      factors. The Pearson's correlation coefficient defined a scale of influence of
      the variables within each factor, whose variable with the greatest impact in each
      factor is the priority issue for improving worker opinion about the Quality
      Program. The priority variables were to believe the Quality Program contributes
      to the hospital; to understand the program orientations; interest in hospital
      quality direction; and do not feel exhausted due to the program. Conclusion:
      These variables must be focused during the implementation and execution of
      Quality Program, as they have greater impact on improving opinion regarding the
      Quality Program and thus helping to increase compliance of the nursing staff to
      the program. Objetivo: Analisar as variaveis de maior impacto na opiniao dos
      trabalhadores de enfermagem sobre um Programa de Qualidade de um hospital de
      ensino. Metodos: Estudo exploratorio-descritivo, desenvolvido com 72
      trabalhadores de enfermagem, com dados coletados por meio de questionario
      autoaplicavel, contendo 24 afirmacoes com escala Likert sobre o Programa de
      Qualidade. Para analise dos dados, foram utilizados analise fatorial e
      coeficiente de correlacao de Pearson. Resultados: A analise agrupou as afirmacoes
      em seis fatores. O coeficiente de correlacao de Pearson definiu uma escala de
      influencia das variaveis dentro de cada fator, cuja variavel de maior impacto em
      cada fator representa a questao prioritaria para a melhoria da opiniao do
      trabalhador sobre o Programa de Qualidade. As variaveis prioritarias foram:
      acreditar que o Programa de Qualidade contribui para o hospital; compreender as
      orientacoes do programa; interessar-se pelos rumos de qualidade do hospital; e
      nao se sentir desgastado em funcao do programa. Conclusao: Estas variaveis devem
      ser focadas durante a implantacao e a execucao de um Programa de Qualidade, pois
      possuem maior impacto na melhoria da opiniao em relacao a ele, contribuindo para
      aumentar a adesao dos trabalhadores de enfermagem.

PMID- 28076605
TI  - Isolated primary amyloidosis of the inferior rectus muscle mimicking Graves'
      orbitopathy.
AB  - The diagnosis of Graves' orbitopathy is usually straightforward. However, orbital
      diseases that mimick some clinical signs of Graves' orbitopathy may cause
      diagnostic confusion, particularly when associated to some form of thyroid
      dysfunction. This report describes the rare occurrence of localized inferior
      rectus muscle amyloidosis in a patient with autoimmune hypothyroidism, who was
      misdiagnosed as Graves' orbitopathy. A 48-year-old man complained of painless
      progressive proptosis on the left side and intermittent vertical diplopia for 6
      months. The diagnosis of Graves' orbitopathy was entertained after magnetic
      resonance imaging revealing a markedly enlarged, tendon-sparing inferior rectus
      enlargement on the left side, and an autoimmune hypothyroidism was disclosed on
      systemic medical workup. After no clinical improvement with treatment, the
      patient was referred to an ophthalmologist and further investigation was
      performed. The presence of calcification in the inferior rectus muscle on
      computed tomography, associated with the clinical findings led to a diagnostic
      biopsy, which revealed amyloid deposition. This report emphasizes that a careful
      evaluation of atypical forms of Graves' orbitopathy may be crucial and should
      include, yet with rare occurrence, amyloidosis in its differential diagnosis.
      RESUMO O diagnostico de orbitopatia de Graves usualmente e facil de ser
      estabelecido. No entanto, doencas da orbita que simulam alguns sinais clinicos da
      orbitopatia de Graves podem levar a confusao diagnostica, particularmente quando
      associada a alguma forma de disfuncao tireoidiana. Relatamos a ocorrencia rara de
      amiloidose localizada no musculo reto inferior em paciente com hipotireoidismo
      autoimune, que recebeu inicialmente o diagnostico erroneo de orbitopatia de
      Graves. Paciente masculino, 48 anos, com queixa de proptose progressiva e indolor
      do lado esquerdo e diplopia vertical intermitente ha 6 meses. O diagnostico de
      orbitopatia de Graves foi considerado apos a realizacao de ressonancia magnetica,
      que revelou aumento importante do musculo reto inferior esquerdo, sem
      acometimento do tendao, e uma propedeutica sistemica detectou hipotireoidismo
      autoimune. Como nao houve melhora com o tratamento clinico, o paciente foi
      encaminhado a um oftalmologista, que realizou nova investigacao. A presenca de
      calcificacao no musculo reto inferior na tomografia computadorizada, associada
      aos achados clinicos, levou a uma biopsia da lesao, que demonstrou a deposicao de
      material amiloide. Este relato enfatiza como uma avaliacao minuciosa das formas
      atipicas de orbitopatia de Graves e essencial e deve incluir a ocorrencia, embora
      rara, de amiloidose no diagnostico diferencial da orbitopatia de Graves.

PMID- 28076606
TI  - Giant gastric lipossarcoma: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in adults, occurring
      in 15 to 20% of all patients with sarcoma. Primary liposarcoma of the stomach is
      rare. We report a case of patient with giant gastric liposarcoma who underwent
      surgery after a gastrointestinal bleeding. Preoperative hystopathological
      diagnosis was not established, even after three biopsy attempts. We discuss
      differential diagnosis, genetic causes, diagnosis strategies and treatment.
      RESUMO O lipossarcoma e um tipo comum de sarcomas em adultos, com incidencia
      entre 15 e 20% entre os sarcomas. No entanto, o acometimento do estomago e raro.
      Relatamos um caso de um lipossarcoma primario gastrico gigante com apresentacao
      clinica de hemorragia digestiva. Foi submetido a tratamento cirurgico sem
      diagnostico definitivo, apesar de tres biopsias realizadas. Revisamos
      diagnosticos diferenciais, influencia genetica e estrategias diagnosticas e
      terapeuticas.

PMID- 28076608
TI  - Dental chromatic alteration caused by neonatal cholestasis.

PMID- 28076607
TI  - Vascular access: the impact of ultrasonography.
AB  - Vascular punctures are often necessary in critically ill patients. They are
      secure, but not free of complications. Ultrasonography enhances safety of the
      procedure by decreasing puncture attempts, complications and costs. This study
      reviews important publications and the puncture technique using ultrasound,
      bringing part of the experience of the intensive care unit of the Hospital
      Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil, and discussing issues that
      should be considered in future studies. RESUMO Puncoes vasculares sao muitas
      vezes necessarias em pacientes gravemente enfermos. Sao seguras, mas nao isentas
      de complicacoes. A ultrassonografia associada a tecnica de puncao gera diminuicao
      do numero de tentativas, de complicacoes e de custos. O presente artigo revisou
      importantes publicacoes sobre o tema, bem como tecnicas de puncoes, trazendo
      parte da experiencia do centro de terapia intensiva de adultos do Hospital
      Israelita Albert Einstein, em Sao Paulo (SP) e discutindo topicos que devem ser
      melhor explorados em estudos futuros.

PMID- 28076609
TI  - Rotation of the second cervical vertebra in pediatric patient.

PMID- 28076610
TI  - Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescent imaging during robotic operations.
AB  - The intraoperative identification of certain anatomical structures because they
      are small or visually occult may be challenging. The development of minimally
      invasive surgery brought additional difficulties to identify these structures due
      to the lack of complete tactile sensitivity. A number of different forms of
      intraoperative mapping have been tried. Recently, the near-infrared fluorescence
      imaging technology with indocyanine green has been added to robotic platforms. In
      addition, this technology has been tested in several types of operations, and has
      advantages such as safety, low cost and good results. Disadvantages are linked to
      contrast distribution in certain clinical scenarios. The intraoperative near
      infrared fluorescent imaging is new and promising addition to robotic surgery.
      Several reports show the utility of this technology in several different
      procedures. The ideal dose, time and site for dye injection are not well defined.
      No high quality evidence-based comparative studies and long-term follow-up
      outcomes have been published so far. Initial results, however, are good and safe.
      RESUMO A identificacao intraoperatoria de certas estruturas anatomicas, por seu
      tamanho ou por elas serem ocultas a visao, pode ser desafiadora. O
      desenvolvimento da cirurgia minimamente invasiva trouxe dificuldades adicionais,
      pela falta da sensibilidade tatil completa. Diversas formas de deteccao
      intraoperatoria destas estruturas tem sido tentadas. Recentemente, a tecnologia
      de fluorescencia infravermelha com verde de indocianina foi associada as
      plataformas roboticas. Alem disso, essa tecnologia tem sido testada em uma
      variedade de cirurgias, e suas vantagens parecem estar ligadas a baixo custo,
      seguranca e bons resultados. As desvantagens estao associadas a ma distribuicao
      do contraste em determinados cenarios. A imagem intraoperatoria por fluorescencia
      infravermelha e uma nova e promissora adicao a cirurgia robotica. Diversas series
      mostram a utilidade da tecnologia em diferentes procedimentos. Dose ideal, local
      e tempo da injecao do corante ainda nao estao bem estabelecidos. Estudos
      comparativos de alta qualidade epidemiologica baseados em evidencia ainda nao
      estao disponiveis. No entanto, os resultados iniciais sao bons e seguros.

PMID- 28076612
TI  - Einstein Sao Paulo: its metrics and some related issues.

PMID- 28076611
TI  - Sarcopenia and chemotherapy-mediated toxicity.
AB  - This narrative review focuses on the role of sarcopenia and chemotherapy-induced
      toxicity in cancer patients. Consistent evidence shows that sarcopenia in cancer
      patients leads to decreased overall survival by influencing treatment
      discontinuation and dose reduction. Therefore, sarcopenia should be considered a
      robust prognostic factor of negative outcome as well as a determinant of
      increased healthcare costs. RESUMO Esta revisao narrativa descreve o papel da
      sarcopenia e a toxicidade mediada pela quimioterapia em pacientes com cancer.
      Diversas evidencias consistentes mostram que a sarcopenia em pacientes com cancer
      induz a menor sobrevida global, por influenciar na interrupcao do tratamento e na
      reducao da dose. Portanto, a sarcopenia pode ser considerada um importante fator
      de prognostico de desfecho negativo, alem de um determinante de maiores custos em
      saude.

PMID- 28076613
TI  - The role of dietary fatty acid intake in inflammatory gene expression: a critical
      review.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: Diet is an important modifiable factor involved in
      obesity-induced inflammation. We reviewed clinical trials that assessed the
      effect of consumption of different fatty acids on the expression of inflammation
      related genes, such as cytokines, adipokines, chemokines and transcription
      factors. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Narrative review study conducted at a research
      center. METHODS:: This was a review on the effect of fat intake on inflammatory
      gene expression in humans. RESULTS:: Consumption of saturated fatty acids (SFAs)
      was related to postprandial upregulation of genes associated with pro
      inflammatory pathways in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), in
      comparison with monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) or polyunsaturated fatty acid
      (PUFA) intake. In addition, acute intake of a high-SFA meal also induced a
      postprandial pro-inflammatory response for several inflammatory genes in
      subcutaneous adipose tissue. Both high-MUFA and high-PUFA diets showed anti
      inflammatory profiles, or at least a less pronounced pro-inflammatory response
      than did SFA consumption. However, the results concerning the best substitute for
      SFAs were divergent because of the large variability in doses of MUFA (20% to 72%
      of energy intake) and n3 PUFA (0.4 g to 23.7% of energy intake) used in
      interventions. CONCLUSIONS:: The lipid profile of the diet can modulate the genes
      relating to postprandial and long-term inflammation in PBMCs and adipose tissue.
      Identifying the optimal fat profile for inflammatory control may be a promising
      approach for treating chronic diseases such as obesity.

PMID- 28076614
TI  - Association between asthma and female sex hormones.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: The relationship between sex hormones and asthma has been
      evaluated in several studies. The aim of this review article was to investigate
      the association between asthma and female sex hormones, under different
      conditions (premenstrual asthma, use of oral contraceptives, menopause, hormone
      replacement therapy and pregnancy). DESIGN AND SETTING:: Narrative review of the
      medical literature, Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) and Universidade
      Federal de Sao Paulo (Unifesp). METHODS:: We searched the CAPES journal portal, a
      Brazilian platform that provides access to articles in the MEDLINE, PubMed,
      SciELO, and LILACS databases. The following keywords were used based on Medical
      Subject Headings: asthma, sex hormones, women and use of oral contraceptives.
      RESULTS:: The associations between sex hormones and asthma remain obscure. In
      adults, asthma is more common in women than in men. In addition, mortality due to
      asthma is significantly higher among females. The immune system is influenced by
      sex hormones: either because progesterone stimulates progesterone-induced
      blocking factor and Th2 cytokines or because contraceptives derived from
      progesterone and estrogen stimulate the transcription factor GATA-3.
      CONCLUSIONS:: The associations between asthma and female sex hormones remain
      obscure. We speculate that estrogen fluctuations are responsible for asthma
      exacerbations that occur in women. Because of the anti-inflammatory action of
      estrogen, it decreases TNF-alpha production, interferon-gamma expression and NK
      cell activity. We suggest that further studies that highlight the underlying
      physiopathological mechanisms contributing towards these interactions should be
      conducted.

PMID- 28076615
TI  - Lichen amyloidosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis: unique presentation in a
      Bulgarian patient.

PMID- 28076616
TI  - New Year - New Challenges - New Achievements.

PMID- 28076617
TI  - Radiation Exposure in Endovascular Infra-Renal Aortic Aneurysm Repair and Factors
      that Influence It.
AB  - Objective: The endovascular repair of aortic abdominal aneurysms exposes the
      patients and surgical team to ionizing radiation with risk of direct tissue
      damage and induction of gene mutation. This study aims to describe our standard
      of radiation exposure in endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and the factors that
      influence it. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of
      patients with abdominal infra-renal aortic aneurysms submitted to endovascular
      repair. This study evaluated the radiation doses (dose area product (DAP)),
      fluoroscopy durations and their relationships to the patients, aneurysms, and
      stent-graft characteristics. Results: This study included 127 patients with a
      mean age of 73 years. The mean DAP was 4.8 mGy.m(2), and the fluoroscopy time was
      21.8 minutes. Aortic bilateral iliac aneurysms, higher body mass index, aneurysms
      with diameters larger than 60 mm, necks with diameters larger than 28 mm, common
      iliac arteries with diameters larger than 20 mm, and neck angulations superior to
      50 degrees were associated with an increased radiation dose. The number of
      anatomic risk factors present was associated with increased radiation exposure
      and fluoroscopy time, regardless of the anatomical risk factors. Conclusion: The
      radiation exposure during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is significant
      (mean DAP 4.8 mGy.m(2)) with potential hazards to the surgical team and the
      patients. The anatomical characteristics of the aneurysm, patient
      characteristics, and the procedure's technical difficulty were all related to
      increased radiation exposure during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair
      procedures. Approximately 40% of radiation exposure can be explained by body mass
      index, neck angulation, aneurysm diameter, neck diameter, and aneurysm type.

PMID- 28076618
TI  - Aortic Valve Replacement: Treatment by Sternotomy versus Minimally Invasive
      Approach.
AB  - Objective: To compare the results of aortic valve replacement with access by
      sternotomy or minimally invasive approach. Methods: Retrospective analysis of
      medical records of 37 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement by sternotomy
      or minimally invasive approach, with emphasis on the comparison of time of
      cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping, volume of surgical bleeding, time of
      mechanical ventilation, need for blood transfusion, incidence of atrial
      fibrillation, length of stay in intensive care unit, time of hospital discharge,
      short-term mortality and presence of surgical wound infection. Results:
      Sternotomy was used in 22 patients and minimally invasive surgery in 15 patients.
      The minimally invasive approach had significantly higher time values of
      cardiopulmonary bypass (114.3+/-23.9 versus 86.7+/-19.8min.; P=0.003), aortic
      clamping (87.4+/-19.2 versus 61.4+/-12.9 min.; P<0.001) and mechanical
      ventilation (287.3+/-138.9 versus 153.9+/-118.6 min.; P=0.003). No difference was
      found in outcomes surgical bleeding volume, need for blood transfusion, incidence
      of atrial fibrillation, length of stay in intensive care unit and time of
      hospital discharge. No cases of short-term mortality or surgical wound infection
      were documented. Conclusion: The less invasive approach presented with longer
      times of cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic clamping and mechanical ventilation than
      sternotomy, however without prejudice to the length of stay in intensive care
      unit, time of hospital discharge and morbidity.

PMID- 28076619
TI  - Oxidative Stress in Human Aorta of Patients with Advanced Aortoiliac Occlusive
      Disease.
AB  - Introduction: Oxidative stress seems to be a role in the atherosclerosis process,
      but research in human beings is scarce. Objective: To evaluate the role of
      oxidative stress on human aortas of patients submitted to surgical treatment for
      advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. Methods: Twenty-six patients were divided
      into three groups: control group (n=10) formed by cadaveric organ donors; severe
      aortoiliac stenosis group (patients with severe aortoiliac stenosis; n=9); and
      total aortoiliac occlusion group (patients with chronic total aortoiliac
      occlusion; n=7). We evaluated the reactive oxygen species concentration,
      nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase, superoxide dismutase and
      catalase activities as well as nitrite levels in samples of aortas harvested
      during aortofemoral bypass for treatment of advanced aortoiliac occlusive
      disease. Results: We observed a higher level of reactive oxygen species in total
      aortoiliac occlusion group (48.3+/-9.56 pmol/mg protein) when compared to severe
      aortoiliac stenosis (33.5+/-7.4 pmol/mg protein) and control (4.91+/-0.8 pmol/mg
      protein) groups (P<0.05). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase
      activity was also higher in total aortoiliac occlusion group when compared to the
      control group (3.81+/-1.7 versus 1.05+/-0.31 umol/min.mg protein; P<0.05).
      Furthermore, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly
      higher in the severe aortoiliac stenosis and total aortoiliac occlusion groups
      when compared to the control cases (P<0.05). Nitrite concentration was smaller in
      the severe aortoiliac stenosis group in comparing to the other groups.
      Conclusion: Our results indicated an increase of reactive oxygen species levels
      and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase activity in human aortic
      samples of patients with advanced aortoiliac occlusive disease. The increase of
      antioxidant enzymes activities may be due to a compensative phenomenon to
      reactive oxygen species production mediated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      phosphate oxidase. This preliminary study offers us a more comprehensive
      knowledge about the role of oxidative stress in advanced aortoiliac occlusive
      disease in human beings.

PMID- 28076621
TI  - Experimental Model for Sutureless Proximal Anastomosis by the Viabahn Open
      Revascularization TEChnique (VORTEC).
AB  - Introduction: In the treatment of complex aneurysms, debranching is an extra
      anatomical revascularization of visceral arteries followed by endograft coverage
      of the thoracoabdominal aorta. It eliminates the need for a thoracotomy and
      aortic clamping, but requires the performance of several technically demanding
      visceral anastomosis. In 2008, Lachat described visceral revascularization with
      the use of a sutureless distal anastomosis, performed by the telescoping of an
      endograft in the visceral branch, named VORTEC (Viabahn Open Revascularization
      TEChnique). Objective: An experimental model was created to test the feasibility
      and short term results of performing a telescoped proximal anastomosis to the
      abdominal aorta. Methods: Swine model. The abdominal aorta was dissected and
      ligated between the renal arteries and the iliac vessels. Three centimeters
      bellow the renal arteries a Viabahn endograft was telescoped for 2 cm into the
      proximal aorta. The other extremity was conventionally anastomosed to the distal
      aorta. Patency, sealing and tensile strength of the anastomosis were tested.
      Results: Time for performing the telescoped anastomosis was shorter (5.4+/-2.8
      min versus 10.3+/-3.4 min, P<0.05). All grafts were patent and both types of
      anastomosis presented no bleeding. Immediate tensile strength showed a higher
      strength of the conventional suture (22.7 x 14.3 N, P<0.09). After 30 days there
      was no pseudo-aneurysms and the strength of the conventional and VORTEC
      anastomosis were similar (37.3 x 40.8 N, respectively, P=0.17). Conclusion:
      Telescoped proximal anastomosis by the technique of VORTEC is feasible. After 30
      days the tensile strength of the both anastomosis were similar.

PMID- 28076620
TI  - Intraperitoneal Administration of Silymarin Protects End Organs from
      Multivisceral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Model.
AB  - Objective: To determine whether intraperitoneal silymarin administration has
      favorable effects on the heart, lungs, kidney, and liver and on oxidative stress
      in a rat model of supraceliac aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods: Thirty
      male Wistar albino rats were divided equally into three groups: sham, control,
      and silymarin. The control and silymarin groups underwent supraceliac aortic
      occlusion for 45 min, followed by a 60 min period of reperfusion under terminal
      anesthesia. In the silymarin group, silymarin was administered intraperitoneally
      during ischemia at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Rats were euthanized using terminal
      anesthesia, and blood was collected from the inferior vena cava for total
      antioxidant capacity, total oxidative status, and oxidative stress index
      measurement. Lungs, heart, liver and kidney tissues were histologically examined.
      Results: Ischemia/reperfusion injury significantly increased histopathological
      damage as well as the total oxidative status and oxidative stress index levels in
      the blood samples. The silymarin group incurred significantly lesser damage to
      the lungs, liver and kidneys than the control group, while no differences were
      observed in the myocardium. Furthermore, the silymarin group had significantly
      lower total oxidative status and oxidative stress index levels than the control
      group. Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of silymarin reduces oxidative
      stress and protects the liver, kidney, and lungs from acute supraceliac abdominal
      aorta ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat model.

PMID- 28076622
TI  - Impact of Surgeon Experience During Carotid Endarterectomy Operation and Effects
      on Perioperative Outcomes.
AB  - Objective: We evaluated the effect of surgeon experience on complication and
      mortality rates of carotid endarterectomy operation. Methods: Fifty-nine
      consecutive patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy between January 2013
      and February 2016 were divided into two groups. Patients who had been operated by
      surgeons performing carotid endarterectomy for more than 10 years were allocated
      to group 1 (experienced surgeons; n=34). Group 2 (younger surgeons; n=25)
      consisted of patients operated by surgeons independently performing carotid
      endarterectomy for less than 2 years. Both groups were compared in respect of
      operative results and postoperative complications. Results: No intergroup
      difference was found for laterality of the lesion or concomitant coronary artery
      disease. In group 1, signs of local nerve damage (n=2; 5.9%) were detected,
      whereas in group 2 no evidence of local nerve damage was observed. Surgeons in
      group 1 used local and general anesthesia in 3 (8.8%) and 31 (91.2%) patients,
      respectively, while surgeons in group 2 preferred to use local and general
      anesthesia in 1 (4%) and 24 (96%) patients, respectively. Postoperative stroke
      was observed in group 1 (n=2; 5.9%) and group 2 (n=2; 5.8%). Conclusion: Younger
      surgeons perform carotid endarterectomy with similar techniques and have similar
      results compared to experienced surgeons. Younger surgeons rarely prefer using
      shunt during carotid endarterectomy. The experience and the skills gained by
      these surgeons during their training, under the supervision of experienced
      surgeons, will enable them to perform successful carotid endarterectomy
      operations independently after completion of their training period.

PMID- 28076623
TI  - Low Cost Simulator for Heart Surgery Training.
AB  - Objective: Introduce the low-cost and easy to purchase simulator without
      biological material so that any institution may promote extensive cardiovascular
      surgery training both in a hospital setting and at home without large budgets.
      Methods: A transparent plastic box is placed in a wooden frame, which is held by
      the edges using elastic bands, with the bottom turned upwards, where an oval
      opening is made, "simulating" a thoracotomy. For basic exercises in the aorta,
      the model presented by our service in the 2015 Brazilian Congress of
      Cardiovascular Surgery: a silicone ice tray, where one can train to make aortic
      purse-string suture, aortotomy, aortorrhaphy and proximal and distal anastomoses.
      Simulators for the training of valve replacement and valvoplasty, atrial septal
      defect repair and aortic diseases were added. These simulators are based on
      sewage pipes obtained in construction material stores and the silicone trays and
      ethyl vinyl acetate tissue were obtained in utility stores, all of them at a very
      low cost. Results: The models were manufactured using inert materials easily
      found in regular stores and do not present contamination risk. They may be used
      in any environment and maybe stored without any difficulties. This training
      enabled young surgeons to familiarize and train different surgical techniques,
      including procedures for aortic diseases. In a subjective assessment, these
      surgeons reported that the training period led to improved surgical techniques in
      the surgical field. Conclusion: The model described in this protocol is effective
      and low-cost when compared to existing simulators, enabling a large array of
      cardiovascular surgery training.

PMID- 28076625
TI  - Endoscopic or No-Touch Vein Harvesting for CABG: What is Best for the Patient?

PMID- 28076624
TI  - Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: A Comprehensive Review.
AB  - Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital heart disease. The
      functional status of QAV is predominantly a pure aortic regurgitation. Clinical
      manifestations of patients with a QAV depend on the functional status of the QAV
      and the associated disorders. Significant valvular regurgitation and (or)
      stenosis is often present with subsequent operation performed at the fifth to
      sixth decade of life. The functional status of QAV is predominantly regurgitant;
      whereas pure stenotic QAV can be as few as in only 0.7% of the patients. QAV is
      usually an isolated anomaly, but other congenital heart defects can be present in
      18-32% of the patients. About one-fifth of them require a surgical operation.
      Tricuspidalization is a preferred technique for QAV repair. As not all the
      patients with a QAV necessarily warrant a surgical operation, decision-making in
      patient selection and surgical procedure of choice are crucial. Antibiotic
      prophylaxis against infective endocarditis is necessary in the QAV patients with
      unequal-sized cusps.

PMID- 28076626
TI  - Development of a Multifunctional Needle for Percutaneous Heart Biopsy and Cell
      Therapy. A Technical Note.
AB  - Validation of transendocardial injection as a method for delivering therapeutic
      agents to the diseased heart is increasing. Puncture heart biopsies should re
      emerge as a possible alternative method to allow access to the myocardium and
      implantable biomaterial for cell therapy. Therefore, this work aims to present a
      percutaneous puncture device for biopsy and intramyocardial biomaterial
      injection, standardize the technique and attest to the safety of the method. The
      adaptation consists of creating myocardial microlesions that allow for better
      fixation of stem cells. The objective of this technical note covers only the
      development of the needle and the histological quality of the biopsies. It has
      not been used in humans yet.

PMID- 28076627
TI  - PetCO2, VCO2 and CorPP Values in the Successful Prediction of the Return of
      Spontaneous Circulation: An Experimental Study on Unassisted Induced
      Cardiopulmonary Arrest.

PMID- 28076628
TI  - Knowing for whom the bell tolls: acting locally and thinking globally. Brazil,
      Latin America and the Global Burden of Diseases, 2015.

PMID- 28076629
TI  - Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography compared with biopsy for
      evaluating hepatic fibrosis after liver transplantation: a cross-sectional
      diagnostic study.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: Biopsies are used after liver transplantation to evaluate
      fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the elasticity of transplanted livers by
      means of a non-invasive examination, acoustic radiation force imaging (ARFI)
      elastography, correlating the results with the histological analysis. DESIGN AND
      SETTING:: Cross-sectional study in a public university hospital. METHODS:: All
      patients consecutively operated between 2002 and 2010 with an indication for
      biopsy were evaluated by means of elastography. The radiologist evaluating ARFI
      and the pathologist doing anatomopathological examinations were blinded to each
      other's evaluations. RESULTS:: During the study period, 33 patients were
      included. The indication for transplantation was cirrhosis due to hepatitis C in
      21 cases (63%). Liver biopsies showed absence of fibrosis (F0) in 10 patients, F1
      in 11, F2 in 8 and F3 in 4. There were no cases of F4 (cirrhosis). The difference
      in ARFI values (degree of fibrosis) was 0.26 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.07
      0.52) between the groups F0-F1 and F2-F4 (P = 0.04). An area under the curve of
      0.74 (CI: 0.55-0.94) and a cutoff of 1.29 m/s between the groups resulted in the
      best relationship between sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity (0.66; CI:
      0.50-0.83) was lower than specificity (0.85; CI: 0.72-0.97). There was no
      significant difference in ARFI between patients with hepatitis C and those with
      other diseases. CONCLUSIONS:: The values obtained from elastography were not
      affected by inflammatory reaction or anatomical alterations. A cutoff point of
      1.29 m/s separating patients with or without significant fibrosis was identified.

PMID- 28076630
TI  - Cutoffs and cardiovascular risk factors associated with neck circumference among
      community-dwelling elderly adults: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: In elderly people, measurement of several anthropometric
      parameters may present complications. Although neck circumference measurements
      seem to avoid these issues, the cutoffs and cardiovascular risk factors
      associated with this parameter among elderly people remain unknown. This study
      was developed to identify the cutoff values and cardiovascular risk factors
      associated with neck circumference measurements among elderly people. DESIGN AND
      SETTING:: Cross-sectional study conducted in two community centers for elderly
      people. METHODS:: 435 elderly adults (371 women and 64 men) were recruited. These
      volunteers underwent morphological evaluations (body mass index and waist, hip,
      and neck circumferences) and hemodynamic evaluations (blood pressure values and
      heart rate). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to
      determine the predictive validity of cutoff values for neck circumference, for
      identifying overweight/obesity. Multivariate analysis was used to identify
      cardiovascular risk factors associated with large neck circumference. RESULTS::
      Cutoff values for neck circumference (men = 40.5 cm and women = 35.7 cm), for
      detection of obese older adults according to body mass index, were identified.
      After a second analysis, large neck circumference was shown to be associated with
      elevated body mass index in men; and elevated body mass index, blood pressure
      values, prevalence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in women. CONCLUSION:: The
      data indicate that neck circumference can be used as a screening tool to identify
      overweight/obesity in older people. Moreover, large neck circumference values may
      be associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

PMID- 28076631
TI  - Targeting stroke risk and improving outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation
      in Latin America.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: To examine stroke risk factors, including atrial
      fibrillation, management and prevention, and stroke outcomes across Latin
      America. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Narrative review conducted at Piedmont Heart
      Institute, United States. METHODS:: The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases
      were searched for stroke AND "Latin America" AND epidemiology (between January
      2009 and March 2015). Further studies in the SciELO, World Health Organization
      and Pan-American Health Organization databases were used to address specific
      points. RESULTS:: Countries categorized as low or middle-income nations by the
      World Bank, which includes most of Latin America, account for two-thirds of all
      strokes. Globally, fewer than half of patients (median treatment level: 43.9%)
      with atrial fibrillation receive adequate anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk,
      which correlates with data from Latin America, where 46% of outpatients did not
      receive guideline-compliant anticoagulation, ranging from 41.8% in Brazil to
      54.8% in Colombia. CONCLUSIONS:: Atrial fibrillation-related stroke carries a
      heavy burden. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anti-coagulants provide options for
      reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation-related stroke. However, cost
      effectiveness comparisons with warfarin are warranted before observational health
      economics study results can be applied clinically. Initiatives to remedy
      inequalities and improve access to care across Latin America should accompany
      risk factor modification and guideline-based prevention.

PMID- 28076632
TI  - "EMMA Study: a Brazilian community-based cohort study of stroke mortality and
      morbidity".
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: Stroke has a high burden of disability and mortality. The
      aim here was to evaluate epidemiology, risk factors and prognosis for stroke in
      the EMMA Study (Study of Stroke Mortality and Morbidity). DESIGN AND SETTINGS::
      Prospective community-based cohort carried out in Hospital Universitario,
      University of Sao Paulo, 2006-2014. METHODS:: Stroke data based on fatal and non
      fatal events were assessed, including sociodemographic data, mortality and
      predictors, which were evaluated by means of logistic regression and survival
      analyses. RESULTS:: Stroke subtype was better defined in the hospital setting
      than in the local community. In the hospital phase, around 70% were first events
      and the ischemic subtype. Among cerebrovascular risk factors, the frequency of
      alcohol intake was higher in hemorrhagic stroke (HS) than in ischemic stroke (IS)
      cases (35.4% versus 12.3%, P < 0.001). Low education was associated with higher
      risk of death, particularly after six months among IS cases (odds ratio, OR,
      4.31; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.34-13.91). The risk of death due to
      hemorrhagic stroke was greater than for ischemic stroke and reached its maximum
      10 days after the event (OR: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.55-7.05). Four-year survival
      analysis on 665 cases of first stroke (82.6% ischemic and 17.4% hemorrhagic)
      showed an overall survival rate of 48%. At four years, the highest risks of death
      were in relation to ischemic stroke and illiteracy (hazard ratio, HR: 1.83; 95%
      CI: 1.26-2.68) and diabetes (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.07-1.97). Major depression
      presented worse one-year survival (HR: 4.60; 95% CI: 1.36-15.55). CONCLUSION::
      Over the long term, the EMMA database will provide additional information for
      planning resources destined for the public healthcare system.

PMID- 28076633
TI  - Statins for aortic valve stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Aortic valve stenosis is the most common type of valvular heart
      disease in the USA and Europe. Aortic valve stenosis is considered similar to
      atherosclerotic disease. Some studies have evaluated statins for aortic valve
      stenosis. OBJECTIVES:: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of statins in
      aortic valve stenosis. METHODS:: Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS - IBECS, Web of
      Science and CINAHL Plus. These databases were searched from their inception to 24
      November 2015. We also searched trials in registers for ongoing trials. We used
      no language restrictions.Selection criteria: Randomized controlled clinical
      trials (RCTs) comparing statins alone or in association with other systemic drugs
      to reduce cholesterol levels versus placebo or usual care. Data collection and
      analysis: Primary outcomes were severity of aortic valve stenosis (evaluated by
      echocardiographic criteria: mean pressure gradient, valve area and aortic jet
      velocity), freedom from valve replacement and death from cardiovascular cause.
      Secondary outcomes were hospitalization for any reason, overall mortality,
      adverse events and patient quality of life.Two review authors independently
      selected trials for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The
      GRADE methodology was employed to assess the quality of result findings and the
      GRADE profiler (GRADEPRO) was used to import data from Review Manager 5.3 to
      create a 'Summary of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS:: We included four RCTs with
      2360 participants comparing statins (1185 participants) with placebo (1175
      participants). We found low-quality evidence for our primary outcome of severity
      of aortic valve stenosis, evaluated by mean pressure gradient (mean difference
      (MD) -0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.88 to 0.80; participants = 1935;
      studies = 2), valve area (MD -0.07, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.14; participants = 127;
      studies = 2), and aortic jet velocity (MD -0.06, 95% CI -0.26 to 0.14;
      participants = 155; study = 1). Moderate-quality evidence showed no effect on
      freedom from valve replacement with statins (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to
      1.06; participants = 2360; studies = 4), and no effect on muscle pain as an
      adverse event (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.09; participants = 2204; studies = 3;
      moderate-quality evidence). Low- and very low-quality evidence showed uncertainty
      around the effect of statins on death from cardiovascular cause (RR 0.80, 95% CI
      0.56 to 1.15; participants = 2297; studies = 3; low-quality evidence) and
      hospitalization for any reason (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.84; participants = 155;
      study = 1; very low-quality evidence). None of the four included studies reported
      on overall mortality and patient quality of life. AUTHORS CONCLUSIONS:: Result
      findings showed uncertainty surrounding the effect of statins for aortic valve
      stenosis. The quality of evidence from the reported outcomes ranged from moderate
      to very low. These results give support to European and USA guidelines (2012 and
      2014, respectively) that so far there is no clinical treatment option for aortic
      valve stenosis.

PMID- 28076634
TI  - Immediate versus delayed treatment for recently symptomatic carotid artery
      stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: The timing of surgery for recently symptomatic carotid artery
      stenosis remains controversial. Early cerebral revascularization may prevent a
      disabling or fatal ischemic recurrence, but it may also increase the risk of
      hemorrhagic transformation, or of dislodging a thrombus. This review examined the
      randomized controlled evidence that addressed whether the increased risk of
      recurrent events outweighed the increased benefit of an earlier intervention.
      OBJECTIVES:: To assess the risks and benefits of performing very early cerebral
      revascularization (within two days) compared with delayed treatment (after two
      days) for people with recently symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. METHODS::
      Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register in January
      2016, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane
      Library 2016, issue 1), MEDLINE (1948 to 26 January 2016), EMBASE (1974 to 26
      January 2016), LILACS (1982 to 26 January 2016), and trial registers (from
      inception to 26 January 2016). We also handsearched conference proceedings and
      journals, and searched reference lists. There were no language restrictions. We
      contacted colleagues and pharmaceutical companies to identify further studies and
      unpublished trials Selection criteria: All completed, truly randomized trials
      (RCT) that compared very early cerebral revascularization (within two days) with
      delayed treatment (after two days) for people with recently symptomatic carotid
      artery stenosis.Data collection and analysis: We independently selected trials
      for inclusion according to the above criteria, assessed risk of bias for each
      trial, and performed data extraction. We utilized an intention-to-treat analysis
      strategy. MAIN RESULTS:: We identified one RCT that involved 40 participants, and
      addressed the timing of surgery for people with recently symptomatic carotid
      artery stenosis. It compared very early surgery with surgery performed after 14
      days of the last symptomatic event. The overall quality of the evidence was very
      low, due to the small number of participants from only one trial, and missing
      outcome data. We found no statistically significant difference between the
      effects of very early or delayed surgery in reducing the combined risk of stroke
      and death within 30 days of surgery (risk ratio (RR) 3.32; confidence interval
      (CI) 0.38 to 29.23; very low-quality evidence), or the combined risk of
      perioperative death and stroke (RR 0.47; CI 0.14 to 1.58; very low-quality
      evidence). To date, no results are available to confirm the optimal timing for
      surgery. AUTHORS CONCLUSIONS:: There is currently no high-quality evidence
      available to support either very early or delayed cerebral revascularization
      after a recent ischemic stroke. Hence, further randomized trials to identify
      which patients should undergo very urgent revascularization are needed. Future
      studies should stratify participants by age group, sex, grade of ischemia, and
      degree of stenosis. Currently, there is one ongoing RCT that is examining the
      timing of cerebral revascularization.

PMID- 28076635
TI  - Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients using metformin:
      a cross-sectional study.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency varies from 5.8%
      to 30% among patients undergoing long-term treatment with metformin. Because of
      the paucity of data on Brazilian patients, this study aimed to determine the
      frequency of B12 deficiency and related factors among Brazilian patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using metformin. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Cross
      sectional study at a public university hospital. METHODS:: Patients with T2DM and
      a control group of non-diabetics were included. Serum B12 levels were measured
      and biochemical B12 deficiency was defined as serum levels < 180 pg/ml.
      Associations between B12 deficiency and age, duration of T2DM, duration of use
      and dosage of metformin, and use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine H2
      antagonists were determined. RESULTS:: 231 T2DM patients using metformin (T2DM
      met) and 231 controls were included. No difference in the frequency of PPI or H2
      antagonist use was seen between the groups. B12 deficiency was more frequent in
      the T2DM-met group (22.5% versus 7.4%) and this difference persisted after
      excluding PPI/H2-antagonist users (17.9% versus 5.6%). The factors that
      interfered with serum B12 levels were PPI/H2-antagonist use and duration of
      metformin use >= 10 years. Use of PPI/H2-antagonists was associated with B12
      deficiency, with an odds ratio of 2.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.34-5.04).
      CONCLUSIONS:: Among T2DM patients, treatment with metformin and concomitant use
      of PPI/H2-antagonists are associated with a higher chance of developing B12
      deficiency than among non-diabetics.

PMID- 28076636
TI  - Body Dysmorphic Symptoms Scale for patients seeking esthetic surgery: cross
      cultural validation study.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: Rhinoplasty is one of the most sought-after esthetic
      operations among individuals with body dysmorphic disorder. The aim of this study
      was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Body Dysmorphic Symptoms Scale.
      DESIGN AND SETTING:: Cross-cultural validation study conducted in a plastic
      surgery outpatient clinic of a public university hospital. METHODS:: Between
      February 2014 and March 2015, 80 consecutive patients of both sexes seeking
      rhinoplasty were selected. Thirty of them participated in the phase of cultural
      adaptation of the instrument. Reproducibility was tested on 20 patients and
      construct validity was assessed on 50 patients, with correlation against the Yale
      Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. RESULTS:: The
      Brazilian version of the instrument showed Cronbach's alpha of 0.805 and
      excellent inter-rater reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC =
      0.873; P < 0.001) and intra-rater reproducibility (ICC = 0.939; P < 0.001).
      Significant differences in total scores were found between patients with and
      without symptoms (P < 0.001). A strong correlation (r = 0.841; P < 0.001) was
      observed between the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for Body Dysmorphic
      Disorder and the Body Dysmorphic Symptoms Scale. The area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve was 0.981, thus showing good accuracy for
      discriminating between presence and absence of symptoms of body dysmorphic
      disorder. Forty-six percent of the patients had body dysmorphic symptoms and 54%
      had moderate to severe appearance-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS:: The Brazilian version of the Body Dysmorphic Symptoms Scale is a
      reproducible instrument that presents face, content and construct validity.

PMID- 28076637
TI  - A five-year review of vertical HIV transmission in a specialized service: cross
      sectional study.
AB  - CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:: Healthcare professionals need to instill the process of
      prevention, control and treatment of people infected with HIV into care practice.
      Through maintaining preventive treatment among HIV-infected pregnant women, it
      has been demonstrated that prophylactic antiretroviral therapy, scheduled
      cesarean section and the prohibition of breastfeeding significantly reduce
      vertical HIV transmission. This study aimed to assess the rates of vertical HIV
      transmission in a specialized service and identify the factors associated with
      it. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Cross-sectional study developed at the University
      Hospital of Santa Maria (RS), Brazil. METHODS:: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted on a sample of 198 notification forms and medical records of HIV
      positive pregnant women and exposed children. RESULTS:: The vertical transmission
      rate was 2.4%, and three children had been infected by vertical HIV transmission.
      The statistically significant risk factor was the use of injectable drugs.
      Delayed reporting of pregnancy, absence of antiretroviral therapy during
      pregnancy, lack of proper prenatal care, incapacity to perform viral load
      detection tests and CD4+ T cell counts and obstetric and maternal clinical
      complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS:: The vertical transmission rate was
      high and the recommended intervention measures were not adopted in full. Adequate
      prophylactic measures need to be implemented in HIV-positive pregnant women
      prenatally and during the antenatal, delivery and postpartum periods.

PMID- 28076638
TI  - The future of psychiatric research.
AB  - Psychiatric disorders place considerable burden on individuals and on public
      health. Funding for research in psychiatry is less than ideal, but even so high
      quality research is being conducted at many centers. However, these studies have
      not impacted clinical practice as much as expected. The complexity of psychiatric
      disorders is one of the reasons why we face difficulties in translating research
      results to patient care. New technologies and improved methodologies are now
      available and must be incorporated to deal with this complexity and to accelerate
      the translational process. I discuss the application of modern techniques for
      data acquisition and analysis and also the new possibilities for performing
      trials in virtual models of biological systems. Adoption of new technologies is
      necessary, but will not reduce the importance of some of the fundamentals of all
      psychiatry research, such as the developmental and translational perspectives.
      Psychiatrists wishing to integrate these novelties into their research will need
      to work with contributors with whom they are unaccustomed to working, such as
      computer experts, a multidisciplinary team, and stakeholders such as patients and
      caregivers. This process will allow us to further understand and alleviate the
      suffering and impairment of people with psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 28076639
TI  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of major depression during
      pregnancy: a review.
AB  - Introduction:: Pregnancy is characterized by a high prevalence of mental
      disorders. Depression is the most common of these disorders and it is a risk
      factor for negative maternal and child development outcomes. Psychotherapy and
      pharmacotherapy are conventional and well-established therapeutic options, but
      some clients fail to respond and the safety of using some pharmacological agents
      during pregnancy is unclear. Some neuromodulation techniques, such as repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), have been studied in depressed pregnant
      women. Objective:: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of rTMS for major
      depression in pregnant women. Methods:: The LILACS and PubMed databases were
      reviewed using the search terms depression, pregnancy and magnetic stimulation.
      Texts including primary data, published in Portuguese, Spanish, or English,
      between 1995 and 2014, that evaluated depressed pregnant women and used rTMS as
      the intervention were selected. Papers lacking sufficient data were excluded.
      Twenty-two texts were initially identified; after applying the inclusion
      criteria, 12 were selected and analyzed. Results:: The studies reviewed reported
      satisfactory responses to rTMS in acute depressive episodes, as measured using
      depressive symptom scales. Remission of symptoms was achieved in many cases. The
      procedure was well tolerated and there were no reports of damage/complications to
      unborn children. Conclusion:: The data available at this time support the
      efficacy and tolerability of rTMS for depression in pregnant women. Controlled
      studies should corroborate this conclusion. This review only included studies in
      three languages and the resulting sample size was not large enough to conduct a
      meta-analysis.

PMID- 28076640
TI  - Frontal lobe alterations in schizophrenia: a review.
AB  - Objective:: To highlight the changes in the frontal lobe of the human brain in
      people with schizophrenia. Methods:: This was a qualitative review of the
      literature. Results:: Many schizophrenic patients exhibit functional, structural,
      and metabolic abnormalities in the frontal lobe. Some patients have few or no
      alterations, while some have more functional and structural changes than others.
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows structural and functional changes in
      volume, gray matter, white matter, and functional activity in the frontal lobe,
      but the mechanisms underlying these changes are not yet fully understood.
      Conclusion:: When schizophrenia is studied as an essential topic in the field of
      neuropsychiatry, neuroscientists find that the frontal lobe is the most commonly
      involved area of the human brain. A clear picture of how this lobe is affected in
      schizophrenia is still lacking. We therefore recommend that further research be
      conducted to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of this psychiatric
      dilemma.

PMID- 28076641
TI  - Cross-cultural adaptation of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist 5 (PCL
      5) and Life Events Checklist 5 (LEC-5) for the Brazilian context.
AB  - Objective:: To describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation of the
      Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist 5 (PCL-5) and the Life Events Checklist 5
      (LEC-5) for the Brazilian sociolinguistic context. Method:: The adaptation
      process sought to establish conceptual, semantic, and operational equivalence
      between the original items of the questionnaire and their translated versions,
      following standardized protocols. Initially, two researchers translated the
      original version of the scale into Brazilian Portuguese. Next, a native English
      speaker performed the back-translation. Quantitative and qualitative criteria
      were used to evaluate the intelligibility of items. Five specialists compared the
      original and translated versions and assessed the degree of equivalence between
      them in terms of semantic, idiomatic, cultural and conceptual aspects. The degree
      of agreement between the specialists was measured using the content validity
      coefficient (CVC). Finally, 28 volunteers from the target population were
      interviewed in order to assess their level of comprehension of the items.
      Results:: CVCs for items from both scales were satisfactory for all criteria. The
      mean comprehension scores were above the cutoff point established. Overall, the
      results showed that the adapted versions' items had adequate rates of equivalence
      in terms of concepts and semantics. Conclusions:: The translation and adaptation
      processes were successful for both scales, resulting in versions that are not
      only equivalent to the originals, but are also intelligible for the population at
      large.

PMID- 28076642
TI  - Activity/rest rhythm of depressed adolescents undergoing therapy: case studies.
AB  - Introduction:: Disorders of circadian rhythms have been reported in studies of
      both depressed children and of depressed adolescents. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate whether there is a relationship between the 24-hour spectral power
      (24h SP) of the activity/rest rhythm and the clinical course of depression in
      adolescents. Methods:: Six 14 to 17-year-old adolescents were recruited for the
      study. They were all suffering from major depressive disorder, according to the
      Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV)
      criteria, as identified by the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia
      for School Aged Children: Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). Depressive
      symptoms were assessed using the Children's Depression Rating Scale - Revised
      (CDRS-R) and clinical evaluations. Locomotor activity was monitored over a period
      of 13 consecutive weeks. Activity was measured for 10-minute periods using wrist
      worn activity monitors. All patients were prescribed sertraline from after the
      first week up until the end of the study. Results:: We found a relationship
      between high CDRS values and low 24-hour spectral power. Conclusions:: The 24h SP
      of the activity/rest rhythm correlated significantly (negatively) with the
      clinical ratings of depression.

PMID- 28076643
TI  - Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Rating Scale for
      Countertransference (RSCT) to American English.
AB  - Introduction:: The Rating Scale for Countertransference (RSCT) - originally,
      Escala para Avaliacao de Contratransferencia (EACT) - is a self-administered
      instrument comprising questions that assess 23 feelings (divided into three
      blocs, closeness, distance, and indifference) that access conscious
      countertransferential emotions and sentiments. This paper describes the process
      of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the RSCT into American English.
      Methods:: This study employed the guidelines proposed by the International
      Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Task Force for
      Translation and Cultural Adaptation which define 10 steps for translation and
      cross-cultural adaptation of self-report instruments. Additionally, semantic
      equivalence tools were employed to select the final versions of terms used. The
      author of the RSCT gave permission for translation and took part in the process.
      The instrument is available for use free of charge. Results:: Analysis of the
      back-translation showed that just seven of the 23 terms needed to be adjusted to
      arrive at the final version in American English. Conclusions:: This study applied
      rigorous standards to construct a version of the RSCT in American English. This
      version of the RSCT translated and adapted into American English should be of
      great use for accessing and researching countertransferential feelings that are
      part of psychodynamic treatment.

PMID- 28076644
TI  - Main mental disorders in crack-cocaine users treated at Psychosocial Care Centers
      for Alcohol and Drugs in the city of Recife, Brazil.
AB  - Introduction:: Brazil's Northeast region has the highest crack-cocaine
      consumption in the country. Crack-cocaine has more intense effects than cocaine
      powder and can cause greater chemical dependence. Psychosocial Care Centers for
      Alcohol and Drugs (CAPSad) are public health services that provide treatment for
      drug dependence. It is common for drug users, and particularly crack-cocaine
      users, to develop mental disorders. Objective: To evaluate the most common mental
      disorders in crack-cocaine dependents in treatment at CAPSad in the city of
      Recife, Brazil. Methods:: The research database "Between rocks and shots: user
      profiles, consumption strategies, and social impact of crack cocaine"
      (CEP/CCS/UFPE no. 206/11) was consulted to establish the areas of crack cocaine
      consumption in the city of Recife. Results:: There were 885 patients in treatment
      for crack-cocaine use, with a mean age of 29.8+/-9.4 years. The mean duration of
      drug use was 6.1+/-4.6 years. Most of the patients were males (80.3%), had left
      school at some point between the 1st and 9th grades (45.6%), were unemployed
      and/or seeking employment (52%) and used drugs daily (56.4%). Cocaine chemical
      dependence was more significant when correlated with use of crack-cocaine and
      other drugs such as medications and hallucinogens (p = 0.01). Conclusions:: Data
      from this study showed strong associations between crack-cocaine uses and
      development of mental disorders, particularly when abuse of multiple substances
      occurs. Based on these data, there is a clear need for coordination of related
      public policies for support and social reintegration to provide these people with
      comprehensive care.

PMID- 28076645
TI  - Is there a correlation between physicians' clinical impressions and patients'
      perceptions of change? Use of the Perceived Change Scale with inpatients with
      mental disorders.
AB  - Introduction:: Assessment of the results of treatment for mental disorders
      becomes more complete when the patient's perspective is incorporated. Here, we
      aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties and application of the Perceived
      Change Scale - Patient version (PCS-P) in a sample of inpatients with mental
      disorders. Methods:: One hundred and ninety-one psychiatric inpatients answered
      the PCS-P and the Patients' Satisfaction with Mental Health Services Scale
      (SATIS) and were evaluated in terms of clinical and sociodemographic data. An
      exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed and internal consistency was
      calculated. The clinical impressions of the patient, family, and physician were
      correlated with the patient's perception of change. Results:: The EFA indicated a
      psychometrically suitable four-factor solution. The PCS-P exhibited a coherent
      relationship with SATIS and had a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.856. No
      correlations were found between the physician's clinical global impression of
      improvement and the patient's perception of change, although a moderate positive
      correlation was found between the patients' clinical global impression of
      improvement and the change perceived by the patient. Conclusions:: The PCS-P
      exhibited adequate psychometric proprieties in a sample of inpatients with mental
      disorders. The patient's perception of change is an important dimension for
      evaluation of outcomes in the treatment of mental disorders and differs from the
      physician's clinical impression of improvement. Evaluation of positive and
      negative perceptions of the various dimensions of the patient's life enables more
      precise consideration of the patient's priorities and interests.

PMID- 28076646
TI  - Cocaine addiction: treatments and future perspectives.

PMID- 28076648
TI  - Latent class profile of psychiatric symptoms and treatment utilization in a
      sample of patients with co-occurring disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify symptom-based subgroups within a sample of patients with
      co-occurring disorders (CODs) and to analyze intersubgroup differences in mental
      health services utilization. METHODS: Two hundred and fifteen patients with COD
      from an addiction clinic completed the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised. Subgroups
      were determined using latent class profile analysis. Services utilization data
      were collected from electronic records during a 3-year span. RESULTS: The five
      class model obtained the best fit (Bayesian information criteria [BIC] =
      3,546.95; adjusted BIC = 3,363.14; bootstrapped likelihood ratio test p <
      0.0001). Differences between classes were quantitative, and groups were labeled
      according to severity: mild (26%), mild-moderate (28.8%), moderate (18.6%),
      moderate-severe (17.2%), and severe (9.3%). A significant time by class
      interaction was obtained (chi-square [chi2[15]] = 30.05, p = 0.012); mild
      (chi2[1] = 243.90, p < 0.05), mild-moderate (chi2[1] = 198.03, p < 0.05), and
      moderate (chi2[1] = 526.77, p < 0.05) classes displayed significantly higher
      treatment utilization. CONCLUSION: The classes with more symptom severity
      (moderate-severe and severe) displayed lower utilization of services across time
      when compared to participants belonging to less severe groups. However, as
      pairwise differences in treatment utilization between classes were not
      significant between every subgroup, future studies should determine whether
      subgroup membership predicts other treatment outcomes.

PMID- 28076649
TI  - Suicide attempts in bipolar I patients: impact of comorbid personality disorders.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the association between personality disorders (PDs) and
      suicide attempts (SAs) in euthymic patients with type I bipolar disorder (BD).
      Methods: One-hundred twenty patients with type I BD, with and without history of
      SA, were evaluated during euthymia. The assessment included a clinical and
      sociodemographic questionnaire, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Young
      Mania Rating Scale, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and Structured Clinical
      Interviews for DSM-IV Axis I and II Disorders. Logistic regression was employed
      to determine associations between history of SA and patient characteristics.
      Results: History of SA was significantly associated with comorbid axis I
      disorder, rapid cycling, high impulsivity (attentional, motor, non-planning, and
      total), having any PD, and cluster B and C PDs. Only cluster B PDs, high
      attentional impulsivity, and lack of paid occupation remained significant after
      multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Cluster B PDs were significantly associated
      with SA in patients with type I BD. High attentional impulsivity and lack of
      gainful employment were also associated with SA, which suggests that some cluster
      B clinical and social characteristics may exacerbate suicidal behavior in this
      population. This finding offers alternatives for new therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 28076650
TI  - Chronotype and anxiety are associated in patients with chronic primary insomnia.
AB  - Objective:: To assess the interaction of chronotype with anxiety in patients with
      chronic primary insomnia. Methods:: Sixty-four patients (50 women) with mean age
      43.9+/-8.1 years were investigated with the Horne and Ostberg Morningness
      Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
      Results:: Significant negative correlations of chronotype-MEQ score with STAI
      state-anxiety (r = -0.40, p < 0.05), STAI trait-anxiety (r = -0.40, p < 0.05),
      and STAI pre-sleep state anxiety (r = -0.30, p < 0.05) were observed. Eveningness
      preference was associated with higher trait, state, and pre-sleep state anxiety.
      Conclusions:: These results suggest that chronotype may be an important parameter
      to identifying the origin and significance of a vicious anxiety-insomnia
      depression cycle in patients with chronic primary insomnia.

PMID- 28076651
TI  - Controlled release of chlorhexidine from a mesoporous silica-containing
      macroporous titanium dental implant prevents microbial biofilm formation.
AB  - Roughened surfaces are increasingly being used for dental implant applications as
      the enlarged contact area improves bone cell anchorage, thereby facilitating
      osseointegration. However, the additional surface area also entails a higher risk
      for the development of biofilm associated infections, an etiologic factor for
      many dental ailments, including peri-implantitis. To overcome this problem, we
      designed a dental implant composed of a porous titanium-silica (Ti/SiO2)
      composite material and containing an internal reservoir that can be loaded with
      antimicrobial compounds. The composite material consists of a sol-gel derived
      mesoporous SiO2 diffusion barrier integrated in a macroporous Ti load-bearing
      structure obtained by powder metallurgical processing. The antimicrobial
      compounds can diffuse through the porous implant walls, thereby reducing
      microbial biofilm formation on the implant surface. A continuous release of uM
      concentrations of chlorhexidine through the Ti/SiO2 composite material was
      measured, without initial burst effect, over at least 10 days and using a 5 mM
      chlorhexidine solution in the implant reservoir. Metabolic staining, CFU counting
      and visualisation by scanning electron microscopy confirmed that Streptococcus
      mutans biofilm formation on the implant surface was almost completely prevented
      due to chlorhexidine release (preventive setup). Moreover, we demonstrated
      efficacy of released chlorhexidine against mature Streptococcus mutans biofilms
      (curative setup). In conclusion, we provide a proof of concept of the sustained
      release of chlorhexidine, one of the most widely used oral antiseptics, through
      the Ti/SiO2 material thereby preventing and eradicating biofilm formation on the
      surface of the dental implant. In principle, our flexible design allows for the
      use of any bioactive compound, as discussed.

PMID- 28076653
TI  - Recent advances in primate nutritional ecology.
AB  - Nutritional ecology seeks to explain, in an ecological and evolutionary context,
      how individuals choose, acquire, and process food to satisfy their nutritional
      requirements. Historically, studies of primate feeding ecology have focused on
      characterizing diets in terms of the botanical composition of the plants
      consumed. Further, dietary studies have demonstrated how patch and food choice in
      relation to time spent foraging and feeding are influenced by the spatial and
      temporal distribution of resources and by social factors such as feeding
      competition, dominance, or partner preferences. From a nutritional perspective,
      several theories including energy and protein-to-fiber maximization, nutrient
      mixing, and toxin avoidance, have been proposed to explain the food choices of
      non-human primates. However, more recently, analytical frameworks such as
      nutritional geometry have been incorporated into primatology to explore, using a
      multivariate approach, the synergistic effects of multiple nutrients, secondary
      metabolites, and energy requirements on primate food choice. Dietary strategies
      associated with nutrient balancing highlight the tradeoffs that primates face in
      bypassing or selecting particular feeding sites and food items. In this Special
      Issue, the authors bring together a set of studies focusing on the nutritional
      ecology of a diverse set of primate taxa characterized by marked differences in
      dietary emphasis. The authors present, compare, and discuss the diversity of
      strategies used by primates in diet selection, and how species differences in
      ecology, physiology, anatomy, and phylogeny can affect patterns of nutrient
      choice and nutrient balancing. The use of a nutritionally explicit analytical
      framework is fundamental to identify the nutritional requirements of different
      individuals of a given species, and through its application, direct conservation
      efforts can be applied to regenerate and protect specific foods and food patches
      that offer the opportunity of a nutritionally balanced diet.

PMID- 28076652
TI  - Estimation of Benchmark Dose of Lifetime Cadmium Intake for Adverse Renal Effects
      Using Hybrid Approach in Inhabitants of an Environmentally Exposed River Basin in
      Japan.
AB  - The aim of this study is to estimate the reference level of lifetime cadmium
      intake (LCd) as the benchmark doses (BMDs) and their 95% lower confidence limits
      (BMDLs) for various renal effects by applying a hybrid approach. The participants
      comprised 3,013 (1,362 men and 1,651 women) and 278 (129 men and 149 women)
      inhabitants of the Cd-polluted and nonpolluted areas, respectively, in the
      environmentally exposed Kakehashi River basin. Glucose, protein, aminonitrogen,
      metallothionein, and beta2 -microglobulin in urine were measured as indicators of
      renal dysfunction. The BMD and BMDL that corresponded to an additional risk of 5%
      were calculated with background risk at zero exposure set at 5%. The obtained
      BMDLs of LCd were 3.7 g (glucose), 3.2 g (protein), 3.7 g (aminonitrogen), 1.7 g
      (metallothionein), and 1.8 g (beta2 -microglobulin) in men and 2.9 g (glucose),
      2.5 g (protein), 2.0 g (aminonitrogen), 1.6 g (metallothionein), and 1.3 g (beta2
      -microglobulin) in women. The lowest BMDL was 1.7 g (metallothionein) and 1.3 g
      (beta2 -microglobulin) in men and women, respectively. The lowest BMDL of LCd
      (1.3 g) was somewhat lower than the representative threshold LCd (2.0 g)
      calculated in the previous studies. The obtained BMDLs may contribute to further
      discussion on the health risk assessment of cadmium exposure.

PMID- 28076654
TI  - Estimating varying coefficients for partial differential equation models.
AB  - Partial differential equations (PDEs) are used to model complex dynamical systems
      in multiple dimensions, and their parameters often have important scientific
      interpretations. In some applications, PDE parameters are not constant but can
      change depending on the values of covariates, a feature that we call varying
      coefficients. We propose a parameter cascading method to estimate varying
      coefficients in PDE models from noisy data. Our estimates of the varying
      coefficients are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normally distributed.
      The performance of our method is evaluated by a simulation study and by an
      empirical study estimating three varying coefficients in a PDE model arising from
      LIDAR data.

PMID- 28076655
TI  - Fecal total iron concentration is inversely associated with fecal Lactobacillus
      in preschool children.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Iron deficiency is associated with stunting and poor
      performance in children. Oral iron supplementation is widely promoted to correct
      iron deficiency. However, excess iron may be toxic to beneficial luminal gut
      bacteria and could support growth of pathobionts. The aim of this study is to
      analyze the fecal total iron concentration and fecal Lactobacillus levels in a
      cohort of stunted and normal children. METHODS: The study was undertaken in two
      different locations. One of them is a rural area, and the other is a semi-urban
      slum area; both areas are located in the Vellore district of Tamilnadu state.
      Twenty children (10 stunted and 10 normal growth) aged 2 to 5 years from each
      area were recruited. Both groups were nearly identical demographically. Fecal
      samples were collected. Fecal total iron was estimated, and fecal DNA was
      extracted and subjected to 16S rDNA-targeted real-time PCR to determine the
      relative predominance of Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli. RESULTS: The fecal
      total iron concentration in rural children (3656 MUg/g wet wt. of feces) was
      significantly higher when compared with semi-urban-slum children (114.9 MUg/g wet
      wt. of feces, P < 0.005). Inversely, fecal Lactobacillus in rural children
      (median 3.18 * 10-3 relative difference compared with total bacteria) was
      significantly lower when compared with semi-urban-slum children (median 59.33 *
      10-3 , p < 0.005). There was no significant change observed between normal and
      stunted children. E. coli levels remained unaffected. CONCLUSION: The present
      study documents an inverse relationship between fecal iron concentration and
      fecal Lactobacillus concentration in children belonging to two different
      localities independent of their nutritional status.

PMID- 28076657
TI  - Geophysics Is Not a Silver Bullet, but Worth a Shot.

PMID- 28076656
TI  - Combined inhaled beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents for emergency management
      in adults with asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhaled short-acting anticholinergics (SAAC) and short-acting beta2
      agonists (SABA) are effective therapies for adult patients with acute asthma who
      present to the emergency department (ED). It is unclear, however, whether the
      combination of SAAC and SABA treatment is more effective in reducing
      hospitalisations compared to treatment with SABA alone. OBJECTIVES: To conduct an
      up-to-date systematic search and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of combined
      inhaled therapy (SAAC + SABA agents) vs. SABA alone to reduce hospitalisations in
      adult patients presenting to the ED with an exacerbation of asthma. SEARCH
      METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SCOPUS, LILACS, ProQuest
      Dissertations & Theses Global and evidence-based medicine (EBM) databases using
      controlled vocabulary, natural language terms, and a variety of specific and
      general terms for inhaled SAAC and SABA drugs. The search spanned from 1946 to
      July 2015. The Cochrane Airways Group provided search results from the Cochrane
      Airways Group Register of Trials which was most recently conducted in July 2016.
      An extensive search of the grey literature was completed to identify any other
      potentially relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Included studies were
      randomised or controlled clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of combined
      inhaled therapy (SAAC and SABA) to SABA treatment alone to prevent
      hospitalisations in adults with acute asthma in the emergency department. Two
      independent review authors assessed studies for inclusion using pre-determined
      criteria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated
      individual and pooled statistics as risk ratios (RR) or odds ratios (OR) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model and reporting
      heterogeneity (I2). For continuous outcomes, we reported individual trial results
      using mean differences (MD) and pooled results as weighted mean differences (WMD)
      or standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs using a random-effects model.
      MAIN RESULTS: We included 23 studies that involved a total of 2724 enrolled
      participants. Most studies were rated at unclear or high risk of bias.Overall,
      participants receiving combination inhaled therapy were less likely to be
      hospitalised (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.87; participants = 2120; studies = 16; I2
      = 12%; moderate quality of evidence). An estimated 65 fewer patients per 1000
      would require hospitalisation after receiving combination therapy (95% 30 to 95),
      compared to 231 per 1000 patients receiving SABA alone. Although combination
      inhaled therapy was more effective than SABA treatment alone in reducing
      hospitalisation in participants with severe asthma exacerbations, this was not
      found for participants with mild or moderate exacerbations (test for difference
      between subgroups P = 0.02).Participants receiving combination therapy were more
      likely to experience improved forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (MD
      0.25 L, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.48; participants = 687; studies = 6; I2 = 70%; low
      quality of evidence), peak expiratory flow (PEF) (MD 36.58 L/min, 95% CI 23.07 to
      50.09; participants = 1056; studies = 12; I2 = 25%; very low quality of
      evidence), increased percent change in PEF from baseline (MD 24.88, 95% CI 14.83
      to 34.93; participants = 551; studies = 7; I2 = 23%; moderate quality of
      evidence), and were less likely to return to the ED for additional care (RR 0.80,
      95% CI 0.66 to 0.98; participants = 1180; studies = 5; I2 = 0%; moderate quality
      of evidence) than participants receiving SABA alone.Participants receiving
      combination inhaled therapy were more likely to experience adverse events than
      those treated with SABA agents alone (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.20; participants
      = 1392; studies = 11; I2 = 14%; moderate quality of evidence). Among patients
      receiving combination therapy, 103 per 1000 were likely to report adverse events
      (95% 31 to 195 more) compared to 131 per 1000 patients receiving SABA alone.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Overall, combination inhaled therapy with SAAC and SABA
      reduced hospitalisation and improved pulmonary function in adults presenting to
      the ED with acute asthma. In particular, combination inhaled therapy was more
      effective in preventing hospitalisation in adults with severe asthma
      exacerbations who are at increased risk of hospitalisation, compared to those
      with mild-moderate exacerbations, who were at a lower risk to be hospitalised. A
      single dose of combination therapy and multiple doses both showed reductions in
      the risk of hospitalisation among adults with acute asthma. However, adults
      receiving combination therapy were more likely to experience adverse events, such
      as tremor, agitation, and palpitations, compared to patients receiving SABA
      alone.

PMID- 28076658
TI  - The Development of Groundwater Modeling: The End of an Era.

PMID- 28076659
TI  - An Empirical Agent-Based Model to Simulate the Adoption of Water Reuse Using the
      Social Amplification of Risk Framework.
AB  - Water reuse can serve as a sustainable alternative water source for urban areas.
      However, the successful implementation of large-scale water reuse projects
      depends on community acceptance. Because of the negative perceptions that are
      traditionally associated with reclaimed water, water reuse is often not
      considered in the development of urban water management plans. This study
      develops a simulation model for understanding community opinion dynamics
      surrounding the issue of water reuse, and how individual perceptions evolve
      within that context, which can help in the planning and decision-making process.
      Based on the social amplification of risk framework, our agent-based model
      simulates consumer perceptions, discussion patterns, and their adoption or
      rejection of water reuse. The model is based on the "risk publics" model, an
      empirical approach that uses the concept of belief clusters to explain the
      adoption of new technology. Each household is represented as an agent, and
      parameters that define their behavior and attributes are defined from survey
      data. Community-level parameters-including social groups, relationships, and
      communication variables, also from survey data-are encoded to simulate the social
      processes that influence community opinion. The model demonstrates its
      capabilities to simulate opinion dynamics and consumer adoption of water reuse.
      In addition, based on empirical data, the model is applied to investigate water
      reuse behavior in different regions of the United States. Importantly, our
      results reveal that public opinion dynamics emerge differently based on
      membership in opinion clusters, frequency of discussion, and the structure of
      social networks.

PMID- 28076660
TI  - Influenza A virus NS1 protein-induced JNK activation and apoptosis are not
      functionally linked.
AB  - Expression of the influenza A virus (IAV) nonstructural protein (NS1) results in
      the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Both NS1 and JNK are involved in
      apoptosis induction. To investigate their interrelationship, we stably expressed
      a tamoxifen inducible NS1 oestrogen receptor fusion-protein (NS1ERT) in mammalian
      cells. Upon tamoxifen stimulation, NS1ERT-expressing cells partially rescued the
      attenuated replication of NS1-deficient IAVs and also inhibited interferon up
      regulation, confirming the functional competence of NS1ERT. Tamoxifen-induced
      NS1ERT created a cytopathic phenotype and led to the activation of JNK and
      apoptosis. Induction of NS1F103SERT mutant failed to activate JNK, but induced
      apoptosis, whereas the induction of NS1M106IERT led to JNK phosphorylation, but
      not apoptosis, indicating that JNK activation and apoptosis induction are not
      functionally linked. Further mutational analysis highlighted that apoptosis
      induction is a function of the C-terminal effector domain of NS1. Finally, IAVs
      encoding mutant NS1 revealed a modulating effect of NS1 on apoptosis induction in
      a genuine infection. With respect to apoptogenicity, an NS1 mutant virus that
      results in a super activation of JNK behaves similarly to the JNK nonactivating
      virus expressing NS1F103S, thus confirming that NS1-mediated JNK activation and
      apoptosis induction are also functionally independent from each other in vivo.

PMID- 28076661
TI  - Impression Techniques Used for Single-Unit Crowns: Findings from the National
      Dental Practice-Based Research Network.
AB  - PURPOSE: To: (1) determine which impression and gingival displacement techniques
      practitioners use for single-unit crowns on natural teeth; and (2) test whether
      certain dentist and practice characteristics are significantly associated with
      the use of these techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentists participating in the
      National Dental Practice-Based Research Network were eligible for this survey
      study. The study used a questionnaire developed by clinicians, statisticians,
      laboratory technicians, and survey experts. The questionnaire was pretested via
      cognitive interviewing with a regionally diverse group of practitioners. The
      survey included questions regarding gingival displacement and impression
      techniques. Survey responses were compared by dentist and practice
      characteristics using ANOVA. RESULTS: The response rate was 1777 of 2132 eligible
      dentists (83%). Regarding gingival displacement, most clinicians reported using
      either a single cord (35%) or dual cord (35%) technique. About 16% of respondents
      preferred an injectable retraction technique. For making impressions, the most
      frequently used techniques and materials are: poly(vinyl siloxane), 77%;
      polyether, 12%; optical/digital, 9%. A dental auxiliary or assistant made the
      final impression 2% of the time. Regarding dual-arch impression trays, 23% of
      practitioners report they typically use a metal frame tray, 60% use a plastic
      frame, and 16% do not use a dual-arch tray. Clinicians using optical impression
      techniques were more likely to be private practice owners or associates.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study documents current techniques for gingival displacement
      and making impressions for crowns. Certain dentist and practice characteristics
      are significantly associated with these techniques.

PMID- 28076662
TI  - Vps13F links bacterial recognition and intracellular killing in Dictyostelium.
AB  - Bacterial sensing, ingestion, and killing by phagocytic cells are essential
      processes to protect the human body from infectious microorganisms. The cellular
      mechanisms involved in intracellular killing, their relative importance, and
      their specificity towards different bacteria are however poorly defined. In this
      study, we used Dictyostelium discoideum, a phagocytic cell model amenable to
      genetic analysis, to identify new gene products involved in intracellular
      killing. A random genetic screen led us to identify the role of Vps13F in
      intracellular killing of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Vps13F knock-out (KO) cells
      exhibited a delayed intracellular killing of K. pneumoniae, although the general
      organization of the phagocytic and endocytic pathway appeared largely unaffected.
      Transcriptomic analysis revealed that vps13F KO cells may be functionally similar
      to previously characterized fspA KO cells, shown to be defective in folate
      sensing. Indeed, vps13F KO cells showed a decreased chemokinetic response to
      various stimulants, suggesting a direct or indirect role of Vps13F in
      intracellular signaling. Overstimulation with excess folate restored efficient
      killing in vps13F KO cells. Finally, genetic inactivation of Far1, the folate
      receptor, resulted in inefficient intracellular killing of K. pneumoniae.
      Together, these observations show that stimulation of Dictyostelium by bacterial
      folate is necessary for rapid intracellular killing of K. pneumoniae.

PMID- 28076663
TI  - Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amidinourea and Triazine Congeners as
      Inhibitors of MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation.
AB  - A series of novel amidinourea derivatives was synthesized, and the compounds were
      evaluated as inhibitors of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell proliferation. In
      addition, a second series of triazine derivatives designed as rigid congeners of
      the amidinoureas was synthesized, and the compounds were evaluated for their
      antiproliferative activity. Among the two series, amidinourea 3 d (N-[N-[8-[[N
      (morpholine-4-carbonyl)carbamimidoyl]amino]octyl]carbamimidoyl]morpholine-4
      carboxamide) emerged as a potent anticancer hit compound with an IC50 value of
      0.76 MUm, similar to that of tamoxifen.

PMID- 28076664
TI  - Sensitization predicts asthma development among wheezing toddlers in secondary
      healthcare.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Some wheezing toddlers develop asthma later in childhood.
      Sensitization is known to predict asthma in birth cohorts. However, its
      predictive value in secondary healthcare is uncertain. AIM: This study examines
      the predictive value of sensitization to inhalant allergens among wheezing
      toddlers in secondary healthcare for the development of asthma at school age (>=6
      years). METHODS: Preschool children (1-3 years) who presented with wheezing in
      secondary healthcare were screened on asthma at school age with the International
      Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The positive and
      negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) of specific IgE to inhalant allergens
      (cut-off concentration 0.35 kU/L) and several non-invasive variables from a
      child's history (such as hospitalization, eczema, and parental atopy) were
      calculated. The additional predictive value of sensitization when combined with
      non-invasive predictors was examined in multivariate analysis and by ROC curves.
      RESULTS: Of 116 included children, 63% developed asthma at school age.
      Sensitization to inhalant allergens was a strong asthma predictor. The odds ratio
      (OR), PPV and NPV were 7.4%, 86%, and 55%, respectively. Eczema (OR 3.4) and
      hospital admission (OR 2.6) were significant non-invasive determinants. Adding
      sensitization to these non-invasive predictors in multivariate analysis resulted
      in a significantly better asthma prediction. The area under the ROC curve
      increased from 0.70 with only non-invasive predictors to 0.79 after adding
      sensitization. CONCLUSION: Sensitization to inhalant allergens is a strong
      predictor of school age asthma in secondary healthcare and has added predictive
      value when combined with non-invasive determinants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:729
      736. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28076665
TI  - Carbohydrate-Lectin Interactions: An Unexpected Contribution to Affinity.
AB  - Uropathogenic E. coli exploit PapG-II adhesin for infecting host cells of the
      kidney; the expression of PapG-II at the tip of bacterial pili correlates with
      the onset of pyelonephritis in humans, a potentially life-threatening condition.
      It was envisaged that blocking PapG-II (and thus bacterial adhesion) would
      provide a viable therapeutic alternative to conventional antibiotic treatment. In
      our search for potent PapG-II antagonists, we observed an increase in affinity
      when tetrasaccharide 1, the natural ligand of PapG-II in human kidneys, was
      elongated to hexasaccharide 2, even though the additional Siaalpha(2-3)Gal
      extension is not in direct contact with the lectin. ITC studies suggest that the
      increased affinity results from partial desolvation of nonbinding regions of the
      hexasaccharide; this is ultimately responsible for perturbation of the outer
      hydration layers. Our results are in agreement with previous observations and
      suggest a general mechanism for modulating carbohydrate-protein interactions
      based on nonbinding regions of the ligand.

PMID- 28076666
TI  - The global incidence of lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancers by subsite in
      2012.
AB  - By using data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer publication
      Cancer Incidence in 5 Continents and GLOBOCAN, this report provides the first
      consolidated global estimation of the subsite distribution of new cases of lip,
      oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancers by country, sex, and age for the year 2012.
      Major geographically based, sex-based, and age-based variations in the incidence
      of lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancers by subsite were observed. Lip cancers
      were highly frequent in Australia (associated with solar radiation) and in
      central and eastern Europe (associated with tobacco smoking). Cancers of the oral
      cavity and hypopharynx were highly common in south-central Asia, especially in
      India (associated with smokeless tobacco, bidi, and betel-quid use). Rates of
      oropharyngeal cancers were elevated in northern America and Europe, notably in
      Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, and France and were associated with alcohol use,
      tobacco smoking, and human papillomavirus infection. Nasopharyngeal cancers were
      most common in northern Africa and eastern/southeast Asia, indicative of genetic
      susceptibility combined with Epstein-Barr virus infection and early life
      carcinogenic exposures (nitrosamines and salted foods). The global incidence of
      lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancers of 529,500, corresponding to 3.8% of all
      cancer cases, is predicted to rise by 62% to 856,000 cases by 2035 because of
      changes in demographics. Given the rising incidence of lip, oral cavity, and
      pharyngeal cancers and the variations in incidence by subsites across world
      regions and countries, there is a need for local, tailored approaches to
      prevention, screening, and treatment interventions that will optimally reduce the
      lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancer burden in future decades. CA Cancer J
      Clin 2017;67:51-64. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 28076667
TI  - Effectiveness of Antipsychotic Drugs for 24-Month Maintenance Treatment in First
      Episode Schizophrenia: Evidence From a Community-Based "Real-World" Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Maintenance treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotic medications
      has become a standard for the prevention of psychotic relapse. However, little is
      known about the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs for maintenance treatment in
      "real-world" populations with schizophrenia. We carried out a prospective study
      to assess the effectiveness of the most frequently prescribed antipsychotic drugs
      in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia from 2 community settings. METHODS:
      This study was conducted from October 2011 to December 2014. All participants
      were diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV, were treated with an
      antipsychotic monotherapy, and were registered in a case management program with
      monthly monitoring for 24 months. The primary outcome measure, Positive and
      Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of
      Illness (CGI-S) and -Improvement (CGI-I) scales were used to evaluate symptom
      severity and treatment response. The Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP)
      was used to evaluate the patients' social functioning. The Medication Adherence
      Rating Scale (MARS) was used to assess medication adherence behavior. On the
      basis of antipsychotic used at baseline, patients were clustered into 7 groups:
      aripiprazole (n = 21), clozapine (n = 84), chlorpromazine (n = 61), olanzapine (n
      = 34), perphenazine (n = 21), quetiapine (n = 27), and risperidone (n = 99).
      RESULTS: Of the 347 patients enrolled in the study, 312 completed the 24-month
      follow-up. There were no significant differences among the treatment groups in
      the PANSS total and subscale scores or the CGI-S and CGI-I scores over 24 months
      (all P values > .05). There were also no significant differences in interactions
      between PSP scores and antipsychotic drugs (P = .17). The remission rates
      increased as the follow-time lapsed in all groups, but no significant difference
      was observed in remission rates at each time point among the 7 groups (P values >
      .05). At the endpoint, MARS total scores were over 6, but did not significantly
      differ among the studied drugs (P = .24). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest
      that antipsychotic drugs can achieve equivalent effectiveness in maintenance
      treatment of first-episode schizophrenia through a well-organized case management
      program and family participation.

PMID- 28076668
TI  - US Veterans and PTSD: Who Are They, and How Did It Happen?

PMID- 28076669
TI  - Medication Discrepancies at Outpatient Departments for Mood and Anxiety Disorders
      in the Netherlands: Risks and Clinical Relevance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify discrepancies between actual drug use by outpatients with
      mood and anxiety disorders and medication overviews from health care providers as
      well as to investigate the clinical relevance of those discrepancies. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study in adults visiting 1 of 4 participating outpatient
      departments for mood and anxiety disorders was conducted between March and
      November 2014. DSM-5 criteria were used to assign the psychiatric diagnosis. The
      primary outcome was the number of discrepancies between the actual medication
      use, as determined by medication reconciliation with the patient, and the
      medication overview from the outpatient department, general practitioner, and
      community pharmacy. Our secondary outcome was the clinical relevance of
      discrepancies, as assessed by an expert panel that reviewed all discrepancies for
      their potential to cause patient harm. RESULTS: Of 367 patients included, 94.8%
      had at least 1 discrepancy in the medication overview from the outpatient
      department. A mean of 3.9 discrepancies existed per patient. Most discrepancies
      (74.5%) related to omitted drugs (drugs taken regularly by patients but absent
      from the medication overview). Of all discrepancies at the outpatient
      departments, 22.7% had the potential to cause moderate to severe discomfort or
      clinical deterioration, affecting 49.3% of the patients. Both total number and
      number of clinically relevant discrepancies were lower in medication overviews
      from general practitioners and pharmacies. CONCLUSION: Patients from outpatient
      departments for mood and anxiety disorders may be at substantial risk for
      medication discrepancies that are often clinically relevant. Medication
      reconciliation at mental health care outpatient departments is in need of
      improvement.

PMID- 28076670
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 28076671
TI  - A Randomized Trial of Collaborative Care for Perinatal Depression in
      Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Women: The Impact of Comorbid Posttraumatic
      Stress Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with antenatal
      depression poses increased risks for postpartum depression and may delay or
      diminish response to evidence-based depression care. In a secondary analysis of
      an 18-month study of collaborative care for perinatal depression, the authors
      hypothesized that pregnant, depressed, socioeconomically disadvantaged women with
      comorbid PTSD would show more improvement in the MOMCare intervention providing
      Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy and/or antidepressants, compared to intensive
      public health Maternity Support Services (MSS-Plus). METHODS: A multisite
      randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment was conducted in the
      Seattle-King County Public Health System, July 2009-January 2014. Pregnant women
      were recruited who met criteria for a probable diagnosis of major depressive
      disorder (MDD) on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and/or dysthymia on the MINI
      International Neuropsychiatric Interview (5.0.0). The primary outcome was
      depression severity at 3-, 6-, 12-and 18-month follow-ups; secondary outcomes
      included functional improvement, PTSD severity, depression response and
      remission, and quality of depression care. RESULTS: Sixty-five percent of the
      sample of 164 met criteria for probable comorbid PTSD. The treatment effect was
      significantly associated with PTSD status in a group-by-PTSD severity
      interaction, controlling for baseline depression severity (Wald chi21 = 4.52, P =
      .03). Over the 18-month follow-up, those with comorbid PTSD in MOMCare (n = 48),
      versus MSS-Plus (n = 58), showed greater improvement in depression severity (Wald
      chi21 = 8.51, P < .004), PTSD severity (Wald chi21 = 5.55, P < .02), and
      functioning (Wald chi21 = 4.40, P < .04); higher rates of depression response
      (Wald chi21 = 4.13, P < .04) and remission (Wald chi21 = 5.17, P < .02); and
      increased use of mental health services (Wald chi21 = 39.87, P < .0001) and
      antidepressant medication (Wald chi21 = 8.07, P < .005). Participants without
      comorbid PTSD in MOMCare (n = 33) and MSS-Plus (n = 25) showed equivalent
      improvement on these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Collaborative depression care had a
      greater impact on perinatal depressive outcomes for socioeconomically
      disadvantaged women with comorbid PTSD than for those without PTSD. Findings
      suggest that a stepped care treatment model for high-risk pregnant women with
      both MDD and PTSD could be integrated into public health systems in the United
      States. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01045655.

PMID- 28076672
TI  - Prenatal Psychostimulant and Antidepressant Exposure and Risk of Hypertensive
      Disorders of Pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association, if any, of prenatal mental illness and
      psychotropic exposure with the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).
      METHODS: A case-cohort analysis was conducted of 686 pregnant women participating
      in prospective, longitudinal observational studies in a tertiary referral center
      between January 1998 and May 2012. Risk estimates were produced using
      multivariate logistic regression modeling. Medication- and diagnosis-specific
      data were utilized to conduct post hoc confirmatory analyses of the risk
      estimates. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders, HDP were significantly
      associated with psychostimulant (odds ratio [OR] = 6.11; 95% CI, 1.79-20.9) and
      serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (OR = 2.57; 95%, 1.34-4.93)
      exposure following the 20th week of gestation and lifetime histories of cocaine
      dependence (OR = 2.99; 95% CI, 1.12-7.98) and panic disorder (OR = 1.78; 95% CI,
      1.06-2.98) using DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. HDP risk was not associated with
      prenatal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor exposure or other psychiatric
      disorders. Post hoc analyses demonstrated an increased risk for HDP with higher
      maternal daily doses of amphetamine psychostimulants and the SNRI venlafaxine.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that psychostimulant and SNRI exposure following
      the 20th week of gestation conveys considerable risk for the emergence of HDP.
      Overall, the findings suggest that heightened vascular reactivity to
      noradrenergic, rather than serotonergic, stimulation may be pivotal to HDP risk
      among women with psychiatric illness.

PMID- 28076673
TI  - An Infanticide Trial: US Infanticide Laws Fall Well Short of International
      Standards.

PMID- 28076674
TI  - Trajectories of Perinatal Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in a Community Cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The evidence on trajectories of perinatal depression is mostly based
      on studies composed of women at high risk for poor mental health. Research on
      maternal anxiety trajectories is also scarce. Using a large community cohort, the
      All Our Babies study, in Alberta, Canada, we examined trajectories of perinatal
      depressive and anxiety symptoms and compared characteristics of women across
      trajectories. METHODS: Anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured at the
      second and third trimesters and at 4 and 12 months postpartum among 1,445 women
      recruited between May 2008 and December 2010. The state subscale of the
      Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure anxiety symptoms,
      and depressive symptoms were measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
      Scale. Semiparametric group-based mixed modeling was performed to identify the
      optimal trajectory shape, number of groups, and proportion of the sample
      belonging to each trajectory. Model fit was evaluated using the Bayesian
      information criterion. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to
      compare characteristics across the trajectories. RESULTS: Five distinct
      trajectory groups with constant and variable patterns were identified for both
      depressive and anxiety symptoms: minimal, mild, antepartum, postpartum, and
      chronic. Common risk factors of depression and anxiety across groups with
      elevated symptoms were history of mental health issues (odds ratios [ORs] varied
      from 1.83 to 7.64), history of abuse/neglect (ORs varied from 1.67 to 8.97), and
      low social support (ORs varied from 1.64 to 11.37). The magnitude of the
      influence of the psychosocial risk factors was greater in the chronic group
      compared to others, suggesting a dose-related relationship. CONCLUSIONS:
      Heterogeneity of anxiety and depressive symptoms highlights the importance of
      multiple mental health assessments during the perinatal period. The patterns and
      intensity of postpartum depression differed between community and high-risk
      samples, underlining the significance of defining suitable cutoffs. Research to
      examine the impact of these trajectories on child outcomes is needed.

PMID- 28076676
TI  - Use of Metformin for Cardiometabolic Risks in Psychiatric Practice: Need-to-Know
      Safety Issues.
AB  - Metformin, a biguanide drug, is emerging as an important treatment option for the
      prevention or treatment of weight gain, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the
      metabolic syndrome in psychiatric patients, especially those who require or
      receive antipsychotic drugs. Metformin treatment is commonly associated with
      gastrointestinal adverse effects; the risk of these is reduced by gradual dose
      uptitration, administration of the drug with meals, and use of a time-release
      formulation. Lactic acidosis, a potentially fatal complication of biguanide
      therapy, is very rare with metformin; the risk can be reduced by avoidance of its
      prescription in patients with impaired renal function, impaired liver function,
      cardiac failure, and certain other conditions. Long-term metformin use is
      associated with decreased vitamin B12 levels, and even with biochemical B12
      deficiency; this complication can detected early by annual assessments of serum
      B12 levels and prevented by annual intramuscular B12 administration.

PMID- 28076675
TI  - Low Fasting Oxytocin Levels Are Associated With Psychopathology in Anorexia
      Nervosa in Partial Recovery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder characterized by
      restriction of food intake despite severe weight loss, is associated with
      increased comorbid anxiety and depression. Secretion of oxytocin, an appetite
      regulating neurohormone with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, is
      abnormal in AN. The link between oxytocin levels and psychopathology in AN has
      not been well explored. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 79 women
      aged 18-45 years (19 AN, 26 AN in partial recovery [ANPR], and 34 healthy
      controls [HC]) investigating the relationship between basal oxytocin levels and
      disordered eating psychopathology, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. AN diagnoses
      were based on DSM-5 criteria. Data acquisition took place between December 2008
      and March 2014. Fasting serum oxytocin levels were obtained, and the following
      self-report measures were used to assess psychopathology: Eating Disorder
      Examination Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression
      Inventory-II. RESULTS: Fasting oxytocin levels were low in ANPR compared to HC (P
      = .0004). In ANPR but not AN, oxytocin was negatively associated with disordered
      eating psychopathology (r = -0.39, P = .0496) and anxiety symptoms (state
      anxiety: r = -0.53, P = .006; trait anxiety: r = -0.49, P = .01). Furthermore,
      ANPR with significant disordered eating psychopathology, anxiety symptoms, or
      depressive symptoms had lower oxytocin levels compared to those with minimal or
      no symptoms (P = .04, .02, and .007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We speculate
      that a dysregulation of oxytocin pathways may contribute to persistent
      psychopathology after partial weight recovery from anorexia nervosa.

PMID- 28076677
TI  - A Call to Action: The Active Role Psychiatrists and the DEA Must Take to Decrease
      Harm from Psychotropic Drugs Acquired via the Internet.

PMID- 28076678
TI  - Managing Medical Comorbidities in Patients With Depression to Improve Overall
      Prognosis.
AB  - Clinicians should weigh potential adverse effects of antidepressant medications
      when treating patients with medical comorbidities. Consider an example of the
      choices that sometimes must be made through the case of Tony, a 64-year-old man
      whose current diagnosis of hypertension and increased risk of diabetes influence
      his treatment for depression.

PMID- 28076680
TI  - Regulating the Master Regulator: Controlling Ubiquitination by Thinking Outside
      the Active Site.
AB  - The labeling of proteins with ubiquitin/ubiquitin-like (Ubl) proteins is crucial
      for several physiological processes and in the onset of various diseases.
      Recently, targeting ubiquitin protein labeling has shifted toward the use of
      allosteric mechanisms over classical activity-based approaches. Allosteric enzyme
      regulation offers the potential for greater selectivity and has demonstrated less
      susceptibility to acquired resistance often associated with active site
      inhibitors. Furthermore, the isoform diversity among E1 activating, E2
      conjugating, E3 ligase, and deubiquitinating (DUB) enzymes offers an ideal
      platform for modulating activity via allostery. Herein, we have reviewed
      allosteric inhibitors of the ubiquitin E1-E2-E3 and DUB enzymatic cascade
      developed over the past decade with a focus on their mechanisms of action. We
      have highlighted the advantages as well as the challenges associated with
      designing allosteric modulators of the ubiquitin labeling machinery, and the
      future promise in targeting these systems using allosteric approaches.

PMID- 28076679
TI  - Molecular Dynamics Simulations for Deciphering the Structural Basis of
      Recognition of Pre-let-7 miRNAs by LIN28.
AB  - LIN28 protein inhibits biogenesis of miRNAs belonging to the let-7 family by
      binding to precursor forms of miRNAs. Overexpression of LIN28 and low levels of
      let-7 miRNAs are associated with several forms of cancer cells. We have performed
      multiple explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations ranging from 200 to 500
      ns in length on different isoforms of preE-let-7 in complex with LIN28 and also
      in isolation to identify structural features and key specificity-determining
      residues (SDRs) that are important for the inhibitory role of LIN28. Our
      simulations suggest that a conserved structural feature of the loop regions of
      preE-let-7 miRNAs is more important for LIN28 recognition than sequence
      conservation among members of the let-7 family or the presence of the GGAG motif
      in the 3' region. The loop region consisting of a minimum of five nucleotides
      helps pre-miRNAs to acquire a conformation ideal for binding to LIN28, but pre
      let-7c-2 prefers a conformation with a three-nucleotide loop. Thus, our
      simulations provide a theoretical rationale for the recent experimental
      observation of the escape of LIN28-mediated repression by pre-let-7c-2. The
      essential structural and sequence features highlighted in this study might aid in
      designing synthetic small molecule inhibitors for modulating LIN28-let-7
      interaction in malignant cells. We have also identified crucial SDRs of the LIN28
      preE-let-7 complex involving 13 residues of LIN28 and 10 residues of the pre
      miRNA. On the basis of the conservation profile of these 13 SDRs, we have
      identified 10 novel proteins that are not annotated as LIN28 like but are similar
      in sequence, domain, or fold level to LIN28.

PMID- 28076682
TI  - Effect of Maternal +/-Citalopram Exposure on P11 Expression and Neurogenesis in
      the Mouse Fetal Brain.
AB  - Fetal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) has been
      associated with increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. In the
      adult brain, SSRI therapy regulates p11 (s100a10) expression and alters
      neurogenesis. The protein p11 indirectly regulates 5-HT signaling through 5
      HT1B/D receptors. In the fetal brain, signaling through these receptors modulates
      axonal circuit formation. We determined whether p11 is expressed in the fetal
      mouse brain, and whether maternal SSRI exposure affects fetal p11 expression and
      neurogenesis. The SSRI +/- citalopram was administered to pregnant mice from
      gestational day 8 to 17. Results show that p11 is expressed in fetal thalamic
      neurons and thalamocortical axons. Furthermore, p11 protein expression is
      significantly decreased in the fetal thalamus after in utero +/-citalopram
      exposure compared to untreated controls, and neurogenesis is significantly
      decreased in specific fetal brain regions. These findings reveal differential
      regulation of p11 expression and altered neurogenesis in the fetal brain as a
      result of maternal SSRI exposure.

PMID- 28076683
TI  - Modulation of Cytotoxicity by Transcription-Coupled Nucleotide Excision Repair Is
      Independent of the Requirement for Bioactivation of Acylfulvene.
AB  - Bioactivation as well as DNA repair affects the susceptibility of cancer cells to
      the action of DNA-alkylating chemotherapeutic drugs. However, information is
      limited with regard to the relative contributions of these processes to the
      biological outcome of metabolically activated DNA alkylating agents. We evaluated
      the influence of cellular bioactivation capacity and DNA repair on cytotoxicity
      of the DNA alkylating agent acylfulvene (AF). We compared the cytotoxicity and
      RNA synthesis inhibition by AF and its synthetic activated analogue iso-M0 in a
      panel of fibroblast cell lines with deficiencies in transcription-coupled (TC
      NER) or global genome nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER). We related these data
      to the inherent bioactivation capacity of each cell type on the basis of mRNA
      levels. We demonstrated that specific inactivation of TC-NER by siRNA had the
      largest positive impact on AF activity in a cancer cell line. These findings
      establish that transcription-coupled DNA repair reduces cellular sensitivity to
      AF, independent of the requirement for bioactivation.

PMID- 28076681
TI  - Computational Modeling of Neurotransmitter Release Evoked by Electrical
      Stimulation: Nonlinear Approaches to Predicting Stimulation-Evoked Dopamine
      Release.
AB  - Neurochemical changes evoked by electrical stimulation of the nervous system have
      been linked to both therapeutic and undesired effects of neuromodulation
      therapies used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, epilepsy,
      Parkinson's disease, stroke, hypertension, tinnitus, and many other indications.
      In fact, interest in better understanding the role of neurochemical signaling in
      neuromodulation therapies has been a focus of recent government- and industry
      sponsored programs whose ultimate goal is to usher in an era of personalized
      medicine by creating neuromodulation therapies that respond to real-time changes
      in patient status. A key element to achieving these precision therapeutic
      interventions is the development of mathematical modeling approaches capable of
      describing the nonlinear transfer function between neuromodulation parameters and
      evoked neurochemical changes. Here, we propose two computational modeling
      frameworks, based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) and Volterra kernels, that
      can characterize the input/output transfer functions of stimulation-evoked
      neurochemical release. We evaluate the ability of these modeling frameworks to
      characterize subject-specific neurochemical kinetics by accurately describing
      stimulation-evoked dopamine release across rodent (R2 = 0.83 Volterra kernel, R2
      = 0.86 ANN), swine (R2 = 0.90 Volterra kernel, R2 = 0.93 ANN), and non-human
      primate (R2 = 0.98 Volterra kernel, R2 = 0.96 ANN) models of brain stimulation.
      Ultimately, these models will not only improve understanding of neurochemical
      signaling in healthy and diseased brains but also facilitate the development of
      neuromodulation strategies capable of controlling neurochemical release via
      closed-loop strategies.

PMID- 28076684
TI  - Radiographic Differentiation of Advanced Fibrocystic Lung Diseases.
AB  - The concept of end-stage lung disease suggests a final common pathway for most
      diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. In accordance with this concept, end-stage
      disease is characterized radiographically and pathologically by the presence of
      extensive honeycombing. However, sequential computed tomographic (CT) scans
      obtained from patients with chronic diffuse lung disease evolve over time to show
      various advanced lung disease patterns other than honeycombing. In addition,
      several radiographically distinct honeycomb patterns, including microcystic,
      macrocystic, mixed, and combined emphysema and honeycombing, differentiate one
      advanced lung disease from another. For example, usual interstitial pneumonia
      (IP) usually shows mixed microcystic and macrocystic honeycombing. In contrast,
      CT images of long-standing fibrotic nonspecific IP typically show only small,
      scattered foci of honeycombing; instead, most enlarged airspaces observed in the
      advanced stage of this disease represent dilatation of bronchioles. In
      desquamative IP and pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, focal opacities
      typically evolve into emphysema-like lesions seen on CT imaging. In combined
      pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema and sarcoidosis, the cysts tend to be larger
      than those observed in usual IP. Sequential CT scans in other chronic, diffuse
      lung diseases also show various distinctive changes. This article highlights
      radiographic patterns of lung destruction that belie a single common pathway to
      end-stage lung disease. Recognition of distinct radiographic patterns of lung
      destruction can help differentiate diffuse parenchymal lung diseases, even in
      advanced stages of disease evolution.

PMID- 28076686
TI  - Small-molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitors targeting gp120 and gp41: a patent review
      (2010-2015).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is essential to discover and develop small-molecule HIV-1 entry
      inhibitors with suitable pharmaceutical properties. Areas covered: We review the
      development of small-molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitors as evidenced in patents,
      patent applications, and related research articles published between 2010 and
      2015. Expert opinion: HIV-1 Env gp120 and gp41 are important targets for
      development of HIV-1 entry inhibitors. The Phe43 pocket in gp120 and the highly
      conserved hydrophobic pocket on gp41 NHR-trimer are important targets for
      identification of HIV-1 attachment and fusion inhibitors, respectively. Compounds
      that bind to Phe43 pocket can block viral gp120 binding to CD4 on T cells, thus
      inhibiting HIV-1 attachment. However, most compounds targeting Phe43 pocket
      identified so far are HIV-1 entry agonists with the ability to enhance
      infectivity of HIV-1 in CD4-negative cells. Therefore, it is essential to
      identify HIV-1 entry antagonist-based HIV-1 attachment/entry inhibitors.
      Compounds binding to the gp41 hydrophobic pocket may inhibit CHR binding to the
      gp41 NHR trimer, thus blocking six-helix bundle formation and gp41-mediated virus
      cell fusion. However, most lead compounds targeting this pocket have low potency,
      possibly because the pocket is too big or too deep. Therefore, it is necessary to
      identify other pockets in gp41 for developing HIV-1 fusion/entry inhibitors.

PMID- 28076685
TI  - Diffusion of Evidence-based Intensive Care Unit Organizational Practices. A State
      Wide Analysis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Several intensive care unit (ICU) organizational practices have been
      associated with improved patient outcomes. However, the uptake of these evidence
      based practices is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To assess diffusion of ICU organizational
      practices across the state of Pennsylvania. METHODS: We conducted two web-based,
      cross-sectional surveys of ICU organizational practices in Pennsylvania acute
      care hospitals, in 2005 (chief nursing officer respondents) and 2014 (ICU nurse
      manager respondents). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 223 eligible respondents,
      nurse managers from 136 (61%) medical, surgical, mixed medical-surgical, cardiac,
      and specialty ICUs in 98 hospitals completed the 2014 survey, compared with 124
      of 164 (76%) chief nursing officers in the 2005 survey. In 2014, daytime
      physician staffing models varied widely, with 23 of 136 (17%) using closed models
      and 33 (24%) offering no intensivist staffing. Nighttime intensivist staffing was
      used in 37 (27%) ICUs, 38 (28%) used nonintensivist attending staffing, and 24
      (18%) had no nighttime attending physicians. Daily multidisciplinary rounds
      occurred in 93 (68%) ICUs. Regular participants included clinical pharmacists in
      68 of 93 (73%) ICUs, respiratory therapists in 62 (67%), and advanced
      practitioners in 37 (39%). Patients and family members participated in rounds in
      36 (39%) ICUs. Clinical protocols or checklists for mechanically ventilated
      patients were available in 128 of 133 (96%) ICUs, low tidal volume ventilation
      for acute respiratory distress syndrome in 54 of 132 (41%) ICUs, prone
      positioning for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in 37 of 134 (28%)
      ICUs, and family meetings in 19 of 134 (14%) ICUs. Among 61 ICUs that responded
      to both surveys, there was a significant increase in the proportion of ICUs using
      nighttime in-ICU attending physicians (23 [38%] in 2005 vs. 30 [49%] in 2014; P =
      0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The diffusion of evidence-based ICU organizational practices
      has been variable across the state of Pennsylvania. Only half of Pennsylvania
      ICUs have intensivists dedicated to the ICU. Variable numbers use clinical
      protocols for life-saving therapies, and few use structured family engagement
      strategies. In contrast, the diffusion of non-evidence-based practices, including
      overnight ICU attending physician staffing, is increasing. Future research should
      focus on promoting implementation of organizational evidence to promote high
      quality ICU care.

PMID- 28076688
TI  - Exploring an Emotional Intelligence Model With Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A lack of emotional skills may affect a nurse's personal well-being
      and have negative effects on patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare psychiatric
      mental health nurses' (PMHN) scores on the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional
      Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) to a normed population and compare the emotional
      intelligence (EI) scores of PMHNs using two tools, MSCEIT and Self-Rated
      Emotional Intelligence Scale (SREIS). DESIGN: Comparative descriptive and
      correlational study. RESULTS: PMHNs in the study had a higher mean EI compared
      with that of 5,000 participants in the normed MSCEIT sample. Significant weak
      correlations were seen between the perceiving and understanding emotion branches
      of the MSCEIT and SREIS. CONCLUSION: The current study added data about a sample
      of PMHN's EI levels in the United States, which may encourage dialog about EI
      among PMHNs. Future research is needed to examine the relationship between self
      report EI tools (e.g., SREIS) and performance tools (e.g., MSCEIT) to determine
      if they are measuring the same construct.

PMID- 28076687
TI  - Parent and Family Processes Related to ADHD Management in Ethnically Diverse
      Youth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown major disparities in attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for diverse youth across America. We do not fully
      understand, however, how parent and family processes are related to the
      identification, care-seeking approaches, treatment preferences, and engagement
      with care systems and services for youth with ADHD. OBJECTIVES: The present study
      aimed to explore parent and family processes related to the management of ADHD in
      racially and ethnically diverse youth. DESIGN: This integrative review was
      structured with the methodology proposed by Whittemore and Knafl. RESULTS: Three
      major electronic databases yielded a final sample of 32 articles (24
      quantitative, 6 qualitative, and 2 mixed methods). Nine themes emerged within
      three overarching meta-themes. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the unique perspectives
      of families from diverse backgrounds is essential for clinicians, researchers,
      and policymakers, who are dedicated to understanding racial and ethnic
      perspectives and developing ecologically appropriate and family-based
      interventions for youth with ADHD.

PMID- 28076689
TI  - National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No data exist about how directors of psychiatric mental health (PMH)
      graduate nurse practitioner (NP) programs have dealt with moving their programs
      to a lifespan model. It is equally unclear as to how many programs have changed
      to a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) level of clinical education. OBJECTIVES:
      The purpose of this survey was to gather data on the state of graduate PMH NP
      education as they align with regulatory models. DESIGN: A brief survey was sent
      via e-mail to 118 program directors of PMH NP programs. RESULTS: Seventy-six
      program directors responded (64% return rate). Their responses indicate all
      programs have transitioned to a PMH NP lifespan model and about a third to the
      DNP level. Securing child clinical placements is a significant issue. CONCLUSION:
      Significant challenges exist to growing the PMH NP lifespan workforce including
      how to assist PMH clinical nurse specialists, Adult PMH NPs, and other NPs
      wanting to obtain the PMH NP lifespan degree.

PMID- 28076690
TI  - Effect of intermittent aeration strategies on treatment performance and microbial
      community of an IFAS reactor treating municipal waste water.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of various intermittent aeration (IA) cycles
      on organics and nutrient removal, and microbial communities in an integrated
      fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) reactor treating municipal waste water.
      Average effluent biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD),
      total suspended solids, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) values were
      noted as 20, 50, 30, 12 and 1.5 mgL-1, respectively, in continuous aeration mode.
      A total of four operational conditions (run 1, continuous aeration; run 2, 150/30
      min aeration on/off time; run 3, 120/60 min aeration on/off time and run 4, 90/60
      min aeration on/off time) were investigated in IFAS reactor assessment. Among the
      all examined IA cycles, IA phase 2 gave the maximum COD and BOD removals with
      values recorded as 97% and 93.8%, respectively. With respect to nutrient removal
      (TN and TP), IA phase 1 was found to be optimum. Pathogen removal efficiency of
      present system was recorded as 90-95% during the three phases. With regard to
      settling characteristics, pilot showed poor settling during IA schedules, which
      was also evidenced by high sludge volume index values. Overall, IA could be used
      as a feasible way to improve the overall performance of IFAS system.

PMID- 28076691
TI  - Removal of copper from aqueous solutions by rhizofiltration using genetically
      modified hairy roots expressing a bacterial Cu-binding protein.
AB  - : The aim of this work was to develop a biotechnological tool to hyperaccumulate
      high copper (Cu) concentrations from wastewaters. Transgenic tobacco hairy roots
      were obtained by expressing, either the wild-type version of the gene copC from
      Pseudomonas fluorescens in the cytoplasm of plant cells (CuHR), or a modified
      version targeted to the vacuole (CuHR-V). Control hairy roots transformed with
      the empty vector (HR) were also generated. The roots were incubated in the
      presence of solutions containing Cu (from 1 to 50 mM). At 5 mM external copper,
      transgenic hairy roots accumulated twice the amount of copper accumulated by
      control hairy roots. However, at 50 mM Cu, accumulation in both transgenic and
      control roots reached similar values. Maximum Cu accumulation achieved by
      transgenic hairy roots was 45,000 ug g-1 at 50 mM external Cu. Despite the high
      Cu accumulation, transgenic hairy roots, particularly CuHR-V, showed less
      toxicity symptoms, in correlation with lower activity of several antioxidant
      enzymes and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Moreover, CuHR-V roots displayed
      low values of the oxidative stress index (OSI) - a global parameter proposed for
      oxidative stress - indicating that targeting CopC to the vacuole could alleviate
      the oxidative stress caused by Cu. Our results suggest that expressing copC in
      transgenic hairy roots is a suitable strategy to obtain Cu-hyperaccumulator hairy
      roots with less toxicity stress symptoms. ABBREVIATIONS: APX: ascorbate
      peroxidase; ATSDR: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (U.S.); BCF:
      bioconcentration factor; CuHR: copper-hairy roots; EDTA: ethylenediamine
      tetracetic acid; EPA: Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.); GSH: glutathione;
      HM: heavy metals; HR: control hairy roots; ICP-OES: Inductively Coupled
      Plasma/Optical Emission Spectrometry; MDA: malondialdehyde; NBT: nitroblue
      tetrazolium; OD: optical density; OSI: oxidative stress index; PCR: polymerase
      chain reaction; PVP: polyvynilpirrolidone; PX: peroxidase; ROS: reactive oxygen
      species; SOD: superoxide dismutase.

PMID- 28076694
TI  - Free Communications.

PMID- 28076692
TI  - The effects of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection for the treatment of
      hemiplegic shoulder pain on depression and anxiety in patients with chronic
      stroke.
AB  - PURPOSE: We attempted to investigate whether ultrasound (US)-guided intra
      articular or subacromial bursa corticosteroid injections can potentially
      influence the severity of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic stroke
      with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP). METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic stroke
      with HSP received US-guided corticosteroid injections. Numeric rating scale (NRS)
      scores, passive shoulder range of motion (ROM), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
      scores and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores were evaluated
      before the injection, and one and two months after the injection. RESULTS: NRS,
      passive shoulder ROM, BDI and STAI scores were significantly lower one and two
      months following the injection. Changes in NRS scores were significantly
      correlated with changes in psychological outcomes (BDI and STAI). CONCLUSION: US
      guided intra-articular or subacromial bursa corticosteroid injections might be a
      beneficial treatment option for relieving depression and anxiety symptoms in
      patients with chronic stroke with HSP. Also, US-guided injections appear to be
      helpful for reducing shoulder pain and increasing shoulder ROM.

PMID- 28076695
TI  - Deacetylase inhibitors: an advance in myeloma therapy?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A significant unmet need exists in patients with relapsed or
      refractory multiple myeloma (MM), which remains an incurable disease despite
      recent advances in the field. One such development was the use of deacetylase
      inhibitors (DACi), which exert unique antimyeloma effects through targeting of
      epigenetic and protein metabolism pathways. The pan-DACi panobinostat was
      recently approved in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for use in
      patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory MM. Results of a phase 3 trial
      showed that the panobinostat-containing regimen improved the overall response
      rate and progression-free survival. Panobinostat-associated adverse events
      included thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy. Research
      into how to maintain the benefits of DACi while improving tolerability is
      ongoing. Areas covered: This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of
      panobinostat and panobinostat-based combinations for MM. Early data from clinical
      trials investigating the HDAC6 inhibitor ricolinostat are also discussed. Expert
      commentary: DACi are a unique and effective new class of agents for the treatment
      of MM, with panobinostat being the first to have clinically meaningful benefit
      for patients with relapsed or refractory MM. Optimization of dose and schedule,
      novel combination strategies, and introduction of selective DACi may improve the
      risk-benefit profile of DACi-based regimens.

PMID- 28076696
TI  - Proton pump inhibitors for preventing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
      induced gastrointestinal toxicity: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are recommended for preventing
      gastrointestinal lesions induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs). We performed this study: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety
      of PPIs, (2) to explore the association between effectiveness and potential
      influential factors, and (3) to investigate the comparative effect of different
      PPIs. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched to
      identify randomized controlled trials comparing different classes of PPIs, or
      comparing PPIs with placebo, H2 receptor antagonists or misoprostol in NSAIDs
      users. Both pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were
      performed. RESULTS: Analyses were based on 12,532 participants from 31 trials.
      PPIs were significantly more effective than placebo in reducing ulcer
      complications (relative risk [RR] = 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20 to
      0.42) and endoscopic peptic ulcers (RR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.33), with no
      subgroup differences according to class of NSAIDs, ulcer risk, history of
      previous ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, or age. To prevent one
      ulcer complication, 10 high risk patients and 268 moderate risk patients need PPI
      therapy. Network meta-analysis indicated that the effectiveness of different PPIs
      in reducing ulcer complications and endoscopic peptic ulcers is generally
      similar. PPIs significantly reduced gastrointestinal adverse events and the
      related withdrawals compared to placebo; there is no difference in safety between
      different PPIs. CONCLUSIONS: PPIs are effective and safe in preventing peptic
      ulcers and complications in a wide spectrum of patients requiring NSAID therapy.
      There is no major difference in the comparative effectiveness and safety between
      different PPIs.

PMID- 28076697
TI  - Development and characterization of a mucoadhesive sublingual formulation for
      pain control: extemporaneous oxycodone films in personalized therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was the development of mucoadhesive sublingual
      films, prepared using a casting method, for the administration of oxycodone.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A solvent casting method was employed to prepare the
      mucoadhesive films. A calibrated pipette was used to deposit single aliquots of
      different polymeric solutions on a polystyrene plate lid. Among the various
      tested polymers, hydroxypropylcellulose at low and medium molecular weight (HPC)
      and pectin at two different degrees of esterification (PC) were chosen for
      preparing solutions with good casting properties, capable of producing films
      suitable for mucosal application. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The obtained films
      showed excellent drug content uniformity and stability and rapid drug release,
      which, at 8 min, ranged from 60% to 80%. All films presented satisfactory
      mucoadhesive and mechanical properties, also confirmed by a test on healthy
      volunteers, who did not experience irritation or mucosa damages. Pectin films
      based on pectin at lower degrees of esterification have been further evaluated to
      study the influence of two different amounts of drug on the physicochemical
      properties of the formulation. A slight reduction in elasticity has been observed
      in films containing a higher drug dose; nevertheless, the formulation maintained
      satisfactory flexibility and resistance to elongation. CONCLUSIONS: HPC and PC
      sublingual films, obtained by a simple casting method, could be proposed to
      realize personalized hospital pharmacy preparations on a small scale.

PMID- 28076698
TI  - Emerging role of SETDB1 as a therapeutic target.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epigenetic changes lead to aberrant gene expression in cancer.
      SETDB1, a histone lysine methyltransferase plays an important role in methylation
      and gene silencing. Aberrant histone methylation at H3K9 by SETDB1 promotes
      silencing of tumor suppressor genes and thus contributes to carcinogenesis.
      Recent studies indicate that SETDB1 is abnormally expressed in various human
      cancer conditions which contributed to enhanced tumor growth and metastasis.
      Hence, SETDB1 appears to be a promising epigenetic target for therapeutic
      intervention. Areas covered: In this article, the structural features,
      localization and functions of SETDB1 are reviewed. Also, an overview of the role
      of SETDB1 in cancer and other disease mechanisms, the currently studied
      inhibitors for SETDB1 are mentioned. Expert opinion: Silencing of tumor
      suppressor genes due to excessive trimethylation at H3K9 by amplified SETDB1
      levels is found in various cancerous conditions. Since epigenetic changes are
      reversible, SETDB1 holds promise as an important therapeutic target for cancer.
      Therefore, a better understanding of the role of SETDB1 and its interaction with
      various proteins in cancer-related mechanisms along with therapeutic
      interventions specific for SETDB1 may improve targeted cancer therapy.

PMID- 28076699
TI  - Infective endocarditis prophylaxis: a review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Guidelines for prophylaxis against infective endocarditis (IE) have
      changed significantly due to a lack of evidence for its efficacy and increasing
      concerns about safety and antibiotic resistance. The impact of these changes on
      clinical practice and IE hospitalisation trends and outcomes has become a focus
      of research. Areas covered: We review the rationale for and against IE
      prophylaxis, highlight significant changes in guidelines since 2002, and discuss
      literature examining the impact of these changes on antibiotic prescription rates
      for IE prophylaxis, IE incidence, morbidity, and mortality. We included English
      articles published since 2002 relevant to IE prophylaxis. Expert commentary:
      Existing guidelines recommend limited to no prophylaxis against IE but differ on
      which patient populations would benefit most. Antibiotic prescription rates for
      IE prophylaxis have declined as a result of newer restrictive guidelines, most
      significantly in the UK where IE prophylaxis is not recommended. However,
      conflicting data exists on the impact of these changes on the trends of IE
      hospitalisation and clinical outcomes. Definitive studies to resolve this
      controversy do not seem feasible in the near future but well designed prospective
      observational studies may provide novel information on the long term impact of
      the new guidelines.

PMID- 28076700
TI  - Correlation between acute toxicity for Daphnia magna, Aliivibrio fischeri and
      physicochemical variables of the leachate produced in landfill simulator
      reactors.
AB  - Due to the diversified nature of municipal solid waste and the different stages
      of its decomposition, the formed leachates result in a complex chemical mixture
      with toxic potential. These chemicals can cause environmental problems, such as
      the contamination of surface or groundwater, thus affecting the balance of
      aquatic ecosystems. The aim of our study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of
      leachates in Daphnia magna and Aliivibrio fischeri and to identify the main
      physicochemical variables that influence the toxicity of the landfill leachates
      produced in reactors within pilot simulations. Acute toxicity tests carried out
      on D. magna and A. fischeri showed that the leachates produced inside the
      reactors are highly toxic, presenting EC5048h < 1% for D. magna and EC5015min <
      12% for A. fischeri. This result indicates that microcrustaceans are more
      sensitive to leachates, making them more suitable to our study. Pb showed the
      highest correlation with EC5048h, suggesting that Pb is the main chemical
      variable indicative of toxicity for the conditions of the experiment. In smaller
      scale, phosphate (PO43-) and nitrate (NO3-) were the macronutrients that most
      influenced the toxicity. Clearly, this correlation should be viewed with caution
      because the synergistic effects of this complex mixture are difficult to observe.

PMID- 28076702
TI  - Lasmiditan for the treatment of migraine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Migraine is one of the most common diseases in the world, with high
      economical and subjective burden. Migraine acute therapy is nowadays based on
      specific and non-specific drugs but up to 40% of episodic migraineurs still have
      unmet treatment needs and over 35% do not benefit from triptans administration.
      Serotonin-1F receptors have been identified in trigeminal system and became an
      ideal target for anti-migraine drug development as potential trigeminal neural
      inhibitors. Lasmiditan, a novel serotonin1F receptor agonist, showed specific
      affinity in vitro for the receptor without any vasoconstrictive action and
      inhibited markers associated with electrical stimulation of trigeminal ganglion
      in migraine animal models. Areas covered: This article reviews both preclinical
      and clinical studies on lasmiditan as a potential acute therapy for migraine, as
      well as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features. It also summarizes safety
      and tolerability data gathered in the various human studies. Expert opinion: The
      absence of vasoconstrictive effects makes lasmiditan a promising novel migraine
      acute therapy. Although preclinical and Phase I and II studies established a
      significant efficacy, the limited knowledge about pharmacokinetics and
      metabolism, the high rate of non-serious central nervous system side effects and
      the lack of larger studies remain still a matter of concern that should be
      addressed in future studies.

PMID- 28076703
TI  - A systematic review to assess adherence and persistence with statins.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify and assess studies published over a 10 year period up to
      February 2016 which measure adherence or persistence with statins, to summarize
      their methods, strengths and weaknesses and to summarize evidence linking statin
      adherence/persistence with risk of cardiovascular events. METHODS: Electronic
      databases and abstracts from four major cardiovascular disease conferences were
      searched from January 2005 to February 2016. The study selection process was
      performed by two reviewers working independently. Studies were included if they
      reported data regarding patient adherence or persistence with statins in adults
      with primary hypercholesterolemia, using any type of study design or length of
      follow-up. One reviewer extracted the study data and assessed study quality,
      which was checked by a second reviewer independently. Given the heterogeneity
      between the included studies a narrative critique and summary is presented.
      RESULTS: We report on 84 real world studies which aimed to assess adherence or
      persistence with statins. The majority of studies concluded that good
      adherence/persistence was associated with reduction in cardiovascular events and
      mortality. In two studies high intensity statin regimens were associated with
      poorer patient adherence when compared to low intensity statins. Adherence and
      persistence with statin therapy also has an impact on hospitalization costs and
      other cardiovascular disease (CVD) related costs. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence and
      persistence are associated with a reduction in CVD events and mortality. There
      was limited evidence to suggest that high intensity statin regimens are
      associated with poorer treatment adherence when compared to lower intensity
      regimens. Hence, more robust studies are required to establish this association.
      As recommended by the 2013 ACC/AHA, 2016 ESC and several other clinical
      guidelines, clinicians and pharmacy managers should regularly monitor statin
      therapy adherence.

PMID- 28076701
TI  - Reduced Expiratory Flow Rate among Heavy Smokers Increases Lung Cancer Risk.
      Results from the National Lung Screening Trial-American College of Radiology
      Imaging Network Cohort.
AB  - RATIONALE: Although epidemiological studies consistently show that chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with an increased risk of lung
      cancer, debate exists as to whether there is a linear relationship between the
      severity of airflow limitation and lung cancer risk. OBJECTIVES: We examined this
      in a large, prospective study of older heavy smokers from the American College of
      Radiology Imaging Network subcohort of the National Lung Screening Trial (ACRIN).
      Airflow limitation was defined by prebronchodilator spirometry subgrouped
      according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grades
      1-4. METHODS: In the National Lung Screening Trial-ACRIN cohort of 18,473
      screening participants, 6,436 had airflow limitation (35%) and 12,037 (65%) had
      no airflow limitation. From these groups, 758 lung cancer cases were
      prospectively identified. Participants with airflow limitation were stratified
      according to GOLD groups 1 (n = 1,607), 2 (n = 3,528), 3 (n = 1,083), and 4 (n =
      211). Lung cancer incidence at study end (mean follow-up, 6.4 yr) was compared
      between the GOLD groups and those with no airflow limitation (referent group).
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Compared with those with no airflow limitation,
      where lung cancer incidence was 3.78/1,000 person years, incidence rates
      increased in a simple linear relationship: GOLD 1 (6.27/1,000 person yr); GOLD 2
      (7.86/1,000 person yr); GOLD 3 (10.71/1,000 person yr); and GOLD 4 (13.25/1,000
      person yr). All relationships were significant versus the reference group at a P
      value of 0.0001 or less. CONCLUSIONS: In a large prospective study of high-risk
      cigarette smokers, we report a strong linear relationship between increasing
      severity of airflow limitation and risk of lung cancer.

PMID- 28076704
TI  - TARGT Gene Therapy Platform for Correction of Anemia in End-Stage Renal Disease.

PMID- 28076705
TI  - Improving the Accuracy of Prenatal Screening with DNA Copy-Number Analysis.

PMID- 28076706
TI  - Circinate Balanitis.

PMID- 28076707
TI  - Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery.

PMID- 28076708
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes - Harnessing Patients' Voices to Improve Clinical Care.

PMID- 28076710
TI  - Graves' Disease.

PMID- 28076712
TI  - Hepatic Encephalopathy.

PMID- 28076711
TI  - Case 1-2017. A 70-Year-Old Woman with Gradually Progressive Loss of Language.

PMID- 28076709
TI  - Phase 3 Trial of 177Lu-Dotatate for Midgut Neuroendocrine Tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced midgut neuroendocrine tumors who have had
      disease progression during first-line somatostatin analogue therapy have limited
      therapeutic options. This randomized, controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and
      safety of lutetium-177 (177Lu)-Dotatate in patients with advanced, progressive,
      somatostatin-receptor-positive midgut neuroendocrine tumors. METHODS: We randomly
      assigned 229 patients who had well-differentiated, metastatic midgut
      neuroendocrine tumors to receive either 177Lu-Dotatate (116 patients) at a dose
      of 7.4 GBq every 8 weeks (four intravenous infusions, plus best supportive care
      including octreotide long-acting repeatable [LAR] administered intramuscularly at
      a dose of 30 mg) (177Lu-Dotatate group) or octreotide LAR alone (113 patients)
      administered intramuscularly at a dose of 60 mg every 4 weeks (control group).
      The primary end point was progression-free survival. Secondary end points
      included the objective response rate, overall survival, safety, and the side
      effect profile. The final analysis of overall survival will be conducted in the
      future as specified in the protocol; a prespecified interim analysis of overall
      survival was conducted and is reported here. RESULTS: At the data-cutoff date for
      the primary analysis, the estimated rate of progression-free survival at month 20
      was 65.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.0 to 76.8) in the 177Lu-Dotatate
      group and 10.8% (95% CI, 3.5 to 23.0) in the control group. The response rate was
      18% in the 177Lu-Dotatate group versus 3% in the control group (P<0.001). In the
      planned interim analysis of overall survival, 14 deaths occurred in the 177Lu
      Dotatate group and 26 in the control group (P=0.004). Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia,
      thrombocytopenia, and lymphopenia occurred in 1%, 2%, and 9%, respectively, of
      patients in the 177Lu-Dotatate group as compared with no patients in the control
      group, with no evidence of renal toxic effects during the observed time frame.
      CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with 177Lu-Dotatate resulted in markedly longer
      progression-free survival and a significantly higher response rate than high-dose
      octreotide LAR among patients with advanced midgut neuroendocrine tumors.
      Preliminary evidence of an overall survival benefit was seen in an interim
      analysis; confirmation will be required in the planned final analysis. Clinically
      significant myelosuppression occurred in less than 10% of patients in the 177Lu
      Dotatate group. (Funded by Advanced Accelerator Applications; NETTER-1
      ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01578239 ; EudraCT number 2011-005049-11 .).

PMID- 28076713
TI  - Fibromuscular Dysplasia of the Brachial Artery.

PMID- 28076714
TI  - Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System.

PMID- 28076715
TI  - Preserved Renal-Allograft Function and the PD-1 Pathway Inhibitor Nivolumab.

PMID- 28076716
TI  - 10-Year Outcomes in Localized Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28076717
TI  - 10-Year Outcomes in Localized Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28076718
TI  - Chronic Cough.

PMID- 28076719
TI  - Pediatric Migraine Headache - Still Searching for Effective Treatments.

PMID- 28076720
TI  - Screening for Colorectal Neoplasia.

PMID- 28076721
TI  - Effect of Tumor Complexity and Technique on Efficacy and Complications after
      Percutaneous Microwave Ablation of Stage T1a Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Single
      Center, Retrospective Study.
AB  - Purpose To evaluate the effects of tumor complexity and technique on early and
      midterm oncologic efficacy and rate of complications for 100 consecutive biopsy
      proved stage T1a renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) treated with percutaneous microwave
      ablation. Materials and Methods This HIPAA-compliant, single-center retrospective
      study was approved by the institutional review board. The requirement to obtain
      informed consent was waived. Ninety-six consecutive patients (68 men, 28 women;
      mean age, 66 years +/- 9.4) with 100 stage T1a N0M0 biopsy-proved RCCs (median
      diameter, 2.6 cm +/- 0.8) underwent percutaneous microwave ablation between March
      2011 and June 2015. Patient and procedural data were collected, including body
      mass index, comorbidities, tumor histologic characteristics and grade, RENAL
      nephrometry score, number of antennas, generator power, and duration of ablation.
      Technical success, local tumor progression, and presence of complications were
      assessed at immediate and follow-up imaging. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for
      survival analyses. Results Technical success was achieved for all 100 tumors
      (100%), including 47 moderately and five highly complex RCCs. Median clinical and
      imaging follow-up was 17 months (range, 0-48 months) and 15 months (range, 0-44
      months), respectively. No change in estimated glomerular filtration rate was
      noted after the procedure (P = .49). There were three (3%) procedure-related
      complications and six (6%) delayed complications, all urinomas. One case of local
      tumor progression (1%) was identified 25 months after the procedure. Three-year
      local progression-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival
      were 88% (95% confidence interval: 0.52%, 0.97%), 100% (95% confidence interval:
      1.0%, 1.0%), and 91% (95% confidence interval: 0.51%, 0.99%), respectively.
      Conclusion Percutaneous microwave ablation is an effective and safe treatment
      option for stage T1a RCC, regardless of tumor complexity. Long-term follow-up is
      needed to establish durable oncologic efficacy and survival relative to competing
      ablation modalities and surgery. (c) RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076723
TI  - Adaptation to a New Workplace According to Reactivity and Values-Motives
      Coherence at Work.
AB  - A new workplace is a result of changing a work post or undertaking a new job.
      Direct indices of adaptation to this situation (average mood at the workplace and
      job satisfaction) and the indirect ones (costs like health complaints and the
      level of depressing or facilitating anxiety) are analysed with regard to
      reactivity and values-motives coherence at work. Sixty bank workers were
      investigated. The obtained results confirm that mood and costs depend on
      reactivity, but satisfaction with work depends on coherence. Only achievement
      values-motives coherence at work differentiates direct and indirect indicators of
      adaptation. Considering both kinds of variables modifies dependencies. Some
      theoretical and practical conclusions resulting from the research are included.

PMID- 28076722
TI  - Is There Long-term Signal Intensity Increase in the Central Nervous System on T1
      weighted Images after MR Imaging with the Hepatospecific Contrast Agent Gadoxetic
      Acid? A Cross-sectional Study in 91 Patients.
AB  - Purpose To evaluate whether there is T1-weighted signal intensity (SI) increase
      in the dentate nucleus (DN) and globus pallidus (GP) in relation to the middle
      cerebellar peduncle (MCP), pons, and thalamus after repeated administration of
      the liver-specific contrast agent gadoxetic acid. Materials and Methods This was
      an institutional review board-approved, prospectively conducted (written informed
      consent acquired), cross-sectional study performed in a consecutively selected
      patient group (n = 91; patients received one to 37 doses of gadoxetic acid) and a
      control group (n = 52; subjects had never received injections of gadolinium-based
      contrast agent) examined with a standard T1-weighted two-dimensional spin-echo
      pulse sequence of the brain at 1.5 T. DN/MCP, DN-to-pons, GP-to thalamus, and GP
      to-cerebrospinal fluid ratios were measured and compared by using the
      nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, corresponding pairwise tests, and Spearman
      correlation. Results DN/MCP (rho = 0.51, P < .0001) and DN-to-pons (rho = 0.41, P
      = .0001) ratios correlated positively with the number of previous administrations
      of gadoxetic acid. DN/MCP and DN-to-pons ratios were significantly different
      between control subjects (medians of 1.016 and 1.034, respectively) and patients
      with more than 10 gadoxetic acid administrations (1.038 [P < .0001] and 1.053 [P
      = .0100], respectively), whereas no significant difference was found in the
      groups with five to 10 (1.029 [P = .053] and 1.044 [P = .072], respectively) and
      fewer than five (1.014 [P = .420] and 1.030 [P = .595], respectively) gadoxetic
      acid administrations. GP-to-thalamus ratios differed significantly between the
      study and control groups (P < .0001), whereas no significant correlation was
      found for GP-to-thalamus ratios and number of gadoxetic acid administrations (rho
      = 0.13, P = .2304). Conclusion Results show a significant correlation between the
      number of gadoxetic acid administrations and the increase of SI in the DN, which
      is likely due to gadolinium retention. (c) RSNA, 2017.

PMID- 28076724
TI  - An Observation Method for Analyzing Operators' Routine Activity in Computerized
      Control Rooms.
AB  - An activity analysis method was developed for studying the structure and dynamics
      of control room operators' activity during normal operation based on directly
      observable elements of the operators' behavior. The method assesses current
      activity along three dimensions in each 5-min period of the shift. Intensity
      characterizes arousal level, direction shows whether the activity is directed
      predominantly at the process control task, at something else, or miscellaneous.
      Motivation reflects if the activity is driven by intrinsic or extrinsic
      motivation. A case study is presented, in which 3 morning, 3 afternoon, and 3
      night shifts of a Nuclear Power Plant operator crew are involved. The obtained
      results gave a deeper understanding of the operators' activity and also revealed
      an "arousal compensation" tendency.

PMID- 28076725
TI  - Clogging of Filtering Material Systems Used for Disposable Respirators.
AB  - The article shows the problem of clogging in connection with the parameters of
      filtering materials used in respiratory protective equipment. The results of
      investigations of airflow resistance changes during the depositing of dust inside
      the filtering material are presented. The configuration of layers differing in
      mass per unit area and the number of layers, were taken into consideration. For
      each configuration, the clogging abilities and the changes of airflow resistance
      as a reason of loading with dust were assessed. The analysis of tested materials
      confirms the hypothesis that there is an important coincidence between the
      properties of the material used in filtering equipment and the clogging
      coefficient. The results show that the filter should have a layered structure and
      that the outer layer should be made of a nonwoven of relatively high surface
      density.

PMID- 28076726
TI  - Towards revalidation in Australia: a discussion.

PMID- 28076727
TI  - A game changer for eye care for diabetes.

PMID- 28076729
TI  - Diffraction spikes.

PMID- 28076728
TI  - Bringing competencies closer to day-to-day clinical work through entrustable
      professional activities.

PMID- 28076730
TI  - Encouraging early treatment of suspected heart attack: it's OK to call 000.

PMID- 28076731
TI  - The challenge of discharge: combining medication reconciliation and discharge
      planning.

PMID- 28076732
TI  - Centralising care for patients with pancreatic cancer: a hybrid model approach.

PMID- 28076733
TI  - Pancreatectomy is underused in NSW regions with low institutional surgical
      volumes: a population data linkage study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in the proportions of people diagnosed with
      pancreatic cancer who underwent pancreatectomy, post-operative outcomes and 5
      year survival in different New South Wales administrative health regions of
      residence. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective analysis of NSW data
      on pancreatic cancer incidence and surgery, 2005-2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      proportion of newly diagnosed patients with pancreatic cancer who were resected
      in each region; 90-day post-operative mortality; one-year post-operative
      survival; 5-year post-diagnosis survival. RESULTS: 14% of people diagnosed with
      pancreatic cancer during 2010-2013 (431 of 3064) underwent pancreatectomy, an
      average of 108 resections per year. After adjusting for age, sex and
      comorbidities, the proportion that underwent resection varied significantly
      between regions, ranging between 8% and 21% (P<0.001). Higher resection rates
      were not associated with higher post-operative 90-day mortality or lower one-year
      survival (unadjusted and risk-adjusted analyses). Higher resection rates were
      associated with higher 5-year post-diagnosis survival: the mean survival in
      regions with resection rates below 10% was 3.4%, compared with 7.2% in regions
      with rates greater than 15% (unadjusted and adjusted survival analyses; P<0.001).
      There was a positive association between regional resection rate and the
      pancreatectomy volume of hospitals during 2005-2009. An additional 32 people
      would be resected annually if resection rates in low rate regions were increased
      to the 80th percentile regional resection rate (18%). CONCLUSION: There is
      significant geographic variation in the proportion of people with pancreatic
      cancer undergoing pancreatectomy, and the 5-year survival rate is higher in
      regions where this proportion is higher.

PMID- 28076734
TI  - Effect of a mass media campaign on ambulance use for chest pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of comprehensive public awareness campaigns by
      the National Heart Foundation of Australia on emergency medical service (EMS) use
      by people with chest pain. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective
      analysis of 253428 emergency ambulance attendances for non-traumatic chest pain
      in Melbourne, January 2008 - December 2013. Time series analyses, adjusted for
      underlying trend and seasonal effects, assessed the impact of mass media
      campaigns on EMS use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Monthly ambulance attendances.
      RESULTS: The median number of monthly ambulance attendances for chest pain was
      3609 (IQR, 3011-3891), but was higher in campaign months than in non-campaign
      months (3880 v 3234, P<0.001). After adjustments, campaign activity was
      associated with a 10.7% increase (95% CI, 6.5-14.9%; P<0.001) in monthly
      ambulance use for chest pain, and a 15.4% increase (95% CI, 10.1-20.9%; P<0.001)
      when the two-month lag periods were included. Clinical presentations for
      suspected acute coronary syndromes, as determined by paramedics, increased by
      11.3% (95% CI, 6.9-15.9%; P<0.001) during campaigns. Although the number of
      patients transported to hospital by ambulance increased by 10.0% (95% CI, 6.1
      14.2%; P<0.001) during campaign months, the number of patients not transported to
      hospital also increased, by 13.9% (95% CI, 8.3-19.8%; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: A
      public awareness campaign about responding to prodromal acute myocardial
      infarction symptoms was associated with an increase in EMS use by people with
      chest pain and suspected acute coronary syndromes. Campaign activity may also
      lead to increased EMS use in low risk populations.

PMID- 28076735
TI  - Reducing medication errors in hospital discharge summaries: a randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether pharmacists completing the medication management
      plan in the medical discharge summary reduced the rate of medication errors in
      these summaries. DESIGN: Unblinded, cluster randomised, controlled investigation
      of medication management plans for patients discharged after an inpatient stay in
      a general medical unit. SETTING: The Alfred Hospital, an adult major referral
      hospital in metropolitan Melbourne, with an annual emergency department
      attendance of about 60000 patients. PARTICIPANTS: The evaluation included
      patients' discharge summaries for the period 16 March 2015 - 27 July 2015.
      INTERVENTIONS: Patients randomised to the intervention arm received medication
      management plans completed by a pharmacist (intervention); those in the control
      arm received standard medical discharge summaries (control). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The primary outcome variable was a discharge summary including a
      medication error identified by an independent assessor. RESULTS: At least one
      medication error was identified in the summaries of 265 of 431 patients (61.5%)
      in the control arm, compared with 60 of 401 patients (15%) in the intervention
      arm (P<0.01). The absolute risk reduction was 46.5% (95% CI, 40.7-52.3%); the
      number needed to treat (NNT) to avoid one error was 2.2 (95% CI, 1.9-2.5). The
      absolute risk reduction for a high or extreme risk error was 9.6% (95% CI, 6.4
      12.8%), with an NNT of 10.4 (95% CI, 7.8-15.5). CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists
      completing medication management plans in the discharge summary significantly
      reduced the rate of medication errors (including errors of high and extreme risk)
      in medication summaries for general medical patients.Australia New Zealand
      Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12616001034426.

PMID- 28076736
TI  - Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Medical Association position
      statement on concussion in sport.
AB  - Sport-related concussion is a growing health concern in Australia. Public concern
      is focused on the incidence and potential long term consequences of concussion.
      Children may be more prone to concussion and take longer to recover. The
      Australian Institute of Sport and the Australian Medical Association have
      collaborated to present the most contemporary evidence-based information in a
      format appropriate for all stakeholders. This position statement aims to ensure
      that participant safety and welfare is paramount when dealing with concussion in
      sport.First aid principles apply in the management of the athlete with suspected
      concussion, including protection of the cervical spine. Tools exist for use by
      members of the community, allowing identification of key symptoms and signs that
      raise the suspicion of concussion. Medical professionals should use the Sport
      Concussion Assessment Tool 3, in conjunction with clinical assessment for the
      diagnosis of concussion. Clinical assessment includes mechanism of injury,
      symptoms and signs, cognitive functioning, and neurological assessment including
      balance testing. In any situation where concussion is suspected, the athlete must
      be immediately removed from sport and not be allowed to return to activity until
      they have been assessed by a medical practitioner. "If in doubt, sit them out."A
      diagnosis of concussion requires immediate physical and cognitive rest, followed
      by a structured, graduated return to physical activity. Children require a longer
      period of recovery from concussion. Algorithms are provided for use by medical
      and non-medically trained stakeholders in the recognition and management of
      concussion.

PMID- 28076737
TI  - Absolute risk of cardiovascular disease events and blood pressure- and lipid
      lowering therapy in Australia.

PMID- 28076738
TI  - Lost in translation: the gap between what we know and what we do about
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 28076739
TI  - Retraction notice.

PMID- 28076740
TI  - Overcoming cardiovascular disease in Indigenous Australians.

PMID- 28076742
TI  - Cloudless.

PMID- 28076741
TI  - Introducing a new series on innovations in medical education.

PMID- 28076743
TI  - Australia Day 2016: alcohol-related presentations to emergency departments.

PMID- 28076744
TI  - Modern management of acne.
AB  - Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit resulting from
      androgen-induced increased sebum production; altered keratinisation; bacterial
      colonisation of hair follicles on the face, neck, chest and back by
      Propionibacterium acnes; and an inflammatory response in the skin. The exact way
      these processes interact and the order in which they occur in the pathogenesis of
      acne are still unclear. Scarring that occurs from acne, particularly severe acne,
      can persist a lifetime and have long lasting psychosocial effects. Depression,
      social isolation and suicidal ideation are frequent comorbidities in acne.
      Despite the plethora of topical and systemic treatments available for acne, there
      is a relative lack of quality evidence for its application. Of the systemic
      treatments available, oral isotretinoin remains the most effective well
      established treatment for acne that targets all the aetiological factors. Current
      guidelines for the treatment of acne are based largely on expert consensus and
      advocate a combination of topical agents in mild to moderate cases and reserve
      the use of systemic therapies for moderate to severe or refractory cases of acne.
      However, given the psychosocial impacts of acne, there is a strong argument for
      early, effective treatment with systemic therapy when topical and general
      measures have failed.

PMID- 28076745
TI  - Absolute risk of cardiovascular disease events, and blood pressure- and lipid
      lowering therapy in Australia.

PMID- 28076746
TI  - Characteristics of patients presenting to an after-hours clinic: results of a
      MAGNET analysis.
AB  - After-hours access to general practice (GP) is critical to supporting
      accessibility and reducing emergency department demand. To understand who
      utilises after-hours GP services, this study examined the characteristics of
      presentations to an Eastern Melbourne after-hours clinic between 2005 and 2014.
      Descriptive analyses of patient and presentation characteristics, diagnoses,
      medications and pathology were conducted. Across the study period, 39.1% of
      presentations to the clinic (N=64,800) were by patients under 18 years of age.
      Females were found to attend more often than males, and nearly 79% of patients
      attended only once. The most common diagnoses were respiratory system diseases
      (13.4%), gastrointestinal system diseases (12.6%) and eye and ear problems
      (11.6%). Antibacterial medications accounted for over half (53.0%) of all
      prescriptions, with 34% of antibiotics prescribed to patients under 18 years of
      age. Seasonal variation in GP demand was also observed. Presenting patients
      differed from the wider GP patient population, with more young patients, and a
      higher proportion of prescriptions for antibacterial medications compared to
      other predominantly non-after-hours practices. Further research is required to
      understand the health-seeking, decision-making of patients who utilise after
      hours GPs over predominantly non-after-hours primary care services, to inform
      service promotion and delivery strategies.

PMID- 28076747
TI  - A preliminary investigation of the Partners in Health scale measurement
      properties in patients with end stage renal disease.
AB  - End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is becoming more prevalent in Australia. As a
      result, strategies to improve quality of life when living with ESRD are becoming
      increasingly important. The Flinders Program has been developed to help support
      and increase the self-management capacity of people living with chronic disease.
      The Partners in Health (PIH) scale is a self-management capacity assessment tool,
      which is an integral element of the Flinders Program. The primary aim of this
      study was to investigate the preliminary measurement properties of the PIH scale
      within the ESRD population. Forty participants took part in the study, which
      involved survey assessments at baseline and follow up and a semi-structured
      interview. Results indicated that the PIH scale had good internal reliability
      (alpha=0.85), moderate test-retest reliability (r=0.33) and face validity in ESRD
      patients. Areas for improving the instrument or data collection process were
      identified through qualitative interviews, and implications are discussed
      specific to ESRD patients.

PMID- 28076749
TI  - Epigenetic changes of hepatic glucocorticoid receptor in sheep male offspring
      undernourished in utero.
AB  - The aim of this study was to characterise the effects of maternal undernutrition
      during gestation on hepatic gluconeogenic enzyme gene expression and to determine
      whether such effects are mediated through epigenetic changes in the
      glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Pregnant ewes were fed a 50% nutrient-restricted
      diet from Day 0 to 30 (R1) or from Day 31 to 100 of gestation (R2) or a 100% diet
      throughout gestation (Control). After parturition lambs were fed to appetite. At
      10 months of age offspring were euthanised and livers were removed. Maternal
      undernutrition did not affect offspring bodyweight at birth or at 10 months of
      age. However, liver weight of males of the R2 group was lower (P<0.05) in
      relation to other groups. A significant (P<0.05) hypomethylation of the hepatic
      GR promoter was revealed in males of the R2 group and a tendency towards the same
      in the R1 group, along with increased (P<0.001) GR gene expression in both
      restricted groups. A significant increase (P<0.05) in hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate
      carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene expression was found in male lambs of both
      undernourished groups, accompanied by increased (P<0.01) protein levels, while no
      differences were detected for glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) mRNA abundance and
      protein levels. In female lambs, no differences between groups were observed for
      any parameter studied. These data represent potential mechanisms by which insults
      in early life may lead to persistent physiological changes in the offspring.

PMID- 28076748
TI  - Are low-to-middle-income households experiencing food insecurity in Victoria,
      Australia? An examination of the Victorian Population Health Survey, 2006-2009.
AB  - Food insecurity affects health and wellbeing. Little is known about the
      relationship between food insecurity across income levels. This study aims to
      investigate the prevalence and frequency of food insecurity in low-to-middle
      income Victorian households over time and identify factors associated with food
      insecurity in these households. Prevalence and frequency of food insecurity was
      analysed across household income levels using data from the cross-sectional 2006
      09 Victorian Population Health Surveys (VPHS). Respondents were categorised as
      food insecure, if in the last 12 months they had run out of food and were unable
      to afford to buy more. Multivariable logistic regression was used to describe
      factors associated with food insecurity in low-to-middle-income households
      (A$40000-$80000 in 2008). Between 4.9 and 5.5% for total survey populations and
      3.9-4.8% in low-to-middle-income respondents were food insecure. Food insecurity
      was associated with limited help from friends, home ownership status, inability
      to raise money in an emergency and cost of some foods. Food insecurity exists in
      households beyond those on a very low income. Understanding the extent and
      implications of household food insecurity across all income groups in Australia
      will inform effective and appropriate public health responses.

PMID- 28076751
TI  - Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the proximal phalanx of the thumb with rotation
      of the epiphysis: Outcome 10 years following open reduction and K-wire fixation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the proximal phalanx with 90
      degrees  rotation of the epiphysis is very rare. We report on a case of Salter
      Harris type IV fracture of the proximal phalanx of the thumb with rotation of the
      epiphysis and document the outcome 10 years after surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE:
      A 5-year old boy presented with Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the thumb with
      90 degrees  rotation of the epiphysis. Open reduction and K-wire fixation was
      done. Ten years later, the injured thumb was smaller in width when compared to
      the contralateral thumb, although there was no length discrepancy. Clinically,
      there was full range of motion. Radiologically, the physis was still open but
      there were minor irregularities at the adjacent metaphyseal base and epiphysis.
      The diaphysis of the injured proximal phalanx had a constricted appearance when
      compared to the contralateral normal side. DISCUSSION: After an extensive
      literature review, we found one reported case which was similar to our case and
      had long term assessment. At skeletal maturity, there was complete remodeling and
      full range of motion of the digit with no shortening. The X-ray showed a
      constricted diaphysis of the proximal phalanx with an identical appearance to our
      case. CONCLUSION: We present a rare case of Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the
      proximal phalanx of the thumb with rotation of the epiphysis. Long term outcome
      was satisfactory but there was diaphyseal constriction leading to a narrower
      thumb.

PMID- 28076750
TI  - A giant multi-lobed osteochondroma of the phalanx in an adult: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Solitary osteochondromas of the adult hand are extremely rare. We
      present a case of a giant multi-lobed osteochondroma of the phalanx in an adult.
      No similar cases were found in the literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 25-year
      old male presented with a giant multi-lobed osteochondroma arising from the base
      of the middle phalanx; causing limitations of motion of the proximal
      interphalangeal joint (PIPJ). The patient refused complete excision, bone
      grafting and possible fusion of the PIPJ. Marginal resection resulted in recovery
      of almost full range of motion. There was no recurrence up to the 8-month follow
      up visit. DISCUSSION: The case was compared to previously reported cases of
      ostechondroma of the hand. The management is discussed along with differentiating
      large osteochondromas from Nora's lesions in the hand. CONCLUSION: A rare case of
      a large multi-lobed osteochondroma of the phalanx in an adult is presented and
      the management is discussed.

PMID- 28076752
TI  - Methotrexate-associated primary hepatic malignant lymphoma following hepatectomy:
      A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recently, immunosuppressant-associated malignant lymphoma (ML)
      cases have been increasing along with the development of several effective
      immunosuppressant drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Among methotrexate (MTX)
      associated lymphoproliferative disorders, primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) in
      patients with RA following surgical resection has not been reported previously.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 65-year-old woman who is a hepatitis B virus carrier with
      a history of RA was admitted. MTX was introduced seven years prior as an RA
      treatment. Her laboratory data showed no elevation of several tumor markers, and
      liver function test results were normal. On contrasted computed tomography (CT)
      scanning, a slightly enhanced tumor was detected at the early phase, and tumor
      staining was sustained at the delayed phase. Further, subsegmentectomy of the S6
      was performed. The pathological diagnosis was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
      However, positron emission tomography-CT and bone marrow aspiration sample showed
      no resident sign of ML. DISCUSSION: Diagnosis of PHL before surgery is difficult.
      If the mass lesion was solitary and had a certain degree of size, then resection
      could be performed for its treatment and diagnosis. The treatment for ML requires
      a diagnosis of the subtypes to select a therapeutic agent and determine the
      prognosis. Once a precise preoperative diagnosis was made, withdrawing MTX could
      be the first treatment in case of MTX-related ML. CONCLUSION: Long-term usage of
      immunosuppressant drugs could cause proliferative ML. Considering the increasing
      occurrence of MTX-related ML, withdrawing MTX should be considered, especially in
      patients with long-term immunosuppressant usage for RA.

PMID- 28076753
TI  - CD25 targeted therapy of chemotherapy resistant leukemic stem cells using DR5
      specific TRAIL peptide.
AB  - Chemotherapy resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are being targeted as a modern
      therapeutic approach to prevent disease relapse. LSCs isolated from methotrexate
      resistant side population (SP) of leukemic cell lines HL60 and MOLT4 exhibited
      high levels of CD25 and TRAIL R2/DR5 which are potential targets. Recombinant
      immunotoxin conjugating IL2alpha with TRAIL peptide mimetic was constructed for
      DR5 receptor specific targeting of LSCs and were tested in total cell population
      and LSCs. IL2-TRAIL peptide induced apoptosis in drug resistant SP cells from
      cell lines and showed potent cytotoxicity in PBMCs derived from leukemic patients
      with an efficacy of 81.25% in AML and 100% in CML, ALL and CLL. IL2-TRAIL peptide
      showed cytotoxicity in relapsed patient samples and was more effective than TRAIL
      or IL2-TRAIL proteins. Additionally, DR5 specific IL2-TRAIL peptide was effective
      in targeting and killing LSCs purified from cell lines [IC50: 952nM in HL60,
      714nM in MOLT4] and relapsed patient blood samples with higher efficacy (85%)
      than IL2-TRAIL protein (46%). Hence, CD25 and DR5 specific targeting by IL2-TRAIL
      peptide may be an effective strategy for targeting drug resistant leukemic cells
      and LSCs.

PMID- 28076754
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of the potential roles of FOXL2 in chicken pre
      hierarchical and pre-ovulatory granulosa cells.
AB  - Forkheadbox L2 (FOXL2) is a transcription factor involved in mammalian ovarian
      development, especially in granulosa cell differentiation. However, this factor's
      function in mature chicken ovary is unclear. To explore the function of FOXL2 in
      chicken granulosa cells, we performed RNA-seq to compare the transcriptomes of
      pre-hierarchical (phGCs) and pre-ovulatory granulosa cells (poGCs) by FOXL2
      overexpression. We observed that focal adhesion might be one of the key pathways
      activated during the differentiation of granulosa cells, and FOXL2 might be
      involved in follicle selection by regulating the expression of cytokines and the
      concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Interestingly, we
      observed that FOXL2 played different roles in phGCs and poGCs, which might
      contribute to homeostasis in the chicken follicle by inducing differentiation of
      granulosa cells in pre-hierarchal follicles and preventing premature ovulation in
      pre-ovulatory follicles. Taken together, the results of our study establish a
      framework for understanding the potential functions of FOXL2 in the chicken
      granulosa cell.

PMID- 28076755
TI  - RAD51 Is a Selective DNA Repair Target to Radiosensitize Glioma Stem Cells.
AB  - Patients with glioblastoma die from local relapse despite surgery and high-dose
      radiotherapy. Resistance to radiotherapy is thought to be due to efficient DNA
      double-strand break (DSB) repair in stem-like cells able to survive DNA damage
      and repopulate the tumor. We used clinical samples and patient-derived
      glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) to confirm that the DSB repair protein RAD51 is
      highly expressed in GSCs, which are reliant on RAD51-dependent DSB repair after
      radiation. RAD51 expression and RAD51 foci numbers fall when these cells move
      toward astrocytic differentiation. In GSCs, the small-molecule RAD51 inhibitors
      RI-1 and B02 prevent RAD51 focus formation, reduce DNA DSB repair, and cause
      significant radiosensitization. We further demonstrate that treatment with these
      agents combined with radiation promotes loss of stem cells defined by SOX2
      expression. This indicates that RAD51-dependent repair represents an effective
      and specific target in GSCs.

PMID- 28076756
TI  - Dissociation of Survival, Proliferation, and State Control in Human Hematopoietic
      Stem Cells.
AB  - The role of growth factors (GFs) in controlling the biology of human
      hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remains limited by a lack of information
      concerning the individual and combined effects of GFs directly on the survival,
      Mitogenesis, and regenerative activity of highly purified human HSCs. We show
      that the initial input HSC activity of such a purified starting population of
      human cord blood cells can be fully maintained over a 21-day period in serum-free
      medium containing five GFs alone. HSC survival was partially supported by any one
      of these GFs, but none were essential, and different combinations of GFs variably
      stimulated HSC proliferation. However, serial transplantability was not
      detectably compromised by many conditions that reduced human HSC proliferation
      and/or survival. These results demonstrate the dissociated control of these three
      human HSC bio-responses, and set the stage for future improvements in strategies
      to modify and expand human HSCs ex vivo.

PMID- 28076757
TI  - iPSC-Derived Retina Transplants Improve Vision in rd1 End-Stage Retinal
      Degeneration Mice.
AB  - Recent success in functional recovery by photoreceptor precursor transplantation
      in dysfunctional retina has led to an increased interest in using embryonic stem
      cell (ESC) or induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal progenitors to
      treat retinal degeneration. However, cell-based therapies for end-stage
      degenerative retinas that have lost the outer nuclear layer (ONL) are still a big
      challenge. In the present study, by transplanting mouse iPSC-derived retinal
      tissue (miPSC retina) in the end-stage retinal-degeneration model (rd1), we
      visualized the direct contact between host bipolar cell terminals and the
      presynaptic terminal of graft photoreceptors by gene labeling, showed light
      responsive behaviors in transplanted rd1 mice, and recorded responses from the
      host retina with transplants by ex vivo micro-electroretinography and ganglion
      cell recordings using a multiple-electrode array system. Our data provides a
      proof of concept for transplanting ESC/iPSC retinas to restore vision in end
      stage retinal degeneration.

PMID- 28076758
TI  - Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum Promote Cognitive Function and Neural
      Progenitor Proliferation in Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Promoting neurogenesis is a promising strategy for the treatment of cognition
      impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ganoderma lucidum is a
      revered medicinal mushroom for health-promoting benefits in the Orient. Here, we
      found that oral administration of the polysaccharides and water extract from G.
      lucidum promoted neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation to enhance
      neurogenesis and alleviated cognitive deficits in transgenic AD mice. G. lucidum
      polysaccharides (GLP) also promoted self-renewal of NPC in cell culture. Further
      mechanistic study revealed that GLP potentiated activation of fibroblast growth
      factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK) and AKT cascades. Consistently, inhibition of FGFR1 effectively blocked the
      GLP-promoted NPC proliferation and activation of the downstream cascades. Our
      findings suggest that GLP could serve as a regenerative therapeutic agent for the
      treatment of cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 28076759
TI  - Quantitative in-situ TEM nanotensile testing of single crystal Ni facilitated by
      a new sample preparation approach.
AB  - Twin-jet electro-polishing and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) were combined to produce
      small size Nickel single crystal specimens for quantitative in-situ nanotensile
      experiments in the transmission electron microscope. The combination of these
      techniques allows producing samples with nearly defect-free zones in the centre
      in contrast to conventional FIB-prepared samples. Since TEM investigations can be
      performed on the electro-polished samples prior to in-situ TEM straining,
      specimens with desired crystallographic orientation and initial microstructure
      can be prepared. The present results reveal a dislocation nucleation-controlled
      plasticity, in which small loops induced by FIB near the edges of the samples
      play a central role.

PMID- 28076760
TI  - Enriching the Circadian Proteome.
AB  - Circadian clocks regulate most aspects of physiology and metabolism. Genome-wide
      approaches have uncovered widespread circadian rhythms in the transcriptome,
      cistrome, and epigenome of mice, and now two proteomics studies in this issue
      (Robles et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2016) reveal extensive circadian regulation of
      the nuclear and phosphoproteome.

PMID- 28076761
TI  - Timing Is Everything.
AB  - In a recent issue of Cancer Cell, Kettner and colleagues (2016) link disruption
      of normal circadian rhythms to NASH and associated liver cancer, suggesting that
      molecular clocks, as well as their regulators and target genes, might provide
      novel therapeutic targets in these diseases.

PMID- 28076763
TI  - Osteocalcin Signaling in Myofibers Is Necessary and Sufficient for Optimum
      Adaptation to Exercise.

PMID- 28076762
TI  - A Leptin Analog Locally Produced in the Brain Acts via a Conserved Neural Circuit
      to Modulate Obesity-Linked Behaviors in Drosophila.
AB  - Leptin, a typically adipose-derived "satiety hormone," has a well-established
      role in weight regulation. Here we describe a functionally conserved model of
      genetically induced obesity in Drosophila by manipulating the fly leptin analog
      unpaired 1 (upd1). Unexpectedly, cell-type-specific knockdown reveals upd1 in the
      brain, not the adipose tissue, mediates obesity-related traits. Disrupting brain
      derived upd1 in flies leads to all the hallmarks of mammalian obesity: increased
      attraction to food cues, increased food intake, and increased weight. These
      effects are mediated by domeless receptors on neurons expressing Drosophila
      neuropeptide F, the orexigenic mammalian neuropeptide Y homolog. In vivo two
      photon imaging reveals upd1 and domeless inhibit this hedonic signal in fed
      animals. Manipulations along this central circuit also create hypersensitivity to
      obesogenic conditions, emphasizing the critical interplay between biological
      predisposition and environment in overweight and obesity prevalence. We propose
      adipose- and brain-derived upd/leptin may control differing features of weight
      regulation through distinct neural circuits.

PMID- 28076764
TI  - SnapShot: Non-coding RNAs and Metabolism.
AB  - In recent years, understanding the crucial role played by cellular homeostasis in
      disease initiation and progression became the focus of scientists and clinicians.
      This SnapShot sketches the involvement of both short microRNAs and long ncRNAs in
      the major metabolic pathways altered in diseases. To view this SnapShot, open or
      download the PDF.

PMID- 28076765
TI  - Building a Beautiful Beast: Mammalian Respiratory Complex I.
AB  - Understanding the mammalian respiratory complex I assembly has been an arduous
      task due to the lack of appropriate techniques and the complexity of the process.
      In this issue, a new tour de force based on complexome profiling provides an
      encyclopedic description of the process (Guerrero-Castillo et al., 2017).

PMID- 28076766
TI  - Are Gut Microbes Responsible for Post-dieting Weight Rebound?
AB  - One of the dieting conundrums in the age of the obesity epidemic is the cycle of
      weight loss and regain known as the "yo-yo effect." Thaiss et al. (2016)
      demonstrate that the microbiome plays a key role in this phenomenon and that
      simple dietary supplementations can reset the weight-rebound clock.

PMID- 28076767
TI  - (S)Pot on Mitochondria: Cannabinoids Disrupt Cellular Respiration to Limit
      Neuronal Activity.
AB  - Classical views posit G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptor 1s (CB1Rs) at the
      cell surface with cytosolic Gialpha-mediated signal transduction. Hebert
      Chatelain et al. (2016) instead place CB1Rs at mitochondria limiting neuronal
      respiration by soluble adenylyl cyclase-dependent modulation of complex I
      activity. Thus, neuronal bioenergetics link to synaptic plasticity and, globally,
      learning and memory.

PMID- 28076768
TI  - Microscopic solvation environments in a prototype room-temperature ionic liquid
      as elucidated by resonance Raman spectroscopy of iodine and bromine.
AB  - Microscopic solvation environments in a prototype ionic liquid, bmimTf2N; 1-butyl
      3-methyl-imidazolium-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, have been studied with
      the use of halides, X2 and Xn- (X=I, Br; n=3,5), as molecular probes. Resonance
      Raman spectroscopy has been used to detect these halogen species existing in
      bmimTf2N as well as in reference solvents including heptane, cyclohexane, KX/H2O
      and benzene. In heptane and cyclohexane, only free X2 species are detected. In
      KX/H2O, only Xn- and, in benzene, only benzene-X2 complexes are detected. On the
      contrary, free X2 and Xn- are concomitantly detected in bmimTf2N, indicating that
      there are two distinct solvation environments in bmimTf2N, non-polar environments
      that solvate free X2 and polar environments that stabilize Xn-. These two
      distinct solvation environments are most likely to arise from microscopic
      structural heterogeneity of ionic liquids.

PMID- 28076769
TI  - Synthesis of Cu/Cu2O hydrides for enhanced removal of iodide from water.
AB  - In order to improve the removal capacity of Cu2O for I- anions from water,
      Cu/Cu2O hybrids have been synthesized through a facile hydrothermal route,
      characterized by using SEM, XRD, XPS, and applied to remove I- anions under
      different experimental environments. The results demonstrate that the Cu content
      and morphology of samples can be tuned by the adding amount of ammonia.
      Meanwhile, the possible crystalline mechanism, Cu2O formed firstly and then
      metallic Cu generated, was presented. With the increasing of Cu doped amount, the
      removal capacity of Cu/Cu2O hybrids increased significantly from 0.02mmolg-1 to
      0.18mmolg-1. Furthermore, a reaction mechanism of I- anions and Cu2O, which
      generated from the disproportionation reaction of metallic Cu and CuO, has been
      proposed according to the characterization analyses of the composites before and
      after adsorption, explaining the highly efficient removal of I- anions. In
      addition, Cu/Cu2O hybrids showed excellent selectivity for I- anions in the
      presence of large concentrations of competitive anions such as SO42- and NO3- and
      could work in an acidic and neutral environment. This study is hopefully to
      prompt Cu2O to grow up to be a new and highly efficient adsorbent for the removal
      of iodide from solutions.

PMID- 28076770
TI  - Gamma irradiation-induced complete degradation and mineralization of phenol in
      aqueous solution: Effects of reagent.
AB  - This study aims to gain new insight into phenol degradation and mineralization in
      aqueous solution using ionizing radiation to control its radiolytic elimination
      under various experimental conditions and to present the different radical
      reactions involved in water radiolysis. The most obvious finding of this study is
      that the combination of a reagent, i.e., O3, H2O2, N2O, O2, or S2O82-, with gamma
      rays effectively enhances the radiolytic system for phenol degradation or
      mineralization. Radiolytic yield is higher with H2O2 than with S2O82-. For the
      gamma-ray/free O2, gamma-ray/H2O2, gamma-ray/S2O82-, gamma-ray/N2O, and gamma
      ray/N2 systems, the absorbed doses for 90% phenol elimination are 1.7, 0.85,
      1.65, 1.2, and 6.4kGy, respectively; in contrast, phenol can be decomposed
      totally and directly via reaction with molecular ozone. The lowest dose constant
      for phenol removal is determined for gamma-ray/HCO3-. 89% of mineralization is
      reached for an absorbed dose of 10kGy with a gamma-ray/S2O82- combination.

PMID- 28076772
TI  - Impact of dairy manure pre-application treatment on manure composition, soil
      dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes, and abundance of antibiotic-resistance
      genes on vegetables at harvest.
AB  - Manuring ground used for crop production is an important agricultural practice.
      Should antibiotic-resistant enteric bacteria carried in the manure be transferred
      to crops that are consumed raw, their consumption by humans or animals will
      represent a route of exposure to antibiotic resistance genes. Treatment of
      manures prior to land application is a potential management option to reduce the
      abundance of antibiotic resistance genes entrained with manure application. In
      this study, dairy manure that was untreated, anaerobically digested, mechanically
      dewatered or composted was applied to field plots that were then cropped to
      lettuce, carrots and radishes. The impact of treatment on manure composition,
      persistence of antibiotic resistance gene targets in soil following application,
      and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria on vegetables at
      harvest was determined. Composted manure had the lowest abundance of antibiotic
      resistance gene targets compared to the other manures. There was no significant
      difference in the persistence characteristics of antibiotic resistance genes
      following land application of the various manures. Compared to unmanured soil,
      antibiotic resistance genes were detected more frequently in soil receiving raw
      or digested manure, whereas they were not in soil receiving composted manure. The
      present study suggests that vegetables grown in ground receiving raw or digested
      manure are at risk of contamination with manure-borne antibiotic resistant
      bacteria, whereas vegetables grown in ground receiving composted manure are less
      so.

PMID- 28076771
TI  - Screening and prioritization of micropollutants in wastewaters from on-site
      sewage treatment facilities.
AB  - A comprehensive screening of micropollutants was performed in wastewaters from on
      site sewage treatment facilities (OSSFs) and urban wastewater treatment plants
      (WWTPs) in Sweden. A suspect screening approach, using high resolution mass
      spectrometry, was developed and used in combination with target analysis. With
      this strategy, a total number of 79 micropollutants were successfully identified,
      which belong to the groups of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs),
      pesticides, phosphorus-containing flame retardants (PFRs) and pharmaceuticals and
      personal care products (PPCPs). Results from this screening indicate that
      concentrations of micropollutants are similar in influents and effluents of OSSFs
      and WWTPs, respectively. Removal efficiencies of micropollutants were assessed in
      the OSSFs and compared with those observed in WWTPs. In general, removal of PFASs
      and PFRs was higher in package treatment OSSFs, which are based on biological
      treatments, while removal of PPCPs was more efficient in soil bed OSSFs. A novel
      comprehensive prioritization strategy was then developed to identify OSSF
      specific chemicals of environmental relevance. The strategy was based on the
      compound concentrations in the wastewater, removal efficiency, frequency of
      detection in OSSFs and on in silico based data for toxicity, persistency and
      bioaccumulation potential.

PMID- 28076773
TI  - Thymol detection and quantitation by solid-phase microextraction in faeces and
      egg yolk of Japanese quail.
AB  - To measure bioavailability of the active ingredients of phytogenic feed additives
      in poultry products and subproducts is a key element for developing a rational
      understanding of its mode of action and biological effects. Hence, we validated a
      headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique followed by gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry as an analytical extraction procedure and as
      method for detection and quantitation of 2-Isopropyl-5-methylphenol (thymol) in
      faeces and egg yolk of quail. The suitability of this method for thymol analysis
      in both matrices was first proved via linearity, limit of detection, limit of
      quantification, and recovery using m-cresol as internal standard. The optimal HS
      SPME extraction conditions were obtained at 40 degrees C for 5min in faeces and
      60 degrees C for 30min in egg yolk. This procedure was found to be precise,
      sensitive and linear in the range of 2.5-100ng/gr for faeces and 20-800ng/gr for
      the egg yolk. Limits of detection were 0.5ng/g and 5ng/g for faeces and yolk,
      respectively, and the limits of quantitation were 1ng/g and 10ng/g for faeces and
      yolk, respectively. The method was successfully used for measuring thymol in
      fecal and egg yolk samples, from quails supplemented with thymol in their diets.
      Thus, in fresh faeces and egg yolk samples obtained from a supplemented group
      (80mg thymol per bird per day) were determined as 31.51ng/g for faeces and
      11.83ng/g for the egg yolk.

PMID- 28076774
TI  - Chromatographic efficiency and selectivity in top-down proteomics of histones.
AB  - Histones are involved in epigenetic control of a wide variety of cellular
      processes through their multiple post-translational modifications. Their strongly
      cationic nature makes them challenging to separate with reversed-phase liquid
      chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (RPLC-MS), where trifluoroacetic acid
      is avoided due to adduct formation. Columns with higher resolution are needed. In
      this work, RPLC-MS is performed on a histone sample using difluoroacetic acid and
      a 20-min gradient. Columns with C18 surfaces are compared for two different types
      of particle morphologies: 1) fully porous particles of 5MUm in diameter, 2)
      superficially porous particles of 3MUm in diameter with a shell of 0.2MUm. The
      resolution for the histone separation is better for the latter column, but only
      when the modifier is trifluoroacetic acid, which is used with UV absorbance
      detection. When difluoroacetic acid is used for LCMS, the peaks broaden enough to
      erase the advantage in efficiency for the superficially porous particles. The
      fully porous and superficially porous cases show similar performance in RPLC-MS,
      with slightly higher resolution for the fully porous particles. The expected
      advantage of the shorter diffusion distances for the superficially porous
      particles is shown to be outweighed by the lower selectivity of its bonded phase.

PMID- 28076775
TI  - Nutritional Programming of Lifespan by FOXO Inhibition on Sugar-Rich Diets.
AB  - Consumption of unhealthy diets is exacerbating the burden of age-related ill
      health in aging populations. Such diets can program mammalian physiology to cause
      long-term, detrimental effects. Here, we show that, in Drosophila melanogaster,
      an unhealthy, high-sugar diet in early adulthood programs lifespan to curtail
      later-life survival despite subsequent dietary improvement. Excess dietary sugar
      promotes insulin-like signaling, inhibits dFOXO-the Drosophila homolog of
      forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors-and represses expression of dFOXO
      target genes encoding epigenetic regulators. Crucially, dfoxo is required both
      for transcriptional changes that mark the fly's dietary history and for
      nutritional programming of lifespan by excess dietary sugar, and this mechanism
      is conserved in Caenorhabditis elegans. Our study implicates FOXO factors, the
      evolutionarily conserved determinants of animal longevity, in the mechanisms of
      nutritional programming of animal lifespan.

PMID- 28076776
TI  - Ptc7p Dephosphorylates Select Mitochondrial Proteins to Enhance Metabolic
      Function.
AB  - Proper maintenance of mitochondrial activity is essential for metabolic
      homeostasis. Widespread phosphorylation of mitochondrial proteins may be an
      important element of this process; yet, little is known about which enzymes
      control mitochondrial phosphorylation or which phosphosites have functional
      impact. We investigate these issues by disrupting Ptc7p, a conserved but largely
      uncharacterized mitochondrial matrix PP2C-type phosphatase. Loss of Ptc7p causes
      respiratory growth defects concomitant with elevated phosphorylation of select
      matrix proteins. Among these, Deltaptc7 yeast exhibit an increase in
      phosphorylation of Cit1p, the canonical citrate synthase of the tricarboxylic
      acid (TCA) cycle, that diminishes its activity. We find that phosphorylation of
      S462 can eliminate Cit1p enzymatic activity likely by disrupting its proper
      dimerization, and that Ptc7p-driven dephosphorylation rescues Cit1p activity.
      Collectively, our work connects Ptc7p to an essential TCA cycle function and to
      additional phosphorylation events that may affect mitochondrial activity
      inadvertently or in a regulatory manner.

PMID- 28076777
TI  - Antagonistic Functions of MBP and CNP Establish Cytosolic Channels in CNS Myelin.
AB  - The myelin sheath is a multilamellar plasma membrane extension of highly
      specialized glial cells laid down in regularly spaced segments along axons.
      Recent studies indicate that myelin is metabolically active and capable of
      communicating with the underlying axon. To be functionally connected to the
      neuron, oligodendrocytes maintain non-compacted myelin as cytoplasmic
      nanochannels. Here, we used high-pressure freezing for electron microscopy to
      study these cytoplasmic regions within myelin close to their native state. We
      identified 2,'3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP), an oligodendrocyte
      specific protein previously implicated in the maintenance of axonal integrity, as
      an essential factor in generating and maintaining cytoplasm within the myelin
      compartment. We provide evidence that CNP directly associates with and organizes
      the actin cytoskeleton, thereby providing an intracellular strut that counteracts
      membrane compaction by myelin basic protein (MBP). Our study provides a molecular
      and structural framework for understanding how myelin maintains its cytoplasm to
      function as an active axon-glial unit.

PMID- 28076778
TI  - Axl Mediates ZIKA Virus Entry in Human Glial Cells and Modulates Innate Immune
      Responses.
AB  - ZIKA virus (ZIKV) is an emerging pathogen responsible for neurological disorders
      and congenital microcephaly. However, the molecular basis for ZIKV neurotropism
      remains poorly understood. Here, we show that Axl is expressed in human microglia
      and astrocytes in the developing brain and that it mediates ZIKV infection of
      glial cells. Axl-mediated ZIKV entry requires the Axl ligand Gas6, which bridges
      ZIKV particles to glial cells. Following binding, ZIKV is internalized through
      clathrin-mediated endocytosis and traffics to Rab5+ endosomes to establish
      productive infection. During entry, the ZIKV/Gas6 complex activates Axl kinase
      activity, which downmodulates interferon signaling and facilitates infection.
      ZIKV infection of human glial cells is inhibited by MYD1, an engineered Axl decoy
      receptor, and by the Axl kinase inhibitor R428. Our results highlight the dual
      role of Axl during ZIKV infection of glial cells: promoting viral entry and
      modulating innate immune responses. Therefore, inhibiting Axl function may
      represent a potential target for future antiviral therapies.

PMID- 28076779
TI  - Transcription Dynamics Prevent RNA-Mediated Genomic Instability through SRPK2
      Dependent DDX23 Phosphorylation.
AB  - Genomic instability is frequently caused by nucleic acid structures termed R
      loops that are formed during transcription. Despite their harmful potential,
      mechanisms that sense, signal, and suppress these structures remain elusive.
      Here, we report that oscillations in transcription dynamics are a major sensor of
      R-loops. We show that pausing of RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) initiates a
      signaling cascade whereby the serine/arginine protein kinase 2 (SRPK2)
      phosphorylates the DDX23 helicase, culminating in the suppression of R-loops. We
      show that in the absence of either SRPK2 or DDX23, accumulation of R-loops leads
      to massive genomic instability revealed by high levels of DNA double-strand
      breaks (DSBs). Importantly, we found DDX23 mutations in several cancers and
      detected homozygous deletions of the entire DDX23 locus in 10 (17%) adenoid
      cystic carcinoma (ACC) samples. Our results unravel molecular details of a link
      between transcription dynamics and RNA-mediated genomic instability that may play
      important roles in cancer development.

PMID- 28076780
TI  - DET1 and HY5 Control PIF4-Mediated Thermosensory Elongation Growth through
      Distinct Mechanisms.
AB  - Plant growth and development are defined by environmental cues. The transcription
      factor PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4) is the central signaling hub that
      integrates environmental cues, including light and temperature, to regulate
      growth and development. The thermosensory mechanisms controlling the PIF4
      mediated temperature response, and its integration with other environmental
      responses, remain poorly understood. DE-ETIOLATED 1 (DET1) and CONSTITUTIVE
      PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS 1 (COP1), key regulators of light signaling, have been
      proposed to control thermosensory growth by transcriptional regulation of PIF4,
      through ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5). Here, we show that DET1/COP1 and HY5
      regulate thermosensory elongation through distinct mechanisms. DET1 and COP1 are
      essential for promoting PIF4 expression and stabilizing PIF4 protein.
      Furthermore, HY5 inhibits elongation growth through competitive chromatin binding
      to PIF4 targets, not through transcriptional regulation of PIF4. Our findings
      reveal a mechanistic framework in which DET1/COP1 and HY5 regulatory modules act
      independently to regulate growth through the environmental signal integrator
      PIF4.

PMID- 28076782
TI  - GFRalpha1 Regulates Purkinje Cell Migration by Counteracting NCAM Function.
AB  - During embryonic development of the cerebellum, Purkinje cells (PCs) migrate away
      from the ventricular zone to form the PC plate. The mechanisms that regulate PC
      migration are incompletely understood. Here, we report that the neurotrophic
      receptor GFRalpha1 is transiently expressed in developing PCs and loss of
      GFRalpha1 delays PC migration. Neither GDNF nor RET, the canonical GFRalpha1
      ligand and co-receptor, respectively, contribute to this process. Instead, we
      found that the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM is co-expressed and directly
      interacts with GFRalpha1 in embryonic PCs. Genetic reduction of NCAM expression
      enhances wild-type PC migration and restores migration in Gfra1 mutants,
      indicating that NCAM restricts PC migration in the embryonic cerebellum. In vitro
      experiments indicated that GFRalpha1 can function both in cis and trans to
      counteract NCAM and promote PC migration. Collectively, our studies show that
      GFRalpha1 contributes to PC migration by limiting NCAM function.

PMID- 28076781
TI  - CRTC1 Nuclear Translocation Following Learning Modulates Memory Strength via
      Exchange of Chromatin Remodeling Complexes on the Fgf1 Gene.
AB  - Memory is formed by synapse-to-nucleus communication that leads to regulation of
      gene transcription, but the identity and organizational logic of signaling
      pathways involved in this communication remain unclear. Here we find that the
      transcription cofactor CRTC1 is a critical determinant of sustained gene
      transcription and memory strength in the hippocampus. Following associative
      learning, synaptically localized CRTC1 is translocated to the nucleus and
      regulates Fgf1b transcription in an activity-dependent manner. After both weak
      and strong training, the HDAC3-N-CoR corepressor complex leaves the Fgf1b
      promoter and a complex involving the translocated CRTC1, phosphorylated CREB, and
      histone acetyltransferase CBP induces transient transcription. Strong training
      later substitutes KAT5 for CBP, a process that is dependent on CRTC1, but not on
      CREB phosphorylation. This in turn leads to long-lasting Fgf1b transcription and
      memory enhancement. Thus, memory strength relies on activity-dependent changes in
      chromatin and temporal regulation of gene transcription on specific CREB/CRTC1
      gene targets.

PMID- 28076783
TI  - CDYL Deficiency Disrupts Neuronal Migration and Increases Susceptibility to
      Epilepsy.
AB  - During brain development, the correct migration of newborn neurons is one of the
      determinants of circuit formation, and neuronal migration defects may lead to
      neurological and psychiatric disorders. The molecular mechanisms underlying
      neuronal migration and related disorders are poorly understood. Here, we report
      that Chromodomain Y-like (CDYL) is critical for neuronal migration in mice.
      Knocking down CDYL caused neuronal migration defects and disrupted both mobility
      and multipolar-to-bipolar transition of migrating neurons. We find that CDYL
      regulates neuronal migration by transcriptionally repressing RhoA. In addition,
      CDYL deficiency increased the excitability of cortical pyramidal neurons and the
      susceptibility of mice to convulsant-induced seizures. These results demonstrate
      that CDYL is a regulator of neuronal migration and shed light on the pathogenesis
      of seizure-related neurodevelopmental disorders.

PMID- 28076784
TI  - Coupled Proliferation and Apoptosis Maintain the Rapid Turnover of Microglia in
      the Adult Brain.
AB  - Microglia play key roles in brain development, homeostasis, and function, and it
      is widely assumed that the adult population is long lived and maintained by self
      renewal. However, the precise temporal and spatial dynamics of the microglial
      population are unknown. We show in mice and humans that the turnover of microglia
      is remarkably fast, allowing the whole population to be renewed several times
      during a lifetime. The number of microglial cells remains steady from late
      postnatal stages until aging and is maintained by the spatial and temporal
      coupling of proliferation and apoptosis, as shown by pulse-chase studies, chronic
      in vivo imaging of microglia, and the use of mouse models of dysregulated
      apoptosis. Our results reveal that the microglial population is constantly and
      rapidly remodeled, expanding our understanding of its role in the maintenance of
      brain homeostasis.

PMID- 28076785
TI  - Infection Programs Sustained Lymphoid Stromal Cell Responses and Shapes Lymph
      Node Remodeling upon Secondary Challenge.
AB  - Lymph nodes (LNs) are constructed of intricate networks of endothelial and
      mesenchymal stromal cells. How these lymphoid stromal cells (LSCs) regulate
      lymphoid tissue remodeling and contribute to immune responses remains poorly
      understood. We performed a comprehensive functional and transcriptional analysis
      of LSC responses to skin viral infection and found that LSC subsets responded
      robustly, with different kinetics for distinct pathogens. Recruitment of cells to
      inflamed LNs induced LSC expansion, while B cells sustained stromal responses in
      an antigen-independent manner. Infection induced rapid transcriptional responses
      in LSCs. This transcriptional program was transient, returning to homeostasis
      within 1 month of infection, yet expanded fibroblastic reticular cell networks
      persisted for more than 3 months after infection, and this altered LN composition
      reduced the magnitude of LSC responses to subsequent heterologous infection. Our
      results reveal the complexity of LSC responses during infection and suggest that
      amplified networks of LN stromal cells support successive immune responses.

PMID- 28076786
TI  - Porphyromonas gingivalis Promotes Unrestrained Type I Interferon Production by
      Dysregulating TAM Signaling via MYD88 Degradation.
AB  - Whereas type I interferons (IFNs-I) were proposed to be elevated in human
      periodontitis, their role in the disease remains elusive. Using a bacterial
      induced model of murine periodontitis, we revealed a prolonged elevation in IFN-I
      expression. This was due to the downregulation of TAM signaling, a major negative
      regulator of IFN-I. Further examination revealed that the expression of certain
      TAM components was reduced as a result of prolonged degradation of MYD88 by the
      infection. As a result of such prolonged IFN-I production, innate immunological
      functions of the gingiva were disrupted, and CD4+ T cells were constitutively
      primed by dendritic cells, leading to elevated RANKL expression and,
      subsequently, alveolar bone loss (ABL). Blocking IFN-I signaling restored proper
      immunological function and prevented ABL. Importantly, a loss of negative
      regulation on IFN-I expression by TAM signaling was also evident in periodontitis
      patients. These findings thus suggest a role for IFN-I in the pathogenesis of
      periodontitis.

PMID- 28076787
TI  - IMPDH2 Is an Intracellular Target of the Cyclophilin A and Sanglifehrin A
      Complex.
AB  - Natural products have demonstrated utility in the clinic and can also act as
      probes to understand complex cellular pathways. Sanglifehrin A (SFA) is a mixed
      polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide synthase natural product with sub-nano-molar
      affinity for its receptor cyclophilin A (PPIA). It has been shown to behave in
      vitro as an immune suppressant. Here, we identify inosine-5'-monophosphate
      dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2) as an intracellular target of the PPIA-SFA binary
      complex. The formation of this ternary complex does not inhibit the enzymatic
      activity of IMPDH2. Rather, ternary complex formation modulates cell growth
      through interaction with the cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) domain of IMPDH2.
      We further demonstrate that the SFA complex is highly isoform selective for
      IMPDH2 (versus IMPDH1). This work reveals a role for the CBS domains of IMPDH2 in
      cellular proliferation, suggesting a more complex role than previously suspected
      for IMPDH2 in T cell activation and proliferation.

PMID- 28076788
TI  - Dynamin-2 Stabilizes the HIV-1 Fusion Pore with a Low Oligomeric State.
AB  - One of the key research areas surrounding HIV-1 concerns the regulation of the
      fusion event that occurs between the virus particle and the host cell during
      entry. Even if it is universally accepted that the large GTPase dynamin-2 is
      important during HIV-1 entry, its exact role during the first steps of HIV-1
      infection is not well characterized. Here, we have utilized a multidisciplinary
      approach to study the DNM2 role during fusion of HIV-1 in primary resting CD4 T
      and TZM-bl cells. We have combined advanced light microscopy and functional cell
      based assays to experimentally assess the role of dynamin-2 during these
      processes. Overall, our data suggest that dynamin-2, as a tetramer, might help to
      establish hemi-fusion and stabilizes the pore during HIV-1 fusion.

PMID- 28076789
TI  - Reduced Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling Restores the Dynamic Properties of Key Stress
      Granule Proteins during Aging.
AB  - Low-complexity "prion-like" domains in key RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) mediate
      the reversible assembly of RNA granules. Individual RBPs harboring these domains
      have been linked to specific neurodegenerative diseases. Although their
      aggregation in neurodegeneration has been extensively characterized, it remains
      unknown how the process of aging disturbs RBP dynamics. We show that a wide
      variety of RNA granule components, including stress granule proteins, become
      highly insoluble with age in C. elegans and that reduced insulin/insulin-like
      growth factor 1 (IGF-1) daf-2 receptor signaling efficiently prevents their
      aggregation. Importantly, stress-granule-related RBP aggregates are associated
      with reduced fitness. We show that heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF-1) is a
      main regulator of stress-granule-related RBP aggregation in both young and aged
      animals. During aging, increasing DAF-16 activity restores dynamic stress-granule
      related RBPs, partly by decreasing the buildup of other misfolded proteins that
      seed RBP aggregation. Longevity-associated mechanisms found to maintain dynamic
      RBPs during aging could be relevant for neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 28076790
TI  - The Anti-Warburg Effect Elicited by the cAMP-PGC1alpha Pathway Drives
      Differentiation of Glioblastoma Cells into Astrocytes.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among the most aggressive of human cancers.
      Although differentiation therapy has been proposed as a potential approach to
      treat GBM, the mechanisms of induced differentiation remain poorly defined. Here,
      we established an induced differentiation model of GBM using cAMP activators that
      specifically directed GBM differentiation into astroglia. Transcriptomic and
      proteomic analyses revealed that oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial
      biogenesis are involved in induced differentiation of GBM. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP
      (dbcAMP) reverses the Warburg effect, as evidenced by increased oxygen
      consumption and reduced lactate production. Mitochondrial biogenesis induced by
      activation of the CREB-PGC1alpha pathway triggers metabolic shift and
      differentiation. Blocking mitochondrial biogenesis using mdivi1 or by silencing
      PGC1alpha abrogates differentiation; conversely, overexpression of PGC1alpha
      elicits differentiation. In GBM xenograft models and patient-derived GBM samples,
      cAMP activators also induce tumor growth inhibition and differentiation. Our data
      show that mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic switch to oxidative
      phosphorylation drive the differentiation of tumor cells.

PMID- 28076791
TI  - MLL-AF4 Spreading Identifies Binding Sites that Are Distinct from Super-Enhancers
      and that Govern Sensitivity to DOT1L Inhibition in Leukemia.
AB  - Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of defined cancers is crucial
      for effective personalized therapies. Translocations of the mixed-lineage
      leukemia (MLL) gene produce fusion proteins such as MLL-AF4 that disrupt
      epigenetic pathways and cause poor-prognosis leukemias. Here, we find that at a
      subset of gene targets, MLL-AF4 binding spreads into the gene body and is
      associated with the spreading of Menin binding, increased transcription,
      increased H3K79 methylation (H3K79me2/3), a disruption of normal H3K36me3
      patterns, and unmethylated CpG regions in the gene body. Compared to other
      H3K79me2/3 marked genes, MLL-AF4 spreading gene expression is downregulated by
      inhibitors of the H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L. This sensitivity mediates
      synergistic interactions with additional targeted drug treatments. Therefore,
      epigenetic spreading and enhanced susceptibility to epidrugs provides a potential
      marker for better understanding combination therapies in humans.

PMID- 28076792
TI  - The Mre11-Nbs1 Interface Is Essential for Viability and Tumor Suppression.
AB  - The Mre11 complex (Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1) is integral to both DNA repair and
      ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-dependent DNA damage signaling. All three
      Mre11 complex components are essential for viability at the cellular and
      organismal levels. To delineate essential and non-essential Mre11 complex
      functions that are mediated by Nbs1, we used TALEN-based genome editing to derive
      Nbs1 mutant mice (Nbs1mid mice), which harbor mutations in the Mre11 interaction
      domain of Nbs1. Nbs1mid alleles that abolished interaction were incompatible with
      viability. Conversely, a 108-amino-acid Nbs1 fragment comprising the Mre11
      interface was sufficient to rescue viability and ATM activation in cultured cells
      and support differentiation of hematopoietic cells in vivo. These data indicate
      that the essential role of Nbs1 is via its interaction with Mre11 and that most
      of the Nbs1 protein is dispensable for Mre11 complex functions and suggest that
      Mre11 and Rad50 directly activate ATM.

PMID- 28076793
TI  - Chloroquine-Inducible Par-4 Secretion Is Essential for Tumor Cell Apoptosis and
      Inhibition of Metastasis.
AB  - The induction of tumor suppressor proteins capable of cancer cell apoptosis
      represents an attractive option for the re-purposing of existing drugs. We report
      that the anti-malarial drug, chloroquine (CQ), is a robust inducer of Par-4
      secretion from normal cells in mice and cancer patients in a clinical trial. CQ
      inducible Par-4 secretion triggers paracrine apoptosis of cancer cells and also
      inhibits metastatic tumor growth. CQ induces Par-4 secretion via the classical
      secretory pathway that requires the activation of p53. Mechanistically, p53
      directly induces Rab8b, a GTPase essential for vesicle transport of Par-4 to the
      plasma membrane prior to secretion. Our findings indicate that CQ induces p53-
      and Rab8b-dependent Par-4 secretion from normal cells for Par-4-dependent
      inhibition of metastatic tumor growth.

PMID- 28076794
TI  - BRCA1 Directs the Repair Pathway to Homologous Recombination by Promoting 53BP1
      Dephosphorylation.
AB  - BRCA1 promotes homologous recombination (HR) by activating DNA-end resection. By
      contrast, 53BP1 forms a barrier that inhibits DNA-end resection. Here, we show
      that BRCA1 promotes DNA-end resection by relieving the 53BP1-dependent barrier.
      We show that 53BP1 is phosphorylated by ATM in S/G2 phase, promoting RIF1
      recruitment, which inhibits resection. 53BP1 is promptly dephosphorylated and
      RIF1 released, despite remaining unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). When
      resection is impaired by CtIP/MRE11 endonuclease inhibition, 53BP1
      phosphorylation and RIF1 are sustained due to ongoing ATM signaling. BRCA1
      depletion also sustains 53BP1 phosphorylation and RIF1 recruitment. We identify
      the phosphatase PP4C as having a major role in 53BP1 dephosphorylation and RIF1
      release. BRCA1 or PP4C depletion impairs 53BP1 repositioning, EXO1 recruitment,
      and HR progression. 53BP1 or RIF1 depletion restores resection, RAD51 loading,
      and HR in PP4C-depleted cells. Our findings suggest that BRCA1 promotes PP4C
      dependent 53BP1 dephosphorylation and RIF1 release, directing repair toward HR.

PMID- 28076795
TI  - Hangover Links Nuclear RNA Signaling to cAMP Regulation via the Phosphodiesterase
      4d Ortholog dunce.
AB  - The hangover gene defines a cellular stress pathway that is required for rapid
      ethanol tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster. To understand how cellular stress
      changes neuronal function, we analyzed Hangover function on a cellular and
      neuronal level. We provide evidence that Hangover acts as a nuclear RNA binding
      protein and we identified the phosphodiesterase 4d ortholog dunce as a target
      RNA. We generated a transcript-specific dunce mutant that is impaired not only in
      ethanol tolerance but also in the cellular stress response. At the neuronal
      level, Dunce and Hangover are required in the same neuron pair to regulate
      experience-dependent motor output. Within these neurons, two cyclic AMP (cAMP)
      dependent mechanisms balance the degree of tolerance. The balance is achieved by
      feedback regulation of Hangover and dunce transcript levels. This study provides
      insight into how nuclear Hangover/RNA signaling is linked to the cytoplasmic
      regulation of cAMP levels and results in neuronal adaptation and behavioral
      changes.

PMID- 28076797
TI  - Major Shifts in Glial Regional Identity Are a Transcriptional Hallmark of Human
      Brain Aging.
AB  - Gene expression studies suggest that aging of the human brain is determined by a
      complex interplay of molecular events, although both its region- and cell-type
      specific consequences remain poorly understood. Here, we extensively
      characterized aging-altered gene expression changes across ten human brain
      regions from 480 individuals ranging in age from 16 to 106 years. We show that
      astrocyte- and oligodendrocyte-specific genes, but not neuron-specific genes,
      shift their regional expression patterns upon aging, particularly in the
      hippocampus and substantia nigra, while the expression of microglia- and
      endothelial-specific genes increase in all brain regions. In line with these
      changes, high-resolution immunohistochemistry demonstrated decreased numbers of
      oligodendrocytes and of neuronal subpopulations in the aging brain cortex.
      Finally, glial-specific genes predict age with greater precision than neuron
      specific genes, thus highlighting the need for greater mechanistic understanding
      of neuron-glia interactions in aging and late-life diseases.

PMID- 28076796
TI  - Ribosomal Proteins Rpl22 and Rpl22l1 Control Morphogenesis by Regulating Pre-mRNA
      Splicing.
AB  - Most ribosomal proteins (RP) are regarded as essential, static components that
      contribute only to ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis. However, emerging
      evidence suggests that RNA-binding RP are dynamic and can influence cellular
      processes by performing "extraribosomal," regulatory functions involving binding
      to select critical target mRNAs. We report here that the RP, Rpl22, and its
      highly homologous paralog Rpl22-Like1 (Rpl22l1 or Like1) play critical,
      extraribosomal roles in embryogenesis. Indeed, they antagonistically control
      morphogenesis through developmentally regulated localization to the nucleus,
      where they modulate splicing of the pre-mRNA encoding smad2, an essential
      transcriptional effector of Nodal/TGF-beta signaling. During gastrulation, Rpl22
      binds to intronic sequences of smad2 pre-mRNA and induces exon 9 skipping in
      cooperation with hnRNP-A1. This action is opposed by its paralog, Like1, which
      promotes exon 9 inclusion in the mature transcript. The nuclear roles of these RP
      in controlling morphogenesis represent a fundamentally different and paradigm
      shifting mode of action for RP.

PMID- 28076799
TI  - Adenylyl cyclase type 9 gene polymorphisms are associated with asthma and allergy
      in Brazilian children.
AB  - Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. This
      heterogeneous disease is caused by the interaction of interindividual genetic
      variability and environmental factors. The gene adenylyl cyclase type 9 (ADCY9)
      encodes a protein called adenylyl cyclase (AC), responsible for producing the
      second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP). cAMP is produced by T regulatory cells and is
      involved in the down-regulation of T effector cells. Failures in cAMP production
      may be related to an imbalance in the regulatory immune response, leading to
      immune-mediated diseases, such as allergic disorders. The aim of this study was
      to investigate how polymorphisms in the ADCY9 are associated with asthma and
      allergic markers. The study comprised 1309 subjects from the SCAALA (Social
      Changes Asthma and Allergy in Latin America) program. Genotyping was accomplished
      using the Illumina 2.5 Human Omni bead chip. Logistic regression was used to
      assess the association between allergy markers and ADCY9 variation in PLINK 1.07
      software with adjustments for sex, age, helminth infection and ancestry markers.
      The ADCY9 candidate gene was associated with different phenotypes, such as
      asthma, specific IgE, skin prick test, and cytokine production. Among 133 markers
      analyzed, 29 SNPs where associated with asthma and allergic markers in silico
      analysis revealed the functional impact of the 6 SNPs on ADCY9 expression. It can
      be concluded that polymorphisms in the ADCY9 gene are significantly associated
      with asthma and/or allergy markers. We believe that such polymorphisms may lead
      to increased expression of adenylyl cyclase with a consequent increase in
      immunoregulatory activity. Therefore, these SNPs may offer an impact on the
      occurrence of these conditions in admixture population from countries such as
      Brazil.

PMID- 28076798
TI  - Neonatal Transplantation Confers Maturation of PSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes
      Conducive to Modeling Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) offer unprecedented opportunities for disease
      modeling and personalized medicine. However, PSC-derived cells exhibit fetal-like
      characteristics and remain immature in a dish. This has emerged as a major
      obstacle for their application for late-onset diseases. We previously showed that
      there is a neonatal arrest of long-term cultured PSC-derived cardiomyocytes (PSC
      CMs). Here, we demonstrate that PSC-CMs mature into adult CMs when transplanted
      into neonatal hearts. PSC-CMs became similar to adult CMs in morphology,
      structure, and function within a month of transplantation into rats. The
      similarity was further supported by single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis.
      Moreover, this in vivo maturation allowed patient-derived PSC-CMs to reveal the
      disease phenotype of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which
      manifests predominantly in adults. This study lays a foundation for understanding
      human CM maturation and pathogenesis and can be instrumental in PSC-based
      modeling of adult heart diseases.

PMID- 28076800
TI  - The Making and Breaking of a Substrate Trap.

PMID- 28076801
TI  - MSMBuilder: Statistical Models for Biomolecular Dynamics.
AB  - MSMBuilder is a software package for building statistical models of high
      dimensional time-series data. It is designed with a particular focus on the
      analysis of atomistic simulations of biomolecular dynamics such as protein
      folding and conformational change. MSMBuilder is named for its ability to
      construct Markov state models (MSMs), a class of models that has gained favor
      among computational biophysicists. In addition to both well-established and newer
      MSM methods, the package includes complementary algorithms for understanding time
      series data such as hidden Markov models and time-structure based independent
      component analysis. MSMBuilder boasts an easy to use command-line interface, as
      well as clear and consistent abstractions through its Python application
      programming interface. MSMBuilder was developed with careful consideration for
      compatibility with the broader machine learning community by following the design
      of scikit-learn. The package is used primarily by practitioners of molecular
      dynamics, but is just as applicable to other computational or experimental time
      series measurements.

PMID- 28076802
TI  - PELDOR Spectroscopy Reveals Two Defined States of a Sialic Acid TRAP Transporter
      SBP in Solution.
AB  - The tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporters are a widespread
      class of membrane transporters in bacteria and archaea. Typical substrates for
      TRAP transporters are organic acids including the sialic acid N-acetylneuraminic
      acid. The substrate binding proteins (SBP) of TRAP transporters are the best
      studied component and are responsible for initial high-affinity substrate
      binding. To better understand the dynamics of the ligand binding process, pulsed
      electron-electron double resonance (PELDOR, also known as DEER) spectroscopy was
      applied to study the conformational changes in the N-acetylneuraminic acid
      specific SBP VcSiaP. The protein is the SBP of VcSiaPQM, a sialic acid TRAP
      transporter from Vibrio cholerae. Spin-labeled double-cysteine mutants of VcSiaP
      were analyzed in the substrate-bound and -free state and the measured distances
      were compared to available crystal structures. The data were compatible with two
      clear states only, which are consistent with the open and closed forms seen in
      TRAP SBP crystal structures. Substrate titration experiments demonstrated the
      transition of the population from one state to the other with no other observed
      forms. Mutants of key residues involved in ligand binding and/or proposed to be
      involved in domain closure were produced and the corresponding PELDOR experiments
      reveal important insights into the open-closed transition. The results are in
      excellent agreement with previous in vivo sialylation experiments. The structure
      of the spin-labeled Q54R1/L173R1 R125A mutant was solved at 2.1 A resolution,
      revealing no significant changes in the protein structure. Thus, the loss of
      domain closure appears to be solely due to loss of binding. In conclusion, these
      data are consistent with TRAP SBPs undergoing a simple two-state transition from
      an open-unliganded to closed-liganded state during the transport cycle.

PMID- 28076803
TI  - Drunken Membranes: Short-Chain Alcohols Alter Fusion of Liposomes to Planar Lipid
      Bilayers.
AB  - Although the effects of ethanol on protein receptors and lipid membranes have
      been studied extensively, ethanol's effect on vesicles fusing to lipid bilayers
      is not known. To determine the effect of alcohols on fusion rates, we utilized
      the nystatin/ergosterol fusion assay to measure fusion of liposomes to a planar
      lipid bilayer (BLM). The addition of ethanol excited fusion when applied on the
      cis (vesicle) side, and inhibited fusion on the trans side. Other short-chain
      alcohols followed a similar pattern. In general, the inhibitory effect of
      alcohols (trans) occurs at lower doses than the excitatory (cis) effect, with a
      decrease of 29% in fusion rates at the legal driving limit of 0.08% (w/v) ethanol
      (IC50 = 0.2% v/v, 34 mM). Similar inhibitory effects were observed with methanol,
      propanol, and butanol, with ethanol being the most potent. Significant
      variability was observed with different alcohols when applied to the cis side.
      Ethanol and propanol enhanced fusion, butanol also enhanced fusion but was less
      potent, and low doses of methanol mildly inhibited fusion. The inhibition by
      trans addition of alcohols implies that they alter the planar membrane structure
      and thereby increase the activation energy required for fusion, likely through an
      increase in membrane fluidity. The cis data are likely a combination of the above
      effect and a proportionally greater lowering of the vesicle lysis tension and
      hydration repulsive pressure that combine to enhance fusion. Alternate hypotheses
      are also discussed. The inhibitory effect of ethanol on liposome-membrane fusion
      is large enough to provide a possible biophysical explanation of compromised
      neuronal behavior.

PMID- 28076804
TI  - 3D Protein Dynamics in the Cell Nucleus.
AB  - The three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the cell nucleus plays an important
      role in protein dynamics and in regulating gene expression. However, protein
      dynamics within the 3D nucleus are poorly understood. Here, we present, to our
      knowledge, a novel combination of 1) single-objective based light-sheet
      microscopy, 2) photoconvertible proteins, and 3) fluorescence correlation
      microscopy, to quantitatively measure 3D protein dynamics in the nucleus. We are
      able to acquire >3400 autocorrelation functions at multiple spatial positions
      within a nucleus, without significant photobleaching, allowing us to make
      reliable estimates of diffusion dynamics. Using this tool, we demonstrate spatial
      heterogeneity in Polymerase II dynamics in live U2OS cells. Further, we provide
      detailed measurements of human-Yes-associated protein diffusion dynamics in a
      human gastric cancer epithelial cell line.

PMID- 28076805
TI  - Regulation of Active ICAM-4 on Normal and Sickle Cell Disease RBCs via AKAPs Is
      Revealed by AFM.
AB  - Human healthy (wild-type (WT)) and homozygous sickle (SS) red blood cells (RBCs)
      express a large number of surface receptors that mediate cell adhesion between
      RBCs, and between RBCs and white blood cells, platelets, and the endothelium. In
      sickle cell disease (SCD), abnormal adhesion of RBCs to endothelial cells is
      mediated by the intercellular adhesion molecule-4 (ICAM-4), which appears on the
      RBC membrane and binds to the endothelial alphavbeta3 integrin. This is a key
      factor in the initiation of vaso-occlusive episodes, the hallmark of SCD. A
      better understanding of the mechanisms that control RBC adhesion to endothelium
      may lead to novel approaches to both prevention and treatment of vaso-occlusive
      episodes in SCD. One important mechanism of ICAM-4 activation occurs via the
      cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA)-dependent signaling
      pathway. Here, we employed an in vitro technique called single-molecule force
      spectroscopy to study the effect of modulation of the cAMP-PKA-dependent pathway
      on ICAM-4 receptor activation. We quantified the frequency of active ICAM-4
      receptors on WT-RBC and SS-RBC membranes, as well as the median unbinding force
      between ICAM-4 and alphavbeta3. We showed that the collective frequency of
      unbinding events in WT-RBCs is not significantly different from that of SS-RBCs.
      This result was confirmed by confocal microscopy experiments. In addition, we
      showed that incubation of normal RBCs and SS-RBCs with epinephrine, a
      catecholamine that binds to the beta-adrenergic receptor and activates the cAMP
      PKA-dependent pathway, caused a significant increase in the frequency of active
      ICAM-4 receptors in both normal RBCs and SS-RBCs. However, the unbinding force
      between ICAM-4 and the corresponding ligand alphavbeta3 remained the same.
      Furthermore, we demonstrated that forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator,
      significantly increased the frequency of ICAM-4 receptors in WT-RBCs and SS-RBCs,
      confirming that the activation of ICAM-4 is regulated by the cAMP-PKA pathway.
      Finally, we showed that A-kinase anchoring proteins play an essential role in
      ICAM-4 activation.

PMID- 28076806
TI  - Measurement of Slow Spontaneous Release of 11-cis-Retinal from Rhodopsin.
AB  - The vertebrate visual photoreceptor rhodopsin (Rho) is a unique G protein-coupled
      receptor as it utilizes a covalently tethered inverse agonist (11-cis-retinal) as
      the native ligand. Previously, electrophysiological studies showed that ligand
      binding of 11-cis-retinal in dark-adapted Rho was essentially irreversible with a
      half-life estimated to be 420 years, until after thermal isomerization to all
      trans-retinal, which then slowly dissociates. This long lifetime of 11-cis
      retinal binding was considered to be physiologically important for minimizing
      background signal (dark noise) of the visual system. However, in vitro
      biochemical studies on the thermal stability of Rho showed that Rho decays with a
      half-life on the order of days. In this study, we resolve the discrepancy by
      measuring the chromophore exchange rate of the bound 11-cis-retinal chromophore
      with free 9-cis-retinal from Rho in an in vitro phospholipid/detergent bicelle
      system. We conclude that the thermal decay of Rho primarily proceeds through
      spontaneous breaking of the covalent linkage between opsin and 11-cis-retinal,
      which was overlooked in the electrophysiological recording. We estimate that this
      slow spontaneous release of 11-cis-retinal from Rho should result in 104 to 105
      free opsin molecules in a dark-adapted rod cell-a number that is three orders of
      magnitude higher than previously expected. We also discuss the physiological
      implications of these findings on the basal activity of opsins and the associated
      dark noise in the visual system.

PMID- 28076807
TI  - CIDER: Resources to Analyze Sequence-Ensemble Relationships of Intrinsically
      Disordered Proteins.
AB  - Intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs) represent a large class of
      proteins that are defined by conformational heterogeneity and lack of persistent
      tertiary/secondary structure. IDPs play important roles in a range of biological
      functions, and their dysregulation is central to numerous diseases, including
      neurodegeneration and cancer. The conformational ensembles of IDPs are encoded by
      their amino acid sequences. Here, we present two computational tools that are
      designed to enable rapid and high-throughput analyses of a wide range of
      physicochemical properties encoded by IDP sequences. The first, CIDER, is a user
      friendly webserver that enables rapid analysis of IDP sequences. The second,
      localCIDER, is a high-performance software package that enables a wide range of
      analyses relevant to IDP sequences. In addition to introducing the two packages,
      we demonstrate the utility of these resources using examples where sequence
      analysis offers biophysical insights.

PMID- 28076808
TI  - Spatiotemporal Modeling of Triggering and Amplifying Pathways in GLP-1 Secreting
      Intestinal L Cells.
AB  - Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is secreted by intestinal L-cells, and augments
      glucose-induced insulin secretion, thus playing an important role in glucose
      control. The stimulus-secretion pathway in L-cells is still incompletely
      understood and a topic of debate. It is known that GLP-1 secreting cells can
      sense glucose to promote electrical activity either by the electrogenic sodium
      glucose cotransporter SGLT1, or by closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels
      after glucose metabolism. Glucose also has an effect on GLP-1 secretion
      downstream of electrical activity. An important aspect to take into account is
      the spatial organization of the cell. Indeed, the glucose transporter GLUT2 is
      located at the basolateral, vascular side, while SGLT1 is exposed to luminal
      glucose at the apical side of the cell, suggesting that the two types of
      transporters play different roles in glucose sensing. Here, we extend our recent
      model of electrical activity in primary L-cells to include spatiotemporal glucose
      and Ca2+ dynamics, and GLP-1 secretion. The model confirmed that glucose
      transportation into the cell through SGLT1 cotransporters can induce Ca2+ influx
      and release of GLP-1 as a result of electrical activity, while glucose metabolism
      alone is insufficient to depolarize the cell and evoke GLP-1 secretion in the
      model, suggesting a crucial role for SGLT1 in triggering GLP-1 release in
      agreement with experimental studies. We suggest a secondary, but participating,
      role of GLUT2 and glucose metabolism for GLP-1 secretion via an amplifying
      pathway that increases the secretion rate at a given Ca2+ level.

PMID- 28076809
TI  - A Model for the Transient Subdiffusive Behavior of Particles in Mucus.
AB  - In this study we have applied a model to explain the reported subdiffusion of
      particles in mucus, based on the measured mean squared displacements (MSD). The
      model considers Brownian diffusion of particles in a confined geometry, made from
      permeable membranes. The applied model predicts a normal diffusive behavior at
      very short and long time lags, as observed in several experiments. In between
      these timescales, we find that the "subdiffusive" regime is only a transient
      effect, MSD?taualpha,alpha<1. The only parameters in the model are the diffusion
      coefficients at the limits of very short and long times, and the distance between
      the permeable membranes L. Our numerical results are in agreement with published
      experimental data for realistic assumptions of these parameters. Finally, we show
      that only particles with a diameter less than 40 nm are able to pass through a
      mucus layer by passive Brownian motion.

PMID- 28076810
TI  - DNA Occupancy of Polymerizing Transcription Factors: A Chemical Model of the ETS
      Family Factor Yan.
AB  - Transcription factors use both protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions to
      assemble appropriate complexes to regulate gene expression. Although most
      transcription factors operate as monomers or dimers, a few, including the E26
      transformation-specific family repressors Drosophila melanogaster Yan and its
      human homolog TEL/ETV6, can polymerize. Although polymerization is required for
      both the normal and oncogenic function of Yan and TEL/ETV6, the mechanisms by
      which it influences the recruitment, organization, and stability of
      transcriptional complexes remain poorly understood. Further, a quantitative
      description of the DNA occupancy of a polymerizing transcription factor is
      lacking, and such a description would have broader applications to the
      conceptually related area of polymerizing chromatin regulators. To expand the
      theoretical basis for understanding how the oligomeric state of a transcriptional
      regulator influences its chromatin occupancy and function, we leveraged the
      extensive biochemical characterization of E26 transformation-specific factors to
      develop a mathematical model of Yan occupancy at chemical equilibrium. We find
      that spreading condensation from a specific binding site can take place in a path
      independent manner given reasonable values of the free energies of specific and
      non-specific DNA binding and protein-protein cooperativity. Our calculations show
      that polymerization confers upon a transcription factor the unique ability to
      extend occupancy across DNA regions far from specific binding sites. In contrast,
      dimerization promotes recruitment to clustered binding sites and maximizes
      discrimination between specific and non-specific sites. We speculate that the
      association with non-specific DNA afforded by polymerization may enable
      regulatory behaviors that are well-suited to transcriptional repressors but
      perhaps incompatible with precise activation.

PMID- 28076811
TI  - Modeling the Effect of Curvature on the Collective Behavior of Cells Growing New
      Tissue.
AB  - The growth of several biological tissues is known to be controlled in part by
      local geometrical features, such as the curvature of the tissue interface. This
      control leads to changes in tissue shape that in turn can affect the tissue's
      evolution. Understanding the cellular basis of this control is highly significant
      for bioscaffold tissue engineering, the evolution of bone microarchitecture,
      wound healing, and tumor growth. Although previous models have proposed
      geometrical relationships between tissue growth and curvature, the role of cell
      density and cell vigor remains poorly understood. We propose a cell-based
      mathematical model of tissue growth to investigate the systematic influence of
      curvature on the collective crowding or spreading of tissue-synthesizing cells
      induced by changes in local tissue surface area during the motion of the
      interface. Depending on the strength of diffusive damping, the model exhibits
      complex growth patterns such as undulating motion, efficient smoothing of
      irregularities, and the generation of cusps. We compare this model with in vitro
      experiments of tissue deposition in bioscaffolds of different geometries. By
      including the depletion of active cells, the model is able to capture both
      smoothing of initial substrate geometry and tissue deposition slowdown as
      observed experimentally.

PMID- 28076812
TI  - Spermine Condenses DNA, but Not RNA Duplexes.
AB  - Interactions between the polyamine spermine and nucleic acids drive important
      cellular processes. Spermine condenses DNA and some RNAs, such as
      poly(rA):poly(rU). A large fraction of the spermine present in cells is bound to
      RNA but apparently does not condense it. Here, we study the effect of spermine
      binding to short duplex RNA and DNA, and compare our findings with predictions of
      molecular-dynamics simulations. When small numbers of spermine are introduced,
      RNA with a designed sequence containing a mixture of 14 GC pairs and 11 AU pairs
      resists condensation relative to DNA of an equivalent sequence or to 25 bp
      poly(rA):poly(rU) RNA. A comparison of wide-angle x-ray scattering profiles with
      simulation results suggests that spermine is sequestered deep within the major
      groove of mixed-sequence RNA. This prevents condensation by limiting
      opportunities to bridge to other molecules and stabilizes the RNA by locking it
      into a particular conformation. In contrast, for DNA, simulations suggest that
      spermine binds externally to the duplex, offering opportunities for
      intermolecular interaction. The goal of this study is to explain how RNA can
      remain soluble and available for interaction with other molecules in the cell
      despite the presence of spermine at concentrations high enough to precipitate
      DNA.

PMID- 28076813
TI  - Signatures of Mechanosensitive Gating.
AB  - The question of how mechanically gated membrane channels open and close is
      notoriously difficult to address, especially if the protein structure is not
      available. This perspective highlights the relevance of micropipette-aspirated
      single-particle tracking-used to obtain a channel's diffusion coefficient, D, as
      a function of applied membrane tension, sigma-as an indirect assay for
      determining functional behavior in mechanosensitive channels. While ensuring that
      the protein remains integral to the membrane, such methods can be used to
      identify not only the gating mechanism of a protein, but also associated physical
      moduli, such as torsional and dilational rigidity, which correspond to the
      protein's effective shape change. As an example, three distinct D-versus-sigma
      "signatures" are calculated, corresponding to gating by dilation, gating by tilt,
      and gating by a combination of both dilation and tilt. Both advantages and
      disadvantages of the approach are discussed.

PMID- 28076814
TI  - GsMTx4: Mechanism of Inhibiting Mechanosensitive Ion Channels.
AB  - GsMTx4 is a spider venom peptide that inhibits cationic mechanosensitive channels
      (MSCs). It has six lysine residues that have been proposed to affect membrane
      binding. We synthesized six analogs with single lysine-to-glutamate substitutions
      and tested them against Piezo1 channels in outside-out patches and independently
      measured lipid binding. Four analogs had ~20% lower efficacy than the wild-type
      (WT) peptide. The equilibrium constants calculated from the rates of inhibition
      and washout did not correlate with the changes in inhibition. The lipid
      association strength of the WT GsMTx4 and the analogs was determined by
      tryptophan autofluorescence quenching and isothermal calorimetry with membrane
      vesicles and showed no significant differences in binding energy. Tryptophan
      fluorescence-quenching assays showed that both WT and analog peptides bound
      superficially near the lipid-water interface, although analogs penetrated deeper.
      Peptide-lipid association, as a function of lipid surface pressure, was
      investigated in Langmuir monolayers. The peptides occupied a large fraction of
      the expanded monolayer area, but that fraction was reduced by peptide expulsion
      as the pressure approached the monolayer-bilayer equivalence pressure. Analogs
      with compromised efficacy had pressure-area isotherms with steeper slopes in this
      region, suggesting tighter peptide association. The pressure-dependent
      redistribution of peptide between "deep" and "shallow" binding modes was
      supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the peptide-monolayer system
      under different area constraints. These data suggest a model placing GsMTx4 at
      the membrane surface, where it is stabilized by the lysines, and occupying a
      small fraction of the surface area in unstressed membranes. When applied tension
      reduces lateral pressure in the lipids, the peptides penetrate deeper acting as
      "area reservoirs" leading to partial relaxation of the outer monolayer, thereby
      reducing the effective magnitude of stimulus acting on the MSC gate.

PMID- 28076815
TI  - Fluorescent Labeling Preserving OCP Photoactivity Reveals Its Reorganization
      during the Photocycle.
AB  - Orange carotenoid protein (OCP), responsible for the photoprotection of the
      cyanobacterial photosynthetic apparatus under excessive light conditions,
      undergoes significant rearrangements upon photoconversion and transits from the
      stable orange to the signaling red state. This is thought to involve a 12-A
      translocation of the carotenoid cofactor and separation of the N- and C-terminal
      protein domains. Despite clear recent progress, the detailed mechanism of the OCP
      photoconversion and associated photoprotection remains elusive. Here, we labeled
      the OCP of Synechocystis with tetramethylrhodamine-maleimide (TMR) and obtained a
      photoactive OCP-TMR complex, the fluorescence of which was highly sensitive to
      the protein state, showing unprecedented contrast between the orange and red
      states and reflecting changes in protein conformation and the distances from TMR
      to the carotenoid throughout the photocycle. The OCP-TMR complex was sensitive to
      the light intensity, temperature, and viscosity of the solvent. Based on the
      observed Forster resonance energy transfer, we determined that upon
      photoconversion, the distance between TMR (donor) bound to a cysteine in the C
      terminal domain and the carotenoid (acceptor) increased by 18 A, with
      simultaneous translocation of the carotenoid into the N-terminal domain. Time
      resolved fluorescence anisotropy revealed a significant decrease of the OCP
      rotation rate in the red state, indicating that the light-triggered conversion of
      the protein is accompanied by an increase of its hydrodynamic radius. Thus, our
      results support the idea of significant structural rearrangements of OCP,
      providing, to our knowledge, new insights into the structural rearrangements of
      OCP throughout the photocycle and a completely novel approach to the study of its
      photocycle and non-photochemical quenching. We suggest that this approach can be
      generally applied to other photoactive proteins.

PMID- 28076816
TI  - Mutation G1629E Increases von Willebrand Factor Cleavage via a Cooperative
      Destabilization Mechanism.
AB  - The large multimeric glycoprotein von Willebrand Factor (VWF) plays a pivotal
      adhesive role during primary hemostasis. VWF is cleaved by the protease ADAMTS13
      as a down-regulatory mechanism to prevent excessive VWF-mediated platelet
      aggregation. For each VWF monomer, the ADAMTS13 cleavage site is located deeply
      buried inside the VWF A2 domain. External forces in vivo or denaturants in vitro
      trigger the unfolding of this domain, thereby leaving the cleavage site solvent
      exposed and ready for cleavage. Mutations in the VWF A2 domain, facilitating the
      cleavage process, cause a distinct form of von Willebrand disease (VWD), VWD type
      2A. In particular, the VWD type 2A Gly1629Glu mutation drastically accelerates
      the proteolytic cleavage activity, even in the absence of forces or denaturants.
      However, the effect of this mutation has not yet been quantified, in terms of
      kinetics or thermodynamics, nor has the underlying molecular mechanism been
      revealed. In this study, we addressed these questions by using fluorescence
      correlation spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and free energy
      calculations. The measured enzyme kinetics revealed a 20-fold increase in the
      cleavage rate for the Gly1629Glu mutant compared with the wild-type VWF. Cleavage
      was found cooperative with a cooperativity coefficient n = 2.3, suggesting that
      the mutant VWF gives access to multiple cleavage sites of the VWF multimer at the
      same time. According to our simulations and free energy calculations, the
      Gly1629Glu mutation causes structural perturbation in the A2 domain and thereby
      destabilizes the domain by ~10 kJ/mol, promoting its unfolding. Taken together,
      the enhanced proteolytic activity of Gly1629Glu can be readily explained by an
      increased availability of the ADAMTS13 cleavage site through A2-domain-fold
      thermodynamic destabilization. Our study puts forward the Gly1629Glu mutant as a
      very efficient enzyme substrate for ADAMTS13 activity assays.

PMID- 28076817
TI  - Elucidation of Single Hydrogen Bonds in GTPases via Experimental and Theoretical
      Infrared Spectroscopy.
AB  - Time-resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool
      to elucidate label-free the reaction mechanisms of proteins. After assignment of
      the absorption bands to individual groups of the protein, the order of events
      during the reaction mechanism can be monitored and rate constants can be
      obtained. Additionally, structural information is encoded into infrared spectra
      and can be decoded by combining the experimental data with biomolecular
      simulations. We have determined recently the infrared vibrations of GTP and
      guanosine diphosphate (GDP) bound to Galphai1, a ubiquitous GTPase. These
      vibrations are highly sensitive for the environment of the phosphate groups and
      thereby for the binding mode the GTPase adopts to enable fast hydrolysis of GTP.
      In this study we calculated these infrared vibrations from biomolecular
      simulations to transfer the spectral information into a computational model that
      provides structural information far beyond crystal structure resolution.
      Conformational ensembles were generated using 15 snapshots of several 100 ns
      molecular-mechanics/molecular-dynamics (MM-MD) simulations, followed by quantum
      mechanics/molecular-mechanics (QM/MM) minimization and normal mode analysis. In
      comparison with other approaches, no time-consuming QM/MM-MD simulation was
      necessary. We carefully benchmarked the simulation systems by deletion of single
      hydrogen bonds between the GTPase and GTP through several Galphai1 point mutants.
      The missing hydrogen bonds lead to blue-shifts of the corresponding absorption
      bands. These band shifts for alpha-GTP (Galphai1-T48A), gamma-GTP (Galphai1
      R178S), and for both beta-GTP/gamma-GTP (Galphai1-K46A, Galphai1-D200E) were
      found in agreement in the experimental and the theoretical spectra. We applied
      our approach to open questions regarding Galphai1: we show that the GDP state of
      Galphai1 carries a Mg2+, which is not found in x-ray structures. Further, the
      catalytic role of K46, a central residue of the P-loop, and the protonation state
      of the GTP are elucidated.

PMID- 28076818
TI  - One-Way Allosteric Communication between the Two Disulfide Bonds in Tissue
      Factor.
AB  - Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays distinct roles in
      the initiation of extrinsic coagulation cascade and thrombosis. TF contains two
      disulfide bonds, one each in the N-terminal and C-terminal extracellular domains.
      The C-domain disulfide, Cys186-Cys209, has a -RHStaple configuration in crystal
      structures, suggesting that this disulfide carries high pre-stress. The redox
      state of this disulfide has been proposed to regulate TF encryption/decryption.
      Ablating the N-domain Cys49-Cys57 disulfide bond was found to increase the redox
      potential of the Cys186-Cys209 bond, implying an allosteric communication between
      the domains. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we observed that the Cys186
      Cys209 disulfide bond retained the -RHStaple configuration, whereas the Cys49
      Cys57 disulfide bond fluctuated widely. The Cys186-Cys209 bond featured the
      typical -RHStaple disulfide properties, such as a longer S-S bond length, larger
      C-S-S angles, and higher bonded prestress, in comparison to the Cys49-Cys57 bond.
      Force distribution analysis was used to sense the subtle structural changes upon
      ablating the disulfide bonds, and allowed us to identify a one-way allosteric
      communication mechanism from the N-terminal to the C-terminal domain. We propose
      a force propagation pathway using a shortest-pathway algorithm, which we suggest
      is a useful method for searching allosteric signal transduction pathways in
      proteins. As a possible explanation for the pathway being one-way, we identified
      a pronounced lower degree of conformational fluctuation, or effectively higher
      stiffness, in the N-terminal domain. Thus, the changes of the rigid domain (N
      terminal domain) can induce mechanical force propagation to the soft domain (C
      terminal domain), but not vice versa.

PMID- 28076819
TI  - Full-Spectral Multiplexing of Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer in Three
      TRPV Channels.
AB  - Multiplexed bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays were
      developed to monitor the activation of several functional transient receptor
      potential (TRP) channels in live cells and in real time. We probed both TRPV1
      intramolecular rearrangements and its interaction with Calmodulin (CaM) under
      activation by chemical agonists and temperature. Our BRET study also confirmed
      that: (1) capsaicin and heat promoted distinct transitions, independently coupled
      to channel gating, and that (2) TRPV1 and Ca2+-bound CaM but not Ca2+-free CaM
      were preassociated in resting live cells, while capsaicin activation induced both
      the formation of more TRPV1/CaM complexes and conformational changes. The BRET
      assay, based on the interaction with Calmodulin, was successfully extended to
      TRPV3 and TRPV4 channels. We therefore developed a full-spectral three-color BRET
      assay for analyzing the specific activation of each of the three TRPV channels in
      a single sample. Such key improvement in BRET measurement paves the way for the
      simultaneous monitoring of independent biological pathways in live cells.

PMID- 28076821
TI  - 2017 Ushers in New Editorial Board Members and More.

PMID- 28076820
TI  - Probing Conformational Changes during the Gating Cycle of a Potassium Channel in
      Lipid Bilayers.
AB  - Ion conduction across the cellular membrane requires the simultaneous opening of
      activation and inactivation gates of the K+ channel pore. The bacterial KcsA
      channel has served as a powerful system for dissecting the structural changes
      that are related to four major functional states associated with K+ gating. Yet,
      the direct observation of the full gating cycle of KcsA has remained structurally
      elusive, and crystal structures mimicking these gating events require mutations
      in or stabilization of functionally relevant channel segments. Here, we found
      that changes in lipid composition strongly increased the KcsA open probability.
      This enabled us to probe all four major gating states in native-like membranes by
      combining electrophysiological and solid-state NMR experiments. In contrast to
      previous crystallographic views, we found that the selectivity filter and turret
      region, coupled to the surrounding bilayer, were actively involved in channel
      gating. The increase in overall steady-state open probability was accompanied by
      a reduction in activation-gate opening, underscoring the important role of the
      surrounding lipid bilayer in the delicate conformational coupling of the
      inactivation and activation gates.

PMID- 28076822
TI  - An in vitro analysis of the size and shape of cryolesions for facet joint
      denervation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lumbar facet joint syndrome (LFJS) is the cause of lower back pain in
      15-54% of the patients. Clinical studies of cryotherapy for LFJS have reported
      promising outcomes. However, few studies have focused on the technical aspects of
      cryoneurolysis for LFJS. The aim of the study was to determine the size and shape
      of cryolesions in vitro and to determine how they are affected by the duration of
      freezing, size of the cryoprobe and distance and angulation to an osseous
      boundary layer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different cryolesion generators were
      used. Cryolesions were generated in tempered physiologic NaCl solution in the
      vicinity of an osseous surface. The size of the cryoprobes, duration of freezing,
      distance to the bone surface and angulation of the probe were studied.
      Cryolesions were recorded with a video camera during their emergence. Images at
      distinct time points were analysed using digital image processing software.
      RESULTS: The probe size, the system in use and the duration of the freezing cycle
      were the main determinants for the size of the cryolesion. The vicinity of the
      osseous boundary resulted in a modest increase in the size of the cryolesion.
      Angulation of the cryoprobe towards the osseous boundary is of minor importance
      for the size of the contact area to the nerve. CONCLUSION: For cryoneurolysis of
      LFJS, duration of freezing, temperature and probe size are the main determinants
      of lesion size and thus the probability of success of the procedure. A tangential
      approach of the probe is not essential.

PMID- 28076823
TI  - Guazuma ulmifolia bark-synthesized Ag, Au and Ag/Au alloy nanoparticles:
      Photocatalytic potential, DNA/protein interactions, anticancer activity and
      toxicity against 14 species of microbial pathogens.
AB  - In the present study, we focused on a quick and green method to fabricate Ag, Au
      and Ag/Au alloy nanoparticles (NPs) using the bark extract of Guazuma ulmifolia
      L. Green synthesized metal NPs were characterized using different techniques,
      including UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, AFM and HR-TEM analyses. The
      production of Ag, Au and Ag/Au alloy NPs was observed monitoring color change
      from colorless to brown, followed by pink and dark brown, as confirmed by UV-Vis
      spectroscopy characteristic peaks at 436, 522 and 510nm, respectively. TEM shed
      light on the spherical shapes of NPs with size ranges of 10-15, 20-25 and 10
      20nm. Biosynthesized NPs showed good catalytic activity reducing two organic
      dyes, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and Congo red (CR). UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence,
      circular dichroism spectroscopy and viscosity analyses were used to investigate
      the NP binding with calf thymus DNA. The binding constant of NPs with DNA
      calculated in UV-Vis absorption studies were 1.18*104, 1.83*104 and 2.91*104M-1,
      respectively, indicating that NPs were able to bind DNA with variable binding
      affinity: Ag/Au alloy NPs>Ag NPs>Au NPs. Ag/Au alloy NPs also showed binding
      activity to bovine serum albumin (BSA) over the other NPs. Ag and Ag/Au alloy NPs
      exhibited good antimicrobial activity on 14 species of microbial pathogens. In
      addition, the cytotoxic effects of Ag/Au alloy NPs were studied on human cervical
      cancer cells (HeLa) using MTT assay. Overall, our work showed the promising
      potential of bark-synthesized Ag and Ag/Au alloy NPs as cheap sources to develop
      novel and safer photocatalytic, antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

PMID- 28076824
TI  - Discovery of new nanomolar inhibitors of GPa: Extension of 2-oxo-1,2
      dihydropyridinyl-3-yl amide-based GPa inhibitors.
AB  - Glycogen Phosphorylase (GP) is a functionally active dimeric enzyme, which is a
      target for inhibition of the conversion of glycogen to glucose-1-phosphate. In
      this study we report the design and synthesis of 14 new pyridone derivatives, and
      seek to extend the SAR analysis of these compounds. The SAR revealed the minor
      influence of the amide group, importance of the pyridone ring both spatially
      around the pyridine ring and for possible pi-stacking, and confirmed a preference
      for inclusion of 3,4-dichlorobenzyl moieties, as bookends to the pyridone
      scaffold. Upon exploring a dimer strategy as part of the SAR analysis, the first
      extended 2-oxo-dihydropyridinyl-3-yl amide nanomolar based inhibitors of GPa
      (IC50 = 230 and 260 nM) were identified.

PMID- 28076825
TI  - Polar aromatic periphery increases agonist potency of spirocyclic free fatty acid
      receptor (GPR40) agonists inspired by LY2881835.
AB  - A series of spirocyclic compounds inspired by Eli Lilly's phase 1 antidiabetic
      FFA1 receptor agonist LY2881835 was designed to include polar aromatic periphery
      groups and explore a possibility of building additional contacts with the target
      near the agonist binding site. The frontrunner compound in the series (9i) was
      shown to be a potent (EC50 = 260 nM) FFA1 agonist with excellent aqueous (PBS)
      solubility and good Caco-2 permeability. The observed structure-activity
      relationships were rationalized by a docking study. The new series significantly
      expands the ligand landscape for the ongoing quest for new potent and more polar
      FFA1 agonists as fundamentally new class of therapeutic agents against type 2
      diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 28076826
TI  - Identification of new pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as Src tyrosine kinase inhibitors
      in vitro active against Glioblastoma.
AB  - In the last few years, several pyrrolo-pyrimidine derivatives have been either
      approved by the US FDA and in other countries for the treatment of different
      diseases or are currently in phase I/II clinical trials. Herein we present the
      synthesis and the characterization of a novel series of pyrrolo[2,3
      d]pyrimidines, compounds 8a-j, and their activity against Glioblastoma multiforme
      (GBM). Docking studies and MM-GBSA analysis revealed the ability of such
      compounds to efficiently interact with the ATP binding site of Src. Enzymatic
      assays against a mini-panel of kinases (Src, Fyn, EGFR, Kit, Flt3, Abl, AblT315I)
      have been performed, showing an unexpected selectivity of our pyrrolo[2,3
      d]pyrimidines for Src. Finally, the derivatives were tested for their
      antiproliferative potency on U87 GBM cell line. Compound 8h showed a considerable
      cytotoxicity effect against U87 cell line with an IC50 value of 7.1 MUM.

PMID- 28076827
TI  - New diphenylmethane derivatives as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      alpha/gamma dual agonists endowed with anti-proliferative effects and
      mitochondrial activity.
AB  - We screened a short series of new chiral diphenylmethane derivatives and
      identified potent dual PPARalpha/gamma partial agonists. As both enantiomers of
      the most active compound 1 displayed an unexpected similar transactivation
      activity, we performed docking experiments to provide a molecular understanding
      of their similar partial agonism. We also evaluated the ability of both
      enantiomers of 1 and racemic 2 to inhibit colorectal cancer cells proliferation:
      (S)-1 displayed a more robust activity due, at least in part, to a partial
      inhibition of the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway that is upregulated in the
      majority of colorectal cancers. Finally, we investigated the effects of (R)-1,
      (S)-1 and (R,S)-2 on mitochondrial function and demonstrated that they activate
      the carnitine shuttle system through upregulation of carnitine/acylcarnitine
      carrier (CAC) and carnitine-palmitoyl-transferase 1 (CPT1) genes. Consistent with
      the notion that these are PPARalpha target genes, we tested and found that
      PPARalpha itself is regulated by a positive loop. Moreover, these compounds
      induced a significant mitochondrial biogenesis. In conclusion, we identified a
      new series of dual PPARalpha/gamma agonists endowed with novel anti-proliferative
      properties associated with a strong activation of mitochondrial functions and
      biogenesis, a potential therapeutic target of the treatment of insulin
      resistance.

PMID- 28076828
TI  - Perinatal risk factors for low and moderate five-minute Apgar scores at term.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the specific maternal and perinatal variables associated
      with a low (<=3) or moderate (4-6) Apgar score, compared to a high (>=7) score.
      STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective, cohort study of 58429 term singleton
      babies born at the Mater Mother's Hospital in Brisbane, Australia in 2007-2013.
      Maternal demographics, socio-economic status using the Australian Socioeconomic
      Index for Areas (SEIFA) score, obstetric factors, and birth outcomes were
      compared for neonates grouped into three categories based on their five-minute
      Apgar: low (<=3), moderate (4-6) and high (>=7). The low- and moderate-score
      cohorts were individually compared to the high-score cohort using both univariate
      and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis confirmed that
      of the variables analysed, only maternal public insurance status (OR 2.1, 95% CI
      1.5-3.1), breech presentation (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-4.6), other non-cephalic
      presentation (OR 9.5, 95% CI 2.2-25.4), intramuscular narcotic use (OR 2.3, 95%
      CI 1.5-3.5), and presence of meconium (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.5-5.4) were significantly
      associated with low Apgar scores. Variables significantly associated with a
      moderate score were: SEIFA <=50th centile (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.0) and 61st to
      70th centile (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.9-1.8) categories, maternal public insurance
      status (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.2-3.3), nulliparity (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.7-2.5), emergency
      caesarean birth (OR 2.6, 95% CI 2.1-3.2), instrumental birth (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.9
      2.9), and presence of meconium (OR 2.6, 95% CI 2.1-3.2). CONCLUSIONS: Factors
      associated with low and moderate Apgar scores vary in type and degree of
      influence. Distinctions in the perinatal background can help predict newborn
      compromise and accelerate delivery of care.

PMID- 28076829
TI  - Comparing the effect of aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) + cabergoline (Dostinex)
      and letrozole alone on uterine myoma regression,a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of letrozole in combination with cabergoline
      and letrozole alone on regression of symptomatic uterine myomas in women of
      reproductive age. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING:
      University hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety-one women of reproductive age were enrolled
      in the study and 88 women were eligible. Eight participants were excluded from
      the study. INTERVENTIONS: Eighty women of reproductive age with symptomatic
      myomas >4cm were evaluated in two groups. Participants in Group 1 received 2.5mg
      letrozole once daily and cabergoline 0.5mg/week from the first day of the
      menstrual cycle for 12 weeks, and participants in Group 2 received letrozole
      alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in uterine size and volume; myoma size,
      volume and number; and side effects of treatment. RESULTS: Overall, 76 patients
      completed the study. Compared with baseline values, mean uterine volume was
      reduced significantly in both groups (p=0.01), and there was no significant
      difference between groups (p=0.99). The mean number of dominant myomas was
      reduced significantly in both groups (p=0.03), with no significant difference
      between groups (p=0.6). The mean volume of myomas was reduced significantly in
      both groups (p=0.01), with no significant difference between groups (p=0.45).
      Although a significant decrease in number and volume of myomas was documented in
      each group (p<0.05), the intergroup analyses did not reveal significant
      differences between the two groups in terms of the change in number (p=0.28) and
      volume (p=0.96) of myomas. Headache was significantly more common in the
      letrozole+cabergoline group (nine vs two cases, p=0.02), but the two groups were
      comparable for the remaining minor side effects. CONCLUSION: This study showed
      that 12 weeks of treatment with letrozole with and without cabergoline improved
      the size and volume of the uterus and myomas, led to symptom improvement, and
      could be used for short-term treatment prior to surgery or fertility programmes.
      CONDENSATION: Condensation letrozole in combination with cabergoline in the
      management of uterine fibroids.

PMID- 28076830
TI  - Rosuvastatin improves myocardial and neurological outcomes after asphyxial
      cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats.
AB  - Rosuvastatin, a potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, is cholesterol-lowering drugs
      and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. This study is to explore
      whether rosuvastatin improves outcomes after cardiac arrest in rats. Male Sprague
      Dawley rats were subjected to 8min of cardiac arrest (CA) by asphyxia and
      randomly assigned to three experimental groups immediately following successful
      resuscitation: Sham; Control; and Rosuvastatin. The survival, hemodynamics,
      myocardial function, neurological outcomes and apoptosis were assessed. The 7-d
      survival rate was greater in the rosuvastatin treated group compared to the
      Control group (P=0.019 by log-rank test). Myocardial function, as measured by
      cardiac output and ejection fraction, was significantly impaired after CA and
      notably improved in the animals treated with rosuvastatin beginning at 60min
      after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (P<0.05). Moreover, rosuvastatin
      treatment significantly ameliorated brain injury after ROSC, which was
      characterized by the increase of neurological function scores, and reduction of
      brain edema in cortex and hippocampus (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of cardiac
      troponin T and neuron-specific enolase and the caspase-3 activity were
      significantly decreased in the Rosuvastatin group when compared with the Control
      group (P<0.05). In conclusion, rosuvastatin treatment substantially improves the
      7-d survival rate as well as myocardial function and neurological outcomes after
      ROSC.

PMID- 28076831
TI  - Dosing-time dependent oxidative effects of an immunosuppressive drug
      "Mycophenolate Mofetil" on rat kidneys.
AB  - This study investigates whether the toxicity in kidneys as well as oxidative
      stress varied according to the dosing time of an immunosuppressive agent
      "mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)" in Wistar Rat. 300mg/kg of MMF was injected by
      intraperitonal at four different circadian stages (1, 7, 13 and 19h after light
      onset, HALO). Rats were sacrificed after 3days, and the kidneys were removed for
      determination of oxidative stress and histological analysis. Biochemical variable
      (creatinine, urea) was performed. Statistical analysis showed that MMF
      administration at 7 HALO produced a renal toxicity assessed by the significant
      increase in both blood creatinine and urea and antioxidant activity assessed by
      malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels indicating an induction of lipid
      peroxidation in oxidative damage. Whereas, at this time MMF induced a decrease
      the enzyme activities of renal catalase and superoxide dismutase, with a renal
      histopathology alterations (glomerular atrophy and lesions within proximal
      tubules). However, when MMF was injected in the middle of the dark-activity phase
      it produced a very mild renal toxicity and low oxidative stress. The obtained
      data indicate that the maximum of renal toxicity is observed when MMF was
      injected in the middle of the light- rest span in rats.

PMID- 28076832
TI  - Dietary supplementation of grape seed and skin flour mitigates brain oxidative
      damage induced by a high-fat diet in rat: Gender dependency.
AB  - It is unknown whether gender has an impact on brain injury in obesity, and, if
      so, whether treatment with grape seed and skin flour could exert a protective
      effect. Both male and female rats were fed a standard diet (SD) or a high fat
      diet (HFD) during eight weeks and treated with high dosage grape seed and skin
      flour (GSSF). Fat-induced oxidative stress was evaluated into the brain with a
      special emphasis on transition metals determination. HFD induced male-cholesterol
      overload (+78.12%) and an oxidative stress status characterized by increased
      lipoperoxidation (+68.97%), carbonylation (+40.28%), decreased antioxidant enzyme
      activities as glutathione peroxidase (-61.07%) and manganese-superoxide dismutase
      (-35.47%) but not catalase. Additionally HFD depleted the brain from manganese (
      71.31%) and dropped glutamine synthetase activity (-36.16%), without affecting
      copper nor iron nor their associated enzymes. HFD also altered intracellular
      mediators as superoxide anion (+36.12%), calcium (+44.41%) and also calpain
      (+76.54%) a calcium dependent protease. Importantly all these alterations were
      detected exclusively in male brain and were efficiently corrected upon GSSF
      treatment. In conclusion, GSSF has the potential to alleviate the deleterious
      lipotoxic effect of HFD treatment that occurred in male brain and perhaps in post
      menauposal female brain.

PMID- 28076833
TI  - 7-O-Geranylquercetin induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells via ROS-MAPK
      mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway activation.
AB  - 7-O-Geranylquercetin (GQ) is a novel O-alkylated derivate of quercetin. In this
      study, we evaluated its apoptosis induction effects in human gastric cancer cell
      lines SGC-7901 and MGC-803 and explored the potential molecular mechanisms. The
      results demonstrated that GQ lowered viability of SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells in a
      dose- and time-dependent manner without apparent cytotoxicity to human gastric
      epithelial cell line GES-1. GQ could induce apoptosis in SGC-7901 and MGC
      803cells, and arrest the gastric cancer cells at G2/M phase. Mechanism study
      showed that GQ triggered generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), then
      activated p38 and JNK signaling pathways, subsequently led to mitochondrial
      impairment by regulating the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and Bax, and finally
      promoted the release of cytochrome c and the activation of caspases to induce
      apoptosis. In addition, Z-VAD-FMK (caspase inhibitor) could reverse GQ-induced
      apoptosis. SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) could rescue GQ
      induced cell death and attenuate mitochondrial signal pathway activation.
      Furthermore, NAC (ROS inhibitor) could rescue GQ-induced cell death, reduce ROS
      generation, decrease the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, and then attenuate the
      activation of mitochondrial signal pathway. Taken together, GQ induces caspase
      dependent apoptosis in gastric cancer cells through activating ROS-MAPK mediated
      mitochondrial signal pathway. This study highlights the potential use of GQ as a
      gastric cancer therapeutic agent.

PMID- 28076834
TI  - Risk factors for posttraumatic epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to identify risk
      factors for posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE). METHODS: Two electronic databases
      (Medline and Embase) were searched to identify studies with a cohort, case
      control, or cross-sectional design reporting on epidemiologic evidence regarding
      risk factors for PTE. RESULTS: Men had a higher risk of developing PTE than women
      [relative ratio (RR), 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-1.59]. A history
      of alcohol abuse (RR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.26-3.79), posttraumatic amnesia (RR, 1.31;
      95% CI, 1.12-1.53), focal neurologic signs (RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.16-1.74), and
      loss of consciousness at initial traumatic brain injury (TBI) (RR, 1.62; 95% CI,
      1.13-2.32) were associated with a greater risk of PTE. TBI-related abnormal
      neuroimaging findings, including skull fracture (RR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.49-3.44),
      midline shift (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.14-1.87), brain contusion (RR, 2.35; 95% CI,
      1.69-3.28), subdural hemorrhage (RR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.33-3.01), and intracranial
      hemorrhage (RR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.83-3.82) were strong risk factors for PTE. The
      risk of developing PTE after skull fracture, mild brain injury, and severe brain
      injury peaked within the first year after TBI, and then gradually decreased.
      However, a high risk of PTE was sustained for >10years. CONCLUSION: The current
      meta-analysis identified potential risk factors for PTE. The results may
      contribute to better prevention strategies and treatments for PTE.

PMID- 28076835
TI  - The functional polymorphisms of LIS1 are associated with acute myeloid leukemia
      risk in a Han Chinese population.
AB  - There is increasing evidence that the human lissencephaly-1 gene, LIS1, plays an
      important role in carcinogenesis of several malignancies including leukemia.
      However, little is known about the relationship between single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in LIS1 and the susceptibility to myeloid leukemia. In the
      present study, we systematically screened 5 potentially functional polymorphisms
      in LIS1, and conducted a case-control study including 660 acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML) patients and 1034 cancer-free controls in a Chinese population, to assess
      the association between these SNPs and AML risk. We found that the variant
      alleles of rs4790348, rs4790353, and rs7209748 could significantly increase the
      AML risk (rs4790348: adjusted OR=1.31, 95%CI=1.13-1.53 in additive model;
      rs4790353: adjusted OR=4.97, 95%CI=1.59-15.50 in recessive model; rs7209748:
      adjusted OR=2.34, 95%CI=1.11-4.94 in recessive model). These findings indicated
      that genetic variants in LIS1 may contribute to AML risk in Chinese population.

PMID- 28076836
TI  - The metabolic syndrome and 10-year cognitive and functional decline in very old
      men. A population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe longitudinal relationships of metabolic syndrome (MetS)
      to cognitive decline and functional disability in a sample of older non
      institutionalized men. METHODS: data from 1991 to 2000 of the Italian cohorts of
      the Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Elderly (FINE) study, were used. Global
      cognitive function and functional disability, defined as limitations in mobility,
      basic (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) were screened in
      1991 and 2000. MetS was defined according to the NCEP ATP-III criteria. RESULTS:
      The study sample consisted of 195 men, baseline age 76.1+/-3.1years. Baseline
      MetS was prospectively associated with greater 10-year cognitive and functional
      decline in ADLs and IADLs. After multiple adjustment including age, education,
      marital status, ApoE epsilon4 allele, cerebrovascular disease and initial
      cognitive and depressive status, MetS predicted cognitive decline (B=-1.684,
      95%CI=-2.202 to -1.167, p<0.001) and risk of IADLs (OR=1.09, 95% CI=1.01-1.20,
      p=0.048) and ADLs disability (OR=1.35, 95%CI=1.12-1.62, p<0.001). Interestingly,
      such associations were not attributable to individual altered components of MetS
      nor to their sum. Incident disability in ADLs and IADLs were not explained by
      parallel decline in cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: MetS as an entity was
      associated with accelerated cognitive and functional decline in a population
      based sample of very old men.

PMID- 28076837
TI  - Possible influences on bullet trajectory deflection in ballistic gelatine.
AB  - The influence of the distance to the top and bottom of a gelatine block and to
      bullet tracks from previously fired shots on a bullet's trajectory, when passing
      through ballistic gelatine, was studied. No significant difference in deflection
      was found when trajectories of 9mm Luger bullets, fired at a 3.5cm distance to
      the top and bottom of a gelatine block and to bullet tracks from previously fired
      shots, were compared to trajectories of bullets fired 7cm or more away from any
      of the aforementioned aspects. A surprisingly consistent 6.5 degrees  absolute
      deflection angle was found when these bullets passed through 22.5 to 23.5cm of
      ballistic gelatine. The projection angle, determined by the direction of the
      deflection, appeared to be random. The consistent absolute angle, in combination
      with the random projection angle, resulted in a cone-like deflection pattern.

PMID- 28076838
TI  - Identification of MDMB-FUBINACA in commercially available e-liquid formulations
      sold for use in electronic cigarettes.
AB  - MDMB-FUBINACA (aka MDMB(N)-Bz-F), chemical name Methyl (S)-2-(1-(4-fluorobenzyl)
      1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3,3-dimethylbutanoate, a designer drug or a new
      psychoactive substance (NPS), was identified in three commercially available e
      liquids formulated for electronic cigarette use. The e-liquids were evaluated
      using direct analysis in real time ion source attached to a time of flight mass
      spectrometer (DART-MS) and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to
      identify active ingredients/drugs, flavorants, and other possible constituents.
      The e-liquids were also evaluated for alcohol content by headspace gas
      chromatography with flame ionization detector (HS-GC-FID). The aerosol produced
      from the e-liquids by use of an e-cigarette was analyzed by solid phase micro
      extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) to ensure delivery
      of the active ingredient/drug. Propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, MDMB
      FUBINACA, alcohol content and a flavor profile were determined for each of the e
      liquids. MDMB-FUBINACA was determined to be the major active ingredient in all
      three e-liquids and was successfully detected by SPME-GC-MS in the aerosol
      generated by a KangerTech Aerotank clearomizer/electronic cigarette.

PMID- 28076840
TI  - HIF-1alpha induces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer stem
      cells through the Snail pathway.
AB  - Substantial evidence suggests that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      phenotype is associated with the invasive characteristics of cancer stem cells
      (CSCs),which possess an EMT phenotype that may predominate in tumor invasion and
      metastasis. However, the mechanisms for the generation and regulation of these
      CSCs have not been clearly defined. As hypoxia and EMT-related factors may have
      important functions in EMT-like CSCs, the aim of this study was to investigate
      the effects of hypoxia on these cells. CSCs were established from the gastric
      cancer cell lines MGC-803 and SGC7901, and the relationship between hypoxia and
      EMT-like CSCs was investigated in gastric cancer. After hypoxia treatment, some
      gastric CSCs exhibited a marked increase in hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF
      1alpha)expression and increased migration and invasion capabilities compared with
      the normoxic control. These CSCs were defined by activation of the mesenchymal
      cell marker Vimentin and by inhibition of the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin.
      Our analyses also show that HIF-1alpha was responsible for activating EMT via
      increased expression of the transcription factor Snail in gastric CSCs. Moreover,
      inhibition of Snail by shRNA reduced HIF-1alpha-induced EMT in gastric CSCs. The
      results demonstrated that hypoxia-induced EMT-like CSCs rely on HIF-1alphato
      activate Snail, which may result in recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer.

PMID- 28076839
TI  - Chemotherapy can induce weight normalization of morbidly obese mice despite
      undiminished ingestion of high fat diet.
AB  - Morbidly obese patients who accomplish substantial weight loss often display a
      long-term decline in their resting metabolism, causing even relatively restrained
      caloric intake to trigger a relapse to the obese state. Paradoxically, we
      observed that morbidly obese mice receiving chemotherapy for cancer experienced
      spontaneous weight reduction despite unabated ingestion of their high fat diet
      (HFD). This response to chemotherapy could also be achieved in morbidly obese
      mice without cancer. Optimally dosed methotrexate (MTX) or cyclophosphamide (CY)
      enabled the mice to completely and safely normalize their body weight despite
      continued consumption of obesogenic quantities of HFD. Weight reduction was not
      attributable to decreased HFD intake, enhanced energy expenditure or
      malabsorption. MTX or CY dosing significantly depleted both adipose tissue and
      preadipocyte progenitors. Remarkably, however, despite continued high fat
      feeding, a compensatory increase in hepatocyte lipid storage was not observed,
      but rather the opposite. Gene microarray liver analyses demonstrated that HFD
      mice receiving MTX or CY experienced significantly inhibited lipogenesis and
      lipid storage, whereas Enho (energy homeostasis) gene expression was
      significantly upregulated. Further metabolic studies employing a human
      hepatocellular line revealed that MTX treatment preserved robust oxidative
      phosphorylation, but also promoted mitochondrial uncoupling with a surge in
      proton leak. This is the first report that certain optimally dosed
      chemotherapeutic agents can induce weight loss in morbidly obese mice without
      reduced dietary intake, apparently by depleting stores of adipocytes and their
      progenitors, curtailment of lipogenesis, and inconspicuous disposal of incoming
      dietary lipid via a steady state partial uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative
      phosphorylation.

PMID- 28076841
TI  - Clonal evolution in therapy-related neoplasms.
AB  - Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) may occur as a late effect of cytotoxic
      therapy for a primary malignancy or autoimmune diseases in susceptible
      individuals. We studied the development of somatic mutations in t-MN, using a
      collection of follow-up samples from 14 patients with a primary hematologic
      malignancy, who developed a secondary leukemia (13 t-MN and 1 t-acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia), at a median latency of 73 months (range 18-108) from
      primary cancer diagnosis.Using Sanger and next generation sequencing (NGS)
      approaches we identified 8 mutations (IDH1 R132H, ASXL1 Y591*, ASXL1 S689*, ASXL1
      R693*, SRSF2 P95H, SF3B1 K700E, SETBP1 G870R and TP53 Y220C) in seven of thirteen
      t-MN patients (54%), whereas the t-ALL patient had a t(4,11) translocation,
      resulting in the KMT2A/AFF1 fusion gene. These mutations were then tracked
      backwards in marrow samples preceding secondary leukemia occurrence, using
      pyrosequencing and a NGS protocol that allows the detection of low variant allele
      frequencies (>=0.1%).Somatic mutations were detectable in the BM harvested at the
      primary diagnosis, prior to any cytotoxic treatment in three patients, while they
      were not detectable and apparently acquired by the t-MN clone in five
      patients.These data show that clonal evolution in t-MN is heterogeneous, with
      some somatic mutations preceding cytotoxic treatment and possibly favoring
      leukemic development.

PMID- 28076842
TI  - Systemically identifying and prioritizing risk lncRNAs through integration of pan
      cancer phenotype associations.
AB  - LncRNAs have emerged as a major class of regulatory molecules involved in normal
      cellular physiology and disease, our knowledge of lncRNAs is very limited and it
      has become a major research challenge in discovering novel disease-related
      lncRNAs in cancers. Based on the assumption that diverse diseases with similar
      phenotype associations show similar molecular mechanisms, we presented a pan
      cancer network-based prioritization approach to systematically identify disease
      specific risk lncRNAs by integrating disease phenotype associations. We applied
      this strategy to approximately 2800 tumor samples from 14 cancer types for
      prioritizing disease risk lncRNAs. Our approach yielded an average area under the
      ROC curve (AUC) of 80.66%, with the highest AUC (98.14%) for medulloblastoma.
      When evaluated using leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) for prioritization of
      disease candidate genes, the average AUC score of 97.16% was achieved. Moreover,
      we demonstrated the robustness as well as the integrative importance of this
      approach, including disease phenotype associations, known disease genes and the
      numbers of cancer types. Taking glioblastoma multiforme as a case study, we
      identified a candidate lncRNA gene SNHG1 as a novel disease risk factor for
      disease diagnosis and prognosis. In summary, we provided a novel lncRNA
      prioritization approach by integrating pan-cancer phenotype associations that
      could help researchers better understand the important roles of lncRNAs in human
      cancers.

PMID- 28076843
TI  - Pax-5 is a potent regulator of E-cadherin and breast cancer malignant processes.
AB  - Pax-5, an essential transcription factor for B lymphocyte development, has been
      linked with the development and progression of lymphoid cancers and carcinoma. In
      contrast to B-cell cancer lesions, the specific expression signatures and roles
      of Pax-5 in breast cancer progression are relatively unknown. In the present
      study, we set out to profile Pax-5 expression in mammary tissues and elucidate
      the cellular and molecular roles of Pax-5 in breast cancer processes. Using
      immunohistology on mammary tissue arrays, Pax-5 was detected in a total of
      298/306 (97.6%) samples tested. Interestingly, our studies reveal that Pax-5
      inhibits aggressive features and confers anti-proliferative effects in breast
      carcinoma cells in contrast to its oncogenic properties in B cell cancers. More
      precisely, Pax-5 suppressed breast cancer cell migration, invasion and tumor
      spheroid formation while concomitantly promoting cell adhesion properties. We
      also observed that Pax-5 inhibited and reversed breast cancer epithelial to
      mesenchymal phenotypic transitioning. Mechanistically, we found that the Pax-5
      transcription factor binds and induces gene expression of E-cadherin, a pivotal
      regulator of epithelialisation. Globally, we demonstrate that Pax-5 is
      predominant expressed factor in mammary epithelial cells. We also present an
      important role for Pax-5 in the phenotypic transitioning processes and aggressive
      features associated with breast cancer malignancy and disease progression.

PMID- 28076844
TI  - Sulforaphane inhibits cancer stem-like cell properties and cisplatin resistance
      through miR-214-mediated downregulation of c-MYC in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - We herein report that sulforaphane (SFN), a potent anti-cancer and well-tolerated
      dietary compound, inhibits cancer stem-like cell (CSC) properties and enhances
      therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
      SFN exerted these functions through upregulation of miR-214, which in turn
      targets the coding region of c-MYC. This finding was further corroborated by our
      observations that plasmid or lentiviral vector-mediated expression of 3'UTR-less
      c-MYC cDNA and cisplatin- or doxorubicin-induced endogenous c-MYC accumulation
      was similarly suppressed by either SFN or miR-214. Further, we showed that the
      reported inhibitory effects of SFN on beta-catenin are also mediated by miR-214.
      SFN/miR-214 signaling inhibited CSC properties and enhanced the cytotoxicity of
      chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro. Experiments with nude mice carrying xenograft
      tumors showed that SFN sensitized NSCLC cells to cisplatin's efficacy, which is
      accompanied by inhibition of cisplatin-induced c-MYC accumulation in tumor
      tissues. Our results provided strong evidence and mechanisms to support
      consideration of SFN or synthetic derivatives as a therapeutic agent in
      combination with cisplatin for the treatment of patients with NSCLC and,
      potentially, other types of c-MYC-addicted tumors.

PMID- 28076845
TI  - Molecular dynamics simulation reveals how phosphorylation of tyrosine 26 of
      phosphoglycerate mutase 1 upregulates glycolysis and promotes tumor growth.
AB  - Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) catalyzes the eighth step of glycolysis and is
      often found upregulated in cancer cells. To test the hypothesis that the
      phosphorylation of tyrosine 26 residue of PGAM1 greatly enhances its activity, we
      performed both conventional and steered molecular dynamics simulations on the
      binding and unbinding of PGAM1 to its substrates, with tyrosine 26 either
      phosphorylated or not. We analyzed the simulated data in terms of structural
      stability, hydrogen bond formation, binding free energy, etc. We found that
      tyrosine 26 phosphorylation enhances the binding of PGAM1 to its substrates
      through generating electrostatic environment and structural features that are
      advantageous to the binding. Our results may provide valuable insights into
      computer-aided design of drugs that specifically target cancer cells with PGAM1
      tyrosine 26 phosphorylated.

PMID- 28076846
TI  - Effect of Trp53 gene deficiency on brain injury after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.
AB  - Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) can result in permanent life-long injuries such as motor
      and cognitive deficits. In response to cellular stressors such as hypoxia, tumor
      suppressor protein p53 is activated, potently initiating apoptosis and promoting
      Bax-dependent mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the effect of Trp53 genetic inhibition on injury
      development in the immature brain following HI. HI (50 min or 60 min) was induced
      at postnatal day 9 (PND9) in Trp53 heterozygote (het) and wild type (WT) mice.
      Utilizing Cre-LoxP technology, CaMK2alpha-Cre mice were bred with Trp53-Lox mice,
      resulting in knockdown of Trp53 in CaMK2alpha neurons. HI was induced at PND12
      (50 min) and PND28 (40 min). Extent of brain injury was assessed 7 days following
      HI. Following 50 min HI at PND9, Trp53 het mice showed protection in the
      posterior hippocampus and thalamus. No difference was seen between WT or Trp53
      het mice following a severe, 60 min HI. Cre-Lox mice that were subjected to HI at
      PND12 showed no difference in injury, however we determined that neuronal
      specific CaMK2alpha-Cre recombinase activity was strongly expressed by PND28.
      Concomitantly, Trp53 was reduced at 6 weeks of age in KO-Lox Trp53 mice. Cre-Lox
      mice subjected to HI at PND28 showed no significant difference in brain injury.
      These data suggest that p53 has a limited contribution to the development of
      injury in the immature/juvenile brain following HI. Further studies are required
      to determine the effect of p53 on downstream targets.

PMID- 28076847
TI  - Programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression predicts survival in patients with
      gastric carcinoma with microsatellite instability.
AB  - Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed in a subgroup of gastric cancers
      that may benefit from immunotherapy. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) is a
      potential predictive factor for response to immunotherapy targeting the PD-1 or
      its ligand PD-L1. The relationship between PD-L1 expression and MSI-H status
      remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated PD-L1 expression in
      patients with MSI-H gastric cancer. We analyzed PD-L1 expression in 78 MSI-H
      gastric cancer tissue samples using immunohistochemistry. PD-L1 expression was
      classified as expression on tumor cells or on immune cells. We observed PD-L1
      expression in 48 gastric cancer samples (61.5%), consisting of 7 (9.0%) cases
      with tumor PD-L1 expression and 47 (60.3%) cases with immune cell PD-L1
      expression. Immune cell PD-L1 expression was frequently associated with
      intestinal type cancer by the Lauren classification (p = 0.015), with a lower
      risk of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.027) and lower tumor stages (p = 0.029)
      compared to MSI-H gastric cancers without PD-L1 expression. Moreover, immune cell
      PD-L1 expression was an independent favorable prognostic factor for overall
      survival (versus PD-L1 negative; hazard ratio, 3.451; 95% confidence interval,
      1.172-12.745; p = 0.025). In MSI-H gastric cancer, PD-L1 expression was observed
      to be independently associated with a longer survival.

PMID- 28076848
TI  - Endovascular brachytherapy combined with portal vein stenting and transarterial
      chemoembolization improves overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients
      with main portal vein tumor thrombus.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with main portal vein tumor thrombus have
      a median survival time of only about 4 months. We therefore compared the safety
      and efficacy of endovascular brachytherapy (EVBT) and sequential three
      dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3-DCRT). From a cohort of 176 patients, we
      treated 123 with EVBT using iodine-125 seed strands (group A) and the remaining
      53 with sequential 3-DCRT (group B). Overall survival, progression free survival
      and stent patency characteristics were compared between the two groups. Our
      analysis demonstrated a median survival of 11.7 +/- 1.2 months in group A versus
      9.5 +/- 1.8 months in group B (p = 0.002). The median progression free survival
      was 5.3 +/- 0.7 months in groupA versus 4.4 +/- 0.4 months in group B (p =
      0.010). The median stent patency period was 10.3 +/- 1.1 months in group A versus
      8.7 +/- 0.7 months in group B (p = 0.003). Therefore, as compared to sequential 3
      DCRT, EVBT combined with portal vein stenting and TACE improved overall survival
      of HCC patients with main portal vein tumor thrombus.

PMID- 28076849
TI  - A plasma metabolomic signature discloses human breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Metabolomics is the comprehensive global study of metabolites in
      biological samples. In this retrospective pilot study we explored whether serum
      metabolomic profile can discriminate the presence of human breast cancer
      irrespective of the cancer subtype. METHODS: Plasma samples were analyzed from
      healthy women (n = 20) and patients with breast cancer after diagnosis (n = 91)
      using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry platform. Multivariate statistics
      and a Random Forest (RF) classifier were used to create a metabolomics panel for
      the diagnosis of human breast cancer. RESULTS: Metabolomics correctly
      distinguished between breast cancer patients and healthy control subjects. In the
      RF supervised class prediction analysis comparing breast cancer and healthy
      control groups, RF accurately classified 100% both samples of the breast cancer
      patients and healthy controls. So, the class error for both group in and the out
      of-bag error were 0. We also found 1269 metabolites with different concentration
      in plasma from healthy controls and cancer patients; and basing on exact mass,
      retention time and isotopic distribution we identified 35 metabolites. These
      metabolites mostly support cell growth by providing energy and building stones
      for the synthesis of essential biomolecules, and function as signal transduction
      molecules. The collective results of RF, significance testing, and false
      discovery rate analysis identified several metabolites that were strongly
      associated with breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: In breast cancer a metabolomics
      signature of cancer exists and can be detected in patient plasma irrespectively
      of the breast cancer type.

PMID- 28076850
TI  - Transforming growth factor-beta1 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma
      proliferation via activation of Hippo signaling.
AB  - In this study, we examined the expression of core proteins of the Hippo signaling
      pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells treated with transforming growth
      factor-beta 1(TGF-beta1) and investigated the relationship between TGF-beta1 and
      the Hippo signaling pathway, in order to better understand their roles in HCC and
      their potential implications for cancer therapy. We prove that the Hippo
      signaling pathway is involved in the TGF-beta1-induced inhibition of the growth
      of HCC cells. Large tumor suppressor expression (LATS1) was overexpression and
      yes association protein 1(YAP1) translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in
      HCC cells treated with TGF-beta1. Overexpression of LATS1 and the
      nucleocytoplasmic translocation of YAP1 play an anti-oncogenetic role in the
      occurrence and development of liver cancer. Our findings provide new insight into
      strategies for liver cancer therapy.

PMID- 28076851
TI  - Pse-Analysis: a python package for DNA/RNA and protein/ peptide sequence analysis
      based on pseudo components and kernel methods.
AB  - To expedite the pace in conducting genome/proteome analysis, we have developed a
      Python package called Pse-Analysis. The powerful package can automatically
      complete the following five procedures: (1) sample feature extraction, (2)
      optimal parameter selection, (3) model training, (4) cross validation, and (5)
      evaluating prediction quality. All the work a user needs to do is to input a
      benchmark dataset along with the query biological sequences concerned. Based on
      the benchmark dataset, Pse-Analysis will automatically construct an ideal
      predictor, followed by yielding the predicted results for the submitted query
      samples. All the aforementioned tedious jobs can be automatically done by the
      computer. Moreover, the multiprocessing technique was adopted to enhance
      computational speed by about 6 folds. The Pse-Analysis Python package is freely
      accessible to the public at http://bioinformatics.hitsz.edu.cn/Pse-Analysis/, and
      can be directly run on Windows, Linux, and Unix.

PMID- 28076852
TI  - miR-874-3p is down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and negatively regulates
      PIN1 expression.
AB  - PIN1 is a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) that regulates multiple
      signaling pathways to control cell fate and is found to be over-expressed in
      cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the regulation of
      PIN1 in HCC remains poorly defined. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to
      play a pivotal role in oncogenesis by targeting the 3'-untranslated region (UTR)
      of mRNAs encoded by oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, thereby suppressing
      the levels of both oncoproteins and tumour suppressors. In this report, we aimed
      to identify miRNAs that suppress PIN1 expression and to determine their role in
      HCC. By searching the TargetScan database, miR-874-3p was identified as a
      potential negative regulator of PIN1. miR-874-3p was demonstrated to bind the
      3'UTR of PIN1 mRNA directly to suppress expression of PIN1. Functionally, over
      expression of miR-874-3p in HCC cell line PLC/PRF/5 inhibited cell growth and
      colony formation in-vitro, and promoted cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, these
      tumour suppressive functions conferred by miR-874-3p were abrogated by over
      expression of PIN1. Similarly, expression of miR-874-3p in PLC/PRF/5 with PIN1
      knocked-down did not further suppress cellular proliferation, suggesting that
      PIN1 was a major target of miR-874-3p. More importantly, miR-874-3p was found to
      be down-regulated in HCC tissues and its expression was negatively correlated
      with that of PIN1. Down-regulation of miR-874-3p was also associated with poorly
      differentiated tumour cells, more advanced staging, and inferior patient
      outcomes. In addition, over-expression of miR-874-3p suppressed tumour growth in
      vivo. Taken together, our data suggested that miR-874-3p plays a tumour
      suppressive role in HCC through down-regulation of PIN1.

PMID- 28076854
TI  - Open-Angle Glaucoma: Drug Development Pipeline during the Last 20 Years (1995
      2015).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse drug development for open-angle glaucoma during the last
      20 years. METHODS: Research was performed by referring to clinical trials
      registered at the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). A
      search for the condition "open-angle glaucoma" with the intervention "drug" was
      performed. We included trials registered from 01/01/1995 to 01/01/2015, only
      involving studies in phases 1, 2, and 3. Only studies resorting to novel
      treatment strategies (either novel drugs or yet-untested fixed associations of
      approved medication) were considered. RESULTS: We recorded 158 studies for the
      condition of open-angle glaucoma with a drug-based intervention; 65 of the
      studies reported phase 2 trials and 74 reported phase 3 trials. Pharmaceutical
      companies were the primary sponsors of 95.3% of the trials. Most of the studies
      (66.5%, n = 105) involved a new drug, and the remainder (33.5%, n = 53) tested
      fixed drug associations. The bulk of the trials (n = 99, 62.7%) involved the use
      of prostaglandin analogues, either as a comparator or a study drug. In descending
      order of frequency, the studies conducted involved Rho-kinase inhibitors (n =
      15), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (n = 14), beta-blockers (n = 7), angiostatic
      steroids (n = 6), alpha2-adrenergic agonists (n = 4), 5-HT2A receptor agonists (n
      = 4), and NMDA receptor antagonists (n = 2). A cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor,
      an LIM-domain kinase 2 inhibitor, an A1 adenosine receptor agonist, catechin,
      macrolide, saffron, and seawater were each tested in 1 clinical trial.
      CONCLUSION: Research into the medical treatment of glaucoma indicates the use of
      prostaglandin analogues. However, there are a significant number of trials
      testing other drug classes, particularly Rho-kinase inhibitors. This new focus
      could lead to a potential increase in the number of therapeutical options for the
      management of glaucoma in the future.

PMID- 28076853
TI  - Pyruvate dehydrogenase expression is negatively associated with cell stemness and
      worse clinical outcome in prostate cancers.
AB  - Cells generate adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP), the major currency for energy
      consuming reactions, through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and
      glycolysis. One of the remarkable features of cancer cells is aerobic glycolysis,
      also known as the "Warburg Effect", in which cancer cells rely preferentially on
      glycolysis instead of mitochondrial OXPHOS as the main energy source even in the
      presence of high oxygen tension. One of the main players in controlling OXPHOS is
      the mitochondrial gatekeeperpyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) and its major
      subunit is E1alpha (PDHA1). To further analyze the function of PDHA1 in cancer
      cells, it was knock out (KO) in the human prostate cancer cell line LnCap and a
      stable KO cell line was established. We demonstrated that PDHA1 gene KO
      significantly decreased mitochondrial OXPHOS and promoted anaerobic glycolysis,
      accompanied with higher stemness phenotype including resistance to chemotherapy,
      enhanced migration ability and increased expression of cancer stem cell markers.
      We also examined PDHA1 protein expression in prostate cancer tissues by
      immunohistochemistry and observed that reduced PDHA1 protein expression in
      clinical prostate carcinomas was significantly correlated with poor prognosis.
      Collectively, our results show that negative PDHA1 gene expressionis associated
      with significantly higher cell stemness in prostate cancer cells and reduced
      protein expression of this gene is associated with shorter clinical outcome in
      prostate cancers.

PMID- 28076855
TI  - MicroRNA-126 Reduces Blood-Retina Barrier Breakdown via the Regulation of VCAM-1
      and BCL2L11 in Ischemic Retinopathy.
AB  - To evaluate the role of microRNA-126 (miR-126) in maintaining the integrity of
      the blood-retina barrier (BRB), we established a mouse model of oxygen-induced
      retinopathy (OIR) and measured the retinal levels of miR-126 using recombinant
      plasmid pCMV-MIR or pCMV-MIR-126 intravitreal injections. We also detected VCAM-1
      and BCL2L11 levels. Retinal vaso-obliteration, VCAM-1 localization on retinal
      endothelial cells, the blood-retina vascular permeability or albumin leakage in
      retinas, TUNEL histology, Evans blue assays, or Western blotting for detecting
      albumin or tight junction levels in the retina was performed. We also detected
      the effect of miR-126 on the survival of Muller cells in a mouse model using
      vimentin fluorescence staining. Our results suggested that miR-126 may not only
      regulate the overexpression of VCAM-1 or BCL2L11 and lead to the reduction of
      retinal endothelial cell apoptosis, retinal vascular leakage, or retinal
      permeability in the OIR mouse model, but may also protect hypoxic retinal Muller
      cells via the STAT3 signaling pathway. We believe that miR-126 could also be a
      potential therapeutic agent to maintain the stability of the BRB in ischemic
      retinopathy.

PMID- 28076856
TI  - MRI Differences Associated with Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Preterm
      Infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm infants are at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment.
      Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) further increases this risk. Brain imaging
      studies are often utilized at or near term-equivalent age to determine later
      prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between intrauterine growth and
      regional brain volume on MRI scans performed in preterm infants at or near term
      equivalent age. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study of 24 infants
      born at gestational age <=30 weeks and cared for in a large, inner-city, academic
      neonatal intensive-care unit from 2012 to 2013. Each IUGR infant was matched with
      1-2 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants who served as controls.
      Predischarge MRI scans routinely obtained at >=36 weeks' adjusted age were
      analyzed for regional brain volumetric differences. We examined the association
      between IUGR and thalamic, basal ganglion, and cerebellar brain volumes in these
      preterm infants. RESULTS: Compared to AGA infants, IUGR infants had a smaller
      thalamus (7.88 vs. 5.87 mL, p = 0.001) and basal ganglion (8.87 vs. 6.92 mL, p =
      0.002) volumes. There was no difference in cerebellar volumes between the two
      study groups. Linear regression analyses revealed similar trends in the
      associations between IUGR and brain volumes after adjusting for sex, gestational
      age at birth, and postconceptual age and weight at MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Thalamus and
      basal ganglion volumes are reduced in growth-restricted preterm infants. These
      differences may preferentially impact neurodevelopmental outcomes. Further
      research is needed to explore these relationships.

PMID- 28076857
TI  - The Journey of "Geographic Atrophy" through Past, Present, and Future.
AB  - "Geographic atrophy" is a concise term that has been firmly established for the
      description of the end-stage manifestation of nonexudative age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD). "Geographic lesions" resembling sharply demarcated continents
      on a map have been originally described in the German literature in 1854
      (landkartenartiger/inselformiger Zungenfratt) for a manifestation later called
      "geographic tongue" in English. In 1970, Gass was the first to describe
      "geographic areas of atrophy" in "senile macular choroidal degeneration." Within
      a decade, the disease itself was named "geographic atrophy." Today, various
      meanings of the term are used in parallel both in research and in routine
      clinical care. Currently, we are on the verge of better understanding the
      different forms of atrophy development, manifestation, and progression in AMD,
      which will pave the way for a more rational approach to their nomenclature and
      classification.

PMID- 28076860
TI  - Efficacy and Survival of Systemic Psoriasis Treatments: An Analysis of the Swiss
      Registry SDNTT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Swiss psoriasis registry SDNTT (Swiss Dermatology Network for
      Targeted Therapies) records the long-term safety and effectiveness of systemic
      treatment regimens for psoriasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with moderate to
      severe psoriasis are included in the SDNTT when treatment with a conventional
      systemic agent or biologic is initiated that was not previously used by the
      respective patient. Patients are followed over a 5-year period. Clinical data are
      obtained every 3-6 months using standardized case report forms. Here, baseline
      data and follow-up data for 1 year of patients included from October 2011 until
      December 2014 were analyzed. RESULTS: Within 39 months, 323 patients from 7
      tertiary dermatology centers in Switzerland were recruited in the SDNTT; 165
      patients received biologics and 158 conventional systemic therapies. Patients
      treated with biologics had a significantly higher severity (PASI 11.3 vs. 9.2,
      BSA 15.6 vs.11.9, psoriatic arthritis 36.4 vs. 10.8%; p <= 0.005, p <= 0.013, p
      <= 0.001) and a longer duration of illness (19.2 vs. 14.4 years, p <= 0.003)
      compared to patients starting a conventional systemic treatment. PASI reduction
      was satisfying in both treatment groups, with 60.6% of patients treated with
      biologics achieving PASI75 after 1 year compared to 54.2% of patients receiving
      conventional systemic drugs (nonsignificant). On average, the drug survival in
      patients receiving a biologic therapy was significantly longer than those
      receiving conventional systemic treatments (30.5 vs. 19.2 months, p <= 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: In the real-world setting of a prospective national therapy
      registry, the application of current therapeutic guidelines for patients with
      moderate to severe psoriasis resulted in a PASI reduction of approximately 70%
      within the first year of treatment, but current therapeutic targets of PASI75 and
      PASI90 were reached in only 58 and 36% of patients, respectively, at 1 year,
      highlighting a gap in efficacy between selective clinical trials and the real
      world setting.

PMID- 28076858
TI  - Non-Coding Loss-of-Function Variation in Human Genomes.
AB  - Whole-genome and exome sequencing in human populations has revealed the tolerance
      of each gene for loss-of-function variation. By understanding this tolerance, it
      has become increasingly possible to identify genes that would make safe
      therapeutic targets and to identify rare genetic risk factors and phenotypes at
      the scale of individual genomes. To date, the vast majority of surveyed loss-of
      function variants are in protein-coding regions of the genome mainly due to the
      focus on these regions by exome-based sequencing projects and their relative ease
      of interpretability. As whole-genome sequencing becomes more prevalent, new
      strategies will be required to uncover impactful variation in non-coding regions
      of the genome where the architecture of genome function is more complex. In this
      review, we investigate recent studies of loss-of-function variation and emerging
      approaches for interpreting whole-genome sequencing data to identify rare and
      impactful non-coding loss-of-function variants.

PMID- 28076861
TI  - Potential Applications of Smart Multifunctional Wearable Materials to
      Gerontology.
AB  - Smart multifunctional materials can play a constructive role in addressing some
      very important aging-related issues. Aging affects the ability of older adults to
      continue to live safely and economically in their own residences for as long as
      possible. Thus, there will be a greater need for preventive, acute,
      rehabilitative, and long-term health care services for older adults as well as a
      need for tools to enable them to function independently during daily activities.
      The objective of this paper is, thus, to present a comprehensive review of some
      potential smart materials and their areas of applications to gerontology. Thus,
      brief descriptions of various currently available multifunctional smart materials
      and their possible applications to aging-related problems are presented. It is
      concluded that some of the most important applications to geriatrics may be in
      various sensing scenarios to collect health-related feedback or information and
      provide personalized care. Further described are the applications of wearable
      technologies to aging-related needs, including devices for home rehabilitation,
      remote monitoring, social well-being, frailty monitoring, monitoring of diabetes
      and wound healing and fall detection or prediction. It is also concluded that
      wearable technologies, when combined with an appropriate application and with
      appropriate feedback, may help improve activities and functions of older patients
      with chronic diseases. Finally, it is noted that methods developed to measure
      what one collectively manages in this population may provide a foundation to
      establish new definitions of quality of life.

PMID- 28076862
TI  - Prognostic Value of the Pretreatment Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index
      (ALI) in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Patients Treated with R-CHOP Chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index (ALI, body mass index *
      albumin/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) has been demonstrated to be a prognostic
      factor of survival in some solid cancers. We retrospectively investigated the
      usefulness of the ALI to predict chemotherapy response and survival in 212
      patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with R-CHOP
      (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone)
      chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients were allocated to a low ALI group (n = 82, 38.7%)
      or a high ALI group (n = 130, 61.3%) according to an optimal pretreatment ALI cut
      off value of 15.5 as determined by receiver operating curve analysis. RESULTS:
      The low ALI group displayed more adverse clinical characteristics, lower rates of
      complete remission (54.9 vs. 75.4%, p = 0.008), and poorer 5-year progression
      free (PFS, 58.1 vs. 77.3%, p = 0.006) and overall (OS, 64.2 vs. 80.2%, p = 0.008)
      survival. Multivariate analysis showed that low ALI was found to independently
      predict shorter PFS and OS. Interestingly, a low ALI reverted to a high ALI
      during treatment in 58 patients (27.4%), and the 5-year OS of these patients was
      better than that of patients whose ALI remained low (n = 24, 72.5 vs. 24%, p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ALI might be an easily available marker for predicting
      clinical outcomes in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy.

PMID- 28076863
TI  - Adverse Renal Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Narrative Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer immunotherapy, such as anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated
      protein 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1), has revolutionized the
      treatment of malignancies by engaging the patient's own immune system against the
      tumor rather than targeting the cancer directly. These therapies have
      demonstrated a significant benefit in the treatment of melanomas and other
      cancers. SUMMARY: In order to provide an extensive overview of the renal
      toxicities induced by these agents, a Medline search was conducted of published
      literature related to ipilimumab-, pembrolizumab-, and nivolumab-induced kidney
      toxicity. In addition, primary data from the initial clinical trials of these
      agents and the FDA adverse reporting system database were also reviewed to
      determine renal adverse events. Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN),
      podocytopathy, and hyponatremia were toxicities caused by ipilimumab. The main
      adverse effect associated with both the PD-1 inhibitors was AIN. The onset of
      kidney injury seen with PD-1 inhibitors is usually late (3-10 months) compared to
      CTLA-4 antagonists related renal injury, which happens earlier (2-3 months). PD-1
      as opposed to CTLA-4 inhibitors has been associated with kidney rejection in
      transplantation. Steroids appear to be effective in treating the immune-related
      adverse effects noted with these agents. Key Message: Although initially thought
      to be rare, the incidence rates of renal toxicities might be higher (9.9-29%) as
      identified by recent studies. As a result, obtaining knowledge about renal
      toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors is extremely important.

PMID- 28076864
TI  - Inflammatory Biomarkers in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Time for Extending the
      Established Prognosis Scores?

PMID- 28076865
TI  - Gene Mapping in Admixed Families: A Cautionary Note on the Interpretation of the
      Transmission Disequilibrium Test and a Possible Solution.
AB  - A family-based study design is commonly used in gene mapping studies of complex
      human diseases. Most family-based studies use the transmission of alleles to
      assess evidence of association. It is generally believed that the transmission
      disequilibrium test (TDT) is robust against spurious association due to
      population stratification or admixture. While this is true when population
      stratification is due to discrete population structure, one should use the TDT
      type methods with caution when they are applied to admixed populations in which
      population structure exists in local genomic regions. In a recently admixed
      population, such as African Americans and Hispanic Americans, the linkage
      disequilibrium coefficient between a marker and disease loci in the parental
      generation contains a spurious component from the admixture process. In this
      paper, we show that the general belief that family-based design would guard
      against spurious association caused by population stratification does not always
      hold in admixed populations. It is safe to use the TDT as a test of association
      when population stratification is due to global genome ancestry difference.
      However, when population stratification is due to local ancestry difference in
      certain genomic regions, the use of the TDT as a test of association can lead to
      spurious association. Second, we present a statistical framework for fine mapping
      of disease-associated genetic variants in admixed families. Unlike the TDT and
      other family-based association tests, this method does not rely on transmission
      disequilibrium and therefore can control local ancestry difference between
      transmitted and untransmitted alleles. Through simulations, we show that this
      method can control type I error rates under a wide range of population
      stratification mechanisms.

PMID- 28076866
TI  - Biophysically Motivated Regulatory Network Inference: Progress and Prospects.
AB  - Thanks to the confluence of genomic technology and computational developments,
      the possibility of network inference methods that automatically learn large
      comprehensive models of cellular regulation is closer than ever. This perspective
      focuses on enumerating the elements of computational strategies that, when
      coupled to appropriate experimental designs, can lead to accurate large-scale
      models of chromatin state and transcriptional regulatory structure and dynamics.
      We highlight 4 research questions that require further investigation in order to
      make progress in network inference: (1) using overall constraints on network
      structure such as sparsity, (2) use of informative priors and data integration to
      constrain individual model parameters, (3) estimation of latent regulatory factor
      activity under varying cell conditions, and (4) new methods for learning and
      modeling regulatory factor interactions. We conclude that methods combining
      advances in these 4 categories of required effort with new genomic technologies
      will result in biophysically motivated dynamic genome-wide regulatory network
      models for several of the best-studied organisms and cell types.

PMID- 28076867
TI  - Identifying Host Genetic Variants Associated with Microbiome Composition by
      Testing Multiple Beta Diversity Matrices.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Host genetics have been recently reported to affect human microbiome
      composition. We previously developed a statistical framework, microbiomeGWAS, to
      identify host genetic variants associated with microbiome composition by testing
      a distance matrix. However, statistical power depends on the choice of a
      microbiome distance matrix. To achieve more robust statistical power, we aim to
      extend microbiomeGWAS to test the association with many distance matrices, which
      are defined based on multilevel taxa abundances and phylogenetic information.
      METHODS: The main challenge is to accurately and rapidly evaluate the
      significance for millions of SNPs. We propose methods for approximating p values
      by correcting for the multiple testing introduced by testing many distance
      matrices and by correcting for the skewness and kurtosis of score statistics.
      RESULTS: The accuracy of p value approximation was verified by simulations. We
      applied our method to a set of 147 lung cancer patients with 16S rRNA microbiome
      profiles from nonmalignant lung tissues. We show that correcting for skewness and
      kurtosis eliminated dramatic deviations in the quantile-quantile plot.
      CONCLUSION: We developed computationally efficient methods for identifying host
      genetic variants associated with microbiome composition by testing many distance
      matrices. The algorithms are implemented in the package microbiomeGWAS
      (https://github.com/lsncibb/microbiomeGWAS).

PMID- 28076868
TI  - SAGES 2015. Symposium of Advances in Genomics, Epidemiology and Statistics 2015:
      Abstracts.

PMID- 28076870
TI  - ?

PMID- 28076871
TI  - ?

PMID- 28076872
TI  - ?

PMID- 28076869
TI  - Computational Prediction of the Global Functional Genomic Landscape:
      Applications, Methods, and Challenges.
AB  - Technological advances have led to an explosive growth of high-throughput
      functional genomic data. Exploiting the correlation among different data types,
      it is possible to predict one functional genomic data type from other data types.
      Prediction tools are valuable in understanding the relationship among different
      functional genomic signals. They also provide a cost-efficient solution to
      inferring the unknown functional genomic profiles when experimental data are
      unavailable due to resource or technological constraints. The predicted data may
      be used for generating hypotheses, prioritizing targets, interpreting disease
      variants, facilitating data integration, quality control, and many other
      purposes. This article reviews various applications of prediction methods in
      functional genomics, discusses analytical challenges, and highlights some common
      and effective strategies used to develop prediction methods for functional
      genomic data.

PMID- 28076873
TI  - ?

PMID- 28076874
TI  - ?

PMID- 28076875
TI  - ?

PMID- 28076876
TI  - ?

PMID- 28076877
TI  - Ultrasound Imaging for Ovarian and Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis.
AB  - The main challenges of imaging for endometriosis are the detection of nonovarian
      disease and the evaluation of the extension of the disease into pelvic
      structures. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) has been proposed as the first
      line imaging technique because it allows extensive exploration of the pelvis. The
      "typical" endometrioma is a unilocular cyst with homogeneous low-level
      echogenicity (ground glass echogenicity) of the cyst fluid. The use of color
      Doppler helps avoid classifying malignancies as endometriomas, defining the
      presence of vascular flow in papillations. The real-time dynamic TVS examination
      of adhesions and pouch of Douglas (POD) obliteration, using the sliding sign
      technique, seems to be useful in the identification of women at increased risk
      for bowel endometriosis. Transvaginal ultrasound allows an accurate assessment of
      the vagina, particularly the areas of the posterior and lateral vaginal fornixes,
      the retrocervical area with torus uterinum and uterosacral ligaments, and the
      rectovaginal septum. The slightly filled bladder permits an evaluation of the
      bladder walls and the presence of endometriotic nodules which appear as
      hypoechoic linear or spherical lesions bulging toward the lumen, involving the
      serosa, muscularis, or (sub)mucosa of the bladder. Deep nodules of the rectum
      appear as hypoechoic lesions, linear or nodular retroperitoneal thickening with
      irregular borders, penetrating into the intestinal wall distorting its normal
      structure with the presence of few vessels observed with power Doppler
      evaluation. Adenomyosis can be observed with the two-dimensional (2D) TVS showing
      the typical myometrial features and 3D evaluation of the junctional zone.
      Although the sensitivity and specificity of TVS in the prediction of deeply
      infiltrating endometriosis and adenomyosis is high, their assessment by TVS is
      difficult and needs a great expertise.

PMID- 28076878
TI  - Sumatriptan, an Antimigraine Drug, Inhibits Pentylenetetrazol-induced Seizures in
      NMRI Mice.
AB  - Sumatriptan has been used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. There are
      many similarities between migraine and epilepsy and the medications used to treat
      one of these disorders can effectively be used to treat the other. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate and compare the anticonvulsant effects of sumatriptan
      with sodium valproate in NMRI mice. 62 male NMRI mice were divided into 8 groups.
      The groups consisted of a saline (control) group, 4 intraperitoneally (ip)
      administered sumatriptan groups (1, 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, ip), and 3 sodium
      valproate groups (50, 150, and 300 mg/kg, ip). 20-min after the injection of
      either saline or one of the drug doses, pentylenetetrazol (100 mg/kg, ip) was
      injected and seizure parameters were evaluated. The results showed that 300 mg/kg
      sodium valproate markedly inhibited the seizure stage, whereas none of the
      sumatriptan doses had any significant effect on this parameter. The latency to
      stages 2 and 4 of the seizures and the interval between the pentylenetetrazol
      injection to death was significantly increased by both sodium valproate and
      sumatriptan.Sumatriptan is commonly used for the treatment of migraine and also
      has a protective effect against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol in mice.

PMID- 28076880
TI  - Repeatability, consistency, and accuracy of hand-held dynamometry with and
      without fixation for measuring ankle plantarflexion strength in healthy
      adolescents and adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hand-held dynamometry (HHD) is commonly used to measure ankle
      plantarflexion strength but has variable reliability measuring higher forces.
      Fixed HHD is suggested to improve reliability. We, therefore, compared the
      reliability, consistency, and accuracy of measuring plantarflexion strength.
      METHODS: Plantarflexion strength was measured in 25 healthy individuals with
      fixed HHD and HHD alone. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,2 ), SEM,
      minimal detectable change, and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated
      to assess inter-trial repeatability, consistency, agreement, and accuracy.
      RESULTS: Both methods were repeatable (ICC2,2 0.96 to 0.98) and highly correlated
      (Spearman rho = 0.815; P < 0.01). Fixed HHD produced significantly higher force
      outputs. HHD alone provided more consistent force values. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      methods of measuring ankle plantarflexion force were reliable. Force measured
      with fixed HHD will likely be more accurate for adults and individuals with
      greater strength, while HHD alone will be more consistent for individuals with
      lower strength. Muscle Nerve 56: 896-900, 2017.

PMID- 28076879
TI  - Immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies to proteinase 3 in granulomatosis with
      polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis.
AB  - Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) appear to play an important role in
      the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). However, ANCA alone are not
      sufficient to generate disease, and some evidence suggests that infectious
      triggers may serve as inciting events for AAV disease activity. Antibodies of the
      immunoglobulin (Ig)M isotype often serve as markers of recent infection, and IgM
      ANCA have been identified previously in patients with AAV, although the frequency
      and clinical relevance of IgM ANCA is not well established. We sought to
      characterize IgM ANCA more clearly by creating a novel enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgM antibodies to proteinase 3 [IgM proteinase 3
      (PR3)-ANCA], which we applied to two large, clinically well-characterized trial
      cohorts of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic
      polyangiitis. In the first cohort, IgM PR3-ANCA occurred with a frequency of
      15.0%, and were associated with a higher degree of disease severity and a trend
      towards a higher rate of alveolar haemorrhage (29.6 versus 15.7%, P = 0.10).
      Analysis of follow-up samples in this cohort showed that the presence of IgM PR3
      ANCA was transient, but could recur. In the second cohort, IgM PR3-ANCA occurred
      with a frequency of 41.1%, and were also associated with a higher degree of
      disease severity. A higher rate of alveolar haemorrhage was observed among those
      with IgM PR3-ANCA (45.3 versus 15.8%; P < 0.001). The association of transient
      IgM PR3-ANCA with an acute respiratory manifestation of AAV suggests a possible
      link between an infectious trigger and AAV disease activity.

PMID- 28076881
TI  - Constitutive NOS uncoupling and NADPH oxidase upregulation in the penis of type 2
      diabetic men with erectile dysfunction.
AB  - Erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
      involves dysfunctional nitric oxide (NO) signaling and increased oxidative stress
      in the penis. However, the mechanisms of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and
      neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) dysregulation, and the sources of oxidative stress,
      are not well defined, particularly at the human level. The objective of this
      study was to define whether uncoupled eNOS and nNOS, and NADPH oxidase
      upregulation, contribute to the pathogenesis of ED in T2DM men. Penile erectile
      tissue was obtained from 9 T2DM patients with ED who underwent penile prosthesis
      surgery for ED, and from six control patients without T2DM or ED who underwent
      penectomy for penile cancer. The dimer-to-monomer protein expression ratio, an
      indicator of uncoupling for both eNOS and nNOS, total protein expressions of eNOS
      and nNOS, as well as protein expressions of NADPH oxidase catalytic subunit
      gp91phox (an enzymatic source of oxidative stress) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [4
      HNE] and nitrotyrosine (markers of oxidative stress) were measured by western
      blot in this tissue. In the erectile tissue of T2DM men, eNOS and nNOS uncoupling
      and protein expressions of NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox, 4-HNE- and
      nitrotyrosine-modified proteins were significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared
      to control values. Total eNOS and nNOS protein expressions were not significantly
      different between the groups. In conclusion, mechanisms of T2DM-associated ED in
      the human penis may involve uncoupled eNOS and nNOS and NADPH oxidase
      upregulation. Our description of molecular factors contributing to the
      pathogenesis of T2DM-associated ED at the human level is relevant to advancing
      clinically therapeutic approaches to restore erectile function in T2DM patients.

PMID- 28076882
TI  - Characterization of Salmonella typhi OmpC and OmpF porins engineered with HIV
      gp41 epitope on the surface loops.
AB  - Porins form trimers in the outer membrane and help transport nutrients and waste
      products across the bacterial cell membrane. Porin loops are suitable candidates
      as display systems due to their high immunogenicity and presentation at the
      bacterial cell surface. In this study, Salmonella typhi porins (OmpC and OmpF)
      engineered with the Kennedy peptide from gp41 of HIV were characterised. The
      chimeric OmpC carrying the Kennedy peptide in loop7 did not trimerise, whereas
      the chimeric OmpF with the epitope in loop5 formed trimers and also was
      recognised by the antibodies in the HIV patient serum. The results suggest that
      chimeric S. typhi OmpF may be taken further as a potential candidate to develop
      as an epitope display system. Proteins 2017; 85:657-664. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28076884
TI  - Impact of fludarabine-based induction therapy on outcome of FLT3-/NPM1+
      cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 28076883
TI  - In vivo feasibility test using transparent carbon nanotube-coated
      polydimethylsiloxane sheet at brain tissue and sciatic nerve.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes, with their unique and outstanding properties, such as strong
      mechanical strength and high electrical conductivity, have become very popular
      for the repair of tissues, particularly for those requiring electrical stimuli.
      Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based elastomers have been used in a wide range of
      biomedical applications because of their optical transparency, physiological
      inertness, blood compatibility, non-toxicity, and gas permeability. In present
      study, most of artificial nerve guidance conduits (ANGCs) are not transparent. It
      is hard to confirm the position of two stumps of damaged nerve during nerve
      surgery and the conduits must be cut open again to observe regenerative nerves
      after surgery. Thus, a novel preparation method was utilized to produce a
      transparent sheet using PDMS and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) via
      printing transfer method. Characterization of the PDMS/MWNT (PM) sheets revealed
      their unique physicochemical properties, such as superior mechanical strength, a
      certain degree of electrical conductivity, and high transparency.
      Characterization of the in vitro and in vivo usability was evaluated. PM sheets
      showed high biocompatibility and adhesive ability. In vivo feasibility tests of
      rat brain tissue and sciatic nerve revealed the high transparency of PM sheets,
      suggesting that it can be used in the further development of ANGCs. (c) 2017
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1736-1745, 2017.

PMID- 28076885
TI  - Cross-linking of porcine acellular dermal matrices negatively affects induced
      neovessel formation using platelet-rich plasma in a rat model of hernia repair.
AB  - The degree of cross-linking within acellular dermal matrices (ADM) seems to
      correlate to neovascularization when used in ventral hernia repair (VHR).
      Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) enhances wound healing through several mechanisms
      including neovascularization, but research regarding its effect on soft tissue
      healing in VHR is lacking. We sought to study the effect of cross-linking on PRP
      induced neovascularization in a rodent model of bridging VHR. We hypothesized
      that ADM cross-linking would negatively affect PRP-induced neovessel formation.
      PRP was extracted and characterized from pooled whole blood. Porcine cross-linked
      (cADM) and non-cross-linked ADMs (ncADM) were implanted in a rat model of chronic
      VHR after treatment with saline (control) or PRP. Neovascularization of samples
      at 2, 4, and 6 weeks was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin and
      immunohistochemical staining of CD 31. Adhesion severity at necropsy was compared
      using a previously validated scale. Addition of PRP increased neovascularization
      in both cADM and ncADM at 2- and 4-week time points but appeared to do so in a
      dependent fashion, with significantly greater neovascularization in the PRP
      treated ncADMs compared to cADMs. Omental adhesions were increased in all PRP
      treated groups. Results indicate that, for 2-week measurements when compared with
      the cADM group without PRP therapy, the mean change in neovascularization due to
      ncADM was 3.27 (Z = 2.75, p = 0.006), PRP was 17.56 (Z = 14.77, p < 0.001), and
      the combined effect of ncADM and PRP was 9.41 (Z = 5.6, p < 0.001). The 4-week
      data indicate that the average neovascularization change due to ncADM was 0.676
      (Z = 0.7, p = 0.484), PRP was 7.69 (Z = 7.95, p < 0.001), and combined effect of
      ncADM and PRP was 5.28 (Z = 3.86, p < 0.001). These findings validate PRP as a
      clinical adjunct to enhance the native tissue response to implantable
      biomaterials and suggest that ncADM is more amenable than cADM to induced
      neovascularization. PRP use could be advantageous in patients undergoing VHR
      where poor incorporation is anticipated and early-enhanced neovascularization is
      desired.

PMID- 28076886
TI  - The ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Hebeloma cylindrosporum undergoes early waves
      of transcriptional reprogramming prior to symbiotic structures differentiation.
AB  - To clarify the early molecular interaction between ectomycorrhizal partners, we
      performed a RNA-Seq study of transcriptome reprogramming of the basidiomycete
      Hebeloma cylindrosporum before symbiotic structure differentiation with Pinus
      pinaster. Mycorrhiza transcriptome was studied for comparison. By reference to
      asymbiotic mycelium, 47 and 46 genes were specifically upregulated over fivefold
      (p <= 0.05) upon rhizosphere colonization and root adhesion respectively. Other
      45 were upregulated throughout the symbiotic interaction, from rhizosphere
      colonization to differentiated mycorrhizas, whereas 274 were specifically
      upregulated in mycorrhizas. Although exoproteome represents 5.6% of H.
      cylindrosporum proteome, 38.5% of the genes upregulated upon pre-infectious root
      colonization encoded extracellular proteins. The proportion decreased to 23.5% in
      mycorrhizas. At all studied time points, mycorrhiza-induced small secreted
      proteins (MiSSPs), representing potential effectors, were over-represented among
      upregulated genes. This was also the case for carbohydrate-active enzymes
      (CAZymes). Several CAZymes were upregulated at all studied stages of the
      interaction. Consistent with a role in fungal morphogenesis and symbiotic
      interface differentiation, CAZymes over-expressed before and upon root attachment
      targeted fungal and both fungal and plant polysaccharides respectively. Different
      hydrophobins were upregulated upon early root adhesion, in mycorrhizas or
      throughout interaction. The functional classification of genes upregulated only
      in mycorrhizas pointed to intense metabolic activity and nutritional exchanges.

PMID- 28076887
TI  - In vivo bone tunnel evaluation of nanoparticle-grafts using an ACL reconstruction
      rabbit model.
AB  - Acellular human gracilis tendons conjugated with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and
      hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nano-HAp) were used as a graft in an anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction rabbit model. The ACLs of 11 New Zealand
      rabbits were reconstructed using grafts conjugated without nanoparticles, with
      AuNP only, and with both AuNP and nano-HAp. Semi-quantitative histological
      scoring of bone tunnel portion of grafts was performed after 14 weeks. Bone
      tunnels were scored for graft degeneration, graft remodeling, percentage of new
      host fibrous connective, collateral connection, head-to-head connection, graft
      collagen fiber organization, new host fibrous connective tissue organization, and
      graft and interface vascularity. All grafts were intact at 14 weeks. Results of
      bone tunnel scoring indicate remodeling in all graft types with new organized
      host fibrous connective tissue, head-to-head connection to bone and mild
      inflammation associated with remodeling. Components of the 20 nm AuNP grafts have
      significantly more graft degeneration, more new host fibrous connective tissue,
      and more vascularity compared to crosslinked grafts. Comparison between femoral
      and tibial tunnel scores indicate more degeneration in femoral tunnels compared
      to tibial tunnels. Overall results indicated potentially enhanced remodeling from
      the use of 20 nm AuNP grafts. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res
      Part A: 105A: 1071-1082, 2017.

PMID- 28076888
TI  - Caspase mediated beclin-1 dependent autophagy tuning activity and apoptosis
      promotion by surface modified hausmannite nanoparticle.
AB  - Hidden effects of nano-materials to induced autophagy, a lysosomal degradative
      pathway, remain an exciting topic, in the level of material-protein interaction
      and subsequent cellular signaling features. Here, our studies show that surface
      modified hausmannite nanoparticles (Mn3 O4 NPs) can uniformly cleave/splice
      Beclin-1 protein and alter cellular mechanism on the emphasis of tuning autophagy
      and subsequently promote enhancement of apoptosis. Details investigation of
      Beclin-1 dependency and its uniform cleavage/splice pattern by surface modified
      Mn3 O4 NPs, shows tuning of cellular mechanism on emphasis of caspase mediated
      autophagy tuning. Our findings will also clarify the conflict between apoptosis
      autophagy on the basis of its unique property derived from surface chemistry
      modulation, in context of Beclin-1 eminent cleavage/splice which remarks novel
      effect of Beclin-1 dependent tuning of autophagosomes formation and switch to
      enhance apoptotic index, mediates by PI3KC3 cleavage and caspase activation. (c)
      2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1299-1310, 2017.

PMID- 28076889
TI  - Polyurethane conjugating TGF-beta on surface impacts local inflammation and
      endoplasmic reticulum stress in skeletal muscle.
AB  - The synthesized short peptide-polymers would provide key functions for tissue
      regeneration and repair, through enriching bioactive molecules on polymers or
      releasing these molecules pre-conjugated on the materials. We have developed a
      degradable polyurethane (PU) bearing HSNGLPL peptide, which has affinity binding
      ability to transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-beta). For deeply understanding
      spatial release of TGF-beta from the PU polymers and its localized bioactivity,
      quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and Elisa test were used to verify TGF-beta
      binding capacities in vitro and in vivo. The PU polymers, with or without pre
      conjugating of TGF-beta, were implanted into gastronomies muscle (GN) of C57BL/6
      mice, for addressing TGF-beta release from the polymers and its bio-regulating
      function in vivo. QCM result shows that PU bearing HSNGLPL peptide has affinity
      binding ability to TGF-beta in vitro. Intramuscular implanting experiment further
      supports the enrichment efficiency of TGF-beta on PU polymers in vivo. The
      detecting data involving intramuscular inflammatory infiltration triggered by the
      implants, myofiber regeneration, muscular fibrosis degree, and activation of
      endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress), evidence TGF-beta can be released from
      PU polymers, and exerts regulating effects on the material-induced inflammation.
      Thus, our present results suggest it is feasible to improve biocompatibility of
      PU polymers in vivo, by pre-bearing bioactive molecules on materials before the
      implanting. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A:
      1156-1165, 2017.

PMID- 28076890
TI  - Suppression of osteogenic activity by regulation of WNT and BMP signaling during
      titanium particle induced osteolysis.
AB  - Periprosthetic osteolysis remains the leading obstacle for total joint
      replacements. Primarily, it was thought that aseptic loosening is mainly caused
      by macrophage mediated inflammatory process arising from production of wear
      debris. The role of osteoclasts and its sequential bone resorption ability has
      been extensively studied, but little is known about impaired osteogenesis during
      osteolysis. In the current study, we have tried to delineate the regulatory
      mechanism of osteogenic signals by Ti particles in osteoprogenitor cells as well
      its participatory role in wear debris induced osteolysis. Implantation of Ti
      particles on mice calvaria induced pro-inflammatory response, elevated expression
      of COX2 and reduced the expression of Osterix. Treatment of Ti particles to MC3T3
      E-1 cells displayed decreased osteogenic activity including ALP activity,
      mineralization and mRNA levels several osteogenic genes. Moreover, the basal
      activity of WNT and BMP signaling pathways was suppressed in MC3T3 E-1 cells
      treated with Ti particles. As an early response to Ti particles, MC3T3 E-1 cells
      showed activation of ERK and JNK. Co-inhibition of ERK and JNK with their
      specific inhibitors resulted in partial recovery of WNT and BMP signaling
      activity as well as ALP activity and collagen synthesis. Finally, LiCl mediated
      activation of WNT signaling pathway demonstrated rescue of Ti particle
      facilitated suppression of Osterix expression in mice calvaria. Our results
      provide evidences that WNT signaling pathway is regulated by ERK, JNK, and BMP
      signaling pathway during wear debris induced inflammatory osteolysis and may be
      considered as suitable therapeutic targets for the treatment. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 912-926, 2017.

PMID- 28076891
TI  - Comparative genomics of Mortierella elongata and its bacterial endosymbiont
      Mycoavidus cysteinexigens.
AB  - Endosymbiosis of bacteria by eukaryotes is a defining feature of cellular
      evolution. In addition to well-known bacterial origins for mitochondria and
      chloroplasts, multiple origins of bacterial endosymbiosis are known within the
      cells of diverse animals, plants and fungi. Early-diverging lineages of
      terrestrial fungi harbor endosymbiotic bacteria belonging to the
      Burkholderiaceae. We sequenced the metagenome of the soil-inhabiting fungus
      Mortierella elongata and assembled the complete circular chromosome of its
      endosymbiont, Mycoavidus cysteinexigens, which we place within a lineage of
      endofungal symbionts that are sister clade to Burkholderia. The genome of M.
      elongata strain AG77 features a core set of primary metabolic pathways for
      degradation of simple carbohydrates and lipid biosynthesis, while the M.
      cysteinexigens (AG77) genome is reduced in size and function. Experiments using
      antibiotics to cure the endobacterium from the host demonstrate that the fungal
      host metabolism is highly modulated by presence/absence of M. cysteinexigens.
      Independent comparative phylogenomic analyses of fungal and bacterial genomes are
      consistent with an ancient origin for M. elongata - M. cysteinexigens symbiosis,
      most likely over 350 million years ago and concomitant with the
      terrestrialization of Earth and diversification of land fungi and plants.

PMID- 28076892
TI  - Impact of achievement of complete cytogenetic response on outcome in patients
      with myelodysplastic syndromes treated with hypomethylating agents.
AB  - Two hundred and sixteen consecutive patients with MDS and abnormal karyotype
      treated with hypomethylating agents between 4/04 and 10/12 were reviewed. Median
      follow-up was 17 months. Using IWG criteria, best responses were complete
      response (CR) in 79 patients (37%), partial response (PR) in 4 (2%), and
      hematologic improvement (HI) in 10 (5%). Cytogenetic response (CyR) was achieved
      in 78 patients (36%): complete (CCyR) in 62 (29%) and partial in 16 (7%). CyR was
      achieved in 48 of 79 patients (61%) with CR, 1 of 14 (7%) with PR/HI, and in 29
      of the 123 (24%) with no morphologic response. Median overall survival (OS) and
      leukemia-free survival (LFS) for patients with and without CCyR were 21 and 13
      months (P = .007), and 16 and 9 months (P = .001), respectively. By multivariate
      analysis, the achievement of CCyR was predictive for better OS (HR = 2.1; P <
      .001). In conclusion, CyR occurs at a rate of 36% (complete in 29%) in patients
      with MDS treated with HMA and is not always associated with morphological
      response. The achievement of CCyR is associated with survival improvement and
      constitutes a major predictive factor for outcome particularly in patients
      without morphologic response. Therefore, the achievement of CCyR should be
      considered a milestone in the management of patients with MDS.

PMID- 28076893
TI  - Pseudofeeders on fetal magnetic resonance imaging predict outcome in vein of
      Galen malformations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAM) can be
      diagnosed in the fetus, the challenge is predicting the occurrence of its 2 major
      complications: cardiopulmonary failure and encephalomalacia. This study attempts
      to determine which fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features might be
      used to predict the development of these complications at birth. METHODS: The
      cohort was extracted from a prospectively assembled database of VGAM cases
      managed at a single referral center from 2000 to 2014. Of 251 patients with VGAM,
      83 cases were diagnosed prenatally. A total of 58 patient charts having at least
      1 fetal MRI were reviewed. Patterns of brain parenchyma, hydrocephalus, and so
      called middle cerebral artery (MCA) "pseudofeeders" were correlated with cardiac
      failure, pulmonary hypertension, and encephalomalacia at birth. RESULTS: The
      median gestational age at fetal MRI was 32.3 weeks of pregnancy (+/-2.3). Nine
      fetuses (16%) had encephalomalacia. Thirty-one fetuses (53%) had MCA
      pseudofeeders. Twenty-six fetuses (45%) had prenatal hydrocephalus. Prenatal MCA
      pseudofeeders were a risk factor for encephalomalacia at birth (p = 0.001). MCA
      pseudofeeders and hydrocephalus were risk factors for both severe cardiac failure
      (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively) and severe pulmonary hypertension (p =
      0.014 and p = 0.05, respectively) at birth. INTERPRETATION: MCA pseudofeeders are
      the result of impaired cerebral blood flow, and are thus a risk factor for
      further brain melting at birth. Their presence can be used for informing parents
      and as an aid in management decisions. Ann Neurol 2017;81:278-286.

PMID- 28076894
TI  - Electrical impedance myography for assessment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sensitive, objective, and easily applied methods for evaluating
      disease progression and response to therapy are needed for clinical trials in
      Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this study, we evaluated whether electrical
      impedance myography (EIM) could serve this purpose. METHODS: In this nonblinded
      study, 36 boys with DMD and 29 age-similar healthy boys underwent multifrequency
      EIM measurements for up to 2 years on 6 muscles unilaterally along with
      functional assessments. A linear mixed-effects model with random intercept and
      slope terms was used for the analysis of multifrequency EIM values and functional
      measures. Seven DMD boys were initiated on corticosteroids; these data were
      analyzed using a piecewise linear mixed-effects model. RESULTS: In boys > 7.0
      years old, a significant difference in the slope of EIM phase ratio trajectories
      in the upper extremity was observed by 6 months of -0.074/month, p = 0.023, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) = -0.013, -0.14; at 2 years, this difference was 
      0.048/month, p < 0.0001, 95% CI = -0.028, -0.068. In boys <= 7.0 years old,
      differences appeared at 6 months in gastrocnemius (EIM phase slope = -0.83 
      degrees /kHz/mo, p = 0.007, 95% CI = -0.26, -1.40). EIM outcomes showed
      significant differences earlier than functional tests. Initiation of
      corticosteroids significantly improved the slope of EIM phase ratio (0.057/mo, p
      = 0.00019, 95% CI = 0.028, 0.086) and EIM phase slope (0.14  degrees /kHz/mo, p =
      0.013, 95% CI = 0.028, 0.25), consistent with corticosteroids' known clinical
      benefit. INTERPRETATION: EIM detects deterioration in muscles of both younger and
      older boys by 6 months; it also identifies the therapeutic effect of
      corticosteroid initiation. Because EIM is rapid to apply, painless, and requires
      minimal operator training, the technique deserves to be further evaluated as a
      biomarker in DMD clinical therapeutic trials. Ann Neurol 2017;81:622-632.

PMID- 28076895
TI  - Implantation of left ventricular assist device in a patient with left ventricular
      non-compaction.
AB  - Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) may result in systolic left ventricular
      (LV) failure resulting in the need for heart transplantation. LV assist devices
      (LVAD) have been used to bridge these patients to transplantation; however, the
      extensive trabeculations found in these patients predispose them to
      thromboembolic events and pump thrombosis. We describe a patient with LVNC in
      whom an aggressive surgical approach was used to debride the LV cavity of
      trabeculations to successfully implant an LVAD.

PMID- 28076896
TI  - Comment on "esophageal balloon tamponade vs. esophageal stent in controlling
      acute refractory variceal bleeding: A multicenter RCT".

PMID- 28076898
TI  - Characterization of the Hog1 MAPK pathway in the entomopathogenic fungus
      Beauveria bassiana.
AB  - High-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway required for yeast osmoregulation relies
      upon the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Hog1 cascade that comprise the
      MAPKKKs Ssk2/Ssk22 and Ste11 converging on the MAPKK Pbs2. Here we show a Hog1
      cascade with the unique MAPKKK Ssk2 acting in Beauveria bassiana.
      Hypersensitivity to high osmolarity and high resistance to fludioxonil fungicide
      appeared in Deltassk2, Deltapbs2 and Deltahog1 mutants whereas the two hallmark
      phenotypes were reversed in Deltaste11. Increased sensitivity to heat shock and
      decreased sensitivity to cell wall perturbation also occurred in the three
      mutants but not in Deltaste11 although antioxidant phenotypes were different in
      all deletion mutants. Intriguingly, signals of Hog1 phosphorylation induced by
      osmotic, oxidative and thermal cues were present in Deltaste11 but absent in
      Deltassk2 and Deltapbs2. Moreover, vegetative growth on minimal media with
      different carbon/nitrogen sources was much more suppressed in Deltaste11 and
      Deltassk2 than in Deltapbs2 and Deltahog1 although all mutants suffered similar,
      but severe, conidiation defects on a standard medium. Normal host infection was
      abolished in Deltaste11 while virulence was differentially attenuated in other
      mutants. Our findings exclude Ste11 from the Hog1 cascade that regulates multiple
      stress responses and environmental adaptation of B. bassiana and perhaps other
      filamentous fungi.

PMID- 28076897
TI  - MicroRNA Expression Shows Inflammatory Dysregulation and Tumor-Like Proliferative
      Responses in Joints of Patients With Postinfectious Lyme Arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lyme arthritis (LA) is caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi
      and usually resolves following spirochetal killing with antibiotics. However, in
      some patients, arthritis persists after antibiotic therapy. To provide insights
      into underlying pathogenic processes associated with antibiotic-refractory LA
      (postinfectious LA), we analyzed differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression
      between LA patients with active infection and those with postinfectious LA.
      METHODS: MicroRNA expression was assayed in synovial fluid (SF) from LA patients
      before and after oral and intravenous antibiotic therapy, and in synovial tissue
      obtained months after antibiotic therapy from patients with postinfectious LA. SF
      and tissue from patients with other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis, were used for comparison. RESULTS: SF from LA
      patients during active infection had marked elevations of white blood cells,
      particularly polymorphonuclear leukocytes, accompanied by elevated levels of
      microRNA-223 (miR-223). In contrast, SF from postantibiotic LA patients contained
      greater percentages of lymphocytes and mononuclear cells. SF from postantibiotic
      LA patients also exhibited marked inflammatory (miR-146a, miR-155), wound repair
      (miR-142), and proliferative (miR-17-92) miRNA signatures, and higher levels of
      these miRNAs correlated with longer arthritis duration. Levels of miR-146a, miR
      155, miR-142, miR-223, and miR-17-92 were also elevated in synovial tissue in
      late postinfectious LA, and levels of let-7a were reduced, similar to RA.
      CONCLUSION: During active infection, miRNA expression in SF reflected an immune
      response associated with bacterial killing, while in postinfectious LA, miRNA
      expression in SF and synovial tissue reflected chronic inflammation, synovial
      proliferation, and breakdown of wound repair processes, showing that the nature
      of the arthritis was altered after spirochetal killing.

PMID- 28076900
TI  - Childhood autoimmune necrotizing myopathy with anti-signal recognition particle
      antibodies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to describe the therapeutic effects of
      immunomodulatory therapy in 3 patients with childhood autoimmune necrotizing
      myopathy with anti-signal recognition particle antibodies (SRP-ANM). METHODS:
      Before treatment, data on clinical features, muscle pathology, and thigh MRIs
      were obtained. After definitive diagnoses, all 3 patients were treated with
      intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, and thigh MRIs were performed.
      RESULTS: Clinical improvements were associated with declines in serum creatine
      kinase levels. Pretreatment thigh MRIs revealed diffuse, but uneven or focal
      edema, mostly in the posterior thigh muscles, which was alleviated after
      immunomodulatory therapy. DISCUSSION: Childhood SRP-ANM responded well to
      immunomodulatory therapy. The extent of edema, as monitored by thigh MRI, appears
      to be a useful marker of disease severity and therapeutic benefit. Muscle Nerve
      56: 1181-1187, 2017.

PMID- 28076899
TI  - Genome-Wide Association Analysis Reveals Genetic Heterogeneity of Sjogren's
      Syndrome According to Ancestry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Sjogren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA) is
      an international data registry and biorepository derived from a multisite
      observational study of participants in whom genotyping was performed on the
      Omni2.5M platform and who had undergone deep phenotyping using common protocol
      directed methods. The aim of this study was to examine the genetic etiology of
      Sjogren's syndrome (SS) across ancestry and disease subsets. METHODS: We
      performed genome-wide association study analyses using SICCA subjects and
      external controls obtained from dbGaP data sets, one using all participants
      (1,405 cases, 1,622 SICCA controls, and 3,125 external controls), one using
      European participants (585, 966, and 580, respectively), and one using Asian
      participants (460, 224, and 901, respectively) with ancestry adjustments via
      principal components analyses. We also investigated whether subphenotype
      distributions differ by ethnicity, and whether this contributes to the
      heterogeneity of genetic associations. RESULTS: We observed significant
      associations in established regions of the major histocompatibility complex
      (MHC), IRF5, and STAT4 (P = 3 * 10-42 , P = 3 * 10-14 , and P = 9 * 10-10 ,
      respectively), and several novel suggestive regions (those with 2 or more
      associations at P < 1 * 10-5 ). Two regions have been previously implicated in
      autoimmune disease: KLRG1 (P = 6 * 10-7 [Asian cluster]) and SH2D2A (P = 2 * 10-6
      [all participants]). We observed striking differences between the associations in
      Europeans and Asians, with high heterogeneity especially in the MHC;
      representative single-nucleotide polymorphisms from established and suggestive
      regions had highly significant differences in the allele frequencies in the study
      populations. We showed that SSA/SSB autoantibody production and the labial
      salivary gland focus score criteria were associated with the first worldwide
      principal component, indicative of higher non-European ancestry (P = 4 * 10-15
      and P = 4 * 10-5 , respectively), but that subphenotype differences did not
      explain most of the ancestry differences in genetic associations. CONCLUSION:
      Genetic associations with SS differ markedly according to ancestry; however, this
      is not explained by differences in subphenotypes.

PMID- 28076901
TI  - Nuclear factor one transcription factors as epigenetic regulators in cancer.
AB  - Tumour heterogeneity poses a distinct obstacle to therapeutic intervention. While
      the initiation of tumours across various physiological systems is frequently
      associated with signature mutations in genes that drive proliferation and bypass
      senescence, increasing evidence suggests that tumour progression and clonal
      diversity is driven at an epigenetic level. The tumour microenvironment plays a
      key role in driving diversity as cells adapt to demands imposed during tumour
      growth, and is thought to drive certain subpopulations back to a stem cell-like
      state. This stem cell-like phenotype primes tumour cells to react to external
      cues via the use of developmental pathways that facilitate changes in
      proliferation, migration and invasion. Because the dynamism of this stem cell
      like state requires constant chromatin remodelling and rapid alterations at
      regulatory elements, it is of great therapeutic interest to identify the cell
      intrinsic factors that confer these epigenetic changes that drive tumour
      progression. The nuclear factor one (NFI) family are transcription factors that
      play an important role in the development of many mammalian organ systems. While
      all four family members have been shown to act as either oncogenes or tumour
      suppressors across various cancer models, evidence has emerged implicating them
      as key epigenetic regulators during development and within tumours. Notably, NFIs
      have also been shown to regulate chromatin accessibility at distal regulatory
      elements that drive tumour cell dissemination and metastasis. Here we summarize
      the role of the NFIs in cancer, focusing largely on the potential mechanisms
      associated with chromatin remodelling and epigenetic modulation of gene
      expression.

PMID- 28076902
TI  - Decellularized extracellular matrix of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      promotes endothelial differentiation of stem cells from exfoliated deciduous
      teeth.
AB  - Dental stem cells can serve as a potential source of functional endothelial cells
      for tissue engineering applications, but the endothelial-lineage differentiation
      efficiency is rather low even with growth factors and mechanical stimuli, which
      greatly limits their clinical applications. This is partly due to the deficiency
      of standard two-dimensional (2-D) culture systems, which is unable to
      recapitulate the three-dimensional (3-D) in vivo milieu that is rich in
      extracellular matrix. Hence, we extracted decellularized extracellular matrix
      from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs-DECM) to provide a bioactive
      substratum conducive to the endothelial differentiation of dental stem cells.
      Compared to cells plated on tissue culture polystyrene (TCP), stem cells from
      exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) cultured on the HUVECs-DECM demonstrated more
      regular arrangement and elongated morphology. HUVECs-DECM significantly enhanced
      the rapid adhesion and proliferation rates of SHED, as demonstrated by WST-8
      assay and immunocytochemistry indicating higher expression levels of vinculin by
      newly adherent SHED on HUVECs-DECM versus TCP. In addition, there was twofold to
      fivefold higher mRNA expression levels of endothelial-specific markers CD31 and
      VEGFR-2 in SHED after seven days of culture on DECM versus TCP. Functional
      testing with in vitro matrigel angiogenesis assay identified more capillary-like
      structure formation with significantly higher tubule length in SHED induced by
      DECM versus TCP. Hence, the results of this study provide a better understanding
      of the unique characteristics of cell-specific ECM and demonstrated the potential
      use of HUVECs-DECM as a culture substratum conducive for stimulating the
      endothelial differentiation of SHED for therapeutic angiogenic applications. (c)
      2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1083-1093, 2017.

PMID- 28076904
TI  - Report on outpatient management of patients with neutropenic fever in a tertiary
      hospital.

PMID- 28076903
TI  - Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family Member 7 Engagement Restores
      Defective Effector CD8+ T Cell Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Effector CD8+ T cell function is impaired in systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE) and is associated with a compromised ability to fight
      infections. Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 (SLAMF7)
      engagement has been shown to enhance natural killer cell degranulation. This
      study was undertaken to characterize the expression and function of SLAMF7 on
      CD8+ T cell subsets isolated from the peripheral blood of SLE patients and
      healthy subjects. METHODS: CD8+ T cell subset distribution, SLAMF7 expression,
      and expression of cytolytic enzymes (perforin, granzyme A [GzmA], and GzmB) on
      cells isolated from SLE patients and healthy controls were analyzed by flow
      cytometry. CD107a expression and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) production in
      response to viral antigenic stimulation in the presence or absence of an anti
      SLAMF7 antibody were assessed by flow cytometry. Antiviral cytotoxic activity in
      response to SLAMF7 engagement was determined using a flow cytometry-based assay.
      RESULTS: The distribution of CD8+ T cell subsets was altered in the peripheral
      blood of SLE patients, with a decreased effector cell subpopulation. Memory CD8+
      T cells from SLE patients displayed decreased amounts of SLAMF7, a surface
      receptor that characterizes effector CD8+ T cells. Ligation of SLAMF7 increased
      CD8+ T cell degranulation capacity and the percentage of IFNgamma-producing cells
      in response to antigen challenge in SLE patients and healthy controls. Moreover,
      SLAMF7 engagement promoted cytotoxic lysis of target cells in response to
      stimulation with viral antigens. CONCLUSION: CD8+ T cell activation in response
      to viral antigens is defective in SLE patients. Activation of SLAMF7 through a
      specific monoclonal antibody restores CD8+ T cell antiviral effector function to
      normal levels and thus represents a potential therapeutic option in SLE.

PMID- 28076906
TI  - 2016 IMJ Reviewers.

PMID- 28076905
TI  - Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation cured through surgical repair of a large
      paraoesophageal hernia.

PMID- 28076907
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28076909
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28076908
TI  - Aceruloplasminaemia: a disorder of diabetes and neurodegeneration.
AB  - Aceruloplasminaemia is an autosomal recessive disorder of iron metabolism which
      is characterised by diabetes, neurodegeneration and anaemia. It should be
      considered in the differential diagnosis of adult onset, antibody-negative
      diabetes associated with persistent mild anaemia and hyperferritinaemia and/or
      progressive neuropsychiatric impairments.

PMID- 28076911
TI  - Gentamicin in pregnancy: seeing past the drug categorisation in pregnancy.

PMID- 28076912
TI  - The Journal in 2016.

PMID- 28076910
TI  - Treatment of patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia: clinical practice
      guidelines from the Myeloma Foundation of Australia Medical and Scientific
      Advisory Group.
AB  - Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia (WM) is an indolent B-cell malignancy
      characterised by the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) paraprotein and bone
      marrow infiltration by clonal small B lymphocytes, plasmacytoid lymphocytes and
      plasma cells. The symptoms of WM are protean, often follow an asymptomatic phase
      and may include complications related to the paraneoplastic effects of IgM
      paraprotein. The revised 2016 World Health Organization classification includes
      the MYD88 L265P mutation, which is seen in >90% of cases, within the diagnostic
      criteria for WM. While treatment of WM has often been considered together with
      other indolent B cell lymphomas, there are unique aspects of WM management that
      require specific care. These include the unreliability of IgM and paraprotein
      measurements in monitoring patients prior to and after treatment, the lack of
      correlation between disease burden and symptoms and rituximab-induced IgM flare.
      Moreover, while bendamustine and rituximab has recently been approved for
      reimbursed frontline use in WM in Australia, other regimens, including ibrutinib-
      and bortezomib-based treatments, are not funded, requiring tailoring of treatment
      to the regional regulatory environment. The Medical and Scientific Advisory Group
      of the Myeloma Foundation Australia has therefore developed clinical practice
      guidelines with specific recommendations for the work-up and therapy of WM to
      assist Australian clinicians in the management of this disease.

PMID- 28076913
TI  - Use of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for myositis: an audit in South
      Australian patients.
AB  - In South Australia, between 2000 and 2014, 57 patients with idiopathic
      inflammatory myositis (IIM) were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg).
      We reviewed disease characteristics to determine predictors of response to
      therapy and IVIg dosing and duration to identify opportunities to rationalise
      IVIg use. Patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis had a response rate of 77%
      and were more likely than inclusion body myositis to respond to therapy.
      Consideration should be given to the use of the lowest possible dose of IVIg and
      to the undertaking of trials of cessation of IVIg in patients with stable IIM.

PMID- 28076914
TI  - Absence of evidence: antimicrobial prescribing in neonates, elderly and pregnant
      women.

PMID- 28076915
TI  - Towards equality.

PMID- 28076916
TI  - False positive hepatitis B virus core and surface antibodies due to intravenous
      immunoglobulin.

PMID- 28076917
TI  - Multi-organ dysfunction due to bath salts: are we aware of this entity?
AB  - Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a synthetic, cathinone-derivative, central
      nervous system stimulant taken to produce a cocaine- or methamphetamine-like
      high. Physical manifestations include tachycardia, hypertension, arrhythmias,
      hyperthermia, sweating, rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalaemia, disseminated intravascular
      coagulation, oliguria and seizures. We report a patient who presented with severe
      metabolic acidosis, multi-organ dysfunction, rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalaemia and
      seizures. This case highlights that even though a urine drug screen for routine
      psychostimulant drugs is negative, clinicians need to be vigilant about the
      adverse effects of MDPV as a possible cause of multi-organ dysfunction.
      Substances such as this can only be detected by special tests, such as gas/liquid
      chromatography mass spectrometry. This is the first reported case of MDPV
      toxicity successfully treated in Australia to the best of our knowledge.

PMID- 28076918
TI  - Disparities in Supports for Student Wellness Promotion Efforts Among Secondary
      Schools in Minnesota.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined whether there are differences in the presence of supports
      for student wellness promotion (1) between schools in city, suburban and rural
      locations and, (2) among rural schools, according to distance from a metropolitan
      center. METHODS: The analysis was conducted in a sample of 309 secondary schools
      using 2012 Minnesota School Health Profiles surveys and National Center for
      Educational Statistics Common Core Data. Scores for overall support addressed
      school health improvement coordination (range: 0-29), collaboration on health
      education activities (range: 0-5), and teachers' professional preparation (range:
      0-7). RESULTS: Mean overall scores for health improvement coordination (10.5 +/-
      7.3), collaboration on health education activities (3.0 +/- 1.5) and professional
      preparation (4.0 +/- 1.9) indicated supports are lacking in schools across city,
      suburban, and rural locations. Comparison of overall scores did not identify
      disparities; however, weaknesses and strengths of particular relevance for rural
      schools were identified in examining specific aspects of support. For example,
      the proportion of rural schools having a written school improvement plan was
      54.8% compared to 84.6% of city schools and 64.3% of suburban schools (p = .01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Tailored training and technical assistance are needed to better
      support schools in implementing recommended wellness policies and practices.

PMID- 28076919
TI  - Use of Treatment and Counseling Services and Mind-Body Techniques by Students
      With Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: School-based treatment and counseling services (TCSs) can integrate
      mind-body techniques (MBTs) to improve children's health, wellness, and academic
      performance. We aimed to describe the effect of school-based TCS on MBT-use among
      students experiencing difficulties with concentration, emotions, behaviors, and
      getting along (DCEBG). METHODS: National Health Interview Survey data were
      utilized (N2007  = 1225; N2012  = 1835). Logistic regression examined
      associations between TCS-type and MBT-use, while propensity score matching
      controlled for confounders in the prematch sample. RESULTS: Compared with
      children without DCEBG, MBT-use was higher among children with DCEBG, but it
      decreased from 2007 (9.7%) to 2012 (5.1%). Receipt of school-based TCS increased
      from 2007 (11.3%) to 2012 (33.9%). Receipt of school-only TCS, compared with
      nonschool-only TCS, was associated with lower MBT-use (OR2007  = 0.20; OR2012  =
      0.54). After matching, this difference remained for 2007 (tprematch  = -2.77;
      tpostmatch  = -2.00), but not 2012 (tprematch  = -2.53; tpostmatch  = -0.88).
      School-only TCS-use increased with family activity limitations; in 2012, it
      decreased with higher parental education. Mind-body techniques-use was higher in
      girls and associated with higher parental education and family activity
      limitations. CONCLUSIONS: While the relative increase of MBT integration by
      school-based TCS is commendable and further encouraged, school mental health
      practitioners should account for the differential effects of family-level factors
      on TCS-choice and MBT-use.

PMID- 28076920
TI  - Effectiveness of IMPACT:Ability to Improve Safety and Self-Advocacy Skills in
      Students With Disabilities-Follow-Up Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research shows that individuals with disabilities are more likely to
      experience abuse than their peers without disabilities. Yet, few evidenced-based
      abuse prevention interventions exist. This study examines whether positive
      outcomes identified previously in an evaluation of IMPACT:Ability were maintained
      1 year later. METHODS: A survey measuring safety and self-advocacy knowledge,
      confidence, and behaviors among special education high-school students was
      administered 12 months post-training. Paired samples t-tests were used to compare
      baseline to follow up and postsurvey to follow up and repeated measures analyses
      were conducted to test the effect of time across the 3 time points (baseline,
      post, and 1-year follow up) (N = 47). RESULTS: Follow-up study participants had a
      range of disabilities, just over half were boys, and most were either black or
      Latino/Hispanic. Difference between scores at baseline and follow-up for all the
      measures of interest represented gains from baseline. Statistically significant
      post-training improvements in participants' safety and self-advocacy knowledge
      and confidence were maintained 1-year later. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide
      additional support for the case that IMPACT:Ability is a promising safety and
      self-advocacy training program for diverse groups of students with disabilities.

PMID- 28076921
TI  - Classroom Nutrition Education Combined With Fruit and Vegetable Taste Testing
      Improves Children's Dietary Intake.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We tested the effectiveness of the Go Wild With Fruits and Veggies!
      (GWWFV) Extension curriculum on increasing fruit and vegetable (FV) intake of
      third graders. METHODS: An intervention study was used testing self-reported FV
      intake pre/post GWWFV. Recruited schools were randomized to control (12 schools,
      N = 369, third grade children) or intervention (14 schools, N = 378, third grade
      children). Measures included items from a validated FV food frequency survey.
      Access to the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program (FFVSP), and taste
      testing within GWWFV were also measured. Between-group differences in FV intake
      were evaluated using 1-way ANOVA for unadjusted models and 1-way ANCOVA for
      baseline adjusted models. The Tukey-Kramer test was employed for post hoc
      comparisons. RESULTS: Students with access to the FFVSP consumed more fruits (p <
      .01) and vegetables (p < .0001). Students who participated in the FFVSP and GWWFV
      with taste testing consumed more fruits and vegetables (p < .05) compared with
      students who participated in the FFVSP and GWWFV without taste testing, along
      with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The FFVSP and GWWFV with taste testing
      demonstrated a positive influence on FV intake in third grade children.
      Leveraging environmental approaches with interactive learning experiences create
      desired outcomes.

PMID- 28076922
TI  - Evaluating Active Parental Consent Procedures for School Programming: Addressing
      the Sensitive Topic of Suicide Prevention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents. Whereas
      school-based prevention programs are effective, obtaining active consent for
      youth participation in public health programming concerning sensitive topics is
      challenging. We explored several active consent procedures for improving
      participation rates. METHODS: Five active consent methods (in-person, students
      taking forms home, mailing, mailing preceded by primers, mailing followed by
      reminder calls) were compared against passive consent procedures to evaluate
      recruitment success, as determined by participation (proportion who responded
      yes) and response (proportion who returned any response) rates. RESULTS:
      Participation acceptance rates ranged from 38 to 100% depending on consent method
      implemented. Compared with passive consent, active consent procedures were more
      variable in response and participation rates. In-person methods provided higher
      rates than less interpersonal methods, such as mailing or students taking
      consents home. Mailed primers before or reminder calls after consent forms were
      mailed increased response but not participation rates. Students taking consents
      home resulted in the lowest rates. CONCLUSIONS: Although passive consent produces
      the highest student participation, these methods are not always appropriate for
      programs addressing sensitive topics in schools. In-person active consent
      procedures may be the best option when prioritizing balance between parental
      awareness and successful student recruitment.

PMID- 28076923
TI  - How Schools Can Promote Healthy Development for Newly Arrived Immigrant and
      Refugee Adolescents: Research Priorities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The US education system must find creative and effective ways to
      foster the healthy development of the approximately 2 million newly arrived
      immigrant and refugee adolescents, many of whom contend with language barriers,
      limited prior education, trauma, and discrimination. We identify research
      priorities for promoting the school success of these youth. METHODS: The study
      used the 4-phase priority-setting method of the Child Health and Nutrition
      Research Initiative. In the final stage, 132 researchers, service providers,
      educators, and policymakers based in the United States were asked to rate the
      importance of 36 research options. RESULTS: The highest priority research options
      (range 1 to 5) were: evaluating newcomer programs (mean = 4.44, SD = 0.55),
      identifying how family and community stressors affect newly arrived immigrant and
      refugee adolescents' functioning in school (mean = 4.40, SD = 0.56), identifying
      teachers' major stressors in working with this population (mean = 4.36, SD =
      0.72), and identifying how to engage immigrant and refugee families in their
      children's education (mean = 4.35, SD = 0.62). CONCLUSION: These research
      priorities emphasize the generation of practical knowledge that could translate
      to immediate, tangible benefits for schools. Funders, schools, and researchers
      can use these research priorities to guide research for the highest benefit of
      schools and the newly arrived immigrant and refugee adolescents they serve.

PMID- 28076924
TI  - Healthy Concessions: High School Students' Responses to Healthy Concession Stand
      Changes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A previous sales data analysis demonstrated success in selling
      healthier items at a concession stand. Questions remained regarding student
      satisfaction and whether the intervention reached non-health-conscious students.
      METHODS: Cross-sectional anonymous samples of students at a large midwestern high
      school were surveyed before and after an intervention improved the number of
      healthier items available at the concession stand. RESULTS: The survey was
      completed by 301 students preintervention and 314 students postintervention.
      Satisfaction remained good (3.7 preintervention and 3.6 postintervention).
      Satisfaction with the variety and taste of foods increased. We compared students
      who felt having healthy items were important at the concessions to those who did
      not. Overall satisfaction with concessions did not differ between groups. The
      latter group (healthy items not important) reported improved satisfaction with
      food variety (2.8 to 3.1, p = .02) and the former reported improved satisfaction
      with healthy foods (2.5 to 2.9, p = .03) and overall taste (3.2 to 3.4, p = .02).
      Of the healthy items not important students 76% reported purchasing at least 1
      new healthier food. CONCLUSIONS: Adding healthier foods to school concession
      stands has positive effects on student satisfaction, sales, and reaches all
      students whether or not they care about having healthy items available.

PMID- 28076925
TI  - The Association Between Electronic Bullying and School Absenteeism Among High
      School Students in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined the relationship between exposure to electronic bullying
      and absenteeism as a result of being afraid. METHODS: This multivariate,
      multinomial regression analysis of the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data
      assessed the association between experiencing electronic bullying in the past
      year and how often students were absent in the last month due to feeling unsafe
      at/in transit to school. The model controlled for other predictors of school
      absence including demographics, physical/behavioral health, and risk factors.
      Missing data were multiply imputed. RESULTS: Electronic bullying was
      significantly associated with absences. Controlling for model covariates, the
      relative risk of missing 1 day of school was 1.77 times higher, the relative risk
      of missing 2 to 3 days of school per month increased by a factor of 2.08, and the
      relative risk of missing 4 or more days of school per month increased by a factor
      of 1.77 for those who experienced electronic bullying in the past year compared
      with those who were not electronically bullied. CONCLUSIONS: Electronic
      bullying's association with absenteeism places it among already recognized
      negative influences such as depression and binge drinking, necessitating schools
      to implement policies to mediate the resulting harmful effects.

PMID- 28076927
TI  - Gender differences in suicide in Sri Lanka - what does it tell us?

PMID- 28076926
TI  - Yoga treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-specific low back pain is a common, potentially disabling
      condition usually treated with self-care and non-prescription medication. For
      chronic low back pain, current guidelines state that exercise therapy may be
      beneficial. Yoga is a mind-body exercise sometimes used for non-specific low back
      pain. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of yoga for treating chronic non-specific
      low back pain, compared to no specific treatment, a minimal intervention (e.g.
      education), or another active treatment, with a focus on pain, function, and
      adverse events. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, five other
      databases and four trials registers to 11 March 2016 without restriction of
      language or publication status. We screened reference lists and contacted experts
      in the field to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included
      randomized controlled trials of yoga treatment in people with chronic non
      specific low back pain. We included studies comparing yoga to any other
      intervention or to no intervention. We also included studies comparing yoga as an
      adjunct to other therapies, versus those other therapies alone. DATA COLLECTION
      AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently screened and selected studies, extracted
      outcome data, and assessed risk of bias. We contacted study authors to obtain
      missing or unclear information. We evaluated the overall certainty of evidence
      using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We included 12 trials (1080 participants)
      carried out in the USA (seven trials), India (three trials), and the UK (two
      trials). Studies were unfunded (one trial), funded by a yoga institution (one
      trial), funded by non-profit or government sources (seven trials), or did not
      report on funding (three trials). Most trials used Iyengar, Hatha, or Viniyoga
      forms of yoga. The trials compared yoga to no intervention or a non-exercise
      intervention such as education (seven trials), an exercise intervention (three
      trials), or both exercise and non-exercise interventions (two trials). All trials
      were at high risk of performance and detection bias because participants and
      providers were not blinded to treatment assignment, and outcomes were self
      assessed. Therefore, we downgraded all outcomes to 'moderate' certainty evidence
      because of risk of bias, and when there was additional serious risk of bias,
      unexplained heterogeneity between studies, or the analyses were imprecise, we
      downgraded the certainty of the evidence further.For yoga compared to non
      exercise controls (9 trials; 810 participants), there was low-certainty evidence
      that yoga produced small to moderate improvements in back-related function at
      three to four months (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.40, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) -0.66 to -0.14; corresponding to a change in the Roland-Morris
      Disability Questionnaire of mean difference (MD) -2.18, 95% -3.60 to -0.76),
      moderate-certainty evidence for small to moderate improvements at six months (SMD
      -0.44, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.22; corresponding to a change in the Roland-Morris
      Disability Questionnaire of MD -2.15, 95% -3.23 to -1.08), and low-certainty
      evidence for small improvements at 12 months (SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.46 to -0.05;
      corresponding to a change in the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire of MD 
      1.36, 95% -2.41 to -0.26). On a 0-100 scale there was very low- to moderate
      certainty evidence that yoga was slightly better for pain at three to four months
      (MD -4.55, 95% CI -7.04 to -2.06), six months (MD -7.81, 95% CI -13.37 to -2.25),
      and 12 months (MD -5.40, 95% CI -14.50 to -3.70), however we pre-defined
      clinically significant changes in pain as 15 points or greater and this threshold
      was not met. Based on information from six trials, there was moderate-certainty
      evidence that the risk of adverse events, primarily increased back pain, was
      higher in yoga than in non-exercise controls (risk difference (RD) 5%, 95% CI 2%
      to 8%).For yoga compared to non-yoga exercise controls (4 trials; 394
      participants), there was very-low-certainty evidence for little or no difference
      in back-related function at three months (SMD -0.22, 95% CI -0.65 to 0.20;
      corresponding to a change in the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire of MD 
      0.99, 95% -2.87 to 0.90) and six months (SMD -0.20, 95% CI -0.59 to 0.19;
      corresponding to a change in the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire of MD 
      0.90, 95% -2.61 to 0.81), and no information on back-related function after six
      months. There was very low-certainty evidence for lower pain on a 0-100 scale at
      seven months (MD -20.40, 95% CI -25.48 to -15.32), and no information on pain at
      three months or after seven months. Based on information from three trials, there
      was low-certainty evidence for no difference in the risk of adverse events
      between yoga and non-yoga exercise controls (RD 1%, 95% CI -4% to 6%).For yoga
      added to exercise compared to exercise alone (1 trial; 24 participants), there
      was very-low-certainty evidence for little or no difference at 10 weeks in back
      related function (SMD -0.60, 95% CI -1.42 to 0.22; corresponding to a change in
      the Oswestry Disability Index of MD -17.05, 95% -22.96 to 11.14) or pain on a 0
      100 scale (MD -3.20, 95% CI -13.76 to 7.36). There was no information on outcomes
      at other time points. There was no information on adverse events.Studies provided
      limited evidence on risk of clinical improvement, measures of quality of life,
      and depression. There was no evidence on work-related disability. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: There is low- to moderate-certainty evidence that yoga compared to
      non-exercise controls results in small to moderate improvements in back-related
      function at three and six months. Yoga may also be slightly more effective for
      pain at three and six months, however the effect size did not meet predefined
      levels of minimum clinical importance. It is uncertain whether there is any
      difference between yoga and other exercise for back-related function or pain, or
      whether yoga added to exercise is more effective than exercise alone. Yoga is
      associated with more adverse events than non-exercise controls, but may have the
      same risk of adverse events as other back-focused exercise. Yoga is not
      associated with serious adverse events. There is a need for additional high
      quality research to improve confidence in estimates of effect, to evaluate long
      term outcomes, and to provide additional information on comparisons between yoga
      and other exercise for chronic non-specific low back pain.

PMID- 28076929
TI  - Non-invasive imaging demonstrates clinical features of ankylosing spondylitis in
      a rat adjuvant model: a case study.
AB  - Ankylosing spondylitis is a common rheumatic disease involving both inflammatory
      erosive osteopenia and bony overgrowth. Main disease features are recapitulated
      in small rodents challenged with complete Freund's adjuvant. MRI was used to
      follow longitudinally in vivo changes induced in the rat spine and micro-CT as
      terminal assessment of bone damage. Histochemistry methods were used to validate
      these imaging modalities in view of preclinical drug testing and translational
      applications of spine imaging. Animals were examined using a 3D fat-suppressed
      gradient-echo sequence, following the injection of gadolinium. At the end of the
      study, spines were excised for micro-CT and histological examination. Signals
      reflecting inflammation were detected at levels L5-L6 of the lumbar spine
      throughout the experimental period, peaking at day 27 after adjuvant. At day 14
      the inflammatory response occurred along ligaments but it expanded to nearby soft
      tissues at later time points. From day 27 onwards inflammation was also detected
      within the bone, in areas where erosion occurred, and bone-like structures were
      formed. Micro-CT showed bone remodeling. Histology of isolated spines confirmed
      the inflammation and bone remodeling observed in vivo. The present study
      including three complementary approaches clearly demonstrates the potential of
      imaging for longitudinal assessments of changes in the spine in this animal model
      in view of preclinical pharmacological studies. The excellent correlation seen
      between the in vivo images and the histology underlines its fundamental role in
      the validation of non-invasive imaging readouts.

PMID- 28076928
TI  - RXRalpha is upregulated in first trimester endometrial glands of spontaneous
      abortions unlike LXR and PPARgamma.
AB  - Nuclear receptors are necessary for uterine invasion of the trophoblast and
      therefore important for maintaining a viable pregnancy. The aim of this study was
      to investigate the expression pattern and frequency of LXR, PPARgamma and
      RXRalpha under physiological circumstances and in spontaneous abortions in
      endometrial glands and decidual tissue cells. A total of 28 (14 physiologic
      pregnancies/14 spontaneous abortion) human pregnancies in first trimester were
      analysed for expression of the nuclear receptors LXR, RXRalpha and PPARgamma.
      Expression changes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in decidual tissue and
      endometrial glands of the decidua. RXRalpha expression was up-regulated in the
      endometrial glands of spontaneous abortion (P<0.015). Similar up regulation of
      RXRalpha was found in decidual tissue (P<0.05). LXR and PPARgamma expression was
      unchanged in spontaneous abortion. Via Correlation analysis we found a trend to
      positive correlation of LXR and PPARgamma (Spearman correlation coefficient
      r=0.56 P=0.07) in endometrial glands. In decidual tissue, we found significant
      negative correlation in the control group, for the combination of RXRalpha and
      PPARgamma (Spearman correlation coefficient r=0.913, P=0.03). Our data show that
      RXRalpha expression is increased in miscarriage in endometrial glands and
      correlation analysis showed that negative correlation between RXRalpha and
      PPARgamma disappears in miscarriage. This shift is supposable responsible for the
      loss of regular function in trophoblast and embryonic tissue.

PMID- 28076930
TI  - Hormone receptor expression in human fascial tissue.
AB  - Many epidemiologic, clinical, and experimental findings point to sex differences
      in myofascial pain in view of the fact that adult women tend to have more
      myofascial problems with respect to men. It is possible that one of the stimuli
      to sensitization of fascial nociceptors could come from hormonal factors such as
      estrogen and relaxin, that are involved in extracellular matrix and collagen
      remodeling and thus contribute to functions of myofascial tissue.
      Immunohistochemical and molecular investigations (real-time PCR analysis) of
      relaxin receptor 1 (RXFP1) and estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) localization
      were carried out on sample of human fascia collected from 8 volunteers patients
      during orthopedic surgery (all females, between 42 and 70 yrs, divided into pre-
      and post-menopausal groups), and in fibroblasts isolated from deep fascia, to
      examine both protein and RNA expression levels. We can assume that the two sex
      hormone receptors analyzed are expressed in all the human fascial districts
      examined and in fascial fibroblasts culture cells, to a lesser degree in the post
      menopausal with respect to the pre-menopausal women. Hormone receptor expression
      was concentrated in the fibroblasts, and RXFP1 was also evident in blood vessels
      and nerves. Our results are the first demonstrating that the fibroblasts located
      within different districts of the muscular fasciae express sex hormone receptors
      and can help to explain the link between hormonal factors and myofascial pain. It
      is known, in fact, that estrogen and relaxin play a key role in extracellular
      matrix remodeling by inhibiting fibrosis and inflammatory activities, both
      important factors affecting fascial stiffness and sensitization of fascial
      nociceptors.

PMID- 28076931
TI  - Varying effects of EGF, HGF and TGFbeta on formation of invadopodia and
      invasiveness of melanoma cell lines of different origin.
AB  - The understanding of melanoma malignancy mechanisms is essential for patient
      survival, because melanoma is responsible for ca. 75% of deaths related to skin
      cancers. Enhanced formation of invadopodia and extracellular matrix (ECM)
      degradation are two important drivers of cell invasion, and actin dynamics
      facilitate protrusive activity by providing a driving force to push through the
      ECM. We focused on the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF), hepatocyte
      growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) on melanoma
      cell invasiveness, since they are observed in the melanoma microenvironment. All
      three factors stimulated invasion of A375 and WM1341D cells derived from primary
      tumor sites. In contrast, only EGF and HGF stimulated invasion of WM9 and Hs294T
      cells isolated from lymph node metastases. Enhanced formation of invadopodia and
      ECM degradation underlie the increased amount of invasive cells after stimulation
      with the tested agents. Generally, a rise in invasive potential was accompanied
      by a decrease in actin polymerization state (F:G ratio). The F:G ratio remained
      unchanged or was even increased in metastatic cell lines treated with TGFbeta.
      Our findings indicate that the effects of stimulation with EGF, HGF and TGFbeta
      on melanoma cell invasiveness could depend on melanoma cell progression stage.

PMID- 28076932
TI  - Aortic dissection is associated with reduced polycystin-1 expression, an
      abnormality that leads to increased ERK phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle
      cells.
AB  - The vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switch is a key
      pathophysiological change in various cardiovascular diseases, such as aortic
      dissection (AD), with a high morbidity. Polycystin-1 (PC1) is significantly
      downregulated in the VSMCs of AD patients. PC1 is an integral membrane
      glycoprotein and kinase that regulates different biological processes, including
      cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell polarity. However, the role of PC1 in
      intracellular signaling pathways remains poorly understood. In this study, PC1
      downregulation in VSMCs promoted the expression of SM22alpha, ACTA2 and calponin
      1 (CNN1) proteins. Furthermore, PC1 downregulation in VSMCs upregulated phospho
      MEK, phospho-ERK and myc, but did not change phospho-JNK and phospho-p38. These
      findings suggest that the MEK/ERK/myc signaling pathway is involved in PC1
      mediated human VSMC phenotypic switch. Opposite results were observed when an ERK
      inhibitor was used in VSMCs downregulated by PC1. When the C-terminal domain of
      PC1 (PC1 C-tail) was overexpressed in VSMCs, the expression levels of phosphor
      ERK, myc, SM22alpha, ACTA2 and CNN1 proteins were downregulated. The group with
      the overexpressed mutant protein (S4166A) in the PC1 C-tail showed similar
      results to the group with the downregulated PC1 in VSMCs. These results suggest
      that the Ser at the 4166 site in PC1 is crucial in the PC1 mediated MEK/ERK/myc
      signaling pathway, which might be the key pathophysiological cause of AD.

PMID- 28076933
TI  - 3-hydroxi-anthranilic acid is early expressed in stroke.
AB  - Using an immunohistochemical technique, we have studied the distribution of 3-OH
      anthranilic acid (3-HAA) in the rat brain. Our study was carried out in control
      animals and in rats in which a stroke model (single transient middle cerebral
      artery occlusion) was performed. A monoclonal antibody directed against 3-HAA was
      also developed. 3-HAA was exclusively observed in the infarcted regions
      (ipsilateral striatum/cerebral cortex), 2, 5 and 21 days after the induction of
      stroke. In control rats and in the contralateral side of the stroke animals, no
      immunoreactivity for 3-HAA was visualized. Under pathological conditions (from
      early phases of stroke), we reported for the first time the presence of 3-HAA in
      the mammalian brain. By double immunohistochemistry, the coexistence of 3-HAA and
      GFAP was observed in astrocytes. The distribution of 3-HAA matched perfectly with
      the infarcted regions. Our findings suggest that, in stroke, 3-HAA could be
      involved in the tissue damage observed in the infarcted regions, since it is well
      known that 3-HAA exerts cytotoxic effects.

PMID- 28076934
TI  - The injury of serotonin on intestinal epithelium cell renewal of weaned diarrhoea
      mice.
AB  - Diarrhoea is a common cause of death in children and weaned animals. Recent
      research has found that serotonin (5-HT) in the gastrointestinal tract plays an
      important role in regulating growth and the maintenance of mucosa, which protect
      against diarrhoea. To determine the influence of 5-HT on intestinal epithelium
      cell renewal under weaned stress diarrhoea, a weaned-stress diarrhoea mouse model
      was established with senna infusion (15 mL/Kg) via intragastric administration
      and stress restraint (SR). Mice with an increase in 5-HT were induced by
      intraperitoneal injection with citalopram hydrobromide (CH, 10 mg/Kg). The
      results demonstrated that compared with the control animals, diarrhoea appeared
      in weaned stress mice and the 5-HT content in the small intestine was
      significantly increased (P<0.05). Further, the caspase-3 cells and cells
      undergoing apoptosis in the small intestine were significantly increased, but the
      VH (villus height), V/C (villus height /crypt depth), and PCNA-positive rate
      significantly decreased. Compared with the control animals, CH increased the
      intestinal 5-HT content, caspase-3 cells and cells undergoing apoptosis but
      decreased the VH and V/C. Compared with both control and weaned stress animals,
      weaned stress animals that were pre-treated with CH showed higher 5-HT
      concentrations, positive caspase-3 cells and cells undergoing apoptosis but lower
      VH, V/C and PCNA-positive rate. In vitro, a low concentration of 5-HT inhibit,
      IEC-6 cell line apoptosis but a higher concentration of 5-HT promoted it.
      Therefore, weaned stress diarrhoea mice were accompanied by a 5-HT increase in
      the small intestine and vice versa, and the increase in 5-HT induced by CH caused
      diarrhoea. In brief, 5-HT and diarrhoea slowed the intestinal epithelium cell
      renewal and injured the abortion function and mucosal barrier by decreasing VH,
      V/C and proliferation and increasing epithelium cell apoptosis.

PMID- 28076935
TI  - High temperature requirement A1 and fibronectin: two possible players in
      placental tissue remodelling.
AB  - High temperature requirement A1 (HtrA1) is a secreted protease involved in
      placental development. Fibronectin (FN) is involved in important process such as
      wound healing, cell adhesion and spreading, growth, migration, and
      differentiation. The purpose of this study was to analyse the expression patterns
      of HtrA1 in relationship to FN and to the key growth zones of placenta such as
      mesenchymal villi as well as cell islands and cell columns. We demonstrated that
      FN and HtrA1 are localized in the placental key growth zones suggesting a pivotal
      role in maintaining the balance among the molecules involved in the placental
      development and differentiation.

PMID- 28076936
TI  - Histochemical and morphological aspects of fresh frozen bone: a preliminary
      study.
AB  - Bone graft are used in dentistry for the reconstruction of severely atrophic
      jaws. Fresh frozen bone has no osteogenic property but it has osteoconductive and
      osteoinductive properties because its matrix contains growth factors such as
      vascular endothelial growth factor. The purpose of the present study was to
      evaluate morphological and protein expression characteristics of fresh frozen
      bone before graft and after six months of graft in patients who needed maxillary
      reconstruction. After 6 month of graft we observed the presence of viable bone as
      evidenced by full osteocyte lacunae and by the presence of RANKR, osteocalcin
      positive cells and vascular endothelial growth factor. In conclusion, our
      findings show that the fresh frozen bone after six month of graft is for the most
      part viable bone, encouraging its use as an alternative to autogenous bone for
      reconstructing maxillary bone defects prior to implant.

PMID- 28076937
TI  - In vivo imaging techniques: a new era for histochemical analysis.
AB  - In vivo imaging techniques can be integrated with classical histochemistry to
      create an actual histochemistry of water. In particular, Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging (MRI), an imaging technique primarily used as diagnostic tool in
      clinical/preclinical research, has excellent anatomical resolution, unlimited
      penetration depth and intrinsic soft tissue contrast. Thanks to the technological
      development, MRI is not only capable to provide morphological information but
      also and more interestingly functional, biophysical and molecular. In this paper
      we describe the main features of several advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI
      microscopy, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, functional MRI, Diffusion Tensor
      Imaging and MRI with contrast agent as a useful support to classical
      histochemistry.

PMID- 28076938
TI  - Transmission electron microscopy for nanomedicine: novel applications for long
      established techniques.
AB  - During the last twenty years, the research in nanoscience and nanotechnology has
      dramatically increased and, in the last decade, the interest has progressively
      been oriented towards biomedical applications, giving rise to a new field termed
      nanomedicine. Transmis - sion electron microscopy is a valuable technique not
      only for the thorough physico-chemical characterization of newly synthesized
      nanoparticulates, but especially to explore the effects of nanocomposites on
      biological systems, providing essential information for the development of
      efficient therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Thus, for the progress of
      nanotechnology in the biomedical field, experts in cell biology, histochemistry
      and ultramicroscopy should always support the chemists, physicists and
      pharmacologists engaged in the synthesis and characterization of innovative
      nanoconstructs.

PMID- 28076940
TI  - Cervical ripening with self administered iso sorbide mononitrate vaginally, in
      uncomplicated singleton pregnancies at 39 weeks gestation: a double blind
      randomised controlled trial
AB  - Introduction: Vaginal iso sorbide mononitrate (ISMN) is effective in pre
      induction cervical ripening in post dated pregnancies. Objectives: To determine
      the effectiveness and acceptability of ISMN self-administered vaginally at home,
      in causing cervical ripening in uncomplicated singleton pregnancies at 39 weeks
      gestation. Methods: Consecutive women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies,
      presenting between 01 October 2013 and 31 March 2014, with a modified Bishop
      score (MBS) of < 5 at a gestational age (GA) of 273 days to the University
      Obstetric Unit of Teaching Hospital Mahamodera Galle, were allocated by
      stratified (primip/multip) block randomisation to self-administer vaginally at
      home every other day, five doses of 60 mg of sustained release form of ISMN (ISMN
      SR); (n = 72, cases), or pyridoxine 10 mgs (n=72, controls), from GA 273 to 282
      days. Results: The mean MBS and the mean change of MBS at 282 days, and the
      proportions with spontaneous onset of labour (SOL) by GA 282 days, were not
      significantly different between the two groups. A vast majority were satisfied
      with outpatient therapy (80% cases vs.76% controls), were happy to use it in a
      subsequent preg-nancy (89% cases vs. 86% controls) and would recom-mend it to a
      friend (93% cases vs. 90% controls). Conclusions: Home adminstrated vaginal ISMN
      therapy from GA 39 weeks was not effective in causing significant cervical
      ripening or promoting SOL, but it was acceptable to women.

PMID- 28076939
TI  - Is there still room for novelty, in histochemical papers?
AB  - Histochemistry continues to be widely applied in biomedical research, being
      nowadays mostly addressed to detect and locate single molecules or molecular
      complexes inside cells and tissues, and to relate structural organization and
      function at the high resolution of the more advanced microscopical techniques. In
      the attempt to see whether histochemical novelties may be found in the recent
      literature, the articles published in the European Journal of Histochemistry in
      the period 2014-2016 have been reviewed. In the majority of the published papers,
      standardized methods have been preferred by scientists to make their results
      reliably comparable with the data in the literature, but  many papers
      (approximately one fourth of the published articles) described novel
      histochemical methods and procedures.  It is worth noting that there is a growing
      interest for minimally-invasive in vivo techniques (magnetic resonance imaging,
      autofluorescence spectroscopy) which may parallel conventional  histochemical
      analyses to obtain information not only on the morphological features of living
      organs and tissues, but also on their functional, biophysical and molecular
      characteristics. Thanks to this unceasing methodological refinement,
      histochemistry will continue to provide innovative applications in the biomedical
      field.

PMID- 28076941
TI  - Double-Balloon Endoscopy in Overt and Occult Small Bowel Bleeding: Results,
      Complications, and Correlation with Prior Videocapsule Endoscopy in a Tertiary
      Referral Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE)
      allow deep exploration in patients with suspected small bowel pathology. VCE is
      often performed as an initial small bowel examination to explore whether an
      intervention by DBE is indicated and to determine insertion route. The study aim
      was to evaluate the correlation between DBE and VCE in patients with obscure or
      overt bleeding or anemia, as well as intervention frequency, and complications.
      METHODS: Retrospective observational study. RESULTS: DBE procedures (n=205)
      showed small bowel lesions in 64% cases. Antegrade DBE showed positive results in
      79% cases, mostly angiodysplasias (63%). Retrograde DBE showed positive results
      in 22% cases. An intervention was performed in 64% of DBE procedures. The major
      complication rate was 0.5%, which was one case of perforation. Pancreatitis did
      not occur. The overall diagnostic agreement was 66% among the 134 DBEs with
      preceded VCE. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of overt or occult bleeding or anemia, DBE
      was positive in 64%, with only a few complications. Positive correlation was 66%
      among initially performed VCEs and DBEs. Owing to the time-consuming and invasive
      character of DBE, performing VCE before DBE might still be clinically relevant.

PMID- 28076942
TI  - Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in a Suburban District in Sri Lanka:
      a population based study
AB  - Introduction: GDM is a leading metabolic cause of morbidity to mother and
      offspring. Determining its prevalence is important for health planning and
      implementation. Objective: Assess prevalence of GDM in the District of Gampaha.
      Method: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted in women attending
      field-based ante-natal clinics in two Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas
      between January 2014 to March 2015. Consecutive women were recruited by cluster
      sampling with probability proportionate to size using strict exclusion criteria.
      GDM diagnosis was based on fasting 75 g OGTT, WHO 1999. All responders underwent
      2 hr PPBS in first trimester- >200 mg/dl with symptoms identified as abnormal,
      probably diabetes in pregnancy (DIP); those >120 and <200 mg/dl proceeded to OGTT
      before 16 weeks POA; all negatives were tested by OGTT between 24-28 weeks.
      Negatives for GDM at 24-28 weeks underwent OGTT between 32-36 weeks; venous
      plasma glucose tested by accredited laboratory. Results: Sample consistedof 160,
      non-response 4.2% (67); 1533 underwent 2 hr PPBS with 40 exceeding 120mg: 4 >200
      mg diagnosed as GDM / DIP, 36 (PPBS >120 < 200 mg) underwent OGTT before 16 weeks
      with 15 GDM. One hundred and thirty four (8.38%) miscarried including one with
      early abnormal OGTT. Of 1381 eligible for OGTT (24- 28 weeks) 150 had GDM
      (10.86%). Only 344 (27.94% of normal 1231) consented for third trimester OGTT, of
      whom 25 had GDM- yielding a total of 194 with GDM (13.9%). Conclusions: The
      current community prevalence of GDM in the suburban Gampaha District, Sri Lanka
      is high.

PMID- 28076943
TI  - Repetition rate after non-fatal self-poisoning in Sri-Lanka: a one year
      prospective longitudinal study
AB  - Introduction: Attempted or non-fatal self-poisoning is an important public health
      problem in Sri Lanka. Current evidence from Sri Lanka suggests that this
      phenomenon is more common among young people, and females, and is associated with
      a recent interpersonal conflict. International studies indicate that recent non
      fatal selfharm is associated with an increased risk of repetition and completed
      suicide. Prospective follow-up data regarding rates of repetition of self-harm in
      Sri Lanka is limited. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the rate
      of repetition, and rate of suicidal ideation, at one-year follow up among those
      who have survived an act of selfpoisoning. Methods: Participants who presented to
      the toxicology unit, Teaching Hospital Peradeniya over a 14-month period, for
      medical management of non-fatal self-poisoning, were contacted by telephone one
      year following the initial presentation. Results: A total of 949 persons were
      included in the study, of which 35.3% (n=335) were contactable at one-year follow
      up. The rate of repetition of self-harm after one year was 2.5% and 2.7% of
      participants had suicidal ideation at one-year follow-up. Conclusions: The rate
      of repetition of self-harm in Sri Lanka is lower than the rate reported in the
      West (15%).

PMID- 28076944
TI  - Rice variety and processing: contribution to glycaemic response
AB  - Introduction: Glycaemic index (GI) of different varieties of rice (Oryza sativa
      L.) commonly consumed in Sri Lanka are not widely studied even though it is the
      staple food. Objectives: To determine the proximate compositions and the GI of
      three different rice meals, namely Bg 360 Samba (raw), Basmati At 405 (raw) and
      parboiled Nadu Bg 352. Methods: The study was a randomised cross over study using
      healthy volunteers (n=11). GI was determined as the ratio between the incremental
      areas under curve obtained for the test food and the standard glucose (WHO/FAO
      method). Proximate compositions were determined by standard methods. Results: The
      GI value so obtained were, 66+/-8 (medium GI) for Bg 360 Samba, 73+/-7 (high GI)
      for Basmati At 405 and 40+/-4 (low GI) for Nadu Bg 352. Parboiled variety had a
      significantly low GI and the lowest peak glucose concentration. Significant
      differences were observed in insoluble dietary fibre (IDF), total dietary fibre
      (TDF) and moisture contents of the rice varieties. Non significant negative
      correlations between IDF (r = -0.94, p = >0.05, n = 3) and TDF (r = - 0.90, p =
      >0.05, n = 3) and GI of the rice varieties were observed. Conclusions: Parboiled
      Nadu Bg 352 and Bg 360 Samba (raw) are of nutritional significance to individuals
      seeking to control the energy intake and glycaemic response.

PMID- 28076945
TI  - Effect of body mass index on pulmonary function in children
AB  - Introduction: The relationship between obesity or overweight and pulmonary
      functions has not been investigated in Sri Lankan children previously. Therefore,
      we aimed to study the effects of obesity/overweight on dynamic lung functions in
      healthy school children in Sri Lanka. Methods:  Results: Of 275 children 55 (20%)
      were 'obese/overweight'. BMI has no significant relationship to any ofthe
      pulmonary function parameters. However, in contrastto what is expected, mean
      values of FVC, FEV1 and FEF25-75% were lower in 'normal weight' group (Table 2).
      Conclusions: No significant difference was detected in spirometry parameters
      between obese/overweight and normal weight school children in our study.

PMID- 28076946
TI  - Validation of the Sinhala version of the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of
      Neuropsychological Status (RBANS)
AB  - Introduction: Only the Mini mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal
      Cognitive Assessment scale have been validated in a Sri Lankan population for the
      assessment of cognitive functions. Both tests are deficient in the number of
      domains assessed. Therefore validation of Repeatable Battery for Assessment of
      Neuropsychological Status is important as it assesses most of the cognitive
      domains. Objectives: To culturally adapt RBANS and investigate the validity and
      reliability of culturally adapted RBANS (RBANS-S). Methods: Fifty four
      participants with major neurocognitive disorder and 60 normal controls aged >50
      were administered with RBANS-S at the Cognitive Assessment Unit, Faculty of
      Medicine, Colombo and National Hospital of Sri Lanka. The participants were
      selected after a detailed clinical assessment according to Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual - 5 criteria. Data were analysed using SPSS data package.
      Results: The mean age of the sample was 69.5 years. RBANS-S total scale
      correlated highly with MMSE total score, (Pearson correlational coefficient =
      0.793 p=0.01). Criterion validity was assessed using receiver operating curve
      characteristic analysis and the area under the curve was 0.937. RBANS-S showed
      strong concurrent validity us indicated by its significant correlations with the
      MMSE. All of the RBANS-S subtests demonstrated significant correlations with the
      MMSE subsets. The sensitivity and specificity for RBANS-S was 89% and 85%
      respectively at a totals score of 80.5. The RBANS-S yielded a reliability
      coefficient of 0.929. Conclusions: Culturally adapted RBANS-S is a valid and
      reliable instrument which can be used in assessment of cognitive functions.

PMID- 28076947
TI  - Asymmetric Volcano Trend in Oxygen Reduction Activity of Pt and Non-Pt Catalysts:
      In Situ Identification of the Site-Blocking Effect.
AB  - Proper understanding of the major limitations of current catalysts for oxygen
      reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for further advancement. Herein by studying
      representative Pt and non-Pt ORR catalysts with a wide range of redox potential
      (Eredox) via combined electrochemical, theoretical, and in situ spectroscopic
      methods, we demonstrate that the role of the site-blocking effect in limiting the
      ORR varies drastically depending on the Eredox of active sites; and the intrinsic
      activity of active sites with low Eredox have been markedly underestimated owing
      to the overlook of this effect. Accordingly, we establish a general asymmetric
      volcano trend in the ORR activity: the ORR of the catalysts on the overly high
      Eredox side of the volcano is limited by the intrinsic activity; whereas the ORR
      of the catalysts on the low Eredox side is limited by either the site-blocking
      effect and/or intrinsic activity depending on the Eredox.

PMID- 28076948
TI  - Cerium(IV) Imido Complexes: Structural, Computational, and Reactivity Studies.
AB  - A series of alkali metal capped cerium(IV) imido complexes, [M(solv)x][Ce?N(3,5
      (CF3)2C6H3)(TriNOx)] (M = Li, K, Rb, Cs; solv = TMEDA, THF, Et2O, or DME), was
      isolated and fully characterized. An X-ray structural investigation of the cerium
      imido complexes demonstrated the impact of the alkali metal counterions on the
      geometry of the [Ce?N(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)(TriNOx)]- moiety. Substantial shortening of
      the Ce?N bond was observed with increasing size of the alkali metal cation. The
      first complex featuring an unsupported, terminal multiple bond between a Ce(IV)
      ion and a ligand fragment was also isolated by encapsulation of a Cs+ counterion
      with 2.2.2-cryptand. This complex shows the shortest recorded Ce?N bond length of
      2.077(3) A. Computational investigation of the cerium imido complexes using DFT
      methods showed a relatively larger contribution of the cerium 5d orbital than the
      4f orbital to the Ce?N bonds. The [K(DME)2][Ce?N(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)(TriNOx)] complex
      cleaves the Si-O bond in (Me3Si)2O, yielding the [(Me3SiO)CeIV(TriNOx)] adduct.
      The reaction of the rubidium capped imido complex with benzophenone resulted in
      the formation of a rare Ce(IV)-oxo complex, that was stabilized by a
      supramolecular, tetrameric oligomerization of the Ce?O units with rubidium
      cations.

PMID- 28076949
TI  - Arsenic Methyltransferase is Involved in Arsenosugar Biosynthesis by Providing
      DMA.
AB  - Arsenic is an ubiquitous toxic element in the environment, and organisms have
      evolved different arsenic detoxification strategies. Studies on arsenic
      biotransformation mechanisms have mainly focused on arsenate (As(V)) reduction,
      arsenite (As(III)) oxidation, and arsenic methylation; little is known, however,
      about the pathway for the biosynthesis of arsenosugars, which are significant
      arsenic transformation products. Here, the involvement of As(III) S
      Adenosylmethionine methyltransferase (ArsM) in arsenosugar synthesis is
      demonstrated for the first time. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 incubated with
      As(III) or monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)) produced dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V))
      and arsenosugars, as determined by high performance liquid chromatography
      inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC/ICPMS). Arsenosugars were also
      detected in the cells when they were exposed to DMA(V). A mutant strain
      Synechocystis DeltaarsM was constructed by disrupting arsM in Synechocystis sp.
      PCC 6803. Methylation of arsenic species was not observed in the mutant strain
      after exposure to arsenite or MMA(V); when Synechocystis DeltaarsM was incubated
      with DMA(V), arsenosugars were detected in the cells. These results suggest that
      ArsM is a required enzyme for the methylation of inorganic arsenicals, but not
      required for the synthesis of arsenosugars from DMA, and that DMA is the
      precursor of arsenosugar biosynthesis. The findings will stimulate more studies
      on the biosynthesis of complex organoarsenicals, and lead to a better
      understanding of the bioavailability and function of the organoarsenicals in
      biological systems.

PMID- 28076951
TI  - Multiscale Study of Plasmonic Scattering and Light Trapping Effect in Silicon
      Nanowire Array Solar Cells.
AB  - Nanometallic structures that support surface plasmons provide new ways to confine
      light at deep-subwavelength scales. The effect of light scattering in nanowire
      array solar cells is studied by a multiscale approach combining classical
      electromagnetic (EM) and quantum mechanical simulations. A photovoltaic device is
      constructed by integrating a silicon nanowire array with a plasmonic silver
      nanosphere. The light scatterings by plasmonic element and nanowire array are
      obtained via classical EM simulations, while current-voltage characteristics and
      optical properties of the nanowire cells are evaluated quantum mechanically. We
      found that the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of photovoltaic device is
      substantially improved due to the local field enhancement of the plasmonic effect
      and light trapping by the nanowire array. In addition, we showed that there
      exists an optimal nanowire number density in terms of optical confinement and
      solar cell PCE.

PMID- 28076950
TI  - Single Amino Acid Variant Profiles of Subpopulations in the MCF-7 Breast Cancer
      Cell Line.
AB  - Cancers are initiated and developed from a small population of stem-like cells
      termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). There is heterogeneity among this CSC population
      that leads to multiple subpopulations with their own distinct biological features
      and protein expression. The protein expression and function may be impacted by
      amino acid variants that can occur largely due to single nucleotide changes. We
      have thus performed proteomic analysis of breast CSC subpopulations by mass
      spectrometry to study the presence of single amino acid variants (SAAVs) and
      their relation to breast cancer. We have used CSC markers to isolate pure breast
      CSC subpopulation fractions (ALDH+ and CD44+/CD24- cell populations) and the
      mature luminal cells (CD49f-EpCAM+) from the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. By
      searching the Swiss-CanSAAVs database, 374 unique SAAVs were identified in total,
      where 27 are cancer-related SAAVs. 135 unique SAAVs were found in the CSC
      population compared with the mature luminal cells. The distribution of SAAVs
      detected in MCF-7 cells was compared with those predicted from the Swiss-CanSAAVs
      database, where we found distinct differences in the numbers of SAAVs detected
      relative to that expected from the Swiss-CanSAAVs database for several of the
      amino acids.

PMID- 28076952
TI  - Compactness of the Lithium Peroxide Thin Film Formed in Li-O2 Batteries and Its
      Link to the Charge Transport Mechanism: Insights from Stochastic Simulations.
AB  - We simulated the discharge process of Li-O2 batteries and the growth of Li2O2
      thin films at the mesoscale with a novel kinetic Monte Carlo model, which
      combined a stochastic description of mass transport and detailed elementary
      reaction kinetics. The simulation results show that the ordering of the Li2O2
      thin film is determined by the interplay between diffusion and reaction kinetics.
      Due to the fast reaction kinetics on the catalyst, the Li2O2 formed in the
      presence of catalyst (cat-CNF) shows a low degree of ordering and is more likely
      to be amorphous. Moreover, the mobility of the LiO2 ion pair, which depends
      largely on the nature of the electrolyte, also impacts the homogeneity of the
      compactness of the Li2O2 thin film. These results are of high importance for
      understanding the role of the catalyst and reaction kinetics in Li-O2 batteries.

PMID- 28076953
TI  - Effects of Lithium and Other Monovalent Ions on Palmitoyl Oleoyl
      Phosphatidylcholine Bilayer.
AB  - Interactions of monovalent salts with lipid membranes are explored with molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulations included the monovalent ions Na+ and
      K+, for their importance in physiology, Li+ for its small size and importance in
      several medical conditions including bipolar disorder, and Rb+ for its large
      size. All simulations included Cl- as counterions. One bilayer was simulated
      without salt as a control. Palmitoyl oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC) bilayers
      experienced reductions in area per lipid with the addition of salt; the smaller
      the ion the smaller the area, with the exception of Li+. Li+ exhibited unique
      binding affinities between phosphates and sn-2 carbonyls that lowered the order
      of the top part of sn-2 chain, which increased the area per lipid, compared to
      other ionic simulations. Further, we observe that monovalent salts alter bilayer
      properties through structural changes and not so much through the changes in
      surface potential.

PMID- 28076954
TI  - Identification of Genes Associated with Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone on a
      Protein-Protein Interaction Network with a Shortest Path Algorithm.
AB  - Tumor metastasis is defined as the spread of tumor cells from one organ or part
      to another that is not directly connected to it, which significantly contributes
      to the progression and aggravation of tumorigenesis. Because it always involves
      multiple organs, the metastatic process is difficult to study in its entirety.
      Complete identification of the genes related to this process is an alternative
      way to study metastasis. In this study, we developed a computational method to
      identify such genes. To test our method, we selected breast cancer bone
      metastasis. A large network was constructed using human protein-protein
      interactions. On the basis of the validated genes related to breast and bone
      cancer, a shortest path algorithm was applied to the network to search for novel
      genes that may mediate breast cancer metastasis to bone. In addition, further
      rules constructed using the permutation FDR, the betweenness ratio, and the max
      min interaction score were also employed in the method to make the inferred genes
      more reliable. Eighteen putative genes were identified by the method and were
      extensively analyzed. The confirmation results indicate that these genes
      participate in metastasis.

PMID- 28076955
TI  - Post-translational Modifications of Trypanosoma cruzi Canonical and Variant
      Histones.
AB  - Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, still affects millions of people
      around the world. No vaccines nor treatment for chronic Chagas disease are
      available, and chemotherapy for the acute phase is hindered by limited efficacy
      and severe side effects. The processes by which the parasite acquires infectivity
      and survives in different hosts involve tight regulation of gene expression,
      mainly post-transcriptionally. Nevertheless, chromatin structure/organization of
      trypanosomatids is similar to other eukaryotes, including histone variants and
      post-translational modifications. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic
      mechanisms also play an important role in the biology/pathogenesis of these
      parasites, making epigenetic targets suitable candidates to drug discovery. Here,
      we present the first comprehensive map of post-translational modifications of T.
      cruzi canonical and variant histones and show that its histone code can be as
      sophisticated as that of other eukaryotes. A total of 13 distinct modification
      types were identified, including rather novel and unusual ones such as
      alternative lysine acylations, serine/threonine acetylation, and N-terminal
      methylation. Some histone marks correlate to those described for other organisms,
      suggesting that similar regulatory mechanisms may be in place. Others, however,
      are unique to T. cruzi or to trypanosomatids as a group and might represent good
      candidates for the development of antiparasitic drugs.

PMID- 28076956
TI  - SBOLme: a Repository of SBOL Parts for Metabolic Engineering.
AB  - The Synthetic Biology Open Language (SBOL) is a community-driven open language to
      promote standardization in synthetic biology. To support the use of SBOL in
      metabolic engineering, we developed SBOLme, the first open-access repository of
      SBOL 2-compliant biochemical parts for a wide range of metabolic engineering
      applications. The URL of our repository is http://www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/sbolme .

PMID- 28076958
TI  - Editorial for January 2017 for JPC A/B/C.

PMID- 28076957
TI  - Collapse Precedes Folding in Denaturant-Dependent Assembly of Ubiquitin.
AB  - The folding of small protein ubiquitin (Ub), which plays an indispensable role in
      targeting proteins for degradation and DNA damage response, is complex. A number
      of experiments on Ub folding have reached differing conclusions regarding the
      relation between collapse and folding, and whether intermediates are populated.
      In order to resolve these vexing issues, we elucidate the denaturant-dependent
      thermodynamics and kinetics of Ub folding at low and neutral pH as a function of
      guanidinium chloride and urea using coarse-grained molecular simulations. The
      changes in the fraction of the folded Ub, and the radius of gyration (Rg) as a
      function of the denaturant concentration, [C], are in quantitative agreement with
      experiments. Under conditions used in experiments, Rg of the unfolded state at
      neutral pH changes only by ~17% as the [GdmCl] decreases from 6 to 0 M. We
      predict that the extent of compaction of the unfolded state increases as
      temperature decreases. A two-dimensional folding landscape as a function of Rg
      and a measure of similarity to the folded state reveals unambiguously that the
      native state assembly is preceded by collapse, as discovered in fast mixing
      experiments on several proteins. Analyses of the folding trajectories, under
      mildly denaturing conditions ([GdmCl] = 1.0 M or [Urea] = 1.0 M), shows that Ub
      folds by collision between preformed secondary structural elements involving
      kinetic intermediates that are primarily stabilized by long-range contacts. Our
      work explains the results of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments on
      Ub quantitatively, and establishes that evolved globular proteins in the unfolded
      ensemble are poised to collapse as the solvent conditions for the biopolymer
      changes from good solvent to Theta-solvent like conditions on denaturant
      dilution. In the process, we explain the discrepancy between SAXS and single
      molecule fluorescent resonant energy transfer (smFRET) experiments, which have
      arrived at a contradicting conclusion concerning the collapse of polypeptide
      chains.

PMID- 28076959
TI  - Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Technological Advances: Highlights 2015-2016.

PMID- 28076960
TI  - Editorial for January 2017 for JPC A/B/C.

PMID- 28076961
TI  - Total arch replacement through a median sternotomy for Kommerell's diverticulum.
AB  - Kommerell's diverticulum with a right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian
      artery is a rare anomaly, and the optimal operative strategy has not yet been
      established. In particular, the approach to the diverticulum is controversial,
      with the greatest concern being whether or not to add a right thoracotomy to the
      median sternotomy for distal anastomosis. We successfully performed total arch
      replacement through a median sternotomy only, by referring to preoperative
      computed tomography. We think that if the aneurysm is in a shallow position from
      the tracheal bifurcation, total arch replacement is possible with a midline
      incision only.

PMID- 28076962
TI  - Role of post-mapping computed tomography in virtual-assisted lung mapping.
AB  - Background Virtual-assisted lung mapping is a novel bronchoscopic preoperative
      lung marking technique in which virtual bronchoscopy is used to predict the
      locations of multiple dye markings. Post-mapping computed tomography is performed
      to confirm the locations of the actual markings. This study aimed to examine the
      accuracy of marking locations predicted by virtual bronchoscopy and elucidate the
      role of post-mapping computed tomography. Methods Automated and manual virtual
      bronchoscopy was used to predict marking locations. After bronchoscopic dye
      marking under local anesthesia, computed tomography was performed to confirm the
      actual marking locations before surgery. Discrepancies between marking locations
      predicted by the different methods and the actual markings were examined on
      computed tomography images. Forty-three markings in 11 patients were analyzed.
      Results The average difference between the predicted and actual marking locations
      was 30 mm. There was no significant difference between the latest version of the
      automated virtual bronchoscopy system (30.7 +/- 17.2 mm) and manual virtual
      bronchoscopy (29.8 +/- 19.1 mm). The difference was significantly greater in the
      upper vs. lower lobes (37.1 +/- 20.1 vs. 23.0 +/- 6.8 mm, for automated virtual
      bronchoscopy; p < 0.01). Despite this discrepancy, all targeted lesions were
      successfully resected using 3-dimensional image guidance based on post-mapping
      computed tomography reflecting the actual marking locations. Conclusions Markings
      predicted by virtual bronchoscopy were dislocated from the actual markings by an
      average of 3 cm. However, surgery was accurately performed using post-mapping
      computed tomography guidance, demonstrating the indispensable role of post
      mapping computed tomography in virtual-assisted lung mapping.

PMID- 28076963
TI  - Long-term consequences of atrial fibrillation after aortic valve replacement.
AB  - Background Atrial fibrillation is a common complication after cardiac surgery,
      but the risk factors and long-term outcome after primary isolated aortic valve
      replacement remains to be clarified. Methods A single-center retrospective study
      was conducted on 157 patients who underwent first-time isolated aortic valve
      replacement between April 1999 and February 2015. Fifty-eight patients developed
      new-onset atrial fibrillation within 6 months postoperatively, and they were
      compared with patients who remained in sinus rhythm. Multivariate analyses, which
      incorporated the propensity score patient matching technique, were conducted to
      evaluate the long-term outcome of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation and
      identify patients at risk of developing this arrhythmia. Results At a mean follow
      up of 52.4 months (range 8.4-200.7 months), mortality was significantly higher in
      patients who developed atrial fibrillation compared to those who remained in
      sinus rhythm (2.8%/patient-year vs. 0.2%/patient-year, respectively; p < 0.05).
      Patients developing atrial fibrillation were also at an independently increased
      risk of stroke and readmission during follow-up. Risk analysis revealed that
      advanced age (>70 years) and absence of a postoperative beta-blocker were
      predictors of atrial fibrillation. Conclusions New-onset atrial fibrillation
      after first-time isolated aortic valve replacement correlated significantly with
      late morbidity and mortality. Advanced age and absence of a postoperative beta
      blocker may increase the incidence of atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 28076964
TI  - Trigeminal neuralgia - diagnosis and treatment.
AB  - Introduction Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by touch-evoked
      unilateral brief shock-like paroxysmal pain in one or more divisions of the
      trigeminal nerve. In addition to the paroxysmal pain, some patients also have
      continuous pain. TN is divided into classical TN (CTN) and secondary TN (STN).
      Etiology and pathophysiology Demyelination of primary sensory trigeminal
      afferents in the root entry zone is the predominant pathophysiological mechanism.
      Most likely, demyelination paves the way for generation of ectopic impulses and
      ephaptic crosstalk. In a significant proportion of the patients, the
      demyelination is caused by a neurovascular conflict with morphological changes
      such as compression of the trigeminal root. However, there are also other unknown
      etiological factors, as only half of the CTN patients have morphological changes.
      STN is caused by multiple sclerosis or a space-occupying lesion affecting the
      trigeminal nerve. Differential diagnosis and treatment Important differential
      diagnoses include trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, posttraumatic or
      postherpetic pain and other facial pains. First line treatment is prophylactic
      medication with sodium channel blockers, and second line treatment is
      neurosurgical intervention. Future perspectives Future studies should focus on
      genetics, unexplored etiological factors, sensory function, the neurosurgical
      outcome and complications, combination and neuromodulation treatment as well as
      development of new drugs with better tolerability.

PMID- 28076965
TI  - Predictors of burnout and health status in Samaritans' listening volunteers.
AB  - Samaritan listening volunteers provide emotional support to people in distress or
      suicidal. Samaritans' has high volunteer turnover, which may be due to burnout.
      This study evaluated the role of demographic and psychosocial factors in
      predicting Samaritans listening volunteers' burnout and health status.
      Samaritans' listening volunteers (n = 216) from seven branches across UK
      completed an online survey to assess their levels of burnout (emotional
      exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment), subjective health
      status, coping, empathy and social support. Overall, listeners showed low levels
      of burnout and good health. Regression analysis revealed that higher emotional
      exhaustion was predicted by younger age and avoidant coping style; higher
      depersonalisation was predicted by lower empathy fantasy and higher avoidant
      coping style; lower personal accomplishment scores were predicted by higher
      empathy personal distress and worse health status was predicted by more hours per
      week spent on listening duties, lower social support and higher avoidant coping
      style. Overall, different factors influenced different facets of burnout.
      However, higher use of avoidant coping style consistently predicted higher
      burnout and worse health status, suggesting avoidant coping is an important
      target for intervention.

PMID- 28076967
TI  - Fine particulate matter on hospital admissions for acute exacerbation of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease in southwestern Taiwan during 2006-2012.
AB  - This study explored the effects of PM2.5 on hospital admissions (HAs) for acute
      exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in southwestern
      Taiwan. Data on HAs for AECOPD, pollutants, and meteorological variables were
      obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database and Environmental
      Protection Administration. The relative risks (RRs) of HAs for AECOPD was
      estimated using the Quasi-Poisson generalized additive model. A total of 38,715
      HAs for AECOPD were recorded. The average daily HAs for AECOPD and mean 24-h
      average level of PM2.5 were 15.2 and 38.8 ug/m3, respectively. For both single
      and multiple pollutant (adjusted for O3 and NO2) models, increased AECOPD
      admissions were significantly associated with PM2.5 during cold season, with the
      RRs for every 10 ug/m3 increase in PM2.5 being 1.02 (95% CI = 1.007-1.040) at lag
      0-1 in single-pollutant, and 1.02 (95 % CI = 1.001-1.042) at lag 0 day in
      multiple pollutant model. People 65 years of age and older had higher risk of HAs
      for AECOPD after PM2.5 exposure. The RRs of PM2.5 on HAs for AECOPD were robust
      after adjusting for O3 and NO2. Findings reveal an association between PM2.5 and
      HAs for AECOPD in southwestern Taiwan, particularly during cold season.

PMID- 28076966
TI  - EVESOR, a model-based, multiparameter, Phase I trial to optimize the
      benefit/toxicity ratio of everolimus and sorafenib.
AB  - AIM: This novel multiparameter Phase I study aimed to optimize doses/dosing
      schedules of everolimus and sorafenib drug combination, based on
      modeling/simulation (NCT01932177). PATIENTS & METHODS: About 26 patients with
      solid tumors were treated in four different dosing schedules. Everolimus once
      daily + sorafenib twice daily were given continuously in arms A and B, and
      intermittently in arms C (alternating every other week) and D (everolimus
      continuous and sorafenib 3 days on/4 days off). RESULTS: Continuous schedules
      exhibited higher toxicity risks than intermittent schedules (64.1 vs 35.9%; p <
      0.0001), and trends for lower disease control rates (80 vs 100%). No significant
      pharmacokinetic interaction was identified. CONCLUSION: Feasibility of EVESOR
      trial is demonstrated. Intermittent schedules might provide better tolerance and
      efficacy than continuous schedules.

PMID- 28076968
TI  - Influence of southwest monsoons in the Kashmir Valley, western Himalayas.
AB  - The regional climate of the Himalayas is predominated by the southwest monsoons
      and the western disturbances. The uplift of the Pir Panjal to its present height
      is believed to restrict the southwest monsoons from entering into the Kashmir
      Valley in the western Himalayas. In the present study, monthly precipitation
      samples were collected across the Kashmir Valley from June 2013 to May 2014 for
      delta18O and delta2H analyses to constrain the influence of southwest monsoons in
      the valley. Except in August, the precipitation is enriched in 18O and 2H from
      June to September and depleted from October to May. The sharp depletion of 18O in
      precipitation along with the decrease in d-excess in August confirm the maximum
      intrusion of southwest monsoons into the valley. A significant temperature -
      delta18O relationship was found during October and May (westerlies period)
      decreasing during June and September (southwest monsoon period). The local
      meteoric water line for the whole Kashmir Valley based on the precipitation
      weighted monthly samples is [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. Higher
      intercept of the regression equation suggested dominant contribution of
      precipitation from western disturbances. The study suggested that the southwest
      monsoons enter the Kashmir Valley from southwest through the mountainous passes.

PMID- 28076969
TI  - The Successful Immediate Neonatal Transition to Extrauterine Life.
AB  - PURPOSE: To define and describe the processes underlying the successful neonatal
      transition to extrauterine life and methods to assess the transition. METHOD:
      Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, Web of
      Science, and Google Scholar were searched using a combination of the key words
      neonate, neonatal, newborn, transition, respiratory OR pulmonary, cardiac,
      metabolic, pH, umbilical cord, and assessment. Articles in English and German
      were reviewed. The final sample of articles consisted of one randomized
      controlled trial, 30 observational studies using human neonates, one
      observational study using rabbit pups, one secondary analysis, three systematic
      reviews, and 23 review articles. MAJOR FINDINGS: The pertinent findings in regard
      to normal events in the respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic transitions
      are reviewed and summarized. We address the underlying factors necessary for the
      transition to extrauterine life, specify the consequences of a successful
      transition, and review common assessment approaches. CONCLUSION: Available
      evidence indicates that the successful immediate transition to extrauterine life
      should be completed within 1-3 hr after birth, though some adaptive processes can
      fail as late as 24-48 hr after birth. Further research is necessary to identify a
      feasible, easily used, noninvasive method to assess the status of a neonate's
      transition to extrauterine life.

PMID- 28076970
TI  - Future Directions for Work on Refinement of ADHD Assessment in Young Adults.
AB  - Sibley, Coxe, and Molina provide a thoughtful discussion of the implications of
      our study and highlight important future directions in this line of work. They
      helpfully amplify several themes that space did not allow discussion of in our
      article. In particular, they correctly emphasize the importance of theoretical as
      well as statistical considerations in model selection. We also agree that
      clinical tests of sensitivity and specificity, taking into account different base
      rates and types of samples, are essential before a final algorithm would be ready
      for dissemination. However, we are not convinced that such tests should be
      limited to populations of individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD). Rather, they should include those with and without diagnosed
      ADHD in order to provide comprehensive tests of reporter sensitivity and
      specificity across the entire continuum of ADHD symptomatology and in relation to
      different populations, including other disorders and typically developing
      populations.

PMID- 28076971
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Mall NA, Buchowski J, Zebala L, Brophy RH, Wright RW, Matava MJ. Spine and axial
      skeleton injuries in the National Football League. Am J Sports Med.
      2012;40(8):1755-1761. (Original DOI: 10.1177/0363546512448355).

PMID- 28076972
TI  - Society News and Announcements.

PMID- 28076976
TI  - Measuring Parenting Throughout Adolescence.
AB  - This study examined the structural validity of the parenting concept throughout
      adolescence. First, we examined whether an established five-dimension parenting
      model including support, proactive control, punitive control, harsh punitive
      control, and psychological control, showed longitudinal invariance across time
      (i.e., early, middle, and late adolescence) and measurement invariance across
      informants (i.e., mothers, fathers, and adolescents). Second, patterns of
      continuity and discontinuity in these dimensions were examined from the
      perspective of the different informants. In a four-wave accelerated longitudinal
      study with 1,111 adolescents and their parents, a multigroup structural equation
      modelling showed partial scalar invariance across adolescence and across
      informants. Subsequent growth modelling indicated that parenting was relatively
      stable over time and that similar patterns were present for mother, father, and
      adolescent ratings of parenting. Future research on associations between
      parenting and adolescent development can build on the findings of this study,
      given that comparing perspectives on parenting by different informants and over
      time seems to be valid.

PMID- 28076974
TI  - Topological Organization of Whole-Brain White Matter in HIV Infection.
AB  - Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with neuroimaging
      alterations. However, little is known about the topological organization of whole
      brain networks and the corresponding association with cognition. As such, we
      examined structural whole-brain white matter connectivity patterns and cognitive
      performance in 29 HIV+ young adults (mean age = 25.9) with limited or no HIV
      treatment history. HIV+ participants and demographically similar HIV- controls (n
      = 16) residing in South Africa underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      neuropsychological testing. Structural network models were constructed using
      diffusion MRI-based multifiber tractography and T1-weighted MRI-based regional
      gray matter segmentation. Global network measures included whole-brain structural
      integration, connection strength, and structural segregation. Cognition was
      measured using a neuropsychological global deficit score (GDS) as well as
      individual cognitive domains. Results revealed that HIV+ participants exhibited
      significant disruptions to whole-brain networks, characterized by weaker
      structural integration (characteristic path length and efficiency), connection
      strength, and structural segregation (clustering coefficient) than HIV- controls
      (p < 0.05). GDSs and performance on learning/recall tasks were negatively
      correlated with the clustering coefficient (p < 0.05) in HIV+ participants.
      Results from this study indicate disruption to brain network integrity in
      treatment-limited HIV+ young adults with corresponding abnormalities in cognitive
      performance.

PMID- 28076977
TI  - Combining Microfractures, Autologous Bone Graft, and Autologous Matrix-Induced
      Chondrogenesis for the Treatment of Juvenile Osteochondral Talar Lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic
      outcomes of patients younger than 20 years, treated with the arthroscopic-talus
      autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AT-AMIC) technique and autologous bone
      graft for osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). METHODS: Eleven patients under
      20 years (range 13.3-20.0) underwent the AT-AMIC procedure and autologous bone
      graft for OLTs. Patients were evaluated preoperatively (T0) and at 6 (T1), 12
      (T2), and 24 (T3) months postoperatively, using the American Orthopaedic Foot &
      Ankle Society Ankle and Hindfoot (AOFAS) score, the visual analog scale and the
      SF-12 respectively in its Mental and Physical Component Scores. Radiologic
      assessment included computed tomographic (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) and intraoperative measurement of the lesion. A multivariate statistical
      analysis was performed. RESULTS: Mean lesion size measured during surgery was 1.1
      cm3 +/- 0.5 cm3. We found a significant difference in clinical and radiologic
      parameters with analysis of variance for repeated measures ( P < .001). All
      clinical scores significantly improved ( P < .05) from T0 to T3. Lesion area
      significantly reduced from 119.1 +/- 29.1 mm2 preoperatively to 77.9 +/- 15.8 mm2
      ( P < .05) at final follow-up as assessed by CT, and from 132.2 +/- 31.3 mm2 to
      85.3 +/- 14.5 mm2 ( P < .05) as assessed by MRI. Moreover, we noted an important
      correlation between intraoperative size of the lesion and body mass index (BMI) (
      P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: The technique can be considered safe and effective with
      early good results in young patients. Moreover, we demonstrated a significant
      correlation between BMI and lesion size and a significant impact of OLTs on
      quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

PMID- 28076978
TI  - Abortion services at hospitals in Istanbul.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite the existence of a liberal law on abortion in Turkey, there is
      growing evidence that actually securing an abortion in Istanbul may prove
      difficult. This study aimed to determine whether or not state hospitals and
      private hospitals that accept state health insurance in Istanbul are providing
      abortion services and for what indications. METHOD: Between October and December
      2015, a mystery patient telephone survey of 154 hospitals, 43 public and 111
      private, in Istanbul was conducted. RESULTS: 14% of the state hospitals in
      Istanbul perform abortions without restriction as to reason provided in the
      current law while 60% provide the service if there is a medical necessity. A
      quarter of state hospitals in Istanbul do not provide abortion services at all.
      48.6% of private hospitals that accept the state health insurance also provide
      for abortion without restriction while 10% do not provide abortion services under
      any circumstances. KEY CONCLUSIONS: State and private hospitals in Istanbul are
      not providing abortion services to the full extent allowed under the law. The low
      numbers of state hospitals offering abortions without restriction indicates a de
      facto privatization of the service. This same trend is also visible in many
      private hospitals partnering with the state that do not provide abortion care.
      While many women may choose a private provider, the lack of provision of abortion
      care at state hospitals and those private hospitals working with the state leaves
      women little option but to purchase these services from private providers at some
      times subtantial costs.

PMID- 28076979
TI  - Strategies for identifying pulmonary sarcoidosis patients at risk for severe or
      chronic disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most of the morbidity and mortality resulting from pulmonary
      sarcoidosis relates to complications of fibrotic disease. Because the fibrosis
      related to pulmonary sarcoidosis is often of minimal clinical importance,
      pharmacotherapy is not mandated. However, a small fraction of pulmonary
      sarcoidosis patients develop significant lung fibrosis, and they could
      potentially benefit from anti-sarcoidosis therapy. A reliable algorithm to
      determine the likelihood of a pulmonary sarcoidosis patient developing fibrosis
      would minimize the toxicity of therapy and potentially prevent serious
      complications of the disease. Areas covered: The mechanisms of fibrosis in
      pulmonary sarcoidosis are discussed. Granulomatous inflammation is the major
      cause of fibrosis in pulmonary sarcoidosis. Known risk factors for the
      development of persistent and fibrotic sarcoidosis, including genetic risk
      factors are explored. Expert opinion/commentary: Currently, methods to determine
      the propensity of a pulmonary sarcoidosis to develop significant fibrosis are
      unreliable. This is an important unmet medical need.

PMID- 28076980
TI  - Status of sperm-born oocyte activating factors (PAWP, PLCzeta) and sperm
      chromatin in uncapacitated, capacitated and acrosome-reacted conditions.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the value of sperm factors PAWP and
      PLCzeta involved in oocyte activation and sperm chromatin status, as indicators
      of sperm quality during uncapacitated, capacitated and acrosome-reacted
      conditions. Semen samples collected from 10 normozoospermic men and sperm factors
      PAWP, PLCzeta, protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation evaluated in fresh
      samples, processed sample by DGC (density gradient centrifugation), capacitated
      and acrosome reacted sperm, using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The
      status of capacitation and the acrosome reaction were confirmed by tyrosine
      kinase phosphorylation and CD46 markers, respectively. The proportion of sperm
      expressing weak or zero levels of PLCzeta and PAWP were significantly reduced
      after DGC processing. There were no significant differences among processed DGC,
      capacitated and acrosome-reacted samples. The proportions of DNA fragmented and
      protamine-deficient spermatozoa were decreased after DGC and maintained during
      capacitation and the acrosome reaction. DGC processing, therefore, improved the
      quality of sperm in terms of chromatin and DNA integrity, and removed sperm which
      may have had a lower potential to induce oocyte activation and undergo
      capacitation and the acrosome reaction.

PMID- 28076981
TI  - Prenatal drainage of fetal urinoma with polyhydramnios: a case report and
      literature review.
AB  - The appearance of fetal urinoma is rare in prenatal care, especially when
      associated with polyhydramnions. Many previous reports have concluded that the
      visualization of a prenatal urinoma is probably a sign of underlying renal
      dysplasia or poor function. Thus, the management of the reported cases,
      conservative treatment or uniroma drainage, has not been unified. In this paper,
      we present two cases of prenatally detected urinoma with prenatal drainage to
      improve the prognosis.

PMID- 28076982
TI  - From Structure to Activity: Using Centrality Measures to Predict Neuronal
      Activity.
AB  - It is clear that the topological structure of a neural network somehow determines
      the activity of the neurons within it. In the present work, we ask to what extent
      it is possible to examine the structural features of a network and learn
      something about its activity? Specifically, we consider how the centrality (the
      importance of a node in a network) of a neuron correlates with its firing rate.
      To investigate, we apply an array of centrality measures, including In-Degree,
      Closeness, Betweenness, Eigenvector, Katz, PageRank, Hyperlink-Induced Topic
      Search (HITS) and NeuronRank to Leaky-Integrate and Fire neural networks with
      different connectivity schemes. We find that Katz centrality is the best
      predictor of firing rate given the network structure, with almost perfect
      correlation in all cases studied, which include purely excitatory and excitatory
      inhibitory networks, with either homogeneous connections or a small-world
      structure. We identify the properties of a network which will cause this
      correlation to hold. We argue that the reason Katz centrality correlates so
      highly with neuronal activity compared to other centrality measures is because it
      nicely captures disinhibition in neural networks. In addition, we argue that
      these theoretical findings are applicable to neuroscientists who apply centrality
      measures to functional brain networks, as well as offer a neurophysiological
      justification to high level cognitive models which use certain centrality
      measures.

PMID- 28076983
TI  - Multidimensional Family Therapy Reduces Self-Reported Criminality Among
      Adolescents With a Cannabis Use Disorder.
AB  - Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) is an established treatment program for
      youth displaying multiproblem behavior. We examined whether MDFT decreased
      criminal offending among cannabis abusing adolescents, as compared with
      individual psychotherapy (IP). In a Western European randomized controlled trial
      comparing MDFT with IP, a sample of 169 adolescents with a cannabis disorder
      completed self-reports on criminal offending. Half indicated they had committed
      one or more criminal offenses in the 90 days before the baseline assessment.
      Follow-up assessments were at 6 and 12 months after randomization. The proportion
      of adolescents reporting nondelinquency increased during the study period, most
      so in the MDFT condition. In addition, MDFT lowered the number of violent
      offenses more than IP. This difference was not seen for property crimes. In
      cannabis abusing adolescents, MDFT is an effective treatment to prevent and
      reduce criminal offending. MDFT outperforms IP for violent crimes.

PMID- 28076984
TI  - Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, body weight loss and survival in amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis: a population-based registry study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)
      insertion, and its timing, on ALS survival, and to study prognostic factors of
      survival before and after PEG placement in a population-based setting. METHODS:
      In this observational population-based, registry study, we enrolled patients with
      newly- diagnosed ALS, according to the El Escorial revised criteria, who were
      resident in the Emilia Romagna Region, and who developed severe dysphagia needing
      enteral nutritional support. The primary outcome measure was tracheostomy-free
      survival after PEG recommendation. RESULTS: There were 210 patients needing PEG,
      out of an incident cohort of 545 patients from the Emilia Romagna Registry for
      ALS, who were diagnosed between 2009 and 2013. One hundred and ninety-three
      patients were included in the study, and 17 were excluded because they were
      already tracheostomized at the time of PEG placement. Of the 193 patients
      included in the study, 152 underwent PEG, whereas 41 did not undergo the
      procedure. Patients who did not undergo PEG, among the eligible ones, had the
      same tracheostomy-free survival from onset as patients who did (25 vs. 32 months,
      p = 0.21). Tracheostomy-free survival from PEG recommendation was greater in
      patients who underwent PEG placement than in patients who did not (6 vs. 2
      months, p = 0.008). Median tracheostomy-free survival from PEG insertion was
      eight months (95% CI5-12); 30 days after PEG placement, survival was 89.60%. At
      Cox multivariable analysis, the hazard of death or tracheostomy after PEG
      insertion was significantly influenced by the difference between BMI at the time
      of the PEG procedure and BMI at diagnosis (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08; p = 0.002).
      The hazard of death or tracheostomy was not affected by the timing of PEG
      insertion. CONCLUSIONS: The present study, although it has some limitations,
      suggests a gain of tracheostomy-free survival from the time of PEG recommendation
      for patients who undergo PEG placement, and, among patients who undergo PEG, a
      greater survival if PEG is inserted before a significant weight loss occurs, and
      if nutritional support avoids further weight loss. Should this association
      between prevention of weight loss and better clinical outcome be confirmed by
      further studies, it would have important implications for disease management.

PMID- 28076985
TI  - Two new diketopiperazines from the tin mine tailings-derived fungus Schizophyllum
      commune YIM DT 10058.
AB  - Two new diketopiperazines, named diphenylalazine C (1) and epicoccin U (2),
      together with six known compounds (3-8) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of
      the fermentation broth of the tin mine tailings-derived fungus Schizophyllum
      commune YIM DT 10058. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of
      spectroscopic data and comparison with related known compounds. Compounds 1 and 2
      exhibited weak antibacterial and cytotoxic activities.

PMID- 28076986
TI  - Utilising exhaled nitric oxide information to enhance diagnosis and therapy of
      respiratory disease - current evidence for clinical practice and proposals to
      improve the methodology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A non-invasive tool to diagnose respiratory diseases and to follow
      treatment has long been looked-for. Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) is a promising
      marker of inflammation in asthma but nearly 25-years of research has shown that
      it works in only certain endotypes of asthma. The modelling of NO dynamics of the
      lung can give more information than a single FENO value. Areas covered: The
      estimation of the NO production in the conducting airways and in the gas exchange
      area has given new insight of the NO production in diseases beyond asthma. In
      this article, we discuss the importance of methodology for NO measurement in the
      exhaled breath and the indication of applying this technique to detect
      respiratory disorders. This narrative review is an attempt to examine and discuss
      the physiological basis underlying exhaled NO measurements and the clinical
      evidence of the usefulness of this method in asthma and various other respiratory
      disorders. Expert commentary: Estimation of the NO parameters would aid in our
      understanding of the NO dynamics of the lung and thereby give more knowledge how
      to interpret the measured FENO value in clinical practice.

PMID- 28076987
TI  - Antioxidant activity and cholinesterase inhibition studies of four flavouring
      herbs from Alentejo.
AB  - Essential oils (EOs) and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of four aromatic
      species, Calamintha nepeta, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha spicata and Thymus
      mastichina, from southwest of Portugal were characterised chemically and analysed
      in order to evaluate their antioxidant potential and cholinesterase inhibitory
      activities. The main components of EOs were oxygenated monoterpenes, and aqueous
      extracts were rich in phenol and flavonoid compounds. EOs and aqueous extracts
      presented a high antioxidant potential, with ability to protect the lipid
      substrate, free radical scavenging and iron reducing power. Furthermore, EOs and
      extracts showed AChE and BChE inhibitory activities higher than rivastigmine, the
      standard drug. Results suggested the potential use of EOs and aqueous extracts of
      these flavouring herbs as nutraceutical or pharmaceutical preparations to
      minimise the oxidative stress and the progression of degenerative diseases.

PMID- 28076988
TI  - Ischemic stroke risk in East Asian patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1:
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with
      atrial fibrillation (AF) and CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 has been debated, partially
      due to limited data on ischemic stroke risk and specific clinical trials in these
      patients. East Asian patients have a different stroke risk profile compared to
      non-East Asians. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of ischemic
      stroke risk in AF patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 in East Asian
      countries. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search for studies evaluating
      ischemic stroke risk related with AF with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 was conducted
      by two reviewers. We used a fixed-effect model first, then a random-effect model
      if heterogeneity was assessed with I2. RESULTS: After pooling 6 studies, the
      annual rate of ischemic stroke in East Asian patients with AF and a CHA2DS2-VASc
      score of 1 was 1.66% (95% CI: 0.71%-2.61%, I2 = 98.4%). There was a wide range in
      reported pooled rates between countries, from 0.59% to 3.13%. Significant
      difference existed not only in the community-based studies (Chinese: 2.10% vs.
      Japanese: 0.60%), but also from the hospital-based studies (Chinese: 3.55% vs.
      Japanese: 0.42%). Confining the analysis to those on no antithrombotic treatment
      had limited effect on the summary estimate (eg. Chinese: 4.28% vs. Japanese:
      0.6%). In Chinese studies, ischemic stroke rate was lower in females than males
      (female: 1.40% vs. male: 1.79%). However, the low event rate in Japanese studies
      may reflect unrecorded anticoagulation status at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Some
      regional differences between East Asian countries were observed for ischemic
      stroke risk in patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1. This may reflect
      methodological differences in studies and unrecorded anticoagulation use at
      followup, but further prospective studies are required to ascertain ischemic
      stroke risks, as well as the differences and reasons for this between East Asians
      and non-East Asians.

PMID- 28076989
TI  - Improvement of patient eligibility with the use of new generation endografts for
      the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. A comparison study among currently
      used endografts and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Newer generation devices have attempted to accommodate a wider range
      of aortoiliac anatomies offering endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to more
      patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). We aim to examine the anatomic
      suitability for the ultra-low profile Ovation endograft in our AAA patients and
      to compare them with other contemporary devices. METHODS: 158 consecutive AAA
      patients treated with EVAR or open surgical repair (OSR) were tested for EVAR
      eligibility according to the most commonly used endografts' instructions for use.
      RESULTS: 106 patients underwent EVAR and 52 OSR. EVAR eligibility was higher for
      the Ovation system (72%) compared to the rest of the devices (Incraft: 63%,
      Nellix: 60%, Endurant-II: 59%, Excluder: 55%, Zenith-Flex: 36%, Aorfix: 35%, P
      value<0.001). Non-suitable proximal neck anatomy followed by access vessel
      inadequacy were the primary reasons for ineligibility. CONCLUSION: New generation
      aortic endografts with innovative proximal sealing mechanisms and ultra-low
      profile delivery systems are increasing patient eligibility for EVAR.

PMID- 28076990
TI  - Outcomes in the absence of the ductus venosus diagnosed in the first trimester.
AB  - PURPOSE: To clarify the outcomes of the absence of the ductus venosus (DV)
      diagnosed in fetuses suspected to have a structural abnormality during a
      morphological assessment in the first trimester. METHODS: Infants in whom
      ultrasound fetal morphological assessments were attempted in the first trimester
      (11 to 13-6 weeks of gestation) and who were subsequently delivered between 2013
      and 2015 at Showa University Hospital were enrolled. In cases in which the
      absence of the DV was diagnosed in the first trimester, the prognosis was
      assessed. RESULTS: First-trimester ultrasound screening was performed in a total
      of 2610 cases between 2013 and 2015. Fetal edema (n = 38), hydrops (n = 16),
      abnormal four-chamber view findings (n = 2), and tricuspid regurgitation (n = 1)
      were observed in a total of 52 cases (2.0%). In 4 of the 52 cases with abnormal
      ultrasound findings, the absence of the DV was detected. CONCLUSION: If fetal
      edema or hydrops in early pregnancy is found without any other structural
      abnormalities, not only chromosomal abnormalities should be suspected but also an
      evaluation for the absence of the DV should be included. In addition, absence of
      the DV with fetal edema may be associated with the outcomes of cardiac
      dysfunction, chromosome abnormalities, and intrauterine sudden death. Severe
      fetal edema is associated with a poor prognosis, and the family must be carefully
      informed of the potential outcomes.

PMID- 28076991
TI  - Type-2 diabetes mellitus: does prenatal care affect outcomes?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if prenatal care affects adverse perinatal outcomes in
      pregnant women with Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). STUDY DESIGN: This was a
      retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with pregestational diabetes
      mellitus pregnancies in the state of California between 1997 and 2006, using
      vital statistics data linked to birth certificates. Women were stratified by time
      of presentation to care and we compared those who presented in the first
      trimester, third trimester, and those who had no prenatal care prior to delivery.
      Perinatal outcomes looked at included: preeclampsia, macrosomia, preterm
      delivery, cesarean delivery, and intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). The two groups
      were compared with chi-squared testing to determine statistical significance.
      RESULTS: In women with pregestational diabetes those who presented at time of
      delivery had an 11.3% risk of IUFD compared to 0.9% in those who presented in the
      first trimester. There was also an increased rate of preterm birth in the late
      presentation cohort (29.4% at time of delivery versus 21.0% in the first
      trimester). After adjusting for possible confounding variables using logistic
      regression models, rates of IUFD and preterm delivery were still found to be
      statistically significant with adjusted odds ratios of 11.37 (95% CI: 6.10-21.16)
      and 1.55 (95% CI: 1.03-2.32), respectively. There were no differences in rates of
      macrosomia or preeclampsia between the three cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of
      T2DM throughout pregnancy leads to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.

PMID- 28076992
TI  - The issue of delivery room infections in the Italian law. A brief comparative
      study with English and French jurisprudence.
AB  - Delivery room infections are frequent, and many of them could be avoided through
      higher standards of care. The authors examine this issue by comparing it to
      English and French reality. Unlike England, in Italy and France the relationship
      established between health facility, physician and patient is outlined in a
      contract. In England, the judges' decisions converge toward a better and higher
      protection of the patient-the actor-and facilitate the probative task. In case of
      infections, including those occurring in the delivery room, three issues are
      evaluated: the hospital's negligent conduct, damages if any and causal nexus.
      Therefore, the hospital must demonstrate to have taken the appropriate asepsis
      measures according to current scientific knowledge concerning not only treatment,
      but also diagnosis, previous activities, surgery and post-surgery. In order to
      avoid a negative sentence, both physicians and hospital have to demonstrate their
      correct behavior and that the infection was caused by an unforeseeable event. The
      authors examine the most significant rulings by the Courts and the Supreme Court.
      They show that hospitals can avoid being accused of negligence and recklessness
      only if they can demonstrate to have implemented all the preventive measures
      provided for in the guidelines or protocols.

PMID- 28076993
TI  - Evaluation of clinical and serological findings for diagnosis of cutaneous
      anthrax infection after an outbreak.
AB  - PURPOSE: Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is one of the
      oldest documented infectious diseases in both livestock and humans. We aimed to
      evaluate clinical findings and risk factors of patients with cutaneous anthrax
      infection and report anti-lethal factor (LF) IgG and anti-protective antigen (PA)
      IgG titers in the serologic diagnosis of disease. METHODS: In this study, serum
      samples of 18 cutaneous anthrax patients were collected and anti-LF IgG and anti
      PA IgG titers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      RESULTS: Twelve (67%) males and 6 (33%) females, with a mean age of 36.06 +/-
      16.58 years were included in the study. Risk factors identified in the patient
      population studied were slaughtering (28%), flaying (56%), chopping meat (67%),
      burying diseased animal corpses (17%) and milking (6%) livestock. Black eschar
      formation (94%), pruritus (78%) and painful lymphadenopathy (61%) were first
      three common clinical signs and symptoms, respectively. Fourteen (78%) patients
      produced a positive IgG response against PA, 11 (61%) patients produced against
      LF. Three (17%) patients had no response to either antigen. CONCLUSIONS: A
      detailed history of contact with sick animals or animal products along with
      clinical findings should be taken at the first step for the diagnosis of
      cutaneous anthrax infection. Serologic detection of anti-LF IgG and anti-PA IgG
      with ELISA may be useful auxillary method for establishing the diagnosis.

PMID- 28076994
TI  - Adapted dexamethasone delivery polyethylene oxide and poly(E-caprolactone)
      construct promote mesenchymal stem cells chondrogenesis.
AB  - Issues associated with tissue transplantation and shortage of donors has always
      been a concern, whereas tissue engineering has provided the hopeful
      opportunities. The aim of this study was to investigate the chondrogenic
      differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the presence of
      embedded Dexamethasone into electrospun Poly(ethyleneoxide) nanofibers composited
      with Poly(E-caprolactone) nanofibers. Electrospun-fabricated scaffolds were
      characterized by SEM, tensile, contact angle, release profile, MTT assay, and
      chonderogenic differentiation of stem cells. Results demonstrated Poly(E
      caprolactone) properties improved by composite with a Poly(ethyleneoxide).
      Overall, stem cells seeded on nanofibers content drug showed highest chondrogenic
      potential in comparison to the other groups.

PMID- 28076995
TI  - Biosurfactants in cosmetic formulations: trends and challenges.
AB  - Cosmetic products play an essential role in everyone's life. People everyday use
      a large variety of cosmetic products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste,
      deodorant, skin care, perfume, make-up, among others. The cosmetic industry
      encompasses several environmental, social and economic impacts that are being
      addressed through the search for more efficient manufacturing techniques, the
      reduction of waste and emissions and the promotion of personal hygiene,
      contributing to an improvement of public health and at the same time providing
      employment opportunities. The current trend among consumers is the pursuit for
      natural ingredients in cosmetic products, as many of these products exhibit
      equal, better or additional benefits in comparison with the chemical-based
      products. In this sense, biosurfactants are natural compounds with great
      potential in the formulation of cosmetic products given by their biodegradability
      and impact in health. Indeed, many of these biosurfactants could exhibit a
      "prebiotic" character. This review covers the current state-of-the-art of
      biosurfactant research for cosmetic purposes and further discusses the future
      challenges for cosmetic applications.

PMID- 28076996
TI  - A serious case of anthrax associated with compartment syndrome.
AB  - Compartment syndrome linked to skin anthrax is a rare complication that may
      develop and it should be noted that the disease may progress in spite of medical
      drug treatment. Our case was a farmer who was exposed after slaughtering a dead
      animal, a time delay for treatment hided this history and then developed
      compartment syndrome. In anthrax cases with delayed treatment and aggressive
      progression, circulation in the extremities should be carefully noted. We believe
      that the cases with compartment syndrome progressing in spite of medical drug
      treatment may be assessed for fasciotomy as a treatment approach.

PMID- 28076997
TI  - Surgical treatment of severe multilevel circumferential compressive myelopathy of
      the cervical spine: is circumferential procedure necessary?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the necessity of circumferential decompression and fusion
      in patients with severe multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy with
      circumferential cord compression. METHODS: This prospective study involved 51
      patients with severe multilevel circumferential cervical myelopathy underwent two
      stage circumferential procedure between July 2008 and June 2010. VAS scores,
      satisfaction surveys and JOA scores and imaging studies were obtained. Twenty
      three patients (45.1%) underwent two-stage surgery (group A); the other 28
      patients (54.9%) were satisfied with the outcomes after first-stage surgery, and
      the second-stage surgery was avoided (group B). Age, sex and symptom duration did
      not differ between the groups. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for 3-5 years
      (mean, 42.5 months). In group A, VAS and JOA scores significantly improved from
      63.3 and 7.9 to 38.3 and 10.4, respectively, at 3 months after the first-stage
      operation and 10.2 and 12.7, respectively, at 3 months after the second-stage
      operation. In group B, the VAS and JOA scores significantly improved from 62.7
      and 7.9 to 31.1 and 11.2 respectively, at 3 months and 18.2 and 12.4,
      respectively at 6 months. Patient satisfaction rate significantly increased from
      43.5% after the first-stage operation to 82.6% after the second-stage operation
      in group A. In group B, this rate was 89.3%. In group A, cervical spine lordosis
      increased from 12.8 degrees  preoperatively to 18.5 degrees  (p < .0001) and 19.1
      degrees  (p > .05) at 3 months after the first-stage and second-stage operations,
      respectively. In group B, lordosis significantly increased from 12.5 degrees 
      preoperatively to 18.8 degrees  at 3 months. The total complication rate did not
      significantly differ from the rates after a single surgery (either anterior or
      posterior). CONCLUSION: Only 45.1% patients required surgery via both approaches.
      Therefore, a two-stage procedure is a rational choice and safe procedure. If
      outcomes are unsatisfactory after the first-stage operation, a second-stage
      operation can be performed.

PMID- 28076998
TI  - Phosphate, phytate and phytases in plants: from fundamental knowledge gained in
      Arabidopsis to potential biotechnological applications in wheat.
AB  - Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for all living organisms. In plants,
      P is taken up from the rhizosphere by the roots mainly as inorganic phosphate
      (Pi), which is required in large and sufficient quantities to maximize crop
      yields. In today's agricultural society, crop yield is mostly ensured by the
      excessive use of Pi fertilizers, a costly practice neither eco-friendly or
      sustainable. Therefore, generating plants with improved P use efficiency (PUE) is
      of major interest. Among the various strategies employed to date, attempts to
      engineer genetically modified crops with improved capacity to utilize phytate
      (PA), the largest soil P form and unfortunately not taken up by plants, remains a
      key challenge. To meet these challenges, we need a better understanding of the
      mechanisms regulating Pi sensing, signaling, transport and storage in plants. In
      this review, we summarize the current knowledge on these aspects, which are
      mainly gained from investigations conducted in Arabidopsis thaliana, and we
      extended it to those available on an economically important crop, wheat.
      Strategies to enhance the PA use, through the use of bacterial or fungal phytases
      and other attempts of reducing seed PA levels, are also discussed. We critically
      review these data in terms of their potential for use as a technology for genetic
      manipulation of PUE in wheat, which would be both economically and
      environmentally beneficial.

PMID- 28077000
TI  - Specificity rates for non-clinical, bilingual, Mexican Americans on three popular
      performance validity measures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure specificity as failure rates for non-clinical, bilingual,
      Mexican Americans on three popular performance validity measures: (a) the
      language format Reliable Digit Span; (b) visual-perceptual format Test of Memory
      Malingering; and (c) visual-perceptual format Dot Counting, using
      optimal/suboptimal effort cut scores developed for monolingual, English-speakers.
      METHODS: Participants were 61 consecutive referrals, aged between 18 and 65
      years, with <16 years of education who were subjectively bilingual (confirmed via
      formal assessment) and chose the language of assessment, Spanish or English, for
      the performance validity tests. RESULTS: Failure rates were 38% for Reliable
      Digit Span, 3% for the Test of Memory Malingering, and 7% for Dot Counting. For
      Reliable Digit Span, the failure rates for Spanish (46%) and English (31%)
      languages of administration did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS:
      Optimal/suboptimal effort cut scores derived for monolingual English-speakers can
      be used with Spanish/English bilinguals when using the visual-perceptual format
      Test of Memory Malingering and Dot Counting. The high failure rate for Reliable
      Digit Span suggests it should not be used as a performance validity measure with
      Spanish/English bilinguals, irrespective of the language of test administration,
      Spanish or English.

PMID- 28076999
TI  - Iridoids and anti-inflammatory properties of n-butanol extract of Linaria
      tingitana Boiss. & Reut.
AB  - The analysis of the n-butanol extract of Linaria tingitana (BELT) by HPLC-DAD
      ESI/MS allowed the identification of four iridoids structurally confirmed by NMR
      and ESI-MS/MS extensive experiments data. The subjection of BELT to the anti
      inflammatory activity showed that it exhibited a concentration dependent
      stabilisation of HRBC membrane, inhibition of protein denaturation and nitric
      oxide scavenging effect in the in vitro process. These results were confirmed in
      the in vivo experiments which showed that BELT was found to be most pronounced at
      200 mg/kg after carrageenan injection which significantly reduced the swelling in
      both early and late phases of carrageenan-evoked oedema, as well as a significant
      reduce at the accumulation of infiltrating cells, inhibition of the
      myeloperoxidase activity and suppressed the lipid peroxidation. These results
      were supported by the histological analysis which revealed the reduction of
      oedema and cells infiltration, this might be influenced by the synergistic action
      of the above isolated compounds.

PMID- 28077001
TI  - Non-visualized aorta in abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: Screening outcomes
      and the influence of subject and programme characteristics.
AB  - Objectives To compare abdominal aortic aneurysm screening outcomes of men with
      non-visualized aorta at original scan with subsequent scans and to determine
      predictors of non-visualized aorta. Methods In the Northern Ireland Abdominal
      Aortic Aneurysm screening programme, outcomes (discharge, annual surveillance,
      three-monthly surveillance, or vascular referral) and patient and programme
      characteristics (age, deprivation quintile, family history, technician
      experience, and screening location) for men with non-visualized aorta were
      investigated at original scan, and first and second rescans. Results Non
      visualized aorta proportions were 2.9, 11.4, and 4.7% at original, first, and
      second rescan, respectively. There were no differences in screening outcomes
      between scanning stages (98.4, 97.6, and 97.4% <3 cm). There were 42 men (0.13%)
      with aortas >=5.5 cm at original scan, but none at first and second rescan. A
      significantly greater proportion with non-visualized aorta were from more
      deprived (5.0%) than less deprived areas (1.7%). Deprivation quintile and staff
      role were significant independent non-visualized aorta predictors at original
      scan, and staff role at first rescan. Men from less deprived areas were three
      times as likely to have aortas visualized than those from more deprived areas (OR
      = 3.0, CI = 2.4-3.8) at original scan. A man scanned by screening technician
      compared with lead sonographer was 51% less likely to have aorta visualized at
      original scan and 94% less likely at first rescan. Conclusions The risk of
      abdominal aortic aneurysm in men with non-visualized aorta on first or subsequent
      rescans is no more than for those with visualized aorta on original scanning. Men
      from deprived areas are much more likely to have non-visualized aorta at original
      scan.

PMID- 28077002
TI  - Pupil size behavior during online processing of sentences.
AB  - In the present work we analyzed the pupil size behavior of 40 subjects while they
      read well-defined sentences with different contextual predictability (i.e.,
      regular sentences and proverbs). In general, pupil size increased when reading
      regular sentences, but when readers realized that they were reading proverbs
      their pupils strongly increase until finishing proverbs' reading. Our results
      suggest that an increased pupil size is not limited to cognitive load (i.e.,
      relative difficulty in processing) because when participants accurately
      recognized words during reading proverbs, theirs pupil size increased too. Our
      results show that pupil size dynamics may be a reliable measure to investigate
      the cognitive processes involved in sentence processing and memory functioning.

PMID- 28077003
TI  - Influence of extrinsic inputs and synaptic gains on dynamics of Wendling's neural
      mass model: A bifurcation analysis.
AB  - We analyze the neurodynamics attributed by a model proposed by Wendling and co
      workers (2002) [Wendling, F., Bartolomei, F., Bellanger, J.J. & Chauvel, P.
      (2002) Epileptic fast activity can be explained by a model of impaired GABAergic
      dendritic inhibition. Eur. J. Neurosci., 15, 1499.] to explain several different
      types of electroencephalographic activities. We could find three principal types
      of steady states when the system parameters change slowly: (i) the model produce
      a constant output when it is under a state of stable equilibrium point with a
      constant input. If a small perturbation is introduced (e.g., noisy input), the
      output changes into noise without oscillatory components, which is related to the
      normal background activity or low-voltage rapid activity, (ii) Hopf bifurcations
      lead to stable limit cycles, which we call Hopf cycles. The model generates a
      rhythmic oscillating output when it is under a state of Hopf cycles, which is
      related to slow rhythmic activity or slow quasi-sinusoidal activity, (iii) global
      bifurcations lead to homoclinic limit cycles that appear suddenly at high
      amplitude, which we call spike cycles. In general, the spike cycles are not
      harmonic but they have a spike-like appearance (anharmonic oscillation). The
      model produces a spike-like output when it is under a state of spike cycles,
      which is related to the sustained discharge of spikes. Finally, the bifurcation
      analysis demonstrates the influence of the interaction between the excitatory and
      inhibitory synaptic gains on the dynamics.

PMID- 28077005
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28077004
TI  - Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Modulation as a Target for Ameliorating Effects of
      Blast Induced Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - Blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) has been shown to contribute to progressive
      neurodegenerative disease. Recent evidence suggests that endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) stress is a mechanistic link between acute neurotrauma and progressive
      tauopathy. We propose that ER stress contributes to extensive behavioral changes
      associated with a chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)-like phenotype.
      Targeting ER stress is a promising option for the treatment of neurotrauma
      related neurodegeneration, which warrants investigation. Utilizing our validated
      and clinically relevant Sprague-Dawley blast model, we investigated a time course
      of mechanistic changes that occur following bTBI (50 psi) including: ER stress
      activation, iron-mediated toxicity, and tauopathy via Western blot and
      immunohistochemistry. These changes were associated with behavioral alterations
      measured by the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Forced Swim Test (FST), and Morris
      Water Maze (MWM). Following characterization, salubrinal, an ER stress modulator,
      was given at a concentration of 1 mg/kg post-blast, and its mechanism of action
      was determined in vitro. bTBI significantly increased markers of injury in the
      cortex of the left hemisphere: p-PERK and p-eIF2alpha at 30 min, p-T205 tau at 6
      h, and iron at 24 h. bTBI animals spent more time immobile on the FST at 72 h and
      more time in the open arm of the EPM at 7 days. Further, bTBI caused a
      significant learning disruption measured with MWM at 21 days post-blast, with
      persistent tau changes. Salubrinal successfully reduced ER stress markers in vivo
      and in vitro while significantly improving performance on the EPM. bTBI causes
      robust biochemical changes that contribute to neurodegeneration, but these
      changes may be targeted with ER stress modulators.

PMID- 28077006
TI  - Longitudinal Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life following Adolescent
      Sports-Related Concussion.
AB  - To examine initial and longitudinal health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in
      adolescent sports-related concussion (SRC) patients, a prospective observational
      case-series study was conducted among adolescent SRC patients who were evaluated
      at a multi-disciplinary pediatric concussion program. Health-related quality of
      life was measured using the child self-report Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory
      (PedsQL) generic score scale (age 13-18 version) and the PedsQL Cognitive
      Functioning scale. Initial and longitudinal HRQOL outcomes were compared between
      patients who did and did not develop post-concussion syndrome (PCS). A total of
      63 patients met the inclusion criteria during the study period. The mean age of
      the cohort was 14.57 years (standard deviation, 1.17) and 61.9% were male. The
      median time from injury to initial consultation was 6.5 days (interquartile
      range, 5, 11). At initial consultation, impairments in physical and cognitive
      HRQOL but not social or emotional HRQOL were observed. Initial symptom burden and
      length of recovery were associated with greater impairment in physical and
      cognitive HRQOL. Patients who went on to develop PCS had significantly worse
      physical and cognitive HRQOL at initial consultation and demonstrated a slower
      rate of recovery in these domains, compared with those who recovered in less than
      30 days. Adolescent SRC was associated with HRQOL impairments that correlated
      with clinical outcomes. No persistent impairments in HRQOL were detected among
      patients who achieved physician-documented clinical recovery. Future studies are
      needed to evaluate the clinical utility of HRQOL measurement in the longitudinal
      management of adolescent SRC and PCS patients.

PMID- 28077007
TI  - Accurate and fast urinalysis in febrile patients by flow cytometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The urine culture is worldwide accepted as the gold standard in
      diagnosing urinary tract infections, but is time consuming and costly, other
      methods are fast but moderately reliable. We investigated whether counting the
      number of bacteria by flow cytometry could be a fast and accurate method to
      analyze urine samples in febrile patients at the emergency department (ED).
      METHODS: Urine samples were obtained from 140 febrile patients at the ED.
      Urinalysis was performed according to standard procedures. Flow cytometric
      analysis for bacteria was performed with the Accuri C6 flow cytometer. Diagnostic
      values were determined at various cut-off points by using urine culture as the
      gold standard. RESULTS: The highest diagnostic accuracy of urinalysis of bacteria
      was obtained with flow cytometric analysis (AUC of 0.96). The best cut-off value
      for bacteria counted by flow cytometry based on the ROC-curve was 3.72 * 106
      bacteria/mL, this resulted in a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 88.2%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Counting bacteria by flow cytometry has the highest diagnostic
      accuracy and is superior to other methods in urinalysis in febrile patients in
      the ED when using urine culture as the gold standard.

PMID- 28077008
TI  - Is decreasing mortality in total hip and knee arthroplasty patients dependent on
      patients' comorbidity?
AB  - Background and purpose - Mortality after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty
      (THA and TKA) has declined, and the proportion of THA and TKA patients with
      comorbid conditions has increased. We therefore wanted to examine changes in
      comorbidity burden over time and the impact of comorbid on mortality following
      primary total hip and knee arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis. Patients
      and methods - We used the Danish arthroplasty registers to identify THA and TKA
      patients from 1996 through 2013. From administrative databases, we collected data
      on pre-surgery hospital history for all patients, which were used to calculate
      the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Patients were divided into 4 groups: CCI
      none, CCI-low, CCI-moderate, and CCI-high. We calculated the relative risk (RR)
      of mortality within 90 days after surgery with a 95% confidence interval (CI),
      with stratification according to CCI group and year of surgery. Results - 99,962
      THAs and 63,718 TKAs were included. The proportion of THAs with comorbidity
      increased by 3-4% in CCI-low, CCI-moderate, and CCI-high patients, from 1996-1999
      to 2010-2013. The overall 90-day mortality risk declined for both procedures.
      Compared to CCI-none, THA patients with low, moderate, and high comorbidity
      burdens had an RR of 90-day mortality of 1.9 (95% CI: 1.6-2.4), 1.9 (CI: 1.5
      2.5), and 3.3 (CI: 2.6-4.2), respectively. Similar increases in proportions and
      RRs were observed in TKAs. Interpretation - Despite the fact that the proportion
      of THA and TKA patients with comorbidities has increased over the past 18 years,
      the overall mortality has declined. The mortality risk depended on the
      comorbidity burden and did not decline during the study period for THA and TKA
      patients with a moderate or high comorbidity burden at the time of surgery.

PMID- 28077009
TI  - Cognitive Decline, Body Mass Index, and Waist Circumference in Community-Dwelling
      Elderly Participants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the association of body mass
      index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and BMI and WC changes over time with
      cognitive decline in a nationally representative sample. METHODS: A total of 5239
      participants (>=65 years) were followed for 3 years as part of the National
      Health and Aging Trends Study. Cox proportional hazard regression was applied to
      model the risk of cognitive decline. RESULTS: BMI, after adjusting for WC and
      main confounders, was associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline (hazard
      ratio [HR] 0.97 for each unit BMI increase, 0.95-0.99). After stratifying by
      gender and age, this effect remained significant among females and young elders
      <=80 years. A BMI decrease and WC increase >10% over the study period were
      associated with increased risk of cognitive decline (HR 1.98, 1.16-3.38; HR 1.30,
      1.04-1.62, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the elderly individuals, lean mass, as
      measured by BMI adjusted for WC, was associated with reduced risk of cognitive
      decline. Loss of lean mass and gain of fat mass, as measured by WC adjusted for
      BMI, were associated with elevated risk of cognitive decline.

PMID- 28077010
TI  - Positive Aspects of Caregiving Questionnaire.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The potential role of positive aspects of caregiving in enhancing
      caregivers' health is an important issue. The aim of this study was to develop
      and validate Positive Aspects of Caregiving Questionnaire (PACQ) in caregivers of
      patients with dementia in Iran. METHODS: Content validation process was used to
      content valid development. Cronbach alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient
      (ICC) were calculated as reliability indices. We used exploratory factor analysis
      to extract potential latent factors and evaluate the factor structure of PACQ. We
      assess correlation between PACQ and caregiver burden for divergent validity. For
      convergent validity, correlation between PACQ and self-rated health was
      specified. RESULTS: Content validity indices (CVIs), internal consistency, and
      test-retest reliability were CVI > 0.80, alpha = 0.785, and ICC = 0.905,
      respectively. Moreover, item-total correlations confirmed good reliability of
      PACQ. Two factors were identified by factor analysis in this 10-item measure:
      patient and caregiver relationship and caregiver's psychological well-being.
      Divergent validity and convergent validity were established by high negative
      correlation between positive aspect of caregiving (PAC) and caregiver burden
      along with significant positive correlation between PAC and self-rated health,
      respectively. While Cronbach alpha for the entire scale was 0.785, Cronbach
      alphas for both of the scale components were 0.71. CONCLUSION: The PACQ
      demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties of reliability and performs well
      in preliminary tests of validity as a measure of positive aspects of caregiving.
      This measure can be used to determine the outcome of interventional programs on
      positive, not only negative, aspect of caregiving.

PMID- 28077011
TI  - Mourning and Grief on Facebook: An Examination of Motivations for Interacting
      With the Deceased.
AB  - Facebook not only changed the way we communicate but also the way we mourn and
      express grief. The social networking site allows users to interact with deceased
      users' walls after death. This study utilized textual analysis to categorize
      Facebook posts ( N = 122) on 30 deceased users' walls according to uses and
      gratifications theory. Most posts were found to be motivated by entertainment,
      followed by integration and social interaction. Facebook users posted memories,
      condolences, and interacted with friends and family members in the deceased
      user's network. Implications and potential future research are discussed.

PMID- 28077012
TI  - Phonological Working Memory Deficits in ADHD Revisited.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study dissociates lower level information-processing
      abilities (visual registration/encoding, visual-to-phonological conversion, and
      response output) and examines their contribution to ADHD-related phonological
      working memory (PHWM) deficits. METHOD: Twenty children with ADHD and 15
      typically developing (TD) children completed tasks assessing PHWM, visual
      registration/encoding, visual-to-phonological conversion, and response output.
      RESULTS: Relative to TD children, children with ADHD exhibited deficient visual
      registration/encoding ( d = 0.60), visual-to-phonological conversion ( d = 0.56),
      and PHWM ( d = 0.72) but faster response output ( d = -0.66). Bias-corrected,
      bootstrapped mediation analyses revealed that visual registration/encoding, but
      not visual-to-phonological conversion, partially mediated ADHD-related PHWM
      impairments. In contrast, faster response output in children with ADHD served as
      a suppressor variable, such that greater PHWM deficits were observed in children
      with ADHD after controlling for their faster response output ( d = 0.72 vs.
      0.85). CONCLUSION: Results implicate both lower level (visual
      registration/encoding) and higher order (PHWM) impairments in ADHD. Implications
      for designing educationally relevant cognitive interventions are discussed.

PMID- 28077013
TI  - Disgust-Related Olfactory Processing: The Role of Gender and Trait Disgust.
AB  - For the rejection of disgusting and potentially health-threatening food, the
      sense of smell plays a critical role. We conducted two experiments in order to
      investigate the role of gender and trait disgust (the temporally stable tendency
      to experience disgust across different situations) on disgust-related olfactory
      processing. A total of 40 men and women (Study 1), as well as a group of women
      divided according to high versus low trait disgust (Study 2, n = 59), were
      compared with regard to their odor thresholds for carbon disulfide (which smells
      like spoiled food) and a control stimulus ( n-butanol). The stimuli were rated
      for experienced arousal, negative valence, and familiarity. In addition, all
      participants underwent the "Sniffin' Sticks" battery assessing general olfactory
      performance. We found that women had a lower carbon disulfide threshold and rated
      this odorant as more unpleasant than men. Trait disgust was neither associated
      with the detection of the odorant signaling spoilage, nor with general olfactory
      function. The latter finding questions the role of this personality trait for
      olfactory-driven food-rejection responses, at least for normosmic individuals.

PMID- 28077014
TI  - Factors associated with reduced functional outcome and quality of life in
      patients having limb-sparing surgery for soft tissue sarcomas - a national
      multicenter study of 128 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limb-sparing surgery for sarcomas has become possible in most cases.
      However, the impact of the procedure on the functional outcome has only been
      investigated in a few studies. The aim of this study has been to identify tumor-
      and patient-related factors associated with reduced functional outcome and
      quality of life after limb-sparing surgery in soft tissue sarcoma patients.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 128 patients (mean age = 58, female/male = 54/74)
      who were treated with limb-sparing surgery without bone resection for soft tissue
      sarcomas in Denmark during the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2011 were
      included. Patients were asked to participate at least one year after surgery, and
      patients who had experienced local recurrence or metastatic disease were
      excluded. The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) measured functional
      disability, while the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) measured
      functional impairment. European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer
      (EORTC) QLQ-C30 measured quality of life. Tumor- and patient-related factors
      (age, gender, tumor depth, tumor size, malignancy, comorbidity, location, and
      radiotherapy) were extracted from the Danish National Sarcoma Database. Wilcoxon
      rank-sum test and Kruskal-Wallis were used for univariable analysis. Adjusted
      odds ratios were estimated by using multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS:
      In the multiple regression analysis, it was found that female gender (p = 0.03),
      lower extremity tumors (p < 0.01) and radiotherapy (p = 0.02) resulted in an
      increased risk of a lower TESS score. Initial reduced postoperative function was
      found to be associated with a lower functional outcome. Patients with reduced
      functional outcome have increased risk for reduced quality of life (p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that patient- and tumor-related
      factors have an important role in the functional outcome.

PMID- 28077015
TI  - Atypical femoral fractures mimicking metastatic lesions in 2 patients taking
      denosumab.

PMID- 28077016
TI  - Bone mineral density is close to normal for age in long-term lymphoma survivors
      treated with high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have assessed bone health in lymphoma survivors treated
      with high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT-ASCT).
      Therefore, we aimed to assess bone mineral density (BMD) at six different
      skeletal sites and to investigate associations between clinical factors and BMD
      in these survivors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eligible lymphoma survivors were aged
      >=18 years at diagnosis and at HDT-ASCT given between 1987 and 2008. Participants
      responded to questionnaires, blood samples were drawn, and a dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA) was performed. Mean Z-score was applied for assessment of
      BMD in relation to age. Prevalence of Z-scores >=-1, between -1 and -2, and <=-2
      is reported for each measurement site and for the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and
      hip in combination. Likewise, T-scores were applied to assess the prevalence of
      normal BMD (>=-1), osteopenia (between -1 and -2.5), and osteoporosis (<=-2.5).
      RESULTS: We included 228 lymphoma survivors, of whom 62% were males. The median
      age at survey was 56 years, and median observation time from HDT-ASCT was eight
      years. Among males, Z-scores were lower at the left femoral neck and higher at
      the ultra-distal (UD) radius and whole body compared to the Lunar reference
      database. In females, Z-scores were lower at UD radius and one-third (33%) radius
      and higher at the whole body. Using a classification based on Z-scores at the
      lumbar spine, femoral neck, and hip in combination, 25% of males and 16% of
      females had Z-scores <-1 and >-2, while 8% and 6% had Z-scores <=-2. According to
      T-scores, 35% of males and 41% of females had osteopenia, while 8% and 13% had
      osteoporosis, respectively. CONCLUSION: BMD was close to normal for age in this
      population of long-term lymphoma survivors treated with HDT-ASCT.

PMID- 28077017
TI  - Adolescent and young adult (AYA) lymphoma survivors report lower health-related
      quality of life compared to a normative population: results from the PROFILES
      registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trying to simultaneously achieve developmental milestones and cope
      with a life-threatening disease may place adolescents and young adults (AYAs) at
      risk for impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) later in life. The aim
      of this study was to examine differences in HRQoL between AYA lymphoma survivors
      and a normative population and to determine sociodemographic, clinical and long
      term symptom-related factors associated with HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This
      study was part of a longitudinal, population-based survey among lymphoma
      survivors diagnosed between 1999 and 2012. The AYA survivor sample (18-39 years
      at time diagnosis) was compared to a sex- and age-matched normative population on
      HRQoL (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and psychological distress (HADS). Multiple linear
      regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with HRQoL
      among survivors. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-eight AYA lymphoma survivors
      (58%) responded to the study invitation. Compared to an age- and sex-matched
      normative population (N = 380), significantly and clinically relevant poorer
      HRQoL was observed for AYA lymphoma survivors in seven specific domains of HRQoL:
      physical, role, cognitive, emotional, social functioning, fatigue and financial
      difficulties (all p < 0.05). In addition, AYA lymphoma survivors less often had a
      spouse/partner and more often had a lower educational level compared to the
      normative population. Linear regression analyses showed that being unemployed,
      female gender, having one or more comorbid conditions, high levels of fatigue and
      psychological distress were most strongly associated with HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings identify specific domains of life in which cancer has a
      significant and long-term impact for AYA lymphoma survivors. Future
      investigations are needed to identify and test administrations and timing of
      psychosocial support interventions having potential to reduce long-term late
      effects in specific HRQoL domains and promote function and adaptability after
      cancer treatment.

PMID- 28077018
TI  - Patient factors and quality of life outcomes differ among four subgroups of
      oncology patients based on symptom occurrence.
AB  - CONTEXT: Reviews of the literature on symptoms in oncology patients undergoing
      curative treatment, as well as patients receiving palliative care, suggest that
      they experience multiple, co-occurring symptoms and side effects. OBJECTIVES: The
      purposes of this study were to determine if subgroups of oncology patients could
      be identified based on symptom occurrence rates and if these subgroups differed
      on a number of demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as on quality of
      life (QoL) outcomes. METHODS: Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify
      subgroups (i.e. latent classes) of patients with distinct symptom experiences
      based on the occurrence rates for the 13 most common symptoms from the Memorial
      Symptom Assessment Scale. RESULTS: In total, 534 patients with breast, head and
      neck, colorectal, or ovarian cancer participated. Four latent classes of patients
      were identified based on probability of symptom occurrence: all low class [i.e.
      low probability for all symptoms (n = 152)], all high class (n = 149), high
      psychological class (n = 121), and low psychological class (n = 112). Patients in
      the all high class were significantly younger compared with patients in the all
      low class. Furthermore, compared to the other three classes, patients in the all
      high class had lower functional status and higher comorbidity scores, and
      reported poorer QoL scores. Patients in the high and low psychological classes
      had a moderate probability of reporting physical symptoms. Patients in the low
      psychological class reported a higher number of symptoms, a lower functional
      status, and poorer physical and total QoL scores. CONCLUSION: Distinct subgroups
      of oncology patients can be identified based on symptom occurrence rates. Patient
      characteristics that are associated with these subgroups can be used to identify
      patients who are at greater risk for multiple co-occurring symptoms and
      diminished QoL, so that these patients can be offered appropriate symptom
      management interventions.

PMID- 28077019
TI  - Independence: proposing an initial framework for occupational therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of independence is common in occupational therapy theory
      and practice but has rarely been clearly defined or conceptualized within in
      occupational therapy literature and there seems to be no standard definition.
      This can result in ambiguity, which potentially jeopardizes client-centred
      practice. AIM: This paper proposes an occupational therapy independence framework
      (OTIF) that synthesizes the range of characterizations of independence in a
      practically useful and occupation-centred manner. METHODS: A review of
      literature, clinical experience, doctoral research and conversations with
      occupational therapists and disabled people, in particular those involved in a
      disability activism group and people with physical disabilities, has led to the
      development of the OTIF. RESULTS: Independence and interdependence, as
      characterized in the OTIF, occur when an individual exerts choice over
      occupational performance and can engage in occupations in a manner acceptable to
      the individual. Interdependence results when occupations are performed with
      another person whereas independence involves solitary occupational performance.
      Dependence typically results from inability to choose occupations or a mismatch
      between performance capacity and environmental factors. SIGNIFICANCE: The OTIF
      has the potential to clarify the conceptualization of independence within
      occupational therapy theory and practice. This initial proposal is presented to
      stimulate debate and discussion.

PMID- 28077021
TI  - Mainlandization, the ICAC, and the Seriousness Attached by Local Politicians to
      Corruption in Post-1997 Hong Kong.
AB  - To date, few studies have focused on how the public has perceived the
      effectiveness of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
      Furthermore, little is known about how the public has assessed the functions of
      the ICAC during the political-economic convergence between Hong Kong and mainland
      China since 1997. This study attempts to explore local politicians' perceptions
      towards the ICAC in post-1997 Hong Kong. The quantitative data show that the
      important historical juncture of mainlandization has been politicized in Hong
      Kong and has deeply influenced the seriousness attached by local politicians to
      corruption. Moreover, a mediating path of the effect of "Conflict of Interest" on
      the "Perceived Seriousness of Corruption" has been found, that is,
      mainlandization is found to have brought about increased levels of conflict of
      interest among government officials, which has weakened the symbolic anti
      corruption function of the ICAC and, in turn, has affected the perceived
      seriousness attached to corruption.

PMID- 28077020
TI  - Relationship between 18F-Flutemetamol uptake and RBANS performance in non
      demented community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status
      (RBANS) has been used extensively for clinical care and in research for patients
      with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, relatively
      few studies have evaluated the relationship between RBANS performance and AD
      imaging biomarkers. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the
      association between a relatively new amyloid positron emission tomography imaging
      biomarker and performance on the RBANS. METHODS: Twenty-seven nondemented
      community-dwelling adults over the age of 65 underwent 18F-Flutemetamol amyloid-
      positron emission tomography imaging, along with cognitive testing using the
      RBANS and select behavioral measures. Partial correlation coefficients were used
      to identify relationships between the imaging and behavioral markers. RESULTS:
      After controlling for age and education, amyloid deposition and RBANS Indexes of
      Immediate Memory, Delayed Memory, and Total Scale score were significantly
      correlated (p's < .001, r's = -.73 to -.77, d's = 2.13-2.39), with greater
      amyloid burden being associated with lower RBANS scores. The Delayed Memory Index
      was particularly highly associated with 18F-Flutemetamol binding (r2 = .59, p <
      .001, d = 2.39). Neither 18F-Flutemetamol binding nor RBANS performance was
      significantly correlated with levels of depression, subjective cognitive
      difficulties, or premorbid intellect. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the limited use of
      amyloid imaging in clinical settings due to high cost and lack of reimbursement,
      these findings suggest that in particular RBANS Delayed Memory Index may be a
      cost-efficient tool to identify early signs of AD pathology, and its use may
      enlighten clinical decision-making regarding potential progression to dementia
      due to AD.

PMID- 28077022
TI  - Feasibility of a novel multispot nanoarray for antibiotic screening in honey.
AB  - Practical solutions for multiple antibiotic determination in food are required by
      the food industry and regulators for cost-effective screening purposes. This
      study describes the feasibility in development and preliminary performance of a
      novel multispot nanoarray for antibiotic screening in honey. Using a multiplex
      approach, the metabolites of the four main nitrofuran antibiotics, including
      morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidone (AMOZ), 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ),
      semicarbazide (SEM), 1-aminohydantoin (AHD) and chloramphenicol (CAP), were
      simultaneously detected. Antibodies specific to the five antibiotics were nano
      spotted onto microtitre plate wells and a direct competitive assay format was
      employed. The assay characteristics and performance were evaluated for
      feasibility as a screening tool for antibiotic determination in honey to replace
      traditional ELISAs. Optimisation of the spotting and assay parameters was
      undertaken with both individual and multiplex calibration curves generated in PBS
      and a honey matrix. The limits of detection as determined by the 20% inhibitory
      concentrations (IC20) were determined as 0.19, 0.83, 0.09, 15.2 and 35.9 ng ml-1
      in PBS, 0.34, 0.87, 0.17, 42.1 and 90.7 ng ml-1 in honey (fortified at the start
      of the extraction), and 0.23, 0.98, 0.24, 24.8 and 58.9 ng ml-1 in honey
      (fortified at the end of the extraction) for AMOZ, AOZ, CAP, SEM and AHD
      respectively. This work has demonstrated the potential of multiplex analysis for
      antibiotics with results available for 40 samples within a 90-min period for
      antibiotics sharing a common sample preparation. Although both the SEM and AHD
      assay do not show the required sensitivity with the antibodies available for use
      to meet regulatory limits, with further improvements in these particular
      antibodies this multiplex format has the potential to show a reduction in cost
      with reduced labour time in combination with the high-throughput screening of
      samples. This is the first 96-well spotted microtitre plate nanoarray for the
      semi-quantitative and simultaneous analysis of antibiotics.

PMID- 28077023
TI  - HIV-associated sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis - an emerging threat?
AB  - Earlier age of measles virus infection predisposes to development of sub-acute
      sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and this risk is heightened in HIV-infected
      children. We describe a HIV-infected young adult on antiretroviral therapy,
      presenting with a non-classical, fulminant form of SSPE to highlight the
      unpredictable nature of measles presentation. The recent spate of measles
      outbreaks due to virus introduction in populations with sub-optimal vaccine
      coverage or waning immunity and co-existing paediatric HIV cohorts is a cause for
      concern.

PMID- 28077024
TI  - Localization of functional beta-xylosidases, encoded by the same single gene,
      xlsIV (xlnD), from Aspergillus niger E-1.
AB  - Cell wall-associated beta-xylosidase was isolated from Aspergillus niger E-1 and
      identified as XlsIV, corresponding to the extracellular enzyme XlnD reported
      previously. xlsIV was transcribed only in the early cultivation period. Cell wall
      associated enzyme activity gradually decreased, but extracellular activity
      increased as the strain grew. These results indicate that XlsIV (XlnD) was
      secreted into culture after localizing at cell wall.

PMID- 28077025
TI  - Total mercury levels in commercial fish species from Italian fishery and
      aquaculture.
AB  - Total mercury levels were measured in 42 commercial fish species caught off the
      Central Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts of Italy and in 6 aquaculture species. The
      study on wild fish covered species differing in living habitat and trophic level.
      The study on farmed fish covered marine and freshwater species from intensive and
      extensive aquaculture and their feed. Mercury levels were analysed by thermal
      decomposition-amalgamation-atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Total mercury
      concentrations in the muscle of wild fish showed a high variability among species
      (0.025-2.20 mg kg-1 wet weight). The lowest levels were detected in low trophic
      level demersal and pelagic-neritic fish and in young individuals of high trophic
      level species. Levels exceeding the European Commission limits were found in
      large-size specimens of high trophic-level pelagic and demersal species. Fish
      from intensive farming showed low levels of total mercury (0.008-0.251 mg kg-1).
      Fish from extensive rearing showed variable contamination levels, depending on
      the area of provenience. An estimation of the human intake of mercury associated
      to the consumption of the studied fish and its comparison with the tolerable
      weekly intake is provided.

PMID- 28077026
TI  - A case-control study of risk factors of chronic venous ulceration in patients
      with varicose veins.
AB  - Background/objectives Venous ulcers carry psychological and high financial burden
      for patients, causing depression, pain, and limitation of mobility. The study
      aimed to identify factors associated with an increased risk of venous ulceration
      in patients with varicose veins in Armenia. Methods A case-control study design
      was utilized enrolling 80 patients in each group, who underwent varicose
      treatment surgery in two specialized surgical centers in Armenia during 2013-2014
      years. Cases were patients with varicose veins and venous leg ulcers. Controls
      included patients with varicose veins but without venous leg ulcers. Data were
      collected using interviewer-administered telephone interviews and medical record
      abstraction. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk
      factors of venous ulceration. Results There were more females than males in both
      groups (72.5% of cases and 85.0 % of controls). Cases were on average older than
      controls (53.9 vs. 39.2 years old, p <= 0.001). After adjusting for potential
      confounders, the estimated odds of developing venous ulcer was higher in patients
      with history of post thrombotic syndrome (odds ratio = 14.90; 95% confidence
      interval: 3.95-56.19; p = 0.001), with higher average sitting time (odds ratio =
      1.32 per hour of sitting time; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.61; p = 0.006),
      those with reflux in deep veins (odds ratio = 3.58; 95% confidence interval: 1.23
      10.31; p = 0.019) and history of leg injury (odds ratio = 3.12; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.18-8.23; p = 0.022). Regular exercise in form of walking (>=5 days
      per week) was found to be a protective factor from venous ulceration (odds ratio
      = 0.26; 95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.90; p = 0.034). Conclusion We found that
      reflux in deep veins, history of leg injury, history of post thrombotic syndrome,
      and physical inactivity were significant risk factors for venous ulceration in
      patients with varicose veins, while regular physical exercise mitigated that
      risk. Future studies should investigate the relationships between the duration
      and type of regular exercise and the risk of venous ulceration to make more
      specific recommendations on preventing ulcer development.

PMID- 28077027
TI  - Probabilistic acute risk assessment of cumulative exposure to organophosphorus
      and carbamate pesticides from dietary vegetables and fruits in Shanghai
      populations.
AB  - Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) and carbamate pesticides (CPs) are among the
      most widely used pesticides in China, playing a major role in protecting
      agricultural commodities. In this study, we determined the cumulative acute
      exposure to OPs and CPs of Shanghai residents from vegetables and fruits (VFs).
      The food consumption data were obtained from the Shanghai Food Consumption Survey
      (SHFCS) of 2012-14 including a total of 1973 participants aged 2-90 years. The
      pesticide residue data were obtained from the Shanghai monitoring programme
      during 2008-11 with 34 organophosphates and 11 carbamates analysed in a total of
      5335 samples of VFs. A probabilistic approach was performed as recommended by the
      EFSA, using the optimistic model with non-detects set as zero and with processing
      factors (PFs) being used and the pessimistic model with non-detects replaced by
      limit of detection (LOD) and without PFs. We used the relative potency factor
      (RPF) method to normalise the various pesticides to the index compound (IC) of
      methamidophos and chlorpyrifos separately. Only in the pessimistic model using
      methamidophos as the IC was there was small risk of exposure exceeding the ARfD
      (3 ug kg-1 bw day-1) in the populations of preschool children (0.029%), school
      age children (0.022%) and adults (0.002%). There were no risk of exposure
      exceeding the ARfD of methamidophos in the optimistic model and of chlorpyrifos
      (100 ug kg-1 bw day-1) in both optimistic and pessimistic models in all three
      populations. Considering the Chinese habits of overwhelmingly eating processed
      food (vegetables being cooked, and fruits being washed or peeled), we conclude
      that little acute risk was found for the exposure to VF-sourced OPs and CPs in
      Shanghai.

PMID- 28077029
TI  - The behavior of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in different environments.
AB  - Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) including plasmids have an important role in the
      rapid evolution and adaptation of bacteria. Here, the behavior of MGEs in
      different environments is reviewed, in particular, behavior of the plasmid pCAR1,
      a carbazole-degradative plasmid isolated from Pseudomonas resinovorans CA10.
      pCAR1 belongs to incompatibility P-7 group and is self-transmissible among
      different bacteria. Comparisons of changes in the transcriptome of different host
      strains caused by carrying pCAR1 revealed common responses in the hosts and host
      specific responses. Monitoring the survival of the host and transfer of the
      plasmid in artificial and natural environmental samples revealed several
      environmental factors, including cations and water content, which changed the
      behavior of both the host and its plasmid. Single-cell level analysis to detect
      the transconjugants of different plasmids successfully determined the transfer
      range of the plasmids. Three nucleoid-associated proteins encoded on pCAR1 are
      important factors affecting its genetic stability, maintenance, and transfer.

PMID- 28077028
TI  - Ferulic acid suppresses expression of tryptophan metabolic key enzyme indoleamine
      2, 3-dioxygenase via NFkappaB and p38 MAPK in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated
      microglial cells.
AB  - Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenol compound found in plants that has anti-inflammatory
      properties. Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a tryptophan catabolic enzyme
      induced in immune cells, including glial cells, during inflammation. Enhanced IDO
      expression leads to reduced tryptophan levels and increased levels of toxic
      metabolites, including quinolinic acid. Therefore, inhibition of IDO expression
      may be effective in suppressing progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In
      this study, we examined the effect of FA in microglial cells on IDO expression
      levels and related inflammatory signal molecules. FA suppressed LPS-induced IDO
      mRNA expression and also suppressed nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and
      phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. However, FA did not affect the production of LPS
      induced inflammatory mediators and phosphorylation of JNK. Our results indicate
      that FA suppresses LPS-induced IDO mRNA expression, which may be mediated by
      inhibition of the NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK pathways in microglial cells.

PMID- 28077030
TI  - Mortality rates in OECD countries converged during the period 1990-2010.
AB  - AIMS: Since the scientific revolution of the 18th century, human health has
      gradually improved, but there is no unifying theory that explains this
      improvement in health. Studies of macrodeterminants have produced conflicting
      results. Most studies have analysed health at a given point in time as the
      outcome; however, the rate of improvement in health might be a more appropriate
      outcome. METHODS: Twenty-eight OECD member countries were selected for analysis
      in the period 1990-2010. The main outcomes studied, in six age groups, were the
      national rates of decrease in mortality in the period 1990-2010. The effects of
      seven potential determinants on the rates of decrease in mortality were analysed
      in linear multiple regression models using least squares, controlling for country
      specific history constants, which represent the mortality rate in 1990. RESULTS:
      The multiple regression analyses started with models that only included mortality
      rates in 1990 as determinants. These models explained 87% of the intercountry
      variation in the children aged 1-4 years and 51% in adults aged 55-74 years. When
      added to the regression equations, the seven determinants did not seem to
      significantly increase the explanatory power of the equations. CONCLUSIONS: The
      analyses indicated a decrease in mortality in all nations and in all age groups.
      The development of mortality rates in the different nations demonstrated
      significant catch-up effects. Therefore an important objective of the national
      public health sector seems to be to reduce the delay between international
      research findings and the universal implementation of relevant innovations.

PMID- 28077032
TI  - Iodine-responsive poly (HEMA-PVP) hydrogel for self-regulating burst-free
      extended release.
AB  - Swollen hydrogels with extended iodine release kinetics is highly desirable for
      burn and scald treatment. In this paper semi-interpenetrating poly (HEMA-PVP)
      hydrogels were prepared by radical polymerization followed by thermo-treatment to
      crosslink its PVP component. Incorporation of PVP component endows the hydrogels
      responsive to loaded iodine undergoing a reversible shrunken/swollen volume
      transition. This resulted in a self-regulating iodine release model, in which
      shrunken hydrogel at high iodine loading decreased drug diffusion thereby
      reducing burst release, and then gradually swollen hydrogel as drug release
      ensures rapid release of dissociated drug from strong affinity sites on hydrogel
      backbone, achieving a burst-free extended release. The hydrogels demonstrated
      11.5-fold higher iodine loading than pure pHEMA hydrogel and showed a highest 40%
      volume shrink. Initial burst release of iodine was efficiently decreased from
      12,894 MUg/day of pure pHEMA hydrogel to 2570 MUg/day of pHEMA/PVP hydrogel with
      37% PVP content. Iodine-loaded hydrogels showed zero-order release at three time
      periods of 0-15 h, 15 h-3.5 days and 3.5-23.5 days corresponding to release rate
      of 2570, 776 and 493 MUg/day. The work gained a new insight into swollen hydrogel
      drug delivery system with burst-free extended drug release kinetics.

PMID- 28077033
TI  - Governing health equity in Scandinavian municipalities: The inter-sectorial
      challenge.
AB  - AIMS: Local governments in the Scandinavian countries are increasingly committed
      to reduce health inequity through 'health equity in all policies' (HEiAP)
      governance. There exists, however, only very sporadic implementation evidence
      concerning municipal HEiAP governance, which is the focus of this study. METHODS:
      Data are based on qualitative thematic network analysis of 20 interviews
      conducted from 2014 to 2015 with Scandinavian political and administrative
      practitioners. RESULTS: We identify 24 factors located within three categories;
      political processes, where insufficient political commitment to health equity
      goals outside of the health sector and inadequate economic prioritization budget
      curbs implementation. Concerning evidence, there is a lack of epidemiological
      data, detailed evidence of health equity interventions as well as indicators
      relevant for monitoring implementation. Concerted administrative action relates
      to a lack of vertical support and alignment from the national and the regional
      level to the local level. Horizontally within the municipality, insufficient
      coordination across policy sectors inhibits effective health equity governance.
      CONCLUSIONS: A shift away from 'health in all policies' based on a narrow health
      concept towards 'health equity for all policies' based on a broader concept such
      as 'sustainability' can improve ownership of health equity policy goals across
      municipal sectors.

PMID- 28077034
TI  - Written reflection in assessment and appraisal: GP and GP trainee views.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the UK, evidence of written reflection is part of licensing and
      revalidation for general practitioners (GPs). However, there is little evidence
      of specific benefits compared to other forms of reflective practice. AIM: To seek
      GPs' and general practice (GP) trainees' views on the role of written reflection
      in learning and assessment. DESIGN AND SETTING: An online survey of 1005 GPs and
      GP trainees (GPTs) in the UK. METHOD: An anonymous questionnaire containing 38
      attitudinal items was administered. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse
      Likert scale responses, thematic analysis for free-text responses. RESULTS: In
      total 544 GPs and 461 GPTs completed the survey, with 842 (83.8%) agreeing they
      find verbal reflection with a colleague more useful than written reflection.
      Three quarters disagreed that written reflection is a way of identifying poorly
      performing GPs. Over 70% of respondents stated that summative, written reflection
      is a time-consuming, box-ticking exercise which distracts from other learning.
      They question its validity as part of assessment and state that its use may
      contribute to current difficulties with recruitment and retention to GP.
      CONCLUSIONS: For many GPs, written reflection is an onerous process rather than
      beneficial to their learning, indicating its continued use in assessment needs to
      be critically examined.

PMID- 28077035
TI  - Nurses' online behaviour: lessons for the nursing profession.
AB  - Social networking is popular online activity; however, like many activities on
      the internet, there are some privacy risks and concerns associated with its use.
      Recently, an increasing number of nurses have been censured or asked to appear
      before regulatory or registering authorities for unprofessional behaviour on
      social media sites. Problem behaviours identified include: inappropriate content
      and postings, crossing professional boundaries and breaching patient privacy and
      confidentiality. This discussion paper aims to give the nursing profession an
      understanding of how their online behaviour can impact on their professionalism,
      and how they can avoid problematic situations when using social media (Facebook).
      This exploratory discussion paper will inform a study researching nurses' online
      behaviour. Social media is here to stay and nurses need to navigate the
      complexities of the boundaries between the personal and the professional. Nurses
      need to learn to balance the growing usefulness of social media, with the
      legalities and etiquette of the online environment.

PMID- 28077038
TI  - Policy.

PMID- 28077036
TI  - Mass media narratives of women's cardiovascular disease: a qualitative meta
      synthesis.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability among women
      worldwide. Narratives circulated by the media regarding women's identities and
      health constitute one source of meanings by which conceptualisations about risk,
      risk reduction, and disease prevention are formed and framed. An interpretive and
      integrative meta-synthesis of qualitative research was done to examine the
      representations of women's cardiovascular disease in traditional and user
      generated Canadian and US media narratives, and explore the implications of these
      for gendered identities and health promotion for women. After a literature search
      of electronic databases, 29 qualitative peer-reviewed journal articles published
      since 2000 met the eligibility criteria and were included for review. The
      findings revealed three overarching themes: (a) the construction of who is at
      risk for cardiovascular disease; (b) the portrayal of certain risk-reducing
      strategies and acute events; and (c) the delegation of responsibility for
      maintaining female cardiovascular health. These meta-synthesis findings
      contribute towards novel understandings about the culture of women's
      cardiovascular disease risk and the feminisation of healthism/individual
      responsibility, which may limit awareness among marginalised female demographics
      (those from lower socio-economic and minority racial backgrounds).

PMID- 28077041
TI  - Policy News.

PMID- 28077040
TI  - Diary.

PMID- 28077044
TI  - Reducing health disparities for women through use of the medical home model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare services can be difficult to access, particularly for low
      income or underinsured women. One way of overcoming the barriers to quality,
      patient-centered care is through the use of the Medical Home Model (MHM). The MHM
      is a cost-effective approach to care that improves patient outcomes and improves
      access. AIM: The purpose of this article is to discuss barriers to healthcare,
      with an emphasis on reducing healthcare disparities for women. METHOD: Extant,
      contemporary literature has been reviewed and synthesized to develop this
      theoretical paper on the benefits of using the MHM to reduce disparities in the
      provision of healthcare for women. CONCLUSIONS: The MHM provides an example of
      how healthcare can be provided in a more coordinated and effective manner.
      Extension of this model into the area of women's health may be one way to reduce
      barriers to quality, accessible care for women.

PMID- 28077045
TI  - Association of time to antibiotics and clinical outcomes in adult hematologic
      malignancy patients with febrile neutropenia.
AB  - Objective The objective of this study was to determine the clinical impact of
      time to antibiotic administration in adult inpatients who have hematologic
      malignancies and develop febrile neutropenia. Methods A retrospective chart
      review was conducted to screen for all febrile neutropenia events amongst adult
      hematologic malignancy patients between 1 January 2010 and 1 September 2014. All
      included patients were admitted to the hospital at the time of fever onset,
      having been admitted for a diagnosis other than febrile neutropenia. Descriptive
      statistics and logistic generalized estimated equations were used to analyze the
      data. Results Two hundred forty-four neutropenic fever events met inclusion
      criteria. Thirty-five events (14.34%) led to negative clinical outcomes (in
      hospital mortality, intensive care unit transfer, or vasopressor requirement),
      with an in-house mortality rate of 7.4%. The time to antibiotics ranged from 10
      min to 1495 min. The median time to antibiotics in the events that led to
      negative outcomes was 120 min compared to 102 min in the events that did not lead
      to the negative outcome ( p = 0.93). Conditional order sets were used to order
      empiric antibiotics in 176 events (72.1%) and significantly reduced time to
      antibiotics from 287 min to 143 min ( p = 0.0019). Conclusion Prolonged time to
      antibiotic administration in hematologic malignancy patients who develop
      neutropenic fever was not shown to be associated with negative clinical outcomes.

PMID- 28077046
TI  - Rational use of rasburicase for the treatment and management of tumor lysis
      syndrome.
AB  - Purpose There is a lack of high-level evidence identifying meaningful outcomes
      and the optimal place in therapy of rasburicase in patients with, or at high risk
      for tumor lysis syndrome. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate and
      characterize outcomes resulting from an institution-specific guideline
      emphasizing supportive care, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, and lower doses of
      rasburicase. Methods In this retrospective chart review, we compared conservative
      rasburicase dosing, in accordance with newly developed UMHS tumor lysis syndrome
      guidelines, with aggressive rasburicase in adult patients (>= 18 years of age)
      with hematological or solid tumor malignancies, and a uric acid level between 8
      and 15 mg/dL. The primary efficacy outcome assessed the difference in the
      proportion of patients achieving a uric acid level <8 mg/dL within 48 h using a
      one-sided noninferiority test. The principle safety outcomes analyzed included
      incidence of acute kidney injury and hemodialysis requirement. Results One
      hundred sixty-one patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the study.
      Within 48 h of an elevated uric acid level, treatment was successful in 97.03% of
      patients in the conservative group, as compared with 98.33% in the aggressive
      group (difference, 1.3 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.33 to
      5.93). Furthermore, there was no difference in the proportion of patients
      requiring hemodialysis (2.97% vs. 10.0%, p-value 0.079), or incidence of acute
      kidney injury (4.0% vs. 12.5%, p-value 1.00) between the treatment group and
      control group, respectively. Conclusions Conservative rasburicase use was
      noninferior to aggressive rasburicase use in patients with or at high risk for
      tumor lysis syndrome.

PMID- 28077047
TI  - Extended infusion compared to standard infusion cefepime as empiric treatment of
      febrile neutropenia.
AB  - Background Extended infusion (EI) dosing provides a longer time above the minimum
      inhibitory concentration, which is important for the clinical success of beta
      lactam antibiotics, especially for patients with impaired immunity. The aim of
      this study was to determine the feasibility and clinical impact of administering
      cefepime by EI as treatment of febrile neutropenia. Methods This was a
      prospective, randomized, comparative pilot study. All patients received cefepime
      2 g IV every 8 h, with the first dose administered using a 30-min infusion. After
      the first dose, patients were randomized to receive cefepime over 30 min as a
      standard infusion (SI) or 3 h (EI). Patients were >18 years old with febrile
      neutropenia (neutrophil count <500 cells/mm3 and temperature >38.0oC) and
      received chemotherapy or stem cell transplant as treatment for malignancy.
      Patients were excluded for the following: allergy to a cephalosporin, creatinine
      clearance (CrCl) < 50 mL/min, receipt of concurrent Gram-negative antimicrobial,
      sepsis, or solid tumor malignancy. The primary outcome was defervescence by 72 h.
      Secondary outcomes included time to defervescence, clinical success, in-hospital
      mortality, hospital length of stay, and need for additional antimicrobials. Main
      results Sixty-three patients were enrolled: 33 in the SI arm and 30 in the EI
      arm. The groups were similar with regard to age, gender, weight, estimated
      creatinine clearance, and duration of neutropenia. None of the patients in the EI
      arm withdrew due to practical complications of receiving EI cefepime. Twenty
      three patients in the SI arm and 20 patients in the EI arm defervesced by 72 h (
      p = 0.99). There were no differences in secondary outcome measures; however,
      patients in the EI arm appeared to have defervesced more rapidly (median 19 vs.
      41 h, p = 0.305). Conclusion Administration of cefepime by EI for the treatment
      of febrile neutropenia is feasible. Larger clinical trials are necessary to
      determine if EI cefepime imparts a clinical benefit in the treatment of febrile
      neutropenia.

PMID- 28077048
TI  - Baxter elastomeric pumps: Weighing as an alternative to visual inspection.
AB  - Purpose Elastomeric pumps are used to administer 46-hour infusions of 5
      fluorouracil (5FU). Baxter suggests patients visually monitor their pumps to
      ensure that infusions are proceeding correctly. This can be confusing and lead to
      concerns about under- or over-dosing. Baxter has not considered weighing pumps as
      a validated method for monitoring. This study aims to validate weighing as a more
      accurate method for patients and healthcare professionals, and describe real life
      Baxter InfusorTM variability. Methods Patients who had been started on a 46-hour
      5FU infusion returned to the clinic approximately 24 h after starting treatment.
      The pump was weighed on a StarFrit kitchen scale, and date, time, and weights
      recorded. Patients were asked if they had a preference for weighing or visually
      inspecting their pump. Results Pumps ( n = 103) were weighed between 17.25 and
      27.5 h after connection. The average weight of a pump was 189 g. Of 103 pumps
      weighed, 99 weighed less than expected, corresponding to average flow rates of
      5.69 mL/h over the elapsed time. The expected flow rate is 5 mL/h with 10%
      variability. Average flow rates within the 17.25- to 27.5-hour window were 4.561
      mL/h, which is 8.78% slower than expected, but within the 10% known variability.
      Forty-seven percent of patients didn't have a preference for either method, but
      for those who did have a preference, more than twice as many preferred weighing.
      Conclusion With proper education, weighing Baxter Infusors at home with kitchen
      scales can be an accepted and objective alternative to the current recommendation
      of visual inspection.

PMID- 28077049
TI  - Evaluation on biological compatibility of carboxymethyl chitosan as biomaterials
      for antitumor drug delivery.
AB  - Carboxymethyl-chitosan, a water-soluble derivative of chitosan, has emerged as a
      promising candidate for biomedical applications due to its excellent water
      solubility, biodegradation, biocompatibility, hydrating, antimicrobial, and
      nontoxicity. In this paper, the antitumor proliferation and metastasis was
      studied in vitro and in vivo to evaluate biocompatibility of carboxymethyl
      chitosan as biomaterials for antitumor drug delivery. The results showed that
      carboxymethyl-chitosan could significantly reduce the clone formation and tumor
      migration of human cancer cells including kidney cancer cell line OS-RC-2,
      gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901, colon cancer cell line HT-29, and nonsmall
      cell lung cancer cell line NCI-H1650 in vitro. Through Lewis tumor-bearing
      C57BL/6 mouse model, carboxymethyl-chitosan was proved to be able to inhibit
      solid tumor growth and tumor metastasis to the liver and lung, meanwhile increase
      the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and E-cadherin, and decrease
      the level of mice blood serum matrix metalloproteinase 9. This study suggested
      that carboxymethyl-chitosan had certain antimetastasis effect and good
      biocompatibility and may have a potential application as a synergic antitumor
      reagent.

PMID- 28077050
TI  - A novel human-like collagen hemostatic sponge with uniform morphology, good
      biodegradability and biocompatibility.
AB  - Biodegradable sponges, as a promising hemostatic biomaterial, has been clinically
      required over the past decades. Current hemostatic sponges are generally prepared
      by crosslinking and freeze-drying, but the quality control or biocompatibility is
      often unsatisfactory due to the freezing-caused morphological non-uniformity and
      the toxicity of raw materials or cross-linkers. The crosslinking often greatly
      retards the degradation of the sponges and thus affects the healing of the wound.
      In this work, we prepared a novel hemostatic sponge using human-like collagen and
      glutamine transaminase (non-toxic cross-linker) and optimized its morphology via
      "two-step" freezing instead of conventional "one-step" freezing. The resulting
      sponge showed a good biocompatibility in cytotoxicity and implantation tests and
      had a significant hemostatic effect in ear artery and liver injury models.
      Moreover, the sponge could be degraded high efficiently by several common enzymes
      in organisms (e.g. I collagenase, trypsase, and lysozyme), which means that the
      sponge can be easily digested by metabolism and can facilitate seamless healing.
      Finally, both the front and back of the sponge prepared via two-step freezing was
      more uniform in morphology than that prepared via one-step freezing. More
      importantly, two-step freezing can be used as a universal approach for
      preparation of diverse uniform biomaterials.

PMID- 28077051
TI  - Facile preparation of antibacterial, highly elastic silvered polyurethane
      nanofiber fabrics using silver carbamate and their dermal wound healing
      properties.
AB  - In this study, polycarbonate diol/isosorbide-based antibacterial polyurethane
      nanofiber fabrics containing Ag nanoparticles were prepared by electrospinning
      process. Bio-based highly elastic polyurethane was prepared from hexamethylene
      diisocyanate and isosorbide/polycarbonate diol (8/2) by a simple one-shot bulk
      polymerization. Ag nanoparticles were formed using simple thermal reduction of
      silver 2-ethylhexylcarbamate at 120C. The structural and morphological properties
      of polyurethane/Ag nanofibers were characterized by X-ray diffraction and
      scanning electron microscopy. The polyurethane nanofiber fabrics were flexible,
      with breaking strains from 355% to 950% under 7.28 to 23.1 MPa tensile stress.
      The antibacterial effects of the treated polyurethane/Ag fabrics against
      Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus were
      examined and found to be excellent. Cell proliferation using the immortalized
      human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line was performed in order to determine cell
      viability in the presence of polyurethane and polyurethane/Ag fabrics, showing
      cytocompatiblility and a lack of toxicity.

PMID- 28077052
TI  - Examinations of a new long-term degradable electrospun polycaprolactone scaffold
      in three rat abdominal wall models.
AB  - Alternative approaches to reinforce native tissue in reconstructive surgery for
      pelvic organ prolapse are warranted. Tissue engineering combines the use of a
      scaffold with the regenerative potential of stem cells and is a promising new
      concept in urogynecology. Our objective was to evaluate whether a newly developed
      long-term degradable polycaprolactone scaffold could provide biomechanical
      reinforcement and function as a scaffold for autologous muscle fiber fragments.
      We performed a study with three different rat abdominal wall models where the
      scaffold with or without muscle fiber fragments was placed (1) subcutaneously
      (minimal load), (2) in a partial defect (partial load), and (3) in a full
      thickness defect (heavy load). After 8 weeks, no animals had developed hernia,
      and the scaffold provided biomechanical reinforcement, even in the models where
      it was subjected to heavy load. The scaffold was not yet degraded but showed
      increased thickness in all groups. Histologically, we found a massive foreign
      body response with numerous large giant cells intermingled with the fibers of the
      scaffold. Cells from added muscle fiber fragments could not be traced by PKH26
      fluorescence or desmin staining. Taken together, the long-term degradable
      polycaprolactone scaffold provided biomechanical reinforcement by inducing a
      marked foreign-body response and attracting numerous inflammatory cells to form a
      strong neo-tissue construct. However, cells from the muscle fiber fragments did
      not survive in this milieu. Properties of the new neo-tissue construct must be
      evaluated at the time of full degradation of the scaffold before its possible
      clinical value in pelvic organ prolapse surgery can be evaluated.

PMID- 28077054
TI  - Synthetic biology: taking a look at a field in the making.

PMID- 28077053
TI  - Patient empowerment: a systematic review of questionnaires measuring empowerment
      in cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an increased attention to and demand for patient empowerment
      in cancer treatment and follow-up programs. Patient empowerment has been defined
      as feeling in control of or having mastery in relation to cancer and cancer care.
      This calls for properly developed questionnaires assessing empowerment from the
      user perspective. The aim of this review was to identify questionnaires and
      subscales measuring empowerment and manifestations of empowerment among cancer
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed,
      PsycINFO and CINAHL databases. Empowerment and multiple search terms associated
      with empowerment were included. We included peer-reviewed articles published in
      English, which described questionnaires measuring empowerment or manifestations
      of empowerment in a cancer setting. In addition, the questionnaire had to be a
      patient-reported outcome measure for adult cancer patients. RESULTS: Database
      searches identified 831 records. Title and abstract screening resulted in 482
      records being excluded. The remaining 349 full text articles were retrieved and
      assessed for eligibility. This led to the inclusion of 33 individual instruments
      measuring empowerment and manifestations of empowerment. Of these, only four were
      specifically developed to measure empowerment, and two were originally developed
      for the cancer setting, whereas the remaining two were developed elsewhere, but
      adapted to the cancer setting. The other 29 questionnaires were not intended to
      measure the concept of empowerment, but focused on patient-centered care, patient
      competence, self-efficacy, etc. However, they were included because part of the
      instrument (at least five items) was considered to measure empowerment or
      manifestations of empowerment. CONCLUSION: Our study provides an overview of the
      available questionnaires, which can be used by researchers and practitioners who
      wish to measure the concept of empowerment among cancer patients. Very few
      questionnaires were explicitly developed to explore empowerment, and the review
      brings to light a significant lack of questionnaires that measure patient
      empowerment comprehensively.

PMID- 28077058
TI  - Imaging investigations before referral to a sarcoma center delay the final
      diagnosis of musculoskeletal sarcoma.
AB  - Background and purpose - The use of point-of-care or local investigations before
      referral to specialist sarcoma centers as part of a fast-track diagnostic pathway
      varies, and may affect the time to diagnosis. We wanted to investigate
      differences in time intervals and proportion of malignancy in patients who were
      referred after initial diagnostic investigations were performed locally and in
      patients who were referred without these investigations. Patients and methods -
      We included 545 consecutive patients who were referred to Aarhus Sarcoma Center
      for suspected musculoskeletal sarcoma. Data on time intervals and investigations
      performed were collected from questionnaires and patient records. Patients who
      were referred from outside Aarhus uptake area after initial MRI/CT or histology
      performed locally were compared with patients who were referred from Aarhus
      uptake area without these investigations. Results - The median total interval
      from first symptom to diagnosis was 166 days for outside patients referred with
      MRI/CT or histology, which was 91 (95% CI: 76-106) days longer than for local
      patients who were referred without MRI/CT or histology. Comparing the same
      groups, the median diagnostic interval was 41 (95% CI: 30-51) days longer for
      outside patients including both primary care and hospital intervals. Both the
      proportion of malignancies (38% vs. 14%) and the proportion of sarcomas (24% vs.
      7%) were higher in the outside group referred with MRI/CT or histology than in
      the local group without MRI/CT or histology. Interpretation - Pre-referral
      investigations at a local hospital increased the diagnostic interval by at least
      1 month for 50% of the patients, and the proportion of malignancy was more than
      doubled-to almost 40%. If investigations are to be performed before referral to a
      sarcoma center, they should be part of the fast-track pathway in order to ensure
      timely diagnosis.

PMID- 28077059
TI  - Ignorance is not bliss: The effect of systematic information on immigrants'
      knowledge of and satisfaction with the Danish healthcare system.
AB  - AIMS: Suboptimal healthcare utilisation and lower satisfaction with the patient
      doctor encounter among immigrants has been documented. Immigrants' lack of
      familiarity with the healthcare system has been proposed as an explanation for
      this. This study investigated whether a systematic delivery of information
      affected immigrants' knowledge of and satisfaction with the Danish healthcare
      system. METHODS: A prospective, randomised intervention study of 1158 adult
      immigrants attending two language schools in Copenhagen was conducted. Two
      intervention groups received written information or a 12-hour course on the
      Danish healthcare system, while a control group received nothing. Survey data
      included self-assessed knowledge, true/false questions on access and questions
      relating to satisfaction with the healthcare system. Data were linked to
      socioeconomic registry data. Logistic regression analyses were performed.
      RESULTS: The course improved knowledge of who to contact in the event of an
      accident (odds ratio (OR) = 2.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.56-4.59) but
      not in the event of illness. Further, it positively affected correct answers for
      nine out of 11 questions on the healthcare system (varying from OR = 1.87, 95% CI
      = 1.08-3.24 to OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.58-6.11). Written information positively
      affected correct answers for three out of 11 questions, but negatively affected
      one out of 11 compared with the control group. Neither intervention affected
      immigrants' satisfaction with the healthcare system. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of
      the healthcare system is necessary for optimal healthcare-seeking behaviour. The
      results may form the basis of national and international changes in immigrant
      reception and optimise immigrants' contact with the healthcare system.

PMID- 28077062
TI  - Diary.

PMID- 28077060
TI  - Methods to characterize the structure of food powders - a review.
AB  - Food powders can exist in amorphous, crystalline or mixed structure depending on
      the order of molecular arrangement in the powder particle matrices. In food
      production, the structure of powders has a greatly effect on their stability,
      functionality, and applicability. The undesirable structure of powders can be
      accidentally formed during production. Therefore, characterization of powder
      structure as well as quantification of amorphous-crystalline proportions
      presenting in the powders are essential to control the quality of products during
      storage and further processing. For these purposes, many analytical techniques
      with large differences in the degree of selectivity and sensitivity have been
      developed. In this review, differences in the structure of food powders are
      described with a focus being placed on applications of amorphous powders.
      Essentially, applicability of common analytical techniques including X-ray,
      microscopic, vapor adsorption, thermal, and spectroscopic approaches for
      quantitative and qualitative structural characterization of food powders is also
      discussed.

PMID- 28077063
TI  - Gendered health inequalities in mental well-being? The Nordic countries in a
      comparative perspective.
AB  - AIMS: The aims of this study were to: (a) compare gender differences in mental
      well-being in the Nordic countries with gender differences in 28 other countries
      around the world; and (b) evaluate whether gender differences in the Nordic
      countries remain when other social and lifestyle factors are taken into account.
      METHODS: Data were obtained from 32 countries around the world that participated
      in the 2011 health module of the International Social Survey Programme. Ordered
      logit regression models were used to evaluate whether gender differences remained
      significant when other social and lifestyle factors were considered. RESULTS:
      Gender differences in mental well-being in the Nordic countries are not
      particularly small and the four countries do not cluster together. The gender
      differences remain when other social and lifestyle factors are taken into
      account. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a similar Nordic health paradox for
      mental well-being outcomes as for physical health outcomes. Although there may be
      multiple reasons for this, continued gender equality, including sex segregation
      in the labour market and gendered expectations, are considered to play a part.

PMID- 28077064
TI  - An internet-based bioinformatics toolkit for plant biosecurity diagnosis and
      surveillance of viruses and viroids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Detection and preventing entry of exotic viruses and viroids at the
      border is critical for protecting plant industries trade worldwide. Existing post
      entry quarantine screening protocols rely on time-consuming biological indicators
      and/or molecular assays that require knowledge of infecting viral pathogens.
      Plants have developed the ability to recognise and respond to viral infections
      through Dicer-like enzymes that cleave viral sequences into specific small RNA
      products. Many studies reported the use of a broad range of small RNAs
      encompassing the product sizes of several Dicer enzymes involved in distinct
      biological pathways. Here we optimise the assembly of viral sequences by using
      specific small RNA subsets. RESULTS: We sequenced the small RNA fractions of 21
      plants held at quarantine glasshouse facilities in Australia and New Zealand.
      Benchmarking of several de novo assembler tools yielded SPAdes using a kmer of 19
      to produce the best assembly outcomes. We also found that de novo assembly using
      21-25 nt small RNAs can result in chimeric assemblies of viral sequences and
      plant host sequences. Such non-specific assemblies can be resolved by using 21-22
      nt or 24 nt small RNAs subsets. Among the 21 selected samples, we identified
      contigs with sequence similarity to 18 viruses and 3 viroids in 13 samples. Most
      of the viruses were assembled using only 21-22 nt long virus-derived siRNAs
      (viRNAs), except for one Citrus endogenous pararetrovirus that was more
      efficiently assembled using 24 nt long viRNAs. All three viroids found in this
      study were fully assembled using either 21-22 nt or 24 nt viRNAs. Optimised
      analysis workflows were customised within the Yabi web-based analytical
      environment. We present a fully automated viral surveillance and diagnosis web
      based bioinformatics toolkit that provides a flexible, user-friendly, robust and
      scalable interface for the discovery and diagnosis of viral pathogens.
      CONCLUSIONS: We have implemented an automated viral surveillance and diagnosis
      (VSD) bioinformatics toolkit that produces improved viruses and viroid sequence
      assemblies. The VSD toolkit provides several optimised and reusable workflows
      applicable to distinct viral pathogens. We envisage that this resource will
      facilitate the surveillance and diagnosis viral pathogens in plants, insects and
      invertebrates.

PMID- 28077065
TI  - Structure alignment-based classification of RNA-binding pockets reveals regional
      RNA recognition motifs on protein surfaces.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many critical biological processes are strongly related to protein
      RNA interactions. Revealing the protein structure motifs for RNA-binding will
      provide valuable information for deciphering protein-RNA recognition mechanisms
      and benefit complementary structural design in bioengineering. RNA-binding events
      often take place at pockets on protein surfaces. The structural classification of
      local binding pockets determines the major patterns of RNA recognition. RESULTS:
      In this work, we provide a novel framework for systematically identifying the
      structure motifs of protein-RNA binding sites in the form of pockets on regional
      protein surfaces via a structure alignment-based method. We first construct a
      similarity network of RNA-binding pockets based on a non-sequential-order
      structure alignment method for local structure alignment. By using network
      community decomposition, the RNA-binding pockets on protein surfaces are
      clustered into groups with structural similarity. With a multiple structure
      alignment strategy, the consensus RNA-binding pockets in each group are
      identified. The crucial recognition patterns, as well as the protein-RNA binding
      motifs, are then identified and analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Large-scale RNA-binding
      pockets on protein surfaces are grouped by measuring their structural
      similarities. This similarity network-based framework provides a convenient
      method for modeling the structural relationships of functional pockets. The local
      structural patterns identified serve as structure motifs for the recognition with
      RNA on protein surfaces.

PMID- 28077066
TI  - The essential requirement of an animal heme peroxidase protein during the wing
      maturation process in Drosophila.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thus far, a handful of genes have been shown to be related to the
      wing maturation process in insects. A novel heme peroxidase enzyme known as curly
      suppressor (Cysu)(formerly CG5873), have been characterized in this report
      because it is involved in wing morphogenesis. Using bioinformatics tools we found
      that Cysu is remarkably conserved in the genus Drosophila (>95%) as well as in
      invertebrates (>70%), although its vertebrate orthologs show poor homology. Time
      lapse imaging and histochemical analyses have confirmed that the defective wing
      phenotype of Cysu is not a result of any underlying cellular alterations;
      instead, its wings fail to expand in mature adults. RESULTS: The precise
      requirement of Cysu in wings was established by identifying a bona fide mutant of
      Cysu from the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Centre collection. Its requirement in
      the wing has also been shown by RNA knockdown of the gene. Subsequent transgenic
      rescue of the mutant wing phenotype with the wild-type gene confirmed the
      phenotype resulting from Cysu mutant. With appropriate GAL4 driver like engrailed
      GAL4, the Cysu phenotype was compartmentalized, which raises a strong possibility
      that Cysu is not localized in the extracellular matrix (ECM); hence, Cysu is not
      engaged in bonding the dorsal and ventral cuticular layers. Finally, shortened
      lifespan of the Cysu mutant suggests it is functionally essential for other
      biological processes as well. CONCLUSION: Cysu, a peroxinectin-like gene, is
      required during the wing maturation process in Drosophila because as a heme
      peroxidase, Cysu is capable of utilizing H2O2, which plays an essential role in
      post-eclosion wing morphogenesis.

PMID- 28077067
TI  - Use of antidepressants during pregnancy in the Netherlands: observational study
      into postpartum interventions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders and use of selective antidepressants during
      pregnancy can have negative effects on mother and infant postpartum. This study
      aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations on observation of antidepressant
      exposed mother-infant dyads. METHODS: In this observational study, mother-infant
      dyads were observed for possible consequences of either the maternal psychiatric
      disorder or fetal exposure to selective antidepressants during pregnancy. These
      possible complications can lead to medical interventions, including 1. adjustment
      of antidepressants 2. admission to the psychiatric department 3. additional
      investigations due to indistinctness about the origin of neonatal symptoms 4.
      treatment of poor neonatal adaptation and 5. consultation of an external
      organization for additional care. The type, number and time to medical
      interventions were analyzed. RESULTS: In 61% of the 324 included mother-infant
      dyads one or more intrventions were performed. Adjustment of antidepressants and
      treatment of poor neonatal adaptation were most prevalent. In 75% of dyads the
      final intervention was performed within 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence
      and type of medical interventions requires professional observation of all mother
      infant dyads exposed to selective antidepressants. In the absence of specialized
      home care, hospital admission is indicated whereby an observational period of 48
      h seems sufficient for most dyads.

PMID- 28077068
TI  - Structure and evolution of the filaggrin gene repeated region in primates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evolutionary dynamics of repeat sequences is quite complex, with
      some duplicates never having differentiated from each other. Two models can
      explain the complex evolutionary process for repeated genes-concerted and birth
      and-death, of which the latter is driven by duplications maintained by selection.
      Copy number variations caused by random duplications and losses in repeat regions
      may modulate molecular pathways and therefore affect phenotypic characteristics
      in a population, resulting in individuals that are able to adapt to new
      environments. In this study, we investigated the filaggrin gene (FLG), which
      codes for filaggrin-an important component of the outer layers of mammalian skin
      and contains tandem repeats that exhibit copy number variation between and within
      species. To examine which model best fits the evolutionary pathway for the
      complete tandem repeats within a single exon of FLG, we determined the repeat
      sequences in crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), orangutan (Pongo abelii),
      gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and compared these
      with the sequence in human (Homo sapiens). RESULTS: In this study we compared
      concerted and birth-and-death evolution models, commonly used for gene copies. We
      found that there is high nucleotide diversity between filaggrin repeat regions,
      which fits the birth-and-death model. Phylogenetic analyses also suggested that
      independent duplication events created the repeat sequences in crab-eating
      macaques and orangutans, while different duplication and loss events created the
      repeats in gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans. Comparison of the repeat sequences
      detected purifying selection within species and lineage-specific duplications
      across species. We also found variation in the length of the repeated region
      within species such as chimpanzee and crab-eating macaque. CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that the copy number variation in the repeat sequences of FLG between
      primates may be a consequence of species-specific divergence and expansion.

PMID- 28077069
TI  - A pilot study of brisk walking in sedentary combination antiretroviral treatement
      (cART)- treated patients: benefit on soluble and cell inflammatory markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic HIV infection is associated with low-level inflammation and
      increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality. The objective was to assess the
      effects of moderate intensity exercise on metabolic and inflammatory markers in
      HIV-infected treated persons. METHODS: This was a pilot study enrolling cART
      treated, sedentary persons with metabolic complications in a 12-week protocol,
      consisting of three sessions per week of 60 min brisk walking with (strength-walk
      group) or without (walk group) 30 min circuit-training. Assessments at baseline
      and week 12 (W12) included body morphometrics and total body dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry; lipid and glucose blood profile; plasma level of high sensitivity
      C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), D-dimer, interleukin-18 (IL
      18), soluble CD14, and CD38 and HLA-DR expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells.
      RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included and 35 (71%) completed the program: 21
      in the walk and 14 in the strength-walk group. At W12, significant improvements
      were observed of body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and total
      cholesterol both overall and in the walk group, and of LDL cholesterol in both
      training groups. In the whole group, significant reductions were observed in
      hsCRP, IL-6, D-dimer, IL-18, and of CD8+/CD38+/HLA-DR+ cell frequencies. HsCRP
      and CD8+/CD38+/HLA-DR+ frequency decreased significantly in both training groups
      when examined separately whereas IL-6 and D-dimer in the walk group only.
      CONCLUSIONS: Brisk walking, with or without strength exercise, could improve
      lipid profile and inflammatory markers in chronic HIV infection. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ACTRN12615001258549, registered 17 November 2015, "retrospectively
      registered" Web address of trial:
      http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12615001258549.aspx.

PMID- 28077070
TI  - SCOPA and META-SCOPA: software for the analysis and aggregation of genome-wide
      association studies of multiple correlated phenotypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) have been successful in identifying loci contributing
      genetic effects to a wide range of complex human diseases and quantitative
      traits. The traditional approach to GWAS analysis is to consider each phenotype
      separately, despite the fact that many diseases and quantitative traits are
      correlated with each other, and often measured in the same sample of individuals.
      Multivariate analyses of correlated phenotypes have been demonstrated, by
      simulation, to increase power to detect association with SNPs, and thus may
      enable improved detection of novel loci contributing to diseases and quantitative
      traits. RESULTS: We have developed the SCOPA software to enable GWAS analysis of
      multiple correlated phenotypes. The software implements "reverse regression"
      methodology, which treats the genotype of an individual at a SNP as the outcome
      and the phenotypes as predictors in a general linear model. SCOPA can be applied
      to quantitative traits and categorical phenotypes, and can accommodate imputed
      genotypes under a dosage model. The accompanying META-SCOPA software enables meta
      analysis of association summary statistics from SCOPA across GWAS. Application of
      SCOPA to two GWAS of high-and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides
      and body mass index, and subsequent meta-analysis with META-SCOPA, highlighted
      stronger association signals than univariate phenotype analysis at established
      lipid and obesity loci. The META-SCOPA meta-analysis also revealed a novel signal
      of association at genome-wide significance for triglycerides mapping to GPC5
      (lead SNP rs71427535, p = 1.1x10-8), which has not been reported in previous
      large-scale GWAS of lipid traits. CONCLUSIONS: The SCOPA and META-SCOPA software
      enable discovery and dissection of multiple phenotype association signals through
      implementation of a powerful reverse regression approach.

PMID- 28077071
TI  - An integrated analysis of QTL mapping and RNA sequencing provides further
      insights and promising candidates for pod number variation in rapeseed (Brassica
      napus L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the most important yield component in rapeseed (Brassica napus
      L.), pod number is determined by a series of successive growth and development
      processes. Pod number shows extensive variation in rapeseed natural germplasm,
      which is valuable for genetic improvement. However, the genetic and especially
      the molecular mechanism for this kind of variation are poorly understood. In this
      study, we conducted QTL mapping and RNA sequencing, respectively, using the
      BnaZNRIL population and its two parental cultivars Zhongshuang11 and No.73290
      which showed significant difference in pod number, primarily due to the
      difference in floral organ number. RESULT: A total of eight QTLs for pod number
      were identified using BnaZNRIL population with a high-density SNP linkage map,
      each was distributed on seven linkage groups and explained 5.8-11.9% of
      phenotypic variance. Then, they were integrated with those previously detected in
      BnaZNF2 population (deriving from same parents) and resulted in 15 consensus
      QTLs. Of which, seven QTLs were identical to other studies, whereas the other
      eight should be novel. RNA sequencing of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) at the
      formation stage of floral bud primordia identified 9135 genes that were
      differentially expressed between the two parents. Gene ontology (GO) analysis
      showed that the top two enriched groups were S-assimilation, providing an
      essential nutrient for the synthesis of diverse metabolites, and polyamine
      metabolism, serving as second messengers that play an essential role in flowering
      genes initiation. KEGG analysis showed that the top three overrepresented
      pathways were carbohydrate (707 genes), amino acid (390 genes) and lipid
      metabolisms (322 genes). In silico mapping showed that 647 DEGs were located
      within the confidence intervals of 15 consensus QTLs. Based on annotations of
      Arabidopsis homologs corresponding to DEGs, nine genes related to meristem growth
      and development were considered as promising candidates for six QTLs. CONCLUSION:
      In this study, we discovered the first repeatable major QTL for pod number in
      rapeseed. In addition, RNA sequencing was performed for SAM in rapeseed, which
      provides new insights into the determination of floral organ number. Furthermore,
      the integration of DEGs and QTLs identified promising candidates for further gene
      cloning and mechanism study.

PMID- 28077072
TI  - Diabetes mellitus medication use and catastrophic healthcare expenditure among
      adults aged 50+ years in China and India: results from the WHO study on global
      AGEing and adult health (SAGE).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Expenditure on medications for highly prevalent chronic conditions
      such as diabetes mellitus (DM) can result in financial impoverishment. People in
      developing countries and in low socioeconomic status groups are particularly
      vulnerable. China and India currently hold the world's two largest DM
      populations. Both countries are ageing and undergoing rapid economic development,
      urbanisation and social change. This paper assesses the determinants of DM
      medication use and catastrophic expenditure on medications in older adults with
      DM in China and India. METHODS: Using national standardised data collected from
      adults aged 50 years and above with DM (self-reported) in China (N = 773) and
      India (N = 463), multivariable logistic regression describes: 1) association
      between respondents' socio-demographic and health behavioural characteristics and
      the dependent variable, DM medication use, and 2) association between DM
      medication use (independent variable) and household catastrophic expenditure on
      medications (dependent variable) (China: N = 630; India: N = 439). The data
      source is the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult
      health (SAGE) Wave 1 (2007-2010). RESULTS: Prevalence of DM medication use was
      87% in China and 71% in India. Multivariable analysis indicates that people
      reporting lifestyle modification were more likely to use DM medications in China
      (OR = 6.22) and India (OR = 8.45). Women were more likely to use DM medications
      in China (OR = 1.56). Respondents in poorer wealth quintiles in China were more
      likely to use DM medications whereas the reverse was true in India. Almost 17% of
      people with DM in China experienced catastrophic healthcare expenditure on
      medications compared with 7% in India. Diabetes medication use was not a
      statistically significant predictor of catastrophic healthcare expenditure on
      medications in either country, although the odds were 33% higher among DM
      medications users in China (OR = 1.33). CONCLUSIONS: The country comparison
      reflects major public policy differences underpinned by divergent political and
      ideological frameworks. The DM epidemic poses huge public health challenges for
      China and India. Ensuring equitable and affordable access to medications for DM
      is fundamental for healthy ageing cohorts, and is consistent with the global
      agenda for universal healthcare coverage.

PMID- 28077073
TI  - Student midwives' perceptions on the organisation of maternity care and
      alternative maternity care models in the Netherlands - a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A major change in the organisation of maternity care in the
      Netherlands is under consideration, going from an echelon system where midwives
      provide primary care in the community and refer to obstetricians for secondary
      and tertiary care, to a more integrated maternity care system involving midwives
      and obstetricians at all care levels. Student midwives are the future maternity
      care providers and they may be entering into a changing maternity care system, so
      inclusion of their views in the discussion is relevant. This study aimed to
      explore student midwives' perceptions on the current organisation of maternity
      care and alternative maternity care models, including integrated care. METHODS:
      This qualitative study was based on the interpretivist/constructivist paradigm,
      using a grounded theory design. Interviews and focus groups with 18 female final
      year student midwives of the Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen (AVAG) were
      held on the basis of a topic list, then later transcribed, coded and analysed.
      RESULTS: Students felt that inevitably there will be a change in the organisation
      of maternity care, and they were open to change. Participants indicated that good
      collaboration between professions, including a shared system of maternity notes
      and guidelines, and mutual trust and respect were important aspects of any
      alternative model. The students indicated that client-centered care and the
      safeguarding of the physiological, normalcy approach to pregnancy and birth
      should be maintained in any alternative model. Students expressed worries that
      the role of midwives in intrapartum care could become redundant, and thus they
      are motivated to take on new roles and competencies, so they can ensure their own
      role in intrapartum care. CONCLUSIONS: Final year student midwives recognise that
      change in the organisation of maternity care is inevitable and have an open
      attitude towards changes if they include good collaboration, client-centred care
      and safeguards for normal physiological birth. The graduating midwives are
      motivated to undertake an expanded intrapartum skill set. It can be important to
      involve students' views in the discussion, because they are the future maternity
      care providers.

PMID- 28077074
TI  - Single- and multiple viral respiratory infections in children: disease and
      management cannot be related to a specific pathogen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of viral pathogens associated with pediatric acute
      respiratory tract infection (ARI) has grown since the introduction of reverse
      transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Multiple
      viruses are detected during a single ARI episode in approximately a quarter of
      all cases. The clinical relevance of these multiple detections is unclear, as is
      the role of the individual virus. We therefore investigated the correlation
      between clinical data and RT-PCR results in children with single- and multiple
      viral ARI. METHODS: Data from children with ARI were prospectively collected
      during two winter seasons. RT-PCR testing for 15 viruses was performed in 560 ARI
      episodes. In the patients with a single-viral etiology, clinical data, laboratory
      findings, patient management- and outcome data were compared between the
      different viruses. With this information, we compared data from children of whom
      RT-PCR data were negative, with children with single- and multiple viral positive
      results. RESULTS: The viral detection rate was 457/560 (81.6%) of which 331/560
      (59.1%) were single infections and 126/560 (22.5%) were multiple infections. In
      single viral infections, some statistically significant differences in
      demographics, clinical findings, disease severity and outcome were found between
      children with different viral etiologies. However, no clinically recognizable
      pattern was established to be virus-specific. In a multivariate analysis, the
      only variables that were correlated with longer hospital stay were the use of
      oxygen and nebulizer therapy, irrespective of the viral pathogen. Children with
      RT-PCR positive test results had a significant higher disease severity, fever,
      length of hospital stay, days of extra oxygen supply, and days of antibiotic
      treatment than children with a negative RT-PCR test result. For children with
      single- versus children with multiple positive RT-PCR test results, these
      differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Disease (severity), management and
      outcome in pediatric ARI are not associated with a specific virus. Single- and
      multiple viral ARI do not significantly differ with regard to clinical outcome
      and patient management. For general pediatrics, RT-PCR assays should be
      restricted to pathogens for which therapy is available or otherwise may have
      clinical consequences. Further research with an extended panel of RT-PCR assays
      and a larger number of inclusions is necessary to further validate our findings.

PMID- 28077075
TI  - Protection via a ROM4 DNA vaccine and peptide against Toxoplasma gondii in BALB/c
      mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan
      parasite with a broad host range including most warm-blooded animals, including
      humans. T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) is a well-characterized T. gondii
      antigen. T. gondii expresses five nonmitochondrial rhomboid intramembrane
      proteases, TgROM1-5. TgROM4 is uniformly distributed on the surface of T. gondii
      and involved in regulating MIC2, MIC3, MIC6, and AMA1 during T. gondii invasion
      of host cells. Bioinformatics have predicted ROM4 B-cell and T-cell epitopes.
      Immunization strategy is also a key factor in determining the effectiveness of
      the immune response and has gained increasing attention in T. gondii vaccine
      research. In this study, we used a DNA prime-peptide boost vaccination regimen to
      assess the protective efficacy of various vaccination strategies using TgROM4.
      METHODS: We identified a polypeptide (YALLGALIPYCVEYWKSIPR) using a
      bioinformatics approach, and immunized mice using a DNA-prime and polypeptide
      boost regimen. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups, including three
      experimental groups (peptide, pROM4 and pROM4/peptide) and three control groups
      (PBS, pEGFP-C1 and pSAG1). Mice were then immunized intramuscularly four times.
      After immunization, IgG and cytokine productions were determined using enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assays. The survival time of mice was evaluated after
      challenge with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain. Additionally, the number of
      cysts in the brain was determined after intragastric challenge with cysts of T.
      gondii PRU strain. RESULTS: Mice vaccinated with different immunization regimens
      (peptide, pROM4 and pROM4/peptide) elicited specific humoral and cellular
      responses, with high levels of IgG, IgG2a, and interferon (IFN)-gamma. Moreover,
      IgG, IgG2a and IFN-gamma levels were highest in the pROM4/peptide group.
      Immunized mice, especially those in the pROM4/peptide group, had prolonged
      survival times after challenge with tachyzoites and reduced numbers of brain
      cysts after infection compared with negative controls. CONCLUSION: A DNA prime
      peptide boost regimen based on ROM4 elicited the highest level of humoral and
      cellular immune responses among immunization regimens, and may be a promising
      approach to increase the efficacy of DNA immunization.

PMID- 28077076
TI  - Estimating a population cumulative incidence under calendar time trends.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of a disease or psychiatric disorder is frequently measured
      by the age-specific cumulative incidence. Cumulative incidence estimates are
      often derived in cohort studies with individuals recruited over calendar time and
      with the end of follow-up governed by a specific date. It is common practice to
      apply the Kaplan-Meier or Aalen-Johansen estimator to the total sample and report
      either the estimated cumulative incidence curve or just a single point on the
      curve as a description of the disease risk. METHODS: We argue that, whenever the
      disease or disorder of interest is influenced by calendar time trends, the total
      sample Kaplan-Meier and Aalen-Johansen estimators do not provide useful estimates
      of the general risk in the target population. We present some alternatives to
      this type of analysis. RESULTS: We show how a proportional hazards model may be
      used to extrapolate disease risk estimates if proportionality is a reasonable
      assumption. If not reasonable, we instead advocate that a more useful description
      of the disease risk lies in the age-specific cumulative incidence curves across
      strata given by time of entry or perhaps just the end of follow-up estimates
      across all strata. Finally, we argue that a weighted average of these end of
      follow-up estimates may be a useful summary measure of the disease risk within
      the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Time trends in a disease risk will render total
      sample estimators less useful in observational studies with staggered entry and
      administrative censoring. An analysis based on proportional hazards or a
      stratified analysis may be better alternatives.

PMID- 28077077
TI  - Estimating genomic diversity and population differentiation - an empirical
      comparison of microsatellite and SNP variation in Arabidopsis halleri.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microsatellite markers are widely used for estimating genetic
      diversity within and differentiation among populations. However, it has rarely
      been tested whether such estimates are useful proxies for genome-wide patterns of
      variation and differentiation. Here, we compared microsatellite variation with
      genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to assess and quantify
      potential marker-specific biases and derive recommendations for future studies.
      Overall, we genotyped 180 Arabidopsis halleri individuals from nine populations
      using 20 microsatellite markers. Twelve of these markers were originally
      developed for Arabidopsis thaliana (cross-species markers) and eight for A.
      halleri (species-specific markers). We further characterized 2 million SNPs
      across the genome with a pooled whole-genome re-sequencing approach (Pool-Seq).
      RESULTS: Our analyses revealed that estimates of genetic diversity and
      differentiation derived from cross-species and species-specific microsatellites
      differed substantially and that expected microsatellite heterozygosity (SSR-H e)
      was not significantly correlated with genome-wide SNP diversity estimates (SNP-H
      e and theta Watterson) in A. halleri. Instead, microsatellite allelic richness (A
      r) was a better proxy for genome-wide SNP diversity. Estimates of genetic
      differentiation among populations (F ST) based on both marker types were
      correlated, but microsatellite-based estimates were significantly larger than
      those from SNPs. Possible causes include the limited number of microsatellite
      markers used, marker ascertainment bias, as well as the high variance in
      microsatellite-derived estimates. In contrast, genome-wide SNP data provided
      unbiased estimates of genetic diversity independent of whether genome- or only
      exome-wide SNPs were used. Further, we inferred that a few thousand random SNPs
      are sufficient to reliably estimate genome-wide diversity and to distinguish
      among populations differing in genetic variation. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that
      future analyses of genetic diversity within and differentiation among populations
      use randomly selected high-throughput sequencing-based SNP data to draw
      conclusions on genome-wide diversity patterns. In species comparable to A.
      halleri, a few thousand SNPs are sufficient to achieve this goal.

PMID- 28077078
TI  - Transcriptomic evidence for the control of soybean root isoflavonoid content by
      regulation of overlapping phenylpropanoid pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isoflavonoids are a class of specialized metabolites found
      predominantly in legumes. They play a role in signaling for symbiosis with
      nitrogen-fixing bacteria and inhibiting pathogen infection. RESULTS: A
      transcriptomic approach using soybean cultivars with high (Conrad and AC Colombe)
      and low (AC Glengarry and Pagoda) root isoflavonoid content was used to find
      elements that underlie this variation. Two genes, encoding the flavonoid
      metabolizing enzymes, flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (GmF3'H) and dihydroflavonol 4
      reductase (GmDFR), had lower expression levels in high isoflavonoid cultivars.
      These enzymes compete with isoflavonoid biosynthetic enzymes for the important
      branch-point substrate naringenin and its derivatives. Differentially expressed
      genes, between the two sets of cultivars, encode transcription factors,
      transporters and enzymatic families of interest, such as oxidoreductases,
      hydrolases and transferases. In addition, genes annotated with stress and disease
      response were upregulated in high isoflavonoid cultivars. CONCLUSIONS:
      Coordinated regulation of genes involved in flavonoid metabolism could redirect
      flux into the isoflavonoid branch of the phenylpropanoid pathway, by reducing
      competition for the flavanone substrate. These candidate genes could help
      identify mechanisms to overcome the endogenous bottleneck to isoflavonoid
      production, facilitate biosynthesis in heterologous systems, and enhance crop
      resistance against pathogenic infections.

PMID- 28077079
TI  - A double SIMEX approach for bivariate random-effects meta-analysis of diagnostic
      accuracy studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bivariate random-effects models represent a widely accepted and
      recommended approach for meta-analysis of test accuracy studies. Standard
      likelihood methods routinely used for inference are prone to several drawbacks.
      Small sample size can give rise to unreliable inferential conclusions and
      convergence issues make the approach unappealing. This paper suggests a different
      methodology to address such difficulties. METHODS: A SIMEX methodology is
      proposed. The method is a simulation-based technique originally developed as a
      correction strategy within the measurement error literature. It suits the meta
      analysis framework as the diagnostic accuracy measures provided by each study are
      prone to measurement error. SIMEX can be straightforwardly adapted to cover
      different measurement error structures and to deal with covariates. The
      effortless implementation with standard software is an interesting feature of the
      method. RESULTS: Extensive simulation studies highlight the improvement provided
      by SIMEX over likelihood approach in terms of empirical coverage probabilities of
      confidence intervals under different scenarios, independently of the sample size
      and the values of the correlation between sensitivity and specificity. A
      remarkable amelioration is obtained in case of deviations from the normality
      assumption for the random-effects distribution. From a computational point of
      view, the application of SIMEX is shown to be neither involved nor subject to the
      convergence issues affecting likelihood-based alternatives. Application of the
      method to a diagnostic review of the performance of transesophageal
      echocardiography for assessing ascending aorta atherosclerosis enables overcoming
      limitations of the likelihood procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The SIMEX methodology
      represents an interesting alternative to likelihood-based procedures for
      inference in meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies. The approach can
      provide more accurate inferential conclusions, while avoiding convergence failure
      and numerical instabilities. The application of the method in the R programming
      language is possible through the code which is made available and illustrated
      using the real data example.

PMID- 28077080
TI  - Should patients older than 65 years be offered a second kidney transplant?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age and number of recipients in need of kidney re-transplantation are
      increasing. Re-transplantation practices and outcomes in elderly recipients are
      not previously explored. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of
      recipients 65 years and older receiving their second deceased donor allograft.
      METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective registry based study. All
      recipients 65 years or older who received a deceased donor kidney transplant at
      Oslo University Hospital between 2000 and 2014 were included in the study.
      Survival outcomes were compared between recipients of first (TX1) and second
      (TX2) allograft. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method
      and Cox proportional hazard models with patient survival, uncensored graft
      survival and death-censored graft survival as outcomes in the analyses. RESULTS:
      Seven hundred and thirty-tree recipients > 65 years received a first (n = 687) or
      second (n = 46) deceased donor kidney transplant. Five years uncensored graft
      survival rates were 64% in TX 2 and 67% in TX 1 (P=  0.789). Estimated five years
      graft survival rates censored for death with functioning graft were 88% in TX2
      and 90% in TX1 (P=0.475). Adjusted hazard ratio for uncensored graft loss (TX2
      vs. TX1) was 1.24 (95% CI 0.77 - 2.00). Adjusted hazard ratio for graft loss
      censored for death with functioning graft (TX2 vs. TX1) was 1.70 (0.72-4.02).
      CONCLUSIONS: Older recipients of second transplants have outcomes that are
      comparable to the outcomes of age-matched first transplant recipients, and far
      better than previously documented for older transplant candidates remaining on
      dialysis treatment. Advanced age by itself should not be a contraindication for
      re-transplantation. Best results are achieved with short time on dialysis before
      re-transplantation.

PMID- 28077081
TI  - Antigen presenting capacity of murine splenic myeloid cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The spleen is an important site for hematopoiesis. It supports
      development of myeloid cells from bone marrow-derived precursors entering from
      blood. Myeloid subsets in spleen are not well characterised although dendritic
      cell (DC) subsets are clearly defined in terms of phenotype, development and
      functional role. Recently a novel dendritic-like cell type in spleen named 'L-DC'
      was distinguished from other known dendritic and myeloid cells by its distinct
      phenotype and developmental origin. That study also redefined splenic eosinophils
      as well as resident and inflammatory monocytes in spleen. RESULTS: L-DC are shown
      to be distinct from known splenic macrophages and monocyte subsets. Using a new
      flow cytometric procedure, it has been possible to identify and isolate L-DC in
      order to assess their functional competence and ability to activate T cells both
      in vivo and in vitro. L-DC are readily accessible to antigen given intravenously
      through receptor-mediated endocytosis. They are also capable of CD8+ T cell
      activation through antigen cross presentation, with subsequent induction of
      cytotoxic effector T cells. L-DC are MHCII- cells and unable to activate CD4+ T
      cells, a property which clearly distinguishes them from conventional DC. The
      myeloid subsets of resident monocytes, inflammatory monocytes, neutrophils and
      eosinophils, were found to have varying capacities to take up antigen, but were
      uniformly unable to activate either CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION: The
      results presented here demonstrate that L-DC in spleen are distinct from other
      myeloid cells in that they can process antigen for CD8+ T cell activation and
      induction of cytotoxic effector function, while both L-DC and myeloid subsets
      remain unable to activate CD4+ T cells. The L-DC subset in spleen is therefore
      distinct as an antigen presenting cell.

PMID- 28077082
TI  - The Arabidopsis paralogs, PUB46 and PUB48, encoding U-box E3 ubiquitin ligases,
      are essential for plant response to drought stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plants respond to abiotic stress on physiological, biochemical and
      molecular levels. This includes a global change in their cellular proteome
      achieved by changes in the pattern of their protein synthesis and degradation.
      The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a key player in protein degradation in
      eukaryotes. Proteins are marked for degradation by the proteasome by coupling
      short chains of ubiquitin polypeptides in a three-step pathway. The last and
      regulatory stage is catalyzed by a member of a large family of substrate-specific
      ubiquitin ligases. RESULTS: We have identified AtPUB46 and AtPUB48-two paralogous
      genes that encode ubiquitin ligases (E3s)-to have a role in the plant
      environmental response. The AtPUB46, -47, and -48 appear as tandem gene copies on
      chromosome 5, and we present a phylogenetic analysis that traces their evolution
      from an ancestral PUB-ARM gene. Single homozygous T-DNA insertion mutants of
      AtPUB46 and AtPUB48 displayed hypersensitivity to water stress; this was not
      observed for similar mutants of AtPUB47. Although the three genes show a similar
      spatial expression pattern, the steady state levels of their transcripts are
      differentially affected by abiotic stresses and plant hormones. CONCLUSIONS:
      AtPUB46 and AtPUB48 encode plant U-Box E3s and are involved in the response to
      water stress. Our data suggest that despite encoding highly homologous proteins,
      AtPUB46 and AtPUB48 biological activity does not fully overlap.

PMID- 28077083
TI  - Evaluation of the line probe assay for the rapid detection of bacterial
      meningitis pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid samples from children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic performance of the
      line probe assay (LPA) with conventional multiplex polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) for Streptococcus pneumoniae as well as real-time PCR for Neisseria
      meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      samples from children during the multicenter national surveillance of bacterial
      meningitis between the years 2006 and 2009 in Turkey. RESULTS: During the study
      period 1460 subjects were enrolled and among them 841 (57%) met the criteria for
      probable bacterial meningitis. The mean age of subjects was 51 +/- 47 months
      (range, 1-212 months). We performed the line probe assay in 751 (89%) CSF samples
      of 841 probable bacterial meningitis cases, of whom 431 (57%) were negative, 127
      (17%) were positive for S. pneumoniae, 53 (7%) were positive for H. influenzae
      type b, and 41 (5%) were positive for N. meningitidis. The LPA was positive in 19
      of 23 (82%) S. pneumoniae samples, 4 of 6 (67%) N. meningitidis samples and 2 of
      2 (100%) Hib samples in CSF culture-positive cases. The specificity of the LPA
      for all of S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b, and N. meningitidis was 88% (95%
      CI: 85-91%), when using the standard PCR as a reference. The specificity of LPA
      for each of S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b, and N. meningitidis was 93% (95%
      CI: 89-95%), 96% (95% CI: 94-98%), and 99% (95% CI: 97-99%), respectively. For
      all of S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b and N. meningitidis the sensitivity of
      the LPA was 76% (95% CI: 70-82%) and for each of S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae
      type b and N. meningitidis was 72% (95% CI:63-79%), 88% (95% CI: 73-95%), and 81%
      (95% CI:67-92%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The LPA assay can be used to detect
      common bacterial meningitis pathogens in CSF samples, but the assay requires
      further improvement.

PMID- 28077084
TI  - Erratum to: Power estimation and sample size determination for replication
      studies of genome-wide association studies.

PMID- 28077085
TI  - Erythropoiesis stimulating agents and reno-protection: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) were proposed to enhance
      survival of renal tissues through direct effects via activation of EPO receptors
      on renal cells resulting in reduced cell apoptosis, or indirect effects via
      increased oxygen delivery due to increased numbers of Hb containing red blood
      cells. Thus through several mechanisms there may be benefit of ESA administration
      on kidney disease progression and kidney function in renal patients. However
      conflicting ESA reno-protection outcomes have been reported in both pre-clinical
      animal studies and human clinical trials. To better understand the potential
      beneficial effects of ESAs on renal-patients, meta-analyses of clinical trials is
      needed. METHODS: Literature searches and manual searches of references lists from
      published studies were performed. Controlled trials that included ESA treatment
      on renal patients with relevant renal endpoints were selected. RESULTS: Thirty
      two ESA controlled trials in 3 categories of intervention were identified. These
      included 7 trials with patients who had a high likelihood of AKI, 7 trials with
      kidney transplant patients and 18 anemia correction trials with chronic kidney
      disease (predialysis) patients. There was a trend toward improvement in renal
      outcomes in the ESA treated arm of AKI and transplant trials, but none reached
      statistical significance. In 12 of the anemia correction trials, meta-analyses
      showed no difference in renal outcomes with the anemia correction but both arms
      received some ESA treatment making it difficult to assess effects of ESA
      treatment alone. However, in 6 trials the low Hb arm received no ESAs and meta
      analysis also showed no difference in renal outcomes, consistent with no benefit
      of ESA/ Hb increase. CONCLUSIONS: Most ESA trials were small with modest event
      rates. While trends tended to favor the ESA treatment arm, these meta-analyses
      showed no reduction of incidence of AKI, no reduction in DGF or improvement in 1
      year graft survival after renal transplantation and no significant delay in
      progression of CKD. These results do not support significant clinical reno
      protection by ESAs.

PMID- 28077086
TI  - The measure of success: geographic isolation promotes diversification in
      Pachydactylus geckos.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Geckos of the genus Pachydactylus and their close relatives comprise
      the most species-rich clade of lizards in sub-Saharan Africa. Many explanations
      have been offered to explain species richness patterns of clades. In the
      Pachydactylus group, one possible explanation is a history of diversification via
      geographic isolation. If geographic isolation has played a key role in
      facilitating diversification, then we expect species in more species-rich
      subclades to have smaller ranges than species in less diverse subclades. We also
      expect traits promoting geographic isolation to be correlated with small
      geographic ranges. In order to test these expectations, we performed phylogenetic
      analyses and tested for correlations among body size, habitat choice, range
      sizes, and diversification rates in the Pachydactylus group. RESULTS: Both body
      size and habitat use are inferred to have shifted multiple times across the
      phylogeny of the Pachydactylus group, with large size and generalist habitat use
      being ancestral for the group. Geographic range size is correlated with both of
      these traits. Small-bodied species have more restricted ranges than large-bodied
      species, and rock-dwelling species have more restricted ranges than either
      terrestrial or generalist species. Rock-dwelling and small body size are also
      associated with higher rates of diversification, and subclades retaining
      ancestral conditions for these traits are less species rich than subclades in
      which shifts to small body size and rocky habitat use have occurred. The
      phylogeny also illustrates inadequacies of the current taxonomy of the group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results are consistent with a model in which lineages more
      likely to become geographically isolated diversify to a greater extent, although
      some patterns also resemble those expected of an adaptive radiation in which
      ecological divergence acts as a driver of speciation. Therefore, the
      Pachydactylus group may represent an intermediate between clades in which
      radiation is adaptive versus those in which it is non-adaptive.

PMID- 28077087
TI  - Embryogenesis in the parasitic nematode Heterodera glycines is independent of
      host-derived hatching stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many parasites regulate their development to synchronize their life
      cycle with a compatible host. The parasitic nematode Heterodera glycines displays
      incomplete host-mediated hatching behavior wherein some H. glycines individuals
      hatch only in the presence of a host-derived cue while others hatch in water
      alone. Furthermore, H. glycines shows variable hatching behavior based on
      oviposition location. The mechanisms regulating this hatching variability are
      unknown. In this study, we established a detailed timeline of the H. glycines pre
      hatch development from early embryogenesis to the pre-hatched J2. These
      descriptive data were then used to test hypotheses regarding the effect of host
      stimulus and oviposition location on pre-hatch development. RESULTS: We found
      that H. glycines develops from a single-cell egg to a fully formed J2 in
      approximately 172 hours. The stylet-based mouthpart, which is used to pierce the
      eggshell during hatching, is not completely formed until late in pre-hatch J2
      development and is preceded by the formation of stylet protractor muscles. We
      also found that the primary motor nervous system of H. glycines did not complete
      development until late in pre-hatch J2 development. These data suggest possible
      structural requirements for H. glycines hatching. As expected, exposure of H.
      glycines eggs to host-derived cues increased the percentage of nematodes that
      hatched. However, exposure to hatching cues did not affect pre-hatch development.
      Similarly, we found no obvious differences in the pre-hatch developmental
      timeline between eggs laid in an egg sac or retained within the mother.
      CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of early embryonic development in H. glycines was very
      similar to that recently described in the related parasitic nematode Meloidogyne
      incognita. However, the speed of H. glycines pre-hatch development was
      approximately three times faster than reported for M. incognita. Our results
      suggest that hatching stimulants do not affect embryogenesis itself but only
      influence the hatching decision once J2 development is complete. Similarly, the
      oviposition location does not alter the rate of embryogenesis. These results
      provide insight into the primary survival mechanism for this important parasite.

PMID- 28077088
TI  - Integrated RNA-seq and DNase-seq analyses identify phenotype-specific BMP4
      signaling in breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) plays an important role in cancer
      pathogenesis. In breast cancer, it reduces proliferation and increases migration
      in a cell line-dependent manner. To characterize the transcriptional mediators of
      these phenotypes, we performed RNA-seq and DNase-seq analyses after BMP4
      treatment in MDA-MB-231 and T-47D breast cancer cells that respond to BMP4 with
      enhanced migration and decreased cell growth, respectively. RESULTS: The RNA-seq
      data revealed gene expression changes that were consistent with the in vitro
      phenotypes of the cell lines, particularly in MDA-MB-231, where migration-related
      processes were enriched. These results were confirmed when enrichment of BMP4
      induced open chromatin regions was analyzed. Interestingly, the chromatin in
      transcription start sites of differentially expressed genes was already open in
      unstimulated cells, thus enabling rapid recruitment of transcription factors to
      the promoters as a response to stimulation. Further analysis and functional
      validation identified MBD2, CBFB, and HIF1A as downstream regulators of BMP4
      signaling. Silencing of these transcription factors revealed that MBD2 was a
      consistent activator of target genes in both cell lines, CBFB an activator in
      cells with reduced proliferation phenotype, and HIF1A a repressor in cells with
      induced migration phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating RNA-seq and DNase-seq data
      showed that the phenotypic responses to BMP4 in breast cancer cell lines are
      reflected in transcriptomic and chromatin levels. We identified and
      experimentally validated downstream regulators of BMP4 signaling that relate to
      the different in vitro phenotypes and thus demonstrate that the downstream BMP4
      response is regulated in a cell type-specific manner.

PMID- 28077089
TI  - Control beliefs and risk for 4-year mortality in older adults: a prospective
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Control beliefs are important psychological factors that likely
      contribute to heterogeneity in health outcomes for older adults. We evaluated
      whether control beliefs are associated with risk for 4-year mortality, after
      accounting for established "classic" biomedical risk factors. We also determined
      if an enhanced risk model with control beliefs improved identification of
      individuals with low vs. high mortality risk. METHODS: We used nationally
      representative data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2012) for adults
      50 years or older in 2006 (n = 7313) or 2008 (n = 6301). We assessed baseline
      perceived global control (measured as 2 dimensions-"constraints" and "mastery"),
      and health-specific control. We also obtained baseline data for 12 established
      biomedical risk factors of 4-year mortality: age, sex, 4 medical conditions
      (diabetes mellitus, cancer, lung disease and heart failure), body mass index less
      than 25 kg/m2, smoking, and 4 functional difficulties (with bathing, managing
      finances, walking several blocks and pushing or pulling heavy objects). Deaths
      within 4 years of follow-up were determined through interviews with respondents'
      family and the National Death Index. RESULTS: After accounting for classic
      biomedical risk factors, perceived constraints were significantly associated with
      higher mortality risk (third quartile scores odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% CI 1.03
      1.81; fourth quartile scores OR 1.45, 95% CI, 1.09-1.92), while health-specific
      control was significantly associated with lower risk (OR 0.69-0.78 for scores
      above first quartile). Higher perceived mastery scores were not consistently
      associated with decreased risk. The enhanced model with control beliefs found an
      additional 3.5% of participants (n = 222) with low predicted risk of 4-year
      mortality (i.e., 4% or less); observed mortality for these individuals was 1.8%
      during follow-up. Compared with participants predicted to have low mortality risk
      only by the classic biomedical model, individuals identified by only the enhanced
      model were older, had higher educational status, higher income, and higher
      prevalence of diabetes mellitus and cancer. CONCLUSION: Control beliefs were
      significantly associated with risk for 4-year mortality; accounting for these
      factors improved identification of low-risk individuals. More work is needed to
      determine how assessment of control beliefs could enable targeting of clinical
      interventions to support at-risk older adults.

PMID- 28077090
TI  - GBS-based single dosage markers for linkage and QTL mapping allow gene mining for
      yield-related traits in sugarcane.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is predominantly an autopolyploid plant
      with a variable ploidy level, frequent aneuploidy and a large genome that hampers
      investigation of its organization. Genetic architecture studies are important for
      identifying genomic regions associated with traits of interest. However, due to
      the genetic complexity of sugarcane, the practical applications of genomic tools
      have been notably delayed in this crop, in contrast to other crops that have
      already advanced to marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection. High
      throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have opened new
      opportunities for discovering molecular markers, especially single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion-deletion (indels), at the genome-wide level.
      The objectives of this study were to (i) establish a pipeline for identifying
      variants from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data in sugarcane, (ii) construct an
      integrated genetic map with GBS-based markers plus target region amplification
      polymorphisms and microsatellites, (iii) detect QTLs related to yield component
      traits, and (iv) perform annotation of the sequences that originated the
      associated markers with mapped QTLs to search putative candidate genes. RESULTS:
      We used four pseudo-references to align the GBS reads. Depending on the
      reference, from 3,433 to 15,906 high-quality markers were discovered, and half of
      them segregated as single-dose markers (SDMs) on average. In addition to 7,049
      non-redundant SDMs from GBS, 629 gel-based markers were used in a subsequent
      linkage analysis. Of 7,678 SDMs, 993 were mapped. These markers were distributed
      throughout 223 linkage groups, which were clustered in 18 homo(eo)logous groups
      (HGs), with a cumulative map length of 3,682.04 cM and an average marker density
      of 3.70 cM. We performed QTL mapping of four traits and found seven QTLs. Our
      results suggest the presence of a stable QTL across locations. Furthermore, QTLs
      to soluble solid content (BRIX) and fiber content (FIB) traits had markers linked
      to putative candidate genes. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report the
      use of GBS for large-scale variant discovery and genotyping of a mapping
      population in sugarcane, providing several insights regarding the use of NGS data
      in a polyploid, non-model species. The use of GBS generated a large number of
      markers and still enabled ploidy and allelic dosage estimation. Moreover, we were
      able to identify seven QTLs, two of which had great potential for validation and
      future use for molecular breeding in sugarcane.

PMID- 28077091
TI  - Transradial versus transfemoral approach for coronary angiography and angioplasty
      - A prospective, randomized comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PCI has been done traditionally through transfemoral route. But now
      transradial and transbrachial routes are also coming up in practice. We compared
      transradial versus transfemoral routes for ease of operability, time for
      procedure, complications, and failure rates through a prospective study. METHODS:
      Four hundred Patients admitted in department of cardiology for percutaneous
      interventions were enrolled in the study. 200 patients were assigned to each
      group randomly. A single team did all the procedures. Pre procedure, intra
      procedure and post procedure data of all the patients was collected, tabulated
      and analysed properly. RESULTS: Access time (6.0 +/- 1vs 4.2 +/- 0.7; P =0.001);
      Fluoroscopy time and overall procedure time (29 +/- 11.3 Vs. 27.3 +/- 12.4 min)
      were more with trans radial than transfemoral route, respectively. The most
      common post procedure complication, ecchymosis was seen in 20.5% in transfemoral
      group compared to 12.5% in transradial group (P 0.031). Thrombophelibites (17.5
      VS 8%, P0.004); Hematoma (14.5 Vs 0%, P 0.005); post procedure access bleed (7 VS
      3%, P 0.039) were seen in transfemoral than transradial group, respectively.
      Failure rates were almost similar. None of our patients had post procedure
      myocardial infarction, stroke, acute renal failure and infections. CONCLUSION:
      Transradial approach of PCI is better than transfemoral route with respect to
      complications like bleeding, haematoma formation, thrombophelebites and
      ecchymosis is concerned. However access and fluoroscopic time is more with the
      former. We recommend the transradial route for PCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial is
      retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the Identifier: NCT02983721
      , Date of registration is December 2, 2016.

PMID- 28077092
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of ionotropic L-glutamate receptor genes in the Bilateria,
      with special notes on Aplysia californica.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neurotransmitter L-Glutamate (L-Glu) acting at ionotropic L-Glu
      receptors (iGluR) conveys fast excitatory signal transmission in the nervous
      systems of all animals. iGluR-dependent neurotransmission is a key component of
      the synaptic plasticity that underlies learning and memory. During learning, two
      subtypes of iGluR, alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid
      receptors (AMPAR) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR), are dynamically
      regulated postsynaptically in vertebrates. Invertebrate organisms such as Aplysia
      californica (Aplysia) are well-studied models for iGluR-mediated function, yet no
      studies to date have analyzed the evolutionary relationships between iGluR genes
      in these species and those in vertebrates, to identify genes that may mediate
      plasticity. We conducted a thorough phylogenetic analysis spanning Bilateria to
      elucidate these relationships. The expression status of iGluR genes in the
      Aplysia nervous system was also examined. RESULTS: Our analysis shows that
      ancestral genes for both NMDAR and AMPAR subtypes were present in the common
      bilaterian ancestor. NMDAR genes show very high conservation in motifs
      responsible for forming the conductance pore of the ion channel. The number of
      NMDAR subunits is greater in vertebrates due to an increased number of splice
      variants and an increased number of genes, likely due to gene duplication events.
      AMPAR subunits form an orthologous group, and there is high variability in the
      number of AMPAR genes in each species due to extensive taxon specific gene gain
      and loss. qPCR results show that all 12 Aplysia iGluR subunits are expressed in
      all nervous system ganglia. CONCLUSIONS: Orthologous NMDAR subunits in all
      species studied suggests conserved function across Bilateria, and potentially a
      conserved mechanism of neuroplasticity and learning. Vertebrates display an
      increased number of NMDAR genes and splice variants, which may play a role in
      their greater diversity of physiological responses. Extensive gene gain and loss
      of AMPAR genes may result in different physiological properties that are taxon
      specific. Our results suggest a significant role for L-Glu mediated responses
      throughout the Aplysia nervous system, consistent with L-Glu's role as the
      primary excitatory neurotransmitter.

PMID- 28077093
TI  - Evaluation of the point-of-care Becton Dickinson VeritorTM Rapid influenza
      diagnostic test in Kenya, 2013-2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the performance of the Becton Dickinson VeritorTM System
      Flu A + B rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) to detect influenza viruses in
      respiratory specimens from patients enrolled at five surveillance sites in Kenya,
      a tropical country where influenza seasonality is variable. METHODS: Nasal swab
      (NS) and nasopharyngeal (NP)/oropharyngeal (OP) swabs were collected from
      patients with influenza like illness and/or severe acute respiratory infection.
      The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative
      predictive value (NPV) of the RIDT using NS specimens were evaluated against
      nasal swabs tested by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
      (rRT-PCR). The performance parameter results were expressed as 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) calculated using binomial exact methods, with P < 0.05 considered
      significant. Two-sample Z tests were used to test for differences in sample
      proportions. Analysis was performed using SAS software version 9.3. RESULTS: From
      July 2013 to July 2014, 3,569 patients were recruited, of which 78.7% were aged
      <5 years. Overall, 14.4% of NS specimens were influenza-positive by RIDT. RIDT
      overall sensitivity was 77.1% (95% CI 72.8-81.0%) and specificity was 94.9% (95%
      CI 94.0-95.7%) compared to rRT-PCR using NS specimens. RIDT sensitivity for
      influenza A virus compared to rRT-PCR using NS specimens was 71.8% (95% CI 66.7
      76.4%) and was significantly higher than for influenza B which was 43.8% (95% CI
      33.8-54.2%). PPV ranged from 30%-80% depending on background prevalence of
      influenza. CONCLUSION: Although the variable seasonality of influenza in tropical
      Africa presents unique challenges, RIDTs may have a role in making influenza
      surveillance sustainable in more remote areas of Africa, where laboratory
      capacity is limited.

PMID- 28077094
TI  - The cut-off value of tumor size and appropriate timing of follow-up for
      management of minimal EUS-suspected gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUD: The detectable rate of minimal gastric GISTs has continuously
      increased. While the surveillance and management of GIST <2 cm have been deemed
      controversial or lack evidence-based approaches.  The aim of the current study is
      to propose a cut-off value of tumor size for treatment policy and the appropriate
      timing for endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) follow-up in the minimal EUS
      suspected gastric GIST patients. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective
      study was performed. 69 patients with EUS-suspected gastric GISTs were studied
      from November 2008 to March 2015. 69 patients with minimal gastric GISTs <=2 cm
      diagnosed by EUS were followed for a mean period of 29 months (range, 12 to 70).
      An at least 20% increase of the maximal diameter of the tumors was set as a
      significant change. RESULTS: During follow-up, Of the 69 minimal EUS-suspected
      GISTs, 16 (23.2%) showed significant changes in size. 11 out of 69 GISTs (15.9%),
      6 out of 43 GISTs (14.0%), 7 out of 30 GISTs (23.3%) showed significant changes
      in size, at 1 year, 2 years, and more than 3 years respectively. The receiver
      operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the tumor size cut-off was
      9.5 mm. Only 4.7 and 3.7% of gastric EUS-suspected GISTs of <9.5 mm in size
      showed significant changes at 1 year and 2 years, while 9.5% at more than 3
      years. 34.6, 31.3 and 55.6% of gastric EUS-suspected GISTs of >= 9.5 mm in size
      showed significant changes at 1 year, 2 years and more than 3 years. CONCLUSIONS:
      Minimal EUS-suspected GISTs, larger than 9.5 mm may be associated with
      significant progression. The patients with a >= 9.5 mm GIST should have a EUS 6
      12months, while <9.5 mm GIST may have a EUS extended to every 2-3 years.

PMID- 28077096
TI  - Rates and trends in cesarean sections between 2008 and 2012 in Iraq.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of cesarean sections is increasing globally; however,
      it can lead to significant increases in maternal and infant morbidity and
      mortality. This study aimed to determine the rates and trends of cesarean
      sections in Iraq. METHODS: The cesarean section rates of all births and public
      and private hospital-based births were calculated from the data on births
      provided by the annual reports of the Iraqi Ministry of Health for the years 2008
      and 2012. The comparable rates for the Center/South and Kurdistan Region and the
      individual governorates were determined. The cesarean section rates for all
      births in 2008 were computed and compared with the 2012 rates. RESULTS: The
      cesarean section rate for all births in Iraq was 24.4% in 2012, which was similar
      to the rates in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (25.4%) and the Center/South of Iraq
      (24.3%). The cesarean section rates were specifically high in the governorates
      containing a larger number of private hospitals, and there was a significant
      positive relationship between the number of private hospitals and the cesarean
      section rate (beta = 0.671; r = 0.671; P < 0.002). The hospital-based cesarean
      section rate was 34.7%. The cesarean section rate in private hospitals (77.9%)
      was remarkably higher than the rate in public hospitals (29.3%). The overall rate
      of cesarean sections in Iraq increased from 18.0% in 2008 to 24.4% in 2012.
      CONCLUSIONS: The cesarean section rate in Iraq is far above the recommended rate.
      Iraq witnessed a rapid upward trend in the cesarean section rate from 2008 to
      2012, with most of this trend attributable to the Kurdistan Region. There is a
      potential relationship between the expansion of the private health sector and the
      increasing cesarean section rate, and further studies of this relationship are
      necessary. Future research should consider an audit of the indications for a
      cesarean section rather than measuring the cesarean section rate alone.

PMID- 28077095
TI  - Geographic information system for improving maternal and newborn health:
      recommendations for policy and programs.
AB  - This correspondence argues and offers recommendations for how Geographic
      Information System (GIS) applied to maternal and newborn health data could
      potentially be used as part of the broader efforts for ending preventable
      maternal and newborn mortality. These recommendations were generated from a
      technical consultation on reporting and mapping maternal deaths that was held in
      Washington, DC from January 12 to 13, 2015 and hosted by the United States Agency
      for International Development's (USAID) global Maternal and Child Survival
      Program (MCSP). Approximately 72 participants from over 25 global health
      organizations, government agencies, donors, universities, and other groups
      participated in the meeting.The meeting placed emphases on how improved use of
      mapping could contribute to the post-2015 United Nation's Sustainable Development
      Goals (SDGs), agenda in general and to contribute to better maternal and neonatal
      health outcomes in particular. Researchers and policy makers have been calling
      for more equitable improvement in Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH), specifically
      addressing hard-to-reach populations at sub-national levels. Data visualization
      using mapping and geospatial analyses play a significant role in addressing the
      emerging need for improved spatial investigation at subnational scale. This
      correspondence identifies key challenges and recommendations so GIS may be better
      applied to maternal health programs in resource poor settings. The challenges and
      recommendations are broadly grouped into three categories: ancillary geospatial
      and MNH data sources, technical and human resources needs and community
      participation.

PMID- 28077097
TI  - What patients really think about asthma guidelines: barriers to guideline
      implementation from the patients' perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of asthma does not always comply with asthma guidelines
      (AG). This may be rooted in direct or indirect resistance on the doctors' and/or
      patients' side or be caused by the healthcare system. To assess whether patients'
      concepts and attitudes are really an implementation barrier for AG, we analysed
      the patients' perspective of a "good asthma therapy" and contrasted their wishes
      with current recommendations. METHODS: Using a qualitative exploratory design,
      topic centred focus group (FG) discussions were performed until theoretical
      saturation was reached. Inclusion criteria were an asthma diagnosis and age above
      18. FG sessions were recorded audio-visually and analysed via a mapping technique
      and content analysis performed according to Mayring (supported by MAXQDA(r)).
      Participants' speech times and the proportion of time devoted to different themes
      were calculated using the Videograph System(r) and related to the content
      analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen men and 24 women aged between 20 and 77 from rural
      and urban areas attended five FG. Some patients had been recently diagnosed with
      asthma, others years previously or in childhood. The following topics were
      addressed: (a) concern about or rejection of therapy components, particularly
      corticosteroids, which sometimes resulted in autonomous uncommunicated medication
      changes, (b) lack of time or money for optimal treatment, (c) insufficient
      involvement in therapy choices and (d) a desire for greater empowerment, (e)
      suboptimal communication between healthcare professionals and (f) difficulties
      with recommendations conflicting with daily life. Primarily, (g) participants
      wanted more time with doctors to discuss difficulties and (h) all aspects of
      living with an impairing condition. CONCLUSIONS: We identified some important
      patient driven barriers to implementing AG recommendations. In order to advance
      AG implementation and improve asthma treatment, the patients' perspective needs
      to be considered before drafting new versions of AG. These issues should be
      addressed at the planning stage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00000562 (German
      Clinical Trials Registry).

PMID- 28077098
TI  - Validity of gestational age estimates by last menstrual period and neonatal
      examination compared to ultrasound in Vietnam.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate estimation of gestational age is important for both clinical
      and public health purposes. Estimates of gestational age using fetal ultrasound
      measurements are considered most accurate but are frequently unavailable in low-
      and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to assess the
      validity of last menstrual period and Farr neonatal examination estimates of
      gestational age, compared to ultrasound estimates, in a large cohort of women in
      Vietnam. METHODS: Data for this analysis come from a randomized, placebo
      controlled micronutrient supplementation trial in Vietnam. We analyzed 912 women
      with ultrasound and prospectively-collected last menstrual period estimates of
      gestational age and 685 women with ultrasound and Farr estimates of gestational
      age. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test to assess differences in
      gestational age estimated by last menstrual period or Farr examination compared
      to ultrasound and computed the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and
      concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) to quantify agreement between methods.
      We computed the Kappa coefficient (kappa) to quantify agreement in preterm, term
      and post-term classification. RESULTS: The median gestational age estimated by
      ultrasound was 273.9 days. Gestational age was slightly overestimated by last
      menstrual period (median 276.0 days, P < 0.001) and more greatly overestimated by
      Farr examination (median 286.7 days, P < 0.001). Gestational age estimates by
      last menstrual period and ultrasound were moderately correlated (ICC = 0.78) and
      concordant (CCC = 0.63), whereas gestational age estimates by Farr examination
      and ultrasound were weakly correlated (ICC = 0.26) and concordant (CCC = 0.05).
      Last menstrual period and ultrasound estimates of gestational age were within +/-
      14 days for 88.4% of women; Farr and ultrasound estimates were within +/- 14 days
      for 55.8% of women. Last menstrual period and ultrasound estimates of gestational
      age had higher agreement in term classification (kappa = 0.41) than Farr and
      ultrasound (kappa = 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study of women in Vietnam, we
      found last menstrual period provided a more accurate estimate of gestational age
      than the Farr examination when compared to ultrasound. These findings provide
      useful information about the utility and accuracy of different methods to
      estimate gestational age and suggest last menstrual period may be preferred over
      Farr examination in settings where ultrasound is unavailable. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.Gov as NCT01665378 on August 13, 2012.

PMID- 28077099
TI  - A prospective study on the characteristics and subjects of pediatric palliative
      care case management provided by a hospital based palliative care team.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Case management is a subject of interest within pediatric palliative
      care. Detailed descriptions of the content of this type of case management are
      lacking. We aim to describe the contents of care provided, utilization of
      different disciplines, and times of usage of a pediatric palliative care case
      management program compared for patients with malignant disease (MD) and non
      malignant disease (NMD). METHODS: A three-month prospective study, with
      questionnaires filled in by members of a pediatric palliative care team (PPCT)
      for each contact with parents. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-five contacts took
      place with parents of 70 patients (27MD, 43NMD). Sixty-two percent of all
      contacts were with the specialized nurse. The child life specialists,
      psychologist and social worker were also regularly consulted, the chaplain was
      not consulted. Ninety-five percent of all contacts took place between 8 am and 6
      pm during weekdays, a limited number between 6 pm and 9 pm. Twenty-five percent
      of all contacts were proactively initiated by the PPCT, 25 % were initiated by
      parents. In these care characteristics, no differences were seen for MD and NMD
      patients. Psychosocial topics were addressed most frequently. MD patients
      consulted the PPCT more often about school and NMD patients about socio-economic
      issues. CONCLUSIONS: All different disciplines of the PPCT were regularly
      consulted, except for the chaplain. With an easy accessible team with a highly
      pro-active approach, availability from 8 am to 9 pm seems sufficient to
      accommodate patient's and parent's needs. More anticipation seems required for
      socio-economic topics. This insight in pediatric palliative case management can
      provide guidance in the development of a new PPCT.

PMID- 28077101
TI  - Erratum to: Does acupuncture have a role in the treatment of threatened
      miscarriage? Findings from a feasibility randomised trial and semi-structured
      participant interviews.

PMID- 28077100
TI  - Incidence of solitary pulmonary nodules in Northeastern France: a population
      based study in five regions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The discovery of a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) on a chest imaging
      exam is of major clinical concern. However, the incidence rates of SPNs in a
      general population have not been estimated. The objective of this study was to
      provide incidence estimates of SPNs in a general population in 5 northeastern
      regions of France. METHODS: This population-based study was undertaken in 5
      regions of northeastern France in May 2002-March 2003 and May 2004-June 2005.
      SPNs were identified by chest CT reports collected from all radiology centres in
      the study area by trained readers using a standardised procedure. All reports for
      patients at least 18 years old, without a previous history of cancer and showing
      an SPN between 1 and 3 cm, were included. RESULTS: A total of 11,705 and 20,075
      chest CT reports were collected for the 2002-2003 and 2004-2005 periods,
      respectively. Among them, 154 and 297 reports showing a SPN were included,
      respectively for each period. The age-standardised incidence rate (IR) was 10.2
      per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 8.5-11.9) for 2002-2003 and
      12.6 (11.0-14.2) for 2004-2005. From 2002 to 2005, the age-standardised IR
      evolved for men from 16.4 (13.2-19.6) to 17.7 (15.0-20.4) and for women from 4.9
      (3.2-6.6) to 8.2 (6.4-10.0). In multivariate Poisson regression analysis, gender,
      age, region and period were significantly associated with incidence variation.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study provides reference incidence rates of SPN in France.
      Incidence was higher for men than women, increased with age for both gender and
      with time for women. Trends in smoking prevalence and improvement in radiological
      equipment may be related to incidence variations.

PMID- 28077102
TI  - Effects of aqueous extracts of Taraxacum Officinale on expression of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 in LPS-stimulated
      RMMVECs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mastitis gives rise to big financial burden to farm industry (mainly
      dairy production) and public health. Its incidence is currently high and
      therefore, highly effective treatments for therapy, especially with natural
      products are required. Taraxacum officinale has been reported to use for anti
      inflammation. However, its effect on endothelium during mastitis has not been
      reported. METHODS: We firstly established inflammation experimental model of rat
      mammary microvascular endothelial cells (RMMVECs). We evaluated the effects of
      dandelion leaf aqueous extracts (DAE) on LPS-induced production of inflammatory
      mediators in RMMVECs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. We
      treated RMMVECs with 1 MUg/ml LPS for 4 h and then incubated with 10, 100 and 200
      MUg/mL DAE for 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. The expression (mRNA and protein level) of
      targets (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- alpha) and Intracellular Adhesion
      Molecule 1 (ICAM1) was analyzed by employing real-time PCR and Western blots. The
      in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of DAE on mastitis within an Staphylococcus
      aureus-induced mouse model was also determined. RESULTS: The obtained results
      showed that dandelion extracts at the concentration of 100 and 200 MUg/mL could
      significantly inhibit both TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 expression in all time points
      checked while 10 MUg/mL of dandelion only suppress both expression at 8 and 12 h
      post-treatment. The in vivo tests showed that the DAE inhibited the expression of
      TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 in a time-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: All results suggest
      that the endothelium may use as as a possible target of dandelion for anti
      inflammation.

PMID- 28077103
TI  - Determinants of quality of shared sanitation facilities in informal settlements:
      case study of Kisumu, Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shared facilities are not recognised as improved sanitation due to
      challenges of maintenance as they easily can be avenues for the spread of
      diseases. Thus there is need to evaluate the quality of shared facilities,
      especially in informal settlements, where they are commonly used. A shared
      facility can be equated to a common good whose management depends on the users.
      If users do not work collectively towards keeping the facility clean, it is
      likely that the quality may depreciate due to lack of maintenance. This study
      examined the quality of shared sanitation facilities and used the common pool
      resource (CPR) management principles to examine the determinants of shared
      sanitation quality in the informal settlements of Kisumu, Kenya. METHODS: Using a
      multiple case study design, the study employed both quantitative and qualitative
      methods. In both phases, users of shared sanitation facilities were interviewed,
      while shared sanitation facilities were inspected. Shared sanitation quality was
      a score which was the dependent variable in a regression analysis. Interviews
      during the qualitative stage were aimed at understanding management practices of
      shared sanitation users. Qualitative data was analysed thematically by following
      the CPR principles. RESULTS: Shared facilities, most of which were dirty, were
      shared by an average of eight households, and their quality decreased with an
      increase in the number of households sharing. The effect of numbers on quality is
      explained by behaviour reflected in the CPR principles, as it was easier to
      define boundaries of shared facilities when there were fewer users who cooperated
      towards improving their shared sanitation facility. Other factors, such as
      defined management systems, cooperation, collective decision making, and social
      norms, also played a role in influencing the behaviour of users towards keeping
      shared facilities clean and functional. CONCLUSION: Apart from hardware factors,
      quality of shared sanitation is largely due to group behaviour of users. The CPR
      principles form a crucial lens through which the dynamics of shared sanitation
      facilities in informal settlements can be understood. Development and policy
      efforts should incorporate group behaviour as they determine the quality of
      shared sanitation facilities.

PMID- 28077104
TI  - Effects of treadmill exercise versus Flutter(r) on respiratory flow and sputum
      properties in adults with cystic fibrosis: a randomised, controlled, cross-over
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treadmill exercise and airway clearance with the Flutter(r) device
      have previously been shown to improve mucus clearance mechanisms in people with
      cystic fibrosis (CF) but have not been compared. It is therefore not known if
      treadmill exercise is an adequate form of airway clearance that could replace
      established airway clearance techniques, such as the Flutter(r). The aim of this
      study was to evaluate respiratory flow, sputum properties and subjective
      responses of treadmill exercise and Flutter(r) therapy, compared to resting
      breathing (control). METHODS: Twenty-four adults with mild to severe CF lung
      disease (FEV1 28-86% predicted) completed a three-day randomised, controlled,
      cross-over study. Interventions consisted of 20 min of resting breathing
      (control), treadmill exercise at 60% of the participant's peak oxygen consumption
      and Flutter(r) therapy. Respiratory flow was measured during the interventions.
      Sputum properties (solids content and mechanical impedance) and subjective
      responses (ease of expectoration and sense of chest congestion) were measured
      before, immediately after the interventions and after 20 min of recovery.
      RESULTS: Treadmill exercise and Flutter(r) resulted in similar significant
      increases in peak expiratory flow, but only Flutter(r) created an expiratory
      airflow bias (i.e. peak expiratory flow was at least 10% higher than peak
      inspiratory flow). Treadmill exercise and Flutter(r) therapy resulted in similar
      significant reductions in sputum mechanical impedance, but only treadmill
      exercise caused a transient increase in sputum hydration. Treadmill exercise
      improved ease of expectoration and Flutter(r) therapy improved subjective sense
      of chest congestion. CONCLUSIONS: A single bout of treadmill exercise and
      Flutter(r) therapy were equally effective in augmenting mucus clearance
      mechanisms in adults with CF. Only longer term studies, however, will determine
      if exercise alone is an adequate form of airway clearance therapy that could
      replace other airway clearance techniques. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New
      Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Registration number # ACTRN12609000168257 ,
      Retrospectively registered (Date submitted to registry 26/2/2009, First
      participant enrolled 27/2/2009, Date registered 6/4/2009).

PMID- 28077105
TI  - The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a farm worker community in the Boland
      district, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In South Africa, not much is known about MetS in farm working
      communities. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of the MetS in a farm
      working population from the Boland winelands district of the Western Cape, South
      Africa. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was followed among farm workers (aged 20
      60 years) from surrounding wine estates. The questionnaires used described socio
      demographic status, ethnic background, alcohol consumption, smoking, exercise and
      daily medication. Anthropometric assessments were performed and blood pressure
      measurements taken prior to blood sampling for serum insulin, glucose and fasting
      lipogram profiles. RESULTS: The prevalence of the MetS was higher in women (46.3
      vs 29.3%). Both men and women in the MetS group had a significantly higher waist
      circumferences (WC; p < 0.001 for both), whilst higher glucose levels were only
      significantly higher in the women (p < 0.001). Correlations showed significant
      differences between body mass index (BMI), WC and waist to hip ratio (W:H) and
      the different MetS risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The female population in this study
      showed higher prevalence rates for the individual risk factors and the MetS
      overall. There is an urgent need to develop culturally sensitive health promotion
      programs addressing risk factors for metabolic syndrome among farm workers.

PMID- 28077106
TI  - Age of onset of substance use and psychosocial problems among individuals with
      substance use disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substance use is generally initiated in adolescence or early
      adulthood and is commonly associated with several physical, psychological,
      emotional and social problems. The objective of this study is to assess the age
      of onset of substance use differences on psychosocial problems among individuals
      with substance use disorders (SUDs) residing in drug rehabilitation centers.
      METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional research design was carried out.
      Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling technique was used to select the
      drug rehabilitation centers and all the respondents meeting the inclusion
      criteria of the selected seven rehabilitation centers were taken as a sample and
      comprised of 221 diagnosed individuals with SUDs. A semi structured self
      administered questionnaires were used to collect the information regarding
      demographic and substance use related characteristics. A standard tool Drug Use
      Screening Inventory-Revised (DUSI-R) was used to assess the psychosocial problems
      among individuals with SUDs. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and
      inferential statistics. Multivariate general linear model (MANOVA and MANCOVA)
      was used to evaluate differences in psychosocial problems between early vs late
      onset substance users. RESULT: The age of onset of substance use was
      significantly associated with psychosocial problems. The mean psychosocial
      problem scores were higher in early onset substance user (17 years or younger)
      than late onset substance user (18 years or higher) in various domains of DUSI-R
      even after controlling confounding factors. The two groups (early vs late)
      differed significantly in relation to age, gender, occupational status, current
      types of substance use, frequency of use, mode of substance use and relapse
      history. CONCLUSION: The study indicated that early onset substance users are at
      higher risk for psychosocial problems in various areas of life such as Behavior
      Pattern, Psychiatric disorder, Family system, Peer relationship,
      Leisure/Recreation and Work adjustment compared to late onset substance users. It
      highlights the need for early prevention, screening, and timely intervention
      among those individuals.

PMID- 28077108
TI  - Wasting, underweight and stunting among children with congenital heart disease
      presenting at Mulago hospital, Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with congenital heart disease are at increased risk of
      malnutrition. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of wasting,
      underweight and stunting among children with congenital heart disease attending
      Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among
      194 children aged 0-15 years was conducted between August 2013 and March 2014.
      Anthropometric measurements and clinical assessments were carried out on all
      children. Anthropometric z-scores based on WHO 2007 reference ranges were
      generated for each child. Weight-for-height z-scores were generated for children
      0-5 years, weight-for-age z-scores for children 0-10 years, and height-for-age
      and BMI-for-age z-scores for all children. Risk factors associated with
      malnutrition were determined by Poisson regression. RESULTS: One hundred and
      forty five (74.7%) children were aged 0-5 years; and 111 of 194 (57.2%) were
      female. Forty five of 145 (31.5%) children aged 0-5 years were wasted; 77 of 181
      (42.5%) children aged 0-10 years were underweight; 88 of 194 (45.4%) children
      were stunted; and 53 of 194 (27.3%) children were thin (BMI for age z score < 
      2). Moderate to severe anaemia (RR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.22) and moderate to
      severe heart failure (RR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.13-1.36) were associated with wasting
      and underweight respectively. Stunting was associated with moderate to severe
      heart failure (RR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.21) while thinness was associated with
      moderate to severe heart failure (RR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.21) and moderate to
      severe anaemia (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.25). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition is common
      in children with congenital heart disease, and is associated with anaemia and
      heart failure. There is need to integrate strategies to identify and manage
      malnutrition during the care of children with congenital heart disease.

PMID- 28077107
TI  - Recurrent pneumonia among Japanese adults: disease burden and risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Japan and other societies with rapidly aging populations,
      recurrent pneumonia (RP) is a major clinical problem yet only limited information
      exists regarding the burden of this disease. METHODS: A prospective study of
      adult pneumonia was conducted to investigate the incidence of RP and potential
      risk factors. From February 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013, patients aged >= 15
      years who were diagnosed with pneumonia were prospectively enrolled in a
      representative community hospital located in central Japan. Patients were
      followed for one-year to evaluate the recurrence of pneumonia and characteristics
      associated with RP. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to compute
      adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and ascertain risk factors significantly associated
      with RP. RESULTS: In total, 841 patients with a median age of 73 years (range 15
      101 years) were enrolled totaling 1,048 person-years of observation with a median
      follow-up time of 475 days. A total of 137 patients had at least one recurrent
      episode with an incidence rate of 13.1 per 100 person-years (95% confidence
      interval: 11.1-15.5). In multivariate analysis, a past history of pneumonia (aHR
      1.95, 95% CI: 1.35-2.8), chronic pulmonary disease (aHR 1.86, 1.24-2.78) and
      inhaled corticosteroid usage (aHR 1.78, 1.12-2.84) and hypnotic/sedative
      medication usage (aHR 2.06, 1.28-3.31) were identified as independent risk
      factors for recurrent pneumonia, whereas angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitors
      usage was associated with a reduction of the risk of RP (aHR 0.22, 0.05-0.91).
      The detection of P. aeruginosa was significantly associated with RP even after
      adjusting for chronic pulmonary diseases (aHR = 2.37). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent
      pneumonia constitutes a considerable proportion of the pneumonia burden in Japan.
      A past history of pneumonia, chronic pulmonary disease, inhaled corticosteroid
      and hypnotic/sedative medication usage and detection of P. aeruginosa were
      identified as independent risk factors for recurrent pneumonia and special
      attention regarding the use of medications in this vulnerable population is
      needed to reduce the impact of this disease in aging populations.

PMID- 28077109
TI  - Cause of neonatal deaths in Northern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the significant reduction in childhood mortality, neonatal
      mortality has shown little or no concomitant decline worldwide. The dilemma
      arises in that the lack of documentation of cause of death in developing
      countries, where registration of vital events is virtually nonexistent.
      Understanding of the causes of death in neonates is important to guide public
      health interventions. The present study identifies the common causes of neonatal
      death in Ethiopia. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted among
      neonates born between April 2014 and July 2014 in seven hospitals, in Tigray
      region, Ethiopia. Mothers were interviewed by midwifes respecting risk factors
      and infant survival. For neonates who died in hospital, causes of death were
      extracted from medical records, whereas a verbal autopsy method provided
      presumptive assignment of cause of death for those infants who died at home.
      RESULTS: Of the1152 live births, there were 68 deaths (63 per 1000 live births).
      Two thirds of deaths were attributable to prematurity 23 (34%) or asphyxia 21
      (31%). Slight variance was seen between the morality patterns in early and late
      neonatal periods. In the early neonatal period, 37% were due to prematurity,
      while asphyxia (35%) was more common in the late neonatal period. All infection
      related deaths occurred in neonate-mother dyads from rural areas. CONCLUSION:
      Prematurity, asphyxia, and infections were the leading causes of neonatal deaths
      in Tigray region during the study period. Causes of deaths identified during
      early and late neonatal mortality differed, which clearly indicates the need for
      responsive and evidence-based interventions and policies.

PMID- 28077110
TI  - The first rib hypoplasia and the aberrant pulmonary artery branch detected by
      three-dimensional computed tomography in a surgical case with apical lung cancer,
      a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The complete resection is one of the most crucial requirements to
      achieve favorable outcomes in oncologic surgery. The apex of the lung is
      surrounded complicatedly by the clavicle, the first rib, the subclavian artery
      and vein, and the brachial plexus. Therefore, the image information especially
      about the infiltration of adjacent anatomic structures, facilitates the surgery
      in the apical lung cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old man presented at our
      hospital with a computed tomography (CT) scan showing a tumor at the left lung
      apex that infiltrated the chest wall. Two anatomical anomalies were found, which
      were the first rib hypoplasia and the aberrant pulmonary artery branch. The three
      dimensional (3D) CT enhanced with using bolus tracking method, simultaneously
      revealed that the subclavian vessels existed between the clavicle and the second
      rib, and the left lingual pulmonary artery and the ventrobasal pulmonary artery
      diverged from the left main pulmonary artery as the first branch. We diagnosed
      the tumor as a primary lung squamous cell carcinoma that infiltrated the second
      rib, because sputum cytology suggested squamous cell carcinoma. Left lung upper
      lobectomy with lymph node dissection and chest wall resection (the second and
      third ribs) were performed with caution for the anatomical anomalies. The
      pathological diagnosis was pleomorphic carcinoma (5.0 * 3.0 * 1.9 cm) that
      invaded the second costal bone, and the pathological stage was confirmed to be
      pT3N0M0. Pathologically curative resection was accomplished. The patient was
      discharged from the hospital on 10 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: The 3D-CT
      precisely detected the anomalous structure consisted with the clavicle, the
      second rib, the subclavian artery and vein, the aberrant pulmonary artery branch.
      In the present case with the apical lung cancer, the evaluation of the anatomical
      structure via 3D-CT facilitated to achieve a pathological complete resection.

PMID- 28077111
TI  - Cumulative exposure to shift work and sickness absence: associations in a five
      year historic cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to shift work has been associated with negative health
      consequences, although the association between shift work and sickness absence
      remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between
      cumulative exposure to shift work and sickness absence among ground staff
      employees of an airline company. METHODS: This study used data from the MORE
      (Monitoring Occupational Health Risks in Employees) cohort, which is a 5-year
      historic cohort. The population of the present study consisted of 7562 ground
      staff employees. For each employee, work schedules and sickness absence days
      between 2005 and 2009 were obtained from company records. For the exposure to
      different shift schedule types and to the cumulative number of night shifts, the
      association with long-term sickness absence (>7 consecutive sickness absence
      days) and the number of sickness absence episodes during 2009, was calculated
      using logistic and Poisson regression analyses. Socio-demographic variables, work
      related variables, job classification variables, and previous sickness absence
      days were regarded as confounders. RESULTS: After adjusting for previous sickness
      absence and job classification variables, only the group of employees that
      switched into working in a three-shift schedule, showed a significantly increased
      risk for long-term sickness absence (OR = 1.31, 95%CI 1.02-1.69). Night shift
      exposure was not significantly associated with long-term sickness absence.
      Exposure to shift work was negatively associated with more sickness absence
      episodes. Employees who were exposed to more than 46 night shifts also showed a
      lower risk for more sickness absence episodes. Subgroup analyses showed that
      single employees and employees without children had an increased risk for long
      term sickness absence when exposed to a three-shift schedule, and when they had
      changed between shift schedule types. CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative exposure to shift
      work proved to be negatively associated with more sickness absence episodes, and
      was not associated with more long-term sickness absence, although selection bias
      could not be ruled out. Future research should explore the influence of household
      composition, and take into account both previous sickness absence and
      psychosocial and physical work factors to obtain a better estimation of the
      association between shift work and sickness absence.

PMID- 28077112
TI  - Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension in Burkina Faso: a
      countrywide cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High blood pressure (HBP) is an increasing public health issue for
      developing countries. HBP is an important contributing factor to many non
      communicable diseases that were until very recently thought to be rare in
      developing countries. There is not enough evidence on its burden and risk factors
      in Africa. We report in this study on the prevalence and factors associated with
      HBP in the adult and active population of Burkina Faso from a nationally
      representative sample. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from
      the World Health Organization (WHO) Stepwise approach to Surveillance(STEPS)
      survey on the prevalence of major risk factors for non-communicable diseases in
      Burkina Faso. This survey was conducted between September 26 and November 18,
      2013 and involved a nationally representative sample of 4,800 adults aged 25 to
      64 years. The risk factors were identified using a binary logistic regression in
      STATA Version 13.1 software. RESULTS: The analysis was conducted on a sample of
      4629 participants of whom 72.18% lived in rural areas. The overall prevalence of
      hypertension in Burkina Faso was 18% (95% CI: 16.19%-19.96%). In urban areas the
      prevalence was 24.81% (95% CI 20.21%-30.07%) and 15.37% (95% CI 13.67%-17.24%) in
      rural areas. Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) and older age were consistently
      associated with higher odds of HBP in both residential areas. In addition, being
      of male sex, fat intake, family history of HBP and low level of HDL cholesterol
      were significantly associated with increased odds of HBP in rural residents.
      CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension is high in Burkina Faso with roughly
      one person in five affected. There is a predominant burden in urban areas with
      prevalence of ten-point percent higher compared to rural area. Modifiable risk
      factors should be targeted with appropriate and effective strategies to curb the
      rising burden of hypertension and its consequences.

PMID- 28077113
TI  - A possible dose-response association between distance to farmers' markets and
      roadside produce stands, frequency of shopping, fruit and vegetable consumption,
      and body mass index among customers in the Southern United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between farmers' market characteristics and consumer
      shopping habits remains unclear. Our objective was to examine associations among
      distance to farmers' markets, amenities within farmers' markets, frequency of
      farmers' market shopping, fruit and vegetable consumption, and body mass index
      (BMI). We hypothesized that the relationship between frequency of farmers' market
      shopping and BMI would be mediated by fruit and vegetable consumption. METHODS:
      In 15 farmers' markets in northeastern North Carolina, July-September 2015, we
      conducted a cross-sectional survey among 263 farmers' market customers (199
      provided complete address data) and conducted farmers' market audits. To
      participate, customers had to be over 18 years of age, and English speaking.
      Dependent variables included farmers' market shopping frequency, fruit and
      vegetable consumption, and BMI. Analysis of variance, adjusted multinomial
      logistic regression, Poisson regression, and linear regression models, adjusted
      for age, race, sex, and education, were used to examine associations between
      distance to farmers' markets, amenities within farmers' markets, frequency of
      farmers' market shopping, fruit and vegetable consumption, and BMI. RESULTS:
      Those who reported shopping at farmers' markets a few times per year or less
      reported consuming 4.4 (standard deviation = 1.7) daily servings of fruits and
      vegetables, and those who reported shopping 2 or more times per week reported
      consuming 5.5 (2.2) daily servings. There was no association between farmers'
      market amenities, and shopping frequency or fruit and vegetable consumption.
      Those who shopped 2 or more times per week had a statistically significantly
      lower BMI than those who shopped less frequently. There was no evidence of
      mediation of the relationship between frequency of shopping and BMI by fruit and
      vegetable consumption. CONCLUSIONS: More work should be done to understand
      factors within farmers' markets that encourage fruit and vegetable purchases.

PMID- 28077114
TI  - Using nudging and social marketing techniques to create healthy worksite
      cafeterias in the Netherlands: intervention development and study design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The worksite cafeteria is a suitable setting for interventions
      focusing on changing eating behavior, because a lot of employees visit the
      worksite cafeteria regularly and a variety of interventions could be implemented
      there. The aim of this paper is to describe the intervention development and
      design of the evaluation of an intervention to make the purchase behavior of
      employees in the worksite cafeteria healthier. The developed intervention called
      "the worksite cafeteria 2.0" consists of a set of 19 strategies based on theory
      of nudging and social marketing (marketing mix). The intervention will be
      evaluated in a real-life setting, that is Dutch worksite cafeterias of different
      companies and with a number of contract catering organizations. METHODS/DESIGN:
      The study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT), with 34 Dutch worksite
      cafeterias randomly allocated to the 12-week intervention or to the control
      group. Primary outcomes are sales data of selected products groups like
      sandwiches, salads, snacks and bread topping. Secondary outcomes are satisfaction
      of employees with the cafeteria and vitality. DISCUSSION: When executed, the
      described RCT will provide better knowledge in the effect of the intervention 
      "the worksite cafeteria 2.0" on the purchasing behavior of Dutch employees in
      worksite cafeterias. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial register: NTR5372 .

PMID- 28077115
TI  - Local mandate improves equity of paid sick leave coverage: Seattle's experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paid sick leave allows workers to take time off work for personal or
      family health needs, improving health and potentially limiting infectious
      diseases. The U.S. has no national sick leave mandate, and many American workers 
      particularly those at lower income levels - have no right to paid time off for
      their own or family members' health needs. This article reports on outcomes of a
      local mandate, the City of Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance, which
      requires certain employers to provide paid sick leave to eligible workers.
      METHODS: Survey collectors contacted a stratified random sample of Seattle
      employers before the Ordinance went into effect and one year later. Pre- and post
      analysis draws on responses to survey items by 345 employers who were subject to
      the paid sick leave mandate. RESULTS: Awareness of the policy and provision of
      paid leave grew significantly over the year after the Ordinance was enacted. More
      employers offered leave to full-time workers (80.8 to 93.9%, p < .001) and part
      time workers (47.1 to 66.7%, p < .001) with particularly large increases in the
      hospitality sector, which includes food workers (coverage of any hospitality
      employee: 27.5 to 85.0%, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Absent a federal policy, local
      paid sick time mandates can increase paid sick leave coverage, an important
      social determinant of health.

PMID- 28077116
TI  - Quality of life and functional outcome after infravesical desobstruction and HIFU
      treatment for localized prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate quality of life, functional and oncological outcome after
      infravesical desobstruction and HIFU treatment for localized prostate cancer.
      METHODS: One hundred thirty-one patients, treated with TURP and HIFU in a single
      institution were followed up for oncological and functional outcome. Oncological
      outcome was quantified by biochemical recurrence free survival using the
      Stuttgart and Phoenix criteria. Quality of life was assessed by usage of
      standardized QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25 questionnaires. In addition, functional
      questionnaires such as IPSS and IIEF-5 were used. Complications were assessed by
      the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one patients with a
      mean age of 72.8 years (SD: 6.0) underwent HIFU for prostate cancer (29.0% low
      risk, 58.8% intermediate risk, 12.2% high risk). PSA nadir was 0.6 ng/ml (SD:
      1.2) after a mean of 4.6 months (SD: 5.7). Biochemical recurrence free survival
      defined by Stuttgart criteria was 73.7%, 84.4% and 62.5% for low-, intermediate-
      and high-risk patients after 22.2 months. Complications were grouped according to
      Clavien-Dindo and occurred in 10.7% (grade II) and 11.5% (grade IIIa) of cases.
      35.1% of patients needed further treatment for bladder neck stricture. Regarding
      incontinence, 14.3%, 2.9% and 0% of patients had de novo urinary incontinence
      grade I degrees , II degrees  and III degrees  and 3.8% urge incontinence due to
      HIFU treatment. Patients were asked for the ability to have intercourse: 15.8%,
      58.6% and 66.7% of patients after non-, onesided and bothsided nervesparing
      procedure were able to obtain sufficient erection for intercourse, respectively.
      Regarding quality of life, mean global health score according to QLQ-C30 was
      69.4%. CONCLUSION: HIFU treatment for localized prostate cancer shows acceptable
      oncological safety. Quality of life after HIFU is better than in the general
      population and ranges within those of standard treatment options compared to
      literature. HIFU seems a safe valuable treatment alternative for patients not
      suitable for standard treatment.

PMID- 28077117
TI  - Topoisomerase I copy number alterations as biomarker for irinotecan efficacy in
      metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No biomarker exists to guide the optimal choice of chemotherapy for
      patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. We examined the copy numbers (CN) of
      topoisomerase I (TOP1) as well as the ratios of TOP1/CEN-20 and TOP1/CEN-2 as
      biomarkers for irinotecan efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
      METHODS: From a national cohort, we identified 163 patients treated every third
      week with irinotecan 350 mg/m2 as second-line therapy. Among these 108 were
      eligible for analyses and thus entered the study. Primary tumors samples were
      collected and tissue microarray (TMA) blocks were produced. FISH analysis was
      performed using two probe-mixes: TOP1/CEN-20 and TOP1/CEN-2. Only samples
      harboring all three signals (TOP1, CEN-20 and CEN-2) using FISH were included in
      the analyses. RESULTS: In the TOP1/CEN-20 probe-mix the median TOP1- and CEN-20
      CN were 4.46 (range: 1.5-9.5) and 2.00 (range: 0.55-4.55), respectively. The
      median TOP1- and CEN-2 CN in the TOP1/CEN-2 probe-mix, were 4.57 (range: 1.82
      10.43) and 1.98 (range: 1.22-6.14), respectively. The median TOP1/CEN-20 ratio
      and TOP1/CEN-2 ratio were 1.25 (range: 0.92-2.90) and 2.05 (range: 1.00-6.00),
      respectively. None of the markers TOP1 CN, TOP1/CEN-20-ratio or TOP1/CEN-2-ratio
      were associated with progression free survival, overall survival or baseline
      characteristics. Yet, we observed a borderline association for a stepwise
      increase of the TOP1 CN in relation to objective response as hazard ratio were
      1.35 (95% CI 0.96-1.90; p = 0.081). CONCLUSIONS: We verified a borderline
      significant association between increasing TOP1 CN and objective response as
      previously reported. Applying the probes representing CEN-20 and CEN-2, in order
      to investigate the ratios of TOP1/CEN-20 and TOP1/CEN-2 provided no further
      information in search of a biomarker driven patient stratification. Other
      biomarkers to be paired with TOP1 CN are therefore highly warranted.

PMID- 28077118
TI  - MALAT1 promoted invasiveness of gastric adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer globally, and
      the mechanism of its pathogenesis is still largely unknown. Recently, non-coding
      RNAs have been recognized to promote metastasis in various cancers, including
      gastric cancer. METHODS: We found that metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma
      transcript-1 (MALAT1) is upregulated in gastric cancer tissue compared to
      adjacent normal tissue, as determined by microarray and subsequent qRT-PCR, then
      investigated the impact of MALAT1 on apoptosis, cell proliferation, and the cell
      cycle to dissect the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer, and examined mechanisms of
      invasion and metastasis. Expression of MALAT1 and U6 was determined by SYBR qRT
      PCR in nine-teen gastric cancer cell lines and fifty fresh samples of cancer
      tissue and adjacent tissues. Downregulation of MALAT1 was accomplished with two
      different siRNAs. Cell proliferation was determined after treatment with these
      siRNAs. FACS using PI/Annexin-V staining was carried out. To analyze the
      invasiveness, a scratch wound-healing assay and a Matrigel invasion assay were
      performed. Cancer related gene expression assay was done after transfection of
      siR- MALAT1. RESULTS: The expression of MALAT1 was significantly elevated in
      various gastric cancer cell lines and gastric cancer tissues compared to normal
      cell lines and tissues (p < 0.01). siR-MALAT1 significantly reduced viable AGS
      cell numbers and induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). Deep invasion of tumor (advanced T
      stages) was more common in the high MALAT1-level group (p = 0.039). siR-MALAT1
      significantly decreased AGS cell invasiveness and migration. siR-MALAT1 reduced
      expression of snail and N-cadherin, and elevated E-cadherin. The Wnt/beta-catenin
      related genes were significantly decreased by transfection of siRNA MALAT1.
      MALAT1 is involved in gastric carcinogenesis via inhibition of apoptosis and
      promotes invasiveness via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSIONS:
      In our study, we found that deregulation of MALAT1 could be involved in both
      tumorigenesis and invasiveness in gastric cancer cells.

PMID- 28077119
TI  - Physical activity levels and associated socio-demographic factors in Bangladeshi
      adults: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low level of physical activity (PA) has become an important public
      health problem even in low-income countries. The objectives of this study were to
      measure PA levels, determine the prevalence of low PA and identify socio
      demographic factors associated with it in Bangladeshi adults. METHODS: Data from
      792 (urban, 395; rural, 397) Bangladeshi adults (25-64 years) were included in
      this population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2011. Global Physical
      Activity Questionnaire version 2 (GPAQ-2) was used to measure PA. The metabolic
      equivalent task (MET) in minutes per week was calculated to determine total PA.
      Participants were categorized into low, moderate and high PA groups. Logistic
      regression was used to assess socio-demographic factors associated with low level
      of PA. RESULTS: Median MET-minute of total PA per week was almost double in the
      rural area (1720) than the urban area (960). The overall prevalence of low PA was
      50.3% (95% CI: 46.8-53.8), urban 59.5% (54.7-64.3) and rural 41.9% (37.0-46.8).
      Women in general were more inactive (women 63.1% [58.3-67.9], men 39.3% [34.6
      44.0]). The main contributions to total PA were from work (urban 40.0%, rural
      77.0%) and active commute (57.0%, 21.0%). Leisure-time PA represented a very
      small proportion (<3.0%). Multiple logistic regressions found a significant
      association of urban residence (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.5-3.2), women (2.1; 1.4-3.9),
      oldest age group 55-64 years (15.6; 7.5-32.2) compared to youngest age group 25
      34 years, graduation or further education (8.6; 4.1-17.7), and higher socio
      economic class (2.4; 1.4-4.2) compared to poor with insufficient PA. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study identifies low PA in a rural and urban population in Bangladesh and
      that further large-scale population studies are warranted.

PMID- 28077120
TI  - Altered fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation associated with
      cognitive dysfunction in first-episode drug-naive major depressive disorder
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that abnormities of both resting
      state brain activity and cognitive dysfunction are frequently observed in
      patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the underlying
      relationship between these two aspects is less investigated. In this context, the
      aim of the present study was to investigate the association between cognitive
      dysfunction and altered resting-state brain function in first-episode drug-naive
      MDD patients. METHODS: Twenty-five drug-naive MDD patients and twenty-six age-,
      sex-, and education-matched normal controls were recruited in this study.
      Cognitive function was evaluated by using a series of validated test procedures.
      The resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained on a
      Philips 3.0 Tesla scanner and analysed using the fractional amplitude of low
      frequency fluctuation (fALFF) method. Correlations of fALFF values with cognitive
      dysfunction were further analysed. RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, MDD
      patients showed significantly fewer completed categories in the Wisconsin Card
      Sorting Test (WCST) and decreased scores in the first and second subtests of the
      Continuous Performance Test (CPT). However, the two groups did not differ in
      their performance on the Stroop Colour Word Test and Trail-making Test. MDD
      patients exhibited significantly decreased fALFF values in the left superior
      frontal gyrus (SFG), left middle frontal gyrus, and left inferior frontal gyrus,
      as well as increased fALFF values in the left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG),
      bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, and the right caudate. Finally, the correlation
      analyses revealed that fALFF values in the left SFG and left ITG were associated
      with the number of WSCT completed categories and scores on the second subtest of
      the CPT in MDD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that
      there is little evidence of an association between regional abnormalities in
      resting-state brain function and cognitive deficits in MDD.

PMID- 28077121
TI  - Awareness of food allergies: a survey of pediatricians in Kuwait.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of food allergies (FA) is important for a favorable
      prognosis. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness of FA among
      pediatricians in Kuwait. METHOD: A 43-item self-administered questionnaire was
      designed and distributed to pediatricians working at 4 government hospitals in
      Kuwait. RESULTS: A total of 140 pediatricians completed the questionnaire, with a
      participation rate of 51.1% (81 males and 59 females). The mean age of
      participants was 40.81 years, and the mean number of years working in pediatrics
      was 13.94 years. The mean overall knowledge score was 22.2. The pediatricians'
      overall knowledge scores were found to be significantly associated with their age
      (older pediatricians had higher overall scores) and years of experience as a
      pediatrician but were independent from hospital site, gender, or rank. A multiple
      linear regression revealed pediatrician age and gender were the only variables
      that were significantly associated with the overall knowledge score. Only 16.4%
      of the participants answered at least 2/3 of the survey questions correctly. The
      questions that were correctly answered by <= 2/3 of the participants constituted
      80% of clinical presentation questions, 66.6% of diagnostics questions, 77.7% of
      treatment questions, and 42.8% of prevention questions. Interestingly, among 68
      pediatricians (48.5%) who determined that they felt comfortable evaluating and
      treating patients with FA, only 12 (17.6%) passed the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS:
      This survey demonstrates that there is a noteworthy deficiency of pediatricians'
      awareness about FA. The implementation of strategies to improve pediatricians'
      awareness is critical to diagnose food allergy patients early and improve their
      health and outcomes.

PMID- 28077122
TI  - Relationship between risk assessment and payment models in Swedish Public Dental
      Service: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To a) compare risk categories in patients selecting a capitation
      payment (CP) model with those in fee-for-service (FFS), b) determine the 3-year
      caries increment in the two groups, and c) compare the amount of delivered
      preventive care in the two groups. METHODS: A comprehensive risk assessment was
      carried out in 1295 young adults attending eight Public Dental Clinics in the
      Scania region and 75% could be re-examined after 3 years; 615 had selected the CP
      model and 310 the traditional FFS. Caries was scored according to WHO and data
      concerning preventive care was extracted from the dental records. RESULTS: More
      patients in the low risk category preferred the CP model (74% vs. 26%) while >80%
      with high risk selected FFS. The baseline caries level was significantly higher
      in the FFS group as well as the 3-year caries increment (1.6 vs. 0.8 DFS: p <
      0.05). The amount of additional preventive care delivered to each patient was
      generally lower in the FFS model; it was most frequent among patients with "some"
      risk in the CP model (83.8%) while the lowest delivery rates were found among low
      risk patients in the FFS system (32.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Young adults in public
      dental care with low risk preferred the prepaid model while those in the higher
      risk categories selected fee-for-service. As more additional preventive care was
      delivered to patients in the subscribed care, oral health planners and decision
      makers should be aware of the fact that capitation payment models may enhance
      inequalities in dental health over time.

PMID- 28077123
TI  - Daily actions, challenges, and needs among Dutch parents while supporting the
      participation of their child with a physical disability at home, at school, and
      in the community: a qualitative diary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parents have a vital influence on the participation of their child
      with a physical disability. The aim of this study is to gain insight into
      parents' own daily actions, challenges, and needs while supporting their child
      with a physical disability at home, at school, and in the community. An
      additional objective of this study is to refine the preliminary thematic
      framework previously identified in a scoping review. METHODS: A qualitative
      research inquiry was performed based on using a diary over a 7-day period to
      gather data. To systematically organise data into a structured format, content
      analysis has been applied using both inductive and deductive reasoning guided by
      the existing preliminary thematic framework. RESULTS: Analysis of the eligible
      diaries shows that the actions mentioned by the 47 parents describe several
      efforts to enhance participation of their children with a physical disability by
      using, enabling, or changing the social and physical environment, or by
      supporting their child to perform or engage in meaningful activities. Those
      parents' actions are primarily a result of challenges caused by restrictions in
      social and physical environments. Parental responses highlighted, above all, the
      need for environments designed for all people. Based on the findings a redefined
      thematic framework is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Parents' actions, challenges, and
      needs are mainly directed towards the social or/and physical environment. The
      presented thematic framework can offer practitioners knowledge to support
      parents. More work is necessary to provide tailored approaches. Paediatric
      rehabilitation may need to address the importance of the environment on the
      participation of a child with a physical disability.

PMID- 28077124
TI  - Important patient characteristics differ prior to total knee arthroplasty and
      total hip arthroplasty between Switzerland and the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcomes after total knee (TKA) and hip (THA) arthroplasty are often
      generalized internationally. Patient-dependent factors and preoperative symptom
      levels may differ across countries. We compared preoperative patient and clinical
      characteristics from two large cohorts, one in Switzerland, the other in the US.
      METHODS: Patient characteristics were collected prospectively on all elective
      primary TKAs and THAs performed at a large Swiss hospital and in a US national
      sample. Data included age, sex, education level, BMI, diagnosis, medical co
      morbidities, PROMs (WOMAC pain/function), global health (SF-12). RESULTS: Six
      thousand six hundred eighty primary TKAs (US) and 823 TKAs (Swiss) were
      evaluated. US vs. Switzerland TKA patients were younger (mean age 67 vs. 72
      years.), more obese (BMI >=30 55% vs. 43%), had higher levels of education, more
      cardiac disease. Swiss patients had lower preoperative WOMAC pain scores (41 vs.
      52) but pre-operative physical disability were comparable. 4,647 primary THAs
      (US) and 1,023 THAs (Swiss) were evaluated. US vs. Switzerland patients were
      younger (65 vs. 68 years.), more obese (BMI >=30: 38% vs. 24%), had higher levels
      of education, more diabetes. Swiss patients had lower preoperative WOMAC pain
      scores (40 vs. 48 points). Physical disability was reported comparable, but Swiss
      patients indicated lower mental health scores. CONCLUSION: We found substantial
      differences between US and Swiss cohorts in pre-operative patient characteristics
      and pain levels, which has potentially important implications for cross-cultural
      comparison of TKA/THA outcomes. Reports from national registries lack detailed
      patient information while these data suggest the need for adequate risk
      adjustment of patient factors.

PMID- 28077125
TI  - Spatiotemporal epidemic characteristics and risk factor analysis of malaria in
      Yunnan Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria remains an important public health concern in China and is
      particularly serious in Yunnan, a China's provincial region of high malaria
      burden with an incidence of 1.79/105 in 2012. This study aims to examine the
      epidemiologic profile and spatiotemporal aspects of epidemics of malaria, and to
      examine risk factors which may influence malaria epidemics in Yunnan Province.
      METHODS: The data of malaria cases in 2012 in 125 counties of Yunnan Province was
      used in this research. The epidemical characteristics of cases were revealed, and
      time and space clusters of malaria were detected by applying scan statistics
      method. In addition, we applied the geographically weighted regression (GWR)
      model in identifying underlying risk factors. RESULTS: There was a total of 821
      cases of malaria, and male patients accounted for 83.9% (689) of the total cases.
      The incidence in the group aged 20-30 years was the highest, at 3.00/105. The
      majority (84.1%) of malaria cases occurred in farmers and migrant workers,
      according to occupation statistics. On a space-time basis, epidemics of malaria
      of varying severity occurred in the summer and autumn months, and the high risk
      regions were mainly distributed in the southwest counties. Annual average
      temperature, annual cumulative rainfall, rice yield per square kilometer and
      proportion of rural employees mainly showed a positive association with the
      malaria incidence rate, according to the GWR model. CONCLUSIONS: Malaria
      continues to be one of serious public health issues in Yunnan Province,
      especially in border counties in southwestern Yunnan. Temperature, precipitation,
      rice cultivation and proportion of rural employees were positively associated
      with malaria incidence. Individuals, and disease prevention and control
      departments, should implement more stringent preventative strategies in locations
      with hot and humid environmental conditions to control malaria.

PMID- 28077126
TI  - What do we know about the effects of exposure to 'Low alcohol' and equivalent
      product labelling on the amounts of alcohol, food and tobacco people select and
      consume? A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Explicit labelling of lower strength alcohol products could reduce
      alcohol consumption by attracting more people to buy and drink such products
      instead of higher strength ones. Alternatively, it may lead to more consumption
      due to a 'self-licensing' mechanism. Equivalent labelling of food or tobacco (for
      example "Low fat" or "Low tar") could influence consumption of those products by
      similar mechanisms. This systematic review examined the effects of 'Low alcohol'
      and equivalent labelling of alcohol, food and tobacco products on selection,
      consumption, and perceptions of products among adults. METHODS: A systematic
      review was conducted based on Cochrane methods. Electronic and snowball searches
      identified 26 eligible studies. Evidence from 12 randomised controlled trials
      (all on food) was assessed for risk of bias, synthesised using random effects
      meta-analysis, and interpreted in conjunction with evidence from 14 non
      randomised studies (one on alcohol, seven on food and six on tobacco). Outcomes
      assessed were: quantities of the product (i) selected or (ii) consumed (primary
      outcomes - behaviours), (iii) intentions to select or consume the product, (iv)
      beliefs associated with it consumption, (v) product appeal, and (vi)
      understanding of the label (secondary outcomes - cognitions). RESULTS: Evidence
      for impacts on the primary outcomes (i.e. amounts selected or consumed) was
      overall of very low quality, showing mixed effects, likely to vary by specific
      label descriptors, products and population characteristics. Overall very low
      quality evidence suggested that exposure to 'Low alcohol' and equivalent
      labelling on alcohol, food and tobacco products can shift consumer perceptions of
      products, with the potential to 'self-licence' excess consumption. CONCLUSIONS:
      Considerable uncertainty remains about the effects of labels denoting low
      alcohol, and equivalent labels, on alcohol, food and tobacco selection and
      consumption. Independent, high-quality studies are urgently needed to inform
      policies on labelling regulations.

PMID- 28077127
TI  - Navigating social and ethical challenges of biobanking for human microbiome
      research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biobanks are considered to be key infrastructures for research
      development and have generated a lot of debate about their ethical, legal and
      social implications (ELSI). While the focus has been on human genomic research,
      rapid advances in human microbiome research further complicate the debate.
      DISCUSSION: We draw on two cystic fibrosis biobanks in Toronto, Canada, to
      illustrate our points. The biobanks have been established to facilitate sample
      and data sharing for research into the link between disease progression and
      microbial dynamics in the lungs of pediatric and adult patients. We begin by
      providing an overview of some of the ELSI associated with human microbiome
      research, particularly on the implications for the broader society. We then
      discuss ethical considerations regarding the identifiability of samples biobanked
      for human microbiome research, and examine the issue of return of results and
      incidental findings. We argue that, for the purposes of research ethics
      oversight, human microbiome research samples should be treated with the same
      privacy considerations as human tissues samples. We also suggest that returning
      individual microbiome-related findings could provide a powerful clinical tool for
      care management, but highlight the need for a more grounded understanding of
      contextual factors that may be unique to human microbiome research. CONCLUSIONS:
      We revisit the ELSI of biobanking and consider the impact that human microbiome
      research might have. Our discussion focuses on identifiability of human
      microbiome research samples, and return of research results and incidental
      findings for clinical management.

PMID- 28077128
TI  - Treatment planning comparison of IMPT, VMAT and 4pi radiotherapy for prostate
      cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), non-coplanar 4pi intensity
      modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
      represent the most advanced treatment methods based on heavy ion and X-rays,
      respectively. Here we compare their performance for prostate cancer treatment.
      METHODS: Ten prostate patients were planned using IMPT with robustness
      optimization, VMAT, and 4pi to an initial dose of 54 Gy to a clinical target
      volume (CTV) that encompassed the prostate and seminal vesicles, then a boost
      prescription dose of 25.2 Gy to the prostate for a total dose of 79.2 Gy. The
      IMPT plans utilized two coplanar, oblique scanning beams 10 degrees  posterior of
      the lateral beam positions. Range uncertainties were taken into consideration in
      the IMPT plans. VMAT plans used two full, coplanar arcs to ensure sufficient PTV
      coverage. 4pi plans were created by inversely selecting and optimizing 30 beams
      from 1162 candidate non-coplanar beams using a greedy column generation
      algorithm. CTV doses, bladder and rectum dose volumes (V40, V45, V60, V65, V70,
      V75, and V80), R100, R50, R10, and CTV homogeneity index (D95/D5) were evaluated.
      RESULTS: Compared to IMPT, 4pi resulted in lower anterior rectal wall mean dose
      as well as lower rectum V40, V45, V60, V65, V70, and V75. Due to the opposing
      beam arrangement, IMPT resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) greater femoral head
      doses. However, IMPT plans had significantly lower bladder, rectum, and anterior
      rectal wall max dose. IMPT doses were also significantly more homogeneous than
      4pi and VMAT doses. CONCLUSION: Compared to the VMAT and 4pi plans, IMPT
      treatment plans are superior in CTV homogeneity and maximum point organ-at-risk
      (OAR) doses with the exception of femur heads. IMPT is inferior in rectum and
      bladder volumes receiving intermediate to high doses, particularly to the 4pi
      plans, but significantly reduced low dose spillage and integral dose, which are
      correlated to secondary cancer for patients with expected long survival. The
      dosimetric benefits of 4pi plans over VMAT are consistent with the previous
      publication.

PMID- 28077129
TI  - Hypoglycemic and pancreatic protective effects of Portulaca oleracea extract in
      alloxan induced diabetic rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major public health concern. In spite of continuous new
      drug development to treat diabetes, herbal remedies remain a potential adjunct
      therapy to maintain better glycemic control while also imparting few side
      effects. Portulaca oleracea has been traditionally used to manage several
      diseases due to the anti-oxidant and anti-atherogenic effects it imparts. To
      better understand the mechanisms associated with potential protective effect of
      P. oleracea extract against diabetes, alloxan-induced diabetic rats were used in
      this study. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats (male, 7-8-wk-old, 140-160 g) were divided
      into four groups (n = 10/group): Group I (control), Group II (P. oleracea
      treated; gavaged with P. oleracea extract daily [at 250 mg/kg] for 4 weeks),
      Group III (diabetic control; daily IP injection of alloxan [at 75 mg/kg] for 5
      days) and Group IV (P. oleracea-pre-treated diabetic; gavaged with P. oleracea
      extract daily [at 250 mg/kg] for 4 weeks and then daily IP injection of alloxan
      [at 75 mg/kg] for 5 days). Body weight, food consumption, blood (serum) levels of
      glucose, C peptide, Hb A1C, insulin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and
      interleukin (IL)-6 were determined for all groups. RESULTS: The results indicated
      that while Hb A1C, serum levels of glucose, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were all
      significantly decreased in the P. oleracea-pre-treated diabetic rats, these hosts
      also had significant increases in C peptide and insulin compared to levels in the
      counterpart diabetic rats. These results were confirmed by the histopathological
      assessments which showed marked improvement of the destructive effect on
      pancreatic islet cells induced by alloxan. CONCLUSION: P. oleracea extract is a
      general tissue protective and regeneartive agent, as evidenced by increasing beta
      cell mass and therefore improved the glucose metabolism. Thus, stimulation of
      Portulaca oleracea signaling in beta- cells may be a novel therapeutic strategy
      for diabetes prevention.

PMID- 28077130
TI  - The case of value-based healthcare for people living with complex long-term
      conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a trend towards value-based health service, striving to cut
      costs while generating value for the patient. The overall objective comprises
      higher-quality health services and improved patient safety and cost efficiency.
      The approach could align with patient-centred care, as it entails a focus on the
      patient's experience of her or his entire cycle of care, including the use of
      well-defined outcome measurements. Challenges arise when the approach is applied
      to health services for people living with long-term complex conditions that
      require support from various healthcare services. The aim of this work is to
      critically discuss the value-based approach and its implications for patients
      with long-term complex conditions. Two cases from clinical practice and research
      form the foundation for our reasoning, illustrating several challenges regarding
      value-based health services for people living with long-term complex conditions.
      DISCUSSION: Achieving value-based health services that provide the health
      outcomes that matter to patients and providing greater patient-centredness will
      place increased demands on the healthcare system. Patients and their informal
      caregivers must be included in the development and establishment of outcome
      measures. The outcome measures must be standardized to allow evaluation of
      specific conditions at an aggregated level, but they must also be sensitive
      enough to capture each patient's individual needs and goals. Healthcare systems
      that strive to establish value-based services must collaborate beyond the
      organizational boundaries to create clear patient trajectories in order to avoid
      fragmentation. The shift towards value-based health services has the potential to
      align healthcare-service delivery with patient-centred care if serious efforts to
      take the patient's perspective into account are made. This is especially
      challenging in fragmented healthcare systems and for patients with long-term- and
      multi-setting-care needs.

PMID- 28077131
TI  - Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) promotes spermatogenic regeneration
      from surviving spermatogonia after high-dose alkylating chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lifesaving chemotherapy and radiation treatments that allow
      patients to survive cancer can also result in a lifetime of side-effects,
      including male infertility. Infertility in male cancer survivors is thought to
      primarily result from killing of the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) responsible
      for producing spermatozoa since SSCs turn over slowly and are thereby sensitive
      to antineoplastic therapies. We previously demonstrated that the cytokine
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can preserve spermatogenesis after
      alkylating chemotherapy (busulfan). METHODS: Male mice were treated with G-CSF or
      controls before and/or after sterilizing busulfan treatment and evaluated
      immediately or 10-19 weeks later for effects on spermatogenesis. RESULTS: We
      demonstrated that the protective effect of G-CSF on spermatogenesis was stable
      for at least 19 weeks after chemotherapy, nearly twice as long as previously
      shown. Further, G-CSF treatment enhanced spermatogenic measures 10 weeks after
      treatment in the absence of a cytotoxic insult, suggesting G-CSF acts as a
      mitogen in steady-state spermatogenesis. In agreement with this conclusion, G-CSF
      treatment for 3 days before busulfan treatment exacerbated the loss of
      spermatogenesis observed with G-CSF alone. Reciprocally, spermatogenic recovery
      was modestly enhanced in mice treated with G-CSF for 4 days after busulfan. These
      results suggested that G-CSF promoted spermatogonial proliferation, leading to
      enhanced spermatogenic regeneration from surviving SSCs. Similarly, there was a
      significant increase in proportion of PLZF+ undifferentiated spermatogonia that
      were Ki67+ (proliferating) 1 day after G-CSF treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Together,
      these results clarify that G-CSF protects spermatogenesis after alkylating
      chemotherapy by stimulating proliferation of surviving spermatogonia, and
      indicate it may be useful as a retrospective fertility-restoring treatment.

PMID- 28077132
TI  - FOXN1 deficient nude severe combined immunodeficiency.
AB  - Nude severe combined immunodeficiency is a rare inherited disease caused by
      autosomal recessive loss-of-function mutations in FOXN1. This gene encodes a
      transcription factor essential for the development of the thymus, the primary
      lymphoid organ that supports T-cell development and selection. To date nine cases
      have been reported presenting with the clinical triad of absent thymus resulting
      in severe T-cell immunodeficiency, congenital alopecia universalis and nail
      dystrophy. Diagnosis relies on testing for FOXN1 mutations, which allows genetic
      counselling and guides therapeutic management. Options for treating the
      underlying immune deficiency include HLA-matched genoidentical haematopoietic
      cell transplantation containing mature donor T-cells or thymus tissue
      transplantation. Experience from other severe combined immune deficiency
      syndromes suggests that early diagnosis, supportive care and definitive
      management result in better patient outcomes. Without these the prognosis is poor
      due to early-onset life threatening infections.

PMID- 28077133
TI  - T1 and T2 mapping for evaluation of myocardial involvement in patients with ANCA
      associated vasculitides.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myocardial involvement in AAV patients might be silent, presenting
      with no or nonspecific symptoms, normal ECG, and preserved left-ventricular
      ejection fraction (LV-EF). Since up to 50% of deaths in these patients may be due
      to myocardial involvement, a reliable diagnostic tool is warranted. In contrast
      to LGE-CMR, which has its strengths in detecting focal inflammatory or fibrotic
      processes, recent mapping techniques are able to detect even subtle, diffuse
      inflammatory or fibrotic processes. Our study sought to investigate ANCA
      (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody) associated vasculitides (AAV) patients for
      myocardial involvement by a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol,
      including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and mapping sequences. METHODS:
      Thirty seven AAV patients were prospectively enrolled and underwent CMR imaging.
      Twenty healthy volunteers served as controls. RESULTS: Mean LV-EF was 64%; LGE
      prevalence of the AAV patients was 43%. AAV patients had higher median native T1
      (988 vs. 952 ms, p < 0.001), lower post-contrast T1 (488 vs. 524 ms, p = 0.03),
      expanded extracellular volume (ECV) (27.5 vs. 24.5%, p < 0.001), and higher T2
      (53 vs. 49 ms, p < 0.001) compared to controls, with most parameters independent
      of the LGE status. Native T1 and T2 in AAV patients showed the highest prevalence
      of abnormally increased values beyond the 95% percentile of controls. CONCLUSION:
      AAV patients demonstrated increased T1, ECV, and T2 values, with native T1 and T2
      showing the highest prevalence of values beyond the 95% percentile of normal.
      Since these findings seem to be independent of LGE, mapping techniques may
      provide complementary information to LGE-CMR in the assessment of myocardial
      involvement in patients with AAV.

PMID- 28077134
TI  - Endoscopy-assisted surgery for the management of benign breast tumors: technique,
      learning curve, and patient-reported outcome from preliminary 323 procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopy-assisted breast surgery (EABS), a technique that optimizes
      cosmetic outcome because it is performed through small wounds hidden in
      inconspicuous areas, could be an alternative surgical technique for benign breast
      tumors. In this study, we report the preliminary results of 323 EABS procedures
      performed at our institution for the management of benign breast tumors. METHODS:
      The medical records of patients who underwent EABS for benign breast lesions
      during the periods August 2010 to December 2015 were collected from the Changhua
      Christian Hospital EABS database. Data on clinicopathologic characteristics, type
      of surgery, hospital stay, and complications were analyzed to determine the
      effectiveness of the procedure for benign breast tumors. The operating time with
      the number of procedure performed was analyzed for learning curve evaluation.
      Patient satisfaction with cosmetic outcome was evaluated with a self-report
      questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 323 EABS procedures were performed in 286
      patients with benign breast lesions, including 249 (90.5%) patients with
      unilateral lesions. The mean age was 36 years, the mean tumor size was 2.2 cm,
      and the mean distance from the nipple to the tumor was 5.2 cm. Most (93.8%,
      303/323) of these tumors were excised through a transareolar wound, 2.4% (8/323)
      through an axillary wound, and 0.3% (1/323) through the infra-mammary fold.
      Histopathologic analysis revealed that 63.5% (202/318) of the tumors were
      fibroadenoma-related lesions. The mean operative time was 81.4 min (59~89 min),
      which was decreased with experience increased. The overall rate of complications
      was 6.5%, and all were minor and wound-related. Among the 110 patients who
      participated in the self-report cosmetic outcome evaluation, 85.4% reported being
      satisfied with the cosmetic result, and almost all were satisfied with breast
      symmetry. Of the patients interviewed, 92.7% reported that they would choose the
      same procedure if they had to undergo the operation again. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      preliminary results show that transareolar video-assisted breast surgery is a
      safe and effective procedure with good cosmetic outcome and that it could be
      appropriate for patients with moderate to large peripherally located breast
      tumors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CCH-IRB No.15115. Registered 14 December 2015
      (retrospectively registered).

PMID- 28077135
TI  - Comorbidity study of borderline personality disorder: applying association rule
      mining to the Taiwan national health insurance research database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex clinical state
      with highly polymorphic symptoms and signs. Studies have demonstrated that people
      with a BPD diagnosis are likely to have numerous co-occurring psychiatric
      disorders and physical comorbidities. The aim of our study was to obtain further
      insight about the associations among comorbidities of BPD and to demonstrate the
      practicality of using association rule mining (ARM) technique in clinical
      databases. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted on
      information of 1460 patients (292 BPD patients and 1168 control patients)
      selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Information
      on physical and psychiatric comorbidities, which were diagnosed within 3 years
      before and after enrollment, was collected. A logistic regression model was used
      to calculate the odds ratios of comorbidities between patients with and without
      BPD. ARM technique was used to study the associations of BPD and two or more
      psychiatric comorbidities. RESULTS: We classified physical comorbidities into 13
      categories according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision, Clinical Modification system, and the results indicated that the 12
      categories were more common in the BPD patients than in the control patients
      (except congenital anomalies). However, psychiatric comorbidities, including
      depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, sleep disorder,
      substance use disorder, and mental retardation were more common in the BPD
      patients than in the control patients. Furthermore, the associations of BPD and
      two or more comorbidities were evaluated. CONCLUSION: Most physical and
      psychiatric disorders were more common in the BPD patients than in the control
      patients. Because the failure to remit from BPD is associated with suffering from
      chronic physical conditions and because psychiatric comorbidities may lead to
      delays in diagnosis of BPD, clinicians caring for people with BPD should be aware
      of possible comorbidities.

PMID- 28077136
TI  - Increased leptin/adiponectin ratio relates to low-normal thyroid function in
      metabolic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-normal thyroid function within the euthyroid range may contribute
      to increased atherosclerosis susceptibility. The leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio
      is associated with cardiovascular disease and reflects adipose tissue
      dysfunction. Relationships of the L/A ratio with low-normal thyroid function are
      unknown. METHODS: Relationships of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free
      thyroxine (free T4) with leptin, adiponectin and the L/A ratio in euthyroid
      subjects were documented in 67 fasting subjects with metabolic syndrome (Mets)
      and 86 euthyroid subjects without MetS (TSH and free T4 levels within the
      institutional reference range). RESULTS: Neither plasma leptin nor adiponectin
      was significantly correlated with TSH or free T4 in subjects with and without
      MetS. In the whole group, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was
      positively correlated with the L/A ratio (r = 0.485, P < 0.001). Notably, the L/A
      ratio was positively correlated with TSH in subjects with MetS (r = 0.252, P =
      0.040) but not in subjects without MetS (r = -0.068, P = 0.54; interaction term,
      P = 0.027). In MetS subjects, the L/A ratio remained positively related with TSH
      after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes status, hs-CRP and the use of
      antihypertensive and glucose lowering medication (beta = 0.283, P = 0.018), as
      well as after adjustment for individual MetS components (beta = 0.294, P =
      0.020). CONCLUSIONS: In the context of MetS, a higher TSH within the euthyroid
      range confers an increased L/A ratio, a proposed marker of atherosclerosis
      susceptibility and adipocyte dysfunction.

PMID- 28077137
TI  - Aberrant methylation of DACT1 and DACT2 are associated with tumor progression and
      poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The DACT (Dishevelled-associated antagonist of beta-catenin) family
      of scaffold proteins may play important roles in tumorigenesis. However, the
      epigenetic changes of DACT1, 2, 3 and their effect on esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma (ESCC) have not been investigated so far. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the promoter methylation and expression of DACT family, in order to
      elucidate more information on the role of DACT with regard to the progression and
      prognosis of ESCC. METHODS: MSP and BGS methods were respectively applied to
      examine the methylation status of DACT; RT-PCR, Western blot and
      immunohistochemistry methods were respectively used to determine the mRNA and
      protein expression of DACT; MTT, Colony-formation and Wound-healing assay were
      performed to assess the effect of DACT1 and DACT2 on proliferation and migration
      of esophageal cancer cells. RESULTS: Frequent reduced expression of DACT1, DACT2
      and DACT3 were found in esophageal cancer cell lines and the expression levels of
      DACT1 and DACT2 were reversed by 5-Aza-Dc. Decreased mRNA and protein expression
      of DACT1 and DACT2 were observed in ESCC tumor tissues and were associated with
      the methylation status of transcription start site (TSS) region. The
      hypermethylation of CpG islands (CGI) shore region in DACT1 was observed both in
      tumor and corresponding adjacent tissues but wasn't related to the
      transcriptional inhibition of DACT1. The methylation status of TSS region in
      DACT1 and DACT2 and the protein expression of DACT2 were independently associated
      with ESCC patients' prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The TSS region hypermethylation may
      be one of the main mechanisms for reduced expression of DACT1 and DACT2 in ESCC.
      The simultaneous methylation of DACT1 and DACT2 may play important roles in
      progression of ESCC and may serve as prognostic methylation biomarkers for ESCC
      patients.

PMID- 28077138
TI  - Fish intake and the risk of brain tumor: a meta-analysis with systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fish, rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been found to
      be associated with lower risk of several types of cancer risk, and beneficial for
      brain development. However, the association between fish intake and brain tumor
      risk is still inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify
      the association. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified from PubMed and EMBASE
      databases. The pooled relative risks were obtained by the fixed-effects model
      when no substantial heterogeneity was observed. Otherwise, the random-effects
      model was employed. Subgroup and publication bias analyses were also performed.
      RESULTS: Nine observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. The
      pooled relative risk of brain cancer for the highest vs. lowest category of fish
      intake was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-0.99). No significant
      heterogeneity was detected. Dose-response analysis showed that the RR per 100
      g/day increase in fish intake was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-0.98). The results remained
      unchanged in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our
      meta-analysis suggest that fish intake might be associated with lower risk of
      brain cancer risk. The finding should be further confirmed by future cohort
      studies with validated questionnaires and strict control of confounders.

PMID- 28077139
TI  - Assessment of coping: a new french four-factor structure of the brief COPE
      inventory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE)
      inventory is the most usual measure to identify the nature of coping strategies
      implemented by individuals and explore 14 coping strategies. The availability of
      a structure with fewer factors rather than the initial 14-factor structure may be
      of interest for both healthcare professionals and researchers. We report the
      validation process of a 4-factor structure of the French version of the Brief
      COPE in a French sample of individuals facing a singular life event, such as
      cancer, including patients and their caregivers. METHODS: The cross-sectional
      study included cancer patients and their caregivers. Self-administered data were
      collected including: socio-demographic (age, gender, marital status, employment
      status, and education level), coping strategies using the French version of the
      Brief COPE, quality of life (QoL) using the French version of the short form
      health survey questionnaire (SF36). Construct validity, internal consistency,
      reliability, and external validity were tested. RESULTS: The sample included 398
      individuals. The principal component factor analysis identified a 4-factor
      structure. The dimensions were labeled according to their constitutive items:
      social support (8 items), problem solving (4), avoidance (10), and positive
      thinking (6). The 4-factor structure was supported by different theoretical
      models of coping and showed satisfactory psychometric properties. CONCLUSION: The
      4-factor structure of the French version of the Brief COPE, validated in a sample
      of individuals facing a singular stressful event, including cancer patients and
      their caregivers, makes the instrument easier to use both in clinical practice
      and clinical research.

PMID- 28077140
TI  - Indacaterol and glycopyrronium versus indacaterol on body plethysmography
      measurements in COPD-a randomised controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dual bronchodilator therapy is recommended for symptomatic patients
      with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are limited data on
      effects of a combination of two long-acting bronchodilators on lung function
      including body plethysmography. METHODS: This multicentre, randomised, double
      blind, single-dose, cross-over, placebo-controlled study evaluated efficacy and
      safety of the free combination of indacaterol maleate (IND) and glycopyrronium
      bromide (GLY) versus IND alone on spirometric and body plethysmography
      parameters, including inspiratory capacity (IC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s
      (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC) and airway
      resistance (Raw) in moderate-to-severe COPD patients. RESULTS: Seventy-eight
      patients with FEV1 % pred. (mean +/- SD) 56 +/- 13% were randomised. The
      combination of IND + GLY versus IND presented a numerically higher peak-IC (Delta
      = 0.076 L, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.010 - 0.161 L; p = 0.083), with a
      statistically significant difference in mean IC over 4 h (Delta = 0.054 L, 95%CI
      0.022 - 0.086 L; p = 0.001). FEV1, FVC and Raw, but not TLC, were consistently
      significantly improved by IND + GLY compared to IND alone. Safety profiles of
      both treatments were comparable. CONCLUSION: The free combination of IND + GLY
      improved lung function parameters as evaluated by spirometry and body
      plethysmography, with a similar safety profile compared to IND alone. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: NCT01699685.

PMID- 28077141
TI  - Determinants of and socio-economic disparities in self-rated health in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-rated health (SRH) is not only used to measure health status and
      health inequalities, but also as a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality.
      The purpose of this study was to: 1) evaluate the factors that account for
      variations in self-rated health among Chinese citizens; and to 2) explore the
      process through which socio-economic status may impact self-rated health.
      METHODS: Data were derived from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) (2013).
      Determinants of self-rated health were analyzed along four main dimensions:
      demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, lifestyle, and psychosocial
      factors. Multivariate odds ratios for good self-rated health were calculated for
      different variables in order to analyze the determinants. Binary logistic
      regression analysis was performed to assess the extent to which lifestyle and
      psychosocial factors explained the association between socio-economic status and
      self-rated health. RESULTS: About 65% of the survey respondents reported good
      self-rated health. Women, the elderly, married or single respondents and
      residents of Western China were less likely to report good self-rated health.
      Respondents who were engaged in work, had higher household income, reported high
      social class and higher socio-economic status compared with peers were more
      likely to report good self-rated health. Normal weight and physically active
      respondents along with those reporting a happy life, no depression, and good
      relationships with families and friends were related to good self-rated health.
      We also found the effect of socio-economic status on self-rated health was partly
      explained by lifestyle and psychosocial factors. CONCLUSION: The present findings
      support the notion that both socio-economic status and lifestyle as well as
      psychosocial factors were related with good self-rated health. The interventions
      targeting these factors could improve the health status of the population. The
      depression was the most influential predictor of self-rated health, especially
      for the women and the elderly. Although lifestyle and psychosocial factors
      explained partly the the association between socio-economic status and health,
      the reason why socio-economic difference exists in health must be further
      explored. What's more, it needs to be further studied why the same determinant
      has different influence strengths on the health of different groups of people.

PMID- 28077142
TI  - Steroid withdrawal after renal transplantation: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive regimens in renal transplantation frequently
      contain corticosteroids, but many centers withdraw steroids as a consequence of
      unwanted side effects of steroids. The optimal timing to withdraw steroids after
      transplantation, however, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine
      an optimal time point following kidney transplantation that is associated with
      reduced mortality without jeopardizing the allograft to allow safe
      discontinuation of steroids. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study
      and computed a concatenated landmark-stratified Cox supermodel to estimate hazard
      ratios and 95% confidence intervals for mortality and graft loss using dynamic
      propensity score matching to adjust for confounding by indication. RESULTS: A
      total of 6070 first kidney transplant recipients in the Austrian Dialysis and
      Transplant Registry who were transplanted between 1990 and 2012 were evaluated
      and classified according to steroid treatment status throughout follow-up after
      kidney transplantation; 2142 patients were withdrawn from steroids during the
      study period. Overall, 1131 patients lost their graft and 821 patients in the
      study cohort died. Steroid withdrawal within 18 months after transplantation was
      associated with an increased rate of graft loss compared to steroid maintenance
      during that time (6 months after transplantation: HR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.6;
      18 months after transplantation: HR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6; 24 months after
      transplantation: HR = 1.2; 95% CI, 0.9 to 1.5), while mortality was not different
      between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that steroid withdrawal after
      anti-IL-2 induction in the first 18 months after transplantation is associated
      with an increased risk of allograft loss.

PMID- 28077143
TI  - Pregnant women carrying microcephaly foetuses and Zika virus contain potentially
      pathogenic microbes and parasites in their amniotic fluid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microcephaly has become a major public health problem in Brazil. The
      total number of newborns with microcephaly was reported to be >4000 in June 2016.
      Studies suggest that Zika Virus is a major cause of new microcephaly cases in
      Brazil. Inside the uterus, the foetus is surrounded by the Amniotic Fluid, a
      proximal fluid that contains foetal and maternal cells as well as microorganisms
      and where Zika Virus was already found. CASE PRESENTATION: A previous study
      reported the presence of the Zika Virus in the amniotic fluid (collected in the
      28th gestational week) of two pregnant women carrying microcephaly foetuses in
      Brazil. The virus was detected by means of real-time PCR and metatranscriptomic
      analysis. We compared the microbiome of these two cases with metatranscriptomic
      sequences from 16 pregnant women collected at various times in their pregnancies
      CONCLUSION: Several strains of bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus and
      Propionibacterium) found in Amniotic Fluid may be involved in neurological
      diseases. When the foetus is infected by the Zika Virus, due to neurological
      damage, they do not move inside the uterus, thus changing the Amniotic Fluid
      environment, potentially leading to secondary problems. Zika infection could also
      lead to an immunodeficient state, making bacterial colonization of the foetuses
      easier. An altered microbial composition during pregnancy may also result in
      harmful secondary metabolite production from certain microbes that further impair
      foetal brain development. However, these observations of potentially harmful
      microbial species are correlations and thus cannot be assumed to be causative
      agents of (microcephaly) disease. In our study, microbial and parasitic diversity
      of the Amniotic Fluid was lower in patients infected by ZIKV, compared to that of
      Prenatal and Preterm controls. The present study was a first attempt to shed
      light on the microbial and parasitic diversity associated with ZIKV-infected
      pregnant women bearing microcephaly foetuses, and the presence of diverse
      microbial and parasite communities in the Amniotic Fluid suggests a poor health
      status of both the pregnant women and the foetuses they carry.

PMID- 28077144
TI  - Intraoperative radiation therapy for colon and rectal cancers: a clinical review.
AB  - Although there have been significant advances in the adjuvant therapy of
      colorectal cancer, results for patients have historically been poor when complete
      resection is unlikely or not possible. Similarly, locally recurrent colorectal
      cancer patients often experience significant tumor related morbidity and disease
      control and long term survival have historically been poor with standard
      therapies. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) has been proposed as a
      possible tool for dose escalation in patients with locally advanced colorectal
      cancer.For patients with locally advanced primary or recurrent colon cancer, the
      absence of prospective controlled trials limits the ability to draw definitive
      conclusions in completely resected patients. In subtotally resected patients, the
      available evidence is consistent with marked improvements in disease control and
      survival compared to historical controls. For patients with locally advanced
      primary or recurrent rectal cancer, a relatively large body of evidence suggests
      improved disease control and survival, especially in subtotally resected
      patients, with the addition of IORT to moderate dose external beam radiation
      (EBRT) and chemotherapy. The most important prognostic factor in nearly all
      series is the completeness of surgical resection. Many previously irradiated
      patients may be carefully re-treated with radiation and IORT in addition to
      chemotherapy resulting in long term survival in more than 25% of patients.
      Peripheral nerve is dose limiting for IORT and patients receiving 15 Gy or more
      are at higher risk.IORT is a useful tool when dose escalation beyond EBRT
      tolerance limits is required for acceptable local control in patients with
      locally advanced primary or recurrent colorectal cancer. Previously irradiated
      patients should not be excluded from treatment consideration.

PMID- 28077145
TI  - Perceptions and experiences of the mistreatment of women during childbirth in
      health facilities in Guinea: a qualitative study with women and service
      providers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Every woman is entitled to respectful care during childbirth; so it
      is concerning to hear of informal reports of mistreatment during childbirth in
      Guinea. This study sought to explore the perceptions and experiences of
      mistreatment during childbirth, from the perspectives of women and service
      providers, and the analysis presents findings according to a typology of
      mistreatment during childbirth. METHODS: This study used qualitative methods (in
      depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs)) and was conducted
      with four groups of participants: women of reproductive age, midwives, doctors,
      and administrators. The study took place in two sites in Guinea, an urban area
      (Mamou) and peri-urban (Pita). Data collection was conducted in two health
      facilities for providers and administrators, and in the health facility catchment
      area for women. Data were collected in local languages (Pular and Malinke), then
      transcribed and analyzed in French. We used a thematic analysis approach and
      coded transcripts manually. RESULTS: A total of 64 IDIs and eight FGDs were
      conducted and are included in this analysis, including 40 IDIs and eight FGDs
      with women of reproductive age, 5 IDIs with doctors, 13 IDIs with midwives, and 6
      IDIs with administrators. Participants described their own personal experiences,
      experiences of women in their communities and perceptions regarding mistreatment
      during childbirth. Results were organized according to a typology of mistreatment
      during childbirth, and included instances of physical abuse, verbal abuse,
      abandonment and neglect. Women described being slapped by providers, yelled at
      for noncompliance with provider requests, giving birth on the floor and without
      skilled attendance in the health facility. Poor physical conditions of health
      facilities and health workforce constraints contributed to experiences of
      mistreatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results are important because they demonstrate
      that the mistreatment of women during childbirth exists in Guinea and occurs in
      multiple forms. These data should be used by the Ministry of Health and other
      stakeholders to develop strategies to reduce and prevent the mistreatment of
      women during childbirth.

PMID- 28077146
TI  - Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance consensus clinical
      treatment plans for juvenile dermatomyositis with skin predominant disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common form of the
      idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in children. A subset of children have the
      rash of JDM without significant weakness, and the optimal treatments for these
      children are unknown. The goal of this study was to describe the development of
      consensus clinical treatment plans (CTPs) for children with JDM who have active
      skin rashes, without significant muscle involvement, referred to as skin
      predominant JDM in this manuscript. METHODS: The Children's Arthritis and
      Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) is a North American consortium of
      pediatric rheumatology health care providers. CARRA members collaborated to
      determine consensus on typical treatments for JDM patients with skin findings
      without significant weakness, to develop CTPs for this subgroup of patients. We
      used a combination of Delphi surveys and nominal group consensus meetings to
      develop these CTPs. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on patient characteristics and
      outcome assessment, and CTPs were developed and finalized for patients with skin
      predominant JDM. Treatment option A included hydroxychloroquine alone, Treatment
      option B included hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate, and Treatment option C
      included hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate and corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Three
      CTPs were developed for use in children with skin predominant JDM, which reflect
      typical treatment approaches. These are not considered to be specific
      recommendations or standard of care. Using the CARRA network and prospective data
      collection, we will be able to apply statistical methods in the future to allow
      comparisons of JDM patients following these consensus treatment plans.

PMID- 28077147
TI  - The political and scientific challenges in evaluating compulsory drug treatment
      centers in Southeast Asia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Vietnam, like many countries in Southeast Asia, the commonly used
      approach of center-based compulsory drug treatment (CCT) has been criticized on
      human rights ground. Meanwhile, community-based voluntary methadone maintenance
      treatment (MMT) has been implemented for nearly a decade with promising results.
      Reform-minded leaders have been seeking empirical evidence of the costs and
      effectiveness associated with these two main treatment modalities. Conducting
      evaluations of these treatments, especially where randomization is not ethical,
      presents challenges. The aim of this paper is to discuss political challenges and
      methodological issues when conducting cost-effectiveness studies within the
      context of a non-democratic Southeast Asian country. METHODS: A retrospective
      analysis of the political and scientific challenges that were experienced in the
      study design, sample size determination, government approval and ethics
      approvals, participant recruitment, data collection, and determination of
      sources, and quantification of cost and effectiveness data was undertaken. As a
      consequence of the non-randomized design, analysis of patient characteristics for
      both treatment types was undertaken to identify the magnitude of baseline group
      differences. Concordance between self-reported heroin use and urine drug testing
      was undertaken to determine the reliability of self-report data in a politically
      challenging environment. RESULTS: We demonstrate that conducting research around
      compulsory treatment in a non-democratic society is feasible, yet it is
      politically challenging and requires navigation between science and politics. We
      also demonstrate that engagement with the government decision makers in the
      research conception, implementation, and dissemination of the results increases
      the likelihood of research evidence being considered for change in a contentious
      drug policy area. CONCLUSIONS: Local empirical evidence on the comparative cost
      effectiveness of CCT and MMT in a Southeast Asian setting is critical to
      consideration of more holistic, humane, and effective drug-dependence treatment
      approaches, but the garnering of such evidence is very challenging.

PMID- 28077149
TI  - Plasmodium falciparum malaria co-infection with tick-borne relapsing fever in
      Dakar.
AB  - BACKGROUND: West African tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) due to Borrelia
      crocidurae and malaria are co-endemics in Senegal. Although expected to be high,
      co-infections are rarely reported. A case of falciparum malaria and B. crocidurae
      co-infection in a patient from Velingara (South of Senegal) is discussed. CASE: A
      28 year-old-male patient presented to Aristide Le Dantec Hospital for recurrent
      fever. He initially presented to a local post health of Pikine (sub-urban of
      Dakar) and was diagnosed for malaria on the basis of positive malaria rapid
      diagnostic test (RDT) specific to Plamodium falciparum. The patient was treated
      as uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Four days after admission the patient was
      referred to Le Dantec Hospital. He presented with fever (39  degrees C),
      soreness, headache and vomiting. The blood pressure was 120/80 mmHg. The rest of
      the examination was normal. A thick film from peripheral blood was performed and
      addressed to the parasitology laboratory of the hospital. Thick film was stained
      with 10% Giemsa. Trophozoite of P. falciparum was identified at parasite density
      of 47 parasites per microlitre. The presence of Borrelia was also observed,
      concluding to malaria co-infection with borreliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Signs of
      malaria can overlap with signs of borreliosis leading to the misdiagnosis of the
      latter. Thick and thin smear or QBC test or molecular method may be helpful to
      detect both Plamodium species and Borrelia. In addition, there is a real need to
      consider co-infections with other endemics pathogens when diagnosing malaria.

PMID- 28077148
TI  - Linking communities to formal health care providers through village health teams
      in rural Uganda: lessons from linking social capital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community-based programmes, particularly community health workers
      (CHWs), have been portrayed as a cost-effective alternative to the shortage of
      health workers in low-income countries. Usually, literature emphasises how easily
      CHWs link and connect communities to formal health care services. There is little
      evidence in Uganda to support or dispute such claims. Drawing from linking social
      capital framework, this paper examines the claim that village health teams
      (VHTs), as an example of CHWs, link and connect communities with formal health
      care services. METHODS: Data were collected through ethnographic fieldwork
      undertaken as part of a larger research program in Luwero District, Uganda,
      between 2012 and 2014. The main methods of data collection were participant
      observation in events organised by VHTs. In addition, a total of 91 in-depth
      interviews and 42 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with adult
      community members as part of the larger project. After preliminary analysis of
      the data, we conducted an additional six in-depth interviews and three FGD with
      VHTs and four FGD with community members on the role of VHTs. Key informant
      interviews were conducted with local government staff, health workers, local
      leaders, and NGO staff with health programs in Luwero. Thematic analysis was used
      during data analysis. RESULTS: The ability of VHTs to link communities with
      formal health care was affected by the stakeholders' perception of their roles.
      Community members perceive VHTs as working for and under instructions of
      "others", which makes them powerless in the formal health care system. One of the
      challenges associated with VHTs' linking roles is support from the government and
      formal health care providers. Formal health care providers perceived VHTs as
      interested in special recognition for their services yet they are not "experts".
      For some health workers, the introduction of VHTs is seen as a ploy by the
      government to control people and hide its inability to provide health services.
      Having received training and initial support from an NGO, VHTs suffered
      transition failure from NGO to the formal public health care structure. As a
      result, VHTs are entangled in power relations that affect their role of linking
      community members with formal health care services. We also found that factors
      such as lack of money for treatment, poor transport networks, the attitudes of
      health workers and the existence of multiple health care systems, all factors
      that hinder access to formal health care, cannot be addressed by the VHTs.
      CONCLUSIONS: As linking social capital framework shows, for VHTs to effectively
      act as links between the community and formal health care and harness the
      resources that exist in institutions beyond the community, it is important to
      take into account the power relationships embedded in vertical relationships and
      forge a partnership between public health providers and the communities they
      serve. This will ensure strengthened partnerships and the improved capacity of
      local people to leverage resources embedded in vertical power networks.

PMID- 28077150
TI  - The equity of China's emergency medical services from 2010-2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the depth development of health care system reform in China,
      emergency medical services (EMS) is confronted with challenges as well as
      opportunities. This study aimed to analyze the equity of China's EMS needs,
      utilization, and resources distribution, and put forward proposal to improve the
      equity. METHOD: Three emergency needs indicators (mortality rate of
      cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, harm, and digestive system disease),
      two utilization indicators (emergency outpatient visits and rate of utilization)
      and one resource allocation indicator (number of EMS facilities) were collected
      after the review of the China Statistical Yearbook and the National Disease
      Surveillance System. Next, EMS related indicators were compared among 31
      provinces from the eastern, central, and western regions of the country.
      Concentration Index (CI) were used to measure the equity of EMS needs and
      utilization among the western, central, and eastern regions. The Gini coefficient
      of demographic and geographic distribution of facilities represented the equity
      of resource allocation. RESULT: During 2010-2014, the CI of cardiovascular and
      cerebrovascular disease mortality changed from positive to negative, which
      indicates that the concentrated trend transferred from richer regions to the
      poorer area. Injury mortality (CI: range from - 0.1241to -0.1504) and digestive
      disease mortality (CI: range from - 0.1921 to - 0.2279) consistently concentrated
      in the poorer region, and the inequity among regions became more obviously year
      by-year. The utilization of EMS (CI: range from 0.1074 to 0.0824) showed an
      improvement; however, the inequity reduced gradually. The EMS facilities
      distribution by population (Gini coefficient: range from 0.0922 to 0.1200) showed
      high equitability but the EMS facilities distribution by geography (Gini
      coefficient: range from 0.0922 to 0.1200) suggested a huge gap between regions
      because the Gini coefficients were greater than 0.5 in the past 5 years.
      CONCLUSION: There are some inequities of needs, utilization, and resource
      allocation in the China EMS. The government needs to stick to the principle of
      increasing investment in poorer regions, perfecting ambulance configuration and
      improving health workers' professional skills to improve the equity and quality
      of EMS.

PMID- 28077151
TI  - Multi-strategic intervention to enhance implementation of healthy canteen policy:
      a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internationally, governments have implemented school-based nutrition
      policies to restrict the availability of unhealthy foods from sale. The aim of
      the trial was to assess the effectiveness of a multi-strategic intervention to
      increase implementation of a state-wide healthy canteen policy. The impact of the
      intervention on the energy, total fat, and sodium of children's canteen purchases
      and on schools' canteen revenue was also assessed. METHODS: Australian primary
      schools with a canteen were randomised to receive a 12-14-month, multi-strategic
      intervention or to a no intervention control group. The intervention sought to
      increase implementation of a state-wide healthy canteen policy which required
      schools to remove unhealthy items (classified as 'red' or 'banned') from regular
      sale and encouraged schools to 'fill the menu' with healthy items (classified as
      'green'). The intervention strategies included allocation of a support officer to
      assist with policy implementation, engagement of school principals and parent
      committees, consensus processes with canteen managers, training, provision of
      tools and resources, academic detailing, performance feedback, recognition and
      marketing initiatives. Data were collected at baseline (April to September, 2013)
      and at completion of the implementation period (November, 2014 to April, 2015).
      RESULTS: Seventy schools participated in the trial. Relative to control, at
      follow-up, intervention schools were significantly more likely to have menus
      without 'red' or 'banned' items (RR = 21.11; 95% CI 3.30 to 147.28; p <= 0.01)
      and to have at least 50% of menu items classified as 'green' (RR = 3.06; 95% CI
      1.64 to 5.68; p <= 0.01). At follow-up, student purchases from intervention
      school canteens were significantly lower in total fat (difference = -1.51 g; 95%
      CI -2.84 to -0.18; p = 0.028) compared to controls, but not in energy (difference
      = -132.32 kJ; 95% CI -280.99 to 16.34; p = 0.080) or sodium (difference = -46.81
      mg; 95% CI -96.97 to 3.35; p = 0.067). Canteen revenue did not differ
      significantly between groups. CONCLUSION: Poor implementation of evidence-based
      school nutrition policies is a problem experienced by governments
      internationally, and one with significant implications for public health. The
      study makes an important contribution to the limited experimental evidence
      regarding strategies to improve implementation of school nutrition policies and
      suggests that, with multi-strategic support, implementation of healthy canteen
      policies can be achieved in most schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New
      Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12613000311752 ).

PMID- 28077152
TI  - Gender bias and sex-based differences in health care efficiency in Polish
      regions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health differences between sexes are relatively well recognized,
      though less is known about the specificity of women's and men's health
      responsiveness to medical care. Applying data from Polish regions, this study
      identifies sex-based differences in medical care efficiency and investigates the
      reasons for these disparities in the gender bias context. METHODS: The study
      estimates sex-specific health production functions for regional data from Poland
      (1999-2013). Using panel-data regression, male and female life expectancies at
      ages 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 65 are regressed on a set of socioeconomic factors,
      with the primary interest in medical care proxied by doctor density. RESULTS: The
      results show that in Poland the association between life expectancy and doctor
      density was positive for both men and women; however, the coefficients for
      medical care were insignificant for those at birth and at the age of 30 for both
      sexes. The magnitude of health care for longevity was higher for men comparing to
      women at every age, though the difference between sexes was not statistically
      significant. The sex-based disparities in medical care efficiency were more
      pronounced at younger ages and they diminished with age. The inspection of data
      on the health system in Poland shows that male patients seemed to be in an
      advantageous position: the mean reimbursement per service for men was higher in
      most medical care areas; men reported less problems with access to health care;
      and their mortality trend exhibited more favorable evolution over time.
      Additionally, the association between other socioeconomic factors and health also
      differed across sexes, and several of these factors were more important for life
      expectancy than health care. CONCLUSION: Polish medical care suffers from gender
      bias, which possibly makes men more responsive to medical care. The disparities
      in the operation of medical care in Poland should be challenged to achieve more
      equal access to services between sexes and possibly to gain more health from the
      treatment of female patients.

PMID- 28077153
TI  - Detection of Strongylus vulgaris in equine faecal samples by real-time PCR and
      larval culture - method comparison and occurrence assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strongylus vulgaris has become a rare parasite in Germany during the
      past 50 years due to the practice of frequent prophylactic anthelmintic therapy.
      To date, the emerging development of resistance in Cyathostominae and Parascaris
      spp. to numerous equine anthelmintics has changed deworming management and the
      frequency of anthelmintic usage. In this regard, reliable detection of parasitic
      infections, especially of the highly pathogenic S. vulgaris is essential. In the
      current study, two diagnostic methods for the detection of infections with S.
      vulgaris were compared and information on the occurrence of this parasite in
      German horses was gained. For this purpose, faecal samples of 501 horses were
      screened for S. vulgaris with real-time PCR and an additional larval culture was
      performed in samples of 278 horses. A subset of 26 horses underwent multiple
      follow-up examinations with both methods in order to evaluate both the
      persistence of S. vulgaris infections and the reproducibility of each diagnostic
      method. RESULTS: The real-time PCR revealed S. vulgaris-DNA in ten of 501
      investigated equine samples (1.9%). The larval culture demonstrated larvae of S.
      vulgaris in three of the 278 samples (1.1%). A direct comparison of the two
      methods was possible in 321 samples including 43 follow-up examinations with the
      result of 11 S. vulgaris-positive samples by real-time PCR and 4 S. vulgaris
      positive samples by larval culture. The McNemar's test (p-value = 0.016) revealed
      a significant difference and the kappa values (0.525) showed a moderate agreement
      between real-time PCR and larval culture. CONCLUSIONS: The real-time PCR detected
      a significantly higher proportion of positives of S. vulgaris compared to larval
      culture and should thus be considered as a routine diagnostic method for the
      detection of S. vulgaris in equine samples.

PMID- 28077154
TI  - Incremental decreases in quality-adjusted life years (QALY) associated with
      higher levels of depressive symptoms for U.S. Adults aged 65 years and older.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality-adjusted life years (QALY) is a single value index that
      quantifies the overall burden of disease. It reflects all aspects of heath,
      including nonfatal illness and mortality outcomes by weighting life-years lived
      with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores. This study examine the burden
      of disease due to increasing levels of depressive symptoms by examining the
      association between the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores and
      QALY for U.S. adults aged 65 years and older. METHODS: We ascertained
      respondents' HRQOL scores and mortality status from the 2005-2006, 2007-2008, and
      2009-2010 cohorts of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      (NHANES) with mortality follow-up data through December 31, 2011. This analysis
      included respondents aged 65 years and older (n = 3,680). We estimated the mean
      QALY throughout the remaining lifetime according to participants' depression
      severity categories: none or minimal (PHQ-9 score 0-4), mild (5-9), moderate (10
      14), and moderately severs and severe (15 or higher). We estimated QALY loss due
      to major depressive disorder (PHQ-9 score 10 or higher) and to mild depression (5
      9). RESULTS: The QALY for persons with none/minimal, mild, moderate, and
      moderately severe/severe depression were 14.0, 7.8, 4.7, and 3.3 years,
      respectively. Compared to persons without major depressive disorder, persons with
      major depressive disorder had 8.3 fewer QALY (12.7 vs. 4.4), or a 65% loss.
      Compared to persons who reported "none" or minimal depressive symptoms, persons
      who reported mild depressive symptoms had 6.2 fewer QALY (14.0 vs. 7.8), or a 44%
      loss. The same patterns were noted in demographic and socioeconomic subgroups and
      according to number of comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This study not only confirmed
      the significant burden of disease for major depressive disorder among the U.S.
      elderly, but also showed an incremental decrease in QALY with an increasing
      severity of depressive symptoms as well as significant QALY loss due to mild
      depression. Specifically, individuals with higher (or more impaired) PHQ-9 scores
      had significantly fewer QALYs and our findings of fewer years of QALY for persons
      with major depressive disorder and mild depression were not only statistically
      significant but also clinically important.

PMID- 28077155
TI  - MODEM: A comprehensive approach to modelling outcome and costs impacts of
      interventions for dementia. Protocol paper.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The MODEM project (A comprehensive approach to MODelling outcome and
      costs impacts of interventions for DEMentia) explores how changes in arrangements
      for the future treatment and care of people living with dementia, and support for
      family and other unpaid carers, could result in better outcomes and more
      efficient use of resources. METHODS: MODEM starts with a systematic mapping of
      the literature on effective and (potentially) cost-effective interventions in
      dementia care. Those findings, as well as data from a cohort, will then be used
      to model the quality of life and cost impacts of making these evidence-based
      interventions more widely available in England over the period from now to 2040.
      Modelling will use a suite of models, combining microsimulation and
      macrosimulation methods, modelling the costs and outcomes of care, both for an
      individual over the life-course from the point of dementia diagnosis, and for
      individuals and England as a whole in a particular year. Project outputs will
      include an online Dementia Evidence Toolkit, making evidence summaries and a
      literature database available free to anyone, papers in academic journals and
      other written outputs, and a MODEM Legacy Model, which will enable local
      commissioners of services to apply the model to their own populations.
      DISCUSSION: Modelling the effects of evidence-based cost-effective interventions
      and making this information widely available has the potential to improve the
      health and quality of life both of people with dementia and their carers, while
      ensuring that resources are used efficiently.

PMID- 28077156
TI  - Interventions following a high violence risk assessment score: a naturalistic
      study on a Finnish psychiatric admission ward.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient aggression and violence against staff members and other
      patients are common concerns in psychiatric units. Many structured clinical risk
      assessment tools have recently been developed. Despite their superiority to
      unaided clinical judgments, staff has shown ambivalent views towards them. A
      constant worry of staff is that the results of risk assessments would not be
      used. The aims of the present study were to investigate what were the
      interventions applied by the staff of a psychiatric admission ward after a high
      risk patient had been identified, how frequently these interventions were used
      and how effective they were. METHODS: The data were collected in a naturalistic
      setting during a 6-month period in a Finnish psychiatric admission ward with a
      total of 331 patients with a mean age of 42.9 years (SD 17.39) suffering mostly
      from mood, schizophrenia-related and substance use disorders. The total number of
      treatment days was 2399. The staff assessed the patients daily with the Dynamic
      Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA), which is a structured violence risk
      assessment considering the upcoming 24 h. The interventions in order to reduce
      the risk of violence following a high DASA total score (>=4) were collected from
      the patients' medical files. Inductive content analysis was used. RESULTS: There
      were a total of 64 patients with 217 observations of high DASA total score. In
      91.2% of cases, at least one intervention aiming to reduce the violence risk was
      used. Pro re nata (PRN)-medication, seclusion and focused discussions with a
      nurse were the most frequently used interventions. Non-coercive and non
      pharmacological interventions like daily activities associated significantly with
      the decrease of perceived risk of violence. CONCLUSION: In most cases, a high
      score in violence risk assessment led to interventions aiming to reduce the risk.
      Unfortunately, the most frequently used methods were psychopharmacological or
      coercive. It is hoped that the findings will encourage the staff to use their
      imagination when choosing violence risk reducing intervention techniques.

PMID- 28077157
TI  - Clinical, biochemical and molecular characteristics of Filipino patients with
      mucopolysaccharidosis type II - Hunter syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis type II, an X-linked recessive disorder is the
      most common lysosomal storage disease detected among Filipinos. This is a case
      series involving 23 male Filipino patients confirmed to have Hunter syndrome. The
      clinical and biochemical characteristics were obtained and mutation testing of
      the IDS gene was done on the probands and their female relatives. RESULTS: The
      mean age of the patients was 11.28 (SD 4.10) years with an average symptom onset
      at 1.2 (SD 1.4) years. The mean age at biochemical diagnosis was 8 (SD 3.2)
      years. The early clinical characteristics were developmental delay, joint
      stiffness, coarse facies, recurrent respiratory tract infections, abdominal
      distention and hernia. Majority of the patients had joint contractures, severe
      intellectual disability, error of refraction, hearing loss and valvular
      regurgitation on subspecialists' evaluation. The mean GAG concentration was 506.5
      mg (SD 191.3)/grams creatinine while the mean plasma iduronate-2-sulfatase
      activity was 0.86 (SD 0.79) nmol/mg plasma/4 h. Fourteen (14) mutations were
      found: 6 missense (42.9%), 4 nonsense (28.6%), 2 frameshift (14.3%), 1 exon
      skipping at the cDNA level (7.1%), and 1 gross insertion (7.1%). Six (6) novel
      mutations were observed (43%): p.C422F, p.P86Rfs*44, p.Q121*, p.L209Wfs*4,
      p.T409R, and c.1461_1462insN[710]. CONCLUSION: The age at diagnosis in this
      series was much delayed and majority of the patients presented with severe
      neurologic impairment. The results of the biochemical tests did not contribute to
      the phenotypic classification of patients. The effects of the mutations were
      consistent with the severe phenotype seen in the majority of the patients.

PMID- 28077158
TI  - CCL2-driven inflammation increases mammary gland stromal density and cancer
      susceptibility in a transgenic mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Macrophages play diverse roles in mammary gland development and
      breast cancer. CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is an inflammatory cytokine that
      recruits macrophages to sites of injury. Although CCL2 has been detected in human
      and mouse mammary epithelium, its role in regulating mammary gland development
      and cancer risk has not been explored. METHODS: Transgenic mice were generated
      wherein CCL2 is driven by the mammary epithelial cell-specific mouse mammary
      tumour virus 206 (MMTV) promoter. Estrous cycles were tracked in adult transgenic
      and non-transgenic FVB mice, and mammary glands collected at the four different
      stages of the cycle. Dissected mammary glands were assessed for cyclical
      morphological changes, proliferation and apoptosis of epithelium, macrophage
      abundance and collagen deposition, and mRNA encoding matrix remodelling enzymes.
      Another cohort of control and transgenic mice received carcinogen 7,12
      Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and tumour development was monitored weekly.
      CCL2 protein was also quantified in paired samples of human breast tissue with
      high and low mammographic density. RESULTS: Overexpression of CCL2 in the mammary
      epithelium resulted in an increased number of macrophages, increased density of
      stroma and collagen and elevated mRNA encoding matrix remodelling enzymes lysyl
      oxidase (LOX) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP)3 compared
      to non-transgenic controls. Transgenic mice also exhibited increased
      susceptibility to development of DMBA-induced mammary tumours. In a paired sample
      cohort of human breast tissue, abundance of epithelial-cell-associated CCL2 was
      higher in breast tissue of high mammographic density compared to tissue of low
      mammographic density. CONCLUSIONS: Constitutive expression of CCL2 by the mouse
      mammary epithelium induces a state of low level chronic inflammation that
      increases stromal density and elevates cancer risk. We propose that CCL2-driven
      inflammation contributes to the increased risk of breast cancer observed in women
      with high mammographic density.

PMID- 28077159
TI  - Concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with enteral nutrition support: a radical
      treatment strategy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with malignant
      fistulae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) significantly increases the
      survival rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients with
      malignant fistulae. Recent clinical evidence has shown the benefits of enteral
      nutrition for malnourished cancer patients. In this study, we aimed to validate
      that, with the support of enteral nutrition, ESCC patients who develop malignant
      fistulae might be able to complete CCRT and achieve long-term survival. METHODS:
      We reviewed the medical records of 652 patients with ESCC who received definitive
      CCRT at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2010 and December
      2012. Treatment outcome and toxicity were retrospectively evaluated in 40 ESCC
      patients with malignant fistulae. All the 40 patients were treated with CCRT and
      evaluated by clinical nutritionists using nutrition risk screening (NRS) before,
      during, and after treatment. Twenty-two patients received a nasogastric tube, and
      18 underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding. The median energy
      intake was 2166 kcal/day. Treatment response was evaluated at 3 months after the
      completion of CCRT. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 18 months (range, 3-39
      months), patients' 1-year overall survival (OS) rate was 62.5%, and the estimated
      OS time was 25.5 months. Univariate analysis showed that the NRS score (P =
      0.003), increase in NRS score (P = 0.024), fistula closure (P = 0.011), and
      response to treatment (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with OS.
      Multivariate analysis showed that tumor response (P = 0.044) and increase in NRS
      score (P = 0.044) were independent predictors of OS. Grade 3 vomiting was
      observed in 8 patients (20.0%), grade 3 neutropenia was observed in 11 patients
      (27.5%), and grade 3 cough was observed in 13 patients (32.5%); 2 patients (5.0%)
      died of massive bleeding during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CCRT combined with
      enteral nutrition support is effective for ESCC patients with malignant fistulae.
      Patients have an increased potential to be cured, especially those who experience
      complete response and have an increase in NRS score. Careful observation and
      nutrition support are required for patients with advanced T-category ESCC who
      undergo CCRT.

PMID- 28077160
TI  - Indatuximab ravtansine (BT062) combination treatment in multiple myeloma: pre
      clinical studies.
AB  - Indatuximab ravtansine is a monoclonal antibody-linked cytotoxic agent that
      specifically targets CD138-expressing cells. Monotherapy has been shown to
      significantly inhibit multiple myeloma tumour growth in vivo and improve host
      survival. Here, we show that in most cell lines tested, indatuximab ravtansine
      acts additively or even synergistically with clinically approved therapies for
      treatment of multiple myeloma. In addition, in vivo mouse xenograft models
      confirmed the activity of indatuximab ravtansine in combination with lenalidamide
      and lenalidomide/dexamethasone. Indatuximab ravtansine may therefore be a
      suitable combination partner for multiple myeloma, and a clinical study is
      ongoing.

PMID- 28077161
TI  - Mathematical modelling of Echinococcus multilocularis abundance in foxes in
      Zurich, Switzerland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Europe, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the main definitive host of
      Echinococcus multilocularis, the aetiological agent of a severe disease in humans
      called alveolar echinococcosis. The distribution of this zoonotic parasite among
      the fox population is remarkably aggregated with few heavily infected animals
      harbouring much of the parasite burdens and being responsible for most of the
      environmental parasitic egg contamination. Important research questions explored
      were: (i) spatial differences in parasite infection pressure related to the level
      of urbanization; (ii) temporal differences in parasite infection pressure in
      relation to time of the year; (iii) is herd immunity or an age-dependent
      infection pressure responsible for the observed parasite abundance; (iv) assuming
      E. multilocularis infection is a clumped process, how many parasites results from
      a regular infection insult. METHODS: By developing and comparing different
      transmission models we characterised the spatio-temporal variation of the
      infection pressure, in terms of numbers of parasites that foxes acquired after
      exposure per unit time, in foxes in Zurich (Switzerland). These included the
      variations in infection pressure with age of fox and season and the possible
      regulating effect of herd immunity on parasite abundance. RESULTS: The model
      fitting best to the observed data supported the existence of spatial and seasonal
      differences in infection pressure and the absence of parasite-induced host
      immunity. The periodic infection pressure had different amplitudes across
      urbanization zones with higher peaks during autumn and winter. In addition, the
      model indicated the existence of variations in infection pressure among age
      groups in foxes from the periurban zone. CONCLUSIONS: These heterogeneities in
      infection exposure have strong implications for the implementation of targeted
      control interventions to lower the intensity of environmental contamination with
      parasite eggs and, ultimately, the infection risk to humans.

PMID- 28077162
TI  - A fixed inhaled nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture as an analgesic for adult cancer
      patients with breakthrough pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients is always a
      challenge for medical professions. Occurring in 80% of cancer patients with
      advanced disease, breakthrough pain significantly decreases both patient's and
      caregiver's quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess the analgesic
      efficacy of a fixed inhaled nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture for adult cancer
      patients with breakthrough pain. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized, placebo
      controlled, double-blind study; it will be conducted in the General Hospital of
      Ningxia Medical University. The target study subjects are at least 18 years old,
      and are hospitalized cancer patients who are receiving routine opioids to control
      cancer-related pain but still experience breakthrough pain. A total of 240
      patients will be recruited and randomly allocated between three treatment groups
      (A, B, C) and a control group (group D) in a ratio of 3:1. All treatment groups
      (A, B, C) will receive standard pain treatment (oral immediate-release morphine)
      plus a pre-prepared nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture, and the control group (D) will
      receive the standard pain treatment plus oxygen. Patients, doctors, nurses, and
      data collectors are all blind to the experiment. Assessments will be taken before
      treatment (T0), at 5 min (T1) and 15 min (T2) during treatment, and at 5 min
      after treatment (T3). The primary endpoint measures will be the percentage of
      patients whose pain is relieved at T1, T2, and T3. Secondary outcome measures
      will include the safety of treatment, adverse events, and satisfaction from both
      health professionals and patients. DISCUSSION: This study aims to provide an
      effective and practical intervention for a fast breakthrough pain relief and to
      improve cancer patients' quality of life significantly. The Evidence-Based
      Medicine Working Group claim that a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      experimental intervention is the most appropriate design to demonstrate its
      efficacy, so this study could give a new approach to controlling breakthrough
      pain episodes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-INC-16008075 . Registered on 8 March
      2016.

PMID- 28077164
TI  - Erratum to: Novel sorafenib analogues induce apoptosis through SHP-1 dependent
      STAT3 inactivation in human breast cancer cells.

PMID- 28077163
TI  - The efficacy of varenicline in achieving abstinence among waterpipe tobacco
      smokers - study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Waterpipe tobacco smoking has increased among youth across the globe
      including in the US, and it continues as a common and traditional form of smoking
      tobacco in Pakistan. A range of behavioral and pharmacological therapies are
      available to support people in quitting cigarette smoking; however, little
      evidence exists for the efficacy of these therapies in achieving abstinence among
      waterpipe tobacco smokers. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy
      of varenicline when added to behavioral support for waterpipe tobacco smoking
      cessation, by measuring biochemically validated continuous abstinence in
      waterpipe tobacco smokers. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a two-arm, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled randomized trial conducted in four districts in Punjab,
      Pakistan. Study participants include adults using a waterpipe (with or without
      concomitant cigarette, bidi or other forms of tobacco smoking) on a daily basis
      for at least 6 months and who are willing to quit. We will individually randomize
      510 participants to one of the two arms of the trial. Participants in the
      intervention arm will receive varenicline and behavioral support and those in the
      control arm will receive placebo and behavioral support. The primary outcome will
      be continuous abstinence for at least 6 months (week 25) which is biochemically
      verified by a carbon monoxide level of <10 ppm. Secondary outcomes will include
      biochemically verified 7-day point abstinence at 5, 12 and 25 weeks and any
      lapses and relapses between the different assessment points. Tertiary outcomes
      will include assessment of withdrawal symptoms using the Mood and Physical
      Symptoms Scale (MPSS), smoking dependency using the Lebanon Waterpipe Dependency
      Scale (LWDS-11) and monitoring adverse outcomes. DISCUSSION: This is an efficacy
      trial and would require a subsequent effectiveness trial for a definitive
      evaluation of the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN94103375 .
      Registered on 1 December 2015.

PMID- 28077165
TI  - Malignant transformation of a long-standing submental dermoid cyst to a
      carcinosarcoma: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Submental dermoid cysts are uncommon midline cysts which occur due to
      entrapment of ectoderm between the second and third branchial arches during
      embryogenesis. Most dermoid cysts of the head and neck are benign, but rarely
      malignant transformation may occur. To the best of our knowledge, this is the
      first report of a carcinosarcoma arising in a submental dermoid cyst. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil man presented with a large cystic
      swelling in his submental region which was diagnosed as an extensive submental
      dermoid cyst. The cyst had been asymptomatic for 11 years but there was sudden
      enlargement and pain during the past 2 months. On surgical removal, a primary
      carcinosarcoma arising from part of the cyst wall was identified. After
      completion of radiotherapy, the disease was well controlled and he was disease
      free at 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although extremely rare, a dermoid cyst of the
      submental region can undergo malignant transformation. It can be successfully
      treated with surgical excision and radiotherapy.

PMID- 28077166
TI  - Threonine175, a novel pathological phosphorylation site on tau protein linked to
      multiple tauopathies.
AB  - Microtubule associated protein tau (tau) deposition is associated with a spectrum
      of neurodegenerative diseases collectively termed tauopathies. We have previously
      shown that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with cognitive impairment (ALSci)
      is associated with tau phosphorylation at Thr175 and that this leads to
      activation of GSK3beta which then induces phosphorylation at tau Thr231. This
      latter step leads to dissociation of tau from microtubules and pathological tau
      fibril formation. To determine the extent to which this pathway is unique to ALS,
      we have investigated the expression of pThr175 tau and pThr231 tau across a range
      of frontotemporal degenerations. Representative sections from the superior
      frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, hippocampal formation,
      basal ganglia, and substantia nigra were selected from neuropathologically
      confirmed cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 3), vascular dementia (n = 2),
      frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD; n = 4), ALS (n = 5), ALSci (n = 6),
      Parkinson's disease (PD; n = 5), corticobasal degeneration (CBD; n = 2), diffuse
      Lewy body dementia (DLBD; n = 2), mixed DLBD (n = 3), multisystem atrophy (MSA; n
      = 6) and Pick's disease (n = 1) and three neuropathologically-normal control
      groups aged 50-60 (n = 6), 60-70 (n = 6) and 70-80 (n = 8). Sections were
      examined using a panel of phospho-tau antibodies (pSer208,210, pThr217, pThr175,
      pThr231, pSer202 and T22 (oligomeric tau)). Across diseases, phospho-tau load was
      most prominent in layers II/III of the entorhinal cortex, amygdala and
      hippocampus. This is in contrast to the preferential deposition of phospho-tau in
      the ACC and frontal cortex in ALSci. Controls showed pThr175 tau expression only
      in the 7th decade of life and only in the presence of tau pathology and tau
      oligomers. With the exception of DLBD, we observed pThr175 co-localizing with
      pThr231 in the same cell populations as T22 positivity. This suggests that this
      pathway may be a common mechanism of toxicity across the tauopathies.

PMID- 28077167
TI  - Role of Anopheles (Cellia) rufipes (Gough, 1910) and other local anophelines in
      human malaria transmission in the northern savannah of Cameroon: a cross
      sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As part of a study to determine the impact of insecticide resistance
      on the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) in the
      north of Cameroon, the unexpectedly high density and anthropophilic behaviour of
      Anopheles rufipes lead us to investigate this species bionomics and role in human
      malaria parasite transmission. METHODS: For four consecutive years (2011-2014),
      annual cross-sectional sampling of adult mosquitoes was conducted during the peak
      malaria season (September-October) in three health districts in northern
      Cameroon. Mosquitoes sampled by human landing catch and pyrethrum spray catch
      methods were morphologically identified, their ovaries dissected for parity
      determination and Anopheles gambiae siblings were identified by molecular assay.
      Infection with P. falciparum and blood meal source in residual fauna of indoor
      resting anopheline mosquitoes were determined by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent
      assays. RESULTS: Anopheles gambiae (sensu lato) (s.l.) comprised 18.4% of
      mosquitoes collected with An. arabiensis representing 66.27% of the sibling
      species. The proportion of An. rufipes (2.7%) collected was high with a human
      biting rate ranging between 0.441 and 11.083 bites/person/night (b/p/n) and an
      anthropophagic rate of 15.36%. Although overall the members of An. gambiae
      complex were responsible for most of the transmission with entomological
      inoculation rates (EIR) reaching 1.221 infective bites/person/night (ib/p/n), An.
      arabiensis and An. coluzzii were the most implicated. The roles of An. funestus,
      An. pharoensis and An. paludis were minor. Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite
      protein rate in Anopheles rufipes varied from 0.6 to 5.7% with EIR values between
      0.010 and 0.481 ib/p/n. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the epidemiological
      role of An. rufipes alongside the members of the An. gambiae complex, and several
      other sympatric species in human malaria transmission during the wet season in
      northern Cameroon. For the first time in Cameroon, An. rufipes has been shown to
      be an important local malaria vector, emphasising the need to review the malaria
      entomological profile across the country as pre-requisite to effective vector
      management strategies.

PMID- 28077168
TI  - Towards precision medicine for sepsis patients.

PMID- 28077169
TI  - Distinct 5-methylcytosine profiles in poly(A) RNA from mouse embryonic stem cells
      and brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent work has identified and mapped a range of posttranscriptional
      modifications in mRNA, including methylation of the N6 and N1 positions in
      adenine, pseudouridylation, and methylation of carbon 5 in cytosine (m5C).
      However, knowledge about the prevalence and transcriptome-wide distribution of
      m5C is still extremely limited; thus, studies in different cell types, tissues,
      and organisms are needed to gain insight into possible functions of this
      modification and implications for other regulatory processes. RESULTS: We have
      carried out an unbiased global analysis of m5C in total and nuclear poly(A) RNA
      of mouse embryonic stem cells and murine brain. We show that there are intriguing
      differences in these samples and cell compartments with respect to the degree of
      methylation, functional classification of methylated transcripts, and position
      bias within the transcript. Specifically, we observe a pronounced accumulation of
      m5C sites in the vicinity of the translational start codon, depletion in coding
      sequences, and mixed patterns of enrichment in the 3' UTR. Degree and pattern of
      methylation distinguish transcripts modified in both embryonic stem cells and
      brain from those methylated in either one of the samples. We also analyze
      potential correlations between m5C and micro RNA target sites, binding sites of
      RNA binding proteins, and N6-methyladenosine. CONCLUSION: Our study presents the
      first comprehensive picture of cytosine methylation in the epitranscriptome of
      pluripotent and differentiated stages in the mouse. These data provide an
      invaluable resource for future studies of function and biological significance of
      m5C in mRNA in mammals.

PMID- 28077170
TI  - Prosodic processing post traumatic brain injury - a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors often report difficulties with
      understanding and producing paralinguistic cues, as well as understanding and
      producing basic communication tasks. However, a large range of communicative
      deficits in this population cannot be adequately explained by linguistic
      impairment. The review examines prosodic processing performance post-TBI, its
      relationship with injury severity, brain injury localization, recovery and co
      occurring psychiatric or mental health issues post-TBI METHODS: A systematic
      review using several databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, LLBA
      (Linguistics and Language Behaviour Abstract) and Web of Science (January 1980 to
      May 2015), as well as a manual search of the cited references of the selected
      articles and the search cited features of PubMed was performed. The search was
      limited to comparative analyses between individuals who had a TBI and non-injured
      individuals (control). The review included studies assessing prosodic processing
      outcomes after TBI has been formally diagnosed. Articles that measured
      communication disorders, prosodic impairments, aphasia, and recognition of
      various aspects of prosody were included. Methods of summary included study
      characteristics, sample characteristics, demographics, auditory processing task,
      age at injury, brain localization of the injury, time elapsed since TBI, reports
      between TBI and mental health, socialization and employment difficulties. There
      were no limitations to the population size, age or gender. Results were reported
      according to the PRISMA guidelines. Two raters evaluated the quality of the
      articles in the search, extracted data using data abstraction forms and assessed
      the external and internal validity of the studies included using STROBE criteria.
      Agreement between the two raters was very high (Cohen's kappa = .89, P < 0.001).
      Results are reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A systematic
      review of 5212 records between 1980 and 2015 revealed 206 potentially eligible
      studies and 8 case-control studies (3 perspective and 5 retrospective) met
      inclusion and exclusion criteria for content and quality. Performance on prosodic
      processing tasks was found to be impaired among all participants with a history
      of TBI (ages ranged from 8 to 70 years old), compared to those with no history of
      TBI, in all eight studies examined. Compared with controls, individuals with a
      history of TBI had statistically significantly slower reaction time in
      identifying emotions from prosody and impaired processing of prosodic information
      that is muffled, non-sense, competing, or in conflict (prosody versus semantics).
      Heterogeneous findings on correlations between specific brain locations and
      prosodic processing impairment were reported. Psychiatric issues, employment
      status or social integration post-TBI were scarcely reported but, when reported,
      they co-occurred with a history of TBI and prosodic impairments. CONCLUSIONS: The
      current review confirms the relationship between impaired prosodic processing and
      history of TBI. Future studies should collect and report comprehensive details
      about severity of TBI, location of brain injury and time elapsed since injury, as
      they could key influence factors to the extent of prosodic processing impairments
      and recovery from auditory processing impairments post-TBI. The exploration of
      prosodic processing tasks as a possible neuropsychological marker of TBI
      diagnosis and recovery is warranted.

PMID- 28077171
TI  - Prostate-specific IL-6 transgene autonomously induce prostate neoplasm through
      amplifying inflammation in the prostate and peri-prostatic adipose tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The causative role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in prostate
      cancer progression has been well established at molecular level. However, whether
      and how IL-6 may play a role in prostate cancer risk and development is not well
      defined. One limitation factor to acquiring this knowledge is the lack of
      appropriate animal models. METHODS: We generated a novel line of prostate
      specific IL-6 transgenic mouse model. We compared the prostate pathology,
      tumorigenic signaling components, and prostate tumor microenvironment of the IL-6
      transgenic mice with wild type littermates. RESULTS: With this model, we
      demonstrate that IL-6 induces prostate neoplasm autonomously. We further
      demonstrate that transgenic expression of IL-6 in the prostate activates
      oncogenic pathways, induces autocrine IL-6 secretion and steadily-state of STAT3
      activation in the prostate tissue, upregulates paracrine insulin-like growth
      factor (IGF) signaling axis, reprograms prostate oncogenic gene expression, and
      more intriguingly, amplifies inflammation in the prostate and peri-prostatic
      adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The pro-inflammatory IL-6 is autonomous oncogene for
      the prostate. IL-6 induces prostate oncogenesis through amplifying local
      inflammation. We also presented a valuable animal model to study inflammation and
      prostate cancer development.

PMID- 28077172
TI  - Promoting effect of hepatitis B virus on the expressoin of phospholipase A2 group
      IIA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes acute and chronic liver
      disease, ultimately leading to the development of liver cirrhosis (LC) and
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) plays
      important roles in the development and progression of many tumors. Thus far,
      there have been no reports on the association between HBV and PLA2G2A. The
      present study investigated the effect of HBV infection on PLA2G2A expression and
      its application in the diagnosis of HBV-related diseases. METHODS: Serum levels
      of PLA2G2A in 308 HBV-infected patients and 185 healthy controls were measured
      using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The difference in serum
      levels of PLA2G2A was analyzed among chronic hepatitis B (CHB), LC, and HCC
      patients. PLA2G2A mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells
      carrying the integrated HBV genome were measured using reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot assays. The HBV infectious
      clone pHBV1.3, the control plasmid pBlue-ks and PLA2G2A gene promoter were
      transfected into HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells. After transfection, the luciferase
      activity was measured in the cells. PLA2G2A mRNA and protein expression levels
      were examined using RT-PCR and western blot assays. RESULTS: The serum levels of
      PLA2G2A were 258.3 +/- 20.3ng/dl in the healthy controls and 329.0 +/- 22.5ng/dl,
      385.4 +/- 29.3ng/dl and 459.2 +/- 38.6ng/dl in the CHB, LC, and HCC patients,
      respectively. Statistical analyses revealed significantly higher serum levels of
      PLA2G2A in CHB, LC, and HCC patients than in the healthy controls (P < 0.05), and
      PLA2G2A levels were elevated in the order of HCC > LC > CHB group. High serum
      PLA2G2A levels in HCC patients were associated with a lower prevalence of lymph
      node metastasis and a lower TNM stage. HepG2.2.15 cells carrying the HBV genome
      expressed higher levels of PLA2G2A mRNA and protein than the HepG2 cells. In
      addition, HBV triggered PLA2G2A promoter activity and enhanced PLA2G2A mRNA and
      protein expression compared to the empty vector pBlue-ks. CONCLUSION: HBV can
      upregulate the expression of PLA2G2A, and serum levels of PLA2G2A are associated
      with the progression of HBV-related diseases.

PMID- 28077173
TI  - Is CD47 an innate immune checkpoint for tumor evasion?
AB  - Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) (also known as integrin-associated protein)
      is a ubiquitously expressed glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily that
      plays a critical role in self-recognition. Various solid and hematologic cancers
      exploit CD47 expression in order to evade immunological eradication, and its
      overexpression is clinically correlated with poor prognoses. One essential
      mechanism behind CD47-mediated immune evasion is that it can interact with signal
      regulatory protein-alpha (SIRPalpha) expressed on myeloid cells, causing
      phosphorylation of the SIRPalpha cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based
      inhibition motifs and recruitment of Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine
      phosphatases to ultimately result in delivering an anti-phagocytic-"don't eat me"
      signal. Given its essential role as a negative checkpoint for innate immunity and
      subsequent adaptive immunity, CD47-SIRPalpha axis has been explored as a new
      target for cancer immunotherapy and its disruption has demonstrated great
      therapeutic promise. Indeed, CD47 blocking antibodies have been found to decrease
      primary tumor size and/or metastasis in various pre-clinical models. In this
      review, we highlight the various functions of CD47, discuss anti-tumor responses
      generated by both the innate and adaptive immune systems as a consequence of
      administering anti-CD47 blocking antibody, and finally elaborate on the clinical
      potential of CD47 blockade. We argue that CD47 is a checkpoint molecule for both
      innate and adaptive immunity for tumor evasion and is thus a promising target for
      cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 28077175
TI  - Structural correlates of trait impulsivity in patients with bipolar disorder and
      healthy controls: a surface-based morphometry study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) frequently exhibit impulsive
      behaviors independent of their mood state, and trait impulsivity is increasingly
      recognized as a crucial BD biomarker. This study aimed to investigate structural
      correlates of trait impulsivity measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale
      (BIS) in healthy controls (HCs) and patients with BD. METHOD: We recruited 59
      patients diagnosed with BD I or BD II (35.3 +/- 8.5 years) and 56 age- and sex
      matched HCs (33.9 +/- 7.4 years). Participants underwent structural magnetic
      resonance imaging and clinical evaluations, and their BIS scores were evaluated.
      An automated surface-based method (FreeSurfer) was used to measure cortical
      thickness and generate thickness maps for each participant. Brain-wise regression
      analysis of the association between cortical thickness and BIS scores was
      performed separately for BD and HC groups by using a general linear model.
      RESULTS: Patients with BD obtained significantly higher BIS scores than HCs. In
      HCs, higher BIS scores were associated with a thinner cortex in the left
      inferior, middle and medial frontal cortices. By contrast, in BD patients, higher
      BIS scores were associated with a thicker cortex in the right insula. Patients
      with BD showed a thinner cortex than HCs in all these four structures.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that the left prefrontal cortex plays a
      cardinal role in trait impulsivity of healthy individuals. Patients with BD have
      a different structural correlate of trait impulsivity in the right insula.
      However, the use of various psychotropics in patients with BD may limit our
      interpretation of BD findings.

PMID- 28077176
TI  - Main pulmonary artery cross-section ratio is low in fetuses with tetralogy of
      Fallot and ductus arteriosus-dependent pulmonary circulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine fetal echocardiographic features of
      tetralogy of Fallot in association with postnatal outcomes. METHODS: The Z-scores
      of the main and bilateral pulmonary arteries and the aorta were measured, and the
      following variables were calculated in 13 fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot:
      pulmonary artery-to-aorta ratio and main pulmonary artery cross-section ratio -
      the main pulmonary artery diameter squared divided by the sum of the diameter
      squared of the left and right pulmonary arteries. Fetuses were classified as
      having ductus arteriosus-dependent or ductus arteriosus-independent pulmonary
      circulation. RESULTS: We included two infants with pulmonary atresia and six
      infants with ductus-dependent pulmonary circulation, who underwent systemic-to
      pulmonary shunt surgeries at ?1 month of age. The Z-scores of the main pulmonary
      artery and the pulmonary artery-to-aorta ratio in fetuses with ductus-dependent
      pulmonary circulation were lesser than those in fetuses with ductus independence,
      but not significantly. The main pulmonary artery cross-section ratio in fetuses
      with ductus dependence was significantly lesser (0.65+/-0.44 versus 1.56+/-0.48,
      p<0.005). Besides, the flow of the ductus arteriosus was directed from the aorta
      to the pulmonary artery in the ductus arteriosus-dependent group during the fetal
      period. CONCLUSIONS: The main pulmonary artery cross-section ratio was the most
      significant variable for predicting postnatal outcomes in fetuses with tetralogy
      of Fallot.

PMID- 28077177
TI  - Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects: has fear of device
      erosion altered outcomes?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcatheter device closure has become the established standard of
      care for suitable atrial septal defects. Device erosion has been a recent focus
      and has prompted changes in the Instructions for Users documentation released by
      device companies. We reviewed our entire local experience with atrial septal
      defect device closure, focussing on the evolution of this procedure in our centre
      and particularly on complications. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review
      of 581 consecutive patients undergoing attempted transcatheter device closure of
      an atrial septal defect in Auckland from December 1997 to June 2014. We reviewed
      all complications recorded and compared our outcomes with the current literature.
      We sought to understand the impact of the evolution in recommendations and
      clinical practice on patient outcomes in our programme. RESULTS: There were a
      total of 24 complications (4.1%), including 10 device embolisations (1.7%), nine
      arrhythmias (1.5%), two significant vascular access-related complications (0.3%),
      one device erosion (0.2%), one malposed device (0.2%), and one probable wire
      perforation of the left atrial appendage (0.2%). There was one mortality related
      to device embolisation. All device embolisations occurred following the change in
      Instructions for Users after publication of the first device erosion report in
      2004. This increase in embolisation rate was statistically significant (p-value
      0.015). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the incidence of device embolisation was
      higher than that anticipated, with a significant increase following changes to
      the Instructions for Users. This highlights the need for ongoing data collection
      on complication incidence and for ongoing review of the impact of changes in
      clinical practice on complication rates.

PMID- 28077174
TI  - Mutant HSPB1 causes loss of translational repression by binding to PCBP1, an RNA
      binding protein with a possible role in neurodegenerative disease.
AB  - The small heat shock protein HSPB1 (Hsp27) is an ubiquitously expressed molecular
      chaperone able to regulate various cellular functions like actin dynamics,
      oxidative stress regulation and anti-apoptosis. So far disease causing mutations
      in HSPB1 have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as distal
      hereditary motor neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis. Most mutations in HSPB1 target its highly conserved alpha-crystallin
      domain, while other mutations affect the C- or N-terminal regions or its
      promotor. Mutations inside the alpha-crystallin domain have been shown to enhance
      the chaperone activity of HSPB1 and increase the binding to client proteins.
      However, the HSPB1-P182L mutation, located outside and downstream of the alpha
      crystallin domain, behaves differently. This specific HSPB1 mutation results in a
      severe neuropathy phenotype affecting exclusively the motor neurons of the
      peripheral nervous system. We identified that the HSPB1-P182L mutant protein has
      a specifically increased interaction with the RNA binding protein poly(C)binding
      protein 1 (PCBP1) and results in a reduction of its translational repressive
      activity. RNA immunoprecipitation followed by RNA sequencing on mouse brain lead
      to the identification of PCBP1 mRNA targets. These targets contain larger 3'- and
      5'-UTRs than average and are enriched in an RNA motif consisting of the
      CTCCTCCTCCTCC consensus sequence. Interestingly, next to the clear presence of
      neuronal transcripts among the identified PCBP1 targets we identified known genes
      associated with hereditary peripheral neuropathies and hereditary spastic
      paraplegias. We therefore conclude that HSPB1 can mediate translational
      repression through interaction with an RNA binding protein further supporting its
      role in neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 28077178
TI  - PTSD or not PTSD? Comparing the proposed ICD-11 and the DSM-5 PTSD criteria among
      young survivors of the 2011 Norway attacks and their parents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The conceptualization of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the
      upcoming International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 differs in many
      respects from the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
      for Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). The consequences of these
      differences for individuals and for estimation of prevalence rates are largely
      unknown. This study investigated the concordance of the two diagnostic systems in
      two separate samples at two separate waves. METHOD: Young survivors of the 2011
      Norway attacks (n = 325) and their parents (n = 451) were interviewed at 4-6
      months (wave 1) and 15-18 months (wave 2) after the shooting. PTSD was assessed
      with the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-IV adapted for DSM-5, and a subset was
      used as diagnostic criteria for ICD-11. RESULTS: In survivors, PTSD prevalence
      did not differ significantly at any time point, but in parents, the DSM-5
      algorithm produced significantly higher prevalence rates than the ICD-11
      criteria. The overlap was fair for survivors, but amongst parents a large
      proportion of individuals met the criteria for only one of the diagnostic
      systems. No systematic differences were found between ICD-11 and DSM-5 in
      predictive validity. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed ICD-11 criteria and the DSM-5
      criteria performed equally well when identifying individuals in distress.
      Nevertheless, the overlap between those meeting the PTSD diagnosis for both ICD
      11 and DSM-5 was disturbingly low, with the ICD-11 criteria identifying fewer
      people than the DSM-5. This represents a major challenge in identifying
      individuals suffering from PTSD worldwide, possibly resulting in overtreatment or
      unmet needs for trauma-specific treatment, depending on the area of the world in
      which patients are being diagnosed.

PMID- 28077179
TI  - Scared behind the wheel: what impact does driving anxiety have on the health and
      well-being of young older adults?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Driving anxiety can range from driving reluctance to driving phobia,
      and 20% of young older adults experience mild driving anxiety, whereas 6% report
      moderate to severe driving anxiety. However, we do not know what impact driving
      anxiety has on health and well-being, especially among older drivers. This is
      problematic because there is a growing proportion of older adult drivers and a
      potential for driving anxiety to result in premature driving cessation that can
      impact on health and mortality. The purpose of the current study was to examine
      the impact of driving anxiety on young older adults' health and well-being.
      METHOD: Data were taken from a longitudinal study of health and aging that
      included 2,473 young older adults aged 55-70 years. The outcome measures were
      mental and physical health (SF-12) and quality of life (WHOQOL-8). RESULTS:
      Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that driving anxiety was
      associated with poorer mental health, physical health, and quality of life, over
      and above the effect of socio-demographic variables. Sex moderated the effect of
      driving anxiety on mental health and quality of life in that, as driving anxiety
      increased, men and women were more likely to have lower mental health and quality
      of life, but women were more likely to have higher scores compared to men.
      CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to investigate whether driving anxiety
      contributes to premature driving cessation. If so, self-regulation of driving and
      treating driving anxiety could be important in preventing or reducing the
      declines in health and quality of life associated with driving cessation for
      older adults affected by driving anxiety.

PMID- 28077180
TI  - Understanding transmissibility patterns of Chagas disease through complex vector
      host networks.
AB  - Chagas disease is one of the most important vector-borne zoonotic diseases in
      Latin America. Control strategies could be improved if transmissibility patterns
      of its aetiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, were better understood. To understand
      transmissibility patterns of Chagas disease in Mexico, we inferred potential
      vectors and hosts of T. cruzi from geographic distributions of nine species of
      Triatominae and 396 wild mammal species, respectively. The most probable vectors
      and hosts of T. cruzi were represented in a Complex Inference Network, from which
      we formulated a predictive model and several associated hypotheses about the
      ecological epidemiology of Chagas disease. We compiled a list of confirmed mammal
      hosts to test our hypotheses. Our tests allowed us to predict the most important
      potential hosts of T. cruzi and to validate the model showing that the confirmed
      hosts were those predicted to be the most important hosts. We were also able to
      predict differences in the transmissibility of T. cruzi among triatomine species
      from spatial data. We hope our findings help drive efforts for future
      experimental studies.

PMID- 28077181
TI  - At what age should tetralogy of Fallot be corrected?
AB  - Tetralogy of Fallot can be corrected with very low mortality at any age, even in
      neonates, but this does not necessarily mean that it should be corrected in the
      neonatal period. Although there are many advantages to early correction, a high
      proportion of these neonates have residual stenosis or pulmonary regurgitation
      that impairs ventricular function and may require further surgery or implantation
      of a pulmonary valve. Before we had the ability to correct this anomaly with low
      mortality in small children, a variety of palliative procedures had to be
      performed. Today, with better understanding of the anatomy of tetralogy of
      Fallot, we should consider what forms of palliation will increase growth of the
      right ventricular outflow tract in order to reduce the complications of very
      early surgery.

PMID- 28077182
TI  - Functional tricuspid stenosis: a rare presentation of suspected rhabdomyoma as
      congenital cyanotic heart disease.
AB  - Cardiac tumours in newborns are often asymptomatic and can be sporadically
      detected on routine screening unless they result in intractable arrhythmias or
      haemodynamically significant obstructions causing heart failure. Their
      presentation as a cause of congenital cyanosis is never anticipated. We report a
      rare case of a newborn presenting with congenital cyanosis consequent to
      suspected cardiac rhabdomyoma causing tricuspid inflow obstruction. Our
      experience with this patient with two large cardiac masses illustrates the
      significance of its inclusion in the differential diagnosis of perinatal
      cyanosis, as early detection and surgical management might be the only lifesaving
      options, if performed well in time.

PMID- 28077183
TI  - The prevalence of Aphanomyces astaci in invasive signal crayfish from the UK and
      implications for native crayfish conservation.
AB  - The crayfish plague agent, Aphanomyces astaci, has spread throughout Europe,
      causing a significant decline in native European crayfish. The introduction and
      dissemination of this pathogen is attributed to the spread of invasive North
      American crayfish, which can act as carriers for A. astaci. As native European
      crayfish often succumb to infection with A. astaci, determining the prevalence of
      this pathogen in non-native crayfish is vital to prioritize native crayfish
      populations for managed translocation. In the current study, 23 populations of
      invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) from the UK were tested for
      A. astaci presence using quantitative PCR. Altogether, 13 out of 23 (56.5%)
      populations were found to be infected, and pathogen prevalence within infected
      sites varied from 3 to 80%. Microsatellite pathogen genotyping revealed that at
      least one UK signal crayfish population was infected with the A. astaci genotype
      group B, known to include virulent strains. Based on recent crayfish distribution
      records and the average rate of signal crayfish population dispersal, we
      identified one native white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes)
      population predicted to come into contact with infected signal crayfish within 5
      years. This population should be considered as a priority for translocation.

PMID- 28077184
TI  - Abnormalities in the effective connectivity of visuothalamic circuitry in
      schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sensory-processing deficits appear crucial to the clinical expression
      of symptoms of schizophrenia. The visual cortex displays both dysconnectivity and
      aberrant spontaneous activity in patients with persistent symptoms and cognitive
      deficits. In this paper, we examine visual cortex in the context of the remerging
      notion of thalamic dysfunction in schizophrenia. We examined specific regional
      and longer-range abnormalities in sensory and thalamic circuits in schizophrenia,
      and whether these patterns are strong enough to discriminate symptomatic patients
      from controls. METHOD: Using publicly available resting fMRI data of 71 controls
      and 62 schizophrenia patients, we derived conjunction maps of regional
      homogeneity (ReHo) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF)
      to inform further seed-based Granger causality analysis (GCA) to study effective
      connectivity patterns. ReHo, fALFF and GCA maps were entered into a multiple
      kernel learning classifier, to determine whether patterns of local and effective
      connectivity can differentiate controls from patients. RESULTS: Visual cortex
      shows both ReHo and fALFF reductions in patients. Visuothalamic effective
      connectivity in patients was significantly reduced. Local connectivity (ReHo)
      patterns discriminated patients from controls with the highest level of accuracy
      of 80.32%. CONCLUSIONS: Both the inflow and outflow of Granger causal information
      between visual cortex and thalamus is affected in schizophrenia; this occurs in
      conjunction with highly discriminatory but localized dysconnectivity and reduced
      neural activity within the visual cortex. This may explain the visual-processing
      deficits that are present despite symptomatic remission in schizophrenia.

PMID- 28077185
TI  - Rapidly progressive mitral valve stenosis in patients with acromelic dysplasia.
AB  - Acromelic dysplasias are a group of skeletal dysplasias characterised by short
      limbed short stature with other distinctive phenotypic features including small
      hands and feet and stiff joints. Geleophysic dysplasia is an acromelic dysplasia
      that is associated with characteristic facial features, progressive cardiac
      valvular thickening, and tracheal stenosis. Owing to overlapping clinical
      features with other types of short-limbed skeletal dysplasias, it is important to
      make a precise diagnosis as they have different cardiac morbidity and mortality.
      We present the cases of three patients with geleophysic dysplasia and progressive
      mitral valve disease to emphasise the natural history of this disorder and
      provide guidance regarding cardiac health supervision in these individuals.

PMID- 28077186
TI  - Antenatal diagnosis of double-outlet left atrium.
AB  - In this study, we describe a fetus with double-outlet atrium associated with
      complex arrangement of the ventricles and the great vessels. Various
      presentations of this malformation not described antenatally are discussed.

PMID- 28077187
TI  - Lysosome-like compartments of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes may originate
      directly from epimastigote reservosomes.
AB  - Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote reservosomes store nutrients taken up during the
      intense endocytic activity exhibited by this developmental form. Reservosomes
      were classified as pre-lysosomal compartments. In contrast, trypomastigote forms
      are not able to take up nutrients from the medium. Interestingly, trypomastigotes
      also have acidic organelles with the same proteases contained in epimastigote
      reservosomes. Nevertheless, the origin and function of these organelles have not
      been disclosed so far. Given the similarities between the compartments of
      epimastigotes and trypomastigotes, the present study aimed to investigate the
      origin of metacyclic trypomastigote protease-containing organelles by tracking
      fluorospheres or colloidal gold particles previously stored in epimastigotes'
      reservosomes throughout metacyclogenesis. Using three-dimensional reconstruction
      of serial electron microscopy images, it was possible to find trypomastigote
      compartments containing the tracer. Our observations demonstrate that the
      protease-containing compartments from metacyclic trypomastigotes may originate
      directly from the reservosomes of epimastigotes.

PMID- 28077188
TI  - Point catheter ablation of macro-re-entrant ventricular tachycardia in a patient
      after surgical repair for double-outlet right ventricle.
AB  - Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia is often difficult in patients after
      surgery for CHD. In patients with a ventricular septal defect patch, it is
      necessary to decide which ventricular side is appropriate for catheter ablation.
      In this article, we report a case of successful point catheter ablation of re
      entrant ventricular tachycardia. Identification of the ventricular septal defect
      patch using intra-cardiac echocardiography was useful.

PMID- 28077189
TI  - Cardiac haemangioma associated with a duct-dependent congenital heart disease in
      a newborn infant.
AB  - Cardiac haemangiomas are exceedingly rare; however, they can cause significant
      haemodynamic impairment and disturbances in heart rhythm. Rarely, cardiac tumours
      may also coexist with congenital heart lesions. We present an extremely unusual
      case of a cardiac haemangioma in the setting of complex transposition of the
      great arteries that caused functional tricuspid atresia. To our knowledge, this
      is the first such case described in the literature.

PMID- 28077190
TI  - Measures of the DSM-5 mixed-features specifier of major depressive disorder.
AB  - During the past two decades, a number of studies have found that depressed
      patients frequently have manic symptoms intermixed with depressive symptoms.
      While the frequency of mixed syndromes are more common in bipolar than in
      unipolar depressives, mixed states are also common in patients with major
      depressive disorder. The admixture of symptoms may be evident when depressed
      patients present for treatment, or they may emerge during ongoing treatment. In
      some patients, treatment with antidepressant medication might precipitate the
      emergence of mixed states. It would therefore be useful to systematically inquire
      into the presence of manic/hypomanic symptoms in depressed patients. We can
      anticipate that increased attention will likely be given to mixed depression
      because of changes in the DSM-5. In the present article, I review instruments
      that have been utilized to assess the presence and severity of manic symptoms and
      therefore could be potentially used to identify the DSM-5 mixed-features
      specifier in depressed patients and to evaluate the course and outcome of
      treatment. In choosing which measure to use, clinicians and researchers should
      consider whether the measure assesses both depression and mania/hypomania,
      assesses all or only some of the DSM-5 criteria for the mixed-features specifier,
      or assesses manic/hypomanic symptoms that are not part of the DSM-5 definition.
      Feasibility, more so than reliability and validity, will likely determine whether
      these measures are incorporated into routine clinical practice.

PMID- 28077191
TI  - Genome-wide analysis in endangered populations: a case study in Barbaresca sheep.
AB  - Analysis of genomic data is becoming increasingly common in the livestock
      industry and the findings have been an invaluable resource for effective
      management of breeding programs in small and endangered populations. In this
      paper, with the goal of highlighting the potential of genomic analysis for small
      and endangered populations, genome-wide levels of linkage disequilibrium,
      measured as the squared correlation coefficient of allele frequencies at a pair
      of loci, effective population size, runs of homozygosity (ROH) and genetic
      diversity parameters, were estimated in Barbaresca sheep using Illumina
      OvineSNP50K array data. Moreover, the breed's genetic structure and its
      relationship with other breeds were investigated. Levels of pairwise linkage
      disequilibrium decreased with increasing distance between single nucleotide
      polymorphisms. An average correlation coefficient <0.25 was found for markers
      located up to 50 kb apart. Therefore, these results support the need to use
      denser single nucleotide polymorphism panels for high power association mapping
      and genomic selection efficiency in future breeding programs. The estimate of
      past effective population size ranged from 747 animals 250 generations ago to 28
      animals five generations ago, whereas the contemporary effective population size
      was 25 animals. A total of 637 ROH were identified, most of which were short
      (67%) and ranged from 1 to 10 Mb. The genetic analyses revealed that the
      Barbaresca breed tended to display lower variability than other Sicilian breeds.
      Recent inbreeding was evident, according to the ROH analysis. All the
      investigated parameters showed a comparatively narrow genetic base and indicated
      an endangered status for Barbaresca. Multidimensional scaling, model-based
      clustering, measurement of population differentiation, neighbor networks and
      haplotype sharing distinguished Barbaresca from other breeds, showed a low level
      of admixture with the other breeds considered in this study, and indicated clear
      genetic differences compared with other breeds. Attention should be given to the
      conservation of Barbaresca due to its critical conservation status. In this
      context, genomic information may have a crucial role in management of small and
      endangered populations.

PMID- 28077192
TI  - Dietary probiotic supplementation improves growth and the intestinal morphology
      of Nile tilapia.
AB  - Probiotic administration can be a nutritional strategy to improve the immune
      response and growth performance of fish. The current study aimed to evaluate the
      effects of a probiotic blend (Bacillus sp., Pediococcus sp., Enterococcus sp.,
      Lactobacillus sp.) as a dietary supplement on growth performance, feed
      utilization, innate immune and oxidative stress responses and intestinal
      morphology in juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The probiotic was
      incorporated into a basal diet at three concentrations: 0 g/kg (A0: control), 3
      g/kg (A1: 1.0*106 colony forming unit (CFU)/g) and 6 g/kg (A2: 2.3*106 CFU/g
      diet). After 8 weeks of probiotic feeding, weight and specific growth rate where
      significantly higher in fish-fed A1 diet than in fish-fed A0. Alternative
      complement in plasma was significantly enhanced in fish-fed A2 when compared with
      A0. The hepatic antioxidant indicators were not affected by probiotic
      supplementation. Villi height and goblet cell counts increased significantly in
      the intestine of fish-fed A1 and A2 diets compared with A0. The dietary probiotic
      supplementation was maintained until 20 weeks of feeding. Then the selected
      immune parameters, digestive enzymes and apparent digestibility of diets were
      studied. No effect of probiotic feeding was observed after that longer period
      supplementation. The dietary supplementation of mixed species probiotic may
      constitute a valuable nutritional approach towards a sustainable tilapia
      aquaculture. The improvement of the immune responses and intestinal morphology
      play an important role in increasing growth performance, nutrient absorption and
      disease resistance in fish, important outcomes in such a competitive and
      developing aquaculture sector.

PMID- 28077193
TI  - Caring for Cancer Patients After the Italian Earthquakes: A Proposal From the
      Field.

PMID- 28077194
TI  - The response of weaned piglets to dietary valine and leucine.
AB  - Valine (Val) is considered to be the fifth-limiting amino acid in a maize
      soyabean meal diet for pigs. Excess leucine (Leu) levels often occur in
      commercial diets, which may attenuate the effect of Val deficiency because of an
      increased oxidation of Val. The objective of the present experiment was to
      determine the effect of increasing concentrations of Leu on the response of young
      piglets to dietary Val. In all, 75 Large White*Landrace entire male pigs, 44 days
      of age and with a mean starting weight of 13.5 kg, were used. Three of these were
      sacrificed at the start to determine their mean initial chemical composition. A
      summit feed first limiting in Val was serially diluted with a non-protein diluent
      to produce a series of five digestible Val concentrations of 11.9, 10.1, 8.3, 6.6
      and 4.8 g/kg, with a sixth treatment being added to test that the feeds were
      limiting in Val. Three identical Val series, each with six levels of Val, were
      supplemented with increasing amounts of Leu (23, 45 and 67 g/kg), thus 18
      treatments in total. All pigs were killed at the end of the trial after 18 days
      for analysis of water, protein, lipid and ash in the carcass. The levels of Val
      and Leu and their interaction significantly influenced all the measurements taken
      in the trial. Daily gain in liveweight, water and protein, and feed conversion
      efficiency all increased with dietary Val content, whereas feed intake decreased
      as both Val and Leu contents increased. The deleterious effect of increased Leu
      on feed intake and growth was more marked at lower levels of Val. Supplementing
      the feed with the lowest Val content with additional Val largely overcame the
      effect of excess Leu. The efficiency of utilisation of Val for protein growth was
      unaffected by the level of Leu in the feed, the primary response to excess Leu
      being a reduction in feed intake. An intake of around 9 g Val/day yielded maximal
      protein growth during the period from 44 to 62 days of age in pigs of the
      genotype used in this trial.

PMID- 28077195
TI  - Evidence-based medicine in the era of social media: Scholarly engagement through
      participation and online interaction.
AB  - The integration of new knowledge into clinical practice continues to lag behind
      discovery. The use of Free Open Access Medical education (FOAM) has disrupted
      communication between emergency physicians, making it easy for practicing
      clinicians to interact with colleagues from around the world to discuss the
      latest and highest impact research. FOAM has the potential to decrease the
      knowledge translation gap, but the concerns raised about its growing influence
      are 1) research that is translated too quickly may cause harm if its findings are
      incorrect; 2) there is little editorial oversight of online material; and 3)
      eminent online individuals may develop an outsized influence on clinical
      practice. We propose that new types of scholars are emerging to moderate the
      changing landscape of knowledge translation: 1) critical clinicians who
      critically appraise research in the same way that lay reviewers critique
      restaurants; 2) translational teachers adept with these new technologies who will
      work with researchers to disseminate their findings effectively; and 3)
      interactive investigators who engage with clinicians to ensure that their
      findings resonate and are applied at the bedside. The development of these
      scholars could build on the promise of evidence-based medicine by enhancing the
      appraisal and translation of research in practice.

PMID- 28077196
TI  - Brief assessment of delirium subtypes: Psychometric evaluation of the Delirium
      Motor Subtype Scale (DMSS)-4 in the intensive care setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The management of and prognosis for delirium are affected by its
      subtype: hypoactive, hyperactive, mixed, and none. The DMSS-4, an abbreviated
      version of the Delirium Motor Symptom Scale, is a brief instrument for the
      assessment of delirium subtypes. However, it has not yet been evaluated in an
      intensive care setting. METHOD: We performed a prospective/descriptive cohort
      study in order to determine the internal consistency, reliability, and validity
      of the relevant items of the DMSS-4 versus the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98
      (DRS-R-98) and the original DMSS in a surgical intensive care setting. RESULTS: A
      total of 289 elderly, predominantly male patients were screened for delirium, and
      122 were included in our sample. The internal consistency of the DMSS-4 items was
      excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92), and between the DMSS-4 and DRS-R-98 the
      overall concurrent validity was substantial (Cramer's V = 0.67). Within
      individual motor subtypes, concurrent validity remained at least substantial
      (Cohen's kappa = 0.65-0.81) and sensitivity high (69.8 to 82.2%), in contrast to
      those of the no-motor subtype, with less validity and sensitivity (kappa = 0.28,
      22%). Similarly, total concurrent validity between the DMSS-4 and the original
      DMSS reached perfection (Cramer's V = 0.83), as did agreement between the
      subtypes (kappa = 0.83-0.92), while sensitivity remained high (88.2-100%). Only
      in those with delirium with no-motor subtype was agreement moderate (kappa =
      0.56) and sensitivity lower (67%). Specificity was high across all subtypes (91.2
      99.1%). The DMSS-4 yielded very sensitive ratings, particularly for hypoactive
      and hyperactive motor symptoms, and interrater agreement was excellent (Fleiss's
      kappa = 0.83). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: We found the DMSS-4 to be a most reliable
      and valid brief assessment of delirium in characterizing the subtypes of delirium
      in an intensive care setting, with increased sensitivity to hypoactive and
      hyperactive motor alterations.

PMID- 28077197
TI  - Personal Disaster and Emergency Support Networks of Older Adults in a Rural
      Community: Changes After Participation in a Preparedness Program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Personal disaster and emergency support networks of rural older adults
      are described before and after participation in a disaster preparedness
      intervention, PrepWise. METHODS: At baseline, a total of 194 disaster support
      network members were identified by 27 older adults in a rural Midwest community.
      After the intervention, these participants identified 232 support network
      members. Multilevel logistic regression models were constructed to identify
      characteristics of the network members and social interactions associated with
      support providers at baseline as well as newly added support sources after the
      PrepWise intervention. RESULTS: Member and interaction characteristics associated
      with being identified as emergency support sources at baseline were as follows:
      family, lived in close proximity, weekly or more frequent contact, and being
      someone whom participants shared concerns with, trusted, and exchanged emotional
      support with. After receiving PrepWise, participants on average identified 3 new
      sources of emergency support within their networks. Support sources added at
      follow-up tended to be nonfamily members and those participants trusted.
      CONCLUSIONS: Enhancements in personal emergency support networks occurred after
      the intervention. Understanding characteristics of the network members and social
      interactions may assist in identifying additional emergency support sources.
      Larger studies investigating the impacts of enhanced support networks on disaster
      related behaviors and outcomes will be beneficial. (Disaster Med Public Health
      Preparedness. 2017;11:110-119).

PMID- 28077198
TI  - Association of BMI with risk of CVD mortality and all-cause mortality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between BMI and risk of CVD mortality
      and all-cause mortality among Malaysian adults. DESIGN: Population-based,
      retrospective cohort study. Participants were followed up for 5 years from 2006
      to 2010. Mortality data were obtained via record linkages with the Malaysian
      National Registration Department. Multiple Cox regression was applied to compare
      risk of CVD and all-cause mortality between BMI categories adjusting for age,
      gender and ethnicity. Models were generated for all participants, all
      participants the first 2 years of follow-up, healthy participants, healthy never
      smokers, never smokers, current smokers and former smokers. SETTING: All fourteen
      states in Malaysia. SUBJECTS: Malaysian adults (n 32 839) aged 18 years or above
      from the third National Health and Morbidity Survey. RESULTS: Total follow-up
      time was 153 814 person-years with 1035 deaths from all causes and 225 deaths
      from CVD. Underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) was associated with a significantly
      increased risk of all-cause mortality, while obesity (BMI >=30.0 kg/m2) was
      associated with a heightened risk of CVD mortality. Overweight (BMI=25.0-29.9
      kg/m2) was inversely associated with risk of all-cause mortality. Underweight was
      significantly associated with all-cause mortality in all models except for
      current smokers. Overweight was inversely associated with all-cause mortality in
      all participants. Although a positive trend was observed between BMI and CVD
      mortality in all participants, a significant association was observed only for
      severe obesity (BMI>=35.0 kg/m2). CONCLUSIONS: Underweight was associated with
      increased risk of all-cause mortality and obesity with increased risk of CVD
      mortality. Therefore, maintaining a normal BMI through leading an active
      lifestyle and healthy dietary habits should continue to be promoted.

PMID- 28077199
TI  - Legume consumption and CVD risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to systematically review and perform
      a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies exploring the association between
      dietary legume consumption and CVD risk, including CHD and stroke. DESIGN: The
      PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched up to December 2015. A meta-analysis of
      the highest v. lowest (reference) category of dietary legume consumption was
      performed through random-effects models. RESULTS: Fourteen studies conducted on
      eleven cohorts and accounting for a total of 367 000 individuals and 18 475 cases
      of CVD (7451 CHD and 6336 stroke cases) were considered for the analyses.
      Compared with lower legume consumption, the highest category of exposure was
      associated with a decreased risk of 10 % in both CVD and CHD (relative risk=0.90;
      95 % CI 0.84, 0.97) with no or little evidence of heterogeneity and no
      publication bias. Null results were found regarding legume consumption and stroke
      risk. No substantial confounding factors were evident in stratified analyses.
      CONCLUSIONS: Legume consumption was associated with lower risk of CVD. Legumes'
      intrinsic characteristics, because they are often part of an overall healthy
      diet, or because they are a substitute for unhealthy sources of protein may
      potentially explain the current findings.

PMID- 28077200
TI  - Expression of heat shock protein 70 in transport-stressed broiler pectoralis
      major muscle and its relationship with meat quality.
AB  - Omics research has indicated that heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a potential
      biomarker of meat quality. However, the specific changes and the potential role
      of HSP70 in postmortem meat quality development need to be further defined. In
      this study, Arbor Acres broiler chickens (n=126) were randomly categorized into
      three treatment groups of unstressed control (C), 0.5-h transport (T) and
      subsequent water shower spray following transport (T/W). Each treatment consisted
      of six replicates with seven birds each. The birds were transported according to
      a designed protocol. The pectoralis major (PM) muscles of the transport-stressed
      broilers were categorized as normal and pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like
      muscle samples according to L* and pH24 h values to test the expression and
      location of HSP70. Results revealed that the activities of plasma creatine kinase
      and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly (P<0.05) in normal and PSE-like
      muscle samples after transportation. The mRNA expression of HSP70 in normal
      muscle samples increased significantly (P<0.05) compared with that in the
      controls after stress. The protein expression of HSP70 increased significantly in
      normal muscle samples and decreased significantly (P<0.05) in PSE-like muscles.
      Immuno-fluorescence showed that HSP70 was present in the cytoplasm and on surface
      membranes of PM muscle cells in the normal samples following stress. Meanwhile,
      HSP70 was present on the surface membranes and extracellular matrix but was
      barely visible in the cytoplasm of the PSE-like samples. Principal component
      analysis showed high correlations between HSP70 and meat quality and stress
      indicators. In conclusion, this research suggests that the variation in HSP70
      expression may provide a novel insight into the pathways underlying meat quality
      development.

PMID- 28077201
TI  - Last Year's Big Story: Antibiotic Stewardship.

PMID- 28077202
TI  - Long-Term Care and Cultural Competence.
AB  - The United States has historically been a melting pot of cultures. Today the
      population has changed because many immigrants are now older than past
      immigrants, are frequently retired, and have chronic diseases that need careful
      management. Health care providers need to be culturally competent to deliver
      effective health care to these diverse populations. Over the years, health care
      systems and providers have become much more aware of the needs of minority
      populations. They accommodate language differences and individuals' ingrained
      beliefs that may affect health care and learn how to ask the questions that will
      elicit the information they need to treat patients. Today, while the American
      health care system meets more of the needs of minority populations, the needs of
      smaller minority populations may languish or be overshadowed by the unique needs
      of individual groups or difficult experiences or immigration histories, such as
      Cambodian immigrants, Indian Asians, and even veterans of U.S. conflicts. This
      article makes the case for greater cultural competence and offers ideas and
      suggestions that can be applied to any small minority population.

PMID- 28077203
TI  - Clostridium difficile Infection in Older Adults: Systematic Review of Efforts to
      Reduce Occurrence and Improve Outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Provide a systematic review of the primary literature on efforts to
      reduce Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) occurrence and improve outcomes in
      older adults. DATA SOURCES, STUDY SELECTION, DATA EXTRACTION: PubMed and CINAHL
      databases were searched for research studies using search terms CDI, CDI
      prevention, reduction, control, management, geriatric, elderly, adults 65 years
      of age and older. The MeSH categories Aged and Aged, 80 and older, were used. A
      second search of PubMed, CINAHL, National Guideline Clearinghouse, and TRIP
      databases was conducted for primary, secondary, and tertiary literature for CDI
      epidemiology, burden, and management in adults of all ages, and prevention and
      management guidelines. Of the 2,263 articles located, 105 were selected for full
      review: 55 primary and 50 secondary, tertiary. Primary literature selected for
      full review included studies of interventions to prevent, reduce occurrence,
      control, manage, or improve outcomes in adults 65 years of age and older. Patient
      settings included the community, assisted living, nursing facility, subacute
      care, or hospital. DATA SYNTHESIS: The main outcome measures for research studies
      were whether the studied intervention prevented, reduced occurrence, controlled,
      managed, or improved outcomes. Studies were conducted in acute or long-term
      hospitals, with a few in nursing facilities. Interventions that prevented or
      reduced CDI included antibiotic policy changes, education, procedure changes,
      infection control, and multi-intervention approaches. There were few management
      studies for adults 65 years of age and older or for all adults with results
      stratified by age. Treatments studied included efficacy of fidaxomicin,
      metronidazole, vancomycin, and fecal microbiota transplant. Though clinical
      outcomes were slightly less robust in those 65 years of age and older, age was
      not an independent predictor of success or failure. The current prevention and
      management guidelines for adults of all ages, as well as special considerations
      in skilled nursing facilities, extracted from the secondary/tertiary literature
      selected, are summarized. CONCLUSION: There are a limited number of studies
      designed for older adults. Our findings suggest that guideline recommendations
      for adults are adequate and appropriate for older adults. Exposure to antibiotics
      and Clostridium difficile remain the two major risk factors for CDI, reinforcing
      the importance of antibiotic stewardship and infection control.

PMID- 28077204
TI  - Review of the Next Generation of Long-Acting Basal Insulins: Insulin Degludec and
      Insulin Glargine.
AB  - Older adults are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM). Although oral agents (i.e., metformin) are the preferred first-line
      therapy, older adults often eventually require the addition of insulin to control
      their blood glucose. Long-acting insulin analogues are the preferred insulin
      products for older adults with T2DM. Insulin degludec and insulin glargine U-300
      are both new generation long-acting insulins. When compared with the standard of
      care, long-acting insulin product insulin glargine U-100, insulin degludec, and
      insulin glargine U-300 had similar glucose-lowering effects, longer half-lives
      and durations of action, and a more even distribution over a 24-hour period.
      Additionally, the new generation insulins were superior with regard to rates and
      severity of nocturnal hypoglycemia. The long-term cardiovascular safety of these
      products has not been established yet. Although the new generation long-acting
      insulins will not revolutionize diabetes management, they appear to be an
      improvement over previous long-acting insulins.

PMID- 28077205
TI  - Impact of Pharmacists in Optimizing Geriatric Pharmacotherapy in Primary Care
      Within a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess pharmacists' impact on optimizing pharmacotherapy among
      geriatric patients. DESIGN: Single-site, prospective, quality-improvement
      project. SETTING: Primary care at a Veterans Affairs medical center.
      PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen males 75 years of age and older were included.
      INTERVENTIONS: Recommendations were made by pharmacists to optimize prescribing.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences between specific instances of suboptimal
      prescribing before and after pharmacists' recommendations, the percentage of
      pharmacists' recommendations accepted, and the top most commonly prescribed
      psychotropic medications and their most common indications. RESULTS: Sixty-three
      recommendations were made by pharmacists, and 48% of these recommendations were
      accepted by providers. There was a 27% reduction of the use of high-risk
      medications, a 44% reduction of omissions of care, and a 74% reduction of
      incomplete medication monitoring after pharmacists' recommendations. The most
      commonly prescribed psychotropic medications were zolpidem (31%), lorazepam
      (23%), and clonazepam and temazepam (each 15%). The most common indications for
      these medications were anxiety and insomnia (each 46%), with 8% of patients
      having an indication for both. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists' recommendations improved
      geriatric pharmacotherapy by decreasing the overall instances of suboptimal
      prescribing.

PMID- 28077206
TI  - Predictions on Health Care Policy? Unlikely.

PMID- 28077207
TI  - Proposal to reclassify Roseivirga ehrenbergii (Nedashkovskaya et al., 2008) as
      Roseivirga seohaensis comb. nov., description of Roseivirga seohaensis subsp.
      aquiponti subsp. nov. and emendation of the genus Roseivirga.
AB  - The genus Roseivirga currently includes five species: Roseivirga ehrenbergii, R.
      echinicomitans, R. spongicola, R. marina and R. maritima. Marinicola seohaensis
      SW-152T was renamed as Roseivirgaseohaensis SW-152T and then reclassified again
      as a later heterotypic synonym of R. ehrenbergii KMM 6017T. In this study, based
      on average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values obtained
      from in silico methods, together with fatty acid analyses and biochemical tests,
      we propose to reclassify R. ehrenbergii SW-152 as Roseivirga seohaensis comb.
      nov. (type strain SW-152T=KCTC 1231T=JCM 12600T). In this work, a Gram-negative,
      rod-shaped, aerobic and pink-pigmented strain designated as D-25T was isolated
      from seawater (Desaru Beach, Johor, Malaysia). The 16S rRNA gene analysis
      revealed that strain D-25T was related to the genus Roseivirga. Strain D-25T was
      found most closely related to R. seohaensis SW-152T based on average nucleotide
      identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic
      analyses, indicating that these strains belong to the same species. Thus, it is
      proposed to split the species R.oseivirga seohaensis into two novel subspecies,
      Roseivirga seohaensissubsp. seohaensis subsp. nov. (type strain SW-152T=KCTC
      12312T=JCM 12600T) and Roseivirga seohaensissubsp. aquiponti subsp. nov. (type
      strain D-25T=KCTC 42709T=DSM 101709T) and to emend the description of the genus
      Roseivirga.

PMID- 28077208
TI  - Aerobic denitrification and biomineralization by a novel heterotrophic bacterium,
      Acinetobacter sp. H36.
AB  - A novel aerobic denitrification and biomineralization strain H36 was isolated
      from the Qu Jiang artificial lake. Based on phylogenetic characteristics, the
      isolated strain was identified as Acinetobacter species. Strain H36 was confirmed
      to have the ability to perform simultaneous denitrification and
      biomineralization. Results showed the strain H36 had the capability to completely
      reduce 96.29% of NO3--N and 78.59% of Ca2+ over 112h under aerobic condition.
      Response surface methodology (RSM) analysis demonstrated the highest removal
      ratio of Ca2+ was 74.24% with hardness concentration of 350mg/L, pH of 8.5,
      organic concentration of 0.75g/L and inoculum size of 15%. The highest removal
      ratio of nitrate was 77.00% with hardness concentration of 350mg/L, pH of 7.5,
      organic concentration of 0.75g/L and inoculum size of 10%. Besides, X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) analysis showed calcium carbonate could be formed in the
      process of biomineralization.

PMID- 28077210
TI  - Spatial-temporal and multi-media variations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      in a highly urbanized river from South China.
AB  - Comprehensive studies on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) within an urban
      river are urgently needed to carry out strategies to limit their contamination
      and dispersal. Here, we analyzed 16 PAH occurrences in water, suspended
      particulate matter (SPM), and sediment monthly for a year in the Maozhou River
      mainstream (Shenzhen, South China). Monthly rainfall positively correlated with
      both total PAH concentrations in filtered water (water PAHs) and SPM. Sediment
      PAH concentration increased from the river source to estuary. Compared to the
      earlier record, the sediment PAHs decreased at almost all sites due to the high
      molecular-weight PAH (>=4 rings; especially the 4-ring PAH) degradation, except
      the estuary site that accumulated more low-molecular-weight PAHs (<4 rings).
      Results suggest that the water and SPM PAHs had similar and recent sources (e.g.,
      rainfall and storm runoff) and actively exchanged with each other. The sediment
      PAHs had relatively different and complicated sources (fossil fuel combustion:
      44.0%; oil pollution: 28.4%; biomass burning: 27.6%), and showed a long-term
      accumulation effect and increasingly weaker source-sink relation with both water
      and SPM PAHs from river source to estuary. This study highlights a disconnection
      in the source and migration mechanism between the water body (including water and
      SPM) and sediment PAHs.

PMID- 28077209
TI  - Residual compressive surface stress increases the bending strength of dental
      zirconia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of surface treatment and thermal annealing on
      the four-point bending strength of two ground dental zirconia grades. METHODS:
      Fully-sintered zirconia specimens (4.0*3.0*45.0mm3) of Y-TZP zirconia (LAVA Plus,
      3M ESPE) and Y-TZP/Al2O3 zirconia (ZirTough, Kuraray Noritake) were subjected to
      four surface treatments: (1) 'GROUND': all surfaces were ground with a diamond
      coated grinding wheel on a grinding machine; (2) 'GROUND+HEAT': (1) followed by
      annealing at 1100 degrees C for 30min; (3) 'GROUND+Al2O3 SANDBLASTED': (1)
      followed by sandblasting using Al2O3; (4) 'GROUND+CoJet SANDBLASTED': (1)
      followed by tribochemical silica (CoJet) sandblasting. Micro-Raman spectroscopy
      was used to assess the zirconia-phase composition and potentially induced
      residual stress. The four-point bending strength was measured using a universal
      material-testing machine. RESULTS: Weibull analysis revealed a substantially
      higher Weibull modulus and slightly higher characteristic strength for ZirTough
      (Kuraray Noritake) than for LAVA Plus (3M ESPE). For both zirconia grades, the
      'GROUND' zirconia had the lowest Weibull modulus in combination with a high
      characteristic strength. Sandblasting hardly changed the bending strength but
      substantially increased the Weibull modulus of the ground zirconia, whereas a
      thermal treatment increased the Weibull modulus of both zirconia grades but
      resulted in a significantly lower bending strength. Micro-Raman analysis revealed
      a higher residual compressive surface stress that correlated with an increased
      bending strength. SIGNIFICANCE: Residual compressive surface stress increased the
      bending strength of dental zirconia. Thermal annealing substantially reduced the
      bending strength but increased the consistency (reliability) of 'GROUND'
      zirconia.

PMID- 28077211
TI  - The effect of socio-economic status on non-fatal outcome after injury: A
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past decades, the number of survivors of injuries has
      rapidly grown. It has become important to focus more on the determinants of non
      fatal outcome. Although socio-economic status (SES) is considered to be a
      fundamental determinant of health in general, the role of SES as a determinant of
      non-fatal outcome after injury is largely unknown. METHODS: An online search was
      conducted in November 2015 using Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cinahl,
      Cochrane, Google scholar and PubMed. Studies examining the relation between SES
      and a physical or psychological outcome measure, or using SES as a confounder in
      a general trauma population were included. There were no restrictions regarding
      study design. The 'Quality in Prognostic Studies tool' was used to assess the
      methodological quality of the included studies. RESULTS: The 24 included studies
      showed large variations in methodological quality. The number of participants
      ranged from 56 to 4639, and assessments of the measures ranged from immediately
      to 6year post-injury. Studies used a large number of variables as indicators of
      SES. Participant's educational level was used most frequently. The majority of
      the studies used a multivariable technique to analyse the relation between SES
      and non-fatal outcome after injury. All studies found a positive association (80%
      of studies significant, n=19) between increased SES and better non-fatal outcome
      after injury. CONCLUSION: Although an adequate and valid measure of SES is
      lacking, the results of this review showed that SES is an important determinant
      of non-fatal outcome after injury. Future research should focus on the definition
      and measurement of SES and should further underpin the effect of SES on non-fatal
      outcome after injury.

PMID- 28077212
TI  - Decoding the content of recollection within the core recollection network and
      beyond.
AB  - Recollection - retrieval of qualitative information about a past event - is
      associated with enhanced neural activity in a consistent set of neural regions
      (the 'core recollection network') seemingly regardless of the nature of the
      recollected content. Here, we employed multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) to
      assess whether retrieval-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
      activity in core recollection regions - including the hippocampus, angular gyrus,
      medial prefrontal cortex, retrosplenial/posterior cingulate cortex, and middle
      temporal gyrus - contain information about studied content and thus demonstrate
      retrieval-related 'reinstatement' effects. During study, participants viewed
      objects and concrete words that were subjected to different encoding tasks. Test
      items included studied words, the names of studied objects, or unstudied words.
      Participants judged whether the items were recollected, familiar, or new by
      making 'remember', 'know', and 'new' responses, respectively. The study history
      of remembered test items could be reliably decoded using MVPA in most regions, as
      well as from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region where univariate
      recollection effects could not be detected. The findings add to evidence that
      members of the core recollection network, as well as at least one neural region
      where mean signal is insensitive to recollection success, carry information about
      recollected content. Importantly, the study history of recognized items endorsed
      with a 'know' response could be decoded with equal accuracy. The results thus
      demonstrate a striking dissociation between mean signal and multi-voxel indices
      of recollection. Moreover, they converge with prior findings in suggesting that,
      as it is operationalized by classification-based MVPA, reinstatement is not
      uniquely a signature of recollection.

PMID- 28077213
TI  - Inhibition of dopamine receptor D3 signaling in dendritic cells increases antigen
      cross-presentation to CD8+ T-cells favoring anti-tumor immunity.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) display the unique ability for cross-presenting antigens to
      CD8+ T-cells, promoting their differentiation into cytotoxic T-lymphocytes
      (CTLs), which play a pivotal role in anti-tumor immunity. Emerging evidence
      points to dopamine receptor D3 (D3R) as a key regulator of immunity. Accordingly,
      we studied how D3R regulates DCs function in anti-tumor immunity. The results
      show that D3R-deficiency in DCs enhanced expansion of CTLs in vivo and induced
      stronger anti-tumor immunity. Co-culture experiments indicated that D3R
      inhibition in DCs potentiated antigen cross-presentation and CTLs activation. Our
      findings suggest that D3R in DCs constitutes a new therapeutic target to
      strengthen anti-tumor immunity.

PMID- 28077214
TI  - Intervention Effectiveness of The Incredible Years: New Insights Into
      Sociodemographic and Intervention-Based Moderators.
AB  - We tested the effectiveness of the preventive behavioral parent training (BPT)
      program, The Incredible Years (IY), and the independent effects of previously
      suggested sociodemographic and intervention-based moderator variables (i.e.,
      initial severity of externalizing problem behavior, child gender, social economic
      status, family composition, and number of sessions parents attended), in a large
      scale randomized controlled trial. Questionnaire and observation data from 387
      parents and children ages 4-8 years (Mage= 6.21, SD = 1.33, 55.30% boys) across
      pretest, posttest, and 4-month follow-up were analyzed, using full intention-to
      treat analyses and correcting for multiple testing. IY was successful in
      decreasing parent-reported child externalizing behavior (Cohen's d = 0.20 at
      posttest, d = 0.08 at follow-up), increasing parent-reported (d = 0.49, d = 0.45)
      and observed (d = 0.06, d = 0.02) positive parenting behavior, and decreasing
      parent-reported negative parenting behavior (d = 0.29, d = 0.25). No intervention
      effects were found for reported and observed child prosocial behavior, observed
      child externalizing behavior, and observed negative parenting behavior. Out of 40
      tested moderation effects (i.e., 8 Outcomes * 5 Moderators), only three
      significant moderation effects appeared. Thus, no systematic evidence emerged for
      moderation of IY effects. The present multi-informant trial demonstrated that
      many previously suggested moderators might not be as potent in differentiating
      BPT effects as once thought.

PMID- 28077215
TI  - Analyzing Therapeutic Change Using Modified Brinley Plots: History, Construction,
      and Interpretation.
AB  - The paper reviews the history, construction, and interpretation of modified
      Brinley plots, a scatter plot used in therapy outcome research to compare each
      individual participant's scores on the same dependent variable at Time 1
      (normally pretreatment baseline; x-axis), with scores at selected times during or
      after treatment (y-axis). Since 1965 eponymously named Brinley plots have
      occasionally been used in experimental psychology to display group mean data.
      Between 1979 and 1995 a number of clinical researchers modified Brinley plots to
      show individuals' data but these plots have received little subsequent use. When
      constructed with orthogonal axes having the same origin and scale values, little
      or no change over time is shown by individuals' data points lying on or closely
      about the diagonal (450o) while the magnitude and direction of any improvement
      (or deterioration), outliers, and the extent of replication across cases shows
      via dispersion of points away from 450o. Interpretation is aided by displaying
      reliable change boundaries, clinical cutoffs, means, variances, confidence
      intervals, and effect sizes directly on the graph. Modified Brinley plots are
      directly informative about individual change during therapy in the context of
      concurrent change in others in the same (or a different) condition, clearly show
      if outcomes are replicated and if they are clinically significant, and make
      nomothetic group information, notably effect sizes, directly available. They
      usefully complement other forms of analysis in therapy outcome research.

PMID- 28077216
TI  - Current Definitions of "Transdiagnostic" in Treatment Development: A Search for
      Consensus.
AB  - Research in psychopathology has identified psychological processes that are
      relevant across a range of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) mental
      disorders, and these efforts have begun to produce treatment principles and
      protocols that can be applied transdiagnostically. However, review of recent work
      suggests that there has been great variability in conceptions of the term
      "transdiagnostic" in the treatment development literature. We believe that there
      is value in arriving at a common understanding of the term "transdiagnostic." The
      purpose of the current paper is to outline three principal ways in which the term
      "transdiagnostic" is currently used, to delineate treatment approaches that fall
      into these three categories, and to consider potential advantages and
      disadvantages of each approach.

PMID- 28077217
TI  - Corrigendum to "Assessing Decentering: Validation, Psychometric Properties, and
      Clinical Usefulness of the Experiences Questionnaire in a Spanish Sample"
      [Behavior Therapy 45 (2014) 863- 871].

PMID- 28077218
TI  - A Person-by-Situation Account of Why Some People More Frequently Engage in Upward
      Appearance Comparison Behaviors in Everyday Life.
AB  - Although the influence of stable, trait-like factors (such as trait body
      dissatisfaction and appearance internalization) on instances of appearance
      comparison has been well documented, the additive and interactive influence of
      contextual factors (such as one's current body satisfaction) on comparison
      behaviors is unknown. Therefore, the present study tested a Person*Situation
      model in which both state and trait body image variables interacted to predict
      engagement in various forms of comparison (upward, downward, and lateral).
      Participants included 161 women who completed a baseline measure of trait body
      dissatisfaction and internalization, and then completed, via an iPhone app, an
      ecological momentary assessment phase in which they reported momentary
      experiences of mood and comparison behaviors at up to 6 random times per day for
      7days. Multilevel analyses revealed that upward comparisons (comparisons against
      more attractive people) were more likely for individuals with heightened trait
      and/or state negative body image, but these predictive effects of state and trait
      on appearance comparisons appear largely independent of each other. Furthermore,
      neither state nor trait body image variables were related to the other forms of
      comparison, and time lag at the state-level between predictor and outcome did not
      seem to influence the strength of these associations. Present findings are
      consistent with the notion that how an individual feels in the moment about their
      appearance may influence engagement in deleterious appearance behaviors. However,
      further testing is needed to confirm these causal hypotheses.

PMID- 28077220
TI  - Examining the Impact of Suicide Attempt Function and Perceived Effectiveness in
      Predicting Reattempt for Emergency Medicine Patients.
AB  - While previous studies have examined motivational aspects of self-directed
      violence, few studies have included specific motivations in predictive models for
      future suicide attempts. The current study utilized a sample of 160 individuals
      treated in an acute emergency setting following a suicide attempt who completed
      an interview battery that included an assessment of functional aspects of the
      index suicide attempt. A follow-up interview was conducted at 6 months to
      ascertain subsequent suicide attempts. The functional domains of suicide attempts
      were labeled as reduction-of-distress, communication, perceived better
      alternative to living, and self-loathing. Above and beyond other known risk
      factors, including history and highest lethality of previous self-injury, suicide
      attempts that served a communication function (OR = 0.18, p = .02, CI = 0.04,
      0.73) and higher ratings of clinical dysfunction (OR = 3.41, p = .05, CI = 1.02,
      11.36) were associated with a significant reduction in likelihood to engage in a
      suicide attempt during the 6-month follow-up window. Including the perceived
      effectiveness of the index suicide attempt in getting one's needs met
      strengthened the overall model predicting a suicide attempt in the follow-up
      window and was an independent risk factor above and beyond other variables in the
      model OR = 1.75, p = .04, CI = 1.02, 3.01). Assessment of functional aspects of
      suicide attempt is feasible and may improve formulation of risk in a population
      where typical risk factors for suicide are ubiquitous.

PMID- 28077219
TI  - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression Using Mind Over Mood: CBT Skill Use
      and Differential Symptom Alleviation.
AB  - Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression is highly effective. An
      essential element of this therapy involves acquiring and utilizing CBT skills;
      however, it is unclear whether the type of CBT skill used is associated with
      differential symptom alleviation. Outpatients (N = 356) diagnosed with a primary
      mood disorder received 14 two-hour group sessions of CBT for depression, using
      the Mind Over Mood protocol. In each session, patients completed the Beck
      Depression Inventory and throughout the week they reported on their use of CBT
      skills: behavioral activation (BA), cognitive restructuring (CR), and core belief
      (CB) strategies. Bivariate latent difference score (LDS) longitudinal analyses
      were used to examine patterns of differential skill use and subsequent symptom
      change, and multigroup LDS analyses were used to determine whether longitudinal
      associations differed as a function of initial depression severity. Higher levels
      of BA use were associated with a greater subsequent decrease in depressive
      symptoms for patients with mild to moderate initial depression symptoms relative
      to those with severe symptoms. Higher levels of CR use were associated with a
      greater subsequent decrease in depressive symptoms, whereas higher levels of CB
      use were followed by a subsequent increase in depressive symptoms, regardless of
      initial severity. Results indicated that the type of CBT skill used is associated
      with differential patterns of subsequent symptom change. BA use was associated
      with differential subsequent change as a function of initial severity (patients
      with less severe depression symptoms demonstrated greater symptom improvement),
      whereas CR use was associated with symptom alleviation and CB use with an
      increase in subsequent symptoms as related to initial severity.

PMID- 28077222
TI  - Prediction of Relapse After Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Gambling Disorder
      in Individuals With Chronic Schizophrenia: A Survival Analysis.
AB  - Gambling disorder (GD) in individuals with chronic schizophrenia is relevant
      because there are higher rates of GD in schizophrenic populations (10%) than in
      the nonschizophrenic population (1%-5%). In addition, these patients have more
      severe alcohol use disorder (i.e., meeting at least 6 of the DSM-5 11 criteria
      for diagnosis of this disorder), higher depression scores, a poor adherence to
      treatment, and more frequent use of outpatient mental health care. One of the
      main problems in GD is therapeutic failure (defined as three or more lapse
      episodes during treatment) or relapse (three or more lapse episodes in the follow
      up period). Predicting a relapse of GD in individuals with chronic schizophrenia
      can be useful in targeting the patients for aftercare services. The main aim of
      this study was to estimate the time to a GD relapse (survival rate) and to
      evaluate some of the qualitative and quantitative variables related to a GD
      relapse by a survival analysis. The sample consisted of 35 patients with chronic
      schizophrenia and GD who were treated with pharmacological and cognitive
      behavioral therapy. The therapeutic failure rate in the treatment period was 43%,
      and it was associated with the number of episodes of schizophrenia, the age of
      gambling onset, and the age of the patients. The relapse rate in the follow-up
      period was 32%, and it was associated with the patients' age, educational level,
      and weekly allowance. The implications of this study for future research are
      discussed.

PMID- 28077221
TI  - Interpersonal Problems Predict Differential Response to Cognitive Versus
      Behavioral Treatment in a Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined dimensional interpersonal problems as moderators of
      cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus its components (cognitive therapy [CT]
      and behavioral therapy [BT]). We predicted that people with generalized anxiety
      disorder (GAD) whose interpersonal problems reflected more dominance and
      intrusiveness would respond best to a relaxation-based BT compared to CT or CBT,
      based on studies showing that people with personality features associated with a
      need for autonomy respond best to treatments that are more experiential,
      concrete, and self-directed compared to therapies involving abstract analysis of
      one's problems (e.g., containing CT). METHOD: This was a secondary analysis of
      Borkovec, Newman, Pincus, and Lytle (2002). Forty-seven participants with
      principal diagnoses of GAD were assigned randomly to combined CBT (n = 16), CT (n
      = 15), or BT (n = 16). RESULTS: As predicted, compared to participants with less
      intrusiveness, those with dimensionally more intrusiveness responded with greater
      GAD symptom reduction to BT than to CBT at posttreatment and greater change to BT
      than to CT or CBT across all follow-up points. Similarly, those with more
      dominance responded better to BT compared to CT and CBT at all follow-up points.
      Additionally, being overly nurturant at baseline was associated with GAD symptoms
      at baseline, post, and all follow-up time-points regardless of therapy condition.
      CONCLUSIONS: Generally anxious individuals with domineering and intrusive
      problems associated with higher need for control may respond better to
      experiential behavioral interventions than to cognitive interventions, which may
      be perceived as a direct challenge of their perceptions.

PMID- 28077223
TI  - An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial of Personalized Lifestyle Advice and
      Tandem Skydives as a Means to Reduce Anhedonia.
AB  - Anhedonia is a major public health concern and has proven particularly difficult
      to counteract. It has been hypothesized that anhedonia can be deterred by
      engagement in rewarding social and physical events. The aims of the present study
      were to examine (1) the effects of personalized lifestyle advice based on
      observed individual patterns of lifestyle factors and experienced pleasure in
      anhedonic young adults; and (2) whether a tandem skydive can enhance the
      motivation to carry out the recommended lifestyle changes. Participants (N = 69;
      Mage = 21.5, SD = 2.0; 79.7% female) were selected through an online screening
      survey among young adults. Inclusion criteria were persistent anhedonia and
      willingness to perform a tandem skydive. Participants filled out questionnaires
      on their smartphones for 2 consecutive months (3 times per day). After the first
      month, they were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) no intervention,
      (2) lifestyle advice, and (3) lifestyle advice and tandem skydive. The momentary
      questionnaire data were analyzed using interrupted time series analyses (ITSA) in
      a multilevel model and monthly pleasure and depression questionnaires by repeated
      measures ANOVA. No group differences were found in monthly depression and
      pleasure scores, but the momentary data showed higher positive affect (PA) and
      pleasure ratings in the month following the intervention in the two intervention
      groups than in the control group. The tandem skydive did not have any effects
      above the effects of the lifestyle advice. Our results indicate that providing
      personalized lifestyle advice to anhedonic young adults can be an effective way
      to increase PA and pleasure.

PMID- 28077224
TI  - Recommendations for Choosing Single-Case Data Analytical Techniques.
AB  - The current paper responds to the need to provide guidance to applied single-case
      researchers regarding the possibilities of data analysis. The amount of available
      single-case data analytical techniques has been growing during recent years and a
      general overview, comparing the possibilities of these techniques, is missing.
      Such an overview is provided that refers to techniques that yield results in
      terms of a raw or standardized difference and procedures related to regression
      analysis, as well as nonoverlap and percentage change indices. The comparison is
      provided in terms of the type of quantification provided, data features taken
      into account, conditions in which the techniques are appropriate, possibilities
      for meta-analysis, and evidence available on their performance. Moreover, we
      provide a set of recommendations for choosing appropriate analysis techniques,
      pointing at specific situations (aims, types of data, researchers' resources) and
      the data analytical techniques that are most appropriate in these situations. The
      recommendations are contextualized using a variety of published single-case data
      sets in order to illustrate a range of realistic situations that researchers have
      faced and may face in their investigations.

PMID- 28077225
TI  - Age does matter: Younger pPCI patients profit more from cardiac rehabilitation
      than older patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended as secondary prevention in
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) patients. This study was
      conducted to expand the knowledge about age-effects of CR in pPCI patients. The
      aim of this study was to compare changes in subjective health status (SHS) during
      and after CR between patients <60years and patients >=60years, who underwent pPCI
      after myocardial infarction. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, in total 282 pPCI
      patients who participated in CR were included. Patients completed the Short Form
      12 (SF-12) questionnaire at baseline (pre-CR), 3months (post-CR) and 12months
      follow-up. Patients were divided into two age-groups, <60years versus >=60years.
      To compare improvements in SHS between groups, Generalized Estimating Equations
      (GEE) analyses were performed. RESULTS: The mean physical component summary (PCS)
      score improved over time in both groups and even reached mean levels of the
      normative Dutch population. The improvement on the PCS score was equal in both
      age groups. The mental component summary (MCS) score also improved in both
      groups. Patients <60years reported on average more improvement on the MCS score
      than patients >=60years (Exp(B) 1.019; 95%CI 1.009-1.030; P<0.001). However, mean
      levels of the normative Dutch population were not reached by patients <60years.
      CONCLUSION: Even though pPCI patients <60years reported more improvement on the
      MCS score, mean levels of the normative Dutch population were not reached.
      Therefore, a tailored CR program with more focus on their mental status, may be
      beneficial in younger patients.

PMID- 28077226
TI  - Response to the letter to editor: Cardiac or renal protection by delayed remote
      ischemic preconditioning in the clinical practice: Potential additive effect from
      concurrent medications with pharmacological mimicking conditioning.

PMID- 28077227
TI  - Impact of nutritional assessment and body mass index on cardiovascular outcomes
      in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An inverse association between obesity, as defined by body mass index
      (BMI) and prognosis has been reported in patients with cardiovascular disease
      ("obesity paradox"). The aim of this study was to investigate whether adding
      nutritional information to BMI provides better risk assessment in patients
      undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHOD: This study
      comprised 1004 patients undergoing elective PCI. We calculated each patient's
      controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score for nutritional screening at
      baseline. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on CONUT score (low, 0-1
      [<75th percentile]; or high, >=2 [>=75th percentile]) and BMI (normal, 18.5
      24.9kg/m2; or high, >=25kg/m2). The endpoint was major adverse cardiac events
      (MACE) defined as cardiac death and/or myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Low CONUT
      score+normal BMI, low CONUT score+high BMI, high CONUT score+normal BMI, and high
      CONUT score+high BMI were determined in 374, 242, 275, and 113 patients,
      respectively. During a median follow-up of 1779 days, 73 events occurred. High
      CONUT score+normal BMI showed a 2.72-fold increase in the incidence of MACE (95%
      CI 1.46-5.08, p=0.002) compared with low CONUT score+normal BMI after adjusting
      for confounding factors. On the other hand, no significant difference in the
      incidence of MACE was observed in the other three groups. CONCLUSION: The
      combination of CONUT score and BMI was a useful predictor of MACE in this
      population. Using BMI to assess the cardiovascular risk may be misleading unless
      the nutritional information is considered.

PMID- 28077228
TI  - Levers for addressing medical underuse and overuse: achieving high-value health
      care.
AB  - The preceding papers in this Series have outlined how underuse and overuse of
      health-care services occur within a complex system of health-care production,
      with a multiplicity of causes. Because poor care is ubiquitous and has
      considerable consequences for the health and wellbeing of billions of people
      around the world, remedying this problem is a morally and politically urgent
      task. Universal health coverage is a key step towards achieving the right care.
      Therefore, full consideration of potential levers of change must include an
      upstream perspective-ie, an understanding of the system-level factors that drive
      overuse and underuse, as well as the various incentives at work during a clinical
      encounter. One example of a system-level factor is the allocation of resources
      (eg, hospital beds and clinicians) to meet the needs of a local population to
      minimise underuse or overuse. Another example is priority setting using tools
      such as health technology assessment to guide the optimum diffusion of safe,
      effective, and cost-effective health-care services. In this Series paper we
      investigate a range of levers for eliminating medical underuse and overuse. Some
      levers could operate effectively (and be politically viable) across many
      different health and political systems (eg, increase patient activation with
      decision support) whereas other levers must be tailored to local contexts (eg,
      basing coverage decisions on a particular cost-effectiveness ratio). Ideally,
      policies must move beyond the purely incremental; that is, policies that merely
      tinker at the policy edges after underuse or overuse arises. In this regard,
      efforts to increase public awareness, mobilisation, and empowerment hold promise
      as universal methods to reset all other contexts and thereby enhance all other
      efforts to promote the right care.

PMID- 28077229
TI  - Avoiding overuse-the next quality frontier.

PMID- 28077230
TI  - Addressing overuse and underuse around the world.

PMID- 28077231
TI  - From universal health coverage to right care for health.

PMID- 28077232
TI  - Evidence for underuse of effective medical services around the world.
AB  - Underuse-the failure to use effective and affordable medical interventions-is
      common and responsible for substantial suffering, disability, and loss of life
      worldwide. Underuse occurs at every point along the treatment continuum, from
      populations lacking access to health care to inadequate supply of medical
      resources and labour, slow or partial uptake of innovations, and patients not
      accessing or declining them. The extent of underuse for different interventions
      varies by country, and is documented in countries of high, middle, and low
      income, and across different types of health-care systems, payment models, and
      health services. Most research into underuse has focused on measuring solutions
      to the problem, with considerably less attention paid to its global prevalence or
      its consequences for patients and populations. Although focused effort and
      resources can overcome specific underuse problems, comparatively little is spent
      on work to better understand and overcome the barriers to improved uptake of
      effective interventions, and methods to make them affordable.

PMID- 28077233
TI  - Vikas Saini: leading activist in the Right Care Alliance.

PMID- 28077235
TI  - Drivers of poor medical care.
AB  - The global ubiquity of overuse and underuse of health-care resources and the
      gravity of resulting harms necessitate an investigation of drivers to inform
      potential solutions. We describe the network of influences that contribute to
      poor care and suggest that it is driven by factors that fall into three domains:
      money and finance; knowledge, bias, and uncertainty; and power and human
      relationships. In each domain the drivers operate at the global, national,
      regional, and individual level, and are modulated by the specific contexts within
      which they act. We discuss in detail drivers of poor care in each domain.

PMID- 28077236
TI  - High-resolution ultrahigh-pressure long column reversed-phase liquid
      chromatography for top-down proteomics.
AB  - Separation of proteoforms for global intact protein analysis (i.e. top-down
      proteomics) has lagged well behind what is achievable for peptides in traditional
      bottom-up proteomic approach and is becoming a true bottle neck for top-down
      proteomics. Herein, we report use of long (>=1M) columns containing short alkyl
      (C1-C4) bonded phases to achieve high-resolution RPLC for separation of
      proteoforms. At a specific operation pressure limit (i.e., 96.5MPa or 14Kpsi used
      in this work), column length was found to be the most important factor for
      achieving maximal resolution separation of proteins when 1.5-5MUm particles were
      used as packings and long columns provided peak capacities greater than 400 for
      proteoforms derived from a global cell lysate with molecular weights below 50kDa.
      Larger proteoforms (50-110kDa) were chromatographed on long RPLC columns and
      detected by MS; however, they cannot be identified yet by tandem mass
      spectrometry. Our experimental data further demonstrated that long alkyl (e.g.,
      C8 and C18) bonded particles provided high-resolution RPLC for <10kDa
      proteoforms, not efficient for separation of global proteoforms. Reversed-phase
      particles with porous, nonporous, and superficially porous surfaces were
      systematically investigated for high-resolution RPLC. Pore size (200-400A) and
      the surface structure (porous and superficially porous) of particles was found to
      have minor influences on high-resolution RPLC of proteoforms. RPLC presented
      herein enabled confident identification of ~900 proteoforms (1% FDR) for a low
      microgram quantity of proteomic samples using a single RPLC-MS/MS analysis. The
      level of RPLC performance attained in this work is close to that typically
      realized in bottom-up proteomics, and broadly useful when applying e.g., the
      single-stage MS accurate mass tag approach, but less effective when combined with
      current tandem MS. Our initial data indicate that MS detection and fragmentation
      inefficiencies provided by current high-resolution mass spectrometers are key
      challenges for characterization of larger proteoforms.

PMID- 28077234
TI  - Evidence for overuse of medical services around the world.
AB  - Overuse, which is defined as the provision of medical services that are more
      likely to cause harm than good, is a pervasive problem. Direct measurement of
      overuse through documentation of delivery of inappropriate services is
      challenging given the difficulty of defining appropriate care for patients with
      individual preferences and needs; overuse can also be measured indirectly through
      examination of unwarranted geographical variations in prevalence of procedures
      and care intensity. Despite the challenges, the high prevalence of overuse is
      well documented in high-income countries across a wide range of services and is
      increasingly recognised in low-income countries. Overuse of unneeded services can
      harm patients physically and psychologically, and can harm health systems by
      wasting resources and deflecting investments in both public health and social
      spending, which is known to contribute to health. Although harms from overuse
      have not been well quantified and trends have not been well described, overuse is
      likely to be increasing worldwide.

PMID- 28077239
TI  - The versatility of the Karapandzic flap: A review of 65 cases with patient
      reported outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Karapandzic flap is an established technique for reconstruction of
      large lip defects and in our experience is particularly valuable in repair of the
      upper lateral lip and the commissures as well. We present our experience in a
      case series of 65 patients under one consultant. METHOD: This is a retrospective
      study of patients who underwent Karapandzic flap repair for lip defects following
      cancer resection from 2007 to 2014 in North Yorkshire. A data collection tool was
      used which incorporated patient demographics, tumour location, histology,
      complications, resection margins and recurrence including functional and
      aesthetic outcomes. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was
      used to assess postoperative outcome at more than 1 year. RESULTS: The clearance
      rate was 98.4%. For those with a follow-up greater than 1 year, there was no
      recurrence or surgical revision, whilst the most common concern was temporary lip
      paraesthesia. The mean POSAS scores were low for both patients and observers
      reflecting a high satisfaction rate. CONCLUSION: The technique of Karapandzic
      flap reconstruction for defects in both upper and lower lip allows adequate
      margin clearance with a low level of complications. The advantages of this
      technique include preservation of both function and sensation utilising local
      tissue to allow successful aesthetic outcomes.

PMID- 28077238
TI  - Patterns of Care and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell
      Carcinoma-Results From a Tertiary Cancer Center in India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The current treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)
      revolves around targeted agents, which have resulted in a median overall survival
      of 22 to 26 months in registration trials. However, the outcomes in a non-trial,
      real-world Indian population have not yet been evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The present study was a part of a prospective Clinical Trials Registry-India
      registered study, the Kidney Cancer Registry, a prospectively maintained kidney
      cancer registry. The data of patients with a diagnosis of mRCC from February 2007
      to August 2015 who were potential candidates for systemic therapy were extracted
      from the database and analyzed for treatment patterns and outcomes. RESULTS: The
      data from 212 patients were eligible for analysis. Of these 212 patients, 204
      (96.2%) received first-line systemic treatment with sunitinib (40.6%), sorafenib
      (37.7%), pazopanib (2.8%), temsirolimus (2.8%), or everolimus (1.9%). The risk
      status of 91% of the patients could be stratified using the Heng criteria into
      favorable (18.9%), intermediate (43.9%), and poor risk (28.3%) categories. The
      response rate, clinical benefit rate, median progression-free survival, and
      median overall survival with first-line targeted therapy were 22.5%, 60.7%, 7.09
      months, and 12.87 months, respectively. The common adverse events seen included
      skin rash (31.7%), hypertension (29.4%), grade 3 hand-foot syndrome (27.4%),
      mucositis (26.4%), dyslipidemia (20%), and hyperglycemia (17.6%). Patients
      receiving second-line therapy (22.6%) had superior overall survival to patients
      who had not (16.46 vs. 10.67 months; P = .032). CONCLUSION: The present registry
      based study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, of its type from India
      and showed that the overall outcomes in this real-world cohort appear comparable
      to non-trial data worldwide. An increased incidence of metabolic adverse events
      that require monitoring during treatment was also found.

PMID- 28077240
TI  - Association between community pharmacy loyalty and persistence and implementation
      of antipsychotic treatment among individuals with schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-adherence is a major obstacle to optimal treatment of
      schizophrenia. Community pharmacists are in a key position to detect non
      adherence and put in place interventions. Their role is likely to be more
      efficient when individuals are loyal to a single pharmacy. OBJECTIVE: To assess
      the association between the level of community pharmacy loyalty and persistence
      with and implementation of antipsychotic drug treatment among individuals with
      schizophrenia. METHODS: A cohort study using databases from the Quebec health
      insurance board (Canada) was conducted among new antipsychotic users insured by
      Quebec's public drug plan. Level of community pharmacy loyalty was assessed as
      the number of pharmacies visited in the year after antipsychotics initiation.
      Persistence was defined as having an antipsychotic supply in the user's
      possession on the 730th day after its initiation and implementation as having
      antipsychotics in the user's possession for >=80% of the days in the second year
      after antipsychotics initiation (among persistent only). Generalized linear
      models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence
      intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: 6,251 individuals were included in the cohort and
      54.1% had their drug prescriptions filled in >1 pharmacy. When compared to those
      who had their prescriptions filled in a single pharmacy, those who had their
      prescriptions filled in >=4 different pharmacies were 22% more likely to be non
      persistent (aPR = 1.22; 95%CI = 1.10-1.37) and 49% more likely to have an
      antipsychotic for <80% of the days (aPR = 1.49; 95%IC = 1.28-1.74). CONCLUSION:
      This first exploration of community pharmacy loyalty in the context of severe
      mental illness indicates that this healthcare organisation factor might be
      associated with antipsychotics persistence and implementation. Identification of
      individuals with low community pharmacy loyalty and initiatives to optimize
      community pharmacy loyalty could contribute to enhanced persistence and
      implementation.

PMID- 28077241
TI  - The role of splenectomy in autoimmune hematological disorders: Outdated or still
      worth considering?

PMID- 28077237
TI  - Interplay of extracellular matrix and leukocytes in lung inflammation.
AB  - During inflammation, leukocytes influx into lung compartments and interact with
      extracellular matrix (ECM). Two ECM components, versican and hyaluronan, increase
      in a range of lung diseases. The interaction of leukocytes with these ECM
      components controls leukocyte retention and accumulation, proliferation,
      migration, differentiation, and activation as part of the inflammatory phase of
      lung disease. In addition, bronchial epithelial cells from asthmatic children co
      cultured with human lung fibroblasts generate an ECM that is adherent for
      monocytes/macrophages. Macrophages are present in both early and late lung
      inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP10) is induced in alveolar
      macrophages with injury and infection and modulates macrophage phenotype and
      their ability to degrade collagenous ECM components. Collectively, studies
      outlined in this review highlight the importance of specific ECM components in
      the regulation of inflammatory events in lung disease. The widespread involvement
      of these ECM components in the pathogenesis of lung inflammation make them
      attractive candidates for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 28077242
TI  - Outbreak of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sepsis with meningitis in a well-baby
      nursery.
AB  - Between March and May 2012, three neonates born at a regional maternity hospital
      developed Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (previously Chryseobacterium
      meningosepticum) sepsis with meningitis aged <10 days, and were treated
      successfully with intravenous ciprofloxacin plus vancomycin or piperacillin
      tazobactam for three to six weeks. Four (16.6%) of 24 environmental specimens
      obtained from the nursery and delivery room were positive for this organism. All
      of the clinical isolates and two isolates from storage boxes for pacifiers and
      pacifier covers were genetically identical. After changing the storage boxes to
      stainless steel boxes that underwent regular autoclave sterilization, there were
      no further cases of infection with E. meningoseptica.

PMID- 28077243
TI  - Effective use of oral ribavirin for respiratory syncytial viral infections in
      allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of respiratory
      viral infections, increasing the morbidity and mortality in allogeneic
      haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Little is known about
      the best management strategy in this immunocompromised group and there are very
      few data on oral ribavirin treatment. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of oral
      ribavirin in allogeneic HSCT patients with RSV infection. METHODS: Twenty-three
      RSV cases treated with oral ribavirin were analysed retrospectively. RSV
      diagnosis was established by polymerase chain reaction assay. Oral ribavirin was
      initiated at 15 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for 10 days, with no subsequent
      dose escalation, as per centre policy. FINDINGS: At diagnosis, seven patients
      presented with lower respiratory tract infection (RTI), whereas 16 had upper RTI.
      Oral ribavirin was well tolerated with minor adverse effects. The median
      treatment duration was 10 days (range: 5-47). After a median follow-up of 17
      months (range: 4-48), 17 patients are alive. We recorded one RSV-related and five
      non-related deaths. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest single
      centre study yet performed on adult allogeneic HSCT recipients with RSV infection
      treated with oral ribavirin. Prompt initiation of treatment is essential and may
      avoid hospital admission. Our experience supports the use of oral ribavirin, but
      large prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal therapy in this
      patient group.

PMID- 28077244
TI  - The CatSper channel modulates boar sperm motility during capacitation.
AB  - The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) comprises four transmembrane subunits
      specifically expressed in human, equine, murine and ovine spermatozoa, apparently
      implicated in capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosome exocytosis. Western
      blotting and immunocytochemistry showed hereby that CatSper subunits are also
      present in boar spermatozoa, primarily over the sperm neck, tail and cytoplasmic
      droplets; albeit CatSper -1 presented in addition some distribution over the
      membrane of the acrosome and CatSper -2 and -4 over the membrane of the post
      acrosome. The role of the Catsper channel in boar spermatozoa was investigated by
      extending the spermatozoa in media containing different calcium (Ca2+)
      availability and exposure to the capacitation-trigger bicarbonate, to
      progesterone or CatSper inhibitors (Mibefradil and NNC 55-0396), separately or
      sequentially, at physiological and toxicological doses. Extracellular Ca2+
      availability, combined with bicarbonate exposure (capacitation-inducing
      conditions) decreased sperm motility, similarly to when spermatozoa incubated in
      capacitation-inducing conditions was exposed to Mibefradil and NNC 55-0396.
      Exposure of these spermatozoa to progesterone did not cause significant changes
      in sperm motility and nor did it revert its decrease induced by CatSper
      antagonists. In conclusion, the CatSper channel regulates sperm motility during
      porcine capacitation-related events in vitro.

PMID- 28077245
TI  - A systematic review of adrenarche as a sensitive period in neurobiological
      development and mental health.
AB  - Substantial hormonal and neurobiological changes occur during puberty, and are
      widely argued to render this period of life a sensitive period in terms of risk
      for mental health problems. However, there is a paucity of research focusing on
      adrenarche, the earlier phase of pubertal development. Furthermore, there is a
      limited understanding of the association between adrenarche and neural
      development during this phase of life. We systematically reviewed research
      examining human adrenarcheal development as operationalized by hormonal levels of
      DHEA and DHEA-S, in relation to indices of mental health (Systematic Review 1).
      We then reviewed the limited amount of literature that has examined the
      association between adrenarcheal development and brain structure or function
      (Systematic Review 2). In general, studies showed that earlier timing of
      adrenarche was associated with greater mental health symptoms, and there is
      emerging support that brain development plays a role in this relationship.
      However, several methodological inconsistencies were noted. We propose that
      future research in this area test a theoretical model of adrenarche as a
      sensitive period of neurobiological development, whereby timing of exposure to
      hormones interacts with brain development, biological sex, and psychosocial
      stress to influence environmental sensitivity and risk for mental health problems
      through adolescence.

PMID- 28077246
TI  - Testing of a palatable bait and compatible vaccine carrier for the oral
      vaccination of European badgers (Meles meles) against tuberculosis.
AB  - The oral vaccination of wild badgers (Meles meles) with live Bacillus Calmette
      Guerin (BCG) is one of the tools being considered for the control of bovine
      tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium bovis) in the UK. The design of a product
      for oral vaccination requires that numerous, and often competing, conditions are
      met. These include the need for a highly palatable, but physically stable bait
      that will meet regulatory requirements, and one which is also compatible with the
      vaccine formulation; in this case live BCG. In collaboration with two commercial
      bait companies we have developed a highly attractive and palatable bait recipe
      designed specifically for European badgers (Meles meles) that meets these
      requirements. The palatability of different batches of bait was evaluated against
      a standardised palatable control bait using captive badgers. The physical
      properties of the bait are described e.g. firmness and colour. The microbial load
      in the bait was assessed against European and US Pharmacopoeias. The bait was
      combined with an edible vaccine carrier made of hydrogenated peanut oil in which
      BCG vaccine was stable during bait manufacture and cold storage, demonstrating
      <0.5 log10 reduction in titre after 117weeks' storage at -20 degrees C. BCG
      stability in bait was also evaluated at +4 degrees C and under simulated
      environmental conditions (20 degrees C, 98% Relative Humidity; RH). Finally,
      iophenoxic acid biomarkers were utilised as a surrogate for the BCG vaccine, to
      test variants of the vaccine-bait design for their ability to deliver biomarker
      to the gastrointestinal tract of individual animals. These data provide the first
      detailed description of a bait-vaccine delivery system developed specifically for
      the oral vaccination of badgers against Mycobacterium bovis using live BCG.

PMID- 28077247
TI  - Mouse DNA polymerase iota lacking the forty-two amino acids encoded by exon-2 is
      catalytically inactive in vitro.
AB  - In 2003, we reported that 129-derived strains of mice carry a naturally occurring
      nonsense mutation at codon 27 of the Poli gene that would produce a poliota
      peptide of just 26 amino acids, rather then the full-length 717 amino acid wild
      type polymerase. In support of the genomic analysis, no poliota protein was
      detected in testes extracts from 129X1/SvJmice, where wild-type poliota is
      normally highly expressed. The early truncation in poliota occurs before any
      structural domains of the polymerase are synthesized and as a consequence, we
      reasoned that 129-derived strains of mice should be considered as functionally
      defective in poliota activity. However, it has recently been reported that during
      the maturation of the Poli mRNA in 129-derived strains, exon- 2 is sometimes
      skipped and that an exon-2-less poliota protein of 675 amino acids is synthesized
      that retains catalytic activity in vitro and in vivo. From a structural
      perspective, we found this idea untenable, given that the amino acids encoded by
      exon-2 include residues critical for the coordination of the metal ions required
      for catalysis, as well as the structural integrity of the DNA polymerase. To
      determine if the exon-2-less poliota isoform possesses catalytic activity in
      vitro, we have purified a glutathione-tagged full-length exon-2-less (675 amino
      acid) poliota protein from baculovirus infected insect cells and compared the
      activity of the isoform to full-length (717 amino acid) GST-tagged wild-type
      mouse poliota in vitro. Reaction conditions were performed under a range of
      magnesium or manganese concentrations, as well as different template sequence
      contexts. Wild-type mouse poliota exhibited robust characteristic properties
      previously associated with human poliota's biochemical properties. However, we
      did not detect any polymerase activity associated with the exon-2-less poliota
      enzyme under the same reaction conditions and conclude that exon-2-less poliota
      is indeed rendered catalytically inactive in vitro.

PMID- 28077248
TI  - Alternative splicing at exon 2 results in the loss of the catalytic activity of
      mouse DNA polymerase iota in vitro.
AB  - Y-family DNA polymerase iota (Pol iota) possesses both DNA polymerase and dRP
      lyase activities and was suggested to be involved in DNA translesion synthesis
      and base excision repair in mammals. The 129 strain of mice and its derivatives
      have a natural nonsense codon mutation in the second exon of the Pol iota gene
      resulting in truncation of the Pol iota protein. These mice were widely used as a
      Pol iota-null model for in vivo studies of the Pol iota function. However whether
      129-derived strains of mice are fully deficient in the Pol iota functions was a
      subject of discussion since Pol iota mRNA undergoes alternative splicing at exon
      2. Here we report purification of mouse Pol iota lacking the region encoded by
      exon 2, which includes several conserved residues involved in catalysis. We show
      that the deletion abrogates both the DNA polymerase and dRP lyase activities of
      Pol iota in the presence of either Mg2+ or Mn2+ ions. Thus, 129-derived strains
      of mice express catalytically inactive alternatively spliced Pol iota variant,
      whose cellular functions, if any exist, remain to be established.

PMID- 28077249
TI  - Altered mucosal expression of microRNAs in pediatric patients with inflammatory
      bowel disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: MicroRNAs (miRs) came recently into focus as promising novel
      research targets offering new insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory
      bowel diseases (IBD). AIMS: The aim of our study was to identify a pediatric IBD
      (pIBD) characteristic miR profile serving as potential Crohn's disease (CD) and
      ulcerative colitis (UC) specific diagnostic pattern and to further analyze the
      related target genes. METHODS: Small RNA sequencing was performed on inflamed and
      intact colonic biopsies of CD, and control patients. Selected miRs were further
      investigated by RT-PCR, complemented with an UC group, in order to address the
      differential diagnostic potential of miRs in the two IBD subtypes. To analyze
      network connection of differentially expressed miRs and their target genes
      MiRTarBase database and previous transcriptome sequencing data from pediatric
      patient groups were used. RESULTS: Sequencing analysis identified 170 miRs with
      altered expression. RT-PCR analysis revealed altered expression of miR-31, -125a,
      -142-3p, and -146a discriminating between the inflamed mucosa of CD and UC. In
      the intact mucosa of CD patients the expression of miR-18a, -20a, -21, -31, -99a,
      -99b, -100, -125a, -126, -142-5p, -146a, -185, -204, -221, and -223 was elevated
      compared to the controls. The expression of miR-20a, -204 and -221 was elevated
      exclusively in the intact region of CD patients compared to the controls.
      Enrichment analysis identified main IBD-related functional groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      We demonstrated a characteristic colonic miR pattern in pIBD that could
      facilitate deeper understanding of the pathomechanism of IBD and may serve as a
      diagnostic tool.

PMID- 28077250
TI  - Role of video-head impulse test in lateralization of vestibulopathy: Comparative
      study with caloric test.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the lateralization value of video head-impulse test (vHIT)
      for the diagnosis of vestibulopathy and to analyze cases showing dissociated
      results with caloric test. METHODS: In total, 19 healthy volunteers and 92 dizzy
      patients who underwent both a caloric test and a vHIT were enrolled. Patients
      were divided into two groups depending on their fluctuating pattern of vertigo.
      The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain and gain asymmetry (GA) of a vHIT as well
      as unilateral weakness (UW) and the sum of the slow-phase velocities (SPVs) of
      warm and cold irrigation of the same side were compared. A cutoff value of VOR
      gain of a vHIT was also calculated using a receiver-operating characteristic
      curve. RESULTS: A VOR gain in an affected ear and GA of a vHIT showed a
      statistically significant correlation with UW in a caloric test. The cutoff value
      of a vHIT was determined to be 0.875, derived under the assumption that UW of a
      caloric test <=25% is normal. However, the parameters of the two tests were
      dissociated in 18%. CONCLUSION: A VOR gain of vHIT is a valuable objective
      parameter with a lateralization value determining vestibular hypofunction.
      However, considering substantial dissociation between a vHIT and a caloric test,
      these tests can be complementary tools for the lateralization of vestibular
      impairment for the comprehensive evaluation of patients' VOR.

PMID- 28077251
TI  - Theoretical Implications of a Pre-Erythrocytic Plasmodium vivax Vaccine for
      Preventing Relapses.
AB  - Preventing malaria infection through vaccination requires preventing every
      sporozoite inoculated by mosquito bite: a major challenge for Plasmodium
      falciparum. Plasmodium vivax sporozoites consist of tachysporozoites causing
      primary infection and bradysporozoites leading to relapses. We hypothesise that a
      candidate P. vivax vaccine with low efficacy against primary infection may
      substantially reduce transmission by preventing relapses.

PMID- 28077252
TI  - Incorporating body-type (apple vs. pear) in STOP-BANG questionnaire improves its
      validity to detect OSA.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether adding the item of
      "apple body type" to the STOP-BANG questionnaire enhances diagnostic performance
      of the questionnaire for detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). DESIGN: Cross
      sectional study. SETTING: Sleep center setting. PATIENTS: Two hundred and eight
      subjects who were referred for an evaluation of possible OSA at Tulane
      Comprehensive Sleep Center. The exclusion criteria were age<18years old,
      incomplete or absent questionnaire, incomplete body type identification,
      polysomnography (PSG) refusal, and pregnant women. INTERVENTIONS: STOP-BANG items
      and body type data were collected on the initial clinic visit. An overnight PSG
      was performed on every participant. MEASUREMENTS: Descriptive analyses of the
      demographic data and PSG variables were performed. The predictive parameters of
      STOP and STOP-BANG without and with body type score (STOP-Apple and STOPBANG
      Apple) were compared. MAIN RESULTS: The STOP questionnaire's
      sensitivity/specificity/positive likelihood ratio (+LR) (cut-off=2) was
      96%/11%/1.1, respectively whereas the STOP-Apple questionnaire (cut-off=3) was
      88%/39%/1.5. The STOP-BANG's sensitivity/specificity/+LR (cut-off=3) was
      96%/19%/1.2, respectively whereas the STOP-BANG-Apple questionnaire (cut-off=4)
      was 90%/39%/1.5. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve
      of STOP-Apple was comparable to the STOP-BANG (P=0.25). The addition of the apple
      body type item to the STOP-BANG questionnaire in participants with a score>=3 led
      to increased specificity (67.4%), increased the odds ratio of having OSA of 2.5
      (95% CI, 1.2-5.3) and odds ratio of having moderate-severe OSA of 4.7 (95% CI,
      2.5-8.7). CONCLUSION: In the sleep center setting, adding the body type item to
      the STOP-BANG questionnaire improves not only clinical prediction for PSG
      confirmed OSA but also predicts moderate to severe of OSA.

PMID- 28077253
TI  - A survey of patients with bed bugs in the emergency department.
AB  - Bed bugs are one of the most important human ectoparasites in the United States,
      and a growing problem in the emergency department. We evaluated 40 emergency
      department (ED) patients found with a bed bug. The data show that ED patients
      with bed bugs are statistically more likely to be male, older, more likely to be
      admitted to the hospital, have higher triage emergency severity index (ESI)
      scores, and arrive by ambulance than the general ED patient population (p<0.05).
      On average bed bugs were found 108min after a patient arrived to the ED, after
      35% of subjects had already received a blood draw, and after 23% had already
      received a radiology study; putting other ED patients and staff at risk for
      acquiring the infestation. We found that 13% and 18% of subjects had wheezing and
      a papular rash, respectively on physical exam. Of those patients found with a bed
      bug in the ED, 42% reported having bed bugs at home and 21% reporting having a
      possible home infestation.

PMID- 28077254
TI  - Use of the smartphone for end vertebra selection in scoliosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to develop a smartphone-aided end vertebra
      selection method and to investigate its effectiveness in Cobb angle measurement.
      METHODS: Twenty-nine adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients' pre-operative
      posteroanterior scoliosis radiographs were used for end vertebra selection and
      Cobb angle measurement by standard method and smartphone-aided method.
      Measurements were performed by 7 examiners. The intraclass correlation
      coefficient was used to analyze selection and measurement reliability. Summary
      statistics of variance calculations were used to provide 95% prediction limits
      for the error in Cobb angle measurements. A paired 2-tailed t test was used to
      analyze end vertebra selection differences. RESULTS: Mean absolute Cobb angle
      difference was 3.6 degrees  for the manual method and 1.9 degrees  for the
      smartphone-aided method. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability were
      found excellent in manual and smartphone set for Cobb angle measurement. Both
      intraobserver and interobserver reliability were found excellent in manual and
      smartphone set for end vertebra selection. But reliability values of manual set
      were lower than smartphone. Two observers selected significantly different end
      vertebra in their repeated selections for manual method. CONCLUSION: Smartphone
      aided method for end vertebra selection and Cobb angle measurement showed
      excellent reliability. We can expect a reduction in measurement error rates with
      the widespread use of this method in clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      III, Diagnostic study.

PMID- 28077255
TI  - The problem with incidental and chronic portal vein thrombosis.

PMID- 28077256
TI  - Montivipera bornmuelleri venom selectively exhibits high cytotoxic effects on
      keratinocytes cancer cell lines.
AB  - CONTEXT: The Viperidae family venom is a rich source of bioactive compounds such
      as many proteases, which cause tissue necrosis and affect mostly the vascular
      system. However, the venom exhibits therapeutic potentials and has contributed to
      the development of some medical drugs. Specifically, the Montivipera bornmuelleri
      venom has shown to exhibit antibacterial, pro-inflammatory and antifungal
      activities. OBJECTIVE: This work evaluates the cytotoxic effect of the M.
      bornmuelleri venom on human-derived keratinocytes including the non-tumorigenic
      HaCaT, the benign A5 and the low-grade malignant II4 cells. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The toxicity of different venom concentrations (0.9, 1.87, 3.75, 7.5,
      15, 30 and 60MUg/mL) and their effect on the viability of the cells lines were
      assessed using the Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and the Trypan blue tests
      after 24h of incubation. RESULTS: The venom was able to reduce the viability of
      all cell lines in a dose dependent manner with the HaCat cells being the least
      affected. For example, the 60MUg/mL dose induced a more significant decrease the
      viability of A5 (44%) and II4 (21.33%) keratinocytes as compared to HaCaT cells
      (70.63%). Also, this venom showed a higher cytotoxic activity on the A5 (52.45%)
      and II4 (98.67%) cells as compared to HaCaT cells (30.14%) with an IC50 estimated
      at 10MUg/mL on II4 and at 60MUg/mL on benign A5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Those
      differential cytotoxic effects of the M. bornmuelleri venom pave the road for
      more advanced studies which might unravel the potential anticancer effects of
      this venom.

PMID- 28077257
TI  - Real-world effectiveness and safety of dapagliflozin therapy added to a GLP1
      receptor agonist in patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a sodium-glucose
      cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, dapagliflozin, in patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and background glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist
      (GLP1-RA) therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a 12-month, real-world
      observational study, which assessed the effectiveness and safety of dapagliflozin
      in patients with T2DM and background GLP1-RA therapy. The main outcome measures
      were changes in A1C and weight at 6 and 12 months from baseline. Secondary
      outcomes were differences in A1C and weight reduction between this cohort and
      another group of patients with T2DM treated with dapagliflozin but without
      background GLP1-RA therapy. In total, 109 patients with GLP1-RA and 104 patients
      without GLP1-RA were included. Baseline mean A1C and weight in the GLP1-RA and
      non-GLP1-RA groups were 7.4% vs. 7.3% and 96.2 kg vs. 95.1 kg, respectively. A
      significant reduction in A1C was seen with dapagliflozin in both cohorts at 6 and
      12 months (GLP1-RA: -0.51% and -0.34%, non-GLP1-RA: -0.69% and -0.62%,
      respectively, p < 0.0001 in all analyses). Weight was significantly reduced in
      both groups at 6 and 12 months (GLP1-RA: -2.3 kg and -2.4 kg, non-GLP1-RA: -3.9
      kg and -4.8 kg, respectively, p < 0.0001 in all analyses). A1C reduction and
      weight loss were significantly lower in patients with GLP1-RA than in patients
      without GLP1-RAs. Drug discontinuation rates were similar in both cohorts.
      CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin, when added in real life to patients with T2DM treated
      with GLP1-RAs, induced a further significant, albeit modest improvement in A1C
      and a further weight loss.

PMID- 28077258
TI  - Discovery of new MurA inhibitors using induced-fit simulation and docking.
AB  - We report on the successful application of ProBiS-CHARMMing web server in the
      discovery of new inhibitors of MurA, an enzyme that catalyzes the first committed
      cytoplasmic step of bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis. The available crystal
      structures of Escherichia coli MurA in the Protein Data Bank have binding sites
      whose small volume does not permit the docking of drug-like molecules. To prepare
      the binding site for docking, the ProBiS-CHARMMing web server was used to
      simulate the induced-fit effect upon ligand binding to MurA, resulting in a
      larger, more holo-like binding site. The docking of a filtered ZINC compound
      library to this enlarged binding site was then performed and resulted in three
      compounds with promising inhibitory potencies against MurA. Compound 1 displayed
      significant inhibitory potency with IC50 value of 1MUM. All three compounds have
      novel chemical structures, which could be used for further optimization of small
      molecule MurA inhibitors.

PMID- 28077259
TI  - The growth of language: Universal Grammar, experience, and principles of
      computation.
AB  - Human infants develop language remarkably rapidly and without overt instruction.
      We argue that the distinctive ontogenesis of child language arises from the
      interplay of three factors: domain-specific principles of language (Universal
      Grammar), external experience, and properties of non-linguistic domains of
      cognition including general learning mechanisms and principles of efficient
      computation. We review developmental evidence that children make use of
      hierarchically composed structures ('Merge') from the earliest stages and at all
      levels of linguistic organization. At the same time, longitudinal trajectories of
      development show sensitivity to the quantity of specific patterns in the input,
      which suggests the use of probabilistic processes as well as inductive learning
      mechanisms that are suitable for the psychological constraints on language
      acquisition. By considering the place of language in human biology and evolution,
      we propose an approach that integrates principles from Universal Grammar and
      constraints from other domains of cognition. We outline some initial results of
      this approach as well as challenges for future research.

PMID- 28077260
TI  - Third-party social evaluations of humans by monkeys and dogs.
AB  - Developmental psychologists are increasingly interested in young children's
      evaluations of individuals based on third-party interactions. Studies have shown
      that infants react negatively to agents who display harmful intentions toward
      others, and to those who behave unfairly. We describe experimental studies of
      capuchin monkeys' and pet dogs' differential reactions to people who are helpful
      or unhelpful in third-party contexts, and monkeys' responses to people who behave
      unfairly in exchanges of objects with a third party. We also present evidence
      that capuchin monkeys monitor the context of failures to help and violations of
      reciprocity, and that intentionality is one factor underlying their social
      evaluations of individuals whom they see interacting with others. We conclude by
      proposing some questions for studies of nonhuman species' third party-based
      social evaluations.

PMID- 28077261
TI  - Ventral medullary control of rapid eye movement sleep and atonia.
AB  - Discrete populations of neurons at multiple levels of the brainstem control rapid
      eye movement (REM) sleep and the accompanying loss of postural muscle tone, or
      atonia. The specific contributions of these brainstem cell populations to REM
      sleep control remains incompletely understood. Here we show in rats that viral
      vector-based lesions of the ventromedial medulla at a level rostral to the
      inferior olive (pSOM) produced violent myoclonic twitches and abnormal
      electromyographic spikes, but not complete loss of tonic atonia, during REM
      sleep. Motor tone during non-REM (NREM) sleep was unaffected in these same
      animals. Acute chemogenetic activation of pSOM neurons in rats robustly and
      selectively suppressed REM sleep but not NREM sleep. Similar lesions targeting
      the more rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) did not affect sleep or atonia, while
      chemogenetic stimulation of the RVM produced wakefulness and reduced sleep.
      Finally, selective activation of vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) pSOM neurons
      in mice produced complete suppression of REM sleep whereas their loss increased
      EMG spikes during REM sleep. These results reveal a key contribution of the pSOM
      and specifically the VGAT+ neurons in this region in REM sleep and motor control.

PMID- 28077262
TI  - Virus Innexins induce alterations in insect cell and tissue function.
AB  - Polydnaviruses are dsDNA viruses that induce immune and developmental alterations
      in their caterpillar hosts. Characterization of polydnavirus gene families and
      family members is necessary to understand mechanisms of pathology and evolution
      of these viruses, and may aid to elucidate the role of host homologues if
      present. For example, the polydnavirus vinnexin gene family encodes homologues of
      insect gap junction genes (innexins) that are expressed in host immune cells
      (hemocytes). While the roles of Innexin proteins and gap junctions in insect
      immunity are largely unclear, we previously demonstrated that Vinnexins form
      functional gap junctions and alter the junctional characteristics of a host
      Innexin when co-expressed in paired Xenopus oocytes. Here, we test the effect of
      ectopic vinnexin expression on host cell physiology using both a lepidopteran
      cell culture model and a dipteran whole organism model. Vinnexin expression in
      the cell culture system resulted in gene-specific alterations in cell morphology
      and a slight, but non-statistically significant, reduction in gap junction
      activity as measured by dye transfer, while ectopic expression of a lepidopteran
      innexin2 gene led to morphological alterations and increase in gap junction
      activity. Global ectopic expression in the model dipteran, Drosophila
      melanogaster, of one vinnexin (vinnexinG) or D. melanogaster innexin2 (Dm-inx2)
      resulted in embryonic lethality, while expression of the other vinnexin genes had
      no effect. Furthermore, ectopic expression of vinnexinG, but not other vinnexin
      genes or Dm-inx2, in D. melanogaster larval gut resulted in developmental arrest
      in the pupal stage. These data indicate the vinnexins likely have gene-specific
      roles in host manipulation. They also support the use of Drosophila in further
      analysis of the role of Vinnexins and other polydnavirus genes in modifying host
      physiological processes. Finally, our findings suggest the vinnexin genes may be
      useful to perturb and characterize the physiological functions of insect
      Innexins.

PMID- 28077263
TI  - Learning in mosquito larvae (Aedes aegypti): Habituation to a visual danger
      signal.
AB  - In spite of the mosquito Aedes aegypti being a vector of several infectious
      diseases, a limited number of studies has been undertaken on learning in this
      species. Moreover, larval stages have been neglected as model organisms, although
      they are active, aquatic and perform stereotyped behavioural responses, e.g. the
      escape response when disturbed. To study the learning abilities of mosquito
      larvae, we focused on habituation, a form of non-associative learning widely
      studied in vertebrates and invertebrates. Habituation was defined as the
      progressive and reversible decrease in response to a reiterative stimulus. We
      first aimed at confirming habituation of the escape response in mosquito larvae
      (4th instar). Then, we determined whether a mnesic trace was established. Larvae
      were individually stimulated with a visual danger stimulus inducing the escape
      response. We set up a protocol for testing larvae individually, allowing the
      control of different parameters that are crucial for the study of cognitive
      abilities. After 15 trials, the escape response of mosquitoes was significantly
      lower. A disturbance stimulus presented after the 15th trial, induced the escape
      response and reversed habituation. Retention was confirmed up to 1h after the
      last habituation trial. This original bioassay can be adapted for studying the
      physiology of learning and memory in mosquito larvae, for analysing the effects
      of chemicals in the water, the characterisation of the cognitive abilities
      related to the life history of different mosquito species across preimaginal
      stages.

PMID- 28077264
TI  - Self-assembly of green tea catechin derivatives in nanoparticles for oral
      lycopene delivery.
AB  - Lycopene is a natural anti-oxidant that has attracted much attention due to its
      varied applications such as protection against loss of bone mass, chronic
      diseases, skin cancer, prostate cancer, and cardiovascular disease. However, high
      instability and extremely low oral bioavailability limit its further clinical
      development. We selected a green tea catechin derivative, oligomerized (-)
      epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (OEGCG) as a carrier for oral lycopene delivery.
      Lycopene-loaded OEGCG nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a nano-precipitation
      method, followed by coating with chitosan to form a shell. This method not only
      can easily control the size of the NP to be around 200nm to improve its
      bioavailability, but also can effectively protect the lycopene against
      degradation due to EGCG's anti-oxidant property. OEGCG was carefully
      characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
      Lycopene-loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) NPs were prepared by the same
      method. Chitosan-coated OEGCG/lycopene NPs had a diameter of 152+/-32nm and a
      zeta-potential of 58.3+/-4.2mv as characterized with transmission electron
      microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The loading capacity of lycopene was 9%
      and encapsulation efficiency was 89%. FT-IR spectral analysis revealed
      electrostatic interaction between OEGCG and chitosan. Freeze drying of the NPs
      was also evaluated as a means to improve shelf life. Dynamic light scattering
      data showed that no aggregation occurred, and the size of the NP increased 1.2
      times (Sf/Si ratio) in the presence of 10% sucrose after freeze drying. The in
      vitro release study showed slow release of lycopene in simulated gastric fluid at
      acidic pH and faster release in simulated intestinal fluid. In an in vivo study
      in mice, lycopene pharmacokinetic parameters were improved by
      lycopene/OEGCG/chitosan NPs, but not improved by lycopene/PLGA/chitosan NPs. The
      self-assembled nanostructure of OEGCG combined with lycopene may be a promising
      application in oral drug delivery in various indications.

PMID- 28077265
TI  - A smart aminoglycoside hydrogel with tunable gel degradation, on-demand drug
      release, and high antibacterial activity.
AB  - Aminoglycosides are a family of critically important antibiotics for the
      treatment of serious infections including multidrug-resistant pathogens. However,
      clinical use of aminoglycoside antibiotics is compromised by bacterial biofilm
      formation at subinhibitory concentrations or adverse side effects such as
      ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity at high antibiotic doses. Preparation of
      aminoglycoside formulation that allows on-demand drug delivery is a solution to
      this sticky issue. Here, we designed a new type of aminoglycoside hydrogels by
      cross-linking oxidized polysaccharides such as dextran, carboxymethyl cellulose,
      alginate, and chondroitin using aminoglycosides as cross-linkers. The hydrogel
      modulus, degradation rate and release kinetics can be precisely modulated by
      tailoring the aminoglycoside dose during gel formation. The aminoglycoside
      hydrogel showed fast gelation, self-healing and on-demand drug release behaviors,
      and high antibacterial activities in vitro and in vivo against both Gram-positive
      and Gram-negative bacteria. This study provides a facile and promising strategy
      to develop smart hydrogels for topical administration of aminoglycoside
      antibiotics.

PMID- 28077266
TI  - ASP0028 in combination with suboptimal-dose of tacrolimus in Cynomolgus monkey
      renal transplantation model.
AB  - FTY720, a S1P-receptor modulator, has shown to be effective in several transplant
      and autoimmune disease models, via modulating lymphocyte homing into secondary
      lymphoid organs (SLOs), and thereby reducing these cells in peripheral blood.
      ASP0028, a newly developed S1P1/S1P5-selective agonist, presented comparable
      efficacy to FTY720 and wider safety margins than FTY720. In this study, we
      assessed the efficacy and safety of ASP0028 co-administered with suboptimal-dose
      of tacrolimus in the Cynomolgus monkey renal transplantation model. Seven animals
      in group-1 or group-2 received mono-tacrolimus 1.0mg/kg once a day (QD), or
      ASP0028 0.6mg/kg plus tacrolimus 1.0mg/kg QD, respectively. Eight animals in
      group-3 received ASP0028 1.2mg/kg plus tacrolimus 1.0mg/kg QD. The allograft
      median survival time (MST) in group-2 and group-3 were significantly extended to
      41 and 61.5days, versus that of 28days in group-1 (p=0.036 and 0.001,
      respectively). ASP0028 administration remarkably reduced absolute numbers of
      peripheral lymphocytes, particularly subsets of CD4+/ or CD8+/naive and central
      memory cells, CD4+/Treg cells, and to a lesser extent on B cells, but not CD4+/
      or CD8+/effector memory cells and NK cells. These data show ASP0028 combined with
      suboptimal-dose of tacrolimus effectively prolongs renal allograft survival in
      nonhuman primates (NHPs) with well tolerated safety, supporting its further
      investigation to optimize CNI-sparing regimens.

PMID- 28077267
TI  - Rapid whole brain myelin water content mapping without an external water standard
      at 1.5T.
AB  - The objective of this study is to develop rapid whole brain mapping of myelin
      water content (MWC) at 1.5T. The Fast Acquisition with Spiral Trajectory and
      T2prep (FAST-T2) pulse sequence originally developed for myelin water fraction
      (MWF) mapping was modified to obtain fast mapping of T1 and receiver coil
      sensitivity needed for MWC computation. The accuracy of the proposed T1 mapping
      was evaluated by comparing with the standard IR-FSE method. Numerical simulations
      were performed to assess the accuracy and reliability of the proposed MWC
      mapping. We also compared MWC values obtained with either cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) or an external water tube attached to the subject's head as the water
      reference. Our results from healthy volunteers show that whole brain MWC mapping
      is feasible in 7min and provides accurate brain T1 values. Regional brain WC and
      MWC measurements obtained with the internal CSF-based water standard showed
      excellent correlation (R>0.99) and negligible bias within narrow limits of
      agreement compared to those obtained with an external water standard.

PMID- 28077269
TI  - Association of an individual's ability to overcome desire to fall asleep with a
      higher anterior-posterior gradient in electroencephalographic indexes of sleep
      pressure.
AB  - Individual differences in ability to overcome desire to fall asleep cannot be
      accurately predicted from subjective and objective measurements of sleepiness
      level. Previously, we showed that an exponential buildup of sleep pressure during
      prolonged wakefulness can be accurately traced with electroencephalographic (EEG)
      indexes, such as Spectral Sleep Pressure Component (SSPC) score and score on the
      2nd principal component (2PC) of the EEG spectrum. The anterior-posterior
      gradients in SSPC and 2PC scores were calculated as the differences between
      frontal and occipital scores and examined as possible correlates of individual's
      ability to overcome desire of falling asleep. Fifteen young and 15 older adults
      participated in two identically designed sleep deprivation experiments. After, at
      least, 12hours of wakefulness, resting EEG recordings were obtained from frontal
      and occipital derivations with 2-h intervals during 26-50hours. Due to
      irresistible desire to sleep, 11 young and 5 older adults completed <25 required
      EEG recordings. SSPC and 2PC scores were computed and, by subtracting occipital
      scores from frontal scores, the anterior-posterior gradients in SSPC and 2PC
      scores were calculated on one-min intervals of 5-min eyes closed EEG records. The
      analysis of these anterior-posterior gradients revealed their age-related
      difference and association with the number of completed EEG recording sessions
      (13-25). This association remained significant after accounting for age,
      alertness-sleepiness level, minute of eyes closed recording, and day of
      experiment. It seems that the anterior-posterior gradients in the EEG indexes of
      sleep pressure are the objective correlates of individual's ability to overcome
      desire to fall asleep.

PMID- 28077270
TI  - Instructions to suppress semantic memory enhances or has no effect on P300 in a
      concealed information test (CIT).
AB  - The present study investigated the extent to which people can suppress semantic
      memory as indexed with the P300 ERP and the autobiographical implicit association
      test (aIAT). In EXP 1, participants (22) were run in a counterbalanced repeated
      measures study in both simply knowledgeable (SK) and knowledgeable with
      suppression (SP) conditions. A P300-based, concealed information test ("Complex
      Trial Protocol"; CTP) with a 50/50 Target/Nontarget (T/NT) ratio was given both
      with and without instructions to suppress semantic memories. The results showed
      increased P300s to probe name stimuli, reduced (but still high positive) aIAT d
      scores, and increased simple reaction times to all stimuli used in ERP tests in
      the SP condition. EXP 2 was similar, but with SP and SK in two separate groups,
      and a 20/80 T/NT ratio. Again, ERP and aIAT results failed to show a suppression
      effect for semantic memory. The behavioral data suggest some task demand effects
      under suppression instructions, and that EXP 1 was more demanding than EXP 2.

PMID- 28077268
TI  - Development of high resolution 3D hyperpolarized carbon-13 MR molecular imaging
      techniques.
AB  - The goal of this project was to develop and apply techniques for T2 mapping and
      3D high resolution (1.5mm isotropic; 0.003cm3) 13C imaging of hyperpolarized (HP)
      probes [1-13C]lactate, [1-13C]pyruvate, [2-13C]pyruvate, and [13C,15N2]urea in
      vivo. A specialized 2D bSSFP sequence was implemented on a clinical 3T scanner
      and used to obtain the first high resolution T2 maps of these different
      hyperpolarized compounds in both rats and tumor-bearing mice. These maps were
      first used to optimize timings for highest SNR for single time-point 3D bSSFP
      acquisitions with a 1.5mm isotropic spatial resolution of normal rats. This 3D
      acquisition approach was extended to serial dynamic imaging with 2-fold
      compressed sensing acceleration without changing spatial resolution. The T2
      mapping experiments yielded measurements of T2 values of >1s for all compounds
      within rat kidneys/vasculature and TRAMP tumors, except for [2-13C]pyruvate which
      was ~730ms and ~320ms, respectively. The high resolution 3D imaging enabled
      visualization the biodistribution of [1-13C]lactate, [1-13C]pyruvate, and [2
      13C]pyruvate within different kidney compartments as well as in the vasculature.
      While the mouse anatomy is smaller, the resolution was also sufficient to image
      the distribution of all compounds within kidney, vasculature, and tumor. The
      development of the specialized 3D sequence with compressed sensing provided
      improved structural and functional assessments at a high (0.003cm3) spatial and
      2s temporal resolution in vivo utilizing HP 13C substrates by exploiting their
      long T2 values. This 1.5mm isotropic resolution is comparable to 1H imaging and
      application of this approach could be extended to future studies of uptake,
      metabolism, and perfusion in cancer and other disease models and may ultimately
      be of value for clinical imaging.

PMID- 28077271
TI  - Occupational exposure to pesticides, reproductive hormone levels and sperm
      quality in young Brazilian men.
AB  - The association of occupational exposure to current-use pesticides with
      reproductive hormones, semen quality, and genital measures was investigated among
      young men in the South of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 99
      rural and 36 urban men aged 18-23 years. Information on pesticide use was
      obtained through questionnaire. Serum and semen samples were analyzed for sex
      hormones and sperm parameters, respectively, and measurement of anogenital
      distance (AGD) and testis volume (TV) were performed. Associations were explored
      using multivariate linear regression. Rural men had poorer sperm morphology,
      higher sperm count, and lower LH levels relative to urban subjects. Lifetime use
      of pesticides, especially herbicides and fungicides, was associated with poorer
      morphology and reduced LH and prolactin, with evidence of a linear pattern.
      Maternal farming during pregnancy was associated with larger AGD and TV. Chronic
      occupational exposure to modern pesticides may affect reproductive outcomes in
      young men.

PMID- 28077272
TI  - Evaluation of sodium arsenite exposure on reproductive competence in pregnant and
      postlactational dams and their offspring.
AB  - We investigated arsenite exposure on the reproductive axis of dams (during
      pregnancy and at cyclicity resumption) and their offspring. Pregnant rats were
      exposed to 5 (A5) or 50ppm (A50) of sodium arsenite in drinking water from
      gestational day 1 (GD1) until sacrifice at GD18 or two months postpartum.
      Offspring were exposed to the same treatment as their mothers from weaning to
      adulthood. A50-pregnant rats gained less weight, showed increased testosterone
      and estradiol but pregnancy was unaffected. After lactation, arsenic-exposed dams
      presented compromised cyclicity, decreased estradiol, increased follicle
      stimulating hormone (FSH), less preovulatory follicles and presence of ovarian
      cysts, suggesting impaired reproduction. A50-offspring presented lower body
      weight; A50-female-offspring showed elevated gonadotropin releasing hormone
      (GnRH), FSH and testosterone, while A50-males showed diminished GnRH/FSH, but
      normal testosterone. We conclude that arsenite at the present exposure levels did
      not compromise pregnancy outcome while it negatively affected reproductive
      physiology in postpartum dams and their offspring.

PMID- 28077273
TI  - Reevaluating the mechanism of excitation energy regulation in iron-starved
      cyanobacteria.
AB  - This paper presents spectroscopic investigations of IsiA, a chlorophyll a-binding
      membrane protein produced by cyanobacteria grown in iron-deficient environments.
      IsiA, if associated with photosystem I, supports photosystem I in light
      harvesting by efficiently transferring excitation energy. However, if separated
      from photosystem I, IsiA exhibits considerable excitation quenching observed as a
      substantial reduction of protein-bound chlorophyll a fluorescence lifetime.
      Previous spectroscopic studies suggested that carotenoids are involved in
      excitation energy dissipation and in addition play a second role in this antenna
      complex by supporting chlorophyll a in light harvesting by absorbing in the
      spectral range inaccessible for chlorophyll a and transferring excitation to
      chlorophylls. However, this investigation does not support these proposed roles
      of carotenoids in this light harvesting protein. This study shows that
      carotenoids do not transfer excitation energy to chlorophyll a. In addition, our
      investigations do not support the hypothesis that carotenoids are quenchers of
      the excited state of chlorophyll a in this protein complex. We propose that
      quenching of chlorophyll a fluorescence in IsiA is maintained by pigment-protein
      interaction via electron transfer from an excited chlorophyll a to a cysteine
      residue, an excitation quenching mechanism that was recently proposed to regulate
      the light harvesting capabilities of the bacteriochlorophyll a-containing Fenna
      Mathews-Olson protein from green sulfur bacteria.

PMID- 28077274
TI  - The role and regulation of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha
      in human liver.
AB  - The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is a ligand
      activated transcription factor that is abundantly expressed in liver. PPARalpha
      is activated by fatty acids and various other lipid species, as well as by a
      class of chemicals referred to as peroxisome proliferators. Studies in mice have
      shown that PPARalpha serves as the master regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism
      during fasting. In addition, PPARalpha suppresses inflammation and the acute
      phase response. Comparatively little is known about PPARalpha in human liver.
      Here, an overview is provided of the role and regulation of PPARalpha in human
      liver. The main outcomes are: 1) the level of PPARA mRNA expression in human and
      mouse liver is similar. 2) Expression of PPARA in human liver is reduced in
      patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or infected with the hepatitis C
      virus. 3) PPARalpha in human liver is able to effectively induce the expression
      of numerous genes involved in numerous lipid metabolic pathways, including
      microsomal, peroxisomal and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, fatty acid
      binding and activation, fatty acid elongation and desaturation, synthesis and
      breakdown of triglycerides and lipid droplets, lipoprotein metabolism,
      gluconeogenesis, bile acid metabolism, and various other metabolic pathways and
      genes. 4) PPARalpha activation in human liver causes the down-regulation of a
      large number of genes involved in various immunity-related pathways. 5)
      Peroxisome proliferators do not promote tumour formation in human liver as
      opposed to mouse liver because of structural and functional differences between
      human and mouse PPARalpha. 6) In addition to helping to correct dyslipidemia,
      PPARalpha agonists may hold promise as a therapy for patients with cholestatic
      liver diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and/or type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28077275
TI  - Investigations of blood ammonia analysis: Test matrices, storage, and stability.
AB  - An assessment of blood ammonia concentration is common medical practice in the
      evaluation of an individual with an unexplained mental status change or coma. The
      determination of a blood ammonia level is most commonly done using a glutamate
      dehydrogenase (GLDH)-based assay, although there are many potential sources of
      artifact and the literature is inconsistent regarding key preanalytic issues.
      Using a GLDH-based assay, we first investigated matrix effects using three
      anticoagulants: heparin, EDTA and oxalate. Heparin-anticoagulated plasma was
      substantially less precise than EDTA- and oxalate-anticoagulated plasma. Oxalate
      anticoagulated plasma showed a greater baseline of apparent ammonia than either
      heparin- or EDTA-derived plasma, presumably due to interferants. We then
      evaluated the stability of EDTA-anticoagulated plasma for assessment of ammonia
      when stored at 4 degrees C,-14 degrees C or -70 degrees C. There was a linear
      increase of ammonia with storage at both 4 degrees C and -14 degrees C. Plasma
      kept at -70 degrees C for up to three weeks showed no change in measured ammonia
      relative to the baseline determination. This work clarifies preanalytic
      conditions for which a precise determination of ammonia can be accomplished using
      a GLDH-based assay.

PMID- 28077276
TI  - In vitro prediction of gastrointestinal absorption of novel beta-hydroxy-beta
      arylalkanoic acids using PAMPA technique.
AB  - Prediction of gastrointestinal absorption of thirteen newly synthesized beta
      hydroxy-beta-arylalkanoic acids (HAA) and ibuprofen was performed using PAMPA
      test. The highest values of PAMPA parameters (%T and Papp) were calculated for
      1C, 1B and 2C and these parameters were significantly lower in comparison to
      ibuprofen. QSPR analysis was performed in order to identify molecular descriptors
      with the highest influence on %T and -logPapp and to create models which could be
      used for the design of novel HAA with improved gastrointestinal absorption.
      Obtained results indicate that introduction of branched side chain, as well as
      introduction of substituents on one phenyl ring (which disturb symmetry of the
      molecule) could have positive impact on gastrointestinal absorption. On the basis
      of these results, six novel HAA were designed and PAMPA parameters %T and 
      logPapp were predicted by use of selected QSPR models. Designed derivatives
      should have better gastrointestinal absorption than HAA tested in this study.

PMID- 28077277
TI  - Berberine protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury after orthotopic liver
      transplantation via activating Sirt1/FoxO3alpha induced autophagy.
AB  - The effects and mechanism of berberine (BBR) on hepatic injury after orthotopic
      liver transplantation (OLT) have not been well characterized. We examined the
      role of Sirt1/FoxO3alpha axis in the protective effect of BBR on
      ischemia/reperfusion injury after OLT. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly
      allocated into four groups: Sham, OLT, OLT with BBR pretreatment (BBR), OLT with
      BBR and Sirt1 inhibitor (EX527) pretreatment group (EX527). The liver function
      and oxidative stress level were measured by biochemical and histopathologic
      examinations. The formation of autophagosome was observed by transmission
      electron microscopy. The apoptotic rate was determined by TUNEL analysis and the
      apoptotic mRNA expression. The expression of Sirt1, FoxO3alpha, Beclin-1, LC3
      II/LC3-I, p62 and the acetylation of FoxO3alpha were assayed by western blot
      assay and immunoprecipitation. Compared with the OLT group, BBR dramatically
      attenuated the histopathologic damage, restored the liver function, and decreased
      the oxidative stress level. Simultaneously, BBR significantly ameliorated
      apoptosis by decreasing the apoptotic rate and the expression of apoptotic mRNA
      in rats subjected to OLT. The level of Beclin-1 and LC3-II/LC3-I were upregulated
      with the inhibition of p62. The deacetylation of FoxO3alpha by Sirt1 was enhanced
      in the nuclear of liver after pretreated with BBR. However, the inhibition of
      Sirt1 by EX527 counteracted the protective effects of BBR. Thus, BBR
      preconditioning promotes liver transplant ischemia/reperfusion injury partly via
      activating Sirt1/FoxO3alpha mediated autophagy.

PMID- 28077279
TI  - Homology analysis detects topological changes of Iba1 localization accompanied by
      microglial activation.
AB  - The state of microglial activation provides important information about the
      central nervous system. However, a reliable index of microglial activation in
      histological samples has yet to be established. Here, we show that microglial
      activation induces topological changes of Iba1 localization that can be detected
      by analysis based on homology theory. Analysis of homology was applied to images
      of Iba1-stained tissue sections, and the 0-dimentional Betti number (b0: the
      number of solid components) and the 1-dimentional Betti number (b1: the number of
      windows surrounded by solid components) were obtained. We defined b1/b0 as the
      Homology Value (HV), and investigated its validity as an index of microglial
      activation using cerebral ischemia model mice. Microglial activation was
      accompanied by changes to Iba1 localization and morphology of microglial
      processes. In single microglial cells, the change of Iba1 localization increased
      b1. Conversely, thickening or retraction of microglial processes decreased b0.
      Consequently, microglial activation increased the HV. The HV of a tissue area
      increased with proximity to the ischemic core and showed a high degree of
      concordance with the number of microglia expressing activation makers.
      Furthermore, the HV of human metastatic brain tumor tissue also increased with
      proximity to the tumor. These results suggest that our index, based on homology
      theory, can be used to correctly evaluate microglial activation in various tissue
      images.

PMID- 28077278
TI  - Oscillatory EEG activity induced by conditioning stimuli during fear conditioning
      reflects Salience and Valence of these stimuli more than Expectancy.
AB  - Imaging studies have described hemodynamic activity during fear conditioning
      protocols with stimulus trains in which a visual conditioned stimulus (CS+) is
      paired with an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US, painful laser pulse) while
      another visual stimulus is unpaired (CS-). We now test the hypothesis that CS
      Event Related Spectral Perturbations (ERSPs) are related to ratings of CS
      Expectancy (likelihood of pairing with the US), Valence (unpleasantness) and
      Salience (ability to capture attention). ERSP windows in EEG were defined by both
      time after the CS and frequency, and showed increased oscillatory power (Event
      Related Synchronization, ERS) in the Delta/Theta Windows (0-8Hz) and the Gamma
      Window (30-55Hz). Decreased oscillatory power (Event Related Desynchronization -
      ERD) was found in Alpha (8-14Hz) and Beta Windows (14-30Hz). The Delta/Theta ERS
      showed a differential effect of CS+ versus CS- at Prefrontal, Frontal and Midline
      Channels, while Alpha and Beta ERD were greater at Parietal and Occipital
      Channels early in the stimulus train. The Gamma ERS Window increased from
      habituation to acquisition over a broad area from frontal and occipital
      electrodes. The CS Valence and Salience were greater for CS+ than CS-, and were
      correlated with each other and with the ERD at overlapping channels, particularly
      in the Alpha Window. Expectancy and CS Skin Conductance Response were greater for
      CS+ than CS- and were correlated with ERSP at fewer channels than Valence or
      Salience. These results suggest that Alpha ERSP activity during fear conditioning
      reflects Valence and Salience of the CSs more than conditioning per se.

PMID- 28077280
TI  - Engineering out the noise.
AB  - The US Navy, through an Office of Naval Research (ONR) lead effort on Noise
      Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), is investigating methods and techniques to mitigate
      hearing loss for the crews and warfighters. Hearing protection is a viable and
      increasingly popular method of reducing hearing exposure for many ship crew
      members; however, it has limitations on comfort and low frequency effectiveness.
      Furthermore, Personal Hearing Protection (PHP) is often used improperly. Proper
      vessel planning, programmatic changes and advances in noise control engineering
      can also have significant impacts by inherently reducing noise exposure through
      ship design and use of noise control treatments. These impacts go beyond hearing
      loss mitigation since they can improve quality of life onboard vessels and
      provide enhanced warfighter performance. Such approaches also can be made to work
      in the lower frequency range where hearing protection is not as effective. This
      paper describes non-hearing protection methods being implemented to mitigate and
      control noise within the US Navy and US Marine Corps. These approaches reflect
      the latest changes to Mil-Std 1474E, Appendix F.

PMID- 28077281
TI  - Does acute or habitual protein deprivation influence liking for monosodium
      glutamate?
AB  - The umami flavour generated by monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been proposed as
      the marker for the presence of protein in foods. As protein is the most closely
      regulated macronutrient in the diet, the present study addressed whether acute
      protein deprivation, habitual protein intake or a combination of the two
      influenced liking for the taste of MSG. 24 low-restraint male participants (mean
      age: 22; BMI: 23) consumed either their habitual breakfast (baseline), a low
      protein breakfast (breakfast meal with low protein milk and milkshake) or a high
      protein breakfast (breakfast meal with high protein milk and milkshake) on three
      different days, and then evaluated the acceptability of umami (MSG), salty (NaCl)
      or sweet (Acesulphame K) tastes at low or high concentrations in a soup context
      at lunchtime. Participants also completed a habitual protein intake questionnaire
      (39-item protein Food Frequency Questionnaire). Liking for all tastes was higher
      on the low than on the high protein day, and NaCl and Acesulphame K were liked
      less on both protein manipulation days when compared to the no added flavour
      control. Habitual protein intake was not related to liking for MSG stimuli alone
      but habitual high protein consumers rated a high concentration of MSG as more
      pleasant than any other taste when in protein deficit. Overall, these findings
      suggest that liking for high MSG concentrations may be moderated by nutritional
      need in high protein consumers.

PMID- 28077282
TI  - The changing face of bacteraemia in an HIV-1 positive cohort in the United
      Kingdom.

PMID- 28077284
TI  - Structural Biology of the Cvt Pathway.
AB  - Macroautophagy is a degradation process in which autophagosomes are generated to
      isolate and transport various materials, including damaged organelles and protein
      aggregates, as cargos to the lysosomes or vacuoles. Bulk autophagy is one of the
      two types of macroautophagy, which is triggered by starvation and targets non
      specific cargos. The second type, that is, selective autophagy, identifies and
      preferentially degrades specific cargos via receptor recognition. Cytoplasm-to
      vacuole targeting (Cvt) is a selective autophagy pathway that specifically
      transports vacuolar hydrolases into the vacuole in budding yeast cells and has
      been extensively studied as a model of selective autophagy. In the present
      review, we focused on the Cvt pathway, especially on the recent structural
      insights into cargo assembly, receptor recognition, and recruitment mechanisms of
      the Cvt machinery. Elucidating the Cvt pathway would help in understanding the
      basic molecular mechanisms of various types of selective autophagy.

PMID- 28077283
TI  - Aetiology of febrile pharyngitis in children: Potential of myxovirus resistance
      protein A (MxA) as a biomarker of viral infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Besides group A streptococcus (GAS), microbial causes of pharyngitis
      in children are not well known. We aimed to document the viral and bacterial
      aetiology of pharyngitis and to assess the pathogenic role of viruses by
      determining the myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) in the blood as a marker of
      interferon response. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, throat
      swabs and blood samples were collected from children (age 1-16 years) presenting
      to the emergency department with febrile pharyngitis. Microbial cause was sought
      by bacterial culture, polymerase chain reaction, and serology. Blood MxA level
      was determined. RESULTS: A potential pathogen was detected in 88% of 83 patients:
      GAS alone in 10%, GAS and viruses in 13%, group C or G streptococci alone in 2%
      and together with viruses in 3%, and viruses alone in 59% of cases.
      Enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, and adenoviruses were the most frequently detected
      viruses. Blood MxA levels were higher in children with viral (880 [245-1250]
      MUg/L; median [IQR]) or concomitant GAS-viral (340 [150-710] MUg/L) than in those
      with sole GAS (105 [80-160] MUg/L) infections. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of
      respiratory viruses simultaneously with elevated blood MxA levels supports the
      causative role of viruses in the majority of children with pharyngitis.

PMID- 28077285
TI  - A Fluorophore Fusion Construct of Human Profilin I with Non-Compromised Poly(L
      Proline) Binding Capacity Suitable for Imaging.
AB  - Profilin is vital for actin organisation in eukaryotic cells. It controls actin
      filament formation by binding monomeric actin and numerous proteins involved in
      polarised actin assembly. Important for the latter is the interaction surface
      formed by the N- and C-terminal helices, which pack close to each other on one
      side of the molecule at a distance from the actin site and mediate binding to
      poly-proline sequences present in many of the targeted proteins. Via these
      interactions, profilin contributes to the spatiotemporal control of actin
      filament growth. Studies of profilin dynamics in living cells by imaging
      techniques have been hampered by problems to generate fusion constructs with
      fluorophore proteins without negatively impacting on its poly-proline binding.
      With the object to circumvent this problem, we have generated an internal fusion
      of profilin with the green fluorescent variant citrine, here referred to as
      citrine-profilin. The characterisation of citrine-profilin (CIT-Pfn) demonstrates
      that it has full capacity to interact with poly-proline and also binds
      phosphatidylinositol lipids and actin, albeit with 10 times reduced affinity for
      the latter. Imaging of living cells expressing CIT-Pfn showed a distribution of
      the fusion protein similar to endogenous profilin. Furthermore, CIT-Pfn rescued
      the phenotypes observed after the Crispr/Cas9 knockout of the profilin 1 gene,
      including the lost migratory capacity characterising the knockout cells. Based on
      this, we conclude that the CIT-Pfn construct will be useful as a tool for
      displaying profilin localisation in living cells and obtaining information on its
      dynamic organisation under different conditions and activations of the actin
      microfilament and microtubule systems.

PMID- 28077286
TI  - Assessment of neuroanatomical and behavioural effects of in ovo methylmercury
      exposure in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).
AB  - Methylmercury (MeHg) readily crosses the blood brain barrier and is a known neuro
      toxicant. MeHg accumulation in the brain causes histopathological alterations,
      neurobehavioral changes, and impairments to cognitive motor functions in
      mammalian models. However, in birds the neurotoxic effects of MeHg on the
      developing pre-hatching brain and consequent behavioral alterations in adult
      birds have not received much attention. Moreover, passerine birds are poorly
      represented in MeHg neurotoxicology studies in comparison to other avian orders.
      Hence in this study, we used the egg injection method to investigate the long
      term effects of in ovo MeHg exposure on brain histopathology and courtship
      behavior in a model songbird species, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Egg
      treatment groups included: a low MeHg dose of 0.2MUg Hg g-1 egg, a high MeHg dose
      of 3.2MUg Hg g-1 egg, and a vehicle control (water). No adverse effects of in ovo
      MeHg treatment were detected on courtship song quality or on mating behavior in
      experimental males at sexually maturity which would suggest that observable
      neurobehavioral effects of MeHg exposure may depend on the timing of exposure
      during offspring development. However, neuroanatomical analysis indicated an
      increase in telencephalon volume with increased MeHg concentrations which may
      suggest a prolonged inflammatory response in this region of the brain.

PMID- 28077287
TI  - Iron oxide nanoparticles modulate heat shock proteins and organ specific markers
      expression in mice male accessory organs.
AB  - With increased industrial utilization of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3-NPs),
      concerns on adverse reproductive health effects following exposure have been
      immensely raised. In the present study, the effects of Fe2O3-NPs exposure in the
      seminal vesicle and prostate gland were studied in mice. Mice were exposed to two
      different doses (25 and 50 mg/kg) of Fe2O3-NPs along with the control and
      analyzed the expressions of heat shock proteins (HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90) and
      organ specific markers (Caltrin, PSP94, and SSLP1). Fe2O3-NPs decreased food
      consumption, water intake, and organo-somatic index in mice with elevated iron
      levels in serum, urine, fecal matter, seminal vesicle and prostate gland. FTIR
      spectra revealed alterations in the functional groups of biomolecules on Fe2O3
      NPs treatment. These changes are accompanied by increased lactate dehydrogenase
      levels with decreased total protein and fructose levels. The investigation of
      oxidative stress biomarkers demonstrated a significant increase in reactive
      oxygen species, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content and
      glutathione peroxidase with a concomitant decrement in the glutathione and
      ascorbic acid in the male accessory organs which confirmed the induction of
      oxidative stress. An increase in NADPH-oxidase-4 with a decrease in glutathione-S
      transferase was observed in the seminal vesicle and prostate gland of the treated
      groups. An alteration in HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, Caltrin, PSP94, and SSLP1
      expression was also observed. Moreover, accumulation of Fe2O3-NPs brought
      pathological changes in the seminal vesicle and prostate gland of treated mice.
      These findings provide evidence that Fe2O3-NPs could be an environmental risk
      factor for reproductive disease.

PMID- 28077288
TI  - Micro-endoscopic system for functional assessment of neural circuits in deep
      brain regions: Simultaneous optical and electrical recordings of auditory
      responses in mouse's inferior colliculus.
AB  - In vivo Ca2+ imaging is a powerful method for the functional assessment of neural
      circuits. Although multi-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy has been
      widely used, observation of circuits in deep brain regions remains challenging.
      Recently, observing these deep regions has become possible via an endoscope
      consisting of an optical fiber bundle or gradient-index lens. We have designed a
      micro-endoscope system that enables simultaneous optical recording of
      fluorescence and electrical recording of neural activity. Using this system, we
      recorded auditory responses by simultaneously detecting changes in the
      fluorescence intensity of a Ca2+ indicator dye, multi-unit activities (MUA), and
      local field potentials (LFP) in the mouse's inferior colliculus (IC). Such
      simultaneous optical and electrical recordings enabled detailed comparison of
      electrically recorded phenomena (MUA and LFP) and optically recorded Ca2+
      response. By systematically changing sound frequency and intensity, we determined
      the frequency tuning of the recording site. The best frequency shifted higher as
      the probe advanced more deeply, demonstrating that the system is capable of
      optically measuring the dorso-ventral organization of IC (i.e., tonotopicity).
      Thus, our new micro-endoscope system will be useful in the neurophysiological
      studies of a wide range of brain circuits, including those within the auditory
      system.

PMID- 28077290
TI  - Hidden symmetries of DNA molecule.
AB  - Despite the fact that DNA molecule is studied up and down, we know very little
      about the role of DNA triplets in coding amino acids and stop-codons. The paper
      aims to fill this gap through attracting spintronic ideas and carrying out QM/MM
      computations on a full-turn DNA fragment. The computations reveal two hidden
      symmetries: the spin splitting (the Rashba effect), confined within each triplet,
      and the quantum "phase" link between the triplet nature (in total, 64 triplets)
      and the corresponding amino acid and three stop-codons. The hidden symmetries
      become evident upon binding the magnesium cofactor to DNA triplets in 5'-3' and
      3'-5' directions.

PMID- 28077289
TI  - Vitamin D3 protects against Abeta peptide cytotoxicity in differentiated human
      neuroblastoma SH- SY5Y cells: A role for S1P1/p38MAPK/ATF4 axis.
AB  - Besides its classical function of bone metabolism regulation, 1alpha, 25
      dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), acts on a variety of tissues including the
      nervous system, where the hormone plays an important role as neuroprotective,
      antiproliferating and differentiating agent. Sphingolipids are bioactive lipids
      that play critical and complex roles in regulating cell fate. In the present
      paper we have investigated whether sphingolipids are involved in the protective
      action of 1,25(OH)2D3. We have found that 1,25(OH)2D3 prevents amyloid-beta
      peptide (Abeta(1-42)) cytotoxicity both in differentiated SH-SY5Y human
      neuroblastoma cells and in vivo. In differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, Abeta(1-42)
      strongly reduces the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/ceramide (Cer) ratio while
      1,25(OH)2D3 partially reverts this effect. 1,25(OH)2D3 reverts also the Abeta(1
      42)-induced reduction of sphingosine kinase activity. We have also studied the
      crosstalk between 1,25(OH)2D3 and S1P signaling pathways downstream to the
      activation of S1P receptor subtype S1P1. Notably, we found that 1,25(OH)2D3
      prevents the reduction of S1P1 expression promoted by Abeta(1-42) and thereby it
      modulates the downstream signaling leading to ER stress damage (p38MAPK/ATF4).
      Similar effects were observed by using ZK191784. In addition, chronic treatment
      with 1,25(OH)2D3 protects from aggregated Abeta(1-42)-induced damage in the CA1
      region of the rat hippocampus and promotes cell proliferation in the hippocampal
      dentate gyrus of adult mice. In conclusion, these results represent the first
      evidence of the role of 1,25(OH)2D3 and its structural analogue ZK191784 in
      counteracting the Abeta(1-42) peptide-induced toxicity through the modulation of
      S1P/S1P1/p38MAPK/ATF4 pathway in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.

PMID- 28077291
TI  - In vitro dentin barrier cytotoxicity testing of some dental restorative
      materials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the cytotoxicity of four dental restorative materials
      in three-dimensional (3D) L929 cell cultures using a dentin barrier test.
      METHODS: The cytotoxicities of light-cured glass ionomer cement (Vitrebond),
      total-etching adhesive (GLUMA Bond5), and two self-etching adhesives (GLUMA Self
      Etch and Single Bond Universal) were evaluated. The permeabilities of human
      dentin disks with thicknesses of 300, 500, and 1000MUm were standardized using a
      hydraulic device. Test materials and controls were applied to the occlusal side
      of human dentin disks. The 3D-cell scaffolds were placed beneath the dentin
      disks. After a 24-h contact with the dentin barrier test device, cell viabilities
      were measured by performing MTT assays. Statistical analysis was performed using
      the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The mean (SD) permeabilities of the 300-MUm,
      500-MUm, and 1000-MUm dentin disks were 0.626 (0.214), 0.219 (0.0387) and 0.089
      (0.028) MUlmin-1cm-2cm H2O-1. Vitrebond was severely cytotoxic, reducing the cell
      viability to 10% (300-MUm disk), 17% (500MUm), and 18% (1000MUm). GLUMA Bond5
      reduced the cell viability to 40% (300MUm), 83% (500MUm), and 86% (1000MUm),
      showing moderate cytotoxicity (300-MUm) and non-cytotoxicity (500-MUm and 1000
      MUm). Single Bond Universal and GLUMA Self Etch did not significantly reduce cell
      viability, regardless of the dentin thicknesses, which characterized them as non
      cytotoxic. CONCLUSIONS: Cytotoxicity varied with the materials tested and the
      thicknesses of the dentin disks. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The tested cytotoxicity
      of materials applied on 300-, 500-, and 1000-MUm dentin disks indicates that the
      clinical use of the test materials (excepting self-etching adhesives) in deep
      cavities poses a potential risk of damage to the pulp tissues to an extent,
      depending on the thickness of the remaining dentin.

PMID- 28077292
TI  - General and specific factors in the processing of faces.
AB  - The ability to recognize faces varies considerably between individuals, but does
      performance co-vary for tests of different aspects of face processing? For 397
      participants (of whom the majority were university students) we obtained scores
      on the Mooney Face Test, Glasgow Face Matching Test (GFMT), Cambridge Face Memory
      Test (CFMT) and Composite Face Test. Overall performance was significantly
      correlated for each pair of tests, and we suggest the term f for the factor
      underlying this pattern of positive correlations. However, there were large
      variations in the amount of variance shared by individual tests: The GFMT and
      CFMT are strongly related, whereas the GFMT and the Mooney test tap largely
      independent abilities. We do not replicate a frequently reported relationship
      between holistic processing (from the Composite test) and face recognition (from
      the CFMT)-indeed, holistic processing does not correlate with any of our tests.
      We report associations of performance with digit ratio and autism-spectrum
      quotient (AQ), and from our genome-wide association study we include a list of
      suggestive genetic associations with performance on the four face tests, as well
      as with f.

PMID- 28077293
TI  - Autophagosome Maturation and Fusion.
AB  - Macroautophagy, or simply autophagy, is a degradative pathway that delivers
      cytoplasmic components, including cytosol and organelles, to the lysosome in
      double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes. This process is initiated at the
      pre-autophagosomal structure or phagophore assembly site and involves a number of
      highly conserved autophagy-related proteins. These support the generation and
      conversion of an open membranous cistern known as the phagophore or isolation
      membrane into a closed autophagosome. Within this review, we will focus on recent
      insights into the molecular events following the sealing/completion of an
      autophagosome, which lead to its maturation and subsequent fusion with
      endosomes/lysosomes.

PMID- 28077294
TI  - Into the golden anniversary of the yellow journal.

PMID- 28077295
TI  - Improved mucoadhesive properties of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems
      (SNEDDS) by introducing acyl chitosan.
AB  - This study was aimed to improve the mucoadhesive properties of SNEDDS by the
      incorporation of acyl chitosan including octanoyl chitosan (OC), lauroyl chitosan
      (LC) and palmitoyl chitosan (PC). SNEDDS and acyl chitosan SNEDDS were
      characterized regarding droplet size and zeta potential. Their mucoadhesivity on
      porcine intestinal mucosa was evaluated by falling liquid film technique using
      Sudan Red G as marker. Degree of substitution of chitosan was determined to be
      52.8%, 64.8 and 48.5% for OC, LC and PC, respectively. SNEDDS and acyl chitosan
      SNEDDS displayed a droplet size less than 50nm and 80-300nm as well as a zeta
      potential of -0.2 to -1.6 and 0.05 to 0.99mV, respectively. Introducing 2% acyl
      chitosan into SNEDDS increased the residence time of SNEDDS on intestinal mucosa
      2-fold. It is concluded that due to the incorporation of acyl chitosan into
      SNEDDS, their mucoadhesive properties can be increased.

PMID- 28077296
TI  - Extracellular vesicle communication pathways as regulatory targets of oncogenic
      transformation.
AB  - Pathogenesis of human cancers bridges intracellular oncogenic driver events and
      their impact on intercellular communication. Among multiple mediators of this
      'pathological connectivity' the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their
      subsets (exosomes, ectosomes, oncosomes) is of particular interest for several
      reasons. The release of EVs from cancer cells represents a unique mechanism of
      regulated expulsion of bioactive molecules, a process that also mediates cell-to
      cell transfer of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Biological effects of these
      processes have been implicated in several aspects of cancer-related pathology,
      including tumour growth, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunity and
      thrombosis. Notably, the emerging evidence suggests that oncogenic mutations may
      impact several aspects of EV-mediated cell-cell communication including: (i) EV
      release rate and protein content; (ii) molecular composition of cancer EVs; (iii)
      the inclusion of oncogenic and mutant macromolecules in the EV cargo; (iv) EV
      mediated release of genomic DNA; (v) deregulation of mechanisms responsible for
      EV biogenesis (vesiculome) and (vi) mechanisms of EV uptake by cancer cells.
      Intriguingly, EV-mediated intercellular transfer of mutant and oncogenic
      molecules between subpopulations of cancer cells, their indolent counterparts and
      stroma may exert profound biological effects that often resemble (but are not
      tantamount to) oncogenic transformation, including changes in cell growth,
      clonogenicity and angiogenic phenotype, or cause cell stress and death. However,
      several biological barriers likely curtail a permanent horizontal transformation
      of normal cells through EV-mediated mechanisms. The ongoing analysis and
      targeting of EV-mediated intercellular communication pathways can be viewed as a
      new therapeutic paradigm in cancer, while the analysis of oncogenic cargo
      contained in EVs released from cancer cells into biofluids is being developed for
      clinical use as a biomarker and companion diagnostics. Indeed, studies are
      underway to further explore the multiple links between molecular causality in
      cancer and various aspects of cellular vesiculation.

PMID- 28077297
TI  - Exosomes: Key mediators of metastasis and pre-metastatic niche formation.
AB  - While tumour cells are classically known to communicate via direct cell-to-cell
      contact and the secretion of soluble protein-based factors such as cytokines and
      growth factors, alternative novel mechanisms that promote tumour progression have
      recently emerged. Now, new critical components of the secretome thought to be
      involved in tumour progression are exosomes, small vesicles of endocytic origin
      that carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, RNA, as
      well as DNA molecules. Cancer cell-derived exosomes have been shown to
      participate in crucial steps of metastatic spread of a primary tumour, ranging
      from oncogenic reprogramming of malignant cells to formation of pre-metastatic
      niches. These effects are achieved through the mediation of intercellular cross
      talk and subsequent modification of both local and distant microenvironments in
      an autocrine and paracrine fashion. Here, we summarise the recent findings that
      implicate this non-canonical signalling within the tumour as a critical driver of
      metastatic disease progression, and discuss how understanding the molecular
      mechanisms involved in exosome-mediated metastasis is of great value for the
      development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent cancer progression.

PMID- 28077299
TI  - Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors in the treatment of ALK-driven lung
      cancers.
AB  - Anaplastic lymphoma kinase is expressed in two-thirds of the anaplastic large
      cell lymphomas as an NPM-ALK fusion protein. Physiological ALK is a receptor
      protein-tyrosine kinase within the insulin receptor superfamily of proteins that
      participates in nervous system development. The EML4-ALK fusion protein and four
      other ALK-fusion proteins play a fundamental role in the development in about 5%
      of non-small cell lung cancers. The amino-terminal portions of the ALK fusion
      proteins result in dimerization and subsequent activation of the ALK protein
      kinase domain that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of various tumors.
      Downstream signaling from the ALK fusion protein leads to the activation of the
      Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 cell proliferation module and the JAK/STAT cell survival
      pathways. Moreover, nearly two dozen ALK activating mutations are involved in the
      pathogenesis of childhood neuroblastomas. The occurrence of oncogenic ALK-fusion
      proteins, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer, has fostered considerable
      interest in the development of ALK inhibitors. Crizotinib was the first such
      inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of
      ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer in 2011. The median time for the
      emergence of crizotinib drug resistance is 10.5 months after the initiation of
      therapy. Such resistance prompted the development of second-generation drugs
      including ceritinib and alectinib, which are approved for the treatment of non
      small cell lung cancer. Unlike the single gatekeeper mutation that occurs in drug
      resistant epidermal growth factor receptor in lung cancer, nearly a dozen
      different mutations in the catalytic domain of ALK fusion proteins have been
      discovered that result in crizotinib resistance. Crizotinib, ceritinib, and
      alectinib form a complex within the front cleft between the small and large lobes
      of an inactive ALK protein-kinase domain with a compact activation segment. These
      drugs are classified as type I1/2 B inhibitors because they bind to an inactive
      enzyme and they do not extend past the gatekeeper into the back pocket of the
      drug binding site.

PMID- 28077300
TI  - Pharmacological strategies to target oncogenic KRAS signaling in pancreatic
      cancer.
AB  - The clear importance of mutated KRAS as a therapeutic target has driven the
      investigation of multiple approaches to inhibit oncogenic KRAS signaling at
      different molecular levels. However, no KRAS-targeted therapy has reached the
      clinic to date, which underlies the intrinsic difficulty in developing effective,
      direct inhibitors of KRAS. Thus, this article provides an overview of the history
      and recent progress in the development of pharmacological strategies to target
      oncogenic KRAS with small molecule agents. Mechanistically, these KRAS-targeted
      agents can be classified into the following four categories. (1) Small-molecule
      RAS-binding ligands that prevent RAS activation by binding within or outside the
      nucleotide-binding motif. (2) Inhibitors of KRAS membrane anchorage. (3)
      Inhibitors that bind to RAS-binding domains of RAS-effector proteins. (4)
      Inhibitors of KRAS expression. The advantage and limitation of each type of these
      anti-KRAS agents are discussed.

PMID- 28077298
TI  - The underestimated N-glycomes of lepidopteran species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insects are significant to the environment, agriculture, health and
      biotechnology. Many of these aspects display some relationship to glycosylation,
      e.g., in case of pathogen binding or production of humanised antibodies; for a
      long time, it has been considered that insect N-glycosylation potentials are
      rather similar and simple, but as more species are glycomically analysed in
      depth, it is becoming obvious that there is indeed a large structural diversity
      and interspecies variability. METHODS: Using an off-line LC-MALDI-TOF MS
      approach, we have analysed the N-glycomes of two lepidopteran species (the
      cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni and the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar) as well as of
      the commonly-used T. ni High Five cell line. RESULTS: We detected not only
      sulphated, glucuronylated, core difucosylated and Lewis-like antennal fucosylated
      structures, but also the zwitterion phosphorylcholine on antennal GlcNAc
      residues, a modification otherwise familiar from nematodes; in L. dispar, N
      glycans with glycolipid-like antennae containing alpha-linked N
      acetylgalactosamine were also revealed. CONCLUSION: The lepidopteran glycomes
      analysed not only display core alpha1,3-fucosylation, which is foreign to
      mammals, but also up to 5% anionic and/or zwitterionic glycans previously not
      found in these species. SIGNIFICANCE: The occurrence of anionic and zwitterionic
      glycans in the Lepidoptera data is not only of glycoanalytical and evolutionary
      interest, but is of biotechnological relevance as lepidopteran cell lines are
      potential factories for recombinant glycoprotein production.

PMID- 28077301
TI  - MiR-124 down-regulation is critical for cancer associated fibroblasts-enhanced
      tumor growth of oral carcinoma.
AB  - Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are known to be involved in initiation,
      progression and metastasis of various cancers. However, the molecular mechanism
      of how CAFs affects the biological function of oral cancer (OC) has not been
      fully-addressed. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-124 was downregulated in
      oral CAFs and oral cancer cells (OCCs) when compared with matched normal
      fibroblasts (NFs). Hypermethylation in the promoter region of miR-124 genes was
      accounted for its downregulation. Interestingly, CAFs but not NFs exerted
      promotion effect on OCCs cell proliferation, migration and tumor growth in
      CAFs/NFs-OCCs co-culture. Furthermore, we identified Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand
      2 (CCL2) and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) as two direct targets of miR-124. Over
      expression of miR-124 in CAFs-OCCs co-culture abrogated CAFs-promoted OCCs cell
      growth and migration, and this inhibitory effect can be rescued by addition of
      CCL2 and IL-8. Finally, we showed that restoration of miR-124 expression by
      lentiviral infection or formulated miR-124 injection inhibited oral tumor growth
      in vivo suggesting miR-124 rescue could be a potential rationale for therapeutic
      applications in oral cancer in the future.

PMID- 28077302
TI  - Neutrophil adhesion and crawling dynamics on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells
      under shear flow.
AB  - Neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte, PMN) recruitment in the liver sinusoid
      takes place in almost all liver diseases and contributes to pathogen clearance or
      tissue damage. While PMN rolling unlikely appears in liver sinusoids and Mac-1 or
      CD44 is assumed to play respective roles during in vivo local or systematic
      inflammatory stimulation, the regulating mechanisms of PMN adhesion and crawling
      dynamics are still unclear from those in vivo studies. Here we developed a two
      dimensional in vitro sinusoidal model with primary liver sinusoidal endothelial
      cells (LSECs) and Kupffer cells (KCs) to investigate TNF-alpha-induced PMN
      recruitment under shear flow. Our data demonstrated that LFA-1 dominates the
      static or shear resistant adhesion of PMNs while Mac-1 decelerates PMN crawling
      on LSEC monolayer. Any one of LFA-1, Mac-1, and CD44 molecules is not able to
      work effectively for mediating PMN transmigration across LSEC monolayer. The
      presence of KCs only affects the randomness of PMN crawling. These findings
      further the understandings of PMN recruitment under shear flow in liver
      sinusoids.

PMID- 28077303
TI  - Analysis and correction of field fluctuations in fMRI data using field
      monitoring.
AB  - This work investigates the role of magnetic field fluctuations as a confound in
      fMRI. In standard fMRI experiments with single-shot EPI acquisition at 3 Tesla
      the uniform and gradient components of the magnetic field were recorded with NMR
      field sensors. By principal component analysis it is found that differences of
      field evolution between the EPI readouts are explainable by few components
      relating to slow and within-shot field dynamics of hardware and physiological
      origin. The impact of fluctuating field components is studied by selective data
      correction and assessment of its influence on image fluctuation and SFNR.
      Physiological field fluctuations, attributed to breathing, were found to be small
      relative to those of hardware origin. The dominant confounds were hardware
      related and attributable to magnet drift and thermal changes. In raw image time
      series, field fluctuation caused significant SFNR loss, reflected by a 67% gain
      upon correction. Large part of this correction can be accomplished by traditional
      image realignment, which addresses slow and spatially uniform field changes. With
      realignment, explicit field correction increased the SFNR on the order of 6%. In
      conclusion, field fluctuations are a relevant confound in fMRI and can be
      addressed effectively by retrospective data correction. Based on the physics
      involved it is anticipated that the advantage of full field correction increases
      with field strength, with non-Cartesian readouts, and upon phase-sensitive BOLD
      analysis.

PMID- 28077304
TI  - Drosophila dorsal closure: An orchestra of forces to zip shut the embryo.
AB  - Dorsal closure, a late-embryogenesis process, consists in the sealing of an
      epidermal gap on the dorsal side of the Drosophila embryo. Because of its
      similarities with wound healing and neural tube closure in humans, it has been
      extensively studied in the last twenty years. The process requires the
      coordination of several force generating mechanisms, that together will zip shut
      the epidermis. Recent works have provided a precise description of the cellular
      behavior at the origin of these forces and proposed quantitative models of the
      process. In this review, we will describe the different forces acting in dorsal
      closure. We will present our current knowledge on the mechanisms generating and
      regulating these forces and report on the different quantitative mathematical
      models proposed so far.

PMID- 28077305
TI  - In utero exposure to fluoride and cognitive development delay in infants.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between in utero
      exposure to fluoride (F) and Mental and Psychomotor Development (MDI and PDI)
      evaluated through the Bayley Scale of Infant Development II (BSDI-II) in infants.
      The sample included 65 mother-infant pairs. Environmental exposure to F was
      quantified in tap and bottled water samples and F in maternal urine was the
      biological exposure indicator; samples were collected during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd
      trimester of pregnancy. The mean values of F in tap water for the 1st, 2nd and
      3rd trimester were 2.6+/-1.1mg/l, 3.1+/-1.1mg/l and 3.7+/-1.0mg/l respectively;
      above to 80% of the samples exceeded the reference value of 1.5mg/l (NOM-127-SSA1
      1994). Regarding F in maternal urine, mean values were 1.9+/-1.0mg/l, 2.0+/
      1.1mg/l and 2.7+/-1.1mg/l for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester respectively. The
      infants with MDI and PDI scores less than 85 points were 38.5% and 20.9%
      respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors (gestational age,
      age of child, marginalization index and type of water for consumption), the MDI
      showed an inverse association with F levels in maternal urine for the first
      (beta=-19.05, p=0.04) and second trimester (beta=-19.34, p=0.01). Our data
      suggests that cognitive alterations in children born from exposed mothers to F
      could start in early prenatal stages of life.

PMID- 28077306
TI  - The interaction of dietary isoflavones and estradiol replacement on behavior and
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the ovariectomized rat.
AB  - Phytoestrogens are plant derived, non-steroidal compounds naturally found in
      rodent chows that potentially have endocrine-disrupting effects. Isoflavones, the
      most common phytoestrogens, have a similar structure and molecular weight to
      17beta-estradiol (E2) and have the ability to bind and activate both isoforms of
      the estrogen receptor (ER). Most isoflavones have a higher affinity for ERbeta,
      which is involved in sexually dimorphic behavioral regulation. The goal of this
      study was to examine the interaction of isoflavones and E2 presence in the OVX
      rat on anxiety- and depressive- like behavior and the related BDNF
      pathophysiology. E2 administration resulted in anxiogenic behaviors when
      isoflavones were present in the diet (p<0.05), but anxiolytic behaviors when
      isoflavones were not present (p<0.05). E2 resulted in antidepressive-like
      behaviors in animals fed an isoflavone-rich diet (p<0.05), with no effect when
      isoflavones were removed. Increased hippocampal BDNF expression was observed in
      animals fed an isoflavone-rich diet after E2 administration (p<0.05). BDNF
      expression in the amygdala and hypothalamus was increased after E2 treatment in
      animals fed an isoflavone-rich diet. Overall, these results demonstrate that the
      presence of dietary isoflavones can differentially regulate the effect of E2
      replacement on behavior and BDNF expression.

PMID- 28077307
TI  - Impulsivity and test meal intake among women with bulimia nervosa.
AB  - Many patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) also meet criteria for a lifetime alcohol
      use disorder (AUD). In order to understand possible mechanisms contributing to
      the co-occurrence and perpetuation of these disorders, this study investigated
      the importance of impulsivity and test meal intake among patients with BN by
      comparing women with BN only (n = 18), BN and current/past AUDs (n = 13), and
      healthy controls (n = 12). All participants completed assessments of eating
      disorder symptoms, frequency of alcohol use, binge eating, and purging via
      questionnaires and semi-structured interviews over two sessions. Measures of
      impulsivity consisted of computerized and self-report measures, and laboratory
      test meals. Significant differences between individuals with BN with/without
      comorbid AUDs were not found for test meal intake, impulsivity measures, or self
      reported psychological symptoms. As hypothesized, compared to healthy controls,
      individuals with BN had significantly higher scores on two subscales and the
      total score of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, a trait measure of impulsivity,
      and consumed significantly more calories in the binge instruction meal. Total
      Barratt Impulsiveness Scale scores were also significantly related to kcal
      consumed during the laboratory test meal when individuals were instructed to
      binge eat (BN groups). Data from this study add to the existing literature
      implicating impulsivity in the psychopathology of disorders of binge eating,
      including BN, and also support the use of laboratory meals as a symptom-specific
      measure of this trait in eating disorder populations.

PMID- 28077308
TI  - Cookie or fruit? Relative reinforcing value of snack foods among preschoolers
      with overweight/obesity compared to healthy weight.
AB  - The reinforcing value of food is an important determinant of food intake.
      Research has yet to examine the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of snack foods
      in young children with overweight and obesity (OW/OB). The current study compared
      the RRV of high-energy dense foods (cookies) to low-energy dense foods (fruits)
      between preschoolers with OW/OB and healthy weight (HW). RRV of cookies and
      fruits in preschoolers with OW/OB (n = 30; Mage = 4.4 +/- 0.84; 60% male) and HW
      (n = 30; Mage = 4.5 +/- 0.85; 70% male) was assessed with a developmentally
      tailored computer program which used a progressive fixed ratio reward schedule.
      The results showed that the RRV of cookies was significantly higher for
      preschoolers with OW/OB compared to HW while the RRV of fruits was significantly
      higher for preschoolers with HW compared to OW/OB. These results suggest that
      cookies are more reinforcing for preschoolers with OW/OB and less reinforcing for
      preschoolers with HW. Finding ways to reduce the reinforcing value of high-energy
      dense snack foods and identify alternatives that are as reinforcing for
      preschoolers is a challenge for weight control treatments.

PMID- 28077309
TI  - Physical and biological characteristics of multi drug resistance (MDR): An
      integral approach considering pH and drug resistance in cancer.
AB  - The role of the Warburg effect in cancer remains to be elucidated with a
      resurgence in research efforts over the past decade. Why a cancer cell would
      prefer to use energy inefficient glycolysis, leading to an alteration of pH both
      inside and outside of the cell, remains to be uncovered. The development of MDR
      represents a major challenge in the treatment of cancer and it is explained, so
      far, by the over expression of drug transporters such as the well-known and
      archetypal P-glycoprotein (Pgp). However, controversies exist regarding the
      function of Pgp in multi-drug resistance. We suggest here that Pgp-mediated MDR
      relies fundamentally on pH alterations mediated by the Warburg effect.
      Furthermore, we propose that the use of proton pump and/or transporters
      inhibitors (PPIs/PTIs) in cancer are key to controlling both MDR, i.e. sensitize
      tumors to antineoplastic agents, and drug-related adverse effects.

PMID- 28077310
TI  - Zebrafish let-7b acts downstream of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha to assist in
      hypoxia-mediated cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation.
AB  - AIMS: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is a transcriptional regulator
      of cellular responses to hypoxic stress. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential
      role in hypoxia-mediated cellular responses. Previous studies have identified
      some let-7 family members as hypoxia-regulated miRNAs (HRMs). In the present
      study, we aimed to investigate whether zebrafish let-7b/7f contribute cellular
      hypoxic response in a Hif-1alpha-dependent manner. MAIN METHODS: Stable
      suppression of zebrafish hif-1alpha was achieved by microinjection of an
      optimized short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vector. Next-generation sequencing
      was conducted to characterize miRNA and mRNA expression profiles. MiRNA promoter
      analysis and target detection was performed by dual-luciferase assay.
      Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to determine the
      expression of let-7b/7f, Hif-1alpha and Foxh1. Proliferation of ZF4 cells was
      examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and cell cycle progression was
      analyzed by flow cytometry assay. KEY FINDINGS: Correlation between 7 miRNAs and
      76 putative targets was identified based on integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA
      profiles. Let-7b and let-7f were further considered as potential HRMs, with let
      7b further validated as Hif-1alpha up-regulated. In addition, Forkhead-box H1
      (Foxh1) was confirmed as a bona fide downstream target of let-7b. Furthermore,
      overexpression of both let-7b and let-7f repressed cell proliferation through
      blocking cell cycle progression of the G1-S transition. SIGNIFICANCE: Our
      findings for the first time suggest zebrafish let-7b acts downstream of Hif
      1alpha to assist in hypoxia-mediated cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation
      at least in part through the downregulation of foxh1. We also identified 4 novel
      potential HIF-1alpha-regulated miRNAs in zebrafish.

PMID- 28077311
TI  - Cortical thickness increases after simultaneous interpretation training.
AB  - Simultaneous interpretation is a complex cognitive task that not only demands
      multilingual language processing, but also requires application of extreme levels
      of domain-general cognitive control. We used MRI to longitudinally measure
      cortical thickness in simultaneous interpretation trainees before and after a
      Master's program in conference interpreting. We compared them to multilingual
      control participants scanned at the same interval of time. Increases in cortical
      thickness were specific to trainee interpreters. Increases were observed in
      regions involved in lower-level, phonetic processing (left posterior superior
      temporal gyrus, anterior supramarginal gyrus and planum temporale), in the higher
      level formulation of propositional speech (right angular gyrus) and in the
      conversion of items from working memory into a sequence (right dorsal premotor
      cortex), and finally, in domain-general executive control and attention (right
      parietal lobule). Findings are consistent with the linguistic requirements of
      simultaneous interpretation and also with the more general cognitive demands on
      attentional control for expert performance in simultaneous interpreting. Our
      findings may also reflect beneficial, potentially protective effects of
      simultaneous interpretation training, which has previously been shown to confer
      enhanced skills in certain executive and attentional domains over and above those
      conferred by bilingualism.

PMID- 28077312
TI  - The effect of calf neuromuscular electrical stimulation and intermittent
      pneumatic compression on thigh microcirculation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compares the effectiveness of a neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation (NMES) device and an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device
      on enhancing microcirculatory blood flow in the thigh of healthy individuals,
      when stimulation is carried out peripherally at the calf. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Blood microcirculation of ten healthy individuals was recorded using laser
      speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) technique. A region of interest (ROI) was marked
      on each participant thigh. The mean flux within the ROI was calculated at four
      states: rest, NMES device with visible muscle actuation (VMA), NMES device with
      no visible muscle actuation (NVMA) and IPC device. RESULTS: Both NMES and IPC
      devices increased blood flow in the thigh when stimulation was carried out
      peripherally at the calf. The NMES device increased mean blood perfusion from
      baseline by 399.8% at the VMA state and 150.6% at the NVMA state, IPC device
      increased the mean blood perfusion by 117.3% from baseline. CONCLUSION: The NMES
      device at VMA state increased microcirculation by more than a factor of 3 in
      contrast to the IPC device. Even at the NVMA state, the NMES device increased
      blood flow by 23% more than the IPC device. Given the association between
      increased microcirculation and reduced oedema, NMES may be a more effective
      modality than IPC at reducing oedema, therefore further research is needed to
      explore this.

PMID- 28077313
TI  - A kind of rd1 mouse in C57BL/6J mice from crossing with a mutated Kunming mouse.
AB  - We occasionally discovered a mouse with spontaneous retinitis pigmentosa (RP)
      from Kunming (KM) mouse breeding colony, with no obvious waveforms in ERG
      recordings. The aim of this study is to cross the spontaneously hereditary
      retinal degeneration mice (temporarily designated as KM/rd mice) derived from KM
      mice with C57BL/6J mice to establish a congenic inbred strain (temporarily
      designated as the B6/rd mice), and study the ocular phenotype and genotype of the
      mice. Fundus photography, tissue morphology, electroretinography (ERG), qRT-PCR,
      western blot and DNA sequence analysis were performed to observe the ocular
      phenotype and genotype of KM/rd and B6/rd mice. The fundus photography showed
      progressive retinal vascular degeneration and depigmentation in KM/rd and B6/rd
      mice. Compared to wild-type mice, the histological analysis revealed that the
      outer nuclear layer of the mutated mice was significantly reduced at 14days post
      born (P14), and almost disappeared by P21. No obvious waveforms were detected at
      P14 and P21 in the ERG from KM/rd and B6/rd mice. qRT-PCR results showed that the
      expression quantities of mRNA of pde6b gene in KM/rd and B6/rd mice were
      significantly lower compared with those of wild-type controls at P21. Western
      blot results confirmed an abnormal protein expression of pde6b gene in KM/rd and
      B6/rd mice with no protein products, while there was an obvious protein
      expression in wild-type mice. The nonsense mutation in exon 7 (a mutation that
      changes the codon 347 from TAC to TAA) in the pde6b gene of KM/rd and B6/rd mice
      was identified by genomic DNA sequence analysis. All these findings revealed that
      the ocular phenotype and genotype of KM/rd and B6/rd mice were similar to those
      of rd1 mice, which indicates that KM/rd and B6/rd mice can be used as an RP mouse
      model.

PMID- 28077314
TI  - Biological or pharmacological activation of protein kinase C alpha constrains
      hepatitis E virus replication.
AB  - Although hepatitis E has emerged as a global health issue, there is limited
      knowledge of its infection biology and no FDA-approved medication is available.
      Aiming to investigate the role of protein kinases in hepatitis E virus (HEV)
      infection and to identify potential antiviral targets, we screened a library of
      pharmacological kinase inhibitors in a cell culture model, a subgenomic HEV
      replicon containing luciferase reporter. We identified protein kinase C alpha
      (PKCalpha) as an essential cell host factor restricting HEV replication. Both
      specific inhibitor and shRNA-mediated knockdown of PKCalpha enhanced HEV
      replication. Conversely, over-expression of the activated form of PKCalpha or
      treatment with its pharmacological activator strongly inhibited HEV replication.
      Interestingly, upon the stimulation by its activator, PKCalpha efficiently
      activates its downstream Activator Protein 1 (AP-1) pathway, leading to the
      induction of antiviral interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). This process is
      independent of the JAK-STAT machinery and interferon production. However,
      PKCalpha induced HEV inhibition appears independent of the AP1 cascade. The
      discovery that activated PKCalpha restricts HEV replication reveals new insight
      of HEV-host interactions and provides new target for antiviral drug development.

PMID- 28077315
TI  - Inhibition of iNOS alleviates cognitive deficits and depression in diabetic mice
      through downregulating the NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG signal pathway.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus often results in a number of complications involving impaired
      brain function, including cognitive deficits and depression. However, the
      potential mechanisms for diabetes-related cognitive deficits and depression are
      not fully understood. Neurons in the hippocampal, cortical and amygdala
      functional regions are more susceptible to damage during hyperglycemia.
      Neuroprotection in the brain can rescue cognitive deficits and depression induced
      by hyperglycemia. This study investigated the potential mechanisms underlying
      diabetes-related congnitive deficits and depression, determined whether the
      inflammatory factor inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the nitric oxide
      (NO)/soluble guanylyl cyclases (sGC)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate
      (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG) pathway, play key roles in cognitive deficits and
      depression associated. In the present study, diabetic animal models were induced
      by streptozotocin (STZ, 150mg/kg) in mice, and aminoguanidine (AG), a selective
      inhibitor of iNOS, was given by intraperitoneal injection for 10 weeks. Blood
      glucose, activities of NOS and the levels of NO in serum and brain regions were
      measured. The spatial memory was detected using the Morris water maze test,
      depressive behavior was evaluated by the tail suspension test (TST), forced
      swimming test (FST), closed field test (CFT) and open field test (OFT). We also
      detected neuronal survival and cleaved caspase-3 positive ratios in three brain
      regions and the levels of iNOS, sGC, cGMP and PKG in hippocampus and frontal
      cortex. Data indicated that diabetic mice exerted impairments in spatial memory,
      decreased locomotor activity and increased immobile time in diabetic mice. In
      addition, diabetic mice had significantly decreased surviving neuronal density
      and showed signs of obvious neuronal injury in the hippocampus, frontal cortex
      and amygdala. iNOS overexpression and its associated signaling pathway
      NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG in the hippocampus and frontal cortex were implicated during
      hyperglycemia. However, AG improved the behavior disorders, reduced the activity
      of iNOS, protected nerve cells and inhibited the level of iNOS, sGC, PKG and
      cleaved caspase-3 in the hippocampus and cortex. These results suggested that
      iNOS/NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG signal pathway is a key feature of cognitive deficits and
      depression associated with diabetes. AG ameliorated cognitive deficits and
      depression in diabetic mice by exerting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective
      effects by suppressing iNOS-associated signaling pathways.

PMID- 28077318
TI  - Alcohol, microbiome, life style influence alcohol and non-alcoholic organ damage.
AB  - This paper is based upon the "8th Charles Lieber's Satellite Symposium" organized
      by Manuela G. Neuman at the Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Meeting, on
      June 25, 2016 at New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The integrative symposium
      investigated different aspects of alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD) as well as
      non-alcohol-induced liver disease (NAFLD) and possible repair. We revealed the
      basic aspects of alcohol metabolism that may be responsible for the development
      of liver disease as well as the factors that determine the amount, frequency and
      which type of alcohol misuse leads to liver and gastrointestinal diseases. We
      aimed to (1) describe the immuno-pathology of ALD, (2) examine the role of
      genetics in the development of alcoholic hepatitis (ASH) and NAFLD, (3) propose
      diagnostic markers of ASH and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), (4) examine
      age and ethnic differences as well as analyze the validity of some models, (5)
      develop common research tools and biomarkers to study alcohol-induced effects, 6)
      examine the role of alcohol in oral health and colon and gastrointestinal cancer
      and (7) focus on factors that aggravate the severity of organ-damage. The present
      review includes pre-clinical, translational and clinical research that
      characterizes ALD and NAFLD. Strong clinical and experimental evidence lead to
      recognition of the key toxic role of alcohol in the pathogenesis of ALD with
      simple fatty infiltrations and chronic alcoholic hepatitis with hepatic fibrosis
      or cirrhosis. These latter stages may also be associated with a number of
      cellular and histological changes, including the presence of Mallory's hyaline,
      megamitochondria, or perivenular and perisinusoidal fibrosis. Genetic
      polymorphisms of ethanol metabolizing enzymes and cytochrome p450 (CYP) 2E1
      activation may change the severity of ASH and NASH. Other risk factors such as
      its co-morbidities with chronic viral hepatitis in the presence or absence of
      human deficiency virus were discussed. Dysregulation of metabolism, as a result
      of ethanol exposure, in the intestine leads to colon carcinogenesis. The
      hepatotoxic effects of ethanol undermine the contribution of malnutrition to the
      liver injury. Dietary interventions such as micro and macronutrients, as well as
      changes to the microbiota have been suggested. The clinical aspects of NASH, as
      part of the metabolic syndrome in the aging population, have been presented. The
      symposium addressed mechanisms and biomarkers of alcohol induced damage to
      different organs, as well as the role of the microbiome in this dialog. The
      microbiota regulates and acts as a key element in harmonizing immune responses at
      intestinal mucosal surfaces. It is known that microbiota is an inducer of
      proinflammatory T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells in the intestine. The
      signals at the sites of inflammation mediate recruitment and differentiation in
      order to remove inflammatory inducers and promote tissue homeostasis restoration.
      The change in the intestinal microbiota also influences the change in obesity and
      regresses the liver steatosis. Evidence on the positive role of moderate alcohol
      consumption on heart and metabolic diseases as well on reducing steatosis have
      been looked up. Moreover nutrition as a therapeutic intervention in alcoholic
      liver disease has been discussed. In addition to the original data, we searched
      the literature (2008-2016) for the latest publication on the described subjects.
      In order to obtain the updated data we used the usual engines (Pub Med and Google
      Scholar). The intention of the eighth symposia was to advance the international
      profile of the biological research on alcoholism. We also wish to further our
      mission of leading the forum to progress the science and practice of
      translational research in alcoholism.

PMID- 28077316
TI  - Chromatin dynamics regulate mesenchymal stem cell lineage specification and
      differentiation to osteogenesis.
AB  - Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are critical for regeneration of
      multiple tissues. Epigenetic mechanisms are fundamental regulators of lineage
      specification and cell fate, and as such, we addressed the question of which
      epigenetic modifications characterize the transition of nascent MSCs to a tissue
      specific MSC-derived phenotype. By profiling the temporal changes of seven
      histone marks correlated to gene expression during proliferation, early
      commitment, matrix deposition, and mineralization stages, we identified distinct
      epigenetic mechanisms that regulate transcriptional programs necessary for tissue
      specific phenotype development. Patterns of stage-specific enrichment of histone
      modifications revealed distinct modes of repression and activation of gene
      expression that would not be detected using single endpoint analysis. We
      discovered that at commitment, H3K27me3 is removed from genes that are
      upregulated and is not acquired on downregulated genes. Additionally, we found
      that the absence of H3K4me3 modification at promoters defined a subset of
      osteoblast-specific upregulated genes, indicating that acquisition of acetyl
      modifications drive activation of these genes. Significantly, loss or gain of
      H3K36me3 was the primary predictor of dynamic changes in temporal gene
      expression. Using unsupervised pattern discovery analysis the signature of
      osteogenic-related histone modifications identified novel functional cis
      regulatory modules associated with enhancer regions that control tissue-specific
      genes. Our work provides a cornerstone to understand the epigenetic regulation of
      transcriptional programs that are important for MSC lineage commitment and
      lineage, as well as insights to facilitate MSC-based therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 28077317
TI  - Zoonotic pathogens in Atlantic Forest wild rodents in Brazil: Bartonella and
      Coxiella infections.
AB  - Zoonotic pathogens comprise a significant and increasing fraction of all emerging
      and re-emerging infectious diseases that plague humans. Identifying host species
      is one of the keys to controlling emerging infectious diseases. From March 2007
      until April 2012, we collected a total of 131 wild rodents in eight
      municipalities of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We investigated these rodents for
      infection with Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. In total,
      22.1% (29/131) of the rodents were infected by at least one pathogen; co
      infection was detected in 1.5% (2/131) of rodents. Coxiella burnetii was detected
      in 4.6% (6/131) of the wild animals, 17.6% of the rodents harbored Bartonella
      spp. No cases of Rickettsia were identified. Bartonella doshiae and Bartonella
      vinsonii were the species found on the wild mammals. This report is the first to
      note C. burnetii, B. doshiae and B. vinsonii natural infections in Atlantic
      Forest wild rodents in Brazil. Our work highlights the potential risk of
      transmission to humans, since most of the infected specimens belong to generalist
      species that live near human dwellings.

PMID- 28077319
TI  - Role of insulin like growth factor axis in the bleomycin induced lung injury in
      rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alveolar epithelial cell injury has been proposed as a causative
      factor for the onset and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of
      type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) in the epithelial mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) is controversial. AIMS: The present study performed in rats instilled with
      bleomycin investigated a) the expressions of the insulin growth factor (IGF-1)
      and insulin growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5) and transforming growth
      factor (TGF-beta1) in the type II AECs, b) the role of type II AECs in EMT and
      extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and, c) the effect of pioglitazone on all
      the above parameters. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into three Groups:
      Group I (saline control), Group II (Bleomycin, given as a single intratracheal
      instillation, 7U/kg) and Group III (Bleomycin+Pioglitazone (40mg/kg/day orally,
      starting 7days post bleomycin instilled as in Group II). From lung tissues, the
      protein expressions of IGF-1, IGFBP-5, TGF-beta1, surfactant protein C (SP-C, as
      a marker for type II AECs) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA, as a marker
      for EMT), were determined on day 7 in Groups I and II and on days 14, 21 and 35
      in all the three groups. RESULTS: IGFBP-5 and IGF-1 expressions were reduced
      significantly and TGF-beta1 expression increased significantly in type II AECs in
      Group II from day 7 till day 35 as compared to Group I. An increase in SP-C and
      alpha-SMA expression and their co-localization were seen in the type II AECs
      undergoing EMT from day 7 till day 35. A concomitant remodeling and laying down
      of ECM was observed also. In Group III, with pioglitazone, there was a reversal
      with significant up-regulation in IGFBP-5 and IGF-1 expressions and down
      regulation of TGF-beta1 in the type II AECs along with a significant decrease in
      the solid area fraction, EMT and ECM in the lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS: IGFBP-5,
      IGF-1 and TGF-beta1 in the type II AECs play a key role in lung injury caused by
      bleomycin and pioglitazone attenuates the lung injury/fibrosis by restoring IGFBP
      5 and IGF-1 and decreasing TGF-beta1 expressions in the type II AECs.

PMID- 28077320
TI  - Serine/Threonine Phosphatases in Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - Serine/threonine protein phosphatases control dephosphorylation of numerous
      cardiac proteins, including a variety of ion channels and calcium-handling
      proteins, thereby providing precise post-translational regulation of cardiac
      electrophysiology and function. Accordingly, dysfunction of this regulation can
      contribute to the initiation, maintenance and progression of cardiac arrhythmias.
      Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder and is
      characterized by electrical, autonomic, calcium-handling, contractile, and
      structural remodeling, which include, among other things, changes in the
      phosphorylation status of a wide range of proteins. Here, we review AF-associated
      alterations in the phosphorylation of atrial ion channels, calcium-handling and
      contractile proteins, and their role in AF-pathophysiology. We highlight the
      mechanisms controlling the phosphorylation of these proteins and focus on the
      role of altered dephosphorylation via local type-1, type-2A and type-2B
      phosphatases (PP1, PP2A, and PP2B, also known as calcineurin, respectively).
      Finally, we discuss the challenges for phosphatase research, potential
      therapeutic significance of altered phosphatase-mediated protein
      dephosphorylation in AF, as well as future directions.

PMID- 28077321
TI  - CaMKIIdelta subtypes differentially regulate infarct formation following ex vivo
      myocardial ischemia/reperfusion through NF-kappaB and TNF-alpha.
AB  - Deletion of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta (CaMKIIdelta) has
      been shown to protect against in vivo ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. It
      remains unclear which CaMKIIdelta isoforms and downstream mechanisms are
      responsible for the salutary effects of CaMKIIdelta gene deletion. In this study
      we sought to compare the roles of the CaMKIIdeltaB and CaMKIIdeltaC subtypes and
      the mechanisms by which they contribute to ex vivo I/R damage. WT, CaMKIIdeltaKO,
      and mice expressing only CaMKIIdeltaB or deltaC were subjected to ex vivo global
      ischemia for 25min followed by reperfusion. Infarct formation was assessed at
      60min reperfusion by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Deletion of
      CaMKIIdelta conferred significant protection from ex vivo I/R. Re-expression of
      CaMKIIdeltaC in the CaMKIIdeltaKO background reversed this effect and exacerbated
      myocardial damage and dysfunction following I/R, while re-expression of
      CaMKIIdeltaB was protective. Selective activation of CaMKIIdeltaC in response to
      I/R was evident in a subcellular fraction enriched for cytosolic/membrane
      proteins. Further studies demonstrated differential regulation of nuclear factor
      kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB) signaling and tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) expression by CaMKIIdeltaB and CaMKIIdeltaC.
      Selective activation of CaMKIIdeltaC was also observed and associated with NF
      kappaB activation in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) subjected to
      oxidative stress. Pharmacological inhibition of NF-kappaB or TNF-alpha
      significantly ameliorated infarct formation in WT mice and those that re-express
      CaMKIIdeltaC, demonstrating distinct roles for CaMKIIdelta subtypes in I/R and
      implicating acute activation of CaMKIIdeltaC and NF-kappaB in the pathogenesis of
      reperfusion injury.

PMID- 28077322
TI  - A protein kinase A-ezrin complex regulates connexin 43 gap junction communication
      in liver epithelial cells.
AB  - Communication between adjacent cells can occur via gap junctions (GJ) composed of
      connexin (Cx) hexamers that allow passage of small molecules. One of the most
      widely and highly expressed Cxs in human tissues is Cx43, shown to be regulated
      through phosphorylation by several kinases including PKA. Ezrin is a membrane
      associated protein that can serve as an A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) and
      hold an anchored pool of PKA. Here, we used the liver epithelial cell line IAR20,
      which expresses Cx43 as the predominant GJ protein, to test the hypothesis that
      Ezrin may associate with Cx43 in cell types that form stable GJs and serve as an
      AKAP. Our biochemical and proteomics data indicate that Ezrin associates with
      Cx43 in epithelial cells. Analyses by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and
      proximity ligation assays demonstrate that Ezrin and Cx43 co-localize, together
      with zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and PKA RIalpha and RIIalpha, at the cell
      membrane. Quantitative gap-FRAP experiments show increased GJ intercellular
      communication after cAMP stimulation. Moreover, loading of cells with the Ht31
      peptide that displaces both PKA RIalpha and RIIalpha from the AKAP or a peptide
      that disrupts the Cx43-Ezrin interaction reverts the effect and reduces the level
      of communication, supporting the hypothesis that in IAR20 cells Ezrin associates
      with Cx43 (in complex with ZO-1) which places PKA in proximity to Cx43, enabling
      its phosphorylation and GJ opening.

PMID- 28077323
TI  - High glucose down-regulates microRNA-181a-5p to increase pro-fibrotic gene
      expression by targeting early growth response factor 1 in HK-2 cells.
AB  - Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) plays an important role in the progression of
      renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Accumulating evidence supports a
      crucial effect of early growth response factor 1 (Egr1) on renal fibrosis in DN,
      but the underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. Here, we explored the
      aggravating role of Egr1 and identified microRNA-181a-5p (miR-181a-5p) as an
      upstream regulator of Egr1 in TIF of DN. We demonstrated that overexpression of
      Egr1 enhanced, whereas small interfering RNA targeting Egr1 decreased the
      expressions of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and fibrosis-related
      genes including fibronectin and collagen I in human proximal tubule cell line (HK
      2) cells. We then found that miR-181a-5p expression was down-regulated,
      accompanied by the corresponding up-regulation of Egr1, TGF-beta1, fibronectin
      and collagen I in renal tissues of type 2 diabetic Otsuka-Long-Evans-Tokushima
      Fatty rats with DN, and that the expression of miR-181a-5p was negatively
      correlated with the level of Egr1 in HK-2 cells treated with high glucose.
      Furthermore, we identified that miR-181a-5p directly suppressed Egr1 to decrease
      the expressions of TGF-beta1, fibronectin and collagen I in HK-2 cells through
      targeting the 3' untranslated region of Egr1. The functional relevance of miR
      181a-5p-induced Egr1 decrease was supported by inhibition and overexpression of
      miR-181a-5p in HK-2 cells. Thus, we concluded that aberrant Egr1 expression,
      which can be suppressed by miR-181a-5p directly, plays a crucial role in the
      progression of renal TIF in DN. This study indicates that targeting miR-181a-5p
      may be a novel therapeutic approach of DN.

PMID- 28077325
TI  - Role of 14-3-3 sigma in over-expression of P-gp by rifampin and paclitaxel
      stimulation through interaction with PXR.
AB  - In this study, we presented the role of 14-3-3sigma to activate CK2-Hsp90beta-PXR
      MDR1 pathway on rifampin and paclitaxel treated LS174T cells and in vivo LS174T
      cell-xenografted nude mouse model. Following several in vitro and in vivo
      experiments, rifampin and paclitaxel were found to be stimulated the CK2
      Hsp90beta-PXR-MDR1 pathway. Of the proteins in this pathway, Pregnane X receptor
      (PXR) is a representative transcription factor of multidrug resistance protein 1
      (MDR1). We constructed FLAG-PXR-LS174T stable cell lines and discovered 22
      proteins that interacted with PXR on rifampin treatment. Among them, Hsp90beta
      and 14-3-3sigma were isolated for further study. Both the proteins were found to
      be localized in cytoplasm on rifampin treatment by using confocal microscopy. On
      the other hand, PXR was found to be localized in nucleus after rifampin and
      paclitaxel treatment by using cell fractionation assay. In Western blot analysis,
      rifampin did not influence the expression of 14-3-3sigma protein. Transient
      transfection of 14-3-3sigma into LS174T cells induced overexpression of PXR;
      however, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was not changed significantly. P-gp overexpression
      was induced only when 14-3-3sigma transfected LS174T cells were treated with
      rifampin and paclitaxel, whereas 14-3-3sigma inhibition by nonpeptidic inhibitor,
      BV02 and 14-3-3sigma siRNA reduced rifampin induced PXR and P-gp expression. Cell
      survival rates were much higher at 14-3-3sigma-LS174T stable cell lines than
      LS174T cells following paclitaxel and vincristine treatment. This data indicates
      that 14-3-3sigma contributes to P-gp overexpression through interaction with PXR
      with rifampin and paclitaxel treatment.

PMID- 28077324
TI  - GRK2 as negative modulator of NO bioavailability: Implications for cardiovascular
      disease.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO), initially identified as endothelium-derived relaxing factor
      (EDRF), is a gaso-transmitter with important regulatory roles in the
      cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems. In the former, this diatomic molecule
      and free radical gas controls vascular tone and cardiac mechanics, among others.
      In the cardiovascular system, it is now understood that beta-adrenergic receptor
      (betaAR) activation is a key modulator of NO generation. Therefore, it is not
      surprising that the up-regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs),
      in particular GRK2, that restrains betaAR activity contributes to impaired
      cardiovascular functions via alteration of NO bioavailability. This review, will
      explore the specific interrelation between betaARs, GRK2 and NO in the
      cardiovascular system and their inter-relationship for the pathogenesis of the
      onset of disease. Last, we will update the readers on the current status of GRK2
      inhibitors as a potential therapeutic strategy for heart failure with an emphasis
      on their ability of rescuing NO bioavailability.

PMID- 28077326
TI  - Longevity in Calumma parsonii, the World's largest chameleon.
AB  - Large body size of ectothermic species can be correlated with high life
      expectancy. We assessed the longevity of the World's largest chameleon, the
      Parson's chameleon Calumma parsonii from Madagascar by using skeletochronology of
      phalanges taken from preserved specimens held in European natural history
      museums. Due to the high bone resorption we can provide only the minimum age of
      each specimen. The highest minimum age detected was nine years for a male and
      eight years for a female, confirming that this species is considerably long
      living among chameleons. Our data also show a strong correlation between snout
      vent length and estimated age.

PMID- 28077327
TI  - Eliminating stroop effects with post-hypnotic instructions: Brain mechanisms
      inferred from EEG.
AB  - The classic Stroop task demonstrates the persistent and automatic effects of the
      meaning of color words that are very hard to inhibit when the task is to name the
      word color. Post-hypnotic instructions may enable highly-hypnotizable
      participants to inhibit the automatic access to word meaning. Here we compared
      the consequences of hypnosis alone and hypnosis with post-hypnotic instructions
      on the Stroop effect and its facilitation and inhibition components. Importantly,
      we studied the mechanisms of the hypnosis effects at the neural level by
      analyzing EEG frequencies. Highly hypnotizable participants performed the Stroop
      task in a counterbalanced design following (1) post-hypnotic suggestions that
      words had lost their meaning, (2) after hypnosis alone, and (3) in a control
      condition without hypnosis. The overall Stroop effect and both its facilitation
      and interference components, were not significant after the post-hypnotic
      suggestion but in both other conditions. Hypnosis alone neither affected the
      Stroop effect nor - in contrast to some previous reports and claims - overall
      performance. EEG recorded during the Stroop task showed a significant increase in
      both frontal theta and frontal beta power when participants were under the impact
      of post-hypnotic suggestions, in comparison to the two other sessions. Together,
      these findings indicate that post-hypnotic suggestions - but not hypnosis alone -
      are powerful tools for eliciting top down processes. Our EEG findings could be
      interpreted as clue that this is due to the investment of additional cognitive
      control.

PMID- 28077329
TI  - Body schema plasticity after stroke: Subjective and neurophysiological correlates
      of the rubber hand illusion.
AB  - Stroke can lead to motor impairments that can affect the body structure and
      restraint mobility. We hypothesize that brain lesions and their motor sequelae
      can distort the body schema, a sensorimotor map of body parts and elements in the
      peripersonal space through which human beings embody the reachable space and
      ready the body for forthcoming movements. Two main constructs have been
      identified in the embodiment mechanism: body-ownership, the sense that the body
      that one inhabits is his/her own, and agency, the sense that one can move and
      control his/her body. To test this, the present study simultaneously investigated
      different embodiment subcomponents (body-ownership, localization, and agency) and
      different neurophysiological measures (galvanic skin response, skin temperature,
      and surface electromyographic activity), and the interaction between them, in
      clinically-controlled hemiparetic individuals with stroke and in healthy subjects
      after the rubber hand illusion. Individuals with stroke reported significantly
      stronger body-ownership and agency and reduced increase of galvanic skin
      response, skin temperature, and muscular activity in the stimulated hand. We
      suggest that differences in embodiment could have been motivated by increased
      plasticity of the body schema and pathological predominance of the visual input
      over proprioception. We also suggest that differences in neurophysiological
      responses could have been promoted by a suppression of the reflex activity of the
      sympathetic nervous system and by the involvement of the premotor cortex in the
      reconfiguration of the body schema. These results could evidence a body schema
      plasticity promoted by the brain lesion and a main role of the premotor cortex in
      this mechanism.

PMID- 28077328
TI  - Dissociation between working memory performance and proactive interference
      control in post-traumatic stress disorder.
AB  - Deficits in working memory (WM) and cognitive control processes have been
      reported in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in addition to clinical
      symptoms such as hypervigilance, re-experiencing, and avoidance of trauma
      reminders. Given the uncontrollable nature of intrusive memories, an important
      question is whether PTSD is associated with altered control of interference in
      WM. Some studies also suggest that episodic memory shows a material-specific
      dissociation in PTSD, with greater impairments in verbal memory and relative
      sparing of nonverbal memory. It is unclear whether this dissociation applies to
      WM, as no studies have used identical task parameters across material. Here we
      tested 29 combat Veterans with PTSD and 29 age-matched control Veterans on a
      recent probes WM task with words and visual patterns in separate blocks.
      Participants studied four-item sets, followed by a probe stimulus that had been
      presented in the previous set (recent probe) or not (nonrecent probe).
      Participants with PTSD made more errors than controls, and this decrement was
      similar for verbal and visual stimuli. Proactive interference from items recently
      presented, but no longer relevant, was not significantly different in the PTSD
      group and showed no relationship to re-experiencing symptom severity. These
      results demonstrate that PTSD is not reliably associated with increased
      intrusions of irrelevant representations into WM when non-emotional stimuli are
      used. Future studies that use trauma-related material may provide insight into
      the flashbacks and intrusive thoughts that plague those with PTSD.

PMID- 28077330
TI  - Dehydropachymic acid decreases bafilomycin A1 induced beta-Amyloid accumulation
      in PC12 cells.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fuling, the sclerotium of Poria cocos, was
      frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae for Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) intervention over the past 10 centuries. And its extracts exhibited
      significant effects in both cellular and animal models of AD in previous studies.
      However, its mechanisms on prevention and treatment of AD have not been well
      elucidated yet. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effect and corresponding
      mechanisms of dehydropachymic acid, which is one of the major triterpenes in P.
      cocos, on the clearance of beta-amyloid accumulation in bafilomycin A1 induced
      PC12 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assay was used to examine the DPA effect
      on the viability of PC12 cells stable transfected with pCB6-APP (PC12-APP). PC12
      APP cells were treated with DPA at the concentration of 6.25, 12.5, 25MUg/mL for
      4h, and then co-treated with 50nmol/L bafilomycin A1 for 48h except the controls.
      The Abeta1-42 content in culture medium was determined by ELISA. The
      intracellular amount of APP, Abeta1-42, LC3, cathepsin D was measured by Western
      blotting and normalized to GAPDH loading control. The PC12 cells stable
      transfected with pSelect-LC3-GFP (PC12-LC3-GFP) was used in the fluorescence
      microscopy estimation of autophagosomes accumulation. The internal pH in lysosome
      was detected by LysoTracker Red staining. RESULTS: DPA had no significant effect
      on the cell viability but could significantly decrease Abeta1-42 content in
      culture medium and eliminate the intracellular accumulation of APP and Abeta1-42
      in bafilomycin A1 induced PC12-APP cells. Furthermore, DPA lowered the LC3-II/LC3
      I ratio and reduced the GFP-labeled LC3 puncta which were elevated by bafilomycin
      A1. And the increase in internal pH of lysosome and decrease in mCatD amount in
      Bafilomycin A1 induced PC12-APP cells were restored by DPA treatment. These
      results indicated that DPA could restore the lysosomal acidification and recover
      the autophgic flux which is impaired by bafilomycin A1. CONCLUSIONS: DPA could
      effectively clear the accumulation of Abeta1-42 in bafilomycin A1 impaired PC12
      cells through restoring the lysosomal acidification and recovering the autophgic
      flux. And these results highlight its therapeutic potential for AD treatment.

PMID- 28077331
TI  - Behavioral effects induced by antitumor cleronade diterpenes from Casearia
      sylvestris and in silico interactions with neuron receptors.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Casearia sylvestris is a medicinal plant
      traditionally used to treat snakebites, wounds, inflammation and gastric ulcers
      and scientific supports for have demonstrated its antitumor, antihyperlipidemic
      and antiparasitic properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the effects of a
      fraction with casearins (FC) on adult mice using classical experimental models of
      animal behavior and theoretical calculations to verify the interaction of
      Casearin X (Cas X) with neuron receptors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals divided
      in 6 groups (n=9/group) were intraperitoneally treated with vehicle (DMSO 4%), FC
      (2.5, 5, 10 and 25mg/kg/day) and diazepam (2mg/kg) for 7 days. Thirty minutes
      after the last dose of treatment, acute toxicity and behavioral experiments were
      performed. RESULTS: The highest dose of FC (25mg/kg/day) caused diarrhea, weight
      loss and death of one animal. Elevated plus maze test showed that lower doses
      [2.5mg/kg/day (36.4+/-5.1s) and 5mg/kg/day (43.9+/-6.2s)] increased the time
      spent in open arms (TSOA). Open field test revealed reduction in the number of
      crossings (54.9%, 51.1%, 48% and 67.7% for 2.5, 5, 10 and 25mg/kg/day,
      respectively) in all doses of FC studied and decrease of rearings at 25mg/kg/day
      (p<0.05). Computational calculations showed that the inhibition constant (Ki) for
      the Cas X-D1 complex is up to 1000-fold more favourable than the Cas X-GABAA
      complex. All ?G degrees  values obtained for Cas X-D1 complexes were more
      negative than those seen with Cas X-GABAA complexes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings
      indicate a probable anxiolytic action of the FC since it reduces the number of
      crossings and rearings and prolonged the time spent in open arms, without
      sedative and myorelaxant effects, probably due to the interaction of Cas X with
      dopaminergic system.

PMID- 28077332
TI  - Molecular identification of StAR and 3betaHSD1 and characterization in response
      to GnIH stimulation in protogynous hermaphroditic grouper (Epinephelus coioides).
AB  - Gonadal steroids are critical factors in reproduction and sex reverse process.
      StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein), transferring the cholesterol from
      the outer mitochondrial membrane to the inner membrane, is the rate-limiting
      factor of steroidogenesis. 3betaHSD (3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5
      Delta4 isomerase), converting Delta5-steroids into Delta4-steroids, is an
      important oxidoreductase in steroidogenesis. In the present study, StAR and
      3betaHSD1 were cloned and characterized from protogynous orange-spotted grouper.
      StAR cDNA contains an 861bp open reading frame (ORF), encoding a predicted
      protein of 286 amino acids, and the ORF of 3betaHSD1 was 1125bp, encoding a
      predicted protein of 374 amino acids. The transcript of StAR was mainly expressed
      in gonad, while 3betaHSD1 mRNA was predominantly detected in brain and gonad. In
      the previous study, we found the expression of GnIH mRNA level in male, as well
      as in 17 alpha-methyltestosterone (MT)-induced male fish was significantly higher
      than in female fish, this indicating that GnIH/GnIHR signaling might be involved
      in the regulation of sex reversal and male maintenance. In order to figure out
      the function of GnIH in steroidogenesis, the expression of StAR and 3betaHSD1
      regulated by GnIH was examined. In vitro study showed that treatment of cultured
      ovary fragments with gGnIH peptides significantly stimulated the expression of
      StAR and 3betaHSD1. In addition, the mRNA levels of StAR and 3betaHSD1 were
      significantly increased after intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) with gGnIH
      peptides. Moreover, during MT-induced sex change from female to male, the levels
      of StAR mRNA significantly increased by 5.2, 24.8 and 353.5 folds, and that of
      3betaHSD1 mRNA by 3.5, 32.5 and 55.4 folds at the 2nd, 4th and 6th week after MT
      implantation, respectively. Collectively, our results indicate that GnIH may be
      involved in the regulation of sex reversal or male maintenance by stimulating the
      expression of StAR and 3betaHSD1 in protogynous grouper.

PMID- 28077333
TI  - Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of two juvenile
      hormone esterase-like carboxylesterase cDNAs in Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir
      sinensis.
AB  - Precise regulation of methyl farnesoate (MF) titer is of prime importance
      throughout the crustacean life-cycle. Although the synthetic pathway of MF is
      well-documented, little is known about its degradation and recycling in
      crustaceans. Juvenile hormone esterase-like (JHE-like) carboxylesterase (CXE) is
      a key enzyme in MF degradation, thus playing a significant role in regulating the
      MF titer. We identified and characterized two cDNAs, Es-CXE1 and Es-CXE2,
      encoding JHE-like CXEs in Chinese mitten crab. Full-length cDNAs of Es-CXE1 and
      Es-CXE2 encode proteins composed of 584 and 597 amino acids, respectively, both
      of which contain a typical carboxylesterase domain. Alignment and phylogenetic
      analyses revealed that the Es-CXEs are highly similar to those of other
      crustaceans. To further validate their functions, we evaluated the mRNA
      expression patterns of the Es-CXEs in various tissues and in different
      physiological conditions. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that the two
      Es-CXEs were predominantly expressed in the hepatopancreas and ovaries, which are
      the major tissues for MF metabolism. Es-CXE2 expression levels in the
      hepatopancreas and ovaries were about 100 and 25-fold higher, than the respective
      Es-CXE1 expressions. During ovarian rapid development stage, the global
      expressions of Es-CXEs were up-regulated in the hepatopancreas and down-regulated
      in the ovaries. After eyestalk ablation (ESA), the mRNA expressions of the two Es
      CXEs were up-regulated in the hepatopancreas, further indicating their potential
      in degrading MF. Taken together, our results suggest that Es-CXEs, the key
      component of the juvenile hormone degradation pathway, may play vital roles in
      the development and reproduction of the Chinese mitten crab.

PMID- 28077334
TI  - The neuroprotective compound P7C3-A20 promotes neurogenesis and improves
      cognitive function after ischemic stroke.
AB  - Ischemic stroke is a devastating condition with few therapeutic interventions
      available. The neuroprotective compound P7C3-A20 inhibits mature neuronal cell
      death while also increasing the net magnitude of postnatal neurogenesis in models
      of neurodegeneration and acute injury. P7C3 compounds enhance flux of
      nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in mammalian cells, a proposed
      therapeutic approach to treating cerebral ischemia. The effectiveness of P7C3-A20
      treatment on chronic histopathological and behavioral outcomes and neurogenesis
      after ischemic stroke has not previously been established. Here, a transient
      middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats was followed by twice daily injection of
      P7C3-A20 or vehicle for 7days. P7C3-A20-treated rats performed significantly
      better than vehicle-treated controls in sensorimotor cylinder and grid-walk
      tasks, and in a chronic test of spatial learning and memory. These behavioral
      improvements with P7C3-A20 treatment were correlated with significantly decreased
      cortical and hippocampal atrophy, and associated with increased neurogenesis in
      the subventricular zone and hippocampal dentate gyrus subgranular zone.
      Furthermore, cerebral ischemia significantly reduced NAD in the cortex but P7C3
      A20 treatment restored NAD to sham levels. Thus, P7C3-A20 treatment mitigates
      neurodegeneration and augments repair in the brain after focal ischemia, which
      translates into chronic behavioral improvement. This suggests a new therapeutic
      approach of using P7C3 compounds to safely augment NAD and thereby promote two
      independent processes critical to protecting the brain from ischemic stroke:
      mature neuron survival and postnatal neurogenesis throughout the post-ischemic
      brain.

PMID- 28077335
TI  - Omega-3 fatty acids regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation and prevent behavior
      deficits after traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) attenuate inflammation and improve neurological
      outcome in response to traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the specific anti
      inflammatory mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here we found that NLRP3
      inflammasome and subsequent pro-inflammatory cytokines were activated in human
      brains after TBI. Rats treated with omega-3 FAs had significantly less TBI
      induced caspase-1 cleavage and IL-1beta secretion than those with vehicle. G
      protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) was observed to be involved in this anti
      inflammation. GW1100, a GPR40 inhibitor, eliminated the anti-inflammatory effect
      of omega-3 FAs after TBI. beta-Arrestin-2 (ARRB2), a downstream scaffold protein
      of GPR40, was activated to inhibit inflammation via directly binding with NLRP3
      in the omega-3 FAs treatment group. Interestingly, we also observed that omega-3
      FAs prevented NLRP3 mitochondrial localization, which was reversed by GW1100.
      Furthermore, omega-3 FAs markedly ameliorated neuronal death and behavioral
      deficits after TBI, while GW1100 significantly suppressed this effect.
      Collectively, these data indicate that the GPR40-mediated pathway is involved in
      the inhibitory effects of omega-3 FAs on TBI-induced inflammation and ARRB2 is
      activated to interact with NLRP3.

PMID- 28077336
TI  - Predicting protein submitochondrial locations by incorporating the positional
      specific physicochemical properties into Chou's general pseudo-amino acid
      compositions.
AB  - Predicting protein submitochondrial locations has been studied for about ten
      years. A dozen of methods were developed in this regard. Although a mitochondrion
      has four submitochondrial compartments, all existing studies considered only
      three of them. The mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins were always
      excluded in these studies. However, there are over 50 mitochondrial intermembrane
      space proteins in the recent release of UniProt database. We think it is time to
      incorporate these proteins in predicting protein submitochondrial locations. We
      proposed the functional domain enrichment score, which can be used as an
      enhancement to our positional-specific physicochemical properties method. We
      constructed a high-quality working dataset from the UniProt database. This
      dataset contains proteins from all four submitochondrial locations. Proteins with
      multiple submitochondrial locations are also included. Our method achieved over
      70% prediction accuracy for proteins with single location on this dataset. On the
      M3-317 benchmarking dataset, our method achieved comparable prediction
      performance to other state-of-the-art methods. Our results indicate that the
      intermembrane space proteins can be incorporated in predicting protein
      submitochondrial locations. By evaluating our method with the proteins that have
      multiple submitochondrial locations, we conclude that our method is capable of
      predicting multiple submitochondrial locations. This is the first report of ab
      initio methods that can identify intermembrane space proteins. This is also the
      first attempt to incorporate proteins with multiple submitochondrial locations.
      The benchmarking dataset can be obtained by emails to the corresponding author.

PMID- 28077337
TI  - Stress hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
      effects on the anaerobic bacteria.
AB  - Microbial endocrinology is a relatively new research area that already
      encompasses the anaerobes. Stress hormones, epinephrine and norepinephrine, can
      affect the growth of anaerobic bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum,
      Prevotella spp., Porhyromonas spp., Tanerella forsythia and Propionibacterium
      acnes and can increase virulence gene expression, iron acquisition and many
      virulence factors of some anaerobic species such as Clostridium perfringens,
      Porphyromonas gingivalis and Brachyspira pilosicoli. Epinephrine and
      norepinephrine effects can lead to a growth increase or decrease, or no effect on
      the growth of the anaerobes. The effects are species-specific and perhaps strain
      specific. Discrepancies in the results of some studies can be due to the
      different methods and media used, catecholamine concentrations, measurement
      techniques and the low number of strains tested. Biological effects of the stress
      hormones on the anaerobes may range from halitosis and a worsening of periodontal
      diseases to tissue damages and atherosclerotic plaque ruptures. Optimizations of
      the research methods and a detailed assessment of the catecholamine effects in
      conditions mimicking those in affected organs and tissues, as well as the effects
      on the quorum sensing and virulence of the anaerobes and the full spectrum of
      biological consequences of the effects are interesting topics for further
      evaluation.

PMID- 28077338
TI  - Ten-day bismuth-containing quadruple therapy is effective as first-line therapy
      for Helicobacter pylori-related chronic gastritis: a prospective randomized study
      in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of 10-day bismuth-containing
      quadruple (B-quadruple) treatment as first-line therapy in patients with
      Helicobacter pylori-related chronic gastritis. METHODS: A randomized controlled
      trial was conducted from October 2011 to December 2013 in Zhejiang, China,
      including patients with H. pylori-related chronic gastritis who were randomly
      provided either 10-day omeprazole-based triple therapy (OM-triple; omeprazole 20
      mg twice daily, clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1 g twice
      daily) or 10-day B-quadruple therapy (OM-triple + bismuth subcitrate 120 mg four
      times daily). H. pylori status, pathologic findings and dyspeptic symptoms were
      assessed at baseline and after 3 months. The primary outcome was H. pylori
      eradication rates by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. The
      secondary outcomes were the histologic and symptomatic benefits from H. pylori
      eradication. RESULTS: A total of 351 patients with H. pylori-related chronic
      gastritis were recruited. The eradication rates of the OM-triple and B-quadruple
      groups were 58.4% (108/185) and 86.1% (143/166) respectively according to ITT
      analysis (p <0.01). PP rates of H. pylori eradication were 63.2% (108/171) and
      92.3% (143/155) respectively (p <0.01). According to the PP analysis, active and
      chronic inflammation in gastric mucosa was substantially improved in all treated
      patients (n=326). However, pathologic atrophic gastritis and intestinal
      metaplasia did not regress in both groups (n=326). The reduction of dyspeptic
      symptoms score was significantly higher in the B-quadruple group than in the OM
      triple group (0.59+/-0.057 vs. 0.39+/-0.046) (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Ten-day B
      quadruple therapy is more effective than OM-triple therapy as first-line therapy
      for patients with H. pylori-induced chronic gastritis in China.

PMID- 28077339
TI  - St20, a new venomous animal derived natural peptide with immunosuppressive and
      anti-inflammatory activities.
AB  - Peptide toxins from venomous animals are natural resources with diverse
      biological functions and therapeutic potential towards human diseases. For
      venomous scorpions, many valuable peptide toxins have been discovered from
      Buthidae scorpions, but few works were done about non-buthidae scorpions. Here,
      we cloned and characterized the first disulfide-bridged toxin peptide St20 from
      the non-buthidae scorpion Scorpiops tibetanus. St20 has a putative 23-residue
      signal peptide, followed by a presumed 34-residue mature peptide including 8
      cysteines. Sequence alignments and structural analysis suggested that St20 is a
      new member of alpha-KTx23 scorpion toxin subfamily with a conserved CSalpha/beta
      structural fold. Functional studies showed that St20 inhibited human T lymphocyte
      surface marker CD69 expression and cytokine IL-2 secretion. Beside this, St20
      inhibited two important pro-inflammatory factors TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma
      secretion in the activated human T lymphocyte. Animal experiments showed that the
      delayed-type hypersensitivity response in rat autoimmune disease model was
      ameliorated in the present of peptide toxin St20. Together, our results showed
      that St20 is the first disulfide-bridged toxin peptide from the non-buthidae
      scorpion Scorpiops tibetanus with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory
      activities, suggesting that toxins from non-buthidae scorpions might be a new
      source of peptide drug discovery towards human diseases.

PMID- 28077340
TI  - Clinicopathological Characteristics of Papillary Thyroid Cancer in Children with
      Emphasis on Pubertal Status and Association with BRAFV600E Mutation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) may behave differently in prepubertal
      children as compared to pubertal children and adults. BRAF gene activating
      mutations may associate with PTC by creating aberrant activation. We aimed to
      evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of PTC patients with emphasis on
      the pubertal status and also to investigate the association of BRAFV600E mutation
      with disease characteristics. METHODS: The medical records of 75 patients with
      PTC were reviewed retrospectively. BRAFV600E mutation status was available only
      in the medical records of 56 patients. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 12.4+/
      3.8 years. There was no difference in sex, initial signs, tumor histopathology,
      and pathological evidence of tumor aggressiveness between prepubertal and
      pubertal children. Although not statistically significant, lateral neck nodal
      metastasis and lung metastasis at diagnosis were more prevalent in prepubertal
      children. After excluding patients with microcarcinoma, prepubertal children were
      found to require lateral neck dissection and further doses of radioactive iodine
      more frequently than pubertal patients. Recurrence was also more frequent in
      prepubertal children (p=0.016). Frequency of BRAFV600E mutation was similar in
      prepubertal and pubertal patients. BRAFV600E mutation was found in 14/56 (25%)
      patients and was high in the classic variant PTC (p=0.004). Multicentricity was
      high in BRAFV600E mutation (p=0.01). There was no relation between BRAFV600E
      mutation and lymph node and pulmonary metastasis at diagnosis, or between
      BRAFV600E mutation and pathological evidence of tumor aggressiveness. CONCLUSION:
      PTC is more disseminated in prepubertal children. BRAFV600E mutation does not
      correlate with a more extensive or aggressive disease. BRAFV600E mutation is not
      the cause of the differences in the biological behavior of PTC in prepubertal and
      pubertal children.

PMID- 28077341
TI  - Serum Irisin and Oxytocin Levels as Predictors of Metabolic Parameters in Obese
      Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Irisin and oxytocin can affect energy homeostasis and it has been
      suggested that they may play an important role in reducing obesity and diabetes.
      In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between metabolic
      parameters (including irisin and oxytocin levels) and anthropometric parameters
      in obese children. METHODS: Ninety obese children (mean age, 13.85+/-1.63 years)
      and 30 healthy controls (mean age, 14.32+/-1.58 years) were enrolled in this
      study. Anthropometric and laboratory parameters (glucose, insulin, lipid,
      oxytocin, and irisin levels) were analyzed. The serum irisin and oxytocin levels
      were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bioelectrical impedance was
      used to determine body composition. RESULTS: Irisin level was higher in the
      patients than in the controls (p=0.018), and this higher irisin level was
      correlated with increased systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist/hip
      ratio, fat percentage, fat mass, glucose level, insulin level, and homeostasis
      model assessment of insulin resistance. Serum oxytocin level was significantly
      decreased in obese children compared to the controls (p=0.049). Also, among the
      60 obese patients, oxytocin level was significantly lower in patients with than
      in those without metabolic syndrome (8.65+/-2.69 vs. 10.87+/-5.93 ng/L,
      respectively), while irisin levels were comparable (p=0.049 and p=0.104,
      respectively). There were no statistically significant relationships between
      oxytocin or irisin levels and lipid levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Obese children
      had significantly higher irisin levels than the healthy controls. Additionally,
      this study shows for the first time that oxytocin level is significantly lower in
      obese compared with non-obese children and also lower in obese children with
      metabolic syndrome compared to those without.

PMID- 28077342
TI  - Can Stoss Therapy Be Used in Children with Vitamin D Deficiency or Insufficiency
      without Rickets?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Stoss vitamin D treatment has been recommended for its non-skeletal
      benefits in adults, but there is a lack of data on the optimal dose of vitamin D
      stoss therapy in children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency without
      rickets. This study aimed to compare efficiency/side effects of two different
      stoss therapy regimens (10 000 IU/kg and 300 000 IU vitamin D3) administered in
      children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency without rickets. METHODS: Sixty
      four children who had vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency were studied. A serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin-D (25-OH-D) level of 15-20 ng/mL was considered as vitamin D
      insufficient and <15 ng/mL was considered as vitamin D deficient. The patients
      were divided into two groups according to the stoss therapy doses they received.
      Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25-OH-D, parathyroid hormone
      levels, and spot urine calcium/creatinine ratios before/after treatment were
      recorded. Wrist radiography and renal ultrasonography were performed. RESULTS:
      The mean age of the subjects was 10.6+/-4.4 years. Thirty-two children were
      treated with a single vitamin D3 dose of 10 000 IU/kg and 32 patients received
      300 000 IU. No difference was found in 25-OH-D levels between the two groups at
      presentation. The mean level of 25-OH-D was higher in the 10 000 IU/kg group at
      the second week of therapy. There was no difference between the groups at post
      treatment weeks 4 and 12. The 25-OH-D was found to be below optimal levels (>=30
      ng/mL) in 66.5% and <20 ng/mL in 21.8% of patients at the third month in both
      groups. None developed hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria. Nephrolithiasis was
      not detected in any patient. CONCLUSION: This study showed that both doses of
      stoss therapy used in the treatment of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency are
      effective and safe. However, an optimal level of 25-OH-D cannot be maintained for
      more than three months.

PMID- 28077343
TI  - Disappearance of Acquired Hemophilia A after Complete Remission in a Multiple
      Myeloma Patient.

PMID- 28077344
TI  - Heart-Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein Level as a Tool in Identification of Early
      Cardiac Effects of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure the serum levels of heart-type fatty acid
      binding protein (H-FABP) in patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
      and diabetic ketosis (DK) and to determine its role in identifying early-period
      cardiac ischemia. METHODS: This prospective study included 35 patients diagnosed
      with DKA, 20 patients diagnosed with DK, and 20 control subjects. H-FABP,
      creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and troponin I levels were investigated at
      presentation in patients with DKA and DK and in the control group. H-FABP values
      were measured again after acidosis correction in the DKA patients. RESULTS: No
      statistically significant differences were found with respect to troponin I and
      CK-MB within the groups. The H-FABP values of DKA patients at presentation were
      found to be significantly higher than those of DK patients and the control group
      (p=0.015). The H-FABP value of the DKA group was also found to be significantly
      higher than the value at hour 36 after acidosis correction (p=0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: We would like to propose H-FABP as a potential marker for indicating
      myocardial ischemia.

PMID- 28077345
TI  - Tips and Traps: Lessons From Codesigning a Clinician E-Monitoring Tool for
      Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) is an acceptable and
      promising treatment modality for adolescents with mild-to-moderate depression.
      Many cCBT programs are standalone packages with no way for clinicians to monitor
      progress or outcomes. We sought to develop an electronic monitoring (e
      monitoring) tool in consultation with clinicians and adolescents to allow
      clinicians to monitor mood, risk, and treatment adherence of adolescents
      completing a cCBT program called SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X
      factor thoughts). OBJECTIVE: The objectives of our study were as follows: (1)
      assess clinicians' and adolescents' views on using an e-monitoring tool and to
      use this information to help shape the development of the tool and (2) assess
      clinician experiences with a fully developed version of the tool that was
      implemented in their clinical service. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study
      using semistructured focus groups was conducted in New Zealand. In total, 7 focus
      groups included clinicians (n=50) who worked in primary care, and 3 separate
      groups included adolescents (n=29). Clinicians were general practitioners (GPs),
      school guidance counselors, clinical psychologists, youth workers, and nurses.
      Adolescents were recruited from health services and a high school. Focus groups
      were run to enable feedback at 3 phases that corresponded to the consultation,
      development, and postimplementation stages. Thematic analysis was applied to
      transcribed responses. RESULTS: Focus groups during the consultation and
      development phases revealed the need for a simple e-monitoring registration
      process with guides for end users. Common concerns were raised in relation to
      clinical burden, monitoring risk (and effects on the therapeutic relationship),
      alongside confidentiality or privacy and technical considerations. Adolescents
      did not want to use their social media login credentials for e-monitoring, as
      they valued their privacy. However, adolescents did want information on seeking
      help and personalized monitoring and communication arrangements.
      Postimplementation, clinicians who had used the tool in practice revealed no
      adverse impact on the therapeutic relationship, and adolescents were not
      concerned about being e-monitored. Clinicians did need additional time to monitor
      adolescents, and the e-monitoring tool was used in a different way than was
      originally anticipated. Also, it was suggested that the registration process
      could be further streamlined and integrated with existing clinical data
      management systems, and the use of clinician alerts could be expanded beyond the
      scope of simply flagging adolescents of concern. CONCLUSIONS: An e-monitoring
      tool was developed in consultation with clinicians and adolescents. However, the
      study revealed the complexity of implementing the tool in clinical practice. Of
      salience were privacy, parallel monitoring systems, integration with existing
      electronic medical record systems, customization of the e-monitor, and preagreed
      monitoring arrangements between clinicians and adolescents.

PMID- 28077346
TI  - The Use of Motion-Based Technology for People Living With Dementia or Mild
      Cognitive Impairment: A Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of people living with dementia and mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI) is increasing substantially. Although there are many research
      efforts directed toward the prevention and treatment of dementia and MCI, it is
      also important to learn more about supporting people to live well with dementia
      or MCI through cognitive, physical, and leisure means. While past research
      suggests that technology can be used to support positive aging for people with
      dementia or MCI, the use of motion-based technology has not been thoroughly
      explored with this population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify
      and synthesize the current literature involving the use of motion-based
      technology for people living with dementia or MCI by identifying themes while
      noting areas requiring further research. METHODS: A systematic review of studies
      involving the use of motion-based technology for human participants living with
      dementia or MCI was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 31 articles met the inclusion
      criteria. Five questions are addressed concerning (1) context of use; (2)
      population included (ie, dementia, MCI, or both); (3) hardware and software
      selection; (4) use of motion-based technology in a group or individual setting;
      and (5) details about the introduction, teaching, and support methods applied
      when using the motion-based technology with people living with dementia or MCI.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this review confirm the potential of motion-based
      technology to improve the lives of people living with dementia or MCI. The use of
      this technology also spans across several contexts including cognitive, physical,
      and leisure; all of which support multidimensional well-being. The literature
      provides evidence that people living with dementia or MCI can learn how to use
      this technology and that they enjoy doing so. However, there is a lack of
      information provided in the literature regarding the introduction, training, and
      support methods applied when using this form of technology with this population.
      Future research should address the appropriate introduction, teaching, and
      support required for people living with dementia or MCI to use the motion-based
      technology. In addition, it is recommended that the diverse needs of these
      specific end-users be considered in the design and development of this
      technology.

PMID- 28077347
TI  - Translating E-Mental Health Into Practice: What Are the Barriers and Enablers to
      E-Mental Health Implementation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
      Professionals?
AB  - BACKGROUND: With increasing evidence for the effectiveness of e-mental health
      interventions for enhancing mental health and well-being, a growing challenge is
      how to translate promising research findings into service delivery contexts. A
      2012 e-mental health initiative by the Australian Federal Government (eMHPrac)
      has sought to address the issue through several strategies, one of which has been
      to train different health professional workforces in e-mental health (e-MH).
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to report on the barriers and enablers of e
      MH uptake in a cohort of predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
      health professionals (21 Indigenous, 5 non-Indigenous) who occupied mainly
      support or case management roles within their organizations. METHODS: A 3- or 2
      day e-MH training program was followed by up to 5 consultation sessions (mean 2.4
      sessions) provided by the 2 trainers. The trainer-consultants provided written
      reports on each of the 30 consultation sessions for 7 consultation groups. They
      were also interviewed as part of the study. The written reports and interview
      data were thematically analyzed by 2 members of the research team. RESULTS:
      Uptake of e-MH among the consultation group was moderate (22%-30% of
      participants). There were significant organizational barriers to uptake resulting
      from procedural and administrative problems, demanding workloads, prohibitive
      policies, and a lack of fit between the organizational culture and the
      introduction of new technologies. Personal barriers included participant beliefs
      about the applicability of e-MH to certain populations, and workers' lack of
      confidence and skills. However, enthusiastic managers and tech-savvy champions
      could provide a counter-balance as organizational enablers of e-MH; and the
      consultation sessions themselves appear to have enhanced skills and confidence,
      shifted attitudes to new technologies, and seeded a perception that e-MH could be
      a valuable health education resource. CONCLUSIONS: A conclusion from the program
      was that it was important to match e-MH training and resources to work roles. In
      the latter stages of the consultation sessions, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
      Islander health professionals responded very positively to YouTube video clips
      and apps with a health education dimension. Therapy-oriented apps and programs
      may fit less well within the scope of practice of some workforces, including this
      one. We suggest that researchers broaden their focus and definitions of e-MH and
      give rather more weight to e-MH's health education possibilities. Developing
      criteria for evaluating apps and YouTube videos may empower a rather greater
      section of health workforce to use e-MH with their clients.

PMID- 28077349
TI  - Lack of healthcare funding in Greece is putting patients' lives at risk.

PMID- 28077348
TI  - User-Centered Design of Serious Games for Older Adults Following 3 Years of
      Experience With Exergames for Seniors: A Study Design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Seniors need sufficient balance and strength to manage in daily life,
      and sufficient physical activity is required to achieve and maintain these
      abilities. This can be a challenge, but fun and motivational exergames can be of
      help. However, most commercial games are not suited for this age group for
      several reasons. Many usability studies and user-centered design (UCD) protocols
      have been developed and applied, but to the best of our knowledge none of them
      are focusing on seniors' use of games for physical activity. In GameUp, a
      European cofunded project, some prototype Kinect exergames to enhance the
      mobility of seniors were developed in a user-centered approach. OBJECTIVE: In
      this paper we aim to record lessons learned in 3 years of experience with
      exergames for seniors, considering both the needs of older adults regarding user
      centered development of exergames and participation in UCD. We also provide a UCD
      protocol for exergames tailored to senior needs. METHODS: An initial UCD protocol
      was formed based on literature of previous research outcomes. Senior users
      participated in UCD following the initial protocol. The users formed a steady
      group that met every second week for 3 years to play exergames and participate in
      the UCD during the 4 phases of the protocol. Several methods were applied in the
      4 different phases of the UCD protocol; the most important methods were
      structured and semistructured interviews, observations, and group discussions.
      RESULTS: A total of 16 seniors with an average age above 80 years participated
      for 3 years in UCD in order to develop the GameUp exergames. As a result of the
      lessons learned by applying the different methodologies of the UCD protocol, we
      propose an adjusted UCD protocol providing explanations on how it should be
      applied for seniors as users. Questionnaires should be turned into semistructured
      and structured interviews while user consultation sessions should be repeated
      with the same theme to ensure that the UCD methods produce a valid outcome. By
      first following the initial and gradually the adjusted UCD protocol, the project
      resulted in exergame functionalities and interface features for seniors.
      CONCLUSIONS: The main lessons learned during 3 years of experience with exergames
      for seniors applying UCD are that devoting time to seniors is a key element of
      success so that trust can be gained, communication can be established, and users'
      opinions can be recorded. All different game elements should be taken into
      consideration during the design of exergames for seniors even if they seem
      obvious. Despite the limitations of this study, one might argue that it provides
      a best practice guide to the development of serious games for physical activity
      targeting seniors.

PMID- 28077350
TI  - Commentary: We're under financial strain without prescriptions for gluten-free
      food.

PMID- 28077352
TI  - Seven day GP access may not be cost effective, auditors warn.

PMID- 28077353
TI  - Robert Wood.

PMID- 28077354
TI  - Gut microbiota: implications for sports and exercise medicine.

PMID- 28077355
TI  - No evidence for the use of stem cell therapy for tendon disorders: a systematic
      review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stem cells have emerged as a new treatment option for tendon
      disorders. We systematically reviewed the current evidence for stem cell therapy
      in tendon disorders. METHODS: Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials,
      cohort studies and case series with a minimum of 5 cases were searched in
      MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and SPORTDiscus. In addition, we searched
      grey literature databases and trial registers. Only human studies were included
      and no time or language restrictions were applied to our search. All references
      of included trials were checked for possibly eligible trials. Risk of bias
      assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for controlled
      trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for case series. Levels of evidence were
      assigned according to the Oxford levels of evidence. RESULTS: 4 published and
      three unpublished/pending trials were found with a total of 79 patients. No
      unpublished data were available. Two trials evaluated bone marrow-derived stem
      cells in rotator cuff repair surgery and found lower retear rates compared with
      historical controls or the literature. One trial used allogenic adipose-derived
      stem cells to treat lateral epicondylar tendinopathy. Improved Mayo Elbow
      Performance Index, Visual Analogue Pain scale and ultrasound findings after 1
      year follow-up compared with baseline were found. Bone marrow-derived stem cell
      treated patellar tendinopathy showed improved International Knee Documentation
      Committee, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales and Tegner
      scores after 5-year follow-up. One trial reported adverse events and found them
      to be mild (eg, swelling, effusion). All trials were at high risk of bias and
      only level 4 evidence was available. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence (level 4) was found
      for the therapeutic use of stem cells for tendon disorders. The use of stem cell
      therapy for tendon disorders in clinical practice is currently not advised.

PMID- 28077356
TI  - It is time to stop meniscectomy.

PMID- 28077358
TI  - Biological signaling by carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide-releasing molecules.
AB  - Carbon monoxide (CO) is continuously produced in mammalian cells during the
      degradation of heme. It is a stable gaseous molecule that reacts selectively with
      transition metals in a specific redox state, and these characteristics restrict
      the interaction of CO with defined biological targets that transduce its
      signaling activity. Because of the high affinity of CO for ferrous heme, these
      targets can be grouped into heme-containing proteins, representing a large
      variety of sensors and enzymes with a series of diverse function in the cell and
      the organism. Despite this notion, progress in identifying which of these targets
      are selective for CO has been slow and even the significance of elevated
      carbonmonoxy hemoglobin, a classical marker used to diagnose CO poisoning, is not
      well understood. This is also due to the lack of technologies capable of
      assessing in a comprehensive fashion the distribution and local levels of CO
      between the blood circulation, the tissue, and the mitochondria, one of the
      cellular compartments where CO exerts its signaling or detrimental effects.
      Nevertheless, the use of CO gas and CO-releasing molecules as pharmacological
      approaches in models of disease has provided new important information about the
      signaling properties of CO. In this review we will analyze the most salient
      effects of CO in biology and discuss how the binding of CO with key ferrous
      hemoproteins serves as a posttranslational modification that regulates important
      processes as diverse as aerobic metabolism, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial
      bioenergetics.

PMID- 28077357
TI  - Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein lipolysis products increase blood-brain barrier
      transfer coefficient and induce astrocyte lipid droplets and cell stress.
AB  - Elevation of blood triglycerides, primarily as triglyceride-rich lipoproteins
      (TGRL), has been linked to cerebrovascular inflammation, vascular dementia, and
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). Brain microvascular endothelial cells and astrocytes,
      two cell components of the neurovascular unit, participate in controlling blood
      brain barrier (BBB) permeability and regulating neurovascular unit homeostasis.
      Our studies showed that infusion of high physiological concentrations of TGRL
      lipolysis products (TGRL + lipoprotein lipase) activate and injure brain
      endothelial cells and transiently increase the BBB transfer coefficient (Ki =
      permeability * surface area/volume) in vivo. However, little is known about how
      blood lipids affect astrocyte lipid accumulation and inflammation. To address
      this, we first demonstrated TGRL lipolysis products increased lipid droplet
      formation in cultured normal human astrocytes. We then evaluated the
      transcriptional pathways activated in astrocytes by TGRL lipolysis products and
      found upregulated stress and inflammatory-related genes including activating
      transcription factor 3 (ATF3), macrophage inflammatory protein-3alpha (MIP
      3alpha), growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide
      synthase 2 (COX2). TGRL lipolysis products also activated the JNK/cJUN/ATF3
      pathway, induced endoplasmic reticulum stress protein C/EBP homologous protein
      (CHOP), and the NF-kappaB pathway, while increasing secretion of MIP-3alpha,
      GDF15, and IL-8. Thus our results demonstrate TGRL lipolysis products increase
      the BBB transfer coefficient (Ki), induce astrocyte lipid droplet formation,
      activate cell stress pathways, and induce secretion of inflammatory cytokines.
      Our observations are consistent with evidence for lipid-induced neurovascular
      injury and inflammation, and we, therefore, speculate that lipid-induced
      astrocyte injury could play a role in cognitive decline.

PMID- 28077359
TI  - Indoor Tanning and Melanoma Risk: Long-Term Evidence From a Prospective
      Population-Based Cohort Study.
AB  - Indoor tanning is associated with increased risk of melanoma, but most evidence
      comes from case-control studies. Using data from the Norwegian Women and Cancer
      Study, a large prospective cohort study, we investigated the associations of age
      at initiation of indoor tanning, duration of tanning-device use, and dose
      response with melanoma risk and examined the role of indoor tanning in age at
      melanoma diagnosis. We used Poisson regression to estimate relative risks and 95%
      confidence intervals for the relationship of indoor tanning to melanoma risk and
      linear regression to examine age of indoor tanning initiation in relation to age
      at diagnosis. During follow-up of 141,045 women (1991-2012; mean duration follow
      up = 13.7 years), 861 women were diagnosed with melanoma. Melanoma risk increased
      with increasing cumulative number of tanning sessions (for highest tertile of use
      vs. never use, adjusted relative risk = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08,
      1.63); P-trend = 0.006. Age at initiation <30 years was associated with a higher
      risk in comparison with never use (adjusted relative risk = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.07,
      1.59). Moreover, women who started indoor tanning prior to 30 years of age were
      2.2 years (95% CI: 0.9, 3.4) younger at diagnosis, on average, than never users.
      This cohort study provides strong evidence of a dose-response association between
      indoor tanning and risk of melanoma and supports the hypothesis that
      vulnerability to the harmful effects of indoor tanning is greater at a younger
      age.

PMID- 28077360
TI  - Invited Commentary: Indoor Tanning-A Melanoma Accelerator?
AB  - In this issue of the Journal, Ghiasvand et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2017;185(3):147
      156) present results from a longitudinal study of the association between indoor
      tanning and melanoma in a large cohort of Norwegian women. These new data further
      support previous findings on the damaging effects of tanning bed exposure on
      women, particularly young women. The authors present compelling evidence that
      early exposure to tanning beds advances the date of diagnosis of melanoma by at
      least 2 years. With a strong design and a large cohort followed for a mean of
      13.7 years, this study lends additional support to previous evidence of the
      negative effects of tanning beds and provides further justification for stronger
      policy initiatives designed to reduce tanning bed use among young women.

PMID- 28077361
TI  - Ghiasvand et al. Respond to "Indoor Tanning-A Melanoma Accelerator?"

PMID- 28077362
TI  - Time to revisit 'Megace' for hot flushes in patients with breast cancer?

PMID- 28077363
TI  - Tobacco control benefits poor people, says WHO.

PMID- 28077364
TI  - Socioeconomic disadvantage is linked to obesity across generations, UK study
      finds.

PMID- 28077365
TI  - Breast screening benefits have been overstated, Danish study finds.

PMID- 28077366
TI  - Effectiveness of acupuncture in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing
      in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence from
      randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of
      acupuncture in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro
      fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS: We
      searched a total of 15 databases through October 2015. The participants were
      women with PCOS (diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria) undergoing IVF or ICSI.
      Eligible trials were those with intervention groups receiving manual acupuncture
      (MA) or electroacupuncture (EA), and control groups receiving sham acupuncture,
      no treatment or other treatments. Outcomes included the clinical pregnancy rate
      (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) and incidence of
      ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and adverse events (AEs). For
      statistical pooling, the risk ratio (RR) and its 95% (confidence interval) CI was
      calculated using a random effects model. RESULTS: Four RCTs including 430
      participants were selected. All trials compared acupuncture (MA/EA) against no
      treatment. Acupuncture significantly increased the CPR (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.03 to
      1.71) and OPR (RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.81) and decreased the risk of OHSS (RR
      0.63, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.94); however, there was no significant difference in the
      LBR (RR 1.61, 95% CI 0.73 to 3.58). None of the RCTs reported on AEs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture may increase the CPR and OPR and decrease the risk of
      OHSS in women with PCOS undergoing IVF or ICSI. Further studies are needed to
      confirm the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as an adjunct to assisted
      reproductive technology in this particular population.

PMID- 28077367
TI  - Electroacupuncture alleviates the inflammatory response via effects on M1 and M2
      macrophages after spinal cord injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Macrophages/microglia are important effector cells at the site of
      spinal cord injury (SCI). M1-type macrophages facilitate innate immunity to
      remove foreign microbes and wound debris from the injury site. M2-type
      macrophages exhibit tissue repair properties and attenuate production of pro
      inflammatory cytokines. Regulation of the polarisation of M1/M2 macrophages may
      affect the inflammatory response in SCI and may be related to neurotrophin-3 (NT
      3). Electroacupuncture (EA) at GV acupuncture points can be used as an adjuvant
      therapy for SCI. AIM: To investigate the effects of EA on Basso, Beattie and
      Bresnahan (BBB) functional evaluation and inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and IL-10), and on the
      proportions of M1/M2 macrophages, and to provide a greater understanding of the
      mechanisms underlying the potential clinical treatment of SCI. METHODS: A rat SCI
      model was induced by spinal segment transection at T10 in 16 Sprague-Dawley rats.
      A further eight rats were included as a Control group. Ten surviving SCI model
      rats were divided into two groups (n=5 each): an SCI group that remained
      untreated; and an SCI+EA group that received EA at GV6 and GV9. RESULTS: EA
      improved BBB scores, inhibited the proportion of M1 macrophages and TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta and IL-6 levels, and downregulated the M1 marker CD86. By contrast, EA
      enhanced IL-10, the proportion of M2 macrophages and upregulated the M2 marker
      CD206 and NT-3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: EA had a positive impact on SCI model
      rats. This may be related to the neuroprotective effect of NT-3, which may
      increase the polarisation of M2 microglia/macrophages.

PMID- 28077368
TI  - Team meetings do not devote enough time to complex cancer cases, report warns.

PMID- 28077369
TI  - The relationship between central visual field sensitivity and macular ganglion
      cell/inner plexiform layer thickness in glaucoma.
AB  - AIMS: To explore the correlation of local macular ganglion cell/inner plexiform
      layer (GC/IPL) thickness measurements with sensitivity at individual test
      locations on the central 10-2 visual fields (VFs) in patients with glaucoma.
      METHODS: One hundred thirty-seven eyes of 125 patients with spectral domain
      optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 10-2 VFs were included. The exported
      thickness matrices (200*200) of GC/IPL measurements were centred on the fovea.
      Total deviation values at each test location were correlated with the 20 000
      GC/IPL thickness measurements in the corresponding inferior or superior
      hemiretina, and areas of highest correlation were plotted. Macular structure
      function relationships were also examined between six wedge-shaped GC/IPL sectors
      and the corresponding VF clusters. A multivariate model was built to identify the
      10-2 VF test locations associated with each GC/IPL sector thickness. RESULTS:
      Average mean deviation on 10-2 VFs was -9.2+/-6.1 dB. The 10-2 VF test points
      demonstrated correlations with GC/IPL thickness in localised arcuate patterns
      mostly limited within the central 4.8*4.0 mm measurement ellipse (rho=0.43-0.74,
      p<0.05 for all). Twenty-one test points of the 10-2 VF were the best predictors
      of sectoral GC/IPL thickness. Sectoral VF-OCT correlations were high (rho=0.53
      0.66, p<0.001) and did not significantly change after adjusting for retinal GC
      displacement (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Macular OCT/VF relationships have localised
      arcuate characteristics in the central region of the macula. Given the
      overlapping nature of structure-function relationships, a smaller number of VF
      test locations may be used to summarise macular functional damage. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01742819.

PMID- 28077370
TI  - Preoperative aqueous humour flare values do not predict proliferative
      vitreoretinopathy in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) who
      develop postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) have been found to
      have higher preoperative laser flare values than patients with RRD who do not
      develop this complication. Measurement of laser flare has therefore been proposed
      as an objective, rapid and non-invasive method for identifying high-risk
      patients. The purpose of our study was to validate the use of preoperative flare
      values as a predictor of PVR risk in two additional patient cohorts, and to
      confirm the sensitivity and specificity of this method for identifying high-risk
      patients. METHODS: We combined data from two independent prospective studies:
      centre 1 (120 patients) and centre 2 (194 patients). Preoperative aqueous humour
      flare was measured with a Kowa FM-500 Laser Flare Meter. PVR was defined as
      redetachment due to the formation of traction membranes that required reoperation
      within 6 months of initial surgery. Logistic regression and receiver operating
      characteristic analysis determined whether higher preoperative flare values were
      associated with an increased risk of postoperative PVR. RESULTS: PVR redetachment
      developed in 21/314 patients (6.7%). Median flare values differed significantly
      between centres, therefore analyses were done separately. Logistic regression
      showed a small but statistically significant increase in odds with increasing
      flare only for centre 2 (OR 1.014; p=0.005). Areas under the receiver operating
      characteristic showed low sensitivity and specificity: centre 1, 0.634 (95% CI
      0.440 to 0.829) and centre 2, 0.731 (95% CI 0.598 to 0.865). CONCLUSIONS:
      Preoperative laser flare measurements are inaccurate in discriminating between
      those patients with RRD at high and low risk of developing PVR.

PMID- 28077371
TI  - Markers of endothelial damage in patients with chronic kidney disease on
      hemodialysis.
AB  - Patients with Stage 5 chronic kidney disease who are on hemodialysis (HD) remain
      in a chronic inflammatory state, characterized by the accumulation of uremic
      toxins that induce endothelial damage and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our aim
      was to examine microvesicles (MVs), monocyte subpopulations, and angiopoietins
      (Ang) to identify prognostic markers in HD patients with or without diabetes
      mellitus (DM). A total of 160 prevalent HD patients from 10 centers across Spain
      were obtained from the Biobank of the Nephrology Renal Network (Madrid, Spain):
      80 patients with DM and 80 patients without DM who were matched for clinical and
      demographic criteria. MVs from plasma and several monocyte subpopulations
      (CD142+/CD16+, CD14+/CD162+) were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the plasma
      concentrations of Ang1 and Ang2 were quantified by ELISA. Data on CVD were
      gathered over the 5.5 yr after these samples were obtained. MV level, monocyte
      subpopulations (CD14+/CD162+ and CD142+/CD16+), and Ang2-to-Ang1 ratios increased
      in HD patients with DM compared with non-DM patients. Moreover, MV level above
      the median (264 MVs/ul) was associated independently with greater mortality. MVs,
      monocyte subpopulations, and Ang2-to-Ang1 ratio can be used as predictors for
      CVD. In addition, MV level has a potential predictive value in the prevention of
      CVD in HD patients. These parameters undergo more extensive changes in patients
      with DM.

PMID- 28077372
TI  - Extracellular microRNA signature in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that regulate posttranscriptional gene
      expression. In this study we characterized the circulating and urinary miRNA
      pattern associated with reduced glomerular filtration rate, using Affymetrix
      GeneChip miR 4.0 in 28 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Top miRNA
      discoveries from the human studies were validated in an Alb/TGFbeta mouse model
      of CKD, and in rat renal proximal tubular cells (NRK52E) exposed to TGFbeta1.
      Plasma and urinary levels of procollagen III N-terminal propeptide and collagen
      IV were elevated in patients with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (eGFR). Expression of 384 urinary and 266 circulatory miRNAs were significantly
      different between CKD patients with eGFR >=30 vs. <30 ml.min-1.1.73 m-2 Pathway
      analysis mapped multiple miRNAs to TGFbeta signaling-related mRNA targets.
      Specifically, Let-7a was significantly downregulated, and miR-130a was
      significantly upregulated, in urine of patients with eGFR <30; miR-1825 and miR
      1281 were upregulated in both urine and plasma of patients with decreased eGFR;
      and miR-423 was significantly downregulated in plasma of patients with decreased
      eGFR. miRNA expression in urine and plasma of Alb/TGFbeta mice generally
      resembled and confirmed most, although not all, of the observations from the
      human studies. In response to TGFbeta1 exposure, rat renal proximal tubular cells
      overexpressed miR-1825 and downregulated miR-423. Thus, miRNA are associated with
      kidney fibrosis, and specific urinary and plasma miRNA profile may have
      diagnostic and prognostic utility in CKD.

PMID- 28077373
TI  - Determination of renal function and injury using near-infrared fluorimetry in
      experimental cardiorenal syndrome.
AB  - Cardiorenal syndrome type 1 causes acute kidney injury but is poorly understood;
      animal models and diagnostic aids are lacking. Robust noninvasive measurements of
      glomerular filtration rate are required for injury models and clinical use.
      Several have been described but are untested in translational models and suffer
      from biologic interference. We developed a mouse model of cardiorenal syndrome
      and tested the novel near-infrared fluorophore ZW800-1 to assess renal and
      cardiac function. We performed murine cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation followed by transthoracic echocardiography, 2 and 24 h later.
      Transcutaneous fluorescence of ZW800-1 bolus dispersion and clearance was
      assessed with whole animal imaging and compared with glomerular filtration rate
      (GFR; inulin clearance), tubular cell death (using unbiased stereology), and
      serum creatinine. Correlation, Bland-Altman, and polar analyses were used to
      compare GFR with ZW800-1 clearance. Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation caused reversible cardiac failure, halving fractional shortening of
      the left ventricle (n = 12, P = 0.03). Acute kidney injury resulted with near
      zero GFR and sixfold increase in serum creatinine 24 h later (n = 16, P < 0.01).
      ZW800-1 biodistribution and clearance were exclusively renal. ZW800-1 t1/2 and
      clearance correlated with GFR (r = 0.92, n = 31, P < 0.0001). ZW800-1
      fluorescence was reduced in cardiac arrest, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      treated mice compared with sham animals 810 s after injection (P < 0.01) and
      bolus time-dispersion curves demonstrated that ZW800-1 fluorescence dispersion
      correlated with left ventricular function (r = 0.74, P < 0.01). Cardiac arrest
      and cardiopulmonary resuscitation lead to experimental cardiorenal syndrome type
      1. ZW800-1, a small near-infrared fluorophore being developed for clinical
      intraoperative imaging, is favorable for evaluating cardiac and renal function
      noninvasively.

PMID- 28077374
TI  - Parallel microarray profiling identifies ErbB4 as a determinant of cyst growth in
      ADPKD and a prognostic biomarker for disease progression.
AB  - Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the fourth most common
      cause of end-stage renal disease. The disease course can be highly variable and
      treatment options are limited. To identify new therapeutic targets and prognostic
      biomarkers of disease, we conducted parallel discovery microarray profiling in
      normal and diseased human PKD1 cystic kidney cells. A total of 1,515 genes and 5
      miRNA were differentially expressed by more than twofold in PKD1 cells.
      Functional enrichment analysis identified 30 dysregulated signaling pathways
      including the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor pathway. In this paper, we
      report that the EGF/ErbB family receptor ErbB4 is a major factor driving cyst
      growth in ADPKD. Expression of ErbB4 in vivo was increased in human ADPKD and
      Pkd1 cystic kidneys, both transcriptionally and posttranscriptionally by mir-193b
      3p. Ligand-induced activation of ErbB4 drives cystic proliferation and expansion
      suggesting a pathogenic role in cystogenesis. Our results implicate ErbB4
      activation as functionally relevant in ADPKD, both as a marker of disease
      activity and as a new therapeutic target in this major kidney disease.

PMID- 28077375
TI  - Body composition, diet, and physical activity: a longitudinal cohort study in
      preschoolers with cerebral palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered body composition in children with cerebral palsy (CP) could
      be due to differences in energy intake, habitual physical activity (HPA), and
      sedentary time. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the longitudinal relation between the
      weight-for-age z score (WZ), fat-free mass (FFM), percentage of body fat (%BF),
      and modifiable lifestyle factors for all Gross Motor Function Classification
      System (GMFCS) levels (I-V). DESIGN: The study was a longitudinal population
      based cohort study of children with CP who were aged 18-60 mo (364 assessments in
      161 children; boys: 61%; mean +/- SD recruitment age: 2.8 +/- 0.9 y; GMFCS: I,
      48%; II, 11%; III, 15%; IV, 11%; and V, 15%). A deuterium dilution technique or
      bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate FFM, and the %BF was
      calculated. Energy intake, HPA, and sedentary time were measured with the use of
      a 3-d weighed food diary and accelerometer wear. Data were analyzed with the use
      of a mixed-model analysis. RESULTS: Children in GMFCS group I did not differ from
      age- and sex-specific reference children with typical development for weight.
      Children in GMFCS group IV were lighter-for-age, and children in GMFCS group V
      had a lower FFM-for-height than those in GMFCS group I. Children in GMFCS groups
      II-V had a higher %BF than that of children in GMFCS group I, with the exception
      of orally fed children in GMFCS group V. The mean %BF of children with CP
      classified them as overfat or obese. There was a positive association between
      energy intake and FFM and also between HPA level and FFM for children in GMFCS
      group I. CONCLUSIONS: Altered body composition was evident in preschool-age
      children with CP across functional capacities. Gross motor function, feeding
      method, energy intake, and HPA level in GMFCS I individuals are the strongest
      predictors of body composition in children with CP between the ages of 18 and 60
      mo.

PMID- 28077376
TI  - Dietary intake and peripheral arterial disease incidence in middle-aged adults:
      the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.
AB  - Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a costly source of morbidity and
      mortality among older persons in the United States. Dietary intake plays a role
      in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; however, few
      studies have examined the relation of food intake or dietary patterns with
      PAD.Objective: We examined the relation between habitual dietary intake at
      midlife and incident PAD over ~20 y of follow-up.Design: Among 14,082
      participants enrolled in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study
      initially free of PAD, dietary intake was assessed at baseline in 1987-1989 by
      using a modified Harvard food-frequency questionnaire. Food groups were created,
      and principal components analysis was used to develop "healthy" and "Western"
      dietary patterns; both were categorized into quintiles or quartiles. Incident PAD
      was determined by an ankle-brachial index <0.9 assessed at 2 subsequent
      examinations and hospital discharge codes through 2012. Multivariate-adjusted Cox
      proportional hazards regression was used.Results: During a mean follow-up of 19.9
      y, 1569 participants developed incident PAD. In models adjusted for demographic
      characteristics, behaviors, and food groups, the HRs (95% CIs) for incident PAD
      increased across quintiles of meat consumption [quintile 1: reference, quintile
      2: 1.38 (1.16, 1.65), quintile 3: 1.38 (1.16, 1.65), quintile 4: 1.45 (1.20,
      1.74), quintile 5: 1.66 (1.36, 2.03); P-trend <0.001]. Compared with those who
      drank no alcohol, those who had 1-6 drinks/wk had a lower risk of incident PAD
      [0.78 (0.68, 0.89)]. For coffee, >=4 cups/d compared with none was inversely
      associated with incident PAD [quintile 5 compared with quintile 1: 0.84 (0.75,
      1.00); P-trend = 0.014]. There was no association between other food groups or
      patterns and incident PAD.Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study, greater
      meat consumption was associated with a higher risk, and moderate alcohol
      consumption was associated with a lower risk of incident PAD. Whether these
      associations are causal remains to be seen. This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00005131.

PMID- 28077377
TI  - A new universal dynamic model to describe eating rate and cumulative intake
      curves.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attempts to model cumulative intake curves with quadratic functions
      have not simultaneously taken gustatory stimulation, satiation, and maximal food
      intake into account. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to develop a dynamic model for
      cumulative intake curves that captures gustatory stimulation, satiation, and
      maximal food intake. DESIGN: We developed a first-principles model describing
      cumulative intake that universally describes gustatory stimulation, satiation,
      and maximal food intake using 3 key parameters: 1) the initial eating rate, 2)
      the effective duration of eating, and 3) the maximal food intake. These model
      parameters were estimated in a study (n = 49) where eating rates were
      deliberately changed. Baseline data was used to determine the quality of model's
      fit to data compared with the quadratic model. The 3 parameters were also
      calculated in a second study consisting of restrained and unrestrained eaters.
      Finally, we calculated when the gustatory stimulation phase is short or absent.
      RESULTS: The mean sum squared error for the first-principles model was 337.1 +/-
      240.4 compared with 581.6 +/- 563.5 for the quadratic model, or a 43% improvement
      in fit. Individual comparison demonstrated lower errors for 94% of the subjects.
      Both sex (P = 0.002) and eating duration (P = 0.002) were associated with the
      initial eating rate (adjusted R2 = 0.23). Sex was also associated (P = 0.03 and P
      = 0.012) with the effective eating duration and maximum food intake (adjusted R2
      = 0.06 and 0.11). In participants directed to eat as much as they could compared
      with as much as they felt comfortable with, the maximal intake parameter was
      approximately double the amount. The model found that certain parameter regions
      resulted in both stimulation and satiation phases, whereas others only produced a
      satiation phase. CONCLUSIONS: The first-principles model better quantifies
      interindividual differences in food intake, shows how aspects of food intake
      differ across subpopulations, and can be applied to determine how eating behavior
      factors influence total food intake.

PMID- 28077378
TI  - Peripheral skeleton bone strength is positively correlated with total and dairy
      protein intakes in healthy postmenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) are
      positively correlated with dietary protein intakes, which account for 1-8% of BMC
      and BMD variances. However, the relation between bone strength and
      microstructure, which are variables that are not captured by areal bone mineral
      density (aBMD), and dietary protein intakes, particularly from specific dietary
      sources, has not been clearly established. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the
      association between the peripheral skeleton-predicted failure load and stiffness,
      bone microstructure, and dietary protein intakes from various origins (animal,
      divided into dairy and nondairy, and vegetable origins) in healthy postmenopausal
      women. DESIGN: In a cross-sectional study in 746 Caucasian women aged 65.0 +/-
      1.4 y, we measured the aBMD with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, the
      distal radius and tibia bone microstructures with the use of high-resolution
      peripheral quantitative computerized tomography, and bone strength with the use
      of a finite element analysis, and we evaluated dietary protein and calcium with
      the use of a validated food-frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean dietary
      calcium and protein intakes were greater than recommended amounts for this class
      of age. The predicted failure load and stiffness at the distal radius and tibia
      were positively associated with total, animal, and dairy protein intakes but not
      with vegetable protein intake. Failure load differences were accompanied by
      modifications of the aBMD and of cortical and trabecular bone microstructures.
      The associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for weight,
      height, physical activity, menopause duration, calcium intake, and the
      interaction between calcium and protein intake. A principal component analysis of
      the volumetric BMD and bone microstructure indicated that trabecular bone mainly
      contributed to the positive association between protein intakes and bone
      strength. CONCLUSIONS: These results, which were recorded in a very homogeneous
      population of healthy postmenopausal women, indicate that there is a beneficial
      effect of animal and dairy protein intakes on bone strength and microstructure.
      Specifically, there is a positive association between the bone failure load and
      stiffness of the peripheral skeleton and dietary protein intake, which is mainly
      related to changes in the trabecular microstructure. This trial was registered at
      www.controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN11865958.

PMID- 28077379
TI  - Effects of supplementation with nondigestible carbohydrates on fecal calprotectin
      and on epigenetic regulation of SFRP1 expression in the large-bowel mucosa of
      healthy individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperactive Wnt signaling is frequently observed in colorectal
      cancer. Higher intakes of dietary fiber [nondigestible carbohydrates (NDCs)] and
      the fermentation product butyrate are protective against colorectal cancer and
      may exert their preventative effects via modulation of the Wnt pathway.
      OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of supplementing healthy individuals with
      2 NDCs [resistant starch (RS) and polydextrose] on fecal calprotectin
      concentrations and Wnt pathway-related gene expression. In addition, we
      determined whether effects on secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1)
      expression are mediated via the epigenetic mechanisms DNA methylation and
      microRNA expression. DESIGN: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      trial (the Dietary Intervention, Stem cells and Colorectal Cancer (DISC) Study),
      75 healthy participants were supplemented with RS and/or polydextrose or placebo
      for 50 d in a 2 * 2 factorial design. Pre- and postintervention stool samples and
      rectal mucosal biopsies were collected and used to quantify calprotectin and
      expression of 12 Wnt-related genes, respectively. The expression of 10 microRNAs
      predicted to target SFRP1 was also quantified by quantitative reverse
      transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and DNA methylation was quantified at 7
      CpG sites within the SFRP1 promoter region by pyrosequencing. RESULTS: NDC
      supplementation did not affect fecal calprotectin concentration. SFRP1 mRNA
      expression was reduced by both RS (P = 0.005) and polydextrose (P = 0.053). RS
      and polydextrose did not affect SFRP1 methylation or alter the expression of 10
      microRNAs predicted to target SFRP1. There were no significant interactions
      between RS and polydextrose. CONCLUSIONS: RS and polydextrose supplementation did
      not affect fecal calprotectin concentrations. Downregulation of SFRP1 with RS and
      polydextrose could result in increased Wnt pathway activity. However, effects on
      Wnt pathway activity and downstream functional effects in the healthy large-bowel
      mucosa remain to be investigated. The DISC Study was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01214681.

PMID- 28077380
TI  - Metabolomic profiles as reliable biomarkers of dietary composition.
AB  - Background: Clinical nutrition research often lacks robust markers of compliance,
      complicating the interpretation of clinical trials and observational studies of
      free-living subjects.Objective: We aimed to examine metabolomics profiles in
      response to 3 diets that differed widely in macronutrient composition during a
      controlled feeding protocol.Design: Twenty-one adults with a high body mass index
      (in kg/m2; mean +/- SD: 34.4 +/- 4.9) were given hypocaloric diets to promote
      weight loss corresponding to 10-15% of initial body weight. They were then
      studied during weight stability while consuming 3 test diets, each for a 4-wk
      period according to a crossover design: low fat (60% carbohydrate, 20% fat, 20%
      protein), low glycemic index (40% carbohydrate, 40% fat, 20% protein), or very
      low carbohydrate (10% carbohydrate, 60% fat, 30% protein). Plasma samples were
      obtained at baseline and at the end of each 4-wk period in the fasting state for
      metabolomics analysis by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
      Statistical analyses included adjustment for multiple comparisons.Results: Of 333
      metabolites, we identified 152 whose concentrations differed for >=1 diet
      compared with the others, including diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols,
      branched-chain amino acids, and markers reflecting metabolic status. Analysis of
      groups of related metabolites, with the use of either principal components or
      pathways, revealed coordinated metabolic changes affected by dietary composition,
      including pathways related to amino acid metabolism. We constructed a classifier
      using the metabolites that differed between diets and were able to correctly
      identify the test diet from metabolite profiles in 60 of 63 cases (>95%
      accuracy). Analyses also suggest differential effects by diet on numerous
      cardiometabolic disease risk factors.Conclusions: Metabolomic profiling may be
      used to assess compliance during clinical nutrition trials and the validity of
      dietary assessment in observational studies. In addition, this methodology may
      help elucidate mechanistic pathways linking diet to chronic disease risk. This
      trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00315354.

PMID- 28077382
TI  - Bimodal Pattern of Coronary Microvascular Involvement in Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 28077383
TI  - Neurological Injury in Intermediate-Risk Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

PMID- 28077381
TI  - Metabolic syndrome increases dietary alpha-tocopherol requirements as assessed
      using urinary and plasma vitamin E catabolites: a double-blind, crossover
      clinical trial.
AB  - Background: Vitamin E supplementation improves liver histology in patients with
      nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which is a manifestation of the metabolic syndrome
      (MetS). We reported previously that alpha-tocopherol bioavailability in healthy
      adults is higher than in those with MetS, thereby suggesting that the latter
      group has increased requirements.Objective: We hypothesized that alpha-tocopherol
      catabolites alpha-carboxyethyl hydroxychromanol (alpha-CEHC) and alpha
      carboxymethylbutyl hydroxychromanol (alpha-CMBHC) are useful biomarkers of alpha
      tocopherol status.Design: Adults (healthy or with MetS; n = 10/group) completed a
      double-blind, crossover clinical trial with four 72-h interventions during which
      they co-ingested 15 mg hexadeuterium-labeled RRR-alpha-tocopherol (d6-alpha-T)
      with nonfat, reduced-fat, whole, or soy milk. During each intervention, we
      measured alpha-CEHC and alpha-CMBHC excretions in three 8-h urine collections (0
      24 h) and plasma alpha-tocopherol, alpha-CEHC, and alpha-CMBHC concentrations at
      various times <=72 h.Results: During the first 24 h, participants with MetS
      compared with healthy adults excreted 41% less alpha-CEHC (all values are least
      squares means +/- SEMs: 0.6 +/- 0.1 compared with 1.0 +/- 0.1 MUmol/g creatinine,
      respectively; P = 0.002), 63% less hexadeuterium-labeled (d6)-alpha-CEHC (0.04 +/
      0.02 compared with 0.13 +/- 0.02 MUmol/g creatinine, respectively; P = 0.002),
      and 58% less d6-alpha-CMBHC (0.017 +/- 0.004 compared with 0.041 +/- 0.004
      MUmol/g creatinine, respectively; P = 0.0009) and had 52% lower plasma d6-alpha
      CEHC areas under the concentration curves [area under the curve from 0 to 24 h
      (AUC0-24h): 27.7 +/- 7.9 compared with 58.4 +/- 7.9 nmol/L * h, respectively; P =
      0.01]. d6-alpha-CEHC peaked before d6-alpha-T in 77 of 80 paired plasma
      concentration curves. Urinary d6-alpha-CEHC 24-h concentrations were associated
      with the plasma AUC0-24 h of d6-alpha-T (r = 0.53, P = 0.02) and d6-alpha-CEHC (r
      = 0.72, P = 0.0003), and with urinary d6-alpha-CMBHC (r = 0.88, P < 0.0001), and
      inversely with the plasma inflammation biomarkers C-reactive protein (r = -0.70,
      P = 0.0006), interleukin-10 (r = -0.59, P = 0.007), and interleukin-6 (r = -0.54,
      P = 0.01).Conclusion: Urinary alpha-CEHC and alpha-CMBHC are useful biomarkers to
      noninvasively assess alpha-tocopherol adequacy, especially in populations with
      MetS-associated hepatic dysfunction that likely impairs alpha-tocopherol
      trafficking. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01787591.

PMID- 28077384
TI  - Predictors of Nonuse of a High-Potency Statin After an Acute Coronary Syndrome:
      Insights From the Stabilization of Plaques Using Darapladib-Thrombolysis in
      Myocardial Infarction 52 (SOLID-TIMI 52) Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-potency statins reduce cardiovascular events after acute
      coronary syndromes but remain underused in clinical practice. We examined
      predictors of nonuse of high-potency statins after acute coronary syndromes.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: The Stabilization of pLaques usIng Darapladib-Thrombolysis
      in Myocardial Infarction (SOLID-TIMI 52) trial enrolled patients after an acute
      coronary syndrome in 36 countries between 2009 and 2011. Statin use was strongly
      encouraged throughout the trial, and statin potency was at the discretion of the
      treating physician. A high-potency statin was defined as >=40 mg atorvastatin,
      >=20 mg rosuvastatin, or 80 mg simvastatin daily. Predictors of nonuse of high
      potency statins were examined using logistic regression. Of the patients included
      (n=12 446), 11 850 (95.2%) were treated with a statin at baseline after acute
      coronary syndrome (median 14 days), but only 5212 (41.9%) were on a high-potency
      statin. Selected patient factors associated with nonuse of high-potency statins
      included age >=75 years (odds ratio 1.39, 95% CI 1.24-1.56), female sex (odds
      ratio 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.22), renal dysfunction (odds ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.03
      1.32), and heart failure during hospital admission (odds ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.27
      1.62). At 3 months after baseline, only 49% of patients had low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol <70 mg/dL. Among the 5490 patients (59%) who were not on
      a high-potency statin at 3 months, lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was
      a predictor of nonuse of a high-potency statin after a median of 2.3 years (odds
      ratio 1.15 for 10 mg/dL decrease, 95% CI 1.11-1.19). CONCLUSION: Despite the
      widespread use of statins after acute coronary syndromes, most patients are not
      treated with high-potency statins early and late after the event, including
      patients at the highest risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. CLINICAL TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01000727.

PMID- 28077385
TI  - Impact of Sex and Contact-to-Device Time on Clinical Outcomes in Acute ST-Segment
      Elevation Myocardial Infarction-Findings From the National Cardiovascular Data
      Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergent myocardial reperfusion via primary percutaneous coronary
      intervention is optimal care for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI). Delays in such interventions are associated with
      increases in mortality. With the shift in focus to contact-to-device (C2D) time
      as a new perfusion metric, this study was designed to examine how sex affects C2D
      time and mortality in STEMI patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical data on male
      and female STEMI patients were extracted and analyzed from the National
      Cardiovascular Data Registry from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2014. A total of
      102 515 patients were included in the final analytic cohort. The median C2D time
      in female patients with STEMI was delayed when compared to male patients (80 [65
      97] versus 75 [61-90] minutes; P<0.001). The unadjusted mortality was higher in
      female patients when compared to male patients with STEMI (4.1% versus 2.0%;
      P<0.001). For every 5-minute increase in C2D time, the adjusted odds ratio for
      mortality was 1.04 (95% CI, 1.03-1.06) for female patients with STEMI and 1.07
      (95% CI, 1.06-1.09) for male patients (P for sex by C2D interaction=0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: To date, this is the largest analysis of STEMI patients that
      measures the impact of the new recommended C2D reperfusion metric on in-hospital
      mortality. Female STEMI patients have longer C2D times and increased mortality.
      The disparity can be improved and survival can increase in this high-risk patient
      cohort by decreasing systems issues that cause increased reperfusion times in
      female STEMI patients.

PMID- 28077387
TI  - Molecular physiological exploration beyond the transcriptome. Focus on "Molecular
      mechanisms underlying active desalination and low water permeability in the
      esophagus of eels acclimated to seawater".

PMID- 28077386
TI  - Hypertension Severity Is Associated With Impaired Cognitive Performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most evidence of target-organ damage in hypertension (HTN) is related
      to the kidneys and heart. Cerebrovascular and cognitive impairment are less well
      studied. Therefore, this study analyzed changes in cognitive function in patients
      with different stages of hypertension compared to nonhypertensive controls.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: In a cross-sectional study, 221 (71 normotensive and 150
      hypertensive) patients were compared. Patients with hypertension were divided
      into 2 stages according to blood pressure (BP) levels or medication use (HTN-1:
      BP, 140-159/90-99 or use of 1 or 2 antihypertensive drugs; HTN-2: BP, >=160/100
      or use of >=3 drugs). Three groups were comparatively analyzed: normotension, HTN
      stage 1, and HTN stage 2. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive
      Assessment, and a validated comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests
      that assessed 6 main cognitive domains were used to determine cognitive function.
      Compared to the normotension and HTN stage-1, the severe HTN group had worse
      cognitive performance based on Mini-Mental State Examination (26.8+/-2.1 vs
      27.4+/-2.1 vs 28.0+/-2.0; P=0.004) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (23.4+/-3.7
      vs 24.9+/-2.8 vs 25.5+/-3.2; P<0.001). On the neuropsychological tests, patients
      with hypertension had worse performance in language, processing speed,
      visuospatial abilities, and memory. Age, hypertension stage, and educational
      level were the best predictors of cognitive impairment in patients with
      hypertension in different cognitive domains. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment
      was more frequent in patients with hypertension, and this was related to
      hypertension severity.

PMID- 28077388
TI  - Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP/SLC10A1) ortholog in the marine
      skate Leucoraja erinacea is not a physiological bile salt transporter.
AB  - The Na+-dependent taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP/SLC10A1) is a
      hepatocyte-specific solute carrier, which plays an important role in maintaining
      bile salt homeostasis in mammals. The absence of a hepatic Na+-dependent bile
      salt transport system in marine skate and rainbow trout raises a question
      regarding the function of the Slc10a1 gene in these species. Here, we have
      characterized the Slc10a1 gene in the marine skate, Leucoraja erinacea The
      transcript of skate Slc10a1 (skSlc10a1) encodes 319 amino acids and shares 46%
      identity to human NTCP (hNTCP) with similar topology to mammalian NTCP. SkSlc10a1
      mRNA was mostly confined to the brain and testes with minimal expression in the
      liver. An FXR-bile salt reporter assay indicated that skSlc10a1 transported
      taurocholic acid (TCA) and scymnol sulfate, but not as effectively as hNTCP. An
      [3H]TCA uptake assay revealed that skSlc10a1 functioned as a Na+-dependent
      transporter, but with low affinity for TCA (Km = 92.4 uM) and scymnol sulfate (Ki
      = 31 uM), compared with hNTCP (TCA, Km = 5.4 uM; Scymnol sulfate, Ki = 3.5 uM).
      In contrast, the bile salt concentration in skate plasma was 2 uM, similar to
      levels seen in mammals. Interestingly, skSlc10a1 demonstrated transport activity
      for the neurosteroids dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estrone-3-sulfate at
      physiological concentration, similar to hNTCP. Together, our findings indicate
      that skSlc10a1 is not a physiological bile salt transporter, providing a
      molecular explanation for the absence of a hepatic Na+-dependent bile salt uptake
      system in skate. We speculate that Slc10a1 is a neurosteroid transporter in skate
      that gained its substrate specificity for bile salts later in vertebrate
      evolution.

PMID- 28077390
TI  - Reversible temperature-dependent differences in brown adipose tissue respiration
      during torpor in a mammalian hibernator.
AB  - Although seasonal modifications of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in hibernators are
      well documented, we know little about functional regulation of BAT in different
      phases of hibernation. In the 13-lined ground squirrel, liver mitochondrial
      respiration is suppressed by up to 70% during torpor. This suppression is
      reversed during arousal and interbout euthermia (IBE), and corresponds with
      patterns of maximal activities of electron transport system (ETS) enzymes.
      Uncoupling of BAT mitochondria is controlled by free fatty acid release
      stimulated by sympathetic activation of adipocytes, so we hypothesized that
      further regulation at the level of the ETS would be of little advantage. As
      predicted, maximal ETS enzyme activities of isolated BAT mitochondria did not
      differ between torpor and IBE. In contrast to this pattern, respiration rates of
      mitochondria isolated from torpid individuals were suppressed by ~60% compared
      with rates from IBE individuals when measured at 37 degrees C. At 10 degrees C,
      however, mitochondrial respiration rates tended to be greater in torpor than IBE.
      As a result, the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of mitochondrial respiration was
      significantly lower in torpor (~1.4) than IBE (~2.4), perhaps facilitating energy
      savings during entrance into torpor and thermogenesis at low body temperatures.
      Despite the observed differences in isolated mitochondria, norepinephrine
      stimulated respiration rates of isolated BAT adipocytes did not differ between
      torpor and IBE, perhaps because the adipocyte isolation requires lengthy
      incubation at 37 degrees C, potentially reversing any changes that occur in
      torpor. Such changes may include remodeling of BAT mitochondrial membrane
      phospholipids, which could change in situ enzyme activities and temperature
      sensitivities.

PMID- 28077389
TI  - Enhanced oxidative capacity of ground squirrel brain mitochondria during
      hibernation.
AB  - During hibernation, thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus)
      regularly cycle between bouts of torpor and interbout arousal (IBA). Most of the
      brain is electrically quiescent during torpor but regains activity quickly upon
      arousal to IBA, resulting in extreme oscillations in energy demand during
      hibernation. We predicted increased functional capacity of brain mitochondria
      during hibernation compared with spring to accommodate the variable energy
      demands of hibernation. To address this hypothesis, we examined mitochondrial
      bioenergetics in the ground squirrel brain across three time points: spring (SP),
      torpor (TOR), and IBA. Respiration rates of isolated brain mitochondria through
      complex I of the electron transport chain were more than twofold higher in TOR
      and IBA than in SP (P < 0.05). We also found a 10% increase in membrane potential
      between hibernation and spring (P < 0.05), and that proton leak was lower in TOR
      and IBA than in SP. Finally, there was a 30% increase in calcium loading in SP
      brain mitochondria compared with TOR and IBA (P < 0.01). To analyze brain
      mitochondrial abundance between spring and hibernation, we measured the ratio of
      copy number in a mitochondrial gene (ND1) vs. a nuclear gene (B2M) in frozen
      cerebral cortex samples. No significant differences were observed in DNA copies
      between SP and IBA. These data show that brain mitochondrial bioenergetics are
      not static across the year and suggest that brain mitochondria function more
      effectively during the hibernation season, allowing for rapid production of
      energy to meet demand when extreme physiological changes are occurring.

PMID- 28077391
TI  - Acclimation to hypoxia increases carbohydrate use during exercise in high
      altitude deer mice.
AB  - The low O2 experienced at high altitude is a significant challenge to effective
      aerobic locomotion, as it requires sustained tissue O2 delivery in addition to
      the appropriate allocation of metabolic substrates. Here, we tested whether high-
      and low-altitude deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) have evolved different
      acclimation responses to hypoxia with respect to muscle metabolism and fuel use
      during submaximal exercise. Using F1 generation high- and low-altitude deer mice
      that were born and raised in common conditions, we assessed 1) fuel use during
      exercise, 2) metabolic enzyme activities, and 3) gene expression for key
      transporters and enzymes in the gastrocnemius. After hypoxia acclimation,
      highland mice showed a significant increase in carbohydrate oxidation and higher
      relative reliance on this fuel during exercise at 75% maximal O2 consumption.
      Compared with lowland mice, highland mice had consistently higher activities of
      oxidative and fatty acid oxidation enzymes in the gastrocnemius. In contrast,
      only after hypoxia acclimation did activities of hexokinase increase
      significantly in the muscle of highland mice to levels greater than lowland mice.
      Highland mice also responded to acclimation with increases in muscle gene
      expression for hexokinase 1 and 2 genes, whereas both populations increased mRNA
      expression for glucose transporters. Changes in skeletal muscle with acclimation
      suggest that highland mice had an increased capacity for the uptake and oxidation
      of circulatory glucose. Our results demonstrate that highland mice have evolved a
      distinct mode of hypoxia acclimation that involves an increase in carbohydrate
      use during exercise.

PMID- 28077393
TI  - Amanda Howe: Champion the GP.

PMID- 28077392
TI  - Bidirectional crosstalk between the sensory and sympathetic motor systems
      innervating brown and white adipose tissue in male Siberian hamsters.
AB  - The brain networks connected to the sympathetic motor and sensory innervations of
      brown (BAT) and white (WAT) adipose tissues were originally described using two
      transneuronally transported viruses: the retrogradely transported pseudorabies
      virus (PRV), and the anterogradely transported H129 strain of herpes simplex
      virus-1 (HSV-1 H129). Further complexity was added to this network organization
      when combined injections of PRV and HSV-1 H129 into either BAT or WAT of the same
      animal generated sets of coinfected neurons in the brain, spinal cord, and
      sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia. These neurons are well positioned to act as
      sensorimotor links in the feedback circuits that control each fat pad. We have
      now determined the extent of sensorimotor crosstalk between interscapular BAT
      (IBAT) and inguinal WAT (IWAT). PRV152 and HSV-1 H129 were each injected into
      IBAT or IWAT of the same animal: H129 into IBAT and PRV152 into IWAT. The reverse
      configuration was applied in a different set of animals. We found single-labeled
      neurons together with H129+PRV152 coinfected neurons in multiple brain sites,
      with lesser numbers in the sympathetic and dorsal root ganglia that innervate
      IBAT and IWAT. We propose that these coinfected neurons mediate sensory
      sympathetic motor crosstalk between IBAT and IWAT. Comparing the relative numbers
      of coinfected neurons between the two injection configurations showed a bias
      toward IBAT-sensory and IWAT-sympathetic motor feedback loops. These coinfected
      neurons provide a neuroanatomical framework for functional interactions between
      IBAT thermogenesis and IWAT lipolysis that occurs with cold exposure, food
      restriction/deprivation, exercise, and more generally with alterations in
      adiposity.

PMID- 28077394
TI  - Metal-backed versus all-polyethylene unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: Proximal
      tibial strain in an experimentally validated finite element model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Up to 40% of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) revisions are
      performed for unexplained pain which may be caused by elevated proximal tibial
      bone strain. This study investigates the effect of tibial component metal backing
      and polyethylene thickness on bone strain in a cemented fixed-bearing medial UKA
      using a finite element model (FEM) validated experimentally by digital image
      correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of
      ten composite tibias implanted with all-polyethylene (AP) and metal-backed (MB)
      tibial components were loaded to 2500 N. Cortical strain was measured using DIC
      and cancellous microdamage using AE. FEMs were created and validated and
      polyethylene thickness varied from 6 mm to 10 mm. The volume of cancellous bone
      exposed to < -3000 uepsilon (pathological loading) and < -7000 uepsilon (yield
      point) minimum principal (compressive) microstrain and > 3000 uepsilon and > 7000
      uepsilon maximum principal (tensile) microstrain was computed. RESULTS:
      Experimental AE data and the FEM volume of cancellous bone with compressive
      strain < -3000 uepsilon correlated strongly: R = 0.947, R2 = 0.847, percentage
      error 12.5% (p < 0.001). DIC and FEM data correlated: R = 0.838, R2 = 0.702,
      percentage error 4.5% (p < 0.001). FEM strain patterns included MB lateral edge
      concentrations; AP concentrations at keel, peg and at the region of load
      application. Cancellous strains were higher in AP implants at all loads: 2.2- (10
      mm) to 3.2-times (6 mm) the volume of cancellous bone compressively strained < 
      7000 uepsilon. CONCLUSION: AP tibial components display greater volumes of
      pathologically overstrained cancellous bone than MB implants of the same
      geometry. Increasing AP thickness does not overcome these pathological forces and
      comes at the cost of greater bone resection.Cite this article: C. E. H. Scott, M.
      J. Eaton, R. W. Nutton, F. A. Wade, S. L. Evans, P. Pankaj. Metal-backed versus
      all-polyethylene unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: Proximal tibial strain in an
      experimentally validated finite element model. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:22-30.
      DOI:10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0142.R1.

PMID- 28077395
TI  - The effects of posterior cruciate ligament deficiency on posterolateral corner
      structures under gait- and squat-loading conditions: A computational knee model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to analyse the effects of posterior
      cruciate ligament (PCL) deficiency on forces of the posterolateral corner
      structure and on tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) contact force under
      dynamic-loading conditions. METHODS: A subject-specific knee model was validated
      using a passive flexion experiment, electromyography data, muscle activation, and
      previous experimental studies. The simulation was performed on the
      musculoskeletal models with and without PCL deficiency using a novel force
      dependent kinematics method under gait- and squat-loading conditions, followed by
      probabilistic analysis for material uncertain to be considered. RESULTS:
      Comparison of predicted passive flexion, posterior drawer kinematics and muscle
      activation with experimental measurements showed good agreement. Forces of the
      posterolateral corner structure, and TF and PF contact forces increased with PCL
      deficiency under gait- and squat-loading conditions. The rate of increase in PF
      contact force was the greatest during the squat-loading condition. The TF contact
      forces increased on both medial and lateral compartments during gait-loading
      conditions. However, during the squat-loading condition, the medial TF contact
      force tended to increase, while the lateral TF contact forces decreased. The
      posterolateral corner structure, which showed the greatest increase in force with
      deficiency of PCL under both gait- and squat-loading conditions, was the
      popliteus tendon (PT). CONCLUSION: PCL deficiency is a factor affecting the
      variability of force on the PT in dynamic-loading conditions, and it could lead
      to degeneration of the PF joint.Cite this article: K-T. Kang, Y-G. Koh, M. Jung,
      J-H. Nam, J. Son, Y.H. Lee, S-J. Kim, S-H. Kim. The effects of posterior cruciate
      ligament deficiency on posterolateral corner structures under gait- and squat
      loading conditions: A computational knee model. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:31-42. DOI:
      10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0184.R1.

PMID- 28077396
TI  - The effects of kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty on stress at the
      medial tibia: A case study for varus knee.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Little biomechanical information is available about kinematically
      aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to
      simulate the kinematics and kinetics after KA TKA and mechanically aligned (MA)
      TKA with four different limb alignments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone models were
      constructed from one volunteer (normal) and three patients with three different
      knee deformities (slight, moderate and severe varus). A dynamic musculoskeletal
      modelling system was used to analyse the kinematics and the tibiofemoral contact
      force. The contact stress on the tibial insert, and the stress to the resection
      surface and medial tibial cortex were examined by using finite element analysis.
      RESULTS: In all bone models, posterior translation on the lateral side and
      external rotation in the KA TKA models were greater than in the MA TKA models.
      The tibiofemoral force at the medial side was increased in the moderate and
      severe varus models with KA TKA. In the severe varus model with KA TKA, the
      contact stress on the tibial insert and the stress to the resection surface and
      to the medial tibial cortex were increased by 41.5%, 32.2% and 53.7%,
      respectively, compared with MA TKA, and the bone strain at the medial side was
      highest among all models. CONCLUSION: Near normal kinematics was observed in KA
      TKA. However, KA TKA increased the contact force, stress and bone strain at the
      medial side for moderate and severe varus knee models. The application of KA TKA
      for severe varus knees may be inadequate.Cite this article: S. Nakamura, Y. Tian,
      Y. Tanaka, S. Kuriyama, H. Ito, M. Furu, S. Matsuda. The effects of kinematically
      aligned total knee arthroplasty on stress at the medial tibia: A case study for
      varus knee. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:43-51. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016
      0090.R1.

PMID- 28077397
TI  - Relationships between flortaucipir PET tau binding and amyloid burden, clinical
      diagnosis, age and cognition.
AB  - The advent of tau-targeted positron emission tomography tracers such as
      flortaucipir (18F-AV-1451, also known as 18F-T807) have made it possible to
      investigate the sequence of development of tau and amyloid-beta in relationship
      to age, and to the development of cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's
      disease. In this study, flortaucipir tau and florbetapir amyloid positron
      emission tomography were obtained for 217 subjects including 16 young and 58
      older cognitively normal subjects, 95 subjects with mild cognitive impairment
      (Mini-Mental State Examination 24-30) and 48 subjects with clinically-defined
      possible or probable Alzheimer's disease (Mini-Mental State Examination >10).
      Images were evaluated visually and quantitatively by regional and voxel-based
      cortical to cerebellar standard uptake value ratios. For amyloid positron
      emission tomography positive (Abeta+) subjects, flortaucipir neocortical standard
      uptake value ratio was significantly higher with more advanced clinical stage
      (Alzheimer's disease > mild cognitive impairment > older cognitively normal) and
      was significantly elevated for Abeta+ mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's
      disease subjects relative to the respective Abeta- subjects. In contrast,
      florbetapir Abeta- older cognitively normal subjects showed an increase in
      flortaucipir standard uptake value ratios in mesial temporal lobe regions
      (amygdala, hippocampus/choroid plexus region of interest) compared to younger
      cognitively normal subjects, but no increased standard uptake value ratios in
      neocortical regions. Analysis of covariance with planned contrasts showed no
      differences in regional or composite posterior neocortical flortaucipir standard
      uptake value ratio as a function of diagnostic group among Abeta- older
      cognitively normal or clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive
      impairment subjects. The pattern of flortaucipir distribution among Abeta+
      subjects was reminiscent of the cross-sectional distribution of tau reported in
      post-mortem pathology studies, in that the most commonly affected regions were
      the inferior and lateral temporal lobes, the same regions where the first signs
      of increased retention appeared in Abeta+ cognitively normal subjects. However,
      there was large variability in extent/density of flortaucipir tau binding among
      Abeta+ subjects. Although high neocortical flortaucipir retention was
      consistently associated with an Abeta+ florbetapir positron emission tomography
      scan, not all Abeta+ subjects had elevated flortaucipir standard uptake value
      ratios. Finally, within the Abeta+ group, increasing levels of flortaucipir tau
      binding were associated with increased cognitive impairment, as assessed by Mini
      Mental State Examination and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale. These results
      suggest development of tau beyond the mesial temporal lobe is associated with,
      and may be dependent on, amyloid accumulation. Further, the results are
      consistent with the hypothesis that cortical tau is associated with cognitive
      impairment.

PMID- 28077398
TI  - Mild traumatic brain injury is associated with reduced cortical thickness in
      those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury is one of the strongest environmental
      risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as late-onset
      Alzheimer's disease, although it is unclear whether mild traumatic brain injury,
      or concussion, also confers risk. This study examined mild traumatic brain injury
      and genetic risk as predictors of reduced cortical thickness in brain regions
      previously associated with early Alzheimer's disease, and their relationship with
      episodic memory. Participants were 160 Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans between
      the ages of 19 and 58, many of whom carried mild traumatic brain injury and post
      traumatic stress disorder diagnoses. Whole-genome polygenic risk scores for the
      development of Alzheimer's disease were calculated using summary statistics from
      the largest Alzheimer's disease genome-wide association study to date. Results
      showed that mild traumatic brain injury moderated the relationship between
      genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease and cortical thickness, such that
      individuals with mild traumatic brain injury and high genetic risk showed reduced
      cortical thickness in Alzheimer's disease-vulnerable regions. Among males with
      mild traumatic brain injury, high genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease was
      associated with cortical thinning as a function of time since injury. A moderated
      mediation analysis showed that mild traumatic brain injury and high genetic risk
      indirectly influenced episodic memory performance through cortical thickness,
      suggesting that cortical thinning in Alzheimer's disease-vulnerable brain regions
      is a mechanism for reduced memory performance. Finally, analyses that examined
      the apolipoprotein E4 allele, post-traumatic stress disorder, and genetic risk
      for schizophrenia and depression confirmed the specificity of the Alzheimer's
      disease polygenic risk finding. These results provide evidence that mild
      traumatic brain injury is associated with greater neurodegeneration and reduced
      memory performance in individuals at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, with
      the caveat that the order of causal effects cannot be inferred from cross
      sectional studies. These results underscore the importance of documenting head
      injuries even within the mild range as they may interact with genetic risk to
      produce negative long-term health consequences such as neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 28077400
TI  - Differential Expression of Hedgehog and Snail in Cutaneous Fibrosing Disorders:
      Implications for Targeted Inhibition.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine Hedgehog signaling in cutaneous fibrosing disorders for
      which effective approved therapies are lacking, expand our knowledge of
      pathophysiology, and explore the rationale for targeted inhibition. METHODS:
      Stain intensity and percentage of cells staining for Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Indian
      hedgehog (Ihh), Patched (Ptch), glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3-beta), beta
      catenin, and Snail were evaluated in human skin biopsy specimens of keloid,
      hypertrophic scar (Hscar), scleroderma, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF),
      scar, and normal skin using a tissue microarray. RESULTS: Ihh, but not Shh, was
      detected in a significantly larger proportion of cells for all case types. Ptch,
      GSK3-beta, and beta-catenin showed a gradient of expression: highest in NSF and
      keloid; moderate in normal skin, scar, and Hscar; and lowest in scleroderma.
      Snail expression was binary: low in normal skin but high in all fibrosing
      conditions studied. CONCLUSIONS: Differential overexpression of Hedgehog and
      Snail in cutaneous fibrosing disorders demonstrates a role for targeted
      inhibition. Ptch, GSK3-beta, and beta-catenin can help differentiate scleroderma
      from NSF in histologically subtle cases. Differences in expression between keloid
      and hypertrophic scar support the concept that they are pathophysiologically
      distinct disorders. Our findings implicate Snail as a target for the prevention
      of fibrogenesis or fibrosis progression and may offer a means to assess response
      to therapy.

PMID- 28077402
TI  - Elemental metabolomics.
AB  - Elemental metabolomics is quantification and characterization of total
      concentration of chemical elements in biological samples and monitoring of their
      changes. Recent advances in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry have
      enabled simultaneous measurement of concentrations of > 70 elements in biological
      samples. In living organisms, elements interact and compete with each other for
      absorption and molecular interactions. They also interact with proteins and
      nucleotide sequences. These interactions modulate enzymatic activities and are
      critical for many molecular and cellular functions. Testing for concentration of
      > 40 elements in blood, other bodily fluids and tissues is now in routine use in
      advanced medical laboratories. In this article, we define the basic concepts of
      elemental metabolomics, summarize standards and workflows, and propose minimum
      information for reporting the results of an elemental metabolomics experiment.
      Major statistical and informatics tools for elemental metabolomics are reviewed,
      and examples of applications are discussed. Elemental metabolomics is emerging as
      an important new technology with applications in medical diagnostics, nutrition,
      agriculture, food science, environmental science and multiplicity of other areas.

PMID- 28077399
TI  - HER2 Testing and Clinical Decision Making in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma:
      Guideline From the College of American Pathologists, American Society for
      Clinical Pathology, and American Society of Clinical Oncology.
AB  - CONTEXT: ERBB2 (erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 or HER2) is currently the only
      biomarker established for selection of a specific therapy for patients with
      advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA). However, there are no
      comprehensive guidelines for the assessment of HER2 in patients with GEA.
      OBJECTIVES: To establish an evidence-based guideline for HER2 testing in patients
      with GEA, to formalize the algorithms for methods to improve the accuracy of HER2
      testing while addressing which patients and tumor specimens are appropriate, and
      to provide guidance on clinical decision making. DESIGN: The College of American
      Pathologists, American Society for Clinical Pathology, and American Society of
      Clinical Oncology convened an expert panel to conduct a systematic review of the
      literature to develop an evidence-based guideline with recommendations for
      optimal HER2 testing in patients with GEA. RESULTS: The panel is proposing 11
      recommendations with strong agreement from the open-comment participants.
      RECOMMENDATIONS: The panel recommends that tumor specimen(s) from all patients
      with advanced GEA, who are candidates for HER2-targeted therapy, should be
      assessed for HER2 status before the initiation of HER2-targeted therapy.
      Clinicians should offer combination chemotherapy and a HER2-targeted agent as
      initial therapy for all patients with HER2-positive advanced GEA. For
      pathologists, guidance is provided for morphologic selection of neoplastic
      tissue, testing algorithms, scoring methods, interpretation and reporting of
      results, and laboratory quality assurance. CONCLUSIONS: This guideline provides
      specific recommendations for assessment of HER2 in patients with advanced GEA
      while addressing pertinent technical issues and clinical implications of the
      results.

PMID- 28077405
TI  - VRprofile: gene-cluster-detection-based profiling of virulence and antibiotic
      resistance traits encoded within genome sequences of pathogenic bacteria.
AB  - VRprofile is a Web server that facilitates rapid investigation of virulence and
      antibiotic resistance genes, as well as extends these trait transfer-related
      genetic contexts, in newly sequenced pathogenic bacterial genomes. The used
      backend database MobilomeDB was firstly built on sets of known gene cluster loci
      of bacterial type III/IV/VI/VII secretion systems and mobile genetic elements,
      including integrative and conjugative elements, prophages, class I integrons, IS
      elements and pathogenicity/antibiotic resistance islands. VRprofile is thus able
      to co-localize the homologs of these conserved gene clusters using HMMer or
      BLASTp searches. With the integration of the homologous gene cluster search
      module with a sequence composition module, VRprofile has exhibited better
      performance for island-like region predictions than the other widely used
      methods. In addition, VRprofile also provides an integrated Web interface for
      aligning and visualizing identified gene clusters with MobilomeDB-archived gene
      clusters, or a variety set of bacterial genomes. VRprofile might contribute to
      meet the increasing demands of re-annotations of bacterial variable regions, and
      aid in the real-time definitions of disease-relevant gene clusters in pathogenic
      bacteria of interest. VRprofile is freely available at http://bioinfo
      mml.sjtu.edu.cn/VRprofile.

PMID- 28077407
TI  - Celebrating 35 Years of the AJNR: January 1982 edition.

PMID- 28077403
TI  - Gene co-expression analysis for functional classification and gene-disease
      predictions.
AB  - Gene co-expression networks can be used to associate genes of unknown function
      with biological processes, to prioritize candidate disease genes or to discern
      transcriptional regulatory programmes. With recent advances in transcriptomics
      and next-generation sequencing, co-expression networks constructed from RNA
      sequencing data also enable the inference of functions and disease associations
      for non-coding genes and splice variants. Although gene co-expression networks
      typically do not provide information about causality, emerging methods for
      differential co-expression analysis are enabling the identification of regulatory
      genes underlying various phenotypes. Here, we introduce and guide researchers
      through a (differential) co-expression analysis. We provide an overview of
      methods and tools used to create and analyse co-expression networks constructed
      from gene expression data, and we explain how these can be used to identify genes
      with a regulatory role in disease. Furthermore, we discuss the integration of
      other data types with co-expression networks and offer future perspectives of co
      expression analysis.

PMID- 28077404
TI  - High-throughput sequencing of the T-cell receptor repertoire: pitfalls and
      opportunities.
AB  - T-cell specificity is determined by the T-cell receptor, a heterodimeric protein
      coded for by an extremely diverse set of genes produced by imprecise somatic gene
      recombination. Massively parallel high-throughput sequencing allows millions of
      different T-cell receptor genes to be characterized from a single sample of blood
      or tissue. However, the extraordinary heterogeneity of the immune repertoire
      poses significant challenges for subsequent analysis of the data. We outline the
      major steps in processing of repertoire data, considering low-level processing of
      raw sequence files and high-level algorithms, which seek to extract biological or
      pathological information. The latest generation of bioinformatics tools allows
      millions of DNA sequences to be accurately and rapidly assigned to their
      respective variable V and J gene segments, and to reconstruct an almost error
      free representation of the non-templated additions and deletions that occur. High
      level processing can measure the diversity of the repertoire in different
      samples, quantify V and J usage and identify private and public T-cell receptors.
      Finally, we discuss the major challenge of linking T-cell receptor sequence to
      function, and specifically to antigen recognition. Sophisticated machine learning
      algorithms are being developed that can combine the paradoxical degeneracy and
      cross-reactivity of individual T-cell receptors with the specificity of the
      overall T-cell immune response. Computational analysis will provide the key to
      unlock the potential of the T-cell receptor repertoire to give insight into the
      fundamental biology of the adaptive immune system and to provide powerful
      biomarkers of disease.

PMID- 28077408
TI  - Predicting patient 'cost blooms' in Denmark: a longitudinal population-based
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the ability of standard versus enhanced models to predict
      future high-cost patients, especially those who move from a lower to the upper
      decile of per capita healthcare expenditures within 1 year-that is, 'cost
      bloomers'. DESIGN: We developed alternative models to predict being in the upper
      decile of healthcare expenditures in year 2 of a sample, based on data from year
      1. Our 6 alternative models ranged from a standard cost-prediction model with 4
      variables (ie, traditional model features), to our largest enhanced model with
      1053 non-traditional model features. To quantify any increases in predictive
      power that enhanced models achieved over standard tools, we compared the
      prospective predictive performance of each model. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: We
      used the population of Western Denmark between 2004 and 2011 (2 146 801
      individuals) to predict future high-cost patients and characterise high-cost
      patient subgroups. Using the most recent 2-year period (2010-2011) for model
      evaluation, our whole-population model used a cohort of 1 557 950 individuals
      with a full year of active residency in year 1 (2010). Our cost-bloom model
      excluded the 155 795 individuals who were already high cost at the population
      level in year 1, resulting in 1 402 155 individuals for prediction of cost
      bloomers in year 2 (2011). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Using unseen data from a
      future year, we evaluated each model's prospective predictive performance by
      calculating the ratio of predicted high-cost patient expenditures to the actual
      high-cost patient expenditures in Year 2-that is, cost capture. RESULTS: Our best
      enhanced model achieved a 21% and 30% improvement in cost capture over a standard
      diagnosis-based model for predicting population-level high-cost patients and cost
      bloomers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In combination with modern statistical
      learning methods for analysing large data sets, models enhanced with a large and
      diverse set of features led to better performance-especially for predicting
      future cost bloomers.

PMID- 28077409
TI  - Have health inequalities changed during childhood in the New Labour generation?
      Findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine how population-level socioeconomic health inequalities
      developed during childhood, for children born at the turn of the 21st century and
      who grew up with major initiatives to tackle health inequalities (under the New
      Labour Government). SETTING: The UK. PARTICIPANTS: Singleton children in the
      Millennium Cohort Study at ages 3 (n=15 381), 5 (n=15 041), 7 (n=13 681) and 11
      (n=13 112) years. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Relative (prevalence ratios (PR)) and
      absolute health inequalities (prevalence differences (PD)) were estimated in
      longitudinal models by socioeconomic circumstances (SEC; using highest maternal
      academic attainment, ranging from 'no academic qualifications' to 'degree'
      (baseline)). Three health outcomes were examined: overweight (including obesity),
      limiting long-standing illness (LLSI), and socio-emotional difficulties (SED).
      RESULTS: Relative and absolute inequalities in overweight, across the social
      gradient, emerged by age 5 and increased with age. By age 11, children with
      mothers who had no academic qualifications were considerably more likely to be
      overweight as compared with those with degree-educated mothers (PR=1.6 (95% CI
      1.4 to 1.8), PD=12.9% (9.1% to 16.8%)). For LLSI, inequalities emerged by age 7
      and remained at 11, but only for children whose mothers had no academic
      qualifications (PR=1.7 (1.3 to 2.3), PD=4.8% (2% to 7.5%)). Inequalities in SED
      (observed across the social gradient and at all ages) declined between 3 and 11,
      although remained large at 11 (eg, PR=2.4 (1.9 to 2.9), PD=13.4% (10.2% to 16.7%)
      comparing children whose mothers had no academic qualifications with those of
      degree-educated mothers). CONCLUSIONS: Although health inequalities have been
      well documented in cross-sectional and trend data in the UK, it is less clear how
      they develop during childhood. We found that relative and absolute health
      inequalities persisted, and in some cases widened, for a cohort of children born
      at the turn of the century. Further research examining and comparing the pathways
      through which SECs influence health may further our understanding of how
      inequalities could be prevented in future generations of children.

PMID- 28077410
TI  - Health policies on dialysis modality selection: a nationwide population cohort
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In Taiwan, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis are fully
      accessible to patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the usage of PD is
      considered low in Taiwan. Since 2005, 4 major policies have been implemented by
      Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, namely a multidisciplinary predialysis
      care programme and usage increasing the PD incidence as a key performance
      indicator (KPI) for hospital accreditation, both of which were implemented in
      2006; reimbursement of the glucose-free dialysate, icodextrin that was
      implemented in 2007; and insurance reimbursement for renting automated PD
      machines that was implemented in 2008. The aim of this study was to analyse the
      associations between the PD promotional policies and the actual PD selection
      rates. SETTING: We analysed data within the Taiwan Renal Registry Data System
      from 2006 to 2013, focusing on the PD incidence in relation to the timings of the
      4 PD promotional policies; then we stratified the results according to age, sex
      and the presence of diabetes mellitus. PARTICIPANTS: From 2006 to 2013, 115 565
      patients were enrolled in this study. The mean (SD) age of patients on PD was
      54.6 (15.7) years. RESULTS: During the time frame in which the 4 PD promotional
      policies were implemented, the PD incidence increased from 12.8% in 2006 to 15.1%
      in 2009. The PD incidence started to decline in 2010 (13.8%) when the hospital
      accreditation policy was repealed. The 3 remaining policies were weakly
      associated with the PD incidence. The observational analysis determined that the
      patients' ages, sexes and diabetes mellitus incidence rates were relatively
      stable from 2006 to 2013. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 4 health policies intended to
      promote PD usage, using increasing the PD incidence as a KPI for hospital
      accreditation had the strongest association with the PD incidence.

PMID- 28077411
TI  - Incidence of surgical site infection following caesarean section: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Caesarean section (CS) rates have increased globally during the
      past three decades. Surgical site infection (SSI) following CS is a common cause
      of morbidity with reported rates of 3-15%. SSI represents a substantial burden to
      the health system including increased length of hospitalisation and costs of
      postdischarge care. The definition of SSI varies with the postoperative follow-up
      period among different health systems, resulting in differences in the reporting
      of SSI incidence. We propose to conduct the first systematic review and meta
      analysis to determine the pooled estimate for the overall incidence of SSI
      following CS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will perform a comprehensive search to
      identify all potentially relevant published studies on the incidence of SSI
      following CS reported from 1992 in the English language. Electronic databases
      including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Scopus will be searched using a detailed
      search strategy. Following study selection, full-text paper retrieval, data
      extraction and synthesis, we will appraise study quality and risk of bias and
      assess heterogeneity. Incidence data will be combined where feasible in a meta
      analysis using Stata software and fixed-effects or random-effects models as
      appropriate. This systematic review will be reported according to the Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
      ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required as this review will
      use published data. The review will evaluate the overall incidence of SSI
      following CS and will provide the first quantitative estimate of the magnitude of
      SSI. It will serve as a benchmark for future studies, identify research gaps and
      remaining challenges, and emphasise the need for appropriate prevention and
      control measures for SSI post-CS. A manuscript reporting the results of the
      systematic review and meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal
      and presented at scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      CRD42015024426.

PMID- 28077412
TI  - Microvascular Outcomes after Metabolic Surgery (MOMS) in patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus and class I obesity: rationale and design for a randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that have
      already shown that metabolic/bariatric surgery achieves short-term and long-term
      glycaemic control while there are no level 1A of evidence data regarding the
      effects of surgery on the microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM). PURPOSE: The aim of this trial is to investigate the long-term efficacy
      and safety of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) plus the best medical treatment
      (BMT) versus the BMT alone to improve microvascular outcomes in patients with
      T2DM with a body mass index (BMI) of 30-34.9 kg/m2. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This
      study design includes a unicentric randomised unblinded controlled trial. 100
      patients (BMI from 30 to 34.9 kg/m2) will be randomly allocated to receive either
      RYGB plus BMT or BMT alone. The primary outcome is the change in the urine
      albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) captured as the proportion of patients who
      achieved nephropathy remission (uACR<30 mg/g of albumin/mg of creatinine) in an
      isolated urine sample over 12, 24 and 60 months. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The
      study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board. This study represents
      the first RCT comparing RYGB plus BMT versus BMT alone for patients with T2DM
      with a BMI below 35 kg/m2. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01821508; Pre-results.

PMID- 28077413
TI  - Cancer-related hospitalisations and 'unknown' stage prostate cancer: a population
      based record linkage study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify reasons for prostate cancer stage being recorded as
      'unknown' in Australia's largest population-based cancer registry. DESIGN:
      Prospective population-based cohort. SETTING: New South Wales (NSW) is the most
      populous state in Australia, with almost one third of the total national
      population. PARTICIPANTS: NSW Cancer Registry (NSWCR) records for prostate cancer
      cases diagnosed in 2001-2009 were linked to the NSW Admitted Patient Data
      Collection (APDC) for 2000-2010. All patients in this study had a minimum of 12
      months follow-up in the hospital episode records after their date of diagnosis as
      recorded by the NSWCR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of 'unknown' stage
      prostate cancer and cancer-specific survival. RESULTS: Of 50 597 prostate cancer
      cases, 39.9% were recorded as having 'unknown' stage. Up to 4 months after
      diagnosis, 77.2% of cases without a hospital-reported cancer diagnosis were
      recorded as having 'unknown' stage. Among those patients with a hospital-reported
      cancer diagnosis, stage was 'unknown' for 7.6% of cases who received a radical
      prostatectomy (RP) and for 34.0% of cases who had procedures other than RP. In
      the latter group, the factors that were related to having 'unknown' stage were
      living in disadvantaged areas (adjusted OR (aOR) range: 1.13 to 1.20), attending
      a private hospital (aOR range: 1.25 to 2.13), having day-only admission for care
      (aOR=1.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.36), or having procedures other than multiple
      procedures with imaging (eg, biopsy only, aOR range: 1.11 to 1.45). CONCLUSIONS:
      Over half of 'unknown' stage prostate cancer cases did not have a hospital
      reported prostate cancer diagnosis within the 4 months after initial diagnosis.
      We identified differences in the likelihood of cases being recorded as 'unknown'
      stage based on socioeconomic status and facility type, which suggests that
      further investigation of reporting practices in relation to diagnostic and
      treatment pathways is required.

PMID- 28077414
TI  - Implementation of a consumer-focused eHealth intervention for people with
      moderate-to-high cardiovascular disease risk: protocol for a mixed-methods
      process evaluation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Technology-mediated strategies have potential to engage patients in
      modifying unhealthy behaviour and improving medication adherence to reduce
      morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore,
      electronic tools offer a medium by which consumers can more actively navigate
      personal healthcare information. Understanding how, why and among whom such
      strategies have an effect can help determine the requirements for implementing
      them at a scale. This paper aims to detail a process evaluation that will (1)
      assess implementation fidelity of a multicomponent eHealth intervention; (2)
      determine its effective features; (3) explore contextual factors influencing and
      maintaining user engagement; and (4) describe barriers, facilitators, preferences
      and acceptability of such interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Mixed-methods
      sequential design to derive, examine, triangulate and report data from multiple
      sources. Quantitative data from 3 sources will help to inform both sampling and
      content framework for the qualitative data collection: (1) surveys of patients
      and general practitioners (GPs); (2) software analytics; (3) programme delivery
      records. Qualitative data from interviews with patients and GPs, focus groups
      with patients and field notes taken by intervention delivery staff will be
      thematically analysed. Concurrent interview data collection and analysis will
      enable a thematic framework to evolve inductively and inform theory building,
      consistent with a realistic evaluation perspective. Eligible patients are those
      at moderate-to-high CVD risk who were randomised to the intervention arm of a
      randomised controlled trial of an eHealth intervention and are contactable at
      completion of the follow-up period; eligible GPs are the primary healthcare
      providers of these patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been
      received from the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee and the
      Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) of New South Wales.
      Results will be disseminated via scientific forums including peer-reviewed
      publications and national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: ANZCTR 12613000715774.

PMID- 28077415
TI  - International multiphase mixed methods study protocol to develop a cross-cultural
      patient-reported outcome instrument for children and young adults with cleft lip
      and/or palate (CLEFT-Q).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments should be developed
      according to rigorous guidelines in order to provide clinically meaningful,
      scientifically sound measurement. Understanding the methodology behind instrument
      development informs the selection of the most appropriate tool. This mixed
      methods protocol describes the development of an internationally applicable PRO
      instrument, the CLEFT-Q, for evaluating outcomes of treatment for cleft lip
      and/or palate (CL/P). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The study includes three main phases
      that occur iteratively and interactively. In phase I, we determine what concepts
      are important to patients regarding their outcome. A conceptual framework for the
      CLEFT-Q is formed through a systematic review and an extensive international
      qualitative study. The systematic review ascertains what concepts have previously
      been measured in patients with CL/P. The qualitative study employs interpretive
      description and involves in-depth interviews with patients in high-income and
      lower-middle income countries. Preliminary items are generated from the
      qualitative data. Preliminary scales are then created for each theme in the
      framework. Cognitive debriefing interviews and expert clinician input are used to
      refine the scales in an iterative process. In phase II, the preliminary scales
      are administered to a large international group of patients with CL/P. The modern
      psychometric method of Rasch Measurement Theory analysis is employed to define
      the measurement characteristics. The preliminary scales are shortened based on
      these results. In phase III, further tests assess reliability, validity and
      responsiveness of the instrument. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is approved
      by Research Ethics Boards for each participating site. Findings from this study
      will be published in open access peer-reviewed journals and presented at national
      and international conferences. Integrated knowledge translation is employed to
      engage stakeholders from the outset of the study. Successful execution of the
      CLEFT-Q will result in an internationally applicable PRO instrument for children
      and young adults with CL/P.

PMID- 28077416
TI  - Platelet secretion is crucial to prevent bleeding in the ischemic brain but not
      in the inflamed skin or lung in mice.
AB  - Platelets maintain hemostasis after injury, but also during inflammation. Recent
      studies have shown that platelets prevent inflammatory bleeding through (hem)
      immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-dependent mechanisms irrespective
      of aggregation during skin and lung inflammation. Although the exact mechanisms
      underlying this process remain unknown, it was speculated that mediators released
      from platelet granules might be involved. Maintaining cerebral hemostasis during
      stroke treatment is of high clinical relevance because hemorrhage may aggravate
      the disease state and increase mortality. Although it was shown that platelets
      help maintain hemostasis in the ischemic brain, their exact contribution remains
      ill defined. Here we show that Unc13d-/- /Nbeal2-/- mice, which lack platelet
      alpha- and dense-granule secretion, show no signs of hemorrhage in models of skin
      or lung inflammation. In stark contrast, lack of platelet granule release
      resulted in impaired hemostasis in the ischemic brain after transient middle
      cerebral artery occlusion leading to increased intracranial hemorrhage and
      mortality. Our results reveal for the first time that platelet granule
      constituents are essential for maintenance of hemostasis during thrombo
      inflammatory brain infarction but not experimental inflammation of the skin or
      lung, thereby uncovering vascular bed-specific differences in the prevention of
      inflammatory bleeding.

PMID- 28077417
TI  - Aid is a key regulator of myeloid/erythroid differentiation and DNA methylation
      in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.
AB  - Recent studies have reported that activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) and
      ten-eleven-translocation (TET) family members regulate active DNA demethylation.
      Genetic alterations of TET2 occur in myeloid malignancies, and hematopoietic
      specific loss of Tet2 induces aberrant hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self
      renewal/differentiation, implicating TET2 as a master regulator of normal and
      malignant hematopoiesis. Despite the functional link between AID and TET in
      epigenetic gene regulation, the role of AID loss in hematopoiesis and myeloid
      transformation remains to be investigated. Here, we show that Aid loss in mice
      leads to expansion of myeloid cells and reduced erythroid progenitors resulting
      in anemia, with dysregulated expression of Cebpa and Gata1, myeloid/erythroid
      lineage-specific transcription factors. Consistent with data in the murine
      context, silencing of AID in human bone marrow cells skews differentiation toward
      myelomonocytic lineage. However, in contrast to Tet2 loss, Aid loss does not
      contribute to enhanced HSC self-renewal or cooperate with Flt3-ITD to induce
      myeloid transformation. Genome-wide transcription and differential methylation
      analysis uncover the critical role of Aid as a key epigenetic regulator. These
      results indicate that AID and TET2 share common effects on myeloid and erythroid
      lineage differentiation, however, their role is nonredundant in regulating HSC
      self-renewal and in myeloid transformation.

PMID- 28077419
TI  - Effect of Vitamin D on Endothelial Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In nonhypertensive individuals, lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      (25[OH]D) have been associated with an increased risk of hypertension, and
      vitamin D deficiency has been associated with endothelial dysfunction in such
      individuals. However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial
      dysfunction in nonhypertensive individuals has not been examined in a rigorous
      fashion. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of
      nonhypertensive, nondiabetic overweight, or obese individuals with vitamin D
      deficiency (body mass index >=25 and 25[OH]D <= 20 ng/ml), we assigned subjects
      to receive either ergocalciferol (50,000 units) or matching placebo, once a week
      for 8 weeks. Our primary outcome was endothelial-dependent vasodilation (EDV)
      measured by brachial artery ultrasound at baseline and 8 weeks postrandomization.
      RESULTS: By the end of the trial, 46 and 47 participants were allocated to
      receive ergocalciferol and placebo, respectively. Mean 25(OH)D levels increased
      from 14.9 to 30.3 in the vitamin D group and 14.4 to 17.4 in the placebo. EDV did
      not change significantly with either vitamin D repletion (from 6.3 +/- 3.6% at
      baseline to 6.1 +/- 4.6% at 8 weeks; P value = 0.78) or placebo (7.9 +/- 4.7% to
      6.8 +/- 4.7%; P = 0.17). The treatment effect P value (comparing the 8-week
      change with ergocalciferol to the change with placebo) was 0.35. CONCLUSIONS: In
      this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, there was no improvement
      in endothelial function (measured as EDV) after repletion of vitamin D in
      overweight/obese nonhypertensive individuals.

PMID- 28077418
TI  - A novel humanized mouse model with significant improvement of class-switched,
      antigen-specific antibody production.
AB  - Humanized mice are a powerful tool for the study of human hematopoiesis and
      immune function in vivo. However, the existing models cannot support robust
      adaptive immune responses, especially the generation of class-switched, antigen
      specific antibody responses. Here we describe a new mouse strain, in which human
      interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene encoding the cytokine that is important for B- and T
      cell differentiation was knocked into its respective mouse locus. The provision
      of human IL-6 not only enhanced thymopoiesis and periphery T-cell engraftment,
      but also significantly increased class switched memory B cells and serum
      immunoglobulin G (IgG). In addition, immunization with ovalbumin (OVA) induced
      OVA-specific B cells only in human IL-6 knock-in mice. These OVA-specific
      antibodies displayed the highest frequency of somatic mutation, further
      suggesting that human IL-6 is important for efficient B-cell activation and
      selection. We conclude that human IL-6 knock-in mice represent a novel and
      improved model for human adaptive immunity without relying on complex surgery to
      transplant human fetal thymus and liver. These mice can therefore be used to
      exploit or evaluate immunization regimes that would be unethical or untenable in
      humans.

PMID- 28077420
TI  - Polymorphisms of Leptin (G2548A) and Leptin Receptor (Q223R and K109R) Genes and
      Blood Pressure During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genetic component related to blood pressure (BP) changes during
      pregnancy is still not elucidated. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the
      association between leptin and leptin receptor polymorphisms and systolic (SBP)
      and diastolic BP (DBP) variation during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
      METHODS: Prospective cohort of 146 women followed at a Public Health Center in
      Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during pregnancy and the postpartum. SBP and DBP (mm Hg)
      were measured using an automatic sphygmomanometer. DNA was extracted by phenol
      chloroform protocol and leptin (G2548A) and leptin receptor genes (Q223R and
      K109R) polymorphisms were genotyped using real-time PCR method. Statistical
      analyses included longitudinal linear mixed-effect models. RESULTS: Adjusted
      longitudinal models showed that women carrying the G-allele of leptin gene's
      polymorphism began pregnancy with higher BP levels compared to the AA genotype
      and their levels remained higher throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period
      (beta SBP = 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.0-8.0; P = 0.012; beta DBP =
      2.9; 95% CI = 0.1-5.8; P = 0.040). There was a significant interaction between
      leptin gene polymorphism and body mass index (BMI), in which the effect of BMI on
      increasing BP was steeper in women homozygous for the A-allele, compared with
      those who had at least one G-allele (beta G-allele#BMI = -0.8; 95% CI = -1.5 to 
      0.1; P = 0.022). We did not find significant associations between leptin receptor
      polymorphisms and BP changes. CONCLUSIONS: The G-allele of leptin gene
      polymorphism (G2548A) was associated with increased BP levels during pregnancy
      and the postpartum. Furthermore, leptin polymorphism genotypes seem to modify the
      well-known effect of BMI on BP.

PMID- 28077421
TI  - Aortic Wave Reflection During Orthostatic Challenges: Influence of Body Position
      and Venous Pooling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aortic wave reflection (augmentation index; AIx) decreases during
      orthostatic challenges despite increased peripheral resistance, which is thought
      to be due to venous pooling. The purpose of this study was to examine if the
      decrease in AIx during an orthostatic challenge is due to venous pooling alone or
      body position manipulation. METHODS: Twenty-three young, healthy adults (11F/12M)
      participated in 3 separate orthostatic challenges (5 minutes each); 60 degrees 
      head-up tilt (HUT), 60 degrees  HUT with bilateral rhythmic blood pressure (BP)
      cuff inflation on calves (75 mm Hg) to minimize venous pooling, and lower body
      negative pressure (LBNP; -30 mm Hg) for venous pooling independent of body
      position. High-fidelity radial artery pressure waveforms using applanation
      tonometry were recorded at minutes 2:30 and 5:00 during each condition. Aortic BP
      and wave reflection were analyzed from a synthesized aortic BP waveform. RESULTS:
      Compared to resting (baseline) measurements, AIx did not significantly decrease
      at minutes 2:30 or 5:00 of HUT conditions (HUT 0 +/- 2% vs. -3 +/- 3%, 0 +/- 2%;
      HUT w/cuffs 0 +/- 2% vs. -4 +/- 2%, 0 +/- 2%). Conversely, LBNP substantially
      reduced AIx at minutes 2:30 and 5:00 (1 +/- 2% vs. -15 +/- 2% and -12 +/- 2%; P <
      0.01). When standardized to heart rate (AIx@75), AIx@75 increased relative to
      baseline during HUT conditions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous
      studies, AIx did not decrease during passive HUT, yet decreased substantially
      during LBNP. Despite being well matched for peripheral hemodynamics, it appears
      that LBNP elicits a greater effect on central hemodynamics, relative to passive
      HUT. Collectively, changes in body position alone do not explain differences in
      AIx during orthostatic conditions.

PMID- 28077422
TI  - ANTXR2 Knock-Out Does Not Result in the Development of Hypertension in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our recent genetic study as well as robust evidences reported by
      previous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have indicated that the single
      nucleotide polymorphism rs16998073, located near gene anthrax toxin receptor 2
      (ANTXR2), was significantly associated with hypertension in Asians and Europeans.
      The aim of the present study was to determine whether ANTXR2 is the causal gene
      of hypertension at the 4q21 locus using an ANTXR2 knock-out model. METHODS:
      Relative expression of ANTXR2 in Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs) and spontaneously
      hypertensive rats (SHRs) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction and western blot analysis. ANTXR2 knock-out rats were created
      using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and blood pressure values were measured
      in ANTXR2-/- and wild type (WT) rats by tail-cuff method and carotid arterial
      catheterization method. RESULTS: Neither the mRNA nor protein levels of ANTXR2
      were significantly different between tissues from SHRs and WKYs. To create ANTXR2
      /- rats, 67 base pairs were deleted in exon 1 of ANTXR2 using CRISPR/Cas9
      mediated genome editing. ANTXR2 protein decreased significantly in aortas of
      ANTXR2-/- rats, suggesting sufficient efficiency of ANTXR2 knock-out in this
      model. However, ANTXR2-/- rats exhibited nearly the same blood pressure as WT
      rats at baseline conditions as well as during Angiotensin II (400ng/kg/min)
      infusion or high-salt diet treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that
      ANTXR2 might not be associated with hypertension and thus further functional
      analysis is warranted to identify the causal gene at this locus.

PMID- 28077425
TI  - Metastasis suppressor NM23 limits oxidative stress in mammals by preventing
      activation of stress-activated protein kinases/JNKs through its nucleoside
      diphosphate kinase activity.
AB  - NME1 (nonmetastatic expressed 1) gene, which encodes nucleoside diphosphate
      kinase (NDPK) A [also known as nonmetastatic clone 23 (NM23)-H1 in humans and
      NM23-M1 in mice], is a suppressor of metastasis, but several lines of evidence
      mostly from plants-also implicate it in the regulation of the oxidative stress
      response. Here, our aim was to investigate the physiologic relevance of NDPK A
      with respect to the oxidative stress response in mammals and to study its
      molecular basis. NME1-knockout mice died sooner, suffered greater hepatocyte
      injury, and had lower superoxide dismutase activity than did wild-type (WT) mice
      in response to paraquat-induced acute oxidative stress. Deletion of NME1 reduced
      total NDPK activity and exacerbated activation of the stress-related MAPK, JNK,
      in the liver in response to paraquat. In a mouse transformed hepatocyte cell line
      and in primary cultures of normal human keratinocytes, MAPK activation in
      response to H2O2 and UVB, respectively, was dampened by expression of NM23
      M1/NM23-H1, dependent on its NDPK catalytic activity. Furthermore, excess or
      depletion of NM23-M1/NM23-H1 NDPK activity did not affect the intracellular bulk
      concentration of nucleoside di- and triphosphates. NME1-deficient mouse embryo
      fibroblasts grew poorly in culture, were more sensitive to stress than WT
      fibroblasts, and did not immortalize, which suggested that they senesce earlier
      than do WT fibroblasts. Collectively, these results indicate that the NDPK
      activity of NM23-M1/NM23-H1 protects cells from acute oxidative stress by
      inhibiting activation of JNK in mammal models.-Peuchant, E., Bats, M.-L.,
      Moranvillier, I., Lepoivre, M., Guitton, J., Wendum, D., Lacombe, M.-L., Moreau
      Gaudry, F., Boissan, M., Dabernat, S. Metastasis suppressor NM23 limits oxidative
      stress in mammals by preventing activation of stress-activated protein
      kinases/JNKs through its nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity.

PMID- 28077426
TI  - Nut Consumption and Lung Cancer Risk: Results from Two Large Observational
      Studies.
AB  - Background: Epidemiologic evidence on the association between nut consumption and
      lung cancer risk is limited.Methods: We investigated this relationship in the
      Environment and Genetics in Lung Cancer Etiology (EAGLE) study, a population
      based case-control study, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) American
      Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Diet and Health Study, a prospective
      cohort. We identified 2,098 lung cases for EAGLE and 18,533 incident cases in
      AARP. Diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaire for both studies.
      Multivariable ORs and HRs and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were
      calculated using unconditional logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards
      regression for EAGLE and AARP, respectively.Results: Higher frequency of intake
      of nut consumption was inversely associated with overall lung cancer risk
      (highest vs. lowest quintile, OREAGLE = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.95; HRAARP = 0.86;
      95% CI, 0.81-0.91), regardless of smoking status. Results from the prospective
      cohort showed similar associations across histologic subtypes and a more
      pronounced benefits from nut consumption for those who smoked 1 to 20
      cigarettes/day (OREAGLE = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39-0.95; HRAARP = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74
      0.94).Conclusions: Nut consumption was inversely associated with lung cancer in
      two large population-based studies, and associations were independent of
      cigarette smoking and other known risk factors.Impact: To our knowledge, this is
      the first study that examined the association between nut consumption and lung
      cancer risk by histologic subtypes and smoking intensity. Cancer Epidemiol
      Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 826-36. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28077427
TI  - Serum Trimethylamine N-oxide, Carnitine, Choline, and Betaine in Relation to
      Colorectal Cancer Risk in the Alpha Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention
      Study.
AB  - Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a choline-derived metabolite produced
      by gut microbiota, and its biomarker precursors have not been adequately
      evaluated in relation to colorectal cancer risk.Methods: We investigated the
      relationship between serum concentrations of TMAO and its biomarker precursors
      (choline, carnitine, and betaine) and incident colorectal cancer risk in a nested
      case-control study of male smokers in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer
      Prevention (ATBC) Study. We measured biomarker concentrations in baseline fasting
      serum samples from 644 incident colorectal cancer cases and 644 controls using
      LC/MS-MS. Logistic regression models estimated the ORs and 95% confidence
      interval (CI) for colorectal cancer by quartile (Q) of serum TMAO, choline,
      carnitine, and betaine concentrations.Results: Men with higher serum choline at
      ATBC baseline had approximately 3-fold greater risk of developing colorectal
      cancer over the ensuing (median +/- IQR) 14 +/- 10 years (in fully adjusted
      models, Q4 vs. Q1, OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 2.24-4.61; Ptrend < 0.0001). The prognostic
      value of serum choline for prediction of incident colorectal cancer was similarly
      robust for proximal, distal, and rectal colon cancers (all P < 0.0001). The
      association between serum TMAO, carnitine, or betaine and colorectal cancer risk
      was not statistically significant (P = 0.25, 0.71, and 0.61,
      respectively).Conclusions: Higher serum choline concentration (but not TMAO,
      carnitine, or betaine) was associated with increased risk of colorectal
      cancer.Impact: Serum choline levels showed strong prognostic value for prediction
      of incident colorectal cancer risk across all anatomical subsites, suggesting a
      role of altered choline metabolism in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Cancer
      Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 945-52. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28077428
TI  - Reproductive experiences of women who cryopreserved oocytes for non-medical
      reasons.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: What are the reproductive experiences of women who cryopreserve
      oocytes for non-medical reasons? SUMMARY ANSWER: One in three women had been
      pregnant at some stage in their lives and while most still wanted to have a child
      or another child, very few had used their stored oocytes, predominantly because
      they did not want to be single parents. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The number of
      healthy women who freeze oocytes to avoid age-related infertility is increasing.
      Evidence about reproductive outcomes after oocyte cryopreservation for non
      medical reasons is needed to help women make informed decisions. STUDY DESIGN
      SIZE, DURATION: A cross-sectional survey was carried out. Study packs which
      included a self-administered questionnaire were mailed by clinic staff to 193
      eligible women. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women who had stored
      oocytes for non-medical reasons at Melbourne IVF, a private ART clinic, between
      1999 and 2014 were identified from medical records and invited to complete an
      anonymous questionnaire about their reproductive histories and experience of
      oocyte cryopreservation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 10
      survey packs were returned to the clinic marked 'address unknown'. Of the 183
      potential respondents, 96 (53%) returned the questionnaire. One respondent
      provided only free-text comments, thus data from 95 respondents were compiled.
      The mean age at the time of freezing oocytes was 37.1 years (SD +/- 2.6, range:
      27-42) and the average number of oocytes stored was 14.2 (SD +/- 7.9, range: 0
      42); 2% had attempted to store oocytes but had none suitable for freezing, 24%
      had stored <8 oocytes, 35% had 8-15, 25% had 16-23 and 14% had stored >23
      oocytes. About one-third of respondents (34%) had been pregnant at some point in
      their lives. Six women (6%) had used their stored oocytes and three of them had
      given birth as a result. The main reason for not using stored oocytes was not
      wanting to be a single parent. Of the 87 (91%) women who still had oocytes
      stored, 21% intended to use them while 69% indicated that their circumstances
      would determine usage. The mean number of children respondents would ideally have
      liked to have was significantly higher than the number of children they expected
      to have (2.11 versus 1.38, P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The
      limitations are inherent to any anonymously completed questionnaire:
      participation bias, missing data and the possibility that some questions or
      response alternatives may have been ambiguous. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE
      FINDINGS: The findings add to the very limited evidence about the reproductive
      outcomes experienced by women who freeze oocytes for non-medical reasons and can
      be used to help women make informed decisions about whether to store oocytes.
      STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The study was funded by Melbourne IVF. K.H.
      has received honoraria from Merck-Serono, J.M. is a clinician at Melbourne IVF,
      F.A. is a Melbourne IVF employee, J.F. is supported by a Monash Professorial
      Fellowship and the Jean Hailes Professorial Fellowship which receives funding
      from the L and H Hecht Trust, managed by Perpetual Trustees Pty Ltd. M.K., N.P.,
      M.H., M.P. and C.B. have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not
      applicable.

PMID- 28077429
TI  - Composite End Points in Clinical Trials of Heart Failure Therapy: How Do We
      Measure the Effect Size?
AB  - Composite end points are popular outcomes in clinical trials of heart failure
      therapies. For example, a global rank composite is typically analyzed using a
      Mann-Whitney U test, and the results are summarized by the mean of ranks and a
      corresponding P value. The mean of ranks is uninformative, and a clinically
      meaningful estimate of the treatment effect is needed to communicate study
      results and facilitate an assessment of heterogeneity (the consistency of the
      effect across outcomes). The probability index is intuitive for clinicians, easy
      to calculate, and may be applied to various composites. We suggest a simple and
      familiar plot to assess heterogeneity across outcomes, which should be routine
      when analyzing composites. We think that the probability index provides an
      immediate and simple solution to an overt problem.

PMID- 28077431
TI  - Enantiomers Recognition of Propranolol Based on Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Open
      Tubular MIPs-CEC Column Using 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)Propyl Methacrylate as a Cross
      Linking Monomer.
AB  - In this study, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (gamma-MPS), a bifunctional
      group compound, was used as a single cross-linking agent to prepare molecular
      imprinted inorganic-organic hybrid polymers by in situ polymerization for open
      tubular capillary electro chromatography (CEC) column. The optimal preparation
      conditions were: the ratio between template molecule and functional monomer was
      1:4; the volume proportion of porogen toluene and methanol was 1:1 and the volume
      of cross-linking agent gamma-MPS was 69 MUL. The optimal separation conditions
      were separation voltage of 15 kV; detection wavelength at 215 nm and background
      electrolyte composed of 70% acetonitrile/20 mmol/L boric acid salt (pH 6.9).
      Under the optimized conditions, the propranolol enantiomers can be separated well
      by CEC. The method is simple and fast, it can be a potentially useful approach
      for propranolol enantiomers separation.

PMID- 28077430
TI  - Successful Aging as the Intersection of Individual Resources, Age, Environment,
      and Experiences of Well-being in Daily Activities.
AB  - Objective: We conceptualize successful aging as a cumulative index of individual
      resources (the absence of disease and disability, high cognitive and physical
      functioning, social embeddedness) in the service of successful aging outcomes
      (global well-being, experienced well-being, and vital status), and conditioned by
      age, social structure, and environment. Method: The study used baseline and
      follow-up data from the 2008-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N =
      17,230; age = 51-101). Linear, multilevel, and logistic models compared
      individual resources at baseline as independent, cumulative, and binary
      predictors of outcomes 4 years later. Results: Individual resources were
      unequally distributed across age group and social structures (education, wealth,
      race, gender) and had a cumulative effect on all successful aging outcomes. For
      experienced well-being, individual resources were most important at midlife and
      for groups with lower education. Person-environment congruence (social cohesion,
      city satisfaction) was associated with all successful aging outcomes and
      conditioned the effect of individual resources on experienced well-being.
      Discussion: A cumulative index allows for gradations in resources that can be
      compensated for by external factors such as person-environment congruence. This
      index could guide policy and interventions to enhance resources in vulnerable
      subgroups and diminish inequalities in successful aging outcomes.

PMID- 28077432
TI  - Determination of tetracyclines in bovine milk using laccaic acid-loaded magnetite
      nanocomposite for magnetic solid-phase extraction.
AB  - An efficient magnetic sorbent of laccaic acid-loaded magnetite nanocomposite was
      successfully synthesized for extraction and preconcentration of tetracyclines
      (TCs) from bovine milk sample. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by
      scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy.
      Determination of the extracted TCs was performed by high performance liquid
      chromatography. Parameters affecting the efficiency of magnetic solid-phase
      extraction were studied and optimized. The best adsorption conditions were 80 mg
      of sorbent, 50 mL of sample volume, pH 7, 45 degrees C and 20 min; the elution
      conditions were 0.5 mL of acetonitrile, pH 5.5, 75 degrees C and 5 min. Under
      optimized conditions, the preconcentration factor of TCs was 100. The calibration
      curves were linear at a concentration range of 10-300 MUg/kg for oxytetracycline
      and TC, and 5-300 MUg/kg for chlortetracycline and doxycycline. The limit of
      detection was from 3.2 to 7.1 MUg/kg, the limit of quantification was from 10.7
      to 23.7 MUg/kg, the relative standard deviation was between 2.8 and 5.3 and the
      recoveries were between 95.2% and 106.2%. In terms of the proposed procedure, the
      developed method was successfully applied for TCs detection in bovine milk
      samples.

PMID- 28077433
TI  - Osteoprotegerin Disruption Attenuates HySu-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension Through
      Integrin alphavbeta3/FAK/AKT Pathway Suppression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial remodeling characterized by increased vascular
      smooth muscle proliferation is commonly seen in life-threatening disease,
      pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Clinical studies have suggested a
      correlation between osteoprotegerin serum levels and PAH severity. Here, we aimed
      to invhestigate vascular osteoprotegerin expression and its effects on pulmonary
      arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, as well as
      examine the signal transduction pathways mediating its activity. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Serum osteoprotegerin levels were significantly elevated in patients
      with PAH and correlated with disease severity as determined by the World Health
      Organization (WHO) functional classifications and 6-minute walking distance
      tests. Similarly, increased osteoprotegerin expression was observed in the
      pulmonary arteries of hypoxia plus SU5416- and monocrotaline-induced PAH animal
      models. Moreover, osteoprotegerin disruption attenuated hypoxia plus SU5416
      induced PAH progression by reducing pulmonary vascular remodeling, whereas
      lentiviral osteoprotegerin reconstitution exacerbated PAH by increasing pulmonary
      arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation. Furthermore, pathway analysis revealed
      that osteoprotegerin induced pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation
      by interacting with integrin alphavbeta3 to elicit downstream focal adhesion
      kinase and AKT pathway activation. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoprotegerin facilitates PAH
      pathogenesis by regulating pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation,
      suggesting that it may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in this
      disease.

PMID- 28077435
TI  - BLU-285, DCC-2618 Show Activity against GIST.
AB  - Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may initially control gastrointestinal stromal tumors,
      but most patients eventually experience disease progression due to activation
      loop mutations, which are resistant to approved drugs. However, phase I trials
      suggest that the cancer is sensitive to two new agents: BLU-285 and DCC-2618. In
      addition, liquid biopsies, which were used to follow patients during the trials,
      may be valuable tools in tracking disease progression and assessing tumor
      heterogeneity.

PMID- 28077436
TI  - Project GENIE Goes Public.
AB  - The American Association for Cancer Research's Project Genomics Evidence
      Neoplasia Information Exchange released almost 19,000 deidentified genomic
      records collected from patients with cancer who were treated at one of eight
      renowned medical centers. One of the largest pools of genomic information ever
      made publicly accessible, it includes data on 59 types of cancer.

PMID- 28077434
TI  - Transfer of Allogeneic CD4+ T Cells Rescues CD8+ T Cells in Anti-PD-L1-Resistant
      Tumors Leading to Tumor Eradication.
AB  - Adoptively transferred CD8+ T cells can stabilize the size of solid tumors over
      long periods of time by exclusively recognizing antigen cross-presented on tumor
      stroma. However, these tumors eventually escape T-cell-mediated growth control.
      The aim of this study was to eradicate such persistent cancers. In our model, the
      SIYRYYGL antigen is expressed by cancer cells that lack the MHC-I molecule Kb
      needed for direct presentation, but the antigen is picked up and cross-presented
      by tumor stroma. A single injection of antigen-specific 2C CD8+ T cells caused
      long-term inhibition of tumor growth, but without further intervention, tumors
      started to progress after approximately 3 months. Escape was associated with
      reduced numbers of circulating 2C cells. Tumor-infiltrating 2C cells produced
      significantly less TNFalpha and expressed more of the "exhaustion" markers PD-1
      and Tim-3 than T cells from lymphoid organs. High-dose local ionizing radiation,
      depletion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, infusions of additional 2C cells,
      and antibodies blocking PD-L1 did not prevent tumor escape. In contrast, adoptive
      transfer of allogeneic CD4+ T cells restored the numbers of circulating Ag
      specific CD8+ T cells and their intratumoral function, resulting in tumor
      eradication. These CD4+ T cells had no antitumor effects in the absence of CD8+ T
      cells and recognized the alloantigen cross-presented on tumor stroma. CD4+ T
      cells might also be effective in cancer patients when PD-1/PD-L1 blockade does
      not rescue intratumoral CD8+ T-cell function and tumors persist. Cancer Immunol
      Res; 5(2); 127-36. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28077437
TI  - Sensitized signalling between L-type Ca2+ channels and ryanodine receptors in the
      absence or inhibition of FKBP12.6 in cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Aims: The heart contraction is controlled by the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR)
      between L-type Ca2+ channels and ryanodine receptors (RyRs). The FK506-binding
      protein FKBP12.6 binds to RyR subunits, but its role in stabilizing RyR function
      has been debated for long. Recent reports of high-resolution RyR structure show
      that the HD2 domain that binds to the SPRY2 domain of neighbouring subunit in
      FKBP-bound RyR1 is detached and invisible in FKBP-null RyR2. The present study
      was to test the consequence of FKBP12.6 absence on the in situ activation of
      RyR2. Methods and results: Using whole-cell patch-clamp combined with confocal
      imaging, we applied a near threshold depolarization to activate a very small
      fraction of LCCs, which in turn activated RyR Ca2+ sparks stochastically.
      FKBP12.6-knockout and FK506/rapamycin treatments increased spark frequency and
      LCC-RyR coupling fidelity without altering LCC open probability. Neither FK506
      nor rapamycin further altered LCC-RyR coupling fidelity in FKBP12.6-knockout
      cells. In loose-seal patch-clamp experiments, the LCC-RyR signalling kinetics,
      indexed by the delay for a LCC sparklet to trigger a RyR spark, was accelerated
      after FKBP12.6 knockout and FK506/rapamycin treatments. These results
      demonstrated that RyRs became more sensitive to Ca2+ triggers without FKBP12.6.
      Isoproterenol (1 MUM) further accelerated the LCC-RyR signalling in FKBP12.6
      knockout cells. The synergistic sensitization of RyRs by catecholaminergic
      signalling and FKBP12.6 dysfunction destabilized the CICR system, leading to
      chaotic Ca2+ waves and ventricular arrhythmias. Conclusion: FKBP12.6 keeps the
      RyRs from over-sensitization, stabilizes the potentially regenerative CICR
      system, and thus may suppress the life-threatening arrhythmogenesis.

PMID- 28077439
TI  - The functional expression of transient receptor potential channels in the mouse
      endometrium.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does mouse endometrial epithelial cells and stromal cells have a
      similar transient receptor potential (TRP)-channel expression profile and to that
      found in the human endometrium? SUMMARY ANSWER: Mouse endometrial epithelial and
      stromal cells have a distinct TRP channel expression profile analogous to what
      has been found in human endometrium, and hence suggests the mouse a good model to
      investigate the role of TRP channels in reproduction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: An
      optimal intercellular communication between epithelial and stromal endometrial
      cells is crucial for successful reproduction. Members of the TRP family were
      recently described in the human endometrial stroma; however their functional
      expression in murine endometrium remains unspecified. Furthermore, epithelial and
      stromal cells have distinct functions in the reproductive process, implying the
      possibility for a different expression profile. However, knowledge about the
      functional expression pattern of TRP channels in either epithelial or stromal
      cells is not available. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: In this study, the
      expression pattern of TRP channels in the murine (C57BL/6 J strain) endometrium
      was investigated and compared to the human expression pattern. Therefore,
      expression was examined in uterine tissue isolated during the natural estrous
      cycle (n = 16) or during an induced menstrual cycle using the menstruating mouse
      model (n = 28). Next, the functional expression of TRP channels was assessed
      separately in endometrial epithelial and stromal cell populations.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Quantitative RT-PCR was used to
      evaluate the relative mRNA expression of TRP channels in murine uterine tissue
      and cells. To further assess the functional expression in epithelial or stromal
      cells, primary endometrial cell cultures and Fura2-based calcium-microfluorimetry
      experiments were performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The expression
      pattern of TRP channels during the natural estrous cycle or the induced menstrual
      cycle is analog to what has been shown in human samples. Furthermore, a very
      distinct expression pattern was observed in epithelial cells compared to stromal
      cells. Expression of TRPV4, TRPV6 and TRPM6 was significantly higher in
      epithelial cells whereas TRPV2, TRPC1/4 and TRPC6 were almost exclusively
      expressed in stromal cells. LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR
      CAUTION: Although relevant mRNA levels are detected for TRPV6 and TRPM6, and
      TRPM4, lack of selective, available pharmacology restricted functional analysis
      of these ion channels. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Successful
      reproduction, and more specifically embryo implantation, is a dynamic
      developmental process that integrates many signaling molecules into a precisely
      orchestrated program. Here, we describe the expression pattern of TRP channels in
      mouse endometrium that is similar to human tissue and their restricted
      functionality in either stromal cells or epithelial cells, suggesting a role in
      the epithelial-stromal crosstalk. These results will be very helpful to identify
      key players involved in the signaling cascades required for successful embryo
      implantation. In addition, these results illustrate that mouse endometrium is a
      valid representative for human endometrium to investigate TRP channels in the
      field of reproduction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The Research
      Foundation-Flanders (G.0856.13 N to J.V.); the Research Council of the Katholieke
      Universiteit Leuven (OT/13/113 to J.V. and PF-TRPLe to T.V.); the Planckaert-De
      Waele fund (to J.V.);  Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Belgium (to K.D.C. and
      A.H.). None of the authors have a conflict of interest.

PMID- 28077438
TI  - Fibroblast drug scavenging increases intratumoural gemcitabine accumulation in
      murine pancreas cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Desmoplasia and hypovascularity are thought to impede drug delivery in
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, stromal depletion approaches
      have failed to show clinical responses in patients. Here, we aimed to revisit the
      role of the tumour microenvironment as a physical barrier for gemcitabine
      delivery. DESIGN: Gemcitabine metabolites were analysed in LSL-KrasG12D/+ ; LSL
      Trp53R172H/+ ; Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) murine tumours and matched liver metastases,
      primary tumour cell lines, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and pancreatic
      stellate cells (PSCs) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass
      spectrometry. Functional and preclinical experiments, as well as expression
      analysis of stromal markers and gemcitabine metabolism pathways were performed in
      murine and human specimen to investigate the preclinical implications and the
      mechanism of gemcitabine accumulation. RESULTS: Gemcitabine accumulation was
      significantly enhanced in fibroblast-rich tumours compared with liver metastases
      and normal liver. In vitro, significantly increased concentrations of activated
      2',2'-difluorodeoxycytidine-5'-triphosphate (dFdCTP) and greatly reduced amounts
      of the inactive gemcitabine metabolite 2',2'-difluorodeoxyuridine were detected
      in PSCs and CAFs. Mechanistically, key metabolic enzymes involved in gemcitabine
      inactivation such as hydrolytic cytosolic 5'-nucleotidases (Nt5c1A, Nt5c3) were
      expressed at low levels in CAFs in vitro and in vivo, and recombinant expression
      of Nt5c1A resulted in decreased intracellular dFdCTP concentrations in vitro.
      Moreover, gemcitabine treatment in KPC mice reduced the number of liver
      metastases by >50%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that fibroblast drug
      scavenging may contribute to the clinical failure of gemcitabine in desmoplastic
      PDAC. Metabolic targeting of CAFs may thus be a promising strategy to enhance the
      antiproliferative effects of gemcitabine.

PMID- 28077440
TI  - Monophosphoryl Lipid A Enhances Efficacy of a Francisella tularensis LVS
      Catanionic Nanoparticle Subunit Vaccine against F. tularensis Schu S4 Challenge
      by Augmenting both Humoral and Cellular Immunity.
AB  - Francisella tularensis, a bacterial biothreat agent, has no approved vaccine in
      the United States. Previously, we showed that incorporating lysates from
      partially attenuated F. tularensis LVS or fully virulent F. tularensis Schu S4
      strains into catanionic surfactant vesicle (V) nanoparticles (LVS-V and Schu S4
      V, respectively) protected fully against F. tularensis LVS intraperitoneal (i.p.)
      challenge in mice. However, we achieved only partial protection against F.
      tularensis Schu S4 intranasal (i.n.) challenge, even when employing heterologous
      prime-boost immunization strategies. We now extend these findings to show that
      both LVS-V and Schu S4-V immunization (i.p./i.p.) elicited similarly high titers
      of anti-F. tularensis IgG and that the titers could be further increased by
      adding monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), a nontoxic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)
      adjuvant that is included in several U.S. FDA-approved vaccines. LVS-V+MPL immune
      sera also detected more F. tularensis antigens than LVS-V immune sera and, after
      passive transfer to naive mice, significantly delayed the time to death against
      F. tularensis Schu S4 subcutaneous (s.c.) but not i.n. challenge. Active
      immunization with LVS-V+MPL (i.p./i.p.) also increased the frequency of gamma
      interferon (IFN-gamma)-secreting activated helper T cells, IFN-gamma production,
      and the ability of splenocytes to control intramacrophage F. tularensis LVS
      replication ex vivo Active LVS-V+MPL immunization via heterologous routes
      (i.p./i.n.) significantly elevated IgA and IgG levels in bronchoalveolar lavage
      fluid and significantly enhanced protection against i.n. F. tularensis Schu S4
      challenge (to ~60%). These data represent a significant step in the development
      of a subunit vaccine against the highly virulent type A strains.

PMID- 28077442
TI  - Miniaturized Nanopore DNA Sequencing: Accelerating the Path to Precision
      Medicine.

PMID- 28077441
TI  - Using Data from Macaques To Predict Gamma Interferon Responses after
      Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vaccination in Humans: a Proof-of-Concept Study of
      Immunostimulation/Immunodynamic Modeling Methods.
AB  - Macaques play a central role in the development of human tuberculosis (TB)
      vaccines. Immune and challenge responses differ across macaque and human
      subpopulations. We used novel immunostimulation/immunodynamic modeling methods in
      a proof-of-concept study to determine which macaque subpopulations best predicted
      immune responses in different human subpopulations. Data on gamma interferon (IFN
      gamma)-secreting CD4+ T cells over time after recent Mycobacterium bovis BCG
      vaccination were available for 55 humans and 81 macaques. Human population
      covariates were baseline BCG vaccination status, time since BCG vaccination,
      gender, and the monocyte/lymphocyte cell count ratio. The macaque population
      covariate was the colony of origin. A two-compartment mathematical model
      describing the dynamics of the IFN-gamma T cell response after BCG vaccination
      was calibrated to these data using nonlinear mixed-effects methods. The model was
      calibrated to macaque and human data separately. The association between
      subpopulations and the BCG immune response in each species was assessed. The
      macaque subpopulations that best predicted immune responses in different human
      subpopulations were identified using Bayesian information criteria. We found that
      the macaque colony and the human baseline BCG status were significantly (P <
      0.05) associated with the BCG-induced immune response. For humans who were BCG
      naive at baseline, Indonesian cynomolgus macaques and Indian rhesus macaques best
      predicted the immune response. For humans who had already been BCG vaccinated at
      baseline, Mauritian cynomolgus macaques best predicted the immune response. This
      work suggests that the immune responses of different human populations may be
      best modeled by different macaque colonies, and it demonstrates the potential
      utility of immunostimulation/immunodynamic modeling to accelerate TB vaccine
      development.

PMID- 28077443
TI  - Single-Dose Intracardiac Injection of Pro-Regenerative MicroRNAs Improves Cardiac
      Function After Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - RATIONALE: Recent evidence indicates that a few human microRNAs (miRNAs), in
      particular hsa-miR-199a-3p and hsa-miR-590-3p, stimulate proliferation of
      cardiomyocytes and, once expressed in the mouse heart using viral vectors, induce
      cardiac regeneration after myocardial infarction. Viral vectors, however, are not
      devoid of safety issues and, more notably, drive expression of the encoded miRNAs
      for indefinite periods of time, which might not be desirable in light of human
      therapeutic application. OBJECTIVE: As an alternative to the use of viral
      vectors, we wanted to assess the efficacy of synthetic miRNA mimics in inducing
      myocardial repair after single intracardiac injection using synthetic lipid
      formulations. METHODS AND RESULTS: We comparatively analyzed the efficacy of
      different lipid formulations in delivering hsa-miR-199a-3p and hsa-miR-590-3p
      both in primary neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes and in vivo. We established a
      transfection protocol allowing persistence of these 2 mimics for at least 12 days
      after a single intracardiac injection, with minimal dispersion to other organs
      and long-term preservation of miRNA functional activity, as assessed by
      monitoring the expression of 2 mRNA targets. Administration of this synthetic
      formulation immediately after myocardial infarction in mice resulted in marked
      reduction of infarct size and persistent recovery of cardiac function.
      CONCLUSIONS: A single administration of synthetic miRNA-lipid formulations is
      sufficient to stimulate cardiac repair and restoration of cardiac function.

PMID- 28077445
TI  - Human Antiviral Protein IFIX Suppresses Viral Gene Expression during Herpes
      Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) Infection and Is Counteracted by Virus-induced
      Proteasomal Degradation.
AB  - The interferon-inducible protein X (IFIX), a member of the PYHIN family, was
      recently recognized as an antiviral factor against infection with herpes simplex
      virus 1 (HSV-1). IFIX binds viral DNA upon infection and promotes expression of
      antiviral cytokines. How IFIX exerts its host defense functions and whether it is
      inhibited by the virus remain unknown. Here, we integrated live cell microscopy,
      proteomics, IFIX domain characterization, and molecular virology to investigate
      IFIX regulation and antiviral functions during HSV-1 infection. We find that IFIX
      has a dynamic localization during infection that changes from diffuse nuclear and
      nucleoli distribution in uninfected cells to discrete nuclear puncta early in
      infection. This is rapidly followed by a reduction in IFIX protein levels.
      Indeed, using immunoaffinity purification and mass spectrometry, we define IFIX
      interactions during HSV-1 infection, finding an association with a proteasome
      subunit and proteins involved in ubiquitin-proteasome processes. Using
      synchronized HSV-1 infection, microscopy, and proteasome-inhibition experiments,
      we demonstrate that IFIX co-localizes with nuclear proteasome puncta shortly
      after 3 h of infection and that its pyrin domain is rapidly degraded in a
      proteasome-dependent manner. We further demonstrate that, in contrast to several
      other host defense factors, IFIX degradation is not dependent on the E3 ubiquitin
      ligase activity of the viral protein ICP0. However, we show IFIX degradation
      requires immediate-early viral gene expression, suggesting a viral host
      suppression mechanism. The IFIX interactome also demonstrated its association
      with transcriptional regulatory proteins, including the 5FMC complex. We validate
      this interaction using microscopy and reciprocal isolations and determine it is
      mediated by the IFIX HIN domain. Finally, we show IFIX suppresses immediate-early
      and early viral gene expression during infection. Altogether, our study
      demonstrates that IFIX antiviral functions work in part via viral transcriptional
      suppression and that HSV-1 has acquired mechanisms to block its functions via
      proteasome-dependent degradation.

PMID- 28077444
TI  - Protein Interactions during the Flavivirus and Hepacivirus Life Cycle.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions govern biological functions in cells, in the
      extracellular milieu, and at the border between cells and extracellular space.
      Viruses are small intracellular parasites and thus rely on protein interactions
      to produce progeny inside host cells and to spread from cell to cell. Usage of
      host proteins by viruses can have severe consequences e.g. apoptosis, metabolic
      disequilibria, or altered cell proliferation and mobility. Understanding protein
      interactions during virus infection can thus educate us on viral infection and
      pathogenesis mechanisms. Moreover, it has led to important clinical translations,
      including the development of new therapeutic and vaccination strategies. Here, we
      will discuss protein interactions of members of the Flaviviridae family, which
      are small enveloped RNA viruses. Dengue virus, Zika virus and hepatitis C virus
      belong to the most prominent human pathogenic Flaviviridae With a genome of
      roughly ten kilobases encoding only ten viral proteins, Flaviviridae display
      intricate mechanisms to engage the host cell machinery for their purpose. In this
      review, we will highlight how dengue virus, hepatitis C virus, Japanese
      encephalitis virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever
      virus, and Zika virus proteins engage host proteins and how this knowledge helps
      elucidate Flaviviridae infection. We will specifically address the protein
      composition of the virus particle as well as the protein interactions during
      virus entry, replication, particle assembly, and release from the host cell.
      Finally, we will give a perspective on future challenges in Flaviviridae
      interaction proteomics and why we believe these challenges should be met.

PMID- 28077447
TI  - Role of vacuoles in phosphorus storage and remobilization.
AB  - Vacuoles play a fundamental role in storage and remobilization of various
      nutrients, including phosphorus (P), an essential element for cell growth and
      development. Cells acquire P primarily in the form of inorganic orthophosphate
      (Pi). However, the form of P stored in vacuoles varies by organism and tissue.
      Algae and yeast store polyphosphates (polyPs), whereas plants store Pi and
      inositol phosphates (InsPs) in vegetative tissues and seeds, respectively. In
      this review, we summarize how vacuolar P molecules are stored and reallocated and
      how these processes are regulated and co-ordinated. The roles of SYG1/PHO81/XPR1
      (SPX)-domain-containing membrane proteins in allocating vacuolar P are outlined.
      We also highlight the importance of vacuolar P in buffering the cytoplasmic Pi
      concentration to maintain cellular homeostasis when the external P supply
      fluctuates, and present additional roles for vacuolar polyP and InsP besides
      being a P reserve. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of alternative
      pathways to recycle Pi from other P metabolites in vacuoles. Finally, future
      perspectives for researching this topic and its potential application in
      agriculture are proposed.

PMID- 28077448
TI  - Computation Error.

PMID- 28077446
TI  - Regulating chromosomal movement by the cochaperone FKB-6 ensures timely pairing
      and synapsis.
AB  - In meiotic prophase I, homologous chromosome pairing is promoted through
      chromosome movement mediated by nuclear envelope proteins, microtubules, and
      dynein. After proper homologue pairing has been established, the synaptonemal
      complex (SC) assembles along the paired homologues, stabilizing their interaction
      and allowing for crossing over to occur. Previous studies have shown that
      perturbing chromosome movement leads to pairing defects and SC polycomplex
      formation. We show that FKB-6 plays a role in SC assembly and is required for
      timely pairing and proper double-strand break repair kinetics. FKB-6 localizes
      outside the nucleus, and in its absence, the microtubule network is altered. FKB
      6 is required for proper movement of dynein, increasing resting time between
      movements. Attenuating chromosomal movement in fkb-6 mutants partially restores
      the defects in synapsis, in agreement with FKB-6 acting by decreasing chromosomal
      movement. Therefore, we suggest that FKB-6 plays a role in regulating dynein
      movement by preventing excess chromosome movement, which is essential for proper
      SC assembly and homologous chromosome pairing.

PMID- 28077449
TI  - Waterpipe Promotion and Use on Instagram: #Hookah.
AB  - Introduction: Waterpipe (hookah) use is becoming more prevalent in the United
      States and abroad with potential implications for public health. As waterpipe use
      rapidly grows in popularity, novel data streams are needed that can help capture
      and document the social and environmental context in which individuals use, and
      are marketed, this emerging tobacco product. This study characterized waterpipe
      related posts on Instagram in order to inform regulatory and policy activities in
      the United States. Methods: Data were collected from Instagram, an image-based
      social media site. Inclusion criteria for this study comprised an Instagram post
      with the hashtag "#hookah" that was accompanied by geo-location metadata
      demonstrating that the post was inside the contiguous United States. Rules were
      established for coding themes of images (n = 1705). Results: Seven percent of
      images depicted a single person using a waterpipe and/or blowing smoke, 25%
      depicted two or more persons lounging and/or using a waterpipe, 6% depicted
      waterpipes, coals or flavored tobacco without people, 18% of images were
      promotional material for hookah lounges and restaurant/bars/nightclubs
      referencing hookah in the text or depicting a waterpipe, 25% were non-waterpipe
      related promotional material, 1% were sexually explicit material, and 18% other.
      31% of all images depicted or referenced alcohol. 30% of posts provided geo
      location from a hookah lounge, 56% from a restaurant/bar/nightclub, and 14% from
      other types of locations. Conclusions: The cross promotion of waterpipe and
      alcohol use by hookah lounges, and restaurants/bars/nightclubs suggests that poly
      substance use is regularly depicted, and promoted, in nightlife entertainment as
      well as normalized on Instagram in the United States. Implications: In the US
      Instagram posts with the hashtag #hookah regularly depicted waterpipe use in
      conjunction with alcohol use. Instagram's focus on images facilitates picture
      based advertising where hookah lounges promote drink specials at the same time
      nightclubs promote waterpipe specials. Instagram users often document the variety
      of shapes, sizes, and styles, of waterpipes, suggesting users take pride in their
      purchases and like to show their customized, and often times elaborate,
      waterpipes to their followers. Instagram has been underutilized in understanding
      tobacco related-behaviors and identifying tobacco-related promotional material.

PMID- 28077450
TI  - Aging in Myanmar.
AB  - This spotlight provides an overview of the situation of older persons in Myanmar,
      an understudied country of over-50-million population. Myanmar is of particular
      interest to researchers and policy makers, given its overall level of poverty and
      modestly rapid population aging. Research on older persons, while increasing in
      recent years, remains sparse. Empirical evidence indicates that Myanmar older
      persons are in relatively poorer health compared to those in neighboring
      countries. Many live in abject poverty and depend on their families for material
      support. Coresidence is very common and facilitates reciprocal exchanges across
      generations. Looking ahead, Myanmar confronts important challenges including
      demographic shifts that reduce availability of family support for older persons
      and increasing burden from chronic illnesses. Currently, government measures are
      essentially absent, although a law on aging was drafted and is in the process to
      become legislation.

PMID- 28077451
TI  - The Increasing Use of Cannabis Among Older Americans: A Public Health Crisis or
      Viable Policy Alternative?
AB  - Cannabis use among older Americans is increasing. Although much of this growth
      has been attributed to the entry of a more tolerant baby boom cohort into older
      age, recent evidence suggests the pathways to cannabis are more complex. Some
      older persons have responded to changing social and legal environments and are
      increasingly likely to take cannabis recreationally. Other older persons are
      experiencing age-related health care needs, and some take cannabis for symptom
      management, as recommended by a medical doctor. Whether these pathways to
      recreational and medical cannabis are separate or somewhat tangled remains
      largely unknown. There have been few studies examining cannabis use among the
      growing population of Americans aged 65 and older. In this essay, we illuminate
      what is known about the intersection between cannabis and the aging American
      population. We review trends concerning cannabis use and apply the age-period
      cohort paradigm to explicate varied pathways and outcomes. Then, after
      considering the public health problems posed by those who misuse or abuse
      cannabis, we turn our attention to how cannabis may be a viable policy
      alternative in terms of supporting the health and well-being of a substantial
      number of aging Americans. On the one hand, cannabis may be an effective
      substitute for prescription opioids and other misused medications; on the other
      hand, cannabis has emerged as an alternative for the undertreatment of pain at
      the end of life. As intriguing as these alternatives may be, policy makers must
      first address the need for empirically driven, representative research to advance
      the discourse.

PMID- 28077452
TI  - Does it Matter if We Disagree? The Impact of Incongruent Care Preferences on
      Persons with Dementia and Their Care Partners.
AB  - Purpose: To gain a better understanding of how actual and perceived incongruence
      of care preferences affects the psychosocial well-being of persons with dementia
      and their family caregiver. Design and Methods: In-depth interviews were
      conducted with 128 dyads each consisting of a person with dementia and a family
      caregiver. Baseline data from an intervention study were used to examine the
      relationship between the caregiver's care-related preferences, the person with
      dementia's care-related preferences, and the caregiver's perception of the person
      with dementia's preferences. Preferences for three care-related domains were
      recorded: personal activities of daily living (PADLs), instrumental activities of
      daily living (IADLs), and socioemotional issues. Primary outcomes included dyadic
      relationship strain, quality of life, and mood for both the caregiver and person
      with dementia. Results: Perceived incongruence of care preferences was a better
      predictor of negative psychosocial outcomes than actual incongruence. Actual
      incongruence for socioemotional care preferences was a predictor of greater
      relationship strain and worse mood for the person with dementia, whereas
      perceived incongruence for socioemotional care preferences was related to lower
      quality of life and worse mood for the caregiver. Interestingly, perceived
      incongruence for PADLs predicted higher quality of life and better mood for the
      caregiver. Implications: Findings have implications for communication between
      care partners, especially regarding socioemotional care preferences.
      Socioemotional preferences, which might be overlooked in the creation of a care
      plan, may influence the person with dementia's well-being.

PMID- 28077453
TI  - State Regulatory Approaches for Dementia Care in Residential Care and Assisted
      Living.
AB  - Purpose: This policy study analyzed states' residential care and assisted living
      (RC/AL) regulations for dementia care requirements. Estimates suggest that at
      least half of RC/AL residents have dementia, and 22% of settings provide or
      specialize in dementia care. Residents with dementia might benefit from
      regulations that account for specific behaviors and needs associated with
      dementia, making states' RC/AL regulations address dementia care an important
      policy topic. Design and Methods: This study examined RC/AL regulations in all 50
      states and the District of Columbia for regulatory requirements on five topics
      important to the quality of life of RC/AL residents with dementia: pre-admission
      assessment, consumer disclosure, staffing types and levels, administrator
      training, and physical environment. Results: Sixteen states license or certify
      dementia care units within RC/AL settings. All states had at least one dementia
      care requirement, though only four states had requirements for all five of the
      topics reviewed. Most states addressed administrator training, consumer
      disclosure, and physical environment, 17 addressed staffing types and levels, and
      14 addressed pre-admission assessment for dementia. Thus, most states rely on
      general RC/AL regulations to cover dementia care policies and practices.
      Implications: This policy study provides a resource for researchers who do cross
      state studies of dementia care in RC/AL settings and state policymakers who are
      updating RC/AL regulations, including those responding to a 2014 Centers for
      Medicare and Medicaid Services rule change.

PMID- 28077454
TI  - Using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: A Cautionary Tale.

PMID- 28077455
TI  - Symptomatic Carotid Occlusion Is Frequently Associated With Microembolization.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Symptomatic carotid artery disease is associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of cerebral
      ischemia among patients with carotid occlusion remain underexplored. METHODS: We
      conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients hospitalized
      within 7 days of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack because of >=50%
      carotid artery stenosis or occlusion. Transcranial Doppler emboli detection was
      performed in the middle cerebral artery ipsilateral to the symptomatic carotid.
      We describe the prevalence of microembolic signals (MES), characterize infarct
      topography, and report clinical outcomes at 90 days. RESULTS: Forty-seven
      patients, 19 with carotid occlusion and 28 with carotid stenosis, had complete
      transcranial Doppler recordings and were included in the final analysis. MES were
      present in 38%. There was no difference in MES between those with carotid
      occlusion (7/19, 37%) compared with stenosis (11/28, 39%; P=0.87). In patients
      with radiographic evidence of infarction (n=39), 38% had a watershed pattern of
      infarction, 41% had a nonwatershed pattern, and 21% had a combination. MES were
      present in 40% of patients with a watershed pattern of infarction. Recurrent
      cerebral ischemia occurred in 9 patients (19%; 6 with transient ischemic attack,
      3 with ischemic stroke). There was no difference in the rate of recurrence in
      those with compared to those without MES. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral embolization
      plays an important role in the pathophysiology of ischemia in both carotid
      occlusion and stenosis, even among patients with watershed infarcts. The role of
      aggressive antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapy for symptomatic carotid
      occlusions may warrant further investigation given our findings.

PMID- 28077456
TI  - Revealing nonclassicality beyond Gaussian states via a single marginal
      distribution.
AB  - A standard method to obtain information on a quantum state is to measure marginal
      distributions along many different axes in phase space, which forms a basis of
      quantum-state tomography. We theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate
      a general framework to manifest nonclassicality by observing a single marginal
      distribution only, which provides a unique insight into nonclassicality and a
      practical applicability to various quantum systems. Our approach maps the 1D
      marginal distribution into a factorized 2D distribution by multiplying the
      measured distribution or the vacuum-state distribution along an orthogonal axis.
      The resulting fictitious Wigner function becomes unphysical only for a
      nonclassical state; thus the negativity of the corresponding density operator
      provides evidence of nonclassicality. Furthermore, the negativity measured this
      way yields a lower bound for entanglement potential-a measure of entanglement
      generated using a nonclassical state with a beam-splitter setting that is a
      prototypical model to produce continuous-variable (CV) entangled states. Our
      approach detects both Gaussian and non-Gaussian nonclassical states in a reliable
      and efficient manner. Remarkably, it works regardless of measurement axis for all
      non-Gaussian states in finite-dimensional Fock space of any size, also extending
      to infinite-dimensional states of experimental relevance for CV quantum
      informatics. We experimentally illustrate the power of our criterion for motional
      states of a trapped ion, confirming their nonclassicality in a measurement-axis
      independent manner. We also address an extension of our approach combined with
      phase-shift operations, which leads to a stronger test of nonclassicality, that
      is, detection of genuine non-Gaussianity under a CV measurement.

PMID- 28077457
TI  - Systems Biology-Derived Biomarkers to Predict Progression of Renal Function
      Decline in Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in diabetes has a complex molecular and
      likely multifaceted pathophysiology. We aimed to validate a panel of biomarkers
      identified using a systems biology approach to predict the individual decline of
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a large group of patients with
      type 2 diabetes and CKD at various stages. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used
      publicly available "omics" data to develop a molecular process model of CKD in
      diabetes and identified a representative parsimonious set of nine molecular
      biomarkers: chitinase 3-like protein 1, growth hormone 1, hepatocyte growth
      factor, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP7, MMP8, MMP13, tyrosine kinase, and
      tumor necrosis factor receptor-1. These biomarkers were measured in baseline
      serum samples from 1,765 patients recruited into two large clinical trials. eGFR
      decline was predicted based on molecular markers, clinical risk factors
      (including baseline eGFR and albuminuria), and both combined, and these
      predictions were evaluated using mixed linear regression models for longitudinal
      data. RESULTS: The variability of annual eGFR loss explained by the biomarkers,
      indicated by the adjusted R2 value, was 15% and 34% for patients with eGFR >=60
      and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; variability explained by clinical
      predictors was 20% and 31%, respectively. A combination of molecular and clinical
      predictors increased the adjusted R2 to 35% and 64%, respectively. Calibration
      analysis of marker models showed significant (all P < 0.0001) but largely
      irrelevant deviations from optimal calibration (calibration-in-the-large: -1.125
      and 0.95; calibration slopes: 1.07 and 1.13 in the two groups, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: A small set of serum protein biomarkers identified using a systems
      biology approach, combined with clinical variables, enhances the prediction of
      renal function loss over a wide range of baseline eGFR values in patients with
      type 2 diabetes and CKD.

PMID- 28077458
TI  - Type 2 Diabetes and Comorbid Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Longitudinal
      Associations With Mortality Risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Depression is strongly linked to increased mortality in individuals
      with type 2 diabetes. Despite high rates of co-occurring anxiety and depression,
      the risk of death associated with comorbid anxiety in individuals with type 2
      diabetes is poorly understood. This study documented the excess mortality risk
      associated with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety comorbid with type 2
      diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using data for 64,177 Norwegian adults
      from the second wave of the Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT2), with linkage to
      the Norwegian Causes of Death Registry, we assessed all-cause mortality from
      survey participation in 1995 through to 2013. We used Cox proportional hazards
      models to examine mortality risk over 18 years associated with type 2 diabetes
      status and the presence of comorbid affective symptoms at baseline. RESULTS:
      Three clear patterns emerged from our findings. First, mortality risk in
      individuals with diabetes increased in the presence of depression or anxiety, or
      both. Second, mortality risk was lowest for symptoms of anxiety, higher for
      comorbid depression-anxiety, and highest for depression. Lastly, excess mortality
      risk associated with depression and anxiety was observed in men with diabetes but
      not in women. The highest risk of death was observed in men with diabetes and
      symptoms of depression only (hazard ratio 3.47, 95% CI 1.96, 6.14). CONCLUSIONS:
      This study provides evidence that symptoms of anxiety affect mortality risk in
      individuals with type 2 diabetes independently of symptoms of depression, in
      addition to attenuating the relationship between depressive symptoms and
      mortality in these individuals.

PMID- 28077459
TI  - The Virtual Office Visit for Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

PMID- 28077460
TI  - Glyburide Versus Metformin and Their Combination for the Treatment of Gestational
      Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of glyburide versus metformin and
      their combination for the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled study, we
      randomly assigned patients with GDM at 13-33 weeks gestation and whose blood
      glucose was poorly controlled by diet to receive either glyburide or metformin.
      If optimal glycemic control was not achieved, the other drug was added. If
      adverse effects occurred, the drug was replaced. If both failed, insulin was
      given. The primary outcomes were the rate of treatment failure and glycemic
      control after the first-line medication according to mean daily glucose charts.
      RESULTS: Glyburide was started in 53 patients and metformin in 51. In the
      glyburide group, the drug failed in 18 (34%) patients due to adverse effects
      (hypoglycemia) in 6 (11%) and lack of glycemic control in 12 (23%). In the
      metformin group, the drug failed in 15 (29%) patients, due to adverse effects
      (gastrointestinal) in 1 (2%) and lack of glycemic control in 14 (28%). Treatment
      success after second-line therapy was higher in the metformin group than in the
      glyburide group (13 of 15 [87%] vs. 9 of 18 [50%], respectively; P = 0.03). In
      the glyburide group, nine (17%) patients were eventually treated with insulin
      compared with two (4%) in the metformin group (P = 0.03). The combination of the
      drugs reduced the need for insulin from 33 (32%) to 11 (11%) patients (P =
      0.0002). Mean daily blood glucose and other obstetrical and neonatal outcomes
      were comparable between groups, including macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and
      electrolyte imbalance. CONCLUSIONS: Glyburide and metformin are comparable oral
      treatments for GDM regarding glucose control and adverse effects. Their
      combination demonstrates a high efficacy rate with a significantly reduced need
      for insulin, with a possible advantage for metformin over glyburide as first-line
      therapy.

PMID- 28077461
TI  - Human RIF1 and protein phosphatase 1 stimulate DNA replication origin licensing
      but suppress origin activation.
AB  - The human RIF1 protein controls DNA replication, but the molecular mechanism is
      largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that human RIF1 negatively regulates DNA
      replication by forming a complex with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) that limits
      phosphorylation-mediated activation of the MCM replicative helicase. We identify
      specific residues on four MCM helicase subunits that show hyperphosphorylation
      upon RIF1 depletion, with the regulatory N-terminal domain of MCM4 being
      particularly strongly affected. In addition to this role in limiting origin
      activation, we discover an unexpected new role for human RIF1-PP1 in mediating
      efficient origin licensing. Specifically, during the G1 phase of the cell cycle,
      RIF1-PP1 protects the origin-binding ORC1 protein from untimely phosphorylation
      and consequent degradation by the proteasome. Depletion of RIF1 or inhibition of
      PP1 destabilizes ORC1, thereby reducing origin licensing. Consistent with reduced
      origin licensing, RIF1-depleted cells exhibit increased spacing between active
      origins. Human RIF1 therefore acts as a PP1-targeting subunit that regulates DNA
      replication positively by stimulating the origin licensing step, and then
      negatively by counteracting replication origin activation.

PMID- 28077463
TI  - Novel method for detection of glycogen in cells.
AB  - y: Glycogen, a branched polymer of glucose, functions as an energy reserve in
      many living organisms. Abnormalities in glycogen metabolism, usually excessive
      accumulation, can be caused genetically, most often through mutation of the
      enzymes directly involved in synthesis and degradation of the polymer leading to
      a variety of glycogen storage diseases (GSDs). Microscopic visualization of
      glycogen deposits in cells and tissues is important for the study of normal
      glycogen metabolism as well as diagnosis of GSDs. Here, we describe a method for
      the detection of glycogen using a renewable, recombinant protein which contains
      the carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) from starch-binding domain containing
      protein 1 (Stbd1). We generated a fusion protein containing g lutathione S
      transferase, a cM c eptitope and the tbd1 BM (GYSC) for use as a glycogen-binding
      probe, which can be detected with secondary antibodies against glutathione S
      transferase or cMyc. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we demonstrate that
      GYSC binds glycogen and two other polymers of glucose, amylopectin and amylose.
      Immunofluorescence staining of cultured cells indicate a GYSC-specific signal
      that is co-localized with signals obtained with anti-glycogen or anti-glycogen
      synthase antibodies. GYSC-positive staining inside of lysosomes is observed in
      individual muscle fibers isolated from mice deficient in lysosomal enzyme acid
      alpha-glucosidase, a well-characterized model of GSD II (Pompe disease). Co
      localized GYSC and glycogen signals are also found in muscle fibers isolated from
      mice deficient in malin, a model for Lafora disease. These data indicate that
      GYSC is a novel probe that can be used to study glycogen metabolism under normal
      and pathological conditions.

PMID- 28077464
TI  - Integrated care of patients with atrial fibrillation: the 2016 ESC atrial
      fibrillation guidelines.

PMID- 28077462
TI  - Bromodomains in Protozoan Parasites: Evolution, Function, and Opportunities for
      Drug Development.
AB  - Parasitic infections remain one of the most pressing global health concerns of
      our day, affecting billions of people and producing unsustainable economic
      burdens. The rise of drug-resistant parasites has created an urgent need to study
      their biology in hopes of uncovering new potential drug targets. It has been
      established that disrupting gene expression by interfering with lysine
      acetylation is detrimental to survival of apicomplexan (Toxoplasma gondii and
      Plasmodium spp.) and kinetoplastid (Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma spp.)
      parasites. As "readers" of lysine acetylation, bromodomain proteins have emerged
      as key gene expression regulators and a promising new class of drug target. Here
      we review recent studies that demonstrate the essential roles played by
      bromodomain-containing proteins in parasite viability, invasion, and stage
      switching and present work showing the efficacy of bromodomain inhibitors as
      novel antiparasitic agents. In addition, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of
      bromodomain proteins in representative pathogens, some of which possess unique
      features that may be specific to parasite processes and useful in future drug
      development.

PMID- 28077465
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of the polypill versus risk assessment for prevention of
      cardiovascular disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is an international trend towards recommending medication to
      prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals at increasingly lower
      cardiovascular risk. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of a population approach
      with a polypill including a statin (simvastatin 20 mg) and three antihypertensive
      agents (amlodipine 2.5 mg, losartan 25 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg) and
      periodic risk assessment with different risk thresholds. METHODS: We developed a
      microsimulation model for lifetime predictions of CVD events, diabetes, and death
      in 259 146 asymptomatic UK Biobank participants aged 40-69 years. We assessed
      incremental costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for polypill scenarios
      with the same combination of agents and doses but differing for starting age, and
      periodic risk assessment with 10-year CVD risk thresholds of 10% and 20%.
      RESULTS: Restrictive risk assessment, in which statins and antihypertensives were
      prescribed when risk exceeded 20%, was the optimal strategy gaining 123 QALYs
      (95% credible interval (CI) -173 to 387) per 10 000 individuals at an extra cost
      of L1.45 million (95% CI 0.89 to 1.94) as compared with current practice.
      Although less restrictive risk assessment and polypill scenarios prevented more
      CVD events and attained larger survival gains, these benefits were offset by the
      additional costs and disutility of daily medication use. Lowering the risk
      threshold for prescription of statins to 10% was economically unattractive,
      costing L40 000 per QALY gained. Starting the polypill from age 60 onwards became
      the most cost-effective scenario when annual drug prices were reduced below L240.
      All polypill scenarios would save costs at prices below L50. CONCLUSIONS:
      Periodic risk assessment using lower risk thresholds is unlikely to be cost
      effective. The polypill would become cost-effective if drug prices were reduced.

PMID- 28077466
TI  - Tea consumption and risk of ischaemic heart disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine the association between tea consumption and
      the risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). METHODS: Prospective study using the
      China Kadoorie Biobank; participants from 10 areas across China were enrolled
      during 2004-2008 and followed up until 31 December 2013. After excluding
      participants with cancer, heart disease and stroke at baseline, the present study
      included 199 293 men and 288 082 women aged 30-79 years at baseline. Information
      on IHD incidence was collected through disease registries and the new national
      health insurance databases. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 7.2 years, we
      documented 24 665 (7.19 cases/1000 person-years) incident IHD cases and 3959
      (1.13 cases/1000 person-years) major coronary events (MCEs). Tea consumption was
      associated with reduced risk of IHD and MCE. In the whole cohort, compared with
      participants who never consumed tea during the past 12 months, the multivariable
      adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for less than daily and daily tea consumers were 0.97
      (0.94 to 1.00) and 0.92 (0.88 to 0.95) for IHD, 0.92 (0.85 to 1.00) and 0.90
      (0.82 to 0.99) for MCE. No linear trends in the HRs across the amount of tea were
      observed in daily consumers for IHD and MCE (PLinear >0.05). The inverse
      association between tea consumption and IHD was stronger in rural (PInteraction
      0.006 for IHD, <0.001 for MCE), non-obese (PInteraction 0.012 for MCE) and non
      diabetes participants (PInteraction 0.004 for IHD). CONCLUSIONS: In this large
      prospective study, daily tea consumption was associated with a reduced risk of
      IHD.

PMID- 28077467
TI  - Gut microbiota-dependent trimethylamine N-oxide in acute coronary syndromes: a
      prognostic marker for incident cardiovascular events beyond traditional risk
      factors.
AB  - Aims: Systemic levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a pro-atherogenic and pro
      thrombotic metabolite produced from gut microbiota metabolism of dietary
      trimethylamine (TMA)-containing nutrients such as choline or carnitine, predict
      incident cardiovascular event risks in stable primary and secondary prevention
      subjects. However, the prognostic value of TMAO in the setting of acute coronary
      syndromes (ACS) remains unknown. Methods and results: We investigated the
      relationship of TMAO levels with incident cardiovascular risks among sequential
      patients presenting with ACS in two independent cohorts. In the Cleveland Cohort,
      comprised of sequential subjects (n = 530) presenting to the Emergency Department
      (ED) with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin, an elevated plasma TMAO level
      at presentation was independently associated with risk of major adverse cardiac
      events (MACE, including myocardial infarction, stroke, need for
      revascularization, or death) over the ensuing 30-day (4th quartile (Q4) adjusted
      odds ratio (OR) 6.30, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.89-21.0, P < 0.01) and 6
      month (Q4 adjusted OR 5.65, 95%CI, 1.91-16.7; P < 0.01) intervals. TMAO levels
      were also a significant predictor of the long term (7-year) mortality (Q4
      adjusted HR 1.81, 95%CI, 1.04-3.15; P < 0.05). Interestingly, TMAO level at
      initial presentation predicted risk of incident MACE over the near-term (30 days
      and 6 months) even among subjects who were initially negative for troponin T (<
      0.1 ng/mL) (30 days, Q4 adjusted OR 5.83, 95%CI, 1.79-19.03; P < 0.01). The
      prognostic value of TMAO was also assessed in an independent multicentre Swiss
      Cohort of ACS patients (n = 1683) who underwent coronary angiography.
      Trimethylamine N-oxide again predicted enhanced MACE risk (1-year) (adjusted Q4
      hazard ratios: 1.57, 95% CI, 1.03-2.41; P <0.05). Conclusion: Plasma TMAO levels
      among patients presenting with chest pain predict both near- and long-term risks
      of incident cardiovascular events, and may thus provide clinical utility in risk
      stratification among subjects presenting with suspected ACS.

PMID- 28077468
TI  - Integrated imaging of echocardiography and computed tomography to grade mitral
      regurgitation severity in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation.
AB  - Aims: Quantitative mitral regurgitation (MR) grading remains challenging. This
      study evaluated the concept of integrating echocardiography and computed
      tomography for grading MR severity. Specifically, an integrated parameter was
      developed that combines the true cross-sectional mitral regurgitant orifice area
      (ROA) assessed with multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) with flow data
      from echocardiography. Methods and results: Systolic MDCT data of 73 patients,
      referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) who also had MR, were
      evaluated. The MDCT systolic phase with the smaller left ventricular volume and
      the largest mitral regurgitant orifice was selected. Using planimetry, the mitral
      ROA was measured. The mitral ROA was multiplied with the velocity time integral
      of the MR jet on echocardiography for the calculation of the integrated
      regurgitant volume (RVol). MDCT analysis showed a mean mitral ROA of 11.3 +/- 7.4
      mm2 and a mean integrated RVol of 21.4 +/- 14.7 mL/beat, whereas echocardiography
      showed a mean effective ROA and RVol of MR of 13.3 +/- 8.2 mm2 and 23.9 +/- 13.6
      mL/beat, respectively. Compared with echocardiography, grading based on
      integrated mitral RVol resulted in reclassification of 10% of the patients from
      severe to non-severe MR and 14% of the patients from non-severe to severe MR.
      Conclusions: Integrated mitral RVol is a quantitative parameter of MR severity by
      combining the true cross-sectional mitral ROA assessed with MDCT and Doppler
      mitral haemodynamics which resulted in a significant reclassification of MR grade
      in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR.

PMID- 28077469
TI  - Risk factors for excess mortality in adults with congenital heart diseases.
AB  - Aims: To examine factors related to excess mortality in a cohort of adults with
      congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods and results: We conducted a survival
      analysis using prospective data of 3311 adults with CHD [50.5% males, median age
      at entry 22.5 years (IQR 18-39), median follow-up time 10.5 years (IQR: 4.4-18)].
      Survival status of each patient was further verified by cross checking with the
      Spanish National Death Index. During a total follow-up of 37608 person-years, 336
      (10%) patients died. Annual death rate was 0.89% and standardized mortality ratio
      (SMR) 2.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-3.0; P < 0.001]. Median age at death
      estimated by left-truncated Kaplan-Meier method was 75.1 years (95% CI 73-77).
      Survival was reduced compared with the general population whatever their level of
      complexity, repair status, or underlying CHD. Independent risk factors for excess
      mortality, including cyanosis, univentricular physiology, genetic disorders,
      ventricular dysfunction, residual haemodynamic lesions and acquired late
      complications, among others, were identified by left-truncated Cox regression
      model. SMR was 5.22 (95% CI 4.5-6.0; P < 0.001) and median age at death 55.6
      years (95% CI 50-61) for 996 patients (30%) with at least one risk factor. In
      contrast, SMR was 1.14 (95% CI 0.9-1.5; P = 0.19) and median age at death 83.7
      years (95% CI 82-87) in 2315 patients (70%) with no risk factors. Conclusions:
      Clinical parameters, such as anatomical features, haemodynamic sequelae, or
      acquired complications, were independent predictors of excess mortality in adults
      with CHD. Survival of individuals with no risk factors did not differ from the
      reference population.

PMID- 28077470
TI  - Comprehensive efforts to increase adherence to statin therapy.

PMID- 28077471
TI  - Individual risk stratification in adult congenital heart disease: the way to go?

PMID- 28077474
TI  - Does newborn screening influence the young cystic fibrosis cohort included in
      national registries?

PMID- 28077475
TI  - Equatorial Guinea, a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis hotspot in Central Africa.

PMID- 28077476
TI  - Acute pulmonary embolism: mortality prediction by the 2014 European Society of
      Cardiology risk stratification model.

PMID- 28077478
TI  - Acute pulmonary embolism: mortality prediction by the 2014 European Society of
      Cardiology risk stratification model.

PMID- 28077473
TI  - A joint ERS/ATS policy statement: what constitutes an adverse health effect of
      air pollution? An analytical framework.
AB  - The American Thoracic Society has previously published statements on what
      constitutes an adverse effect on health of air pollution in 1985 and 2000. We set
      out to update and broaden these past statements that focused primarily on effects
      on the respiratory system. Since then, many studies have documented effects of
      air pollution on other organ systems, such as on the cardiovascular and central
      nervous systems. In addition, many new biomarkers of effects have been developed
      and applied in air pollution studies.This current report seeks to integrate the
      latest science into a general framework for interpreting the adversity of the
      human health effects of air pollution. Rather than trying to provide a catalogue
      of what is and what is not an adverse effect of air pollution, we propose a set
      of considerations that can be applied in forming judgments of the adversity of
      not only currently documented, but also emerging and future effects of air
      pollution on human health. These considerations are illustrated by the inclusion
      of examples for different types of health effects of air pollution.

PMID- 28077477
TI  - The Global Asthma Network rationale and methods for Phase I global surveillance:
      prevalence, severity, management and risk factors.
AB  - The Global Asthma Network (GAN), established in 2012, followed the International
      Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). ISAAC Phase One involved over
      700 000 adolescents and children from 156 centres in 56 countries; it found
      marked worldwide variation in symptom prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema
      that was not explained by the current understanding of these diseases; ISAAC
      Phase Three involved over 1 187 496 adolescents and children (237 centres in 98
      countries). It found that asthma symptom prevalence was increasing in many
      locations especially in low- and middle-income countries where severity was also
      high, and identified several environmental factors that required further
      investigation.GAN Phase I, described in this article, builds on the ISAAC
      findings by collecting further information on asthma, rhinitis and eczema
      prevalence, severity, diagnoses, asthma emergency room visits, hospital
      admissions, management and use of asthma essential medicines. The subjects will
      be the same age groups as ISAAC, and their parents. In this first global
      monitoring of asthma in children and adults since 2003, further evidence will be
      obtained to understand asthma, management practices and risk factors, leading to
      further recognition that asthma is an important non-communicable disease and to
      reduce its global burden.

PMID- 28077479
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnoea as a cause of nocturnal nondipping blood pressure:
      recent evidence regarding clinical importance and underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 28077480
TI  - Tiotropium in paediatric asthma.

PMID- 28077481
TI  - Splenomegaly in the returning traveller: a diagnostic workup.
AB  - Isolated splenomegaly is an unusual condition encompassing a broad range of
      diagnoses. We report a case of a 38-year-old Asian man who presented with
      insidious abdominal discomfort and night sweats following recent travel to India.
      Massive splenomegaly was the only prominent feature on clinical examination and
      on subsequent imaging. Extensive investigations were performed, ultimately
      resulting in transfer to a tertiary centre for definitive diagnosis via a splenic
      biopsy. A fine-needle aspiration was performed, and revealed diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma (DLBCL). Consequently, he was successfully treated with a course of
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 28077482
TI  - Rare case of haemoptysis.
AB  - We report a case of a 39-year-old man who presented with coughing up blood for 5
      days. On the day of admission, he coughed up about 300 mL of fresh blood. He
      mentioned that he has had cough for the past 10 years. On clinical examination,
      he was afebrile, tachypneic, tahycardic and normotensive. Rest of the physical
      examination was normal. His oxygen saturation breathing room air was 96%. His
      full blood count showed haemoglobin 9.3 g/dL. His chest radiograph was reported
      as normal. CT chest showed a vascular right paracardiac soft tissue density. On
      the basis of this, a diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration was considered. CT
      angiography of the soft tissue density identified multiple sources of systemic
      arterial blood. Two arteries were arising from the descending aorta and a third
      artery was coming from the right renal artery. Surgical removal of the
      sequestrated lobe was performed. The patient has an uneventful postoperative
      recovery and remained well at follow-up 2 months after surgery.

PMID- 28077483
TI  - Primary sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine: very rare and aggressive
      tumour.
AB  - Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small intestine is a very rare and aggressive
      variant of small intestinal cancers with poor prognosis. The tumour primarily
      affects middle-aged and older patients with a mean age of 57 years at the time of
      presentation. We report a woman aged 58 years without any relevant medical
      history who presented with small intestinal obstruction. She underwent radiologic
      and endoscopy investigation with persistent features of small bowel obstruction.
      The patient was found to have a small bowel tumour causing the obstruction and
      underwent surgical excision of the tumour. Pathology revealed malignant neoplasm
      with sarcomatoid and epithelioid features involving the terminal ileum. The use
      of immunohistochemical markers helps in wide range of differential diagnoses.
      Surgical resection is still considered the best and first-line therapy with poor
      response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

PMID- 28077484
TI  - 'Bizarre' rash: adult-onset cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

PMID- 28077485
TI  - Persistent anterior interosseous nerve palsy following forearm crutch use.
AB  - A 43-year-old man presented with weakness of the interphalageal joint of his
      right thumb following the use of forearm crutches. On examination he was unable
      to oppose his thumb and index finger to form the 'ok' sign. Nerve conduction
      showed anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) damage along its path to the flexor
      pollicis longus. The patient was managed conservatively with little clinical
      improvement seen at 4 months. AIN palsies are very rare and account for <1% of
      all upper limb lesions. Although AIN palsies resulting from other causes such as
      surgery and blunt trauma are more common, we report the second case of AIN palsy
      following crutch use, and the first case in which clinical identification was
      confirmed using electrodiagnosis. Usual clinical practice recommends a prolonged
      period of conservative management with surgical management withheld for a minimum
      of 12 months. Correct crutch fitting and early identification of signs of
      associated injuries are of paramount importance.

PMID- 28077486
TI  - Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension in a patient with small ventricular septal
      defect.

PMID- 28077487
TI  - Calcium-permeable AMPA receptors and silent synapses in cocaine-conditioned place
      preference.
AB  - Exposure to cocaine generates silent synapses in the nucleus accumbens (NAc),
      whose eventual unsilencing/maturation by recruitment of calcium-permeable AMPA
      type glutamate receptors (CP-AMPARs) after drug withdrawal results in profound
      remodeling of NAc neuro-circuits. Silent synapse-based NAc remodeling was shown
      to be critical for several drug-induced behaviors, but its role in acquisition
      and retention of the association between drug rewarding effects and drug
      associated contexts has remained unclear. Here, we find that the postsynaptic
      proteins PSD-93, PSD-95, and SAP102 differentially regulate excitatory synapse
      properties in the NAc. Mice deficient for either of these scaffold proteins
      exhibit distinct maturation patterns of silent synapses and thus provided
      instructive animal models to examine the role of NAc silent synapse maturation in
      cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP). Wild-type and knockout mice alike all
      acquired cocaine-CPP and exhibited increased levels of silent synapses after drug
      context conditioning. However, the mice differed in CPP retention and CP-AMPAR
      incorporation. Collectively, our results indicate that CP-AMPAR-mediated
      maturation of silent synapses in the NAc is a signature of drug-context
      association, but this maturation is not required for establishing or retaining
      cocaine-CPP.

PMID- 28077488
TI  - Id2 controls specification of Lgr5+ intestinal stem cell progenitors during gut
      development.
AB  - The adult intestinal stem cells (ISCs), their hierarchies, mechanisms of
      maintenance and differentiation have been extensively studied. However, when and
      how ISCs are established during embryogenesis remains unknown. We show here that
      the transcription regulator Id2 controls the specification of embryonic Lgr5+
      progenitors in the developing murine small intestine. Cell fate mapping analysis
      revealed that Lgr5+ progenitors emerge at E13.5 in wild-type embryos and differ
      from the rest on the intestinal epithelium by a characteristic ISC signature. In
      the absence of Id2, the intestinal epithelium differentiates into Lgr5+ cells
      already at E9.5. Furthermore, the size of the Lgr5+ cell pool is significantly
      increased. We show that Id2 restricts the activity of the Wnt signalling pathway
      at early stages and prevents precocious differentiation of the embryonic
      intestinal epithelium. Id2-deficient embryonic epithelial cells cultured ex vivo
      strongly activate Wnt target genes as well as markers of neoplastic
      transformation and form fast growing undifferentiated spheroids. Furthermore,
      adult ISCs from Id2-deficient mice display a distinct transcriptional signature,
      supporting an essential role for Id2 in the correct specification of ISCs.

PMID- 28077489
TI  - Rescue of severe brain and cervical cord IRIS by restarting natalizumab in a
      pregnant MS patient.

PMID- 28077490
TI  - Improving uniformity in brain death determination policies over time.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that progress has been made in unifying brain death
      determination guidelines in the last decade by directly comparing the policies of
      the US News and World Report's top 50 ranked neurologic institutions from 2006
      and 2015. METHODS: We solicited official hospital guidelines in 2015 from these
      top 50 institutions, generated summary statistics of their criteria as
      benchmarked against the American Academy of Neurology Practice Parameters (AANPP)
      and the comparison 2006 cohort in 5 key categories, and statistically compared
      the 2 cohorts' compliance with the AANPP. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2015, hospital
      policies exhibited significant improvement (p = 0.005) in compliance with
      official guidelines, particularly with respect to criteria related to apnea
      testing (p = 0.009) and appropriate ancillary testing (p = 0.0006). However,
      variability remains in other portions of the policies, both those with specific
      recommendation from the AANPP (e.g., specifics for ancillary tests) and those
      without firm guidance (e.g., the level of involvement of neurologists,
      neurosurgeons, or physicians with education/training specific to brain death in
      the determination process). CONCLUSIONS: While the 2010 AANPP update seems to be
      concordant with progress in achieving greater uniformity in guidelines at the top
      50 neurologic institutions, more needs to be done. Whether further interventions
      come as grassroots initiatives that leverage technological advances in promoting
      adoption of new guidelines or as top-down regulatory rulings to mandate speedier
      approval processes, this study shows that solely relying on voluntary updates to
      professional society guidelines is not enough.

PMID- 28077491
TI  - Sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase deficiency causes Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the unknown genetic cause in a nuclear family with an
      axonal form of peripheral neuropathy and atypical disease course. METHODS:
      Detailed neurologic, electrophysiologic, and neuropathologic examinations of the
      patients were performed. Whole exome sequencing of both affected individuals was
      done. The effect of the identified sequence variations was investigated at cDNA
      and protein level in patient-derived lymphoblasts. The plasma sphingoid base
      profile was analyzed. Functional consequences of neuron-specific downregulation
      of the gene were studied in Drosophila. RESULTS: Both patients present an
      atypical form of axonal peripheral neuropathy, characterized by acute or subacute
      onset and episodes of recurrent mononeuropathy. We identified compound
      heterozygous mutations cosegregating with disease and absent in controls in the
      SGPL1 gene, encoding sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase (SPL). The p.Ser361* mutation
      triggers nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. The missense p.Ile184Thr mutation causes
      partial protein degradation. The plasma levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate and
      sphingosine/sphinganine ratio were increased in the patients. Neuron-specific
      downregulation of the Drosophila orthologue impaired the morphology of the
      neuromuscular junction and caused progressive degeneration of the chemosensory
      neurons innervating the wing margin bristles. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest SPL
      deficiency as a cause of a distinct form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in
      humans, thus extending the currently recognized clinical and genetic spectrum of
      inherited peripheral neuropathies. Our data emphasize the importance of
      sphingolipid metabolism for neuronal function.

PMID- 28077492
TI  - Dystonia treatment: Patterns of medication use in an international cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of medication use in patients with dystonia
      enrolled in an international biorepository study. METHODS: In a cross-sectional
      analysis, we included 2,026 participants enrolled at 37 sites in the United
      States, Canada, Europe, and Australia through Project 1 of the Dystonia
      Coalition, an international biorepository study. The primary aim was to assess
      the frequency of medication classes recommended for treating patients with
      dystonia, and the secondary aim was to compare characteristics (disease type,
      age, sex, duration of disease, comorbid conditions, severity). RESULTS: Querying
      the database for the presence of any medication for dystonia used (includes both
      injectable and oral therapy), we found 73% using medications (n = 1,488) and 27%
      using no dystonia medications (n = 538). Furthermore, 61% of the total sample
      used botulinum toxin (BoNT) therapy alone or in combination. Differences were
      found in medication use patterns by dystonia type, with the lowest oral
      medication use in focal dystonia and highest use in generalized dystonia; by
      region, with highest BoNT therapy rate reported in Italy and the lowest in the
      Northeast region of the United States; and by focal dystonia subtype, with
      highest BoNT therapy alone in blepharospasm and spasmodic dysphonia (49%) and
      lowest in other cranial dystonia (32%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients
      with dystonia enrolled in the Dystonia Coalition Project 1 were using medications
      to treat their dystonia. Overall, a complex picture of medication use patterns
      emerged, with factors such as region, disease duration, type of dystonia, disease
      severity, and psychiatric comorbidities all playing a significant role.

PMID- 28077493
TI  - Disease-modifying therapies modulate retinal atrophy in multiple sclerosis: A
      retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively investigate whether disease-modifying therapies
      (DMTs) exert differential effects on rates of retinal atrophy in relapsing
      remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), as assessed using optical coherence
      tomography (OCT). METHODS: A total of 402 patients with RRMS followed at the
      Johns Hopkins MS Center who underwent Cirrus-HD OCT were assessed for
      eligibility. Inclusion criteria included at least 1 year of OCT follow-up and
      adherence to a single DMT during the period of follow-up. Combined thickness of
      the ganglion cell + inner plexiform (GCIP) and other retinal layers was computed
      utilizing automated macular segmentation. Retinal thickness changes were analyzed
      using mixed-effects linear regression. RESULTS: The effects of glatiramer acetate
      (GA; n = 48), natalizumab (NAT; n = 46), and interferon-beta-1a subcutaneously
      (IFNSC; n = 35) and intramuscularly (IFNIM; n = 28) were assessed. Baseline
      analyses revealed no significant differences between groups in terms of age, sex,
      optic neuritis history, or follow-up duration. During follow-up, relative to NAT
      treated patients, IFNSC- and GA-treated patients exhibited 0.37 MUm/y (p < 0.001)
      and 0.14 MUm/y (p = 0.035) faster rates of GCIP thinning, respectively, adjusting
      for the interval between initiation of DMT and OCT monitoring (gap time), age,
      sex, relapses, and disease duration. In the IFNSC group, GCIP thinning was 1.53
      MUm/y faster during the first year of therapy vs during the time interval
      afterwards (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of GCIP atrophy in patients with RRMS
      vary according to DMT utilization. Our findings support OCT for monitoring
      neurodegenerative treatment effects in the retina, an easily accessible tissue,
      and as a practical outcome measure in RRMS clinical trials.

PMID- 28077494
TI  - Practice guideline summary: Use of fMRI in the presurgical evaluation of patients
      with epilepsy: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and
      Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of functional
      MRI (fMRI) in determining lateralization and predicting postsurgical language and
      memory outcomes. METHODS: An 11-member panel evaluated and rated available
      evidence according to the 2004 American Academy of Neurology process. At least 2
      panelists reviewed the full text of 172 articles and selected 37 for data
      extraction. Case reports, reports with <15 cases, meta-analyses, and editorials
      were excluded. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The use of fMRI may be considered an
      option for lateralizing language functions in place of intracarotid amobarbital
      procedure (IAP) in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE; Level C),
      temporal epilepsy in general (Level C), or extratemporal epilepsy (Level C). For
      patients with temporal neocortical epilepsy or temporal tumors, the evidence is
      insufficient (Level U). fMRI may be considered to predict postsurgical language
      deficits after anterior temporal lobe resection (Level C). The use of fMRI may be
      considered for lateralizing memory functions in place of IAP in patients with
      MTLE (Level C) but is of unclear utility in other epilepsy types (Level U). fMRI
      of verbal memory or language encoding should be considered for predicting verbal
      memory outcome (Level B). fMRI using nonverbal memory encoding may be considered
      for predicting visuospatial memory outcomes (Level C). Presurgical fMRI could be
      an adequate alternative to IAP memory testing for predicting verbal memory
      outcome (Level C). Clinicians should carefully advise patients of the risks and
      benefits of fMRI vs IAP during discussions concerning choice of specific modality
      in each case.

PMID- 28077495
TI  - Left ventricular wall motion abnormalities are associated with stroke recurrence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of left ventricular wall motion abnormalities
      (LVWMA), unrelated to high-risk cardioembolic conditions, in stroke recurrence.
      METHODS: This study included consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients.
      Transthoracic echocardiography was performed as a routine evaluation for stroke
      patients. The outcomes were the time to recurrent any stroke and ischemic stroke.
      RESULTS: Among 4,316 acute ischemic stroke patients, 430 had LVWMA without high
      risk cardioembolic sources. The median observation periods of patients at risk of
      any stroke and ischemic stroke were 24.5 and 24.7 months. During the follow-up,
      any stroke and ischemic stroke recurrence were observed in 310 (7.2%) and 250
      (5.8%) patients. LVWMA were associated with outcomes after adjustment for
      traditional cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory and imaging variables, and
      therapeutic interventions (hazard ratio [HR] 1.707, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.262-2.310 for any stroke; HR 1.709, 95% CI 1.222-2.390 for ischemic stroke).
      Moreover, LVWMA could still be considered as independent risk factors after
      correction for covariates that were significantly associated with outcomes in
      univariable regression (HR 1.747, 95% CI 1.292-2.364 for any stroke; HR 1.704,
      95% CI 1.219-2.382 for ischemic stroke). There were no significant interactions
      between LVWMA and outcomes between the subgroups except for the statin treatment
      subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that LVWMA, even when unassociated
      with high-risk cardioembolic sources, could be an independent predictor for
      stroke recurrence in patients with ischemic stroke.

PMID- 28077496
TI  - Left ventricular wall motion abnormalities: What can they tell us about stroke
      recurrence?

PMID- 28077497
TI  - Bone material strength index as measured by impact microindentation is altered in
      patients with acromegaly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acromegaly is a rare disease caused by excess growth hormone (GH)
      production by the pituitary adenoma. The skeletal complications of GH and IGF-1
      excess include increased bone turnover, increased cortical bone mass and
      deteriorated microarchitecture of trabecular bone, associated with a high risk of
      vertebral fractures in the presence of relatively normal bone mineral density
      (BMD). We aimed to evaluate tissue-level properties of bone using impact
      microindentation (IMI) in well-controlled patients with acromegaly aged >=18
      years compared to 44 controls from the outpatient clinic of the Centre for Bone
      Quality. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, bone material
      strength index (BMSi) was measured in 48 acromegaly patients and 44 controls with
      impact microindentation using the osteoprobe. RESULTS: Mean age of acromegaly
      patients (54% male) was 60.2 years (range 37.9-76.5), and 60.5 years (range 39.8
      78.6) in controls (50% male). Patients with acromegaly and control patients had
      comparable BMI (28.2 kg/m2 +/- 4.7 vs 26.6 kg/m2 +/- 4.3, P = 0.087) and
      comparable BMD at the lumbar spine (1.04 g/cm2 +/- 0.21 vs 1.03 g/cm2 +/- 0.13, P
      = 0.850) and at the femoral neck (0.84 g/cm2 +/- 0.16 vs 0.80 g/cm2 +/- 0.09, P =
      0.246). BMSi was significantly lower in acromegaly patients than that in controls
      (79.4 +/- 0.7 vs 83.2 +/- 0.7; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicates that
      tissue-level properties of cortical bone are significantly altered in patients
      with controlled acromegaly after reversal of long-term exposure to pathologically
      high GH and IGF-1 levels. Our findings also suggest that methods other than DXA
      should be considered to evaluate bone fragility in patients with acromegaly.

PMID- 28077499
TI  - Dynamic GnRH and hCG testing: establishment of new diagnostic reference levels.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and human chorionic gonadotropin
      (hCG) stimulation tests may be used to evaluate the pituitary and testicular
      capacity. Our aim was to evaluate changes in follicular-stimulating hormone
      (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone after GnRH and hCG stimulation
      in healthy men and assess the impact of six single nucleotide polymorphisms on
      the responses. DESIGN: GnRH and hCG stimulation tests were performed on 77
      healthy men, 18-40 years (reference group) at a specialized andrology referral
      center at a university hospital. The potential influence of the tests was
      illustrated by results from 45 patients suspected of disordered hypothalamic
      pituitary-gonadal axis. METHODS: Baseline, stimulated, relative and absolute
      changes in serum FSH and LH were determined by ultrasensitive TRIFMA, and
      testosterone was determined by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: For the reference group, LH and
      FSH increased almost 400% and 40% during GnRH testing, stimulated levels varied
      from 4.4 to 58.8 U/L and 0.2 to 11.8 U/L and FSH decreased in nine men.
      Testosterone increased approximately 110% (range: 18.7-67.6 nmol/L) during hCG
      testing. None of the polymorphisms had any major impact on the test results.
      Results from GnRH and hCG tests in patients compared with the reference group
      showed that the stimulated level and absolute increase in LH showed superior
      identification of patients compared with the relative increase, and the absolute
      change in testosterone was superior in identifying men with Leydig cell
      insufficiency, compared with the relative increase. CONCLUSIONS: We provide novel
      reference ranges for GnRH and hCG test in healthy men, which allows future
      diagnostic evaluation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal disorders in men.

PMID- 28077498
TI  - Modulation of SHBG binding to testosterone and estradiol by sex and morbid
      obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) binds and transports testosterone
      and estradiol in plasma. The possibility that SHBG is a mixture of transporting
      proteins has been postulated. We analyzed in parallel the effects of obesity
      status on the levels and binding capacity of circulating SHBG and their
      relationship with testosterone and estradiol. DESIGN: Anthropometric measures and
      plasma were obtained from apparently healthy young (i.e. 35 +/- 7 years)
      premenopausal women (n = 32) and men (n = 30), with normal weight and obesity
      (BMI >30 kg/m2). METHODS: SHBG protein (Western blot), as well as the plasma
      levels of testosterone, estradiol, cortisol and insulin (ELISA) were measured.
      Specific binding of estradiol and testosterone to plasma SHBG was analyzed using
      tritium-labeled hormones. RESULTS: Significant differences in SHBG were observed
      within the obesity status and gender, with discordant patterns of change in
      testosterone and estradiol. In men, testosterone occupied most of the binding
      sites. Estrogen binding was much lower in all subjects. Lower SHBG of morbidly
      obese (BMI >40 kg/m2) subjects affected testosterone but not estradiol. The ratio
      of binding sites to SHBG protein levels was constant for testosterone, but not
      for estradiol. The influence of gender was maximal in morbid obesity, with men
      showing the highest binding/SHBG ratios. CONCLUSIONS: The results reported here
      are compatible with SHBG being a mixture of at least two functionally different
      hormone-binding globulins, being affected by obesity and gender and showing
      different structure, affinities for testosterone and estradiol and also different
      immunoreactivity.

PMID- 28077500
TI  - Distinct inflammatory gene expression in extraocular muscle and fat from patients
      with Graves' orbitopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare patients with thyroid eye disease (TED)
      and normal controls with respect to the expression of the NR3C1, CHUK, IKBKB,
      FOS, NFKB and HSD11B1 genes in orbital fat (OF) and extraocular muscle (EOM).
      DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective study design was used to evaluate 34 TED
      patients and 38 healthy controls. OF was harvested from 33 TED patients and 27
      controls. EOM biopsies were obtained from 32 TED patients and 18 controls.
      Samples were examined by real-time PCR and evaluated using appropriate
      statistical analyses with a significance cut-off of P < 0.05. RESULTS: NR3C1 mRNA
      levels were higher in TED EOM (median 213 (96-376)) than those in control EOM (78
      (34-138)) (P < 0.001), and NFKB expression was elevated in TED muscle (223 (31
      520)) relative to that in control muscle (8 (6-31)) (P < 0.001). HSD11B1
      expression was higher in TED EOM (0.78 (0.47-2.01)) than that in control EOM
      (0.22 (0.09-0.51)) (P < 0.001). Levels of CHUK, IKBKB, and FOS were higher in TED
      EOM (115 (20-223), 111 (54-299) and 0.11 (0.03-0.19), respectively) than those in
      control EOM (5.8 (2-13), 21 (5-52) and 0.05 (0.001-0.03) respectively) (P <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: Tissues involved in GO exhibited different mRNA levels of
      NR3C1, CHUK, IKBKB, FOS, NFKB and HSD11B1. Gene expression in OF was similar for
      TED patients and controls. CHUK, IKBKB, FOS, NFKB, and HSD11B1 mRNA levels were
      higher in TED EOM than those in control EOM. NFKB was disproportionally elevated
      compared with NR3C1; this finding was indicative of a local proinflammatory
      profile.

PMID- 28077501
TI  - Guidelines for transposition surgery and why we need them.

PMID- 28077502
TI  - Cannulation of an arch artery for hostile aorta.

PMID- 28077503
TI  - European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery expert consensus statement on
      the prevention and management of mediastinitis.
AB  - Mediastinitis continues to be an important and life-threatening complication
      after median sternotomy despite advances in prevention and treatment strategies,
      with an incidence of 0.25-5%. It can also occur as extension of infection from
      adjacent structures such as the oesophagus, airways and lungs, or as descending
      necrotizing infection from the head and neck. In addition, there is a chronic
      form of 'chronic fibrosing mediastinitis' usually caused by granulomatous
      infections. In this expert consensus, the evidence for strategies for treatment
      and prevention of mediatinitis is reviewed in detail aiming at reducing the
      incidence and optimizing the management of this serious condition.

PMID- 28077504
TI  - Influence of history of cannabis smoking in selected donors on the outcomes of
      lung transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cannabis is the most commonly abused illicit drug and the smokers are
      at the risk of lung infections, bullous emphysema and lung cancer. However, no
      evidence about the outcomes of lung transplantation (LTx) utilizing the lungs
      from such donors is available in the literature. METHODS: We retrospectively
      analysed lung 'organ offers' and LTx at our centre between January 2007 and
      November 2013. The outcomes of LTx utilizing lungs from donors with a history of
      cannabis smoking were compared with the outcomes of those with no such history
      using unadjusted model as well as propensity score matching. RESULTS: A total of
      302 LTxs were performed during this period and were grouped depending on the
      history of cannabis smoking in donors-'cannabis' (n = 19) and control group (n =
      283). All the donors in 'cannabis' group were tobacco smokers compared with 43%
      in the control group. Preoperative characteristics in recipients in both groups
      were comparable. Intraoperative and post-LTx variables including 1- and 3-year
      survivals were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The history of donor
      cannabis smoking does not appear to affect early and mid-term outcomes after LTx
      and potentially improve the donor pool. As it does not seem to negatively affect
      the outcomes after LTx, it should not be per se considered a contraindication for
      lung donation.

PMID- 28077505
TI  - Spotlight on recently published ICVTS articles.

PMID- 28077506
TI  - Clinical guidelines for the management of patients with transposition of the
      great arteries with intact ventricular septum.

PMID- 28077507
TI  - Stroke and Mortality Risk in Patients With Various Patterns of Atrial
      Fibrillation: Results From the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 Trial (Effective Anticoagulation
      With Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation-Thrombolysis in Myocardial
      Infarction 48).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether the pattern of atrial fibrillation (AF) modifies the
      risk/benefit of anticoagulation is controversial. In ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial
      (Effective Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Next Generation in Atrial Fibrillation
      Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 48), the factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban was
      noninferior to warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolic events and
      significantly reduced bleeding and cardiovascular mortality. However, detailed
      analyses by AF pattern have not been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 21 105
      patients were categorized as having paroxysmal (<7 days duration), persistent
      (>=7 days but <1 year), or permanent (>=1 year or failed cardioversion) AF
      patterns at randomization. Efficacy and safety outcomes were evaluated during the
      2.8 years median follow-up and compared by AF pattern. The primary end point of
      stroke/systemic embolic event was lower in those patients with paroxysmal AF
      (1.49%/year), compared with persistent (1.83%/year; P-adj =0.015) and permanent
      AF (1.95%/year; P-adj =0.004). Overall, all-cause mortality also was lower with
      paroxysmal (3.0%/year) compared with persistent (4.4%/year; P-adj <0.001) and
      permanent AF (4.4%/year; P-adj <0.001). Annualized major bleeding rates were
      similar across AF patterns (2.86% versus 2.65% versus 2.73%). There was no effect
      modification by treatment assignment. CONCLUSIONS: In ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial,
      patients with paroxysmal AF suffered fewer thromboembolic events and deaths
      compared with those with persistent and permanent AF. The efficacy and safety
      profile of edoxaban as compared with warfarin was consistent across the 3
      patterns of AF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
      Unique identifier: NCT00781391.

PMID- 28077508
TI  - Not All Types of Atrial Fibrillation Carry the Same Stroke Risk, but Most Benefit
      From Oral Anticoagulation.

PMID- 28077509
TI  - The "basic" approach: a single-centre experience with a cost-reducing model for
      paediatric cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
AB  - Objectives: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving but
      expensive therapy in terms of financial, technical and human resources. We report
      our experience with a 'basic' ECMO support model, consisting of ECMO initiated
      and managed without the constant presence of a bedside specialist, to assess
      safety, clinical outcomes and financial impact on our health system. Methods: We
      did a retrospective single-centre study of paediatric cardiac ECMO between
      January 2001 and March 2014. Outcomes included postimplant complications and
      survival at weaning and at discharge. We used activity based costing to compare
      the costs of current basic ECMO with those of a 'full optional' dedicated ECMO
      team (hypothesis 1); ECMO with a bedside nurse and perfusionist (hypothesis 2),
      and ECMO with a bedside perfusionist (hypothesis 3). Results: Basic cardiac ECMO
      was required for 121 patients (median age 75 days, median weight 4.4 kg). A total
      of 107 patients (88%) had congenital heart disease; 37 had univentricular
      physiology. The median duration of ECMO was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR], 4
      15 days). Overall survival at weaning and at 30 days in the neonatal and
      paediatric age groups was 58.6% and 30.6%, respectively; these results were not
      significantly different from Extracorporeal Life Support Organization data. Cost
      analysis revealed a saving of ?30 366, ?22 144 and ?13 837 for each patient on
      basic ECMO for hypotheses 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusions: Despite reduced
      human, technical and economical resources, a basic ECMO model without a bedside
      specialist was associated with satisfactory survival and lower costs.

PMID- 28077510
TI  - Mitral implant of the Inovare transcatheter heart valve in failed surgical
      bioprostheses: a novel alternative for valve-in-valve procedures.
AB  - Objectives: Reoperative procedure for the treatment of a failed mitral
      bioprosthesis is associated with considerable risk. In some cases, mortality is
      high and might contraindicate the benefit of the procedure. The minimally
      invasive valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter mitral valve implant offers an
      alternative less-invasive approach, reducing morbidity and mortality. The
      objective of this paper was to evaluate the mitral ViV approach using the Braile
      Inovare prosthesis. Methods: The transcatheter balloon-expandable Braile Inovare
      prosthesis was used in 12 cases. Procedures were performed in a hybrid operating
      room, under fluoroscopic and echocardiographic control. Through left
      minithoracotomy, the prostheses were implanted through the cardiac apex. Serial
      echocardiographic and clinical examinations were performed. Follow-up varied from
      1 to 30 months. Results: A total of 12 transapical mitral ViV procedures were
      performed. Patients had a mean age of 61.6 +/- 9.9 years and 92% were women. Mean
      logistic EuroSCORE was 20.1%. Successful valve implantation was possible in all
      cases. In one case, a right lateral thoracotomy was performed for the removal of
      an embolized prosthesis. There was no operative mortality. Thirty-day mortality
      was 8.3%. Ejection fraction was preserved after the implant (66.7%; 64.8%; P  =
      0.3). The mitral gradient showed a significant reduction (11 mmHg; 6 mmHg; P  <
      0.001). Residual mitral regurgitation was not present. There was no left
      ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Conclusions: The mitral ViV implant in a
      failed bioprosthesis is an effective procedure. This possibility might alter
      prosthesis selection in the future initial surgical prosthesis selection,
      favouring bioprostheses. Further large trials should explore its safety.

PMID- 28077511
TI  - Altered Connectivity and Synapse Maturation of the Hippocampal Mossy Fiber
      Pathway in a Mouse Model of the Fragile X Syndrome.
AB  - The Fragile X syndrome (FXS) as the most common monogenetic cause of cognitive
      impairment and autism indicates how tightly the dysregulation of synapse
      development is linked to cognitive deficits. Symptoms of FXS include excessive
      adherence to patterns that point to compromised hippocampal network formation.
      Surprisingly, one of the most complex hippocampal synapses connecting the dentate
      gyrus (DG) to CA3 pyramidal neurons has not been analyzed in FXS yet.
      Intriguingly, we found altered synaptic function between DG and CA3 in a mouse
      model of FXS (fmr1 knockout [KO]) demonstrated by increased mossy fiber-dependent
      miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) frequency at CA3 pyramidal
      neurons together with increased connectivity between granule cells and CA3
      neurons. This phenotype is accompanied by increased activity of fmr1 KO animals
      in the marble burying task, detecting repetitive and obsessive compulsive
      behavior. Spine apparatus development and insertion of AMPA receptors is enhanced
      at postsynaptic thorny excrescences (TEs) in fmr1 KO mice. We report age
      dependent alterations in TE morphology and in the underlying actin dynamics
      possibly linked to a dysregulation in profilin1 expression. TEs form detonator
      synapses guiding CA3 network activity. Thus, alterations described here are
      likely to contribute substantially to the impairment in hippocampal function and
      therefore to the pathogenesis of FXS.

PMID- 28077512
TI  - Differential Contribution of Low- and High-level Image Content to Eye Movements
      in Monkeys and Humans.
AB  - Oculomotor selection exerts a fundamental impact on our experience of the
      environment. To better understand the underlying principles, researchers
      typically rely on behavioral data from humans, and electrophysiological
      recordings in macaque monkeys. This approach rests on the assumption that the
      same selection processes are at play in both species. To test this assumption, we
      compared the viewing behavior of 106 humans and 11 macaques in an unconstrained
      free-viewing task. Our data-driven clustering analyses revealed distinct human
      and macaque clusters, indicating species-specific selection strategies. Yet,
      cross-species predictions were found to be above chance, indicating some level of
      shared behavior. Analyses relying on computational models of visual saliency
      indicate that such cross-species commonalities in free viewing are largely due to
      similar low-level selection mechanisms, with only a small contribution by shared
      higher level selection mechanisms and with consistent viewing behavior of monkeys
      being a subset of the consistent viewing behavior of humans.

PMID- 28077513
TI  - Cognitive Control Structures in the Imitation Learning of Spatial Sequences and
      Rhythms-An fMRI Study.
AB  - Imitation learning involves the acquisition of novel motor patterns based on
      action observation (AO). We used event-related functional magnetic resonance
      imaging to study the imitation learning of spatial sequences and rhythms during
      AO, motor imagery (MI), and imitative execution in nonmusicians and musicians.
      While both tasks engaged the fronto-parietal mirror circuit, the spatial sequence
      task recruited posterior parietal and dorsal premotor regions more strongly. The
      rhythm task involved an additional network for auditory working memory. This
      partial dissociation supports the concept of task-specific mirror mechanisms. Two
      regions of cognitive control were identified: 1) dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
      (DLPFC) was found to be more strongly activated during MI of novel spatial
      sequences, which allowed us to extend the 2-level model of imitation learning by
      Buccino et al. (2004) to spatial sequences. 2) During imitative execution of both
      tasks, the posterior medial frontal cortex was robustly activated, along with the
      DLPFC, which suggests that both regions are involved in the cognitive control of
      imitation learning. The musicians' selective behavioral advantage for rhythm
      imitation was reflected cortically in enhanced sensory-motor processing during AO
      and by the absence of practice-related activation differences in DLPFC during
      rhythm execution.

PMID- 28077515
TI  - Medial Prefrontal Cortex-Pontine Nuclei Projections Modulate Suboptimal Cue
      Induced Associative Motor Learning.
AB  - Diverse and powerful mechanisms have evolved to enable organisms to modulate
      learning and memory under a variety of survival conditions. Cumulative evidence
      has shown that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is closely involved in many higher
      order cognitive functions. However, when and how the medial PFC (mPFC) modulates
      associative motor learning remains largely unknown. Here, we show that delay
      eyeblink conditioning (DEC) with the weak conditioned stimulus (wCS) but not the
      strong CS (sCS) elicited a significant increase in the levels of c-Fos expression
      in caudal mPFC. Both optogenetic inhibition and activation of the bilateral
      caudal mPFC, or its axon terminals at the pontine nucleus (PN) contralateral to
      the training eye, significantly impaired the acquisition, recent and remote
      retrieval of DEC with the wCS but not the sCS. However, direct optogenetic
      activation of the contralateral PN had no significant effect on the acquisition,
      recent and remote retrieval of DEC. These results are of great importance in
      understanding the elusive role of the mPFC and its projection to PN in subserving
      the associative motor learning under suboptimal learning cue.

PMID- 28077514
TI  - Representational Similarity Mapping of Distributional Semantics in Left Inferior
      Frontal, Middle Temporal, and Motor Cortex.
AB  - Language comprehension engages a distributed network of frontotemporal, parietal,
      and sensorimotor regions, but it is still unclear how meaning of words and their
      semantic relationships are represented and processed within these regions and to
      which degrees lexico-semantic representations differ between regions and semantic
      types. We used fMRI and representational similarity analysis to relate word
      elicited multivoxel patterns to semantic similarity between action and object
      words. In left inferior frontal (BA 44-45-47), left posterior middle temporal and
      left precentral cortex, the similarity of brain response patterns reflected
      semantic similarity among action-related verbs, as well as across lexical classes
      between action verbs and tool-related nouns and, to a degree, between action
      verbs and food nouns, but not between action verbs and animal nouns. Instead,
      posterior inferior temporal cortex exhibited a reverse response pattern, which
      reflected the semantic similarity among object-related nouns, but not action
      related words. These results show that semantic similarity is encoded by a range
      of cortical areas, including multimodal association (e.g., anterior inferior
      frontal, posterior middle temporal) and modality-preferential (premotor) cortex
      and that the representational geometries in these regions are partly dependent on
      semantic type, with semantic similarity among action-related words crossing
      lexical-semantic category boundaries.

PMID- 28077516
TI  - Early-Onset Invasive Candidiasis in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: Perinatal
      Acquisition Predicts Poor Outcome.
AB  - Background: Neonatal invasive candidiasis (IC) presenting in the first week of
      life is less common and less well described than later-onset IC. Risk factors,
      clinical features, and disease outcomes have not been studied in early-onset
      disease (EOD, <=7 days) or compared to late-onset disease (LOD, >7 days).
      Methods: All extremely low birth weight (ELBW, <1000 g) cases with IC and
      controls from a multicenter study of neonatal candidiasis enrolled from 2001 to
      2003 were included in this study. Factors associated with occurrence and outcome
      of EOD in ELBW infants were determined. Results: Forty-five ELBW infants and
      their 84 matched controls were included. Fourteen (31%) ELBW infants had EOD.
      Birth weight <750 g, gestation <25 weeks, chorioamnionitis, and vaginal delivery
      were all strongly associated with EOD. Infection with Candida albicans,
      disseminated disease, pneumonia, and cardiovascular disease were significantly
      more common in EOD than in LOD. The EOD case fatality rate (71%) was higher than
      in LOD (32%) or controls (15%) (P = .0001). The rate of neurodevelopmental
      impairment and mortality combined was similar in EOD (86%) and LOD (72%), but
      higher than in controls (32%; P = .007). Conclusions: ELBW infants with EOD have
      a very poor prognosis compared to those with LOD. The role of perinatal
      transmission in EOD is supported by its association with chorioamnionitis,
      vaginal delivery, and pneumonia. Dissemination and cardiovascular involvement are
      common, and affected infants often die. Empiric treatment should be considered
      for ELBW infants delivered vaginally who have pneumonia and whose mothers have
      chorioamnionitis or an intrauterine foreign body.

PMID- 28077519
TI  - HIV/AIDS in Iran.

PMID- 28077517
TI  - Two-Phase Hospital-Associated Outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus: Investigation
      and Mitigation.
AB  - Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) commonly colonize municipal water
      supplies and cause healthcare-associated outbreaks. We investigated a biphasic
      outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Case
      patients had recent hospital exposure and laboratory-confirmed colonization or
      infection with M. abscessus from January 2013 through December 2015. We conducted
      a multidisciplinary epidemiologic, field, and laboratory investigation. Results:
      The incidence rate of M. abscessus increased from 0.7 cases per 10000 patient
      days during the baseline period (January 2013-July 2013) to 3.0 cases per 10000
      patient-days during phase 1 of the outbreak (August 2013-May 2014) (incidence
      rate ratio, 4.6 [95% confidence interval, 2.3-8.8]; P < .001). Thirty-six of 71
      (51%) phase 1 cases were lung transplant patients with positive respiratory
      cultures. We eliminated tap water exposure to the aerodigestive tract among high
      risk patients, and the incidence rate decreased to baseline. Twelve of 24 (50%)
      phase 2 (December 2014-June 2015) cases occurred in cardiac surgery patients with
      invasive infections. Phase 2 resolved after we implemented an intensified
      disinfection protocol and used sterile water for heater-cooler units of
      cardiopulmonary bypass machines. Molecular fingerprinting of clinical isolates
      identified 2 clonal strains of M. abscessus; 1 clone was isolated from water
      sources at a new hospital addition. We made several water engineering
      interventions to improve water flow and increase disinfectant levels.
      Conclusions: We investigated and mitigated a 2-phase clonal outbreak of M.
      abscessus linked to hospital tap water. Healthcare facilities with endemic NTM
      should consider similar tap water avoidance and engineering strategies to
      decrease risk of NTM infection.

PMID- 28077518
TI  - T-Helper 17 Cell Cytokine Responses in Lyme Disease Correlate With Borrelia
      burgdorferi Antibodies During Early Infection and With Autoantibodies Late in the
      Illness in Patients With Antibiotic-Refractory Lyme Arthritis.
AB  - Background: Control of Lyme disease is attributed predominantly to innate and
      adaptive T-helper 1 cell (TH1) immune responses, whereas the role of T-helper 17
      cell (TH17) responses is less clear. Here we characterized these inflammatory
      responses in patients with erythema migrans (EM) or Lyme arthritis (LA) to
      elucidate their role early and late in the infection. Methods: Levels of 21
      cytokines and chemokines, representative of innate, TH1, and TH17 immune
      responses, were assessed by Luminex in acute and convalescent sera from 91 EM
      patients, in serum and synovial fluid from 141 LA patients, and in serum from 57
      healthy subjects. Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi or autoantigens were
      measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with healthy
      subjects, EM patients had significantly higher levels of innate, TH1, and TH17
      associated mediators (P <= .05) in serum. In these patients, the levels of
      inflammatory mediators, particularly TH17-associated cytokines, correlated
      directly with B. burgdorferi immunoglobulin G antibodies (P <= .02), suggesting a
      beneficial role for these responses in control of early infection. Late in the
      disease, in patients with LA, innate and TH1-associated mediators were often >10
      fold higher in synovial fluid than serum. In contrast, the levels of TH17
      associated mediators were more variable, but correlated strongly with
      autoantibodies to endothelial cell growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 10,
      and apolipoprotein B-100 in joints of patients with antibiotic-refractory LA,
      implying a shift in TH17 responses toward an autoimmune phenotype. Conclusions:
      Patients with Lyme disease often develop pronounced TH17 immune responses that
      may help control early infection. However, late in the disease, excessive TH17
      responses may be disadvantageous by contributing to autoimmune responses
      associated with antibiotic-refractory LA.

PMID- 28077520
TI  - Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection in Anti-HEV Immunoglobulin G-Carrying Patients
      After Successful Hepatitis C Virus Treatment: Reactivation or Reinfection?
AB  - Although hepatitis E virus (HEV) is regarded as a self-limiting infection and
      anti-HEV antibodies seem to protect against reinfection, its pathogenesis is not
      well established. We describe 2 cases of acute symptomatic HEV infection after
      hepatitis C therapy in patients carrying anti-HEV immunoglobulin G antibodies,
      raising 2 major questions: reactivation or reinfection?

PMID- 28077521
TI  - Reply to El-Mallawany et al.

PMID- 28077522
TI  - Increasing Numbers of New Kaposi Sarcoma Diagnoses in HIV-Infected Children and
      Adolescents Despite the Wide Availability of Antiretroviral Therapy in Malawi.

PMID- 28077524
TI  - When more is less efficacious: fibrinogen concentrate in complex cardiac surgery.

PMID- 28077525
TI  - Oxygen supplementation during prolonged tracheal intubation should be the
      standard of care.

PMID- 28077523
TI  - Autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells improve healing of coiled
      experimental saccular aneurysms: an angiographic and histopathological study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Long-term occlusion of coiled aneurysms frequently fails, probably
      because of poor intrasaccular healing and inadequate endothelialization across
      the aneurysm neck. The purpose of this study was to determine if attachment of
      autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to platinum coils would improve the
      healing response in an elastase-induced aneurysm model in rabbits. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: With approval from the institutional animal care and use committee,
      aneurysms were created in rabbits and embolized with control platinum coils
      (Axium; Medtronic) (n=6) or coils seeded ex vivo with autologous adipose-tissue
      MSCs (n=7). Aneurysmal occlusion after embolization was evaluated at 1 month with
      angiography. Histological samples were analyzed by gross imaging and graded on
      the basis of neck and dome healing on H&E staining. Fibrosis was evaluated using
      a ratio of the total area presenting collagen. Endothelialization of the neck was
      quantitatively analyzed using CD31 immunohistochemistry. chi2 and Student's t
      test were used to compare groups. RESULTS: Healing score (11.5 vs 8.0, p=0.019),
      fibrosis ratio (10.3 vs 0.13, p=0.006) and endothelialization (902 262 MUm2 vs 31
      810 MUm2, p=0.041) were significantly greater in the MSC group. The MSC group
      showed marked cellular proliferation and thrombus organization, with a continuous
      membrane bridging the neck of the aneurysm. Angiographic stable or progressive
      occlusion rate was significantly lower in the MSC group (0.00, 95% CI 0.00 to
      0.41) compared with controls (0.67, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.96) (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS:
      Autologous MSCs attached to platinum coils significantly improve histological
      healing, as they result in improved neck endothelialization and collagen matrix
      formation within the aneurysm sac.

PMID- 28077526
TI  - Patient safety and the risk of i.v. fluid therapy in perioperative medicine:
      importance of host susceptibility and exposure dose.

PMID- 28077527
TI  - Cataract surgery in dementia patients-time to reconsider anaesthetic options.

PMID- 28077528
TI  - What makes a good systematic review and meta-analysis?

PMID- 28077529
TI  - Poor agreement in significant findings between meta-analyses and subsequent large
      randomized trials in perioperative medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reliability of meta-analysis (MA) in predicting the findings of
      subsequent large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has not been assessed in
      perioperative medicine and anaesthesia. METHODS: Using Medline and PubMed, large
      RCTs (n>=1000) published since 2000 in the anaesthesia and perioperative
      medicine/critical care literature were identified. All previous MAs of RCTs
      investigating the same intervention and population were sourced. For all reported
      major morbid endpoints common to each, results (significant/non-significant
      P<0.05) were compared. RESULTS: 18 large RCTs and 44 prior MAs investigating the
      effects of 16 interventions were identified. Where endpoint results in the large
      RCTs were each compared with the single largest recent preceding MA, 35 of a
      total of 57 outcomes were predicted correctly by the MAs (61.4%). The odds ratio
      for a significant result from MA compared with the subsequent large RCT was 3.6,
      P=0.033 Bonferroni corrected. The positive predictive value of MAs was 22.7%; the
      negative predictive value was 85.7%, Kappa was 0.094 indicating slight agreement.
      The estimated power for each endpoint for large RCTs and MAs were similar, but
      the median study size for large RCTs was larger than that of the MAs, n=4,482 vs
      1,389, P<0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong tendency towards positive
      findings in MA not substantiated by subsequent large RCTs, which was not
      attributable to differences in study power. This finding suggests caution in
      clinical decision-making in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine based on
      findings of meta-analysis.

PMID- 28077530
TI  - Impact of balanced tetrastarch raw material on perioperative blood loss: a
      randomized double blind controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.40 or 130/0.42 can originate
      from different vegetable sources, they might have different clinical effects. The
      purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial was to
      compare two balanced tetrastarch solutions, one maize-derived and one potato
      derived, on perioperative blood loss in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: We randomly assigned 118 patients
      undergoing elective cardiac surgery into two groups, to receive either a maize-
      or a potato-derived HES solution. Study fluids were administered perioperatively
      (including priming of CPB) until the second postoperative day (POD#2) using a
      goal directed algorithm. The primary outcome was calculated postoperative blood
      loss up to POD#2. Secondary outcomes included short-term incidence of acute
      kidney injury (AKI), and long-term effect (up to one yr) on renal function.
      RESULTS: Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics of the subjects were
      similar between groups. Similar volumes of HES were administered (1950 ml [1250
      2325] for maize-HES and 2000 ml [1500-2700] for potato-HES; P=0.204). Calculated
      blood loss (504 ml [413-672] for maize-HES vs 530 ml [468-705] for potato-HES;
      P=0.107) and the need for blood components were not different between groups. The
      incidence of AKI was similar in both groups (P=0.111). Plasma creatinine
      concentration and glomerular filtration rates did vary over time, although
      changes were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Under our study conditions, HES 130/0.4 or
      130/0.42 raw material did not have a significant influence on perioperative blood
      loss. Moreover, we did not find any effect of tetrastarch raw material
      composition on short and long-term renal function. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      EudraCT number: 2011-005920-16.

PMID- 28077531
TI  - Sodium bicarbonate does not prevent postoperative acute kidney injury after off
      pump coronary revascularization: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common morbidity after off-pump
      coronary revascularization. We investigated whether perioperative administration
      of sodium bicarbonate, which might reduce renal injury by alleviating oxidative
      stress in renal tubules, prevents postoperative AKI in off-pump coronary
      revascularization patients having renal risk factors. METHODS: Patients (n=162)
      having at least one of the following AKI risk factors were enrolled: (i) age >70
      yr; (ii) diabetes mellitus; (iii) chronic renal disease; (iv) congestive heart
      failure or left ventricular ejection fraction <35%; and (v) reoperation or
      emergency. Patients were evenly randomized to receive either sodium bicarbonate
      (0.5 mmol kg-1 for 1 h upon induction of anaesthesia followed by 0.15 mmol kg-1 h
      1 for 23 h) or 0.9% saline. Acute kidney injury within 48 h after surgery was
      assessed using the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. RESULTS: The incidences
      of AKI were 21 and 26% in the bicarbonate and control groups, respectively
      (P=0.458). Serially measured serum creatinine concentrations and perioperative
      fluid balance were also comparable between the groups. The length of
      postoperative hospitalization and incidence of morbidity end points were similar
      between the groups, whereas significantly more patients in the bicarbonate group
      required prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 h) relative to the control group
      (20 vs 6, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative sodium bicarbonate administration
      did not decrease the incidence of AKI after off-pump coronary revascularization
      in high-risk patients and might even be associated with a need for prolonged
      ventilatory care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01840241.

PMID- 28077532
TI  - Modern hydroxyethyl starch and acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery: a
      prospective multicentre cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent trials have shown hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions increase
      the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients. It is uncertain
      whether these adverse effects also affect surgical patients. We sought to
      determine the renal safety of modern tetrastarch (6% HES 130/0.4) use in cardiac
      surgical patients. METHODS: In this multicentre prospective cohort study, 1058
      consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery from 15th September 2012 to
      15th December 2012 were recruited in 23 Spanish hospitals. RESULTS: We identified
      350 patients (33%) administered 6% HES 130/0.4 intraoperatively and
      postoperatively, and 377 (36%) experienced postoperative AKI (AKI Network
      criteria). In-hospital death occurred in 45 (4.2%) patients. Patients in the non
      HES group had higher Euroscore and more comorbidities including unstable angina,
      preoperative cardiogenic shock, preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump use,
      peripheral arterial disease, and pulmonary hypertension. The non-HES group
      received more intraoperative vasopressors and had longer cardiopulmonary bypass
      times. After multivariable risk-adjustment, 6% HES 130/0.4 use was not associated
      with significantly increased risks of AKI (adjusted odds ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.71
      1.46, P=0.91). These results were confirmed by propensity score-matched pairs
      analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The intraoperative and postoperative use of modern
      hydroxyethyl starch 6% HES 130/0.4 was not associated with increased risks of AKI
      and dialysis after cardiac surgery in our multicentre cohort.

PMID- 28077533
TI  - Cefalotin as antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with known intraoperative
      anaphylaxis to cefazolin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most common trigger for intraoperative anaphylaxis in Western
      Australia for the period 2014-5 was an antibiotic used for surgical prophylaxis,
      cefazolin. In these patients who subsequently present for surgery, alternative
      cephalosporins are forbidden by current guidelines because of concerns regarding
      an increased risk of anaphylaxis. However, consideration of the structure
      activity relationships relevant to anaphylaxis suggests that cefalotin is a safe
      alternative because of structural dissimilarities, although there are no pubished
      clinical data relevant to the perioperative setting. METHODS: Patients diagnosed
      with intraoperative anaphylaxis to cefazolin at the Western Australian
      Anaesthetic Allergy Clinic were tested with intradermal cefalotin and, if
      negative, subsequently challenged i.v. If tolerated, cefalotin was recommended
      for subsequent surgery, and subjects were followed up to determine the safety of
      subsequent intraoperative doses. RESULTS: Twenty-one subjects diagnosed with
      immediate hypersensitivity to cephazolin, including 19 subjects with confirmed
      anaphylaxis, participated. None tested positive to intradermal cefalotin, and all
      received a graded i.v. challenge to cefalotin without developing signs or
      symptoms of anaphylaxis. Three subjects subsequently received intraoperative
      cefalotin 12-139 days later without adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: A negative
      intradermal cefalotin skin test has a good negative predictive value in patients
      who have previously suffered anaphylaxis to cefazolin, allowing the rational and
      desirable use of this alternative cephalosporin for future surgery and the
      avoidance of less desirable antimicrobial agents.

PMID- 28077534
TI  - Reduced mortality by meeting guideline criteria before using recombinant
      activated factor VII in severe trauma patients with massive bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management of trauma patients with severe bleeding has led to
      criteria before considering use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa),
      including haemoglobin >8 g dl-1, serum fibrinogen >=1.0 g l-1, platelets >50,000
      x 109 l-1, arterial pH >= 7.20, and body temperature >=34  degrees C. We
      hypothesized that meeting these criteria is associated with improved outcomes.
      METHODS: In this prospective cohort study of 26 French trauma centres, subjects
      were included if they received rFVIIa for persistent massive bleeding despite
      appropriate care after severe blunt and/or penetrating trauma. RESULTS: After
      surgery and/or embolization as haemostatic interventions, 112 subjects received a
      first dose of 103 MUg kg-1 rFVIIa (82-200) (median, 25th-75th percentile) at 420
      min (285-647) post-trauma. Of these, 71 (63%) "responders" were still alive at
      24h post-trauma and had their transfusion requirements reduced by > 2 packed red
      blood cell units after rFVIIa treatment. Mortality was 54% on day 30 post-trauma.
      There were 21%, 44% and 35% subjects who fulfilled 0-1, 2-3 or 4-5, respectively,
      of the guidelines before receiving rFVIIa. Survival at day 30 was 13%, 49% and
      64% and the proportion of responders was 39%, 64% and 82%, when subjects
      fulfilled 0-1, 2-3 or 4-5 conditions, respectively (both P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      In actively bleeding trauma patients, meeting guideline criteria before
      considering rFVIIa was associated with lower mortality and a higher proportion of
      responders to the rFVIIa.

PMID- 28077535
TI  - The impact of a perceptual and adaptive learning module on transoesophageal
      echocardiography interpretation by anaesthesiology residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in anaesthetic
      practice is expanding. We evaluated the effect of a TOE perceptual and adaptive
      learning module (PALM) on first-yr anaesthesiology residents' performance, in
      diagnosing cardiac pathology by TOE. METHODS: First-yr residents were assigned to
      a group (n = 12) that used a TOE PALM or a control group that did not (n = 12).
      Both groups received a TOE pretest that measured their accuracy and response
      times. The PALM group completed the PALM and a posttest within 30 min and a
      delayed test six months later. The control group received a delayed test six
      months after their pretest. Accuracy and fluency (accurate responses within 10 s)
      were measured. RESULTS: The PALM group had statistically significant improvements
      for both accuracy and fluency (P < 0.0001) in diagnosing cardiac pathology by
      TOE. After six months, the PALM group's performance remained significantly higher
      than their pretest values for accuracy (P = 0.0002, d = 2.7) and fluency (P <
      0.0001, d = 2.3). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, exposure to a PALM
      significantly improved accuracy and fluency in diagnosing TOE cardiac pathology,
      in a group of first-year anaesthesiology residents. PALMs can significantly
      improve learning and pattern recognition in medical education.

PMID- 28077536
TI  - Cerebral oxygen saturation and cardiac output during anaesthesia in sitting
      position for neurosurgical procedures: a prospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical operations in the dorsal cranium often require the
      patient to be positioned in a sitting position. This can be associated with
      decreased cardiac output and cerebral hypoperfusion, and possibly, inadequate
      cerebral oxygenation. In the present study, cerebral oxygen saturation was
      measured during neurosurgery in the sitting position and correlated with cardiac
      output. METHODS: Perioperative cerebral oxygen saturation was measured
      continuously with two different monitors, INVOS(r) and FORE-SIGHT(r). Cardiac
      output was measured at eight predefined time points using transoesophageal
      echocardiography. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled, but only 35 (20 female)
      were eventually operated on in the sitting position. At the first time point, the
      regional cerebral oxygen saturation measured with INVOS(r) was 70 (sd 9)%;
      thereafter, it increased by 0.0187% min-1 (P<0.01). The cerebral tissue oxygen
      saturation measured with FORE-SIGHT(r) started at 68 (sd 13)% and increased by
      0.0142% min-1 (P<0.01). The mean arterial blood pressure did not change. Cardiac
      output was between 6.3 (sd 1.3) and 7.2 (1.8) litre min-1 at the predefined time
      points. Cardiac output, but not mean arterial blood pressure, showed a positive
      and significant correlation with cerebral oxygen saturation. CONCLUSIONS: During
      neurosurgery in the sitting position, the cerebral oxygen saturation slowly
      increases and, therefore, this position seems to be safe with regard to cerebral
      oxygen saturation. Cerebral oxygen saturation is stable because of constant CO
      and MAP, while the influence of CO on cerebral oxygen saturation seems to be more
      relevant. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01275898.

PMID- 28077537
TI  - Chronic postsurgical pain in children: prevalence and risk factors. A prospective
      observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is well known in adults, with
      prevalence rates ranging from 10 to 50%. Little is known about the epidemiology
      of CPSP in children. The aim of this prospective observational study was to
      evaluate the prevalence of CPSP after surgery in children. METHODS: After
      informed consent, children aged six to18 yr were included. Characteristics and
      risk factors for CPSP were recorded. Exclusion criteria included ambulatory
      surgery, refusal, inability to understand and change of address. All eligible
      children completed a preoperative questionnaire the day before surgery about
      pain, anxiety and their medical history. All data concerning anaesthetic and
      surgical procedures, such as acute pain scores (VAS) during the first 24 h were
      recorded. Three months after surgery all included children were sent a
      postoperative questionnaire about pain at the surgical site. RESULTS: Altogether,
      291 children were enrolled; the mean age was 12 yr, most subjects were male
      (60%). The most common type of surgery was orthopaedic (63%). In the 258 patients
      who completed the study, the prevalence of CPSP was 10.9%, most often with a
      neuropathic origin (64.3%). The two main risk factors were the existence of
      recent pain before surgery (<1 month) and the severity of acute postoperative
      pain (VAS >30 mm) in the first 24 h after orthopaedic and thoracic surgeries. Six
      months after surgery, only five children needed a visit with a chronic pain
      practitioner. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the necessity of evaluating
      and treating perioperative pain in order to prevent CPSP in children.

PMID- 28077538
TI  - Magnesium sulphate attenuates acute postoperative pain and increased pain
      intensity after surgical injury in staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a
      randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effect of magnesium sulphate on increased pain in 44
      patients undergoing staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The
      magnesium group (n=22) and the control group (n=22) received magnesium sulphate
      and isotonic saline, respectively, throughout the surgery. Postoperative pain
      (visual analogue scale, VAS) at rest and the amounts of patient-controlled
      analgesia (PCA, fentanyl) and rescue analgesia (ketoprofen) administered during
      the first 48 h were compared between the two groups and within each group between
      the first and second TKA. RESULTS: The VAS scores were significantly higher in
      the control group than in the magnesium group not only after the first TKA [29
      (11) vs 19 (9) at 24 h and 33 (8) vs 24 (10) at 48 h; P=0.001] but also after the
      second TKA [44 (17) vs 20 (10) at 24 h and 43 (14) vs 25 (10) at 48 h; P<0.001].
      In the control group, VAS scores were significantly higher for the second than
      for the first operated knee [44 (17) vs 29 (11) at 24 h and 43 (14) vs 33 (8) at
      48 h; P<0.001 and P=0.006, respectively]. In the magnesium group, there were no
      significant differences in VAS scores between the first and second TKA. Magnesium
      significantly reduced the amounts of rescue analgesics and fentanyl administered
      over the first 48 h postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium sulphate
      administration significantly reduced postoperative pain and minimized the
      difference in pain intensity between the first and second operations. CLINICAL
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0001361.

PMID- 28077539
TI  - Preoperative butorphanol and flurbiprofen axetil therapy attenuates remifentanil
      induced hyperalgesia after laparoscopic gynaecological surgery: a randomized
      double-blind controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies indicate that remifentanil exposure may engender
      opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Butorphanol and flurbiprofen axetil are proposed as
      adjunctive analgesics for postoperative pain control. This randomized double
      blind controlled study was designed to investigate the antihyperalgesic effects
      of butorphanol combined with flurbiprofen axetil on opioid-induced hyperalgesia.
      METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic
      gynaecological surgery with sevoflurane anaesthesia were randomized to one of
      four groups, as follows: intraoperative sufentanil 0.30 ug kg-1 (Group S);
      remifentanil 0.30 ug kg-1 min-1 (Group R); intraoperative remifentanil and pre
      anaesthesia butorphanol 20 ug kg-1 (Group B); or intraoperative remifentanil and
      pre-anaesthesia butorphanol 10 ug kg-1 combined with flurbiprofen axetil 0.5 mg
      kg-1 (Group BF). Sufentanil was used to control postoperative pain. The threshold
      and area of postoperative mechanical hyperalgesia were measured with Von Frey
      filaments. Pain intensity, sufentanil consumption, and side-effects were recorded
      for 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: Compared with Group S, remifentanil anaesthesia
      increased the pain score, postoperative sufentanil consumption, and area of
      hyperalgesia [mean 49.9 (sd 8.6) vs 60.5 (10.0) cm2, P<0.001] and reduced the
      hyperalgesia threshold on the dominant inner forearm [mean 89.5 (sd 23.4) vs 60.6
      (22.6) g, P=0.004]. Compared with Group R, the pain score, sufentanil
      consumption, and area of hyperalgesia were reduced and hyperalgesia threshold was
      elevated likewise in Groups B and BF. However, the efficacy in Group BF was
      higher than in Group B (P=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative combination of
      butorphanol and flurbiprofen axetil effectively ameliorated opioid-induced
      hyperalgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery under
      sevoflurane-remifentanil anaesthesia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02043366.

PMID- 28077540
TI  - Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) potentiates antinociception activity and
      inhibits tolerance induction of opioids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of opioids typically decreases after long-term use owing
      to the development of tolerance. Glial activation and the upregulation of
      proinflammatory cytokines are related to the induction of tolerance. We
      investigated the effect of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on morphine analgesia
      and tolerance. METHODS: LIF concentrations in rat spinal cords were measured by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      after morphine administration. LIF distribution was examined using confocal
      microscopy. To evaluate the effects of LIF on morphine analgesia and tolerance,
      LIF was intrathecally administered 30 min before morphine injection. The
      analgesic effect of morphine was evaluated by measuring tail-flick latency. Human
      LIF concentrations from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of opioid tolerant patients
      were also determined by specific ELISA. RESULTS: Chronic morphine administration
      upregulated LIF concentrations in rat spinal cords. Intrathecal injection of LIF
      potentiated the analgesic action of morphine. Patch clamp recording of spinal
      cord slices showed that LIF enhanced DAMGO ([D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]
      enkephalin)-induced outward potassium current. The development of tolerance was
      markedly suppressed by exogenous LIF, whereas neutralizing the endogenously
      released LIF with anti-LIF antibodies accelerated the tolerance induction.
      Moreover, LIF concentrations in the CSF of opioid-tolerant patients were higher
      than those in the opioid-naive controls. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal administration
      of LIF potentiated morphine antinociceptive activity and attenuated the
      development of morphine tolerance. Upregulation of endogenously released LIF by
      long-term use of opioids might counterbalance the tolerance induction effects of
      other proinflammatory cytokines. LIF might be a novel drug candidate for
      inhibiting opioid tolerance induction.

PMID- 28077542
TI  - Difficult airway society 2015 guidelines for management of unanticipated
      difficult intubation in adults: Need to be revisited?

PMID- 28077541
TI  - The role of bicarbonate precursors in balanced fluids during haemorrhagic shock
      with and without compromised liver function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lactate, acetate, and gluconate are anions used in balanced
      resuscitation fluids, of which lactate and acetate are considered bicarbonate
      precursors. This study investigated the role of the liver in the ability of
      balanced and unbalanced solutions to correct acid-base alterations and renal
      haemodynamics and microvascular oxygenation in a rat model of resuscitated
      haemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Ringer's lactate, Ringer's acetate, PlasmaLyte, or
      normal saline were administered following haemorrhagic shock in the presence or
      absence of a 70% partial liver resection. Renal haemodynamics and microvascular
      oxygenation (by oxygen-dependent quenching of phosphorescence) were measured as
      well as concentrations of lactate, gluconate, and acetate in plasma and urine.
      Kidney wet and dry weight was also assessed. RESULTS: Partial liver resection
      resulted in increased liver enzymes compared with control and shock groups (P <
      0.01). Haemorrhagic shock decreased systemic and renal perfusion and reduced
      microvascular kidney oxygenation with lactic acidosis (P < 0.01). Resuscitation
      with balanced fluids did not fully restore renal oxygenation (P < 0.01). Ringer's
      acetate and PlasmaLyte increased bicarbonate content and restored pH better than
      Ringer's lactate or saline after partial liver resection (P < 0.01). Liver
      resection caused an increase in plasma gluconate after PlasmaLyte resuscitation
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acetate-buffered balanced fluids show superior buffering
      effects compared with Ringer's lactate or saline. Gluconate is partially
      metabolized by the liver, although it does not contribute to acid-base control
      because of its excretion in urine. Acetate is metabolized regardless of liver
      function and may be the most efficient bicarbonate precursor. Lactate infusion
      tends to overwhelm the metabolism capacity of the residual liver.

PMID- 28077543
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28077544
TI  - DAS guidelines: the end for pre-paralysis mask ventilation check?

PMID- 28077546
TI  - Atracurium - check, ventilation - check.

PMID- 28077545
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28077547
TI  - DAS 2015 guidelines for management of CICO.

PMID- 28077548
TI  - Plan D: cannula first, or scalpel only?

PMID- 28077549
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28077550
TI  - Dilutional effect of nasal oxygenation.

PMID- 28077551
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28077552
TI  - Evidence no longer supports use of cricoid pressure.

PMID- 28077554
TI  - Cricoid pressure - already in decline?

PMID- 28077553
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28077555
TI  - 'Bougie-assisted' cricothyroidotomy technique.

PMID- 28077556
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28077559
TI  - In the October BJA....

PMID- 28077557
TI  - Selective primary outcome reporting in high-impact journals of anaesthesia and
      pain.

PMID- 28077560
TI  - Mechanistic insights into type I toxin antitoxin systems in Helicobacter pylori:
      the importance of mRNA folding in controlling toxin expression.
AB  - Type I toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems have been identified in a wide range of
      bacterial genomes. Here, we report the characterization of a new type I TA system
      present on the chromosome of the major human gastric pathogen, Helicobacter
      pylori. We show that the aapA1 gene encodes a 30 amino acid peptide whose
      artificial expression in H. pylori induces cell death. The synthesis of this
      toxin is prevented by the transcription of an antitoxin RNA, named IsoA1,
      expressed on the opposite strand of the toxin gene. We further reveal additional
      layers of post-transcriptional regulation that control toxin expression: (i)
      transcription of the aapA1 gene generates a full-length transcript whose folding
      impedes translation (ii) a 3? end processing of this message generates a shorter
      transcript that, after a structural rearrangement, becomes translatable (iii) but
      this rearrangement also leads to the formation of two stem-loop structures
      allowing formation of an extended duplex with IsoA1 via kissing-loop
      interactions. This interaction ensures both the translation inhibition of the
      AapA1 active message and its rapid degradation by RNase III, thus preventing
      toxin synthesis under normal growth conditions. Finally, a search for homologous
      mRNA structures identifies similar TA systems in a large number of Helicobacter
      and Campylobacter genomes.

PMID- 28077561
TI  - microRNAs stimulate translation initiation mediated by HCV-like IRESes.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression by
      recognizing and hybridizing to a specific sequence generally located in the 3?
      untranslated region (UTR) of targeted mRNAs. miRNA-induced inhibition of
      translation occurs during the initiation step, most probably at the level of
      ribosome scanning. In this process, the RNA-induced silencing complex interacts
      both with PABP and the 43S pre-initiation complex to disrupt scanning of the 40S
      ribosome. However, in some specific cases, miRNAs can stimulate translation.
      Although the mechanism of miRNA-mediated upregulation is unknown, it appears that
      the poly(A) tail and the lack of availability of the TNRC6 proteins are amongst
      major determinants. The genomic RNA of the Hepatitis C Virus is uncapped, non
      polyadenylated and harbors a peculiar internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that
      binds the ribosome directly to the AUG codon. Thus, we have exploited the unique
      properties of the HCV IRES and other related IRESes (HCV-like) to study how
      translation initiation can be modulated by miRNAs on these elements. Here, we
      report that miRNA binding to the 3? UTR can stimulate translation of a reporter
      gene given that its expression is driven by an HCV-like IRES and that it lacks a
      poly(A) tail at its 3? extremity.

PMID- 28077562
TI  - Sensitive and inexpensive digital DNA analysis by microfluidic enrichment of
      rolling circle amplified single-molecules.
AB  - Single molecule quantification assays provide the ultimate sensitivity and
      precision for molecular analysis. However, most digital analysis techniques, i.e.
      droplet PCR, require sophisticated and expensive instrumentation for molecule
      compartmentalization, amplification and analysis. Rolling circle amplification
      (RCA) provides a simpler means for digital analysis. Nevertheless, the
      sensitivity of RCA assays has until now been limited by inefficient detection
      methods. We have developed a simple microfluidic strategy for enrichment of RCA
      products into a single field of view of a low magnification fluorescent sensor,
      enabling ultra-sensitive digital quantification of nucleic acids over a dynamic
      range from 1.2 aM to 190 fM. We prove the broad applicability of our analysis
      platform by demonstrating 5-plex detection of as little as ~1 pg (~300 genome
      copies) of pathogenic DNA with simultaneous antibiotic resistance marker
      detection, and the analysis of rare oncogene mutations. Our method is simpler,
      more cost-effective and faster than other digital analysis techniques and
      provides the means to implement digital analysis in any laboratory equipped with
      a standard fluorescent microscope.

PMID- 28077563
TI  - The BioC-BioGRID corpus: full text articles annotated for curation of protein
      protein and genetic interactions.
AB  - A great deal of information on the molecular genetics and biochemistry of model
      organisms has been reported in the scientific literature. However, this data is
      typically described in free text form and is not readily amenable to
      computational analyses. To this end, the BioGRID database systematically curates
      the biomedical literature for genetic and protein interaction data. This data is
      provided in a standardized computationally tractable format and includes
      structured annotation of experimental evidence. BioGRID curation necessarily
      involves substantial human effort by expert curators who must read each
      publication to extract the relevant information. Computational text-mining
      methods offer the potential to augment and accelerate manual curation. To
      facilitate the development of practical text-mining strategies, a new challenge
      was organized in BioCreative V for the BioC task, the collaborative Biocurator
      Assistant Task. This was a non-competitive, cooperative task in which the
      participants worked together to build BioC-compatible modules into an integrated
      pipeline to assist BioGRID curators. As an integral part of this task, a test
      collection of full text articles was developed that contained both biological
      entity annotations (gene/protein and organism/species) and molecular interaction
      annotations (protein-protein and genetic interactions (PPIs and GIs)). This
      collection, which we call the BioC-BioGRID corpus, was annotated by four BioGRID
      curators over three rounds of annotation and contains 120 full text articles
      curated in a dataset representing two major model organisms, namely budding yeast
      and human. The BioC-BioGRID corpus contains annotations for 6409 mentions of
      genes and their Entrez Gene IDs, 186 mentions of organism names and their NCBI
      Taxonomy IDs, 1867 mentions of PPIs and 701 annotations of PPI experimental
      evidence statements, 856 mentions of GIs and 399 annotations of GI evidence
      statements. The purpose, characteristics and possible future uses of the BioC
      BioGRID corpus are detailed in this report.Database URL:
      http://bioc.sourceforge.net/BioC-BioGRID.html.

PMID- 28077564
TI  - blend4php: a PHP API for galaxy.
AB  - Galaxy is a popular framework for execution of complex analytical pipelines
      typically for large data sets, and is a commonly used for (but not limited to)
      genomic, genetic and related biological analysis. It provides a web front-end and
      integrates with high performance computing resources. Here we report the
      development of the blend4php library that wraps Galaxy's RESTful API into a PHP
      based library. PHP-based web applications can use blend4php to automate
      execution, monitoring and management of a remote Galaxy server, including its
      users, workflows, jobs and more. The blend4php library was specifically developed
      for the integration of Galaxy with Tripal, the open-source toolkit for the
      creation of online genomic and genetic web sites. However, it was designed as an
      independent library for use by any application, and is freely available under
      version 3 of the GNU Lesser General Public License (LPGL v3.0) at
      https://github.com/galaxyproject/blend4phpDatabase URL:
      https://github.com/galaxyproject/blend4php.

PMID- 28077565
TI  - MAHMI database: a comprehensive MetaHit-based resource for the study of the
      mechanism of action of the human microbiota.
AB  - The Mechanism of Action of the Human Microbiome (MAHMI) database is a unique
      resource that provides comprehensive information about the sequence of potential
      immunomodulatory and antiproliferative peptides encrypted in the proteins
      produced by the human gut microbiota. Currently, MAHMI database contains over 300
      hundred million peptide entries, with detailed information about peptide
      sequence, sources and potential bioactivity. The reference peptide data section
      is curated manually by domain experts. The in silico peptide data section is
      populated automatically through the systematic processing of publicly available
      exoproteomes of the human microbiome. Bioactivity prediction is based on the
      global alignment of the automatically processed peptides with experimentally
      validated immunomodulatory and antiproliferative peptides, in the reference
      section. MAHMI provides researchers with a comparative tool for inspecting the
      potential immunomodulatory or antiproliferative bioactivity of new amino acidic
      sequences and identifying promising peptides to be further investigated.
      Moreover, researchers are welcome to submit new experimental evidence on peptide
      bioactivity, namely, empiric and structural data, as a proactive, expert means to
      keep the database updated and improve the implemented bioactivity prediction
      method. Bioactive peptides identified by MAHMI have a huge biotechnological
      potential, including the manipulation of aberrant immune responses and the design
      of new functional ingredients/foods based on the genetic sequences of the human
      microbiome. Hopefully, the resources provided by MAHMI will be useful to those
      researching gastrointestinal disorders of autoimmune and inflammatory nature,
      such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. MAHMI database is routinely updated and is
      available free of charge. Database URL: http://mahmi.org/.

PMID- 28077566
TI  - Duplicates, redundancies and inconsistencies in the primary nucleotide databases:
      a descriptive study.
AB  - GenBank, the EMBL European Nucleotide Archive and the DNA DataBank of Japan,
      known collectively as the International Nucleotide Sequence Database
      Collaboration or INSDC, are the three most significant nucleotide sequence
      databases. Their records are derived from laboratory work undertaken by different
      individuals, by different teams, with a range of technologies and assumptions and
      over a period of decades. As a consequence, they contain a great many duplicates,
      redundancies and inconsistencies, but neither the prevalence nor the
      characteristics of various types of duplicates have been rigorously assessed.
      Existing duplicate detection methods in bioinformatics only address specific
      duplicate types, with inconsistent assumptions; and the impact of duplicates in
      bioinformatics databases has not been carefully assessed, making it difficult to
      judge the value of such methods. Our goal is to assess the scale, kinds and
      impact of duplicates in bioinformatics databases, through a retrospective
      analysis of merged groups in INSDC databases. Our outcomes are threefold: (1) We
      analyse a benchmark dataset consisting of duplicates manually identified in INSDC
      a dataset of 67 888 merged groups with 111 823 duplicate pairs across 21
      organisms from INSDC databases - in terms of the prevalence, types and impacts of
      duplicates. (2) We categorize duplicates at both sequence and annotation level,
      with supporting quantitative statistics, showing that different organisms have
      different prevalence of distinct kinds of duplicate. (3) We show that the
      presence of duplicates has practical impact via a simple case study on
      duplicates, in terms of GC content and melting temperature. We demonstrate that
      duplicates not only introduce redundancy, but can lead to inconsistent results
      for certain tasks. Our findings lead to a better understanding of the problem of
      duplication in biological databases.Database URL: the merged records are
      available at https://cloudstor.aarnet.edu.au/plus/index.php/s/Xef2fvsebBEAv9w.

PMID- 28077568
TI  - Automatic query generation using word embeddings for retrieving passages
      describing experimental methods.
AB  - Information regarding the physical interactions among proteins is crucial, since
      protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are central for many biological processes.
      The experimental techniques used to verify PPIs are vital for characterizing and
      assessing the reliability of the identified PPIs. A lot of information about PPIs
      and the experimental methods are only available in the text of the scientific
      publications that report them. In this study, we approach the problem of
      identifying passages with experimental methods for physical interactions between
      proteins as an information retrieval search task. The baseline system is based on
      query matching, where the queries are generated by utilizing the names (including
      synonyms) of the experimental methods in the Proteomics Standard Initiative
      Molecular Interactions (PSI-MI) ontology. We propose two methods, where the
      baseline queries are expanded by including additional relevant terms. The first
      method is a supervised approach, where the most salient terms for each
      experimental method are obtained by using the term frequency-relevance frequency
      (tf.rf) metric over 13 articles from our manually annotated data set of 30 full
      text articles, which is made publicly available. On the other hand, the second
      method is an unsupervised approach, where the queries for each experimental
      method are expanded by using the word embeddings of the names of the experimental
      methods in the PSI-MI ontology. The word embeddings are obtained by utilizing a
      large unlabeled full text corpus. The proposed methods are evaluated on the test
      set consisting of 17 articles. Both methods obtain higher recall scores compared
      with the baseline, with a loss in precision. Besides higher recall, the word
      embeddings based approach achieves higher F-measure than the baseline and the
      tf.rf based methods. We also show that incorporating gene name and interaction
      keyword identification leads to improved precision and F-measure scores for all
      three evaluated methods. The tf.rf based approach was developed as part of our
      participation in the Collaborative Biocurator Assistant Task of the BioCreative V
      challenge assessment, whereas the word embeddings based approach is a novel
      contribution of this article.Database URL:
      https://github.com/ferhtaydn/biocemid/.

PMID- 28077567
TI  - FARME DB: a functional antibiotic resistance element database.
AB  - Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a major global public health threat but few
      resources exist that catalog AR genes outside of a clinical context. Current AR
      sequence databases are assembled almost exclusively from genomic sequences
      derived from clinical bacterial isolates and thus do not include many microbial
      sequences derived from environmental samples that confer resistance in functional
      metagenomic studies. These environmental metagenomic sequences often show little
      or no similarity to AR sequences from clinical isolates using standard
      classification criteria. In addition, existing AR databases provide no
      information about flanking sequences containing regulatory or mobile genetic
      elements. To help address this issue, we created an annotated database of DNA and
      protein sequences derived exclusively from environmental metagenomic sequences
      showing AR in laboratory experiments. Our Functional Antibiotic Resistant
      Metagenomic Element (FARME) database is a compilation of publically available DNA
      sequences and predicted protein sequences conferring AR as well as regulatory
      elements, mobile genetic elements and predicted proteins flanking antibiotic
      resistant genes. FARME is the first database to focus on functional metagenomic
      AR gene elements and provides a resource to better understand AR in the 99% of
      bacteria which cannot be cultured and the relationship between environmental AR
      sequences and antibiotic resistant genes derived from cultured isolates.Database
      URL: http://staff.washington.edu/jwallace/farme.

PMID- 28077570
TI  - KTCNlncDB-a first platform to investigate lncRNAs expressed in human keratoconus
      and non-keratoconus corneas.
AB  - Keratoconus (KTCN, OMIM 148300) is a degenerative eye disorder characterized by
      progressive stromal thinning that leads to a conical shape of the cornea,
      resulting in optical aberrations and even loss of visual function. The
      biochemical background of the disease is poorly understood, which motivated us to
      perform RNA-Seq experiment, aimed at better characterizing the KTCN transcriptome
      and identification of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that might be involved in
      KTCN etiology. The in silico functional studies based on predicted lncRNA:RNA
      base-pairings led us to recognition of a number of lncRNAs possibly regulating
      genes with known or plausible links to KTCN. The lncRNA sequences and data
      regarding their predicted functions in controlling the RNA processing and
      stability are available for browse, search and download in KTCNlncDB
      (http://rhesus.amu.edu.pl/KTCNlncDB/), the first online platform devoted to KTCN
      transcriptome.Database URL: http://rhesus.amu.edu.pl/KTCNlncDB/.

PMID- 28077569
TI  - RAIN: RNA-protein Association and Interaction Networks.
AB  - Protein association networks can be inferred from a range of resources including
      experimental data, literature mining and computational predictions. These types
      of evidence are emerging for non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as well. However,
      integration of ncRNAs into protein association networks is challenging due to
      data heterogeneity. Here, we present a database of ncRNA-RNA and ncRNA-protein
      interactions and its integration with the STRING database of protein-protein
      interactions. These ncRNA associations cover four organisms and have been
      established from curated examples, experimental data, interaction predictions and
      automatic literature mining. RAIN uses an integrative scoring scheme to assign a
      confidence score to each interaction. We demonstrate that RAIN outperforms the
      underlying microRNA-target predictions in inferring ncRNA interactions. RAIN can
      be operated through an easily accessible web interface and all interaction data
      can be downloaded.Database URL: http://rth.dk/resources/rain.

PMID- 28077572
TI  - Impact of a High-fat Diet on Tissue Acyl-CoA and Histone Acetylation Levels.
AB  - Cellular metabolism dynamically regulates the epigenome via availability of the
      metabolite substrates of chromatin-modifying enzymes. The impact of diet on the
      metabolism-epigenome axis is poorly understood but could alter gene expression
      and influence metabolic health. ATP citrate-lyase produces acetyl-CoA in the
      nucleus and cytosol and regulates histone acetylation levels in many cell types.
      Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) results in suppression of ATP citrate-lyase
      levels in tissues such as adipose and liver, but the impact of diet on acetyl-CoA
      and histone acetylation in these tissues remains unknown. Here we examined the
      effects of HFD on levels of acyl-CoAs and histone acetylation in mouse white
      adipose tissue (WAT), liver, and pancreas. We report that mice consuming a HFD
      have reduced levels of acetyl-CoA and/or acetyl-CoA:CoA ratio in these tissues.
      In WAT and the pancreas, HFD also impacted the levels of histone acetylation; in
      particular, histone H3 lysine 23 acetylation was lower in HFD-fed mice. Genetic
      deletion of Acly in cultured adipocytes also suppressed acetyl-CoA and histone
      acetylation levels. In the liver, no significant effects on histone acetylation
      were observed with a HFD despite lower acetyl-CoA levels. Intriguingly,
      acetylation of several histone lysines correlated with the acetyl-CoA:
      (iso)butyryl-CoA ratio in liver. Butyryl-CoA and isobutyryl-CoA interacted with
      the acetyltransferase P300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) in liver lysates and
      inhibited its activity in vitro This study thus provides evidence that diet can
      impact tissue acyl-CoA and histone acetylation levels and that acetyl-CoA
      abundance correlates with acetylation of specific histone lysines in WAT but not
      in the liver.

PMID- 28077573
TI  - A Cdc48 "Retrochaperone" Function Is Required for the Solubility of
      Retrotranslocated, Integral Membrane Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Degradation
      (ERAD-M) Substrates.
AB  - A surprising feature of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD)
      is the movement, or retrotranslocation, of ubiquitinated substrates from the ER
      lumen or membrane to the cytosol where they are degraded by the 26S proteasome.
      Multispanning ER membrane proteins, called ERAD-M substrates, are
      retrotranslocated to the cytosol as full-length intermediates during ERAD, and we
      have investigated how they maintain substrate solubility. Using an in vivo assay,
      we show that retrotranslocated ERAD-M substrates are moved to the cytoplasm as
      part of the normal ERAD pathway, where they are part of a solely proteinaceous
      complex. Using proteomics and direct biochemical confirmation, we found that
      Cdc48 serves as a critical "retrochaperone" for these ERAD-M substrates. Cdc48
      binding to retrotranslocated, ubiquitinated ERAD-M substrates is required for
      their solubility; removal of the polyubiquitin chains or competition for binding
      by addition of free polyubiquitin liberated Cdc48 from retrotranslocated proteins
      and rendered them insoluble. All components of the canonical Cdc48 complex Cdc48
      Npl4-Ufd1 were present in solubilized ERAD-M substrates. This function of the
      complex was observed for both HRD and DOA pathway substrates. Thus, in addition
      to the long known ATP-dependent extraction of ERAD substrates during
      retrotranslocation, the Cdc48 complex is generally and critically needed for the
      solubility of retrotranslocated ERAD-M intermediates.

PMID- 28077574
TI  - Platelet-activating Factor Mediates Endotoxin Tolerance by Regulating Indoleamine
      2,3-Dioxygenase-dependent Expression of the Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3.
AB  - Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) mediates immune tolerance, and suppressor of
      cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) negatively regulates the JAK/STAT signal
      transduction pathway. We determined previously that platelet-activating factor
      (PAF) protects mice against LPS-induced endotoxic shock, but its detailed
      mechanism of action was unknown. We performed survival experiments in IDO+/+ and
      IDO-/- mice using an LPS-induced endotoxemia model and rated organ injury
      (neutrophil infiltration and liver function). Using ELISA and Western blotting,
      we also investigated the mechanism of PAF-mediated endotoxin tolerance during
      endotoxemia. PAF-mediated endotoxin tolerance was dependent on IDO in vivo and in
      vitro and was not observed in IDO-/- mice. JAK/STAT signaling, crucial for SOCS3
      expression, was also impaired in the absence of IDO. In an IDO- and STAT
      dependent manner, PAF mediated a decrease in IL-12 and a dramatic increase in IL
      10 and reduced mouse mortality. In addition, PAF attenuated LPS-mediated
      neutrophil infiltration into the lungs and interactions between neutrophil-like
      (THP-1) and endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells). These
      results indicate that PAF-mediated endotoxin tolerance is initiated via IDO- and
      JAK/STAT-dependent expression of SOCS3. Our study has revealed a novel
      tolerogenic mechanism of IDO action and an important association between IDO and
      SOCS3 with respect to endotoxin tolerance.

PMID- 28077575
TI  - Effector-attenuating Substitutions That Maintain Antibody Stability and Reduce
      Toxicity in Mice.
AB  - The antibody Fc region regulates antibody cytotoxic activities and serum half
      life. In a therapeutic context, however, the cytotoxic effector function of an
      antibody is often not desirable and can create safety liabilities by activating
      native host immune defenses against cells expressing the receptor antigens.
      Several amino acid changes in the Fc region have been reported to silence or
      reduce the effector function of antibodies. These earlier studies focused
      primarily on the interaction of human antibodies with human Fc-gamma receptors,
      and it remains largely unknown how such changes to Fc might translate to the
      context of a murine antibody. We demonstrate that the commonly used N297G (NG)
      and D265A, N297G (DANG) variants that are efficacious in attenuating effector
      function in primates retain potent complement activation capacity in mice,
      leading to safety liabilities in murine studies. In contrast, we found an L234A,
      L235A, P329G (LALA-PG) variant that eliminates complement binding and fixation as
      well as Fc-gamma-dependent, antibody-dependent, cell-mediated cytotoxity in both
      murine IgG2a and human IgG1. These LALA-PG substitutions allow a more accurate
      translation of results generated with an "effectorless" antibody between mice and
      primates. Further, we show that both human and murine antibodies containing the
      LALA-PG variant have typical pharmacokinetics in rodents and retain
      thermostability, enabling efficient knobs-into-holes bispecific antibody
      production and a robust path to generating highly effector-attenuated bispecific
      antibodies for preclinical studies.

PMID- 28077576
TI  - Specific Inhibition of Acyl-CoA Oxidase-1 by an Acetylenic Acid Improves Hepatic
      Lipid and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Metabolism in Rats Fed a High Fat Diet.
AB  - A chronic high fat diet results in hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and
      induction of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation (FAO); whether specific inhibition
      of peroxisomal FAO benefits mitochondrial FAO and reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      metabolism remains unclear. In this study a specific inhibitor for the rate
      limiting enzyme involved in peroxisomal FAO, acyl-CoA oxidase-1 (ACOX1) was
      developed and used for the investigation of peroxisomal FAO inhibition upon
      mitochondrial FAO and ROS metabolism. Specific inhibition of ACOX1 by 10,12
      tricosadiynoic acid increased hepatic mitochondrial FAO via activation of the
      SIRT1-AMPK (adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase) pathway and
      proliferator activator receptor alpha and reduced hydrogen peroxide accumulation
      in high fat diet-fed rats, which significantly decreased hepatic lipid and ROS
      contents, reduced body weight gain, and decreased serum triglyceride and insulin
      levels. Inhibition of ACOX1 is a novel and effective approach for the treatment
      of high fat diet- or obesity-induced metabolic diseases by improving
      mitochondrial lipid and ROS metabolism.

PMID- 28077577
TI  - Extracellular MicroRNA Signature of Human Helper T Cell Subsets in Health and
      Autoimmunity.
AB  - Upon T cell receptor stimulation, CD4+ T helper (Th) lymphocytes release
      extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNAs. However, no data are available
      on whether human CD4+ T cell subsets release EVs containing different pattern of
      microRNAs. The present work aimed at filling this gap by assessing the microRNA
      content in EVs released upon in vitro T cell receptor stimulation of Th1, Th17,
      and T regulatory (Treg) cells. Our results indicate that EVs released by Treg
      cells are significantly different compared with those released by the other
      subsets. In particular, miR-146a-5p, miR-150-5p, and miR-21-5p are enriched,
      whereas miR-106a-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-19a-3p are depleted in Treg-derived EVs.
      The in vitro identified EV-associated microRNA signature was increased in serum
      of autoimmune patients with psoriasis and returned to healthy levels upon
      effective treatment with etanercept, a biological drug targeting the TNF pathway
      and suppressing inflammation. Moreover, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed an
      over-representation of genes relevant for T cell activation, such as CD40L,
      IRAK1, IRAK2, STAT1, and c-Myb in the list of validated targets of Treg-derived
      EV miRNAs. At functional level, Treg-derived (but not Th1/Th17-derived) EVs
      inhibited CD4+ T cell proliferation and suppressed two relevant targets of miR
      146a-5p: STAT1 and IRAK2. In conclusion, our work identified the miRNAs
      specifically released by different human CD4+ T cell subsets and started to
      unveil the potential use of their quantity in human serum to mark the
      pathological elicitation of these cells in vivo and their biological effect in
      cell to cell communication during the adaptive immune response.

PMID- 28077578
TI  - Novel Serine 176 Phosphorylation of YBX1 Activates NF-kappaB in Colon Cancer.
AB  - Y box protein 1 (YBX1) is a well known oncoprotein that has tumor-promoting
      functions. YBX1 is widely considered to be an attractive therapeutic target in
      cancer. To develop novel therapeutics to target YBX1, it is of great importance
      to understand how YBX1 is finely regulated in cancer. Previously, we have shown
      that YBX1 could function as a tumor promoter through phosphorylation of its Ser
      165 residue, leading to the activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway (1). In
      this study, using mass spectrometry analysis, we discovered a distinct
      phosphorylation site, Ser-176, on YBX1. Overexpression of the YBX1-S176A (serine
      to-alanine) mutant in either HEK293 cells or colon cancer HT29 cells showed
      dramatically reduced NF-kappaB-activating ability compared with that of WT-YBX1,
      confirming that Ser-176 phosphorylation is critical for the activation of NF
      kappaB by YBX1. Importantly, the mutant of Ser-176 and the previously reported
      Ser-165 sites regulate distinct groups of NF-kappaB target genes, suggesting the
      unique and irreplaceable function of each of these two phosphorylated serine
      residues. Our important findings could provide a novel cancer therapy strategy by
      blocking either Ser-176 or Ser-165 phosphorylation or both of YBX1 in colon
      cancer.

PMID- 28077579
TI  - Neuron-enriched RNA-binding Proteins Regulate Pancreatic Beta Cell Function and
      Survival.
AB  - Pancreatic beta cell failure is the central event leading to diabetes. Beta cells
      share many phenotypic traits with neurons, and proper beta cell function relies
      on the activation of several neuron-like transcription programs. Regulation of
      gene expression by alternative splicing plays a pivotal role in brain, where it
      affects neuronal development, function, and disease. The role of alternative
      splicing in beta cells remains unclear, but recent data indicate that splicing
      alterations modulated by both inflammation and susceptibility genes for diabetes
      contribute to beta cell dysfunction and death. Here we used RNA sequencing to
      compare the expression of splicing-regulatory RNA-binding proteins in human
      islets, brain, and other human tissues, and we identified a cluster of splicing
      regulators that are expressed in both beta cells and brain. Four of them, namely
      Elavl4, Nova2, Rbox1, and Rbfox2, were selected for subsequent functional studies
      in insulin-producing rat INS-1E, human EndoC-betaH1 cells, and in primary rat
      beta cells. Silencing of Elavl4 and Nova2 increased beta cell apoptosis, whereas
      silencing of Rbfox1 and Rbfox2 increased insulin content and secretion.
      Interestingly, Rbfox1 silencing modulates the splicing of the actin-remodeling
      protein gelsolin, increasing gelsolin expression and leading to faster glucose
      induced actin depolymerization and increased insulin release. Taken together,
      these findings indicate that beta cells share common splicing regulators and
      programs with neurons. These splicing regulators play key roles in insulin
      release and beta cell survival, and their dysfunction may contribute to the loss
      of functional beta cell mass in diabetes.

PMID- 28077582
TI  - Severity of Plasma Leakage Is Associated With High Levels of Interferon gamma
      Inducible Protein 10, Hepatocyte Growth Factor, Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP
      2), and MMP-9 During Dengue Virus Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Dengue virus infection typically causes mild dengue fever, but, in
      severe cases, life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock
      syndrome (DSS) occur. The pathophysiological hallmark of DHF and DSS is plasma
      leakage that leads to enhanced vascular permeability, likely due to a cytokine
      storm. METHODS:  Ninety patients with dengue during 2010-2012 in Singapore were
      prospectively recruited and stratified according to their disease phase, primary
      and secondary infection status, and disease severity, measured by plasma leakage.
      Clinical parameters were recorded throughout the disease progression. The levels
      of various immune mediators were quantified using comprehensive multiplex
      microbead-based immunoassays for 46 immune mediators. RESULTS:  Associations
      between clinical parameters and immune mediators were analyzed using various
      statistical methods. Potential immune markers, including interleukin 1 receptor
      antagonist, interferon gamma-inducible protein 10, hepatocyte growth factor,
      soluble p75 tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor, vascular cell adhesion molecule
      1, and matrix metalloproteinase 2, were significantly associated with significant
      plasma leakage. Secondary dengue virus infections were also shown to influence
      disease outcome in terms of disease severity. CONCLUSIONS:  This study identified
      several key markers for exacerbated dengue pathogenesis, notably plasma leakage.
      This will allow a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of DHF and DSS
      in patients with dengue.

PMID- 28077581
TI  - Redeploying beta-Lactams Against Staphylococcus aureus: Repurposing With a
      Purpose.

PMID- 28077580
TI  - Peptide from Sea Anemone Metridium senile Affects Transient Receptor Potential
      Ankyrin-repeat 1 (TRPA1) Function and Produces Analgesic Effect.
AB  - The transient receptor potential ankyrin-repeat 1 (TRPA1) is an important player
      in pain and inflammatory pathways. It is a promising target for novel drug
      development for the treatment of a number of pathological states. A novel peptide
      producing a significant potentiating effect on allyl isothiocyanate- and
      diclofenac-induced currents of TRPA1 was isolated from the venom of sea anemone
      Metridium senile. It is a 35-amino acid peptide cross-linked by two disulfide
      bridges named tau-AnmTX Ms 9a-1 (short name Ms 9a-1) according to a structure
      similar to other sea anemone peptides belonging to structural group 9a. The
      structures of the two genes encoding the different precursor proteins of Ms 9a-1
      were determined. Peptide Ms 9a-1 acted as a positive modulator of TRPA1 in vitro
      but did not cause pain or thermal hyperalgesia when injected into the hind paw of
      mice. Intravenous injection of Ms 9a-1 (0.3 mg/kg) produced a significant
      decrease in the nociceptive and inflammatory response to allyl isothiocyanate
      (the agonist of TRPA1) and reversed CFA (Complete Freund's Adjuvant)-induced
      inflammation and thermal hyperalgesia. Taken together these data support the
      hypothesis that Ms 9a-1 potentiates the response of TRPA1 to endogenous agonists
      followed by persistent functional loss of TRPA1-expressing neurons. We can
      conclude that TRPA1 potentiating may be useful as a therapeutic approach as Ms 9a
      1 produces significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in mice models of
      pain.

PMID- 28077583
TI  - A Live Attenuated Chimeric West Nile Virus Vaccine, rWN/DEN4Delta30, Is Well
      Tolerated and Immunogenic in Flavivirus-Naive Older Adult Volunteers.
AB  - West Nile virus (WNV) is a major cause of mosquito-borne illness in the United
      States. Human disease ranges from mild febrile illness to severe fatal neurologic
      infection. Adults aged >60 years are more susceptible to neuroinvasive disease
      accompanied by a high mortality rate or long-lasting neurologic sequelae. A
      chimeric live attenuated West Nile virus vaccine, rWN/DEN4Delta30, was shown to
      be safe and immunogenic in healthy adults aged 18-50 years. This study evaluated
      rWN/DEN4Delta30 in flavivirus-naive adults aged 50-65 years and found it to be
      safe and immunogenic. Outbreaks of WNV infection tend to be unpredictable, and a
      safe and effective vaccine will be an important public health tool.

PMID- 28077584
TI  - 2-Year Efficacy, Immunogenicity, and Safety of Vigoo Enterovirus 71 Vaccine in
      Healthy Chinese Children: A Randomized Open-Label Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  This study evaluated the 2-year efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety
      of the Vigoo enterovirus 71 (EV71) vaccine. METHOD:  In an initial phase 3 study,
      we randomly assigned healthy infants and children aged 6-35 months (ratio, 1:1)
      to receive 2 doses of either EV71 vaccine (5120 participants) or placebo (5125
      participants) at days 0 and 28, and followed them for 12 months after
      vaccination. In this extended follow-up study, we continued to evaluate the
      efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the EV71 vaccine for up to 2 years.
      RESULTS:  Overall efficacy was 94.84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83.53%
      98.38%) during the 2-year follow-up period (P < .0001), and the vaccine efficacy
      during the second year was 100.00% (95% CI, 84.15%-100.00%) against EV71
      associated hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD; P < .0001). Geometric mean titers
      of neutralizing antibody in participants remained high during the 2-year follow
      up period, and no vaccine-related serious adverse events were recorded.
      CONCLUSIONS:  Two doses of Vigoo EV71 vaccine could provide sustained protection
      against EV71-associated HFMD in healthy Chinese children. CLINICAL TRIALS
      REGISTRATION:  NCT01508247.

PMID- 28077585
TI  - Humanized Mice Reproduce Acute and Persistent Human Adenovirus Infection.
AB  - Severe human adenovirus (HAdV) infections are an increasing threat for
      immunosuppressed individuals, particularly those who have received stem cell
      transplants. It has been previously hypothesized that severe infections might be
      due to reactivation of a persistent infection, but this hypothesis has been
      difficult to test owing to the lack of a permissive in vivo model of HAdV
      infection. Here we established a humanized mouse model that reproduces features
      of acute and persistent HAdV infection. In this model, acute infection correlated
      with high mortality, weight loss, liver pathology, and expression of viral
      proteins in several organs. In contrast, persistent infection was asymptomatic
      and led to establishment of HAdV-specific adaptive immunity and expression of
      early viral genes exclusively in the bone marrow. These findings validate the use
      of humanized mice to study acute and persistent HAdV infection and strongly
      suggest the presence of cellular reservoirs in the bone marrow.

PMID- 28077586
TI  - Redeploying beta-Lactam Antibiotics as a Novel Antivirulence Strategy for the
      Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections.
AB  - Innovative approaches to the use of existing antibiotics is an important strategy
      in efforts to address the escalating antimicrobial resistance crisis. We report a
      new approach to the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) infections by demonstrating that oxacillin can be used to significantly
      attenuate the virulence of MRSA despite the pathogen being resistant to this
      drug. Using mechanistic in vitro assays and in vivo models of invasive pneumonia
      and sepsis, we show that oxacillin-treated MRSA strains are significantly
      attenuated in virulence. This effect is based primarily on the oxacillin
      dependent repression of the accessory gene regulator quorum-sensing system and
      altered cell wall architecture, which in turn lead to increased susceptibility to
      host killing of MRSA. Our data indicate that beta-lactam antibiotics should be
      included in the treatment regimen as an adjunct antivirulence therapy for
      patients with MRSA infections. This would represent an important change to
      current clinical practice for treatment of MRSA infection, with the potential to
      significantly improve patient outcomes in a safe, cost-effective manner.

PMID- 28077587
TI  - Malaria Parasitemia and Parasite Density in Antiretroviral-Treated HIV-Infected
      Adults Following Discontinuation of Cotrimoxazole Prophylaxis.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Cotrimoxazole (CTX) discontinuation increases malaria incidence in
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. Rates, quantity, and
      timing of parasitemia rebound following CTX remain undefined. METHODS:  Serial
      specimens from a trial of HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral
      treatment (ART) randomized to continue (the CTX arm) or discontinue (the STOP-CTX
      arm) were examined for malaria parasites by quantitative reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Specimens obtained at enrollment and then
      quarterly for 12 months and at sick visits were assessed; multiplicity of
      infection was evaluated by PCR that targeted the polymorphic msp-1/msp-2 alleles.
      RESULTS:  Among 500 HIV-infected adults receiving ART (median ART duration, 4.5
      years), 5% had detectable parasitemia at baseline. After randomization, parasite
      prevalence increased over time in the STOP-CTX arm, compared with the CTX arm,
      with values of 4% and <1%, respectively, at month 3, 8% and 2% at month 6, 14%
      and 2% at month 9, and 22% and 4% at month 12 (P = .0034). The combined mean
      parasite density at the various time points was higher in the STOP-CTX arm (4.42
      vs 3.13 log10 parasites/mL; P < .001). The parasitemia incidence was 42.0 cases
      per 100 person-years in the STOP-CTX arm and 9.9 cases per 100 person-years in
      the CTX arm, with an incidence rate ratio of 4.3 (95% confidence interval, 2.7
      7.1; P < .001). After enrollment, mixed infections (multiplicity of infection,
      >1) were only present in the STOP-CTX arm. CONCLUSION:  Discontinuation of CTX by
      HIV-infected adults receiving ART resulted in progressive increases in malaria
      parasitemia prevalence and burden. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION:  NCT01425073.

PMID- 28077589
TI  - Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Prophylaxis During Live Malaria Sporozoite
      Immunization Induces Long-Lived, Homologous, and Heterologous Protective Immunity
      Against Sporozoite Challenge.
AB  - Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is widely used in malaria-endemic areas
      in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children and HIV-uninfected, HIV
      exposed children as opportunistic infection prophylaxis. Despite the known
      effects that TMP-SMX has in reducing clinical malaria, its impact on development
      of malaria-specific immunity in these children remains poorly understood. Using
      rodent malaria models, we previously showed that TMP-SMX, at prophylactic doses,
      can arrest liver stage development of malaria parasites and speculated that TMP
      SMX prophylaxis during repeated malaria exposures would induce protective long
      lived sterile immunity targeting pre-erythrocytic stage parasites in mice. Using
      the same models, we now demonstrate that repeated exposures to malaria parasites
      during TMP-SMX administration induces stage-specific and long-lived pre
      erythrocytic protective anti-malarial immunity, mediated primarily by CD8+ T
      cells. Given the HIV infection and malaria coepidemic in sub-Saharan Africa,
      clinical studies aimed at determining the optimum duration of TMP-SMX prophylaxis
      in HIV-infected or HIV-exposed children must account for the potential anti
      infection immunity effect of TMP-SMX prophylaxis.

PMID- 28077590
TI  - Molecular Epidemiology of Ascaris Infection Among Pigs in Iowa.
AB  - Ascaris is a large roundworm parasite that infects humans and pigs throughout the
      world. Molecular markers have been used to study parasite transmission in Ascaris
      endemic and -nonendemic regions of the world. In the United States, ascariasis
      still persists in commercial swine and has been designated a neglected disease of
      poverty in humans. However, relatively few data are available for evaluation of
      zoonotic transmission. In the present study, we obtained adult worms from
      abattoirs and characterized each worm on the basis of the gene encoding nuclear
      internal transcribed sequence (ITS) and mitochondrial cox1 Restriction fragment
      length polymorphism analysis of ITS revealed swine, human, and hybrid genotypes.
      cox1 sequences were compared to all complete sequences available in GenBank, and
      haplotype analysis demonstrated 92 haplotypes worldwide. Sequences from the
      parasites in this study represented 10 haplotypes, including 6 new haplotypes
      that have not been previously described. Our results indicate that
      anthropozoonotic transmission has occurred in the past, resulting in the presence
      of human genotypes in pigs and supporting further investigation of zoonotic
      Ascaris transmission in the United States.

PMID- 28077588
TI  - First-in-Human Evaluation of the Safety and Immunogenicity of an Intranasally
      Administered Replication-Competent Sendai Virus-Vectored HIV Type 1 Gag Vaccine:
      Induction of Potent T-Cell or Antibody Responses in Prime-Boost Regimens.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  We report the first-in-human safety and immunogenicity assessment of
      a prototype intranasally administered, replication-competent Sendai virus (SeV)
      vectored, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine. METHODS:  Sixty
      five HIV-1-uninfected adults in Kenya, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom were
      assigned to receive 1 of 4 prime-boost regimens (administered at 0 and 4 months,
      respectively; ratio of vaccine to placebo recipients, 12:4): priming with a lower
      dose SeV-Gag given intranasally, followed by boosting with an adenovirus 35
      vectored vaccine encoding HIV-1 Gag, reverse transcriptase, integrase, and Nef
      (Ad35-GRIN) given intramuscularly (SLA); priming with a higher-dose SeV-Gag given
      intranasally, followed by boosting with Ad35-GRIN given intramuscularly (SHA);
      priming with Ad35-GRIN given intramuscularly, followed by boosting with a higher
      dose SeV-Gag given intranasally (ASH); and priming and boosting with a higher
      dose SeV-Gag given intranasally (SHSH). RESULTS:  All vaccine regimens were well
      tolerated. Gag-specific IFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunospot-determined response
      rates and geometric mean responses were higher (96% and 248 spot-forming units,
      respectively) in groups primed with SeV-Gag and boosted with Ad35-GRIN (SLA and
      SHA) than those after a single dose of Ad35-GRIN (56% and 54 spot-forming units,
      respectively) or SeV-Gag (55% and 59 spot-forming units, respectively); responses
      persisted for >=8 months after completion of the prime-boost regimen. Functional
      CD8+ T-cell responses with greater breadth, magnitude, and frequency in a viral
      inhibition assay were also seen in the SLA and SHA groups after Ad35-GRIN boost,
      compared with those who received either vaccine alone. SeV-Gag did not boost T
      cell counts in the ASH group. In contrast, the highest Gag-specific antibody
      titers were seen in the ASH group. Mucosal antibody responses were sporadic.
      CONCLUSIONS:  SeV-Gag primed functional, durable HIV-specific T-cell responses
      and boosted antibody responses. The prime-boost sequence appears to determine
      which arm of the immune response is stimulated. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: 
      NCT01705990.

PMID- 28077591
TI  - Critical Microbiological View of SER-109.

PMID- 28077592
TI  - Reply to Lagier et al.

PMID- 28077593
TI  - Wu et al (J Infect Dis 2016; 214[suppl 3]:S326-32).

PMID- 28077594
TI  - The N-linking glycosylation system from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is
      required for adhesion and has potential use in glycoengineering.
AB  - Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is a mucosal respiratory pathogen causing
      contagious porcine pleuropneumonia. Pathogenesis studies have demonstrated a
      major role for the capsule, exotoxins and outer membrane proteins. Actinobacillus
      pleuropneumoniae can also glycosylate proteins, using a cytoplasmic N-linked
      glycosylating enzyme designated NGT, but its transcriptional arrangement and role
      in virulence remains unknown. We investigated the NGT locus and demonstrated that
      the putative transcriptional unit consists of rimO, ngt and a glycosyltransferase
      termed agt. From this information we used the A. pleuropneumoniae glycosylation
      locus to decorate an acceptor protein, within Escherichia coli, with a hexose
      polymer that reacted with an anti-dextran antibody. Mass spectrometry analysis of
      a truncated protein revealed that this operon could add up to 29 repeat units to
      the appropriate sequon. We demonstrated the importance of NGT in virulence, by
      creating deletion mutants and testing them in a novel respiratory cell line
      adhesion model. This study demonstrates the importance of the NGT glycosylation
      system for pathogenesis and its potential biotechnological application for
      glycoengineering.

PMID- 28077596
TI  - The neuroendocrine immunomodulatory axis-like pathway mediated by circulating
      haemocytes in pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas.
AB  - The neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) regulatory network is a complex system, which
      plays an indispensable role in the immunity of host. In this study, a
      neuroendocrine immunomodulatory axis (NIA)-like pathway mediated by the nervous
      system and haemocytes was characterized in the oyster Crassostrea gigas Once
      invaded pathogen was recognized by the host, the nervous system would temporally
      release neurotransmitters to modulate the immune response. Instead of acting
      passively, oyster haemocytes were able to mediate neuronal immunomodulation
      promptly by controlling the expression of specific neurotransmitter receptors on
      cell surface and modulating their binding sensitivities, thus regulating
      intracellular concentration of Ca2+ This neural immunomodulation mediated by the
      nervous system and haemocytes could influence cellular immunity in oyster by
      affecting mRNA expression level of TNF genes, and humoral immunity by affecting
      the activities of key immune-related enzymes. In summary, though simple in
      structure, the 'nervous-haemocyte' NIA-like pathway regulates both cellular and
      humoral immunity in oyster, meaning a world to the effective immune regulation of
      the NEI network.

PMID- 28077595
TI  - Long non-coding RNA LINC00152 promotes gallbladder cancer metastasis and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating HIF-1alpha via miR-138.
AB  - Long non-coding RNA LINC00152 had been reported as an oncogene in gastric and
      hepatocellular cancer. In this study, we show that LINC00152 is overexpressed in
      gallbladder cancer (GBC) tissue samples and cell lines. The high LINC00152 levels
      correlated negatively with the overall survival time in GBC patients.
      Functionally, LINC00152 dramatically promoted cell migration, invasion and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression in vitro. In vivo, LINC00152
      overexpression significantly promoted tumour peritoneal spreading and metastasis.
      Mechanistic analyses indicated that LINC00152 functions as a molecular sponge for
      miR-138, which directly suppresses the expression of hypoxia inducible factor
      1alpha (HIF-1alpha). We revealed that miR-138 is a suppressor of GBC cell
      metastasis and EMT progression, and a similar phenomenon was observed in HIF
      1alpha knockdown NOZ cells. Through binding to miR-138, LINC00152 has an
      oncogenic effect on GBC. Overall, our study suggested that the LINC00152/miR
      138/HIF-1alpha pathway potentiates the progression of GBC, and LINC00152 may be a
      novel therapeutic target.

PMID- 28077597
TI  - Muscle developmental defects in heterogeneous nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A1
      knockout mice.
AB  - Heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) is crucial for regulating
      alternative splicing. Its integrated function within an organism has not,
      however, been identified. We generated hnRNP A1 knockout mice to study the role
      of hnRNP A1 in vivo The knockout mice, hnRNP A1-/-, showed embryonic lethality
      because of muscle developmental defects. The blood pressure and heart rate of the
      heterozygous mice were higher than those of the wild-type mice, indicating heart
      function defects. We performed mouse exon arrays to study the muscle development
      mechanism. The processes regulated by hnRNP A1 included cell adhesion and muscle
      contraction. The expression levels of muscle development-related genes in hnRNP
      A1+/- mice were significantly different from those in wild-type mice, as detected
      using qRT-PCR. We further confirmed the alternative splicing patterns of muscle
      development-related genes including mef2c, lrrfip1, usp28 and abcc9 Alternative
      mRNA isoforms of these genes were increased in hnRNP A1+/- mice compared with
      wild-type mice. Furthermore, we revealed that the functionally similar hnRNP
      A2/B1 did not compensate for the expression of hnRNP A1 in organisms. In summary,
      our study demonstrated that hnRNP A1 plays a critical and irreplaceable role in
      embryonic muscle development by regulating the expression and alternative
      splicing of muscle-related genes.

PMID- 28077599
TI  - BLT1 Mediates Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis Independently of Neutrophils and
      CD4+ T Cells.
AB  - Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and its functional receptor BLT1 are closely involved in
      tissue inflammation by primarily mediating leukocyte recruitment and activation.
      Elevated LTB4 was reported in patients with lung fibrosis; however, the role of
      the LTB4/BLT1 axis in lung fibrosis remains unknown. In this study, we
      demonstrated that BLT1-/- mice exhibited significantly attenuated bleomycin (BLM)
      induced lung fibrosis. Interestingly, BLT1 blockade with its specific antagonist
      U75302 in the acute injury phase (days 0-10 after BLM treatment) significantly
      attenuated lung fibrosis, which was accompanied by significant decreases in early
      infiltrating neutrophils and later infiltrating CD4+ T cells and the production
      of TGF-beta, IL-13, and IL-17A. In contrast, BLT1 blockade in the fibrotic phase
      (days 10-21 after BLM treatment) had no effect on lung fibrosis and TGF-beta
      production, although it significantly decreased CD4+ T cell infiltration.
      Furthermore, depletion of neutrophils or CD4+ T cells had no effect on BLM
      induced lung fibrosis, suggesting the independence of profibrotic activity of the
      LTB4/BLT1 axis on BLT1-dependent lung recruitment of these two leukocytes.
      Finally, although BLT1 blockade had no effect on the recruitment and phenotype of
      macrophages in BLM-induced lung fibrosis, the LTB4/BLT1 axis could promote TGF
      beta production by macrophages stimulated with BLM or supernatants from BLM
      exposed airway epithelial cells in an autocrine manner, which further induced
      collagen secretion by lung fibroblasts. Collectively, our study demonstrates that
      the LTB4/BLT1 axis plays a critical role in acute injury phase to promote BLM
      induced lung fibrosis, and it suggests that early interruption of the LTB4/BLT1
      axis in some inflammatory diseases could prevent the later development of tissue
      fibrosis.

PMID- 28077598
TI  - Notch Ligand Delta-like 4 Promotes Regulatory T Cell Identity in Pulmonary Viral
      Infection.
AB  - Regulatory T (Treg) cells establish tolerance, prevent inflammation at mucosal
      surfaces, and regulate immunopathology during infectious responses. Recent
      studies have shown that Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) was upregulated on APC after
      respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and its inhibition leads to
      exaggerated immunopathology. In the present study, we outline the role of Dll4 in
      Treg cell differentiation, stability, and function in RSV infection. We found
      that Dll4 was expressed on CD11b+ pulmonary dendritic cells in the lung and
      draining lymph nodes in wild-type BALB/c mice after RSV infection. Dll4
      neutralization exacerbated RSV-induced disease pathology, mucus production, group
      2 innate lymphoid cell infiltration, IL-5 and IL-13 production, as well as IL
      17A+ CD4 T cells. Dll4 inhibition decreased the abundance of CD62LhiCD44loFoxp3+
      central Treg cells in draining lymph nodes. The RSV-induced disease was
      accompanied by an increase in Th17-like effector phenotype in Foxp3+ Treg cells
      and a decrease in granzyme B expression after Dll4 blockade. Finally, Dll4
      exposed induced Treg cells maintained the CD62LhiCD44lo central Treg cell
      phenotype, had increased Foxp3 expression, became more suppressive, and were
      resistant to Th17 skewing in vitro. These results suggest that Dll4 activation
      during differentiation sustained Treg cell phenotype and function to control RSV
      infection.

PMID- 28077600
TI  - Ibrutinib Therapy Increases T Cell Repertoire Diversity in Patients with Chronic
      Lymphocytic Leukemia.
AB  - The Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib is a highly effective, new
      targeted therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that thwarts leukemia
      cell survival, growth, and tissue homing. The effects of ibrutinib treatment on
      the T cell compartment, which is clonally expanded and thought to support the
      growth of malignant B cells in CLL, are not fully characterized. Using next
      generation sequencing technology, we characterized the diversity of TCRbeta
      chains in peripheral blood T cells from 15 CLL patients before and after 1 y of
      ibrutinib therapy. We noted elevated CD4+ and CD8+ T cell numbers and a
      restricted TCRbeta repertoire in all pretreatment samples. After 1 y of ibrutinib
      therapy, elevated peripheral blood T cell numbers and T cell-related cytokine
      levels had normalized, and T cell repertoire diversity increased significantly.
      Dominant TCRbeta clones in pretreatment samples declined or became undetectable,
      and the number of productive unique clones increased significantly during
      ibrutinib therapy, with the emergence of large numbers of low-frequency TCRbeta
      clones. Importantly, broader TCR repertoire diversity was associated with
      clinical efficacy and lower rates of infections during ibrutinib therapy. These
      data demonstrate that ibrutinib therapy increases diversification of the T cell
      compartment in CLL patients, which contributes to cellular immune reconstitution.

PMID- 28077601
TI  - A New RNA-Based Adjuvant Enhances Virus-Specific Vaccine Responses by Locally
      Triggering TLR- and RLH-Dependent Effects.
AB  - Among innovative adjuvants conferring a Th1-shift, RNAdjuvant is a promising
      candidate. This adjuvant consists of a 547-nt uncapped noncoding ssRNA containing
      polyU repeats that is stabilized by a cationic carrier peptide. Whereas
      vaccination of mice with an influenza subunit vaccine induced moderate virus
      specific IgG1, vaccination together with RNAdjuvant significantly enhanced this
      IgG1 and additionally promoted the formation of IgG2b/c, which is indicative of
      Th1 responses. Furthermore, such sera neutralized influenza virus, whereas this
      effect was not detected upon vaccination with the subunit vaccine alone.
      Similarly, upon vaccination with virus-like particles displaying vesicular
      stomatitis virus G protein, RNAdjuvant promoted the formation of virus-specific
      IgG2b/c and enhanced neutralizing IgG responses to an extent that mice were
      protected against lethal virus infection. RNAdjuvant induced dendritic cells to
      upregulate activation markers and produce IFN-I. Although these effects were
      strictly TLR7 dependent, RNAdjuvant-mediated augmentation of vaccine responses
      needed concurrent TLR and RIG-I-like helicase signaling. This was indicated by
      the absence of the adjuvant effect in vaccinated MyD88-/-Cardif-/- mice, which
      are devoid of TLR (with the exception of TLR3) and RIG-I-like helicase signaling,
      whereas in vaccinated MyD88-/- mice the adjuvant effect was reduced. Notably,
      i.m. RNAdjuvant injection induced local IFN-I responses and did not induce
      systemic effects, implying good tolerability and a favorable safety profile for
      RNAdjuvant.

PMID- 28077602
TI  - Diagnoses of sexual abuse and their common registered comorbidities in the total
      population of Stockholm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior research based on self-reports has proven sexual abuse to be a
      risk factor for pain and psychiatric disorders. However, less is known about how
      this is reflected within the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to
      study the 2-year prevalence of diagnosis of sexual abuse and concomitant
      conditions. METHODS: Using data from VAL, the study population included all
      living persons in Stockholm County, Sweden, between 1 January 2008 and 31
      December 2014 (N=2 549 496). Diagnoses of sexual abuse were identified during
      2013-2014, with information on the concomitant conditions somatic pain,
      depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders, stress disorders
      and alcohol and substance abuse. All diagnoses were prospectively registered. Age
      and neighbourhood socioeconomic status-adjusted ORs with 95% CIs for individuals
      with a diagnosis of sexual abuse, using individuals without sexual abuse as
      referents, were calculated. RESULTS: Girls at the ages 13-17 years had the
      highest 2-year prevalence (0.69%) of sexual abuse followed by girls 5-12 years
      (0.11%), and girls 0-4 years (0.04%). For women 45 years and older the 2-year
      prevalence rates were substantially lower (0.008-0.004%). The highest 2-year
      prevalence of sexual abuse in men was seen in boys 5-12 (0.03%) years. The total
      2-year prevalence of diagnoses of sexual abuse among the population in the
      material was 0.04%. The highest ORs of comorbidities for girls (ages 0-17 years)
      with sexual abuse versus those without sexual abuse were: Stress disorder; 15.7
      (13.1 to 18.9), drug abuse; 10.0 (7.7 to 13.0), and alcohol abuse; 9.7(7.8 to
      12.0). For boys (ages 0-17 years), the highest ORs of comorbidities were: Stress
      disorder 12.4 (6.0 to 25.7), anxiety disorders; 5.5 (2.6 to 11.5), and alcohol
      abuse; 3.9 (1.4 to 11.3). The highest ORs of comorbidities for women (18-) with
      sexual abuse versus those without sexual abuse were: alcohol abuse; 19.3 (12.6 to
      29.6), drug abuse; 16.7 (10.7 to 26.1) and psychotic disorders; 15.3 (8.0 to
      29.4). For men (18-) the highest ORs of comorbidities were: alcohol abuse; 25.8
      (15.2 to 43.9), anxiety disorders; 14.3 (8.5 to 24.2) stress disorder; 12.9 (7.5
      to 22.1) and drug abuse; 12.9 (6.9 to 24.1). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnoses of drug and
      alcohol abuse, psychotic, bipolar, stress anxiety disorders, depression and
      somatic pain are more common among individuals with a diagnosis of sexual abuse
      than among individuals without a diagnosis of sexual abuse.

PMID- 28077603
TI  - Influence of focus of attention, reinvestment and fall history on elderly gait
      stability.
AB  - Falls represent a substantial risk in the elderly. Previous studies have found
      that a focus on the outcome or effect of the movement (external focus of
      attention) leads to improved balance performance, whereas a focus on the movement
      execution itself (internal focus of attention) impairs balance performance in
      elderly. A shift toward more conscious, explicit forms of motor control occurs
      when existing declarative knowledge is recruited in motor control, a phenomenon
      called reinvestment. We investigated the effects of attentional focus and
      reinvestment on gait stability in elderly fallers and nonfallers. Full body
      kinematics was collected from twenty-eight healthy older adults walking on a
      treadmill, while focus of attention was manipulated through instruction.
      Participants also filled out the Movement Specific Reinvestment Scale (MSRS) and
      the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), and provided details about their
      fall history. Coefficients of Variation (CV) of spatiotemporal gait parameters
      and Local Divergence Exponents (LDE) were calculated as measures of gait
      variability and gait stability, respectively. Larger stance time CV and LDE
      (decreased gait stability) were found for fallers compared to nonfallers. No
      significant effect of attentional focus was found for the gait parameters, and no
      significant relation between MSRS score (reinvestment) and fall history was
      found. We conclude that external attention to the walking surface does not lead
      to improved gait stability in elderly. Potential benefits of an external focus of
      attention might not apply to gait, because walking movements are not geared
      toward achieving a distinct environmental effect.

PMID- 28077606
TI  - Correction to: Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation Lowers Blood Pressure in Humans:
      Role for Nitrite-Derived NO.

PMID- 28077607
TI  - Anatomy of Mdm2 and Mdm4 in evolution.
AB  - Mouse double minute (Mdm) genes span an evolutionary timeframe from the ancient
      eukaryotic placozoa Trichoplax adhaerens to Homo sapiens, implying a significant
      and possibly conserved cellular role throughout history. Maintenance of DNA
      integrity and response to DNA damage involve many key regulatory pathways,
      including precise control over the tumour suppressor protein p53. In most
      vertebrates, degradation of p53 through proteasomal targeting is primarily
      mediated by heterodimers of Mdm2 and the Mdm2-related protein Mdm4 (also known as
      MdmX). Both Mdm2 and Mdm4 have p53-binding regions, acidic domains, zinc fingers,
      and C-terminal RING domains that are conserved throughout evolution. Vertebrates
      typically have both Mdm2 and Mdm4 genes, while analyses of sequenced genomes of
      invertebrate species have identified single Mdm genes, suggesting that a
      duplication event occurred prior to emergence of jawless vertebrates about 550
      440 million years ago. The functional relationship between Mdm and p53 in T.
      adhaerens, an organism that has existed for 1 billion years, implies that these
      two proteins have evolved together to maintain a conserved and regulated
      function.

PMID- 28077604
TI  - The mitochondrial DNA content of cumulus granulosa cells is linked to embryo
      quality.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Could the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of cumulus granulosa
      cells (CGCs) be related to oocyte competence? SUMMARY ANSWER: The quality of
      embryos obtained during IVF procedures appears to be linked to mtDNA copy numbers
      in the CGCs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Oocyte quality is linked to oocyte mtDNA
      content in the human and other species, and the mtDNA copy number of the oocyte
      is related to that of the corresponding CGCs. Moreover, the quantification of CGC
      mtDNA has recently been proposed as a biomarker of embryo viability. STUDY DESIGN
      SIZE, DURATION: An observational study was performed on 452 oocyte-cumulus
      complexes retrieved from 62 patients undergoing ICSI at the ART Center of the
      University Hospital of Angers, France, from January to May 2015.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The average mtDNA content of CGCs was
      assessed by using a quantitative real-time PCR technique. The relationship
      between CGC mtDNA content and oocyte maturity and fertilizability, on one hand,
      and embryo quality, on the other, was investigated using univariate and
      multivariate generalized models with fixed and mixed effects. MAIN RESULTS AND
      THE ROLE OF CHANCE: No relationship was found between CGC mtDNA content and
      oocyte maturity or fertilizability. In contrast, there was a significant link
      between the content of mtDNA in CGCs surrounding an oocyte and the embryo
      quality, with significantly higher mtDNA copy numbers being associated with good
      quality embryos compared with fair or poor quality embryos [interquartile range,
      respectively, 738 (250-1228) and 342 (159-818); P = 0.006]. However, the
      indication provided by the quantification of CGC mtDNA concerning the eventuality
      of good embryo quality was seriously subject to patient effect (AUC = 0.806,
      95%CI = 0.719-0.869). The quantity of CGC mtDNA was influenced by BMI and
      smoking. LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: The
      quantification of CGC mtDNA may indicate embryo quality. However, since it is
      affected by patient specificity, it should be used with caution. It remains to be
      seen whether this marker could directly predict the implantation capacity of the
      embryo, which is the main objective in IVF practice. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE
      FINDINGS: Our study suggests that the quantification of CGC mtDNA may be a novel
      biomarker of embryo viability. However, patient specificity makes it impossible
      to establish a general threshold value, valid for all patients. Nevertheless,
      further studies are needed to determine whether the quantification of CGC mtDNA
      may, in combination with the morpho-kinetic method, offer an additional criterion
      for selecting the best embryo for transfer from a given cohort. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by the University Hospital
      of Angers, the University of Angers, France, and the French national research
      centres INSERM and the CNRS. There were no competing interests.

PMID- 28077608
TI  - 'Holiday sickness'-reported exploratory outcome of over 500 United Kingdom
      holidaymakers with travellers' diarrhoea.
AB  - AIMS: To ascertain any predictors of potential food poisoning pathogens and
      development of post-infective irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in UK travellers. An
      analysis was undertaken on prospectively collected data on 527 patients reporting
      symptoms of suspected food poisoning between June 2012 and June 2015. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Positive stool sample indicative of food poisoning pathogens
      and diagnosis of post-infective IBS. RESULTS: Data on 527 patients were examined.
      The large majority of patients did not provide a stool sample on return from
      holiday (n = 430, 81.6%) as few visited a Doctor locally or in the UK. Only 18
      patients (18.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 11.4-27.7) who provided a stool
      sample were positive for microbiological food poisoning pathogens. Univariate
      analysis indicated a significant relationship between a positive stool sample and
      whether the individual sought any medical assistance at the resort (odds ratio
      [OR] 0.24, 95% CI 0.08-0.70) and whether they took any treatment (including self
      medicated), (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.67). Of the 527 patients only 30 (5.7%, 95%
      CI 3.9-8.1) experienced post-infective IBS. Univariate regression indicated a
      significant relationship between experiencing Per Rectal (PR) bleeding and a
      diagnosis of post-infective IBS (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.00-10.49). Univariate
      regression also indicated an increase in the risk of developing post-infective
      IBS with increasing duration of symptoms (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.05). No
      significant relationship was found between a positive stool sample and developing
      post-infective IBS (P = 0.307). CONCLUSIONS: Very few patients provide a stool
      sample after experiencing holiday sickness abroad. Of those that do, only a small
      proportion have a positive stool sample indicative of a food poisoning
      microorganism. Around 6% of individuals were diagnosed with post-infective IBS.
      Those individuals with PR bleeding and symptoms persisting for longer durations
      were significantly more at risk of developing post-infective IBS, whilst medical
      aid and treatment abroad was found to reduce the odds of a positive stool sample.

PMID- 28077610
TI  - Seroprevalence of Toxocariasis in Children with Urticaria: A Population-based
      Study.
AB  - Objective: This study described the prevalence of IgG class antibodies against
      Toxocara spp. and their association with urticaria in 2- to 12-year-old children.
      Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between May
      2012 and September 2014. The study sample comprised 168 children. Blood samples
      were collected to verify the presence of toxocariasis by using ELISA to detect
      IgG antibodies. The guardians of the children were interviewed to characterize
      the presence or absence of other diseases, such as urticaria. Results: The
      presence of urticaria was observed in 38% of participants. The seroprevalence of
      toxocariasis in this population was 16%. This study confirmed a positive
      association between urticaria and positive serology for Toxocara and a negative
      independent association with canine contact and the number of household
      residents. Conclusions: There are no previous reports in the literature of a
      population-based study that correlates the presence of urticaria with serology
      for toxocariasis.

PMID- 28077611
TI  - Umbilical Venous Catheter Versus Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter in
      Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - : Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and umbilical venous catheter
      (UVC) in terms of success rate, complications, cost and time of insertion in
      neonatal intensive care were compared. Neonates requiring vascular access for
      minimum 7 days were included. Sample size of 72 per group was determined. Trial
      was registered at Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2015/02/005529).
      Success rates of the UVC and PICC were 68.1% and 65.3%, respectively (p = 0.724).
      Mean (SD) time needed for PICC and UVC insertion was 34.13 (34.69) and 28.31
      (17.19) min, respectively (p = 0.205). Mean (SD) cost of PICC insertion vs. UVC
      insertion was 60.9 (8.6) vs. 11.9 (8.7) US dollars (p < 0.0001). Commonest cause
      for failure of UVC was displacement [6 (8.3%)] and that for PICC was blockage [9
      (12.5%)]. CONCLUSIONS: UVC is a cheaper alternative to PICC, with similar success
      rate, short-term complications and time needed for insertion.

PMID- 28077609
TI  - Travellers and influenza: risks and prevention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza viruses are among the major causes of serious human
      respiratory tract infection worldwide. In line with the high disease burden
      attributable to influenza, these viruses play an important, but often neglected,
      role in travel medicine. Guidelines and recommendations regarding prevention and
      management of influenza in travellers are scarce. Of special interest for travel
      medicine are risk populations and also circumstances that facilitate influenza
      virus transmission and spread, like travel by airplane or cruise ship and mass
      gatherings. METHODS: We conducted a PUBMED/MEDLINE search for a combination of
      the MeSH terms Influenza virus, travel, mass gathering, large scale events and
      cruise ship. In addition we gathered guidelines and recommendations from selected
      countries and regarding influenza prevention and management in travellers. By
      reviewing these search results in the light of published knowledge in the fields
      of influenza prevention and management, we present best practice advice for the
      prevention and management of influenza in travel medicine. RESULTS: Seasonal
      influenza is among the most prevalent infectious diseases in travellers. Known
      host-associated risk factors include extremes of age and being immune
      compromised, while the most relevant environmental factors are associated with
      holiday cruises and mass gatherings. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-travel advice should
      address influenza and its prevention for travellers, whenever appropriate on the
      basis of the epidemiological situation concerned. Preventative measures should be
      strongly recommended for travellers at high-risk for developing complications. In
      addition, seasonal influenza vaccination should be considered for any traveller
      wishing to reduce the risk of incapacitation, particularly cruise ship crew and
      passengers, as well as those participating in mass gatherings. Besides advice
      concerning preventive measures and vaccination, advice on the use of antivirals
      may be considered for some travellers.

PMID- 28077612
TI  - Professor Neil Pride.

PMID- 28077614
TI  - Occupational exposure to pesticides: time to nip it in the bud?

PMID- 28077615
TI  - Treatment decisions for MRSA in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF): when is
      enough, enough?

PMID- 28077613
TI  - Socioeconomic deprivation and the outcome of pulmonary rehabilitation in England
      and Wales.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves exercise capacity and health
      status in patients with COPD, but many patients assessed for PR do not complete
      therapy. It is unknown whether socioeconomic deprivation associates with rates of
      completion of PR or the magnitude of clinical benefits bequeathed by PR. METHODS:
      PR services across England and Wales enrolled patients to the National PR audit
      in 2015. Deprivation was assessed using Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)
      derived from postcodes. Study outcomes were completion of therapy and change in
      measures of exercise performance and health status. Univariate and multivariate
      analyses investigated associations between IMD and these outcomes. RESULTS: 210
      PR programmes enrolled 7413 patients. Compared with the general population, the
      PR sample lived in relatively deprived neighbourhoods. There was a statistically
      significant association between rates of completion of PR and quintile of
      deprivation (70% in the least and 50% in the most deprived quintiles). After
      baseline adjustments, the risk ratio (95% CI) for patients in the most deprived
      relative to the least deprived quintile was 0.79 (0.73 to 0.85), p<0.001. After
      baseline adjustments, IMD was not significantly associated with improvements in
      exercise performance and health status. CONCLUSIONS: In a large national dataset,
      we have shown that patients living in more deprived areas are less likely to
      complete PR. However, deprivation was not associated with clinical outcomes in
      patients who complete therapy. Interventions targeted at enhancing referral,
      uptake and completion of PR among patients living in deprived areas could reduce
      morbidity and healthcare costs in such hard-to-reach populations.

PMID- 28077616
TI  - Different modes of enhancer-specific regulation by Runt and Even-skipped during
      Drosophila segmentation.
AB  - The initial metameric expression of the Drosophila sloppy paired 1 (slp1) gene is
      controlled by two distinct cis-regulatory DNA elements that interact in a
      nonadditive manner to integrate inputs from transcription factors encoded by the
      pair-rule segmentation genes. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation on
      reporter genes containing these elements in different embryonic genotypes to
      investigate the mechanism of their regulation. The distal early stripe element
      (DESE) mediates both activation and repression by Runt. We find that the
      differential response of DESE to Runt is due to an inhibitory effect of Fushi
      tarazu (Ftz) on P-TEFb recruitment and the regulation of RNA polymerase II (Pol
      II) pausing. The proximal early stripe element (PESE) is also repressed by Runt,
      but in this case, Runt prevents PESE-dependent Pol II recruitment and
      preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly. PESE is also repressed by Even-skipped
      (Eve), but, of interest, this repression involves regulation of P-TEFb
      recruitment and promoter-proximal Pol II pausing. These results demonstrate that
      the mode of slp1 repression by Runt is enhancer specific, whereas the mode of
      repression of the slp1 PESE enhancer is transcription factor specific. We propose
      a model based on these differential regulatory interactions that accounts for the
      nonadditive interactions between the PESE and DESE enhancers during Drosophila
      segmentation.

PMID- 28077617
TI  - Calcineurin, the Ca2+-dependent phosphatase, regulates Rga2, a Cdc42 GTPase
      activating protein, to modulate pheromone signaling.
AB  - Calcineurin, the conserved Ca2+/calmodulin-activated phosphatase, is required for
      viability during prolonged exposure to pheromone and acts through multiple
      substrates to down-regulate yeast pheromone signaling. Calcineurin regulates Dig2
      and Rod1/Art4 to inhibit mating-induced gene expression and activate receptor
      internalization, respectively. Recent systematic approaches identified Rga2, a
      GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for the Cdc42 Rho-type GTPase, as a calcineurin
      substrate. Here we establish a physiological context for this regulation and show
      that calcineurin dephosphorylates and positively regulates Rga2 during pheromone
      signaling. Mating factor activates the Fus3/MAPK kinase, whose substrates induce
      gene expression, cell cycle arrest, and formation of the mating projection. Our
      studies demonstrate that Fus3 also phosphorylates Rga2 at inhibitory S/TP sites,
      which are targeted by Cdks during the cell cycle, and that calcineurin opposes
      Fus3 to activate Rga2 and decrease Cdc42 signaling. Yeast expressing an Rga2
      mutant that is defective for regulation by calcineurin display increased gene
      expression in response to pheromone. This work is the first to identify cross
      talk between Ca2+/calcineurin and Cdc42 signaling and to demonstrate modulation
      of Cdc42 activity through a GAP during mating.

PMID- 28077618
TI  - Mechanism of nuclear movements in a multinucleated cell.
AB  - Multinucleated cells are important in many organisms, but the mechanisms
      governing the movements of nuclei sharing a common cytoplasm are not understood.
      In the hyphae of the plant pathogenic fungus Ashbya gossypii, nuclei move back
      and forth, occasionally bypassing each other, preventing the formation of nuclear
      clusters. This is essential for genetic stability. These movements depend on
      cytoplasmic microtubules emanating from the nuclei that are pulled by dynein
      motors anchored at the cortex. Using three-dimensional stochastic simulations
      with parameters constrained by the literature, we predict the cortical anchor
      density from the characteristics of nuclear movements. The model accounts for the
      complex nuclear movements seen in vivo, using a minimal set of experimentally
      determined ingredients. Of interest, these ingredients power the oscillations of
      the anaphase spindle in budding yeast, but in A. gossypii, this system is not
      restricted to a specific nuclear cycle stage, possibly as a result of adaptation
      to hyphal growth and multinuclearity.

PMID- 28077619
TI  - Relative importance of betacyto- and gammacyto-actin in primary mouse embryonic
      fibroblasts.
AB  - The highly homologous beta (betacyto) and gamma (gammacyto) cytoplasmic actins
      are hypothesized to carry out both redundant and unique essential functions, but
      studies using targeted gene knockout and siRNA-mediated transcript knockdown to
      examine betacyto- and gammacyto-isoform--specific functions in various cell types
      have yielded conflicting data. Here we quantitatively characterized actin
      transcript and protein levels, as well as cellular phenotypes, in both gene- and
      transcript-targeted primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We found that the smooth
      muscle alphasm-actin isoform was the dominantly expressed actin isoform in WT
      primary fibroblasts and was also the most dramatically up-regulated in primary
      betacyto- or beta/gammacyto-actin double-knockout fibroblasts. Gene targeting of
      betacyto-actin, but not gammacyto-actin, led to greatly decreased cell
      proliferation, decreased levels of cellular ATP, and increased serum response
      factor signaling in primary fibroblasts, whereas immortalization induced by SV40
      large T antigen supported fibroblast proliferation in the absence of betacyto
      actin. Consistent with in vivo gene-targeting studies in mice, both gene- and
      transcript-targeting approaches demonstrate that the loss of betacyto-actin
      protein is more disruptive to primary fibroblast function than is the loss of
      gammacyto-actin.

PMID- 28077620
TI  - Mitogen-induced distinct epialleles are phosphorylated at either H3S10 or H3S28,
      depending on H3K27 acetylation.
AB  - Stimulation of the MAPK pathway results in mitogen- and stress-activated protein
      kinase 1/2 (MSK1/2)-catalyzed phosphorylation of histone H3 at serine 10 or 28
      and expression of immediate-early (IE) genes. In 10T1/2 mouse fibroblasts,
      phosphorylation of H3S10 and H3S28 occurs on different H3 molecules and in
      different nuclear regions. Similarly, we show that mitogen-induced H3S10 and
      H3S28 phosphorylation occurs in separate pools in human primary fibroblasts. High
      resolution imaging studies on both cell types reveal that H3S10 and H3S28
      phosphorylation events can be induced in a single cell but on different alleles,
      giving rise to H3S10ph and H3S28ph epialleles. Coimmunoprecipitation and
      inhibition studies demonstrate that CBP/p300-mediated H3K27 acetylation is
      required for MSK1/2 to phosphorylate S28. Although the K9ac and S10ph marks
      coexist on H3, S10 phosphorylation is not dependent on K9 acetylation by PCAF. We
      propose that random targeting of H3S10 or H3S28 results from the stochastic
      acetylation of H3 by CBP/p300 or PCAF, a process comparable to transcriptional
      bursting causing temporary allelic imbalance. In 10T1/2 cells expressing Jun, at
      least two of three alleles per cell were induced, a sign of high expression
      level. The redundant roles of H3S10ph and H3S28ph might enable rapid and
      efficient IE gene induction.

PMID- 28077621
TI  - Functional redundancy and nonredundancy between two Troponin C isoforms in
      Drosophila adult muscles.
AB  - We investigated the functional overlap of two muscle Troponin C (TpnC) genes that
      are expressed in the adult fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster: TpnC4 is
      predominantly expressed in the indirect flight muscles (IFMs), whereas TpnC41C is
      the main isoform in the tergal depressor of the trochanter muscle (TDT; jump
      muscle). Using CRISPR/Cas9, we created a transgenic line with a homozygous
      deletion of TpnC41C and compared its phenotype to a line lacking functional TpnC4
      We found that the removal of either of these genes leads to expression of the
      other isoform in both muscle types. The switching between isoforms occurs at the
      transcriptional level and involves minimal enhancers located upstream of the
      transcription start points of each gene. Functionally, the two TpnC isoforms were
      not equal. Although ectopic TpnC4 in TDT muscles was able to maintain jumping
      ability, TpnC41C in IFMs could not effectively support flying. Simultaneous
      functional disruption of both TpnC genes resulted in jump-defective and
      flightless phenotypes of the survivors, as well as abnormal sarcomere
      organization. These results indicated that TpnC is required for myofibril
      assembly, and that there is functional specialization among TpnC isoforms in
      Drosophila.

PMID- 28077622
TI  - Ciliary entry of KIF17 is dependent on its binding to the IFT-B complex via IFT46
      IFT56 as well as on its nuclear localization signal.
AB  - Cilia function as cellular antennae to sense and transduce extracellular signals.
      A number of proteins are specifically localized in cilia. Anterograde and
      retrograde ciliary protein trafficking are mediated by the IFT-B and IFT-A
      complexes in concert with kinesin-2 and dynein-2 motors, respectively. However,
      the role of KIF17, a homodimeric kinesin-2 protein, in protein trafficking has
      not been fully understood in vertebrate cilia. In this study, we demonstrated, by
      using the visible immunoprecipitation assay, that KIF17 interacts with the IFT46
      IFT56 dimer in the IFT-B complex through its C-terminal sequence located
      immediately upstream of the nuclear localization signal (NLS). We then showed
      that KIF17 reaches the ciliary tip independently of its motor domain and requires
      IFT-B binding for its entry into cilia rather than for its intraciliary
      trafficking. We further showed that KIF17 ciliary entry depends not only on its
      binding to IFT-B but also on its NLS, to which importin alpha proteins bind.
      Taking the results together, we conclude that in mammalian cells, KIF17 is
      dispensable for ciliogenesis and IFT-B trafficking but requires IFT-B, as well as
      its NLS, for its ciliary entry across the permeability barrier located at the
      ciliary base.

PMID- 28077623
TI  - A Quality Improvement Project to Decrease Human Milk Errors in the NICU.
AB  - BACKGROUD AND OBJECTIVE: Ensuring safe human milk in the NICU is a complex
      process with many potential points for error, of which one of the most serious is
      administration of the wrong milk to the wrong infant. Our objective was to
      describe a quality improvement initiative that was associated with a reduction in
      human milk administration errors identified over a 6-year period in a typical,
      large NICU setting. METHODS: We employed a quasi-experimental time series quality
      improvement initiative by using tools from the model for improvement, Six Sigma
      methodology, and evidence-based interventions. Scanned errors were identified
      from the human milk barcode medication administration system. Scanned errors of
      interest were wrong-milk-to-wrong-infant, expired-milk, or preparation errors.
      The scanned error rate and the impact of additional improvement interventions
      from 2009 to 2015 were monitored by using statistical process control charts.
      RESULTS: From 2009 to 2015, the total number of errors scanned declined from 97.1
      per 1000 bottles to 10.8. Specifically, the number of expired milk error scans
      declined from 84.0 per 1000 bottles to 8.9. The number of preparation errors (4.8
      per 1000 bottles to 2.2) and wrong-milk-to-wrong-infant errors scanned (8.3 per
      1000 bottles to 2.0) also declined. CONCLUSIONS: By reducing the number of errors
      scanned, the number of opportunities for errors also decreased. Interventions
      that likely had the greatest impact on reducing the number of scanned errors
      included installation of bedside (versus centralized) scanners and dedicated
      staff to handle milk.

PMID- 28077624
TI  - The Continuing Rise of Gun Violence in PG-13 Movies, 1985 to 2015.

PMID- 28077625
TI  - Radiotherapy for localized gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma:
      long-term outcomes over 10 years.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of radiotherapy in patients
      with localized gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Twenty
      seven patients with Stage I gastric MALT lymphoma were treated with radiotherapy
      from 1999 to 2010. The median age was 65 years (range: 31-84). Fifteen patients
      were Helicobacter pylori-negative. Thirteen patients were treated with definitive
      radiotherapy alone. The other 14 patients who had refractory or residual disease
      following a prior treatment received salvage radiotherapy. The median dose of the
      radiotherapy was 30 Gy in 20 fractions (range: 30-39.5 Gy). The median follow-up
      period was 121 months (range: 8-176 months). The 5- and 10-year overall survival
      rates for all patients were 92% and 87%, respectively. No patients died from MALT
      lymphoma. Three patients died of other diseases at 8, 33 and 74 months after
      radiotherapy (myocardial infarction, pneumonia and hepatocellular carcinoma,
      respectively). No cases of local recurrence were observed during the follow-up
      period. There were no serious late gastric, liver or kidney complications during
      a median follow-up period of over 10 years. Two patients remain alive with
      distant metastases: a lung metastasis and an abdominal lymph node metastasis at
      104 months and 21 months after radiotherapy, respectively. Excellent long-term
      local control was observed in patients with localized gastric MALT lymphoma after
      radiotherapy. However, lifelong follow-up should be conducted to detect cases of
      late recurrence, especially distant metastases.

PMID- 28077627
TI  - A feasibility study on the use of phantoms with statistical lung masses for
      determining the uncertainty in the dose absorbed by the lung from broad beams of
      incident photons and neutrons.
AB  - Computational models of the human body have gradually become crucial in the
      evaluation of doses absorbed by organs. However, individuals may differ
      considerably in terms of organ size and shape. In this study, the authors sought
      to determine the energy-dependent standard deviations due to lung size of the
      dose absorbed by the lung during external photon and neutron beam exposures. One
      hundred lungs with different masses were prepared and located in an adult male
      International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) reference phantom.
      Calculations were performed using the Monte Carlo N-particle code version 5
      (MCNP5). Variation in the lung mass caused great uncertainty: ~90% for low-energy
      broad parallel photon beams. However, for high-energy photons, the lung-absorbed
      dose dependency on the anatomical variation was reduced to <1%. In addition, the
      results obtained indicated that the discrepancy in the lung-absorbed dose varied
      from 0.6% to 8% for neutron beam exposure. Consequently, the relationship between
      absorbed dose and organ volume was found to be significant for low-energy photon
      sources, whereas for higher energy photon sources the organ-absorbed dose was
      independent of the organ volume. In the case of neutron beam exposure, the
      maximum discrepancy (of 8%) occurred in the energy range between 0.1 and 5 MeV.

PMID- 28077626
TI  - Low-dose or low-dose-rate ionizing radiation-induced bioeffects in animal models.
AB  - Animal experimental studies indicate that acute or chronic low-dose ionizing
      radiation (LDIR) (<=100 mSv) or low-dose-rate ionizing radiation (LDRIR) (<6
      mSv/h) exposures may be harmful. It induces genetic and epigenetic changes and is
      associated with a range of physiological disturbances that includes altered
      immune system, abnormal brain development with resultant cognitive impairment,
      cataractogenesis, abnormal embryonic development, circulatory diseases, weight
      gain, premature menopause in female animals, tumorigenesis and shortened
      lifespan. Paternal or prenatal LDIR/LDRIR exposure is associated with reduced
      fertility and number of live fetuses, and transgenerational genomic aberrations.
      On the other hand, in some experimental studies, LDIR/LDRIR exposure has also
      been reported to bring about beneficial effects such as reduction in
      tumorigenesis, prolonged lifespan and enhanced fertility. The differences in
      reported effects of LDIR/LDRIR exposure are dependent on animal genetic
      background (susceptibility), age (prenatal or postnatal days), sex, nature of
      radiation exposure (i.e. acute, fractionated or chronic radiation exposure), type
      of radiation, combination of radiation with other toxic agents (such as smoking,
      pesticides or other chemical toxins) or animal experimental designs. In this
      review paper, we aimed to update radiation researchers and radiologists on the
      current progress achieved in understanding the LDIR/LDRIR-induced bionegative and
      biopositive effects reported in the various animal models. The roles played by a
      variety of molecules that are implicated in LDIR/LDRIR-induced health effects
      will be elaborated. The review will help in future investigations of LDIR/LDRIR
      induced health effects by providing clues for designing improved animal research
      models in order to clarify the current controversial/contradictory findings from
      existing studies.

PMID- 28077628
TI  - The Creatininase Homolog MftE from Mycobacterium smegmatis Catalyzes a Peptide
      Cleavage Reaction in the Biosynthesis of a Novel Ribosomally Synthesized Post
      translationally Modified Peptide (RiPP).
AB  - Most ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP)
      natural products are processed by tailoring enzymes to create complex natural
      products that are still recognizably peptide-based. However, some tailoring
      enzymes dismantle the peptide en route to synthesis of small molecules. A small
      molecule natural product of as yet unknown structure, mycofactocin, is thought to
      be synthesized in this way via the mft gene cluster found in many strains of
      mycobacteria. This cluster harbors at least six genes, which appear to be
      conserved across species. We have previously shown that one enzyme from this
      cluster, MftC, catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of the C-terminal Tyr of
      the substrate peptide MftA in a reaction that requires the MftB protein. Herein
      we show that mftE encodes a creatininase homolog that catalyzes cleavage of the
      oxidatively decarboxylated MftA peptide to liberate its final two residues,
      including the C-terminal decarboxylated Tyr (VY*). Unlike MftC, which requires
      MftB for function, MftE catalyzes the cleavage reaction in the absence of MftB.
      The identification of this novel metabolite, VY*, supports the notion that the
      mft cluster is involved in generating a small molecule from the MftA peptide. The
      ability to produce VY* from MftA by in vitro reconstitution of the activities of
      MftB, MftC, and MftE sets the stage for identification of the novel metabolite
      that results from the proteins encoded by the mft cluster.

PMID- 28077629
TI  - SUN2 Silencing Impairs CD4 T Cell Proliferation and Alters Sensitivity to HIV-1
      Infection Independently of Cyclophilin A.
AB  - Linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes connect the nucleus to
      the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. We previously reported that the
      overexpression of SUN2, an inner nuclear membrane protein and LINC complex
      component, inhibits HIV infection between the steps of reverse transcription and
      nuclear import in a capsid-specific manner. We also reported that SUN2 silencing
      does not modulate HIV infection in several cell lines. Silencing of SUN2 was
      recently reported to decrease HIV infection of CD4 T cells, an effect which was
      suggested to result from modulation of cyclophilin A (CypA)-dependent steps of
      HIV infection. We confirm here that HIV infection of primary CD4 T cells is
      compromised in the absence of endogenous SUN2, and we extend these findings to
      additional viral strains. However, we find that CypA is not required for the
      decreased infection observed in SUN2-silenced cells and, conversely, that
      endogenous SUN2 is not required for the well-documented positive modulation of
      HIV infection by CypA. In contrast, CD4 T cells lacking SUN2 exhibit a
      considerable defect in proliferative capacity and display reduced levels of
      activation markers and decreased viability. Additionally, SUN2-silenced CD4 T
      cells that become infected support reduced levels of viral protein expression.
      Our results demonstrate that SUN2 is required for the optimal activation and
      proliferation of primary CD4 T cells and suggest that the disruption of these
      processes explains the contribution of endogenous SUN2 to HIV infection in
      primary lymphocytes.IMPORTANCE Linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC)
      complexes connect the nucleus to the cytoskeleton. We previously reported that
      the overexpression of the LINC complex protein SUN2 inhibits HIV infection by
      targeting the viral capsid and blocking infection before the virus enters the
      nucleus. A recent report showed that the depletion of endogenous SUN2 in primary
      CD4 T cells results in decreased HIV infection and that this involves cyclophilin
      A (CypA), a host protein that interacts with the capsid of HIV to promote
      infection. We confirm that HIV infection is reduced in CD4 T cells lacking SUN2,
      but we find no role for CypA. Instead, SUN2 silencing results in CD4 T cells with
      decreased viability and much lower proliferation rates. Our results show that
      SUN2 is required for optimal CD4 T cell activation and proliferation and explain
      the reduced level of HIV infection in the absence of SUN2.

PMID- 28077630
TI  - MAVS Is Essential for Primary CD4+ T Cell Immunity but Not for Recall T Cell
      Responses following an Attenuated West Nile Virus Infection.
AB  - The use of pathogen recognition receptor (PRR) agonists and the molecular
      mechanisms involved have been the major focus of research in individual vaccine
      development. West Nile virus (WNV) nonstructural (NS) 4B-P38G mutant has several
      features for an ideal vaccine candidate, including significantly reduced
      neuroinvasiveness, induction of strong adaptive immunity, and protection of mice
      from wild-type (WT) WNV infection. Here, we determined the role of mitochondrial
      antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), the adaptor protein for RIG-I-like receptor
      in regulating host immunity against the NS4B-P38G vaccine. We found that Mavs-/-
      mice were more susceptible to NS4B-P38G priming than WT mice. Mavs-/- mice had a
      transiently reduced production of antiviral cytokines and an impaired CD4+ T cell
      response in peripheral organs. However, antibody and CD8+ T cell responses were
      minimally affected. NS4B-P38G induced lower type I interferon (IFN), IFN
      stimulating gene, and proinflammatory cytokine responses in Mavs-/- dendritic
      cells and subsequently compromised the antigen-presenting capacity for CD4+ T
      cells. Interestingly, Mavs-/- mice surviving NS4B-P38G priming were all protected
      from a lethal WT WNV challenge. NS4B-P38G-primed Mavs-/- mice exhibited
      equivalent levels of protective CD4+ T cell recall response, a modestly reduced
      WNV-specific IgM production, but more robust CD8+ T cell recall response. Taken
      together, our results suggest that MAVS is essential for boosting optimal primary
      CD4+ T cell responses upon NS4B-P38G vaccination and yet is dispensable for host
      protection and recall T cell responses during secondary WT WNV
      infection.IMPORTANCE The production of innate cytokines induced by the
      recognition of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) via their cognate ligands
      are critical for enhancing antigen-presenting cell functions and influencing T
      cell responses during microbial infection. The use of PRR agonists and the
      underlying molecular mechanisms have been the major focus in individual vaccine
      development. Here, we determined the role of mitochondrial antiviral-signaling
      protein (MAVS), the adaptor protein for RIG-I like receptor in regulating host
      immunity against the live attenuated West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine strain, the
      nonstructural (NS) 4B-P38G mutant. We found that MAVS is important for boosting
      optimal primary CD4+ T cell response during NS4B-P38G vaccination. However, MAVS
      is dispensable for memory T cell development and host protection during secondary
      wild-type WNV infection. Overall, these results may be utilized as a paradigm to
      aid in the rational development of other efficacious live attenuated flavivirus
      vaccines.

PMID- 28077631
TI  - Vaccine Efficacy of Inactivated, Chimeric Hemagglutinin H9/H5N2 Avian Influenza
      Virus and Its Suitability for the Marker Vaccine Strategy.
AB  - In order to produce a dually effective vaccine against H9 and H5 avian influenza
      viruses that aligns with the DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated
      animals) strategy, we generated a chimeric H9/H5N2 recombinant vaccine that
      expressed the whole HA1 region of A/CK/Korea/04163/04 (H9N2) and the HA2 region
      of recent highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A/MD/Korea/W452/14 (H5N8)
      viruses. The chimeric H9/H5N2 virus showed in vitro and in vivo growth properties
      and virulence that were similar to those of the low-pathogenic avian influenza
      (LPAI) H9 virus. An inactivated vaccine based on this chimeric virus induced
      serum neutralizing (SN) antibodies against both H9 and H5 viruses but induced
      cross-reactive hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody only against H9 viruses.
      Thus, this suggests its compatibility for use in the DIVA strategy against H5
      strains. Furthermore, the chimeric H9/H5N2 recombinant vaccine protected
      immunized chickens against lethal challenge by HPAI H5N8 viruses and
      significantly attenuated virus shedding after infection by both H9N2 and HPAI
      H5N8 viruses. In mice, serological analyses confirmed that HA1- and HA2 stalk
      specific antibody responses were induced by vaccination and that the DIVA
      principle could be employed through the use of an HI assay against H5 viruses.
      Furthermore, each HA1- and HA2 stalk-specific antibody response was sufficient to
      inhibit viral replication and protect the chimeric virus-immunized mice from
      lethal challenge with both mouse-adapted H9N2 and wild-type HPAI H5N1 viruses,
      although differences in vaccine efficacy against a homologous H9 virus (HA1 head
      domain immune-mediated protection) and a heterosubtypic H5 virus (HA2 stalk
      domain immune-mediated protection) were observed. Taken together, these results
      demonstrate that the novel chimeric H9/H5N2 recombinant virus is a low-pathogenic
      virus, and this chimeric vaccine is suitable for a DIVA vaccine with broad
      spectrum neutralizing antibody against H5 avian influenza viruses.IMPORTANCE
      Current influenza virus killed vaccines predominantly induce antihemagglutinin
      (anti-HA) antibodies that are commonly strain specific in that the antibodies
      have potent neutralizing activity against homologous strains but do not cross
      react with HAs of other influenza virus subtypes. In contrast, the HA2 stalk
      domain is relatively well conserved among subtypes, and recently, broadly
      neutralizing antibodies against this domain have been isolated. Therefore, in
      light of the need for a vaccine strain that applies the DIVA strategy utilizing
      an HI assay and induces broad cross-protection against H5N1 and H9N2 viruses, we
      generated a novel chimeric H9/H5N1 virus that expresses the entire HA1 portion
      from the H9N2 virus and the HA2 region of the heterosubtypic H5N8 virus. The
      chimeric H9/H5N2 recombinant vaccine protected immunized hosts against lethal
      challenge with H9N2 and HPAI H5N1 viruses with significantly attenuated virus
      shedding in immunized hosts. Therefore, this chimeric vaccine is suitable as a
      DIVA vaccine against H5 avian influenza viruses.

PMID- 28077632
TI  - Phyloepidemiological Analysis Reveals that Viral Divergence Led to the Paucity of
      Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmus/gsn/mon Infections in Wild Populations.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the result of cross-species
      transmission of simian immunodeficiency virus from chimpanzees (SIVcpz). SIVcpz
      is a chimeric virus which shares common ancestors with viruses infecting red
      capped mangabeys and a subset of guenon species. The epidemiology of SIV
      infection in hominoids is characterized by low prevalences and an uneven
      geographic distribution. Surveys in Cameroon indicated that two closely related
      members of the guenon species subset, mustached guenons and greater spot-nosed
      guenons, infected with SIVmus and SIVgsn, respectively, also have low rates of
      SIV infections in their populations. Compared to that for other monkeys,
      including red-capped mangabeys and closely related guenon species, such an
      epidemiology is unusual. By intensifying sampling of geographically distinct
      populations of mustached and greater spot-nosed guenons in Gabon and including
      large sample sets of mona guenons from Cameroon, we add strong support to the
      hypothesis that the paucity of SIV infections in wild populations is a general
      feature of this monophyletic group of viruses. Furthermore, comparative
      phylogenetic analysis reveals that this phenotype is a feature of this group of
      viruses infecting phylogenetically disparate hosts, suggesting that this
      epidemiological phenotype results from infection with these HIV-1-related viruses
      rather than from a common host factor. Thus, these HIV-1-related viruses, i.e.,
      SIVcpz and the guenon viruses which share an ancestor with part of the SIVcpz
      genome, have an epidemiology distinct from that found for SIVs in other African
      primate species.IMPORTANCE Stable virus-host relationships are established over
      multiple generations. The prevalence of viral infections in any given host is
      determined by various factors. Stable virus-host relationships of viruses that
      are able to cause persistent infections and exist with high incidences of
      infection are generally characterized by a lack of morbidity prior to host
      reproduction. Such is the case for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus
      (EBV) infections of humans. SIV infections of most African primate species also
      satisfy these criteria, with these infections found at a high prevalence and with
      rare cases of clinical disease. In contrast, SIVcpz, the ancestor of HIV-1, has a
      different epidemiology, and it has been reported that infected animals suffer
      from an AIDS-like disease in the wild. Here we conclusively demonstrate that
      viruses which are closely related to SIVcpz and infect a subset of guenon monkeys
      show an epidemiology resembling that of SIVcpz.

PMID- 28077633
TI  - Surveillance of Bat Coronaviruses in Kenya Identifies Relatives of Human
      Coronaviruses NL63 and 229E and Their Recombination History.
AB  - Bats harbor a large diversity of coronaviruses (CoVs), several of which are
      related to zoonotic pathogens that cause severe disease in humans. Our screening
      of bat samples collected in Kenya from 2007 to 2010 not only detected RNA from
      several novel CoVs but, more significantly, identified sequences that were
      closely related to human CoVs NL63 and 229E, suggesting that these two human
      viruses originate from bats. We also demonstrated that human CoV NL63 is a
      recombinant between NL63-like viruses circulating in Triaenops bats and 229E-like
      viruses circulating in Hipposideros bats, with the breakpoint located near 5' and
      3' ends of the spike (S) protein gene. In addition, two further interspecies
      recombination events involving the S gene were identified, suggesting that this
      region may represent a recombination "hot spot" in CoV genomes. Finally, using a
      combination of phylogenetic and distance-based approaches, we showed that the
      genetic diversity of bat CoVs is primarily structured by host species and
      subsequently by geographic distances.IMPORTANCE Understanding the driving forces
      of cross-species virus transmission is central to understanding the nature of
      disease emergence. Previous studies have demonstrated that bats are the ultimate
      reservoir hosts for a number of coronaviruses (CoVs), including ancestors of
      severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory
      syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and human CoV 229E (HCoV-229E). However, the
      evolutionary pathways of bat CoVs remain elusive. We provide evidence for natural
      recombination between distantly related African bat coronaviruses associated with
      Triaenops afer and Hipposideros sp. bats that resulted in a NL63-like virus, an
      ancestor of the human pathogen HCoV-NL63. These results suggest that interspecies
      recombination may play an important role in CoV evolution and the emergence of
      novel CoVs with zoonotic potential.

PMID- 28077634
TI  - Characterization of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Envelope Diversification from Acute
      to Chronic Infection within a Sexually Transmitted HCV Cluster by Using Single
      Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing.
AB  - In contrast to other available next-generation sequencing platforms, PacBio
      single-molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing has the advantage of generating long
      reads albeit with a relatively higher error rate in unprocessed data. Using this
      platform, we longitudinally sampled and sequenced the hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      envelope genome region (1,680 nucleotides [nt]) from individuals belonging to a
      cluster of sexually transmitted cases. All five subjects were coinfected with HIV
      1 and a closely related strain of HCV genotype 4d. In total, 50 samples were
      analyzed by using SMRT sequencing. By using 7 passes of circular consensus
      sequencing, the error rate was reduced to 0.37%, and the median number of
      sequences was 612 per sample. A further reduction of insertions was achieved by
      alignment against a sample-specific reference sequence. However, in vitro
      recombination during PCR amplification could not be excluded. Phylogenetic
      analysis supported close relationships among HCV sequences from the four male
      subjects and subsequent transmission from one subject to his female partner.
      Transmission was characterized by a strong genetic bottleneck. Viral genetic
      diversity was low during acute infection and increased upon progression to
      chronicity but subsequently fluctuated during chronic infection, caused by the
      alternate detection of distinct coexisting lineages. SMRT sequencing combines
      long reads with sufficient depth for many phylogenetic analyses and can therefore
      provide insights into within-host HCV evolutionary dynamics without the need for
      haplotype reconstruction using statistical algorithms.IMPORTANCE Next-generation
      sequencing has revolutionized the study of genetically variable RNA virus
      populations, but for phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses, longer sequences
      than those generated by most available platforms, while minimizing the intrinsic
      error rate, are desired. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that PacBio SMRT
      sequencing technology can be used to generate full-length HCV envelope sequences
      at the single-molecule level, providing a data set with large sequencing depth
      for the characterization of intrahost viral dynamics. The selection of consensus
      reads derived from at least 7 full circular consensus sequencing rounds
      significantly reduced the intrinsic high error rate of this method. We used this
      method to genetically characterize a unique transmission cluster of sexually
      transmitted HCV infections, providing insight into the distinct evolutionary
      pathways in each patient over time and identifying the transmission-associated
      genetic bottleneck as well as fluctuations in viral genetic diversity over time,
      accompanied by dynamic shifts in viral subpopulations.

PMID- 28077635
TI  - Virion Structure of Black Queen Cell Virus, a Common Honeybee Pathogen.
AB  - Viral diseases are a major threat to honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations
      worldwide and therefore an important factor in reliable crop pollination and food
      security. Black queen cell virus (BQCV) is the etiological agent of a fatal
      disease of honeybee queen larvae and pupae. The virus belongs to the genus
      Triatovirus from the family Dicistroviridae, which is part of the order
      Picornavirales Here we present a crystal structure of BQCV determined to a
      resolution of 3.4 A. The virion is formed by 60 copies of each of the major
      capsid proteins VP1, VP2, and VP3; however, there is no density corresponding to
      a 75-residue-long minor capsid protein VP4 encoded by the BQCV genome. We show
      that the VP4 subunits are present in the crystallized virions that are
      infectious. This aspect of the BQCV virion is similar to that of the previously
      characterized triatoma virus and supports the recent establishment of the
      separate genus Triatovirus within the family Dicistroviridae The C terminus of
      VP1 and CD loops of capsid proteins VP1 and VP3 of BQCV form 34-A-tall finger
      like protrusions at the virion surface. The protrusions are larger than those of
      related dicistroviruses.IMPORTANCE The western honeybee is the most important
      pollinator of all, and it is required to sustain the agricultural production and
      biodiversity of wild flowering plants. However, honeybee populations worldwide
      are suffering from virus infections that cause colony losses. One of the most
      common, and least known, honeybee pathogens is black queen cell virus (BQCV),
      which at high titers causes queen larvae and pupae to turn black and die. Here we
      present the three-dimensional virion structure of BQCV, determined by X-ray
      crystallography. The structure of BQCV reveals large protrusions on the virion
      surface. Capsid protein VP1 of BQCV does not contain a hydrophobic pocket.
      Therefore, the BQCV virion structure provides evidence that capsid-binding
      antiviral compounds that can prevent the replication of vertebrate picornaviruses
      may be ineffective against honeybee virus infections.

PMID- 28077636
TI  - Klebsiella Phage PhiK64-1 Encodes Multiple Depolymerases for Multiple Host
      Capsular Types.
AB  - The genome of the multihost bacteriophage PhiK64-1, capable of infecting
      Klebsiella capsular types K1, K11, K21, K25, K30, K35, K64, and K69, as well as
      new capsular types KN4 and KN5, was analyzed and revealed that 11 genes (S1-1, S1
      2, S1-3, S2-1, S2-2, S2-3, S2-4, S2-5, S2-6, S2-7, and S2-8) encode proteins with
      amino acid sequence similarity to tail fibers/spikes or lyases. S2-5 previously
      was shown to encode a K64 capsule depolymerase (K64dep). Specific capsule
      degrading activities of an additional eight putative capsule depolymerases (S2-4
      against K1, S1-1 against K11, S1-3 against K21, S2-2 against K25, S2-6 against
      K30/K69, S2-3 against K35, S1-2 against KN4, and S2-1 against KN5) was
      demonstrated by expression and purification of the recombinant proteins.
      Consistent with the capsular type-specific depolymerization activity of these
      gene products, phage mutants of S1-2, S2-2, S2-3, or S2-6 lost infectivity for
      KN4, K25, K35, or K30/K69, respectively, indicating that capsule depolymerase is
      crucial for infecting specific hosts. In conclusion, we identified nine
      functional capsule depolymerase-encoding genes in a bacteriophage and correlated
      activities of the gene products to all ten hosts of this phage, providing an
      example of type-specific host infection mechanisms in a multihost
      bacteriophage.IMPORTANCE We currently identified eight novel capsule
      depolymerases in a multihost Klebsiella bacteriophage and correlated the
      activities of the gene products to all hosts of this phage, providing an example
      of carriage of multiple depolymerases in a phage with a wide capsular type host
      spectrum. Moreover, we also established a recombineering system for modification
      of Klebsiella bacteriophage genomes and demonstrated the importance of capsule
      depolymerase for infecting specific hosts. Based on the powerful tool for
      modification of phage genome, further studies can be conducted to improve the
      understanding of mechanistic details of Klebsiella phage infection. Furthermore,
      the newly identified capsule depolymerases will be of great value for
      applications in capsular typing.

PMID- 28077637
TI  - Role of Litopenaeus vannamei Yin Yang 1 in the Regulation of the White Spot
      Syndrome Virus Immediate Early Gene ie1.
AB  - Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional zinc finger transcription factor that
      regulates many key cellular processes. In this study, we report the cloning of
      YY1 from Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp (LvYY1). This study shows that LvYY1 is
      ubiquitously expressed in shrimp tissues, and knockdown of LvYY1 expression by
      double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection in white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)
      infected shrimp reduced both mRNA levels of the WSSV immediate early gene ie1 as
      well as overall copy numbers of the WSSV genome. The cumulative mortality rate of
      infected shrimp also declined with LvYY1 dsRNA injection. Using an insect cell
      model, we observed that LvYY1 activates ie1 expression, and a mutation introduced
      into the ie1 promoter subsequently repressed this capability. Moreover, reporter
      assay results suggested that LvYY1 is involved in basal transcriptional
      regulation via an interaction with L. vannamei TATA-binding protein (LvTBP).
      Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) results further indicated that LvYY1
      binds to a YY1-binding site in the region between positions -119 and -126 in the
      ie1 promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis also confirmed that LvYY1
      binds to the ie1 promoter in WSSV-infected shrimp. Taken together, these results
      indicate that WSSV uses host LvYY1 to enhance ie1 expression via a YY1-binding
      site and the TATA box in the ie1 promoter, thereby facilitating lytic activation
      and viral replication.IMPORTANCE WSSV has long been a scourge of the shrimp
      industry and remains a serious global threat. Thus, there is a pressing need to
      understand how the interactions between WSSV and its host drive infection, lytic
      development, pathogenesis, and mortality. Our successful cloning of L. vannamei
      YY1 (LvYY1) led to the elucidation of a critical virus-host interaction between
      LvYY1 and the WSSV immediate early gene ie1 We observed that LvYY1 regulates ie1
      expression via a consensus YY1-binding site and TATA box. LvYY1 was also found to
      interact with L. vannamei TATA-binding protein (LvTBP), which may have an effect
      on basal transcription. Knockdown of LvYY1 expression inhibited ie1 transcription
      and subsequently reduced viral DNA replication and decreased cumulative mortality
      rates of WSSV-infected shrimp. These findings are expected to contribute to
      future studies involving WSSV-host interactions.

PMID- 28077638
TI  - A Conserved Glycine Residue Is Required for Proper Functioning of a Baculovirus
      VP39 Protein.
AB  - The baculovirus VP39 protein is a major nucleocapsid protein essential for viral
      propagation. However, the critical domains or residues of the VP39 protein have
      not yet been identified. Here, we performed mutagenesis experiments with Bombyx
      mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine and isolated a
      BmNPV mutant that produced fewer occlusion bodies than the wild-type virus. This
      mutant also produced fewer infectious budded viruses (BVs) than the wild-type
      virus in both cultured cells and B. mori larvae. Marker rescue experiments using
      genomic libraries identified a single nucleotide mutation in the vp39 gene. This
      mutation resulted in an amino acid substitution at glycine 276 (Gly-276) to
      serine, which was required for all the defective phenotypes observed in the
      mutant. Sequence comparison revealed that this residue is completely conserved
      among the VP39 proteins of the sequenced alphabaculoviruses, betabaculoviruses,
      and gammabaculoviruses. Although early viral gene expression was not
      significantly affected, the level of expression of a late gene, vcath, was
      reduced. In addition, two of the very late genes were markedly downregulated in
      cells infected with this mutant. Western blot and quantitative PCR analyses
      revealed that the BVs produced from cells infected with this mutant contained
      smaller amounts of the VP39 protein and viral genomic DNA than those produced
      from wild-type virus-infected cells. Combined with the results of transmission
      electron microscopy, VP39 Gly-276 can be concluded to be essential for correct
      nucleocapsid assembly, viral DNA packaging, and viral gene expression, especially
      of very late genes.IMPORTANCE The major nucleocapsid protein gene vp39 is one of
      the most well-known baculovirus genes. Although several viral and host proteins
      that interact with the VP39 protein have been identified, the functionally
      important domains or residues of this protein remain unknown. The present study
      revealed that the glycine residue at residue 276, which is completely conserved
      among sequenced alphabaculoviruses, betabaculoviruses, and gammabaculoviruses, is
      important for the VP39 function, i.e., structural assembly of nucleocapsids and
      viral DNA packaging. Moreover, our results provide evidence for the link between
      nucleocapsid formation and the transcription of viral very late genes.

PMID- 28077639
TI  - Identification of a Continuous Neutralizing Epitope within UL128 of Human
      Cytomegalovirus.
AB  - As human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common infectious cause of fetal
      anomalies during pregnancy, development of a vaccine that prevents HCMV infection
      is considered a global health priority. Although HCMV immune correlates of
      protection are only poorly defined, neutralizing antibodies (NAb) targeting the
      envelope pentamer complex (PC) composed of the subunits gH, gL, UL128, UL130, and
      UL131A are thought to contribute to the prevention of HCMV infection. Here, we
      describe a continuous target sequence within UL128 that is recognized by a
      previously isolated potent PC-specific NAb termed 13B5. By using peptide-based
      scanning procedures, we identified a 13-amino-acid-long target sequence at the
      UL128 C terminus that binds the 13B5 antibody with an affinity similar to that of
      the purified PC. In addition, the 13B5 binding site is universally conserved in
      HCMV, contains a previously described UL128/gL interaction site, and interferes
      with the 13B5 neutralizing function, indicating that the 13B5 epitope sequence is
      located within the PC at a site of critical importance for HCMV neutralization.
      Vaccination of mice with peptides containing the 13B5 target sequence resulted in
      the robust stimulation of binding antibodies and, in a subset of immunized
      animals, in the induction of detectable NAb, supporting that the identified 13B5
      target sequence constitutes a PC-specific neutralizing epitope. These findings
      provide evidence for the discovery of a continuous neutralizing epitope within
      the UL128 subunit of the PC that could be an important target of humoral immune
      responses that are involved in protection against congenital HCMV
      infection.IMPORTANCE Neutralizing antibodies (NAb) targeting the human
      cytomegalovirus (HCMV) envelope pentamer complex (PC) are thought to be important
      for preventing HCMV transmission from the mother to the fetus, thereby mitigating
      severe developmental disabilities in newborns. However, the epitope sequences
      within the PC that are recognized by these potentially protective antibody
      responses are only poorly defined. Here, we provide evidence for the existence of
      a highly conserved, continuous, PC-specific epitope sequence that appears to be
      located within the PC at a subunit interaction site of critical importance for
      HCMV neutralization. These discoveries provide insights into a continuous PC
      specific neutralizing epitope, which could be an important target for a vaccine
      formulation to interfere with congenital HCMV infection.

PMID- 28077641
TI  - Chikungunya, Influenza, Nipah, and Semliki Forest Chimeric Viruses with Vesicular
      Stomatitis Virus: Actions in the Brain.
AB  - Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based chimeric viruses that include
      genes from other viruses show promise as vaccines and oncolytic viruses. However,
      the critical safety concern is the neurotropic nature conveyed by the VSV
      glycoprotein. VSVs that include the VSV glycoprotein (G) gene, even in most
      recombinant attenuated strains, can still show substantial adverse or lethal
      actions in the brain. Here, we test 4 chimeric viruses in the brain, including
      those in which glycoprotein genes from Nipah, chikungunya (CHIKV), and influenza
      H5N1 viruses were substituted for the VSV glycoprotein gene. We also test a virus
      like vesicle (VLV) in which the VSV glycoprotein gene is expressed from a
      replicon encoding the nonstructural proteins of Semliki Forest virus. VSVDeltaG
      CHIKV, VSVDeltaG-H5N1, and VLV were all safe in the adult mouse brain, as were
      VSVDeltaG viruses expressing either the Nipah F or G glycoprotein. In contrast, a
      complementing pair of VSVDeltaG viruses expressing Nipah G and F glycoproteins
      were lethal within the brain within a surprisingly short time frame of 2 days.
      Intranasal inoculation in postnatal day 14 mice with VSVDeltaG-CHIKV or VLV
      evoked no adverse response, whereas VSVDeltaG-H5N1 by this route was lethal in
      most mice. A key immune mechanism underlying the safety of VSVDeltaG-CHIKV,
      VSVDeltaG-H5N1, and VLV in the adult brain was the type I interferon response;
      all three viruses were lethal in the brains of adult mice lacking the interferon
      receptor, suggesting that the viruses can infect and replicate and spread in
      brain cells if not blocked by interferon-stimulated genes within the
      brain.IMPORTANCE Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) shows considerable promise both
      as a vaccine vector and as an oncolytic virus. The greatest limitation of VSV is
      that it is highly neurotropic and can be lethal within the brain. The
      neurotropism can be mostly attributed to the VSV G glycoprotein. Here, we test 4
      chimeric viruses of VSV with glycoprotein genes from Nipah, chikungunya, and
      influenza viruses and nonstructural genes from Semliki Forest virus. Two of the
      four, VSVDeltaG-CHIKV and VLV, show substantially attenuated neurotropism and
      were safe in the healthy adult mouse brain. VSVDeltaG-H5N1 was safe in the adult
      brain but lethal in the younger brain. VSVDeltaG Nipah F+G was even more
      neurotropic than wild-type VSV, evoking a rapid lethal response in the adult
      brain. These results suggest that while chimeric VSVs show promise, each must be
      tested with both intranasal and intracranial administration to ensure the absence
      of lethal neurotropism.

PMID- 28077640
TI  - Viral RNA at Two Stages of Reovirus Infection Is Required for the Induction of
      Necroptosis.
AB  - Necroptosis, a regulated form of necrotic cell death, requires the activation of
      the RIP3 kinase. Here, we identify that infection of host cells with reovirus can
      result in necroptosis. We find that necroptosis requires sensing of the genomic
      RNA within incoming virus particles via cytoplasmic RNA sensors to produce type I
      interferon (IFN). While these events that occur prior to the de novo synthesis of
      viral RNA are required for the induction of necroptosis, they are not sufficient.
      The induction of necroptosis also requires late stages of reovirus infection.
      Specifically, efficient synthesis of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) within infected
      cells is required for necroptosis. These data indicate that viral RNA interfaces
      with host components at two different stages of infection to induce necroptosis.
      This work provides new molecular details about events in the viral replication
      cycle that contribute to the induction of necroptosis following infection with an
      RNA virus.IMPORTANCE An appreciation of how cell death pathways are regulated
      following viral infection may reveal strategies to limit tissue destruction and
      prevent the onset of disease. Cell death following virus infection can occur by
      apoptosis or a regulated form of necrosis known as necroptosis. Apoptotic cells
      are typically disposed of without activating the immune system. In contrast,
      necroptotic cells alert the immune system, resulting in inflammation and tissue
      damage. While apoptosis following virus infection has been extensively
      investigated, how necroptosis is unleashed following virus infection is
      understood for only a small group of viruses. Here, using mammalian reovirus, we
      highlight the molecular mechanism by which infection with a dsRNA virus results
      in necroptosis.

PMID- 28077642
TI  - Studies on the Interaction of Tumor-Derived HD5 Alpha Defensins with Adenoviruses
      and Implications for Oncolytic Adenovirus Therapy.
AB  - Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides capable of neutralizing human
      adenovirus (HAdV) in vitro by binding capsid proteins and blocking endosomal
      escape of virus. In humans, the alpha defensin HD5 is produced by specialized
      epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal and genito-urinary tracts. Here, we
      demonstrate, using patient biopsy specimens, that HD5 is also expressed as an
      active, secreted peptide by epithelial ovarian and lung cancer cells in situ This
      finding prompted us to study the role of HD5 in infection and spread of
      replication-competent, oncolytic HAdV type 3 (HAdV3). HAdV3 produces large
      amounts of penton-dodecahedra (PtDd), virus-like particles, during replication.
      We have previously shown that PtDd are involved in opening epithelial junctions,
      thus facilitating lateral spread of de novo-produced virions. Here, we describe a
      second function of PtDd, namely, the blocking of HD5. A central tool to prove
      that viral PtDd neutralize HD5 and support spread of progeny virus was an HAdV3
      mutant virus in which formation of PtDd was disabled (mut-Ad3GFP, where GFP is
      green fluorescent protein). We demonstrated that viral spread of mut-Ad3GFP was
      blocked by synthetic HD5 whereas that of the wild-type (wt) form (wt-Ad3GFP) was
      only minimally impacted. In human colon cancer Caco-2 cells, induction of
      cellular HD5 expression by fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) significantly
      inhibited viral spread and progeny virus production of mut-Ad3GFP but not of wt
      Ad3GFP. Finally, the ectopic expression of HD5 in tumor cells diminished the in
      vivo oncolytic activity of mut-Ad3GFP but not of wt-Ad3GFP. These data suggest a
      new mechanism of HAdV3 to overcome innate antiviral host responses. Our study has
      implications for oncolytic adenovirus therapy.IMPORTANCE Previously, it has been
      reported that human defensin HD5 inactivates specific human adenoviruses by
      binding to capsid proteins and blocking endosomal escape of virus. The central
      new findings described in our manuscript are the following: (i) the discovery of
      a new mechanism used by human adenovirus serotype 3 to overcome innate antiviral
      host responses that is based on the capacity of HAdV3 to produce subviral penton
      dodecahedral particles that act as decoys for HD5, thus preventing the
      inactivation of virus progeny produced upon replication; (ii) the demonstration
      that ectopic HD5 expression in cancer cells decreases the oncolytic efficacy of a
      serotype 5-based adenovirus vector; and (iii) the demonstration that epithelial
      ovarian and lung cancers express HD5. The study improves our understanding of how
      adenoviruses establish infection in epithelial tissues and has implications for
      cancer therapy with oncolytic adenoviruses.

PMID- 28077643
TI  - Efficient Vpu-Mediated Tetherin Antagonism by an HIV-1 Group O Strain.
AB  - Simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) use their Nef proteins to counteract the
      restriction factor tetherin. However, a deletion in human tetherin prevents
      antagonism by the Nef proteins of SIVcpz and SIVgor, which represent the ape
      precursors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). To promote virus
      release from infected cells, pandemic HIV-1 group M strains evolved Vpu as a
      tetherin antagonist, while the Nef protein of less widespread HIV-1 group O
      strains acquired the ability to target a region adjacent to this deletion. In
      this study, we identified an unusual HIV-1 group O strain (RBF206) that evolved
      Vpu as an effective antagonist of human tetherin. While both RBF206 Vpu and Nef
      exert anti-tetherin activity in transient-transfection assays, mainly Vpu
      promotes RBF206 release in infected CD4+ T cells. Although mutations distinct
      from the adaptive changes observed in group M Vpus (M-Vpus) were critical for the
      acquisition of its anti-tetherin activity, RBF206 O-Vpu potently suppresses NF
      kappaB activation and reduces CD4 cell surface expression. Interestingly, RBF206
      Vpu counteracts tetherin in a largely species-independent manner, degrading both
      the long and short isoforms of human tetherin. Downmodulation of CD4, but not
      counteraction of tetherin, by RBF206 Vpu was dependent on the cellular ubiquitin
      ligase machinery. Our data present the first example of an HIV-1 group O Vpu that
      efficiently antagonizes human tetherin and suggest that counteraction by O-Nefs
      may be suboptimal.IMPORTANCE Previous studies showed that HIV-1 groups M and O
      evolved two alternative strategies to counteract the human ortholog of the
      restriction factor tetherin. While HIV-1 group M switched from Nef to Vpu due to
      a deletion in the cytoplasmic domain of human tetherin, HIV-1 group O, which
      lacks Vpu-mediated anti-tetherin activity, acquired a Nef protein that is able to
      target a region adjacent to the deletion. Here we report an unusual exception,
      identifying a strain of HIV-1 group O (RBF206) whose Vpu protein evolved an
      effective antagonism of human tetherin. Interestingly, the adaptive changes in
      RBF206 Vpu are distinct from those found in M-Vpus and mediate efficient
      counteraction of both the long and short isoforms of this restriction factor. Our
      results further illustrate the enormous flexibility of HIV-1 in counteracting
      human defense mechanisms.

PMID- 28077644
TI  - Ultrasensitive HIV-1 p24 Assay Detects Single Infected Cells and Differences in
      Reservoir Induction by Latency Reversal Agents.
AB  - The existence of HIV reservoirs in infected individuals under combined
      antiretroviral therapy (cART) represents a major obstacle toward cure. Viral
      reservoirs are assessed by quantification of HIV nucleic acids, a method which
      does not discriminate between infectious and defective viruses, or by viral
      outgrowth assays, which require large numbers of cells and long-term cultures.
      Here, we used an ultrasensitive p24 digital assay, which we report to be 1,000
      fold more sensitive than classical enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in
      the quantification of HIV-1 Gag p24 production in samples from HIV-infected
      individuals. Results from ultrasensitive p24 assays were compared to those from
      conventional viral RNA reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)-based
      assays and from outgrowth assay readout by flow cytometry. Using serial dilutions
      and flow-based single-cell sorting, we show that viral proteins produced by a
      single infected cell can be detected by the ultrasensitive p24 assay. This unique
      sensitivity allowed the early (as soon as day 1 in 43% of cases) and more
      efficient detection and quantification of p24 in phytohemagglutinin-L (PHA)
      stimulated CD4+ T cells from individuals under effective cART. When seven
      different classes of latency reversal agents (LRA) in resting CD4+ T cells from
      HIV-infected individuals were tested, the ultrasensitive p24 assay revealed
      differences in the extent of HIV reactivation. Of note, HIV RNA production was
      infrequently accompanied by p24 protein production (19%). Among the drugs tested,
      prostratin showed a superior capacity in inducing viral protein production. In
      summary, the ultrasensitive p24 assay allows the detection and quantification of
      p24 produced by single infected CD4+ T cells and provides a unique tool to assess
      early reactivation of infectious virus from reservoirs in HIV-infected
      individuals.IMPORTANCE The persistence of HIV reservoirs in infected individuals
      under effective antiretroviral treatment represents a major obstacle toward cure.
      Different methods to estimate HIV reservoirs exist, but there is currently no
      optimal assay to measure HIV reservoirs in HIV eradication interventions. In the
      present study, we report an ultrasensitive digital ELISA platform for
      quantification of the HIV-1 protein p24. This method was employed to assess the
      early reactivation of infectious virus from reservoirs in HIV-1-infected
      individuals. We found that viral proteins produced by a single infected cell can
      be detected by an ultrasensitive p24 assay. This unprecedented resolution showed
      major advantages in comparison to other techniques currently used to assess viral
      replication in reactivation studies. In addition, such a highly sensitive assay
      allows discrimination of drug-induced reactivation of productive HIV based on
      protein expression. The present study heralds new opportunities to evaluate the
      HIV reservoir and the efficacy of drugs used to target it.

PMID- 28077645
TI  - Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Abrogates the cGAS/STING-Mediated Cytosolic DNA-Sensing
      Pathway via Its Virion Host Shutoff Protein, UL41.
AB  - Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a key DNA sensor capable of detecting microbial
      DNA and activating the adaptor protein stimulator of interferon genes (STING),
      leading to interferon (IFN) production and host antiviral responses. Cells
      exhibited reduced type I IFN production in response to cytosolic DNA in the
      absence of cGAS. Although the cGAS/STING-mediated DNA-sensing signal is crucial
      for host defense against many viruses, especially for DNA viruses, few viral
      components have been identified to specifically target this signaling pathway.
      Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a DNA virus that has evolved multiple
      strategies to evade host immune responses. In the present study, we found that
      HSV-1 tegument protein UL41 was involved in counteracting the cGAS/STING-mediated
      DNA-sensing pathway. Our results showed that wild-type (WT) HSV-1 infection could
      inhibit immunostimulatory DNA-induced activation of the IFN signaling pathway
      compared with the UL41-null mutant virus (R2621), and ectopic expression of UL41
      decreased cGAS/STING-mediated IFN-beta promoter activation and IFN-beta
      production. Further study indicated that UL41 reduced the accumulation of cGAS to
      abrogate host recognition of viral DNA. In addition, stable knockdown of cGAS
      facilitated the replication of R2621 but not WT HSV-1. For the first time, HSV-1
      UL41 was demonstrated to evade the cGAS/STING-mediated DNA-sensing pathway by
      degrading cGAS via its RNase activity.IMPORTANCE HSV-1 is well known for its
      ability to evade host antiviral responses and establish a lifelong latent
      infection while triggering reactivation and lytic infection under stress.
      Currently, whether HSV-1 evades the cytosolic DNA sensing and signaling is still
      poorly understood. In the present study, we found that tegument protein UL41
      targeted the cGAS/STING-mediated cellular DNA-sensing pathway by selectively
      degrading cGAS mRNA. Knockdown of endogenous cGAS could facilitate the
      replication of R2621 but not WT HSV-1. Furthermore, UL41 was shown for the first
      time to act directly on cGAS. Findings in this study could provide new insights
      into the host-virus interaction and help develop new approaches against HSV-1.

PMID- 28077646
TI  - Adenovirus Modulates Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling by Reprogramming ORP1L-VAP
      Protein Contacts for Cholesterol Transport from Endosomes to the Endoplasmic
      Reticulum.
AB  - Human adenoviruses (Ads) generally cause mild self-limiting infections but can
      lead to serious disease and even be fatal in high-risk individuals, underscoring
      the importance of understanding how the virus counteracts host defense
      mechanisms. This study had two goals. First, we wished to determine the molecular
      basis of cholesterol homeostatic responses induced by the early region 3 membrane
      protein RIDalpha via its direct interaction with the sterol-binding protein
      ORP1L, a member of the evolutionarily conserved family of oxysterol-binding
      protein (OSBP)-related proteins (ORPs). Second, we wished to determine how this
      interaction regulates innate immunity to adenovirus. ORP1L is known to form
      highly dynamic contacts with endoplasmic reticulum-resident VAP proteins that
      regulate late endosome function under regulation of Rab7-GTP. Our studies have
      demonstrated that ORP1L-VAP complexes also support transport of LDL-derived
      cholesterol from endosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum, where it was converted
      to cholesteryl esters stored in lipid droplets when ORP1L was bound to RIDalpha.
      The virally induced mechanism counteracted defects in the predominant cholesterol
      transport pathway regulated by the late endosomal membrane protein Niemann-Pick
      disease type C protein 1 (NPC1) arising during early stages of viral infection.
      However, unlike NPC1, RIDalpha did not reconstitute transport to endoplasmic
      reticulum pools that regulate SREBP transcription factors. RIDalpha-induced lipid
      trafficking also attenuated proinflammatory signaling by Toll-like receptor 4,
      which has a central role in Ad pathogenesis and is known to be tightly regulated
      by cholesterol-rich "lipid rafts." Collectively, these data show that RIDalpha
      utilizes ORP1L in a way that is distinct from its normal function in uninfected
      cells to fine-tune lipid raft cholesterol that regulates innate immunity to
      adenovirus in endosomes.IMPORTANCE Early region 3 proteins encoded by human
      adenoviruses that attenuate immune-mediated pathology have been a particularly
      rich source of information regarding intracellular protein trafficking. Our
      studies with the early region 3-encoded RIDalpha protein also provided
      fundamental new information regarding mechanisms of nonvesicular lipid transport
      and the flow of molecular information at membrane contacts between different
      organelles. We describe a new pathway that delivers cholesterol from endosomes to
      the endoplasmic reticulum, where it is esterified and stored in lipid droplets.
      Although lipid droplets are attracting renewed interest from the standpoint of
      normal physiology and human diseases, including those resulting from viral
      infections, experimental model systems for evaluating how and why they accumulate
      are still limited. Our studies also revealed an intriguing relationship between
      lipid droplets and innate immunity that may represent a new paradigm for viruses
      utilizing these organelles.

PMID- 28077647
TI  - Sensitive Next-Generation Sequencing Method Reveals Deep Genetic Diversity of HIV
      1 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
AB  - As the epidemiological epicenter of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      pandemic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a reservoir of
      circulating HIV strains exhibiting high levels of diversity and recombination. In
      this study, we characterized HIV specimens collected in two rural areas of the
      DRC between 2001 and 2003 to identify rare strains of HIV. The env gp41 region
      was sequenced and characterized for 172 HIV-positive specimens. The env sequences
      were predominantly subtype A (43.02%), but 7 other subtypes (33.14%), 20
      circulating recombinant forms (CRFs; 11.63%), and 20 unclassified (11.63%)
      sequences were also found. Of the rare and unclassified subtypes, 18 specimens
      were selected for next-generation sequencing (NGS) by a modified HIV-switching
      mechanism at the 5' end of the RNA template (SMART) method to obtain full-genome
      sequences. NGS produced 14 new complete genomes, which included pure subtype C (n
      = 2), D (n = 1), F1 (n = 1), H (n = 3), and J (n = 1) genomes. The two subtype C
      genomes and one of the subtype H genomes branched basal to their respective
      subtype branches but had no evidence of recombination. The remaining 6 genomes
      were complex recombinants of 2 or more subtypes, including subtypes A1, F, G, H,
      J, and K and unclassified fragments, including one subtype CRF25 isolate, which
      branched basal to all CRF25 references. Notably, all recombinant subtype H
      fragments branched basal to the H clade. Spatial-geographical analysis indicated
      that the diverse sequences identified here did not expand globally. The full
      genome and subgenomic sequences identified in our study population significantly
      increase the documented diversity of the strains involved in the continually
      evolving HIV-1 pandemic.IMPORTANCE Very little is known about the ancestral HIV-1
      strains that founded the global pandemic, and very few complete genome sequences
      are available from patients in the Congo Basin, where HIV-1 expanded early in the
      global pandemic. By sequencing a subgenomic fragment of the HIV-1 envelope from
      study participants in the DRC, we identified rare variants for complete genome
      sequencing. The basal branching of some of the complete genome sequences that we
      recovered suggests that these strains are more closely related to ancestral HIV-1
      strains than to previously reported strains and is evidence that the local
      diversification of HIV in the DRC continues to outpace the diversity of global
      strains decades after the emergence of the pandemic.

PMID- 28077648
TI  - Human Papillomavirus 16 E6 Upregulates APOBEC3B via the TEAD Transcription
      Factor.
AB  - The cytidine deaminase APOBEC3B (A3B) underlies the genetic heterogeneity of
      several human cancers, including cervical cancer, which is caused by human
      papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We previously identified a region within the A3B
      promoter that is activated by the viral protein HPV16 E6 in human keratinocytes.
      Here, we discovered three sites recognized by the TEAD family of transcription
      factors within this region of the A3B promoter. Reporter assays in HEK293 cells
      showed that exogenously expressed TEAD4 induced A3B promoter activation through
      binding to these sites. Normal immortalized human keratinocytes expressing E6
      (NIKS-E6) displayed increased levels of TEAD1/4 protein compared to parental
      NIKS. A series of E6 mutants revealed that E6-mediated degradation of p53 was
      important for increasing TEAD4 levels. Knockdown of TEADs in NIKS-E6
      significantly reduced A3B mRNA levels, whereas ectopic expression of TEAD4 in
      NIKS increased A3B mRNA levels. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays
      demonstrated increased levels of TEAD4 binding to the A3B promoter in NIKS-E6
      compared to NIKS. Collectively, these results indicate that E6 induces
      upregulation of A3B through increased levels of TEADs, highlighting the
      importance of the TEAD-A3B axis in carcinogenesis.IMPORTANCE The expression of
      APOBEC3B (A3B), a cellular DNA cytidine deaminase, is upregulated in various
      human cancers and leaves characteristic, signature mutations in cancer genomes,
      suggesting that it plays a prominent role in carcinogenesis. Viral oncoproteins
      encoded by human papillomavirus (HPV) and polyomavirus have been reported to
      induce A3B expression, implying the involvement of A3B upregulation in virus
      associated carcinogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms causing A3B
      upregulation remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous expression of
      the cellular transcription factor TEAD activates the A3B promoter. Further, the
      HPV oncoprotein E6 increases the levels of endogenous TEAD1/4 protein, thereby
      leading to A3B upregulation. Since increased levels of TEAD4 are frequently
      observed in many cancers, an understanding of the direct link between TEAD and
      A3B upregulation is of broad oncological interest.

PMID- 28077649
TI  - T-Cell Receptor (TCR) Clonotype-Specific Differences in Inhibitory Activity of
      HIV-1 Cytotoxic T-Cell Clones Is Not Mediated by TCR Alone.
AB  - Functional analysis of T-cell responses in HIV-infected individuals has indicated
      that virus-specific CD8+ T cells with superior antiviral efficacy are well
      represented in HIV-1 controllers but are rare or absent in HIV-1 progressors. To
      define the role of individual T-cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes in differential
      antiviral CD8+ T-cell function, we performed detailed functional and mass
      cytometric cluster analysis of multiple CD8+ T-cell clones recognizing the
      identical HLA-B*2705-restricted HIV-1 epitope KK10 (KRWIILGLNK). Effective and
      ineffective CD8+ T-cell clones segregated based on responses to HIV-1-infected
      and peptide-loaded target cells. Following cognate peptide stimulation, effective
      HIV-specific clones displayed significantly more rapid TCR signal propagation,
      more efficient initial lytic granule release, and more sustained nonlytic
      cytokine and chemokine secretion than ineffective clones. To evaluate the TCR
      clonotype contribution to CD8+ T-cell function, we cloned the TCR alpha and beta
      chain genes from one effective and two ineffective CD8+ T-cell clones from an
      elite controller into TCR-expressing lentivectors. We show that Jurkat/MA cells
      and primary CD8+ T cells transduced with lentivirus expressing TCR from one of
      the ineffective clones exhibited a level of activation by cognate peptide and
      inhibition of in vitro HIV-1 infection, respectively, that were comparable to
      those of the effective clonotype. Taken together, these data suggest that the
      potent antiviral capacity of some HIV-specific CD8+ T cells is a consequence of
      factors in addition to TCR sequence that modulate functionality and contribute to
      the increased antiviral capacity of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells in elite
      controllers to inhibit HIV infection.IMPORTANCE The greater ex vivo antiviral
      inhibitory activity of CD8+ T cells from elite controllers than from HIV-1
      progressors supports the crucial role of effective HIV-specific CD8+ T cells in
      controlling HIV-1 replication. The contribution of TCR clonotype to inhibitory
      potency was investigated by delineating the responsiveness of effective and
      ineffective CD8+ T-cell clones recognizing the identical HLA-B*2705-restricted
      HIV-1 Gag-derived peptide, KK10 (KRWIILGLNK). KK10-stimulated "effective" CD8+ T
      cell clones displayed significantly more rapid TCR signal propagation, more
      efficient initial lytic granule release, and more sustained cytokine and
      chemokine secretion than "ineffective" CD8+ T-cell clones. However, TCRs cloned
      from an effective and one of two ineffective clones conferred upon primary CD8+ T
      cells the equivalent potent capacity to inhibit HIV-1 infection. Taken together,
      these data suggest that other factors aside from intrinsic TCR-peptide-major
      histocompatibility complex (TCR-peptide-MHC) reactivity can contribute to the
      potent antiviral capacity of some HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell clones.

PMID- 28077650
TI  - Melanin or a Melanin-Like Substance Interacts with the N-Terminal Portion of
      Prion Protein and Inhibits Abnormal Prion Protein Formation in Prion-Infected
      Cells.
AB  - Prion diseases are progressive fatal neurodegenerative illnesses caused by the
      accumulation of transmissible abnormal prion protein (PrP). To find treatments
      for prion diseases, we searched for substances from natural resources that
      inhibit abnormal PrP formation in prion-infected cells. We found that high
      molecular-weight components from insect cuticle extracts reduced abnormal PrP
      levels. The chemical nature of these components was consistent with that of
      melanin. In fact, synthetic melanin produced from tyrosine or 3-hydroxy-l
      tyrosine inhibited abnormal PrP formation. Melanin did not modify cellular or
      cell surface PrP levels, nor did it modify lipid raft or cellular cholesterol
      levels. Neither did it enhance autophagy or lysosomal function. Melanin was
      capable of interacting with PrP at two N-terminal domains. Specifically, it
      strongly interacted with the PrP region of amino acids 23 to 50 including a
      positively charged amino acid cluster and weakly interacted with the PrP
      octarepeat peptide region of residues 51 to 90. However, the in vitro and in vivo
      data were inconsistent with those of prion-infected cells. Abnormal PrP formation
      in protein misfolding cyclic amplification was not inhibited by melanin. Survival
      after prion infection was not significantly altered in albino mice or exogenously
      melanin-injected mice compared with that of control mice. These data suggest that
      melanin, a main determinant of skin color, is not likely to modify prion disease
      pathogenesis, even though racial differences in the incidence of human prion
      diseases have been reported. Thus, the findings identify an interaction between
      melanin and the N terminus of PrP, but the pathophysiological roles of the PrP
      melanin interaction remain unclear.IMPORTANCE The N-terminal region of PrP is
      reportedly important for neuroprotection, neurotoxicity, and abnormal PrP
      formation, as this region is bound by many factors, such as metal ions, lipids,
      nucleic acids, antiprion compounds, and several proteins, including abnormal PrP
      in prion disease and the Abeta oligomer in Alzheimer's disease. In the present
      study, melanin, a main determinant of skin color, was newly found to interact
      with this N-terminal region and inhibits abnormal PrP formation in prion-infected
      cells. However, the data for prion infection in mice lacking melanin production
      suggest that melanin is not associated with the prion disease mechanism, although
      the incidence of prion disease is reportedly much higher in white people than in
      black people. Thus, the roles of the PrP-melanin interaction remain to be further
      elucidated, but melanin might be a useful competitive tool for evaluating the
      functions of other ligands at the N-terminal region.

PMID- 28077651
TI  - BRD4 Couples NF-kappaB/RelA with Airway Inflammation and the IRF-RIG-I
      Amplification Loop in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.
AB  - The airway mucosa expresses protective interferon (IFN) and inflammatory
      cytokines in response to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. In this
      study, we examine the role of bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) in mediating this
      innate immune response in human small airway epithelial cells. We observe that
      RSV induces BRD4 to complex with NF-kappaB/RelA. BRD4 is functionally required
      for expression of the NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory gene regulatory network
      (GRN), including the IFN response factor 1 (IRF1) and IRF7, which mediate a cross
      talk pathway for RIG-I upregulation. Mechanistically, BRD4 is required for cyclin
      dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) recruitment and phospho-Ser 2 carboxy-terminal domain
      (CTD) RNA polymerase (Pol) II formation on the promoters of IRF1, IRF7, and RIG
      I, producing their enhanced expression by transcriptional elongation. We also
      find that BRD4 independently regulates CDK9/phospho-Ser 2 CTD RNA Pol II
      recruitment to the IRF3-dependent IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). In vivo, poly(I.C)
      induced neutrophilia and mucosal chemokine production are blocked by a small
      molecule BRD4 bromodomain inhibitor. Similarly, BRD4 inhibition reduces RSV
      induced neutrophilia, mucosal CXC chemokine expression, activation of the IRF7
      RIG-I autoamplification loop, mucosal IFN expression, and airway obstruction. RSV
      infection activates BRD4 acetyltransferase activity on histone H3 Lys (K) 122,
      demonstrating that RSV infection activates BRD4 in vivo These data validate BRD4
      as a major effector of RSV-induced inflammation and disease. BRD4 is required for
      coupling NF-kappaB to expression of inflammatory genes and the IRF-RIG-I
      autoamplification pathway and independently facilitates antiviral ISG expression.
      BRD4 inhibition may be a strategy to reduce exuberant virus-induced mucosal
      airway inflammation.IMPORTANCE In the United States, 2.1 million children
      annually require medical attention for RSV infections. A first line of defense is
      the expression of the innate gene network by infected epithelial cells.
      Expression of the innate response requires the recruitment of transcriptional
      elongation factors to rapidly induce innate response genes through an unknown
      mechanism. We discovered that RSV infection induces a complex of bromodomain
      containing 4 (BRD4) with NF-kappaB and cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9). BRD4 is
      required for stable CDK9 binding, phospho-Ser 2 RNA Pol II formation, and histone
      acetyltransferase activity. Inhibition of BRD4 blocks Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)
      dependent neutrophilia and RSV-induced inflammation, demonstrating its importance
      in the mucosal innate response in vivo Our study shows that BRD4 plays a central
      role in inflammation and activation of the IRF7-RIG-I amplification loop vital
      for mucosal interferon expression. BRD4 inhibition may be a strategy for
      modulating exuberant mucosal airway inflammation.

PMID- 28077652
TI  - Exosome-Mediated Intercellular Communication between Hepatitis C Virus-Infected
      Hepatocytes and Hepatic Stellate Cells.
AB  - Fibrogenic pathways in the liver are principally regulated by activation of
      hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Fibrosis is associated with chronic hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) infection, although the mechanism is poorly understood. HSC comprise
      the major population of nonparenchymal cells in the liver. Since HCV does not
      replicate in HSC, we hypothesized that exosomes secreted from HCV-infected
      hepatocytes activate HSC. Primary or immortalized human hepatic stellate (LX2)
      cells were exposed to exosomes derived from HCV-infected hepatocytes (HCV-exo),
      and the expression of fibrosis-related genes was examined. Our results
      demonstrated that HCV-exo internalized to HSC and increased the expression of
      profibrotic markers. Further analysis suggested that HCV-exo carry miR-19a and
      target SOCS3 in HSC, which in turn activates the STAT3-mediated transforming
      growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway and enhances fibrosis marker
      genes. The higher expression of miR-19a in exosomes was also observed from HCV
      infected hepatocytes and in sera of chronic HCV patients with fibrosis compared
      to healthy volunteers and non-HCV-related liver disease patients with fibrosis.
      Together, our results demonstrated that miR-19a carried through the exosomes from
      HCV-infected hepatocytes activates HSC by modulating the SOCS-STAT3 axis. Our
      results implicated a novel mechanism of exosome-mediated intercellular
      communication in the activation of HSC for liver fibrosis in HCV
      infection.IMPORTANCE HCV-associated liver fibrosis is a critical step for end
      stage liver disease progression. However, the molecular mechanisms for hepatic
      stellate-cell activation by HCV-infected hepatocytes are underexplored. Here, we
      provide a role for miR-19a carried through the exosomes in intercellular
      communication between HCV-infected hepatocytes and HSC in fibrogenic activation.
      Furthermore, we demonstrate the role of exosomal miR-19a in activation of the
      STAT3-TGF-beta pathway in HSC. This study contributes to the understanding of
      intercellular communication in the pathogenesis of liver disease during HCV
      infection.

PMID- 28077653
TI  - Characterizing HIV-1 Splicing by Using Next-Generation Sequencing.
AB  - Full-length human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA serves as the genome
      or as an mRNA, or this RNA undergoes splicing using four donors and 10 acceptors
      to create over 50 physiologically relevant transcripts in two size classes (1.8
      kb and 4 kb). We developed an assay using Primer ID-tagged deep sequencing to
      quantify HIV-1 splicing. Using the lab strain NL4-3, we found that A5 (env/nef)
      is the most commonly used acceptor (about 50%) and A3 (tat) the least used (about
      3%). Two small exons are made when a splice to acceptor A1 or A2 is followed by
      activation of donor D2 or D3, and the high-level use of D2 and D3 dramatically
      reduces the amount of vif and vpr transcripts. We observed distinct patterns of
      temperature sensitivity of splicing to acceptors A1 and A2. In addition,
      disruption of a conserved structure proximal to A1 caused a 10-fold reduction in
      all transcripts that utilized A1. Analysis of a panel of subtype B
      transmitted/founder viruses showed that splicing patterns are conserved, but with
      surprising variability of usage. A subtype C isolate was similar, while a simian
      immunodeficiency virus (SIV) isolate showed significant differences. We also
      observed transsplicing from a downstream donor on one transcript to an upstream
      acceptor on a different transcript, which we detected in 0.3% of 1.8-kb RNA
      reads. There were several examples of splicing suppression when the env intron
      was retained in the 4-kb size class. These results demonstrate the utility of
      this assay and identify new examples of HIV-1 splicing regulation. IMPORTANCE
      During HIV-1 replication, over 50 conserved spliced RNA variants are generated.
      The splicing assay described here uses new developments in deep-sequencing
      technology combined with Primer ID-tagged cDNA primers to efficiently quantify
      HIV-1 splicing at a depth that allows even low-frequency splice variants to be
      monitored. We have used this assay to examine several features of HIV-1 splicing
      and to identify new examples of different mechanisms of regulation of these
      splicing patterns. This splicing assay can be used to explore in detail how HIV-1
      splicing is regulated and, with moderate throughput, could be used to screen for
      structural elements, small molecules, and host factors that alter these
      relatively conserved splicing patterns.

PMID- 28077654
TI  - Neutralization of Diverse Human Cytomegalovirus Strains Conferred by Antibodies
      Targeting Viral gH/gL/pUL128-131 Pentameric Complex.
AB  - Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading cause of congenital viral infection,
      and developing a prophylactic vaccine is of high priority to public health. We
      recently reported a replication-defective human cytomegalovirus with restored
      pentameric complex glycoprotein H (gH)/gL/pUL128-131 for prevention of congenital
      HCMV infection. While the quantity of vaccine-induced antibody responses can be
      measured in a viral neutralization assay, assessing the quality of such
      responses, including the ability of vaccine-induced antibodies to cross
      neutralize the field strains of HCMV, remains a challenge. In this study, with a
      panel of neutralizing antibodies from three healthy human donors with natural
      HCMV infection or a vaccinated animal, we mapped eight sites on the dominant
      virus-neutralizing antigen-the pentameric complex of glycoprotein H (gH), gL, and
      pUL128, pUL130, and pUL131. By evaluating the site-specific antibodies in vaccine
      immune sera, we demonstrated that vaccination elicited functional antiviral
      antibodies to multiple neutralizing sites in rhesus macaques, with quality
      attributes comparable to those of CMV hyperimmune globulin. Furthermore, these
      immune sera showed antiviral activities against a panel of genetically distinct
      HCMV clinical isolates. These results highlighted the importance of understanding
      the quality of vaccine-induced antibody responses, which includes not only the
      neutralizing potency in key cell types but also the ability to protect against
      the genetically diverse field strains.IMPORTANCE HCMV is the leading cause of
      congenital viral infection, and development of a preventive vaccine is a high
      public health priority. To understand the strain coverage of vaccine-induced
      immune responses in comparison with natural immunity, we used a panel of broadly
      neutralizing antibodies to identify the immunogenic sites of a dominant viral
      antigen-the pentameric complex. We further demonstrated that following
      vaccination of a replication-defective virus with the restored pentameric
      complex, rhesus macaques can develop broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting
      multiple immunogenic sites of the pentameric complex. Such analyses of site
      specific antibody responses are imperative to our assessment of the quality of
      vaccine-induced immunity in clinical studies.

PMID- 28077655
TI  - Expression of Ifnlr1 on Intestinal Epithelial Cells Is Critical to the Antiviral
      Effects of Interferon Lambda against Norovirus and Reovirus.
AB  - Lambda interferon (IFN-lambda) has potent antiviral effects against multiple
      enteric viral pathogens, including norovirus and rotavirus, in both preventing
      and curing infection. Because the intestine includes a diverse array of cell
      types, however, the cell(s) upon which IFN-lambda acts to exert its antiviral
      effects is unclear. Here, we sought to identify IFN-lambda-responsive cells by
      generation of mice with lineage-specific deletion of the receptor for IFN-lambda,
      Ifnlr1 We found that expression of IFNLR1 on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs)
      in the small intestine and colon is required for enteric IFN-lambda antiviral
      activity. IEC Ifnlr1 expression also determines the efficacy of IFN-lambda in
      resolving persistent murine norovirus (MNoV) infection and regulates fecal
      shedding and viral titers in tissue. Thus, the expression of Ifnlr1 by IECs is
      necessary for the response to both endogenous and exogenous IFN-lambda. We
      further demonstrate that IEC Ifnlr1 expression is required for the sterilizing
      innate immune effects of IFN-lambda by extending these findings in Rag1-deficient
      mice. Finally, we assessed whether our findings pertained to multiple viral
      pathogens by infecting mice specifically lacking IEC Ifnlr1 expression with
      reovirus. These mice phenocopied Ifnlr1-null animals, exhibiting increased
      intestinal tissue titers and enhanced reovirus fecal shedding. Thus, IECs are the
      critical cell type responding to IFN-lambda to control multiple enteric viruses.
      This is the first genetic evidence that supports an essential role for IECs in
      IFN-lambda-mediated control of enteric viral infection, and these findings
      provide insight into the mechanism of IFN-lambda-mediated antiviral
      activity.IMPORTANCE Human noroviruses (HNoVs) are the leading cause of epidemic
      gastroenteritis worldwide. Type III interferons (IFN-lambda) control enteric
      viral infections in the gut and have been shown to cure mouse norovirus, a small
      animal model for HNoVs. Using a genetic approach with conditional knockout mice,
      we identified IECs as the dominant IFN-lambda-responsive cells in control of
      enteric virus infection in vivo Upon murine norovirus or reovirus infection,
      Ifnlr1 depletion in IECs largely recapitulated the phenotype seen in Ifnlr1-/-
      mice of higher intestinal tissue viral titers and increased viral shedding in the
      stool. Moreover, IFN-lambda-mediated sterilizing immunity against murine
      norovirus requires the capacity of IECs to respond to IFN-lambda. These findings
      clarify the mechanism of action of this cytokine and emphasize the therapeutic
      potential of IFN-lambda for treating mucosal viral infections.

PMID- 28077656
TI  - Hierarchical and Redundant Roles of Activating FcgammaRs in Protection against
      Influenza Disease by M2e-Specific IgG1 and IgG2a Antibodies.
AB  - The ectodomain of matrix protein 2 is a universal influenza A virus vaccine
      candidate that provides protection through antibody-dependent effector
      mechanisms. Here we compared the functional engagement of Fcgamma receptor
      (FcgammaR) family members by two M2e-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), MAb
      37 (IgG1) and MAb 65 (IgG2a), which recognize a similar epitope in M2e with
      similar affinities. The binding of MAb 65 to influenza A virus-infected cells
      triggered all three activating mouse Fcgamma receptors in vitro, whereas MAb 37
      activated only FcgammaRIII. The passive transfer of MAb 37 or MAb 65 in wild
      type, Fcer1g-/-, Fcgr3-/-, and Fcgr1-/-Fcgr3-/- BALB/c mice revealed the
      importance of these receptors for protection against influenza A virus challenge,
      with a clear requirement of FcgammaRIII for IgG1 MAb 37 being found. We also
      report that FcgammaRIV contributes to protection by M2e-specific IgG2a
      antibodies.IMPORTANCE There is increased awareness that protection by antibodies
      directed against viral antigens is also mediated by the Fc domain of these
      antibodies. These Fc-mediated effector functions are often missed in clinical
      assays, which are used, for example, to define correlates of protection induced
      by vaccines. The use of antibodies to prevent and treat infectious diseases is on
      the rise and has proven to be a promising approach in our battle against newly
      emerging viral infections. It is now also realized that Fcgamma receptors
      significantly enhance the in vivo protective effect of broadly neutralizing
      antibodies directed against the conserved parts of the influenza virus
      hemagglutinin. We show here that two M2e-specific monoclonal antibodies with
      close to identical antigen-binding specificities and affinities have a very
      different in vivo protective potential that is controlled by their capacity to
      interact with activating Fcgamma receptors.

PMID- 28077657
TI  - Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1) and LMP2A Collaborate To Promote Epstein-Barr
      Virus-Induced B Cell Lymphomas in a Cord Blood-Humanized Mouse Model but Are Not
      Essential.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with B cell lymphomas in humans.
      The ability of EBV to convert human B cells into long-lived lymphoblastoid cell
      lines (LCLs) in vitro requires the collaborative effects of EBNA2 (which hijacks
      Notch signaling), latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) (which mimics CD40 signaling),
      and EBV-encoded nuclear antigen 3A (EBNA3A) and EBNA3C (which inhibit oncogene
      induced senescence and apoptosis). However, we recently showed that an LMP1
      deleted EBV mutant induces B cell lymphomas in a newly developed cord blood
      humanized mouse model that allows EBV-infected B cells to interact with CD4 T
      cells (the major source of CD40 ligand). Here we examined whether the EBV LMP2A
      protein, which mimics constitutively active B cell receptor signaling, is
      required for EBV-induced lymphomas in this model. We find that the deletion of
      LMP2A delays the onset of EBV-induced lymphomas but does not affect the tumor
      phenotype or the number of tumors. The simultaneous deletion of both LMP1 and
      LMP2A results in fewer tumors and a further delay in tumor onset. Nevertheless,
      the LMP1/LMP2A double mutant induces lymphomas in approximately half of the
      infected animals. These results indicate that neither LMP1 nor LMP2A is
      absolutely essential for the ability of EBV to induce B cell lymphomas in the
      cord blood-humanized mouse model, although the simultaneous loss of both LMP1 and
      LMP2A decreases the proportion of animals developing tumors and increases the
      time to tumor onset. Thus, the expression of either LMP1 or LMP2A may be
      sufficient to promote early-onset EBV-induced tumors in this model.IMPORTANCE EBV
      causes human lymphomas, but few models are available for dissecting how EBV
      causes lymphomas in vivo in the context of a host immune response. We recently
      used a newly developed cord blood-humanized mouse model to show that EBV can
      cooperate with human CD4 T cells to cause B cell lymphomas even when a major
      viral transforming protein, LMP1, is deleted. Here we examined whether the EBV
      protein LMP2A, which mimics B cell receptor signaling, is required for EBV
      induced lymphomas in this model. We find that the deletion of LMP2A alone has
      little effect on the ability of EBV to cause lymphomas but delays tumor onset.
      The deletion of both LMP1 and LMP2A results in a smaller number of lymphomas in
      infected animals, with an even more delayed time to tumor onset. These results
      suggest that LMP1 and LMP2A collaborate to promote early-onset lymphomas in this
      model, but neither protein is absolutely essential.

PMID- 28077658
TI  - A Cytoplasmic RNA Virus Alters the Function of the Cell Splicing Protein SRSF2.
AB  - To replicate efficiently, viruses must create favorable cell conditions and
      overcome cell antiviral responses. We previously reported that the reovirus
      protein MU2 from strain T1L, but not strain T3D, represses one antiviral
      response: alpha/beta interferon signaling. We report here that T1L, but not T3D,
      MU2 localizes to nuclear speckles, where it forms a complex with the mRNA
      splicing factor SRSF2 and alters its subnuclear localization. Reovirus replicates
      in cytoplasmic viral factories, and there is no evidence that reovirus genomic or
      messenger RNAs are spliced, suggesting that T1L MU2 might target splicing of cell
      RNAs. Indeed, RNA sequencing revealed that reovirus T1L, but not T3D, infection
      alters the splicing of transcripts for host genes involved in mRNA
      posttranscriptional modifications. Moreover, depletion of SRSF2 enhanced reovirus
      replication and cytopathic effect, suggesting that T1L MU2 modulation of splicing
      benefits the virus. This provides the first report of viral antagonism of the
      splicing factor SRSF2 and identifies the viral protein that determines strain
      specific differences in cell RNA splicing.IMPORTANCE Efficient viral replication
      requires that the virus create favorable cell conditions. Many viruses accomplish
      this by repressing specific antiviral responses. We demonstrate here that some
      mammalian reoviruses, RNA viruses that replicate strictly in the cytoplasm,
      express a protein variant that localizes to nuclear speckles, where it targets a
      cell mRNA splicing factor. Infection with a reovirus strain that targets this
      splicing factor alters splicing of cell mRNAs involved in the maturation of many
      other cell mRNAs. Depletion of this cell splicing factor enhances reovirus
      replication and cytopathic effect. Our results provide the first evidence of
      viral antagonism of this splicing factor and suggest that downstream consequences
      to the cell are global and benefit the virus.

PMID- 28077659
TI  - HIV Controllers Exhibit Enhanced Frequencies of Major Histocompatibility Complex
      Class II Tetramer+ Gag-Specific CD4+ T Cells in Chronic Clade C HIV-1 Infection.
AB  - Immune control of viral infections is heavily dependent on helper CD4+ T cell
      function. However, the understanding of the contribution of HIV-specific CD4+ T
      cell responses to immune protection against HIV-1, particularly in clade C
      infection, remains incomplete. Recently, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
      class II tetramers have emerged as a powerful tool for interrogating antigen
      specific CD4+ T cells without relying on effector functions. Here, we defined the
      MHC class II alleles for immunodominant Gag CD4+ T cell epitopes in clade C virus
      infection, constructed MHC class II tetramers, and then used these to define the
      magnitude, function, and relation to the viral load of HIV-specific CD4+ T cell
      responses in a cohort of untreated HIV clade C-infected persons. We observed
      significantly higher frequencies of MHC class II tetramer-positive CD4+ T cells
      in HIV controllers than progressors (P = 0.0001), and these expanded Gag-specific
      CD4+ T cells in HIV controllers showed higher levels of expression of the
      cytolytic proteins granzymes A and B. Importantly, targeting of the
      immunodominant Gag41 peptide in the context of HLA class II DRB1*1101 was
      associated with HIV control (r = -0.5, P = 0.02). These data identify an
      association between HIV-specific CD4+ T cell targeting of immunodominant Gag
      epitopes and immune control, particularly the contribution of a single class II
      MHC-peptide complex to the immune response against HIV-1 infection. Furthermore,
      these results highlight the advantage of the use of class II tetramers in
      evaluating HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses in natural infections.IMPORTANCE
      Increasing evidence suggests that virus-specific CD4+ T cells contribute to the
      immune-mediated control of clade B HIV-1 infection, yet there remains a relative
      paucity of data regarding the role of HIV-specific CD4+ T cells in shaping
      adaptive immune responses in individuals infected with clade C, which is
      responsible for the majority of HIV infections worldwide. Understanding the
      contribution of HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses in clade C infection is
      particularly important for developing vaccines that would be efficacious in sub
      Saharan Africa, where clade C infection is dominant. Here, we employed MHC class
      II tetramers designed to immunodominant Gag epitopes and used them to
      characterize CD4+ T cell responses in HIV-1 clade C infection. Our results
      demonstrate an association between the frequency of HIV-specific CD4+ T cell
      responses targeting an immunodominant DRB1*11-Gag41 complex and HIV control,
      highlighting the important contribution of a single class II MHC-peptide complex
      to the immune response against HIV-1 infections.

PMID- 28077660
TI  - Muscle spindles in human tibialis anterior encode muscle fascicle length changes.
AB  - Muscle spindles provide exquisitely sensitive proprioceptive information
      regarding joint position and movement. Through passively driven length changes in
      the muscle-tendon unit (MTU), muscle spindles detect joint rotations because of
      their in-parallel mechanical linkage to muscle fascicles. In human
      microneurography studies, muscle fascicles are assumed to follow the MTU and, as
      such, fascicle length is not measured in such studies. However, under certain
      mechanical conditions, compliant structures can act to decouple the fascicles,
      and, therefore, the spindles, from the MTU. Such decoupling may reduce the
      fidelity by which muscle spindles encode joint position and movement. The aim of
      the present study was to measure, for the first time, both the changes in firing
      of single muscle spindle afferents and changes in muscle fascicle length in vivo
      from the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) during passive rotations about the ankle.
      Unitary recordings were made from 15 muscle spindle afferents supplying TA via a
      microelectrode inserted into the common peroneal nerve. Ultrasonography was used
      to measure the length of an individual fascicle of TA. We saw a strong
      correlation between fascicle length and firing rate during passive ankle
      rotations of varying rates (0.1-0.5 Hz) and amplitudes (1-9 degrees ). In
      particular, we saw responses observed at relatively small changes in muscle
      length that highlight the sensitivity of the TA muscle to small length changes.
      This study is the first to measure spindle firing and fascicle dynamics in vivo
      and provides an experimental basis for further understanding the link between
      fascicle length, MTU length, and spindle firing patterns.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Muscle
      spindles are exquisitely sensitive to changes in muscle length, but recordings
      from human muscle spindle afferents are usually correlated with joint angle
      rather than muscle fascicle length. In this study, we monitored both muscle
      fascicle length and spindle firing from the human tibialis anterior muscle in
      vivo. Our findings are the first to measure these signals in vivo and provide an
      experimental basis for exploring this link further.

PMID- 28077661
TI  - Characterizing differential poststroke corticomotor drive to the dorsi- and
      plantarflexor muscles during resting and volitional muscle activation.
AB  - Imbalance of corticomotor excitability between the paretic and nonparetic limbs
      has been associated with the extent of upper extremity motor recovery poststroke,
      is greatly influenced by specific testing conditions such as the presence or
      absence of volitional muscle activation, and may vary across muscle groups.
      However, despite its clinical importance, poststroke corticomotor drive to lower
      extremity muscles has not been thoroughly investigated. Additionally, whereas
      conventional gait rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors focus on paretic
      limb foot drop and dorsiflexion impairments, most contemporary literature has
      indicated that paretic limb propulsion and plantarflexion impairments are the
      most significant limiters to poststroke walking function. The purpose of this
      study was to compare corticomotor excitability of the dorsi- and plantarflexor
      muscles during resting and active conditions in individuals with good and poor
      poststroke walking recovery and in neurologically intact controls. We found that
      plantarflexor muscles showed reduced corticomotor symmetry between paretic and
      nonparetic limbs compared with dorsiflexor muscles in individuals with poor
      poststroke walking recovery during active muscle contraction but not during rest.
      Reduced plantarflexor corticomotor symmetry during active muscle contraction was
      a result of reduced corticomotor drive to the paretic muscles and enhanced
      corticomotor drive to the nonparetic muscles compared with the neurologically
      intact controls. These results demonstrate that atypical corticomotor drive
      exists in both the paretic and nonparetic lower limbs and implicate greater
      severity of corticomotor impairments to plantarflexor vs. dorsiflexor muscles
      during muscle activation in stroke survivors with poor walking recovery.NEW &
      NOTEWORTHY The present study observed that lower-limb corticomotor asymmetry
      resulted from both reduced paretic and enhanced nonparetic limb corticomotor
      excitability compared with neurologically intact controls. The most asymmetrical
      corticomotor drive was observed in the plantarflexor muscles of individuals with
      poor poststroke walking recovery. This suggests that neural function of dorsi-
      and plantarflexor muscles in both paretic and nonparetic limbs may play a role in
      poststroke walking function, which may have important implications when
      developing targeted poststroke rehabilitation programs to improve walking
      ability.

PMID- 28077662
TI  - Stability and plasticity in neural encoding of linguistically relevant pitch
      patterns.
AB  - While lifelong language experience modulates subcortical encoding of pitch
      patterns, there is emerging evidence that short-term training introduced in
      adulthood also shapes subcortical pitch encoding. Here we use a cross-language
      design to examine the stability of language experience-dependent subcortical
      plasticity over multiple days. We then examine the extent to which behavioral
      relevance induced by sound-to-category training leads to plastic changes in
      subcortical pitch encoding in adulthood relative to adolescence, a period of
      ongoing maturation of subcortical and cortical auditory processing. Frequency
      following responses (FFRs), which reflect phase-locked activity from subcortical
      neural ensembles, were elicited while participants passively listened to pitch
      patterns reflective of Mandarin tones. In experiment 1, FFRs were recorded across
      three consecutive days from native Chinese-speaking (n = 10) and English-speaking
      (n = 10) adults. In experiment 2, FFRs were recorded from native English-speaking
      adolescents (n = 20) and adults (n = 15) before, during, and immediately after a
      session of sound-to-category training, as well as a day after training ceased.
      Experiment 1 demonstrated the stability of language experience-dependent
      subcortical plasticity in pitch encoding across multiple days of passive exposure
      to linguistic pitch patterns. In contrast, experiment 2 revealed an enhancement
      in subcortical pitch encoding that emerged a day after the sound-to-category
      training, with some developmental differences observed. Taken together, these
      findings suggest that behavioral relevance is a critical component for the
      observation of plasticity in the subcortical encoding of pitch.NEW & NOTEWORTHY
      We examine the timescale of experience-dependent auditory plasticity to
      linguistically relevant pitch patterns. We find extreme stability in lifelong
      experience-dependent plasticity. We further demonstrate that subcortical function
      in adolescents and adults is modulated by a single session of sound-to-category
      training. Our results suggest that behavioral relevance is a necessary ingredient
      for neural changes in pitch encoding to be observed throughout human development.
      These findings contribute to the neurophysiological understanding of long- and
      short-term experience-dependent modulation of pitch.

PMID- 28077663
TI  - Temporally precise control of single-neuron spiking by juxtacellular
      nanostimulation.
AB  - Temporal patterns of action potentials influence a variety of activity-dependent
      intra- and intercellular processes and play an important role in theories of
      neural coding. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying these phenomena requires
      imposing spike trains with precisely defined patterns, but this has been
      challenging due to the limitations of existing stimulation techniques. Here we
      present a new nanostimulation method providing control over the action potential
      output of individual cortical neurons. Spikes are elicited through the
      juxtacellular application of short-duration fluctuating currents ("kurzpulses"),
      allowing for the sub-millisecond precise and reproducible induction of arbitrary
      patterns of action potentials at all physiologically relevant firing frequencies
      (<120 Hz), including minute-long spike trains recorded in freely moving animals.
      We systematically compared our method to whole cell current injection, as well as
      optogenetic stimulation, and show that nanostimulation performance compares
      favorably with these techniques. This new nanostimulation approach is easily
      applied, can be readily performed in awake behaving animals, and thus promises to
      be a powerful tool for systematic investigations into the temporal elements of
      neural codes, as well as the mechanisms underlying a wide variety of activity
      dependent cellular processes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Assessing the impact of temporal
      features of neuronal spike trains requires imposing arbitrary patterns of spiking
      on individual neurons during behavior, but this has been difficult to achieve due
      to limitations of existing stimulation methods. We present a technique that
      overcomes these limitations by using carefully designed short-duration
      fluctuating juxtacellular current injections, which allow for the precise and
      reliable evocation of arbitrary patterns of neuronal spikes in single neurons in
      vivo.

PMID- 28077664
TI  - In monkeys making value-based decisions, amygdala neurons are sensitive to cue
      value as distinct from cue salience.
AB  - Neurons in the lateral intraparietal (LIP) area of macaque monkey parietal cortex
      respond to cues predicting rewards and penalties of variable size in a manner
      that depends on the motivational salience of the predicted outcome (strong for
      both large reward and large penalty) rather than on its value (positive for large
      reward and negative for large penalty). This finding suggests that LIP mediates
      the capture of attention by salient events and does not encode value in the
      service of value-based decision making. It leaves open the question whether
      neurons elsewhere in the brain encode value in the identical task. To resolve
      this issue, we recorded neuronal activity in the amygdala in the context of the
      task employed in the LIP study. We found that responses to reward-predicting cues
      were similar between areas, with the majority of reward-sensitive neurons
      responding more strongly to cues that predicted large reward than to those that
      predicted small reward. Responses to penalty-predicting cues were, however,
      markedly different. In the amygdala, unlike LIP, few neurons were sensitive to
      penalty size, few penalty-sensitive neurons favored large over small penalty, and
      the dependence of firing rate on penalty size was negatively correlated with its
      dependence on reward size. These results indicate that amygdala neurons encoded
      cue value under circumstances in which LIP neurons exhibited sensitivity to
      motivational salience. However, the representation of negative value, as
      reflected in sensitivity to penalty size, was weaker than the representation of
      positive value, as reflected in sensitivity to reward size.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This
      is the first study to characterize amygdala neuronal responses to cues predicting
      rewards and penalties of variable size in monkeys making value-based choices.
      Manipulating reward and penalty size allowed distinguishing activity dependent on
      motivational salience from activity dependent on value. This approach revealed in
      a previous study that neurons of the lateral intraparietal (LIP) area encode
      motivational salience. Here, it reveals that amygdala neurons encode value. The
      results establish a sharp functional distinction between the two areas.

PMID- 28077665
TI  - Spatial cognition in a virtual reality home-cage extension for freely moving
      rodents.
AB  - Virtual reality (VR) environments are a powerful tool to investigate brain
      mechanisms involved in the behavior of animals. With this technique, animals are
      usually head fixed or secured in a harness, and training for cognitively more
      complex VR paradigms is time consuming. A VR apparatus allowing free animal
      movement and the constant operator-independent training of tasks would enable
      many new applications. Key prospective usages include brain imaging of animal
      behavior when carrying a miniaturized mobile device such as a fluorescence
      microscope or an optetrode. Here, we introduce the Servoball, a spherical VR
      treadmill based on the closed-loop tracking of a freely moving animal and
      feedback counterrotation of the ball. Furthermore, we present the complete
      integration of this experimental system with the animals' group home cage, from
      which single individuals can voluntarily enter through a tunnel with radio
      frequency identification (RFID)-automated access control and commence
      experiments. This automated animal sorter functions as a mechanical replacement
      of the experimenter. We automatically trained rats using visual or acoustic cues
      to solve spatial cognitive tasks and recorded spatially modulated entorhinal
      cells. When electrophysiological extracellular recordings from awake behaving
      rats were performed, head fixation can dramatically alter results, so that any
      complex behavior that requires head movement is impossible to achieve. We
      circumvented this problem with the use of the Servoball in open-field scenarios,
      as it allows the combination of open-field behavior with the recording of nerve
      cells, along with all the flexibility that a virtual environment brings. This
      integrated home cage with a VR arena experimental system permits highly efficient
      experimentation for complex cognitive experiments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Virtual
      reality (VR) environments are a powerful tool for the investigation of brain
      mechanisms. We introduce the Servoball, a VR treadmill for freely moving rodents.
      The Servoball is integrated with the animals' group home cage. Single individuals
      voluntarily enter using automated access control. Training is highly time
      efficient, even for cognitively complex VR paradigms.

PMID- 28077666
TI  - Motor plan differs for young and older adults during similar movements.
AB  - Older adults exhibit altered activation of the agonist and antagonist muscles
      during goal-directed movements compared with young adults. However, it remains
      unclear whether the differential activation of the antagonistic muscles in older
      adults results from an impaired motor plan or an altered ability of the muscle to
      contract. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine whether the
      motor plan differs for young and older adults. Ten young (26.1 +/- 4.3 yr, 4
      women) and 16 older adults (71.9 +/- 6.9 yr, 9 women) participated in the study.
      Participants performed 100 trials of fast goal directed movements with ankle
      dorsiflexion while we recorded the electromyographic activity of the primary
      agonist (tibialis anterior; TA) and antagonist (soleus; SOL) muscles. From those
      100 trials we selected 5 trials in each of 3 movement end-point categories (fast,
      accurate, and slow). We investigated age-associated differences in the motor plan
      by quantifying the individual activity and coordination of the agonist and
      antagonist muscles. During similar movement end points, older adults exhibited
      similar activation of the agonist (TA) and antagonist (SOL) muscles compared with
      young adults. In addition, the coordination of the agonist and antagonist muscles
      (TA and SOL) was different between the two age groups. Specifically, older adults
      exhibited lower TA-SOL overlap (F1,23 = 41.2, P < 0.001) and greater TA-SOL peak
      EMG delay (F1,25 = 35.5, P < 0.001). This finding suggests that although subjects
      in both age groups displayed similar movement end points, they exhibited a
      different motor plan, as demonstrated by altered coordination between the agonist
      and antagonist muscles.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We aimed to determine whether the altered
      activation of muscles in older adults compared with young adults during fast goal
      directed movements is related to an altered motor plan. For matched movements,
      there were differences in the coordination of antagonistic muscles but no
      differences in the individual activation of muscles. We provide novel evidence
      that the differential activation of muscles in older adults is related to an
      altered motor plan.

PMID- 28077667
TI  - Role of the cerebellum in high stages of motor planning hierarchy.
AB  - Motor planning is not a monolithic process, and distinct stages of motor planning
      are responsible for encoding different levels of abstractness. However, how these
      distinct components are mapped into different neural substrates remains an open
      question. We studied one of these high-level motor planning components, defined
      as second-order motor planning, in a patient (R.G.) with an extremely rare case
      of cerebellar agenesis but without any other cortical malformations. Second-order
      motor planning dictates that when two acts must be performed sequentially,
      planning of the second act can influence execution of the first. We used an
      optoelectronic system for kinematic analysis to compare R.G.'s performance with
      age-matched controls in a second-order motor planning task. The first act was to
      reach for an object, and the second was to place it into a small or large
      container. Our results showed that despite the expected difficulties in fine
      motor skills, second-order motor planning (i.e., the ability to modulate the
      first act as a function of the nature of the second act) was preserved even in
      the patient with congenital absence of the cerebellum. These results open new
      intriguing speculations about the role of the cerebellum in motor planning
      abilities. Although prudence is imperative when suggesting conclusions made on
      the basis of single-case findings, this evidence suggests fascinating hypotheses
      about the neural circuits that support distinct stages of the motor planning
      hierarchy, and regarding the functional role of second-order motor planning in
      motor cognition and its potential dysfunction in autism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY
      Traditionally, the cerebellum was considered essential for motor planning. By
      studying an extremely rare patient with cerebellar agenesis and a group of
      neurotypical controls, we found that high stages of the motor planning hierarchy
      can be preserved even in this patient with congenital absence of the cerebellum.
      Our results provide interesting insights that shed light on the neural circuits
      supporting distinct levels of motor planning. Furthermore, the results are
      intriguing because of their potential clinical implications in autism.

PMID- 28077668
TI  - Auditory adaptation improves tactile frequency perception.
AB  - Our ability to process temporal frequency information by touch underlies our
      capacity to perceive and discriminate surface textures. Auditory signals, which
      also provide extensive temporal frequency information, can systematically alter
      the perception of vibrations on the hand. How auditory signals shape tactile
      processing is unclear; perceptual interactions between contemporaneous sounds and
      vibrations are consistent with multiple neural mechanisms. Here we used a
      crossmodal adaptation paradigm, which separated auditory and tactile stimulation
      in time, to test the hypothesis that tactile frequency perception depends on
      neural circuits that also process auditory frequency. We reasoned that auditory
      adaptation effects would transfer to touch only if signals from both senses
      converge on common representations. We found that auditory adaptation can improve
      tactile frequency discrimination thresholds. This occurred only when adaptor and
      test frequencies overlapped. In contrast, auditory adaptation did not influence
      tactile intensity judgments. Thus auditory adaptation enhances touch in a
      frequency- and feature-specific manner. A simple network model in which tactile
      frequency information is decoded from sensory neurons that are susceptible to
      auditory adaptation recapitulates these behavioral results. Our results imply
      that the neural circuits supporting tactile frequency perception also process
      auditory signals. This finding is consistent with the notion of supramodal
      operators performing canonical operations, like temporal frequency processing,
      regardless of input modality.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Auditory signals can influence the
      tactile perception of temporal frequency. Multiple neural mechanisms could
      account for the perceptual interactions between contemporaneous auditory and
      tactile signals. Using a crossmodal adaptation paradigm, we found that auditory
      adaptation causes frequency- and feature-specific improvements in tactile
      perception. This crossmodal transfer of aftereffects between audition and touch
      implies that tactile frequency perception relies on neural circuits that also
      process auditory frequency.

PMID- 28077669
TI  - Preparatory alpha-band oscillations reflect spatial gating independently of
      predictions regarding target identity.
AB  - Preparatory modulations of cortical alpha-band oscillations are a reliable index
      of the voluntary allocation of covert spatial attention. It is currently unclear
      whether attentional cues containing information about a target's identity (such
      as its visual orientation), in addition to its location, might additionally shape
      preparatory alpha modulations. Here, we explore this question by directly
      comparing spatial and feature-based attention in the same visual detection task
      while recording brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). At the
      behavioral level, preparatory feature-based and spatial attention cues both
      improved performance and did so independently of each other. Using MEG, we
      replicated robust alpha lateralization following spatial cues: in preparation for
      a visual target, alpha power decreased contralaterally and increased
      ipsilaterally to the attended location. Critically, however, preparatory alpha
      lateralization was not significantly modulated by predictions regarding target
      identity, as carried via the behaviorally effective feature-based attention cues.
      Furthermore, nonlateralized alpha power during the cue-target interval did not
      differentiate between uninformative cues and cues carrying feature-based
      predictions either. Based on these results we propose that preparatory alpha
      modulations play a role in the gating of information between spatially segregated
      cortical regions and are therefore particularly well suited for spatial gating of
      information.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present work clarifies if and how human brain
      oscillations in the alpha-band support multiple types of anticipatory attention.
      Using magnetoencephalography, we show that posterior alpha-band oscillations are
      modulated by predictions regarding the spatial location of an upcoming visual
      target, but not by feature-based predictions regarding its identity, despite
      robust behavioral benefits. This provides novel insights into the functional role
      of preparatory alpha mechanisms and suggests a limited specificity with which
      they may operate.

PMID- 28077670
TI  - The mammalian efferent vestibular system plays a crucial role in vestibulo-ocular
      reflex compensation after unilateral labyrinthectomy.
AB  - The alpha9-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha9-nAChR) subunit is expressed
      in the vestibular and auditory periphery, and its loss of function could
      compromise peripheral input from the predominantly cholinergic efferent
      vestibular system (EVS). A recent study has shown that alpha9-nAChRs play an
      important role in short-term vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) adaptation. We
      hypothesize that alpha9-nAChRs could also be important for other forms of
      vestibular plasticity, such as that needed for VOR recovery after vestibular
      organ injury. We measured the efficacy of VOR compensation in alpha9 knockout
      mice. These mice have deletion of most of the gene (chrna9) encoding the nAChR
      and thereby lack alpha9-nAChRs. We measured the VOR gain (eye velocity/head
      velocity) in 20 alpha9 knockout mice and 16 cba129 controls. We measured the
      sinusoidal (0.2-10 Hz, 20-100 degrees /s) and transient (1,500-6,000 degrees /s2)
      VOR in complete darkness before (baseline) unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) and
      then 1, 5, and 28 days after UL. On day 1 after UL, cba129 mice retained ~50% of
      their initial function for contralesional rotations, whereas alpha9 knockout mice
      only retained ~20%. After 28 days, alpha9 knockout mice had ~50% lower gain for
      both ipsilesional and contralesional rotations compared with cba129 mice. Cba129
      mice regained ~75% of their baseline function for ipsilesional and ~90% for
      contralesional rotations. In contrast, alpha9 knockout mice only regained ~30%
      and ~50% function, respectively, leaving the VOR severely impaired for rotations
      in both directions. Our results show that loss of alpha9-nAChRs severely affects
      VOR compensation, suggesting that complimentary central and peripheral EVS
      mediated adaptive mechanisms might be affected by this loss.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Loss
      of the alpha9-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha9-nAChR) subunit utilized by
      the efferent vestibular system (EVS) has been shown to significantly affect
      vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) adaptation. In our present study we have shown that
      loss of alpha9-nAChRs also affects VOR compensation, suggesting that the
      mammalian EVS plays an important role in vestibular plasticity, in general, and
      that VOR compensation is a more distributed process than previously thought,
      relying on both central and peripheral changes.

PMID- 28077671
TI  - Impact of long-term care facility residence on the antibiotic resistance of
      urinary tract Escherichia coli and Klebsiella.
AB  - Background: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are thought to be important
      reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria; however, there is no
      routine surveillance of resistance in LTCF residents, or large population-based
      studies comparing AMR in LTCFs with the community, so the relative burden of AMR
      in LTCFs remains unknown. Objectives: To compare the frequency of antibiotic
      resistance of urinary tract bacteria from residents of LTCFs for the elderly and
      adults aged 70 years or older living in the community. Methods: Positive urine
      specimens reported to any diagnostic microbiology laboratory in the West Midlands
      region (England) from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2014 collected from individuals
      aged 70 years or older were analysed. The resistance of Escherichia coli and
      Klebsiella to trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, third-generation cephalosporins and
      ciprofloxacin and the rate of laboratory-confirmed E. coli and Klebsiella urinary
      tract infection (UTI) were assessed in LTCF residents and in the community.
      Results: LTCF residents had a laboratory-confirmed E. coli and Klebsiella UTI
      rate of 21 per 100 person years compared with 8 per 100 person years in the
      elderly living in the community [rate ratio (RR)=2.66, 95% CI = 2.58-2.73] and a
      higher rate of developing E. coli and Klebsiella UTIs caused by bacteria
      resistant to trimethoprim (RR = 4.41, 95% CI = 4.25-4.57), nitrofurantoin (RR =
      4.38, 95% CI = 3.98-4.83), ciprofloxacin (RR = 5.18, 95% CI = 4.82-5.57) and
      third-generation cephalosporins (RR = 4.49, 95% CI = 4.08-4.94). Conclusions:
      Residents of LTCFs for the elderly had more than double the rate of E. coli and
      Klebsiella UTI and more than four times the rate of E. coli and Klebsiella UTI
      caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared with those living in the
      community.

PMID- 28077672
TI  - Potentiation of ceftazidime by avibactam against beta-lactam-resistant
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an in vitro infection model.
AB  - Objectives: This study evaluated the in vitro pharmacodynamics of combinations of
      ceftazidime and the non-beta-lactam beta-lactamase inhibitor, avibactam, against
      ceftazidime-, piperacillin/tazobactam- and meropenem-multiresistant Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa by a quantitative time-kill method. Methods: MICs of ceftazidime plus
      0-16 mg/L avibactam were determined against eight isolates of P. aeruginosa .
      Single-compartment, 24 h time-kill kinetics were investigated for three isolates
      at 0-16 mg/L avibactam with ceftazidime at 0.25-4-fold the MIC as measured at the
      respective avibactam concentration. Ceftazidime and avibactam concentrations were
      measured by LC-MS/MS during the time-kill kinetic studies to evaluate drug
      degradation. Results: Avibactam alone displayed no antimicrobial activity. MICs
      of ceftazidime decreased by 8-16-fold in the presence of avibactam at 4 mg/L. The
      changes in log 10 cfu/mL at both the 10 h and 24 h timepoints (versus 0 h)
      revealed bacterial killing at >=1-fold MIC. Significantly higher concentrations
      of ceftazidime alone, as compared with those of ceftazidime in combination, were
      required to produce any given kill. Without avibactam, ceftazidime degradation
      was significant (defined as degradation t 1/2  <   24 h), with as little as 19%  
      +/-   18% of the original concentration remaining at 8 h for the most resistant
      strain. In combination with avibactam, ceftazidime degradation at >= 1-fold MIC
      was negligible. Conclusion: The addition of avibactam protected ceftazidime from
      degradation in a dose-dependent manner and restored its cidal and static activity
      at concentrations in combination well below the MIC of ceftazidime alone.

PMID- 28077673
TI  - Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) in Asia: missing an opportunity.
AB  - Objectives: Healthcare facilities internationally have grown outpatient
      parenteral antibiotic administration services for the last few decades. The
      literature contains publications from dozens of countries describing systematized
      processes with specialist oversight and their levels of service provision and
      outcomes. Such descriptions are absent in the majority of Asian countries. We
      sought to elucidate the extent and nature of outpatient parenteral antibiotic
      therapy (OPAT) in Asia and to consider the ramifications and opportunities for
      improvement. Methods: Utilizing colleagues and their personal networks, we
      surveyed healthcare facilities across 17 countries in Asia to ascertain the
      current means (if any) of providing OPAT. In that survey we also sought to
      explore the capacity and interest of these facilities in developing systematized
      OPAT services. Results: Responses were received from 171 different healthcare
      facilities from 17 countries. Most (97/171, 57%) stated that they administer
      outpatient parenteral antibiotics, but only 5 of 162 facilities (3%) outside of
      Singapore described comprehensive services with specialist oversight.
      Conclusions: There is very likely a large unrecognized problem of unchecked
      outpatient parenteral antibiotic administration in Asia. Developing comprehensive
      and systematized OPAT in Asia is needed as a priority in an environment in which
      the infectious diseases community is demanding broad stewardship approaches.
      There are nonetheless challenges in establishing and sustaining OPAT programmes.
      Local champions and leverage off identified local incentives and needs are key to
      regional advancement.

PMID- 28077674
TI  - Population structure of Japanese extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli and
      its relationship with antimicrobial resistance.
AB  - Objectives: To define the population structure of extraintestinal pathogenic
      Escherichia coli (ExPEC) in Japan and its relationship with antimicrobial
      resistance and the major resistance mechanisms for fluoroquinolones and beta
      lactams, we designed a multicentre prospective study. Methods: A total of 329
      ExPEC isolates were collected at 10 Japanese acute-care hospitals during December
      2014. We defined the clonal groups of ExPEC by fumC and fimH sequencing (CH
      typing). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 18 agents and the detection of
      mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) and beta-lactamases
      were performed. Results: Among the study isolates, 103 CH types were found, and
      CH40-30 (25%) and another 10 CH types (35% in total) constituted the major ExPEC
      population. Ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility, ESBLs and MDR phenotypes were found
      in 34%, 22% and 33%, respectively. CH40-30, corresponding to the C/H30 clade of
      the global pandemic ST131 clone, was associated with four QRDR mutations (100%)
      and bla CTX-M (60%) and was the most frequent type in 15 antimicrobial-non
      susceptible populations (dominating 39%-75% of each population, the highest
      prevalence for ciprofloxacin), the ESBL producers (70%) and the MDR isolates
      (59%). Isolates that were non-susceptible to nalidixic acid and low-level
      resistant to ciprofloxacin with one or two QRDR mutations represented 16% of the
      study isolates and were distributed among the eight major and non-major CH types.
      Conclusions: More than half of the ExPEC population in Japan consisted of 11
      major clones. Of these clones, the CH40-30-ST131-C/H30 clone was the predominant
      antimicrobial-resistant population. The presence of major clones with low-level
      ciprofloxacin resistance supports the potential future success of a non-ST131
      fluoroquinolone-resistant clone.

PMID- 28077675
TI  - Post hoc assessment of the immunogenicity of bioengineered factor VIIa
      demonstrates the use of preclinical tools.
AB  - Immunogenicity is an important consideration in the licensure of a therapeutic
      protein because the development of neutralizing anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) can
      affect both safety and efficacy. Neoantigens introduced by bioengineering of a
      protein drug are a particular cause for concern. The development of a
      bioengineered recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) analog was discontinued after
      phase 3 trials because of the development of ADAs. The unmodified parent molecule
      (rFVIIa), on the other hand, has been successfully used as a drug for more than
      two decades with no reports of immunogenicity in congenital hemophilia patients
      with inhibitors. We used computational and experimental methods to demonstrate
      that the observed ADAs could have been elicited by neoepitopes in the engineered
      protein. The human leukocyte antigen type of the patients who developed ADAs is
      consistent with this hypothesis of a neoepitope-driven immune response, a finding
      that might have implications for the preclinical screening of therapeutic protein
      analogs.

PMID- 28077676
TI  - A PTK7-targeted antibody-drug conjugate reduces tumor-initiating cells and
      induces sustained tumor regressions.
AB  - Disease relapse after treatment is common in triple-negative breast cancer
      (TNBC), ovarian cancer (OVCA), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therapies
      that target tumor-initiating cells (TICs) should improve patient survival by
      eliminating the cells that can drive tumor recurrence and metastasis. We
      demonstrate that protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7), a highly conserved but
      catalytically inactive receptor tyrosine kinase in the Wnt signaling pathway, is
      enriched on TICs in low-passage TNBC, OVCA, and NSCLC patient-derived xenografts
      (PDXs). To deliver a potent anticancer drug to PTK7-expressing TICs, we generated
      a targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a humanized anti-PTK7
      monoclonal antibody, a cleavable valine-citrulline-based linker, and Aur0101, an
      auristatin microtubule inhibitor. The PTK7-targeted ADC induced sustained tumor
      regressions and outperformed standard-of-care chemotherapy. Moreover, the ADC
      specifically reduced the frequency of TICs, as determined by serial
      transplantation experiments. In addition to reducing the TIC frequency, the PTK7
      targeted ADC may have additional antitumor mechanisms of action, including the
      inhibition of angiogenesis and the stimulation of immune cells. Together, these
      preclinical data demonstrate the potential for the PTK7-targeted ADC to improve
      the long-term survival of cancer patients.

PMID- 28077678
TI  - Disruptive reproductive technologies.
AB  - In vitro gametogenesis raises new possibilities for reproductive and regenerative
      medicine as well as vexing policy challenges.

PMID- 28077677
TI  - Pharmacological rescue of diabetic skeletal stem cell niches.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease frequently associated with impaired
      bone healing. Despite its increasing prevalence worldwide, the molecular etiology
      of DM-linked skeletal complications remains poorly defined. Using advanced stem
      cell characterization techniques, we analyzed intrinsic and extrinsic
      determinants of mouse skeletal stem cell (mSSC) function to identify specific
      mSSC niche-related abnormalities that could impair skeletal repair in diabetic
      (Db) mice. We discovered that high serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor
      alpha directly repressed the expression of Indian hedgehog (Ihh) in mSSCs and in
      their downstream skeletogenic progenitors in Db mice. When hedgehog signaling was
      inhibited during fracture repair, injury-induced mSSC expansion was suppressed,
      resulting in impaired healing. We reversed this deficiency by precise delivery of
      purified Ihh to the fracture site via a specially formulated, slow-release
      hydrogel. In the presence of exogenous Ihh, the injury-induced expansion and
      osteogenic potential of mSSCs were restored, culminating in the rescue of Db bone
      healing. Our results present a feasible strategy for precise treatment of
      molecular aberrations in stem and progenitor cell populations to correct skeletal
      manifestations of systemic disease.

PMID- 28077680
TI  - Endomicroscope sheds light on cervical tissue.
AB  - A pilot study of a handheld fluorescence endomicroscope demonstrates both in vivo
      imaging and differentiation of normal from precancerous cervical tissue.

PMID- 28077679
TI  - CRISPR-Cas9 gene repair of hematopoietic stem cells from patients with X-linked
      chronic granulomatous disease.
AB  - Gene repair of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) may avoid
      problems associated with gene therapy, such as vector-related mutagenesis and
      dysregulated transgene expression. We used CRISPR (clustered regularly
      interspaced short palindromic repeat)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated 9) to repair a
      mutation in the CYBB gene of CD34+ HSPCs from patients with the immunodeficiency
      disorder X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD). Sequence-confirmed
      repair of >20% of HSPCs from X-CGD patients restored the function of NADPH
      (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase and superoxide radical
      production in myeloid cells differentiated from these progenitor cells in vitro.
      Transplant of gene-repaired X-CGD HSPCs into NOD (nonobese diabetic) SCID (severe
      combined immunodeficient) gammac-/- mice resulted in efficient engraftment and
      production of functional mature human myeloid and lymphoid cells for up to 5
      months. Whole-exome sequencing detected no indels outside of the CYBB gene after
      gene correction. CRISPR-mediated gene editing of HSPCs may be applicable to other
      CGD mutations and other monogenic disorders of the hematopoietic system.

PMID- 28077681
TI  - Tune into the rhythm of your bugs.
AB  - Diurnal changes in gut microbiota localization and function alter host physiology
      through circadian epigenetic and transcriptional changes.

PMID- 28077682
TI  - A weighty problem.
AB  - Altered dopamine signaling in obesity might decrease physical activity without
      contributing to weight gain.

PMID- 28077683
TI  - DAMPening the effects of trauma-induced inflammation.
AB  - Amine-containing polymers immobilized on mesh and placed at trauma sites scavenge
      biomolecules that initiate a damaging immune response.

PMID- 28077684
TI  - Targeting Aurora kinase A and JAK2 prevents GVHD while maintaining Treg and
      antitumor CTL function.
AB  - Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a leading cause of nonrelapse mortality after
      allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. T cell costimulation by CD28
      contributes to GVHD, but prevention is incomplete when targeting CD28, downstream
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), or Aurora A. Likewise, interleukin-6 (IL-6)
      mediated Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) signaling promotes alloreactivity, yet JAK2
      inhibition does not eliminate GVHD. We provide evidence that blocking Aurora A
      and JAK2 in human T cells is synergistic in vitro, prevents xenogeneic GVHD, and
      maintains antitumor responses by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Aurora A/JAK2
      inhibition is immunosuppressive but permits the differentiation of inducible
      regulatory T cells (iTregs) that are hyperfunctional and CD39 bright and
      efficiently scavenge adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Increased iTreg potency is
      primarily a function of Aurora A blockade, whereas JAK2 inhibition suppresses T
      helper 17 (TH17) differentiation. Inhibiting either Aurora A or JAK2
      significantly suppresses TH1 T cells. However, CTL generated in vivo retains
      tumor-specific killing despite Aurora A/JAK2 blockade. Thus, inhibiting CD28 and
      IL-6 signal transduction pathways in donor T cells can increase the Treg/Tconv
      ratio, prevent GVHD, and preserve antitumor CTL.

PMID- 28077685
TI  - Working with what you've got: unattractive males show greater mate-guarding
      effort in a duetting songbird.
AB  - When mates are limited, individuals should allocate resources to mating tactics
      that maximize fitness. In species with extra-pair paternity (EPP), males can
      invest in mate guarding, or, alternatively, in seeking EPP. Males should optimize
      fitness by adjusting investment according to their attractiveness to females,
      such that attractive males seek EPP, and unattractive males guard mates. This
      theory has received little empirical testing, leaving our understanding of the
      evolution of mating tactics incomplete; it is unclear how a male's relative
      attractiveness influences his tactics. We conducted observations and experiments
      on red-backed fairy-wrens (Malurus melanocephalus) to address this question. We
      found that older, more attractive (red-black) males sought EPP, whereas
      unattractive (brown) males invested in alternative tactics-physical and acoustic
      mate guarding. Younger red-black males used intermediate tactics. This suggests
      that males adopt mating tactics appropriate to their attributes. Males obtained
      similar reproductive success, suggesting these alternative tactics may maximize
      each male's paternity gain. Though it is likely that female choice also
      determines paternity, rather than just male tactics, we establish that the many
      interconnected components of a male's sexual phenotype influence the evolution of
      his decision-making rules, deepening our understanding of how mating tactics
      evolve under sexual selection.

PMID- 28077686
TI  - Evolution of iris colour in relation to cavity nesting and parental care in
      passerine birds.
AB  - Strong selection pressures are known to act on animal coloration. Although many
      animals vary in eye colour, virtually no research has investigated the functional
      significance of these colour traits. Passeriformes have a range of iris colours,
      making them an ideal system to investigate how and why iris colour has evolved.
      Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we tested the hypothesis that conspicuous
      iris colour in passerine birds evolved in response to (a) coordination of
      offspring care and (b) cavity nesting, two traits thought to be involved in intra
      specific gaze sensitivity. We found that iris colour and cooperative offspring
      care by two or more individuals evolved independently, suggesting that bright
      eyes are not important for coordinating parental care through eye gaze.
      Furthermore, we found that evolution between iris colour and nesting behaviour
      did occur in a dependent manner, but contrary to predictions, transitions to
      coloured eyes were not more frequent in cavity nesters than non-cavity nesters.
      Instead, our results indicate that selection away from having bright eyes was
      much stronger in non-cavity nesters than cavity nesters, perhaps because
      conspicuous eye coloration in species not concealed within a cavity would be more
      visible to predators.

PMID- 28077687
TI  - Stronger seasonal adjustment in leaf turgor loss point in lianas than trees in an
      Amazonian forest.
AB  - Pan-tropically, liana density increases with decreasing rainfall and increasing
      seasonality. This pattern has led to the hypothesis that lianas display a growth
      advantage over trees under dry conditions. However, the physiological mechanisms
      underpinning this hypothesis remain elusive. A key trait influencing leaf and
      plant drought tolerance is the leaf water potential at turgor loss point (pitlp).
      pitlp adjusts under drier conditions and this contributes to improved leaf
      drought tolerance. For co-occurring Amazonian tree (n = 247) and liana (n = 57)
      individuals measured during the dry and the wet seasons, lianas showed a stronger
      osmotic adjustment than trees. Liana leaves were less drought-tolerant than trees
      in the wet season, but reached similar drought tolerances during the dry season.
      Stronger osmotic adjustment in lianas would contribute to turgor maintenance, a
      critical prerequisite for carbon uptake and growth, and to the success of lianas
      relative to trees in growth under drier conditions.

PMID- 28077688
TI  - Pattern, process, inference and prediction in extinction biology.
AB  - Extinction is a key feature of the evolutionary history of life, and assessments
      of extinction risk are essential for the effective protection of biodiversity.
      The goal in assembling this special issue of Biology Letters was to highlight
      problems and questions at the research frontier of extinction biology, with an
      emphasis on recent developments in the methodology of inferring the patterns and
      processes of extinction from a background of often noisy and sparse data. In
      selecting topics, we sought to illustrate how extinction is not simply a self
      evident phenomenon, but the subject of a dynamic and quantitatively rigorous
      field of natural science, with practical applications to conservation.

PMID- 28077689
TI  - Giant cell arteritis and vascular disease-risk factors and outcomes: a cohort
      study using UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the associations between GCA and vascular diseases and
      other comorbidities in patients with GCA compared with non-vasculitis patients.
      Methods: Using the UK-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink we identified
      9778 newly diagnosed GCA patients in 1990-2014, and up to 10 non-vasculitis
      patients randomly matched to each case on age, sex, practice and years of history
      before cohort entry. We compared the distributions of 9 different pre-existing
      vascular diseases and 11 other comorbidities, and risks of incident vascular
      diseases and other comorbidities after cohort entry between GCA and non
      vasculitis patients. Results: Patients with GCA were more likely to have a
      history of vascular diseases and other comorbidities except myocardial
      infarction, type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer, compared with non-vasculitis
      patients. Patients with GCA had increased risks for all types of incident
      vascular disease compared with non-vasculitis patients: adjusted hazard ratios
      were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.36, 1.82) for myocardial infarction, 1.41 (95% CI: 1.29,
      1.55) for stroke, 1.75 (95% CI: 1.49, 2.06) for peripheral vascular disease, 1.98
      (95% CI: 1.50, 2.62) for aortic aneurysm and 2.03 (95% CI: 1.77, 2.33) for venous
      thromboembolism. Patients with GCA also had increased risks for other incident
      comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, depression, etc.), but not for cancer.
      Conclusion: Patients with GCA had more prior vascular diseases and other
      comorbidities before the diagnosis and they also had increased risks for incident
      vascular diseases and many other incident comorbidities after the diagnosis
      compared with non-vasculitis population.

PMID- 28077690
TI  - Educating people with rare rheumatological conditions.

PMID- 28077691
TI  - Establishment and baseline characteristics of a nationwide Danish cohort of
      patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
AB  - Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate national prevalence, general
      demographic characteristics and survival of Danish patients with Ehlers-Danlos
      syndrome (EDS). Method: A population-based cohort study was conducted using a
      database consisting of the entire Danish population alive at any given time
      between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2012, based upon longitudinal Danish
      national registers. All patients with EDS were identified, and the cohort was
      described by disease prevalence, basic demographic characteristics, mean age at
      death and mortality for the observational period of 13 years. Results: The cohort
      held 1427 unique persons with EDS, giving a national prevalence of 0.02%. The EDS
      population had a mean ( s . d .) age of 34.9 (18.6) years and comprised 73.9%
      females and 26.1% males. Of the cohort, 95.9% originated from Denmark and 57%
      were unmarried. We found that 31.6% of the cohort received state-granted
      subsidies, of which 77% were in the form of early retirement pension. Regarding
      educational status, 28.1% of the EDS cohort had completed primary education
      (?10th grade) as their highest educational level, while 71.9% had completed a
      higher level. During the observation period, 42 patients died, with a mean ( s .
      d .) age at death of 53.6 (21.7) years. Conclusion: This study confirmed a small
      national prevalence of patients diagnosed with EDS and showed that the majority
      of patients diagnosed are female. The EDS cohort had a lower educational level,
      mean age and life expectancy compared with the background population and showed a
      predisposition for receiving state-granted subsidies.

PMID- 28077692
TI  - Reference curves for the Australian/Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index in the
      middle-aged Dutch population.
AB  - Objective: The aim was to establish reference curves of the Australian/Canadian
      Hand Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN), a widely used questionnaire assessing hand
      complaints. Methods: Analyses were performed in a population-based sample, The
      Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study (n = 6671, aged 45-65 years). Factors
      associated with AUSCAN scores were analysed with ordered logistic regression,
      because AUSCAN data were zero inflated, dividing AUSCAN into three categories (0
      vs 1-5 vs >5). Age- and sex-specific reference curves for the AUSCAN (range 0-60;
      higher is worse) were developed using quantile regression in conjunction with
      fractional polynomials. Observed scores in relevant subgroups were compared with
      the reference curves. Results: The median age was 56 [interquartile range (IQR):
      50-61] years; 56% were women and 12% had hand OA according to ACR criteria.
      AUSCAN scores were low (median 1; IQR: 0-4). Reference curves where higher for
      women, and increased moderately with age: 95% percentiles for AUSCAN in men and
      women were, respectively, 5.0 and 12.3 points for a 45-year-old, and 15.2 and
      33.6 points for a 65-year-old individual. Additional associated factors included
      hand OA, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, FM, socio-economic status and BMI.
      Median AUSCAN pain subscale scores of women with hand OA lay between the 75th and
      90th centiles of the general population. Conclusion: AUSCAN scores in the middle
      aged Dutch population were low overall, and higher in women than in men. AUSCAN
      reference curves could serve as a benchmark in research and clinical practice
      settings. However, the AUSCAN does not measure hand complaints specific for hand
      OA.

PMID- 28077693
TI  - New GRAPPA and EULAR recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis.

PMID- 28077694
TI  - Laboratory Testing of Donors and Stool Samples for Fecal Microbiota
      Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection.
AB  - Fecal microbiota transplantation is an efficacious and inexpensive therapy for
      recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, yet its safety is thought to depend on
      appropriate fecal donor screening. FDA guidance for regulation of this procedure
      is in flux, but screening and manufacture of fecal material from asymptomatic
      donors present many challenges to clinical laboratories. This minireview
      summarizes FDA regulatory changes, principles of donor selection, and recommended
      laboratory screening practices for fecal microbiota transplantation.

PMID- 28077695
TI  - Stability Studies on Dry Swabs and Wet Mailed Swabs for Detection of Chlamydia
      trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Aptima Assays.
AB  - The Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) and Aptima CT (ACT) (Hologic Inc., San Diego, CA) are
      nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) that detect Chlamydia trachomatis AC2
      also detects Neisseria gonorrhoeae Storage and temperature conditions may impact
      the utility of NAATs in some settings and screening programs. We evaluated
      specimen stability for use beyond the Aptima package insert specifications for
      temperature and duration of storage (between 2 degrees C and 30 degrees C and 60
      days, respectively) in two studies: (i) dry C. trachomatis-seeded swabs were used
      with ACT after storage at 4 degrees C, 23 degrees C, or 36 degrees C for up to 84
      days and (ii) swabs seeded with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae and then placed
      in transport medium were tested with AC2, after being mailed via the U.S. Postal
      Service to three different sites. Prolonged storage of samples had no effect, and
      samples stored at 4 degrees C, 23 degrees C, and 36 degrees C for up to 84 days
      yielded comparable ACT positivities, although there was a drop in signal
      intensity for virtually all specimens under all storage/shipping conditions after
      day 21. In the mailing study, 80%, 52% and 29% of seeded swabs were exposed to
      temperatures of >30 degrees C during three rounds in transit, and 2% reached
      temperatures of >40 degrees C. No evidence of signal degradation in the AC2 assay
      for detection of C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae was observed, although some
      mailed swabs took more than 5 weeks to reach the laboratory site. These two
      studies support the potential use of swabs at temperatures above 36 degrees C and
      storage beyond 60 days and provide confidence regarding this commercially
      available NAAT for testing of specimens after mailing.

PMID- 28077696
TI  - A New Development in Trypanosoma cruzi Detection.
AB  - Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is an important
      cause of morbidity and mortality in areas of Latin America where Chagas disease
      is endemic and among infected individuals who have migrated to nonendemic areas
      of North America and Europe. There are many diagnostic tests that are employed in
      the serological diagnosis of this infection. In this issue of the Journal of
      Clinical Microbiology, Bautista-Lopez et al. provide characterization of
      excretory vesicles (EVs) from Vero cells infected with T. cruzi and provide data
      on the EVs produced by trypomastigotes and amastigotes (N. L. Bautista-Lopez et
      al., J Clin Microbiol 55:744-758, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01649-16).
      Their proteomic study defines potential targets to evaluate for improved
      diagnostic tests, effects on host cell biology that contribute to the
      pathogenesis of infection, and vaccine candidates. If any of the EV-associated
      proteins identified were to be correlated to cure of infection, this would be a
      major advance.

PMID- 28077697
TI  - Point-Counterpoint: What Is the Optimal Approach for Detection of Clostridium
      difficile Infection?
AB  - INTRODUCTIONIn 2010, we published an initial Point-Counterpoint on the laboratory
      diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). At that time, nucleic acid
      amplification tests (NAATs) were just becoming commercially available, and the
      idea of algorithmic approaches to CDI was being explored. Now, there are numerous
      NAATs in the marketplace, and based on recent proficiency test surveys, they have
      become the predominant method used for CDI diagnosis in the United States. At the
      same time, there is a body of literature that suggests that NAATs lack clinical
      specificity and thus inflate CDI rates. Hospital administrators are taking note
      of institutional CDI rates because they are publicly reported. They have become
      an important metric impacting hospital safety ratings and value-based purchasing;
      hospitals may have millions of dollars of reimbursement at risk. In this Point
      Counterpoint using a frequently asked question approach, Ferric Fang of the
      University of Washington, who has been a consistent advocate for a NAAT-only
      approach for CDI diagnosis, will discuss the value of a NAAT-only approach, while
      Christopher Polage of the University of California Davis and Mark Wilcox of Leeds
      University, Leeds, United Kingdom, each of whom has recently written important
      articles on the value of toxin detection in the diagnosis, will discuss the
      impact of toxin detection in CDI diagnosis.

PMID- 28077698
TI  - Detection of Antigenic Variants of Subtype H3 Swine Influenza A Viruses from
      Clinical Samples.
AB  - A large population of genetically and antigenically diverse influenza A viruses
      (IAVs) are circulating among the swine population, playing an important role in
      influenza ecology. Swine IAVs not only cause outbreaks among swine but also can
      be transmitted to humans, causing sporadic infections and even pandemic
      outbreaks. Antigenic characterizations of swine IAVs are key to understanding the
      natural history of these viruses in swine and to selecting strains for effective
      vaccines. However, influenza outbreaks generally spread rapidly among swine, and
      the conventional methods for antigenic characterization require virus
      propagation, a time-consuming process that can significantly reduce the
      effectiveness of vaccination programs. We developed and validated a rapid,
      sensitive, and robust method, the polyclonal serum-based proximity ligation assay
      (polyPLA), to identify antigenic variants of subtype H3N2 swine IAVs. This method
      utilizes oligonucleotide-conjugated polyclonal antibodies and quantifies antibody
      antigen binding affinities by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR).
      Results showed the assay can rapidly detect H3N2 IAVs directly from nasal wash or
      nasal swab samples collected from laboratory-challenged animals or during
      influenza surveillance at county fairs. In addition, polyPLA can accurately
      separate the viruses at two contemporary swine IAV antigenic clusters (H3N2 swine
      IAV-alpha and H3N2 swine IAV-beta) with a sensitivity of 84.9% and a specificity
      of 100.0%. The polyPLA can be routinely used in surveillance programs to detect
      antigenic variants of influenza viruses and to select vaccine strains for use in
      controlling and preventing disease in swine.

PMID- 28077699
TI  - Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns among a Large, Nationwide Cohort of
      Abiotrophia and Granulicatella Clinical Isolates.
AB  - Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from 599 A. defectiva, G. adiacens, and G.
      elegans clinical isolates were determined by broth microdilution. We observed
      significant differences in susceptibility across species, particularly to
      penicillin and ceftriaxone, and across geographical regions. A. defectiva was the
      least susceptible species overall to penicillin. All isolates were susceptible to
      vancomycin and >90% were susceptible to levofloxacin.

PMID- 28077700
TI  - Evaluation of Alere i RSV for Rapid Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in
      Children Hospitalized with Acute Respiratory Tract Infection.
AB  - Alere i RSV is a novel rapid test which applies a nicking enzyme amplification
      reaction to detect respiratory syncytial virus in point-of-care settings. In this
      study, we evaluated the Alere i RSV assay by using frozen nasopharyngeal swab
      samples that were collected in viral transport medium from children hospitalized
      with acute respiratory tract infection during the 2015-2016 winter season. Alere
      i RSV assay results were compared to those for Altona RealStar RSV real-time
      reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). We found that the overall sensitivity and
      specificity of the Alere i RSV test was 100% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 93%
      to 100%) and 97% (95% CI, 89% to 100%), respectively. Positive samples were
      identified within 5 to 7 min from sample collection. Overall, the Alere i RSV
      test performed well compared to the RT-PCR assay and has the potential to
      facilitate the detection of RSV in point-of-care settings.

PMID- 28077701
TI  - Comparison of 11 Phenotypic Assays for Accurate Detection of Carbapenemase
      Producing Enterobacteriaceae.
AB  - Early identification of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is
      essential to prevent their dissemination within health care settings. Our
      objective was to evaluate the accuracy of 11 phenotypic assays for the detection
      of CPE. Two collections of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolates
      were evaluated, including 191 retrospective isolates (122 CP-CRE and 69 non-CP
      isolates) as well as 45 prospective clinical isolates (15 CP-CRE and 30 non-CP
      CRE) obtained over a 3-month period. The sensitivity and specificity of each test
      was determined, with molecular genotype serving as the gold standard. Among the
      retrospective cohort, sensitivities ranged from 72% for the boronic acid synergy
      test for the detection of KPC producers to >=98% for the modified Carba NP, the
      Rapidec Carba NP, the manual Blue Carba, and the modified carbapenem inactivation
      method for the detection of any CPE. Sensitivity differed among tests across
      enzyme classes. All assays had excellent specificity exceeding 95%, with the
      exception of the boronic acid synergy test (88%) and modified Hodge test (91%).
      Prospectively, 45 CRE isolates were encountered over a 3-month period, including
      15 CPE (33%) and 30 non-CP-CRE (67%). Results from the prospective cohort were
      similar. However, a decrease in specificity was observed across most tests,
      likely due to restricted inclusion of non-CP-CRE to assess the specificity of the
      assays. Overall, accuracy of CPE detection varied across phenotypic tests. Local
      epidemiology of CP genotypes, turnaround time, and ease of incorporation into the
      laboratory workflow should be considered when selecting a phenotypic assay for
      clinical use.

PMID- 28077702
TI  - Direct Submissions from bioRxiv.

PMID- 28077703
TI  - APP Modulates Abeta-Induced Activation of Microglia in Mouse Model of Alzheimer's
      Disease.

PMID- 28077704
TI  - Emerging Evidence for a Direct Link between EAAT-Associated Anion Channels and
      Neurological Disorders.

PMID- 28077705
TI  - Processing of Intraoral Olfactory and Gustatory Signals in the Gustatory Cortex
      of Awake Rats.
AB  - : The integration of gustatory and olfactory information is essential to the
      perception of flavor. Human neuroimaging experiments have pointed to the
      gustatory cortex (GC) as one of the areas involved in mediating flavor
      perception. Although GC's involvement in encoding the chemical identity and
      hedonic value of taste stimuli is well studied, it is unknown how single GC
      neurons process olfactory stimuli emanating from the mouth. In this study, we
      relied on multielectrode recordings to investigate how single GC neurons respond
      to intraorally delivered tastants and tasteless odorants dissolved in water and
      whether/how these two modalities converge in the same neurons. We found that GC
      neurons could either be unimodal, responding exclusively to taste (taste-only) or
      odor (odor-only), or bimodal, responding to both gustatory and olfactory stimuli.
      Odor responses were confirmed to result from retronasal olfaction: monitoring
      respiration revealed that exhalation preceded odor-evoked activity and reversible
      inactivation of olfactory receptors in the nasal epithelium significantly reduced
      responses to intraoral odorants but not to tastants. Analysis of bimodal neurons
      revealed that they encode palatability significantly better than the unimodal
      taste-only group. Bimodal neurons exhibited similar responses to palatable
      tastants and odorants dissolved in water. This result suggested that odorized
      water could be palatable. This interpretation was further supported with a brief
      access task, where rats avoided consuming aversive taste stimuli and consumed the
      palatable tastants and dissolved odorants. These results demonstrate the
      convergence of the chemosensory components of flavor onto single GC neurons and
      provide evidence for the integration of flavor with palatability coding.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Food perception and choice depend upon the concurrent
      processing of olfactory and gustatory signals from the mouth. The primary
      gustatory cortex has been proposed to integrate chemosensory stimuli; however, no
      study has examined the single-unit responses to intraoral odorant presentation.
      Here we found that neurons in gustatory cortex can respond either exclusively to
      tastants, exclusively to odorants, or to both (bimodal). Several differences
      exist between these groups' responses; notably, bimodal neurons code palatability
      significantly better than unimodal neurons. This group of neurons might represent
      a substrate for how odorants gain the quality of tastants.

PMID- 28077707
TI  - Organization of the Claustrum-to-Entorhinal Cortical Connection in Mice.
AB  - : The claustrum, a subcortical structure situated between the insular cortex and
      striatum, is reciprocally connected with almost all neocortical regions. Based on
      this connectivity, the claustrum has been postulated to integrate multisensory
      information and, in turn, coordinate widespread cortical activity. Although
      studies have identified how sensory information is mapped onto the claustrum, the
      function of individual topographically arranged claustro-cortical pathways has
      been little explored. Here, we investigated the organization and function of
      identified claustro-cortical pathways in mice using multiple anatomical and
      optogenetic techniques. Retrograde and anterograde tracing demonstrated that the
      density of anterior claustrum-to-cortical projection differs substantially
      depending on the target cortical areas. One of the major targets was the medial
      entorhinal cortex (MEC) and the MEC-projecting claustral neurons were largely
      segregated from the neurons projecting to primary cortices M1, S1, or V1.
      Exposure to a novel environment induced c-Fos expression in a substantial number
      of MEC-projecting claustral neurons and some M1/S1/V1-projecting claustral
      neurons. Optogenetic silencing of the MEC-projecting claustral neurons during
      contextual fear conditioning impaired later memory retrieval without affecting
      basal locomotor activity or anxiety-related behavior. These results suggest that
      the dense, anterior claustro-MEC pathway that is largely separated from other
      claustro-cortical pathways is activated by novel context and modulates the MEC
      function in contextual memory. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The claustrum is a poorly
      understood subcortical structure reciprocally connected with widespread
      neocortical regions. We investigated the organization and function of identified
      claustro-cortical projections in mice using pathway-specific approaches.
      Anatomical tracing showed that the density of anterior claustrum-to-cortical
      projection is dependent on the target cortical areas and that the medial
      entorhinal cortex (MEC) is one of the major projection targets. Novel context
      exposure activated multiple claustro-cortical pathways and a large fraction of
      the activated neurons projected to the MEC. Optogenetic silencing of the claustro
      MEC pathway during contextual fear learning suppressed subsequent memory
      retrieval. These results suggest that the dense claustro-MEC pathway is activated
      by novel context and modulates MEC function in contextual memory.

PMID- 28077708
TI  - Dynamic Shifts in Large-Scale Brain Network Balance As a Function of Arousal.
AB  - : The ability to temporarily prioritize rapid and vigilant reactions over slower
      higher-order cognitive functions is essential for adaptive responding to threat.
      This reprioritization is believed to reflect shifts in resource allocation
      between large-scale brain networks that support these cognitive functions,
      including the salience and executive control networks. However, how changes in
      communication within and between such networks dynamically unfold as a function
      of threat-related arousal remains unknown. To address this issue, we collected
      functional MRI data and continuously assessed the heart rate from 120 healthy
      human adults as they viewed emotionally arousing and ecologically valid
      cinematographic material. We then developed an analysis method that tracks
      dynamic changes in large-scale network cohesion by quantifying the level of
      within-network and between-network interaction. We found a monotonically
      increasing relationship between heart rate, a physiological index of arousal, and
      within-network cohesion in the salience network, indicating that coordination of
      activity within the salience network dynamically tracks arousal. Strikingly,
      salience-executive control between-network cohesion peaked at moderate arousal.
      These findings indicate that at moderate arousal, which has been associated with
      optimal noradrenergic signaling, the salience network is optimally able to engage
      the executive control network to coordinate cognitive activity, but is unable to
      do so at tonically elevated noradrenergic levels associated with acute stress.
      Our findings extend neurophysiological models of the effects of stress-related
      neuromodulatory signaling at the cellular level to large-scale neural systems,
      and thereby explain shifts in cognitive functioning during acute stress, which
      may play an important role in the development and maintenance of stress-related
      mental disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: How does brain functioning change in
      arousing or stressful situations? Extant literature suggests that through global
      projections, arousal-related neuromodulatory changes can rapidly alter
      coordination of neural activity across brain-wide neural systems or large-scale
      networks. Since it is unknown how such processes unfold, we developed a method to
      dynamically track levels of within-network and between-network interaction. We
      applied this technique to human neuroimaging data acquired while participants
      watched realistic and emotionally arousing cinematographic material. Results
      demonstrate that cohesion within the salience network monotonically increases
      with arousal, while cohesion of this network with the executive control network
      peaks at moderate arousal. Our findings explain how cognitive performance shifts
      as a function of arousal, and provide new insights into vulnerability for stress
      related psychopathology.

PMID- 28077706
TI  - Connexin-Mediated Signaling in Nonsensory Cells Is Crucial for the Development of
      Sensory Inner Hair Cells in the Mouse Cochlea.
AB  - : Mutations in the genes encoding for gap junction proteins connexin 26 (Cx26)
      and connexin 30 (Cx30) have been linked to syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing
      loss in mice and humans. The release of ATP from connexin hemichannels in
      cochlear nonsensory cells has been proposed to be the main trigger for action
      potential activity in immature sensory inner hair cells (IHCs), which is crucial
      for the refinement of the developing auditory circuitry. Using connexin knock-out
      mice, we show that IHCs fire spontaneous action potentials even in the absence of
      ATP-dependent intercellular Ca2+ signaling in the nonsensory cells. However, this
      signaling from nonsensory cells was able to increase the intrinsic IHC firing
      frequency. We also found that connexin expression is key to IHC functional
      maturation. In Cx26 conditional knock-out mice (Cx26Sox10-Cre), the maturation of
      IHCs, which normally occurs at approximately postnatal day 12, was partially
      prevented. Although Cx30 has been shown not to be required for hearing in young
      adult mice, IHCs from Cx30 knock-out mice exhibited a comprehensive brake in
      their development, such that their basolateral membrane currents and synaptic
      machinery retain a prehearing phenotype. We propose that IHC functional
      differentiation into mature sensory receptors is initiated in the prehearing
      cochlea provided that the expression of either connexin reaches a threshold
      level. As such, connexins regulate one of the most crucial functional refinements
      in the mammalian cochlea, the disruption of which contributes to the deafness
      phenotype observed in mice and DFNB1 patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The
      correct development and function of the mammalian cochlea relies not only on the
      sensory hair cells, but also on the surrounding nonsensory cells. Although the
      nonsensory cells have been largely implicated in the general homeostasis in the
      mature cochlea, their involvement in the initial functional differentiation of
      the sensory inner hair cells is less clear. Using mutant mouse models for the
      most common form of congenital deafness in humans, which are knock-outs for the
      gap-junction channels connexin 26 and connexin 30 genes, we show that defects in
      nonsensory cells prevented the functional maturation of inner hair cells. In
      connexin knock-outs, inner hair cells remained stuck at a prehearing stage of
      development and, as such, are unable to process sound information.

PMID- 28077709
TI  - Semantic Congruence Accelerates the Onset of the Neural Signals of Successful
      Memory Encoding.
AB  - : As the stream of experience unfolds, our memory system rapidly transforms
      current inputs into long-lasting meaningful memories. A putative neural mechanism
      that strongly influences how input elements are transformed into meaningful
      memory codes relies on the ability to integrate them with existing structures of
      knowledge or schemas. However, it is not yet clear whether schema-related
      integration neural mechanisms occur during online encoding. In the current
      investigation, we examined the encoding-dependent nature of this phenomenon in
      humans. We showed that actively integrating words with congruent semantic
      information provided by a category cue enhances memory for words and increases
      false recall. The memory effect of such active integration with congruent
      information was robust, even with an interference task occurring right after each
      encoding word list. In addition, via electroencephalography, we show in 2
      separate studies that the onset of the neural signals of successful encoding
      appeared early (~400 ms) during the encoding of congruent words. That the neural
      signals of successful encoding of congruent and incongruent information followed
      similarly ~200 ms later suggests that this earlier neural response contributed to
      memory formation. We propose that the encoding of events that are congruent with
      readily available contextual semantics can trigger an accelerated onset of the
      neural mechanisms, supporting the integration of semantic information with the
      event input. This faster onset would result in a long-lasting and meaningful
      memory trace for the event but, at the same time, make it difficult to
      distinguish it from plausible but never encoded events (i.e., related false
      memories). SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Conceptual or schema congruence has a strong
      influence on long-term memory. However, the question of whether schema-related
      integration neural mechanisms occur during online encoding has yet to be
      clarified. We investigated the neural mechanisms reflecting how the active
      integration of words with congruent semantic categories enhances memory for words
      and increases false recall of semantically related words. We analyzed event
      related potentials during encoding and showed that the onset of the neural
      signals of successful encoding appeared early (~400 ms) during the encoding of
      congruent words. Our findings indicate that congruent events can trigger an
      accelerated onset of neural encoding mechanisms supporting the integration of
      semantic information with the event input.

PMID- 28077710
TI  - Sensory Flow as a Basis for a Novel Distance Cue in Freely Behaving Electric
      Fish.
AB  - : The sensory input that an animal receives is directly linked to its motor
      activity. Behavior thus enables animals to influence their sensory input, a
      concept referred to as active sensing. How such behavior can serve as a scaffold
      for generating sensory information is of general scientific interest. In this
      article, we investigate how behavior can shape sensory information by using some
      unique features of the sensorimotor system of the weakly electric fish. Based on
      quantitative behavioral characterizations and computational reconstruction of
      sensory input, we show how electrosensory flow is actively created during highly
      patterned, spontaneous behavior in Gnathonemus petersii. The spatiotemporal
      structure of the sensory input provides information for the computation of a
      novel distance cue, which allows for a continuous estimation of distance. This
      has significant advantages over previously known nondynamic distance estimators
      as determined from electric image blur. Our investigation of the sensorimotor
      interactions in pulsatile electrolocation shows, for the first time, that the
      electrosensory flow contains behaviorally relevant information accessible only
      through active behavior. As patterned sensory behaviors are a shared feature of
      (active) sensory systems, our results have general implications for the
      understanding of (active) sensing, with the proposed sensory flow-based measure
      being potentially pertinent to a broad range of sensory modalities. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: Acquisition of sensory information depends on motion, as either an
      animal or its sensors move. Behavior can thus actively influence the sensory
      flow; and in this way, behavior can be seen as a manifestation of the brain's
      integrative functions. The properties of the active pulsatile electrolocation
      system in Gnathonemus petersii allow for the sensory input to be computationally
      reconstructed, enabling us to link the informational content of spatiotemporal
      sensory dynamics to behavior. Our study reveals a novel sensory cue for
      estimating depth that is actively generated by the fishes' behavior. The physical
      and behavioral similarities between electrolocation and other active sensory
      systems suggest that this may be a mechanism shared by (active) sensory systems.

PMID- 28077711
TI  - Phase-Amplitude Coupling and Long-Range Phase Synchronization Reveal
      Frontotemporal Interactions during Visual Working Memory.
AB  - : It has been suggested that cross-frequency phase-amplitude coupling (PAC),
      particularly in temporal brain structures, serves as a neural mechanism for
      coordinated working memory storage. In this magnetoencephalography study, we show
      that during visual working memory maintenance, temporal cortex regions, which
      exhibit enhanced PAC, interact with prefrontal cortex via enhanced low-frequency
      phase synchronization. Healthy human participants were engaged in a visual
      delayed match-to-sample task with pictures of natural objects. During the delay
      period, we observed increased spectral power of beta (20-28 Hz) and gamma (40-94
      Hz) bands as well as decreased power of theta/alpha band (7-9 Hz) oscillations in
      visual sensory areas. Enhanced PAC between the phases of theta/alpha and the
      amplitudes of beta oscillations was found in the left inferior temporal cortex
      (IT), an area known to be involved in visual object memory. Furthermore, the IT
      was functionally connected to the prefrontal cortex by increased low-frequency
      phase synchronization within the theta/alpha band. Together, these results point
      to a mechanism in which the combination of PAC and long-range phase
      synchronization subserves enhanced large-scale brain communication. They suggest
      that distant brain regions might coordinate their activity in the low-frequency
      range to engage local stimulus-related processing in higher frequencies via the
      combination of long-range, within-frequency phase synchronization and local cross
      frequency PAC. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Working memory maintenance, like other
      cognitive functions, requires the coordinated engagement of brain areas in local
      and large-scale networks. However, the mechanisms by which spatially distributed
      brain regions share and combine information remain primarily unknown. We show
      that the combination of long-range, low-frequency phase synchronization and local
      cross-frequency phase-amplitude coupling might serve as a mechanism to coordinate
      memory processes across distant brain areas. In this study, low-frequency phase
      synchronization between prefrontal and temporal cortex co-occurred with local
      cross-frequency phase-amplitude coupling to higher frequencies in the latter. By
      such means, ongoing working memory storage taking place in higher frequencies in
      temporal regions might be effectively coordinated by distant frontal brain
      regions through synchronized activity in the low-frequency range.

PMID- 28077712
TI  - Changes in Properties of Auditory Nerve Synapses following Conductive Hearing
      Loss.
AB  - : Auditory activity plays an important role in the development of the auditory
      system. Decreased activity can result from conductive hearing loss (CHL)
      associated with otitis media, which may lead to long-term perceptual deficits.
      The effects of CHL have been mainly studied at later stages of the auditory
      pathway, but early stages remain less examined. However, changes in early stages
      could be important because they would affect how information about sounds is
      conveyed to higher-order areas for further processing and localization. We
      examined the effects of CHL at auditory nerve synapses onto bushy cells in the
      mouse anteroventral cochlear nucleus following occlusion of the ear canal. These
      synapses, called endbulbs of Held, normally show strong depression in voltage
      clamp recordings in brain slices. After 1 week of CHL, endbulbs showed even
      greater depression, reflecting higher release probability. We observed no
      differences in quantal size between control and occluded mice. We confirmed these
      observations using mean-variance analysis and the integration method, which also
      revealed that the number of release sites decreased after occlusion. Consistent
      with this, synaptic puncta immunopositive for VGLUT1 decreased in area after
      occlusion. The level of depression and number of release sites both showed
      recovery after returning to normal conditions. Finally, bushy cells fired fewer
      action potentials in response to evoked synaptic activity after occlusion, likely
      because of increased depression and decreased input resistance. These effects
      appear to reflect a homeostatic, adaptive response of auditory nerve synapses to
      reduced activity. These effects may have important implications for perceptual
      changes following CHL. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Normal hearing is important to
      everyday life, but abnormal auditory experience during development can lead to
      processing disorders. For example, otitis media reduces sound to the ear, which
      can cause long-lasting deficits in language skills and verbal production, but the
      location of the problem is unknown. Here, we show that occluding the ear causes
      synapses at the very first stage of the auditory pathway to modify their
      properties, by decreasing in size and increasing the likelihood of releasing
      neurotransmitter. This causes synapses to deplete faster, which reduces fidelity
      at central targets of the auditory nerve, which could affect perception.
      Temporary hearing loss could cause similar changes at later stages of the
      auditory pathway, which could contribute to disorders in behavior.

PMID- 28077714
TI  - Formation of Long-Term Locomotor Memories Is Associated with Functional
      Connectivity Changes in the Cerebellar-Thalamic-Cortical Network.
AB  - : Although motor adaptation is typically rapid, accumulating evidence shows that
      it is also associated with long-lasting behavioral and neuronal changes. Two
      processes were suggested to explain the formation of long-term motor memories:
      recall, reflecting a retrieval of previous motor actions, and faster relearning,
      reflecting an increased sensitivity to errors. Although these manifestations of
      motor memories were initially demonstrated in the context of adaptation
      experiments in reaching, indications of long-term motor memories were also
      demonstrated recently in other kinds of adaptation such as in locomotor
      adaptation. Little is known about the neural processes that underlie these
      distinct aspects of memory. We hypothesize that recall and faster relearning
      reflect different learning processes that operate at the same time and depend on
      different neuronal networks. Seventeen subjects performed a multisession
      locomotor adaptation experiment in the laboratory, together with resting-state
      and localizer fMRI scans, after the baseline and the locomotor adaptation
      sessions. We report a modulation of the cerebellar-thalamic-cortical and
      cerebellar-basal ganglia networks after locomotor adaptation. Interestingly,
      whereas thalamic-cortical baseline connectivity was correlated with recall,
      cerebellar-thalamic baseline connectivity was correlated with faster relearning.
      Our results suggest that separate neuronal networks underlie error sensitivity
      and retrieval components. Individual differences in baseline resting-state
      connectivity can predict idiosyncratic combination of these components.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The ability to shape our motor behavior rapidly in
      everyday activity, such as when walking on sand, suggests the existence of long
      term motor memories. It was suggested recently that this ability is achieved by
      the retrieval of previous motor actions and by enhanced relearning capacity.
      Little is known about the neural mechanisms that underlie these memory processes.
      We studied the modularity in long-term motor memories in the context of locomotor
      adaptation using resting-state fMRI. We show that retrieval and relearning
      effects are associated with separate locomotor control networks and that
      intersubject variability in learning and in the generation of motor memories
      could be predicted from baseline resting-state connectivity in locomotor-related
      networks.

PMID- 28077713
TI  - Reversible Disruption of Neuronal Mitochondria by Ischemic and Traumatic Injury
      Revealed by Quantitative Two-Photon Imaging in the Neocortex of Anesthetized
      Mice.
AB  - : Mitochondria play a variety of functional roles in cortical neurons, from
      metabolic support and neuroprotection to the release of cytokines that trigger
      apoptosis. In dendrites, mitochondrial structure is closely linked to their
      function, and fragmentation (fission) of the normally elongated mitochondria
      indicates loss of their function under pathological conditions, such as stroke
      and brain trauma. Using in vivo two-photon microscopy in mouse brain, we
      quantified mitochondrial fragmentation in a full spectrum of cortical injuries,
      ranging from severe to mild. Severe global ischemic injury was induced by
      bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, whereas severe focal stroke injury was
      induced by Rose Bengal photosensitization. The moderate and mild traumatic injury
      was inflicted by focal laser lesion and by mild photo-damage, respectively.
      Dendritic and mitochondrial structural changes were tracked longitudinally using
      transgenic mice expressing fluorescent proteins localized either in cytosol or in
      mitochondrial matrix. In response to severe injury, mitochondrial fragmentation
      developed in parallel with dendritic damage signified by dendritic beading.
      Reconstruction from serial section electron microscopy confirmed mitochondrial
      fragmentation. Unlike dendritic beading, fragmentation spread beyond the injury
      core in focal stroke and focal laser lesion models. In moderate and mild injury,
      mitochondrial fragmentation was reversible with full recovery of structural
      integrity after 1-2 weeks. The transient fragmentation observed in the mild photo
      damage model was associated with changes in dendritic spine density without any
      signs of dendritic damage. Our findings indicate that alterations in neuronal
      mitochondria structure are very sensitive to the tissue damage and can be
      reversible in ischemic and traumatic injuries. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: During
      ischemic stroke or brain trauma, mitochondria can either protect neurons by
      supplying ATP and adsorbing excessive Ca2+, or kill neurons by releasing
      proapoptotic factors. Mitochondrial function is tightly linked to their
      morphology: healthy mitochondria are thin and long; dysfunctional mitochondria
      are thick (swollen) and short (fragmented). To date, fragmentation of
      mitochondria was studied either in dissociated cultured neurons or in brain
      slices, but not in the intact living brain. Using real-time in vivo two-photon
      microscopy, we quantified mitochondrial fragmentation during acute pathological
      conditions that mimic severe, moderate, and mild brain injury. We demonstrated
      that alterations in neuronal mitochondria structural integrity can be reversible
      in traumatic and ischemic injuries, highlighting mitochondria as a potential
      target for therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 28077715
TI  - Excitatory Hindbrain-Forebrain Communication Is Required for Cisplatin-Induced
      Anorexia and Weight Loss.
AB  - : Cisplatin chemotherapy is commonly used to treat cancer despite severe energy
      balance side effects. In rats, cisplatin activates nucleus tractus solitarius
      (NTS) projections to the lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN) and calcitonin-gene
      related peptide (CGRP) projections from the lPBN to the central nucleus of the
      amygdala (CeA). We demonstrated previously that CeA glutamate receptor signaling
      mediates cisplatin-induced anorexia and body weight loss. Here, we used
      neuroanatomical tracing, immunofluorescence, and confocal imaging to demonstrate
      that virtually all NTS->lPBN and lPBN->CeA CGRP projections coexpress vesicular
      glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2), providing evidence that excitatory projections
      mediate cisplatin-induced energy balance dysregulation. To test whether lPBN->CeA
      projection neurons are required for cisplatin-induced anorexia and weight loss,
      we inhibited these neurons chemogenetically using a retrograde Cre-recombinase
      expressing canine adenovirus-2 in combination with Cre-dependent inhibitory
      Designer Receptors Exclusive Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) before
      cisplatin treatment. Inhibition of lPBN->CeA neurons attenuated cisplatin-induced
      anorexia and body weight loss significantly. Using a similar approach, we
      additionally demonstrated that inhibition of NTS->lPBN neurons attenuated
      cisplatin-induced anorexia and body weight loss significantly. Together, our data
      support the view that excitatory hindbrain-forebrain projections are necessary
      for cisplatin's untoward effects on energy intake, elucidating a key
      neuroanatomical circuit driving pathological anorexia and weight loss that
      accompanies chemotherapy treatment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chemotherapy
      treatments are commonly used to treat cancers despite accompanying anorexia and
      weight loss that may limit treatment adherence and reduce patient quality of
      life. Strikingly, we lack a neural understanding of, and effective treatments
      for, chemotherapy-induced anorexia and weight loss. The current data characterize
      the excitatory nature of neural projections activated by cisplatin in rats and
      reveal the necessity of specific hindbrain-forebrain projections for cisplatin
      induced anorexia and weight loss. Together, these findings help to characterize
      the neural mechanisms mediating cisplatin-induced anorexia, advancing
      opportunities to develop better-tolerated chemotherapies and adjuvant therapies
      to prevent anorexia and concurrent nutritional deficiencies during cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 28077716
TI  - The Attraction Effect Modulates Reward Prediction Errors and Intertemporal
      Choices.
AB  - : Classical economic theory contends that the utility of a choice option should
      be independent of other options. This view is challenged by the attraction
      effect, in which the relative preference between two options is altered by the
      addition of a third, asymmetrically dominated option. Here, we leveraged the
      attraction effect in the context of intertemporal choices to test whether both
      decisions and reward prediction errors (RPE) in the absence of choice violate the
      independence of irrelevant alternatives principle. We first demonstrate that
      intertemporal decision making is prone to the attraction effect in humans. In an
      independent group of participants, we then investigated how this affects the
      neural and behavioral valuation of outcomes using a novel intertemporal lottery
      task and fMRI. Participants' behavioral responses (i.e., satisfaction ratings)
      were modulated systematically by the attraction effect and this modulation was
      correlated across participants with the respective change of the RPE signal in
      the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, we show that, because exponential and
      hyperbolic discounting models are unable to account for the attraction effect,
      recently proposed sequential sampling models might be more appropriate to
      describe intertemporal choices. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that
      the attraction effect modulates subjective valuation even in the absence of
      choice. The findings also challenge the prospect of using neuroscientific methods
      to measure utility in a context-free manner and have important implications for
      theories of reinforcement learning and delay discounting. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      Many theories of value-based decision making assume that people first assess the
      attractiveness of each option independently of each other and then pick the
      option with the highest subjective value. The attraction effect, however, shows
      that adding a new option to a choice set can change the relative value of the
      existing options, which is a violation of the independence principle. Using an
      intertemporal choice framework, we tested whether such violations also occur when
      the brain encodes the difference between expected and received rewards (i.e., the
      reward prediction error). Our results suggest that neither intertemporal choice
      nor valuation without choice adhere to the independence principle.

PMID- 28077718
TI  - Integrin-Linked Kinase (ILK) Deletion Disrupts Oligodendrocyte Development by
      Altering Cell Cycle.
AB  - : During development, oligodendrocytes are initially specified, after which
      oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) migrate and proliferate before
      differentiating into myelinating cells. Lineage-specific programming of
      oligodendrocytes results from sensing environmental cues through membrane-bound
      receptors and related intracellular signaling molecules. Integrin-linked kinase
      (ILK) is an important protein that is expressed at the inner margins of the
      plasma membrane and can mediate some of these signals. The current studies
      demonstrate that ILK deletion reduces the proliferation and differentiation of
      OPCs in the developing CNS. There was a significant decrease in the number of
      OPCs and mature oligodendrocytes throughout postnatal development in Olig1Cre+/-
      * ILKfl/fl mice. These changes were accompanied by reduced numbers of myelinated
      axons. Key proteins involved in cell cycle regulation were dysregulated. Cyclin
      D1/D3 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2/4 (cdc2/cdc4) were downregulated and the cell
      cycle inhibitor protein p27 Kip1 was upregulated. Therefore, ILK deletion
      impaired the developmental profile, proliferation, and differentiation of OPCs by
      altering the expression of regulatory cytoplasmic and nuclear factors.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a scaffolding protein
      involved in integrating signals from the extracellular environment and
      communicating those signals to downstream effectors within cells. It has been
      proposed to regulate aspects of oligodendrocyte process extension and thereby
      myelination. However, the current studies demonstrate that it has an earlier
      impact on cells in this lineage. Knocking down ILK in Olig1-Cre-expressing cells
      reduces the pool of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). This smaller pool of
      OPCs results from altered cell cycle and reduced cell proliferation. These cells
      myelinate fewer axons than in wild-type mice and, in corpus callosum, the myelin
      is thinner than in controls. Interestingly, the smaller pool of spinal cord
      oligodendrocytes generates myelin that is of normal thickness.

PMID- 28077717
TI  - Complexin Mutants Reveal Partial Segregation between Recycling Pathways That
      Drive Evoked and Spontaneous Neurotransmission.
AB  - : Synaptic vesicles fuse at morphological specializations in the presynaptic
      terminal termed active zones (AZs). Vesicle fusion can occur spontaneously or in
      response to an action potential. Following fusion, vesicles are retrieved and
      recycled within nerve terminals. It is still unclear whether vesicles that fuse
      spontaneously or following evoked release share similar recycling mechanisms.
      Genetic deletion of the SNARE-binding protein complexin dramatically increases
      spontaneous fusion, with the protein serving as the synaptic vesicle fusion clamp
      at Drosophila synapses. We examined synaptic vesicle recycling pathways at
      complexin null neuromuscular junctions, where spontaneous release is dramatically
      enhanced. We combined loading of the lipophilic dye FM1-43 with photoconversion,
      electron microscopy, and electrophysiology to monitor evoked and spontaneous
      recycling vesicle pools. We found that the total number of recycling vesicles was
      equal to those retrieved through spontaneous and evoked pools, suggesting that
      retrieval following fusion is partially segregated for spontaneous and evoked
      release. In addition, the kinetics of FM1-43 destaining and synaptic depression
      measured in the presence of the vesicle-refilling blocker bafilomycin indicated
      that spontaneous and evoked recycling pools partially intermix during the release
      process. Finally, FM1-43 photoconversion combined with electron microscopy
      analysis indicated that spontaneous recycling preferentially involves synaptic
      vesicles in the vicinity of AZs, whereas vesicles recycled following evoked
      release involve a larger intraterminal pool. Together, these results suggest that
      spontaneous and evoked vesicles use separable recycling pathways and then
      partially intermix during subsequent rounds of fusion. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      Neurotransmitter release involves fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma
      membrane in response to an action potential, or spontaneously in the absence of
      stimulation. Upon fusion, vesicles are retrieved and recycled, and it is unclear
      whether recycling pathways for evoked and spontaneous vesicles are segregated
      after fusion. We addressed this question by taking advantage of preparations
      lacking the synaptic protein complexin, which have elevated spontaneous release
      that enables reliable tracking of the spontaneous recycling pool. Our results
      suggest that spontaneous and evoked recycling pathways are segregated during the
      retrieval process but can partially intermix during stimulation.

PMID- 28077720
TI  - Local Circuits of V1 Layer 4B Neurons Projecting to V2 Thick Stripes Define
      Distinct Cell Classes and Avoid Cytochrome Oxidase Blobs.
AB  - : Decades of anatomical studies on the primate primary visual cortex (V1) have
      led to a detailed diagram of V1 intrinsic circuitry, but this diagram lacks
      information about the output targets of V1 cells. Understanding how V1 local
      processing relates to downstream processing requires identification of neuronal
      populations defined by their output targets. In primates, V1 layers (L)2/3 and 4B
      send segregated projections to distinct cytochrome oxidase (CO) stripes in area
      V2: neurons in CO blob columns project to thin stripes while neurons outside blob
      columns project to thick and pale stripes, suggesting functional specialization
      of V1-to-V2 CO streams. However, the conventional diagram of V1 shows all L4B
      neurons, regardless of their soma location in blob or interblob columns, as
      projecting selectively to CO blobs in L2/3, suggesting convergence of
      blob/interblob information in L2/3 blobs and, possibly, some V2 stripes. However,
      it is unclear whether all L4B projection neurons show similar local circuitries.
      Using viral-mediated circuit tracing, we have identified the local circuits of
      L4B neurons projecting to V2 thick stripes in macaque. Consistent with previous
      studies, we found the somata of this L4B subpopulation to reside predominantly
      outside blob columns; however, unlike previous descriptions of local L4B
      circuits, these cells consistently projected outside CO blob columns in all
      layers. Thus, the local circuits of these L4B output neurons, just like their
      extrinsic projections to V2, preserve CO streams. Moreover, the intra-V1 laminar
      patterns of axonal projections identify two distinct neuron classes within this
      L4B subpopulation, including a rare novel neuron type, suggestive of two
      functionally specialized output channels. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Conventional
      diagrams of primate primary visual cortex (V1) depict neuronal connections within
      and between different V1 layers, but lack information about the cells' downstream
      targets. This information is critical to understanding how local processing in V1
      relates to downstream processing. We have identified the local circuits of a
      population of cells in V1 layer (L)4B that project to area V2. These cells' local
      circuits differ from classical descriptions of L4B circuits in both the laminar
      and functional compartments targeted by their axons, and identify two neuron
      classes. Our results demonstrate that both local intra-V1 and extrinsic V1-to-V2
      connections of L4B neurons preserve CO-stream segregation, suggesting that across
      stream integration occurs downstream of V1, and that output targets dictate local
      V1 circuitry.

PMID- 28077719
TI  - Suppressing N-Acetyl-l-Aspartate Synthesis Prevents Loss of Neurons in a Murine
      Model of Canavan Leukodystrophy.
AB  - : Canavan disease is a leukodystrophy caused by aspartoacylase (ASPA) deficiency.
      The lack of functional ASPA, an enzyme enriched in oligodendroglia that cleaves N
      acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA) to acetate and l-aspartic acid, elevates brain NAA and
      causes "spongiform" vacuolation of superficial brain white matter and neighboring
      gray matter. In children with Canavan disease, neuroimaging shows early-onset
      dysmyelination and progressive brain atrophy. Neuron loss has been documented at
      autopsy in some cases. Prior studies have shown that mice homozygous for the Aspa
      nonsense mutation Nur7 also develop brain vacuolation. We now report that numbers
      of cerebral cortical and cerebellar neurons are decreased and that cerebral
      cortex progressively thins in AspaNur7/Nur7 mice. This neuronal pathology is
      prevented by constitutive disruption of Nat8l, which encodes the neuronal NAA
      synthetic enzyme N-acetyltransferase-8-like. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This is the
      first demonstration of cortical and cerebellar neuron depletion and progressive
      cerebral cortical thinning in an animal model of Canavan disease. Genetic
      suppression of N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA) synthesis, previously shown to block
      brain vacuolation in aspartoacylase-deficient mice, also prevents neuron loss and
      cerebral cortical atrophy in these mice. These results suggest that lowering the
      concentration of NAA in the brains of children with Canavan disease would prevent
      or slow progression of neurological deficits.

PMID- 28077721
TI  - Temporal Expectations Guide Dynamic Prioritization in Visual Working Memory
      through Attenuated alpha Oscillations.
AB  - : Although working memory is generally considered a highly dynamic mnemonic
      store, popular laboratory tasks used to understand its psychological and neural
      mechanisms (such as change detection and continuous reproduction) often remain
      relatively "static," involving the retention of a set number of items throughout
      a shared delay interval. In the current study, we investigated visual working
      memory in a more dynamic setting, and assessed the following: (1) whether
      internally guided temporal expectations can dynamically and reversibly prioritize
      individual mnemonic items at specific times at which they are deemed most
      relevant; and (2) the neural substrates that support such dynamic prioritization.
      Participants encoded two differently colored oriented bars into visual working
      memory to retrieve the orientation of one bar with a precision judgment when
      subsequently probed. To test for the flexible temporal control to access and
      retrieve remembered items, we manipulated the probability for each of the two
      bars to be probed over time, and recorded EEG in healthy human volunteers.
      Temporal expectations had a profound influence on working memory performance,
      leading to faster access times as well as more accurate orientation reproductions
      for items that were probed at expected times. Furthermore, this dynamic
      prioritization was associated with the temporally specific attenuation of
      contralateral alpha (8-14 Hz) oscillations that, moreover, predicted working
      memory access times on a trial-by-trial basis. We conclude that attentional
      prioritization in working memory can be dynamically steered by internally guided
      temporal expectations, and is supported by the attenuation of alpha oscillations
      in task-relevant sensory brain areas. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In dynamic,
      everyday-like, environments, flexible goal-directed behavior requires that mental
      representations that are kept in an active (working memory) store are dynamic,
      too. We investigated working memory in a more dynamic setting than is
      conventional, and demonstrate that expectations about when mnemonic items are
      most relevant can dynamically and reversibly prioritize these items in time.
      Moreover, we uncover a neural substrate of such dynamic prioritization in
      contralateral visual brain areas and show that this substrate predicts working
      memory retrieval times on a trial-by-trial basis. This places the experimental
      study of working memory, and its neuronal underpinnings, in a more dynamic and
      ecologically valid context, and provides new insights into the neural
      implementation of attentional prioritization within working memory.

PMID- 28077722
TI  - Higher Heart-Rate Variability Is Associated with Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex
      Activity and Increased Resistance to Temptation in Dietary Self-Control
      Challenges.
AB  - : Higher levels of self-control in decision making have been linked to better
      psychosocial and physical health. A similar link to health outcomes has been
      reported for heart-rate variability (HRV), a marker of physiological flexibility.
      Here, we sought to link these two, largely separate, research domains by testing
      the hypothesis that greater HRV would be associated with better dietary self
      control in humans. Specifically, we examined whether total HRV at sedentary rest
      (measured as the SD of normal-to-normal intervals) can serve as a biomarker for
      the neurophysiological adaptability that putatively underlies self-controlled
      behavior. We found that HRV explained a significant portion of the individual
      variability in dietary self-control, with individuals having higher HRV being
      better able to downregulate their cravings in the face of taste temptations.
      Furthermore, HRV was associated with activity patterns in the ventromedial
      prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), a key node in the brain's valuation and decision
      circuitry. Specifically, individuals with higher HRV showed both higher overall
      vmPFC blood-oxygen-level-dependent activity and attenuated taste representations
      when presented with a dietary self-control challenge. Last, the behavioral and
      neural associations with HRV were consistent across both our stress induction and
      control experimental conditions. The stability of this association across
      experimental conditions suggests that HRV may serve as both a readily obtainable
      and robust biomarker for self-control ability across environmental contexts.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Self-control is associated with better health, but
      behavioral and psychometric self-control measures allow only indirect
      associations with health outcomes and may be distorted by reporting bias. We
      tested whether resting heart-rate variability (HRV), a physiological indicator of
      psychological and physical health, can predict individual differences in dietary
      self-control in humans. We found that higher HRV was associated with better self
      control and improved predictions of choice behavior. Specifically, higher HRV was
      associated with more effective downregulation of taste temptations, and with a
      diminished neural representation of taste temptations during self-control
      challenges. Our results suggest that HRV may serve as an easily acquired,
      noninvasive, and low-cost biomarker for self-control ability.

PMID- 28077724
TI  - TREM2 Promotes Microglial Survival by Activating Wnt/beta-Catenin Pathway.
AB  - Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), which is expressed on
      myeloid cells including microglia in the CNS, has recently been identified as a
      risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). TREM2 transmits intracellular signals
      through its transmembrane binding partner DNAX-activating protein 12 (DAP12).
      Homozygous mutations inactivating TREM2 or DAP12 lead to Nasu-Hakola disease;
      however, how AD risk-conferring variants increase AD risk is not clear. To
      elucidate the signaling pathways underlying reduced TREM2 expression or loss of
      function in microglia, we respectively knocked down and knocked out the
      expression of TREM2 in in vitro and in vivo models. We found that TREM2
      deficiency reduced the viability and proliferation of primary microglia, reduced
      microgliosis in Trem2-/- mouse brains, induced cell cycle arrest at the G1/S
      checkpoint, and decreased the stability of beta-catenin, a key component of the
      canonical Wnt signaling pathway responsible for maintaining many biological
      processes, including cell survival. TREM2 stabilized beta-catenin by inhibiting
      its degradation via the Akt/GSK3beta signaling pathway. More importantly,
      treatment with Wnt3a, LiCl, or TDZD-8, which activates the beta-catenin-mediated
      Wnt signaling pathway, rescued microglia survival and microgliosis in Trem2-/-
      microglia and/or in Trem2-/- mouse brain. Together, our studies demonstrate a
      critical role of TREM2-mediated Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in microglial viability
      and suggest that modulating this pathway therapeutically may help to combat the
      impaired microglial survival and microgliosis associated with AD.SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT Mutations in the TREM2 (Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells
      2) gene are associated with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) with
      effective sizes comparable to that of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4
      allele, making it imperative to understand the molecular pathway(s) underlying
      TREM2 function in microglia. Our findings shed new light on the relationship
      between TREM2/DNAX-activating protein 12 (DAP12) signaling and Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling and provide clues as to how reduced TREM2 function might impair
      microglial survival in AD pathogenesis. We demonstrate that TREM2 promotes
      microglial survival by activating the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway and that
      it is possible to restore Wnt/beta-catenin signaling when TREM2 activity is
      disrupted or reduced. Therefore, we demonstrate the potential for manipulating
      the TREM2/beta-catenin signaling pathway for the treatment of AD.

PMID- 28077725
TI  - Encoding of Both Reaching and Grasping Kinematics in Dorsal and Ventral Premotor
      Cortices.
AB  - Classically, it has been hypothesized that reach-to-grasp movements arise from
      two discrete parietofrontal cortical networks. As part of these networks, the
      dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) has been implicated in the control of reaching
      movements of the arm, whereas the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) has been
      associated with the control of grasping movements of the hand. Recent studies
      have shown that such a strict delineation of function along anatomical boundaries
      is unlikely, partly because reaching to different locations can alter distal hand
      kinematics and grasping different objects can affect kinematics of the proximal
      arm. Here, we used chronically implanted multielectrode arrays to record unit
      spiking activity in both PMd and PMv simultaneously while rhesus macaques engaged
      in a reach-to-grasp task. Generalized linear models were used to predict the
      spiking activity of cells in both areas as a function of different kinematic
      parameters, as well as spike history. To account for the influence of reaching on
      hand kinematics and vice versa, we applied demixed principal components analysis
      to define kinematics synergies that maximized variance across either different
      object locations or grip types. We found that single cells in both PMd and PMv
      encode the kinematics of both reaching and grasping synergies, suggesting that
      this classical division of reach and grasp in PMd and PMv, respectively, does not
      accurately reflect the encoding preferences of cells in those areas.SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT For reach-to-grasp movements, the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) has been
      implicated in the control of reaching movements of the arm, whereas the ventral
      premotor cortex (PMv) has been associated with the control of grasping movements
      of the hand. We recorded unit-spiking activity in PMd and PMv simultaneously
      while macaques performed a reach-to-grasp task. We modeled the spiking activity
      of neurons as a function of kinematic parameters and spike history. We applied
      demixed principal components analysis to define kinematics synergies. We found
      that single units in both PMd and PMv encode the kinematics of both reaching and
      grasping synergies, suggesting that the division of reach and grasp in PMd and
      PMv, respectively, cannot be made based on their encoding properties.

PMID- 28077726
TI  - Climbing Fibers Control Purkinje Cell Representations of Behavior.
AB  - A crucial issue in understanding cerebellar function is the interaction between
      simple spike (SS) and complex spike (CS) discharge, the two fundamentally
      different activity modalities of Purkinje cells. Although several hypotheses have
      provided insights into the interaction, none fully explains or is completely
      consistent with the spectrum of experimental observations. Here, we show that
      during a pseudo-random manual tracking task in the monkey (Macaca mulatta),
      climbing fiber discharge dynamically controls the information present in the SS
      firing, triggering robust and rapid changes in the SS encoding of motor signals
      in 67% of Purkinje cells. The changes in encoding, tightly coupled to CS
      occurrences, consist of either increases or decreases in the SS sensitivity to
      kinematics or position errors and are not due to differences in SS firing rates
      or variability. Nor are the changes in sensitivity due to CS rhythmicity. In
      addition, the CS-coupled changes in encoding are not evoked by changes in
      kinematics or position errors. Instead, CS discharge most often leads alterations
      in behavior. Increases in SS encoding of a kinematic parameter are associated
      with larger changes in that parameter than are decreases in SS encoding.
      Increases in SS encoding of position error are followed by and scale with
      decreases in error. The results suggest a novel function of CSs, in which
      climbing fiber input dynamically controls the state of Purkinje cell SS encoding
      in advance of changes in behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Purkinje cells, the sole
      output of the cerebellar cortex, manifest two fundamentally different activity
      modalities, complex spike (CS) discharge and simple spike (SS) firing.
      Elucidating cerebellar function will require an understanding of the
      interactions, both short- and long-term, between CS and SS firing. This study
      shows that CSs dynamically control the information encoded in a Purkinje cell's
      SS activity by rapidly increasing or decreasing the SS sensitivity to kinematics
      and/or performance errors independent of firing rate. In many cases, the CS
      coupled shift in SS encoding leads a change in behavior. These novel findings on
      the interaction between CS and SS firing provide for a new hypothesis in which
      climbing fiber input adjusts the encoding of SS information in advance of a
      change in behavior.

PMID- 28077727
TI  - Asymmetries of Dark and Bright Negative Afterimages Are Paralleled by Subcortical
      ON and OFF Poststimulus Responses.
AB  - Humans are more sensitive to luminance decrements than increments, as evidenced
      by lower thresholds and shorter latencies for dark stimuli. This asymmetry is
      consistent with results of neurophysiological recordings in dorsal lateral
      geniculate nucleus (dLGN) and primary visual cortex (V1) of cat and monkey.
      Specifically, V1 population responses demonstrate that darks elicit higher levels
      of activation than brights, and the latency of OFF responses in dLGN and V1 is
      shorter than that of ON responses. The removal of a dark or bright disc often
      generates the perception of a negative afterimage, and here we ask whether there
      also exist asymmetries for negative afterimages elicited by dark and bright
      discs. If so, do the poststimulus responses of subcortical ON and OFF cells
      parallel such afterimage asymmetries? To test these hypotheses, we performed
      psychophysical experiments in humans and single-cell/S-potential recordings in
      cat dLGN. Psychophysically, we found that bright afterimages elicited by
      luminance decrements are stronger and last longer than dark afterimages elicited
      by luminance increments of equal sizes. Neurophysiologically, we found that ON
      cells responded to the removal of a dark disc with higher firing rates that were
      maintained for longer than OFF cells to the removal of a bright disc. The ON and
      OFF cell asymmetry was most pronounced at long stimulus durations in the dLGN. We
      conclude that subcortical response strength differences between ON and OFF
      channels parallel the asymmetries between bright and dark negative afterimages,
      further supporting a subcortical origin of bright and dark afterimage
      perception.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Afterimages are physiological aftereffects
      following stimulation of the eye, the study of which helps us to understand how
      our visual brain generates visual perception in the absence of physical stimuli.
      We report, for the first time to our knowledge, asymmetries between bright and
      dark negative afterimages elicited by luminance decrements and increments,
      respectively. Bright afterimages are stronger and last longer than dark
      afterimages. Subcortical neuronal recordings of poststimulus responses of ON and
      OFF cells reveal similar asymmetries with respect to response strength and
      duration. Our results suggest that subcortical differences between ON and OFF
      channels help explain intensity and duration asymmetries between bright and dark
      afterimages, supporting the notion of a subcortical origin of bright and dark
      afterimages.

PMID- 28077728
TI  - Looking the part (to me): effects of racial prototypicality on race perception
      vary by prejudice.
AB  - Less racially prototypic faces elicit more category competition during race
      categorization. Top-down factors (e.g. stereotypes), however, affect
      categorizations, suggesting racial prototypicality may enhance category
      competition in certain perceivers. Here, we examined how prejudice affects race
      category competition and stabilization when perceiving faces varying in racial
      prototypicality. Prototypically low vs high Black relative to White faces
      elicited more category competition and slower response latencies during
      categorization (Experiment 1), suggesting a pronounced racial prototypicality
      effect on minority race categorization. However, prejudice predicted the extent
      of category competition between prototypically low vs high Black faces.
      Suggesting more response conflict toward less prototypic Black vs White faces,
      anterior cingulate cortex activity increased toward Black vs White faces as they
      decreased in racial prototypicality, with prejudice positively predicting this
      difference (Experiment 2). These findings extend the literature on racial
      prototypicality and categorization by showing that relative prejudice tempers the
      extent of category competition and response conflict engaged when initially
      perceiving faces.

PMID- 28077730
TI  - Effect of an Early Dose of Measles Vaccine on Morbidity Between 18 Weeks and 9
      Months of Age: A Randomized, Controlled Trial in Guinea-Bissau.
AB  - Background: Children in Guinea-Bissau receive measles vaccine (MV) at 9 months of
      age, but studies have shown that an additional dose before 9 months of age might
      have beneficial nonspecific effects. Within a randomized trial designed to
      examine nonspecific effects of early MV receipt on mortality, we conducted a
      substudy to investigate the effect of early MV receipt on morbidity. Methods:
      Children were randomly assigned at a ratio of 2:1 to receive 2 doses of MV at 18
      weeks and age 9 months (intervention group) or 1 dose of MV at age 9 months, in
      accordance with current practice (control group). Children were visited weekly
      from enrollment to age 9 months; the mother reported morbidity, and the field
      assistants examined the children. Using Cox and binomial regression models, we
      compared the 2 randomization groups. Results: Among the 1592 children, early
      measles vaccination was not associated with a higher risk of the well-known
      adverse events of fever, rash, and convulsions within the first 14 days. From 15
      days after randomization to age 9 months, early measles vaccination was
      associated with reductions in maternally reported diarrhea (hazard ratio [HR],
      0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], .82-.97), vomiting (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, .75
      .98), and fever (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, .87-1.00). Conclusion: Early MV receipt was
      associated with reduced general morbidity in the following months, supporting
      that early MV receipt may improve the general health of children.

PMID- 28077731
TI  - omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Does Not Affect Autism Spectrum Disorder in
      Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Background: Effective treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD) are still lacking.Objective: We aimed to update the data on the
      effectiveness of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) supplementation as a treatment for
      ASD.Methods: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were
      systematically searched up until August 2016 with no language restrictions for
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing omega-3 FA supplementation with
      placebo or with no supplementation. Participants were children diagnosed with
      ASD. All functional outcome measures reported were considered. For dichotomous
      outcomes, the results for individual studies and pooled statistics were reported
      as RRs. Mean differences (MDs) were calculated for continuous outcomes.Results:
      Five RCTs (183 participants) were included. With 4 exceptions, there were no
      statistically significant differences in ASD symptoms between groups measured by
      validated scales. Among studies that used the Aberrant Behavior Checklist,
      parents' ratings indicated significant improvement in lethargy symptoms in the
      omega-3 FA group compared with the placebo group (2 RCTs) (pooled MD: 1.98; 95%
      CI: 0.32, 3.63). Among studies that used the Behavioral Assessment System for
      Children, parents' ratings indicated significant worsening of both externalizing
      behavior (2 RCTs) (pooled MD: -6.22; 95% CI: -10.9, -1.59) and social skills (1
      RCT) (MD: -7; 95% CI: -13.62, -0.38) in the omega-3 FA group compared with the
      placebo group. One RCT reported a significant improvement in the omega-3 FA group
      for the daily-living component of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (MD: 6.2;
      95% CI: 0.37, 12.03). Adverse effects were similar in both groups.Conclusions:
      Because of the limited number of included studies and small sample sizes, no firm
      conclusions can be drawn. However, the limited data currently available suggest
      that omega-3 FA supplementation does not enhance the performance of children with
      ASD.

PMID- 28077732
TI  - High-Protein and High-Dietary Fiber Breakfasts Result in Equal Feelings of
      Fullness and Better Diet Quality in Low-Income Preschoolers Compared with Their
      Usual Breakfast.
AB  - Background: In the United States, 17% of children are currently obese. Increasing
      feelings of fullness may prevent excessive energy intake, lead to better diet
      quality, and promote long-term maintenance of healthy weight.Objective: The
      purpose of this study was to develop a fullness-rating tool (aim 1) and to
      determine whether a high-protein (HP), high-fiber (HF), and combined HP and HF
      (HPHF) breakfast increases preschoolers' feelings of fullness before (pre) and
      after (post) breakfast and pre-lunch, as well as their diet quality, as measured
      by using a composite diet quality assessment tool, the Revised Children's Diet
      Quality Index (aim 2).Methods: Children aged 4 and 5 y (n = 41; 22 girls and 19
      boys) from local Head Start centers participated in this randomized intervention
      trial. Sixteen percent of boys and 32% of girls were overweight or obese. After
      the baseline week, children rotated through four 1-wk periods of consuming ad
      libitum HP (19-20 g protein), HF (10-11 g fiber), HPHF (19-21 g protein, 10-12 g
      fiber), or usual (control) breakfasts. Food intake at breakfast was estimated
      daily, and for breakfast, lunch, and snack on day 3 of each study week Student's
      t tests and ANOVA were used to determine statistical differences.Results:
      Children's post-breakfast and pre-lunch fullness ratings were >=1 point higher
      than those of pre-breakfast (aim 1). Although children consumed, on average, 65
      kcal less energy during the intervention breakfasts (P < 0.007) than during the
      control breakfast, fullness ratings did not differ (P = 0.76). Relative to the
      control breakfast, improved diet quality (12%) was calculated for the HP and HF
      breakfasts (P < 0.027) but not for the HPHF breakfast (aim 2).Conclusions: Post
      breakfast fullness ratings were not affected by the intervention breakfasts
      relative to the control breakfast. HP and HF breakfasts resulted in higher diet
      quality. Serving HP or HF breakfasts may be valuable in improving diet quality
      without lowering feelings of satiation or satiety. This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02122224.

PMID- 28077733
TI  - Identification of Potential Plasma Biomarkers for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver
      Disease by Integrating Transcriptomics and Proteomics in Laying Hens.
AB  - Background: Prevalent worldwide obesity is associated with increased incidence of
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome. The
      identification of noninvasive biomarkers for NAFLD is of recent interest. Because
      primary de novo lipogenesis occurs in chicken liver as in human liver, adult
      chickens with age-associated steatosis resembling human NAFLD is an appealing
      animal model.Objective: The objective of this study was to screen potential
      biomarkers in the chicken model for NAFLD by transcriptomic and proteomic
      analysis.Methods: Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were fed standard feed from 25 to 45
      wk of age to induce fatty liver. They were killed every 4 wk, and liver and
      plasma were collected at each time point to assess fatty liver development and
      for transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Next, selected biomarkers were
      confirmed in additional experiments by providing supplements of the
      hepatoprotective nutrients betaine [300, 600, or 900 parts per million (ppm) in
      vivo; 2 mM in vitro] or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 1% in vivo; 100 MUM in vitro)
      to 30-wk-old Hy-Line W-36 laying hens for 4 mo and to Hy-Line W-36 chicken
      primary hepatocytes with oleic acid-induced steatosis. Liver or hepatocyte lipid
      contents and the expression of biomarkers were then examined.Results: Plasma
      acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase (AACS), dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4), glutamine
      synthetase (GLUL), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) concentrations are well
      established biomarkers for NAFLD. Selected biomarkers had significant positive
      associations with hepatic lipid deposition (P < 0.001). Betaine (900 ppm in vivo;
      2 mM in vitro) and DHA (1% in vivo; 100 MUM in vitro) supplementation both
      resulted in lower steatosis accompanied by the reduced expression of selected
      biomarkers in vivo and in vitro (P < 0.05).Conclusion: This study used adult
      laying hens to identify biomarkers for NAFLD and indicated that AACS, DPP4, GLUL,
      and GST could be considered to be potential diagnostic indicators for NAFLD in
      the future.

PMID- 28077734
TI  - Intake of up to 3 Eggs per Day Is Associated with Changes in HDL Function and
      Increased Plasma Antioxidants in Healthy, Young Adults.
AB  - Background: HDL function may be more important than HDL concentration in
      determining risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, HDL is a carrier of
      carotenoids and antioxidant enzymes, which protect HDL and LDL particles against
      oxidation.Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the impact of
      consuming 0-3 eggs/d on LDL and HDL particle size, HDL function, and plasma
      antioxidants in a young, healthy population.Methods: Thirty-eight healthy men and
      women [age 18-30 y, body mass index (in kg/m2) 18.5-29.9] participated in this 14
      wk crossover intervention. Subjects underwent a 2-wk washout (0 eggs/d) followed
      by sequentially increasing intake of 1, 2, and 3 eggs/d for 4 wk each. After each
      period, fasting blood was collected for analysis of lipoprotein subfractions,
      plasma apolipoprotein (apo) concentration, lutein and zeaxanthin concentration,
      and activities of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, cholesteryl ester
      transfer protein, and paraoxonase-1.Results: Compared with intake of 0 eggs/d,
      consuming 1-3 eggs/d resulted in increased large-LDL (21-37%) and large-HDL (6
      13%) particle concentrations, plasma apoAI (9-15%), and lecithin-cholesterol
      acyltransferase activity (5-15%) (P < 0.05 for all biomarkers). Intake of 2-3
      eggs/d also promoted an 11% increase in apoAII (P < 0.05) and a 20-31% increase
      in plasma lutein and zeaxanthin (P < 0.05), whereas intake of 3 eggs/d resulted
      in a 9-16% increase in serum paraoxonase-1 activity compared with intake of 1-2
      eggs/d (P < 0.05). Egg intake did not affect cholesteryl ester transfer protein
      activity.Conclusions: Intake of 1 egg/d was sufficient to increase HDL function
      and large-LDL particle concentration; however, intake of 2-3 eggs/d supported
      greater improvements in HDL function as well as increased plasma carotenoids.
      Overall, intake of <=3 eggs/d favored a less atherogenic LDL particle profile,
      improved HDL function, and increased plasma antioxidants in young, healthy
      adults. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02531958.

PMID- 28077735
TI  - Tuberculosis mimicking metastases by malignancy in FDG PET/CT.

PMID- 28077736
TI  - Atypical Presentation of Majocchi's Granuloma in an Immunocompetent Host.

PMID- 28077737
TI  - New Diagnostics for Yaws.

PMID- 28077738
TI  - Evidence-Based Policies on Migration and Global Health are Essential to Maintain
      the Health of Those Inside and Outside the United States.

PMID- 28077739
TI  - The Emergence of Undergraduate Majors in Global Health: Systematic Review of
      Programs and Recommendations for Future Directions.
AB  - Global health education has been expanding rapidly and several universities have
      created an undergraduate major degree (bachelor's degree) in global heath or
      global health studies. Because there are currently no national guidelines for
      undergraduate degrees in global health, each of these programs was developed
      along individual lines. To guide the development of future global health majors,
      we conducted a systematic review of undergraduate majors in global health. We
      identified eight programs and invited program directors or representatives to a
      symposium at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health 2016 conference to
      review their existing undergraduate major in global health and to discuss lessons
      learned and recommendations for other colleges and universities seeking to
      develop undergraduate degrees in global health. We noted significant diversity
      among the existing programs in terms of required courses, international field
      experiences, and thesis research projects. In this review, we describe these
      global health programs, their student characteristics, as well as the key
      educational competencies, program requirements, and core global health courses.
      Based on program reviews and discussions, we identify seven recommendations for
      the development and expansion of an undergraduate major in global health and
      discuss issues that have arisen in the curricular development of these programs
      that warrant further exploration. As the field of global health education
      continues to expand, following these students after graduation will be essential
      to ensure that the degree programs in global health both meet student needs and
      launch students on viable career pathways.

PMID- 28077740
TI  - The Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction After Antibiotic Treatment of Spirochetal
      Infections: A Review of Recent Cases and Our Understanding of Pathogenesis.
AB  - Within 24 hours after antibiotic treatment of the spirochetal infections
      syphilis, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and relapsing fever (RF), patients
      experience shaking chills, a rise in temperature, and intensification of skin
      rashes known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) with symptoms resolving a
      few hours later. Case reports indicate that the JHR can also include uterine
      contractions in pregnancy, worsening liver and renal function, acute respiratory
      distress syndrome, myocardial injury, hypotension, meningitis, alterations in
      consciousness, seizures, and strokes. Experimental evidence indicates it is
      caused by nonendotoxin pyrogen and spirochetal lipoproteins. Mediation of the JHR
      in RF by the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin
      (IL)-6, and IL-8 has been proposed, consistent with measurements in patients'
      blood and inhibition by anti-TNF antibodies. Accelerated phagocytosis of
      spirochetes by polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes before rise in cytokines is
      responsible for removal of organisms from the blood, suggesting an early
      inflammatory signal from PMNs. Rarely fatal, except in neonates and in pregnancy
      for African women whose babies showed high perinatal mortality because of low
      birth weight, the JHR can be regarded as an adverse effect of antibiotics,
      necessary for achieving a cure of spirochetal infections.

PMID- 28077741
TI  - Is Using a Latrine "A Strange Thing To Do"? A Mixed-Methods Study of Sanitation
      Preference and Behaviors in Rural Ethiopia.
AB  - Latrines are the most basic form of improved sanitation and are a common public
      health intervention. Understanding motivations for building and using latrines
      can help develop effective, sustainable latrine promotion programs. We conducted
      a mixed-methods study of latrine use in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. We held 15
      focus group discussions and surveyed 278 households in five communities. We used
      the Integrated Behavioral Model for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene interventions
      to guide our qualitative analysis. Seventy-one percent of households had a
      latrine, but coverage varied greatly across communities. Higher household income
      was not associated with latrine use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 0.5, 7.7); similarly, cost and availability of materials were not
      discussed as barriers to latrine use in the focus groups. Male-headed households
      were more likely to use latrines than households with female heads (OR = 3.5; 95%
      CI = 1.6, 7.7), and households with children in school were more likely to use
      latrines than households without children in school (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.6,
      3.3). These quantitative findings were confirmed in focus groups, where
      participants discussed how children relay health messages from school.
      Participants discussed how women prefer not to use latrines, often finding them
      strange or even scary. These findings are useful for public health
      implementation; they imply that community-level drivers are important predictors
      of household latrine use and that cost is not a significant barrier. These
      findings confirm that school-aged children may be effective conduits of health
      messages and suggest that latrines can be better marketed and designed for women.

PMID- 28077742
TI  - Colonization Factors in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Strains in Travelers to
      Mexico, Guatemala, and India Compared with Children in Houston, Texas.
AB  - Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) can be attributed to around 200 million
      diarrheal episodes and 380,000 deaths in the developing regions. Travelers'
      diarrhea occurs in 15-40% of travelers to developing regions with ETEC being the
      most important etiologic agent. This study aims to describe the distribution of
      enterotoxins and colonization factor (CF) profiles of ETEC isolates from stool
      samples of adult travelers acquiring diarrhea in Mexico, Guatemala, and India and
      a group of children with acute diarrhea in Houston, TX, between 2007 and 2012.
      The heat-labile/heat-stable (LT/ST) enterotoxins and CFs from 252 patients were
      determined using polymerase chain reaction assay. Among the 252 ETEC isolates,
      15% were LT-only, 58% were ST-only, and 28% produced both LT and ST. The
      distribution of LT-only (12-15%) and ST-only (55-56%) isolates was similar
      between Latin American and Indian sites. The most prevalent CF was CS21,
      expressed in 65% of the isolates followed by CS6 (25%) and CS3 (17%). Among the
      international travelers, 64% of the ETEC isolates expressed CS21. CS21 was
      expressed in 46% of isolates from Latin America compared with 96% of isolates
      from India (P < 0.0001). CS21 was expressed in 85% isolates from Houston
      children. CS21 was increasingly found in ST-only (P = 0.003) and ST/LT (P =
      0.026) ETEC compared with LT-only ETEC. High frequency of finding CS21 among
      recent isolates of ETEC over a wide geographic distribution warrants additional
      studies on this CF. Highly conserved CS21 is an important target for potential
      multivalent ETEC vaccines.

PMID- 28077743
TI  - Seroepidemiology of Human Brucellosis Among Blood Donors in Southern Ethiopia:
      Calling Attention to a Neglected Zoonotic Disease.
AB  - Human brucellosis is neglected in southern Ethiopia. Although traditional food
      processing practices and animal husbandry which increase the risk of brucellosis
      are common, it has not been properly studied yet. This study was conducted to
      determine the seroepidemiology of brucellosis among apparently healthy
      individuals in southern Ethiopia. In the study, blood samples were collected to
      screen for serum agglutinins reactive to stained antigen of Brucella abortus
      Standard tube titration was performed for reactive serum to determine the titer
      of the agglutinin. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on
      possible risk factors for brucellosis. The seroprevalence of human brucellosis in
      this study was found to be 10.6% (95% confidence interval = 7.0, 14.0).
      Possession of domestic ruminant animals, contact with ruminant animals, and
      husbandry practices at home were associated with seropositivity. The higher
      seroprevalence of human brucellosis in the study area needs attention and
      additional confirmatory investigation.

PMID- 28077744
TI  - Neuropsychiatric Outcomes After Mefloquine Exposure Among U.S. Military Service
      Members.
AB  - Mefloquine was widely prescribed to U.S. military service members until 2009 when
      use was limited to personnel with contraindications to doxycycline and no
      contraindications to mefloquine. The need to estimate the occurrence of
      neuropsychiatric outcomes (NPOs) in service members prescribed mefloquine
      warranted a comprehensive evaluation of this issue. Active component service
      members filling a prescription for mefloquine, doxycycline, or
      atovaquone/proguanil (A/P) between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2013, were
      included in the analysis. The risk of developing incident NPOs and the risk of
      subsequent NPOs among subjects with a history of the condition were assessed. A
      total of 367,840 individuals were evaluated (36,538 received mefloquine, 318,421
      received doxycycline, and 12,881 received A/P). Among deployed individuals
      prescribed mefloquine, an increased risk of incident anxiety was seen when
      compared with doxycycline recipients (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.12 [1.01
      1.24]). Among nondeployed mefloquine recipients, an increased risk of
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was seen when compared with A/P recipients
      (IRR = 1.83 [1.07-3.14]). An increased risk of tinnitus was seen for both
      deployed and nondeployed mefloquine recipients compared with A/P recipients (IRR
      = 1.81 [1.18-2.79]), 1.51 (1.13-2.03), respectively). Six percent of the
      mefloquine cohort had an NPO in the year before receiving mefloquine. When
      comparing individuals with a prior neuropsychiatric history to those without, the
      ratio of relative risks for adjustment disorder, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD were
      higher (not statistically significant) for mefloquine compared with doxycycline.
      These findings emphasize the continued need for physicians prescribing mefloquine
      to conduct contraindication screening.

PMID- 28077745
TI  - Congenital Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Washington, DC.
AB  - Congenital malaria is rare in the United States, but is an important diagnosis to
      consider when evaluating febrile infants. Herein, we describe a case of
      congenital Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a 2-week-old infant born in the
      United States to a mother who had emigrated from Nigeria 3 months before
      delivery.

PMID- 28077746
TI  - Vector Competence of Lutzomyia cruzi Naturally Demonstrated for Leishmania
      infantum and Suspected for Leishmania amazonensis.
AB  - Corumba city is one of the oldest visceral leishmaniasis-endemic foci in the
      state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, where the transmission of Leishmania
      infantum has been attributed to Lutzomyia cruzi Aiming at investigating the
      parameters of the vectorial capacity of Lu. cruzi for L. infantum, a project was
      undertaken in this city. Among these parameters, vector competence was
      investigated and the results obtained are reported herein. Of the 12 hamsters
      exposed to feed wild-caught female sandflies, two developed infection with L.
      infantum and surprisingly, one with Leishmania amazonensis In addition, hamsters
      with L. infantum infection were bitten only by females of Lu. cruzi, whereas the
      hamster infected with L. amazonensis was bitten by 124 Lu. cruzi females and one
      of Evandromyia corumbaensis Although there is a strong suspicion regarding the
      competence of Lu. cruzi in transmitting L. amazonensis naturally, it was not
      demonstrated.

PMID- 28077747
TI  - First Molecular Identifications of Necator americanus and Ancylostoma ceylanicum
      Infecting Rural Communities in Lower Myanmar.
AB  - Hookworms are enteric parasitic roundworms infecting an estimated 400 million
      persons worldwide. Herein, we provide the first molecular identifications of
      human hookworms from certain parts of rural Lower Myanmar. DNA was extracted from
      hookworm-positive stool samples, as determined by microscopy. DNA sequences of
      the partial internal transcribed spacer 1, full length 5.8S gene, and partial
      internal transcribed spacer 2 were determined and compared with available
      hookworm sequences from public databases. Of the 11 polymerase chain reaction
      positive samples, eight (Bago Region, N = 4; Mon State, N = 4) yielded sequences
      with high similarity to those of Necator americanus A further three sequences
      (Mon State, N = 2; Bago Region, N = 1) showed high similarity with those of
      Ancylostoma ceylanicum The latter is primarily a parasite of dogs and represents
      a zoonosis. Given that different species of hookworms exhibit different
      epidemiological and biological characteristics, accurate identification is
      essential for the planning and execution of effective control programs for
      hookworm infections.

PMID- 28077748
TI  - Poor Validity of Noninvasive Hemoglobin Measurements by Pulse Oximetry Compared
      with Conventional Absorptiometry in Children in Cote d'Ivoire.
AB  - Anemia remains a major public health issue in many African communities. We
      compared a novel, commercially available noninvasive hemoglobin (Hb)-measuring
      device to direct Hb measurements by finger-prick samples in a pediatric cohort in
      rural Cote d'Ivoire. Noninvasive Hb measurements were attempted in 191 children 2
      15 years of age and obtained in 102 (53.5%) children. The median Hb for the 102
      children was 12.0 g/dL (interquartile range [IQR] = 11.3-12.7 g/dL) for
      conventional absorptiometry and 13.3 g/dL (IQR = 12.1-14.2 g/dL) for noninvasive
      measurements. A Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a median bias of +1.1 g/dL
      (IQR = 0.4-2.0 g/dL), with greater overestimation of Hb by noninvasive testing
      occurring at low Hb values. This overestimation of the noninvasive Hb-measuring
      device to direct Hb measurements persisted across preschool- and school-aged
      children, and both sexes. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.50 for
      children 4-9 years of age, and 0.33 for children 10-15 years of age. Further
      study and development of noninvasive Hb devices is necessary prior to
      implementation in African pediatric populations.

PMID- 28077749
TI  - Survey of Obstetrician-Gynecologists in the United States About Taeniasis and
      Cysticercosis.
AB  - An estimated 50 million persons worldwide are infected with cysticerci, the
      larval forms of the Taenia solium tapeworm. Neurocysticercosis can cause
      seizures, epilepsy, and hydrocephalus, and fatal cases have been reported in the
      United States in immigrants and in travelers returning from endemic countries.
      Pregnant women with symptomatic neurocysticercosis present treatment challenges,
      whereas those with the adult tapeworm infection (i.e., taeniasis) can put their
      infants and other family members, as well as obstetrician-gynecologists and their
      staff, at risk for cysticercosis. A questionnaire developed by the American
      College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists was sent to a representative sample of
      1,000 physicians to assess their awareness of T. solium infection and the
      potential for it to be encountered in an obstetrics and gynecology setting. In
      total, 31.4% of respondents correctly answered that taeniasis is caused by eating
      undercooked pork containing T. solium cysts (95% confidence interval [CI] = 26.6
      36.5). While only 14.5% (95% CI = 11.0-18.6) of respondents correctly answered
      that cysticercosis is acquired by ingesting tapeworm eggs shed in human stools,
      twice that number (30.3%; 95% CI = 25.5-35.3) correctly answered that a mother
      with taeniasis can cause cysticercosis in her infant. Practicing in a state in
      which cysticercosis was reportable at the time of the survey was not
      significantly associated with answering any of the 12 knowledge questions
      correctly. Overall, knowledge of T. solium infection among U.S. obstetricians
      gynecologists is limited. This may result in missed opportunities to diagnose and
      treat pregnant women with taeniasis, which may put family members and obstetrics
      clinical staff at risk for cysticercosis.

PMID- 28077750
TI  - The Association Between Neurocysticercosis and Hippocampal Atrophy is Related to
      Age.
AB  - Neurocysticercosis (NCC) has been associated with hippocampal atrophy, but the
      prevalence and pathogenic mechanisms implicated in this relationship are unknown.
      Using a population-based, case-control study design, residents in a rural village
      (Atahualpa) aged >= 40 years with calcified NCC were identified as cases and
      paired to NCC-free individuals (control subjects) matched by age, sex, and level
      of education. Cases and control subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging for
      hippocampal rating according to the Scheltens' scale for medial temporal atrophy
      and were interviewed to identify those with a clinical seizure disorder. The
      prevalence of hippocampal atrophy was compared between cases and control subjects
      by the use of the McNemar's test for correlated proportions. Seventy-five
      individuals with calcified NCC and their matched control subjects were included
      in the analysis. Hippocampal atrophy was noted in 26 (34.7%) cases and nine (12%)
      control subjects (odds ratio: 4.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.6-14.9, P <
      0.0021). Stratification of pairs according to tertiles of age revealed an age
      related trend in this association, which became significant only in those aged >=
      68 years (P = 0.027). Only five cases and one control had recurrent seizures (P =
      0.221); three of these five cases had hippocampal atrophy, and the single control
      subject had normal hippocampi. This study confirms an association between NCC and
      hippocampal atrophy, and shows that this association is stronger in older age
      groups. This suggests that NCC-related hippocampal atrophy takes a long time to
      develop.

PMID- 28077752
TI  - "Padon pa geri maleng" ("Sorry doesn't heal the scars").

PMID- 28077751
TI  - Performance of Health Workers Using an Electronic Algorithm for the Management of
      Childhood Illness in Tanzania: A Pilot Implementation Study.
AB  - In low-resource settings, where qualified health workers (HWs) are scarce and
      childhood mortality high, rational antimicrobial prescription for childhood
      illnesses is a challenge. To assess whether smartphones running guidelines, as
      compared with paper support, improve consultation process and rational use of
      medicines for children, a pilot cluster-randomized controlled study was conducted
      in Tanzania. Nine primary health-care facilities (HFs) were randomized into three
      arms: 1) paper algorithm, 2) electronic algorithm on a smartphone, and 3)
      control. All HWs attending children aged 2-59 months for acute illness in
      intervention HFs were trained on a new clinical algorithm for management of
      childhood illness (ALMANACH) either on 1) paper or 2) electronic support; 4
      months after training, consultations were observed. An expert consultation was
      the reference for classification and treatment. Main outcomes were proportion of
      children checked for danger signs, and antibiotics prescription rate. A total of
      504 consultations (166, 171, and 167 in control, paper, and phone arms,
      respectively) were observed. The use of smartphones versus paper was associated
      with a significant increase in children checked for danger signs (41% versus 74%,
      P = 0.04). Antibiotic prescriptions rate dropped from 70% in the control to 26%,
      and 25% in paper and electronic arms. The HWs-expert agreement on pneumonia
      classification remained low (expert's pneumonia identified by HWs in 26%, 30%,
      and 39% of patients, respectively).Mobile technology in low-income countries is
      implementable and has a potential to improve HWs' performance. Additional point
      of-care diagnostic tests are needed to ensure appropriate management. Improving
      the rational use of antimicrobial is a challenge that ALMANACH can help to take
      up.

PMID- 28077753
TI  - Prevalence, location and concurrent diseases of ultrasonographic cyst-like
      lesions of abdominal lymph nodes in dogs.
AB  - Lymph nodal cyst-like lesions are occasionally identified during abdominal
      ultrasound in dogs. However, a study evaluating their prevalence and clinical
      significance is lacking. The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was
      to evaluate prevalence, most common location and concurrent diseases of cyst-like
      lymph nodes detected during abdominal ultrasound. Affected lymph nodes, patient
      signalment and concurrent diseases of dogs with cyst-like lymph nodal lesions
      having undergone abdominal ultrasound over a one-year period were recorded.
      Twenty-three affected lymph nodes were observed in 17/553 dogs (prevalence=3 per
      cent). The most commonly affected was the lumbar lymphocenter (7/23), followed by
      the coeliac (6/23), the cranial mesenteric (5/23) and the iliosacral (5/23).
      Twenty-three concurrent diseases were diagnosed in 17 dogs, among which 16/23
      were non-neoplastic (70 per cent). The most common concurrent disease was renal
      insufficiency (8/23), followed by neoplasia (7/23), gastroenteropathy (3/23),
      benign prostatic disease (2/23), pancreatitis (1/23), peritonitis (1/23) and
      neurological disease (1/23). No statistical correlation existed between cyst-like
      lymph nodal lesion and a specific neoplastic or non-neoplastic disease. In
      conclusion, in the present study, cyst-like lymph nodal lesions have a low
      prevalence, involve different lymphocenters and were found in dogs affected by
      different diseases, including both non-neoplastic and neoplastic aetiologies.

PMID- 28077754
TI  - Double-blinded randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial of individualised
      homeopathic treatment of hyperthyroid cats.
AB  - Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in older cats for which
      homeopathic treatment has been advocated. A double-blinded, placebo-controlled
      randomised trial was performed to look for evidence of efficacy for the use of
      individualised homeopathy in the treatment of this disease. Using a case
      definition of a concentration of the thyroid hormone T4 >66 nmol/l, cats were
      randomised into two treatment arms. Either a placebo or a homeopathic treatment
      was given to each cat blindly. After 21 days, the T4 levels, weight (Wt) and
      heart rate (HR) were compared with pretreatment values. There were no
      statistically significant differences in the changes seen between the two
      treatment arms following placebo or homeopathic treatment (T4 P=0.96, Wt P=0.16,
      HR P=0.36) or between the means of each parameter for either treatment arm before
      and after placebo or homeopathic treatment (all P values >0.13). In a second
      phase of the study, patients in both treatment arms were given methimazole
      treatment for 21 days and T4, Wt and HR determined again. Again there were no
      statistically significant differences between the groups, but there were
      statistically significant reductions in T4 (P<0.0001) and HR (P=0.02), and a
      statistically significant increase in Wt (P=0.004) in both groups compared with
      their pre-methimazole treatment levels. The results of this study failed to
      provide any evidence of the efficacy of homeopathic treatment of feline
      hyperthyroidism.

PMID- 28077755
TI  - Risk factors for road traffic accidents in cats up to age 12 months that were
      registered between 2010 and 2013 with the UK pet cat cohort ('Bristol Cats').
AB  - Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a common cause of death and injury in domestic
      cats, and a concern to many owners. This study assessed potential risk factors
      for RTAs in cats up to 12 months of age within a UK cat cohort known as 'The
      Bristol Cats study'. Data were obtained from three questionnaires, completed by
      cat owners when their cats were approximately 8-16 weeks old, 6 months old and 12
      months old. Information was gathered regarding environmental conditions, cat
      characteristics and owner management factors. Univariable and multivariable
      logistic regression models were used to assess associations between these factors
      and RTAs. Of 1264 eligible study cats, 49 (3.9 per cent) had been involved in an
      RTA, of which 71.4 per cent (35/49) were known to result in fatal injuries. Rural
      locations were associated with a higher odds of RTAs than towns, cities or
      suburban locations. An increased odds of an RTA was also associated with cats
      that were reported by their owners to hunt at the roadside, as well as cats whose
      owners classified the road by their house as being a 'long straight section of
      road'. No significant associations were found between coat colour, breed, sex or
      neuter status and the odds of an RTA.

PMID- 28077756
TI  - Developing a risk-based trading scheme for cattle in England: farmer perspectives
      on managing trading risk for bovine tuberculosis.
AB  - This paper examines farmer attitudes towards the development of a voluntary risk
      based trading scheme for cattle in England as a risk mitigation measure for
      bovine tuberculosis (bTB). The research reported here was commissioned to gather
      evidence on the type of scheme that would have a good chance of success in
      improving the information farmers receive about the bTB risk of cattle they buy.
      Telephone interviews were conducted with a stratified random sample of 203 cattle
      farmers in England, splitting the interviews equally between respondents in the
      high-risk area and low-risk area for bTB. Supplementary interviews and focus
      groups with farmers were also carried out across the risk areas. Results suggest
      a greater enthusiasm for a risk-based trading scheme in low-risk areas compared
      with high-risk areas and among members of breed societies and cattle health
      schemes. Third-party certification of herds by private vets or the Animal and
      Plant Health Agency were regarded as the most credible source, with farmer self
      certification being favoured by sellers, but being regarded as least credible by
      buyers. Understanding farmers' attitudes towards voluntary risk-based trading is
      important to gauge likely uptake, understand preferences for information
      provision and to assist in monitoring, evaluating and refining the scheme once
      established.

PMID- 28077757
TI  - Biotypes and ScM types of isolates of Streptococcus canis from diseased and
      healthy cats.
AB  - Lancefield group G Streptococcus canis is a component of the normal urogenital
      and pharyngeal flora of the cat. It is also frequently implicated in epizootics
      of severe disease in closed cat colonies and animal shelters. Given the
      importance of S canis as a feline pathogen and relative lack of published
      information on characteristics potentially associated with virulence, the authors
      have compared isolates from healthy and diseased cats in New York and California
      using fermentation profiles (biotype) and ScM sequences. With few exceptions,
      isolates associated with disease were biotype 1. Four alleles of scm were
      identified of which type 1 dominated in diseased cats. Type 4 allelic variants
      were found only in healthy cats and all but one were biotype 2. Type 2 and 3
      alleles showed extensive N-terminal variation suggesting a plasminogen-binding
      site as found on the type 1 allele was absent. Cat antisera to ScM were
      opsonobactericidal, and these potentially protective antibodies increased during
      convalescence.

PMID- 28077758
TI  - Inter-rater agreement in radiographic canine hip dysplasia evaluation.
AB  - The objective was to determine the agreement between scrutineers assessing canine
      hip dysplasia (CHD) within and between the Federation Cynologique Internationale
      (FCI) and the Swiss (CH) grading schemes, and between first-opinion and second
      opinion scrutineers using the CH scheme. 62 scrutineers, participating in a
      quality assessment programme, were asked to evaluate 12 sets of hip radiographs.
      All radiographs had been previously evaluated by a first-opinion and 7 by both a
      first-opinion and second-opinion scrutineers using the CH scheme. Inter-rater
      agreement (kappa) and intraclass correlation (ICC) were evaluated for the Norberg
      angle and dysplasia grades, and ICC for the numerical CH scores. The kappa and
      ICC were 0.290 and 0.471 for Norberg angles, 0.372 and 0.577 for FCI grades, and
      0.417 and 0.567 for CH grades, respectively. The ICC for CH scores was 0.614.
      Total agreement for grades was found in a single case. For radiographs evaluated
      using both schemes, raters gave the same grade in 441 cases, a lower FCI than CH
      grade in 78 cases and a lower CH than FCI grade in 32 cases. Intrarater agreement
      between grades of the two schemes was 0.786. Agreement between the first-opinion
      and second-opinion scrutineers was 0.250 for Norberg angles and -0.286 for CH
      grades. Although agreement between the two schemes was good, agreement between
      scrutineers using either scheme was only fair to moderate, and no agreement was
      found between first-opinion and second-opinion scrutineers. Application of the
      FCI and CH schemes may impact the incidence of hip dysplasia in populations with
      both severe and moderate dysplasia, but is unlikely to impact populations with
      only mild dysplasia. The CH system of first-opinion and second-opinion
      examinations should be re-evaluated.

PMID- 28077760
TI  - Effective delivery of volatile biocides employing mesoporous silicates for
      treating biofilms.
AB  - Nanoparticulate delivery of biocides has the potential to decrease levels of
      exposure to non-target organisms, and miminize long-term exposure that can
      promote the development of resistance. Silica nanoparticles are an ideal vehicle
      since they are inert, biocompatible, biodegradable, and thermally and chemically
      stable. Encapsulation of biocides within nanoparticulates can improve their
      stability and longevity and maximize the biocidal potential of hydrophobic
      volatile compounds. Herein, we have shown that the plant secondary metabolites
      allyl isothiocyanate and cinnamaldehyde demonstrated increased antimicrobial
      activity against Escherichia coli in planktonic form, when packaged into
      mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Furthermore, the biocide-loaded nanoparticles
      showed activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms that have inherent
      resistance to antimicrobial agents. The delivery platform can also be expanded to
      traditional biocides and other non-conventional antimicrobial agents.

PMID- 28077759
TI  - Complex responses to movement-based disease control: when livestock trading
      helps.
AB  - Livestock disease controls are often linked to movements between farms, for
      example, via quarantine and pre- or post-movement testing. Designing effective
      controls, therefore, benefits from accurate assessment of herd-to-herd
      transmission. Household models of human infections make use of R*, the number of
      groups infected by an initial infected group, which is a metapopulation level
      analogue of the basic reproduction number R0 that provides a better
      characterization of disease spread in a metapopulation. However, existing
      approaches to calculate R* do not account for individual movements between
      locations which means we lack suitable tools for livestock systems. We address
      this gap using next-generation matrix approaches to capture movements explicitly
      and introduce novel tools to calculate R* in any populations coupled by
      individual movements. We show that depletion of infectives in the source group,
      which hastens its recovery, is a phenomenon with important implications for
      design and efficacy of movement-based controls. Underpinning our results is the
      observation that R* peaks at intermediate livestock movement rates. Consequently,
      under movement-based controls, infection could be controlled at high movement
      rates but persist at intermediate rates. Thus, once control schemes are present
      in a livestock system, a reduction in movements can counterintuitively lead to
      increased disease prevalence. We illustrate our results using four important
      livestock diseases (bovine viral diarrhoea, bovine herpes virus, Johne's disease
      and Escherichia coli O157) that each persist across different movement rate
      ranges with the consequence that a change in livestock movements could help
      control one disease, but exacerbate another.

PMID- 28077761
TI  - On the autorotation of animal wings.
AB  - Botanical samaras spin about their centre of mass and create vertical aerodynamic
      forces which slow their rate of descent. Descending autorotation of animal wings,
      however, has never been documented. We report here that isolated wings from
      Anna's hummingbirds, and also from 10 species of insects, can stably autorotate
      and achieve descent speeds and aerodynamic performance comparable to those of
      samaras. A hummingbird wing loaded at its base with the equivalent of 50% of the
      bird's body mass descended only twice as fast as an unloaded wing, and rotated at
      frequencies similar to those of the wings in flapping flight. We found that even
      entire dead insects could stably autorotate depending on their wing postures.
      Feather removal trials showed no effect on descent velocity when the secondary
      feathers were removed from hummingbird wings. By contrast, partial removal of
      wing primaries substantially improved performance, except when only the outer
      primary was present. A scaling law for the aerodynamic performance of
      autorotating wings is well supported if the wing aspect ratio and the relative
      position of the spinning axis from the wing base are included. Autorotation is a
      useful and practical method that can be used to explore the aerodynamics of wing
      design.

PMID- 28077762
TI  - Inverse problems in reduced order models of cardiovascular haemodynamics: aspects
      of data assimilation and heart rate variability.
AB  - Inverse problems in cardiovascular modelling have become increasingly important
      to assess each patient individually. These problems entail estimation of patient
      specific model parameters from uncertain measurements acquired in the clinic. In
      recent years, the method of data assimilation, especially the unscented Kalman
      filter, has gained popularity to address computational efficiency and uncertainty
      consideration in such problems. This work highlights and presents solutions to
      several challenges of this method pertinent to models of cardiovascular
      haemodynamics. These include methods to (i) avoid ill-conditioning of the
      covariance matrix, (ii) handle a variety of measurement types, (iii) include a
      variety of prior knowledge in the method, and (iv) incorporate measurements
      acquired at different heart rates, a common situation in the clinic where the
      patient state differs according to the clinical situation. Results are presented
      for two patient-specific cases of congenital heart disease. To illustrate and
      validate data assimilation with measurements at different heart rates, the
      results are presented on a synthetic dataset and on a patient-specific case with
      heart valve regurgitation. It is shown that the new method significantly improves
      the agreement between model predictions and measurements. The developed methods
      can be readily applied to other pathophysiologies and extended to dynamical
      systems which exhibit different responses under different sets of known
      parameters or different sets of inputs (such as forcing/excitation frequencies).

PMID- 28077763
TI  - A simplified mathematical model of directional DNA site-specific recombination by
      serine integrases.
AB  - Serine integrases catalyse site-specific recombination to integrate and excise
      bacteriophage genomes into and out of their host's genome. These enzymes exhibit
      remarkable directionality; in the presence of the integrase alone, recombination
      between attP and attB DNA sites is efficient and irreversible, giving attL and
      attR products which do not recombine further. However, in the presence of the
      bacteriophage-encoded recombination directionality factor (RDF), integrase
      efficiently promotes recombination between attL and attR to re-form attP and attB
      The DNA substrates and products of both reactions are approximately isoenergetic,
      and no cofactors (such as adenosine triphosphate) are required for recombination.
      The thermodynamic driving force for directionality of these reactions is thus
      enigmatic. Here, we present a minimal mathematical model which can explain the
      directionality and regulation of both 'forward' and 'reverse' reactions. In this
      model, the substrates of the 'forbidden' reactions (between attL and attR in the
      absence of RDF, attP and attB in the presence of RDF) are trapped as inactive
      protein-DNA complexes, ensuring that these 'forbidden' reactions are extremely
      slow. The model is in good agreement with the observed in vitro kinetics of
      recombination by phiC31 integrase, and defines core features of the system
      necessary and sufficient for directionality.

PMID- 28077764
TI  - Antimicrobial peptide coatings for hydroxyapatite: electrostatic and covalent
      attachment of antimicrobial peptides to surfaces.
AB  - The interface between implanted devices and their host tissue is complex and is
      often optimized for maximal integration and cell adhesion. However, this also
      gives a surface suitable for bacterial colonization. We have developed a novel
      method of modifying the surface at the material-tissue interface with an
      antimicrobial peptide (AMP) coating to allow cell attachment while inhibiting
      bacterial colonization. The technology reported here is a dual AMP coating. The
      dual coating consists of AMPs covalently bonded to the hydroxyapatite surface,
      followed by deposition of electrostatically bound AMPs. The dual approach gives
      an efficacious coating which is stable for over 12 months and can prevent
      colonization of the surface by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

PMID- 28077766
TI  - Historical citizen science to understand and predict climate-driven trout
      decline.
AB  - Historical species records offer an excellent opportunity to test the predictive
      ability of range forecasts under climate change, but researchers often consider
      that historical records are scarce and unreliable, besides the datasets collected
      by renowned naturalists. Here, we demonstrate the relevance of biodiversity
      records developed through citizen-science initiatives generated outside the
      natural sciences academia. We used a Spanish geographical dictionary from the mid
      nineteenth century to compile over 10 000 freshwater fish records, including
      almost 4 000 brown trout (Salmo trutta) citations, and constructed a historical
      presence-absence dataset covering over 2 000 10 * 10 km cells, which is
      comparable to present-day data. There has been a clear reduction in trout range
      in the past 150 years, coinciding with a generalized warming. We show that
      current trout distribution can be accurately predicted based on historical
      records and past and present values of three air temperature variables. The
      models indicate a consistent decline of average suitability of around 25% between
      1850s and 2000s, which is expected to surpass 40% by the 2050s. We stress the
      largely unexplored potential of historical species records from non-academic
      sources to open new pathways for long-term global change science.

PMID- 28077765
TI  - Acute embryonic anoxia exposure favours the development of a dominant and
      aggressive phenotype in adult zebrafish.
AB  - Eutrophication and climate change are increasing the incidence of severe hypoxia
      in fish nursery habitats, yet the programming effects of hypoxia on stress
      responsiveness in later life are poorly understood. In this study, to investigate
      whether early hypoxia alters the developmental trajectory of the stress response,
      zebrafish embryos were exposed to 4 h of anoxia at 36 h post-fertilization and
      reared to adults when the responses to secondary stressors were assessed. While
      embryonic anoxia did not affect basal cortisol levels or the cortisol response to
      hypoxia in later life, it had a marked effect on the responses to a social
      stressor. In dyadic social interactions, adults derived from embryonic anoxia
      initiated more chases, bit more often, entered fewer freezes and had lower
      cortisol levels. Adults derived from embryonic anoxia also performed more bites
      towards their mirror image, had lower gonadal aromatase gene expression and had
      higher testosterone levels. We conclude that acute embryonic anoxia has long
      lasting consequences for the hormonal and behavioural responses to social
      interactions in zebrafish. Specifically, we demonstrate that acute embryonic
      anoxia favours the development of a dominant and aggressive phenotype, and that a
      disruption in sex steroid production may contribute to the programming effects of
      environmental hypoxia.

PMID- 28077767
TI  - What North America's skeleton crew of megafauna tells us about community
      disassembly.
AB  - Functional trait diversity is increasingly used to model future changes in
      community structure despite a poor understanding of community disassembly's
      effects on functional diversity. By tracking the functional diversity of the
      North American large mammal fauna through the End-Pleistocene megafaunal
      extinction and up to the present, I show that contrary to expectations,
      functionally unique species are no more likely to go extinct than functionally
      redundant species. This makes total functional richness loss no worse than
      expected given similar taxonomic richness declines. However, where current
      species sit in functional space relative to pre-anthropogenic baselines is not
      random and likely explains ecosystem functional changes better than total
      functional richness declines. Prehistoric extinctions have left many extant
      species functionally isolated and future extinctions will cause even more rapid
      drops in functional richness.

PMID- 28077768
TI  - Corticosterone and timing of migratory departure in a songbird.
AB  - Bird migration entails replenishing fuel stores at stopover sites. There,
      individuals make daily decisions whether to resume migration, and must also
      decide their time of departure. Variation in departure timing affects the total
      time required to complete a migratory journey, which in turn affects fitness
      through arrival time at the breeding and wintering grounds. It is well
      established that stopover departure decisions are based on cues from innate
      rhythms, intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors. Yet, virtually nothing is known
      about the physiological mechanism(s) linking these cues to departure decisions.
      Here, we show for a nocturnal migratory songbird, the northern wheatear (Oenanthe
      oenanthe), that baseline corticosterone levels of birds at stopover increased
      both over the migratory season and with wind assistance towards the migratory
      destination. Corticosterone in turn predicted departure probability; individuals
      with high baseline corticosterone levels were more likely to resume migration on
      a given night. Corticosterone further predicted the departure time within the
      night, with high baseline levels being associated with early departures. These
      novel findings indicate that corticosterone may be mediating between departure
      cues and the timing of departure from a stopover site, which is a major step
      towards understanding the hormonal control of animal migration.

PMID- 28077769
TI  - Dog-directed speech: why do we use it and do dogs pay attention to it?
AB  - Pet-directed speech is strikingly similar to infant-directed speech, a peculiar
      speaking pattern with higher pitch and slower tempo known to engage infants'
      attention and promote language learning. Here, we report the first investigation
      of potential factors modulating the use of dog-directed speech, as well as its
      immediate impact on dogs' behaviour. We recorded adult participants speaking in
      front of pictures of puppies, adult and old dogs, and analysed the quality of
      their speech. We then performed playback experiments to assess dogs' reaction to
      dog-directed speech compared with normal speech. We found that human speakers
      used dog-directed speech with dogs of all ages and that the acoustic structure of
      dog-directed speech was mostly independent of dog age, except for sound pitch
      which was relatively higher when communicating with puppies. Playback
      demonstrated that, in the absence of other non-auditory cues, puppies were highly
      reactive to dog-directed speech, and that the pitch was a key factor modulating
      their behaviour, suggesting that this specific speech register has a functional
      value in young dogs. Conversely, older dogs did not react differentially to dog
      directed speech compared with normal speech. The fact that speakers continue to
      use dog-directed with older dogs therefore suggests that this speech pattern may
      mainly be a spontaneous attempt to facilitate interactions with non-verbal
      listeners.

PMID- 28077770
TI  - Correction to 'Life-history characteristics influence physiological strategies to
      cope with hypoxia in Himalayan birds'.

PMID- 28077771
TI  - The correlated evolution of antipredator defences and brain size in mammals.
AB  - Mammals that possess elaborate antipredator defences such as body armour, spines
      and quills are usually well protected, intermediate in size, primarily
      insectivorous and live in simple open environments. The benefits of such defences
      seem clear and may relax selection on maintaining cognitive abilities that aid in
      vigilance and predator recognition, and their bearers may accrue extensive
      production and maintenance costs. Here, in this comparative phylogenetic analysis
      of measurements of encephalization quotient and morphological defence scores of
      647 mammal species representing nearly every order, we found that as lineages
      evolve stronger defences, they suffer a correlated reduction in encephalization.
      The only exceptions were those that live in trees-a complex three-dimensional
      world probably requiring greater cognitive abilities. At the proximate level,
      because brain tissue is extremely energetically expensive to build, mammals may
      be trading off spending more on elaborate defences and saving by building less
      powerful brains. At the ultimate level, having greater defences may also reduce
      the need for advanced cognitive abilities for constant assessment of
      environmental predation risk, especially in simple open environments.

PMID- 28077772
TI  - Phylogenomics provides new insight into evolutionary relationships and
      genealogical discordance in the reef-building coral genus Acropora.
AB  - Understanding the genetic basis of reproductive isolation is a long-standing goal
      of speciation research. In recently diverged populations, genealogical
      discordance may reveal genes and genomic regions that contribute to the
      speciation process. Previous work has shown that conspecific colonies of Acropora
      that spawn in different seasons (spring and autumn) are associated with highly
      diverged lineages of the phylogenetic marker PaxC Here, we used 10 034 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms to generate a genome-wide phylogeny and compared it with
      gene genealogies from the PaxC intron and the mtDNA Control Region in 20 species
      of Acropora, including three species with spring- and autumn-spawning cohorts.
      The PaxC phylogeny separated conspecific autumn and spring spawners into
      different genetic clusters in all three species; however, this pattern was not
      supported in two of the three species at the genome level, suggesting a selective
      connection between PaxC and reproductive timing in Acropora corals. This genome
      wide phylogeny provides an improved foundation for resolving phylogenetic
      relationships in Acropora and, combined with PaxC, provides a fascinating
      platform for future research into regions of the genome that influence
      reproductive isolation and speciation in corals.

PMID- 28077773
TI  - Low functional diversity promotes niche changes in natural island pollinator
      communities.
AB  - Functional diversity loss among pollinators has rapidly progressed across the
      globe and is expected to influence plant-pollinator interactions in natural
      communities. Although recent findings suggest that the disappearance of a certain
      pollinator functional group may cause niche expansions and/or shifts in other
      groups, no study has examined this prediction in natural communities with high
      plant and pollinator diversities. By comparing coastal pollination networks on
      continental and oceanic islands, we examined how community-level flower visit
      patterns are influenced by the relative biomass of long-tongued pollinators
      (RBLP). We found that RBLP significantly correlated with pollinator functional
      diversity and was lower in oceanic than in continental islands. Pollinator niches
      shifted with decreasing RBLP, such that diverse species with various proboscis
      lengths, especially short-tongued species, increasingly visited long-tubed
      flowers. However, we found no conspicuous negative impacts of low RBLP and the
      consequent niche shifts on pollinator visit frequencies to flowers in oceanic
      island communities. Notably, fruit set significantly decreased as RBLP decreased
      in a study plant species. These results suggest that niche shifts by other
      functional groups can generally compensate for a decline in long-tongued
      pollinators in natural communities, but there may be negative impacts on plant
      reproduction.

PMID- 28077774
TI  - Tropical ancient DNA reveals relationships of the extinct Bahamian giant tortoise
      Chelonoidis alburyorum.
AB  - Ancient DNA of extinct species from the Pleistocene and Holocene has provided
      valuable evolutionary insights. However, these are largely restricted to mammals
      and high latitudes because DNA preservation in warm climates is typically poor.
      In the tropics and subtropics, non-avian reptiles constitute a significant part
      of the fauna and little is known about the genetics of the many extinct reptiles
      from tropical islands. We have reconstructed the near-complete mitochondrial
      genome of an extinct giant tortoise from the Bahamas (Chelonoidis alburyorum)
      using an approximately 1 000-year-old humerus from a water-filled sinkhole (blue
      hole) on Great Abaco Island. Phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses place this
      extinct species as closely related to Galapagos (C. niger complex) and Chaco
      tortoises (C. chilensis), and provide evidence for repeated overseas dispersal in
      this tortoise group. The ancestors of extant Chelonoidis species arrived in South
      America from Africa only after the opening of the Atlantic Ocean and dispersed
      from there to the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Our results also suggest
      that the anoxic, thermally buffered environment of blue holes may enhance DNA
      preservation, and thus are opening a window for better understanding evolution
      and population history of extinct tropical species, which would likely still
      exist without human impact.

PMID- 28077775
TI  - Dung odours signal sex, age, territorial and oestrous state in white rhinos.
AB  - Mammals commonly communicate olfactorily via urine. However, the extent to which
      they communicate via dung, another waste product, is unknown. Behavioural studies
      suggest that mammals can obtain information from dung odours but are unclear
      about the information transmitted. Moreover, an understanding of the volatile
      organic compounds (VOCs) released from dung is limited. To address this, we
      analysed the odours emitted from the dung of free-ranging white rhinos, and found
      that 2,3-dimethylundecane signalled an individual's sex, heptanal discriminated
      age class, nonane defined male territorial status and 2,6-dimethylundecane
      indicated female oestrous state. To validate these findings, we artificially
      reproduced key elements of the territorial and oestrous odour profiles (i.e.
      profiles likely to elicit behavioural responses from receivers). We then exposed
      free-ranging territorial males to these odours. In response, males elicited
      behaviours associated with the specific odours (e.g. territorial male (potential
      threat): reduced latency in assuming vigilance; oestrous female (potential mate):
      increased investigation). These results indicate that the VOCs identified from
      the dung of free-ranging individuals do transmit key information. Moreover, as
      white rhinos of all ages and sexes defecate communally, middens probably act as
      information centres. Furthermore, as many other mammals defecate communally,
      olfactory communication via dung odours is likely a widespread phenomenon.

PMID- 28077776
TI  - Odour-based discrimination of similarity at the major histocompatibility complex
      in birds.
AB  - Many animals are known to preferentially mate with partners that are dissimilar
      at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in order to maximize the antigen
      binding repertoire (or disease resistance) in their offspring. Although several
      mammals, fish or lizards use odour cues to assess MHC similarity with potential
      partners, the ability of birds to assess MHC similarity using olfactory cues has
      not yet been explored. Here we used a behavioural binary choice test and high
      throughput-sequencing of MHC class IIB to determine whether blue petrels can
      discriminate MHC similarity based on odour cues alone. Blue petrels are seabirds
      with particularly good sense of smell, they have a reciprocal mate choice and are
      known to preferentially mate with MHC-dissimilar partners. Incubating males
      preferentially approached the odour of the more MHC-dissimilar female, whereas
      incubating females showed opposite preferences. Given their mating pattern,
      females were, however, expected to show preference for the odour of the more MHC
      dissimilar male. Further studies are needed to determine whether, as in women and
      female mice, the preference varies with the reproductive cycle in blue petrel
      females. Our results provide the first evidence that birds can use odour cues
      only to assess MHC dissimilarity.

PMID- 28077777
TI  - No evidence for thermal transgenerational plasticity in metabolism when
      minimizing the potential for confounding effects.
AB  - Environmental change may cause phenotypic changes that are inherited across
      generations through transgenerational plasticity (TGP). If TGP is adaptive,
      offspring fitness increases with an increasing match between parent and offspring
      environment. Here we test for adaptive TGP in somatic growth and metabolic rate
      in response to temperature in the clonal zooplankton Daphnia pulex Animals of the
      first focal generation experienced thermal transgenerational 'mismatch' (parental
      and offspring temperatures differed), whereas conditions of the next two
      generations matched the (grand)maternal thermal conditions. Adjustments of
      metabolic rate occurred during the lifetime of the first generation (i.e. within
      generation plasticity). However, no further change was observed during the
      subsequent two generations, as would be expected under TGP. Furthermore, we
      observed no tendency for increased juvenile somatic growth (a trait highly
      correlated with fitness in Daphnia) over the three generations when reared at new
      temperatures. These results are inconsistent with existing studies of thermal
      TGP, and we describe how previous experimental designs may have confounded TGP
      with within-generation plasticity and selective mortality. We suggest that the
      current evidence for thermal TGP is weak. To increase our understanding of the
      ecological and evolutionary role of TGP, future studies should more carefully
      identify possible confounding factors.

PMID- 28077778
TI  - Uncertain-tree: discriminating among competing approaches to the phylogenetic
      analysis of phenotype data.
AB  - Morphological data provide the only means of classifying the majority of life's
      history, but the choice between competing phylogenetic methods for the analysis
      of morphology is unclear. Traditionally, parsimony methods have been favoured but
      recent studies have shown that these approaches are less accurate than the
      Bayesian implementation of the Mk model. Here we expand on these findings in
      several ways: we assess the impact of tree shape and maximum-likelihood
      estimation using the Mk model, as well as analysing data composed of both binary
      and multistate characters. We find that all methods struggle to correctly resolve
      deep clades within asymmetric trees, and when analysing small character matrices.
      The Bayesian Mk model is the most accurate method for estimating topology, but
      with lower resolution than other methods. Equal weights parsimony is more
      accurate than implied weights parsimony, and maximum-likelihood estimation using
      the Mk model is the least accurate method. We conclude that the Bayesian
      implementation of the Mk model should be the default method for phylogenetic
      estimation from phenotype datasets, and we explore the implications of our
      simulations in reanalysing several empirical morphological character matrices. A
      consequence of our finding is that high levels of resolution or the ability to
      classify species or groups with much confidence should not be expected when using
      small datasets. It is now necessary to depart from the traditional parsimony
      paradigms of constructing character matrices, towards datasets constructed
      explicitly for Bayesian methods.

PMID- 28077779
TI  - From the Cover: Embryonic Exposure to TCDD Impacts Osteogenesis of the Axial
      Skeleton in Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes.
AB  - Recent studies from mammalian, fish, and in vitro models have identified bone and
      cartilage development as sensitive targets for dioxins and other aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor ligands. In this study, we assess how embryonic 2,3,7,8
      tetrachlorochlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure impacts axial osteogenesis in
      Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), a vertebrate model of human bone development.
      Embryos from inbred wild-type Orange-red Hd-dR and 3 transgenic medaka lines
      (twist:EGFP, osx/sp7:mCherry, col10a1:nlGFP) were exposed to 0.15 nM and 0.3 nM
      TCDD and reared until 20 dpf. Individuals were stained for mineralized bone and
      imaged using confocal microscopy to assess skeletal alterations in medial
      vertebrae in combination with a qualitative spatial analysis of osteoblast and
      osteoblast progenitor cell populations. Exposure to TCDD resulted in an overall
      attenuation of vertebral ossification characterized by truncated centra, and
      reduced neural and hemal arch lengths. Effects on mineralization were consistent
      with modifications in cell number and cell localization of transgene-labeled
      osteoblast and osteoblast progenitor cells. Endogenous expression of osteogenic
      regulators runt-related transcription factor 2 (runx2) and osterix (osx/sp7), and
      extracellular matrix genes osteopontin (spp1), collagen type I alpha I (col1),
      collagen type X alpha I (col10a1), and osteocalcin (bglap/osc) was significantly
      diminished at 20 dpf following TCDD exposure as compared with controls. Through
      global transcriptomic analysis more than 590 differentially expressed genes were
      identified and mapped to select pathological states including inflammatory
      disease, connective tissue disorders, and skeletal and muscular disorders. Taken
      together, results from this study suggest that TCDD exposure inhibits axial bone
      formation through dysregulation of osteoblast differentiation. This approach
      highlights the advantages and sensitivity of using small fish models to
      investigate how xenobiotic exposure may impact skeletal development.

PMID- 28077780
TI  - Editor's Highlight: Exposure to CrVI during Early Pregnancy Increases Oxidative
      Stress and Disrupts the Expression of Antioxidant Proteins in Placental
      Compartments.
AB  - Epidemiologic studies document relationships between chromium VI (CrVI) exposure
      and increased risk of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, and
      neonatal death in pregnant women. Environmental contamination with CrVI is a
      growing problem both in the United States and developing countries. CrVI is
      widely used in numerous industries. This study was designed to understand the
      mechanism of CrVI toxicity on placental oxidative stress and antioxidant (AOX)
      machinery. Pregnant mother rats were treated with or without CrVI (50 ppm
      K2Cr2O7) through drinking water from gestational day (GD) 9.5-14.5, and placentas
      were analyzed on GD 18.5. Results indicated that CrVI reduced the trophoblast
      cell population. CrVI increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the
      expression of AOX proteins. CrVI disrupts the trophoblast proliferation of the
      placenta. This study provides insight into the critical role of AOXs in placental
      function.

PMID- 28077781
TI  - Effects of an unusual poison identify a lifespan role for Topoisomerase 2 in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - A progressive loss of genome maintenance has been implicated as both a cause and
      consequence of aging. Here we present evidence supporting the hypothesis that an
      age-associated decay in genome maintenance promotes aging in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae (yeast) due to an inability to sense or repair DNA damage by
      topoisomerase 2 (yTop2). We describe the characterization of LS1, identified in a
      high throughput screen for small molecules that shorten the replicative lifespan
      of yeast. LS1 accelerates aging without affecting proliferative growth or
      viability. Genetic and biochemical criteria reveal LS1 to be a weak Top2 poison.
      Top2 poisons induce the accumulation of covalent Top2-linked DNA double strand
      breaks that, if left unrepaired, lead to genome instability and death. LS1 is
      toxic to cells deficient in homologous recombination, suggesting that the damage
      it induces is normally mitigated by genome maintenance systems. The essential
      roles of yTop2 in proliferating cells may come with a fitness trade-off in older
      cells that are less able to sense or repair yTop2-mediated DNA damage. Consistent
      with this idea, cells live longer when yTop2 expression levels are reduced. These
      results identify intrinsic yTop2-mediated DNA damage as potentially manageable
      cause of aging.

PMID- 28077783
TI  - Association between metformin use and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus and localized resectable pancreatic cancer: a nationwide population
      based study in korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies support an antitumor effect of metformin.
      However, clinical studies have conflicting results and metformin's effect remains
      controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate metformin's effect on
      clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with pancreatic cancer treated with
      curative resection. RESULTS: A total of 764 patients underwent curative
      resection, met none of the exclusion criteria, and were prescribed oral
      hypoglycemic agents. The cancer-specific survival (5-year, 31.9% vs. 22.2%, p <
      0.001) was significantly higher in the 530 metformin users than in the 234
      diabetic metformin non-users. After multivariable adjustments, metformin users
      had significantly lower cancer-specific mortality as compared with metformin non
      users (hazard ratio, 0.727; 95% confidence interval, 0.611-0.868). Cubic spline
      regression analysis demonstrated significantly decreased cancer-specific
      mortality with increasing dose of metformin (p = 0.0047). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Data were provided from the Korea Central Cancer Registry and the National Health
      Insurance Service in the Republic of Korea. The study cohort consisted of 28,862
      patients newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer between 2005 and 2011. Metformin
      exposure was determined from prescription information from 6 months before the
      first diagnosis of pancreatic cancer to last follow-up. The main outcome was
      cancer-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: This large study indicates that metformin
      might decrease cancer-specific mortality rates in localized resectable pancreatic
      cancer patients with pre-existing diabetes, independently of other factors, with
      a dose-response relationship.

PMID- 28077784
TI  - Identification and characterization of HPV-independent cervical cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) initiates cervical cancer, and continuous
      expression of HPV oncogenes E6 and E7 is thought to be necessary to maintain
      malignant growth. Current therapies target proliferating cells, rather than
      specific pathways, and most experimental therapies specifically target E6/E7. We
      investigated the presence and expression of HPV in cervical cancer, to correlate
      HPV oncogene expression with clinical and molecular features of these tumors that
      may be relevant to new targeted therapies. RESULTS: While virtually all cervical
      cancers contained HPV DNA, and most expressed E6/E7 (HPV-active), a subset (8%)
      of HPV DNA-positive cervical cancers did not express HPV transcripts (HPV
      inactive). HPV-inactive tumors occurred in older women (median 54 vs. 45 years, p
      = 0.02) and were associated with poorer survival (median 715 vs 3046 days, p =
      0.0003). Gene expression profiles of HPV-active and -inactive tumors were
      distinct. HPV-active tumors expressed E2F target genes and increased AKT/MTOR
      signaling. HPV-inactive tumors had increased WNT/beta-catenin and Sonic Hedgehog
      signaling. Substantial genome-wide differences in DNA methylation were observed.
      HPV-inactive tumors had a global decrease in DNA methylation; however, many
      promoter-associated CpGs were hypermethylated. Many inflammatory response genes
      showed promoter methylation and decreased expression. The somatic mutation
      landscapes were significantly different. HPV-active tumors carried few somatic
      mutations in driver genes, whereas HPV-inactive tumors were enriched for non
      synonymous somatic mutations (p-value < 0.0000001) specifically targeting TP53,
      ARID, WNT, and PI3K pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Cancer Genome Atlas
      (TCGA) cervical cancer data were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the gene
      expression changes and somatic mutations found in HPV-inactive tumors alter
      pathways for which targeted therapeutics are available. Treatment strategies
      focused on WNT, PI3K, or TP53 mutations may be effective against HPV-inactive
      tumors and could improve survival for these cervical cancer patients.

PMID- 28077785
TI  - The diagnostic performance of shear wave speed (SWS) imaging for thyroid nodules
      with elasticity modulus and SWS measurement.
AB  - To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a new technique of shear wave speed
      (SWS) imaging for the diagnosis of thyroid nodule with elasticity modulus and SWS
      measurement. 322 thyroid nodules in 322 patients (216 benign nodules, 106
      malignant nodules) were included in this study. All the nodules received
      conventional ultrasound (US) and SWS imaging (Aplio500, Toshiba Medical Systems,
      Japan) before fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and/or surgery. The values of E-max
      and E-mean with elastic modulus (61.27 +/- 36.31 kPa and 31.89 +/- 19.11 kPa) or
      SWS (4.45 +/- 1.49 m/s and 3.26 +/- 2.71 m/s) in malignant nodules were
      significantly higher than those in benign lesions (29.18 +/- 18.62 kPa and 15.85
      +/- 6.96 kPa, or 2.98 +/- 0.85 m/s and 2.19 +/- 0.42 m/s, all P < 0.001). No
      significant differences in area under the curve (AUC) between the SWS imaging
      parameters were found (all P > 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression
      analysis, E-max (m/s) with SWS was identified to be the strongest independent
      predictor for malignant nodules (odds ratio [OR] = 16.760), followed by poorly
      defined margin (OR = 7.792), taller-than-wide shape (OR = 3.160), micro
      calcification (OR = 2.422), and E-max (kPa) with elastic modulus (OR = 0.914).
      The AUC was 0.813 for E-max with SWS (m/s) and 0.796 for E-max with elastic
      modulus (kPa). With cut-off SWS value of 3.52 m/s in E-max, sensitivity of 69.8%,
      specificity of 81.5%, and accuracy of 77.6% were achieved. SWS imaging is a
      valuable tool in predicting thyroid malignancy. E-max with SWS measurement is the
      strongest independent predictor for thyroid malignancy.

PMID- 28077786
TI  - Nomogram analysis and external validation to predict the risk of lymph node
      metastasis in gastric cancer.
AB  - AIM: To identify risk factors for lymph node metastasis using a nomogram for
      gastric cancer patients to predict lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: The Chi-square
      test and the logistic regression showed that the Boarrmann type, preoperative
      CA199 level, T stage and N stage by CT scan were independent risk factors. The
      concordance index (C-index) was 0.786 in the internal validation of the Nomogram
      model. In the external validation, the C-index was 0.809, and the AUC was 0.894.
      The total accuracy of the prediction was 82.2%, and the false-negative rate was
      5.4% with a cut-off value set at 0.109. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study
      consisted of 451 patients with a histological diagnosis of gastric cancer with 0
      or 1 lymph node metastasis from the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center as the
      development set, and the validation set consisted of 186 gastric cancer patients
      from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University. A Chi-square test
      and a logistic regression analysis were used to compare the clinicopathological
      variables and lymph node metastasis. The C-index and ROC curve were computed for
      comparisons of the nomogram's predictive ability. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and
      validated a nomogram to predict lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer before
      surgery. This nomogram can be broadly applied, even in general hospitals, and is
      useful for decisions regarding treatment programs for patients.

PMID- 28077782
TI  - Serum and tissue markers in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma:
      clinical and prognostic implications.
AB  - HCC represents the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the second leading
      cause of cancer-related death. Despite the high incidence, treatment options for
      advanced HCC remain limited and unsuccessful, resulting in a poor prognosis.
      Despite the major advances achieved in the diagnostic management of HCC, only one
      third of the newly diagnosed patients are presently eligible for curative
      treatments. Advances in technology and an increased understanding of HCC biology
      have led to the discovery of novel biomarkers. Improving our knowledge about
      serum and tissutal markers could ultimately lead to an early diagnosis and better
      and early treatment strategies for this deadly disease. Serum biomarkers are
      striking potential tools for surveillance and early diagnosis of HCC thanks to
      the non-invasive, objective, and reproducible assessments they potentially
      enable. To date, many biomarkers have been proposed in the diagnosis of HCC.
      Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy, characterized by early
      lymph node involvement and distant metastasis, with 5-year survival rates of 5%
      10%. The identification of new biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic or
      predictive value is especially important as resection (by surgery or combined
      with a liver transplant) has shown promising results and novel therapies are
      emerging. However, the relatively low incidence of CCA, high frequency of co
      existing cholestasis or cholangitis (primary sclerosing cholangitis -PSC- above
      all), and difficulties with obtaining adequate samples, despite advances in
      sampling techniques and in endoscopic visualization of the bile ducts, have
      complicated the search for accurate biomarkers. In this review, we attempt to
      analyze the existing literature on this argument.

PMID- 28077787
TI  - Androgen suppresses protein kinase D1 expression through fibroblast growth factor
      receptor substrate 2 in prostate cancer cells.
AB  - In prostate cancer, androgen/androgen receptor (AR) and their downstream targets
      play key roles in all stages of disease progression. The protein kinase D (PKD)
      family, particularly PKD1, has been implicated in prostate cancer biology. Here,
      we examined the cross-regulation of PKD1 by androgen signaling in prostate cancer
      cells. Our data showed that the transcription of PKD1 was repressed by androgen
      in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells. Steroid depletion caused up
      regulation of PKD1 transcript and protein, an effect that was reversed by the AR
      agonist R1881 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, thus identifying
      PKD1 as a novel androgen-repressed gene. Kinetic analysis indicated that the
      repression of PKD1 by androgen required the induction of a repressor protein.
      Furthermore, inhibition or knockdown of AR reversed AR agonist-induced PKD1
      repression, indicating that AR was required for the suppression of PKD1
      expression by androgen. Downstream of AR, we identified fibroblast growth factor
      receptor substrate 2 (FRS2) and its downstream MEK/ERK pathway as mediators of
      androgen-induced PKD1 repression. In summary, PKD1 was identified as a novel
      androgen-suppressed gene and could be downregulated by androgen through a novel
      AR/FRS2/MEK/ERK pathway. The upregulation of prosurvival PKD1 by anti-androgens
      may contribute to therapeutic resistance in prostate cancer treatment.

PMID- 28077788
TI  - Androgen receptor splice variants and prostate cancer: From bench to bedside.
AB  - Therapeutic interventions for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) center on inhibiting
      androgen receptor (AR) and downstream signaling pathways. Resistance to androgen
      deprivation therapy and/or AR antagonists is inevitable and molecular mechanisms
      driving castration-resistant PCa (CR-PCa) primarily involve alterations in AR
      expression and activity. Detailed molecular biology work over the past decade,
      discussed at length in this review article, has revealed several AR transcripts
      that result from alternative splicing. These AR splice variants are increased in
      cell and mouse models of CR-PCa and in CR-PCa tumors. Several AR variants lack
      the ligand binding domain, but retain their ability to bind DNA and activate
      transcription-linking constitutive AR function and therapeutic failure. ARV7 is
      the only variant endogenously detected at the protein level and thus has
      undergone more thorough molecular characterization. Clinical trials in PCa are
      currently investigating ARV7 utility as a biomarker and new therapeutics that
      inhibit ARV7 . Overall, this review will illustrate the historical perspectives
      of AR splice variant discovery using fundamental molecular biology techniques and
      how it changed the clinical approach to both therapeutic decisions and strategy.
      The body of work investigating AR splice variants in PCa represents a true
      example of translational research from bench to bedside.

PMID- 28077789
TI  - Biological functions of CDK5 and potential CDK5 targeted clinical treatments.
AB  - Cyclin dependent kinases are proline-directed serine/threonine protein kinases
      that are traditionally activated upon association with a regulatory subunit. For
      most CDKs, activation by a cyclin occurs through association and phosphorylation
      of the CDK's T-loop. CDK5 is unusual because it is not typically activated upon
      binding with a cyclin and does not require T-loop phosphorylation for activation,
      even though it has high amino acid sequence homology with other CDKs. While it
      was previously thought that CDK5 only interacted with p35 or p39 and their
      cleaved counterparts, Recent evidence suggests that CDK5 can interact with
      certain cylins, amongst other proteins, which modulate CDK5 activity levels. This
      review discusses recent findings of molecular interactions that regulate CDK5
      activity and CDK5 associated pathways that are implicated in various diseases.
      Also covered herein is the growing body of evidence for CDK5 in contributing to
      the onset and progression of tumorigenesis.

PMID- 28077790
TI  - FLT3 activating mutations display differential sensitivity to multiple tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors.
AB  - Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that normally
      functions in hematopoietic cell survival, proliferation and differentiation.
      Constitutively activating mutations of FLT3 map predominately to the
      juxtamembrane domain (internal tandem duplications; ITD) or the activation loop
      (AL) of the kinase domain and are detected in about 1/3 of de novo acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML) patients. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI)
      effectively target FLT3/ITD mutations, but some activating mutations,
      particularly those on the AL, are relatively resistant to many FLT3 TKI. We
      reproduced many of the AL or other non-ITD activating mutations and tested 13
      FLT3 TKI for their activity against these and wild-type FLT3. All 13 TKI tested
      inhibited BaF3/ITD cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner as
      reported, but most TKI exhibited a wide range of differential activity against AL
      and other point mutants. Western blotting results examining inhibition of FLT3
      autophosphorylation and signaling pathways indicate that many AL mutations reduce
      TKI binding. Most FLT3 TKI effectively target wild-type FLT3 signaling. As a
      demonstration of this differential activity, treatment of BaF3 D835Y cells
      transplanted in BALB/c mice with sorafenib showed no effect in vivo against this
      mutant whereas lestaurtinib proved effective at reducing disease burden. Thus,
      while FLT3 TKI have been selected based on their ability to inhibit FLT3/ITD, the
      selection of appropriate TKI for AML patients with FLT3 AL and other activating
      point mutations requires personalized consideration.

PMID- 28077791
TI  - Carcinoma-risk variant of EBNA1 deregulates Epstein-Barr Virus episomal latency.
AB  - Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) latent infection is a causative co-factor for endemic
      Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC). NPC-associated variants have been identified in
      EBV-encoded nuclear antigen EBNA1. Here, we solve the X-ray crystal structure of
      an NPC-derived EBNA1 DNA binding domain (DBD) and show that variant amino acids
      are found on the surface away from the DNA binding interface. We show that NPC
      derived EBNA1 is compromised for DNA replication and episome maintenance
      functions. Recombinant virus containing the NPC EBNA1 DBD are impaired in their
      ability to immortalize primary B-lymphocytes and suppress lytic transcription
      during early stages of B-cell infection. We identify Survivin as a host protein
      deficiently bound by the NPC variant of EBNA1 and show that Survivin depletion
      compromises EBV episome maintenance in multiple cell types. We propose that
      endemic variants of EBNA1 play a significant role in EBV-driven carcinogenesis by
      altering key regulatory interactions that destabilize latent infection.

PMID- 28077794
TI  - Large-scale genomic deletions mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 system.

PMID- 28077795
TI  - PRAK mediates Abeta-RAGE driven autophagy pathway.

PMID- 28077793
TI  - Integrated proteomic and N-glycoproteomic analyses of doxorubicin sensitive and
      resistant ovarian cancer cells reveal glycoprotein alteration in protein
      abundance and glycosylation.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancer among women in the world, and
      chemotherapy remains the principal treatment for patients. However, drug
      resistance is a major obstacle to the effective treatment of ovarian cancers and
      the underlying mechanism is not clear. An increased understanding of the
      mechanisms that underline the pathogenesis of drug resistance is therefore needed
      to develop novel therapeutics and diagnostic. Herein, we report the comparative
      analysis of the doxorubicin sensitive OVCAR8 cells and its doxorubicin-resistant
      variant NCI/ADR-RES cells using integrated global proteomics and N
      glycoproteomics. A total of 1525 unique N-glycosite-containing peptides from 740
      N-glycoproteins were identified and quantified, of which 253 N-glycosite
      containing peptides showed significant change in the NCI/ADR-RES cells.
      Meanwhile, stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) based
      comparative proteomic analysis of the two ovarian cancer cells led to the
      quantification of 5509 proteins. As about 50% of the identified N-glycoproteins
      are low-abundance membrane proteins, only 44% of quantified unique N-glycosite
      containing peptides had corresponding protein expression ratios. The comparison
      and calibration of the N-glycoproteome versus the proteome classified 14 change
      patterns of N-glycosite-containing peptides, including 8 up-regulated N-glycosite
      containing peptides with the increased glycosylation sites occupancy, 35 up
      regulated N-glycosite-containing peptides with the unchanged glycosylation sites
      occupancy, 2 down-regulated N-glycosite-containing peptides with the decreased
      glycosylation sites occupancy, 46 down-regulated N-glycosite-containing peptides
      with the unchanged glycosylation sites occupancy. Integrated proteomic and N
      glycoproteomic analyses provide new insights, which can help to unravel the
      relationship of N-glycosylation and multidrug resistance (MDR), understand the
      mechanism of MDR, and discover the new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

PMID- 28077792
TI  - Prognostic value of the pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in cervical
      cancer: a meta-analysis and systematic review.
AB  - The prognostic value of pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in
      cervical cancer remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis based on the
      data from 13 studies with 3729 patients to evaluate the association between the
      pretreatment NLR and the clinical outcomes of overall survival and progression
      free survival in patients with cervical cancer. The relationship between NLR and
      clinicopathological parameters was also assessed. Hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio
      (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as the effect size estimate.
      Our analysis indicated that elevated pretreatment NLR was a poor prognostic
      marker for patients with cervical cancer because it predicted unfavorable overall
      survival (HR = 1.375, 95% CI: 1.200-1.576) and progression-free survival (HR =
      1.646, 95% CI: 1.313-2.065). Increased NLR is also significantly associated with
      the larger tumor size (OR = 1.780, 95% CI: 1.090-2.908), advanced clinical stage
      (OR = 2.443, 95% CI: 1.730-3.451), and positive lymph node metastasis (OR =
      2.380, 95% CI: 1.775-3.190). By these results, high pretreatment NLR predicted a
      shorter survival period for patients with cervical cancer, and it could be served
      as a novel index of prognostic evaluation in patients with cervical cancer.

PMID- 28077796
TI  - Tumor cell migration is inhibited by a novel therapeutic strategy antagonizing
      the alpha-7 receptor.
AB  - A 14mer peptide (T14) derived from the C-terminus of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
      selectively activates metastatic breast cancer cells via the alpha-7 nicotinic
      receptor (alpha7 nAChR). This naturally occurring peptide is also present in
      brain, is elevated in Alzheimer's disease, and is antagonised by a cyclized
      variant (NBP-14). Here we investigated the effects of NBP-14 in six different
      cancer cell lines, primary leukemia B-cells and normal B-cells. All cells tested
      expressed alpha7 nAChR, intracellular and extracellular T14. However, NBP-14
      showed low toxicity and weak anti-proliferative effects in the majority of the
      cell lines and was even less toxic in normal B-cells when compared to primary
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells (P < 0.001). Given the potential role of T14
      peptide in metastasis, we next investigated the effects of NBP-14 on tumor cell
      migration, where it caused a dose-dependent reduction. The extent of NBP-14
      inhibition positively correlated with the migration of the cells (r2 = 0.45; P =
      0.06). Furthermore, NBP-14 preferentially inhibited the migration of primary
      leukemia cells when compared with normal B-cells (P = 0.0002); when the normal B
      cell data was excluded, this correlation was strengthened (r2 = 0.80; P = 0.006).
      Importantly, the constitutive alpha7 nAChR expression positively correlated with
      intracellular T14 levels (r2 = 0.91; P = 0.0003) and inversely correlated with
      extracellular T14 levels in the cell culture supernatants (r2 = -0.79; P =
      0.034). However, in the presence of NBP-14, alpha7 nAChR expression was reduced
      (P = 0.04) and the most migratory cells showed the largest reduction in
      expression. In conclusion, NBP-14-mediated antagonism of the alpha7 nAChR offers
      a novel therapeutic strategy with the potential to inhibit tumor cell migration.

PMID- 28077798
TI  - Uniquely conserved immunosuppressive viral exoribonucleases.

PMID- 28077797
TI  - Repression of Fyn-related kinase in breast cancer cells is associated with
      promoter site-specific CpG methylation.
AB  - The triple-negative breast cancer subtype is highly aggressive and has no defined
      therapeutic target. Fyn-related kinase (FRK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase,
      reported to be downregulated in breast cancer and gliomas, where it is suggested
      to have tumor suppressor activity. We examined the expression profile of FRK in a
      panel of 40 breast cancer cells representing all the major subtypes, as well as
      in 4 non-malignant mammary epithelial cell lines. We found that FRK expression
      was significantly repressed in a proportion of basal B breast cancer cell lines.
      We then determined the mechanism of suppression of FRK in FRK-low or negative
      cell lines. In silico analyses of the FRK promoter region led to the
      identification of at least 17 CpG sites. Bisulphite sequencing of the promoter
      region revealed that two of these sites were consistently methylated in FRK
      low/negative cell lines and especially in the basal B breast cancer subtype. We
      further show that treatment of these cells with histone deacetylase inhibitors,
      Entinostat and Mocetinostat' promoted re-expression of FRK mRNA and protein.
      Further, using luciferase reporter assays, we show that both GATA3-binding
      protein FOG1 and constitutively active STAT5A increased the activity of FRK
      promoter. Together, our results present the first evidence that site-specific
      promoter methylation contributes to the repression of FRK more so in basal B
      breast cancers. Our study also highlights the potential clinical significance of
      targeting FRK using epigenetic drugs specifically in basal B breast cancers which
      are usually triple negative and very aggressive.

PMID- 28077799
TI  - KRAS and TP53 mutations in inflammatory bowel disease-associated colorectal
      cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Although KRAS and TP53 mutations are common in both inflammatory bowel disease
      associated colorectal cancer (IBD-CRC) and sporadic colorectal cancer (S-CRC),
      molecular events leading to carcinogenesis may be different. Previous studies
      comparing the frequency of KRAS and TP53 mutations in IBD-CRC and S-CRC were
      inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the presence of KRAS and
      TP53 mutations among patients with IBD-CRC, S-CRC, and IBD without dysplasia. A
      total of 19 publications (482 patients with IBD-CRC, 4,222 with S-CRC, 281 with
      IBD without dysplasia) met the study inclusion criteria. KRAS mutation was less
      frequent (RR=0.71, 95%CI 0.56-0.90; P=0.004) while TP53 mutation was more common
      (RR=1.24, 95%CI 1.10-1.39; P<0.001) in patients with IBD-CRC compared to S-CRC.
      Both KRAS (RR=3.09, 95%CI 1.47-6.51; P=0.003) and TP53 (RR=2.15, 95%CI 1.07-4.31
      P=0.03) mutations were more prevalent in patients with IBD-CRC compared to IBD
      without dysplasia. In conclusion, IBD-CRC and S-CRC appear to have biologically
      different molecular pathways. TP53 appears to be more important than KRAS in IBD
      CRC compared to S-CRC. Our findings suggest possible roles of TP53 and KRAS as
      biomarkers for cancer and dysplasia screening among patients with IBD and may
      also provide targeted therapy in patients with IBD-CRC.

PMID- 28077800
TI  - Oxidative stress induced by Se-deficient high-energy diet implicates neutrophil
      dysfunction via Nrf2 pathway suppression in swine.
AB  - The mechanism of the interaction between Se deficiency and high energy remains
      limited. The aim of the current study was to identify whether Se-deficient, high
      energy diet can induce oxidative stress, and downregulate the Nrf2 pathway and
      phagocytic dysfunction of neutrophils. We detected the phagocytic activity, ROS
      production, protein levels of Nrf2 and Nrf2 downstream target genes, and the mRNA
      levels of 25 selenoproteins, heat shock proteins, and cytokines in neutrophils.
      Cytokine ELISA kits were used to measure the serum cytokines. The concentration
      of ROS was elevated (P < 0.05) in obese swine fed on a low Se diet (less than
      0.03 mg/kg Se) compared to control swine. The protein levels of Nrf2 and its
      downstream target genes were depressed during Se deficiency and high-energy
      intake. The mRNA levels of 16 selenoproteins were significantly decreased (P <
      0.05) in the Se-deficient group and Se-deficient, high-energy group compared to
      the control group. However, the mRNA levels of 13 selenoproteins in peripheral
      blood neutrophils were upregulated in high energy group, except TrxR1, SelI and
      SepW. In summary, these data indicated that a Se-deficient, high-energy diet
      inhibits the Nrf2 pathway and its regulation of oxidative stress, and prompted a
      pleiotropic mechanism that suppresses phagocytosis.

PMID- 28077801
TI  - Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 suppresses microRNA-23b expression in human
      cervical cancer cells through DNA methylation of the host gene C9orf3.
AB  - Oncogenic protein E6 of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) is believed to
      involve in the aberrant methylation in cervical cancer as it upregulates DNA
      methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) through tumor suppressor p53. In addition, DNA
      demethylating agent induces the expression of one of the HPV-16 E6 regulated
      microRNAs (miRs), miR-23b, in human cervical carcinoma SiHa cells. Thus, the
      importance of DNA methylation and miR-23b in HPV-16 E6 associated cervical cancer
      development is investigated. In the present study, however, it is found that miR
      23b is not embedded in any typical CpG island. Nevertheless, a functional CpG
      island is predicted in the promoter region of C9orf3, the host gene of miR-23b,
      and is validated by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite genomic sequencing
      analyses. Besides, c-MET is confirmed to be a target gene of miR-23b. Silencing
      of HPV-16 E6 is found to increase the expression of miR-23b, decrease the
      expression of c-MET and thus induce the apoptosis of SiHa cells through the c-MET
      downstream signaling pathway. Taken together, the tumor suppressive miR-23b is
      epigenetically inactivated through its host gene C9orf3 and this is probably a
      critical pathway during HPV-16 E6 associated cervical cancer development.

PMID- 28077802
TI  - NMI promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via BDKRB2 and MAPK/ERK
      pathway.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and aggressive
      malignant tumors. The involvement of N-myc (and STAT) interactor (NMI) and its
      possible functional mechanisms in HCC progression still remain to be elucidated.
      In this study, we found that NMI was overexpressed in metastatic HCC cell lines
      compared with non-metastatic ones; and the expression levels of NMI in the HCC
      samples with metastasis were higher than that in the non-metastatic specimens.
      Furthermore, NMI depletion significantly decreased HCC cell proliferation and
      invasiveness in vitro, and also inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in
      vivo in nude mice models bearing human HCC. By contrast, NMI stable
      overexpression can enhance the malignant behaviors obviously. Moreover, we
      further verified that NMI promotes the expression of BDKRB2 and mediates the
      activation of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway according to the bidirectional
      perturbations of NMI expression in vivo or in vitro of HCC. Taken together, NMI
      is a pro-metastatic molecule and partially responsible for HCC tumor growth and
      motility. NMI could improve its downstream target BDKRB2 expression to induce
      ERK1/2 activation, and thereby further evoke malignant progression of HCC.

PMID- 28077803
TI  - Gerosuppression by pan-mTOR inhibitors.
AB  - Rapamycin slows organismal aging and delays age-related diseases, extending
      lifespan in numerous species. In cells, rapamycin and other rapalogs such as
      everolimus suppress geroconversion from quiescence to senescence. Rapamycin
      inhibits some, but not all, activities of mTOR. Recently we and others
      demonstrated that pan-mTOR inhibitors, known also as dual mTORC1/C2 inhibitors,
      suppress senescent phenotype. As a continuation of these studies, here we
      investigated in detail a panel of pan-mTOR inhibitors, to determine their optimal
      gerosuppressive concentrations. During geroconversion, cells become hypertrophic
      and flat, accumulate lysosomes (SA-beta-Gal staining) and lipids (Oil Red
      staining) and lose their re-proliferative potential (RPP). We determined optimal
      gerosuppressive concentrations: Torin1 (30 nM), Torin 2 (30 nM), AZD8055 (100
      nM), PP242 (300 nM), both KU-006379 and GSK1059615 (1000 nM). These agents
      decreased senescence-associated hypertrophy with IC50s: 20, 18, 15, 200 and 400
      nM, respectively. Preservation of RPP by pan-mTOR inhibitors was associated with
      inhibition of the pS6K/pS6 axis. Inhibition of rapamycin-insensitive functions of
      mTOR further contributed to anti-hypertrophic and cytostatic effects. Torin 1 and
      PP242 were more "rapamycin-like" than Torin 2 and AZD8055. Pan-mTOR inhibitors
      were superior to rapamycin in suppressing hypertrophy, senescent morphology, Oil
      Red O staining and in increasing so-called "chronological life span (CLS)". We
      suggest that, at doses lower than anti-cancer concentrations, pan-mTOR inhibitors
      can be developed as anti-aging drugs.

PMID- 28077805
TI  - Spin-exciton interaction and related micro-photoluminescence spectra of ZnSe:Mn
      DMS nanoribbon.
AB  - For their spintronic applications the magnetic and optical properties of diluted
      magnetic semiconductors (DMS) have been studied widely. However, the exact
      relationships between the magnetic interactions and optical emission behaviors in
      DMS are not well understood yet due to their complicated microstructural and
      compositional characters from different growth and preparation techniques.
      Manganese (Mn) doped ZnSe nanoribbons with high quality were obtained by using
      the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Successful Mn ion doping in a single
      ZnSe nanoribbon was identified by elemental energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy
      mapping and micro-photoluminescence (PL) mapping of intrinsic d-d optical
      transition at 580 nm, i.e. the transition of 4 T 1(4 G) -> 6 A 1(6 s),. Besides
      the d-d transition PL peak at 580 nm, two other PL peaks related to Mn ion
      aggregates in the ZnSe lattice were detected at 664 nm and 530 nm, which were
      assigned to the d-d transitions from the Mn2+-Mn2+ pairs with ferromagnetic (FM)
      coupling and antiferromagnetic (AFM) coupling, respectively. Moreover, AFM pair
      formation goes along with strong coupling with acoustic phonon or structural
      defects. These arguments were supported by temperature-dependent PL spectra,
      power-dependent PL lifetimes, and first-principle calculations. Due to the
      ferromagnetic pair existence, an exciton magnetic polaron (EMP) is formed and
      emits at 460 nm. Defect existence favors the AFM pair, which also can account for
      its giant enhancement of spin-orbital coupling and the spin Hall effect observed
      in PRL 97, 126603(2006) and PRL 96, 196404(2006). These emission results of DMS
      reflect their relation to local sp-d hybridization, spin-spin magnetic coupling,
      exciton-spin or phonon interactions covering structural relaxations. This kind of
      material can be used to study the exciton-spin interaction and may find
      applications in spin-related photonic devices besides spintronics.

PMID- 28077806
TI  - Low-protein diet for the prevention of renal failure.
AB  - The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to be 8-16%
      worldwide, and it is increasing. CKD is a risk factor for heart attack and
      stroke, and it can progress to kidney failure requiring dialysis or
      transplantation. Recently, diabetic nephropathy has become the most common cause
      of CKD. In Japan, the cumulative probability of requiring hemodialysis by the age
      80 years is 1/50 in males and 1/100 in females. The number of patients under
      hemodialysis in Japan exceeded 320,000 in 2014, among which 38,000 were newcomers
      and 27,000 died.The annual medical costs of hemodialysis are 1.25 trillion yen in
      Japan, representing 4% of the total national medical expenditures in 2014. A low
      protein diet (less than 0.5 g/kg b.wt.) is a very effective intervention. Low
      protein rice (1/10 to 1/25 of the normal protein contents) is helpful to control
      the consumption of proteins, decreasing at the same time the intake of potassium
      and phosphate.Protein restriction is indicated as soon as the eGFR becomes lower
      than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 body surface, in order, to slow disease progression. The
      newly developed low-protein Indica rice is expected to help many CKD patients in
      China and Southeast Asia.

PMID- 28077808
TI  - Rupture, waves and earthquakes.
AB  - Normally, an earthquake is considered as a phenomenon of wave energy radiation by
      rupture (fracture) of solid Earth. However, the physics of dynamic process around
      seismic sources, which may play a crucial role in the occurrence of earthquakes
      and generation of strong waves, has not been fully understood yet. Instead, much
      of former investigation in seismology evaluated earthquake characteristics in
      terms of kinematics that does not directly treat such dynamic aspects and usually
      excludes the influence of high-frequency wave components over 1 Hz. There are
      countless valuable research outcomes obtained through this kinematics-based
      approach, but "extraordinary" phenomena that are difficult to be explained by
      this conventional description have been found, for instance, on the occasion of
      the 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu, Japan, earthquake, and more detailed study on rupture
      and wave dynamics, namely, possible mechanical characteristics of (1) rupture
      development around seismic sources, (2) earthquake-induced structural failures
      and (3) wave interaction that connects rupture (1) and failures (2), would be
      indispensable.

PMID- 28077807
TI  - Folding of apomyoglobin: Analysis of transient intermediate structure during
      refolding using quick hydrogen deuterium exchange and NMR.
AB  - The structures of apomyoglobin folding intermediates have been widely analyzed
      using physical chemistry methods including fluorescence, circular dichroism,
      small angle X-ray scattering, NMR, mass spectrometry, and rapid mixing. So far,
      at least two intermediates (on sub-millisecond- and millisecond-scales) have been
      demonstrated for apomyoglobin folding. The combination of pH-pulse labeling and
      NMR is a useful tool for analyzing the kinetic intermediates at the atomic level.
      Its use has revealed that the latter-phase kinetic intermediate of apomyoglobin
      (6 ms) was composed of helices A, B, G and H, whereas the equilibrium
      intermediate, called the pH 4 molten-globule intermediate, was composed mainly of
      helices A, G and H. The improved strategy for the analysis of the kinetic
      intermediate was developed to include (1) the dimethyl sulfoxide method, (2) data
      processing with the various labeling times, and (3) a new in-house mixer.
      Particularly, the rapid mixing revealed that helices A and G were significantly
      more protected at the earlier stage (400 us) of the intermediate (former-phase
      intermediate) than the other helices. Mutation studies, where each hydrophobic
      residue was replaced with an alanine in helices A, B, E, F, G and H, indicated
      that both non-native and native-like structures exist in the latter-phase folding
      intermediate. The N-terminal part of helix B is a weak point in the intermediate,
      and the docking of helix E residues to the core of the A, B, G and H helices was
      interrupted by a premature helix B, resulting in the accumulation of the
      intermediate composed of helices A, B, G and H. The prediction-based protein
      engineering produced important mutants: Helix F in a P88K/A90L/S92K/A94L mutant
      folded in the latter-phase intermediate, although helix F in the wild type does
      not fold even at the native state. Furthermore, in the L11G/W14G/A70L/G73W
      mutant, helix A did not fold but helix E did, which is similar to what was
      observed in the kinetic intermediate of apoleghemoglobin. Thus, this protein
      engineering resulted in a changed structure for the apomyoglobin folding
      intermediate.

PMID- 28077810
TI  - Increased Expression of Long Non-Coding RNA BCAR4 Is Predictive of Poor Prognosis
      in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - Lung cancer is the most common human cancer, and the majority of lung cancer
      cases are categorized as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Long non-coding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) play key roles in the development and progression of human cancers.
      LncRNA breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 4 (BCAR4) has been identified as an
      oncogenic lncRNA involved in the progression of breast cancer and osteosarcoma.
      However, the clinical significance of the lncRNA BCAR4 in NSCLC remains largely
      unclear. In the present study, real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the relative level of lncRNA BCAR4
      in 68 cases of NSCLC tissues and their adjacent non-tumor tissues. Our data
      showed that the expression level of lncRNA BCAR4 was significantly higher in
      NSCLC tissues compared to their matched non-tumor tissues. Moreover, BCAR4
      expression was significantly upregulated in NSCLC cell lines, when compared to
      the normal human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. In addition, the BCAR4
      expression was associated with the lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and
      clinical stage, but not with the age, sex, tumor size, histological grade, and
      histological type. The increased expression of BCAR4 was significantly associated
      with poorer 5-year overall survival rate of NSCLC patients. Multivariate survival
      analysis indicated that BCAR4 was an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC
      patients. Taken together, our study suggests that the upregulation of lncRNA
      BCAR4 expression plays a promoting role in the malignant progression of NSCLC.
      Thus, BCAR4 is a potential biomarker for NSCLC progress and a therapeutic target
      for NSCLC.

PMID- 28077809
TI  - Cytotoxic Steroids from the Vietnamese Soft Coral Sinularia conferta.
AB  - Twelve steroids, including five new compounds 1-5, were isolated and structurally
      elucidated from a methanol extract of the Vietnamese soft coral Sinularia
      conferta. Their cytotoxic effects against three human cancer cell lines, lung
      carcinoma (A-549), cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), and pancreatic epithelioid
      carcinoma (PANC-1), were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Among isolated compounds, 10 exhibited
      potent cytotoxic effects on all three tested cell lines with IC50 values of
      3.64+/-0.18, 19.34+/-0.42, and 1.78+/-0.69 uM, respectively.

PMID- 28077804
TI  - The complex genetics of gait speed: genome-wide meta-analysis approach.
AB  - Emerging evidence suggests that the basis for variation in late-life mobility is
      attributable, in part, to genetic factors, which may become increasingly
      important with age. Our objective was to systematically assess the contribution
      of genetic variation to gait speed in older individuals. We conducted a meta
      analysis of gait speed GWASs in 31,478 older adults from 17 cohorts of the CHARGE
      consortium, and validated our results in 2,588 older adults from 4 independent
      studies. We followed our initial discoveries with network and eQTL analysis of
      candidate signals in tissues. The meta-analysis resulted in a list of 536
      suggestive genome wide significant SNPs in or near 69 genes. Further
      interrogation with Pathway Analysis placed gait speed as a polygenic complex
      trait in five major networks. Subsequent eQTL analysis revealed several SNPs
      significantly associated with the expression of PRSS16, WDSUB1 and PTPRT, which
      in addition to the meta-analysis and pathway suggested that genetic effects on
      gait speed may occur through synaptic function and neuronal development pathways.
      No genome-wide significant signals for gait speed were identified from this
      moderately large sample of older adults, suggesting that more refined physical
      function phenotypes will be needed to identify the genetic basis of gait speed in
      aging.

PMID- 28077811
TI  - Nutrition Status Predicts Severity of Vascular Calcification in Non-Dialyzed
      Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification is a major complication in chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) that increases the risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Geriatric
      nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a simple nutritional assessment tool that
      predicts poor prognosis in elderly subjects. The purpose of the present study was
      to evaluate the correlation between GNRI and severity of vascular calcification
      in non-dialyzed CKD patients.Methods and Results:We enrolled 323 asymptomatic CKD
      patients. To evaluate abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), we used aortic
      calcification index (ACI) determined on non-contrast computed tomography. The
      patients were divided into three groups according to GNRI tertile. Median ACI
      significantly decreased with increasing GNRI tertile (15.5%, 13.6%, and 7.9%,
      respectively; P=0.001). On multivariate regression analysis GNRI was
      significantly correlated with ACI (beta=-0.15, P=0.009). We also investigated the
      combination of GNRI and C-reactive-protein (CRP) for predicting the severity of
      AAC. Low GNRI and high CRP were significantly associated with severe AAC,
      compared with high GNRI and low CRP (OR, 4.07; P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: GNRI was
      significantly associated with AAC in non-dialyzed CKD patients.

PMID- 28077813
TI  - Nocardia Identification at the Genus Level - Reply.

PMID- 28077812
TI  - Nocardia Identification at the Genus Level.

PMID- 28077814
TI  - Life-Threatening Ventricular Arrhythmia and Brugada-Type ST-Segment Elevation
      Associated With Acute Ischemia of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brugada-type ECG (Br-ECG) is occasionally observed during acute
      myocardial ischemia of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). No studies
      have explored, however, the association of ventricular tachyarrhythmia and
      development of Br-ECG due to acute ischemia of the RVOT.Methods and Results:The
      study included 13 consecutive patients with acute ischemia of the RVOT during
      coronary catheterization. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with Br-ECG
      (group B) and those without (group N). The proportion of male patients was higher
      in group B than in group N (100% vs. 25%, P<0.01), and VT/VF developed in only
      patients with Br-ECG (group B). In group B, VT/VF was observed in patients
      without pre-existing organic change in the conus/right ventricular (RV) branch of
      the right coronary artery and no VT/VF was seen in patients with organic coronary
      stenosis despite Br-ECG. CONCLUSIONS: Acute myocardial ischemia of the RVOT
      caused Br-ECG predominantly in male patients and subsequent development of VT/VF
      in some patients. VT/VF was seen in patients without any obstructive lesion but
      arrhythmic events were not observed in RVOT ischemia in the case of pre-existing
      coronary occlusion or stenosis of the conus or RV branch, suggesting the effects
      of precondition.

PMID- 28077815
TI  - The J-wave as a Predictor of Life-Threatening Arrhythmia in ICD Patients.
AB  - The J-wave has been reported to be associated with life-threatening ventricular
      arrhythmia. However, the clinical implication of the J-wave is still unclear in
      patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).The study
      population consisted of 170 ICD patients (age, 56 +/- 16 years, 79.4% male)
      treated at Kitasato University Hospital between 2003 and 2014. Ventricular
      fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) events were documented via ICD
      interrogation, and the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) VF event group, 2)
      VT event group, and 3) No-event group. To predict VT or VF events, univariate and
      multivariate analysis of clinical data including ECG findings were performed. A J
      wave was defined as the presence of notching or slurring of the QRS complex (>=
      0.1 mV) in inferior/lateral leads. Among the 170 patients examined, 23
      experienced VF and 38 experienced VT during 54 +/- 39 months follow-up. In the
      multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, the J-wave was identified as an
      independent predictor for a VF event (HR: 3.886, 95% CI: 1.313-10.568, P =
      0.012). In contrast, BNP (HR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000-1.003, P = 0.043) and left
      ventricular diastolic diameter (HR: 1.039, 95% CI: 1.002-1.081, P = 0.049) were
      independent predictors for a VT event.The results suggest J-waves in the stable
      phase in an ECG may be a useful predictor for a VF event in ICD patients.

PMID- 28077816
TI  - Incidence of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Patients With Early Repolarization
      Syndrome.
AB  - Atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs) occur in a significant proportion of Brugada
      syndrome (BrS) patients and are often an important cause of inappropriate shocks.
      The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of ATAs and ATA
      induced inappropriate shocks in early repolarization syndrome (ERS) patients as
      compared to BrS patients.We analyzed data from 20 consecutive patients who were
      diagnosed with ERS and compared them with patients diagnosed with BrS (n = 31).
      Clinical and ICD interrogation data were collected and analyzed for all events
      with ICD shocks.Three patients had a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) prior to
      ICD implantation. One patient had AV reentrant tachycardia and was successfully
      ablated before ICD implantation. ATAs were newly diagnosed in 4 patients with no
      prior history of AF. There were no significant differences in gender, age, or
      left atrial diameter between ATA development. Four (20%) of 20 consecutive
      patients received inappropriate ICD shocks for ATAs. One suffered from repeat
      inappropriate shocks triggered by paroxysmal AF and received catheter ablation
      for AF.ATAs were not infrequent in patients with ERS and seemed to be related to
      inappropriate ICD therapy. Careful ICD programming is required to reduce ATA
      related inappropriate ICD shock in patients with ERS.

PMID- 28077817
TI  - Prognostic Significance of Non-Dilated Left Ventricular Size and Mitral
      Regurgitation in Patients With Dilated Phase of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Although a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated phase of HCM (D
      HCM) characterized by left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, has been
      reported to have a poor prognosis, some patients with D-HCM survive for a
      relatively long period. The degree of LV dilatation and functional mitral
      regurgitation (MR) are generally thought to be important predictors of poor
      prognosis in patients with LV systolic dysfunction. However, there is little
      information available on the relations among LV size, presence of significant MR,
      and prognosis in D-HCM patients.We retrospectively studied 31 patients with D-HCM
      to determine whether echocardiographic assessment of LV size and MR provides
      incremental prognostic information.During a follow-up period of 5.6 +/- 4.2
      years, there were 13 cardiovascular deaths. When the patients were divided into
      two groups by LV size at diagnosis of D-HCM, a non-dilated LV group (LV end
      diastolic diameter (LVEDD) < 50 mm, n = 9) and a dilated LV group (LVEDD >= 50
      mm, n = 22), the clinical course in the non-dilated LV group was significantly
      worse. As for the clinical impact of MR, no patient in the non-dilated LV group
      showed significant MR and 7 of the patients with dilated LV size showed
      significant MR during follow-up. Once significant MR was reached, cardiovascular
      deaths were significantly more frequent in patients with MR.Patients with D-HCM,
      particularly those with less LV dilatation at diagnosis of dilated phase and with
      significant MR during follow-up, have a poor prognosis.

PMID- 28077818
TI  - Enlargement of the Excluded Left Atrial Appendage With Thrombus.
AB  - We report progressive enlargement of the excluded left atrial appendage (LAA)
      with a thrombus in a patient who had undergone valve surgery and endocardial
      suture closure of the LAA previously. Echocardiography and CT detected no
      communication between the LAA and the left atrium. Magnetic resonance imaging
      showed the LAA was filled with fresh and old thrombi. Coronary arteriography
      demonstrated small left coronary artery-LAA fistulae. At surgery, successful
      exclusion of the LAA was confirmed after removal of the thrombi. Persistent
      inflow of blood through the coronary artery fistulae to the excluded LAA may be
      the primary mechanism of this pathology.

PMID- 28077819
TI  - Association Between Blood Transfusions and 12-Month Mortality After Transcatheter
      Aortic Valve Implantation.
AB  - Blood transfusions are considered as an important predictor of adverse outcome in
      patients with severe aortic (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation (TAVI). We sought to investigate the association between blood
      transfusions and mortality after TAVI. We enrolled 101 consecutive patients with
      severe AS undergoing TAVI. Patients who required transfusion were defined as
      patients in whom at least one unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) was
      transfused in the perioperative period. Twelve-month outcomes were assessed based
      on Valve Academic Research Consortium definitions. A total of 28 (27.7%) patients
      required blood transfusion after TAVI. Baseline characteristics of the patients
      with and without a transfusion were similar. Median amount of PRBCs was 2
      (interquartile range, 2-4). Twelvemonth all-cause mortality was higher in
      patients with than without a blood transfusion (39.3% versus 9.6%; P = 0.001).
      Importantly, the need for a blood transfusion after TAVI was an independent
      predictor of higher mortality rates after 12 months (hazard ratio (HR) 2.84 95%CI
      (1.06-7.63); P = 0.039; (HR for incomplete coronary revascularization 10.86,
      95%CI 3.72-31.73; P < 0.001; HR for a history of stroke/TIA 3.93, 95%CI 1.39
      11.07; P < 0.001). The duration of inhospital stay was longer in patients
      requiring transfusion (16.0 (14.0-22.0) versus 7.0 (7.0-11.5) days; P = 0.014).
      In conclusion, blood transfusions after TAVI were associated with higher
      mortality rates after 12 months, longer in-hospital stay, and were identified as
      an independent predictor of impaired clinical outcome.

PMID- 28077820
TI  - Acute Coronary Syndrome Demonstrating Plaque Rupture in Calcified Lesions
      Visualized by Optical Frequency Domain Imaging.
AB  - A 68-year-old female with acute coronary syndrome was transferred to our
      hospital. Emergency coronary angiography showed 90% stenosis with severe
      calcification in the proximal right coronary artery (RCA). Intravascular
      ultrasound (IVUS) images were obtained and showed circumferential heavy
      calcification without any evidence of plaque rupture. Optical frequency domain
      imaging (OFDI) images were obtained in the RCA lesion 3 days after the initial
      coronary angiography. A cavity of plaque rupture in the calcified plaque by using
      OFDI was observed in the lesion, which could not be recognized by IVUS. Necrotic
      tissue was observed frequently in heavy calcified lesions and was usually hidden
      behind calcification. Judging from the OFDI images in this case, the thin fibrous
      cap over the necrotic tissue even if surrounded by calcification was disrupted
      and might have caused the acute coronary syndrome. However, necrotic tissue
      surrounded by calcification is generally recognized as calcified plaque in OFDI
      images because discrimination between necrotic tissue and calcification is based
      on the border characteristics (low intensity with diffuse border: necrotic
      tissue, low intensity with sharp border: calcification). Superficial residual
      necrotic tissue not yet replaced completely by calcification might cause plaque
      rupture and thus, result in acute coronary syndrome. In fact, there is a variety
      of OFDI and optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics in calcified
      plaque, such as relatively high intensity without attenuation or very low
      intensity with attenuation. Residual necrotic tissue within calcification could
      pose a problem in OCT/OFDI plaque evaluation.

PMID- 28077821
TI  - Ascending Aortic Constriction Promotes Cardiomyocyte Proliferation in Neonatal
      Rats.
AB  - Adult heart suffering from increased workload will undergo myocardial
      hypertrophy, subsequent cardiomyocyte (CM) death, and eventually heart failure.
      However, the effect of increasing afterload on the neonatal heart remains
      unknown. We performed ascending aortic constriction (AAC) in neonatal rats 8-12
      hours after birth (P0, P indicates postpartum). Seven days after surgery, in vivo
      heart function was evaluated using cardiac ultrasonography. Haematoxylineosin and
      Masson staining were used to assess CM diameter and collagen deposition.
      Moreover, expression of both EdU and Ki67 were evaluated to determine DNA
      synthesis levels, and pH3 and aurora B as markers for mitosis in CMs. CM
      isolation was performed by heart perfusion at P0, P3, P5, and P7, respectively.
      CM number on P0 was 1.01 +/- 0.29 * 106. We found that CM cell cycle activation
      was significantly increased among constricted hearts, as demonstrated by
      increased Ki67, EdU, pH3, and aurora B positive cells/1000 CMs. At day 7 (P7),
      constriction group hearts manifested increased wall thickness (0.55 +/- 0.05 mm
      versus 0.85 +/- 0.10 mm, P < 0.01, n = 6), and improved hemodynamics as well as
      left ventricular ejection fraction (65.5 +/- 3.7% versus 77.7 +/- 4.8%, P < 0.01,
      n = 6). Of note, the population of CMs was also markedly increased in the
      constriction group (2.92 +/- 0.27 * 106 versus 3.41 +/- 0.40 * 106, P < 0.05, n =
      6). In summary, we found that during the first week after birth significant
      numbers of neonatal CMs can reenter the cell cycle. Ascending aortic constriction
      promotes neonatal rat CM proliferation resulting in 16.7% more CMs in the heart.

PMID- 28077822
TI  - Factors associated with work ability index (WAI) among intensive care units'
      (ICUs') nurses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Work ability is a crucial occupational health issue in health care
      settings where a high physical and psychosocial work capacity is required and a
      high risk of disabling injuries and illnesses is predictable. This study aims to
      examine the association between the work ability index (WAI) and individual
      characterizations, workload, fatigue, and diseases among intensive care units'
      (ICUs') nurses. METHODS: The study sample included 214 nurses selected by a
      random sampling method from a target population consisting of 321 registered
      nurses working in eight ICUs. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to
      test the association between WAI scores and each of the independent variables.
      RESULTS: Results of multivariate analysis revealed a strong and negative
      association between WAI scores and diseases (B=-5.82, 95% CI=-7.16, -4.48,
      P<0.001). Among the studied individual characterizations, body mass index (BMI)
      was significantly and inversely associated with WAI scores. A significant and
      negative association was also found between WAI scores and dimensions of MFI-20,
      such as general fatigue (B=-0.31, 95% CI=-0.53, -0.09, P=0.005) and physical
      fatigue (B=-0.44, 95% CI=-0.65, -0.23, P<0.001). From dimensions of workload,
      frustration (B=-0.04, 95% CI=-0.07, -0.02, P<0.001) and temporary demand (B=
      0.04, 95% CI=-0.08, -0.0001, P=0.04) showed a negative and significant
      association with WAI scores, while performance showed a positive and significant
      association (B=0.04, 95% CI=0.01, 0.07, P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the study
      findings, development of health care programs with the aim of setting up a
      healthy work environment characterized by a well-structured preventive attitude
      toward controlling diseases, and a well-designed organizational framework toward
      increasing the level of performance and motivation, reducing the level of
      fatigue, as well as reducing the workload, is necessary to promote work ability
      among ICUs' nurses.

PMID- 28077823
TI  - Association of health symptoms with low-level exposure to organophosphates, DNA
      damage, AChE activity, and occupational knowledge and practice among rice, corn,
      and double-crop farmers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine (1) total dialkylphosphate (SigmaDAP)
      levels, occupational knowledge and practice, DNA damage, AChE activity, and
      health symptoms in rice, corn, and double-crop farmers; (2) the association of
      health symptoms with SigmaDAP levels, occupational knowledge and practice, DNA
      damage, and AChE activity in farmers; and (3) the prevalence of health symptoms
      between farmers and non-farmers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted
      by interviewing as well as analyzing urine and blood samples during July to
      August 2014. RESULTS: There were no differences in SigmaDAP levels, AChE
      activity, and occupational knowledge and practice scores among all farmer groups.
      In terms of health symptoms related to SigmaDAP, AChE activity, DNA damage, and
      occupational knowledge and practice, pesticide-related symptoms were determined,
      including breathlessness, chest pain, dry throat, numbness, muscle weakness,
      cramp, headache, dizziness, eye irritation, white/red rash, and white/red pimple,
      which were classified as respiratory, muscle, nervous, and epithelial symptoms. A
      remarkable finding was that farmers had a significantly higher prevalence of
      muscle weakness (odds ratio (OR)=3.79) and numbness (OR=3.45) as compared with
      non-farmers. CONCLUSION: Our findings, therefore, suggest that a long-term low
      level exposure to organophosphates (OPs) may be associated with an increasing
      prevalence of muscle symptoms. However, a further cohort study incorporating
      sensitive health outcomes and measurement of multiple pesticides monitoring on a
      larger scale is warranted.

PMID- 28077824
TI  - Burnout among public servants after the Great East Japan Earthquake: decomposing
      the construct aftermath of disaster.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine whether disaster-related variables, in addition to known
      work-related risk factors, influence burnout and its subscales (exhaustion,
      cynicism, and lack of professional efficacy) among public servants who
      experienced a major disaster. METHODS: Cross-sectional studies were conducted
      among public servants of Miyagi prefecture at 2 and 16 months after the Great
      East Japan Earthquake (n=3,533, response rate 66.8%); burnout was assessed at 16
      months using the Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General
      Survey. We examined the relationships between burnout and its subscales with
      disaster-related variables at 2 months after the disaster, while controlling for
      age, gender, and work-related variables at 16 months after the disaster. RESULTS:
      After controlling for age, gender, and work-related variables, a significant risk
      factor of burnout was having severe house damage. For the each subscale of
      burnout, living someplace other than their own house increased the risk of both
      exhaustion and cynicism, while handling residents' complaints did so only for
      exhaustion. Notably, workers from health and welfare departments showed an
      increased risk of burnout, exhaustion, and cynicism, but not lack of professional
      efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that special attention is needed for
      workers with severe house damage to prevent burnout, as well as those who lived
      someplace other than their own house to prevent exhaustion and cynicism after a
      major disaster. Interventions directed at workers of the health and welfare
      department should focus more on limiting exhaustion and cynicism, rather than
      promoting professional efficacy.

PMID- 28077825
TI  - [Inhalation Effects of Aroma Essential Oil on Quality of Sleep for Shift Nurses
      after Night Work].
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was an experimental study to compare the inhalation effects
      of aroma essential oil on the quality of sleep (QOS) for shift nurses after
      working nights. METHODS: The participants were 60 healthy adults who didn't have
      any disease. As an experimental treatment, the participants in the experimental
      group were asked to inhale essential oil for 3 minutes at a distance of
      approximately 10 cm fromt heir nose and then they were asked to sleep with the
      aroma stone beside their head (within a 30 cm distance). QOS were measured four
      times on Pretest, Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 after they slept. To measure QOS,
      Perceived QOS (Numeric Rating Scale), the Verran & Synder-Halpern (VSH) Sleep
      Scale were used, and number of awakenings (NoA) was measured by Actigraph.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the homogeneity tests for
      general characteristics and dependent variables prior to the experiments, except
      for VSH of subjective sleep quality. Also, there was no significant interaction
      between group and time. The VSH of the experimental group was higher than the
      control group (F=6.39, p=.002). The NoA between the experimental group and the
      control group was significantly different after experimental treatment 3rd day
      (F=13.35, p=.001). CONCLUSION: The findings show that the inhalation of aroma
      essential oil had effects to increase the quality of sleep. Therefore, the
      inhalation of aroma essential oil could be applied to general nursing
      interventions to improve the quality of sleep.

PMID- 28077826
TI  - [Effects of a Customized Birth Control Program for Married Immigrant Postpartum
      Mothers].
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to develop a customized birth control program
      and identify its effects on attitude, subjective norm, behavioral control,
      intention, and behavior of contraception among immigrant postpartum mothers.
      METHODS: In this experimental study, Vietnamese, Filipino or Cambodian married
      immigrant postpartum mothers were recruited. They were assigned to the experiment
      group (n=21) or control group (n=21). The customized birth control program was
      provided to the experimental group for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The experimental group
      showed a significant increase in the score of attitude, subjective norm,
      behavioral control, intention, and behavior of contraception. CONCLUSION:
      Findings in this study indicate that the customized postpartum birth control
      program, a systematic and integrative intervention program composed of customized
      health education, counseling and telephone monitoring, is able to provide
      effective planning for postpartum health promotion and birth control behavior
      practice in married immigrant women.

PMID- 28077827
TI  - [Development of the Developmental Support Competency Scale for Nurses Caring for
      Preterm Infants].
AB  - PURPOSE: Developmental care has been recognized as a very important component for
      the development and health promotion of preterm infants. However, research on how
      to assess developmental nursing competency has not been studied as expected. This
      study was done to develop and evaluate a new scale to measure nursing competency
      for developmental support of preterm infants. METHODS: Concept analysis was done
      with using the Hybrid model of Schwartz-Barcott and Kim (2000), from which a
      preliminary new scale (30 items) was developed. To test the validity and
      reliability of the new scale being developed, data were collected from 122 NICU
      nurses at 4 hospitals in 3 cities in the Republic of Korea, from December, 2014
      to March, 2015. RESULTS: The final version of the Developmental Support
      Competency Scale for Nurses (DSCS-N) caring for premature infants was a 4-point
      Likert type scale, consisting of 19 items, and categorized as 6 factors,
      explaining 62.5% of the total variance. Each of the factors were named as
      follows; 'environmental support' (4 items), 'parental support' (3 items),
      'interaction' (3 items), 'critical thinking' (3 items), 'professional
      development' (3 items), and 'partnership' (3 items). The Cronbach's alpha
      coefficient for the scale was .83 and the reliability of the subscales ranged
      from .60~.76. CONCLUSION: The psychometric evaluation of the new scale
      demonstrated an acceptable validity and reliability. Findings indicate that the
      DSCS-N can be used as the tool to test the effect of educational programs for
      nurses and contribute to advance developmental care for preterm infants.

PMID- 28077828
TI  - [Hospital Arrival Rate within Golden Time and Factors Influencing Prehospital
      Delays among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction].
AB  - PURPOSE: This research was done to identify the hospital arrival rate and factors
      related to prehospital delay in arriving at an emergency medical center within
      the golden time after symptom onset in patients with acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI). METHODS: Data used in the research was from the National Emergency
      Department Information System of the National Emergency Medical Center which
      reported that in 2014, 9,611 patients went to emergency medical centers for acute
      myocardial infarction. Prehospital time is the time from onset to arrival at an
      emergency medical center and is analyzed by subdividing arrival and delay based
      on golden time of 2 hour. RESULTS: After onset of acute myocardial infarction,
      arrival rate to emergency medical centers within the golden time was
      44.0%(4,233), and factors related to prehospital delay were gender, age, region
      of residence, symptoms, path to hospital visit, and method of transportation.
      CONCLUSION: Results of this study show that in 2014 more than half of AMI
      patients arrive at emergency medical centers after the golden time for proper
      treatment of AMI. In order to reduce prehospital delay, new policy that reflects
      factors influencing prehospital delay should be developed. Especially, public
      campaigns and education to provide information on AMI initial symptoms and to
      enhance utilizing EMS to get to the emergency medical center driectly should be
      implemented for patients and/or caregivers.

PMID- 28077829
TI  - [Development of a Psychological Insulin Resistance Scale for Korean Patients with
      Diabetes].
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was done to develop and validate a measure to evaluate the
      Korean version of psychological insulin resistance (K-PIR) in patients with
      diabetes in Korea. METHODS: Items were initially generated from literature
      reviews and interviews with 19 patients with diabetes. The content validity of
      the items was evaluated by experts. Participants were 424 patients with diabetes
      recruited through convenience sampling. A cross-sectional survey was designed for
      item-analysis, exploratory factor analysis with principal axis factoring, and
      confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to measure the
      internal consistency. RESULTS: For the 24 items of the Korean version of
      psychological insulin resistance, six items were eliminated because of low
      correlation with the other items. Exploratory factor analysis with 18-item showed
      that two factors (psycho-cognitive factor and supportive factor) explained 41.8%
      of the variance, and the factor structure of K-PIR model had a good fit. Internal
      consistency of K-PIR with 18 items revealed good reliability. CONCLUSION: The
      findings show that the K-PIR is reliable for measuring the psychological
      resistance to insulin therapy for Korean patients with diabetes. However, further
      study is needed to evaluate the validation because the proportion of variation of
      K-PIR was low in this study.

PMID- 28077831
TI  - [Effects of Home Care Services Use by Older Adults on Family Caregiver Distress].
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between
      utilization of home care services under the national long-term care insurance
      system and family caregiver distress. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was
      conducted in this study using data collected in 2011 and 2012 from the Korean
      version of International Resident Assessment Instrument (interRAI) Home Care
      assessment system. The study sample included 228 clients receiving community
      based home care and their family caregivers in Korea. Descriptive statistics,
      chi2 test, t-test, and Heckman selection model analysis were conducted using SAS
      9.3. RESULTS: Presence of family caregiver distress was significantly associated
      with days of nurse visits (beta=-.89, p=<.001) and home helper visits (beta=-.53,
      p=.014). Level of caregiver distress was also significantly associated with days
      of nurse visits (beta=-.66, p=.028). Other factors which were significantly
      associated with caregiver distress were depression, cognitive function,
      inadequate pain control, social support for older adult, and caregiver
      relationship to the older adult. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that
      visiting nurse service and appropriate support programs for Older Adults and
      family caregivers experiencing caregiver distress should be developed and
      provided to families based on the health care needs of older adults and their
      family caregivers for effective and sustainable home care.

PMID- 28077830
TI  - [Path analysis of the Influence of Hospital Ethical Climate Perceived by Nurses
      on Supervisor Trust and Organizational Effectiveness].
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the paths of influence that a
      hospital's ethical climate exerts on nurses' organizational commitment and
      organizational citizenship behavior, with supervisor trust as the mediating
      factor, and verify compatibility of the models in hospital nurses. METHODS: The
      sample consisted of 374 nurses recruited from four hospitals in 3 cities in
      Korea. The measurements included the Ethical Climate Questionnaire, Supervisor
      Trust Questionnaire, Organizational Commitment Questionnaire and Organizational
      Citizenship Behavior Questionnaire. Ethical Climate Questionnaire consisted of 6
      factors; benevolence, personal morality, company rules and procedures, laws and
      professional codes, self-interest and efficiency. Data were analysed using SPSS
      version 18.0 and AMOS version 18.0. RESULTS: Supervisor trust was explained by
      benevolence and self-interest (29.8%). Organizational commitment was explained by
      benevolence, supervisor trust, personal morality, and rules and procedures
      (40.4%). Organizational citizenship behavior was explained by supervisor trust,
      laws and codes, and benevolence (21.8%). CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that
      managers need to develop a positive hospital ethical climate in order to improve
      nurses' trust in supervisors, organizational commitment and organizational
      citizenship behavior.

PMID- 28077832
TI  - [Frailty and its related Factors in Vulnerable Elderly Population by Age Groups].
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate factors affecting frailty by age groups
      among vulnerable elders in Korea. METHODS: In this secondary analysis, data were
      collected from records for 22,868 eldesr registered in the Visiting Health
      Management program of Publci Health Centers in 2012. Health behaviors, clinically
      diagnosed disease, frailty, depression and cognitive condition were assessed.
      Data were analyzed using stepwise regression to determine the associated factors
      of frailty by age group. RESULTS: Alcohol consumption, physical activity, number
      of diseases, DM, CVA, arthritis, urinary incontinence, depression and cognitive
      condition were found to be factors significantly associated with frailty among
      the elders aged 65~74 (F=135.66, p<.001). Alcohol consumption, physical activity,
      CVA, arthritis, urinary incontinence, depression and cognitive condition were
      found to be factors associated with frailty in the elders aged 75~84 (F=245.40,
      p<.001). Physical activity, CVA, arthritis, depression and cognitive condition
      were factors associated with frailty in the elders over 85 years of age (F=96.48,
      p<.001). CONCLUSION: The findings show that frailty of elders and associated
      factors were different by age group, and common factors affecting frailty were
      physical activity, CVA, arthritis, depression and cognitive condition. Thus,
      these factors should be considered in the development of intervention program for
      care and prevention of frailty and program should be modified according to age
      group.

PMID- 28077833
TI  - [Adaptation Process to Group Home Living by Older Adults].
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the adaptation
      process of older people to group homes. METHODS: Participants were twenty older
      adults aged 65 or older who were living in group homes. Data were collected from
      January to April, 2015. In-depth unstructured interviews were conducted with
      individual participants. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's grounded
      theory method. RESULTS: From open coding, 100 concepts, 38 sub-categories, and 14
      categories were identified. Analysis showed that the central phenomenon of the
      adaptation process of older people to group homes was 'gradually giving up'.
      Causal conditions were 'good-for-nothing body', contextual conditions were
      'pushed', 'beleaguered'. Intervening conditions were 'reliable pillar: children',
      'having affection more than having it from family: facility workers', 'comfort -
      like feeling at home', 'relieved: system'. Action/interaction strategies were
      'facing the unfamiliar reality', 'building relationships with other people',
      'accepting reality'. Consequences were 'a good place, more than expected', 'hope
      for the remaining days', 'waiting for a peaceful death'. CONCLUSION: The results
      of this study provide an in-depth understanding of the experience of the
      adaptation process of older people to group homes. The findings from this study
      can be used as basic data to establish policies to increase the number of small
      scale facilities which can help older adults adapt easily to the facilities.

PMID- 28077834
TI  - [Validity and Reliability of Korean Version of the Spiritual Care Competence
      Scale].
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the
      Korean Version of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale (K-SCCS). METHODS: A cross
      sectional study design was used. The K-SCCS consisted of 26 questions to measure
      spiritual care competence of nurses. Participants, 228 nurses who had more than 3
      years'experience as a nurse, completed the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis
      was used to examine the construct validity and correlations of K-SCCS and
      spiritual well-being (SWB) were used to examine the criterion validity of K-SCCS.
      Cronbach's alpha was used to test internal consistency. RESULTS: The construct
      and the criterion-related validity of K-SCCS were supported as measures of
      spiritual care competence. Cronbach's alpha was .95. Factor loadings of the 26
      questions ranged from .60 to .96. Construct validity of K-SCCS was verified by
      confirmatory factor analysis (RMSEA=.08, CFI=.90, NFI=.85). Criterion validity
      compared to the SWB showed significant correlation (r=.44, p<.001). CONCLUSION:
      The findings suggest that K-SCCS serves as an appropriate measure of spiritual
      care competence with validity and reliability. However, further study is needed
      to retest the verification of the factor analysis related to factor 2
      (professionalisation and improving the quality of spiritual care) and factor 3
      (personal support and patient counseling). Therefore, we recommend using the
      total score without distinguishing subscales.

PMID- 28077835
TI  - [Development and Effects of a Heart Health Diary for Self-Care Enhancement of
      Patients with Heart Failure].
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a heart health diary to promote
      self-care ability among patients with heart failure (HF), and to identify the
      diary's effect on self-care adherence, self-efficacy, and physical activity.
      METHODS: A randomized control-group pretestposttest design was adopted using
      block randomization. A calender-typed health diary was developed and it included
      a self-care checklist and education information on HF management. The
      experimental group were given guided counseling and education for 8 weeks and
      wrote a daily health diary during that period. Data were collected from the
      outpatient department of a tertiary medical center from February to April 2016.
      To verify the hypotheses, data for the experimental group (n=28) and control
      group (n=33) were analysed using the independent t-test with SPSS/WIN 21.0.
      RESULTS: At the end of 8 weeks the experimental group had significantly higher
      scores for self-care adherence (t=-2.48, p=.016) and exercise related self
      efficacy (t=-3.44, p=.001) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The
      findings show that the application of a patient-directed heart health diary is an
      effective nursing intervention for improving HF patients' self-care adherence and
      exercise self-efficacy. Strategies to promote dietary self-efficacy are necessary
      along with further studies including repeated research with an increasing
      intervention period. Healthcare providers need to encourage the utilization of a
      health diary for HF patients as a tool for evaluation and for implementation that
      leads to self-care.

PMID- 28077836
TI  - [Decision Making Experience on Breast Reconstruction for Women with Breast
      Cancer].
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore decision making experiences of
      Korean women with breast cancer who underwent breast reconstruction with/after a
      mastectomy. METHODS: Data were collected during 2015-2016 through individual in
      depth interviews with 10 women who had both mastectomy and breast reconstruction,
      and analyzed using phenomenological method to identify essential themes on
      experiences of making a decision to have breast reconstruction. RESULTS: Five
      theme clusters emerged. First, "expected loss of sexuality and discovery of
      autonomy" illustrates various aims of breast reconstruction. Second, "holding
      tight to the reputation of doctors amid uncertainty" specifies the importance of
      a trust relationship with their physician despite a lack of information. Third,
      "family members to step back in position" describes support or opposition from
      family members in the decision making process. Fourth, "bewilderment due to the
      paradox of appearance-oriented views" illustrates paradoxical environment,
      resulting in confusion and anger. Lastly, "decision to be made quickly with
      limited time to oneself" describes the crazy whirling process of decision making.
      CONCLUSION: Findings highlight aims, worries, barriers, and facilitators that
      women with breast cancer experience when making a decision about breast
      reconstruction. Deciding on breast reconstruction was not only a burden for women
      in a state of shock with a diagnosis of breast cancer, but also an opportunity to
      decide to integrate their body, femininity, and self which might be wounded from
      a mastectomy. These findings will help oncology professionals provide effective
      educational counselling before the operation to promote higher satisfaction after
      the operation.

PMID- 28077837
TI  - Curcumin Inhibits Gastric Carcinoma Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis by
      Suppressing the Wnt/beta-Catenin Signaling Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND Curcumin has well-known, explicit biological anti-tumor properties.
      The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway plays a central role in tumor cell
      proliferation and curcumin can regulate the Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway of
      several carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of
      curcumin on the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in human gastric cancer cells.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS We used 3 gastric cancer cell lines: SNU-1, SNU-5, and AGS.
      Research methods used were MTT assay, flow cytometry, clonogenic assay, annexin
      V/PI method, Western blotting analysis, tumor formation assay, and in vivo in the
      TUNEL assay. RESULTS Curcumin markedly impaired tumor cell viability and induced
      apoptosis in vitro. Curcumin significantly suppressed the levels of Wnt3a, LRP6,
      phospho-LRP6, beta-catenin, phospho-beta-catenin, C-myc, and survivin. Xenograft
      growth in vivo was inhibited and the target genes of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      were also reduced by curcumin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Curcumin exerts anti
      proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect in gastric cancer cells and in a xenograft
      model. Inhibition of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway and the subsequently
      reduced expression of Wnt target genes show potential as a newly-identified
      molecular mechanism of curcumin treatment.

PMID- 28077838
TI  - Low-Grade Metabolically-Induced Inflammation Mediators Interleukin-6,
      Adiponectin, and TNF-alpha Serum Levels in Obese Pregnant Patients in the
      Perinatal Period.
AB  - BACKGROUND Obesity is a major clinical problem. The number of obese pregnant
      women is rising rapidly. The consequences of obesity are significant and affect
      every aspect of perinatal care for both the mother and the developing fetus.
      Adipose tissue may be responsible for chronic subclinical inflammation in
      obesity, being a source of inflammatory mediators. The study was designed to
      evaluate the analysis of the serum concentration of inflammatory mediators,
      including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and
      adiponectin, in obese pregnant women at full-term pregnancies. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS The study included 40 women with body mass index (BMI) less than 30 and
      24 pregnant women with BMI equal to or greater than 30, admitted to the
      Perinatology and Obstetrics Department of the University Hospital in Cracow in
      the first stage of labor. Blood samples were taken from patients to detect the
      serum concentration of cytokines. Ultrasound was used to evaluate the development
      of the fetus, including estimated fetal weight, Doppler flows, and the amount of
      amniotic fluid. We also included the history of chronic diseases and other
      complications of the pregnancy. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.
      RESULTS The level of adiponectin in obese patients as compared to controls was
      significantly lower. There was no statistically significant difference in either
      group when TNF-alpha and IL-6 were measured. The results of the survey are
      consistent with previous reports. CONCLUSIONS The exact role of inflammation in
      pregnancy is not well understood. Determining the exact functions of the
      different cytokines in physiological pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by
      obesity requires further study.

PMID- 28077839
TI  - Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Rare Neurological Manifestation of Systemic
      Lupus Erythematosus.
AB  - BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune
      disorder of unknown etiology which can present at any age with symptoms of
      mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, renal, central nervous system, and nonspecific
      clinical pictures making the disease a "master of mimicry". CASE REPORT A 53-year
      old female, who was recently diagnosed with SLE, presented with right-sided sharp
      and electric shock-like facial pain starting at the side of her right nostril and
      traveling down the naso-labial fold and then back to the angle of the jaw, mostly
      in the region of V2-V3 distribution with no radiation beyond trigeminal
      distribution. Her pain had been going for the last 2 years and was regarded as
      "pretrigeminal neuralgia"; however, it progressed in frequency over the last 2
      weeks, with no clear identifying triggering factors. Her laboratory test results
      showed positive anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) with raised titer, anti-double
      stranded DNA, anti-ribonucleoprotein, anti-Sjogren's syndrome-related antigen A,
      anti-Sjogren's syndrome-related antigen B, and anti-smooth muscle antibodies.
      Other possibilities of migraine, postherpetic neuralgia, Bell's palsy, and brain
      tumor were ruled out. A diagnosis of SLE with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) was made
      and carbamazepine 100 mg 2 times a day was prescribed. CONCLUSIONS TN is seldom
      mentioned as a neurological manifestation of SLE; hence, we recommend further
      studies to investigate the SLE-mediated injury to trigeminal fibers to make a
      timely diagnosis of TN and to prevent progressive autoimmune process-related
      vasculitic and demyelinating changes.

PMID- 28077840
TI  - Novel GATAD2B loss-of-function mutations cause intellectual disability in two
      unrelated cases.
AB  - GATA zinc finger domain-containing 2B (GATAD2B) is a subunit of the methyl-CpG
      binding protein-1 complex (MECP1), which deacetylates methylated nucleosomes and
      regresses transcriptional activity. Recently, GATAD2B has been elucidated as a
      candidate gene in patients with intellectual disability (ID). In this study, we
      identified two novel heterozygous frameshift mutations of GATAD2B in two
      unrelated ID cases through next-generation sequencing (NGS). Both of the
      mutations c.80_81insGATGT and c.552_555delGAAA cause truncated proteins that
      might be detrimental to neurodevelopment. We performed western blotting and
      observed a reduction in the target protein compared with normal controls. This is
      the first report of GATAD2B in Chinese ID patients. Our findings will broaden the
      spectrum of GATAD2B mutations and facilitate genetic diagnosis and counseling.

PMID- 28077842
TI  - Psychoanalysis and the Emigration of Central and Eastern European Intellectuals.
AB  - One of the most important phenomena in the intellectual history of the 20th
      century was the exodus of the European mind, the emigration of persons, ideas,
      techniques, and institutions in the vast areas of social, human, and natural
      sciences, as well as in literature and the visual arts. Among these exiled
      intellectuals, psychoanalysts formed a special group. This paper examines the
      major lines of the emigration of psychoanalysts from the countries of issue to
      the countries of reception. It focuses, in particular on Hungarian analysts and
      analytic candidates who left their country of birth in two waves, first after the
      failure of revolutions in 1918/19 for Berlin, and then after 1938, to escape the
      Nazis. The paper comments on the existential situation of emigre psychoanalysts
      in light of Hannah Arendt's writings on refugees.

PMID- 28077841
TI  - PARS2 and NARS2 mutations in infantile-onset neurodegenerative disorder.
AB  - Here we present four unrelated families with six individuals that have infantile
      onset developmental delay/regression and epilepsy. Whole-exome sequencing
      revealed compound heterozygous mutations, c.[283G>A];[607G>A] in a gene encoding
      prolyl-tRNA synthetase (PARS2) in one family. Two pairs of compound heterozygous
      mutations, c.[151C>T];[1184T>G] and c.[707T>G];[594+1G>A], and a homozygous
      mutation, c.[500A>G];[500A>G], in a gene encoding asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase
      (NARS2) were also identified in the other three families. Mutations in genes
      encoding aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases cause gene-specific mitochondrial disorders.
      Biallelic PARS2 or NARS2 mutations are reported to cause Alpers' syndrome, which
      is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by psychomotor
      regression and epilepsy with variable degree of liver involvement. Moreover, it
      is known that NARS2 mutations cause various clinical phenotypes, including non
      syndromic hearing loss, Leigh syndrome, intellectual disability with epilepsy and
      severe myopathy. The individuals with PARS2 and NARS2 mutations, we have reported
      here demonstrate similar neurological features as those previously reported, with
      diversity in clinical presentation such as hearing loss and seizure type. Our
      data broaden the clinical and mutational spectrum of PARS2- and NARS2-related
      disorders.

PMID- 28077843
TI  - ORPHA, ORPHIC FUNCTIONS, AND THE ORPHIC ANALYST: WINNICOTT'S "REGRESSION TO
      DEPENDENCE" IN THE LANGUAGE OF FERENCZI.
AB  - Early developmental trauma is imprinted in the psyche by survival fragmentation
      and dissociation. Traumatized patients need the analyst to be actively involved
      and allow for regression to dependence in order to strengthen, create and
      construct their psychic functioning and structure so that environmental failures
      will be contained and not rupture continuity of being. I suggest that Ferenczi's
      and Winnicott's ideas about regression to dependence in analysis are fundamental
      contributions to these quests, and that Ferenczi set the foundation, which
      Winnicott further explored and developed. I would like to focus on their clinical
      theory of treating early developmental trauma of the psyche, describing it in the
      less known language of Ferenczi, reviving his concept of Orpha and its functions.
      The complementarities of the two approaches can enrich and broaden our
      understanding of the clinical complications that arise in the analysis of such
      states.

PMID- 28077844
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 28077845
TI  - When Words were Wanted, But Woefully Wanting, We Waged War With Chess.
AB  - What do you say to a child who rarely speaks? How do you work with such a
      youngster? What are the sine qua nons or guiding principles upon which analysts
      can draw? And, how do we know if we are being helpful? Sam was 9-years when I
      began treating him. He was extremely withdrawn and rarely spoke more than a few
      words. Instead, he mainly played chess. I did not know at first whether Sam's
      taciturn demeanor was due to shyness, limited verbal abilities, or the
      stultifying effects of trauma. Fortuitously, during one of many seemingly
      "innocent" games of chess, Sam happened to make a bold move, to which I
      admiringly remarked, "What a move, you're killing me." His surprising reaction
      permanently altered the trajectory of treatment. Curiously, upon returning from
      summer vacation, not only did Sam no longer need to play chess, but he also found
      his voice. It was then that he began to discuss things for the first time.
      Initially, what he said was cloaked in symbolic and indirect referents,
      suggesting that there were things about which he still could not speak. I
      proceeded with patience and eventually Sam was able to disclose what he had been
      harboring inside. In this article, I will discuss the role and psychoanalytic
      meaning of chess in Sam's play therapy and how it served as a means of
      symbolically expressing an unspoken, yet ongoing trauma; how it non-verbally, and
      thus safely communicated Sam's desperate need for understanding and his urgent
      (but silent) disguised plea for help.

PMID- 28077846
TI  - Relaxation in Technique Leading to New Beginnings.
AB  - This paper explores how standard analytic technique may result in a repetition of
      past traumatic experiences in the transference and countertransference analytic
      situation. Relaxation and elasticity of technique can lead to re-integration of
      previously fragmented ego functions, and in remembering and re-experiencing of
      previously repressed symbolic representations of fragmenting past traumatic
      experiences, resulting in neocatharsis and working through, thus healing wounds
      and scars sustained in self development. This healing process will be described
      through a detailed depiction of an analytic process introducing relaxation of
      technique, in a response by the analyst, to the patient's Orpha (self-protective)
      function. Responsiveness to the patient's implicitly or explicitly expressed
      needs, in the analytic space, may require a departure from standard technique for
      a deeper level of dynamic work where symbolization of unrepresented emotional
      experiences becomes possible.

PMID- 28077847
TI  - Introjective identification: the analytic work of evocation.
AB  - This paper focuses on a particular counter-transference process-introjective
      identification and the evocation it enables. Introjective identification enables
      evocation because it engages the analyst's radical openness to the experience of
      the patient at the most primordial level. The accumulated wisdom of Ferenczi and
      those who followed him is used to discuss the role of introjective identification
      in the treatment of patients with non-neurotic structures.

PMID- 28077848
TI  - The Economy of the Totalitarian Mind: the Case of the Immigrant Child.
AB  - Immigration in early childhood can be considered as a traumatic situation. It
      often goes unrecognized since children adapt to most conditions and conform to
      their environment with astonishing agility. Inspired by the sensitive work of
      Sandor Ferenczi, and Donald Winnicott, regarding the psychic economy of
      maturational processes, the author explores the concept of totalitarian
      functioning and its obstruction of the growing psyche. Before birth we are all
      totalitarian, one with the mother; this symbiotic, invincible state of survival
      mode is prolonged as the immature newborn child ignores the requirements of
      reality and enjoys omnipotent pleasure through hallucination. The loss of place
      in immigration often becomes the loss of identity-the question of "where am I?"
      becomes confused with "who am I?". Clinical practice exposes this fragility in
      adults torn from their home environment at an early age, forced into precocious
      maturity, never to grow up in reality. Through clinical examples, the author
      illustrates how totalitarian mental functioning of "all or nothing, right or
      wrong, black or white" is exposed in the transference and can be worked through
      within the psychoanalytical space.

PMID- 28077849
TI  - Emigration from Within.
AB  - Listening to the stories of people belonging to different generations in motion
      both in our consulting rooms and our personal lives-served as introductory
      lectures into the fundamental aspects of changing context. Through these rich and
      diverse stories, one enters a territory which is not only multilingual but
      multidimensional: defined and shaped by historical, political, economic and socio
      cultural transformations. Giving voice to these silent stories proved helpful for
      us when going behind walls that traditional analysis could not always penetrate,
      partly because, in many cases, analysts and analysands have been struggling with
      the same untouchable issues. It is our professional task to find creative ways to
      make sense of past and recent experiences of emigration, new prejudices,
      discriminative forms and attitudes-in order to achieve a better psychoanalytical
      understanding of the external and internal confusion that has been brought about
      by the immense changes during the past centuries and the present one.

PMID- 28077854
TI  - Current updates in tuberculosis.

PMID- 28077855
TI  - The NOX2-derived reactive oxygen species damaged endothelial nitric oxide system
      via suppressed BKCa/SKCa in preeclampsia.
AB  - The endothelial nitric oxide (NO) system may be damaged in preeclampsia; however,
      the involved mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we used primary human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to evaluate the endothelial NO system
      in preeclampsia and to determine the underlying mechanisms that are involved. We
      isolated and cultured HUVECs from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies and
      evaluated endothelial NO synthase enzyme (eNOS) expression and NO production.
      Whole-cell K+ currents and oxidative stress were also determined in normal and
      preeclamptic HUVECs. Compared with normal HUVECs, eNOS expression, NO production
      and whole-cell K+ currents in preeclamptic HUVECs were markedly decreased,
      whereas oxidative stress was significantly increased. The decreased K+ currents
      were associated with damaged Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels, especially the
      large (BKCa) and small (SKCa) conductance KCa channels, and were involved in the
      downregulated eNOS expression in preeclamptic HUVECs. Moreover, the increased
      oxidative stress detected in preeclamptic HUVECs was mediated by NADPH
      (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase 2 (NOX2)-dependent reactive
      oxygen species overproduction that could downregulate whole-cell K+ currents,
      eNOS expression and NO production. Taken together, our study indicated that the
      increased oxidative stress in preeclamptic HUVECs could downregulate the NO
      system by suppressing BKCa and SKCa channels. Because the damaged NO system was
      closely related to endothelial dysfunction, this study provides important
      information to further understand the pathological process of endothelial cell
      dysfunction in preeclampsia.

PMID- 28077856
TI  - Relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure in young
      adults: a mediation analysis of body composition.
AB  - High blood pressure levels are among the most important cardiovascular disease
      risk factors and are influenced by physical fitness and body composition.
      However, the degree to which obesity may attenuate or modify the beneficial
      effects of physical fitness on blood pressure levels in young adults is
      uncertain. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze whether body composition is
      a mediator between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and blood pressure levels in
      young adults. This work was a cross-sectional study involving first-year college
      students (n=386) at the University Campus of Cuenca (Spain). We measured weight,
      height, waist circumference, fat mass percentage (by densitometry), systolic and
      diastolic blood pressure and CRF levels (by a 20 m shuttle run test). Partial
      correlation coefficients were estimated to examine the relationships among
      adiposity variables, CRF and blood pressure variables, controlling for age and
      sex. ANCOVA models were conducted to explore differences in blood pressure levels
      across adiposity and CRF categories. Hayes's PROCESS macro was used for the
      simple mediation analysis. The indirect effect and Sobel test were significant
      (P<0.001), confirming that all body composition variables mediate between CRF and
      all of the included blood pressure variables. All body composition variables
      acted as mediators between CRF and blood pressure. These results highlight the
      importance of maintaining a healthy body composition to prevent hypertension in
      young adults.

PMID- 28077857
TI  - Definition of pediatric hypertension: are blood pressure measurements on three
      separate occasions necessary?
AB  - The US Fourth Report (2004) recommended that elevated blood pressure (BP) on at
      least three occasions should be used to define hypertension in children and
      adolescents. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support this decision.
      This study aimed to assess the change in the prevalence of elevated BP obtained
      on three separate visits in children and adolescents worldwide using a meta
      analysis. The PubMed database was searched for eligible studies published in
      English until 20 April 2016. Included studies were population based and reported
      on the prevalence of elevated BP measured on two or three separate occasions in
      pediatric populations. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate a summary
      prevalence of elevated BP over three different visits. A total of 21 studies with
      179 561 participants aged 3-20 years were included in the present meta-analysis.
      The summary prevalence of elevated BP decreased across visits, from 12.1% (95%
      confidence interval (CI)=10.1-14.0%) during the first visit to 5.6% (95% CI=4.3
      7.0%) during the second visit and to 2.7% (95% CI=2.1-3.3%) during the third
      visit. These findings were independent of sex, age group, ethnicity/race and the
      definition of elevated BP. When compared with visit 1, the prevalence of elevated
      BP decreased by 53.7% during visit 2 and by 77.7% during visit 3. Our study
      suggested that the prevalence of elevated BP decreased substantially from the
      first visit to the subsequent visits. Worldwide, the true prevalence of
      hypertension in children and adolescents is ~3% over three different visits.

PMID- 28077858
TI  - Left ventricular hypertrophy by electrocardiogram as a predictor of success in
      home blood pressure control: HOMED-BP study.
AB  - Few studies have focused on the effect of organ damage on achievement of long
      term home blood pressure (BP) control. Based on the nationwide home BP-based
      trial data, we aimed to investigate the factors associated with home BP control,
      in particular, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) using the electrocardiogram in
      patients who started antihypertensive drug treatment. According to the trial
      protocol, we defined BP as controlled when systolic home BP reached specified
      targets (125-134 mm Hg in usual control (UC), n=1261; <125 mm Hg in tight control
      (TC), n=1288). At baseline, before drug treatment started, the mean Sokolow-Lyon
      voltage was 2.57+/-0.87 mV, and the mean Cornell product was 1573+/-705 mm.ms.
      The numbers of patients who achieved the target BP level in the UC and TC groups
      were 892 (70.7%) and 576 (44.7%), respectively. In both the UC and TC groups,
      systolic home BP at baseline was significantly lower in patients who achieved
      target levels than in those who did not achieve target levels (P<0.0001). Sokolow
      Lyon voltage was significantly lower in patients who achieved target levels than
      in those who did not (P?0.0055). The Cornell product levels in each group were
      similar (P?0.12), although significantly different between patients who did or
      did not achieve the target level when the UC and TC groups were combined for
      analysis (P=0.031). Sokolow-Lyon voltage was significantly associated with
      achievement of home BP control in the multivariable-adjusted model (odds ratio,
      1.13; 95% confidence intervals, 1.02-1.26; P=0.015), but Cornell product was not
      (P=0.13). These results indicate the difficulty of sufficient antihypertensive
      treatment when untreated patients had target organ damage, that is, LVH diagnosed
      by Sokolow-Lyon voltage.

PMID- 28077859
TI  - Benefits of whole-body vibration training on arterial function and muscle
      strength in young overweight/obese women.
AB  - The early arterial dysfunction linked with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
      heightens the likelihood of suffering from future cardiovascular events. Whole
      body vibration training (WBVT) may improve systemic arterial stiffness (brachial
      ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV)) and muscle strength in pre- and post
      menopausal women. However, the effectiveness of WBVT to impact the arterial
      segments included in baPWV is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effects of WBVT on aortic and leg arterial stiffness in young sedentary
      overweight/obese women. Thirty-eight young (21 years) overweight/obese women were
      randomized to WBVT (n=25) or a nonexercising control (CON, n=13) groups for 6
      weeks. PWV, brachial and aortic blood pressures (BP), wave reflection
      (augmentation index (AIx)) and leg muscle strength measurements were acquired
      before and after 6 weeks. WBVT significantly reduced carotid-femoral PWV (aortic
      stiffness, P<0.05), femoral-ankle (leg arterial stiffness, P<0.01) and baPWV
      (systemic arterial stiffness, P<0.01) compared with CON. The reduction in
      brachial systolic BP (SBP), heart rate, aortic SBP, aortic diastolic BP, AIx
      normalized to a heart rate of 75 beats per min (AIx@75; P<0.01) and AIx (P<0.05)
      following WBVT was significant compared with CON (P<0.05). WBVT increased leg
      muscle strength compared with CON (P<0.001). There was a significant negative
      correlation between changes in relative muscle strength and aortic stiffness (r=
      0.41, P<0.05). WBVT led to reductions in arterial stiffness, central BP and wave
      reflection in young obese women. WBVT may be an effective intervention toward
      vascular health promotion and prevention in young overweight/obese women
      (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02679898).

PMID- 28077860
TI  - Impact of cuff positioning on blood pressure measurement accuracy: may a
      specially designed cuff make a difference?
AB  - During blood pressure (BP) measurement, the recommended positioning of the cuff
      bladder center is directly above the brachial artery. We investigated the
      relevance of incorrect cuff positioning during (1) auscultatory measurement with
      an appropriate or improperly small cuff and (2) oscillometric measurement with a
      wide-range cuff designed to guarantee accurate measurements regardless of
      position. In subjects with wide BP and arm circumference ranges, (1) auscultatory
      BP was repeatedly measured with a properly positioned cuff (reference) and,
      simultaneously, with an identical cuff placed on the other arm in either a
      correct or an incorrect position (test). The measurements were performed with a
      properly sized (N=57) or an improperly small cuff (N=33). (2) Auscultatory
      measurements obtained with a properly positioned and sized cuff were compared
      with oscillometric measurements obtained with a specially designed wide-range
      cuff (Omron IntelliWrap) placed on the contralateral arm either in a correct or
      an incorrect position. Auscultatory BP measures were unaffected by incorrect
      positioning of a properly sized cuff, whereas with undercuffing, BP was
      overestimated with the cuff displaced by 90 degrees  laterally
      (systolic/diastolic BP differences: 4.9+/-4.6/4.0+/-4.6 mm Hg, P<0.01) or by 180
      degrees  (3.9+/-5.4/4.2+/-5.1 mm Hg, P<0.01) in relation to the correct position.
      Incorrect placement of the oscillometric cuff had no significant effect on the
      accuracy of the measurements (difference with correct position <1.5 mm Hg).
      Incorrect cuff positioning introduces a systematic overestimation of auscultatory
      BP when the cuff is too small in relation to arm circumference but not when it is
      correctly sized. No systematic error was observed with oscillometric measurements
      obtained with a specially designed wide-range cuff.

PMID- 28077861
TI  - Economics and obesity policy.
AB  - This paper elucidates the challenges surrounding the economics of some popular
      obesity-related policy proposals. Solid economic justifications for anti-obesity
      policies are often lacking, and evidence suggests policies like fat and soda
      taxes or restrictions on food stamp spending are unlikely to substantively affect
      obesity prevalence. In short, many of the same factors that make obesity such a
      complicated and multifaceted issue extend to the economic analysis of public
      health policies.

PMID- 28077862
TI  - What are the challenges in developing effective health policies for obesity?
AB  - Identifying and implementing thoughtful, evidence-based (or at least evidence
      informed) public health approaches to influencing obesity is a complex issue
      fraught with multiple challenges. These challenges begin with determining whether
      obesity policy approaches should be implemented. This is considered within the
      broader context of how common public health policy approaches may be relevant and
      applied to obesity. Additional challenges discussed include inconsistencies in
      clearly identifying obesity policy targets (for example, prevention versus
      treatment), selection of appropriate intervention targets and the identification
      and measurement of meaningful outcomes. Current policy initiatives are drawn upon
      to illustrate these challenges in the context of promoting solution-focused
      dialog aimed toward improving current initiatives and informing the development
      of new programs.

PMID- 28077864
TI  - Knowledge and perceptions of polio and polio immunization in polio high-risk
      areas of Pakistan.
AB  - Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where polio is endemic, and
      Pakistan reports the most cases in the world. Although the rate is lower than in
      previous years, the situation remains alarming. We conducted a mixed methods
      study in high-risk areas of Pakistan to identify knowledge, attitudes, and
      practices of target populations about polio vaccine and its eradication, and to
      estimate coverage of routine immunization and oral polio vaccine. We surveyed
      10,685 households in Karachi, 2522 in Pishin, and 2005 in Bajaur. Some knowledge
      of polio is universal, but important misconceptions persist. The findings of this
      study carry strategic importance for program direction and implementation.

PMID- 28077863
TI  - What have human experimental overfeeding studies taught us about adipose tissue
      expansion and susceptibility to obesity and metabolic complications?
AB  - Overfeeding experiments, in which we impose short-term positive energy balance,
      help unravel the cellular, physiological and behavioural adaptations to nutrient
      excess. These studies mimic longer-term mismatched energy expenditure and intake.
      There is considerable inter-individual heterogeneity in the magnitude of weight
      gain when exposed to similar relative caloric excess reflecting variable
      activation of compensatory adaptive mechanisms. Significantly, given similar
      relative weight gain, individuals may be protected from/predisposed to metabolic
      complications (insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, hypertension), non-alcoholic
      fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Similar mechanistic
      considerations underpinning the heterogeneity of overfeeding responses are
      pertinent in understanding emerging metabolic phenotypes, for example,
      metabolically unhealthy normal weight and metabolically healthy obesity.
      Intrinsic and extrinsic factors modulate individuals' overfeeding response:
      intrinsic factors include gender/hormonal status, genetic/ethnic background,
      baseline metabolic health and cardiorespiratory fitness; extrinsic factors
      include macronutrient (fat vs carbohydrate) content, fat/carbohydrate composition
      and overfeeding pattern. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) analysis, coupled with
      metabolic assessment, with overfeeding have revealed how SAT remodels to
      accommodate excess nutrients. SAT remodelling occurs either by hyperplasia
      (increased adipocyte number) or by hypertrophy (increased adipocyte size).
      Biological responses of SAT also govern the extent of ectopic (visceral/liver)
      triglyceride deposition. Body composition analysis by DEXA/MRI (dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry/magnetic resonance imaging) have determined the relative expansion
      of SAT (including abdominal/gluteofemoral SAT) vs ectopic fat with overfeeding.
      Such studies have contributed to the adipose expandability hypothesis whereby SAT
      has a finite capacity to expand (governed by intrinsic biological
      characteristics), and once capacity is exceeded ectopic triglyceride deposition
      occurs. The potential for SAT expandability confers protection from/predisposes
      to the adverse metabolic responses to overfeeding. The concept of a personal fat
      threshold suggests a large inter-individual variation in SAT capacity with
      ectopic depot expansion/metabolic decompensation once one's own threshold is
      exceeded. This review summarises insight gained from overfeeding studies
      regarding susceptibility to obesity and related complications with nutrient
      excess.

PMID- 28077865
TI  - Systemic sclerosis in 2016: Dermal white adipose tissue implicated in SSc
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 28077866
TI  - Paediatric rheumatic disease: Systemic JIA genetically distinct.

PMID- 28077867
TI  - Microbiome in 2016: T follicular helper cells and the gut microbiome in
      arthritis.

PMID- 28077868
TI  - Rheumatoid arthritis: TAK-ing the road to suppress inflammation in synovial
      fibroblasts.

PMID- 28077869
TI  - Age, extent and carbon storage of the central Congo Basin peatland complex.
AB  - Peatlands are carbon-rich ecosystems that cover just three per cent of Earth's
      land surface, but store one-third of soil carbon. Peat soils are formed by the
      build-up of partially decomposed organic matter under waterlogged anoxic
      conditions. Most peat is found in cool climatic regions where unimpeded
      decomposition is slower, but deposits are also found under some tropical swamp
      forests. Here we present field measurements from one of the world's most
      extensive regions of swamp forest, the Cuvette Centrale depression in the central
      Congo Basin. We find extensive peat deposits beneath the swamp forest vegetation
      (peat defined as material with an organic matter content of at least 65 per cent
      to a depth of at least 0.3 metres). Radiocarbon dates indicate that peat began
      accumulating from about 10,600 years ago, coincident with the onset of more humid
      conditions in central Africa at the beginning of the Holocene. The peatlands
      occupy large interfluvial basins, and seem to be largely rain-fed and
      ombrotrophic-like (of low nutrient status) systems. Although the peat layer is
      relatively shallow (with a maximum depth of 5.9 metres and a median depth of 2.0
      metres), by combining in situ and remotely sensed data, we estimate the area of
      peat to be approximately 145,500 square kilometres (95 per cent confidence
      interval of 131,900-156,400 square kilometres), making the Cuvette Centrale the
      most extensive peatland complex in the tropics. This area is more than five times
      the maximum possible area reported for the Congo Basin in a recent synthesis of
      pantropical peat extent. We estimate that the peatlands store approximately 30.6
      petagrams (30.6 * 1015 grams) of carbon belowground (95 per cent confidence
      interval of 6.3-46.8 petagrams of carbon)-a quantity that is similar to the above
      ground carbon stocks of the tropical forests of the entire Congo Basin. Our
      result for the Cuvette Centrale increases the best estimate of global tropical
      peatland carbon stocks by 36 per cent, to 104.7 petagrams of carbon (minimum
      estimate of 69.6 petagrams of carbon; maximum estimate of 129.8 petagrams of
      carbon). This stored carbon is vulnerable to land-use change and any future
      reduction in precipitation.

PMID- 28077871
TI  - Hyoliths are Palaeozoic lophophorates.
AB  - Hyoliths are abundant and globally distributed 'shelly' fossils that appear early
      in the Cambrian period and can be found throughout the 280 million year span of
      Palaeozoic strata. The ecological and evolutionary importance of this group has
      remained unresolved, largely because of their poorly constrained soft anatomy and
      idiosyncratic scleritome, which comprises an operculum, a conical shell and, in
      some taxa, a pair of lateral spines (helens). Since their first description over
      175 years ago, hyoliths have most often been regarded as incertae sedis, related
      to molluscs or assigned to their own phylum. Here we examine over 1,500 specimens
      of the mid-Cambrian hyolith Haplophrentis from the Burgess Shale and Spence Shale
      Lagerstatten. We reconstruct Haplophrentis as a semi-sessile, epibenthic
      suspension feeder that could use its helens to elevate its tubular body above the
      sea floor. Exceptionally preserved soft tissues include an extendable, gullwing
      shaped, tentacle-bearing organ surrounding a central mouth, which we interpret as
      a lophophore, and a U-shaped digestive tract ending in a dorsolateral anus.
      Together with opposing bilateral sclerites and a deep ventral visceral cavity,
      these features indicate an affinity with the lophophorates (brachiopods,
      phoronids and tommotiids), substantially increasing the morphological disparity
      of this prominent group.

PMID- 28077870
TI  - The role of interfacial lipids in stabilizing membrane protein oligomers.
AB  - Oligomerization of membrane proteins in response to lipid binding has a critical
      role in many cell-signalling pathways but is often difficult to define or
      predict. Here we report the development of a mass spectrometry platform to
      determine simultaneously the presence of interfacial lipids and oligomeric
      stability and to uncover how lipids act as key regulators of membrane-protein
      association. Evaluation of oligomeric strength for a dataset of 125 alpha-helical
      oligomeric membrane proteins reveals an absence of interfacial lipids in the mass
      spectra of 12 membrane proteins with high oligomeric stability. For the bacterial
      homologue of the eukaryotic biogenic transporters (LeuT, one of the proteins with
      the lowest oligomeric stability), we found a precise cohort of lipids within the
      dimer interface. Delipidation, mutation of lipid-binding sites or expression in
      cardiolipin-deficient Escherichia coli abrogated dimer formation. Molecular
      dynamics simulation revealed that cardiolipin acts as a bidentate ligand,
      bridging across subunits. Subsequently, we show that for the Vibrio splendidus
      sugar transporter SemiSWEET, another protein with low oligomeric stability,
      cardiolipin shifts the equilibrium from monomer to functional dimer. We
      hypothesized that lipids are essential for dimerization of the Na+/H+ antiporter
      NhaA from E. coli, which has the lowest oligomeric strength, but not for the
      substantially more stable homologous Thermus thermophilus protein NapA. We found
      that lipid binding is obligatory for dimerization of NhaA, whereas NapA has
      adapted to form an interface that is stable without lipids. Overall, by
      correlating interfacial strength with the presence of interfacial lipids, we
      provide a rationale for understanding the role of lipids in both transient and
      stable interactions within a range of alpha-helical membrane proteins, including
      G-protein-coupled receptors.

PMID- 28077872
TI  - Structural basis for nutrient acquisition by dominant members of the human gut
      microbiota.
AB  - The human large intestine is populated by a high density of microorganisms,
      collectively termed the colonic microbiota, which has an important role in human
      health and nutrition. The survival of microbiota members from the dominant Gram
      negative phylum Bacteroidetes depends on their ability to degrade dietary glycans
      that cannot be metabolized by the host. The genes encoding proteins involved in
      the degradation of specific glycans are organized into co-regulated
      polysaccharide utilization loci, with the archetypal locus sus (for starch
      utilisation system) encoding seven proteins, SusA-SusG. Glycan degradation mainly
      occurs intracellularly and depends on the import of oligosaccharides by an outer
      membrane protein complex composed of an extracellular SusD-like lipoprotein and
      an integral membrane SusC-like TonB-dependent transporter. The presence of the
      partner SusD-like lipoprotein is the major feature that distinguishes SusC-like
      proteins from previously characterized TonB-dependent transporters. Many
      sequenced gut Bacteroides spp. encode over 100 SusCD pairs, of which the majority
      have unknown functions and substrate specificities. The mechanism by which
      extracellular substrate binding by SusD proteins is coupled to outer membrane
      passage through their cognate SusC transporter is unknown. Here we present X-ray
      crystal structures of two functionally distinct SusCD complexes purified from
      Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and derive a general model for substrate
      translocation. The SusC transporters form homodimers, with each beta-barrel
      protomer tightly capped by SusD. Ligands are bound at the SusC-SusD interface in
      a large solvent-excluded cavity. Molecular dynamics simulations and single
      channel electrophysiology reveal a 'pedal bin' mechanism, in which SusD moves
      away from SusC in a hinge-like fashion in the absence of ligand to expose the
      substrate-binding site to the extracellular milieu. These data provide
      mechanistic insights into outer membrane nutrient import by members of the
      microbiota, an area of major importance for understanding human-microbiota
      symbiosis.

PMID- 28077873
TI  - Translation from unconventional 5' start sites drives tumour initiation.
AB  - We are just beginning to understand how translational control affects tumour
      initiation and malignancy. Here we use an epidermis-specific, in vivo ribosome
      profiling strategy to investigate the translational landscape during the
      transition from normal homeostasis to malignancy. Using a mouse model of
      inducible SOX2, which is broadly expressed in oncogenic RAS-associated cancers,
      we show that despite widespread reductions in translation and protein synthesis,
      certain oncogenic mRNAs are spared. During tumour initiation, the translational
      apparatus is redirected towards unconventional upstream initiation sites,
      enhancing the translational efficiency of oncogenic mRNAs. An in vivo RNA
      interference screen of translational regulators revealed that depletion of
      conventional eIF2 complexes has adverse effects on normal but not oncogenic
      growth. Conversely, the alternative initiation factor eIF2A is essential for
      cancer progression, during which it mediates initiation at these upstream sites,
      differentially skewing translation and protein expression. Our findings unveil a
      role for the translation of 5' untranslated regions in cancer, and expose new
      targets for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 28077874
TI  - Asgard archaea illuminate the origin of eukaryotic cellular complexity.
AB  - The origin and cellular complexity of eukaryotes represent a major enigma in
      biology. Current data support scenarios in which an archaeal host cell and an
      alphaproteobacterial (mitochondrial) endosymbiont merged together, resulting in
      the first eukaryotic cell. The host cell is related to Lokiarchaeota, an archaeal
      phylum with many eukaryotic features. The emergence of the structural complexity
      that characterizes eukaryotic cells remains unclear. Here we describe the
      'Asgard' superphylum, a group of uncultivated archaea that, as well as
      Lokiarchaeota, includes Thor-, Odin- and Heimdallarchaeota. Asgard archaea
      affiliate with eukaryotes in phylogenomic analyses, and their genomes are
      enriched for proteins formerly considered specific to eukaryotes. Notably,
      thorarchaeal genomes encode several homologues of eukaryotic membrane-trafficking
      machinery components, including Sec23/24 and TRAPP domains. Furthermore, we
      identify thorarchaeal proteins with similar features to eukaryotic coat proteins
      involved in vesicle biogenesis. Our results expand the known repertoire of
      'eukaryote-specific' proteins in Archaea, indicating that the archaeal host cell
      already contained many key components that govern eukaryotic cellular complexity.

PMID- 28077875
TI  - Structural basis of co-translational quality control by ArfA and RF2 bound to
      ribosome.
AB  - Quality control mechanisms intervene appropriately when defective translation
      events occur, in order to preserve the integrity of protein synthesis. Rescue of
      ribosomes translating on messenger RNAs that lack stop codons is one of the co
      translational quality control pathways. In many bacteria, ArfA recognizes stalled
      ribosomes and recruits the release factor RF2, which catalyses the termination of
      protein synthesis. Although an induced-fit mechanism of nonstop mRNA surveillance
      mediated by ArfA and RF2 has been reported, the molecular interaction between
      ArfA and RF2 in the ribosome that is responsible for the mechanism is unknown.
      Here we report an electron cryo-microscopy structure of ArfA and RF2 in complex
      with the 70S ribosome bound to a nonstop mRNA. The structure, which is consistent
      with our kinetic and biochemical data, reveals the molecular interactions that
      enable ArfA to specifically recruit RF2, not RF1, into the ribosome and to enable
      RF2 to release the truncated protein product in this co-translational quality
      control pathway. The positively charged C-terminal domain of ArfA anchors in the
      mRNA entry channel of the ribosome. Furthermore, binding of ArfA and RF2 induces
      conformational changes in the ribosomal decoding centre that are similar to those
      seen in other protein-involved decoding processes. Specific interactions between
      residues in the N-terminal domain of ArfA and RF2 help RF2 to adopt a
      catalytically competent conformation for peptide release. Our findings provide a
      framework for understanding recognition of the translational state of the
      ribosome by new proteins, and expand our knowledge of the decoding potential of
      the ribosome.

PMID- 28077876
TI  - Microenvironmental autophagy promotes tumour growth.
AB  - As malignant tumours develop, they interact intimately with their
      microenvironment and can activate autophagy, a catabolic process which provides
      nutrients during starvation. How tumours regulate autophagy in vivo and whether
      autophagy affects tumour growth is controversial. Here we demonstrate, using a
      well characterized Drosophila melanogaster malignant tumour model, that non-cell
      autonomous autophagy is induced both in the tumour microenvironment and
      systemically in distant tissues. Tumour growth can be pharmacologically
      restrained using autophagy inhibitors, and early-stage tumour growth and invasion
      are genetically dependent on autophagy within the local tumour microenvironment.
      Induction of autophagy is mediated by Drosophila tumour necrosis factor and
      interleukin-6-like signalling from metabolically stressed tumour cells, whereas
      tumour growth depends on active amino acid transport. We show that dormant growth
      impaired tumours from autophagy-deficient animals reactivate tumorous growth when
      transplanted into autophagy-proficient hosts. We conclude that transformed cells
      engage surrounding normal cells as active and essential microenvironmental
      contributors to early tumour growth through nutrient-generating autophagy.

PMID- 28077877
TI  - Integration of temporal and spatial patterning generates neural diversity.
AB  - In the Drosophila optic lobes, 800 retinotopically organized columns in the
      medulla act as functional units for processing visual information. The medulla
      contains over 80 types of neuron, which belong to two classes: uni-columnar
      neurons have a stoichiometry of one per column, while multi-columnar neurons
      contact multiple columns. Here we show that combinatorial inputs from temporal
      and spatial axes generate this neuronal diversity: all neuroblasts switch fates
      over time to produce different neurons; the neuroepithelium that generates
      neuroblasts is also subdivided into six compartments by the expression of
      specific factors. Uni-columnar neurons are produced in all spatial compartments
      independently of spatial input; they innervate the neuropil where they are
      generated. Multi-columnar neurons are generated in smaller numbers in restricted
      compartments and require spatial input; the majority of their cell bodies
      subsequently move to cover the entire medulla. The selective integration of
      spatial inputs by a fixed temporal neuroblast cascade thus acts as a powerful
      mechanism for generating neural diversity, regulating stoichiometry and the
      formation of retinotopy.

PMID- 28077879
TI  - Determinants of visual acuity outcomes in eyes with neovascular AMD treated with
      anti-VEGF agents: an instrumental variable analysis of the AURA study.

PMID- 28077878
TI  - PLA2G16 represents a switch between entry and clearance of Picornaviridae.
AB  - Picornaviruses are a leading cause of human and veterinary infections that result
      in various diseases, including polio and the common cold. As archetypical non
      enveloped viruses, their biology has been extensively studied. Although a range
      of different cell-surface receptors are bound by different picornaviruses, it is
      unclear whether common host factors are needed for them to reach the cytoplasm.
      Using genome-wide haploid genetic screens, here we identify the lipid-modifying
      enzyme PLA2G16 (refs 8, 9, 10, 11) as a picornavirus host factor that is required
      for a previously unknown event in the viral life cycle. We find that PLA2G16
      functions early during infection, enabling virion-mediated genome delivery into
      the cytoplasm, but not in any virion-assigned step, such as cell binding,
      endosomal trafficking or pore formation. To resolve this paradox, we screened for
      suppressors of the DeltaPLA2G16 phenotype and identified a mechanism previously
      implicated in the clearance of intracellular bacteria. The sensor of this
      mechanism, galectin-8 (encoded by LGALS8), detects permeated endosomes and marks
      them for autophagic degradation, whereas PLA2G16 facilitates viral genome
      translocation and prevents clearance. This study uncovers two competing processes
      triggered by virus entry: activation of a pore-activated clearance pathway and
      recruitment of a phospholipase to enable genome release.

PMID- 28077880
TI  - Interleukin-2 receptor-alpha proximal promoter hypomethylation is associated with
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Genetic studies have demonstrated association between single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms within the IL2RA (interleukin-2 receptor alpha-subunit) gene and
      risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS); however, these variants do not have
      obvious functional consequences. DNA methylation is a source of genetic variation
      that could impact on autoimmune disease risk. We investigated DNA methylation of
      the IL2RA promoter in genomic DNA obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells and neural tissue using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of
      flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. A differential methylation profile of IL2RA
      was identified, suggesting that IL2RA expression was regulated by DNA
      methylation. We extended our analysis of DNA methylation to peripheral blood
      mononuclear cell (PBMC) of MS cases and controls using MALDI-TOF and Illumina
      HumanMethylation450 arrays. Analyses of CpG sites within the proximal promoter of
      IL2RA in PBMC showed no differences between MS cases and controls despite an
      increase in IL2RA expression. In contrast, we inferred significant DNA
      methylation differences specific to particular leukocyte subtypes in MS cases
      compared with controls by deconvolution of the array data. The decrease in
      methylation in patients correlated with an increase in IL2RA expression in T
      cells from MS cases in comparison with controls. Our data suggest that
      differential methylation of the IL2RA promoter in T cells could be an important
      pathogenic mechanism in MS.

PMID- 28077881
TI  - A pilot study of penile hemodynamics in men with penile curvatures.
AB  - Penile curvature (PC) is bothersome to the patient. PC is either congenital or
      acquired. In most of the circulatory system, blood flows in a laminar profile
      with minimal energy expenditure. When a fluid passes in a curved tube, the
      laminar profile is disturbed and changed into a turbulent flow. It increases the
      energy expenditure and reduces the flow. Turbulent flow may have a role in the
      development of an atherosclerotic plaque and in localizing its site. The aim of
      this research was to study penile hemodynamics before and after correction of PC.
      This prospective study included 20 participants, with PC more than 30 degrees .
      For each participant, preoperative color duplex doppler ultrasonography (CDDU),
      correction of the curvature using 16 dot plication technique and post-operative
      CDDU were done. Furhtermore, arterial systolic velocity was estimated distal to
      the site of curvature/correction every 5 min for 25 min. The degree of curvature
      ranged from 30 degrees  to 90 degrees  with a mean of 55+/-18.98. Comparative
      study between the preoperative and post-operative data proved a significantly
      higher postoperative peak systolic velocity distal to the site of correction,
      whereas CDDU data had insignificant differences. We concluded that correction of
      PC is associated with improvement of penile arterial blood flow distal to the
      site of correction.

PMID- 28077882
TI  - Nucleophilic Chiral Phosphines: Powerful and Versatile Catalysts for Asymmetric
      Annulations.
AB  - Recent advances in chiral-phosphine-catalyzed asymmetric annulation reactions;
      including annulations of allenes, alkynes, Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH)
      carbonates, and ketenes; and their applications in the synthesis of bioactive
      molecules and natural products are reviewed.

PMID- 28077884
TI  - Chemical vs. Physical Acceleration of Cement Hydration.
AB  - Cold weather concreting often requires the use of chemical accelerators to speed
      up the hydration reactions of the cement, so that setting and early-age strength
      development will occur in a timely manner. While calcium chloride (dihydrate -
      CaCl2.2H2O) is the most commonly used chemical accelerator, recent research using
      fine limestone powders has indicated their high proficiency for physically
      accelerating early-age hydration and reducing setting times. This paper presents
      a comparative study of the efficiency of these two approaches in accelerating
      hydration (as assessed via isothermal calorimetry), reducing setting times (Vicat
      needle), and increasing early-age mortar cube strength (1 d and 7 d). Both the
      CaCl2 and the fine limestone powder are used to replace a portion of the finest
      sand in the mortar mixtures, while keeping both the water-to-cement ratio and
      volume fractions of water and cement constant. Studies are conducted at 73.4 
      degrees F (23 degrees C) and 50  degrees F (10  degrees C), so that activation
      energies can be estimated for the hydration and setting processes. Because the
      mechanisms of acceleration of the CaCl2 and limestone powder are different, a
      hybrid mixture with 1 % CaCl2 and 20 % limestone powder (by mass of cement) is
      also investigated. Both technologies are found to be viable options for reducing
      setting times and increasing early-age strengths, and it is hoped that concrete
      producers and contractors will consider the addition of fine limestone powder to
      their toolbox of techniques for assuring performance in cold weather and other
      concreting conditions where acceleration may be needed.

PMID- 28077883
TI  - Performance Pressure Enhances Speech Learning.
AB  - Real-world speech learning often occurs in high pressure situations such as
      trying to communicate in a foreign country. However, the impact of pressure on
      speech learning success is largely unexplored. In this study, adult, native
      speakers of English learned non-native speech categories under pressure or no
      pressure conditions. In the pressure conditions, participants were informed that
      they were paired with a (fictitious) partner, and that each had to independently
      exceed a performance criterion for both to receive a monetary bonus. They were
      then informed that their partner had exceeded the bonus and the fate of both
      bonuses depended upon the participant's performance. Our results demonstrate that
      pressure significantly enhanced speech learning success. In addition,
      neurobiologically-inspired computational modeling revealed that the performance
      advantage was due to faster and more frequent use of procedural learning
      strategies. These results integrate two well-studied research domains and suggest
      a facilitatory role of motivational factors in speech learning performance that
      may not be captured in traditional training paradigms.

PMID- 28077885
TI  - Designing and Implementation of Retina Image Drawing System and Automatic Report
      Generation from Retina Examinations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Electronic medical records as one of major parts of electronic
      health records is an important application of Medical Informatics. EMR includes
      different types of data, Graphical items being one of these data types. To this
      end, a standard structure for storing and recovering and finally exchanging this
      data type is required. In order to standardize information items in this
      research, UMLS standard is used. In this research, graphical information from
      fondues designing in retina surgery forms is used for the task of implementation.
      IMPLEMENTATION: Three-layer software architecture is used for implementation of
      this system, which includes user interface, data base access and business logic.
      XML database is used for storing and exchanging of data. User interface is
      designed by the means of Adobe Flash. Also in the user interface for eye
      examinations, appropriate icons compatible with current pathologies in retina
      examinations are considered and UMLS codes are used for standardizations
      purposes. RESULTS: As this project is independently implemented in Adobe Flash,
      it can be run in most of electronic patient records software. For evaluation
      purposes of this research, an EMR system for eye clinics is used. Tree structure
      is used for data entry and finally a text report based on the entered data will
      be generated. By storing graphical items in this software editing and searching
      in medical concepts and also comparing features will be available. CONCLUSION:
      One of the data items that we encounter in various medical records is graphical
      data. In order to cover the patient's complete electronic medical records, the
      Electronic Implementation of this information is important. For this purpose,
      graphical items in retina surgery forms were used and finally a software
      application for drawing retina picture was developed. Also, XML files were used
      for the purpose of storing valuable medical data from the pictures, and also UMLS
      were applied for the standardization purpose. The developed software is currently
      being used in some of eye clinics in Iran.

PMID- 28077886
TI  - Effect of Dental Chair Light on Enamel Bonding of Orthodontic Brackets Using
      Light Cure Based Adhesive System: An In-Vitro Study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of the Dental
      chair light on the bond strength of light cured composite resin. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Sixty therapeutically extracted human premolar teeth were randomly
      allocated to two groups of 30 specimens each. In both groups light cured
      composite resin (Transbond XT) and MBT premolar metal brackets (3M Unitek) was
      used to bond brackets. In group I and II light curing was done using Light
      emitting diode light curing units without and with the dental chair light
      respectively. After bonding, all samples were stored in distilled water at room
      temperature for 24 hours and subsequently tested for shear bond strength and
      Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) scores. Data was subjected to Mann Whitney U
      statistical test. RESULTS: Results indicated that there was significantly higher
      shear bond strength (7.71 +/- 1.90) for the Group II (composite cured with LED
      and dental chair light) compared with Group I (composite cured with LED LCU only)
      (5.74 +/- 1.13).the obtained difference was statistically significant. There was
      no statistical significant difference between ARI scores in between the groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: light cure bonding with dental chair light switched on will produce
      greater bond strength than the conventional bonding. However, the ARI score were
      similar to both the groups. It is advised that the inexperienced orthodontist
      should always switch off the dental chair light while bonding for enough working
      time during the bracket placement.

PMID- 28077887
TI  - Examination of The Predictive Power of Electromyography and Urodynamic Study in
      Patients with Cauda Equina Syndrome (Horse Tail Syndrome).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cauda equina syndrome is a rare disorder that causes loss of Lumbar
      plexus function (nerve roots) lower than conus medullaris. No risk factor has
      been defined for this disease yet. Due to the high morbidity of Cauda equina
      syndrome and lack of sufficient information about the connection between the
      disease and urodynamic findings and EMG (Electromyography) findings, the need for
      this comprehensive study is felt. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to determine the
      predictive power of findings resulted from urodynamics and electromyography of
      perineal region and around sphincter in the clinical cure rate of urination in
      patients with urinary retention followed by Cauda equina syndrome. METHOD:
      Patients referred to Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital during the years 2009 to 2013, in
      case of having Cauda equina syndrome symptoms (confirmed with Lumbar MRI), were
      undergone urodynamic examination and perineal electromyography after surgical
      decompression action. These both assessments (urodynamic study and
      electromyography) were repeated during the follow-up of 15 patients in the first
      and sixth months after surgery and findings were compared with each other.
      RESULTS: Among the Urodynamic findings, Qmax (maximum urine flow) during three
      studies had a significant relationship with long-term recovery rate of patients
      (P <0.05). The relationship had been more valuable in follow-ups after one month
      (P = 0.0001). Also, BCI (Bladder Contractility Index) in all three studies had a
      significant relationship with clinical improvement in the ability to urinate (P
      <0.001). The residual urine (PVR) compared to two previous urodynamic findings
      showed a less significant relationship with clinical cure rate (P = 0.04). Among
      the findings of muscle-nerve (MUAP Fibrillation, Positive sharp way) none of them
      had a significant relationship with cure rate. CONCLUSION: Urodynamic finding,
      especially Qmax and bladder contractility index, can be considered as predictive
      indicators for patients' recovery after surgery.

PMID- 28077888
TI  - Molecular Dynamic Screening Sesquiterpenoid Pogostemon Herba as Suggested
      Cyclooxygenase Inhibitor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Virtual molecular dynamic sesquiterpenoid Pogostemon Herba
      (CID56928117, CID94275, CID107152, and CID519743) have screening as
      cyclooxygenase (COX-1/COX-2) selective inhibitor. METHODS: Molecular interaction
      studies sesquiterpenoid compounds with COX-1 and COX-2 were using the molecular
      docking tools by Hex 8.0 and interactions were further visualized using by
      Discovery Studio Client 3.5 software tool and Virtual Molecular Dynamic 1.9.1
      software. The binding energy calculation of molecular dynamic interaction was
      calculated by AMBER12 software. RESULT: The analysis of the sesquiterpenoid
      compounds showed that CID56928117, CID94275, CID107152, and CID519743 have
      suggested as inhibitor of COX-1 and COX-2. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the scoring
      binding energy calculation (with PBSA Model Solvent) sesquiterpenoid compounds:
      CID519743 had suggested as candidate for non-selective inhibitor; CID56928117 and
      CID94275 had suggested as candidate for a selective COX-1 inhibitor; and
      CID107152 had suggested as candidate for a selective COX-2 inhibitor.

PMID- 28077889
TI  - Differential Diagnosis of Erythmato-Squamous Diseases Using Classification and
      Regression Tree.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Differential diagnosis of Erythmato-Squamous Diseases (ESD) is a
      major challenge in the field of dermatology. The ESD diseases are placed into six
      different classes. Data mining is the process for detection of hidden patterns.
      In the case of ESD, data mining help us to predict the diseases. Different
      algorithms were developed for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: we aimed to use the
      Classification and Regression Tree (CART) to predict differential diagnosis of
      ESD. METHODS: we used the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP
      DM) methodology. For this purpose, the dermatology data set from machine learning
      repository, UCI was obtained. The Clementine 12.0 software from IBM Company was
      used for modelling. In order to evaluation of the model we calculate the
      accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the model. RESULTS: The proposed model
      had an accuracy of 94.84% (. STANDARD DEVIATION: 24.42) in order to correct
      prediction of the ESD disease. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that using of this
      classifier could be useful. But, it would be strongly recommended that the
      combination of machine learning methods could be more useful in terms of
      prediction of ESD.

PMID- 28077890
TI  - Effect of Lead Nanoparticles Inhalation on Bone Calcium Sensing Receptor,
      Hydroxyapatite Crystal and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B in Rats.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate whether Pb nanoparticle exposure affects the bone
      calcium sensing receptor (CaSR), hydroxyapatite crystal, and receptor activator
      of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK) in rats exposed to subchronic and chronic
      inhalation. Thirty two rats were randomly divided into eight groups. One group is
      a non-exposed group. While three groups were exposed to nanoparticles Pb at the
      following doses 6.25; 12.5; or 25 mg/m3 an hour daily for 28 days. Another three
      groups were exposed to nanoparticles Pb at following doses 6.25; 12.5; and 25
      mg/m3 one hour daily for 6 months. The expression of trabecular CaSR was
      significantly decreased at the all doses subchronic exposure compared to the
      control group (P < 0.05). The CaSR expression significantly decreased in second
      and third doses subchronic exposure groups compared to the control groups (P <
      0.05). With subchronic exposure, the crystal size was increased in second dose
      group and decreased in lowest and highest doses compared to the control
      (untreated) group. The crystal size and c-axis were decreased in all dose chronic
      exposures compared to the control (untreated) group. The expression of cortical
      RANK was significantly lower at the two lowest dose chronic exposures compared to
      the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Pb nanoparticle inhibit
      hydroxyapatite crystal growth at least a part via down regulation of CaSR and
      RANK.

PMID- 28077891
TI  - Evaluation the Relationship Between Thyroid Nodule Size with Malignancy and
      Accuracy of Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Some studies have shown largest thyroid nodule size, especially
      >=4cm that can predict malignancy and reduce fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)
      accuracy. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate relationship between
      thyroid nodule sizes with malignancy and its effect on FNBA accuracy. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: a retrospective analytical study design aims to investigate all
      patients with thyroid nodules who referred to surgery department of Imam-Khomeini
      Hospital of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Sari from 20 March 2008
      to 22 March 2014. We collected patient's demographic data, nodules size, FNAB
      reports and final pathology (after surgery) reports from their medical records.
      All data were analyses performed by SPSS18. RESULTS: 167 patients (153 women)
      with mean age of 41.56+/-13.24 years old were enrolled for this study. In final
      pathology; 38 patients (22.8%) had malignant nodules. The mean age of patients
      with or without malignant nodules were 34.93+/-11.86 and 42.37+/-12.26 years old,
      respectively (P=0.002). The mean size of benign and malignant nodules were 2.91+/
      1.29 cm and 3.38+/-1.86 cm, respectively (P=0.15). 25.2% of <4 cm nodules and
      17.9% of >=4 cm nodules were diagnosed as a malignant (P=0.29). FNAB was done on
      95 patients that reported benign in 60 patients (63.2%), malignant in 18 patients
      (18.9%) and suspicious in 17 patients (17.9%). Positive and negative results of
      FNAB in all nodules were 3.5% and 6.3%, in <4cm nodules were 5.8% and 6.2% and in
      >=4cm nodules were zero and 6.7%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity,
      Positive predict value (PPV), negative predict value (NPV) and overall accuracy
      (OA) of FNAB in all nodules were 76.19%, 96.49%, 88.88%, 91.66% and 91.02%, and
      in <4cm nodules were 78.57%, 94.11%, 84.61%, 91.42% and 89.58%, and in >=4cm
      nodules were 71.4%, 100%, 100%, 92% and 93.33%, respectively. CONCLUSION: the
      results of this study revealed that the size of the thyroid nodules is not
      reliable at predicting malignancy and should not be applied in medical decision
      making. FNAB showed good specificity but the sensitivity was low in our study. In
      >=4cm nodules; FNAB sensitivity was decreased and accompanied by higher false
      negative results. Furthermore, FNABs with suspicious results were associated with
      high probability of malignancy.

PMID- 28077892
TI  - Accuracy of Conventional Diagnostic Methods for Identifying Structural Changes in
      Patients with Focal Epilepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal firing
      of nerve impulses in the brain. AIM: This study aims to investigate the frequency
      of appearance of pathological changes in conventional examination methods
      (electroencephalography-EEG, brain computerized tomography -CT or brain magnetic
      resonance imaging - MRI) in patients with epilepsy, and relationship between
      clinical manifestations and localization of changes in CT or MRI. METHODS: In
      this study we have included 110 patients with focal epilepsy who fulfilled the
      inclusion criteria out of 557 initially diagnosed patients. Detailed clinical
      examination together with brain imaging (CT and MRI) and electroencephalography
      examination was performed. We have evaluated the accuracy of each diagnostic
      method to localize the epileptic focus. Diagnosis of epilepsy was determined by
      the ILAE (International League Against Epilepsy) criteria of the year 1989, and
      classification of epileptic seizures was made according to the ILAE
      classification 2010. RESULTS: Electroencephalography presented changes in 60.9%
      of patients; brain CT in 42.1%, and MRI in 78% of the patients. The results of
      our study showed that clinical manifestations were not always conveyed with
      pathological changes in conventional examining methods performed. Of the total of
      79 patients with changes in imaging (8 with changes in CT and 71 in MRI), 79.7%
      presented a clinical picture compatible with the region in which morphological
      changes were found, while in 20.3% of patients the presented morphological
      changes were not aligned with the clinical picture. CONCLUSION: In patients with
      epilepsy, conventional examination methods do not always find pathological
      changes, while clinical manifestations of epilepsy did not always coincide with
      the location of changes in imaging. Further studies are needed to see if there is
      clear border between focal and generalized epilepsy.

PMID- 28077893
TI  - The Prediction of the Risk Level of Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis
      through Artificial Neural Network.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism is a common cause of mortality among
      hospitalized patients and yet it is preventable through detecting the
      precipitating factors and a prompt diagnosis by specialists. The present study
      has been carried out in order to assist specialists in the diagnosis and
      prediction of the risk level of pulmonary embolism in patients, by means of
      artificial neural network. METHOD: A number of 31 risk factors have been used in
      this study in order to evaluate the conditions of 294 patients hospitalized in 3
      educational hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Two
      types of artificial neural networks, namely Feed-Forward Back Propagation and
      Elman Back Propagation, were compared in this study. RESULTS: Through an
      optimized artificial neural network model, an accuracy and risk level index of
      93.23 percent was achieved and, subsequently, the results have been compared with
      those obtained from the perfusion scan of the patients. 86.61 percent of high
      risk patients diagnosed through perfusion scan diagnostic method were also
      diagnosed correctly through the method proposed in the present study.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can be a good resource for physicians,
      medical assistants, and healthcare staff to diagnose high risk patients more
      precisely and prevent the mortalities. Additionally, expenses and other
      unnecessary diagnostic methods such as perfusion scans can be efficiently
      reduced.

PMID- 28077894
TI  - Information Expensiveness Perceived by Vietnamese Patients with Respect to
      Healthcare Provider's Choice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients have to acquire information to support their decision on
      choosing a suitable healthcare provider. But in developing countries like
      Vietnam, accessibility issues remain an obstacle, thus adversely affect both
      quality and costliness of healthcare information. Vietnamese use both sources
      from health professionals and friends/relatives, especially when quality of the
      Internet-based cheaper sources appear to be still questionable. The search of
      information from both professionals and friends/relatives incurs some cost, which
      can be viewed as low or high depending low or high accessibility to the sources.
      These views potentially affect their choices. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate
      the effects that medical/health services information on perceived expensiveness
      of patients' labor costs. Two related objectives are a) establishing empirical
      relations between accessibility to sources and expensiveness; and, b)
      probabilistic trends of probabilities for perceived expensiveness. RESULTS: There
      is evidence for established relations among the variables "Convexp" and "Convrel"
      (all p's < 0.01), indicating that both information sources (experts and
      friends/relatives) have influence on patients perception of information
      expensiveness. The use of experts source tends to increase the probability of
      perceived expensiveness. CONCLUSION: a) Probabilistic trends show Vietnamese
      patients have propensity to value healthcare information highly and do not see it
      as "expensive"; b) The majority of Vietnamese households still take non
      professional advices at their own risks; c) There is more for the public
      healthcare information system to do to reduce costliness and risk of information.
      The Internet-based health service users communities cannot replace this system.

PMID- 28077895
TI  - Applying Naive Bayesian Networks to Disease Prediction: a Systematic Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Naive Bayesian networks (NBNs) are one of the most effective and
      simplest Bayesian networks for prediction. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to review
      published evidence about the application of NBNs in predicting disease and it
      tries to show NBNs as the fundamental algorithm for the best performance in
      comparison with other algorithms. METHODS: PubMed was electronically checked for
      articles published between 2005 and 2015. For characterizing eligible articles, a
      comprehensive electronic searching method was conducted. Inclusion criteria were
      determined based on NBN and its effects on disease prediction. A total of 99
      articles were found. After excluding the duplicates (n= 5), the titles and
      abstracts of 94 articles were skimmed according to the inclusion criteria.
      Finally, 38 articles remained. They were reviewed in full text and 15 articles
      were excluded. Eventually, 23 articles were selected which met our eligibility
      criteria and were included in this study. RESULT: In this article, the use of NBN
      in predicting diseases was described. Finally, the results were reported in terms
      of Accuracy, Sensitivity, Specificity and Area under ROC curve (AUC). The last
      column in Table 2 shows the differences between NBNs and other algorithms.
      DISCUSSION: This systematic review (23 studies, 53,725 patients) indicates that
      predicting diseases based on a NBN had the best performance in most diseases in
      comparison with the other algorithms. Finally in most cases NBN works better than
      other algorithms based on the reported accuracy. CONCLUSION: The method, termed
      NBNs is proposed and can efficiently construct a prediction model for disease.

PMID- 28077896
TI  - Study of Scientific Production of Community Medicines' Department Indexed in ISI
      Citation Databases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the scientometric, the main criterion in determining the
      scientific position and ranking of the scientific centers, particularly the
      universities, is the rate of scientific production and innovation, and in all
      participations in the global scientific development. One of the subjects more
      involved in repeatedly dealt with science and technology and effective on the
      improvement of health is medical science fields. In this research using
      scientometric and citation analysis, we studied the rate of scientific
      productions in the field of community medicine, which is the numbers of articles
      published and indexed in ISI database from 2000 to 2010. METHODS: This study is
      scientometric using the survey and analytical citation. The study samples
      included all of the articles in the ISI database from 2000 to 2010. For the data
      collection, the advance method of searching was used at the ISI database. The ISI
      analyses software and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
      RESULTS: Results showed that among the five top universities in producing
      documents, Tehran University of Medical Sciences with 88 (22.22%) documents are
      allocated to the first rank of scientific products. M. Askarian with 36 (90/9%)
      published documents; most of the scientific outputs in Community medicine, in the
      international arena is the most active author in this field. In collaboration
      with other writers, Iranian departments of Community Medicine with 27 published
      articles have the greatest participation with scholars of English authors. In the
      process of scientific outputs, the results showed that the scientific process was
      in its lowest in the years 2000 to 2004, and while the department of Community
      medicine in 2009 allocated most of the production process to itself. Iranian
      Journal of Public Health and Saudi Medical Journal each of them had 16 articles
      which had most participation rate in the publishing of community medicine's
      department. On the type of carrier, community medicine's department by
      presentation of 340(85.86%) articles had presented most of their scientific
      productions in the format of article, also in the field of community medicine
      outputs, article entitled: "Iron loading and erythrophagocytosis increase
      ferroportin 1 (FPN1) expression in J774 macrophages"(1) with 81 citations ranked
      first in cited articles. Subject areas of occupational health with 70 articles
      and subject areas of general medicine with 69 articles ranked the most active
      research areas in the Production of community medicine's department. CONCLUSION:
      the obtained data showed the much growth of scientific production. The Tehran
      University of medical Sciences ranked the first in publishing articles in
      community medicine's department and with most collaboration with community
      medicine department of England writers in this field and most writers will
      present their works in paper format.

PMID- 28077897
TI  - The Most Influential Scientist in the Development of Medical informatics (14):
      Branko Cesnik.

PMID- 28077898
TI  - Quality Improvement of Liver Ultrasound Images Using Fuzzy Techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver ultrasound images are so common and are applied so often to
      diagnose diffuse liver diseases like fatty liver. However, the low quality of
      such images makes it difficult to analyze them and diagnose diseases. The purpose
      of this study, therefore, is to improve the contrast and quality of liver
      ultrasound images. METHODS: In this study, a number of image contrast enhancement
      algorithms which are based on fuzzy logic were applied to liver ultrasound images
      - in which the view of kidney is observable - using Matlab2013b to improve the
      image contrast and quality which has a fuzzy definition; just like image contrast
      improvement algorithms using a fuzzy intensification operator, contrast
      improvement algorithms applying fuzzy image histogram hyperbolization, and
      contrast improvement algorithms by fuzzy IF-THEN rules. RESULTS: With the
      measurement of Mean Squared Error and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio obtained from
      different images, fuzzy methods provided better results, and their implementation
      - compared with histogram equalization method - led both to the improvement of
      contrast and visual quality of images and to the improvement of liver
      segmentation algorithms results in images. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the four
      algorithms revealed the power of fuzzy logic in improving image contrast compared
      with traditional image processing algorithms. Moreover, contrast improvement
      algorithm based on a fuzzy intensification operator was selected as the strongest
      algorithm considering the measured indicators. This method can also be used in
      future studies on other ultrasound images for quality improvement and other image
      processing and analysis applications.

PMID- 28077899
TI  - A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Effect of Neostigmine and
      Metoclopramide on Gastric Residual Volume of Mechanically Ventilated ICU
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In critically ill patients, enteral feeding through the nasogastric
      tube is the method of choice for nutritional support. Gastrointestinal feeding
      intolerance and disturbed gastric emptying are common challenges in these
      patients. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Neostigmine and
      Metoclopramide on gastric residual volume (GRV) in mechanically ventilated ICU
      patients. METHODS: In a double blind, randomized clinical trial, a total of 60
      mechanically ventilated ICU patients with GRV >120 mL (3 hours after the last
      gavage), were randomly assigned into two groups A and B. At baseline and 6 hours
      later, patients in group A and B received intravenous infusion of neostigmine in
      a dose of 2.5 mg and metoclopramide in a dose of 10 mg in 100 ml of normal
      saline, within 30 minutes. Patients' gastric residual volumes were evaluated
      before the beginning of the intervention, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours after the
      intervention. RESULTS: After adjusting of other variables (Sex, BMI and ICU stay
      period) generalized estimating equation (GEE) model revealed that neostigmine
      treatment increased odds of GRV improvement compare to metoclopramide group
      (Estimate 1.291, OR= 0.3.64, 95% CI 1.07-12.34). However there is a statistically
      significant time trend (within-subject differences or time effect) regardless of
      treatment groups (P<0.001). The median time from intervention to GRV improvement
      was 6 hours (95% CI 3.75-8.25) and 9 hours (95% CI 7.38-10.17) in neostigmine and
      metoclopramide groups, respectively. This difference was statistically
      significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that neostigmine is more effective
      than metoclopramide in reducing GRV and improving gastric emptying in
      mechanically ventilated ICU patients without significant complication and this
      protocol may be effective on the tolerance of enteral feeding in ICU patients.
      Further well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed.

PMID- 28077900
TI  - Prevalence of Oral Lichen Planus in Diabetes Mellitus: a Meta-Analysis Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is associated with various other systemic
      conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM). This study evaluated the
      prevalence of OLP in DM patients compared with non-diabetic control subjects in a
      meta-analysis study. METHODS: In this study from January 1973 to August 2016, we
      searched the studies in Web of Science, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Science direct,
      SID (Scientific Information Database), Cochrane and Embase databases. Strategy
      search was the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) term oral lichen planus or oral
      mucosa combined with diabetes in PubMed and this search in other databases.
      Heterogeneity between estimates was evaluated by the Q and I2 statistic. Also,
      publication bias was assessed through funnel plot analysis with the Kendall's and
      Egger's tests. RESULTS: From 831 studies were identified with different search
      strategies, 11 studies met the criteria to be included in meta-analysis (11 case
      control studies). The overall prevalence of OLP in 11 studies with 4937 DM
      patients and 3698 control subjectswas 1.5% and 0.75%, respectively. In this meta
      analysis, the OR in prevalence of OLP in DM patients compared with control
      subjects was 1.584 (95%CI1.013-2.477; P=0.044) with a low level of heterogeneity
      (I2 = 0%) that the result showed the prevalence of OLP in DM patients is
      significantly more than control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis study
      showed an association between OLP with DM, whereas this association was no
      significant in previous studies, it was probably because different selecting of
      age, sex, type of DM, medications and criteria. Totally, the meta-analysis showed
      the risk of OLP in DM was higher compared with control subjects.

PMID- 28077901
TI  - Feasibility and Value of Radiographic Union Score Hip Fracture after Treatment
      with Intramedullary Nail of Stable Hip Fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Given the importance of fracture healing on patient outcome in
      clinical practice, it is critical to assess fracture healing. AIM: The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Radiographic Union Score Hip
      fracture after treatment with intramedullary nail of stable hip fractures.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected the data from the clinical
      records of our institution of the 47 patientswho had undergone intertrochanteric
      hip fracture treatment using an intramedullary nail. Pain visual analogic score
      (VAS) was collected the same day that X-rays were taken. Plain hip X-rays were
      performed, in two radiographic views, at 40 and 90 days after the surgical
      procedure. The correlation between the RUSH and VAS score was evaluated. RESULTS:
      Mean RUSH and VAS scores showed a strong statistical improvement between the 40
      and 90 day follow-ups. RUSH value at 40 days fitted an inverse linear regression
      with VAS, p-value of 0.0063 and r2 of 0.15. At 90 days the regression between
      RUSH and VAS scores was not significant. CONCLUSION: RUSH could be proposed as an
      objective system to evaluate union in hip fractures treated with intramedullary
      nail.

PMID- 28077902
TI  - The Length of the Greater Palatine Canal in a Lebanese Population: a Radio
      anatomical Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of the greater
      palatine canal in a Lebanese population using cone-beam computed tomography
      (CBCT) technology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, we measured the length of
      148 greater palatine canals in 74 CBCT images of Lebanese adult patients (38
      females and 36 males). The data obtained was analyzed statistically to determine
      1) if age is related to the length of the canal, 2) if the length of the left
      side tends to be systematically larger or smaller than the length of the right
      side, and 3) if the mean length of the canals in females is different than the
      one in males. RESULTS: In a sagittal plane, the average length of the greater
      palatine canal was 30.62 (30.64 mm on the right and 30.60 mm on the left).
      CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, we concluded that in our sample in a
      Lebanese population, the length of the greater palatine canal does not
      significantly vary according to age, gender, and side.

PMID- 28077903
TI  - Self-citation of Medical and Non-medical Universities in Northern Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-citation is one of the main challenges in the evaluation of
      researchers' scientific output. This study aimed at comparing the institutional
      self-citation among the universities located in Northern Iran. METHODS: This
      study was conducted as a scientometric study. Research population included all
      scientific productions of 16 Northern Iran Universities with at least 100 indexed
      documents indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) by 2 June 2015. The citation
      analysis section of WoS was used for data collection. SPSS was applied for data
      analysis. Study hypotheses were tested with two independent sample t-test and
      paired sample t-test. RESULTS: Producing 16,399 papers, northern Iran
      universities had 5.33% of contribution in Iran's scientific production. They
      received 84,058 citations with 17% and 12% of self-citations belonged to the non
      medical and medical universities, respectively. Testing hypotheses revealed that
      increase in received citations significantly increases the rate of self-citation
      and increase in scientific production does not necessarily increase the rate of
      self-citation. CONCLUSION: The rate of self-citation in the studied universities
      was not relatively high. However, investigating into the factors affecting the
      rate of and motives for self-citation needs further research.

PMID- 28077904
TI  - Regadenoson in Myocardial Perfusion Study - First Institutional Experiences in
      Bosnia and Herzegovina.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is widely used in the evaluation
      of known and suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Imaging of heart in stress
      and rest enables the comparison of myocardial uptake of radiotracer in proportion
      to the needs and coronary flow, which is used for detection of perfusion defects.
      Exercise stress and pharmacologic agents are used for the stressing purpose.
      Novel pharmacologic stressor regadenoson is A2A selective adenosine agonist,
      which selectively binds to the adenosine receptors in coronary arteries causing
      coronary dilatation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 50 myocardial perfusion
      studies performed with regadenoson as a pharmacologic agent that was injected
      before Tc99m-sestamibi in stress imaging. Stress and rest sets of images were
      evaluated for relative uptake of Tc99m-sestamibi in order to detect and
      characterize perfusion defects. After the injection of regadenoson, hemodynamic
      parameters and potential side-effects were closely monitored. Side-effects were
      stratified per severity as mild, moderate and severe. Studies were read by
      nuclear medicine physicians using quantitative perfusion SPECT software.
      Additional diagnostic information such as wall motion and wall thickening were
      provided by gating. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (66%) experienced one or more
      side-effects upon the administration of regadenoson, most commonly warmth and
      chest discomfort. In all patients but one (98%), the symptoms were mild, of short
      duration and self-limiting. Out of all side-effects registered, 44 (96%) were
      mild, and 2 (4%) were moderate. Two moderate side-effects developed in one
      patient with a prior history of asthma, and included shortness of breath and
      cough. Heart rate changed by 16 +- 31 bpm. Highest increase in blood pressure was
      30 mm Hg for systolic, and 10 mm Hg for diastolic. One case of significant
      decrease in blood pressure was noted from the hypertensive basal values, 50 mm
      for systolic, and 30 mm Hg for diastolic. ST segment depression of up to 1 mm
      occurred in 4 cases (8%), and T-wave changes in 3 cases (6%). No conduction
      abnormalities, significant hypotension, symptomatic bradycardia or cardiac arrest
      ocurred. CONCLUSION: Our first institutional experiences proved regadenoson as
      A2A selective adenosine agonist as a pharmacologic stressor to be safe, tolerable
      and easily used. Its safety profile enabled the study to be performed in patients
      with respiratory disease also.

PMID- 28077905
TI  - Biomedical Scientific and Professional Social Networks in the Service of the
      Development of Modern Scientific Publishing.
AB  - Information technologies have found their application in virtually every branch
      of health care. In recent years they have demonstrated their potential in the
      development of online library, where scientists and researchers can share their
      latest findings. Academia.edu, ResearchGate, Mendeley, Kudos, with the support of
      platform GoogleScholar, have indeed increased the visibility of scientific work
      of one author, and enable a much greater availability of the scientific work to
      the broader audience. Online libraries have allowed free access to the scientific
      content to the countries that could not follow the economic costs of getting
      access to certain scientific bases. Especially great benefit occurred in
      countries in transition and developing countries. Online libraries have great
      potential in terms of expanding knowledge, but they also present a major problem
      for many publishers, because their rights can be violated, which are signed by
      the author when publishing the paper. In the future it will lead to a major
      conflict of the author, the editorial board and online database, about the right
      to scientific content This question certainly represents one of the most pressing
      issues of publishing, whose future in printed form is already in the past, and
      the future of the online editions will be a problem of large-scale.

PMID- 28077906
TI  - How to Improve Visibility of Scientific Biomedical Sources.
AB  - With the rapid development of information and communications technologies,
      industrial nations are transforming into societies in which knowledge is the most
      contested and valuable good. The increased speed at which we have to acquire new
      knowledge, insights, and abilities is forcing us to divide up learning into
      novel, shorter phases. The traditional choreography of learning with its long,
      rigid defined school, job, and university educational periods is already obsolete
      today. Self-organized, lifelong learning is becoming a must. Everyone knows that
      without the uncertainty of the new nothing new is possible. To try to prevent
      this in one way or another would be fatal for science, as well as for our society
      as a whole. Research means thinking ahead. Research means recognizing challenges
      and taking responsibility for the new. The freedom needed for this is now the
      international standard, to which we have to adapt. The question of the
      development of such standards for research can therefore not be posed frequently
      and persistently enough. We all know that creativity is biological privilege of
      young age and the best test for their scientific creativity is publication in
      respectable journals with a solid impact factor. Conferences like this one in
      Sarajevo in 2016 should be very stimulated for younger as well as more senior
      research workers.

PMID- 28077907
TI  - How to Compose, Write and Publish a Scientific or Professional Communication.
AB  - There is an ample number of recommendations, guides and monographs addressing the
      art of composing and publishing written, oral or visual communications in science
      and various professions. In order to write an article, autors have to follow
      certain rules. Presentation of the article (oral or poster presentation) also
      requires skill, meaning that you have to fulfill certain guidelines and
      regulations.

PMID- 28077908
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging of a Case of Central Neurocytoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the MRI features of
      central neurocytoma. CASE REPORT: A 45 year old man with 3 months of worsening
      daily headaches. These headaches were diffuse, lasted for several hours, and
      mostly occurred in the morning. She was initially diagnosed and treated for
      migraines but later he had epileptic attack and diplopia and neurolog recomaded
      MRI. METHODS: precontrast MRI; TSE/T2Wsequence in axial/coronal planes; 3D-Hi
      resolution T1W sagittal; FLAIR/T2W axial; FLAIR/T2W and Flash/T2W oblique coronal
      plane (perpendicular to temporal lobes) GRE/T2W axial plane for detection of heme
      products. Post-contrast TSE/T1W sequence in axial, coronal and sagittal planes.
      Diffusion weighted and ADC mapping MRI images for EPI sequence in axial plane.
      RESULTS: A 23x12mm heterogeneous mass within aqueductus cerebri, with calcified
      and hemorrhagic foci and extending downwards till fourth ventricle. It's
      originating from the right paramedian posterior aqueductal wall (tectum), and
      also extending to and involving the tegmentum of mesencephalon at its right
      paramedian aspect. CSF flow obstruction secondary to described aqueductal mass,
      with resultant triventricular hydrocephalus). Marked transependymal CSF leak can
      be noted at periventricular white matter, secondary to severe hydrocephalus.
      After IV injection of contrast media, this mass shows mild-to-moderate
      heterogenous speckled enhancement. CONCLUSION: MRI is helpful in defining tumor
      extension, which is important in preoperative planning. Although IN is a
      relatively rare lesion, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of
      intraventricular lesions in the presence of such typical MR findings. However, a
      definitive diagnosis requires immunochemical study and electron microscopy.

PMID- 28077909
TI  - The Most Influential Scientists in the Development of Medical Informatics (15).

PMID- 28077910
TI  - The First Mediterranean Seminar on Science Writing, Editing and Publishing,
      Sarajevo, December 2-3, 2016.
AB  - The First Mediterranean Seminar on Science Writing, Editing & Publishing (SWEP
      2016) was held in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina from 2nd to 3rd December 2016.
      It was organized by Academy of Medical Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
      running concurrent sessions as part of its Annual Meeting titled " "Days of
      AMNuBiH - Theory and Practice in Science Communication and Scientometrics". Hotel
      Bosnia in the city centre was the chosen venue. On the first day, nineteen
      presentations on various issues of science writing and publication ethics were
      delivered by speakers from Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia &
      Herzegovina and the UK (Asim Kurjak, Milivoj Boranic, Doncho Donev, Osman
      Sinanovic, Miro Jakovljevic, Enver Zerem, Dejan Milosevic, Silva Dobric, Srecko
      Gajovic, Izet Masic, Armen Yuri Gasparyan, Sekib Sokolovic, Nermin Salkic, Selma
      Uzunovic, Admir Kurtcehajic, Edin Begic and Floreta Kurti). Each presentation had
      a take-home message for novice and seasoned authors, encountering numerous
      problems in non-Anglophone research environment. Lecturers, who were
      internationally recognized editors of regional journals, generously shared their
      experience of adhering to the best ethical guidance. Elegant presentations by
      Srecko Gajovic (Editor-in-Chief of the Croatian Medical Journal) and Armen Yuri
      Gasparyan (past Chief Editor of the European Science Editing) showcased their
      accomplishments that strengthened ties between authors from all over the world.
      Gasparyan reflected on educational resources of editorial associations, such as
      the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the Committee
      on Publication Ethics (COPE), and called not just to declare the adherence to,
      but also to enforce their ethical guidance in daily practice. Editors of Medical
      Archives, Croatian Medica Journal, Vojnosanitetski Pregled, Psychiatria Danubina,
      Acta Informatica Medica, Materia Socio-Medica, The Donald School Journal of
      Ultrasound in Obstretics and Gynecology, Acta Medica Saliniana and Medicinski
      Glasnik presented their editorial strategies aimed at attracting best authors and
      resolving problems with authorship, conflicts of interest, and plagiarism.
      Topical education on science writing and editing was considered as an inseparable
      part of continuing professional development in biomedicine. Armen Yuri Gasparyan
      (UK) was offered an opportunity to interact with more than 70 participants,
      attending the SWEP 2016 on the second day. The lecturer talked about author
      contributions, disclosures of conflicts of interests, plagiarism of ideas and
      words, research performance and impact indicators, and targeting ethical
      journals. Topics were presented in a way to help non-Anglophone authors,
      reviewers and editors avoid common ethical problems. Dr Gasparyan stressed the
      importance of regularly arranging such meetings across Balkan and Mediterranean
      countries to eradicate plagiarism and other forms research misconduct. The
      organizers of the SWEP 2016 awarded selected keynote speakers with certificates
      of lifetime achievement in journal editing, and decided to run the Seminar
      annually with support of Balkan and Mediterranean editors and publishers. The
      SWEP 2016 marked a turning point in the process of regional developments since
      all attending editors opted for nurturing enthusiasm of the organizers and
      launching the Mediterranean Association of Science Editors and Publishers
      (MASEP). The Seminar was a great success with its impressive scientific and
      social activities. It attracted more than 100 students, researchers, editors, and
      publishers from Bosnia & Herzegovina and neighbouring countries. Proceedings, in
      the form of short reports, were published in Acta Informatica Medica and archived
      in PubMed Central. New friendships were forged between regional experts in
      editing and young specialists during those unforgettable two days of intensive
      discussions and informal interactions (a-y).

PMID- 28077911
TI  - A Decade of Data Protection for Innovative Drugs in Canada: Issues, Limitations,
      and Time for a Reassessment.
AB  - Drug regulators in Canada and in other nations require innovative pharmaceutical
      companies to submit undisclosed clinical or other data as a condition of
      approving the marketing of new pharmaceutical products-the origination of which
      involves considerable effort and investment. Data protection regulations were
      enacted in Canada in 2006, which-to some extent-closed a loophole in intellectual
      property law that had previously left innovative companies with no effective data
      protection for their clinical data. Although the regulations were intended to
      clarify and effectively implement Canada's international treaty obligations in
      the spirit of innovation, a review of Canada's first decade of effective data
      protection shows that Health Canada and Canadian courts have interpreted the
      scope of data protection for innovative drugs in a narrow manner that undermines
      and is inconsistent with the intent of the regulations. As the 10-year
      anniversary of data protection in Canada is this year (2016), this article
      demonstrates the need to advance Canada's data protection regime into one that
      consistently contributes to the promotion of investment in pharmaceutical
      research and development, to the mutual advantage of innovators and patients, in
      a manner conducive to the social and economic welfare of Canadians.

PMID- 28077912
TI  - EmptyHeaded: A Relational Engine for Graph Processing.
AB  - There are two types of high-performance graph processing engines: low- and high
      level engines. Low-level engines (Galois, PowerGraph, Snap) provide optimized
      data structures and computation models but require users to write low-level
      imperative code, hence ensuring that efficiency is the burden of the user. In
      high-level engines, users write in query languages like datalog (SociaLite) or
      SQL (Grail). High-level engines are easier to use but are orders of magnitude
      slower than the low-level graph engines. We present EmptyHeaded, a high-level
      engine that supports a rich datalog-like query language and achieves performance
      comparable to that of low-level engines. At the core of EmptyHeaded's design is a
      new class of join algorithms that satisfy strong theoretical guarantees but have
      thus far not achieved performance comparable to that of specialized graph
      processing engines. To achieve high performance, EmptyHeaded introduces a new
      join engine architecture, including a novel query optimizer and data layouts that
      leverage single-instruction multiple data (SIMD) parallelism. With this
      architecture, EmptyHeaded outperforms high-level approaches by up to three orders
      of magnitude on graph pattern queries, PageRank, and Single-Source Shortest Paths
      (SSSP) and is an order of magnitude faster than many low-level baselines. We
      validate that EmptyHeaded competes with the best-of-breed low-level engine
      (Galois), achieving comparable performance on PageRank and at most 3* worse
      performance on SSSP.

PMID- 28077913
TI  - Understanding changes in the hydrological behaviour within a karst aquifer
      (Lurbach system, Austria).
AB  - A thorough data analysis combined with groundwater modelling was conducted in an
      Austrian binary karst aquifer to better understand changes in the hydrological
      behaviour observed at a karst spring. During a period of 4 years after a major
      flood event the spring hydrograph appears to be more damped with lower peak flow
      and higher baseflow than in the years before. The analysis of the hydrograph
      recession suggests that the observed hydrological change is caused by changes
      within the karst system rather than by varying hydro-meteorological conditions.
      The functioning of the aquifer and potential causes of the observed changes are
      further examined using the groundwater flow model MODFLOW. The simulation results
      suggest that a modification of hydraulic conductivity and storage within the
      conduit network, e.g. due to the plugging of the drainage conduits with
      sediments, may be the cause of the different behaviour. MODFLOW was able to
      reproduce the observed dynamics of spring flow, although it does not account for
      turbulent flow within karst conduits. Using a simplified model scenario it is
      demonstrated that the damping of the hydrograph is much stronger if turbulent
      conduit flow is taken into account. Thus, a turbulent flow model is needed to
      assess potential changes in the storage properties quantitatively.

PMID- 28077914
TI  - Modelling expertise at different levels of granularity using semantic similarity
      measures in the context of collaborative knowledge-curation platforms.
AB  - Collaboration platforms provide a dynamic environment where the content is
      subject to ongoing evolution through expert contributions. The knowledge embedded
      in such platforms is not static as it evolves through incremental refinements -
      or micro-contributions. Such refinements provide vast resources of tacit
      knowledge and experience. In our previous work, we proposed and evaluated a
      Semantic and Time-dependent Expertise Profiling (STEP) approach for capturing
      expertise from micro-contributions. In this paper we extend our investigation to
      structured micro-contributions that emerge from an ontology engineering
      environment, such as the one built for developing the International
      Classification of Diseases (ICD) revision 11. We take advantage of the
      semantically related nature of these structured micro-contributions to showcase
      two major aspects: (i) a novel semantic similarity metric, in addition to an
      approach for creating bottom-up baseline expertise profiles using expertise
      centroids; and (ii) the application of STEP in this new environment combined with
      the use of the same semantic similarity measure to both compare STEP against
      baseline profiles, as well as to investigate the coverage of these baseline
      profiles by STEP.

PMID- 28077915
TI  - A Single Bout of Fasting (24 h) Reduces Basal Cytokine Expression and Minimally
      Impacts the Sterile Inflammatory Response in the White Adipose Tissue of Normal
      Weight F344 Rats.
AB  - Sterile inflammation occurs when inflammatory proteins are increased in blood and
      tissues by nonpathogenic states and is a double-edged sword depending on its
      cause (stress, injury, or disease), duration (transient versus chronic), and
      inflammatory milieu. Short-term fasting can exert a host of health benefits
      through unknown mechanisms. The following experiment tested if a 24 h fast would
      modulate basal and stress-evoked sterile inflammation in plasma and adipose.
      Adult male F344 rats were either randomized to ad libitum access to food or
      fasted for 24 h prior to 0 (control), 10, or 100, 1.5 mA-5 s intermittent,
      inescapable tail shocks (IS). Glucose, nonesterified free fatty acids (NEFAs),
      insulin, leptin, and corticosterone were measured in plasma and tumor necrosis
      factor- (TNF-) alpha, interleukin- (IL-) 1beta, IL-6, and IL-10 in plasma, and
      subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and visceral compartments of white adipose tissue
      (WAT). In control rats, a 24 h fast reduced all measured basal cytokines in
      plasma and visceral WAT, IL-1beta and IL-6 in subcutaneous WAT, and IL-6 in
      intraperitoneal WAT. In stressed rats (IS), fasting reduced visceral WAT TNF
      alpha, subcutaneous WAT IL-1beta, and plasma insulin and leptin. Short-term
      fasting may thus prove to be a useful dietary strategy for reducing peripheral
      inflammatory states associated with visceral obesity and chronic stress.

PMID- 28077916
TI  - Expression of Interferon Effector Gene SART1 Correlates with Interferon Treatment
      Response against Hepatitis B Infection.
AB  - Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has limited response rate in the treatment of
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The underlying mechanism of differential
      responsiveness to IFN remains elusive. It has been recently reported that SART1
      mediates antiviral effects of IFN-alpha in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cell
      culture model. In this study, we investigated the role of SART1 in antiviral
      activity of IFN-alpha against hepatitis B virus (HBV) using blood and liver
      biopsy samples from chronic hepatitis B patients treated with pegylated IFN-alpha
      and HepG2 cells transfected with cloned HBV DNA. We observed that the basal SART1
      expression in liver and PBMCs before IFN treatment was significantly higher in
      responders than in nonresponders. Furthermore, baseline SART1 expression level
      positively correlated with the degree of HBV DNA and HBeAg decline after IFN
      treatment. Mechanistically, silencing SART1 abrogated the antiviral activity of
      IFN-alpha, reduced the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) Mx, OAS, and
      PKR, and attenuated JAK-STAT signaling in HepG2 cells, suggesting that SART1
      regulates IFN-mediated antiviral activity through JAK-STAT signaling and ISG
      expression. Our study elucidates the important role of SART1 in IFN-mediated anti
      HBV response and provides new insights into understanding variation of IFN
      treatment response in CHB patients.

PMID- 28077917
TI  - Disturbed Expression of EphB4, but Not EphrinB2, Inhibited Bone Regeneration in
      an In Vivo Inflammatory Microenvironment.
AB  - The important role of ephrinB2-EphB4 signaling pathway in bone remodeling has
      been well established. However, it is still unclear whether this bidirectional
      signaling also has effects on the regenerative processes of bone defects created
      in an inflammatory microenvironment. In this study, an experimental animal model
      of bone defects treated with lentiviruses was prepared and an inflammatory
      microenvironment was established. Expression levels of bone marker genes were
      monitored in the newly formed bone tissue using quantitative reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Immunohistochemical
      (IHC) staining and histomorphometric analysis were also performed to evaluate
      bone healing processes. Compared with the pLenti6.3-ctrl group, the pLenti6.3
      ephb4siRNA group exhibited lower expression levels of bone formation marker genes
      and a higher level of NFATc1 in the new bone tissue. In addition, the newly
      formed bone was thinner and the number of giant osteoclasts was higher in the
      pLenti6.3-ephb4siRNA group than that in the pLenti6.3-ctrl group. In contrast,
      there was no significant difference between the pLenti6.3-efnb2siRNA group and
      the pLenti6.3-ctrl group. In conclusion, EphB4 plays an irreplaceable role in
      bone regeneration in an inflammatory microenvironment, whereas the functional
      loss of ephrinB2 can be effectively compensated, most possibly by other ephrins
      with similar chemical structures.

PMID- 28077920
TI  - A new S-type eigenvalue inclusion set for tensors and its applications.
AB  - In this paper, a new S-type eigenvalue localization set for a tensor is derived
      by dividing [Formula: see text] into disjoint subsets S and its complement. It is
      proved that this new set is sharper than those presented by Qi (J. Symb. Comput.
      40:1302-1324, 2005), Li et al. (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 21:39-50, 2014) and
      Li et al. (Linear Algebra Appl. 481:36-53, 2015). As applications of the results,
      new bounds for the spectral radius of nonnegative tensors and the minimum H
      eigenvalue of strong M-tensors are established, and we prove that these bounds
      are tighter than those obtained by Li et al. (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 21:39
      50, 2014) and He and Huang (J. Inequal. Appl. 2014:114, 2014).

PMID- 28077919
TI  - Noncanonical IFN Signaling: Mechanistic Linkage of Genetic and Epigenetic Events.
AB  - The canonical model of cytokine signaling via the JAK/STAT pathway dominates our
      view of signal transduction but provides no insight into the significance of the
      simultaneous presence of activated JAKs and STATs in the nucleus of cells treated
      with cytokines. Such a mechanistic shortcoming challenges the usefulness of the
      model in its present form. Focusing on the interferon (IFN) cytokines, we have
      developed a noncanonical model of IFN signaling that naturally connects activated
      JAKs and STATs at or near response elements of genes that are activated by the
      IFNs. Specifically, cells treated with IFNgamma showed association of activated
      STAT1alpha and JAK2 at the GAS element of genes activated by IFNgamma. For
      IFNalpha treated cells, the association involved activated STAT1alpha and TYK2
      JAK kinase at the ISRE promoter. The power of the noncanonical model is that it
      provides mechanistic insight into specific gene activation at the level of the
      associated epigenetics, akin to that of steroid/steroid receptor signaling.

PMID- 28077918
TI  - Lactate, a Neglected Factor for Diabetes and Cancer Interaction.
AB  - Increasing body of evidence suggests that there exists a connection between
      diabetes and cancer. Nevertheless, to date, the potential reasons for this
      association are still poorly understood and currently there is no clinical
      evidence available to direct the proper management of patients presenting with
      these two diseases concomitantly. Both cancer and diabetes have been associated
      with abnormal lactate metabolism and high level of lactate production is the key
      biological property of these diseases. Conversely, high lactate contribute to a
      higher insulin resistant status and a more malignant phenotype of cancer cells,
      promoting diabetes and cancer development and progression. In view of
      associations between diabetes and cancers, the role of high lactate production in
      diabetes and cancer interaction should not be neglected. Here, we review the
      available evidence of lactate's role in different biological characteristics of
      diabetes and cancer and interactive relationship between them. Understanding the
      molecular mechanisms behind metabolic remodeling of diabetes- and cancer-related
      signaling would endow novel preventive and therapeutic approaches for diabetes
      and cancer treatment.

PMID- 28077921
TI  - Iterative methods of strong convergence theorems for the split feasibility
      problem in Hilbert spaces.
AB  - In this paper, we propose several new iterative algorithms to solve the split
      feasibility problem in the Hilbert spaces. By virtue of new analytical
      techniques, we prove that the iterative sequence generated by these iterative
      procedures converges to the solution of the split feasibility problem which is
      the best close to a given point. In particular, the minimum-norm solution can be
      found via our iteration method.

PMID- 28077922
TI  - Evaluating Youth Development Programs: Progress and Promise.
AB  - Advances in theories of adolescent development and positive youth development
      have greatly increased our understanding of how programs and practices with
      adolescents can impede or enhance their development. In this paper the authors
      reflect on the progress in research on youth development programs in the last two
      decades, since possibly the first review of empirical evaluations by Roth, Brooks
      Gunn, Murray, and Foster (1998). The authors use the terms Version 1.0, 2.0 and
      3.0 to refer to changes in youth development research and programs over time.
      They argue that advances in theory and descriptive accounts of youth development
      programs (Version 2.0) need to be coupled with progress in definitions of youth
      development programs, measurement of inputs and outputs that incorporate an
      understanding of programs as contexts for development, and stronger design and
      evaluation of programs (Version 3.0). The authors also advocate for an
      integration of prevention and promotion research, and for use of the term youth
      development rather than positive youth development.

PMID- 28077924
TI  - Temperature during pregnancy influences the fetal growth and birth size.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Birth weight and length have seasonal fluctuations. However, it is
      uncertain which meteorological element has an effect on birth outcomes and which
      timing of pregnancy would explain such effect. Therefore, the purpose of this
      study was to examine temperature effects during pregnancy and which timing of
      pregnancy has effects on size at birth. METHODS: A large, randomized, controlled
      trial of food and micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women was conducted
      in Matlab, Bangladesh (MINIMat Study), where women were enrolled from November
      2001 to October 2003. The fetal growth data which included the size at birth and
      information of their mothers were obtained (n = 3267). Meteorological data such
      as temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and daily sunshine hours during
      pregnancy were observed at the nearest observatory site of Bangladesh
      Meteorological Department. RESULTS: Infants born in colder months (November
      January) were shorter than those born in hot and dry, and monsoon months (mean
      (SD) of birth length was 47.5 cm (2.2) vs. 47.8 cm (2.1) vs. 47.9 cm (2.1)
      respectively; P < 0.001). Increased temperature during the last month of
      pregnancy was significantly related with increased birth length with adjustment
      for gestational weeks and the season at birth, and remained significant with
      further adjustments for precipitation, sex of infants, maternal early-pregnancy
      BMI, parity, and education status of the mother (P < 0.01). On the other hand,
      increased temperature at mid-gestation was associated with increased birth weight
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that temperature affects both
      birth weight and length. The more temperature increased at the last month of
      pregnancy, birth length became longer. For birth weight, the temperature at mid
      pregnancy affected in a positive way.

PMID- 28077923
TI  - How Safe Are Common Analgesics for the Treatment of Acute Pain for Children? A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - Background. Fear of adverse events and occurrence of side effects are commonly
      cited by families and physicians as obstructive to appropriate use of pain
      medication in children. We examined evidence comparing the safety profiles of
      three groups of oral medications, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      drugs, and opioids, to manage acute nonsurgical pain in children (<18 years)
      treated in ambulatory settings. Methods. A comprehensive search was performed to
      July 2015, including review of national data registries. Two reviewers screened
      articles for inclusion, assessed methodological quality, and extracted data.
      Risks (incidence rates) were pooled using a random effects model. Results. Forty
      four studies were included; 23 reported on adverse events. Based on limited
      current evidence, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and opioids have similar nausea and
      vomiting profiles. Opioids have the greatest risk of central nervous system
      adverse events. Dual therapy with a nonopioid/opioid combination resulted in a
      lower risk of adverse events than opioids alone. Conclusions. Ibuprofen and
      acetaminophen have similar reported adverse effects and notably less adverse
      events than opioids. Dual therapy with a nonopioid/opioid combination confers a
      protective effect for adverse events over opioids alone. This research highlights
      challenges in assessing medication safety, including lack of more detailed
      information in registry data, and inconsistent reporting in trials.

PMID- 28077926
TI  - Migrant children and migrants' children: Nativity differences in school
      enrollment in Mexico and the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The growing prevalence of migrant children in diverse contexts
      requires a reconsideration of the intergenerational consequences of migration. To
      understand how migration and duration of residence are associated with children's
      schooling, we need more comparative work that can point to the similarities and
      differences in outcomes for children across contexts. OBJECTIVE: This paper
      addresses the importance of nativity and duration of residence for children's
      school enrollment on both sides of a binational migration system: The United
      States and Mexico. The analyses are designed to determine whether duration of
      residence has a similar association with school enrollment across these different
      settings. METHODS: The analyses are based on nationally representative household
      data from the 2010 Mexican Census and the 2006-2010 American Community Survey.
      Logistic regression models compare school enrollment patterns of Mexican and U.S.
      born children of Mexican origin in the United States and those of Mexican and
      U.S.-born children in Mexico. Interactions for nativity/duration of residence and
      age are also included. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that, adjusting for
      household resources and household-level migration experience, Mexican-born
      children in the United States and U.S.-born children in Mexico, particularly
      those who arrived recently, lag behind in school enrollment. These differences
      are most pronounced at older ages. CONCLUSIONS: The comparisons across migration
      contexts point to greater school attrition and non-enrollment among older, recent
      migrant youth, regardless of the context. The interactions suggest that recent
      migration is associated with lower schooling for youth who engage in migration at
      older ages in both the United States and Mexico.

PMID- 28077925
TI  - Artificial cells: from basic science to applications.
AB  - Artificial cells have attracted much attention as substitutes for natural cells.
      There are many different forms of artificial cells with many different
      definitions. They can be integral biological cell imitators with cell-like
      structures and exhibit some of the key characteristics of living cells.
      Alternatively, they can be engineered materials that only mimic some of the
      properties of cells, such as surface characteristics, shapes, morphology, or a
      few specific functions. These artificial cells can have applications in many
      fields from medicine to environment, and may be useful in constructing the theory
      of the origin of life. However, even the simplest unicellular organisms are
      extremely complex and synthesis of living artificial cells from inanimate
      components seems very daunting. Nevertheless, recent progress in the formulation
      of artificial cells ranging from simple protocells and synthetic cells to cell
      mimic particles, suggests that the construction of living life is now not an
      unrealistic goal. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the
      latest developments in the construction and application of artificial cells, as
      well as highlight the current problems, limitations, challenges and opportunities
      in this field.

PMID- 28077927
TI  - Utility of self-competency ratings during residency training in family medicine
      education-emerging countries: findings from Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Family medicine education-emerging countries face challenges in
      demonstrating a new program's ability to train residents in womb-to-tomb care and
      resident ability to provide such care competently. We illustrate the experience
      of a new Japanese family medicine program with resident self-competency
      assessments. METHODS: In this longitudinal cross-sectional study, residents
      completed self-competency assessment surveys online during 2011-2015. Each year
      of training, residents self-ranked their competence using a 100-point visual
      analog scale for 142 conditions: acute (30 conditions), chronic (28 conditions)
      women's health (eight conditions), and geriatrics/home (12 conditions) care;
      procedures (38 types); health promotion (21 conditions). RESULTS: Twenty
      residents (11 women, 9 men) participated. Scores improved annually by training
      year from baseline to graduation; the mean composite score advanced from 31 to
      65%. All subcategories showed improvement. Scores for care involving acute
      conditions rose from 49 to 75% (26% increase); emergency procedures, 46-65% (19%
      increase); chronic care, 33-73% (40% increase); women's health, 16-59% (43%
      increase); procedural care, 26-56% (30% increase); geriatrics care-procedures, 8
      65% (57% increase); health promotion, 21-63% (42% increase). Acute care, chronic
      care, and health promotion achieved the highest levels. Women's health care,
      screenings, and geriatrics experienced the greatest increase. Health promotion
      gains occurred most dramatically in the final residency year. CONCLUSIONS: A
      resident self-competency assessment provides a simple and practical way to
      conduct an assessment of skills, to monitor skills over time, to use the data to
      inform residency program improvement, and to demonstrate the breadth of family
      medicine training to policymakers, and other stakeholders.

PMID- 28077928
TI  - Phytoplankton composition and microcystin concentrations in open and closed bays
      of Lake Victoria, Tanzania.
AB  - This study was carried out in order to investigate the spatial variation of algal
      toxin (microcystin) concentrations along the shoreline of Lake Victoria. A total
      of 16 nearshore stations differing in connectivity to the main lake basin were
      categorized as either closed bays (ratio of bay area to bay opening < 1) or open
      bays (ratio >= 1) and sampled during November and December 2009. Water samples
      were analyzed for total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll a, phytoplankton community
      composition and concentrations of microcystin (MC). Open and closed bays were
      significantly different for phytoplankton abundance and composition: Average
      phytoplankton biovolume was higher for closed bays (45 mm3 L-1 +/- 11 SE) than
      open bays (5 +/- 2 mm3 L-1). Cyanobacterial biovolume (mainly Microcystis spp.,
      Anabaena spp. and Planktolyngbya spp.) also was significantly higher in closed
      bays (82 +/- 9% of total biovolume) than in open bays (44 +/- 5%). In contrast,
      diatom biovolume was lower in closed bays (7 +/- 1%) than in open bays (36 +/-
      6%). MCs were found only among sites from closed bays and concentrations ranged
      from 0.4 to 13 MUg L-1 MC-LR equiv. and coincided with high abundance of
      Microcystis spp. It is concluded that the level of water exchange from individual
      bays to the main basin is an important factor influencing eutrophication and
      microcystin production in nearshore habitats of Lake Victoria.

PMID- 28077929
TI  - HNRNPA2B1 regulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer
      cells through the ERK/snail signalling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (HNRNPA2B1) is closely
      related to tumour occurrence and development, oncogene expression, apoptosis
      inhibition and invasion and metastasis capacities. However, its function in the
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pancreatic cancer is not fully
      understood. METHODS: By comparing various wild-type pancreatic cancer cell lines,
      we determined which have a higher expression level of HNRNPA2B1 accompanied by
      the higher expression of N-cadherin and vimentin and lower expression of E
      cadherin. Therefore, to elucidate the role of HNRNPA2B1 in EMT, we generated
      models of HNRNPA2B1 knockdown and overexpression in different types of pancreatic
      cancer cell lines (MIA Paca-2, PANC-1 and Patu-8988) and examined changes in
      expression of EMT-related factors, including CDH1, CDH2, vimentin and snail.
      RESULTS: The results show that HNRNPA2B1 promotes EMT development by down
      regulating E-cadherin and up-regulating N-cadherin and vimentin, and also
      stimulates the invasion capacity and inhibits viability in human pancreatic
      cancer cell lines, the similar results in vivo experiments. Moreover, we found
      that HNRNPA2B1 likely regulates EMT progression in pancreatic carcinoma via the
      ERK/snail signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this work suggest that
      HNRNPA2B1 inhibition has potential antitumour effects, which warrants in-depth
      investigation.

PMID- 28077930
TI  - Before the freeze: otoliths from the Eocene of Seymour Island, Antarctica, reveal
      dominance of gadiform fishes (Teleostei).
AB  - The first record of fossil teleostean otoliths from Antarctica is reported. The
      fossils were obtained from late Early Eocene shell beds of the La Meseta
      Formation, Seymour Island that represent the last temperate marine climate phase
      in Antarctica prior to the onset of cooling and subsequent glaciation during the
      late Eocene. A total of 17 otolith-based teleost taxa are recognized, with 10
      being identifiable to species level containing nine new species and one new
      genus: Argentina antarctica sp. nov., Diaphus? marambionis sp. nov., Macruronus
      eastmani sp. nov., Coelorinchus balushkini sp. nov., Coelorinchus nordenskjoeldi
      sp. nov., Palimphemus seymourensis sp. nov., Hoplobrotula? antipoda sp. nov.,
      Notoberyx cionei gen. et sp. nov. and Cepola anderssoni sp. nov. Macruronus
      eastmani sp. nov. is also known from the late Eocene of Southern Australia, and
      Tripterophycis immutatus Schwarzhans, widespread in the southern oceans during
      the Eocene, has been recorded from New Zealand, southern Australia, and now
      Antarctica. The otolith assemblage shows a typical composition of temperate
      fishes dominated by gadiforms, very similar at genus and family levels to
      associations known from middle Eocene strata of New Zealand and the late Eocene
      of southern Australia, but also to the temperate Northern Hemisphere associations
      from the Paleocene of Denmark. The Seymour Island fauna bridges a gap in the
      record of global temperate marine teleost faunas during the early Eocene climate
      maximum. The dominant gadiforms are interpreted as the main temperate faunal
      component, as in the Paleocene of Denmark. Here they are represented by the
      families Moridae, Merlucciidae (Macruroninae), Macrouridae and Gadidae. Nowadays
      Gadidae are a chiefly Northern Hemisphere temperate family. Moridae, Macruroninae
      and Macrouridae live today on the lower shelf to deep-water or mesopelagically
      with Macruroninae being restricted to the Southern Ocean. The extant endemic
      Antarctic gadiform family Muraenolepididae is missing, as are the dominant modern
      Antarctic fishes of the perciform suborder Notothenioidei. Recently, there has
      been much debate on isolated jaw bones of teleost fishes found in the La Meseta
      Formation and whether they would represent gadiforms (Merlucciidae in this case)
      or some early, primitive notothenioid. Otoliths are known to often complement
      rather than duplicate skeletal finds. With this in mind, we conclude that our
      otolith data support the presence of gadiforms in the early Eocene of Antarctica
      while it does not rule out the presence of notothenioids at the same time.
      http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A30E5364-0003-4467-B902-43A41AD456CC.

PMID- 28077931
TI  - Proteome changes in the small intestinal mucosa of growing pigs with dietary
      supplementation of non-starch polysaccharide enzymes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-starch polysaccharide enzymes (NSPEs) have long been used in
      monogastric animal feed production to degrade non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs)
      to oligosaccharides in order to promote growth performance and gastrointestinal
      (GI) tract health. However, the precise molecular mechanism of NSPEs in the
      improvement of the mammalian small intestine remains unknown. METHODS: In this
      study, isobaric tags were applied to investigate alterations of the small
      intestinal mucosa proteome of growing pigs after 50 days of supplementation with
      0.6% NSPEs (mixture of xylanase, beta-glucanase and cellulose) in the diet.
      Bioinformatics analysis including gene ontology annotation was performed to
      determine the differentially expressed proteins. A protein fold-change of >= 1.2
      and a P-value of < 0.05 were selected as thresholds. RESULTS: Dietary
      supplementation of NSPEs improved the growth performance of growing pigs. Most
      importantly, a total of 90 proteins were found to be differentially abundant in
      the small intestinal mucosa between a control group and the NSPE group. Up
      regulated proteins were related to nutrient metabolism (energy, lipids, protein
      and mineral), immunity, redox homeostasis, detoxification and the cell
      cytoskeleton. Down-regulated proteins were primarily related to transcriptional
      and translational regulation. Our results indicate that the effect of NSPEs on
      the increase of nutrient availability in the intestinal lumen facilitates the
      efficiency of nutrient absorption and utilization, and the supplementation of
      NSPEs in growing pigs also modulates redox homeostasis and enhances immune
      response during simulating energy metabolism due to a higher uptake of nutrients
      in the small intestine. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have important implications
      for understanding the mechanisms of NSPEs on the small intestine of pigs, which
      provides new information for the better utilization of this feed additive in the
      future.

PMID- 28077932
TI  - A world without parasites: exploring the hidden ecology of infection.
AB  - Parasites have historically been considered a scourge, deserving of annihilation.
      Although parasite eradications rank among humanity's greatest achievements, new
      research is shedding light on the collateral effects of parasite loss. Here, we
      explore a "world without parasites": a thought experiment for illuminating the
      ecological roles that parasites play in ecosystems. While there is robust
      evidence for the effects of parasites on host individuals (eg affecting host
      vital rates), this exercise highlights how little we know about the influence of
      parasites on communities and ecosystems (eg altering energy flow through food
      webs). We present hypotheses for novel, interesting, and general effects of
      parasites. These hypotheses are largely untested, and should be considered a
      springboard for future research. While many uncertainties exist, the available
      evidence suggests that a world without parasites would be very different from the
      world we know, with effects extending from host individuals to populations,
      communities, and even ecosystems.

PMID- 28077933
TI  - bayesPop: Probabilistic Population Projections.
AB  - We describe bayesPop, an R package for producing probabilistic population
      projections for all countries. This uses probabilistic projections of total
      fertility and life expectancy generated by Bayesian hierarchical models. It
      produces a sample from the joint posterior predictive distribution of future age-
      and sex-specific population counts, fertility rates and mortality rates, as well
      as future numbers of births and deaths. It provides graphical ways of summarizing
      this information, including trajectory plots and various kinds of probabilistic
      population pyramids. An expression language is introduced which allows the user
      to produce the predictive distribution of a wide variety of derived population
      quantities, such as the median age or the old age dependency ratio. The package
      produces aggregated projections for sets of countries, such as UN regions or
      trading blocs. The methodology has been used by the United Nations to produce
      their most recent official population projections for all countries, published in
      the World Population Prospects.

PMID- 28077935
TI  - Development of a microarray-based method for allergen-specific IgE and IgG4
      detection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: sIgE and sIgG4 detection is necessary for more accurate and effective
      type I hypersensitivity diagnostics and the estimation of disease development.
      Typically, the analyses of these antibodies are performed separately with the
      help of various specialized systems. The aim of this study was to develop a
      microarray-based method for the simultaneous quantitative detection of sIgE and
      sIgG4 to the most common allergens in a single sample. METHODS: A quantitative
      method for the simultaneous detection of sIgE and sIgG4 was developed based on
      the technology of hydrogel microchips previously designed at Engelhardt Institute
      of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences (EIMB RAS). The microarray
      contained gel pads with immobilized allergens and gel pads that allow for the
      obtaining of sIgE and sIgG4 internal calibration curves for each allergen during
      the assay. The possibility of the simultaneous detection of sIgE and sIgG4 was
      developed using the corresponding Cy5 and Cy3 fluorescent dyes. RESULTS: The
      multiplex immunoassay method using hydrogel microarrays developed in this study
      allowed the quantitative detection of sIgE and sIgG4 to 31 allergens from
      different groups in a single assay. A comparison of the microarray with the
      existing plate-based analogues (i.e., ALLERG-O-LIQ and sIgG4 ELISA) was performed
      by analysing 152 blood serum samples and by evaluating Pearson correlation
      coefficients, ROC analysis, and Passing-Bablok linear regression results.
      CONCLUSION: The implementation of this method in allergy diagnostics will provide
      the possibility of simultaneously performing primary patient screening and
      obtaining additional information concerning the severity of the allergies and the
      choice of an appropriate therapy.

PMID- 28077934
TI  - Serum reference value of two potential doping candidates-myostatin and insulin
      like growth factor-I in the healthy young male.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myostatin negatively regulates muscle growth, and its inhibition by
      suitable proteins can increase muscle bulk and exercise performance. However, the
      reference values of serum myostatin in athletes performing strength training are
      still lacking. METHODS: A cross-sectional study recruiting28 male collegiate
      athletes performing strength training and 29 age-matched normal controls was
      conducted. The serum concentration of myostatin and insulin-like growth factor 1
      (IGF-1), grip strength, and body composition were the main outcome measures. We
      used regression models to analyze the correlation between serum markers and the
      physiological parameters. The athlete group had greater height, weight, body mass
      index (BMI), fat mass percentage, fat-free mass, muscle mass, waist girth, grip
      strength, and estimated daily energy expenditure. RESULTS: The IGF-1
      concentration was higher in the athlete group (324 +/- 80 vs. 263 +/- 134 ng/ml),
      but the myostatin levels did not differ (12.1 +/- 3.7 vs. 12.4 +/- 3.5 ng/ml).
      The reference value for IGF-1 among the healthy young males was 293 +/- 114
      ng/ml, correlated with age and height; the value for myostatin was 12.3 +/- 3.6
      ng/ml, correlated negatively with BMI, fat mass percentage, and waist girth after
      adjustment for age. CONCLUSION: Myostatin level is negatively related to fat
      percentage, and serum IGF-1 is positively related to height. The reference values
      could provide a basis for future doping-related study.

PMID- 28077936
TI  - Redox proteomic identification of carbonylated proteins in autism plasma: insight
      into oxidative stress and its related biomarkers in autism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autism is a severe childhood neurological disorder with poorly
      understood etiology and pathology. Currently, there is no authentic laboratory
      test to confirm the diagnosis of autism. Oxidative damage may play a central role
      in the pathogenesis of autism. Present study is an effort to search for possible
      biomarkers of autism and further clarify the molecular changes associated with
      oxidative stress that occurs in the plasma of autistic children. METHODS: We
      performed redox proteomics analysis to compare carbonylated proteins in the
      plasma of autistic subjects and healthy controls. Immunoprecipitation and Western
      blot analysis were used to validate carbonylated proteins identified by the redox
      proteomics. RESULTS: Protein carbonylation levels in two proteins, complement
      component C8 alpha chain and Ig kappa chain C were found to be significantly
      increased in autistic patients compared with controls. These two proteins were
      successfully validated via immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results further highlight the role of oxidative stress in the
      pathogenesis of autism and provide some information for the diagnosis and/or
      monitoring of autism.

PMID- 28077937
TI  - Heart rate variability biofeedback: Theoretical basis, delivery, and its
      potential for the treatment of substance use disorders.
AB  - Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV BFB) is a biobehavioural clinical
      intervention that is gaining growing empirical support for the treatment of a
      number of psychological disorders, several of which are highly comorbid with
      substance use disorders (SUDs). The present article reviews the autonomic nervous
      system bases of two key processes implicated in the formation and maintenance of
      addictive pathology-affect dysregulation and craving-and asks if HRV BFB may be
      an effective intervention to ameliorate autonomic nervous system dysregulation in
      these processes, and as such, prove to be an effective intervention for SUDs. A
      detailed description of HRV BFB and its delivery is provided. Preliminary
      evidence suggests HRV BFB may be an effective addendum to current first-line SUD
      treatments, though no firm conclusions can be drawn at this time; more research
      is needed.

PMID- 28077939
TI  - CONSTRUCTION OF SCALAR AND VECTOR FINITE ELEMENT FAMILIES ON POLYGONAL AND
      POLYHEDRAL MESHES.
AB  - We combine theoretical results from polytope domain meshing, generalized
      barycentric coordinates, and finite element exterior calculus to construct scalar
      and vector-valued basis functions for conforming finite element methods on
      generic convex polytope meshes in dimensions 2 and 3. Our construction recovers
      well-known bases for the lowest order Nedelec, Raviart-Thomas, and Brezzi-Douglas
      Marini elements on simplicial meshes and generalizes the notion of Whitney forms
      to non-simplicial convex polygons and polyhedra. We show that our basis functions
      lie in the correct function space with regards to global continuity and that they
      reproduce the requisite polynomial differential forms described by finite element
      exterior calculus. We present a method to count the number of basis functions
      required to ensure these two key properties.

PMID- 28077938
TI  - Syndemic factors associated with drinking patterns among Latino men and Latina
      transgender women who have sex with men in New York City.
AB  - Alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern among Latino men and
      Latina transgender women who have sex with men. However, characteristics and
      behaviors associated with alcohol consumption in this population, particularly in
      regard to the complex influence of syndemic factors, remain understudied. The
      purpose of this study was to examine predictors of high-risk alcohol consumption
      (i.e. binge or heavy drinking). Between January and March of 2014, 176 Latino men
      and Latina transgender women in New York City completed an interviewer
      administered questionnaire. We developed a syndemics scale to reflect the total
      number of syndemic factors - clinically significant depression, childhood sexual
      abuse, intimate partner violence, and discrimination - reported by each
      participant. We also carried out a multinomial logistic regression model
      predicting binge and heavy drinking. Forty-seven percent of participants reported
      high-risk alcohol consumption in the past 30 days (21% binge and 26% heavy).
      Approximately 16% of participants reported no syndemic factors, 27% reported one
      factor, 39% reported two factors, and 18% reported three or four. In the
      multinomial logistic regression model, our syndemic factors scale was not
      significantly associated with binge drinking. However, participants who reported
      three or four factors were significantly more likely to report heavy drinking. In
      addition, having multiple sexual partners was associated with an increased risk
      of binge and heavy drinking; involvement in a same-sex relationship was
      associated with binge drinking. Further work is needed to develop effective
      prevention intervention approaches for high-risk alcohol consumption within this
      population.

PMID- 28077940
TI  - Physician tobacco screening and advice to quit among U.S. adolescents - National
      Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initiating tobacco use in adolescence increases the risk of nicotine
      dependence and continued smoking. Physician screening for tobacco use increases
      the odds of physicians intervening with patients who smoke; However, without
      appropriate follow-through by the physician, screening for tobacco use is not
      enough to significantly increase cessation rates. Given the critical phase of
      development adolescence poses in tobacco use and evidence that physician
      intervention improves adult cessation efforts, we sought to examine physician
      tobacco use screening and advice to quit among adolescents (12-17 years).
      METHODS: Using data from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH),
      we examined the prevalence and correlates of tobacco use screening in adolescent
      respondents who reported visiting their physician within the past year (N =
      12,798). Multivariable logistic regression analyses explored the relationship
      between tobacco use screening and physician advice to quit in a sub-set of the
      sample who reported on physician advice to quit (n = 1,868), controlling for
      sociodemographics, cigarette use, and substance use and screening. RESULTS: Only
      49% of adolescents who visited a physician within the past year reported being
      screened for tobacco use. Adolescents who were screened by their physician were
      predominantly female (56.6%), White (60.1%), in late adolescence (83.0%), and
      covered by private health insurance (63.8%). Screening for tobacco use was highly
      correlated with physician advice to quit smoking, controlling for
      sociodemographic characteristics and cigarette use; this relationship was
      attenuated, but remained significant, after screening for alcohol and marijuana
      were added to the model. Hispanic adolescents were significantly less likely to
      receive physician advice to quit in all multivariable models. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings suggest missed opportunities for youth tobacco use prevention and
      cessation efforts in the clinical setting. Further research is needed to better
      facilitate an open dialogue on tobacco use between physicians and their
      adolescent patients.

PMID- 28077941
TI  - Corrigendum: Optimization of Agroinfiltration in Pisum sativum Provides a New
      Tool for Studying the Salivary Protein Functions in the Pea Aphid Complex.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 1171 in vol. 7, PMID: 27555856.].

PMID- 28077943
TI  - Natalizumab Treatment Modulates Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
      Expression in Women with Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR) are transcription factors
      suggested to be involved in inflammatory lesions of autoimmune encephalomyelitis
      and multiple sclerosis (MS). Our objective was to assess whether Natalizumab
      (NTZ) therapy is associated with alterations of PPAR expression in MS patients.
      We analyzed gene expression of PPAR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
      as well as blood inflammatory markers in women with MS previously medicated with
      first-line immunomodulators (baseline) and after NTZ therapy. No differences in
      PPARalpha, PPARbeta/delta, PPARgamma, and CD36 mRNA expression were found in PBMC
      between patients under baseline and healthy controls. At three months, NTZ
      increased PPARbeta/delta mRNA (p = 0.009) in comparison to baseline, while mRNA
      expression of PPARgamma and CD36 (a well-known PPAR target gene) was lower in
      comparison to healthy controls (p = 0.026 and p = 0.028, resp.). Although these
      trends of alterations remain after six months of therapy, the results were not
      statistically significant. Osteopontin levels were elevated in patients (p =
      0.002) and did not change during the follow-up period of NTZ treatment. These
      results suggest that PPAR-mediated processes may contribute to the mechanisms of
      action of NTZ therapy.

PMID- 28077942
TI  - PPARdelta as a Metabolic Initiator of Mammary Neoplasia and Immune Tolerance.
AB  - PPARdelta is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor that regulates the transcription
      of genes associated with proliferation, metabolism, inflammation, and immunity.
      Within this transcription factor family, PPARdelta is unique in that it initiates
      oncogenesis in a metabolic and tissue-specific context, especially in mammary
      epithelium, and can regulate autoimmunity in some tissues. This review discusses
      its role in these processes and how it ultimately impacts breast cancer.

PMID- 28077944
TI  - Procedure Time for Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection according to
      Location, considering Both Mucosal Circumferential Incision and Submucosal
      Dissection.
AB  - Background. Previous assessments of technical difficulty and procedure time for
      endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of gastric neoplasms did not take into
      account several critical determinants of these parameters. However, two key
      phases of ESD determine the total procedure time: the mucosal circumference
      incision speed (CIS) and submucosal dissection speed (SDS). Methods. We included
      302 cases of en bloc and R0 resection of gastric neoplasms performed by 10
      operators who had completed the training program at our hospital. Twelve
      locations were classified based on multiple criteria, such as condition of
      surrounding mucosa, lesion vascularity, presence of submucosal fat, ulcers,
      scars, fibrosis, and scope and device maneuverability. Lesions in different
      locations were classified into three groups based on the length of the procedure:
      fast, moderate, or late. Results. A significant difference was found in CIS and
      SDS for each location (p < 0.01), which demonstrates the validity of this
      classification system. In several locations, CIS and SDS were not consistent with
      each other. Conclusion. CIS and SDS did not correspond to each other even for
      lesions in the same location. Consideration of ESD procedure time for gastric
      neoplasms requires a more elaborate classification system than that previously
      reported.

PMID- 28077945
TI  - ANA-Negative Presentation of SLE in Man with Severe Autoimmune Neutropenia.
AB  - Background. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, inflammatory,
      connective tissue disease that commonly affects the joints and a variety of
      organs due to an overactivation of the body's immune system. There is wide
      heterogeneity in presentation of SLE patients, including lung, central nervous
      system, skin, kidney, and hematologic manifestations. Case Presentation. We
      report a case of atypical manifestation of SLE in a 53-year-old man who presented
      with neutropenic fever. Physical findings of interest included oral ulcers on the
      lower lip, a malar-like rash across the bridge of the nose, and a discoid-like
      rash on extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees. Labs include ANC <100, weakly
      positive anti-dsDNA, negative ANA, ferritin 1237 ng/mL, low C3/C4, and positive
      direct Coombs' test. A thorough workup for infection and hematologic malignancy
      was negative. Two days after initiation of therapy with 25 mg IV solumedrol twice
      a day, the patient's daily fevers resolved. ANC drastically improved to 2000
      after two weeks of steroid treatment. He was later found to have a high titer of
      anti-neutrophil antibodies. Discussion. Autoimmune leukopenia is a common
      presentation in SLE, occurring in 50-60% of patients. Severe autoimmune
      neutropenia is uncommon and may correlate with high anti-neutrophil antibody
      activity despite a negative ANA. As neutropenia is usually mild, there are
      currently no guidelines for therapy. For our patient, we started him on low dose
      IV solumedrol and found that he responded drastically to treatment. Given
      strongly positive nonspecific anti-neutrophil antibodies in the setting of a
      negative ANA noted in our patient, it is likely that there are other currently
      unknown antibodies associated with SLE which may correlate strongly with
      autoimmune neutropenia.

PMID- 28077946
TI  - Epileptic Seizures Induced by a Spontaneous Carotid Cavernous Fistula.
AB  - A 79-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department with complaints of
      fainting and loss of consciousness three times during the past month. She was
      diagnosed with epilepsy and started to be treated with antiepileptic drug.
      Physical examination showed, in the left eye, chemosis, limited eye movements in
      all directions, and minimal exophthalmos as unexisting symptoms on admission
      developed on the sixth day. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital
      subtraction angiography (DSA) imaging revealed a carotid cavernous fistula (CCF).
      Epileptic attacks and ophthalmic findings previously present but diagnosed during
      our examinations were determined to ameliorate completely after performing the
      coil embolization. Based on literature, we present the first case with
      nontraumatic CCF manifesting with epileptic seizures and intermittent eye
      symptoms in the present report.

PMID- 28077948
TI  - Exploratory Factor Analysis for Validating Traditional Chinese Syndrome Patterns
      of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis.
AB  - Background. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been used to treat
      chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). The aim of the present study was to evaluate
      the TCM syndrome characteristics of CAG and its core pathogenesis so as to
      promote optimization of treatment strategies. Methods. This study was based on a
      participant survey conducted in 4 hospitals in China. Patients diagnosed with CAG
      were recruited by simple random sampling. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was
      conducted on syndrome extraction. Results. Common factors extracted were assigned
      to six syndrome patterns: qi deficiency, qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm
      turbidity, heat, and yang deficiency. Distribution frequency of all syndrome
      patterns showed that qi deficiency, qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm
      turbidity, and heat excess were higher (76.7%-84.2%) compared with yang
      deficiency (42.5%). Distribution of main syndrome patterns showed that
      frequencies of qi deficiency, qi stagnation, phlegm turbidity, heat, and yang
      deficiency were higher (15.8%-20.8%) compared with blood stasis (8.3%).
      Conclusions. The core pathogenesis of CAG is combination of qi deficiency, qi
      stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, heat, and yang deficiency. Therefore,
      treatment strategy of herbal prescriptions for CAG should include herbs that
      regulate qi, activate blood, resolve turbidity, clear heat, remove toxin, and
      warm yang.

PMID- 28077947
TI  - Asthma and the microbiome: defining the critical window in early life.
AB  - Asthma is a chronic inflammatory immune disorder of the airways affecting one in
      ten children in westernized countries. The geographical disparity combined with a
      generational rise in prevalence, emphasizes that changing environmental exposures
      play a significant role in the etiology of this disease. The microflora
      hypothesis suggests that early life exposures are disrupting the composition of
      the microbiota and consequently, promoting immune dysregulation in the form of
      hypersensitivity disorders. Animal model research supports a role of the
      microbiota in asthma and atopic disease development. Further, these model systems
      have identified an early life critical window, during which gut microbial
      dysbiosis is most influential in promoting hypersensitivity disorders. Until
      recently this critical window had not been characterized in humans, but now
      studies suggest that the ideal time to use microbes as preventative treatments or
      diagnostics for asthma in humans is within the first 100 days of life. This
      review outlines the major mouse-model and human studies leading to
      characterization of the early life critical window, emphasizing studies analyzing
      the intestinal and airway microbiotas in asthma and atopic disease. This research
      has promising future implications regarding childhood immune health, as
      ultimately it may be possible to therapeutically administer specific microbes in
      early life to prevent the development of asthma in children.

PMID- 28077949
TI  - The Role of Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets in Treating Diabetic
      Complications.
AB  - Objective. To observe the clinical prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of
      Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets for type 2 diabetic vascular
      complications. Methods. It was a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled
      clinical trial. 140 outpatients with type 2 diabetes were recruited and randomly
      divided into the treatment group and control group. The two groups were given
      basic therapy (management of blood sugar, blood pressure, etc.). Additionally,
      the treatment group was given Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets, while
      the control group was given Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets
      placebos. All subjects were followed up for consecutive 36 months and observed
      monthly. The clinical data as urinary microalbumin to urinary creatinine ratio
      (Umalb/cr), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and
      diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events,
      blood glucose, and blood pressure were collected and analyzed statistically.
      Results. After 36-month treatment, the Umalb/cr level and DN and DR prevalence in
      treatment group were all significantly lower than control group (P < 0.05).
      However, the IMT level and the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
      events were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).
      Conclusions. Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Ginkgo Leaf Tablets are beneficial to
      diabetic microvascular complications, while the efficacy to diabetic
      macrovascular complications needs more observations.

PMID- 28077950
TI  - Yoga Therapy in Children with Cystic Fibrosis Decreases Immediate Anxiety and
      Joint Pain.
AB  - This study was designed to determine whether yoga might alleviate symptoms of
      pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression in children with cystic fibrosis
      (CF). CF is the most common genetic, life-limiting chronic disease among
      Caucasian populations. It primarily affects the lungs but also many other
      secretory organs and consequently leads to significant morbidities. Research has
      shown that children with CF have significantly increased depression, anxiety, and
      pain compared to their healthy counterparts. Subjects participated in six one-on
      one sessions over a 10-week period with a certified instructor who designed each
      yoga practice based on a preestablished list of 30 yoga asanas. Questionnaires
      evaluating pain, sleep disturbance, sustained anxiety, immediate anxiety, and
      depression were administered. Differences between premeasures and postmeasures
      were evaluated using a two-sided test. Twenty subjects were assessed (12
      females/8 males), median age of 11 (7-20) years. Mean immediate anxiety scores
      decreased (before session to after session 29 to 23.6, respectively, p < 0.001).
      Joint pain improved (3.25 to 3.65, p = 0.028). CFQ-R emotion subscale improved
      from 79.2 to 85 (p = 0.073), and the respiratory subscale improved from 66.7 to
      79.2 (p = 0.076). Other results were less notable. We conclude that yoga may
      reduce immediate anxiety and joint pain in patients with CF.

PMID- 28077951
TI  - Spatially-localized bench-top X-ray scattering reveals tissue-specific
      microfibril orientation in Moso bamboo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biological materials have a complex, hierarchical structure, with
      vital structural features present at all size scales, from the nanoscale to the
      macroscale. A method that can connect information at multiple length scales has
      great potential to reveal novel information. This article presents one such
      method with an application to the bamboo culm wall. Moso (Phyllostachys edulis)
      bamboo is a commercially important bamboo species. At the cellular level, bamboo
      culm wall consists of vascular bundles embedded in a parenchyma cell tissue
      matrix. The microfibril angle (MFA) in the bamboo cell wall is related to its
      macroscopic longitudinal stiffness and strength and can be determined at the
      nanoscale with wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Combining WAXS with X-ray
      microtomography (XMT) allows tissue-specific study of the bamboo culm without
      invasive chemical treatment. RESULTS: The scattering contribution of the fiber
      and parenchyma cells were separated with spatially-localized WAXS. The fiber
      component was dominated by a high degree of orientation corresponding to small
      MFAs (mean MFA 11 degrees ). The parenchyma component showed significantly lower
      degree of orientation with a maximum at larger angles (mean MFA 65 degrees ). The
      fiber ratio, the volume of cell wall in the fibers relative to the overall volume
      of cell wall, was determined by fitting the scattering intensities with these two
      components. The fiber ratio was also determined from the XMT data and similar
      fiber ratios were obtained from the two methods, one connected to the cellular
      level and one to the nanoscale. X-ray diffraction tomography was also done to
      study the differences in microfibril orientation between fibers and the
      parenchyma and further connect the microscale to the nanoscale. CONCLUSIONS: The
      spatially-localized WAXS yields biologically relevant, tissue-specific
      information. With the custom-made bench-top set-up presented, diffraction
      contrast information can be obtained from plant tissue (1) from regions-of
      interest, (2) as a function of distance (line scan), or (3) with two-dimensional
      or three-dimensional tomography. This nanoscale information is connected to the
      cellular level features.

PMID- 28077952
TI  - The Irr1/Scc3 protein implicated in chromosome segregation in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae has a dual nuclear-cytoplasmic localization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Correct chromosome segregation depends on the sister chromatid
      cohesion complex. The essential, evolutionarily conserved regulatory protein
      Irr1/Scc3, is responsible for the complex loading onto DNA and for its removal.
      We found that, unexpectedly, Irr1 is present not only in the nucleus but also in
      the cytoplasm. RESULTS: We show that Irr1 protein is enriched in the cytoplasm
      upon arrest of yeast cells in G1 phase following nitrogen starvation, diauxic
      shift or alpha-factor action, and also during normal cell cycle. Despite the
      presence of numerous Crm1-dependent export signals, the cytoplasmic pool of Irr1
      is not derived through export from the nucleus but instead is simply retained in
      the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic Irr1 interacts with the Imi1 protein implicated in
      glutathione homeostasis and mitochondrial integrity. CONCLUSIONS: Besides
      regulation of the sister chromatid cohesion complex in the nucleus Irr1 appears
      to have an additional role in the cytoplasm, possibly through interaction with
      the cytoplasmic protein Imi1.

PMID- 28077953
TI  - Systematic epistatic mapping of cellular processes.
AB  - Genetic screens have identified many novel components of various biological
      processes, such as components required for cell cycle and cell division. While
      forward genetic screens typically generate unstructured 'hit' lists, genetic
      interaction mapping approaches can identify functional relations in a systematic
      fashion. Here, we discuss a recent study by our group demonstrating a two-step
      approach to first screen for regulators of the mitotic cell cycle, and
      subsequently guide hypothesis generation by using genetic interaction analysis.
      The screen used a high-content microscopy assay and automated image analysis to
      capture defects during mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Genetic interaction
      networks derived from process-specific features generate a snapshot of functional
      gene relations in those processes, which follow a temporal order during the cell
      cycle. This complements a recently published approach, which inferred directional
      genetic interactions reconstructing hierarchical relationships between genes
      across different phases during mitotic progression. In conclusion, this strategy
      leverages unbiased, genome-wide, yet highly sensitive and process-focused
      functional screening in cells.

PMID- 28077954
TI  - Upper Limb Multifactorial Movement Analysis in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury.
AB  - : Multifactorial motion analysis was first established for gait and then
      developed in the upper extremity. Recordings of infrared light reflecting
      sensitive passive markers in space, combined with surface eletromyographic
      recordings and/or transmitted forces, allow eclectic study of muscular
      coordination in the upper limb. Brachial plexus birth injury is responsible for
      various patterns of muscle weakness, imbalance, and/or simultaneous activation,
      soft tissue contractures, and bone-joint deformities, leading to individual
      motion patterns and adaptations, which we studied by means of motion analysis
      tools. We describe the technical development and examination setup to evaluate
      motion impairment and present first clinical results. Motion analysis is a
      reliable objective assessment tool allowing precise pre- and postoperative
      multimodal evaluation of upper limb function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 28077955
TI  - The Surgical Strategy to Correct the Rotational Imbalance of the Glenohumeral
      Joint after Brachial Plexus Birth Injury.
AB  - In upper brachial plexus birth injury, rotational balance of the glenohumeral
      joint is frequently affected and contracture in medial rotation of the arm
      develops, due to a severe palsy or insufficient recovery of the lateral rotators.
      Some of these children present with a severe glenohumeral joint contracture in
      the first months, although regular physiotherapy has been provided, a condition
      associated with a posteriorly subdislocated or dislocated humeral head. These
      conditions should be screened early by a pediatrician or specialized
      physiotherapist. Both aspects of muscular weakness affecting the lateral rotators
      and the initial or progressive glenohumeral deformity and/or subdislocation must
      be identified and treated accordingly, focusing on the reestablishment of joint
      congruence and strengthening of the lateral rotators to improve rotational
      balance, thus working against joint dysplasia and loss of motor function of the
      shoulder in a growing child. Our treatment strategy adapted over the last 20
      years to results from retrospective studies, including biomechanical aspects on
      muscular imbalance and tendon transfers. With this review, we confront our actual
      concept to recent literature.

PMID- 28077956
TI  - Thiel Cadaveric Nerve Tissue: A Model for Microsurgical Simulation.

PMID- 28077957
TI  - Dorsal Scapular Artery Variations and Relationship to the Brachial Plexus, and a
      Related Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Case.
AB  - Rationale Knowledge of the relationship of the dorsal scapular artery (DSA) with
      the brachial plexus is limited. Objective We report a case of a variant DSA path,
      and revisit DSA origins and under-investigated relationship with the plexus in
      cadavers. Methods The DSA was examined in a male patient and 106 cadavers.
      Results In the case, we observed an unusual DSA compressing the lower plexus
      trunk, that resulted in intermittent radiating pain and paresthesia. In the
      cadavers, the DSA originated most commonly from the subclavian artery (71%), with
      35% from the thyrocervical trunk. Nine sides of eight cadavers (seven females)
      had two DSA branches per side, with one branch from each origin. The most typical
      DSA path was a subclavian artery origin before passing between upper and middle
      brachial plexus trunks (40% of DSAs), versus between middle and lower trunks
      (23%), or inferior (4%) or superior to the plexus (1%). Following a thyrocervical
      trunk origin, the DSA passed most frequently superior to the plexus (23%), versus
      between middle and lower trunks (6%) or upper and middle trunks (4%). Bilateral
      symmetry in origin and path through the brachial plexus was observed in 13 of 35
      females (37%) and 6 of 17 males (35%), with the most common bilateral finding of
      a subclavian artery origin and a path between upper and middle trunks (17%).
      Conclusion Variability in the relationship between DSA and trunks of the brachial
      plexus has surgical and clinical implications, such as diagnosis of thoracic
      outlet syndrome.

PMID- 28077958
TI  - The Influence of Glutamate on Axonal Compound Action Potential In Vitro.
AB  - Background Our previous experiments demonstrated modulation of the amplitude of
      the axonal compound action potential (CAP) by electrical stimulation. To verify
      assumption that glutamate released from axons could be involved in this
      phenomenon, the modification of the axonal CAP induced by glutamate was
      investigated. Objectives The major objective of this research is to verify the
      hypothesis that axonal activity would trigger the release of glutamate, which in
      turn would interact with specific axonal receptors modifying the amplitude of the
      action potential. Methods Segments of the sciatic nerve were exposed to exogenous
      glutamate in vitro, and CAP was recorded before and after glutamate application.
      In some experiments, the release of radioactive glutamate analog from the sciatic
      nerve exposed to exogenous glutamate was also evaluated. Results The glutamate
      induced increase in CAP was blocked by different glutamate receptor antagonists.
      The effect of glutamate was not observed in Ca-free medium, and was blocked by
      antagonists of calcium channels. Exogenous glutamate, applied to the segments of
      sciatic nerve, induced the release of radioactive glutamate analog, demonstrating
      glutamate-induced glutamate release. Immunohistochemical examination revealed
      that axolemma contains components necessary for glutamatergic neurotransmission.
      Conclusion The proteins of the axonal membrane can under the influence of
      electrical stimulation or exogenous glutamate change membrane permeability and
      ionic conductance, leading to a change in the amplitude of CAP. We suggest that
      increased axonal activity leads to the release of glutamate that results in
      changes in the amplitude of CAPs.

PMID- 28077959
TI  - A Vascular Malformation Presenting as a Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor.
AB  - We present the case of a venous malformation (VM) masquerading as a schwannoma.
      VMs are thin-walled vascular dilations of various sizes that typically present as
      soft, compressible, blue masses that are associated with pain or dysesthesia. VMs
      are commonly found in the head and neck as well as the distal extremities.
      Notably, slow-flow VMs are hypointense on T1-weighted imaging, hyperintense on T2
      weighted imaging, and enhance markedly with contrast. However, VMs tend to be
      poorly circumscribed and fraught with venous lakes and phleboliths. Conservative
      therapy and sclerotherapy are the primary treatment options. In this case report,
      we present a VM presenting near the neurovascular bundle of the upper extremity
      axilla. Our case is unique in that the patient presented with symptoms and
      imaging qualities characteristic for a peripheral nerve schwannoma.

PMID- 28077960
TI  - Evaluation of Self-Concept and Emotional-Behavioral Functioning of Children with
      Brachial Plexus Birth Injury.
AB  - Background The reported incidence of brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is 0.87
      to 2.2 per 1,000 live births. The psychological functioning, including self
      concept and emotional-behavioral functioning, of children with BPBI has only been
      examined to a limited extent. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe
      the self-concept and emotional-behavioral functioning in children with BPBI from
      both the child's and parent's perspective. Methods Thirty-one children with BPBI,
      mean age 11 years 1 month, completed the Draw A Person: Screening Procedure for
      Emotional Disturbance (DAP:SPED) and Piers Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale
      (PHCSCS). The parents answered questions from the Behavior Assessment System for
      Children, Parent Rating Scales (BASC-2 PRS). Results The scores from the DAP:SPED
      drawings showed further evaluation was not strongly indicated in the majority of
      the children. The PHCSCS Total score demonstrated that the children had a
      strongly positive self-concept. The parental responses to the BASC-2 PRS
      indicated that few children were at risk or in the clinically significant range
      for the four composite scores and all of the component clinical or adaptive
      scales. Gender comparison revealed females exhibited greater anxiety than males.
      Conclusion Both children and parents reported a positive psychological well-being
      for the majority of the children. Parents had greater concerns about their
      child's social-emotional functioning, particularly anxiety. An interdisciplinary
      approach (occupational therapy evaluation, clinical observation, and parental
      interview) is necessary to determine the need for mental health referral.

PMID- 28077961
TI  - Large Cervical Vagus Nerve Tumor in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
      Treated with Gross Total Resection: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors that occur commonly in
      individuals with neurocutaneous disorders such as neurofibromatosis type 1. Vagal
      nerve neurofibromas, however, are a relatively rare occurrence. We present the
      case of a 22-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type 1 with a neurofibroma of
      the left cervical vagal nerve. The mass was resected through an anterior approach
      without major event. In the postoperative course, the patient developed left
      vocal cord paralysis treated with medialization with injectable gel. We then
      present a comprehensive review of the literature for surgical resection of vagal
      nerve neurofibromas.

PMID- 28077962
TI  - The influence of duodenally-delivered Shakuyakukanzoto (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang) on
      duodenal peristalsis during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anti-cholinergic agents may be used to inhibit duodenal peristalsis,
      but they may have adverse effects. Shakuyakukanzoto (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang) has
      an anti-spasmodic effect and has been used before for oesophagogastroduodenoscopy
      and colonoscopy. This randomised clinical trial aimed to evaluate the inhibitory
      effect of Shakuyakukanzoto on duodenal peristalsis, and its usefulness when
      administered into the duodenum just before endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Participants were recruited between
      June 2008 and December 2010. All were aged >=18 years and provided written
      informed consent. Exclusion criteria were: acute pancreatitis, a history of
      ischemic heart disease, prostatic hypertrophy or glaucoma, and
      altered/postsurgical upper gastrointestinal anatomy. The recruited participants
      were randomly assigned to the Shakuyakukanzoto group and control group.
      Shakuyakukanzoto 100 mg/mL solution or placebo (warm water) was administered
      directly as a spray into the duodenum during endoscopy. Efficacy was evaluated by
      observing the extent of duodenal peristalsis and assessing the difficulty of
      cannulating the common bile duct, the required time (RT) from administration to
      inhibition of duodenal peristalsis and the stop duration time (DT, the duration
      for which peristalsis was inhibited). Side effects were evaluated by measuring
      serum potassium concentration after ERCP. RESULTS: Of 28 participants, 15 were
      assigned to the Shakuyakukanzoto group and 13 to the control group. Duodenal
      peristalsis was inhibited in eight of the 10 eligible participants (80.0%) in the
      Shakuyakukanzoto group and none (0%) of the nine eligible participants in the
      control group (P = 0.026). In the Shakuyakukanzoto group, mean RT (+/-standard
      deviation) was 76.0 +/- 23.9 s and DT was 11.3 +/- 4.2 min. No adverse effects
      were observed in the Shakuyakukanzoto group during or after ERCP. CONCLUSION:
      Duodenal peristalsis can be inhibited by spraying Shakuyakukanzoto solution
      directly into the duodenum. Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry
      (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000011469.

PMID- 28077963
TI  - Quality control of Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum cortex (Digupi) by HPLC
      using kukoamines as markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lycii Cortex (LyC), composed of Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum
      cortex and having the Chinese name Digupi, is used to treat chronic diseases like
      cough, hypertension, and diabetes in Eastern Asia. However, chromatographic
      methods, such as TLC and HPLC, to determine the phytochemical composition of LyC
      have not been included in any official compendiums. This study aims to establish
      a validated HPLC method for quality control of LyC. METHODS: Kukoamines A and B
      (KA and KB, respectively) were selected as markers for the HPLC method. An acetic
      acid solution was adopted for sample extraction because it facilitated the
      release of kukoamines and effectively prevented their degradation. Optimal
      separation of the kukoamine isomers was achieved on hydrophilic ligand-coated C18
      columns with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) trifluoroacetic
      acid. The average contents and proposed contents for LyC were calculated with a t
      test and an uncertainty test based on 16 batches of authentic samples. RESULTS:
      The method was validated with linearity (r2 = 0.9999 for both KA and KB),
      precision (RSD = 1.29% for KA and 0.57% for KB), repeatability (RSD = 1.81% for
      KA and 0.92% for KB), and accuracy (recovery of 90.03-102.30% for KA, and 98.49
      101.67% for KB), indicating that the method could offer reliable results for
      quality control analysis of LyC. At the 95% confidence level, the calculated
      content limits were 1.45 mg/g for KA and 4.72 mg/g for KB. CONCLUSION: Compared
      with conventional morphological identification, the HPLC method involving KA and
      KB contents offers precise, objective, and quantitative results for quality
      control of LyC.

PMID- 28077964
TI  - Erratum to: A bedr way of genomic interval processing.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13029-016-0059-5.].

PMID- 28077965
TI  - Distinct profiles of reactive and proactive aggression in adolescents:
      associations with cognitive and affective empathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aggression comprises a heterogeneous set of behavioral patterns that
      aim to harm and hurt others. Empathy represents a potential mechanism that
      inhibits aggressive conduct and enhances prosocial behavior. Nevertheless,
      research results on the relationship between empathy and aggression are mixed.
      Subtypes of aggressive behavior, such as reactive and proactive aggression might
      be differently related to empathy. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the interrelations of cognitive and affective empathy with reactive
      and proactive aggression. METHODS: We recruited a sample of 177 (33% female, M
      age 15.6) adolescents from socio-educational and juvenile justice institutions
      and a community sample of 77 (36% female, M age 13.1) adolescents from secondary
      schools. Using bivariate correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple
      regression analysis, we firstly investigated associations between cognitive and
      affective empathy and reactive and proactive aggression. Subsequently, we
      performed cluster analysis to identify clusters of adolescents with meaningful
      profiles of aggressive behavior and compared derived clusters on measures of
      empathy. We applied the Basic Empathy Scale and the Reactive-Proactive Aggression
      Questionnaire. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis and hierarchical regression analysis
      showed that cognitive and affective empathy were negatively associated with
      proactive aggression, but not with reactive aggression. Cluster-analysis revealed
      three clusters of adolescents with distinct aggression profiles: a cluster with
      elevated scores on reactive and proactive aggression, a clusters with high scores
      on reactive aggression only, and a low aggression cluster. Cluster comparisons
      revealed that the reactive-proactive aggression cluster showed significantly
      lower scores on cognitive and affective empathy than both other clusters. Results
      further indicated that within the reactive-proactive aggression cluster, girls
      did not differ significantly from boys in empathy. CONCLUSIONS: The present study
      extends previously published findings, and possibly explains conflicting results
      in prior research. Our results indicated that cognitive and affective empathy are
      reduced in adolescents with high levels of reactive and proactive aggression. Our
      study may contribute to the development of tailored clinical interventions for
      different aggression clusters.

PMID- 28077966
TI  - Marital relationship, parenting practices, and social skills development in
      preschool children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the pathways by which destructive and
      constructive marital conflict leading to social skills development in preschool
      children, are mediated through negative and positive parenting practices.
      METHODS: Mothers of 2931 Japanese children, aged 5-6 years, completed self-report
      questionnaires regarding their marital relationship (the Quality of co-parental
      communication scale) and parental practices (the Alabama parenting
      questionnaire). The children's teachers evaluated their social skills using the
      Social skills scale. RESULTS: Path analyses revealed significant direct paths
      from destructive marital conflict to negative parenting practices and lower
      scores on the self-control component of social skills. In addition, negative
      parenting practices mediated the relationship between destructive marital
      conflict and lower scores on cooperation, self-control, and assertion. Our
      analyses also revealed significant direct paths from constructive marital
      conflict to positive parenting practices, and higher scores on cooperation and
      assertion. Positive parenting practices mediated the relationship between
      constructive marital conflict and higher scores on self-control and assertion.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that destructive and constructive marital
      conflict may directly and indirectly influence children's social skills
      development through the mediation of parenting practices.

PMID- 28077968
TI  - Lipoma of the Palate: An Uncommon Finding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lipoma is a benign neoplasm originated from adipose cells
      circumscribed by connective tissue. This neoplasm represents about 1% to 4.4% of
      all oral benign tumors and it is rarely located in the palate area. OBJECTIVE:
      This case reports the occurrence of an oral lipoma in the hard palate of a 57
      year-old woman and discusses its etiology and treatment. CASE REPORT: The
      treatment consisted in the total resection of the lesion and laser therapy. The
      patient is being followed up for forty three months with no signs of recurrence.
      CONCLUSION: Lipoma in hard palate is a rare entity that may be associated with
      endocrine factors and local inflammation.

PMID- 28077967
TI  - Integrated omics analyses reveal the details of metabolic adaptation of
      Clostridium thermocellum to lignocellulose-derived growth inhibitors released
      during the deconstruction of switchgrass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridium thermocellum is capable of solubilizing and converting
      lignocellulosic biomass into ethanol. Although much of the work-to-date has
      centered on characterizing this microbe's growth on model cellulosic substrates,
      such as cellobiose, Avicel, or filter paper, it is vitally important to
      understand its metabolism on more complex, lignocellulosic substrates to identify
      relevant industrial bottlenecks that could undermine efficient biofuel
      production. To this end, we have examined a time course progression of C.
      thermocellum grown on switchgrass to assess the metabolic and protein changes
      that occur during the conversion of plant biomass to ethanol. RESULTS: The most
      striking feature of the metabolome was the observed accumulation of long-chain,
      branched fatty acids over time, implying an adaptive restructuring of C.
      thermocellum's cellular membrane as the culture progresses. This is undoubtedly a
      response to the gradual accumulation of lignocellulose-derived inhibitory
      compounds as the organism deconstructs the switchgrass to access the embedded
      cellulose. Corroborating the metabolomics data, proteomic analysis revealed a
      corresponding time-dependent increase in various enzymes, including those
      involved in the interconversion of branched amino acids valine, leucine, and
      isoleucine to iso- and anteiso-fatty acid precursors. Additionally, the metabolic
      accumulation of hemicellulose-derived sugars and sugar alcohols concomitant with
      increased abundance of enzymes involved in C5 sugar metabolism/pentose phosphate
      pathway indicates that C. thermocellum shifts glycolytic intermediates to
      alternate pathways to modulate overall carbon flux in response to C5 sugar
      metabolites that increase during lignocellulose deconstruction. CONCLUSIONS:
      Integrated omic platforms provided complementary systems biological information
      that highlight C. thermocellum's specific response to cytotoxic inhibitors
      released during the deconstruction and utilization of switchgrass. These
      additional viewpoints allowed us to fully realize the level to which the organism
      adapts to an increasingly challenging culture environment-information that will
      prove critical to C. thermocellum's industrial efficacy.

PMID- 28077970
TI  - Patient's Satisfaction with Removable Partial Dentures: A Retrospective Case
      Series.
AB  - : This retrospective clinical study aimed to assess patient's satisfaction with
      removable partial dentures (RPDs), as retention, chewing ability, aesthetics
      during the observation period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 63 patients with
      RPDs, participated in this study. The following data was collected: Kennedy
      classification, denture design, denture support, satisfaction and success of RPD.
      RESULT: The results showed that 73.6% of patients were wearing RPD for the first
      time and were finally satisfied. According to the denture support of RPDs, clasp
      retained quadrangular RPDs were 100% effective, followed by triangular dental
      support 81% and linear dental support 47.7%. Comparison of RPDs with attachment
      with RPDs with claps assessed through Fisher exact test, confirmed statistically
      significant difference (P=0.008), despite retention; however, chewing ability and
      aesthetics showed no statistically significant difference with X 2 test on
      patient's satisfaction with RPD with or without attachment. CONCLUSION: Patients
      often would prefer not showing the anterior buccal clasps of RPD, therefore are
      generally satisfied more with RPD with attachment based on level of retention,
      chewing ability and aesthetics.

PMID- 28077969
TI  - Odontogenic Sinusitis Caused by an Inflammation of a Dentigerous Cyst and
      Subsequent Finding of a Fibrous Dysplasia. A Case Report.
AB  - We report the case of a 38-year old male patient with sinusitis caused by an
      infected follicular cyst due to an ectopic impacted third molar in the right
      maxillary sinus. A 10-day antibiotherapy regimen was administered; subsequently,
      the cyst and the third molar were removed achieving complete recovery. Fibrous
      dysplasia was diagnosed at follow-up examination (occupation of the maxillary
      sinus by bone tissue was observed in a radiographic examination) and confirmed by
      biopsy. In cases of odontogenic sinusitis, thorough examination is crucial, as
      evidenced by the case reported in this study. A Literature review was performed
      in order to identify the diagnostic methods currently available and the clinical
      features, complications and treatment for both, odontogenic maxillary sinusitis
      and fibrous dysplasia.

PMID- 28077971
TI  - The Effect of Chin-cup Therapy in Class III Malocclusion: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of Class III malocclusion has been challenging for
      orthodontists. Among a plethora of treatment modalities, the chin-cup is
      considered a traditional appliance for early orthopedic intervention. OBJECTIVE:
      The present study aims to investigate the current scientific evidence regarding
      the effectiveness of chin-cup therapy in Class III malocclusion of prognathic
      growing patients. METHOD: A systematic review of the literature was conducted
      using PubMed/Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from
      January 1954 to October 2015. Articles were selected based on established
      inclusion/ exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The search strategy resulted in 3285
      articles.14 studies were selected for the final analysis. They were all CCTs, 13
      of retrospective and 1 of prospective design. Methodological quality was
      evaluated by a risk of bias assessment, as suggested by the Cochrane Risk of Bias
      Assessment Tool for Non-Randomized Studies on Interventions. The reported
      evidence presented favorable short-term outcomes both in hard and soft tissues
      improving the Class III profile, as well as desirable dento-alveolar changes,
      positively affecting the Class III malocclusion. CONCLUSION: There is
      considerable agreement between studies that chin-cup therapy can be considered
      for the short-term treatment of growing patients with Class III malocclusion, as
      indicated by favorable changes both in the hard and soft tissues. The existence
      of considerable risk of bias in all selected studies and the unclear long-term
      effectiveness of chin-cup therapy highlight the need for further investigation to
      draw reliable conclusions.

PMID- 28077972
TI  - A One-year Follow-up Study of a Tapered Hydrophilic Implant Design Using Various
      Placement Protocols in the Maxilla.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the clinical/radiographic outcomes and stability of a tapered
      implant design with a hydrophilic surface when placed in the maxilla using
      various protocols and followed for one year. METHODS: Ninety-seven consecutive
      patients treated as part of daily routine in two clinics with 163 tapered
      implants in healed sites, in extraction sockets and together with bone
      augmentation procedures in the maxilla were evaluated after one year in function.
      Individual healing periods varying from 0 to 6 months had been used. Insertion
      torque (IT) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) measurements were made at
      baseline. Follow-up RFA registrations were made after 6 and 12 months of loading.
      The marginal bone levels were measured in intraoral radiographs from baseline and
      after 12 months. A reference group consisting of 163 consecutive straight
      maxillary implants was used for the comparison of baseline IT and RFA
      measurements. RESULTS: Five implants failed before loading, giving an implant
      survival rate of 96.9% and a prosthesis survival rate of 99.4% after one year.
      The mean marginal bone loss after one year was 0.5 mm (SD 0.4). The mean IT was
      statistically significantly higher for tapered than for straight reference
      implants (41.3 +/- 12.0 Ncm vs 33.6 +/- 12.5 Ncm, p < 0.001). The tapered
      implants showed a statistically insignificantly higher mean ISQ value than the
      straight references implants (73.7 +/- 6.4 ISQ vs 72.2 +/- 8.0 ISQ, p=0.119).
      There was no correlation between IT and marginal bone loss. There was a
      correlation between IT and RFA measurements (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The tapered
      implant showed a high survival rate and minimal marginal bone loss after one year
      in function when using various protocols for placement. The tapered implant
      showed significantly higher insertion torque values than straight reference
      implants.

PMID- 28077973
TI  - Respiratory Tularemia: Francisella Tularensis and Microarray Probe Designing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) is the etiological
      microorganism for tularemia. There are different forms of tularemia such as
      respiratory tularemia. Respiratory tularemia is the most severe form of tularemia
      with a high rate of mortality; if not treated. Therefore, traditional
      microbiological tools and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are not useful for a
      rapid, reliable, accurate, sensitive and specific diagnosis. But, DNA microarray
      technology does. DNA microarray technology needs to appropriate microarray probe
      designing. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this original article was to design
      suitable long oligo microarray probes for detection and identification of F.
      tularensis. METHOD: For performing this research, the complete genomes of F.
      tularensis subsp. tularensis FSC198, F. tularensis subsp. holarctica LVS, F.
      tularensis subsp. mediasiatica, F. tularensis subsp. novicida (F. novicida U112),
      and F. philomiragia subsp. philomiragia ATCC 25017 were studied via NCBI BLAST
      tool, GView and PanSeq Servers and finally the microarray probes were produced
      and processed via AlleleID 7.7 software and Oligoanalyzer tool, respectively.
      RESULTS: In this in silico investigation, a number of long oligo microarray
      probes were designed for detecting and identifying F. tularensis. Among these
      probes, 15 probes were recognized as the best candidates for microarray chip
      designing. CONCLUSION: Calibrated microarray probes reduce the biasis of DNA
      microarray technology as an advanced, rapid, accurate and cost-effective
      molecular diagnostic tool with high specificity and sensitivity. Professional
      microarray probe designing provides us with much more facility and flexibility
      regarding preparation of a microarray diagnostic chip.

PMID- 28077974
TI  - Cardiobacterium hominis and Cardiobacterium valvarum: Two Case Stories with
      Infective Episodes in Pacemaker Treated Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiobacterium hominis and Cardiobacterium valvarum are well
      known, though rare, etiologic agents of infective endocarditis. Cardiac devices
      are increasingly implanted. CASE REPORTS: Two cases of infective episodes in
      pacemaker (PM) treated patients with respectively C. hominis and C. valvarum are
      presented. In one case blood-culture bottles yielded growth of C. hominis at two
      episodes with two years apart. At the second episode a vegetation was recognized
      at the PM lead and the PM device and lead was removed. In the C. valvarum case,
      echocardiography revealed a bicuspid aortic valve with severe regurgitation and a
      more than 1 cm sized vegetation. CONCLUSION: The cases illustrate the diversity
      in disease severity by Cardiobacterium species. Careful follow up has to be
      performed in order not to overlook a relatively silent relapsing infection.

PMID- 28077975
TI  - Evaluate the Relationship Between Class 1 Integrons and Drug Resistance Genes in
      Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates is
      increasing and it is considered as one of the major public health concerns in the
      world. The association between integrons and drug resistance has been proven and
      evidences suggest that integrons are coding and responsible for dissemination of
      antibiotic resistance among P. aeruginosa isolates. OBJECTIVE: This study is
      aimed to evaluate the relationship between class 1 integrons and drug resistance
      genes in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from burn patients. METHODS: 100
      isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from burn patients hospitalized in the
      skin ward of Shahid Motahari hospital and susceptibility testing was performed by
      disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer). Then DNA was extracted and PCR technique was
      performed for the detection of class 1 integrons and drug resistance genes. Then
      data was analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The most effective antibiotic was
      polymyxin B with sensitivity 100%, and the most resistance was observed to the
      ciprofloxacin (93%) and amikacin (67%), respectively. The maximum and lowest
      frequencies of drug resistance genes belonged to the aac (6 ') - 1, VEB-1 with
      prevalence rate 93% and 10%, respectively. The statistical Chi-square test did
      not find any significant correlation between class 1 integrons and drug
      resistance genes (p? 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although no significant correlation
      between class 1 integrons and drug resistance was observed, but the resistance
      rate to antibiotics tested among P. aeruginosa isolates was high. So,
      surveillance, optimization and strict consideration of antimicrobial use and
      control of infection are necessary.

PMID- 28077976
TI  - Antifungal Activity and Aflatoxin Degradation of Bifidobacterium Bifidum and
      Lactobacillus Fermentum Against Toxigenic Aspergillus Parasiticus.
AB  - Food and feedstuff contamination with aflatoxins (AFTs) is a serious health
      problem for humans and animals, especially in developing countries. The present
      study evaluated antifungal activities of two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against
      growth and aflatoxin production of toxigenic Aspergillus parasiticus. The
      mycelial growth inhibition rate of A. parasiticus PTCC 5286 was investigated in
      the presence of Bifidobacterium bifidum PTCC 1644 and Lactobacillus fermentum
      PTCC 1744 by the pour plate method. After seven days incubation in yeast extract
      sucrose broth at 30 degrees C, the mycelial mass was weighed after drying. The
      inhibitory activity of LAB metabolites against aflatoxin production by A.
      parasiticus was evaluated using HPLC method. B. bifidum and L. fermentum
      significantly reduced aflatoxin production and growth rate of A. parasiticus in
      comparison with the controls (p<=0.05). LAB reduced total aflatoxins and B1, B2,
      G1 and G2 fractions by more than 99%. Moreover, LAB metabolites reduced the level
      of standard AFB1, B2, G1 and G2 from 88.8% to 99.8% (p<=0.05). Based on these
      findings, B. bifidum and L. fermentum are recommended as suitable biocontrol
      agents against the growth and aflatoxin production by aflatoxigenic Aspergillus
      species.

PMID- 28077977
TI  - Two Subsets of Large Vessel Vasculitis Characterized by the Absence or Presence
      of Spondyloarthritis or its Associated Diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whilst large vessel vasculitis (LVV) predominantly occurs in
      isolation, associations with other infectious and non-infectious diseases have
      been reported. Limited data describing associations with various autoimmune
      diseases (AI), including spondyloarthritis exists. The aim of this study was to
      characterize the association of LVV and spondyloarthritis or its associated
      diseases (SpAD). METHODS: A single centre, retrospective study of patients
      >=50yrs with first presentation LVV between 01.06.2008-01.06.2015 was performed.
      Patients were categorized according to SpA or associated disease, other AI or
      idiopathic LVV (iLVV). Clinical, laboratory and imaging findings were compared.
      Kaplan-Meyer survival analysis, with relapse taken as the primary end-point, was
      performed. RESULTS: LVV was confirmed in 62 pts, of who 16/62 (26%) had SpA or
      associated disease. In these patients, LVV presented earlier (59.2 SpAD vs. 68.1
      AI and 70.3yrs iLVV; p=0.01) and occurred predominantly in spring compared to
      autumn and winter in non-SpA patients, was associated with more centralised
      pattern of distribution (p=0.05) and was more likely to exhibit a refractory
      course (p=0.05). Overall relapse rates were similar across groups. Smoking-status
      influenced age of onset in all groups, being associated with earlier onset.
      CONCLUSION: A clear association between LVV and SpAD exists. LVV associated with
      SpAD has a particular phenotype characterised by earlier onset, thorax-limited
      disease and increased risk of a refractory course. Given on-going LVV treatment
      trials further genetic and pathophysiological characterization appears warranted,
      to evaluate potential variation in treatment response and optimize future care.

PMID- 28077978
TI  - Fibromyalgia Outcomes Over Time: Results from a Prospective Observational Study
      in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Longitudinal research on outcomes of patients with fibromyalgia is
      limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess clinician and patient-reported outcomes over time
      among fibromyalgia patients. METHODS: At enrollment (Baseline) and follow-up
      (approximately 2 years later), consented patients were screened for chronic
      widespread pain (CWP), attended a physician site visit to determine fibromyalgia
      status, and completed an online questionnaire assessing pain, sleep, function,
      health status, productivity, medications, and healthcare resource use. RESULTS:
      Seventy-six fibromyalgia patients participated at both time points (at Baseline:
      86.8% white, 89.5% female, mean age 50.9 years, and mean duration of fibromyalgia
      4.1 years). Mean number of tender points at each physician visit was 14.1 and
      13.5, respectively; 11 patients no longer screened positive for CWP at follow-up.
      A majority reported medication use for pain (59.2% at Baseline, 62.0% at Follow
      up). The most common medication classes were opioids (32.4%), SSRIs (16.9%), and
      tramadol (14.1%) at Follow-up. Significant mean changes over time were observed
      for fibromyalgia symptoms (modified American College of Rheumatology 2010
      criteria: 18.4 to 16.9; P=0.004), pain interference with function (Brief Pain
      Inventory-Short Form: 5.9 to 5.3; P=0.013), and sleep (Medical Outcomes Study
      Sleep Scale: 58.3 to 52.7; P=0.004). Patients achieving >=2 point improvement in
      pain (14.5%) experienced greater changes in pain interference with function (6.8
      to 3.4; P=0.001) and sleep (62.4 to 51.0; P=0.061). CONCLUSION: Fibromyalgia
      patients reported high levels of burden at both time points, with few significant
      changes observed over time. Outcomes were variable among patients over time and
      were better among those with greater pain improvement.

PMID- 28077979
TI  - Anti-MDA5 Antibody Dermatomyositis Overlap with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A
      Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that
      primarily targets the muscle, skin, and lungs. Many patients have autoantibodies
      that correspond to distinct clinical phenotypes. Melanoma differentiation
      associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5) antibody, a specific antibody that targets the
      melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), has been reported in DM cases
      and is significant for a distinct cutaneous presentation and rapidly progressive
      interstitial lung disease. OBJECTIVE: Herein, we describe a patient with DM with
      a positive anti-MDA5 antibody and characteristic clinical phenotype, who
      subsequently developed coexisting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A diagnosis
      of SLE was supported by his clinical phenotype, positive serologies,
      hypocomplementemia, and progression to glomerulonephritis and lupus cerebritis,
      features of which fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for
      SLE. CONCLUSION: DM is known to overlap with other autoimmune diseases, including
      SLE, and coexistence can lead to a wide variety of clinical presentations. SLE
      overlapping with anti-MDA5 positive DM may present with distinct clinical
      features.

PMID- 28077980
TI  - A Review of Chikungunya Virus-induced Arthralgia: Clinical Manifestations,
      Therapeutics, and Pathogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that
      circulates predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions, potentially
      affecting over 1 billion people. Recently, an outbreak began in the western
      hemisphere and has resulted in over 1.8 million reported suspected cases.
      Infection often results in severe fever, rash and debilitating polyarthralgia
      lasting weeks to months. Additionally, the current literature reports that CHIKV
      can result in a severe chronic arthralgia and/or arthritis that can last months
      to years following the initial infection. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review
      is to evaluate the literature and summarize the current state of knowledge
      regarding CHIKV-associated disease, including clinical presentation, diagnosis,
      risk factors for development of severe disease, treatment, and pathogenesis in
      human patients. Additionally, recommendations are presented regarding avenues for
      clinical research to help further elucidate the pathogenesis of joint disease
      associated with CHIKV infection. CONCLUSION: While there is an association
      between initial CHIKV infection and acute disease, a causal relationship with
      development of chronic arthralgia has not been established at this time.
      Potential causes of chronic CHIKV-induced arthritis have been postulated,
      including viral persistence, induction of autoimmune disease, and exacerbation of
      pre-existing joint disease. While there are numerous reports of chronic CHIKV
      associated arthralgia and/or arthritis, there is currently no evidence of a
      definitive link between initial infection and development of chronic disease.
      Additional, prospective clinical research on CHIKV-associated disease is
      necessary to further determine the potential role of virus and development of
      chronic joint disease.

PMID- 28077981
TI  - DNA polymerase kappa protects human cells against MMC-induced genotoxicity
      through error-free translesion DNA synthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interactions between genes and environment are critical factors for
      causing cancer in humans. The genotoxicity of environmental chemicals can be
      enhanced via the modulation of susceptible genes in host human cells. DNA
      polymerase kappa (Pol kappa) is a specialized DNA polymerase that plays an
      important role in DNA damage tolerance through translesion DNA synthesis. To
      better understand the protective roles of Pol kappa, we previously engineered two
      human cell lines either deficient in expression of Pol kappa (KO) or expressing
      catalytically dead Pol kappa (CD) in Nalm-6-MSH+ cells and examined cytotoxic
      sensitivity against various genotoxins. In this study, we set up several
      genotoxicity assays with cell lines possessing altered Pol kappa activities and
      investigated the protective roles of Pol kappa in terms of genotoxicity induced
      by mitomycin C (MMC), a therapeutic agent that induces bulky DNA adducts and
      crosslinks in DNA. RESULTS: We introduced a frameshift mutation in one allele of
      the thymidine kinase (TK) gene of the KO, CD, and wild-type Pol kappa cells (WT),
      thereby establishing cell lines for the TK gene mutation assay, namely TK+/-
      cells. In addition, we formulated experimental conditions to conduct chromosome
      aberration (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assays with cells. By using
      the WT TK+/- and KO TK+/- cells, we assayed genotoxicity of MMC. In the TK gene
      mutation assay, the cytotoxic and mutagenic sensitivities of KO TK+/- cells were
      higher than those of WT TK+/- cells. MMC induced loss of heterozygosity (LOH),
      base pair substitutions at CpG sites and tandem mutations at GpG sites in both
      cell lines. However, the frequencies of LOH and base substitutions at CpG sites
      were significantly higher in KO TK+/- cells than in WT TK+/- cells. MMC also
      induced CA and SCE in both cell lines. The KO TK+/- cells displayed higher
      sensitivity than that displayed by WT TK+/- cells in the SCE assay. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results suggest that Pol kappa is a modulating factor for the genotoxicity
      of MMC and also that the established cell lines are useful for evaluating the
      genotoxicity of chemicals from multiple endpoints in different genetic
      backgrounds of Pol kappa.

PMID- 28077982
TI  - Surface-Enhanced Hyper-Raman Spectra of Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine, and
      Uracil.
AB  - Using picosecond excitation at 1064 nm, surface-enhanced hyper-Raman scattering
      (SEHRS) spectra of the nucleobases adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and
      uracil with two different types of silver nanoparticles were obtained. Comparing
      the SEHRS spectra with SERS data from the identical samples excited at 532 nm and
      with known infrared spectra, the major bands in the spectra are assigned. Due to
      the different selection rules for the one- and two-photon excited Raman
      scattering, we observe strong variation in relative signal strengths of many
      molecular vibrations obtained in SEHRS and SERS spectra. The two-photon excited
      spectra of the nucleobases are found to be very sensitive with respect to
      molecule-nanoparticle interactions. Using both the SEHRS and SERS data, a
      comprehensive vibrational characterization of the interaction of nucleobases with
      silver nanostructures can be achieved.

PMID- 28077983
TI  - Surface-Enhanced Raman and Surface-Enhanced Hyper-Raman Scattering of Thiol
      Functionalized Carotene.
AB  - A thiol-modified carotene, 7'-apo-7'-(4-mercaptomethylphenyl)-beta-carotene, was
      used to obtain nonresonant surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of
      carotene at an excitation wavelength of 1064 nm, which were compared with
      resonant SERS spectra at an excitation wavelength of 532 nm. These spectra and
      surface-enhanced hyper-Raman scattering (SEHRS) spectra of the functionalized
      carotene were compared with the spectra of nonmodified beta-carotene. Using SERS,
      normal Raman, and SEHRS spectra, all obtained for the resonant case, the
      interaction of the carotene molecules with silver nanoparticles, as well as the
      influence of the resonance enhancement and the SERS enhancement on the spectra,
      were investigated. The interaction with the silver surface occurs for both
      functionalized and nonfunctionalized beta-carotene, but only the stronger
      functionalization-induced interaction enables the acquisition of nonresonant SERS
      spectra of beta-carotene at low concentrations. The resonant SEHRS and SERS
      spectra are very similar. Nevertheless, the SEHRS spectra contain additional
      bands of infrared-active modes of carotene. Increased contributions from bands
      that experience low resonance enhancement point to a strong interaction between
      silver nanoparticles and electronic levels of the molecules, thereby giving rise
      to a decrease in the resonance enhancement in SERS and SEHRS.

PMID- 28077984
TI  - Use of Multiple Adjunctive Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Modalities to Manage
      Diabetic Lower-Extremity Wounds.
AB  - Objective: Various treatment options exist for wound healing; however, clinical
      assessment of the patient and the wound environment must be considered before
      determining an optimal wound treatment plan. Negative pressure wound therapy
      alone and/or with an instilled topical solution can be effective in adjunctive
      management of acute and chronic wounds. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also been
      shown to contribute to the wound-healing process. A pilot evaluation using a
      multistep approach of adjunctive negative pressure wound therapy with
      instillation and a dwell time, standard negative pressure wound therapy, and
      hyperbaric oxygen therapy was explored to manage postsurgical, diabetic lower
      extremity wounds with a significant bioburden. Methods: Three diabetic patients
      with lower-extremity ulcers were treated after surgical intervention. Multistep
      wound therapy consisted of (1) negative pressure wound therapy with instillation
      of normal saline with a 20-minute dwell time, followed by 2 hours of negative
      pressure at -150 mm Hg for 3 to 4 days; (2) 1 to 3 weeks of continuous negative
      pressure at -150 mm Hg; and (3) multiple treatments of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
      Results: After surgery, wound closure was achieved within 4 weeks postinitiation
      of multistep wound therapy. All patients regained limb function and recovered
      with no long-term sequelae. Conclusions: In these 3 cases, a multistep wound
      therapy approach after surgery resulted in successful outcomes; however, larger
      prospective studies are needed to demonstrate the potential efficacy of this
      approach in the postsurgical management of complex, diabetic lower-extremity
      wounds.

PMID- 28077985
TI  - Tissue Liquefaction Liposuction for Body Contouring and Autologous Fat Transfer:
      A Retrospective Review Over 3 Years.
AB  - Objective: Tissue liquefaction lipoplasty is a novel, low-energy method cleared
      for use in aesthetic body contouring and autologous fat transfer. This is a
      retrospective review of the clinical effectiveness and safety of a liquefaction
      lipoplasty system for liposuction and autologous fat transfer. Methods: A
      retrospective review was done evaluating all liquefaction lipoplasty procedures
      with or without autologous fat transfer performed by a single surgeon (March 2013
      to June 2016). Patient demographics, operative details, and any complications
      were tabulated from patient charts. A typical case reported is presented with pre
      /postoperative photographs. Results: Two hundred fifty-five consecutive
      liquefaction lipoplasty procedures were performed over 39 months. The average
      lipoaspirate volume was 1208 +/- 991 mL and the average fat graft volume was 322
      +/- 277 mL. The overall complication rate was 9 of 255 (3.52%). There were 2
      episodes of seroma (0.78%) that were aspirated and 2 episodes of cellulitis
      (0.78%) that responded to oral antibiotics. In the autologous fat transfer
      cohort, there were 5 of 103 (4.85%) cases of mild to moderate fat necrosis, with
      1 patient requiring return to the operating room for removal of an oil cyst. No
      revisions of donor sites were required. Conclusions: Liquefaction lipoplasty
      appears safe for liposuction and autologous fat transfer, with a complication
      profile that is comparable with other widely used forms of suction-assisted
      liposuction. The liquefaction lipoplasty technology also provides potential time
      savings in the operating room that can minimize surgeon fatigue when harvesting
      large volumes of high-quality fat. Liquefaction lipoplasty appears to have
      advantages for both the patient and the surgeon, and further studies are
      underway.

PMID- 28077986
TI  - An Interesting Case of a Retrobulbar Cavernous Hemangioma.

PMID- 28077987
TI  - Revision of a Hypertrophic Tracheostomy Scar.

PMID- 28077988
TI  - Retracted: Nitroxyl (HNO): A Reduced Form of Nitric Oxide with Distinct Chemical,
      Pharmacological, and Therapeutic Properties.
AB  - [This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2016/4867124.].

PMID- 28077989
TI  - Overview of the Role of Vanillin on Redox Status and Cancer Development.
AB  - Bioactive natural products play critical roles in modern drug development,
      especially anticancer agents. It has been widely reported that various
      pharmacological activities of such compounds are related to their antioxidant
      properties. Vanillin is a natural substance widely found in many plant species
      and often used in beverages, foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
      Antioxidant and anticancer potential have been described for this compound.
      Considering the importance of vanillin in the area of human health and food and
      pharmaceuticals sectors, in this review, we discuss the role of vanillin on redox
      status and its potential contribution to the prevention and the treatment of
      cancer.

PMID- 28077990
TI  - Experimental in vivo and ex vivo models for the study of human aortic dissection:
      promises and challenges.
AB  - Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening aortopathy with high mortality. To
      mimic spontaneous AD, investigate the pathogenesis of AD and develop novel
      therapeutic targets and measures, multiple AD experimental models have been
      generated, including drugs or chemicals induced experimental models, genetically
      modified experimental models, surgically or invasively induced experimental
      models, and ex vivo models. However, the perfect model of AD that replicates
      every aspect of the natural disease has not be generated yet. This review
      provides an overview of the experimental models used in AD preclinical research.
      The value and challenges of each in vivo and ex vivo model are discussed.

PMID- 28077991
TI  - LncRNAs and miRNAs: potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for prostate
      cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second lethal disease for men in western countries.
      Although androgen receptor (AR) signaling has been widely investigated, noncoding
      RNAs (ncRNAs), deficient of open reading frame, have also received considerable
      attention. Growing studies showed that the aberrant ncRNAs expression contributed
      to cell proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance in PCa. Therefore,
      therapeutically targeting ncRNAs may synergize androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)
      to have a better effect to fight against PCa, especially castration-resistant
      prostate cancer (CRPC). This review would systematically summarize the
      multicellular events controlled by ncRNAs and give a snapshot of future
      scientific activities and clinical applications.

PMID- 28077992
TI  - Effect of early administration of lower dose versus high dose of fresh
      mitochondria on reducing monocrotaline-induced pulmonary artery hypertension in
      rat.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aim to investigate whether early mitochondrial
      administration would be effective and whether high-dose mitochondria (15000
      MUg/rat) would be more effective than low-dose mitochondria (1500 MUg/rat) for
      attenuating the monocrotaline (MCT/65 mg/kg/rat)-induced pulmonary artery
      hypertension (PAH) in rat. METHOD AND RESULTS: Male-adult SD rats (n = 32) were
      randomized categorized into groups 1 (sham-control), 2 (PAH), 3 (PAH + low-dose
      mitochondria), and 4 (PAH + high-dose mitochondria). Mitochondria were admitted
      at day 5 and rats were sacrificed at day 35 post-MCT treatment. By day 35, oxygen
      saturation (saO2) was highest in group 1 and lowest in group 2, and significantly
      higher in group 3 than in group 4 (P<0.001). Conversely, right ventricular
      systolic blood pressure showed an opposite pattern compared with saO2 among all
      groups (P<0.001). Histological integrity of alveolar sacs exhibited a pattern
      identical to saO2, whereas lung crowding score and number of muscularized artery
      displayed an opposite pattern (all P<0.001). The protein expression of indices of
      inflammation (MMP-9, TNF-alpha, NF-kappaB), oxidative stress (oxidized protein,
      NO-1, NOX-2, NOX-4), apoptosis (Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and PARP), fibrosis (p
      Smad3, TGF-beta), mitochondrial-damage (cytosolic cytochrome-C), and hypoxia
      smooth muscle proliferative factors (HIF-alpha, connexin43, TRPCs) showed an
      opposite pattern compared, whereas anti-fibrosis (p-Smad1/5, BMP-2) and
      mitochondrial integrity (mitochondrial cytochrome-C) exhibited an identical
      pattern to saO2 in all groups (all P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Low dose is superior to
      high dose of mitochondria for protecting against MCT-induced PAH. The paradoxical
      beneficial effect may imply therapy with 15000 MUg/rat mitochondria is overdose
      in this situation.

PMID- 28077993
TI  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) mediates the
      protective effect of quercetin against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via
      suppressing the NF-kappaB pathway.
AB  - Quercetin plays an important role in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury
      (IRI). However, the underlying mechanism for the protective effect of quercetin
      is largely unclear. In this study, we explored the protected effects of quercetin
      against myocardial IRI and its molecular mechanisms. Quercetin, GW9962 (PPARgamma
      antagonist) or PPARgamma-siRNA was administered alone or in combination prior to
      myocardial IRI in mice or to hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) treatment in H9C2
      cells. Infarct size was evaluated by TTC staining after reperfusion. Myocardial
      injury was assessed by the serum levels of AST, CK-MB, cardiac troponin T (cTnT)
      and LDH. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography. Oxidative stress
      injury was evaluated by analyses of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), MDA,
      SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels and by reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) detection. Myocardium apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining, cleaved
      caspase-3 and Annexin V/PI detection. Moreover, activation of the NF-kappaB
      pathway was reflected by phosphorylation of IkappaB (p-IkappaB) and nuclear
      translocation of NF-kappaB p65. We reported that pretreatment of quercetin
      significantly improved cardiac function, diminished myocardial injury and reduced
      the infarct size. Myocardium oxidative damage and apoptosis were remarkably
      improved by quercetin treatment in vivo and in vitro. Quercetin also suppressed
      the activation of the NF-kappaB pathway induced by myocardial IRI. GW9662 or
      PPARgamma knockdown partially attenuated these cardioprotective effects of
      quercetin during myocardial IRI. In conclusion, our findings suggest that
      quercetin ameliorated IRI-induced heart damage via PPARgamma activation and the
      underlying mechanism might involve the inhibition of NF-kappaB pathway by
      PPARgamma activation.

PMID- 28077994
TI  - Reverse screening approach to identify potential anti-cancer targets of
      dipyridamole.
AB  - Dipyridamole (DIP) inhibits thrombus formation when given chronically, and causes
      vasodilation over a short time. To date, DIP can increase the anticancer drugs (5
      fluorouracil, methotrexate, piperidine, vincristine) concentration in cancer
      cells and hence enhance the efficacy of treatment cancer. The inhibition of DIP
      may result in increased 5-fluorouracil efficacy and diminish the drug side
      effects. But the actual molecular targets remain unknown. In this study, reverse
      protein-ligands docking, and quantum mechanics were used to search for the
      potential molecular targets of DIP. The quantum mechanics calculation was
      performed by using Gaussian 03 program package. Reverse pharmacophore mapping was
      used to search for potential molecular target candidates for a given small
      molecule. The docking study was used for exploring the potential anti-cancer
      targets of dipyridamole. The two predicted binders with the statistically
      significant prediction are dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) (PDB Id: 1GTE)
      and human spindle checkpoint kinase Bub1 (PDB Id: 3E7E). Structure analysis
      suggests that electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding play an important
      role in their binding process. The strong functional linkage of DIP and 5FU
      supports our prediction. In conclusion, these results generate a tractable set of
      anticancer proteins. The exploration of polypharmacology will provide us new
      opportunities in treating systematic diseases, such as the cancers. The results
      would generate a tractable set of anticancer target proteins for future
      experimental validations.

PMID- 28077995
TI  - NADPH oxidase activation played a critical role in the oxidative stress process
      in stable coronary artery disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to investigate the oxidative stress levels of
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and
      to explore the underlying mechanisms of NADPH oxidase activation and subsequent
      EPCs dysfunction. METHODS: EPCs were isolated from patients with stable CAD
      (n=50) and matched healthy volunteers (n=50). NADPH oxidase activation was
      detected by measuring the expression of each subunit using western blotting and
      qPCR analyses and the membrane translocation of p47phox using immunofluorescence.
      The in vivo angiogenesis capacity was evaluated using immunofluorescence by
      transplanting EPCs into a rat hind limb ischemia model. The PKC inhibitor GO-6983
      was used to determine the role of PKC in NADPH oxidase activation. RESULTS:
      Oxidative stress level was increased and the in vivo angiogenesis capacity was
      impaired in EPCs obtained from CAD subjects with the activation of NADPH oxidase.
      P47phox membrane translocation increased in CAD group vs controls. These effects
      were resolved by NADPH oxidase inhibition. Up-regulation of PKCalpha/beta2 was
      found in EPCs from CAD subjects, PKC inhibition GO-6983 could reduce the
      expression and activity of NADPH oxidation. CONCLUSIONS: NADPH oxidase activation
      via p47phox membrane translocation played a critical role in the initiation and
      progression of CAD, and the PKCalpha/beta2 signaling pathway might be involved.

PMID- 28077996
TI  - Effect of pterostilbene on glioma cells and related mechanisms.
AB  - Neuroglioma is the most common primary malignant tumor in neurosurgery. Due to
      unfavorable life quality of patients, the treatment of glioma is a major
      challenge in clinics. The search for effect treatment drugs thus benefits patient
      prognosis. As one derivative of resveratrol, pterostilbene has a wide spectrum of
      pharmaceutical functions, especially with the anti-tumor effects. This study thus
      investigated the effect of pterostilbene on neuroglioma and related mechanisms.
      U87 glioma cell line was divided into control, normal culture and different
      dosages of pterostilbene groups, which received 5 mM or 10 mM pterostilbene for
      48 h. MTT assay was used to detect U87 cell proliferation, while invasion assay
      was employed to test the effect of pterostilbene on cell invasion, followed by
      flow cytometry assay for analyzing U87 cell apoptosis. Real-time PCR was used to
      test mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in glioma cells under the effect of
      pterostilbene, while Western blotting was used to detect alternation of Bcl-2 and
      Bax protein levels. Pterostilbene significantly inhibited proliferation and
      invasion abilities of glioma cells compared to those in control group (P<0.05).
      It can also enhance cell apoptosis, decrease mRNA and protein of Bcl-2
      expression, and increase mRNA and protein expressions of Bax (P<0.05 compared to
      control group) in a dose-dependent manner. Pterostilbene can facilitate apoptosis
      of glioma cells, and inhibit their proliferation and invasion via mediating
      apoptotic/anti-apoptotic homeostasis.

PMID- 28077997
TI  - Long non-coding RNA LOC283070 mediates the transition of LNCaP cells into
      androgen-independent cells possibly via CAMK1D.
AB  - AIMS: The present study is to investigate the role of long non-coding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) in the development of androgen independence in prostate cancer and its
      underlying mechanism. METHODS: We established an androgen-independent prostate
      carcinoma (AIPC) cell line LNCaP-AI from androgen-dependent prostate carcinoma
      (ADPC) cell line LNCaP. Different expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs
      between LNCaP and LNCaP-AI cells were investigated using microarray analysis. The
      expression of RNAs was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction. Protein levels were measured using Western blotting. MTT assay was used
      to test cell viability. Tumor formation assay was performed in nude mice to
      detect tumor growth in vivo. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell cycles.
      Transwell assay was employed to test cell migration and invasion. RESULTS:
      According to bioinformatics prediction, lncRNA LOC283070 could possibly play an
      important role in the transition of LNCaP cells into LNCaP-AI cells. LOC283070
      was up-regulated in LNCaP-AI cells and frequently up-regulated in AIPC cell
      lines. Overexpression of LOC283070 in LNCaP cells accelerated cell proliferation
      and migration, even under androgen-independent circumstances. Knockdown of
      LOC283070 inhibited LNCaP-AI cell proliferation and migration. Moreover,
      overexpression of LOC283070 promoted tumor growth in vivo in both normal mice and
      castrated mice. CAMK1D overexpression had similar effect with LOC283070, and
      CAMK1D knockdown fully abrogated the effect of LOC283070 overexpression on the
      transition of LNCaP cells into androgen-independent cells. CONCLUSIONS: The
      present study shows that overexpression of LOC283070 mediates the transition of
      LNCaP cells into androgen-independent LNCaP-AI cells possibly via CAMK1D.

PMID- 28077998
TI  - Transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in cochlea to
      repair sensorineural hearing.
AB  - To examine if transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
      (UMSC) into cochlea can be used to repair sensorineural hearing. Here we
      transplanted the fifth and sixth generations of UMSCs through the subarachnoid
      cavity of congenital deaf albino pigs. Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were
      measured before and after UMSC transplantation. Cochlear samples were collected
      at 2 hrs, 3 days, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation.
      Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proliferated cell nuclear antigen
      (PCNA). The UMSCs were found in different regions of the cochlea, including the
      stria vascularis, the basal membrane and the spiral ganglions, 3 days to 4 weeks
      after the transplantation. UMSCs and their DNA were found also in the areas of
      the brain, the heart, the liver, the kidney and the lung. ABR tests displayed a
      new waveform in the congenital deaf albino pigs after the UMSCs transplantation.
      We conclude that human UMSCs injected into the subarachnoid space can migrate
      into the inner ear, the central nervous system and the periphery organs. The
      presence of UMSCs in the cochlea maybe associated with changes of ABR waveforms
      in the congenital deaf albino pigs.

PMID- 28077999
TI  - Menadione induces G2/M arrest in gastric cancer cells by down-regulation of
      CDC25C and proteasome mediated degradation of CDK1 and cyclin B1.
AB  - Menadione (vitamin K3) has been reported to induce apoptotic cell death and
      growth inhibition in various types of cancer cells. However, involvement of
      menadione in cell cycle control has not been considered in gastric cancer cells
      yet. In the current study, we have investigated whether menadione is involved in
      the cell cycle regulation and suppression of growth in gastric cancer cells. In
      the cell cycle analysis, we found that menadione induced G2/M cell cycle arrest
      in AGS cells. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we investigated the cell
      cycle regulatory molecules involved in the G2/M cell cycle transition. After 24 h
      of menadione treatment, the protein level of CDK1, CDC25C and cyclin B1 in AGS
      cells was decreased in a menadione dose-dependent manner. In the time course
      experiment, the protein level of CDC25C decreased in 6 h, and CDK1and cyclin B1
      protein levels began to decrease after 18 h of menadione treatment. We found that
      mRNA level of CDC25C decreased by menadione treatment in 6 h. Menadione did not
      have an influence on mRNA level of CDK1 and cyclin B1 though the protein levels
      were decreased. However, the decreased protein levels of CDK1 and cyclin B1 were
      recovered by inhibition of proteasome. Collectively, these results suggest that
      menadione inhibits growth of gastric cancer cells by reducing expression of
      CDC25C and promoting proteasome mediated degradation of CDK1 and cyclin B1
      thereby blocking transition of the cell cycle from G2 phase to M phase.

PMID- 28078000
TI  - Probiotics enhance the effect of allergy immunotherapy on regulating antigen
      specific B cell activity in asthma patients.
AB  - Immune regulatory system dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma.
      The therapeutic effect of allergic asthma is to be improved. The immune
      regulatory function of probiotics has been recognized. This study tests a
      hypothesis that Clostridium butyricum (CB) enhances the effect of allergen
      specific immunotherapy (AIT) on asthma. In this study patients with allergic
      asthma were treated with AIT or/and CB for six months. The therapeutic effect and
      IgE production of the patients were observed. The results showed that
      administration with AIT alone alleviated the asthma symptoms; but the serum
      levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and specific IgE were not altered,
      which was markedly improved by the administration with CB plus AIT. Such effects
      were maintained only for two months in the patients treated with AIT alone; but
      maintained more than 12 months in those patients treated with both AIT and CB. CB
      facilitated AIT to induce IL-10+ B cells (B10 cells) in asthma patients. AIT/CB
      therapy converted antigen specific B cells to antigen specific regulatory B
      cells. Butyrate modulated the gene transcription of IgE and IL-10 in the allergen
      specific B cells. In conclusion, administration of CB can enhance the therapeutic
      effect of AIT in the treatment of allergic asthma via facilitating generation of
      B10 cells.

PMID- 28078001
TI  - Endogenous nitric oxide regulates blood vessel growth factors, capillaries in the
      cortex, and memory retention in Sprague-Dawley rats.
AB  - The effects of nitric oxide (NO) on cerebral capillary angiogenesis and the
      regulation of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors that affect cerebral capillary
      angiogenesis, spatial learning, and memory ability are unclear. We assessed the
      effects of the NO precursor L-arginine (L-ARG) and the NO synthesis inhibitor
      Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) on cortical capillaries and spatial
      learning and memory abilities. We administered intracerebroventricular injections
      of L-ARG or L-NAME to rats before they were evaluated in the Morris water maze.
      We measured the levels of NO synthase activity, pro-angiogenic factors, vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), and the
      expression of the anti-angiogenic factors angiostatin and endostatin. We also
      quantitatively investigated parameters of the cortical capillaries using
      immunohistochemistry and stereological methods. The L-ARG treatment significantly
      improved rats' spatial learning abilities and increased NOS activity in the
      cortex. L-NAME disrupted spatial learning. Following the L-ARG treatment, the
      expression of the pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF and FGF-2) was higher and the
      expression of anti-angiogenic factors (endostatin) was lower than the vehicle
      treated animals. In contrast, the L-NAME treatment reduced the expression of VEGF
      and increased the expression of endostatin. Based on these results, modulation of
      the NO content in the brain regulates VEGF, FGF-2, and endostatin expression, as
      well as capillary parameters in the cortex, which in turn influence spatial
      learning and memory performance.

PMID- 28078002
TI  - LncRNA-LINC00152 down-regulated by miR-376c-3p restricts viability and promotes
      apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that the crucial regulatory roles of long
      noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis. Expression levels of several lncRNAs
      are abnormally up-regulated or down-regulated and play a primary role in
      colorectal cancer (CRC) cell tumorigenesis. However, the potential role and
      regulatory mechanisms of the novel human lncRNA, LINC00152, in CRC cells are
      poorly understood. Here, we found that LINC00152 expression was significantly
      decreased in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines, and this change was more frequent in
      patients with advanced stage (tumor-node-metastasisi (TNM) III and IV).
      Overexpression of LINC00152 (LINC000152over) resulted in decreased cell viability
      and increased apoptosis in CSC cell lines (HT-29 and SW480). Furthermore,
      decreased Ki-67 and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and increased Fas, were observed
      in CSC cells. However, a change in Bax expression was undetected. Interestingly,
      microRNA (miR)-376c-3p down-regulated the expression of LINC00152 in CSC cells.
      Overexpression of miR-376c-3p (miR-376c-3pover) enhanced viability and limited
      apoptosis of CSC cells. In addition, miR-376c-3pover suppressed the effect of
      LINC00152over on the viability and apoptosis of CSC cells. Taken together, these
      data indicate that LINC00152 in CSC cells negatively regulated by miR-376c-3p,
      restricts cell viability and stimulates cell apoptosis, possibly by modulating
      the expression of Ki-67, Bcl-2, and Fas. MiR-376c-3p/LINC00152 plays an important
      role in the pathogenesis of CRC and may serve as a potential target for its
      diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 28078003
TI  - Methylation of the FOXP3 upstream enhancer as a clinical indicator of defective
      regulatory T cells in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is an immune-mediated inflammatory process, which acts as the
      main cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Regulatory CD4+CD25+FOXP3+T cells
      (Tregs) are thought to play a major role in inhibiting the formation and
      progression of atherosclerosis. However, the exact role played by Tregs in the
      pathogenesis of ACS is yet remained unclear. FOXP3 is a key regulator of Treg
      formation and function. Demethylation at the CpG-rich island of FOXP3 upstream
      enhancers can alter FOXP3 expression, and may affect Treg function during the
      development of ACS. This study investigated the immunosuppressive function and
      methylation status of a FOXP3 upstream enhancer in Tregs in ACS patients.
      Notably, Tregs from ACS patients exhibited a significantly lower
      immunosuppressive effect on Teffs. Furthermore, the methylation status of the
      FOXP3 upstream enhancer was significantly increased in ACS patients. Consistent
      with these observations, Tregs originated from ACS patients manifested
      significantly lower levels of FOXP3 mRNA. The immunosuppressive effect of Tregs
      on Teffs was compromised in ACS patients. Together, our data suggest that
      examination of the methylation status of the FOXP3 upstream enhancer might be a
      novel approach to diagnose ACS and to differentiate ACS subtypes.

PMID- 28078004
TI  - Adipose-specific ablation of Nrf2 transiently delayed high-fat diet-induced
      obesity by altering glucose, lipid and energy metabolism of male mice.
AB  - Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a well-known master controller of
      the cellular adaptive antioxidant and detoxification response. Recent studies
      demonstrated altered glucose, lipid and energy metabolism in mice with a global
      Nrf2 knockout. In the present study, we aim to determine the effects of an
      adipose-specific ablation of Nrf2 (ASAN) on diet-induced obesity (DIO) in male
      mice. The 6-week-old adipose-specific Nrf2 knockout (NK) and its Nrf2 control
      (NC) mice were fed with either control diet (CD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 14
      weeks. NK mice exhibited transiently delayed body weight (BW) growth from week 5
      to week 11 of HFD feeding, higher daily physical activity levels and preferential
      use of fat over carbohydrates as a source of energy at week 8 of the CD-feeding
      period. After 14 weeks of feeding, NK mice showed comparable results with NC mice
      with respect to the overall BW and body fat content, but exhibited reduced blood
      glucose, reduced number but increased size of adipocytes, accompanied with
      elevated expression of many genes and proteins in the visceral fat related to
      glucose, lipid and energy metabolism (e.g. Fgf21, Pgc1a). These results indicated
      that NRF2 is an important mediator for glucose, lipid and energy metabolism in
      adipose tissue, and ASAN could have beneficial effect for prevention of DIO
      during the early development of mice.

PMID- 28078005
TI  - Thiol peroxiredoxin, a novel allergen from Bombyx mori, modulates functions of
      macrophages and dendritic cells.
AB  - Bombyx mori (B.mori, also known as silkworm) plays a role in the pathogenesis of
      allergic diseases. However, its allergens are to be characterized. The aim of
      this paper is to identify new silkworm allergens. Two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry were employed to separate and
      identify potential allergens from silkworm pupa. Six potential allergens were
      identified in this study. Thiol peroxiredoxin (TP), one of the 6 allergens,
      reacted to serum IgE from patients sensitized to silkworm. By sensitizing with TP
      allergic asthma like symptoms were induced in mice, including elevation of the
      levels of serum IgE, IL-4 from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and culture
      supernatant of spleen cells. In vitro experiments showed that TP significantly
      induced RAW264.7 cells (a macrophage cell line) apoptosis via modulating the BCL2
      and Caspase9 pathways. The levels of CD80, CD40, CD83 and TNF-alpha in DC2.4
      cells (a dendritic cell line) were increased in the culture after exposure to TP.
      In summary, TP is an allergic component of silkworm. It induces allergic asthma,
      and modulates the functions of macrophages and dendritic cells.

PMID- 28078006
TI  - Effects of long non-coding RNA SPRY4-IT1 on osteosarcoma cell biological
      behavior.
AB  - Recent findings indicate that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were dysregulated in
      many kinds of tumors including osteosarcoma (OS). SPRY4-IT1 has been recently
      revealed as oncogenic regulator in various cancers, while its clinical value and
      potential function in OS are still unknown. To investigate the role of SPRY4-IT1
      in OS, we evaluated the expression SPRY4-IT1 in OS tissues and cell lines, and
      investigated the effect of SPRY4-IT1 siRNA on cell proliferation, migration and
      invasion of OS in vitro. Our result showed that SPRY4-IT1 was upregulated in OS
      tissues. Further experiments revealed that SPRY4-IT1 knockdown significantly
      inhibited OS cells proliferation by causing G1 arrest and promoting apoptosis.
      Furthermore, inhibitory effects of SPRY4-IT1 on cell migration and invasion were
      partly associated with EMT process. In conclusion, these data suggest that SPRY4
      IT1 could be an oncogene for OS, and may be served as a candidate target for new
      therapies in human OS.

PMID- 28078007
TI  - Eotaxin-2 increased toll-like receptor 4 expression in endothelial cells in vitro
      and exacerbates high-cholesterol diet-induced atherogenesis in vivo.
AB  - Eotaxin-2 is a potent chemoattractant. High concentration of eotaxin-2 triggers
      the inflammation and tumor metastasis. Inhibition of eotaxin-2 may protect
      experimental atherogenesis although the mechanism is still unclear. Toll-like
      receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a major role mediating vascular inflammation, which is
      related to atherogenesis. In the results, we demonstrated that eotaxin-2
      potentially impairs the tube formation capacity of human coronary artery
      endothelial cells (HCAECs). Eotaxin-2 augments the monocytic adhesion in
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced HCAECs, and which were reversed by TLR4 siRNA.
      Thus this study was conducted to investigate whether eotaxin-2 increases TLR4
      expression, and then enhances the sensitivity of cells to antigen stimulation in
      HCAECs, which mediates the increasing of the development of serious
      atherosclerosis. In fact, we showed that JNK/SAPK, p38 MAPK, and ERK1/2
      activation contribute to the transcriptional signaling pathway, JNK/SAPK and p38
      MAPK regulate post-transcriptional modification, as well as protein-trafficking
      pathway in eotaxin-2-treated HCAECs TLR4 expression. RNA binding proteins, such
      as human antigen R (HuR) and tristetraprolin (TTP) mediate stability of TLR4 mRNA
      and chaperone, such as PRAT4A (a protein associated with TLR4) regulate
      trafficking of TLR4 protein might confer eotaxin-2 responsiveness. Eotaxin-2
      administration led to a significant elevation of high cholesterol diet-induced
      atherosclerosis, and of TLR4 expression in B6.129S7-Ldlrtm1Her /J but not Ldlr-/-
      /-/Tlr4-/- mice. Our results revealed that eotaxin-2 induced overexpression TLR4
      via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways, RNA binding
      proteins-mediated mRNA stabilization, and PRAT4A-regulated trafficking in HCAECs.
      These effects may lead to amplification of inflammatory responses contribute to
      the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders.

PMID- 28078008
TI  - Dicer-dependent pathway contribute to the osteogenesis mediated by regulation of
      Runx2.
AB  - Osteogenesis is mediated by sophisticated interactions of various molecular
      functions and biological processes, including post-transcriptional regulation. A
      range of miRNAs have been reported to regulate bone homeostasis and osteoblasts
      differentiation either positively or negatively through multiple signaling
      pathways. RNase III endonuclease Dicer is the key enzyme required for the
      biogenesis of miRNAs and small interfering RNAs. To determine the global
      influence of miRNAs on regulation of osteogenesis of pre-osteoblast cells, the
      transcriptional regulation of Dicer and the function of Dicer during osteoblast
      differentiation and mineralization were investigated. Runx2 binding directly to
      the Dicer promoter region was characterized in MC3T3-E1 cells by chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase promoter reporter assays.
      Overexpression or knockdown of Runx2 resulted in increase or decrease of Dicer
      expression, respectively. Furthermore, abatement of Dicer in MC3T3-E1 cells down
      regulated the expression of osteogenic marker genes and mineralization ability,
      at least partly involving Dicer-dependent processing of the miR-21a-5p targeting
      PTEN via pAKT/pGSK3beta/beta-catenin signaling pathways. Taken together, the
      study demonstrates the role of Dicer in osteogenesis and suggests that Dicer is
      required, in part, for Runx2 regulation of osteoblast differentiation.

PMID- 28078009
TI  - The iron chelator Dp44mT suppresses osteosarcoma's proliferation, invasion and
      migration: in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), the novel iron
      chelator, has been reported to inhibit the tumorigenesis and progression of
      various cancer cells, including neuroblastoma, neuroepithelioma and prostate
      cancer. However, whether Dp44mT has anticancer effects in osteosarcoma is still
      unknown. Here, we investigated the antitumor action of Dp44mT in osteosarcoma and
      its underlying mechanisms. A human osteosarcoma 143B cell line in vitro and 143B
      xenograft in nude mice in vivo were utilized, the anticancer effects of Dp44mT
      were examined through methods of MTT assay, transwell, wound healing assay, flow
      cytometry, western blot, immunohistochemistry and H&E staining. We showed that
      Dp44mT inhibits cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. In addition,
      flow cytometry further illustrated that Dp44mT suppression of 143B cell
      proliferation, invasion and migration were partially due to induction of cell
      apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in S phase and ROS production. Also in vitro and in
      vivo, the expression levels of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase3, Caspase9, LC3-II, beta
      catenin and its downstream targets such as C-myc and Cyclin D1 demonstrated that
      cell apoptosis and autophagy, as well as Wnt/beta-catenin pathway were involved
      in Dp44mT induced osteosarcoma suppression. The Dp44mT inhibition of osteosarcoma
      was further verified via animal models. The findings indicated that in vivo
      Dp44mT showed a significant reduction in the 143B xenograft tumor growth and
      metastasis. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Dp44mT has effective
      anticancer capability in osteosarcoma and that may represent a promising
      treatment strategy for osteosarcoma.

PMID- 28078011
TI  - URI prevents potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress and cell death in
      gastric cancer cells.
AB  - Chromium VI can provoke oxidative stress, DNA damage, cytotoxicity, mutagenesis
      and carcinogenesis. Aberrantly high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has
      been associated with oxidative stress and subsequent DNA damage. Notably,
      multiple previous studies have shown the increased level of ROS in chromium (VI)
      induced oxidative stress, but its effect on cell death and the underlying
      mechanism remain to be determined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the
      role of URI, an unconventional prefoldin RBP5 interactor, in potassium dichromate
      induced oxidative stress and cell death through in vitro loss-of-function
      studies. We have shown that knockdown of URI in human gastric cancer SGC-7901
      cells by URI siRNA enhanced potassium dichromate-induced production of ROS. The
      level of rH2AX, a marker of DNA damage, was significantly increased, along with a
      reduced cell viability in URI siRNA treated cells that were also exposed to
      potassium dichromate. Comet assay showed that URI knockdown increased the tail
      moment in potassium dichromate-treated SGC-7901 cells. Accordingly, the cell
      rates of apoptosis and necrosis were also increased in URI knockdown cells
      treated with potassium dichromate at different concentrations. Together, these
      results suggest that URI is preventive for the oxidative stress and cell death
      induced by potassium dichromate, which potentially leads to cancer cell survival
      and therapeutic resistance.

PMID- 28078012
TI  - GSK3beta inhibition accelerates axon debris clearance and new axon remyelination.
AB  - Glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) inhibitors, especially the mood
      stabilizer lithium chloride, are also used as neuroprotective or anti
      inflammatory agents. We studied the influence of LiCl on inducing early myelin
      clearance and on regulating the remyelination following peripheral nerves injury.
      We showed that the oral administration of adult mice with LiCl after sciatic
      nerve crush injury accelerated in vivo myelin debris clearance stimulated the
      expression of myelin proteins, restored the myelin structure, and accelerated the
      recovery of sciatic functions. LiCl treatment also promoted remyelination of the
      sciatic nerve after crush. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that LiCl exerts its
      action in Schwann cells by increasing the amount of beta-catenin and provoking
      its nuclear localization in vivo. We showed by ChIP experiments that LiCl
      treatment drives beta-catenin to bind to T-cell factor/lymphoid-enhancer factor
      response elements identified in myelin-related genes. Taken together, our results
      provide the first evidence that the GSK3beta could be considered as an important
      drug in inducing early myelin debris clearance and regulating the expression of
      myelin genes, which open new approaches in the clinical treatment of nerve
      injuries by utilizing GSK3beta inhibitors such as lithium.

PMID- 28078010
TI  - Fn14 is regulated via the RhoA pathway and mediates nuclear factor-kappaB
      activation by Angiotensin II.
AB  - Angiotesin II (Ang II) plays an important role in cardiac remodeling. Fibroblast
      growth factor inducible-14 (Fn14) is the smallest member of the tumor necrosis
      factor superfamily of receptors. Currently, little is known about the functional
      role of Fn14 in the heart. Chiefly, we observe the up-regulation of extracellular
      matrix in in vivo model. We therefore assess the expression and regulation of
      Fn14 in cardiomyocytes and in vivo models induced by Ang II. In order to study
      the regulation of Fn14, cardiac remodeling was established in rats and neonatal
      cardiomyocytes were used in in vitro model. As well, Ang II is able to strongly
      induce Fn14 expression in in vivo and in vitro models. Fn14 is mediated via RhoA
      pathways, since siRNA against RhoA prevented the expression of Fn14 in
      cardiomyocytes. Pretreatment of cardiomyoctes with siRNA against NF-kappaB and
      IkappaBalpha also decreased Fn14 expression induced by Ang II. We here describe
      for the first time Ang II regulation of Fn14 in in vivo and in vitro models via
      RhoA, NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB driven gene signaling pathway. In conclusion, Fn14
      may be important in regulating the process of cardiac remodeling induced by Ang
      II.

PMID- 28078013
TI  - Overexpression and biological function of IQGAP3 in human pancreatic cancer.
AB  - IQGAP3 (IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein3) belongs to IQGAP family.
      Recent studies have investigated that IQGAP3 was overexpressed in several tumor
      tissues. This study was designed to explore the expression and role of IQGAP3 in
      pancreatic cancer, a highly lethal disease. IQGAP3 mRNA expression was
      significantly increased in pancreatic cancer tissues, compared with non-cancerous
      tissues. Moreover, its expression was strongly associated with tumor size,
      differentiation, lymph node metastasis and patients' overall survival. Gene set
      enrichment analysis (GSEA) on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset showed that
      cell apoptosis, metastasis and Cdc42 pathways were strongly associated with
      IQGAP3 expression in pancreatic cancer patients. Knocking down of IQGAP3 in two
      pancreatic cancer cell lines with high level of IQGAP3 (BXPC-3 and SW1990)
      significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced
      cell apoptosis. Moreover, silencing of IQGAP3 also affected the expression of
      cell apoptosis-, metastasis- and Cdc42 pathway-related proteins. Cdc42 knockdown
      had similar inhibitory effects on the cellular behavior of BXPC-3 cells. In
      conclusion, IQGAP3 may act as an oncogene in pancreatic cancer through regulating
      Cdc42 expression. Our data suggest IQGAP3 might be a novel diagnostic marker and
      therapeutic target for this cancer.

PMID- 28078014
TI  - MiRNA-34a overexpression inhibits multiple myeloma cancer stem cell growth in
      mice by suppressing TGIF2.
AB  - Hematological malignancy originated from B-cell line, multiple myeloma (MM), is a
      kind of plasma cells in bone marrow hyperplasia and cause of osteoclast-mediated
      skeletal destruction disease. MiR-34a plays an important epigenetic regulating
      role in malignant tumors and presents a therapeutic potential. In this study, we
      investigated the effects of overexpression of miR-34a in MM cancer stem cells
      (CSCs) on tumor growth and bone lesions. Here we showed that miR-34a
      overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, and increased CSC
      apoptosis in vitro. The apparent epigenetic modulation induced by miR-34a
      overexpression was found no only in MM RPMI8226 cells but also in CSC xenograft
      MM. Both bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that
      transforming growth interaction factor 2 (TGIF2) was sufficient to confer miR-34a
      regulation. The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot assays demonstrated that the
      expression of TGIF2 was significant decreased in tumor tissues from NOD/SCID mice
      injected with miR-34a-MM CSCs. We conclude that miR-34a overexpression in MM CSCs
      significantly suppressed the tumorigenicity and lytic bone lesions in mouse model
      by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting TGIF2 expression.

PMID- 28078015
TI  - Long non-coding RNA CCAT1 that can be activated by c-Myc promotes pancreatic
      cancer cell proliferation and migration.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the potential role of lncRNA CCAT1 in the
      progression of pancreatic cancer (PC) and to reveal its possible molecular
      mechanism. The expression of CCAT1 was analyzed in PC tissues and their adjacent
      normal tissues from patients diagnosed with PC and in two pancreas cancer cell
      lines, namely PANC-1 and Aspc-1 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT
      PCR) and western blot, respectively. The effects of CCAT1 expression on cell
      proliferation, cell cycle, and migration were analyzed using MTT assay, flow
      cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The effects of c-Myc expression on
      the expression of CCAT1 and E-box were also analyzed using RNA
      immunoprecipitation (RIP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays,
      respectively. The results showed that CCAT1 was highly expressed in PC tissues
      compared to the adjacent tissues (P<0.01) and was also overexpressed in PANC-1
      and Aspc-1 cells (P<0.05). The silencing of CCAT1 significantly inhibited cell
      proliferation and migration (P<0.05), arrested cell cycle at G0/G1 stage, and
      decreased cyclin D1 expression (P<0.05). An increased expression of c-Myc was
      observed in the PC tissues compared to the adjacent tissues. We found that
      suppression of c-Myc altered CCAT1 expression by targeting its promoter at E-box.
      This study demonstrated that c-Myc-activated CCAT1 may contribute to
      tumorigenesis and metastasis of PC, which may serve as a potential target for the
      therapy of PC.

PMID- 28078016
TI  - Trichosanatine alleviates oxidized low-density lipoprotein induced endothelial
      cells injury via inhibiting the LOX-1/p38 MAPK pathway.
AB  - The LOX-1/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has been proved to
      participate in the endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis. Trichosanatineis
      is an active compound isolated from the peel of Trichosanthes kirilowii. This
      study aims to determine whether trichosanatine prevents the oxidized low-density
      lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced insult through inhibition of the LOX-1/p38 MAPK
      pathway in HUVECs. HUVECs were treated with 150 mg/ml ox-LDL for 24 h to
      establish an ox-LDL-induced endothelial injury model. Cell viability,
      mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      level, LOX-1 and p38 MAPK expression level were measured. The results indicated
      that HUVECs were pretreated with either 100 mM trichosanatine or LOX-1 shRNA
      prior to exposure to ox-LDL for 24 h. Exposure of HUVECs to 150 mg/ml ox-LDL for
      24 h significantly up-regulated the expression levels of LOX-1. The increased
      expression levels of LOX-1 were markedly attenuated by pretreatment with 100 mM
      trichosanatine. In addition, the ox-LDL-induced increase in phosphorylated (p)
      p38 MAPK expression was ameliorated by pretreatment with LOX-1 shRNA.
      Pretreatment of HUVECs with either trichosanatine or LOX-1 shRNA before exposure
      to ox-LDL significantly inhibited the ox-LDL-induced injuries, as evidenced by an
      increase in cell viability, a decrease in apoptotic cells, a ROS generation and a
      loss of MMP. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time that the LOX
      1/p38 MAPK pathway contributes to the ox-LDL-induced injury in HUVECs. Meanwhile,
      the trichosanatine protects the HUVECs against ox-LDL-induced injury at least in
      part by inhibiting the activated of LOX-1/p38 MAPK pathway.

PMID- 28078017
TI  - Runx2-interacting genes identified by yeast two-hybrid screening of libraries
      generated from hypertrophic chondrocytes.
AB  - Runx2, a member of the Runt domain family, is a well-known master transcription
      factor for osteoblast differentiation. Runx2 has also been shown to play
      essential roles during chondrocyte hypertrophy, an important late stage of
      endochondral ossification linking both bone and cartilage development. To
      identify the co-factors that may interact with Runx2 together to regulate this
      critical process, we have performed yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening using Runx2
      as a bait to screen a cDNA library of hypertrophic chondrocytes. The bait
      expressing cassette was constructed by fusing Runx2 with the pGBKT7 vector
      containing the Gal4 DNA binding domain (BD). The Mate & Plate libraries were
      constructed using pGADT7-Rec and cDNAs derived from hypertrophic chondrocytes
      enriched limb tissues or hypertrophic MCT cells. After co-transformation of
      pGBKT7-Runx2 and the cDNA libraries, colonies that grew in nutrition deficient
      medium were selected and subjected to PCR and sequencing analysis. We
      successfully identified more than 30 candidate genes, including Lectin-1
      (Lgals1), Col1a2, Edf1 and Timp-2. We have performed literature review and
      bioinformatics analysis of these genes using GenePaint. Most of them show
      ubiquitous expression with Lgals1 show enhanced expression in hypertrophic
      chondrocytes. We further performed preliminary expression analysis by
      quantitative PCR and detected differential expression of these candidate genes in
      proliferative and hypertrophic MCT cells, with Timp-2 significantly (around 3
      fold) and Lgals1 moderately (around 1.5 fold) upregulated in hypertrophic MCT
      cells. Our results suggest that, candidate gene Timp-2 is very likely to interact
      with Runx2 and together to play essential function during cartilage development,
      and possibly its homeostasis.

PMID- 28078018
TI  - MicroRNA-613 targets FMNL2 and suppresses progression of colorectal cancer.
AB  - Increasing evidence indicates that dysregulation of miRNAs is involved in the
      initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). MicroRNA (miR)-613 has
      been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in many cancers. However, the
      precise role of miR-613 in CRC progression is unclear. This study aimed to
      investigate the role and underlying mechanism of miR-613 in growth and metastasis
      of CRC. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot techniques were used
      to assess expression of miR-613 and formin-like 2 (FMNL2) in CRC cell lines and
      tissues. Luciferase reporter assays were conducted to investigate the association
      between miR-613 and FMNL2. Proliferation, wound healing, and transwell invasion
      assays, as well as flow cytometric analysis, were performed to evaluate the
      effect of miR-613 on proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell-cycle status,
      respectively, of CRC cells. We found that miR-613 was significantly downregulated
      in CRC cell lines and tissue samples, and correlated closely with TNM stage. miR
      613 suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced cell
      cycle arrest at G1 phase. FMNL2 was identified as a direct target of miR-613 in
      CRC cells. Importantly, FMNL2 overexpression rescued miR-613-induced suppression
      of proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. These results suggest
      that miR-613 functions as a tumor suppressor in the progression of CRC by
      regulating FMNL2.

PMID- 28078019
TI  - Intramuscular nerve distribution patterns of anterior forearm muscles in
      children: a guide for botulinum toxin injection.
AB  - Botulinum toxin (BoNT) can relieve muscle spasticity by blocking axon terminals
      acetylcholine release at the motor endplate (MEP) and is the safest and most
      effective agent for the treatment of muscle spasticity in children with cerebral
      palsy. In order to achieve maximum effect with minimum effective dose of BoNT,
      one needs to choose an injection site as near to the MEP zone as possible. This
      requires a detailed understanding about the nerve terminal distributions within
      the muscles targeted for BoNT injection. This study focuses on BoNT treatment in
      children with muscle spasms caused by cerebral palsy. Considering the differences
      between children and adults in anatomy, we used child cadavers and measured both
      the nerve entry points and nerve terminal sense zones in three deep muscles of
      the anterior forearm: flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), flexor pollicis longus
      (FPL), and pronator quadratus (PQ). We measured the nerve entry points by using
      the forearm midline as a reference and demonstrated intramuscular nerve terminal
      dense zones by using a modified Sihler's nerve staining technique. The locations
      of the nerve entry points and that of the nerve terminal dense zones in the
      muscles were compared. We found that all nerve entry points are away from the
      corresponding intramuscular nerve terminal dense zones. Simply selecting nerve
      entry points as the sites for BoNT injection may not be an optimal choice for
      best effects in blocking muscle spasm. We propose that the location of the nerve
      terminal dense zones in each individual muscle should be used as the optimal
      target sites for BoNT injection when treating muscle spasms in children with
      cerebral palsy.

PMID- 28078020
TI  - Miniature pigs: a large animal model of cochlear implantation.
AB  - The objective of this paper was to investigate the suitability of the miniature
      pig as a large animal model of cochlear implantation (CI). Micro-CT scanning and
      three-dimensional reconstructions of the inner ear were completed in six animals.
      Photographs of the procedures and measurements of the inner ear were made. The CI
      procedure was simulated in 10 animals. Electrically evoked auditory brain stem
      responses (EABRs) and radiographic images were evaluated during or after the CI
      procedure. Morphological examination and measurements of inner ears of the
      miniature pigs were completed by micro-CT scanning. The height of the scala
      tympani was 873.12 um in the 1st turn, 641.46 um in the 2nd turn, 445.13 um in
      the third turn and 339.19 um in the fourth turn. The length of the cochlea was
      38.6 mm, larger than other animal models (7.2 mm in rats and 22 mm in macaque,
      for example) and similar to that in the human (36 mm). Commercial electrodes used
      in humans (870 um at the end and 630 um at the tip in diameter) were implanted in
      the pig's cochlea, through which normal eABRs were obtained. Radiographic images
      after the CI procedure revealed electrodes located in the scala tympani of the
      first and second turns. Compared with traditional animal models, greater
      similarities of the inner ear between miniature pigs and humans make this animal
      a potentially useful model for CI studies.

PMID- 28078021
TI  - Micro RNA-19a suppresses thrombospondin-1 in CD35+ B cells in the intestine of
      mice with food allergy.
AB  - Disruption of immune tolerance is associated in the pathogenesis of allergy.
      Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) plays a role in the maintenance of immune tolerance,
      which is compromised in allergic disorders. Micro RNA (miR) is involved in the
      regulation of immune responses. This study tests a hypothesis that miR-17-92
      cluster is involved in the regulation of TSP1 in the intestinal CD35+ B cells. In
      this study, a food allergy mouse model was developed. The intestinal B cells were
      isolated to be analyzed for the expression of a miR-17-92 cluster and TSP1. The
      role of miR-19a in the suppression of TSP1 in B cells was tested in a cell
      culture model. We observed that the levels of TSP1 were significantly decreased;
      the levels of miR-19a were significantly increased in intestinal CD35+ B cells of
      mice sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) as compared with naive controls. Exposure to
      interleukin (IL)-4 suppressed the expression of TSP1 in B cells, which was
      abolished by inhibition of miR-19a. miR-19a mediated the effects of IL-4 on
      repressing TSP1 expression in B cells. We conclude that IL-4 suppresses the
      expression of TSP1 in the intestinal CD35+ B cells via up regulating miR-19a. The
      miR-19a may be a target to regulate the immune tolerant status in the body.

PMID- 28078022
TI  - MiR-19 suppresses fibroblast-like synoviocytes cytokine release by targeting toll
      like receptor 2 in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through participating in joint tissue inflammation and
      joint damage. MicroRNAs are a kind of small non-coding RNAs that can regulate
      gene expression in the transcription level to affect cell behaviors. This study
      intended to investigate the expression of miR-19 in FLS from RA patients and
      related mechanism. A total of 126 RA patients were selected in this study. MiR-19
      expression in FLS was detected by qRT-PCR. Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) protein
      expression was tested by Western blot. MiR-19 target genes were confirmed by
      bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. The impact of miR-19 on
      the expression of TLR2, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP
      3) in FLS were analyzed by cell transfection and Western blot. MiR-19 expression
      in FLS from RA patients was significantly downregulated compared with control (P
      < 0.05), while TLR2 level was increased (P < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis and
      luciferase reporter assay confirmed that TLR2 was the target gene of miR-19.
      Transfection of miR-19 mimic or miR-19 inhibitor obviously suppressed or
      increased TLR2 expression, and reduced or promoted release of cytokines IL-6 and
      MMP-3 in FLS, respectively. In conclusion, MiR-19 expression was downregulated in
      FLS from RA patients, leading to increased TLR2 expression and enhanced cytokines
      release.

PMID- 28078023
TI  - Picroside II protects against sepsis via suppressing inflammation in mice.
AB  - Picroside II, an iridoid compound extracted from Picrorhiza, exhibits anti
      inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. We explored the protective effects
      and mechanisms of picroside II in a mouse model of sepsis induced by cecal
      ligation and puncture (CLP), using three groups of mice: Group A (sham), Group B
      (CLP+NS) and Group C (CLP+20 mg/kg picroside II). The mortality in mice with
      sepsis was decreased by the administration of picroside II, and lung injury was
      alleviated simultaneously. Picroside II treatment enhanced bacterial clearance in
      septic mice. Further, picroside II treatment alleviated the inflammatory response
      in sepsis and enhanced immune function by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3
      inflammasome and NF-kappaB pathways. Picroside II may represent an anti
      inflammatory drug candidate, providing novel insight into the treatment of
      sepsis.

PMID- 28078024
TI  - Neuroprotective effect of picroside II in brain injury in mice.
AB  - Various types of brain injury which led to the damage of brain tissue structure
      and neurological dysfunction continues to be the major causes of disability and
      mortality. Picroside II (PII) possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects
      and has been proved to ameliorate ischemia and reperfusion injury of kidney and
      brain. However, critical questions remain about other brain injuries. We
      investigated the protective effect of PII in four well-characterized murine
      models of brain injury. Models showed a subsequent regional inflammatory response
      and oxidative stress in common, which might be improved by the administration of
      PII (20 mg/kg). Meanwhile, a series of morphological and histological analyses
      for reinforcement was performed. In traumatic, ischemic and infectious induced
      injuries, it was observed that the survival rate, apoptosis related proteins,
      Caspase-3, and the expression of acute inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6 and
      TNF-alpha) were significantly alleviated after PII injection, but PII treatment
      alone showed no effect on them as well. The western blot results indicated that
      TLR4 and NF-kappaB were clearly downregulated with PII administration. In
      conclusion, our results suggested that PII with a recommended concentration of 20
      mg/kg could provide neuroprotective effects against multi-cerebral injuries in
      mice by suppressing the over-reactive inflammatory responses and oxidative stress
      and attenuating the damage of brain tissue for further neurological recovery.

PMID- 28078025
TI  - Potential herb-drug interaction of shexiang baoxin pill in vitro based on drug
      metabolism/transporter.
AB  - Many researches have proved functions of anti-oxidation, endothelial protection
      and pro-angiogenesis efficiency of Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP). This study aims to
      investigate potential for metabolism-based interaction on CYP450s and transporter
      based interaction on OATP1B1, BRCP and MDR1. Human primary hepatocytes were used
      in this study. Probe substrates of cytochrome P450 enzymes were incubated in
      human liver microsomes (HLMs) with or without SBP and IC50 values were estimated.
      Inhibitive potential of SBP on activities of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and
      3A4 was evaluated. Inducible potential of SBP on activities of CYP1A2, 2B6 and
      3A4 was accessed. Inhibitive potential of SBP on human OATP1B1 was evaluated
      using cell-based assay. Inhibitive potential of SBP on human MDR1 and BCRP was
      also evaluated using vesicles assay. MDR1 and BCRP vesicle kit were used to
      determine ATP dependent uptake activity when incubated with SBP. SBP was a
      competitive inhibitor of CYP2B6, 2C19, while neither inhibitory nor inductive
      potentials toward other CYP450s were detected. No significant MDR1 inhibitory
      potential was estimated, while only high concentration of SBP (500 MUg/ml) could
      inhibit activity of BCRP. Probe substrates Estradiol-17 beta-glucuronide was
      incubated in HEK293-OATP1B1 and HEK293-MOCK cell system with different
      concentration of SBP and estimated IC50 was 179 MUg/mL, which demonstrated a
      moderate inhibition potential against OATP1B1. In conclusion, outcome of this
      study suggests that SBP plays an important role in inhibition of CYP450 isozymes
      (including CYP2B6 and 2C9) and transporter OATP1B1. Therefore, precautions should
      be taken when using SBP for CYP and OATP-related herb-drug interactions.

PMID- 28078026
TI  - Lugrandoside attenuates LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome by anti
      inflammation and anti-apoptosis in mice.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and specific mechanisms of
      lugrandoside (LG) on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced acute respiratory distress
      syndrome (ARDS). LG is a novel phenylpropanoid glycoside with many biological
      properties, isolated from the culinary leaves of Digitalis lutea L. and Digitalis
      grandiflora Miller. The primary indicators to assess the lung injury were
      infiltration of inflammatory cells; pulmonary edema; expression of
      proinflammatory cytokines, cyclo-oxygenase 2, and intracellular adhesion molecule
      1; activation of nuclear factor-kappaB pathways; and cellular apoptosis. The
      results showed that LG evidently alleviated the inflammatory response, decreased
      the apoptosis of alveolar macrophages, and improved the lung injury in mice with
      LPS-induced ARDS. In conclusion, LG improved LPS-induced ARDS by anti
      inflammation and anti-apoptosis and might be a promising pharmacological therapy
      for ARDS.

PMID- 28078027
TI  - Advanced glycosylation end product promotes forkhead box O1 and inhibits Wnt
      pathway to suppress capacities of epidermal stem cells.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is frequently accompanied by chronic complications like delayed
      wound healing, which is consider to be attributed to the accumulation of advanced
      glycosylation end product (AGE). However, the impacts of AGE on epidermal stem
      cells (ESCs) are largely unknown. This study aims to address the influence and
      mechanism of AGE on ESCs. ESCs isolated from rats were cultured in AGE-modified
      bovine serum albumin and transfected with small interfering RNA to knock down AGE
      specific receptor (AGER). Expression of stem cell markers integrin beta1 (ITGB1)
      and keratin 19 (KRT19), cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) were examined. Wnt pathway-related factors Wnt family member 1 (WNT1),
      WNT3A, beta-catenin, v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC),
      cyclin D1 (CCND1) and matrix metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7) were quantified. The
      interaction between forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) and beta-catenin was assessed by co
      immunoprecipitation. Results indicated that AGE down-regulated ITGB1 and KRT19
      expression, suppressed ESC viability and promoted apoptosis, and ROS level (P <
      0.01), implying decreased capacities of ESCs. AGE also promoted AGER and FOXO1,
      while AGER knockdown had the opposite effects. Moreover, AGER knockdown elevated
      the level of WNT1, WNT3A, MYC, CCND1 and MMP7 that were suppressed by AGE (P <
      0.01). Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that FOXO1 could compete with lymphoid
      enhancer binding factor 1 to interact with beta-catenin, which might help to
      elucidate the mechanism of AGE repressing ESCs. This study helps to understand
      the mechanism of accumulated AGE in affecting ESC capacities, and provides
      potential therapeutic targets to meliorate diabetic wound healing.

PMID- 28078028
TI  - Activation of 5-HT and NR2B contributes to visceral hypersensitivity in irritable
      bowel syndrome in rats.
AB  - The roles of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and spinal N-methyl-D-aspartic acid
      receptor 2B (NR2B) in visceral hypersensitivity were investigated. A rat model
      with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was established by intracolonic injections of
      acetic acid onpost-natal days 8-21. Rats were randomly divided into five groups:
      normal intact (control) group, IBS model group, Ro25-6981-treated IBS rats (Ro25
      6981, a NR2B antagonist) group, amitriptyline-treated IBS rats (amitriptyline, a
      5-HT antagonist) and Ro25-6981 plus amitriptyline-treated IBS rats (Ro25
      6981+amitriptyline) group. The expressions of 5-HT, NR2B, 5-HT2AR, 5-HT7R, SERT,
      TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in colon, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and hypothalamus,
      respectively, were measured by Immunohistochemical staining, Real-Time Reverse
      Transcription-PCR and Western blotting. Our results showed increased DRG and
      hypothalamus expression of 5-HT, NR2B, 5-HT2AR, 5-HT7R in IBS model group and
      decreased expression of those in Ro25-6981 and amitriptyline alone or both
      treatment groups. Moreover, SERT expression was decreased in colorectal, DRG and
      hypothalamus of ISB model rats, but increased by Ro25-6981 and amitriptyline
      alone or both treatments. Ro25-6981 and amitriptyline treatment also decreased
      colorectal expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta induced by IBS model. In
      conclusion, activation of 5-HT and NR2B may play a crucial role in visceral
      hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome in rats.

PMID- 28078029
TI  - Intrinsically 89Zr-labeled Gd2O2S:Eu nanophosphors with high in vivo stability
      for dual-modality imaging.
AB  - Radioluminescence imaging (RLI) employs high energy particles from radioisotope
      decay for in situ excitation of selected nanophosphors. Co-injection of
      radiopharmaceuticals and nanophosphors suffers from suboptimal RL efficiency
      owing to the large separation between the source and the emitter. In addition,
      vastly different pharmacokinetic profiles of the two further impede the practical
      applications of this approach. To overcome the above challenges, chelator-free
      radiolabeled nanophosphors with excellent RL efficiency and dual-modality imaging
      capabilities have been proposed. Abundant O2- donors on Gd2O2S:Eu could
      intrinsically chelate oxophilic radionuclide 89Zr with ~80 % labeling yield.
      Positron emission tomography demonstrated superb long-term radiostability of
      [89Zr]Gd2O2S:Eu@PEG nanoparticles in vivo, and a conventional optical imaging
      system was used to study radiouminescence properties of [89Zr]Gd2O2S:Eu@PEG
      nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 28078031
TI  - Calmodulin regulates KCNQ2 function in epilepsy.
AB  - Epilepsy is linked to mutations in KCNQ channels. KCNQ channels including KCNQ2
      and KCNQ3 are enriched in neurons, regulating action potential generation and
      modulation. Here, we showed that properties of KCNQ2 channel in rat hippocampal
      cultured neurons are regulated by ubiquitous calcium sensor calmodulin. We
      analyzed calmodulin function on the KCNQ2 channel in both HEK293 cells and
      neurons. We used shRNAs to suppress expression of calmodulin protein. On the
      other hand, we used cDNA to over-express calmodulin in HEK293 and neuron cells.
      In wild type and mis-sense mutations of KCNQ2 proteins, calmodulin over
      expression enhanced outward K+ current and decreased neuronal activity.
      Meanwhile, calmodulin knockdown reduced KCNQ2 current and increased neuronal
      activity, showing that hippocampal neuronal excitability is regulated by
      expression level of calmodulin protein. Our data suggest that calmodulin performs
      a major function in regulating KCNQ2 properties via direct binding to KCNQ2
      protein, indicating that calmodulin could be a target of as gene therapy in
      epilepsy.

PMID- 28078030
TI  - Lymph node metastasis in patients with gastric cancer: a multi-modality,
      morphologic and functional imaging study.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the value of computed tomography (CT),
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for
      diagnosing lymph nodes metastasis before treatment in gastric cancer. Eighty-two
      patients with proven gastric cancer underwent CT, morphological MRI (T2WI) and
      DWI examinations. Two radiologists independently assessed these images for the
      presence of lymph nodes involvement. Pathologic findings were considered as "gold
      standard". Independent samples t-test was used for the comparisons of short
      diameters and ADC values between the positive lymph nodes and the negative lymph
      nodes. Diagnostic accuracy of these three imaging modalities was evaluated by
      area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC). The ADC
      value of the positive lymph nodes was (1.15 +/- 0.01) * 10-3 mm2/s, which was
      significantly lower than that of the negative lymph nodes (1.48 +/- 0.01) * 10-3
      mm2/s (t = 18.70, P < 0.0001). The short diameter of the positive lymph nodes
      (1.54 +/- 0.38 cm) was significantly greater than that of the negative lymph
      nodes (0.95 +/- 0.12 mm) (t = 19.03, P < 0.001). The AUC for all imaging
      modalities combined (0.893) was significantly larger than that for each imaging
      modality alone (P < 0.05), and the AUC of DWI (0.797) was significantly larger
      than (P < 0.05) that of morphological MRI (0.733). There was no statistically
      significant difference between the AUCs of CT and morphological MRI (P = 0.462).
      In conclusion, CT, MRI and DWI combined present significantly higher accuracy
      than each imaging modality alone in the detection of lymph nodes involvement.

PMID- 28078032
TI  - Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer enhances host resistance against
      pseudomonas aeruginosa infection through MAPK signaling pathway.
AB  - This study aims to explore the role of extra-cellular matrix metalloproteinase
      inducer (EMMPRIN) in the drug resistance of the pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). The
      BALB/c mice were transfected with PA, then the mice were infected with the siRNA
      of EMMPRIN to silence the EMMPRIN gene. The EMMPRIN mRNA and protein were
      detected by using RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. In order to examine the
      function of EMMPRIN in drug resistance of PA, the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were
      treated with EMMPRIN siRNA. The cytokines, EMMPRIN and MMP9 were examined by the
      RP-PCR and ELISA, respectively, undergoing the silence of EMMPRIN siRNA.
      Moreover, the western blot assay was also used to test the phosphorylated MAPK in
      the murine macrophages after silenced by the EMMPRIN siRNA. The EMMPRIN was
      activated, with lipopolysaccharide stimulation and treated with the MAPK
      inhibitor, to evaluate whether the MAPK participates in the EMMPRIN-triggered
      drug resistance. The results indicated that the EMMPRIN expression was elevated
      in the infected BALB/c at 3 or 5 days post-infection. Silence of EMMPRIN Enhanced
      the Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in PA keratitis. Silence of EMMPRIN
      significantly up-regulated Th1-type cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-12, and IL-18, but
      down-regulated Th2-type cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. MMP9 was increased in
      the cells with rEMMPRIN treatment. EMMPRIN inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine
      production via a MAPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, EMMPRIN promotes host
      resistance against pseudomonas aeruginosa infection via MAPK signaling pathway.

PMID- 28078033
TI  - Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells reduce immune reaction in a mouse
      model of allergic rhinitis.
AB  - OBJECT: To determine the potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
      (BMSCs) for immunomodulatory mechanism in mice model of allergic rhinitis (AR).
      METHODS: BMSCs were isolated and the surface markers and stemness were analyzed.
      The effect of BMSCs was evaluated in BALB/c mice that were randomly divided into
      three groups (control group, ovalbumin (OVA) group, OVA+BMSCs group). BMSCs were
      administered intravenously to OVA sensitized mice on days 1, 7, 14 and 21, and
      subsequent OVA challenge was conducted daily from days 22 to 35. Several
      parameters of allergic inflammation were assessed. RESULTS: Mesenchymal stem
      cells can be successfully isolated from bone marrow of mice. Intravenous
      injection of BMSCs significantly reduced allergic symptoms, eosinophil
      infiltration, OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokine
      profile (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13) and regulatory cytokines (IL-10). In
      addition, level of Th1 (IFN-gamma) was significantly increased. CONCLUSION:
      Administration of BMSCs effectively reduced allergic symptoms and inflammatory
      parameters in the mice model of AR. BMSCs treatment is potentially an alternative
      therapeutic modality in AR.

PMID- 28078034
TI  - Reactivated astrocytes as a possible source of oligodendrocyte precursors for
      remyelination in remitting phase of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
      rats.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is ademyelinating disease in the central nervous system
      (CNS). Majority of the MS patients show relapsing-remitting disease course.
      Evidences show that oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which remain
      relatively quiescent in normal adult CNS, play a key role in the remitting phase
      by proliferation and remyelination. In the present study, we found that spinal
      cord astrocytesco-expressed progenitor cell marker and oligodendroglial lineage
      markers in the remittance phase in adult rat experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. We suggest that activated astrocyte could de
      differentiate into OPCs and re-differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes,
      raising the possibility that astrocytes can be a potential source of OPCs in the
      adult demyelinated spinal cord.

PMID- 28078035
TI  - Impact of perinatal exposure to acetaminophen on hepatocellular metabolic
      function in offspring.
AB  - Acetaminophen (APAP), an over the counter (OTC) medication, is widely used in
      antipyretic treatment. Although the risk of dose-dependent cytotoxicity has been
      known, the potential effect of perinatal exposure to acetaminophen on metabolic
      function in offspring remains uninvestigated. Therefore, we established a
      prenatally APAP-exposed pregnancy mouse model to assess the possible adverse
      effect on liver metabolic function in offspring. Biochemical assays were applied
      in analysis of basic metabolic parameters in postnatal mice. Further,
      immunoblotting assay was used to assess the expressions of insulin receptor beta
      (IRbeta), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK-3beta
      proteins in liver cells. In addition, hepatic glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2)
      immunoactivity was determined by using immunohistochemistry staining. Compared
      with untreated postnatal mice, APAP-exposed offspring induced impaired glucose
      metabolism, increased plasma insulin level, and reduced liver glycogen content.
      In addition, APAP exposure decreased the expressions of IRS1 and phospho-GSK
      3beta, phospho-AKT proteins and down-regulated the level of glucose-import
      regulator GLUT2 in the liver. Taken together, our preliminary findings indicate
      that perinatal APAP exposure-impaired hepatic glucose metabolism in offspring may
      be associated with disturbance of insulin-dependent AKT signaling in the liver.

PMID- 28078036
TI  - Combined thermosensitive in situ gel with AMD3100 in sutureless technique
      improves the survival and function of kidney transplants in mice.
AB  - The mouse is an optimal animal model for kidney transplantation. Recent reports
      suggest that application of poloxamer 407, a thermosensitive in situ gel, during
      the sutureless technique significantly increases animal survival, compared to
      traditional methods. However, further improvement of this technology is greatly
      needed but remains unexplored. Here, we detected significant inflammation at the
      region of ureter anastomosis, after kidney transplantation using poloxamer 407.
      Since chemokines play a pivotal role during inflammation, we implanted an Alzet
      osmotic pump that gradually releases AMD3100 (a specific inhibitor of the binding
      of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) to its receptor, CXCR4) at the site of
      ureter anastomosis in mice that had undergone kidney transplantation. We found
      that AMD3100 significantly reduced local inflammation, significantly improved
      animal survival after kidney transplantation, and significantly improved kidney
      function. Together, these data suggest that inhibition of chemokine signaling at
      the site of ureter anastomosis may substantially improve animal survival after
      kidney transplantation through suppression of suturing-related inflammation.

PMID- 28078037
TI  - Identification of chaperones in a MPP+-induced and ATRA/TPA-differentiated SH
      SY5Y cell PD model.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the pathological accumulation of
      misfolded proteins. Molecular chaperones assist in the proper folding of proteins
      and removal of irreversibly misfolded proteins. This study aims to identify
      potential chaperones associated with protein misfolding and accumulation in PD.
      ATRA/TPA-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 1 mM of MPP+ for 48
      hours. Proteins were analyzed by 2D-DIGE followed by MALDI-ToF MS. The treatment
      of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells by MPP+ led to the unambiguous identification of
      10 protein spots, which corresponds to six proteins. Among these six proteins,
      four were chaperone proteins including nucleophosmin (NPM1), chaperonin
      containing TCP-1 subunit 2 (CCT2 or CCTbeta), heat shock 90 kDa protein 1 beta
      (HSP90AB1 or HSP90-beta), and tyrosin3/tryptopha5-monoxygenase activation
      protein, zeta polypeptide (14-3-3zeta, gene symbol: Ywhaz). To our knowledge,
      this is the first report that linked the upregulation of chaperones after MPP+
      treatment with SH-SY5Y cells. However, the NPM1 protein was identified for the
      first time in the PD model. The upregulation of four chaperone proteins provided
      evidence that these chaperones have a complementary effect on protein misfolding
      in the pathogenesis of PD, and hold promise as a good therapeutic target for PD
      treatment.

PMID- 28078038
TI  - Insulin resistance is associated with specific gut microbiota in appendix samples
      from morbidly obese patients.
AB  - Alterations in intestinal microbiota composition could promote a proinflammatory
      state in adipose tissue that is associated with obesity and insulin resistance.
      Our aim was to identify the gut microbiota associated with insulin resistance in
      appendix samples from morbidly obese patients classified in 2 groups, high (IR
      MO) and low insulin-resistant (NIR-MO), and to determine the possible association
      between these gut microbiota and variables associated with insulin resistance and
      the expression of genes related to inflammation and macrophage infiltration in
      adipose tissue. Appendix samples were obtained during gastric bypass surgery and
      the microbiome composition was determined by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing and
      bioinformatics analysis by QIIME. The Chao and Shannon indices for each study
      group suggested similar bacterial richness and diversity in the appendix samples
      between both study groups. 16S rRNA pyrosequencing showed that the IR-MO group
      had a significant increase in the abundance of Firmicutes, Fusobacteria,
      Pseudomonaceae, Prevotellaceae, Fusobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Catenibacterium,
      Prevotella, Veillonella and Fusobacterium compared to the NIR-MO group. Moreover,
      in the IR-MO group we found a significant positive correlation between the
      abundance of Prevotella, Succinovibrio, Firmicutes and Veillonella and the
      visceral adipose tissue expression level of IL6, TNF alpha, ILB1 and CD11b
      respectively, and significant negative correlations between the abundance of
      Butyricimonas and Bifidobacterium, and plasma glucose and insulin levels,
      respectively. In conclusion, an appendix dysbiosis occurs in IR-MO patients, with
      a loss of butyrate-producing bacteria, essential to maintenance of gut integrity,
      together with an increase in mucin-degrading bacteria and opportunistic
      pathogens. The microbiota present in the IR-MO group were related to low grade
      inflammation in adipose tissue and could be useful for developing strategies to
      control the development of insulin resistance.

PMID- 28078039
TI  - Inhibition of hepatic cells pyroptosis attenuates CLP-induced acute liver injury.
AB  - Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death associated with caspase-1 and accompanied
      by the secretion of a large number of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the acute
      stage of sepsis, the release of several pro-inflammatory cytokines aggravates
      hepatic cell death, and acute liver injury is aggravated with the progress of the
      disease, resulting in acute liver failure with a very high mortality rate. The
      present study investigated the effect of inhibiting hepatic cell pyroptosis on
      the septic acute liver injury. Septic acute liver injury mice model was
      established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP model). The liver tissues were
      assessed for inflammatory infiltration by HE, serum concentrations of ALT, AST,
      IL-1beta, and IL-18 were examined by ELISA, hepatic cell pyroptosis was
      determined by flow cytometry, and expressions of caspase-1 and NLRP3 were
      assessed by Western blot. CLP-induced acute liver injury was distinct at 24 h
      post-operation, with the highest hepatic cell pyroptosis rate. The pyroptosis
      rate and liver injury indexes were positively correlated. Western blot showed
      that the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins, caspase-1, and NLRP3, were
      increased. Normal mouse hepatic cells were cultured in vitro and LPS+ATP
      introduced to establish the cell model of septic acute liver injury. The
      expressions of caspase-1, NLRP3, IL-1beta, and IL-18 in LPS+ATP group were
      significantly higher than the control group by Western blot and ELISA. The
      inhibitors of NLRP3 (Glyburide) and caspase-1 (AC-YVAD-CMK) alone or in
      combination were used to pre-treat the hepatic cells, which revealed that the
      pyroptosis rate was decreased and the cell damage alleviated. The in vivo assay
      in rats showed that post inhibitor treatment, the 10-days survival was
      significantly improved and the liver damage reduced. Therefore, inhibiting the
      hepatic cell pyroptosis could alleviate CLP-induced acute liver injury, providing
      a novel treatment target for septic acute liver injury.

PMID- 28078040
TI  - TLR4-dependent internalization of CX3CR1 aggravates sepsis-induced
      immunoparalysis.
AB  - Sepsis, the most severe manifestation of infection, poses a major challenge to
      health-care systems around the world. Limited ability to clean and remove the
      pathogen renders difficulty in septic patients to recover from the phase of
      immunoparalysis. The present study found the vital role of CX3CR1 internalization
      on sepsis-induced immunoparalysis. A mouse model with cecal ligation and puncture
      (CLP) and cell model with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were employed to explore the
      relationship between CX3CR1 internalization and septic immunoparalysis.
      Immunoparalysis model in mice was established 4 days after CLP with significantly
      decreased proinflammatory cytokines. Flow cytometry analysis found a decreased
      surface expression of CX3CR1 during immunoparalysis, which was associated with
      reduced mRNA level and increased internalization of CX3CR1. G-protein coupled
      receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and beta-arrestin2 were significantly increased during
      septic immunoparalysis and involved in the internalization of CX3CR1. TLR4-/- or
      TLR4 inhibitor-treated macrophages exhibited an inhibited expression of GRK2 and
      beta-arrestin2, along with reduced internalization of CX3CR1. Moreover, the
      knockdown of GRK2 and beta-arrestin2 inhibited the internalization of CX3CR1 and
      led to a higher response on the second hit, which was associated with an
      increased activation of NF-kappaB. The critical association between
      internalization of CX3CR1 and immunosuppression in sepsis may provide a novel
      reference for clinical therapeutics.

PMID- 28078041
TI  - Treatment of de-peritonealized intestine with 4DryField(r) PH prevents adhesions
      between non-resorbable intra-peritoneal hernia mesh and bowel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraperitoneal onlay meshes (IPOM) can be associated with intestine
      to-mesh adhesion formation, implementing risks like pain, enterocutaneous
      fistula, infection, and female infertility. This study investigates, whether a
      treatment of impaired intestinum with the anti-adhesive and hemostyptic agent
      4DryField(r) PH prevents adhesion formation. METHODS: In 20 male LEWIS rats
      uncoated polypropylene meshes were sewn to the inner abdominal wall and the cecum
      of the respective animal was de-peritonealized by peritoneal abrasion by a gauze
      swap, and meso-sutures ensured a constant contact of injured areas. Rats were
      treated with 4DryField(r) PH gel either premixed or applied as a powder with in
      situ transformation (100 mg powder plus 0.4 ml 0.9% saline solution). One week
      postoperatively, the extent of intestine-to-mesh adhesions and the quality of
      mesh ingrowth were evaluated macroscopically by two independent investigators
      using two scoring systems. Furthermore, specimens were analysed microscopically.
      All data were compared with control animals without 4DryField(r) PH treatment and
      analysed statistically using student's t-test. RESULTS: Treatment of de
      peritonealised cecum with 4DryField(r) PH significantly reduced intestine-to-mesh
      adhesions in both treatment groups as compared to controls without 4DryField(r)
      PH treatment (68% reduction with premixed gel, P<0.0001; 80% reduction with in
      situ gel, P<0.0001). There was no impact on the quality of mesh ingrowth,
      confirmed histologically by a single-layer mesothelial coverage. CONCLUSION:
      These experiments mimick clinical IPOM implantation scenarios with adjacent bowel
      depleted from peritoneum. 4DryField(r) PH gel treatment resulted in intestinal
      mesothelial surface recovering without development of bowel-to-mesh adhesions.
      Concurrently, integration of mesh into the abdominal wall is undisturbed by
      4DryField(r) PH treatment.

PMID- 28078042
TI  - Immunoglobulin E induces colon cancer cell apoptosis via enhancing cyp27b1
      expression.
AB  - The pathogenesis of colon cancer (Cca) is to be further investigated. Vitamin D
      deficiency is associated with cancer growth; the underlying mechanism is unclear.
      Published data indicate that Cca cells express CD23. This study tests a
      hypothesis that exposure to IgE induces Cca cell apoptosis. In this study, the
      effect of ligation of CD23 by IgE on the expression of cyp27b1 was performed with
      Cca cells. The induction of apoptosis of Cca cells by IgE was assessed in a cell
      culture model. We observed that Cca cells express CD23; ligation of CD23 with IgE
      on Cca cells increased the expression of cyp27b1 in Cca, which promoted the
      conversion of VD3 to calcitriol, the latter increased the expression of FasL by
      Cca cells, and induced apoptosis of Cca cells. In conclusion, IgE is capable of
      inducing the cancer cell apoptosis via ligating CD23 and converting VD3 to
      calcitriol. The results suggest that IgE may have therapeutic potential in the
      treatment of Cca.

PMID- 28078043
TI  - Inhibitory effect of miR-145 on RPE cell proliferation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the impact of micro RNA miR-145 on retinal
      pigment epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. METHODS: A stable culture
      and passage system of hPNE cells was first established, and its migration ability
      was determined. Then, miR-145 lentiviral vectors were constructed to transfect
      hPRE cells. Thereafter, hRPE cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay after
      they were transfected by lentivirus, cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry,
      and apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI double staining immunofluorescence.
      RESULTS: Cultured hPRE cells had good migrating and metastatic ability, in which
      subsequent lentivirus infection experiments can be carried out. After
      transfection by miR-145 lentiviral vectors, hPRE cell proliferation slowed down
      and RPE cells in the G1 phase was inhibited; thus, apoptosis rate increased.
      CONCLUSION: MiR-145 can slow down retinal pigment epithelial cell proliferation
      and increase their apoptosis rate. This has a certain therapeutic potential for
      diseases caused by RPE cell proliferation such as PVR.

PMID- 28078044
TI  - Tumor profiling of co-regulated receptor tyrosine kinase and chemoresistant genes
      reveal different targeting options for lung and gastroesophageal cancers.
AB  - The expression of a number of genes can influence the response rates to
      chemotherapy while genes encoding receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) determine the
      response to most targeted cancer therapies currently used in clinics. In this
      study, we evaluated seven genes known to influence chemotherapeutic response
      (ERCC1, BRCA1, RRM1, TUBB3, STMN1, TYMS, and TOP2A) and five RTKs (EGFR, ERBB2,
      PDGFRB, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and esophagus
      cancer (EC) and the data are compared to gastric cancer (GC) data reported
      previously. We demonstrate significant differences in the expression profiles
      between different cancer types as well as heterogeneity among patients within the
      same cancer type. In all three cancer types, five chemoresistant genes (TOP2A,
      STMN1, TYMS, BRCA1 and RRM1) are coordinately up-regulated in almost all EC,
      approximately 90% of NSCLC and one third of GC patients. Most EC and nearly half
      of GC patients have increased expression of the three RTKs critical to
      angiogenesis (PDGFR, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), while almost none of the NSCLC patients
      have elevated expression of angiogenic RTKs. A variable percentage of patients in
      the three cancer types show upregulation of the EGFR family RTKs, EGFR and/or
      ERBB2. It is of interest to note that approximately 10% of the NSCLC and GC
      patients are triple-negative for the chemosensitivity genes, angiogenic and EGFR
      RTK genes. The results suggest significant gene expression differences between
      different cancer types as well as heterogeneity within each cancer type and
      therefore different molecules should be targeted for future drug development and
      clinical trials.

PMID- 28078045
TI  - The correlation and clinical implication of VEGF-C expression in microvascular
      density and lymph node metastasis of gastric carcinoma.
AB  - As the most common malignant tumor, gastric cancer had persistently high
      occurrence and mortality rate worldwide. Unfavorable treating outcome occur due
      to distal metastasis, making the inhibition of angiogenesis and managing tumor
      metastasis being crucial factors for affecting prognosis. Vascular endothelial
      growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is one important angiogenesis factor and mainly
      facilitates proliferation and differentiation of vascular endothelial cells in
      angiogenesis. It has been indicated in development and occurrence in gastric
      cancer, while its expression and correlation with microvascular density
      (MVD)/lymph node metastasis are still unclear. A total of 52 gastric tumor and 25
      normal tissue samples were recruited for quantifying mRNA and protein expression
      of VEGF-C by real-time PCR and Western blotting. MVD and lymph tube density were
      quantified for further analysis of the correlation between VEGF-C and
      pathological parameters including clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. Both
      mRNA and protein levels of VEGF-C were significantly elevated in gastric tissues
      (p<0.05). In lymph node metastasis cases, VEGF-C was further potentiated compared
      to non-metastatic group (p<0.05). VEGF-C expression was positively correlated
      with MVD, lymph tube density and clinical stage (p<0.05) but not with age, sex or
      differentiation grade. VEGF-C expression is closely correlated with lymph node
      metastasis of gastric cancer. It may participate in the progression of gastric
      cancer via facilitating angiogenesis and lymph node metastasis, thus can be used
      in predicting prognosis of patients with gastric carcinoma.

PMID- 28078046
TI  - Effects of etomidate and propofol on immune function in patients with lung
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of etomidate and propofol on immune
      function in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Sixty patients who were
      scheduled for lung cancer surgery under general anesthesia were studied. The
      patients were randomly divided into an etomidate total intravenous anesthesia
      group (group E) and a propofol total intravenous anesthesia group (group P), with
      30 cases in each group. RESULTS: Within group comparison: The percentage of CD4+
      in the two groups was significantly reduced at 24 hours post-operation (T2)
      compared with the percentage before surgery, whereas the percentage of CD8+ was
      higher at T2. Between group comparison: The CD4+ percentage of group E was higher
      than that of group P (P < 0.05) at T2, whereas the CD8+ percentage was lower than
      that of group P (P < 0.05) at T1. CONCLUSION: Using etomidate for anesthesia has
      less of an effect on immune function in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 28078047
TI  - Inhibition of NF-kappaB with Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin modifies the function
      of human peritoneal mesothelial cells.
AB  - Peritoneal mesothelial cells exposed to bioincompatible dialysis fluids
      contribute to damage of the peritoneum during chronic dialysis. Inflammatory
      response triggered in the mesothelium leading to neovascularization and fibrosis
      plays an important role in that process. We studied the effects of
      Dehydroxymethyepoxyquinmicin (DHMEQ)-an NF-kappaB inhibitor on function of human
      peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) in in vitro culture. DHMEQ studied in
      concentrations of 1-10 ug/ml was not toxic to HPMC. Synthesis of IL-6, MCP-1 and
      hyaluronan in unstimulated and stimulated with interleukin-1 (100 pg/ml) HPMC was
      inhibited in the presence of DHMEQ and the effect was proportional to the dose of
      the drug. DHMEQ (10 ug/ml) reduced in unstimulated HPMC synthesis of IL-6 (-55%),
      MCP-1 (-58%) and hyaluronan (-41%). Respective values for stimulated HMPC were: 
      63% for IL-6, -57% for MCP-1 and -67% for hyaluronan. The observed effects were
      due to the suppression of the expression of genes responsible for the synthesis
      of these molecules. DHMEQ modified the effects of the effluent dialysates from
      CAPD patients on the function of HMPC. Dialysate induced accelerated growth of
      these cells, and synthesis of collagen was inhibited in the presence of DHMEQ 10
      ug/ml, by 69% and 40%, respectively. The results of our study show that DHMEQ
      effectively reduces inflammatory response in HMPC and prevents excessive
      dialysate induced proliferation and collagen synthesis in these cells. All of
      these effects may be beneficial during chronic peritoneal dialysis and prevents
      progressive dialysis-induced damage to the peritoneum.

PMID- 28078048
TI  - Post-transcriptional regulation of interleukin-10 in peripheral B cells of airway
      allergy patients.
AB  - The dysfunction of peripheral immune tolerance plays an important role in the
      pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Recent reports indicate that micro RNA (miR)
      98 is associated with the process of aberrant immune responses. This study aims
      to test a hypothesis that miR-98 is associated with the pathogenesis of airway
      allergy via interfering with the development of regulatory B cells (Breg). In
      this study, patients with airway allergy were recruited into this study. The
      frequency of Bregs was assessed by flow cytometry. The levels of miR-98 in
      peripheral B cells were determined by RT-qPCR. A cell-culture model of B cells
      was developed to test the role of miR-98 in the repressing of interleukin (IL)-10
      in B cells. The results showed that the levels of IL-10 in peripheral B cells
      were significantly lower in patients with airway allergy as compared with healthy
      subjects. High levels of miR-98 (one of the miR-98 members) were detected in
      peripheral B cells of patients with airway allergy, which was mimicked by
      stimulating B cells with IL-4. Histone acetyltransferase p300 was involved in the
      IL-4-induced miR-98 expression. miR-98 mediated the IL-4-inhibited IL-10
      expression in B cells. In conclusion, miR-98 affects the expression of IL-10 in B
      cells and may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic
      diseases.

PMID- 28078049
TI  - M1 macrophages promote aortic valve calcification mediated by microRNA-214/TWIST1
      pathway in valvular interstitial cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The identification of the biological function of M1 macrophages and
      the mechanism underlying their role in valvular interstitial cell (VIC)
      calcification may provide therapeutic targets for the prevention of aortic valve
      calcification (AVC). This study investigated the mechanism by which M1
      macrophages and macrophage-derived microvesicles (MVs) affected the calcification
      of VICs. An additional aim was to investigate the involvement of the miR-214
      pathway in this process. METHODS: The M1 or M2 macrophage phenotype in human
      calcific aortic valve was confirmed by gene expression analysis of M1 or M2
      macrophage markers. Two macrophage cell lines (BMDMs and RAW 264.7 macrophages)
      were transformed into M1 macrophages by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. To
      investigate the mechanism by which M1 macrophages promoted VIC calcification, the
      generated M1 macrophages and macrophage-derived MVs were co-cultured with VICs
      and VICs were then used for calcification or signals analysis. In addition, a
      hypercholesterolemic apoE-/- AVC murine model was used to evaluate the
      therapeutic efficacy of miR-214 specific-siRNA (miR-214 inhibitor). RESULTS:
      Macrophages in calcific aortic valves showed M1-directed polarization. In the
      VICs co-cultured with LPS-stimulated M1 macrophages and macrophage-derived MVs,
      VIC calcification was enhanced, and the expression of TWIST1, a direct target of
      miR-214, was downregulated. We showed that knockdown of TWIST1 serves as a
      responding molecule for miR-214 and reversed the anti-calcification action of miR
      214 inhibitor, mediating signal delivery by the M1 macrophage-derived MVs to VICs
      and promoting VIC calcification. When M1 macrophages co-cultured with VICs,
      TWIST1 overexpression in M1 macrophages had no effect on the expression of TWIST1
      in VICs. As shown by intravenous therapy, knockdown of miR-214 in mice seemed to
      improve AVC in apoE-/- mice with high-cholesterol (HC)-diet induced AVC.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that M1 macrophages promoted AVC by the
      delivery of miR-214 to valvular interstitial cells via macrophage-derived MVs and
      subsequent downregulation of TWIST1 of valvular interstitial cells.

PMID- 28078051
TI  - Complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas brassicacearum strain L13-6-12, a
      biological control agent from the rhizosphere of potato.
AB  - Pseudomonas brassicacearum strain L13-6-12 is a rhizosphere colonizer of potato,
      lettuce and sugar beet. Previous studies have shown that this motile, Gram
      negative, non-sporulating bacterium is an effective biocontrol agent against
      different phytopathogens. Here, we announce and describe the complete genome
      sequence of P. brassicacearum L13-6-12 consisting of a single 6.7 Mb circular
      chromosome that consists of 5773 protein coding genes and 85 RNA-only encoding
      genes. Genome analysis revealed genes encoding specialized functions for pathogen
      suppression, thriving in the rhizosphere and interacting with eukaryotic
      organisms.

PMID- 28078050
TI  - Complete genome sequence of Lutibacter profundi LP1T isolated from an Arctic deep
      sea hydrothermal vent system.
AB  - Lutibacter profundi LP1T within the family Flavobacteriaceae was isolated from a
      biofilm growing on the surface of a black smoker chimney at the Loki's Castle
      vent field, located on the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge. The complete genome of L.
      profundi LP1T is the first genome to be published within the genus Lutibacter. L.
      profundi LP1T consists of a single 2,966,978 bp circular chromosome with a GC
      content of 29.8%. The genome comprises 2,537 protein-coding genes, 40 tRNA
      species and 2 rRNA operons. The microaerophilic, organotrophic isolate contains
      genes for all central carbohydrate metabolic pathways. However, genes for the
      oxidative branch of the pentose-phosphate-pathway, the glyoxylate shunt of the
      tricarboxylic acid cycle and the ATP citrate lyase for reverse TCA are not
      present. L. profundi LP1T utilizes starch, sucrose and diverse proteinous carbon
      sources. In accordance, the genome harbours 130 proteases and 104 carbohydrate
      active enzymes, indicating a specialization in degrading organic matter. Among a
      small arsenal of 24 glycosyl hydrolases, which offer the possibility to hydrolyse
      diverse poly- and oligosaccharides, a starch utilization cluster was identified.
      Furthermore, a variety of enzymes may be secreted via T9SS and contribute to the
      hydrolytic variety of the microorganism. Genes for gliding motility are present,
      which may enable the bacteria to move within the biofilm. A substantial number of
      genes encoding for extracellular polysaccharide synthesis pathways, curli fibres
      and attachment to surfaces could mediate adhesion in the biofilm and may
      contribute to the biofilm formation. In addition to aerobic respiration, the
      complete denitrification pathway and genes for sulphide oxidation e.g.
      sulphide:quinone reductase are present in the genome. sulphide:quinone reductase
      and denitrification may serve as detoxification systems allowing L. profundi LP1T
      to thrive in a sulphide and nitrate enriched environment. The information gained
      from the genome gives a greater insight in the functional role of L. profundi
      LP1T in the biofilm and its adaption strategy in an extreme environment.

PMID- 28078052
TI  - Dose-rate plays a significant role in synchrotron radiation X-ray-induced damage
      of rodent testes.
AB  - Synchrotron radiation (SR) X-ray has significant potential for applications in
      medical imaging and cancer treatment. However, the mechanisms underlying SR X-ray
      induced tissue damage remain unclear. Previous studies on regular X-ray-induced
      tissue damage have suggested that dose-rate could affect radiation damage.
      Because SR X-ray has exceedingly high dose-rate compared to regular X-ray, it
      remains to be determined if dose-rate may affect SR X-ray-induced tissue damage.
      We used rodent testes as a model to investigate the role of dose-rate in SR X-ray
      induced tissue damage. One day after SR X-ray irradiation, we determined the
      effects of the irradiation of the same dosage at two different dose-rates, 0.11
      Gy/s and 1.1 Gy/s, on TUNEL signals, caspase-3 activation and DNA double-strand
      breaks (DSBs) of the testes. Compared to those produced by the irradiation at
      0.11 Gy/s, irradiation at 1.1 Gy/s produced higher levels of DSBs, TUNEL signals,
      and caspase-3 activation in the testes. Our study has provided the first evidence
      suggesting that dose-rate could be a significant factor in SR X-ray-induced
      tissue damage, which may establish a valuable base for utilizing this factor to
      manipulate the tissue damage in SR X-ray-based medical applications.

PMID- 28078053
TI  - Amyloid beta peptide 22-35 induces a negative inotropic effect on isolated rat
      hearts.
AB  - Evidences indicate that deposition of amyloid beta peptides (Abetas) plays an
      important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Abetas may influence
      cardiovascular system and ileum contractions. But the effect of amyloid beta
      peptide 22-35 (Abeta22-35) on cardiovascular functions and contractions of ileum
      has not been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the
      possible effects of this peptide on isolated rat heart and ileum smooth muscle.
      Langendorff-perfused rat heart preparations were established. The hearts were
      perfused under constant pressure (60 mmHg) with modified Krebs-Henseleit
      solution. Abeta22-35 at doses of 1, 10 and 100 nM significantly decreased left
      ventricular developed pressure (LVDP; an index of cardiac contractility) and
      maximal rate of pressure development of left ventricle (+dP/dtmax; another index
      of cardiac contractility). This peptide at doses studied had no significant
      effect on heart rate, coronary flow, monophasic action potential amplitude
      (MAPamp), MAP duration at 90% repolarization (MAP90) and ileum contractions. We
      suggest that Abeta22-35 exerts a negative inotropism on isolated rat hearts with
      unchanged heart rate, coronary flow, MAPamp, MAP90 and smooth muscle
      contractility of ileum.

PMID- 28078054
TI  - The effect of thymoquinone on the renal functions following ischemia-reperfusion
      injury in the rat.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of
      thymoquinone, an antioxidant phytochemical compound found in the plant Nigella
      sativa, on the alterations in renal functional parameters following warm renal
      ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in the rat. METHODS: Wistar rats underwent left
      renal ischemia for 35 minutes. Group-TQ (n=15) received thymoquinone 10 mg/kg/day
      (dissolved in a vehicle (corn oil) orally by gavage starting 4 days prior to IRI
      and continued 6 days thereafter when the hemodynamic and tubular renal functions
      of the right and left kidneys were measured using clearance techniques. Group-Vx
      (n=15) underwent similar protocol but received only the vehicle. RESULTS: IRI
      affected all hemodynamic and tubular parameters in the affected kidney.
      Thymoquinone attenuated the IRI-related alteration in renal functions so when the
      left ischemic kidney in Group-TQ and Group-Vx were compared, the left RBF and GFR
      were significantly higher in Group-TQ (2.02+/-0.39 vs. 1.27+/-0.21, P=0.04 and
      0.33+/-0.08 vs. 0.18+/-0.03, P=0.03, respectively). Thymoquinone also improved
      left renal FENa (1.59+/-0.28 vs. 2.40+/-0.35, P=0.04). In addition, it decreased
      the gene expressions of KIM-1, NGAL, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1 and PAI-1 (143+/-20 vs.
      358+/-49, 16+/-3 vs. 34+/-6, (1.1+/-0.2 vs. 2.8+/-0.4, 1.6+/-0.1 vs. 2.8+/-0.1,
      and 2.4+/-0.3 vs. 5.8+/-1.0, P<0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Thymoquinone
      ameliorated the IRI effect on the hemodynamic and tubular renal functional
      parameters as well as the expression of some kidney injury markers and pro
      inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines indicating a renoprotective effect of
      this agent on the IRI-induced renal dysfunction with potential clinical
      implications.

PMID- 28078055
TI  - Comparative changes in antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress in cardiac, fast
      twitch and slow twitch skeletal muscles following endurance exercise training.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate exercise-induced transcriptional and
      protein responses of heart, soleus (slow oxidative), and plantaris (fast
      glycolytic) muscle in response to ten days of endurance exercise training. Four
      month old female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to either a sedentary (SED) or
      endurance exercise-training (EXE) group (n=8 per group). The heart, plantaris,
      and soleus were excised and used for biochemical analyses. Our results show that
      heart and plantaris from EXE animals had higher protein levels of superoxide
      dismutase 2 (SOD2) compared to SED animals (P<0.05). Also, the protein levels of
      catalase were higher in plantaris of EXE animals compared to SED animals
      (P<0.05). No significant differences existed for 4 hydroxynonenal (4HNE)
      conjugated proteins (index of oxidative damage) in the three tissues between SED
      and EXE animals. mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1alpha) were higher in plantaris of EXE animals compared
      to SED animals (P<0.05), and mRNA levels of estrogen-related receptor alpha
      (ERRalpha) were lower in the heart of EXE animals compared to SED animals. In
      conclusion, heart and plantaris are responsive to ten days of treadmill training,
      while greater exercise intensities or durations may be needed to elicit
      alterations in soleus.

PMID- 28078056
TI  - Proton pump inhibitor-induced hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia: case review.
AB  - Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-induced hypomagnesaemia is a rare but serious adverse
      effect of a widely prescribed medication. It has become an increasingly
      recognised complication since 2006, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
      issuing a warning for this risk with regards to long-term PPI use. We present the
      case of PPI-associated hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia. A 91 year old male
      presented with tetany from severe hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia. This
      condition occurred in the context of 18 months of PPI use, and resolved following
      cessation of PPI therapy and the replenishment of magnesium and calcium stores.
      Monitoring of magnesium, calcium and potassium levels is crucial in patients
      prescribed PPIs long-term; especially the elderly patient.

PMID- 28078057
TI  - The advancements of heparanase in fibrosis.
AB  - Fibrosis is the endpoint in many chronic inflammatory diseases and is defined as
      an abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Fibrosis can affect
      almost any tissue, especially heart, lung, liver, and kidney, and numerous
      studies have been conducted to find satisfactory treatments. Since heparanase is
      a kind of endo-beta-D-glucuronidase that is capable of cleaving heparan sulfate
      side chains of heparan sulfate proteoglycans on cell surfaces and the
      extracellular matrix, which further regulate the bioavailability of growth
      factors (FGF-2, TGF-beta). Meanwhile, FGF-2 and TGF-beta play a major role in the
      fibrosis process. Recent studies including ours have consistently demonstrated
      that heparanase could promote fibrosis process in different organs. Thus in this
      mini-review, we updated the advancement of heparanase in the regulation of
      fibrosis generation, and discussed its impact on several critical signaling
      pathways relevant to fibrosis.

PMID- 28078058
TI  - Colonization Rate and Risk Factors of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci among
      Patients Received Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Shiraz, Southern
      Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are associated
      with increased mortality and health care costs. Enterococci have been recognized
      as a clinically important pathogen in hospitalized patients. Vancomycin-resistant
      enterococci (VRE) infections cause significant morbidity and mortality among
      patients undergoing transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To identify epidemiology of VRE
      colonization and related risk factors among patients with hematological
      malignancies after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). METHODS: This
      cross-sectional study was performed on 42 patients who underwent bone-marrow
      transplantation between July 2013 and March 2014. A stool sample was taken from
      each patient 3-5 days after transplantation and cultured on appropriate media.
      Suspected colonies of enterococci were detected to species level by their culture
      characteristics, biochemical reactions and molecular features. VRE were confirmed
      via phenotypic and genotypic methods. RESULTS: VRE were detected in 14 (33%) of
      studied samples. 10 (71%) of the detected VRE isolates were identified as high
      level vancomycin-resistant E. faecium with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)
      of >=256 MUg/mL of vancomycin; 3 isolates were E. galinarum and 1 was E.
      casseliflavus with an MIC of 8-16 MUg/mL. VanA was dominant phenotype and all VRE
      isolates with high-level of vancomycin resistance had vanA gene. VRE isolation
      was mostly observed in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than
      other diseases. Moreover, antibiotic prophylaxis and hospitalization were
      independent risk factors for acquisition of VRE after transplantation.
      CONCLUSION: We found high level of vancomycin-resistance in E. faecium isolates
      obtained from HSCT patients. The vancomycin-resistant isolates of E.faecium had
      vanA and/or simultaneously vanB genes.

PMID- 28078059
TI  - Identification of Candida Species Isolated from Renal Transplant Recipients with
      Candiduria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal transplantation has long been considered the gold standard
      medical care for patients with end-stage renal disease. Candiduria continue to be
      a significant complication for renal transplant recipients. The risk of
      infections depends on the amount of immunosuppression and exposure to the
      potential pathogens. OBJECTIVE: Molecular identification of Candida species
      isolated from renal transplant recipients with candiduria. METHODS: Between 2009
      and 2014, 62 Candida isolates were collected from 485 renal transplant
      recipients. All isolates were identified by PCR-RFLP profiles after digestion
      with the restriction enzyme MspI. RESULTS: C. albicans (44%) and C. parapsilosis
      complex (5%) had the most and the least prevalence, respectively. Male to female
      ratio was 26/36, ranging in age from 19 to 62 years. CONCLUSION: Due to the fact
      that candiduria is connected with increased mortality in renal transplant
      recipients, precise identification of Candida species by molecular techniques can
      lead to an appropriate therapy among high risk patients. C. albicans remains the
      most prevalent species isolated from renal transplant recipients, Nevertheless,
      the number of non-C. albicans Candida species looks to be emerging.

PMID- 28078060
TI  - Natural Killer Cell Subsets and IL-2, IL-15, and IL-18 Genes Expressions in
      Chronic Kidney Allograft Dysfunction and Graft Function in Kidney Allograft
      Recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While acute rejection and early graft loss rates have decreased
      substantially over the past four decades, progressive chronic allograft
      dysfunction (CAD) still remains a common cause of late graft loss in kidney
      transplant recipients. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the
      percentage of natural killer (NK) cell subsets and IL-2, 15 and 18 genes
      expression in two groups of CAD and well-function graft (WFG) recipients.
      METHODS: 30 renal allograft recipients with biopsy-proven interstitial
      fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and impaired renal function, and 30 sex- and age
      matched WFG patients were enrolled in this study. The percentage of NK cell
      subsets including NK CD56bright and NK CD56dim cells were determined by
      flowcytometry; IL-2, IL-15, and IL-18 genes expressions were assessed by real
      time PCR. RESULTS: Compared to WFG patients, there was a significant (p<0.05)
      increase in the percentage of NK CD56bright cells in CAD patients. However, the
      difference in percentage of NK CD56dim cells or CD56dim/CD56bright ratio between
      the studied groups was not significant. In addition, IL-2, 15 and 18 genes
      expressions were almost similar in CAD and WFG patients. CONCLUSION: We found
      higher percentages of NK CD56bright subset in kidney transplant recipients with
      CAD without considerable changes in related cytokines' gene expression,
      suggesting a possible defect of NK cells maturation in these patients.

PMID- 28078061
TI  - The First Experience of Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) in Iran: An Effective
      Method to Increase Suitable Lung for Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although lung transplantation is a well-accepted treatment for end
      stage lung diseases patients, only 15%-20% of the brain-dead donors' lungs are
      usable for transplantation. This results in high mortality of candidates on
      waiting lists. Ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a novel method for better
      evaluation of a potential lung for transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To report the
      first experience of EVLP in Iran. METHODS: The study included a pig in Vienna
      Medical University, Vienna, Austria, and 4 humans in Masih Daneshvari Hospital,
      Tehran, Iran. All brain-dead donors from 2013 to 2015 in Tehran were evaluated
      for EVLP. Donors without signs of severe chest trauma or pneumonia, with poor
      oxygenation were included. RESULTS: An increasing trend in difference between the
      pulmonary arterial pO2 and left atrial pO2, an increasing pattern in dynamic lung
      compliance, and a decreasing trend in the pulmonary vascular resistance, were
      observed. CONCLUSION: The initial experience of EVLP in Iran was successful in
      terms of important/critical parameters. The results emphasize on some important
      considerations such as precisely following standard lung harvesting and
      monitoring temperature and pressure. EVLP technique may not be a cost-effective
      option for low-income countries at first glance. However, because this is the
      only therapeutic treatment for end-stage lung disease, it is advisable to
      continue working on this method to find alternatives with lesser costs.

PMID- 28078062
TI  - Left-Sided Inferior Vena Cava Encountered During Organ Retrieval Surgery: Report
      of Two Cases.
AB  - Left-sided inferior vena cava (IVC) is the second most common anatomical anomaly
      of the IVC after duplication. Herein, we present two cases of left-sided IVC,
      diagnosed during organ retrieval procedure. In a young brain-dead man, a single
      left-sided IVC was observed; it originated from iliac confluence in the left side
      of the aorta and extended throughout the abdomen. There was no retrohepatic IVC
      in the patient; hepatic veins drained directly into the right atrium. The second
      case was a brain-dead young woman with a left-sided IVC originated from iliac
      confluence to the kidney level; then, the IVC crossed anterior to the abdominal
      aorta to join a normally positioned retrohepatic IVC. In cases of retroperitoneal
      surgeries, IVC anomalies should be considered during preoperative imaging
      studies, because they may be misdiagnosed as para-aortic lymphadenopathy, tumor
      or dilated gonadal vein that may result in iatrogenic damage during surgery.

PMID- 28078063
TI  - Anesthetic Management of a Patient with DRESS Syndrome for Renal Transplantation.
AB  - Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare
      but potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction characterized by
      widespread erythematous skin eruptions with fever, lymphadenopathy and visceral
      involvement-hepatitis, nephritis, pericarditis, and pneumonitis. There are
      numerous reports describing the management of such patients in intensive care
      units but hardly any describing the intraoperative anesthetic management of such
      patients. Herein, we report on a patient with DRESS syndrome who was scheduled
      for renal transplantation. The main goal in this case was to prevent a
      hypersensitive drug reaction intraoperatively and develop a safe alternative
      anesthesia plan for the patient. After pre-operative skin and intradermal tests,
      we chose the drugs that could be safely used for anesthesia. Usually general
      anesthesia is preferred for renal transplantation but in this patient we opted
      for combined spinal epidural anesthesia. Precautions that are to taken in such a
      case and the anesthetic management are discussed in detail herewith.

PMID- 28078064
TI  - BK Virus and Nephropathy in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

PMID- 28078065
TI  - Clinical Features of Neuromuscular Disorders in Patients with N-Type Voltage
      Gated Calcium Channel Antibodies.
AB  - Neuromuscular junction disorders affect the pre- or postsynaptic nerve to muscle
      transmission due to autoimmune antibodies. Members of the group like myasthenia
      gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome have pathophysiologically distinct
      characteristics. However, in practice, distinction may be difficult. We present a
      series of three patients with a myasthenic syndrome, dropped-head syndrome,
      bulbar and respiratory muscle weakness and positive testing for anti-N-type
      voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies. In two cases anti-acetylcholin receptor
      antibodies were elevated, anti-P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies
      were negative. All patients initially responded to pyridostigmine with a non
      response in the course of the disease. While one patient recovered well after
      treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins, 3,4-diaminopyridine, steroids and
      later on immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil, a second died after
      restriction of treatment due to unfavorable cancer diagnosis, the third patient
      declined treatment. Although new antibodies causing neuromuscular disorders were
      discovered, clinical distinction has not yet been made. Our patients showed
      features of pre- and postsynaptic myasthenic syndrome as well as severe dropped
      head syndrome and bulbar and axial muscle weakness, but only anti-N-type voltage
      gated calcium channel antibodies were positive. When administered, one patient
      benefited from 3,4-diaminopyridine. We suggest that this overlap-syndrome should
      be considered especially in patients with assumed seronegative myasthenia gravis
      and lack of improvement under standard therapy.

PMID- 28078067
TI  - alpha-Linolenic Acid Reduces TNF-Induced Apoptosis in C2C12 Myoblasts by
      Regulating Expression of Apoptotic Proteins.
AB  - Impaired regeneration and consequent muscle wasting is a major feature of muscle
      degenerative diseases. Nutritional interventions such as adjuvant strategy for
      preventing these conditions are recently gaining increasing attention. Ingestion
      of n3-polyunsaturated fatty acids has been suggested as having a positive impact
      on muscle diseases. We recently demonstrated that a diet enriched with plant
      derived n3-fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), exerts potent beneficial
      effects in preserving skeletal muscle regeneration in models of muscle dystrophy.
      To better elucidate the underlying mechanism we here investigate on the
      expression level of the anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins, as well as caspase-3
      activity, in C2C12 myoblasts challenged with pathological levels of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). The results demonstrated that ALA protective effect
      on C2C12 myoblasts was associated with a decrease in caspase-3 activity and an
      increase of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Indeed, the effect of ALA was directed to
      rescuing Bcl-2 expression and to revert Bax translocation to mitochondria both
      affected in an opposite way by TNF, a major pro-inflammatory cytokine expressed
      in damaged skeletal muscle. Therefore, ALA counteracts inflammatory signals in
      the muscle microenvironment and may represent a valuable strategy for
      ameliorating skeletal muscle pathologies.

PMID- 28078066
TI  - Use it or Lose It: Tonic Activity of Slow Motoneurons Promotes Their Survival and
      Preferentially Increases Slow Fiber-Type Groupings in Muscles of Old Lifelong
      Recreational Sportsmen.
AB  - : Histochemistry, immuno-histochemistry, gel electrophoresis of single muscle
      fibers and electromyography of aging muscles and nerves suggest that: i)
      denervation contributes to muscle atrophy, ii) impaired mobility accelerates the
      process, and iii) lifelong running protects against loss of motor units. Recent
      corroborating results on the muscle effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation
      (FES) of aged muscles will be also mentioned, but we will in particular discuss
      how and why a lifelong increased physical activity sustains reinnervation of
      muscle fibers. By analyzing distribution and density of muscle fibers co
      expressing fast and slow Myosin Heavy Chains (MHC) we are able to distinguish the
      transforming muscle fibers due to activity related plasticity, to those that
      adapt muscle fiber properties to denervation and reinnervation. In muscle
      biopsies from septuagenarians with a history of lifelong high-level recreational
      activity we recently observed in comparison to sedentary seniors: 1. decreased
      proportion of small-size angular myofibers (denervated muscle fibers); 2.
      considerable increase of fiber-type groupings of the slow type (reinnervated
      muscle fibers); 3. sparse presence of muscle fibers co-expressing fast and slow
      MHC. Immuno-histochemical characteristics fluctuate from those with scarce fiber
      type modulation and groupings to almost complete transformed muscles, going
      through a process in which isolated fibers co-expressing fast and slow MHC fill
      the gaps among fiber groupings. Data suggest that lifelong high-level exercise
      allows the body to adapt to the consequences of the age-related denervation and
      that it preserves muscle structure and function by saving otherwise lost muscle
      fibers through recruitment to different slow motor units. This is an opposite
      behavior of that described in long term denervated or resting muscles. These
      effects of lifelong high level activity seems to act primarily on motor neurons,
      in particular on those always more active, i.e., on the slow motoneurons. The
      preferential reinnervation that follows along decades of increased activity
      maintains neuron and myofibers. All together the results open interesting
      perspectives for applications of FES and electroceuticals for rejuvenation of
      aged muscles to delay functional decline and loss of independence that are
      unavoidable burdens of advanced aging. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT01679977.

PMID- 28078068
TI  - Efficacy of EMG/Bioimpedance-Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation on
      Swallowing Performance.
AB  - In order to support swallowing, the efficacy of functional electrical stimulation
      for different stimulation settings of the submental musculature has been
      investigated. The stimulation was administrated at rest and synchronously to
      voluntary initiated swallows. The onset of a swallow was detected in real-time by
      a combined electromyography/ bioimpedance measurement at the neck in order to
      trigger the stimulation. The amplitude and speed of larynx elevation caused by
      the FES has been assessed by the observed change in bioimpedance whereas a
      reduction of bioimpedance corresponds to an increase in larynx elevation. Study
      results from 40 healthy subjects revealed that 73% of the subjects achieved a
      larger and faster larynx elevation during swallowing with triggered FES and
      therefor a better protection of their airways. However, we also observed a
      decrease in larynx elevation compared to normal swallowing in 11 out of the 40
      subjects what might not benefit from such a treatment. The largest improvement of
      larynx elevation and speed during swallowing could be achieved with three
      stimulation channels formed by four electrodes in the submental region.

PMID- 28078069
TI  - Skeletal Muscle Microalterations in Patients Carrying Malignant Hyperthermia
      Related Mutations of the e-c Coupling Machinery.
AB  - We have compared the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle biopsies from patients
      that have survived a [Malignant Hyperthermia, MH] episode and siblings that test
      positive for MH susceptibility with those from siblings that tested negatives.
      The aim is to establish whether life long exposure to the MH-related mutation
      effects may result in subtle abnormalities even in the absence of active episodes
      and/or clinically detectable deficiencies. Although a specific ultrastructural
      signature for MH mutants cannot be demonstrated, an MH related pattern of minor
      alterations does exist. These include the tendency for micro damage to the
      contractile apparatus and a higher than normal level of mitochondrial
      abnormalities.

PMID- 28078070
TI  - Stem Cells and Tissue Niche: Two Faces of the Same Coin of Muscle Regeneration.
AB  - Capacity of adult muscle to regenerate in response to injury stimuli represents
      an important homeostatic process. Regeneration is a highly coordinated program
      that partially recapitulates the embryonic developmental program. However, muscle
      regeneration is severely compromised in several pathological conditions. It is
      likely that the restricted tissue repair program under pathological conditions is
      due to either progressive loss of stem cell populations or to missing signals
      that limit the damaged tissues to efficiently activate a regenerative program. It
      is therefore plausible that loss of control over these cell fates might lead to a
      pathological cell transdifferentiation, limiting the ability of a pathological
      muscle to sustain an efficient regenerative process. The critical role of
      microenvironment on stem cells activity and muscle regeneration is discussed.

PMID- 28078071
TI  - Electrical Stimulation to Reduce the Overload in Upper Limbs During Sitting Pivot
      Transfer in Paraplegic: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - Transfer is a key ability and allows greater interact with the environment and
      social participation. Conversely, paraplegics have great risk of pain and injury
      in the upper limbs due to joint overloads during activities of daily living, like
      transfer. The main goal of this study is to verify if the use of functional
      electrical stimulation (FES) in the lower limbs of paraplegic individuals can
      assist the sitting pivot transfer (SPT). The secondary objective is to verify if
      there is a greater participation of the lower limbs during lift pivot phase. A
      preliminary study was done with one complete paraplegic individual. Temporal
      parameters were calculated and a kinetic assessment was done during the SPT. The
      preliminary results showed the feasibility of FES for assisting the SPT.

PMID- 28078072
TI  - Multisensor Classification System for Triggering FES in Order to Support
      Voluntary Swallowing.
AB  - In dysphagia the ability of elevating the larynx and hyoid is usually impaired.
      Electromyography (EMG) and Bioimpedance (BI) measurements at the neck can be used
      to trigger functional electrical stimulation (FES) of swallowing related muscles.
      Nahrstaedt et al.1 introduced an algorithm to trigger the stimulation in phase
      with the voluntary swallowing to improve the airway closure and elevation speed
      of the larynx and hyoid. However, due to non-swallow related movements like
      speaking, chewing or head turning, stimulations might be unintentionally
      triggered. So far a switch was used to enable the BI/EMG-triggering of FES when
      the subject was ready to swallow, which is inconvenient for practical use. In
      this contribution, a range image camera system is introduced to obtain data of
      head, mouth, and jaw movements. This data is used to apply a second
      classification step to reduce the number of false stimulations. In experiments
      with healthy subjects, the amount of potential false stimulations could be
      reduced by 47% while 83% of swallowing intentions would have been correctely
      supported by FES.

PMID- 28078073
TI  - Soft Encapsulation of Flexible Electrical Stimulation Implant: Challenges and
      Innovations.
AB  - In this document we discuss the main challenges encountered when producing
      flexible electrical stimulation implants, and present our approach to solving
      them for prototype production. We include a study of the optimization of the
      flexible PCB design, the selection of additive manufacturing materials for the
      mold, and the chemical compatibility of the different materials. Our approach was
      tested on a flexible gastro-stimulator as part of the ENDOGES research program.

PMID- 28078074
TI  - FES in Europe and Beyond: Current Translational Research.
AB  - Capacity of adult neural and muscle tissues to respond to external Electrical
      Stimulation (ES) is the biological basis for the development and implementation
      of mobility impairment physiotherapy protocols and of related assistive
      technologies, e.g, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). All body tissues,
      however, respond to electrical stimulation and, indeed, the most successful
      application of FES is electrical stimulation of the heart to revert or limit
      effects of arrhythmias (Pace-makers and Defibrillators). Here, we list and
      discuss results of FES current research activities, in particular those presented
      at 2016 Meetings: the PaduaMuscleDays, the Italian Institute of Myology Meeting,
      the 20th International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS)
      conference held in Montpellier and the Vienna Workshop on FES. Several papers
      were recently e-published in the European Journal of Translational Myology as
      reports of meeting presentations. All the events and publications clearly show
      that FES research in Europe and beyond is alive and promisses translation of
      results into clinical management of a very large population of persons with
      deficiencies.

PMID- 28078075
TI  - A Design Method for FES Bone Health Therapy in SCI.
AB  - FES assisted activities such as standing, walking, cycling and rowing induce
      forces within the leg bones and have been proposed to reduce osteoporosis in
      spinal cord injury (SCI). However, details of the applied mechanical stimulus for
      osteogenesis is often not reported. Typically, comparisons of bone density
      results are made after costly and time consuming clinical trials. These studies
      have produced inconsistent results and are subject to sample size variations.
      Here we propose a design process that may be used to predict the clinical outcome
      based on biomechanical simulation and mechano-biology. This method may allow
      candidate therapies to be optimized and quantitatively compared. To illustrate
      the approach we have used data obtained from a rower with complete paraplegia
      using the RowStim (III) system.

PMID- 28078076
TI  - Sex-dependent alteration of cardiac cytochrome P450 gene expression by
      doxorubicin in C57Bl/6 mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is inconclusive evidence about the role of sex as a risk factor
      for doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity. Recent experimental studies have
      shown that adult female rats are protected against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
      However, the mechanisms of this sexual dimorphism are not fully elucidated. We
      have previously demonstrated that DOX alters the expression of several cytochrome
      P450 (CYP) enzymes in the hearts of male rats. Nevertheless, the sex-dependent
      effect of DOX on the expression of CYP enzymes is still not known. Therefore, in
      the present study, we determined the effect of acute DOX exposure on the
      expression of CYP genes in the hearts of both male and female C57Bl/6 mice.
      METHODS: Acute DOX cardiotoxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal
      injection of 20 mg/kg DOX in male and female adult C57Bl/6 mice. Cardiac function
      was assessed 5 days after DOX exposure by trans-thoracic echocardiography. Mice
      were euthanized 1 day or 6 days after DOX or saline injection. Thereafter, the
      hearts were harvested and weighed. Heart sections were evaluated for pathological
      lesions. Total RNA was extracted and expression of natriuretic peptides,
      inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and CYP genes was measured by real-time PCR.
      RESULTS: Adult female C57Bl/6 mice were protected from acute DOX-induced
      cardiotoxicity as they show milder pathological lesions, less inflammation, and
      faster recovery from DOX-induced apoptosis and DOX-mediated inhibition of beta
      type natriuretic peptide. Acute DOX exposure altered the gene expression of
      multiple CYP genes in a sex-dependent manner. In 24 h, DOX exposure caused male
      specific induction of Cyp1b1 and female-specific induction of Cyp2c29 and Cyp2e1.
      CONCLUSIONS: Acute DOX exposure causes sex-dependent alteration of cardiac CYP
      gene expression. Since cardiac CYP enzymes metabolize several endogenous
      compounds to biologically active metabolites, sex-dependent alteration of CYP
      genes may play a role in the sexual dimorphism of acute DOX-induced
      cardiotoxicity.

PMID- 28078078
TI  - Radiotherapy in the management of gist: state of the art and new potential
      scenarios.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal
      neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. The main treatment for localized
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors is surgical resection. Unresectable or advanced
      GIST are poorly responsive to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy but the
      introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) marked a revolutionary step in
      the treatment of these patients, radically improving prognosis and clinical
      benefit. Historically GIST has been considered radiation-resistant, and the role
      of radiotherapy in the management of patients with GIST is currently restricted
      to symptomatic palliation in current treatment guidelines. CASE PRESENTATION:
      Here we report two patients affected by metastatic GIST, treated with
      radiotherapy and radiosurgery in combination with TKIs, achieving an unexpected
      objective response in the first case and a significant clinical benefit
      associated with a local tumor control of several months in the second case.
      CONCLUSIONS: These and other successful experiences that are progressively
      accumulating, open up new scenarios of use of radiation therapy in various
      settings of treatment. GIST is not universally radioresistant and radiotherapy,
      especially if combined with molecularly targeted therapy, can improve the
      outcomes for patients diagnosed with GIST.

PMID- 28078079
TI  - Looking forward to new targeted treatments for chronic spontaneous urticaria.
AB  - The introduction of omalizumab to the management of chronic spontaneous urticaria
      (CSU) has markedly improved the therapeutic possibilities for both, patients and
      physicians dealing with this disabling disease. But there is still a hard core of
      patients who do not tolerate or benefit from existing therapies and who require
      effective treatment. Novel approaches include the use of currently available
      drugs off-licence, investigational drugs currently undergoing clinical trials and
      exploring the potential for therapies directed at pathophysiological targets in
      CSU. Off-licence uses of currently available drugs include rituximab and tumour
      necrosis factor inhibitors. Ligelizumab (anti-IgE), canakinumab (anti-IL-1),
      AZD1981 (a PGD2 receptor antagonist) and GSK 2646264 (a selective Syk inhibitor)
      are currently in clinical trials for CSU. Examples of drugs that could target
      potential pathophysiological targets in CSU include substance P antagonists,
      designed ankyrin repeat proteins, C5a/C5a receptor inhibitors, anti-IL-4, anti-IL
      5 and anti-IL-13 and drugs that target inhibitory mast cell receptors. Other
      mediators and receptors of likely pathogenic relevance should be explored in skin
      profiling and functional proof of concept studies. The exploration of novel
      therapeutic targets for their role and relevance in CSU should help to achieve a
      better understanding of its etiopathogenesis.

PMID- 28078080
TI  - Three cases of anaphylaxis following injection of a depot corticosteroid with
      evidence of IgE sensitization to macrogols rather than the active steroid.
AB  - We present three cases with anaphylaxis after injection of a depot
      corticosteroid. First, the steroid was suspected as the elicitor, but after
      evaluation the excipient macrogol was found to be the elicitor. One of the
      patients had reactions to several unrelated drugs. Increased awareness of
      anaphylaxis to excipients such as macrogols is needed, especially when allergy
      tests for the active drug is negative and in patients with a history of repeated
      anaphylaxis to seemingly unrelated drugs. To establish the correct diagnosis it
      is important to test with the exact formulation of the culprit drug, as well as
      all the ingredients including excipients.

PMID- 28078081
TI  - Occurrence of Pasteurella multocida among pigs with respiratory disease in China
      between 2011 and 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior to the 1990s, P. multocida capsular serogroup A was the most
      prevalent in China, followed by serogroups B and D. Thirty years later, serogroup
      D became the most prevalent, followed by serogroups A and B. However, the P.
      multocida capsular serogroups currently circulating in China remain unclear.
      Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide an update on P. multocida
      serogroups isolated from diagnostic samples collected from clinically diseased
      pigs in Central and Eastern China from 2011 to 2015. RESULTS: Between February
      2011 and October 2015, 296 isolates of Pasteurella multocida were collected from
      3212 pigs with clinical respiratory disease in 12 provinces of China (isolation
      rate of 9.2%). Of the 296 collected isolates, 146 (49.3%) were P. multocida
      capsular type A, 141 (47.6%) were capsular type D, and one was capsular type B.
      Streptococcus suis (94/193; 48.7%), Haemophilus parasuis (76/193; 39.3%),
      Escherichia coli (53/193; 27.5%), and Bordetella bronchiseptica (26/193; 13.5%)
      were frequently isolated together with P. multocida. A total of 14 toxigenic P.
      multocida strains co-isolated with other pathogens from 32 cases of atrophic
      rhinitis were classified into serogroup D. The virulence of P. multocida capsular
      type A isolates was higher than that of capsular type D isolates based on LD50
      studies in mice. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 5 years, P. multocida capsular type A
      was the most frequently isolated from diagnostic submissions in Central and
      Eastern China, followed by serogroups D and B.

PMID- 28078083
TI  - Over-expression of Toll-like receptor 2 up-regulates heme oxygenase-1 expression
      and decreases oxidative injury in dairy goats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mastitis, an infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria, produces
      udder inflammation and oxidative injury in milk-producing mammals. Toll-like
      receptor 2 (TLR2) is important for host recognition of invading Gram-positive
      microbes. Over-expression of TLR2 in transgenic dairy goats is a useful model for
      studying various aspects of infection with Gram-positive bacteria, in vivo.
      METHODS: We over-expressed TLR2 in transgenic dairy goats. Pam3CSK4, a component
      of Gram-positive bacteria, triggered the TLR2 signal pathway by stimulating the
      monocytes-macrophages from the TLR2-positive transgenic goats, and induced over
      expression of activator protein-1 (AP-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)
      and transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and inflammation
      factors downstream of the signal pathway. RESULTS: Compared with wild-type
      controls, measurements of various oxidative stress-related molecules showed that
      TLR2, when over-expressed in transgenic goat monocytes-macrophages, resulted in
      weak lipid damage, high level expression of anti-oxidative stress proteins, and
      significantly increased mRNA levels of transcription factor NF-E2-related factor
      2 (Nrf2) and the downstream gene, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). When Pam3CSK4 was used
      to stimulate ear tissue in vivo the HO-1 protein of the transgenic goats had a
      relatively high expression level. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the
      oxidative injury in goats over-expressing TLR2 was reduced following Pam3CSK4
      stimulation. The underlying mechanism for this reduction was increased expression
      of the anti-oxidation gene HO-1 by activation of the Nrf2 signal pathway.

PMID- 28078084
TI  - Promoting workplace stair climbing: sometimes, not interfering is the best.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stair climbing is a vigorous activity and can lead to several health
      benefits. Studies seeking to increase stair climbing in various public locations
      have shown positive effects, while results from similar studies conducted in the
      workplace are inconclusive. This study examined stair climbing in the workplace,
      and monitored effects from a single- and a combined intervention. Interventions
      were inspired by nudging, the libertarian method of influencing behavior.
      METHODS: By quasi-experimental design, stair- and elevator traffic in two office
      buildings was monitored preceding-, during- and following interventions with
      stair leading footprints alone, and combined with stair-riser banners. Chi square
      tests were applied to determine differences between baseline and the subsequent
      periods. Web-based questionnaires were distributed after follow-up period.
      RESULTS: Elevators and stairs were used 45 237 times, of which 89.6% was stair
      use. Intervention site stair climbing at baseline (79.0%) was significantly
      reduced with footprints (-5.1%, p < 0.001), and footprints with stair-riser
      banners (-5.7%, p < 0.001) while baseline stair climbing at the control site
      (94.2%) remained stable (p > 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Stair climbing was
      significantly reduced during the intervention periods. Use of stair leading
      footprints alone, or combined with stair-riser banners in an attempt to influence
      stair climbing may be ineffective, or cause a negative reaction, when applied in
      a workplace with a pre-existing high amount of stair climbing.

PMID- 28078082
TI  - Core components for effective infection prevention and control programmes: new
      WHO evidence-based recommendations.
AB  - Health care-associated infections (HAI) are a major public health problem with a
      significant impact on morbidity, mortality and quality of life. They represent
      also an important economic burden to health systems worldwide. However, a large
      proportion of HAI are preventable through effective infection prevention and
      control (IPC) measures. Improvements in IPC at the national and facility level
      are critical for the successful containment of antimicrobial resistance and the
      prevention of HAI, including outbreaks of highly transmissible diseases through
      high quality care within the context of universal health coverage. Given the
      limited availability of IPC evidence-based guidance and standards, the World
      Health Organization (WHO) decided to prioritize the development of global
      recommendations on the core components of effective IPC programmes both at the
      national and acute health care facility level, based on systematic literature
      reviews and expert consensus. The aim of the guideline development process was to
      identify the evidence and evaluate its quality, consider patient values and
      preferences, resource implications, and the feasibility and acceptability of the
      recommendations. As a result, 11 recommendations and three good practice
      statements are presented here, including a summary of the supporting evidence,
      and form the substance of a new WHO IPC guideline.

PMID- 28078085
TI  - Comparing effects: a reanalysis of two studies on season of birth bias in
      anorexia nervosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcomes from studies on season of birth bias in eating disorders
      have been inconsistent. This inconsistency has been explained by differences in
      methodologies resulting in different types of effect sizes. The aim of the
      current study was to facilitate comparison by using the same methodology on
      samples from two studies with differing conclusions. METHODS: The statistical
      analyses used in each study were applied to the samples from the other study and
      the resulting effect sizes, Cramer's V and odds ratio (OR), were compared and
      discussed. RESULTS: For both studies, the Cramer's Vs ranged between 0.03 and
      0.08 and the OR ranged between 0.85 and 1.31. According to common conventions,
      Cramer's Vs below 0.10 and ORs below 1.44 are considered small. CONCLUSION: As a
      marker of one or more potential risk factors, the observed effects are considered
      to be small. When reanalysed allowing for direct comparisons, studies with
      contrasting conclusions converge towards an absence of support for a season of
      birth bias for patients with AN.

PMID- 28078087
TI  - Clostridium difficile infection in cystic fibrosis: an uncommon but life
      threatening complication.
AB  - Adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) have significant rates of asymptomatic
      Clostridium difficile carriage and are frequently exposed to risk factors for C.
      difficile infection (CDI). Despite this, the rate of reported CDI in CF is low.
      We describe three cases of near fatal CDI in adults with CF and review the
      literature regarding presentation, management, and recurrence prevention. Early
      recognition is important as the clinical presentation may be atypical and the
      illness can be severe and even life-threatening. Management can be complicated by
      respiratory and nutritional failure. CF-related gastrointestinal dysfunction may
      alter the typical host-pathogen interaction between patient and C. difficile,
      potentially explaining the low rates of CDI and atypical presentation.

PMID- 28078086
TI  - Unusual aerobic performance at high temperatures in juvenile Chinook salmon,
      Oncorhynchus tshawytscha.
AB  - Understanding how the current warming trends affect fish populations is crucial
      for effective conservation and management. To help define suitable thermal
      habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon, the thermal performance of juvenile Chinook
      salmon acclimated to either 15 or 19 degrees C was tested across a range of
      environmentally relevant acute temperature changes (from 12 to 26 degrees C).
      Swim tunnel respirometers were used to measure routine oxygen uptake as a measure
      of routine metabolic rate (RMR) and oxygen uptake when swimming maximally as a
      measure of maximal metabolic rate (MMR) at each test temperature. We estimated
      absolute aerobic scope (AAS = MMR - RMR), the capacity to supply oxygen beyond
      routine needs, as well as factorial aerobic scope (FAS = MMR/RMR). All fish swam
      at a test temperature of 23 degrees C regardless of acclimation temperature, but
      some mortality occurred at 25 degrees C during MMR measurements. Overall, RMR and
      MMR increased with acute warming, but aerobic capacity was unaffected by test
      temperatures up to 23 degrees C in both acclimation groups. The mean AAS for fish
      acclimated and tested at 15 degrees C (7.06 +/- 1.76 mg O2 kg-1 h-1) was similar
      to that measured for fish acclimated and tested at 19 degrees C (8.80 +/- 1.42 mg
      O2 kg-1 h-1). Over the entire acute test temperature range, while MMR and AAS
      were similar for the two acclimation groups, RMR was significantly lower and FAS
      consequently higher at the lower test temperatures for the fish acclimated at 19
      degrees C. Thus, this stock of juvenile Chinook salmon shows an impressive
      aerobic capacity when acutely warmed to temperatures close to their upper thermal
      tolerance limit, regardless of the acclimation temperature. These results are
      compared with those for other salmonids, and the implications of our findings for
      informing management actions are discussed.

PMID- 28078088
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4-related disease presenting as a pulmonary nodule with an
      irregular margin.
AB  - We report a case of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related lung disease presenting as a
      solitary pulmonary nodule with an irregular margin on computed tomography. The
      nodule showed a high standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography. A
      malignant pulmonary tumour could not be excluded. Middle lobectomy was performed.
      Histological analysis revealed marked lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and
      storiform fibrosis. Immunostaining indicated the presence of IgG4-positive plasma
      cells. A definitive diagnosis of IgG4-related disease was confirmed.

PMID- 28078089
TI  - The specificity of emotion dysregulation in adolescents with borderline
      personality disorder: comparison with psychiatric and healthy controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research has supported the notion that emotion dysregulation is a
      core feature of BPD. However, given that this feature is typical of healthy
      adolescents as well as adolescents with other psychiatric disorders, the
      specificity of emotion dysregulation to BPD in this age group has not yet been
      determined. The overall aim of this study was to examine emotion dysregulation in
      adolescent inpatients with BPD compared with non-BPD inpatient adolescents and
      healthy non-clinical adolescents, taking into account both global emotion
      dysregulation deficits and more specific impairments. METHOD: The sample included
      185 adolescent inpatients with BPD (M = 15.23, SD = 1.52), 367 non-BPD
      psychiatric inpatient adolescents (M = 15.37, SD = 1.40), and 146 healthy
      adolescents (M = 15.23, SD = 1.22), all of whom were between the ages of 12 and
      17. Borderline personality features were assessed, along with emotion
      dysregulation and psychiatric severity. RESULTS: After controlling for age,
      gender, and psychiatric severity, results revealed that adolescents with BPD had
      higher overall emotional dysregulation compared with non-BPD psychiatric controls
      and healthy controls. These differences were apparent in only two domains of
      emotion dysregulation including limited access to emotion regulation strategies
      perceived as effective and impulse control difficulties when experiencing
      negative emotions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest BPD-specific elevations on
      emotion dysregulation generally, and subscales related to behavioral regulation
      specifically.

PMID- 28078090
TI  - The effect of ongoing feedback on physical activity levels following an exercise
      intervention in older adults: a randomised controlled trial protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity ranks as a major contributing factor in the
      development and progression of chronic disease. Lifestyle interventions reduce
      the progression of chronic disease, however, compliance decreases over time and
      health effects only persist as long as the new lifestyle is maintained. Telephone
      counselling (TC) is an effective way to provide individuals with ongoing support
      to maintain lifestyle changes. Remote physical activity monitoring and feedback
      (RAMF) via interactive technologies such as activity trackers and smartphones may
      be a cost-effective alternative to TC, however, this comparison has not been
      made. This study, therefore, aims to determine the effect of ongoing feedback (TC
      vs. RAMF) on the maintenance of physical activity following a 12-week
      individualised lifestyle program, and the effect of this on health risk factors
      and health services usage. METHODS AND DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial with
      a parallel groups design. A total of 150 adults (>=60 years) who participate in a
      12-week face-to-face individualised lifestyle program will be randomised to
      twelve months of RAMF (n = 50), TC (n = 50), or usual care (n = 50). Participants
      randomised to RAMF will use a smartphone activity tracker app, synced to a wrist
      worn activity tracker, to provide them with automated feedback regarding
      compliance to prescribed activity targets. Telephone counselling involves a
      follow-up phone call every fortnight for the first three months and a monthly
      call for the remaining nine months of the follow-up period. The primary outcome
      measures are physical activity compliance (accelerometry and Active Australia
      survey). Secondary outcome measures include cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle
      strength, dynamic balance, quality of life, blood pressure, body composition, and
      health services usage. Measures will be made before and after the individualised
      lifestyle program, and at three, six and twelve months during the intervention.
      DISCUSSION: The results of this study will help to determine the efficacy of RAMF
      devices on compliance to prescribed physical activity compared to the current
      gold standard of TC. If the remote monitoring proves effective, it may provide a
      cost efficient alternative method of assisting maintenance of behaviour change
      from lifestyle interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12615001104549.
      Retrospectively Registered 20/10/2015.

PMID- 28078092
TI  - Severe obesity, emotions and eating habits: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity has a multifaceted etiology that involves genetic, biological
      and behavioral factors, body growth, eating habits, energy expenditure and the
      function of adipose tissue. The present study aimed to expand upon knowledge
      about the relationships among obesity, emotions and eating habits in severely
      obese individuals using a case-control method. METHODS: The subject group
      consisted of 112 individuals (81 females and 31 males) receiving a permanent
      disability pension primarily for obesity. The control subjects were randomly
      selected from the same area and were receiving a disability pension for a
      different primary illness. The controls were matched with the subjects by the
      place of residence, sex, age, the time since the pension was granted and
      occupation. Psychiatric interviews were conducted on all participants. The
      results were analyzed using the chi-squared test (chi2-test) and the percent
      distribution. The subject and control groups were compared using the t-test for
      paired variables. Conditional logistic regression analysis was also conducted.
      RESULTS: The emotional state of eating was significantly associated with quarrels
      and feelings of loneliness. The subjects suffered from night eating syndrome,
      which was associated with an increased risk of early retirement. Binge eating
      syndrome was observed more frequently in the study group. The subjects reported
      feeling increased hunger compared with the controls. A significant percentage of
      the subjects had a body mass index of >= 40. No differences in eating habits were
      observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides information on the
      relationship between emotions and eating habits in obesity, which is a rarely
      studied topic. We believe that our study provides a novel and necessary overview
      of the associations among severe obesity, emotions and eating habits.

PMID- 28078091
TI  - Body mass index-measured adiposity and population attributability of associated
      factors: a population-based study from Buea, Cameroon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is currently a global health challenge driven by a mix of
      behavioural, environmental and genetic factors. Up to date population-based
      disease burden estimates are needed to guide successful prevention and control
      efforts in African countries. We investigated the prevalence and population
      attributable fractions of overweight and obesity in Buea, the Southwest region of
      Cameroon. METHODS: Data are from a community-based cross-sectional study
      involving randomly selected adults conducted in 2016. Body mass index (BMI) was
      categorized according to the WHO classification. Multivariable logistic
      regressions were used to investigate factors independently associated with
      obesity. Corresponding population attributable fractions were estimated. RESULTS:
      Among the 1,139 participants, age-standardized prevalence (95% CI) of overweight
      and obesity were; 36.5 (33.7-39.3) and 11.1 (9.3-12.9) percent respectively. Mean
      BMI was 25.3 +/- 4.3 kg/m2; women were heavier than men (25.8 vs. 24.4 kg/m2; p
      <0.0001). Factors associated with obesity were; female gender [odds ratio 3.20
      (95% CI: 1.93-5.59)], age > 31 years [3.21 (1.86-5.28)] and being married [2.10
      (1.60-3.51)]. At the population level; older age, being married, low level of
      education, high monthly income and physical inactivity accounted respectively for
      11.9%, 21.8%, 11.6%, 6.4% and 8.7% of overweight and obesity among the women,
      while older age and being married explained 9.2% and 28.3% of overweight and
      obesity in men. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in this semi
      urban Cameroonian population is high, affecting over a third of individuals.
      Community-based interventions to control weight would need to take into account
      gender specificities and socio-economic status.

PMID- 28078093
TI  - Health communication implications of the perceived meanings of terms used to
      denote unhealthy foods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using appropriate terminology in nutrition education programs and
      behaviour change campaigns is important to optimise the effectiveness of these
      efforts. To inform future communications on the topic of healthy eating, this
      study explored adults' perceptions of the meaning of four terms used to describe
      unhealthy foods: junk food, snack food, party food, and discretionary food.
      METHODS: Australian adults were recruited to participate in an online survey that
      included demographic items and open-ended questions relating to perceptions of
      the four terms. In total, 409 respondents aged 25-64 years completed the survey.
      RESULTS: 'Junk food' was the term most clearly aligned with unhealthiness, and is
      therefore likely to represent wording that will have salience and relevance to
      many target audience members. Snack foods were considered to include both healthy
      and unhealthy food products, and both snack foods and party foods were often
      described as being consumed in small portions. Despite being used in dietary
      guidelines, the term 'discretionary food' was unfamiliar to many respondents.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that different terms for unhealthy foods
      can have substantially different meanings for audience members. A detailed
      understanding of these meanings is needed to ensure that nutrition guidance and
      health promotion campaigns use appropriate terminology.

PMID- 28078094
TI  - What is the elevator pitch for open access?

PMID- 28078095
TI  - What factors influence ward nurses' recognition of and response to patient
      deterioration? An integrative review of the literature.
AB  - AIM: In this integrative review, we aimed to: first, identify and summarize
      published studies relating to ward nurses' recognition of and response to patient
      deterioration; second, to critically evaluate studies that described or appraised
      the practice of ward nurses in recognizing and responding to patient
      deterioration; and third, identify gaps in the literature for further research.
      DESIGN: An integrative review. METHODS: The Cumulative Index to Nursing and
      Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Ovid Medline, Informit and Google Scholar
      databases were accessed for the years 1990-2014. Data were extracted and
      summarized in tables and then appraised using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool.
      Data were grouped into two domains; recognizing and responding to deterioration
      and then thematic analysis was used to identify the emerging themes. RESULTS:
      Seventeen studies were reviewed and appraised. Recognizing patient deterioration
      was encapsulated in four themes: (1) assessing the patient; (2) knowing the
      patient; (3) education and (4) environmental factors. Responding to patient
      deterioration was encapsulated in three themes; (1) non-technical skills; (2)
      access to support and (3) negative emotional responses. CONCLUSION: Issues
      involved in timely recognition of and response to clinical deterioration remain
      complex, yet patient safety relies on nurses' timely assessments and actions.

PMID- 28078096
TI  - Preceptor characteristics and the socialization outcomes of new graduate nurses
      during a preceptorship programme.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between preceptor
      characteristics (emotional intelligence, personality and cognitive intelligence)
      and new graduate nurse socialization outcomes regarding turnover intent, job
      satisfaction, role conflict and ambiguity during a preceptorship programme. To
      date, no studies have explored these relationships. DESIGN: A cross-sectional and
      multi-site design with purposeful sampling. METHODS: Dyads of preceptors and new
      nurses were recruited at the end of their preceptorship programme. Pearson's
      correlational analysis was used to examine the relationships. RESULTS: A sample
      of 41 preceptors and 44 new graduate nurses participated in this study, making 38
      dyads with complete data. The preceptor personality traits of openness,
      conscientiousness and emotional stability were significantly related to new
      graduate nurses who reported greater turnover intent, job dissatisfaction, role
      conflict and ambiguity. No significant relationships were noted between preceptor
      EI and IQ and the outcome of new graduate nurses.

PMID- 28078097
TI  - Rasch analysis of Stamps's Index of Work Satisfaction in nursing population.
AB  - AIM: One of the most commonly used tools for measuring job satisfaction in
      nursing is the Stamps Index of Work Satisfaction. Several studies have reported
      on the reliability of the Stamps' tool based on traditional statistical model.
      The aim of this study was to apply the Rasch model to examine the adequacy of
      Stamps's Index of Work Satisfaction for measuring nurses' job satisfaction cross
      culturally and to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument using
      the Rasch criteria. DESIGN: A secondary data analysis was conducted on a sample
      of 556 registered nurses from two countries. METHODS: The RUMM 2030 software was
      used to analyse the psychometric properties of the Index of Work Satisfaction.
      RESULTS: The persons mean location of -0.018 approximated the items mean of 0.00,
      suggesting a good alignment of the measure and the traits being measured.
      However, at the items level, some items were misfiting to the Rasch model.

PMID- 28078098
TI  - Transfer of nursing home residents to emergency departments: organizational
      differences between nursing homes with high vs. low transfer rates.
AB  - AIM: To explore possible factors in the organization of nursing homes that could
      be related to differences in the rate of transfer of residents from nursing homes
      to emergency department. DESIGN: Explorative. METHOD: In a single municipality,
      qualitative and quantitative data were collected from documents and through semi
      structured interviews with 11 RNs from five nursing homes identified as having
      the highest vs. six identified as having the lowest transfer rates to emergency
      department. Data were analysed by non-parametric tests and basic content
      analysis. RESULTS: All nursing homes in the highest transfer rate group and one
      in the lowest transfer rate group were run by private for-profit providers.
      Compared with the low group, the high group had fewer updated advance care plans
      and the RNs interviewed had less work experience in care of older people and less
      training in care of persons with dementia. There was no difference in nursing
      home size or staff/resident ratio. The RNs described similar possibilities to
      provide palliative care, medical equipment and perceived medical support from
      GPs.

PMID- 28078099
TI  - Aligning the planets: The role of nurses in the care of patients with non-ST
      elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have shown variation in care for patients with non-ST
      elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), including in the roles of specialist
      and advanced practice nurses in diagnosis, treatment and coordination of care.
      AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the roles and responsibilities of
      specialist and advanced practice nurses in providing care for patients with
      NSTEMI. METHODS: Secondary analysis of observational field notes and interviews
      from an ethnographic study of variation in care for NSTEMI patients in 10 UK
      hospitals conducted 2011-2012. Data were thematically analysed to identify key
      concepts and themes related to the roles of specialist nurses. RESULTS: Seven of
      10 hospitals had roles for specialist nurses in NSTEMI care. The major theme
      related to high demand and the complexity of patients and organizations
      ('Aligning the planets'). In this theme, nurses contributed to improving services
      or compensating for deficiencies ('Making the system work versus making up for
      the system'). Data collection for audit could take precedence over time with
      patients ('Paying worship to the paper'). Nurses expressed a sense of ownership
      of cardiovascular patients that drove their desire to provide quality of care
      ('They are our patients').

PMID- 28078101
TI  - Intrauterine diabetic milieu instigates dysregulated adipocytokines production in
      F1 offspring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrauterine environment plays a pivotal role in the origin of fatal
      diseases such as the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes is associated with low-grade
      inflammatory state and dysregulated adipokines production. The aim of this study
      is to investigate the effect of maternal diabetes on adipocytokines (adiponectin,
      leptin and TNF-alpha) production in F1 offspring in rats. METHODS: The offspring
      groups were as follows: F1 offspring of control mothers under control diet (CD)
      (CF1-CD), F1 offspring of control mothers under high caloric diet (HCD) (CF1
      HCD), F1 offspring of diabetic mothers under CD (DF1-CD), and F1 offspring of
      diabetic mothers under HCD (DF1-HCD). Every 5 weeks post-natal, 10 pups of each
      subgroup were culled to obtain blood samples for biochemical analysis. RESULTS:
      The results indicate that DF1-CD and DF1-HCD groups exhibited hyperinsulinemia,
      dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and impaired glucose homeostasis compared to CF1
      CD (p > 0.05). DF1-CD and DF1-HCD groups had high hepatic and muscular
      depositions of TGs. The significant elevated NEFA level only appeared in
      offspring of diabetic mothers that was fed HCD. DF1-CD and DF1-HCD groups
      demonstrated low serum levels of adiponectin, high levels of leptin, and elevated
      levels of TNF-alpha compared to CF1-CD (p > 0.05). These results reveal the
      disturbed metabolic lipid profile of offspring of diabetic mothers and could
      guide further characterization of the mechanisms involved. CONCLUSION:
      Dysregulated adipocytokines production could be a possible mechanism for the
      transgenerational transmittance of diabetes, especially following a postnatal
      diabetogenic environment. Moreover, the exacerbating effects of postnatal HCD on
      NEFA in rats might be prone to adipcytokine dysregulation. Furthermore,
      dysregulation of serum adipokines is a prevalent consequence of maternal diabetes
      and could guide further investigations to predict the development of metabolic
      disturbances.

PMID- 28078100
TI  - Asthma costs and social impact.
AB  - In recent decades, both asthma prevalence and incidence have been increasing
      worldwide, not only due to the genetic background, but mainly because of the
      effect of a wide number of environmental and lifestyle risk factors. In many
      countries noncommunicable diseases, like asthma, are not yet considered a
      healthcare priority. This review will analyze and discuss disparities in asthma
      management in several countries and regions, such as access to healthcare human
      resources and medications, due to limited financial capacity to develop
      strategies to control and prevent this chronic disease. This review tries to
      explore the social and economic burden of asthma impact on society. Although
      asthma is generally accepted as a costly illness, the total costs to society
      (direct, indirect and intangible asthma costs) are difficult to estimate, mainly
      due to different disease definitions and characterizations but also to the use of
      different methodologies to assess the asthma socio-economic impact in different
      societies. The asthma costs are very variables from country to country, however
      we can estimate that a mean cost per patient per year, including all asthmatics
      (intermittent, mild, moderate and severe asthma) in Europe is $USD 1,900, which
      seems lower than USA, estimated mean $USD 3,100.

PMID- 28078102
TI  - Repeated mild traumatic brain injury causes focal response in lateral septum and
      hippocampus.
AB  - AIM: To advance our understanding of regional and temporal cellular responses to
      repeated mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI), we used a mouse model of rmTBI that
      incorporated acceleration, deceleration and rotational forces. MATERIALS &
      METHODS: A modified weight-drop method was used to compare two inter-injury
      intervals, rmTBI-short (five hits delivered over 3 days) and rmTBI-long (five
      hits delivered over 15 days). Regional investigations of forebrain and midbrain
      histological alterations were performed at three post-injury time points
      (immediate, 2 weeks and 6 weeks). RESULTS: The rmTBI-short protocol generated an
      immediate, localized microglial and astroglial response in the dorsolateral
      septum and hippocampus, with the astroglial response persisting in the
      dorsolateral septum. The rmTBI-long protocol showed only a transitory astroglial
      response in the dorsolateral septum. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the
      lateral septum and hippocampus are particularly vulnerable regions in rmTBI,
      possibly contributing to memory and emotional impairments associated with
      repeated concussions.

PMID- 28078103
TI  - The potential of spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging based
      retinal biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biomarker", a merged word of "biological marker", refers to a broad
      subcategory of medical signs that objectively indicate the state of health, and
      well-being of an individual. Biomarkers hold great promise for personalized
      medicine as information gained from diagnostic or progression markers can be used
      to tailor treatment to the individual for highly effective intervention in the
      disease process. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has proved useful in
      identifying various biomarkers in ocular and systemic diseases. MAIN BODY:
      Spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging-based biomarkers provide a
      valuable tool for detecting the earlier stages of the disease, tracking
      progression, and monitoring treatment response. The aim of this review article is
      to analyze various OCT based imaging biomarkers and their potential to be
      considered as surrogate endpoints for diabetic retinopathy, age related macular
      degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and vitreomacular interface disorder. These
      OCT based surrogate markers have been classified as retinal structural
      alterations (macular central subfield thickness and cube average thickness);
      retinal ultrastructural alterations (disruption of external limiting membrane and
      ellipsoid zone, thinning of retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer);
      intraretinal microangiopathic changes; choroidal surrogate endpoints; and
      vitreoretinal interface endpoints. CONCLUSION: OCT technology is changing very
      quickly and throughout this review there are some of the multiple possibilities
      that OCT based imaging biomarkers will be more useful in the near future for
      diagnosis, prognosticating disease progression and as endpoint in clinical
      trials.

PMID- 28078104
TI  - Discovery of flavivirus-derived endogenous viral elements in Anopheles mosquito
      genomes supports the existence of Anopheles-associated insect-specific
      flaviviruses.
AB  - The Flavivirus genus encompasses several arboviruses of public health
      significance such as dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. It also includes
      insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs) that are only capable of infecting insect
      hosts. The vast majority of mosquito-infecting flaviviruses have been associated
      with mosquito species of the Aedes and Culex genera in the Culicinae subfamily,
      which also includes most arbovirus vectors. Mosquitoes of the Anophelinae
      subfamily are not considered significant arbovirus vectors; however, flaviviruses
      have occasionally been detected in field-caught Anopheles specimens. Whether such
      observations reflect occasional spillover or laboratory contamination or whether
      Anopheles mosquitoes are natural hosts of flaviviruses is unknown. Here, we
      provide in silico and in vivo evidence of transcriptionally active, flavivirus
      derived endogenous viral elements (EVEs) in the genome of Anopheles minimus and
      Anopheles sinensis. Such non-retroviral endogenization of RNA viruses is
      consistent with a shared evolutionary history between flaviviruses and Anopheles
      mosquitoes. Phylogenetic analyses of the two newly described EVEs support the
      existence of a distinct clade of Anopheles-associated ISFs.

PMID- 28078105
TI  - Asymmetric Facial Bone Fragmentation Mirrors Asymmetric Distribution of Cranial
      Neuromasts in Blind Mexican Cavefish.
AB  - Craniofacial asymmetry is a convergent trait widely distributed across animals
      that colonize the extreme cave environment. Although craniofacial asymmetry can
      be discerned easily, other complex phenotypes (such as sensory organ position and
      numerical variation) are challenging to score and compare. Certain bones of the
      craniofacial complex demonstrate substantial asymmetry, and co-localize to
      regions harboring dramatically expanded numbers of mechanosensory neuromasts. To
      determine if a relationship exists between this expansion and bone fragmentation
      in cavefish, we developed a quantitative measure of positional symmetry across
      the left-right axis. We found that three different cave-dwelling populations were
      significantly more asymmetric compared to surface-dwelling fish. Moreover, cave
      populations did not differ in the degree of neuromast asymmetry. This work
      establishes a method for quantifying symmetry of a complex phenotype, and
      demonstrates that facial bone fragmentation mirrors the asymmetric distribution
      of neuromasts in different cavefish populations. Further developmental studies
      will provide a clearer picture of the developmental and cellular changes that
      accompany this extreme phenotype, and help illuminate the genetic basis for
      facial asymmetry in vertebrates.

PMID- 28078106
TI  - Advances in cholangiocarcinoma research: report from the third Cholangiocarcinoma
      Foundation Annual Conference.

PMID- 28078107
TI  - Phase II study of bevacizumab and preoperative chemoradiation for esophageal
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A standard-of-care for locally advanced esophageal and
      gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma is pre-operative chemoradiation.
      Elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been associated
      with worse outcomes following chemoradiation and anti-VEGF therapies can
      potentiate radiation efficacy. METHODS: In this single-arm phase II study, we
      added bevacizumab to induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiation with
      cisplatin/irinotecan for locally advanced esophageal and GEJ adenocarcinomas.
      RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were enrolled, with all evaluable. All tumors
      involved the GEJ and 67% were node-positive by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and
      imaging. Twenty-eight patients completed chemoradiation and 26 patients underwent
      surgery (25 R0 resections). Toxicities were not clearly increased. The pathologic
      complete response (pCR) rate was 15%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and
      overall survival (OS) were 15.1 and 30.5 months respectively. Higher baseline
      VEGF-A levels were associated with a trend toward improved OS (not reached vs.
      21.0 months, P=0.11). Response on positron emission tomography (PET) scan after
      induction chemotherapy was predictive of PFS and showed trends toward improved OS
      and pCR rate. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of bevacizumab to chemoradiation was not
      associated with clear worsening of toxicities but also led to no improvement in
      outcomes, when compared to a prior phase II study of 55 patients. Higher baseline
      VEGF-A levels correlated with a trend toward improved survival and might be used
      to stratify or select patients for future studies incorporating this or similar
      agents. PET scan to assess response following induction chemotherapy and change
      chemotherapy in non-responders during chemoradiation is the subject of a fully
      accrued national trial (NCT01333033).

PMID- 28078108
TI  - EGFR family and cMet expression profiles and prognostic significance in
      esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Targeted therapy with anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor-2
      (HER2) monoclonal antibody in patients with HER2 overexpressed esophagogastric
      adenocarcinoma (EGA) improves survival; however, the effect is transient due to
      the development of resistance. Some studies suggest that cMet overexpression
      provides cross talk for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER2
      inhibition. We sought to characterize the expression profile of the EGFR family
      and cMet receptors in untreated, resected EGA. METHODS: This retrospective
      analysis included all sequential patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal
      junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who underwent primary resection, without
      neoadjuvant therapy or HER2 inhibition, with adequate tissue, at the University
      of Florida from 2001 to 2011. Central blinded immunohistochemistry (IHC) was
      performed on tumor specimens with EGFR, HER2, HER3, HER4 and cMet expression
      scored as low (0, 1+) or high (2+, 3+). Demographic and tumor characteristics
      were compared using Fisher exact test. Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate
      analysis compared survival among different receptors. RESULTS: Total 52 patients
      were included in the study with median age 66 years. High expression of EGFR
      (73%), HER2 (40%), HER3 (75%), HER4 (35%) and cMet (69%) was detected among the
      study group. HER3 and HER4 co-expression was found in 18 (35%) cases. Pan
      expression of all four EGFR family members with cMet was noted in only 17% of
      cases. On univariate analysis, tumor stage and depth correlated with survival,
      while cMet + HER3 +/- EGFR receptor co-expression trended towards a worse
      survival. CONCLUSIONS: EGFR family and cMet are frequently co-expressed in
      treatment naive resected EGA or GEJ tumors. Although our data do not
      significantly show receptor status as a prognostic factor, the co-expression
      profiles support for further investigation to improve targeting of this signal
      transduction axis.

PMID- 28078109
TI  - Prognostic impact of tumour-associated B cells and plasma cells in oesophageal
      and gastric adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While it is well established that the cell-mediated immune response
      plays an important role in cancer progression and spread, the role of the humoral
      immune response in this regard has been less studied. According to the existing
      literature, dense infiltration of B cells or plasma cells appears to correlate
      mainly with an improved prognosis in several types of cancer, but their
      prognostic impact in oesophageal and gastric cancer has not yet been described.
      METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was applied on tissue microarrays (TMA) to assess
      the stromal density of B cells (CD20+) and plasma cells [CD138+ or immunoglobulin
      kappa C (IGKC+)] in chemo-/radiotherapy-naive tumours from a consecutive cohort
      of 174 patients with resected oesophageal or gastric adenocarcinoma. Cox
      proportional hazard's modelling was applied to examine the impact of the
      investigated markers on overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR).
      RESULTS: In curatively treated patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma, high
      expression of IGKC was an independent predictor of a prolonged OS [hazard ratio
      (HR) 0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02-0.57], and TTR (HR 0.15; 95% CI,
      0.03-0.71). In curatively treated patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, high
      expression of IGKC independently predicted a prolonged OS (HR 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24
      0.87) and TTR (HR 0.46; 95% CI, 0.21-0.98). Expression of CD20 was not
      prognostic, and CD138 expression was only prognostic in unadjusted analysis of
      TTR in gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate, for the first
      time, that abundant infiltration of IGKC+ plasma cells independently predicts a
      prolonged survival in both oesophageal and gastric cancer.

PMID- 28078110
TI  - Radioembolization with 90Y glass microspheres for the treatment of unresectable
      metastatic liver disease from chemotherapy-refractory gastrointestinal cancers:
      final report of a prospective pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This prospective pilot single-institution study was undertaken to
      document the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of radioembolization of liver
      dominant metastatic gastrointestinal cancer using 90Y glass microspheres.
      METHODS: Between June 2010 and October 2013, 42 adult patients (26 men, 16 women;
      median age 60 years) with metastatic chemotherapy-refractory unresectable
      colorectal (n=21), neuroendocrine (n=11), intrahepatic bile duct (n=7), pancreas
      (n=2), and esophageal (n=1) carcinomas underwent 60 lobar or segmental
      administrations of 90Y glass microspheres. Data regarding clinical and laboratory
      adverse events (AE) were collected prospectively for up to 5.5 years after
      radioembolization. Radiographic responses were evaluated using Response
      Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), version 1.1. Time to maximum
      response, response duration, progression-free survival (PFS) (hepatic and
      extrahepatic), and overall survival (OS) were measured. RESULTS: Median target
      dose and activity were 109.4 Gy and 2.6 GBq per treatment session, respectively.
      Majority of clinical AE were grade 1 or 2 in severity. Patients with colorectal
      cancer had hepatic objective response rate (ORR) of 25% and a hepatic disease
      control rate (DCR) of 80%. Median PFS and OS were 1.0 and 4.4 months,
      respectively. Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NET) had hepatic ORR and DCR
      of 73% and 100%, respectively. Median PFS was 8.9 months for this cohort. DCR and
      median PFS and OS for patients with cholangiocarcinoma were 86%, 1.1 months, and
      6.7 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 90Y glass microspheres device has a
      favorable safety profile, and achieved prolonged disease control of hepatic tumor
      burden in a subset of patients, including all patients enrolled in the
      neuroendocrine cohort.

PMID- 28078111
TI  - Percutaneous biliary drainage catheter insertion in patients with extensive
      hepatic metastatic tumor burden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with metastatic disease of the liver can have
      hyperbilirubinemia due to a number of reasons, including biliary obstruction. The
      purpose of this study was to analyze patient outcomes after percutaneous biliary
      drainage (PBD) catheter insertion in patients with extensive hepatic metastatic
      tumor burden. METHODS: Out of 746 PBD insertions, 44 patients (24 males, 20
      females, mean age 57.4 years, range, 34-80 years) had metastatic malignancy with
      a hepatic tumor burden of greater than 20% parenchymal volume based on pre
      procedure computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      Laboratory data before and after PBD insertion were compared. Survival and
      outcomes analysis performed. A subanalysis was performed on patients with CT
      demonstrated catheter traversal of tumoral tissue. RESULTS: A PBD catheter was
      successfully inserted in all patients. The mean serum bilirubin level decreased
      significantly from 10.9+/-6.4 mg/dL immediately prior to PBD insertion to 7.1+/
      5.6 mg/dL (P<0.001) within one month post PBD insertion. Four patients (11%)
      demonstrated normalization of bilirubin levels to less than 1.6 mg/dL. Of the 14
      patients with a post-procedure CT or MRI, the PBD catheter traversed a tumor in
      11 (79%). One of these patients required a transfusion after the procedure and
      one had recurrent catheter exchanges due to pericatheter leakage. The 30-day
      overall survival was 41% with a median survival of 19 days. The percentage
      decrease in serum bilirubin after PBD insertion and pre-procedure international
      normalized ratio (INR) were correlated with improved survival (OR =3.7, P=0.010
      and OR =4.9, P=0.028 respectively). The PBD-associated major complication rate
      was 16%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with hyperbilirubinemia and extensive hepatic
      metastatic disease burden, survival was dismal after PBD catheter insertion.
      Serum bilirubin level normalization occurred rarely.

PMID- 28078113
TI  - Results of intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy containing multimodality
      treatment for locally unresectable T4 rectal cancer: a pooled analysis of the
      Mayo Clinic Rochester and Catharina Hospital Eindhoven.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to analyse the pooled results of
      intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy (IOERT) containing multimodality
      treatment of locally advanced T4 rectal cancer, initially unresectable for cure,
      from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA (MCR) and Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The
      Netherlands (CHE), both major referral centers for locally advanced rectal
      cancer. A rectal tumor is called locally unresectable for cure if after full
      clinical work-up infiltration into the surrounding structures or organs has been
      demonstrated, which would result in positive surgical margins if resection was
      the initial component of treatment. This was the reason to refer these patients
      to the IOERT program of one of the centers. METHODS: In the period from 1981 to
      2010, 417 patients with locally unresectable T4 rectal carcinomas at initial
      presentation were treated with multimodality treatment including IOERT at either
      one of the two centres. The preferred treatment approach was preoperative (chemo)
      radiation and intended radical surgery combined with IOERT. Risk factors for
      local recurrence (LR), cancer specific survival, disease free survival and
      distant metastases (DM) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 306 patients (73%)
      underwent a R0 resection. LRs and metastases occurred more frequently after an R1
      2 resection (P<0.001 and P<0.001 respectively). Preoperative chemoradiation
      (preop CRT) was associated with a higher probability of having a R0 resection.
      Waiting time after preoperative treatment was inversely related with the chance
      of developing a LR, especially after R+ resection. In 16% of all cases a LR
      developed. Five-year disease free survival and overall survival (OS) were 55% and
      56% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An acceptable survival can be achieved in
      treatment of patients with initially unresectable T4 rectal cancer with combined
      modality therapy that includes preop CRT and IOERT. Completeness of the resection
      is the most important predictive and prognostic factor in the treatment of T4
      rectal cancer for all outcome parameters. IOERT can reduce the LR rate
      effectively, especially in R+ resected patients.

PMID- 28078112
TI  - Molecular spectrum of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, TP53, and APC somatic gene
      mutations in Arab patients with colorectal cancer: determination of frequency and
      distribution pattern.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The frequency rates of mutations such as KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA
      in colorectal cancer (CRC) differ among populations. The aim of this study was to
      assess mutation frequencies in the Arab population and determine their
      correlations with certain clinicopathological features. METHODS: Arab patients
      from the Arab Gulf region and a population of age- and sex-matched Western
      patients with CRC whose tumors were evaluated with next-generation sequencing
      (NGS) were identified and retrospectively reviewed. The mutation rates of KRAS,
      NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, TP53, and APC were recorded, along with clinicopathological
      features. Other somatic mutation and their rates were also identified. Fisher's
      exact test was used to determine the association between mutation status and
      clinical features. RESULTS: A total of 198 cases were identified; 99 Arab
      patients and 99 Western patients. Fifty-two point seven percent of Arab patients
      had stage IV disease at initial presentation, 74.2% had left-sided tumors. Eighty
      nine point two percent had tubular adenocarcinoma and 10.8% had mucinous
      adenocarcinoma. The prevalence rates of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, TP53, APC,
      SMAD, FBXW7 mutations in Arab population were 44.4%, 4%, 4%, 13.1%, 52.5%, 27.3%,
      2% and 3% respectively. Compared to 48.4%, 4%, 4%, 12.1%, 47.5%, 24.2%, 11.1% and
      0% respectively in matched Western population. Associations between these
      mutations and patient clinicopathological features were not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report comprehensive hotspot
      mutations using NGS in Arab patients with CRC. The frequency of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF,
      TP53, APC and PIK3CA mutations were similar to reported frequencies in Western
      population except SMAD4 that had a lower frequency and higher frequency of FBXW7
      mutation.

PMID- 28078114
TI  - Colorectal cancer anatomic distribution patterns remain the same after sessile
      serrated adenoma/polyp considered cancer precursor: a 9-year comparison study
      from community-based endoscopy centers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The overall incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the United States
      has steadily decreased. However, the incidence of right-sided CRC remains
      unchanged for the past two decades. The serrated neoplastic pathway (sessile
      serrated adenoma/polyp, SSA/P) has been considered an important pathway of
      colorectal carcinogenesis, especially in the right-sided CRC. The aim of this
      study was to compare CRC anatomic distribution patterns in a 9-year interval in
      the general population before and after SSA/P was recognized and treated as a CRC
      precursor. METHODS: The Miraca Life Sciences (MLS) pathology database was queried
      for all primary CRCs diagnosed between 8/3/2000 to 12/31/2005 (control group) and
      1/1/2014 to 12/31/2014 (current group). Patients' demographics, clinical
      information, and pathology reports were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total
      of 5,602 patients with 5,685 CRCs were identified, of which 2,728 patients with
      2,765 CRCs in current group and 2,874 patients with 2,920 CRCs in control group.
      Overall, there were no statistical differences in the current group in regards to
      the anatomical distribution patterns of CRCs in the proximal, right-sided,
      distal, and left-sided colon or genders compared with the control group (all
      P>0.05). Among the current group, there were 33 (1.2%) patients with 38 (1.4%)
      CRCs arising in SSA/Ps [serrated carcinomas (SCAs)], of which 33 (86.8%) were in
      the right-sided colon and 5 (13.2%) in the left-sided colon. Twenty-three (69.7%)
      SCA patients were female with significant advanced age than male (76.4 vs. 69.6,
      P=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The overall current CRC anatomic distribution patterns
      after SSA/Ps managed as CRC precursor remain the same in the patients' population
      from the community-based endoscopy centers in the U.S. It is suggested that the
      current SSA/P management might need to be further modified.

PMID- 28078115
TI  - Usefulness and feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal
      tumor: a nationwide multicenter retrospective study in Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Detection rate of precursor lesion of colorectal cancer and early
      colon cancer have recently been rising because of increased screening endoscopy
      and increased incidence of colorectal cancer. Endoscopic submucosal dissection
      (ESD) technique has been reported to be useful in the treatment of such
      superficial lesions in colon. However, nationwide multicenter study for
      usefulness and feasibility of colorectal ESD is still limited. METHODS: From
      January 2009 to February 2014, colorectal ESD data performed at nationwide
      university hospitals were enrolled in retrospective design. Demographic,
      clinical, technical data, and data of complications were reviewed. RESULTS: A
      total of 189 patients were included with 191 lesions resected by colorectal ESD.
      The indications were epithelial lesions (n=120), neuroendocrine tumor (n=25),
      cancer (n=46). The lesion locations were right colon (n=45), transverse colon
      (n=17), descending colon (n=8), sigmoid colon (n=33), rectum (n=88). The median
      size of the lesions was 21.1 mm. En bloc resection rate of the lesion was 83.3%,
      with complete R0 resection in 73.3%. The median duration of ESD was 53.7 minutes.
      Factor related to En bloc resection was tumor location (right colon/transverse
      colon 72.6% vs. other location 89.2%, P=0.004). Factors related complication were
      tumor location (right colon/transverse colon 12.9% vs. Other location 10.13%,
      P=0.044) and tumor size (without complication 20.5+/-10.2 mm vs. with
      complication 25.9+/-11.7 mm, P=0.027). The short term morbidity rate was 11.0%
      including 5 hemorrhages (2.6%) and 16 perforations (8.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      study, ESD shows promise as a useful, potentially feasible procedure in
      colorectal superficial tumor because of high en bloc resection rate and low
      morbidity rate, especially in small lesions located from descending colon to
      rectum.

PMID- 28078116
TI  - Pretreatment tumor volume as a prognostic factor in metastatic colorectal cancer
      treated with selective internal radiation to the liver using yttrium-90 resin
      microspheres.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Yttrium-90 (90Y)-resin microspheres can prolong intrahepatic disease
      control and improve overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic colorectal
      cancer (CRC). Prognostic factors for improved outcomes in patients undergoing
      selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) have been studied, but the
      relationship between pre-SIRT liver tumor volume and outcomes has not well
      described. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with
      metastatic CRC who were treated at our institution with 90Y-resin microspheres.
      Each patient underwent either MR or CT imaging of the liver with intravenous (IV)
      contrast before and within ~2-3 months after SIRT. Imaging data were transferred
      into our treatment planning system. Each metastatic liver lesion was contoured,
      and the volume of each lesion was summed to determine the total liver tumor
      volume at a given time point. We evaluated whether pretreatment liver tumor
      volume was related to OS. We also evaluated the relationship between pre-SIRT
      tumor volume and radiographic treatment response by either unidimensional
      Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) or three-dimensional
      volumetric criteria. RESULTS: We included 60 patients with a median age of 59
      years (range, 38-97 years); 60% of patients received sequential lobar treatment.
      The median number of chemotherapy cycles received prior to SIRT was 2. Median
      follow-up from first SIRT was 8.9 months. Pre- and post-SIRT tumor volumes were
      primarily calculated on CT (87%). The median pre-SIRT tumor volume was 77 cc
      (range, 4.5-2,170.4 cc). The median intervals between the first SIRT and the
      first, second, and third follow-up scans were 2.2, 4.4, and 7.7 months,
      respectively. No patient experienced a radiographic complete response.
      Pretreatment volume was a significant predictor for estimating the odds of a
      patient having stable disease or partial response using volumetric response
      criteria at first (P=0.016), second (P=0.023), and third (P=0.015) follow-ups.
      For each unit increase in log volume, a patient's odds of having a stable or
      partial response were 0.57, 0.63, and 0.61 times as likely at first, second, and
      third follow-up, respectively. OS was not significantly associated with
      pretreatment tumor volume. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with metastatic CRC with larger
      overall pretreatment liver tumor volumes, regardless of number of individual
      liver lesions, are less likely to have radiographic evidence of stable disease or
      partial response following SIRT using volumetric response criteria. However,
      pretreatment volume was not significantly associated with OS, and thus SIRT
      should be considered for patients with larger pretreatment volumetric tumor
      burden.

PMID- 28078117
TI  - Effect of gender on psychosocial adjustment of colorectal cancer survivors with
      ostomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stoma can pose extensive challenges for colorectal cancer survivors.
      Identifying the psychological and social adjustment among them and how it differs
      by gender will aid in identifying those particularly at risk of having poor
      adjustment and in planning programs to improve their adjustment. The purpose of
      this study was to determine the effect of gender on psychosocial adjustment of
      colorectal cancer survivors with ostomy. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional
      study was carried out in the stoma clinic of B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer
      Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal. A purposive sample of 122 patients with ostomy was
      taken from the above mentioned setting. Selection criteria included colorectal
      cancer survivors having ostomy for at least 6 months. Data on socio-demographic
      and clinical variables were collected. Psychosocial adjustment was measured using
      Ostomy Adjustment Inventory-23 (OAI-23). RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were
      included in the study. Mean time since ostomy surgery was 2.53 and 1.98 years for
      men and women respectively. Both men and women had significant impairment in the
      psychosocial adjustment, however, men had significantly lower psychosocial
      adjustment score (37.68+/-12.96 vs. 43.45+/-12.81, t=-2.47, P=0.015) at 95% CI as
      compared to women and they reported more negative emotions. Furthermore, men
      significantly predicted low acceptance {beta=-3.078, P=0.023, DeltaR2=0.036, F
      [4,117] =7.90, P<0.001} and social engagement score {beta=-2.501, P<0.001,
      DeltaR2=0.098, F [4,117] =6.03, P<0.001}. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer
      survivors with ostomy should be monitored for psychosocial concerns in regular
      basis and health care providers should tailor care based on their need.
      Approaches of survivorship care and psychosocial interventions in colorectal
      cancer survivors with ostomy should take into account gender specific concerns
      and requirements to aid adjustment.

PMID- 28078118
TI  - Less than 12 lymph nodes in the surgical specimen after neoadjuvant chemo
      radiotherapy: an indicator of tumor regression in locally advanced rectal cancer?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of lymph node retrieved in the surgical specimen is
      important for tumor staging and has paramount impact on prognosis in colorectal
      cancer and imitates the adequacy of lymph node surgical clearance. The paucity of
      lymph node yields in patients undergoing resection after preoperative chemo
      radiotherapy (CRT) in rectal cancer has seen. Lower total number of lymph nodes
      in the total mesoractal excision (TME) specimen after CRT, could a marker of
      better tumor response. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively
      managed data of patients underwent excision for rectal cancer, who treated by
      neoadjuvant radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal
      cancer. From 2010 to 2014, 364 patients underwent rectal cancer surgery, of which
      ninety-one treated with neoadjuvant treatment. Standard surgical and pathological
      protocols were followed. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the
      number of total harvested lymph nodes with group 1, having 12 or more nodes
      harvested, and group 2 including patients who had <12 lymph nodes harvested. The
      total number of lymph nodes retrieved from the surgical specimen was correlated
      with grade of tumor regression with neoadjuvant treatment. RESULTS: Out of 91
      patients, 38 patients (42%) had less than 12 lymph nodes examined in specimen.
      The difference in median number of lymph nodes was observed significantly as 9
      (range, 2-11) versus 16 (range, 12-32), in group 2 and 1, respectively (P<0.01).
      Patients with fewer lymph node group were comparable with respect to age, BMI,
      pre-operative staging, neoadjuvant treatment. Pathological complete response in
      tumor pCR was seen with significantly higher rate (40% vs. 26%, P<0.05) in group
      2. As per Mandard criteria, there was significant difference in tumor regression
      grade (TRG) between both the groups (P<0.05). Among patients with metastatic
      lymph nodes, median LNR was lower in <12 lymph nodes group at 0.167 (range, 0.09
      0.45) versus 0.187 (range, 0.05-0.54), difference was not statistically
      significant (P=0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Retrieval of fewer than 12 lymph nodes in
      surgical specimen of rectal cancer who had received neo-adjuvant radiotherapy
      with or without chemotherapy should be considered as a good indicator of tumor
      response with better local disease control, and a good prognostic factor, rather
      than as a pointer of poor diligence of the surgical and pathological assessment.

PMID- 28078120
TI  - Disparities in receipt of radiotherapy and survival by age, sex, and race among
      patients with non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combination chemoradiotherapy is the standard of care for treatment
      of non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA). This population
      based study evaluated disparities in receipt of radiotherapy (RT) as well as
      comparative survival rates for SCCA patients in the United States. METHODS: The
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 database was used to
      identify patients with non-metastatic SCCA diagnosed between 1998 and 2008.
      Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the relationships between age,
      sex, and race and the receipt of RT, adjusting for marital status and stage of
      disease. Relative survival (RS) rates were compared by each factor, with added
      adjustment for RT status, using Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total
      of 3,885 patients with localized or regional SCCA as the only primary malignancy
      were included in the study, of which, 3,192 (82%) received RT. In our
      multivariate analysis, lower rates of RT were found for those 65+ years old
      [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.71; P<0.001], males (adjusted OR 0.65; P<0.001), and
      blacks (adjusted OR 0.78; P=0.049). Multivariate survival analysis showed worse
      survival among those 65+ years old (adjusted HR 1.65; P<0.001), males (adjusted
      HR 1.53; P<0.001), and blacks (adjusted HR 1.35; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This
      population based study identified older patients, males, and blacks as less
      likely to receive RT. Worse survival was also found in these groups.

PMID- 28078119
TI  - Surgical outcomes of post chemoradiotherapy unresectable locally advanced rectal
      cancers improve with interim chemotherapy, is FOLFIRINOX better than CAPOX?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Role of chemotherapy in patients who continue to have unresectable
      disease after pre-operative chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) remains largely unaddressed.
      METHODS: Patients with LA rectal cancer from January 2013 to June 2015 were
      evaluated. Post-CRT, patients, who were deemed unresectable, were considered for
      further interim chemotherapy (i-CT). RESULTS: Seventy six patients (15%) with
      median age of 38.5 years received i-CT after CRT. About 61.8% patients receiving
      i-CT managed to undergo a definitive surgery and the extent of surgery was
      reduced in 48.7% patients. With the median follow up of 19 months, the estimated
      2-year event free survival (EFS) of 48% and OS was 56%. The estimated 2-year OS
      was 81% in mucinous tumors whereas it was 44.4% in signet ring pathology
      (P=0.045). The 2-year OS of 86% for whom surgery was done vs. 38% (2-year OS) in
      whom surgery was not done (P=0.011). Survival was better in conservative surgery
      group vs. total pelvic exenteration (TPE) vs. no surgery (2-year OS: 84% vs.
      59.1% vs. 38%; P=0.033). In the CAPE-OX group, 71.4% (14/23) underwent surgery
      whereas 75.9% (29/47) in the 5-FU plus irinotecan plus oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX)
      group with EFS (P=0.570) and OS (P=0.120). In conservative surgery group, OS was
      better in FOLFIRINOX (2-year OS: 95.7%) vs. capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX)
      (2-year OS: 70%) (P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: i-CT can lead to improved resection
      rates, improved survivals and downstaging with acceptable toxicity. FOLFIRINOX
      appears to better over CAPOX, specifically in whom conservative surgery is
      feasible.

PMID- 28078121
TI  - Clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic characteristics of ampullary
      carcinomas with an emphasis on SMAD4 expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to examine the relationship between
      clinicopathologic variables and morphologic subtypes in ampullary carcinoma, with
      an emphasis on the expression of SMAD4 tumor suppressor gene. METHODS: Sixty
      three cases of ampullary carcinomas resected between 2000-2011 were included in
      this study. Clinical characteristics and outcome data were recorded. Tumors were
      classified as pancreatobiliary or intestinal type based on morphology, and
      immunohistochemical (IHC) studies for cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 20 (CK20),
      cytokeratin 17 (CK17), and SMAD4 were performed. RESULTS: Forty-nine percent of
      the ampullary tumors were pancreatobiliary, 29% were intestinal, and 22% were
      other variants. Tumors with pancreatobiliary morphology showed worse overall
      survival than those with intestinal morphology or other variants (P=0.03). A
      trend for higher stage, recurrence and less survival was seen in cases with
      negative SMAD4 expression. In multivariate analysis, age group (<=60 vs. >60
      years) and expression of CK17 were the most prognostic of survival. CONCLUSIONS:
      Ampullary tumors with pancreatobiliary morphology have a worse overall survival,
      while negative SMAD4 expression is associated with a trend of less survival.

PMID- 28078122
TI  - Performance status and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio are important prognostic
      factors in elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The usefulness of various prognostic factors for pancreatic cancer
      (PC) has been reported, but the number of elderly patients in these studies is
      disproportionately fewer compared with those in everyday practice. The purpose of
      this study was to investigate the prognostic factors for unresectable PC in
      elderly patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 67 elderly (age >=75
      years) patients with unresectable PC who underwent chemotherapy between January
      2006 and December 2014 at our hospital. Univariate and multivariate Cox
      regression models were applied to investigate independent prognostic factors.
      RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that an increased neutrophil-lymphocyte
      ratio (NLR) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.91, P=0.03] and Eastern Cooperative Oncology
      Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 2 (HR 2.74, P=0.01) were independent
      negative prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The two prognostic factors identified
      herein are useful in the identification of patients with a poor prognosis and
      subsequent administration of supportive care alone, which may help avoid the
      unnecessary adverse effects and complications of systemic chemotherapy.

PMID- 28078123
TI  - Diminished expression of MGMT & RASSF1A genes in gastric cancer in ethnic
      population of Kashmir.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer initiation and progression are accompanied by profound changes
      in DNA. DNA methylation that was the first epigenetic alterations identified in
      cancer. DNA hypermethylation at promoter sites is closely associated with down
      regulation of protein and as major participant in the development and progression
      of series of human tumors. Therefore we hypothesized that promoter
      hypermethylation of RASSF1A & MGMT gene could influence susceptibility to gastric
      cancer (GC) as well, and we conducted this study to test the hypothesis in
      Kashmiri population. METHODS: A hospital based case-control study; including 200
      GC cases and 200 matched controls from patients who went surgical resection.
      Promoter hypermethylation was determined by Methylation Specific Polymerase chain
      reaction. The expression of MGMT & RASSF1A protein was examined by Western
      blotting technique. RESULTS: Frequency of promoter region hypermethylation of
      MGMT gene were 46.5% in cases and 5.5% in controls (P<0.05) while as in case of
      RASSF1A frequency was 44% in cases and 4.5% in controls (P<0.05). Further,
      frequency of hypermethylation of both genes was found predominant in males, aged
      and advanced pathological stage subjects. Loss of MGMT expression was found in
      46.5% cases (P<0.05) while as loss of RASSF1A expression was found in 40.5% cases
      (P<0.05). In both genes a positive correlation was observed between promoter CpG
      island hypermethylation and down regulation of respective proteins. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings indicate that promoter hypermethylation at CpG island may be
      responsible for reduction of expression at protein level which may be an initial
      event in carcinogenesis and the progression of GC.

PMID- 28078125
TI  - Changing paradigm in pancreatic cancer: from adjuvant to neoadjuvant
      chemoradiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Historically, management of pancreatic cancer has been determined
      based on whether the tumor was amenable to resection and all patients deemed
      resectable received curative intent surgery followed by adjuvant therapy with
      chemotherapy (CT) +/- RT. However, patients who undergo resection with
      microscopic (R1) positive margins have inferior rates of survival. The purpose of
      this study is to identify patients who have undergone pancreatectomy for
      pancreatic cancer, determine the surgical margins, types of adjuvant therapies
      given and patterns of failure. Our hypothesis was that in patients who have
      surgery without pre-operative therapy, there is a high rate of R1 resections and
      subsequent local recurrence, despite adjuvant therapy. METHODS: Seventy-one
      patients with curative resections for pancreatic cancer between 2003 and 2015
      were reviewed. Tumor stage, margin status, distance to closest margin, receipt of
      adjuvant therapy and length of survival were collected. Patients were divided
      into two groups based on whether they received adjuvant CT + RT (n=37) or CT
      alone (n=37). Patients were further divided based on whether resection was R1
      (n=29) or R0 (n=42). Wilcoxon survival tests and Cox proportional hazards
      regression models were performed to determine the effects of CT + RT vs. CT
      alone, stratified by surgical margin status. RESULTS: Of the 29 patients (39%)
      who had R1, 15 received CT + RT and 14 received only CT. Patients who received CT
      + RT experienced a significantly longer period of PFS (13 vs. 7.5 mos, P=0.03)
      than patients who received CT alone. However, there was no significant difference
      found in time to death post cancer resection between CT + RT vs. CT alone
      (P=0.73). Of the 42 patients with R0, 21 received CT + RT and 21 received CT.
      There was a trend towards increase in PFS in patients treated with CT + RT (25
      vs. 17 months, P=0.05), but there was no significant increase in time to death
      compared to patients treated with CT alone (P=0.53. Of the 36 patients with CT +
      RT, 21 had R0 and 15 had R1. Patients with R0 were more likely to have longer PFS
      (25 vs. 13 months, P=0.06), but there was no significant difference in time to
      death compared to patients with CT alone (P=0.68). CONCLUSIONS: After curative
      resection, the addition of RT to CT improves PFS in both R0 and R1 settings.
      However, patients with R1 have significantly worse PFS and OS compared to
      patients with R0 and even aggressive adjuvant therapy does not make up for the
      difference. The paradigm has shifted and now for patients with resectable
      pancreatic cancers we recommend neoadjuvant CT + RT to improve RT targeting and
      treatment response assessment and most importantly, improve chances of obtaining
      R0.

PMID- 28078124
TI  - Advanced biliary tract cancer: clinical outcomes with ABC-02 regimen and analysis
      of prognostic factors in a tertiary care center in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) is currently the standard regimen for
      advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC) based on the outcomes in ABC-02 trial.
      Multiple factors can affect outcomes in these patients. This retrospective review
      evaluates the University of Cincinnati experience with GC in advanced
      intrahepatic (IHC)/extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHC) and gall bladder
      carcinoma (GBC). METHODS: In this study approved by University of Cincinnati IRB,
      retrospective analysis of advanced BTC patients seen between 01/2008 and 01/2015
      was done. Kaplan Meyer method was used to calculate progression free survival
      (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Cox model was used to test the association
      between baseline variables and OS/PFS, adjusting for gender and age at diagnosis.
      Patients were identified using ICD code for BT tumors, 26 patients met inclusion
      criteria: histologically proven advanced BTC that received GC as their initial
      chemotherapy. GC was given as per ABC-02 protocol with appropriate modifications
      until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities. RESULTS: Median age at
      diagnosis was 62 years (range, 31-81 years). Eighteen (69%) were IHC, 5 EHC, 3
      GBC, 61% male, 73% whites. Performance status (PS): 0-1: 69%, PS 2: 31%. Baseline
      CA19-9 data was available for 21 patients, (range 1 to 69,543), and abnormal CA19
      9 was seen in 14 patients (54%). PFS was 4.5 months (95% CI: 3.1-8.9 months) and
      OS was 10.5 months (95% CI: 7.9-18.8 months). OS at 6 and 12 months was 69%
      (18/26) and 42% (11/26). Thirty-eight percent (10/26) received 2nd line
      chemotherapy, of these 9/10 received 5FU based chemotherapy. Eleven percent
      (3/26) received 3rd line chemotherapy. Increase in baseline carcinoembryonic
      antigen (CEA), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total
      bilirubin was associated with increased risk of death while increase in baseline
      CEA and ALP was associated with increased risk of progression (P valve <0.05). In
      the group of patients who had all three major risk factors (PS >=2, CEA >3, and
      stage IVb), the median survival was 2.9 months (95% CI: 2.6-9.3 months), which
      was significantly worse compared to rest of the population [median 18 months (95%
      CI: 5.4-19.5 months), P<0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: Our data supports the use of GC as a
      first line regimen for advance BTC in a non-clinical trial setting. Results are
      comparable to those reported in ABC-02 trial, despite inclusion of PS 2 patients
      whom constituted 31% of our population. In the patient population studied,
      baseline CEA and liver function test appeared able to predict response to GC in
      advanced BTC. Patients with all three high risk factors (PS >=2, CEA >3, and
      stage IVb) did poorly and may need careful selection prior to initiating
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 28078126
TI  - Gastrointestinal lymphoma in Western Algeria: pattern of distribution and
      histological subtypes (retrospective study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary gastrointestinal (GI) lymphomas (GIL) are uncommon diseases
      that can involve the whole GI tract. Considerable variation exists in the
      literature with respect to incidence of the various histological subtypes and
      sites of involvement. This study was undertaken to establish the anatomic
      distribution, histological subtypes and sites of GI lymphomas of patients from
      Western Algeria. METHODS: The case records of 58 consecutive patients with GIL
      diagnosed at the Pathologies Departments of Algerian west region (the Military
      Hospital of Oran city and the Central University Hospital of Sidi Bel Abbes city)
      from January 2006 to December 2013 were retrospectively evaluated for
      epidemiology and histopathology report. All lymphomas were reclassified according
      to the WHO 2008 classification. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients (39 male, 19
      female) with mean age of 61 years and a range of 20-89 years were included in
      this study. Stomach was the most common site involved (70.7%). The commonest
      histological subtype was mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) B cell lymphoma
      (46.6%), followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) (43.1%).The frequency
      of Helicobacter pylori (HP) positivity differ between gastric and intestinal
      location P=0.003 and correlates with the histological type P=0.01. CONCLUSIONS:
      This retrospective study of patients with GI lymphoma from Western Algeria
      illustrates the pattern of distribution of various common and rare histological
      subtypes. More studies are necessary to find a potential cause, risk factor or
      genetic mutation that can explain these specific characteristics of GIL.

PMID- 28078127
TI  - Prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy can be considered in the
      management of advanced gastric cancer.

PMID- 28078128
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound in pancreatic cancer: innovative applications beyond the
      basics.
AB  - Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become a mainstay in assisting in the diagnosis
      and staging of pancreatic cancer. In addition, EUS provides a modality to treat
      chronic pain through celiac plexus neurolysis. Currently, there is growing data
      and utilization of EUS in more diverse and innovative applications aimed at
      providing more sophisticated diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic options for
      patients with pancreatic cancer. EUS delivery of chemotherapy, viral and
      biological vectors and fiducial markers may eventually revolutionize the way
      clinicians approach the care of a patient with pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 28078129
TI  - Osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with ziv-aflibercept.
AB  - Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has been associated with
      medications that include bisphosphonates (BPs), denosumab, bevacizumab and
      sunitinib. Ziv-aflibercept is a recombinant human vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) receptor which has been used to treat patients with various
      advanced solid tumors. We report three patients without a history of the use of
      medications known to cause MRONJ presenting with jaw osteonecrosis typical for
      MRONJ following therapy with ziv-aflibercept. All patients had metastatic
      gastrointestinal cancer treated with ziv-aflibercept and were evaluated for MRONJ
      because of exposed bone in the oral cavity. None of the patients had received
      antiresorptive therapies or any other medication known to cause MRONJ, and none
      had received radiation therapy to the jaws. Patients were aged 43, 51, 63 and all
      were males. Patients received 7, 16 and 23 cycles of ziv-aflibercept treatment
      and developed necrotic bone. All three patients presented with mandibular
      involvement, with two reporting pain. Patients were managed with anti-microbial
      mouth rinse, antibiotics and non-surgical sequestrectomy and followed up for 1.5,
      2, and 2 months; two patients became asymptomatic while one patient continued to
      have pain. These three reported patients with a history of ziv-aflibercept
      therapy and no reported use of other medications known to cause MRONJ developed
      exposed necrotic bone of the jaw. We believe that ziv-aflibercept is another
      medication that can potentially cause MRONJ probably through its anti-VEGF
      activity, similar to bevacizumab and sunitinib.

PMID- 28078130
TI  - Radiographic and endoscopic regression of metastatic gastric cancer to the colon
      in the setting of 5-aminosalicylic acid use.
AB  - Colonic metastases from gastric cancer are a rare phenomenon and sparsely
      reported in the literature. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman who presented
      with vague abdominal symptoms and initial computer tomography (CT) imaging
      suggestive of a colonic apple-core lesion with serial colonoscopic biopsies
      diagnostic of metastatic signet ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma. This case is
      unique given the evolving CT and endoscopic findings that suggested a regression
      in colonic wall thickening in the setting of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) use
      prior to histologic diagnosis.

PMID- 28078131
TI  - A novel management of post-oesophagectomy gastro-pleural fistula.
AB  - Oesophageal anastomotic leak and fistula are major and life-threatening
      complications of oesophagectomy with resultant increased mortality. Non-operative
      approach of such cases should be the initial strategy. Re-operative surgery
      and/or stent insertion are considered if conservative measures failed. Although
      oesophageal stenting is a safe option for the leaks, stent migration and failure
      to completely cover large anastomotic leaks are the main complications and
      pitfalls of the procedure. These can be overcome by using multiple or larger
      stents. We describe a case of a 73-year-old man who underwent a laparoscopic
      oesophagectomy for an oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The procedure was complicated
      by a large gastro-pleural fistula and anastomotic leak, resulting into a chronic
      empyema. The initial conservative treatment and a conventional oesophageal stent
      insertion failed to heal the fistula and to resolve the empyema. Re-operative
      surgery was ruled out because of the patient's poor general health and high
      surgical risk. Due to the changed oesophago-gastric anatomy and a potential risk
      of migration of the additional conventional stent, a mega stent was deployed with
      successful closure of the oesophageal leak. Post-stenting contrast studies and an
      out-patient follow up review of the case confirmed no further anastomotic
      leakage.

PMID- 28078132
TI  - Impressive response to dual BRAF and MEK inhibition in patients with BRAF mutant
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma-2 case reports and a brief review.
AB  - Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) typically presents at an advanced stage and
      is associated with a poor oncological outcome. The median survival for metastatic
      ICC is less than 1 year with standard chemotherapy. ICC is associated with
      distinct oncogenic drivers including IDH (isocitrate dehydrogenase), HER-2 (human
      epidermal growth factor 2), and BRAF (v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog
      B), which may benefit from matching targeted therapies. Hereby we report 2 cases
      of BRAF V600E refractory ICC treated with dual BRAF and MEK inhibitors
      (dabrafenib and trametinib) with excellent clinical and radiological response to
      therapy and with protracted duration of disease control. Our first patient
      achieved CR (complete remission) at 6 months of treatment with ultimate disease
      progression at 9 months. The second patient achieved a PR (partial response) at 2
      months from starting treatment and remains progression free at 5 months. Our
      results confirm the activity of dual BRAF and MEK targeting in BRAF mutated ICC,
      adding further support to 3 additional case-reports in the literature. Dual
      targeting appears superior to other case reports with BRAF inhibition alone and
      appear favorable to historic data with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Given the poor
      outlook and refractoriness of BRAF mutant ICC, future studies should focus on
      early integration of BRAF/MEK inhibition.

PMID- 28078133
TI  - Successful hepatectomy for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal-a
      case report.
AB  - Despite rare, metastatic anal carcinoma confers a poor prognosis. Systemic
      chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for advanced disease while the role of
      biologics and/or surgical resection of metastatic disease are anecdotal. Compared
      to isolated liver colorectal or neuroendocrine cancer liver metastases, there is
      far less experience with resection or nonsurgical local ablative procedures for
      patients with metastatic anal carcinoma to the liver. We report the case of a 67
      year-old woman with metastatic anal carcinoma to the liver who was successfully
      treated with liver resection and remains free of relapse more than one year
      later.

PMID- 28078134
TI  - Malignant transformation of biliary adenofibroma: a rare biliary cystic tumor.
AB  - Biliary adenofibromas (BAFs) are rare, benign biliary cystic tumors with
      potential for malignant transformation. Of the eleven prior cases of BAF reported
      in the literature, six showed evidence of malignant transformation. We describe
      the clinical, imaging and pathology features of two cases of malignant BAF and
      review the existing literature to raise awareness of this entity and provide
      additional tools for diagnosing this rare tumor Additionally, we identified a
      loss of function mutation in the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A)
      tumor suppressor gene in a malignant caudate lobe BAF, thereby providing
      potential insight into the molecular pathogenesis of BAF malignant
      transformation. Although additional cases and longer-term follow-up are needed,
      our cases suggest that recurrence or metastasis of malignant BAF is not common
      and that complete surgical resection can be curative.

PMID- 28078135
TI  - Investigating the prognostic value of KOC (K homology domain containing protein
      overexpressed in cancer) overexpression after curative intent resection of
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is now the third leading cause of
      cancer mortality in the United States. More than 80% of patients present with
      distant metastasis precluding surgical eligibility. Even among patients with
      localized disease deemed eligible for surgical resection, the median survival is
      only 22.8 months due to high recurrence rates. Identification of a biomarker
      correlated with patient specific prognosis upon initial diagnosis can serve as a
      way to individualize treatment options. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      cohort study analyzing pathology of patients who underwent curative intent
      surgery for PDAC at Geisinger Medical Center from 1998-2011 to identify whether
      the expression of KOC can be predictive of patient specific prognosis. Tissue
      microarrays of specimens were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A total
      of 62 patients are included. Comparisons between groups on overall survival (OS)
      and progression free survival (PFS) are estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method
      and the log-rank test. Each biomarker was represented as low and high expression
      by categorizing the expression score at <4+ or >4+, based on intensity and extent
      of cells stained. 40 deaths occurred in the sample. Distant metastasis and
      differentiation (well/moderate vs. poor) were related to OS (P=0.0120, P=0.0086).
      Twenty-nine patients progressed in their disease. High/low KOC expression were
      significantly related to PFS (P=0.0556). Patients with a high KOC expression were
      more than 2 times more likely to progress compared to those with a low KOC
      expression (HR =2.04; 95% CI: 0.97, 4.29). CONCLUSIONS: Our data is suggestive of
      KOC being a useful prognostic biomarker for identifying those patients with PDAC
      who have a high risk for early progression and distant metastasis. Larger studies
      are needed to determine whether KOC can be a therapeutic target in the treatment
      of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, considering high KOC expressers had a worse
      PFS than their counterparts, investigation regarding the use of KOC expression as
      a biomarker to preselect patients who may benefit most from neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy is warranted.

PMID- 28078136
TI  - Effects of a New Eyelid Shampoo on Lid Hygiene and Eyelash Length in Patients
      with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Comparative Open Study.
AB  - Purpose. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can lead to abnormalities in the
      composition and function of tear film, resulting in dry eye. Eyelid hygiene is a
      key to management of MGD. We tested a novel eyelid shampoo (Eye Shampoo Long,
      ESL) for its ability to maintain lid hygiene. This shampoo is nonirritating and
      can potentially lengthen eyelashes. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy
      of ESL in the treatment of MGD and its effects on eyelash length. Methods. Ten
      patients with MGD and 10 healthy subjects without MGD applied ESL twice daily for
      8 weeks. Patients were examined for lid margin and dry eye before and after the
      trial. Subjective symptoms were evaluated. Eyelash length was measured at
      baseline and at the end of the trial. Results. In the MGD group, significant
      improvements were observed in subjective symptoms obstruction of the meibomian
      orifice, secretion of meibum, eyelashes contamination, eyelid margin foam, and
      SPK. Eyelash length became significantly longer. Conclusions. Maintaining eyelid
      hygiene using ESL improved the eyelid margins and symptoms of dry eye in MGD
      patients and increased eyelash length. These findings are promising and warrant
      confirmation in a larger randomized controlled study.

PMID- 28078137
TI  - Comment on "Invisible Victims: Delayed Onset Depression among Adults with Same
      Sex Parents".

PMID- 28078138
TI  - Use of Action Research in Nursing Education.
AB  - Purpose. The purpose of this article is to describe action research in nursing
      education and to propose a definition of action research for providing guidelines
      for research proposals and criteria for assessing potential publications for
      nursing higher education. Methods. The first part of this project involved a
      search of the literature on action research in nursing higher education from 1994
      to 2013. Searches were conducted in the CINAHL and MEDLINE databases. Applying
      the criteria identified, 80 publications were reviewed. The second part of the
      project involved a literature review of action research methodology from several
      disciplines to assist in assessing articles in this review. Results. This article
      summarizes the nursing higher education literature reviewed and provides
      processes and content related to four topic areas in nursing higher education.
      The descriptions assist researchers in learning more about the complexity of both
      the action research process and the varied outcomes. The literature review of
      action research in many disciplines along with the review of action research in
      higher education provided a framework for developing a nursing-education-centric
      definition of action research. Conclusions. Although guidelines for developing
      action research and criteria for publication are suggested, continued development
      of methods for synthesizing action research is recommended.

PMID- 28078139
TI  - TULAA: A Minimally Invasive Appendicectomy Technique for the Paediatric Patient.
AB  - TULAA or Transumbilical Laparoscopic Assisted Appendicectomy is a minimally
      invasive technique described by Pelosi in 1992 for the removal of the inflamed
      appendix. Its main advantage is the possibility of exploring the peritoneal
      cavity and performing a simple and safe extracorporeal appendicectomy. Since its
      first description, different authors reported their experience with such
      technique. The aim of this review is to summarise the surgical outcomes currently
      reported in the literature for this minimally invasive surgical approach and
      compare it with standard open and laparoscopic appendicectomy.

PMID- 28078140
TI  - Pregnancy and the Use of Disease-Modifying Therapies in Patients with Multiple
      Sclerosis: Benefits versus Risks.
AB  - The burden of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women of childbearing potential is
      increasing, with peak incidence around the age of 30 years, increasing incidence
      and prevalence, and growing female : male ratio. Guidelines recommend early use
      of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which are contraindicated or recommended
      with considerable caution, during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Many physicians are
      reluctant to prescribe them for a woman who is/is planning to be pregnant.
      Interferons are not absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy, since interferon
      beta appears to lack serious adverse effects in pregnancy, despite a warning in
      its labelling concerning risk of spontaneous abortion. Glatiramer acetate,
      natalizumab, and alemtuzumab also may not induce adverse pregnancy outcomes,
      although natalizumab may induce haematologic abnormalities in newborns. An
      accelerated elimination procedure is needed for teriflunomide if pregnancy occurs
      on treatment or if pregnancy is planned. Current evidence supports the
      contraindication for fingolimod during pregnancy; data on other DMTs remains
      limited. Increased relapse rates following withdrawal of some DMTs in pregnancy
      are concerning and require further research. The postpartum period brings
      increased risk of disease reactivation that needs to be carefully addressed
      through effective communication between treating physicians and mothers intending
      to breastfeed. We address the potential for use of the first- and second-line
      DMTs in pregnancy and lactation.

PMID- 28078141
TI  - Experiences of Habitual Physical Activity in Maintaining Roles and Functioning
      among Older Adults: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - Physically active older adults have reduced risk of functional restrictions and
      role limitations. Several aspects may interrelate and influence habitual physical
      activity (PA). However, older adults' own perspectives towards their PA need to
      be addressed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of habitual
      physical activity in maintaining roles and functioning among older adult
      Palestinians >=60 years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews based on
      a narrative approach. Seventeen participants were recruited (aged 64-84 years).
      Data were analyzed using a narrative interpretative method. Findings. Three
      central narratives were identified, "keep moving, stay healthy," "social
      connectedness, a motive to stay active," and "adapting strategies to age-related
      changes." Conclusion. Habitual physical activity was perceived as an important
      factor to maintain functioning and to preserve active roles in older adults.
      Walking was the most prominent pattern of physical activity and it was viewed as
      a vital tool to maintain functioning among the older adults. Social connectedness
      was considered as a contributing factor to the status of staying active. To adapt
      the process of age-related changes in a context to stay active, the participants
      have used different adapting strategies, including protective strategy, awareness
      of own capabilities, and modifying or adopting new roles.

PMID- 28078142
TI  - Normal Non-HDL Cholesterol, Low Total Cholesterol, and HDL Cholesterol Levels in
      Sickle Cell Disease Patients in the Steady State: A Case-Control Study of Tema
      Metropolis.
AB  - Background. Abnormal lipid homeostasis in sickle cell disease (SCD) is
      characterized by defects in plasma and erythrocyte lipids and may increase the
      risk of cardiovascular disease. This study assessed the lipid profile and non-HDL
      cholesterol level of SCD patients. Methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional
      study was conducted in 50 SCD patients, in the steady state, aged 8-28 years,
      attending the SCD clinic, and 50 healthy volunteers between the ages of 8-38
      years. Serum lipids were determined by enzymatic methods and non-HDL cholesterol
      calculated by this formula: non-HDL-C = TC-HDL-C. Results. Total cholesterol (TC)
      (p = 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.0001) were
      significantly decreased in cases compared to controls. The levels of non-HDL-C,
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) were similar
      among the participants. The levels of decrease in TC and HDL were associated with
      whether a patient was SCD-SS or SCD-SC. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic
      blood pressure were each significantly associated with increased VLDL [SBP, p =
      0.01, OR: 0.74 (CI: 0.6-0.93); DBP, p = 0.023, OR: 1.45 (CI: 1.05-2.0)].
      Conclusion. Dyslipidemia is common among participants in this study. It was more
      pronounced in the SCD-SS than in SCD-SC. This dyslipidemia was associated with
      high VLDL as well as increased SBP and DBP.

PMID- 28078143
TI  - Breast Cancer Profile among Patients with a History of Chemoprevention.
AB  - Purpose. This study identifies women with breast cancer who utilized
      chemoprevention agents prior to diagnosis and describes their patterns of
      disease. Methods. Our database was queried retrospectively for patients with
      breast cancer who reported prior use of chemoprevention. Patients were divided
      into primary (no history of breast cancer) and secondary (previous history of
      breast cancer) groups and compared to patients who never took chemoprevention.
      Results. 135 (6%) of 2430 women used chemoprevention. In the primary
      chemoprevention group (n = 18, 1%), 39% had completed >5 years of treatment, and
      fully 50% were on treatment at time of diagnosis. These patients were
      overwhelmingly diagnosed with ER/PR positive cancers (88%/65%) and were diagnosed
      with equal percentages (44%) of IDC and DCIS. 117 (87%) used secondary
      chemoprevention. Patients in this group were diagnosed with earlier stage disease
      and had lower rates of ER/PR-positivity (73%/65%) than the nonchemoprevention
      group (84%/72%). In the secondary group, 24% were on chemoprevention at time of
      diagnosis; 73% had completed >5 years of treatment. Conclusions. The majority of
      patients who used primary chemoprevention had not completed treatment prior to
      diagnosis, suggesting that the timing of initiation and compliance to prevention
      strategies are important in defining the pattern of disease in these patients.

PMID- 28078144
TI  - Progress of Research on Diffuse Axonal Injury after Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - The current work reviews the concept, pathological mechanism, and process of
      diagnosing of DAI. The pathological mechanism underlying DAI is complicated,
      including axonal breakage caused by axonal retraction balls, discontinued protein
      transport along the axonal axis, calcium influx, and calpain-mediated hydrolysis
      of structural protein, degradation of axonal cytoskeleton network, the changes of
      transport proteins such as amyloid precursor protein, and changes of glia cells.
      Based on the above pathological mechanism, the diagnosis of DAI is usually made
      using methods such as CT, traditional and new MRI, biochemical markers, and
      neuropsychological assessment. This review provides a basis in literature for
      further investigation and discusses the pathological mechanism. It may also
      facilitate improvement of the accuracy of diagnosis for DAI, which may come to
      play a critical role in breaking through the bottleneck of the clinical treatment
      of DAI and improving the survival and quality of life of patients through clear
      understanding of pathological mechanisms and accurate diagnosis.

PMID- 28078145
TI  - Thirty Years Later: Evolution of Treatment for Acute Left Main Coronary Artery
      Occlusion.
AB  - Acute occlusion of left main coronary artery is a catastrophic event. We describe
      two patients with acute occlusion of the left main coronary artery treated thirty
      years apart. The first patient was treated in 1982 and survived the event without
      revascularization but developed severe heart failure. His survival was so unusual
      that it merited a case report at that time. The second patient was treated at the
      end of 2015. Early revascularization resulted in myocardial reperfusion and near
      normal left ventricular function. These patients exemplify the progress in
      therapeutic cardiology over the last 30 years.

PMID- 28078146
TI  - Solitary Plasmacytoma in the Mandible Resembling an Odontogenic Cyst/Tumor.
AB  - A 46-year-old male patient referred to Department of Oral Medicine, with the
      primary chief complaint of a painless swelling in the right side of mandibular. A
      panoramic radiograph revealed a well-defined, multilocular radiolucent bony
      lesion with thin and straight septa in the right side of mandible extending from
      distal of canine to mesial of third molar. Histological examination showed a
      solid proliferation of atypical plasmacytoid cells, which was indicative of
      plasmacytoma. A systemic workup for the final diagnosis was performed to rule out
      multiple myeloma.

PMID- 28078147
TI  - Reestablishing the Function and Esthetics in Traumatized Permanent Teeth with
      Large Apical Lesion.
AB  - Dental trauma is a challenge for dental integrity and can lead to pulp necrosis.
      The clinical case reports the diagnosis of a maxillary right central incisor
      traumatized and its multidisciplinary treatment. Calcium hydroxide material was
      used to perform the processing apexification. An apical surgery was carried out
      to remove the apical periodontitis and to return the aesthetics to the patient;
      internal and external tooth whitening in maxillary right central incisor was
      performed. We conclude that surgery associated with the root filling in the
      central incisor led to a successful completion. Moreover, it is of utmost
      importance to demonstrate the interaction between the various areas of dentistry.

PMID- 28078148
TI  - Colonoscopic Splenic Injury: A Simplified Radiologic Approach.
AB  - Colonoscopy is a commonly performed procedure for diagnosis and treatment of
      large bowel diseases. Recognized complications include bleeding and perforation.
      Splenic injury during colonoscopy is a rare complication. We report a case of a
      73-year-old woman who presented with left-sided abdominal pain after colonoscopy
      with finding of splenic injury on CT scan. She was managed conservatively. We
      discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to colonoscopic splenic injury.

PMID- 28078149
TI  - Rapid Fatal Outcome of Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis in a Non-HIV
      Immunocompromised Patient with a Low Fluconazole Susceptibility Isolate: A Case
      Report from Madagascar.
AB  - Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is considered rare in HIV-negative individuals.
      In Madagascar, the epidemiology of cryptococcosis has not yet been well
      described, neither in immunocompetent nor in immunocompromised patients. We
      report here the first Malagasy detailed case of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis
      in a non-HIV immunocompromised adult patient carrying a low fluconazole
      susceptibility isolate. We emphasize the importance of early and accurate
      diagnosis to meet the challenges of managing cryptococcosis in developing
      countries.

PMID- 28078150
TI  - Dengue Fever-Associated Maculopathy and Panuveitis in Australia.
AB  - Purpose. To describe a case of dengue fever-associated maculopathy and panuveitis
      to raise awareness of these ophthalmic complications of dengue in Australia in
      the light of recent increasing numbers of outbreaks from equatorial through to
      tropical Australia. Case Report. A 37-year-old Caucasian Australian male
      returning from Cambodia presented with a bilateral dengue fever-associated
      maculopathy with left panuveitis diagnosed clinically and haematologically.
      Automated perimetry revealed bilateral paracentral scotomas while optical
      coherence tomography demonstrated the maculopathies to be of the diffuse retinal
      thickening type in the right eye and acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) type in
      the left eye. He was treated conservatively with only topical steroids and
      cycloplegia and made a full clinical visual recovery. Conclusion. Our case study
      underscores the importance of the awareness of the ophthalmic complications of
      dengue fever as despite their rarity they can be potentially sight threatening.
      The incidence of these complications is likely to rise in Australia with
      increased global warming and the distribution of Aedes aegypti into subtropical
      Australia.

PMID- 28078151
TI  - Atypical Presentation of Idiopathic Bilateral Optic Perineuritis in a Young
      Patient.
AB  - A previously healthy 27-year-old Malay male presented with acute onset of
      painless, severe blurring of vision in his right eye. It was associated with
      headache and vomiting for the past week. Relative afferent pupillary defect was
      present in the right eye, with reduced optic nerve function. Patient also had
      bilateral generalised optic disc swelling, splinter haemorrhages, and tortuous
      vessels. Initial examination was suggestive of either optic neuritis or raised
      intracranial pressure. Typical features of bilateral optic perineuritis (OPN)
      such as tram track and doughnut sign were observed on magnetic resonance imaging.
      Connective tissue and infective screening were negative. He was diagnosed with
      bilateral optic perineuritis and treated with high dose intravenous
      corticosteroids followed by a three-month course of oral steroids. His vision and
      optic nerve function recovered to baseline levels.

PMID- 28078152
TI  - An Unusual Traumatic Presentation: Luxatio Erecta Humeri and Concomitant Hip
      Dislocation.
AB  - Introduction. Inferior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint, known as luxatio
      erecta humeri, and posterior hip dislocation are both rare presentations in the
      emergency department. The most common aetiology is falling for luxatio erecta
      humeri. The aim of this manuscript was to present a unique case in terms of
      luxatio erecta humeri, which has a different aetiology, treatment method, and
      concomitant injury. Presentation of Case. We report a construction worker who was
      rescued from a collapsed building who presented with both luxatio erecta humeri
      and complex posterior hip dislocation. An orthopaedic surgeon reducted luxatio
      erecta humeri with a one-step reduction technique under procedural anaesthesia as
      soon as the patient's vital signs were stable. Discussion. Different concomitant
      injuries and various injury mechanisms have been described in regard to inferior
      shoulder dislocation in the literature. However, posterior dislocation of the hip
      as a concomitant distant region injury and trapping as an injury mechanism for
      luxatio erecta humeri are being described for the first time in this case report.
      Two reduction manoeuvers, one-step and two-step, have been used for this
      dislocation. Some authors suggested that a two-step manoeuver can be more easy to
      apply. In our specific case, luxatio erecta was easily reducted by a single
      operator in a single attempt. Conclusion. Luxatio erecta humeri may occur from
      trapping and complex injuries can accompany luxatio erecta humeri in patients
      with multiple trauma. A one-step closed reduction can be easily applied by a
      single operator under procedural anaesthesia.

PMID- 28078153
TI  - A Delayed Postoperative C5 Palsy due to Spinal Cord Lesion: A Typical Clinical
      Presentation but Unusual Imaging Findings.
AB  - Postoperative C5 palsy (C5 palsy) is a troublesome complication after cervical
      spine surgery and its etiology is still unclear. We experienced a case of C5
      palsy after anterior decompression with fusion for cervical ossification of
      posterior longitudinal ligament with the typical clinical presentation of left
      deltoid and bicep weakness and left-arm pain without deterioration of myelopathy
      symptoms, albeit with the unusual imaging findings not shown preoperatively of a
      swelling in the spinal cord, and intramedullary high intensity change on T2
      weighed MRI. The additional posterior surgery was carried out to decompress the
      swollen spinal cord. The abnormal findings disappear on MRI taken three weeks
      following the second surgery and the weakness improved fully within three months
      after the second surgery. This case report highlights the possibility of spinal
      cord lesion due to circulatory impairment as a cause of C5 palsy.

PMID- 28078154
TI  - A Rare Case of Pheohyphomycotic Lumbar Spondylodiscitis Mistreated as Koch's
      Spine.
AB  - Pheohyphomycosis is an uncommon infection and its association in spondylodiscitis
      has not yet been reported. The purpose of this case report is to describe a rare
      case of Pheohyphomycotic spondylodiscitis and methods to diagnose and manage the
      patient with less invasive techniques. A 29-year-old male patient presented to
      the outpatient department with complaints of gradually increasing low back pain
      with bilateral lower limbs radicular pain since one and a half years. He had
      associated fever, weight loss, voice changes, and dry, scaly, erythematous skin
      with elevated ESR. The patient had been taking anti-Koch's therapy since 1 year
      with little relief in pain and no radiological improvement. Percutaneous pedicle
      biopsy of L4 vertebra was taken under local anaesthesia and confirmed
      Pheohyphomycosis which was treated with antifungal medications. The patient
      showed sequential improvement with long term antifungal treatment. He was
      eventually able to walk independently without support.

PMID- 28078156
TI  - Undifferentiated Malignant Neoplasm Involving Parotid and Thyroid: Sampling and
      PAX8 Cross-Reactivity Can Obscure the Diagnosis of Lymphoma.
AB  - Poorly differentiated malignant neoplasia arising within the head and neck region
      may originate from diverse sources. We report a case of a cytologically
      undifferentiated malignant neoplasm clinically presenting as masses involving
      thyroid and parotid. Although PAX8 was immunoreactive and thus worrisome for
      anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, the tumor was eventually proven to represent PAX5
      positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma expressing cross-reactivity with
      polyclonal PAX8 antibody. Cross-reactivity between commercially available
      polyclonal PAX8 and PAX5 immunostains has been described in the literature but is
      not widely known, and it is a potential pitfall for making a misdiagnosis. This
      distinction can have importance in selection of subsequent clinical therapy and
      should be considered in choice of immunohistochemical stains for diagnostic
      purposes.

PMID- 28078155
TI  - Lipomatous Hypertrophy of the Atrial Septum in a Patient Undergoing Coronary
      Artery Bypass Surgery.
AB  - Background. Lipomatous hypertrophy of the atrial septum (LHAS) is a rare entity
      characterized by mass-forming deposition of fatty tissue within the atrial
      septum. To date, <300 cases have been reported; many of them were autopsy
      findings. The clinical presentation of LHAS varies from incidental asymptomatic
      mass (most frequent form) to severe life-threatening cardiovascular complications
      necessitating emergency cardiac surgery. Case Presentation. Here, we present the
      successful surgical resection of such a massive LHAS which was found incidentally
      on preoperative investigation of a 71-year-old patient with progressive coronary
      heart disease. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of lipomatous hypertrophy of the
      atrial septum. Conclusions. The described case report illustrates an unusual
      example of LHAS in a patient undergoing a planned coronary artery bypass surgery.
      In this case, surgical intervention was justified to avoid later outflow
      obstructions.

PMID- 28078157
TI  - Dendritic Fibromyxolipoma of the Pyriform Sinus: A Case Report and Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - Dendritic fibromyxolipoma is a rare and distinctive soft tissue neoplasm that is
      considered by many authors as a variant of spindle cell lipoma and characterized
      by the presence of dendritic cytoplasmic processes, plexiform vascular pattern,
      and keloidal collagen. It has never been reported in the larynx and hypopharynx.
      Its rarity and the potential to mistake it as a more clinically aggressive myxoid
      soft tissue neoplasm highlight the importance of its recognition. Here, a case of
      a dendritic fibromyxolipoma of the pyriform sinus in a 38-year-old male who
      presented with dysphagia, change of voice, and stridor is reported. A review of
      the literature, including histopathologic features and differential diagnosis, is
      also included.

PMID- 28078158
TI  - Unusual Presentation of Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Mandible.
AB  - Carcinoma arising primarily from the jaw is a locally aggressive lesion with poor
      prognosis. Primary intraosseous carcinoma (PIOC) lesion develops either de novo
      remnants of odontogenic epithelium, odontogenic cyst/tumor, epithelium remnants,
      or/and salivary gland residues. We describe very interesting case of primary
      intraosseous carcinoma of mandible. This extensive lesion was sent for
      oncological opinion and further management. Due to the uncertainty of diagnostic
      criteria of PIOC, only few cases of this lesion with a typical presentation have
      been reported. This article presents a case of primary intraosseous carcinoma
      with a unique appearance and detailed review stating its clinicopathological
      correlation.

PMID- 28078159
TI  - Schwannoma Localized Retroperitoneally in a 14-Year-Old Boy.
AB  - Schwannomas usually occur in adults being between the second and fifth decades,
      and such neoplasms are extremely rare in a pediatric population. In addition,
      they are not normally found in the retroperitoneal region. Here, we present a
      pediatric case of a retroperitoneal schwannoma in an adrenal location where the
      tumor was not able to be preoperatively differentiated from other benign or
      malign adrenal gland tumors. In our opinion, this tumor can be included in the
      differential diagnosis of a nonfunctioning retroperitoneal adrenal mass in
      children.

PMID- 28078160
TI  - Primary Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Urinary Bladder with Signet-Ring Cells:
      Description of an Uncommon Case and Critical Points in Its Management.
AB  - We present an uncommon case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the bladder (MAB) with
      signet-ring cells extensively infiltrating prostate gland and
      pelvic/retroperitoneal lymph node stations and not responsive to usual systemic
      chemotherapy regimens. This case highlights the important features of MAB
      including the pattern of tumor spread, the tendency for initial misdiagnosis, and
      the importance of immunohistochemical study in order to define its primary origin
      from the bladder and choose the most appropriate treatment since the beginning.

PMID- 28078161
TI  - A Case-Control Association Study of RANTES (-28C>G) Polymorphism as a Risk Factor
      for Parkinson's Disease in Isparta, Turkey.
AB  - Background. Recent studies have revealed that inflammatory processes are involved
      in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Multiple lines of evidence have
      suggested that chemokines and their receptors are involved in several
      neurodegenerative disorders. We have examined whether genetic polymorphisms at
      the genes encoding chemokines IL-8 (-251A>T), MCP-1 (-2518A/G), and RANTES (
      28C>G) and chemokine receptors CCR2 (V64I) and CCR5 (-Delta32) were associated
      with sporadic PD risk in Isparta, Turkey. Method. The pilot case-control
      association study included 30 PD patients and 60 control subjects, who were all
      genotyped with PCR-RFLP for the five polymorphisms. Their genotype and haplotype
      frequencies were compared statistically. Results. One SNP (-28C>G) in RANTES
      revealed a significant association with PD (P (allele) < 0.0001, p-trend =
      0.0007). The risk allele (G) in the homozygous and dominant models (OR = 17.29
      and 32.10, 95% CI = 0.86-347.24 and 1.74-591.937, resp.) suggests additional PD
      risk. The haplotype TGCAN from the IL-8 (-251A>T), MCP-1 (-2518A>G), RANTES (
      28C>G), CCR-2 (V64I), and CCR-5 (-Delta32) has protective effect (OR = 0.08 [CI =
      0.01-0.63], p = 0.019). Conclusions. Our data are the first indication of the
      role of RANTES (-28C>G) in PD risk.

PMID- 28078162
TI  - Ophthalmologic Baseline Characteristics and 2-Year Ophthalmologic Safety Profile
      of Pramipexole IR Compared with Ropinirole IR in Patients with Early Parkinson's
      Disease.
AB  - Background. Parkinson's disease (PD) progressively affects dopaminergic
      neurotransmission and may affect retinal dopaminergic functions and structures.
      Objective. This 2-year randomized, open-label, parallel-group, flexible-dose
      study, NCT00144300, evaluated ophthalmologic safety profiles of immediate-release
      (IR) pramipexole and ropinirole in patients with early idiopathic PD with <=6
      months' prior dopamine agonist exposure and without preexisting major eye
      disorders. Methods. Patients received labeled IR regimens of pramipexole (n =
      121) or ropinirole (n = 125) for 2 years. Comprehensive ophthalmologic
      assessments (COA) included corrected acuity, Roth 28-color test, slit-lamp
      biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure, computerized visual field test, fundus
      photography, and electroretinography. Results. At baseline, we observed retinal
      pigmentary epithelium (RPE) hypopigmentation not previously reported in PD
      patients. The estimated relative risk of 2-year COA worsening with pramipexole
      versus ropinirole was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.71-1.60). Mean changes from baseline in
      Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating System parts II+III total scores (pramipexole:
      1 year, -4.1 +/- 8.9, and 2 years, -0.7 +/- 10.1, and ropinirole: 1 year, -3.7 +/
      8.2, and 2 years, -1.7 +/- 10.5) and Hoehn-Yahr stage distribution showed
      therapeutic effects on PD symptoms. Safety profiles were consistent with
      labeling. Conclusions. The risk of retinal deterioration did not differ in early
      idiopathic PD patients receiving pramipexole versus ropinirole. RPE
      hypopigmentation at baseline was not previously reported in this population. This
      trial is registered with NCT00144300.

PMID- 28078163
TI  - Catalase-Based Modified Graphite Electrode for Hydrogen Peroxide Detection in
      Different Beverages.
AB  - A catalase-based (NAF/MWCNTs) nanocomposite film modified glassy carbon electrode
      for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection was developed. The developed biosensor was
      characterized in terms of its bioelectrochemical properties. Cyclic voltammetry
      (CV) technique was employed to study the redox features of the enzyme in the
      absence and in the presence of nanomaterials dispersed in Nafion(r) polymeric
      solution. The electron transfer coefficient, alpha, and the electron transfer
      rate constant, ks , were found to be 0.42 and 1.71 s-1, at pH 7.0, respectively.
      Subsequently, the same modification steps were applied to mesoporous graphite
      screen-printed electrodes. Also, these electrodes were characterized in terms of
      their main electrochemical and kinetic parameters. The biosensor performances
      improved considerably after modification with nanomaterials. Moreover, the
      association of Nafion with carbon nanotubes retained the biological activity of
      the redox protein. The enzyme electrode response was linear in the range 2.5-1150
      MUmol L-1, with LOD of 0.83 MUmol L-1. From the experimental data, we can assess
      the possibility of using the modified biosensor as a useful tool for H2O2
      determination in packaged beverages.

PMID- 28078164
TI  - Effectiveness of Laser Therapy in the Management of Recurrent Aphthous
      Stomatitis: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Objectives. Laser therapy is a promising new treatment for patients with
      recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). However, the clinical effect and security
      issue of laser therapy remain controversial. This systematic review was conducted
      to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and security of laser treatment in RAS
      patients. Methods. Five electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE (PubMed),
      EMBASE, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) to identify all
      studies that were about randomized controlled clinical trials, involving the
      effect of laser therapy in RAS patients. Conclusion. Twenty-three studies were
      retained for full-text analysis after screening the titles and abstracts of
      potential articles, but only 10 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria after
      the full texts were reviewed. The included studies reported a comparison of the
      effectiveness between the laser treatment and placebo laser therapy (or
      conventional drug therapy) when managing the RAS patients. It can be concluded
      that laser therapy has the superiority in relieving ulcer pain and shortening
      healing time when compared with placebo group or medical treatment group.
      Although laser therapy is a promising effective treatment for RAS, high-quality
      clinical studies with large sample size must be further performed to confirm the
      effectiveness of this therapy.

PMID- 28078165
TI  - The globalization of messenger RNA regulation.

PMID- 28078166
TI  - Selective Cobalt-Catalyzed Reduction of Terminal Alkenes and Alkynes Using
      (EtO)2Si(Me)H as a Stoichiometric Reductant.
AB  - While attempting to effect Co-catalyzed hydrosilylation of beta-vinyl
      trimethylsilyl enol ethers we discovered that depending on the silane, solvent
      and the method of generation of the reduced cobalt catalyst, a highly efficient
      and selective reduction or hydrosilylation of an alkene can be achieved. This
      paper deals with this reduction reaction, which has not been reported before in
      spite of the huge research activity in this area. The reaction, which uses an air
      stable [2,6-di(aryliminoyl)pyridine)]CoCl2 activated by 2 equivalents of NaEt3BH
      as a catalyst (0.001-0.05 equiv) and (EtO)2SiMeH as the hydrogen source, is best
      run at ambient temperature in toluene and is highly selective for the reduction
      of simple unsubstituted 1-alkenes and the terminal double bonds in 1,3- and 1,4
      dienes, beta-vinyl ketones and silyloxy dienes. The reaction is tolerant of
      various functional groups such as a bromide, alcohol, amine, carbonyl, and di or
      trisubstituted double bonds, and water. Highly selective reduction of a terminal
      alkyne to either an alkene or alkane can be accomplished by using stoichiometric
      amounts of the silane. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction
      is stoichiometric in the silane and both hydrogens in the product come from the
      silane.

PMID- 28078167
TI  - A Novel Strategy for Attenuating Opioid Withdrawal in Neonates.
AB  - The rate of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) has drastically increased over the
      past decade. The average hospital expense per NAS patient has tripled, while the
      number of babies born to opioid-dependent mothers has increased to 5 in 1000
      births. Current treatment options are limited to opioid replacement and tapering.
      Consequently, we examined the efficacy of prenatal, low-dose and short-term
      vigabatrin (gamma-vinyl GABA, GVG) exposure for attenuating these symptoms as
      well as the metabolic changes observed in the brains of these animals upon
      reaching adolescence. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated in one of four
      ways: 1) saline; 2) morphine alone; 3) morphine+GVG at 25 mg/kg; 4) morphine+GVG
      at 50 mg/kg. Morphine was administered throughout gestation, while GVG
      administration occurred only during the last 5 days of gestation. On post-natal
      day 1, naloxone-induced withdrawal behaviours were recorded in order to obtain a
      gross behaviour score. Approximately 28 days following birth, 18FDG microPET
      scans were obtained on these same animals (Groups 1, 2, and 4). Morphine-treated
      neonates demonstrated significantly higher withdrawal scores than saline
      controls. However, GVG at 50 but not 25 mg/kg/day significantly attenuated them.
      Upon reaching adolescence, morphine treated animals showed regionally specific
      changes in 18FDG uptake. Again, prenatal GVG exposure blocked them. These data
      demonstrate that low-dose, short-term prenatal GVG administration blocks naloxone
      induced withdrawal in neonates. Taken together, these preliminary findings
      suggest that GVG may provide an alternative and long-lasting pharmacologic
      approach for the management of neonatal and adolescent symptoms associated with
      NAS.

PMID- 28078168
TI  - Concurrent Validity of Caffeine Problems and Diagnostic Criteria for Substance
      Use Disorders.
AB  - Background: The DSM-5 proposes caffeine use disorder (CUD) as a condition for
      further study. The objective of this study was to report on the prevalence of CUD
      and rates of endorsement for each substance use disorder (SUD) criterion in
      relation to caffeine compared to alcohol and marijuana in a sample of adolescents
      presenting for medical care in the primary, adolescent, and substance use clinics
      at an academic medical center. Methods: A convenience sample of patients (N =
      213; 66.7% female) aged 12-17 presenting for medical care completed the Composite
      Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module questionnaire, with questions
      regarding use of caffeine, alcohol, and marijuana. Descriptive analyses were used
      to determine prevalence of CUD and frequency of each endorsed SUD criterion as
      applied to caffeine versus alcohol or marijuana. Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and
      Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) were used to determine psychometric properties for CUD.
      Results: The majority of subjects (N = 153) reported past 30-day caffeine use and
      of these, six (4%) met criteria for CUD. All six also met criteria for either
      alcohol and/or marijuana use disorders. Of the three essential CUD criteria
      (failure to quit, use despite harm, and withdrawal), both harm and withdrawal
      were endorsed significantly more often in relation to caffeine versus alcohol.
      Descriptive fit indices for the CUD model were excellent (CFI = 0.994, TLI =
      0.991). Conclusions: In our sample, the proportion of adolescents that met
      proposed CUD criteria was low, suggesting that the proposed criteria would not
      lead to overdiagnosis of CUD. CUD was highly correlated with other SUDs.

PMID- 28078169
TI  - A Survey of Energy Drink Consumption Patterns Among College Students at a Mostly
      Hispanic University.
AB  - Background: The purpose of this study was to determine energy drink (ED)
      consumption patterns among Hispanic college students. We measured the prevalence
      and frequency of ED consumption according to gender, degree programs, and
      specific university-related and social situations. In addition, we assessed the
      frequency of consumption of EDs mixed with alcoholic beverages. Methods: A total
      of 508 college students from the University of Puerto Rico, the largest Hispanic
      institution of higher education statewide, completed an online questionnaire.
      Results: Twenty-one percent of participants reported consuming EDs with the
      majority consuming EDs either occasionally (every 2-3 months) or at least once or
      twice a month. Men were found to be more likely to consume EDs than women.
      Undergraduate students were found less likely to consume EDs than graduate
      students. Most students consumed EDs while studying and during social activities.
      More than one-third of participants that consume EDs admitted mixing them with an
      alcoholic beverage. Graduate students were found to consume EDs mixed with
      alcohol more often. Conclusions: The majority of students consumed EDs
      occasionally and while studying. Most side effects reported after consuming EDs
      were similar to previous findings. The higher consumption of EDs and of EDs mixed
      with alcohol by students in graduate programs could be explained by a higher and
      more complex study load requiring longer periods of wakefulness and
      concentration. Future studies looking at the consumption patterns of EDs in more
      competitive graduate programs such as medical and/or dentistry school should be
      considered.

PMID- 28078170
TI  - Computational fluid dynamics assisted characterization of parafoveal hemodynamics
      in normal and diabetic eyes using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual loss in working-age
      adults worldwide. Previous studies have found hemodynamic changes in the diabetic
      eyes, which precede clinically evident pathological alterations of the retinal
      microvasculature. There is a pressing need for new methods to allow greater
      understanding of these early hemodynamic changes that occur in DR. In this study,
      we propose a noninvasive method for the assessment of hemodynamics around the
      fovea (a region of the eye of paramount importance for vision). The proposed
      methodology combines adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and
      computational fluid dynamics modeling. We compare results obtained with this
      technique with in vivo measurements of blood flow based on blood cell aggregation
      tracking. Our results suggest that parafoveal hemodynamics, such as capillary
      velocity, wall shear stress, and capillary perfusion pressure can be
      noninvasively and reliably characterized with this method in both healthy and
      diabetic retinopathy patients.

PMID- 28078171
TI  - Could Revision of the Embryology Influence Our Cesarean Delivery Technique:
      Towards an Optimized Cesarean Delivery for Universal Use.
AB  - Until today, there is no standardized Cesarean Section method and many variations
      exist. The main variations concern the type of abdominal incision, usage of
      abdominal packs, suturing the uterus in one or two layers, and suturing the
      peritoneal layers or leaving them open. One of the questions is the optimal
      location of opening the uterus. Recently, omission of the bladder flap was
      recommended. The anatomy and histology as results from the embryological
      knowledge might help to solve this question. The working thesis is that the
      higher the incision is done, the more damage to muscle tissue can take place
      contrary to incision in the lower segment, where fibrous tissue prevails. In this
      perspective, a call for participation in a two-armed prospective study is
      included, which could result in an optimal, evidence-based Cesarean Section for
      universal use.

PMID- 28078172
TI  - Gastric Rupture in Pregnancy: Case Series from a Tertiary Institution in Rwanda
      and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Background Gastric rupture is a rare, life-threatening condition during
      pregnancy. Case study We present three cases of gastric perforation during
      pregnancy and the puerperium. The first patient presented with gastric
      perforation 4 days following an uncomplicated cesarean delivery for obstetric
      indications. She initially complained of epigastric pain; however, those symptoms
      resolved. She later demonstrated worsening abdominal distension, intra-abdominal
      free fluid, and signs of peritonitis. At laparotomy, an ascariasis-associated
      gastric rupture was diagnosed. She died from sepsis 4 days following the
      laparotomy. The second patient presented 19 days following a normal vaginal
      delivery. She presented with hemodynamic instability and underwent emergent
      laparotomy due to suspected septic shock peritonitis. Gastric rupture was
      diagnosed intraoperatively. She improved clinically and was discharged home. The
      third patient underwent emergency cesarean delivery due to non-reassuring fetal
      status in the setting of preeclampsia. She was initially diagnosed with ascites
      and pulmonary edema as a result of preeclampsia. Later in her course, she
      developed features in favor of acute abdomen and signs of sepsis. At the time of
      emergent laparotomy, a gastric rupture was identified and repaired. She died 2
      days later from sepsis. Conclusion We report the management and outcome of three
      cases of pregnancy-related gastric rupture. To our knowledge, these three cases
      represent the largest series of pregnancy-related gastric ruptures from a single
      institution.

PMID- 28078173
TI  - Screening of SMAD7 in Malay patients with ventricular septal defect.
AB  - Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common form of cardiac malformations
      accounting approximately 20% of all congenital heart defects. SMAD7 is an
      inhibitory protein that antagonizes the signalling of TGF-beta family member and
      has been found in the development and function of mouse heart models. This study
      aims to screen and identify the polymorphisms of SMAD7 exonic regions in Malay
      population with VSD. Peripheral blood samples were collected and extracted from
      30 clinically diagnosed VSD patients. PCR amplification was performed using 12
      sets of designed primers encompassing seven exons of SMAD7. Re-sequencing was
      conducted to characterize the polymorphisms of SMAD7. Observed polymorphisms were
      then genotyped in 30 healthy individuals using both re-sequencing and allele
      specific PCR techniques. A total of 10 variants were identified in the patient
      population located in the upstream (rs7236774), exonic (rs368427729, rs145686330,
      rs3764482, rs3809922, rs780863704 and rs3809923), intronic (rs3736242) and 3'UTR
      regions (rs375444823 and rs16950113). No significant difference of genotype and
      allele frequency was observed among these SNPs. Two synonymous variants
      (rs3809922 and rs3809923) were found in complete linkage disequilibrium (r2=1.0)
      with each other indicate a strong correlation of these SNPs. The identification
      of these SNPs provides a new perspective of the VSD causation.

PMID- 28078174
TI  - Influence of different doses of coffee on post-exercise blood pressure response.
AB  - The reduction in blood pressure after the physical exercise practice is called
      postexercise hypotension (PEH). Previous studies have demonstrated that the
      ingestion of caffeine at levels corresponding to three doses of coffee eliminates
      this phenomenon. Thus, we evaluated the influence of different doses of coffee in
      the PEH in twelve hypertensives, who performed four experimental sessions of
      aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer (lasting 40 minutes, with intensity between
      60% and 80% of maximum heart rate), followed by the ingestion of one (CAF-1), two
      (CAF-2), or three (CAF-3) doses of caffeinated coffee, or three doses of
      decaffeinated coffee (DESC). The blood pressure was measured at rest and at 10
      minute intervals during 120 minutes of recovery post exercise. DESC resulted in
      systolic PEH at all moments of measurement, with averages of -4.1+/-1.2 mmHg and 
      1.8+/-1.3 mmHg on the 1st and 2nd hours post exercise, respectively. In CAF-1,
      both systolic hypotensive and hypertensive responses to the exercise were
      identified, with averages of -1.2+/-1.7 and 0.5+/-0.4 mmHg after one and two
      hours of recovery. Conversely, hypertensive systolic response occurred in all
      measurements compared rest blood pressure. The 1st and 2nd hours post exercise
      was 4.5+/-1.1 and 6.5+1.1 mmHg in CAF-2 and 5.1+0.9 and 6.5+1.0 mmHg to CAF-3.
      Diastolic PEH was not found in any of the experimental sessions. Therefore, the
      ingestion of two and three doses of caffeinated coffee completely blunts the PEH,
      while one dose results in partial elimination of the PEH.

PMID- 28078175
TI  - Effects of sitagliptin on coronary atherosclerosis in patients with type 2
      diabetes-A serial integrated backscatter-intravascular ultrasound study.
AB  - Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and
      anti-atherogenic effects in an animal model. However, the clinical usefulness of
      DPP-4 inhibitors, particularly its effects on coronary atherosclerosis, has not
      been evaluated thus far. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of
      sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, on coronary atherosclerosis using integrated
      backscatter (IB)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with type 2
      diabetes. This trial was a prospective, open-labeled, randomized, multicenter
      study. Twenty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent elective
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomly assigned to either the
      sitagliptin group (group S) or the control group (group C). Non-PCI lesions were
      evaluated using IB-IVUS at the time of PCI and at the 48-week follow-up. The
      primary endpoint was the percentage change in plaque volume measured using
      grayscale IVUS, and the secondary endpoint was changes in plaque composition
      evaluated using IB-IVUS. Grayscale IVUS analysis demonstrated that plaque volume
      tended to decrease in both groups (group S: -1.7+/-8.5%; group C: -3.2+/-12.2%),
      but a between-group difference was not observed. A decrease in the lipid plaque
      volume (group S: from 200.1+/-116.2 to 179.8+/-121.0 mm3, P = 0.02; group C: from
      298.3+/-363.0 to 256.6+/-386.1 mm3, P = 0.1) and an increase in the calcified
      plaque volume (group S: from 2.1+/-0.9 to 3.2+/-1.8 mm3, P = 0.06; group C: from
      2.3+/-1.7 to 4.8+/-3.5 mm3, P = 0.04) was observed on IB-IVUS analysis.
      Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that the percentage change
      in serum non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was an independent
      and significant predictor of a reduction in lipid plaque volume (beta = 0.445, P
      = 0.04). In conclusions, sitagliptin did not significantly reduce coronary plaque
      volume in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, a decrease in the lipid plaque
      volume was observed in the sitagliptin group. A decrease in non-HDL cholesterol
      level was associated with a reduction in the lipid volume of coronary artery
      plaques.

PMID- 28078176
TI  - The function of cathepsins B, D, and X in atherosclerosis.
AB  - Cathepsins are proteolytic enzymes typically located within the lysosomes of
      macrophages. Once released, they can enhance the inflammatory process in
      atherosclerosis. Cathepsin X aids in the migration of T-lymphocytes and the
      release of cytokines. Cathepsin D modifies low-density lipoprotein to promote its
      uptake by macrophages and its subsequent foam cell formation. Furthermore,
      cathepsin D regulates apoptosis. Cathepsin B degrades the extracellular matrix
      within the arterial intima. Together, they increase plaque vulnerability. This
      evidence suggests that cathepsins play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28078177
TI  - Generation of a giant coronary artery aneurysm from an intra-plaque cavity with a
      ruptured fibrous cap: an observation over time through coronary angiography.
AB  - A 74-year-old man underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Thirteen years
      later, he presented with complaints of exertional anterior chest oppression
      again. Computed tomography coronary angiography revealed the significant stenosis
      at the mid right coronary artery (RCA). In addition, a giant proximal left
      anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) was found. We did not
      observe this aneurysm on his previous coronary angiogram, performed 12 years
      previously (i.e., 1 year after his surgery). Diagnostic coronary angiography
      confirmed the computed tomography findings. We found the significant stenosis at
      the mid RCA site and a giant proximal LAD coronary artery aneurysm. First, we
      performed the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at the mid RCA significant
      stenosis. We implanted the drug eluting stent. After that, we performed PCI to
      treat the giant proximal LAD coronary artery aneurysm with a covered stent (a
      2.8/26-mm polytetrafluoroethylene covered stent), and complete exclusion of the
      aneurysm was obtained. The etiology of this patient's aneurysm was unclear, but
      we speculate that the mechanism responsible for the appearance of this aneurysm
      was the expansion of the intra-plaque cavity with the ruptured fibrous cap. This
      observation over time through coronary angiography suggests that giant CAAs might
      be generated asymptomatically under certain conditions. In this case, the
      possible conditions might have been the chronic total occlusion of the mid-LAD
      and the significant stenosis just distal to this aneurysm, so increasing flow and
      pressure against this diseased cavity might have caused this giant CAA to form.
      In addition, another speculation might have been the local inflammation or
      macrophage-based degradation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

PMID- 28078178
TI  - Relationship between R-R interval and left ventricular systolic synchrony in
      subjects with coronary artery disease determined using angiography.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between R-R interval and
      left ventricular systolic synchrony in subjects with coronary artery disease
      determined using angiography. A total of 277 subjects who underwent coronary
      angiography for suspected CAD were recruited in this study. For all subjects, the
      R-R interval was quantified using simultaneous ECG, and the times to peak
      systolic longitudinal strain (Tssl) on 17 LV segments were quantified using four
      dimensional (4D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and manually measured.
      The independent predictors of R-R interval using multiple linear regression
      analyses were the time to peak systolic longitudinal strain in the apical-septal
      segment (Tssl-Apical-S) (beta=0.325, P=0.000), smoking status (beta=0.141,
      P=0.013), and the time to peak systolic longitudinal strain in the basal
      anterolateral segment (Tssl-Basal-AL) (beta=0.151, P=0.014), which were
      significantly independently associated with the R-R interval. In multiple
      regression analyses, smoking status (OR, 1.943; 95% CI, 1.119-3.375, P=0.018),
      Tssl-Basal-AL (OR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.000-1.004, P=0.043), the time to peak
      systolic longitudinal strain in the mid-inferoseptal segment (Tssl-Mid-IS) (OR,
      1.008; 95% CI, 1.003-1.013, P=0.004), and Tssl-Apical-S (OR, 1.010; 95% CI, 1.004
      1.016, P=0.002) remained independently associated with the risk of a longer R-R
      interval (the median 849.49 ms was set as the cutoff value) in the population.
      Our findings may provide the basis for future investigations of LV systolic
      synchrony and cardiac resynchronization therapy.

PMID- 28078179
TI  - Tsutsugamushi disease presenting with aortic valve endocarditis: a case report
      and literature review.
AB  - Tsutsugamushi disease is a zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi in
      which humans are accidental hosts. Infective endocarditis associated with
      Tsutsugamushi disease has not been previously reported. We are describing a case
      of Tsutsugamushi disease presenting with aortic valve endocarditis. The clinical
      data of a 67-year-old female with O. tsutsugamushi-induced aortic valve
      endocarditis was summarized retrospectively and analyzed with a literature
      review. Treatment of O. tsutsugamushi-induced aortic valve endocarditis with
      chloramphenicol is recommended.

PMID- 28078180
TI  - Effects of the nephrilin peptide on post-burn glycemic control, renal function,
      fat and lean body mass, and wound healing.
AB  - The mechanisms underlying the effects of severe burn trauma are not well
      understood. We previously demonstrated the ability of nephrilin peptide (an iron
      binding peptide believed to enter cells through iron-uptake pathways) to suppress
      aspects of the neuroinflammatory response in a rat scald model, as well as sepsis
      mortality in a mouse model. This study explores the effect of nephrilin on other
      clinically relevant outcomes in the rat scald model. In a rat scald model,
      animals were treated with nephrilin either in week 1 or week 2 post-burn.
      Measurements were made of serum glucose and creatinine as well as wound area by
      planimetry and body composition by DEXA. Given the potential role of iron,
      results were analyzed both for the entire cohort of animals and for the
      normoferremic (>100 ug/dL serum iron) subset of animals. Nephrilin improved body
      composition, wound healing, kidney function, and glycemic control. The first two
      effects were significant in normoferremic but not in hypoferremic animals
      suggesting an effect of iron status on burn injury outcomes. Nephrilin treatment
      modulates a number of relevant variables in the rat scald model.

PMID- 28078181
TI  - Use of nano-sized clay crystallites to restore adhesion among tumor and aging
      stem cells - a molecular simulations approach.
AB  - Adhesion of cells to the ECM is key to the regulation of cellular morphology,
      migration, proliferation, survival, and differentiation. The decrease in or loss
      of the cell's ability of mutual adhesiveness has been considered as one of the
      specific abnormalities in the surface properties of malignant cells. A change in
      the association of plasma membrane with cytoskeletal structures also seems to
      have a close relation with these abnormalities. Similar to the role of adhesions
      in tumor cells, stem cells' self-renewal is also tightly controlled by the
      concerted action of stem cell-intrinsic factors and signals within the niche.
      This study has demonstrated through molecular simulations the potential use of
      smectite (Na-montmorillonite) clay crystallites to create adhesions among tumor
      and stem cells. High electrostatic energies and cohesive energy densities
      measured in the simulations after the sorption of clay crystallites on cell-cell
      and cell-ECM complexes validate the concept of using these crystallites for the
      purposes. As results of this study are quite promising and clay crystallites
      could be considered as an option to restore adhesions in tumor and stem cells,
      other confirmatory tests and live cell culture studies are in process for the
      final validation.

PMID- 28078182
TI  - Utility of 11C-methionine and 11C-donepezil for imaging of Staphylococcus aureus
      induced osteomyelitis in a juvenile porcine model: comparison to autologous 111In
      labelled leukocytes, 99m Tc-DPD, and 18F-FDG.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare 11C-methionine and 11C-donepezil positron
      emission tomography (PET) with 111In-labeled leukocyte and 99m Tc-DPD (Tc-99m 3,3
      diphosphono-1,2-propanedicarboxylic acid) single-photon emission computed
      tomography (SPECT), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET to improve detection
      of osteomyelitis. The tracers' diagnostic utility where tested in a juvenile
      porcine hematogenously induced osteomyelitis model comparable to osteomyelitis in
      children. Five 8-9 weeks old female domestic pigs were scanned seven days after
      intra-arterial inoculation in the right femoral artery with a porcine strain of
      Staphylococcus aureus. The sequential scan protocol included Computed Tomography,
      11C-methionine and 11C-donepezil PET, 99m Tc-DPD and 111In-labelled leukocytes
      scintigraphy, and 18F-FDG PET. This was followed by necropsy of the pigs and
      gross pathology, histopathology, and microbial examination. The pigs developed a
      total of 24 osteomyelitic lesions, 4 lesions characterized as contiguous
      abscesses and pulmonary abscesses (in two pigs). By comparing the 24
      osteomyelitic lesions, 18F-FDG accumulated in 100%, 111In-leukocytes in 79%, 11C
      methionine in 79%, 11C-donepezil in 58%, and 99m Tc-DPD in none. Overall, 18F-FDG
      PET was superior to 111In-leukocyte SPECT and 11C-methionine in marking
      infectious lesions.

PMID- 28078183
TI  - Absorbed radiation dosimetry of the D3-specific PET radioligand
      [18F]FluorTriopride estimated using rodent and nonhuman primate.
AB  - [18F]FluorTriopride ([18F]FTP) is a dopamine D3-receptor preferring radioligand
      with potential for investigation of neuropsychiatric disorders including
      Parkinson disease, dystonia and schizophrenia. Here we estimate human radiation
      dosimetry for [18F]FTP based on the ex-vivo biodistribution in rodents and in
      vivo distribution in nonhuman primates. Biodistribution data were generated using
      male and female Sprague-Dawley rats injected with ~370 KBq of [18F]FTP and
      euthanized at 5, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min. Organs of interest were dissected,
      weighed and assayed for radioactivity content. PET imaging studies were performed
      in two male and one female macaque fascicularis administered 143-190 MBq of
      [18F]FTP and scanned whole-body in sequential sections. Organ residence times
      were calculated based on organ time activity curves (TAC) created from regions of
      Interest. OLINDA/EXM 1.1 was used to estimate human radiation dosimetry based on
      scaled organ residence times. In the rodent, the highest absorbed radiation dose
      was the upper large intestines (0.32-0.49 mGy/MBq), with an effective dose of
      0.07 mSv/MBq in males and 0.1 mSv/MBq in females. For the nonhuman primate,
      however, the gallbladder wall was the critical organ (1.81 mGy/MBq), and the
      effective dose was 0.02 mSv/MBq. The species discrepancy in dosimetry estimates
      for [18F]FTP based on rat and primate data can be attributed to the slower
      transit of tracer through the hepatobiliary track of the primate compared to the
      rat, which lacks a gallbladder. Out findings demonstrate that the nonhuman
      primate model is more appropriate model for estimating human absorbed radiation
      dosimetry when hepatobiliary excretion plays a major role in radiotracer
      elimination.

PMID- 28078185
TI  - CXCL11 Expression by Keratinocytes Occurs Transiently Between Reaching Confluence
      and Cellular Compaction.
AB  - Objective: To investigate whether differentiation or cellular confluence is
      responsible for CXCL11 expression patterns in re-epithelialization. Approach:In
      vitro model systems of re-epithelialization using the HaCaT keratinocyte cell
      line were utilized in monitoring expression of differentiation markers, including
      desmoplakin and various cytokeratins while evaluating for an association with
      chemokine CXCL11 expression. Results: CXCL11 expression was elevated in sparse
      culture with peak expression near the time of confluence. This somewhat followed
      the accumulation of desmoplakin in detergent-insoluble pool of proteins. However,
      in postconfluent, despite continued accumulation of desmoplakin within cells,
      CXCL11 expression decreased to baseline levels. This biphasic pattern was also
      seen in low calcium culture, an environment that inhibits keratinocyte
      differentiation and accumulation of desmosomal proteins. Highest CXCL11
      expressing areas best correlated with newly confluent areas within culture
      expressing basal keratin 14, but also activated keratin 6. Innovation:
      Achievement of a threshold cellular density induces cell signaling cascade
      through CXCR3 that, in addition to other undiscovered pathways, can progress
      cutaneous wounds from the proliferative into the remodeling phases of cutaneous
      wound healing. Conclusion: These results suggest that the achievement of
      confluence with increased cellular density by migrating keratinocytes at the
      wound edge triggers expression of CXCL11. Since CXCR3 stimulation in endothelial
      cells results in apoptosis and causes neovascular pruning, whereas stimulation of
      CXCR3 in fibroblasts results decreased motility and cellular contraction, we
      speculate that CXCL11 expression by epidermal cells upon achieving cellular
      confluence could be the source of CXCR3 stimulation in the dermis ushering a
      transition from proliferative to remodeling phases of wound healing.

PMID- 28078186
TI  - Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Improves Stromal Cell
      Derived Factor-1 Activity in Model Diabetic Environments.
AB  - Objective: In diabetes, hyperglycemia causes the accumulation of advanced
      glycation end products (AGEs) that trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      generation through binding the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Because exogenous growth
      factors have had little success in enhancing chronic wound healing, we
      investigated whether hyperglycemia-induced AGEs interfere with cellular responses
      to extracellular signals. We used stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), an
      angiogenic chemokine also known to promote stem cell recruitment in skin wounds.
      Approach: Human leukemia-60 (HL-60) cells and mouse peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs), which express the SDF-1 receptor CXCR-4, were incubated for 24 h
      in medium supplemented with 25 mM d-glucose. Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) was used to
      block RAGE activation. Response to SDF-1 was measured in cellular migration and
      ROS assays. A diabetic murine excisional wound model measured SDF-1 liposome and
      sRAGE activity in vivo. Results: Hyperglycemia led to significant accumulation of
      AGEs, decreased SDF-1-directed migration, and elevated baseline ROS levels; it
      suppressed the ROS spike normally triggered by SDF-1. sRAGE decreased the ROS
      baseline and restored both the SDF-1-mediated spike and cell migration. Topically
      applied sRAGE alone promoted healing and enhanced the effect of exogenous SDF-1
      on diabetic murine wounds. Innovation: While there is interest in using growth
      factors to improve wound healing, this strategy is largely ineffective in
      diabetic wounds. We show that sRAGE may restore signaling, thus potentiating the
      effect of exogenously applied growth factors. Conclusion: Blocking RAGE with
      sRAGE restores SDF-1-mediated cellular responses in hyperglycemic environments
      and may potentiate the effectiveness of SDF-1 applied in vivo.

PMID- 28078184
TI  - Precision medicine and molecular imaging: new targeted approaches toward cancer
      therapeutic and diagnosis.
AB  - This paper presents a review of the importance and role of precision medicine and
      molecular imaging technologies in cancer diagnosis with therapeutics and
      diagnostics purposes. Precision medicine is progressively becoming a hot topic in
      all disciplines related to biomedical investigation and has the capacity to
      become the paradigm for clinical practice. The future of medicine lies in early
      diagnosis and individually appropriate treatments, a concept that has been named
      precision medicine, i.e. delivering the right treatment to the right patient at
      the right time. Molecular imaging is quickly being recognized as a tool with the
      potential to ameliorate every aspect of cancer treatment. On the other hand,
      emerging high-throughput technologies such as omics techniques and systems
      approaches have generated a paradigm shift for biological systems in advanced
      life science research. In this review, we describe the precision medicine,
      difference between precision medicine and personalized medicine, precision
      medicine initiative, systems biology/medicine approaches (such as genomics,
      radiogenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), P4 medicine,
      relationship between systems biology/medicine approaches and precision medicine,
      and molecular imaging modalities and their utility in cancer treatment and
      diagnosis. Accordingly, the precision medicine and molecular imaging will enable
      us to accelerate and improve cancer management in future medicine.

PMID- 28078187
TI  - Bioelectric Field Enhancement: The Influence on Membrane Potential and Cell
      Migration In Vitro.
AB  - Objective: The extracellular matrix consists of critical components that affect
      fibroblast polarization and migration. The existence of both intrinsic and
      extrinsic electrical signals that play essential roles in the development,
      physiology, regeneration, and pathology of cells was discovered over a century
      ago. In this study, we study how the Bioelectric Field Enhancement (BEFE) device
      and its generated electromagnetic field (EMF) by continuous direct current (DC)
      significantly affect the membrane potential and cell migration of fibroblasts in
      vitro. Approach: This is an experimental analysis of membrane potential and cell
      migration of murine fibroblasts when grown in treated media that has been
      reconstituted with an aqueous solution that has been exposed to an EMF, which is
      generated by this device versus fibroblasts grown in identically prepared control
      media that has not been exposed to the EMF. Results: The growth of fibroblasts in
      the treated media shows a strong percent change in polarization of the plasma
      membrane and significant increase in cell migration compared to control groups.
      Innovation: These experiments show the potential for an adjunct wound care
      therapy using a continuous DC EMF application through a medium of water.
      Conclusion: Growth media that was reconstituted with an aqueous solution that had
      been exposed to this DC derived EMF shows significant changes in cell polarity
      and cell migration of fibroblasts in vitro. The BEFE device has shown enhanced
      chronic wound healing in anecdotal reports from patients globally for decades
      when used as a footbath/bath and could lead to a novel EMF application in wound
      healing.

PMID- 28078188
TI  - New Innovations for Deep Partial-Thickness Burn Treatment with ACell MatriStem
      Matrix.
AB  - Objective: Burn injuries remain a large financial burden on the healthcare
      system. According to CDC statistics (2010), nonfatal and hospitalized burns in
      the U.S. cost $1.8 billion for an annual incidence of ~486,000 cases. To date, no
      technique proves to be the ideal therapy of deep partial-thickness burns. In this
      study, we review a trial usage of ACell (ACell, Inc.) wound matrix on deep
      partial-thickness burns. Approach: Burn patients were admitted through the
      Vanderbilt Emergency Department. Three were consented to receive ACell therapy.
      Each patient suffered extremity burns, to which ACell MatriStem matrix was
      applied. Time to epithelialization and healing was monitored up to 1 month
      postintervention. Results: ACell MatriStem matrix use in deep partial-thickness
      burns enabled healing by 29 days on average without requiring autografts. The
      average total body surface area (TBSA) of injury was 7.2% with average TBSA
      treated with ACell equal to 2.5%. All burn sites underwent re-epithelialization
      after 5.6 days on average (range 4-7 days). Average length of stay after ACell
      placement totaled 2 days. All patients fully healed without the need for
      subsequent grafting or contracture development. No postoperative complications
      were noted. Innovation: To the extent of our knowledge, this is one of the first
      reported series to utilize ACell MatriStem product in deep partial-thickness
      extremity burns. Conclusion: Despite numerous products currently available for
      burn reconstruction, no one product embodies all the characteristics of an ideal
      graft. ACell biological extracellular matrix scaffolding appears promising,
      allowing for healing without use of an autograft.

PMID- 28078189
TI  - Dabrafenib and trametinib activity in a patient with BRAF V600E mutated and
      microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) metastatic endometrial cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Targeting BRAF V600E mutation has been proven effective in the
      treatment of several types of cancer. In endometrial adenocarcinoma, the BRAF
      V600E mutation has been rarely reported. Whether targeting BRAF oncogene may
      represent a plausible therapeutic strategy for the rare patients with BRAF
      mutated endometrial cancer remains to be ascertained in prospective studies. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report herein the case of a heavily pre-treated patient with
      recurrent microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) BRAF V600E mutated endometrial
      adenocarcinoma, which was successfully treated with the V600E targeting agent
      dabrafenib. After developing resistance to this agent, the MEK targeting agent
      trametinib was added to dabrafenib achieving again a therapeutic response.
      CONCLUSIONS: This case shows that dabrafenib both as monotherapy and when
      combined with trametinib may exert significant therapeutic activity in heavily
      pretreated BRAF V600E mutated endometrial adenocarcinoma, and highlight potential
      benefits of personalized treatment in this disease.

PMID- 28078190
TI  - Loss of quiescence and self-renewal capacity of hematopoietic stem cell in an in
      vitro leukemic niche.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leukemic and mesenchymal stem cells interact in the leukemic
      microenvironment and affect each other differently. This interplay has also
      important implications for the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology and
      function. This study evaluated human HSC self-renewal potential and quiescence in
      an in vitro leukemic niche without leukemic cells. METHODS: A leukemic niche was
      established by co-culturing mesenchymal stem cells with a fresh conditioned
      medium obtained from a leukemic (REH) cell line. After 3 days, the REH
      conditioned medium was removed and freshly isolated CD34+ at a density of up to
      100,000 cells/ml were added to the leukemic niche. CD34+ cell evaluations (cell
      cycle, self-renewal gene expression and migration capacity) were performed after
      3 further days of co-culture. Additionally, we preliminary investigated the
      soluble factors present in the leukemic niche and their effect on the mesenchymal
      stem cells. Statistical significance was assessed by Student's t test or the
      nonparametric test Kolmogorov-Smirnov. RESULTS: By co-culturing normal
      mesenchymal stem cells with the REH-conditioned medium we showed that
      hematopoietic stem cells, normally in a quiescent state, enter cell cycle and
      proliferate. This loss of quiescence was accompanied by an increased expression
      of Ki-67 and c-Myc, two well-known cell proliferation-associated markers. Two
      central regulators of quiescence GATA2 and p53 were also down regulated.
      Importantly, two genes involved in HSC self-renewal, Klf4 and the histone-lysine
      N-methyltransferase enzyme Ezh2, were severely affected. On the contrary, c-Kit
      expression, the stem cell factor receptor, was upregulated in hematopoietic stem
      cells when compared to the normal niche. Interestingly, mesenchymal stem cells
      incubated with the REH-conditioned medium stopped growing, showed a flattened
      morphology with the appearance of small vacuoles, and importantly, became
      positive for the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. Evaluation of
      the leukemic-conditioned medium showed increased IL-6 and IL-8, suggesting that
      these cytokines could be responsible for the observed changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results showed that quiescence and self-renewal are severely affected in this
      leukemic niche. This in vitro leukemic niche, established without leukemic cells,
      will facilitate HSC gene expression evaluation and the development of therapeutic
      agents aimed to neutralize soluble factors and the cell signaling pathways
      involved in HSC alterations.

PMID- 28078191
TI  - Comparison of single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNP] at TNF-alpha promoter region
      with TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) in susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis; using
      PCR-RFLP technique.
AB  - Since apoptosis and survival of the immune cells are crucially important in
      prevention or predisposition of individual from/to infections, especially in
      intracellular ones, the current study was performed to assess the correlation of
      host genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility to TB. For this reason, we
      investigated the difference of the single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] in
      tumor necrosis factors [TNF-alpha] genes at (-238, -308, -857 and -863 position)
      and tumor necrosis factors receptors two [TNFR2] at (T 587 G position) between
      patients [n=151] and control [n=83]. The genotyping was studied by using PCR-RFLP
      which had high sensitivity in detecting compared with other techniques. The
      results showed a strong correlation between two polymorphisms in different loci
      of TNF-alpha gene including TNF-alpha T-857 C and A 238 G. But no association
      were found in TNFR2 genes with susceptibility to TB. And we found no correlation
      between TNFR2 and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms. Therefore, the TNF-alpha T 857 C
      and A 238 G SNPs could be promising marker for identifying risk populations.

PMID- 28078192
TI  - Etanercept in the treatment of refractory SAPHO syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the application and efficacy of TNF-alpha inhibitors in the
      treatment of SAPHO syndrome. METHODS: Two cases of refractory SAPHO syndrome were
      successfully treated with etanercept. And pain scores, laboratory parameters and
      functional index were used to judge the efficacies. Literature was also
      systemically reviewed. RESULTS: Both patients achieved marked clinical remission.
      There was no obvious toxic or adverse response. CONCLUSION: Etanercept has rapid
      and definite efficacies in the treatment of patients with refractory SAPHO
      syndrome.

PMID- 28078193
TI  - Metabolic, inflammatory, and microvascular determinants of white matter disease
      and cognitive decline.
AB  - White Matter Disease is increasingly being recognized as an important cause of
      cognitive decline and dementia. Various investigations have linked chronic diet
      related conditions to the development of white matter lesions, which appear as
      white matter hyperintensities on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      scans of the brain. Thus, it can be postulated that the metabolic, inflammatory,
      and microvascular changes accompanying a western diet, hyperlipidemia,
      hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) are potential mediators in the
      development and progression of white matter disease, which in turn contributes to
      the development and progression of cognitive decline. This review will examine
      evidence for potential metabolic, inflammatory, and microvascular determinants of
      white matter disease and cognitive decline. Specifically, we will focus on the
      effects of altered insulin signaling in diabetes, obesity-induced oxidative
      stress, neuroinflammation, arterial stiffness due to hypertension, ischemia
      secondary to cerebral small vessel disease, and blood brain barrier disturbances.

PMID- 28078194
TI  - Trauma-Exposed Latina Immigrants' Networks: A Social Network Analysis Approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Trauma exposure among Latina immigrants is common. Social support
      networks can buffer the impact of trauma on mental health. This study
      characterizes the social networks of trauma-exposed Latina immigrants using a
      social network analysis perspective. METHODS: In 2011-2012 a convenience sample
      (n=28) of Latina immigrants with trauma exposure and presumptive depression or
      posttraumatic stress disorder was recruited from a community clinic in Washington
      DC. Participants completed a social network assessment and listed up to ten
      persons in their network (alters). E-Net was used to describe the aggregate
      structural, interactional, and functional characteristics of networks and Node-XL
      was used in a case study to diagram one network. RESULTS: Most participants
      listed children (93%), siblings (82%), and friends (71%) as alters, and most
      alters lived in the US (69%). Perceived emotional support and positive social
      interaction were higher compared to tangible, language, information, and
      financial support. A case study illustrates the use of network visualizations to
      assess the strengths and weaknesses of social networks. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted
      social network interventions to enhance supportive networks among trauma-exposed
      Latina immigrants are warranted.

PMID- 28078195
TI  - Using Voice Coils to Actuate Modular Soft Robots: Wormbot, an Example.
AB  - In this study, we present a modular worm-like robot, which utilizes voice coils
      as a new paradigm in soft robot actuation. Drive electronics are incorporated
      into the actuators, providing a significant improvement in self-sufficiency when
      compared with existing soft robot actuation modes such as pneumatics or
      hydraulics. The body plan of this robot is inspired by the phylum Annelida and
      consists of three-dimensional printed voice coil actuators, which are connected
      by flexible silicone membranes. Each electromagnetic actuator engages with its
      neighbor to compress or extend the membrane of each segment, and the sequence in
      which they are actuated results in an earthworm-inspired peristaltic motion. We
      find that a minimum of three segments is required for locomotion, but due to our
      modular design, robots of any length can be quickly and easily assembled. In
      addition to actuation, voice coils provide audio input and output capabilities.
      We demonstrate transmission of data between segments by high-frequency carrier
      waves and, using a similar mechanism, we note that the passing of power between
      coupled coils in neighboring modules-or from an external power source-is also
      possible. Voice coils are a convenient multifunctional alternative to existing
      soft robot actuators. Their self-contained nature and ability to communicate with
      each other are ideal for modular robotics, and the additional functionality of
      sound input/output and power transfer will become increasingly useful as soft
      robots begin the transition from early proof-of-concept systems toward fully
      functional and highly integrated robotic systems.

PMID- 28078196
TI  - Prosthetic Jamming Terminal Device: A Case Study of Untethered Soft Robotics.
AB  - This article illuminates the major and often overlooked challenge of untethering
      soft robotic systems through the context of recent work, in which soft robotic
      gripper technology enabled by jamming of granular media was applied to a
      prosthetic jamming terminal device (PJTD). The PJTD's technical and market
      feasibility was evaluated in a pilot study with two upper-limb amputees. A PJTD
      prototype was tested against a commercial device (Motion Control electric
      terminal service with a one degree-of-freedom pinching mechanism) using two
      existing hand function tests: the first quantified the device's speed in picking
      and placing small blocks and the second evaluated a person's ability to perform
      activities of daily living (ADLs). The PJTD prototype performed slightly slower
      than its commercial counterpart in the first test. While both participants
      successfully completed all the ADLs with both devices in the second test, the
      commercial device scored marginally higher. Results suggested that PJTD can have
      potential benefits over existing terminal devices, such as providing the
      capability to firmly grasp tools due to the ability of PJTD to conform to
      arbitrary surfaces and reducing compensatory shoulder movements due to its
      axisymmetric design. Some downsides were that users reported fatigue while
      operating the PJTD, as most operations require pushing the PJTD against target
      objects to adequately conform to them. The greatest drawback for the PJTD is also
      a major roadblock preventing a number of soft robotic research projects from
      making an impact in real-world applications: pneumatic technology required for
      operating the PJTD is currently too large and heavy to enable compact untethered
      operation.

PMID- 28078197
TI  - Soft Robotics Commercialization: Jamming Grippers from Research to Product.
AB  - Recent work in the growing field of soft robotics has demonstrated a number of
      very promising technologies. However, to make a significant impact in real-world
      applications, these new technologies must first transition out of the laboratory
      through successful commercialization. Commercialization is perhaps the most
      critical future milestone facing the field of soft robotics today, and this
      process will reveal whether the apparent impact we now perceive has been
      appropriately estimated. Since 2012, Empire Robotics has been one of the first
      companies to attempt to reach this milestone through our efforts to commercialize
      jamming-based robotic gripper technology in a product called VERSABALL(r).
      However, in spring 2016 we are closing our doors, having not been able to develop
      a sustainable business around this technology. This article presents some of the
      key takeaways from the technical side of the commercialization process and
      lessons learned that may be valuable to others. We hope that sharing this
      information will provide a frame of reference for technology commercialization
      that can help others motivate research directions and maximize research impact.

PMID- 28078198
TI  - Multidisciplinary Approach to Management of Temporal Bone Giant Cell Tumor.
AB  - Background Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are rare osseous tumors that rarely appear in
      the skull. Methods We review the clinical course of a 28-year-old previously
      healthy woman with a complicated GCT. Results The reviewed patient presented with
      a middle cranial fossa tumor acutely complicated by reactive mastoiditis. Left
      tympanomastoidectomy was performed for drainage of the mastoiditis and for
      biopsies of the tumor. Due to the challenging tumor location, the patient was
      treated with denosumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody against receptor
      activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, for 7 months, which resulted in
      significant preoperative tumor shrinkage. Extensive temporal craniotomy and
      resection of the tumor followed utilizing a temporomandibular joint total
      endoprosthesis for reconstruction. A recurrence of the tumor was detected on
      computed tomography at 19 months after surgery and treated with transtemporal
      tumor resection, parotidectomy, and mandible re-reconstruction. Conclusion A
      multidisciplinary approach resulted in a good functional result and, finally, an
      eradication of the challengingly located middle cranial fossa tumor.

PMID- 28078199
TI  - Heart-Failing Jehovah's Witness Patient Successfully Treated by Minimally
      Invasive LVAD Implantation without Any Blood Transfusions.
AB  - Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation without the use of any blood
      products is considered as a challenge. We present a 48-year-old patient (175 cm,
      75 kg, body mass index 24.5 kg/m2) who was admitted to our clinic due to end
      stage heart failure. The patient is a Jehovah's witness. He declined full blood
      transfusion as well as use of coagulation factors. Therefore, we
      interdisciplinary decided to implant an LVAD via minimally invasive technique.
      The patient experienced an uneventful intrahospital stay and was successfully
      discharged home on his 17th postoperative day, proving that LVAD implantation
      without blood transfusions is possible by using a minimally invasive technique.
      This benefits not only Jehovah's witness patients, but also all patients in need
      of an LVAD.

PMID- 28078200
TI  - Correlation of Serum Cystatin C with Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients
      Receiving Platinum-Based Chemotherapy.
AB  - Objectives. Serum cystatin C seems to be an accurate marker of glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR) compared to serum creatinine. The aim of this work was to
      explore the possibility of using serum cystatin C instead of serum creatinine to
      early predict renal failure in cancer patients who received platinum based
      chemotherapy. Design and Methods. Serum creatinine, serum cystatin C
      concentrations, and GFR were determined simultaneously in 52 cancer patients
      received carboplatin-based or cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Serum creatinine was
      assayed on Cobas C6000-Roche, serum cystatin C assay was performed on AIA 360
      Tosoh, and GFR was determined in all patients, before the first cycle of
      chemotherapy and before the subsequent administrations. Results. In the overall
      series, for the prediction of a fall of GFR < 80 mL/min/1.73 m2, the AUC of the
      ROC curve for cystatin C was 0,667 and the best threshold was 1.135 mg/L
      (sensitivity 90.5%, specificity 61.1%). For a GFR fall < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, the
      AUC of ROC curve for cystatin C was 74.3% and the best threshold was 1.415 mg/L
      (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 73.2%). Conclusions. Baseline cystatin C values
      were not able to predict renal failure during subsequent treatment. In
      conclusion, serum cystatin C is not a reliable early marker to efficiently
      predict renal failure in patients receiving chemotherapy.

PMID- 28078201
TI  - The economic side of social remittances: how money and ideas circulate between
      Paris, Dakar, and New York.
AB  - This paper shows how economic remittances undergird the circulation of social
      remittances between New York, Paris, and Dakar. It compares the transnational
      practices of Senegalese-born migrants living in France and in the United States
      during the 2012 Senegalese presidential campaign to demonstrate how economic and
      political transnational practices mutually reinforce each other. This paper
      contributes to scholarship in three key ways: it confirms the benefits of
      combining qualitative and quantitative transnational data, collected from origin
      and destination countries. It offers a welcome geographic extension to a
      literature on social remittances from which Africa remains absent. It makes a
      significant theoretical contribution by connecting economic sociology and
      migration studies to illuminate the impact of migrants' transnational practices.

PMID- 28078203
TI  - Catatonia: Our current understanding of its diagnosis, treatment and
      pathophysiology.
AB  - Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome that has been reported to occur in more than
      10% of patients with acute psychiatric illnesses. Two subtypes of the syndrome
      have been identified. Catatonia of the retarded type is characterized by
      immobility, mutism, staring, rigidity, and a host of other clinical signs.
      Excited catatonia is a less common presentation in which patients develop
      prolonged periods of psychomotor agitation. Once thought to be a subtype of
      schizophrenia, catatonia is now recognized to occur with a broad spectrum of
      medical and psychiatric illnesses, particularly affective disorders. In many
      cases, the catatonia must be treated before any underlying conditions can be
      accurately diagnosed. Most patients with the syndrome respond rapidly to low-dose
      benzodiazepines, but electroconvulsive therapy is occasionally required. Patients
      with longstanding catatonia or a diagnosis of schizophrenia may be less likely to
      respond. The pathobiology of catatonia is poorly understood, although
      abnormalities in gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate signaling have been
      suggested as causative factors. Because catatonia is common, highly treatable,
      and associated with significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated,
      physicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for this complex clinical
      syndrome. Since 1989, we have systematically assessed patients presenting to our
      psychiatry service with signs of retarded catatonia. In this paper, we present a
      review of the current literature on catatonia along with findings from the 220
      cases we have assessed and treated.

PMID- 28078202
TI  - Mechanical transduction by ion channels: A cautionary tale.
AB  - Mechanical transduction by ion channels occurs in all cells. The physiological
      functions of these channels have just begun to be elaborated, but if we focus on
      the upper animal kingdom, these channels serve the common sensory services such
      as hearing and touch, provide the central nervous system with information on the
      force and position of muscles and joints, and they provide the autonomic system
      with information about the filling of hollow organs such as blood vessels.
      However, all cells of the body have mechanosensitive channels (MSCs), including
      red cells. Most of these channels are cation selective and are activated by
      bilayer tension. There are also K+ selective MSCs found commonly in neurons where
      they may be responsible for both general anesthesia and knockout punches in the
      boxing ring by hyperpolarizing neurons to reduce excitability. The cationic MSCs
      are typically inactive under normal mechanical stress, but open under pathologic
      stress. The channels are normally inactive because they are shielded from stress
      by the cytoskeleton. The cationic MSCs are specifically blocked by the externally
      applied peptide GsMtx4 (aka, AT-300). This is the first drug of its class and
      provides a new approach to many pathologies since it is nontoxic, non
      immunogenic, stable in a biological environment and has a long pharmacokinetic
      lifetime. Pathologies involving excessive stress are common. They produce cardiac
      arrhythmias, contraction in stretched dystrophic muscle, xerocytotic and sickled
      red cells, etc. The channels seem to function primarily as "fire alarms",
      providing feedback to the cytoskeleton that a region of the bilayer is under
      excessive tension and needs reinforcing. The eukaryotic forms of MSCs have only
      been cloned in recent years and few people have experience working with them.
      "Newbies" need to become aware of the technology, potential artifacts, and the
      fundamentals of mechanics. The most difficult problem in studying MSCs is that
      the actual stimulus, the force applied to the channel, is not known. We don't
      have direct access to the channels themselves but only to larger regions of the
      membrane as seen in patches. Cortical forces are shared by the bilayer, the
      cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. How much of an applied stimulus
      reaches the channel is unknown. Furthermore, many of these channels exist in
      spatial domains where the forces within a domain are different from forces
      outside the domain, although we often hope they are proportional. This review is
      intended to be a guide for new investigators who want to study mechanosensitive
      ion channels.

PMID- 28078205
TI  - Reasoning and Rehabilitation cognitive skills programme for mentally disordered
      offenders: Predictors of outcome.
AB  - AIM: To investigate factors predicting treatment completion and treatment outcome
      of the Reasoning and Rehabilitation Mental Health Programme (R&R2MHP) cognitive
      skills programme for mentally disordered offenders. METHODS: Secondary analysis
      of data previously obtained from 97 male patients who were sectioned and detained
      under the United Kingdom Mental Health Act in low, medium and high security
      hospitals and who had completed R&R2MHP. Predictors of treatment completion
      included background variables and five outcome measures: Four self-reported
      measures of violent attitudes, social problem-solving skills, reactive anger and
      locus of control and an objective measure of behaviour on the ward that was
      completed by staff. Completion of the 16 session programme, which was delivered
      on a weekly basis, was classified as >= 12 sessions. RESULTS: It was found that
      the R&R2MHP is appropriate for delivery to participants of different ages, ethnic
      background, and at different levels of security without the completion rate or
      treatment effectiveness being compromised. Participants taking oral typical
      psychotropic medication were over seven times more likely to complete the
      programme than other participants. Behavioural disturbance on the ward prior to
      commencing the programme predicted non-completion (medium effect size). As far as
      treatment completion was concerned, none of the background factors predicted
      treatment effectiveness (age, ethnic background, level of security, number of
      previous convictions and number of previous hospital admissions). The best
      predictor of treatment effectiveness was attitude towards violence suggesting
      that this should be the primary outcome measure in future research evaluating
      outcomes of the R&R2MHP cognitive skills program. CONCLUSION: The findings
      suggest that a stable mental state is a key factor that predicts treatment
      completion.

PMID- 28078204
TI  - Treatment-adherence in bipolar disorder: A patient-centred approach.
AB  - About half of the patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) become non
      adherent during long-term treatment, a rate largely similar to other chronic
      illnesses and one that has remained unchanged over the years. Non-adherence in BD
      is a complex phenomenon determined by a multitude of influences. However, there
      is considerable uncertainty about the key determinants of non-adherence in BD.
      Initial research on non-adherence in BD mostly limited itself to examining
      demographic, clinical and medication-related factors impacting adherence.
      However, because of inconsistent results and failure of these studies to address
      the complexities of adherence behaviour, demographic and illness-related factors
      were alone unable to explain or predict non-adherence in BD. This prompted a
      shift to a more patient-centred approach of viewing non-adherence. The central
      element of this approach includes an emphasis on patients' decisions regarding
      their own treatment based on their personal beliefs, life circumstances and their
      perceptions of benefits and disadvantages of treatment. Patients' decision-making
      processes are influenced by the nature of their relationship with clinicians and
      the health-care system and by people in their immediate environment. The primacy
      of the patient's perspective on non-adherence is in keeping with the current
      theoretical models and concordance-based approaches to adherence behaviour in BD.
      Research over the past two decades has further endorsed the critical role of
      patients' attitudes and beliefs regarding medications, the importance of a
      collaborative treatment-alliance, the influence of the family, and the
      significance of other patient-related factors such as knowledge, stigma, patient
      satisfaction and access to treatment in determining non-adherence in BD. Though
      simply moving from an illness-centred to a patient-centred approach is unlikely
      to solve the problem of non-adherence in BD, such an approach is more likely to
      lead to a better understanding of non-adherence and more likely to yield
      effective solutions to tackle this common and distressing problem afflicting
      patients with BD.

PMID- 28078207
TI  - Health-care needs of remitted patients with bipolar disorder: A comparison with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - AIM: To investigate health-care needs and their correlates among patients with
      remitted bipolar disorder (BD) compared to patients with remitted schizophrenia.
      METHODS: Outpatients with BD (n = 150) and schizophrenia (n = 75) meeting clearly
      defined remission criteria were included in the study along with their relatives.
      Diagnostic ascertainment was carried out using the Mini International
      Neuropsychiatric Interview. Demographic and clinical details were recorded using
      structured formats. Residual symptoms were assessed using standardized scales.
      Health-care needs were assessed on two separate scales. The principal instrument
      employed to assess health-care needs was the Camberwell Assessment of Need
      Research version (CAN-R). To further evaluate health-care needs we felt that an
      additional instrument, which was more relevant for Indian patients and treatment
      settings and designed to cover those areas of needs not specifically covered by
      the CAN-R was required. This instrument with a structure and scoring pattern
      similar to the CAN-R was used for additional evaluation of needs. Patients' level
      of functioning was assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale and
      their quality of life (QOL) using the World Health Organization Quality Of Life
      BREF version in Hindi. RESULTS: An average of 6-7 needs was reported by patients
      with BD as well as their relatives. Commonly reported needs were in the areas of
      economic and welfare needs, informational needs, social needs and the need for
      treatment. According to the CAN-R, both patients and relatives reported that more
      than 60% of the total needs were being met. However, over 90% of the needs
      covered by the additional evaluation were unmet according to patients and
      relatives. Needs in the areas of economic and welfare-benefits, information,
      company, daytime activities and physical health-care were largely unmet according
      to patients and relatives. Total, met and unmet needs were significantly higher
      for schizophrenia, but the most common types of needs were quite similar to BD.
      Relatives reported more needs than patients with certain differences in the types
      of needs reported. Level of patients' functioning was the principal correlate of
      greater total and unmet needs in both groups. Significant associations were also
      obtained with residual symptoms and QOL. CONCLUSION: The presence of unmet needs
      in remitted patients with BD was an additional marker of the enduring
      psychosocial impairment characteristic of the remitted phase of BD.

PMID- 28078208
TI  - Influence of different second generation antipsychotics on the QTc interval: A
      pragmatic study.
AB  - AIM: To investigate whether differential influence on the QTc interval exists
      among four second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in psychosis. METHODS: Data
      were drawn from a pragmatic, randomized head-to-head trial of the SGAs
      risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and ziprasidone in acute admissions patients
      with psychosis, and with follow-up visits at discharge or maximally 6-9 wk, 3, 6,
      12 and 24 mo. Electrocardiograms were recorded on all visits. To mimic clinical
      shared decision-making, the patients were randomized not to a single drug, but to
      a sequence of the SGAs under investigation. The first drug in the sequence
      defined the randomization group, but the patient and/or clinician could choose an
      SGA later in the sequence if prior negative experiences with the first one(s) in
      the sequence had occurred. The study focuses on the time of, and actual use of
      the SGAs under investigation, that is until treatment discontinuation or change,
      in order to capture the direct medication effects on the QTc interval. Secondary
      intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 173
      patients, with even distribution among the treatment groups, underwent ECG
      assessments. About 70% were males and 43% had never used antipsychotic drugs
      before the study. The mean antipsychotic doses in milligrams per day with
      standard deviations (SD) were 3.4 (1.2) for risperidone, 13.9 (4.6) for
      olanzapine, 325.9 (185.8) for quetiapine, and 97.2 (42.8) for ziprasidone treated
      groups. The time until discontinuation of the antipsychotic drug used did not
      differ in a statistically significant way among the groups (Log-Rank test: P =
      0.171). The maximum QTc interval recorded during follow-up was 462 ms. Based on
      linear mixed effects analyses, the QTc interval change per day with standard
      error was -0.0030 (0.0280) for risperidone; -0.0099 (0.0108) for olanzapine; 
      0.0027 (0.0170) for quetiapine, and -0.0081 (0.0229) for ziprasidone. There were
      no statistically significant differences among the groups in this regard. LME
      analyses based on ITT groups (the randomization groups), revealed almost
      identical slopes with -0.0063 (0.0160) for risperidone, -0.0130 (0.0126) for
      olanzapine, -0.0034 (0.0168) for quetiapine, and -0.0045 (0.0225) for
      ziprasidone. CONCLUSION: None of the SGAs under investigation led to
      statistically significant QTc prolongation. No statistically significant
      differences among the SGAs were found.

PMID- 28078206
TI  - Infectious, atopic and inflammatory diseases, childhood adversities and familial
      aggregation are independently associated with the risk for mental disorders:
      Results from a large Swiss epidemiological study.
AB  - AIM: To examine the associations between mental disorders and infectious, atopic,
      inflammatory diseases while adjusting for other risk factors. METHODS: We used
      data from PsyCoLaus, a large Swiss Population Cohort Study (n = 3720; age range
      35-66). Lifetime diagnoses of mental disorders were grouped into the following
      categories: Neurodevelopmental, anxiety (early and late onset), mood and
      substance disorders. They were regressed on infectious, atopic and other
      inflammatory diseases adjusting for sex, educational level, familial aggregation,
      childhood adversities and traumatic experiences in childhood. A multivariate
      logistic regression was applied to each group of disorders. In a complementary
      analysis interactions with sex were introduced via nested effects. RESULTS:
      Associations with infectious, atopic and other chronic inflammatory diseases were
      observable together with consistent effects of childhood adversities and familial
      aggregation, and less consistent effects of trauma in each group of mental
      disorders. Streptococcal infections were associated with neurodevelopmental
      disorders (men), and measles/mumps/rubella-infections with early and late anxiety
      disorders (women). Gastric inflammatory diseases took effect in mood disorders
      (both sexes) and in early disorders (men). Similarly, irritable bowel syndrome
      was prominent in a sex-specific way in mood disorders in women, and, moreover,
      was associated with early and late anxiety disorders. Atopic diseases were
      associated with late anxiety disorders. Acne (associations with mood disorders in
      men) and psoriasis (associations with early anxiety disorders in men and mood
      disorders in women) contributed sex-specific results. Urinary tract infections
      were associated with mood disorders and, in addition, in a sex-specific way with
      late anxiety disorders (men), and neurodevelopmental and early anxiety disorders
      (women). CONCLUSION: Infectious, atopic and inflammatory diseases are important
      risk factors for all groups of mental disorders. The sexual dimorphism of the
      associations is pronounced.

PMID- 28078209
TI  - Cognitive-behavioural therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder co-occurring with
      psychosis: Systematic review of evidence.
AB  - AIM: To review available evidence on the use of cognitive behavioural therapy
      (CBT) for treating obsessive compulsive disorder co-occurring with psychosis.
      METHODS: In this paper we present a detailed and comprehensive review of the
      current literature focusing on CBT treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder
      (OCD) co-occurring with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. We identified
      relevant literature published between 2001 and May 2016 through MEDLINE/PubMed
      search using as search string ("obsessive compulsive disorders" or "obsessive
      compulsive symptoms") and ("schizophrenia" or "schizoaffective disorder" or
      "psychosis") and ("cognitive behavioural therapy"). Other citations of interest
      were further identified from references reported in the accessed articles. The
      search was limited to studies written in English and carried out in adult
      patients. A total of 9 studies, 8 case reports and 1 case series, were found.
      RESULTS: The reviewed evidence indicates that CBT is: (1) safe, i.e., does not
      worsen psychotic symptoms; (2) well accepted, with a discontinuation rate quite
      similar to that reported for patients with OCD without psychosis comorbidity; (3)
      effective, with a symptom reduction quite similar to that reported for patients
      with OCD without psychosis and for SRIs treatment of OCD co-occurring with
      psychosis; and (4) effective in patients with OCD induced by second-generation
      antipsychotic as well as in patients with OCD not induced by second-generation
      antipsychotic. Alcohol/substance use disorder comorbidity and OCD onset preceding
      that of SCH/SA was predictors of poor outcome. These results are derived only by
      additional studies with adequate sample size. CONCLUSION: Our results support the
      use of CBT for OCD in patients with psychosis.

PMID- 28078210
TI  - Testosterone replacement therapy.

PMID- 28078211
TI  - A case series of the safety and efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy in
      renal failure and kidney transplant patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypogonadism is common in patients with renal dysfunction and does
      not always correct following transplantation. Recent studies show increased
      mortality for dialysis and transplant patients with low testosterone (T). These
      patients are often not treated due to concerns over efficacy and complications
      (both real and imagined). There is surprisingly scant literature supporting the
      use of T therapy in these patients. We wished to examine the results of T therapy
      in our patients with renal failure or following transplant. METHODS: We
      identified 15 men in our Men's Health Registry treated with T who either were on
      dialysis or had a functioning transplant at time of therapy. Demographic,
      laboratory and clinical outcome data were collected from the electronic medical
      record. RESULTS: There were 3 men on dialysis and 12 with a functioning
      transplant. Mean age was 53.7 years (range, 39-71 years) and mean total serum T
      was 207.9 ng/mL (range, 45-330 ng/mL). All had bothersome symptoms including
      fatigue (15/15) and erectile dysfunction (ED) (14/15). Mean hematocrit was 35.8%
      and 9/15 were anemic. Therapy included patches in 1, topical gels in 6 and
      testopel pellets in 8. With a mean follow-up of 22.7 months (range, 11-58
      months), mean T post therapy was 528 (range, 226-869). Mean hematocrit improved
      to 42.6% and 7/9 anemic patients improved out of the anemic range. There were no
      cardiovascular or infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic hypogonadism
      is common in dialysis and transplant patients and T replacement therapy can be
      safely given with improvement in T values and symptoms in most patients. Anemia
      is usually improved. Testopel pellets can be used in immunosuppressed transplant
      recipients without infectious complications.

PMID- 28078212
TI  - Improvement of endothelial function following initiation of testosterone
      replacement therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated recent studies have suggested an increased risk of heart
      attack as early as 3 months following testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
      Such a rapid risk increase would likely require rapid deterioration of arterial
      endothelial function. Our goal was to assess arterial endothelial function in
      hypogonadal men prior to and at least 3 months after initiation of TRT. METHODS:
      Adult men were consented if they had symptoms of hypogonadism, a total
      testosterone <350 ng/dL, and planned to begin TRT. Endothelial function was non
      invasively assessed using the EndoPAT-2000 machine. We measured the augmentation
      index (AI) (normal <3%), a measure of arterial stiffness and reactive hyperemia
      index (RHI), a measure of endothelial vasodilation (normal >1.69). Prior studies
      suggest that a 10% level of day-to-day test variability is expected. Endothelial
      function was reassessed at the next clinic visit, between 3 and 6 months if the
      patients were compliant with therapy. Changes in continuous variables were
      assessed with the paired t test. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were consented
      with a mean age of 52.7 years (range, 34-68 years) and starting testosterone
      196.9 ng/dL (range, 35-339 ng/dL). There was a history of diabetes in four,
      hypertension in ten and coronary artery disease in five. Mean RHI was 1.67+/-0.37
      (70% were abnormal) and mean AI was 2.57%+/-14.0% (39% were abnormal). There were
      no cardiac events. At follow-up 20 patients were compliant with therapy and
      retested. Mean testosterone increased from 203 to 511 (P<0.0001). Mean RHI
      improved from 1.70 to 2.14 (P=0.01). Mean AI improved from 2.9% to -1.75%
      (P=0.01). In four men RHI worsened but in each case less than the 10% error of
      the test. No man had worsened AI. CONCLUSIONS: Men with symptomatic hypogonadism
      often have abnormal arterial endothelial function. Following TRT, endothelial
      function either remains unchanged or improves.

PMID- 28078213
TI  - Adult-onset hypogonadism: evaluation and role of testosterone replacement
      therapy.
AB  - Testosterone deficiency (TD) has become a growing concern in the field of men's
      sexual health, with an increasing number of men presenting for evaluation of this
      condition. Given the increasing demand for testosterone replacement therapy
      (TRT), a panel of experts met in August of 2015 to discuss the treatment of men
      who present for evaluation in the setting of low or normal gonadotropin levels
      and the associated signs and symptoms of hypogonadism. This constellation of
      factors can be associated with elements of both primary and secondary
      hypogonadism. Because this syndrome commonly occurs in men who are middle-aged
      and older, it was termed adult-onset hypogonadism (AOH). AOH can be defined by
      the following elements: low levels of testosterone, associated signs and symptoms
      of hypogonadism, and low or normal gonadotropin levels. Although there are
      significant benefits of TRT for patients with AOH, candidates also need to
      understand the potential risks. Patients undergoing TRT will need to be monitored
      regularly because there are potential complications that can develop with long
      term use. This review is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of AOH,
      discussing the benefits and risks of TRT, and outlining each modality of TRT in
      use for AOH.

PMID- 28078214
TI  - Pharmacology of testosterone replacement therapy preparations.
AB  - The goal of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is to return serum
      testosterone levels to within physiologic range and improve symptoms in
      hypogonadal men. Some of the symptoms aimed to improve upon include decreased
      libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, hot flashes, depressed mood, and loss
      of muscle mass or hair. Clinical use of testosterone for replacement therapy
      began approximately 70 years ago. Over the decades, numerous preparations and
      formulations have been developed primarily focusing on different routes of
      delivery and thus pharmacokinetics (PKs). Currently the routes of delivery
      approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration encompasses
      buccal, nasal, subdermal, transdermal, and intramuscular (IM). Many factors must
      be considered when a clinician is choosing the most correct formulation for a
      patient. As this decision depends highly on the patient, active patient
      participation is important for effective selection. The aim of this review is to
      describe and compare all testosterone preparations currently available and
      approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Areas of focus will
      include pharmacology, PKs, adverse effects, and specifics related to individual
      delivery routes.

PMID- 28078215
TI  - Off label therapies for testosterone replacement.
AB  - The incidence of hypogonadism has been steadily increasing over the last few
      years. Exogenous testosterone has been the standard treatment for hypogonadal
      men, but is associated with suppression of spermatogenesis as well as other
      possible adverse effects. There are other medications, currently considered "off
      label" for androgen replenishment, that exert their effect through modulation of
      the hypothalamic-gonadal axis. These medications increase endogenous testosterone
      levels and offer a different therapeutic approach. This review will focus on
      these alternative (off-label) therapies for androgen replacement in men.

PMID- 28078216
TI  - Testosterone replacement therapy: role of pituitary and thyroid in diagnosis and
      treatment.
AB  - Crosstalk among hormones characterizes endocrine function, and assessment of the
      hypogonadal man should take that into consideration. In men for whom testosterone
      deficiency is a concern, initial evaluation should include a thorough history and
      physical exam in which other endocrinopathies are being considered. Hypogonadism
      can be associated with both pituitary and thyroid dysfunction, for which
      appropriate biochemical evaluation should be undertaken in certain clinical
      scenarios. If low serum testosterone is confirmed measurement of luteinizing and
      follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH respectively) is essential to establish
      whether the hypogonadism is primary or secondary. In secondary hypogonadism
      measurement of prolactin is always necessary, and measurement of other pituitary
      hormones, along with pituitary imaging, may be indicated. Checking thyroid
      function may also be enlightening, and can raise additional therapeutic
      considerations. Correction of other pituitary axes may attenuate the need for
      testosterone replacement therapy in some cases.

PMID- 28078217
TI  - Testosterone replacement in the infertile man.
AB  - Hypogonadism is a common clinical condition affecting men of different age
      groups. In addition to its sexual consequences, it has several implications
      posing significant concerns for a man's health and well-being. Recent advances in
      testosterone (T) supplementation have facilitated hypogonadism treatment. Despite
      that, patients complaining of infertility or seeking conception are still
      hindered by the unfavorable effects supplemental T has on testicular function.
      Consequently, alternative approaches that can stimulate endogenous T production
      are favored. Selective estrogen receptor modulators, gonadotropins and aromatase
      inhibitors (AIs) can be successful in restoring serum T levels, preserving
      fertility, and providing symptomatic relief.

PMID- 28078219
TI  - Hormone therapy for transgender patients.
AB  - Many transgender men and women seek hormone therapy as part of the transition
      process. Exogenous testosterone is used in transgender men to induce virilization
      and suppress feminizing characteristics. In transgender women, exogenous estrogen
      is used to help feminize patients, and anti-androgens are used as adjuncts to
      help suppress masculinizing features. Guidelines exist to help providers choose
      appropriate candidates for hormone therapy, and act as a framework for choosing
      treatment regimens and managing surveillance in these patients. Cross-sex hormone
      therapy has been shown to have positive physical and psychological effects on the
      transitioning individual and is considered a mainstay treatment for many
      patients. Bone and cardiovascular health are important considerations in
      transgender patients on long-term hormones, and care should be taken to monitor
      certain metabolic indices while patients are on cross-sex hormone therapy.

PMID- 28078218
TI  - Effects of varicocelectomy on serum testosterone.
AB  - Varicocele is most often surgically repaired due to male infertility, however,
      has recently been linked to low serum testosterone. This paper serves to review
      the current literature regarding varicocele and its subsequent repair on serum
      testosterone. Twenty-eight human studies were identified with fifteen showing
      improved serum testosterone after repair. The majority of the studies that
      demonstrated improvement had preoperative testosterone levels that were low or
      below normal. Additionally, multiple well-designed studies with control groups
      not undergoing surgical repair demonstrated significant difference between
      groups. This improvement was less observed in studies with normal preoperative
      serum testosterone. A majority of these patients studied were presenting for
      infertility. It remains to be determined if these findings can be reproduced in
      men without infertility. The findings suggest that microsurgical varicocele
      repair can improve serum testosterone in men with low levels preoperatively in
      appropriately counseled men. It remains to be seen whether varicocele repair can
      help prevent the development of low testosterone in the future or which patients
      are at risk of developing low testosterone due to varicocele.

PMID- 28078220
TI  - Hypogonadism and testosterone replacement therapy in end-stage renal disease
      (ESRD) and transplant patients.
AB  - Hypogonadism is a common problem in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and renal
      transplant population. It has widespread systemic effects and has been linked
      with mortality in dialysis patients and at the time of renal transplant. The
      etiology is likely multifactorial and most patients are afflicted by various
      comorbidities that can contribute to hypogonadism. Clinical manifestations are
      mostly nonspecific. We review the approach to the diagnosis of hypogonadism,
      focusing on both laboratory values and clinical signs and symptoms. We review
      treatment with testosterone replacement in this population and highlight various
      studies that tend to have small sample sizes. Though these studies provide
      insight into testosterone replacement, the need for larger studies is emphasized
      to better understand the effects and safety of therapy.

PMID- 28078221
TI  - Testosterone replacement therapy and voiding dysfunction.
AB  - Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) represents an increasing popular treatment
      option for men with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). Because of unsubstantiated
      beliefs of testosterone's effect on the prostate, the FDA has recently placed a
      warning on testosterone products, stating that TRT may worsen benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH). Within this review article we have demonstrated the current
      understanding of the physiology of testosterone and its relationship with
      prostatic and lower urinary tract physiology. The current evidence suggests that
      not only does TRT not worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but that
      hypogonadism itself is an important risk factor for LUTS/BPH.

PMID- 28078222
TI  - Testosterone replacement therapy and the heart: friend, foe or bystander?
AB  - The role of testosterone therapy (TTh) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes
      is still controversial, and it seems will remain inconclusive for the moment. An
      extensive body of literature has investigated the association of endogenous
      testosterone and use of TTh with CVD events including several meta-analyses. In
      some instances, a number of studies reported beneficial effects of TTh on CVD
      events and in other instances the body of literature reported detrimental effects
      or no effects at all. Yet, no review article has scrutinized this body of
      literature using the magnitude of associations and statistical significance
      reported from this relationship. We critically reviewed the previous and emerging
      body of literature that investigated the association of endogenous testosterone
      and use of TTh with CVD events (only fatal and nonfatal). These studies were
      divided into three groups, "beneficial (friendly use)", "detrimental (foe)" and
      "no effects at all (bystander)", based on their magnitude of associations and
      statistical significance from original research studies and meta-analyses of
      epidemiological studies and of randomized controlled trials (RCT's). In this
      review article, the studies reporting a significant association of high levels of
      testosterone with a reduced risk of CVD events in original prospective studies
      and meta-analyses of cross-sectional and prospective studies seems to be more
      consistent. However, the number of meta-analyses of RCT's does not provide a
      clear picture after we divided it into the beneficial, detrimental or no effects
      all groups using their magnitudes of association and statistical significance.
      From this review, we suggest that we need a study or number of studies that have
      the adequate power, epidemiological, and clinical data to provide a definitive
      conclusion on whether the effect of TTh on the natural history of CVD is real or
      not.

PMID- 28078224
TI  - Impact of recent FDA ruling on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

PMID- 28078223
TI  - Testosterone therapy and prostate cancer.
AB  - The use of exogenous testosterone to treat hypogonadism in the men with a history
      of prostate cancer (CaP) remains controversial due to fears of cancer recurrence
      or progression. Due to the detrimental impact of hypogonadism on patient quality
      of life, recent work has examined the safety of testosterone therapy (TTh) in men
      with a history of CaP. In this review, we evaluate the literature with regards to
      the safety of TTh in men with a history of CaP. TTh results in improvements in
      quality of life with little evidence of biochemical recurrence or progression in
      men with a history of CaP, or de novo cancer in unaffected men. An insufficient
      amount of evidence is currently available to truly demonstrate the safe use of
      TTh in men with low risk CaP. In men with high-risk cancer, more limited data
      suggest that TTh may be safe, but these findings remain inconclusive. Despite the
      historic avoidance of TTh in men with a history of CaP, the existing body of
      evidence largely supports the safe and effective use of testosterone in these
      men, although additional study is needed before unequivocal safety can be
      demonstrated.

PMID- 28078225
TI  - Testicular compartment syndrome: an overview of pathophysiology, etiology,
      evaluation, and management.
AB  - Testicular compartment syndrome (TCS) refers to the impairment of
      microcirculation in the testicle due to either increased venous resistance or
      extraluminal compression, which leads to hypoxia. TCS releases oxidants through
      hypoxia and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). The pathophysiology, etiology,
      evaluation, and management of TCS are reviewed. Based on the properties of TCS,
      specific causes, e.g., varicocele, hydrocele, orchitis, cryptorchidism, and
      scrotal hernia, are suggested and categorized. The oxidant-induced stress from
      TCS may explain the correlations between these causes and infertility. A chief
      shortcoming of current imaging modalities is that they detect TCS late after it
      has progressed to impair the macrocirculation of the testicle. We propose
      frequent sequential periodic power Doppler ultrasonography to monitoring for
      earlier detection. Intraoperatively, TCS can be diagnosed by the dull purple
      appearance of a hypoxic testicle and by tissue pressures above 30 mmHg. When
      compartment pressure is low, the underlying etiology must be promptly treated.
      During acute presentation, an incision of the resilient tunica albuginea may be
      necessary. A great challenge of treating TCS is restoring microcirculation while
      minimizing IRI; concomitant antioxidant therapy secondary to treatment may be
      effective and harmless at the least. Because testicular oxidant stress is common
      in infertility and since TCS can cause such a stress, TCS may be a larger factor
      in infertility than currently suspected.

PMID- 28078227
TI  - Intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum study provides real-world
      analysis.

PMID- 28078226
TI  - Clinical utility of sperm DNA fragmentation testing: practice recommendations
      based on clinical scenarios.
AB  - Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been generally acknowledged as a valuable tool
      for male fertility evaluation. While its detrimental implications on sperm
      function were extensively investigated, little is known about the actual
      indications for performing SDF analysis. This review delivers practice based
      recommendations on commonly encountered scenarios in the clinic. An illustrative
      description of the different SDF measurement techniques is presented. SDF testing
      is recommended in patients with clinical varicocele and borderline to normal
      semen parameters as it can better select varicocelectomy candidates. High SDF is
      also linked with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and can influence outcomes
      of different assisted reproductive techniques. Several studies have shown some
      benefit in using testicular sperm rather than ejaculated sperm in men with high
      SDF, oligozoospermia or recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure. Infertile
      men with evidence of exposure to pollutants can benefit from sperm DNA testing as
      it can help reinforce the importance of lifestyle modification (e.g., cessation
      of cigarette smoking, antioxidant therapy), predict fertility and monitor the
      patient's response to intervention.

PMID- 28078228
TI  - Belatacept in renal transplantation-quo vadis?

PMID- 28078229
TI  - Commentary to low-energy shock wave therapy ameliorates erectile dysfunction in a
      pelvic neurovascular injuries rat model, published in J Sex Med 2016;13:22-32 by
      Li H, Matheu P, Sun F, et al.

PMID- 28078230
TI  - Invited commentary on GETUG-AFU 16.

PMID- 28078231
TI  - Friend or foe: role of E-cadherin in prostate cancer metastasis.

PMID- 28078232
TI  - The luminal-basal paradigm in the urothelial cancer: hope for individualized
      approach.

PMID- 28078233
TI  - Prostate cancer and hypofractionation: really a new standard of care?

PMID- 28078234
TI  - Radium-223 and concomitant therapies: prospects and prudence.

PMID- 28078235
TI  - A randomised control trial of salvage radiotherapy and androgen deprivation
      therapy following prostatectomy: commentary on five year follow-up findings.

PMID- 28078236
TI  - Cabozantinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma: a METEOR impact on clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28078237
TI  - Low-energy shock wave therapy ameliorates erectile dysfunction in a pelvic
      neurovascular injuries rat model.

PMID- 28078238
TI  - Liquid biopsies in bladder cancer-did we find the Holy Grail for biomarker
      analyses?

PMID- 28078239
TI  - The panoramic view of clear cell renal cell carcinoma metabolism: values of
      integrated global cancer metabolomics.

PMID- 28078240
TI  - Effect of methanol leaf extract of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.f (fabaceae) on renal
      function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dalbegia saxatilis (D.saxatilis) is used as a decoction in traditional
      medicine for ailments such as cough, small pox, skin lesions, bronchial ailments
      and toothache. This study is aimed at evaluating the toxic effect of methanol
      leaf extract of D.saxatilis on renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats
      of both sexes were divided into four groups of five: control animals (group 1)
      received distilled water 1 ml/kg while groups 2, 3 and 4 were given graded doses
      of the extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight, respectively) daily for 28
      days. Body weight changes were estimated by weighing the rats twice weekly using
      digital weighing balance. After 28 days, blood samples were obtained for
      evaluation of renal indices and the kidney was used for histopathology. Data were
      analysed using one-way and repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS version 20.
      RESULTS: Significant weight increase in all groups were observed (p<0.05).
      Significant reduction in electrolytes concentration was observed following
      treatment with extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) (p<0.05). Histopathological findings
      of the kidney revealed massive necrosis of the glomerulus with tubular distortion
      and lymphocyte hyperplasia at 250 and 500 mg/kg while intense glomerular and
      tubular necrosis was observed at 1000 mg/kg of the extract. CONCLUSION: Since
      different doses of the extract caused reduction in electrolyte concentration and
      damage to the kidney it is suggested that prolonged administration of the extract
      is associated with increased risk of kidney toxicity.

PMID- 28078241
TI  - The effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss hydroalcoholic extract and fractions in
      pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: At present, there are many antiepileptic drugs with a wide range of
      side effects on the human body. It was assumed that Zataria multiflora Boiss (Z.
      multiflora) with sedative, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory activity may be
      effective in the treatment of epilepsy. The aim of the present study was to
      elucidate the effect of Z. multiflora hydroalcoholic extract and its fraction
      extracts on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced chemical kindling. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this experimental study, eight separate groups of male albino mice
      were used. All groups received 11 separate intraperitoneal injections of PTZ (35
      mg/kg) with two-day intervals. 30 min before the injection of PTZ, mice received
      vehicle, Z. multiflora hydroalcoholic extract (300 and 600 mg/kg), n-hexane,
      acetone, methanol fraction extracts (150 mg/kg), or diazepam (10 mg/kg). RESULTS:
      The kindled mice that were pretreated with vehicle showed a gradual increase in
      their seizure scores up to the end of the study. The hydroalcoholic extract of Z.
      multiflora (300 and 600 mg/kg) reduced seizure scores significantly. However, n
      hexane, acetone and methanol extracts did not affect seizure scores
      significantly. CONCLUSION: The present findings demonstrate that the
      hydroalcoholic extract of Z. multiflora did reduce the severity of seizure
      attacks in PTZ-induced chemical kindling in mice.

PMID- 28078242
TI  - Saffron'omics': The challenges of integrating omic technologies.
AB  - Saffron is one of the highly exotic spices known for traditional values and
      antiquity. It is used for home decor besides serving as a colorant flavor and is
      widely known for medicinal value. Over the last few years, saffron has garnered a
      lot of interest due to its anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, anti-oxidant and
      immunomodulatory properties. Integration of systems biology approaches with wide
      applications of saffron remains a growing challenge as new techniques and methods
      advance. Keeping in view of the dearth of a review summarizing the omics and
      systems biology of saffron, we bring an outline on advancements in integrating
      omic technologies, the medicinal plant has seen in recent times.

PMID- 28078243
TI  - Ethnobotanical knowledge of Apiaceae family in Iran: A review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family is one of the biggest plant families on
      the earth. Iran has a huge diversity of Apiaceae members. This family possesses a
      range of compounds that have many biological activities. The members of this
      family are well known as vegetables, culinary and medicinal plants. Here, we
      present a review of ethnobotanical uses of Apiaceae plants by the Iranian people
      in order to provide a comprehensive documentation for future investigations.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We checked scientific studies published in books and
      journals in various electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus
      and Google Scholar websites) from 1937 to 2015 and reviewed a total of 52
      publications that provided information about different applications of these
      plant species in human and livestock. RESULTS: As a result of this review,
      several ethnobotanical usages of 70 taxa, 17 of which were endemic, have been
      determined. These plants were used for medicinal and non-medicinal purposes. The
      most commonly used parts were fruits, leaves, aerial parts and gums. The most
      common methods of preparation were decoction, infusion and poultice. CONCLUSION:
      To our knowledge, this paper represents a comprehensive literature search of
      ethnobotanical uses of Apiaceae reported from Iran. This study highlights the
      rich traditional knowledge of this family that has remained in Iran. However,
      most of this knowledge survive only as memories from the past in the minds of the
      elderly, and will probably vanish in a few decades. Thus, we compiled these
      scattered data together in a single document for the next scientific works with
      ethnobotanical interests.

PMID- 28078244
TI  - Carvacrol attenuates serum levels of total protein, phospholipase A2 and
      histamine in asthmatic guinea pig.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pharmacological effects of carvacrol such as its anti-inflammatory
      activities have been shows. In this study the effects of carvacrol on serum
      levels of total protein (TP), phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and histamine in sensitized
      guinea pigs was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sensitized guinea pigs were
      given drinking water alone (group S), drinking water containing three
      concentrations of carvacrol (40, 80 and 160 ug/ml) or dexamethasone. Serum levels
      of TP, PLA2 and histamine were examined I all sensitized groups as well as a non
      sensitized control group (n=6 for each group). RESULTS: In sensitized animals,
      serum levels of TP, PLA2 and histamine were significantly increased compared to
      control animals (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Significant reduction in TP, PLA2 and
      histamine levels were observed in treated groups with the two higher
      concentrations of carvacrol but dexamethasone treatment only decreased serum
      level of PLA2 (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Although the effect of the lowest
      concentration of the extract was less than that of dexamethasone (p<0.05 for TP
      and p<0.001 for PLA2), the effects of the two higher concentrations on PLA2 were
      similar to dexamethasone and on TP (p<0.01) and histamine (p<0.001) were higher
      than those of dexamethasone. CONCLUSION: These results showed that carvacrol
      reduced serum levels of TP, PLA2 and histamine in sensitized guinea pigs which
      may indicate an anti-inflammatory effect of this agent in inflammatory disorders
      such as asthma.

PMID- 28078245
TI  - The effects of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol on human adipose-derived mesenchymal
      stem cells viability, growth and differentiation: a cheminformatics and in vitro
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the cheminformatics and
      qualitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol.
      The effects of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol on the viability, doubling time and
      adipogenic or osteogenic differentiations of human adipose-derived mesenchymal
      stem cells (hASCs) were also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: QSAR and
      toxicity indices of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol were evaluated using
      cheminformatics tools including Toxtree and Toxicity Estimation Software Tool
      (T.E.S.T) and molinspiration server. Besides, their effects on the hASCs
      viability, doubling time and differentiation to adipogenic or osteogenic lineages
      were evaluated. RESULTS: Cinnamaldehyde is predicted to be more lipophilic and
      less toxic than eugenol. Both phytochemicals may be developmental toxicants. They
      probably undergo hydroxylation and epoxidation reactions by cytochrome-P450. The
      2.5 uM/ml cinnamaldehyde and 0.1 ug/ml eugenol did not influence hASCs viability
      following 72 hr of treatment. But higher concentrations of these phytochemicals
      insignificantly increased hASCs doubling time till 96 hr, except 1 ug/ml eugenol
      for which the increase was significant. Only low concentrations of both
      phytochemicals were tested for their effects on the hASCs differentiation. The
      2.5 uM/ml cinnamaldehyde and 0.1 ug/ml eugenol enhanced the osteogenesis and
      decreased the adipogenesis of hASCs meaningfully. CONCLUSION: According to the
      cheminformatics analysis and in vitro study, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol are
      biocompatible and low toxic for hASCs. Both phytochemicals may be suitable for
      regenerative medicine and tissue engineering when used at low concentrations, but
      maybe useful for neoplastic growth inhibition when used at high concentrations.

PMID- 28078247
TI  - Effects of Biebersteinia multifida hydro-ethanol extract on proliferation and
      apoptosis of human prostate cancer and human embryonic kidney cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Biebersteinia (Geraniaceae) has a history of use in traditional
      medicine in some countries including Iran. In the present study, cytotoxic and
      apoptogenic properties of hydro-ethanol extract of B. multifidi was investigated
      on human prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU 145) and human embryonic kidney
      293 (HEK293) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were cultured in RPMI-1640
      medium supplemented with 10% FBS at 37oC in a humidified atmosphere of 95% air
      and 5% CO2. The root of the plant was macerated with EtOH 70%. Cytotoxic activity
      of ethanol extract of B. multifida was assessed using alamarBlue(r) assay after
      48 hr of treatment. Apoptotic cells were stained with propidium iodide (PI) and
      detected by flow cytometry (sub-G1 peak). RESULTS: B.multifidi had cytotoxic
      effect on malignant cells and normal HEK293 cells in a dose-dependent manner and
      significantly decreased the cell viability (IC50 values were between 199.2 and
      302.9 ug/ml). B. multifida increased the sub-G1 peak in flow cytometry histogram
      of treated PC3 cells compared to control showing the induction of apoptosis and
      DNA fragmentation. CONCLUSION: Due to cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of B.
      multifida, the plant is suggested for further phytochemical analysis and
      mechanistic evaluation.

PMID- 28078246
TI  - The effects of crocin, insulin and their co-administration on the heart function
      and pathology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Crocin is a saffron constituent with a potent anti-oxidant activity.
      The present study investigated the effects of crocin and insulin treatments
      (alone or in combination) on cardiac function and pathology in diabetic rats.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection
      of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg). Thereafter, crocin (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.),
      subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of insulin (4 IU/kg) and their combination were
      administered for eight weeks. Blood glucose level and whole heart and body
      weights were measured. Electrocardiography (ECG) was carried out using the lead
      II. Serum concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB
      isoenzyme (CK-MB), and the heart tissue malodialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) contents were determined. The heart lesions were evaluated by
      light microscopy. RESULTS: STZ decreased body weight and increased whole heart
      weight/body weight ratio. It also decreased heart rate, and increased RR and QT
      intervals and T wave amplitude. STZ increased blood glucose, serum LDH and CK-MB
      levels, augmented heart tissue MDA content, decreased SOD content of heart
      tissue, and produced hemorrhages, degeneration, interstitial edema, and
      fibroblastic proliferation in the heart tissue. Crocin (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.),
      insulin (4 IU/kg, s.c.) and their combination (5 mg/kg of crocin with 4 IU/kg of
      insulin) treatments recovered the ECG, biochemical and histopathological changes
      induced by STZ. CONCLUSION: The results showed cardioprotective effects of crocin
      and insulin in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic
      properties of crocin and insulin may be involved in their cardioprotective
      actions.

PMID- 28078248
TI  - Origanum vulgare leaf extract protects mice bone marrow cells against ionizing
      radiation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ionizing radiation produces free radicals which induce DNA damage and
      cell death. Origanum vulgare leaf extract (OVLE) is a natural compound and its
      capability of scavenging free radicals and its antioxidant activity have been
      demonstrated by many researchers. In this study, using micronucleus assay,
      radioprotective effect of OVLE against clastogenic and cytotoxic effect of gamma
      irradiation has been investigated in mice bone marrow cells. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: OVLE was injected intraperitoneally to the BALB/c mice 1hr prior to
      gamma irradiation (3Gy) at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Twenty four hours
      after irradiation or treatment, animals were killed and smears were prepared from
      the bone marrow cells. The slides were stained with May Grunwald-Giemsa method
      and analyzed microscopically. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic
      erythrocytes (MnPCEs), micronucleated normochromatic erythrocyte (MnNCEs) and
      cell proliferation ratio PCE/PCE+NCE (polychromatic erythrocyte/polychromatic
      erythrocyte + normochromatic erythrocyte) were calculated. RESULTS: The results
      showed that gamma irradiation (3Gy) increased the frequency of MnPCEs, MnNCEs and
      reduced the PCE/PCE+NCE ratio in mice bone marrow compared to the non-irradiated
      control group (p<0.0001). Injection of OVLE significantly reduced the frequency
      of MnPCEs (p<0.0001) and MnNCEs (p<0.05) and increased the PCE/PCE+NCE ratio as
      compared to the irradiated control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that OVLE
      with its antioxidant properties and its capability of scavenging free radicals
      and reactive oxygen species can reduce the cytotoxic effects of gamma irradiation
      in mice bone marrow cells.

PMID- 28078249
TI  - Effects of Urtica dioica supplementation on blood lipids, hepatic enzymes and
      nitric oxide levels in type 2 diabetic patients: A double blind, randomized
      clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of
      diabetic complications including metabolic abnormality-induced diabetic micro
      vascular and macro-vascular complications. Urtica dioica L. (U. dioica) has been
      traditionally used in Iranian medicine as an herbal remedy for hypoglycemic or
      due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to
      evaluate the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of U. dioica on blood lipids,
      hepatic enzymes and nitric oxide levels in patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 women with type 2 diabetes participated in
      this study and were randomly divided into two groups namely, control and
      intervention groups. Control group received placebo and intervention group
      received hydro-alcoholic extract of U. dioica. Before and after 8 weeks of
      continuous treatment, some biochemical serum levels including FPG, TG, SGPT,
      SGOT, HDL, LDL, SOD and NO were measured. RESULTS: The results indicated that
      after 8 weeks, in the intervention group, FPG, TG, and SGPT levels significantly
      decreased and HDL, NO and SOD levels significantly increased as compared to the
      control group. CONCLUSION: Our results encourage the use of hydro-alcoholic
      extract of U. dioica as an antioxidant agent for additional therapy of diabetes
      as hydro-alcoholic extract of U. dioica may decrease risk factors of
      cardiovascular incidence and other complications in patients with diabetes
      mellitus.

PMID- 28078250
TI  - Effects of Mimosa pudica L. leaves extract on anxiety, depression and memory.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study was carried out to investigate the
      neuropharmacological activities of ethyl acetate extract of Mimosa pudica (EAMP)
      leaves on anxiety, depression and memory in a mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Anti-anxiety potential of EAMP was evaluated by elevated plus maze (EPM), light
      dark box (LDB) and social interaction (SI) tests in mice.Anti-depressant
      potential of EAMP was evaluated by forced swimming (FST), tail suspension (TST),
      and open field tests (OFT). The behavioral findings were further corroborated
      with estimation of neurotransmitters and their metabolites from mouse brain
      homogenate. Effect on learning and memory was evaluated by EPM, passive avoidance
      (PA) tests. Further, it was confirmed with assessment of acetylcholinesterase and
      caspase-3 activity in brain homogenate. RESULTS: EAMP showed significant anti
      anxiety activity by increasing the time spent in open arm of EPM, light box of
      LDB. Social interaction time was increased significantly (p<0.01) as compared to
      vehicle control. There was also significant reduction of immobility time in both
      FST and TST without any changes in locomotor activity in the OFT. Monoamine
      neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) concentrations were increased
      significantly (p<0.01) after 4 weeks of treatment as compared to stress control
      and substantiated the anti-depressant activity. Step down latency was increased
      (p<0.01) in PA test and transfer latency was decreased (p<0.01) in EPM test of
      EAMP-treated mice. Acetylcholinesterase and caspase-3 activity was significantly
      (p<0.05) changed in mice treated with EAMP (200 and 400 mg/kg). CONCLUSION: The
      results revealed that EAMP has anti-anxiety, anti-depressant and memory enhancing
      activities that are mediated through multiple mechanisms.

PMID- 28078252
TI  - The Evaluation of the Effect of Herbal Extract on Osteoarthritis: In Vitro and In
      Vivo Study.
AB  - In this study, the anti-osteoarthritis effects of Cynanchum wilfordii, Phlomis
      umbrosa, and Angelica gigas extract (CPAE), observed and confirmed in previously
      clinical studies were further investigated by in vitro and in vivo studies.
      Anabolic biomarkers related to healthy cartilage maintenance, such as aggrecan,
      type II collagen alpha-1 (Col2a1), sex determining region Y-box-9 (Sox-9), and
      catabolic biomarkers related to osteoarthritis, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2),
      matrix metalloproteinase-13 (Mmp13), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain
      enhancer of activated B cells (Nfkappab), were evaluated by quantitative reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and reporter gene assay. In vitro study
      results showed significant changes in both anabolic and catabolic biomarkers. For
      anabolic factors, significant changes in the level of aggrecan (P<0.05), Col2a1
      (P<0.05), and Sox-9 (P<0.01) activation were shown after treatment of cartilage
      cells with CPAE (50 ng/mL) with similar efficacy compared to insulin growth
      factor, the positive control (100 ng/mL). For catabolic factors, significant
      changes in the inhibition activity of Cox-2 (P<0.05), Mmp13 (P<0.01), and
      Nfkappab (P<0.05) were shown for CPAE (50 ng/mL) with similar efficacy compared
      to Celecoxib, the positive control (10 MUM). In the in vivo carrageenan-induced
      paw edema model study results showed that CPAE-treated groups (100 mg/kg) and
      Celecoxib-treated groups (60 mg/kg) showed comparably significant efficacy of
      inhibition by 37.1% and 52.1%, respectively. Furthermore, CPAE (200 mg/kg) showed
      similar effect to Celecoxib (60 mg/kg) with an inhibition rate of 54.3%. This
      result confirms that CPAE effectively inhibited the inflammation-induced
      osteoarthritis symptoms.

PMID- 28078251
TI  - A Review of Fermented Foods with Beneficial Effects on Brain and Cognitive
      Function.
AB  - Around the world, fermentation of foods has been adopted over many generations,
      primarily due to their commercial significance with enriched flavors and high
      profile nutrients. The increasing application of fermented foods is further
      promoted by recent evidence on their health benefits, beyond the traditionally
      recognized effects on the digestive system. With recent advances in the
      understanding of gut-brain interactions, there have also been reports suggesting
      the fermented food's efficacy, particularly for cognitive function improvements.
      These results are strengthened by the proposed biological effects of fermented
      foods, including neuroprotection against neurotoxicity and reactive oxygen
      species. This paper reviews the beneficial health effects of fermented foods with
      particular emphasis on cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects. With an
      extensive review of fermented foods and their potential cognitive benefits, this
      paper may promote commercially feasible applications of fermented foods as
      natural remedies to cognitive problems.

PMID- 28078253
TI  - Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid on Mitochondrial DNA
      Replication and PGC-1alpha Gene Expression in C2C12 Muscle Cells.
AB  - Mitochondrial biogenesis is a complex process requiring coordinated expression of
      nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      gamma co-activator 1-alpha (PGC-1alpha) is a key regulator of mitochondrial
      biogenesis, and it controls mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication within diverse
      tissues, including muscle tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on mtDNA
      copy number and PGC-1alpha promoter activity in C2C12 muscle cells. mtDNA copy
      number and mRNA levels of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis such as PGC
      1alpha, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial transcription
      factor A (Tfam) were assayed by quantitative real-time PCR. The PGC-1alpha
      promoter from -970 to +412 bp was subcloned into the pGL3-basic vector, which
      includes a luciferase reporter gene. Both EPA and DHA significantly increased
      mtDNA copy number, dose and time dependently, and up-regulated mRNA levels of PGC
      1alpha, NRF1, and Tfam. Furthermore, EPA and DHA stimulated PGC-1alpha promoter
      activity in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that EPA and DHA may
      modulate mitochondrial biogenesis, which was partially associated with increased
      mtDNA replication and PGC-1alpha gene expression in C2C12 muscle cells.

PMID- 28078254
TI  - Achyranthes japonica Nakai Water Extract Suppresses Binding of IgE Antibody to
      Cell Surface FcERI.
AB  - Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJN) water extract has a variety of physiological
      properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti
      microbial, and anti-oxidative activities. In the present study, the inhibitory
      effects of AJN extract were investigated in high affinity immunoglobulin E
      receptor (FcERI)-mediated KU812F cells activation. AJN extract showed suppressive
      effects on histamine release and intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i elevation from
      anti-FcERI antibody (CRA-1)-stimulated cells in a dose-dependent manner. Flow
      cytometric analysis showed that AJN extract treatment caused a dose-dependent
      decrease in the cell surface FcERI expression and the binding between the cell
      surface FcERI and the IgE antibody. Moreover, reverse transcription-polymerase
      chain reaction analysis showed that levels of the mRNA for the FcERI alpha chain
      was decreased by treatment with AJN extract. These results indicate that AJN
      extract may exert anti-allergic effects via the inhibition of calcium influx and
      histamine release, which occurs as a result from the down-regulation of the
      binding of IgE antibody to cell surface FcERI. This mechanism may occur through
      FcERI expression inhibition.

PMID- 28078255
TI  - Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Yogurt Supplemented with
      Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) Juice.
AB  - We investigated the quality characteristics and antioxidant activities of yogurt
      supplemented with 1%, 2%, and 3% aronia juice and fermented for 24 h at 37
      degrees C. The total acidity increased with increasing levels of aronia juice and
      incubation time. Lightness and yellowness of the yogurt decreased, but redness
      increased, with increasing aronia juice content and incubation time. The number
      of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increased with increased incubation time, and
      yogurt containing 2% and 3% aronia juice showed higher LAB counts than 1% aroinia
      juice-supplemented yogurt. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents increased
      proportionally with increasing levels of aronia juice. Antioxidant activity of
      aronia-containing yogurt was significantly higher than that of the control and
      increased proportionally with aronia juice concentration. Yogurt with 2% aronia
      juice had the best taste (P<0.05). Aronia juice may be a useful additive for
      improving the taste and antioxidant potential of yogurt.

PMID- 28078256
TI  - Volatile Compound, Physicochemical, and Antioxidant Properties of Beany Flavor
      Removed Soy Protein Isolate Hydrolyzates Obtained from Combined High Temperature
      Pre-Treatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis.
AB  - The present study investigated the volatile compound, physicochemical, and
      antioxidant properties of beany flavor-removed soy protein isolate (SPI)
      hydrolyzates produced by combined high temperature pre-treatment and enzymatic
      hydrolysis. Without remarkable changes in amino acid composition, reductions of
      residual lipoxygenase activity and beany flavor-causing volatile compounds such
      as hexanol, hexanal, and pentanol in SPI were observed after combined heating and
      enzymatic treatments. The degree of hydrolysis, emulsion capacity and stability,
      2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, and superoxide radical
      scavenging activity of SPI were significantly increased, but the magnitudes of
      apparent viscosity, consistency index, and dynamic moduli (G', G") of SPI were
      significantly decreased after the combined heating and enzymatic treatments.
      Based on these results, it was suggested that the enzymatic hydrolysis in
      combination with high temperature pre-treatment may allow for the production of
      beany flavor-removed SPI hydrolyzates with superior emulsifying and antioxidant
      functionalities.

PMID- 28078257
TI  - Physicochemical Characteristics of Black Garlic after Different Thermal
      Processing Steps.
AB  - This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of black garlic (BG)
      after different thermal processing steps. Compared with fresh garlic (FG), the
      moisture content and pH in BG decreased significantly, while the ash content and
      browning intensity increased during thermal processing. The total mineral and the
      free sugar contents were significantly higher than that of the BG2 and BG4
      samples, respectively. The free sugar content increased by 16-fold in the BG
      cloves compared with that of FG, while the amino acid content increased during
      the first stage of thermal processing, and subsequently decreased. The
      thiosulfinate content in all samples decreased to during thermal processing. The
      pyruvic acid content initially increased and then decreased during thermal
      processing. These results contribute to our understanding of the role of thermal
      processing in the quality formation of BG.

PMID- 28078258
TI  - Multiresponse Optimization and Prediction of Antioxidant Properties of Aqueous
      Ginger Extract.
AB  - The influence of extraction temperature, powder concentration, and extraction
      time on the antioxidant properties of aqueous ginger extract was investigated.
      The possibility of estimating the antioxidant properties of the extract from its
      absorbance and colour properties was also investigated. Results indicated that
      powder concentration was the most significant factor to consider in optimizing
      antioxidant extraction. However, temperature and time still influenced the 2,2'
      azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging
      activity while extraction temperature influenced the 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the extract. Using the total
      phenol content, total flavonoid content, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and
      DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extract, the multiresponse optimization
      condition for extraction of antioxidant based on the experimental range studied
      is 96 degrees C, 2.10 g/100 mL, and 90 min. The absorbance of the ginger extract
      at 610 nm could be exploited for rapid estimation of its total flavonoid and
      polyphenol with a R2 of 0.713 and 0.753, respectively.

PMID- 28078259
TI  - Effects of Blends of Low-Protein Winter Wheat Flour and Barley Byproducts on
      Quality Changes in Noodles.
AB  - The physicochemical characteristics of fresh noodles made with blends of low
      protein wheat flour and barley byproduct (BBP, 250 MUm) were investigated. The
      crude protein contents (PC) of flour from Goso and Backjoong cultivars were 7.91%
      and 7.67%, respectively. PC and beta-glucan contents from the BBP were 14.10% and
      3.11%, respectively, which were higher than those in wheat flour. The water
      holding capacity (WHC) of various blends was increased as a function of BBP but
      not gluten contents. Goso flour had the highest starch content (78.68%), with
      peak and final viscosities of 3,099 and 3,563 cp, respectively. Peak and final
      viscosities, trough, breakdown, and setback of the blends were decreased with the
      addition of BBP. Noodles made with Backjoong had the highest thickness score,
      while the hardness of noodles made with blends of Goso or Backjoong and 20% BBP
      were similar to those made from wheat flour only. The WHC of the samples was
      strongly correlated with PC, crude fiber, and beta-glucan. The PC was not
      correlated with final viscosity, setback, thickness, hardness, gumminess, or
      chewiness.

PMID- 28078260
TI  - Rheological and Pasting Properties of Naked Barley Flour as Modified by Guar,
      Xanthan, and Locust Bean Gums.
AB  - To understand the effects of adding different gums (guar, xanthan, and locust
      bean gums) on naked barley flour (NBF), the rheological and pasting properties of
      NBF-gum mixtures were measured at different gum concentrations (0, 0.3, and 0.6%
      w/w). Steady shear rheological properties were determined by rheological
      parameters for power law and Casson models. All samples showed a clear trend of
      shear-thinning behavior (n=0.16~0.48) and had a non-Newtonian nature with yield
      stress. Consistency index, apparent viscosity, and yield stress values increased
      with an increase in gum concentration. Storage modulus values were more
      predominant than loss modulus values with all concentrations of gums. There is a
      more pronounced synergistic effect of elastic properties of NBF in the presence
      of xanthan gum. Rapid visco analyser pasting properties showed that the addition
      of gums resulted in a significant increase in the peak, breakdown, setback, and
      final viscosities, whereas the pasting temperature decreased.

PMID- 28078261
TI  - Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Cynanchum wilfordii in Rat Models for
      Postmenopausal Hot Flush.
AB  - Menopausal hot flushes (HFs), which manifest as a transient increase in skin
      temperature, occur most frequently in postmenopausal women, and sometimes
      negatively influence daily life. We investigated the effect of an aqueous extract
      of Cynanchum wilfordii (CWW) in a rat model of menopausal HFs, where tail skin
      temperature (TST) is increased after the rapid estrogen decline induced by
      ovariectomy. Ten-week-old female rats were ovariectomized and treated with CWW
      for 1 week. We measured TST and rectal temperatures (RT) and investigated serum
      estradiol. The TST in ovariectomized (OVX) rats was significantly elevated after
      ovariectomy compared with control rats, whereas the RT in OVX rats was not
      elevated. Administration of CWW (200 mg/kg/d for 7 days, p.o.) significantly
      improved the skin temperature increase in OVX rats. The lower level of serum
      estradiol in OVX rats was significantly increased by supplying E2, but it was not
      affected by CWW. The present study indicates a need for future research involving
      treatment with high concentrations of C. wilfordii and measurement over 24 h.

PMID- 28078262
TI  - The Leaf of Diospyros kaki Thumb Ameliorates Renal Oxidative Damage in Mice with
      Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Diabetic kidney disease is the most common and severe chronic complication of
      diabetes. The leaf of Diospyros kaki Thumb (persimmon) has been commonly used for
      herbal tea and medicinal purposes to treat a variety of conditions, including
      hypertension and atherosclerosis. However, the effect of persimmon leaf on kidney
      failure has not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the role of
      persimmon leaf in protecting the diabetes-associated kidney damage in a mouse
      model of type 2 diabetes. Mice were fed either a normal chow diet with or without
      powered persimmon leaf (5%, w/w) for 5 weeks. In addition to kidney morphology
      and blood markers of kidney function, we assessed levels of oxidative stress
      markers as well as antioxidant enzymes activities and mRNA expression in the
      kidney. Supplementation of the diet with powered persimmon leaf not only
      decreased the concentration of blood urea nitrogen in the plasma but also
      improved glomerular hypertrophy. Furthermore, the persimmon leaf significantly
      decreased the levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxide in the kidney. The
      activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and the
      mRNA expression of their respective genes were also increased in the kidney of
      persimmon leaf-supplemented db/db mice. Taken together, these results suggest
      that supplementation with the persimmon leaf may have protective effects against
      type 2 diabetes-induced kidney dysfunction and oxidative stress.

PMID- 28078263
TI  - Cytotoxic Effects of Strawberry, Korean Raspberry, and Mulberry Extracts on Human
      Ovarian Cancer A2780 Cells.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species are tumorigenic by their ability to increase cell
      proliferation, survival, and cellular migration. The purpose of the present study
      was to compare the antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effects of 3 berry extracts
      (strawberry, Korean raspberry, and mulberry) in A2780 human ovarian carcinoma
      cells. Except for raspberry, the ethyl acetate or methylene chloride fractions of
      berries containing phenolic compounds exerted dose dependent free radical
      scavenging activities. In the raspberry fractions, the hexane fraction also
      exhibited potent antioxidant activity. The cytotoxic effects of berries extracts
      in A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells were measured using the 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Surprisingly, co
      treatment with n-butanol (BuOH) fractions of berries showed stronger cytotoxic
      effects compared to the other fractions. These findings suggest that potent
      anticancer molecules are found in the BuOH fractions of berries that have
      stronger cytotoxic activity than antioxidants.

PMID- 28078264
TI  - Comparison of Ginsenoside Contents in Different Parts of Korean Ginseng (Panax
      ginseng C.A. Meyer).
AB  - The present study was conducted to investigate the ginsenoside profiles of the
      main root, root hair, and leaf of ginseng in order to demonstrate their possible
      application in medicine. The total ginsenoside content of the leaf was up to 12
      times than that in the main root, and the content of protopanaxadiol groups was
      higher than that of protopanaxatriol groups in all the samples. The leaf was
      shown to contain high amounts of ginsenosides Rb3 and Rh1, whereas the main root
      contained large amounts of ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc. Moreover, Rb2, Rb3, and Rg1
      were only detected in the root hair, leaf, and main root, respectively. The
      ginsenoside Re content of Panax ginseng leaf and root hair was 2.6~4 times higher
      than that of the main root. Therefore, the results indicate that the ginsenoside
      content of Panax ginseng is higher in the leaf and root hair, and lower in the
      main root.

PMID- 28078265
TI  - Classification of 31 Korean Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars Based on the
      Chemical Compositions.
AB  - Whole grain wheat flour (WGWF) is the entire grain (bran, endosperm, and germ)
      milled to make flour. The WGWF of 31 Korean wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
      cultivars were analyzed for the chemical compositions, and classified into groups
      by hierarchical cluster analysis (HCL). The average composition values showed a
      substantial variation among wheat varieties due to different wheat varieties.
      Wheat cv. Shinmichal1 (waxy wheat) had the highest ash, lipid, and total dietary
      fiber contents of 1.76, 3.14, and 15.49 g/100 g, respectively. Using HCL
      efficiently classified wheat cultivars into 7 clusters. Namhae, Sukang, Gobun,
      and Joeun contained higher protein values (12.88%) and dietary fiber (13.74 %).
      Regarding multi-trait crop breeding, the variation in chemical compositions found
      between the clusters might be attributed to wheat genotypes, which was an
      important factor in accumulating those chemicals in wheat grains. Thus, once
      wheat cultivars with agronomic characteristics were identified, those properties
      might be included in the breeding process to develop a new variety of wheat with
      the trait.

PMID- 28078267
TI  - Correction of Table.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 165 in vol. 21, PMID: 27752491.].

PMID- 28078266
TI  - Evaluation of Melanoidins Formed from Black Garlic after Different Thermal
      Processing Steps.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of melanoidins
      formed from black garlic (BG) after different thermal processing steps. The
      melanoidins formed from BG during thermal processing were produced in large
      amounts, and the initial (280 nm), intermediate (360 nm), and final stage product
      (420 nm) had similar tendencies. Compounds like degraded proteins, peptides, and
      phenolic acids were present in the melanoidins during thermal processing. All the
      melanoidin samples showed different absorptions in the UV-visible spectra,
      although these had similar shapes. Moreover, the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
      content of melanoidins formed from BG during thermal processing decreased
      initially, and then increased. However, the nitrogen content increased during
      thermal processing. As thermal processing progressed, the molecular weight of all
      the melanoidin samples showed increasing intensities, whereas the major peaks of
      each melanoidin sample had different retention times. Furthermore, the
      melanoidins formed from BG after different thermal processing steps contained 
      OH, -CH, amide I, and III groups. The crystallinity of the melanoidins was
      majorly formed at 31.58 degrees  and 43.62 degrees  (2theta).

PMID- 28078268
TI  - Blocking TGF-beta and BMP SMAD-dependent cell differentiation is a master key to
      expand all kinds of epithelial stem cells.

PMID- 28078269
TI  - Comment on: Expandable cardiovascular progenitor cells reprogrammed from
      fibroblasts.

PMID- 28078270
TI  - Wilms tumor 1 peptide vaccination after hematopoietic stem cell transplant in
      leukemia patients.
AB  - Although the prognosis of leukemia patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation (HSCT) has greatly improved, relapse is still a major cause
      of death after HSCT. Cancer vaccines may have the potential to enhance the graft
      versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. The post-allogeneic HSCT period provides a unique
      platform for vaccination, because (I) tumor burden is minimal, (II) lymphopenia
      allows for rapid expansion of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), (III) donor-derived CTLs
      are not exhausted, (IV) inflammation is caused by alloreactions, and (V) the
      abundance of regulatory T cells is low due to their late recovery. Tumor cell
      lysates, dendritic cells (DCs), and peptides derived from leukemia-associated
      antigens (LAAs) have been used as vaccines. Clinical trials with several types of
      vaccines for post-HSCT patients revealed that the vaccination induced an
      immunological response and might benefit patients with minimal residual disease;
      however, the efficacy of this approach must be examined in randomized studies. In
      addition, it is important to consider the combination of cancer vaccine with
      checkpoint antibodies, recently shown to be useful in treating leukemia relapse
      after HSCT.

PMID- 28078271
TI  - Cell sources for regenerative medicine of the liver and endoderm organs:
      strategies and perspectives.

PMID- 28078272
TI  - Novel methods for the treatment of liver fibrosis using in vivo direct
      reprogramming technology.

PMID- 28078273
TI  - Combining retinoic acid and oral arsenic may be potentially the first-line
      therapy for non-high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia.

PMID- 28078274
TI  - Outside the brain: an inside view on transgenic animal and stem cell-based models
      to examine neuronal serotonin-dependent regulation of HPA axis-controlled events
      during development and adult stages.
AB  - Recently, Trista North and colleagues showed that neuronal synthesis of serotonin
      is an essential key process for embryonic hematopoietic stem (HPS) cell
      production in zebrafish. Using their experimental design, they were able to show
      that neuronal serotonin activates the stress-responsive hypothalamic-pituitary
      adrenal (HPA) axis and glucocorticoid receptor activity which in turn induces HPS
      cell formation. In our perspective, we give a short overview on established
      experimental approaches for serotonergic neurotransmission in vivo and in vitro
      and their potential to address putative contributions of serotonergic
      neurotransmission to physiological processes beyond the central nervous systems
      (CNS). We briefly introduce common features of brain serotonin-depleted,
      tryptophan hydroxylase-2 knockout mice, which can be applied to investigate the
      contribution of brain-derived serotonin to developmental and adult physiological
      processes outside the CNS. These models allow to analyzing gender-specific, HPA
      axis-dependent processes in female and male knockout mice during developmental
      and adult stages. We also highlight the application of human and mouse stem cell
      derived serotonergic neurons as an independent research model as well as
      complementary experimental approach to transgenic animal models. In case of human
      serotonergic neurotransmission, human in vitro-generated neurons present a very
      promising and highly valuable experimental approach to address characteristics of
      human neuronal serotonin signaling on a molecular and cellular level. The
      combination of transgenic animal models and newly established stem cell
      technologies will provide powerful research platforms, which will help to answer
      yet unsolved mysteries of serotonergic neurotransmission.

PMID- 28078275
TI  - Peptide vaccination against multiple myeloma using peptides derived from anti
      apoptotic proteins: a phase I trial.
AB  - The B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins play a crucial role in multiple
      myeloma (MM), contributing to lacking apoptosis which is a hallmark of the
      disease. This makes the Bcl-2 proteins interesting targets for therapeutic
      peptide vaccination. We report a phase I trial of therapeutic vaccination with
      peptides from the proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 in patients with relapsed MM.
      Vaccines were given concomitant with bortezomib. Out of 7 enrolled patients, 4
      received the full course of 8 vaccinations. The remaining 3 patients received
      fewer vaccinations due to progression, clinical decision of lacking effect and
      development of hypercalcemia, respectively. There were no signs of toxicity other
      than what was to be expected from bortezomib. Immune responses to the peptides
      were seen in all 6 patients receiving more than 2 vaccinations. Three patients
      had increased immune responses after vaccination. Vaccination against Bcl-2 was
      well tolerated and was able to induce immune responses in patients with relapsed
      MM.

PMID- 28078276
TI  - Increased vulnerability of photoreceptors to aberrant splicing highlight the
      utility of AON-based therapy for CEP290-LCA.

PMID- 28078277
TI  - Influence of Processing Methods on Proximate Composition and Dieting of Two
      Amaranthus Species from West Cameroon.
AB  - The effects of various processing methods on the proximate composition and
      dieting of Amaranthus hybridus and Amaranthus cruentus from West Cameroon were
      investigated in this study. Both amaranths leaves were subjected to same
      treatments (sun-dried and unsliced, sliced and cooked), milled, and analysed for
      their mineral and proximate composition. Thirty-Six Wistar albino rats of 21 to
      24 days old were distributed in six groups and fed for 14 days with 10% protein
      based diets named D0 (protein-free diet), DI (egg white as reference protein),
      DII (sun-dried and unsliced A. hybridus), DIII (cooked and sliced A. hybridus),
      DIV (sun-dried and unsliced A. cruentus), and DV (cooked and sliced A. cruentus).
      The protein bioavailability and haematological and biochemical parameters were
      assessed in rats. The results showed that K, P, Mg, Zn, and Fe had the higher
      content in both samples regardless of processing method. The sun-dried and
      unsliced A. cruentus contained the highest value of crude protein 32.22 g/100 g
      DM (dry matter) while the highest crude lipid, 3.80 and 2.58%, was observed,
      respectively, in sun-dried and unsliced A. hybridus and cooked and sliced A.
      cruentus. Cooked and sliced A. hybridus and A. cruentus contained high crude
      fiber of 14 and 12.18%, respectively. Rats fed with diet DIII revealed the best
      protein bioavailability and haematological parameters whereas 100% mortality rate
      was recorded with group fed with diet DIV. From this study, it is evident that
      cooked and sliced A. hybridus and A. cruentus could play a role in weight
      reduction regimes.

PMID- 28078278
TI  - Interactions between CYP11B2 Promoter Methylation and Smoking Increase Risk of
      Essential Hypertension.
AB  - Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is closely linked to essential hypertension (EH).
      However, it remains unclear whether the methylation of the CYP11B2 promoter is
      involved in the development of EH in humans. Our study is aimed at evaluating the
      contribution of CYP11B2 promoter methylation to the risk of EH. Methylation
      levels were measured using pyrosequencing technology in 192 participants in a
      hospital-based case-control study. Logistic regression and multiple linear
      regression analyses were utilized to adjust for confounding factors and the GMDR
      method was applied to investigate high-order gene-environment interactions.
      Although no significant result was observed linking the four analyzed CpG sites
      to EH, GMDR detected significant interactions among CpG1, CpG3, CpG4, and smoking
      correlated with an increased risk of EH (OR = 4.62, adjusted P = 0.011). In
      addition, CpG2 (adjusted P = 0.013) and CpG3 (adjusted P = 0.039) methylation was
      significantly lower in healthy males than in healthy females. Likewise, after
      adjusting for confounding factors, CpG2 methylation (adjusted P = 0.007) still
      showed significant gender-specific differences among the participants of the
      study. CpG1 (P = 0.009) site was significantly positively correlated with age,
      and CpG3 (P = 0.007) and CpG4 (P = 0.006) were both inversely linked to smoking.
      Our findings suggest that gene-environment interactions are associated with the
      pathogenesis and progression of EH.

PMID- 28078279
TI  - Anatomical Location of the Common Iliac Veins at the Level of the Sacrum:
      Relationship between Perforation Risk and the Trajectory Angle of the Screw.
AB  - Purpose. To determine the safety of transarticular surface screw (TASS) insertion
      and the anatomical location of the common iliac veins (CIVs) at the level of the
      promontorium. Materials and Methods. The locations of the CIVs on 1 mm computed
      tomography-myelography slices of 50 patients at the level of the promontorium and
      20 human cadavers were investigated. Results. Among the patients, the left CIV
      was closer to the S1 anterior wall than the right CIV (mean distance: 5.0 +/- 3.0
      and 7.0 +/- 4.2 mm, resp.). The level of the inferior vena cava (IVC) formation
      varied among the cadavers. The mean distance between the IVC formation and
      promontorium tip was 30.2 +/- 12.8 mm. The height of the IVC formation and
      distance between the right and the left CIVs at the level of the promontorium
      were significantly correlated (P < 0.001). Conclusion. The TASS trajectory is
      safe as long as the screw does not penetrate the anterior cortex of S1. The level
      of the IVC formation can help to predict the distance between the right and the
      left CIVs at the level of the promontorium. The CIVs do not have a uniform
      anatomical location; therefore, preoperative computed tomography is necessary to
      confirm their location.

PMID- 28078280
TI  - Protective Effects of Emodin-Induced Neutrophil Apoptosis via the Ca2+-Caspase 12
      Pathway against SIRS in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis.
AB  - Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) results in high mortality. This is partly because
      of early multiple organ dysfunction syndromes that are usually caused by systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Many studies have reported the beneficial
      effects of emodin against SAP with SIRS. However, the exact mechanism underlying
      the effect of emodin remains unclear. This study was designed to explore the
      protective effects and underlying mechanisms of emodin against SIRS in rats with
      SAP. In the present study, cytosolic Ca2+ levels, calpain 1 activity, and the
      expression levels of the active fragments of caspases 12 and 3 decreased in
      neutrophils from rats with SAP and increased after treatment with emodin. Delayed
      neutrophil apoptosis occurred in rats with SAP and emodin was able to reverse
      this delayed apoptosis and inhibit SIRS. The effect of emodin on calpain 1
      activity, the expression levels of the active fragments of caspases 12 and 3,
      neutrophil apoptosis, and SIRS scores were attenuated by PD150606 (an inhibitor
      of calpain). These results suggest that emodin inhibits SIRS in rats with SAP by
      inducing circulating neutrophil apoptosis via the Ca2+-calpain 1-caspase 12
      caspase 3 signaling pathway.

PMID- 28078281
TI  - The Role of BRCA2 Mutation Status as Diagnostic, Predictive, and Prognosis
      Biomarker for Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, and life expectancy
      after diagnosis is often short. Most pancreatic tumours appear sporadically and
      have been highly related to habits such as cigarette smoking, high alcohol
      intake, high carbohydrate, and sugar consumption. Other observational studies
      have suggested the association between pancreatic cancer and exposure to arsenic,
      lead, or cadmium. Aside from these factors, chronic pancreatitis and diabetes
      have also come to be considered as risk factors for these kinds of tumours.
      Studies have found that 10% of pancreatic cancer cases arise from an inherited
      syndrome related to some genetic alterations. One of these alterations includes
      mutation in BRCA2 gene. BRCA2 mutations impair DNA damage response and homologous
      recombination by direct regulation of RAD51. In light of these findings that link
      genetic factors to tumour development, DNA damage agents have been proposed as
      target therapies for pancreatic cancer patients carrying BRCA2 mutations. Some of
      these drugs include platinum-based agents and PARP inhibitors. However, the
      acquired resistance to PARP inhibitors has created a need for new
      chemotherapeutic strategies to target BRCA2. The present systematic review
      collects and analyses the role of BRCA2 alterations to be used in early diagnosis
      of an inherited syndrome associated with familiar cancer and as a prognostic and
      predictive biomarker for the management of pancreatic cancer patients.

PMID- 28078282
TI  - The Double-Row Suture Technique: A Better Option for the Treatment of Haglund
      Syndrome.
AB  - Purpose. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether double-row suture
      technique is a better option for the treatment of Haglund syndrome than single
      row suture technique regarding the surgical outcomes. Methods. Thirty-two
      patients with Haglund syndrome were recruited in this study. Patients were
      divided into Group 1 (treated with single-row suture technique) and Group 2
      (treated with double-row suture technique). There were 16 patients in each group.
      The AOFAS-ankle-hindfoot scale, VISA-A scores, and Arner-Lindholm standard were
      used to assess the clinical outcomes. The pre- and postoperative X-rays were used
      to assess the radiological outcome. Results. Both AOFAS-ankle-hindfoot scale
      score and VISA-A score had varying degrees of improvement in both groups. In
      latest follow-up assessment, the Arner-Lindholm standard investigation showed
      there were 7 excellent, 7 good, and 2 bad outcomes in Group 1 and 12 excellent
      and 4 good outcomes in Group 2. In Group 2 patients, there were no more
      posterosuperior bony prominence of the calcaneum in post-op X-rays and there were
      no recurrent cases. The ankle-related scale score was statistically significantly
      higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P = 0.029). Conclusion. The double-row suture
      technique seems to be a better option to treat Haglund syndrome than single-row
      suture technique.

PMID- 28078283
TI  - Periosteal Distraction Osteogenesis: An Effective Method for Bone Regeneration.
AB  - The treatment of bone defects is challenging and controversial. As a new
      technology, periosteal distraction osteogenesis (PDO) uses the osteogenicity of
      periosteum, which creates an artificial space between the bone surface and
      periosteum to generate new bone by gradually expanding the periosteum with no
      need for corticotomy. Using the newly formed bone of PDO to treat bone defects is
      effective, which can not only avoid the occurrence of immune-related
      complications, but also solve the problem of insufficient donor. This review
      elucidates the availability of PDO in the aspects of mechanisms, devices,
      strategies, and measures. Moreover, we also focus on the future prospects of PDO
      and hope that PDO will be applied to the clinical treatment of bone defects in
      the future.

PMID- 28078285
TI  - Combination of Salivary Gland Ultrasonography and Virtual Touch Quantification
      for Diagnosis of Sjogren's Syndrome: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - A total of 136 subjects (51 SS patients, 35 sicca syndrome patients without SS,
      and 50 healthy volunteers) were enrolled in this study. The mean SWV value for
      salivary glands of SS patients was statistically higher than that of controls
      (2.81 +/- 0.66 m/s versus 1.85 +/- 0.28 m/s for parotid glands and 2.29 +/- 0.34
      m/s versus 1.82 +/- 0.25 m/s for submandibular glands, resp.). Combining SWV
      values of parotid and submandibular glands gives a sensitivity of 88.2% (95% CI:
      76.1-95.6%) and specificity of 96.0% (95% CI: 86.3-99.5%) at the cutoff point of
      2.19 m/s, with an AUROC of 0.954 (95% CI: 0.893-0.986). In addition, combining
      SGUS score and SWV value yields a sensitivity of 98.0% (95% CI: 89.6-100%),
      specificity of 90.0% (95% CI: 78.2-96.7%), and AUROC of 0.962 (95% CI: 0.904
      0.990). Classification tree considering the sequential use of SGUS score and SWV
      value achieved 92.1% accuracy for diagnosis of SS. Similarly, the ROC curve of
      combined SGUS scores and SWV values yields an AUROC of 0.954 (95% CI: 0.885
      0.987), sensitivity of 97.1% (95% CI: 85.1-99.9%), and specificity of 92.2% (95%
      CI: 81.1-97.8%) for separating sicca syndrome patients (without SS) from SS
      patients. Combining SGUS and VTQ provides a promising tool for diagnosis of SS.

PMID- 28078284
TI  - Extracellular Vesicles and Autophagy in Osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of chronic joint disease that is characterized by
      the degeneration and loss of articular cartilage and hyperplasia of the synovium
      and subchondral bone. There is reasonable knowledge about articular cartilage
      physiology, biochemistry, and chondrocyte metabolism. However, the etiology and
      pathogenesis of OA remain unclear and need urgent clarification to guide the
      early diagnosis and treatment of OA. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small
      membrane-linking particles that are released from cells. In recent decades,
      several special biological properties have been found in EV, especially in terms
      of cartilage. Autophagy plays a critical role in the regulation of cellular
      homeostasis. Likewise, more and more research has gradually focused on the effect
      of autophagy on chondrocyte proliferation and function in OA. The synthesis and
      release of EV are closely associated with autophagy. At the same time, both EV
      and autophagy play a role in OA development. Based on the mechanism of EV and
      autophagy in OA development, EV may be beneficial in the early diagnosis of OA;
      on the other hand, the combination of EV and autophagy-related regulatory drugs
      may provide insight into possible OA therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 28078286
TI  - Placenta Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Hosted on RKKP Glass-Ceramic: A Tissue
      Engineering Strategy for Bone Regenerative Medicine Applications.
AB  - In tissue engineering protocols, the survival of transplanted stem cells is a
      limiting factor that could be overcome using a cell delivery matrix able to
      support cell proliferation and differentiation. With this aim, we studied the
      cell-friendly and biocompatible behavior of RKKP glass-ceramic coated Titanium
      (Ti) surface seeded with human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) from
      placenta. The sol-gel synthesis procedure was used to prepare the RKKP glass
      ceramic material, which was then deposited onto the Ti surface by Pulsed Laser
      Deposition method. The cell metabolic activity and proliferation rate, the
      cytoskeletal actin organization, and the cell cycle phase distribution in hAMSCs
      seeded on the RKKP coated Ti surface revealed no significant differences when
      compared to the cells grown on the treated plastic Petri dish. The health of of
      hAMSCs was also analysed studying the mRNA expressions of MSC key genes and the
      osteogenic commitment capability using qRT-PCR analysis which resulted in being
      unchanged in both substrates. In this study, the combination of the hAMSCs'
      properties together with the bioactive characteristics of RKKP glass-ceramics was
      investigated and the results obtained indicate its possible use as a new and
      interesting cell delivery system for bone tissue engineering and regenerative
      medicine applications.

PMID- 28078287
TI  - Paramagnetic Manganese in the Atherosclerotic Plaque of Carotid Arteries.
AB  - The search for adequate markers of atherosclerotic plaque (AP) instability in the
      context of assessment of the ischemic stroke risk in patients with
      atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries as well as for solid physical and
      chemical factors that are connected with the AP stability is extremely important.
      We investigate the inner lining of the carotid artery specimens from the male
      patients with atherosclerosis (27 patients, 42-64 years old) obtained during
      carotid endarterectomy by using different analytical tools including ultrasound
      angiography, X-ray analysis, immunological, histochemical analyses, and high
      field (3.4 T) pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at 94 GHz. No
      correlation between the stable and unstable APs in the sense of the calcification
      is revealed. In all of the investigated samples, the EPR spectra of manganese,
      namely, Mn2+ ions, are registered. Spectral and relaxation characteristics of
      Mn2+ ions are close to those obtained for the synthetic (nano) hydroxyapatite
      species but differ from each other for stable and unstable APs. This demonstrates
      that AP stability could be specified by the molecular organization of their
      hydroxyapatite components. The origin of the obtained differences and the
      possibility of using EPR of Mn2+ as an AP stability marker are discussed.

PMID- 28078288
TI  - Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practice of Nurses on Surveillance of Adverse Events
      following Childhood Immunization in Nairobi, Kenya.
AB  - Background. Although vaccines currently approved for routine childhood
      immunization are safe and effective, frequent adverse events following
      immunization often cause illnesses and sometimes loss of public trust in
      immunization programs. Nurses are essential in this surveillance system.
      Objective. To determine nurses' knowledge, perception, and practice towards
      surveillance of postimmunization adverse events within Nairobi County health
      centers, Kenya. Methods. This is a cross-sectional survey involving nurses (n =
      274). Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis
      was performed using SPSS version 20. Differences in proportions of categorical
      variables were compared between groups using chi-square tests. Binary logistic
      regression model was used to compute independent predictors of outcome. Results.
      29.2%, 32.1%, and 45.3% of the respondents had good knowledge, good practices,
      and good perceptions on AEFI surveillance, respectively. Respondents with diploma
      or degree nursing training level were 1.8 times and 2.5 times more likely to have
      good knowledge and good perception in AEFI surveillance, respectively. Nurses
      with previous AEFI training were 9.7 times and 1.8 times more likely to have good
      AEFI knowledge and practices, respectively. Conclusion. There is a need to train
      and mentor nurses on AEFI surveillance. Findings of this study will be valuable
      in informing policy review on childhood immunization programs.

PMID- 28078289
TI  - Prospective Study to Assess Progression of Renal Markers after Interruption of
      Tenofovir due to Nephrotoxicity.
AB  - Background. Prospective studies about the reversibility of tenofovir disoproxil
      fumarate- (TDF-) related renal impairment remain scarce. Methods. This is an
      observational prospective study including all patients that presented at our HIV
      Unit who interrupted TDF owing to nephrotoxicity. We assessed the evolution of
      renal parameters after discontinuation of this drug. Results. We included 59
      patients, who were followed up for 72 weeks. Most were male (41, 69.5%), median
      (IQR) age was 53 (44; 58) years, and median time receiving TDF-containing
      regimens was 55.4 (28; 87.7) months. Most patients were receiving PI-based
      treatments (67%). At the final visit, most of the subjects showed complete
      recovery (35, 59.3%) or improvement (13 subjects, 22%). Significant improvements
      were observed in creatinine levels (from 84.9 [73.8; 97.5] to 78 [69.6; 91]
      MUmol/L, p = 0.013), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, CKD EPI
      equation, from 87.7 [67; 99] to 89.9 [73.6; 99.3] mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.017), and
      number of patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (from 9 [15.3%] to 1 [1.7%], p =
      0.031). A trend toward significance was observed in abnormal urine
      proteinuria/creatinine ratio (from 22 [37%] to 8 [13.6%], p = 0.057).
      Conclusions. Our results corroborate the high frequency of complete or partial
      renal recovery in patients receiving TDF-containing regimens who discontinued
      therapy owing to nephrotoxicity.

PMID- 28078290
TI  - Assessment of Serum Nitrogen Species and Inflammatory Parameters in Relapsing
      Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated with Different Therapeutic
      Approaches.
AB  - The role of nitric oxide and its reactive derivatives (NO x ) is well known in
      the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, which is an inflammatory disease while NO
      x seems to be important in coordinating inflammatory response. The purpose of the
      present study was to assess serum NO x as one of the nitrogen species and
      inflammatory parameters in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients and to
      compare the effectiveness of various types of disease-modifying therapies that
      reduce nitric oxide and inflammatory biomarkers. Elevated NO x level was observed
      in patients who received the first-line disease-modifying therapy (interferons
      beta-1a and beta-1b) in comparison with the subjects treated with the second-line
      disease-modifying therapy (natalizumab; fingolimod) and healthy controls without
      significant differences in C-reactive protein and interleukin-1 beta. A negative
      correlation was observed between serum NO x level and the duration of multiple
      sclerosis confirmed in the whole study population and in subjects treated with
      the first-line agents. Only serum NO x , concentration could reveal a potential
      efficacy of disease-modifying therapy with a better reduction in NO x level due
      to the second-line agents of disease-modifying therapy.

PMID- 28078292
TI  - The Regulation of Innate Immunity by Nutritional Factors.

PMID- 28078291
TI  - Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms and Their Influence on
      Bacterial Adhesion and Cohesion.
AB  - Twenty-five methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were
      characterized by staphylococcal protein A gene typing and the ability to form
      biofilms. The presence of exopolysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA and
      RNA in biofilms was assessed by a dispersal assay. In addition, cell adhesion to
      surfaces and cell cohesion were evaluated using the packed-bead method and
      mechanical disruption, respectively. The predominant genotype was spa type t127
      (22 out of 25 isolates); the majority of isolates were categorized as moderate
      biofilm producers. Twelve isolates displayed PIA-independent biofilm formation,
      while the remaining 13 isolates were PIA-dependent. Both groups showed strong
      dispersal in response to RNase and DNase digestion followed by proteinase K
      treatment. PIA-dependent biofilms showed variable dispersal after sodium
      metaperiodate treatment, whereas PIA-independent biofilms showed enhanced biofilm
      formation. There was no correlation between the extent of biofilm formation or
      biofilm components and the adhesion or cohesion abilities of the bacteria, but
      the efficiency of adherence to glass beads increased after biofilm depletion. In
      conclusion, nucleic acids and proteins formed the main components of the MRSA
      clone t127 biofilm matrix, and there seems to be an association between adhesion
      and cohesion in the biofilms tested.

PMID- 28078293
TI  - Biodegradation of Dimethyl Phthalate by Freshwater Unicellular Cyanobacteria.
AB  - The biodegradation characteristics of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) by three
      freshwater unicellular organisms were investigated in this study. The findings
      revealed that all the organisms were capable of metabolizing DMP; among them,
      Cyanothece sp. PCC7822 achieved the highest degradation efficiency. Lower
      concentration of DMP supported the growth of the Cyanobacteria; however, with the
      increase of DMP concentration growth of Cyanobacteria was inhibited remarkably.
      Phthalic acid (PA) was detected to be an intermediate degradation product of DMP
      and accumulated in the culture solution. The optimal initial pH value for the
      degradation was detected to be 9.0, which mitigated the decrease of pH resulting
      from the production of PA. The optimum temperature for DMP degradation of the
      three species of organisms is 30 degrees C. After 72 hours' incubation, no more
      than 11.8% of the residual of DMP aggregated in Cyanobacteria cells while
      majority of DMP remained in the medium. Moreover, esterase was induced by DMP and
      the activity kept increasing during the degradation process. This suggested that
      esterase could assist in the degradation of DMP.

PMID- 28078294
TI  - Factors Associated with Missed Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by
      Automated BACTEC MGIT 960 System.
AB  - Despite the demonstration of excellent performance, mycobacterial growth in
      BACTEC MGIT 960 can go undetected. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      prevalence of "false-negative" culture sample in Beijing and the potential
      factors associated with the detection failures by MGIT 960. Of the 577 sputum
      samples tested, 141 (24.4%) were culture-positive for mycobacteria, of which 133
      (94.3%) were automatically determined by MGIT 960 system and 8 (5.7%) were
      positive for visual growth (false negative by MGIT). Statistical analysis showed
      that positive grade of specimen had no influence on the false-negative rate by
      MGIT 960 system (chi2 = 2.207, P = 0.820). In addition, the mean time to
      detection (TTD) was 241.4 (range: 224-261) hours for false-negative group and
      186.8 (range: 173-199) hours for positive group. The difference in TTD between
      false-negative and positive groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). In
      conclusion, our data demonstrate that the automatic MGIT missed a small portion
      of bacteriological mycobacterial patients. In addition, the poor growth rate
      rather than the low grade of AFB smear is associated with the detection failure
      by MGIT. Our findings highlight the notion that manual inspection for all
      instrument-negative MGIT tubes will bring about considerable benefit to patients
      and clinicians.

PMID- 28078295
TI  - Application of Computed Tomography Processed by Picture Archiving and
      Communication Systems in the Diagnosis of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture.
AB  - The applications of CT examination in the diagnosis of the acute Achilles tendon
      rupture (AATR) were investigated. A total of 36 patients with suspected acute
      Achilles tendon rupture were tested using physical examination, ultrasound, and
      3DCT scanning, respectively. Then, surgery was performed for the patients who
      showed positive result in at least two of the three tests for AATR. 3DVR, MPR,
      and the other CT scan image processing and diagnosis were conducted in PACS
      (picture archiving and communication system). PACS was also used to measure the
      length of distal broken ends of the Achilles tendon (AT) to tendon calcaneal
      insertion. Our study indicated that CT has the highest accuracy in diagnosis of
      acute Achilles tendon complete rupture. The length measurement is matched between
      PACS and those actually measured in operation. CT not only demonstrates more
      details directly in three dimensions especially with the rupture involved
      calcaneal insertion flap but also locates the rupture region for percutaneous
      suture by measuring the length of distal stump in PACS without the effect of the
      position of ankle. The accuracy of CT diagnosis for Achilles tendon partial
      rupture is yet to be studied.

PMID- 28078296
TI  - The Value of the Model and Quantitative Parameters of Contrast-Enhanced
      Ultrasound in Judging the Severity of SHPT.
AB  - Using the model and quantitative parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasound
      (CEUS) to assess the severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) was
      proposed. 42 SHPT patients who underwent CEUS examination were divided into three
      groups, light, moderate, and heavy as per parathyroid hormone (PTH). The process
      of CEUS was divided into two phases, wash-in phase and wash-out phase. The three
      groups were analyzed with their enhancing model in the two phases. The
      quantitative parameters of CEUS such as Arrival Time (AT), Time to Peak (TTP),
      Mean Transit Time (MTT), and Maximum Intensity (IMAX) were measured by time
      intensity curve (TIC) and compared among the three groups. The enhancing model of
      light SHPT, moderate SHPT, and heavy SHPT showed statistical significance in wash
      in phase and wash-out phase (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in AT and TTP
      among the three groups (P > 0.05) while MTT and IMAX showed statistical
      significance (P < 0.05). The CEUS of light SHPT was characterized by "slow-in,
      fast-out, and lower-enhancement" with short enhancement time; the CEUS of
      moderate SHPT was characterized by "fast-in, fast-out, and higher-enhancement"
      with slightly long enhancement time; the CEUS of heavy SHPT was characterized by
      "fast-in, slow-out, and higher-enhancement" with long enhancement time.
      Therefore, the model and quantitative parameters of CEUS can be benefit for the
      assessment of the severity of SHPT.

PMID- 28078297
TI  - Comparative Genomics of H. pylori and Non-Pylori Helicobacter Species to Identify
      New Regions Associated with Its Pathogenicity and Adaptability.
AB  - The genus Helicobacter is a group of Gram-negative, helical-shaped pathogens
      consisting of at least 36 bacterial species. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori),
      infecting more than 50% of the human population, is considered as the major cause
      of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. However, the genetic
      underpinnings of H. pylori that are responsible for its large scale epidemic and
      gastrointestinal environment adaption within human beings remain unclear. Core
      pan genome analysis was performed among 75 representative H. pylori and 24 non
      pylori Helicobacter genomes. There were 1173 conserved protein families of H.
      pylori and 673 of all 99 Helicobacter genus strains. We found 79 genome unique
      regions, a total of 202,359bp, shared by at least 80% of the H. pylori but lacked
      in non-pylori Helicobacter species. The operons, genes, and sRNAs within the H.
      pylori unique regions were considered as potential ones associated with its
      pathogenicity and adaptability, and the relativity among them has been partially
      confirmed by functional annotation analysis. However, functions of at least 54
      genes and 10 sRNAs were still unclear. Our analysis of protein-protein
      interaction showed that 30 genes within them may have the cooperation
      relationship.

PMID- 28078298
TI  - Distribution of Suicin Gene Clusters in Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 Belonging
      to Sequence Types 25 and 28.
AB  - Recently, we reported the purification and characterization of three distinct
      lantibiotics (named suicin 90-1330, suicin 3908, and suicin 65) produced by
      Streptococcus suis. In this study, we investigated the distribution of the three
      suicin lantibiotic gene clusters among serotype 2 S. suis strains belonging to
      sequence type (ST) 25 and ST28, the two dominant STs identified in North America.
      The genomes of 102 strains were interrogated for the presence of suicin gene
      clusters encoding suicins 90-1330, 3908, and 65. The gene cluster encoding suicin
      65 was the most prevalent and mainly found among ST25 strains. In contrast, none
      of the genes related to suicin 90-1330 production were identified in 51 ST25
      strains nor in 35/51 ST28 strains. However, the complete suicin 90-1330 gene
      cluster was found in ten ST28 strains, although some genes in the cluster were
      truncated in three of these isolates. The vast majority (101/102) of S. suis
      strains did not possess any of the genes encoding suicin 3908. In conclusion,
      this study indicates heterogeneous distribution of suicin genes in S. suis.

PMID- 28078299
TI  - Research Advances on Hepatotoxicity of Herbal Medicines in China.
AB  - In general, herbal medicines have been considered as safe by the general public,
      since they are naturally occurring and have been applied in treatment for over
      thousands of years. As the use of herbal medicine is rapidly increasing globally,
      the potential toxicity of herbal drugs, in particular drug-induced liver injury
      (DILI), has now become a serious medical issue. According to the literature, the
      authors analyzed and discussed the hepatotoxicity problem of Chinese herbal
      medicines (CHM), including global overview on herbal-induced liver injury (HILI),
      current research progress on toxic CHM, diagnosis and treatment of HILI, and
      modern approaches and technologies of study of hepatotoxicity. As to promote the
      recognition of HILI and tackle the issue, a guideline for the diagnosis and
      treatment of HILI has recently been drafted by Chinese scientists. As suggested
      by the guideline, the hepatotoxicity issue of CHM, as a matter of fact, is
      overestimated. Up to date, the investigation of hepatotoxicity of CHM is now
      booming with worldwide application of CHM. This review therefore provides useful
      information for investigating hepatotoxicity of herbal medicine and
      characterizing DILI caused by CHM. In addition, authors describe in which way
      further efforts should be made to study the rationale of CHM and liver injury.

PMID- 28078300
TI  - Agreement among Four Prevalence Metrics for Urogenital Schistosomiasis in the
      Eastern Region of Ghana.
AB  - Few studies assess agreement among Schistosoma haematobium eggs, measured
      hematuria, and self-reported metrics. We assessed agreement among four metrics at
      a single time point and analyzed the stability of infection across two time
      points with a single metric. We used data from the Eastern Region of Ghana and
      constructed logistic regression models. Girls reporting macrohematuria were 4.1
      times more likely to have measured hematuria than girls not reporting
      macrohematuria (CI95%: 2.1-7.9); girls who swim were 3.6 times more likely to
      have measured hematuria than nonswimmers (CI95%: 1.6-7.9). For boys, neither self
      reported metric was predictive. Girls with measured hematuria in 2010 were 3.3
      times more likely to be positive in 2012 (CI95%: 1.01-10.5), but boys showed no
      association. Boys with measured hematuria in 2008 were 6.0 times more likely to
      have measured hematuria in 2009 (CI95%: 1.5-23.9) and those with eggs in urine in
      2008 were 4.8 times more likely to have eggs in urine in 2009 (CI95%: 1.2-18.8).
      For girls, measured hematuria in 2008 predicted a positive test in 2009 (OR =
      2.8; CI95%: 1.1-6.8), but egg status did not. Agreement between dipstick results
      and eggs suggests continued dipstick used is appropriate. Self-reported swimming
      should be further examined. For effective disease monitoring, we recommend annual
      dipstick testing.

PMID- 28078301
TI  - 125I Seeds Radiation Induces Paraptosis-Like Cell Death via PI3K/AKT Signaling
      Pathway in HCT116 Cells.
AB  - 125I seeds brachytherapy implantation has been extensively performed in
      unresectable and rerecurrent rectal carcinoma. Many studies on the cancer-killing
      activity of 125I seeds radiation mainly focused on its ability to trigger
      apoptosis, which is the most well-known and dominant type of cell death induced
      by radiation. However our results showed some unique morphological features such
      as cell swelling, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and plasma membrane integrity, which
      is obviously different to apoptosis. In this study, clonogenic proliferation was
      carried out to assay survival fraction. Transmission electron microscopy was used
      to analyze ultrastructural and evaluate morphologic feature of HCT116 cells after
      exposure to 125I seeds radiation. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to detect
      the origin of cytoplasmic vacuoles. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to
      detect the size and granularity of HCT116 cells. Western blot was performed to
      measure the protein level of AIP1, caspase-3, AKT, p-Akt (Thr308), p-Akt
      (Ser473), and beta-actin. We found that 125I seeds radiation activated PI3K/AKT
      signaling pathway and could trigger paraptosis-like cell death. Moreover,
      inhibitor of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway could inhibit paraptosis-like cell death
      induced by 125I seeds radiation. Our data suggest that 125I seeds radiation can
      induce paraptosis-like cell death via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

PMID- 28078302
TI  - The Evolution of Human Basophil Biology from Neglect towards Understanding of
      Their Immune Functions.
AB  - Being discovered long ago basophils have been neglected for more than a century.
      During the past decade evidence emerged that basophils share features of innate
      and adaptive immunity. Nowadays, basophils are best known for their striking
      effector role in the allergic reaction. They hence have been used for
      establishing new diagnostic tests and therapeutic approaches and for
      characterizing natural and recombinant allergens as well as hypoallergens, which
      display lower or diminished IgE-binding activity. However, it was a long way from
      discovery in 1879 until identification of their function in hypersensitivity
      reactions, including adverse drug reactions. Starting with a historical
      background, this review highlights the modern view on basophil biology.

PMID- 28078304
TI  - Prenatal Dexamethasone Exposure Increases the Susceptibility to Autoimmunity in
      Offspring Rats by Epigenetic Programing of Glucocorticoid Receptor.
AB  - Objective. Prenatal glucocorticoids (GC) can induce long term effects on
      offspring health. However, reports and related studies regarding the prolonged
      effects of prenatal GC on the development of autoimmunity are limited. Here, we
      aimed to explore the immunological effects of dexamethasone (DEX) exposure on
      young adults and whether glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is involved in this
      process. Methods. Wistar rats were given DEX during pregnancy. Susceptibility to
      autoimmunity in offspring was assessed using experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE) and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) animal models. To
      reveal the possible mechanism, glucocorticoid response, GR expression, and
      methylation status were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
      Results. Our results showed that the DEX-treated rats had greater susceptibility
      to EAE (100% versus 62.5%, P < 0.05) and AIA (63.6% versus 0%, P < 0.05) than
      saline control group. Glucocorticoid response and GR expression were decreased in
      DEX rats. Significant difference was also found in the methylation levels of GR
      exon 1-10 to exon 1-11 region. Conclusions. Prenatal DEX administration increases
      the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, which is potentially mediated by
      programming GR methylation status and glucocorticoid sensitivity.

PMID- 28078303
TI  - Functions of the Tumor Suppressors p53 and Rb in Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling.
AB  - Mechanical microenvironments, such as extracellular matrix stiffness and strain,
      have crucial roles in cancer progression. Cells sense their microenvironments
      with mechanosensing biomolecules, which is accompanied by the modulation of actin
      cytoskeleton structures, and the signals are subsequently transduced downstream
      as biochemical signals. The tumor suppressors p53 and retinoblastoma protein (Rb)
      are known to prevent cancer progression. The p53 and Rb signaling pathways are
      disrupted in many types of cancers. Here, we review recent findings about the
      roles of these tumor suppressors in the regulation of mechanosensing biomolecules
      and the actin cytoskeleton. We further discuss how dysfunction in the p53- and/or
      Rb-mediated mechanosignaling pathways is potentially involved in cancer
      progression. These pathways might provide good targets for developing anticancer
      therapies.

PMID- 28078305
TI  - miR-375 and miR-205 Regulate the Invasion and Migration of Laryngeal Squamous
      Cell Carcinoma Synergistically via AKT-Mediated EMT.
AB  - Previous studies have found that miR-375 and miR-205 were significantly
      dysregulated in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which contributed to the
      invasion and migration of LSCC. However, the mechanisms of miR-375 and miR-205
      regulating the invasion and migration of LSCC remain unknown. qRT-PCR was
      performed in 40 pairs of tissue samples to investigate the expression of miR-375
      and miR-205 in LSCC and paracarcinoma tissues. To investigate whether or not miR
      375 and miR-205 regulated the invasion and migration of LSCC synergistically via
      AKT-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition, miR-375 mimic and miR-205
      inhibitor were transfected into SNU899 cells and miR-375 inhibitor and miR-205
      mimic were transfected into SNU899 cells, respectively, with or without AKT
      inhibitor. Then the expressions of miR-375 and miR-205 were validated by qRT-PCR,
      cell migration and invasion were determined by wound healing assay and transwell
      invasive assay, and western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression
      of related proteins. Our results showed that miR-375 and miR-205 regulated the
      invasion and migration of LSCC via AKT-mediated EMT synergistically. In
      conclusion, our findings provided not only new information about the molecular
      mechanism of miRNAs regulating invasion and migration of LSCC, but also a
      theoretical principle for potential targeting therapy of laryngeal squamous
      carcinoma.

PMID- 28078306
TI  - Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Using Telemedicine Tools: Pilot Study in Hungary.
AB  - Introduction. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a sight-threatening complication of
      diabetes. Telemedicine tools can prevent blindness. We aimed to investigate the
      patients' satisfaction when using such tools (fundus camera examination) and the
      effect of demographic and socioeconomic factors on participation in screening.
      Methods. Pilot study involving fundus camera screening and self-administered
      questionnaire on participants' experience during fundus examination (comfort,
      reliability, and future interest in participation), as well as demographic and
      socioeconomic factors was performed on 89 patients with known diabetes in
      Csongrad County, a southeastern region of Hungary. Results. Thirty percent of the
      patients had never participated in any ophthalmological screening, while 25.7%
      had DR of some grade based upon a standard fundus camera examination and UK-based
      DR grading protocol (SpectraTM software). Large majority of the patients were
      satisfied with the screening and found it reliable and acceptable to undertake
      examination under pupil dilation; 67.3% were willing to undergo nonmydriatic
      fundus camera examination again. There was a statistically significant
      relationship between economic activity, education and marital status, and future
      interest in participation. Discussion. Participants found digital retinal
      screening to be reliable and satisfactory. Telemedicine can be a strong tool,
      supporting eye care professionals and allowing for faster and more comfortable DR
      screening.

PMID- 28078307
TI  - The Memories of NK Cells: Innate-Adaptive Immune Intrinsic Crosstalk.
AB  - Although NK cells are considered part of the innate immune system, a series of
      evidences has demonstrated that they possess characteristics typical of the
      adaptive immune system. These NK adaptive features, in particular their memory
      like functions, are discussed from an ontogenetic and evolutionary point of view.

PMID- 28078308
TI  - Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of Prophenoloxidases from Asian Corn
      Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Gunee).
AB  - Insect phenoloxidase (PO) belongs to the type 3 copper protein family and
      possesses oxidoreductase activities. PO is typically synthesized as a zymogen
      called prophenoloxidase (PPO) and requires the proteolytic activation to
      function. We here cloned full-length cDNA for 3 previously unidentified PPOs,
      which we named OfPPO1a, OfPPO1b, and OfPPO3, from Asian corn borer, Ostrinia
      furnacalis (Gunee), in addition to the previously known OfPPO2. These conceptual
      PPOs and OfPPO2 all contain two common copper-binding regions, two potential
      proteolytic activation sites, a plausible thiol-ester site, and a conserved C
      terminal region but lack a secretion signal peptide sequence at the N-terminus.
      O. furnacalis PPOs were highly similar to other insect PPOs (42% to 79% identity)
      and clustered well with other lepidopteran PPOs. RT-PCR assay showed the
      transcripts of the 4 OfPPOs were all detected at the highest level in hemocytes
      and at the increased amounts after exposure to infection by bacteria and fungi.
      Additionally, we established an Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression system to
      produce recombinant O. furnacalis PPO proteins for future use in investigating
      their functions. These insights could provide valuable information for better
      understanding the activation and functioning mechanisms of O. furnacalis PPOs.

PMID- 28078310
TI  - POLG2 deficiency causes adult-onset syndromic sensory neuropathy, ataxia and
      parkinsonism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathophysiology of
      neurodegenerative disorders such as ataxia and Parkinson's disease. We describe
      an extended Belgian pedigree where seven individuals presented with adult-onset
      cerebellar ataxia, axonal peripheral ataxic neuropathy, and tremor, in variable
      combination with parkinsonism, seizures, cognitive decline, and ophthalmoplegia.
      We sought to identify the underlying molecular etiology and characterize the
      mitochondrial pathophysiology of this neurological syndrome. METHODS: Clinical,
      neurophysiological, and neuroradiological evaluations were conducted. Patient
      muscle and cultured fibroblasts underwent extensive analyses to assess
      mitochondrial function. Genetic studies including genome-wide sequencing were
      conducted. RESULTS: Hallmarks of mitochondrial dysfunction were present in
      patients' tissues including ultrastructural anomalies of mitochondria, mosaic
      cytochrome c oxidase deficiency, and multiple mtDNA deletions. We identified a
      splice acceptor variant in POLG2, c.970-1G>C, segregating with disease in this
      family and associated with a concomitant decrease in levels of POLG2 protein in
      patient cells. INTERPRETATION: This work extends the clinical spectrum of POLG2
      deficiency to include an overwhelming, adult-onset neurological syndrome that
      includes cerebellar syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, tremor, and parkinsonism. We
      therefore suggest to include POLG2 sequencing in the evaluation of ataxia and
      sensory neuropathy in adults, especially when it is accompanied by tremor or
      parkinsonism with white matter disease. The demonstration that deletions of mtDNA
      resulting from autosomal-dominant POLG2 variant lead to a monogenic
      neurodegenerative multicomponent syndrome provides further evidence for a major
      role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathomechanism of nonsyndromic forms of
      the component neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 28078309
TI  - Yeast Surface-Displayed H5N1 Avian Influenza Vaccines.
AB  - Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses pose a pandemic threat to human
      health. A rapid vaccine production against fast outbreak is desired. We report,
      herein, a paradigm-shift influenza vaccine technology by presenting H5N1
      hemagglutinin (HA) to the surface of yeast. We demonstrated, for the first time,
      that the HA surface-presented yeast can be used as influenza vaccines to elicit
      both humoral and cell-mediated immunity in mice. The HI titer of antisera reached
      up to 128 in vaccinated mice. A high level of H5N1 HA-specific IgG1 and IgG2a
      antibody production was detected after boost immunization. Furthermore, we
      demonstrated that the yeast surface-displayed HA preserves its antigenic sites.
      It preferentially binds to both avian- and human-type receptors. In addition, the
      vaccine exhibited high cross-reactivity to both homologous and heterologous H5N1
      viruses. A high level production of anti-HA antibodies was detected in the mice
      five months after vaccination. Finally, our animal experimental results indicated
      that the yeast vaccine offered complete protection of mice from lethal H5N1 virus
      challenge. No severe side effect of yeast vaccines was noted in animal studies.
      This new technology allows for rapid and large-scale production of influenza
      vaccines for prepandemic preparation.

PMID- 28078311
TI  - Common variant rs356182 near SNCA defines a Parkinson's disease endophenotype.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Parkinson's disease (PD) presents clinically with several motor
      subtypes that exhibit variable treatment response and prognosis. Here, we
      investigated genetic variants for their potential association with PD motor
      phenotype and progression. METHODS: We screened 10 SNPs, previously associated
      with PD risk, for association with tremor-dominant (TD) versus postural
      instability gait disorder (PIGD) motor subtypes. SNPs that correlated with the
      TD/PIGD ratio in a discovery cohort of 251 PD patients were then evaluated in a
      multi-site replication cohort of 559 PD patients. SNPs associated with motor
      phenotype in both cross-sectional cohorts were next evaluated for association
      with (1) rates of motor progression in a longitudinal subgroup of 230 PD patients
      and (2) brain alpha-synuclein (SNCA) expression in the GTEx (Genotype-Tissue
      Expression project) consortium database. RESULTS: Genotype at rs356182, near
      SNCA, correlated with the TD/PIGD ratio in both the discovery (Bonferroni
      corrected P = 0.04) and replication cohorts (P = 0.02). The rs356182 GG genotype
      was associated with a more tremor-predominant phenotype and predicted a slower
      rate of motor progression (1-point difference in annual rate of UPDRS-III motor
      score change, P = 0.01). The rs356182 genotype was associated with SNCA
      expression in the cerebellum (P = 0.005). INTERPRETATION: Our study demonstrates
      that the GG genotype at rs356182 provides molecular definition for a clinically
      important endophenotype associated with (1) more tremor-predominant motor
      phenomenology, (2) slower rates of motor progression, and (3) decreased brain
      expression of SNCA. Such molecularly defined endophenotyping in PD may benefit
      both clinical trial design and tailoring of clinical care as we enter the era of
      precision medicine.

PMID- 28078312
TI  - Biallelic SCN10A mutations in neuromuscular disease and epileptic encephalopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Two consanguineous families, one of Sudanese ethnicity presenting
      progressive neuromuscular disease, severe cognitive impairment, muscle weakness,
      upper motor neuron lesion, anhydrosis, facial dysmorphism, and recurrent seizures
      and the other of Egyptian ethnicity presenting with neonatal hypotonia,
      bradycardia, and recurrent seizures, were evaluated for the causative gene
      mutation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Homozygosity mapping and whole exome sequencing
      (WES) identified damaging homozygous variants in SCN10A, namely c.4514C>T;
      p.Thr1505Met in the first family and c.4735C>T; p.Arg1579* in the second family.
      A third family, of Western European descent, included a child with febrile
      infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) who also had compound heterozygous
      missense mutations in SCN10A, namely, c.3482T>C; p.Met1161Thr and c.4709C>A;
      p.Thr1570Lys. A search for SCN10A variants in three consortia datasets
      (EuroEPINOMICS, Epi4K/EPGP, Autism/dbGaP) identified an additional five
      individuals with compound heterozygous variants. A Hispanic male with infantile
      spasms [c.2842G>C; p.Val948Leu and c.1453C>T; p.Arg485Cys], and a Caucasian
      female with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome [c.1529C>T; p.Pro510Leu and c.4984G>A;
      p.Gly1662Ser] in the epilepsy databases and three in the autism databases with
      [c.4009T>A; p.Ser1337Thr and c.1141A>G; p.Ile381Val], [c.2972C>T; p.Pro991Leu and
      c.2470C>T; p.His824Tyr], and [c.4009T>A; p.Ser1337Thr and c.2052G>A;
      p.Met684Ile]. INTERPRETATION: SCN10A is a member of the voltage-gated sodium
      channel (VGSC) gene family. Sodium channels are responsible for the instigation
      and proliferation of action potentials in central and peripheral nervous systems.
      Heterozygous mutations in VGSC genes cause a wide range of epileptic and
      peripheral nervous system disorders. This report presents autosomal recessive
      mutations in SCN10A that may be linked to epilepsy-related phenotypes, Lennox
      Gastaut syndrome, infantile spasms, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PMID- 28078313
TI  - Unilobar surgery for symptomatic epileptic spasms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with favorable seizure outcome after
      surgery for symptomatic epileptic spasms and improve knowledge on pathophysiology
      of this seizure type. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were: (1) age between 6 months
      and 15 years at surgery; (2) active epileptic spasms; (3) follow-up after surgery
      >1 year. RESULTS: We retrospectively studied 80 children (aged 1.3 +/- 2 years at
      seizure onset; 5.8 +/- 4 years at surgery, 11.7 +/- 5.7 years at last follow up).
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed structural abnormalities in 77/80
      patients (96.3%; unilateral in 69: 89.6%). We performed invasive recordings in 24
      patients (30%). In 21 patients in whom MRI or histopathology detected a lesion,
      electrodes exploring it constantly captured initial ictal activity at spasm
      onset. Fifty-eight patients (72.5%) underwent unilobar and 22 (27.5%) multilobar
      or hemispheric procedures. At last follow-up, 49 patients (61.3%) were in Engel
      class I. Multivariate logistic models showed completeness of resection of the
      seizure onset zone (OR = 0.016, 95%CI: 0.002, 0.122) and of the MRI visible
      lesion (OR = 0.179, 95% CI: 0.032, 0.999) to be significantly associated with
      Engel class IA outcome. Unfavorable outcome was associated with an older age at
      surgery, when it reflected a longer duration of epilepsy (OR = 1.383, 95% CI:
      0.994,1.926). INTERPRETATION: Data emerging from invasive recordings and the good
      seizure outcome following removal of discrete epileptogenic lesions support a
      focal cortical origin of spasms. In patients with discrete epileptogenic lesions,
      the pragmatic approach to surgery should follow the same principles applied to
      focal epilepsy favoring, whenever possible, unilobar, one-stage resections.

PMID- 28078314
TI  - Onset of secondary progressive MS after long-term rituximab therapy - a case
      report.
AB  - A patient with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) was treated with a standard
      immunomodulatory therapy, but due to ongoing disease activity was switched to
      rituximab. Relapses ceased, but secondary progressive MS (SPMS) eventually
      appeared, associated with new focal spinal cord white matter lesions.
      Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed persistent oligoclonal bands (OCB) and clonally
      related B cells in CSF and peripheral blood. The treatment escalation approach
      failed to prevent evolution to SPMS, raising the question of whether initiation
      of B-cell depleting therapy at the time of RMS diagnosis should be tested to more
      effectively address the immune pathology leading to SPMS.

PMID- 28078315
TI  - Degenerative Ataxias: challenges in clinical research.
AB  - The degenerative ataxias are a very heterogeneous group of disorders that include
      numerous genetic diseases as well as apparently "sporadic" entities. There has
      been an explosion of discoveries related to genetic defects and related
      pathomechanisms that has brought us to the threshold of meaningful therapies in
      some but not all of these diseases. There also continues to be lack of knowledge
      of the causation of disease in a sizeable proportion of these patients. The
      overall rarity of ataxias as a whole and certainly of the individual genetic
      entities together with slow and variable progression and variable prognosis in
      juxtaposition with a rapid development of possible therapies in the horizon such
      as gene replacement and gene knock-down strategies places the ataxias in a unique
      position distinct from other similar neurodegenerative diseases. The pace of
      laboratory research seems not matched by the pace of clinical research and
      clinical trial readiness. This review summarizes the author's views on the
      various challenges in translational research in ataxias and hopes to stimulate
      further thought and discussions on how to bring real help to these patients.

PMID- 28078317
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/acn3.307.].

PMID- 28078316
TI  - Covert narrative capacity: Mental life in patients thought to lack consciousness.
AB  - Despite the apparent absence of external signs of consciousness, a significant
      proportion of behaviorally nonresponsive patients can respond to commands by
      willfully modulating their brain activity. However, little is known about the
      mental life of these patients. We discuss a recent innovative approach, which
      sheds light on the preserved cognitive capacities of these patients, including
      executive function, theory of mind, and the experience of affective states. This
      research represents a fundamental shift in our understanding of these patients,
      and has important implications for both their continued treatment and care.
      Moreover, this research marks out avenues for future inquiry into the residual
      cognitive capacities of these patients.

PMID- 28078318
TI  - Geographical Clusters of Rape in the United States: 2000-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While rape is a very serious crime and public health problem, no
      spatial mapping has been attempted for rape on the national scale. This paper
      addresses the three research questions: (1) Are reported rape cases randomly
      distributed across the USA, after being adjusted for population density and age,
      or are there geographical clusters of reported rape cases? (2) Are the
      geographical clusters of reported rapes still present after adjusting for
      differences in poverty levels? (3) Are there geographical clusters where the
      proportion of reported rape cases that lead to an arrest is exceptionally low or
      exceptionally high? METHODS: We studied the geographical variation of reported
      rape events (2003-2012) and rape arrests (2000-2012) in the 48 contiguous states
      of the USA. The disease Surveillance software SaTScanTM with its spatial scan
      statistic is used to evaluate the spatial variation in rapes. The spatial scan
      statistic has been widely used as a geographical surveillance tool for diseases,
      and we used it to identify geographical areas with clusters of reported rape and
      clusters of arrest rates for rape. RESULTS: The spatial scan statistic was used
      to identify geographical areas with exceptionally high rates of reported rape.
      The analyses were adjusted for age, and in secondary analyses, for both age and
      poverty level. We also identified geographical areas with either a low or a high
      proportion of reported rapes leading to an arrest. CONCLUSIONS: We have
      identified geographical areas with exceptionally high (low) rates of reported
      rape. The geographical problem areas identified are prime candidates for more
      intensive preventive counseling and criminal prosecution efforts by public
      health, social service, and law enforcement agencies Geographical clusters of
      high rates of reported rape are prime areas in need of expanded implementation of
      preventive measures, such as changing attitudes in our society toward rape
      crimes, in addition to having the criminal justice system play an even larger
      role in preventing rape.

PMID- 28078319
TI  - Gut microbiota, inflammation and colorectal cancer.
AB  - Although genes contribute to colorectal cancer, the gut microbiota are an
      important player. Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic infection and the
      ensuing inflammation contributes to tumor initiation and tumor progression. A
      variety of bacterial species and tumor-promoting virulence mechanisms have been
      investigated. Significant advances have been made in understanding the
      composition and functional capabilities of the gut microbiota and its roles in
      cancer. In the current review, we discuss the novel roles of microbiota in the
      progression of colon cancer. Although microbiota technically include organisms
      other than bacteria e.g., viruses and fungi, this review will primarily focus on
      bacteria. We summarize epidemiological studies of human microbiome and colon
      cancer. We discuss the progress in the scientific understanding of the interplay
      between the gut microbiota, barrier function, and host responses in experimental
      models. Further, we discuss the potential application in prevention, diagnosis,
      and therapy of colon cancer by targeting microbiota. We discuss the challenges
      lie ahead and the future direction in studying gut microbiome in colon cancer to
      close the gap between the basic sciences and clinical application.

PMID- 28078321
TI  - Efficiency of an Active Rehabilitation Intervention in a Slow-to-Recover
      Paediatric Population following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study.
AB  - Objective. The aim of this study was to identify whether the addition of an
      individualised Active Rehabilitation Intervention to standard care influences
      recovery of young patients who are slow-to-recover following a mTBI. Methods.
      Fifteen participants aged 15 +/- 2 years received standard care and an
      individualised Active Rehabilitation Intervention which included (1) low- to high
      intensity aerobic training; (2) sport-specific coordination exercises; and (3)
      therapeutic balance exercises. The following criteria were used to measure the
      resolution of signs and symptoms of mTBI: (1) absence of postconcussion symptoms
      for more than 7 consecutive days; (2) cognitive function corresponding to
      normative data; and (3) absence of deficits in coordination and balance. Results.
      The Active Rehabilitation Intervention lasted 49 +/- 17 days. The duration of the
      intervention was correlated with self-reported participation ([Formula: see
      text]%, r = -0.792, p < 0.001). The average postconcussion symptom inventory
      (PCSI) score went from a total of 36.85 +/- 23.21 points to 4.31 +/- 5.04 points
      after the intervention (Z = -3.18, p = 0.001). Conclusion. A progressive
      submaximal Active Rehabilitation Intervention may represent an important asset in
      the recovery of young patients who are slow-to-recover following a mTBI.

PMID- 28078322
TI  - Diagnostic Dilemma in Discordant Thyroid Function Tests Due to Thyroid Hormone
      Autoantibodies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assay interference could be the cause of abnormal thyroid function
      tests. Early recognition prevents inappropriate patient management. The objective
      of this report is to present a case with discordant thyroid function tests in
      different thyroid assay platforms due to thyroid autoantibodies. METHODS: We
      present a case her family, laboratory data and methods that investigate
      immunoassay interference. RESULTS: A 21-year-old woman with autoimmune thyroid
      disease was treated for hypothyroidism with levothyroxine and noted to have
      elevated total and free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine but normal thyroid
      stimulating hormone. Repeat thyroid function tests using different platforms
      revealed discrepant results. Further investigation showed that the patient had
      positive thyroid hormone autoantibodies (THAAbs). CONCLUSION: We demonstrates
      abnormal thyroid function tests caused by THAAbs. The latter were the cause of
      interference with assays resulting in discrepant test results inconsistent with
      the clinical presentation. Early recognition would prevent inappropriate patient
      management.

PMID- 28078320
TI  - LGR4 and LGR5 Function Redundantly During Human Endoderm Differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The Lgr family of transmembrane proteins (Lgr4, 5, 6) act as
      functional receptors for R-spondin proteins (Rspo 1, 2, 3, 4), and potentiate Wnt
      signaling in different contexts. Lgr5 is arguably the best characterized of the
      Lgr family members in a number of adult and embryonic contexts in mice. However,
      the function of LGR family members in early embryonic development is unclear, and
      has not been explored during human development or tissue differentiation in
      detail. METHODS: We interrogated the function and expression of LGR family
      members using human pluripotent stem cell-derived tissues including definitive
      endoderm, mid/hindgut, and intestinal organoids. We performed embryonic lineage
      tracing in Lgr5-GFP-IRES-CreERT2 mice. RESULTS: We show that LGR5 is part of the
      human definitive endoderm (DE) gene signature, and LGR5 transcripts are induced
      robustly when human pluripotent stem cells are differentiated into DE. Our
      results show that LGR4 and 5 are functionally required for efficient human
      endoderm induction. Consistent with data in human DE, we observe Lgr5 reporter
      (eGFP) activity in the embryonic day 8.5 mouse endoderm, and show the ability to
      lineage trace these cells into the adult intestine. However, gene expression data
      also suggest that there are human-mouse species-specific differences at later
      time points of embryonic development. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that LGR5 is
      induced during DE differentiation, LGR receptors are functionally required for DE
      induction, and that they function to potentiate WNT signaling during this
      process.

PMID- 28078323
TI  - Genetic architecture of age-related cognitive decline in African Americans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify genetic risk factors associated with susceptibility to age
      related cognitive decline in African Americans (AAs). METHODS: We performed a
      genome-wide association study (GWAS) and an admixture-mapping scan in 3,964 older
      AAs from 5 longitudinal cohorts; for each participant, we calculated a slope of
      an individual's global cognitive change from neuropsychological evaluations. We
      also performed a pathway-based analysis of the age-related cognitive decline
      GWAS. RESULTS: We found no evidence to support the existence of a genomic region
      which has a strongly different contribution to age-related cognitive decline in
      African and European genomes. Known Alzheimer disease (AD) susceptibility
      variants in the ABCA7 and MS4A loci do influence this trait in AAs. Of interest,
      our pathway-based analyses returned statistically significant results
      highlighting a shared risk from lipid/metabolism and protein tyrosine signaling
      pathways between cognitive decline and AD, but the role of inflammatory pathways
      is polarized, being limited to AD susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic
      architecture of aging-related cognitive in AA individuals is largely similar to
      that of individuals of European descent. In both populations, we note a
      surprising lack of enrichment for immune pathways in the genetic risk for
      cognitive decline, despite strong enrichment of these pathways among genetic risk
      factors for AD.

PMID- 28078324
TI  - Paraganglioma of the Seminal Vesicle Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Background: The present case report describes an extremely rare case of a
      norepinephrine secreting extraadrenal paraganglioma (PGL) located in the seminal
      vesicle. Case Presentation: A 36-year-old patient had signs of intermittent
      hypertensive derailments, bradycardia, increased norepinephrine excretion in 24
      hour urine, an increased metanephrine plasma concentration, and a positive
      clonidine suppression test. A suspicious mass was detected in an (18)F-DOPA
      PET/CT-scan in the left seminal vesicle. Following adrenergic blockade, a
      robotically assisted laparoscopic left vesiculectomy with negative soft tissue
      surgical margins was performed. The patient sustained a couple of few months of
      voiding difficulties of the lower urinary tract and obstruction of the left upper
      urinary tract after the surgery, which resolved spontaneously with home medical
      treatment. Two years after the initial treatment, the patient relapsed, which was
      confirmed by endocrinologic follow-up tests with increased urine catecholamine, a
      positive clonidine suppression test, as well as an elevated blood pressure.
      Staging with (18)F-DOPA-PET/CT-scan confirmed the diagnosis of a recurrent PGL.
      This was followed by subsequent open surgical removal of the suspicious lesion in
      the seminal fossa. The patient is still recurrence free 15 months after the
      second surgery. Complications after the second surgery included an intermittent
      paresthesia of the left leg lasting 3 to 4 months. No other urologic symptoms
      such as voiding or erectile dysfunction occurred. Conclusion: DaVinci-assisted
      laparoscopic vesiculectomy is a viable procedure to treat such cases providing
      satisfactory results. Relevant for clinical practice are the regular and lifelong
      follow-up examinations to detect recurrences.

PMID- 28078325
TI  - Laparoscopic Unilateral Total and Contralateral Subtotal Adrenalectomy for
      Bilateral Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Secreting Pheochromocytoma: Report of a
      Rare Case.
AB  - Background: Bilateral adrenal tumors are not common in clinical practice, but are
      an important source of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion.
      Standard operative management for bilateral pheochromocytomas might dictate the
      removal of the involved adrenal gland and the removal of the contralateral
      adrenal gland. We present a case of bilateral ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma
      treated with staged laparoscopic unilateral total and contralateral subtotal
      adrenalectomy. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old male with elevated hyperglycemia
      and general fatigue was hospitalized for pneumonia. CT incidentally revealed
      bilateral adrenal tumor. Biochemical examination was significant for elevated
      urinary metanephrine and normetanephrines, and plasma catecholamine level. CT
      scan of the head, neck, thorax, and pelvis was normal. Under the clinical
      diagnosis of ACTH-dependent pheochromocytoma, laparoscopic right total
      adrenalectomy was performed. As endocrinologic examination showed residual ACTH
      dependent pheochromocytoma after surgery, laparoscopic left subtotal
      adrenalectomy was performed. Pathology analysis revealed pheochromocytoma with
      stained ACTH lesions in both adrenal tumors. Conclusion: This is a rare case of
      ACTH-secreting bilateral pheochromocytoma effectively treated with staged
      laparoscopic unilateral total and contralateral subtotal adrenalectomy, in which
      the production of ACTH was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining.

PMID- 28078326
TI  - Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma in the Genetically Predisposed Patient: Role of
      Urinary Markers in Predicting Recurrence.
AB  - Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is an uncommon disease that
      is diagnosed clinically by the selective use of urine cytology, urine biomarkers,
      and imaging of the upper tract. We present a case of a patient with Lynch
      syndrome and high-grade UTUC that was diagnosed by an abnormal Cxbladder assay,
      prompting further endoscopic examination. Case Presentation: A 59-year-old
      Caucasian female with a history of endometrial cancer and bladder cancer with
      Lynch syndrome presented for evaluation of recurrent urothelial carcinoma. Her
      previous bladder tumors have been T1 high grade and Ta high grade and have been
      treated with resection and multiple cycles of intravesical Bacillus Calmette
      Guerin (BCG) therapy. She had also undergone a robotic left distal ureterectomy
      and psoas hitch for a high-grade distal ureteral tumor. Surveillance cystoscopy 7
      months after revealed a biopsy-confirmed bladder tumor, which was resected, and
      she was started on maintenance BCG therapy. At presentation, follow-up urine
      cytology and UroVysion studies were negative. Cxbladder test was also initially
      negative. However, during close clinical monitoring, the Cxbladder test became
      positive. Cystoscopy was once more performed, which was unremarkable. Bilateral
      ureteroscopy was performed, revealing high-grade upper tract renal papillary
      carcinoma (UTUC) in the left renal pelvis. The patient declined a
      nephroureterectomy. She was treated with two sessions of holmium laser ablation
      of the left renal pelvis tumor and underwent 6 weekly courses of BCG + interferon
      instilled into her left renal pelvis using a 5F open-ended catheter. Repeat urine
      cytology, UroVysion, and Cxbladder tests were negative after completion of upper
      tract BCG therapy. Conclusion: Cxbladder test may be useful and an adjunct to
      urine cytology and the UroVysion FISH assay to evaluate patients at high risk for
      recurrent UTUC.

PMID- 28078327
TI  - Surgical Clips Migration up to Renal Collecting System from Ileal Conduit
      Postcystectomy.
AB  - This is a 49-year-old female known to have had cystectomy and ileal conduit 4
      years ago presented to our hospital complaining of left flank pain with recurrent
      urinary tract infection. Radiologic investigations showed left lower pole renal
      stone. She underwent left laser flexible ureterorenoscopy. Renal collection
      system was fully explored that showed stone occupying the lower calix, laser
      disintegration of the stone revealed what we assumed are surgical clips.

PMID- 28078328
TI  - Conservative Management of Ureteral Injury Caused by a Lumbar Osteophyte.
AB  - Background: Osteophytes are bony outgrowths commonly found on lumbar vertebrae.
      They rarely produce complications with the most common complication being nerve
      entrapment, but rarer complications including aorta or inferior vena cava
      rupture, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, compression of the iliopsoas
      muscle, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks have been described. Rare cases affecting
      the ureter resulting in ureteral colic or extravasation of urine have been
      described. Case Presentation: We describe a case in which a lumbar osteophyte
      bridging the L4 and L5 disks was encircling the ureter and minor trauma caused a
      ureteral injury, resulting in urine extravasation into the L4 and L5 disks space
      and the retroperitoneum. Owing to the comorbidities of this patient, this case
      was treated conservatively with stenting and the patient has suffered no further
      complications. Conclusion: This is a rare complication of a lumbar osteophyte but
      should be considered as a potential cause of ureter injury. Treatment should be
      individualized by patient preference and comorbidities, as some patients would
      elect to pursue more aggressive therapy whereas others would incline for
      conservative measures.

PMID- 28078329
TI  - Hypovolemic Shock Caused by Massive Renal Hematoma After a Third Consecutive
      Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy Session: A Case Report.
AB  - Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is a commonly used technique for
      treating urinary calculi. Although noninvasive, highly effective, and widely
      accepted, SWL is not without complications. Next to fragmenting the calculi, the
      surrounding tissue is damaged, which can result in renal hematoma, a well
      described complication. In most cases, the collateral tissue damage is mild and
      resolves with conservative treatment. However, rarely, severe complications may
      arise. Here we present a case of a 46-year-old male who developed a massive
      hematoma, both subcapsular and retroperitoneal, after a third consecutive SWL
      session, resulting in hypovolemic shock. Different probable causes are proposed,
      of which one cause, the length of the interval between SWL sessions, is not yet
      studied properly. Probably, short intervals keep the damaged tissue from healing
      sufficiently, as proposed in our case. Possibly, life-threatening situations can
      be avoided if more evidence-based guidelines are available.

PMID- 28078331
TI  - Pathways for Learning from 3D Technology.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to find out if 3D stereoscopic presentation of
      information in a movie format changes a viewer's experience of the movie content.
      Four possible pathways from 3D presentation to memory and learning were
      considered: a direct connection based on cognitive neuroscience research; a
      connection through "immersion" in that 3D presentations could provide additional
      sensorial cues (e.g., depth cues) that lead to a higher sense of being surrounded
      by the stimulus; a connection through general interest such that 3D presentation
      increases a viewer's interest that leads to greater attention paid to the
      stimulus (e.g., "involvement"); and a connection through discomfort, with the 3D
      goggles causing discomfort that interferes with involvement and thus with memory.
      The memories of 396 participants who viewed two-dimensional (2D) or 3D movies at
      movie theaters in Southern California were tested. Within three days of viewing a
      movie, participants filled out an online anonymous questionnaire that queried
      them about their movie content memories, subjective movie-going experiences
      (including emotional reactions and "presence") and demographic backgrounds. The
      responses to the questionnaire were subjected to path analyses in which several
      different links between 3D presentation to memory (and other variables) were
      explored. The results showed there were no effects of 3D presentation, either
      directly or indirectly, upon memory. However, the largest effects of 3D
      presentation were on emotions and immersion, with 3D presentation leading to
      reduced positive emotions, increased negative emotions and lowered immersion,
      compared to 2D presentations.

PMID- 28078330
TI  - Pheochromocytoma in Urologic Practice.
AB  - CONTEXT: Pheochromocytoma is regularly encountered in urological practice and
      requires a thoughtful and careful clinical approach. OBJECTIVE: To review
      clinical aspects of management of pheochromocytoma in urologic practice. EVIDENCE
      ACQUISITION: A systematic review of English-language literature was performed
      through year 2015 using the Medline database. Manuscripts were selected with
      consensus of the coauthors and evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for
      Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) criteria. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS:
      Findings and recommendations of the evaluated manuscripts are discussed with an
      emphasis on the description of presentation, diagnosis, evaluation, and
      perioperative care. CONCLUSION: In addition to surgical expertise, appropriate
      management of pheochromocytoma in urologic practice requires nuanced
      understanding of pathophysiology, genetics, and endocrinological principles. When
      skillfully managed, the vast majority of patients with pheochromocytoma should
      expect an excellent prognosis. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this article we review the
      clinical approach to patients with pheochromocytoma, a tumor that stems from the
      innermost part of the adrenal gland and that often secretes excessive amounts of
      powerful hormones such as noradrenaline and adrenaline. Significant expertise is
      required to appropriately manage patients with these tumors. TAKE HOME MESSAGE:
      In addition to surgical expertise, appropriate management of pheochromocytoma in
      urologic practice requires nuanced understanding of pathophysiology, genetics,
      and endocrinological principles. When skillfully managed, vast majority of
      patients with pheochromocytoma should expect an excellent prognosis.

PMID- 28078332
TI  - Surface tension and a self-consistent theory of soft composite solids with
      elastic inclusions.
AB  - The importance of surface tension effects is being recognized in the context of
      soft composite solids, where they are found to significantly affect the
      mechanical properties, such as the elastic response to an external stress. It has
      recently been discovered that Eshelby's inclusion theory breaks down when the
      inclusion size approaches the elastocapillary length L=gamma/E, where gamma is
      the inclusion/host surface tension and E is the host Young's modulus. Extending
      our recent results for liquid inclusions, here we model the elastic behavior of a
      non-dilute distribution of isotropic elastic spherical inclusions in a soft
      isotropic elastic matrix, subject to a prescribed infinitesimal far-field
      loading. Within our framework, the composite stiffness is uniquely determined by
      the elastocapillary length L, the spherical inclusion radius R, and the stiffness
      contrast parameter C, which is the ratio of the inclusion to the matrix
      stiffness. We compare the results with those from the case of liquid inclusions,
      and we derive an analytical expression for elastic cloaking of the composite by
      the inclusions. Remarkably, we find that the composite stiffness is influenced
      significantly by surface tension even for inclusions two orders of magnitude more
      stiff than the host matrix. Finally, we show how to simultaneously determine the
      surface tension and the inclusion stiffness using two independent constraints
      provided by global and local measurements.

PMID- 28078333
TI  - Topography-guided buckling of swollen polymer bilayer films into three
      dimensional structures.
AB  - Thin films that exhibit spatially heterogeneous swelling often buckle into the
      third dimension to minimize stress. These effects, in turn, offer a promising
      strategy to fabricate complex three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional
      sheets. Here we employ surface topography as a new means to guide buckling of
      swollen polymer bilayer films and thereby control the morphology of resulting
      three-dimensional objects. Topographic patterns are created on
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) films selectively coated with a thin layer of non
      swelling parylene on different sides of the patterned films. After swelling in an
      organic solvent, various structures are formed, including half-pipes, helical
      tubules, and ribbons. We demonstrate these effects and introduce a simple
      geometric model that qualitatively captures the relationship between surface
      topography and the resulting swollen film morphologies. The model's limitations
      are also examined.

PMID- 28078334
TI  - Confinement-induced alterations in the evaporation dynamics of sessile droplets.
AB  - Evaporation of sessile droplets has been a topic of extensive research. However,
      the effect of confinement on the underlying dynamics has not been well explored.
      Here, we report the evaporation dynamics of a sessile droplet in a confined
      fluidic environment. Our findings reveal that an increase in the channel length
      delays the completion of the evaporation process and leads to unique spatio
      temporal evaporation flux and internal flow. The evaporation modes (constant
      contact angle and constant contact radius) during the droplet lifetime however
      exhibit global similarity when normalized by appropriate length and timescales.
      These results are explained in light of an increase in vapor concentration inside
      the channel due to greater accumulation of water vapor on account of increased
      channel length. We have formulated a theoretical framework which introduces two
      key parameters namely an enhanced concentration of the vapor field in the
      vicinity of the confined droplet and a corresponding accumulation lengthscale
      over which the accumulated vapor relaxes to the ambient concentration. Using
      these two parameters and modified diffusion based evaporation we are able to show
      that confined droplets exhibit a universal behavior in terms of the temporal
      evolution of each evaporation mode irrespective of the channel length. These
      results may turn out to be of profound importance in a wide variety of
      applications, ranging from surface patterning to microfluidic technology.

PMID- 28078335
TI  - Dynamics of active Rouse chains.
AB  - We consider how active forces modeled as non-thermal random noise affect the
      average dynamical properties of a Rouse polymer. As the power spectrum of the
      noise is not known we keep the analytical treatment as generic as possible and
      then present results for a few examples of active noise. We discuss the
      connection between our results and recent experimental studies of dynamics of
      labeled DNA telomeres in living cells, and propose new chromatin tracking
      experiments that will allow one to determine the statistical properties of the
      active forces associated with chromatin remodeling processes.

PMID- 28078336
TI  - Design of latex-layered double hydroxide composites by tuning the aggregation in
      suspensions.
AB  - Colloidal stability of polymeric latex particles was studied in the presence of
      oppositely charged layered double hydroxide (LDH) platelets of different
      interlayer anions. Adsorption of the LDH particles led to charge neutralization
      and to overcharging of the latex at appropriate concentrations. Mixing stable
      colloidal suspensions of individual particles results in rapid aggregation once
      the LDH adsorption neutralizes the negative charges of the polymer spheres, while
      stable suspensions were observed at high and low LDH doses. The governing
      interparticle interactions included repulsive electrical double layer forces as
      well as van der Waals and patch-charge attractions, whose strength depended on
      the amount of LDH particles adsorbed on the latex surface. The type of the LDH
      interlayer anions did not affect the colloidal stability of the samples.
      Structural investigation of the obtained latex-LDH composites revealed that the
      polymer spheres were completely coated with the inorganic platelets once their
      concentration was sufficiently high. These results are especially important for
      designing synthetic routes for hybrid systems in suspensions, where stable
      colloids are required for uniform film-formation and for the homogeneous
      distribution of the inorganic filler within the composite materials.

PMID- 28078337
TI  - A solvable model of axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric droplet bouncing.
AB  - We introduce a solvable Lagrangian model for droplet bouncing. The model predicts
      that, for an axisymmetric drop, the contact time decreases to a constant value
      with increasing Weber number, in qualitative agreement with experiments, because
      the system is well approximated as a simple harmonic oscillator. We introduce
      asymmetries in the velocity, initial droplet shape, and contact line drag acting
      on the droplet and show that asymmetry can often lead to a reduced contact time
      and lift-off in an elongated shape. The model allows us to explain the mechanisms
      behind non-axisymmetric bouncing in terms of surface tension forces. Once the
      drop has an elliptical footprint the surface tension force acting on the longer
      sides is greater. Therefore the shorter axis retracts faster and, due to the
      incompressibility constraints, pumps fluid along the more extended droplet axis.
      This leads to a positive feedback, allowing the drop to jump in an elongated
      configuration, and more quickly.

PMID- 28078338
TI  - Dual physically crosslinked double network hydrogels with high toughness and self
      healing properties.
AB  - Toughness and self-healing properties are desirable characteristics in engineered
      hydrogels used for many practical applications. However, it is still challenging
      to develop hydrogels exhibiting both of these attractive properties in a single
      material. In this work, we present the fabrication of fully physically-linked
      Agar/PAAc-Fe3+ DN gels. These hydrogels exhibited dual physical crosslinking
      through a hydrogen bonded crosslinked agar network firstly, and a physically
      linked PAAc-Fe3+ network via Fe3+ coordination interactions secondly. Due to this
      dual physical crosslinking, the fabricated Agar/PAAc-Fe3+ DN gels exhibited very
      favorable mechanical properties (tensile strength 320.7 kPa, work of extension
      1520.2 kJ m-3, elongation at break 1130%), fast self-recovery properties in Fe3+
      solution (100% recovery within 30 min), in 50  degrees C conditions (100%
      recovery within 15 min), and under ambient conditions (100% recovery of the
      initial properties within 60 min), as well as impressive self-healing properties
      under ambient conditions. All of the data indicate that both the hydrogen bonds
      in the first network and the ionic coordination interactions in the second
      network act as reversible sacrificial bonds to dissipate energy, thus conferring
      high mechanical and recovery properties to the prepared Agar/PAAc-Fe3+ DN gels.

PMID- 28078339
TI  - Simultaneous topographical, electrical and optical microscopy of optoelectronic
      devices at the nanoscale.
AB  - Novel optoelectronic devices rely on complex nanomaterial systems where the
      nanoscale morphology and local chemical composition are critical to performance.
      However, the lack of analytical techniques that can directly probe these
      structure-property relationships at the nanoscale presents a major obstacle to
      device development. In this work, we present a novel method for non-destructive,
      simultaneous mapping of the morphology, chemical composition and photoelectrical
      properties with <20 nm spatial resolution by combining plasmonic optical signal
      enhancement with electrical-mode scanning probe microscopy. We demonstrate that
      this combined approach offers subsurface sensitivity that can be exploited to
      provide molecular information with a nanoscale resolution in all three spatial
      dimensions. By applying the technique to an organic solar cell device, we show
      that the inferred surface and subsurface composition distribution correlates
      strongly with the local photocurrent generation and explains macroscopic device
      performance. For instance, the direct measurement of fullerene phase purity can
      distinguish between high purity aggregates that lead to poor performance and
      lower purity aggregates (fullerene intercalated with polymer) that result in
      strong photocurrent generation and collection. We show that the reliable
      determination of the structure-property relationship at the nanoscale can remove
      ambiguity from macroscopic device data and support the identification of the best
      routes for device optimisation. The multi-parameter measurement approach
      demonstrated herein is expected to play a significant role in guiding the
      rational design of nanomaterial-based optoelectronic devices, by opening a new
      realm of possibilities for advanced investigation via the combination of
      nanoscale optical spectroscopy with a whole range of scanning probe microscopy
      modes.

PMID- 28078340
TI  - Biocompatible CuS-based nanoplatforms for efficient photothermal therapy and
      chemotherapy in vivo.
AB  - Near-infrared (NIR) photothermal therapy (PTT) is a new approach to ablate cancer
      without affecting normal tissues. A pivotal concern of PPT is to develop photo
      responsive agents with high biocompatibility as well as effective photothermal
      conversion efficiency. Copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles prepared are
      characterized by their low synthesis cost, wide NIR absorption range, good
      biocompatibility and favorable NIR photothermal conversion efficiency. CuS
      nanoparticles were then coated with mesoporous silicon dioxide (SiO2) by the
      Stober method, and further loaded with anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The
      nanocomposites obtained were named CuS@MSN-DOX. The infrared thermal imaging of
      CuS@MSN-DOX demonstrated its favorable photothermal efficacy. The potential of
      CuS@MSN-DOX utilized as a multifunctional platform for combined PPT and
      chemotherapy was exploited both at the cell level and in a mice model. The result
      demonstrated that CuS@MSN-DOX was endowed with the synergistic effect of chemo
      photothermal therapy, which confirmed that it is a promising candidate for
      combined therapy of cancer.

PMID- 28078341
TI  - The role of UV radiation and vitamin D in the seasonality and outcomes of
      infectious disease.
AB  - The seasonality of infectious disease outbreaks suggests that environmental
      conditions have a significant effect on disease risk. One of the major
      environmental factors that can affect this is solar radiation, primarily acting
      through ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and its subsequent control of vitamin D
      production. Here we show how UVR and vitamin D, which are modified by latitude
      and season, can affect host and pathogen fitness and relate them to the outcomes
      of bacterial, viral and vector-borne infections. We conducted a thorough
      comparison of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of UVR and vitamin
      D on pathogen fitness and host immunity and related these to the effects observed
      in animal models and clinical trials to understand their independent and
      complementary effects on infectious disease outcome. UVR and vitamin D share
      common pathways of innate immune activation primarily via antimicrobial peptide
      production, and adaptive immune suppression. Whilst UVR can induce vitamin D
      independent effects in the skin, such as the generation of photoproducts
      activating interferon signaling, vitamin D has a larger systemic effect due to
      its autocrine and paracrine modulation of cellular responses in a range of
      tissues. However, the seasonal patterns in infectious disease prevalence are not
      solely driven by variation in UVR and vitamin D levels across latitudes. Vector
      borne pathogens show a strong seasonality of infection correlated to climatic
      conditions favoring their replication. Conversely, pathogens, such as influenza A
      virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus type 1, have
      strong evidence to support their interaction with vitamin D. Thus, UVR has both
      vitamin D-dependent and independent effects on infectious diseases; these effects
      vary depending on the pathogen of interest and the effects can be complementary
      or antagonistic.

PMID- 28078342
TI  - Modular construction of single-component polymer nanocapsules through a one-step
      surfactant-free microemulsion templated synthesis.
AB  - Formation of O/W surfactant-free microemulsions from water/oil/acetone ternary
      systems is exploited to construct precisely-defined shell-functionalized core
      loaded nanocapsules with tunable diameters (ranging from 50 to 190 nm) in one
      step.

PMID- 28078343
TI  - Differential effects of silver and iron oxide nanoparticles on IAPP amyloid
      aggregation.
AB  - Recent studies have shown promise on the use of small molecules and nanoparticles
      (NPs) for the inhibition of protein aggregation, a hallmark of neurodegenerative
      diseases and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Towards this end here we show the
      differential effects of silver and iron oxide nanoparticles (AgNPs and IONPs) on
      the mesoscopic properties of human islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) aggregation
      associated with T2D. Both citrate- and branched polyethyleneimine-coated AgNPs (c
      AgNPs, bPEI-AgNPs) inhibited IAPP aggregation at 500 MUg mL-1, likely through
      electrostatic attraction and sequestering of IAPP monomers from fibrillation. In
      comparison, bare, brushed polyethylene glycol- and phosphorylcholine-grafted
      IONPs (bPEG-IONPs, bPC-IONPs) at 500 MUg mL-1 elicited no major effect on IAPP
      fibril contour length, while bPC-IONPs induced significant fibril softening and
      looping likely mediated by dipolar interactions. While monovalent Ag+ up to 50
      MUg mL-1 showed no effect on the contour length or stiffness of IAPP fibrils,
      multivalent Fe3+ at 5 MUg mL-1 halted IAPP fibrillation likely through ion
      peptide crosslinking. Except bPEI-AgNPs, all three types of IONPs and c-AgNPs at
      100 MUg mL-1 alleviated IAPP toxicity in HEK293 cells indicating no clear
      correlation between protein aggregation and their induced cytotoxicity. This
      study demonstrates the complexity of protein aggregation intervened by NPs of
      different physicochemical properties and - together with existing literature -
      facilitates nanotechnological applications for mitigating amyloid-mediated
      pathologies.

PMID- 28078344
TI  - Kinetic analysis of copper transfer from a chaperone to its target protein
      mediated by complex formation.
AB  - Chaperone proteins that traffic copper around the cell minimise its toxicity by
      maintaining it in a tightly bound form. The transfer of copper from chaperones to
      target proteins is promoted by complex formation, but the kinetic characteristics
      of transfer have yet to be demonstrated for any chaperone-target protein pair.
      Here we report studies of copper transfer between the Atx1-type chaperone CopZ
      from Bacillus subtilis and the soluble domains of its cognate P-type ATPase
      transporter, CopAab. Transfer of copper from CopZ to CopAab was found to occur
      rapidly, with a rate constant at 25  degrees C of ~267 s-1, many orders of
      magnitude higher than that for Cu(i) dissociation from CopZ in the absence of
      CopAab. The data demonstrate that complex formation between CopZ and CopAab,
      evidence for which is provided by NMR and electrospray ionisation mass
      spectrometry, dramatically enhances the rate of Cu(i) dissociation from CopZ.

PMID- 28078345
TI  - Comparison between the optical properties of aerosols in the fine and coarse
      fractions over Valladolid, Spain.
AB  - Continuous measurements of the optical properties of aerosol particles have been
      made at Valladolid, Spain, covering the period from June 2011 to July 2012. The
      measurements were made at two size cuts: sub-10 MUm and sub-1 MUm (PM10 and PM1).
      The data measured were the scattering and backscattering coefficients, sigmas and
      sigmabs, obtained from an integrating nephelometer, and the absorption
      coefficient, sigmaa, obtained from a particle soot absorption photometer.
      Spectrally resolved data were obtained from both instruments at 3 wavelengths
      (blue/green/red) at low relative humidity (RH < 40%). The statistical data for
      the instruments were calculated based on the hourly averages. For the PM10
      fraction, the hourly mean values of sigmas and sigmaa at 550 nm were 33 Mm-1 (StD
      = 30 Mm-1) and 4 Mm-1 (StD = 3 Mm-1), respectively. For the PM1 fraction, sigmas
      and sigmaa mean values were 16 Mm-1 (StD = 14 Mm-1) and 4 Mm-1 (StD = 3 Mm-1),
      also at 550 nm. The derived parameters analyzed were the single scattering
      albedo, omega0, the backscatter fraction, sigmabs/sigmas, and the Angstrom
      exponents of scattering, absorption and single scattering albedo, alphas, alphaa
      and alphaomega0. The contribution of the PM10 and the PM1 fractions for all these
      parameters plays a central role throughout the paper, allowing an improved
      classification of aerosol types. Our data are dominated by elemental carbon (EC)
      and elemental carbon/organic carbon mixed (EC/OC). For the PM10 data, dust
      dominated aerosol is also observed. Although we found that fine particles
      contribute more than coarse particles for decreasing the omega0 values, results
      suggest that it is also necessary to quantify the effect of coarse particles.
      Fine particles were found to produce omega0 spectra that decrease with the
      wavelength, alphaomega0 > 0, while PM10 fractions were found to produce spectra
      that can decrease or increase with the wavelength, 0 < alphaomega0 < 0. Both
      daily cycle and monthly variations are analyzed and related to local features as
      well as the transport of particles from elsewhere. A diurnal pattern
      characteristic of urban areas is observed, but it is less evident on weekends.
      The main long range transport influences are Atlantic advection, anthropogenic
      events from Central Europe and dust events.

PMID- 28078346
TI  - An antimicrobial peptide with an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen for
      studying bacterial membrane interactions and antibacterial actions.
AB  - A fluorescence technique to investigate the interactions between bacterial
      membranes and an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen-decorated AMP (TPE
      AMP) was reported. Our simple and fast method consists of mixing TPE-AMP and
      bacterial suspensions and recording the fluorescence signals by flow cytometry
      and confocal microscopy in a "non-washing" manner.

PMID- 28078347
TI  - Alterations of the platelet proteome in type I Glanzmann thrombasthenia caused by
      different homozygous delG frameshift mutations in ITGA2B.
AB  - Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is one of the best characterised inherited platelet
      function disorders but global platelet proteome has not been determined in these
      patients. We investigated the proteome and function of platelets from two
      patients with type I GT, caused by different homozygous ITGA2b mutations, from
      family members and unrelated controls. The global proteome of highly purified
      washed platelets was quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC
      MS) and targeted MS-methods. Platelet function was analysed by flow cytometry,
      light transmission aggregometry and flow-based assays. Platelets from GT patients
      showed less than 5 % relative levels of the integrin subunit alphaIIb and 5-9 %
      fibrinogen compared to controls. These patients demonstrated loss of
      alphaIIbbeta3-dependent platelet function, but normal platelet granule secretion
      induced by physiological agonists. Platelets from heterozygous family members of
      a patient expressed 50-60 % of control alphaIIb levels which were sufficient for
      normal alphaIIbbeta3-dependent platelet function. Studying type I GT as model
      disease we established quantitative LC-MS to detect and clearly distinguish
      normal platelets, platelets from GT heterozygotes and platelets from GT patients.
      Diminished levels of factor XIIIB chain, plasminogen and carboxypeptidase 2B were
      identified in thrombasthenic platelets. Additionally, GT platelets showed up to
      2.5-fold increased levels of FcgammaRIIA and laminin-alpha4 chain. Elevated
      levels of platelet FcgammaRIIA was associated with increased CD63-surface
      expression after FcgammaRIIA-crosslinking in one GT-patient which might present a
      compensatory mechanism of platelet activation in GT. We demonstrate that
      quantitative LC-MS based proteomics is suitable to validate known but also to
      identify previously unknown protein level changes of dysfunctional platelets.

PMID- 28078348
TI  - The fifth epidermal growth factor like region of thrombomodulin alleviates LPS
      induced sepsis through interacting with GPR15.
AB  - Thrombomodulin (TM) exerts cytoprotection via the fifth region of epidermal
      growth factor (EGF)-like domain of TM (TME5) by interacting with G-protein
      coupled receptor 15 (GPR15) expressed on cell surface of vascular endothelial
      cells. TM is also implied to mediate anti-inflammatory functions by unknown
      mechanism. By applying a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine sepsis model, we
      assessed the role of TME5 in septic inflammation and coagulation. We found that
      TME5 treatment protected mice in association with ameliorating inflammation and
      coagulopathy in LPS-induced sepsis. Further study confirmed that TME5 bound GPR15
      in vitro. Knock out of GPR15 abolished protective role of TME5 in sepsis model.
      GPR15 mediated anti-inflammatory function of TME5 through suppression of
      phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha, nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and release
      of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages (Macs). Knock out of GPR15 resulted
      in dysregulated immune response of Macs, characterised by excessive expression of
      pro-inflammatory genes and failing to limit immune response. This study indicates
      that TME5 exerts anti-inflammatory function through inhibition of NF-kappaB in a
      GPR15-dependent manner. The use of TME5 may be a potential therapeutic option for
      treatment of sepsis.

PMID- 28078349
TI  - Control of anticoagulation with VKAs: overestimation of median TTR when assessed
      by linear extrapolation: A comment.

PMID- 28078350
TI  - Efficacy and safety of extended thromboprophylaxis for medically ill patients. A
      meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
AB  - Compelling evidence suggests that the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep
      vein thrombosis (DVT) persists after hospital discharge in acutely-ill medical
      patients. However, no studies consistently supported the routine use of extended
      duration thromboprophylaxis (ET) in this setting. We performed a meta-analysis to
      assess efficacy and safety of ET in acutely-ill medical patients. Efficacy
      outcome was defined by the prevention of symptomatic DVT, PE, venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) and VTE-related mortality. Safety outcome was the
      occurrence of major bleeding (MB) and fatal bleeding (FB). Pooled odds ratios
      (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 %CI) were calculated for each outcome
      using a random effects model. Four RCTs for a total of 28,105 acutely-ill medical
      patients were included. ET was associated with a significantly lower risk of DVT
      (0.3 % vs 0.6 %, OR 0.504, 95 %CI: 0.287-0.885) and VTE (0.5 % vs 1.0 %, OR:
      0.544, 95 %CI: 0.297-0.997); a non-significantly lower risk of PE (0.3 % vs 0.4
      %, OR 0.633, 95 %CI: 0.388-1.034) and of VTE-related mortality (0.2 % vs 0.3 %,
      OR 0.687, 95 %CI: 0.445-1.059) and with a significantly higher risk of MB (0.8 %
      vs 0.4 %, OR 2.095, 95 %CI: 1.333-3.295). No difference in FB was found (0.06 %
      vs 0.03 %, OR 1.79, 95 %CI: 0.384-8.325). The risk benefit analysis showed that
      the NNT for DVT was 339, for VTE was 239, and the NNH for MB was 247. Results of
      our meta-analyses focused on clinical important outcomes did not support a
      general use of antithrombotic prophylaxis beyond the period of hospitalization in
      acutely-ill medical patients.

PMID- 28078351
TI  - Outcomes of low-molecular-weight heparin treatment for venous thromboembolism in
      patients with primary and metastatic brain tumours.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most common complications in patients
      with brain tumours. There is limited data available in the literature on VTE
      treatment in these patients. We conducted a matched retrospective cohort study of
      patients with primary or metastatic brain cancer who were diagnosed with cancer
      associated VTE. Patients were selected after a retrospective chart review of
      consecutive patients who were diagnosed with cancer-associated VTE between
      January 2010 and January 2014 at the Juravinski Thrombosis Clinic, Hamilton,
      Canada. Controls were age- and gender-matched patients with cancer-associated VTE
      from the same cohort, but without known brain tumours. A total of 364 patients
      with cancer-associated VTE were included (182 with primary or metastatic brain
      tumours and 182 controls). The median follow-up duration was 6.7 (interquartile
      range 2.5-15.8) months. The incidence rate of recurrent VTE was 11.0 per 100
      patient-years (95 % CI; 6.7-17.9) in patients with brain tumours and 13.5 per 100
      patient-years (95 % CI; 9.3-19.7) in non-brain tumour group. The incidence of
      major bleeding was 8.6 per 100 (95 % CI; 4.8-14.7) patient-years in patients with
      brain tumours versus 5.0 per 100 patient-years (95 % CI; 2.8-9.2) in controls.
      Rate of intracranial bleeding was higher in brain tumour patients (4.4 % vs 0 %,
      p-value=0.004). In summary, rates of recurrent VTE and major bleeding were not
      significantly different in patients with cancer-associated VTE in the setting of
      primary or metastatic brain tumours compared those without known brain tumours.
      However, greater numbers of intracranial bleeds were observed in patients with
      brain tumours.

PMID- 28078352
TI  - Susceptibility to chronic social stress increases plaque progression,
      vulnerability and platelet activation.

PMID- 28078353
TI  - Comparison of "Nil by Mouth" Versus Early Oral Intake in Three Different Diet
      Regimens Following Esophagectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The literature on oral intake after esophagectomy and its influence
      on anastomotic leakage and complications is sparse. METHODS: This retrospective
      study included 359 patients undergoing esophagectomy between January 2011 and
      August 2015. Three oral intake protocols were evaluated: regimen 1, nil by mouth
      until postoperative day (POD) 7 followed by a normal diet; regimen 2, oral intake
      of clear fluids from POD 1 followed by a normal diet; regimen 3, nil by mouth
      until POD 7 followed by a slow increase to a blended diet. The outcome endpoints
      were: (1) anastomotic leakage, (2) complications [severity and number described
      using the Dindo-Clavien Classification and Comprehensive Complication Index
      (CCI)] and (3) length of stay. A multivariate logistic regression model was
      obtained for CCI and anastomotic leakage using Wald's stepwise selection.
      RESULTS: CCI was significantly lower in regimen 3 (16 vs. 22 and 26 in regimen 1
      and 2, p = 0.027). Additionally, significantly fewer patients in regimen 3
      suffered from severe complications of Dindo-Clavien grade IIIb-IV (p = 0.025).
      The incidence of anastomotic leakage reached its lowest in regimen 3, 2%,
      compared to 7-9%. Multivariate analyses revealed that high American Society of
      Anesthesiologist score was a predicting factor for both CCI and anastomotic
      leakage. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that nil by mouth until postoperative
      day 7 followed by a slow increase to a blended diet after esophagectomy results
      in less severe complications and a tendency of fewer anastomotic leakages.
      Multiple comorbidities proved to be an important predictive factor of the
      postoperative course.

PMID- 28078354
TI  - [Tracheal laceration after dilatational tracheostomy : A case of succesful
      conservative management].
AB  - During bronchoscopically guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy, a 71-year
      old woman suffered a long-stretched tear to the posterior tracheal wall. The
      injury was suspected to be caused by blunt trauma during dilation or cannula
      insertion, possibly aggravated by vigorous cuff inflation. Since the defect ended
      just 0.5 cm proximal to the main carina, placing a cuffed endotracheal tube
      beyond the injury was not an option. However, we decided for a conservative
      treatment approach by placing a cuffed endotracheal tube under bronchoscopic
      visualization in direct proximity to the cranial end of the laceration. The
      further course of the patient was uneventful and complete healing was documented
      by bronchoscopic inspection on a regular basis.

PMID- 28078355
TI  - [Compression therapy of venous leg ulcers in the decongestion phase].
AB  - Compression therapy is the basis for successful treatment in most patients with
      venous leg ulcers. Concerning compression therapy, the initial phase of
      decongestion and the following phase of maintenance should be differentiated.
      While in the maintenance phase (ulcer) stocking systems are now frequently
      recommended, in the decongestion phase compression bandages are mostly still
      used, which however are often inappropriately applied. In German-speaking
      countries, compression therapy with short-stretch bandages has a long tradition.
      However, their correct application requires good training and monitoring, which
      is often lacking in daily practice. Less error-prone treatment alternatives are
      multicomponent systems, some of which have an optical marker for the control of
      the correct subbandage pressure. In another new type of compression system, which
      is called adaptive or wrap bandages, the compression pressure can be adjusted
      using a Velcro fastener. Accompanying intermittent pneumatic compression therapy
      can also be used in the decongestion phase. Thus, there are now several different
      treatment options that can be used for the decongestion phase in patients with
      venous leg ulcers. Often bandages with short-stretch materials are very prone to
      errors and should in most cases be replaced by other compression systems today.
      The patient's preference, need, and capability should be considered when
      selecting the appropriate system for the individual patient.

PMID- 28078356
TI  - [Marketability of food supplements - criteria for the legal assessment].
AB  - To be placed on the market legally, food supplements have to meet national and
      European food law regulations. This is true for all substances used as well as
      for the labeling on the packaging of and the advertising for food supplements.
      The food business operator is responsible for its compliance with all
      regulations. Therefore, in this article, a concise step-by-step assessment is
      presented, covering all necessary legal requirements to market food supplements.
      Additionally, all steps are visualized in a flow chart. All vitamins, minerals
      and other substances used have to meet the legal conditions. Food business
      operators have to make sure that their products do not contain medicinal
      ingredients based on their pharmacologic effect. It is prohibited to place
      medicinal products as food supplements on the market. Furthermore, food business
      operators have to make sure that their products are not non-authorized novel
      foods according to the novel food regulation (EC) no. 258/97. Also, food
      supplements have to meet the requirements of article 14 of Regulation (EC) No.
      178/2002 concerning the safety of foodstuff. Food shall not be placed on the
      market if it is unsafe. For food supplements that fail the German food-related
      legal standards but are legally manufactured in another EU member state or are
      legally put into circulation, the importer requires the so-called general
      disposition, which must be applied for at the BVL according to S 54 of the German
      Food and Feed Act. Another possibility for food which fails to meet German food
      law is to apply for a certificate of exemption according to S 68 of the Food and
      Feed Act. The food business operator has to meet the harmonized regulations
      concerning maximum and minimum levels of additives, flavors and enzymes. The
      packaging has to meet the compulsory labeling as well the voluntary labeling,
      like health claims. The BVL is also the relevant authority for other tasks
      concerning food supplements. A figure shows all notifications since 2005 of food
      supplements in Germany at the BVL. Additionally, an overview for notifications in
      the rapid alert system for food and feed concerning food supplements is given as
      well as a brief introduction into the survey of food supplements marketed on the
      internet.

PMID- 28078357
TI  - Intralesional treatment of metastatic melanoma: a review of therapeutic options.
AB  - Intralesional therapy of melanoma patients with locally advanced metastatic
      disease is attracting increasing interest, not least due to its ability to lead
      to both direct tumor cell killing and the stimulation of both a local and a
      systemic immune response. An obvious pre-requisite for this type of approach is
      the presence of accessible metastases that are amenable to direct injection with
      the therapeutic agent of interest. Patients who present with these
      characteristics belong to stages IIIB/C or IV of the disease. Surgical resection
      with intention to cure is the standard of care for patients with limited tumor
      burden and confined spread of disease (resectable patients). However, this
      category of patients is at a high risk of further recurrences until the disease
      becomes inoperable (unresectable) or progresses to a more advanced stage with
      visceral organ involvement, after which the prognosis is particularly grim. Most
      of the intralesional treatments tested so far, including the recently approved
      oncolytic virus talimogene laherparepvec, target the subpopulation of patients
      with unresectable disease, but the possibility to use the intralesional treatment
      in a neoadjuvant setting for fully resectable patients is attracting considerable
      interest. The present article reviews approved products and advanced stage
      pharmaceutical agents in development for the intralesional treatment of melanoma
      patients.

PMID- 28078359
TI  - In touch with mental rotation: interactions between mental and tactile rotations
      and motor responses.
AB  - Although several process models have described the cognitive processing stages
      that are involved in mentally rotating objects, the exact nature of the rotation
      process itself remains elusive. According to embodied cognition, cognitive
      functions are deeply grounded in the sensorimotor system. We thus hypothesized
      that modal rotation perceptions should influence mental rotations. We conducted
      two studies in which participants had to judge if a rotated letter was visually
      presented canonically or mirrored. Concurrently, participants had to judge if a
      tactile rotation on their palm changed direction during the trial. The results
      show that tactile rotations can systematically influence mental rotation
      performance in that same rotations are favored. In addition, the results show
      that mental rotations produce a response compatibility effect: clockwise mental
      rotations facilitate responses to the right, while counterclockwise mental
      rotations facilitate responses to the left. We conclude that the execution of
      mental rotations activates cognitive mechanisms that are also used to perceive
      rotations in different modalities and that are associated with directional motor
      control processes.

PMID- 28078358
TI  - Major histocompatibility complex haplotyping and long-amplicon allele discovery
      in cynomolgus macaques from Chinese breeding facilities.
AB  - Very little is currently known about the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
      region of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis; Mafa) from Chinese breeding
      centers. We performed comprehensive MHC class I haplotype analysis of 100
      cynomolgus macaques from two different centers, with animals from different
      reported original geographic origins (Vietnamese, Cambodian, and
      Cambodian/Indonesian mixed-origin). Many of the samples were of known relation to
      each other (sire, dam, and progeny sets), making it possible to characterize
      lineage-level haplotypes in these animals. We identified 52 Mafa-A and 74 Mafa-B
      haplotypes in this cohort, many of which were restricted to specific sample
      origins. We also characterized full-length MHC class I transcripts using Pacific
      Biosciences (PacBio) RS II single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. This
      technology allows for complete read-through of unfragmented MHC class I
      transcripts (~1100 bp in length), so no assembly is required to unambiguously
      resolve novel full-length sequences. Overall, we identified 311 total full-length
      transcripts in a subset of 72 cynomolgus macaques from these Chinese breeding
      facilities; 130 of these sequences were novel and an additional 115 extended
      existing short database sequences to span the complete open reading frame. This
      significantly expands the number of Mafa-A, Mafa-B, and Mafa-I full-length
      alleles in the official cynomolgus macaque MHC class I database. The PacBio
      technique described here represents a general method for full-length allele
      discovery and genotyping that can be extended to other complex immune loci such
      as MHC class II, killer immunoglobulin-like receptors, and Fc gamma receptors.

PMID- 28078360
TI  - Multimodal nerve monitoring during periacetabular osteotomy identifies surgical
      steps associated with risk of injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sciatic nerve palsy after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a serious
      complication. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a multimodal
      sciatic monitoring technique allows for identification of surgical steps that
      place the sciatic nerve at risk. METHODS: Transcranial electrical motor evoked
      potentials (TcMEPs), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), and spontaneous
      electromyography (EMG) were monitored in a consecutive series of 34 patients (40
      hips) who underwent PAO for the treatment of symptomatic hip dysplasia between
      January 2012 and November 2014. There were 29 females (85%) and five males (15%)
      with an average age of 19 years (range, 12-36 years) at the time of surgery.
      RESULTS: We detected eight temporary sciatic nerve monitoring alerts in six
      patients (incidence of 15%). The events included decrease in amplitude of the
      TcMEPs related to the position of the hip during incomplete ischium osteotomy and
      placement of a retractor in the sciatic notch during the posterior column
      osteotomy (N = 3), generalized bilateral decrease in TcMEPs during fragment
      manipulation and fixation in association with acute blood loss (N = 2), and a
      change in SSEPs during a superior pubic osteotomy and supra-acetabular osteotomy
      (N = 1). At the end of the procedure, TcMEPs and SSEPs were at baseline and there
      was no abnormal pattern on EMG in all patients. Post-operatively, at two, six, 12
      weeks, and six and 12 months, no motor weakness or sensory deficits were noted.
      CONCLUSION: Multimodal neuromonitoring allowed for identification of intra
      operative steps and maneuvers that potentially place the sciatic nerve at higher
      risk of injury.

PMID- 28078361
TI  - INFIX versus plating for pelvic fractures with disruption of the symphysis pubis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare INFIX to plating in the
      treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries with disruption of the symphysis.
      METHODS: Twenty-four patients treated with INFIX were compared to 28 patients
      fixed by plating. All patients had anterior and posterior fixation. Injuries were
      classified using the Young and Burgess and AO/OTA classification systems.
      Reductions of the pelvic ring were assessed using the pelvic deformity index
      (PDI) and symphyseal widening. Patients were contacted to get functional outcomes
      using the Majeed scoring system and complications were tabulated . RESULTS: INFIX
      was inferior to plating at reducing symphyseal widening (INFIX 10.72+/- 5.0
      Plates 6.97 +/- 3.39 P = 0.012) but similar in reducing the pelvic deformity
      index. (INFIX 0.0221+/- .015 Plates 0.0190 +/- .0105 P = 0 .38). Majeed scores
      were similar 83.95 +/- 15.2 (median 89, range 51-100) for INFIX and 77.67+/- 16.7
      (median 79, range 54-100) for plating. Complications included infection (1 (4%)
      INFIX , 4 (14%) plates), improper hardware placement or failure (2 (8%) INFIX, 3
      (11%) plates), and heterotopic ossification (11 (46%) INFIX, 16 (57.1%) plates).
      Infection in the plated patients was related to urological injury in 3/4 cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Plating provides better reduction of the pubic symphysis and
      requires only one surgery. Outcomes scores were similar. INFIX may be preferable
      in obese patients, young women of childbearing age or those with urological
      injury.

PMID- 28078362
TI  - Use of dual-mobility cup in revision hip arthroplasty reduces the risk for
      further dislocation: analysis of seven hundred and ninety one first-time
      revisions performed due to dislocation, reported to the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty
      Register.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common reason for
      revision. The last decade fostered a significant increase in the use of dual
      mobility cups (DMCs). Here we report our study on the short-term survival rate of
      a cemented DMC reported to the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register (SHAR) compared
      with other cemented designs used in first-time revision due to dislocation.
      METHODS: During 2005-2015, 984 first-time revisions for dislocation were reported
      to SHAR. In 436 of these cases a cemented dual articular cup was used. During the
      same time period, 355 revisions performed with a standard cemented cup (femoral
      head size 28-36 mm) were reported to the SHAR. Patients receiving a DMC were
      slightly older (75 years, p = 0.005). Re-revision for all reasons was used as
      primary endpoint. We also anlaysed risk for re-revision of the acetabular
      component and re-revision due to dislocation. Kaplan-Meier implant survival and a
      Cox regression analyses adjusted for age and gender were performed. RESULTS:
      Implant survival at 4 years for all reasons (91% +/- 3.7% vs 86% +/- 4.1%, p =
      0.02), and especially for re-operation because of dislocation, favours the DMC
      group (96% +/- 3.0% vs 92% +/- 3.3%, p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: Our findings
      indicate that use of a cemented DMC reduces the short- to mid-term risk of a
      second revision in first-time revisions compared with classic cup designs. Longer
      follow-up is needed to establish any long-term clinical advantages when DMCs are
      used in revisions performed due to dislocation.

PMID- 28078363
TI  - Short-term outcome after total hip arthroplasty using dual-mobility cup: report
      from Lithuanian Arthroplasty Register.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate how the use of dual-mobility
      cups (DMCs) affected the risk of revision due to dislocation as well as overall
      risk of revision compared with a conventional total hip arthroplasty (THA) system
      in the short term. METHODS: A total of 12,657 primary THAs were registered from
      the start of 2011 to the end of 2014. 620 THAs were with DMCs. For comparison, we
      included all registered THAs with Exeter cup and a cemented Exeter stem combined
      with 28-mm femoral head. Patients were followed up with respect to revision
      and/or death until 1 January 2016. For survival analysis, we used revision as an
      endpoint. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyse the influence of
      various covariates (age, gender, surgical approach, THA model and pre-operative
      diagnosis). RESULTS: Of the 620 dual-mobility THAs and 2170 Exeter THAs, 100 had
      been revised. The overall unadjusted cumulative revision rate (CRR) for any
      reason of revision at five years after surgery was 3.9% in the dual-mobility
      group and 5.2% in the Exeter group. Cox regression analysis, adjusting for age,
      gender, THA type, surgical approach and pre-operative diagnosis, showed that the
      risk of revision was less in patients operated with DMCs and in patients having
      their operation for osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: The DM implant had a lower short
      term complication rate than a conventional well defined THA. Low dislocation rate
      suggests that it is a good choice for high risk patients.

PMID- 28078364
TI  - [Ligament injuries of fingers and thumbs].
AB  - Degenerative and traumatic ligament lesions of the carpometacarpal joints
      frequently occur at the thumb ray, whereas the carpometacarpal amphiarthrosis of
      other finger rays are rarely affected. The metacarpophalangeal and
      interphalangeal joints of the thumb and fingers are stabilized by bilaterally
      running collateral ligaments and palmar plates. At the base of the
      metacarpophalangeal joints, several ligaments of the extensor hoods guide the
      extensor tendons and coordinate the fine motoric skills of phalangeal flexing and
      extending. Several annular and cruciform ligaments hold the flexor tendons close
      to the finger skeleton. Other than at the wrist, differentiation between dynamic
      and static instability patterns is possible by physical examination. This review
      article presents the ligaments of the thumb and the fingers, the traumatic and
      degenerative lesions as well as the diagnostic capability of x-rays,
      cinematography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography.

PMID- 28078366
TI  - Genetic Screening of WNT4 and WNT5B in Two Populations with Deviating Bone
      Mineral Densities.
AB  - A role for WNT4 and WNT5B in bone metabolism was indicated by genome-wide
      association studies (GWAS) and a Wnt4 knockout mouse model. The aim of this study
      was therefore to replicate and further investigate the causality between genetic
      variation in WNT4 and WNT5B and deviating bone mineral density (BMD) values. A
      WNT4 and WNT5B mutation screening was performed in patients with craniotubular
      hyperostosis using Sanger sequencing. Here, no putative causal mutations were
      detected. Moreover, a high and low BMD cohort was selected from the Odense
      Androgen Study population for re-sequencing. In WNT4 we detected four variants
      (three rare, one common), while in WNT5B we detected five variants (two rare,
      three common). For the common variants, no significant difference in genotype
      frequencies between the high and low BMD cohorts was observed. The SNPs
      associated with the GWAS were genotyped in these cohorts, but again no
      significant difference in genotype frequencies was observed. Despite the findings
      of the GWAS, we were not able to replicate or further verify the genetic
      association of polymorphisms in WNT4 and WNT5B with BMD. In order to do so, the
      intronic regions of both genes could be investigated more thoroughly in more
      extended populations (or extremes) with greater power. Future genetic and
      functional studies toward adjacent genes of WNT4 and WNT5B can also be
      interesting to figure out whether the signal from GWAS could possibly be
      attributed to genetic variation in these genes.

PMID- 28078367
TI  - Topographical relationship between positions of lingual foramina and attachment
      of mylohyoid muscle in mental region.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lingual foramina can be observed between the lingual aspects of the
      mandible in humans. A sublingual artery is thought to exist in sublingual space
      and a submental artery in submaxillary space, which pierce the mandible through
      lingual foramina. During surgery for oral implant placement between apices of the
      mental foramen, it is important to determine the existence and positioning of
      lingual foramina. The purpose of this study was to investigate the positions of
      lingual foramina in relation to the mylohyoid muscle and vertical position of the
      mylohyoid line using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: We
      examined 20 formalin-perfused cadavers. The mylohyoid muscle was dissected and
      marked with a silicone tube, then CBCT images were obtained to evaluate the
      relationship of that muscle with lingual foramina. RESULTS: We observed 37
      lingual foramina in the 20 cadavers. As for vertical positioning, 16 lingual
      foramina were found in sublingual space, while in horizontal positioning, 6 were
      found in the anterior region of sublingual space. The ratio of vertical distance
      from the inferior margin to the mylohyoid line and mental spine was lower in the
      anterior region as compared to the posterior region. CONCLUSION: In this study,
      lingual foramina were found to commonly exist in sublingual space above the
      mylohyoid muscle and pierce the mesial side. For evaluation of the vertical
      position of the mylohyoid line, it is better to use the stable mental spine
      rather than the alveolar process.

PMID- 28078368
TI  - Time-Dependent Toxicity Responses in Daphnia magna Exposed to CuO and ZnO
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - Aggregation and dissolution of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) increased with
      increasing exposure time (24, 48, and 72 h). Acute toxicity of CuO NPs to Daphnia
      magna also increased significantly with increasing exposure time (p < 0.05),
      whereas exposure time did not significantly affect acute toxicity of ZnO NPs. The
      dissolved Cu concentration of CuO NPs was much lower than the median effective
      concentration (EC50) value (44 MUg L-1 at 72 h), implying that the increase in
      acute toxicity was caused by particles rather than by dissolved ions. However,
      the dissolved Zn concentration of ZnO NPs was higher than the EC50 value (600 MUg
      L-1 at 72 h), suggesting this acute toxicity may be caused by dissolved ions.
      Moreover, CuO NPs induced greater lipid peroxidation than Cu ions did at an
      exposure time of 72 h, whereas converse results were observed for ZnO NPs.

PMID- 28078369
TI  - Effectiveness of Integrated Best Management Practices on Mitigation of Atrazine
      and Metolachlor in an Agricultural Lake Watershed.
AB  - The study examined the influence of land-use (cropping patterns) and integrated
      agricultural best management practices (BMPs) on spring herbicide levels in an
      agricultural watershed. Atrazine and metolachlor were applied for weed control
      during spring of 1998-2002, 2005, and 2007-2013. Watershed-wide mass of applied
      herbicides ranged from 12.7 to 209.2 g atrazine and 10.9-302.2 g metolachlor with
      greatest application during 1998, 2009-2010 (atrazine) and 2007-2013
      (metolachlor). Spring herbicide concentrations in Beasley Lake water ranged from
      below detection to 3.54 MUg atrazine/L and 3.01 MUg metolachlor/L. Multiple
      linear regression analyses with cropping patterns, BMPs, rainfall and time as
      independent variables, showed atrazine applications were associated with
      increases in cotton acreage and quail buffer, while metolachlor applications
      increased over time. Multiple linear regressions showed lake atrazine
      concentrations were associated with conservation tillage, rainfall, and corn,
      while lake metolachlor concentrations were associated with the cumulative
      metolachlor application and sediment retention pond installation.

PMID- 28078370
TI  - Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in the Eastern District of Abu Dhabi Emirate,
      UAE.
AB  - Water samples were collected to evaluate the groundwater quality in the shallow
      unconfined alluvial aquifer in the eastern part of Abu-Dhabi Emirate, UAE. The
      chemical monitoring revealed some spatial variability in chemical parameters as
      influenced by matrix aquifer changes in geological formations. Results show that
      changes in groundwater chemistry in the aquifer is mainly controlled by
      evaporation, silicate mineral dissolution, evaporite dissolution, and cation
      exchange. The concentration increases were accounted for primarily by dissolved
      sodium, chloride, and sulphate. The high value of total dissolved solids of
      shallow groundwater is mainly controlled by evaporation. The dominance of sodium
      ion was evident among the cationic compositions with an average of 2621.1 mg/L,
      while the chloride ion was the dominant among the anionic constituents with an
      average of 6249 mg/L. The prevalence of those two elements in most water samples
      contributes to the existence of saline water occurrence in the study area.

PMID- 28078371
TI  - Acetabular defect classification in times of 3D imaging and patient-specific
      treatment protocols.
AB  - Parallel to the rising number of revision hip procedures, an increasing number of
      complex periprosthetic osseous defects can be expected. Stable long-term fixation
      of the revision implant remains the ultimate goal of the surgical protocol.
      Within this context, an elaborate preoperative planning process including
      anticipation of the periacetabular defect form and size and analysis of the
      remaining supporting osseous elements are essential. However, detection and
      evaluation of periacetabular bone defects using an unsystematic analysis of plain
      anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis is in many cases difficult. Therefore,
      periacetabular bone defect classification schemes such as the Paprosky system
      have been introduced that use standardized radiographic criteria to better
      anticipate the intraoperative reality. Recent studies were able to demonstrate
      that larger defects are often underestimated when using the Paprosky
      classification and that the intra- and interobserver reliability of the system is
      low. This makes it hard to compare results in terms of defects being studied.
      Novel software tools that are based on the analysis of CT data may provide an
      opportunity to overcome the limitations of native radiographic defect analysis.
      In the following article we discuss potential benefits of these novel instruments
      against the background of the obvious limitations of the currently used native
      radiographic defect analysis.

PMID- 28078372
TI  - Fragility fractures of the spine.

PMID- 28078373
TI  - [Aus "Fehler und Gefahren" wird "Patientensicherheit" und aus "Trends und
      Medizinokonomie" wird "Qualitatsmanagement und Medizinokonomie"].

PMID- 28078374
TI  - [Anaesthesia procedures and invasive vascular access in severely injured patients
      at trauma room admission in Germany : An online survey].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The continuous monitoring of vital parameters and subsequent therapy
      belong to the core duties of anaesthetists during acute trauma resuscitation in
      the trauma room. Important procedures may include placement of arterial lines and
      central venous catheters (CVCs). Knowledge of indication, performance and
      localization of invasive catheterisation of trauma care in Germany is scarce.
      METHODS: After approval of the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive
      Care Medicine we conducted an online survey about arterial and central venous
      catheterisation of severely injured patients with consideration of common
      practice used by anaesthetists in German trauma rooms. Data are presented in a
      descriptive manner. RESULTS: Of 843 hospitals invited for the survey, 72 (8.5%)
      had complete and valid data and were thus included in the analysis. Of these, 47%
      were supra-regional (level 1) trauma centres, 38% regional trauma centres and 15%
      local trauma centres. The annual mean injury severity score (ISS) of admitted
      patients to these hospitals was 21 +/- 10. In the trauma room, the responding
      hospitals place CVCs (49%) and arterial lines (59%) only in haemodynamically
      unstable patients, whereas 24% (CVC) and 39% (arterial line) do when pathological
      laboratory tests were confirmed. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) merely
      exist for placement of either arterial lines (25%) or CVCs (22%) in multiple
      trauma resuscitation. The decision to perform CVC or arterial line placement is
      usually (79%) at the discretion of the attending anaesthetist. The preferred
      anatomical access site for CVCs is the right internal jugular vein (46%) and for
      arterial lines the radial artery (without side preference) (57%), respectively.
      Of the responding hospitals, 49% prefer landmark-guided CVC-puncture (91% of
      arterial lines) instead of 43% using sonographic guidance (9% of arterial lines).
      Intravascular electrocardiography monitoring for CVC tip detection is used by
      36%. CONCLUSION: In Germany, medical indication and schedule of invasive vascular
      catheterisation of severely injured patients in the trauma room is rarely
      regulated by SOPs and often performed at the discretion of the attending trauma
      team. Sonographic assistance during vascular puncture and electrocardiography for
      CVC tip detection is not as common as in non-emergency anaesthesia. Further
      studies are required to explore the real necessity and safety of invasive
      vascular catheterisation in multiple trauma patients in order to improve trauma
      care.

PMID- 28078376
TI  - Ipsilateral Dual-Site, Same-Sitting Percutaneous Lung Biopsy: A Feasibility
      Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with thoracic malignancies often have more than one site of
      pulmonary, nodal or pleural disease within one hemithorax. In addition, large
      heterogeneous lesions may comprise distinct, mixed pathological entities.
      Histological analysis of these lesions can alter tumour staging and treatment
      options. We investigated the feasibility, safety and benefit of performing image
      guided percutaneous lung biopsy (PLB) of two lesions in the same hemithorax at a
      single sitting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten consecutive outpatients with two or
      more potential disease foci within the same hemithorax were analysed over a 15
      month period. The mean age of the patients was 66 years (range 46-81 years).
      Patients underwent CT-guided coaxial 20G   core biopsy of both lesions, with
      separate coaxial punctures for each lesion. Patients were managed as per
      established local institution ambulatory lung biopsy protocol using small-calibre
      Heimlich-valve chest drain (HVCD) to treat significant post-PLB pneumothorax in
      an outpatient setting. Data regarding lesion characteristics, diagnoses and
      complications were recorded. RESULTS: All 10 patients (n = 20 biopsies, 100%
      technical success) received informative histological diagnosis on both lesions.
      This altered management in all cases. Although a high rate of pneumothorax
      occurred (60%; 6/10), only two of these patients required treatment with HVCD. No
      other significant complications occurred in those patients with small
      asymptomatic pneumothoraces or those that required HVCD placement. CONCLUSIONS:
      Dual-site lung biopsy, performed as a single procedure, is potentially a safe and
      effective technique for diagnosing patients with multiple thoracic lesions, and
      can provide useful staging information to guide patient management.

PMID- 28078375
TI  - Assessing Intra-arterial Complications of Planning and Treatment Angiograms for Y
      90 Radioembolization.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report hepatic arterial-related complications encountered during
      planning and treatment angiograms for radioembolization and understand any
      potential-associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 518 mapping or
      treatment angiograms for 180 patients with primary or metastatic disease to the
      liver treated by Yttrium-90 radioembolization between 2/2010 and 12/2015 were
      retrospectively reviewed. Intra-procedural complications were recorded per SIR
      guidelines. Patient demographics, indication for treatment, prior exposure to
      chemotherapeutic agents, operator experience, and disease burden were reviewed.
      Technical variables including type of radioembolic (glass vs. resin
      microspheres), indication for angiography (mapping vs. treatment), variant
      anatomy, and attempts at coil embolization were also assessed. RESULTS: Thirteen
      (13/518, 2.5%) arterial-related complications occurred in 13 patients. All but
      two complications resulted during transcatheter coil embolization to prevent non
      target embolization. Complications included coil migration (n = 6), arterial
      dissection (n = 2), focal vessel perforation (n = 2), arterial thrombus (n = 2),
      and vasospasm prohibiting further arterial sub-selection (n = 1). Transarterial
      coiling was identified as a significant risk factor of complications on both
      univariate and multivariate regression analysis (odds ratio 7.8, P = 0.004).
      Usage of resin microspheres was also a significant risk factor (odds ratio 9.5, P
      = 0.042). No other technical parameters or pre-procedural variables were
      significant after adjusting for confounding on multivariate analysis (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Intra-procedural hepatic arterial complications encountered during
      radioembolization were infrequent but occurred mainly during coil embolization to
      prevent non-target delivery to extra-hepatic arteries.

PMID- 28078377
TI  - Advances in Imaging and Management Trends of Traumatic Aortic Injuries.
AB  - Acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI) is a life-threatening injury. CT is the
      imaging tool of choice, and the knowledge of direct and indirect signs of injury,
      grading system, and current management protocol helps the emergency radiologist
      to better identify and classify the injury and provide additional details that
      can impact management options. Newer dual-source CT technology with ultrafast
      acquisition speed has also influenced the appropriate protocol for imaging in
      patients with suspected ATAI. This review highlights the imaging protocol in
      patients with blunt trauma, CT appearance and grading systems of ATAI, management
      options, and the role of the multidisciplinary team in the management of these
      patients. We also briefly review the current literature on the definition,
      treatment, and follow-up protocol in patients with minimal aortic injury.

PMID- 28078378
TI  - Post-procedural Care in Interventional Radiology: What Every Interventional
      Radiologist Should Know-Part I: Standard Post-procedural Instructions and Follow
      Up Care.
AB  - Interventional radiology (IR) has evolved into a full-fledged clinical specialty
      with attendant patient care responsibilities. Success in IR now requires
      development of a full clinical practice, including consultations, inpatient
      admitting privileges, and an outpatient clinic. In addition to technical
      excellence and innovation, maintaining a comprehensive practice is imperative for
      interventional radiologists to compete successfully for patients and referral
      bases. A structured approach to periprocedural care, including routine follow-up
      and early identification and management of complications, facilitates efficient
      and thorough management with an emphasis on quality and patient safety.

PMID- 28078379
TI  - Chitosan-Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate Hydrogel: Characterization and Preclinical
      Evaluation of a Novel Sclerosing Embolizing Agent for the Treatment of Endoleaks.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of an embolization agent with sclerosing
      properties (made of chitosan and sodium tetradecyl sulfate, CH-STS) with a
      similar embolization agent but without sclerosing properties (made of chitosan,
      CH) in treating endoleaks in a canine endovascular aneurysm repair model.
      METHODS: Two chitosan-based radiopaque hydrogels were prepared, one with STS and
      one without STS. Their rheological, injectability, and embolizing properties were
      assessed in vitro; afterwards, their efficacy in occluding endoleaks was compared
      in a canine bilateral aneurysm model reproducing type I endoleaks (n = 9 each).
      The primary endpoint was endoleak persistence at 3 or 6 months, assessed on a CT
      scan and macroscopic examination. Secondary endpoints were the occurrence of
      stent-graft (SG) thrombosis, the evolution of the aneurysm mean diameter, as well
      as aneurysm healing and inflammation scores in pathology examinations. RESULTS:
      In vitro experiments showed that both products gelled rapidly and presented
      initial storage moduli greater than 800 Pa, which increased with time. Both gels
      were compatible with microcatheter injection and occlude flow up to physiological
      pressure in vitro. In a type I endoleak model, the injection of CH-STS sclerosing
      gel tended to reduce the risk of occurrence of endoleaks, compared to CH non
      sclerosing agent (2/9 vs. 6/9, p = 0.069). No case of SG thrombosis was observed.
      Moderate inflammation was found around both gels, with a comparable intensity
      score in both CH and CH-STS groups (2.6 +/- 0.9 and 2.7 +/- 0.9, respectively; p
      = 0.789). CONCLUSIONS: Flow occlusion combined with chemical endothelial
      denudation appears promising for the treatment of endoleaks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      N/A.

PMID- 28078380
TI  - Imaging features of hepatic sarcomatous carcinoma on computed tomography and
      gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the imaging features of hepatic sarcomatous carcinoma
      including sarcomatous intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (S-ICC) and sarcomatous
      hepatocellular carcinoma (S-HCC) on computed tomography (CT) and gadoxetic acid
      enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four
      patients with pathologically confirmed S-ICCs (n = 13), S-HCCs (n = 7),
      sarcomatous carcinoma (n = 2), carcinosarcoma (n = 1), and sarcomatous combined
      HCC-CC (n = 1) (size range 2.1-23 cm, mean 8.3 cm) underwent gadoxetic acid
      enhanced MRI (n = 20) and/or dynamic CT (N = 24). Underlying chronic hepatitis or
      cirrhosis was found in 17 patients. Two reviewers evaluated morphology, signal
      intensity, and enhancement features of tumors based on a consensus. RESULTS:
      Lobulated contour was observed in 15 tumors (62.5%); the rest were round or oval
      masses. During dynamic imaging, S-ICCs showed poor enhancement (n = 10 on CT; n =
      7 on MRI) or initial thin-rim enhancement with/without progressive enhancement (n
      = 3 on CT; n = 6 on MRI). S-HCCs and the other four tumors showed a thin or thick
      enhancement pattern on both CT and MRI. T2 bright signal intensity similar to
      fluid was found in 10 tumors. Target appearance on hepatobiliary phase and
      diffusion-weighted imaging was seen in two S-ICCs and two S-HCCs. Of 18
      surgically resected tumors, 17 showed vascular invasion and/or thrombosis in
      histology and 12 in CT and MRI. Ten tumors were accompanied by intrahepatic
      metastasis or tumor seeding and 19 patients had recurrence or progression of
      tumors during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Hepatic sarcomatous carcinoma including S
      HCC and S-ICC generally presents minimal rim-like arterial enhancement or extreme
      hypovascularity on CT and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI with a high frequency of T2
      bright area due to extensive necrosis and vascular invasion.

PMID- 28078381
TI  - Celiac disease: a clinical review.
AB  - Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory enteropathy triggered by
      gluten exposure in genetically susceptible individuals. It has a high prevalence
      approaching 1% of the US population. A high index of suspicion is warranted to
      diagnose CD as frequently patients present with extraintestinal or atypical
      manifestations. CD is diagnosed by a combination of serum serologies and duodenal
      biopsies. The majority of patients will respond to a lifelong gluten-free diet
      which is the cornerstone of therapy. Complications such as refractory CD,
      ulcerative jejunoileitis, enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma and small bowel
      adenocarcinoma occur in a minority of patients.

PMID- 28078382
TI  - Timing and Mode of Delivery in Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease- an
      Analysis of Practices within the University of California Fetal Consortium
      (UCfC).
AB  - Prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with
      decreased morbidity. It is also associated with lower birth weights and earlier
      gestational age at delivery. The University of California Fetal Consortium (UCfC)
      comprises five tertiary medical centers, and was created to define treatment
      practices. We utilized this consortium to assess delivery patterns and outcomes
      in subjects with prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of CHD. A retrospective cohort
      study was conducted on maternal-neonatal pairs diagnosed with complex CHD
      prenatally (n = 186) and postnatally (n = 110) from 2011 to 2013. Outcomes were
      assessed between groups after adjusting for disease severity. Prenatally
      diagnosed subjects were born earlier (38.1 +/- 0.11 vs. 39 +/- 0.14 weeks, p = <
      0.001), and had lower birth weights (2853 +/- 49 vs. 3074 +/- 58 g, p = 0.005) as
      compared to postnatal diagnosis. For every week increase in gestational age and
      100 g increase in birth weight, length of stay decreased by 12.3 +/- 2.7% (p <
      0.001) and 3.9 +/- 0.9% (p < 0.001). Subjects with prenatal diagnosis were more
      often born via cesarean both planned (35.6 vs. 26.2%, p = 0.004) and after a
      trial of labor (13 vs. 7.8%, p = 0.017). Neonates with cesarean delivery trended
      toward a longer length of stay (2.6 days longer), and were born earlier as
      compared to other modalities (37.7 +/- 0.22 weeks, p = 0.001). Management after
      prenatal diagnosis of CHD appears to have modifiable disadvantages for maternal
      and neonatal outcomes. The UCfC provides a platform to study best practices and
      standardization of care for future studies.

PMID- 28078383
TI  - Effects of Triple Cryoenergy Application on Lesion Formation and Coronary
      Arteries in the Developing Myocardium.
AB  - To improve long-term outcome after cryoablation of substrates of supraventricular
      tachycardia, application of two and three consecutive freeze-thaw cycles has been
      performed. The effect of triple freeze-thaw cycles on lesion formation within
      developing myocardium and coronary arteries, however, has not been studied yet.
      In eight piglets (mean age 15 weeks, weight 15-20 kg), 30 cryolesions (three
      consecutive freeze-thaw cycles) were applied to the atrial aspect of both AV
      valve annuli (n = 18) as well as to ventricular myocardium below the valves (n =
      12). Coronary angiography was performed before and after cryoenergy application.
      The animals were reevaluated by coronary angiography and intracoronary ultrasound
      (ICUS) after 48 h. All hearts were removed for histological examination of the
      lesions subsequently. After staining (hematoxylin-eosin, desmin
      immunohistochemistry), lesions was measured by planimetry with a digital virtual
      miscroscope analysis system and volumes of the cryolesions were calculated. Mean
      atrial lesion volume was 190.68 +/- 167.53 mm3 (n = 18), and mean ventricular
      lesion volume was 184.34 +/- 107.42 mm3 (n = 12). Compared with previously
      reported data on lesion volumes after single and double freeze-thaw cycles,
      lesions were significantly larger. Coronary arteries were unaffected on coronary
      angiography as well as on ICUS. No affection of coronary arteries was found on
      histological examination. Application of three consecutive freeze-thaw cycles
      resulted in increased lesion volume compared with single and double freeze-thaw
      cycles. No affection of the coronary arteries was evident. To evaluate the
      clinical benefit and safety of triple cryoenergy application for catheter
      ablation, prospective randomized trials are required.

PMID- 28078384
TI  - Echocardiographic Versus Angiographic Assessment of Patent Arterial Duct in
      Percutaneous Closure: Towards X-ray Free Duct Occlusion?
AB  - Device selection and procedural guidance for percutaneous ductal closure strongly
      rely upon angiographic and echocardiographic imaging. Current literature
      recognises 2D echocardiography as an essential tool for diagnosis and assessment
      but does not define a consistent methodology to optimise ductal measurement.
      There is little research comparing echocardiography with gold standard
      angiography for ductal measurement. Proving 2D echocardiographic ductal
      measurement to be equivalent to angiography could pave the way for its use as the
      primary modality in image guidance for percutaneous closure of the ductus. This
      was a retrospective study of 100 consecutive paediatric patients who underwent
      percutaneous ductal closure. Echocardiographic images were studied to determine
      ductal (a) morphology (b) dimensions (length, aortic ampulla, pulmonary end,
      minimum diameter) (c) size of device that would be appropriate for closure. These
      data were compared to corresponding measurements generated by angiographic
      images. Inter and intra-observer ratings were calculated to assess levels of
      agreement. There were significant differences between the imaging methods in
      classifying the morphological sub-type and ductal measurements (p < 0.005),
      except for length which was not found to be significantly different between
      modalities. Prediction of device selection from angiographic images showed
      excellent agreement (weighted k = 0.81). Predictions based on echocardiographic
      images showed a poor level of agreement (weighted k = 0.14). We found poor
      correlation between echocardiography and angiography for measurement,
      morphological assessment and device selection. Based on our findings,
      percutaneous arterial duct occlusion without angiographic guidance in this age
      group cannot be advocated.

PMID- 28078385
TI  - Glucose and fatty acids synergistically and reversibly promote beta cell
      proliferation in rats.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The mechanisms underlying pancreatic islet mass expansion have
      attracted considerable interest as potential therapeutic targets to prevent or
      delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. While several factors promoting beta cell
      proliferation have been identified, in the context of nutrient excess the roles
      of glucose or NEFA in relation to insulin resistance remain unclear. Here we
      tested the hypothesis that glucose and NEFA synergistically and reversibly
      promote beta cell proliferation in the context of nutrient-induced insulin
      resistance. METHODS: Using 72 h infusions of glucose (GLU) or the oleate-enriched
      lipid emulsion ClinOleic (CLI), singly or in combination, we assessed beta cell
      proliferation, islet mass and insulin sensitivity in male Lewis rats. The effects
      of nutrients and endogenous circulating factors were examined in isolated and
      transplanted islets. Reversibility was studied 3 and 6 days after the end of the
      infusion. RESULTS: GLU infusions modestly stimulated beta cell proliferation, CLI
      alone had no effect and GLU+CLI infusions markedly stimulated beta cell
      proliferation. Insulin sensitivity was equally decreased in GLU and GLU+CLI
      infusions. GLU+CLI infusions also stimulated beta cell proliferation in islets
      transplanted under the kidney capsule, albeit to a lesser extent compared with
      endogenous islets. Ex vivo, the combination of glucose and NEFA enhanced beta
      cell proliferation in rat and human islets independently from secreted insulin,
      and serum from GLU+CLI-infused rats potentiated the effect of glucose. Glucose
      tolerance, beta cell proliferation and islet mass were all restored to normal
      levels 6 days after termination of the infusion. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION:
      Glucose and NEFA synergistically and reversibly promote beta cell proliferation
      in part via direct action on the beta cell and independently from secreted
      insulin.

PMID- 28078386
TI  - Early differences in islets from prediabetic NOD mice: combined microarray and
      proteomic analysis.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Type 1 diabetes is an endocrine disease where a long preclinical
      phase, characterised by immune cell infiltration in the islets of Langerhans,
      precedes elevated blood glucose levels and disease onset. Although several
      studies have investigated the role of the immune system in this process of
      insulitis, the importance of the beta cells themselves in the initiation of type
      1 diabetes is less well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate
      intrinsic differences present in the islets from diabetes-prone NOD mice before
      the onset of insulitis. METHODS: The islet transcriptome and proteome of 2-3-week
      old mice was investigated by microarray and 2-dimensional difference gel
      electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), respectively. Subsequent analyses using sophisticated
      pathway analysis and ranking of differentially expressed genes and proteins based
      on their relevance in type 1 diabetes were performed. RESULTS: In the
      preinsulitic period, alterations in general pathways related to metabolism and
      cell communication were already present. Additionally, our analyses pointed to an
      important role for post-translational modifications (PTMs), especially
      citrullination by PAD2 and protein misfolding due to low expression levels of
      protein disulphide isomerases (PDIA3, 4 and 6), as causative mechanisms that
      induce beta cell stress and potential auto-antigen generation.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We conclude that the pancreatic islets, irrespective
      of immune differences, may contribute to the initiation of the autoimmune
      process. DATA AVAILABILITY: All microarray data are available in the ArrayExpress
      database ( www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress ) under accession number E-MTAB-5264.

PMID- 28078387
TI  - Landowners' Perspectives on Coordinated, Landscape-Level Invasive Species
      Control: The Role of Social and Ecological Context.
AB  - To achieve biodiversity gains, landowner engagement in coordinated invasive
      species control programs across private lands is needed. Understanding
      landowners' perspectives toward such coordinated control efforts is crucial to
      facilitating engagement. We conducted in person and mail surveys of 68 landowners
      in and adjacent to the area of a proposed invasive predator control program in
      New Zealand. We find that, similar to previous studies, landowners consider the
      potential socioeconomic and ecological benefits of invasive species control and
      express a strong desire to enhance native biodiversity. However, we also find
      that landowners take into account the complexity of the local social and
      ecological context in which a program will unfold in three ways: they consider
      (1) the level of contribution by other landowners and urban residents who are
      benefiting from collective control efforts; (2) the potential for the program to
      upset the local "ecological balance", leading to increases in other pests; and
      (3) the probability that the program will be successful given the likelihood of
      others participating and control tactics being effective. We suggest that
      managers of coordinated invasive species control efforts may benefit from
      devoting time and resources toward addressing beliefs about social and ecological
      context, rather than solely providing financial subsidies and information about
      control tactics or the impacts of invasive species.

PMID- 28078388
TI  - High Stocking Density Controls Phillyrea Angustifolia in Mediterranean
      Grasslands.
AB  - Extensive grazing applied in the form of low instantaneous pressure over a long
      period is a widespread management practice in protected areas. However this kind
      of stocking method does not always achieve the expected results, in particular
      because it fails to limit colonization by woody plants.This is the case in the
      relict xero-halophytic grasslands of the northern Mediterranean coastal region,
      subjected to widespread colonization by the shrub Phillyrea angustifolia despite
      the presence of extensive grazing. In this study, we investigated, for an equal
      annual stocking rate, the respective impact of high stocking density applied over
      a short period (mob grazing) and low stocking density applied over a long period
      on both P. angustifolia and herbaceous cover, using an in situ experimental
      design run for 7 years. Only mob grazing was effective both in controlling the
      establishment and increasing the mortality of P. angustifolia individuals. We did
      not find any difference after the 7 years of experimentation between the two
      stocking methods with regard to the herbaceous community parameters tested:
      species richness, diversity, evenness, contribution of annual characteristic
      species. By contrast, the exclusion of domestic grazing led to a strong reduction
      of these values.The use of mob grazing may be well suited for meeting
      conservation goals such as maintaining open habitats in these grasslands.

PMID- 28078389
TI  - Responses of a Federally Endangered Songbird to Understory Thinning in Oak
      Juniper Woodlands.
AB  - Wildlife conservation and management on military lands must be accomplished in
      the context of military readiness, which often includes ground-based training
      that is perceived to conflict with wildlife needs and environmental regulations.
      From 2008-2012, we examined territory density, pairing success, and fledging
      success of the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga
      chrysoparia; hereafter warbler) in relation to removal of small-diameter trees
      from the understory of mature oak-juniper (Quercus-Juniperus) woodland at the
      87,890 ha Fort Hood Military Reservation in central Texas. Understory thinning
      created troop maneuver lanes, but left canopy vegetation intact. Warbler density,
      pairing success, and fledging success were similar across thinned and control
      sites. We found that warbler pairing and fledging success were best predicted by
      Ecological site (hereafter Ecosite), an indicator of hardwood tree species
      composition. Warbler pairing and fledging success were about 1.5 and 1.6 times
      higher, respectively, for territories dominated by the Low Stony Hill Ecosite
      than territories dominated by the Redlands Ecosite. Our results indicate that
      understory thinning for military training purposes did not have a negative effect
      on warblers at Fort Hood in the manner tested, and suggest that removal of
      smaller trees from the understory in a way that replicates historic conditions
      may elicit neutral responses from this forest-dependent songbird. Quantifying
      wildlife responses to military activities provides the Department of Defense and
      US Fish and Wildlife Service with data to guide conservation of threatened and
      endangered species on Department of Defense facilities while maintaining the
      military mission, and supports wildlife management efforts on other public and
      private lands.

PMID- 28078390
TI  - Group Development and Integration in a Cross-Disciplinary and Intercultural
      Research Team.
AB  - Cross-disciplinary research is necessary to solve many complex problems that
      affect society today, including problems involving linked social and
      environmental systems. Examples include natural resource management or scarcity
      problems, problematic effects of climate change, and environmental pollution
      issues. Intercultural research teams are needed to address many complex
      environmental matters as they often cross geographic and political boundaries,
      and involve people of different countries and cultures. It follows that
      disciplinarily and culturally diverse research teams have been organized to
      investigate and address environmental issues. This case study investigates a team
      composed of both monolingual and bilingual Chilean and US university researchers
      who are geoscientists, engineers and economists. The objective of this research
      team was to study both the natural and human parts of a hydrologic system in a
      hyper-arid region in northern Chile. Interviews (n = 8) addressed research
      questions focusing on the interaction of cross-disciplinary diversity and
      cultural diversity during group integration and development within the team. The
      case study revealed that the group struggled more with cross-disciplinary
      challenges than with intercultural ones. Particularly challenging ones were
      instances the of disciplinary crosstalk, or hidden misunderstandings, where team
      members thought they understood their cross-disciplinary colleagues, when in
      reality they did not. Results showed that translation served as a facilitator to
      cross-disciplinary integration of the research team. The use of translation in
      group meetings as a strategy for effective cross-disciplinary integration can be
      extended to monolingual cross-disciplinary teams as well.

PMID- 28078391
TI  - Soil Organic Carbon Fractions and Stocks Respond to Restoration Measures in
      Degraded Lands by Water Erosion.
AB  - Assessing the degree to which degraded soils can be recovered is essential for
      evaluating the effects of adopted restoration measures. The objective of this
      study was to determine the restoration of soil organic carbon under the impact of
      terracing and reforestation. A small watershed with four typical restored plots
      (terracing and reforestation (four different local plants)) and two reference
      plots (slope land with natural forest (carbon-depleted) and abandoned
      depositional land (carbon-enriched)) in subtropical China was studied. The
      results showed that soil organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon and microbial
      biomass carbon concentrations in the surface soil (10 cm) of restored lands were
      close to that in abandoned depositional land and higher than that in natural
      forest land. There was no significant difference in soil organic carbon content
      among different topographic positions of the restored lands. Furthermore, the
      soil organic carbon stocks in the upper 60 cm soils of restored lands, which were
      varied between 50.08 and 62.21 Mg C ha-1, were higher than 45.90 Mg C ha-1 in
      natural forest land. Our results indicated that the terracing and reforestation
      could greatly increase carbon sequestration and accumulation and decrease carbon
      loss induced by water erosion. And the combination measures can accelerate the
      restoration of degraded soils when compared to natural forest only. Forest
      species almost have no impact on the total amount of soil organic carbon during
      restoration processes, but can significantly influence the activity and stability
      of soil organic carbon. Combination measures which can provide suitable
      topography and continuous soil organic carbon supply could be considered in
      treating degraded soils caused by water erosion.

PMID- 28078392
TI  - Carbon footprint assessment of Western Australian Groundwater Recycling Scheme.
AB  - This research has determined the carbon footprint or the carbon dioxide
      equivalent (CO2 eq) of potable water production from a groundwater recycling
      scheme, consisting of the Beenyup wastewater treatment plant, the Beenyup
      groundwater replenishment trial plant and the Wanneroo groundwater treatment
      plant in Western Australia, using a life cycle assessment approach. It was found
      that the scheme produces 1300 tonnes of CO2 eq per gigalitre (GL) of water
      produced, which is 933 tonnes of CO2 eq higher than the desalination plant at
      Binningup in Western Australia powered by 100% renewable energy generated
      electricity. A Monte Carlo Simulation uncertainty analysis calculated a
      Coefficient of Variation value of 5.4%, thus confirming the accuracy of the
      simulation. Electricity input accounts for 83% of the carbon dioxide equivalent
      produced during the production of potable water. The chosen mitigation strategy
      was to consider the use of renewable energy to generate electricity for carbon
      intensive groundwater replenishment trial plant. Depending on the local
      situation, a maximum of 93% and a minimum of 21% greenhouse gas saving from
      electricity use can be attained at groundwater replenishment trial plant by
      replacing grid electricity with renewable electricity. In addition, the
      consideration of vibrational separation (V-Sep) that helps reduce wastes
      generation and chemical use resulted in a 4.03 tonne of CO2 eq saving per GL of
      water produced by the plant.

PMID- 28078393
TI  - Antipsychotic use is a risk factor for hyponatremia in patients with
      schizophrenia: a 15-year follow-up study.
AB  - RATIONALE: Hyponatremia affects 10% of patients with chronic schizophrenia and
      can lead to severe consequences. However, the role of antipsychotics and other
      risk factors in hyponatremia occurrence has remained inconsistent. OBJECTIVE:
      This study examined the association between antipsychotic use and hyponatremia
      occurrence in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: We utilized the National
      Health Insurance Research Database to follow 2051 patients with schizophrenia
      from 1998 to 2013. Among them, 137 (6.7%) developed hyponatremia.
      Sociodemographic characteristics, physical comorbidities, and psychiatric
      treatment experiences were compared between those who had hyponatremia and those
      who did not. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the hazard
      ratios (HRs) of these characteristics. RESULTS: In patients with hyponatremia,
      the mean age at first hyponatremia occurrence was 54.7 +/- 13.9 years, an average
      of 9.5 +/- 4.0 years after schizophrenia diagnosis, and 32.9% of them were off
      antipsychotics before hyponatremia occurrences. Age at schizophrenia diagnosis
      (HR = 1.1), low-income household (HR = 2.4), comorbidities (HR = 1.2), and
      psychiatric admissions (HR = 1.04) were associated with the risks of
      hyponatremia. Compared with no antipsychotic use, atypical (HR = 2.1) and typical
      antipsychotics (HR = 3.1) were associated with an elevated risk of hyponatremia,
      after adjustment for age, sex, and physical comorbidities. Carbamazepine use (HR
      = 2.9) was also a significant risk factor for hyponatremia (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Antipsychotic use in patients with schizophrenia with polypharmacy
      should be monitored for hyponatremia occurrences. Clinicians should pay attention
      to the impact of poor living conditions on hyponatremia occurrence.

PMID- 28078394
TI  - Kinematics of a bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: The recently reintroduced bicruciate-retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty
      (BCR TKA) is an interesting approach in the quest for close replication of knee
      joint biomechanics and kinematics closer to the native knee. Therefore, this
      study aimed at providing a detailed biomechanical view on the functional
      resemblance of BCR TKA to the native knee joint. METHODS: Seven fresh-frozen full
      leg cadaver specimens (76 +/- 10 year) were mounted in a 6 degrees-of-freedom
      kinematic rig that applied a dynamic squatting motion knee flexion. Two motion
      patterns were performed pre- and post-implantation of a fixed bearing BCR TKA:
      passive flexion-extension and squatting while an infrared camera system tracked
      the location of reflective markers attached to the tibia and femur. Additionally,
      specimen laxity was assessed using Lachman tests and varus/valgus stress tests in
      triplicate. RESULTS: Overall, differences in tibiofemoral kinematics between
      native knee and BCR TKA were small. Some minor differences appeared under the
      load of a squat: less internal tibial rotation and some minor paradoxical
      anterior translation of the medial femoral condyle during mid-flexion. BCR TKA
      may slightly elevate the joint line. Knee laxity as measured by the Lachman and
      varus/valgus tests was not significantly influenced by BCR TKA implantation.
      CONCLUSION: As both cruciate ligaments are preserved with BCR TKA the unloaded
      knee closely resembles native knee kinematics including preserving the rollback
      mechanism. The loss of the conforming anatomy of menisci and tibial cartilage and
      replacement via a relatively flat polyethylene inlay may account for the loss of
      tibial internal rotation and the slight paradoxical AP motion of the medial
      femoral condyle with BCR TKA. This phenomenon reproduces findings made earlier
      with fixed bearing unicondylar knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 28078395
TI  - High production of 2,3-butanediol from glycerol without 1,3-propanediol formation
      by Raoultella ornithinolytica B6.
AB  - Conversion of crude glycerol derived from biodiesel processes to value-added
      chemicals has attracted much attention. Herein, Raoultella ornithinolytica B6 was
      investigated for the high production of 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) from glycerol
      without 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) formation, a by-product hindering 2,3-BD
      purification. By evaluating the effects of temperature, agitation speed, and pH
      control strategy, the fermentation conditions favoring 2,3-BD production were
      found to be 25  degrees C, 400 rpm, and pH control with a lower limit of 5.5,
      respectively. Notably, significant pH fluctuations which positively affect 2,3-BD
      production were generated by simply controlling the lower pH limit at 5.5. In fed
      batch fermentation under those conditions, R. ornithinolytica B6 produced 2,3-BD
      up to 79.25 g/L, and further enhancement of 2,3-BD production (89.45 g/L) was
      achieved by overexpressing homologous 2,3-BD synthesis genes (the budABC). When
      pretreated crude glycerol was used as a sole carbon source, R. ornithinolytica B6
      overexpressing budABC produced 78.10 g/L of 2,3-BD with the yield of 0.42 g/g and
      the productivity of 0.62 g/L/h. The 2,3-BD titer, yield, and productivity values
      obtained in this study are the highest 2,3-BD production from glycerol among 1,3
      PD synthesis-deficient 2,3-BD producers, demonstrating R. ornithinolytica B6 as a
      promising 2,3-BD producer from glycerol.

PMID- 28078396
TI  - A genetic method to enhance the accumulation of S-adenosylmethionine in yeast.
AB  - S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a key component of sulphur amino acid metabolism in
      living organisms and is synthesised from methionine and adenosine triphosphate by
      methionine adenosyltransferase. This molecule serves as the main biological
      methyl donor due to its active methylthio ether group. Notably, SAM has shown
      beneficial effects in clinical trials for the treatment of alcoholic liver
      disease, depression and joint pain. Due to the high potential value of SAM,
      current research efforts are attempting to develop a more rapid, cost-effective
      and higher yielding SAM production method than the conventional production
      system. In this mini-review, we describe the previously reported yeast gene that
      contributes to SAM accumulation by overexpression, mutation or deletion and
      summarise the genetic approach for the production of SAM in large industrial
      quantities.

PMID- 28078398
TI  - Potential coupling effects of ammonia-oxidizing and anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing
      bacteria on completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite biofilm
      formation induced by the second messenger cyclic diguanylate.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of extracellular
      polymeric substance (EPS) on the coupling effects between ammonia-oxidizing
      bacteria (AOB) and anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria for the
      completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) biofilm formation in
      a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). Analysis of the quantity of EPS and cyclic
      diguanylate (c-di-GMP) confirmed that the contents of polysaccharides and c-di
      GMP were correlated in the AOB sludge, anammox sludge, and CANON biofilm. The
      anammox sludge secreted more EPS (especially polysaccharides) than AOB with a
      markedly higher c-di-GMP content, which could be used by the bacteria to regulate
      the synthesis of exopolysaccharides that are ultimately used as a fixation
      matrix, for the adhesion of biomass. Indeed, increased intracellular c-di-GMP
      concentrations in the anammox sludge enhanced the regulation of polysaccharides
      to promote the adhesion of AOB and formation of the CANON biofilm. Overall, the
      results of this study provide new comprehensive information regarding the
      coupling effects of AOB and anammox bacteria for the nitrogen removal process.

PMID- 28078397
TI  - Optimized synthesis of novel prenyl ferulate performed by feruloyl esterases from
      Myceliophthora thermophila in microemulsions.
AB  - Five feruloyl esterases (FAEs; EC 3.1.1.73), FaeA1, FaeA2, FaeB1, and FaeB2 from
      Myceliophthora thermophila C1 and MtFae1a from M. thermophila ATCC 42464, were
      tested for their ability to catalyze the transesterification of vinyl ferulate
      (VFA) with prenol in detergentless microemulsions. Reaction conditions were
      optimized investigating parameters such as the medium composition, the substrate
      concentration, the enzyme load, the pH, the temperature, and agitation. FaeB2
      offered the highest transesterification yield (71.5 +/- 0.2%) after 24 h of
      incubation at 30  degrees C using 60 mM VFA, 1 M prenol, and 0.02 mg FAE/mL in a
      mixture comprising of 53.4:43.4:3.2 v/v/v n-hexane:t-butanol:100 mM MOPS-NaOH, pH
      6.0. At these conditions, the competitive side hydrolysis of VFA was 4.7-fold
      minimized. The ability of prenyl ferulate (PFA) and its corresponding ferulic
      acid (FA) to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals was
      significant and similar (IC50 423.39 MUM for PFA, 329.9 MUM for FA). PFA was not
      cytotoxic at 0.8-100 MUM (IC50 220.23 MUM) and reduced intracellular reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) in human skin fibroblasts at concentrations ranging between
      4 and 20 MUM as determined with the dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH
      DA) assay.

PMID- 28078399
TI  - FIP-sch2, a new fungal immunomodulatory protein from Stachybotrys chlorohalonata,
      suppresses proliferation and migration in lung cancer cells.
AB  - Fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP)-sch2, an immunomodulatory protein
      identified in the ascomycete Stachybotrys chlorohalonata by a sequence similarity
      search, is a novel member of the FIP family. FIP-sch2 shares high sequence
      identity, structure, and evolutionary conservation with previously reported FIPs.
      It was satisfactorily expressed in Escherichia coli with a glutathione S
      transferase (GST) tag and purified by GST-affinity magnetic beads. To
      characterize the direct antitumor effects, human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells
      were treated with different concentrations of recombinant FIP (rFIP)-sch2 in
      vitro, and the results showed that rFIP-sch2 could reduce cell viability dose
      dependently with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 9.48 MUg/mL.
      Furthermore, rFIP-sch2 at 8 MUg/mL could significantly induce apoptosis and
      interrupt migration in A549 cells. Notably, the antitumor effect of rFIP-sch2 was
      equivalent to that of rLZ-8 but was obviously increased compared to rFIP-fve. In
      addition, the exploration of the antitumor mechanism suggested that rFIP-sch2
      induced lung cancer cell death by activating apoptosis and inhibiting migration.
      Our results indicated that rFIP-sch2 was a promising candidate for use in future
      cancer therapy.

PMID- 28078401
TI  - [The pregnant surgeon : Scope and limitations of employment prohibition according
      to the draft of the new Maternity Protection Act ("Mutterschutzgesetz", MuSchG
      E)].

PMID- 28078400
TI  - Characterization of four endophytic fungi as potential consolidated bioprocessing
      hosts for conversion of lignocellulose into advanced biofuels.
AB  - Recently, several endophytic fungi have been demonstrated to produce volatile
      organic compounds (VOCs) with properties similar to fossil fuels, called
      "mycodiesel," while growing on lignocellulosic plant and agricultural residues.
      The fact that endophytes are plant symbionts suggests that some may be able to
      produce lignocellulolytic enzymes, making them capable of both deconstructing
      lignocellulose and converting it into mycodiesel, two properties that indicate
      that these strains may be useful consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) hosts for the
      biofuel production. In this study, four endophytes Hypoxylon sp. CI4A, Hypoxylon
      sp. EC38, Hypoxylon sp. CO27, and Daldinia eschscholzii EC12 were selected and
      evaluated for their CBP potential. Analysis of their genomes indicates that these
      endophytes have a rich reservoir of biomass-deconstructing carbohydrate-active
      enzymes (CAZys), which includes enzymes active on both polysaccharides and
      lignin, as well as terpene synthases (TPSs), enzymes that may produce fuel-like
      molecules, suggesting that they do indeed have CBP potential. GC-MS analyses of
      their VOCs when grown on four representative lignocellulosic feedstocks revealed
      that these endophytes produce a wide spectrum of hydrocarbons, the majority of
      which are monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, including some known biofuel
      candidates. Analysis of their cellulase activity when grown under the same
      conditions revealed that these endophytes actively produce endoglucanases,
      exoglucanases, and beta-glucosidases. The richness of CAZymes as well as terpene
      synthases identified in these four endophytic fungi suggests that they are great
      candidates to pursue for development into platform CBP organisms.

PMID- 28078402
TI  - [Certificate, certification, certificateitis : Not every certificate delivers all
      it promises].

PMID- 28078403
TI  - [Chief surgeon surgery only with a chief surgeon? : Liability in cases of
      inadmissible representation].

PMID- 28078404
TI  - [Caution in the face of medical invoice recommendations : Violation of
      competition law by specialist medical professional organizations and societies].

PMID- 28078406
TI  - [Temporary hearing threshold shift (TTS) caused by impulse noise].

PMID- 28078405
TI  - [Radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy of vestibular
      schwannoma].
AB  - Management of vestibular schwannoma (VS) should always be interdisciplinary and
      results better than the natural course. Particularly in small VS, either
      microsurgical resection or radiosurgery (RS) can be employed. RS is a special
      method (initially only possible stereotactically) for delivering high-precision
      radiation from many directions to the target point (the isocenter) in a single
      high dose. With the development of three different systems-Gamma Knife (Elekta,
      Stockholm, Sweden), special linear accelerators, and CyberKnife (Accuray,
      Sunnyvale, CA, USA)-the options were extended to 1-5 fractions for RS and
      multisession RS (msRS), and to up to 6 weeks of conventional fractionation as
      stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). Whereas RS uses high ablative single doses, SRT
      is based on the well-known radiobiological effects of multiple fractions
      comprising lower single doses up to a required much higher total dose. Evaluation
      showed that RS and SRT achieve similarly high rates of tumor control of around
      90% and low rates of side effects (1-7%). Therefore, SRT is unnecessary for small
      but clearly progressing VS, which has made RS a very comfortable, effective
      treatment option. In addition to SRT, larger VS can be treated comparably
      effectively with CyberKnife-based msRS. Since modern MRI frequently discovers
      small VS as "incidental findings", the initial biding strategy (wait and scan) is
      of particular importance. Only with increasing symptoms and detectable tumor
      growth is the treatment indication established, at which time the decision for
      surgery and RS/SRT should be taken interdisciplinary under consideration of the
      patient's wishes.

PMID- 28078408
TI  - [Rehabilitation in children and adults : An overview].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of patients with hearing loss includes technical,
      medical, and therapeutic education interventions. The success of cochlear implant
      (CI) treatment depends on joint coordination and execution of all measures.
      During the history of CI, expansion of the spectrum of indication criteria has
      led to evolution of auditory-verbal therapy, speech therapy, and auditory
      training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper describes the current status of
      therapeutic knowledge and experience of hearing and speech therapeutic
      rehabilitation in children and adults. Current treatments and quality assurance
      measures are presented. RESULTS: Effective auditory-verbal rehabilitation of
      children and auditory training in adults depends on individual objectives. In
      addition to subjective patient reports, the success of CI fitting is regularly
      monitored using specific tests. Therapeutic approaches that enhance the
      communication skills of children and adults are described in a structured manner.
      Established tests and their application in treatment, educational diagnostics,
      aftercare, and quality assurance complement the description. CONCLUSION: Within
      an interdisciplinary team, structured auditory-verbal therapeutic interventions
      and reliable testing are crucial for documenting individual outcomes, discussing
      these compared to the expected result, and counselling the patient in terms of
      further therapeutic measures.

PMID- 28078407
TI  - [Diagnostic accuracy of outpatient polygraphy devices : A comparison with
      inpatient polysomnography in clinical routine].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory polysomnography (PSG) is considered the reference
      method for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Due to waiting times and
      high costs, payers increasingly request outpatient polygraphy (PG) as an
      alternative to inpatient PSG. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      diagnostic accuracy of different outpatient PG devices compared to stationary PSG
      in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Externally collected outpatient PG
      findings of 406 patients were retrospectively compared with the corresponding PSG
      findings. RESULTS: Among the 406 patients were 343 men (85%) and 63 women (15%),
      with mean age 50 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 30 kg/m2. The rank
      correlation coefficient for PG- and PSG- derived apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)
      values was r = 0.574. On average, PG underestimated the AHI by 6.4 (+/-20.5)
      events/h. OSAS severity was determined correctly by PG in only 43% of cases.
      Sensitivity (90.7%) and specificity (45.2%) of ambulatory PG was calculated for
      the threshold value AHI >= 5/h. Based on the results of PG, an indicated therapy
      would have been omitted in 35 cases (9%) and unnecessary treatment initiated in
      17 cases (4%). The PG devices used showed a comparable diagnostic accuracy (r =
      0.513-0.657), with a sensitivity of 81.3-96.9% and a specificity of 33.3-50.0%.
      CONCLUSION: Outpatient PG cannot reliably assess OSA severity in clinical
      routine. Confirmation by PSG in a sleep lab in symptomatic patients is
      obligatory. Outpatient PG devices should only be used as an upstream screening
      method. The automatic evaluation of the PG should always be proofed.

PMID- 28078409
TI  - Determination of molecular size parameters and quantification of polyacrylic acid
      by high performance size-exclusion chromatography with triple detection.
AB  - Synthetic polyelectrolytes are a broad class of vaccine adjuvants. Among them,
      polyacrylic acid (PAA), a polyanionic polymer, is currently evaluated by Sanofi
      Pasteur. As chain length is considered to be a critical quality attribute for
      adjuvant properties of PAA, measurement of precise and accurate molecular size
      parameters is important for these polymers. In the field of synthetic polymer
      chemistry, methods for determination of molecular size parameters are well
      defined. Specifically, high performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC)
      with multi-detection system is a method of choice. This paper describes the
      development of HPSEC method to well characterize and precisely quantify PAA in
      different adjuvant formulations. A first set of characterizations were made, with
      determination of dn/dc coefficient, which enabled the determination of weight-
      and number-average molecular weight, viscosimetric radius, and intrinsic
      viscosity. In-depth characterization was also made with branching study through
      the use of Mark-Houwink parameter determination. The quantification method was
      also evaluated according to validation method-like criteria: limit of detection
      and limit of quantification, repeatability, accuracy, and specificity with
      recombinant surface glycoprotein gB from human cytomegalovirus (CMV-gB) as model
      antigen.

PMID- 28078410
TI  - Effects of direct current electric fields on lung cancer cell electrotaxis in a
      PMMA-based microfluidic device.
AB  - Tumor metastasis is the primary cause of cancer death. Numerous studies have
      demonstrated the electrotactic responses of various cancer cell types, and
      suggested its potential implications in metastasis. In this study, we used a
      microfluidic device to emulate endogenous direct current electric field (dcEF)
      environment, and studied the electrotactic migration of non-small cell lung
      cancer cell lines (H460, HCC827, H1299, and H1975) and the underlying mechanisms.
      These cell lines exhibited greatly different response in applied dcEFs (2-6
      V/cm). While H460 cells (large cell carcinoma) showed slight migration toward
      cathode, H1299 cells (large cell carcinoma) showed increased motility and dcEF
      dependent anodal migration with cell reorientation. H1975 cells (adenocarcinoma)
      showed dcEF-dependent cathodal migration with increased motility, and HCC827
      cells (adenocarcinoma) responded positively in migration speed and reorientation
      but minimally in migrating directions to dcEF. Activation of MAPK and PI3K
      signaling pathways was found to be associated with the realignment and directed
      migration of lung cancer cells. In addition, both Ca2+ influx through activated
      stretch-activated calcium channels (SACCs) (but not voltage-gated calcium
      channels, VGCCs) and Ca2+ release from intracellular storage were involved in
      lung cancer cell electrotactic responses. The results demonstrated that the
      microfluidic device provided a stable and controllable microenvironment for cell
      electrotaxis study, and revealed that the electrotactic responses of lung cancer
      cells were heterogeneous and cell-type dependent, and multiple signals
      contributed to lung cancer cells electrotaxis.

PMID- 28078411
TI  - In vitro and in silico assessment of the structure-dependent binding of bisphenol
      analogues to glucocorticoid receptor.
AB  - Widespread use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenol analogues has attracted
      increasing attention for their potential adverse effects. As environmental
      endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), bisphenols (BPs) may activate a variety of
      nuclear receptors, including glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In this work, the
      binding of 11 BPs to GR was investigated by fluorescence polarization (FP) assay
      in combination with molecular dynamics simulations. The human glucocorticoid
      receptor was prepared as a soluble recombinant protein. A fluorescein-labeled
      dexamethasone derivative (Dex-fl) was employed as tracer. Competitive
      displacement of Dex-fl from GR by BPs showed that the binding affinities of
      bisphenol analogues were largely dependent on their characteristic functional
      groups. In order to further understand the relationship between BPs structures
      and their GR-mediated activities, molecular docking was utilized to explore the
      binding modes at the atomic level. The results confirmed that structural
      variations of bisphenol analogues contributed to different interactions of BPs
      with GR, potentially causing distinct toxic effects. Comparison of the calculated
      binding energies vs. experimental binding affinities yielded a good correlation
      (R 2 = 0.8266), which might be helpful for the design of environmentally benign
      materials with reduced toxicities. In addition, the established FP assay based on
      GR exhibited the potential to offer an alternative to traditional methods for the
      detection of bisphenols.

PMID- 28078412
TI  - Simultaneous determination of four food allergens using compact disc
      immunoassaying technology.
AB  - A multiplex competitive microimmunoassay for the simultaneous determination of
      gliadin, casein, beta-lactoglobulin, and ovalbumin is presented. The assay in
      microarray format is performed on a DVD where the allergens are physisorbed on
      the polycarbonate surface of the disc. The immunointeraction is detected using a
      mixture of specific gold-labeled antibodies and the signal amplified with the
      silver enhancement method. The optical density of the precipitate, read by a DVD
      drive, is related to the concentration of the four allergens in sample. An
      optimized protocol for the simultaneous extraction of the allergen proteins from
      food samples is also addressed. The suitability of the method is demonstrated for
      the simultaneous quantitative extraction and determination of the targeted
      allergens in spiked baby foods, juices, and beers. The sensitivity (EC50) of the
      multiplexed assay was 0.04, 0.40, 0.08, and 0.16 mg L-1 for gliadin, casein, beta
      lactoglobulin, and ovalbumin, respectively, and the recovery results from the
      analysis of food samples ranged from 72 to 117%. A portable, easy-to-use, array
      based bioanalytical method is developed for quantification of food allergens with
      a limit of detection below the accepted levels of the international legislations,
      which allows promotion of food safety and quality. Graphical abstract GLI
      Gliadin, CAS Casein, beta-LAC beta-lactoglobulin, OVA Ovalbumin.

PMID- 28078413
TI  - Establishment of a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for specific
      detection of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ab toxin utilizing a monoclonal
      antibody produced with a novel hapten designed with molecular model.
AB  - Cry1Ab toxin is commonly expressed in genetically modified crops in order to
      control chewing pests. At present, the detection method with enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on monoclonal antibody cannot specifically
      detect Cry1Ab toxin for Cry1Ab's amino acid sequence and spatial structure are
      highly similar to Cry1Ac toxin. In this study, based on molecular design, a novel
      hapten polypeptide was synthesized and conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin
      (KLH). Then, through animal immunization with this antigen, a monoclonal antibody
      named 2C12, showing high affinity to Cry1Ab and having no cross reaction with
      Cry1Ac, was produced. The equilibrium dissociation constant (K D) value of Cry1Ab
      toxin with MAb 2C12 was 1.947 * 10-8 M. Based on this specific monoclonal
      antibody, a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) was developed
      for the specific determination of Cry1Ab toxin and the LOD and LOQ values were
      determined as 0.47 +/- 0.11 and 2.43 +/- 0.19 ng mL-1, respectively. The average
      recoveries of Cry1Ab from spiked rice leaf and rice flour samples ranged from 75
      to 115%, with coefficient of variation (CV) less than 8.6% within the
      quantitation range (2.5-100 ng mL-1), showing good accuracy for the quantitative
      detection of Cry1Ab toxin in agricultural samples. In conclusion, this study
      provides a new approach for the production of high specific antibody and the
      newly developed DAS-ELISA is a useful method for Cry1Ab monitoring in agriculture
      products. Graphical Abstract Establishment of a DAS-ELISA for the specific
      detecting of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ab toxin.

PMID- 28078414
TI  - Application of HS-SPME-GC-MS method for the detection of active moulds on
      historical parchment.
AB  - The goal of this work was to analyse the profile of microbial volatile organic
      compounds (MVOCs) emitted by moulds growing on parchment samples, in search of
      particular volatiles mentioned in the literature as indicators of active mould
      growth. First, the growth of various moulds on samples of parchment was assessed.
      Those species that showed collagenolytic activity were then inoculated on two
      types of media: samples of parchment placed on media and on media containing
      amino acids that are elements of the structure of collagen. All samples were
      prepared inside 20-ml vials (closed system). In the first case, the media did not
      contain any sources of organic carbon, nitrogen, or sulphur, i.e. parchment was
      the only nutrient for the moulds. A third type of sample was historical parchment
      prepared in a Petri dish without a medium and inoculated with a
      collagenolytically active mould (open system). The MVOCs emitted by moulds were
      sampled with the headspace-SPME method. Volatiles extracted on DVB/CAR/PDMS
      fibres were analysed in a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system.
      Qualitative and quantitative analyses of chromatograms were carried out in search
      of indicators of metabolic activity. The results showed that there are three
      groups of volatiles that can be used for the detection of active forms of moulds
      on parchment objects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to
      measure MVOCs emitted by moulds growing on parchment.

PMID- 28078415
TI  - GC-MS method validation and levels of methyl eugenol in a diverse range of tea
      tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oils.
AB  - Tea tree oil distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia has widespread use in the
      cosmetic industry as an antimicrobial as well as for other functions in topical
      products. Concerns were first raised by the European Commission's Scientific
      Committee on Consumer Products in 2004 about the level of the potentially
      carcinogenic phenylpropanoid compound methyl eugenol in tea tree oil. Limits on
      oil content in different types of cosmetic products were set based on a reported
      upper level of 0.9% methyl eugenol in the oil. A previous publication indicated
      that these levels were based on oil from a Melaleuca species not used in the
      commercial production of oil. Even the highest recorded levels in Melaleuca
      alternifolia, the overwhelmingly most common species used, were ~15 times less
      than this, meaning that more oil could be safely used in the products. The
      current study, including details on methodology and reproducibility, extends that
      work across a suite of 57 plantation-sourced oils from a range of geographical
      locations and production years, as well as many Australian and international
      commercial oils. Lower levels of methyl eugenol in oils of known provenance were
      confirmed, with a recorded range of 160-552 ppm and a mean of 337 ppm. Analysis
      of variance showed methyl eugenol levels in Australian plantation oils to be
      correlated to the geographical region but not to the year of production. Average
      methyl eugenol levels in commercial oils were significantly lower, and these
      samples were divided into an authentic group and a group that were suspected of
      being adulterated based on an independent test. Authentic commercial oils had
      similar levels of methyl eugenol to Australian provenance material, whilst the
      oils classed as suspect had significantly lower levels.

PMID- 28078416
TI  - Poly(ethylene glycol) functionalization of monolithic poly(divinyl benzene) for
      improved miniaturized solid phase extraction of protein-rich samples.
AB  - Non-specific protein adsorption on hydrophobic solid phase extraction (SPE)
      adsorbents can reduce the efficacy of purification. To improve sample clean-up,
      poly(divinyl benzene) (PDVB) monoliths grafted with hydrophilic polyethylene
      glycol methacrylate (PEGMA) were developed. Residual vinyl groups (RVGs) of the
      PDVB were employed as anchor points for PEGMA grafting. Two PEGMA monomers, M n
      360 and 950, were compared for graft solutions containing 5-20% monomer. Protein
      binding was qualitatively screened using fluorescently labeled human serum
      albumin (HSA) to determine optimal PEGMA concentration. The fluorescent signal of
      PDVB was reduced for PDVB-g-PEGMA360 (10%) and PDVB-g-PEGMA950 (20%). The PEGMA
      content (w/w%) was quantified by solid state 1H NMR to be 29.9 +/- 1.6% for PDVB
      g-PEGMA360 and 7.7 +/- 1.2% for PDVB-g-PEGMA950. To assess adsorbent performance
      breakthrough curves for PDVB, PDVB-g-PEGMA360 and PDVB-g-PEGMA950 were compared.
      The breakthrough volume (V B) and shape of the curve for PDVB-g-PEGMA950 were
      maintained relative to PDVB (2.3 and 2.8 mL, respectively). A reduced V B of 0.5
      mL and shallow breakthrough curve indicated PDVB-g-PEGMA360 was not suitable for
      SPE. A high ibuprofen recovery of 92 +/- 0.30 and 78 +/- 0.93% was seen for PDVB
      and PDVB-g-PEGMA950, respectively. Protein adsorption was reduced from 31 +/-
      2.41 to 12 +/- 0.49% for PDVB and PDVB-g-PEGMA950, respectively. SPE of ibuprofen
      from plasma was compared for PDVB and PDVB-g-PEGMA950 by at-line electrospray
      ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). PDVB-g-PEGMA950 demonstrated a threefold
      increase in assay sensitivity indicating a superior analyte purification.

PMID- 28078417
TI  - Covalent organic framework-coated magnetic graphene as a novel support for
      trypsin immobilization.
AB  - Deep and efficient proteolysis is the critical premise in mass spectrometry-based
      bottom-up proteomics. It is difficult for traditional in-solution digestion to
      meet the requirement unless prolonged digestion time and enhanced enzyme dosage
      are employed, which makes the whole workflow time-consuming and costly. The
      abovementioned problems could be effectively ameliorated by anchoring many
      proteases on solid supports. In this work, covalent organic framework-coated
      magnetic graphene (MG@TpPa-1) was designed and prepared as a novel enzyme carrier
      for the covalent immobilization of trypsin with a high degree of loading (up to
      268 MUg mg-1). Profiting from the advantages of magnetic graphene and covalent
      organic frameworks, the novel trypsin bioreactor was successfully applied for the
      enzymatic digestion of a model protein with dramatically improved digestion
      efficiency, stability, and reusability. Complete digestion could be achieved in a
      time period as short as 2 min. For the digestion of proteins extracted from
      Amygdalus pedunculata, a total of 2833 protein groups were identified, which was
      slightly more than those obtained by 12 h of in-solution digestion (2739 protein
      groups). All of the results demonstrate that MG@TpPa-1-trypsin is an excellent
      candidate for sample preparation in a high-throughput proteomics analysis.
      Graphical abstract Covalent organic frameworks-coated magnetic graphene was
      prepared as novel carrier for highly efficient tryptic immobilization.

PMID- 28078418
TI  - Absolute quantification of myosin heavy chain isoforms by selected reaction
      monitoring can underscore skeletal muscle changes in a mouse model of amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Skeletal muscle fibers contain different isoforms of myosin heavy chain (MyHC)
      that define distinctive contractile properties. In light of the muscle capacity
      to adapt MyHC expression to pathophysiological conditions, a rapid and
      quantitative assessment of MyHC isoforms in small muscle tissue quantities would
      represent a valuable diagnostic tool for (neuro)muscular diseases. As past
      protocols did not meet these requirements, in the present study we applied a
      targeted proteomic approach based on selected reaction monitoring that allowed
      the absolute quantification of slow and fast MyHC isoforms in different mouse
      skeletal muscles with high reproducibility. This mass-spectrometry-based method
      was validated also in a pathological specimen, by comparison of the MyHC
      expression profiles in different muscles from healthy mice and a genetic mouse
      model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) expressing the SOD1(G93A) mutant.
      This analysis showed that terminally ill ALS mice have a fast-to-slow shift in
      the fiber type composition of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles, as
      previously reported. These results will likely open the way to accurate and rapid
      diagnoses of human (neuro)muscular diseases by the proposed method. Graphical
      Abstract Methods for myosin heavy chain (MyHC) quantification: a comparison of
      classical methods and selected reaction monitoring (SRM)-based mass spectrometry
      approaches.

PMID- 28078419
TI  - Nanostructured NiO-based reagentless biosensor for total cholesterol and low
      density lipoprotein detection.
AB  - Nanostructured nickel oxide (NiO) thin film has been explored as a matrix to
      develop a reagentless biosensor for free and total cholesterol as well as low
      density lipoprotein (LDL) detection. The redox property of the matrix has been
      exploited to enhance the electron transfer between the enzyme and the electrode
      as well as to eliminate the toxic mediator in solution. X-ray diffraction,
      scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy were carried out to characterize the NiO thin film.
      Biosensing response studies were accomplished using cyclic voltammetry (CV),
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry
      (DPV). The developed biosensors exhibited a high sensitivity of 27 and 63
      MUA/mM/cm2 over a linear range of 0.12-10.23 and 1-12 mM, respectively, for free
      and total cholesterol. Reagentless estimation of LDL was also achieved over the
      wide range 0.018-0.5 MUM with a sensitivity of 0.12 mA/MUM/cm2. The results are
      extremely promising for the realization of an integrated biosensor for complete
      detection of cholesterol in the serum samples. Graphical Abstract Reagentless
      sensing mechanism of (a) free cholesterol and (b) total cholesterol using
      nanostructured NiO matrix.

PMID- 28078420
TI  - Comprehensive polyphenol profiling of a strawberry extract (Fragaria * ananassa)
      by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - The aim of metabolic untargeted profiling is to detect and identify unknown
      compounds in a biological matrix to achieve the most comprehensive metabolic
      coverage. In phytochemical mixtures, however, the complexity of the sample could
      present significant difficulties in compound identification. In this case, the
      optimization of both the chromatographic and the mass-spectrometric conditions is
      supposed to be crucial for the detection and identification of the largest number
      of compounds. In this work, a systematic investigation of different
      chromatographic and mass-spectrometric conditions is presented to achieve a
      comprehensive untargeted profiling of a strawberry extract (Fragaria * ananassa).
      To fulfill this aim, an ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography system coupled
      via an electrospray source to a hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer was
      used. Spectra were acquired in data-dependent mode, and several parameters were
      investigated to acquire the largest possible number of both mass spectrometry
      (MS) features and MS2 mass spectra for unique metabolites. The main classes of
      polyphenols studied were flavonoids, phenolic acids, dihydrochalcones,
      ellagitannins, and proanthocyanidins. Method optimization allowed to us identify
      and tentatively identify 18 and 113 compounds, respectively, among which 74 have
      never been reported before in strawberries and, to the best of our knowledge, 22
      of them have never been reported before. The results show the importance of an
      extended investigation of the chromatographic and mass-spectrometric method
      before a complete untargeted profiling of complex phytochemical mixtures.

PMID- 28078421
TI  - [Editorial].

PMID- 28078422
TI  - [PREFERE - the failure of an (almost) perfect study : Does the human factor
      interfere when answering highly complex questions?]

PMID- 28078423
TI  - [Sexual medicine in daily practice : Germany-wide questionnaire of urologists].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexual-related problems are very prevalent. Physicians of different
      disciplines are frequently contacted by men with those problems. OBJECTIVES: The
      aim of this study was to investigate the situation of sexual medicine in daily
      practice and to evaluate German urologists' need for further training in this
      field with a focus on gender-specific differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A five
      page questionnaire included questions about sexual medicine in daily practice. A
      focus was set on physicians dealing with sexual medicine in daily practice and
      their need for further training in this field. In April/Mai 2015, questionnaires
      were sent per mail to 5955 urologists, urology residents and andrologists
      throughout Germany. The questionnaire was developed based on previously published
      studies and a pretest was performed to evaluate comprehensibility. A chi2 test
      was performed to determine significant gender-specific differences; for this
      propose response options were dichotomised. P values <=0.05 were considered
      significant. RESULTS: The response rate was 16.0%, representing 955
      questionnaires. A total of 50 questionnaires from non-urologists were excluded,
      so 905 questionnaires were analysed. The mean age was 47.7 +/- 10.4 years, 78.9%
      were male, 97.0% had studied in Germany, 86.7% were specialists and 37.7% had
      further qualification in andrology. CONCLUSION: Our results emphasize the need
      for further training in sexual medicine, especially for female physicians. This
      study underlines the demand for advanced qualification in sexual medicine.

PMID- 28078424
TI  - [Adjuvant chemotherapy for invasive bladder cancer (individual patient data)].

PMID- 28078425
TI  - Odorant receptors and antennal lobe morphology offer a new approach to
      understanding olfaction in the Asian longhorned beetle.
AB  - The Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Motchulsky) is an exotic
      forest pest that has repeatedly invaded North America and Europe from Asia, and
      has the potential to kill millions of trees and cause billions of dollars in
      damage. Traps baited with an attractive mixture of volatile organic compounds
      from hosts have been of limited success in monitoring invasion sites. We propose
      that lures might be improved through studying the olfactory system of adult
      beetles, especially the gene family of odorant receptors (ORs) and the structure
      of the antennal lobes of the brain. Here, we report identification of 132 ORs in
      the genome of A. glabripennis (inclusive of one Orco gene and 11 pseudogenes),
      some of which are orthologous to known pheromone receptors of other cerambycid
      beetles. We also identified three ORs that are strongly biased toward expression
      in the female transcriptome, and a single OR strongly biased toward males. Three
      dimensional reconstruction of the antennal lobes of adults suggested a male
      specific macroglomerulus and several enlarged glomeruli in females. We predict
      that functional characterization of ORs and glomeruli will lead to identification
      of key odorants in the life history of A. glabripennis that may aid in monitoring
      and controlling future invasions.

PMID- 28078426
TI  - Calreticulin is required for calcium homeostasis and proper pollen tube tip
      growth in Petunia.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: Calreticulin is involved in stabilization of the tip-focused Ca
      2+ gradient and the actin cytoskeleton arrangement and function that is required
      for several key processes driving Petunia pollen tube tip growth. Although the
      precise mechanism is unclear, stabilization of a tip-focused calcium (Ca2+)
      gradient seems to be critical for pollen germination and pollen tube growth. We
      hypothesize that calreticulin (CRT), a Ca2+-binding/buffering chaperone typically
      residing in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells, is
      an excellent candidate to fulfill this role. We previously showed that in Petunia
      pollen tubes growing in vitro, CRT is translated on ER membrane-bound ribosomes
      that are abundant in the subapical zone of the tube, where CRT's Ca2+-buffering
      and chaperone activities might be particularly required. Here, we sought to
      determine the function of CRT using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to, for the
      first time in pollen tubes growing in vitro, knockdown expression of a gene. We
      demonstrate that siRNA-mediated post-transcriptional silencing of Petunia hybrida
      CRT gene (PhCRT) expression strongly impairs pollen tube growth, cytoplasmic
      zonation, actin cytoskeleton organization, and the tip-focused Ca2+ gradient.
      Moreover, reduction of CRT alters the localization and disturbs the structure of
      the ER in abnormally elongating pollen tubes. Finally, cytoplasmic streaming is
      inhibited, and most of the pollen tubes rupture. Our data clearly show an
      interplay between CRT, Ca2+ gradient, actin-dependent cytoplasmic streaming,
      organelle positioning, and vesicle trafficking during pollen tube elongation.
      Thus, we suggest that CRT functions in Petunia pollen tube growth by stabilizing
      Ca2+ homeostasis and acting as a chaperone to assure quality control of
      glycoproteins passing through the ER.

PMID- 28078428
TI  - Erratum to: Efficacy and safety of fermented garlic extract on hepatic function
      in adults with elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels: a double
      blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

PMID- 28078427
TI  - Response to the comment on "The biomechanical properties of the cornea of
      patients with glaucoma treated with anti-glaucoma topical medication".

PMID- 28078429
TI  - Aims and tasks in parental caregiving for children receiving palliative care at
      home: a qualitative study.
AB  - : In paediatric palliative care (PPC), parents are confronted with increasing
      caregiving demands. More children are cared for at home, and the need for PPC of
      children is lengthened due to technical and medical improvements. Therefore, a
      clear understanding of the content of parental caregiving in PPC becomes
      increasingly important. The objective is to gain insight into parental caregiving
      based on the lived experience of parents with a child with a life-limiting
      disease. An interpretative qualitative study using thematic analysis was
      performed. Single or repeated interviews were undertaken with 42 parents of 24
      children with a malignant or non-malignant disease, receiving PPC. Based on their
      ambition to be a 'good parent', parents caring for a child with a life-limiting
      disease strived for three aims: controlled symptoms and controlled disease, a
      life worth living for their ill child and family balance. These aims resulted in
      four tasks that parents performed: providing basic and complex care, organising
      good quality care and treatment, making sound decisions while managing risks and
      organising a good family life. CONCLUSION: Parents need early explanation from
      professionals about balancing between their aims and the related tasks to get a
      grip on their situation and to prevent becoming overburdened. What is Known: * In
      paediatric palliative care, parents are confronted with increasing caregiving
      demands. * Parenting is often approached from the perspective of stress. What is
      New: * Parents strive for three aims: controlled symptoms and controlled disease,
      a life worth living for their child and family balance. * Parents perform four
      tasks: providing basic and complex care, organising good quality care, making
      decisions while managing risks and organising a good family life. * Professionals
      need insight into the parents' aims and tasks from the parental perspective to
      strengthen parents' resilience.

PMID- 28078430
TI  - Blood urea nitrogen to serum creatinine ratio is an accurate predictor of outcome
      in diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome, a preliminary study.
AB  - : Diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+HUS) is a common thrombotic
      microangiopathy during childhood and early identification of parameters
      predicting poor outcome could enable timely intervention. This study aims to
      establish the accuracy of BUN-to-serum creatinine ratio at admission, in addition
      to other parameters in predicting the clinical course and outcome. Records were
      searched for children between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2015 admitted with
      D+HUS. A complicated course was defined as developing one or more of the
      following: neurological dysfunction, pancreatitis, cardiac or pulmonary
      involvement, hemodynamic instability, and hematologic complications while poor
      outcome was defined by death or development of chronic kidney disease. Thirty
      four children were included from which 11 with a complicated disease course/poor
      outcome. Risk of a complicated course/poor outcome was strongly associated with
      oliguria (p = 0.000006) and hypertension (p = 0.00003) at presentation. In
      addition, higher serum creatinine (p = 0.000006) and sLDH (p = 0.02) with lower
      BUN-to-serum creatinine ratio (p = 0.000007) were significantly associated with
      development of complications. A BUN-to-sCreatinine ratio <=40 at admission was a
      sensitive and highly specific predictor of a complicated disease course/poor
      outcome. CONCLUSION: A BUN-to-serum Creatinine ratio can accurately identify
      children with D+HUS at risk for a complicated course and poor outcome. What is
      Known: * Oliguria is a predictor of poor long-term outcome in D+HUS What is New:
      * BUN-to-serum Creatinine ratio at admission is an entirely novel and accurate
      predictor of poor outcome and complicated clinical outcome in D+HUS * Early
      detection of the high risk group in D+HUS enabling early treatment and adequate
      monitoring.

PMID- 28078431
TI  - Degradation of Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate by a Novel Gordonia alkanivorans Strain
      YC-RL2.
AB  - One bacterial strain, YC-RL2, isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil, could
      utilize environmental hormone Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as a sole carbon
      source for growth. Strain YC-RL2 was identified as Gordonia alkanivorans by 16S
      rRNA gene analysis and Biolog tests. The effects of environmental factors which
      might affect the degrading process were optimized at 30  degrees C and pH 8.0.
      Strain YC-RL2 showed superior halotolerance and could tolerate up to 0-5% NaCl in
      trace element medium supplemented with DEHP, although the DEHP degradation rates
      slowed as NaCl concentration increased. It also showed an outstanding performance
      in a wide range of pH (6.0-11.0). Meanwhile, strain YC-RL2 was able to withstand
      high concentrations of DEHP (from 100 to 800 mg/L), and the degradation rates
      were all above 94%. The DEHP intermediates were detected by HPLC-MS, and the
      degradation pathway was deduced tentatively. DEHP was transformed into phthalic
      acid (PA) via mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and PA was further utilized
      for growth via benzoic acid (BA). The enzyme expected to catalyze the hydrolysis
      of MEHP to PA was identified from strain YC-RL2. Further investigation found that
      the enzyme could catalyze the transformation of a wide range of monoalkyl
      phthalates to PA. This study is the first report about species G. alkanivorans
      which could degrade several kinds of phthalic acid esters (PAEs), and indicates
      its application potential for bioremediation of PAE-polluted sites.

PMID- 28078432
TI  - [Evidence-based recommendations for diagnostics and treatment of gouty arthritis
      in the specialist sector : S2e guidelines of the German Society of Rheumatology
      in cooperation with the AWMF].
AB  - Due to the increasing prevalence of gout, particularly in old age, the disease is
      becoming of increasing importance in Germany. Gout is one of the most common
      forms of recurrent inflammatory arthritis and is induced by the deposition of
      monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid and other tissues. The principal
      goals of therapy in chronic gout are the symptomatic treatment of the acute joint
      inflammation and the causal treatment of the underlying metabolic cause, the
      hyperuricemia. Only a consistent and permanent reduction of the serum uric acid
      level ultimately results in an efficient avoidance of further gout attacks and
      therefore the prevention of structural damage. Due to an often inadequate
      treatment of gout, the target of healing the disease is often not achieved. A
      correct and timely diagnosis and adequate assessment of comorbidities associated
      with gout are, however, of substantial importance for patient and physician to
      achieve remission of the disease. In order to create a solid basis for a timely
      and effective treatment of affected patients, in 2016 the German Society of
      Rheumatology (DGRh) initiated the development of S2e guidelines on gouty
      arthritis for specialists. This article summarizes these S2e guidelines on the
      management of gouty arthritis in the specialist sector.

PMID- 28078433
TI  - A meta-analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes
      of inflammatory bowel disease associated colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The current study aims to use meta-analytical techniques to compare the
      clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD) associated and sporadic colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Patients with
      IBD have an established increased risk of developing CRC. There is no consensus,
      however, on the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of IBD
      associated CRC when compared to sporadic CRC. METHODS: A comprehensive search for
      published studies comparing IBD associated and sporadic CRC was performed. Random
      effect methods were used to combine data. This study adhered to the
      recommendations of the MOOSE guidelines. RESULTS: Data were retrieved from 20
      studies describing 571,278 patients. IBD associated CRC had an increased rate of
      synchronous tumors (OR 4.403, 95% CI 2.320-8.359; p < 0.001), poor
      differentiation (OR 1.875, 95% CI 1.425-2.466; p < 0.001), and a reduced rate of
      rectal cancer (OR 0.827, 95% CI 0.735-0.930; p = 0.002). IBD associated CRC
      however did not affect the frequency of T3/T4 tumors (OR 0.931, 95% CI 0.782
      1.108; p = 0.421), lymph node positivity (OR 1.061, 95% CI 0.929-1.213; p =
      0.381), metastasis at presentation (OR 0.970, 95% CI 0.776-1.211; p = 0.786), sex
      distribution (OR 0.978, 95% CI 0.890-1.074; p = 0.640), or 5-year overall
      survival (OR 1.105, 95% CI 0.414-2.949; p = 0.842). CONCLUSIONS: In this large
      analysis of available data, IBD associated CRC was characterized by less rectal
      tumors and more synchronous and poorly differentiated tumors compared with
      sporadic cancers, but no discernable difference in sex distribution, stage at
      presentation, or survival could be identified.

PMID- 28078434
TI  - A retrospective open-label uncontrolled study of Epoetin zeta on the treatment of
      chemotherapy-induced anemia in solid tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: This is a single-center uncontrolled retrospective study to evaluate the
      efficacy and safety of the biosimilar epoetin zeta after approval in chemotherapy
      induced anemia (CIA). METHODS: Patients screened were >18 years old suffering
      from solid malignancies and CIA with Hg <=10 or <11 g/dl if symptomatic anemia.
      Patients had measurable disease by TNM and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      (ECOG). Patients were treated for at least 12 weeks and the primary endpoint was
      to determine the incidence of blood transfusions, and secondarily, the overall
      safety and efficacy defined as >=1 g/dl rise in Hb concentration or >=40,000
      cells/MUl rise in reticulocyte count. Quality of life was assessed with ECOG
      performance status (PS) and functional assessment of cancer therapy-anemia (FACT
      An) score. RESULTS: 1287 patients with median Hb 9.3 g/dl (range 8.3-10.6) were
      enrolled and included in the evaluation. Median age was 63 years (range 33-78).
      74% of patients were stage III/IV. Patients received epoetin zeta subcutaneously
      at fixed 40,000-IU once weekly. Blood transfusions were given in 178 patients
      (13.8%; 95% CI 11.9-15.6%). Appropriate response was observed in 79% patients by
      week 4, 87% by week 8, and 91% by week 12. A mean Hb increase of 2.5 g/dl was
      observed by week 12 which correlated with an improvement in PS and Fact-An score.
      Thrombotic events occurred in 5.2% (95% CI 3.4-7.1%) of patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Epoetin zeta is effective in palliation and treatment of CIA in patients with
      solid tumors. Overall, it is well tolerated and safe even in patients with
      increased disease burden.

PMID- 28078436
TI  - Adhering to the 2014 WHO terminology on borderline ovarian tumors.

PMID- 28078437
TI  - Senescence in the lesional fibroblasts of non-segmental vitiligo patients.
AB  - Dermal fibroblasts secrete various growth factors which are important for skin
      pigmentation. Imbalance in the synchronization of epidermal and dermal cells in
      the skin can play vital role in the pathogenesis of pigmentary disorder vitiligo.
      Therefore, our objective was to check the lesional fibroblasts for any
      abnormality and senescence in non-segmental vitiligo patients (NSV). Skin punch
      biopsies were taken from NSV patients and healthy controls. Explant culture of
      fibroblast from lesional dermis, non-lesional dermis, and control was analyzed.
      The senescence was confirmed by beta-galactosidase staining in the cultured
      fibroblasts. Senescence was checked at mRNA level in lesional dermis, non
      lesional dermis of NSV patients by senescence markers p16, p21, and hp1 by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence
      study was used for protein analysis. Morphological results showed number of
      fibroblasts with bigger perinuclear region and vacuoles were more in the lesional
      fibroblasts. Number of beta-galactosidase positive fibroblasts in the lesional
      skin of NSV patients was higher as compared to the non-lesional and control
      fibroblasts. Results showed higher relative gene expression of senescence markers
      p16, p21, and hp1 in the lesional dermis of NSV patients at mRNA level and
      protein level as compared with control. Senescence in the dermal fibroblasts can
      decrease the secretion of growth factors and cytokines secreted by fibroblasts
      which may lead to the melanocyte death and progression of vitiligo. However,
      further studies on larger number of patients are needed to confirm the role of
      fibroblasts in the vitiligo pathogenesis.

PMID- 28078435
TI  - The effects of therapeutic exercises on pain, muscle strength, functional
      capacity, balance and hemodynamic parameters in knee osteoarthritis patients: a
      randomized controlled study of supervised versus home exercises.
AB  - The aim of the study was to compare the effects of low-intensity exercise
      programs for lower extremities, either supervised or at home, on pain, muscle
      strength, balance and the hemodynamic parameters of knee osteoarthritis (OA)
      patients. This randomized study included 78 patients with knee OA in 2 groups of
      supervised and home-based exercise program. Exercises were applied to the first
      group in the clinic as a group exercise program and were demonstrated to the
      second group to be performed at home. Before and after the 6-week exercise
      program, assessment was made of pain, quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths,
      6-min walk test (6MWT), and non-invasive hemodynamic parameters. Results of the
      78 patients, 56 completed the study. Pain, muscle strength, and 6MWT scores
      showed significant improvements in both groups. There were also significant
      differences in the amount of change in pain and muscle strength (pain: p = 0.041,
      Rqdc: 0.009, Lqdc: 0.013, Rhms: 0.04) which indicated greater improvements in the
      supervised group. The balance scores of supervised group showed a significant
      improvement (p = 0.009). No significant change was determined in hemodynamic
      parameters of either group. Conclusion according to the results of this study
      showed that low-intensity lower extremity exercises conducted in a clinic under
      the supervision of a physiotherapist were more effective than home-based
      exercises in reducing post-activity pain levels and improving quadriceps and
      right hamstring muscle strength. Both the supervised and home exercise programs
      were seen to be effective in reducing rest pain and increasing 6 MW distance in
      knee osteoarthritis patients.

PMID- 28078438
TI  - Biological monitoring of cobalt in hard metal factory workers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to investigate the cobalt (Co)
      concentrations in urine along 4 months and their relationship with Co
      concentrations in blood and haemoglobin (adducts) in 34 workers from a hard metal
      manufacturing plant where metallic Co and Co oxide were used. Furthermore, the
      excretion kinetics of Co was investigated and the half-lives of Co in blood,
      plasma and urine were calculated along 18 days of non-exposure in the same
      workers. METHODS: Co was analysed, in all biological samples, by ICP/MS. RESULTS:
      Wide fluctuations in the urinary Co concentration were observed throughout the
      work shift and during the work week. A highly significant linear correlation was
      found between Co concentration (geometrical mean) in urine samples provided each
      Thursday (end shift) during 16 subsequent weeks and levels of Co-haemoglobin
      adducts or blood Co concentrations at the end of the same period. The Co
      elimination kinetics in globin calculated along 18 days without Co exposure was
      slow, being related to the physiological metabolism of haemoglobin, while in
      blood, plasma and urine Co half-lives were 12.3, 9.1 and 5.3 days, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Co concentrations in haemoglobin or blood are highly related to the
      geometrical mean concentration of urinary Co when samples are collected weekly
      for several subsequent weeks. The biological monitoring of occupational exposure
      to Co in hard metal facilities provides reliable results by using the Co
      concentrations in haemoglobin or in whole blood. The urinary findings, though, do
      not show the same reliability because of their wide daily and weekly
      fluctuations.

PMID- 28078439
TI  - Liquid-based versus conventional cytology of oral brush biopsies: a split-sample
      pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective split sample study was to evaluate the
      applicability of liquid-based cytology (LBC) of oral brush biopsies for detection
      of oral cancer. METHODS: Two different preparation techniques were investigated:
      the conventional transfer procedure to glass slides and the LBC preparation
      method. The obtainments of epithelial cells were performed five times with a
      nylon brush and transferred onto five glass slides. Additionally, the brushes,
      which were normally discarded, were stored in a fixative solution. Conventional
      slides and respective thin layers from a total of 113 cases were reviewed with
      both techniques. RESULTS: Thin layers showed excellent morphology on a clear
      background, which allowed an accurate diagnosis. In contrast, the conventional
      glass slides showed significantly more blood contamination and cell overlapping.
      The sensitivity of conventional cytological diagnosis was 96.3%, the specificity
      archived 90.6%, the positive predictive value was 96.3% and the negative
      predictive value scored 90.6%. The sensitivity of the cytological diagnosis using
      thin layers archived 97.5%, the specificity was 68.8%, the positive predictive
      value revealed 88.76% and negative predictive value was 91.7%. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings indicate that in oral cytology, LBC may replace other types of wet-fixed
      preparations using the full amount of collected cells, resulting in enhanced
      specimen quality archiving comparable values of diagnostic accuracy. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: LBC facilitates the cell collection due to simpler handling and less
      transfer errors by dentists and may improve the overall diagnostic accuracy of
      oral brush biopsies in future.

PMID- 28078441
TI  - [Palliative care in nursing homes : Results of a survey about knowledge and self
      efficacy of nursing staff].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing homes are confronted more and more with palliative care
      patients, which present a challenge for nursing and medical personnel. Deficits
      in the palliative care of geriatric patients have been repeatedly demonstrated
      and many nursing home residents, especially those suffering from dementia, are
      undersupplied regarding pain management. OBJECTIVES: The present study was
      carried out to measure the knowledge and self-efficacy of nursing staff in the
      province of Carinthia (Austria) regarding palliative care of nursing home
      residents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 330 nursing personnel were surveyed
      using the Bonn test for knowledge in palliative care (BPW), which measures
      knowledge and self-efficacy in nursing home personnel. In addition to descriptive
      analyses, the effects of the professional group (registered nurses vs. nursing
      assistants) and working experience were tested. RESULTS: On average a little more
      than half of the knowledge items were answered correctly. Nurses' self-efficacy
      was high. Registered nurses exhibited more knowledge and higher self-efficacy
      compared to nursing assistants. Effects of working experience could only be
      demonstrated regarding self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: The results are to a large
      extent in line with results from Germany and indicate the necessity of
      interventions for improving nurses' knowledge as a major basis for adequate
      palliative care in nursing home residents.

PMID- 28078440
TI  - Alternative intronic promoters in development and disease.
AB  - Approximately 20,000 mammalian genes are estimated to encode between 250 thousand
      and 1 million different proteins. This enormous diversity of the mammalian
      proteome is caused by the ability of a single-gene locus to encode multiple
      protein isoforms. Protein isoforms encoded by one gene locus can be functionally
      distinct, and they can even have antagonistic functions. One of the mechanisms
      involved in creating this proteome complexity is alternative promoter usage.
      Alternative intronic promoters are located downstream from their canonical
      counterparts and drive the expression of alternative RNA isoforms that lack
      upstream exons. These upstream exons can encode some important functional
      domains, and proteins encoded by alternative mRNA isoforms can be thus
      functionally distinct from the full-length protein encoded by canonical mRNA
      isoforms. Since any misbalance of functionally distinct protein isoforms is
      likely to have detrimental consequences for the cell and the whole organism,
      their expression must be precisely regulated. Misregulation of alternative
      intronic promoters is frequently associated with various developmental defects
      and diseases including cancer, and it is becoming increasingly clear that this
      phenomenon deserves more attention.

PMID- 28078442
TI  - In Reply: Sedation choices and mortality: a well-defined tandem?

PMID- 28078443
TI  - Double stenting with silicone and metallic stents for malignant airway stenosis.
AB  - For severe malignant airway stenosis, there are several types of commercially
      available airway stents, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. We
      herein describe the safety and efficacy of combination stenting with silicone and
      metallic stents for patients with extended malignant airway stenosis. Seven
      patients with malignant airway stenosis were treated via combination stenting
      with a silicone stent and a metallic stent for extended airway stenosis from the
      central to peripheral airways. Five patients were diagnosed with advanced
      esophageal cancer, two of whom had tracheoesophageal fistulas. One patient had
      adenoid cystic carcinoma, and another had mediastinal tumor. There were no
      specific complications related to the double stenting. Combination stenting with
      silicone and metallic stents proved to be a safe option for patients with severe,
      extended, and complicated malignant airway stenosis.

PMID- 28078444
TI  - MPS analysis of the mtDNA hypervariable regions on the MiSeq with improved
      enrichment.
AB  - The non-coding displacement (D) loop of the human mitochondrial (mt) genome
      contains two hypervariable regions known as HVR1 and HVR2 that are most often
      analyzed by forensic DNA laboratories. The massively parallel sequencing (MPS)
      protocol from Illumina (Human mtDNA D-Loop Hypervariable Region protocol)
      utilizes four sets of established PCR primer pairs for the initial amplification
      (enrichment) step that span the hypervariable regions. Transposase adapted (TA)
      sequences are attached to the 5'-end of each primer, allowing for effective
      library preparation prior to analysis on the MiSeq, and AmpliTaq Gold DNA
      polymerase is the enzyme recommended for amplification. The amplification
      conditions were modified by replacing AmpliTaq Gold with TaKaRa Ex Taq(r) HS,
      along with an enhanced PCR buffer system. The resulting method was compared to
      the recommended protocol and to a conventional non-MPS approach used in an
      operating forensic DNA laboratory. The modified amplification conditions gave
      equivalent or improved results, including when amplifying low amounts of DNA
      template from hair shafts which are a routine evidence type in forensic mtDNA
      cases. Amplification products were successfully sequenced using an MPS approach,
      addressing sensitivity of library preparation, evaluation of precision and
      accuracy through repeatability and reproducibility, and mixture studies. These
      findings provide forensic laboratories with a robust and improved enrichment
      method as they begin to implement the D-loop protocol from Illumina. Given that
      Ex Taq(r) HS is a proofreading enzyme, using this approach should allow for
      improved analysis of low-level mtDNA heteroplasmy.

PMID- 28078445
TI  - Energy-dependent expansion of .177 caliber hollow-point air gun projectiles.
AB  - Amongst hundreds of different projectiles for air guns available on the market,
      hollow-point air gun pellets are of special interest. These pellets are
      characterized by a tip or a hollowed-out shape in their tip which, when fired,
      makes the projectiles expand to an increased diameter upon entering the target
      medium. This results in an increase in release of energy which, in turn, has the
      potential to cause more serious injuries than non-hollow-point projectiles. To
      the best of the authors' knowledge, reliable data on the terminal ballistic
      features of hollow-point air gun projectiles compared to standard diabolo pellets
      have not yet been published in the forensic literature. The terminal ballistic
      performance (energy-dependent expansion and penetration) of four different types
      of .177 caliber hollow-point pellets discharged at kinetic energy levels from
      approximately 3 J up to 30 J into water, ordnance gelatin, and ordnance gelatin
      covered with natural chamois as a skin simulant was the subject of this
      investigation. Energy-dependent expansion of the tested hollow-point pellets was
      observed after being shot into all investigated target media. While some hollow
      point pellets require a minimum kinetic energy of approximately 10 J for
      sufficient expansion, there are also hollow-point pellets which expand at kinetic
      energy levels of less than 5 J. The ratio of expansion (RE, calculated by the
      cross-sectional area (A) after impact divided by the cross-sectional area (A 0)
      of the undeformed pellet) of hollow-point air gun pellets reached values up of to
      2.2. The extent of expansion relates to the kinetic energy of the projectile with
      a peak for pellet expansion at the 15 to 20 J range. To conclude, this work
      demonstrates that the hollow-point principle, i.e., the design-related
      enlargement of the projectiles' frontal area upon impact into a medium, does work
      in air guns as claimed by the manufacturers.

PMID- 28078446
TI  - Detection of RAGE expression and its application to diabetic wound age
      estimation.
AB  - With the prevalence of diabetes, it is becoming important to analyze the diabetic
      wound age in forensic practice. The present study investigated the time-dependent
      expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) during diabetic
      wound healing in mice and its applicability to wound age determination by
      immunohistochemistry, double immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. After an
      incision was created in genetically diabetic db/db mice and control mice, mice
      were killed at posttraumatic intervals ranging from 6 h to 14 days, followed by
      the sampling of wound margin. Compared with control mice, diabetic mice showed
      the delayed wound healing. In control and diabetic wound specimens, RAGE
      immunoreactivity was observed in a small number of polymorphonuclear cells
      (PMNs), a number of macrophages, and fibroblasts. Morphometrically, the positive
      ratios of RAGE in macrophages or fibroblasts considerably increased in diabetic
      wounds during late repair, which exceeded 60% at 7 and 10 days post-injury. There
      were no control wound specimens to show a ratio of >60% in macrophages or
      fibroblasts. By Western blotting analysis, the ratios of RAGE to GAPDH were >1.4
      in all diabetic wound samples from 7 to 10 days post-injury, which were >1.8 at
      10 days after injury. By comparison, no control wound specimens indicated a ratio
      of >1.4. In conclusion, the expression of RAGE is upregulated and temporally
      distributed in macrophages and fibroblasts during diabetic wound healing, which
      might be closely involved in prolonged inflammation and deficient healing.
      Moreover, RAGE is promising as a useful marker for diabetic wound age
      determination.

PMID- 28078447
TI  - Trends in aortic valve replacement in Germany in 2015: transcatheter versus
      isolated surgical aortic valve repair.
AB  - AIMS: We analysed the number of procedures, indications, and in-hospital
      mortality rates of all patients undergoing isolated surgical aortic valve
      replacement (sAVR) or transvascular (TV-) and transapical (TA-) transcatheter
      aortic valve implantation (TAVI) from 2012 to 2015 in Germany. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: More than 31,000 aortic valve procedures were performed in 2015 in
      Germany, representing a total increase of 4.5% over 2014. TV-TAVI accounts for
      13,108 of these procedures, with an increase of 21%, whereas the numbers of
      isolated sAVR and TA-TAVI decreased slightly. Age, frailty, high risk, and
      patients' choice were the main reasons for a catheter-based intervention. In
      2015, the in-hospital mortality rate after TV-TAVI decreased to 3.4%, approaching
      that of sAVR (2.9%), despite a considerably higher baseline risk. A stratified
      analysis according to the German aortic valve (AKL) score demonstrated a further
      decrease of the in-hospital mortality for TV-TAVI, showing a lower in-hospital
      mortality rate than expected in all risk groups. Importantly, this also accounts
      for the lowest risk group with an AKL score <3% showing an in-hospital mortality
      rate of 1.7%, which is now comparable to that of sAVR (1.5%). In all other risk
      groups, the in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing TV-TAVI was lower than
      in patients undergoing sAVR. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality after TV-TAVI keeps
      decreasing over the last years and equals that of SAVR in the lowest risk cohort
      in the meanwhile. All TV-TAVI patients have significantly lower observed than
      expected mortality, which will further lead to a redefinition of standard of
      care.

PMID- 28078448
TI  - Synergic impact of oral anticoagulation control and renal function in determining
      major adverse events in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing percutaneous
      coronary intervention: insights from the AFCAS registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), quality of oral
      anticoagulation control as well as impaired renal function are associated with
      adverse outcomes. Our objective was to analyze if there was a synergistic impact
      of these factors in determining adverse outcomes in AF patients undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention and stent (PCI-S). METHODS: Post-hoc analysis
      from the Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Coronary Artery Stenting (AFCAS)
      registry. Poor oral anticoagulation control was defined as time in therapeutic
      range (TTR) <65%, while impaired renal function as creatinine clearance (CrCl)
      <60 ml/min. RESULTS: Of the whole cohort, 448 were eligible for this post-hoc
      analysis. Of these, 27.9% had TTR <65%only (Group I), 19.2% had CrCl <60 ml/min
      only (Group II), while 13.8% had both conditions (Group III). At follow-up,
      patients in Group III had a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular and
      cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (p = 0.007), while patients in Groups I and III
      had higher rates of major bleeding. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that patients in
      Group III had higher risk for MACCE (LogRank: 14.406, p = 0.003), while Group I
      and Group III patients had higher risk for major bleeding (LogRank: 12.290, p =
      0.006). On Cox regression, presence of both conditions independently increased
      MACCE risk (p = 0.001), while TTR <65% alone and the presence of both conditions
      were independently associated with major bleeding (p = 0.004 and p = 0.028,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There was a synergic impact of oral anticoagulation
      control and renal function in determining major adverse events in AF patients
      undergoing PCI-S. Use of poor anticoagulation control and impaired renal function
      in combination would help identify AF patients undergoing PCI-S at risk for MACCE
      and/or major bleeding.

PMID- 28078449
TI  - Social media responses to heat waves.
AB  - Social network services (SNSs) may benefit public health by augmenting
      surveillance and distributing information to the public. In this study, we
      collected Twitter data focusing on six different heat-related themes (air
      conditioning, cooling center, dehydration, electrical outage, energy assistance,
      and heat) for 182 days from May 7 to November 3, 2014. First, exploratory linear
      regression associated outdoor heat exposure to the theme-specific tweet counts
      for five study cities (Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta).
      Next, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) time series models
      formally associated heat exposure to the combined count of heat and air
      conditioning tweets while controlling for temporal autocorrelation. Finally, we
      examined the spatial and temporal distribution of energy assistance and cooling
      center tweets. The result indicates that the number of tweets in most themes
      exhibited a significant positive relationship with maximum temperature. The ARIMA
      model results suggest that each city shows a slightly different relationship
      between heat exposure and the tweet count. A one-degree change in the temperature
      correspondingly increased the Box-Cox transformed tweets by 0.09 for Atlanta,
      0.07 for Los Angeles, and 0.01 for New York City. The energy assistance and
      cooling center theme tweets suggest that only a few municipalities used Twitter
      for public service announcements. The timing of the energy assistance tweets
      suggests that most jurisdictions provide heating instead of cooling energy
      assistance.

PMID- 28078450
TI  - Genome-wide methylation profiles in primary intracranial germ cell tumors
      indicate a primordial germ cell origin for germinomas.
AB  - Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs) are the second most common brain tumors
      among children under 14 in Japan. The World Health Organization classification
      recognizes several subtypes of iGCTs, which are conventionally subclassified into
      pure germinoma or non-germinomatous GCTs. Recent exhaustive genomic studies
      showed that mutations of the genes involved in the MAPK and/or PI3K pathways are
      common in iGCTs; however, the mechanisms of how different subtypes develop, often
      as a mixed-GCT, are unknown. To elucidate the pathogenesis of iGCTs, we
      investigated 61 GCTs of various subtypes by genome-wide DNA methylation
      profiling. We showed that pure germinomas are characterized by global low DNA
      methylation, a unique epigenetic feature making them distinct from all other
      iGCTs subtypes. The patterns of methylation strongly resemble that of primordial
      germ cells (PGC) at the migration phase, possibly indicating the cell of origin
      for these tumors. Unlike PGC, however, hypomethylation extends to long
      interspersed nuclear element retrotransposons. Histologically and epigenetically
      distinct microdissected components of mixed-GCTs shared identical somatic
      mutations in the MAPK or PI3K pathways, indicating that they developed from a
      common ancestral cell.

PMID- 28078452
TI  - Do deer and raccoons defecate in the right place? Fitness consequences of
      vertebrate seed dispersal for a deciduous forest herb.
AB  - Precision of seed placement in a heterogeneous environment is often assumed to
      select for the evolution of animal-mediated dispersal systems, but this
      hypothesis has rarely been tested in a multivariate sense. We quantify the
      microsite fitness benefits of dispersal by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus
      virginianus) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) for mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), a
      shade-tolerant perennial herb, in deciduous forests of southeastern Ohio, USA.
      Micro-environmental variables were recorded at dung-deposition microsites, at
      rooting points of mayapple shoots, and at random (control) points in the forest.
      Fitness was assessed as the degree of overlap in ordinations of microsites by
      environmental variables. Mayapple occupied a broad sector (56%) of environment
      space corresponding to low and mid-slope positions, ravines, and proximity to
      trees. Deer and raccoon defecation placed dung in 71-74 and 86-95% of environment
      space, respectively, reaching mayapple microsites in 57-60 and 53-54% of cases.
      Deer placed dung in mayapple environment space 7-9% more often than predicted by
      random distribution, and raccoons placed dung in mayapple space 0-5% more often,
      consistent with only a modest degree of directed dispersal. Thus, the precision
      hypothesis is only weakly supported. The greatest fitness benefit of vertebrate
      dispersal appears to be the broad distribution of seeds, thereby increasing the
      probability of randomly reaching a suitable microsite. Imprecise dispersal
      suggests that secondary mechanisms of seed movement need to be explored in
      deciduous forest communities.

PMID- 28078451
TI  - Slower but not faster unilateral fatiguing knee extensions alter contralateral
      limb performance without impairment of maximal torque output.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of
      unilateral fatigue of the knee extensors at different movement velocities on
      neuromuscular performance in the fatigued and non-fatigued leg. METHODS:
      Unilateral fatigue of the knee extensors was induced in 11 healthy young men
      (23.7 +/- 3.8 years) at slower (60 degrees /s; FAT60) and faster movement
      velocities (240 degrees /s; FAT240) using an isokinetic dynamometer. A resting
      control (CON) condition was included. The fatigue protocols consisted of five
      sets of 15 maximal concentric knee extensions using the dominant leg. Before and
      after fatigue, peak isokinetic torque (PIT) and time to PIT (TTP) of the knee
      extensors as well as electromyographic (EMG) activity of vastus medialis, vastus
      lateralis, and biceps femoris muscles were assessed at 60 and 240 degrees /s
      movement velocities in the fatigued and non-fatigued leg. RESULTS: In the
      fatigued leg, significantly greater PIT decrements were observed following FAT60
      and FAT240 (11-19%) compared to CON (3-4%, p = .002, d = 2.3). Further, EMG
      activity increased in vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscle following FAT240
      only (8-28%, 0.018 <= p <= .024, d = 1.8). In the non-fatigued leg, shorter TTP
      values were found after the FAT60 protocol (11-15%, p = .023, d = 2.4). No
      significant changes were found for EMG data in the non-fatigued leg. CONCLUSION:
      The present study revealed that both slower and faster velocity fatiguing
      contractions failed to show any evidence of cross-over fatigue on PIT. However,
      unilateral knee extensor fatigue protocols conducted at slower movement
      velocities (i.e., 60 degrees /s) appear to modulate torque production on the non
      fatigued side (evident in shorter TTP values).

PMID- 28078453
TI  - A Bump in the Road: An Uncommon Cause of Dysphagia.

PMID- 28078454
TI  - Measuring Competency Development in Objective Evaluation of Videofluoroscopic
      Swallowing Studies.
AB  - Clinical interpretation of videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) has often been
      criticized for its poor objectivity and inter-rater agreement. In order to
      address this, objective VFSS measures have been developed, reported and
      demonstrated to be valid and reliable. However, widespread clinical
      implementation is lacking. Reasons cited include lack of training and excessive
      time taken to perform measures. This study investigated competency development in
      selected standardized objective VFSS measures among speech-language pathologists
      (SLPs) naive to quantitative measurement. Six novice (no VFSS experience) and
      four experienced (2-10 years of VFSS experience) SLPs participated in 4 h of
      training in how to perform selected objective VFSS measures including pharyngeal
      constriction ratio, maximum pharyngoesophageal opening, pharyngoesophageal
      opening duration, airway closure duration and total pharyngeal transit time. Each
      week for eight weeks, participants were asked to independently measure and report
      three VFSS of patients affected by stroke. By week 8, all SLPs, irrespective of
      prior experience level, were able to achieve 80% accuracy in measures in
      comparison to the consensus of three expert clinicians. SLPs' mean time for
      completion reduced from 50 min in week 1-25 min in week 8. Inter-rater agreement
      for measures improved across the eight-week period (range ICC = -31.05 to .60 in
      week 1 to ICC = .71 to .98 in week 8). There was high agreement in location of
      impairment and consequent management recommendations by week 8. In conclusion,
      SLPs can reliably learn and incorporate objective VFSS measures within a
      reasonable time frame. Level of experience has limited influence on the learning
      curve.

PMID- 28078455
TI  - Retention of laparoscopic and robotic skills among medical students: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although simulation training beneficially contributes to traditional
      surgical training, there are less objective data on simulation skills retention.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate the retention of laparoscopic and robotic skills after
      simulation training. METHODS: We present the second stage of a randomized single
      blinded controlled trial in which 40 simulation-naive medical students were
      randomly assigned to practice peg transfer tasks on either laparoscopic (N = 20,
      Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery, Venture Technologies Inc., Waltham, MA) or
      robotic (N = 20, dV-Trainer, Mimic, Seattle, WA) platforms. In the first stage,
      two expert surgeons evaluated participants on both tasks before (Stage 1:
      Baseline) and immediately after training (Stage 1: Post-training) using a
      modified validated global rating scale of laparoscopic and robotic operative
      performance. In Stage 2, participants were evaluated on both tasks 11-20 weeks
      after training. RESULTS: Of the 40 students who participated in Stage 1, 23 (11
      laparoscopic and 12 robotic) underwent repeat evaluation. During Stage 2, there
      were no significant differences between groups in objective or subjective
      measures for the laparoscopic task. Laparoscopic-trained participants'
      performances on the laparoscopic task were improved during Stage 2 compared to
      baseline measured by time to task completion, but not by the modified global
      rating scale. During the robotic task, the robotic-trained group demonstrated
      superior economy of motion (p = .017), Tissue Handling (p = .020), and fewer
      errors (p = .018) compared to the laparoscopic-trained group. Robotic skills
      acquisition from baseline with no significant deterioration as measured by
      modified global rating scale scores was observed among robotic-trained
      participants during Stage 2. CONCLUSION: Robotic skills acquired through
      simulation appear to be better maintained than laparoscopic simulation skills.
      CLINICAL TRIAL: This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02370407).

PMID- 28078456
TI  - A video presentation on technique of laparoscopic redo of stenotic
      gastrojejunostomy with hiatal hernioplasty and right crural release in a patient
      with previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

PMID- 28078457
TI  - Equal patient satisfaction, quality of life and objective recurrence rate after
      laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with and without mesh.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair has become standard practice for
      most surgeons performing antireflux surgery. Hiatal hernia repair consists of
      cruroplasty with sutures only or additional reinforcement using mesh. Use of mesh
      was initiated to reduce recurrence rates. Recent analyses show that use of mesh
      may influence radiologic recurrence rates, but it does not seem to prevent
      symptomatic recurrences and the need for reoperation. This study compares
      clinical and radiologic outcomes of primary cruroplasty and cruroplasty with non
      absorbable mesh after laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. METHODS: Retrospective
      analysis of prospectively followed cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic
      correction of hiatal hernia type II-IV in two tertiary referral centers was
      carried out. Radiologic recurrence, symptomatic recurrence, reoperation rate,
      complications and patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed for all
      patients. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were analyzed after laparoscopic
      hiatal hernia correction with an additional fundoplication [127 (67.2%) primary
      correction, 62 (32.8%) with mesh reinforcement]. After a mean follow-up of 39.3
      months, the overall radiologic recurrence rate was 24.3%, which was equal in both
      groups [25.8% (mesh) vs 23.6% (no mesh), P = 0.331]. Symptomatic recurrence rate
      was 13.2% (16.1 vs 11.8%, P = 0.495) and reoperation rate 7.4% (9.7 vs 6.3%),
      which was comparable between the two groups. Complication rates were equal, and
      no serious mesh-related complications were reported. Health-related quality of
      life improved after surgery, dysphagia decreased and patient satisfaction was
      high for both groups without significant differences. CONCLUSION: Radiologic
      recurrences, symptomatic recurrences and reoperation rates are equal after
      laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with or without non-absorbable mesh
      reinforcement, irrespective of hernia size and type. Quality of life, dysphagia
      and patient satisfaction were comparable. No serious mesh-related complications
      occurred. The results of this study do not support the routine use of mesh in
      hiatal hernia repair.

PMID- 28078458
TI  - Superiority of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with hand-sewn
      esophagogastrostomy over total gastrectomy in improving postoperative body weight
      loss and quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proximal gastrectomy is not widely performed because the procedure is
      complicated, particularly under laparoscopy. We developed a simple laparoscopic
      technique of hand-sewn esophagogastrostomy with an anti-reflux mechanism. This
      study aimed to evaluate and compare the postoperative body weight loss (BWL) and
      quality of life (QOL) following laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) and
      laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) in patients with upper gastric cancer.
      METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with stage I upper gastric cancer
      undergoing LPG or LTG at Kyoto University Hospital between March 2006 and June
      2014. The main outcome measures were the % BWL 1 year after gastrectomy,
      postoperative anastomotic stricture, and reflux esophagitis. Additionally,
      patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the Post-Gastrectomy Syndrome
      Assessment Scale (PGSAS)-45 in patients presenting at the outpatient clinic and
      exhibiting no recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included in this
      study (LTG, n = 42 vs. LPG, n = 20). The % BWL at 12 months in the LPG group was
      less than that in the LTG group (-16.3 vs. -10.7%). Multivariate analysis
      revealed that LPG was associated with less BWL (P = 0.003). Anastomotic stricture
      occurred more frequently in the LPG group than in the LTG group (0 vs. 25%). One
      patient in each group exhibited grade B severity of reflux esophagitis (based on
      the Los Angeles classification). In the questionnaire survey, LPG was better than
      LTG in terms of diarrhea and dissatisfaction with symptoms. In terms of reflux
      symptoms, patients in the LPG group experienced less acid and bile regurgitation
      symptoms compared with those in the LTG group. CONCLUSIONS: LPG with hand-sewn
      esophagogastrostomy results in less postoperative BWL and better QOL than LTG
      despite higher rates of anastomotic stricture.

PMID- 28078459
TI  - Endotherapy in case of relapse of neoplastic Barrett's esophagus after successful
      initial endoscopic resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endotherapy in cases of neoplastic Barrett esophagus (BE) relapse
      after successful initial endoscopic management is commonly accepted, but few
      studies analyze this topic and also take into account the metachronous lesions.
      AIMS: To evaluate the efficiency of endotherapy in the case of neoplastic BE
      relapse after successful complete endoscopic eradication of neoplastic BE and
      metaplastic BE. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records was collected in
      a computerized and prospective manner between 2000 and 2015, in a single tertiary
      care center. Recurrence was defined by histological presence of high-grade
      dysplasia or superficial adenocarcinoma at least 6 months after the end of
      successful initial endotherapy. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were assessed (1F/17
      M). Delay between initial treatment and relapse was 16.6 months (range 6-33).
      Endotherapy for relapse obtained a sustained and complete remission for 8/18
      (44%) patients, with an average endoscopic follow-up of 28 months. The
      complication rate of endotherapy was 6%. Surgical management was required in 33%
      (2 pT2N0M0, 2 pTisN0M0, 1 pTm2N0M0 and 1 pTm3N0M0) and salvage radiochemotherapy
      in 17% (3/18). One patient treated by 6 sessions of ER was considered as a
      failure given the multiple sessions of endotherapy. Multivariate analysis showed
      that length of BE (>5 cm), late stenosis adverse events and the quality of
      vertical margin during initial ER are predictive factors for disease-free
      survival (p value < 0.01, Hazard Ratio up to 0.076). CONCLUSION: Endotherapy
      could be a treatment for management of neoplastic BE relapse, but should be
      carefully used, with strict follow-up.

PMID- 28078460
TI  - Imbedding pancreaticojejunostomy used in pure laparoscopic
      pancreaticoduodenectomy for nondilated pancreatic duct.
AB  - BACKGROUND: LPD has been cautiously regarded as feasible and safe for resection
      and reconstruction. However, anastomosis of the remnant pancreas is still thought
      to be a critical obstacle to the dissemination of LPD in general practice. This
      study presents a new technique of pancreaticojejunostomy for nondilated
      pancreatic duct and evaluates its safety and reliability. METHODS: From July 2014
      to June 2015, a total of 52 patients underwent LPD with the new technique. A
      modified technique of duct-to-mucosa PJ was performed with transpancreatic
      interlocking mattress sutures, named the imbedding duct-to-mucosa PJ. Then the
      morbidity and mortality was calculated. RESULTS: This technique was applied in 52
      patients after LPD all with nondilated pancreatic duct (1-3 mm). The mean
      operation time was 4.6 h (range, 3.5-8.3 h) and the median time for the
      anastomosis was 37 min (range, 24-53 min). Operative mortality was zero, and
      morbidity was 21.2 % (n = 11), including hemorrhage (n = 3, 5.8 %), biliary
      fistula (n = 1, 1.9 %), pulmonary infection (n = 1, 1.9 %), delayed gastric
      emptying (n = 2, 3.8 %), abdominal abscess caused by biliary fistula or PF
      formation (n = 2, 3.8 %), and POPF (n = 2, 3.8 %). Two patients developed a
      pancreatic fistula (one type A, one type B) classified according to the
      International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula. CONCLUSIONS: The described
      technique is a simple and safe reconstruction procedure after LPD, especially for
      patients with nondilated pancreatic duct.

PMID- 28078461
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of prophylactic appendectomy: a Markov model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Appendectomy is the most common emergency surgery performed in the
      USA. Removal of a non-inflamed appendix during unrelated abdominal surgery
      (prophylactic or incidental appendectomy) can prevent the downstream risks and
      costs of appendicitis. It is unknown whether such a strategy could be cost saving
      for the health system. METHODS: We considered hypothetical patient cohorts of
      varying ages from 18 to 80, undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal and pelvic
      procedures. A Markov decision model using cost per life-year as the main outcome
      measure was constructed to simulate the trade-off between cost and risk of
      prophylactic appendectomy and the ongoing risk of developing appendicitis, with
      downstream costs and risks. Rates, probabilities, and costs of disease,
      treatment, and outcomes by patient age and gender were extracted from the
      literature. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using complications and costs of
      prophylactic appendectomy. RESULTS: With our base-case assumptions, including
      added cost of prophylactic appendectomy of $660, we find that prophylactic
      removal of the appendix is cost saving for males aged 18-27 and females aged 18
      28 undergoing elective surgery. The margin of cost savings depends on remaining
      life-years and increases exponentially with age: a 20-year-old female undergoing
      elective surgery could save $130 over a lifetime by undergoing prophylactic
      appendectomy, while a 40-year-old female would lose $130 over a lifetime. When
      the risk of the prophylactic appendectomy exceeds the risk of laparoscopic
      appendectomy for appendicitis or the cost exceeds $1080, it becomes more cost
      saving to forego the prophylactic procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic
      appendectomy can be cost saving for patients younger than age thirty undergoing
      elective laparoscopic abdominal and pelvic procedures.

PMID- 28078462
TI  - Assessment of predictive factors for recurrence in laparoscopic ventral hernia
      repair using a bridging technique.
AB  - AIM: To assess the long-term incidence and predictive factors for recurrence
      after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using a bridging technique. METHODS: The
      study group consisted of 213 consecutive patients operated by laparoscopy for
      primary ventral (n = 158) or incisional hernia (n = 55) between 2001 and 2014.
      Patients had a repair without fascia closure by intra-peritoneal onlay placement
      of a Parietex(r) composite mesh centred on the defect with an overlap of at least
      3 cm. Clinical outcome was assessed by a combination of office consultation,
      patient's electronic medical file review and telephone interview. RESULTS: There
      were 144 men and 69 women with a mean age of 55 +/- 12 years and a BMI of 32 +/-
      6. With a mean follow-up of 69 +/- 44 months, a recurrent hernia was noted in 16
      patients (7.5%). Univariate analysis showed a statistically significant higher
      recurrence rate in the following conditions: incisional hernia (15%), BMI >= 35
      (21%), defect width >4 cm (27%), defect area >20 cm2 (27%), mesh overlap <5 cm
      (32%) and ratio of mesh area to defect area (M/D ratio) <=12 (48%). Multivariate
      logistic analysis revealed that M/D ratio was the only independent predictive
      factor for recurrence (coefficient -0.79, OR 0.46, p < 0.002). With a M/D ratio
      <=8, between 9 and 12, between 13 and 16, and >=17, the recurrence rate was,
      respectively, 70, 35, 9 and 0% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In laparoscopic repair
      of ventral hernia using a bridging technique, an overlap of at least 5 cm is not
      all that is required to prevent hernia recurrence. The M/D ratio is the most
      important predictive factor for recurrence. A ratio of 13 appears as the
      threshold under which that technique cannot be recommended and 16 as the
      threshold over which the risk of recurrence is virtually nil. If a satisfactory
      M/D ratio cannot be achieved, other surgical repair should be proposed to the
      patient.

PMID- 28078463
TI  - Endoscopic vacuum therapy for various defects of the upper gastrointestinal
      tract.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative, iatrogenic or spontaneous upper gastrointestinal
      defects result in significant morbidity and mortality of the patients. In the
      last few years, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has been recognized as a new
      promising method for repairing upper gastrointestinal defects of different
      etiology. However, probably due to insufficient data and no commercially
      available system for EVT of the upper gastrointestinal tract, until the end of
      2014, covering of esophageal defects with self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) were
      still the mainstay of endoscopic therapy. The aim of this article is to review
      the data available about EVT for various upper gastrointestinal defects. METHODS:
      A selective literature search was conducted in Medline and PubMed (2007-2016),
      taking into account all the published case series and case reports reporting on
      the use of EVT in the management of upper gastrointestinal defects. RESULTS: EVT
      works through intracorporal application of negative pressure at the defect zone
      with an electronic controlled vacuum device along a polyurethane sponge drainage.
      This results in closure of the esophageal defect and internal drainage of the
      septic focus, simultaneously. Compared to stenting, EVT enables regular viewing
      of wound conditions with control of the septic focus and adjustment of therapy.
      Moreover, endoscopical negative pressure is applicable in all esophageal regions
      (cricopharygeal, tubular, gastroesophageal junction) and in anastomotic anatomic
      variants. EVT can be used solely as a definite treatment or as a complimentary
      therapy combined with operative revision. In total, there are published data of
      more than 200 patients with upper gastrointestinal defects treated with EVT,
      showing succes rates from 70-100%. CONCLUSION: The available data indicate that
      EVT is feasible, safe and effective with good short-term and long-term clinical
      outcomes in the damage control of upper GI-tract leaks. Still, a prospective
      multi-center study has to be conducted to proof the definite benefit of EVT for
      patients with esophageal defects.

PMID- 28078464
TI  - Outcome of stent grafting for esophageal perforations: single-center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies showed that stent grafting is a promising technique
      for treatment of esophageal perforation. However, the evidence of its benefits is
      still scarce. METHODS: Forty-three consecutive patients underwent stent grafting
      for esophageal perforation at the Oulu University Hospital, Finland. The main
      endpoints of this study were early and mid-term mortality. Secondary outcome
      endpoints were the need of esophagectomy and additional surgical procedures on
      the esophagus and extraesophageal structures. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was
      64.6 +/- 13.4 years. The mean delay to primary treatment was 23 +/- 27 h. The
      most frequent cause of perforation was Boerhaave's syndrome (46.5%). The thoraco
      abdominal segment of the esophagus was affected in 58.1% of cases. Minor primary
      procedures were performed in 25 patients (58.1%) and repeat surgical procedures
      in 23 patients (53.5%). Forty-nine repeat stent graftings were performed in 22
      patients (50%). Two patients (4.7%) underwent esophagectomy, one for unrelenting
      preprocedural stricture of the esophagus and another for persistent leakage of a
      perforated esophageal carcinoma. The mean length of stay in the intensive care
      unit was 6.0 +/- 7.5 days and the in-hospital stay was 24.3 +/- 19.6 days. In
      hospital mortality was 4.6%. Three-year survival was 67.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Stent
      grafting seems to be an effective less invasive technique for the treatment of
      esophageal perforation. Repeat stent grafting and procedures on the pleural
      spaces are often needed to control the site of perforation and for debridement of
      surrounding infected structures. Stent grafting allows the preservation of the
      esophagus in most of patients. The mid-term survival of these patients is
      suboptimal and requires further investigation.

PMID- 28078465
TI  - Non-inferiority of minimally invasive oesophagectomy: an 8-year retrospective
      case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The trend towards laparoscopic surgery seen in other specialties has
      not occurred at the same pace in oesophagectomy. This stems from concerns
      regarding compromised oncological clearance, and complications associated with
      gastric tube necrosis and anastomotic failure. We present our experience of
      minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) compared to open and hybrid surgery. We
      aim to ascertain non-inferiority of MIO by evaluating impact on survival,
      oncological clearance by resection margin and lymph node harvest and post
      operative complications. METHODS: Data were sourced retrospectively 2008-2015.
      Three approaches were studied. MIO (3-stage Mckeown), hybrid (2-stage Ivor Lewis,
      laparoscopy, thoracotomy) and open (2-stage Ivor Lewis). RESULTS: Five-year
      survival was 54.2%. Surgical approach had no significant impact on survival at
      any stage of disease (Stage 0/I p = 0.98; stage II p = 0.2; stage III p = 0.76).
      There was no statistically significant difference in oncological clearance by
      resection margins between procedures when compared by disease stage (p = 0.49). A
      higher number of nodes were harvested in hybrid [median 27.5 (6-65)] and open
      surgeries [median 26 (4-54)] than in MIO [median 20 (7-44)] (p > 0.01). Numbers
      of nodes resected did not impact risk of recurrence [recurrence, median 25 (6
      54), no recurrence, 26 (4-65)] (p = 0.25). Anastomotic strictures (22.4%) and
      potential leaks (17.9%) were more common in MIO (strictures p > 0.01, leaks p =
      0.08), although associated morbidity was lower. Respiratory complications were
      less common in MIO (2.9%) versus hybrid (13.3%) (p = 0.02). Wound infection and
      chyle leak were also lower (wound 1.5% MIO 3.5% open, p = 0.6; chyle leak 1.5%
      MIO, 6.7% hybrid, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show no negative impact of
      MIO on survival or oncological clearance. Respiratory and wound complications are
      lower in MIO, but rates of anastomotic strictures and potential anastomotic leaks
      are increased. This may be due to the longer length of conduit and subclinical
      ischaemia at the anastomosis and merits further evaluation.

PMID- 28078466
TI  - Does stoma site specimen extraction increase postoperative ileostomy complication
      rates?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimizing incisions has the potential to decrease hernia formation
      and wound complications following laparoscopic surgery. It is currently unknown
      if using the stoma site for specimen extraction affects outcomes. This study aims
      to evaluate the impact of stoma site extraction on postoperative complication
      rates in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: After IRB approval, a
      retrospective comparative review of 738 consecutive patients (405 M) who
      underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with ileostomy between January 2008 and
      December 2014 was performed. Patients who had a minimally invasive surgery that
      required an ileostomy were included. Patients were classified into two groups:
      stoma site extraction (SSE) or non-stoma site extraction (NSSE) and compared by
      body mass index (BMI), age, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists
      score, length of stay, estimated blood loss, parastomal complications, and hernia
      rate. RESULTS: The parastomal hernia rate was 10.1% for the SSE group (n = 14)
      and 4.2% for the NSSE group (n = 25) (p = 0.007). The need for additional
      surgeries was 7/139 (5.0%) for the SSE group and 27/599 (4.5%) for the NSSE group
      (p = 0.79). There was no difference in the hernia rate after stoma closure in
      either group. There was no difference in single incision laparoscopic surgery
      versus conventional laparoscopy or robotic-assisted laparoscopy on stoma site
      complications in patients with SSE. SSE, transfusion, and BMI >30 were found to
      be independent factors associated with increased stoma site complications.
      CONCLUSION: SSE does increase stoma site complications. SSE should be used with
      caution, or in conjunction with other techniques to reduce hernias in patients
      requiring a permanent stoma or with an elevated BMI. The increase in stoma site
      complications does not translate into additional surgeries or postoperative
      sequelae following stoma reversal and is a reasonable option in patients
      requiring a temporary stoma.

PMID- 28078467
TI  - Clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of asymptomatic rectal
      neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are often asymptomatic and
      frequently discovered during health examinations. However, data on the risk
      factors of asymptomatic rectal NETs are lacking. We investigated the risk
      factors, clinical characteristics and outcomes of asymptomatic rectal NETs
      discovered during health screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Asymptomatic subjects
      who underwent colonoscopy during routine health screening at a tertiary hospital
      from March 2009 to July 2014 were reviewed. Subjects with histologically
      confirmed rectal NETs were compared with healthy controls from the same
      population. Risk factors for rectal NETs were analyzed by multivariable analysis.
      Clinical outcomes of the resected NETs were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of
      21,706 Subjects underwent screening colonoscopy during the study period. 3417
      were excluded from the study, and 180 rectal NET subjects were compared with
      18,109 controls. Multivariable analysis showed that a previous history of
      malignancy (OR 2.960, 95% CI 1.673-5.237, p < 0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (OR
      1.482, 95% CI 1.046-2.100, p = 0.027), higher fasting plasma glucose levels (OR
      1.008, 95% CI 1.003-1.014, p = 0.001) and higher carcinoembryonic antigen levels
      (OR 1.019, 95% CI 1.003-1.035, p = 0.021) were significant risk factors while
      older age (OR 0.964, 95% CI 0.951-0.977, p < 0.001) was a preventive factor. One
      hundred and sixty nine subjects had endoscopic resection, five were treated by
      local surgery and six by radical surgery. Complete resection was achieved in 152
      subjects. There were three cases of positive lymph nodes and one metastasis.
      Histology revealed four lymphatic, five vascular and two cases of perineural
      invasion. One hundred and fifty seven subjects were followed up for at least 1
      year (median 38.6 months, 12-84 months). There were no recurrences during the
      follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Younger age, previous history of malignancy,
      higher fasting plasma glucose levels and hypertriglyceridemia are significantly
      associated with rectal NET risk.

PMID- 28078468
TI  - Surgery of the hallux valgus in an ambulatory setting: a liability risk?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The primary objective of the study is to make an inventory of
      malpractice in hallux valgus surgery in an ambulatory setting and to identify the
      patient characteristics for a higher risk of malpractice. The secondary objective
      is creating a methodology for analyzing the medicolegal aspects of a surgery in
      day case comparing with hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The database of
      the Branchet insurance company was used. A total of 11,000 claims for a period of
      11 years (2002-2013) have been investigated. The files of the patients with
      hallux valgus surgery were isolated from the insurer's database using CCAM codes.
      The medical director, a medical officer, the legal expert and finally the judge
      had already analyzed all these cases. The authors reviewed the various documents
      with a specific questionnaire. RESULTS: We identified 14 cases of claims in
      relation with hallux valgus 1-day surgery among a total of 138 claims for hallux
      valgus including all techniques (10%). All patients were female. The mean age was
      42.6 years (19-64) in ambulatory patients (AG group) in comparison with 49.5
      years (19-73) in hospitalized patients (HG group). Percutaneous techniques were
      significantly more represented in the AG group (p = 0.002) and scarfs osteotomies
      in the HG group (p = 0.004). The use of tourniquet seemed to be lower in the AG
      group, but it was a not significant trend (p = 0.085). In term of anesthesia
      procedures, no significant differences were seen between the two groups. The
      comparison of the complications common to both groups showed no significant
      difference except for insufficient results which were more frequent in the AG
      group (p = 0.026). The rate of insufficient informed consent seemed to be higher
      in the AG group, but it was a not significant trend (p = 0.084). DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: No specific data regarding claims in relation with hallux valgus 1
      day surgery are available to our knowledge in the literature. We did not identify
      in our study specific complications related to ambulatory procedures except for
      insufficient results. Hallux valgus 1-day surgery does not seem to expose
      surgeons to higher medicolegal problems than classical hospitalization.
      Nevertheless, a specific consent form for ambulatory patients is required to
      limit claims regarding information.

PMID- 28078469
TI  - New resistance-associated substitutions and failure of dual oral therapy with
      daclatasvir and asunaprevir.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Daclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV) combination therapy has been
      primarily used in patients without NS5A L31 or Y93 resistance-associated
      substitutions (RASs) before treatment. We examined the characteristics of
      patients without these baseline RASs who did not achieve hepatitis C virus
      eradication with DCV and ASV combination therapy and identified new baseline NS5A
      RASs that are closely associated with failure of combination therapy. METHODS:
      Three hundred thirty-five patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection
      with no NS5A L31, NS5A Y93, and NS3 D168 RASs before DCV and ASV combination
      therapy and no history of protease inhibitor therapy were enrolled. All RASs were
      evaluated by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Sustained virologic response at 12 weeks
      (SVR12) was achieved in 297 patients (89%). Patients with NS5A Q24, L28, and/or
      R30 RASs or concomitant NS5A F37 and Q54 RASs had a significantly lower SVR12
      rate than patients without these RASs (70% vs 92%, p < 0.001 and 79% vs 92%, p =
      0.002 respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that NS5A Q24, L28, and/or R30
      RASs and concomitant NS5A F37 and Q54 RASs were significantly associated with
      virologic failure. The SVR12 rate in patients without NS5A Q24, L28, and/or R30
      RASs and concomitant NS5A F37 and Q54 RASs was 96.2% (202/210). CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients without NS5A L31 or Y93 RASs, the presence of NS5A Q24, L28, and/or R30
      RASs and concomitant NS5A F37 and Q54 RASs at the baseline was associated with
      failure of DCV and ASV combination therapy. The coexistence of baseline RASs
      other than NS5A L31 and Y93 may affect the therapeutic effectiveness of DCV and
      ASV combination therapy.

PMID- 28078470
TI  - Appropriate timing to start and optimal response evaluation of high-dose
      corticosteroid therapy for patients with acute liver failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid therapy has been commonly administered to patients
      with acute liver injury (ALI)/acute liver failure (ALF) in Japan to prevent the
      development of hepatic encephalopathy, but the appropriate timing to start
      corticosteroid therapy has not been determined and optimal response evaluation of
      the therapy has not been conducted. We prospectively investigated the optimal
      timing to start therapy on the established severity indication: the Japan Hepatic
      Encephalopathy Prediction Model (JHEPM) and prothrombin time (PT). METHODS: This
      prospective observational study enrolled 469 patients with ALI/ALF from 2004 to
      2015. We evaluated 44 patients with ALF on high-dose corticosteroid therapy
      before hepatic coma development. The predictive performance for coma development
      was assessed using the receiver operator curve method in both PT and JHEPM
      probability the day before administering high-dose corticosteroid therapy.
      RESULTS: Among these patients, nine developed hepatic coma after the therapy.
      Selection bias was adjusted using propensity score method. High-dose
      corticosteroid therapy tended to decrease the risk of coma development although
      there was no statistical significance. The cut-off value of 53%, 1.95, and 39% in
      JHEPM probability, PT-international normalized ratio (PT-INR), and PT activity,
      respectively, showed high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: We propose
      the appropriate timing to start high-dose corticosteroid therapy in patients with
      ALI/ALF; 40% of JHEPM probability, 1.53 of PT-INR, and 52% of PT because these
      values were theoretically discriminated at 98% coverage to the patients with
      coma. Because the study contained selection bias, the appropriate timing for
      therapy should be confirmed in a future prospective study.

PMID- 28078472
TI  - Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for women and men-some cautionary
      thoughts.
AB  - The objective of the study was to critically consider some of the possible
      limitations in the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS), given that great emphasis is
      put on the results of this measure within both clinical and research fields.
      Using findings and discussion points from other studies, as well as from a
      critical analysis of issues by the authors based upon their clinical and research
      experience, possible limitations with the scale in nine areas are discussed.
      Possible limitations include the following: (1) ambiguous items, (2) exclusion of
      certain types of distress, (3) scoring difficulties, (4) low positive predictive
      value, (5) frequent use of incorrect cut-off scores, (6) a vast array of
      validated cut-off scores, (7) validation against a questionable gold-standard,
      (8) limited anxiety detection and of depressive symptoms in men, and (9) many
      screen positive women only have transient distress. While the EDS has
      unquestionably been an extremely valuable instrument in aiding in the recognition
      of the importance of perinatal mental health, users of the scale should be aware
      that it, like other measures, has limitations. We discuss possible strategies to
      overcome these limitations and describe a recent scale that has been developed to
      surmount these shortcomings more effectively.

PMID- 28078471
TI  - Effects of estrogen on esophageal function through regulation of Ca2+-related
      proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The calcium ion is important for physiological functions in all
      tissues and organs and essential to many vital functions, including hormone
      secretion and muscle contraction. The intracellular concentration of calcium is
      regulated by calcium related proteins such as CaBP-9k, PMCA1, and NCX1. In this
      study, we investigated the relationship between calcium regulation and esophageal
      functions such as mucin secretion and smooth muscle contraction. METHODS: To
      evaluate the influence of sex steroid hormones, immature rats were treated for 3
      days with estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and their antagonists (ICI 182,780,
      and RU486). Esophageal function, transcription level, and localization of CaBP
      9k, PMCA1, NCX1, ERalpha, and MUC2 were examined in the esophagus. RESULTS:
      Transcriptional level of Cabp-9k and Muc2 was increased by E2, but not by P4.
      CaBP-9k, PMCA1, and MUC2 were mainly localized in the mucosal layer. Acidic
      mucosubstances in the esophagus were increased by E2 and recovered by ICI
      treatment. Unlike the expression of Cabp-9k, mRNA levels of Pmca1, Ncx1, and
      Eralpha were only decreased in response to E2, and recovered by ICI co-treatment
      group. The contraction of the esophagus and mRNA level of Mylk were reduced by
      E2. Overall, E2 upregulated mucus secretion, but downregulated muscle contraction
      in the esophagus through regulation of the expression of calcium related genes
      and the resultant intracellular calcium level. CONCLUSIONS: The regulation of E2
      in the function of esophagus may be applied to treat esophageal diseases such as
      reflux esophagitis, achalasia, and esophageal cancer.

PMID- 28078473
TI  - Traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in an adult patient.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atlantoaxial rotational fixation (AARF) is a rare entity in adults,
      with only a few cases reported in the English literature and often associated
      with a traumatic mechanism. It is an underdiagnosed condition that must be taken
      into account in the initial assessment of all craniocervical trauma. Both
      diagnostic and therapeutic delay may be a potential cause of severe neurological
      damage or even death of the patient. The therapeutic management is controversial
      given the difficulty of achieving optimum stability and permanent reduction.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: A 28-year-old woman was involved in a traffic accident a
      week before coming to the emergency with rotation and irreducible cervical
      flexion from trauma and severe neck pain. CT and MRI column were performed and
      showed a cervical spinal AARF with transverse and alar ligaments intact and
      preserved atlantoaxial distance (Fielding I). The patient was treated by
      progressive cervical traction with 5 kg and manual reduction was completed in 24
      h. Subsequently, an external immobilization was performed by cervical rigid
      collar for 16 weeks. The clinical course was good, with the patient regaining
      full mobility with cervical neck pain improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of
      this paper is to show a case of a young woman with a posttraumatic AARF
      successfully treated conservatively. This case delineates the difficulties in
      diagnosing this pathology, as well as the challenges encountered in its
      management.

PMID- 28078474
TI  - Clinical audit effectively bridges the evidence-practice gap in chronic subdural
      haematoma management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Placement of a subdural drain after drainage of chronic subdural
      haematoma (CSDH) has been shown to reduce the rate of recurrence in several
      randomised controlled trials (RCT). The most recently published RCT was from
      Cambridge, UK, in 2009. Despite class I evidence for the use of subdural drains,
      it is unclear whether these results have been translated into clinical practice.
      In this clinical audit we review the use of subdural drains in our institution
      before and after the publication of the 2009 RCT results. METHODS: A longitudinal
      retrospective study was performed on all adults having burr holes for CSDH
      between January 2009 and January 2014. Case notes were analysed to determine
      subdural drain use, re-operation for CSDH recurrence and post-operative
      complications. The audit loop was closed with data collected from August 2015 to
      January 2016. RESULTS: Thirty-one per cent of patients had subdural drains placed
      at operation. Drain placement was associated with lower reoperation rates (8% vs.
      17%, p = 0.021) without increasing complication rates. Drain usage doubled after
      publication of the Santarius et al. (2009) trial but we observed persisting and
      significant variability in drain utilisation by supervising consultants. The use
      of drains in the department increased from 35% to 75% of all cases after
      presentation of these results. CONCLUSIONS: The use of subdural drains in our
      unit reduced recurrence rates following drainage of CSDH and reproduced the
      results of a 2009 clinical trial. Although the use of subdural drains doubled in
      the post-trial epoch, significant variability remains in practice. Clinical audit
      provided an effective tool necessary to drive the implementation of subdural
      drain placement in our unit.

PMID- 28078475
TI  - 50 years of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses: progress and
      prospects.
AB  - We mark the 50th anniversary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of
      Viruses (ICTV) by presenting a brief history of the organization since its
      foundation, showing how it has adapted to advancements in our knowledge of virus
      diversity and the methods used to characterize it. We also outline recent
      developments, supported by a grant from the Wellcome Trust (UK), that are
      facilitating substantial changes in the operations of the ICTV and promoting
      dialogue with the virology community. These developments will generate improved
      online resources, including a freely available and regularly updated ICTV Virus
      Taxonomy Report. They also include a series of meetings between the ICTV and the
      broader community focused on some of the major challenges facing virus taxonomy,
      with the outcomes helping to inform the future policy and practice of the ICTV.

PMID- 28078476
TI  - Children with social anxiety and other anxiety disorders show similar deficits in
      habitual emotional regulation: evidence for a transdiagnostic phenomenon.
AB  - Deficits in emotion regulation (ER) are an important factor in maintaining social
      anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults. As SAD and ER problems typically develop during
      childhood and adolescence, and are maintained dynamically within the parent-child
      dyad, research on families can help to reveal the role ER plays in the early
      development of SAD. The current study assessed self-reported habitual ER in dyads
      of children with SAD (n = 31), children with mixed anxiety disorders (MAD; n =
      41) and healthy control children (HC; n = 36), and their parents. Results
      indicate a transdiagnostic quality of ER in that, children with SAD and children
      with MAD similarly reported less adaptive and more maladaptive ER strategies than
      HC children, whereas no group differences in parental ER strategies emerged.
      Furthermore, children's ER strategies aggressive action, withdrawal and self
      devaluation and the parental ER strategy reappraisal were associated with social
      anxiety symptoms. These results suggest that there may be deficits in ER which
      generalize across childhood anxiety disorders. Our results are discussed in
      relation to current theories and their implications for treatment of childhood
      SAD.

PMID- 28078477
TI  - Information-sharing challenges between adolescents with cancer, their parents and
      health care providers: a qualitative study.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the viewpoints, experiences, and preferences within
      the clinical communication triangle (parent, adolescent, health care team)
      concerning the information-sharing process for adolescents with cancer. METHODS:
      This is a qualitative descriptive-exploratory study. Overall, 33 participants
      were recruited (adolescents diagnosed with cancer aged 15-20 years, their
      parents, oncologists, and nurses). In-depth semi-structured interviews were
      conducted and data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS:
      Data analysis yielded three main themes. Disaffiliation of adolescents in
      information-sharing process with three subthemes: confusion and unanswered
      questions; and, seeking information from inferior sources. Barriers to
      information-sharing with three subthemes: parents as gatekeepers in the
      information-sharing process, cultural background creating strong barriers for
      information-sharing, and the negative attitude of the medical team towards
      information-sharing. The last theme is cornerstones in information-sharing
      process with three subthemes: trust and honesty to enhance communication between
      adolescents and the medical team, the necessity of paving the way for information
      sharing, and the value of gradual information-sharing based on the adolescents
      need and mental readiness. CONCLUSION: Participants believed that information
      sharing was insufficient and provided recommendations for facilitating this
      process. Information-sharing process needs to be gradual and based on the
      adolescent's need and mental capacity. Future research needs to focus on devising
      a protocol for information-sharing with adolescents with cancer that accounts for
      familial and cultural factors, is carefully timed, and provides clearer and more
      efficacious communication between parents, adolescents, and the health care team.

PMID- 28078478
TI  - Hypercalcaemia and hypocalcaemia: finding the balance.
AB  - CALCIUM METABOLISM IN CANCER AND HYPERCALCAEMIA OF MALIGNANCY: The balance
      between bone formation and resorption may be disrupted in patients with cancer,
      leading either to increased bone resorption, calcium release, and possibly
      hypercalcaemia, or to increased bone formation, sequestration of calcium, and
      possibly hypocalcaemia. In adults, hypercalcaemia of malignancy is most common in
      patients with tumours that produce factors that induce osteoclast activation and
      enhance bone resorption. Impaired renal function and increased renal tubular
      calcium resorption may further affect calcium levels. TREATMENT OF HYPERCALCAEMIA
      OF MALIGNANCY: Inhibitors of bone resorption, first the bisphosphonates and,
      later, denosumab, have been shown to be effective in hypercalcaemia treatment.
      Bisphosphonates (which are administered intravenously) are approved for
      hypercalcaemia of malignancy and are the current mainstay of treatment, whereas
      denosumab (which is administered subcutaneously) may offer an option for patients
      who do not respond to bisphosphonates or suffer from renal insufficiency.
      HYPOCALCAEMIA: TREATMENT AND PREVENTION: Hypocalcaemia is most common in patients
      with prostate cancer and osteoblastic bone metastases, but can occur in patients
      with a variety of tumour types who are receiving inhibitors of bone resorption.
      While patients often respond to calcium and vitamin D supplementation, prevention
      should be the aim; at-risk patients should be identified before starting
      treatment with inhibitors of bone resorption, be closely monitored during at
      least the first few months of treatment, and receive concomitant calcium and
      vitamin D supplementation unless hypercalcaemia is present. CONCLUSION: Both
      hypercalcaemia and hypocalcaemia can be serious if left untreated. It is
      therefore important that patients with cancer are closely monitored and receive
      adequate prevention and treatment measures to maintain normal blood calcium
      levels.

PMID- 28078480
TI  - Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated tight junction opening is involved in
      epiphora in late phase of submandibular gland transplantation.
AB  - Submandibular gland (SMG) autotransplantation is an effective therapy for
      treating severe dry eye syndrome. However, epiphora occurs in more than 40% of
      patients 6 months after operation. We previously found that muscarinic
      acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) plays a crucial role in regulating SMG secretion
      partially through the modulation on tight junction (TJ)-based paracellular
      pathway. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the possible
      involvement of mAChR and TJ in a rabbit long-term model of SMG transplantation.
      We found that SMG secretion was significantly increased on postoperative days 90
      and 180, which imitated epiphora observed in the patients with SMG
      transplantation. Although the mRNA expression and fluorescence intensity of M1
      and M3 mAChR subtypes were reversed to control levels on postoperative days 30,
      90, and 180, the content of beta-arrestin2, but not beta-arrestin1, was gradually
      decreased after transplantation, which suggests that mAChR may be hypersensitive
      in late phase of SMG transplantation. The width of acinar TJs was enlarged and
      fluorescence intensity of F-actin in peri-apicolateral membranes were remarkably
      increased on postoperative days 90 and 180. Topical treatment with atropine gel
      significantly reduced SMG secretion, TJ width, as well as F-actin intensity in
      peri-apicolateral membranes on postoperative days 180. Moreover, in a perfused
      rabbit SMG, carbachol increased salivary secretion, enlarged TJ width, and
      induced F-actin rearrangement, whereas these responses were inhibited by atropine
      pretreatment. Taken together, our findings suggest that the hypersensitive mAChR
      may contribute to epiphora in late phase of SMG transplantation through
      modulating TJ-based paracellular permeability.

PMID- 28078479
TI  - Follow-up cancer care: perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
      cancer survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore Indigenous Australian cancer
      survivors' perspectives of follow-up cancer care and management.. METHODS: This
      is a qualitative study employing individual interviews with 21 Indigenous cancer
      survivors (13 females, 8 males) recruited from a rural primary health service and
      large tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Queensland. Yarning methods were used to
      conduct semi-structured interviews. Yarning is a culturally appropriate, informal
      conversational process emphasising the importance of storytelling. RESULTS:
      Findings describe a range of ways in which follow-up cancer care is experienced
      with four major categories elucidated, namely: links to tertiary health services,
      links to primary health services, communication between tertiary and primary
      health services, and lost in transition. Both positive and negative experiences
      were described; however, the importance of timely and informative discharge
      information, continuity of care, good communication between tertiary and primary
      health services, and strong therapeutic relationships were salient issues raised
      by participants. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of
      establishing strong therapeutic relationships between patients and tertiary and
      primary health professionals. Also important for survivorship is provision of
      discharge summaries or care plans at discharge for survivors and general
      practitioners as well as access to a range of allied health services. Alternative
      means for follow-up could be investigated for regional and rural survivors to
      facilitate convenient and cost-effective follow-up care. Finally, provision of
      responsive and flexible follow-up care to cater for the diverse range of needs
      and preferences of cancer survivors is required. A patient navigator available
      across the cancer continuum could go some way to addressing this.

PMID- 28078481
TI  - Defining a New Tumor Dimension in Staging of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical lymph node metastasis is a vital factor associated with
      local recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Tumor size is used in the
      staging of PTC because it represents the tumor load. This study compared two
      methods of tumor size assessment to predict tumor behavior in the relationship
      between size and cervical node involvement for patients with PTC. METHODS: The
      study enrolled 1084 patients who underwent initial thyroid surgery and had a
      pathologic diagnosis of PTC between 2012 and 2014 at The Second Affiliated
      Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Cervical lymph node metastasis
      (LNM) risk was analyzed according to the clinicopathologic features. For each
      patient with multifocal disease, two tumor size estimates were used: (1) the
      dominant focus size and (2) the aggregate size, calculated as the sum of the
      maximal diameters of all tumor foci. RESULTS: Of the 1084 patients, 294 (27.1%)
      had multifocal cancer lesions, and 49% of these patients had cervical LNM,
      compared with 38.1% who had unifocal disease (P = 0.001). The use of aggregate
      dimension significantly increased the tumor size and reclassified significant
      numbers of multifocal PTCs to a more advanced T stage. This aggregate dimension
      took account of all tumor foci and predicted LNM risk at a proportion identical
      with that for size-matched, unifocal tumors. CONCLUSION: Multifocality together
      with aggregate tumor size is a more accurate predictor of node status and, by
      inference, tumor behavior in the relationship between tumor size and cervical
      node involvement.

PMID- 28078482
TI  - Irreversible electroporation as treatment of locally advanced and as margin
      accentuation in borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
AB  - In recent years, many local ablation technologies based on thermal damage have
      been used in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC) and
      borderline resectable pancreatic carcinoma (BLRPC). However, they are associated
      with major complications because of possible vascular and ductal damage.
      Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a nonthermal ablation technology that seems
      safe near vital vascular and ductal structures. IRE could be used as exclusive
      treatment of LAPC (en situ to IRE) after induction chemotherapy In BLRPC, surgery
      is not really radical in 6% of patients (microscopic residual) and local
      recurrences occur in 11-42% of apparent radical resections. IRE could be used as
      margin accentuation to increase posterior margin during radical surgery in BLRPC.
      Our outcomes are safety, time to progression. Secondary outcomes are overall
      survival, pain control and quality of life. We are performing a prospective
      evaluation of patients undergoing IRE for LAPC or BLRPC since July 2014. We have
      included patients with non-metastatic LAPC with maximum size <=4 cm (en situ to
      IRE) and patients with BLRPC (complementary IRE). We have performed induction
      chemotherapy in both groups. After treatment, patients were evaluated on days 1,
      2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60 and 90 with amylase and lipase serum and abdominal
      drainage test. Based on Ethics Committee's request, follow-up imaging was
      performed at the 10th day for safety evaluation, at 30, 60 and 90 days for
      response evaluation and then every 3 months. Seven patients (two women and five
      men) underwent IRE. Two patients had LAPC and received en situ to IRE. In five
      patients affected by BLRPC we performed IRE and pancreatic head resection. In all
      patients, intraoperative imaging confirmed that the treatment of the whole tumor
      volume was complete. All seven patients demonstrated nonclinically relevant
      elevation of their amylase and lipase, which returned normal at 5 days
      postprocedure. No patient showed evidence of clinical pancreatitis or fistula. No
      major complications were recorded. Patients with LAPC died of distant metastases
      6 month after treatment. At 3- and 6-month follow-up, all patients with BLPRC
      were alive and disease free. Only one patient has already reached 9-month follow
      up and is alive and disease free. Our results are only preliminary. However, IRE
      ablation of LAPC and BLRPC seems a safe and feasible treatment.

PMID- 28078483
TI  - Theoretical characterization on photoelectric properties of benzothiadiazole- and
      fluorene-based small molecule acceptor materials for the organic photovoltaics.
AB  - The upper efficiency of heterojunction organic photovoltaics depends on the
      increased open-circuit voltage (V oc) and short-circuit current (J sc). So, a
      higher lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level is necessary for organic
      acceptor material to possess higher V oc and more photons absorbsorption in the
      solar spectrum is needed for larger J sc. In this article, we theoretically
      designed some small molecule acceptors (2~5) based on fluorene (F),
      benzothiadiazole, and cyano group (CN) referring to the reported acceptor
      material 2-[{7-(9,9-di-n-propyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4
      yl}methylene]malononitrile (1), the crucial parameters affecting photoelectrical
      properties of compounds 2~5 were evaluated by the density functional theory (DFT)
      and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods. The results reveal
      that compared with 1, 3 and 4 could have the better complementary absorption
      spectra with P3HT, the increased LUMO level, the improved V oc, and the decreased
      electronic organization energy (lambda e). From the simulation of transition
      density matrix, it is very clear that the excitons of molecules 3 and 4 are
      easier to separate in the material surface. Therefore, 3 and 4 may become
      potential acceptor candidates for organic photovoltaic cells. In addition, with
      the increased number of CN, the optoelectronic properties of the molecules show a
      regular change, mainly improve the LUMO level, energy gap, V oc, and absorption
      intensity. In summary, reasonably adjusting CN can effectively improve the
      photovoltaic properties of small molecule acceptors. Graphical Abstract Structure
      property relationship of small molecule acceptors could be rationally evaluated
      in the article. The changes of conjugate length and CN are important strategies
      to alter the photovoltaic properties of small molecule acceptors. Therefore,
      taking the K12/1 as a reference, we have theoretically designed a series of small
      molecule acceptors (2-4). The calculated results by means of DFT and TDDFT
      manifest that molecules 3 and 4 have the better complementary absorption spectra
      with P3HT, the increased LUMO level, the improved V oc, the decreased electronic
      organization energy and the easier separation in the material surface than 1. In
      summary, reasonably increasing conjugate length and decreasing CN can effectively
      improve the PCE, which will provide a theoretical guideline for the design and
      synthesis of new small molecule acceptors.

PMID- 28078484
TI  - The Effect of Surface Charges on the Cellular Uptake of Liposomes Investigated by
      Live Cell Imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Liposomes have been developed as versatile nanocarriers for various
      pharmacological agents. The effect of surface charges on the cellular uptake of
      the liposomes has been studied by various methods using mainly fixed cells with
      inevitable limitations. Live cell imaging has been proposed as an alternative
      methods to overcome the limitations of the fixed cell-based analysis. In this
      study, we aimed to investigate the effects of surface charges on cellular
      association and internalization of the liposomes using live cell imaging.
      METHODS: We studied the cellular association and internalization of liposomes
      with different surface charge using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM)
      equipped with live cell chamber system. Flow cytometry was also carried out using
      flow cytometer (FACS) for comparison. RESULTS: All of the cationic, neutral and
      anionic liposomes showed time-dependent cellular uptake through specific
      endocytic pathways. In glioblastoma U87MG cells, the cationic and anionic
      liposomes were mainly taken up via macropinocytosis, while the neutral liposomes
      mainly via caveolae-mediated endocytosis. In fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells, all of the
      three liposomes entered into the cell via clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a better understanding on the cellular uptake
      mechanisms of the liposomes, which could contribute significantly to development
      of liposome-based drug delivery systems.

PMID- 28078485
TI  - A Simple Method for Improving the Spatial Resolution in Infrared Laser Ablation
      Mass Spectrometry Imaging.
AB  - In mass spectrometry imaging of tissues, the size of structures that can be
      distinguished is determined by the spatial resolution of the imaging technique.
      Here, the spatial resolution of IR laser ablation is markedly improved by
      increasing the distance between the laser and the focusing lens. As the distance
      between the laser and the lens is increased from 1 to 18 m, the ablation spot
      size decreases from 440 to 44 MUm. This way, only the collimated center of the
      divergent laser beam is directed on the focusing lens, which results in better
      focusing of the beam. Part of the laser energy is lost at longer distance, but
      this is compensated by focusing of the radiation to a smaller area on the sample
      surface. The long distance can also be achieved by a set of mirrors, between
      which the radiation travels before it is directed to the focusing lens and the
      sample. This method for improving the spatial resolution can be utilized in mass
      spectrometry imaging of tissues by techniques that utilize IR laser ablation,
      such as laser ablation electrospray ionization, laser ablation atmospheric
      pressure photoionization, and matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray
      ionization. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 28078486
TI  - Two NADPH: Protochlorophyllide Oxidoreductase (POR) Isoforms Play Distinct Roles
      in Environmental Adaptation in Rice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: NADPH: protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) is an essential
      enzyme that catalyzes the photoreduction of protochlorophyllide to
      chlorophyllide, which is ultimately converted to chlorophyll in developing
      leaves. Rice has two POR isoforms, OsPORA and OsPORB. OsPORA is expressed in the
      dark during early leaf development; OsPORB is expressed throughout leaf
      development regardless of light conditions. The faded green leaf (fgl) is a loss
      of-function osporB mutant that displays necrotic lesions and variegation in the
      leaves due to destabilized grana thylakoids, and has increased numbers of
      plastoglobules in the chloroplasts. To investigate whether the function of OsPORA
      can complement that of OsPORB, we constitutively overexpressed OsPORA in fgl
      mutant. RESULTS: In the 35S:OsPORA/fgl (termed OPAO) transgenic plants, the
      necrotic lesions of the mutant disappeared and the levels of photosynthetic
      pigments and proteins, as well as plastid structure, were recovered in developing
      leaves under natural long days in the paddy field and under short days in an
      artificially controlled growth room. Under constant light conditions, however,
      total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels in the developing leaves of OPAO plants
      were lower than those of wild type. Moreover, the OPAO plants exhibited mild
      defects in mature leaves beginning at the early reproductive stage in the paddy
      field. CONCLUSIONS: The physiological function of OsPORB in response to constant
      light or during reproductive growth cannot be completely replaced by constitutive
      activity of OsPORA, although the biochemical functions of OsPORA and OsPORB are
      redundant. Therefore, we suggest that the two OsPORs have differentiated over the
      course of evolution, playing distinct roles in the adaptation of rice to the
      environment.

PMID- 28078487
TI  - The role of the Nox4-derived ROS-mediated RhoA/Rho kinase pathway in rat
      hypertension induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, which is a risk factor for
      resistant hypertension, is characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)
      and is associated with many cardiovascular diseases. CIH elicits systemic
      oxidative stress and sympathetic hyperactivity, which lead to hypertension. Rho
      kinases (ROCKs) are considered to be major effectors of the small GTPase RhoA and
      have been extensively studied in the cardiovascular field. Upregulation of the
      RhoA/ROCK signaling cascade is observed in various cardiovascular disorders, such
      as atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, and stroke. However, the exact
      molecular function of RhoA/ROCK in CIH remains unclear and requires further
      study. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of the NADPH oxidase 4
      (Nox4)-induced ROS/RhoA/ROCK pathway in CIH-induced hypertension in rats.
      METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to CIH for 21 days (intermittent
      hypoxia of 21% O2 for 60 s and 5% O2 for 30 s, cyclically repeated for 8 h/day).
      We randomly assigned 56 male rats to groups of normoxia (RA) or vertically
      implemented CIH together with vehicle (CIH-V), GKT137831 (CIH-G), N-acetyl
      cysteine (NAC) (CIH-N), or Y27632 (CIH-Y). The rats in the RA group were
      continuously exposed to room air, whereas the rats in the other groups were
      exposed to CIH. Systolic blood pressure (BP) was monitored at the beginning of
      each week. After the experiment, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was
      recorded, and serum and renal tissues were subjected to molecular biological and
      biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Compared with the BP of RA rats, the BP of CIH-V
      rats started to increase 2 weeks after the beginning of the experiment,
      subsequently stabilizing at a high level at the end of the third week. CIH
      increased both RSNA and oxidative stress. This response was attenuated by
      treatment of the rats with GKT137831 or NAC. Inhibiting Nox4 activity or ROS
      production reduced RhoA/ROCK expression. Treatment with Y27632 reduced both BP
      and RSNA in rats exposed to CIH. CONCLUSION: Hypertension can be induced by CIH
      in SD rats. The CIH-induced elevation of BP is at least partially mediated via
      the Nox4-induced ROS/RhoA/ROCK pathway.

PMID- 28078488
TI  - Hydroxyurea treatment effect on children with sickle cell disease and obstructive
      sleep apnea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While hydroxyurea is the mainstay of treatment for many of the
      comorbidities associated with sickle cell disease, its effect on obstructive
      sleep apnea has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this project is to
      help characterize the effects of hydroxyurea on obstructive sleep apnea in
      children with sickle cell disease and determine its therapeutic role in the
      condition. METHODS: Chart review was conducted on two pediatric patients with
      sickle cell disease who experienced resolution of obstructive sleep apnea
      following hydroxyurea administration. RESULTS: After undergoing approximately 11
      months of hydroxyurea therapy, sleep apnea symptoms improved and obstructive
      sleep apnea resolution was confirmed by repeat polysomnography in both cases.
      This resolution was largely secondary to a reduction in the obstructive component
      of the apnea hypopnea index, highlighting a previously unreported association.
      CONCLUSIONS: As adenotonsillectomy is associated with significant risks in
      patients with sickle cell disease, it appears reasonable to consider a period of
      observation for improvement of obstructive sleep apnea following hydroxyurea
      administration rather than directly proceeding with surgery.

PMID- 28078489
TI  - Identification and profiling of conserved and novel microRNAs involved in oil and
      oleic acid production during embryogenesis in Carya cathayensis Sarg.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of plant development and fruit
      formation. Mature embryos of hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) nuts contain more
      than 70% oil (comprising 90% unsaturated fatty acids), along with a substantial
      amount of oleic acid. To understand the roles of miRNAs involved in oil and oleic
      acid production during hickory embryogenesis, three small RNA libraries from
      different stages of embryogenesis were constructed. Deep sequencing of these
      three libraries identified 95 conserved miRNAs with 19 miRNA*s, 7 novel miRNAs
      (as well as their corresponding miRNA*s), and 26 potentially novel miRNAs. The
      analysis identified 15 miRNAs involved in oil and oleic acid production that are
      differentially expressed during embryogenesis in hickory. Among them, nine miRNA
      sequences, including eight conserved and one novel, were confirmed by qRT-PCR. In
      addition, 145 target genes of the novel miRNAs were predicted using a
      bioinformatic approach. Our results provide a framework for better understanding
      the roles of miRNAs during embryogenesis in hickory.

PMID- 28078491
TI  - Prognostic factors in early breast cancer associated with body mass index,
      physical functioning, physical activity, and comorbidity: data from a nationwide
      Danish cohort.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the associations between lifestyle-related factors and tumor
      related prognostic factors in women treated for primary breast cancer, and to
      detect possible differences between the associations in pre- and postmenopausal
      women. METHODS: Associations between tumor-related prognostic factors, including
      the composite endpoint risk of recurrence (RoR), body mass index (BMI),
      comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index), basic physical functioning (SF-36),
      physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption were examined with binary
      logistic regression analysis in a national cohort of 4917 women treated for
      primary breast cancer. In addition, statistical interactions between predictors
      and menopausal status were assessed in order to determine if their strength
      differed significantly as a function of menopausal status. RESULTS: Higher BMI,
      reduced physical function, reduced physical activity, and greater alcohol
      consumption were all statistically significantly associated with two or more
      tumor-related factors indicating a poorer prognosis. Interaction analysis
      revealed that BMI was significantly stronger associated with RoR among
      premenopausal women than among postmenopausal women (interaction ip = 0.048).
      Similarly, a significant association between RoR and physical function was only
      seen in the premenopausal population (ip = 0.008). This pattern was also seen
      between RoR and daily alcohol consumption, which only reached statistical
      significance in the total population and in premenopausal women (ip < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Premenopausal women who are overweight and have poorer physical
      function have poorer prognosis at the time of diagnosis, suggesting the possible
      relevance of stratifying adjuvant treatment according to guidelines, BMI, and
      menopausal status.

PMID- 28078490
TI  - Podocalyxin as a major pluripotent marker and novel keratan sulfate proteoglycan
      in human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Podocalyxin (PC) was first identified as a heavily sialylated transmembrane
      protein of glomerular podocytes. Recent studies suggest that PC is a remarkable
      glycoconjugate that acts as a universal glyco-carrier. The glycoforms of PC are
      responsible for multiple functions in normal tissue, human cancer cells, human
      embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).
      PC is employed as a major pluripotent marker of hESCs and hiPSCs. Among the
      general antibodies for human PC, TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81 recognize the keratan
      sulfate (KS)-related structures. Therefore, It is worthwhile to summarize the
      outstanding chemical characteristic of PC, including the KS-related structures.
      Here, we review the glycoforms of PC and discuss the potential of PC as a novel
      KS proteoglycan in undifferentiated hESCs and hiPSCs.

PMID- 28078493
TI  - False-Positive Newborn Screen Using the Beutler Spot Assay for Galactosemia in
      Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency.
AB  - Classical galactosemia is detected through newborn screening by measuring
      galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) in the USA primarily via the
      Beutler spot assay. We report on an 18-month-old patient with glucose-6-phosphate
      dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency that was originally diagnosed with classical
      galactosemia. The patient presented with elevated liver function enzymes and
      bilirubinemia and was immediately treated with soy-based formula. Confirmatory
      tests revealed deficiency of the GALT enzyme, however, full-sequencing of GALT
      was normal, suggestive of a different ideology. The Beutler spot assay uses three
      other enzymatic steps in addition to GALT. A deficiency in either of these
      enzymes can result in suspected decreased GALT activity when using the Beutler
      assay. Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation screening for phosphoglucomutase-1
      deficiency was negative. Quantitative analysis of G6PD enzyme in red blood cells
      showed a severe deficiency and a deletion in G6PD. Soy-formula, the standard
      treatment for galactosemia, has been reported to trigger hemolysis in G6PD
      deficient patients. G6PD and phosphoglucomutase-1 deficiencies should be
      considered when confirmatory tests are negative for pathogenic variants in GALT
      and galactose-1-phosphate level is normal.

PMID- 28078492
TI  - First Report of bla CTX-M-15-Type ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Wild
      Migratory Birds in Pakistan.
AB  - We investigated wild migratory birds faecal swabs for extended-spectrum beta
      lactamases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-K. pneumoniae) from wetland
      habitats in Pakistan. ESBL-K. pneumoniae were analysed for MDR phenotype, ESBL
      genotype and genetic diversity. A total of 13 (8.6%) ESBL-K. pneumoniae were
      recovered. Of these, 8 (61%) isolates were MDR. DNA sequencing confirmed bla CTX
      M-15 as the dominant ESBL genotype. BOX-PCR fingerprints showed most of the
      isolates are unrelated. This study is the first to report the wildlife
      contamination of CTX-M-15-producing K. pneumoniae in Pakistan. Due to long-range
      migration, these birds could be responsible for trans-boundary spread of
      multidrug-resistant bacteria.

PMID- 28078494
TI  - Erratum to: Effect of taurine supplementation on hepatic metabolism and
      alleviation of cadmium toxicity and bioaccumulation in a marine teleost, red sea
      bream, Pagrus major.

PMID- 28078496
TI  - Theoretical and Empirical Comparisons of Methods to Estimate the Size of Hard-to
      Reach Populations: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Worldwide, the HIV epidemic is concentrated among hidden populations (i.e.,
      female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs). To
      understand the true scope and scale of the HIV epidemic, estimates of the sizes
      of these populations are needed. Various methods are available to enumerate
      hidden populations, but the degree of agreement between these methods has not
      been formally evaluated. We systematically reviewed the peer-reviewed literature
      to assess the extent to which different population size estimation methods
      provide the same estimate of a target population. Of the 341 studies identified
      from our search, 25 met our eligibility criteria. Twenty-one unique methods were
      documented. The service multiplier method was the most common in the review.
      Eighty target populations were estimated, covering 16 countries. We observed
      variable population size estimates, with little agreement between methods. We
      note trends in the relative performance of individual methods.

PMID- 28078495
TI  - Economic Context and HIV Vulnerability in Adolescents and Young Adults Living in
      Urban Slums in Kenya: A Qualitative Analysis Based on Scarcity Theory.
AB  - Urban slum adolescents and young adults have disproportionately high rates of HIV
      compared to rural and non-slum urban youth. Yet, few studies have examined
      youth's perceptions of the economic drivers of HIV. Informed by traditional and
      behavioral economics, we applied a scarcity theoretical framework to
      qualitatively examine how poverty influences sexual risk behaviors among
      adolescents and young adults. Focus group discussions with one hundred twenty
      youth in Kenyan's urban slums were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using
      interpretive phenomenology. Results indicated that slum youth made many sexual
      decisions considered rational from a traditional economics perspective, such as
      acquiring more sex when resources were available, maximizing wealth through sex,
      being price-sensitive to costs of condoms or testing services, and taking more
      risks when protected from adverse sexual consequences. Youth's engagement in
      sexual risk behaviors was also motivated by scarcity phenomena explained by
      behavioral economics, such as compensating for sex lost during scarce periods
      (risk-seeking), valuing economic gains over HIV risks (tunneling, bandwidth tax),
      and transacting sex as an investment strategy (internal referencing). When
      scarcity was alleviated, young women additionally described reducing the number
      of sex partners to account for non-economic preferences (slack). Prevention
      strategies should address the traditional and behavioral economics of the HIV
      epidemic.

PMID- 28078497
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effect of Naravelia zeylanica DC via suppression of
      inflammatory mediators in carrageenan-induced abdominal oedema in zebrafish
      model.
AB  - The traditional herbal medicines are receiving great importance in the health
      care sector, especially in Indian system of medicine, i.e, Ayurveda. The present
      study focused on the standardization of Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC in terms of
      its active phytochemicals and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of
      ethanol extract of N. zeylanica (ENZ). An analytical method was developed by high
      performance liquid chromatography for simultaneous determination of beta
      sitosterol, lupeol and oleanolic acid in ENZ. The cell viability of ENZ was
      investigated using MTT assay. IC50 value of ENZ on cell viability was found to be
      653.01 ug/mL. To determine the anti-inflammatory activity of ENZ by in vitro
      method, LPS was added to the macrophage cells to induce activation and ENZ was
      further added to observe the recovery of inflamed cells. These cells when treated
      with ENZ, the percentage of viable cells were considerably increased to 74.68%.
      Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential on treatment with LPS and its recovery
      by ENZ was studied and found that the number of cells that were damaged on
      treatment with ENZ + LPS was comparatively lesser than treatment with LPS only.
      An in vivo anti-inflammatory study was carried out in carrageenan-induced
      abdominal oedema method in adult zebrafish which revealed the percentage
      inhibition of inflammation at graded dose levels of ENZ as 23.5% at 100 mg/kg,
      62.4% at 200 mg/kg and 87.05% at 350 mg/kg when compared with standard of
      diclofenac which showed 85% inhibition at 100 mg/kg. The PCR amplification of DNA
      extracted from adult zebrafish showed that increased concentration of ENZ
      considerably downregulates the expression of TNF-alpha and iNOS, the mediators of
      inflammation.

PMID- 28078498
TI  - Perinatal Exposure to Bisphenol A or Diethylstilbestrol Increases the
      Susceptibility to Develop Mammary Gland Lesions After Estrogen Replacement
      Therapy in Middle-Aged Rats.
AB  - The development of the mammary gland is a hormone-regulated event. Several
      factors can dysregulate its growth and make the gland more susceptible to
      cellular transformation. Among these factors, perinatal exposure to xenoestrogens
      and hormone replacement therapy has been associated with increased risk of
      developing breast cancer. Here, we assessed the effects induced by estrogen
      replacement therapy (ERT) in ovariectomized (OVX) middle-aged rats and whether
      perinatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) or bisphenol A (BPA) modified
      these effects in the mammary gland. Pregnant rats were orally exposed to vehicle,
      5 MUg DES/kg/day, or 0.5 or 50 MUg BPA/kg/day from gestational day 9 until
      weaning. Then, 12-month-old offspring were OVX and treated with 17beta-estradiol
      for 3 months. Morphological changes and the percentage of epithelial cells that
      proliferated or expressed estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and progesterone
      receptor (PR) were analyzed in mammary gland samples of 15-month-old animals. ERT
      induced lobuloalveolar hyperplasia and ductal cysts in the mammary gland of
      middle-aged rats, associated with a higher proliferation index of epithelial
      cells. Perinatal exposure to DES followed by ERT increased the number of cysts
      and induced the formation of fibroadenoma and ductal carcinoma in situ, without
      modifying the expression of ESR1 or PR. Also, after 3 months of ERT, BPA-exposed
      rats had a higher incidence of ductal hyperplasia and atypical lobular
      hyperplasia than animals under ERT alone. In conclusion, perinatal exposure to
      xenoestrogens increases the susceptibility of the mammary gland to develop cysts
      and hyperplastic lesions when confronted with ERT later in life.

PMID- 28078499
TI  - Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites: the Chronicle of a Potential Evolutionary Path
      between Stars and Life.
AB  - The biogenic elements, H, C, N, O, P and S, have a long cosmic history, whose
      evolution can still be observed in diverse locales of the known universe, from
      interstellar clouds of gas and dust, to pre-stellar cores, nebulas,
      protoplanetary discs, planets and planetesimals. The best analytical window into
      this cosmochemical evolution as it neared Earth has been provided so far by the
      small bodies of the Solar System, some of which were not significantly altered by
      the high gravitational pressures and temperatures that accompanied the formation
      of larger planets and may carry a pristine record of early nebular chemistry.
      Asteroids have delivered such records, as their fragments reach the Earth
      frequently and become available for laboratory analyses. The Carbonaceous
      Chondrite meteorites (CC) are a group of such fragments with the further
      distinction of containing abundant organic materials with structures as diverse
      as kerogen-like macromolecules and simpler compounds with identical counterparts
      in Earth's biosphere. All have revealed a lineage to cosmochemical synthetic
      regimes. Several CC show that asteroids underwent aqueous alteration of their
      minerals or rock metamorphism but may yet yield clues to the reactivity of
      organic compounds during parent-body processes, on asteroids as well as larger
      ocean worlds and planets. Whether the exogenous delivery by meteorites held an
      advantage in Earth's molecular evolution remains an open question as many others
      regarding the origins of life are. Nonetheless, the natural samples of meteorites
      allow exploring the physical and chemical processes that might have led to a
      selected chemical pool amenable to the onset of life. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 28078500
TI  - Effects of different omega-3 sources, fish oil, krill oil, and green-lipped
      mussel against cytokine-mediated canine cartilage degradation.
AB  - Our purpose was to evaluate the protective effect of three marine omega-3
      sources, fish oil (FO), krill oil (KO), and green-lipped mussel (GLM) against
      cartilage degradation. Canine cartilage explants were stimulated with either 10
      ng/mL interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) or IL-1beta/oncostatin M (10 ng/mL each) and
      then treated with various concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA),
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 3 and 30 MUg/mL), FO, KO, or GLM (250, 500, and 1000
      MUg/mL) for 28 days. Gene expression was then investigated in primary canine
      chondrocytes. Our results showed that DHA and EPA as well as omega-3 sources
      could suppress matrix degradation in cytokine-induced cartilage explants by
      significantly reducing the increase of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (s-GAGs) and
      preserving uronic acid and hydroxyproline content (except GLM). These agents were
      not able to reduce IL-1beta-induced IL1B and TNFA expression but were able to
      down-regulate the expression of the catabolic genes MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13 and up
      regulate the anabolic genes AGG and COL2A1; FO and KO were especially effective.
      Our findings indicated that FO and KO were superior to GLM for their protective
      effect against proteoglycan and collagen degradation. Hence, FO and KO could
      serve as promising sources of chondroprotective agents.

PMID- 28078501
TI  - The Tissue Culture Laboratory of Dr. George Otto Gey 60 yrs ago as recalled by a
      former student.
AB  - George Otto Gey was a pioneer in tissue culture, having introduced the roller
      drum, the HeLa cell line, and the use of human fetal cord serum and beef embryo
      extract. During his career (1920s-1960s), the field of tissue culture was in its
      infancy and not yet dependent upon commercial biological supply houses. While the
      early techniques of cell culture have been greatly improved upon, of historical
      interest may be personal observations of the Gey Tissue Culture Laboratory, Johns
      Hopkins Medical School, as recalled by a medical student working there in the
      1950s. Dr. Gey served as a founding member and executive of the Tissue Culture
      Commission (TCC) and became the first president of the Tissue Culture Association
      (TCA).

PMID- 28078502
TI  - Engagement in health-promoting behaviors and patient-caregiver interdependence in
      dyads facing advanced cancer: an exploratory study.
AB  - Diet and exercise are important for the wellbeing of people with cancer and their
      family caregivers. Unfortunately, little is known about their behaviors over time
      or factors that may influence their engagement in these behaviors. This
      exploratory study examined the influence of chronic conditions, symptom distress,
      and perceived social support on exercise and diet behaviors of patients with
      advanced cancer and their caregivers using the actor-partner interdependence
      mediation model (APIMeM) and interdependence theory as guiding frameworks. This
      secondary analysis uses self-report data from a large RCT (N = 484 patient
      caregiver dyads) at three time points: baseline data was collected within three
      months of the diagnosis, at 3 months post-baseline, and 6 months post-baseline. A
      number of actor effects were observed: patient and caregiver prior exercise and
      diet were significant predictors of their own future exercise and diet behaviors;
      more patient-reported social support was associated with less patient exercise;
      more patient symptom distress was associated with poorer patient diet; and, more
      caregiver-reported social support was associated with more caregiver exercise and
      better caregiver diet. Partner effects were also observed: more patient exercise
      was positively associated with more caregiver exercise; more patient
      comorbidities were associated with better caregiver diet; more caregiver-reported
      social support was associated with better patient diet; and, more patient
      reported social support was associated with better caregiver diet. Despite the
      challenges of advanced cancer and caregiving, past exercise and diet behavior
      remained a significant predictor of future behavior. Other health problems and
      perceptions of social support within the dyad may exert a positive or negative
      influence on patient/caregiver diet and exercise.

PMID- 28078503
TI  - Efficacy of pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of patients with knee
      osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser
      plus glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate (GCS) in patients with knee osteoarthritis
      (KOA) by examining changes in pain and knee function, as well as synovial
      thickness (ST) and femoral cartilage thickness (FCT). Sixty-seven male patients
      participated, with a mean (SD) age of 53.85 (4.39) years, weight of 84.01 (4.70)
      kg, height of 171.51 (3.96) cm, and BMI of 28.56 (1.22). Group 1 was treated with
      high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), GCS, and exercises (HILT + GCS + EX). Group
      2 was treated with GCS plus exercises (GCS + EX), and group 3 received placebo
      laser plus exercises (PL + EX). The outcomes measured were pain level and
      functional disability using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and
      McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), respectively. ST and FCT were
      measured by ultrasound examination. Statistical analyses were performed to
      compare differences between baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment and then
      after 3 months of follow-up. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. VAS
      and WOMAC were significantly decreased in all groups after 6 weeks, with
      nonsignificant differences between 6 weeks and 3 months of follow-up. ST was
      significantly decreased in the HILT + GCS + EX group posttreatment, with
      nonsignificant decreases in the GCS + EX and PL + EX groups, as well as
      nonsignificant differences to FCT in all groups. Overall, pulsed Nd:YAG laser
      combined with GCS and exercises was more effective than GCS + EX and exercises
      alone in the treatment of KOA patients.

PMID- 28078504
TI  - Pulsed dye laser on ecchymoses: clinical and histological assessment.

PMID- 28078506
TI  - Regulation of p53 acetylation.

PMID- 28078505
TI  - T2 relaxation time measurements in the brains of scalded rats.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the T2 relaxation time of the brain in severely
      scalded rats using a magnetic resonance (MR) T2 mapping sequence, and to
      investigate the correlation between T2 relaxation time and plasma glucose level.
      Twenty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into the scalded group (n=21) and
      control group (n=7). Magnetic resonance scans were performed with T1WI, T2WI, and
      T2-mapping sequences in the scalded group; the scans were performed 1 day prior
      to scalding and 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-scalding; in addition, identical MR
      scans were performed in the control group at the same time points. T2-maps were
      generated and T2 relaxation times were acquired from the following brain regions:
      the hippocampus, thalamus, caudate-putamen, and cerebrum. Pathological changes of
      the hippocampus were observed. The plasma glucose level of each rat was measured
      before each MR scan, and a correlation analysis was performed between T2
      relaxation time and plasma glucose level. We found that conventional T1WI and
      T2WI did not reveal any abnormal signals or morphological changes in the
      hippocampus, thalamus, caudate-putamen, or cerebrum post-scalding. Both the T2
      relaxation times of the selected brain regions and plasma glucose levels
      increased 1, 3, and 5 days post-scalding, and returned to normal levels 7 days
      post-scalding. The most marked increase of T2 relaxation time was found in the
      hippocampus; similar changes were also revealed in the thalamus, caudate-putamen,
      and cerebrum. No correlation was found between T2 relaxation time and plasma
      glucose level in scalded rats. Pathological observation of the hippocampus showed
      edema 1, 3, and 5 days post-scalding, with recovery to normal findings at 7 days
      post-scalding. Thus, we concluded that T2 mapping is a sensitive method for
      detecting and monitoring scald injury in the rat brain. As the hippocampus is the
      main region for modulating a stress reaction, it showed significantly increased
      water content along with an increased plasma glucose level post-scalding.

PMID- 28078507
TI  - Quantitative analysis of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images:
      differentiation between prostate cancer and normal tissue based on a computer
      aided diagnosis system.
AB  - Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is considered to be one of the dominant
      modalities used in prostate cancer (PCa) detection and the assessment of lesion
      aggressiveness, especially for peripheral zone (PZ) PCa. Computer-aided diagnosis
      (CAD), which is capable of automatically extracting and evaluating image
      features, can integrate multiple parameters and improve the detection of PCa. In
      this study, 13 quantitative image features were extracted from DWI by CAD, and
      diagnostic efficacy was analyzed in both the PZ and transition zone (TZ). The
      results demonstrated that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between PCa
      and non-PCa for nine of the 13 features in the PZ and five of the 13 features in
      the TZ. Besides, the prediction outcome of CAD had a strong correlation with the
      DWI scores that were graded by experienced radiologists according to the Prostate
      Imaging-Reporting and Data System Version 2 (PI-RADS v2).

PMID- 28078508
TI  - Prioritization of liver MRI for distinguishing focal lesions.
AB  - Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide.
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that is
      often used by radiologists for diagnosis and surgical planning. Analysis of a
      large amount of liver MRI data for each patient limits the radiologist's
      efficiency and may lead to misdiagnoses. The redundant MRI data, especially from
      dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) sequences, is also a bottleneck in transmitting
      the images via the internet or PACS for remote consultancy in a reasonable amount
      of time. This study included 25 patients (aged between 20 and 70 years) with
      liver cysts (seven cases), hemangiomas (eight cases), or hepatic cell carcinomas
      (10 cases). DCE T1WI MRI was performed for all the patients. The diagnosis
      reference included typical MRI findings and post-surgery pathology. The methods
      were as follows: (i) MRI sequence pre-processing based on large vessels variation
      level set method to remove non-liver parts from MRI images; (ii) human visual
      model features (luminance, motion, and contour) extraction and fusion; (iii)
      anomaly-based MRI ranking; and (iv) methods assessment with the 25 patients' DCE
      MRI data. The prioritization methods applied to the DCE images could
      automatically assimilate and determine the content of the medical images,
      identifying the liver cysts, hemangiomas, and carcinomas. The average uniformity
      between radiologists and prioritization with the proposed method was 0.805,
      0.838, and 0.818 for cysts, hemangiomas, and carcinomas, respectively, which
      indicates that the proposed method is an efficient method for liver DCE image
      prioritization.

PMID- 28078509
TI  - PSG9 promotes angiogenesis by stimulating VEGFA production and is associated with
      poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant solid tumor characterized by
      rich vascularization. Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 9 (PSG9) is a member of the
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)/PSG family and is produced at high levels during
      pregnancy. We previously identified PSG9 as an HCC-related protein. However, the
      expression of PSG9 and its regulation during HCC carcinogenesis remain poorly
      explored. In the present study, we first found that the levels of PSG9 protein
      were significantly increased in the plasma of HCC patients. PSG9 overexpression
      also increased the proliferation ability of an HCC cell line. High expression of
      PSG9 was associated with angiogenesis by accelerating VEGFA expression. In
      addition, Cox's proportional hazards model analysis revealed that the plasma
      level of PSG9 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. We
      propose that PSG9 is a novel indicator of prognosis in patients with HCC and
      could serve as a novel therapeutic target for HCC. Furthermore, our results
      indicate that PSG9 protein may facilitate the development of HCC by fostering
      angiogenesis via promoting VEGFA production in cancer cells.

PMID- 28078510
TI  - Relationship between Framingham risk score and subclinical atherosclerosis in
      carotid plaques: an in vivo study using multi-contrast MRI.
AB  - The assessment and management of early-stage atherosclerosis are important for
      the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we used multi
      contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the carotid plaque
      feature in asymptomatic, at-risk subjects; we also evaluated the correlation
      between MRI findings and Framingham risk score (FRS). One hundred sixty-six
      asymptomatic individuals with risk factors for CVD underwent multi-contrast MRI.
      After the arterial morphology and plaque components were outlined, the
      differences in carotid plaque burden among the various risk categories were
      analyzed. The FRS analysis showed that high-risk individuals had thicker vessel
      wall and higher plaque lipid content than did low risk participants. A
      substantial proportion of advanced carotid plaques occurred in low and
      intermediate-risk groups. Multi-contrast MRI may provide incremental value to the
      FRS in managing asymptomatic at-risk population.

PMID- 28078511
TI  - Intra-individual comparison of different gadolinium-based contrast agents in the
      quantitative evaluation of C6 glioma with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - This experiment aimed to compare the ionic (Gadodiamide, Gd-DTPA-BMA) and non
      ionic (Gadopentetate dimeglumine, Gd-DTPA) gadolinium-based contrast agents
      (GBCA) in the quantitative evaluation of C6 glioma with dynamic contrast-enhanced
      magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). A C6 glioma model was established in 12
      Wistar rats, and magnetic resonance (MR) scans were performed six days after
      tumor implantation. Imaging was performed using a 3.0-T MR scanner with a 7-inch
      handmade circular coil. Pre-contrast T1 mapping and dynamic contrast-enhanced
      T1WI after a bolus injection (0.2 mL s-1) of GBCA at 0.4 mmol kg-1 were
      performed. Each rat received two DCE-MRI scans, 24 h apart. The first and second
      scans were performed using Gd-DTPA-BMA and Gd-DTPA, respectively. Image data were
      processed using the Patlak model. Both K trans and V p maps were generated.
      Tumors were manually segmented on all 3D K trans and V p maps. Pixel counts and
      mean values were recorded for use in a paired t-test. Three radiologists
      independently performed the tumor segmentation and value calculation. The
      agreements from different observers were subjective to the intra-class
      correlation coefficient (ICC). Readers demonstrated that the pixel counts of
      tumors in K trans maps were higher with Gd-DTPA-BMA than with Gd-DTPA (P<0.001,
      all readers). Although the K trans values were higher with Gd-DTPA-BMA than with
      Gd-DTPA, there was no statistical significance (P>0.05, all readers). The pixel
      counts of tumors in V p maps, as well as V p values, showed no obvious difference
      between the two agents (P>0.05, all readers). Excellent interobserver measurement
      reproducibility and reliability were demonstrated in the ICC tests. The Gd-DTPA
      BMA contrast agent had significantly higher pixel counts of glioma in the K trans
      maps, and an increased tendency for average K trans values, indicating that DCE
      MRI with Gd-DTPA-BMA may be more suitable and sensitive for the evaluation of
      glioma.

PMID- 28078512
TI  - The role of apparent diffusion coefficient values in characterization of solid
      focal liver lesions: a prospective and comparative clinical study.
AB  - We evaluated and compared the diagnostic accuracy (DA) of apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) values with that of lesion-to-liver ADC ratios in the
      characterization of solid focal liver lesions (FLLs). This prospective study was
      approved by the Institutional Human Ethics Board, after waiving written informed
      consent. Diffusion-weighted imaging and other routine magnetic resonance imaging
      were performed on 142 consecutive patients with suspected liver disease. The mean
      ADC values and lesion-to-liver ADC ratios were compared between benign and
      malignant solid FLLs. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed.
      The study participants included 46 patients (28 men, 18 women; mean age, 52.5
      years) with 57 solid FLLs (32 malignant and 25 benign FLLs). The mean ADC values
      and ADC ratios of benign solid FLLs were significantly higher than those of
      malignant lesions (P<0.01). The difference between the area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve of the ADC values (0.699) and ADC ratios (0.752)
      was not significant. Our study suggests that the DA of the ADC ratio is not
      significantly higher than that of ADC in characterizing solid FLLs.

PMID- 28078513
TI  - Determining the roles of the three alcohol dehydrogenases (AdhA, AdhB and AdhE)
      in Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus during ethanol formation.
AB  - Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus is a promising candidate for biofuel production
      due to the broad range of substrates it can utilize and its high ethanol yield
      compared to other thermophilic bacteria, such as Clostridium thermocellum. Three
      alcohol dehydrogenases, AdhA, AdhB and AdhE, play key roles in ethanol formation.
      To study their physiological roles during ethanol formation, we deleted them
      separately and in combination. Previously, it has been thought that both AdhB and
      AdhE were bifunctional alcohol dehydrogenases. Here we show that AdhE has
      primarily acetyl-CoA reduction activity (ALDH) and almost no acetaldehyde
      reduction (ADH) activity, whereas AdhB has no ALDH activity and but high ADH
      activity. We found that AdhA and AdhB have similar patterns of activity.
      Interestingly, although deletion of both adhA and adhB reduced ethanol
      production, a single deletion of either one actually increased ethanol yields by
      60-70%.

PMID- 28078514
TI  - The molecular basis of the organization of repetitive DNA-containing constitutive
      heterochromatin in mammals.
AB  - Constitutive heterochromatin is composed mainly of repetitive elements and
      represents the typical inert chromatin structure in eukaryotic cells.
      Approximately half of the mammalian genome is made of repeat sequences, such as
      satellite DNA, telomeric DNA, and transposable elements. As essential genes are
      not present in these regions, most of these repeat sequences were considered as
      junk DNA in the past. However, it is now clear that these regions are essential
      for chromosome stability and the silencing of neighboring genes. Genetic and
      biochemical studies have revealed that histone methylation at H3K9 and its
      recognition by heterochromatin protein 1 represent the fundamental mechanism by
      which heterochromatin forms. Although this molecular mechanism is highly
      conserved from yeast to human cells, its detailed epigenetic regulation is more
      complex and dynamic for each distinct constitutive heterochromatin structure in
      higher eukaryotes. It can also vary according to the developmental stage.
      Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis is a
      powerful tool to investigate the epigenetic regulation of eukaryote genomes, but
      non-unique reads are usually discarded during standard ChIP-seq data alignment to
      reference genome databases. Therefore, specific methods to obtain global
      epigenetic information concerning repetitive elements are needed. In this review,
      we focus on such approaches and we summarize the latest molecular models for
      distinct constitutive heterochromatin types in mammals.

PMID- 28078516
TI  - Dense gene physical maps of the non-model species Drosophila subobscura.
AB  - The comparative analysis of genetic and physical maps as well as of whole genome
      sequences had revealed that in the Drosophila genus, most structural
      rearrangements occurred within chromosomal elements as a result of paracentric
      inversions. Genome sequence comparison would seem the best method to estimate
      rates of chromosomal evolution, but the high-quality reference genomes required
      for this endeavor are still scanty. Here, we have obtained dense physical maps
      for Muller elements A, C, and E of Drosophila subobscura, a species with an
      extensively studied rich and adaptive chromosomal polymorphism. These maps are
      based on 462 markers: 115, 236, and 111 markers for elements A, C, and E,
      respectively. The availability of these dense maps will facilitate genome
      assembly and will thus greatly contribute to obtaining a good reference genome,
      which is a required step for D. subobscura to attain the model species status.
      The comparative analysis of these physical maps and those obtained from the D.
      pseudoobscura and D. melanogaster genomes allowed us to infer the number of fixed
      inversions and chromosomal evolutionary rates for each pairwise comparison. For
      all three elements, rates inferred from the more closely related species were
      higher than those inferred from the more distantly related species, which
      together with results of relative-rate tests point to an acceleration in the D.
      subobscura lineage at least for elements A and E.

PMID- 28078515
TI  - Capturing genomic relationships that matter.
AB  - There is a strong interrelationship within the cell nucleus between form and
      function of the genome. This connection is exhibited across multiple hierarchies,
      ranging from grand-scale positioning of chromosomes and their intersection with
      specific nuclear functional activities, the segregation of chromosome structure
      into distinct domains and long-range regulatory contacts that drive spatial and
      temporal expression patterns of genes. Fifteen years ago, the development of the
      chromosome conformation capture method placed the nature of specific, long-range
      regulatory interactions under scrutiny. However, its development and integration
      with next-generation sequencing technologies has greatly expanded the breadth and
      scope of what is detected. The sheer scale of data offered by these important
      advances has come with new and challenging bottlenecks that are both experimental
      and bioinformatical. Here, we discuss the recent and prospective development and
      implementation of new methodologies and analytical tools that are allowing an in
      depth, yet focussed characterisation of genomic contacts that are associated with
      functional activities in the nucleus.

PMID- 28078518
TI  - Public policy performance for social development: solar energy approach to assess
      technological outcome in Mexico City Metropolitan Area.
AB  - Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) is the most populated urban area in the
      country. In 2010, MCMA required 14.8% of total energy domestic demand, but
      greenhouse gas emissions accounted for 7.7% of domestic emissions. Mexico has
      massive renewable energy potential that could be harnessed through solar
      photovoltaic (PV) technology. The problem to explore is the relationship between
      local and federal public strategies in MCMA and their stance on energy transition
      concern, social empowerment, new technology appropriation, and the will to boost
      social development and urban sustainability. A public policy typology was
      conducted through instruments of State intervention approach, based on political
      agenda articulation and environmental local interactions. Social equality is
      encouraged by means of forthright funding and in-kind support and energy policies
      focus on non-renewable energy subsidies and electric transmission infrastructure
      investment. There is a lack of vision for using PV technology as a guiding axis
      for marginalized population development. It is essential to promote economic and
      political rearrangement in order to level and structure environmental governance.
      It is essential to understand people's representation about their own needs along
      with renewable energy.

PMID- 28078517
TI  - Semivolatile organic compounds in surface microlayer and subsurface water of
      Dianshan Lake, Shanghai, China: implications for accumulation and
      interrelationship.
AB  - Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in surface microlayer (SML) and subsurface
      water (SSW) from Dianshan Lake were studied to investigate their occurrence,
      distributions, as well as enrichment and potential sources. A sample was
      concentrated by solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME). Identification and
      quantification were carried out by gas chromatography coupled to mass
      spectrometry (GC-MS). Total SVOCs concentrations ranged from 25.93 to 47.49 MUg/L
      in SSW and 38.19 to 77.23 MUg/L in SML. The phthalic acid esters (PAE)
      concentrations in both SSW and SML are the highest of the total SVOC. The
      enrichment factors (EFs) of total SVOCs ranged from 0.80 to 2.98, while the
      highest EF was found in benzyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate, compounds of PAEs
      (4.06). The EFs values calculated in this study were consistent with the EFs
      reported for other water ecosystems. Compared with other place, the EF of PAHs
      were in the normal level (0.88-2.37). The results of correlation analysis,
      principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that at least three sources, i.e.,
      agricultural residual pesticides, industrial sewage and miscellaneous sources,
      were responsible for the presence of SVOCs in Dianshan Lake examined, accounting
      for 94.16% of the total variance in the dataset. Environmental risk assessment
      revealed that a majority of SVOCs posed relatively low risks (the values of risk
      quotient were less than 0.1), while naphthalene, acenaphthene, 2,4
      dinitrotoluene, and dibutyl phthalat exhibited moderate risks (values of risk
      quotient were more than 0.1 but less than 1fore) to aquatic organisms.

PMID- 28078519
TI  - Decrease in the genotoxicity of metal-contaminated soils with biochar amendments.
AB  - Biochar amendments, i.e., the solid product of biomass pyrolysis, reduce soil
      metal availability, which may lower the toxicity of metal-contaminated soils. A
      direct link between the decrease in soil metal availability and improved plant
      development is however often difficult to establish, as biochar may induce
      undesirable side effects on plant growth, e.g., a modification to plant
      nutrition. In order to investigate toxicity processes at a cellular level, roots
      of Vicia faba were exposed for 7 days to three metal-contaminated substrates and
      one control soil, amended with a 0 or 5% (w/w) addition of a wood-derived
      biochar. Exposure to pure biochar was also tested. Root tip cells were then
      observed to count the number of micronuclei as an estimation of DNA damage and
      the number of cells at mitosis stage. Results showed that biochar amendments led
      to a significant decrease in soil metal availability (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and
      to enhance root development on acidic substrates. The micronucleus frequency in
      root tip cells was positively correlated and the number of mitotic cells
      negatively, to the extractability of Zn in soils and to the concentration of Zn
      in secondary roots. Exposure to pure biochar caused a lower production of roots
      than most soil substrates, but led to the lowest number of observed micronuclei.
      In conclusion, biochar amendments can reduce the genotoxicity associated with the
      presence of metallic contaminants in soils, thereby potentially improving plant
      growth.

PMID- 28078520
TI  - Effects of screenhouse cultivation and organic materials incorporation on global
      warming potential in rice fields.
AB  - Global rice production will be increasingly challenged by providing healthy food
      for a growing population at minimal environmental cost. In this study, a 2-year
      field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a novel rice
      cultivation mode (screenhouse cultivation, SHC) and organic material (OM)
      incorporation (wheat straw and wheat straw-based biogas residue) on methane (CH4)
      and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and rice yields. In addition, the environmental
      factors and soil properties were also determined. Relative to the traditional
      open-field cultivation (OFC), SHC decreased the CH4 and N2O emissions by 6.58
      18.73 and 2.51-21.35%, respectively, and the global warming potential (GWP) was
      reduced by 6.49-18.65%. This trend was mainly because of lower soil temperature
      and higher soil redox potential in SHC. Although the rice grain yield for SHC
      were reduced by 2.51-4.98% compared to the OFC, the CH4 emissions and GWP per
      unit of grain yield (yield-scaled CH4 emissions and GWP) under SHC were declined.
      Compared to use of inorganic fertilizer only (IN), combining inorganic fertilizer
      with wheat straw (WS) or wheat straw-based biogas residue (BR) improved rice
      grain yield by 2.12-4.10 and 4.68-5.89%, respectively. However, OM incorporation
      enhanced CH4 emissions and GWP, leading to higher yield-scaled CH4 emissions and
      GWP in WS treatment. Due to rice yield that is relatively high, there was no
      obvious effect of BR treatment on them. These findings suggest that apparent
      environmental benefit can be realized by applying SHC and fermenting straw
      aerobically before its incorporation.

PMID- 28078521
TI  - Exogenously applied poly-gamma-glutamic acid alleviates salt stress in wheat
      seedlings by modulating ion balance and the antioxidant system.
AB  - Salt stress is a main abiotic stress that limits agricultural productivity in
      many parts of the world. To investigate whether poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma
      PGA) can alleviate the negative effects of salt stress on wheat, a foliar
      application of 400 mg/L gamma-PGA was applied to wheat seedlings, which were then
      subjected to 150 mM NaCl. Our results showed that after application of gamma-PGA,
      the plant height, the plant weight, and the antioxidant enzymes including
      superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase were significantly increased
      compared with the treatment of 150 mM NaCl alone. Meanwhile, gamma-PGA
      application also resulted in high accumulation of K+ and decreased storage of Na+
      in wheat leaves. These results suggest that gamma-PGA treatment may improve salt
      tolerance of wheat by diminishing ionic imbalances and enhancing antioxidant
      capacity. Our results indicate that exogenous gamma-PGA could alleviate the
      damage caused by salt stress.

PMID- 28078522
TI  - Long-term impact of reduced tillage on water and pesticide flow in a drained
      context.
AB  - Influence of more than 20 years (1988-2010) of reduced tillage (RT) practices on
      water and pesticide balances and dynamics is analyzed and compared to results
      from a conventional tillage plot (CT). The field study soils are described as
      silty clay stagnic luvisol, developed on a low permeable schist layer. A drainage
      network was set up according to French criteria (0.9 m deep, 10 m space) to avoid
      soil winter waterlogging. Climate is temperate oceanic and drainage generally
      occurs from November to March. Data were analyzed at yearly, weekly (pesticides)
      and hourly (water) time steps. Over the long term, cumulated drainage decreases
      significantly on RT (3999 mm) compared to CT (5100 mm). This differentiation
      becomes significant from 1999, 10 years after plowing was stopped. Strikingly,
      hourly drainage peak flows are higher under RT, especially during the second
      period (2000-2010), associated with low or no base flow. These results suggest a
      strong influence of the macropore network under RT practice. In particular,
      drainage peaks are higher at the beginning of the drainage season (mid-October to
      December). Consistently, pesticides applied in late autumn, which are the most
      quantified on this site, are often significantly more exported under RT. For
      atrazine, applied in spring, fluxes are linked to cumulative flow and are de
      facto higher under CT. For others pesticides, losses appear to be heterogeneous,
      with generally low or null export rates for spring application. Generally
      speaking, higher concentrations are measured on RT plot and explain observed
      exportation rate differences. Finally, there is no clear evidence of correlation
      between pesticide losses and long-term impacts of RT on hydrodynamics, pointing
      the importance of studying the short-term effect of tillage on water and
      especially solute flow.

PMID- 28078523
TI  - Simple vs six-branches autologous suburethral sling during robot-assisted radical
      prostatectomy to improve early urinary continence recovery: prospective
      randomized study.
AB  - We have recently described the use of a retropubic suburethral autologous sling
      created and placed during robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP). In this study, we
      assess the effectiveness of newly designed six-branches compared to two-branches
      suburethral autologous sling in improving early urinary continence (UC) recovery.
      120 patients submitted to RARP were prospectively randomized according to the
      intraoperative positioning of six-branches (group 1, n = 60) or two-branches
      autologous sling (group 2, n = 60) obtained by different configuration of a same
      tract of vas deferens removed. Early UC recovery was assessed at 5 (catheter
      removal), 10 and 30 days postoperatively through the daily number of pads used
      and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary
      Incontinence-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) score. UC was defined as the non-use of pad.
      Chi square test and Wilcoxon test were used to investigate UC recovery between
      the two groups. Moreover, post-voiding residual was evaluated in each patient at
      the same time. At catheter removal, UC rate was in groups 1 and 2, 60 and 35% (p
      = 0.02); at 10 days 70 and 46% (p = 0.03); at 30 days 87 and 70% (p = 0.04),
      respectively. One patient in group 1 experienced acute urinary retention at the
      time of catheter removal and was treated uneventfully with a further 7-day
      catheterization. These preliminary data indicate that newly designed six-branches
      suburethral autologous sling is able to increase the rate of early UC recovery
      compared to the two-arms sling previously described by us.

PMID- 28078524
TI  - Vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA) evaluation of short- and long-term outcome
      after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP): selective
      cystogram to improve outcome.
AB  - The role of a cystogram to assess the vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA) after
      robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been debated. Early
      catheter removal without cystogram was reported to be associated with a trend
      towards an increased risk of acute urinary retention (AUR). In two cohorts we
      studied the effects of VUA leakage on cystogram and functional outcome after
      RARP. Cohort A contained 1390 consecutive men that routinely underwent a
      cystogram after RARP. Transurethral catheter (TUC) was removed in the absence of
      VUA leakage or minimal leakage on subsequent repeat cystogram. Outcome was
      compared to a group of 120 men that underwent cystography 7-10 days after RARP
      but had the TUC removed independent of cystography findings (cohort B). Outcome
      was assessed by early clinical follow-up and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires
      at 6 months. Men in cohort B had an increased risk of AUR and 6 months voiding
      complaints when compared to cohort A. The incidence of AUR and voiding complaints
      was associated with grade 2-3 leakage on cystography in cohort B but not in
      cohort A. Grade 2-3 leakage on cystogram was more likely in men with larger
      prostates larger and preoperative voiding complaints. Selective cystogram in men
      with larger prostates and preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may
      prevent early AUR and voiding complaints after RARP when prolonged TUC use is
      applied.

PMID- 28078525
TI  - Chitosan-ceramide coating on gold nanorod to improve its physiological stability
      and reduce the lipid surface-related toxicity.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles are promising materials for many applications that include
      imaging, drug delivery, and photothermal therapy. However, AuNPs can be unstable
      and/or toxic. We purposed to improve the stability and reduce toxicity of gold
      nanorods (AuNR) upon coating with biocompatible polymer, chitosan-ceramide (CS
      CE), without replacing the original layer, CTAB. CS-CE-coated AuNR was prepared
      by simple mixing for 24 h and purified by centrifugation. The coating was
      confirmed by UV-Vis absorption analysis and surface charge and size measurement.
      We prepared nanorods with CS or CS-CE coating at two different concentrations (5
      and 10% AuNR), the resulting in larger nanorods with a more positive surface
      charge than that of AuNR. We investigated the UV-absorption and protein
      adsorption of the polymer coated nanorods. Based on the protein adsorption, AuNR
      CS-CE was found to be more stable under physiological conditions than AuNR-CS.
      The cell internalization assay revealed that Hela cells internalized higher
      amounts of AuNR-CS-CE than that of AuNR-CS. Cytotoxicity study revealed that AuNR
      CS-CE has lower toxicity than AuNR against HeLa cells. The CS-CE coating improved
      the stability of AuNR under physiological conditions via the hydrophobic
      interactions between the AuNR lipid surface and the ceramide anchor in the CS
      backbone as well as.

PMID- 28078527
TI  - Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Crohn's Disease: An EPiC in the
      Making?

PMID- 28078526
TI  - Effectiveness and Safety of Entecavir or Tenofovir in a Spanish Cohort of Chronic
      Hepatitis B Patients: Validation of the Page-B Score to Predict Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term antiviral therapy has resulted in viral suppression and
      biochemical response in chronic hepatitis B, although the risk of hepatocellular
      carcinoma has not been abolished. The Page-B score could be useful to estimate
      the probability of HCC. AIMS: To analyze the effectiveness and safety of
      entecavir or tenofovir for more than 4 years and the usefulness of Page-B score
      in the real-world setting. METHODS: Analysis of Caucasian chronic hepatitis B
      subjects treated with entecavir or tenofovir from the prospective, multicenter
      database CIBERHEP. RESULTS: A total of 611 patients were enrolled: 187 received
      entecavir and 424 tenofovir. Most were men, mean age 50 years, 32% cirrhotic and
      16.5% HBeAg-positive. Mean follow-up was 55 (entecavir) and 49 (tenofovir)
      months. >90% achieved HBV DNA <69 IU/mL and biochemical normalization by months
      12 and 36, respectively. Cumulative HBeAg loss and anti-HBe seroconversion were
      achieved by 33.7 and 23.8%. Four patients lost HBsAg; three HBeAg-positive. Renal
      function remained stable on long-term follow-up. Fourteen (2.29%) developed HCC
      during follow-up all of them with baseline Page-B >=10. Nine were diagnosed
      within the first 5 years of therapy. This contrasts with the 27 estimated by Page
      B, a difference that highlights the importance of regular HCC surveillance even
      in patients with virological suppression. CONCLUSIONS: Entecavir and tenofovir
      achieved high biochemical and virological response. Renal function remained
      stable with both drugs. A Page-B cut-off >=10 selected all patients at risk of
      HCC development.

PMID- 28078528
TI  - Reducing Stress Among Mothers in Drug Treatment: A Description of a Mindfulness
      Based Parenting Intervention.
AB  - Background Parenting women with substance use disorder could potentially benefit
      from interventions designed to decrease stress and improve overall psychosocial
      health. In this study we assessed whether a mindfulness based parenting (MBP)
      intervention could be successful in decreasing general and parenting stress in a
      population of women who are in treatment for substance use disorder and who have
      infants or young children. Methods MBP participants (N = 59) attended a two-hour
      session once a week for 12 weeks. Within-group differences on stress outcome
      measures administered prior to the beginning of the MBP intervention and
      following the intervention period were investigated using mixed-effects linear
      regression models accounting for correlations arising from the repeated-measures.
      Scales assessed for pre-post change included the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS)
      and the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI). Results General stress, as
      measured by the PSS, decreased significantly from baseline to post-intervention.
      Women with the highest baseline general stress level experienced the greatest
      change in total stress score. A significant change also occurred across the
      Parental Distress PSI subscale. Conclusions Findings from this innovative
      interventional study suggest that the addition of MBP within treatment programs
      for parenting women with substance use disorder is an effective strategy for
      reducing stress within this at risk population.

PMID- 28078529
TI  - Rethinking Preconception Care: A Critical, Women's Health Perspective.
AB  - Objectives Preconception care aims to provide care to reproductive aged
      individuals in order to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes. Given that
      preconception care is a public health priority, it is important to evaluate the
      evolution of this health paradigm and the promotion of preconception messages
      that are obtained by the public. We identified online preconception health
      messages, which were critically assessed through a women's health perspective.
      Methods We searched for "preconception care" on three major search engines.
      Websites were included if they were U.S.-based, provided content in English, and
      mentioned preconception care. Blogs and journal articles were excluded. The final
      sample included 52 websites. Using a content analysis approach, we assessed the
      presence of gender bias and identified other emergent themes. Results The
      majority of websites focused on preconception care for women only (67%). The
      recommendations centered on: (1) health behaviors for women (e.g., folic acid,
      drinking, smoking); (2) visiting healthcare providers; and (3) evaluating medical
      risks. Moreover, most content implied that women desired, or should desire,
      pregnancy. Overall, the messages used biomedical language and rarely mentioned
      other important health topics, such as social support and violence. Conclusions
      The primary messages presented on preconception care websites emphasized
      biomedical aspects of women's health. The current context of preconception care
      medicalizes this pre-pregnancy period by defining it as a biomedical condition
      requiring lifestyle changes and interventions. Additionally, the biases presented
      in these messages assumed women want and are capable of pregnancies and excluded
      an integral factor for heteronormative reproduction-men.

PMID- 28078530
TI  - Evaluation of the Population Pharmacokinetic Properties of Lidocaine and its
      Metabolites After Long-Term Multiple Applications of a Lidocaine Plaster in Post
      Herpetic Neuralgia Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lidocaine 5% medicated plaster is the first lidocaine
      containing product for chronic use. As no previous investigations have been
      conducted to evaluate the population pharmacokinetics of long-term exposure to
      lidocaine 5% medicated plasters, further insights into the evaluation of the
      pharmacokinetic properties of lidocaine and its metabolites were needed for the
      assessment of its safety. METHODS: The population pharmacokinetic properties of
      lidocaine and its metabolites were evaluated after multiple applications of
      lidocaine 5% medicated plasters based on data collected for up to 14.5 months
      from two phase III clinical trials (up to 2.5 months in the first trial, and up
      to 12 months in a follow-up trial) in post-herpetic neuralgia patients. Modeling
      was performed using nonlinear mixed effects as implemented in NONMEM(r)
      (nonlinear mixed-effect modeling) v.5. A stepwise forward inclusion and backward
      elimination procedure were used for covariate model building. RESULTS: The model
      provides reliable estimates of the pharmacokinetic behavior of lidocaine after
      medicated plaster application. It was validated using simulations and showed
      adequate predictive properties. Apparent Clearance was estimated to be 48 L/h
      after application of two or fewer plasters, whereas its value increased to 67 L/h
      after application of three plasters. Model-based simulations predicted no
      accumulation of lidocaine or any of its metabolites after long-term exposure of
      three simultaneous plasters up to 1 year. The variability explained by adding
      covariates into the model for the long-term exposures of lidocaine following one
      plaster or three simultaneous plaster applications was found to be very small
      with respect to the overall between-subject variability. CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, exposure to lidocaine after the application of the lidocaine
      medicated plaster was found to be primarily affected by the number of plasters
      simultaneously applied, i.e., it increased with the number of applied patches,
      but less than proportionally. No clinically relevant effect of other covariates
      was found to affect the exposure to lidocaine or its metabolites. As no
      accumulation was predicted by the model, long-term exposure to lidocaine and its
      metabolites is not expected to lead to any safety concerns in post-herpetic
      neuralgia patients.

PMID- 28078531
TI  - Yeast mixture of liquid beer and cassava pulp with rice straw for the growth of
      dairy heifers.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine the effects of mixtures of liquid brewer's
      yeast (LBY) and cassava pulp (CVP) with rice straw (RS) on feed intake,
      digestibility, rumen fermentation, and growth of dairy heifers. Sixteen Holstein
      crossbred heifers (13.8 +/- 1.6 months old, 210 +/- 23 kg body weight (BW)) were
      randomly allocated to four feeding treatments with four replications, which were
      0:0:100 (RS), 0:70:30 (0%LBY), 20:50:30 (20%LBY), and 50:20:30 (50%LBY),
      respectively, for LBY/CVP/RS on a fresh matter basis. The heifers were offered
      conventional concentrate at 1.5% initial body weight daily and fed the treatment
      diets ad libitum. Average daily gain and feed intake were not significantly
      different among the treatments. The heifers fed 50%LBY had the highest crude
      protein (CP) intake and DM, OM, and CP digestibility (P < 0.05). The ruminal pH
      did not differ significantly among treatments, while NH3-N was the highest (P <
      0.05) in 50%LBY. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and the molar
      proportion of each VFA were not significantly different among the treatments.
      Blood urea nitrogen concentrations of 50%LBY were the highest among the
      treatments (P < 0.05). The results indicated that 50%LBY improved CP
      digestibility.

PMID- 28078532
TI  - Biologic mesh extrusion months after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy: reasons and
      consequences.

PMID- 28078533
TI  - Risk factors for intravesical recurrence after nephroureterectomy in patients
      with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine major risk factors for bladder cancer (BC) recurrence after
      nephroureterectomy (Nux) by focusing on the pathologic appearances of tumors in
      upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UUTUCs). METHODS: We performed 147 Nux
      procedures between November 2002 and September 2015. Forty-eight patients were
      excluded because of a history of BC (28 patients), previous or concurrent radical
      cystectomy (9 patients), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (5 patients), and other reasons
      (6 patients). We classified UUTUCs into three types: renal pelvic, short-length
      ureteral, and long-length ureteral cancer; the cutoff for categorizing short-
      versus long-length ureteral cancer was the median tumor length. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses with Cox regression methods were performed to calculate
      hazard ratios (HRs) for BC recurrence using nine clinical covariates, including
      our new pathologic classification. RESULTS: The median follow-up period for the
      survivors was 60 months (range 1-157 months). Of 99 patients, 36 (36%) had BC
      recurrence; of these 36 patients, 30 (85%) experienced recurrence within 2 years
      and 17 (47%) had invasive BC (>=pT1). Statistical analyses demonstrated that
      pathologic tumor type was the major significant risk factor for BC recurrence.
      Long-length (>5 cm) ureteral cancer had the highest risk of BC recurrence
      compared to other tumor types (multivariate HR 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.03
      4.2). CONCLUSIONS: Our simple classification system based on the tumor's
      pathologic appearance is useful for predicting BC recurrence. Patients with long
      length ureteral cancer have a high risk of BC recurrence.

PMID- 28078534
TI  - Health Care Transition Planning Among Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Improving the health care transition process for youth with autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD) is critically important. This study was designed to examine the
      overall national transition core outcome among youth with ASD and each of the
      component measures of health care transition planning. Fewer than 10% of youth
      with ASD meet the national transition core outcome. Among youth with ASD, there
      is greater disparity in health care transition planning for non-Hispanic black
      youth, youth with family income <400% of the federal poverty line, and youth with
      more severe activity limitation. Continued advocacy, research, and training
      efforts are needed to reduce disparities in receipt of health care transition
      planning services for youth with ASD.

PMID- 28078535
TI  - Tubulin polymerization-stimulating activity of Ganoderma triterpenoids.
AB  - Tubulin polymerization is an important target for anticancer therapies. Even
      though the potential of Ganoderma triterpenoids against various cancer targets
      had been well documented, studies on their tubulin polymerization-stimulating
      activity are scarce. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ganoderma
      triterpenoids on tubulin polymerization. A total of twenty-four compounds were
      investigated using an in vitro tubulin polymerization assay. Results showed that
      most of the studied triterpenoids exhibited microtuble-stabilizing activity to
      different degrees. Among the investigated compounds, ganoderic acid T-Q,
      ganoderiol F, ganoderic acid S, ganodermanontriol and ganoderic acid TR were
      found to have the highest activities. A structure-activity relationship (SAR)
      analysis was performed. Extensive investigation of the SAR suggests the favorable
      structural features for the tubulin polymerization-stimulating activity of
      lanostane triterpenes. These findings would be helpful for further studies on the
      potential mechanisms of the anticancer activity of Ganoderma triterpenoids and
      give some indications on the design of tubulin-targeting anticancer agents.

PMID- 28078536
TI  - New oral anticoagulants compared to warfarin for perioperative anticoagulation in
      patients undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: a meta-analysis of
      continuous or interrupted new oral anticoagulants during ablation compared to
      interrupted or continuous warfarin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been shown to be comparable to
      warfarin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). This meta
      analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NOACs for
      perioperative anticoagulation of AF catheter ablation. METHODS: PubMed, Embase,
      the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and SinoMed were searched for articles published
      up to August 30, 2015. The data were calculated with RevMan 5.2 using a fixed
      effects model. RESULTS: Nineteen studies with a total of 7996 patients were
      included in this meta-analysis. NOAC treatment was associated with fewer overall
      bleeding events than continuous warfarin treatment (RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64
      0.95, P = 0.01); similarly, there were fewer overall bleeding events with NOAC
      treatment than interrupted warfarin treatment (RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.44-0.77, P =
      0.0002). In the subgroup analyses, the incidence of overall bleeding events (RR =
      0.67, 95% CI = 0.48-0.92, P = 0.01) and minor bleeding events (RR = 0.56, 95% CI
      = 0.37-0.86, P = 0.007) in the interrupted NOAC group was lower than that in the
      continuous warfarin group. NOAC treatment did not increase the risk of
      thromboembolic complications compared with warfarin treatment (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this meta-analysis suggested that periprocedural
      NOAC therapy was as effective as continuous warfarin therapy for preventing
      thromboembolism and had a lower incidence of bleeding complications. Interrupted
      NOAC therapy during the periprocedural period might result in a lower incidence
      of bleeding complications compared with continuous NOAC therapy.

PMID- 28078537
TI  - SIRT2-mediated FOXO3a deacetylation drives its nuclear translocation triggering
      FasL-induced cell apoptosis during renal ischemia reperfusion.
AB  - We have found that Fas/FasL-mediated "extrinsic" pathway promoted cell apoptosis
      induced by renal ischemic injury. This study is to elucidate the upstream
      mechanism regulating FasL-induced extrinsic pathway during renal
      ischemia/reperfusion. Results demonstrated that when SIRT2 was activated by renal
      ischemia/reperfusion, activated SIRT2 could bind to and deacetylate FOXO3a,
      promoting FOXO3a nuclear translocation which resulted in an increase of nuclear
      FOXO3a along with FasL expression and activation of caspase8 and caspase3,
      triggering cell apoptosis during renal ischemia/reperfusion. The administration
      of SIRT2 inhibitor AGK2 prior to renal ischemia decreased significantly the
      number of apoptotic renal tubular cells and alleviated ultrastructure injury.
      These results indicate that inhibition of FOXO3a deacetylation might be a
      promising therapeutic approach for renal ischemia /reperfusion injury.

PMID- 28078538
TI  - The Sleep in Caenorhabditis elegans: What We Know Until Now.
AB  - Sleep, as one of the most important requirements of our brain, has a mystical
      nature. Despite long-standing studies, the molecular mechanisms and physiological
      properties of sleep have not been defined well as the complexity of the mammals'
      brain make it difficult to investigate the mechanisms and properties of sleep.
      Although some features of sleep have changed during evolution, its existence in
      such a simple animal, Caenorhabditis elegans, not only signifies the importance
      of sleep in even simple animals, but also allows the scientist to assess the core
      mechanism and biological events in an uncomplicated organism. This article
      reviews the information which exists about the characteristics of sleep in C.
      elegans, its circadian rhythm, the neurons and neurotransmitters responsible for
      each state, and the signaling molecules involved. Although much still remains to
      be resolved about the sleep of C. elegans, the available knowledge helps the
      scientists to recognize the properties better of this mysterious function of the
      brain.

PMID- 28078539
TI  - Unfolding of the myosin head by purealin in glycerol.
AB  - Purealin is a small bioactive compound obtained from the marine sponge. The
      compound modulates various types of ATPase activity of myosin from skeletal
      muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle. To elucidate the structural basis of
      these effects of purealin on myosin ATPases, we examined the effect of purealin
      on the conformation of skeletal muscle myosin in aqueous solution and in
      glycerol. Analysis of the circular dichroism spectrum of subfragment 1, a single
      headed fragment of myosin, revealed that in 10% glycerol purealin decreased the
      beta-sheet content of S1, but in aqueous solution it had little effect on the
      secondary structure of S1. A myosin monomer conforms to two pear-like globular
      heads attached to a long tail. Electron microscopy observations with rotary
      shadowing revealed that purealin unfolded each globular head to an extended
      single strand. The tips of the unfolded strand bound each other and formed a ring
      in one molecule. These results suggest that binding of purealin affects the
      critical parameters of myosin folding.

PMID- 28078540
TI  - Preplanned safety analysis of the JFMC37-0801 trial: a randomized phase III study
      of six months versus twelve months of capecitabine as adjuvant chemotherapy for
      stage III colon cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Six months of adjuvant chemotherapy is regarded as the standard of
      care for patients with stage III colon cancer. However, whether longer treatment
      can improve prognosis has not been fully investigated. We conducted a phase III
      study comparing 6 and 12 months of adjuvant capecitabine chemotherapy for stage
      III colon cancer, and report here the results of our preplanned safety analysis.
      METHODS: Patients aged 20-79 years with curatively resected stage III colon
      cancer were randomly assigned to receive 8 cycles (6 months) or 16 cycles (12
      months) of capecitabine (2500 mg/m2/day on days 1-14 of each 21-day cycle).
      Treatment exposure and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of
      1304 patients (642 and 636 in the 6-month and 12-month groups, respectively) were
      analyzed. The most common AE was hand-foot syndrome (HFS). HFS, leukocytopenia,
      neutropenia, and hyperbilirubinemia (any grade) occurred more frequently in the
      12-month group than in the 6-month group. HFS was the only grade >=3 AE to have a
      significantly higher incidence in the 12-month group (23 vs 17%, p = 0.011). The
      completion rate for 8 cycles was 72% in both groups, while that for 16 cycles was
      46% in the 12-month group. HFS was the most common AE requiring dose reduction
      and treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve months of adjuvant
      capecitabine demonstrated a higher cumulative incidence of HFS compared to the
      standard 6-month treatment period, while toxicities after 12 months of
      capecitabine were clinically acceptable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR,
      UMIN000001367.

PMID- 28078541
TI  - Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1RA) Therapy Adherence for Patients
      with Type 2 Diabetes in a Medicare Population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anti-diabetes medication regimen adherence is a clinical challenge
      in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other comorbidities associated
      with aging. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) therapies such as
      exenatide once weekly (QW), exenatide twice daily (BID), and liraglutide once
      daily (QD) are an increasingly used class of drugs with proven efficacy and
      tolerability. Real-world evidence on adherence to GLP-1RAs in elderly or disabled
      patients is limited. To further the understanding of this drug class, the current
      study examined medication adherence in Medicare patients aged >=65 years with T2D
      initiating a GLP-1RA. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used medical and
      pharmacy claims between 2010 and 2013 for Medicare members in a United States
      health plan diagnosed with T2D who were new initiators of either exenatide QW (n
      = 537), exenatide BID (n = 923), or liraglutide QD (n = 3,673). Included patients
      were between the ages of 65 and 89 and were continuously enrolled for 6 months
      pre- and post-index. Medication adherence was examined during the post-index
      period using proportion of days covered (PDC) >=80% and >=90%. RESULTS: A
      significantly higher percentage of patients receiving exenatide QW had a PDC
      >=80% (43.2%) versus exenatide BID (39.0%, P < 0.01) and liraglutide QD (35.0%, P
      < 0.001). The patients receiving exenatide QW were significantly more likely to
      reach a PDC of >=90% (37.2%, P < 0.001) than those initiating exenatide BID
      (20.6%) or liraglutide QD (23.3%). CONCLUSIONS: While results from this
      retrospective study suggest room for improvement in adherence to GLP-1RAs,
      medication adherence rates for patients initiating therapy with exenatide QW were
      higher than patients initiating therapy with exenatide BID or liraglutide QD.
      Further research is needed to validate these findings in other T2D patient
      populations. FUNDING: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 28078542
TI  - Glenoid baseplate fixation using hybrid configurations of locked and unlocked
      peripheral screws.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of peripheral locked screws has reduced glenoid baseplate
      failure rates in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. However, situations may arise
      when one or more non-locked screws may be preferred. We aimed to determine if
      different combinations of locked and non-locked screws significantly alter acute
      glenoid baseplate fixation in a laboratory setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty
      eight polyurethane trabecular bone surrogates were instrumented with a center
      screw-type glenoid baseplate and fixated with various combinations of peripheral
      locked and non-locked screws (1-, 2-, 3- and 4-locked con). Each construct was
      tested through a 55 degrees  arc of abduction motion generating compressive and
      shear forces across the glenosphere. Baseplate micromotion (MUm) was recorded
      throughout 10,000 cycles for each model. RESULTS: All constructs survived 10,000
      cycles of loading without catastrophic failure. One test construct in the 1
      locked fixation group exhibited a measured micromotion >150 MUm (177.6 MUm). At
      baseline (p > 0.662) and following 10,000 cycles (p > 0.665), no differences were
      observed in baseplate micromotion for screw combinations that included one, two,
      three and four peripheral locked screws. The maximum difference in measured
      micromotion between the extremes of groups (1-locked and 4-locked) was 29 um.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid peripheral screw fixation using combinations of locked and
      non-locked screws provides secure glenoid baseplate fixation using a polyurethane
      bone substitute model. Using a glenosphere with a 10-mm lateralized center of
      rotation, hybrid baseplate fixation maintains micromotion below the necessary
      threshold for bony ingrowth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A/, basic science
      investigation.

PMID- 28078545
TI  - Abstracts 2016.

PMID- 28078543
TI  - Topiramate Confers Neuroprotection Against Methylphenidate-Induced
      Neurodegeneration in Dentate Gyrus and CA1 Regions of Hippocampus via CREB/BDNF
      Pathway in Rats.
AB  - Methylphenidate (MPH) abuse can cause serious neurological damages. The
      neuroprotective effects of topiramate (TPM) have been reported already, but its
      mechanism of action still remains unclear. The current study evaluates in vivo
      role of CREB/BDNF in TPM protection of the rat hippocampal cells from
      methylphenidate-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. A total of
      60 adult male rats were divided into six groups. Groups 1 and 2 received normal
      saline (0.7 ml/rat) and MPH (10 mg/kg) respectively for 14 days. Groups 3 and 4
      were concurrently treated with MPH (10 mg/kg) and TPM 50 and 100 mg/kg
      respectively for 14 days. Groups 5 and 6 were treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg TPM
      only respectively. After drug administration, open field test (OFT) was used to
      investigate motor activity. The hippocampus was then isolated and the apoptotic,
      antiapoptotic, oxidative, antioxidant, and inflammatory factors were measured.
      Expression of the total and phosphorylated CREB and BDNF in gene and protein
      levels, and gene expression of Ak1, CaMK4, MAPK3, PKA, and c-Fos levels were also
      measured. MPH significantly decreased motor activity in OFT. TPM (50 and 100
      mg/kg) decreased MPH-induced motor activity disturbance. Additionally, MPH
      significantly increased Bax protein level, CaMK4 gene expression, lipid
      peroxidation, catalase activity, mitochondrial GSH, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha
      levels in isolated hippocampal cells. Also CREB, in total and phosphorylated
      forms, BDNF and Bcl-2 protein levels, Ak1, MAPK3, PKA and c-Fos gene expression,
      superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase
      activities decreased significantly by MPH. TPM (50 and 100 mg/kg), both in the
      presence and absence of MPH, attenuated the effects of MPH. Immunohistochemistry
      data showed that TPM increased localization of the total and phosphorylated forms
      of CREB in dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 areas of the hippocampus. It seems that TPM
      can be used as a neuroprotective agent against apoptosis, oxidative stress, and
      neuroinflammation induced by frequent use of MPH. This might be probably mediated
      by the CREB/BDNF and their upstream signaling pathways.

PMID- 28078544
TI  - Epistaxis during nasotracheal intubation: a randomized trial of the Parker Flex
      TipTM nasal endotracheal tube with a posterior facing bevel versus a standard
      nasal RAE endotracheal tube.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nasotracheal intubation is a widely performed technique to facilitate
      anesthesia induction during oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgeries. The
      technique poses several risks not encountered with oropharyngeal intubation, most
      commonly epistaxis due to nasal mucosal abrasion. The purpose of this study was
      to test whether the use of the Parker Flex-TipTM (PFT) nasal endotracheal tube
      (ETT) with a posterior facing bevel reduces epistaxis when compared with the
      standard nasal RAE ETT with a leftward facing bevel. METHODS: Sixty American
      Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II patients undergoing oral or
      maxillofacial surgery with nasotracheal intubation were recruited. Patients were
      randomized to either a standard nasal RAE ETT or a PFT nasal ETT. The ETT was
      thermosoftened and lubricated for both study groups prior to insertion, and the
      size of the tube was chosen at the discretion of the attending anesthesiologist.
      The primary outcome was the incidence of epistaxis, with a secondary outcome of
      epistaxis severity (scored as none, mild, moderate, or severe). An investigator
      measured both outcomes five minutes after intubation was completed. RESULTS: Mild
      or moderate epistaxis was experienced by 22 of 30 (73%) patients in the PFT group
      compared with 21 of 30 (70%) patients in the standard nasal RAE ETT group
      (absolute risk reduction, 3%; 95% confidence interval, -19 to 25; P = 0.78).
      There were no occurrences of severe epistaxis in either group. CONCLUSION: There
      was no difference in the incidence or severity of epistaxis following nasal
      intubation using the Parker Flex-Tip nasal ETT when compared with a standard
      nasal RAE ETT. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier:
      NCT02315677.

PMID- 28078546
TI  - Postoperative real-time electrocardiography monitoring detects myocardial
      ischemia: a case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: This case report outlines the utility and challenges of remote
      continuous postoperative electrocardiography ECG) monitoring, which is routed
      through a secure smartphone to provide real-time detection and management of
      myocardial ischemia. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 42-yr-old male with previous myocardial
      infarction and angioplasty underwent a radical prostatectomy. At three hours and
      45 min postoperatively, remote real-time ECG monitoring was initiated upon the
      patient's arrival on a regular surgical ward. Monitor alerts were routed to a
      study clinician's smartphone. About six hours postoperatively, alarms were
      received and horizontal ST segment depressions were observed. A 12-lead ECG
      validated the ST segment changes, prompting initiation of a metoprolol iv and a
      red blood cell transfusion. Approximately seven hours and 30 min postoperatively,
      the ST segments normalized. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 and
      followed for four years without any sequelae. CONCLUSION: This case report
      illustrates the use of remote ECG monitoring and clinician response in real time
      with the use of a smartphone. With each alert, a small ECG strip is transmitted
      to the smartphone for viewing. In our view, this technology and management system
      provides a possible means to interrupt myocardial ischemic cascades in real time
      and prevent postoperative myocardial infarction.

PMID- 28078548
TI  - All that glitters are not gold! Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia mimicking
      colorectal liver metastases: description of a case and literature review.

PMID- 28078547
TI  - ZNF804A rs1344706 interacts with COMT rs4680 to affect prefrontal volume in
      healthy adults.
AB  - The biological function of ZNF804A rs1344706, the first genome-wide supported
      risk variant of schizophrenia, remains largely unknown. Based on the upregulating
      effect of ZNF804A on the expression of COMT, we hypothesize that ZNF804A may
      affect grey matter volume (GMV) by interacting with COMT. Voxel-based morphometry
      was applied to analyze the main and interaction effects of ZNF804A rs1344706 and
      COMT rs4680 on brain GMV in 274 healthy young human subjects. The GMV of the left
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) showed a significant COMT rs4680 * ZNF804A
      rs1344706 interaction, manifesting as an inverted U-shape modulation by the
      presumed dopamine signaling. In COMT Met-allele carriers, the ZNF804A TG
      heterozygotes showed greater GMV in the left DLPFC than both GG and TT
      homozygotes. In COMT Val/Val homozygotes, however, the ZNF804A TG heterozygotes
      exhibited smaller GMV in the left DLPFC than GG homozygotes and comparable GMV
      with TT homozygotes. These findings suggest that ZNF804A affects the GMV of the
      prefrontal cortex by interacting with COMT, which may improve our understanding
      of neurobiological effect of ZNF804A and its association with schizophrenia.

PMID- 28078549
TI  - Functionalized ionic liquid-assisted chromatography-free synthesis of
      bis(indolyl)methanes.
AB  - A chromatography-free synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes has been developed using
      sulfonic acid and sulfonyl hydrazine-functionalized ionic liquids as catalyst and
      scavenger, respectively. The employed excess aldehyde for completion of the
      reaction was scavenged by sulfonyl hydrazine-functionalized ionic liquid.
      Purification of products without column chromatography, ease of monitoring and
      shorter reaction time are the salient features of the developed protocol. The
      reuse and regeneration of the catalyst and scavenger have been achieved up to 5
      and 2 times, respectively, without significant loss of activity.

PMID- 28078550
TI  - Iodine-mediated sp3 C-H functionalization of methyl ketones: a one-pot synthesis
      of functionalized indolizines via the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between
      pyridinium ylides and ynones.
AB  - An efficient transition-metal-free approach toward C-H bond activation by using
      molecular [Formula: see text]-mediated [Formula: see text] C-H bond
      functionalization for the synthesis of indolizine derivatives via 1,3-dipolar
      cycloaddition reaction of nitrogen ylides with ynones is described.

PMID- 28078551
TI  - The proteolysis adaptor, NblA, binds to the N-terminus of beta-phycocyanin:
      Implications for the mechanism of phycobilisome degradation.
AB  - Phycobilisome (PBS) complexes are massive light-harvesting apparati in
      cyanobacteria that capture and funnel light energy to the photosystem. PBS
      complexes are dynamically degraded during nutrient deprivation, which causes
      severe chlorosis, and resynthesized during nutrient repletion. PBS degradation
      occurs rapidly after nutrient step down, and is specifically triggered by non
      bleaching protein A (NblA), a small proteolysis adaptor that facilitates
      interactions between a Clp chaperone and phycobiliproteins. Little is known about
      the mode of action of NblA during PBS degradation. In this study, we used
      chemical cross-linking coupled with LC-MS/MS to investigate the interactions
      between NblA and phycobiliproteins. An isotopically coded BS3 cross-linker
      captured a protein interaction between NblA and beta-phycocyanin (PC). LC-MS/MS
      analysis identified the amino acid residues participating in the binding
      reaction, and demonstrated that K52 in NblA is cross-linked to T2 in beta-PC.
      These results were modeled onto the existing crystal structures of NblA and PC by
      protein docking simulations. Our data indicate that the C-terminus of NblA fits
      in an open groove of beta-PC, a region located inside the central hollow cavity
      of a PC rod. NblA may mediate PBS degradation by disrupting the structural
      integrity of the PC rod from within the rod. In addition, M1-K44 and M1-K52 cross
      links between the N-terminus of NblA and the C-terminus of NblA are consistent
      with the NblA crystal structure, confirming that the purified NblA is
      structurally and biologically relevant. These findings provide direct evidence
      that NblA physically interacts with beta-PC.

PMID- 28078552
TI  - Pediatric Development of Bosentan Facilitated by Modeling and Simulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bosentan is approved for use in adult patients with pulmonary
      arterial hypertension. The primary aim of the pharmacokinetic modeling was the
      provision of a systematic guidance for study design and enhanced understanding of
      pharmacokinetics across the entire pediatric age range. METHODS: A
      physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was developed for the pediatric
      population; starting from an adult model, the effects of body weight, age, and
      maturation of relevant metabolizing enzymes were incorporated to extrapolate the
      pharmacokinetics to children. A pediatric population pharmacokinetic model was
      developed to identify relevant covariates. RESULTS: Based on model predictions, a
      dose of 0.5 mg/kg led to an exposure distinguishable from a dose of 2 mg/kg, and
      an additional blood sampling time point at 2 h (the predicted time of maximum
      concentration) allowed more precise estimation of bosentan exposure in children.
      The lower exposure observed in children compared with adults could be explained
      by maturation-related changes in clearance. Clinical data confirmed the model
      predictions. CONCLUSIONS: Maturational changes in drug clearance and
      developmental changes in body weight were identified as key elements of bosentan
      pharmacokinetics in pediatric patients. Estimating bosentan exposure using
      physiologically based and population pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation
      supported dose selection in pediatric patients. Model-based exposure estimates
      helped in reducing the number of the youngest pediatric patients to be studied.
      Pharmacokinetic models can provide a systematic guidance for study design and
      enhanced understanding of pharmacokinetics across the entire pediatric age range.

PMID- 28078554
TI  - Syntax response-space biases for hands, not feet.
AB  - A number of studies have shown a relationship between comprehending transitive
      sentences and spatial processing (e.g., Chatterjee, Trends in Cognitive Sciences,
      5(2), 55-61, 2001), in which there is an advantage for responding to images that
      depict the agent of an action to the left of the patient. Boiteau and Almor
      (Cognitive Science, 2016) demonstrated that a similar effect is found for pure
      linguistic information, such that after reading a sentence, identifying a word
      that had appeared earlier as the agent is faster on the left than on the right,
      but only for left-hand responses. In this study, we examined the role of
      lateralized manual motor processes in this effect and found that such spatial
      effects occur even when only the responses, but not the stimuli, have a spatial
      dimension. In support of the specific role of manual motor processes, we found a
      response-space effect with manual but not with pedal responses. Our results
      support an effector-specific (as opposed to an effector-general) hypothesis:
      Manual responses showed spatial effects compatible with those in previous
      research, whereas pedal responses did not. This is consistent with theoretical
      and empirical work arguing that the hands are generally involved with, and
      perhaps more sensitive to, linguistic information.

PMID- 28078553
TI  - Expression of apoptosis-regulatory genes in the hippocampus of rat neonates born
      to mothers with diabetes.
AB  - Diabetes during pregnancy impairs the development of the central nervous system
      (CNS) and causes cognitive and behavioral abnormalities in offspring. However,
      the exact mechanism by which the maternal diabetes affects the development of the
      brain remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate
      the effects of maternal diabetes in pregnancy on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax
      genes and the numerical density of degenerating dark neurons (DNs) in the
      hippocampus of offspring at the first postnatal two weeks. Wistar female rats
      were maintained diabetic from a week before pregnancy through parturition and
      male offspring was sacrificed at P0, P7, and P14. Our findings demonstrated a
      significant down-regulation in the hippocampal expression of Bcl-2 in the
      diabetic group newborns (P < 0.05). In contrast, the mRNA expression of Bax was
      markedly up-regulated in the offspring born to diabetic dams at all of studied
      time-points (P < 0.05). Moreover, we found a striking increase in the numerical
      density of DNs in the various subfields of hippocampus of diabetic group pups (P
      < 0.05). The results of the present study revealed that maternal hyperglycemia
      during gestational period may result in disturbances in the expression of Bcl-2
      and Bax genes as two important genes in neuronal apoptosis regulation and induces
      the production of DNs in the developing hippocampus of neonatal rats. These
      disturbances may be a reason for the cognitive, structural, and behavioral
      anomalies observed in offspring born to diabetic mothers. Furthermore, the
      control of maternal glycaemia by insulin administration in most cases normalized
      these negative impacts.

PMID- 28078555
TI  - Control blindness: Why people can make incorrect inferences about the intentions
      of others.
AB  - There is limited evidence regarding the accuracy of inferences about intention.
      The research described in this article shows how perceptual control theory (PCT)
      can provide a "ground truth" for these judgments. In a series of 3 studies,
      participants were asked to identify a person's intention in a tracking task where
      the person's true intention was to control the position of a knot connecting a
      pair of rubber bands. Most participants failed to correctly infer the person's
      intention, instead inferring complex but nonexistent goals (such as "tracing out
      two kangaroos boxing") based on the actions taken to keep the knot under control.
      Therefore, most of our participants experienced what we call "control blindness."
      The effect persisted with many participants even when their awareness was
      successfully directed at the knot whose position was under control. Beyond
      exploring the control blindness phenomenon in the context of our studies, we
      discuss its implications for psychological research and public policy.

PMID- 28078556
TI  - Response readiness modulates the development of association-based automaticity in
      masked priming.
AB  - The current study investigated the role of the automatization of stimulus and
      response (S-R) associations and response readiness in triggering the motor
      activation for masked primes in two experiments. The automatization of
      associations was manipulated by employing different types of stimuli, and
      response readiness was manipulated by varying the relative frequency of Go trials
      in a modified Go/No-Go task. Compatibility (compatible and incompatible),
      stimulus type (arrows and parallel lines), and test session (Sessions 1, 2, and
      3) were manipulated in a high response-readiness condition (Experiment 1) and in
      a low response-readiness condition (Experiment 2). Negative compatibility effects
      (NCEs) occurred regardless of session and experiment in the arrow stimuli
      condition. However, in the parallel-line stimuli condition, no significant
      compatibility effect (CE) appeared regardless of the experiment in Sessions 1 and
      2, whereas a significant NCE appeared in Experiment 1 but not in Experiment 2 in
      Session 3. These results are consistent with the claim that motor activation can
      only occur if the association between specific stimuli and specific responses has
      been automatized by previous practice, and response readiness can modulate the
      development of automaticity, but this modulation will have a minimal effect once
      the association is automatized. The findings also provide experimental evidence
      for the assumption that the formation of association-based automaticity could be
      modulated by top-down control (e.g., response readiness).

PMID- 28078558
TI  - Respiratory syncytial virus associated hospitalizations in preterm infants of 29
      to 32 weeks gestational age using a risk score tool for palivizumab prophylaxis.
AB  - To evaluate the efficacy of palivizumab in infants of 29 to 32 weeks of
      gestational age (GA) based on a risk score tool developed for Austria.
      Retrospective single-center cohort study including all preterm infants of 29 (+0)
      to 32 (+6) weeks of GA born between 2004 and 2012 at a tertiary care university
      hospital. Data on RSV-related hospitalizations over the first 2 years of life
      were analyzed and compared between those having received palivizumab and those
      without. The study population was comprised of 789 of 816 screened infants, of
      whom 262 (33%) had received palivizumab and 527 (67%) had not. Nine of 107
      rehospitalizations (8.4%) in the palivizumab group compared to 32 of 156
      rehospitalizations (20.5%) in the group without prophylaxis were tested RSV
      positive (p = 0.004; OR 0.356 [CI 90% 0.184-0.689]). Proven and calculated RSV
      hospitalization rate was 3.1% (8/262) in the palivizumab group and 5.9% (31/527)
      in the group without (p = 0.042; OR 0.504 [CI 90% 0.259-0.981]). Increasing
      number of risk factors (up to three) increased the RSV hospitalization rate in
      infants with (6.1%) and without (9.0%) prophylaxis. RSV-associated
      hospitalizations did not differ between groups with regard to length of stay,
      severity of infection, age at hospitalization, demand of supplemental oxygen,
      need for mechanical ventilation, and admission rate to the ICU. A risk score tool
      developed for infants of 29 to 32 weeks of gestational age led to a reduction of
      RSV-associated hospitalizations without influencing the severity of disease.

PMID- 28078557
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of universal screening for carbapenemase-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae in hospital inpatients.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of screening all
      hospital inpatients for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) at the
      time of hospital admission, compared to not screening, from a US hospital
      perspective. We used a linked transmission/Markov model to compare outcomes for a
      typical hospitalized medical patient, from a community with a colonization
      prevalence of 0.05%. Outcomes were number of colonized patients, CPE-related
      clinical infections and deaths, expected quality-adjusted life years (QALYs),
      cost, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Sensitivity analyses
      were performed to assess the effect of parameter uncertainty, using a willingness
      to-pay threshold of $100,000 per QALY gained. Screening prevented six CPE
      colonization cases per 1000 patients (1/1000 colonized with screening, 7/1000
      without screening), over half of all symptomatic CPE infections (2/10,000
      symptomatic with screening, 5/10,000 symptomatic without screening), and nearly
      half of all CPE-related deaths (8/100,000 deaths with screening, 15/100,000
      deaths without screening). Screening accrued 0.0009 additional QALYs and cost an
      additional $24.68, compared to not screening, and was cost-effective (ICER
      $26,283 per QALY gained). Our results were sensitive to uncertainty in prevalence
      and the number of secondary colonizations per colonized patient. Screening was
      not cost-effective at a prevalence below 0.015% or if transmission to fewer than
      0.9 new patients occurred for each colonized patient. At prevalence levels above
      0.3%, screening was cost-saving compared to not screening. Screening inpatients
      for CPE carriage is likely cost-effective, and may be cost-saving, depending on
      the local prevalence of carriage.

PMID- 28078559
TI  - Empirical combination of a beta-lactam to vancomycin may not improve outcomes of
      methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, compared to vancomycin
      monotherapy.
AB  - To evaluate effect of empirical combination of a beta-lactam to vancomycin and
      vancomycin monotherapy in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (MSSA-B), we conducted
      a retrospective cohort study. Electronic medical records of individuals who were
      diagnosed with MSSA-B between January 2005 and February 2015 at a tertiary care
      center were reviewed. Patients were classified into three groups according to
      empirical antibiotic regimen (BL group, beta-lactam; VAN group, vancomycin; BV
      group, combination of beta-lactam and vancomycin), and 30-day all-cause mortality
      of each group was compared. During the study period, 561 patients with MSSA-B
      were identified. After exclusion of 198 patients (36 with poly-microbial
      infection, 114 expired within 2 days, and 48 already received parenteral
      antibiotics) and a matching process, 46 patients for each group were included.
      Baseline characteristics were similar except for severity and comorbidity scores.
      The 30-day mortality for all three groups were not significantly different (BL
      4.3%, VAN 6.5%, BV 8.7%; P = 0.909). In a multivariate analysis, type of
      empirical antibiotic regimen was not statistically associated with 30-day all
      cause mortality. In comparison with the VAN group, the BV group yielded a HR of
      0.579 (95% CI = 0.086-3.890, P = 0.574). Pitt bacteremia score was the only
      significant factor for mortality. The empirical combination of a beta-lactam to
      vancomycin was not associated with lower mortality in treating MSSA-B, compared
      to vancomycin monotherapy.

PMID- 28078560
TI  - Knockdown of PYCR1 inhibits cell proliferation and colony formation via cell
      cycle arrest and apoptosis in prostate cancer.
AB  - Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) is an enzyme involved in cell
      metabolism, which has been shown to be up-regulated in cancers. However, the
      functions of PYCR1 in prostate cancers (PCa) are still largely unknown. In the
      present study, we found that PYCR1 was highly expressed in prostate cancer
      tissues and then knocked down PYCR1 in PCa cell lines (DU145, PC-3 and LNCap) via
      lentivirus-mediated gene delivery and analyzed its biological function. Both qRT
      PCR and western blotting indicated that PYCR1 was suppressed efficiently after sh
      PYCR1 infection. Further analysis indicated knockdown of PYCR1 significantly
      inhibited PCa cell growth and colony formation ability. The inhibition effects on
      growth were likely due to G2/M-phase arrest and enhanced cell apoptosis, as
      determined by flow cytometer analysis. At last, we verified the expression levels
      of cell cycle regulatory proteins, including CDK1, CDK2, CDK4 and Cyclin B1 were
      all downregulated and cell apoptotic-related proteins, including cleaved caspase
      3 and cleaved PARP were increased in PCa cells after PYCR1 knockdown.
      Furthermore, PYCR1 has been shown not to be directly regulated by androgen
      receptor (AR) levels. These results show the functions of PYCR1 in PCa
      tumorigenesis for the first time and suggest that PYCR1 might be a good potential
      therapy approach for treating PCa.

PMID- 28078561
TI  - Clinical benefit of nanoparticle albumin-bound-paclitaxel in recurrent/metastatic
      head and neck squamous cell carcinoma resistant to cremophor-based paclitaxel or
      docetaxel.
AB  - The clinical benefit of nab-paclitaxel monotherapy for recurrent/metastatic head
      and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RM-HNSCC) that progressed on other taxanes
      (cremophor-based paclitaxel or docetaxel) is unknown. A retrospective analysis of
      patients treated at a single institution with nab-paclitaxel for taxane-resistant
      RM-HNSCC. The exploratory hypothesis was that nab-paclitaxel would result in
      clinical benefit (tumor response) in patients with taxane-resistant RM-HNSCC.
      Twelve patients who were treated with nab-paclitaxel monotherapy for taxane
      resistant RM-HNSCC and met all eligibility criteria were identified. The majority
      of patients (n = 9; 75%) received three or more lines of therapy for RM-HNSCC.
      All patients had platin-resistant, and ten patients (83%) had cetuximab-resistant
      disease. Patients had RM-HNSCC that progressed on cremophor-based paclitaxel (8),
      docetaxel (1), or both (3). With prior taxane, the best tumor response was
      partial (PR) in 4 patients (33%), stable (SD) in 3 (25%), and progression in 5
      (42%). The median time-to-progression (TTP) with prior taxane was 1.7 (range 0.7
      9.0) months. The median interval from last dose of taxane to first dose of nab
      paclitaxel was 3 (0.7-31.3) months. With nab-paclitaxel, tumor response occurred
      in two patients (17%; PR in both) and disease control (PR and SD) occurred in
      five (42%). Median TTP with nab-paclitaxel was 2.1 months (range 0.6-6.2), and
      median overall survival was 4.9 months (range 1.9-13.5). nab-Paclitaxel provided
      clinical benefit in some patients with taxane-resistant RM-HNSCC. The median TTP
      with nab-paclitaxel and with prior taxane were similar. This exploratory
      observation warrants further investigation in prospective studies.

PMID- 28078563
TI  - Changes in first-line injectable disease-modifying therapy for multiple
      sclerosis: predictors of non-adherence, switching, discontinuation, and
      interruption of drugs.
AB  - This study was aimed to describe changes of Disease-Modifying Treatments (DMT) in
      an Italian cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to identify
      predictors of therapeutic modifications. Patients with MS and treated with the
      first-line injectable DMT (interferons-IFNs or glatiramer) between 1/7/2009 and
      31/10/2012 were selected from administrative databases of the MS Center of
      Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy). Socio-demographic, therapeutic, and clinical
      information was collected in the 6 months preceding the index date. All patients
      were followed for 36 months to evaluate therapeutic changes in terms of non
      adherence, switch, temporary discontinuation, and permanent interruption.
      Predictors of changes were estimated by multivariable regression models. Data on
      1698 patients were collected: glatiramer was prescribed in 27% of cases, IFNbeta
      1b in 22%, IFNbeta-1a-im in 20%, IFNbeta-1a-sc-44mcg in 19%, and IFNbeta-1a-sc
      22mcg in 12%. Non-adherence was observed in 25% of cases, therapeutic switch in
      30%, discontinuation in 37%, and permanent interruption in 28%. The risk of non
      adherence was higher for IFNbeta-1b, compared with IFNbeta-1a-im (adjOR = 1.73).
      Therapeutic switch occurred especially in patients recently diagnosed (each year
      from diagnosis causes a decrease of this risk adjHR = 0.97); the risk of
      discontinuation was higher with EDSS = 4-6 and 7-9 (adjHR = 1.52 and 4.42,
      respectively). The risk of permanent interruption increased with the augmentation
      of disability (adjHR = 1.67 and 5.43 for EDSS 4-6 and 7-9). This study mirrored a
      detailed framework of DMT prescription and identified factors related to changes
      in the MS therapy. These findings could support healthcare providers in the
      evaluation and maximization of benefits associated with a long-term DMT.

PMID- 28078562
TI  - Myotonic dystrophy type 2 and modifier genes: an update on clinical and
      pathomolecular aspects.
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the most common adult muscular dystrophy,
      characterized by autosomal dominant progressive myopathy, myotonia, and
      multiorgan involvement. To date, two distinct forms caused by similar mutations
      in two different genes have been identified: myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and
      myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2). Aberrant transcription and mRNA processing of
      multiple genes due to RNA-mediated toxic gain-of function has been suggested to
      cause the complex phenotype in DM1 and DM2. However, despite clinical and genetic
      similarities, DM1 and DM2 may be considered as distinct disorders. This review is
      an update on the latest findings specific to DM2, including explanations for the
      differences in clinical manifestations and pathophysiology between the two forms
      of myotonic dystrophies.

PMID- 28078564
TI  - MRI measurements of brainstem structures in patients with vascular parkinsonism,
      progressive supranuclear palsy, and Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Magnetic resonance (MR) measurements of brainstem structures have been reported
      to be useful in differentiating patients with progressive supranuclear palsy
      (PSP) from those with Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to
      determine whether quantitative measurements of brainstem structures on MR images
      can help differentiate vascular parkinsonism (VaP) from degenerative parkinsonism
      (PD and PSP). Areas of the midbrain and pons, and widths of the superior
      cerebellar peduncle (SCP) and middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) were measured in
      62 patients with PD, 25 patients with PSP (11 probable and 14 possible), and 24
      patients with VaP on T 1-weighted MR images. The midbrain-to-pons area ratio (M/P
      ratio), MCP-to-SCP width ratio (MCP/SCP ratio), and MR parkinsonism index (MRPI;
      P/M * MCP/SCP) were calculated. The midbrain area and M/P ratio of patients with
      VaP (104 and 0.22 mm2, respectively) were smaller than those in patients with PD
      (121 and 0.24 mm2, respectively) and larger than those in patients with PSP (90
      and 0.19 mm2, respectively). The MRPI was significantly larger in patients with
      PSP (13.6) in comparison with those with PD (10.1) and VaP (10.7). However, the
      MRPI of patients with VaP was not significantly different from patients with PD.
      Our study showed that MRPI was useful in differentiating PSP from VaP or PD.
      Thus, MR imaging measurements of brainstem structures may help differentiate
      patients with VaP from those with PD and PSP.

PMID- 28078565
TI  - The influence of sodium on pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the
      central nervous system, and is an important cause of disability in young adults.
      In genetically susceptible individuals, several environmental factors may play a
      partial role in the pathogenesis of MS. Some studies suggests that high-salt diet
      (>5 g/day) may contribute to the MS and other autoimmune disease development
      through the induction of pathogenic Th17 cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines in
      both humans and mice. However, the precise mechanisms of pro-inflammatory effect
      of sodium chloride intake are not yet explained. The purpose of this review was
      to discuss the present state of knowledge on the potential role of environmental
      and dietary factors, particularly sodium chloride on the development and course
      of MS.

PMID- 28078566
TI  - An eye-tracking controlled neuropsychological battery for cognitive assessment in
      neurological diseases.
AB  - Traditional cognitive assessment in neurological conditions involving physical
      disability is often prevented by the presence of verbal-motor impairment; to
      date, an extensive motor-verbal-free neuropsychological battery is not available
      for such purposes. We adapted a set of neuropsychological tests, assessing
      language, attentional abilities, executive functions and social cognition, for
      eye-tracking (ET) control, and explored its feasibility in a sample of healthy
      participants. Thirty healthy subjects performed a neuropsychological assessment,
      using an ET-based neuropsychological battery, together with standard "paper and
      pencil" cognitive measures for frontal (Frontal Assessment Battery-FAB) and
      working memory abilities (Digit Sequencing Task) and for global cognitive
      efficiency (Montreal Cognitive Assessment-MoCA). Psychological measures of
      anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y-STAI-Y) and depression (Beck Depression
      Inventory-BDI) were also collected, and a usability questionnaire was
      administered. Significant correlations were observed between the "paper and
      pencil" screening of working memory abilities and the ET-based neuropsychological
      measures. The ET-based battery also correlated with the MoCA, while poor
      correlations were observed with the FAB. Usability aspects were found to be
      influenced by both working memory abilities and psychological components. The ET
      based neuropsychological battery developed could provide an extensive assessment
      of cognitive functions, allowing participants to perform tasks independently from
      the integrity of motor or verbal channels. Further studies will be aimed at
      investigating validity and usability components in neurological populations with
      motor-verbal impairments.

PMID- 28078567
TI  - The c-Abl inhibitor in Parkinson disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is an insidious onset neurodegenerative disease
      affecting approximately 1% of the population over the age of 65. So far available
      therapies for PD have only aimed at improving or alleviating symptoms, but not at
      slowing, preventing, and reversing the course of PD. Recently, some studies have
      indicated that the levels and activation of Abelson non-receptor tyrosine kinase
      (c-Abl, Abl1) were up-regulated in the brain tissue of patients with PD and
      demonstrated that c-Abl inhibitors could improve motor behavior, prevent the loss
      of dopamine neurons, inhibit phosphorylation of Cdk5, regulate alpha-synuclein
      phosphorylation and clearance, inhibit the tyrosine phosphorylation of parkin and
      decrease parkin substrate, for example, PARIS (zinc finger protein 746), AIMP2
      (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-interacting multifunctional protein type2), FBP1 (fuse
      binding protein 1), and synphilin-1. Therefore, we review the mechanism of the c
      Abl inhibitor in PD and conclude that c-Abl inhibitors may be a potential
      treatment in PD and other neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 28078568
TI  - Rediagnosing one of Smith's patients (John McCann) with "neuromas tumours"
      (1849).
AB  - In 1849, the Irish Professor of Surgery, Sir Robert William Smith, by publishing
      his "Treatise on the Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neuroma", collected
      six previous examples of "general development of neuromatous tumours" and
      reported three further cases (two personal and one referred) of what is nowadays
      known as neurofibromatosis. Among these latter cases, there was a 35-year-old
      cattle-driver, John McCann, who was first admitted at hospital in 1840 because of
      a large tumour on the right side of his neck thought to be malignant (and a
      second tumour sublingually) but not operated. McCann was readmitted in 1843 ("in
      an emaciated state"), because of an immense tumour in his thigh dying few months
      later "with hepatic symptoms". Smith's post-mortem examination revealed dozens of
      smaller additional tumours. Based on application of modern diagnostic criteria
      (to McCann's portrait at second referral) and on pathological grounds
      (reconsideration of the histopathological report of McCann's neuroma of the
      thigh), we tentatively hypothesise that this patient could be the earliest
      (illustrated) example of either: (1) a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour
      (MPNST); (2) neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2); or (3) schwannomatosis (SWNTS). The
      progressively enlarging masses, the emaciated state and the later death are in
      favour of a MPNST (against is the lack of malignant appearance at
      histopathology); the clinical (and gross pathological) appearance of the tumours
      as large, rounded, encapsulated, eccentric lesions deflecting the parent nerve
      over the surface of the tumour is typical of schwannomas (thus, in favour of NF2
      or SWTNS). Whatever diagnosis we could consider these tumours could be secondary
      to a (local) mosaic loss of heterozygosity and ultimately represent type 2
      segmental manifestations superimposed on an ordinary autosomal dominant trait
      (i.e., NF1, NF2 or SWTNS).

PMID- 28078569
TI  - The computer-based Symbol Digit Modalities Test: establishing age-expected
      performance in healthy controls and evaluation of pediatric MS patients.
AB  - Decreased information processing speed (IPS) is frequently reported in pediatric
      multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The computerized version of the Symbol Digit
      Modalities Test (c-SDMT) measures IPS over eight consecutive trials per session
      and additionally captures changes in performance within the session. Here, we
      establish normative c-SDMT performance and test-retest reliability in healthy
      children (HC) and explore differences in the overall c-SDMT-performance between
      HC and MS patients. This cross-sectional study included 478 HC (237 female,
      49.5%) divided into five age groups (2 years each), and 27 MS patients (22
      female, 81.5%) aged 8-18 years. The average time to complete the c-SDMT increased
      with age (|r| 0.70, 95% CI -0.74, -0.64). Test-retest reliability was high (ICC =
      0.91) in HC. The total time to complete the c-SDMT did not differ between
      children with MS and sex- and age- matched HC (p = 0.23). However, MS patients
      were less likely to show faster performance across all the successive eight
      trials compared to HC (p = 0.0001). Healthy children demonstrate faster IPS with
      increasing age, as well as during successive trials of the c-SDMT. The inability
      of pediatric MS patients to maintain the increase in processing speed over
      successive trials suggests a reduced capacity for procedural learning, possibly
      resulting from cognitive fatigue.

PMID- 28078570
TI  - Micro-RNA expression in muscle and fiber morphometry in myotonic dystrophy type
      1.
AB  - We aimed to explore the cellular action of micro-RNAs that are non-coding-RNAs
      modulating gene expression, whose expression is dysregulated in myotonic
      dystrophy (DM1). Basic procedure was to measure the levels of muscle-specific myo
      miRNAs (miR-1, miR-133a/b, miR-206) in muscle of 12 DM1 patients. Muscle fiber
      morphometry and a new grading of histopathological severity score were used to
      compare specific myo-miRNA level and fiber atrophy. We found that the levels of
      miR-1 and miR-133a/b were significantly decreased, while miR-206 was
      significantly increased as compared to controls. The histopathological score did
      not significantly correlate with the levels of myo-miRNAs, even if the lowest
      levels of miRNA-1 and miRNA-133a/b, and the highest levels of miRNA-206 were
      observed in patients with either severe histopathological scores or long disease
      duration. The histopathological score was inversely correlated with disease
      duration. Nowadays that DM1 muscle biopsies are scanty, since patients are
      usually diagnosed by genetic analysis, our study offers a unique opportunity to
      present miRNA expression profiles in muscle and correlate them to muscle
      morphology in this rare multisystem disorder. Our molecular and morphologic data
      suggest a post-transcriptional regulatory action of myo-miRNA in DM1,
      highlighting their potential role as biomarkers of muscle plasticity.

PMID- 28078571
TI  - Analyzing spatial data from mouse tracker methodology: An entropic approach.
AB  - Mouse tracker methodology has recently been advocated to explore the motor
      components of the cognitive dynamics involved in experimental tasks like
      categorization, decision-making, and language comprehension. This methodology
      relies on the analysis of computer-mouse trajectories, by evaluating whether they
      significantly differ in terms of direction, amplitude, and location when a given
      experimental factor is manipulated. In this kind of study, a descriptive
      geometric approach is usually adopted in the analysis of raw trajectories, where
      they are summarized with several measures, such as maximum-deviation and area
      under the curve. However, using raw trajectories to extract spatial descriptors
      of the movements is problematic due to the noisy and irregular nature of
      empirical movement paths. Moreover, other significant components of the movement,
      such as motor pauses, are disregarded. To overcome these drawbacks, we present a
      novel approach (EMOT) to analyze computer-mouse trajectories that quantifies
      movement features in terms of entropy while modeling trajectories as composed by
      fast movements and motor pauses. A dedicated entropy decomposition analysis is
      additionally developed for the model parameters estimation. Two real case studies
      from categorization tasks are finally used to test and evaluate the
      characteristics of the new approach.

PMID- 28078572
TI  - A film set for the elicitation of emotion in research: A comprehensive catalog
      derived from four decades of investigation.
AB  - Emotions are highly influential to many psychological processes. Indeed, research
      employing emotional stimuli is rapidly escalating across the field of psychology.
      However, challenges remain regarding discrete evocation of frequently co-elicited
      emotions such as amusement and happiness, or anger and disgust. Further, as much
      contemporary work in emotion employs college students, we sought to additionally
      evaluate the efficacy of film clips to discretely elicit these more challenging
      emotions in a young adult population using an online medium. The internet is an
      important tool for investigating responses to emotional stimuli, but validations
      of emotionally evocative film clips across laboratory and web-based settings are
      limited in the literature. An additional obstacle is identifying stimuli amidst
      the numerous film clip validation studies. During our investigation, we
      recognized the lack of a categorical database to facilitate rapid identification
      of useful film clips for individual researchers' unique investigations.
      Consequently, here we also sought to produce the first compilation of such
      stimuli into an accessible and comprehensive catalog. We based our catalog upon
      prior work as well as our own, and identified 24 articles and 295 film clips from
      four decades of research. We present information on the validation of these clips
      in addition to our own research validating six clips using online administration
      settings. The results of our search in the literature and our own study are
      presented in tables designed to facilitate and improve a selection of highly
      valid film stimuli for future research.

PMID- 28078573
TI  - Setting things straight: A comparison of measures of saccade trajectory
      deviation.
AB  - In eye movements, saccade trajectory deviation has often been used as a
      physiological operationalization of visual attention, distraction, or the visual
      system's prioritization of different sources of information. However, there are
      many ways to measure saccade trajectories and to quantify their deviation. This
      may lead to noncomparable results and poses the problem of choosing a method that
      will maximize statistical power. Using data from existing studies and from our
      own experiments, we used principal components analysis to carry out a systematic
      quantification of the relationships among eight different measures of saccade
      trajectory deviation and their power to detect the effects of experimental
      manipulations, as measured by standardized effect size. We concluded that (1) the
      saccade deviation measure is a good default measure of saccade trajectory
      deviation, because it is somewhat correlated with all other measures and shows
      relatively high effect sizes for two well-known experimental effects; (2) more
      generally, measures made relative to the position of the saccade target are more
      powerful; and (3) measures of deviation based on the early part of the saccade
      are made more stable when they are based on data from an eyetracker with a high
      sampling rate. Our recommendations may be of use to future eye movement
      researchers seeking to optimize the designs of their studies.

PMID- 28078574
TI  - Assessment of the fate of myocardial necrosis by serial myocardial perfusion
      imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myocardial necrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) is common;
      extent and severity are however variable. The pattern is recognized by myocardial
      perfusion imaging (MPI) as fixed perfusion defects (FPD). The fate of such FPD is
      not well appraised. This study addressed this important issue in a large number
      of patients undergoing serial MPI in relation to type of intervening therapy.
      METHODS: Patients with prior MI or MPI-evidence of myocardial necrosis undergoing
      serial MPI without intervening acute coronary syndromes were included. The fate
      of necrosis by MPI on per-patient and per-region analysis was analyzed, factoring
      also the impact of intervening coronary revascularization (CR). RESULTS: A total
      of 3691 patients with 25,837 regions were identified, including 1413 (38.3%)
      subjects with 3358 (13.0%) regions exhibiting necrosis. Serial MPI after 29+/-21
      months confirmed the persistent presence of myocardial necrosis FPD in the vast
      majority of patients and regions (86%); the consistency was even higher in the
      presence of moderate or severe necrosis (99%). Neither type nor site of CR
      significantly impacted on the presence and extent of myocardial necrosis at
      multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of myocardial necrosis by MPI
      remains highly consistent over time, and is not significantly altered by CR.

PMID- 28078575
TI  - Molecular imaging of atherosclerosis with integrated PET imaging.
AB  - Atherosclerotic diseases account for nearly half of all deaths and are leading
      causes of adult disability. Our understanding of how atherosclerosis leads to
      cardiovascular disease events has evolved: from a concept of progressive luminal
      narrowing, to that of sudden rupture and thrombosis of biologically active
      atheroma. In concert with this conceptual shift, contemporary imaging techniques
      now allow imaging of biological processes that associate with plaque instability:
      active calcification and plaque inflammation. This review focuses on
      opportunities provided by positron emission tomography/computed tomography, to
      identify these high-risk biological features of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28078576
TI  - Feeding Problems and Nutrient Intake in Children with and without Autism: A
      Comparative Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare parent reported feeding difficulties and nutritional
      adequacy of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to an age and socio
      economically matched group of typically developing children. METHODS: The scores
      on Children's Eating Behavior Inventory (CEBI), three-day food records,
      anthropometric measures and adequacy of micro- and macro- nutrients were compared
      for 63 children diagnosed with ASD and 50 typically developing children enrolled
      from the department of pediatrics of a tertiary care teaching hospital from North
      India. RESULTS: The majority (79%) of the parents of ASD children reported some
      concern regarding their feeding behavior as compared to 64% of the parents of
      typically developing children. As compared to controls, ASD children had
      significantly higher CEBI scores (97.28 vs. 89.48, t = 3.15, P = 0.002) and more
      feeding problems (6.42 vs. 2.70, t = 3.74, P = 0.001). Relative to controls, ASD
      children consumed fewer number of food items (P = 0.022), particularly fruits (P
      = 0.004), vegetables (P = 0.011), and proteins (P = 0.015); had significantly
      lower daily intake of potassium (P = 0.001), copper (P = 0.007), and folate (P =
      0.001). Although children with autism did not differ significantly from controls
      on intake of calories, height, weight, or body mass index, significantly greater
      proportion of ASD children failed to meet the estimated average requirement of
      thiamine (P = 0.039), vitamin C (P = 0.013), and copper (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS:
      The findings underscore the need for comprehensive assessment and empirically
      supported interventions for eating problems and dietary deficiencies found in ASD
      children.

PMID- 28078577
TI  - Production of the Non-apoptotic Metalloprotease-Cleaved CD95L and Its Cytotoxic
      Recombinant Counterpart Designed Ig-CD95L.
AB  - The ligand of CD95, CD95L (also known as FasL or CD178), is a type II
      transmembrane protein that belongs to the Tumor Necrosis factor (TNF) family
      (Fig. 1a). This membrane-bound cytokine is mainly expressed at the surface of
      activated T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, where it is used as an
      apoptotic factor to eliminate infected and transformed cells (Strasser et al.,
      Immunity 30:180-192, 2009).

PMID- 28078578
TI  - CD95 Stimulation with CD95L and DISC Analysis.
AB  - CD95 and its ligand CD95L play a major role in immune surveillance and
      homeostasis. CD95L is expressed by activated T lymphocytes and NK cells to induce
      apoptosis in cancer and virus-infected cells. The goal of this chapter is to
      describe a method used to immunoprecipitate CD95 and analyze its associated
      protein complex in cells stimulated with a cytotoxic CD95L (i.e., Ig-CD95L).

PMID- 28078580
TI  - In Vitro Evaluation of the Apoptosis Function in Human Activated T Cells.
AB  - The apoptosis function can be monitored on human lymphocytes by quantifying the
      induced-death upon apoptotic stimuli involving either the extrinsic or the
      intrinsic pathway on in vitro activated T cells. Her, we describe an in vitro
      assay allowing the monitoring of three different apoptosis pathways: (1) the FAS
      induced pathway, (2) the activation-induced cell death (AICD), and (3) the death
      induced by starvation of the cells, called activated-cell autonomous death
      (ACAD).

PMID- 28078579
TI  - Immunoprecipitation of Death Inducing Signaling Complex by Caspase-8.
AB  - Analysis of CD95/Fas complexes by immunoprecipitation has long relied on the
      monoclonal antibody APO1 or tagged recombinant Fas ligand. Immunoprecipitation is
      an elegant and efficient procedure to investigate endogenous protein interactions
      or complexes. Provided that the targeted complex is soluble in mild detergent
      these complexes can be recovered using protein A/G-coupled Sepharose beads and
      further analyzed after denaturation and electrophoretic separation by western
      blotting or mass spectrometry. Herein, we describe in detail the method used in
      our laboratory to immunoprecipitate and analyze by immunoblot complexes
      containing caspase-8, using a commercial antibody directed against caspase-8.

PMID- 28078581
TI  - Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) to Evaluate DISC and MISC Composition.
AB  - Distribution of the death receptor CD95 into lipid rafts (aggregation) and/or its
      internalization may contribute to the implementation of the apoptotic signal at
      the detriment of the non-apoptotic signaling pathway [1-6]. Also CD95 can form
      different protein complexes via dynamic protein-protein interactions (PPIs)
      according to its interaction with soluble or transmembrane CD95L. Therefore,
      spatiotemporal identification of these PPIs is pivotal to anticipate the
      signaling pathway implemented in cells stimulated with different forms of CD95L.
      Also, many disorders result from dysfunctions in terms of PPI subcellular
      distribution and/or their intensity, rendering evaluation of these features
      crucial to better understand pathogenesis.In situ proximity ligation assay (PLA)
      is a methodology that offers the possibility to identify PPIs and to determine
      where these PPIs occur in subcellular location (Fig. 1). Moreover, based on
      imaging, this method allows a quantification of PPIs at the cellular level and
      with a higher specificity than classical immunofluorescence assays. We here
      describe PLA used to confirm CD95/FADD interaction, a protocol that may serve to
      highlight other CD95 partners.

PMID- 28078582
TI  - Fluorometric Methods for Detection of Mitochondrial Membrane Depolarization
      Induced by CD95 Activation.
AB  - Mitochondria are key organelles implicated in energy supply and apoptosis.
      Therefore, tracking mitochondria and measuring their membrane potential is of
      crucial interest to monitor the CD95-mediated apoptotic signal. In this chapter,
      we report how we evaluate the drop of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential
      in leukemic cells and adherent triple negative breast cancer cells exposed to
      cytotoxic CD95L. We describe a simple, robust, and well-established protocol
      using classical fluorescent probes, DIOC6(3) and TMRM. Living cells are loaded
      with these cationic dyes, which accumulate in mitochondria. After CD95
      activation, organelle depolarization is assessed using flow cytometry.

PMID- 28078583
TI  - Generation and Application of Bioluminescent CD95 Ligand Fusion Proteins.
AB  - The quantitative evaluation of the interaction of soluble CD95L with CD95 is not
      only important for a detailed understanding of CD95 biology but is also of
      special relevance for the characterization and development of inhibitors of this
      interaction. The assembly of a CD95L-CD95 complex capable to recruit
      intracellular factors not only involves pre-assembly of CD95 molecules in the
      absence of CD95L but is also modulated by cellular factors such as interaction
      with the actin cytoskeleton and plasma membrane compartmentation of CD95. Due to
      these influential variables cell-free methods allow only an inadequate analysis
      of CD95L binding to cell expressed CD95. To enable easy, sensitive and highly
      reproducible cellular binding studies for the investigation of the CD95L-CD95
      interaction, we generated fusion proteins of soluble CD95L with the luciferase
      from Gaussia princeps (GpL). The GpL domain contained in the GpL-CD95L fusion
      proteins does not interfere with CD95 binding and makes the GpL-CD95L fusion
      proteins highly suitable for cellular binding studies and tracer applications. In
      this chapter, we report detailed protocols for the production of GpL-CD95L fusion
      proteins and their use in cellular binding studies.

PMID- 28078584
TI  - CD95-Mediated Calcium Signaling.
AB  - Intracellular calcium signals regulate cell function and cell survival by
      controlling many processes. CD95 engagement results in distinct intracellular
      calcium signals that control the cell fate, apoptosis, or survival, depending on
      the ligand (membrane or soluble). Intracellular calcium determination is an
      exquisite readout to explore the molecular mechanisms elicited by CD95
      engagement. The most widely applied methods for studying calcium signaling
      pathways use fluorescent indicators and imaging methods with fluorescence
      microscopy. This technical approach, however, requires many precautions that we
      discuss in this chapter.

PMID- 28078585
TI  - CD95-Mediated Proton Regulation.
AB  - The Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1 is at the crossroads of a large diversity of signaling
      pathways, whose activation modifies the cooperative response of the transporter
      to intracellular H+ ions. Here we show how the activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger
      NHE1 by the cleaved ligand of CD95 can be measured. We demonstrate two different
      methods designed to set intracellular pH at precise values. Then we show how
      these can be coupled to fast kinetics of lithium transport, which will enable to
      measure the NHE1 activity like for an enzyme, because they will yield rates of
      transport.

PMID- 28078586
TI  - Study of the CD95-Mediated Non-apoptotic Signaling Pathway: PI3K.
AB  - CD95 is a plasma membrane receptor that belongs to the TNF receptor family (Itoh
      and Nagata, J Biol Chem 268(15):10932-10937, 1993; Trauth et al., Science
      245(4915):301-305, 1989). Accumulating evidence indicate that this so-called
      death receptor can also trigger non-apoptotic signaling pathways promoting
      inflammation and oncogenesis (Barnhart et al., Embo J 23(15):3175-3185, 2004;
      Chen et al., Nature 465(7297):492-496, 2010; Legembre et al., Cell Cycle
      3(10):1235-1239, 2004; Legembre et al., EMBO Rep 5(11):1084-1089, 2004; Malleter
      et al., Cancer Res 73(22):6711-6721, 2013; Tauzin et al., PLoS Biol
      9(6):e1001090, 2011). We and others demonstrated that CD95 implements the PI3K
      signaling pathway through the formation of a molecular complex designated
      Motility Inducing Signaling Complex (MISC) contributing to cell survival, growth,
      proliferation, differentiation and motility (Malleter et al., Cancer Res
      73(22):6711-6721, 2013; Tauzin et al., PLoS Biol 9(6):e1001090, 2011; Kleber et
      al., Cancer Cell 13(3):235-248, 2008). This chapter describes how to
      immunoprecipitate CD95 to characterize MISC involved in PI3K activation.

PMID- 28078587
TI  - Organelle Separation and Cell Signaling.
AB  - Recent findings indicate that some signaling hubs coalesce at the surfaces of
      organelles through the accumulation of ubiquitylated components required for the
      signal transduction. For instance, ubiquitylated components of the NF-kappaB
      pathway accumulated at the endoplasmic reticulum while ubiquitylated components
      of the IRF3 pathway are found at the Golgi apparatus. Here we describe simple
      methods to observe and assess these ubiquitylated components by immunoblotting
      using differential centrifugation and in vitro assays.

PMID- 28078588
TI  - Boyden Chamber Assay to Study of Cell Migration Induced by Metalloprotease
      Cleaved-CD95L.
AB  - CD95 receptor, also called Fas or Apo-1, is a member of the tumor necrosis factor
      receptors (TNF-R) superfamily (Itoh and Nagata, J Biol Chem 268:10932-10937,
      1993). Its cognate ligand, CD95L, is a transmembrane cytokine, which can be
      cleaved by metalloproteases (Matsuno et al., J Rheumatol 28:22-28, 2001; Vargo
      Gogola et al., Arch Biochem Biophys 408:155-161, 2002; Kiaei et al., Exp Neurol
      205:74-81, 2007; Schulte et al., Cell Death Differ 14:1040-1049, 2007) releasing
      a soluble ligand into the bloodstream. Recent work has shown that this
      metalloprotease-cleaved CD95L (cl-CD95L) is involved in carcinogenesis (Malleter
      et al., Cancer Res 73:6711-6721, 2013). Cl-CD95L also fuels the inflammatory
      process in patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus by promoting the
      accumulation of activated T lymphocytes in enflamed organs (Tauzin et al., PLoS
      Biol 9:e1001090, 2011). This chapter aims at describing the methodology used to
      measure the chemoattractive effect of cl-CD95L on human cancer cells and
      lymphocytes.

PMID- 28078589
TI  - Isolation of Lipid Rafts Through Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient Centrifugation
      and Fas/CD95 Death Receptor Localization in Raft Fractions.
AB  - Lipid raft domains, enriched in sphingolipids and cholesterol, serve as sorting
      platforms and hubs for signal transduction proteins, and show resistance to
      detergent solubilization. Despite rafts have been involved in survival processes,
      these membrane domains have also been shown to play a major role in the
      modulation of death receptor signaling. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for
      isolating lipid rafts from whole cells by taking advantage of the lipid raft
      resistance to Triton X-100 solubilization at 4  degrees C, followed by sucrose
      gradient centrifugation, with subsequent analysis of Fas/CD95 death receptor
      localization in the raft fractions by immunoblotting. This method is also useful
      to localize additional proteins in membrane rafts.

PMID- 28078590
TI  - Quantifying CD95/cl-CD95L Implications in Cell Mechanics and Membrane Tension by
      Atomic Force Microscopy Based Force Measurements.
AB  - Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an invaluable tool to investigate the structure
      of biological material surfaces by imaging them at nanometer scale in
      physiological conditions. It can also be used to measure the forces and mechanics
      from single molecule interaction to cell-cell adhesion. Here, we present a
      methodology that allows to quantify cell elastic properties (using the Young
      modulus) and cell membrane tension modulated by CD95/cl-CD95L interactions by
      coupling nanoindentation and membrane tube pulling using suitably decorated AFM
      levers.

PMID- 28078591
TI  - Sketching of CD95 Oligomers by In Silico Investigations.
AB  - This work aimed at building a 3D model of trimeric apo CD95. By combining
      different molecular modeling approaches and experimental information, we have
      been able to obtain a consensual organization of the complex. Our strategy
      permitted the construction of a plausible trimer, and to sketch the interface
      between protomers. The final model will guide further experimental investigations
      and understanding of CD95 structure and functions.

PMID- 28078592
TI  - Site-Specific Detection of Tyrosine Phosphorylated CD95 Following Protein
      Separation by Conventional and Phospho-Protein Affinity SDS-PAGE.
AB  - Phosphorylation of two tyrosines in the death domain of CD95 is a critical
      mechanism in determining the receptor's choices between cell death and survival
      signals. Recently, site-specific monoclonal antibodies against phosphorylated
      tyrosines of CD95 have been generated and used to successfully detect each
      phosphorylated death domain tyrosine of CD95 directly and separately by
      immunoblotting. Here we provide detailed protocols and useful tips for a
      successful site-specific detection of phosphorylated death domain tyrosine of
      CD95 following a protein separation by sizes (conventional SDS-PAGE) and by
      degrees of phosphorylation (phospho-protein affinity, mobility shift SDS-PAGE).

PMID- 28078593
TI  - Detection of S-Acylated CD95 by Acyl-Biotin Exchange.
AB  - S-acylation is the covalent addition of a fatty acid, most generally palmitate
      onto cysteine residues of proteins through a labile thioester linkage. The death
      receptor CD95 is S-palmitoylated and this post-translational modification plays a
      crucial role on CD95 organization in cellular membranes and thus on CD95-mediated
      signaling. Here, we describe the nonradioactive detection of CD95 S-acylation by
      acyl-biotin exchange chemistry in which a biotin is substituted for the CD95
      linked fatty acid. This sensitive technique, which depends on the ability of
      hydroxylamine to specifically cleave the thioester linkage between fatty acids
      and proteins, relies on three chemical steps: (1) blockage of free thiols of non
      modified cysteine residues, (2) hydroxylamine-mediated cleavage of thioester
      linked fatty acids to restore free thiols and (3) biotinylation of free thiols
      with a thiol reactive biotinylation agent. Resulting biotinylated proteins can be
      easily purified by an avidin capture and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting.

PMID- 28078594
TI  - Exploration of Fas S-Nitrosylation by the Biotin Switch Assay.
AB  - S-nitrosylation is the covalent attachment of nitric oxide radical to the thiol
      side chain of cysteine. The death receptor Fas/CD95 can be S-nitrosylated in
      cancer cell lines by NO donors or iNOS activation. This posttranslational
      modification (PTM) induces Fas aggregation into lipid rafts and enhances FasL
      mediated signaling and apoptosis. In this report, we describe the detection of
      Fas S-nitrosylation by the most commonly used method, the biotin switch assay
      (BSA) technique, that allows the detection of this very labile covalent
      modification in cells or tissues. Briefly, this technique relies on the ability
      of ascorbate to reduce the covalent bond between the NO radical and the protein,
      allowing the exchange of the NO radical with a thiol reactive biotin-HPDP. The
      biotinylated proteins are then easily purified by using NeutrAvidin resin,
      separated by SDS-PAGE resolution and analyzed by Western blotting.

PMID- 28078595
TI  - Method to Measure Sphingomyelin Synthase Activity Changes in Response to CD95L.
AB  - Sphingomyelin synthases 1 and 2 convert the anti-oncometabolite ceramide to
      sphingomyelin, the most abundant sphingolipid in plasma membrane. CD95L-induced
      ceramide increase is associated with the caspase-dependent inhibition of
      sphingomyelin synthesis, which enhances the mitochondrial route to apoptosis.
      Knocking down sphingomyelin synthase 1 or inhibiting sphingomyelin synthesis
      facilitates ceramide accumulation, cytochrome c release from mitochondria, and
      caspase-9 activation in cancer cell upon CD95L treatment. Here, we describe a
      method to monitor in situ sphingomyelin synthase activity changes triggered by
      CD95L.

PMID- 28078596
TI  - Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Method to Study
      Sphingolipid Metabolism Changes in Response to CD95L.
AB  - Sphingolipids are sphingoid base-containing lipids, among which some metabolites
      behave as bioactive molecules in various biological processes, including cell
      death. Whereas ceramide is now viewed as an anti-oncometabolite, leading to
      cancer cell death, CD95L-induced apoptosis is associated with sphingolipid
      changes, which likely contribute to caspase-dependent signaling pathway
      activation. Here, we describe Liquid Chromatography-high resolution mass
      spectrometry method (LC-HRMS) to analyze sphingolipid metabolism changes
      triggered by CD95L.

PMID- 28078597
TI  - CD95 and the MRL-lpr Mouse Model.
AB  - CD95 (Fas-ligand) is a key mediator of cell death in multiple setting, thus its
      loss within the MRL-lpr (Faslpr) homozygote mice results in spontaneous
      autoimmunity. This is characterized by the development of arthritis and immune
      complex glomerulonephrosis making this strain a useful model for studying
      systemic lupus erythematosus. Herein we describe a method to exploit the
      heterozygote offspring of this strain in a model to study the effects of a CD95L
      blocking peptide on lupus-like disease in vivo.

PMID- 28078598
TI  - An Interaction Between the Effects of Bilingualism and Cross-linguistic
      Similarity in Balanced and Unbalanced Bilingual Adults' L2 Mandarin Word-Reading
      Production.
AB  - We conducted three experiments investigating in more detail the interaction
      between the two effects of bilingualism and L1-L2 similarity in the speech
      performance of balanced and unbalanced bilinguals. In Experiment 1, L1 Mandarin
      monolinguals and two groups of Hakka and Minnan balanced bilinguals (Hakka: more
      similar to Mandarin) performed a non-contextual single-character reading task in
      Mandarin, which required more inhibitory control. The two bilingual groups
      outperformed the monolinguals, regardless of their L1 background. However, the
      bilingual advantage was not found in a contextual multi-word task (Experiment 2),
      but instead the effect of cross-linguistic similarity emerged. Furthermore, in
      Experiment 3, the Hakka unbalanced bilinguals showed an advantage in the non
      contextual task, while their Minnan counterparts did not, and the impact of L1-L2
      similarity emerged in both tasks. These results unveiled the way the two effects
      dynamically interplayed depending on the task contexts and the relative degrees
      of using L1 and L2.

PMID- 28078599
TI  - Besifloxacin Ophthalmic Suspension 0.6% Compared with Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic
      Solution 0.3% for the Treatment of Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Neonates.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical
      besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% compared with gatifloxacin ophthalmic
      solution 0.3% in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in neonates. METHODS:
      This was a multicenter, randomized, double-masked, parallel group study. Subjects
      <=31 days of age with severity grade >=1 (scale 0-3) for both conjunctival
      discharge and conjunctival hyperemia were randomized to besifloxacin or
      gatifloxacin instilled three times daily for 7 days, and completed five study
      visits (three clinic visits and two phone calls). Primary endpoints included
      clinical resolution (absence of both conjunctival discharge and conjunctival
      hyperemia) at visit 5 (day 8 or 9) and ocular and non-ocular treatment-emergent
      adverse events (AEs). Bacterial eradication was a secondary endpoint. RESULTS:
      Thirty-three subjects were included in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. All
      were aged <28 days, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 15.5 days (6.0), and
      57.6% were female. Twenty-two subjects had culture-confirmed conjunctivitis in at
      least one eye (modified ITT [mITT] population), most often with Gram-positive
      bacteria. Visit 5 clinical resolution and bacterial eradication rates were
      comparable among besifloxacin- and gatifloxacin-treated study eyes (clinical
      resolution: 12/16 [75.0%] vs. 12/17 [70.6%] for the ITT population, and 11/13
      [84.6%] vs. 7/9 [77.8%] for the mITT population; bacterial eradication: 12/13
      [92.3%] vs. 8/9 [88.9%] for the mITT population, respectively). No AEs were
      reported in the besifloxacin treatment group, and AEs reported in the
      gatifloxacin group were considered not treatment-related. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      small study in neonates, both besifloxacin and gatifloxacin appeared effective
      and safe in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Larger studies are
      warranted.

PMID- 28078600
TI  - Net Budgetary Impact of Ferric Citrate as a First-Line Phosphate Binder for the
      Treatment of Hyperphosphatemia: A Markov Microsimulation Model.
AB  - Ferric citrate (FC) has demonstrated efficacy as a phosphate binder and reduces
      the requirements for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and intravenous
      (IV) iron in dialysis patients. We developed a net budgetary impact model to
      evaluate FC vs. other phosphate binders from the vantage of a large dialysis
      provider. We used a Markov microsimulation model to simulate mutually referential
      longitudinal effects between serum phosphate and phosphate binder dose;
      categories of these defined health states. Health states probabilistically
      determined treatment attendance and utilization of ESA and IV iron. We derived
      model inputs from a retrospective analysis of incident phosphate binder users
      from a large dialysis organization (January 2011-June 2013) and incorporated
      treatment effects of FC from a phase III trial. The model was run over a 1-year
      time horizon. We considered fixed costs of providing dialysis; costs of
      administering ESA and IV iron; and payment rates for dialysis, ESAs, and IV iron.
      In the base-case model, FC had a net budgetary impact (savings) of
      +US$213,223/year per 100 patients treated vs. standard of care. One-way
      sensitivity analyses showed a net budgetary impact of up to +US$316,296/year per
      100 patients treated when higher hemoglobin levels observed with FC translated
      into a 30% additional ESA dose reduction, and up to +US$223,281/year per 100
      patients treated when effects on missed treatment rates were varied. Two-way
      sensitivity analyses in which acquisition costs for ESA and IV iron were varied
      showed a net budgetary impact of +US$104,840 to +US$213,223/year per 100 patients
      treated. FC as a first-line phosphate binder would likely yield substantive
      savings vs. standard of care under current reimbursement.

PMID- 28078601
TI  - Inhibition of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis by Combined
      TGFbeta Knockdown and Metformin Treatment in a Canine Mammary Cancer Xenograft
      Model.
AB  - Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process by which epithelial cells
      acquire mesenchymal properties, generating metastases. Transforming growth factor
      beta (TGF-beta) is associated with this malignancy by having the ability to
      induce EMT. Metformin, has been shown to inhibit EMT in breast cancer cells.
      Based on this evidence we hypothesize that treatment with metformin and the
      silencing of TGF-beta, inhibits the EMT in cancer cells. Canine metastatic
      mammary tumor cell line CF41 was stably transduced with a shRNA-lentivirus,
      reducing expression level of TGF-beta1. This was combined with metformin
      treatment, to look at effects on cell migration and the expression of EMT
      markers. For in vivo study, unmodified or TGF-beta1sh cells were injected in the
      inguinal region of nude athymic female mice followed by metformin treatment. The
      mice's lungs were collected and metastatic nodules were subsequently assessed for
      EMT markers expression. The migration rate was lower in TGF-beta1sh cells and
      when combined with metformin treatment. Metformin treatment reduced N-cadherin
      and increased E-cadherin expression in both CF41 and TGF-beta1sh cells. Was
      demonstrated that metformin treatment reduced the number of lung metastases in
      animals bearing TGF-beta1sh tumors. This paralleled a decreased N-cadherin and
      vimentin expression, and increased E-cadherin and claudin-7 expression in lung
      metastases. This study confirms the benefits of TGF-beta1 silencing in addition
      to metformin as potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer patients, by
      blocking EMT process. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report
      metformin treatment in cells with TGF-beta1 silencing and their effect on EMT.

PMID- 28078602
TI  - Sulfatides Primarily Exist in the Substantia Nigra Region of Mouse Brain Tissue.
AB  - Lipid distribution in the brain is important for many biological functions and
      has been associated with some brain diseases. The aim of this study was to
      investigate lipid distribution in different regions of brain tissue in mice. To
      this end, substantia nigra (SN), caudate putamen (CPu), hippocampus (Hip),
      hypothalamus (Hyp), and cortex (Cx) tissues of mice were analyzed using direct
      infusion nanoelectrospray-ion trap mass spectrometry and multivariate analyses.
      The SN, CPu, Hip, Hyp, and Cx groups showed clear differences in lipid
      distribution using principal component analysis and a partial least-squares
      discriminant analysis score plot, and lipid levels were significantly different
      in different brain regions. In particular, sulfatides were mainly distributed in
      the SN region. Our results could be used to help understand the functions and
      mechanisms of lipids in various brain diseases.

PMID- 28078604
TI  - Authenticity in Anatomy Art.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to observe the evolution and evaluate the 'realness' and
      authenticity in Anatomy Art, an art form I define as one which incorporates
      accurate anatomical representations of the human body with artistic expression. I
      examine the art of 17th century wax anatomical models, the preservations of
      Frederik Ruysch, and Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds plastinates, giving
      consideration to authenticity of both body and art. I give extra consideration to
      the works of Body Worlds since the exhibit creator believes he has created
      anatomical specimens with more educational value and bodily authenticity than
      ever before. Ultimately, I argue that von Hagens fails to offer Anatomy Art 'real
      human bodies,' and that the lack of bodily authenticity of his plastinates
      results in his creations being less pedagogic than he claims.

PMID- 28078603
TI  - A Comparison of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cis-9, Trans-11 Conjugated
      Linoleic Acid to Celecoxib in the Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib, for chronic inflammatory
      disease are associated with adverse health events, while cis-9, trans-11 (c9t11)
      conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is anti-inflammatory without adverse events
      attributed to pure intake. Mechanistically, celecoxib and c9t11 disrupt the
      arachidonic acid cascade; however, the equivalency of anti-inflammatory effects
      between these compounds is unknown. Therefore, to test the hypothesis that 0.5%
      dietary c9t11 reduces inflammation equivalently to a celecoxib dose intended to
      treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA; 5 mg/kg bw), arthritic mice received diets
      containing one of the following supplements: 1% corn oil (CO, w/w), 0.5% c9t11
      (>91% purity) +0.5% CO, or 1% CO + 0.5, 5, or 50 mg/kg bw celecoxib, and were
      assessed for changes in arthritic severity over 6 weeks. Overall, arthritic
      severity in mice fed c9t11 was reduced (34%, P < 0.01) while celecoxib doses
      (0.5, 5, 50 mg/kg) reduced arthritic severity (16, 56, 48%, respectively)
      compared to CO-fed arthritic mice. Linear regression of the celecoxib dose
      response showed 0.5% c9t11 (570 mg/kg bw) reduced arthritic severity equivalently
      to 1.5 mg/kg celecoxib. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was increased in paws of arthritic
      mice fed CO compared to shams, but was decreased in arthritic groups fed 0.5%
      c9t11 and 5 mg/kg celecoxib, compared to arthritic mice fed CO (Ps <= 0.05).
      Additionally, paw and plasma IL-10 levels in arthritic mice were decreased by 5
      mg/kg celecoxib, but were unaffected by c9t11 compared to CO. Results suggest
      dietary c9t11 may be an effective adjunct to COX-2 inhibition for treating
      chronic inflammation.

PMID- 28078605
TI  - Transcriptional Regulatory Network Analysis for Gastric Cancer Based on mRNA
      Microarray.
AB  - We aimed to screen the differential expressed genes (DEGs) and transcriptional
      factors (TFs) related to gastric cancer. GSE19826 microarray data downloaded from
      Gene Expression Omnibus was used to identify the differentially expressed genes
      (DEGs) and PPI network of DEGs were constructed by the Retrieval of Interacting
      Genes database. Pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were performed by Gene Set
      Enrichment Analysis. Then, the transcriptional regulatory network was constructed
      based on TRANSFAC database. Finally, regulatory impact factor (RIF) of TF was
      calculated. We identified 446 DEGs including 209 up- and 237 down-regulated
      genes. These DEGs were mainly significantly enriched in 5 pathways including ECM
      receptor interaction (p = 0.013899), spliceosome (p = 0.025591), bladder cancer
      (p = 0.026316), focal adhesion (p = 0.047809) and WNT signaling pathway (p =
      0.048077). PPI network with 247 nodes and 913 edges were constructed and COL5A2
      was the hub node. Transcriptional regulatory network with 6 differently expressed
      TFs, 58 non-differently expressed TFs, 44 DEGs and 735 non-DEGs was constructed.
      Finally, top 5 TFs including CRX, TFAP4, NKX2-1, MYB and RARG with higher ZRIF
      were screened. The identified DEGs such as COL5A2 and TOP2A, and TFs including
      EGR2, FOXM1, NKX2-1 and TFAP4 might be the critical genes and TFs for gastric
      cancer.

PMID- 28078607
TI  - Structure and Optical Features of Micro/Nanosized Carbon Forms Prepared by
      Electrochemical Exfoliation.
AB  - Micro/nanosized carbon materials were prepared by electrochemical exfoliation
      method in the forms of the colloids and thin films. Scanning electronic
      microscopy, optical and luminescent microscopy, and Raman scattering and
      luminescent spectroscopy were applied for characterization of materials. The wide
      photoluminescence band in the visible spectral region was observed for each of
      the samples. The shape of the photoluminescence band depends on excitation
      wavelength and on the size of the particles. At least two components with maxima
      at ~580 and ~710 nm can be distinguished in the photoluminescence spectra. The
      relations between the photoluminescence properties and morphology of the samples
      have been described and discussed.

PMID- 28078606
TI  - Arterial Stiffness in Aortic Stenosis: Relationship with Severity and
      Echocardiographic Procedures Response.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Aortic stenosis (AS) is more than only a degenerative disease, it
      could be also an atherosclerotic-like process involving the valve instead of the
      vessels. Little is known about the relation of arterial stiffness and AS. AIM: We
      sought to determine wether pulse wave velocity (PWV), is related to AS severity
      and to the procedures response, both as surgical aortic-valve-replacement (AVR)
      and trascatheter-aortic-valve-implantation (TAVI). METHODS: 30 patients with
      severe AS were treated (15 AVR, 15 TAVI). Before the procedures (t0) and after 1
      week (t1) echocardiography and PWV were evaluated. RESULTS: On the whole
      population, subjects with higher PWV showed higher transvalvular pressure
      gradient at baseline (mean: 56.5 +/- 15.1 vs 45.4 +/- 9.5; peak: 93.3 +/- 26.4 vs
      73.3 +/- 14.9, p = 0.02) and, a significantly greater response to the procedures
      (mean: -42.9 +/- 17.2 vs -27.9 +/- 10.1, peak: -68.7 +/- 29.2 vs -42.8 +/- 16.4,
      p = 0.02). When the two different procedures groups were separated, data were
      confirmed only in the TAVI subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing
      procedures for AS, PWV is correlated with transvalvular gradient and, in TAVI
      subjects, is able to predict the echocardiographic response. Baseline evaluation
      of PWV in patients candidates to TAVI can help the selection of subjects, even if
      larger and longer studies are needed before definitive conclusion can be drawn.

PMID- 28078608
TI  - Study on the Polarization of Random Lasers from Dye-Doped Nematic Liquid
      Crystals.
AB  - Random lasers from dye-doped nematic liquid crystal (DDNLC) cells with different
      rubbing methods were observed due to different random ring cavities that were
      formed. Through constructing cells with different rubbing methods on the forward
      and backward surfaces of light-emitting sides, we can get two random laser beams
      with different polarization directions from one DDNLC cell at the same time, and
      the polarization direction is along the rubbing direction of the light-emitting
      sides. Additionally, the influence of external electric field on the polarization
      degree of random lasers was also studied.

PMID- 28078609
TI  - Enhanced thermophysical properties via PAO superstructure.
AB  - For the last few years, molten salt nanomaterials have attracted many scientists
      for their enhanced specific heat by doping a minute concentration of
      nanoparticles (up to 1% by weight). Likewise, enhancing the specific heat of
      liquid media is important in many aspects of engineering such as engine oil,
      coolant, and lubricant. However, such enhancement in specific heat was only
      observed for molten salts, yet other engineering fluids such as water, ethylene
      glycol, and oil have shown a decrease of specific heat with doped nanoparticles.
      Recent studies have shown that the observed specific heat enhancement resulted
      from unique nanostructures that were formed by molten salt molecules when
      interacting with nanoparticles. Thus, such enhancement in specific heat is only
      possible for molten salts because other fluids may not naturally form such
      nanostructures. In this study, we hypothesized such nanostructures can be
      mimicked through in situ formation of fabricated nano-additives, which are
      putative nanoparticles coated with useful organic materials (e.g., polar-group
      ended organic molecules) leading to superstructures, and thus can be directly
      used for other engineering fluids. We first applied this approach to
      polyalphaolefin (PAO). A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), a rheometer,
      and a customized setup were employed to characterize the heat capacity,
      viscosity, and thermal conductivity of PAO and PAO with fabricated nano
      additives. Results showed 44.5% enhanced heat capacity and 19.8 and 22.98%
      enhancement for thermal conductivity and viscosity, respectively, by an addition
      of only 2% of fabricated nanostructures in comparison with pure PAO. Moreover, a
      partial melting of the polar-group-ended organic molecules was observed in the
      first thermal cycle and the peak disappeared in the following cycles. This
      indicates that the in situ formation of fabricated nano-additives spontaneously
      occurs in the thermal cycle to form nanostructures. Figure of merit analyses have
      been performed for the PAO superstructure to evaluate its performance for heat
      storage and transfer media.

PMID- 28078610
TI  - Optimization of the Return-to-Sport Paradigm After Anterior Cruciate Ligament
      Reconstruction: A Critical Step Back to Move Forward.
AB  - Athletes who have sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury often opt
      for an ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with the goal and expectation to resume sports.
      Unfortunately, the proportion of athletes successfully returning to sport is
      relatively low, while the rate of second ACL injury has been reported to exceed
      20% after clearance to return to sport, especially within younger athletic
      populations. Despite the development of return-to-sport guidelines over recent
      years, there are still more questions than answers on the most optimal return-to
      sport criteria after ACLR. The primary purpose of this review was to provide a
      critical appraisal of the current return-to-sport criteria and decision-making
      processes after ACLR. Traditional return-to-sport criteria mainly focus on time
      after injury and impairments of the injured knee joint. The return-to-sport
      decision making is only made at the hypothetical 'end' of the rehabilitation. We
      propose an optimized criterion-based multifactorial return-to-sport approach
      based on shared decision making within a broad biopsychosocial framework. A wide
      spectrum of sensorimotor and biomechanical outcomes should be assessed
      comprehensively, while the interactions of an individual athlete with the tasks
      being performed and the environment in which the tasks are executed are taken
      into account. A layered approach within a smooth continuum with repeated athletic
      evaluations throughout rehabilitation followed by a gradual periodized
      reintegration into sport with adequate follow-up may help to guide an individual
      athlete toward a successful return to sport.

PMID- 28078611
TI  - Hyperbaric Oxygen Prevents Cognitive Impairments in Mice Induced by D-Galactose
      by Improving Cholinergic and Anti-apoptotic Functions.
AB  - Our previous study demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) improved cognitive
      impairments mainly by regulating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and
      aging-related gene expression. However, a method for preventing cognitive
      dysfunction has yet to be developed. In the present study, we explored the
      protective effects of HBO on the cholinergic system and apoptosis in D-galactose
      (D-gal)-treated mice. A model of aging was established via systemic
      intraperitoneal injection of D-gal daily for 8 weeks. HBO was administered during
      the last 2 weeks of D-gal injection. Our results showed that HBO in D-gal-treated
      mice significantly improved behavioral performance on the open field test and
      passive avoidance task. Studies on the potential mechanisms of this effect showed
      that HBO significantly reduced oxidative stress and blocked the nuclear factor
      kappaB pathway. Moreover, HBO significantly increased the levels of choline
      acetyltransferase and acetylcholine and decreased the activity of
      acetylcholinesterase in the hippocampus. Furthermore, HBO markedly increased
      expression of the anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 and glial fibrillary acidic
      protein meanwhile decreased expression of the pro-apoptosis proteins Bax and
      caspase-3. Importantly, there was a significant reduction in expression of Abeta
      related genes, such as amyloid precursor protein, beta-site amyloid cleaving
      enzyme-1 and cathepsin B mRNA. These decreases were accompanied by significant
      increases in expression of neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme mRNA.
      Moreover, compared with the Vitamin E group, HBO combined with Vitamin E
      exhibited significant difference in part of the above mention parameters. These
      findings suggest that HBO may act as a neuroprotective agent in preventing
      cognitive impairments.

PMID- 28078612
TI  - Ameliorative Effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cognitive
      Impairment: Role of Cholinergic System.
AB  - Bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce systemic inflammation,
      and therefore disrupt learning and memory processes. Ginsenoside Rg1, a major
      bioactive component of ginseng, is shown to greatly improve cognitive function.
      The present study was designed to further investigate whether administration of
      ginsenoside Rg1 can ameliorate LPS-induced cognitive impairment in the Y-maze and
      Morris water maze (MWM) task, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results
      showed that exposure to LPS (500 MUg/kg) significantly impaired working and
      spatial memory and that repeated treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 (200 mg/kg/day,
      for 30 days) could effectively alleviate the LPS-induced cognitive decline as
      indicated by increased working and spatial memory in the Y-maze and MWM tests.
      Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg1 treatment prevented LPS-induced decrease of
      acetylcholine (ACh) levels and increase of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity.
      Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment also reverted the decrease of alpha7 nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor (alpha7 nAChR) protein expression in the prefrontal cortex
      (PFC) and hippocampus of LPS-treated rats. These findings suggest that
      ginsenoside Rg1 has protective effect against LPS-induced cognitive deficit and
      that prevention of LPS-induced changes in cholinergic system is crucial to this
      ameliorating effect.

PMID- 28078615
TI  - Enthusiasm Scientifically Oriented: The Preface for the Special Issue Dedicated
      to Jan Albrecht.

PMID- 28078613
TI  - L-F001, a Multifunction ROCK Inhibitor Prevents 6-OHDA Induced Cell Death Through
      Activating Akt/GSK-3beta and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in PC12 Cells and
      Attenuates MPTP-Induced Dopamine Neuron Toxicity in Mice.
AB  - Amounting evidences demonstrated that Rho/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) might be a
      novel target for the therapy of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, we
      synthesized L-F001 and revealed it was a potent ROCK inhibitor with
      multifunctional effects. Here we investigated the effects of L-F001 in PD models.
      We found that L-F001 potently attenuated 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity in PC12
      cells and significantly decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS),
      prevented the 6-OHDA-induced decline of mitochondrial membrane potential and
      intracellular GSH levels. In addition, L-F001 increased Akt and GSK-3beta
      phosphorylation and induced the nuclear Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in a time- and
      concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, L-F001 restored the levels of p-Akt and
      p-GSK-3beta (Ser9) as well as HO-1 expression reduced by 6-OHDA. Those effects
      were blocked by the specific PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, indicating the involvement
      of Akt/GSK-3beta pathway in the neuroprotective effect of L-F001. In addition, L
      F001 significantly attenuated the tyrosinehydroxylase immunoreactive cell loss in
      1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mice PD model.
      Together, our findings suggest that L-F001 prevents 6-OHDA-induced cell death
      through activating Akt/GSK-3beta and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and attenuates
      MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuron toxicity in mice. L-F001 might be a promising
      drug candidate for PD.

PMID- 28078616
TI  - Physician Power to Declare Death by Neurologic Criteria Threatened.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three recent lawsuits that address declaration of brain death (BD)
      garnered significant media attention and threaten to limit physician power to
      declare BD. METHODS: We discuss these cases and their consequences including: the
      right to refuse an apnea test, accepted medical standards for declaration of BD,
      and the irreversibility of BD. RESULTS: These cases warrant discussion because
      they threaten to: limit physicians' power to determine death; incite families to
      seek injunctions to continue organ support after BD; and force hospitals to
      dispense valuable resources to dead patients in lieu of patients with reparable
      illnesses or injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians, philosophers, religious
      officials, ethicists, and lawyers must work together to address these issues and
      educate both the public and medical community about BD.

PMID- 28078614
TI  - Resistance Exercise Reduces Seizure Occurrence, Attenuates Memory Deficits and
      Restores BDNF Signaling in Rats with Chronic Epilepsy.
AB  - Epilepsy is a disease characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Cognitive
      impairment is an important comorbidity of chronic epilepsy. Human and animal
      model studies of epilepsy have shown that aerobic exercise induces beneficial
      structural and functional changes and reduces the number of seizures. However,
      little is yet understood about the effects of resistance exercise on epilepsy. We
      evaluated the effects of a resistance exercise program on the number of seizures,
      long-term memory and expression/activation of signaling proteins in rats with
      epilepsy. The number of seizures was quantified by video-monitoring and long-term
      memory was assessed by an inhibitory avoidance test. Using western blotting,
      multiplex and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we determined the effects of a
      4-week resistance exercise program on IGF-1 and BDNF levels and ERK, CREB, mTOR
      activation in the hippocampus of rats with epilepsy. Rats with epilepsy submitted
      to resistance exercise showed a decrease in the number of seizures compared to
      non-exercised epileptic rats. Memory deficits were attenuated by resistance
      exercise. Rats with epilepsy showed an increase in IGF-1 levels which were
      restored to control levels by resistance exercise. BDNF levels and ERK and mTOR
      activation were decreased in rats with epilepsy and resistance exercise restored
      these to control levels. In conclusion, resistance exercise reduced seizure
      occurrence and mitigated memory deficits in rats with epilepsy. These resistance
      exercise-induced beneficial effects can be related to changes in IGF-1 and BDNF
      levels and its signaling protein activation. Our findings indicate that the
      resistance exercise might be included as complementary therapeutic strategy for
      epilepsy treatment.

PMID- 28078617
TI  - Changes in the first postoperative night bispectral index of patients after
      thyroidectomy with different types of primary anesthetic management: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - Despite major advances in anesthesia management and developments in anesthetic
      agents, postoperative sleep disturbances remain dissatisfactory for many
      patients. We hypothesized that propofol might have a subtle influence on sleep
      after thyroidectomy compared to sevoflurane. A randomized, single-blinded,
      controlled trial was conducted at the First Hospital of China Medical University
      from October 2014 to October 2015. One hundred and twenty-four patients
      undergoing thyroidectomy were enrolled and received sevoflurane (sevoflurane
      group) or propofol (propofol group) as anesthesia maintenance. Major assessments
      were made during the operation (different types of anesthetic management) and on
      the first postoperative night (sleep status). The primary outcome was
      postoperative sleep status, measured by the BIS-Vista monitor on the first night
      after surgery between propofol and sevoflurane groups. A total of 105 patients
      (79 women, 26 men; mean age 49 years; range 18-65 years) were included in the
      final study sample. All patients in both groups showed one of the five sleep
      patterns classified by this trial. The BIS-area under the curve was decreased,
      the sleep efficiency index was significantly increased, and the durations of
      postoperative sleep and sleep stage N3 were increased by 110.5 and 36.5 min per
      patient, respectively, in the propofol compared to the sevoflurane group.
      Propofol might preserve sleep time immediately after thyroidectomy. Clinical
      Trials.gov identifier: NCT 02146976.

PMID- 28078618
TI  - Decreased TAp63 and DeltaNp63 mRNA Levels in Most Human Pituitary Adenomas Are
      Correlated with Notch3/Jagged1 Relative Expression.
AB  - Despite recent advances in molecular genetics, the pituitary adenoma initiation,
      development, progress, and the molecular basis of their unique features are still
      poorly understood. In this sense, it is proposed that stem cell could be involved
      in pituitary adenoma tumorigenesis. It is suggested that TP63 has important
      functions in stem cells, and it may have interplay of TP63 and Notch and its
      ligand Jagged in this process. This study aimed to evaluate the distinct
      expression of TP63 isoforms (TAp63 and DeltaNp63), as well as its correlation
      with Notch3 receptor and its ligand Jagged1 in human pituitary adenomas at the
      messenger RNA (mRNA) level. We included 77 pituitary adenoma tumor samples from
      patients who underwent surgical resection. The expression levels of TP63 isoforms
      (TAp63 and DeltaNp63) and Notch3 and its ligand Jagged1 were evaluated by qRT-PCR
      using isoform-specific primers. We also evaluated proliferation index
      immunohistochemically using KI-67 antibody. The expression levels were associated
      with clinical outcomes, as age, gender, tumor size, and tumor subtype. In
      summary, we found that mRNA expression of both TP63 isoforms decreased in
      pituitary adenomas compared with normal pituitary control. On the other hand,
      there was an increase of relative Notch3 and Jagged1 mRNA expression in the
      majority of examined samples. The mRNA expression of three genes evaluated was
      correlated and statistically significantly. There was no significant association
      between gene expression and the analyzed clinical data. The current study has
      provided the first time evidence that Tap63 and DeltaNp63 isoforms are
      underexpressed in most pituitary adenomas. These results are correlated with
      Notch3 and its ligand Jagged1 overexpression, corroborating previous studies
      pointing its antagonistic interactions.

PMID- 28078620
TI  - Education and the Transition to Fatherhood: The Role of Selection Into Union.
AB  - Although advanced education has been found to be consistently associated with a
      later transition to parenthood for women, findings about education and the
      transition to parenthood have been much less consistent for men, and no stylized
      fact has emerged from the literature. We argue that the inconsistency of findings
      for men is due to the fact that the selection process involved in union formation
      has been disregarded in earlier studies. We hypothesize that men's educational
      attainment consistently and positively affects the transition to fatherhood via
      higher rates of union formation. We apply multiprocess event-history analysis to
      data from the Generations and Gender Surveys for 10 European countries. Our
      results show indeed a consistent positive effect of education on the transition
      to fatherhood, but it operates chiefly through selection into union. Failing to
      account for this selection process leads to a major underestimation of the
      salience of education for the transition to fatherhood.

PMID- 28078619
TI  - Pancreatic Struma with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: a Diagnostic Dilemma.

PMID- 28078621
TI  - Is Stepfamily Status Associated With Cohabiting and Married Women's Fertility
      Behaviors?
AB  - Children from prior relationships potentially complicate fertility decision
      making in new cohabitations and marriages. On the one hand, the "value of
      children" perspective suggests that unions with and without stepchildren have
      similar-and deliberate-reasons for shared childbearing. On the other hand,
      multipartnered fertility (MPF) research suggests that childbearing across
      partnerships is often unintended. Using the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family
      Growth and event-history models, I examine the role of stepfamily status on
      cohabiting and married women's fertility and birth intendedness, with attention
      to union type and stepfamily configuration. Adjusting for covariates, women in
      stepfamily unions are more likely to have a first shared birth in a union than
      women in unions in which neither partner has children from past relationships,
      but stepfamily births are less likely to be intended than unintended. Further,
      this association varies by union type: married women have similar birth risks
      across stepfamily status, but births are less likely to be intended in marital
      stepfamilies. For cohabitors, women in a stepfamily are more likely to have a
      birth than women in nonstepfamily unions, with no differences in intendedness.
      Configuration (whose children and how many) also matters; for instance, women
      with one child from a past relationship are more likely to have a birth and to
      have an intended than unintended birth than women with other stepfamily
      configurations. It appears that children from either partner's prior
      relationships influences subsequent fertility decision-making, undermining the
      utility of the "value of children" perspective for explaining childbearing
      behaviors in complex families.

PMID- 28078623
TI  - Identification of Host Fruit Volatiles from Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus),
      Attractive to Rhagoletis zephyria Flies from the Western United States.
AB  - A mixture of behaviorally active volatiles was identified from the fruit of
      snowberry, Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus, for Rhagoletis zephyria flies reared
      from snowberry fruit. A nine-component blend containing 3-methylbutan-1-ol (3%),
      dimethyl trisulfide (1%), 1-octen-3-ol (40%), myrcene (8%), nonanal (9%),
      linalool (13%), (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT, 6%), decanal (15%), and
      beta-caryophyllene (5%) was identified that gave consistent electroantennogram
      activity and was behaviorally active in flight tunnel tests. In other flight
      tunnel assays, snowberry flies from two sites in Washington state, USA, displayed
      significantly greater levels of upwind oriented flight to sources with the
      snowberry volatile blend compared with previously identified volatile blends from
      domestic apple (Malus domestica) and downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) fruit from
      the eastern USA, and domestic apple, black hawthorn (C. douglasii) and ornamental
      hawthorn (C. monogyna) from Washington state. Selected subtraction assays showed
      that whereas removal of DMNT or 1-octen-3-ol significantly reduced the level of
      upwind flight, removal of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, or dimethyl trisulfide
      alone did not significantly affect the proportion of upwind flights. Our findings
      add to previous studies showing that populations of Rhagoletis flies infesting
      different host fruit are attracted to unique mixtures of volatile compounds
      specific to their respective host plants. Taken together, the results support the
      hypothesis that differences among flies in their behavioral responses to host
      fruit odors represent key adaptations involved in sympatric host plant shifts,
      contributing to host specific mating and generating prezygotic reproductive
      isolation among members of the R. pomonella sibling species complex.

PMID- 28078622
TI  - Evidence that polycystins are involved in Hydra cnidocyte discharge.
AB  - Like other cnidarians, the freshwater organism Hydra is characterized by the
      possession of cnidocytes (stinging cells). Most cnidocytes are located on hydra
      tentacles, where they are organized along with sensory cells and ganglion cells
      into battery complexes. The function of the battery complexes is to integrate
      multiple types of stimuli for the regulation of cnidocyte discharge. The
      molecular mechanisms controlling the discharge of cnidocytes are not yet fully
      understood, but it is known that discharge depends on extracellular Ca2+ and that
      mechanically induced cnidocyte discharge can be enhanced by the presence of prey
      extracts and other chemicals. Experiments in this paper show that a PKD2
      (polycystin 2) transient receptor potential (TRP) channel is expressed in hydra
      tentacles and bases. PKD2 (TRPP) channels belong to the TRP channel superfamily
      and are non-selective Ca2+ channels involved in the transduction of both
      mechanical and chemical stimuli in other organisms. Non-specific PKD2 channel
      inhibitors Neo (neomycin) and Gd3+ (gadolinium) inhibit both prey capture and
      cnidocyte discharge in hydra. The PKD2 activator Trip (triptolide) enhances
      cnidocyte discharge in both starved and satiated hydra and reduces the inhibition
      of cnidocyte discharge caused by Neo. PKD1 and 2 proteins are known to act
      together to transduce mechanical and chemical stimuli; in situ hybridization
      experiments show that a PKD1 gene is expressed in hydra tentacles and bases,
      suggesting that polycystins play a direct or indirect role in cnidocyte
      discharge.

PMID- 28078624
TI  - Millipede Defensive Compounds Are a Double-Edged Sword: Natural History of the
      Millipede-Parasitic Genus Myriophora Brown (Diptera: Phoridae).
AB  - Toxic defensive secretions produced by millipedes in the orders Julida,
      Spirobolida, Spirostreptida, and Polydesmida are highly repellent to most
      vertebrate and invertebrate natural enemies, but a few insects have evolved
      mechanisms to overcome these defenses. We demonstrate that highly specialized
      parasitic phorid flies in the species-rich genus Myriophora use volatile
      millipede defensive compounds as kairomones for host location. Of the two
      predominant quinone components in the defensive blend of juliform millipedes, 2
      methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone alone was sufficient to attract adult flies of
      both sexes; however, a combination of 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2
      methyl-1,4-benzoquinone increased attractiveness nearly threefold. We further
      discuss oviposition behavior, adult and larval feeding habits, life history
      parameters, and the potential competitive interactions between phorid flies in
      the genus Myriophora and other millipede-associated insects.

PMID- 28078627
TI  - Nanostructured Materials Synthesis Using Ultrasound.
AB  - Recent applications of ultrasound to the production of nanostructured materials
      are reviewed. Sonochemistry permits the production of novel materials or provides
      a route to known materials without the need for high bulk temperatures,
      pressures, or long reaction times. Both chemical and physical phenomena
      associated with high-intensity ultrasound are responsible for the production or
      modification of nanomaterials. Most notable are the consequences of acoustic
      cavitation: the formation, growth, and implosive collapse of bubbles, and can be
      categorized as primary sonochemistry (gas-phase chemistry occurring inside
      collapsing bubbles), secondary sonochemistry (solution-phase chemistry occurring
      outside the bubbles), and physical modifications (caused by high-speed jets,
      shockwaves, or inter-particle collisions in slurries).

PMID- 28078625
TI  - Analysis of an N-terminal deletion in subunit a of the Escherichia coli ATP
      synthase.
AB  - Subunit a is a membrane-bound stator subunit of the ATP synthase and is essential
      for proton translocation. The N-terminus of subunit a in E. coli is localized to
      the periplasm, and contains a sequence motif that is conserved among some
      bacteria. Previous work has identified mutations in this region that impair
      enzyme activity. Here, an internal deletion was constructed in subunit a in which
      residues 6-20 were replaced by a single lysine residue, and this mutant was
      unable to grow on succinate minimal medium. Membrane vesicles prepared from this
      mutant lacked ATP synthesis and ATP-driven proton translocation, even though
      immunoblots showed a significant level of subunit a. Similar results were
      obtained after purification and reconstitution of the mutant ATP synthase into
      liposomes. The location of subunit a with respect to its neighboring subunits b
      and c was probed by introducing cysteine substitutions that were known to promote
      cross-linking: a_L207C + c_I55C, a_L121C + b_N4C, and a_T107C + b_V18C. The last
      pair was unable to form cross-links in the background of the deletion mutant. The
      results indicate that loss of the N-terminal region of subunit a does not
      generally disrupt its structure, but does alter interactions with subunit b.

PMID- 28078626
TI  - Time-course investigation of blood-brain barrier permeability and tight junction
      protein changes in a rat model of permanent focal ischemia.
AB  - Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) is an animal model that is
      widely used to simulate human ischemic stroke. However, the timing of the changes
      in the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins and synaptic proteins
      associated with pMCAO remain incompletely understood. Therefore, to further
      explore the characteristics and mechanisms of blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage
      during cerebral ischemic stroke, we used a pMCAO rat model to define dynamic
      changes in BBB permeability within 120 h after ischemia in order to examine the
      expression levels of the TJ proteins claudin-5 and occludin and the synaptic
      proteins synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). In our
      study, Evans blue content began to increase at 4 h and was highest at 8 and 120 h
      after ischemia. TTC staining showed that cerebral infarction was observed at 4 h
      and that the percentage of infarct volume increased with time after ischemia. The
      expression levels of claudin-5 and occludin began to decline at 1 h and were
      lowest at 8 and 120 h after ischemia. The expression levels of SYP and PSD95
      decreased from 12 to 120 h after ischemia. GFAP, an astrocyte marker, gradually
      increased in the cortex penumbra over time post-ischemia. Our study helps clarify
      the characteristics of pMCAO models and provides evidence supporting the
      translational potential of animal stroke models.

PMID- 28078628
TI  - 3D-Printed Drugs for Children-Are We Ready Yet?
AB  - The first medicine manufactured by three-dimensional (3D) printing was recently
      approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The advantages of printing as
      a manufacturing route enabling more flexibility regarding the dose, and enlarging
      individual treatment options, have been demonstrated. There is a particular need
      for flexible drug delivery solutions when it comes to children. Printing as a new
      pharmaceutical manufacturing technology brings manufacturing closer to the
      patient and can easily be adjusted to the required dosing scheme, offering more
      flexibility for treatments. Printing of medicine may therefore become the
      manufacturing route of choice to provide tailored and potentially on-demand
      treatments for patients with individual needs. This paper intends to summarize
      and discuss the state of the art, the crucial aspects which should be taken into
      account, and the still-open questions, in order to make 3D printing a suitable
      manufacturing route for pediatric drugs.

PMID- 28078629
TI  - Effect of Microneedle Type on Transdermal Permeation of Rizatriptan.
AB  - The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of salient microneedle (MN)
      geometry parameters like length, density, shape and type on transdermal
      permeation of rizatriptan (RIZ). Studies were carried out using two types of MN
      devices viz. AdminPatch(r) arrays (ADM) (0.6, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 mm lengths) and
      laboratory-fabricated polymeric MNs (PMs) of 0.6 mm length. In the case of the
      PMs, arrays were applied three times at different places within a 1.77-cm2 skin
      area (PM-3) to maintain the MN density closer to 0.6 mm ADM. Histological studies
      revealed that PM, owing to their geometry/design, formed wider and deeper
      microconduits when compared to ADM of similar length. Approximately 4.9- and 4.2
      fold increases in the RIZ steady-state flux values were observed with 1.5 mm ADM
      and PM-3 applications when compared to the passive studies. A good correlation
      between different dimensionless parameters like the amount of RIZ permeated (C t
      /C s), thickness (h/L) and surface area (S a/L 2) of the skin was observed with
      scaling analyses. Numerical simulations provided further information regarding
      the distribution of RIZ in MN-treated skin after application of different MNs.
      Overall, the study suggests that MN application enhances the RIZ transdermal
      permeation and the geometrical parameters of MNs play an important role in the
      degree enhancement.

PMID- 28078630
TI  - "Data Not Shown" is No Longer Excusable in Biomedical Publishing.

PMID- 28078631
TI  - Investigation of Solvent Effects on Photophysical Properties of New
      Aminophthalimide Derivatives-Based on Methanesulfonate.
AB  - Novel aminophthalimide derivatives were synthesized starting from (3aR,7aS)-2-(2
      hydroxypropyl)-3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione (9) , and solvent
      effects on the photo-physical properties of these newly synthesized
      aminophthalimide derivatives (compounds 14 and 15) were investigated using UV-Vis
      absorption spectroscopy, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence
      measurements. Both absorption and fluorescence spectra exhibited bathochromic
      shift with the increased polarity of the solvents for both molecules. Solute
      solvent interactions were analyzed using the Lippert-Mataga and Bakhshiev
      polarity functions, and Kamlet-Taft and Catalan multiple linear regression
      approaches. The results revealed that these two molecules experienced specific
      interactions. Furthermore, photo-physical parameters were calculated for both
      molecules in all of the solvents, such as the fluorescence quantum yield,
      fluorescence lifetime, radiative (kr) and non-radiative (knr) rate constant
      values. It was observed that the fluorescence quantum yield values decreased
      linearly with increasing solvent polarity. This study proved the new dyes
      including isopropyl methanesulfonate group displayed different behavior from
      previous studies of aminophthalimide derivatives in water. It was recommended
      that these new dyes having interesting properties by changing solvent can be used
      various applications such as environmentally sensitive fluorescent probes, labels
      in biology, laser industry.

PMID- 28078632
TI  - Fluorescent Carbon Dot as Nanosensor for Sensitive and Selective Detection of
      Cefixime Based on Inner Filter Effect.
AB  - Here a simple and sensitive fluorescent assay for detecting Cefixime based on
      inner filter effect (IFE) has been proven, which is conceptually different from
      the previously reported CEF fluorescent assays. In this sensing platform,
      fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) were prepared by one-pot synthesis and was directly
      used as fluorophore in IFE. The method is based on the complexation reaction
      between cefixime and palladium ion in the presence of acidic buffer solution (pH
      4). The Pd(II)-CEFcomplex was capable of functioning as a powerful absorber in
      IFE to influence the excitation of fluorophore (CDs). Production Pd(II)
      CEFcomplex induced the absorption band transition from 310 to 400 nm, which
      resulted in the complementary overlap with the excitation spectra of CDs. Due to
      the competitive absorption, the excitation of CDs was significantly weakened,
      resulting in the quenching of CDs. The present IFE-based sensing strategy showed
      a good linear relationship from 0.2 * 10-6 M to 8 * 10-6 M (R2 = 0.987) and
      provided an exciting detection limit of 0.5 * 10-7 (3delta/slope). The proposed
      method has been successfully applied for the determination of cefixime in raw
      milk and human urine samples.

PMID- 28078633
TI  - Benzodiazepine Use and Risk of Developing Alzheimer's Disease: A Case-Control
      Study Based on Swiss Claims Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A possible association between benzodiazepine use and Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) has been hypothesized in previous studies. OBJECTIVES: Using claims
      data from the Helsana Group, a large Swiss health insurance provider, we examined
      the association between previous benzodiazepine use and the risk of AD. METHODS:
      We conducted a matched case-control study and identified 1438 incident AD cases
      between 2013 and 2014 based on recorded first-time use of drugs used to treat AD
      [i.e., acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine)
      and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine] and matched one
      control to each case on age, sex, index date, and residence (canton). Because the
      initiation of benzodiazepine use shortly before the AD diagnosis date may occur
      as a result of symptomatic treatment of prodromal symptoms of early major
      neurocognitive disorder, we introduced an induction period of 2 years before the
      AD diagnosis date. Additionally, we categorized medication use by duration of use
      prior to the index date using prescriptions. We applied conditional logistic
      regression analyses to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and
      adjusted for use of antidepressants. RESULTS: The crude odds ratio (95%
      confidence interval) of developing AD for patients starting benzodiazepine
      treatment was 1.71 (1.17-2.99) in the year before diagnosis and 1.19 (0.82-1.72)
      in the third year before diagnosis. After accounting for benzodiazepine use
      initiated during the prodromal phase, benzodiazepine use was not associated with
      an increased risk of developing AD; long-term benzodiazepine use (>=30
      prescriptions) yielded an adjusted odds ratio of 0.78 (0.53-1.14). CONCLUSIONS:
      After taking into consideration a possible protopathic bias in the 2 years
      preceding the AD diagnosis date, benzodiazepine use was not associated with an
      increased risk of developing AD.

PMID- 28078634
TI  - Natalizumab for Achieving Relapse-Free, T1 Gadolinium-Enhancing-Lesion-Free, and
      T2 Lesion-Free Status in Japanese Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Phase 2 Trial
      Subanalysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In a phase 2 trial of natalizumab in Japanese patients with
      relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), treatment-related changes in
      relapses, brain lesions, and disability worsening were found to be comparable
      with those observed in the phase 3 studies of natalizumab in primarily non-Asian
      RRMS patients. METHODS: This subanalysis of the placebo-controlled phase 2 trial
      of natalizumab in Japanese RRMS patients (n = 94) evaluated the effects of
      natalizumab versus placebo on the proportion of patients who achieved relapse
      free, T1 gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesion-free, and new/newly enlarged T2 lesion
      free status, defined as "no evidence of inflammatory disease activity" (NEDA)
      like status, after 24 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: In this subanalysis,
      significantly more natalizumab-treated than placebo-treated patients achieved
      NEDA-like status (76.6% vs. 31.9%; P < 0.0001). In addition, the odds ratio (95%
      confidence interval) for patients on natalizumab to reach NEDA-like status was
      6.98 (2.80-17.38) compared with placebo patients. CONCLUSION: These results
      confirm previous findings indicating that natalizumab is efficacious in Japanese
      patients with RRMS. FUNDING: Biogen. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      identifier, NCT01440101.

PMID- 28078635
TI  - CORR Insights(r): Is There Benefit to Free Over Pedicled Vascularized Grafts in
      Augmenting Tibial Intercalary Allograft Constructs?

PMID- 28078636
TI  - CORR Insights(r): False-positive Cultures After Native Knee Aspiration: True or
      False.

PMID- 28078637
TI  - Editor's Spotlight/Take 5: Lawnmowers Versus Children: The Devastation Continues.

PMID- 28078638
TI  - 11C-Methionine positron emission tomography delineates non-contrast enhancing
      tumor regions at high risk for recurrence in pediatric high-grade glioma.
AB  - We assessed the prognostic utility of 11C-Methionine positron emission tomography
      (MET-PET) in pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG). Thirty-one children had 62 MET
      PET studies. Segmented tumor volumes from co-registered magnetic resonance
      studies were assessed for concordance with MET-PET uptake using Boolean
      operations. The tumor volume at diagnosis and treatment failure was assessed
      relative to MET-PET avid volume. The prognostic impact of MET-PET-delineated non
      contrast enhancing tumor (NCET) was assessed. NCET was defined as the region of
      tumor defined by defined by FLAIR which did not enhance but showed MET-PET
      avidity. MET-PET concordance varied according to magnetic resonance sequence. MET
      PET rarely added to the tumor volume in most cases. The volume of MET-PET with
      standardized uptake value >3.0 was differentially distributed at diagnosis, post
      treatment, and at recurrence. The initial MET-PET region overlapped with
      recurrent tumor in 90% of the cases. When the proportion of tumor which was NCET
      was >10%, an earlier time to progression (5.8 months; 95% CI, 1-8.2 vs. 10.5
      months; 95% CI, 0.9-NR; p = 0.035) was noted. MET-PET delineates regions at
      increased risk for recurrence and may improve the definition of failure,
      prognostic assessment, and target definition for radiotherapy.

PMID- 28078639
TI  - Low preoperative prognostic nutritional index predicts poor survival in patients
      with newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas.
AB  - Preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has been widely demonstrated to
      predict survival of patients with malignant tumors. Its utility in predicting
      outcomes in patients with high-grade gliomas (HGG) remains undefined. A
      retrospective study of 188 HGG patients was conducted. An optimal PNI cut-off
      value was applied to stratify patients into high PNI (>=52.55, n = 78) and low
      PNI (<52.55, n = 110) groups. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed
      to identify prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and
      progression free survival (PFS). The resulting prognostic models were externally
      validated using a demographic-matched cohort of 130 HGG patients. In the training
      set, PNI value was negatively correlated with age (p = 0.027) and tumor grade (p
      = 0.048). Both PFS (8.27 vs. 20.77 months, p < 0.001) and OS (13.57 vs. 33.23
      months, p < 0.001) were significantly worse in the low PNI group. Strikingly,
      patients in high PNI group had a 52% decrease in the risk of tumor progression
      and 55% decrease of death relative to low PNI. Multivariate analysis further
      demonstrated PNI as an independent predictor for PFS (HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.43
      0.87) and OS (HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.80). The PNI retained independent
      prognostic value in the validation set for both PFS (p = 0.013) and OS (p =
      0.003). On subgroup analysis by tumor grade and treatment modalities, both PFS
      and OS were better for the patients with high PNI. The PNI is a potentially
      valuable preoperative marker for the survival of patients following HGG
      resection.

PMID- 28078641
TI  - Staple Line Leak After Primary Sleeve Gastrectomy-Risk Factors and Mid-term
      Results: Do Patients Still Benefit from the Weight Loss Procedure?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Staple line leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) still
      represents the most feared complication. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate whether there are factors that increase the risk for a leakage.
      Furthermore, we aimed to analyze the impact of a leak on weight change and
      resolution of comorbidities. METHODS: Since 2005, data from obese patients that
      undergo bariatric procedures in Germany are prospectively registered. For the
      current analysis, all adult subjects that had undergone primary LSG from 2005 to
      2014 were considered. RESULTS: Overall, 241/15,756 (1.53%) patients experienced a
      leak. The occurrence of a leakage resulted in a significant increase of the
      mortality rate (3.7 vs. 0.2%; p < 0.01). Percent excess weight loss did not
      differ between leak and non-leak patients, both, at 12 (64.2 vs. 60.9%; p = 1.0)
      and 24 months (68.5 vs. 64.0%, p = 0.86). Similarly, no significant difference
      was observed for resolution rate of all comorbid conditions. Matched pair
      analysis confirmed these findings. Multivariable analysis identified operation
      time, conversion, intraoperative complications, and hypertension and degenerative
      joint disease as risk factors for a leak. Oversewing the staple line was
      associated with the lowest risk. CONCLUSION: The postoperative staple line leak
      after primary LSG significantly increases postoperative morbidity and mortality.
      We found that there are patient-related factors and operative variables that
      predispose to leakage after LSG. However, the occurrence of a leakage does not
      adversely impact the weight loss and resolution of comorbidities in the mid-term.

PMID- 28078640
TI  - Development of the pediatric quality of life inventory neurofibromatosis type 1
      module items for children, adolescents and young adults: qualitative methods.
AB  - Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is arguably one of the most important
      measures in evaluating effectiveness of clinical treatments. At present, there is
      no disease-specific outcome measure to assess the HRQOL of children, adolescents
      and young adults with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). This study aimed to develop
      the items and support the content validity for the Pediatric Quality of Life
      InventoryTM (PedsQLTM) NF1 Module for children, adolescents and young adults. The
      iterative process included multiphase qualitative methods including a literature
      review, survey of expert opinions, semi-structured interviews, cognitive
      interviews and pilot testing. Fifteen domains were derived from the qualitative
      methods, with content saturation achieved, resulting in 115 items. The domains
      include skin, pain, pain impact, pain management, cognitive functioning, speech,
      fine motor, balance, vision, perceived physical appearance, communication, worry,
      treatment, medicines and gastrointestinal symptoms. This study is limited because
      all participants are recruited from a single-site. Qualitative methods support
      the content validity for the PedsQLTM NF1 Module for children, adolescents and
      young adults. The PedsQLTM NF1 Module is now undergoing national multisite field
      testing for the psychometric validation of the instrument development.

PMID- 28078642
TI  - Association Between Subtotal Gastrectomy with Billroth II Anastomosis and
      Coronary Heart Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We assessed the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) after subtotal
      gastrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis (SGBIIA) for peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
      METHODS: The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was used, and
      6160 patients undergoing SGBIIA for PUD were identified as the surgical cohort. A
      total of 24,540 patients from the PUD population not undergoing surgery selected
      by frequency-matching were identified as the non-surgical cohort. All patients
      were followed until the end of 2011 to measure the incidence of CHD. RESULTS: The
      cumulative incidence of CHD was lower in patients with SGBIIA than in those
      without surgery (16.9 vs 22.9 per 1000 person-year, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] =
      0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71-0.88). The risk of CHD, either acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) (aHR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.75-0.91) or other non-ACS CHD
      (aHR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.68-0.88), was lower for the SGBIIA cohort than for the
      non-surgery cohort (aHR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.71-0.88) after adjusting for age and
      the comorbidities of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, stroke,
      congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease. CONCLUSIONS: We found SGBIIA is associated with a reduced risk
      of CHD for PUD patients.

PMID- 28078643
TI  - Anthropometric Assessment for Bariatric Procedures in the Private Practice of a
      Registered Dietitian in Colombia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity and its consequences have now reached worldwide pandemic
      proportions. Among treatments, bariatric interventions are the most effective for
      weight reduction. Here, we describe the change in anthropometric measurements
      (AMs) of 615 adult bariatric procedure patients seen in the private practice of a
      registered dietitian (RD) in Bogota, Colombia. METHODS: Observational
      retrospective study of AMs recorded between 1996 and 2013 for patients who had
      laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG, n = 290), laparoscopic adjustable gastric
      banding (LAGB, n = 207), and laparoscopic Roux-EN-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB, n =
      36) or the non-surgical gastric balloon (GB, n = 82) procedure. Patients had
      three bimonthly follow-up visits. Paired t tests compared baseline (first) and 6
      month (fourth) follow-up visit values. RESULTS: Differences in AMs between the
      baseline and fourth visits were statistically significant for the surgical
      interventions. A mean weight loss of 22 kg, equivalent to a 22% total body weight
      loss, together with significant reduction of the waist-to-height-ratio (WHtR)(p <
      0.001) and body mass index (BMI)(p < 0.001), was observed across all procedures.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of multiple AMs enables a comprehensive assessment of body
      composition in patients who undergo bariatric procedures. Our study is a useful
      resource for international future reference and highlights the impact that the RD
      can have on understanding and influencing the effectiveness of bariatric
      procedures.

PMID- 28078644
TI  - Eight- or 12-Week Treatment of Hepatitis C with Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir: Real-World
      Experience in a Large Integrated Health System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Second-generation direct-acting antiviral agents are integral to
      treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Eight-week courses of
      ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) have been supported in some studies, but data are
      limited on efficacy in real-world use. Controversy exists regarding applicability
      of clinical trials to real-world effectiveness. We report virologic responses of
      patients with HCV genotype 1 infection receiving LDV/SOF for 8 or 12 weeks in a
      large integrated healthcare system. METHODS: All patients receiving LDV/SOF,
      without ribavirin, were identified from pharmacy records, and outcomes are
      reported. Only treatment-naive patients without evidence of cirrhosis and
      hepatitis C viral load less than 6 million IU/ml were candidates for 8-week
      therapy. Treatment was at clinician discretion, but delivered by a
      multidisciplinary team and reviewed for appropriateness and adherence to these
      criteria by one of the authors, all experienced in hepatitis C treatment.
      Sustained viral response at 12 weeks (SVR 12) was contrasted between those
      receiving 8 and those receiving 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Completed
      prescriptions for LDV/SOF, without ribavirin, as of 30 September 2015 were
      identified in 1021 patients. Five patients discontinued therapy due to medical
      reasons and 35 had incomplete follow-up viral load data, thus there were 981
      evaluable patients: 377 treated for 8 weeks and 604 treated for 12 weeks. SVR 12
      was virtually identical at 93.6 and 93.5%, respectively. Baseline characteristics
      differed between the two groups, as only treatment-naive, non-cirrhotic, non-HIV
      infected patients were eligible for an 8-week course of therapy. CONCLUSIONS:
      Eight-week courses of LDV/SOF are comparable to 12-week courses in real-world use
      among selected patients supported by a multidisciplinary team.

PMID- 28078645
TI  - PARP Inhibitors in Reproductive System Cancers: Current Use and Developments.
AB  - The repair of DNA damage is a critical cellular process governed by multiple
      biochemical pathways that are often found to be defective in cancer cells. The
      poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family of proteins controls response to single
      strand DNA breaks by detecting these damaged sites and recruiting the proper
      factors for repair. Blocking this pathway forces cells to utilize complementary
      mechanisms to repair DNA damage. While PARP inhibition may not, in itself, be
      sufficient to cause tumor cell death, inhibition of DNA repair with PARP
      inhibitors is an effective cytotoxic strategy when it is used in patients who
      carry other defective DNA-repair mechanisms, such as mutations in the genes BRCA
      1 and 2. This discovery has supported the development of PARP inhibitors (PARPi),
      agents that have proven effective against various types of tumors that carry BRCA
      mutations. With the application of next-generation sequencing of tumors, there is
      increased interest in looking beyond BRCA mutations to identify genetic and
      epigenetic aberrations that might lead to similar defects in DNA repair,
      conferring susceptibility to PARP inhibition. Identification of these genetic
      lesions and the development of screening assays for their detection may allow for
      the selection of patients most likely to respond to this class of anticancer
      agents. This article provides an overview of clinical trial results obtained with
      PARPi and describes the companion diagnostic assays being established for patient
      selection. In addition, we review known mechanisms for resistance to PARPi and
      potential strategies for combining these agents with other types of therapy.

PMID- 28078646
TI  - Mucosal Healing in Ulcerative Colitis: A Comprehensive Review.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by
      periods of remission and periods of relapse. Patients often present with symptoms
      such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea and weight loss, and may require
      hospitalization and even colectomy. Long-term complications of UC include
      decreased quality of life and productivity and an increased risk of colorectal
      cancer. Mucosal healing (MH) has gained progressive importance in the management
      of UC patients. In this article, we review the endoscopic findings that define
      both mucosal injury and MH, and the strengths and limitations of the scoring
      systems currently available in clinical practice. The basic mechanisms behind
      colonic injury and MH are covered, highlighting the pathways through which
      different drugs exert their effect towards reducing inflammation and promoting
      epithelial repair. A comprehensive review of the evidence for approved drugs for
      UC to achieve and maintain MH is provided, including a section on the
      pharmacokinetics of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha drugs. Currently
      approved drugs with proven efficacy in achieving MH in UC include salicylates,
      corticosteroids (induction only), calcineurin inhibitors (induction only),
      thiopurines, vedolizumab and anti-TNFalpha drugs (infliximab, adalimumab, and
      golimumab). MH is of crucial relevance in the outcomes of UC, resulting in lower
      incidences of clinical relapse, the need for hospitalization and surgery, as well
      as reduced rates of dysplasia and colorectal cancer. Finally, we present recent
      evidence towards the need for a more strict definition of complete MH as the
      preferred endpoint for UC patients, using a combination of both endoscopic and
      histological findings.

PMID- 28078647
TI  - Sitagliptin: A Review in Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin (Januvia(r); Glactiv(r);
      Tesavel(r); XeleviaTM) is approved in more than 130 countries worldwide as
      monotherapy and in combination with other antihyperglycaemic drugs for the
      treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Extensive clinical
      experience has firmly established the glycaemic efficacy of oral sitagliptin (+/
      other antihyperglycaemic drugs) in a broad spectrum of patients with T2D,
      including obese, elderly and renally impaired patients and those with established
      cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). Sitagliptin is generally well tolerated, with
      most adverse events being of mild to moderate intensity and relatively few
      patients discontinuing treatment because of these events. Sitagliptin treatment
      was not associated with an increased risk for the known CVD risk factors of
      hypoglycaemia and bodyweight gain. Of note, in the TECOS CV safety trial in
      patients with T2D and established CVD, sitagliptin was noninferior to placebo in
      terms of the risk of the 4-point major adverse cardiac event (MACE) outcome, with
      no increased risk in hospitalization for heart failure. Albeit discussion is
      equivocal regarding the potential increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic
      cancer with incretin-based therapies (including sitagliptin), no causal link
      between incretin-based drugs and these events has been established to date. With
      its convenient once-daily oral regimen, low potential for pharmacokinetic drug
      drug interactions and good efficacy and safety profiles, including CV safety,
      sitagliptin remains an important option in the management of patients with T2D.

PMID- 28078648
TI  - Generation of a Floxed Allele of the Mouse MicroRNA-200 Clusters.
AB  - MicroRNA-8 and its target gene, u-shaped (ush), regulate body size in Drosophila.
      As the mouse homolog of the Drosophila miR-8, whether the miR-200 family has
      similar functions and how they perform their regulatory roles in body size
      control is unknown. In order to discover the biological function of the miR-200s
      in vivo, we generated mice lacking the miR-200b/200a/429 gene cluster using the
      Cre/loxp system. miR-200b/200a/429 null mutant mice were viable, fertile, and
      showed normal development.

PMID- 28078649
TI  - Acidogenic Digestion of Pre-pulping Extracts for Production of Fuels and
      Bioproducts Via Carboxylate Platform Processing.
AB  - Hemicellulose extracted from wood prior to processing the wood into paper or
      composite materials can be a resource for the production of biofuels or
      bioproducts. Mixed microbial cultures are capable of converting biomass into
      mixed carboxylic acids, which can be purified as products or converted to
      biofuels or other biochemicals. Mixed cultures are robust conversion systems and
      do not require added enzymes to hydrolyze biomass to sugars. We produced mixed
      carboxylic acids using mesophilic and thermophilic fermentation of raw,
      unconditioned green liquor and hot water hardwood extracts, as well as baseline
      sugar solutions. Daily samples were taken from the fermentations and analyzed for
      composition, pH, and gas volume. The extract digestions were capable of
      hydrolyzing oligomeric hemicellulose without supplemental enzymes and converting
      all types of released sugars. Lactic acid was prominent in lower pH systems and
      acetic acid, the main product at more neutral pH. Compared to thermophilic
      systems, mesophilic fermentations had higher hydrolysis conversion, carbohydrate
      conversion, acid yields, and selectivity for C3-C7 acids. Carbon balances on the
      wood extracts closed to within +/-9%. Methane production in all cases was
      essentially zero.

PMID- 28078650
TI  - In Vivo Efficacy of Latex from Calotropis procera in Ameliorating Fever
      Biochemical Characteristics and Plausible Mechanism.
AB  - Calotropis procera latex fractions possessing anti-inflammatory property were
      characterized for their biochemical properties, compared for their efficacy in
      ameliorating fever in rats and their mechanism of action was elucidated. Aqueous
      fraction and methanol extract (AqDL and MeDL) were derived from the dried latex
      (DL) and proteins were separated from the fresh latex (LP). Polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis carried out under denaturing conditions showed the presence of
      proteins with some similarity in LP and AqDL and both of these fractions
      exhibited proteinase activity by gelatin zymography. A further analysis revealed
      that only the LP fraction possesses cysteine proteinase activity. Oral
      administration of both AqDL and MeDL produced a dose-dependent reduction in body
      temperature in rats where fever was induced by yeast and their effect was
      comparable to that of standard drug paracetamol while intravenous administration
      of LP was not so effective. Both AqDL and MeDL produced a significant reduction
      in the levels of TNF-alpha, PGE2, and immunoreactivity of COX-2 in the
      hypothalamus as compared to yeast control group. This study shows that both AqDL
      and MeDL, the orally effective anti-inflammatory fractions of latex, have
      therapeutic potential in treating various febrile conditions.

PMID- 28078651
TI  - Fed-Batch Enzymatic Saccharification of High Solids Pretreated Lignocellulose for
      Obtaining High Titers and High Yields of Glucose.
AB  - To reduce the distillation costs of cellulosic ethanol, it is necessary to
      produce high sugar titers in the enzymatic saccharification step. To obtain high
      sugar titers, high biomass loadings of lignocellulose are necessary. In this
      study, to overcome the low saccharification yields and the low operability of
      high biomass loadings, a fed-batch saccharification process was developed using
      an enzyme reactor that was designed and built in-house. After optimizing the
      cellulase and biomass feeding profiles and the agitation speed, 132.6 g/L glucose
      and 76.0% theoretical maximum glucose were obtained from the 60 h
      saccharification of maleic acid-pretreated rice straw at a 30% (w/v) solids
      loading with 15 filter paper units (FPU) of Cellic CTec2/g glucan. This study
      demonstrated that through the proper optimization of fed-batch saccharification,
      both high sugar titers and high saccharification yields are possible, even with
      using the high solids loading (i.e., >=30%) with the moderate enzyme loading
      (i.e., <15 FPU/g glucan). These results could be contributed to improving
      economic feasibility of the high solids saccharification process in cellulosic
      fuel and chemical production.

PMID- 28078652
TI  - Free and Ca-Alginate Beads Immobilized Horseradish Peroxidase for the Removal of
      Reactive Dyes: an Experimental and Modeling Study.
AB  - The aim of this work was to remove the dyes Reactive Blue 221 (RB 221) and
      Reactive Blue 198 (RB 198) of synthetic effluent using the immobilized enzyme
      horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in Ca-alginate beads. Experimental parameters
      affecting the dye removal process such as the effect of pH, temperature, hydrogen
      peroxide concentration, mass capsules, and reuse were evaluated, and a numerical
      model of mass transfer was developed. A maximum removal of 93 and 75%,
      respectively, for the dyes RB 221 and RB 198, at pH 5.5 and temperature of 30 
      degrees C, concentration of hydrogen peroxide of 43.75 MUM for dye RB 221 and
      37.5 MUM for the dye of RB 198 was obtained. A removal reaction of 180 min for RB
      221 and 240 min for RB 198 was observed. Three reuse cycles of use of immobilized
      enzyme were achieved for both dyes. The numerical model proposed led to a good
      fit compared to experimental data. The HRP enzyme immobilized in Ca-alginate
      capsules showed a great potential for biotechnological applications, especially
      for the removal of reactive dyes.

PMID- 28078653
TI  - Meta-analysis of treatment with rabbit and horse antithymocyte globulin for
      aplastic anemia.
AB  - Aplastic anemia patients who received rabbit antithymocyte globulin exhibited
      response and survival rates inferior to those who received horse antithymocyte
      globulin in several studies. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to compare
      rabbit and horse antithymocyte globulin as immunosuppressive therapy for aplastic
      anemia. We searched online databases for studies that compared antithymocyte
      globulin regimens as first-line treatment for aplastic anemia, including both
      randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. The early mortality rate at 3
      months and overall response rate at 6 months were evaluated. Thirteen studies
      were included in the analysis. The risk ratio (RR) of early mortality for rabbit
      vs. horse antithymocyte globulin was 1.33 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69
      2.57; P = 0.39], with significant heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis suggested
      higher early mortality rate in patients who received rabbit antithymocyte
      globulin. The overall response rate was significantly higher in patients who
      received horse antithymocyte globulin (RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.05-1.54; P = 0.015). In
      conclusion, in aplastic anemia patients treated with ATG, early mortality rate
      was not significantly different in patients receiving horse or rabbit ATG,
      although a sensitivity analysis showed higher early mortality in the rabbit ATG
      group. Horse ATG was associated with significantly higher response rate than
      rabbit ATG.

PMID- 28078654
TI  - Capuchin monkeys can make and use stone tools.
AB  - Scientists hoping to elucidate the origin of human stone tool manufacture and use
      have looked to extant primate species for possible clues. Although some
      skepticism has been raised, there is clear evidence that today's capuchin monkeys
      can make and use stone tools.

PMID- 28078655
TI  - Single-Dose Oritavancin Compared to Standard of Care IV Antibiotics for Acute
      Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infection in the Outpatient Setting: A
      Retrospective Real-World Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cost-containment strategies are shifting the treatment of acute
      bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) from inpatient to
      outpatient settings. Current standard of care (SoC) requires multiple-dose
      regimens, which are associated with high hospitalization rates and high costs.
      Oritavancin, a new single-dose antibiotic for ABSSSI, may be suitable for
      outpatient therapy. This analysis evaluates the effectiveness, costs, and
      resource utilization of oritavancin vs. SoC in a real-world, outpatient setting.
      METHODS: A single-site, retrospective chart review was conducted of 118 adult
      patients diagnosed with ABSSSI and treated with either single-dose oritavancin or
      multi-dose SoC therapy between 6 August 2014 and 30 June 2015. Patients were
      assigned to two matched cohorts: oritavancin and SoC. Primary clinical
      effectiveness endpoints was the success (cured or improved) at 5-30 days after
      the course of antibiotic therapy has been completed. Secondary economic endpoints
      were total costs and healthcare resource utilization. RESULTS: Oritavancin showed
      comparable clinical effectiveness vs. multi-dose SoC in the outpatient setting. A
      similar percentage of patients in the oritavancin (90.2%) and SoC cohorts (77.4%)
      achieved successful outcomes ("cure" or "improved"), with the cure rate higher
      for oritavancin (73.2%) vs. SoC (48.4%; P = 0.0315). Oritavancin's clinical
      effectiveness was consistent across patient subgroups with varying demographic,
      clinical, and ABSSSI characteristics. Oritavancin was consistently associated
      with lower costs (per-patient savings $2319) and reduced resource utilization
      measures, and it required just 1.0 day of therapy vs. 7.2 days for SoC.
      CONCLUSION: Oritavancin is well suited for the outpatient treatment of ABSSSI.
      Compared with SoC, oritavancin offers comparable effectiveness, is more
      economical, and requires fewer healthcare resources.

PMID- 28078656
TI  - Biosimilars for the Treatment of Cancer: A Systematic Review of Published
      Evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biologic treatments for cancer continue to place a significant
      economic burden on healthcare stakeholders. Biosimilar therapies may help reduce
      this burden through cost savings, thereby increasing patient access. OBJECTIVES:
      The purpose of this study was to collate all published data to assess the weight
      of available evidence (quantity and quality) for proposed monoclonal antibody
      biosimilars and intended copies, for the treatment of cancer. METHODS:
      MEDLINE(r), Embase(r), and ISI Web of Science(r) databases were searched to
      September 2015. Conference proceedings (17) were searched (2012 to July 2015).
      Searches of the United States National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov
      registry were also conducted. Risk of bias assessments were undertaken to assess
      data strength and validity. RESULTS: Proposed biosimilars were identified in 23
      studies (36 publications) in oncology and ten studies in 14 publications in
      oncology and chronic inflammatory diseases for bevacizumab, rituximab, and
      trastuzumab originators. Based on our review of the included published studies,
      and as inferred from the conclusions of study authors, the identified proposed
      biosimilars exhibit close similarity to their originators. Published data were
      also retrieved on intended copies of rituximab. It remains unclear what role
      these agents may have, as publications on rigorous clinical studies are lacking
      for these molecules. CONCLUSION: While biosimilar products have the potential to
      improve patient access to important biologic therapies, robust evidence of
      outcomes for monoclonal antibody biosimilars in treating cancer patients,
      including data from comparative efficacy and safety trials, is not yet available
      in the published literature. Significant data gaps exist, particularly for
      intended copies, which reinforces the need to maintain a clear differentiation
      between these molecules and true biosimilars. As more biosimilars become
      available for use, it will be important for stakeholders to understand fully the
      robustness of overall evidence used to demonstrate biosimilarity and gain
      regulatory approval.

PMID- 28078658
TI  - The Past Does Matter: a Nursing Perspective on Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome
      (PTSS).
AB  - Few have reviewed the impact of post traumatic slave syndrome (PTSS) on the
      issues of inequities, especially as it pertains to mental and physical health.
      Furthermore, the impact of PTSS on the social determinants of health is an area
      that has been researched by few investigators. The possibilities that the impact
      of slavery and/or major stress events in the life of a population can become
      trans-generational are lost to history. Think about what is taking place in
      cities around the country and then think about racist socialization (internalized
      racism) and its impact on our society. Combining these factors with the lack of
      real medical care and the bias that plagues our medical establishment and society
      in general, the net result is a society faced with inequities that seem to be
      unresolvable, simply because we have lost perspective about a major root cause of
      the problem.

PMID- 28078657
TI  - Racial and Ethnic Differences in Dietary Intake, Physical Activity, and Body Mass
      Index (BMI) Among Cancer Survivors: 2005 and 2010 National Health Interview
      Surveys (NHIS).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This paper reports racial/ethnic differences in mean dietary and
      alcohol intake, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) among cancer
      survivors and examines adherence to the American Cancer Society and the US
      Dietary Guidelines for Americans. METHODS: Data are from the cross-sectional 2005
      and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS). The total sample of cancer
      survivors (N = 3367) included non-Hispanic Whites (NHW; N = 2698), non-Hispanic
      Blacks (NHBs; N = 379), and Hispanics (N = 290). We compared mean reported
      dietary intake, moderate/vigorous physical activity, and BMI among racial/ethnic
      groups. Predicted marginals and multivariate logistic regression analysis were
      used to compare prevalence of non-adherence with recommendations among groups.
      RESULTS: Among the three racial/ethnic groups, Hispanics had the highest mean
      intake of vegetables, fiber, and calcium (p = 0.0003; p < 0.0001; p = 0.001). In
      the logistic regression model adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, smoking
      and BMI, Hispanics had lower non-adherence to fiber guidelines (OR = 0.38; CI =
      0.24-0.58) than NHWs. NHBs had significantly higher non-adherence to vegetable
      guidelines (OR = 1.63; CI = 1.07-2.47). NHBs and Hispanics had lower non
      adherence with alcohol guidelines than NHWs (OR = 0.35 and 0.38; CI = 0.18-0.69
      and 0.19-0.76, respectively). NHBs and Hispanics were more likely to be
      overweight/obese (OR = 1.66 and 1.57; CI = 1.24-2.23 and CI = 1.11-2.21,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There are racial/ethnic differences in certain health
      behaviors of cancer survivors. However, non-adherence to guidelines is high in
      all three racial/ethnic groups. Achieving the recommended guidelines for diet,
      physical activity, and a healthy BMI is a concern for all cancer survivors,
      indicating the need for intervention among this growing group of at-risk
      individuals.

PMID- 28078659
TI  - RETRACTED ARTICLE: Summer Research Training Provides Effective Tools for
      Underrepresented Minorities to Obtain Doctoral Level Degrees.

PMID- 28078660
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Quality of Care: the Role of Healthcare
      Access and Socioeconomic Status.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians are disproportionately affected by
      diabetes. We assessed the state of racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes quality
      of care in the USA. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data of adults diagnosed
      with Type 2 diabetes in the nationally representative 2013 Medical Expenditure
      Panel Survey. Differences in adherence to five diabetes quality of care
      recommendations (HbA1c twice yearly, yearly foot exam, dilated eye exam, blood
      cholesterol test, and flu vaccination) were examined by race/ethnicity while
      controlling for three social determinants of health (health insurance status,
      poverty, and education) and other demographic variables. RESULTS: Among adults
      with diabetes in the USA, 74.9% received two or more HbA1c tests, 69.0% had a
      foot exam, 64.9% had an eye exam, 85.4% had a cholesterol test, and 65.1%
      received flu vaccination in 2013. Compared to Whites, all were lower for
      Hispanics; HbA1c tests, eye exam, and flu vaccination were lower for Blacks;
      HbA1c tests, foot exam, and eye exam were lower for Asians. In adjusted models,
      the only remaining disparities in quality of care indicators were HbA1c tests for
      Hispanics (AOR 0.67, CI = 0.47-0.97), Blacks (AOR 0.59, CI = 0.40-0.88), and
      Asians (AOR 0.47, CI = 0.42-0.99); foot exams for Hispanics (AOR 0.65, CI = 0.47
      0.90); and flu vaccination for Blacks (AOR 0.68, CI = 0.49-0.93). CONCLUSION:
      Lack of insurance coverage and education explained some of the racial/ethnic
      disparities observed in diabetes quality of care. Improving quality of diabetes
      care could help reduce rates of diabetes complications, healthcare costs, and
      mortality.

PMID- 28078661
TI  - Role of cytokines in host defense against Staphylococcus aureus skin infection.
AB  - Wound infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a critical
      clinical problem due to long hospitalization times, significant morbidity and
      mortality, as well as considerable medical resource consumption. With the
      emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, current antibiotic
      treatments are becoming ineffective in combatting S. aureus infection. Thus, a
      novel therapeutic strategy is required. Recent studies discovered that several
      cytokines in the infected wound area play protective roles against S. aureus
      infection. This review summarizes recent discoveries regarding the role of
      cytokines-mediated responses in host defense against S. aureus skin infection,
      and discusses their implications for future immunotherapy and vaccine
      development.

PMID- 28078662
TI  - Low immunoglobulin E flags two distinct types of immune dysregulation.
AB  - During the last two decades, hyper-immunoglobulin (Ig)E syndromes have been
      characterized clinically and molecularly in patients with genetically determined
      primary immunodeficiencies. However, the detection of low IgE levels, defined
      here as below detection limit in the routine clinical immunology laboratory, has
      received little attention. We analysed the association of serum IgA, IgM and IgG
      levels (including IgG subclasses) with low, normal or high serum IgE levels in
      patients evaluated in a single-centre out-patient immunodeficiency and allergy
      clinic. The correlation of serum IgE levels with IgG subclasses depended on the
      clinical phenotype. In patients with immunodeficiencies, IgE correlated with IgG2
      and IgG4 but not with IgG3. In contrast, in patients referred for signs of
      allergy, IgE correlated with IgG3 but not with IgG2. A low IgE result was
      associated with low IgG3 and IgG4 in allergy referrals, while immunodeficiency
      referrals with a low IgE result had significantly lower IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4
      levels. Hierarchical clustering of non-IgE immunoglobulin profiles (IgM, IgA,
      IgG, IgG1-4) validated that non-IgE immunoglobulin levels predict the clinic
      referral, i.e. phenotype, of low-IgE patients. These results suggesto guide the
      clinical management of patients with low serum IgE levels.

PMID- 28078663
TI  - Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 exerts an antitumour effect in angiosarcoma:
      involvement of the vascular endothelial growth factor signalling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm derived from endothelial
      cells, and because advanced angiosarcoma is resistant to standard chemotherapy
      its prognosis is poor. Therefore, new therapies are urgently needed. Heat shock
      protein (HSP)90 has been identified as a molecular chaperone that regulates
      various cancer-related proteins. Numerous clinical trials are currently testing
      the effectiveness of HSP90 inhibitors in various types of malignancies.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of HSP90 in the pathogenesis of angiosarcoma
      and whether the inhibition of HSP90 may have antitumour activity. METHODS: The
      expression of HSP90 protein in angiosarcoma was examined using
      immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The effects of HSP90 inhibition were
      proven using proliferation, migration and invasion assay in angiosarcoma cells.
      The mechanism of antitumour effect by HSP90 inhibition was investigated by the
      transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA). RESULTS: The levels of HSP90
      protein expression in cultured angiosarcoma cell lines were markedly increased
      compared with those in normal tissue cell lines. Immunohistochemical analyses
      revealed that the expression of HSP90 protein was strongly detected in
      angiosarcoma tissues compared with that in normal dermal vessels or senile
      angioma tissues. Ganetespib, an HSP90 inhibitor, with or without taxanes,
      inhibited the proliferation of angiosarcoma cells via apoptosis in a dose
      dependent manner. HSP90 siRNA suppressed the proliferation, migration and
      invasion of angiosarcoma cells. Knock-down of HSP90 did not suppress vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptor 2 directly, but selectively suppressed several
      downstream targets of vascular endothelial growth factor signalling in
      angiosarcoma cells. CONCLUSIONS: HSP90 could be a novel therapeutic target for
      angiosarcoma.

PMID- 28078664
TI  - Behavior analysts in the war on poverty: A review of the use of financial
      incentives to promote education and employment.
AB  - Poverty is a pervasive risk factor underlying poor health. Many interventions
      that have sought to reduce health disparities associated with poverty have
      focused on improving health-related behaviors of low-income adults. Poverty
      itself could be targeted to improve health, but this approach would require
      programs that can consistently move poor individuals out of poverty. Governments
      and other organizations in the United States have tested a diverse range of
      antipoverty programs, generally on a large scale and in conjunction with welfare
      reform initiatives. This paper reviews antipoverty programs that used financial
      incentives to promote education and employment among welfare recipients and other
      low-income adults. The incentive-based, antipoverty programs had small or no
      effects on the target behaviors; they were implemented on large scales from the
      outset, without systematic development and evaluation of their components; and
      they did not apply principles of operant conditioning that have been shown to
      determine the effectiveness of incentive or reinforcement interventions. By
      applying basic principles of operant conditioning, behavior analysts could help
      address poverty and improve health through development of effective antipoverty
      programs. This paper describes a potential framework for a behavior-analytic
      antipoverty program, with the goal of illustrating that behavior analysts could
      be uniquely suited to make substantial contributions to the war on poverty.

PMID- 28078665
TI  - Computerized pharmacy surveillance and alert system for drug-related problems.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Because of the impact of drug-related problems
      (DRPs) on morbidity and mortality, there is a need for computerized strategies to
      increase drug safety. The detection and identification of the causes of potential
      DRPs can be facilitated by the incorporation of a pharmacy warning system (PWS)
      in the computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE) and its application in the
      routine validation of inpatient drug therapy. A limited number of studies have
      evaluated a clinical decision support system to monitor drug treatment. Most of
      these applications have utilized a small range of drugs with alerts and/or types
      of alert. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation of a PWS
      integrated in the electronic medical record (EMR). METHODS: The PWS was developed
      in 2003-2004. Pharmacological information to generate drug alerts was entered on
      demographic data, drug dosage, laboratory tests related to the prescribed drug
      and drug combinations (interactions, duplications and necessary combinations).
      The PWS was applied in the prescription reviews conducted in patients admitted to
      the hospital in 2012. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Information on 83% of the drugs
      included in the pharmacopeia was introduced into the PWS, allowing detection of
      2808 potential DRPs, representing 79.1% of all potential DRPs detected during the
      study period. Twenty per cent of PWS DRPs were clinically relevant, requiring
      pharmacist intervention. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: The PWS detected most
      potential DRPs, thus increasing inpatient safety. The detection ability of the
      PWS was higher than that reported for other tools described in the literature.

PMID- 28078666
TI  - Paediatric Erdheim-Chester disease with aggressive skin manifestations.
AB  - Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), a type of systemic non-Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis, is uncommon and characterized by the accumulation of CD68+ CD1a-
      foamy histiocytes. It is extremely rare in children. The skin lesions of
      paediatric ECD have not been systemically described before. We report a case of
      ECD in a 3.5-year-old Chinese boy. The patient presented with generalized skin
      and bone involvement of 3 years' duration. Marked generalized annular
      maculopapular lesions with central atrophy were seen. These differed from
      previously reported adult xanthoma-like papules or periorbital xanthelasma-like
      lesions. Computed tomography revealed diffuse pulmonary fibrosis and generalized
      skeletal involvement, including osteolysis and osteosclerosis. The presence of
      CD68+ CD1a- histiocytes allowed the diagnosis of ECD. According to our review of
      the literature, this is the paediatric case of ECD with the youngest age of
      onset. The generalized skin involvement made our case unique in comparison with
      those previously reported.

PMID- 28078667
TI  - Philanthropy in health professions education research: determinants of success.
AB  - CONTEXT: Fund-raising is a new practice in medical education research.
      OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study explores a cross-sectional analysis of
      philanthropy in medical education in Canada and Europe and identifies some common
      characteristics in the fund-raising system, key roles and characteristics of
      research sites that have had success. METHODS: Medical education research sites
      that had received donations greater than Can$100 000 were identified by searching
      publicly available sources. Interviews were conducted with 25 individuals from
      these and other sites, in four categories: medical education leaders (n = 9);
      philanthropy-supported chairholders and researchers (n = 5); donors of over
      Can$100 000 (n = 7), and advancement professionals (n = 4). Interview transcripts
      were inductively coded to identify themes. RESULTS: Five factors associated with
      success in accessing philanthropic sources were identified in the sample: support
      of the organisation's senior leadership; a charismatic champion who motivates
      donors; access to an advancement office or foundation; impetus to find funds
      beyond traditional operating budgets, and understanding of the conceptual and
      practical dimensions of fund-raising. Three types of donor (medical education
      insider, donor collective and general philanthropist), four faculty roles
      (trailblazers, rock stars, 'Who? Me?' people and future fund-raisers) and six
      stages in the fund-raising cycle were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Philanthropy
      is a source of funding with the potential to significantly advance education
      research. Yet competence in fund-raising is not widely developed among medical
      education research leaders. Successful accessing of philanthropic sources of
      funding requires the ability to articulate the impact of philanthropy in medical
      education research in a way that will interest donors. This appears to be
      challenging for medical education leaders, who tend to frame their work in
      academic terms and have trouble competing against other fund-raising domains.
      Medical education research institutes and centres will benefit from developing
      greater understanding of the conception and practices of fund-raising.

PMID- 28078668
TI  - Mitochondrial adaptations to exercise in human skeletal muscle: a possible role
      for cristae density as a determinant of muscle fitness.

PMID- 28078669
TI  - Maintenance phase in psoralen-ultraviolet A phototherapy of early-stage mycosis
      fungoides. A critically appraised topic.
AB  - A 65-year-old patient affected by mycosis fungoides (MF) stage IB achieved
      complete remission (CR) after a cycle of PUVA phototherapy. The U.S. Cutaneous
      Lymphoma Consortium (USCLC) guidelines suggest that the patient should be kept in
      the maintenance phase, defined as a 'period of gradual decrease of frequency of
      UVL [ultraviolet light] while in clinical remission before discontinuation of
      phototherapy' by slowly tapering the number of psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA)
      applications over time up to clinical relapse. The USCLC guidelines also suggest
      a standardized schedule for the maintenance phase. Alternatively, the patient
      could end PUVA therapy and go straight to follow-up. The aim of this critically
      appraised topic (CAT) was to determine if a maintenance phase gives a significant
      benefit in terms of relapse rate (RR) and RFI in patients affected by early-stage
      MF who had achieved CR under PUVA phototherapy. Embase, PubMed and TRIP databases
      were searched for 'mycosis fungoides' AND [('photochemotherapy' OR 'puva') OR
      'psoralen'] in June 2016. Three articles matched our inclusion criteria and are
      discussed in this CAT. In this field of research the literature is poor and the
      reported level of evidence is low. Only one of the studies was conducted
      prospectively, and none were randomized. No significant difference in terms of
      reduction in relapse rate or increase in RFI in patients who underwent a PUVA
      maintenance phase emerged when compared with those who went for simple follow-up.
      Further randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are required in order to evaluate
      maintenance phase vs. no treatment before it can be favoured as the standard
      protocol of treatment in early-stage MF. At the time of writing this paper, we
      report an ongoing Austrian multicentre RCT (Clinical Trial.gov identifier:
      NCT01686594) that will hopefully give useful results in this topic.

PMID- 28078670
TI  - Levator ani muscle avulsion is a risk factor for expulsion within 1 year of
      vaginal pessary placed for pelvic organ prolapse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of
      levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion is associated with expulsion within 1 year of a
      vaginal pessary placed for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: This was a
      prospective observational study of consecutive women with symptomatic POP, who
      had not received treatment for the condition before the consultation and opted
      for vaginal pessary placement in our center. Volume acquisition was performed
      before pessary insertion and offline analysis of the 3D/4D transperineal
      ultrasound volume data was performed. LAM was assessed on maximum pelvic floor
      muscle contraction (PFMC) and hiatal dimensions were assessed at rest, on PFMC
      and on maximum Valsalva. Results were compared between women in whom the pessary
      was retained for 1 year and those in whom the pessary was expelled within 1 year.
      RESULTS: The datasets of 255 women were analyzed including 147 (57.6%) women who
      had a vaginal pessary continuously in place over 1 year and 108 (42.4%) with
      pessary expulsion. Mean age was 63.2 (SD, 9.9) years and median parity was 3 (2
      4). Eighteen (7.1%) had Stage I, 164 (64.3%) Stage II, 67 (26.3%) Stage III and
      six (2.4%) Stage IV POP. Women with vaginal pessary expulsion within 1 year had
      significantly larger hiatal dimensions at rest and on Valsalva, larger hiatal
      area during rest, PFMC and Valsalva and higher rate of LAM avulsion (53.7% vs
      27.2%, P < 0.01) compared with women in whom the pessary was retained for 1 year.
      After controlling for potential confounders, LAM avulsion remained a risk factor
      (OR, 3.18, P < 0.01) of vaginal pessary expulsion within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS:
      Women in whom a vaginal pessary was expelled within 1 year of placement for POP
      had a larger hiatus. Presence of LAM avulsion was associated with a three-fold
      increase in the risk of expulsion of a vaginal pessary within 1 year. Copyright
      (c) 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 28078672
TI  - Determinants for drug survival of methotrexate in patients with psoriasis, split
      according to different reasons for discontinuation: results of the prospective
      MTX-CAPTURE.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used treatment for psoriasis, it is
      important to gain insight into the reasons for the discontinuation of MTX and to
      understand the determinants for drug survival. OBJECTIVES: To describe 5-year
      drug survival for MTX in patients with psoriasis, split according to different
      reasons for discontinuation, and to identify the determinants for drug survival.
      METHODS: Data were extracted from a prospective psoriasis registry of patients
      treated with MTX (MTX-CAPTURE). Drug survival was analysed using Kaplan-Meier
      estimates and the determinants for discontinuation were analysed using Cox
      regression analysis. Analyses were split according to the reason for
      discontinuation: side-effects or ineffectiveness. RESULTS: We included 85
      patients treated with MTX, with a maximum treatment duration of 5.2 years. The
      overall drug survival rates were 63%, 30% and 15% after 1, 3 and 5 years,
      respectively. The median survival was 1.8 years. Overall, 55 patients (65%)
      discontinued MTX for the following reasons: side-effects (35%), ineffectiveness
      (26%), combination of side-effects and ineffectiveness (13%), other reasons (16%)
      and 11% were lost to follow-up. The most reported side-effects were
      gastrointestinal symptoms, despite the use of folic acid in 99% of patients.
      Based on univariate analysis, a high Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score and
      a high score on the visual analogue scale for disease severity at baseline were
      possible determinants for a short drug survival. CONCLUSIONS: Drug survival of
      MTX was low with 15% of patients 'on drug' after 5 years. Side-effects alone or
      in combination with inadequate disease control were more important in the context
      of treatment discontinuation than inadequate disease control alone.

PMID- 28078671
TI  - Melanoma in congenital melanocytic naevi.
AB  - Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) are a known risk factor for melanoma, with the
      greatest risk currently thought to be in childhood. There has been controversy
      over the years about the incidence of melanoma, and therefore over the clinical
      management of CMN, due partly to the difficulties of histological diagnosis and
      partly to publishing bias towards cases of malignancy. Large cohort studies have
      demonstrated that melanoma risk in childhood is related to the severity of the
      congenital phenotype. New understanding of the genetics of CMN offers the
      possibility of improvement in diagnosis of melanoma, identification of those at
      highest risk, and new treatment options. We review the world literature and our
      centre's experience over the last 25 years, including the molecular
      characteristics of melanoma in these patients and new melanoma incidence and
      outcome data from our prospective cohort. Management strategies are proposed for
      presentation of suspected melanoma of the skin and the central nervous system in
      patients with CMN, including use of oral mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase
      inhibitors in NRAS-mutated tumours.

PMID- 28078673
TI  - Training kindergarten students lockdown drill procedures using behavioral skills
      training.
AB  - During situations in which a gunman is present on a school campus, lockdowns are
      initiated until the threat is removed. However, there are no data demonstrating
      an effective teaching strategy to increase students' correct responding during a
      lockdown. We evaluated the effectiveness of behavioral skills training (BST) to
      teach three groups of kindergarten students how to respond during lockdown
      drills. Results showed that participant groups displayed increases in correct
      steps and decreases in noise levels after BST was implemented; these effects
      maintained following training.

PMID- 28078674
TI  - Wilsonosiphonia gen. nov. (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) based on molecular and
      morpho-anatomical characters.
AB  - Morphological, anatomical, and molecular sequence data were used to assess the
      establishment and phylogenetic position of the genus Wilsonosiphonia gen. nov.
      Phylogenies based on rbcL and concatenated rbcL and cox1 loci support recognition
      of Wilsonosiphonia gen. nov., sister to Herposiphonia. Diagnostic features for
      Wilsonosiphonia are rhizoids located at distal ends of pericentral cells and
      taproot-shaped multicellular tips of rhizoids. Wilsonosiphonia includes three
      species with diagnostic rbcL and cox1 sequences, Wilsonosiphonia fujiae sp. nov.
      (the generitype), W. howei comb. nov., and W. indica sp. nov. These three species
      resemble each other in external morphology, but W. fujiae is distinguished by
      having two tetrasporangia per segment rather than one, W. indica by having
      abundant and persistent trichoblasts, and W. howei by having few and deciduous
      trichoblasts.

PMID- 28078675
TI  - Overexpression of a diacylglycerol acyltransferase gene in Phaeodactylum
      tricornutum directs carbon towards lipid biosynthesis.
AB  - Under nutrient deplete conditions, diatoms accumulate between 15% to 25% of their
      dry weight as lipids, primarily as triacylglycerols (TAGs). As in most
      eukaryotes, these organisms produce TAGs via the acyl-CoA dependent Kennedy
      pathway. The last step in this pathway is catalyzed by diacylglycerol
      acyltransferase (DGAT) that acylates diacylglycerol (DAG) to produce TAG. To test
      our hypothesis that DGAT plays a major role in controlling the flux of carbon
      towards lipids, we overexpressed a specific type II DGAT gene, DGAT2D, in the
      model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The transformants had 50- to 100-fold
      higher DGAT2D mRNA levels and the abundance of the enzyme increased 30- to 50
      fold. More important, these cells had a 2-fold higher total lipid content and
      incorporated carbon into lipids more efficiently than the wild type (WT) while
      growing only 15% slower at light saturation. Based on a flux analysis using 13 C
      as a tracer, we found that the increase in lipids was achieved via increased
      fluxes through pyruvate and acetyl-CoA. Our results reveal overexpression of
      DAGT2D increases the flux of photosynthetically fixed carbon towards lipids, and
      leads to a higher lipid content than exponentially grown WT cells.

PMID- 28078676
TI  - The ultrastructural characterization of mitochondria-rich cells as a response to
      variations in salinity in two types of teleostean pseudobranch: milkfish (Chanos
      chanos) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).
AB  - The pseudobranchs of two euryhaline teleost species, the milkfish (Chanos chanos)
      and the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), were studied after
      acclimization to different salinities using optical and electron microscopy. The
      milkfish pseudobranch was the lamellae-free type, with separate lamellae along
      the filaments containing two groups of mitochondria (Mt)-rich cells: chloride
      cells (CCs) and pseudobranch type cells (PSCs). Conversely, the tilapia
      pseudobranch was the embedded type, covered with connective tissues and with only
      one group of Mt-rich PSCs. Chloride cells were identified according to the apical
      openings and branched tubular networks around randomly distributed and diversely
      shaped Mt. Pseudobranchs type cells, however, were characterized according to the
      orderly arrangement of parallel tubules around closely packed Mt; both the
      tubules and the Mt were distributed in the vascular side of the cell, but were
      absent from the apical region. Compared with those of seawater (SW)-acclimated
      milkfish, the pseudobranchial lamellae of freshwater (FW) specimens were longer
      on average, and the Mt of the CCs had fewer cristae, were less electron-dense,
      and were often vacuolated. The Mt in the PSCs of FW-acclimated milkfish and
      tilapia were larger and more electron-dense than those of their SW-acclimated
      counterparts; in addition, more tubules were found to aggregately surround the Mt
      and basolateral membranes in the PSCs of fish from the hypo-osmotic environment.
      Conversely, the PSCs of tilapia were periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive, and Mt
      in PSCs were concentrated with more parallel arrays of the tubule system than
      those of milkfish. Therefore, salinity-dependent changes in the ultrastructures
      of PSCs suggest their potential role in energy metabolism of both lamellae-free
      and embedded pseudobranchs, whereas the PAS-positive staining characteristics
      suggest a role in releasing or storaging polysaccharides in the embedded
      pseudobranch. J. Morphol. 278:390-402, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28078677
TI  - Stable and Rapid Thiol Bioconjugation by Light-Triggered Thiomaleimide Ring
      Hydrolysis.
AB  - Maleimide-mediated thiol-specific derivatization of biomolecules is one of the
      most efficacious bioconjugation approaches currently available. Alarmingly,
      however, recent work demonstrates that the resulting thiomaleimide conjugates are
      susceptible to breakdown via thiol exchange reactions. Herein, we report a new
      class of maleimides, namely o-CH2 NHi Pr phenyl maleimides, that undergo
      unprecedentedly rapid ring hydrolysis after thiol conjugation to form stable
      thiol exchange-resistant conjugates. Furthermore, we overcome the problem of low
      shelf lives of maleimide reagents owing to their propensity to undergo ring
      hydrolysis prior to bioconjugation by developing a photocaged version of this
      scaffold that resists ring hydrolysis. UV irradiation of thiol bioconjugates
      formed with this photocaged maleimide unleashes rapid thiomaleimide ring
      hydrolysis to yield the desired stable conjugates within 1 h under gentle, ice
      cold conditions.

PMID- 28078678
TI  - A seamless phase I/II dose-finding trial assessing ingenol disoxate (LEO 43204)
      for field treatment of actinic keratosis on the scalp.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common sun-related skin condition, which
      can progress to squamous cell carcinoma and occur in cancerized fields.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate in a phase I/II trial the safety and efficacy of
      ingenol disoxate as topical field therapy for patients with AK on the balding
      scalp. METHODS: Part 1 was a phase I, open-label, dose-escalation trial
      investigating up to six doses of ingenol disoxate to determine the maximum
      tolerated dose (MTD). Part 2 was a phase II, randomized, double-blind, parallel
      group, vehicle-controlled trial. Patients were randomized 2 : 2 : 1 to receive
      ingenol disoxate 0.037%, 0.05% or vehicle gel once daily for two consecutive
      days. Percentage reduction in AK count from baseline, complete clearance (AKCLEAR
      100) and partial clearance (>= 75% AK count reduction; AKCLEAR 75) were assessed
      at week 8. RESULTS: The MTD in part 1 was 0.075% based on a dose-dependent
      increase in the number and severity of adverse events. Two lower doses of ingenol
      disoxate gel (0.037%, 0.05%) were assessed in part 2, which showed a reduction in
      AK count from baseline to week 8 (0.037%, 72.7%; 0.05%, 78.5% vs. vehicle 12.6; P
      < 0.001), and rates of AKCLEAR 100 and AKCLEAR 75 were significantly higher in
      active treatment groups compared with vehicle (P <= 0.007). Local skin responses
      peaked at day 3 and declined rapidly. Adverse events were generally mild to
      moderate in intensity, and were most commonly application site pain/pruritus.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ingenol disoxate 0.037% and 0.05% gel was effective and superior to
      vehicle, and well tolerated as field therapy for AK on the balding scalp.

PMID- 28078679
TI  - Diet-induced dysmotility and neuropathy in the gut precedes endotoxaemia and
      metabolic syndrome: the chicken and the egg revisited.

PMID- 28078680
TI  - Children's preference for mixed- versus fixed-ratio schedules of reinforcement: A
      translational study of risky choice.
AB  - Laboratory research has shown that when subjects are given a choice between fixed
      ratio and bi-valued mixed-ratio schedules of reinforcement, preference typically
      emerges for the mixed-ratio schedule even with a larger ratio requirement. The
      current study sought to replicate and extend these findings to children's math
      problem completion. Using an ABCBC reversal design, four fourth-grade students
      were given the choice of completing addition problems reinforced on either a
      fixed-ratio 5 schedule or one of three mixed-ratio schedules; an equivalent mixed
      ratio (1, 9) schedule, a mixed-ratio (1, 11) schedule with a 20% larger ratio
      requirement, and an equally lean mixed-ratio (5, 7) schedule without the small
      fixed-ratio 1 component. This was followed by a reversal back to the preceding
      phase in which preference for the mixed-ratio schedule had been observed, and a
      final reversal back to the mixed-ratio (5, 7) phase. Findings were consistent
      with previous research in that all children preferred the mixed-ratio (1, 9)
      schedule over the equivalent fixed-ratio 5 schedule. Preference persisted for the
      leaner mixed-ratio (1, 11) schedule for three of the four children. Indifference
      or preference for the fixed-ratio 5 alternative was observed in phases containing
      the mixed-ratio (5, 7) schedule. These results extend previous research on risky
      choice to children's math problem completion and highlight the importance of a
      small ratio component in the emergence of preference for bi-valued mixed-ratio
      schedules. Implications of these results for arranging reinforcement to increase
      children's academic responding are discussed.

PMID- 28078681
TI  - Synthesis and stability studies of Ga-67 labeled phosphonium salts.
AB  - Delocalized lipophilic cations such as tri- and tetra-arylphosphonium are able to
      diffuse across the mitochondrial membrane, which allows them to selectively
      accumulate in cells with a high transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim ). The
      mitochondrial membrane potential of cancer cells and cardiomyocytes has been
      reported to be significantly higher than that of normal epithelial cells. This
      feature can be exploited for the selective accumulation of phosphonium
      derivatives for the purposes of molecular imaging using radionuclides. Four
      structurally related Ga(III)-phosphonium salts were synthesized and fully
      characterized and found to be modest in toxicity toward T98G human glioblastoma
      cells (IC50  > 4 mM). High-activity (100 MBq) analogs containing Ga-67 were also
      synthesized and their stabilities in phosphate-buffered saline and human serum
      were determined.

PMID- 28078683
TI  - Worried about publishing in the "wrong" journal?....

PMID- 28078682
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics of intravenous clonidine for sedation during
      paediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous venovenous
      hemofiltration.
AB  - AIMS: Clonidine is used for sedation in the paediatric intensive care unit.
      Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides temporary support if
      respiratory and cardiac function is threatened. ECMO influences the
      pharmacokinetics of drugs. Clonidine during paediatric ECMO cannot be effectively
      titrated as PK data are lacking. The aim of this study is to describe clonidine
      PK in a particular ECMO system and propose dosing guidelines for children on this
      particular ECMO circuit. METHODS: All children below the age of 18 years who
      received clonidine during ECMO were eligible. The pharmacokinetic analysis was
      conducted by nonlinear mixed effect modelling, which enables to establish the
      separate influences of determinants on drug blood level and to provide
      individualized dosing. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients, median age 1 month (IQR 6.4)
      and weight at inclusion 4 kg (IQR 3.1) were included of whom 90% in addition to
      ECMO received pre-emptive continuous venovenous hemofiltration to optimize fluid
      balance. The clonidine clearance rate was two-fold that measured in patients not
      on ECMO. Clearance increased steeply with postnatal age: at days 6, 8 and 10,
      respectively 30%, 50% and 70% of the adult clearance rate was reached. The use of
      diuretics was associated with a lower clearance. The volume of distribution
      increased by 55% during ECMO support. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a
      higher dose of clonidine may be needed during ECMO. The PK parameters on ECMO and
      the dosing guidelines proposed hold the potential to improve sedation practices
      on ECMO but need to be repeated with different ECMO systems.

PMID- 28078684
TI  - Characterization of protease and effects of temperature and salinity on the
      biochemical changes during fermentation of Antarctic krill.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite their abundance, Antarctic krill are underutilized because of
      numerous difficulties in their commercial processing. Ideally, fermentation
      technology can be applied to transform them into a popular condiment. In addition
      to the exploration of protease properties, the present study aimed to evaluate
      proteinase activity, pH, amino nitrogen, and histamine formation during
      fermentation at different temperatures and salt treatments. RESULTS: Even though
      the activity of Antarctic krill protease reached a maximum at 40  degrees C and
      pH 7, it was stable at 30  degrees C and pH 7-9. Among the metal ions tested,
      Ca2+ , Mg2+ and K+ increased protease activity, in contrast to Zn2+ and Cu2+ .
      Within each treatment, the highest protease activity and amino nitrogen content,
      as well as the lowest histamine level, were observed on day 12 of fermentation.
      Treatment at 35  degrees C with 180 g kg-1 salt led to the production of maximum
      amino nitrogen (0.0352 g kg-1 ) and low histamine (<=0.0497 g kg-1 ). CONCLUSION:
      Krill paste fermented for 12 days at 35  degrees C with 180 g kg-1 salt exhibited
      the optimal quality and properties, suggesting an efficient method for
      fermentation of Antarctic krill and other aquatic resources. (c) 2017 Society of
      Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28078685
TI  - Peer assessment of professional behaviours in problem-based learning groups.
AB  - CONTEXT: Peer assessment of professional behaviour within problem-based learning
      (PBL) groups can support learning and provide opportunities to identify and
      remediate problem behaviours. OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether a peer
      assessment of learning behaviours in PBL is sufficiently valid to support
      decision making about student professional behaviours. METHODS: Data were
      available for two cohorts of students, in which each student was rated by all of
      their PBL group peers using a modified version of a previously validated scale.
      Following the provision of feedback to the students, their behaviours were again
      peer-assessed. A generalisability study was undertaken to calculate the students'
      professional behaviour scores, sources of error that impacted the reliability of
      the assessment, changes in student rating behaviour, and changes in mean scores
      after the delivery of feedback. RESULTS: Peer assessment of professional learning
      behaviour was highly reliable for within-group comparisons (G = 0.81-0.87), but
      poor for across-group comparisons (G = 0.47-0.53). Feedback increased the range
      of ratings given by assessors and brought their mean ratings into closer
      alignment. More of the increased variance was attributable to assessee
      performance than to assessor stringency and hence there was a slight improvement
      in reliability, especially for comparisons across groups. Mean professional
      behaviour scores were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Peer assessment of professional
      learning behaviours may be unreliable for decision making outside a PBL group.
      Faculty members should not draw conclusions from peer assessment about a
      student's behaviour compared with that of their peers in the cohort, and such a
      tool may not be appropriate for summative assessment. Health professional
      educators interested in assessing student professional behaviours in PBL groups
      might focus on opportunities for the provision of formative peer feedback and its
      impact on learning.

PMID- 28078686
TI  - Making the transition to specialist practice as a new FACEM.

PMID- 28078687
TI  - When angiogenesis is not good enough.

PMID- 28078688
TI  - When things are not the same: A review of research into relations of difference.
AB  - Responding to stimuli as same and different can be considered a critical
      component of a variety of language and academic repertoires. Whereas responding
      to "sameness" and generalized identity matching (i.e., coordination) have been
      studied extensively, there appears to be a significant gap in behavior analytic
      research and educational programs with regard to nonmatching relations or
      relations of difference. We review research on difference relations from a
      variety of domains, including comparative psychology, as well as experimental,
      and translational behavior analysis. We examine a range of studies, including
      research on the perception of difference and oddity responding, as well as
      investigations on establishing relational frames of distinction. We present
      suggestions for future research and describe potential methods for teaching
      skills related to relations of difference.

PMID- 28078696
TI  - Facilitating Processes and Extending Boundaries at EJI.

PMID- 28078698
TI  - Addiction Debates: challenging ideas, challenging ourselves.

PMID- 28078700
TI  - Introduction to Horizons Review series on neuroimaging.

PMID- 28078701
TI  - Commentary on Sawangjit et al. (2017): There is still much to be determined
      before policy makers can choose pharmacy needle and syringe programmes (NSP)
      confidently over other models of NSP provision.

PMID- 28078702
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28078703
TI  - Selection bias and relationships between alcohol consumption and mortality.

PMID- 28078704
TI  - Commentary on Trias-Llimos et al. (2017): Birth cohort research-an essential tool
      to guide public health interventions.

PMID- 28078705
TI  - Commentary on Des Jarlais et al. (2017): Robust public health policies as a way
      forward in the HIV epidemic.

PMID- 28078706
TI  - Commentary on Kosty et al. (2017): Understanding risk classes for cannabis use
      disorder requires knowledge of exposure, environment and genetic effects.

PMID- 28078707
TI  - Commentary on McAuley et al. (2017): Naloxone programs must reduce
      marginalization and improve access to comprehensive emergency care.

PMID- 28078708
TI  - Blood vessel formation during tail regeneration in the leopard gecko (Eublepharis
      macularius): The blastema is not avascular.
AB  - Unique among amniotes, many lizards are able to self-detach (autotomize) their
      tail and then regenerate a replacement. Tail regeneration involves the formation
      of a blastema, an accumulation of proliferating cells at the site of autotomy.
      Over time, cells of the blastema give rise to most of the tissues in the
      replacement tail. In non-amniotes capable of regenerating (such as urodeles and
      some teleost fish), the blastema is reported to be essentially avascular until
      tissue differentiation takes place. For tail regenerating lizards less is known.
      Here, we investigate neovascularization during tail regeneration in the leopard
      gecko (Eublepharis macularius). We demonstrate that the gecko tail blastema is
      not an avascular structure. Beginning with the onset of regenerative outgrowth,
      structurally mature (mural cell supported) blood vessels are found within the
      blastema. Although the pattern of blood vessel distribution in the regenerate
      tail differs from that of the original, a hierarchical network is established,
      with vessels of varying luminal diameters and wall thicknesses. Using
      immunostaining, we determine that blastema outgrowth and tissue differentiation
      is characterized by a dynamic interplay between the pro-angiogenic protein
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the anti-angiogenic protein
      thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). VEGF-expression is initially widespread, but diminishes
      as tissues differentiate. In contrast, TSP-1 expression is initially restricted
      but becomes more abundant as VEGF-expression wanes. We predict that variation in
      the neovascular response observed between different regeneration-competent
      species likely relates to the volume of the blastema. J. Morphol. 278:380-389,
      2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28078709
TI  - Expression of transcription factors divides retinal ganglion cells into distinct
      classes.
AB  - Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are tasked with transmitting all light information
      from the eye to the retinal recipient areas of the brain. RGCs can be classified
      into many different types by morphology, gene expression, axonal projections, and
      functional responses to different light stimuli. Ultimately, these classification
      systems should be unified into an all-encompassing taxonomy. Toward that end, we
      show here that nearly all RGCs express either Islet-2 (Isl2), Tbr2, or a
      combination of Satb1 and Satb2. We present gene expression data supporting the
      hypothesis that Satb1 and Satb2 are expressed in ON-OFF direction-selective (DS)
      RGCs, complementing our previous work demonstrating that RGCs that express Isl2
      and Tbr2 are non-DS and non-image-forming, respectively. Expression of these
      transcription factors emerges at distinct embryonic ages and only in postmitotic
      cells. Finally, we demonstrate that these transcription factor-defined RGC
      classes are born throughout RGC genesis.

PMID- 28078710
TI  - Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) in melanoma: There's smoke, but is there fire?
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also called Tumor Initiating Cells (TICs), can be
      defined as cancer cells that are present within solid tumors or hematological
      cancers, which have characteristics associated with normal stem cells, but which
      can give rise to all cell types found in a particular cancer sample. CSCs,
      therefore, are transformed stem cells, which can self-renew, differentiate into
      diverse progenies, and drive continuous tumor growth (Kreso & Dick, , Cell Stem
      Cell, 14:275-291; Schatton et al., , Nature, 451:345-349; Villani, Sabbatino,
      Ferrone, & Ferrone, , Melanoma Management, 2:109-114; Zhou et al., , Drug
      Discovery, 8:806-823) (Fig. ). [Figure: see text].

PMID- 28078711
TI  - Systematics of Cladophora spp. (Chlorophyta) from North Carolina, USA, based upon
      morphology and DNA sequence data with a description of Cladophora subtilissima
      sp. nov.
AB  - Identification of Cladophora species is challenging due to conservation of gross
      morphology, few discrete autapomorphies, and environmental influences on
      morphology. Twelve species of marine Cladophora were reported from North Carolina
      waters. Cladophora specimens were collected from inshore and offshore marine
      waters for DNA sequence and morphological analyses. The nuclear-encoded rRNA
      internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) were sequenced for 105 specimens and
      used in molecular assisted identification. The ITS1 and ITS2 region was highly
      variable, and sequences were sorted into ITS Sets of Alignable Sequences (SASs).
      Sequencing of short hyper-variable ITS1 sections from Cladophora type specimens
      was used to positively identify species represented by SASs when the types were
      made available. Secondary structures for the ITS1 locus were also predicted for
      each specimen and compared to predicted structures from Cladophora sequences
      available in GenBank. Nine ITS SASs were identified and representative specimens
      chosen for phylogenetic analyses of 18S and 28S rRNA gene sequences to reveal
      relationships with other Cladophora species. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that
      marine Cladophorales were polyphyletic and separated into two clades, the
      Cladophora clade and the "Siphonocladales" clade. Morphological analyses were
      performed to assess the consistency of character states within species, and
      complement the DNA sequence analyses. These analyses revealed intra- and
      interspecific character state variation, and that combined molecular and
      morphological analyses were required for the identification of species. One new
      report, Cladophora dotyana, and one new species Cladophora subtilissima sp. nov.,
      were revealed, and increased the biodiversity of North Carolina marine Cladophora
      to 14 species.

PMID- 28078712
TI  - Comparative study on fatty acid composition of olive (Olea europaea L.), with
      emphasis on phytosterol contents.
AB  - The present study was designed to determine the fatty acid composition and
      phytosterol contents of Turkish native olive cultivars, namely Kilis Yaglik and
      Nizip Yaglik cv. In this context, olive fruits from 34 locations were sampled and
      then screened for their components in comparison. Fifteen different fatty acids
      were found in both olive oils. In the order of abundance, the most important ones
      were oleic acid (18:1) > palmitic acid (16:0) > linoleic acid (18:2) > stearic
      acid (18:0). Significant differences were observed in the contents of oleic acid
      (18:1), palmitic acid (16:0), linoleic acid (18:2) but not for stearic acid
      content in comparison both oils (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in
      terms of unsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty
      acids (p < 0.01). The seven phytosterols - cholesterol, campesterol,
      stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, Delta-5-avenasterol, Delta-7-stigmastenol and
      Delta-7-avenasterol - were studied in both oil sources. The predominant sterols
      were beta-sitosterol, Delta5-avenasterol and campesterol in the samples analysed.
      However, no significant differences were found in the levels of the phytosterols
      between the two olive cultivars.

PMID- 28078713
TI  - The Novel mTOR Complex 1/2 Inhibitor P529 Inhibits Human Lung Myofibroblast
      Differentiation.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and deadly disorder with very few
      therapeutic options. Palomid 529 (8-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2-methoxy-3-(4
      methoxybenzyloxy)-benzo[c]chromen-6-one; P529) is a novel dual inhibitor of
      mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2). In these studies, we
      investigated the effect of P529 on TGF-beta-dependent signaling and myofibroblast
      differentiation. TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of the mTORC1 targets, p70 S6
      kinase 1 (S6K1), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein
      1 (4E-BP1), were both dose dependently inhibited by P529 in human lung
      fibroblasts with maximal inhibition occurring between 10 and 20 MUM. mTORC2
      mediated phosphorylation of Akt at the S473 site was partially inhibited with a
      similar dose dependency, as was TGF-beta-induced myofibroblast differentiation.
      Protein levels of TGF-beta-induced fibronectin and collagen were similarly
      decreased by P529. At this dose, there was also inhibition of mRNA transcript
      levels for Col1 and alpha-SMA, suggesting inhibition of transcriptional
      activation. However, there was no effect of P529 on canonical TGF-beta-induced
      Smad signaling, as assessed by receptor-associated Smad2/3 phosphorylation,
      Smad2/3/4 translocation, or Smad-driven gene expression, as assessed by Smad
      binding element driven luciferase. Conversely, activation of mTORC1/2 signaling
      was dependent on TGF-beta type I receptor (ALK5) signaling and on Smad2/3
      expression. P529 treatment disrupted TGF-beta-induced actin stress fiber
      formation during myofibroblast differentiation, the deposition of new
      extracellular fibronectin matrix, and linear wound closure by fibroblasts.
      Likewise, mTOR knockdown inhibited TGF-beta-induced myofibroblast
      differentiation. In conclusion, P529 inhibits TGF-beta-induced myofibroblast
      differentiation, actin stress fiber formation, and matrix protein expression and
      deposition. Inhibition of mTORC1/2 by P529 may be a promising approach to inhibit
      in vivo fibrosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2241-2249, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28078714
TI  - Percutaneous Closure of Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Defects-An Over Decade
      long Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To report an over decade-long experience with percutaneous post
      infarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) closure. BACKGROUND: PIVSDs remains
      a major clinical challenge with extremely high mortality. Data concerning
      interventional closure of PIVSD is scarce. METHODS: All percutaneous PIVSD
      closures performed between 2003 and 2016 in 8 participating centres were
      identified. Data concerning patients and procedures was acquired. Patients were
      divided into two groups, based on the time interval between VSD diagnosis and
      closure (<=14 days-acute phase, >14 days-non-acute phase). RESULTS: Twenty-one
      percutaneous PIVSD closures were performed on 20 patients (9 females, mean age:
      70 years). Mean interval between the diagnosis and the procedure was 182.6 +/-
      500 days (range: 7-2228). Defects were mostly located in apical (55%) segments of
      the septum. In 7 cases (33%) the procedure was performed in the acute phase. The
      closure was technically successful in 17 cases (81%). Four patients died within
      48 hours after the procedure. 30-days survival rate of the entire cohort was 70%.
      Univariate analysis revealed impact of technical success of the procedure (HR
      0.13, CI 0.03-0.68 P = 0.016) and white blood cell count (HR 1.36 per unit
      increase, CI 1.1-1.69, P = 0.005) on 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In a selected
      population of patients percutaneous PIVSD closure is feasible and provides
      satisfactory survival rate. Procedural success has a protective impact on
      survival. Timing of the closure remains controversial. Procedure in the non-acute
      phase carries lower mortality, but at the same time introduces a selection bias.
      Larger registry-based studies are required.

PMID- 28078716
TI  - Incorporating food web dynamics into ecological restoration: a modeling approach
      for river ecosystems.
AB  - Restoration is frequently aimed at the recovery of target species, but also
      influences the larger food web in which these species participate. Effects of
      restoration on this broader network of organisms can influence target species
      both directly and indirectly via changes in energy flow through food webs. To
      help incorporate these complexities into river restoration planning, we
      constructed a model that links river food web dynamics to in-stream physical
      habitat and riparian vegetation conditions. We present an application of the
      model to the Methow River, Washington, USA, a location of on-going restoration
      aimed at recovering salmon. Three restoration strategies were simulated: riparian
      vegetation restoration, nutrient augmentation via salmon carcass addition, and
      side channel reconnection. We also added populations of nonnative aquatic snails
      and fish to the modeled food web to explore how changes in food web structure
      mediate responses to restoration. Simulations suggest that side channel
      reconnection may be a better strategy than carcass addition and vegetation
      planting for improving conditions for salmon in this river segment. However,
      modeled responses were strongly sensitive to changes in the structure of the food
      web. The addition of nonnative snails and fish modified pathways of energy
      through the food web, which negated restoration improvements. This finding
      illustrates that forecasting responses to restoration may require accounting for
      the structure of food webs, and that changes in this structure, as might be
      expected with the spread of invasive species, could compromise restoration
      outcomes. Unlike habitat-based approaches to restoration assessment that focus on
      the direct effects of physical habitat conditions on single species of interest,
      our approach dynamically links the success of target organisms to the success of
      competitors, predators, and prey. By elucidating the direct and indirect pathways
      by which restoration affects target species, dynamic food web models can improve
      restoration planning by fostering a deeper understanding of system connectedness
      and dynamics.

PMID- 28078715
TI  - mTORC2 regulates multiple aspects of NKT-cell development and function.
AB  - Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells bridge innate and adaptive immunity by rapidly
      secreting cytokines and lysing targets following TCR recognition of lipid
      antigens. Based on their ability to secrete IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-17A, iNKT
      cells are classified as NKT-1, NKT-2, and NKT-17 subsets, respectively. The
      molecular pathways regulating iNKT-cell fate are not fully defined. Recent
      studies implicate Rictor, a required component of mTORC2, in the development of
      select iNKT-cell subsets, however these reports are conflicting. To resolve these
      questions, we used Rictorfl/fl CD4cre+ mice and found that Rictor is required for
      NKT-17 cell development and normal iNKT-cell cytolytic function. Conversely,
      Rictor is not absolutely required for IL-4 and IFN-gamma production as peripheral
      iNKT-cells make copious amounts of these cytokines. Overall iNKT-cell numbers are
      dramatically reduced in the absence of Rictor. We provide data indicating Rictor
      regulates cell survival as well as proliferation of developing and mature iNKT
      cells. Thus, mTORC2 regulates multiple aspects of iNKT-cell development and
      function.

PMID- 28078717
TI  - A whole lamella perspective on the origin of the epidermal free margin of Anolis
      (Reptilia: Dactyloidae) toe pads.
AB  - Anoline lamellae terminate in an epidermal free margin carrying the majority of
      its setae. How the free margin is extruded from the body of the scale is not well
      understood. Two hypotheses have been advanced to account for it, one advocating
      distal migration of the outer epidermal layers relative to the body of the
      lamella, and the other proposing regression of the dermal core. Available
      evidence provides partial support for both. We assembled a series of specimens of
      Anolis grahami representing all shedding cycle stages, and prepared histological
      sections of the toe pads to allow measurement of appropriate lamellar components
      through the shedding cycle. Through its proliferative phases the lamellae
      increase markedly in length, with the distance between the distal tip of the
      dermal core and that of the lamella accounting for most of this, indicating that
      epidermal extrusion is responsible for production of the new free margin. The
      dermal core showed no evidence of regression. Concomitant with epidermal
      extrusion, the lacunar cells on the inner lamellar face hypertrophy and keep pace
      with the increasing thickness of the outer lamellar face resulting from the
      lengthening of the replacement setae. The integrated changes observed are
      consistent with continuity of functioning and alignment of the exposed setal
      carpet of the outer epidermal generation while ensuring that the new setal carpet
      is fully aligned and functional immediately after shedding. At shedding the
      original proportions of the lamellae are restored. Development of the new free
      margin results from a combination of distal displacement of Oberhautchen cells
      along with arrested maturation of the epidermis in this region. Changes in length
      of the lamellae during the proliferative stages may impact the overall size of
      the adhesive toe pad, which may have consequences for assessments of the
      relationship between whole animal clinging ability and adhesive pad area. J.
      Morphol. 278:360-368, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28078718
TI  - Fabric-based alkaline direct formate microfluidic fuel cells.
AB  - Fabric-based microfluidic fuel cells (MFCs) serve as a novel, cost-efficient
      alternative to traditional FCs and batteries, since fluids naturally travel
      across fabric via capillary action, eliminating the need for an external pump and
      lowering production and operation costs. Building on previous research with Y
      shaped paper-based MFCs, fabric-based MFCs mitigate fragility and durability
      issues caused by long periods of fuel immersion. In this study, we describe a
      microfluidic fabric-based direct formate fuel cell, with 5 M potassium formate
      and 30% hydrogen peroxide as the anode fuel and cathode oxidant, respectively.
      Using a two-strip, stacked design, the optimized parameters include the type of
      encasement, the barrier, and the fabric type. Surface contact of the fabric and
      laminate sheet expedited flow and respective chemical reactions. The maximum
      current (22.83 mA/cm2 ) and power (4.40 mW/cm2 ) densities achieved with a 65%
      cotton/35% polyester blend material are a respective 8.7% and 32% higher than
      previous studies with Y-shaped paper-based MFCs. In series configuration, the
      MFCs generate sufficient energy to power a handheld calculator, a thermometer,
      and a spectrum of light-emitting diodes.

PMID- 28078719
TI  - Carbon-Nanotube-Supported Bio-Inspired Nickel Catalyst and Its Integration in
      Hybrid Hydrogen/Air Fuel Cells.
AB  - A biomimetic nickel bis-diphosphine complex incorporating the amino acid arginine
      in the outer coordination sphere was immobilized on modified carbon nanotubes
      (CNTs) through electrostatic interactions. The functionalized redox nanomaterial
      exhibits reversible electrocatalytic activity for the H2 /2 H+ interconversion
      from pH 0 to 9, with catalytic preference for H2 oxidation at all pH values. The
      high activity of the complex over a wide pH range allows us to integrate this bio
      inspired nanomaterial either in an enzymatic fuel cell together with a
      multicopper oxidase at the cathode, or in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell
      (PEMFC) using Pt/C at the cathode. The Ni-based PEMFC reaches 14 mW cm-2 , only
      six-times-less as compared to full-Pt conventional PEMFC. The Pt-free enzyme
      based fuel cell delivers ~2 mW cm-2 , a new efficiency record for a hydrogen
      biofuel cell with base metal catalysts.

PMID- 28078720
TI  - The intrinsically disordered linker of E. coli SSB is critical for the release
      from single-stranded DNA.
AB  - The Escherichia coli single stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) is crucial for DNA
      replication, recombination and repair. Within each process, it has two seemingly
      disparate roles: it stabilizes single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) intermediates
      generated during DNA processing and, forms complexes with a group of proteins
      known as the SSB-interactome. Key to both roles is the C-terminal, one-third of
      the protein, in particular the intrinsically disordered linker (IDL). Previously,
      they have shown using a series of linker deletion mutants that the IDL links both
      ssDNA and target protein binding by mediating interactions with the
      oligosaccharide/oligonucleotide binding fold in the target. In this study, they
      examine the role of the linker region in SSB function in a variety of DNA
      metabolic processes in vitro. Using the same linker mutants, the results show
      that in addition to association reactions (either DNA or protein), the IDL is
      critical for the release of SSB from DNA. This release can be under conditions of
      ssDNA competition or active displacement by a DNA helicase or recombinase.
      Consistent with their previous work these results indicate that SSB linker
      mutants are defective for SSB-SSB interactions, and when the IDL is removed a
      terminal SSB-DNA complex results. Formation of this complex inhibits downstream
      processing of DNA by helicases such as RecG or PriA as well as recombination,
      mediated by RecA. A model, based on the evidence herein, is presented to explain
      how the IDL acts in SSB function.

PMID- 28078721
TI  - Use of the fluorescent dye tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester perchlorate for
      mitochondrial membrane potential assessment in human spermatozoa.
AB  - Mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) is an indicator of sperm quality and
      its evaluation complements the standard semen analysis. The fluorescent dye JC-1
      has been widely used to assess sperm DeltaPsim; however, some problems have been
      detected under certain experimental conditions. Another fluorescent compound,
      tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester perchlorate (TMRM), has been used in somatic
      cells and bovine spermatozoa but not in human spermatozoa. TMRM accumulates in
      hyperpolarised mitochondria and the fluorescence intensity of this compound
      correlates with DeltaPsim. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate and
      validate the usefulness of the fluorescent dye TMRM for measuring sperm
      DeltaPsim. The results showed that TMRM accurately detects sperm populations
      displaying either high or low DeltaPsim. Moreover, TMRM was able to measure sperm
      DeltaPsim under the experimental conditions in which JC-1 had previously
      presented difficulties. Differences in DeltaPsim according to sperm and semen
      quality were properly detected and a positive correlation between DeltaPsim and
      conventional semen parameters was observed. Finally, a positive correlation was
      found between the DeltaPsim measurement by TMRM and by the widely used JC-1. In
      conclusion, TMRM is a simple, time-effective method, easy to set in laboratories
      equipped with flow cytometry technology, and can accurately detect changes in
      DeltaPsim with efficiency comparable to JC-1 without its limitations.

PMID- 28078724
TI  - Application of multi-block analysis and mixture design with process variable for
      development of chocolate cake containing yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) and
      maca (Lepidium meyenii).
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, a chocolate cake formulation was developed with
      partial substitution of wheat flour by yacon and maca flour. A simplex-centroid
      design was applied to determine the proportions of the three flours, and the
      amount of water was included as a process variable at three distinct levels.
      According to the overall acceptability of the cakes, the tasters were separated
      into two groups using k-means. RESULTS: After segmentation, regression models
      were constructed for overall acceptability of each group; R2adjusted values of
      92.5% for group 1 and 98.9% for group 2 were obtained. Using the sequential
      simplex method an optimized formulation was determined for group 1 (0.49 kgwheat
      kg-1total flour , 0.37 kgyacon kg-1total flour , 0.14 kgmaca kg-1total flour and
      140.0 mL of water) and another for group 2 (0.35 kgwheat kg-1total flour , 0.65
      kgyacon kg-1total flour and 120.0 mL of water). In addition to these
      formulations, a third formulation was proposed with a greater maca proportion
      (0.32 kgmaca kg-1total flour ), which does not significantly alter the overall
      acceptability of both groups. The three optimized formulations and two control
      formulations were evaluated through free-choice profiling. The data were
      evaluated using the multi-block method common components and specific weights
      analysis (CCSWA). CONCLUSION: It was observed that a greater proportion of maca
      intensified brownness and burnt aroma and taste, whereas a larger proportion of
      yacon produced a better appearance, softness, sweetness and chocolate flavor. (c)
      2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28078722
TI  - SSB and the RecG DNA helicase: an intimate association to rescue a stalled
      replication fork.
AB  - In E. coli, the regression of stalled DNA replication forks is catalyzed by the
      DNA helicase RecG. One means of gaining access to the fork is by binding to the
      single strand binding protein or SSB. This interaction occurs via the wedge
      domain of RecG and the intrinsically disordered linker (IDL) of SSB, in a manner
      similar to that of SH3 domains binding to PXXP motif-containing ligands in
      eukaryotic cells. During loading, SSB remodels the wedge domain so that the
      helicase domains bind to the parental, duplex DNA, permitting the helicase to
      translocate using thermal energy. This translocation may be used to clear the
      fork of obstacles, prior to the initiation of fork regression.

PMID- 28078725
TI  - Chiral Amplification by Self-Assembly of Neutral Luminescent Platinum(II)
      Complexes.
AB  - Two novel enantiomerically pure chiral ligands and the corresponding neutral PtII
      complexes have been synthetized and characterized. The self-assembly properties
      of the complexes have been investigated using different morphological and
      photophysical techniques. The two enantiomeric complexes, 4 a and 4 b, show high
      tendency to self-assemble into chiral supramolecular aggregates with right (P)
      and left-handed (M) helical configurations, respectively, as proven by SEM and
      absorption circular dichroism. The formation of such organized structures is
      driven by the formation of metallophilic and pi-pi interactions between spatially
      close Pt complexes with an enhancement of the chiro-optical properties in the
      solid state.

PMID- 28078723
TI  - Real-world use, effectiveness and safety of anti-viral treatment in chronic
      hepatitis C genotype 3 infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 (GT3) is more challenging
      compared with other genotypes. Since 2014, several new treatment regimens have
      been approved but sometimes based on limited data. AIM: To validate the use,
      effectiveness and safety of anti-viral treatment in chronic hepatitis C genotype
      3 infection under real-word conditions. METHODS: The German Hepatitis C-Registry
      is a large national non-interventional real-world study for patients with chronic
      hepatitis C. A total of 1322 GT3 patients were enrolled (211 untreated and 1111
      treated patients). RESULTS: Between February 2014 and September 2015, five
      different treatment strategies have been used (PegIFN+RBV, PegIFN+RBV+SOF,
      SOF+RBV, DCV+SOF+/-RBV, LDV/SOF+/-RBV). Treatment uptake and use of treatment
      concepts changed markedly and rapidly during the study influenced by new
      approvals, guideline recommendations, and label updates. PegIFN-based therapies
      constantly declined while DCV-based therapies increased with one interruption
      after the approval of LDV/SOF, which was frequently used until new guidelines
      recommended not using this combination for GT3. Per-protocol SVR ranged from
      80.9% in the PegIFN+RBV group to 96.1% in PegIFN+RBV+SOF treated patients.
      Treatment-experienced patients with cirrhosis showed a suboptimal SVR of 68% for
      SOF+RBV but a high SVR of 90-95% for DCV+SOF+/-RBV. The safety analysis showed
      more adverse events and a stronger decline of haemoglobin for RBV containing
      regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Real-world data can validate the effectiveness and safety
      for treatment regimens that had previously been approved with limited data, in
      particular for specific subgroups of patients. The present study demonstrates how
      rapid new scientific data, new treatment guidelines, new drug approvals and label
      changes are implemented into routine clinical practice today.

PMID- 28078726
TI  - Dissecting the Cytochrome P450 1A2- and 3A4-Mediated Metabolism of Aflatoxin B1
      in Ligand and Protein Contributions.
AB  - Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a chemically intriguing compound because it has several
      potential sites of metabolism (SOMs), although only some of them are observed
      experimentally. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and 1A2 are the major isoforms involved
      in its metabolism. Here, we systematically investigate reactivity and
      accessibility of all possible SOMs in these two CYPs to elucidate AFB1
      metabolism. DFT calculations were used to determine activation energies for each
      possible reaction. Aliphatic hydroxylation on position 9A and 3alpha are
      energetically favored, whereas position 9 is the preferred site for epoxidation.
      Docking studies, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and free energy (MM/GBSA)
      calculations were applied to elucidate the accessibility of each SOM. The most
      stable binding modes in CYP3A4 favor the formation of the 3alpha-hydroxylated and
      8,9-exo-epoxide metabolites. Conversion of the methoxy group is also sterically
      possible, but not observed experimentally due to its low reactivity. In the
      CYP1A2 active site, AFB1 cannot orient position 3 towards the catalytic center,
      whereas the 8,9-exo-epoxide and 9A-hydroxylated metabolites are formed from the
      most stable and the 8,9-endo-epoxide from a less stable binding mode,
      respectively. The results agree with experimental data and suggest that both
      reactivity and the shape of the enzyme active site need to be considered to
      understand the distribution of SOMs and to improve current SOM prediction
      methods.

PMID- 28078728
TI  - Radical and Diradical Formation in Naphthalene Diimides through Simple Chemical
      Oxidation.
AB  - We successfully synthesized, for the first time, a naphthalene diimide (NDI)
      radical and diradical by simple chemical oxidation using lead(IV) dioxide. The
      formation of the (di)radical is confirmed by UV/Vis/NIR absorption, 1 H NMR, and
      electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. In particular, temperature
      dependent EPR, SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) measurements,
      and quantum calculations demonstrated that the generated NDI diradical has a
      singlet diradical character of y=0.69 in the ground state. Subsequent
      characterization of this (di)radical revealed its stabilities, large two-photon
      absorption cross-section, and short excited-state lifetime.

PMID- 28078727
TI  - Second cancer incidence in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma treated with
      methotrexate with leucovorin rescue, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine,
      prednisone, and bleomycin regimen with or without rituximab and mediastinal
      radiotherapy: Results from a monoinstitutional cohort analysis of long-term
      survivors.
AB  - Our aim is to assess the incidence of second cancer in long-time surviving
      primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) patients treated with combined
      radiochemoimmunotherapy (standard methotrexate with leucovorin rescue,
      doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and bleomycin with
      rituximab and mediastinal radiation therapy at a dose of 30 to 36 Gy). For this
      purpose, 92 points were evaluated. After a median overall survival of 137 months
      (range 76-212), we recorded second cancer in 3 of 80 long-surviving patients
      (3.75%) with cumulative incidence of 3.47% at 15 years and 11% at 17 years, with
      a 17-year second cancer-free survival of 82%. We observed 2 papillary thyroid
      cancers with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 7.97 and an absolute excess
      risk (AER) of 17. 84 and 1 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with an SIR of 66.53 and
      an AER of 10.05. No breast cancer occurred. Although we should take into account
      the limits of the proposed statistical analysis, combined modality treatment was
      related to a significant SIR and AER for thyroid cancer and acute myeloid
      leukemia.

PMID- 28078729
TI  - Achieving Full Scope of Practice Readiness Using Evidence for Psychotherapy
      Teaching in Web and Hybrid Approaches in Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced
      Practice Nursing Education.
AB  - : Radical changes in role, education, and practice have affected how education of
      advance practice nurses and practice deliverables occur. PURPOSE: This article
      examines the effects of distance education upon the teaching/learning of
      psychotherapy in integrating Web-based technology and platforms. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: With the advent and proliferation of online programs of study, the
      question begs: How do distance-linked programs successfully introduce, practice,
      and supervise one-to-one and group psychotherapy training? FINDINGS: By employing
      evidence-based education strategies, technology, and strong interpersonal skills
      and evidence-based therapies, a charter Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
      Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice program paved an innovative and
      successful path. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: In that program, they prepared their
      students for full scope of practice, upon graduation, inclusive of psychotherapy
      as well as the other highly demanding and compressed requirements of the 3-year
      program. This article explores that journey and its recommendations for
      application derived from this 2010 cohort.

PMID- 28078730
TI  - A fern AINTEGUMENTA gene mirrors BABY BOOM in promoting apogamy in Ceratopteris
      richardii.
AB  - Asexual reproduction is widespread in land plants, including ferns where 10% of
      all species are obligate asexuals. In these ferns, apogamous sporophytes are
      generated directly from gametophytes, bypassing fertilization. In the model fern
      Ceratopteris richardii, a sexual species, apogamy can be induced by culture on
      high sugar media. BABY BOOM (BBM) genes in angiosperms are known to promote
      somatic embryogenesis, which like apogamy produce sporophytes without
      fertilization. Here, a Brassica napus BBM (BnBBM) was used to investigate genetic
      similarity between apogamy in ferns and somatic embryogenesis in angiosperms. A
      C. richardii transcriptome was constructed from which one AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE
      unigene, CrANT, was identified. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed that
      CrANT is expressed in sperm and fertilized eggs. Phylogenetic analysis grouped
      CrANT with other non-seed-plant ANT genes to the euANT clade but in a branch
      separate from BBM genes. Overexpression of CrANT or BnBBM promotes apogamy in C.
      richardii without sugar supplement. CrANT knockdown gametophytes responded weakly
      to sugar for apogamy promotion. Theses results suggest some genetic conservation
      between apogamy and somatic embryogenesis and that such asexual reproduction may
      be ancient.

PMID- 28078732
TI  - A fleshy growth below the nail plate in an elderly man.

PMID- 28078731
TI  - Rapid automated landmarking for morphometric analysis of three-dimensional facial
      scans.
AB  - Automated phenotyping is essential for the creation of large, highly standardized
      datasets from anatomical imaging data. Such datasets can support large-scale
      studies of complex traits or clinical studies related to precision medicine or
      clinical trials. We have developed a method that generates three-dimensional
      landmark data that meet the requirements of standard geometric morphometric
      analyses. The method is robust and can be implemented without high-performance
      computing resources. We validated the method using both direct comparison to
      manual landmarking on the same individuals and also analyses of the variation
      patterns and outlier patterns in a large dataset of automated and manual landmark
      data. Direct comparison of manual and automated landmarks reveals that automated
      landmark data are less variable, but more highly integrated and reproducible.
      Automated data produce covariation structure that closely resembles that of
      manual landmarks. We further find that while our method does produce some
      landmarking errors, they tend to be readily detectable and can be fixed by
      adjusting parameters used in the registration and control-point steps. Data
      generated using the method described here have been successfully used to study
      the genomic architecture of facial shape in two different genome-wide association
      studies of facial shape.

PMID- 28078733
TI  - Therapeutic Apheresis in Immunologic Renal and Neurological Diseases.
AB  - Since the mid 1970s, when membrane modules became available, plasma separation
      techniques have gained in importance especially in the past few years. The
      advantages of this method are a complete separation of the corpuscular components
      from the plasma and due to increased blood flow rate and higher efficacy.
      Systemic autoimmune diseases based on an immune pathogenesis produce
      autoantibodies and circulating immune complexes, which cause inflammation in the
      tissues of various organs. In most cases, these diseases have a poor prognosis
      without treatment. Therapeutic apheresis (TA) in combination with
      immunosuppressive therapies has led to a steady increase in survival rates over
      the last 40 years. The updated information on immunology and molecular biology of
      different immunologic diseases are discussed in relation to the rationale for
      apheresis therapy and its place in combination with other modern treatments. The
      different diseases can be treated by various apheresis methods such as
      therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with substitution solution, or with online
      plasma or blood purification using adsorption columns, which contain biological
      or non-biological agents. Here, the authors provide an overview of the most
      important pathogenic aspects indicating that TA can be a supportive therapy in
      systemic autoimmune diseases such as renal and neurological disorders. For the
      immunological diseases that can be treated with TA, the guidelines of the German
      Working Group of Clinical Nephrology and of the Apheresis Committee of the
      American Society for Apheresis are cited.

PMID- 28078734
TI  - Coronary Procedures After TAVI With the Self-Expanding Aortic Bioprosthesis
      Medtronic CoreValveTM, Not an Easy Matter.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of coronary procedures after
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the CoreValveTM device.
      BACKGROUND: Due to its design, CoreValveTM prosthesis may interfere with coronary
      procedures. Data on this issue are sparse. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2015, 550
      patients underwent CoreValveTM TAVI in our hospital. Among them, 16 underwent
      coronary angiogram after TAVI and were included in our retrospective study. For
      each patient, we compared the characteristics of coronary angiograms performed
      before and after TAVI. RESULTS: Coronary angiogram was deemed successful in 9
      patients. The mean number of different catheters used in attempts to cannulate
      the coronary arteries was 3.6 +/- 1.4 and the rate of selective intubation was
      low. Fluoroscopy time (13.2 +/- 5.8 vs. 7.2 +/- 4.6 min, P = 0.003), dose area
      product (5,347 +/- 4,919 vs. 3,433 +/- 3,420 cGy/m2 , P = 0.004), and contrast
      volume (157.7 +/- 69.6 vs. 108.3 +/- 42.6 mL, P = 0.006) were more important in
      coronary angiograms performed after CoreValveTM implantation. Percutaneous
      coronary intervention was successfully performed in 6 out of 7 patients who
      required it. CONCLUSION: Coronary procedures after CoreValveTM TAVI are feasible,
      but challenging. This problem is currently rare but will be more common as the
      indications of TAVI are expanded to younger patients with longer life
      expectancies. Recommendations for post-TAVI coronary procedures are needed,
      particularly for centers unfamiliar with the management of post-TAVI patients.

PMID- 28078735
TI  - Manganese-Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of Pyrimidines from Alcohols and
      Amidines.
AB  - The development of catalytic reactions for synthesizing different compounds from
      alcohols to save fossil carbon feedstock and reduce CO2 emissions is of high
      importance. Replacing rare noble metals with abundantly available 3d metals is
      equally important. We report a manganese-complex-catalyzed multicomponent
      synthesis of pyrimidines from amidines and up to three alcohols. Our reaction
      proceeds through condensation and dehydrogenation steps, permitting selective C-C
      and C-N bond formations. beta-Alkylation reactions are used to multiply alkylate
      secondary alcohols with two different primary alcohols to synthesize fully
      substituted pyrimidines in a one-pot process. Our PN5 P-Mn-pincer complexes
      efficiently catalyze this multicomponent process. A comparison of our manganese
      catalysts with related cobalt catalysts indicates that manganese shows a
      reactivity similar to that of iridium but not cobalt. This analogy could be used
      to develop further (de)hydrogenation reactions with manganese complexes.

PMID- 28078736
TI  - Investigation of underlying comorbidities as risk factors for symptomatic human
      hepatitis E virus infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Symptomatic Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection occurs in few infected
      subjects, and the risk factors are not completely known. AIM: To explore the risk
      factors for adverse clinical outcomes in acute HEV infections. METHODS: A large
      retrospective study was conducted. The baseline characteristics, clinical
      outcomes, and laboratory data of 512 acute HEV infection cases were analysed
      using logistic regression models. RESULTS: All patients exhibited autochthonous
      sporadic HEV infections, and most were elderly. Their symptoms varied from
      asymptomatic to severe liver diseases. In all, 215 patients (42.0%) had liver
      failure and/or decompensation, and 45 (8.2%) patients died within 3 months.
      Nearly 60% of patients had underlying chronic liver diseases (CLDs), 20% were
      cirrhotic, and various extrahepatic underlying comorbidities were common. The
      logistic regression analysis revealed that underlying CLDs, especially cirrhosis,
      were closely associated with disease severity (OR = 8.78, P < 0.001) but not with
      mortality in patients with severe liver diseases. In addition to the known
      factors, including an old age, the male gender and CLDs, we identified pre
      existing extrahepatic tumours, diabetes, and chronic respiratory and renal
      diseases as novel independent predictors for adverse clinical outcomes.
      Importantly, patients without these four extrahepatic comorbidities showed a much
      lower mortality rate (4.2%, P < 0.001) than patients with one (18.5%) or more
      comorbidities (34.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Previous comorbidities, including tumours,
      diabetes, and chronic liver, lung and kidney diseases, were independent risk
      factors for adverse outcomes, especially mortality, in acute HEV infections. This
      study provides valuable data for improving the prevention and control of HEV
      infection.

PMID- 28078737
TI  - Three-dimensional assessment of umbilical vein deviation angle for prediction of
      liver herniation in left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To introduce a new sonographic marker of intrathoracic liver
      herniation in fetuses with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
      METHODS: In a consecutive series of fetuses with isolated CDH, an ultrasound
      volume of the fetal abdomen was acquired. On this volume, offline calculation of
      the angle formed by the midline of the abdomen (joining the center of the
      vertebral body to the abdominal insertion of the umbilical cord) and a second
      line joining the center of the vertebral body to the intra-abdominal convexity of
      the umbilical vein was carried out to give the umbilical vein deviation angle
      (UVDA). The UVDA was measured in a group of normal fetuses selected as controls.
      At follow-up, the presence of liver herniation was investigated in all cases of
      CDH. UVDA values were compared between the CDH group and controls, and between
      CDH 'liver-up' vs 'liver-down' cases. A receiver-operating characteristics (ROC)
      curve was constructed to identify a cut-off value of the UVDA with the highest
      accuracy in predicting liver herniation in the CDH group. RESULTS: Between 2009
      and 2015, 22 cases of left-sided CDH were included in the study group, of which
      nine cases had liver herniation. Eighty-eight normal fetuses were recruited as
      controls. The UVDA was significantly higher in the cases vs controls (15.25 +/-
      7.91 degrees  vs 7.68 +/- 1.55 degrees ; P < 0.0001). Moreover, the UVDA was
      significantly increased in CDH fetuses with liver-up vs liver-down (21.77 +/-
      8.79 degrees  vs 10.75 +/- 2.10 degrees ; P < 0.0001). On ROC curve analysis the
      UVDA showed good prediction of liver herniation (area under the ROC curve, 0.94;
      P < 0.0001) with the best cut-off of 15.2 degrees , yielding a sensitivity of 89%
      and a specificity of 100% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In fetuses with CDH,
      umbilical vein bowing may be quantified by measuring the UVDA using three
      dimensional ultrasound. This sonographic marker seems to be an accurate predictor
      of liver herniation in left-sided CDH. Copyright (c) 2017 ISUOG. Published by
      John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 28078738
TI  - Dorsal pallidal neurons directly link the nidopallium and midbrain in the zebra
      finch (Taeniopygia guttata).
AB  - The dorsal pallidum in birds is considered similar, if not homologous, to the
      globus pallidus (GP) of mammals. The dorsal pallidum projects to both thalamic
      and midbrain targets similar to the direct and indirect pathways arising from the
      internal and external segments of the GP. In the present study, retrograde and
      anterograde tracing studies revealed a previously undescribed projection of the
      avian dorsal pallidum. This arises from a specific dorsomedial component, which
      terminates in the intercollicular nucleus and partly surrounds the avian
      equivalent of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. The respiratory
      vocal dorsomedial nucleus of the intercollicular complex, however, does not
      receive these projections. The somata of the pallidal neurons retrogradely
      labeled from injections in the intercollicular nucleus were large and generally
      multipolar and had extensive, sparsely branching central processes (presumptive
      dendrites) that together extended up to 2 mm dorsally into the intermediate and
      caudomedial nidopallium. The size and morphology of these neurons were similar to
      those of large pallidal neurons labeled by calretinin immunoreactivity, which
      could be co-localized to the same cells. Thus, rather than being directly
      involved in the control of movement, the large dorsomedial neurons of the caudal
      dorsal pallidum may be involved in sensory processing, in that they provide an
      unusual direct link between sensory (auditory/somatosensory) regions of the
      nidopallium and sensory regions of the intercollicular nucleus of the midbrain.
      J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1731-1742, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28078739
TI  - Silver-Catalyzed Chemoselective [4+2] Annulation of Two Isocyanides: A General
      Route to Pyridone-Fused Carbo- and Heterocycles.
AB  - A silver-catalyzed chemoselective [4+2] annulation of aryl and heteroaryl
      isocyanides with alpha-substituted isocyanoacetamides was developed for the
      facile and efficient synthesis of 2-aminoquinolones, naphthyridines, and
      phenanthrolines. A mechanism for this multistep domino reaction is proposed on
      the basis of a 13 C-labeling experiment, according to which an unprecedented
      chemoselective heterodimerization of two different isocyanides generates an alpha
      amidoketenimine intermediate, which undergoes 1,3-amino migration to form an
      alpha-imidoylketene, followed by 6 pi electrocyclization.

PMID- 28078740
TI  - SimLabel: a graphical user interface to simulate continuous wave EPR spectra from
      site-directed spin labeling experiments.
AB  - Site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) combined with continuous wave electron
      paramagnetic resonance (cw EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique to reveal,
      at the residue level, structural transitions in proteins. SDSL-EPR is based on
      the selective grafting of a paramagnetic label on the protein under study,
      followed by cw EPR analysis. To extract valuable quantitative information from
      SDSL-EPR spectra and thus give reliable interpretation on biological system
      dynamics, numerical simulations of the spectra are required. Such spectral
      simulations can be carried out by coding in MATLAB using functions from the
      EasySpin toolbox. For non-expert users of MATLAB, this could be a complex task or
      even impede the use of such simulation tool. We developed a graphical user
      interface called SimLabel dedicated to run cw EPR spectra simulations
      particularly coming from SDSL-EPR experiments. Simlabel provides an intuitive way
      to visualize, simulate, and fit such cw EPR spectra. An example of SDSL-EPR
      spectra simulation concerning the study of an intrinsically disordered region
      undergoing a local induced folding is described and discussed. We believe that
      this new tool will help the users to rapidly obtain reliable simulated spectra
      and hence facilitate the interpretation of their results. Copyright (c) 2017 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28078741
TI  - Effect of an art brut therapy program called go beyond the schizophrenia (GBTS)
      on prison inmates with schizophrenia in mainland China-A randomized,
      longitudinal, and controlled trial.
AB  - : Creative arts therapies are proven to promote an interconnection between body
      and mind, but there are major obstacles for providing therapeutic services in
      prisons due to inmates' inherent mistrust for verbal disclosure and rigid self
      defenses, especially among inmates with schizophrenia. Thus, we developed a
      structured and quantitative art brut therapy program called go beyond the
      schizophrenia to actually measure the benefits of art therapy on prison inmates
      in mainland China. Upon completion of the program, the intervention group
      reported a decrease in anxiety, depression, anger, and negative psychiatric
      symptoms and showed better compliance with rules, socialization with peers,
      compliance with medications, and regular sleeping patterns after 16 weekly
      sessions of go beyond the schizophrenia. This article concludes that the art brut
      therapy was effective for the inmates with schizophrenia in mainland China and
      provides encouraging data on how to enhance mental health for inmates with
      schizophrenia. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: Art brut therapy can reduce emotional
      distress and negative psychiatric symptoms among Chinese inmates. Arts brut
      therapy can enhance Chinese inmates' compliance with rules, socialization with
      peers, compliance with medicines, and regular sleeping patterns. Arts brut
      therapy in conjunction with medication is highly recommended for recovery of
      Chinese inmates with schizophrenia, especially for patients with negative
      symptoms.

PMID- 28078742
TI  - Taxonomic revision of the Agaraceae with a description of Neoagarum gen. nov. and
      reinstatement of Thalassiophyllum.
AB  - We confirmed the monophyly of the Agaraceae based on phylogenetic analyses of six
      mitochondrial and six chloroplast gene sequences from Agarum, Costaria,
      Dictyoneurum, and Thalassiophyllum species, as well as representative species
      from other laminarialean families. However, the genus Agarum was paraphyletic,
      comprising two independent clades, A. clathratum/A. turneri and A. fimbriatum/A.
      oharaense. The latter clade was genetically most closely related to Dictyoneurum
      spp., and morphologically, the species shared a flattened stipe bearing fimbriae
      (potential secondary haptera) in the mid- to upper portion. The phylogenetic
      position of Thalassiophyllum differed between the two datasets: in the
      chloroplast gene phylogeny, Thalassiophyllum was included in the A. clathratum/A.
      turneri clade, but in the mitochondrial gene phylogeny, it formed an independent
      clade at the base of the Agaraceae, the same position it took in the phylogeny
      when the data from both genomes were combined despite a larger number of bp being
      contributed by the chloroplast gene sequences. Considering the remarkable
      morphological differences between Thalassiophyllum and other Agaraceae, and the
      molecular support, we conclude that Thalassiophyllum should be reinstated as an
      independent genus. Dictyoneurum reticulatum was morphologically distinguishable
      from D. californicum due to its midrib, but because of their close genetic
      relationship, further investigations are needed to clarify species-level
      taxonomy. In summary, we propose the establishment of a new genus Neoagarum to
      accommodate A. fimbriatum and A. oharanese and the reinstatement of the genus
      Thalassiophyllum.

PMID- 28078743
TI  - Bivalent 14-mer peptide ligands of CXCR4 with polyproline linkers with anti
      chemotactic activity against Jurkat cells.
AB  - Interaction of CXCR4 with its endogenous ligand, stromal-cell derived factor-1
      (SDF-1)/CXCL12, induces various physiological functions involving chemotaxis.
      Bivalent ligands with a polyproline helix bearing a cyclic pentapeptide, FC131,
      were previously shown to have higher binding affinities for CXCR4 than the
      corresponding monovalent ligands. Bivalent ligands based on a 14-mer peptide T140
      derivative with polyproline linkers have been designed and synthesized. The
      activity of these peptides as well as the effect of bivalency of the ligand on
      CXCR4 binding has been assessed. The binding affinity of these series of bivalent
      ligands is increased as the linker length increases up to the 12-/15-mer proline
      linker. The inhibitory activity against chemotaxis on Jurkat cells also depends
      on the linker length. The T140-derived bivalent ligands with the 9- and 12-mer
      proline linkers showed the most effective inhibition against chemotaxis at 1000
      nM, which is even higher than that of known CXCR4 antagonists in the monomer
      structure. The effective metastatic inhibition by bivalent T140 derivatives
      indicates the therapeutic potential. Copyright (c) 2017 European Peptide Society
      and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28078744
TI  - Escape from rich-to-lean transitions: Stimulus change and timeout.
AB  - Extended pausing during discriminable transitions from rich-to-lean conditions
      can be viewed as escape (i.e., rich-to-lean transitions function aversively). In
      the current experiments, pigeons' key pecking was maintained by a multiple fixed
      ratio fixed-ratio schedule of rich or lean reinforcers. Pigeons then were
      provided with another, explicit, mechanism of escape by changing the stimulus
      from the transition-specific stimulus used in the multiple schedule to a mixed
      schedule stimulus (Experiment 1) or by producing a period of timeout in which the
      stimulus was turned off and the schedule was suspended (Experiment 2). Overall,
      escape was under joint control of past and upcoming reinforcer magnitudes, such
      that responses on the escape key were most likely during rich-to-lean
      transitions, and second-most likely during lean-to-lean transitions. Even though
      pigeons pecked the escape key, they paused before doing so, and the latency to
      begin the fixed ratio (i.e., the pause) remained extended during rich-to-lean
      transitions. These findings suggest that although the stimulus associated with
      rich-to-lean transitions functioned aversively, pausing is more than simply
      escape responding from the stimulus.

PMID- 28078745
TI  - The effect of structural empowerment of nurses on quality outcomes in hospitals:
      a scoping review.
AB  - AIM: To assess and synthesise studies reporting direct associations between the
      structural empowerment of frontline nurses and quality outcomes, and to identify
      gaps in the current literature. BACKGROUND: The empowerment of nurses seems
      essential for delivering high-quality patient care. Understanding the
      relationship between empowerment and quality outcomes would enable nurse managers
      to make informed choices on improving the quality of care. METHODS: A scoping
      review examining the relationship between the structural empowerment of nurses
      and the quality, effectiveness, safety, efficiency and patient-centredness of
      care in hospitals. Searching in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Business Source Premier and
      Embase identified 672 potentially relevant articles. Independent selection,
      quality assessment, data extraction and analysis were completed. RESULTS: Twelve
      cross-sectional studies originating from North America were included. These
      studies showed a variety of quality outcomes and statistics used. All studies
      reported positive associations between the structural empowerment of nurses,
      nurse assessed quality of care and patient safety climate, and work and unit
      effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses having access to empowering structures
      positively affects the quality outcomes, i.e. quality, effectiveness, safety,
      efficiency and patient-centredness of patient care in hospitals. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers and leaders should ensure empowering work
      conditions for nurses in order to increase hospitals' quality of patient care.

PMID- 28078746
TI  - A Gly65Val substitution in an actin, GhACT_LI1, disrupts cell polarity and F
      actin organization resulting in dwarf, lintless cotton plants.
AB  - Actin polymerizes to form part of the cytoskeleton and organize polar growth in
      all eukaryotic cells. Species with numerous actin genes are especially useful for
      the dissection of actin molecular function due to redundancy and
      neofunctionalization. Here, we investigated the role of a cotton (Gossypium
      hirsutum) actin gene in the organization of actin filaments in lobed cotyledon
      pavement cells and the highly elongated single-celled trichomes that comprise
      cotton lint fibers. Using mapping-by-sequencing, virus-induced gene silencing,
      and molecular modeling, we identified the causative mutation of the dominant
      dwarf Ligon lintless Li1 short fiber mutant as a single Gly65Val amino acid
      substitution in a polymerization domain of an actin gene, GhACT_LI1
      (Gh_D04G0865). We observed altered cell morphology and disrupted organization of
      F-actin in Li1 plant cells by confocal microscopy. Mutant leaf cells lacked
      interdigitation of lobes and F-actin did not uniformly decorate the nuclear
      envelope. While wild-type lint fiber trichome cells contained long longitudinal
      actin cables, the short Li1 fiber cells accumulated disoriented transverse
      cables. The polymerization-defective Gly65Val allele in Li1 plants likely
      disrupts processive elongation of F-actin, resulting in a disorganized
      cytoskeleton and reduced cell polarity, which likely accounts for the dominant
      gene action and diverse pleiotropic effects associated with the Li1 mutation.
      Lastly, we propose a model to account for these effects, and underscore the roles
      of actin organization in determining plant cell polarity, shape and plant growth.

PMID- 28078747
TI  - Granulocyte-Monocyte Apheresis as an Adjuvant Therapy to Anti-Tumor Necrosis
      Factor Drugs for Ulcerative Colitis.
AB  - Biologic anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs have demonstrated their efficacy
      for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Nevertheless, some patients will not
      respond to this therapy or will develop loss of response. Leukapheresis is the
      main non-pharmacological therapy for some immune-mediated diseases. The aim of
      our study was to describe our experience with this therapy in ulcerative colitis
      patients after loss of response to anti-TNF treatment. Leukapheresis was
      indicated in four patients with left-sided or extensive colitis because of
      partial response to biological therapy or secondary loss of response to it. All
      patients received 8 to 10 sessions in an intensive regimen. Globally, a decrease
      in the Mayo score was observed. The overall response rate was 50% with one
      patient who displayed sustained response. No patients have required colectomy
      during follow-up. Adjuvant treatment with leukapheresis in patients with
      inadequate response to anti-TNF treatment showed some beneficial effect, although
      of limited duration, in patients with ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 28078748
TI  - Low-Temperature Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol with a Homogeneous
      Cobalt Catalyst.
AB  - Herein we describe the first homogeneous non-noble metal catalyst for the
      hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. The catalyst is formed in situ from [Co(acac)3
      ], Triphos, and HNTf2 and enables the reaction to be performed at 100  degrees C
      without a decrease in activity. Kinetic studies suggest an inner-sphere
      mechanism, and in situ NMR and MS experiments reveal the formation of the active
      catalyst through slow removal of the acetylacetonate ligands.

PMID- 28078749
TI  - Total Phosphate Elimination is Negatively Associated With Increased Serum
      Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Levels in Patients who Undergo Peritoneal Dialysis.
AB  - As fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been shown to induce cardiovascular
      disease directly in patients with chronic kidney disease, identification of
      factors and treatments that can modulate serum FGF23 (sFGF23) level is clinically
      important. This retrospective longitudinal study investigated factors that
      modulate sFGF23 in 49 patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD). sFGF23
      ratio (sFGF23 at 18 months/baseline sFGF23) was used as an indicator of changes
      in sFGF23 level. Total phosphate elimination was the sum of both renal phosphate
      excretion and dialysate phosphate elimination. In multivariate analysis, log
      sFGF23 ratio was associated negatively with total phosphate elimination and the
      use of cinacalcet at baseline, and positively with the use of vitamin D receptor
      activators at baseline, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
      Our study indicates that maintaining phosphate elimination can prevent increased
      sFGF23, thereby preventing cardiovascular events in patients who undergo PD.

PMID- 28078750
TI  - Metabolic adaptation of colonic microbiota to galactooligosaccharides: a proof-of
      concept-study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prebiotics have been shown to reduce abdominal symptoms in patients
      with functional gut disorders, despite that they are fermented by colonic
      bacteria and may induce gas-related symptoms. AIM: To investigate changes in the
      metabolic activity of gut microbiota induced by a recognised prebiotic. METHODS:
      Healthy subjects (n = 20) were given a prebiotic (2.8 g/day HOST-G904, HOST
      Therabiomics, Jersey, Channel Islands) for 3 weeks. During 3-day periods
      immediately before, at the beginning and at the end of the administration
      subjects were put on a standard diet (low fibre diet supplemented with one
      portion of high fibre foods) and the following outcomes were measured: (i) number
      of daytime gas evacuations for 2 days by means of an event marker; (ii) volume of
      gas evacuated via a rectal tube during 4 h after a test meal; and (iii)
      microbiota composition by faecal Illumina MiSeq sequencing. RESULTS: At the
      beginning of administration, HOST-G904 significantly increased the number of
      daily anal gas evacuations (18 +/- 2 vs. 12 +/- 1 pre-administration; P < 0.001)
      and the volume of gas evacuated after the test meal (236 +/- 23 mL vs. 160 +/- 17
      mL pre-administration; P = 0.006). However, after 3 weeks of administration,
      these effects diminished (11 +/- 2 daily evacuations, 169 +/- 23 mL gas
      evacuation). At day 21, relative abundance of butyrate producers
      (Lachnospiraceae) correlated inversely with the volume of gas evacuated (r = 
      0.52; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The availability of substrates induces an adaptation
      of the colonic microbiota activity in bacterial metabolism, which produces less
      gas and associated issues. Clinical trials.gov NCT02618239.

PMID- 28078751
TI  - Cardiac remodeling in normotensive pregnancy and in pregnancy complicated by
      hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe
      comprehensively the pattern of cardiac remodeling during normotensive human
      singleton pregnancy and to compare it with that of pregnancy complicated by
      hypertension. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of the current literature on
      cardiac remodeling during normotensive and complicated pregnancies. Literature
      was retrieved from PubMed (NCBI) and EMBASE (Ovid) databases. Included studies
      needed to report a reference measurement (matched non-pregnant control group,
      prepregnancy or postpartum) and measurements made during predetermined
      gestational-age intervals. Mean differences between reference and pregnancy data
      were calculated using the random-effects model described by DerSimonian and
      Laird. RESULTS: Forty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis, with
      publication dates ranging from 1977 to 2016. During normotensive pregnancy, most
      geometric indices started to increase in the second trimester. Left ventricular
      mass (LVM) increased by 28.36 (95% CI, 19.73-37.00) g (24%), and relative wall
      thickness (RWT) increased by 0.03 (95% CI, 0.02-0.05) (10%) compared with those
      in the reference group. During hypertensive pregnancy, LVM and RWT increased more
      than during normotensive pregnancy (92 (95% CI, 75.46-108.54) g (95%) and 0.14
      (95% CI, 0.09-0.19) (56%), respectively). CONCLUSIONS: During normotensive
      pregnancy, most cardiac geometric indices change from the second trimester
      onwards. Both LVM and RWT increase, by 20% and 10%, respectively, consistent with
      concentric rather than eccentric remodeling. Cardiac adaptation in hypertensive
      pregnancy deviates from that in healthy pregnancy by a greater change in LVM (95%
      increase from reference) and RWT (56% increase from reference). Copyright (c)
      2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 28078752
TI  - Two New Copper Borates with Mesoscale Cubic Supramolecular Cages Assembled from
      {Cu4 @B20 } Clusters.
AB  - Two new copper borates, namely H6 [(MU4 -O)Cu4 @B20 O32 (OH)8 ]?25 H2 O (1) and
      H6 [(MU4 -O)Cu4 @B20 O32 (OH)8 ]?34 H2 O?8 H3 BO3 (2), with 3D supramolecular
      framework have been made under solvothermal conditions, which built by novel
      cubic supramolecular cages with mesoscale cavities via the H-bondings.
      Interestingly, the cage is assembled by [(MU4 -O)Cu4 @B20 O32 (OH)8 ] ({Cu4 @B20
      }) cluster units with different point-group symmetry. Owing to extra H3 BO3
      molecules participated in building the supramolecular framework, 2 has a larger
      cubic cage size and higher non-framework volume, leading to the cage size
      extended to mesoporous size set as a version of ''1 plus".

PMID- 28078753
TI  - Photoredox-Catalysed Decarboxylative Alkylation of N-Heteroarenes with N
      (Acyloxy)phthalimides.
AB  - An iridium photoredox catalyst in combination with either a stoichiometric amount
      of Bronsted acid or a catalytic amount of Lewis acid is capable of catalyzing
      regioselective alkylation of N-heteroarenes with N-(acyloxy)phthalimides at room
      temperature under irradiation. A broad range of N-heteroarenes can be alkylated
      using a variety of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary carboxylates. Mechanistic
      studies suggest that an IrII /IrIII redox catalytic cycle is responsible for the
      observed reactivity.

PMID- 28078754
TI  - Evaluating the core microbiota in complex communities: A systematic
      investigation.
AB  - The study of complex microbial communities poses unique conceptual and analytical
      challenges, with microbial species potentially numbering in the thousands. With
      transient or allochthonous microorganisms often adding to this complexity, a
      'core' microbiota approach, focusing only on the stable and permanent members of
      the community, is becoming increasingly popular. Given the various ways of
      defining a core microbiota, it is prudent to examine whether the definition of
      the core impacts upon the results obtained. Here we used complex marine sponge
      microbiotas and undertook a systematic evaluation of the degree to which
      different factors used to define the core influenced the conclusions. Significant
      differences in alpha- and beta-diversity were detected using some but not all
      core definitions. However, findings related to host specificity and environmental
      quality were largely insensitive to major changes in the core microbiota
      definition. Furthermore, none of the applied definitions altered our perception
      of the ecological networks summarising interactions among bacteria within the
      sponges. These results suggest that, while care should still be taken in
      interpretation, the core microbiota approach is surprisingly robust, at least for
      comparing microbiotas of closely related samples.

PMID- 28078755
TI  - Modulation of host cell SUMOylation facilitates efficient development of
      Plasmodium berghei and Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - SUMOylation is a reversible post translational modification of proteins that
      regulates protein stabilization, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and protein-protein
      interactions. Several viruses and bacteria modulate host SUMOylation machinery
      for efficient infection. Plasmodium sporozoites are infective forms of malaria
      parasite that invade mammalian hepatocytes and transforms into exoerythrocytic
      forms (EEFs). Here, we show that during EEF development, the distribution of
      SUMOylated proteins in host cell nuclei was significantly reduced and expression
      of the SUMOylation enzymes was downregulated. Plasmodium EEFs destabilized the
      host cytoplasmic protein SMAD4 by inhibiting its SUMOylation. SUMO1
      overexpression was detrimental to EEF growth, and insufficiency of the only
      conjugating enzyme Ubc9/E2 promoted EEF growth. The expression of genes involved
      in suppression of host cell defense pathways during infection was reversed during
      SUMO1 overexpression, as revealed by transcriptomic analysis. The inhibition of
      host cell SUMOylation was also observed during Toxoplasma infection. We provide a
      hitherto unknown mechanism of regulating host gene expression by Apicomplexan
      parasites through altering host SUMOylation.

PMID- 28078756
TI  - Infections in non-splenectomized persistent or chronic primary immune
      thrombocytopenia adults: risk factors and vaccination effect.
AB  - : Essentials The risk factors for infection in immune thrombocytopenia are not
      well known. We conducted a national pharmacoepidemiological study. Pulmonary
      disease, corticosteroids and rituximab were the main risk factors for infections.
      Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines were protective against infections. SUMMARY:
      Introduction Risk factors for infection and protective effect of vaccines in
      immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients in the era of rituximab therapy are
      unknown. Objectives To assess the risk factors for serious and non-serious
      infections (respectively, SIs and NSIs) in non-splenectomized adults treated for
      persistent or chronic primary ITP, including the effect of pneumococcal and
      influenza vaccines. Patients/Methods The population was the 2009-2012 FAITH
      cohort (n = 1805), which is the cohort of all incident (newly diagnosed) primary
      ITP adults treated > 3 months in France built into the national health insurance
      database (SNIIRAM). SIs were hospitalizations with any infection as the primary
      diagnosis code. NSIs were identified using out-of-hospital antibiotic dispensing.
      Cox models were performed. Results Incidence rates were 6.3/100 patient-years
      (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4-7.4) for SIs (lower respiratory tract in 42.8%
      of the cases) and 100.5/100 patient-years (95% CI, 95.0-106.3) for NSIs. In
      multivariate analyses, increasing age and chronic pulmonary disease were
      associated with both SI and NSI occurrence. The hazard ratios (HRs) for
      corticosteroids and rituximab were, respectively, 3.83 (95% CI, 2.76-5.31) and
      2.60 (95% CI, 1.67-4.03) for SIs and 2.46 (95% CI, 2.19-2.76) and 1.49 (95% CI,
      1.28-1.74) for NSIs. Pneumococcal vaccine showed a protective effect for both SIs
      and NSIs (0.38 [95% CI, 0.20-0.73] and 0.52 [95% CI, 0.43-0.65], respectively),
      as did influenza vaccine (0.42 [95% CI, 0.27-0.64] and 0.49 [95% CI, 0.41-0.59],
      respectively). Conclusions Chronic pulmonary disease, corticosteroids and
      rituximab are the main risk factors for infections, whereas pneumococcal and
      influenza vaccines are protective against SIs and NSIs.

PMID- 28078757
TI  - Lamellar events related to insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor signalling in
      two models relevant to endocrinopathic laminitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin dysregulation, obesity, and exposure to high-nonstructural
      carbohydrate (NSC) forage are risk factors for equine metabolic syndrome
      associated laminitis (EMSAL); high systemic insulin concentrations in EMSAL are
      proposed to induce cellular dysregulation in the digital lamellae through
      activation of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor. OBJECTIVES: To use a
      dietary challenge model (DCM) and a euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC)
      model to assess lamellar growth factor-related signalling. STUDY DESIGN: Lamellar
      phospho (P)-protein concentrations of signalling proteins important in growth
      factor-related signalling were assessed in 2 models: 1) lean and obese ponies on
      a low- or high-NSC diet; and 2) EHC model using Standardbred horses. METHODS:
      Ponies stratified for body condition (lean [LN, n = 11] and obese [OB, n = 11])
      were exposed to a low-NSC diet (LO, n = 5 per group for LN LO and OB LO) or a
      high NSC diet (HI, n = 6 per group for LN HI and OB HI groups) for 7 days. For
      the EHC model, horses were administered insulin (constant rate infusion [6 mIU/kg
      bwt/min] combined with 50% dextrose, EHC group, n = 8)] or saline (0.57 mL/kg
      bwt/h, CON group, n = 8) for 48 h. Immunoblotting was employed to assess
      concentrations of activated/phosphorylated and total protein for members of the
      PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 and Ras/ERK pathways in lamellar samples from both models.
      RESULTS: In the DCM, lamellar P-(Ser 240/244) RPS6 was increased in OB HI ponies
      (vs. OB LO, P<0.05); positive correlations existed (P<0.05; r>0.5) between Day 7
      basal serum insulin concentrations and lamellar concentrations of P-p70S6K and P
      (Ser 240/244) RPS6. In the EHC model, lamellar concentrations of P-Akt, P-p70S6K,
      P-ERK 1/2, P-p90RSK, and both P-(Ser 235/236) and P-(Ser 240/244) RPS6 were
      increased in the EHC group (vs. CON, P<0.05). MAIN LIMITATIONS: The primary
      limitations of this study are the small number of animals per group in the DCM
      study, and the fact that many animals did not develop laminitis as that was not
      the endpoint of either study. CONCLUSIONS: These results support further
      investigation of mTORC1/RPS6 signalling as a potential therapeutic target(s) in
      EMSAL. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting Information.

PMID- 28078758
TI  - Periconceptional maternal 'high fish and olive oil, low meat' dietary pattern is
      associated with increased embryonic growth: The Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort
      (Predict) Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between periconceptional maternal
      dietary pattern and first-trimester embryonic growth. METHODS: This was a
      prospective cohort study of 228 women with a singleton ongoing pregnancy, of
      which 135 were strictly dated spontaneous pregnancies and 93 were pregnancies
      achieved after in-vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmatic sperm injection
      (IVF/ICSI). All women underwent serial transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound
      (3D-US) examinations from 6 + 0 to 13 + 0 weeks' gestation. Crown-rump length
      (CRL) and embryonic volume (EV) measurements were performed using a virtual
      reality system. Information on periconceptional maternal dietary intake was
      collected via food frequency questionnaires. Principal component analysis was
      performed to identify dietary patterns. Associations between dietary patterns and
      CRL and EV trajectories were investigated using linear mixed models adjusted for
      potential confounders. RESULTS: A median of five (range, one to seven) 3D-US
      scans per pregnancy were performed. Of 1162 datasets, quality was sufficient to
      perform CRL measurements in 991 (85.3%) and EV measurements in 899 (77.4%). A
      dietary pattern comprising high intake of fish and olive oil and a very low
      intake of meat was identified as beneficial for embryonic growth. In strictly
      dated spontaneous pregnancies, strong adherence to the 'high fish and olive oil,
      low meat' dietary pattern was associated with a 1.9 mm (95% CI, 0.1-3.63 mm)
      increase in CRL (+14.6%) at 7 weeks and a 3.4 mm (95% CI, 0.2-7.81 mm) increase
      (+6.9%) at 11 weeks, whereas EV increased by 0.06 cm3 (95% CI, 0.01-0.13 cm3 )
      (+20.4%) at 7 weeks and 1.43 cm3 (95% CI, 0.99-1.87 cm3 ) (+14.4%) at 11 weeks.
      No significant association was observed in the total study population or in the
      IVF/ICSI subgroup. CONCLUSION: Periconceptional maternal adherence to a high fish
      and olive oil, low meat dietary pattern is positively associated with embryonic
      growth in spontaneously conceived pregnancies. Copyright (c) 2017 ISUOG.
      Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 28078759
TI  - Bufalin, a bufanolide steroid from the parotoid glands of the Chinese toad,
      inhibits L-type Ca2+ channels and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes.
AB  - Bufalin is a bufanolide steroid compound in Chan Su. Chan Su is a traditional
      Chinese medicine prepared from the dried white secretion of the auricular and
      skin glands of toads and has been used as an oriental drug. However, the effect
      of bufalin on cardiac function and its underlying cellular mechanisms remain
      unclear. Here, we explore the cellular mechanisms of bufalin on myocardial
      protection via the whole-cell patch-clamp recording and video-based edge
      detection system. Exposure to bufalin resulted in a concentration-dependent
      blockade of ICa-L , with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) of 60
      MUm and the maximal inhibitory effect of 71.50 +/- 2.67%. Bufalin at 100 MUm
      reduced cell shortening by 33.83 +/- 4.01%. Bufalin restrained L-type Ca2+
      channels conductance, and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes. Thus, the
      protective effects of bufalin on the heart may be determined by the inhibitory
      effect on ICa-L and the negative inotropic action caused by the decrease of
      intracellular Ca2+ in rat myocardial cells.

PMID- 28078760
TI  - A Study of volumetric variations of basal nuclei in the normal human brain by
      magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Knowledge of the effects of healthy aging on brain structures is necessary to
      identify abnormal changes due to diseases. Many studies have demonstrated age
      related volume changes in the brain using MRI. 60 healthy individuals who had
      normal MRI aged from 20 years to 80 years were examined and classified into three
      groups: Group I: 21 persons; nine males and 12 females aging between 20-39 years
      old. Group II: 22 persons; 11 males and 11 females aging between 40-59 years old.
      Group III: 17 persons; eight males and nine females aging between 60-80 years
      old. Volumetric analysis was done to evaluate the effect of age, gender and
      hemispheric difference in the caudate and putamen by the slicer 4.3.3.1 software
      using 3D T1-weighted images. Data were analyzed by student's unpaired t test,
      ANOVA and regression analysis. The volumes of the measured and corrected caudate
      nuclei and putamen significantly decreased with aging in males. There was a
      statistically insignificant relation between the age and the volume of the
      measured caudate nuclei and putamen in females but there was a statistically
      significant relation between the age and the corrected caudate nuclei and
      putamen. There was no significant difference on the caudate and putamen volumes
      between males and females. There was no significant difference between the right
      and left caudate nuclei volumes. There was a leftward asymmetry in the putamen
      volumes. The results can be considered as a base to track individual changes with
      time (aging and CNS diseases). Clin. Anat. 30:175-182, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28078761
TI  - Venous intravasation during evaluation of tubal patency by ultrasound contrast
      imaging.

PMID- 28078762
TI  - Competence in the use of supraglottic airways by Australian surf lifesavers for
      cardiac arrest ventilation in a manikin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lifesavers in Australia are taught to use pocket mask (PM) rescue
      breathing and bag valve mask (BVM) ventilation, despite evidence that first
      responders might struggle with these devices. Novices have successfully used the
      Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Supreme and iGel devices previously, but there has
      been no previous comparison of the ability to train lifesavers to use the
      supraglottic airways compared to standard techniques for cardiac arrest
      ventilation. METHODS: The study is a prospective educational intervention whereby
      113 lifesavers were trained to use the LMA and iGel supraglottic airways.
      Comparisons were made to standard devices on plastic manikins. Successful
      ventilation was defined as achieving visible chest rise. RESULTS: The median time
      to first effective ventilation was similar between the PM (16 s, 95% confidence
      interval 16-17 s), BVM (17 s, 16-17 s) and iGel devices (18 s, 16-20 s), but
      longer for the LMA (36 s, 33-38 s). The iGel frequently failed to achieve
      ventilation (10%) compared with the PM (1%, P < 0.01) and LMA (3%, P < 0.01) but
      was not worse than the BVM (3%, P < 0.57). Hands-off time was similar between the
      BVM, LMA and iGel (10 s for each device), but worse for the PM (13 s, P = 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Lifesavers using the PM and BVM perform ventilation for
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation well. There appears to be a limited role for
      supraglottic airway devices because of limitations in terms of time to first
      effective ventilation and reliability. Clinical validation of manikin data with
      live resuscitation performance is required.

PMID- 28078764
TI  - Photoisomerization of a Chiral Imine Molecular Switch Followed by Matrix
      Isolation VCD Spectroscopy.
AB  - Characterizing the stereochemistry of transient photoisomerization products
      remains a big challenge for the design of molecular machines, such as
      unidirectional molecular motors. Often these states are not stable long enough to
      be characterized in detail using conventional spectroscopic tools. The
      structurally simple camphorquinone imine 1 serves to illustrate the advantage of
      combining the matrix-isolation technique with vibrational circular dichroism
      (VCD) spectroscopy for the investigation of photoisomerizations of chiral
      molecules. In particular, it is shown that both (E)- and (Z)-1 can be generated
      photochemically at cryogenic temperatures in an argon matrix, and more
      importantly, that the stereochemistry of both switching states can be
      characterized reliably.

PMID- 28078763
TI  - Development and feasibility testing of the Pediatric Emergency Discharge
      Interaction Coding Scheme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discharge communication is an important aspect of high-quality
      emergency care. This study addresses the gap in knowledge on how to describe
      discharge communication in a paediatric emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of this feasibility study was to develop and test a coding scheme to
      characterize discharge communication between health-care providers (HCPs) and
      caregivers who visit the ED with their children. DESIGN: The Pediatric Emergency
      Discharge Interaction Coding Scheme (PEDICS) and coding manual were developed
      following a review of the literature and an iterative refinement process
      involving HCP observations, inter-rater assessments and team consensus. SETTING
      AND PARTICIPANTS: The coding scheme was pilot-tested through observations of HCPs
      across a range of shifts in one urban paediatric ED. MAIN VARIABLES STUDIED:
      Overall, 329 patient observations were carried out across 50 observational
      shifts. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated in 16% of the observations. The
      final version of the PEDICS contained 41 communication elements. RESULTS: Kappa
      scores were greater than .60 for the majority of communication elements. The most
      frequently observed communication elements were under the Introduction node and
      the least frequently observed were under the Social Concerns node. HCPs initiated
      the majority of the communication. CONCLUSION: Pediatric Emergency Discharge
      Interaction Coding Scheme addresses an important gap in the discharge
      communication literature. The tool is useful for mapping patterns of discharge
      communication between HCPs and caregivers. Results from our pilot test identified
      deficits in specific areas of discharge communication that could impact adherence
      to discharge instructions. The PEDICS would benefit from further testing with a
      different sample of HCPs.

PMID- 28078765
TI  - A typical presentation of primary pulmonary epithelioid sarcoma misdiagnosed as
      non-small cell lung cancer.

PMID- 28078767
TI  - Retraction statement: "Huntington's Disease: Characteristics of Fallers" by
      Shannon Williams et al.

PMID- 28078766
TI  - Lost in transformation? Reviving ethics of care in hospital cultures of evidence
      based healthcare.
AB  - Drawing on previous empirical research, we provide an exemplary narrative to
      illustrate how patients have experienced hospital care organized according to
      evidence-based fast-track programmes. The aim of this paper was to analyse and
      discuss if and how it is possible to include patients' individual perspectives in
      an evidence-based practice as seen from the point of view of nursing theory. The
      paper highlights two conflicting courses of development. One is a course of
      standardization founded on evidence-based recommendations, which specify a set of
      rules that the patient must follow rigorously. The other is a course of
      democratization based on patients' involvement in care. Referring to the analysis
      of the narrative, we argue that, in the current implementation of evidence-based
      practice, the proposed involvement of patients resembles empty rhetoric. We argue
      that the principles and values from evidence-based medicine are being lost in the
      transformation into the current evidence-based hospital culture which potentially
      leads to a McDonaldization of nursing practice reflected as 'one best way'. We
      argue for reviving ethics of care perspectives in today's evidence practice as
      the fundamental values of nursing may potentially bridge conflicts between
      evidence-based practice and the ideals of patient participation thus preventing a
      practice of 'McNursing'.

PMID- 28078768
TI  - Microphysiological Systems ("Organs-on-Chips") for Drug Efficacy and Toxicity
      Testing.

PMID- 28078769
TI  - Interleukin-1alpha induced release of interleukin-8 by human bronchial epithelial
      cells in vitro: assessing mechanisms and possible treatment options.
AB  - Survival after lung transplantation is hampered by chronic lung allograft
      dysfunction (CLAD). Persistently elevated BAL-neutrophilia is observed in some
      patients despite treatment with azithromycin, which may be induced by IL-1alpha.
      Our aim is to establish an in vitro model, assess mechanistic pathways and test
      different therapeutic strategies of IL-1alpha-induced release of IL-8 by human
      bronchial epithelial cells. Bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) were stimulated
      with IL-1alpha with or without azithromycin or dexamethasone. IL-8 protein was
      analyzed in cell supernatant. Different MAP kinases (p38, JNK, ERK1/2 ,
      Ikappabeta) and targets known to be involved in tumor formation (PI3K, Akt) were
      investigated. Finally, different treatment options were tested for their
      potential inhibitory effect. IL-1alpha induced IL-8 in bronchial epithelial
      cells, which was dose-dependently inhibited by dexamethasone but not by
      azithromycin. IL-1alpha induced p38 and Akt phosphorylation, but activation of
      these MAPK was not inhibited by dexamethasone. JNK, ERK1/2 , Ikappabeta and PI3K
      were not activated. None of the tested drugs reduced the IL-1alpha induced IL-8
      production. We established an in vitro model wherein steroids inhibit the IL
      1alpha-induced IL-8 production, while azithromycin was ineffective. Despite using
      this simple in vitro model, we could not identify a new treatment option for
      azithromycin-resistant airway neutrophilia.

PMID- 28078771
TI  - The see-saw of immune dysregulation association of diverse organ autoimmune
      conditions in a woman. Evolution over twenty-seven years.

PMID- 28078772
TI  - Skin cleansing and emolliating for older people: A quasi-experimental pilot
      study.
AB  - AIMS: The aims of this study were to (i) assess the effect of low-cost hygiene
      and emollient regimens on the skin barrier function (SBF) of people aged >65 year
      with xerosis (dry skin) on their lower legs; (ii) to assess the utility of
      portable measures of skin barrier function in terms of stratum corneum hydration
      (SCH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in community settings; and iii) to
      provide evidence for a randomised controlled trial on the treatment of adults in
      a resource-poor country with dry skin on their lower legs which causes and
      exacerbates the skin disease podoconiosis (non-filarial elephantiasis).
      BACKGROUND: Age increases the risk of impaired skin barrier function which can
      precipitate skin breakdown. Older skin is frequently characterised by troublesome
      xerosis and pruritus (itching). Hygiene and emollient practices are central to
      maintaining skin integrity but are currently under-researched. METHOD: A quasi
      experimental pilot study of five combinations of cleansing and emollient
      interventions was applied to the xerotic lower legs of ten participants with no
      skin disease for five consecutive days. Stratum corneum hydration and
      transepidermal water loss were measured at baseline and day six. Products were
      chosen because of effectiveness, low cost and availability in a poor-resource
      country. RESULTS: The greatest difference in transepidermal water loss pre
      intervention-postintervention was indicated by the regimen of soapy water, 2%
      glycerine soak and VaselineTM (mean 1.14, SD 1.27). This regimen also indicated
      the greatest difference in stratum corneum hydration (mean 7.92, SD 3.93). The
      improvement in stratum corneum hydration was significantly greater than for the
      control (p = .011), soap (p = .050) or water soak (p = .011). CONCLUSION: A
      regimen of washing skin with soapy water, soaking in 2% glycerine for 30 min and
      applying VaselineTM has a beneficial effect on the skin barrier function in older
      people. The study supports previous findings on the positive effects of glycerine
      on skin barrier function. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Skin barrier
      function in older people can be improved using a regimen of washing, soaking in
      2% glycerine and applying VaselineTM .

PMID- 28078770
TI  - Synthetic plant virology for nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine.
AB  - Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding field seeking to utilize nano-scale
      structures for a wide range of applications. Biologically derived nanostructures,
      such as viruses and virus-like particles (VLPs), provide excellent platforms for
      functionalization due to their physical and chemical properties. Plant viruses,
      and VLPs derived from them, have been used extensively in biotechnology. They
      have been characterized in detail over several decades and have desirable
      properties including high yields, robustness, and ease of purification. Through
      modifications to viral surfaces, either interior or exterior, plant-virus-derived
      nanoparticles have been shown to support a range of functions of potential
      interest to medicine and nano-technology. In this review we highlight recent and
      influential achievements in the use of plant virus particles as vehicles for
      diverse functions: from delivery of anticancer compounds, to targeted bioimaging,
      vaccine production to nanowire formation. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017,
      9:e1447. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1447 For further resources related to this article,
      please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 28078773
TI  - Ligand-Enabled Alkynylation of C(sp3 )-H Bonds with Palladium(II) Catalysts.
AB  - The palladium(II)-catalyzed beta- and gamma-alkynylation of amide C(sp3 )-H bonds
      is enabled by pyridine-based ligands. This alkynylation reaction is compatible
      with substrates containing alpha-tertiary or alpha-quaternary carbon centers. The
      beta-methylene C(sp3 )-H bonds of various carbocyclic rings were also
      successfully alkynylated.

PMID- 28078774
TI  - Cytology of rheumatoid pleuritis.

PMID- 28078775
TI  - Comparison of three surgical approaches for staging lymphadenectomy in high-risk
      endometrial cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare laparotomy, laparoscopy, and robotic surgical approaches to
      lymphadenectomy for high-risk endometrial cancer staging. METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent surgery for pathologic
      high-risk endometrial carcinoma at the University Health Network, Toronto,
      Canada, between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2013. The primary outcome, the
      median number of nodes retrieved, was compared based on surgical technique. The
      secondary outcome was the detection of metastatic nodes. RESULTS: A total of 176
      patients who underwent surgery for high-risk endometrial cancer were included, of
      whom 147 (83.5%) had pelvic and 78 (44.3%) had para-aortic lymphadenectomy.
      Laparotomy, laparoscopy, and robotic approaches were applied for 69 (39.2%), 44
      (25.0%), and 63 (35.8%) patients, respectively. Minimally-invasive staging was
      associated with an increased proportion of patients undergoing pelvic
      lymphadenectomy compared with laparotomy (P=0.005). The median number of nodes
      removed in the pelvis and para-aortic regions did not differ between surgical
      approaches. The detection of metastatic nodes was also similar between the
      groups. Increased blood loss (P<0.001) and longer hospital admission (P<0.001)
      were observed with laparotomy procedures. CONCLUSION: All three techniques
      demonstrated adequate staging of high-risk endometrial carcinoma. Based on
      improved peri-operative outcomes, the use of minimally-invasive techniques is
      advocated where appropriate.

PMID- 28078776
TI  - Performance of the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep kit on highly degraded samples.
AB  - Next generation sequencing (NGS) is the emerging technology in forensic genomics
      laboratories. It offers higher resolution to address most problems of human
      identification, greater efficiency and potential ability to interrogate very
      challenging forensic casework samples. In this study, a trial set of DNA samples
      was artificially degraded by progressive aqueous hydrolysis, and analyzed
      together with the corresponding unmodified DNA sample and control sample 2800 M,
      to test the performance and reliability of the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep kit
      using the MiSeq Sequencer (Illumina). The results of replicate tests performed on
      the unmodified sample (1.0 ng) and on scalar dilutions (1.0, 0.5 and 0.1 ng) of
      the reference sample 2800 M showed the robustness and the reliability of the NGS
      approach even from sub-optimal amounts of high quality DNA. The degraded samples
      showed a very limited number of reads/sample, from 2.9-10.2 folds lower than the
      ones reported for the less concentrated 2800 M DNA dilution (0.1 ng). In
      addition, it was impossible to assign up to 78.2% of the genotypes in the
      degraded samples as the software identified the corresponding loci as "low
      coverage" (< 50x). Amplification artifacts such as allelic imbalances, allele
      drop outs and a single allele drop in were also scored in the degraded samples.
      However, the ForenSeqTM DNA Sequencing kit, on the Illumina MiSeq, was able to
      generate data which led to the correct typing of 5.1-44.8% and 10.9-58.7% of 58
      of the STRs and 92 SNPs, respectively. In all trial samples, the SNP markers
      showed higher chances to be typed correctly compared to the STRs. This NGS
      approach showed very promising results in terms of ability to recover genetic
      information from heavily degraded DNA samples for which the conventional PCR/CE
      approach gave no results. The frequency of genetic mistyping was very low,
      reaching the value of 1.4% for only one of the degraded samples. However, these
      results suggest that further validation studies and a definition of
      interpretation criteria for NGS data are needed before implementation of this
      technique in forensic genetics.

PMID- 28078777
TI  - Iron-Catalyzed Mild and Selective Hydrogenative Cross-Coupling of Nitriles and
      Amines To Form Secondary Aldimines.
AB  - The first example of a base-metal-catalyzed homogeneous hydrogenative coupling of
      nitriles and amines to selectively form secondary cross-imines is reported. The
      reaction is catalyzed under mild conditions by a well-defined (iPr
      PNP)Fe(H)Br(CO) pincer pre-catalyst and catalytic tBuOK.

PMID- 28078778
TI  - Texting preferences in a Paediatric residency.
AB  - PURPOSE: Text messaging is ubiquitous among residents, but remains an underused
      educational tool. Though feasibility has been demonstrated, evidence of its
      ability to improve standardised test scores and provide insight on resident
      texting preferences is lacking. The authors set out to evaluate: (1) satisfaction
      with a hybrid question-and-answer (Q&A) texting format; and (2) pre-/post
      paediatric in-training exam (ITE) performance. METHODS: A prospective study with
      paediatrics and internal medicine-paediatrics residents. Residents were divided
      into subgroups: adolescent medicine (AM) and developmental medicine (DM).
      Messages were derived from ITE questions and sent Monday-Friday with a 20 per
      cent variance in messages specific to the sub-group. Residents completed surveys
      gauging perceptions of the programme, and pre- and post-programme ITE scores were
      analysed. RESULTS: Forty-one residents enrolled and 32 (78%) completed a post
      programme survey. Of those, 21 (66%) preferred a Q&A format with an immediate
      text response versus information-only texts. The percentage change in ITE scores
      between 2013 and 2014 was significant. Comparing subgroups, there was no
      significant difference between the percentage change in ITE scores. Neither group
      performed significantly better on either the adolescent or developmental sections
      of the ITE. Text messaging... remains an underused educational tool CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, participants improved their ITE scores, but no improvement was seen in
      the targeted subgroups on the exam. Although Q&A texts are preferred by
      residents, further assessment is required to assess the effect on educational
      outcomes.

PMID- 28078779
TI  - Association between Zika virus and fetopathy: a prospective cohort study in
      French Guiana.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the incidence of fetal central nervous system (CNS)
      anomalies (including microcephaly), signs of congenital infection and fetal loss
      in pregnant women infected with Zika virus (ZIKV) and non-infected pregnant women
      in western French Guiana. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted
      between 1 January and 15 July 2016. We evaluated and compared clinical and fetal
      ultrasound examinations of 301 pregnant women with biological confirmation of
      ZIKV infection and 399 pregnant women who were negative for ZIKV infection.
      RESULTS: Overall, the total number of fetuses with CNS involvement was higher in
      the infected than in the control group (9.0% vs 4.3%; relative risk, 2.11 (95%
      CI, 1.18-4.13)). Anomalies of the corpus callosum and presence of cerebral
      hyperechogenicities were significantly more common in the infected group. There
      was an increased risk of microcephaly in the infected compared with the control
      group (1.7% vs 0.3%; relative risk, 6.63 (95% CI, 0.78-57.83)), although this was
      not statistically significant. When the mother was infected during the first or
      second trimester, there was a greater risk of severe CNS involvement, more signs
      of infection and intrauterine fetal death than with infection in the third
      trimester. The rate of vertical transmission in the exposed group was 10.9%.
      CONCLUSION: ZIKV infection during pregnancy is associated with a significant risk
      of fetal CNS involvement and intrauterine fetal death, particularly when
      infection occurs during the first or second trimesters. Microcephaly was not
      present in every case of congenital ZIKV syndrome that we observed. Until more is
      known about this disease, it is paramount to evaluate suspected cases by detailed
      neurosonography on a monthly basis, paying particular attention to the corpus
      callosum and the presence of hyperechogenic foci. Copyright (c) 2017 ISUOG.
      Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 28078780
TI  - In vitro anti-tubulin effects of mebendazole and fenbendazole on canine glioma
      cells.
AB  - Benzimidazole anthelmintics have reported anti-neoplastic effects both in vitro
      and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro
      chemosensitivity of three canine glioma cell lines to mebendazole and
      fenbendazole. The mean inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) (+/-SD) obtained from
      performing the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]
      assay after treating J3T, G06-A, and SDT-3G cells for 72 h with mebendazole were
      0.030 +/- 0.003, 0.080 +/- 0.015 and 0.030 +/- 0.006 MUM respectively, while
      those for fenbendazole were 0.550  +/- 0.015, 1.530 +/- 0.159 and 0.690 +/- 0.095
      MUM; treatment of primary canine fibroblasts for 72 h at IC50 showed no
      significant effect. Immunofluorescence studies showed disruption of tubulin after
      treatment. Mebendazole and fenbendazole are cytotoxic in canine glioma cell lines
      in vitro and may be good candidates for treatment of canine gliomas. Further in
      vivo studies are required.

PMID- 28078781
TI  - A novel conversion method for radiographic guide into surgical guide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study proposed a novel method for converting a radiographic guide
      into a surgical guide and evaluated its accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Radiographic guide was reformed with the addition of index rods for geometric
      conversion method (GCM). Planning implants were projected on geometric projection
      planes, and the implant positions were measured. The radiographic guide was
      converted into surgical guide using a generic bench drill machine with GCM data.
      Two experiments were designed to validate the GCM. (1) In vitro test: Twenty
      implants were placed on five edentulous dental models by using the GCM (group 1)
      and Stereolithography (SLA) method (group 2), respectively. The deviations of
      planned and placed implant were calculated, and the precision error (PE) value
      was calculated to evaluate the stability of the GCM and SLA. (2) In vivo test:
      Nine edentulous subjects were selected for clinical implant surgery with the GCM
      guide. Two level of the index rods of radiographic guides were prepared for
      surgical guides forming. The differences between the planned and actual implants
      were calculated in implant head, apex, and angulation. RESULTS: The in vitro test
      revealed no significant differences in the planned and placed angulations between
      groups 1 and 2 (P > .05). The PE was not significantly different between groups 1
      and 2 (P > .05). The in vivo test revealed a successful treatment of the
      subjects, and 16 implant sites were evaluated. The results indicated that GCM
      guide could achieve the three-dimensional (3D) offset deviations of 1.03 +/- 0.27
      mm and 1.17 +/- 0.24 mm at the implant head and apex, respectively, and 1.37
      degrees  +/- 0.21 degrees  for the 3D angulation. CONCLUSION: The novel method
      for converting a radiographic guide into a surgical guide appears accurate and
      stable compared with SLA.

PMID- 28078782
TI  - PACMANS: A bioinformatically informed algorithm to predict, design, and disrupt
      protease-on-protease hydrolysis.
AB  - Multiple proteases in a system hydrolyze target substrates, but recent evidence
      indicates that some proteases will degrade other proteases as well. Cathepsin S
      hydrolysis of cathepsin K is one such example. These interactions may be uni- or
      bi-directional and change the expected kinetics. To explore potential protease-on
      protease interactions in silico, a program was developed for users to input two
      proteases: (1) the protease-ase that hydrolyzes (2) the substrate, protease. This
      program identifies putative sites on the substrate protease highly susceptible to
      cleavage by the protease-ase, using a sliding-window approach that scores amino
      acid sequences by their preference in the protease-ase active site, culled from
      MEROPS database. We call this PACMANS, Protease-Ase Cleavage from MEROPS ANalyzed
      Specificities, and test and validate this algorithm with cathepsins S and K.
      PACMANS cumulative likelihood scoring identified L253 and V171 as sites on
      cathepsin K subject to cathepsin S hydrolysis. Mutations made at these locations
      were tested to block hydrolysis and validate PACMANS predictions. L253A and L253V
      cathepsin K mutants significantly reduced cathepsin S hydrolysis, validating
      PACMANS unbiased identification of these sites. Interfamilial protease
      interactions between cathepsin S and MMP-2 or MMP-9 were tested after predictions
      by PACMANS, confirming its utility for these systems as well. PACMANS is unique
      compared to other putative site cleavage programs by allowing users to define the
      proteases of interest and target, and can also be employed for non-protease
      substrate proteins, as well as short peptide sequences.

PMID- 28078783
TI  - New propolis type from north-east Brazil: chemical composition, antioxidant
      activity and botanical origin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Propolis is a bee product with wide diversity of biological activity.
      It has a complex composition, which is dependent on its botanical source. The
      present study aimed to determine the chemical profile, antioxidant activity and
      botanical origin of two samples of a propolis type from two locations of the
      state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN, north-east Brazil). RESULTS: The standard
      chemical characteristics of the RN propolis are similar or superior to the
      internationally marketed Brazilian green propolis. RN propolis from two locations
      have high antioxidant activity, corresponding to 10% (municipality of Afonso
      Bezerra) and 13% (municipality of Alto do Rodrigues) of quercetin activity by the
      2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method and to 15% (both locations) by the beta
      carotene discoloration method. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode
      array detection (HPLC-DAD)-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry
      analyses revealed that most constituents of the RN propolis are flavonoids,
      mainly flavonols and chalcones. HPLC-DAD analysis of ethanol extracts revealed a
      great similarity between the chemical profile of RN propolis and shoot apices of
      'jurema-preta' (Mimosa tenuiflora, Leguminosae, Mimosoideae). CONCLUSION: 'Jurema
      preta' shoot apices are likely resin sources of RN propolis. The chemical
      characteristics and antioxidant property of RN propolis provide promising
      prospects for the introduction of this type of propolis into the apicultural
      market. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28078784
TI  - Rumination in Patients with Binge-Eating Disorder and Obesity: Associations with
      Eating-Disorder Psychopathology and Weight-bias Internalization.
AB  - Overvaluation of shape and weight in binge-eating disorder (BED) is associated
      with greater eating-disorder psychopathology and greater weight-bias
      internalization, which are-in turn-associated with poorer mental and physical
      health. Little is known, however, about the significance of other cognitive
      processes, such as rumination, in BED. This study examined rumination and
      overvaluation of shape/weight with eating-disorder psychopathology and weight
      bias internalization among 237 treatment-seeking patients with BED and comorbid
      obesity. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that rumination was
      associated with eating-disorder psychopathology and weight-bias internalization
      above and beyond the influence of overvaluation of shape/weight. Findings suggest
      that, among patients with BED/obesity, rumination is an important cognitive
      process associated with severity of eating-disorder psychopathology even after
      accounting for overvaluation of shape/weight. Patients with greater rumination
      might be more likely to dwell on weight-based discrimination experiences and
      internalize these negative attitudes. Additional controlled examination could
      determine whether rumination represents another potential target for BED/obesity
      treatment. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders
      Association.

PMID- 28078785
TI  - Risks of ocean acidification in the California Current food web and fisheries:
      ecosystem model projections.
AB  - The benefits and ecosystem services that humans derive from the oceans are
      threatened by numerous global change stressors, one of which is ocean
      acidification. Here, we describe the effects of ocean acidification on an
      upwelling system that already experiences inherently low pH conditions, the
      California Current. We used an end-to-end ecosystem model (Atlantis), forced by
      downscaled global climate models and informed by a meta-analysis of the pH
      sensitivities of local taxa, to investigate the direct and indirect effects of
      future pH on biomass and fisheries revenues. Our model projects a 0.2-unit drop
      in pH during the summer upwelling season from 2013 to 2063, which results in wide
      ranging magnitudes of effects across guilds and functional groups. The most
      dramatic direct effects of future pH may be expected on epibenthic invertebrates
      (crabs, shrimps, benthic grazers, benthic detritivores, bivalves), and strong
      indirect effects expected on some demersal fish, sharks, and epibenthic
      invertebrates (Dungeness crab) because they consume species known to be sensitive
      to changing pH. The model's pelagic community, including marine mammals and
      seabirds, was much less influenced by future pH. Some functional groups were less
      affected to changing pH in the model than might be expected from experimental
      studies in the empirical literature due to high population productivity (e.g.,
      copepods, pteropods). Model results suggest strong effects of reduced pH on
      nearshore state-managed invertebrate fisheries, but modest effects on the
      groundfish fishery because individual groundfish species exhibited diverse
      responses to changing pH. Our results provide a set of projections that generally
      support and build upon previous findings and set the stage for hypotheses to
      guide future modeling and experimental analysis on the effects of OA on marine
      ecosystems and fisheries.

PMID- 28078786
TI  - V1 connections reveal a series of elongated higher visual areas in the California
      ground squirrel, Otospermophilus beecheyi.
AB  - For studies of visual cortex organization, mouse is becoming an increasingly more
      often used model. In addition to its genetic tractability, the relatively small
      area of cortical surface devoted to visual processing simplifies efforts in
      relating the structure of visual cortex to visual function. However, the nature
      of this compact organization can make some comparisons to the much larger non
      human primate visual cortex difficult. The squirrel, as a highly visual rodent
      offers a useful means for better understanding how mouse and monkey cortical
      organization compares. More in line with primates than their nocturnal rodent
      cousin, squirrels rely much more on sight and have evolved a larger expanse of
      cortex devoted to visual processing. To reveal the detailed organization of
      visual cortex in squirrels, we injected a highly sensitive monosynaptic
      retrograde tracer (glycoprotein deleted rabies virus) into several locations of
      primary visual cortex (V1) in California ground squirrels. The resulting pattern
      of connectivity revealed an organizational scheme in the squirrel that retains
      some of the basic features of the mouse visual cortex along the medial and
      posterior borders of V1, but unlike mouse has an elaborate and extensive pattern
      laterally that is more similar to the early visual cortex organization found in
      monkeys. In this way, we show that the squirrel can serve as a useful model for
      comparison to both mouse and primate visual systems, and may help facilitate
      comparisons between these two very different yet widely used animal models of
      visual processing.

PMID- 28078787
TI  - Targeting nasopharyngeal carcinoma by artesunate through inhibiting Akt/mTOR and
      inducing oxidative stress.
AB  - Drug repurposing has become an alternative therapeutic strategy for cancer
      treatment given the known pharmacokinetics and toxicity. The inhibitory effects
      of artesunate have been reported in various cancers. In this work, we
      investigated the effects of artesunate in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We
      demonstrate that artesunate significantly inhibits proliferation via arresting
      NPC cells at G2/M phase. It also induces apoptosis through caspase-dependent and
      mitochondria-independent pathways in multiple NPC cell lines. The combination of
      artesunate and cisplatin is synergistic in targeting NPC cells in in vitro
      cellular culture system and in vivo xenograft tumor models. Artesunate inhibits
      phosphorylation of essential molecules involved in Akt/mTOR pathway in NPC cells,
      such as Akt, mTOR, and 4EBP1, and its inhibitory effects are partially abolished
      by overexpression of constitutively active Akt. In addition, artesunate also
      induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress via inhibiting
      mitochondrial respiration, increasing levels of mitochondrial superoxide and
      cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to decreased ATP levels. Two ROS
      scavengers partially abolish the inhibitory effects of artesunate in NPC cells.
      These data suggest that both inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway and induction of ROS
      are required for the action of artesunate in NPC cells. Our work demonstrates
      that artesunate is a potential candidate for NPC treatment. Our work also
      highlights the critical roles of Akt/mTOR pathway and mitochondrial function in
      NPC cells.

PMID- 28078788
TI  - Violence involvement among nightlife patrons: The relative role of demographics
      and substance use.
AB  - The nightlife setting is a risk context for violence involvement that ultimately
      may cause severe injuries and fatalities. Few studies have examined associations
      between alcohol and illicit substance use with physical violence involvement
      among nightlife patrons. The aim of the current study was to investigate the
      relative role of demographics and substance use characteristics for nightlife
      violence involvement among Norwegian nightlife patrons. A cross-sectional self
      completion survey was conducted outside 12 licensed premises in Oslo (n = 1099,
      response rate = 76%) and each respondent's BAC level was measured by a
      breathalyzer and registered on the questionnaire. A total of 103 individuals
      (10%) reported that they had been involved in physical violence when they were
      consuming alcohol in the nightlife setting during the last 12 months. Uni-variate
      results showed that patrons who had been involved in violence were more likely to
      present a BAC level above 1.000/00 than those who had not been involved. The
      prevalence of last year illicit substance use was overall high, especially in the
      violence-involved group. The most important factors associated with violence
      involvement in multivariate analysis were a high frequency of last year alcohol
      intoxication and last year illicit substance use. Women and those with high
      education had a lower risk of violence involvement. The implications for
      preventive initiatives are that these need to focus on factors additional to
      alcohol restrictions. Preventive efforts targeted to specific patron groups and
      measures targeting patrons who are more likely to use illicit substances may hold
      promise. Aggr. Behav. 43:398-407, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28078790
TI  - Cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) ratio: a marker for partial agenesis of the fetal
      corpus callosum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: While complete agenesis of the corpus callosum is often suspected on
      fetal ultrasound due to absence of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP), suspicion of
      partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (pACC) is a challenge since the CSP is
      almost always present. The aim of this study was to measure the length and width
      of the CSP and calculate the length-to-width ratio (CSP ratio), and compare these
      between fetuses with pACC and normal fetuses. METHODS: In this retrospective case
      control study, the length and width of the CSP were measured in the axial plane
      of the fetal head, and the CSP length-to-width ratio calculated, in 323 normal
      fetuses and in 20 fetuses with pACC between 20 and 34 weeks' gestation. From the
      normal population we constructed reference ranges in relation to biparietal
      diameter (BPD). For all fetuses we calculated Z-scores for the CSP ratio.
      RESULTS: In the normal population, the length and width of the CSP increased with
      increasing BPD, while the CSP ratio decreased. The CSP was short (< 5th centile)
      in 85% (17/20) of fetuses with pACC and wide (> 95th centile) in 65% (13/20). The
      CSP ratio was small (< 5th centile) in 95% (19/20) of pACC fetuses, with 16/20
      (80%) having a ratio below an empirical cut-off of 1.5. Analysis of Z-scores
      showed that fetuses with pACC had a significantly smaller CSP ratio (P < 0.0001)
      compared with the normal population. CONCLUSIONS: Fetuses with a normal-sized
      corpus callosum have a rectangular-shaped CSP, with a CSP ratio > 1.5 in the
      second half of gestation. Most fetuses with pACC have an abnormally shaped, wide
      and short CSP, with a decreased CSP ratio. This simple ratio has the potential to
      identify fetuses at high risk for pACC. Copyright (c) 2017 ISUOG. Published by
      John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 28078789
TI  - "Breastfeeding" without baby: A longitudinal, qualitative investigation of how
      mothers perceive, feel about, and practice human milk expression.
AB  - Most American mothers who produce human milk (HM) now pump in place of some or
      all feeding at the breast, and most American infants are now fed pumped HM. We
      aimed to investigate mothers' perceptions of, attitudes toward, and practices for
      pumping and providing pumped HM. Results related to pumping are reported here. We
      conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews among a diverse sample of 20
      mothers who pumped, following each from pregnancy through infant HM-feeding
      cessation up to 1 year postpartum. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis
      with Atlas.ti. Mothers' reasons for pumping changed over time and reflected their
      needs and desires (e.g., latch difficulty, return to work, and increasing their
      milk supply). Mothers reported that pump type and quality were important to
      pumping success and that pumping was time-consuming, costly, and unpleasant
      compared to feeding at the breast. Regardless of how often mothers pumped, most
      felt pumping was necessary to meet their infant HM-feeding goals and was a
      welcome means of sharing with other caregivers the bonding opportunity and tasks
      they associated with feeding infants. Mothers interpreted output from pumping
      sessions to understand their ability to provide enough milk to meet their
      infants' needs. Mothers' reasons for pumping may signal constraints to infant HM
      feeding that may be addressed with policy changes. Mothers' attitudes and
      perceptions toward pumping indicate that, although pumping fills important and
      welcome roles for many mothers, the reality of its practice may make it an
      unacceptable or infeasible substitute for some.

PMID- 28078791
TI  - Effects of stem cell transplantation on bone mineral density and vitamin D status
      in children with thalassemia major.
AB  - HSCT is a curative treatment in TM, but conditioning and immunosuppressive
      treatment may affect bone metabolism. In this retrospective study, we aimed to
      compare BMD, vitamin D status, and growth in children with TM who underwent HSCT
      to those in children with TD TM. Twenty-three children with TM who underwent HSCT
      (mean age 7.1 years [1.03-14.7]) and 24 children with TD thalassemia (mean age
      9.8 years [1.6-14]) were recruited. Lumbar spine BMD of TD thalassemia patients
      was higher than those in patients who had HSCT at both baseline and second-year
      assessments (P=.009, P<.001, respectively). However, BMD Z scores or serum 25-OH
      vitamin D levels were not different in two groups. Being >10 years of age was a
      significant risk factor for low BMD, height, and weight Z score for both groups.
      Patients who underwent HSCT with Pesaro risk class II or III had higher risk for
      low BMD compared to those risk class I patients (P=.044). In conclusion, children
      with TM who were >10 years at HSCT are at risk for low BMD and growth
      retardation. HSCT had no effect on BMD deficit in children with TM.

PMID- 28078792
TI  - Synthesis of 1-Difluoroalkylated Isoquinolines via Palladium-Catalyzed Radical
      Cascade Difluoroalkylation-Cyclization of Vinyl Isocyanides with
      Bromodifluoroacetic Derivatives.
AB  - A general method was developed for the synthesis of 1-difluoroalkyl isoquinolines
      via the palladium-catalyzed radical cascade difluoroalkylation-cyclization of
      vinyl isocyanides with bromodifluoroacetic derivatives. The difluoroalkylated
      cyclization products were readily converted to various other valuable gem
      difluoro-containing compounds.

PMID- 28078793
TI  - Insights into nuclear dynamics using live-cell imaging approaches.
AB  - The nucleus contains the genetic blueprint of the cell and myriad interactions
      within this subcellular structure are required for gene regulation. In the
      current scientific era, characterization of these gene regulatory networks
      through biochemical techniques coupled with systems-wide 'omic' approaches has
      become commonplace. However, these strategies are limited because they represent
      a mere snapshot of the cellular state. To obtain a holistic understanding of
      nuclear dynamics, relevant molecules must be studied in their native contexts in
      living systems. Live-cell imaging approaches are capable of providing
      quantitative assessment of the dynamics of gene regulatory interactions within
      the nucleus. We survey recent insights into what live-cell imaging approaches
      have provided the field of nuclear dynamics. In this review, we focus on
      interactions of DNA with other DNA loci, proteins, RNA, and the nuclear envelope.
      WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1372. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1372 For further resources
      related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 28078794
TI  - The Cobalt cyclo-P4 Sandwich Complex and Its Role in the Formation of
      Polyphosphorus Compounds.
AB  - A synthetic approach to the sandwich complex [Cp'''Co(eta4 -P4 )] (2) containing
      a cyclo-P4 ligand as an end-deck was developed. Complex 2 is the missing
      homologue in the series of first-row cyclo-Pn sandwich complexes, and shows a
      unique tendency to dimerize in solution to form two isomeric P8 complexes
      [(Cp'''Co)2 (MU,eta4 :eta2 :eta1 -P8 )] (3 and 4). Reactivity studies indicate
      that 2 and 3 react with further [Cp'''Co] fragments to give [(Cp'''Co)2 (MU,eta2
      :eta2 -P2 )2 ] (5) and [(Cp'''Co)3 P8 ] (6), respectively. Furthermore, complexes
      2, 3, and 4 thermally decompose forming 5, 6, and the P12 complex [(Cp'''Co)3 P12
      ] (7). DFT calculations on the P4 activation process suggest a eta3 -P4 Co
      complex as the key intermediate in the synthesis of 2 as well as in the formation
      of larger polyphosphorus complexes via a unique oligomerization pathway.

PMID- 28078795
TI  - A continuous-infusion dynamic MRI model at 3.0 Tesla for the serial quantitative
      evaluation of microvascular proliferation in an animal model of glioblastoma
      multiforme.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a continuous-infusion dynamic MRI technique to characterize
      tumor-associated microvascular proliferation (MVP) in a rat brain model of
      glioblastoma multiforme. METHODS: The proposed model assumes effects due to tumor
      associated MVP (eg, vascular permeability, Ktrans ; intravascular plasma
      fraction, vp ) cannot be individually separated and solves for a single parameter
      (kvasc ) that quantifies the T1 -weighted contrast enhancement from dynamic
      images acquired during continuous contrast agent (CA) infusion. Untreated C6
      tumor-bearing animals (N = 6) were serially imaged on postoperative days (PODs)
      14 and 18 with a 3 Tesla clinical scanner utilizing a dynamic spatial and
      temporal resolution of 0.38 * 0.38 * 1.5 mm3 and 3.47 s, respectively. RESULTS:
      An association was present between PODs 14 and 18 for median tumor kvasc
      (Pearson's r = 0.94, P = 0.0052) and CA concentration ([CA], derived from pre-
      and postcontrast R1 maps; r = 0.94, P = 0.0054). On POD 18, there was a voxel
      based association between kvasc and [CA] within each tumor (0.45 < r < 0.82, P <
      0.001). However, voxel-based subregions demonstrated a reduced association
      between kvasc and [CA] (N = 5; -0.08 < r < 0.22, P > 0.05) or an inverse
      association (N = 1; r = -0.28, P = 0.001), indicating differences between
      locations of vascular permeability and subsequent CA pooling in tumors.
      CONCLUSION: The continuous-infusion method may provide a quantitative measure for
      characterizing and monitoring tumor-associated MVP. Magn Reson Med 78:1824-1838,
      2017. (c) 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28078796
TI  - Hyperparathyroidism caused by distant pulmonary lesions and parathyromatosis
      after ethanol injection/parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) treatment includes parathyroidectomy and
      percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT), which are invasive procedures. The
      condition in which benign hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue is distributed
      throughout the neck and mediastinum is termed parathyromatosis. Here, we present
      the case of a 51-year-old woman who began hemodialysis in 1986 due to chronic
      kidney disease of unknown etiology and developed SHPT in 1999. She underwent 6
      rounds of PEIT followed by total a parathyroidectomy with partial forearm
      autotransplantation. Between 2011 and 2013, surgeons removed several nodules from
      her pulmonary and cervical regions and the transplanted masses from her forearm;
      all showed hyperplasia but exhibited no histological evidence of malignancy.
      Damage to the parathyroid capsule after repeated PEITs may cause local cervical
      recurrence and pulmonary lesions, although distant lesions are extremely rare in
      SHPT. This case is of interest due to the possible association between PEIT and
      parathyromatosis and distal lesions.

PMID- 28078797
TI  - In-situ incubation of iron-sulfur mineral reveals a diverse chemolithoautotrophic
      community and a new biogeochemical role for Thiomicrospira.
AB  - Sulfide mineral precipitation occurs at mid-ocean ridge (MOR) spreading centers,
      both in the form of plume particles and seafloor massive sulfide structures. A
      common constituent of MOR is the iron-bearing sulfide mineral pyrrhotite, which
      was chosen as a substrate for in-situ incubation studies in shallow waters of
      Catalina Island, CA to investigate the colonization of iron-oxidizing bacteria.
      Microbial community datasets were obtained from in-situ incubated pyrrhotite,
      allowing for direct comparison to microbial communities of iron-sulfides from
      active and inactive chimneys in deep-sea environments. Unclassified
      Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria (Magnetovibrio) largely dominated the
      bacterial community on pyrrhotite samples incubated in the water column while
      samples incubated at the surface sediment showed more even dominance by
      Deltaproteobacteria (Desulfobulbus), Gammaproteobacteria (Piscirickettsiaceae),
      Alphaproteobacteria (Rhodobacteraceae), and Bacteroidetes (Flavobacteriia).
      Cultivations that originated from pyrrhotite samples resulted in the enrichment
      of both, sheath-forming and stalk-forming Zetaproteobacteria. Additionally, a
      putative novel species of Thiomicrospira was isolated and shown to grow
      autotrophically with iron, indicating a new biogeochemical role for this
      ubiquitous microorganism.

PMID- 28078799
TI  - Specifying a State Guaranteed Health Benefits package for Kazakhstan: lessons for
      emerging economies and middle-income countries.
AB  - The Government of Kazakhstan is engaged in a "root and branch" modernisation of
      the health care sector. One aspect of the raft of modernisation programmes was to
      revisit the State Guaranteed Health Benefits Package, with the aim to review
      citizen entitlements to healthcare. This paper reviews the ongoing evolution of
      the planning of the health benefits package in Kazakhstan, with the main
      challenges encountered, and critical lessons learned, to be considered for
      similar attempts elsewhere. The main conclusions are that: the design process
      requires a blend of technical and socio-political analysis, because it attracts
      public interest, and therefore political risks; the scale and burden of analysis
      need to be kept to manageable proportions; and the relationship between the
      benefits package and funding modalities needs to be carefully managed by the
      State, to ensure access to declared entitlements to all members, including the
      most vulnerable, while keeping the package financially feasible. (c) 2017 The
      Authors. International Journal of Health Planning and Management published by
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28078798
TI  - Systematic review with meta-analysis: rifaximin is effective and safe for the
      treatment of small intestine bacterial overgrowth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a heterogeneous
      syndrome, characterised by an increased number and/or abnormal type of bacteria
      in the small bowel. Over the past decades, rifaximin has gained popularity for
      this indication despite its use is not evidence based. AIM: To perform a
      systematic review and meta-analysis to summarise evidence about the efficacy and
      safety of rifaximin to eradicate SIBO in adult patients. METHODS: MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, CCRCT, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to March
      16, 2015 for RCTs and observational studies. Furthermore, abstract books of major
      European, American and Asian gastroenterological meetings were also examined.
      RESULTS: Thirty-two studies involving 1331 patients were included. The overall
      eradication rate according to intention-to-treat analysis was 70.8% (95% CI: 61.4
      78.2; I2 = 89.4%) and to per protocol analysis 72.9% (95% CI: 65.5-79.8; I2 =
      87.5%). Meta-regression identified three covariates (drug dose, study design and
      co-therapy) independently associated with an increased eradication rate. The
      overall rate of adverse events was 4.6% (95% CI: 2.3-7.5; I2 = 63.6%). In the
      subset of studies (n= 10) allowing the analysis, improvement or resolution of
      symptoms in patients with eradicated SIBO was found to be 67.7% (95% CI: 44.7
      86.9; I2 = 91.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Rifaximin treatment seems to be effective and
      safe for the treatment of SIBO. However, the quality of the available studies is
      generally poor. Well-designed RCTs are needed to substantiate these findings and
      to establish the optimal regimen.

PMID- 28078800
TI  - Ghrelin ameliorates blood-brain barrier disruption during systemic hypoxia.
AB  - NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Is an anti-oedematous
      effect of ghrelin associated with increased expression of tight junction proteins
      in the hypoxic brain? What is the main finding and its importance? We showed that
      injection of ghrelin during acute and chronic systemic hypoxia is associated with
      increased expression of tight junction proteins and protection of the blood-brain
      barrier. Ghrelin appears to be a new therapeutic strategy for protection of the
      blood-brain barrier from disruption and prevention of brain oedema in hypoxic
      conditions. The blood-brain barrier, which serves to protect the homeostasis of
      the CNS, is formed by tight junction proteins. Several studies have indicated
      that systemic hypoxia leads to cerebral oedema through disruption of tight
      junction proteins, such as occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). According to
      our previous studies, ghrelin attenuates cerebral oedema in the hypoxic brain.
      However, the mechanism is not completely understood. The present study was
      designed to determine the effect of ghrelin on occludin and ZO-1 in the hypoxic
      brain. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into acute and chronic control, acute
      or chronic hypoxia, and ghrelin-treated acute or chronic hypoxia groups. Hypoxic
      groups were kept in a hypoxic chamber (10-11% O2 ) for 2 (acute) or 10 days
      (chronic). Effects of ghrelin on occludin and ZO-1 protein levels were assessed
      using Western blotting. Western blot analysis revealed that the protein
      expression of ZO-1 and occludin decreased significantly in acute and chronic
      hypoxia. Ghrelin significantly increased ZO-1 protein expression in both acute
      and chronic hypoxia (P < 0.05). Ghrelin also increased occludin protein
      expression in chronic hypoxia (P < 0.05) but did not effectively change it in
      acute hypoxia. Our data showed that ghrelin injection maintains occludin and ZO-1
      tight junction proteins, which may improve the integrity of the blood-brain
      barrier in hypoxic conditions.

PMID- 28078801
TI  - ABNORMAL POLLEN VACUOLATION1 (APV1) is required for male fertility by
      contributing to anther cuticle and pollen exine formation in maize.
AB  - Anther cuticle and pollen exine are the major protective barriers against various
      stresses. The proper functioning of genes expressed in the tapetum is vital for
      the development of pollen exine and anther cuticle. In this study, we report a
      tapetum-specific gene, Abnormal Pollen Vacuolation1 (APV1), in maize that affects
      anther cuticle and pollen exine formation. The apv1 mutant was completely male
      sterile. Its microspores were swollen, less vacuolated, with a flat and empty
      anther locule. In the mutant, the anther epidermal surface was smooth, shiny, and
      plate-shaped compared with the three-dimensional crowded ridges and randomly
      formed wax crystals on the epidermal surface of the wild-type. The wild-type
      mature pollen had elaborate exine patterning, whereas the apv1 pollen surface was
      smooth. Only a few unevenly distributed Ubisch bodies were formed on the apv1
      mutant, leading to a more apparent inner surface. A significant reduction in the
      cutin monomers was observed in the mutant. APV1 encodes a member of the P450
      subfamily, CYP703A2-Zm, which contains 530 amino acids. APV1 appeared to be
      widely expressed in the tapetum at the vacuolation stage, and its protein signal
      co-localized with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) signal. RNA-Seq data revealed
      that most of the genes in the fatty acid metabolism pathway were differentially
      expressed in the apv1 mutant. Altogether, we suggest that APV1 functions in the
      fatty acid hydroxylation pathway which is involved in forming sporopollenin
      precursors and cutin monomers that are essential for the development of pollen
      exine and anther cuticle in maize.

PMID- 28078803
TI  - Why do they care? Narratives of physician volunteers on motivations for
      participation in short-term medical missions abroad.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Short-term medical missions (STMMs) refer to the provision of direct
      pro bono medical services in lower and middle income countries for periods
      ranging from days to a few weeks by physicians from rich countries. Survey data
      have provided limited information on demographic and professional profiles of
      physicians as well as monetary and manpower inputs. Understanding why physicians
      participate, however, remains incomplete. The study's objective was to elicit
      physicians' motivations directly. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews of
      physicians identified through snowball recruiting were conducted to explore
      motivational themes and then analyzed using narrative software employing directed
      content analysis methodology. RESULTS: Twenty physicians from varying backgrounds
      and specialties were interviewed. Responses identified aspects of the decision to
      participate and the relative influence of economic, diplomatic, value-related,
      and emotive constructs. CONCLUSION: Personality traits may be more influential to
      participation than demographic, professional, or socioeconomic determinants. Word
      of-mouth recruitment appears to underlie the increase in STMM activity,
      facilitated by information technology. Reported key motivators for physician
      participation in STMMs tend to parallel schools of thought regarding philanthropy
      and volunteering and include satisfaction from helping in challenging conditions
      of limited resources, learning experiences, appreciation from patients, sense of
      renewal, and the legacy effect of teaching.

PMID- 28078802
TI  - Evaluation of PVA biodegradable electric conductive membranes for nerve
      regeneration in axonotmesis injuries: the rat sciatic nerve animal model.
AB  - The therapeutic effect of three polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes loaded with
      electrically conductive materials - carbon nanotubes (PVA-CNTs) and polypyrrole
      (PVA-PPy) - were tested in vivo for neuro-muscular regeneration after an
      axonotmesis injury in the rat sciatic nerve. The membranes electrical
      conductivity measured was 1.5 +/- 0.5 * 10-6 S/m, 579 +/- 0.6 * 10-6 S/m, and
      1837.5 +/- 0.7 * 10-6 S/m, respectively. At week-12, a residual motor and
      nociceptive deficit were present in all treated groups, but at week-12, a better
      recovery to normal gait pattern of the PVA-CNTs and PVA-PPy treated groups was
      observed. Morphometrical analysis demonstrated that PVA-CNTs group presented
      higher myelin thickness and lower g-ratio. The tibialis anterior muscle, in the
      PVA-PPy and PVA-CNTs groups showed a 9% and 19% increase of average fiber size
      area and a 5% and 10% increase of the "minimal Feret's diameter," respectively.
      No inflammation, degeneration, fibrosis or necrosis were detected in lung, liver,
      kidneys, spleen, and regional lymph nodes and absence of carbon deposits was
      confirmed with Von Kossa and Masson-Fontana stains. In conclusion, the membranes
      of PVA-CNTs and PVA-PPy are biocompatible and have electrical conductivity. The
      higher electrical conductivity measured in PVA-CNTs membrane might be responsible
      for the positive results on maturation of myelinated fibers. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1267-1280, 2017.

PMID- 28078805
TI  - Three-Dimensional MoS2 @CNT/RGO Network Composites for High-Performance Flexible
      Supercapacitors.
AB  - Two-dimensional atomically thick materials, reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and
      layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2 ) have been investigated as potential novel
      energy storage materials because of their distinct physicochemical properties.
      These materials suffer, however, from rapid capacity decay and low rate
      capability. This study describes a facile, binder-free approach to fabricate
      large-scale, 3D network structured MoS2 @carbon nanotube (CNT)/RGO composites for
      application in flexible supercapacitor devices. The as-obtained composites
      possess a hierarchical porosity, and an interconnected framework. The
      electrochemical supercapacitive measurements of the MoS2 @CNT/RGO electrode show
      a high specific capacitance of 129 mF cm-2 at 0.1 mA cm-2 . The symmetric
      supercapacitor devices based on the as-obtained composites exhibit a long
      lifetime (94.7 % capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles), and a high
      electrochemical performance (29.7 mF cm-2 ). The present experimental findings
      will lead to scalable, binder-free synthesis of MoS2 @CNT/RGO hybrid electrodes,
      with enhanced, flexible, supercapacitive performance, in portable and wearable
      energy storage devices.

PMID- 28078804
TI  - A low-protein diet induces body weight loss and browning of subcutaneous white
      adipose tissue through enhanced expression of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21
      (FGF21).
AB  - SCOPE: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is considered a promising therapeutic
      candidate for the treatment of obesity. Since FGF21 production is regulated by
      various nutritional factors, we analyze the impact of low protein intake on
      circulating levels of this growth hormone in mice and in a sub cohort of the
      PREDIMED (Prevencion con Dieta Mediterranea) trial. We also describe the role of
      hepatic FGF21 in metabolic adaptation to a low-protein diet (LPD). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We fed control and liver-specific Fgf21 knockout (LFgf21KO) mice a LPD.
      This diet increased FGF21 production by inducing its overexpression in liver, and
      this correlated with a body weight decrease without changes in food intake. The
      LPD also caused FGF21-dependent browning in subcutaneous white adipose tissue
      (scWAT), as indicated by an increase in the expression of uncoupling protein 1
      (UCP1). In a subgroup of 78 individuals from the PREDIMED trial, we observed an
      inverse correlation between protein intake and circulating FGF21 levels.
      CONCLUSION: Our results reinforce the involvement of FGF21 in coordinating energy
      homeostasis under a range of nutritional conditions. Moreover, here we describe
      an approach to increase the endogenous production of FGF21, which if demonstrated
      functional in humans, could generate a treatment for obesity.

PMID- 28078806
TI  - Prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor
      thrombosis treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the factors that influence survival of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) following
      transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: Retrospectively enrolled HCC
      patients with PVTT (n = 57). Patients received TACE, and the local tumor response
      was evaluated by modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumor (mRECIST).
      Overall survival and disease progression were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier
      survival curves. Prognostic factors were determined by multivariate Cox
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Following TACE, the median survival times was 8.3
      months in HCC patients with PVTT. The median survival time was 3.1 months for
      patients with progressive disease following TACE and was 11.3 months for patients
      with complete response or partial response. The one-year rate of survival for
      patients with progressive disease was 5.0% and was lower than in patients with
      complete response or partial response (20.0%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis
      indicated that the presence of ascites, arteriovenous fistula and TACE response
      were significant factors for prognosis. The presence of early (<2 weeks) or late
      (>=2 weeks) PVTT was not a prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates
      that TACE is feasible and potentially efficacious in HCC patients with PVTT, and
      identifies factors that may predict the prognosis of these patients.

PMID- 28078807
TI  - Traumatized muscle-derived multipotent progenitor cells recruit endothelial cells
      through vascular endothelial growth factor-A action.
AB  - Traumatized muscle, such as that debrided from blast injury sites, is considered
      a promising and convenient tissue source for multipotent progenitor cells (MPCs),
      a population of adult mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like cells. The present study
      aimed to assess the regenerative therapeutic potential of human traumatized
      muscle-derived MPCs, e.g., for injury repair in the blast-traumatized extremity,
      by comparing their pro-angiogenic potential in vitro and capillary recruitment
      activity in vivo to those of MSCs isolated from human bone marrow, a widely-used
      tissue source. MPCs were tested for their direct and indirect effects on human
      microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro. The findings reported here showed
      that MPC-conditioned culture medium (MPC-CM), like MSC-CM, promoted EC-cord
      network branching. Silent (si)RNA-mediated silencing of vascular endothelial
      growth factor-A (VEGF-A) expression in MPCs attenuated this effect. In a chick
      embryonic chorioallantoic membrane in vivo angiogenesis assay, MPCs encapsulated
      in photocrosslinked gelatin scaffold recruited blood vessels more efficiently
      than either MSCs or human foreskin fibroblasts. Together, these findings support
      the potential application of traumatized muscle-derived MPCs in cell-based
      regenerative medicine therapies as a result of their influence on EC
      organization. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28078808
TI  - Minimum sample sizes for population genomics: an empirical study from an
      Amazonian plant species.
AB  - High-throughput DNA sequencing facilitates the analysis of large portions of the
      genome in nonmodel organisms, ensuring high accuracy of population genetic
      parameters. However, empirical studies evaluating the appropriate sample size for
      these kinds of studies are still scarce. In this study, we use double-digest
      restriction-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) to recover thousands of single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for two physically isolated populations of
      Amphirrhox longifolia (Violaceae), a nonmodel plant species for which no
      reference genome is available. We used resampling techniques to construct
      simulated populations with a random subset of individuals and SNPs to determine
      how many individuals and biallelic markers should be sampled for accurate
      estimates of intra- and interpopulation genetic diversity. We identified 3646 and
      4900 polymorphic SNPs for the two populations of A. longifolia, respectively. Our
      simulations show that, overall, a sample size greater than eight individuals has
      little impact on estimates of genetic diversity within A. longifolia populations,
      when 1000 SNPs or higher are used. Our results also show that even at a very
      small sample size (i.e. two individuals), accurate estimates of FST can be
      obtained with a large number of SNPs (>=1500). These results highlight the
      potential of high-throughput genomic sequencing approaches to address questions
      related to evolutionary biology in nonmodel organisms. Furthermore, our findings
      also provide insights into the optimization of sampling strategies in the era of
      population genomics.

PMID- 28078809
TI  - Three-year analysis of repeated laboratory tests for the markers total
      cholesterol, ferritin, vitamin D, vitamin B12 , and folate, in a large research
      and teaching hospital in Italy.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing number of diagnostic tests
      requests all over the world is a problem that can partially be explained by
      inappropriate testing. Impact on the total costs of health systems becomes
      relevant when tests are performed in a large amount. In this paper, retesting of
      total cholesterol, ferritin, vitamin B12 , vitamin D, and folate is assessed.
      METHODS: The Quality Unit of Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore
      Policlinico di Milano (Fondazione) decided to perform a first assessment of the
      appropriate use of the laboratory tests cholesterol, ferritin, vitamin B12 ,
      vitamin D, and folate focusing on the retesting interval for the same patient in
      the time period January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014, in every care setting. The
      minimum retesting intervals were chosen following the ACB recommendations. The
      Fondazione is a research and teaching hospital with 3 emergency units (adult,
      pediatric, and obstetric), kidney, liver, lung, cornea, and bone marrow
      transplant centers and a medical school. Record linkage of laboratory records
      selected for the time interval January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014, was applied
      using tax code. For each marker, the distribution of retesting intervals was
      evaluated for every year and the total period. With the same record linkage
      variable, requests on inpatients were identified from hospital discharge records.
      A cost analysis of inappropriate retesting was performed for every test. RESULTS:
      We examined 466 035 requests for 113 019 patients. Proportions of tests judged
      potentially inappropriate varied between 8.1% for 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D and
      37.1% for total cholesterol. The rates of inappropriate tests from year to year
      never showed significant decrease, and the maximum increase corresponded to an
      odds ratio of 1.85 (95% CI, 1.36-2.51) for 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D from 2012 to
      2013. Calculated loss of money was approximately ?500 000 in the 3 years.
      CONCLUSIONS: Inappropriate requests represent a waste of time and money
      resources. Our analysis highlighted economically unacceptable rates of
      inappropriate retesting, with no evidence of decreasing trend. Actions to raise
      awareness in clinicians or automated electronic solutions are necessary to limit
      unnecessary test repetitions.

PMID- 28078810
TI  - Anti-HCV Activity from Semi-purified Methanolic Root Extracts of Valeriana
      wallichii.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious global health problem affecting
      approximately 130-150 million individuals. Presently available direct-acting anti
      HCV drugs have higher barriers to resistance and also improved success rate;
      however, cost concerns limit their utilization, especially in developing
      countries like India. Therefore, development of additional agents to combat HCV
      infection is needed. In the present study, we have evaluated anti-HCV potential
      of water, chloroform, and methanol extracts from roots of Valeriana wallichii, a
      traditional Indian medicinal plant. Huh-7.5 cells infected with J6/JFH chimeric
      HCV strain were treated with water, chloroform, and methanol extracts at
      different concentrations. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase
      chain reaction result demonstrated that methanolic extract showed reduction in
      HCV replication. The methanolic extract was fractionated by thin layer
      chromatography, and the purified fractions (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were checked for
      anti-HCV activity. Significant viral inhibition was noted only in F4 fraction.
      Further, intrinsic fluorescence assay of purified HCV RNA-dependent RNA
      polymerase NS5B in the presence of F4 resulted in sharp quenching of intrinsic
      fluorescence with increasing amount of plant extract. Our results indicated that
      methanolic extract of V. wallichii and its fraction (F4) inhibited HCV by binding
      with HCV NS5B protein. The findings would be further investigated to identify the
      active principle/lead molecule towards development of complementary and
      alternative therapeutics against HCV. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28078811
TI  - The effects of nanomaterials on blood coagulation in hemostasis and thrombosis.
AB  - The blood coagulation balance in the organism is achieved by the interaction of
      the blood platelets (PLTs) with the plasma coagulation system (PCS) and the
      vascular endothelial cells. In healthy organism, these systems prevent thrombosis
      and, in events of vascular damage, enable blood clotting to stop bleeding. The
      dysregulation of hemostasis may cause serious thrombotic and/or hemorrhagic
      pathologies. Numerous engineered nanomaterials are being investigated for
      biomedical purposes and are unavoidably exposed to the blood. Also, nanomaterials
      may access vascular system after occupational, environmental, or other types of
      exposure. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the effects of engineered
      nanomaterials on hemostasis. This review focuses on investigations of
      nanomaterial interactions with the blood components involved in blood
      coagulation: the PCS and PLTs. Particular emphases include the pathophysiology of
      effects of nanomaterials on the PCS, including the kallikrein-kinin system, and
      on PLTs. Methods for investigating these interactions are briefly described, and
      a review of the most important studies on the interactions of nanomaterials with
      plasma coagulation and platelets is provided. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017,
      9:e1448. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1448 For further resources related to this article,
      please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 28078812
TI  - Gentiana scabra Bunge. Formula for Herpes Zoster: Biological Actions of Key Herbs
      and Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety.
AB  - This study reviewed the biological action of key herbs and evaluated
      systematically the efficacy and safety of oral Gentiana formula for herpes zoster
      (HZ). Experimental studies relevant to HZ were identified in PubMed. Randomized
      controlled trials using Gentiana formula for HZ were identified from nine English
      and Chinese databases. The primary outcome was evaluation of pain. Potential risk
      of bias was assessed. Meta-analysis was conducted using mean difference or risk
      ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Key herbs Gentiana scabra Bunge, Gentiana
      triflora Pall, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and Gardenia jasminoides Ellis
      have shown antiinflammatory actions through inhibition of inflammatory cytokines
      and pro-inflammatory enzymes. Twenty-six clinical studies, involving 2955
      participants, were included. Modified Gentiana formula resolved pain earlier than
      pharmacotherapy when used alone or combined with topical Chinese herbal medicine.
      Incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was lower (risk ratio 0.14, 95% confidence
      interval 0.03 to 0.74) with modified Gentiana formula plus topical Chinese herbal
      medicine. Mild adverse events were reported. Antiinflammatory actions of key
      herbs of Gentiana formula may explain clinical benefit in hastening pain relief
      and decreasing postherpetic neuralgia. Few adverse events were reported. Findings
      were limited by study quality and diversity in intervention and comparator
      dosage. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28078813
TI  - Host defense peptide-derived privileged scaffolds for anti-infective drug
      discovery.
AB  - 'Privileged scaffolds' are molecular frameworks which have been successfully
      exploited for small molecule drug discovery. Peptide privileged scaffolds,
      featuring a strictly conserved multiple-disulfide framework and high variability
      in the rest of the sequence, display a broad range of biological effects,
      including antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Unlike small molecules, however,
      the cost of manufacturing these peptides is high, and their synthesis
      challenging. We previously described a simplified privileged scaffold
      corresponding to the gamma-core of human beta-defensin-3 (HBD3). The gamma-core
      is a common structural signature found in virtually all host defense peptides
      (HDPs) stabilized by multiple disulfides, and we showed that for HBD3, it
      represents the evolutionary starting point of the full-length molecule and, thus,
      is itself a primordial HDP. Accordingly, we showed that the peptide folded
      rapidly and was stable in human serum, and displayed many of the biological
      activities of HBD3. We report here that in addition to the previously reported
      antibacterial activity on planktonic bacteria, the gamma-core peptide is active
      against biofilm formation and maturation. We also show that it is readily cell
      penetrant, like HBD3, although with a different mechanism, which is independent
      from CD98. Overall, the potency of the single-disulfide, 23-amino acid gamma-core
      is comparable with the full-length peptide across the whole spectrum of examined
      properties, and the peptide is not toxic to human cells. The HBD3 gamma-core
      peptide may therefore represent the first example of an economically viable lead
      peptide derived from a HDP privileged scaffold. Copyright (c) 2017 European
      Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28078814
TI  - Life threatening nutritional deficiencies in a dialysis patient.
AB  - Nutritional deficiencies are very common among the patient on chronic
      hemodialysis. But they can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. Deficiencies of
      trace elements and phosphorous is rare among this patient population but if
      neglected can lead to catastrophic effects. We describe a case report of a
      patient with ESRD recently started on outpatient maintenance hemodialysis, who
      presented with life threatening muscular weakness with respiratory failure
      requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. On initial workup, it was unclear
      what the cause of her weakness was, however, further investigations showed
      undetectable phosphorous levels as well as very low levels of trace elements.
      Replacement of these compounds to normal levels led to marked improvement in the
      clinical picture. On further evaluation, the patient was also found to be
      profoundly depressed with poor appetite even prior to initiation of hemodialysis.
      This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis of depression and
      malnutrition in patients on chronic hemodialysis, as severe depression can
      contribute to malnutrition and life threatening deficiencies of organic as well
      as inorganic compounds, which may cause life threatening complications as
      evidenced in this patient.

PMID- 28078815
TI  - Repeat measurements of uterine artery pulsatility index, mean arterial pressure
      and serum placental growth factor at 12, 22 and 32 weeks in prediction of pre
      eclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential value of repeat measurements of uterine
      artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and serum
      placental growth factor (PlGF) at 12, 22 and 32 weeks' gestation in the
      prediction of pre-eclampsia (PE) developing after 32 weeks. METHODS: Data were
      derived from prospective screening for adverse obstetric outcomes in women
      attending their routine hospital visit at 11-13, 19-24 and/or 30-34 weeks'
      gestation in two maternity hospitals in England. UtA-PI, MAP and PlGF were
      measured. Bayes' theorem was used to combine the a-priori risk from maternal
      factors with UtA-PI, MAP and PlGF multiples of the median values. The performance
      of screening for PE developing after the 30-34-week visit by UtA-PI, MAP and PlGF
      measured at 11-13, 19-24 and 30-34 weeks and their combinations was examined.
      RESULTS: Screening at 30-34 weeks by UtA-PI, MAP and PlGF detected, at a 10%
      false-positive rate, 79%, 86% and 92% of preterm PE and 42%, 50% and 56% of term
      PE. The addition of biomarker values at 11-13 and/or 19-24 weeks was not
      associated with any improvement in the detection rate of preterm PE; in the case
      of term PE, there was a marginal (< 2%) improvement in detection for UtA-PI and
      MAP and a modest improvement of about 5% for PlGF. CONCLUSION: Measurements of
      UtA-PI, MAP and PlGF in the first and/or second trimester have a small or no
      effect on improving the prediction of PE provided by screening in the early third
      trimester. Copyright (c) 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 28078816
TI  - Smoking and orthopaedic surgery: Does the evidence support rationing of care?

PMID- 28078817
TI  - Birth of puppies of predetermined sex after artificial insemination with a low
      number of sex-sorted, frozen-thawed spermatozoa in field conditions.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate fertility and sex ratios after artificial
      insemination in dogs under field conditions. Semen was cryopreserved as unsorted
      (control) or was separated into X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm using a cell
      sorter. Sixty female dogs were inseminated with frozen-thawed spermatozoa of 100
      * 106 unsorted (a dose in practice) and 4 * 106 sorted (X and Y group,
      respectively). A total of 20 dogs became pregnant and 126 puppies were born from
      the three groups. The percentage of parturition was similar for the X (5/20;
      25.0%) and Y (4/20; 20.0%) group (P > 0.05), but lower than controls (11/20;
      55.0%) (P < 0.05). Ultimately 28 out of the 32 puppies produced from X group were
      female (87.5%) and 19/22 (86.4%) puppies of Y group were male. In contrast, sex
      ratio (51.4% to 48.6%) in the control was significantly different from the X, Y
      group (P < 0.05). However, male and female puppies in the control had similar
      birth weights and weaning weights to those from the X and Y groups. This
      preliminary information indicated that normal puppies of predicted sex can be
      produced with low numbers of sorted cryopreserved dog spermatozoa at a farm
      level, making sperm-sexing technology potentially applicable for elite breeding
      units.

PMID- 28078818
TI  - Objectively diagnosing rumination syndrome in children using esophageal pH
      impedance and manometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rumination syndrome is characterized by recurrent regurgitation of
      recently ingested food into the mouth. Differentiation with other diagnoses and
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in particular, is difficult. Recently,
      objective pH-impedance (pH-MII) and manometry criteria were proposed for adults.
      The aim of this study was to determine diagnostic ambulatory pH-MII and manometry
      criteria for rumination syndrome in children. METHODS: Clinical data and 24-hour
      pH-MII and manometry recordings of children with a clinical suspicion of
      rumination syndrome were reviewed. Recordings were analyzed for retrograde bolus
      flow extending into the proximal esophagus. Peak gastric and intraesophageal
      pressures closely related to these events were recorded and checked for a pattern
      compatible with rumination. Events were classified into primary, secondary, and
      supragastric belch-associated rumination. KEY RESULTS: Twenty-five consecutive
      patients (11 males, median age 13.3 years [IQR 5.9-15.8]) were included;
      recordings of 18 patients were suitable for analysis. Rumination events were
      identified in 16/18 patients, with 50% of events occurring <30 minutes
      postprandially. Fifteen of 16 patients showed >=1 gastric pressure peak >30 mmHg,
      while only 50% of all events was characterized by peaks >30 mmHg and an
      additional 20% by peaks >25 mmHg. Four patients had evidence of acid GERD, all
      showing secondary rumination. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Combined 24-hour pH-MII
      and manometry can be used to diagnose rumination syndrome in children and to
      distinguish it from GERD. Rumination patterns in children are similar compared
      with adults, albeit with lower gastric pressure increase. We propose a diagnostic
      cutoff for gastric pressure increase >25 mmHg associated with retrograde bolus
      flow into the proximal esophagus.

PMID- 28078819
TI  - Live donor liver transplantation for a child presented with severe
      hepatopulmonary syndrome and nodular liver lesions due to Abernethy malformation.
AB  - A 15-year-old boy first presented with severe lung lesions and hypoxia and he was
      considered as a lung transplant candidate. Upon evaluation, hepatopulmonary
      syndrome, multiple nodular liver lesions, and Abernethy type 1b malformation were
      diagnosed. The patient underwent successful right lobe live donor liver
      transplantation, and all of the symptoms disappeared soon after the transplant.
      He is currently alive and well with excellent liver and lung functions 4 years
      after surgery.

PMID- 28078821
TI  - Collateral fattening: When a deficit in lean body mass drives overeating.
AB  - In his last review entitled "Some Adventures in Body Composition," Gilbert Forbes
      reminded us that "lean body mass and body fat are in a sense companions." To what
      extent the lean body mass (or fat-free mass) component in this companionship
      impacts on energy intake is rarely a topic for discussion, amid a dominant
      adipocentric view of appetite control. Yet an analysis of the few human studies
      that have investigated the relationships between objectively measured food intake
      and body composition reveals a potentially important role for both an increase
      and a decrease in fat-free mass in the drive to eat. These studies are
      highlighted here, together with the implications of their findings for research
      directed as much toward the elucidation of peripheral signals and energy-sensing
      mechanisms that drive hunger and appetite, as toward understanding the mechanisms
      by which dieting and sedentariness predispose to fatness.

PMID- 28078820
TI  - Improvement of the in vivo cellular repopulation of decellularized cardiovascular
      tissues by a detergent-free, non-proteolytic, actin-disassembling regimen.
AB  - Low immunogenicity and high repopulation capacity are crucial determinants for
      the functional and structural performance of acellular cardiovascular implants.
      The present study evaluates a detergent-free, non-proteolytic, actin
      disassembling regimen (BIO) for decellularization of heart valve and vessel
      grafts, particularly focusing on their bio-functionality. Rat aortic conduits
      (rAoC; n = 89) and porcine aortic valve samples (n = 106) are decellularized
      using detergents (group DET) or the BIO regimen. BIO decellularization results in
      effective elimination of cellular proteins and significantly improves removal of
      DNA as compared with group DET, while the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure as
      well as mechanical properties are preserved. The architecture of rAoC in group
      BIO allows for improved bio-functionalization with fibronectin (FN) in a
      standardized rat implantation model: BIO treatment significantly increases speed
      and amount of autologous medial cellular repopulation in vivo (p < 0.001) and
      decreases the formation of hyperplastic intima (p < 0.001) as compared with FN
      coated DET-decellularized grafts. Moreover, there are no signs of infiltration
      with inflammatory cells. The present biological, detergent-free, non-proteolytic
      regimen balances effective decellularization and ECM preservation in
      cardiovascular grafts, and provides optimized bio-functionality. Additionally,
      this study implies that the actin-disassembling regimen may be a promising
      approach for bioengineering of acellular scaffolds from other muscular tissues,
      as for example myocardium or intestine. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 28078822
TI  - Development and testing of a grasper for NOTES powered by variable stiffness
      pneumatic actuation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) the
      peritoneal cavity is reached through natural orifices (mouth, rectus and
      transvaginal duct), by means of little cuttings in the walls of hollow organs.
      Due to narrow spaces, NOTES needs robotic systems to assure operation/movement
      precision and patient safety. Variable stiffness actuation (VSA) assures both
      requirements. METHODS: The authors developed a grasper for NOTES, provided with
      VSA, to use as an end-effector for snail robot devices. The present paper deals
      with basic concepts of VSA and describes the design and architecture of the
      grasper. Characterization and functional experiments were performed and results
      analysed. RESULTS: A finite element model developed for the actuator design was
      validated, performance grasper characteristic curves were obtained, VSA was
      validated, and the gripping capability of several objects was assessed.
      CONCLUSION: The grasper satisfies technical design specifications. On the basis
      of the results obtained, a control system can be developed to test grasper in a
      simulated surgery environment.

PMID- 28078823
TI  - Hippo vs. Crab: tissue-specific functions of the mammalian Hippo pathway.
AB  - The Hippo signaling pathway is a vital suppressor of tumorigenesis that is often
      inactivated in human cancers. In normal cells, the Hippo pathway is triggered by
      external forces such as cell crowding, or changes to the extracellular matrix or
      cell polarity. Once activated, Hippo signaling down-regulates transcription
      supported by the paralogous cofactors YAP1 and TAZ. The Hippo pathway's functions
      in normal and cancer biology have been dissected by studies of mutant mice with
      null or conditional tissue-specific mutations of Hippo signaling elements. In
      this review, we attempt to systematically summarize results that have been
      gleaned from detailed in vivo characterizations of these mutants. Our goal is to
      describe the physiological roles of Hippo signaling in several normal organ
      systems, as well as to emphasize how disruption of the Hippo pathway, and
      particularly hyperactivation of YAP1/TAZ, can be oncogenic.

PMID- 28078824
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28078825
TI  - Ethanol combined with heparin as a locking solution for the prevention of
      catheter related blood stream infections in hemodialysis patients: A prospective
      randomized study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ethanol lock solution has been mainly administered in paediatric
      and home parenteral nutrition patients in order to prevent catheter related blood
      stream infections (CRBSI). Its utility in hemodialysis (HD) patients with non
      tunneled-uncuffed catheter (NTC) has been poorly explored. METHODS: We conducted
      a prospective randomized study in chronic HD patients requiring a newly inserted
      NTC-while awaiting for the maturation of an already established arteriovenous
      fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG) or tunneled-cuffed catheter insertion.
      Patients were randomized in two groups: Group A, where the lock solution was
      ethanol 70% + unfractionated heparin 2000 U/mL and group B, that received only
      unfractionated heparin 2000 U/mL. Primary end point was CRBSIs whereas exit site
      infections, thrombotic and bleeding episodes were the secondary end points.
      FINDINGS: One hundred three HD patients were enrolled in the study (group A, n =
      52; group B, n = 51). The median number of catheter days was 32 for group A
      (range: 23-39) and 34 (range: 27-40) for group B with no statistically
      significant difference between the two groups. Group A (ethanol + heparin)
      demonstrated 4/52 episodes (7.69%) of CRBSI whereas Group B (heparin) 11/51
      episodes (21.57%) (P = 0.04). CRBSI rates per 1000 catheter days were 2.53/1000
      catheter days for group A and 6.7/1000 catheter days for group B (P = 0.04). Mean
      cumulative infection-free catheter survival in the ethanol group did not differ
      significantly compared to the heparin group (log-rank test = 2.99, P = 0.08).
      Thrombotic episodes did not differ between the two groups. DISCUSSION: Locking of
      NTCs in HD patients with ethanol 70% + unfractionated heparin reduces CRBSI rates
      without increasing the thrombotic episodes.

PMID- 28078826
TI  - The impact of pH inhomogeneities on CHO cell physiology and fed-batch process
      performance - two-compartment scale-down modelling and intracellular pH
      excursion.
AB  - Due to high mixing times and base addition from top of the vessel, pH
      inhomogeneities are most likely to occur during large-scale mammalian processes.
      The goal of this study was to set-up a scale-down model of a 10-12 m3 stirred
      tank bioreactor and to investigate the effect of pH perturbations on CHO cell
      physiology and process performance. Short-term changes in extracellular pH are
      hypothesized to affect intracellular pH and thus cell physiology. Therefore,
      batch fermentations, including pH shifts to 9.0 and 7.8, in regular one
      compartment systems are conducted. The short-term adaption of the cells
      intracellular pH are showed an immediate increase due to elevated extracellular
      pH. With this basis of fundamental knowledge, a two-compartment system is
      established which is capable of simulating defined pH inhomogeneities. In
      contrast to state-of-the-art literature, the scale-down model is included
      parameters (e.g. volume of the inhomogeneous zone) as they might occur during
      large-scale processes. pH inhomogeneity studies in the two-compartment system are
      performed with simulation of temporary pH zones of pH 9.0. The specific growth
      rate especially during the exponential growth phase is strongly affected
      resulting in a decreased maximum viable cell density and final product titer. The
      gathered results indicate that even short-term exposure of cells to elevated pH
      values during large-scale processes can affect cell physiology and overall
      process performance. In particular, it could be shown for the first time that pH
      perturbations, which might occur during the early process phase, have to be
      considered in scale-down models of mammalian processes.

PMID- 28078827
TI  - FAM83 family oncogenes are broadly involved in human cancers: an integrative
      multi-omics approach.
AB  - The development of novel targeted therapies for cancer treatment requires
      identification of reliable targets. FAM83 ('family with sequence similarity 83')
      family members A, B, and D were shown recently to have oncogenic potential.
      However, the overall oncogenic abilities of FAM83 family genes remain largely
      unknown. Here, we used a systematic and integrative genomics approach to
      investigate oncogenic properties of the entire FAM83 family members. We assessed
      transcriptional expression patterns of eight FAM83 family genes (FAM83A-H) across
      tumor types, the relationship between their expression and changes in DNA copy
      number, and the association with patient survival. By comparing the gene
      expression levels of FAM83 family members in cancers from 17 different tumor
      types with those in their corresponding normal tissues, we identified consistent
      upregulation of FAM83D and FAM83H across the majority of tumor types, which is
      largely driven by increased DNA copy number. Importantly, we found also that a
      higher expression level of a signature of FAM83 family members was associated
      with poor prognosis in a number of human cancers. In breast cancer, we found that
      alterations in FAM83 family genes correlated significantly with TP53 mutation,
      whereas significant, but inverse correlation was observed with PIK3CA and CDH1 (E
      cadherin) mutations. We also identified that expression levels of 55 proteins
      were significantly associated with alterations in FAM83 family genes including a
      decrease in GATA3, ESR1, and PGR proteins in tumors with alterations in FAM83.
      Our results provide strong evidence for a critical role of FAM83 family genes in
      tumor development, with possible relevance for therapeutic target development.

PMID- 28078828
TI  - Biomarkers upon discontinuation of renal replacement therapy predict 60-day
      survival and renal recovery in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus on the specific indications for weaning
      critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) off renal replacement
      therapy (RRT). This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of several
      biomarkers measured upon discontinuation of RRT for their value in predicting 60
      day survival and renal recovery in an effort to add knowledge to the decision
      making process regarding RRT withdrawal. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 102
      patients with AKI who required RRT from the intensive care unit. Serum
      osteopontin (sOPN), serum interleukin 6 (sIL-6), serum cystatin C (sCysC), sIL
      18, serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urinary IL-18 and
      urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were measured upon
      discontinuation of RRT. Patients were followed up at 60 days for survival and
      renal recovery. FINDINGS: Patients who survived showed lower levels of all serum
      and urinary biomarkers. Serum OPN (OR 1.029, 95% CI 1.013-1.047, P = 0.001),
      diabetes (OR 23.157, 95% CI 4.507-118.981, P < 0.001) and APACHE II score (OR
      1.308, 95% CI 1.121-1.527, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of 60-day
      mortality. Patients whose sOPN values fell within the highest and middle tertiles
      showed 5.25- and 2.31-fold increased risks of mortality, respectively, compared
      with that of patients in the lowest tertile. The addition of sOPN to the clinical
      model resulted in significant net reclassification improvement of 0.453 (P =
      0.026) and an integrated discriminative index of 0.155 (P = 0.032). Lower levels
      of sOPN and sIL-6 were associated with greater odds of 60-day survival (AUC 0.812
      and 0.741). The AUC value for predicting survival reached its highest level when
      all biomarkers were combined with urine output (UO) and urinary and serum
      creatinine upon discontinuation of RRT (0.882). Lower sCysC performed as well as
      higher UO in predicting 60-day renal recovery with the greatest AUC of 0.743.
      DISCUSSION: Upon discontinuation of RRT, serum and urinary biomarkers,
      particularly sOPN, may predict 60-day survival and renal recovery in critically
      ill patients with AKI. The serum levels of OPN, IL-6 and CysC may be useful when
      considering withdrawal of RRT on the basis of conventional indicators.

PMID- 28078829
TI  - Sensitivity to insulin and its kinetics.

PMID- 28078830
TI  - Why fat suits do not advance the scientific study of weight stigma.

PMID- 28078831
TI  - Perception on the abortion laws in Sri Lanka: A community based study in the city
      of Colombo
AB  - Introduction: Abortion is legally permitted in Sri Lanka, only if it is performed
      to save the mother's life. However, it is estimated that a large number of
      induced abortions take place in Sri Lanka. Knowledge and attitudes towards
      induced abortion in the society are key issues influencing the policy response
      towards changes in the law. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and
      attitudes of adults towards induced abortion in Sri Lanka. Methods: Six Grama
      Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) and five to eight housing clusters from each GND were
      selected from Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division using multi stage
      stratified random sampling. Fifty households were systematically selected from
      each GND. An interview was scheduled among 743 residents aged between 19 to 49
      years of age after receiving written informed consent. Results: Only 11% of the
      respondents knew the situations in which abortion was legal in Sri Lanka.
      Approximately one tenth of the respondents (11%) did not agree with the current
      law which allows an induced abortion only to save the life of the mother.
      However, a majority agreed to legalization of abortion for rape (65%), incest
      (55%) and pregnancies with lethal fetal abnormalities (53%). Less than one tenth
      of respondents agreed with legalisation of induced abortion for other reasons
      such as con-traceptive failure (6%), poor economic conditions (7%) and, on
      request (4%). Conclusions: Although the society rejects abortion on request
      majority are in favour of allowing abortions for rape, incest and fetuses with
      lethal abnormalities.

PMID- 28078832
TI  - Pattern of clinical benign euthyroid goitre in a tertiary care center in the
      Central Province of Sri Lanka from 1981-2011
AB  - Objectives: To describe the pattern of clinical euthyroidgoitre in a tertiary
      care unit in Sri Lanka before and after iodination of salt in Sri Lanka. Methods:
      We reviewed our thirty-one year computerised database of patients with goitres,
      spanning iodination in 1995. Results: Prevalence of euthyroid clinical simple
      diffuse goitre did not reduce during the first thirteen years (p=0.822). However,
      it reduced in the latter four years from 2008 to 2011. There is significant
      reduction of prevalence in the younger age groups (p<0.001). A significant
      reduction of nodular change was observed in all groups within seven years after
      iodination (p<0.001). Conclusions: There was a significant reduction in the
      prevalence of clinical nodularity in the post-iodination era in all age groups.
      Reduction in prevalence of clinical euthyroid simple diffuse goitre was observed
      only during the period 2008-2011.

PMID- 28078833
TI  - Clinical profile and outcome of patients with severe sepsis treated in an
      intensive care unit in India
AB  - Introduction: Sepsis is the leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions
      and is associated with high mortality. Objectives: To identify the incidence,
      risk factors and outcome of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
      Methods: A prospective observational study was done in a multidisciplinary ICU
      over a period of 18 months. We included all adult patients admitted to ICU with
      features of severe sepsis and septic shock as per SCCM/ACCP guidelines. Data
      related to demography, co-existing illnesses, parameters to assess Acute
      Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure
      Assessment (SOFA) scores, other relevant laboratory data, source of infection,
      organ failures and supportive measures given were recorded. Primary outcome data
      on mortality was collected and secondary outcome data on ventilator days, ICU
      length of stay (ALOS) and ventilator free days were recorded. Results: A total of
      1162 patients were screened and 356 patients had severe sepsis. Incidence of
      severe sepsis was 30.6% and mortality rate was 51.6%. APACHEII (23.37 +/- 9.47)
      and SOFA (7.58 +/- 4.05) scores at admission were high. Most common source of
      infection was from the respiratory tract (37.2%) followed by urinary tract
      (10.3%) and intra-abdominal (9.5%) infections. About 63% of patients required
      ventilator support, 25.5% of patients required vasopressor support despite
      adequate fluid resuscitation and one third of patients required renal replacement
      therapy (35.7%). Haematocrit, total leucocyte count, serum bilirubin and SOFA
      scores were significantly higher among non-survivors. Conclusions: Incidence of
      severe sepsis was high and was associated with a poor patient outcome in an ICU
      in India.

PMID- 28078834
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging findings of patients with suspected tuberculosis from
      a tertiary care centre in Sri Lanka
AB  - Introduction: Spinal tuberculosis (TB) is a relatively common cause for spinal
      pathology in Sri Lanka and a common indication for magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI). Objectives: The objective of the study was to describe the MRI imaging
      pattern of spinal TB in a series of patients. Methods: One hundred and nine
      patients with clinically confirmed spinal tuberculosis who had undergone MRI
      scans at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka from 2012-2016 were included in the
      study. Results: The commonest vertebral level of spinal TB involvement was at
      L4/5 level, followed by L5/S1 level. L5 vertebral body involvement was the
      commonest and L4 was second commonest. Single level involvement (68.8%) was
      commoner than multiple (31.2%) involvement or contiguous involvement. Wedging
      (24.8%), erosions (89%), end plate changes (96.3%), canal stenosis (77.1%),
      paravertebral collection (65.1%), prevertebral collection (39.4%), psoas abscess
      (23.9%) and epidural collection (45.9%) were noted. No significant difference was
      seen between females and males. Conclusions: Spinal tuberculosis commonly
      involves L4/5 level.

PMID- 28078835
TI  - Pathological characteristics of fifty patients with renal amyloidosis in Sri
      Lanka
AB  - Renal involvement is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in
      systemic amyloidosis. This retrospective analysis was conducted to analyse the
      clinico-pathological characteristics of renal amyloidosis in a group of Sri
      Lankan patients undergoing renal biopsy. Renal amyloidosis was observed in 50/
      9712 (0.5%) renal biopsies. The underlying cause for amyloidosis was not known in
      most. Of the known causes multiple myeloma was the commonest. Nephrotic range
      proteinuria was the most common clinical outcome and most had grade I to III
      chronic kidney disease at the time of diagnosis. Glomerulosclerosis was
      associated with the deterioration of renal function.

PMID- 28078836
TI  - Duodenal xanthelasmata

PMID- 28078837
TI  - Endocarditis in melioidosis

PMID- 28078838
TI  - Dengue fever associated with extreme reactive thrombocytosis

PMID- 28078839
TI  - Widespread membrane potential changes and cardiorespiratory synchronization
      involved in anxiety and sleep-wake transitions.
AB  - Located within the ascending reticular activating system are nuclei which release
      neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
      These nuclei have widespread projections that extend into the limbic system and
      throughout cortex. Activation of these neurotransmitters during awake states
      leads to arousal, while inhibition leads to the loss of consciousness experienced
      during slow-wave sleep. Previously, we proposed a mechanism in which
      cardiorespiratory synchronization may underlie the widespread hyperpolarization
      that occurs throughout the brain during slow-wave sleep. We further propose that
      a similar homeostatic mechanism may be involved in sleep-wake transitions and
      maintaining various arousal states including rapid eye movement sleep, waking,
      and anxiety. Widespread depolarization associated with more rapid, shallow
      breathing and desynchronized cardiorespiratory oscillatory activity may underlie
      waking, anxiety, and rapid eye movement sleep states. The exact voltage values of
      these widespread membrane potential changes remain unknown and possibly highly
      variable between different neural areas and cell types. Here, we place these
      consciousness states on a spectrum of approximated widespread membrane potential
      values with anxiety states being the most depolarized, followed by waking states,
      and rapid eye movement sleep. We propose that although these widespread membrane
      potential changes are minor, they may underlie transitions between and
      maintenance of varying levels of arousal. Further research on these mechanisms
      could provide insights into how the brain functions. This homeodynamic arousal
      mechanism involves the established feed-forward and feedback signaling between
      the ascending reticular activating system and the hypothalamus, as well as the
      modulation by cardiorespiratory oscillatory feedback from the body. Understanding
      the basic mechanisms responsible for the states of sleep, waking, and anxiety
      could lead to better treatment options in health and disease.

PMID- 28078840
TI  - Mast cell and cancer with special emphasis on il-37 an anti-inflammatory and
      inhibitor of innate immunity: new frontiers.
AB  - Mast cells (MCs) are mediators of allergy and inflammation and participate in the
      growth of cancer cells. MCs can promote both neoangiogenesis and tumor growth.
      They increase in the stroma of certain tumors where they can be recruited by
      tumor-derived chemoattractants, such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1),
      RANTES and stem cell factor (SCF) to selectively secrete inflammatory molecules
      including chemical mediators and cytokines (TNF, IL-6 and IL-1). However, MC
      differentiation pathways and heterogeneity in cancer are still poorly understood.
      Human interleukin 1 (IL-1) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of many
      diseases and functions, including host response to microbial invasion, injury
      inflammatory processes, immunologic challenges and cancer. Inflammation around
      the tumor includes the infiltration of mast cells and facilitates cancer growth.
      MCs are activated by IL-1 which can be produced by certain cancer cells and
      stimulate the stromal cells to selectively release IL-6, contributing to the
      development of Th-17 cells and increasing inflammation. IL-37, mainly generated
      by macrophage cell line, is an IL-1 family member which binds IL-18 receptor
      alpha (IL-18Ralpha) chain, and acts as a natural inhibitor of immune responses.
      IL-37 down-regulates cJun induced by IL-1, pro-inflammatory signals and reduces
      the expression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38alpha, STAT
      transcription factors and p53, affecting cellular differentiation and
      proliferation. In the present study we report the relationship between
      inflammatory mast cells, cancer and the beneficial effect of IL-37.

PMID- 28078841
TI  - Differential expression and distribution of cytokeratins and vimentin in buccal
      pouch mucosal cells during real-time cell proliferation: research based on a
      porcine model.
AB  - In recent years, buccal pouch oral mucosa cells were used as a source of
      potential biological grafting material in advanced tissue engineering. However,
      there are several limitations in the process of graft fabrication: donor and
      recipient patient availability as well as an incomplete knowledge of in vitro
      procedures related to tissue surgical recovery, in vitro cell culture (IVC)
      and/or tissue processing in "human somatic cell therapy." Therefore, the animal
      model for oral mucosa grafting is still recognized as a source for xenografts and
      a useful model for biomedical research. In this study, the porcine buccal pouch
      oral mucosa cells were used in analysis of the stromalization/epithelialization
      process during short-term, in vitro real-time cell proliferation. We evaluated
      cytokeratin 18 (CK18), cytokeratin 8 + 18 + 19 (panCK), and vimentin (Vim)
      expression as epithelial and stromal cell markers, respectively. The porcine
      buccal pouch oral mucosa cells were cultured in vitro for 168 h, and the protein
      expression/ distribution was analyzed every 24 h during real-time cell
      proliferation. In our analysis of protein expression using fluorescence intensity
      (FI), followed by confocal microscopic observations, we found the highest
      expression of CK18 occurred after 24 h of IVC, panCK after 72 h, and Vim after 48
      h of IVC, as compared to other cultivation periods. We also found a substantial
      increase in Vim expression (3-4 fold) as compared to CK18 and panCK, and all of
      the investigated proteins were distributed in the cellular cytoplasm. The lag
      phase of cell proliferation occurred during the first 24 h of IVC, whereas the
      log phase was observed between 24 h-120 h of IVC. Throughout 7 days of IVC,
      statistically significant differences were found in Cell Index (CI) of the
      analyzed cells. Increased Vim expression in buccal pouch oral mucosa cells, as
      compared to CK18 and panCK, suggested that the stromal cells substantially
      predominated during in vitro cell cultivation. This may be a result of
      significant specificity of porcine oral mucosa cells isolated from the buccal
      pouch.

PMID- 28078842
TI  - Remission effect of vitamin C on isoflurane-induced apoptosis and its mechanism.
AB  - This study aims to discuss the remission effect of vitamin C on isoflurane
      induced apoptosis of rats and its possible mechanism of action, to provide a
      theoretical basis for postoperative cognitive impairment. Reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) detection, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) test, MTT method and Morris water
      maze were applied for detection tests. For data statistics, double factor
      analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni test were adopted. It was
      found that vitamin C could slow down the isoflurane-induced accumulation of ROS
      in H4-APP cells; moreover, it could relieve the activation of caspase-3 and
      increase cell survival rate to inhibit the occurrence of apoptosis, indicating
      that ROS was the source of cell toxicity. On the other hand, vitamin C could
      protect the cells with its antioxidant effect. It was proved that vitamin C could
      remit isoflurane-induced apoptosis and relieve the decline in learning and memory
      ability of rats.

PMID- 28078843
TI  - Association between expression of cumulus expansion markers and real-time
      proliferation of porcine follicular granulosa cells in a primary cell culture
      model.
AB  - Folliculogenesis is a compound process that involves both ovarian follicle growth
      and oocyte development, which is tightly attached to the follicular wall. During
      this process, cells that form the follicle structure undergo substantial
      morphological and molecular modifications that finally lead to differentiation
      and specialization of ovarian follicular cells. The differentiation of ovarian
      cells encompasses formation of follicle, which is composed of theca (TCs), mural
      granulosa (GCs), and cumulus cells (CCs). It was previously hypothesized that GCs
      and CCs represent undifferentiated and highly specialized follicular cells,
      respectively, which may have similar primordial cell origins. In this study, we
      investigated the expression pattern of cumulus expansion markers such as COX2,
      HAS2, PTX3, and TSG6 in porcine GCs during short-term, in vitro culture. We
      hypothesized that these genes may display an important function in GCs in
      relation to cellular real-time proliferation. The expression pattern of COX2,
      HAS2, PTX3, and TSG6 was evaluated after using RT-qPCR in relation to confocal
      microscopy observations of protein expression and distribution during real-time
      proliferation of porcine follicular GCs. The COX2 and HAS2 mRNAs were highly
      expressed after 120 h of in vitro culture (IVC), whereas PTX3 and TSG6 mRNAs were
      increased during the first 24-48 h of IVC (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.01).
      Conversely, all of the encoded proteins were highly expressed after 144-168 h of
      IVC as compared to other culture periods (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.01).
      When analyzing the realtime proliferation of GCs in vitro, we observed a
      logarithmic increase of cell proliferation between 0 h and 120 h of IVC. However,
      after 120-168 h of IVC, the cells reached the lag phase of proliferation. Since
      it is well accepted that porcine GCs undergo luteinization shortly after 24-48 h
      of IVC, the expression pattern of investigated genes indicated that Cox2 and Has2
      are independent from the LH surge, but their increased levels may be upregulated
      by cell proliferation in vitro. Moreover, higher expression of PTX3 and TSG6
      during first 24 h and/or 48 h of IVC suggested that their levels are accompanied
      by porcine GCs luteinization process.

PMID- 28078844
TI  - A natural formula containing lactoferrin, Equisetum arvensis, soy isoflavones and
      vitamin D3 modulates bone remodeling and inflammatory markers in young and aged
      rats.
AB  - A pivotal role in osteoporosis development is played by radical oxygen species
      (ROS), the increased production of which is related to inhibited osteoblastic
      activity and bone formation. A new field of research could involve medicinal
      plants with antioxidant and protective effects in osteoporosis. Furthermore,
      considering the multifactorial metabolic aspects of osteoporosis, the
      pharmacological association of multiple medicinal plants could improve patient
      response. The aim of the present study is to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the
      protective effects of a natural formula containing lactoferrin 12%, Equisetum
      arvensis ES 54%, soy isoflavones 34% and vitamin D3 0.002%, in PBMC and C2C12
      cells and in the bone matrix of young (3-month-old) and aged (12-month-old)
      female Sprague-Dawley rats, following chronic (21 days) administration. In this
      context, we assayed the activities of several inflammation and bone homeostasis
      mediators, such as IL-6, TNFalpha, PGE2, osteoprotegerin, RANK, RANKL and NFkB.
      In vitro studies showed that natural formula (5-1000MUg/ml) was able to
      significantly inhibit ROS and PGE2 production. In the same concentration range,
      the natural formula inhibited both TNFalpha and IL-6 gene expression. In the in
      vivo studies, we administered to young and aged female rats the natural formula
      at 5mg/rat for 21 days, finding a significant reduction in inflammatory PGE2 and
      NFkB activity. Nevertheless, we observed a significant increase in
      osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio only in aged rats, compared to the respective control
      group. In conclusion, our findings corroborate the rational use of natural
      formula in the prevention and management of osteoporotic disease.

PMID- 28078845
TI  - Effect of low energy light irradiation by light emitting diode on U937 cells.
AB  - Photobiomodulation (PBM) can induce a set of different biological modulators
      either in vitro or in vivo. Experimental evidence has highlighted the role of
      light effects on the mechanisms related to inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy.
      The goal of this project was the evaluation of PBM on U937, an established cell
      line of histiocytic lymphoma origin. Several aspects of modulation of
      proinflammatory pathways were analyzed and autophagic and proapoptotic mechanisms
      related to low laser light exposure of cells were studied. As a source of low
      energy light emission, we used an NIR-LED device, characterized by an 880 nm
      wavelength as light source. Flow cytometry analysis was performed on supernatants
      of controls and treated U937 cells to detect inflammatory cytokine levels. In
      order to evaluate NF-kB and caspase3 expressions, Western blot analysis was
      performed according to standard procedures. In this report, we show the effect of
      PBM on a monocyte/macrophage established tumor cell line (U-937). We demonstrate
      that LED exposure, in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS),
      activates cell degranulation, increased expression of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and
      modulation of beta galactosidase activity. Evidence shows that the well-known pro
      inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF
      kB) and the apoptotic marker (caspase3/cleaved-caspase3 ratio) are up-regulated
      in response to a proinflammatory biochemical pathway.

PMID- 28078846
TI  - miR-2861 is involved in osteogenic commitment of human periodontal ligament stem
      cells grown onto 3D scaffold.
AB  - miR-2861 endorsing osteoblast differentiation through the overexpression of Runt
      related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) protein has been recently described. In
      this study we evaluated: the performance of living construct, composed by human
      Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (hPDLSCs) and 3D scaffold (EXg), and the
      behaviour of miR-2861/RUNX2 expression pathway on the osteogenic commitment.
      Human PDLSCs were seeded with and without EXg scaffold and cultured under basal
      and osteogenic conditions. Morphological features, adhesiveness and
      differentiation abilities were analysed using scanning electron and confocal
      laser scanning microscopy. Time-course of RUNX2, ALP, OPN and miR-2861 were
      evaluated through RT-PCR analysis. Our results highlighted that the osteogenic
      differentiation was mostly obvious in the hPDLSCs, grown onto 3D scaffold in
      presence of osteoinductive medium. Moreover, the overexpression of miR-2861 and
      RUNX2 in hPDLSCs cultured in presence of EXg under osteogenic and standard
      conditions was demonstrated. In synthesis, the increased expression of miR
      2861/RUNX2 provides new insights regarding miRNA signaling network in the
      presence of scaffold providing an additional method to evaluate the performance
      of biomaterial in bone regeneration.

PMID- 28078847
TI  - Real-time shear wave elastrography and APRI index for evaluating autoimmune
      hepatitis fibrosis.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of real-time
      supersonic shear imaging (SSI) and serum biochemical index in evaluating the
      degree of autoimmune hepatitis fibrosis. Retrospective analysis was carried out
      to study 291 cases of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, and discuss the value
      of SSI application, APRI index and bilirubin on autoimmune hepatitis. The area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was taken for
      statistical analysis to determine its diagnostic accuracy. In the high degree of
      hepatic fibrosis, the hepatic SSI measured value of autoimmune hepatitis
      positively correlated to ALT, AST, APRI ratio, AST and AST/ALT. The SSI measured
      value significantly and positively correlated to the degree of hepatic fibrosis
      (r=0.598, p=0 less than 0.01). In chronic hepatic fibrosis, the elasticity values
      of AIH, PBC, AIH-PBC overlap syndrome (OS) were in a rising trend, and the
      difference in the elasticity value of each fibrosis stage was statistically
      significant (P less than 0.01). Hepatic SSI measured value was employed to
      respectively detect the AUROC of S3 stage and S4 stage for AIH, PBC, and AIR-PBC
      OS groups, which resulted as being higher than the APRI index detected in S3
      stage and S4 stage. SSI measured index had better diagnostic significance than
      APRI index on hepatic fibrosis for AIH, PBC and AIH-PBC OS groups.

PMID- 28078848
TI  - Clinical effects of thermotherapy in combination with intracavitary infusion of
      traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion.
AB  - Malignant fluid, a commonly seen tumor associated complication, mainly includes
      peritoneal effusion, malignant pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. It can
      produce huge negative influence on the quality of life of patients and even lead
      to death. Treatment of malignant effusion is one of the effective measures for
      improving life expectancy of patients. To evaluate the effect of thermotherapy in
      combination with intracavitary infusion of Kangai injection in treating malignant
      pleural effusion, 195 patients who received treatment from April 2010 to October
      2014 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were selected and
      divided into an observation group and two control groups (group A and B). The
      observation group was treated by thermotherapy in combination with intracavitary
      infusion of kangai injection. Control group A was treated by intracavitary
      infusion of kangai injection and control group B was treated by hyperthermal
      perfusion in combination with intracavity chemotherapy. Clinical effects, quality
      of life, treatment safety and untoward reactions were compared between the
      groups. It was found that differences of WBC, RBC and PLT levels before and after
      treatment had no statistical significance comparisons within group and
      comparisons between groups (P>0.05); hepatic and renal functions of the groups
      had no remarkable difference before or after treatment (P>0.05). The clinical
      effect of the observation group was superior to that of control groups A and B (P
      less than 0.05); the Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score of the observation
      group was much higher than that of control groups A and B (79.34+/-10.58 vs
      71.11+/-9.64), but the difference of the ZPS score between groups had no
      statistical significance (P>0.05). It can be concluded that thermotherapy in
      combination with intracavitary infusion of traditional Chinese medicine can be
      safely applied as it has positive effects and remarkably improves quality of
      life, therefore it is clinically worth promoting.

PMID- 28078849
TI  - Effects of carbomer eye drops in combination with orthokeratology lens in
      treating adolescent myopia.
AB  - To investigate the effects of carbomer eye drops (CED) during long-time wearing
      of overnight orthokeratology lens of adolescents with myopia, 260 teenagers with
      myopia treated in the Henan Provincial People?s Hospital from June 2012 to August
      2014 and followed-up for more than 2 years were enrolled. All the patients
      underwent regular fitting of orthokeratology lens. They were divided into a CED
      (Vidisic) group (130 cases, 260 eyes treated with CED) and rewetting drops (RD)
      (Baushe and Lomb) group (130 cases, 260 eyes treated with RD). The effects in the
      two groups were observed. The incidence of corneal epithelial defects one day,
      one week and one month after treatment of the CED group was lower than that of
      the RD group, and the difference was statistically significant (P less than
      0.05); the tear break up time (TBUT) of the CED group was higher than that of the
      RD group at different time points, and the difference had statistical
      significance (P less than 0.05); the difference of the value of Schirmer I test
      between the two groups had no statistical significance (P>0.05). It is concluded
      that carbomer eye drops can stabilize tear film and protect and repair corneal
      epithelium during the wearing of orthokeratology lens.

PMID- 28078850
TI  - Acupuncture in endocrine disorders: a critical appraisal.
AB  - Acupuncture is an integral part of ancient Chinese medical practice. The
      technique has been used extensively in pain relief and is being tried for many
      other chronic conditions. Industrial development and affluence lead to the
      increase in the prevalence of many endocrine disorders such as diabetes, obesity,
      and polycystic ovarian disease. The rising prevalence of the endocrine morbidity
      is observed in both the developing and developed nations. The management of these
      disorders involves major lifestyle modification coupled with a long-term drug
      intake. In such situations, patients often look at alternative therapeutic
      options existing in complementary and alternative medicine. The globalization of
      the world medical practice has led to the spread of acupuncture beyond China to
      other parts of the world. Acupuncture has been tried extensively in the
      management of various endocrine disorders with inconsistent results. In this
      review, we highlight the principles of acupuncture and its role in the management
      of various endocrine disorders.

PMID- 28078851
TI  - Mechanism of serum miR-21 in the pathogenesis of familial and triple negative
      breast cancer.
AB  - The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of miR-21 in familial and
      triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by exploring the expression of serum miR-21.
      The sera were collected from healthy women at high risk of breast cancer. miR-39
      was employed as the external reference, and real-time fluorescence quantitative
      PCR was used to detect the expression of serum miR-21 in 77 subjects. The miR-21
      expression of the familial breast cancer group, TNBC group, and breast cancer
      high risk group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group
      and other breast cancer groups (P less than 0.01). A high serum miR-21 expression
      level was associated with lymph node metastasis and Ki67 expression (P less than
      0.01). Serum miR-21 was closely associated with TNBC and familial breast cancer,
      and its expression was associated with genetic expression, degree of malignancy,
      and prognosis.

PMID- 28078852
TI  - Cell-based therapies for experimental diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - Study has shown that stem cell?based therapies are promising strategies in the
      treatment of several chronic diseases, but their overall benefit in the treatment
      of diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains controversial. The purpose of this study is
      to summarize the evidence of the effect of cell-based therapy in the treatment of
      DN to guide future clinical trials. We searched PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane
      Library for studies from the inception of cell-based therapies up to July 2015.
      We included animal trials that reported the effects of cell-based therapy on
      kidney function, cardiovascular risk factors, and body factors. A random-effects
      model was used to process the data, and the standard mean difference (SMD) was
      used to evaluate the efficacy of cell-based therapy. We included eight studies
      that reported data on 159 mice. Overall, we noted that cell-based therapies were
      associated with significantly reduced plasma creatinine level (P = 0.003),
      glomerular filtration rate (P less than 0.001), plasma glucose level (P = 0.004),
      serum cholesterol level (P = 0.010), serum triglyceride level (P = 0.032), plasma
      urea level (P less than 0.001), proteinuria (P = 0.008), and Cl- fractional
      excretion (P = 0.023). Furthermore, cell-based therapies were associated with
      lower kidney weight (P = 0.003), and kidney/body weight (P = 0.004). A
      sensitivity analysis suggested that cell-based therapy might play an important
      role in increased body weight. In conclusion, cell-based therapies significantly
      improve kidney function, cardiovascular risk factors, and body factors in the
      treatment of DN.

PMID- 28078853
TI  - Oxidative stress in asthma: a distinct clinical and pathologic feature?
AB  - Asthma is a type of chronic airway inflammation. Corticosteroids are inadequate
      for asthma therapy. However, it remains unclear whether oxidative stress is a
      distinct clinical and pathologic feature in asthma. We reviewed the articles on
      asthma-associated oxidative stress. The exposures to airborne allergens, such as
      house dust mite (HDM) and birch pollen, may not only trigger innate and adaptive
      immune responses but also cause oxidative stress damage in the airways. Allergen
      induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in p38 MAPK, phosphoinositide-3
      kinase (PI3K)/Akt and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) kinase
      pathway signaling. Airborne particulate matter (PM) is an important environmental
      contaminant and is related to asthma development through increasing oxidative
      stress in the airways. Whether oxidative stress status is associated with the
      degree of asthma is needed to be further studied. Oxidative stress-induced
      corticosteroid insensitivity was associated with p38 MAPK, PI3K/Akt and Nrf2
      signaling, and inhibited histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) activity and
      corticosteroid receptor (GR) function. Antioxidant treatments may be useful for
      oxidative stress in asthma.

PMID- 28078854
TI  - Changes of expression of estrogen and progestrone receptors, human epithelial
      growth factor receptor 2 and Ki-67 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the
      treatment of breast cancer.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that the development and prognosis of breast cancer is in
      close correlation to molecular subtype of breast cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      has been extensively applied in the treatment of local breast cancer in advanced
      stage. In order to verify the correlation between expression changes of estrogen
      receptor, progestrone receptor, human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 and Ki
      67 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, we studied 120
      patients with stage IIAIIIC breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      in Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Shandong, China from February 2011 to
      February 2015. Clinical characteristics were retrospectively analyzed. The
      expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epithelial growth
      factor receptor 2 and Ki-67 of patients were detected using the
      immunohistochemical method before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The results
      suggest that the overall remission rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 76.7%
      (92/120) of which 16.7% (20/120) of cases had complete remission, 60% (72/120)
      had partial remission and 23.3% (28/120) were stable. There were no cases of
      progressive disease. The property of estrogen receptor and the expression of Ki
      67 of primary tumor were correlated to the remission rate of neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy (P less than 0.05). The expression of Ki-67 had a significant
      decline after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the difference had statistical
      significance (P less than 0.05). The difference in expression of estrogen
      receptor, progesterone receptor and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2
      before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy had statistical significance (P >
      0.05). Hence, it can be concluded that breast cancer patients with negative
      estrogen receptor expression and high Ki-67 expression before neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy can achieve better curative effects. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy cannot
      change the expression states of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and
      human epithelial growth factor receptor 2, but it can lower the expression level
      of Ki-67. Ki-67 can also be used for predicting the curative effect of
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 28078855
TI  - The impact of electromagnetic field at a frequency of 50 Hz and a magnetic
      induction of 2.5 mT on viability of pineal cells in vitro.
AB  - The impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the pineal gland has been described
      in numerous studies, but many questions still remain unanswered. The aim of the
      experiment described in this study was to evaluate the effect of EMF on the
      viability of the pineal gland cells of pig in vitro. Primary culture of the
      pineal gland cells has been exposed to the influence of an EMF at a frequency of
      50 Hz with 1, 2 or 3 hours and for 3 hours every 2 or 3 days. After the
      experiment, viability of cells was assessed by MTT assay and compared to a
      control culture not exposed to electromagnetic fields. We noticed that in respect
      to the control, exposure of the cells to the EMF induced a significant increase
      in viability of cells at 2 and 3 hours of exposure. After three days of 3-hour
      exposure to EMF, we observed a significant decrease in cell viability in relation
      to the control. The results of these studies suggest that EMF can have a
      significant biological effect on the cells of the pineal gland in a time
      dependent exposure to its action.

PMID- 28078856
TI  - Decreased immunoreactivity of visfatin in the pancreas and liver of rats with
      renovascular hypertension.
AB  - Hypertension is one of the major endocrine and metabolic disorders, in which
      visfatin plays a significant role. The objective of this study was to evaluate
      the immunoreactivity of visfatin in pancreas and liver of ?two kidney, one clip?
      (2K1C) renovascular hypertension model in rats. The studies were carried out on
      the pancreas and liver of rats. After a 6-week period of the renal artery
      clipping procedure, 2K1C rats developed a stable hypertension. Paraffin sections
      were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (for general histological examination)
      and processed for immunolocalization of visfatin. The intensity of
      immunohistochemical reaction was measured using Nikon NIS-Elements Advanced
      Research software. The hypertension significantly weakened the
      immunohistochemical reaction exhibiting visfatin in the pancreas and liver of
      hypertensive rats, compared to control animals. The changes induced by
      hypertension in the visfatin-containing cells in the pancreas and liver of the
      rats are discussed and needs further study.

PMID- 28078857
TI  - Effects of sevoflurane on cardiopulmonary function in patients undergoing
      coronary artery bypass.
AB  - The objective of the current study was to investigate effects of sevoflurane on
      cardiopulmonary function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
      (CABG). In this study, 60 cases of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD)
      were selected and randomly divided into the sevoflurane group (group S) and the
      control group C (group C) with 30 cases in each group. The two groups received
      intravenous anesthesia. The patients of group C were only given oxygen mask and
      physiological saline to keep vein open; while the patients of group S were
      administered with 1% sevoflurane immediately after the beginning of
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) until the end of the treatment. The cardiopulmonary
      functions at 30 min before operation (T0), postoperative 2 h (T1), 6h (T2), 24h
      (T3) and 48 (T4) were observed. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the group S
      at T1, T2, T3 was lower than that of the group C, as were the heart rate (HR) and
      left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB)
      during T1 to T4 in the group S was less than that of the group C, and there were
      significant differences between the two groups (P less than 0.05). The tidal
      volume (Vt), vital capacity (Vc) and oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) of the two
      groups during T1 and T2 were decreased, while respiratory frequency (RR) and
      alveolar-arterial blood oxygen partial pressure (PA-aO2) were increased and they
      began to decrease during T3 and T4. Vt and Vc of the group S were higher during
      T1 and T2 periods than those of the group C, while RR was lower than that of the
      group C; PaO2 / FiO2 during T1 to T4 period of group S was higher than that of
      group C, while PA-aO2 was significantly lower than that of the control group (P
      less than 0.05). In conclusion, although LVEF was not improved in the sevoflurane
      group, sevoflurane may contribute to stabilizing the cardiopulmonary function and
      preventing from myocardial injury.

PMID- 28078858
TI  - Use of Lactated Ringer?s solution does not eliminate the risk of strong ion
      difference-related metabolic acidosis following on-pump cardiac surgery.
AB  - There is a growing interest in the effects of plasma sodium levels on
      postoperative outcomes. A trend of using balanced crystalloid solutions is based
      on the extensive data on chloride and the strong ion difference-related acidosis.
      However, effects of sodium are often overlooked in this context. The aim of the
      study was to establish the effects of the routine use of Lactated Ringer?s
      Solution (RL) on postoperative changes in sodium concentrations and whether these
      changes result in metabolic acidosis. We performed database analysis of 358
      consecutive elective on-pump cardiac surgery cases in a tertiary referral
      university hospital. Approval from the institutional ethics committee was
      obtained for this study. Intraoperative fluid balance was 2726+/-1073 ml and the
      total volume of intravenous infusions in the first 24 hours was 5865 (+/-1073)
      ml, 95% of which was RL; 58% of the patients had metabolic acidosis with a base
      excess below (?)2 mmol L?1 on arrival at the intensive care unit. There was a
      significant correlation between a strong ion difference and base excess (p less
      than 0.01). A significant improvement in metabolic acidosis was noted within the
      first 24 hours, from a base excess of (?)2.49+/-2.8 to 0.32+/-2.6 mmol L?1 (p
      less than 0.001). All of the improvement in the base excess is explained by a
      change in the strong ion difference from the mean value of 31+/-4.3 to 34.2+/-3.6
      mmol L?1 (p less than 0.001). Changes in the strong ion difference were primarily
      driven by changes in the serum sodium concentration, which were three-fold higher
      compared to those of chloride [?2.36 (+/-2.6) mmol L?1 (p less than 0.001) and
      0.84 (+/-3.2) mmol L?1, respectively (p = 0.01)]. In conclusion, our data confirm
      that there is a direct correlation between a strong ion difference and base
      excess following on-pump cardiac surgery. The use of RL prevented significant
      hyperchloraemia, but did not eliminate the risk of strong ion difference-related
      metabolic acidosis. The change in the strong ion difference was primarily linked
      to perioperative changes in the serum sodium concentration.

PMID- 28078859
TI  - Role of vitacamphore in improving central pro-inflammatory cytokines following
      transient global ischemia.
AB  - Pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) including interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are responsive
      to ischemic stress. This process thereby modulates the responsiveness of many
      cell types under diseased conditions. The current study was to examine the role
      played by vitacamphore (VCP) in regulating the levels of PICs and protein
      expression of PIC receptors in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats after
      cardiac arrest (CA)-induced transient global ischemia. CA was induced by asphyxia
      followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in rats. ELISA and Western blot
      analyses were employed to determine PICs and their receptors in the cortex and
      hippocampus. Our results show that IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were
      significantly elevated in the cortex and hippocampus after CA. This was
      accompanied with increasing of PIC receptors, namely IL-1R, IL-6R and TNFR1.
      Systemic injection of VCP attenuated amplification of PIC signal pathway in these
      brain regions. VCP also improved Neurological Severity Score and brain tissue
      edema in CA rats. Notably, VCP resulted in a significant increase in survival of
      CA rats as compared with controls. In conclusion, VCP is likely to play a
      beneficial role in modulating transient global ischemia induced by CA via PIC
      signal mechanisms.

PMID- 28078860
TI  - Effects of two different anesthetic methods on cellular immunity of patients
      after liver cancer resection.
AB  - This study aims to investigate the effects of epidural block in combination with
      general anesthesia and general anesthesia alone on the immune function of
      patients undergoing primary liver cancer resection. Twenty-four patients with
      liver cancer who received treatment in the Third Hospital of Harbin Medical
      University, Heilongjiang, China, were enrolled and randomly allocated into group
      A and group B, with 12 in each group. The data on the T lymphocyte subpopulation,
      pro-inflammatory cytokines and antiinflammatory cytokines were recorded before,
      immediately after and 24 h after liver cancer resection to compare differences
      and changes. It was found that CD4+ of patients who underwent combined anesthesia
      decreased after surgery and CD8+ of those patients was lower than that of the
      general anesthesia group. The content of interleukin (IL)-10 of patients who
      underwent general anesthesia combined with epidural block showed a decreasing
      tendency immediately after surgery, but increased 24 h after surgery, and the
      increase was greater than that of the general anesthesia group; furthermore,
      those patients had lower levels of IL-1beta and interferon (IFN)-gamma. In
      addition, patients who underwent epidural block and general anesthesia had a
      higher ratio of IFN-gamma to IL-4 (Th1/Th2). These findings suggest that general
      anesthesia combined with epidural block has little passive influence on the
      cellular immunity of the body and can be selected as an anesthetic approach for
      patients with liver cancer.

PMID- 28078861
TI  - Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in diagnosing neonatal septicemia.
AB  - Neonatal septicemia (NS) is a common cause of death of newborn infants, hence
      early diagnosis and treatment are of the utmost importance. However, lack of
      specific clinical symptoms and late detection delay a correct diagnosis. It is
      therefore of great importance to establish auxiliary indexes for the early
      diagnosis of NS. To evaluate the value of interleukin (IL-6 and IL-8) in the
      diagnosis of NS, a prospective study was carried out. Seventy-five newborns who
      developed septicemia and received treatment in our hospital from January 2013 to
      December 2014 were selected as research subjects; also, 50 healthy newborns were
      set as a control group. The levels of serum IL-6 and IL-8 were compared between
      the two groups. Results demonstrated that levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), IL
      6 and IL-8 of the septicemia group were higher than those of the control group on
      admission, although the difference had no statistical significance (P less than
      0.05); the septicemia group had higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA)
      scores but lower pediatric critical illness scores (PCIS) compared to the control
      group (P less than 0.05); levels of CRP, IL-6 and IL-8 were in positive
      correlation to the SOFA scores and in negative correlation to PCIS. Analysis of
      receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve demonstrated that the sensitivity,
      specificity and accuracy were 85.7%, 80.2% and 81.8%, respectively, when IL-6
      level was set as 32 pg/mL, 78.1%, 64.2% and 66.9%, respectively when IL-8 level
      was set as 54 pg/mL, and 71.4%, 86.3% and 82.7% respectively, when detection of
      IL-6 and IL-8 were combined together. Hence it can be concluded that: IL-6 and IL
      8 are involved in inflammatory reactions; levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were correlated
      to the severity of the infection; the value of IL-6 is higher than that of IL-8
      in the diagnosis of neonatal septicemia and the combined detection of IL-6 and IL
      8 can improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of neonatal septicemia.

PMID- 28078862
TI  - A placebo-controlled trial of a proprietary lipid-lowering nutraceutical
      supplement in the management of dyslipidemia.
AB  - There is an ever growing emergence in the popularity of patient-driven care. As
      this health and wellness model grows, inquiries into diet, lifestyle, and
      supplemental approaches will continue to become a focal point for the healthcare
      consumer. Because of this, the aim of this study is to determine the
      tolerability, and overall effectiveness of a proprietary multi-ingredient lipid
      lowering supplement in subjects with dyslipidemia. Forty participants were
      recruited for a single-center, double-blind randomized, placebocontrolled trial.
      Study participants were recruited between December 2014 and March 2015. Initial
      screening included a physical examination, renal and hepatic function, serum
      lipid, serum electrolytes, complete blood counts, and urine analysis. The 40
      participants were randomly assigned to receive either the proprietary multi
      ingredient lipid-lowering supplement (PMILLS) n= 20 or placebo n= 20. The trial
      consisted of a screening visit, a two-week run-in, and a four-month treatment
      period. Samples were taken at baseline, one month and four months of treatment.
      Results from the trial showed that the PMILLS significantly reduced total
      cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein
      (VLDL-C), oxidized LDL (oxLDL), Apo-lipoprotein B, triglycerides (TG), LDL
      particle number (LDL-P), heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure compared to
      placebo at one month and four months. The PMILLS significantly increased high
      density lipoprotein (HDL) particle number (HDL-P), and low density lipoprotein
      (LDL) particle size from dense type III and IV to larger type I and II LDL
      particle, compared to placebo at one month and four months. In addition, the
      PMILLS significantly reduced high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor
      necrosis alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) within the treatment group
      from baseline. There were no adverse effects noted in the treatment group after
      four months of supplementation. The present study demonstrates this PMILLS
      improves all relevant lipid parameters, such as particle numbers and particles
      sizes, as well as showing a significant reduction in inflammatory markers linked
      to cardiovascular health. With such combined changes in lipids, lipid sub
      fractions, and inflammation, which are considered among the most effective means
      of reducing coronary heart disease (CHD), this PMILLS represents a new addition
      to safe and effective lipid-modifying strategies.

PMID- 28078863
TI  - Nasal irrigation with Nasir(r) in children: a preliminary experience on nasal
      cytology.
AB  - Allergic rhinitis (AR) and upper airway respiratory infections are frequent in
      children, and both have a relevant impact on some social aspects, including
      school attendance and performance, sleep, quality of life (also of the parents),
      and costs. Saline nasal irrigation is widely employed to reduce nasal congestion
      and mucopurulent secretion, to stimulate cleansing of the nasal and paranasal
      cavities, and to induce restoration of mucociliary clearance. The present study
      evaluated the effects of nasal irrigation on nasal cytology, using the new device
      Nasir(r) in 66 children (40 males, 26 females, mean age 7.31+/-1.7 years, age
      range 4-17 years) with allergic rhinitis. The patients were treated with nasal
      irrigation with warm (36 degrees C) Nasir(r) (250 mL sacs of premixed solution):
      one sac twice daily for 12 days. Nasal irrigation significantly reduced the
      neutrophilic infiltrate (baseline median value 2.8+/-0.7; post treatment value
      2+/-0.5; p less than 0.05). In addition, there was a reduction of eosinophil
      infiltrate (T0= 3.2+/-1.1; T1= 2.6+/-1.2; p= less than 0.05). There was no
      significant change with regard to bacteria (T0= 2.7+/-0.9; T1= 2.3+/-1.02; p=
      0.17). In conclusion, this pilot study reports that nasal irrigation with
      Nasir(r) might be useful to attenuate upper airway inflammation.

PMID- 28078864
TI  - Human herpesviruses-6 and -7 encephalitis in immunocompetent infants: are they
      really so uncommon?
AB  - Human herpesviruses-6 and -7 (HHV-6 and 7) are considered uncommon causes of
      central nervous system infection and may occasionally cause encephalitis in young
      infants, however, the clinical syndrome and incidence are not well defined. In
      immunosuppressed hosts, reactivation is associated with a worse outcome such as
      encephalitis, hepatitis, or graft rejection. In immunocompetent hosts, this
      persistent infection is generally of no consequence. We report 4 cases of
      immunocompetent critically ill children, affected by HHV-6 and -7 encephalitis,
      admitted to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. In three patients, herpesvirus
      polymerase chain reaction in blood and cerebrospinal fluid was positive for HHV-
      6, while one patient was positive for HHV-7. In our cases, a typical clinical
      picture of viral infection was not present but neurological symptoms were
      predominant. In all 4 children, neurological involvement rapidly regressed after
      acyclovir therapy. In this report, we offer evidence that HHV-6 and -7 primary
      infections can cause several clinical manifestations, such as encephalitis, also
      in immunocompetent hosts. In our experience, children with neurological symptoms
      suggestive of viral encephalitis should be fully investigated for these two
      viruses.

PMID- 28078865
TI  - Parasympathetic nervous system involvement in food allergy: description of a
      paediatric case.
AB  - The latest research data emphasize the interaction between the nervous and the
      immune systems. It has been demonstrated that the central nervous system (CNS)
      can be involved secondarily due to blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption via pro
      inflammatory cytokines released in allergy. More recently it was demonstrated
      that the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) could also be equally involved in
      models of peripheral inflammation such as food allergy; although this last
      clinical presentation has rarely been described. Herein, the authors report the
      case of a five-year-old Caucasian female who was admitted to our Pediatric Acute
      and Emergency Operative Unit for cyclic vomiting. Her vomiting, which was
      preceded by objective torque vertigo, headache and weakness, had been recurring
      with constant frequency every two months since she was 3 years old. After a
      complex diagnostic flow-chart, it was found that this spectrum of neurologic
      symptoms was due to a food allergy syndrome, which postulates some etiopathogenic
      hypotheses to explain the relationship between the two mentioned diseases.

PMID- 28078866
TI  - Favourably effective formulation of sodium iodide and salicylic acid plus
      professional hygiene in patients affected by desquamative gingivitis.
AB  - The aim of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the efficiency of an oral
      hygiene protocol, in combination with a solution of sodium iodide associated to
      salicylic acid (SISA), in patients affected by desquamative gingivitis (DG).
      Twenty patients not totally responding to conventional topical therapies, were
      selected. They received oral hygiene instructions with non-surgical periodontal
      therapy in a 21-day cohort study (during 3 weekly appointments). The SISA was
      used at the end of each session, with an impregnated gauze (with 5 ml of the
      solution) applied for 15 minutes for the upper jaw, and for a further 15 minutes
      with a new gauze for the lower. Evaluated clinical outcome variables included the
      full mouth plaque (FMPS) and bleeding (FMBS) scores, probing depth, patient
      related outcome and clinical gingival signs. Two months after concluding the
      planned protocol, a statistically significant reduction was observed for FMPS
      (P=0.032), FMBS (P=0.038), reported pain (P=0.000) and gingival clinical
      improvement (P=0.005). Topical application of SISA and professional oral hygiene
      procedures are connected with improvement of gum status, and decrease of related
      pain in subjects affected by severe DG.

PMID- 28078867
TI  - Plasma endocannabinoid behaviour in total knee and hip arthroplasty.
AB  - Endocannabinoids are a class of lipid mediators involved in a wide range of
      physiological pathways including pain perception, and immunological defences. In
      particular, the involvement of endocannabinoids in bone metabolism and bone
      resorption has recently been studied. Moreover, one study on total knee
      arthroplasty describes the probable role of endocannabinoids in pain perception
      after surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate variations of
      endocannabinoid concentrations in patients undergoing total hip or total knee
      arthroplasty before and after surgery. Sera from 23 patients were collected at
      three different times: before surgery and at two different times during
      rehabilitation, and endocannabinoids were quantified by HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Mean
      values of endocannabinoids in presurgical serum samples were: 6.11+/-0.5 ng/ml
      for N-palmitoylethanolamide, 1.39+/-0.08ng/ml for N-stearoylethanolamide, 4.84+/
      0.04 ng/ml for N-oleoylethanolamide, 0.44+/-0.03ng/ml for N
      arachidonoylethanolamide, 0.84+/-0.05ng/ml for N-linoleoylethanolamide, 0.17+/
      0.01ng/ml for N-alpha-linolenoylethanolamide. Statistical analysis showed a
      significant decrease of all the endocannabinoids after surgery, while there were
      no remarkable differences between total hip and total knee arthroplasties or
      between genders. Moreover, the results show no significant correlation between
      endocannabinoid concentrations and C-reactive protein and Erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate. The present study shows for the first time a specific and
      univocal behaviour of six endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamides in orthopaedic
      surgery, suggesting the endocannabinoid system as a possible pharmacological
      target for presurgical therapeutics.

PMID- 28078868
TI  - Minoxidil dose response study in female pattern hair loss patients determined to
      be non-responders to 5% topical minoxidil.
AB  - Topical minoxidil is the only US FDA approved drug for the treatment of female
      pattern hair loss (FPHL). 5% minoxidil foam is only effective at re-growing hair
      in a minority of women (approximately 40%). Thus, the majority of FPHL patients
      remain untreated. Previously, we demonstrated that nonresponders to 5% minoxidil
      have low metabolism of minoxidil in hair follicles. As such, we hypothesized that
      increasing the dosage of topical minoxidil to low metabolizers would increase the
      number of responders without increasing the incidence of adverse events. In this
      study, we recruited FPHL subjects that were identified as non-responders to 5%
      topical minoxidil utilizing the previously validated assay for minoxidil
      response. Subjects were treated for 12 weeks with a novel 15% topical minoxidil
      solution. At 12 weeks, 60% of subjects achieved a clinically significant response
      based on target area hair counts (>13.7% from baseline), as well as significant
      improvement in global photographic assessment. None of the subjects experienced
      significant hemodynamic changes or any other adverse events. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the potentially beneficial
      effect of a higher dosage of minoxidil in FPHL subjects who fail to respond to 5%
      minoxidil.

PMID- 28078869
TI  - High level laser therapy for the treatment of lower back pain: clinical efficacy
      and comparison of different wavelengths.
AB  - High energy laser therapy (HELT) could be a new alternative treatment for lower
      back pain (LBP), which is a significant public health problem. Nevertheless,
      differences between the various light waves of HELT have not yet been fully
      researched. Sixty-six patients with lower back pain were treated using a high
      energy laser therapy. They were randomized into three different protocols which
      differed according to wave length (650 nm, 810 nm and TRIAX, which is
      simultaneous emission of 810 nm, 980 nm e 1064 nm). The other parameters remained
      constant (5 W and 50 J/cm2 for ten daily sessions). The visual analogue scale
      (VAS), the Roland Scale, and the Oswestry Score were measured before treatment
      (T0), and at end of the treatment session (T1) and 1 month (T1), 2 months (T2)
      and 4 months of follow-up (T4). In each group we verified a statistically
      significant improvement over time and that there was a relationship between the
      time and treatment (p less than 0.01). At T1 for all wavelengths we found a
      statistically significant improvement of three scores (p less than 0.01), which
      was maintained up to T4. The group treated with 810 nm HELT, showed a better
      remission of pain on the VAS scale, and disability on the Oswestry Scale at T4
      (p=0.01). Comparing T0-T1 the variation in the Roland Score was significant in
      the patients treated with 810 nm (p less than 0.01). All the wavelengths analyzed
      proved to be efficacious for LBP. The greater efficacy of 810 nm in promoting
      nerve regeneration and in modulating the nociception transmission could explain
      the better outcomes.

PMID- 28078870
TI  - Assessing the association between 25-OH vitamin D levels and ROMA score in a
      population of obese women.
AB  - The ?Risk of Malignancy Algorithm? (ROMA) combines the diagnostic power of the
      CA125 and HE4 markers with menopausal status to predict the risk for developing
      epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      association between 25-OH vitamin D levels and ROMA score in obese women. One
      hundred and eighteen patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 (Group 1)
      and 80 women with a BMI less than 25 kg / m2 (Group 2) were studied. The 25-OH
      vitamin D was quantified with LUMIPULSE(r) G 1200. As a threshold value,
      identified by ROC curve analysis, 20.2 ng/ mL (sensitivity 73.3%, specificity
      84%) was chosen corresponding to the limit between sufficient and insufficient 25
      OH vitamin D according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Low 25-OH vitamin
      D levels were observed in 64% of obese women and in 11% of normal-weight women (p
      less than 0.001). ROMA score above 13% was detected only in obese women (19%). An
      association between low levels of 25-OH vitamin D and ROMA score was observed.
      Indeed, 64% of obese women with ROMA score >13% had concomitant insufficient
      levels of 25-OH vitamin D, while only 36% of obese women with ROMA score >13% had
      sufficient 25-OH vitamin D levels (p less than 0.0001). This study suggests that
      the deficiency of 25- OH vitamin D in obese women has a possible correlation with
      high ROMA score.

PMID- 28078871
TI  - Anti-plaque and antimicrobial efficiency of different oral rinses in a 3-day
      plaque accumulation model.
AB  - The idea of incorporating a mouthrinse with normal tooth brushing could be a
      useful adjunct to oral hygiene. Despite the principle nature of the toothpaste
      vehicle, most alcohol-based chemical plaque-control agents have been evaluated
      and later formulated in the mouthrinse vehicle. The current study was aimed to
      investigate the persistence of antimicrobial action and plaque inhibitory
      properties of a new alcohol-free mouthrinse when compared with positive control,
      chlorhexidine 0.12% and placebo control, physiologic saline solution mouthrinses.
      The evaluation of the antimicrobial activity was performed by saliva samples
      collected during the 3 days of usage. The results of this study indicate that
      this new oral rinse has an equivalent plaque inhibitory action to chlorhexidine,
      and the plaque inhibitory action of the rinse appears to be derived from a
      persistence of antimicrobial action in the mouth. Furthermore, no side effects
      were reported during the study, and the additional benefit of no alcohol presence
      in the rinse solution.

PMID- 28078872
TI  - Molecular characterization and antibiotic resistance of salmonella serovars
      isolated in the Apulia region of Italy.
AB  - During the period January 2013-December 2015, 175 cases of human salmonellosis
      were reported in the Apulia Region of Italy. The aim of this study was to
      characterize salmonella strains from the standpoints of serovars prevalence,
      antimicrobial resistance and clonal origin. The serological typing was performed
      by agglutination against antisera followed by a multiplex polymerase chain
      reaction (m-PCR). The obtained results were analyzed following the Kauffmann
      White scheme. Susceptibility to antimicrobial agents was tested using the disk
      diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar plates. All strains were tested by pulsed
      field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) according to the PulseNet protocol, and cluster
      analysis was performed using BioNumerics software. It was found that the most
      prevalent isolated serovars were in order: i) S.Enteritidis, ii) S.Typhimurium
      and iii) S. 4,[5],12:i:?. The most common resistances were: i) Ampicillin (A)
      (38%), ii) Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid (AmC) (11%), iii) Streptomycin (S) (19%),
      iv) Sulphonamides (Su) (19%), v) Tetracycline (T) (30%), and vi) Piperacillin
      (Pip) (25%). Ten multidrugresistant (MDR) patterns were identified among the
      isolates, and the two most diffused ones were ASSuT and ASSuTPip, respectively.
      MDR patterns were predominantly expressed by Salmonella Typhimurium and
      Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:-. Molecular typing by PFGE yielded 60 different
      macrorestriction profiles among 33 serotypes.

PMID- 28078873
TI  - Fine needle aspiration cytology of 650 thyroid nodules operated for multinodular
      goiter: a cyto-histological correlation based on the new Italian cytological
      classification (siapec 2014).
AB  - The new Italian cytological classification (SIAPEC 2014) of thyroid nodules, in
      line with those of Bethesda and BTA-RCPath, replaces the previous TIR3 class with
      two new classes (TIR3A and TIR3B), which correspond to different risks of
      malignancy and clinical actions required. The present study was conducted to
      evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the new SIAPEC classification as opposed to
      its previous version (SIAPEC 2007). Preoperative cytology was compared with the
      final histology obtained from 650 consecutive patients who underwent total
      thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter. Of this total, 434 patients (group A) had
      their cytological diagnosis based on the old SIAPEC 2007 classification and 216
      patients (group B) had their cytological diagnosis based on the SIAPEC 2014
      classification. In group A 111 patients (25.6%) had a TIR3 diagnosis, while in
      group B 52 patients (24.1%) received a TIR3 diagnosis, of whom 30 had TIR3A and
      22 had TIR3B. In group A, 46 (41.4%) out of the 111 patients with TIR3 diagnosis
      had, based on histology, a thyroid carcinoma. In group B, only 2 (6.7%) out of 30
      patients with TIR3A diagnosis had a thyroid carcinoma. This rate of malignancy
      was significantly lower (p less than 0.001) than that observed in patients with
      TIR3B diagnosis, in which 12 (54.5%) out of 22 patients had a carcinoma. The
      observations here reported show that, in respect to the previous version, the new
      Italian cytological classification provides greater diagnostic accuracy for
      detecting thyroid nodule malignancy.

PMID- 28078874
TI  - Tendonitis of the rotator cuff treated with extracorporeal shock wave therapy:
      radiographic monitoring to identify prognostic factors for disintegration.
AB  - Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is widely used for calcific tendonitis
      of the shoulder. The initial rationale for this therapy was to break the
      calcification, but this effect does not always occur. To date, we do not know how
      calcifications evolve or why they may be less responsive to the action of the
      shock waves. One hundred and seventy-four shoulders with calcific tendinitis were
      prospectively evaluated before and after ESWT, using the radiographic
      classifications according to Gartner and Heyer, to Bosworth and to Mole. Three
      months after ESWT therapy, we observed the disappearance of calcification in
      36.8% of the shoulders, a reduction in size in 21.8% and no change in 41.4%. The
      calcifications that disappeared were large according to Bosworth (p=0.004). The
      probability of disappearance of calcification increased with increasing age
      (p=0.011), for medium calcifications according to Bosworth (p=0.001), and
      calcifications of type A according to Mole (p=0.043). The results of our study
      suggest that the radiographic aspects of calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff
      could influence the disruptive effects after ESWT. With this knowledge we could
      define the timing of treatment and therapeutic choice for each patient.

PMID- 28078875
TI  - Circulating sRAGE in the diagnosis of osteolytic bone metastasis.
AB  - Despite the clinical importance of metastasis to the skeleton, the diagnostic
      tools for early detection and monitoring of bone metastasis lack sensitivity and
      specificity. We evaluated a promising new serum biomarker, the soluble form of
      the Receptor of Advanced Glycosylated End-products (sRAGE). sRAGE is involved in
      the Wnt-signaling pathway, and has been reported to reduce the risk of cancer. We
      investigated the diagnostic potential of sRAGE to improve the detection and
      monitoring of bone metastasis. We measured sRAGE in the serum of control healthy
      subjects, patients with primary tumors and patients with bone metastasis. sRAGE
      was also correlated with the Wnt inhibitors DKK-1 and sclerostin, the bone
      resorption markers MMP-2, MMP-9 and TRAP5, and the metastatic marker survivin.
      sRAGE was significantly lower in primary tumor and metastatic patients than in
      healthy subjects. sRAGE also showed a strong negative correlation with DKK-1,
      sclerostin, MMP-2, MMP-9, TRAP5b and survivin. These results indicated that sRAGE
      might play a protective role in bone metastasis progression, and it may
      diagnostic significance for detecting and monitoring osteolytic metastases.

PMID- 28078876
TI  - Comparative molecular analysis of bacterial species associated with periodontal
      disease.
AB  - Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disorder affecting the supporting teeth
      structures, including gingiva, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, causing
      loss of connective tissue, reabsorption of alveolar bone and formation of
      periodontal pockets. The aim of this study is to find a correlation between
      bacterial growth and periodontal disease. Fifty-seven patients aged between 21
      and 65 years, median age 46 years, were enrolled. According to gingival pocket
      depth, ranging from 3 to 7 mm, patients were divided into two groups: the first
      (30 patients, 53%) with deep pockets 3 5 mm and the second (27 patients, 47%)
      less than 5 mm. The samples taken were processed for microbiological analysis by
      absolute quantitative real-time Taq-Man technique. Patients affected by
      periodontal disease were 32 (56%) and patients with gingival bleeding were 35
      (61%). This data showed that the presence, the type and the bacterial load in
      gingival pockets were strongly correlated with gingival depth, periodontal
      disease and gingival bleeding. Quantitative microbiological analysis is a key
      point to improve patient compliance, allowing to choose the specific antibiotic
      treatment. avoiding antibiotic resistance and ensuring the successful outcome of
      therapy for periodontal disease.

PMID- 28078877
TI  - Congenital muscular dystrophy and epilepsy: a prospective case series of
      pediatric patients.
AB  - Congenital Muscular Dystrophies (CMDs) can be considered as a heterogeneous group
      of diseases characterized by marked weakness, generalized hypotonia and joint
      contractures. They are divided into pure and classical forms, without ocular and
      cerebral involvement, and complex forms, which are associated with cerebral
      abnormalities. Seizures have rarely been described in the pure forms while they
      seem to occur more frequently in complex forms. The aim of our study was to
      evaluate the incidence of seizure in CMD. Herein, the authors describe 16 cases
      of congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) associated with different kinds of
      epileptic events, in order to study the pathogenic connection between the two
      clinical manifestations. In all described patients we reviewed the clinical,
      neurophysiologic, and neuroimaging data to determine any associations with
      epilepsy. The patients were divided into two groups: 14 cases with merosin
      positive CMD in one group and 2 patients with Walker Warburg syndrome (WWS) in
      the second group. In our study we found that in the first group, one benign
      myoclonic epilepsy (BME), one benign febrile convulsions had occurred. Also in
      one patient, the EEG revealed a moderately high voltage slow background with
      diffuse sharp waves reaching 300mV in amplitude with no clinical signs. In the
      merosin positive CMD patients, the presence of two different epileptic diseases,
      benign myoclonic epilepsy (BME) in one and febrile convulsion with tonic clinic
      seizures, may represent a new expression of merosine-positive congenital muscular
      disease (PCMD) in which the deficiency of an undiscovered muscular protein with a
      cerebral isoform may be the cause of epileptic events in this group of patients.

PMID- 28078878
TI  - Vitamin a decreases after a maximal incremental stress test in non-professional
      male runners with low aerobic performance.
AB  - The data on the effects of aerobic training on plasma antioxidant vitamins are
      conflicting. Additionally, most studies focus on the oxidative profiles of
      professional athletes, but limited information is available for amateur athlete
      populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high-intensity
      exercise on antioxidant vitamins in non-professional runners with varying levels
      of aerobic power. Eighty-one male runners underwent an incremental test to
      exhaustion. The study population was then divided into the following tertiles
      according to VO2max: Group L (LowVO2max, less than 44.2 mLkg-1min-1), Group M
      (MediumVO2max, 44.2-49.7 mLkg-1min-1) and Group H (HighVO2max, >49.7).
      Comparative analyses were performed between Groups L and H. The total antioxidant
      capacity (TAC), Vitamin (Vit) E, Vitamin A, beta-carotene, lycopene and
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were determined before and 60 min
      after exercise testing. After the stress test, Vit A decreased and TBARS
      increased in Group L, whereas no changes in the vitamin concentrations, TAC
      induction and TBARS reduction were observed in group H. In individuals with low
      VO2max, an incremental test determined lipid-peroxidation and Vitamin A
      consumption, whereas H Group increases TAC that buffer TBARS production.

PMID- 28078879
TI  - Zenker diverticulum in the right side of the neck resembling a thyroid mass at
      ultrasound.
AB  - Zenker?s diverticulum represents the most common form of pharyngo-oesophageal
      diverticula usually occurring on the left side of the neck. Due to its anatomical
      proximity to the thyroid, it can mimic a thyroid mass. Here we describe the case
      of an asymptomatic 49-year-old man referred to the Thyroid Clinic of the
      Policlinico Umberto I Hospital-?Sapienza? University of Rome for thyroid
      sonography due to a family history of autoimmune thyroid disease. The patient?s
      thyroid blood tests did not reveal any abnormalities. The sonographic examination
      showed a dishomogeneus and hypoechoic thyroid gland. In addition, in the third
      middle of the right lobe, a mass (with a diameter greater than 26 mm), with
      heterogeneous internal echogenicity, hypoechoic margins and internal hyperechoic
      spots was recorded, with no appreciable flow at the Doppler evaluation. The TI
      RADS score was 4c. Hence, the patient underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle
      aspiration cytology that revealed the presence of squamous cells without
      cytological atypia, erythrocytes, muscular and vegetable fibres, colonies of
      bacteria in the absence of inflammatory infiltrate. This was consistent with the
      diagnostic hypothesis of oesophagus diverticulum, which was confirmed by means of
      a barium-swallow oesophagography. This case report underlines the possibility
      that a suspicious thyroid mass may result from a Zenker?s diverticulum, even if
      located on the right side, especially if the lesion has a heterogeneous echo
      texture, a hypoechoic rim and internal hyperechoic spots.

PMID- 28078881
TI  - Varicella zoster virus as a cause of infectious encephalitis in a cohort of Sri
      Lankan patients

PMID- 28078880
TI  - Orthodontic forces modulate insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 changes
      in gingival crevicular fluid.
AB  - Orthodontic tooth movement results from the response of the periodontal tissue to
      orthodontic force, which leads to modeling and remodeling of the surrounding
      alveolar bone. The response is considered to occur through the activation of
      specific signaling pathways, many of which are known, all acting to ultimately
      result in tooth movement. Much is known about the actions of these two cells, and
      the signaling pathways that affect them, both in bone and orthodontic literature,
      however, to date, little work has been carried out to examine the effect of the
      insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP) in orthodontics. Therefore,
      we investigated the presence of IGFBP-5 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of
      6 healthy subjects, and assessed the effects of orthodontic treatment on the
      levels and molecular state of this protein.

PMID- 28078882
TI  - Real time surveillance of dengue fever - a preliminary study

PMID- 28078883
TI  - Flexible Multistate Data Storage Devices Fabricated Using Natural Lignin at Room
      Temperature.
AB  - The growing interest in bioinspired and sustainable electronics has induced
      research on biocompatible and biodegradable materials. However, conventional
      electronic devices have been restricted due to their nonbiodegradable and
      sometimes harmful and toxic materials, which can even cause environmental issues.
      Here, we report a resistive switching random access memory (ReRAM) device based
      on lignin, which is a biodegradable waste product of the paper industry. The
      active layer of the device can be easily formed using a simple solution process
      on a plastic substrate. The memory devices show stable bipolar resistive
      switching behavior with good endurance and retention. Appropriate control of the
      maximum reset voltage and compliance current can yield multibit data storage
      capability with at least four resistance states, which can be exploited to
      realize a high-density memory device. The resistive switching mechanism may be a
      result of formation and rupture of carbon-rich filaments. These results suggest
      that lignin is a promising candidate material for an inexpensive and
      environmentally benign ReRAM device. We believe that this study can initiate a
      new route toward development of biocompatible and flexible electronics.

PMID- 28078884
TI  - Construction of Three-Dimensional Hemin-Functionalized Graphene Hydrogel with
      High Mechanical Stability and Adsorption Capacity for Enhancing Photodegradation
      of Methylene Blue.
AB  - A three-dimensional hemin-functionalized graphene hydrogel (Hem/GH) was prepared
      by a facile self-assembly approach. The as-prepared Hem/GH showed good mechanical
      strength with a storage modulus of 609-642 kPa and a high adsorption capacity to
      organic dye contaminants (341 mg g-1 for rhodamine B). Moreover, Hem/GH could be
      used as a photosensitizer for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and
      displayed superior photodegradation activity of methylene blue (MB). This result
      was better than that of counterparts such as graphene hydrogel (GH) and
      commercial catalyst P25. The excellent cycling performance of the Hem/GH was well
      maintained even after multiple cycles on adsorption process and photocatalytic
      reaction. Interestingly, after the photodegradation of MB, a light-induced pH
      change of the solution from alkaline pH 8.99 to acidic pH 3.82 was observed, and
      10 wt % total organic carbon remained. The liquid chromatography/time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry (LC/TOF-MS) analysis confirmed the generation of acidic
      degradation products. The photocatalytic mechanism was further investigated by
      trapping experiments, which revealed that the MB degradation was driven mainly by
      the participation of O2*- radicals in the photocatalytic reaction. As an extended
      application, visually intuitive observation showed the as-prepared Hem/GH also
      had strong antibacterial properties. These results suggest that Hem/GH could be
      potentially used for practical application due to its high adsorption ability,
      excellent photocatalytic activity, and strong antibacterial properties.

PMID- 28078885
TI  - An Ambipolar BODIPY Derivative for a White Exciplex OLED and Cholesteric Liquid
      Crystal Laser toward Multifunctional Devices.
AB  - A new interface engineering method is demonstrated for the preparation of an
      efficient white organic light-emitting diode (WOLED) by embedding an ultrathin
      layer of the novel ambipolar red emissive compound 4,4-difluoro-2,6-di(4
      hexylthiopen-2-yl)-1,3,5,7,8-pentamethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene
      (bThBODIPY) in the exciplex formation region. The compound shows a hole and
      electron mobility of 3.3 * 10-4 and 2 * 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively, at
      electric fields higher than 5.3 * 105 V cm-1. The resulting WOLED exhibited a
      maximum luminance of 6579 cd m-2 with CIE 1931 color coordinates (0.39; 0.35).
      The bThBODIPY dye is also demonstrated to be an effective laser dye for a
      cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC) laser. New construction of the ChLC laser, by
      which a flat capillary with an optically isotropic dye solution is sandwiched
      between two dye-free ChLC cells, provides photonic lasing at a wavelength well
      matched with that of a dye-doped planar ChLC cell.

PMID- 28078886
TI  - Enhanced Activity for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction over CoFe Catalysts by Alloying
      with Small Amount of Pt.
AB  - The hydrogen evolution reaction highly relied on Pt electrocatalysts, with high
      activity and stability. In the past few years, a host of efforts have been made
      in the development of novel platinum nanostructures with a low amount of Pt
      because the scarcity and high price of Pt hinder its practical applications.
      Here, we report the preparation of PtCoFe@CN electrocatalysts with a remarkably
      reduced Pt loading amount of 4.60% by annealing Pt-doped metal-organic frameworks
      (MOFs). The electrocatalyst demonstrated an outstanding performance with only 45
      mV overpotential to achieve the 10 mA cm-2 current density, which is quite close
      to that of the commercial 20% Pt/C catalyst. The enhanced catalytic capability is
      originated from the modification of the electronic structures of CoFe by alloying
      with Pt. The results indicate that robust and superstable alloy electrocatalysts
      which contain a very small amount of noble metal could be prepared by annealing
      noble metal-doped MOFs.

PMID- 28078887
TI  - Electrospun Regenerated Cellulose Nanofiber Membranes Surface-Grafted with Water
      Insoluble Poly(HEMA) or Water-Soluble Poly(AAS) Chains via the ATRP Method for
      Ultrafiltration of Water.
AB  - Electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENMs) have demonstrated promising applications
      for water purification primarily due to high water flux and low degree of
      fouling. However, the equivalent/apparent pore sizes of as-electrospun ENMs are
      in microns/submicrons; therefore, the ENMs can only be directly utilized for
      microfiltration applications. To make regenerated cellulose (RC) ENMs for
      ultrafiltration applications, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was
      studied to graft polymer chains onto the surface of RC nanofibers; specifically,
      monomers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and sodium acrylate (AAS) were
      selected for surface-grafting water-insoluble and water-soluble polymer chains
      onto RC nanofibers, respectively. With prolonging of the ATRP reaction time, the
      resulting surface-modified RC ENMs had reduced pore sizes. The water-insoluble
      poly(HEMA) chains coated the surface of RC nanofibers to make the fibers thicker,
      thus decreasing the membrane pore size and reducing permeability. On the other
      hand, the water-soluble poly(AAS) chains did not coat the surface of RC
      nanofibers; instead, they partially filled the pores to form gel-like structures,
      which served to decrease the effective pore size, while still providing elevated
      permeability. The surface-modified RC ENMs were subsequently explored for
      ultrafiltration of ~40 nm nanoparticles and ~10 nm bovine serum albumin (BSA)
      molecules from water. The results indicated that the HEMA-modified RC membranes
      could reject/remove more than 95% of the nanoparticles while they could not
      reject any BSA molecules; in comparison, the AAS-modified RC membranes had
      complete rejection of the nanoparticles and could even reject ~58% of the BSA
      molecules.

PMID- 28078888
TI  - Low-Temperature Wet Conformal Nickel Silicide Deposition for Transistor
      Technology through an Organometallic Approach.
AB  - The race for performance of integrated circuits is nowadays facing a downscale
      limitation. To overpass this nanoscale limit, modern transistors with complex
      geometries have flourished, allowing higher performance and energy efficiency.
      Accompanying this breakthrough, challenges toward high-performance devices have
      emerged on each significant step, such as the inhomogeneous coverage issue and
      thermal-induced short circuit issue of metal silicide formation. In this respect,
      we developed a two-step organometallic approach for nickel silicide formation
      under near-ambient temperature. Transmission electron and atomic force microscopy
      show the formation of a homogeneous and conformal layer of NiSix on pristine
      silicon surface. Post-treatment decreases the carbon content to a level similar
      to what is found for the original wafer (~6%). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      also reveals an increasing ratio of Si content in the layer after annealing,
      which is shown to be NiSi2 according to X-ray absorption spectroscopy
      investigation on a Si nanoparticle model. I-V characteristic fitting reveals that
      this NiSi2 layer exhibits a competitive Schottky barrier height of 0.41 eV and
      series resistance of 8.5 Omega, thus opening an alternative low-temperature route
      for metal silicide formation on advanced devices.

PMID- 28078889
TI  - Quantification of Free Polyelectrolytes Present in Colloidal Suspension,
      Revealing a Source of Toxic Responses for Polyelectrolyte-Wrapped Gold
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - Polyelectrolyte (PE) wrapping of colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) is a standard
      method to control NP surface chemistry and charge. Because excess
      polyelectrolytes are usually employed in the surface modification process, it is
      critical to evaluate different purification strategies to obtain a clean final
      product and thus avoid ambiguities in the source of effects on biological
      systems. In this work, 4 nm diameter gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were wrapped with
      15 kDa poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), and three purification strategies
      were applied: (a) diafiltration or either (b) one round or (c) two rounds of
      centrifugation. The bacterial toxicity of each of these three PAH-AuNP samples
      was evaluated for the bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and is quantitatively
      correlated with the amount of unbound PAH molecules in the AuNP suspensions, as
      judged by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance
      experiments and quantification using fluorescent assay. Dialysis experiments show
      that, for a 15 kDa polyelectrolyte, a 50 kDa dialysis membrane is not sufficient
      to remove all PAH polymers. Together, these data showcase the importance of
      choosing a proper postsynthesis purification method for polyelectrolyte-wrapped
      NPs and reveal that apparent toxicity results may be due to unintended free
      wrapping agents such as polyelectrolytes.

PMID- 28078890
TI  - Metamorphosis Affects Metal Concentrations and Isotopic Signatures in a Mayfly
      (Baetis tricaudatus): Implications for the Aquatic-Terrestrial Transfer of
      Metals.
AB  - Insect metamorphosis often results in substantial chemical changes that can alter
      contaminant concentrations and fractionate isotopes. We exposed larval mayflies
      (Baetis tricaudatus) and their food (periphyton) to an aqueous zinc gradient (3
      340 MUg Zn/l) and measured zinc concentrations at different stages of
      metamorphosis: larval, subimago, and imago. We also measured changes in stable
      isotopes (delta15N and delta13C) in unexposed mayflies. Larval zinc
      concentrations were positively related to aqueous zinc, increasing 9-fold across
      the exposure gradient. Adult zinc concentrations were also positively related to
      aqueous zinc, but were 7-fold lower than larvae. This relationship varied
      according to adult substage and sex. Tissue concentrations in female imagoes were
      not related to exposure concentrations, but the converse was true for all other
      stage-by-sex combinations. Metamorphosis also increased delta15N by ~0.80/00, but
      not delta13C. Thus, the main effects of metamorphosis on insect chemistry were
      large declines in zinc concentrations coupled with increased delta15N signatures.
      For zinc, this change was largely consistent across the aqueous exposure
      gradient. However, differences among sexes and stages suggest that caution is
      warranted when using nitrogen isotopes or metal concentrations measured in one
      insect stage (e.g., larvae) to assess risk to wildlife that feed on subsequent
      life stages (e.g., adults).

PMID- 28078891
TI  - Is Biodegradable Plastic Mulch the Solution to Agriculture's Plastic Problem?

PMID- 28078892
TI  - Dynamical Transitions at Low Temperatures in the Nearest Hydration Shell of
      Phospholipid Bilayers.
AB  - For the so-called dynamical transition from harmonic to anharmonic (or diffusive)
      motions in biological systems, the presence of hydration water is important. To
      explain the molecular mechanism of this transition, the information on molecular
      motions in the nearest hydration shell would be helpful. In this work, to study
      molecular motions in the nearest hydration shell of spin-labeled model biological
      membranes, a pulsed version of electron paramagnetic resonance, electron spin
      echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopy, is used. For hydration by
      deuterium water, the 2H ESEEM frequency spectra resemble the solid-state 2H NMR
      line shape that is widely used for structural and dynamical studies. Two types of
      model membranes were investigated and compared: bilayers consisting of
      unsaturated lipid 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and
      bilayers consisting of fully saturated lipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine (DPPC). The lipid chain packing for the POPC bilayer is known to
      be more defective than that for the DPPC bilayer. For both the POPC and the DPPC
      bilayers, the 2H ESEEM NMR-like spectra showed a sharp narrowing between 180 and
      190 K. From the other side, in both bilayers at 188 K, an inflection was observed
      for the temperature dependence of molecular motions detected by the spin
      relaxation of spin labels in the bilayer interior. It was concluded that
      dynamical transition in the bilayer interior is accompanied by an onset of
      isotropic water molecular dynamics in the nearest hydration shell of the bilayer
      with a rate of ~105 s-1. Also, the 2H ESEEM NMR-like spectra in the POPC bilayer
      showed slight changes above 100 K that could be ascribed to another dynamical
      transition resulting in the appearance of restricted orientational motion of
      water molecules. These data also are interrelated with spin relaxation of spin
      labels in the POPC bilayer interior and support the hypothesis ascribing the
      transition at 100 K to excessive lipid chain flexibility.

PMID- 28078893
TI  - Direct alpha-Arylation/Heteroarylation of 2-Trifluoroboratochromanones via
      Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis.
AB  - Utilizing photoredox/nickel dual catalysis, diverse flavanones have been
      synthesized by coupling novel 2-trifluoroboratochromanone building blocks with
      aryl and heteroaryl bromide partners. The newly reported
      trifluoroboratochromanones can be easily accessed from the corresponding
      chromones on multigram scale. This represents a general route for accessing
      natural and unnatural flavanones that were previously formed through a
      synthetically more restrictive ring closure route from chalcone precursors.

PMID- 28078894
TI  - Synthesis of Sulfones and Sulfonamides via Sulfinate Anions: Revisiting the
      Utility of Thiosulfonates.
AB  - Simple and high-yielding strategies for the production of a variety of sulfones
      and sulfonamides, using thiosulfonates synthesized by copper-catalyzed aerobic
      dimerization, are reported. Although thiosulfonates are an old class of compound,
      practical methods for their synthesis and utilization have not been rigorously
      developed. In this study, we revisit the reactions of easily accessible
      thiosulfonates to form sulfinate anions. Because of the similar reactivity of
      thiosulfonates and metal sulfinates derived from toxic SO2, thiosulfinates are
      proposed to be stable, nontoxic alternatives to metal sulfinate salts.

PMID- 28078895
TI  - Enantioselective alpha-Hydroxylation by Modified Salen-Zirconium(IV)-Catalyzed
      Oxidation of beta-Keto Esters.
AB  - The highly enantioselective alpha-hydroxylation of beta-keto esters using cumene
      hydroperoxide (CHP) as the oxidant was realized by a chiral (1S,2S)
      cyclohexanediamine backbone salen-zirconium(IV) complex as the catalyst. A
      variety of corresponding chiral alpha-hydroxy beta-keto esters were obtained in
      excellent yields (up to 99%) and enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee). The
      zirconium-catalyzed enantioselective alpha-hydroxylation of beta-keto esters was
      scalable, and the zirconium catalyst was recyclable. The reaction can be
      performed in gram scale, and corresponding chiral products were acquired in 95%
      yield and 99% ee.

PMID- 28078896
TI  - [The incidence, mortality and risk factors of prostate cancer].
AB  - Prostate cancer is a serious oncological disease in males. There has been a
      significant escalation in the incidence of this malignancy in the Czech Republic
      and in developed countries of Europe recently. Conversely, in countries with an
      altered health system, a minor increase in new cases of this disease is recorded.
      The causes of the high incidence of prostate cancer in developed countries appear
      to be the introduction of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and prostate
      biopsy, an aging population, and the consequent increased risk of cancer. The
      possible contribution of physical and chemical carcinogens associated with
      environmental pollution and negative lifestyle changes should not be forgotten
      either. The mortality rate for prostate cancer remains stable, with a slight
      decline in recent years. The article provides an overview of trends in the
      incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in the Czech Republic and Europe.

PMID- 28078897
TI  - [Epidemiological significance of the metabolic syndrome].
AB  - From an epidemiological point of view, the metabolic syndrome is a group of risk
      factors causally, rather than coincidentally, related to insulin resistance. The
      metabolic syndrome is a condition with relatively high prevalence rates in both
      the Czech Republic and in other developed countries. There is a clear trend of
      increasing prevalence in both sexes depending on age. In the Czech Republic, the
      syndrome is less common in females (25.5%) than in males (37.6%). Epidemiological
      studies found white (Europoid race) males to be at higher risk due to abdominal
      obesity. The definition of the metabolic syndrome has evolved over time and helps
      to identify individuals at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and
      type 2 diabetes, hence the use of the term cardiometabolic syndrome. Early
      detection of metabolic syndrome symptoms including insulin resistance should be
      performed mainly by general practitioners as part of regular check-ups.

PMID- 28078898
TI  - [Differential diagnosis of the viral etiology of suspected mumps in a population
      with high vaccine coverage].
AB  - AIM: In this study, buccal swabs from patients with the clinical picture of
      parotitis epidemica in whom mumps virus (MV) infection was not confirmed by
      direct detection or serologically were tested. The aim was to detect by molecular
      methods nucleic acids (NAs) of other respiratory viruses possibly involved in
      salivary gland swelling. At the same time, paired sera, if available, were
      tested. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 72 buccal swabs from
      patients of the Clinic of infectious, tropical, and parasitic diseases, Na
      Bulovce Hospital. Paired sera were available from ten patients. Samples were
      collected in 2013 to 2015. Buccal swabs were tested by PCR for the presence of
      NAs of adenoviruses (AdV), bocaviruses (hBoV), parainfluenza viruses of types 1-4
      (HPIV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), coronaviruses (HCoV: NL63, OC43, HKU1, and
      229E), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A virus, influenza B virus,
      and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Paired sera were screened by the complement
      fixation test (AdV and influenza A and B viruses), hemagglutination inhibition
      test (HPIV types 2 and 3), ELISA (AdV, EBV), and immunofluorescence (EBV).
      RESULTS: NAs from viruses other than the mumps virus were detected in 27 of 72
      patients with clinical symptoms of parotitis epidemica, and serological tests
      revealed etiological links with parainfluenza viruses in three more cases.
      Overall, 30 (41.7%) of 72 patients with suspected mumps tested positive for one
      or more viruses from the study panel. The most commonly detected viruses were AdV
      11/72 (15.3%), EBV 9/72 (12.5%), and HPIV 3/72 (4.2%), but influenza A virus
      (H3N2) 1/72 (1.4%) was also found. Some patients tested positive for more than
      one virus: 2/72 (3%) for AdV plus hBoV and 1/72 (1.4%) for HPIV plus HCoV. In
      addition, examination of paired sera revealed HPIV positivity in three more
      patients. PCR and serology detected etiological link with HPIV in six (8.3%) of
      72 patients tested. CONCLUSION: In our study group, nearly 42% of patients with
      the clinical picture of parotitis epidemica in whom mumps virus (MV) infection
      was not confirmed by direct detection or serologically tested positive for
      viruses other than the mumps virus. Thorough laboratory diagnosis of suspected
      mumps in vaccinated persons is important not only for the treatment of patients
      and adoption of isolation and other measures, but also for a better understanding
      of the epidemiology of the disease and outcomes of the immunisation programmes.

PMID- 28078899
TI  - [Factors modifying cord blood IgE levels - a pilot study].
AB  - AIM: The complex influence of internal and external environmental factors on the
      individual and his/her immune system and the lack of suitable markers to assess
      and reduce the risk of the development of allergies during the lifetime can
      explain the continuous increase in the number of people affected by some form of
      allergy. According to the results of some studies, cord blood IgE level could be
      a useful early marker for assessing the risk of atopic diseases, but the studies
      showed controversial results. In addition, several authors discuss the origin of
      these antibodies (synthesis in utero, peripartum contamination from maternal
      blood or placental transfer). The aim of our pilot study was to investigate the
      possible influence of modifying factors on cord blood IgE level. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Our group of patients consisted of 184 retrospectively selected neonates
      (98 boys, 53.3% and 86 girls, 46.7%) from whom cord blood was collected and cord
      blood IgE level was measured 25 years ago (PRIST method). The impact of selected
      modifying factors (sex, type of delivery or month of birth) on cord blood IgE
      level was assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: Higher cord blood IgE levels were
      found in boys than in girls, in neonates born by Caesarean section than in those
      born by natural delivery, and in those born in the winter months than in other
      seasons of the year. Our findings are in agreement with those of other authors.
      CONCLUSION: Based on our results and those of others, we assume that the selected
      factors affect the cord blood IgE levels to varying degrees. These facts should
      be taken into consideration while interpreting the cord blood IgE levels.

PMID- 28078900
TI  - Prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in women undergoing
      an initial infertility evaluation.
AB  - AIMS: Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum are potentially pathogenic
      bacterial species that are frequently isolated from the urogenital tract of
      women. These pathogens could be responsible for various genitourinary diseases
      and have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and female fertility
      problems. The aim of this study was to analyse the presence of M. hominis and U.
      urealyticum in the cervical canal of uterus of women with and without fertility
      problems. METHODS: Endocervical swabs obtained from women with reproductive
      problems and fertile women were tested by both cultivation and polymerase chain
      reaction. The antimicrobial susceptibility to the azithromycin, ciprofloxacin,
      doxycycline and erythromycine of the isolated strains of M. hominis and U.
      urealyticum was also tested by the microdilution broth method. RESULTS: A total
      of 111 women with fertile problems were examined. U. urealyticum was detected in
      samples from 44 (39.6%) women. M. hominis was detected in significantly fewer
      samples, i.e. only from 9 (8.1%) samples. From these, 6 (5.4%) women were
      positive for both microorganisms. The fertile group consisted from 23 women. The
      presence of U. urealyticum was detected in 8 (34.7%) of them. M. hominis was
      detected only in the mixture with U. urealyticum in 3 (13.0%) cases. The most
      effective antibiotic against both species in our study was doxycycline.
      CONCLUSION: The results show slightly higher incidence of M. hominis and U.
      urealyticum in the genitourinary tract of women with fertility problems compare
      with control group. The potential negative effect of these species on the
      reproduction ability of women was not observed.

PMID- 28078901
TI  - [Recurrent meningitis and inherited complement deficiency].
AB  - Complement deficiency represents 5% of primary immunodeficiencies worldwide. A
      total of seven patients with deficiencies of the classical complement pathway
      were reported in the Czech Republic by the end of 2015. Typical manifestations of
      complement deficiency are recurrent meningitis, other bacterial infections,
      autoimmunity and kidney disease.Two case reports are presented of patients with
      molecularly confirmed C7 (compound heterozygote, c.663_644del in exon 6 and
      c.2350+2T:>C in intron 16) and C8 (homozygous c.1282C>T in exon 9) deficiency.
      The first patient had four attacks of meningococcal meningitis and an episode of
      pneumonia of unknown aetiology in childhood. The second had six attacks of
      meningitis. He also suffered from recurrent infections (otitis media,
      tonsillitis, chronic mucopurulent rhinitis and subsequent pansinusitis
      complicated by nasal polyposis) since childhood. No autoimmune disease was
      documented in either patient. They both received meningococcal and pneumococcal
      vaccines. Antibiotic prophylaxis was used only in the second patient, leading to
      a decline in the number of ENT infections.Complement deficiency should be
      suspected in patients with recurrent meningococcal infections, especially if
      combined with other infections caused by encapsulated bacteria or autoimmunity
      diseases. Prophylaxis with conjugate polysaccharide vaccines is recommended and
      antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered in individual cases.

PMID- 28078902
TI  - An updated approach to viral hepatitis E.
AB  - Viral hepatitis E (VHE) is considered to be the most common acute viral hepatitis
      worldwide. Since the 1980s, VHE has been reported in developing countries.
      Although VHE is not a reportable disease in many developed countries, it is
      evidently on the rise even in these countries [1].In Europe, VHE is no longer an
      imported disease and efforts have been made to map VHE cases in both humans and
      animals to be able to update the recommendations for VHE prevention, risk
      assessment for blood product and organ transplants recipients, prevention
      strategies for severe and chronic VHE, and laboratory test algorithms.

PMID- 28078903
TI  - [IGRA methods in the routine operation - QuantiFERON(r)-TB Gold or T-SPOT.TB?]
AB  - For indirect diagnosis of tuberculosis, two commercial IGRA (Interferon Gamma
      Release Assay) assays are available - primal QuantiFERON(r)-TB Gold test, new
      version QuantiFERON(r)-TB Gold Plus test (four tube, differentiation in activity
      CD4+ a CD8+) and T-SPOT(r).TB test. Both methods are based on the same principle,
      but their workflows are different. In this article, both assays are compared on
      the collection of 284 patients. Inter-rate agreement measure showed 81.3%
      consistency and Cohens kappa index was calculated as 0.72. In case of discrepancy
      between IGRA and other methods (clinical aspects, X-ray diagnostic, etc.),
      results should be confirmed by second IGRA assay for correct interpretation.

PMID- 28078904
TI  - Malonyl-CoA pathway: a promising route for 3-hydroxypropionate biosynthesis.
AB  - 3-Hydroxypropionate (3HP) is an attractive platform chemical, serving as a
      precursor to a variety of commodity chemicals like acrylate and acrylamide, as
      well as a monomer of a biodegradable plastic. To establish a sustainable way to
      produce these commercially important chemicals and materials, fermentative
      production of 3HP is widely investigated in recent years. It is reported that 3HP
      can be produced from several intermediates, such as glycerol, malonyl-CoA, and
      beta-alanine. Among all these biosynthetic routes, the malonyl-CoA pathway has
      some distinct advantages, including a broad feedstock spectrum, thermodynamic
      feasibility, and redox neutrality. To date, this pathway has been successfully
      constructed in various species including Escherichia coli, yeast and
      cyanobacteria, and optimized through carbon flux redirection, enzyme screening
      and engineering, and an increasing supply of energy and cofactors, resulting in
      significantly enhanced 3HP titer up to 40 g/L. These results show the feasibility
      of commercial manufacturing of 3HP and its derivatives in the future.

PMID- 28078905
TI  - Correction to: Small intestinal malabsorption in chronic alcoholism: a
      retrospective study of alcoholic patients by the 14C-D-xylose breath test.

PMID- 28078906
TI  - Arduino-based noise robust online heart-rate detection.
AB  - This paper introduces a noise robust real time heart rate detection system from
      electrocardiogram (ECG) data. An online data acquisition system is developed to
      collect ECG signals from human subjects. Heart rate is detected using window
      based autocorrelation peak localisation technique. A low-cost Arduino UNO board
      is used to implement the complete automated process. The performance of the
      system is compared with PC-based heart rate detection technique. Accuracy of the
      system is validated through simulated noisy ECG data with various levels of
      signal to noise ratio (SNR). The mean percentage error of detected heart rate is
      found to be 0.72% for the noisy database with five different noise levels.

PMID- 28078907
TI  - The diagnostic value of confocal laser endomicroscopy for gastric cancer and
      precancerous lesions among Asian population: a system review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of
      confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) in detection of gastric cancer (GC), gastric
      intraepithelial metaplasia (GIM), and gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN)
      lesions. METHOD: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Wangfang databases were
      searched to include eligible articles about CLE in detection of gastric lesions.
      After study selection, quality assessment and data extraction conducted by two
      reviewers independently, meta-analysis was performed by Meta-Disc 1.4. The pooled
      sensitivity and specificity was calculated, receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) curve was constructed, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) was calculated.
      RESULTS: Twenty-three studies evaluating the diagnostic value of CLE were
      included. For the diagnosis of GC lesions, the pooled sensitivity, specificity,
      and AUC were 91% (88-94%), 99% (99-99%), and 0.9513, respectively. For the
      diagnosis of lesions, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 92% (90
      94%), 97% (96-98%), and 0.9774, respectively. For the diagnosis of GIN lesions,
      the pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC were 81% (75-85%), 98% (97-98%), and
      0.9204, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CLE can provide an accurate diagnosis with
      high sensitivity and specificity for GC, GIM, and GIN lesions. The results should
      be confirmed by well-designed, multi-centered, randomized controlled, and double
      blinded trials with large samples.

PMID- 28078908
TI  - Comparison of wrist-worn and hip-worn activity monitors under free living
      conditions.
AB  - PURPOSE: Current recommendations state that individuals engage in 150 min of
      moderate or 75 min of vigorous intensity physical activity (PA) each week.
      Commercial PA monitors are becoming popular for everyday use. The accuracy of
      these devices, however, is not well understood. We sought to examine the accuracy
      of two commercial devices, one wrist and one hip-worn, under free-living
      conditions. METHODS: Twenty-two subjects wore two commercially available devices
      and one ActiGraph (AG) for seven consecutive days under normal activity. RESULTS:
      Mean steps per day between all three devices differed significantly. No
      differences were found in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity
      (MPVA). Daily energy expenditure (EE) also differed significantly between the AG
      and the commercial devices. Bland-Altman analysis found poor agreement between
      the AG and the commercial devices with regards to steps and EE, but good
      agreement in MVPA. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the commercial devices are
      less accurate in estimating steps and EE. These devices did show good agreement
      with regards to MVPA, suggesting that they may provide useful feedback for
      individuals seeking to achieve the current PA guidelines for MVPA. Improvements
      are needed with regards to steps and EE estimation.

PMID- 28078909
TI  - Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension - patient-physician relationship and
      ethical issues.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor drug adherence is a major cause of apparent treatment-resistant
      hypertension. As a consequence, several methods have been developed and attempted
      implemented in clinical practice to reveal non-adherence and to monitor drug
      adherence. There are, however, several hitherto unresolved ethical aspects
      regarding potential methods for drug monitoring in these patients. RESULTS: The
      most striking challenge is the balance between patient autonomy and the
      physician's desire for the patient to adhere to the prescribed therapy. Also,
      methods for monitoring must only be implemented in the treatment of well-informed
      and consenting patients. Major resources are used on non-adherent patients; how
      long the physician should encourage continuation of treatment is an important
      question. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that physicians should reflect and discuss
      these potential challenges, and that patient education, information and a solid
      patient-physician relationship are essential for achieving drug adherence.
      Methods for monitoring adherence represent, however, a useful and often necessary
      supplement.

PMID- 28078910
TI  - Gain of chromosome 1q portends worse prognosis in multiple myeloma despite novel
      agent-based induction regimens and autologous transplantation.
AB  - We aimed to identify whether the use of autologous hematopoietic cell
      transplantation (HCT) impacts outcomes for multiple myeloma patients with gains
      of chromosome 1q (+1q). We retrospectively identified 95 patients, 21% having
      +1q. For patients with +1q, the overall response rate to induction was 85%, with
      40% having >= VGPR and 20% achieving a CR, similar to non +1q patients (p = .64).
      The median PFS from diagnosis with +1q was 2.1 years (95% CI: 1.2-not reached
      (NR)) vs 4.3 years (95% CI: 3.3 yrs-NR) without +1q (p = .003). Median OS from
      diagnosis was 4.4 years (95% CI: 2.9-NR) vs not reached, respectively (p = .005).
      On molecular analysis using the Foundation One Heme assay, the most common
      mutations seen in +1q patients included TP53 (38%) and KRAS (25%). Overall, gain
      of 1q portends worse PFS and OS which was not negated by auto HCT. Such patients
      will likely require additional therapy to improve their survival.

PMID- 28078911
TI  - C5a Increases the Injury to Primary Neurons Elicited by Fibrillar Amyloid Beta.
AB  - C5aR1, the proinflammatory receptor for C5a, is expressed in the central nervous
      system on microglia, endothelial cells, and neurons. Previous work demonstrated
      that the C5aR1 antagonist, PMX205, decreased amyloid pathology and suppressed
      cognitive deficits in two Alzheimer's Disease (AD) mouse models. However, the
      cellular mechanisms of this protection have not been definitively demonstrated.
      Here, primary cultured mouse neurons treated with exogenous C5a show reproducible
      loss of MAP-2 staining in a dose-dependent manner within 24 hr of treatment,
      indicative of injury to neurons. This injury is prevented by the C5aR1 antagonist
      PMX53, a close analog of PMX205. Furthermore, primary neurons derived from C5aR1
      null mice exhibited no MAP-2 loss after exposure to the highest concentration of
      C5a tested. Primary mouse neurons treated with both 100 nM C5a and 5 uM fibrillar
      amyloid beta (fAbeta), to model what occurs in the AD brain, showed increased MAP
      2 loss relative to either C5a or fAbeta alone. Blocking C5aR1 with PMX53 (100 nM)
      blocked the loss of MAP2 in these primary neurons to the level seen with fAbeta
      alone. Similar experiments with primary neurons derived from C5aR1 null mice
      showed a loss of MAP-2 due to fAbeta treatment. However, the addition of C5a to
      the cultures did not enhance the loss of MAP-2 and the addition of PMX53 to the
      cultures did not change the MAP-2 loss in response to fAbeta. Thus, at least part
      of the beneficial effects of C5aR1 antagonist in AD mouse models may be due to
      protection of neurons from the toxic effects of C5a.

PMID- 28078912
TI  - Unaltered Glutamate Transporter-1 Protein Levels in Aquaporin-4 Knockout Mice.
AB  - Maintenance of glutamate and water homeostasis in the brain is crucial to healthy
      brain activity. Astrocytic glutamate transporter-1 (GLT1) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4)
      are the main regulators of extracellular glutamate and osmolarity, respectively.
      Several studies have reported colocalization of GLT1 and AQP4, but the existence
      of a physical interaction between the two has not been well studied. Therefore,
      we used coimmunoprecipitation to determine whether a strong interaction exists
      between these two important molecules in mice on both a CD1 and C57BL/6
      background. Furthermore, we used Western blot and immunohistochemistry to examine
      GLT1 levels in AQP4 knockout (AQP4-/-) mice. An AQP4-GLT1 precipitate was not
      detected, suggesting the lack of a strong physical interaction between AQP4 and
      GLT1. In addition, GLT1 protein levels remained unaltered in tissue from CD1 and
      C57BL/6 AQP4-/- mice. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that AQP4
      and GLT1 do colocalize, but only in a region-specific manner. Taken together,
      these findings suggest that AQP4 and GLT1 do not have a strong physical
      interaction between them and are, instead, differentially regulated.

PMID- 28078913
TI  - Silibinin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles inhibit hTERT gene expression and
      proliferation of lung cancer cells.
AB  - Nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery has the potential for rendering
      silibinin specifically at the favorite site using an external magnetic field.
      Also, it can circumvent the pitfalls of poor solubility. For this purpose,
      silibinin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles are fabricated, characterized and
      evaluated cytotoxicity and hTERT gene expression in A549 lung cancer cell line.
      silibinin-loaded PLGA-PEG-Fe3O4 had dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity than
      pure silibinin. Additionally, hTERT expression is more efficiently reduced with
      increasing concentrations of nanosilibinin than pure silibinin. The present study
      indicates that PLGA-PEG-Fe3O4 nanoparticles, as an effective targeted carrier,
      can make a promising horizon in targeted lung cancer therapy.

PMID- 28078914
TI  - Appropriate Patient Selection for Carotid Revascularization Procedures is
      Urgently Needed.
AB  - The identification/selection of appropriate patient subgroups with asymptomatic
      carotid artery stenosis and the performance of prophylactic carotid
      endarterectomy (CEA)/carotid artery stenting (CAS) exclusively on these
      asymptomatic patient subgroups is currently one of the "hottest" topics in
      vascular surgery. It is now clear that offering CEA/CAS to asymptomatic carotid
      patients based only on the degree of carotid stenosis is unjustified and
      scientifically flawed. On the other hand, offering only best medical therapy to
      every asymptomatic patient, irrespective of certain high-risk criteria (such as
      the detection of microemboli by transcranial Doppler, intraplaque hemorrhage,
      silent embolic infarcts on brain computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging,
      elevated biomarkers, family history), is equally wrong. The validation of
      specific measures to identify those asymptomatic patients at high risk for
      developing symptoms is crucial to achieve optimal use of carotid interventions
      and avoid wasting stroke prevention resources.

PMID- 28078915
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of thermosensitive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-g
      collagen.
AB  - In this study, we synthesized poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-g-collagen (PNVCL-g-Col)
      by grafting collagen with carboxyl group-terminated thermosensitive PNVCL-COOH.
      The resulting biopolymer was evaluated for its structural, thermal, and
      rheological properties. Aqueous solutions of PNVCL-g-Col exhibited a temperature
      dependent phase transition around human physiological temperature (at ~38.5 
      degrees C), and temperature-dependent tunability. PNVCL-g-Col exhibited
      temperature-dependent release of the model drugs, lidocaine hydrochloride and
      bovine serum albumin. Thus, PNVCL-g-Col biopolymer may have wide potential use in
      various biomedical applications, including controlled release and tissue
      engineering.

PMID- 28078916
TI  - In vivo protection studies of bis-quaternary 2-(hydroxyimino)- N-(pyridin-3-yl)
      acetamide derivatives (HNK oximes) against tabun and soman poisoning in Swiss
      albino mice.
AB  - The study reports antidotal efficacy of three HNK [ bis quaternary 2
      (hydroxyimino)-N-(pyridin-3yl) acetamide derivatives] and pralidoxime (2-PAM),
      against soman and tabun poisoning in Swiss albino mice. Protection index (PI) was
      determined (treatment doses: HNK oximes, *0.20 of their median lethal dose (LD50)
      and 2-PAM, 30 mg/kg, intramuscularly (im)) together with atropine (10 mg/kg,
      intraperitoneally). Probit log doses with difference of 0.301 log of LD50 of the
      nerve agents administered and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity
      by 50% (IC50) was calculated at optimized time in brain and serum. Using various
      doses of tabun and soman (subcutaneously (sc)), in multiples of their IC50, AChE
      reactivation ability of the oximes was studied. Besides, acute toxicity (0.8*
      LD50, im, 24 h postexposure) of HNK-102 and 2-PAM was also compared by
      determining biochemical, hematological variables and making histopathological
      observations. Protection offered by HNK-102 against tabun poisoning was found to
      be four times higher compared to 2-PAM. However, nearly equal protection was
      noted with all the four oximes against soman poisoning. HNK-102 reactivated brain
      AChE activity by 1.5 times more than 2-PAM at IC50 dose of soman and tabun. Acute
      toxicity studies of HNK-102 and 2-PAM showed sporadic changes in urea, uric acid,
      aspartate aminotransferase, and so on compared to control group, however, not
      supported by histopathological investigations. The present investigation showed
      superiority of newly synthesized HNK-102 oxime over standard 2-PAM, as a better
      antidote, against acute poisoning of tabun (4.00 times) and soman (1.04 times),
      in Swiss albino mice.

PMID- 28078918
TI  - Dietary practices of children and adolescents with Down syndrome.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess dietary intake, breastfeeding history, weight
      at birth and current weight in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS).
      Therefore, a cross-sectional, controlled study with 19 DS participants and 19
      controls without DS matched by gender and age was performed. Except for vitamin
      D, a lower or the same frequency of insufficient intake in other micronutrients
      was noted in participants compared with controls. The DS group had a reduced
      exclusive breastfeeding duration and increased carbohydrate and caloric intake.
      The consumption of micronutrients in both groups reinforced the current trend of
      excessive sodium consumption and insufficient intake of calcium, some B complex
      vitamins and water by children and adolescents.

PMID- 28078919
TI  - Cultural competence in medical education: A questionnaire study of Danish medical
      teachers' perceptions of and preparedness to teach cultural competence.
AB  - AIMS: The cultural competence training of healthcare professionals is a key
      element in ensuring the quality of both the access and delivery of healthcare to
      increasingly ethnically diverse populations. The aim of this study is to
      investigate Danish medical teachers' opinions about cultural competence, their
      willingness to receive training and preparedness to teach cultural competence
      topics. METHODS: The survey was sent to medical teachers, clinical teachers and
      external lecturers who teach in the medical programme at the University of
      Copenhagen. A total of 1400 medical teachers received the survey, and 199
      responded. The response rate is 14%. Data were analysed through descriptive
      calculations, and answers to open-ended questions were coded using content
      analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that 82.4% of the informants agreed or strongly
      agreed that the medical education programme should include training on cultural
      issues, and 60.3% agreed or strongly agreed that students should be assessed on
      their cultural competence skills. Regarding preparedness to teach a diverse
      classroom, 88.4% felt somewhat or very prepared to engage and motivate all
      students. About 70% were interested in receiving training on cultural competence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Generally, there is interest in and acknowledgement of the
      importance of cultural competence in Danish medical education among teachers at
      the University of Copenhagen. This creates an opportunity to implement cultural
      competence in the medical curriculum, training of teachers and strengthening the
      diversity sensitivity of the organisation. However, support for this programme by
      management and the allocation of an appropriate level of resources is a
      prerequisite to the success of the programme.

PMID- 28078920
TI  - Do predictors of return to work and recurrence of work disability due to mental
      disorders vary by age? A cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The extent to which predictors of return to work (RTW) and recurrence
      of work disability episodes vary by age group is not well understood. METHODS: We
      examined the associations of sociodemographic and clinical factors with RTW and
      recurrence after mental-disorder-related work disability episodes in a cohort of
      10,496 Finnish public sector employees. Disability records were derived from
      national disability registers between 2005 and 2011. Effect modification by age
      was examined in age groups of 21-34, 35-50 and >50 years. RESULTS: A total of
      16,551 disability episodes from mental disorders were recorded. The likelihood of
      RTW was elevated in age group 21-34 (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.36, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 1.28-1.46) and 35-50 years (HR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.18-1.26)
      compared to age group >50 years. The risk of a recurrent episode of work
      disability was higher in age groups >50 (HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.09-1.52) and 35-50
      years (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.03-1.41) compared to the youngest age group.
      Employees with depressive disorders were less likely to RTW than employees with
      neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders, and this difference increased
      with age. Low education was associated with increased risk of recurrent work
      disability episode in age groups of 50 years or younger, while no such
      association was observed in age group >50 years. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of
      depressive symptoms over neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders as
      predictors of delayed RTW increases with age, whereas educational differences in
      the recurrence of an episode diminish by age.

PMID- 28078922
TI  - Diary.

PMID- 28078921
TI  - Regional differences in mortality, hospital discharges and primary care contacts
      for cardiovascular disease.
AB  - AIMS: Surveillance of geographical variations in cardiovascular health is
      important in order to achieve the objectives of reducing regional health
      disparities. We aimed to explore differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      mortality and prevalence of CVD diagnoses made in primary and in-patient care, as
      well as risk factor distribution by geographic regions (urban/rural) in Iceland.
      METHODS: From nationwide health registers, we obtained data on CVD mortalities (
      N = 7113), primary healthcare CVD contacts ( N = 58,246) and hospital CVD
      discharges ( N = 14,039), as well as data on CVD risk factors from a national
      health survey ( N = 5909; response rate 60.3%). Age-standardised annual
      mortality, primary healthcare contact and hospital discharge rates due to CVD
      were calculated per 100,000 population inside (urban) and outside (rural) the
      Capital Area (CA). Logistic regression was used to explore regional differences
      in CVD risk factors. RESULTS: We observed slightly higher total CVD mortality
      rates among women outside compared to inside the CA (Standardised Rate Ratio
      (SRR) 1.06 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.07)), particularly due to atrial
      fibrillation (SRR 1.47 (95% CI 1.46-1.48)), heart failure (SRR 1.29 (95% CI 1.27
      1.31)) and ischemic heart disease (SRR 1.11 (95% CI 1.10-1.12)), while reduced
      mortality risk for cerebrovascular disease (SRR 0.81 (95% CI 0.80-0.83)). The
      rates of hospital discharges and primary care contacts for these diseases, as
      well as prevalence of several modifiable risk factors, were generally higher
      outside the CA, particularly among women. CONCLUSIONS: The higher prevalence of
      modifiable risk factors and CVD in rural areas, especially among women, calls for
      refined treatment and health-promoting efforts in rural areas.

PMID- 28078935
TI  - Tracking Decrement as a Result of Grip Holding Endurance.
AB  - This study explores the feasibility of using the static strength and endurance
      relationships suggested by Rohmert in 1960 to predict pursuit tracking
      performance, Ten male subjects are tested on a pursuit rotor before and after
      being subjected to specific levels of loading on a grip holding device. The
      loading corresponded to specific levels of each subject's maximum endurance as
      determined from Rohmert's strength and endurance equation. The hypotheses are:
      (a) predetermined schedules of strength expenditure cause a systematic decrement
      in tracking efficiency; and (b) the process of recovering efficiency is dependent
      upon the expenditure schedules. Resulting data support these hypotheses,
      suggesting that tracking efficiency can be reliably predicted using some of the
      strength and endurance relationships postulated by Rohmert.

PMID- 28078936
TI  - The Luminous Intensity Requirements of Vehicle Front Lights for Use in Towns.
AB  - Previous studies suggest that the use of the dipped headlights on urban traffio
      routes lit by street lighting is undesirable because of glare, yet it is often
      contended that present marker lights are not adequately conspicuous. An
      investigation was therefore carried out, using appraisal techniques, to determine
      the intensity of vehicle front lights which will be adequately conspicuous
      without being too bright. It was found that the intensity requirements were
      largely independent of observer attributes, the luminance of the road surface and
      its surrounds and the number and movement of the vehicles. However, the results
      suggest that conspicuity and brightness are different attributes of a light.
      While both increased with increasing luminous intensity, the observers found
      that, for a given intensity, a larger source was the more conspicuous but that a
      smaller caused t he more discomfort. Optimum lighting appears to be a town beam,
      based on dimming the present dipped headlight, giving a straight ahead intensity
      of 80 ed. If the light is based on the small diameter marker light this value
      needs to be doubled to give adequate conspicuity, but then this light will be
      regarded as too bright in about one observation in twenty.

PMID- 28078943
TI  - How can we apply the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanoparticles in
      tumor imaging?

PMID- 28078944
TI  - Rethinking the relationship between socio-economic status and health: Making the
      case for sociological theory in health inequality research.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is to analyse previous explanations of social
      inequality in health and argue for a closer integration of sociological theory
      into future empirical research. METHODS: We examine cultural-behavioural,
      materialist, psychosocial and life-course approaches, in addition to fundamental
      cause theory. Giddens' structuration theory and a neo-materialist approach,
      inspired by Bruno Latour, Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, are proposed as ways
      of rethinking the causal relationship between socio-economic status and health.
      CONCLUSIONS: Much of the empirical research on health inequalities has tended to
      rely on explanations with a static and unidirectional view of the association
      between socio-economic status and health, assuming a unidirectional causal
      relationship between largely static categories. We argue for the use of
      sociological theory to develop more dynamic models that enhance the understanding
      of the complex pathways and mechanisms linking social structures to health.

PMID- 28078945
TI  - Influences of population size and density on birthplace effects.
AB  - Contextual influences on talent development (e.g., birthplace effects) have
      become a topic of interest for sport scientists. Birthplace effects occur when
      being born in a certain city size leads to participation or performance
      advantages, typically for those born in smaller or mid-sized cities. The purpose
      of this study was to investigate birthplace effects in Portuguese volleyball
      players by analysing city size, as well as population density - an important but
      infrequently used variable. Participants included 4062 volleyball players (Mage =
      33), 53.2% of whom were men. Using Portuguese national census data from 1981, we
      compared participants (within each sex) across five population categories. In
      addition, we used ANOVAs to study expertise and population density. Results
      indicated that men and women athletes born in districts of 200,000-399,999 were
      2.4 times more likely to attain elite volleyball status, while all other
      districts decreased the odds of expert development. For men, being born in high
      density areas resulted in less chance of achieving expertise, whereas there were
      no differences for women. The results suggest that athletes' infrastructure and
      social structure play an important role in talent development, and that these
      structures are influenced by total population and population density,
      respectively.

PMID- 28078947
TI  - Monitoring of Plasmodium infection in humans and potential vectors of malaria in
      a newly emerged focus in southern Iran.
AB  - Despite control programs, which aim to eliminate malaria from Iran by 2025,
      transmission of malaria has not been removed from the country. This study aimed
      to monitor malaria from asymptomatic parasitaemia and clinical cases from about
      one year of active case surveillance and potential vectors of malaria in the
      newly emerged focus of Mamasani and Rostam, southern Iran during 2014-2015.
      Samples were collected and their DNAs were extracted for Polymerase Chain
      Reaction (PCR) assay using specific primers for detection of Plasmodium species.
      The Annual Parasite Incidence rate (API) was three cases per 1,000 population
      from 2,000 individuals in three villages. Parasites species were detected in 9
      out of the 4,000 blood smear samples among which, 6 cases were indigenous and had
      no history of travels to endemic areas of malaria. Also, the prevalence rate of
      asymptomatic parasites was about 0.3%. Overall, 1073 Anopheles spp. were caught
      from 9 villages. Totally, 512 female samples were checked by PCR, which indicated
      that none of them was infected with Plasmodium. Despite new malaria local
      transmission in humans in Mamasani and Rostam districts, no infection with
      Plasmodium was observed in Anopheles species. Because of neighboring of the
      studied area to the re-emerged focus in Fars province (Kazerun) and important
      endemic foci of malaria in other southern provinces, such as Hormozgan and
      Kerman, monitoring of the vectors and reservoir hosts of Plasmodium species would
      be unavoidable. Application of molecular methods, such as PCR, can simplify
      access to the highest level of accuracy in malaria researches.

PMID- 28078948
TI  - Care seeking for children with fever/cough or diarrhoea in Nepal: equity trends
      over the last 15 years.
AB  - AIMS: Childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia remain major
      contributors to child mortality globally and need to be continually targeted in
      pursuit of universal health coverage. This study analyses time trends in the
      prevalence of fever/cough and diarrhoea in Nepal and applies an equity lens in
      order to identify disadvantaged groups. METHODS: Data from the Nepal Demographic
      Health Surveys of 2001, 2006, and 2011, together with data from the most recent
      Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey of 2014 performed in Nepal, were utilized for
      analysis. RESULTS: Analyses revealed improvements (lower prevalence) of diarrhoea
      and fever/cough in children under five in Nepal over the last 15 years, with an
      equitable distribution of symptoms over socio-economic determinants. There was,
      however, a marked and maintained inequity in care seeking for these symptoms,
      with less educated mothers and those from poor households being only
      approximately half as likely to seek care for their children. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results highlight the persisting need for targeting care-seeking and societal
      barriers to treatment in order to achieve universal health access.

PMID- 28078949
TI  - Nature-inspired DNA switches: applications in medicine.

PMID- 28078950
TI  - Magnetic nanoparticles-based drug and gene delivery systems for the treatment of
      pulmonary diseases.
AB  - Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained much attention due to their unique
      properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability as well as magnetic and
      heat-medicated characteristics. Due to these inherent properties, MNPs have been
      widely used in various biomedical applications including targeted drug delivery
      and hyperthermia-based therapy. Hyperthermia is a promising approach for the
      thermal activation therapy of several diseases, including pulmonary diseases.
      Additionally, due to their large loading capacity and controlled release ability,
      several MNP-based drug delivery systems have been emerged for treatment of cystic
      fibrosis and lung cancer. This review provides an overview on the unique
      properties of MNPs and magnetic-mediated hyperthermia with emphasis on the recent
      biomedical applications of MNPs in treatment of both lung cancer and cystic
      fibrosis.

PMID- 28078952
TI  - Recent advances in green nanoparticulate systems for drug delivery: efficient
      delivery and safety concern.
AB  - Nanotechnology manipulates therapeutic agents at the nanoscale for the
      development of nanomedicines. However, there are current concerns over
      nanomedicines, mainly related to the possible toxicity of nanomaterials used for
      health medications. Due to their small size, they can enter the human body more
      readily than larger sized particles. Green chemistry encompasses the green
      synthesis of drug-loaded nanoparticles by reducing the use of hazardous materials
      in the synthesis process, thus reducing the adverse health impacts of
      pharmaceutics. This would greatly expand their potential in biomedical
      treatments. This review highlights the potential risks of nanomedicine
      formulations to health, delivery routes of green nanomedicines, recent advances
      in the development of green nanoscale systems for biomedical applications and
      future perspectives for the green development of nanomedicines.

PMID- 28078953
TI  - Evidence-Based Strategies for Shortening Informed Consent Forms in Clinical
      Research.
AB  - Long informed consent forms (ICFs) remain commonplace, yet they can negatively
      affect potential participants' understanding of clinical research. We aimed to
      build consensus among six groups of key stakeholders on advancing the use of
      shorter ICFs in clinical research. Partnering with the HIV Prevention Trials
      Network (HPTN), we used a modified Delphi process with semistructured interviews
      and online surveys. Concerns about redundancy of information were common.
      Respondents supported three strategies for reducing ICF length: (a) 91% agreed or
      strongly agreed with grouping study procedures by frequency, (b) 91% were
      comfortable or very comfortable with placing supplemental information into
      appendices, and (c) 93% agreed or strongly agreed with listing duplicate side
      effects only once. Implementing these strategies will facilitate adoption of the
      proposed changes to U.S. regulations on ICF length, should they be enacted.

PMID- 28078954
TI  - Nanovesicle delivery to the liver via retinol binding protein and platelet
      derived growth factor receptors: how targeting ligands affect biodistribution.
AB  - AIM: Nanovesicles (NVs) conjugating ligands can deliver to the specific nidus. We
      designed a nanosystem targeting the injectable niosomes to liver for examining
      biodistribution. METHODOLOGY: Vitamin A and antiplatelet-derived growth factor
      receptor antibody were employed as the ligands to be taken by hepatic stellate
      cells. The biodistribution in rats was visualized by bioimaging. RESULTS: A
      significant liver accumulation was detected for antibody-embedded NVs at 2 h
      after dosing. The vitamin A embedded NVs exhibited a delayed targeting to the
      liver (5 h). The spleen, intestine and kidneys were the nontargeted organs where
      the vitamin A loaded niosomes largely accumulated. The antibody-loaded NVs could
      deliver to the spleen, kidneys and lungs. The antibody-loaded nanocarriers
      increased silibinin uptake to lungs by fourfold than the plain NVs. CONCLUSION:
      The results have practical application for better designing of active targeting
      nanocarriers.

PMID- 28078966
TI  - Visual and cross-modal cues increase the identification of overlapping visual
      stimuli in Balint's syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cross-modal interactions improve the processing of external
      stimuli, particularly when an isolated sensory modality is impaired. When
      information from different modalities is integrated, object recognition is
      facilitated probably as a result of bottom-up and top-down processes. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the potential effects of cross-modal stimulation in
      a case of simultanagnosia. METHOD: We report a detailed analysis of clinical
      symptoms and an 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) brain positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) study of a patient affected by Balint's
      syndrome, a rare and invasive visual-spatial disorder following bilateral parieto
      occipital lesions. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of
      visual and nonvisual cues on performance in tasks involving the recognition of
      overlapping pictures. Four modalities of sensory cues were used: visual, tactile,
      olfactory, and auditory. RESULTS: Data from neuropsychological tests showed the
      presence of ocular apraxia, optic ataxia, and simultanagnosia. The results of the
      experiment indicate a positive effect of the cues on the recognition of
      overlapping pictures, not only in the identification of the congruent valid-cued
      stimulus (target) but also in the identification of the other, noncued stimuli.
      All the sensory modalities analyzed (except the auditory stimulus) were
      efficacious in terms of increasing visual recognition. CONCLUSIONS: Cross-modal
      integration improved the patient's ability to recognize overlapping figures.
      However, while in the visual unimodal modality both bottom-up (priming,
      familiarity effect, disengagement of attention) and top-down processes (mental
      representation and short-term memory, the endogenous orientation of attention)
      are involved, in the cross-modal integration it is semantic representations that
      mainly activate visual recognition processes. These results are potentially
      useful for the design of rehabilitation training for attentional and visual
      perceptual deficits.

PMID- 28078967
TI  - The glycocalyx regulates the uptake of nanoparticles by human endothelial cells
      in vitro.
AB  - AIM: To assess the role of the endothelial glycocalyx (eGCX) for the uptake of
      nanoparticles by endothelial cells. METHODS: The expression of the eGCX on
      cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells was determined by immunostaining
      of heparan sulfate. Enzymatic degradation of the eGCX was achieved by incubating
      the cells with eGCX-shedding enzymes. The uptake of 50-nm polystyrene nanospheres
      was quantified by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Human umbilical vein endothelial
      cells expressed a robust eGCX when cultured for 10 days. The uptake of both
      carboxylated and aminated polystyrene nanospheres was significantly increased in
      cells in which the glycocalyx was enzymatically degraded, while it remained at a
      low level in cells with an intact glycocalyx. CONCLUSION: The eGCX constitutes a
      barrier against the internalization of blood-borne nanoparticles by endothelial
      cells.

PMID- 28078968
TI  - Sublime frequencies:  The construction of sublime listening experiences in the
      sonification of scientific data.
AB  - In the past two decades, the sonification of scientific data - an auditory
      equivalent of data visualization in which data are turned into sounds - has
      become increasingly widespread, particularly as an artistic practice and as a
      means of popularizing science. Sonification is thus part of the recent trend,
      discussed in public understanding of science literature, towards increased
      emphasis on 'interactivity' and 'crossovers' between science and art as a
      response to the perceived crisis in the relationship between the sciences and
      their publics. However, sonification can also be understood as the latest
      iteration in a long tradition of theorizing the relations between nature, science
      and human experience. This article analyses the recent public fascination with
      sonification and argues that sonification grips public imaginations through the
      promise of sublime experiences. I show how the 'auditory sublime' is constructed
      through varying combinations of technological, musical and rhetorical strategies.
      Rather than maintain a singular conception of the auditory sublime, practitioners
      draw on many scientific and artistic repertoires. However, sound is often
      situated as an immersive and emotional medium in contrast to the supposedly more
      detached sense of vision. The public sonification discourse leaves intact this
      dichotomy, reinforcing the idea that sound has no place in specialist science.

PMID- 28078969
TI  - What caused the flood? Controversy and closure in the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
AB  - Causal attribution for one of the largest disasters in American history has
      undergone three major shifts. From August 2005 through November 2009, the
      principal explanation of the flooding of New Orleans was characterized by three
      distinguishable phases - reactive, organizational, and legal - as the
      catastrophic events of Hurricane Katrina were ascribed to natural, geotechnical,
      and environmental causes. From a monstrous storm, to failed levees, and
      ultimately the loss of wetlands through an insidious shipping channel, 'what
      happened' should be viewed as a technoscientific development in which media and
      litigation processes transformed the structural conditions for the production of
      knowledge claims. Video ethnography is used to examine causal transitions as
      structural conditions of inquiry changed. Levees - the most important symbol of
      failure - shifted from cause to consequence. Understanding of disaster cycled
      from nature to humans, and to nature once more.

PMID- 28078970
TI  - Scandals, audits, and fictions: Linking climate change to Mexican forests.
AB  - Over the past 10 years, Mexican officials and scientists have promoted the
      project of protecting Mexican forests in order to mitigate climate change,
      forests acting to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This article
      compares existing policies around mass reforestation and markets for
      environmental services, and their relationships to a policy in construction -
      Reduced Emissions through Degradation and Deforestation. Mass reforestation
      policies collapsed in the face of politicized audits and stories about
      corruption; markets for environmental services continued with little criticism,
      stabilized in part by the charisma of Reduced Emissions through Degradation and
      Deforestation policies. I explain the collapse of mass reforestation policies as
      being due to failed knowledge performances by officials and scientists; such
      failures are assessed by more or less skeptical publics who expect specific ways
      of performing credible public knowledge. Areas of nonknowledge can be tamed as
      calculable uncertainty, or alternatively transformed into ontological
      indeterminacy, scandals, and stories of corruption. Areas of nonknowledge are not
      pathological: they may support, as well as undermine, climate science, the
      authority of institutions, or the credibility of carbon accounts.

PMID- 28078972
TI  - The predictive state: Science, territory and the future of the Indian climate.
AB  - Acts of scientific calculation have long been considered central to the formation
      of the modern nation state, yet the transnational spaces of knowledge generation
      and political action associated with climate change seem to challenge territorial
      modes of political order. This article explores the changing geographies of
      climate prediction through a study of the ways in which climate change is
      rendered knowable at the national scale in India. The recent controversy
      surrounding an erroneous prediction of melting Himalayan glaciers by the
      Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides a window onto the complex and,
      at times, antagonistic relationship between the Panel and Indian political and
      scientific communities. The Indian reaction to the error, made public in 2009,
      drew upon a national history of contestation around climate change science and
      corresponded with the establishment of a scientific assessment network, the
      Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment, which has given the state a new
      platform on which to bring together knowledge about the future climate. I argue
      that the Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment is indicative of the
      growing use of regional climate models within longer traditions of national
      territorial knowledge-making, allowing a rescaling of climate change according to
      local norms and practices of linking scientific knowledge to political action. I
      illustrate the complex co-production of the epistemic and the normative in
      climate politics, but also seek to show how co-productionist understandings of
      science and politics can function as strategic resources in the ongoing
      negotiation of social order. In this case, scientific rationalities and modes of
      environmental governance contribute to the contested epistemic construction of
      territory and the evolving spatiality of the modern nation state under a changing
      climate.

PMID- 28078973
TI  - Actor-Network Theory and methodology: Just what does it mean to say that
      nonhumans have agency?
AB  - Actor-Network Theory is a controversial social theory. In no respect is this more
      so than the role it 'gives' to nonhumans: nonhumans have agency, as Latour
      provocatively puts it. This article aims to interrogate the multiple layers of
      this declaration to understand what it means to assert with Actor-Network Theory
      that nonhumans exercise agency. The article surveys a wide corpus of statements
      by the position's leading figures and emphasizes the wider methodological
      framework in which these statements are embedded. With this work done, readers
      will then be better placed to reject or accept the Actor-Network position -
      understanding more precisely what exactly it is at stake in this decision.

PMID- 28078974
TI  - A deviation from standard design? Clinical trials, research ethics committees,
      and the regulatory co-construction of organizational deviance.
AB  - Focusing on the high-profile drug disaster at London's Northwick Park Hospital in
      2006, this article explores how such an event can be seen as an example of
      organizational deviance co-constructed between the company running the research
      and the research ethics committee which approved the trial. This deviance was the
      result of the normalization of a specific dosing practice in the broader
      regulatory field, allowing the researchers and regulators to take a risky dosing
      strategy for granted as best practice. Drawing on the work of Diane Vaughan, this
      article uses interview data with researchers and members of the research ethics
      committee concerned as well as documentary material, to show how work group
      cultures between regulators and those they are intended to oversee are
      maintained, and how the culturally embedded assumptions of such work groups can
      result in organizational and regulatory deviance.

PMID- 28078975
TI  - The Uniformity Illusion.
AB  - Vision in the fovea, the center of the visual field, is much more accurate and
      detailed than vision in the periphery. This is not in line with the rich
      phenomenology of peripheral vision. Here, we investigated a visual illusion that
      shows that detailed peripheral visual experience is partially based on a
      reconstruction of reality. Participants fixated on the center of a visual display
      in which central stimuli differed from peripheral stimuli. Over time,
      participants perceived that the peripheral stimuli changed to match the central
      stimuli, so that the display seemed uniform. We showed that a wide range of
      visual features, including shape, orientation, motion, luminance, pattern, and
      identity, are susceptible to this uniformity illusion. We argue that the
      uniformity illusion is the result of a reconstruction of sparse visual
      information (from the periphery) based on more readily available detailed visual
      information (from the fovea), which gives rise to a rich, but illusory,
      experience of peripheral vision.

PMID- 28078976
TI  - Beyond Purity.
AB  - Previous studies support a link between moral disgust and impurity, whereas anger
      is linked to harm. We challenged these strict correspondences by showing that
      disgust is activated in response to information about moral character, even for
      harm violations. By contrast, anger is activated in response to information about
      actions, including their moral wrongness and consequences. Study 1 examined
      disgust and anger in response to an action that suggests bad moral character
      (animal cruelty) versus an action that is seen as inherently more wrong (domestic
      abuse). Animal cruelty was associated with more disgust than domestic abuse was,
      whereas domestic abuse was associated with more anger. Studies 2 and 3
      manipulated character by varying the agent's desire to cause harm and also varied
      the action's harmful consequences. Desire to harm predicted only disgust
      (controlling for anger), whereas consequences were more closely related to anger
      (controlling for disgust). Taken together, these results indicate that disgust
      arises in response to evidence of bad moral character, not just to impurity.

PMID- 28078977
TI  - Emotion-Cognition Interaction in Nonhuman Primates: Cognitive Avoidance of
      Negative Stimuli in Baboons (Papio papio)
AB  - It is well established that emotion and cognition interact in humans, but such an
      interaction has not been extensively studied in nonhuman primates. We
      investigated whether emotional value can affect nonhuman primates' processing of
      stimuli that are only mentally represented, not visually available. In a short
      term memory task, baboons memorized the location of two target squares of the
      same color, which were presented with a distractor of a different color. Through
      prior long-term conditioning, one of the two colors had acquired a negative
      valence. Subjects were slower and less accurate on the memory task when the
      targets were negative than when they were neutral. In contrast, subjects were
      faster and more accurate when the distractors were negative than when they were
      neutral. Some of these effects were modulated by individual differences in
      emotional disposition. Overall, the results reveal a pattern of cognitive
      avoidance of negative stimuli, and show that emotional value alters cognitive
      processing in baboons even when the stimuli are not physically present. This
      suggests that emotional influences on cognition are deeply rooted in evolutionary
      continuity.

PMID- 28078979
TI  - Biotechnological Patents Applications of the Deuterium Oxide in Human Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deuterium oxide is a molecule that has been used for decades in
      several studies related to human health. Currently, studies on D2O have mobilized
      a "Race for Patenting" worldwide. Several patents have been registered from
      biomedical and technological studies of D2O showing the potential of this stable
      isotope in industry and health care ecosystems. METHODS: Most of the patents
      related to the applications of the deuterium oxide in human health have been
      summarized in this review. The following patents databases were consulted:
      European Patent Office (Espacenet), the United States Patent and Trademark Office
      (USPTO), the United States Latin America Patents (LATIPAT), Patent scope -Search
      International and National Patent Collections (WIPO), Google Patents and Free
      Patents Online. RESULTS: With this review, the information was collected on
      recent publications including 22 patents related to deuterium oxide and its
      applications in different areas. CONCLUSION: This review showed that deuterium
      oxide is a promising component in different areas, including biotechnology,
      chemistry and medicine. In addition, the knowledge of this compound was covered,
      reinforcing its importance in the field of biotechnology and human health.

PMID- 28078978
TI  - Preschoolers Flexibly Adapt to Linguistic Input in a Noisy Channel.
AB  - Because linguistic communication is inherently noisy and uncertain, adult
      language comprehenders integrate bottom-up cues from speech perception with top
      down expectations about what speakers are likely to say. Further, in line with
      the predictions of ideal-observer models, past results have shown that adult
      comprehenders flexibly adapt how much they rely on these two kinds of cues in
      proportion to their changing reliability. Do children also show evidence of
      flexible, expectation-based language comprehension? We presented preschoolers
      with ambiguous utterances that could be interpreted in two different ways,
      depending on whether the children privileged perceptual input or top-down
      expectations. Across three experiments, we manipulated the reliability of both
      their perceptual input and their expectations about the speaker's intended
      meaning. As predicted by noisy-channel models of speech processing, results
      showed that 4- and 5-year-old-but perhaps not younger-children flexibly adjusted
      their interpretations as cues changed in reliability.

PMID- 28078981
TI  - Resilience to Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Physical Activity
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative pathology
      characterized by accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
      at cerebral level, recent studies highlighted that AD might be the result of many
      altered physiological processes occurring at whole-organism level. The ability to
      adapt to stressors by "bending" but not "breaking" can be considered as
      "resilience". Individuals incline to withstand such pathophysiological
      challenges, can be considered more resilient than those that do not. Noticeably,
      recent literature provide evidence of several exercise-induced positive effects
      in AD patients including improved brain plasticity, increased adrenal
      sensitivity, increased vascular health, ameliorations of nitric oxide
      bioavailability and mitochondrial function. This review explores what resilience
      means in the AD milieu and the physiological mechanisms by which physical
      activity may mediate positive adaptative processes that enhance resilience.
      METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted to identify studies about
      the role of exercise in AD resiliency. The following terminology was applied:
      Alzheimer resilience, brain resilience, metabolic resilience, cardiovascular
      resilience, mitochondrial resilience and exercise resilience. RESULTS: Seventy
      three studies were included. Five papers defined Alzheimer's resilience, 15
      papers brain resilience, 5 cardiovascular resilience, 1 metabolic resilience, 11
      mitochondrial resilience, and 7 exercise resilience. Other twenty-six paper were
      identified from reference list of authors' knowledge. CONCLUSION: Knowing that
      disturbances in brain, neuroendocrine, vascular and mitochondria metabolism are
      important events in neurodegeneration and dementia development, the ability of
      exercise to trigger adaptive mechanisms might represent an important non
      pharmacological strategy to improve resilience to AD.

PMID- 28078980
TI  - Bioremediation of Toxic Heavy Metals: A Patent Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The global industrialization is fulfilling the demands of modern
      population at the cost of environmental exposure to various contaminants
      including heavy metals. These heavy metals affect water and soil quality.
      Moreover, these enter into the food chain and exhibit their lethal effects on the
      human health even when present at slightly higher concentration than required for
      normal metabolism. To the worst of their part, the heavy metals may become
      carcinogenic. Henceforth, the efficient removal of heavy metals is the demand of
      sustainable development. Remedy: Bioremediation is the 'green' imperative
      technique for the heavy metal removal without creating secondary metabolites in
      the ecosystem. The metabolic potential of several bacterial, algal, fungal as
      well as plant species has the efficiency to exterminate the heavy metals from the
      contaminated sites. Different strategies like bioaccumulation, biosorption,
      biotransformation, rhizofilteration, bioextraction and volatilization are
      employed for removal of heavy metals by the biological species. Bioremediation
      approach is presenting a splendid alternate for conventional expensive and
      inefficient methods for the heavy metal removal. CONCLUSION: The patents granted
      on the bioremediation of toxic heavy metals are summarized in the present
      manuscript which supported the applicability of bioremediation technique at
      commercial scale. However, the implementation of the present information and
      advanced research are mandatory to further explore the concealed potential of
      biological species to resume the originality of the environment.

PMID- 28078982
TI  - Phytochemicals - A Novel and Prominent Source of Anti-cancer Drugs Against
      Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIM: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant disease whose incidence
      and mortality rates are greatly influenced by environmental factors. Under
      treatment of CRC such as a poor diagnostic evaluation, less aggressive surgery,
      less intensive chemotherapy results in metastasizing of the primary tumor cells
      and recurrence of cancer. Prolonged chemotherapy treatment against cancer is
      hazardous to the patients, which also limits its use in cancer therapy. Current
      research in developing a novel anti-cancer agent, direct towards finding a better
      antimetastatic and an anti-invasive drug with reduced side effects. METHOD &
      RESULTS: In this direction, plant derived chemical compounds or phytochemical act
      as a prominent source of new compounds for drug development. Phytochemicals have
      a multi-action and a multi-target capacity, and has gained attention among the
      research communities from last two decades. Epidemiological study shows a direct
      relationship between a diet and CRC development. A diet rich in plant based
      products such as vegetables, fruits and cereals is known to prevent CRC
      development. This review is an effort to explore more about the potential
      phytochemicals in CRC prevention and also in CRC treatment. CONCLUSION: Here, we
      have discussed few phytochemicals actively used in CRC research and are in
      clinical trials against CRC. We have explored more on some of these
      phytochemicals which can act as a source for new drug or can act as a lead
      compound for further modifications during the drug development against cancer.

PMID- 28078983
TI  - Cutaneous Larva Migrans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cutaneous larva migrans is one of the most common skin diseases
      reported in travelers returning from tropical regions. Western physicians,
      however, are often not familiar of this condition. OBJECTIVE: To review in depth
      the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, complications, and
      treatment of cutaneous larva migrans. METHODS: A PubMed search was completed in
      Clinical Queries using the key term "cutaneous larva migrans". The search
      included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and
      reviews. Patents were searched using the key term "cutaneous larva migrans" from
      www.google.com/patents, www.uspto.gov, and www.freepatentsonline.com. RESULTS:
      Cutaneous larva migrans is a zoonotic infestation caused by penetration and
      migration in the epidermis of filariform larva of different kinds of animal
      hookworms through contact with feces of infected animals. Cutaneous larva migrans
      is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. Clinically, cutaneous larva
      migrans is characterized by an intensely pruritic erythematous migrating tortuous
      or serpiginous, slightly raised track. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on
      the history of travel to an endemic area and exposure to contaminated soil/sand
      and the characteristic serpiginous track. Treatment options as well as recent
      patents related to the management of cutaneous larva migrans are also discussed.
      Compared with oral antihelminthics, topical treatment over the affected area is
      less effective. Oral ivermectin is the treatment of choice. CONCLUSION: The
      pruritic serpiginous track is pathognomonic. Oral ivermectin is the treatment of
      choice.

PMID- 28078984
TI  - Rasburicase-Induced Methemoglobinemia in a Patient with Glucose-6- Phosphate
      Dehydrogenase Deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rasburicase is commonly used in patients with hematologic
      malignancies for tumor lysis syndrome prophylaxis and management.
      Methemoglobinemia is a serious rare adverse effect of rasburicase, more common in
      patients with G6PD deficiency. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management of
      this condition can make the difference between successful recovery and
      significant morbidity. Here we discuss the link of rasburicase with
      methemoglobinemia and the pathophysiology behind increased incidence of this side
      effect in G6PD deficient patients. METHODS: We report the case of a 73-year-old
      African American man who developed methemoglobinemia on rasburicase treatment,
      who was later confirmed to be G6PD deficient. We reviewed the literature using
      Pubmed and Google Scholar using the following key words: "methemoglobinemia",
      "rasburicase", "urate oxidase", tumor lysis syndrome", G6PD deficiency",
      "hemolytic anemia" and "hyperuricemia". RESULTS: Rasburicase-induced
      methemoglobinemia is more common in patients with G6PD deficiency, and
      rasburicase is therefore contraindicated in these patients. Clinical presentation
      includes cyanosis, pallor, methemoglobin levels of 8-12%, and oxygen saturation
      gap which is evident from ABG analysis, though pulse oximetry is normal.
      Treatment consists of oxygen supplementation, ascorbic acid and blood
      transfusion. Importantly, methylene blue is avoided as therapy in G6PD deficiency
      as it can worsen the methemoglobinemia. CONCLUSION: Rasburicase-induced
      methemoglobinemia is a serious concern, especially in African- American patients.
      It should be considered when clinical signs and symptoms are present. Knowledge
      of this side effect is important in early diagnosis and successful management of
      the condition.

PMID- 28078985
TI  - Designing Isoform-selective Inhibitors Against Classical HDACs for Effective
      Anticancer Therapy: Insight and Perspectives from In Silico.
AB  - Histone deacetylase inhibitors, the small molecules modulating the biological
      activity of histone deacetylases are emerging as potent chemotherapeutic agents.
      Despite their considerable therapeutic benefits in disease models, the lack of
      isoform specificity culminates in debilitating off target effects, raising
      serious concerns regarding their applicability. This emphasizes the pressing and
      unmet medical need of designing isoform selective inhibitors for safe and
      effective anticancer therapy. Keeping these grim facts in view, the current
      article sheds light on structural basis of off-targeting. Furthermore, the
      article discusses extensively the role of in silico strategies such as Molecular
      Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Energetically-optimized structure
      based pharmacophore approach in designing on-target inhibitors against classical
      HDACs.

PMID- 28078986
TI  - Cultivating a Trauma Awareness Culture in the Addictions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research evidence points to the high prevalence of trauma exposure
      and post traumatic stress among addicted individuals, their families and the
      professionals responsible for their treatment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      review is to enhance understanding of the continuing effects of trauma and its
      impact on the lives of people with addiction problems as well as on the
      professionals who strive to provide support and care for them. METHOD: Review of
      twenty eight articles on traumatic experiences in individuals and families facing
      addiction problems as well as on traumatic stress in addiction professionals.
      Eligibility criteria were: publication in a peer-reviewed journal dating from
      1990 to present; articles written in the English language; quantitative or
      qualitative design aiming to explore the lived experience of trauma and the
      recovery process from it. RESULTS: It is argued that for service providers to be
      able to help patients restore purpose and meaning in the recovery process, it is
      important to be aware of the trauma dynamics implicated in the long history of
      the addiction problems. Professionals' difficulty to process their emotions may
      lead to disengagement or overinvolvement and the adoption of maladaptive roles.
      Strong and unexpected emotional reactions in the professional may be a clue to
      the presence of masked trauma. CONCLUSION: Ongoing training on trauma dynamics,
      self-care and clinical supervision may deepen professionals' understanding of the
      impact of trauma on their work culture and protect them from the risk of
      secondary traumatic stress.

PMID- 28078987
TI  - Role of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Dopaminergic System Disturbances,
      Implications for Anhedonic Features of MDD.
AB  - Anhedonia, characterized by a loss of interest and/or pleasure in previously
      enjoyable activities, is an important diagnostic criterion of Major Depressive
      Disorder (MDD). Converging evidence implicates a causal relationship between
      proinflammatory cytokines and behavioural disturbances that characterize
      anhedonia in the context of MDD. Additionally, anhedonia has been implicated in
      disturbances of key central dopaminergic modulatory pathways. Emerging research
      into the roles of tetrahydrobiopterin, a cytokine-targeted co-enzyme in the
      synthesis of dopamine, and kynurenine, a product of inflammation-sensitive
      breakdown of tryptophan via indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase, have shed new light
      into the role of inflammation in mediating anhedonic behaviours. The following
      narrative review is not meant to be comprehensive, but highlights the roles of
      both tetrahydrobiopterin and kynurenine pathways in anhedonia, and discusses a
      potential mechanism of action via oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Treatment
      implications are discussed, with an emphasis on anti-inflammatories as
      complements to current treatments of anhedonia and MDD.

PMID- 28078988
TI  - BDNF/NF-kappaB Signaling in the Neurobiology of Depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mood disorders, consisting of unipolar and bipolar depression, are
      complex diseases characterized by depressed mood and anhedonia. These core
      symptoms are accompanied in a varying manner by anxiety, several neurovegetative
      symptoms and cognitive impairment. Mood disorders are characterized by decreases
      in neurogenesis, alteration in synaptic structure and synaptic transmission, all
      of them regulated by BDNF, a neurotrophin that performs multiple functions in the
      adult central nervous system. Many evidences show that BDNF is critically
      decreased in mood disorders and plays an essential role in most anti-depressant
      treatments. In turn, the transcription factor NF-kB has recently emerged as an
      important player in the pathophysiology of depression, with roles in
      neurogenesis, synaptic transmission and plasticity. METHODOLOGY: We review the
      bidirectional interactions between BDNF and NF-kB signaling pathways. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: We discuss a potential beneficial effect of a positive feedback loop
      between BDNF and NF-kB activated pathways in antidepressant action. This could be
      transduced into the identification of downstream NF-kB gene targets able to
      potentiate antidepressant mechanisms, thus guiding the development of novel and
      faster acting antidepressant drugs.

PMID- 28078989
TI  - A Comprehensive Review of mTOR-Inhibiting Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of
      Non-Infectious Uveitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-infectious uveitis is a sight-threatening inflammatory disease
      that often necessitates prolonged use of high-dose corticosteroids, resulting in
      significant systemic side effects. There is a need for efficacious steroid
      sparing immunomodulatory therapy for these patients, and the mTOR inhibitors
      (sirolimus and everolimus) may be contenders for this role. METHODS: A
      comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical research on mTOR inhibitors for
      non-infectious uveitis was performed. Articles were identified by a search of
      MEDLINE (PubMed/OVID) and EMBASE (OVID) the terms (uveitis OR non-infectious
      uveitis) AND (mTOR inhibitor OR sirolimus OR everolimus). Assessment of study
      aims, methods, efficacy outcomes and adverse events was performed. RESULTS: Seven
      pre-clinical and nine clinical studies were identified. One study in each group
      was on everolimus, the rest sirolimus. Preclinical studies have been performed in
      rabbit, rat, mouse and in-vitro models. Clinical studies range from comparative
      open-label trials to case reports, with reported clinical efficacy ranging from
      40% to 100% depending on endpoint assessed. The overall rate of drug-related
      adverse events (such as ocular irritation, visual floaters, nausea and vomiting)
      was 0.640 events per patient-year with sirolimus, and 0.111 events per patient
      year with everolimus. CONCLUSION: Published evidence suggests that sirolimus and
      everolimus may be useful in the management of noninfectious uveitis. Both appear
      to be well tolerated, especially when locally administered. Further high-quality
      RCTs adopting standardised end-points are required to definitively determine the
      efficacy of each agent.

PMID- 28078990
TI  - Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Nanomedicine: Unraveling the Potential of MSI for
      the Detection of Nanoparticles in Neuroscience.
AB  - Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) can uniquely detect thousands of compounds
      allowing both their identification and localization within biological tissue
      samples. MSI is an interdisciplinary science that crosses the borders of physics,
      chemistry and biology, and enables local molecular analysis at a broad range of
      length scales: From the subcellular level to whole body tissue sections. The
      spatial resolution of some mass spectrometers now allows nano-scale research,
      crucial for studies in nanomedicine. Recent developments in MSI have enabled the
      optimization and localization of drug delivery with nanoparticles within the body
      and in specific organs such as kidney, liver and brain. Combining MSI with
      nanomedicine has vast potential, specifically in the treatment of neurological
      disorders, where effective drug delivery has been hampered by the blood-brain
      barrier. This review provides an introduction to MSI and its different
      technologies, with the application of MSI to nanomedicine and the different
      possibilities that MSI offers to study molecular signals in the brain. Finally,
      we provide an outlook for the future and exciting potential of MSI in
      nanoparticle-related research.

PMID- 28078991
TI  - Vegetable Organosulfur Compounds and their Health Promoting Effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trends in modern pharmaceutical science show an increase in demand
      for new drugs and diet supplements derived from natural products, while during
      the last decades, great research is conducted regarding the natural compounds and
      their medicinal and bioactive properties. Organosulfur compounds are present in
      many plants and their bioactive properties have been used in folk and traditional
      medicine throughout the centuries. Not until recently, modern science confirmed
      and revealed the chemical compounds that are responsible for these properties,
      the chemistry involved in their biosynthesis and the main mechanisms of action.
      OBJECTIVE: In the present review, the organosulfur compounds of vegetable origin
      and their health effects are presented, focusing on the chemical composition of
      their main compounds, their biosynthesis and the mechanisms involved in their
      health effects. Sulfur compound sources presented include mainly vegetable
      species belonging to Allium genus and Brassicaceae family. CONCLUSION:
      Organosulfur compounds of vegetable sources are very important in human diet, and
      their regular consumption has a beneficial contribution to health and well-being.
      Moreover, their medicinal properties and therapeutic effects have been described
      thousands of years ago, while they constitute an important ingredient in
      traditional medicines and preparations. However, not until recently, the
      mechanisms of action of organosulfur compounds have started to unravel, with
      promising results for further exploitation of these significant bioactive
      compounds in drug development and novel nutraceutical products. This review
      reveals the numerous biological activities of organosulfur compounds of vegetable
      origin, while it also presents the results of recent clinical studies and trials.

PMID- 28078992
TI  - Smoking and Eye Pathologies. A Systemic Review. Part II. Retina Diseases,
      Uveitis, Optic Neuropathies, Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking has detrimental influence on human health. AIM: The
      analysis of influence of tobacco smoking on retina diseases, uveitis, optic
      neuropathies, and thyroidassociated orbitopathy in adults and children. METHODS:
      A comprehensive review of the literature performed through MEDLINE and PubMed
      searches, covering the years 2000-2016. RESULTS: In adults, tobacco smoking is a
      strong risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal
      vasculopathy, uveitis and inflamed cystoid macular edema as well as Grave's
      ophthalmopathy. Tobacco smoking reduces thickness of the retina and choroid,
      plays a role in episcleritis, sclerits, tobacco optic neuropathy, and Leber's
      hereditary optic neuropathy. In children, maternal smoking is a significant risk
      factor for stages 3 and 4 retinopathy of prematurity, optic nerve hypoplasia
      among babies with a birth weight over 2500 g and thinner retinal nerve fiber
      layer. CONCLUSION: Tobacco smoking plays an important role in the pathogenesis of
      many posterior eye segment diseases leading to blindness in adults and children.

PMID- 28078993
TI  - miRNAs: New Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dementia is a complex pathological state that affects millions of
      individuals worldwide and is responsible for a huge socioeconomic burden, making
      it a major health concern of current times. Given the impact of dementia in both
      patients and caregivers, it is crucial to fully clarify the molecular mechanisms
      underlying dementia-associated disorders, since without this knowledge our
      ability to correctly diagnose and treat these diseases is severely hampered.
      METHODS: Epigenetic mechanisms, such as miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional
      regulation, have been reported to play a role in dementia pathogenesis. Given
      their ability to bind complementary mRNA sequences, miRNAs are able to induce
      temporary or permanent translation repression of their mRNA targets. RESULTS:
      Consequently, changes in miRNA levels may contribute to alterations in the
      expression of dementiarelated proteins, impacting the course of the disease.
      Conversely, studies have also reported that some of these proteins are able to
      regulate the biogenesis and transport of miRNAs, hinting at novel disease-related
      mechanisms that are now beginning to be explored. These findings have made miRNAs
      both interesting tools and promising targets in the design of novel therapeutic
      strategies. Moreover, the discovery of circulating miRNAs, which are released by
      cells of various tissues, including the brain, and travel in membrane-bound
      vesicles found in most biofluids, opened new possibilities concerning the
      usefulness of miRNAs as biomarkers of disease. CONCLUSION: In this context, the
      major aim of this review is to discuss the relevance of these small non-coding
      RNAs in dementia, focusing on their role as gene expression regulators, their
      potential as biomarkers of dementia subtype and stage, and the hypothesis of
      using miRNA modulation as an innovative therapeutic approach to treat dementia
      related disorders.

PMID- 28078994
TI  - Modulation of Tumour-Related Signaling Pathways by Natural Pentacyclic
      Triterpenoids and their Semisynthetic Derivatives.
AB  - Pentacyclic triterpenoids are a large class of natural isoprenoids that are
      widely biosynthesized in higher plants. These compounds are potent anticancer
      agents that exhibit antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, antiinflammatory and
      proapoptotic activities. Although their effects on multiple pathways have been
      reported, unifying mechanisms of action have not yet been established. To date, a
      huge number of semisynthetic derivatives have been synthesized in different
      laboratories on the basis of triterpenoid scaffolds, and many have been assayed
      for their biological activities. The present review focuses on natural
      triterpenoids of the oleanane-, ursane- and lupane-types and their semisynthetic
      derivatives. Here, we summarize the diverse cellular and molecular targets of
      these compounds and the signal pathways involved in the performance of their
      antitumour actions. Among the most relevant mechanisms involved are cell cycle
      arrest, apoptosis and autophagy triggered by the effect of triterpenoids on TGF
      beta and HER cell surface receptors and the downstream PI3KAkt- mTOR and IKK/NF
      kB signaling axis, STAT3 pathway and MAPK cascades.

PMID- 28078995
TI  - Sphingolipids in Genetic and Acquired Forms of Chronic Kidney Diseases.
AB  - Sphingolipids (SLs) regulate apoptosis, proliferation, and stress response. SLs,
      including ceramide, glycosphingolipids (glucosylceramide, lactosylceramide, and
      gangliosides) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), play a role in the pathogenesis
      and progression of genetic (lysosomal storage disease, congenital nephrotic
      syndrome and polycystic kidney disease) and non-genetic forms of chronic kidney
      diseases (CKDs). SLs metabolism defects promote complications (cardiovascular
      events, etc.) via oxidant stress in CKDs. A balancing role of apoptotic SLs and
      anti-apoptotic S1P is crucial in the regulation of glomerular injury and
      complications associated with CKDs. Interaction between SLs, endothelial function
      and reninangiotensin- aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in the
      regulation of glomerular injury. SLs affect mitochondrial function that regulate
      the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore, mitochondrial
      outer membrane permeability (MOMP), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS),
      and expression of BcL-2 family proteins, which result in cytochrome c release and
      caspase activation, leading to apoptosis, and regulate glomerular cell
      proliferation or renal fibrosis. This review article summarizes the current
      evidence supporting a role of SLs metabolism defects in the pathogenesis and
      progression of glomerular injury and discusses a role of mitochondria, including
      MPT pore, MOMP, ROS generation, BcL-2 family proteins, interaction between SLs,
      endothelial function and RAAS, and SLs-induced downstream signaling events in
      CKDs. Crosstalk between these factors plays a role in the pathogenesis and
      progression of CKDs. Therapeutic strategy of targeting SLs metabolism defects for
      CKDs through modulation of the enzymes responsible for SLs metabolism defects is
      also discussed.

PMID- 28078996
TI  - Kinase Inhibitors in Multitargeted Cancer Therapy.
AB  - The old-fashioned anticancer approaches, aiming at arresting cancer cell
      proliferation interfering with non-specific targets (e.g. DNA), have been
      replaced, in the last decades, by more specific target oriented ones.
      Nonetheless, single-target approaches have not always led to optimal outcomes
      because, for its complexity, cancer needs to be tackled at various levels by
      modulation of several targets. Although at present, combinations of individual
      singletarget drugs represent the most clinically practiced therapeutic
      approaches, the modulation of multiple proteins by a single drug, in accordance
      with the polypharmacological strategy, has become more and more appealing. In the
      perspective of a multi-target approach, the closely related evolutionary members
      of the tyrosine kinase family are ideal candidates. Indeed, tyrosine kinase
      activities are not only critical in tumor phenotype maintenance, but also
      modulate several functions in the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, several
      multikinase inhibitors were approved in the last decade, and many new molecules
      are currently in preclinical or clinical development. In the present review we
      report on the most widely FDA-approved multitargeted drugs, discussing about
      their mechanism of action and outlining the clinical trials that have brought
      them to approval.

PMID- 28078997
TI  - Lipoprotein (a) and Cardiovascular Risk: The Show Must go on.
AB  - Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent but moderate, predictor for coronary
      heart disease (CHD) prevalence and severity. Several established and emerging
      cardiovascular (CV) risk factors including age, gender, ethnicity, smoking,
      dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, alcohol
      consumption, arterial stiffness and hyperuricemia have been linked to Lp(a)
      metabolism. Apart from CHD, Lp(a) has been also associated with non-cardiac
      vascular diseases and diseases associated with increased CV risk such as chronic
      kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, erectile
      dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases and
      human immunodeficiency virus infection. The above data are discussed in the
      present narrative review. Several guidelines suggest the clinical use of Lp(a) in
      (re)defining vascular risk, especially in asymptomatic individuals at
      intermediate or high CV risk and those with a family history of premature CHD. By
      improving individuals risk stratification, Lp(a) may contribute to a better
      secondary prevention strategy. However, there is still a need to establish a
      standardized method to measure Lp(a) as well as selective potent therapies for
      lowering Lp(a). This will support conducting large randomized trials in order to
      establish whether lowering circulating Lp(a) levels will result in a significant
      reduction in CV events.

PMID- 28078999
TI  - HDACs and HDAC Inhibitors in Urothelial Carcinoma - Perspectives for an
      Antineoplastic Treatment.
AB  - Histone deacetylases (HDACs) influence diverse cellular processes and may
      contribute to tumor development and progression by multiple mechanisms. Class I
      HDACs are often overexpressed in cancers contributing to a genome-wide epigenetic
      state permitting increased proliferation, and diminished apoptosis and cell
      differentiation. Class IIA and IIB isoenzymes may likewise contribute to
      tumorigenesis as components of specific intranuclear repressor complexes or
      regulators of posttranslational protein modifications. As HDAC inhibitors may
      counteract these tumorigenic effects several of these compounds are currently
      tested in clinical trials. HDAC inhibitors are also considered for urothelial
      carcinoma, where novel therapeutic drugs are urgently required. However, only
      modest antineoplastic activity has been observed with isoenzyme-unspecific pan
      HDAC inhibitors. Therefore, inhibition of specific HDAC isoenzymes might be more
      efficacious and tumor-specific. Here, we systematically review knowledge on the
      expression, function and suitability as therapeutic targets of the 11 classical
      HDACs in UC. Overall, the class I HDACs HDAC1 and HDAC2 are the most promising
      targets for antineoplastic treatment. In contrast, targeting HDAC8 and HDAC6 is
      likely to be of minor relevance in urothelial carcinoma. Class IIA HDACs like
      HDAC4 require further study, since their downregulation rather than upregulation
      could be involved in urothelial carcinoma pathogenesis.

PMID- 28078998
TI  - Lipoprotein(a) Management: Pharmacological and Apheretic Treatment.
AB  - Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particle with an
      additional apolipoprotein, apolipoprotein (a), [apo(a)] attached to
      apolipoprotein B. Recent epidemiologic and Mendelian randomization studies have
      provided evidence that Lp(a) is causally related to the pathogenesis of
      atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The risk association between
      Lp(a) concentrations and CVD is still controversial but seems to be continuous
      and without an obvious threshold Lp(a) level. Circulating concentrations of Lp(a)
      are genetically determined; desirable levels are < 50 mg/dl. A plasma
      concentration of 60 mg/dl is associated with an odds ratio for coronary heart
      disease of about 1.5 after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors.
      Extended-release niacin is an option for decreasing elevated Lp(a) levels (by ~20
      30%) but it is often poorly tolerated. Dietary measures, exercise and lipid
      lowering drugs such as statins and ezetimibe are without significant effect. In
      patients with severe progressive CVD and very high Lp(a) levels, lipoprotein
      apheresis can decrease Lp(a) concentrations. The method is expensive and
      impractical for most patients and its feasibility depends mainly on the
      healthcare reimbursement system. Since no established treatment reduces Lp(a)
      without influencing other lipoproteins, there has been no trial that evaluated
      whether decreasing Lp(a) concentrations translates to clinical benefits.
      Recently, an antisense oligonucleotide against apo(a), IONIS-APO(a)Rx, has been
      shown to selectively decrease Lp(a) by almost 80%. A phase 2 study with this drug
      has been completed in late 2015 and results are expected to be published soon.

PMID- 28079000
TI  - Application of monoterpenoids and their derivatives for treatment of
      neurodegenerative disorders.
AB  - Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) like Alzheimer disease, Parkinson's disease
      and Huntington's disease are a heterogeneous group of disorders with the
      progressive and severe loss of neurons. There are no full proof cures for these
      diseases, and only medicines are available that can alleviate some of the
      symptoms. Developing effective treatments for the NDDs is a difficult but
      necessary task. Hence, the investigation of monoterpenoids which modulate targets
      applicable to many NDDs is highly relevant. Many monoterpenoids have demonstrated
      promising neuroprotective activity mediated by various systems. It can form the
      basis for elaboration of agents which will be useful both for the alleviation of
      symptoms of NDDs and for the treatment of diseases progression and also for
      prevention of neurodegeneration. The further developments including detections of
      monoterpenoids and their derivatives with high neuroprotective or neurotrophic
      activity as well as the results of qualified clinical trials are needed to draw
      solid conclusions regarding the efficacy of these agents.

PMID- 28079001
TI  - Application of Organic Monolithic Materials to Enantioseparation in Capillary
      Separation Techniques.
AB  - This review article is primarily focused on the state-of-the-art of
      enantioseparations on organic monolithic materials. The article gives an overview
      of the chiral stationary phases and its application in capillary
      electrochromatography (CEC), and capillary- and nano-liquid chromatography (cLC
      and nLC). Since thousands of publications have been emerged from 2000's and
      citing all these papers would extend the scope of this review; then, recent
      developments from last 10 years (2006 to 2016) will be mentioned. Mostly,
      stationary phases based on copolymers obtained from chiral functional monomers
      and surface modifications of organic monoliths with chiral ligands will be
      discussed. The effective application of these chiral separation methodologies in
      several analysis areas will be also included.

PMID- 28079002
TI  - Neurotoxicity Associated with Platinum-Based Anti-Cancer Agents: What are the
      Implications of Copper Transporters?
AB  - Platinum-based anti-cancer agents, which include cisplatin, carboplatin and
      oxaliplatin, are an important class of drugs used in clinical setting to treat a
      variety of cancers. The cytotoxic efficacy of these drugs is mediated by the
      formation of inter-strand and intrastrand crosslinks, or platinum adducts on
      nuclear DNA. There is also evidence demonstrating that mitochondrial DNA is
      susceptible to platinum-adduct damage in dorsal root ganglia neurons. Although
      all platinum-based agents form similar DNA adducts, they are quite different in
      terms of activation, systemic toxicity and tolerance. Platinum-based agents are
      well known for their neurotoxicity and gastrointestinal side-effects which are
      major causes for dose limitation and treatment discontinuation compromising the
      efficacy of anti-cancer treatment. Accumulating evidence in non-neuronal cells
      shows that the copper transport system is associated with platinum drug
      sensitivity and resistance. There is minimal research concerning the role of
      copper transporters within the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is
      unclear whether neurons are more sensitive to platinum-based drugs, are
      insufficient in drug clearance, or whether platinum accumulation affects
      intracellular copper status and coppermediated functions. Understanding these
      mechanisms is important as neurotoxicity is the predominant side-effect of
      platinum-based chemotherapy. This review highlights the role of copper transpor
      ters in drug influx, differences in drug activation and side-effects caused by
      platinum-based agents, as well as their association with central and peripheral
      neuropathies and gastrointestinal toxicities.

PMID- 28079003
TI  - Colorectal Cancer Chemotherapy: The Evolution of Treatment and New Approaches.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one the greatest contributors to cancer related
      mortality. Although 5 year survival rate for patients at the early stage of CRC
      (stages I and II) is above 60%, more than 50% of patients are diagnosed at or
      beyond stage III when distant metastasis has already occurred, in which case 5
      year survival rate drops to 10%. Chemotherapeutic intervention coupled with
      surgery is the backbone of metastatic CRC treatment and the only means of
      enhanced survival. For decades following its discovery, an antimetabolite 5-
      fluorouracil (5-FU) was the only chemotherapeutic agent available to successfully
      improve 12 month survival in CRC patients. Treatment of metastatic CRC has been
      considered palliative for many years; aiming to increase the duration and quality
      of the patient&#039;s remaining life, with little hope of cure, highlighting the
      need for novel DNA and RNA targeted therapies in the treatment of CRC. Over the
      last several decades, combinations of several chemotherapeutic agents have been
      incorporated into routine clinical practice. Combination regimes incorporating
      irinotecan, a semisynthetic inhibitor of topoisomerase, oxaliplatin, a third
      generation platinum compound that causes mitotic arrest via the formation of DNA
      adducts, and capecitabine, a 5-FU prodrug, are now all established options for
      use as first-line, second-line and sequential treatment of CRC. This review
      provides a brief overview of the evolution of CRC chemotherapy as well as new and
      emerging treatment options.

PMID- 28079004
TI  - Foodborne Giardiasis: Is There Any Relationship Between food Handlers and
      Transmission of Giardia duodenalis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The foodborne diseases are amongst the main causes of morbidity and
      mortality in the human communities. Giardia duodenalis, the causative agent of
      giardiasis, is one of the foodborne parasites, which has public health
      importance. The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of G.
      duodenalis among food handlers in Andimeshk County, southwest of Iran. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among 480 food handlers in
      2015. The collected stool specimens were investigated using direct saline smear,
      Lugol's iodine- staining, and sucrose flotation methods. RESULTS: The overall
      prevalence of G. duodenalis in the examined participants was 12 (2.5%). The
      higher prevalence 75% (9/12) was found among participants with medium and low
      levels of education and 25% (3/12) belonged to those with high level of
      education. Direct microscopic examinations revealed two (0.4%) positive cases
      infected with Hymenolepis nana, with one of them showing mixed infection with G.
      duodenalis. CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained results, infected food handlers
      could be a potential source of intestinal parasitic infections, and transmission
      can occur through contaminated food. Therefore, we suggest that food handlers
      training programs should be implemented to increase the awareness of food
      handlers and reduce the transmission of intestinal parasites.

PMID- 28079005
TI  - Dendritic Cells Modulate Iron Homeostasis and Inflammatory Abilities Following
      Quercetin Exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fruits and vegetables are rich in plant polyphenols, whose
      consumption is encouraged in healthy dietary regimes due to their antioxidants
      and anti-inflammatory effects. These organic molecules exhibit numerous
      properties including phylochelation; the ability to complex metal ions, including
      highly reactive iron. Among polyphenols, we focused our attention on quercetin
      that previously demonstrated its ability to reduce dendritic cells (DCs)
      inflammatory cytokine secretion and antigen presentation following LPS exposure.
      Dendritic cell inflammatory response is also associated with modulation of
      several iron metabolism related genes. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the axis
      between quercetin exposure and iron extracellular transport that may explain
      polyphenol anti-inflammatory abilities. METHOD: Bone marrow derived DCs were
      exposed to 25MUM of quercetin on day 7 and treated with 1 MUg/mL of LPS on day 8.
      The relation between quercetin exposure and the expression level of genes
      involved in iron homeostasis was addressed by qPCR. The axis between iron export
      and quercetin exposure was confirmed in vitro and in vivo using quercetin gavage
      and quercetin-enriched diet. RESULTS: Here we demonstrate that DCs, exposed to
      quercetin, activate a pattern of genes that increase extracellular iron export,
      resulting in an overall decrease in the intracellular iron content and consequent
      diminished inflammatory abilities. This DCs phenotype is consistent with anti
      inflammatory phenotype of the mucosal resident DCs, the ones most commonly
      exposed to polyphenols. CONCLUSIONS: Iron balance is a crucial checkpoint for DCs
      inflammatory abilities. Quercetin-enriched nutritional regimes that favor DCs
      extracellular iron transport could reduce the incidence of chronic inflammatory
      syndromes.

PMID- 28079006
TI  - A New Vaccine Delivery Vehicle and Adjuvant Candidate: Bordetella pertussis
      Inactivated Whole Cells Entrapped in Alginate Microspheres.
AB  - There is no doubt about the whole cell pertussis vaccine efficacy, but it is
      necessary to improve the vaccine quality specially to decrease its toxicity by
      obtaining good immunogenicity with low bacterial content. In this work, under
      optimum condition inactivated B. pertussis bacteria cells entrapped with alginate
      microparticles were fabricated and in vivo immunogenicity and ptency of new
      microparticle based vaccine were evaluated in mice. Microspheres loaded with
      inactive B. pertussis bacterium cells were prepared via an emulsification method
      and analyzed for morphology, size, polydispersity index, loading efficiency,
      loading capacity, release profile and in vivo potency. The inactivated bacterial
      suspension mixture prepared in this work was nontoxic and showed potent ED50
      (1:333 of human dose) and preserved agglutinins 1, 2, 3. The optimum conditions
      for the preparation of microparticles were achieved at alginate concentration
      3.8% (w/v), CaCl2 8% (w/v), PLL 0.1% (w/v), lipophilic surfactant 0.22 (%w/v),
      hydrophilic surfactant 3.6 (%w/v), cross linking time 3min, homogenization rate
      600 rpm, and alginate to CaCl2 solution ratio 4. Both empty and B. pertussis
      loaded microparticles exhibited smooth surface texture and relatively spherical
      shape. The B. pertussis encapsulated microspheres fabricated under optimized
      conditions showed mean particle size 151.1 MUm, polydispersity index 0.43,
      loading efficiency 89.6%, loading capacity 36.3%, and relatively constant release
      rate lasted to 15 days. In vivo immunogenicity and protection study against wild
      type challenge showed strongly higher potency (approximately 2.5 fold) of
      encapsulated B. pertussis organisms than non-encapsulated conventional aluminum
      hydroxide adsorbed vaccine. It can be concluded that microencapsulation of
      inactive B. pertussis cells appears to be a suitable approach for improving the
      wP vaccine quality, specially by obtaining good immunogenicity with low bacterial
      content.

PMID- 28079007
TI  - Novel Therapies Targeting Cardioprotection and Regeneration.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The heart is
      susceptible to pathologies that impact the myocardium directly, such as
      myocardial infarction and consequent heart failure, as well as conditions with
      indirect cardiac effects, such as cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity. As the
      contractile cells of the heart, cardiomyocytes are essential for normal cardiac
      function. Various stress stimuli may result in transient damage or cell death in
      cardiomyocytes through apoptosis, necrosis or maladaptive autophagy. Moreover,
      cardiomyocytes are unable to regenerate; thus, lost cells are replaced with
      fibrotic tissue, with a potentially severe impact on myocardial function. Several
      therapeutic agents and strategies to reduce cardiomyocyte damage are currently
      available. This manuscript reviews the state of the art regarding novel
      cardioprotective endogenous peptides, such as neuregulin-1, angiotensin-(1-9),
      growth/differentiation factor-11, growth/differentiation factor- 15 and insulin
      like growth factor-1. We discuss their protective effects and therapeutic
      potential in cardiovascular diseases and the current challenges to harnessing
      their full cardioprotective power. We also explore targeting of exosomes as a
      cardioprotective approach along with the therapeutic potential of cardiac
      regeneration strategies. Further advances associated with these molecules and
      cardioprotective approaches may provide more effective therapies to attenuate or
      prevent cardiomyocyte death, thereby preserving the myocardium.

PMID- 28079008
TI  - Walking a Tightrope: A Perspective of Resveratrol Effects on Breast Cancer.
AB  - It is an acknowledged fact that health benefits are derived from fruit- and
      vegetables-enriched diets. In particular, polyphenols, compounds bearing one or
      more hydroxyl groups attached to an aromatic ring, are ascribed for most of such
      beneficial effects. Among them, resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in numerous
      plant species, and more notably in grapes, has widely piqued the interest of the
      scientific community by virtue of its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti
      oxidant properties. Moreover, evidence claiming resveratrol ability to hinder
      processes underlying all the three steps of carcinogenesis (tumor initiation,
      progression and metastasization) has propelled an incredibly massive number of
      studies aimed at enquiring its eventual clinical potential in the fight against
      cancer. However, despite a large body of data pointing to the advantages of
      dietary resveratrol intake in respect of certain disease conditions, and cancer
      inter alia, its real position still remains quite ambiguous. In this uncertain
      scenario, the present review focuses its attention on the highly entangled
      relationship between resveratrol and breast cancer, attempting to shape the
      plethora of controversial results stemming from studies carried out on several in
      vitro and in vivo breast cancer models. Coping with such a tricky matter, there
      are so many variabilities concerning both resveratrol itself (dosage,
      administration, bioavailabilty, among others) and the unique molecular traits of
      each specific breast cancer subtype that must be taken into account when facing
      the dilemma: "might resveratrol be protective against breast cancer or does it
      rather fuel it?".

PMID- 28079009
TI  - Emerging Roles of Calreticulin in Cancer: Implications for Therapy.
AB  - Calreticulin (CRT), initially identified as a ubiquitous calcium-binding protein
      in the endoplasmic reticulum, has emerged as a multifunctional protein with roles
      in calcium homeostasis, molecular chaperoning and cell adhesion. Emerging
      evidence suggests its involvement in tumorigenesis facilitating proliferation,
      migration, and adhesion. CRT translocated to the cell surface (ecto-CRT) serves
      as a phagocytic signal for immunogenic cell death (ICD) mediated through
      dendritic cells (DCs) and cytotoxic T-cell activation thereby making tumors
      susceptible to immunotherapy-based anti-cancer strategies. CRT is now regarded as
      one of the most potent danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) with the ecto
      CRT triggering restoration of homeostasis by immune stimulation. A recently
      identified novel transacetylase activity of CRT adds a new dimension to its multi
      faceted involvement in cancer by virtue of polyphenolic acetates (PA): CRT
      transacetylase (CRTase) system which results in hyperacetylation of target
      proteins, thereby mimicking the effects of Histone deacetylase inhibitors
      (HDACi). Since protein acetylation is one of the crucial post-translational
      modifications (PTMs) influencing the epigenetic regulation and signal
      transduction, CRT can be a potential target for developing anticancer
      therapeutics and preventive strategies by employing pharmacologically compatible
      semi-synthetic acetyl donors like polyphenolic acetates and other agents.

PMID- 28079010
TI  - Discovery of Natural Proteasome Inhibitors as Novel Anticancer Therapeutics:
      Current Status and Perspectives.
AB  - Natural products serve as a main resource for drug discovery. The ubiquitin
      proteasome system (UPS) is one of the primary intracellular protein degradation
      systems, which is responsible for the degradation of most short-lived, mis-folded
      and aged proteins. The proteasome is a validated target for cancer treatment,
      since cancer cells are more reliant on high levels of proteasome activity to
      maintain the dynamic protein homeostasis required for enhanced metabolism and
      unrestricted proliferation. Encouraged by success of bortezomib in the treatment
      of multiple myeloma, several second-generation proteasome inhibitors have been
      developed based on natural resources, and are being tested in various clinical
      settings. In this paper, we reviewed the most widely investigated proteasome
      inhibitors, including their natural product origins, compound-discovery and
      optimization, as well as their current status in both preclinical and clinical
      studies.

PMID- 28079011
TI  - Molecular Mechanisms of Anticancer Effects of Phytoestrogens in Breast Cancer.
AB  - Phytoestrogens derived from plants exert estrogenic as well as antiestrogenic
      effects and multiple actions within breast cancer cells. Chemopreventive
      properties of phytoestrogens have emerged from epidemiological observations. In
      recent clinical research studies, phytoestrogens are safe and may even protect
      against breast cancer. In this brief review, the molecular mechanisms of
      phytoestrogens on regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, estrogen receptors, cell
      signaling pathways, and epigenetic modulations in relation to breast cancer are
      discussed. Phytoestrogens have a preferential affinity for estrogen receptor (ER)
      beta, which appears to be associated with antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic
      effects. Moreover, while phytoestrogens not only inhibit ER-positive but also ER
      negative breast cancer cells, the possibility of epigenetic modulation playing an
      important role is also discussed. In conclusion, as there are multiple targets
      and actions of phytoestrogens, extensive research is still necessary. However,
      due to low toxicity, low cost, and easy availability, their potent
      chemoprevention effects deserve further study.

PMID- 28079012
TI  - Antioxidant Peptides from Terrestrial and Aquatic Plants Against Cancer.
AB  - Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, the
      search for new and less aggressive treatments is currently the focus of the
      anticancer research. An attractive alternative for this purpose is the use of
      bioactive peptides from plants. Plants live everywhere on Earth, both on land and
      in water, and they are a major source of diverse molecules with pharmacological
      potential as antioxidant peptides. Hence, this review focuses on the importance
      of the antioxidant activity of terrestrial and aquatic plant peptides against
      cancer throughout several mechanisms. The influence of the antioxidant activity
      of peptides by different factors such as molecular weight and amino acid
      composition as a crucial factor for anticancer activity is also revised.
      Furthermore, the relation of antioxidant activity with anticancer property as
      well as safety and legal aspects of protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides
      for their use in cancer treatments is discussed.

PMID- 28079014
TI  - Predicting Cognitive Decline across Four Decades in Mutation Carriers and Non
      carriers in Autosomal-Dominant Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate cognitive performance
      including preclinical and clinical disease course in carriers and non-carriers of
      autosomal-dominant Alzheimer's disease (adAD) in relation to multiple predictors,
      that is, linear and non-linear estimates of years to expected clinical onset of
      disease, years of education and age. METHODS: Participants from five families
      with early-onset autosomal-dominant mutations (Swedish and Arctic APP, PSEN1
      M146V, H163Y, and I143T) included 35 carriers (28 without dementia and 7 with)
      and 44 non-carriers. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical
      evaluation, including neuropsychological assessment at the Memory Clinic,
      Karolinska University Hospital at Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden. The time span of
      disease course covered four decades of the preclinical and clinical stages of
      dementia. Neuropsychological tests were used to assess premorbid and current
      global cognition, verbal and visuospatial functions, short-term and episodic
      memory, attention, and executive function. RESULTS: In carriers, the time-related
      curvilinear trajectory of cognitive function across disease stages was best
      fitted to a formulae with three predictors: years to expected clinical onset
      (linear and curvilinear components), and years of education. In non-carriers, the
      change was minimal and best predicted by two predictors: education and age. The
      trajectories for carriers and non-carriers began to diverge approximately 10
      years before the expected clinical onset in episodic memory, executive function,
      and visuospatial function. CONCLUSIONS: The curvilinear trajectory of cognitive
      functions across disease stages was mimicked by three predictors in carriers. In
      episodic memory, executive and visuospatial functions, the point of diverging
      trajectories occurred approximately 10 years ahead of the clinical onset compared
      to non-carriers. (JINS, 2017, 23, 195-203).

PMID- 28079013
TI  - Natural Product Inhibitors of Topoisomerases: Review and Docking Study.
AB  - Since ancient times, natural products have been used in treating various diseases
      effectively and safely. Nowadays, these natural compounds are submitted to
      sophisticated methodologies from isolation, computing, analytical, and even
      serving as pharmacophore suggestions for synthesis. The substances extracted from
      marine species, plants, and microorganisms present activities beneficial to our
      health, including protection against malignant tumors. The topoisomerase enzymes
      play an important role in DNA metabolism, and searching for enzyme inhibitors is
      an important target in the search for new anticancer drugs. This review discusses
      this problem, reporting research involving alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids,
      xanthones, coumarins, acetogenins, and in addition, includes a docking study with
      our Brazilian diterpenes to topoisomerases I and II. The better compound, the
      trachylobane 1, forms one hydrogen bond when submitted to docking with Topo I
      (with the ASP533 residue) and two with residues in Topo II (THR213 and TYR188).
      The difference observed in the energy of formation can be attributed to hydrogen
      bond interactions. The difference observed in the energy of formation can be
      attributed to hydrogen-bond interactions.

PMID- 28079015
TI  - Chemometrics Expertise in the Links Between Ecotoxicity and Physicochemical
      Features of Silver Nanoparticles: Environmental Aspects.
AB  - Studies of the ecotoxicological aspects of nanomaterials in aquatic environments
      are scarce. Given the growing variety of nanoparticles (NPs), along with the
      diversity of aquatic species and environments, the key to promoting sound risk
      assessment in nanoecotoxicology is understanding the mechanisms that govern the
      fate of NPs in aquatic environments and their behavior at the NP-biota interface.
      In this paper, data collected from the literature on ecotoxicological effects
      observed in aquatic species is discussed and analyzed using multivariate
      statistics techniques. We expand the knowledge of the environmental impact of
      silver NPs (AgNPs) by testing the acute toxicity of 47 AgNPs on crustacean
      eukaryotic organisms (Daphnia magna, Thamnocephalus platyurus, and D. galeata).
      Physicochemical properties, stabilization agents, toxicological end points, and
      test media were monitored as adding-outcome factors for the evaluation of
      environmental effects due to exposure to NPs. The chemometrics expertise
      performed by the use of hierarchical and nonhierarchical cluster analysis and
      principal component analysis revealed specific links between the ecotoxicology
      and the physicochemical features of NPs and helped in creating specific patterns
      of NPs discriminated by ecotoxicity levels and physicochemical parameters.

PMID- 28079016
TI  - Fast-HPLC Fingerprinting to Discriminate Olive Oil from Other Edible Vegetable
      Oils by Multivariate Classification Methods.
AB  - A new analytical method for the differentiation of olive oil from other vegetable
      oils using reversed-phase LC and applying chemometric techniques was developed. A
      3 cm short column was used to obtain the chromatographic fingerprint of the
      methyl-transesterified fraction of each vegetable oil. The chromatographic
      analysis took only 4 min. The multivariate classification methods used were k
      nearest neighbors, partial least-squares (PLS) discriminant analysis, one-class
      PLS, support vector machine classification, and soft independent modeling of
      class analogies. The discrimination of olive oil from other vegetable edible oils
      was evaluated by several classification quality metrics. Several strategies for
      the classification of the olive oil were used: one input-class, two input-class,
      and pseudo two input-class.

PMID- 28079017
TI  - Phenol Contaminated Water Treatment on Several Modified Dimensionally Stable
      Anodes.
AB  - Phenolic compounds are some of the most common hazardous organics in
      wastewater. Removal of these pollutants is important. Physiochemical method such
      as electrochemical oxidation on dimensionally stable anodes is more convenient in
      removing such organic pollutants. Therefore, this study focuses on development of
      three different anodes for phenol contaminated water treatment. The performances
      of steel/IrO2, steel/IrO2-Sb2O3, and Ti/IrO2-Sb2O3 anodes were tested and
      compared. Nearly 50, 76, and 84% of chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies
      were observed for steel/IrO2, steel/IrO2-Sb2O3, and Ti/IrO2-Sb2O3 anodes,
      respectively. The formation of intermediates was monitored for three anodes and
      the Ti/IrO2-Sb2O3 anode showed the most promising results. Findings suggest that
      the developed anode materials can enhance phenol oxidation efficiency and that
      mixed metal oxide layer has major influence on the anode. Among the selected
      metal oxide mixtures IrO2-Sb2O3 was the most suitable under given experimental
      conditions.

PMID- 28079018
TI  - Methyl Red Decolorization Efficiency of a Korea Strain of Aspergillus sp.
      Immobilized into Different Polymeric Matrices.
AB  - Intensive research studies have revealed that fungal decolorization of dye
      wastewater is a promising replacement for the current process of dye wastewater
      decolorization. The authors isolated an Aspergillus sp. from the effluent of a
      textile industry area in Korea and assessed the effects of a variety of
      operational parameters on the decolorization of methyl red (MR) by this strain of
      Aspergillus sp. This Aspergillus sp. was then immobilized by entrapment in
      several polymeric matrices and the effects of operational conditions on MR
      decolorization were investigated again. The optimal decolorization activity of
      this Aspergillus sp. was observed in 1% glucose at a temperature of 37  degrees C
      and pH of 6.0. Furthermore, stable decolorization efficiency was observed when
      fungal biomass was immobilized into alginate gel during repeated batch
      experiment. These results suggest that the Aspergillus sp. isolated in Korea
      could be used to treat industrial wastewaters containing MR dye.

PMID- 28079020
TI  - This Issue at a Glance.

PMID- 28079019
TI  - An efficient targeted nuclease strategy for high-resolution mapping of DNA
      binding sites.
AB  - We describe Cleavage Under Targets and Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN), a
      chromatin profiling strategy in which antibody-targeted controlled cleavage by
      micrococcal nuclease releases specific protein-DNA complexes into the supernatant
      for paired-end DNA sequencing. Unlike Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP), which
      fragments and solubilizes total chromatin, CUT&RUN is performed in situ, allowing
      for both quantitative high-resolution chromatin mapping and probing of the local
      chromatin environment. When applied to yeast and human nuclei, CUT&RUN yielded
      precise transcription factor profiles while avoiding crosslinking and
      solubilization issues. CUT&RUN is simple to perform and is inherently robust,
      with extremely low backgrounds requiring only ~1/10th the sequencing depth as
      ChIP, making CUT&RUN especially cost-effective for transcription factor and
      chromatin profiling. When used in conjunction with native ChIP-seq and applied to
      human CTCF, CUT&RUN mapped directional long range contact sites at high
      resolution. We conclude that in situ mapping of protein-DNA interactions by
      CUT&RUN is an attractive alternative to ChIP-seq.

PMID- 28079024
TI  - A Simple Vista en Este Numero.

PMID- 28079022
TI  - Lifitegrast for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: Results of a Phase III,
      Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial (OPUS-3).
AB  - PURPOSE: Lifitegrast is a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 antagonist
      developed to reduce inflammation in dry eye disease (DED). We report the results
      of OPUS-3 (NCT02284516), a phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of
      lifitegrast versus placebo in participants with DED. DESIGN: Twelve-week, phase
      III, randomized, double-masked, multicenter, placebo-controlled study.
      PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged >=18 years with Schirmer tear test (without anesthesia)
      >=1 and <=10 mm, corneal fluorescein staining score >=2.0 (0-4 scale), eye
      dryness score (EDS) >=40 (0-100 visual analogue scale [VAS]), and history of
      artificial tear use within 30 days of study entry. METHODS: After a 14-day
      placebo run-in, participants were randomized 1:1 to lifitegrast ophthalmic
      solution 5.0% or placebo twice daily for 84 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      primary efficacy end point was change from baseline to day 84 in EDS. Key
      secondary efficacy end points were change from baseline to days 42 and 14 in EDS.
      Other secondary efficacy end points included additional VAS items
      (burning/stinging, itching, foreign body sensation, eye discomfort, photophobia,
      pain), ocular discomfort score (ODS), and safety/tolerability of lifitegrast
      versus placebo. RESULTS: In the study, 711 participants were randomized: placebo,
      356; lifitegrast, 355 (intention-to-treat [ITT] population). At day 84,
      lifitegrast-treated participants experienced significantly greater improvement
      from baseline in EDS versus those receiving placebo (treatment effect [TE], 7.16;
      95% confidence interval [CI], 3.04-11.28; P = 0.0007). Mean changes from baseline
      in EDS also significantly favored lifitegrast on days 42 (TE, 9.32; 95% CI, 5.44
      13.20; P < 0.0001) and 14 (TE, 7.85; 95% CI, 4.33-11.37; P < 0.0001). No
      statistically significant differences were observed in ODS between treatment
      groups at days 84, 42, or 14. A greater improvement was observed in lifitegrast
      treated participants at day 42 in itching (nominal P = 0.0318), foreign body
      sensation (nominal P = 0.0418), and eye discomfort (P = 0.0048) versus
      participants receiving placebo. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild
      to moderate in severity; no serious ocular adverse events were reported.
      CONCLUSIONS: Lifitegrast significantly improved symptoms of eye dryness, as
      measured by EDS, versus placebo in participants with DED. Improvement in EDS was
      observed as early as day 14. Lifitegrast appeared well tolerated.

PMID- 28079025
TI  - ?

PMID- 28079026
TI  - A review of compliant transmission mechanisms for bio-inspired flapping-wing
      micro air vehicles.
AB  - Flapping-wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs) are a class of unmanned aircraft that
      imitate flight characteristics of natural organisms such as birds, bats, and
      insects, in order to achieve maximum flight efficiency and manoeuvrability.
      Designing proper mechanisms for flapping transmission is an extremely important
      aspect for FWMAVs. Compliant transmission mechanisms have been considered as an
      alternative to rigid transmission systems due to their lower the number of parts,
      thereby reducing the total weight, lower energy loss thanks to little or
      practically no friction among parts, and at the same time, being able to store
      and release mechanical power during the flapping cycle. In this paper, the state
      of-the-art research in this field is dealt upon, highlighting open challenges and
      research topics. An optimization method for designing compliant transmission
      mechanisms inspired by the thoraxes of insects is also introduced.

PMID- 28079023
TI  - Incidence and Growth of Geographic Atrophy during 5 Years of Comparison of Age
      Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: To estimate the incidence, size, and growth rate of geographic atrophy
      (GA) during 5 years of follow-up among participants in the Comparison of Age
      Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT). DESIGN: Cohort within a
      clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included in CATT. METHODS: A total of
      1185 CATT participants were randomly assigned to ranibizumab or bevacizumab
      treatment and to 3 treatment regimens. Participants were released from protocol
      treatment at 2 years and examined at approximately 5 years (N = 647). Two masked
      graders assessed the presence and size of GA in digital color photographs (CPs)
      and fluorescein angiograms (FAs) taken at baseline and years 1, 2, and 5. Cox
      proportional hazard models were used to identify risk factors for incidence of
      GA. Annual change in the square root of the total area of GA was the measure of
      growth. Multivariate linear mixed models including baseline demographic,
      treatment, and ocular characteristics on CP/FA and optical coherence tomography
      (OCT) as candidate risk factors were used to estimate adjusted growth rates,
      standard errors (SEs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Geographic atrophy incidence and growth rate. RESULTS: Among the 1011
      participants who did not have GA at baseline and had follow-up images gradable
      for GA, the cumulative incidence was 12% at 1 year, 17% at 2 years, and 38% at 5
      years. At baseline, older age, hypercholesterolemia, worse visual acuity, larger
      choroidal neovascularization (CNV) area, retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP)
      lesion, GA in the fellow eye, and intraretinal fluid were associated with a
      higher risk of incident GA. Thicker subretinal tissue complex and presence of
      subretinal fluid were associated with less GA development. The overall GA growth
      rate was 0.33 mm/year (SE, 0.02 mm/year). Eyes treated with ranibizumab in the
      first 2 years of the clinical trial had a higher growth rate than eyes treated
      with bevacizumab (adjusted growth rate, 0.38 vs. 0.28 mm/year; P = 0.009).
      Geographic atrophy in the fellow eye, hemorrhage, and absence of sub-retinal
      pigment epithelium fluid at baseline were associated with a higher growth rate.
      CONCLUSIONS: Development of GA is common 5 years after initiating therapy.
      Several risk factors identified at 2 years of follow-up persist at 5 years of
      follow-up.

PMID- 28079027
TI  - The properties of ultrapure delafossite metals.
AB  - Although they were first synthesized in chemistry laboratories nearly fifty years
      ago, the physical properties of the metals PdCoO2, PtCoO2 and PdCrO2 have only
      more recently been studied in detail. The delafossite structure contains
      triangular co-ordinated atomic layers, and electrical transport in the
      delafossite metals is strongly 2D. Their most notable feature is their in-plane
      conductivity, which is amazingly high for oxide metals. At room temperature, the
      conductivity of non-magnetic PdCoO2 and PtCoO2 is higher per carrier than those
      of any alkali metal and even the most conductive elements, copper and silver. At
      low temperatures the best crystals have resistivities of a few nOmega cm,
      corresponding to mean free paths of tens of microns. PdCrO2 is a frustrated
      antiferromagnetic metal, with magnetic scattering contributing to the resistivity
      at high temperatures and small gaps opening in the Fermi surface below the Neel
      temperature. There is good evidence that electronic correlations are weak in the
      Pd/Pt layers but strong in the Co/Cr layers; indeed the Cr layer in PdCrO2 is
      thought to be a Mott insulator. The delafossite metals therefore act like natural
      heterostructures between strongly correlated and nearly free electron sub
      systems. Combined with the extremely high conductivity, they provide many
      opportunities to study electrical transport and other physical properties in new
      regimes. The purpose of this review is to describe current knowledge of these
      fascinating materials and set the scene for what is likely to be a considerable
      amount of future research.

PMID- 28079028
TI  - Observation of ultrasharp metamagnetic jumps in polycrystalline Er2Cu2O5.
AB  - The observation of ultrasharp metamagnetic jumps in the field variation of
      magnetization (M versus H) data for the highly insulating metal oxide Er2Cu2O5 is
      investigated. The compound orders antiferromagnetically below about T N1  =  28 K
      and shows conventional 'not-so-sharp' metamagnetism around 13 kOe on the field
      increasing leg in the polycrystalline sample. The uniqueness of the ultrasharp
      jumps in Er2Cu2O5 resides in the fact that they are only observed in the field
      decreasing segment of the magnetization curve. We observe that the jumps are
      affected by the sweep rate of the magnetic field, similarly to several other
      systems that show such ultrasharp jumps. Er2Cu2O5 shows a considerable amount of
      thermo-remanent magnetization when it is cooled in a field that is higher than
      the critical field of 13 kOe. Our analysis indicates that above 13 kOe the system
      remains phase separated, with the coexistence of antiferromagnetic and field
      induced ferromagnetic-like phases. The jumps in the return leg occur because of
      the shear-dominated martensitic-like phase transition of the ferromagnetic-like
      phase to an antiferromagnetic phase, and interfacial strain plays a major role in
      the observed jumps.

PMID- 28079029
TI  - Coulomb matrix elements in multi-orbital Hubbard models.
AB  - Coulomb matrix elements are needed in all studies in solid-state theory that are
      based on Hubbard-type multi-orbital models. Due to symmetries, the matrix
      elements are not independent. We determine a set of independent Coulomb
      parameters for a d-shell and an f-shell and all point groups with up to 16
      elements (O h , O, T d , T h , D 6h , and D 4h ). Furthermore, we express all
      other matrix elements as a function of the independent Coulomb parameters. Apart
      from the solution of the general point-group problem we investigate in detail the
      spherical approximation and first-order corrections to the spherical
      approximation.

PMID- 28079030
TI  - Neuromusculoskeletal model self-calibration for on-line sequential bayesian
      moment estimation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neuromusculoskeletal models involve many subject-specific
      physiological parameters that need to be adjusted to adequately represent muscle
      properties. Traditionally, neuromusculoskeletal models have been calibrated with
      a forward-inverse dynamic optimization which is time-consuming and unfeasible for
      rehabilitation therapy. Non self-calibration algorithms have been applied to
      these models. To the best of our knowledge, the algorithm proposed in this work
      is the first on-line calibration algorithm for muscle models that allows a
      generic model to be adjusted to different subjects in a few steps. APPROACH: In
      this paper we propose a reformulation of the traditional muscle models that is
      able to sequentially estimate the kinetics (net joint moments), and also its full
      self-calibration (subject-specific internal parameters of the muscle from a set
      of arbitrary uncalibrated data), based on the unscented Kalman filter. The
      nonlinearity of the model as well as its calibration problem have obliged us to
      adopt the sum of Gaussians filter suitable for nonlinear systems. MAIN RESULTS:
      This sequential Bayesian self-calibration algorithm achieves a complete muscle
      model calibration using as input only a dataset of uncalibrated sEMG and
      kinematics data. The approach is validated experimentally using data from the
      upper limbs of 21 subjects. SIGNIFICANCE: The results show the feasibility of
      neuromusculoskeletal model self-calibration. This study will contribute to a
      better understanding of the generalization of muscle models for subject-specific
      rehabilitation therapies. Moreover, this work is very promising for
      rehabilitation devices such as electromyography-driven exoskeletons or
      prostheses.

PMID- 28079031
TI  - Prevalence of ADHD among 7-9-Year-Old Children in Israel. A Comparison between
      Jewish and Arab Populations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The world prevalence of ADHD ranges between 5-10%. The prevalence
      in Israel was generally studied from prescriptions of methylphenidate and not
      from cohorts of children. METHODS: We assessed the prevalence of ADHD among a
      cohort of early school age children in the Jewish and Arab populations using DSM
      IV criteria and evaluated the difference between teachers' and parental
      assessment. We also studied in the Jewish population the differences in several
      social-behavioral parameters between children with and without ADHD. RESULTS: The
      rate of ADHD among the Jewish children was 9.5% and among the Arab children it
      was significantly lower - 7.35%. Teachers' evaluation in the Jewish population
      was 2.3 times higher than parental evaluation but in the Arab population it was
      closer to that of the parents, being only 12% higher. In addition, there were
      more regulatory, behavioral and learning problems among the Jewish children with
      ADHD compared to children without ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of ADHD in school
      age children among both Jews and Arabs fall within the average rate in other
      countries. The high difference between teachers' and parental assessment of ADHD
      in the Jewish population emphasizes that ADHD diagnosis should rely on the joint
      behavioral assessment of both. The prevalence of ADHD in Jewish early school age
      children is slightly higher than in Arab children and the inattentive type is the
      most common. There is a discrepancy between teachers' and parents' evaluation of
      children's behavior in the Jewish population, but this discrepancy is less in the
      Arab population.

PMID- 28079032
TI  - Burnout of Formal Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burnout syndrome is under-researched within caregivers (CGs) of
      children with cerebral palsy. The primary aim was to determine the burnout level
      of formal CGs of children with cerebral palsy (G1) and to compare it with a
      control group (G2) of professional pediatric nurses, and second, to correlate the
      level of depression and anxiety with the burnout level. METHOD: In a total sample
      of 60 CGs, the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS),
      consisting of three structural units - emotional exhaustion (MBIEE) subscale,
      depersonalization (MBI-DP) subscale and personal accomplishment (MBI-PA) subscale
      - was used to measure burnout. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used for the
      assessment of anxiety, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression.
      RESULTS: A significant difference was shown on the MBI-EE subscale and on the BDI
      test (p<0.05), in both cases higher scores were obtained by G1. High burnout was
      observed in all subscales, on the MBI-EE subscale registered 50% of CGs in G1,
      and 17% in control G2. Correlation of the MBI-EE subscale with BDI and BAI tests
      was highly significant (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate the need
      for future research aimed at formulating preventive strategies for caregivers'
      mental health. Better care for caregivers would provide them with better
      professional satisfaction, and consequently would lead to better care for
      patients.

PMID- 28079033
TI  - The Role of Maternal Distress in the Report of Behavioral and Emotional Problems
      among Children with Chronic Disabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessments of psychological symptoms in children often rely on
      caregivers' (usually mothers') reports. However, the reliability may be affected
      by the caregivers' own emotional distress (ED). The main objectives of this study
      were to assess the variability in ED of mothers of children with chronic physical
      disabilities, and its association with the ratings of their children's emotional
      and behavioral problems. METHODS: Medical data of children diagnosed with chronic
      disabilities were analyzed (N = 72). Mothers completed the 12-item General Health
      Questionnaire (12-GHQ) to measure ED and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to
      assess children's emotional and behavioral problems Mothers' ED scores were
      compared with communitybased counterparts with similar socio-demographic
      characteristics (N = 657) from the Israel National Health Survey (INHS). RESULTS:
      Mothers of children with chronic physical disabilities had higher levels of ED
      compared to mothers in the general population. About 20% of the sample mothers
      had 12-GHQ scores compatible with DSM- IV depression or anxiety disorders. No
      differences in ED were found according to the type of child's disability or IQ
      score. Marked differences in CBCL scores were reported by mothers with high
      versus low ED, controlling for baseline maternal and child characteristics.
      CONCLUSIONS: High levels of maternal ED were associated with mothers' reports on
      child's behavioral and emotional problems.This may contaminate the reliability of
      parental reports on their child's psychological state.

PMID- 28079034
TI  - Enhancing Children's Resilience in Schools to Confront Trauma: The Impact on
      Teachers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children's exposure to stressful events requires effective
      interventions to strengthen adaptive development. Expanding the teachers' role to
      deliver resilience-focused interventions has been shown to enhance children's
      coping and to have a positive impact on the teachers themselves. METHOD: This
      study compared the self-efficacy and perceived performance of 48 teachers
      following the implementation of such an intervention with 52 control teachers.
      RESULTS: Trained teachers reported higher self-efficacy and perceived
      performance. Associations between years of experience, perceived performance and
      self-efficacy are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence on
      the positive impact of teacher-delivered interventions on teachers' performance
      and self-efficacy. Future studies should replicate this design with a larger
      sample to examine stages of professional experience, grades, before-after
      measures, association with students' coping and include male teachers.

PMID- 28079036
TI  - Parent-child Communication-centered Rehabilitative Approach for Pediatric
      Functional Somatic Symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional somatic symptoms (FSS) are a type of somatization
      phenomenon. Integrative rehabilitation approaches are the preferred treatment for
      pediatric FSS. Parental roles in the treatment process have not been established.
      STUDY AIMS: to present 1) a parent-focused treatment (PFT) for pediatric FSS and
      2) the approach's preliminary results. METHODS: The sample included 50 children
      with physical disabilities due to FSS. All children received PFT including
      physical and psychological therapy. A detailed description of the program's
      course and guiding principles is provided. OUTCOME MEASURES: FSS extinction and
      age-appropriate functioning. RESULTS: Post-program, 84% of participants did not
      exhibit FSS and 94% returned to age-appropriate functioning. At one-year follow
      up, only 5% of participants experienced symptom recurrence. No associations were
      found between pre-admission symptoms and intervention duration. CONCLUSION: PFT
      is beneficial in treating pediatric FSS. Therefore, intensive parental
      involvement in rehabilitation may be cardinal.

PMID- 28079035
TI  - Parents' and Teachers' Perceptions of Abnormal Attention Span of Elementary
      School-Age Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine teacher and parental perception of minimal expected
      sustained attention span during various daily tasks among elementary school
      children. METHODS: 54 parents and 47 teachers completed the attention span
      questionnaire (AtSQ) that was developed for this study. The AtSQ consists of 15
      academic and leisure tasks that require a child's sustained attention. The study
      focused on third and fourth graders in Israel. RESULTS: There was a high degree
      of variability among teachers and parents in their responses to the AtSQ. The
      expected attention span of children as judged by parents was higher and more
      varied compared to teachers, and higher for girls than for boys. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results indicate poor agreement in cutoff values for sustained attention span
      between teachers and parents and within each group.

PMID- 28079037
TI  - Individual Psychotherapy ("Talking Therapy"): A Survey of Attitudes among
      Residents & Specialists in Psychiatry, Israel 2010-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individual psychotherapy is an efficient tool and an integral part of
      psychiatric treatment. However, its status among psychiatrists in Israel has
      never been explored. OBJECTIVES: To explore and map the attitudes of
      psychiatrists in Israel regarding psychotherapy and psychotherapy training during
      residency, with comparisons between residents vs. specialists, peripheral vs.
      central institutions and mental health vs. medical centers. METHOD: We conducted
      a cross-sectional survey to examine the attitudes toward individual
      psychotherapy. The questionnaire was delivered via email and direct approach to
      psychiatrists in Israel. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 229 of 1,502
      registered psychiatrists (15.3%). While 96% (n=218) had positive attitudes
      towards psychotherapy, 93.1% (n=215) thought psychotherapy was less available
      than pharmacotherapy. Psychiatrists from peripheral institutions prefer cognitive
      behavioral therapy, while psychiatrists from central institutions prefer dynamic
      psychotherapy. Psychiatrists from mental health centers use more dynamic
      psychotherapy compared to psychiatrists from medical centers. The number of
      dynamic psychotherapy treatments psychiatrists delivered during their residencies
      has been decreasing over time, meaning residents today deliver fewer dynamic
      psychotherapy treatments compared to the number of treatments specialists
      delivered during their residencies. Additionally, 97.4% (n=225) believed
      psychotherapy training should be included in the psychiatric residency and 87.3%
      thought that the training should be improved to a great extent. CONCLUSIONS: The
      survey demonstrates mixed but overall positive attitudes towards psychotherapy
      among psychiatrists in Israel. The findings should be taken into consideration by
      psychiatrists who design the residency program and by policy makers who are in
      charge of the mental health reform in Israel, or the psychotherapy usage and
      therapeutic potential may diminish, as has happened in other countries.

PMID- 28079038
TI  - Comorbidity of Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and Depressive Symptoms among
      Obstetric Nurses with Perinatal Death Exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mental health and well-being among obstetric nurses after perinatal
      death is understudied. The primary goal of this study is to explore the
      comorbidity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and depressive
      symptoms among obstetric nurses. In addition, we explore associations between
      personal resources - coping self-efficacy and active social support - and
      comorbidity symptoms. METHOD: One hundred and twenty-five obstetric nurses who
      represent 25% of the entire population of Israeli obstetric nurses completed self
      report questionnaires regarding demographic data, coping self-efficacy, active
      social support, history of exposure to traumatic events, PTSD symptoms and
      depressive symptoms. RESULTS: An elevated risk of PTSD among obstetric nurses was
      positively associated with an elevated risk of depression and age while
      negatively associated with coping self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may
      suggest that nurse educators, administrators and leaders in the midwifery
      practice should promote stress intervention, supportive clinical environments and
      educational programs among obstetric nurses.

PMID- 28079039
TI  - Simulation of Mental Disorders: I. Concepts, Challenges and Animal Models.
AB  - The complexity of the human brain and the difficulties in identifying and
      dissecting the biological, social and contextual underpinnings of mental
      functions confound the study of the etiology and pathophysiology of mental
      disorders. Large-scale computer simulation of the human brain was recently
      proposed as a method to circumvent some of these difficulties. In this two
      partpaper, we discuss selected conceptual and pragmatic issues pertaining to the
      mental illness simulation in general and computer simulation in particular. We
      address the merits and limitations of two generic types of simulation vehicles,
      biological simulation in animal models (Part I) and virtual simulation in
      computer models (Part II), in the study of mental disorders in humans. We point
      to the need to tailor the vehicle and method of simulation to the goal of the
      simulation, and suggest future directions for maximizing the utility of mental
      illness simulation. We argue that at the current state of knowledge, the
      biological-phenomenological gap in understanding mental disorders markedly limits
      the ability to generate high-fidelity biological and computational models of
      mental illness. Simulation focusing on limited realistic objectives, such as
      mimicking selected distinct biological and phenomenological attributes of
      specific mental symptoms, may however serve as a useful tool in exploring mental
      disorders.

PMID- 28079040
TI  - Simulation of Mental Disorders: II. Computer Models, Purposes and Future
      Directions.
AB  - The complexity of the human brain and the difficulties in identifying and
      dissecting the biological, social and contextual underpinnings of mental
      functions confound the study of the etiology and pathophysiology of mental
      disorders. Simulating mental disorders in animal models or in computer programs
      may contribute to the understanding of such disorders. In the companion paper
      (30), we discussed selected concepts and pragmatics pertaining to mental illness
      simulation in general, and then focused on issues pertaining to animal models of
      mental disease. In this paper, we focus on selected aspects of the merits and
      limitations of the use of large scale computer simulation in investigating mental
      disorders. We argue that at the current state of knowledge, the biological
      phenomenological gap in understanding mental disorders markedly limits the
      ability to generate high-fidelity computational models of mental illness. We
      conclude that similarly to the animal model approach, brain simulation focusing
      on limited realistic objectives, such as mimicking the emergence of selected
      distinct attributes of specific mental symptoms in a virtual brain or parts
      thereof, may serve as a useful tool in exploring mental disorders.

PMID- 28079041
TI  - Ophthalmic abnormalities in children with dyslexia: A look at current research.

PMID- 28079042
TI  - Study of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels in patients with neurological
      manifestations of dengue.
AB  - CONTEXT: Pro-inflammatory markers play a key role in the pathogenesis of various
      Flavivirus infection. AIM: In this study, we evaluated the role of these markers
      in neurological manifestations of dengue. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: Consecutive
      dengue cases with different neurological manifestations who presented between
      August 2012 and July 2014 were studied in hospital-based case-control study.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interleukin (IL-6) and IL-8 level were measured in serum
      and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dengue cases with different neurological
      manifestations and also in age- and sex-matched controls. Level was analyzed with
      various parameters and outcomes. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was
      done using SPSS version 16.0 by applying appropriate statistical methods. P <
      0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of the 40 enrolled cases
      of dengue with neurological manifestations, 29 had central nervous system and 11
      had peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS) manifestations. In CNS group, both IL-6
      and IL-8 (CSF and serum) were significantly elevated (P < 0.001), whereas CSF IL
      6 (P = 0.008), serum IL-6 (P = 0.001), and serum IL-8 (P = 0.005) were
      significantly elevated in PNS group. CSF IL-6, serum IL-6, and IL-8 were
      significantly elevated in poor outcome patients in CNS group (P < 0.05). CSF IL-6
      and IL-8 were significantly elevated in CSF dengue positive cases as compared to
      CSF negative patients (P < 0.05). Cytokine level was not significantly correlated
      with neuroimaging abnormality in CNS group. Nine patients died and the remainder
      recovered. CONCLUSION: Elevated level of IL-6 and IL-8 is associated with
      different neurological manifestations and poor outcome, but whether they are
      contributing to neuropathogenesis or simply a correlate of severe disease remains
      to be determined.

PMID- 28079043
TI  - Gossypibomas in India - A systematic literature review.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Gossypibomas remain a dreaded and unwanted complication of
      surgical practice. Despite significant interest and numerous guidelines, the
      number of reported cases remains sparse due to various factors, including
      potential legal implications. Herein, we review related data from India to
      ascertain if the problem is better or worse than that reported in world
      literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed on PubMed
      and Google Scholar, to collect and analyze all case reports and case reviews
      regarding the condition in India. RESULTS: On analysis of the results, there were
      100 publications reporting a total of 126 events. The average patient age was
      38.65 years. Average time to discovery was 1225.62 days. Forty-nine percent of
      reported cases were discovered within the 1 st year. The most common clinical
      features were pain (73.8%), palpable mass (47.6%), vomiting (35%), abdominal
      distention (26%), and fever (12.6%). Spontaneous expulsion of the gossypiboma was
      noted in five cases (3.96%). Transmural migration was seen in 36 cases (28.57%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite advancements in surgical approaches and preventive measures,
      gossypibomas continue to be a cause of significant morbidity. A safe working
      culture, open communication, teamwork, and an accurate sponge count remain our
      best defence against this often unpredictable complication of surgery.

PMID- 28079044
TI  - Chorea as unusual complication of fungicide poisoning.
AB  - Chorea is a rare manifestation of poisoning. We report an index case of a young
      woman who developed generalized chorea following propiconazole toxin ingestion.
      As large series on neurological complications of toxic compounds are difficult to
      be compiled, it is of interest to report our experience. This report adds one
      more compound to the increasing list of toxic chorea.

PMID- 28079045
TI  - Hernia of the umbilical cord associated with a patent omphalomesenteric duct.
AB  - Congenital hernia of the cord is a different type of ventral abdominal wall
      defect in which the bowel usually herniates into the base of normally inserted
      umbilical cord through a patent umbilical ring. It is rare congenital anomaly
      with incidence of 1 in 5000. Although it was described as a distinct entity since
      1920s it is often misdiagnosed as a small omphalocele. We present an unusal case
      of term male newborn with umbilical cord hernia associated with patent
      omphalomesenteric duct. The diagnose was made after birth despite antenatal
      ultrasound scans and it is managed successfully with uneventful recovery. If this
      is missdiagnosed, it could cause iatrogenic atresia of the ileum by clamping the
      umbilical cord after birth.

PMID- 28079046
TI  - Stroke mimic: Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging of a patient with ictal
      paralysis.

PMID- 28079047
TI  - Reply to Letter to Editor regarding the article, "Stroke mimic: Perfusion
      magnetic resonance imaging of a patient with ictal paralysis".

PMID- 28079048
TI  - Delivering efficient liver-directed AAV-mediated gene therapy.

PMID- 28079049
TI  - Lateralization index but not contralateral suppression at adrenal vein sampling
      predicts improvement in blood pressure after adrenalectomy for primary
      aldosteronism.
AB  - Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is essential in differentiating unilateral from
      bilateral sources of aldosterone excess in primary aldosteronism (PA). However,
      its ability to predict blood pressure (BP) improvement after adrenalectomy has
      not been well studied. This is a retrospective observational study of 119
      patients who underwent AVS by sequential technique followed by adrenalectomy for
      PA at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1997 to 2015. Median
      age was 52 years (interquartile range 44-59), 67% were male and median duration
      of hypertension was 10 (interquartile range 6-20) years. A total of 76% and 90%
      of patients experienced BP improvement at 0-6 months or at any time point after
      surgery, respectively. Lateralization index (LI) >8, but not the presence of
      contralateral suppression, was significantly associated with BP improvement after
      surgery by multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential
      confounders (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 17.1 (1.7-171.6) and 6.39
      (0.06-641.8), respectively). A prediction score was created by covariates that
      was significantly associated with BP improvement in logistic regression analysis
      (duration of hypertension, body mass index, preoperative systolic BP and number
      of antihypertensive medications). Receiver-operating characteristic curve
      analyses showed that the addition of LI >8 to the score increased its ability to
      predict BP improvement (area under the curve 0.73-0.80). In conclusion, LI is
      useful in predicting improvement in BP after adrenalectomy for PA. The results of
      this study suggest that patients with long-standing severe hypertension may still
      benefit from surgery if LI >8.

PMID- 28079050
TI  - Bipolar radiofrequency renal denervation with the Vessix catheter in patients
      with resistant hypertension: 2-year results from the REDUCE-HTN trial.

PMID- 28079052
TI  - Corrigendum: Contrasting effects of nitrogen and phosphorus addition on soil
      respiration in an alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

PMID- 28079051
TI  - Integrated crop management practices for maximizing grain yield of double-season
      rice crop.
AB  - Information on maximum grain yield and its attributes are limited for double
      season rice crop grown under the subtropical environment. This study was
      conducted to examine key characteristics associated with high yielding double
      season rice crop through a comparison between an integrated crop management (ICM)
      and farmers' practice (FP). Field experiments were conducted in the early and
      late seasons in the subtropical environment of Wuxue County, Hubei Province,
      China in 2013 and 2014. On average, grain yield in ICM was 13.5% higher than that
      in FP. A maximum grain yield of 9.40 and 10.53 t ha-1 was achieved under ICM in
      the early- and late-season rice, respectively. Yield improvement of double-season
      rice with ICM was achieved with the combined effects of increased plant density
      and optimized nutrient management. Yield gain of ICM resulted from a combination
      of increases in sink size due to more panicle number per unit area and biomass
      production, further supported by the increased leaf area index, leaf area
      duration, radiation use efficiency, crop growth rate, and total nitrogen uptake
      compared with FP. Further enhancement in the yield potential of double-season
      rice should focus on increasing crop growth rate and biomass production through
      improved and integrated crop management practices.

PMID- 28079053
TI  - Molecular evidence for the involvement of a polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein,
      GhPGIP1, in enhanced resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium wilts in cotton.
AB  - Polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP), belonging to a group of plant
      defence proteins, specifically inhibits endopolygalacturonases secreted by
      pathogens. Herein, we showed that purified GhPGIP1 is a functional inhibitor of
      Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, the two fungal
      pathogens causing cotton wilt. Transcription of GhPGIP1 was increased in cotton
      upon infection, wounding, and treatment with defence hormone and H2O2. Resistance
      by GhPGIP1 was examined by its virus-induced gene silencing in cotton and
      overexpression in Arabidopsis. GhPGIP1-silenced cotton was highly susceptible to
      the infections. GhPGIP1 overexpression in transgenic Arabidopsis conferred
      resistance to the infection, accompanied by enhanced expression of pathogenesis
      related proteins (PRs), isochorismate synthase 1 (ICS1), enhanced disease
      susceptibility 1 (EDS1), and phytoalexin-deficient 4 (PAD4) genes. Transmission
      electron microscopy revealed cell wall alteration and cell disintegration in
      plants inoculated with polygalacturonase (PGs), implying its role in damaging the
      cell wall. Docking studies showed that GhPGIP1 interacted strongly with C
      terminal of V. dahliae PG1 (VdPG1) beyond the active site but weakly interacted
      with C-terminal of F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FovPG1). These findings will
      contribute towards the understanding of the roles of PGIPs and in screening
      potential combat proteins with novel recognition specificities against evolving
      pathogenic factors for countering pathogen invasion.

PMID- 28079054
TI  - Local dimensionality determines imaging speed in localization microscopy.
AB  - Localization microscopy allows biological samples to be imaged at a length scale
      of tens of nanometres. Live-cell super-resolution imaging is rare, as it is
      generally assumed to be too slow for dynamic samples. The speed of data
      acquisition can be optimized by tuning the density of activated fluorophores in
      each time frame. Here, we show that the maximum achievable imaging speed for a
      particular structure varies by orders of magnitude, depending on the sample
      dimensionality (that is, whether the sample is more like a point, a strand or an
      extended structure such as a focal adhesion). If too high an excitation density
      is used, we demonstrate that the analysis undergoes silent failure, resulting in
      reconstruction artefacts. We are releasing a tool to allow users to identify
      areas of the image in which the activation density was too high and correct for
      them, in both live- and fixed-cell experiments.

PMID- 28079055
TI  - Intestinal microbiota as a tetrahydrobiopterin exogenous source in hph-1 mice.
AB  - Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a cofactor of a number of regulatory enzymes.
      Although there are no known BH4 exogenous sources, the tissue content of this
      biopterin increases with age in GTP cyclohydrolase 1-deficient
      hyperphenylalaninemia-1 (hph-1) mice. Since certain bacteria are known to
      generate BH4, we hypothesize that generation of this biopterin by the intestinal
      microbiota contributes to its tissue increase in hph-1 adult mice. The goal of
      this study was to comparatively evaluate hph-1 mice and wild-type C57Bl/6
      controls for the presence of intestinal BH4-producing bacteria. Newborn and adult
      mice fecal material was screened for 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS-2)
      an enzyme only present in BH4-generating bacteria. Adult, but not newborn, wild
      type control and hph-1 mouse fecal material contained PTPS-2 mRNA indicative of
      the presence of BH4-generating bacteria. Utilizing chemostat-cultured human fecal
      bacteria, we identified the PTPS-2-producing bacteria as belonging to the
      Actinobacteria phylum. We further confirmed that at least two PTPS-2-producing
      species, Aldercreutzia equolifaciens and Microbacterium schleiferi, generate BH4
      and are present in hph-1 fecal material. In conclusion, intestinal Actinobacteria
      generate BH4. This finding has important translational significance, since
      manipulation of the intestinal flora in individuals with congenital biopterin
      deficiency may allow for an increase in total body BH4 content.

PMID- 28079056
TI  - Endurance and Cycle-to-cycle Uniformity Improvement in Tri-Layered CeO2/Ti/CeO2
      Resistive Switching Devices by Changing Top Electrode Material.
AB  - Resistance switching characteristics of CeO2/Ti/CeO2 tri-layered films sandwiched
      between Pt bottom electrode and two different top electrodes (Ti and TaN) with
      different work functions have been investigated. RRAM memory cells composed of
      TaN/CeO2/Ti/CeO2/Pt reveal better resistive switching performance instead of
      Ti/CeO2/Ti/CeO2/Pt memory stacks. As compared to the Ti/CeO2 interface, much
      better ability of TaN/CeO2 interface to store and exchange plays a key role in
      the RS performance improvement, including lower forming/SET voltages, large
      memory window (~102) and no significant data degradation during endurance test of
      >104 switching cycles. The formation of TaON thinner interfacial layer between
      TaN TE and CeO2 film is found to be accountable for improved resistance switching
      behavior. Partial charge density of states is analyzed using density functional
      theory. It is found that the conductive filaments formed in CeO2 based devices is
      assisted by interstitial Ti dopant. Better stability and reproducibility in cycle
      to-cycle (C2C) resistance distribution and Vset/Vreset uniformity were achieved
      due to the modulation of current conduction mechanism from Ohmic in low field
      region to Schottky emission in high field region.

PMID- 28079057
TI  - Functional MRI of the Reserpine-Induced Putative Rat Model of Fibromyalgia
      Reveals Discriminatory Patterns of Functional Augmentation to Acute Nociceptive
      Stimuli.
AB  - Functional neuroimaging, applied to pre-clinical models of chronic pain, offers
      unique advantages in the drive to discover new treatments for this prevalent and
      oppressive condition. The high spatial and temporal resolution of fMRI affords
      detailed mapping of regional pharmacodynamics that underlie mechanisms of pain
      suppression by new analgesics. Despite evidence supporting the translational
      relevance of this approach, relatively few studies have investigated fMRI
      abnormalities in rodent models of chronic pain. In this study, we used fMRI to
      map the BOLD response in a recently developed putative rat model of fibromyalgia
      to innocuous and acute nociceptive stimuli by applying a step-wise graded
      electrical forepaw stimulation paradigm, with comparison to healthy controls. We
      observed discriminatory functional signatures (p < 0.001) to 2 mA electrical
      forepaw stimulation, found to be innocuous in the control group. As such, this
      translational approach provides sensitive and quantitative neural correlates of
      the underlying chronic disease. The regional patterns of functional augmentation
      were found to be concordant with previous studies of nociception in the
      anaesthetised rat brain, supporting the specificity of this approach in the study
      of altered central pain processing in reserpine induced myalgia. The methodology
      introduced in this work represents a novel platform for emerging treatment
      evaluation in highly experimentally controlled conditions.

PMID- 28079058
TI  - Of dogs and men.

PMID- 28079059
TI  - Co-Variation of Peripheral Levels of miR-1202 and Brain Activity and Connectivity
      During Antidepressant Treatment.
AB  - MicroRNAs are short non-coding molecules that play a major role in regulating
      gene expression. Peripheral levels of miR-1202 have been shown to predict and
      mediate antidepressant response. However, it is not clear to what extent these
      peripheral measures reflect central neural changes in vivo. We approached this
      problem with the combined use of peripheral miR-1202 measures and neuroimaging.
      At baseline and after 8 weeks of desvenlafaxine (50-100 mg die), 20 patients were
      scanned with 3T magnetic resonance imaging, first at rest then during the Go/NoGo
      task, a classical test of response inhibition. Blood samples were collected at
      both time points. During resting state, lower baseline miR-1202 levels were
      predictive of increased connectivity from T0 to T8 between the posterior
      cingulate and the prefrontal, parietal, and occipital cortices. Changes in miR
      1202 levels following desvenlafaxine treatment were negatively correlated with
      changes in activity in right precuneus within the default-mode network, and in
      connectivity between the posterior cingulate and the temporal and prefrontal
      cortices, and the precuneus. During the Go/NoGo task, baseline miR-1202 levels
      and changes in these levels were correlated with activity changes in different
      regions, including bilateral prefrontal, insular, cingulate, and temporal
      cortices, and left putamen and claustrum. Finally, secondary analyses in a subset
      of patients showed a trend for a significant correlation between miR-1202 levels
      and glutamate levels measured by spectroscopy. Changes in peripheral miR-1202
      levels were therefore associated with changes in brain activity and connectivity
      in a network of brain regions associated with depression and antidepressant
      response. These effects may be mediated by the glutamatergic system.

PMID- 28079060
TI  - Intranasal Lactoferrin Enhances alpha-Secretase-Dependent Amyloid Precursor
      Protein Processing via the ERK1/2-CREB and HIF-1alpha Pathways in an Alzheimer's
      Disease Mouse Model.
AB  - Growing evidence suggests that lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein, is
      a pleiotropic functional nutrient. In addition, Lf was recently implicated as a
      neuroprotective agent. These properties make Lf a valuable therapeutic candidate
      for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms regulating
      the physiological roles of Lf in the pathologic condition of AD remain unknown.
      In the present study, an APPswe/PS1DE9 transgenic mouse model of AD was used. We
      explored whether intranasal human Lf (hLf) administration could reduce beta
      amyloid (Abeta) deposition and ameliorate cognitive decline in this AD model. We
      found that hLf promoted the non-amyloidogenic metabolism of amyloid precursor
      protein (APP) processing through activation of alpha-secretase a-disintegrin and
      metalloprotease10 (ADAM10), resulting in enhanced cleavage of the alpha-COOH
      terminal fragment of APP and the corresponding elevation of the NH2-terminal APP
      product, soluble APP-alpha (sAPPalpha), which consequently reduced Abeta
      generation and improved spatial cognitive learning ability in AD mice. To gain
      insight into the molecular mechanism by which Lf modulates APP processing, we
      evaluated the involvement of the critical molecules for APP cleavage and the
      signaling pathways in N2a cells stably transfected with Swedish mutant human APP
      (APPsw N2a cells). The results show that the ERK1/2-CREB and HIF-1alpha signaling
      pathways were activated by hLf treatment, which is responsible for the expression
      of induced ADAM10. Additional tests were performed before suggesting the
      potential use of hLf as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These findings
      provide new insights into the sources and mechanisms by which hLf inhibits the
      cognitive decline that occurs in AD via activation of ADAM10 expression in an
      ERK1/2-CREB and HIF-1alpha-dependent manner.

PMID- 28079062
TI  - Does retinal configuration make the head and eyes of foveate birds move?
AB  - Animals move their heads and eyes to compensate for movements of the body and
      background, search, fixate, and track objects visually. Avian saccadic head/eye
      movements have been shown to vary considerably between species. We tested the
      hypothesis that the configuration of the retina (i.e., changes in retinal
      ganglion cell density from the retinal periphery to the center of acute vision
      fovea) would account for the inter-specific variation in avian head/eye movement
      behavior. We characterized retinal configuration, head movement rate, and degree
      of eye movement of 29 bird species with a single fovea, controlling for the
      effects of phylogenetic relatedness. First, we found the avian fovea is off the
      retinal center towards the dorso-temporal region of the retina. Second, species
      with a more pronounced rate of change in ganglion cell density across the retina
      generally showed a higher degree of eye movement and higher head movement rate
      likely because a smaller retinal area with relatively high visual acuity leads to
      greater need to move the head/eye to align this area that contains the fovea with
      objects of interest. Our findings have implications for anti-predator behavior,
      as many predator-prey interaction models assume that the sensory system of prey
      (and hence their behavior) varies little between species.

PMID- 28079063
TI  - Horizon 2020: Funds to help Eastern Europe close the gap.

PMID- 28079061
TI  - Progressive Decline in Hippocampal CA1 Volume in Individuals at Ultra-High-Risk
      for Psychosis Who Do Not Remit: Findings from the Longitudinal Youth at Risk
      Study.
AB  - Most individuals identified as ultra-high-risk (UHR) for psychosis do not develop
      frank psychosis. They continue to exhibit subthreshold symptoms, or go on to
      fully remit. Prior work has shown that the volume of CA1, a subfield of the
      hippocampus, is selectively reduced in the early stages of schizophrenia. Here we
      aimed to determine whether patterns of volume change of CA1 are different in UHR
      individuals who do or do not achieve symptomatic remission. Structural MRI scans
      were acquired at baseline and at 1-2 follow-up time points (at 12-month
      intervals) from 147 UHR and healthy control subjects. An automated method (based
      on an ex vivo atlas of ultra-high-resolution hippocampal tissue) was used to
      delineate the hippocampal subfields. Over time, a greater decline in bilateral
      CA1 subfield volumes was found in the subgroup of UHR subjects whose subthreshold
      symptoms persisted (n=40) and also those who developed clinical psychosis (n=12),
      compared with UHR subjects who remitted (n=41) and healthy controls (n=54). No
      baseline differences in volumes of the overall hippocampus or its subfields were
      found among the groups. Moreover, the rate of volume decline of CA1, but not of
      other hippocampal subfields, in the non-remitters was associated with increasing
      symptom severity over time. Thus, these findings indicate that there is
      deterioration of CA1 volume in persistently symptomatic UHR individuals in
      proportion to symptomatic progression.

PMID- 28079064
TI  - Lasing action from photonic bound states in continuum.
AB  - In 1929, only three years after the advent of quantum mechanics, von Neumann and
      Wigner showed that Schrodinger's equation can have bound states above the
      continuum threshold. These peculiar states, called bound states in the continuum
      (BICs), manifest themselves as resonances that do not decay. For several decades
      afterwards the idea lay dormant, regarded primarily as a mathematical curiosity.
      In 1977, Herrick and Stillinger revived interest in BICs when they suggested that
      BICs could be observed in semiconductor superlattices. BICs arise naturally from
      Feshbach's quantum mechanical theory of resonances, as explained by Friedrich and
      Wintgen, and are thus more physical than initially realized. Recently, it was
      realized that BICs are intrinsically a wave phenomenon and are thus not
      restricted to the realm of quantum mechanics. They have since been shown to occur
      in many different fields of wave physics including acoustics, microwaves and
      nanophotonics. However, experimental observations of BICs have been limited to
      passive systems and the realization of BIC lasers has remained elusive. Here we
      report, at room temperature, lasing action from an optically pumped BIC cavity.
      Our results show that the lasing wavelength of the fabricated BIC cavities, each
      made of an array of cylindrical nanoresonators suspended in air, scales with the
      radii of the nanoresonators according to the theoretical prediction for the BIC
      mode. Moreover, lasing action from the designed BIC cavity persists even after
      scaling down the array to as few as 8-by-8 nanoresonators. BIC lasers open up new
      avenues in the study of light-matter interaction because they are intrinsically
      connected to topological charges and represent natural vector beam sources (that
      is, there are several possible beam shapes), which are highly sought after in the
      fields of optical trapping, biological sensing and quantum information.

PMID- 28079065
TI  - Ecology: Invasive wild pigs spread across US.

PMID- 28079066
TI  - Medical devices: Mini machines deliver drugs.

PMID- 28079068
TI  - Microbiology: Bacterial explorers move fast.

PMID- 28079070
TI  - Biomaterials: Silk gland mimic spins strong fibres.

PMID- 28079071
TI  - Optical physics: Supercavity lasing.

PMID- 28079072
TI  - Physiology: How alcohol ramps up hunger signals.

PMID- 28079073
TI  - Fluid dynamics: Water flows out of touch.

PMID- 28079074
TI  - Climate change: Save last cloud forests in western Andes.

PMID- 28079076
TI  - Neuroscience: Age sees boost in facial recognition.

PMID- 28079075
TI  - Hydroclimate changes across the Amazon lowlands over the past 45,000 years.
AB  - Reconstructing the history of tropical hydroclimates has been difficult,
      particularly for the Amazon basin-one of Earth's major centres of deep
      atmospheric convection. For example, whether the Amazon basin was substantially
      drier or remained wet during glacial times has been controversial, largely
      because most study sites have been located on the periphery of the basin, and
      because interpretations can be complicated by sediment preservation,
      uncertainties in chronology, and topographical setting. Here we show that
      rainfall in the basin responds closely to changes in glacial boundary conditions
      in terms of temperature and atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide. Our
      results are based on a decadally resolved, uranium/thorium-dated, oxygen isotopic
      record for much of the past 45,000 years, obtained using speleothems from Paraiso
      Cave in eastern Amazonia; we interpret the record as being broadly related to
      precipitation. Relative to modern levels, precipitation in the region was about
      58% during the Last Glacial Maximum (around 21,000 years ago) and 142% during the
      mid-Holocene epoch (about 6,000 years ago). We find that, as compared with cave
      records from the western edge of the lowlands, the Amazon was widely drier during
      the last glacial period, with much less recycling of water and probably reduced
      plant transpiration, although the rainforest persisted throughout this time.

PMID- 28079077
TI  - Climate science: The resilience of Amazonian forests.

PMID- 28079080
TI  - Cancer: 'Old' cells linked to drug side effects.

PMID- 28079079
TI  - Emissions: Step on the natural gas for German cars.

PMID- 28079082
TI  - Planetary science: Many collisions made the Moon.

PMID- 28079081
TI  - Sideband cooling beyond the quantum backaction limit with squeezed light.
AB  - Quantum fluctuations of the electromagnetic vacuum produce measurable physical
      effects such as Casimir forces and the Lamb shift. They also impose an observable
      limit-known as the quantum backaction limit-on the lowest temperatures that can
      be reached using conventional laser cooling techniques. As laser cooling
      experiments continue to bring massive mechanical systems to unprecedentedly low
      temperatures, this seemingly fundamental limit is increasingly important in the
      laboratory. Fortunately, vacuum fluctuations are not immutable and can be
      'squeezed', reducing amplitude fluctuations at the expense of phase fluctuations.
      Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate that squeezed light can be used to
      cool the motion of a macroscopic mechanical object below the quantum backaction
      limit. We first cool a microwave cavity optomechanical system using a coherent
      state of light to within 15 per cent of this limit. We then cool the system to
      more than two decibels below the quantum backaction limit using a squeezed
      microwave field generated by a Josephson parametric amplifier. From heterodyne
      spectroscopy of the mechanical sidebands, we measure a minimum thermal occupancy
      of 0.19 +/- 0.01 phonons. With our technique, even low-frequency mechanical
      oscillators can in principle be cooled arbitrarily close to the motional ground
      state, enabling the exploration of quantum physics in larger, more massive
      systems.

PMID- 28079084
TI  - African elephants: Scale up elephant anti-poaching funds.

PMID- 28079086
TI  - Conservation: Effects of wildlife trade mapped.

PMID- 28079085
TI  - Endangered species: Illegal lemur trade grows in Madagascar.

PMID- 28079087
TI  - Announcement: Nature launches five new journals for 2017.

PMID- 28079088
TI  - Compare voting systems to improve them.

PMID- 28079089
TI  - Behind New Zealand's wild plan to purge all pests.

PMID- 28079090
TI  - Deceptive curcumin offers cautionary tale for chemists.

PMID- 28079091
TI  - Chinese AI company plans to mine health data faster than rivals.

PMID- 28079093
TI  - Tilikum dies, US antibiotic ban and a Nazi-science probe.

PMID- 28079092
TI  - Brexit offers rare chance to make Britain greener.

PMID- 28079095
TI  - Legendary radio telescope hangs in the balance.

PMID- 28079094
TI  - Gene-edited cows, rogue clinics, speedier drug approvals: the challenges facing
      Trump's FDA chief.

PMID- 28079096
TI  - Corrections.

PMID- 28079097
TI  - Fantasy politics over fetal-tissue research.

PMID- 28079098
TI  - Google reveals secret test of AI bot to beat top Go players.

PMID- 28079099
TI  - 'Nature-based solutions' is the latest green jargon that means more than you
      might think.

PMID- 28079100
TI  - Where science and nonsense collide.

PMID- 28079102
TI  - Corrigendum: Ultra-sensitive droplet digital PCR for detecting a low-prevalence
      somatic GNAQ mutation in Sturge-Weber syndrome.

PMID- 28079101
TI  - Comparing GWAS Results of Complex Traits Using Full Genetic Model and Additive
      Models for Revealing Genetic Architecture.
AB  - Most of the genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for human complex diseases
      have ignored dominance, epistasis and ethnic interactions. We conducted
      comparative GWASs for total cholesterol using full model and additive models,
      which illustrate the impacts of the ignoring genetic variants on analysis results
      and demonstrate how genetic effects of multiple loci could differ across
      different ethnic groups. There were 15 quantitative trait loci with 13 individual
      loci and 3 pairs of epistasis loci identified by full model, whereas only 14 loci
      (9 common loci and 5 different loci) identified by multi-loci additive model.
      Again, 4 full model detected loci were not detected using multi-loci additive
      model. PLINK-analysis identified two loci and GCTA-analysis detected only one
      locus with genome-wide significance. Full model identified three previously
      reported genes as well as several new genes. Bioinformatics analysis showed some
      new genes are related with cholesterol related chemicals and/or diseases.
      Analyses of cholesterol data and simulation studies revealed that the full model
      performs were better than the additive-model performs in terms of detecting power
      and unbiased estimations of genetic variants of complex traits.

PMID- 28079103
TI  - Erratum: Antigen-affinity controls pre-germinal center B cell selection by
      promoting Mcl-1 induction through BAFF receptor signaling.

PMID- 28079107
TI  - Phenotyping for the dynamics of field wheat root system architecture.
AB  - We investigated a method to quantify field-state wheat RSA in a phenotyping way,
      depicting the 3D topology of wheat RSA in 14d periods. The phenotyping procedure,
      proposed for understanding the spatio-temporal variations of root-soil
      interaction and the RSA dynamics in the field, is realized with a set of indices
      of mm scale precision, illustrating the gradients of both wheat root angle and
      elongation rate along soil depth, as well as the foraging potential along the
      side directions. The 70d was identified as the shifting point distinguishing the
      linear root length elongation from power-law development. Root vertical angle in
      the 40 mm surface soil layer was the largest, but steadily decreased along the
      soil depth. After 98d, larger root vertical angle appeared in the deep soil
      layers. PAC revealed a stable root foraging potential in the 0-70d period, which
      increased rapidly afterwards (70-112d). Root foraging potential, explained by
      MaxW/MaxD ratio, revealed an enhanced gravitropism in 14d period. No-till post
      paddy wheat RLD decreased exponentially in both depth and circular directions,
      with 90% roots concentrated within the top 20 cm soil layer. RER along soil depth
      was either positive or negative, depending on specific soil layers and the
      sampling time.

PMID- 28079106
TI  - Extreme mitochondrial variation in the Atlantic gall crab Opecarcinus hypostegus
      (Decapoda: Cryptochiridae) reveals adaptive genetic divergence over Agaricia
      coral hosts.
AB  - The effectiveness of migration in marine species exhibiting a pelagic larval
      stage is determined by various factors, such as ocean currents, pelagic larval
      stage duration and active habitat selection. Direct measurement of larval
      movements is difficult and, consequently, factors determining the gene flow
      patterns remain poorly understood for many species. Patterns of gene flow play a
      key role in maintaining genetic homogeneity in a species by dampening the effects
      of local adaptation. Coral-dwelling gall crabs (Cryptochiridae) are obligate
      symbionts of stony corals (Scleractinia). Preliminary data showed high genetic
      diversity on the COI gene for 19 Opecarcinus hypostegus specimens collected off
      Curacao. In this study, an additional 176 specimens were sequenced and used to
      characterize the population structure along the leeward side of Curacao.
      Extremely high COI genetic variation was observed, with 146 polymorphic sites and
      187 unique haplotypes. To determine the cause of this high genetic diversity,
      various gene flow scenarios (geographical distance along the coast, genetic
      partitioning over depth, and genetic differentiation by coral host) were
      examined. Adaptive genetic divergence across Agariciidae host species is
      suggested to be the main cause for the observed high intra-specific variance,
      hypothesised as early signs of speciation in O. hypostegus.

PMID- 28079108
TI  - Improving the Concentrations of the Active Components in the Herbal Tea
      Ingredient, Uraria crinita: The Effect of Post-harvest Oven-drying Processing.
AB  - Uraria crinita is widely used as a popular folk drink; however, little is known
      about how the post-harvest operations affect the chemical composition and
      bioactivity of UC. We assessed three drying methods (Oven-drying, Air-drying, Sun
      drying), as well as the Oven-drying temperature using metabolomics approaches and
      bioactivity assays. The samples processed at 40 degree show a greater effect on
      the levels of estrogen receptor-alpha activity and nuclear factor erythroid 2
      related factor 2 activity, anti-oxidative activity, and cyclooxygenase-2
      inhibition compared with the other samples. A multivariate analysis showed a
      clear separation between the 40 degree Oven-dried samples and the other samples,
      which is consistent with the results of bioactivity assay. These results are
      ascribed to at least two-fold increase in the concentrations of flavonoids,
      spatholosineside A and triterpenoids in the oven-dried samples compared with the
      other groups. The proposed Oven-drying method at 40 degree results in an improved
      quality of UC.

PMID- 28079109
TI  - A kind of universal quantum secret sharing protocol.
AB  - Universality is an important feature, but less researched in quantum
      communication protocols. In this paper, a kind of universal quantum secret
      sharing protocol is investigated. Firstly, we design a quantum secret sharing
      protocol based on the Borras-Plastino-Batle (BPB) state. Departing from previous
      research, our protocol has a salient feature in that participants in our protocol
      only need projective measurement instead of any unitary operations. It makes our
      protocol more flexible. Secondly, universality of quantum communication protocols
      is studied for the first time. More specifically, module division of quantum
      communication protocols and coupling between different modules are discussed. Our
      aforementioned protocol is analyzed as an example. On one hand, plenty of quantum
      states (the BPB-class states and the BPB-like-class states, which are proposed in
      this paper) could be used as carrier to perform our protocol. On the other hand,
      our protocol also could be regarded as a quantum private comparison protocol with
      a little revision. These features are rare for quantum communication protocols,
      and make our protocol more robust. Thirdly, entanglements of the BPB-class states
      are calculated in the Appendix.

PMID- 28079104
TI  - Longitudinal measurement and hierarchical classification framework for the
      prediction of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Accurate prediction of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important for the early
      diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an
      early stage of AD. Therefore, patients with MCI who are at high risk of fully
      developing AD should be identified to accurately predict AD. However, the
      relationship between brain images and AD is difficult to construct because of the
      complex characteristics of neuroimaging data. To address this problem, we present
      a longitudinal measurement of MCI brain images and a hierarchical classification
      method for AD prediction. Longitudinal images obtained from individuals with MCI
      were investigated to acquire important information on the longitudinal changes,
      which can be used to classify MCI subjects as either MCI conversion (MCIc) or MCI
      non-conversion (MCInc) individuals. Moreover, a hierarchical framework was
      introduced to the classifier to manage high feature dimensionality issues and
      incorporate spatial information for improving the prediction accuracy. The
      proposed method was evaluated using 131 patients with MCI (70 MCIc and 61 MCInc)
      based on MRI scans taken at different time points. Results showed that the
      proposed method achieved 79.4% accuracy for the classification of MCIc versus
      MCInc, thereby demonstrating very promising performance for AD prediction.

PMID- 28079111
TI  - Killing the old: cell senescence in atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28079110
TI  - Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy: cardiac, neuromuscular, and
      genetic factors.
AB  - Left ventricular hypertrabeculation (LVHT) or noncompaction is a myocardial
      abnormality of unknown aetiology, frequently associated with monogenic disorders,
      particularly neuromuscular disorders, or with chromosomal defects. LVHT is
      diagnosed usually by echocardiography by the presence of a bilayered myocardium
      consisting of a thick, spongy, noncompacted endocardial layer and a thin,
      compacted, epicardial layer. The pathogenesis of LVHT is unsolved, and the
      diagnostic criteria, prognosis, and optimal treatment of patients with LVHT are
      under debate. LVHT is categorized as distinct primary genetic cardiomyopathy by
      the AHA and as unclassified cardiomyopathy by the ESC. LVHT is usually
      asymptomatic, but can be complicated by heart failure, thromboembolism, or
      ventricular arrhythmias, including sudden cardiac death. Mortality of patients
      with LVHT ranges from 5% to 47%. Anticoagulation is indicated if atrial
      fibrillation, severe heart failure, previous embolism, or intracardiac thrombus
      formation are present. In patients with LVHT with late gadolinium enhancement, an
      implantable cardioverter-defibrillator might be considered if systolic
      dysfunction, a family history of sudden cardiac death, nonsustained ventricular
      tachycardia, or previous syncope is additionally present. In this Review, we
      discuss the current findings on the aetiology and pathophysiology of LVHT, and
      provide an overview of the diagnosis, available treatment, and prognosis of this
      cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 28079112
TI  - Microbes can help explain the evolution of host altruism.
AB  - The evolution of altruistic behaviour, which is costly to the donor but
      beneficial for the recipient, is among the most intriguing questions in
      evolutionary biology. Several theories have been proposed to explain it,
      including kin selection, group selection and reciprocity. Here we propose that
      microbes that manipulate their hosts to act altruistically could be favoured by
      selection, and may play a role in the widespread occurrence of altruism. Using
      computational models, we find that microbe-induced altruism can explain the
      evolution of host altruistic behaviour under wider conditions than host-centred
      theories, including in a fully mixed host population, without repeating
      interactions or individual recognition. Our results suggest that factors such as
      antibiotics that kill microbes might negatively affect cooperation in a wide
      range of organisms.

PMID- 28079115
TI  - Kidney stones.

PMID- 28079114
TI  - Discovering potential serological biomarker for chronic Hepatitis B Virus-related
      hepatocellular carcinoma in Chinese population by MAL-associated serum
      glycoproteomics analysis.
AB  - The accuracy of current biomarkers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC), especially chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-related HCC, is limited. Recent
      progress in glycoproteomics has provided a novel platform for screening novel
      serological biomarkers of HCC. In this study, lectin affinity chromatography by
      Maackia amurensis lectin (MAL) and iTRAQ combined with mass spectrometric
      analysis were performed to enrich and identify the glycoprotein fractions in
      serum samples from HBV-related HCC patients and from healthy controls. Seventeen
      differential MAL-associated glycoproteins were identified. Among them, Galectin 3
      binding protein (Gal-3BP) was selected for further evaluated by ELISA analysis
      and showed a high diagnostic potential of HBV-related HCC, with the AUC of 0.898
      and a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 80.00%, 93.75% and 86.88%,
      respectively. Moreover, we constructed a predictive model through the combined
      use of serum Gal-3BP and Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP), which improved the sensitivity
      (from 87.5% to 95%), specificity (from 93.75% to 95%) and accuracy (from 90.63%
      to 95%) of diagnosing early HCC. These data suggested serum Gal-3BP level is a
      promising biomarker to identify HBV-related HCC and the combined use of serum Gal
      3BP and AFP improves the diagnostic potential of HBV-HCC compared with AFP alone
      in current clinical practice.

PMID- 28079113
TI  - Congenital hearing loss.
AB  - Congenital hearing loss (hearing loss that is present at birth) is one of the
      most prevalent chronic conditions in children. In the majority of developed
      countries, neonatal hearing screening programmes enable early detection; early
      intervention will prevent delays in speech and language development and has long
      lasting beneficial effects on social and emotional development and quality of
      life. A diagnosis of hearing loss is usually followed by a search for an
      underlying aetiology. Congenital hearing loss might be attributed to
      environmental and prenatal factors, which prevail in low-income settings;
      congenital infections, particularly cytomegalovirus infection, are also a common
      risk factor for hearing loss. Genetic causes probably account for the majority of
      cases in developed countries; mutations can affect any component of the hearing
      pathway, in particular, inner ear homeostasis (endolymph production and
      maintenance) and mechano-electrical transduction (the conversion of a mechanical
      stimulus into electrochemical activity). Once the underlying cause of hearing
      loss is established, it might direct therapeutic decision making and guide
      prevention and (genetic) counselling. Management options include specific
      antimicrobial therapies, surgical treatment of craniofacial abnormalities and
      implantable or non-implantable hearing devices. An improved understanding of the
      pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms that underlie hearing loss and increased
      awareness of recent advances in genetic testing will promote the development of
      new treatment and screening strategies.

PMID- 28079116
TI  - Katanin p80, NuMA and cytoplasmic dynein cooperate to control microtubule
      dynamics.
AB  - Human mutations in KATNB1 (p80) cause severe congenital cortical malformations,
      which encompass the clinical features of both microcephaly and lissencephaly.
      Although p80 plays critical roles during brain development, the underlying
      mechanisms remain predominately unknown. Here, we demonstrate that p80 regulates
      microtubule (MT) remodeling in combination with NuMA (nuclear mitotic apparatus
      protein) and cytoplasmic dynein. We show that p80 shuttles between the nucleus
      and spindle pole in synchrony with the cell cycle. Interestingly, this striking
      feature is shared with NuMA. Importantly, p80 is essential for aster formation
      and maintenance in vitro. siRNA-mediated depletion of p80 and/or NuMA induced
      abnormal mitotic phenotypes in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts and aberrant
      neurogenesis and neuronal migration in the mouse embryonic brain. Importantly,
      these results were confirmed in p80-mutant harboring patient-derived induced
      pluripotent stem cells and brain organoids. Taken together, our findings provide
      valuable insights into the pathogenesis of severe microlissencephaly, in which
      p80 and NuMA delineate a common pathway for neurogenesis and neuronal migration
      via MT organization at the centrosome/spindle pole.

PMID- 28079117
TI  - High-field transport properties of a P-doped BaFe2As2 film on technical
      substrate.
AB  - High temperature (high-Tc) superconductors like cuprates have superior critical
      current properties in magnetic fields over other superconductors. However,
      superconducting wires for high-field-magnet applications are still dominated by
      low-Tc Nb3Sn due probably to cost and processing issues. The recent discovery of
      a second class of high-Tc materials, Fe-based superconductors, may provide
      another option for high-field-magnet wires. In particular, AEFe2As2 (AE: Alkali
      earth elements, AE-122) is one of the best candidates for high-field-magnet
      applications because of its high upper critical field, Hc2, moderate Hc2
      anisotropy, and intermediate Tc. Here we report on in-field transport properties
      of P-doped BaFe2As2 (Ba-122) thin films grown on technical substrates by pulsed
      laser deposition. The P-doped Ba-122 coated conductor exceeds a transport Jc of
      105 A/cm2 at 15 T for main crystallographic directions of the applied field,
      which is favourable for practical applications. Our P-doped Ba-122 coated
      conductors show a superior in-field Jc over MgB2 and NbTi, and a comparable level
      to Nb3Sn above 20 T. By analysing the E - J curves for determining Jc, a non
      Ohmic linear differential signature is observed at low field due to flux flow
      along the grain boundaries. However, grain boundaries work as flux pinning
      centres as demonstrated by the pinning force analysis.

PMID- 28079118
TI  - Thermal grill conditioning: Effect on contact heat evoked potentials.
AB  - The 'thermal grill illusion' (TGI) is a unique cutaneous sensation of
      unpleasantness, induced through the application of interlacing warm and cool
      stimuli. While previous studies have investigated optimal parameters and subject
      characteristics to evoke the illusion, our aim was to examine the modulating
      effect as a conditioning stimulus. A total of 28 healthy control individuals
      underwent three testing sessions on separate days. Briefly, 15 contact heat
      stimuli were delivered to the right hand dorsum, while the left palmar side of
      the hand was being conditioned with either neutral (32  degrees C), cool (20 
      degrees C), warm (40  degrees C), or TGI (20/40  degrees C). Rating of perception
      (numeric rating scale: 0-10) and evoked potentials (i.e., N1 and N2P2 potentials)
      to noxious contact heat stimuli were assessed. While cool and warm conditioning
      decreased cortical responses to noxious heat, TGI conditioning increased evoked
      potential amplitude (N1 and N2P2). In line with other modalities of unpleasant
      conditioning (e.g., sound, visual, and olfactory stimulation), cortical and
      possibly sub-cortical modulation may underlie the facilitation of contact heat
      evoked potentials.

PMID- 28079120
TI  - In situ imaging of microstructure formation in electronic interconnections.
AB  - The development of microstructure during melting, reactive wetting and
      solidification of solder pastes on Cu-plated printed circuit boards has been
      studied by synchrotron radiography. Using Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu/Cu and Sn-0.7Cu/Cu as
      examples, we show that the interfacial Cu6Sn5 layer is present within 0.05 s of
      wetting, and explore the kinetics of flux void formation at the interface between
      the liquid and the Cu6Sn5 layer. Quantification of the nucleation locations and
      anisotropic growth kinetics of primary Cu6Sn5 crystals reveals a competition
      between the nucleation of Cu6Sn5 in the liquid versus growth of Cu6Sn5 from the
      existing Cu6Sn5 layer. Direct imaging confirms that the beta-Sn nucleates at/near
      the Cu6Sn5 layer in Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu/Cu joints.

PMID- 28079119
TI  - Interleukin-32 Gamma Stimulates Bone Formation by Increasing miR-29a in
      Osteoblastic Cells and Prevents the Development of Osteoporosis.
AB  - Interleukin-32 gamma (IL-32gamma) is a recently discovered cytokine that is
      elevated in inflamed tissues and contributes to pathogenic features of bone in
      human inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Nevertheless, the role of IL-32gamma and
      its direct involvement in bone metabolism is unclear. We investigated the
      molecular mechanism of IL-32gamma in bone remodeling and the hypothetical
      correlation between IL-32gamma and disease activity in osteoporosis patients.
      Transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing human IL-32gamma showed reduced bone loss
      with advancing age, increased bone formation, and high osteogenic capacity of
      osteoblast compared to wild-type (WT) mice through the upregulation of miR-29a,
      which caused a reduction of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) expression. IL-32gamma TG mice were
      protected against ovariectomy (OVX)induced osteoporosis compared with WT mice.
      Decreased plasma IL-32gamma levels were associated with bone mineral density
      (BMD) in human patients linked to increased DKK1 levels. These results indicate
      that IL-32gamma plays a protective role for bone loss, providing clinical
      evidence of a negative correlation between IL-32gamma and DKK1 as bone metabolic
      markers.

PMID- 28079121
TI  - Local geology controlled the feasibility of vitrifying Iron Age buildings.
AB  - During European prehistory, hilltop enclosures made from polydisperse particle
      and-block stone walling were exposed to temperatures sufficient to partially melt
      the constituent stonework, leading to the preservation of glassy walls called
      'vitrified forts'. During vitrification, the granular wall rocks partially melt,
      sinter viscously and densify, reducing inter-particle porosity. This process is
      strongly dependent on the solidus temperature, the particle sizes, the
      temperature-dependence of the viscosity of the evolving liquid phase, as well as
      the distribution and longevity of heat. Examination of the sintering behaviour of
      45 European examples reveals that it is the raw building material that governs
      the vitrification efficiency. As Iron Age forts were commonly constructed from
      local stone, we conclude that local geology directly influenced the degree to
      which buildings were vitrified in the Iron Age. Additionally, we find that
      vitrification is accompanied by a bulk material strengthening of the aggregates
      of small sizes, and a partial weakening of larger blocks. We discuss these
      findings in the context of the debate surrounding the motive of the wall
      builders. We conclude that if wall stability by bulk strengthening was the
      desired effect, then vitrification represents an Iron Age technology that failed
      to be effective in regions of refractory local geology.

PMID- 28079122
TI  - Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals local fish communities in a species-rich
      coastal sea.
AB  - Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a potentially powerful tool
      to assess aquatic community structures. However, the method has hitherto lacked
      field tests that evaluate its effectiveness and practical properties as a
      biodiversity monitoring tool. Here, we evaluated the ability of eDNA
      metabarcoding to reveal fish community structures in species-rich coastal waters.
      High-performance fish-universal primers and systematic spatial water sampling at
      47 stations covering ~11 km2 revealed the fish community structure at a species
      resolution. The eDNA metabarcoding based on a 6-h collection of water samples
      detected 128 fish species, of which 62.5% (40 species) were also observed by
      underwater visual censuses conducted over a 14-year period. This method also
      detected other local fishes (>=23 species) that were not observed by the visual
      censuses. These eDNA metabarcoding features will enhance marine ecosystem-related
      research, and the method will potentially become a standard tool for surveying
      fish communities.

PMID- 28079124
TI  - Axisymmetric rotational stagnation point flow impinging radially a permeable
      stretching/shrinking surface in a nanofluid using Tiwari and Das model.
AB  - In this paper, the problem of normal impingement rotational stagnation-point flow
      on a radially permeable stretching sheet in a viscous fluid, recently studied in
      a very interesting paper, is extended to a water-based nanofluid. A similarity
      transformation is used to reduce the system of governing nonlinear partial
      differential equations to a system of ordinary differential equations, which is
      then solved numerically using the function bvp4c from Matlab. It is found that
      dual (upper and lower branch) solutions exist for some values of the governing
      parameters. From the stability analysis, it is found that the upper branch
      solution is stable, while the lower branch solution is unstable. Sample velocity
      and temperature profiles along both solution branches are graphically presented.

PMID- 28079123
TI  - TRIM22-Mediated Apoptosis is Associated with Bak Oligomerization in Monocytes.
AB  - Monocyte apoptosis is a key mechanism that orchestrates host immune responses
      during sepsis. TRIM22 is constitutively expressed at high levels in monocytes and
      plays important roles in the antiviral response and inflammation. Overexpression
      of TRIM22 interferes with the clonogenic growth of monocytic cells, suggesting
      that TRIM22 may regulate monocyte survival. However, the effect of TRIM22 on
      monocyte apoptosis remains unknown. In the present report, lipopolysaccharides
      (LPS)-primed human peripheral blood monocytes expressing higher levels of TRIM22
      were more sensitive to apoptosis. This phenomenon was also observed in TRIM22
      overexpressing THP-1 monocytes and was associated with the activation of caspase
      9 and caspase-3, as well as the increased expression and oligomerization of the
      pro-apoptotic protein Bak. Similar expression patterns of TRIM22 and Bak were
      also observed in LPS-primed, apoptotic human peripheral blood monocytes. In
      addition, the deletion of either the RING domain or the SPRY domain of TRIM22
      significantly attenuated TRIM22-mediated monocyte apoptosis and decreased Bak
      expression and oligomerization. Furthermore, in monocytes from septic patients,
      TRIM22 levels were down-regulated and positively correlated with Bak levels.
      Taken together, these results indicate that TRIM22 plays a critical role in
      monocyte apoptosis by regulating Bak oligomerization and may have a potential
      function in the pathogenesis of sepsis.

PMID- 28079125
TI  - Establishment of a integrative multi-omics expression database CKDdb in the
      context of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
AB  - Complex human traits such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) are a major health and
      financial burden in modern societies. Currently, the description of the CKD onset
      and progression at the molecular level is still not fully understood. Meanwhile,
      the prolific use of high-throughput omic technologies in disease biomarker
      discovery studies yielded a vast amount of disjointed data that cannot be easily
      collated. Therefore, we aimed to develop a molecule-centric database featuring
      CKD-related experiments from available literature publications. We established
      the Chronic Kidney Disease database CKDdb, an integrated and clustered
      information resource that covers multi-omic studies (microRNAs, genomics,
      peptidomics, proteomics and metabolomics) of CKD and related disorders by
      performing literature data mining and manual curation. The CKDdb database
      contains differential expression data from 49395 molecule entries (redundant), of
      which 16885 are unique molecules (non-redundant) from 377 manually curated
      studies of 230 publications. This database was intentionally built to allow
      disease pathway analysis through a systems approach in order to yield biological
      meaning by integrating all existing information and therefore has the potential
      to unravel and gain an in-depth understanding of the key molecular events that
      modulate CKD pathogenesis.

PMID- 28079126
TI  - Detecting N6-methyladenosine sites from RNA transcriptomes using ensemble Support
      Vector Machines.
AB  - As one of the most abundant RNA post-transcriptional modifications, N6
      methyladenosine (m6A) involves in a broad spectrum of biological and
      physiological processes ranging from mRNA splicing and stability to cell
      differentiation and reprogramming. However, experimental identification of m6A
      sites is expensive and laborious. Therefore, it is urgent to develop
      computational methods for reliable prediction of m6A sites from primary RNA
      sequences. In the current study, a new method called RAM-ESVM was developed for
      detecting m6A sites from Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptome, which employed
      ensemble support vector machine classifiers and novel sequence features. The
      jackknife test results show that RAM-ESVM outperforms single support vector
      machine classifiers and other existing methods, indicating that it would be a
      useful computational tool for detecting m6A sites in S. cerevisiae. Furthermore,
      a web server named RAM-ESVM was constructed and could be freely accessible at
      http://server.malab.cn/RAM-ESVM/.

PMID- 28079127
TI  - Functional Nanoarchitectures For Enhanced Drug Eluting Stents.
AB  - Different strategies have been investigated to allow for optimum duration and
      conditions for endothelium healing through the enhancement of coronary stents. In
      this study, a nanoarchitectured system is proposed as a surface modification for
      drug eluting stents. Highly oriented nanotubes were vertically grown on the
      surface of a new Ni-free biocompatible Ti-based alloy, as a potential material
      for self-expandable stents. The fabricated nanotubes were self-grown from the
      potential stent substrate, which are also proposed to enhance endothelial
      proliferation while acting as drug reservoir to hinder Vascular Smooth Muscle
      Cells (VSMC) proliferation. Two morphologies were synthesized to investigate the
      effect of structure homogeneity on the intended application. The material was
      characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
      (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nanoindentation technique was
      used to study the mechanical properties of the fabricated material. Cytotoxicity
      and proliferation studies were performed and compared for the two fabricated
      nanoarchitectures, versus smooth untextured samples, using in-vitro cultured
      endothelial cells. Finally, the drug loading capacity was experimentally studied
      and further supported by computational modeling of the release profile.

PMID- 28079128
TI  - Parallel-META 3: Comprehensive taxonomical and functional analysis platform for
      efficient comparison of microbial communities.
AB  - The number of metagenomes is increasing rapidly. However, current methods for
      metagenomic analysis are limited by their capability for in-depth data mining
      among a large number of microbiome each of which carries a complex community
      structure. Moreover, the complexity of configuring and operating computational
      pipeline also hinders efficient data processing for the end users. In this work
      we introduce Parallel-META 3, a comprehensive and fully automatic computational
      toolkit for rapid data mining among metagenomic datasets, with advanced features
      including 16S rRNA extraction for shotgun sequences, 16S rRNA copy number
      calibration, 16S rRNA based functional prediction, diversity statistics, bio
      marker selection, interaction network construction, vector-graph-based
      visualization and parallel computing. Application of Parallel-META 3 on 5,337
      samples with 1,117,555,208 sequences from diverse studies and platforms showed it
      could produce similar results as QIIME and PICRUSt with much faster speed and
      lower memory usage, which demonstrates its ability to unravel the taxonomical and
      functional dynamics patterns across large datasets and elucidate ecological links
      between microbiome and the environment. Parallel-META 3 is implemented in C/C++
      and R, and integrated into an executive package for rapid installation and easy
      access under Linux and Mac OS X. Both binary and source code packages are
      available at http://bioinfo.single-cell.cn/parallel-meta.html.

PMID- 28079129
TI  - CircRNA_000203 enhances the expression of fibrosis-associated genes by
      derepressing targets of miR-26b-5p, Col1a2 and CTGF, in cardiac fibroblasts.
AB  - Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in regulating gene expression in diverse
      biological and pathological processes. The present study aimed to investigate the
      mechanism underlying the modulation of circRNA_000203 on expressions of fibrosis
      associated genes in cardiac fibroblasts. CircRNA_000203 was shown upregulated in
      the diabetic mouse myocardium and in Ang-II-induced mouse cardiac fibroblasts.
      Enforced-expression of circRNA_000203 could increase expressions of Col1a2,
      Col3a1 and alpha-SMA in mouse cardiac fibroblasts. RNA pull-down and RT-qPCR
      assay indicated that circRNA_000203 could specifically sponge miR-26b-5p. Dual
      luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-26b-5p interacted with 3'UTRs of
      Col1a2 and CTGF, and circ_000203 could block the interactions of miR-26b-5p and
      3'UTRs of Col1a2 and CTGF. Transfection of miR-26b-5p could post-transcriptionaly
      inhibit expressions of Col1a2 and CTGF, accompanied with the suppressions of
      Col3a1 and alpha-SMA in cardiac fibroblasts. Additionally, over-expression of
      circRNA_000203 could eliminate the anti-fibrosis effect of miR-26b-5p in cardiac
      fibroblasts. Together, our results reveal that suppressing the function of miR
      26b-5p contributes to the pro-fibrosis effect of circRNA_000203 in cardiac
      fibroblasts.

PMID- 28079130
TI  - Association of nsv823469 copy number loss with decreased risk of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary function in Chinese.
AB  - It is highly possible that copy number variations (CNVs) in susceptible regions
      have effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development, while
      long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) have been shown to cause COPD. We hypothesized that
      the common CNV, named nsv823469 located on 6p22.1, and covering lncRNAs (major
      histocompatibility complex, class I, A (HLA-A) and HLA complex group 4B (HCG4B))
      has an effect on COPD risk. This association was assessed through a two-stage
      case-control study, and was further confirmed with COPD and pulmonary function
      based family analyses, respectively. The copy number loss (0-copy/1-copy) of
      nsv823469 significantly decreased risk of COPD compared with normal (2-copy) (OR
      = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.69-0.85). The loss allele, inducing copy number loss of
      nsv823469, has a tendency to transmit to offspring or siblings (P = 0.010) and is
      associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (P = 0.030).
      Furthermore, the copy number loss of nsv823469 in normal pulmonary tissue
      decreases the expression levels of HCG4B (r = 0.315, P = 0.031) and HLA-A (r =
      0.296, P = 0.044). Our data demonstrates that nsv823469 plays a role in COPD and
      pulmonary function inheritance by potentially altering expression of HCG4B.

PMID- 28079131
TI  - Matrix Metallopeptidase-2 Gene rs2287074 Polymorphism is Associated with Brick
      Tea Skeletal Fluorosis in Tibetans and Kazaks, China.
AB  - Brick tea skeletal fluorosis is still a public health issue in the north-western
      area of China. However its pathogenesis remains unknown. Our previous study
      reveals that the severity of skeletal fluorosis in Tibetans is more serious than
      that in Kazaks, although they have similar fluoride exposure, suggesting the
      onset of brick tea type skeletal fluorosis might be genetically influenced. Here
      we show that MMP-2 rs2287074 SNP (G/A), but not rs243865, was associated with
      Brick tea type fluorosis in Tibetans and Kazaks, China. The trend test reveals a
      decline in probability for skeletal fluorosis with increasing number of A alleles
      in Tibetans. After controlling potential confounders, AA genotype had about 80
      percent lower probability of developing skeletal fluorosis than GG genotype in
      Tibetans (odds ratio = 0.174, 95% CI: 0.053, 0.575), and approximately 53 percent
      lower probability in Kazaks (odds ratio = 0.462, 95% CI: 0.214, 0.996). A meta
      analysis shows that the AA genotype had approximately 63 percent lower odds (odds
      ratio = 0.373, 95% CI: 0.202, 0.689) compared with GG genotype within the two
      ethnicities. A significant correlation was also found between the genotype of
      MMP2 rs2287074 and skeletal fluorosis severity. Therefore, the A allele of MMP2
      rs2287074 could be a protective factor for brick tea skeletal fluorosis.

PMID- 28079132
TI  - Critical role for CaFEN1 and CaFEN12 of Candida albicans in cell wall integrity
      and biofilm formation.
AB  - Sphingolipids are involved in several cellular functions, including maintenance
      of cell wall integrity. To gain insight into the role of individual genes of
      sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway, we have screened Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      strains deleted in these genes for sensitivity to cell wall perturbing agents
      calcofluor white and congo red. Only deletants of FEN1 and SUR4 genes were found
      to be sensitive to both these agents. Candida albicans strains deleted in their
      orthologs, CaFEN1 and CaFEN12, respectively, also showed comparable phenotypes,
      and a strain deleted for both these genes was extremely sensitive to cell wall
      perturbing agents. Deletion of these genes was reported earlier to sensitise
      cells to amphotericin B (AmB), which is a polyene drug that kills the cells
      mainly by binding and sequestering ergosterol from the plasma membrane. Here we
      show that their AmB sensitivity is likely due to their cell wall defect. Further,
      we show that double deletant of C. albicans is defective in hyphae formation as
      well as biofilm development. Together this study reveals that deletion of FEN1
      and SUR4 orthologs of C. albicans leads to impaired cell wall integrity and
      biofilm formation, which in turn sensitise cells to AmB.

PMID- 28079133
TI  - Mechanical Transgressive Segregation and the Rapid Origin of Trophic Novelty.
AB  - Hybrid phenotypes are often intermediate between those of parental species.
      However, hybridization can generate novel phenotypes when traits are complex. For
      instance, even when the morphologies of individual musculo-skeletal components do
      not segregate outside the parental range in hybrid offspring, complex functional
      systems can exhibit emergent phenotypes whose mechanics exceed the parental
      values. To determine if transgression in mechanics could facilitate divergence
      during an adaptive radiation, we examined three functional systems in the trophic
      apparatus of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes. We conducted a simulation study of
      hybridization between species pairs whose morphology for three functional systems
      was empirically measured, to determine how the evolutionary divergence of
      parental species influences the frequency that hybridization could produce
      mechanics that transgress the parental range. Our simulations suggest that the
      complex mechanical systems of the cichlid trophic apparatus commonly exhibit
      greater transgression between more recently diverged cichlid species. Because (1)
      all three mechanical systems produce hybrids with transgressive mechanics in Lake
      Malawi cichlids, (2) hybridization is common, and (3) single hybrid crosses often
      recapitulate a substantial diversity of mechanics, we conclude that mechanical
      transgressive segregation could play an important role in the rapid accumulation
      of phenotypic variation in adaptive radiations.

PMID- 28079134
TI  - Topological features of vector vortex beams perturbed with uniformly polarized
      light.
AB  - Optical singularities manifesting at the center of vector vortex beams are
      unstable, since their topological charge is higher than the lowest value
      permitted by Maxwell's equations. Inspired by conceptually similar phenomena
      occurring in the polarization pattern characterizing the skylight, we show how
      perturbations that break the symmetry of radially symmetric vector beams lead to
      the formation of a pair of fundamental and stable singularities, i.e. points of
      circular polarization. We prepare a superposition of a radial (or azimuthal)
      vector beam and a uniformly linearly polarized Gaussian beam; by varying the
      amplitudes of the two fields, we control the formation of pairs of these singular
      points and their spatial separation. We complete this study by applying the same
      analysis to vector vortex beams with higher topological charges, and by
      investigating the features that arise when increasing the intensity of the
      Gaussian term. Our results can find application in the context of singularimetry,
      where weak fields are measured by considering them as perturbations of unstable
      optical beams.

PMID- 28079135
TI  - Predicting drug-target interactions by dual-network integrated logistic matrix
      factorization.
AB  - In this work, we propose a dual-network integrated logistic matrix factorization
      (DNILMF) algorithm to predict potential drug-target interactions (DTI). The
      prediction procedure consists of four steps: (1) inferring new drug/target
      profiles and constructing profile kernel matrix; (2) diffusing drug profile
      kernel matrix with drug structure kernel matrix; (3) diffusing target profile
      kernel matrix with target sequence kernel matrix; and (4) building DNILMF model
      and smoothing new drug/target predictions based on their neighbors. We compare
      our algorithm with the state-of-the-art method based on the benchmark dataset.
      Results indicate that the DNILMF algorithm outperforms the previously reported
      approaches in terms of AUPR (area under precision-recall curve) and AUC (area
      under curve of receiver operating characteristic) based on the 5 trials of 10
      fold cross-validation. We conclude that the performance improvement depends on
      not only the proposed objective function, but also the used nonlinear diffusion
      technique which is important but under studied in the DTI prediction field. In
      addition, we also compile a new DTI dataset for increasing the diversity of
      currently available benchmark datasets. The top prediction results for the new
      dataset are confirmed by experimental studies or supported by other computational
      research.

PMID- 28079136
TI  - SNP rs11185644 of RXRA gene is identified for dose-response variability to
      vitamin D3 supplementation: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - The level of serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] has high heritability,
      suggesting that genes may contribute to variations in serum 25(OH)D level and
      vitamin D dose-response. As vitamin D deficiency has been linked to numerous
      diseases, understanding how genetic variation contributes to vitamin D dose
      response is important for personalized vitamin D treatment and cost-effective
      disease prevention. To identify genetic variants responsible for vitamin D status
      and dose-response, we performed two vitamin D3 and calcium clinical
      supplementation trials in 2,207 postmenopausal Caucasian women. We examined the
      association of 291 SNPs with baseline serum 25(OH)D levels and 25(OH)D dose
      response. Five SNPs, rs10500804 (P = 4.93 * 10-7), rs2060793 (P = 6.63 * 10-7),
      rs10741657 (P = 1.49 * 10-6), rs10766197 (P = 1.05 * 10-5) and rs11023380 (P =
      7.67 * 10-5) in the CYP2R1 gene, as well as 6 SNPs, rs4588 (P = 7.86 * 10-7),
      rs2298850 (P = 1.94 * 10-6), rs1155563 (P = 6.39 * 10-6), rs705119 (P = 2.80 * 10
      5), rs705120 (P = 1.08 * 10-4) and rs222040 (P = 1.59 * 10-4) in the GC gene were
      associated with baseline serum 25(OH)D levels. SNP rs11185644 near the RXRA was
      significantly associated with 25(OH)D dose-response (P = 1.01 * 10-4). Our data
      suggest that polymorphisms in the CYP2R1 and GC gene may contribute to variation
      in baseline serum 25(OH)D concentration, and that polymorphism rs11185644 may
      contribute to variation in 25(OH)D dose-response in healthy postmenopausal
      Caucasian women.

PMID- 28079137
TI  - X-ray Structure and Enzymatic Activity Profile of a Core Papain-like Protease of
      MERS Coronavirus with utility for structure-based drug design.
AB  - Ubiquitin-like domain 2 (Ubl2) is immediately adjacent to the N-terminus of the
      papain-like protease (PLpro) domain in coronavirus polyproteins, and it may play
      a critical role in protease regulation and stability as well as in viral
      infection. However, our recent cellular studies reveal that removing the Ubl2
      domain from MERS PLpro has no effect on its ability to process the viral
      polyprotein or act as an interferon antagonist, which involves deubiquitinating
      and deISGylating cellular proteins. Here, we test the hypothesis that the Ubl2
      domain is not required for the catalytic function of MERS PLpro in vitro. The X
      ray structure of MERS PLpro-?Ubl2 was determined to 1.9 A and compared to PLpro
      containing the N-terminal Ubl2 domain. While the structures were nearly
      identical, the PLpro-?Ubl2 enzyme revealed the intact structure of the substrate
      binding loop. Moreover, PLpro-?Ubl2 catalysis against different substrates and a
      purported inhibitor revealed no differences in catalytic efficiency, substrate
      specificity, and inhibition. Further, no changes in thermal stability were
      observed between enzymes. We conclude that the catalytic core of MERS PLpro, i.e.
      without the Ubl2 domain, is sufficient for catalysis and stability in vitro with
      utility to evaluate potential inhibitors as a platform for structure-based drug
      design.

PMID- 28079138
TI  - Spatiotemporal Pattern of PM2.5 Concentrations in Mainland China and Analysis of
      Its Influencing Factors using Geographically Weighted Regression.
AB  - Based on annual average PM2.5 gridded dataset, this study first analyzed the
      spatiotemporal pattern of PM2.5 across Mainland China during 1998-2012. Then
      facilitated with meteorological site data, land cover data, population and Gross
      Domestic Product (GDP) data, etc., the contributions of latent geographic
      factors, including socioeconomic factors (e.g., road, agriculture, population,
      industry) and natural geographical factors (e.g., topography, climate,
      vegetation) to PM2.5 were explored through Geographically Weighted Regression
      (GWR) model. The results revealed that PM2.5 concentrations increased while the
      spatial pattern remained stable, and the proportion of areas with PM2.5
      concentrations greater than 35 MUg/m3 significantly increased from 23.08% to
      29.89%. Moreover, road, agriculture, population and vegetation showed the most
      significant impacts on PM2.5. Additionally, the Moran's I for the residuals of
      GWR was 0.025 (not significant at a 0.01 level), indicating that the GWR model
      was properly specified. The local coefficient estimates of GDP in some cities
      were negative, suggesting the existence of the inverted-U shaped Environmental
      Kuznets Curve (EKC) for PM2.5 in Mainland China. The effects of each latent
      factor on PM2.5 in various regions were different. Therefore, regional measures
      and strategies for controlling PM2.5 should be formulated in terms of the local
      impacts of specific factors.

PMID- 28079139
TI  - Blood Occludin Level as a Potential Biomarker for Early Blood Brain Barrier
      Damage Following Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - Concern about intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the primary reason for
      withholding tPA therapy from patients with ischemic stroke. Early blood brain
      barrier (BBB) damage is the major risk factor for fatal post-thrombolysis ICH,
      but rapidly assessing BBB damage before tPA administration is highly challenging.
      We recently reported that ischemia induced rapid degradation of tight junction
      protein occludin in cerebromicrovessels. The present study investigates whether
      the cleaved occludin is released into the blood stream and how blood occludin
      levels correlate to the extent of BBB damage using a rat model of ischemic
      stroke. Cerebral ischemia induced a time-dependent increase of blood occludin
      with a sharp increase at 4.5-hour post-ischemia onset, which concurrently
      occurred with the loss of occludin from ischemic cerebral microvessels and a
      massive BBB leakage at 4.5-hour post-ischemia. Two major occludin fragments were
      identified in the blood during cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, blood occludin
      levels remained significantly higher than its basal level within the first 24
      hours after ischemia onset. Our findings demonstrate that blood occludin levels
      correlate well with the extent of BBB damage and thus may serve as a clinically
      relevant biomarker for evaluating the risk of ICH before tPA administration.

PMID- 28079140
TI  - Methionine residues around phosphorylation sites are preferentially oxidized in
      vivo under stress conditions.
AB  - Protein phosphorylation is one of the most prevalent and well-understood protein
      modifications. Oxidation of protein-bound methionine, which has been
      traditionally perceived as an inevitable damage derived from oxidative stress, is
      now emerging as another modification capable of regulating protein activity
      during stress conditions. However, the mechanism coupling oxidative signals to
      changes in protein function remains unknown. An appealing hypothesis is that
      methionine oxidation might serve as a rheostat to control phosphorylation. To
      investigate this potential crosstalk between phosphorylation and methionine
      oxidation, we have addressed the co-occurrence of these two types of
      modifications within the human proteome. Here, we show that nearly all (98%)
      proteins containing oxidized methionine were also phosphoproteins. Furthermore,
      phosphorylation sites were much closer to oxidized methionines when compared to
      non-oxidized methionines. This proximity between modification sites cannot be
      accounted for by their co-localization within unstructured clusters because it
      was faithfully reproduced in a smaller sample of structured proteins. We also
      provide evidence that the oxidation of methionine located within phosphorylation
      motifs is a highly selective process among stress-related proteins, which
      supports the hypothesis of crosstalk between methionine oxidation and
      phosphorylation as part of the cellular defence against oxidative stress.

PMID- 28079142
TI  - The prognostic role of EGFR-TKIs for patients with advanced non-small cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - Clinical trials have shown that epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) did not improve the survival of patients with EGFR-mutated
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) because of the high crossover of treatments.
      Realistically, the role of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC with mutated EGFR is not well
      known. We retrospectively analysed data from patients with recurrent or
      metastatic NSCLC. Clinical prognostic factors were identified by Cox proportional
      hazards modelling. Among 503 patients, the median overall survival (OS) for all
      of patients was 11.7 months. Cox analysis showed that PS 0-1, recurrent disease,
      EGFR mutations, or EGFR-TKI treatment were associated with improved OS. In
      patients with EGFR-activating mutations, Cox analysis showed that patients with
      adenocarcinoma, recurrent disease, or EGFR-TKI treatment had significantly longer
      survival. Patients with EGFR-activating mutations who received EGFR-TKI therapy
      had a median OS of 24.3 months, which was significantly longer than those who had
      not received EGFR-TKI therapy (10.8 months). Patients with wild-type EGFR had a
      median OS of 9.7 months and Cox analysis showed that PS score and disease type
      were independent predictors. EGFR-TKI therapy is an independently prognostic
      factor for NSCLC with mutated EGFR. A more effective therapy is needed for
      patients with wild-type EGFR.

PMID- 28079141
TI  - Development of a 690 K SNP array in catfish and its application for genetic
      mapping and validation of the reference genome sequence.
AB  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are capable of providing the highest level
      of genome coverage for genomic and genetic analysis because of their abundance
      and relatively even distribution in the genome. Such a capacity, however, cannot
      be achieved without an efficient genotyping platform such as SNP arrays. In this
      work, we developed a high-density SNP array with 690,662 unique SNPs (herein 690
      K array) that were relatively evenly distributed across the entire genome, and
      covered 98.6% of the reference genome sequence. Here we also report linkage
      mapping using the 690 K array, which allowed mapping of over 250,000 SNPs on the
      linkage map, the highest marker density among all the constructed linkage maps.
      These markers were mapped to 29 linkage groups (LGs) with 30,591 unique marker
      positions. This linkage map anchored 1,602 scaffolds of the reference genome
      sequence to LGs, accounting for over 97% of the total genome assembly. A total of
      1,007 previously unmapped scaffolds were placed to LGs, allowing validation and
      in few instances correction of the reference genome sequence assembly. This
      linkage map should serve as a valuable resource for various genetic and genomic
      analyses, especially for GWAS and QTL mapping for genes associated with
      economically important traits.

PMID- 28079143
TI  - Lethal/sublethal responses of Daphnia magna to acute norfloxacin contamination
      and changes in phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions induced by this antibiotic.
AB  - Although the well-known antibiotic norfloxacin (NOR) is recognized as an
      important environmental pollutant, little is known about its impacts on
      ecological processes, particularly on species interactions. In this paper, we
      quantified Daphnia magna (Crustacea, Cladocera) responses in mortality rate at
      lethal NOR concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L-1), and in
      heartbeat rate, swimming behavior and feeding rate (on the green alga Chlorella
      pyrenoidosa) at sublethal NOR concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg L-1) to
      determine the effects of this antibiotic in plankton systems. In 96-h-long lethal
      experiment, mortality rates of D. magna increased significantly with increasing
      NOR concentration and exposure time. In sublethal experiments, heartbeat rate
      decreased, while time ratio of vertical to horizontal swimming (TVH) and the
      duration of quiescence increased in D. magna individuals exposed to increasing
      NOR concentrations after 4 and 12 h of exposure. These collectively led to
      decreases in both average swimming ability and feeding rate, consistent with the
      positive relationship between average swimming ability and feeding rate. Overall,
      results indicate that, by affecting zooplankton heartbeat rate and behavior, NOR
      decreased feeding efficiency of D. magna even at low doses, therefore, it might
      seriously compromise ecosystem health and function.

PMID- 28079145
TI  - Galectin-3 as a marker of interstitial atrial remodelling involved in atrial
      fibrillation.
AB  - Remodelling in the atria could appear as a result of hypertension, diabetes or
      ischaemic heart disease. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a mediator of profibrotic pathways
      and a potential biomarker of cardiac remodelling. We prospectively recruited
      consecutive patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Preoperative Gal-3
      levels were determined from serum samples, and the presence of fibrosis was
      assessed from atrial appendage tissue samples obtained during cardiac surgery. We
      included 100 patients with aortic valve or ischaemic heart diseases and 15
      controls with permanent AF. Gal-3 levels were associated with sex, left atrial
      volume, previous cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, NYHA and NT
      proBNP. We observed differences in serum Gal-3 concentrations between patients
      and controls with permanent AF (p = 0.020). We performed ROC curves related to
      fibrosis and established a cutoff point for Gal-3 >13.65 ng/ml. Multivariate
      analyses showed previous cardiac disease, NYHA scale and high Gal-3 to be
      independent predictors of fibrosis. After adjustment for confounding factors,
      atrial fibrosis remained the only independent factor for the development of AF (p
      = 0.022). High Gal-3 serum levels predict fibrosis of the atrial appendage. NYHA
      scale and previous cardiac disease were also associated with tissue fibrosis in
      patients undergoing surgery. Atrial fibrosis was the only independent predictor
      for post-operative AF occurrence in our model after correcting for confounding
      factors.

PMID- 28079144
TI  - IGF-IR cooperates with ERalpha to inhibit breast cancer cell aggressiveness by
      regulating the expression and localisation of ECM molecules.
AB  - IGF-IR is highly associated with the behaviour of breast cancer cells. In ERalpha
      positive breast cancer, IGF-IR is present at high levels. In clinical practice,
      prolonged treatment with anti-estrogen agents results in resistance to the
      therapy with activation of alternative signaling pathways. Receptor Tyrosine
      Kinases, and especially IGF-IR, have crucial roles in these processes. Here, we
      report a nodal role of IGF-IR in the regulation of ERalpha-positive breast cancer
      cell aggressiveness and the regulation of expression levels of several
      extracellular matrix molecules. In particular, activation of IGF-IR, but not
      EGFR, in MCF-7 breast cancer cells results in the reduction of specific matrix
      metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. In contrast, IGF-IR inhibition leads to
      the depletion by endocytosis of syndecan-4. Global important changes in cell
      adhesion receptors, which include integrins and syndecan-4 triggered by IGF-IR
      inhibition, regulate adhesion and invasion. Cell function assays that were
      performed in MCF-7 cells as well as their ERalpha-suppressed counterparts
      indicate that ER status is a major determinant of IGF-IR regulatory role on cell
      adhesion and invasion. The strong inhibitory role of IGF-IR on breast cancer
      cells aggressiveness for which E2-ERalpha signaling pathway seems to be
      essential, highlights IGF-IR as a major molecular target for novel therapeutic
      strategies.

PMID- 28079147
TI  - Flood dynamics in urbanised landscapes: 100 years of climate and humans'
      interaction.
AB  - Raising interest in the interaction between humans and climate drivers to
      understand the past and current development of floods in urbanised landscapes is
      of great importance. This study presents a regional screening of land-use,
      rainfall regime and flood dynamics in north-eastern Italy, covering the timeframe
      1900-2010. This analysis suggests that, statistically, both climate and land-use
      have been contributing to a significant increase of the contribution of short
      duration floods to the increase in the number of flooded locations. The analysis
      also suggests that interaction arises, determining land-use dynamics to couple
      with climatic changes influencing the flood aggressiveness simultaneously. Given
      that it is not possible to control the climatic trend, an effective disaster
      management clearly needs an integrated approach to land planning and supervision.
      This research shows that land management and planning should include the
      investigation of the location of the past and future social and economic drivers
      for development, as well as past and current climatic trends.

PMID- 28079146
TI  - Nitrosative Stress-Induced Disruption of Baroreflex Neural Circuits in a Rat
      Model of Hepatic Encephalopathy: A DTI Study.
AB  - The onset of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in liver failure is associated with high
      mortality; the underlying mechanism is undecided. Here we report that in an acute
      liver failure model employing intraperitoneal administration of thioacetamide in
      Sprague-Dawley rats, diffusion weighted imaging revealed a progressive reduction
      in apparent diffusion coefficient in the brain stem. Diffusion tensor imaging
      further showed that the connectivity between nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), the
      terminal site of baroreceptor afferents in brain stem and rostral ventrolateral
      medulla (RVLM), the origin of sympathetic innervation of blood vessels, was
      progressively disrupted until its disappearance, coincidental with the
      irreversible cessation of baroreflex-mediated sympathetic vasomotor tone
      signifying clinically the occurrence of brain death. In addition, superoxide,
      nitric oxide, peroxynitrite and ammonia levels in the NTS or RVLM were elevated,
      alongside swelling of astroctytes. A scavenger of peroxynitrite, but not an
      antioxidant, delivered intracisternally reversed all these events. We conclude
      that nitrosative stress because of augmented peroxynitrite related to
      accumulation of ammonia and swelling of astrocytes in the NTS or RVLM, leading to
      cytotoxic edema in the brain stem and severance of the NTS-RVLM connectivity,
      underpins the defunct baroreflex-mediated sympathetic vasomotor tone that
      accounts for the high mortality associated with HE.

PMID- 28079148
TI  - Modulation of snow reflectance and snowmelt from Central Asian glaciers by
      anthropogenic black carbon.
AB  - Deposited mineral dust and black carbon are known to reduce the albedo of snow
      and enhance melt. Here we estimate the contribution of anthropogenic black carbon
      (BC) to snowmelt in glacier accumulation zones of Central Asia based on in-situ
      measurements and modelling. Source apportionment suggests that more than 94% of
      the BC is emitted from mostly regional anthropogenic sources while the remaining
      contribution comes from natural biomass burning. Even though the annual
      deposition flux of mineral dust can be up to 20 times higher than that of BC, we
      find that anthropogenic BC causes the majority (60% on average) of snow
      darkening. This leads to summer snowmelt rate increases of up to 6.3% (7 cm a-1)
      on glaciers in three different mountain environments in Kyrgyzstan, based on
      albedo reduction and snowmelt models.

PMID- 28079149
TI  - Subwavelength grating as both emission mirror and electrical contact for VCSELs
      in any material system.
AB  - Semiconductor-metal subwavelength grating (SMSG) can serve a dual purpose in
      vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), as both optical coupler and
      current injector. SMSGs provide optical as well as lateral current confinement,
      eliminating the need for ring contacts and lateral build-in optical and current
      confinement, allowing their implementation on arbitrarily large surfaces. Using
      an SMSG as the top mirror enables fabrication of monolithic VCSELs from any type
      of semiconductor crystal. The construction of VCSELs with SMSGs requires
      significantly less p-type material, in comparison to conventional VCSELs. In this
      paper, using a three-dimensional, fully vectorial optical model, we analyse the
      properties of the stand-alone SMSG in a number of semiconductor materials for a
      broad range of wavelengths. Integrating the optical model with thermal and
      electrical numerical models, we then simulate the threshold operation of an
      exemplary SMSG VCSEL.

PMID- 28079150
TI  - Sustained kidney biochemical derangement in treated experimental diabetes: a clue
      to metabolic memory.
AB  - The occurrence of biochemical alterations that last for a long period of time in
      diabetic individuals even after adequate handling of glycemia is an intriguing
      phenomenon named metabolic memory. In this study, we show that a kidney pathway
      is gradually altered during the course of diabetes and remains persistently
      changed after late glycemic control in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This
      pathway comprises an early decline of uric acid clearance and pAMPK expression
      followed by fumarate accumulation, increased TGF-beta expression, reduced PGC
      1alpha expression, and downregulation of methylation and hydroxymethylation of
      mitochondrial DNA. The sustained decrease of uric acid clearance in treated
      diabetes may support the prolonged kidney biochemical alterations observed after
      tight glycemic control, and this regulation is likely mediated by the sustained
      decrease of AMPK activity and the induction of inflammation. This manuscript
      proposes the first consideration of the possible role of hyperuricemia and the
      underlying biochemical changes as part of metabolic memory in diabetic
      nephropathy development after glycemic control.

PMID- 28079151
TI  - Discovery and Mechanistic Characterization of Selective Inhibitors of H2S
      producing Enzyme: 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase (3MST) Targeting Active
      site Cysteine Persulfide.
AB  - Very recent studies indicate that sulfur atoms with oxidation state 0 or -1,
      called sulfane sulfurs, are the actual mediators of some physiological processes
      previously considered to be regulated by hydrogen sulfide (H2S). 3
      Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST), one of three H2S-producing enzymes,
      was also recently shown to produce sulfane sulfur (H2Sn). Here, we report the
      discovery of several potent 3MST inhibitors by means of high-throughput screening
      (HTS) of a large chemical library (174,118 compounds) with our H2S-selective
      fluorescent probe, HSip-1. Most of the identified inhibitors had similar aromatic
      ring-carbonyl-S-pyrimidone structures. Among them, compound 3 showed very high
      selectivity for 3MST over other H2S/sulfane sulfur-producing enzymes and
      rhodanese. The X-ray crystal structures of 3MST complexes with two of the
      inhibitors revealed that their target is a persulfurated cysteine residue located
      in the active site of 3MST. Precise theoretical calculations indicated the
      presence of a strong long-range electrostatic interaction between the persulfur
      anion of the persulfurated cysteine residue and the positively charged carbonyl
      carbon of the pyrimidone moiety of the inhibitor. Our results also provide the
      experimental support for the idea that the 3MST-catalyzed reaction with 3
      mercaptopyruvate proceeds via a ping-pong mechanism.

PMID- 28079152
TI  - A novel toolbox for the in vitro assay of hepatitis D virus infection.
AB  - Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus that requires the presence of
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its life cycle. The in vitro HDV infection system is
      widely used as a surrogate model to study cellular infection with both viruses
      owing to its practical feasibility. However, previous methods for running this
      system were less efficient for high-throughput screening and large-scale studies.
      Here, we developed a novel method for the production of infectious HDV by
      adenoviral vector (AdV)-mediated transduction. We demonstrated that the AdV-based
      method yields 10-fold higher viral titers than the transient-transfection
      approach. The HDV-containing supernatant derived from AdV-infected Huh7 cells can
      be used as the inoculum in infectivity assays without requiring further
      concentration prior to use. Furthermore, we devloped a chemiluminescent
      immunoassay (HDV-CLEIA) to quantitatively determine intracellular HDAg with a
      dynamic range of 5-11,000 pg/mL. HDV-CLEIA can be used as an alternative approach
      to assess HDV infection. The advantages of our updated methodology were
      demonstrated through in vitro HDV infection of HepaRG cells and by evaluating the
      neutralization activity using antibodies that target various regions of the
      HBV/HDV envelope proteins. Together, the methods presented here comprise a novel
      toolbox of in vitro assays for studying HDV infection.

PMID- 28079153
TI  - NF-kappaB activation is critical for bacterial lipoprotein tolerance-enhanced
      bactericidal activity in macrophages during microbial infection.
AB  - Tolerance to bacterial components represents an essential regulatory mechanism
      during bacterial infection. Bacterial lipoprotein (BLP)-induced tolerance confers
      protection against microbial sepsis by attenuating inflammatory responses and
      augmenting antimicrobial activity in innate phagocytes. It has been well
      documented that BLP tolerance-attenuated proinflammatory cytokine production is
      associated with suppressed TLR2 signalling pathway; however, the underlying
      mechanism(s) involved in BLP tolerance-enhanced antimicrobial activity is
      unclear. Here we report that BLP-tolerised macrophages exhibited accelerated
      phagosome maturation and enhanced bactericidal activity upon bacterial infection,
      with upregulated expression of membrane-trafficking regulators and lysosomal
      enzymes. Notably, bacterial challenge resulted in a strong activation of NF
      kappaB pathway in BLP-tolerised macrophages. Importantly, activation of NF-kappaB
      pathway is critical for BLP tolerance-enhanced antimicrobial activity, as
      deactivation of NF-kappaB in BLP-tolerised macrophages impaired phagosome
      maturation and intracellular killing of the ingested bacteria. Finally,
      activation of NF-kappaB pathway in BLP-tolerised macrophages was dependent on
      NOD1 and NOD2 signalling, as knocking-down NOD1 and NOD2 substantially inhibited
      bacteria-induced activation of NF-kappaB and overexpression of Rab10 and Acp5,
      two membrane-trafficking regulators and lysosomal enzymes contributed to BLP
      tolerance-enhanced bactericidal activity. These results indicate that activation
      of NF-kappaB pathway is essential for BLP tolerance-augmented antimicrobial
      activity in innate phagocytes and depends primarily on both NOD1 and NOD2.

PMID- 28079154
TI  - Local anesthesia for transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate: A meta
      analysis.
AB  - A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of local anesthesia in
      alleviating pain during prostate biopsy. We searched relevant articles in PubMed
      and Embase. The included studies should be randomized controlled trials (RCT)
      using local anesthesia to alleviate pain during biopsy, which was recorded by a
      pain scale. Analgesic efficacy of different local anesthesia techniques were
      analyzed, including intrarectal local anesthesia (IRLA), periprostatic nerve
      block (PNB), pelvic plexus block (PPB) and intraprostatic local anesthesia
      (IPLA). We included 46 RCTs. PNB significantly reduced pain score compared with
      placebo (-1.27 [95% confidence interval [95% CI] -1.72, -0.82]) or no injection (
      1.01 [95% CI -1.2, -0.82]). IRLA with prilocaine-lidocaine cream could also
      reduced pain (-0.45 [95% CI -0.76, -0.15]), while the IRLA with lidocaine gel was
      not effective (-0.1 [95% CI -0.24, 0.04]). PNB lateral to the neurovascular
      bundle had better analgesic effect than at prostate apex (P = 0.02). Combination
      use of PPB and IRLA considerably alleviated pain of patients compared with the
      combination of PNB and IRLA (-1.32 [95% CI -1.59, -1.06]). In conclusion, local
      anesthesia could alleviate patients' pain during the prostate biopsy. PNB was not
      so effective as PPB.

PMID- 28079155
TI  - Dietary phytochemical PEITC restricts tumor development via modulation of
      epigenetic writers and erasers.
AB  - Dietary intake of bioactive phytochemicals including the cruciferous vegetable
      derivative phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) can reduce risk of human cancers, but
      possible epigenetic mechanisms of these effects are yet unknown. We therefore
      sought to identify the molecular basis of PEITC-mediated epigenetic tumor
      restriction. Colon cancer cells treated with low-dose PEITC for >1 month
      exhibited stable alterations in expression profile of epigenetic writers/erasers
      and chromatin-binding of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and Polycomb-group (PcG)
      proteins. Sustained PEITC exposure not only blocked HDAC binding to euchromatin
      but was also associated with hypomethylation of PcG target genes that are
      typically hypermethylated in cancer. Furthermore, PEITC treatment induced
      expression of pro-apoptotic genes in tumor cells, which was partially reversed by
      overexpression of PcG member BMI-1, suggesting opposing roles for PEITC and PcG
      proteins in control of tumor progression. These data demonstrate that PEITC
      regulates chromatin binding of key epigenetic writers/erasers and PcG complexes
      to restrict tumor development.

PMID- 28079156
TI  - A mucin-like peptide from Fasciola hepatica instructs dendritic cells with
      parasite specific Th1-polarizing activity.
AB  - Fasciolosis is a trematode zoonosis of interest in public health and cattle
      production. We report here the immunostimulatory effect of a 66 mer mucin-like
      peptide from Fasciola hepatica (Fhmuc), which synergizes with lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) to promote dendritic cell (DC) maturation, endowing these cells with Th1
      polarizing capacity. Exposure of DCs to Fhmuc in presence of LPS induced enhanced
      secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and expression of co-stimulatory
      molecules by DCs, promoting their T cell stimulatory capacity and selectively
      augmenting IFN-gamma secretion by allogeneic T cells. Furthermore, exposure of
      DCs to Fhmuc augmented LPS-induced Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expression on the
      cell surface. Finally, Fhmuc-conditioned DCs induced parasite specific-adaptive
      immunity with increased levels of IFN-gamma secreted by splenocytes from
      vaccinated animals, and higher parasite-specific IgG antibodies. However, Fhmuc
      treated DC conferred modest protection against F. hepatica infection highlighting
      the potent immuno-regulatory capacity of the parasite. In summary, this work
      highlights the capacity of a mucin-derived peptide from F. hepatica to enhance
      LPS-maturation of DCs and induce parasite-specific immune responses with
      potential implications in vaccination and therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 28079157
TI  - Feeling Touched: Emotional Modulation of Somatosensory Potentials to
      Interpersonal Touch.
AB  - Although the previous studies have shown that an emotional context may alter
      touch processing, it is not clear how visual contextual information modulates the
      sensory signals, and at what levels does this modulation take place. Therefore,
      we investigated how a toucher's emotional expressions (anger, happiness, fear,
      and sadness) modulate touchee's somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) in
      different temporal ranges. Participants were presented with tactile stimulation
      appearing to originate from expressive characters in virtual reality. Touch
      processing was indexed using SEPs, and self-reports of touch experience were
      collected. Early potentials were found to be amplified after angry, happy and sad
      facial expressions, while late potentials were amplified after anger but
      attenuated after happiness. These effects were related to two stages of emotional
      modulation of tactile perception: anticipation and interpretation. The findings
      show that not only does touch affect emotion, but also emotional expressions
      affect touch perception. The affective modulation of touch was initially obtained
      as early as 25 ms after the touch onset suggesting that emotional context is
      integrated to the tactile sensation at a very early stage.

PMID- 28079158
TI  - Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent regulation of pulmonary miRNA by
      chronic cigarette smoke exposure.
AB  - The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor
      historically known for its toxic responses to man-made pollutants such as dioxin.
      More recently, the AhR has emerged as a suppressor of inflammation, oxidative
      stress and apoptosis from cigarette smoke by mechanisms that may involve the
      regulation of microRNA. However, little is known about the AhR regulation of
      miRNA expression in the lung in response to inhaled toxicants. Therefore, we
      exposed Ahr-/- and Ahr+/- mice to cigarette smoke for 4 weeks and evaluated lung
      miRNA expression by PCR array. There was a dramatic regulation of lung miRNA by
      the AhR in the absence of exogenous ligand. In response to cigarette smoke, there
      were more up-regulated miRNA in Ahr-/- mice compared to Ahr+/- mice, including
      the cancer-associated miRNA miR-96. There was no significant change in the
      expression of the AhR regulated proteins HuR and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). There
      were significant increases in the anti-oxidant gene sulfiredoxin 1 (Srxn1) and
      FOXO3a- predicted targets of miR-96. Collectively, these data support a prominent
      role for the AhR in regulating lung miRNA expression. Further studies to
      elucidate a role for these miRNA may further uncover novel biological function
      for the AhR in respiratory health and disease.

PMID- 28079160
TI  - Tempo of magma degassing and the genesis of porphyry copper deposits.
AB  - Porphyry deposits are copper-rich orebodies formed by precipitation of metal
      sulphides from hydrothermal fluids released from magmatic intrusions that cooled
      at depth within the Earth's crust. Finding new porphyry deposits is essential
      because they are our largest source of copper and they also contain other
      strategic metals including gold and molybdenum. However, the discovery of giant
      porphyry deposits is hindered by a lack of understanding of the factors governing
      their size. Here, we use thermal modelling and statistical simulations to
      quantify the tempo and the chemistry of fluids released from cooling magmatic
      systems. We confirm that typical arc magmas produce fluids similar in composition
      to those that form porphyry deposits and conclude that the volume and duration of
      magmatic activity exert a first order control on the endowment (total mass of
      deposited copper) of economic porphyry copper deposits. Therefore, initial magma
      enrichment in copper and sulphur, although adding to the metallogenic potential,
      is not necessary to form a giant deposit. Our results link the respective
      durations of magmatic and hydrothermal activity from well-known large to
      supergiant deposits to their metal endowment. This novel approach can readily be
      implemented as an additional exploration tool that can help assess the economic
      potential of magmatic-hydrothermal systems.

PMID- 28079159
TI  - SOCS1 favors the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in melanoma, promotes tumor
      progression and prevents antitumor immunity by PD-L1 expression.
AB  - Silencing of SOCS1 protein with shRNAi lentivirus (shR-SOCS1) led to partial
      reversion of the tumorigenic phenotype of B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells. SOCS1
      silencing inhibited cell migration and invasion as well as in vitro growth by
      cell cycle arrest at S phase with increased cell size and nuclei. Down-regulation
      of SOCS1 decreased the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor, Ins
      Ralpha, and fibroblast growth factor receptors. The present work aimed at
      analyzing the SOCS1 cell signaling and expression of proteins relevant to tumor
      development. An RNA microarray analysis of B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells with SOCS1
      silenced by shRNAi-SOCS1 was undertaken in comparison with cells transduced with
      the empty vector. Among 609 differentially expressed genes, c-Kit, Met and EphA3
      cytokine/tyrosine-kinase (TK) receptors were down regulated. A significant
      decrease in the expression of TK receptors, the phosphorylation of mediators of
      ERK1/2 and p38 pathways and STAT3 (S727) were observed. Subcutaneous immunization
      with shR-SOCS1-transduced viable tumor cells rendered protection against melanoma
      in a syngeneic model, with decreased expression of PD-L1 and of matrix metallo
      proteinases (MMPs) and CD-10 in those cells. The present work shows the role of
      SOCS1 in murine melanoma development and the potential of SOCS1-silenced tumor
      cells in raising an effective anti-melanoma immune response.

PMID- 28079161
TI  - Micro-Structured Two-Component 3D Metamaterials with Negative Thermal-Expansion
      Coefficient from Positive Constituents.
AB  - Controlling the thermal expansion of materials is of great technological
      importance. Uncontrolled thermal expansion can lead to failure or irreversible
      destruction of structures and devices. In ordinary crystals, thermal expansion is
      governed by the asymmetry of the microscopic binding potential, which cannot be
      adjusted easily. In artificial crystals called metamaterials, thermal expansion
      can be controlled by structure. Here, following previous theoretical work, we
      fabricate three-dimensional (3D) two-component polymer micro-lattices by using
      gray-tone laser lithography. We perform cross-correlation analysis of optical
      microscopy images taken at different sample temperatures. The derived
      displacement-vector field reveals that the thermal expansion and resulting
      bending of the bi-material beams leads to a rotation of the 3D chiral crosses
      arranged onto a 3D checkerboard pattern within one metamaterial unit cell. These
      rotations can compensate the expansion of the all positive constituents, leading
      to an effectively near-zero thermal length-expansion coefficient, or over
      compensate the expansion, leading to an effectively negative thermal length
      expansion coefficient. This evidences a striking level of thermal-expansion
      control.

PMID- 28079162
TI  - Glucose tolerance in mice exposed to light-dark stimulus patterns mirroring
      dayshift and rotating shift schedules.
AB  - Glucose tolerance was measured in (nocturnal) mice exposed to light-dark stimulus
      patterns simulating those that (diurnal) humans would experience while working
      dayshift (DSS) and 2 rotating night shift patterns (1 rotating night shift per
      week [RSS1] and 3 rotating night shifts per week [RSS3]). Oral glucose tolerance
      tests were administered at the same time and light phase during the third week of
      each experimental session. In contrast to the RSS1 and RSS3 conditions, glucose
      levels reduced more quickly for the DSS condition. Glucose area-under-the-curve
      measured for the DSS condition was also significantly less than that for the RSS1
      and RSS3 conditions. Circadian disruption for the 3 light-dark patterns was
      quantified using phasor magnitude based on the 24-h light-dark patterns and their
      associated activity-rest patterns. Circadian disruption for mice in the DSS
      condition was significantly less than that for the RSS1 and RSS3 conditions. This
      study extends previous studies showing that even 1 night of shift work decreases
      glucose tolerance and that circadian disruption is linked to glucose tolerance in
      mice.

PMID- 28079163
TI  - Steady-state and dynamic network modes for perceptual expectation.
AB  - Perceptual expectation can attenuate repetition suppression, the stimulus-induced
      neuronal response generated by repeated stimulation, suggesting that repetition
      suppression is a top-down modulatory phenomenon. However, it is still unclear
      which high-level brain areas are involved and how they interact with low-level
      brain areas. Further, the temporal range over which perceptual expectation can
      effectively attenuate repetition suppression effects remains unclear. To
      elucidate the details of this top-down modulatory process, we used two short and
      long inter-stimulus intervals for a perceptual expectation paradigm of paired
      stimulation. We found that top-down modulation enhanced the response to the
      unexpected stimulus when repetition suppression was weak and that the effect
      disappeared at 1,000 ms prior to stimulus exposure. The high-level areas involved
      in this process included the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG_L) and left
      parietal lobule (IPL_L). We also found two systems providing modulatory input to
      the right fusiform face area (FFA_R): one from IFG_L and the other from IPL_L.
      Most importantly, we identified two states of networks through which perceptual
      expectation modulates sensory responses: one is a dynamic state and the other is
      a steady state. Our results provide the first functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) evidence of temporally nested networks in brain processing.

PMID- 28079164
TI  - Corrigendum: Construction and application of a co-expression network in
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

PMID- 28079165
TI  - Oriented and Ordered Biomimetic Remineralization of the Surface of Demineralized
      Dental Enamel Using HAP@ACP Nanoparticles Guided by Glycine.
AB  - Achieving oriented and ordered remineralization on the surface of demineralized
      dental enamel, thereby restoring the satisfactory mechanical properties
      approaching those of sound enamel, is still a challenge for dentists. To mimic
      the natural biomineralization approach for enamel remineralization, the
      biological process of enamel development proteins, such as amelogenin, was
      simulated in this study. In this work, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) conjugated
      with alendronate (ALN) was applied to stabilize amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)
      to form CMC/ACP nanoparticles. Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) functioned as the
      protease which decompose amelogenin in vivo to degrade the CMC-ALN matrix and
      generate HAP@ACP core-shell nanoparticles. Finally, when guided by 10 mM glycine
      (Gly), HAP@ACP nanoparticles can arrange orderly and subsequently transform from
      an amorphous phase to well-ordered rod-like apatite crystals to achieve oriented
      and ordered biomimetic remineralization on acid-etched enamel surfaces. This
      biomimetic remineralization process is achieved through the oriented attachment
      (OA) of nanoparticles based on non-classical crystallization theory. These
      results indicate that finding and developing analogues of natural proteins such
      as amelogenin involved in the biomineralization by natural macromolecular
      polymers and imitating the process of biomineralization would be an effective
      strategy for enamel remineralization. Furthermore, this method represents a
      promising method for the management of early caries in minimal invasive dentistry
      (MID).

PMID- 28079167
TI  - Corrigendum: Integration and Typologies of Vulnerability to Climate Change: A
      Case Study from Australian Wheat Sheep Zones.

PMID- 28079166
TI  - Oxytocin biases men but not women to restore social connections with individuals
      who socially exclude them.
AB  - We normally react to individuals who exclude us socially by either avoiding them
      or increasing our attempts to interact with them. The neuropeptide oxytocin can
      promote social bonds and reduce social conflict and we therefore investigated
      whether it facilitates more positive social responses towards individuals who
      exclude or include us. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-subject
      design 77 healthy Chinese male and female participants received intranasal
      oxytocin (40 IU) or placebo before playing a modified virtual ball-tossing game
      with three fictitious partners who either showed exclusion, inclusion or neutral
      behavioral interactions with them. Results showed that both male and female
      subjects threw the ball more often to individuals who excluded rather than
      included them, although oxytocin did not alter this or awareness/feelings of
      exclusion or inclusion. However, when subjects returned a week later males, but
      not females, in the oxytocin group exhibited an increased liking for, and
      preference for playing again with, players who had previously excluded them. This
      oxytocin effect was positively associated with independent traits. Our findings
      suggest that in a collectivist culture oxytocin may promote the desire of males,
      but not females, with a stronger independent orientation to rebuild social
      connections with individuals who have previously excluded them.

PMID- 28079168
TI  - Molecular dynamics studies unravel role of conserved residues responsible for
      movement of ions into active site of DHBPS.
AB  - 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate synthase (DHBPS) catalyzes the conversion of
      D-ribulose 5-phosphate (Ru5P) to L-3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate in the
      presence of Mg2+. Although crystal structures of DHBPS in complex with Ru5P and
      non-catalytic metal ions have been reported, structure with Ru5P along with Mg2+
      is still elusive. Therefore, mechanistic role played by Mg2+ in the structure of
      DHBPS is poorly understood. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations of
      DHBPS-Ru5P complex along with Mg2+ have shown entry of Mg2+ from bulk solvent
      into active site. Presence of Mg2+ in active site has constrained conformations
      of Ru5P and has reduced flexibility of loop-2. Formation of hydrogen bonds among
      Thr-108 and residues - Gly-109, Val-110, Ser-111, and Asp-114 are found to be
      critical for entry of Mg2+ into active site. Subsequent in silico mutations of
      residues, Thr-108 and Asp-114 have substantiated the importance of these
      interactions. Loop-4 of one monomer is being proposed to act as a "lid" covering
      the active site of other monomer. Further, the conserved nature of residues
      taking part in the transfer of Mg2+ suggests the same mechanism being present in
      DHBPS of other microorganisms. Thus, this study provides insights into the
      functioning of DHBPS that can be used for the designing of inhibitors.

PMID- 28079169
TI  - Abnormalities of regional brain function in Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis
      of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging studies.
AB  - There is convincing evidence that abnormalities of regional brain function exist
      in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, many resting-state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations
      (ALFF) have reported inconsistent results about regional spontaneous neuronal
      activity in PD. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis using the
      Seed-based d Mapping and several complementary analyses. We searched PubMed,
      Embase, and Web of Science databases for eligible whole-brain rs-fMRI studies
      that measured ALFF differences between patients with PD and healthy controls
      published from January 1st, 2000 until June 24, 2016. Eleven studies reporting 14
      comparisons, comparing 421 patients and 381 healthy controls, were included. The
      most consistent and replicable findings in patients with PD compared with healthy
      controls were identified, including the decreased ALFFs in the bilateral
      supplementary motor areas, left putamen, left premotor cortex, and left inferior
      parietal gyrus, and increased ALFFs in the right inferior parietal gyrus. The
      altered ALFFs in these brain regions are related to motor deficits and
      compensation in PD, which contribute to understanding its neurobiological
      underpinnings and could serve as specific regions of interest for further
      studies.

PMID- 28079171
TI  - Comfortable, high-efficiency heat pump with desiccant-coated, water-sorbing heat
      exchangers.
AB  - Comfortable, efficient, and affordable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
      systems in buildings are highly desirable due to the demands of energy efficiency
      and environmental friendliness. Traditional vapor-compression air conditioners
      exhibit a lower coefficient of performance (COP) (typically 2.8-3.8) owing to the
      cooling-based dehumidification methods that handle both sensible and latent loads
      together. Temperature- and humidity-independent control or desiccant systems have
      been proposed to overcome these challenges; however, the COP of current desiccant
      systems is quite small and additional heat sources are usually needed. Here, we
      report on a desiccant-enhanced, direct expansion heat pump based on a water
      sorbing heat exchanger with a desiccant coating that exhibits an ultrahigh COP
      value of more than 7 without sacrificing any comfort or compactness. The pump's
      efficiency is doubled compared to that of pumps currently used in conventional
      room air conditioners, which is a revolutionary HVAC breakthrough. Our proposed
      water-sorbing heat exchanger can independently handle sensible and latent loads
      at the same time. The desiccants adsorb moisture almost isothermally and can be
      regenerated by condensation heat. This new approach opens up the possibility of
      achieving ultrahigh efficiency for a broad range of temperature- and humidity
      control applications.

PMID- 28079170
TI  - Growth and Morbidity of Gambian Infants are Influenced by Maternal Milk
      Oligosaccharides and Infant Gut Microbiota.
AB  - Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) play an important role in the health of an
      infant as substrate for beneficial gut bacteria. Little is known about the
      effects of HMO composition and its changes on the morbidity and growth outcomes
      of infants living in areas with high infection rates. Mother's HMO composition
      and infant gut microbiota from 33 Gambian mother/infant pairs at 4, 16, and 20
      weeks postpartum were analyzed for relationships between HMOs, microbiota, and
      infant morbidity and growth. The data indicate that lacto-N-fucopentaose I was
      associated with decreased infant morbidity, and 3'-sialyllactose was found to be
      a good indicator of infant weight-for-age. Because HMOs, gut microbiota, and
      infant health are interrelated, the relationship between infant health and their
      microbiome were analyzed. While bifidobacteria were the dominant genus in the
      infant gut overall, Dialister and Prevotella were negatively correlated with
      morbidity, and Bacteroides was increased in infants with abnormal calprotectin.
      Mothers nursing in the wet season (July to October) produced significantly less
      oligosaccharides compared to those nursing in the dry season (November to June).
      These results suggest that specific types and structures of HMOs are sensitive to
      environmental conditions, protective of morbidity, predictive of growth, and
      correlated with specific microbiota.

PMID- 28079173
TI  - New experimental evidence to support roaming in the reaction Cl + isobutene (i
      C4H8).
AB  - The reaction Cl + isobutene (i-C4H8) was reported by Suits et al. to proceed via,
      in addition to abstraction, an addition-elimination path following a roaming
      excursion of Cl; a near-zero translational energy release and an isotropic
      angular distribution observed at a small collision energy characterized this
      mechanism. We employed a new experimental method to further characterize this
      roaming mechanism through observation of the internal distribution of HCl (v, J)
      and their temporal behavior upon irradiation of a mixture of Cl2C2O2 and i-C4H8
      in He or Ar buffer gas. With 1-3 Torr buffer gas added to approach the condition
      of small collision energy, the intensities of emission of HCl (v = 1, 2) and the
      HCl production rates increased significantly; Ar shows a more significant effect
      than He because Ar quenches Cl more efficiently to reduce the collisional energy
      and facilitate the roaming path. According to kinetic modeling, the rate of
      addition-elimination (roaming) increased from kE ~ 2 * 105 s-1 when little buffer
      gas was present to ~1.9 * 106 s-1 when 2-3 Torr of Ar was added, and the
      branching ratio for formation of [HCl (v = 2)]/[HCl (v = 1)] increased from 0.02
      +/- 0.01 for abstraction to 0.06 +/- 0.01 for roaming.

PMID- 28079172
TI  - 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)D vitamin D fails to predict sepsis and mortality in a
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - The clinical role of vitamin D in sepsis and mortality prediction is
      controversially discussed. Therefore, we conducted a prospective cohort study on
      standard care wards, including 461 patients with suspected sepsis fulfilling two
      or more SIRS criteria. On the first and third day after onset of SIRS symptoms
      levels of 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)D and sepsis biomarkers were analysed for their
      predictive capacity for identifying infection, bacteraemia and an elevated
      mortality risk. Additionally, several SNPs associated with vitamin D metabolism
      were evaluated. Bacteraemic patients (28.5%) presented with significantly lower
      1,25(OH)D levels than SIRS patients without bacteraemia on the first and third
      day, while 25(OH)D did not show a predictive capacity. No significant differences
      of either 1,25(OH)D or 25(OH)D levels were found between SIRS patients with and
      without infections or between survivors and non-survivors. Sepsis biomarkers,
      including procalcitonin and CRP, showed a significantly higher discriminatory
      capacity for these classification tasks. The vitamin D metabolism-related SNPs
      analysed did not indicate any association with our outcome measures. In
      conclusion, 1,25(OH)D but not 25(OH)D showed a minor discriminatory value for the
      prediction of bacteraemia that was inferior to CRP and PCT but both failed to
      predict sepsis and mortality in a prospective cohort of SIRS patients.

PMID- 28079175
TI  - Interstitial atoms enable joint twinning and transformation induced plasticity in
      strong and ductile high-entropy alloys.
AB  - High-entropy alloys (HEAs) consisting of multiple principle elements provide an
      avenue for realizing exceptional mechanical, physical and chemical properties. We
      report a novel strategy for designing a new class of HEAs incorporating the
      additional interstitial element carbon. This results in joint activation of
      twinning- and transformation-induced plasticity (TWIP and TRIP) by tuning the
      matrix phase's instability in a metastable TRIP-assisted dual-phase HEA. Besides
      TWIP and TRIP, such alloys benefit from massive substitutional and interstitial
      solid solution strengthening as well as from the composite effect associated with
      its dual-phase structure. Nanosize particle formation and grain size reduction
      are also utilized. The new interstitial TWIP-TRIP-HEA thus unifies all metallic
      strengthening mechanisms in one material, leading to twice the tensile strength
      compared to a single-phase HEA with similar composition, yet, at identical
      ductility.

PMID- 28079174
TI  - Alleviating liver failure conditions using an integrated hybrid cryogel based
      cellular bioreactor as a bioartificial liver support.
AB  - Conventionally, some bioartificial liver devices are used with separate
      plasmapheresis unit to separate out plasma from whole blood and adsorbent column
      to detoxify plasma before it passes through a hepatocytes-laden bioreactor. We
      aim to develop a hybrid bioreactor that integrates the separate modules in one
      compact design improving the efficacy of the cryogel based bioreactor as a
      bioartificial liver support. A plasma separation membrane and an activated carbon
      cloth are placed over a HepG2-loaded cryogel scaffold in a three-chambered
      bioreactor design. This bioreactor is consequently connected extracorporeally to
      a rat model of acute liver failure for 3 h and major biochemical parameters
      studied. Bilirubin and aspartate transaminase showed a percentage decrease of 20
      60% in the integrated bioreactor as opposed to 5-15% in the conventional setup.
      Urea and ammonia levels which showed negligible change in the conventional setup
      increase (40%) and decrease (18%), respectively in the integrated system. Also,
      an overall increase of 5% in human albumin in rat plasma indicated bioreactor
      functionality in terms of synthetic functions. These results were corroborated by
      offline evaluation of patient plasma. Hence, integrating the plasmapheresis and
      adsorbent units with the bioreactor module in one compact design improves the
      efficacy of the bioartificial liver device.

PMID- 28079176
TI  - Adductor canal block versus femoral nerve block for total knee arthroplasty: a
      meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - Femoral nerve blocks (FNB) can provide effective pain relief but result in
      quadriceps weakness with increased risk of falls following total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA). Adductor canal block (ACB) is a relatively new alternative
      providing pure sensory blockade with minimal effect on quadriceps strength. The
      meta-analysis was designed to evaluate whether ACB exhibited better outcomes with
      respect to quadriceps strength, pain control, ambulation ability, and
      complications. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wan Fang, China National Knowledge
      Internet (CNKI) and the Cochrane Database were searched for RCTs comparing ACB
      with FNB after TKAs. Of 309 citations identified by our search strategy, 12 RCTs
      met the inclusion criteria. Compared to FNB, quadriceps maximum voluntary
      isometric contraction (MVIC) was significantly higher for ACB, which was
      consistent with the results regarding quadriceps strength assessed with manual
      muscle strength scale. Moreover, ACB had significantly higher risk of falling
      versus FNB. At any follow-up time, ACB was not inferior to FNB regarding pain
      control or opioid consumption, and showed better range of motion in comparison
      with FNB. ACB is superior to the FNB regarding sparing of quadriceps strength and
      faster knee function recovery. It provides pain relief and opioid consumption
      comparable to FNB and is associated with decreased risk of falls.

PMID- 28079177
TI  - Species-dependent variation in sensitivity of Microcystis species to copper
      sulfate: implication in algal toxicity of copper and controls of blooms.
AB  - Copper sulfate is a frequently used reagent for Microcystis blooms control but
      almost all the previous works have used Microcystis aeruginosa as the target
      organism to determine dosages. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      interspecific differences in the responses of various Microcystis species to
      varying Cu2+ concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 mg L-1). The half
      maximal effective concentration values for M. aeruginosa, M. wesenbergii, M. flos
      aquae, and M. viridis were 0.16, 0.09, 0.49, and 0.45 mg L-1 Cu2+, respectively.
      This showed a species-dependent variation in the sensitivity of Microcystis
      species to copper sulfate. Malonaldehyde content did not decrease with increasing
      superoxide dismutase content induced by increasing Cu2+, suggesting that
      superoxide dismutase failed to reduce Cu2+ damage in Microcystis. Considering the
      risk of microcystin release when Microcystis membranes are destroyed as a result
      of Cu2+ treatment and the stimulation effects of a low level of Cu2+ on growth in
      various species, our results suggest that copper sulfate treatment for
      Microcystis control could be applied before midsummer when M. aeruginosa and M.
      viridis are not the dominant species and actual amount of Cu2+ used to control M.
      wesenbergii should be much greater than 0.10 mg L-1.

PMID- 28079178
TI  - Significance of oxygen transport through aquaporins.
AB  - Aquaporins are membrane integral proteins responsible for the transmembrane
      transport of water and other small neutral molecules. Despite their well
      acknowledged importance in water transport, their significance in gas transport
      processes remains unclear. Growing evidence points to the involvement of plant
      aquaporins in CO2 delivery for photosynthesis. The role of these channel proteins
      in the transport of O2 and other gases may also be more important than previously
      envisioned. In this study, we examined O2 permeability of various human, plant,
      and fungal aquaporins by co-expressing heterologous aquaporin and myoglobin in
      yeast. Two of the most promising O2-transporters (Homo sapiens AQP1 and Nicotiana
      tabacum PIP1;3) were confirmed to facilitate O2 transport in the
      spectrophotometric assay using yeast protoplasts. The over-expression of NtPIP1;3
      in yeasts significantly increased their O2 uptake rates in suspension culture. In
      N. tabacum roots subjected to hypoxic hydroponic conditions, the transcript
      levels of the O2-transporting aquaporin NtPIP1;3 significantly increased after
      the seven-day hypoxia treatment, which was accompanied by the increase of ATP
      levels in the apical root segments. Our results suggest that the functional
      significance of aquaporin-mediated O2 transport and the possibility of
      controlling the rate of transmembrane O2 transport should be further explored.

PMID- 28079179
TI  - Transcriptome and network analyses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveal that
      amphotericin B and lactoferrin synergy disrupt metal homeostasis and stress
      response.
AB  - Invasive fungal infections are difficult to treat. The few available antifungal
      drugs have problems with toxicity or efficacy, and resistance is increasing. To
      overcome these challenges, existing therapies may be enhanced by synergistic
      combination with another agent. Previously, we found amphotericin B (AMB) and the
      iron chelator, lactoferrin (LF), were synergistic against a range of different
      fungal pathogens. This study investigates the mechanism of AMB-LF synergy, using
      RNA-seq and network analyses. AMB treatment resulted in increased expression of
      genes involved in iron homeostasis and ATP synthesis. Unexpectedly, AMB-LF
      treatment did not lead to increased expression of iron and zinc homeostasis
      genes. However, genes involved in adaptive response to zinc deficiency and
      oxidative stress had decreased expression. The clustering of co-expressed genes
      and network analysis revealed that many iron and zinc homeostasis genes are
      targets of transcription factors Aft1p and Zap1p. The aft1Delta and zap1Delta
      mutants were hypersensitive to AMB and H2O2, suggesting they are key regulators
      of the drug response. Mechanistically, AMB-LF synergy could involve AMB affecting
      the integrity of the cell wall and membrane, permitting LF to disrupt
      intracellular processes. We suggest that Zap1p- and Aft1p-binding molecules could
      be combined with existing antifungals to serve as synergistic treatments.

PMID- 28079181
TI  - Erratum: Condensed-matter equation of states covering a wide region of pressure
      studied experimentally.

PMID- 28079180
TI  - The Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles Methyl Salicylate and Menthol Positively
      affect Growth and Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungi.
AB  - Some herbivore-induced-plant volatiles (HIPVs) compounds are vital for the
      functioning of an ecosystem, by triggering multi-trophic interactions for natural
      enemies, plants and herbivores. However, the effect of these chemicals, which
      play a crucial role in regulating the multi-trophic interactions between plant
      herbivore-entomopathogenic fungi, is still unknown. To fill this scientific gap,
      we therefore investigated how these chemicals influence the entomopathogenic
      fungi growth and efficacy. In this study, Lipaphis erysimi induced Arabidopsis
      thaliana HIPVs were collected using headspace system and detected with GC-MS, and
      then analyzed the effects of these HIPVs chemicals on Lecanicillium lecanii
      strain V3450. We found that the HIPVs menthol and methyl salicylate at 1 and 10
      nmol.ml-1 improved many performance aspects of the fungus, such as germination,
      sporulation, appressorial formation as well as its pathogenicity and virulence.
      These findings are not only important for understanding the multi-trophic
      interactions in an ecosystem, but also would contribute for developing new and
      easier procedures for conidial mass production as well as improve the
      pathogenicity and virulence of entomopathogenic fungi in biological pest
      management strategies.

PMID- 28079183
TI  - Corrigendum: nanoSQUID operation using kinetic rather than magnetic induction.

PMID- 28079182
TI  - Physical Health Indicators Improve Prediction of Cardiovascular and All-cause
      Mortality among Middle-Aged and Older People: a National Population-based Study.
AB  - The effectiveness of established methods for stratifying cardiovascular risk, for
      example, the Framingham risk score (FRS), may be improved by adding extra
      variables. This study evaluated the potential benefits of adding physical health
      indicators (handgrip strength, walking speed, and peak expiratory flow) to the
      FRS in predicting cardiovascular and all-cause mortality by using a nationwide
      population-based cohort study data. During median follow-up of 4.1 years, 67 of
      911 study subjects had died. In Cox regression analysis, all additional physical
      health indicators, except walking speed, significantly predicted cardiovascular
      and all-cause mortality (P < 0.05). Compared with the conventional FRS, c
      statistics were significantly increased when dominant handgrip strength or
      relative handgrip strength (handgrip strength adjusted for body mass index), or
      combination with walking speed or peak expiratory flow were incorporated into the
      FRS prediction model, both in the whole cohort and also in participants who did
      not have prevalent cardiovascular diseases at baseline. In conclusion, dominant
      or relative handgrip strength are simple and inexpensive physical health
      indicators that substantially improve the accuracy of the FRS in predicting
      cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older people.

PMID- 28079184
TI  - Development of a novel model of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis in mice.
AB  - The morbidity rate of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) increased
      rapidly over the last decade. However an appropriate animal model was lacking to
      recapitulate this complicated human disease. We established a novel mice model of
      HTG-AP by poloxamer 407 (P-407) combined with caerulein (Cae). In our study,
      serum triglyceride levels of P-407 induced mice were elevated in a dose-dependent
      manner, and the pancreatic and pulmonary injuries were much severer in HTG mice
      than normal mice when injected with conventional dose Cae (50 ug/kg), what's
      more, the severity of AP was positively correlative with duration and extent of
      HTG. In addition, we found that a low dose Cae (5 ug/kg) could induce pancreatic
      injury in HTG mice while there was no obvious pathological injury in normal mice.
      Finally, we observed that HTG leaded to the increased infiltrations of
      macrophages and neutrophils in mice pancreatic tissues. In conclusion, we have
      developed a novel animal model of HTG-AP that can mimic physiological,
      histological, clinical features of human HTG-AP and it could promote the
      development of therapeutic strategies and advance the mechanism research on HTG
      AP.

PMID- 28079185
TI  - High-efficiency tri-band quasi-continuous phase gradient metamaterials based on
      spoof surface plasmon polaritons.
AB  - A high-efficiency tri-band quasi-continuous phase gradient metamaterial is
      designed and demonstrated based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). High
      efficiency polarizaiton conversion transmission is firstly achieved via tailoring
      phase differece between the transmisive SSPP and the space wave in orthogonal
      directions. As an example, a tri-band circular-to-circular (CTC) polarization
      conversion metamateiral (PCM) was designed by a nonlinearly dispersive phase
      difference. Using such PCM unit cell, a tri-band quasi-continuous phase gradient
      metamaterial (PGM) was then realized by virtue of the Pancharatnam-Berry phase.
      The distribution of the cross-polarization transmission phase along the x
      direction is continuous except for two infinitely small intervals near the phases
      0 degrees  and 360 degrees , and thus the phase gradient has definition at any
      point along the x-direction. The simulated normalized polarization conversion
      transmission spectrums together with the electric field distributions for
      circularly polarized wave and linearly polarized wave demonstrated the high
      efficiency anomalous refraction of the quasi-continuous PGM. The experimental
      verification for the linearly polarized incidence was also provided.

PMID- 28079187
TI  - A spiking neural network model of 3D perception for event-based neuromorphic
      stereo vision systems.
AB  - Stereo vision is an important feature that enables machine vision systems to
      perceive their environment in 3D. While machine vision has spawned a variety of
      software algorithms to solve the stereo-correspondence problem, their
      implementation and integration in small, fast, and efficient hardware vision
      systems remains a difficult challenge. Recent advances made in neuromorphic
      engineering offer a possible solution to this problem, with the use of a new
      class of event-based vision sensors and neural processing devices inspired by the
      organizing principles of the brain. Here we propose a radically novel model that
      solves the stereo-correspondence problem with a spiking neural network that can
      be directly implemented with massively parallel, compact, low-latency and low
      power neuromorphic engineering devices. We validate the model with experimental
      results, highlighting features that are in agreement with both computational
      neuroscience stereo vision theories and experimental findings. We demonstrate its
      features with a prototype neuromorphic hardware system and provide testable
      predictions on the role of spike-based representations and temporal dynamics in
      biological stereo vision processing systems.

PMID- 28079186
TI  - Extracellular vesicle mediated intercellular communication at the porcine
      maternal-fetal interface: A new paradigm for conceptus-endometrial cross-talk.
AB  - Exosomes and microvesicles are extracellular vesicles released from cells and can
      contain lipids, miRNAs and proteins that affect cells at distant sites. Recently,
      microvesicles containing miRNA have been implicated in uterine microenvironment
      of pigs, a species with unique epitheliochorial (non-invasive) placentation. Here
      we report a novel role of conceptus-derived exosomes/microvesicles (hereafter
      referred to as extracellular vesicles; EVs) in embryo-endometrial cross-talk. We
      also demonstrate the stimulatory effects of EVs (PTr2-Exo) derived from porcine
      trophectoderm-cells on various biological processes including the proliferation
      of maternal endothelial cells (PAOEC), potentially promoting angiogenesis.
      Transmission immuno-electron microscopy confirmed the presence of EVs in tissue
      biopsies, PTr2-Exo and PAOEC-derived EVs (PAOEC-Exo). RT-PCR detected 14 select
      miRNAs in CD63 positive EVs in which miR-126-5P, miR-296-5P, miR-16, and miR-17
      5P were the most abundant angiogenic miRNAs. Proteomic analysis revealed EV
      proteins that play a role in angiogenesis. In-vitro experiments, using two
      representative cell lines of maternal-fetal interface, demonstrated bidirectional
      EVs shuttling between PTr2 and PAOEC cells. Importantly, these studies support
      the idea that PTr2-Exo and PAOEC-Exo containing select miRNAs and proteins can be
      successfully delivered to recipient cells and that they may have a biological
      role in conceptus-endometrial cross-talk crucial for the pregnancy success.

PMID- 28079188
TI  - Proteome Response of Chicken Embryo Fibroblast Cells to Recombinant H5N1 Avian
      Influenza Viruses with Different Neuraminidase Stalk Lengths.
AB  - The variation on neuraminidase (NA) stalk region of highly pathogenic avian
      influenza H5N1 virus results in virulence change in animals. In our previous
      studies, the special NA stalk-motif of H5N1 viruses has been demonstrated to play
      a significant role in the high virulence and pathogenicity in chickens. However,
      the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity of viruses with different
      NA stalk remain poorly understood. This study presents a comprehensive
      characterization of the proteome response of chicken cells to recombinant H5N1
      virus with stalk-short NA (rNA-wt) and the stalkless NA mutant virus (rSD20). 208
      proteins with differential abundance profiles were identified differentially
      expressed (DE), and these proteins were mainly related to stress response,
      transcription regulation, transport, metabolic process, cellular component and
      cytoskeleton. Through Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA), the significant
      biological functions of DE proteins represented included Post-Translational
      Modification, Protein Folding, DNA Replication, Recombination and Repair. It was
      interesting to find that most DE proteins were involved in the TGF-beta mediated
      functional network. Moreover, the specific DE proteins may play important roles
      in the innate immune responses and H5N1 virus replication. Our data provide
      important information regarding the comparable host response to H5N1 influenza
      virus infection with different NA stalk lengths.

PMID- 28079190
TI  - Corrigendum: Knockout of Foxp2 disrupts vocal development in mice.

PMID- 28079191
TI  - Enhanced Radiation-tolerant Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Steel and its
      Microstructure Evolution under Helium-implantation and Heavy-ion Irradiation.
AB  - The world eagerly needs cleanly-generated electricity in the future. Fusion
      reactor is one of the most ideal energy resources to defeat the environmental
      degradation caused by the consumption of traditional fossil energy. To meet the
      design requirements of fusion reactor, the development of the structural
      materials which can sustain the elevated temperature, high helium concentration
      and extreme radiation environments is the biggest challenge for the entire
      material society. Oxide dispersion strengthened steel is one of the most popular
      candidate materials for the first wall/blanket applications in fusion reactor. In
      this paper, we evaluate the radiation tolerance of a 9Cr ODS steel developed in
      China. Compared with Ferritic/Martensitic steel, this ODS steel demonstrated a
      significantly higher swelling resistance under ion irradiation at 460  degrees C
      to 188 displacements per atom. The role of oxides and grain boundaries on void
      swelling has been explored. The results indicated that the distribution of higher
      density and finer size of nano oxides will lead a better swelling resistance for
      ODS alloy. The original pyrochlore-structured Y2Ti2O7 particles dissolved
      gradually while fine Y-Ti-O nano clusters reprecipitated in the matrix during
      irradiation. The enhanced radiation tolerance is attributed to the reduced oxide
      size and the increased oxide density.

PMID- 28079189
TI  - Maintenance and Representation of Mind Wandering during Resting-State fMRI.
AB  - Major advances in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
      techniques in the last two decades have provided a tool to better understand the
      functional organization of the brain both in health and illness. Despite such
      developments, characterizing regulation and cerebral representation of mind
      wandering, which occurs unavoidably during resting-state fMRI scans and may
      induce variability of the acquired data, remains a work in progress. Here, we
      demonstrate that a decrease or decoupling in functional connectivity involving
      the caudate nucleus, insula, medial prefrontal cortex and other domain-specific
      regions was associated with more sustained mind wandering in particular thought
      domains during resting-state fMRI. Importantly, our findings suggest that
      temporal and between-subject variations in functional connectivity of above
      mentioned regions might be linked with the continuity of mind wandering. Our
      study not only provides a preliminary framework for characterizing the
      maintenance and cerebral representation of different types of mind wandering, but
      also highlights the importance of taking mind wandering into consideration when
      studying brain organization with resting-state fMRI in the future.

PMID- 28079192
TI  - Differential cytotoxic effects of graphene and graphene oxide on skin
      keratinocytes.
AB  - Impressive properties make graphene-based materials (GBMs) promising tools for
      nanoelectronics and biomedicine. However, safety concerns need to be cleared
      before mass production of GBMs starts. As skin, together with lungs, displays the
      highest exposure to GBMs, it is of fundamental importance to understand what
      happens when GBMs get in contact with skin cells. The present study was carried
      out on HaCaT keratinocytes, an in vitro model of skin toxicity, on which the
      effects of four GBMs were evaluated: a few layer graphene, prepared by ball
      milling treatment (FLG), and three samples of graphene oxide (GOs, a research
      grade GO1, and two commercial GOs, GO2 and GO3). Even though no significant
      effects were observed after 24 h, after 72 h the less oxidized compound (FLG) was
      the less cytotoxic, inducing mitochondrial and plasma-membrane damages with EC50s
      of 62.8 MUg/mL (WST-8 assay) and 45.5 MUg/mL (propidium iodide uptake),
      respectively. By contrast, the largest and most oxidized compound, GO3, was the
      most cytotoxic, inducing mitochondrial and plasma-membrane damages with EC50s of
      5.4 and 2.9 MUg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that only high
      concentrations and long exposure times to FLG and GOs could impair mitochondrial
      activity associated with plasma membrane damage, suggesting low cytotoxic effects
      at the skin level.

PMID- 28079194
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1177/2055102915615046.].

PMID- 28079193
TI  - ECG non-specific ST-T and QTc abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus
      erythematosus compared with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although only
      explored in one study, ECG non-specific ST-T abnormalities, in addition to
      corrected QT-interval (QTc) prolongation, were recently reported in an SLE
      inception cohort. Importantly, these ECG abnormalities are known predictors of
      CVD mortality in the general population, yet their prevalence in patients with
      established SLE has not been evaluated. METHODS: We cross-sectionally
      investigated the presence of non-specific ST-T and QTc abnormalities in 50
      patients with SLE, predominantly Hispanic and black, without CVD or SLE-related
      cardiac involvement and compared them with 139 patients with RA without CVD.
      Demographics, disease-specific characteristics and CVD risk factors were
      ascertained and adjusted for. RESULTS: Patients with SLE (mean age 36+/-13 years,
      92% women, 6 years median disease duration, 96% Hispanics and blacks) had a 3.3
      fold higher adjusted prevalence of non-specific ST-T abnormalities (56% vs 17%; p
      <0.0001) compared with RA, despite the older age and higher percentage of men in
      the RA group. The QTc was 26 ms longer in SLE compared with RA (p=0.002) in the
      setting of a higher percentage of women, blacks, Hispanics and higher C reactive
      protein levels in the SLE group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a high
      prevalence of ECG abnormalities in predominantly Hispanic and black patients with
      SLE. Longitudinal evaluation of the progression to potentially life-threatening
      arrhythmias and/or cardiovascular events is warranted.

PMID- 28079195
TI  - A pH-responsive molecular capsule with an acridine shell: catch and release of
      large hydrophobic compounds.
AB  - Unlike common polyaromatic hydrocarbons, acridine is a characteristic compound
      bearing both pi-stackable large surfaces and a protonable nitrogen atom. Here we
      report the first synthesis of a supramolecular capsule with multiple acridine
      panels. In water, the assembly and disassembly of the capsule reversibly occur
      under neutral and acidic conditions, respectively (>=10 cycles). Notably, the pH
      responsive capsule encapsulates a variety of large hydrophobic compounds (up to
      1.6 nm in diameter) such as coumarins, metallophthalocyanines and
      subphthalocyanine in neutral water and subsequently releases them by simple
      addition of acid.

PMID- 28079196
TI  - Ultra-fast charge migration competes with proton transfer in the early chemistry
      of H2O.
AB  - Oxidation by the ultra-short lived radical cation of water, H2O+, can potentially
      take place at the interface of water and numerous heterogeneous systems involved
      in radiation therapy, energy and environmental industries. The oxidation
      processes induced by H2O+ can be mimicked in highly concentrated solutions where
      the nearest neighbors of H2O+ may be molecules other than water. The reactivity
      of H2O+ and D2O+ is probed in hydrogenated and deuterated sulfuric acid solutions
      of various concentrations. The oxidized solute, sulfate radical, is observed at 7
      ps and remarkably higher yields are found in deuterated solutions. The isotopic
      effects reveal the competition between two ultrafast reactions: proton transfer
      toward H2O (D2O) and electron transfer from HSO4- to H2O+ (D2O+). Density
      functional theory simulations decipher the electron transfer mechanism: it
      proceeds via sub-femtosecond charge migration and is not affected by isotopic
      substitution. This work definitively demonstrates why direct oxidation triggered
      by H2O+ can be competitive with proton transfer.

PMID- 28079197
TI  - Temperature responsive lipid liquid crystal layers with embedded nanogels.
AB  - Polymer nanogels are embedded within layers consisting of a nonlamellar liquid
      crystalline lipid phase to act as thermoresponsive controllers of layer
      compactness and hydration. As the nanogels change from the swollen to the
      collapsed state via a temperature trigger, they enable on-demand release of water
      from the mixed polymer-lipid layer while the lipid matrix remains intact.
      Combining stimuli-responsive polymers with responsive lipid-based mesophase
      systems opens up new routes in biomedical applications such as functional
      biomaterials, bioanalysis and drug delivery.

PMID- 28079199
TI  - Structural influence of proteins upon adsorption to MoS2 nanomaterials:
      comparison of MoS2 force field parameters.
AB  - Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has recently emerged as a promising nanomaterial in a
      wide range of applications due to its unique and impressive properties. For
      example, MoS2 has gained attention in the biomedical field because of its ability
      to act as an antibacterial and anticancer agent. However, the potential influence
      of this exciting nanomaterial on biomolecules is yet to be extensively studied.
      Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are invaluable tools in the examination of
      protein interactions with nanomaterials such as MoS2. Previous protein MD studies
      have employed MoS2 force field parameters which were developed to accurately
      model bulk crystal structures and thermal heat transport but may not necessarily
      be amendable to its properties at the interface with biomolecules. By adopting a
      newly developed MoS2 force field, which was designed to better capture its
      interaction with water and proteins, we have examined the changes in protein
      structures between the original and refitted MoS2 force field parameters of three
      representative proteins, polyalanine (alpha-helix), YAP65 WW-domains (beta
      sheet), and HP35 (globular protein) when adsorbed onto MoS2 nanomaterials. We
      find that the original force field, with much larger van der Waals (vdW)
      contributions, resulted in more dramatic protein structural damage than the
      refitted parameters. Importantly, some denaturation of the protein tertiary
      structure and the local secondary structure persisted with the refitted force
      field albeit overall less severe MoS2 denaturation capacity was found. This work
      suggests that the denaturation ability of MoS2 to the protein structure is not as
      dire as previously reported and provides noteworthy findings on the dynamic
      interactions of proteins with this emergent material.

PMID- 28079198
TI  - Oligomerization of FVFLM peptides and their ability to inhibit beta amyloid
      peptides aggregation: consideration as a possible model.
AB  - Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-specific disorder, shares typical pathophysiological
      features with protein misfolding disorders including Alzheimer's disease.
      Characteristic for preeclampsia is the involvement of multiple proteins of which
      fragments of SERPINA1 and beta-amyloid co-aggregate in urine and placenta of
      preeclamptic women. To explore the biophysical basis of this interaction, we
      investigated the multidimensional efficacy of the FVFLM sequence in SERPINA1, as
      a model inhibitory agent of beta-amyloid aggregation. After studying the
      oligomerization of FVFLM peptides using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations
      with the GROMOS43a1 force field and explicit water, we report that FVFLM can
      aggregate and its aggregation is spontaneous with a remarkably faster rate than
      that recorded for KLVFF (aggregation "hot-spot" from beta-amyloid). The fast
      kinetics of FVFLM aggregation was found to be driven primarily by core-like
      aromatic interactions originating from the anti-parallel orientation of
      complementarily uncharged strands. The conspicuously stable aggregation mechanism
      observed for FVFLM peptides is found not to conform to the popular 'dock-lock'
      scheme. We also found high propensity of FVFLM for KLVFF binding. When present,
      FVFLM disrupts the beta-amyloid aggregation pathway and we propose that FVFLM
      like peptides might be used to prevent the assembly of full-length Abeta or other
      pro-amyloidogenic peptides into amyloid fibrils.

PMID- 28079200
TI  - A molecular dynamics study of the interaction of water with the external surface
      of silicalite-1.
AB  - The interaction of water with the hydroxylated (010) surface of silicalite-1 was
      studied by classical molecular dynamics simulations. Interatomic interactions in
      the system were described using a set of effective potentials combining well
      tested BKS and SPC models. The extended force field is shown to correctly
      reproduce the structural, energy, and dynamical characteristics of the silica
      surface OH groups. The interaction of water with the hydrophilic silanols leads
      to an ordering of H2O molecules in the vicinity of the surface. The ordering is
      found to be limited to two molecular layers extending to 7 A above the surface.
      Despite the hydrophobic nature of the silicalite structure and the presence of
      hydrophilic surface sites, water molecules are capable of penetrating the porous
      silicalite system, where they form an H-bonded network blocking further access to
      the bulk. Water uptake by the zeolite was computed to be small in the time-scale
      of the simulations. The vibrational dynamics of the surface OH groups and
      adsorbed water molecules is discussed in detail. In agreement with the results of
      spectroscopic experiments, water molecules in the ordered surface layer have a
      spectral signature different from that of molecules more distant from the
      surface.

PMID- 28079201
TI  - The driving force for Pi-bond localization and bond alternation in trisannelated
      benzenes.
AB  - To investigate the factors that may cause bond length alternation and pi-bond
      localization in annelated benzenes, ab initio valence bond calculations were
      performed. The results reveal that the bond length alternation of annelated
      benzene is determined by the strain-induced hybridization change from the
      partially optimized geometries, in which the central benzene ring is constrained
      to a regular hexagon, to the equilibrium geometries rather than the previously
      recognized re-hybridization effect that the carbon atoms in the central ring are
      deviated from sp2 hybridization. Meanwhile, the pi-pi interaction also provides a
      sort of driving force, which facilitates bond length alternation, which in turn
      magnifies pi-bond localization. A subsequent potential energy curve study shows
      that sigma-strain and pi-pi interactions have different mechanisms for the
      effect.

PMID- 28079202
TI  - Oligomer formation of a tea polyphenol, EGCG, on its sensing molecule 67 kDa
      laminin receptor.
AB  - Green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) has been attributed
      to the activation of its cell surface sensing receptor 67 kDa laminin receptor
      (67LR). However, the action of EGCG to activate 67LR remains unknown. Here we
      show that EGCG undergoes oligomer formation on its surface receptor 67LR.

PMID- 28079203
TI  - Complexation of short ds RNA/DNA oligonucleotides with Gemini micelles: a time
      resolved SAXS and computational study.
AB  - Gene therapy is based on nucleic acid delivery to pathogenic cells in order to
      modulate their gene expression. The most used non viral vectors are lipid-based
      nanoaggregates, which are safer than viral carriers and have been shown to
      assemble easily with both DNA and RNA. However, the transfection efficiency of
      non viral carriers still needs to be improved before intensive practise in
      clinical trials can be implemented. For this purpose, the in depth
      characterization of the complexes formed by nucleic acids and their transporters
      is of great relevance. In particular, information on the structure and assembly
      mechanism can be useful to improve our general knowledge of these artificial
      transfection agents. In this paper, the complexation mechanism of short
      interfering RNA and DNA molecules (siRNA and siDNA, respectively) with cationic
      micelles is investigated by combining small angle X-ray scattering experiments
      and molecular dynamics simulations. Micelles were obtained by Gemini surfactants
      with different spacer lengths (12-3-12, 12-6-12). The siRNA and siDNA used were
      double strand molecules characterized by the same length and homologous sequence,
      in order to perform a close comparison. We showed that complexes appear in
      solution immediately after mixing and, therefore, the investigation of complex
      formation requires fast experimental techniques, such as time resolved
      synchrotron SAXS (Tr-SAXS). The obtained systems had internal arrangement
      constituted by layers of squeezed micelles alternating the nucleic acids. Both
      SAXS and MD analyses allowed us to evaluate the mean size of complexes in the
      range of a few nanometers, with looser and less ordered stacking for the DNA
      containing aggregates.

PMID- 28079204
TI  - Quantum ergodicity breaking in semi-classical electron transfer dynamics.
AB  - Can the statistical properties of single-electron transfer events be correctly
      predicted within a common equilibrium ensemble description? This fundamental in
      nanoworld question of ergodic behavior is scrutinized within a very basic semi
      classical curve-crossing problem. It is shown that in the limit of non-adiabatic
      electron transfer (weak tunneling) well-described by the Marcus-Levich-Dogonadze
      (MLD) rate the answer is yes. However, in the limit of the so-called solvent
      controlled adiabatic electron transfer, a profound breaking of ergodicity occurs.
      Namely, a common description based on the ensemble reduced density matrix with an
      initial equilibrium distribution of the reaction coordinate is not able to
      reproduce the statistics of single-trajectory events in this seemingly classical
      regime. For sufficiently large activation barriers, the ensemble survival
      probability in a state remains nearly exponential with the inverse rate given by
      the sum of the adiabatic curve crossing (Kramers) time and the inverse MLD rate.
      In contrast, near to the adiabatic regime, the single-electron survival
      probability is clearly non-exponential, even though it possesses an exponential
      tail which agrees well with the ensemble description. Initially, it is well
      described by a Mittag-Leffler distribution with a fractional rate. Paradoxically,
      the mean transfer time in this classical on the ensemble level regime is well
      described by the inverse of the nonadiabatic quantum tunneling rate on a single
      particle level. An analytical theory is developed which perfectly agrees with
      stochastic simulations and explains our findings.

PMID- 28079205
TI  - Reversible control of solubility using functionalized nanoparticles.
AB  - The paper provides a novel method for the reversible control of solubility by use
      of functionalized nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are functionalized with
      functional groups that can act as a co-solvent or anti-solvent and thus can
      induce either dissolution or crystallization. The process is reversible, as the
      solution will go back to its original state when the nanoparticles are removed.
      The use of magnetic nanoparticles facilitates this reversibility. Reductions in
      solubility (and thus crystallization) were demonstrated for d-mannitol-water,
      sodium chloride-water and fenofibrate-ethyl acetate systems. An increase in
      solubility (and thus dissolution) was demonstrated for the benzoic acid-water
      system and the 4-nitrophenol-water system. Reversible manipulation of solubility
      can be used to reduce solvent usage in dissolution and crystallization by
      elimination of the need for an antisolvent or co-solvent.

PMID- 28079206
TI  - Freestanding MoO2/Mo2C imbedded carbon fibers for Li-ion batteries.
AB  - Flexible and freestanding MoO2/Mo2C imbedded carbon fibers (MoO2/Mo2C ICFs) have
      been successfully synthesized via an integrated procedure including
      electrospinning, thermo-plastication in air and reduction/carbonization at high
      temperature. A series of techniques such as SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption-desorption
      analysis, XRD, TGA, IR and XPS have been employed to systemically characterize
      the MoO2/Mo2C ICFs. In particular, it is observed that the MoO2/Mo2C ICFs derived
      from phosphomolybdic acid have more highly porous structures than those derived
      from molybdic acid. Most impressively, the obtained MoO2/Mo2C ICFs are directly
      used as binder- and current collector-free anode materials for LIBs, which
      exhibit desirable rate capability and satisfactory cycling performance. The
      electrochemical investigations illustrated that the MoO2/Mo2C ICFs could deliver
      an initial discharging capacity of 1422.0 mA h g-1 with an original coulombic
      efficiency of 63.3%, and the subsequent reversible capacity could reach as high
      as 1103.6 mA h g-1 even after 70 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g-1. Such a
      capacity is larger than the theoretical capacity of MoO2 (838 mA h g-1) and pure
      carbon fibers (460.5 mA h g-1). More importantly, the MoO2/Mo2C ICFs exhibited an
      excellent rate performance with a capacity of 445.4 mA h g-1 even at a charging
      current density of 1.6 A g-1. The remarkable enhancement in rate capability and
      long cycling performance resulted from a synergistic effect between the MoO2
      nanoparticles and porous carbon fiber matrix. This methodology can be widely
      extended to fabricate other metal oxide/carbon composites for significant energy
      storage and conversion applications.

PMID- 28079207
TI  - Hysteresis phenomena in perovskite solar cells: the many and varied effects of
      ionic accumulation.
AB  - The issue of hysteresis in perovskite solar cells has now been convincingly
      linked to the presence of mobile ions within the perovskite layer. Here we test
      the limits of the ionic theory by attempting to account for a number of exotic
      characterization results using a detailed numerical device model that
      incorporates ionic charge accumulation at the perovskite interfaces. Our
      experimental observations include a temporary enhancement in open-circuit voltage
      following prolonged periods of negative bias, dramatically S-shaped current
      voltage sweeps, decreased current extraction following positive biasing or
      "inverted hysteresis", and non-monotonic transient behaviours in the dark and the
      light. Each one of these phenomena can be reproduced and ultimately explained by
      our models, providing further evidence for the ionic theory of hysteresis as well
      as valuable physical insight into the factors that coincide to bring these
      phenomena about. In particular we find that both interfacial recombination and
      carrier injection from the selective contacts are heavily affected by ionic
      accumulation, and are essential to explaining the non-monotonic voltage
      transients and S-shaped J-V curves. Inverted hysteresis is attributed to the
      occurrence of "positive" ionic accumulation, which may also be responsible for
      enhancing the stabilized open-circuit voltage in some perovskite cells.

PMID- 28079208
TI  - Controlled assembly of single colloidal crystals using electro-osmotic micro
      pumps.
AB  - We assemble charged colloidal spheres at deliberately chosen locations on a
      charged unstructured glass substrate utilizing ion exchange based electro-osmotic
      micro-pumps. Using microscopy, a simple scaling theory and Brownian dynamics
      computer simulations, we systematically explore the control parameters of crystal
      assembly and the mechanisms through which they depend on the experimental
      boundary conditions. We demonstrate that crystal quality depends crucially on the
      assembly distance of the colloids. This is understood as resulting from the
      competition between inward transport by the electro-osmotic pump flow and the
      electro-phoretic outward motion of the colloids. Optimized conditions include
      substrates of low and colloids of large electro-kinetic mobility. Then a sorting
      of colloids by size is observed in binary mixtures with larger particles
      assembling closer to the ion exchanger beads. Moreover, mono-sized colloids form
      defect free single domain crystals which grow outside a colloid-free void with
      facetted inner crystal boundaries centered on the ion exchange particle. This
      works remarkably well, even with irregularly formed ion exchange resin splinters.

PMID- 28079209
TI  - Dynamic phase change and local structures in IL-containing mixtures: classical MD
      simulations and experiments.
AB  - The dynamic phase change between a homogeneous mixture and a liquid-liquid
      biphase and separation of phases are explored in three-component mixtures
      composed of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim][PF6]), 1
      butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4]), and water through a
      classical simulation method and experiment. Different experimental and
      theoretical tools, including density measurement, dynamic light scattering study,
      radial distribution, mean square displacement, an interstice model, and
      statistical function, are used to describe the structural modifications of the
      ions as a function of solution concentration. An analysis of the relation between
      the phase and the state of the component ions indicates that the phase separation
      pattern is governed by the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of anions. We proposed
      the existence of a critical point, that is, 1 : 3 : 8 for
      [Bmim][PF6]/[Bmim][BF4]/H2O (mole fraction). Before this critical point, obvious
      phase separation was seen in the mixtures. The separation phase became
      homogeneous with the addition of [Bmim][BF4] after this critical point. However,
      this homogeneous mixed solution was phase separated again upon the addition of
      [Bmim][PF6] or water. The existing nanostructures were present in the
      [Bmim][PF6]/[Bmim][BF4]/H2O mixtures, and their size abruptly decreased close to
      the critical point. We provided evidence of the formation of double salt ionic
      liquids of [Bmim][PF6]0.25[BF4]0.75.2H2O and discussed the interactions involved
      in these systems by examining their physicochemical properties. The ionic phase
      response of such three-component mixtures could be useful in various
      applications, especially in the dynamic control of extraction/separation
      processing.

PMID- 28079210
TI  - Probing nonlinear optical coefficients in self-assembled peptide nanotubes.
AB  - Self-assembled l,l-diphenylalanine (FF) peptide micro/nanotubes represent a class
      of biomimetic materials with a non-centrosymmetric crystal structure and strong
      piezoelectricity. The peptide nanotubes synthesized by a liquid phase method
      yield tube lengths in the hundreds of micron range, inner diameters in the few
      hundred nanometer range, and outer diameters in the 5-15 MUm range. Second
      harmonic generation (SHG) polarimetry from individual self-assembled FF nanotubes
      is used to obtain the nonlinear (NLO) optical coefficients as a function of the
      tube diameter and thermal treatment. The ratio of the shear to the longitudinal
      component (d15/d33) of the NLO coefficient increases with the diameter of the
      tubes. One of the transverse components of the nonlinear coefficient is found to
      be negative, and its magnitude with respect to the longitudinal component
      increases with the tube diameter. Thermal treatment of individual FF tubes has a
      similar effect upon increasing the diameter of the tubes in SHG polarimetry.
      Concurrent Raman scattering measurements from individual FF tubes show a distinct
      change in the low frequency (100 cm-1) region with the diameter of the tubes
      reflecting subtle effects of water.

PMID- 28079211
TI  - Electrolyte-controlled discharge product distribution of Na-O2 batteries: a
      combined computational and experimental study.
AB  - Tuning the composition of discharge products is an important strategy to reduce
      charge potential, suppress side reactions, and improve the reversibility of metal
      oxygen batteries. In the present study, first-principles calculations and
      experimental confirmation were performed to unravel the influence of O2 pressure,
      particle size, and electrolyte on the composition of charge products in Na-O2
      batteries. The electrolytes with medium and high donor numbers (>12.5) are
      favorable for the formation of sole NaO2, while those with low donor numbers
      (<12.5) may permit the formation of Na2O2 by disproportionation reactions. Our
      comparative experiments under different electrolytes confirmed the calculation
      prediction. Our calculations indicated that O2 pressure and particle size hardly
      affect discharge products. On the electrode, only one-electron-transfer
      electrochemical reaction to form NaO2 takes place, whereas two-electron-transfer
      electrochemical and chemical reactions to form Na2O2 and Na3O4 are prevented in
      thermodynamics. The present study explains why metastable NaO2 was identified as
      a sole discharge product in many experiments, while thermodynamically more stable
      Na2O2 was not observed. Therefore, to achieve low overpotential, a high-donor
      number electrolyte should be applied in the discharge processes of Na-O2
      batteries.

PMID- 28079212
TI  - Direct digestion of living cells via a gel-based strategy for mass spectrometric
      analysis.
AB  - A novel sample preparation method was established for proteomic analysis, during
      which living cells were absorbed into vacuum-dried polyacrylamide gel and
      directly digested into peptides for subsequent LC-MS/MS assays. As a consequence,
      both of the steps for cell lysis and protein extraction involved in a
      conventional digestion method were skipped.

PMID- 28079213
TI  - A computational mechanistic investigation into the reduction of Pt(iv) prodrugs
      with two axial chlorides by biological reductants.
AB  - It is widely reported that the Pt(iv) prodrugs with two axial chlorido ligands
      are reduced by biological reductants via a chloride-bridged inner-sphere
      mechanism. By contrast, in this contribution, we demonstrate that although this
      approach might be true for the reductants with sulphur donors, the reduction by
      ascorbates preferentially occurs via an outer sphere mechanism.

PMID- 28079214
TI  - Estimating carrier relaxation times in the Ba8Ga16Ge30 clathrate in the extrinsic
      regime.
AB  - We used a semi-empirical method to extract carrier relaxation times at different
      temperatures (tau(T)) in thermoelectric materials from a combination of
      experimental results and first-principles calculations. The methodology is based
      on the Boltzmann transport equation formalism within the relaxation time
      approximation. It can be applied to single crystals and polycrystalline
      materials. We applied the method to investigate the electronic transport
      properties of the clathrate compound Ba8Ga16Ge30 type-I. The calculations
      indicate that the carrier relaxation process in single crystals is dominated by
      electron-phonon scattering (tau ? T-3/2), while in polycrystalline materials
      scattering at grain boundaries dominates (tau ~ cte). The Seebeck coefficient,
      electrical conductivity, and electron heat conduction are in consistent agreement
      with experiment. Furthermore, the Slack relation for lattice heat conductivity
      was successfully applied to the material. The calculated figure of merit is in
      good agreement with experimental results.

PMID- 28079215
TI  - Selective-releasing-affected lubricant mechanism of a self-assembled MoS2/Mo-S-C
      nanoperiod multilayer film sliding in diverse atmospheres.
AB  - A self-assembled MoS2/Mo-S-C multilayer film prepared by r.f. co-sputtering of
      MoS2 and graphite targets was tribotested in diverse sliding atmospheres, and the
      lubricant mechanism and its correlations to the selective releasing behavior of
      non-lubricant component were analyzed in detail. Based on the analysis of
      composition and structural transformation of transferred materials by Raman and
      HRTEM characterizations, selective releasing behavior according to the sliding
      atmospheres were found to be particularly apparent in vacuum and dry inert
      atmospheres. Under these conditions, a-C in graphitic form was selectively
      released outwards from the topmost surfaces of contacts, leaving MoS2 layers
      finely reordered in (002) orientation playing a lubricant role. Composition and
      structural transformation were observed not only on the topmost surface of wear
      track but also on the underlying layer at a thickness of tens of nanometers.
      Moreover, it was found that the selective releasing of a-C initiated from the
      center of contacts with higher pressure, and then developed toward the edges,
      resulting in a gradual change in the composition and microstructure of the
      transferred materials from the well-aligned MoS2 layers in the center to the
      graphitic a-C dominant composites at the edges. The short running-in periods and
      low-friction performance in all the tribotests suggested that the initial
      preference of MoS2-riched sublayers in (002) orientation may facilitate the
      formation of shearless tribofilms and therefore provide a feasible way of
      structural tailoring in the MoS2-based lubricant films for an improved
      triboactive response.

PMID- 28079216
TI  - One-step hydroprocessing of fatty acids into renewable aromatic hydrocarbons over
      Ni/HZSM-5: insights into the major reaction pathways.
AB  - For high caloricity and stability in bio-aviation fuels, a certain content of
      aromatic hydrocarbons (AHCs, 8-25 wt%) is crucial. Fatty acids, obtained from
      waste or inedible oils, are a renewable and economic feedstock for AHC
      production. Considerable amounts of AHCs, up to 64.61 wt%, were produced through
      the one-step hydroprocessing of fatty acids over Ni/HZSM-5 catalysts.
      Hydrogenation, hydrocracking, and aromatization constituted the principal AHC
      formation processes. At a lower temperature, fatty acids were first
      hydrosaturated and then hydrodeoxygenated at metal sites to form long-chain
      hydrocarbons. Alternatively, the unsaturated fatty acids could be directly
      deoxygenated at acid sites without first being saturated. The long-chain
      hydrocarbons were cracked into gases such as ethane, propane, and C6-C8 olefins
      over the catalysts' Bronsted acid sites; these underwent Diels-Alder reactions on
      the catalysts' Lewis acid sites to form AHCs. C6-C8 olefins were determined as
      critical intermediates for AHC formation. As the Ni content in the catalyst
      increased, the Bronsted-acid site density was reduced due to coverage by the
      metal nanoparticles. Good performance was achieved with a loading of 10 wt% Ni,
      where the Ni nanoparticles exhibited a polyhedral morphology which exposed more
      active sites for aromatization.

PMID- 28079217
TI  - Cisplatin-induced self-assembly of graphene oxide sheets into spherical
      nanoparticles for damaging sub-cellular DNA.
AB  - This report describes the hitherto unobserved cisplatin induced self-assembly of
      2D-graphene oxide sheets into 3D-spherical nano-scale particles. These
      nanoparticles can encompass dual DNA damaging drugs simultaneously. A combination
      of confocal microscopy, gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry studies clearly
      demonstrated that these novel nanoparticles can internalize into cancer cells by
      endocytosis, localize into lysosomes, and damage DNA, leading to apoptosis. Cell
      viability assays indicated that these nanoparticles were more cytotoxic towards
      cancer cells compared to healthy cells.

PMID- 28079219
TI  - Internal dynamics in helical molecules studied by X-ray diffraction, NMR
      spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
AB  - The conformational behaviour of a prototype helical molecule, [6]helicene, and
      its derivatives was studied in solution and the solid state. Available crystal
      structures of [6]helicene revealed surprisingly large flexibility of this
      molecule and variable-temperature NMR experiments provided unusual temperature
      dependence of chemical shifts of hydrogen, carbon and fluorine atoms in the
      peripheral aromatic rings of [6]helicene and tetrafluoro[6]helicene. These
      chemical shift changes were interpreted as a consequence of the helicene 'pitch'
      opening with elevated temperature, and the experimental data were corroborated by
      DFT calculations of the chemical shift dependence on the helicene conformation
      and by variable-temperature DFT molecular dynamics simulations.

PMID- 28079218
TI  - Zinc ion-induced conformational changes in new Delphi metallo-beta-lactamase 1
      probed by molecular dynamics simulations and umbrella sampling.
AB  - The hydrolysis of a beta-lactam core ring caused by new Delphi metallo-beta
      lactamase 1 (NDM-1) with the help of two zinc cofactors induces significant
      resistance toward beta-lactam antibiotics. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations
      and the umbrella sampling method are integrated to study the conformational
      change mechanism of NDM-1 mediated by zinc ion binding. The statistical analyses
      of interaction contacts of the antibiotic ampicillin (AMP) with residues based on
      MD trajectories suggest that two Zn ions are essential for maintaining the
      binding of AMP with NDM-1. Umbrella sampling simulations further reveal that
      double-Zn coordination exerts strong restriction on the motions of loop L10
      relative to loops L3 and L4. Principal component (PC) analysis also demonstrates
      that zinc ion binding totally inhibits the motion extent of NDM-1 and changes
      internal motion modes in NDM-1. We expect that the current study can provide
      significant dynamical information involving conformational changes of NDM-1 for
      the development of efficient inhibitors to decrease drug resistance of NDM-1
      toward antibiotics.

PMID- 28079220
TI  - Facile pentagon formation in the dissociation of polyaromatics.
AB  - Energetic processing of gaseous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) plays a
      pivotal role in the chemistries of inter- and circumstellar environments, certain
      planetary atmospheres, and also in the chemistry of combustion and soot
      formation. Although the precursor PAH species have been extensively
      characterized, the products from these gaseous breakdown reactions have received
      far less attention. It has been particularly challenging to accurately determine
      their molecular structure in gas-phase experiments, where comparisons against
      theoretical modeling are best made. Here we report on a combined experimental and
      theoretical study of the dissociative ionization of two nitrogen containing
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of C13H9N composition, acridine and
      phenanthridine. The structures of HCN-loss fragments are resolved by infrared
      multiple-photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy of the mass-isolated products
      in an ion trap mass spectrometer. Quantum-chemical computations as well as
      reference IRMPD spectra are employed to unambiguously identify the molecular
      structures. Furthermore, computations at the density functional level of theory
      provide insight into chemical pathways leading to the observed products.
      Acenaphthylene+ and benzopentalene+ - two aromatic species containing pentagons -
      are identified as the main products, suggesting that such species are easily
      formed and may be abundant in regions where thermal or photoprocessing of
      polyaromatics occurs.

PMID- 28079221
TI  - Sizing and Eddy currents in magnetic core nanoparticles: an optical extinction
      approach.
AB  - Optical extinction is a handy and ubiquitous technique that allows us to study
      colloidal nanoparticles in their native state. The typical analysis of the
      extinction spectrum can be extended in order to obtain structural information of
      the sample such as the size distribution of the cores and the thickness of the
      coating layers. In this work the extinction spectra of Fe3O4, Fe3O4@Au, and
      Fe3O4@SiO2@Au single and multilayer nanoparticles are obtained by solving full
      Mie theory with a frequency dependent susceptibility derived from the Gilbert
      equation and considering the effect of Eddy currents. The results are compared
      with non-magnetic Mie theory, magnetic dipolar approximation and magnetic Mie
      theory without Eddy currents. The particle size-wavelength ranges of validity of
      these different approaches are explored and novel results are obtained for Eddy
      current effects in optical extinction. These results are used to obtain particle
      size and shell thickness information from the experimental extinction spectra of
      Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles in good agreement with TEM results, and to
      predict the plasmon peak parameters for Fe3O4@SiO2@Au three layer nanoparticles.

PMID- 28079222
TI  - Infrared characterisation of acetonitrile and propionitrile aerosols under
      Titan's atmospheric conditions.
AB  - Pure, crystalline acetonitrile (CH3CN) and propionitrile (CH3CH2CN) particles
      were formed in a collisional cooling cell allowing for infrared (IR) signatures
      to be compiled from 50 to 5000 cm-1. The cell temperature and pressure conditions
      were controlled to simulate Titan's lower atmosphere (80-130 K and 1-100 mbar),
      allowing for the comparison of laboratory data to the spectra obtained from the
      Cassini-Huygens mission. The far-IR features confirmed the morphology of CH3CN
      aerosols as the metastable beta-phase (monoclinic) ice, however, a specific
      crystalline phase for CH3CH2CN could not be verified. Mie theory and the
      literature complex refractive indices enabled of the experimental spectra to be
      modelled. The procedure yielded size distributions for CH3CN (55-140 nm) and
      CH3CH2CN (140-160 nm) particles. Effective kinetic profiles, tracing the
      evolution of aerosol band intensities, showed that condensation of CH3CH2CN
      proceeded at twice the rate of CH3CN aerosols. In addition, the rate of CH3CH2CN
      aerosol depletion via lateral diffusion of the particles from the interrogation
      volume was approximately 50% faster than that of CH3CN. The far-IR spectra
      recorded for both nitrile aerosols did not display absorption profiles that could
      be attributed to the unassigned 220 cm-1 feature, which has been observed to
      fluctuate seasonally in the spectra obtained from Titan's atmosphere.

PMID- 28079223
TI  - Ultrafast energy and electron transfers in structurally well addressable BODIPY
      porphyrin-fullerene polyads.
AB  - Two electron transfer polyads built upon [C60]-[ZnP]-[BODIPY] (1) and [ZnP]
      [ZnP](-[BODIPY])(-[C60]) (2), where [C60] = N-methyl-2-phenyl-3,4
      fulleropyrrolidine, [BODIPY] = boron dipyrromethane, and [ZnP] = zinc(ii)
      porphyrin, were synthesized along with their corresponding energy transfer
      polyads [ZnP]-[BODIPY] (1a) and [ZnP]-[ZnP]-[BODIPY] (2a) as well as relevant
      models. These polyads were studied using cyclic voltammetry, DFT computations,
      steady state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and fs transient
      absorption spectroscopy. The rates for energy transfer, kET, [BODIPY]* -> [ZnP]
      are ~2.8 * 1010 s-1 for both 1a and 2a, with an efficiency of 99%. Concurrently,
      the fast appearance of the [C60]- anion for 1 and 2 indicates that the charge
      separation occurs on the 20-30 ps timescale with the rates of electron transfer,
      ket, [ZnP]*/[C60] -> [ZnP]+/[C60]- of ~0.9 * 1010 to ~3.8 * 1010 s-1. The latter
      value is among the fastest for these types of polyads. Conversely, the charge
      recombination operates on the ns timescale. These rates are comparable to or
      faster than those reported for other more flexible [C60]-[ZnP]-[BODIPY] polyads,
      which can be rationalized by the donor-acceptor separations.

PMID- 28079224
TI  - Suitability of N-propanoic acid spiropyrans and spirooxazines for use as
      sensitizing dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - This work deals with the fabrication and evaluation of color-changing dye
      sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that include N-propanoic acid-functionalized
      spiropyrans and spirooxazines as sensitizing dyes. We investigated the
      photophysical properties of these compounds in various solvents and pH conditions
      using UV-Vis spectroscopy, and their behavior on TiO2 photoanode surfaces using a
      combination of UV-Vis and FT-IR. Their performance as sensitizing dyes for DSSCs
      was also analyzed. This study revealed a number of unique properties for this
      class of compounds that affect their performance as both photochromic compounds
      and DSSC sensitizers, which allow for future creation of efficient photochromic
      DSSCs.

PMID- 28079225
TI  - Bioconjugation strategies to couple supramolecular exo-functionalized palladium
      cages to peptides for biomedical applications.
AB  - Supramolecular Pd2L4 cages (L = ligand) hold promise as drug delivery systems.
      With the idea of achieving targeted delivery of the metallacages to tumor cells,
      the bioconjugation of exo-functionalized self-assembled Pd2L4 cages to peptides
      following two different approaches is reported for the first time. The obtained
      bioconjugates were analyzed and identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry.

PMID- 28079226
TI  - In silico kinetics of alkaline hydrolysis of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane
      (RDX): M06-2X investigation.
AB  - Alkaline hydrolysis of RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine), as one of
      the most promising methods for nitrocompound remediation, was investigated
      computationally at the PCM(Pauling)/M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory.
      Computational simulation shows that RDX hydrolysis is a highly exothermic
      multistep process involving initial deprotonation and nitrite elimination, cycle
      cleavage, further transformation of cycle-opened intermediates to end products
      caused by a series of C-N bond ruptures, hydroxide attachments, and proton
      transfers. Computationally predicted products of RDX hydrolysis such as nitrite,
      nitrous oxide, formaldehyde, formate, and ammonia correspond to experimentally
      observed ones. Accounting of specific hydration of hydroxide is critical to
      create an accurate kinetic model for alkaline hydrolysis. Simulated kinetics of
      the hydrolysis are in good agreement with available experimental data. A period
      of one month is necessary for 99% RDX decomposition at pH 10. Computations
      predict significant increases of the reaction rate of hydrolysis at pH 11, pH 12,
      and pH 13.

PMID- 28079227
TI  - Excited state properties of beta-carotene analogs incorporating a lactone ring.
AB  - Carotenoids possessing a carbonyl group along their polyene backbone exhibit
      unique excited state properties due to the occurrence of intramolecular charge
      transfer (ICT) in the excited state. In fact, the ICT characteristics of
      naturally occurring carbonyl carotenoids play an essential role in the highly
      efficient energy transfer that proceeds in aquatic photosynthetic antenna
      systems. In the present study, we synthesized two short-chain polyene carotenoids
      incorporating a lactone ring, denoted as BL-7 and BL-8, having seven and eight
      conjugated double bonds (n = 7 and 8), respectively. The excited state properties
      of these compounds were directly compared to those of their non-carbonyl
      counterparts to clarify the role of the carbonyl group in the generation of ICT.
      The energies of the optically allowed S2 states for BL-7 and BL-8 were found to
      be more than 0.3 eV (2400 cm-1) below those of non-carbonyl short beta-carotene
      homologs. Ultrafast spectroscopic data demonstrated various solvent polarity
      induced effects, including the appearance of stimulated emission in the near-IR
      region in the case of BL-7, and significant lifetime shortening of the lowest
      lying singlet S1 excited states of both BL-7 and BL-8. These results suggest that
      these compounds exhibit ICT characteristics.

PMID- 28079228
TI  - Attenuated recovery of contractile function in aging hearts following global
      ischemia/reperfusion: Role of extracellular HSP27 and TLR4.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While cardiac functional recovery is attenuated in the elderly
      following cardiac surgery with obligatory global myocardial ischemia/reperfusion
      (I/R), the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. We observed
      previously that human and mouse myocardium releases heat shock protein (HSP) 27
      during global I/R. Extracellular HSP27 induces myocardial inflammatory response
      and plays a role in post-ischemic cardiac dysfunction in adult mouse hearts.
      OBJECTIVE: This study was to determine the role of extracellular HSP27 and Toll
      like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the attenuated functional recovery in aging mouse
      hearts following global I/R. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hearts isolated from aging (18
      24 months) and adult (4-6 months) mice were subjected to ex vivo global I/R.
      Augmented release of HSP27 in aging hearts is associated with greater production
      of cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) and worse functional recovery. Anti-HSP27
      suppressed the inflammatory response and markedly improved functional recovery in
      aging hearts. Perfusion of recombinant HSP27 to aging hearts resulted in greater
      cytokine production and more severe contractile depression in comparison to adult
      hearts. TLR4 deficiency abolished cytokine production and functional injury in
      aging hearts exposed to recombinant HSP27. Interestingly, aging hearts had higher
      TLR4 protein levels and displayed enhanced TLR4-mediated NF-kappaB activation
      following HSP27 stimulation or I/R. CONCLUSION: Extracellular HSP27 and TLR4
      jointly enhance the inflammatory response and hamper functional recovery
      following I/R in aging hearts. The enhanced inflammatory response to global I/R
      and attenuated post-ischemic functional recovery in aging hearts is due, at least
      in part, to augmented myocardial release of HSP27 and elevated myocardial TLR4
      levels.

PMID- 28079230
TI  - "Doctor of men and souls".

PMID- 28079231
TI  - Primary neuroendocrine neoplasm of the esophagus - Report of 14 cases from a
      single institute and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Most prevalent esophageal neoplasm is squamous cell carcinoma and
      adenocarcinoma. Other tumors are uncommon and poorly studied. Primary
      neuroendocrine esophageal neoplasm is a rare carcinoma and most of its therapy
      management is based on lung neuroendocrine studies. Neuroendocrine tumors can be
      clustered in the following subtypes: high grade (small cell carcinoma or large
      cell carcinoma) and low grade (carcinoids). OBJECTIVE:: The present study aims to
      assess clinical and pathological neuroendocrine esophageal tumors in a single
      oncologic center. METHODS:: A retrospective analysis of patients and review of
      the literatures was performed. RESULTS:: Fourteen patients were identified as
      neuroendocrine tumors, 11 male and 3 female patients. Mean age was 67.3 years
      old. Ten patients were classified as small cell, 3 as large cell and 1 as
      carcinoid. Four patients presented squamous cell carcinoma simultaneously and 1
      also presented adenocarcinoma. Main sites of metastasis were liver, peritoneum,
      lung and bones. Most patients died before 2 years of follow-up. Patient with
      longer survival died at 35 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSION:: Neuroendocrine
      esophageal tumors are rare; affect mainly men in their sixties or seventies. High
      grade tumors can be mixed to other subtypes neoplasms, such as adenocarcinoma and
      squamous cell carcinoma. Most of these patients have poor overall survival rates.

PMID- 28079229
TI  - The transcription factor XBP1 in memory and cognition: Implications in Alzheimer
      disease.
AB  - X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a unique basic region leucine zipper
      transcription factor isolated two decades ago in a search for regulators of major
      histocompatibility complex class II gene expression. XBP1 is a very complex
      protein regulating many physiological functions, including immune system,
      inflammatory responses, and lipid metabolism. Evidence over the past few years
      suggests that XBP1 also plays important roles in pathological settings since its
      activity as transcription factor has profound effects on the prognosis and
      progression of diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and diabetes. Here we
      provide an overview on recent advances in our understanding of this multifaceted
      molecule, particularly in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory function, and
      the implications in neurodegenerative diseases with emphasis on Alzheimer
      disease.

PMID- 28079232
TI  - Predictive features for histology of gastric subepithelial lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND : - Gastric subepithelial lesion is a relatively common diagnosis
      after routine upper endoscopy. The diagnostic workup of an undetermined gastric
      subepithelial lesion should take into consideration clinical and endoscopic
      features. OBJECTIVE: - We aimed to investigate the association between patients'
      characteristics, endoscopic and echographic features with the histologic
      diagnosis of the gastric subepithelial lesions. METHODS: - This is a
      retrospective study with 55 patients, who were consecutively diagnosed with
      gastric subepithelial lesions, from October 2008 to August 2011. Patients'
      characteristics, endoscopic and echografic features of each gastric subepithelial
      lesion were analysed. Histologic diagnosis provided by EUS-guided fine needle
      aspiration or endoscopic/surgical resection was used as gold standard. RESULTS: -
      The probability of gastrointestinal stromal tumors to be located in the cardia
      was low (4.5%), while for leiomyoma it was high (>95%). In addition, there was a
      higher risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in patients older than 57 years
      (OR 8.9; 95% CI), with lesions >=21 mm (OR 7.15; 95% CI), located at 4th layer
      (OR 18.8; 95% CI), with positive Doppler sign (OR 9; 95% CI), and irregular outer
      border (OR 7.75; 95% CI). CONCLUSION: - The location of gastric subepithelial
      lesions in the gastric cardia lowers the risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
      While gastric subepithelial lesions occurring in elderly patients, located in the
      gastric body, with positive Doppler signal and irregular outer border increase
      the risk of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

PMID- 28079233
TI  - Suspected blood indicator in capsule endoscopy: a valuable tool for
      gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small bowel bleeding is a leading indication for small bowel capsule
      endoscopy. The Suspected Blood Indicator (SBI) is a software feature directed to
      automatically detect bleeding lesions during small bowel capsule endoscopy.
      OBJECTIVE: - We aimed to assess SBI diagnostic accuracy for small bowel
      haemorrhage or potentially bleeding lesions during small bowel capsule endoscopy
      for small bowel bleeding. Methods - Single-centre retrospective study including
      281 consecutive small bowel capsule endoscopy performed for small bowel bleeding
      during 6 years. The investigators marked lesions with high bleeding potential
      (P2), such as angioectasias, ulcers and tumours, as well as active bleeding
      during regular small bowel capsule endoscopy viewing with PillCam SB2(r). All
      small bowel capsule endoscopy were independently reviewed by another central
      reader using SBI. RESULTS: - Among the 281 patients, 29 (10.3%) presented with
      active haemorrhage while 81 (28.9%) presented with a P2 lesion. The most
      frequently observed P2 lesions were angioectasias (52), ulcers (15), polyps (7)
      and ulcerated neoplasias (7). SBI showed a 96.6% (28/29) sensitivity for active
      small bowel bleeding, with a 97.7% negative predictive value. Regarding P2
      lesions, the SBI displayed an overall sensitivity of 39.5%, being highest for
      ulcerated neoplasias (100%), but significantly lower for angioectasias (38.5%) or
      ulcers (20.0%). CONCLUSION: Although SBI sensitivity for the automatic detection
      of potentially bleeding lesions was low, it effectively detected active small
      bowel bleeding with very high sensitivity and negative predictive value.

PMID- 28079234
TI  - Evaluation of endoscopic secondary prophylaxis in children and adolescents with
      esophageal varices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Bleeding of esophageal varices is the main cause of morbidity and
      mortality in children and adults with portal hypertension and there are few
      studies involving secondary prophylaxis in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: -
      To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic secondary prophylaxis in prevention of
      upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children and adolescents with esophageal
      varices. METHODS: - This is a prospective analysis of 85 patients less than 18
      years of age with or without cirrhosis, with portal hypertension. Participants
      underwent endoscopic secondary prophylaxis with sclerotherapy or band ligation.
      Eradication of varices, incidence of rebleeding, number of endoscopic sessions
      required for eradication, incidence of developing gastric fundus varices and
      portal hypertensive gastropathy were evaluated. RESULTS: - Band ligation was
      performed in 34 (40%) patients and sclerotherapy in 51 (60%) patients. Esophageal
      varices were eradicated in 81.2%, after a median of four endoscopic sessions.
      Varices relapsed in 38 (55.1%) patients. Thirty-six (42.3%) patients experienced
      rebleeding, and it was more prevalent in the group that received sclerotherapy.
      Gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy developed in 38.7% and 57.9%
      of patients, respectively. Patients undergoing band ligation showed lower
      rebleeding rates (26.5% vs 52.9%) and fewer sessions required for eradication of
      esophageal varices (3.5 vs 5). CONCLUSION: - Secondary prophylaxis was effective
      in eradicating esophageal varices and controlling new upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding episodes due to the rupture of esophageal varices. Band ligation seems
      that resulted in lower rebleeding rates and fewer sessions required to eradicate
      varices than did sclerotherapy.

PMID- 28079235
TI  - Quality of life in swallowing of the elderly patients affected by stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: - The elderly population faces many difficulties as a result of the
      aging process. Conceptualize and evaluate their life quality is a challenge,
      being hard to characterize the impact on daily activities and on functional
      capacity. The stroke is one of the most disabling neurological diseases, becoming
      a public health problem. As an aggravating result, there is dysphagia, a disorder
      that compromises the progression of the food from the mouth to the stomach,
      causing clinical complications to the individual. OBJECTIVE: - Characterize the
      life quality of the elderly swallowing affected by stroke. METHODS: - Cross
      sectional study conducted at the University Hospital, attended by 35 elderly with
      stroke, being 19 women and 16 men, with age between 60 and 90 years old, that
      self-reported satisfactory overall clinical picture. It was applied the Quality
      of Life Swallowing protocol. The data were statistically analyzed, by means of
      ANOVA tests, Spearman correlation, t test, with significance level of 5%.
      RESULTS: - The mean age was 69.5 years; as for the scores obtained by the 35
      participants in the 11 domains of the protocol, it was observed a change in score
      indicating severe to moderate impact in quality of life related to self-reported
      swallowing (31.8% to 59.5%); the domain that most interfered was the feeding time
      (31.8%). CONCLUSION: - Elderly affected by stroke that present dysphagia has low
      scores in quality of life related to swallowing.

PMID- 28079236
TI  - Residual gastric volume evaluation with ultrasonography after ingestion of
      carbohydrate- or carbohydrate plus glutamine-enriched beverages: a randomized,
      crossover clinical trial with healthy volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Abbreviation of preoperative fasting to 2 hours with maltodextrin
      (CHO)-enriched beverage is a safe procedure and may enhance postoperative
      recovery. Addition of glutamine (GLN) to CHO beverages may include potential
      benefits to the metabolism. However, by adding a nitrogenous source to CHO
      beverages, gastric emptying may be delayed and increase the risk of
      bronchoaspiration during anesthesia. OBJECTIVE: - In this study of safety, we
      aimed at investigating the residual gastric volume (RGV) 2 hours after the intake
      of either CHO beverage alone or CHO beverage combined with GLN. METHODS: - We
      performed a randomized, crossover clinical trial. We assessed RGV by means of
      abdominal ultrasonography (US) in 20 healthy volunteers (10 males and 10 females)
      after an overnight fast of 8 hours. Then, they were randomized to receive 600 mL
      (400 mL immediately after US followed by another 200 mL 2 hours afterwards) of
      either CHO (12.5% maltodextrin) or CHO-GLN (12.5% maltodextrin plus 15 g GLN).
      Two sequential US evaluations were done at 120 and 180 minutes after ingestion of
      the second dose. The interval of time between ingestion of the two types of
      beverages was 2 weeks. RESULTS: - The mean (SD) RGV observed after 8 hours
      fasting (13.56+/-13.25 mL) did not statistically differ (P>0.05) from the RGV
      observed after ingesting CHO beverage at both 120 (16.32+/-11.78 mL) and 180
      minutes (14.60+/-10.39 mL). The RGV obtained at 120 (15.63+/-18.83 mL) and 180
      (13.65+/-10.27 mL) minutes after CHO-GLN beverage also was not significantly
      different from the fasting condition. CONCLUSION: - The RGV at 120 and 180
      minutes after ingestion of CHO beverage combined with GLN is similar to that
      observed after an overnight fast.

PMID- 28079237
TI  - Celiac disease prevalence is not increased in patients with functional dyspepsia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Previous evidence trying to assess the risk of celiac disease among
      dyspeptic patients has been inconclusive, showing in some cases notorious
      discrepancies. OBJECTIVE: - To determine the prevalence of celiac disease in
      patients with dyspepsia compared to healthy controls without dyspepsia. METHODS :
      - Adult patients under evaluation for dyspepsia were invited to participate.
      These patients were offered an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with duodenal
      biopsies. On the other hand, asymptomatic adult volunteers who performed a
      preventive visit to their primary care physician were invited to participate and
      agreed to undertake an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with duodenal biopsies as
      well. Those patients with histologic signs of villous atrophy were furtherly
      evaluated and serological tests were performed in order to determine celiac
      disease diagnosis. Celiac disease prevalence was compared between groups.
      RESULTS: - Overall, 320 patients with dyspepsia and 320 healthy controls were
      recruited. There were no significant differences in terms of gender or age
      between groups. Celiac disease diagnosis was made in 1.25% (4/320) of patients in
      the dyspepsia group versus 0.62% (2/320) in the control group. CONCLUSION: -
      Patients with dyspepsia who underwent routine duodenal biopsies did not show an
      increased risk for celiac disease when compared to healthy individuals.

PMID- 28079238
TI  - Human leukocyte antigen HLADRB1 determinants susceptibility to gastroesophageal
      reflux disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by diverse
      symptoms. There is an evidence for a genetic component to GERD as supported by
      familial aggregation of this disease. OBJECTIVE: - To investigate whether certain
      human leucocyte antigen genes HLA-DRB1 are associated with GERD. METHODS: -
      Patients and controls were prospectively recruited from GIT center at Al-Kindy
      Teaching Hospital (Baghdad-Iraq) between January 2014 and July 2016. Sixty Iraqi
      Arab Muslims patients with a history of heartburn and dyspepsia compared with 100
      Iraqi Arab Muslims controls. All study patients and control groups underwent
      upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations and their serums were analyzed for
      CagA antibodies Immunoglobulin G (IgG) for H. pylori. HLA-DRB1 genotyping were
      done to both groups. RESULTS: - A total of 60 patients with erosive gastritis;
      GERD (Grade II and III) were evaluated, together with 100 controls. There is a
      significant increase of H. pylori infection (P=0.0001) in GERD patients than
      control group. HLA-DRB1* 15:01 was significantly increased in GERD patients in
      comparison with control group and an increased frequency of HLADRB1*11:01 in
      control group compared with patients group. CONCLUSION: - There is an association
      between HLA-DRB1 *15:01 in GERD patients with H. pylori positive patients.

PMID- 28079239
TI  - Prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms and heartburn of adults in Belo Horizonte,
      Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Medical literature has shown dyspepsia and heartburn-related
      symptoms occur among 15% to 40% of the population. These symptoms can occur at
      any age and are more prevalent in women. OBJECTIVE: - Investigate the prevalence
      of dyspeptic symptoms and heartburn among individuals over 18. METHODS: -
      Individuals over 18 were randomly selected in public venues in Belo Horizonte/MG
      to participate. A standardized questionnaire that included questions related to
      social-demographic characteristics, eating habits, digestive symptoms, medical
      appointments, medications, exams, previous surgeries and comorbidities was
      applied. A questionnaire about functional dyspepsia diagnosis (Rome III) was also
      applied. RESULTS: - A total of 548 individuals were interviewed. Among these,
      58.4% were women, 59.3% were white, 55.9% were single and the average age was 36
      years. Within this group, 376 individuals (68.6%) declared to have some symptom
      and/or use medication to relieve dyspepsia symptoms, and for these patients were
      applied the Rome III questionnaire. Based on the diagnostic criteria for the
      questionnaire proposed by the Rome III consensus, the symptom of postprandial
      fullness was reported by 6.7% of the individuals, early satiety (3.5%) and
      epigastric pain (10.6%). The overlap of these symptoms was very frequent. The
      prevalence of functional dyspepsia was 10.6% (postprandial discomfort syndrome
      (8.2%) and epigastric pain syndrome (2.4%). Among all participants, 52.5%
      reported heartburn, and 11.1% presented this symptom at least once a week. The
      most used drug was omeprazole. CONCLUSION: - The prevalence of dyspeptic symptoms
      and heartburn among a Brazilian adult urban population is similar to those
      described in other countries.

PMID- 28079240
TI  - New index for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in Schistosomiasis mansoni.
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Periportal fibrosis is the major pathological consequence of the
      Schistosoma mansoni infection. OBJECTIVE: - To evaluate the accuracy of serum
      markers and to construct an index to assess fibrosis. METHODS: - Patients (n=116)
      with schistosomiasis were evaluated by ultrasound scan and measurements of serum
      levels of aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase,
      hyaluronic acid, cytokines and platelets. Ultrasound images were used to evaluate
      the fibrosis using Niamey's classification and identified 19 patients without
      periportal fibrosis (patterns A and B), 48 with mild to moderate fibrosis (C and
      D) and 49 with advanced fibrosis (E and F). RESULTS: - Using multivariate
      analysis, a model was created, which involved alkaline phosphatase and platelets
      and could separate patients with different patterns of fibrosis. This index
      showed a better performance in separating patients without fibrosis from with
      advanced periportal fibrosis. The biological index showed an area under the ROC
      curve of 1.000. Using values below the lowest or above the highest cut-off point,
      the presence or absence of advanced fibrosis could be predicted in all patients.
      CONCLUSION: - The index constructed can be used to separate patients with
      different patterns of periportal fibrosis, specially to predict advanced fibrosis
      in schistosomiasis patients.

PMID- 28079241
TI  - Is there an association between vitamin D and liver fibrosis in patients with
      chronic hepatitis C?
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Vitamin D is known for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and
      antifibrotic properties, which are quite relevant in the pathogenesis and
      treatment of many causes of chronic liver disease. OBJECTIVE: - This study aimed
      to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and the
      histopathological findings in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
      METHODS: - Cross-sectional study composed of patients with chronic hepatitis C.
      All patients underwent vitamin D 25 dosage and anthropometric data analysis.
      Liver biopsy was performed in a maximum 36-month period before inclusion in the
      study. RESULTS: - Of the 74 patients included in the study, 45 (60.8%) were
      women, mean age was 57.03+/-9.24 years, and 63 (85.1%) were white. No association
      was observed between the serum levels of vitamin D and inflammatory activity
      (P=0.699) nor with the degree of liver fibrosis (P=0.269). CONCLUSION: - In this
      study, no association was observed between vitamin D and inflammatory activity,
      as well as the degree of liver fibrosis, in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

PMID- 28079242
TI  - Application of BAROS' questionnaire in obese patients undergoing bariatric
      surgery with 2 years of evolution.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: -In recent decades, the high prevalence of obesity in the general
      population has brought serious concerns in terms of public health. Contrarily to
      conventional treatment involving dieting and physical exercising, often
      ineffective in generating long term results, bariatric opera-tions have been an
      effective method for sustained weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. The
      Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) is an objective and
      recognized system in the overall evaluation of results after bariatric surgery.
      OBJECTIVE: - To investigate results concerning a casuistic of morbidly obese
      patients undergoing bariatric surgery over a 2-year follow-up in terms of weight
      loss, related medical conditions, safety and changes in quality of life. METHODS:
      - A total of 120 obese (17 male and 103 female) patients, who underwent bariatric
      surgery, were assessed and investigated using the BAROS system after a 2- year
      follow-up. RESULTS: - Patients obtained a mean excess weight loss of 74.6 (+/
      15.9) % and mean body mass index reduction of 15.6 (+/-4.4) Kg/m2. Pre-surgical
      comorbidities were present in 71 (59%) subjects and they were totally (86%) or
      partially (14%) resolved. Complications resulting specifically from the surgical
      procedure were observed in 4.2% of cases (two bowel obstructions requiring re
      operation, and three stomal stenosis treated with endoscopic dilation). Sixteen
      subjects (13% of total number of patients) presented minor clinical complications
      managed through outpatient care. The final scores for the BAROS questionnaire
      showcased excellent to good results in 99% of cases (excellent 44%, very good
      38%, good 23%, acceptable 1%). CONCLUSION: - According to the BAROS
      questionnaire, bariatric surgery is a safe and effective method for managing
      obesity and associated clinical comorbidities, allowing for satisfactory results
      after a 2-year follow-up. Future studies should address other clinical and
      psychosocial variables that impact outcome as well as allow for longer follow
      ups.

PMID- 28079243
TI  - Serum levels of vitamin A, visual function and ocular surface after bariatric
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND : - Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe
      obesity, but the surgery increases the risk of developing nutritional
      deficiencies, such as vitamin A deficiency. In human metabolism, vitamin A plays
      a role in vision. OBJECTIVE: - To evaluate serum vitamin A, visual function and
      ocular surface of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: - A cross
      sectional and analytical study was conduced with 28 patients undergoing bariatric
      surgery for at least 6 months. Ophthalmologic evaluation was done through color
      vision test, contrast sensitivity test, ocular surface tests and confocal
      microscopy, as well as vitamin A serum measurement. RESULTS: - Vertical sleeve
      gastrectomy was performed in seven (25.0%) patients and Roux -en-Y gastric by
      pass in 21 (75.0%). Mean serum vitamin A level was 1.7+/-0.5 umoL/L. Most
      patients (60.7%) had symptoms of dry eye. Five (17.9%) patients had contrast
      sensitivity impairment and 18 (64.3%) color vision changes. In the group of
      patients undergoing Roux -en-Y gastric by-pass , mean vitamin A levels were 1.8+/
      0.6 umoL/L, whereas they were 1.7+/-0.5 umoL/L in patients submitted to the
      restrictive technique vertical sleeve gastrectomy . The analysis of the influence
      of serum levels of vitamin A in the visual function and ocular surface was
      performed by Pearson correlation test and there was no significant correlation
      between any of the variables and vitamin A. CONCLUSION: - There was no influence
      of the bariatric surgery technique used on serum vitamin A levels, on the visual
      function or on the ocular surface. Moreover, there was no correlation between
      serum levels of vitamin A and the visual function or the ocular surface changes.

PMID- 28079244
TI  - Preoperative multidisciplinary program for bariatric surgery: a proposal for the
      Brazilian Public Health System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Bariatric surgery has become the gold standard treatment for morbid
      obesity, but access to surgery remains difficult and low compliance to
      postoperative follow-up is common. To improve outcomes, enable access and
      optimize follow-up, we developed a multidisciplinary preoperative approach for
      bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE: - To determine the impact of this program in the
      outcomes of bariatric surgery in the Brazilian public health system. METHODS: - A
      prospective evaluation of the individuals who underwent a preoperative
      multidisciplinary program for bariatric surgery and comparison of their surgical
      outcomes with those observed in the prospectively collected historical database
      of the individuals who underwent surgery before the beginning of the program.
      RESULTS: - There were 176 individuals who underwent the multidisciplinary program
      and 226 who did not. Individuals who underwent the program had significantly
      lower occurrence of the following variables: hospital stay; wound dehiscence;
      wound infection; pulmonary complications; anastomotic leaks; pulmonary
      thromboembolism; sepsis; incisional hernias; eventrations; reoperations; and
      mortality. Both loss of follow-up and weight loss failure were also significantly
      lower in the program group. CONCLUSION: - The adoption of a comprehensive
      preoperative multidisciplinary approach led to significant improvements in the
      postoperative outcomes and also in the compliance to the postoperative follow-up.
      It represents a reproducible and potentially beneficial approach within the
      context of the Brazilian public health system.

PMID- 28079245
TI  - Gastric and jejunal histopathological changes in patients undergoing bariatric
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Morbid obesity is a multifactorial disease that is increasingly
      treated by surgery. OBJECTIVE: - To evaluate gastric histopathological changes in
      obese, and to compare with patients who underwent gastrojejunal bypass and the
      jejunal mucosa after the surgery. METHODS: - This is an observational study
      performed at a tertiary public hospital, evaluating endoscopic biopsies from 36
      preoperative patients and 35 postoperative. RESULTS: - In the preoperative group,
      80.6% had chronic gastritis, which was active in 38.9% (77.1% and 20.1%,
      respectively, in the postoperative). The postoperative group had a significant
      reduction in Helicobacter pylori infection (P=0.0001). A longer length of the
      gastric stump and a time since surgery of more than two years were associated
      with Helicobacter pylori infection. The jejunal mucosa was normal in 91.4% and
      showed slight nonspecific chronic inflammation in 8.6%. CONCLUSION: - There was a
      reduction in the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the postoperative
      group. A longer length of the gastric stump and longer time elapsed since surgery
      were associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. The jejunal mucosa was
      considered normal in an absolute majority of patients.

PMID- 28079246
TI  - Is total lymphocyte count related to nutritional markers in hospitalized older
      adults?
AB  - BACKGROUND: - Older patients are commonly malnourished during hospital stay, and
      a high prevalence of malnutrition is found in hospitalized patients aged more
      than 65 years. OBJECTIVE: - To investigate whether total lymphocyte count is
      related to other nutritional markers in hospitalized older adults. METHODS: -
      Hospitalized older adults (N=131) were recruited for a cross-sectional study.
      Their nutritional status was assessed by the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS),
      anthropometry, and total lymphocyte count. The statistical analyses included the
      chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney test. Spearman's linear
      correlation coefficient determined whether total lymphocyte count was correlated
      with the nutritional markers. Multiple linear regression determined the
      parameters associated with lymphocyte count. The significance level was set at
      5%. RESULTS: - According to the NRS, 41.2% of the patients were at nutritional
      risk, and 36% had mild or moderate depletion according to total lymphocyte count.
      Total lymphocyte count was weakly correlated with mid-upper arm circumference
      (r=0.20507); triceps skinfold thickness (r=0.29036), and length of hospital stay
      (r= -0.21518). Total lymphocyte count in different NRS categories differed
      significantly: older adults who were not at nutritional risk had higher mean and
      median total lymphocyte count (P=0.0245). Multiple regression analysis showed
      that higher lymphocyte counts were associated with higher triceps skinfold
      thicknesses and no nutritional risk according to the NRS. CONCLUSION: - Total
      lymphocyte count was correlated with mid-upper arm circumference, triceps
      skinfold thickness, and nutritional risk according to the NRS. In multiple
      regression the combined factors that remained associated with lymphocyte count
      were NRS and triceps skinfold thickness. Therefore, total lymphocyte count may be
      considered a nutritional marker. Other studies should confirm these findings.

PMID- 28079247
TI  - Dynamic location changes of Bub1-phosphorylated-H2AThr133 with CENH3 nucleosome
      in maize centromeric regions.
AB  - The genomic stability of all organisms requires precise cell division with proper
      chromosome orientation. The Bub1-H2Aph-Sgo1 pathway and spindle assembly
      checkpoint (SAC) components have been identified in yeast and mammals that are
      important for sister centromere orientation and chromosome segregation. However,
      their roles in plants are not clear. Maize meiotic mutants and minichromosomes
      were used to study the role of H2AThr133 phosphorylation and SAC components in
      sister centromere orientation and chromosome segregation. Unlike previously
      reported, SAC protein Bub1-Sgo1 recruitment was independent of Rec8 in maize and
      did not play a role in centromere protection in meiosis I. Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis with immnolocalization results indicate
      most CENH3 nucleosomes contain phosphorylated H2AThr133 in centromeric regions.
      H2AThr133ph spreads to encompass centromeric regions including the inner
      centromeric and pericentromeric regions during (pro)metaphase. The presence and
      localization of SAC components and H2AThr133ph on maize lines containing sister
      chromatids separate precociously in anaphase I revealed no direct role of these
      proteins on centromere orientation in meiosis I . This work sheds light on the
      relationship between H2AThr133ph and CENH3 nucleosome in plants, and the
      phosphorylation with dynamic location changes in centomeric regions suggests
      temporal and spatial regulation roles for H2A phosphorylation in chromosome
      segregation.

PMID- 28079249
TI  - Fractal analysis of visual search activity for mass detection during mammographic
      screening.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess the complexity of human visual
      search activity during mammographic screening using fractal analysis and to
      investigate its relationship with case and reader characteristics. METHODS: The
      study was performed for the task of mammographic screening with simultaneous
      viewing of four coordinated breast views as typically done in clinical practice.
      Eye-tracking data and diagnostic decisions collected for 100 mammographic cases
      (25 normal, 25 benign, 50 malignant) from 10 readers (three board certified
      radiologists and seven Radiology residents), formed the corpus for this study.
      The fractal dimension of the readers' visual scanning pattern was computed with
      the Minkowski-Bouligand box-counting method and used as a measure of gaze
      complexity. Individual factor and group-based interaction ANOVA analysis was
      performed to study the association between fractal dimension, case pathology,
      breast density, and reader experience level. The consistency of the observed
      trends depending on gaze data representation was also examined. RESULTS: Case
      pathology, breast density, reader experience level, and individual reader
      differences are all independent predictors of the complexity of visual scanning
      pattern when screening for breast cancer. No higher order effects were found to
      be significant. CONCLUSIONS: Fractal characterization of visual search behavior
      during mammographic screening is dependent on case properties and image reader
      characteristics.

PMID- 28079248
TI  - Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 by a barbiturate-nitrate hybrid
      ameliorates dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis: effect on inflammation
      related genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is up-regulated in
      ulcerative colitis and implicated in the pathology of the disease. In this study,
      we have examined the effects of a barbiturate-based MMP inhibitor incorporating a
      nitric oxide donor/mimetic group (dinitrate-barbiturate) on the intestinal injury
      induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: In vivo
      experiments were carried out using male Wistar rats given 5% DSS ad libitum in
      drinking water. The dinitrate-barbiturate, non-nitrate equivalent, nitrate side
      chains alone or vehicle were administered rectally, twice daily. MMP-9 release
      was measured by gelatin zymography, and analysis of gene expression was carried
      out using RT-qPCR. TaqMan low density arrays were used to evaluate the expression
      of 91 inflammatory genes in the rat colon. KEY RESULTS: The dinitrate-barbiturate
      inhibited the induction and activity of MMP-9 during DSS colitis in the rat. This
      occurred in association with significant reductions in the colitic response to
      DSS as assessed by an established clinical disease activity index and a
      pathological colitis grade score. The compound modified expression rates of
      numerous inflammation-related genes in the colon. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      This study demonstrated the efficacy of the dinitrate-barbiturate in DSS-induced
      colitis. Therefore, barbiturate-nitrate hybrids may be developed as a promising
      anti-inflammatory approach to the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 28079250
TI  - Use of the ketogenic diet in the neonatal intensive care unit-Safety and
      tolerability.
AB  - Drug-resistant epilepsy poses a challenge in neonatal patients, especially those
      in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), who have various secondary
      comorbidities. We present results of four children with a history of drug
      resistant epilepsy for whom a ketogenic diet was initiated and used in the NICU.
      A nonfasting induction into ketosis over 1-2 weeks was utilized, with gradual
      increases in the ketogenic ratio every 2-3 days. Data were collected
      retrospectively from a database, which included medical history, daily progress
      notes, relevant laboratory data, and imaging and diagnostic information. The
      ketogenic diet was well tolerated in all cases. The most common side effects
      observed were constipation, hypoglycemia, and weight loss. Serum beta
      hydroxybutyrate levels demonstrated improved reliability as a marker of ketosis
      when compared to urine ketones in this population. Perceived benefits to the
      infants included improved seizure control, increased alertness, and decreased
      need for invasive respiratory support. These cases demonstrate that the use of
      the ketogenic diet for treatment of neonatal encephalopathy and refractory
      epilepsy can be undertaken safely in the NICU and is well tolerated by carefully
      screened neonates and infants.

PMID- 28079251
TI  - Maturation-associated gene expression profiles along normal human bone marrow
      monopoiesis.
AB  - Human monopoiesis is a tightly coordinated process which starts in the bone
      marrow (BM) haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) compartment and leads to the
      production of circulating blood mature monocytes. Although mature
      monocytes/macrophages have been extensively studied in both normal or
      inflammatory conditions, monopoiesis has only been assessed in vitro and in vivo
      animal models, due to low frequency of the monocytic precursors in the normal
      human BM. Here we investigated the transcriptional profile along normal human BM
      monopoiesis. Five distinct maturation-associated stages of monocytic precursors
      were identified and isolated from (fresh) normal human BM through fluorescence
      activated cell sorting, and the gene expression profile (GEP) of each monocytic
      precursor subset was analysed by DNA-oligonucleotide microarrays. Overall, >6000
      genes (18% of the genes investigated) were expressed in >=1 stage of BM
      monopoiesis at stable or variable amounts, showing early decrease in cell
      proliferation with increased levels of expression of genes linked with cell
      differentiation. The here-defined GEP of normal human BM monopoiesis might
      contribute to better understand monocytic differentiation and the identification
      of novel monocytic candidate markers, while also providing a frame of reference
      for the study of monocytic maturation in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic
      disease conditions involving monocytic precursor cells.

PMID- 28079252
TI  - Outcomes of surgical shunts and transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent
      shunts for complicated portal hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent shunt (TIPSS), instead
      of surgical shunt, has become the standard treatment for patients with
      complicated portal hypertension. This study compared outcomes in patients who
      underwent TIPSS or surgical shunting for complicated portal hypertension.
      METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all consecutive patients who received
      portasystemic shunts from 1994 to 2014 at a single institution. Patients who
      underwent surgical shunting were compared with those who had a TIPSS procedure
      following one-to-one propensity score matching. The primary study endpoints were
      overall survival and shunt failure, defined as major variceal rebleeding, relapse
      of refractory ascites, irreversible shunt occlusion, liver failure requiring
      liver transplantation, or death. RESULTS: A total of 471 patients received either
      a surgical shunt or TIPSS. Of these, 334 consecutive patients with cirrhosis who
      underwent elective surgical shunting (34) or TIPSS (300) for repeated variceal
      bleeding or refractory ascites were evaluated. Propensity score matching yielded
      31 pairs of patients. There were no between-group differences in morbidity and 30
      day mortality rates. However, shunt failure was less frequent after surgical
      shunting than TIPSS (6 of 31 versus 16 of 31; P = 0.016). The 5-year shunt
      failure-free survival (77 versus 15 per cent; P = 0.008) and overall survival (93
      versus 42 per cent; P = 0.037) rates were higher for patients with surgical
      shunts. Multivariable analysis revealed that a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease
      (MELD) score exceeding14 and TIPSS were independently associated with shunt
      failure. In patients with MELD scores of 14 or less, the 5-year overall survival
      rate remained higher after surgical shunting than TIPSS (100 versus 40 per cent;
      P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgical shunting achieved better results than TIPSS in
      patients with complicated portal hypertension and low MELD scores.

PMID- 28079254
TI  - Pharmacological treatment of vascular risk factors for reducing mortality and
      cardiovascular events in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacological prophylaxis has been proven to reduce the risk of
      cardiovascular events in individuals with atherosclerotic occlusive arterial
      disease. However, the role of prophylaxis in individuals with abdominal aortic
      aneurysm (AAA) remains unclear. Several studies have shown that despite
      successful repair, those people with AAA have a poorer rate of survival than
      healthy controls. People with AAA have an increased prevalence of coronary heart
      disease and risk of cardiovascular events. Despite this association, little is
      known about the effectiveness of pharmacological prophylaxis in reducing
      cardiovascular risk in people with AAA. This is an update of a Cochrane review
      first published in 2014. OBJECTIVES: To determine the long-term effectiveness of
      antiplatelet, antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medication in reducing mortality
      and cardiovascular events in people with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). SEARCH
      METHODS: For this update the Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist (CIS)
      searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register (14 April 2016). In addition,
      the CIS searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)
      (2016, Issue 3) and trials registries (14 April 2016) and We also searched the
      reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled
      trials in which people with AAA were randomly allocated to one prophylactic
      treatment versus another, a different regimen of the same treatment, a placebo,
      or no treatment were eligible for inclusion in this review. Primary outcomes
      included all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, and
      completed quality assessment and data extraction. We resolved any disagreements
      by discussion. Only one study met the inclusion criteria of the review, therefore
      we were unable to perform meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: No new studies met the
      inclusion criteria for this update. We included one randomised controlled trial
      in the review. A subgroup of 227 participants with AAA received either metoprolol
      (N = 111) or placebo (N = 116). There was no clear evidence that metoprolol
      reduced all-cause mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      0.02 to 1.41), cardiovascular death (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.76), AAA-related
      death (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.06 to 16.92) or increased nonfatal cardiovascular events
      (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.58 to 3.57) 30 days postoperatively. Furthermore, at six
      months postoperatively, estimated effects were compatible with benefit and harm
      for all-cause mortality (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.95), cardiovascular death (OR
      0.73, 95% CI 0.23 to 2.39) and nonfatal cardiovascular events (OR 1.41, 95% CI
      0.59 to 3.35). Adverse drug effects were reported for the whole study population
      and were not available for the subgroup of participants with AAA. We considered
      the study to be at a generally low risk of bias. We downgraded the quality of the
      evidence for all outcomes to low. We downgraded the quality of evidence for
      imprecision as only one study with a small number of participants was available,
      the number of events was small and the result was consistent with benefit and
      harm. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Due to the limited number of included trials, there
      is insufficient evidence to draw any conclusions about the effectiveness of
      cardiovascular prophylaxis in reducing mortality and cardiovascular events in
      people with AAA. Further good-quality randomised controlled trials that examine
      many types of prophylaxis with long-term follow-up are required before firm
      conclusions can be made.

PMID- 28079253
TI  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT): A biological process in the development,
      stem cell differentiation, and tumorigenesis.
AB  - The lineage transition between epithelium and mesenchyme is a process known as
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), by which polarized epithelial cells lose
      their adhesion property and obtain mesenchymal cell phenotypes. EMT is a
      biological process that is often involved in embryogenesis and diseases, such as
      cancer invasion and metastasis. The EMT and the reverse process, mesenchymal
      epithelial transition (MET), also play important roles in stem cell
      differentiation and de-differentiation (or reprogramming). In this review, we
      will discuss current research progress of EMT in embryonic development, cellular
      differentiation and reprogramming, and cancer progression, all of which are
      representative models for researches of stem cell biology in normal and in
      diseases. Understanding of EMT and MET may help to identify specific markers to
      distinguish normal stem cells from cancer stem cells in future.

PMID- 28079255
TI  - Moonlighting at replication forks - a new life for homologous recombination
      proteins BRCA1, BRCA2 and RAD51.
AB  - Coordination between DNA replication and DNA repair ensures maintenance of genome
      integrity, which is lost in cancer cells. Emerging evidence has linked homologous
      recombination (HR) proteins RAD51, BRCA1 and BRCA2 to the stability of nascent
      DNA. This function appears to be distinct from double-strand break (DSB) repair
      and is in part due to the prevention of MRE11-mediated degradation of nascent DNA
      at stalled forks. The role of RAD51 in fork protection resembles the activity
      described for its prokaryotic orthologue RecA, which prevents nuclease-mediated
      degradation of DNA and promotes replication fork restart in cells challenged by
      DNA-damaging agents. Here, we examine the mechanistic aspects of HR-mediated fork
      protection, addressing the crosstalk between HR and replication proteins.

PMID- 28079256
TI  - Characterization of chronic HCV infection in Northwest Spain: Impact of the
      treatment strategic plan of the Spanish National Health Service on HCV cure.
AB  - The aim of the study was to characterize HCV infection in Northwest Spain and
      assess the impact of the Spanish Strategic Plan to cure HCV infection. Overall,
      387 patients were included (60.9% HIV/HCV coinfected and 28.2% cirrhotic). Of
      these, 72.9% of patients that were recognized as priority for HCV treatment
      according to the Spanish Strategic Plan (>=F2, transplant or extrahepatic
      manifestations), initiated treatment during 2015. Globally, SVR12 was achieved in
      96.5% of patients. The implementation of the Spanish Strategic Plan has been
      critical to advance in HCV cure, but 27.1% of priority patients still remain
      awaiting HCV treatment initiation.

PMID- 28079257
TI  - Technical Note: A safe, cheap, and easy-to-use isotropic diffusion MRI phantom
      for clinical and multicenter studies.
AB  - PURPOSE: Since Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) data acquisition and processing
      are not standardized, substantial differences in DWI derived measures such as
      Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) may arise which are related to the
      acquisition or MRI processing method, but not to the sample under study. Quality
      assurance using a standardized test object, or phantom, is a key factor in
      standardizing DWI across scanners. METHODS: Current diffusion phantoms are either
      complex to use, not available in larger quantities, contain substances unwanted
      in a clinical environment, or are expensive. A diffusion phantom based on a
      polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution, together with a phantom holder, is presented
      and compared to existing diffusion phantoms for use in clinical DWI scans. An ADC
      vs. temperature calibration curve was obtained. RESULTS: ADC of the phantom (808
      to 857 +/- 0.2 mm2 /s) is in the same range as ADC values found in brain tissue.
      ADC measurements are highly reproducible across time with an intra-class
      correlation coefficient of > 0.8. ADC as function of temperature (in Kelvin) can
      be estimated as ADCm(T)=[exp(-7.09).exp-2903.81T-1293.55] with a total
      uncertainty (95% confidence limit) of +/- 1.7%. CONCLUSION: We present an
      isotropic diffusion MRI phantom, together with its temperature calibration curve,
      that is easy-to-use in a clinical environment, cost-effective, reproducible to
      produce, and that contains no harmful substances.

PMID- 28079258
TI  - Combined effect of therapeutic strategies for bleeding injury on early survival,
      transfusion needs and correction of coagulopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The combined effects of balanced transfusion ratios and use of
      procoagulant and antifibrinolytic therapies on trauma-induced exsanguination are
      not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of
      transfusion ratios, tranexamic acid and products containing fibrinogen on the
      outcome of injured patients with bleeding. METHODS: A prospective multicentre
      observational study was performed in six level 1 trauma centres. Injured patients
      who received at least 4 units of red blood cells (RBCs) were analysed and divided
      into groups receiving a low (less than 1 : 1) or high (1 or more : 1) ratio of
      plasma or platelets to RBCs, and in receipt or not of tranexamic acid or
      fibrinogen products (fibrinogen concentrates or cryoprecipitate). Logistic
      regression models were used to assess the effect of transfusion strategies on the
      outcomes 'alive and free from massive transfusion' (at least 10 units of RBCs in
      24 h) and early 'normalization of coagulopathy' (defined as an international
      normalized ratio of 1.2 or less). RESULTS: A total of 385 injured patients with
      ongoing bleeding were included in the study. Strategies that were independently
      associated with an increased number of patients alive and without massive
      transfusion were a high platelet to RBC ratio (odds ratio (OR) 2.67, 95 per cent
      c.i. 1.24 to 5.77; P = 0.012), a high plasma to RBC ratio (OR 2.07, 1.03 to 4.13;
      P = 0.040) and treatment with tranexamic acid (OR 2.71, 1.29 to 5.71; P = 0.009).
      No strategies were associated with correction of coagulopathy. CONCLUSION: A high
      platelet or plasma to RBC ratio, and use of tranexamic acid were associated with
      a decreased need for massive transfusion and increased survival in injured
      patients with bleeding. Early normalization of coagulopathy was not seen for any
      transfusion ratio, or for use of tranexamic acid or fibrinogen products.

PMID- 28079259
TI  - Three-point transfusion risk score in hepatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perioperative red blood cell transfusions are required in up to 23
      per cent of patients undergoing hepatectomy. Previous research has developed
      three transfusion risk scores to assess risk of perioperative red blood cell
      transfusion. Here, the performance of these transfusion risk scores was evaluated
      in a multicentre cohort of patients who underwent hepatectomy and compared with
      that of a simplified transfusion risk score. METHODS: A database of patients
      undergoing hepatectomy at four specialized centres between 2008 and 2012 was
      developed. External validity was assessed by discrimination and calibration.
      Discrimination was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Calibration was evaluated by the degree of
      agreement between predicted and actual red blood cell transfusion probabilities.
      A simplified transfusion risk score using variables common to the three models
      was created, and discrimination and calibration were evaluated. RESULTS: There
      were 1287 patients included in this study, with 341 (26.5 per cent) receiving a
      red blood cell transfusion. Discriminative ability was similar between the three
      transfusion risk scores, with AUCs of 0.66-0.68 and good calibration. A new three
      point risk score was developed based on factors present in all models:
      haemoglobin 12.5 g/dl or less, primary liver malignancy and major resection (at
      least 4 segments). Discriminative ability and calibration of the three-point
      model were similar to those of the three existing models, with an AUC of 0.66.
      CONCLUSION: The three-point transfusion risk score simplifies assessment of
      perioperative transfusion risk in hepatectomy without sacrificing predictive
      ability.

PMID- 28079260
TI  - An experimentally validated couch and MLC tracking simulator used to investigate
      hybrid couch-MLC tracking.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Couch and MLC tracking are two novel techniques to mitigate
      intrafractional tumor motion on a conventional linear accelerator, but both
      techniques still have residual dosimetric errors. Here, we first propose and
      experimentally validate a software tool to simulate couch and MLC tracking, and
      then use the simulator to study hybrid couch-MLC tracking for improved tracking
      performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tracking simulator requires a treatment
      plan and a motion trajectory as input and simulates the delivered monitor units
      and motion of all accelerator parts as function of time. The simulator outputs
      accelerator log files synchronized with the target motion as well as the MLC
      exposure error, which is a simple dose error surrogate. A series of couch and MLC
      tracking experiments were used to determine appropriate parameters for the
      simulator dynamics and to validate the simulator by its ability to reproduce the
      experimental tracking accuracy. Three hybrid couch-MLC tracking strategies were
      investigated. All strategies divided the target motion in beam's eye view into
      motion perpendicular and parallel to the MLC leaves. In the hybrid strategies,
      couch tracking compensated for the following target motion components (in order
      of decreasing couch tracking contribution): (a) all perpendicular motion, (b)
      residual perpendicular motion less than half a leaf width, and (c) persistent
      residual perpendicular motion that was stable at a time scale of 1s. MLC tracking
      compensated for the remaining target motion. All tracking strategies were
      simulated with two prostate and two lung cancer single-arc VMAT plans using 695
      prostate trajectories and 160 lung tumor trajectories. The tracking error was
      quantified as the MLC exposure error. The couch motion was quantified as the mean
      speed, acceleration, and jerk of the couch. RESULTS: The simulator reproduced the
      experimental gantry position with a mean (maximum) root-mean-square (rms) error
      of 0.07 degrees (0.2 degrees ). The geometrical rms tracking error was reproduced
      with mean (maximum) absolute errors of 0.20 mm(0.23 mm) and 0.1 mm(0.23 mm) for
      MLC tracking parallel and perpendicular to the MLC leaves, and 0.40 mm(0.46 mm),
      0.09 mm(0.25 mm), and 0.20 mm(0.46 mm) for couch tracking in the left-right,
      anterior-posterior, and cranio-caudal directions. The MLC exposure error of VMAT
      MLC tracking was reproduced with a mean absolute error of 5.6%. All hybrid
      tracking strategies reduced the couch motion relative to pure couch tracking and
      improved the tracking accuracy compared with pure MLC tracking. The mean MLC
      exposure error reduction relative to no tracking was 66.6% (couch tracking),
      72.9% (hybrid (1)), 70.2% (2), 59.1% (3), and 55.6% (MLC tracking) for lung tumor
      motion and 76.5% (couch tracking), 76.1% (1), 74.3% (2), 72.3% (3), and 35.9%
      (MLC tracking) for prostate motion. For prostate motion, pure MLC tracking
      resulted in rather large MLC exposure errors that were more than halved with all
      hybrid tracking strategies. CONCLUSION: A couch and MLC tracking simulator was
      developed and experimentally validated against a series of tracking experiments.
      All hybrid couch-MLC tracking strategies improved MLC tracking. Two strategies
      also improved couch tracking of lung tumors. In particular, MLC tracking of
      prostate may be greatly improved by a modest degree of couch motion.

PMID- 28079261
TI  - Effect of parthanatos on ropivacaine-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells.
AB  - Ropivacaine is one of the most common but toxic local anaesthetics, and the
      mechanisms underlying its neurotoxicity are still largely unknown. This study was
      conducted to prepare a ropivacaine-induced neuronal injury model and research the
      effects of ropivacaine on PARP-1 activation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      (NAD)+ depletion. The cell death and apoptosis of ropivacaine-induced SH-SY5Y
      cells were detected with flow cytometry. The lactate dehydrogenase cycling
      reaction measured the NAD+ level, and western blots were used to analyze the
      expression levels of PARP-1 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) after ropivacaine
      treatments with different concentrations and durations. A PARP-1 inhibitor (PJ
      34) was used to confirm the relationship between PARP-1 activation and NAD+
      depletion. Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining and a mitochondrial membrane potential
      (Deltapsim) assay were used to detect the role of exogenous NAD+ in ropivacaine
      induced neuronal injury. Ropivacaine-induced SH-SY5Y cell death and apoptosis,
      PARP-1 activation, and AIF increase as well as intracellular NAD+ depletion
      occurred in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (P<.05). PARP-1 activation
      led to NAD+ depletion (P<.05). Exogenous NAD+ impaired ropivacaine-induced
      nuclear injury (P<.05). Ropivacaine treatment induced PARP-1 activation and NAD+
      depletion (P<.05). Parthanatos (PARP-1-dependent cell death) was definitely
      involved in ropivacaine-induced neuronal injury, and exogenous NAD+ may be a
      novel therapeutic method for parthanatos-dependent neuronal injury.

PMID- 28079262
TI  - Pediatric Obesity: Pharmacokinetic Alterations and Effects on Antimicrobial
      Dosing.
AB  - Limited data exist for appropriate drug dosing in obese children. This
      comprehensive review summarizes pharmacokinetic (PK) alterations that occur with
      age and obesity, and these effects on antimicrobial dosing. A thorough comparison
      of different measures of body weight and specific antimicrobial agents including
      cefazolin, cefepime, ceftazidime, daptomycin, doripenem, gentamicin, linezolid,
      meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, tobramycin, vancomycin, and voriconazole is
      presented. PubMed (1966-July 2015) and Cochrane Library searches were performed
      using these key terms: children, pharmacokinetic, obesity, overweight, body mass
      index, ideal body weight, lean body weight, body composition, and specific
      antimicrobial drugs. PK studies in obese children and, if necessary, data from
      adult studies were summarized. Knowledge of PK alterations stemming from
      physiologic changes that occur with age from the neonate to adolescent, as well
      as those that result from increased body fat, become an essential first step
      toward optimizing drug dosing in obese children. Excessive amounts of adipose
      tissue contribute significantly to body size, total body water content, and organ
      size and function that may modify drug distribution and clearance. PK studies
      that evaluated antimicrobial dosing primarily used total (or actual) body weight
      (TBW) for loading doses and TBW or adjusted body weight for maintenance doses,
      depending on the drugs' properties and dosing units. PK studies in obese children
      are imperative to elucidate drug distribution, clearance, and, consequently, the
      dose required for effective therapy in these children. Future studies should
      evaluate the effects of both age and obesity on drug dosing because the incidence
      of obesity is increasing in pediatric patients.

PMID- 28079263
TI  - Comparison of Rates of Nephrotoxicity Associated with Vancomycin in Combination
      with Piperacillin-Tazobactam Administered as an Extended versus Standard
      Infusion.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Despite recent reports of relatively high rates (16-37%) of
      acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients receiving the combination of intravenous
      piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) and vancomycin, data are limited evaluating the
      impact of PTZ infusion strategy on the occurrence of nephrotoxicity. The
      objective of this study was to compare the rates of nephrotoxicity in patients
      receiving vancomycin in combination with PTZ administered as an extended infusion
      (EI) versus a standard infusion (SI). DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective,
      matched-cohort study. SETTING: Large academic tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS:
      Two hundred eighty adults with a creatinine clearance (CrCl) of 40 ml/minute or
      higher who received at least 96 hours of vancomycin plus PTZ EI (140 patients) or
      vancomycin plus PTZ SI (140 patients) between January 1, 2009, and December 31,
      2011, and between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014 (year 2012 was skipped
      due the closure of inpatient units following Superstorm Sandy); 48 patients in
      each group were admitted to the intensive care unit. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: The median age of all patients was 67 (interquartile range [IQR] 54-77)
      years, and CrCl was 75 (IQR 55-107) ml/minute. Nephrotoxicity was assessed by the
      risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage kidney disease (RIFLE) and Acute
      Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. Rates of AKI, according to these criteria,
      were similar between groups: 17.9% versus 17.1% (p=1) and 32.9% versus 29.3%
      (p=0.596) for the PTZ EI and PTZ SI groups, respectively. When controlling for
      residual differences between groups in a conditional logistic regression
      analysis, no association was observed between receipt of PTZ EI and RIFLE-defined
      AKI (odds ratio 0.522, 95% confidence interval 0.043-6.295, p=0.609). Time to
      onset of nephrotoxicity was 4 (IQR 3-6) days, with no significant difference
      noted between groups (p=0.887). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a similar rate
      of nephrotoxicity between patients who received vancomycin in combination with
      PTZ EI versus PTZ SI. These results need to be further validated in a prospective
      randomized controlled study.

PMID- 28079264
TI  - Electromagnetic computation and modeling in MRI.
AB  - Electromagnetic (EM) computational modeling is used extensively during the
      development of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner, its installation, and
      use. MRI, which relies on interactions between nuclear magnetic moments and the
      applied magnetic fields, uses a range of EM tools to optimize all of the magnetic
      fields required to produce the image. The main field magnet is designed to
      exacting specifications but challenges in manufacturing, installation, and use
      require additional tools to maintain target operational performance. The gradient
      magnetic fields, which provide the primary signal localization mechanism, are
      designed under another set of complex design trade-offs which include conflicting
      imaging performance specifications and patient physiology. Gradients are largely
      impervious to external influences, but are also used to enhance main field
      operational performance. The radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields, which are used
      to elicit the signals fundamental to the MR image, are a challenge to optimize
      for a host of reasons that include patient safety, image quality, cost
      optimization, and secondary signal localization capabilities. This review
      outlines these issues and the EM modeling used to optimize MRI system
      performance.

PMID- 28079265
TI  - Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Hematologic Malignancies.
AB  - Patients with B-cell hematologic malignancies who progress through first- or
      second-line chemotherapy have a poor prognosis. Early clinical trials with
      autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated
      promising results for patients who have relapsed or refractory disease.
      Lymphodepleting conditioning regimens, including cyclophosphamide, fludarabine,
      pentostatin, bendamustine, interleukin-2, and total body irradiation, are often
      administered before the infusion of CAR T cells, allowing for greater T-cell
      expansion. The major toxicity associated with CAR T-cell infusions is cytokine
      release syndrome (CRS), a potentially life-threatening systemic inflammatory
      disorder. The quick onset and progression of CRS require rapid detection and
      intervention to reduce treatment-related mortality. Management with tocilizumab
      can help ameliorate the symptoms of severe CRS, allowing steroids, which diminish
      the expansion and persistence of CAR T cells, to be reserved for tocilizumab
      refractory patients. Other toxicities of CAR T-cell therapy include neutropenia
      and/or febrile neutropenia, infection, tumor lysis syndrome, neurotoxicity and
      nausea/vomiting. A review of patients' medications is imperative to eliminate
      medications that may contribute to treatment-related toxicities. Studies are
      ongoing to help optimize patient selection, preparation, safety, and management
      of individuals receiving CAR T cells. Long-term follow-up will help establish the
      place of CAR T cells in therapy.

PMID- 28079266
TI  - Risk of Mortality in Elderly Nursing Home Patients with Depression Using
      Paroxetine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), paroxetine is
      strongly anticholinergic and might lead to a higher risk of adverse outcomes such
      as mortality. This study examined the risk of mortality in depressed elderly
      nursing home patients using paroxetine and other SSRIs. METHODS: This study used
      2007-2010 Minimum Data Set-linked Medicare data and a propensity score (PS)
      matched retrospective cohort study design to achieve the study objective. New
      users of paroxetine and other SSRIs were followed until they reached the end of
      the follow-up period (1 year), switched to a different antidepressant class, used
      psychotherapy, or had a gap of more than 15 days in the use of index
      antidepressant class, whichever occurred earlier. A robust Cox proportional
      hazard (PH) model was used to evaluate the risk of mortality associated with the
      use of paroxetine and other SSRIs in depressed elderly nursing home residents.
      RESULTS: The PS matching yielded 4620 patients each in the two treatment groups.
      The unadjusted incidence of mortality was 269 (2.9%) for paroxetine and 288
      (3.1%) for other SSRIs users in the matched cohort. The robust Cox PH model did
      not find any significant difference in the risk mortality between the two groups
      (hazard ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval 0.86-1.19). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      did not find any significant difference in the risk of mortality between users of
      paroxetine and other SSRIs among elderly nursing home patients with depression.
      There is a need for further evaluation of other adverse effects of paroxetine due
      to its anticholinergic effects in the geriatric population.

PMID- 28079267
TI  - Estimating 4D-CBCT from prior information and extremely limited angle projections
      using structural PCA and weighted free-form deformation for lung radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of using structural-based principal
      component analysis (PCA) motion-modeling and weighted free-form deformation to
      estimate on-board 4D-CBCT using prior information and extremely limited angle
      projections for potential 4D target verification of lung radiotherapy. METHODS: A
      technique for lung 4D-CBCT reconstruction has been previously developed using a
      deformation field map (DFM)-based strategy. In the previous method, each phase of
      the 4D-CBCT was generated by deforming a prior CT volume. The DFM was solved by a
      motion model extracted by a global PCA and free-form deformation (GMM-FD)
      technique, using a data fidelity constraint and deformation energy minimization.
      In this study, a new structural PCA method was developed to build a structural
      motion model (SMM) by accounting for potential relative motion pattern changes
      between different anatomical structures from simulation to treatment. The motion
      model extracted from planning 4DCT was divided into two structures: tumor and
      body excluding tumor, and the parameters of both structures were optimized
      together. Weighted free-form deformation (WFD) was employed afterwards to
      introduce flexibility in adjusting the weightings of different structures in the
      data fidelity constraint based on clinical interests. XCAT (computerized patient
      model) simulation with a 30 mm diameter lesion was simulated with various
      anatomical and respiratory changes from planning 4D-CT to on-board volume to
      evaluate the method. The estimation accuracy was evaluated by the volume percent
      difference (VPD)/center-of-mass-shift (COMS) between lesions in the estimated and
      "ground-truth" on-board 4D-CBCT. Different on-board projection acquisition
      scenarios and projection noise levels were simulated to investigate their effects
      on the estimation accuracy. The method was also evaluated against three lung
      patients. RESULTS: The SMM-WFD method achieved substantially better accuracy than
      the GMM-FD method for CBCT estimation using extremely small scan angles or
      projections. Using orthogonal 15 degrees  scanning angles, the VPD/COMS were 3.47
      +/- 2.94% and 0.23 +/- 0.22 mm for SMM-WFD and 25.23 +/- 19.01% and 2.58 +/- 2.54
      mm for GMM-FD among all eight XCAT scenarios. Compared to GMM-FD, SMM-WFD was
      more robust against reduction of the scanning angles down to orthogonal 10
      degrees  with VPD/COMS of 6.21 +/- 5.61% and 0.39 +/- 0.49 mm, and more robust
      against reduction of projection numbers down to only 8 projections in total for
      both orthogonal-view 30 degrees  and orthogonal-view 15 degrees  scan angles. SMM
      WFD method was also more robust than the GMM-FD method against increasing levels
      of noise in the projection images. Additionally, the SMM-WFD technique provided
      better tumor estimation for all three lung patients compared to the GMM-FD
      technique. CONCLUSION: Compared to the GMM-FD technique, the SMM-WFD technique
      can substantially improve the 4D-CBCT estimation accuracy using extremely small
      scan angles and low number of projections to provide fast low dose 4D target
      verification.

PMID- 28079268
TI  - Renoprotective effect of Hypericum perforatum against diabetic nephropathy in
      rats: Insights in the underlying mechanisms.
AB  - Oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the initiation and
      progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The present study aimed to investigate
      the possible protective effect of hypericum perforatum (HP) against DN. Rats were
      allocated into six groups: control, received normal saline; diabetic untreated
      (DM), received single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) after injection of
      nicotinamide (NA); gliclazide, received STZ,NA + gliclazide (10 mg/kg); DM +
      HP50, DM + HP100, DM + HP200, received STZ,NA and HP 50, 100, 200 mg/kg,
      respectively. Gliclazide and HP were administered daily via gavage for 8 weeks.
      Serum glucose, insulin, kidney function and histopathological picture were
      assessed. Furthermore, oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammatory cytokines,
      apoptotic and fibrotic markers were measured. Diabetic untreated group showed
      increase in serum glucose, urea, creatinine with albuminurea. Renal expression of
      protein for nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), renal expression of inducible nitric
      oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase II (COXII), collagen IV, fibronectin were
      elevated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM
      1), monocellular chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumour growth factor- beta
      (TGF-beta), caspase-3 and cytochrome c contents were also increased consequently
      with decline of serum insulin, expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor (PPARgamma), renal reduced glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activity. Treatment with either gliclazide or HP mitigated the
      deleterious effects of STZ on the tested parameters. These findings indicate for
      the first time that HP may have a renoprotective effect against DN through
      reduction of oxidative/nitrosative stress, enhancement of antioxidant defense
      mechanisms, decline of inflammatory cytokines, antifibrotic, antiapoptotic and
      blood glucose lowering properties.

PMID- 28079269
TI  - Ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir as salvage therapy for HCV genotype 1 failures to
      prior NS5A inhibitors regimens.
AB  - There is little information on retreatment efficacy and predictors of the
      combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) for patients who
      fail to respond to NS5A inhibitors. NS5A resistance variants are known to persist
      for long periods after such treatment. Here, we evaluated 54 patients with
      chronic HCV genotype 1b infection, free of decompensated cirrhosis, and
      hepatocellular carcinoma, for sustained virological response after 12 weeks
      (SVR12) of once-daily treatment with 90 mg ledipasvir and 400 mg sofosbuvir.
      Intention-to-treat analysis showed SVR12 of 70%. Using ultra-deep sequencing, non
      responder to ledipasvir/sofosbuvir showed no change in the rates of detection of
      NS5A and NS5B resistant-variants at re-elevation of viral loads, relative to
      baseline. According to response to prior treatment, SVR12 rates were 18, 69, 94,
      and 100% in non response, viral breakthrough, relapse, and discontinuation due to
      adverse events, respectively. SVR12 rates in non response were significantly
      lower than those of the others. Multivariate analysis identified response to
      previous treatment (failure except for non response) and FIB4 index (<3.25) as
      significant determinants of SVR12. The SVR12 rates were significantly lower in
      patients with FIB4 index of >=3.25 and had not responded to prior treatment,
      relative to others. The specificity, and positive- and negative-predictive values
      were high for prediction of poor response based on the combination of two
      predictors. In conclusion, our study indicated that ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is a
      potentially useful salvage treatment for patients who fail prior NS5A inhibitors
      based therapy. Response to prior treatment was an important predictor of
      retreatment efficacy.

PMID- 28079270
TI  - Treatment of Adults with Idiopathic Recurrent Pericarditis: Novel Use of
      Immunotherapy.
AB  - Idiopathic recurrent pericarditis (IRP) can be challenging to treat. Even after
      guideline-directed first-line treatment consisting of aspirin (ASA) or a
      nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) in combination with colchicine
      therapy, recurrences still occur in greater than 20% of patients. Many patients
      then require treatment with long-term corticosteroids, which is not a favorable
      option due to their short- and long-term adverse effects. Because it is theorized
      that the pathophysiology of IRP may possess autoimmune sequelae, the use of
      immunotherapy for the treatment of IRP has emerged. In this review, we describe
      the literature associated with immunotherapy used to treat IRP in an adult
      population as well as provide an overview of the safety and monitoring parameters
      for each agent. The most common immunotherapies used after patients have had
      multiple recurrences of IRP are anakinra, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and
      azathioprine. In most cases, these immunotherapies are adjunctive therapy, with
      the goal of tapering and discontinuing immunosuppressive corticosteroids. After
      reviewing the data, anakinra resulted in more patients discontinuing
      corticosteroids and prevented further recurrences of pericarditis. IVIG resulted
      in symptom resolution and no further recurrences in most of the patients.
      Azathioprine was associated with more than half of patients becoming recurrence
      free; however, many patients required a restart of corticosteroids due to
      recurrence. Clinicians should be aware of the adverse effects of immunotherapy,
      ranging from mild gastrointestinal events to risk of infection and serious blood
      dyscrasias that may require diligent monitoring. The use of immunotherapy for the
      treatment of adults with IRP should be restricted to patients who have multiple
      recurrences. Ideally, immunotherapy would be adjunctive to first-line combination
      therapy with ASA/NSAID plus colchicine, with the goal of tapering and
      discontinuing immunosuppressive corticosteroids. Furthermore, clinicians should
      consider cost, drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, and safety, as well as
      the quality of the retrospective evidence before considering any immunotherapy.

PMID- 28079271
TI  - Uptake and elimination kinetics of the biocide triclosan and the synthetic musks
      galaxolide and tonalide in the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta when exposed to
      sewage sludge.
AB  - Sewage sludge is an important amendment that enriches soils with organic matter
      and provides plants with nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. However,
      knowledge on the fate and effects of organic pollutants present in the sludge on
      soil organisms is limited. In the present study, the uptake of triclosan,
      galaxolide, and tonalide in the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta was measured 1 wk
      after amendment of agricultural soil with sewage sludge, while elimination
      kinetics were assessed over a 21-d period after transferring worms to clean soil.
      After 1-wk exposure, earthworms had accumulated 2.6 +/- 0.6 MUg g-1 galaxolide,
      0.04 +/- 0.02 MUg g-1 tonalide, and 0.6 +/- 0.2 MUg g-1 triclosan. Both synthetic
      musks were efficiently excreted and below the limit of quantification after 3 and
      14 d of depuration for tonalide and galaxolide, respectively. Triclosan
      concentrations, on the other hand, did not decrease significantly over the
      depuration period, which may lead to the transfer of triclosan in the food web.
      Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2068-2073. (c) 2017 SETAC.

PMID- 28079272
TI  - Salinity, dissolved organic carbon, and interpopulation variability hardly
      influence the accumulation and effect of copper in Mytilus edulis.
AB  - To improve the ecological relevance of environmental risk assessment, an improved
      understanding is needed of 1) the influence of environmental conditions on the
      toxicity of pollutants, and 2) the effect of these factors in combination with
      possible interpopulation variability. The influences of salinity and dissolved
      organic carbon (DOC) on the accumulation and effect of copper (Cu) to settled
      mussels were investigated with mussels from a North Sea and a Baltic Sea
      population. We found that both populations were equally Cu-sensitive, even though
      the Baltic Sea population lives in suboptimal conditions. Baltic Sea mussels,
      however, accumulated more Cu. This suggests that these populations may have
      different ways of coping with excess Cu. The influence of salinity on Cu toxicity
      to settled mussels was limited for both populations. An increase in DOC did not
      decrease the Cu accumulation or effect in either population. This suggests that
      DOC-Cu complexes are bioavailable for settled mussels. These findings are in
      contrast with previous research which indicated that DOC decreased the toxicity
      and accumulation of Cu in the D-larvae life stage. As a consequence, the mussel
      larval stage is not the most Cu-sensitive life stage at high DOC concentrations.
      Furthermore, a DOC correction factor for Cu toxicity cannot be used for settled
      mussels. This should be accounted for in future marine Cu environmental risk
      assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2074-2082. (c) 2017 SETAC.

PMID- 28079273
TI  - Abnormal fetal muscle forces result in defects in spinal curvature and
      alterations in vertebral segmentation and shape.
AB  - The incidence of congenital spine deformities, including congenital scoliosis,
      kyphosis, and lordosis, may be influenced by the in utero mechanical environment,
      and particularly by fetal movements at critical time-points. There is a limited
      understanding of the influence of fetal movements on spinal development, despite
      the fact that mechanical forces have been shown to play an essential role in
      skeletal development of the limb. This study investigates the effects of muscle
      forces on spinal curvature, vertebral segmentation, and vertebral shape by
      inducing rigid or flaccid paralysis in the embryonic chick. The critical time
      points for the influence of fetal movements on spinal development were identified
      by varying the time of onset of paralysis. Prolonged rigid paralysis induced
      severe defects in the spine, including curvature abnormalities, posterior and
      anterior vertebral fusions, and altered vertebral shape, while flaccid paralysis
      did not affect spinal curvature or vertebral segmentation. Early rigid paralysis
      resulted in more severe abnormalities in the spine than later rigid paralysis.
      The findings of this study support the hypothesis that the timing and nature of
      fetal muscle activity are critical influences on the normal development of the
      spine, with implications for the understanding of congenital spine deformities.
      (c) 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J
      Orthop Res 35:2135-2144, 2017.

PMID- 28079276
TI  - Dermal TDI exposure is not associated with lung cancer risk.

PMID- 28079275
TI  - Non-malignant respiratory disease among workers in industries using styrene-A
      review of the evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma and obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) cases have occurred among
      styrene-exposed workers. We aimed to investigate styrene as a risk factor for non
      malignant respiratory disease (NMRD). METHODS: From a literature review, we
      identified case reports and assessed cross-sectional and mortality studies for
      strength of evidence of positive association (i.e., strong, intermediate,
      suggestive, none) between styrene exposure and NMRD-related morbidity and
      mortality. RESULTS: We analyzed 55 articles and two unpublished case reports. Ten
      OB cases and eight asthma cases were identified. Six (75%) asthma cases had
      abnormal styrene inhalation challenges. Thirteen (87%) of 15 cross-sectional
      studies and 12 (50%) of 24 mortality studies provided at least suggestive
      evidence that styrene was associated with NMRD-related morbidity or mortality.
      Six (66%) of nine mortality studies assessing chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease-related mortality indicated excess mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Available
      evidence suggests styrene exposure is a potential risk factor for NMRD.
      Additional studies of styrene-exposed workers are warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med.
      60:163-180, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28079277
TI  - Whole-body vibration exposure of occupational horseback riding in agriculture: A
      ranching example.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Horse riding is common in many occupations; however, there is
      currently no research evaluating exposure to whole-body vibration and mechanical
      shock on horseback. METHODS: Whole-body vibration was measured on a cattle
      rancher during two 30 min horseback rides using a tri-axial accelerometer mounted
      on a western saddle. Vibration was summarized into standardized metrics,
      including the 8 hr equivalent root-mean-squared acceleration (A[8]) and the daily
      4th power vibration dose value (VDV). The resulting exposures were compared to
      the exposure limit and action values provided by European Union Directive
      2002/44/EC. RESULTS: The highest vibration for both rides was in the vertical
      axis, with average A(8) and VDV of 0.56 m/s2 and 26.24 m/s1.75 , respectively.
      The A(8) value indicated moderate risk while the VDV suggested high risk of
      harmful health effects. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to whole-body vibration and
      mechanical shock during occupational horseback riding may pose deleterious health
      risks and increased susceptibility to low back pain. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:215-220,
      2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28079278
TI  - Corporate corruption of science-Another asbestos example.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kelsh et al. [2007]: Occup Med (Lond) 57:581-589 published a paper
      reanalyzing one of the few data sources publicly available on mesothelioma
      amongst brake workers, the Australian Mesothelioma Surveillance Registry (AMSR).
      This reanalysis was commissioned by lawyers representing the automobile
      manufacturing companies and did not align with an independent analysis published
      by Leigh and Driscoll [2003]: Occup Environ Health 9:206-217. METHODS: We sought
      to reevaluate the AMSR data ourselves to understand how the company-sponsored
      research categorized the data. RESULTS: In our re-analysis of the 78 brake
      related folios in the AMSR, we determined that 57 were employed brake mechanics,
      35 were employed brake mechanics with no other asbestos exposure besides brake
      work or repair, and 41 of these cases had no other asbestos exposure besides
      brake work or repair. Our classifications differed significantly from Kelsh et
      al. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss how Kelsh et al. methodically reduced the relevant
      cases by following overly stringent criteria for inclusion. Am. J. Ind. Med.
      60:152-162, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28079280
TI  - Cryptosporidiosis outbreak at an academic animal research laboratory-Colorado,
      2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After cryptosporidiosis was reported in three workers caring for
      preweaned calves at an academic research laboratory, we sought to identify cases,
      determine risk factors, and implement control measures. METHODS: A
      cryptosporidiosis case was defined as diarrhea duration >=72 hr, abdominal
      cramps, or vomiting in an animal research laboratory worker during July 14-July
      31. A confirmed case had laboratory evidence of Cryptosporidium infection. Staff
      were interviewed regarding illness, potential exposures, training, and personal
      protective equipment (PPE) standard operating procedures (SOPs). RESULTS: The
      cryptosporidiosis attack rate (AR) was 74% (20/27); five were laboratory
      confirmed. Median job training was 2 hr including respiratory-fit testing. No
      SOPs existed for doffing PPE. AR for workers who removed their gloves first was
      84% (16/19) compared with 20% (1/5) for workers who removed gloves last (risk
      ratio = 4.2; P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This outbreak highlights the importance of
      adequate training, enforced proper PPE procedures, and promoting a culture of
      safety. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:208-214, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28079279
TI  - Evaluating predictors of lead exposure for activities disturbing materials
      painted with or containing lead using historic published data from U.S.
      workplaces.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated predictors of differences in published occupational lead
      concentrations for activities disturbing material painted with or containing lead
      in U.S. workplaces to aid historical exposure reconstruction. METHODS: For the
      aforementioned tasks, 221 air and 113 blood lead summary results (1960-2010) were
      extracted from a previously developed database. Differences in the natural log
      transformed geometric mean (GM) for year, industry, job, and other ancillary
      variables were evaluated in meta-regression models that weighted each summary
      result by its inverse variance and sample size. RESULTS: Air and blood lead GMs
      declined 5%/year and 6%/year, respectively, in most industries. Exposure contrast
      in the GMs across the nine jobs and five industries was higher based on air
      versus blood concentrations. For welding activities, blood lead GMs were 1.7
      times higher in worst-case versus non-worst case scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: Job,
      industry, and time-specific exposure differences were identified; other
      determinants were too sparse or collinear to characterize. Am. J. Ind. Med.
      60:189-197, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28079281
TI  - Response to Goodman et al.

PMID- 28079282
TI  - Troubling issues at the frontier of animal tracking for conservation and
      management.

PMID- 28079283
TI  - Rab8A regulates insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in C2C12 myoblasts.
AB  - Rab proteins are important regulators of GLUT4 trafficking in muscle and adipose
      cells. It is still unclear which Rabs are involved in insulin-stimulated GLUT4
      translocation in C2C12 myoblasts. In this study, we detect the colocalization of
      Rab8A with GLUT4 and the presence of Rab8A at vesicle exocytic sites by TIRFM
      imaging. Overexpression of dominant-negative Rab8A (T22N) diminishes insulin
      stimulated GLUT4 translocation, while constitutively active Rab8A (Q67L) augments
      it. In addition, knockdown of Rab8A inhibits insulin-stimulated GLUT4
      translocation, which is rescued by replenishment of RNAi-resistant Rab8A.
      Together, these results indicate an indispensable role for Rab8A in insulin
      regulated GLUT4 trafficking in C2C12 cells.

PMID- 28079284
TI  - Controlling the Helix Handedness of alphaalphabeta-Peptide Foldamers through
      Sequence Shifting.
AB  - Peptide foldamers containing both cis-beta-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid and
      alpha-amino acid residues combined in various sequence patterns (alphaalphabeta,
      alphaalphaalphabeta, alphabetaalphaalphabeta, and
      alphaalphabetaalphaalphaalphabeta) were screened using CD and NMR spectroscopy
      for the tendency to form helices. alphaalphabeta-Peptides were found to fold into
      an unprecedented and well-defined 16/17/15/18/14/17-helix. By extending the
      length of the sequence or shifting a fragment of the sequence from one terminus
      to another in alphaalphabeta-peptides, the balance between left-handed and right
      handed helix populations present in the solution can be controlled. Engineering
      of the peptide sequence could lead to compounds with either a strong propensity
      for the selected helix sense or a mixture of helical conformations of opposite
      senses.

PMID- 28079285
TI  - A pathway-based association study reveals variants from Wnt signalling genes
      contributing to asthma susceptibility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic susceptibility to asthma is currently linked to a handful of
      genes which have a limited ability to predict the overall disease risk,
      suggesting the existence of many other genes involved in disease development.
      Accumulated evidence from association studies in genes related by biological
      pathways could reveal novel asthma genes. OBJECTIVE: To reveal novel asthma
      susceptibility genes by means of a pathway-based association study. METHODS:
      Based on summary data from a previous a genomewide association study (GWAS) of
      asthma, we first identified significant biological pathways using a gene-set
      enrichment analysis. We then mapped all tested single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) on the genes contributing to significant pathways and prioritized those
      with a disproportionate number of nominal significant associations for further
      studies. For those prioritized genes, association studies were performed for
      selected SNPs in independent case-control samples (n = 1765) using logistic
      regression models, and results were meta-analysed with those from the GWAS.
      RESULTS: Two biological processes were significantly enriched: the cytokine
      cytokine receptor interaction (P = 0.002) and the Wnt signalling (P = 0.012).
      From the 417 genes interacting in these two pathways, 10 showed an excess of
      nominal associations, including a known asthma susceptibility locus (encoding
      SMAD family member 3) and other novel candidate genes. From the latter,
      association studies of 14 selected SNPs evidenced replication in a locus near the
      frizzled class receptor 6 (FZD6) gene (P = 9.90 * 10-4 ), which had a consistent
      direction of effects with the GWAS findings (meta-analysed odds ratio = 1.49; P =
      5.87 * 10-6 ) and was in high linkage disequilibrium with expression quantitative
      trait loci in lung tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study
      revealed the importance of two biological pathways in asthma pathogenesis and
      identified a novel susceptibility locus near Wnt signalling genes.

PMID- 28079286
TI  - Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and 3D-QSAR analysis of podophyllotoxin
      dioxazole combination as tubulin targeting anticancer agents.
AB  - The advancement of cancer-fighting drugs has never been a simple linear process.
      Those drug design professionals begin to find inspiration from the nature after
      failing to find the ideal products by creative drug design and high-throughput
      screening. To obtain new molecules for inhibiting tubulin, podophyllotoxin was
      adopted as the leading compound and 1,3,4-oxadiazole was brought in to the C-4
      site of podophyllotoxin in this research. A series of seventeen podophyllotoxin
      derived esters have been achieved and then evaluated their antitumor activities
      against four different cancer cell lines: A549, MCF-7, HepG2, and HeLa. Among all
      the compounds, compound 7c showed the best antiproliferating properties with IC50
      = 2.54 +/- 0.82 MUm against MCF-7 cancer cell line. It was obvious that the
      content of ROS grew significantly in MCF-7 in a way depending on the dosage. The
      time- and dose-dependent cell cycle assays revealed that compound 7c could
      apparently block cell cycle in the phase of G2/M along with the upregulation of
      cyclin A2 and CDK2 protein. According to further studies, confocal microscopy
      experiment has certified that compound 7c could restrain cancer from growing by
      blocking the polymerization of microtubule. Meanwhile, compound 7c could be
      ideally integrated with the colchicine site of tubulin. In future, it would be
      feasible to selectively design tubulin inhibitors with the help of 3D-QSAR. This
      means that it is hopeful to develop compound 7c as a potential agent against
      cancer due to its biological characteristics.

PMID- 28079287
TI  - Triarylmethane Dyes for Artificial Repellent Cotton Fibers.
AB  - Families of new hydrophobic and/or oleophobic triarylmethane dyes possessing long
      hydrocarbon or polyfluorinated chains have been prepared. When covalently grafted
      on to cotton fabric, these dyes give rise to a new type of colored
      superhydrophobic fibers.

PMID- 28079288
TI  - Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectra Promoted by a Finger Press in an All-Solid-State
      Flexible Energy Conversion and Storage Film.
AB  - Electrochemically up-regulated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (E-SERS)
      effectively increases Raman signal intensities. However, the instrumental
      requirements and the conventional measurement conditions in an electrolyte cell
      have hampered its application in fast and on-site detection. To circumvent the
      inconveniences of E-SERS, we propose a self-energizing substrate that provides
      electrical potential by converting film deformation from a finger press into
      stored electrical energy. The substrate combines an energy conversion film and a
      SERS-active Ag nanowire layer. A composite film prepared from a piezoelectric
      polymer matrix and surface-engineered rGO that simultaneously presents high
      permittivity and low dielectric loss is the key component herein. Using our
      substrate, increased E-SERS signals up to 10 times from a variety of molecules
      were obtained in the open air. Various tests on real-life sample surfaces
      demonstrated the potentials of the substrate in fast on-site detection.

PMID- 28079289
TI  - Apocrine Metaplasia Found at MR Biopsy: Is There Something to be Learned?
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine (a) the frequency of apocrine
      metaplasia (ApoM) found on MR core biopsy of suspicious findings, and (b) to
      determine if there are specific MR imaging features that might obviate the need
      for biopsy. This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was performed under IRB
      exemption for quality assurance studies. Patient demographics, MR imaging
      features, and pathology were reviewed. Breast lesions which underwent MR-guided
      biopsy, yielding ApoM on pathology analysis were included. Retrospective review
      of MR imaging features of these lesions was performed by two radiologists blinded
      to pathology results except for the presence of ApoM. Imaging features on MR
      assessed included location, size, morphology, T1 and T2 signals, and enhancement
      kinetics. Full pathology results were subsequently reviewed during data analysis.
      The pathology slides and imaging was subsequently reviewed by two fellowship
      trained radiologists and a breast pathologist to categorize the finding of ApoM
      into target lesion (imaging corresponds to size of lesion on pathology) versus
      incidental lesion. Target lesion characteristics were assessed to determine
      specific MRI features of ApoM. Between January 2011 to November 2012, 155
      distinct breast lesions suspicious for malignancy successfully underwent MR
      guided biopsy. Of the 155 lesions biopsied, 123 (79%) were benign and 32 (21%)
      were malignant. Of the 123 benign biopsies, ApoM was found in 57 (46%), of which
      35 (61%) had no associated atypia and 22 (39%) had associated atypia. Of the 32
      malignant biopsies, three (9%) had associated ApoM (DCIS in two cases and
      DCIS/LCIS in one case). Of the 60 cases with ApoM, only 11 (18.3%) were target
      lesions and 49 were incidental lesions (81.7%). Of the 60 cases with ApoM, 35
      (58%) were masses (average size 0.8 cm for both with or without atypia) and 25
      (42%) were nonmass enhancement (NME) (average size 2.1 cm with and 1.0 cm without
      atypia). Only five (14%) of 35 masses demonstrated spiculated margins, of which
      four were associated with atypia (80%). Of 22 lesions with atypia or other high
      risk lesion, 14 (64%) were masses, most commonly with irregular margins (64%). Of
      the 12 T2 hyperintense lesions, only two (1.7)% had associated atypia or high
      risk lesion, and none were associated with malignancy. Of the 11 target lesions,
      seven were T2 hyperintense. Enhancement kinetics were variable: 30 (50%) showed
      mixed persistent and plateau kinetics, eight (13%) persistent delayed
      enhancement, 10 (17%) plateau kinetics, four (7%) washout kinetics, and eight
      (13%) were below threshold for kinetic analysis. ApoM is a common benign
      pathologic result at MR-guided core biopsy for both masses and NME accounting for
      39% of all biopsy results in this series. Although there is considerable
      variability in imaging characteristics on MR, our results suggest biopsy may be
      safely obviated for lesions that are subcentimeter T2 hyperintense areas of NME
      and short term follow-up imaging may be a reasonable alternative for these
      lesions.

PMID- 28079290
TI  - Clamped Hybridization Chain Reactions for the Self-Assembly of Patterned DNA
      Hydrogels.
AB  - DNA hydrogels hold great potential for biological and biomedical applications
      owing to their programmable nature and macroscopic sizes. However, most previous
      studies involve spontaneous and homogenous gelation procedures in solution, which
      often lack precise control. A clamped hybridization chain reaction (C-HCR)-based
      strategy has been developed to guide DNA self-assembly to form macroscopic
      hydrogels. Analogous to catalysts in chemical synthesis or seeds in crystal
      growth, we introduced DNA initiators to induce the gelation process, including
      crosslinked self-assembly and clamped hybridization in three dimensions with
      spatial and temporal control. The formed hydrogels show superior mechanical
      properties. The use of printed, surface-confined DNA initiators was also
      demonstrated for fabricating 2D hydrogel patterns without relying on external
      confinements. This simple method can be used to construct DNA hydrogels with
      defined geometry, composition, and order for various bioapplications.

PMID- 28079291
TI  - Prognostic Value of PD-L1 in Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a promising therapeutic target for
      cancer immunotherapy. However, the correlation between PD-L1 and breast cancer
      survival remains unclear. Here, we present the first meta-analysis to investigate
      the prognostic value of PD-L1 in breast cancer. We searched Pubmed, Embase, and
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for relevant studies
      evaluating PD-L1 expression and breast cancer survival. Fixed- and random-effect
      meta-analyses were conducted based on heterogeneity of included studies.
      Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Begg's test. Overall, nine
      relevant studies with 8583 patients were included. PD-L1 overexpression was found
      in 25.8% of breast cancer patients. PD-L1 (+) associated with several high-risk
      prognostic indicators, such as ductal cancer (p = 0.037), high tumor grade (p =
      0.000), ER negativity (p = 0.000), PR negativity (p = 0.000), HER2 positivity (p
      = 0.001) and aggressive molecular subtypes (HER2-rich and Basal-like p = 0.000).
      PD-L1 overexpression had no significant impact on metastasis-free survival (HR
      0.924, 95% CI = 0.747-1.141, p = 0.462), disease-free survival (HR 1.122, 95% CI
      = 0.878-1.434, p = 0.357) and overall specific survival (HR 0.837, 95% CI = 0.640
      1.093, p = 0.191), but significantly correlated with shortened overall survival
      (HR 1.573, 95% CI = 1.010-2.451, p = 0.045). PD-L1 overexpression in breast
      cancer associates with multiple clinicopathological parameters that indicated
      poor outcome, and may increase the risk for mortality. Further standardization of
      PD-L1 assessment assay and well-controlled clinical trials are warranted to
      clarify its prognostic and therapeutic value.

PMID- 28079293
TI  - Vaccination management in children and adults with mastocytosis.

PMID- 28079294
TI  - Locus on chromosome 16 is significantly associated with increased tendency to
      lose pups in females of the RR/Sgn inbred mouse strain.
AB  - Females of the inbred mouse strain RR/Sgn have an apparent tendency to lose pups
      during rearing. To identify genes underlying this abnormal maternal phenotype, we
      performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in 349 (C57BL/6 J * RR/Sgn) F1  *
      RR/Sgn backcross mice and identified one significant and one suggestive QTL on
      chromosomes 16 and 4, respectively. We assigned the gene symbol nurturing ability
      QTL 3 (Naq3) to the QTL on chromosome 16. Twenty of the 21 mothers who lost
      entire litters were homozygous for RR/Sgn allele at Naq3; i.e., the significant
      association of Naq3 with pup loss was further confirmed by binomial tests. We
      tentatively propose that Mapk1, Kalrn, and Vps8 are potential candidate genes for
      Naq3.

PMID- 28079292
TI  - Germ cell tumors: Insights from the Drosophila ovary and the mouse testis.
AB  - Ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors of young adults are thought to arise from
      defects in germ cell development, but the molecular mechanisms underlying
      malignant transformation are poorly understood. In this review, we focus on the
      biology of germ cell tumor formation in the Drosophila ovary and the mouse
      testis, for which evidence supports common underlying mechanisms, such as
      blocking initiation into the differentiation pathway, impaired lineage
      progression, and sexual identity instability. We then discuss how these concepts
      inform our understanding of the disease in humans. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 200-211,
      2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28079295
TI  - Hypophosphatemia predicts a failure to recover from adefovir-related renal injury
      after dose reduction in lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B patients.
AB  - AIM: In chronic hepatitis B patients receiving 10 mg adefovir, dose reduction is
      recommended when renal injury appears. However, recovery is not always achieved
      and markers that recommend switching to another antiviral agent are unknown. We
      investigated adefovir-related renal injury, recovery after dose reduction, and
      their predictors. METHODS: The renal injury in 77 chronic hepatitis B patients
      receiving 10 mg adefovir and recovery after dose reduction to alternate day
      administration in those with adefovir-related renal injury were assessed. The
      predictors for >20% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline following
      treatment with 10 mg adefovir and for >20% eGFR recovery after dose reduction
      were investigated. RESULTS: The adefovir dose was reduced in 26 patients (34%) at
      59 +/- 30 (mean +/- standard deviation) months of 10 mg adefovir treatment
      because of decreases in eGFR (cumulative incidence 27%), serum phosphorus (9%),
      and uric acid (16%) levels, and increases in alkaline phosphatase (20%), bone
      type alkaline phosphatase (18%), urinary alpha1-microglobulin (18%), and urinary
      N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (18%) levels. The only significant predictor for
      >20% eGFR decline was age >=50 years at the start of 10 mg adefovir treatment.
      The cumulative eGFR recovery rate was 42% at 42 +/- 27 months after dose
      reduction, and >=2.5 mg/dL serum phosphorus level at dose reduction was the only
      significant predictor for >20% eGFR recovery after dose reduction. CONCLUSION:
      Patients aged >=50 years are predisposed to adefovir-related renal injury and
      switching to another antiviral agent rather than adefovir dose reduction is
      recommended when hypophosphatemia is observed.

PMID- 28079296
TI  - Elasticity in Macrophage-Synthesized Biocrystals.
AB  - Supramolecular crystalline assembly constitutes a rational approach to
      bioengineer intracellular structures. Here, biocrystals of clofazimine (CFZ) that
      form in vivo within macrophages were measured to have marked curvature. Isolated
      crystals, however, showed reduced curvature suggesting that intracellular forces
      bend these drug crystals. Consistent with the ability of biocrystals to
      elastically deform, the inherent crystal structure of the principal molecular
      component of the biocrystals-the hydrochloride salt of CFZ (CFZ-HCl)-has a
      corrugated packing along the (001) face and weak dispersive bonding in multiple
      directions. These characteristics were previously found to be linked to the
      elasticity of other organic crystals. Internal stress in bent CFZ-HCl led to
      photoelastic effects on the azimuthal orientation of polarized light
      transmittance. We propose that elastic, intracellular crystals can serve as
      templates to construct functional microdevices with different applications.

PMID- 28079297
TI  - The Effectiveness of Diclofenac Sodium in the Treatment of Mondor's Disease of
      the Breast: The Topical Patch Compared to the Oral Capsules.
AB  - Mondor's disease of the breast is a rare, benign sclerosing superficial
      thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous veins of the anterior or lateral chest wall,
      which is treated conservatively. We aim in this study to evaluate the outcome and
      effectiveness of our treatment protocol using oral diclofenac sodium and topical
      diclofenac sodium patch in 172 patients. A retrospective database analysis of 172
      female patients between January 2001 and December 2010 was done. The treatment
      protocol consisted of group 1: treatment by oral diclofenac sodium 100 mg once
      daily for 3 weeks. Group 2: treatment by diclofenac sodium patches for 8 hours
      twice daily (morning and evening) for 1 week. The patients were instructed to
      document the time as soon as pain relief is achieved following the patch
      application and the intake of the oral dose. The incidence rate was 2.49%.
      Diclofenac sodium patch was statistically found to be significantly better in
      subsiding the inflammatory process of the veins, relieving the pain, and
      enhancing faster healing rate. We conclude that diclofenac sodium patch showed a
      promising role in the treatment of Mondor's disease of the breast by
      significantly decreasing the inflammatory process due to its transdermal
      migration action within a short period and the ability to reach a high local
      concentration. It achieved the best results for rapid relief of pain and disease
      regression compared to the oral capsules. Therefore, our protocol was changed to
      implement diclofenac sodium patch as the first choice in treating Mondor's
      disease of the breast.

PMID- 28079298
TI  - From phosphoproteins to phosphoproteomes: a historical account.
AB  - The first phosphoprotein (casein) was discovered in 1883, yet the enzyme
      responsible for its phosphorylation was identified only 130 years later, in 2012.
      In the intervening time, especially in the last decades of the 1900s, it became
      evident that, far from being an oddity, phosphorylation affects the majority of
      eukaryotic proteins during their lifespan, and that this reaction is catalysed by
      the members of a large family of protein kinases, susceptible to a variety of
      stimuli controlling nearly every aspect of life and death. The aim of this review
      is to present a historical account of the main steps of this spectacular
      revolution, which transformed our conception of a biochemical reaction originally
      held as a sporadic curiosity into the master mechanism governing cell regulation,
      and, if it is perturbed, causing cell dysregulation.

PMID- 28079299
TI  - A platinum blue complex exerts its cytotoxic activity via DNA damage and induces
      apoptosis in cancer cells.
AB  - Here, we describe the characteristics of a Pt-blue complex [Pt4 (2-atp)8 (H2
      O)(OH)] (2-atp: 2-aminothiophenol) as a prodrug for its DNA-binding properties
      and its use in cancer therapy. The nature of the interaction between the Pt-blue
      complex and DNA was evaluated based on spectroscopic measurements, the electronic
      absorption spectra, thermal behavior, viscosity, fluorometric titration, and
      agarose gel electrophoresis. Our results suggested that the compound was able to
      partially intercalate DNA and appeared to induce both single- and double-stranded
      breaks (DBS) on DNA in vitro, but no DSBs in cells. The ability of the compound
      to induce DNA damage was dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro.
      There was also elevated formation of ROS and SOD expression in response to drug
      treatment in cell culture. The complex was found to be more cytotoxic to cancer
      cells in comparison with noncancer controls using WST-1 assay. The mean of cell
      death was determined to be apoptosis as assessed via biochemical, morphological,
      and molecular observations, including DNA condensation/fragmentation analysis,
      live cell imaging microscopy, TUNEL analyses, and increase in the levels of pro
      apoptotic genes such as Bag3, Bak, Bik, Bmf, and Hrk. Hence, the Pt-blue complex
      under study grants premise for further studies.

PMID- 28079300
TI  - Assessing the accuracy of the OMRON HEM-907XL oscillometric blood pressure
      measurement device in patients with nondialytic chronic kidney disease.
AB  - The OMRON HEM-907XL is a commercial oscillometric blood pressure (BP) monitor
      that was used in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), in
      which 28% of participants had chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study examined
      the accuracy of the monitor in nondialytic patients with CKD. Eighty-seven
      patients met inclusion criteria. The authors used a modified Association for the
      Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) protocol, with one observer
      recording measurements from the monitor and two blinded physicians obtaining
      simultaneous aneroid values by auscultation. Using AAMI method 1, there was a
      2.5+/-9.5 mm Hg difference in OMRON and aneroid systolic BP, and a -1.6+/-6.5 mm
      Hg difference in diastolic BP. Using AAMI method 2, there was a 5.1+/-7.4 mm Hg
      difference in systolic BP and a -0.2+/-5.4 mm Hg difference in diastolic BP. In
      patients with CKD, the OMRON HEM-907XL appears to be accurate for measuring
      diastolic BP, but did not perform as well for systolic BP.

PMID- 28079301
TI  - Case Study for Lean Management in the Public Sector: Improving Combination
      Product Review at the Food & Drug Administration.

PMID- 28079302
TI  - Molecular basis for covalent inhibition of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase by a 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone small molecule.
AB  - Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) has recently gained attention as
      an antiprotozoan and anticancer drug target. We have previously identified 2
      phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone as an inhibitor of both Trypanosoma brucei and human
      GAPDH. Herein, through multiple chemical, biochemical, and biological studies,
      and through the design of analogs, we confirmed the formation of a covalent
      adduct, we clarified the inhibition mechanism, and we demonstrated
      antitrypanosomal, antiplasmodial, and cytotoxic activities in cell cultures. The
      overall results lent support to the hypothesis that 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone
      binds the GAPDH catalytic cysteine covalently through a phenolate displacement
      mechanism. By investigating the reactivity of 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and
      its analogs with four GAPDH homologs, we showed that the covalent inhibition is
      not preceded by the formation of a strong non-covalent complex. However, an up to
      fivefold difference in inactivation rates among homologs hinted at structural or
      electrostatic differences of their active sites that could be exploited to
      further design kinetically selective inhibitors. Moreover, we preliminarily
      showed that 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone displays selectivity for GAPDHs over two
      other cysteine-dependent enzymes, supporting its suitability as a warhead
      starting fragment for the design of novel inhibitors.

PMID- 28079303
TI  - Mononuclear Clusterfullerene Single-Molecule Magnet Containing Strained Fused
      Pentagons Stabilized by a Nearly Linear Metal Cyanide Cluster.
AB  - Fused-pentagons results in an increase of local steric strain according to the
      isolated pentagon rule (IPR), and for all reported non-IPR clusterfullerenes
      multiple (two or three) metals are required to stabilize the strained fused
      pentagons, making it difficult to access the single-atom properties. Herein, we
      report the syntheses and isolations of novel non-IPR mononuclear
      clusterfullerenes MNC@C76 (M=Tb, Y), in which one pair of strained fused-pentagon
      is stabilized by a mononuclear cluster. The molecular structures of MNC@C76
      (M=Tb, Y) were determined unambiguously by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,
      featuring a non-IPR C2v (19138)-C76 cage entrapping a nearly linear MNC cluster,
      which is remarkably different from the triangular MNC cluster within the reported
      analogous clusterfullerenes based on IPR-obeying C82 cages. The TbNC@C76 molecule
      is found to be a field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM).

PMID- 28079304
TI  - Localized measurements of physical parameters within human sperm cells obtained
      with wide-field interferometry.
AB  - We developed a new method to identify the separate cellular compartments in the
      optical path delay (OPD) maps of un-labeled spermatozoa. This was conducted by
      comparing OPD maps of fixed, un-labeled spermatozoa to bright field images of the
      same cells following labeling. The labeling enabled us to identify the acrosomal
      and nuclear compartments in the corresponding OPD maps of the cells. We then
      extracted the refractive index maps of fixed cells by dividing the OPD maps of
      spermatozoa by the corresponding thickness maps of the same cells, obtained with
      AFM. Finally, the dry mass of the head, nucleus and acrosome of un-labeled
      immobile spermatozoa, was measured. This method provides the ability to
      quantitatively measure the dry mass of cellular compartments within human
      spermatozoa. We expect that these measurements will assist label-free selection
      of sperm cells for fertilization.

PMID- 28079305
TI  - Gallium enhances reconstructive properties of a calcium phosphate bone
      biomaterial.
AB  - Calcium phosphate (CaP)-based biomaterials are commonly used in bone
      reconstructive surgery to replace the damaged tissue, and can also serve as
      vectors for local drug delivery. Due to its inhibitory action on osteoclasts, the
      semi-metallic element gallium (Ga) is used for the systemic treatment of
      disorders associated with accelerated bone resorption. As it was demonstrated
      that Ga could be incorporated in the structure of CaP biomaterials, we
      investigated the biological properties of Ga-loaded CaP biomaterials. Culturing
      bone cells on Ga-CaP, we observed a decrease in osteoclast number and a
      downregulation of late osteoclastic markers expression, while Ga-CaP upregulated
      the expression of osteoblastic marker genes involved in the maturation of bone
      matrix. We next investigated in vivo bone reconstructive properties of different
      Ga-loaded biomaterials using a murine bone defect healing model. All implanted
      biomaterials showed a good osseointegration into the surrounding host tissue,
      accompanied by a successful bone ingrowth and bone marrow reconstruction, as
      evidenced by histological analysis. Moreover, quantitative micro-computed
      tomography analysis of implants revealed that Ga enhanced total defect filling.
      Lastly, we took advantage for the first time of a particular mode of non-linear
      microscopy (second harmonic generation) to quantify in vivo bone tissue
      reconstruction within a CaP bone substitute. By doing so, we showed that Ga
      exerted a positive impact on mature organized collagen synthesis. As a whole, our
      data support the hypothesis that Ga represents an attractive additive to CaP
      biomaterials for bone reconstructive surgery. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28079306
TI  - Open Dislocation of Ankle without Fracture Treated with an External Fixator.
AB  - Ankle dislocations are orthopedic emergencies that require immediate treatment to
      avoid neurovascular impairment. They are usually accompanied by one or more
      comminuted fractures of the ankle mortis. In rare circumstances, such as high
      energy trauma, the ankle dislocations may not be accompanied by concomitant
      malleolar fractures and, thus, are named "pure ankle dislocations". We presented
      a very rare and interesting case of an open medial dislocation of the ankle
      without associated fracture in an 18-year-old man with no known predisposing risk
      factors. The patient was admitted to the emergency department after sustaining a
      catastrophic trampoline accident resulting in severe inversion of the right
      ankle. The patient was treated with an external fixator and was mobilized early
      in the post-surgical course. Despite initial presentation that revealed lack of
      posterior tibial pulse, the post-surgical course was uneventful, with full
      functional recovery and joint mobility. The primary goals of treatment are
      immediate reduction of the joint and relief of neurovascular stress. External
      fixation is a prompt, fairly easy treatment that one should keep in mind in pure
      ankle dislocations. Nonetheless, ligamentous restoration and early mobilization
      were the key elements as seen in our case for full functional recovery.

PMID- 28079307
TI  - Coordination of KrF2 to a Naked Metal Cation, Mg2.
AB  - Examples of coordination compounds in which KrF2 functions as a ligand are very
      rare. In contrast, XeF2 provides a rich coordination chemistry with a variety of
      main-group and transition metal cations. The reactions of Mg(AsF6 )2 and KrF2 in
      HF or BrF5 solvent have afforded [Mg(KrF2 )4 (AsF6 )2 ] and [Mg(KrF2 )4 (AsF6 )2
      ]?2 BrF5 , respectively, the first examples of a metal cation ligated by KrF2 .
      Their X-ray crystal structures and Raman spectra show that the KrF2 ligands and
      [AsF6 ]- anions are F-coordinated to a naked Mg2+ cation. Quantum-chemical
      calculations are consistent with essentially non-covalent ligand-metal bonding.
      These compounds significantly extend the XeF2 -KrF2 analogy and the limited
      chemistry of krypton by introducing a new class of coordination compound in which
      KrF2 functions as a ligand towards a naked metal cation.

PMID- 28079309
TI  - Bioactive injectable aggregates with nanofibrous microspheres and human dental
      pulp stem cells: A translational strategy in dental endodontics.
AB  - Regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex with stem cells is a potential
      alternative to conventional root canal treatments. Human dental pulp stem cells
      (hDPSCs) have been extensively studied because of their ability to proliferate
      and differentiate into mineralized dental and non-dental tissues. Here we
      combined hDPSCs with two types of injectable poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA)
      microsphere with a nanofibrous or smooth surface to form bioactive injectable
      aggregates, and examined their ability to promote pulp regeneration in the root
      canal in an in vivo model. We investigated the biocompatibility, biosafety and
      odontogenic potential of fibrous (F-BIM) and smooth bioactive injectable
      microspheres (S-BIM) in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that PLLA
      microspheres and hDPSCs were able to form bioactive injectable aggregates that
      promoted dentin regeneration in both in vitro and in vivo models. Our results
      suggest that F-BIM and S-BIM may induce dentinogenesis upon in vivo grafting, and
      propose that the potential usefulness of the microsphere-hDPSC aggregates
      described here should be evaluated in clinical settings. Copyright (c) 2017 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28079308
TI  - Greater temperature sensitivity of plant phenology at colder sites: implications
      for convergence across northern latitudes.
AB  - Warmer temperatures are accelerating the phenology of organisms around the world.
      Temperature sensitivity of phenology might be greater in colder, higher latitude
      sites than in warmer regions, in part because small changes in temperature
      constitute greater relative changes in thermal balance at colder sites. To test
      this hypothesis, we examined up to 20 years of phenology data for 47 tundra plant
      species at 18 high-latitude sites along a climatic gradient. Across all species,
      the timing of leaf emergence and flowering was more sensitive to a given increase
      in summer temperature at colder than warmer high-latitude locations. A similar
      pattern was seen over time for the flowering phenology of a widespread species,
      Cassiope tetragona. These are among the first results highlighting differential
      phenological responses of plants across a climatic gradient and suggest the
      possibility of convergence in flowering times and therefore an increase in gene
      flow across latitudes as the climate warms.

PMID- 28079310
TI  - Happy Birthday Kataoka-sensei!

PMID- 28079311
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28079312
TI  - Rewarding peer-review work: the Publons initiative.

PMID- 28079313
TI  - Postischemic Inflammation in Acute Stroke.
AB  - Cerebral ischemia is caused by arterial occlusion due to a thrombus or an
      embolus. Such occlusion induces multiple and concomitant pathophysiological
      processes that involve bioenergetic failure, acidosis, loss of cell homeostasis,
      excitotoxicity, and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. All of these
      mechanisms contribute to neuronal death, mainly via apoptosis or necrosis. The
      immune system is involved in this process in the early phases after brain injury,
      which contributes to potential enlargement of the infarct size and involves the
      penumbra area. Whereas inflammation and the immune system both exert deleterious
      effects, they also contribute to brain protection by stimulating a
      preconditioning status and to the concomitant repair of the injured parenchyma.
      This review describes the main phases of the inflammatory process occurring after
      arterial cerebral occlusion, with an emphasis on the role of single mediators.

PMID- 28079314
TI  - SCN1A Gene Mutation and Adaptive Functioning in 18 Vietnamese Children with
      Dravet Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe type of epilepsy in
      infants. The heterogeneity in the overall intellectual disability that these
      patients suffer from has been attributed to differences in genetic background and
      epilepsy severity. METHODS: Eighteen Vietnamese children diagnosed with Dravet
      syndrome were included in this study. SCN1A variants were screened by direct
      sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Adaptive
      functioning was assessed in all patients using the Vietnamese version of the
      Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, and the results were analyzed relative to the
      SCN1A variants and epilepsy severity. RESULTS: We identified 13 pathogenic or
      likely pathogenic variants, including 6 that have not been reported previously.
      We found no correlations between the presence or type of SCN1A variants and the
      level of adaptive functioning impairment or severity of epilepsy. Only two of
      nine patients aged at least 5 years had an adaptive functioning score higher than
      50. Both of these patients had a low frequency of convulsive seizures and no
      history of status epilepticus or prolonged seizures. The remaining seven had very
      low adaptive functioning scores (39 or less) despite the variability in the
      severity of their epilepsy confirming the involvement of factors other than the
      severity of epilepsy in determining the developmental outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study expands the spectrum of known SCN1A variants and confirms the current
      understanding of the role of the genetic background and epilepsy severity in
      determining the developmental outcome of Dravet syndrome patients.

PMID- 28079315
TI  - Migraine Susceptibility Genes in Han Chinese of Fujian Province.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4379368,
      rs10504861, rs10915437, rs12134493 and rs13208321) were recently identified in a
      Western population with migraine. These migraine-associated SNPs have not been
      evaluated in a Han Chinese population. This study investigated the associations
      of specific SNPs with migraine in a Han population. METHODS: This was a case
      control study of Han Chinese residing in Fujian Province. Polymerase chain
      reaction-restriction-fragment-length polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing
      were used to characterize the relationships of SNPs in a control group of 200
      subjects and in a migraine group of 201 patients. RESULTS: The frequencies of the
      five SNPs did not differ between patients with migraine and healthy non migraine
      controls. However, subgroup analysis indicated certain SNPs were more strongly
      associated with migraine with aura or migraine without aura than with controls.
      The CT genotype of rs4379368 was more common in migraine patients with aura (75%)
      than in migraine patients without aura (47.9%) and controls (48.5%) (p<0.05), and
      the TT genotype of rs10504861 was more common in migraine patients with aura than
      in controls (8.3% vs. 0.5%) (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the CC genotype of rs12134493
      was less common in migraine patients without aura than in controls (80.6% vs.
      88%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the rs4379368 and
      rs10504861 SNPs are markers for susceptibility to migraine with aura and that
      rs12134493 is a marker for the risk of migraine without aura in this Han
      population. Future studies should further explore if these associations vary by
      ethnicity.

PMID- 28079316
TI  - Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Response of Peripheral Neuropathy in the
      Presence of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss
      Syndrome): Experience at a Single Tertiary Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a
      rare systemic small-vessel vasculitis accompanied by asthma, eosinophilia, and
      eosinophilic inflammation of various tissues including the peripheral nerves.
      This study investigated the clinical course and long-term outcomes of peripheral
      neuropathy in patients with EGPA. METHODS: Seventy-one patients with physician
      diagnosed EGPA were identified at Samsung Medical Center between January 1995 and
      April 2014. Sixty-one of these patients were followed-up for more than 1 year and
      received corticosteroid therapy with or without intravenous cyclophosphamide
      pulse therapy for 6 to 18 months. Medical records of the 61 patients including
      demographic data, clinical features, laboratory and pathological findings,
      treatments, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Peripheral neuropathy as a
      manifestation of EGPA was present in 46 (75%) of the 61 patients. The mean follow
      up duration of the patients with neuropathy was 6.4 years (range 1.2-18.8 years).
      The scores on the neurological functional disability scale before and after the
      combination treatment with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide were 2.43+/-0.86
      and 0.54+/-0.95 (mean+/-SD; p<0.001), respectively. The peripheral neuropathy
      relapsed in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term clinical outcome of
      peripheral neuropathy in patients with EGPA receiving initial corticosteroid and
      cyclophosphamide combination therapy was favorable with a very low relapse rate.

PMID- 28079317
TI  - Human Umbilical Cord Blood CD34-Positive Cells as Predictors of the Incidence and
      Short-Term Outcome of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of
      the leading causes of neurological handicap in developing countries. Human
      umbilical cord blood (hUCB) CD34-positive (CD34+) stem cells exhibit the
      potential for neural repair. We tested the hypothesis that hUCB CD34+ stem cells
      and other cell types [leukocytes and nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs)] that are
      up-regulated during the acute stage of perinatal asphyxia (PA) could play a role
      in the early prediction of the occurrence, severity, and mortality of HIE.
      METHODS: This case-control pilot study investigated consecutive neonates exposed
      to PA. The hUCB CD34+ cell count in mononuclear layers was assayed using a flow
      cytometer. Twenty full-term neonates with PA and 25 healthy neonates were
      enrolled in the study. RESULTS: The absolute CD34+ cell count (p=0.02) and the
      relative CD34+ cell count (CD34+%) (p<0.001) in hUCB were higher in the HIE
      patients (n=20) than the healthy controls. The hUCB absolute CD34+ cell count
      (p=0.04), CD34+% (p<0.01), and Hobel risk scores (p=0.04) were higher in patients
      with moderate-to-severe HIE (n=9) than in those with mild HIE (n=11). The
      absolute CD34+ cell count was strongly correlated with CD34+% (p<0.001), Hobel
      risk score (p=0.04), total leukocyte count (TLC) (p<0.001), and NRBC count
      (p=0.01). CD34+% was correlated with TLC (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: hUCB CD34+ cells
      can be used to predict the occurrence, severity, and mortality of neonatal HIE
      after PA.

PMID- 28079318
TI  - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Becker Muscular Dystrophy Confirmed by Multiplex
      Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification: Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in a Large
      Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies of cases of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and
      Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) confirmed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe
      amplification (MLPA) have determined the clinical characteristics, genotype, and
      relations between the reading frame and phenotype for different countries. This
      is the first such study from India. METHODS: A retrospective genotype-phenotype
      analysis of 317 MLPA-confirmed patients with DMD or BMD who visited the
      neuromuscular clinic of a quaternary referral center in southern India. RESULTS:
      The 317 patients comprised 279 cases of DMD (88%), 32 of BMD (10.1%), and 6 of
      intermediate phenotype (1.9%). Deletions accounted for 91.8% of cases, with
      duplications causing the remaining 8.2%. There were 254 cases of DMD (91%) with
      deletions and 25 (9%) due to duplications, and 31 cases (96.8%) of BMD with
      deletions and 1 (3.2%) due to duplication. All six cases of intermediate type
      were due to deletions. The most-common mutation was a single-exon deletion.
      Deletions of six or fewer exons constituted 68.8% of cases. The deletion of exon
      50 was the most common. The reading-frame rule held in 90% of DMD and 94% of BMD
      cases. A tendency toward a lower IQ and earlier wheelchair dependence was
      observed with distal exon deletions, though a significant correlation was not
      found. CONCLUSIONS: The reading-frame rule held in 90% to 94% of children, which
      is consistent with reports from other parts of the world. However, testing by
      MLPA is a limitation, and advanced sequencing methods including analysis of the
      structure of mutant dystrophin is needed for more-accurate assessments of the
      genotype-phenotype correlation.

PMID- 28079319
TI  - Erratum to: Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 1 without Oculomotor Apraxia: A
      Case Report.
AB  - This corrects the article on p. 126 in vol. 12, PMID: 26541496.

PMID- 28079321
TI  - [2016, increasing the online visibility of Archivos].

PMID- 28079320
TI  - [Work and health in Portugal 2016: first report on occupational health in
      Portugal].

PMID- 28079322
TI  - [Incidence of non-work-related sickness absence in Spain by economic activity of
      the company].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The management of sickness absence due to non-work-related diseases
      in Spain has typically focused on the control of its duration. The goal of this
      study was to provide estimates for the incidence of sickness absence due to
      nonwork-related diseases by economic activity to help shift the focus of
      management of sickness absence towards prevention. METHODS: Retrospective study
      based on 646,337 workers and 133,812 episodes of sickness absence started in
      2009, from the Working Continuous Life Sample. Incidence rate and its 95%
      confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Poisson regression models, crude
      and adjusted for age, company size, and occupational category, separately for men
      and women. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate was 29.8 per 100 person-years;
      24.7 (95%CI: 24.5-24.9) in men and 36.3 (36.0- 36.5) in women. By economic
      activity, the highest crude incidence rates in men were found in "Water supply,
      sanitation and wastes" (35.4) and "Health activities" (33.9); for women, "Health
      activities" (48.3), "Public administration" (41.2) and "Transportation and
      storage" (41.0) were the highest sectors. CONCLUSIONS: Companies can compare
      their sickness absence incidence rates to these benchmark values to determine if
      they are within the expected reference range, which may guide management
      decisions more towards the prevention of sickness absence.

PMID- 28079323
TI  - [Fitness for duty and psychophysical fitness in hazardous occupations].

PMID- 28079324
TI  - [The informal economy: an occupational health issue].
AB  - Informal economy must be differentiated from concepts such as informal employment
      and the informal sector, each with its own characteristics. There are several
      types of informal workers that are grouped into several categories according to
      their work. The families of these workers are grouped into vulnerable job, which
      is also not beneficial for health coverage. Informal working conditions mean
      great morbidity resulting in economic losses and a large number of quality
      adjusted life year, especially among young populations and women. Health policies
      are needed to reduce socio-economic inequalities, improve the training of health
      professionals and the accessibility of health services to these workers.

PMID- 28079325
TI  - Scientific research-based evidence used in drug promotion material distributed in
      Sri Lanka

PMID- 28079326
TI  - Estimation of provider cost and the out of pocket expenditure for cataract
      surgery at a base hospital

PMID- 28079327
TI  - Inguinal ureteral hernia

PMID- 28079328
TI  - Re: HLA- B27 allele frequency in Sri Lankan patients with spondyloarthritides

PMID- 28079329
TI  - 10-Year Outcomes in Localized Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28079330
TI  - Authors reply re: HLA-B27 allele frequency in Sri Lankan patients with
      spondyloarthritides

PMID- 28079331
TI  - 10-Year Outcomes in Localized Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28079332
TI  - 10-Year Outcomes in Localized Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28079333
TI  - 10-Year Outcomes in Localized Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28079334
TI  - Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery.

PMID- 28079335
TI  - Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery.

PMID- 28079336
TI  - Chronic Cough.

PMID- 28079337
TI  - Chronic Cough.

PMID- 28079338
TI  - A single institute's experience on melanoma prognosis: a long-term follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis of cutaneous melanoma is correlated to histopathologic
      parameters such as Breslow thickness, the presence of mitosis, ulceration and
      lymphatic involvement at the moment of the diagnosis. On the other hand, the
      prognostic value of parameters such as age, sex, and tumor localization are still
      a matter of debate. We evaluated herein the prognostic factors in melanoma
      patients during a long-term follow-up (60 months). METHODS: Melanoma patients
      presenting stage IB-III at diagnosis were included. Breslow thickness,
      ulceration, lymphatic involvement, patients' age, sex and tumor localization were
      correlated to patients' prognosis. Univariate Cox regressions and multivariate
      Cox proportional-hazards regression were performed. Successively, Kaplan-Meier
      was used for variables significantly associated with overall melanoma survival.
      RESULTS: A total of 115 melanoma patients were included in this study. During
      follow-up 82 (72.17%) patients survived and 33 (28.7%) died. In our dataset,
      Breslow thickness >2 mm (P=0.0007), patients age >50 years (P=0.005) and positive
      sentinel lymph node (P=0.0003) seem to be the most important variables correlated
      with the presence of metastases at 5 years follow-up. However distant metastases
      were also observed during follow-up in 14/26 patients presenting negative
      sentinel lymph node at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Given the vital importance of
      target drugs and the newly introduced immunotherapies in cutaneous melanoma
      management, we would suggest that mutational analyses should also be extended to
      the subgroup of patients presenting microstaging parameters related to a poor
      prognosis in a long-term follow-up of 60 months.

PMID- 28079339
TI  - Survey of bullous pemphigoid in an Italian university hospital: clinical
      epidemiological characteristics and follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical-epidemiological characteristics and course of bullous
      pemphigoid in the general population is not clear. Few studies have been
      performed to date, and only one in the Italian population more than ten years
      ago. We decided to evaluate the characteristics and outcome of patients admitted
      for a bullous pemphigoid at our Hospital in the last 4 years. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the last 4 years' medical records of the Department of
      Dermatology of the University of Bologna, identifying all patients with
      histological and immunological data typical for bullous pemphigoid. The patients
      were contacted and, whenever possible, re-evaluated clinically and serologically.
      Finally, we made a reviews of therapies administered in these cases. RESULTS: We
      identified 53 patients with a diagnosis of sub-epidermal autoimmune blistering
      disease. At re-evaluation, resolution of the disease was observed in 13 cases
      (24.52%) while the disease persisted in 32 cases. An improvement was observed in
      35 (66.03%) patients, a worsening was observed in 3 (5.66%) patients, while the
      class did not change in 5 (9.43%) patients. All patients received systemic
      steroids as first line therapy, although most patients underwent more than one
      therapy. Fifteen patients received systemic steroid therapy alone, 22 patients
      received azathioprin, 16 patients received methotrexate, all patients received a
      prescription of topical steroid. Twenty-eight patients had abnormal values of
      eosinophilia, extremely susceptible to systemic steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings of our study differ slightly from data collected by other authors in
      literature. Methotrexate is the drug of choice in terms of efficacy,
      practicality, cost and tolerability, particularly in the elderly population.

PMID- 28079340
TI  - Serum tryptase levels in melanoma patients: case-control study and review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum tryptase results from the constant release of the enzyme from
      mast cells and serum tryptase levels are commonly considered to be related to the
      total number of mast cells. They are increased in several malignancies, as
      pancreatic carcinoma, angiosarcoma, hepatic carcinoma and proliferative and/or
      non- proliferative hematological disorders. Contrariwise, it has been reported
      that the number of tryptase+ and chymase+ mast cells was lower in deeply invasive
      melanoma compared to in-situ melanoma and dysplastic nevi. Considering the
      underlying pathophysiological linkages between mast cells and melanocytes and
      that serum tryptase is related to angiogenesis, tissue-degrading proprieties and
      metastatization, we have decided to evaluate serum tryptase levels in melanoma
      patients and in a healthy control. METHODS: We performed a case-control study
      evaluating serum tryptase in melanoma and in healthy group. Starting from an
      initial general analysis, we have performed a sub-analysis for each sample.
      RESULTS: In general population serum tryptase was statistically higher in elderly
      patients. Generally, in melanoma patients, median serum tryptase was in lower
      normal range. We found a decreasing of serum tryptase levels from the healthy
      control to thin (<= 1.00 mm Breslow thickness), reaching the lowest levels in
      thicker melanoma (>= 1.01 m Breslow thickness), in ulcerated and metastatic
      melanoma. CONCLUSION: Tryptase may have a protective role in melanoma or,
      conversely, it may play a role in the early stage of the tumorigenesis. Serum
      tryptase is an easy and useful biomarker to better investigate melanoma biology.

PMID- 28079341
TI  - Graves' Disease.

PMID- 28079342
TI  - Graves' Disease.

PMID- 28079343
TI  - Hepatic Encephalopathy.

PMID- 28079344
TI  - Hepatic Encephalopathy.

PMID- 28079345
TI  - Towards reducing the risk of new onset diabetes after pancreatitis.
AB  - Metabolic abnormalities due to acute and chronic pancreatitis are common. In
      particular, post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM) is increasingly recognized
      as a distinct clinical entity. However, most of the research in this field is
      focused on unravelling the pathogenesis of PPDM whereas research frontiers are
      rarely extended to reducing the risk of new onset diabetes after pancreatitis
      (NODAP). The recent development and validation of the PERSEUS score paved the way
      to identifying individuals after acute pancreatitis who are at high risk of
      developing NODAP. This article discusses the PERSEUS score and other evidence
      that may inform the development of guidelines on reducing the burden of PPDM.

PMID- 28079346
TI  - Increasing role for modified bismuth-containing quadruple therapies for
      Helicobacter pylori eradication.

PMID- 28079347
TI  - Diagnostic challenges of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease.
AB  - Colonic diverticulosis is a common condition in Western industrialized countries
      occurring in up to 65% of people over the age of 60 years. Only a minority of
      these subjects (about 10-25%) experience symptoms, fulfilling Rome III Diagnostic
      Criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosis (IBS-like symptoms) in 10%
      to 66% of cases. Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) is a
      syndrome characterized by recurrent abdominal symptoms attributed to diverticula
      in the absence of macroscopically evident alterations other than the presence of
      diverticula. Due to the different peak of incidence, the overlap between SUDD and
      IBS is predominantly present in middle-aged or older patients. In these cases, it
      is very complex to establish if the symptoms are related to the presence of
      diverticula or due to an overlapping IBS. In fact, the link between
      gastrointestinal symptoms and diverticula is unclear, and the mechanism by which
      diverticula may induce the development of IBS-like symptoms remains to be
      elucidated. Currently, the etiology and pathophysiology of SUDD, particularly
      when IBS-like symptoms are present, are not completely understood, and thus these
      two entities remain a diagnostic challenge not only for the general practitioner
      but also for the gastroenterologist. Although many issues remain open and
      unresolved, some minimize the importance of a distinction of these two entities
      as dietary and pharmacological management may be largely overlapping.

PMID- 28079348
TI  - Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System.

PMID- 28079349
TI  - Interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 as a marker of poorer prognosis in high-grade
      astrocytomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin-13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Ralpha2) is considered a
      prognostic marker for gliomas according to the World Health Organization (WHO)
      grade. However, the expression levels of the marker vary from case to case, even
      within the same grade. We investigated whether IL13Ralpha2 could serve as a
      predictor of poorer prognosis in gliomas. METHODS: mRNA expression of IL13Ralpha2
      was measured using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (qRT-PCR) in 52 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded glioma samples (4
      pilocytic astrocytomas, 9 diffuse astrocytomas, 12 anaplastic astrocytomas, and
      27 glioblastomas, grade IV). The expression levels were compared with regard to
      WHO grade, MIB-1 index, patient's age, and overall survival. RESULTS: Real time
      qRT-PCR showed that IL13Ralpha2 is expressed in a subset of cases with a
      progressive increase from low- to high-grade astrocytomas (HGAs). The expression
      had a significant positive correlation with the MIB-1 index and advanced patient
      age at diagnosis. The overall survival (OS) of patients who had HGAs with higher
      levels of IL13Ralpha2 expression was significantly lower than the OS of those
      with HGAs with lower levels of IL13Ralpha2. In the 39 HGA cases studied, the
      median survival benefit in the lower expression group was 167.4 months. The
      median OS (mOS) in HGA group with lower IL13Ralpha2 expression was 186.4 months,
      while the mOS in the group with higher IL13Ralpha2 expression was 18.6 months
      (P=0.033). The hazard ratio, adjusted by fitting the Cox proportional hazard
      models for the mOS in the HGAs with higher IL13Ralpha2 levels and the HGGs with
      lower IL13Ralpha2 levels, was 5.97 (95% CI: 1.76 to 20.32). CONCLUSIONS: The
      results showed that IL13Ralpha2 may be used as a marker of poorer prognosis in
      HGAs, even among tumors of the same grade.

PMID- 28079350
TI  - Transcranial approach in giant pituitary adenomas: results and outcome in a
      modern series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Today, transcranial (TC) approach indications are particularly rare
      in pituitary adenomas (PA), representing 1.1% of all PA surgeries in our
      experience. In these rare and selected cases, the complications, advantages, and
      disadvantages of TC approach were also analyzed. METHODS: 19 cases of giant PA
      (>=40 mm) operated via TC approach alone or combined with transsphenoidal (TS)
      approach between 2000 and 2016 were selected. RESULTS: The most frequently
      observed symptom was visual disturbance. Most PA (79%) were non-secreting. Only
      one tumor was aggressive. Maximal diameter average was 51.5 mm. Tumor removal was
      total, subtotal and partial in respectively 21%, 68.5%, and 10.5% of cases. Mean
      follow-up was 57 months. No recurrence was observed after total tumor removal.
      Visual improvement was observed in 53% of patients. Visual impairment rate was
      21% after TC approach. New cases of panhypopituitarism were reported in 26.5% of
      patients in the TC approach. Total (including definitive and transient)
      postoperative diabetes insipidus occurred in 42% of patients in the TC approach.
      Ischemic and hemorrhagic complications were observed in 16% and 10.5% of
      patients, respectively, in the TC approach. Preoperative neurocognitive
      disturbance was identified in 31.5% of patients and only 16.5% of them showed
      postoperative improvement. Neurocognitive examination showed impaired results in
      7.5% of patients with normal preoperative examination. CONCLUSIONS: TC approach
      remains a requirement in giant and invasive PAs non-accessible via TS approach.
      However, the high morbidity associated with TC approach, including ischemic
      complications and visual impairment, has to be balanced with patient preoperative
      symptoms, and benign features of the tumor.

PMID- 28079351
TI  - Effect of age on outcomes and practice patterns for patients with anterior
      communicating artery aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With widespread utilization of noninvasive imaging, small enraptured
      anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms are increasingly detected in the
      general population, particularly in elderly patients. We investigated the
      association between age and clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients
      with unruptured AcoA aneurysms. METHODS: Between January 2008 and May 2016,
      information on 179 consecutive patients with unruptured AcoA aneurysms was
      obtained and included demographic data, aneurysm features, risk factors for
      formation and rupture, treatment type, complications, and follow-up information.
      A 2-tailed t test was used for continuous data and the chi-square test for
      categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at P value < 0.05.
      RESULTS: There were 76 patients 65 and older (42.5%) and 103 younger than 65
      (57.5%). Conservative management was more common in older patients (67.1% vs
      41.7%, P=0.001). Endovascular treatment was more commonly used in the older
      population (80% vs 61% of the treated aneurysms in older and younger group,
      P=0.16). Treatment-related complications were 8% but resulted in permanent
      neurological deficits in one patient (1.2%). Among conservatively treated
      aneurysms, three (3.2%) ruptured at follow-up resulting in patient death in two
      cases (2.4%). All three ruptures occurred in elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS: With
      a modern approach that emphasizes endovascular therapy, especially in older
      individuals, unruptured AcoA aneurysms can be treated with a very low morbidity.
      Among patients with small aneurysms for which treatment was not deemed indicated
      or necessary, the rate of rupture at follow-up was not negligible, with 5.8% of
      older patients experiencing bleeding from the aneurysm.

PMID- 28079352
TI  - The way forward in Italy for iodine.
AB  - Italy is dealing with iodine deficiency since ancient times. In 1848 an ad hoc
      committee appointed by the king of Sardinia, identified extensive areas afflicted
      by endemic goiter and endemic cretinism in Piedmont, Liguria and Sardinia. Since
      then many epidemiological studies have been conducted in our country. These
      showed that iodine deficiency was present not only in mountain areas but also in
      coastal areas. In 1972 the iodization of salt at 15 mg/kg was allowed by law and
      iodized salt was distributed on request to selected endemic areas. Five years
      later the distribution was extended to the whole country. However the sale of
      iodized salt was not mandatory at that time and only a small fraction of the
      Italian population started using iodized salt. In 1991 the content of iodine in
      the salt was raised to 30 mg/kg and in 2005 a nationwide salt iodization program
      was finally implemented. Some years later a nationwide monitoring program of
      iodine prophylaxis was also implemented. Since 2005 the sale of iodized salt in
      Italian supermarkets has increased (34% in 2006, 55% in 2012), although it has
      been observed that the use of iodized salt is still low in the communal eating
      areas and in the food industry. These data are coherent with recent
      epidemiological studies showing that some regions in our country are still
      characterized by mild iodine deficiency and a high frequency of goiter and other
      iodine deficiency disorders. This implies that further efforts should be made to
      successfully correct iodine deficiency in Italy.

PMID- 28079353
TI  - Historical aspects of iodine deficiency control.
AB  - In 1895, iodine was characterized as an essential element of thyroid tissue by
      Baumann. The efficacy of iodine to prevent goiter was demonstrated by Marine in
      Northern USA in 1916-1920. Severe endemic goiter and cretinism had been almost
      entirely eliminated from continental Western Europe and Northern America before
      the 1930's; however large populations elsewhere and even some places in Western
      Europe (Sicily) were still affected up to the 2000's. Public health consequences
      of iodine deficiency are not limited to endemic goiter and cretinism. Iodine
      deficiency disorders include also increased neonatal death rate and decreased
      intellectual development, although these consequences are not included in the
      current estimation of the Global Burden Disease related to iodine deficiency.
      Severe iodine deficiency as a public health problem is now largely under control
      worldwide, but can still affect isolated places, in hard-to-reach and/or
      politically neglected populations. We emphasize the importance of maintaining
      international cooperation efforts, in order to monitor iodine status where iodine
      deficiency is now adequately controlled, and identify at-risk population where it
      is not. The goal should be now global eradication of severe iodine deficiency.
      Commercial distribution of iodized salt remains the most appropriate strategy. A
      randomized clinical trial in New Guinea clearly showed in the 1970's that
      correcting severe iodine deficiency early in pregnancy prevents endemic
      neurological cretinism. This supports the essential role of thyroid hormones of
      maternal origin on the normal fetal development, during the first trimester of
      pregnancy (i.e. when fetal thyroid is still not functional). A randomized
      clinical trial in Congo (RD) in the 1970's also showed that correcting severe
      iodine deficiency during pregnancy prevents myxoedematous cretinism, particularly
      prevalent in affected Congolese areas.

PMID- 28079354
TI  - Effect of excess iodine intake on thyroid on human health.
AB  - The recommended daily intake of iodide, is 150 MUg for adolescents and adults,
      250 MUg for pregnancy and lactation. Thyroid gland is an effective collector of
      iodine. The active iodine uptake along the basolateral membrane of thyroid cell
      is followed by its transport to the apical edge of the cell and then to the
      follicle lumen. TSH acts through cAMP and stimulates NIS gene expression and
      protein synthesis. The major proportion of iodine in the thyroid gland is bound
      to Thyroglobulin. The non-organic intrathyroidal iodine is usually low, but
      significantly greater compared to plasma. Large doses of iodine reduce both the
      uptake and the organification (Wolff-Chaikoff effect) and cause partial
      inhibition of Tg proteolysis. The thyroid gland has several protective mechanisms
      resulting on the maintenance of normal thyroid function despite wide fluctuations
      of the daily iodine intake. Ingestion of several commonly used drugs and food
      conservatives results in acute or chronic excessive iodine intake. Failure to
      escape from the iodine induced organification inhibition can cause
      hypothyroidism, which is temporary and subsides after iodine exposure ceases.
      Iodine excess may also establish a status of excessive thyroid hormone synthesis
      and release, thus inducing autonomic thyroid function in iodopenic areas or can
      contribute to the development of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism in iodine
      abundant areas. The anti-arrhythmic Amiodarone, is a benzofuranic product with a
      very high iodine content, is associated with either hypo- or hyperthyroidism
      development. In the presence of defective auto-protective mechanisms, excessive
      iodine ingestion can divert the normal thyroid function.

PMID- 28079355
TI  - Self-Assembled Architectures of Alkynylplatinum(II) Amphiphiles and Their
      Structural Optimization: A Balance of the Interplay Among Pt...Pt, pi-pi
      Stacking, and Hydrophobic-Hydrophobic Interactions.
AB  - A series of alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine complexes with triethylene glycol
      units was synthesized, and their self-assembly properties were investigated in
      solution by UV-vis absorption, emission, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The aggregation
      behaviors of several water-soluble complexes were investigated in aqueous media.
      Some of them were found to give rise to uniform fibers, suggesting the important
      role that triethylene glycol units has in regulating their self-assembly
      properties. Further modifications of these structures through the incorporation
      of alkyl chains and changes in counter-anions have rendered the complexes more
      amphiphilic in nature, and the effect of their alkyl chain lengths was studied
      and optimized. The distinguishable color and spectral changes upon variations in
      solvent compositions might have potential applications in developing colorimetric
      and luminescent probes for the detection of microenvironment change. Furthermore,
      an optimum chain length, i.e., n-butyl chain, is required for the formation of
      stable and ordered nanostructures. This represents a delicate balance among
      Pt...Pt, pi-pi stacking, and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions and provides
      guiding principles into the construction of supramolecular materials with
      practical applications.

PMID- 28079356
TI  - Highly CO2-Tolerant Cathode for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells:
      Samarium-Doped Ceria-Protected SrCo0.85Ta0.15O3-delta Hybrid.
AB  - Susceptibility to CO2 is one of the major challenges for the long-term stability
      of the alkaline-earth-containing cathodes for intermediate-temperature solid
      oxide fuel cells. To alleviate the adverse effects from CO2, we incorporated
      samarium-stabilized ceria (SDC) into a SrCo0.85Ta0.15O3-delta (SCT15) cathode by
      either mechanical mixing or a wet impregnation method and evaluated their cathode
      performance stability in the presence of a gas mixture of 10% CO2, 21% O2, and
      69% N2. We observed that the CO2 tolerance of the hybrid cathode outperforms the
      pure SCT15 cathode by over 5 times at 550  degrees C. This significant
      enhancement is likely attributable to the low CO2 adsorption and reactivity of
      the SDC protective layer, which are demonstrated through thermogravimetric
      analysis, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and electrical conductivity study.

PMID- 28079357
TI  - Tetracarboxylated Azobenzene/Polymer Supramolecular Assemblies as High
      Performance Multiresponsive Actuators.
AB  - Multistimuli-responsive polymers are materials of emerging interest but
      synthetically challenging. In this work, supramolecular assembly was employed as
      a facile and effective approach for constructing 3,3',5,5'
      azobenzenetetracarboxylic acid (H4abtc)/poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)
      (PDAC) supramolecules. Structural transformations of H4abtc can be induced by
      light, mechanical force, and heat and influenced by free volume. Thus, the
      fabricated free-standing H4abtc/PDAC film underwent bending/unbending movements
      upon treatment with light, humidity, or temperature, as asymmetric structural
      transformations on either side of the film generated asymmetric
      contraction/stretching forces. Fast rates of shape recovery were achieved for the
      film on exposure to gently flowing humid nitrogen. The bending/unbending motions
      are controllable, reversible, and repeatable. Hence, this light-, humido-, and
      thermo-responsive film has great potential in device applications for advanced
      functions.

PMID- 28079358
TI  - Cellulose Nanofibril Aerogels: Synergistic Improvement of Hydrophobicity,
      Strength, and Thermal Stability via Cross-Linking with Diisocyanate.
AB  - A facile gelation cross-linking approach was devised to fabricate meso- and
      macroporous cellulose nanofibril (CNF) aerogels with multiple improved
      properties. CNF hydrogels made using a freezing-thawing method with a 94 kPa
      modulus were solvent exchanged with acetone and then cross-linked with methylene
      diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) to produce aerogels with significantly improved
      compressive properties that follow a power law increment against aerogel density
      with impressive 1.69, 2.49, and 1.43 scaling factors for Young's modulus, yield
      stress, and ultimate stress, respectively. The optimally cross-linked aerogels
      had nearly tripled specific surface area (228 m2/g) and doubled pore volume (1
      m3/g) from numerous new 9-12 nm wide mesopores as well as significantly improved
      thermal stability (43% char residue at 500 C vs 9.1% for un-cross-linked
      aerogel). Cross-linking also made the amphiphilic CNF aerogel highly hydrophobic
      and capable of completely separating chloroform from water via simple filtration.
      These nanocellulose aerogels show great promise for efficient and continuous
      separation of oils and hydrophobic liquids from water.

PMID- 28079359
TI  - Pristine Graphene Electrode in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.
AB  - Graphene, the sp2 carbonaceous two-dimensional (2D) material, is gaining more
      attention in recent electrochemical studies. However, this atomic thick electrode
      usually suffers with surface contamination and poor electrochemical endurance. To
      overcome the drawbacks, we developed a PMMA-assisted, flipped transfer method to
      fabricate the graphene electrode with pristine surface and prolonged lifetime in
      hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The HER performances of the single-layer
      graphene (SLG) were evaluated on various insulating and conductive substrates,
      including SiO2, polymers, SLG, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), and
      copper. The parallel Tafel slopes of SLG, bilayer graphene (BLG), and HOPG
      suggest they share the same electrochemical activities deriving from the sp2
      carbon basal plane. Moreover, the atomic barriers, both for SLG and the single
      layer h-BN (SLBN), are semitransparent in HER for the underneath copper,
      providing a new perspective for the 2D materials to protect and couple with the
      other electrochemical catalysts.

PMID- 28079360
TI  - Solution-Processed Organic Thin-Film Transistor Arrays with the Assistance of
      Laser Ablation.
AB  - A key step toward commercialization of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) is
      to manufacture large-area OTFT arrays with desired uniform device performance. In
      this work, for the first time, solution-processed OTFT arrays were fabricated
      with the assistance of laser ablation. The source-drain electrodes and the whole
      devices were patterned by precise control of laser intensity and process path.
      Compared with traditional methods, this approach significantly simplifies the
      fabrication process of OTFT arrays with high quality and high yield. A careful
      selection of laser processing parameters is key to obtaining high quality and
      high performance OTFT arrays. The grazing incidence X-ray diffraction experiments
      and device performance tests ensured the selection of proper laser ablation
      intensity. Eventually, the OTFT arrays on silicon wafer and ITO glass exhibited
      uniform electrical characteristics with the mean mobility of 0.16 and 0.10 cm2 V
      1 s-1, respectively. These results demonstrated that the laser ablation process
      provides a promising tool to simplify the fabrication of solution-processed OTFT
      arrays with low cost and high yield, which has great potential in upscaling of
      high performance OTFT arrays for display and circuits.

PMID- 28079361
TI  - Controllable Synthesis of a Smart Multifunctional Nanoscale Metal-Organic
      Framework for Magnetic Resonance/Optical Imaging and Targeted Drug Delivery.
AB  - As a result of their extraordinarily large surfaces and well-defined pores, the
      design of a multifunctional metal-organic framework (MOF) is crucial for drug
      delivery but has rarely been reported. In this paper, a novel drug delivery
      system (DDS) based on nanoscale MOF was developed for use in cancer diagnosis and
      therapy. This MOF-based tumor targeting DDS was fabricated by a simple
      postsynthetic surface modification process. First, magnetic mesoporous
      nanomaterial Fe-MIL-53-NH2 was used for encapsulating the drug and served as a
      magnetic resonance contrast agent. Moreover, the Fe-MIL-53-NH2 nanomaterial
      exhibited a high loading capacity for the model anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5
      FU). Subsequently, the fluorescence imaging agent 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-FAM)
      and the targeting reagent folic acid (FA) were conjugated to the 5-FU-loaded Fe
      MIL-53-NH2, resulting in the advanced DDS Fe-MIL-53-NH2-FA-5-FAM/5-FU. Owing to
      the multifunctional surface modification, the obtained DDS Fe-MIL-53-NH2-FA-5
      FAM/5-FU shows good biocompatibility, tumor enhanced cellular uptake, strong
      cancer cell growth inhibitory effect, excellent fluorescence imaging, and
      outstanding magnetic resonance imaging capability. Taken together, this study
      integrates diagnostic and treatment aspects into a single platform by a simple
      and efficient strategy, aiming for facilitating new possibilities for MOF use for
      multifunctional drug delivery.

PMID- 28079363
TI  - Fluorescence Development of Latent Fingerprint with Conjugated Polymer
      Nanoparticles in Aqueous Colloidal Solution.
AB  - Poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) nanoparticles in aqueous colloidal solution have
      been prepared via a modified Wessling method, with the addition of surfactant.
      The fluorescent colloidal solution was used as the developing solution to develop
      the fingerprints on different substrates. The developing process was accomplished
      simply by immersing the substrates into developing solution and then taking out,
      followed by rinsing with deionized water. The initial study about the
      fingerprints on the adhesive tapes showed that the developing solution is very
      effective in fluorescence development on both fresh and aged visible
      fingerprints; and such an effect was negligibly affected by treating the
      fingerprints with water or other organic solvents, whether before developing or
      after. Further study on latent fingerprints (LFPs) demonstrated that PPV
      nanoparticles in colloidal solution have high sensitivity in developing
      fingerprints to give very clearly fluorescent patterns. At least 6 months of
      storage of the colloidal solution did not reduce the developing effect; and each
      developing solution (3.6 mg/mL, 5.0 mL) can be used to develop at least 30
      fingerprints without sacrificing the legibility of the pattern. The preliminary
      mechanism investigation suggested that selectivity achieved toward the ridge of
      the fingerprint is very likely due to the affinity between PPV molecules and oily
      secretions of the fingerprints. Digital magnification of the developed
      fingerprints provided more details about the fingerprint.

PMID- 28079362
TI  - Intensive Study on the Catalytical Behavior of N-Methylphenothiazine as a Soluble
      Mediator to Oxidize the Li2O2 Cathode of the Li-O2 Battery.
AB  - Aprotic Li-O2 batteries have attracted worldwide interest owing to their
      ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the practical Li-O2 batteries
      still suffer from high charge overpotential and low energy efficiency resulting
      from the sluggish kinetics in electrochemically oxidizing the insulating lithium
      peroxide (Li2O2). Recently, dissolved redox mediators in the electrolyte have
      enabled the effective catalytic oxidation of Li2O2 at the liquid-solid interface.
      Here, we report that the incorporation of N-methylphenothiazine (MPT), as a redox
      shuttle in Li-O2 batteries, provides a dramatic reduction in charge overpotential
      to 0.67 V and an improved round-trip efficiency close to 76%. Moreover, the
      efficacy of MPT in Li-O2 cells was further investigated by various
      characterizations. On charging, MPT+ cations are first generated
      electrochemically at the cathode surface and subsequently oxidize the solid
      discharge products Li2O2 through a chemical reaction. Furthermore, the presence
      of MPT has been demonstrated to improve the cycling stability of the cells and
      suppress side reactions arising from carbon and electrolytes at high potentials.

PMID- 28079364
TI  - DNA Modified Fe3O4@Au Magnetic Nanoparticles as Selective Probes for Simultaneous
      Detection of Heavy Metal Ions.
AB  - Driven by the urgent need to detect trace heavy metal ions in various real water
      samples, this article demonstrates for the first time an electrochemical
      biosensor based on DNA modified Fe3O4@Au magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). Three DNA
      probes are designed to contain certain mismatched base pairs. One is thiolated
      and modified on the surface of Fe3O4@Au NPs (DNA 1). The other two probes (DNA 2
      and 3) are labeled with two independent electrochemical species. Stable
      structures of cytosine-Ag+-cytosine and thymine-Hg2+-thymine formed in the
      presence of Ag+ and Hg2+ can assist the hybridization of DNA 1/DNA 2 and DNA
      1/DNA 3, which locate corresponding electrochemical species onto the surface of
      the magnetic NPs. The achieved nanocomposites are then used as selective
      electrochemical probes for the detection of heavy metal ions by recording the
      square wave voltammetry signals. Simultaneous detection of Ag+ and Hg2+ is
      demonstrated without significant interference, and their individual high
      sensitivities are fundamentally preserved, which meet the requirements of U.S.
      Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Furthermore, the proposed method has
      been challenged by various real water samples. The results confirm the DNA
      modified magnetic NPs based sensing method may have potential applications for
      the monitoring of heavy metal ions in real sample analysis.

PMID- 28079365
TI  - Twist and Shout: Single-Molecule Mechanochemistry.
AB  - Chemical reactions can be accelerated by various means, including applied
      mechanical forces. If the direction of the force does not project well onto the
      desired reaction coordinate, then only poor acceleration is achieved. Recent
      developments in single polymer mechanics illustrate how to overcome this
      limitation, in a simple cis-trans isomerization reaction. Generalizing the
      approach, synthetic chemistry can be used to attach tethers to different parts of
      reacting molecular fragments to direct the force usefully. This Perspective
      explores the prospects for using applied mechanical forces to create exciting new
      chemistries. For example, it is possible to imagine making polymers that sense
      mechanical forces within hard-to-reach places, like biological cells, or using
      mechanical forces to make nanoscale electrical devices using conjugated polymers.

PMID- 28079366
TI  - The Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiacloprid Impacts upon Bumblebee Colony
      Development under Field Conditions.
AB  - The impacts of pesticides, and in particular of neonicotinoids, on bee health
      remain much debated. Many studies describing negative effects have been
      criticized as the experimental protocol did not perfectly simulate real-life
      field scenarios. Here, we placed free-flying bumblebee colonies next to raspberry
      crops that were either untreated or treated with the neonicotinoid thiacloprid as
      part of normal farming practice. Colonies were exposed to the raspberry crops for
      a two week period before being relocated to either a flower-rich or flower-poor
      site. Overall, exposed colonies were more likely to die prematurely, and those
      that survived reached a lower final weight and produced 46% fewer reproductives
      than colonies placed at control farms. The impact was more marked at the flower
      rich site (all colonies performed poorly at the flower poor site). Analysis of
      nectar and pollen stores from bumblebee colonies placed at the same raspberry
      farms revealed thiacloprid residues of up to 771 ppb in pollen and up to 561 ppb
      in nectar. The image of thiacloprid as a relatively benign neonicotinoid should
      now be questioned.

PMID- 28079367
TI  - Robust, Responsive, and Targeted PLGA Anticancer Nanomedicines by Combination of
      Reductively Cleavable Surfactant and Covalent Hyaluronic Acid Coating.
AB  - PLGA-based nanomedicines have enormous potential for targeted cancer therapy. To
      boost their stability, targetability, and intracellular drug release, here we
      developed novel multifunctional PLGA anticancer nanomedicines by combining a
      reductively cleavable surfactant (RCS), vitamin E-SS-oligo(methyl diglycol l
      glutamate), with covalent hyaluronic acid (HA) coating. Reduction-sensitive HA
      coated PLGA nanoparticles (rHPNPs) were obtained with small sizes of 55-61 nm and
      zeta potentials of -26.7 to -28.8 mV at 18.4-40.3 wt % RSC. rHPNPs were stable
      against dilution and 10% FBS while destabilized under reductive condition. The
      release studies revealed significantly accelerated docetaxel (DTX) release in the
      presence of 10 mM glutathione. DTX-rHPNPs exhibited potent and specific antitumor
      effect to CD44 + A549 lung cancer cells (IC50 = 0.52 MUg DTX equiv/mL). The in
      vivo studies demonstrated that DTX-rHPNPs had an extended circulation time and
      greatly enhanced tolerance in mice. Strikingly, DTX-rHPNPs completely inhibited
      growth of orthotopic human A549-Luc lung tumor in mice, leading to a
      significantly improved survival rate and reduced adverse effect as compared to
      free DTX. This study highlights that advanced nanomedicines can be rationally
      designed by combining functional surfactants and surface coating.

PMID- 28079368
TI  - Ligand Design for Isomer-Selective Oxorhenium(V) Complex Synthesis.
AB  - Recently, N,N-trans Re(O)(LN-O)2X (LN-O = monoanionic N-O chelates; X = Cl or Br
      prior to being replaced by solvents or alkoxides) complexes have been found to be
      superior to the corresponding N,N-cis isomers in the catalytic reduction of
      perchlorate via oxygen atom transfer. However, reported methods for Re(O)(LN-O)2X
      synthesis often yield only the N,N-cis complex or a mixture of trans and cis
      isomers. This study reports a geometry-inspired ligand design rationale that
      selectively yields N,N-trans Re(O)(LN-O)2Cl complexes. Analysis of the crystal
      structures revealed that the dihedral angles (DAs) between the two LN-O ligands
      of N,N-cis Re(O)(LN-O)2Cl complexes are less than 90 degrees , whereas the DAs in
      most N,N-trans complexes are greater than 90 degrees . Variably sized alkyl
      groups (-Me, -CH2Ph, and -CH2Cy) were then introduced to the 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)
      2-oxazoline (Hhoz) ligand to increase steric hindrance in the N,N-cis structure,
      and it was found that substituents as small as -Me completely eliminate the
      formation of N,N-cis isomers. The generality of the relationship between N,N
      trans/cis isomerism and DAs is further established from a literature survey of 56
      crystal structures of Re(O)(LN-O)2X, Re(O)(LO-N-N-O)X, and Tc(O)(LN-O)2X
      congeners. Density functional theory calculations support the general strategy of
      introducing ligand steric hindrance to favor synthesis of N,N-trans Re(O)(LN-O)2X
      and Tc(O)(LN-O)2X complexes. This study demonstrates the promise of applying
      rational ligand design for isomeric control of metal complex structures,
      providing a path forward for innovations in a number of catalytic, environmental,
      and biomedical applications.

PMID- 28079369
TI  - Muropeptide Binding and the X-ray Structure of the Effector Domain of the
      Transcriptional Regulator AmpR of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - A complex link exists between cell-wall recycling/repair and the manifestation of
      resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in many Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa. This process is mediated by specific cell-wall-derived muropeptide
      products. These muropeptides are internalized into the cytoplasm and bind to the
      transcriptional regulator AmpR, which controls the cytoplasmic events that lead
      to expression of beta-lactamase, an antibiotic-resistance determinant. The
      effector-binding domain (EBD) of AmpR was purified to homogeneity. We document
      that the EBD exists exclusively as a dimer, even at a concentration as low as 1
      MUM. The EBD binds to the suppressor ligand UDP-N-acetyl-beta-d-muramyl-l-Ala
      gamma-d-Glu-meso-DAP-d-Ala-d-Ala and binds to two activator muropeptides, N
      acetyl-beta-d-glucosamine-(1->4)-1,6-anhydro-N-acetyl-beta-d-muramyl-l-Ala-gamma
      d-Glu-meso-DAP-d-Ala-d-Ala and 1,6-anhydro-N-acetyl-beta-d-muramyl-l-Ala-gamma-d
      Glu-meso-DAP-d-Ala-d-Ala, as assessed by non-denaturing mass spectrometry. The
      EBD does not bind to 1,6-anhydro-N-acetyl-beta-d-muramyl-l-Ala-gamma-d-Glu-meso
      DAP. This binding selectivity revises the dogma in the field. The crystal
      structure of the EBD dimer was solved to 2.2 A resolution. The EBD crystallizes
      in a "closed" conformation, in contrast to the "open" structure required to bind
      the muropeptides. Structural issues of this ligand recognition are addressed by
      molecular dynamics simulations, which reveal significant differences among the
      complexes with the effector molecules.

PMID- 28079370
TI  - Substituted Polyesters by Thiol-Ene Modification: Rapid Diversification for
      Therapeutic Protein Stabilization.
AB  - Many proteins, especially those used as therapeutics, are unstable to storage and
      shipping temperatures, leading to increased costs in research and industry.
      Therefore, the design and synthesis of novel stabilizers is an important area of
      investigation. Herein we report new degradable polymers that stabilize proteins
      to environmental stressors such as refrigeration and elevated temperature.
      Specifically, polycaprolactones with different pendant groups were synthesized
      and surveyed for their ability to stabilize an important therapeutic protein to
      storage and shipping conditions. Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of an allyl
      substituted caprolactone monomer was carried out using the organocatalyst 1,5,7
      triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) to yield a well-defined, alkene-substituted
      degradable polymer, which was used as a common backbone to control for the degree
      of polymerization. Relevant side chains such as trehalose, lactose, glucose,
      carboxybetaine, and oligo(ethylene glycol) were installed via postpolymerization
      thiol-ene reactions. These degradable polymers were then employed as excipients
      for the stabilization of the therapeutic protein granulocyte colony-stimulating
      factor (G-CSF) against storage at 4  degrees C and shipping temperatures of 60 
      degrees C. The best stabilization was observed using the trehalose- and
      zwitterion- substituted polyesters. Both the trehalose- and carboxybetaine
      substituted pCL were further investigated with regard to molecular weight
      dependence, and it was found that the molecular weight was minimally important
      for stabilization to refrigeration, but critical for G-CSF stabilization at
      elevated temperatures. Both high performing zwitterionic and trehalose polyesters
      were also degraded, and the polymers and degradation products were shown to be
      noncytotoxic. This work provides potential biocompatible polymers for
      stabilization of the important therapeutic G-CSF, as well as a general platform
      for the future discovery of new polymeric protein stabilizers.

PMID- 28079372
TI  - Effect of Water Coordination on Luminescent Properties of Pyrazine-Bridged
      Dinuclear Cu(I) Complexes.
AB  - Two luminescent pyrazine-bridged dinuclear Cu(I) complexes, namely,
      [{Cu(PPh3)2(H2O)}(MU-MeOpyz){Cu(PPh3)2(CH3CN)}](BF4)2 and [{Cu(PPh3)2(H2O)}(MU
      MeOpyz){Cu(PPh3)2(H2O)}](BF4)2 (H2O-Cu2-AN and H2O-Cu2-H2O; PPh3 =
      triphenylphosphine, MeOpyz = 2-methoxypyrazine), were successfully synthesized
      and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and luminescence
      measurements. X-ray analysis revealed that the water molecules are coordinated to
      both Cu(I) ions to form almost the same P2N1O1 coordination structure in H2O-Cu2
      H2O, whereas one of the two Cu ions in H2O-Cu2-AN was coordinated by acetonitrile
      instead of water to form a different P2N2 coordination environment. The
      asymmetric H2O-Cu2-AN exhibits very bright yellow-green emission with a high
      emission quantum yield (lambdaem = 550 nm, Phi = 0.70) at room temperature in the
      solid state in spite of the coordination of water molecule, which usually tends
      to deactivate the emissive state through O-H vibration. The intense emission at
      room temperature is a result of thermally activated delayed fluorescence, and the
      remarkable temperature dependence of emission lifetimes indicates the existence
      of unique multiple emission states for the asymmetric dinuclear complex. In
      contrast, the emission of H2O-Cu2-H2O was observed at longer wavelengths with
      remarkably a lower quantum yield (lambdaem = 580 nm, Phi = 0.05). Time-dependent
      density functional theory calculations suggested that the emission could result
      from the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition state. However, it could be
      rapidly deactivated by the structural distortion around the Cu ion with a less
      bulky coordination environment in H2O-Cu2-H2O.

PMID- 28079371
TI  - Binding Pose Flip Explained via Enthalpic and Entropic Contributions.
AB  - The anomalous binding modes of five highly similar fragments of TIE2 inhibitors,
      showing three distinct binding poses, are investigated. We report a quantitative
      rationalization for the changes in binding pose based on molecular dynamics
      simulations. We investigated five fragments in complex with the transforming
      growth factor beta receptor type 1 kinase domain. Analyses of these simulations
      using Grid Inhomogeneous Solvation Theory (GIST), pKA calculations, and a tool to
      investigate enthalpic differences upon binding unraveled the various
      thermodynamic contributions to the different binding modes. While one binding
      mode flip can be rationalized by steric repulsion, the second binding pose flip
      revealed a different protonation state for one of the ligands, leading to
      different enthalpic and entropic contributions to the binding free energy. One
      binding pose is stabilized by the displacement of entropically unfavored water
      molecules (binding pose determined by solvation entropy), ligands in the other
      binding pose are stabilized by strong enthalpic interactions, overcompensating
      the unfavorable water entropy in this pose (binding pose determined by enthalpic
      interactions). This analysis elucidates unprecedented details determining the
      flipping of the binding modes, which can elegantly explain the experimental
      findings for this system.

PMID- 28079373
TI  - Energetics of the S2 State Spin Isomers of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex of
      Photosystem II.
AB  - The S2 redox intermediate of the oxygen-evolving complex in photosystem II is
      present as two spin isomers. The S = 1/2 isomer gives rise to a multiline
      electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal at g = 2.0, whereas the S = 5/2
      isomer exhibits a broad EPR signal at g = 4.1. The electronic structures of these
      isomers are known, but their role in the catalytic cycle of water oxidation
      remains unclear. We show that formation of the S = 1/2 state from the S = 5/2
      state is exergonic at temperatures above 160 K. However, the S = 1/2 isomer
      decays to S1 more slowly than the S = 5/2 isomer. These differences support the
      hypotheses that the S3 state is formed via the S2 state S = 5/2 isomer and that
      the stabilized S2 state S = 1/2 isomer plays a role in minimizing S2QA- decay
      under light-limiting conditions.

PMID- 28079374
TI  - Ultrafast Dynamics of Hydrogen Bond Breaking and Making in the Excited State of
      Fluoren-9-one: Time-Resolved Visible Pump-IR Probe Spectroscopic Study.
AB  - The fluoren-9-one (FL) molecule, with a single hydrogen bond-accepting site (C?O
      group), has been used as a probe for investigation of the dynamics of a hydrogen
      bond in its lowest excited singlet (S1) state using the subpicosecond time
      resolved visible pump-IR probe spectroscopic technique. In 1,1,1,3,3,3
      hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), a strong hydrogen bond-donating solvent, the
      formation of an FL-alcohol hydrogen-bonded complex in the ground electronic (S0)
      state is nearly complete, with a negligible concentration of the FL molecule
      remaining free in solution. In addition to the presence of a band due to the
      hydrogen-bonded complex in the transient IR spectrum recorded immediately after
      photoexcitation of FL in HFIP solution, appearance of the absorption band due to
      a free C?O stretch provides confirmatory evidence of ultrafast photodissociation
      of hydrogen bonds in some of the complexes formed in the S0 state. The peak-shift
      dynamics of the C?O stretch bands reveal two major relaxation pathways, namely,
      vibrational relaxation in the S1 state of the free FL molecules and the solvent
      reorganization process in the hydrogen-bonded complex. The latter process follows
      bimodal exponential dynamics involving hydrogen bond-making and hydrogen bond
      reorganization processes. The similar lifetimes of the S1 states of the FL
      molecules, both free and hydrogen-bonded, suggest establishment of a dynamic
      equilibrium between these two species in the excited state. However,
      investigations in two other weaker hydrogen bond-donating solvents, namely,
      trifluoroethanol (TFE) and perdeuterated methanol (CD3OD), reveal different
      features of peak-shift dynamics because of the prominence of the vibrational
      relaxation process over the hydrogen bond-reorganization process during the early
      time.

PMID- 28079375
TI  - Docking of Macrocycles: Comparing Rigid and Flexible Docking in Glide.
AB  - In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using macrocyclic
      compounds for drug discovery and development. For docking of these commonly large
      and flexible compounds to be addressed, a screening and a validation set were
      assembled from the PDB consisting of 16 and 31 macrocycle-containing protein
      complexes, respectively. The macrocycles were docked in Glide by rigid docking of
      pregenerated conformational ensembles produced by the macrocycle conformational
      sampling method (MCS) in Schrodinger Release 2015-3 or by direct Glide flexible
      docking after performing ring-templating. The two protocols were compared to
      rigid docking of pregenerated conformational ensembles produced by an exhaustive
      Monte Carlo multiple minimum (MCMM) conformational search and a shorter MCMM
      conformational search (MCMM-short). The docking accuracy was evaluated and
      expressed as the RMSD between the heavy atoms of the ligand as found in the X-ray
      structure after refinement and the poses obtained by the docking protocols. The
      median RMSD values for top-scored poses of the screening set were 0.83, 0.80,
      0.88, and 0.58 A for MCMM, MCMM-short, MCS, and Glide flexible docking,
      respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the
      performance between rigid docking of pregenerated conformations produced by the
      MCS and direct docking using Glide flexible docking. However, the flexible
      docking protocol was 2-times faster in docking the screening set compared to that
      of the MCS protocol. In a final study, the new Prime-MCS method was evaluated in
      Schrodinger Release 2016-3. This method is faster compared that of to MCS;
      however, the conformations generated were found to be suboptimal for rigid
      docking. Therefore, on the basis of timing, accuracy, and ease of set up,
      standard Glide flexible docking with prior ring-templating is recommended over
      current gold standard protocols using rigid docking of pregenerated
      conformational ensembles.

PMID- 28079376
TI  - Synthesis, Structures, and CO Release Capacity of a Family of Water-Soluble
      PhotoCORMs: Assessment of the Biocompatibility and Their Phototoxicity toward
      Human Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - Two manganese(I) carbonyl complexes derived from 2-(pyridyl)benzothiazole (pbt)
      and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) release carbon monoxide (CO) under low-power broad
      band visible-light illumination. CO photorelease from [Mn(CO)3(pbt)(PTA)]CF3SO3
      (1, where PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) is accompanied by an emergence
      of a strong fluorescence around 400 nm from almost nonfluorescent preirradiated
      1. However, [Mn(CO)3(phen)(PTA)]CF3SO3 (2) showed no such phenomenon upon
      prolonged illumination under similar experimental conditions. The two analogous
      rhenium(I) complexes, namely, [Re(CO)3(pbt)(PTA)]CF3SO3 (3) and
      [Re(CO)3(phen)(PTA)]CF3SO3 (4), have also been synthesized and characterized to
      compare their photo properties with the manganese congeners. Complexes 3 and 4
      exhibit moderate CO release upon irradiation with low-power UV light. All four
      complexes are highly soluble in anaerobic/aerobic aqueous media and are also
      considerably more stable when kept under dark conditions. The inherently
      luminescent rhenium complex 3 was utilized to demonstrate cellular
      internalization of these types of compounds by MDA-MB-231 (human breast cancer)
      cells, while the two biocompatible manganese(I) complexes (1 and 2) have been
      applied to assess the cell viability of these malignant cells upon CO delivery.

PMID- 28079378
TI  - Dibenzofurans and Pseudodepsidones from the Lichen Stereocaulon paschale
      Collected in Northern Quebec.
AB  - Chemical investigation of the methanol extract of the lichen Stereocaulon
      paschale collected in Nunavik, Canada, led to the isolation and identification of
      two new dibenzofurans (1 and 3) and 11 known lichen metabolites. The structures
      of the new compounds were established by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic
      and high-resolution mass spectrometric data. Herein, the first isolation of
      ascomatic acid dibenzofuran derivatives (1-3) from a whole lichen organism is
      reported. In addition, some of the isolated metabolites showed antibacterial
      activity against the oral pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus
      mutans.

PMID- 28079379
TI  - Formation of Zintl Ions and Their Configurational Change during Sodiation in Na
      Sn Battery.
AB  - Despite their large theoretical storage capability, Na-Sn batteries exhibit poor
      round-trip energy efficiencies as compared to Li-Si batteries. Here, we report
      the results of a comprehensive study to elucidate how and why Na-Sn batteries
      exhibit such a low energy efficiency. As a convincing evidence for this behavior,
      we observed that the resistivity of the Sn anode increased by 8 orders of
      magnitude during in situ sodiation experiments, which is attributed to the
      formation of electrically resistive Zintl ions in the sodiated Sn. Continual
      sodiation induced the development of residual stresses at the Sn anode and caused
      the distortion of Zintl ions from their ideal configuration. This distortion
      caused a change in the electronic structure, resulting in the increased
      resistivity of the sodiated Sn. Our findings offer some solutions that can be
      used to improve the energy efficiency of Na-Sn batteries.

PMID- 28079380
TI  - Extraordinarily Rapid Rise of Tiny Bubbles Sliding beneath Superhydrophobic
      Surfaces.
AB  - Tiny bubbles readily stick onto substrates owing to contact angle hysteresis
      (CAH). Nevertheless, they can slide slowly on a tilted surface with ultralow CAH
      because capillarity is overcome by buoyancy. It is surprising to observe
      experimentally that bubbles of 3-15 MUL (diameter 1.79-3.06 mm) slide beneath a
      tilted superhydrophobic surface at a vertical ascent rate faster than that of
      freely rising ones of high Reynold numbers ~O(102). As the tilting angle
      increases, the drag coefficient remains essentially the same as that of a freely
      rising bubble, but the frontal area of the flat bubble rises monotonically.
      Nonetheless, the frontal area of the sliding bubble always stays much smaller
      than that of a freely rising bubble. Consequently, the small drag force
      associated with the sliding bubbles is attributed to their substantially small
      frontal areas on superhydrophobic surfaces.

PMID- 28079381
TI  - Gold-Catalyzed Regiodivergent [2 + 2 + 2]-Cycloadditions of Allenes with
      Triazines.
AB  - Gold-catalyzed regiodivergent cycloadditions of functionalized allenes with 1,3,5
      triazines, providing diverse N-heterocycles in moderate to excellent yields under
      mild reaction conditions, are reported. Importantly, different types of allenes
      exhibit distinct selectivity and reactivity for the reactions. Mechanistic
      investigations reveal that all of the cycloadditions proceed through a stepwise
      [2 + 2 + 2]-cycloaddition process.

PMID- 28079382
TI  - Single-Molecule Transport at a Rectifying GaAs Contact.
AB  - In most single- or few-molecule devices, the contact electrodes are simple ohmic
      resistors. Here we describe a new type of single-molecule device in which metal
      and semiconductor contact electrodes impart a function, namely, current
      rectification, which is then modified by a molecule bridging the gap. We study
      junctions with the structure Au STM tip/X/n-GaAs substrate, where "X" is either a
      simple alkanedithiol or a conjugated unit bearing thiol/methylthiol contacts, and
      we detect current jumps corresponding to the attachment and detachment of single
      molecules. From the magnitudes of the current jumps we can deduce values for the
      conductance decay constant with molecule length that agree well with values
      determined from Au/molecule/Au junctions. The ability to impart functionality to
      a single-molecule device through the properties of the contacts as well as
      through the properties of the molecule represents a significant extension of the
      single-molecule electronics "tool-box".

PMID- 28079383
TI  - Structure and Interaction in the pH-Dependent Phase Behavior of Nanoparticle
      Protein Systems.
AB  - The pH-dependent structure and interaction of anionic silica nanoparticles
      (diameter 18 nm) with two globular model proteins, lysozyme and bovine serum
      albumin (BSA), have been studied. Cationic lysozyme adsorbs strongly on the
      nanoparticles, and the adsorption follows exponential growth as a function of
      lysozyme concentration, where the saturation value increases as pH approaches the
      isoelectric point (IEP) of lysozyme. By contrast, irrespective of pH, anionic BSA
      does not show any adsorption. Despite having a different nature of interactions,
      both proteins render a similar phase behavior where nanoparticle-protein systems
      transform from being one-phase (clear) to two-phase (turbid) above a critical
      protein concentration (CPC). The measurements have been carried out for a fixed
      concentration of silica nanoparticles (1 wt %) with varying protein
      concentrations (0-5 wt %). The CPC is found to be much higher for BSA than for
      lysozyme and increases for lysozyme but decreases for BSA as pH approaches their
      respective IEPs. The structure and interaction in these systems have been
      examined using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle neutron scattering
      (SANS). The effective hydrodynamic size of the nanoparticles measured using DLS
      increases with protein concentration and is related to the aggregation of the
      nanoparticles above the CPC. The propensity of the nanoparticles to aggregate is
      suppressed for lysozyme and enhanced for BSA as pH approached their respective
      IEPs. This behavior is understood from SANS data through the interaction
      potential determined by the interplay of electrostatic repulsion with a short
      range attraction for lysozyme and long-range attraction for BSA. The nanoparticle
      aggregation is caused by charge neutralization by the oppositely charged lysozyme
      and through depletion for similarly charged BSA. Lysozyme-mediated attractive
      interaction decreases as pH approaches the IEP because of a decrease in the
      charge on the protein. In the case of BSA, a decrease in the BSA-BSA repulsion
      enhances the depletion attraction between the nanoparticles as pH is shifted
      toward the IEP. The morphology of the nanoparticle aggregates is found to be mass
      fractal.

PMID- 28079385
TI  - [Influence of drug concentration and blending technology on the content
      uniformity of mixture for low dose warfarin tablets].
AB  - Warfarin is a drug with narrow therapeutic index. Individualization of dose and
      thorough therapy monitoring is compensated by long time use in praxis and low
      therapy cost. Considering the low dose usually administered, critical parameter
      of solid dosage form is its uniformity of content. It has to not only meet the
      criteria set by pharmacopoeia, but to meet them on statisticall significant level
      also.This experimental study asseses impact of warfarin concentration and
      blending time after adition of lubricant on uniformity of content of mixtures and
      tablets made of them. It concludes, that concentration in 2-2,7% range is optimal
      and its increase or decrease has a negative effect on uniformity of content. It
      also confirms 5 minutes of blending after lubricant addition to be adequate, as
      employing longer blending times leads to mixture overblending.Key words: content
      uniformity warfarin blending time narrow therapeutic index.

PMID- 28079384
TI  - Hypoxia and H2O2 Dual-Sensitive Vesicles for Enhanced Glucose-Responsive Insulin
      Delivery.
AB  - A glucose-responsive closed-loop insulin delivery system mimicking pancreas
      activity without long-term side effect has the potential to improve diabetic
      patients' health and quality of life. Here, we developed a novel glucose
      responsive insulin delivery device using a painless microneedle-array patch
      containing insulin-loaded vesicles. Formed by self-assembly of hypoxia and H2O2
      dual-sensitive diblock copolymer, the glucose-responsive polymersome-based
      vesicles (d-GRPs) can disassociate and subsequently release insulin triggered by
      H2O2 and hypoxia generated during glucose oxidation catalyzed by glucose specific
      enzyme. Moreover, the d-GRPs were able to eliminate the excess H2O2, which may
      lead to free radical-induced damage to skin tissue during the long-term usage and
      reduce the activity of GOx. In vivo experiments indicated that this smart insulin
      patch could efficiently regulate the blood glucose in the chemically induced type
      1 diabetic mice for 10 h.

PMID- 28079386
TI  - Level of understanding of medical terms among italian students.
AB  - Problems related to medical treatment and health literacy are nowadays a
      considerable difficulty, particularly if awareness of them is low. There is still
      a lack of information about students understanding of medical recommendations.
      The aim of this work was to determine the understanding of medical terms among
      Italian students and to find out if there is any relation between understanding
      and age, gender, education or parental occupation. The research was realized via
      questionnaires in the Marche region of Central Italy in 2015. Students were
      chosen at random from grammar schools, vocational schools and the local
      university. 387 completed questionnaires were subsequently evaluated. The level
      of understanding of medical terms among students was quite poor. Most of the
      terms included in the study were known to only a third of respondents on average.
      A significant link between the comprehension of medical terms and education level
      or parental occupation was observed, especially in the terms that are not
      commonly used. Nevertheless, no relation between knowledge of medical terms and
      gender was found. This topic, which requires attention, should be investigated
      because of correct implementation of preventive medicine programs.Key words:
      medical terms Italian students correct use of medicine risk.

PMID- 28079387
TI  - Fractal aspects of the flow and shear behaviour of free-flowable particle size
      fractions of pharmaceutical directly compressible excipient sorbitol.
AB  - Flowability of powder excipients is directly influenced by their size and shape
      although the granulometric influence of the flow and shear behaviour of
      particulate matter is not studied frequently. In this work, the influence of
      particle size on the mass flow rate through the orifice of a conical hopper, and
      the cohesion and flow function was studied for four free-flowable size fractions
      of sorbitol for direct compression in the range of 0.080-0.400 mm. The particles
      were granulometricaly characterized using an optical microscopy; a boundary
      fractal dimension of 1.066 was estimated for regular sorbitol particles. In the
      particle size range studied, a non-linear relationship between the mean particle
      size and the mass flow rate Q10 (g/s) was detected having amaximum at the 0.245mm
      fraction. The best flow properties of this fraction were verified with aJenike
      shear tester due to the highest value of flow function and the lowest value of
      the cohesion. The results of this work show the importance of the right choice of
      the excipient particle size to achieve the best flow behaviour of particulate
      material.Key words: flowability size fraction sorbitol for direct compaction
      Jenike shear tester fractal dimension.

PMID- 28079388
TI  - [Effect of EUDRAGIT(r) RS on the release behaviour of theophylline solid
      dispersions].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to extend the release of theophylline using
      Eudragit(r) RS 100 and Eudragit(r) RSPO as carriers. Solid dispersions of
      theophylline were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique using Eudragit(r)
      RS 100, Eudragit(r) RSPO and their blend in various drug : polymer ratios. The
      prepared solid dispersions were characterized with respect to entrapment
      efficiency, solubility and recovery yield. In vitro drug release of theophylline
      from the solid dispersions was evaluated in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and
      simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) without enzymes. Solubility studies demonstrated
      a decrease in the solubility of the drug from the solid dispersions. The
      solubilities of pure drug and solid dispersions were lowered in SGF compared to
      SIF. Solid dispersions prepared with Eudragit(r) RS 100 entrapped a greater
      amount of theophylline in comparison to those with Eudragit(r) RSPO or the
      polymer blends and were able to extend the release of theophylline over 24 hrs.
      Formulation SD4 released 95.52% of the drug in SIF and 93.56% in SGF. Hence, it
      was selected as the optimized formulation because it was able to extend the
      release of theophylline over 24 hrs.Key words: solid dispersion extended release
      Eudragit(r) drug release.

PMID- 28079389
TI  - UPPER EYELID INJURY WITH PARTIAL LOSS. CASE REPORT.
AB  - In case of an upper eyelid injury with loss of tissue, it is very important to
      perform reconstruction to restore protection of the cornea and bulbus. Depending
      on the size and location of the defect the most suitable reconstructive technique
      is chosen. This case report presents a patient with a partial loss of the upper
      eyelid. The defect was reconstructed with a transposition skin flap to cover the
      ear cartilage graft. The missing conjunctiva was partially reconstructed by its
      mobilization from the fornix, and a part of the defect was left to heal by
      spontaneous epithelisation. This procedure provides an alternative solution for
      defects in the lateral part of the upper eyelid.

PMID- 28079390
TI  - TRIDIMENSIONAL DOPPLER ASSESSMENT: A RELIABLE, NON-INVASIVE AND COST-EFFECTIVE
      METHOD FOR PREOPERATIVE PERFORATOR ASSESSMENT IN DIEP FLAP.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The preoperative perforator mapping is an important step in
      autologous breast reconstruction, making the flap raising safer, more predictable
      and time-saving. Although the Doppler exam has proven to be less accurate in
      locating perforators compared with colour duplex sonography and CTA, it will
      probably remain of importance in clinical practice. The aim of this paper is to
      share some advices on how to perform a Doppler exam in preoperative evaluation of
      a DIEAp flap, increasing its reliability in location of the perforators. METHODS:
      The study was carried-out preoperatively on 26 consecutive patients. For the
      evaluation of the matching between Doppler Dot and operative finding was used a
      Cartesian coordinate systemResults: We have marked preoperatively 145 perforators
      in 26 patients for a total of 52 semi-abdomens. An average of 5.6 vessels per
      patient were marked. Of these, 80 (55.17%) were found between 0-1 cm, 36 (24.82%)
      between 1-2 cm and 5 (3.4%) of these more than 2 cm from each other. We had 24
      (16.55%) false positives in which there was no correspondence between the signal
      and the intraoperative finding. CONCLUSION: Although the Doppler exam may not
      provide the same anatomic details as the other newer modalities, such as CTA and
      MRA, the HHD remains a very useful and important tool for autologous
      reconstruction. We recommend performing this exam in our standardized and
      reproducible method to improve the reliability..

PMID- 28079391
TI  - OUR PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE WITH A NEW METHOD OF DIEAp FLAP DISSECTION.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The abdominal tissue is an ideal source for autologous breast
      reconstruction. We propose a new approach for intramuscular dissection of a DIEP
      flap in this paper. METHODS: A total of 84 women underwent breast reconstruction
      after mastectomy. From this group, 49 patients were treated with traditional DIEP
      flap of which 21 had unilateral procedure and 28 had bilateral procedure. This
      new type of dissection was performed in 35 women, with unilateral approach in 14
      cases and bilateral approach in 21 cases. RESULTS: The statistical differences
      are not significant in the two groups with regards to complications (p > 0.1).
      Mean operative time in this new approach was 3 hours and 10 minutes per flap.
      Mean operative time in the traditional dissection of DIEP was 3 hours and 41
      minutes per flap. The operative time of the new approach is significantly shorter
      than the dissection of the traditional DIEP flap (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The
      approach to DIEP flap dissection proposed by the authors is a new concept in
      autologous breast reconstruction. In this type of dissection no fascia is
      resected and it is more reliable than a traditional DIEP flap for the ease of
      dissection and for the presence of a small protective cuff of muscle around the
      vessel with a lower risk of perforator injury.It is a reproducible option of
      dissection, useful also in less experienced hands and it is a time reducing
      technique compared with the traditional DIEP flap.

PMID- 28079392
TI  - Lipomodelling - advanced technique for the correction of Congenital hypoplastic
      breast malformations and deformities.
AB  - A variety of surgical techniques has been used to correct hypoplastic breast
      malformations and deformities, including tissue expanders, breast implants,
      custom chest wall implants, mammary gland remodelling, as well as locoregional or
      free flap. Case series of successful breast reconstruction using lipomodelling
      technique in one patient with severe Polands syndrome and two patients with
      tuberous breasts are reported together with literature review. No surgical
      complications were observed and ultrasound examination did not reveal any
      pathology in breast tissue other than oil pseudocysts postoperatively. In both
      malformations, submammary fold was moved downwards. Moreover, the lower part of
      the breast and areolar herniation was corrected in tuberous breast, and in
      Polands syndrome, the areolar complex was significantly shifted downwards and
      laterally. In comparison with other reconstructive techniques, lipomodelling
      allows for the breast correction to begin in early adolescence. Further growth of
      the unaffected breast may be effectively corrected by subsequent lipomodelling
      session. This technique appears to change the overall approach to the management
      of hypoplastic breast and chest wall malformations.

PMID- 28079393
TI  - Reconstruction of large facial and orbital defects by combining free flap
      transfer with craniofacial prosthesis.
AB  - The reconstruction of complex craniofacial and orbital defects should
      satisfactorily restore functional and aesthetic integrity. Autologous
      reconstruction of nasal, periorbital and auricular facial subunits as a whole
      using a locoregional or a free flap is very challenging and the results are not
      sometimes ideal. With advanced technologies that are currently available it is
      possible to plan and produce authentic facial prosthesis that can satisfactory
      substitute these facial subunits. We demonstrate an alternative reconstructive
      concept for complex craniofacial defects based on a free flap combined with a
      facial prosthesis for the replacement of periorbital or auricular facial
      subunits. This approach was used in two patients with very satisfactory results.
      Combination of a free flap with a facial prosthesis may become a preferable
      approach for the reconstruction of complex craniofacial defects. Clinical
      outcomes of the reconstructions may be enhanced respecting the principle of
      aesthetic facial subunits.

PMID- 28079395
TI  - Diagnostic performance of wrist magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography: comparison
      of three-dimensional isotropic T1 weighted fast spin-echo MR arthrography and two
      dimensional MR arthrography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic performance of direct wrist MR arthrography
      (D-MRA) with two-dimensional (2D) T1 weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) and three
      dimensional (3D) isotropic T1 weighted FSE sequences for detecting triangular
      fibrocartilage (TFC) central perforations and scapholunate ligament (SLL) and
      lunotriquetral ligament (LTL) tears. METHODS: 26 patients who had undergone pre
      operative wrist D-MRA with 2D and 3D isotropic T1 weighted FSE sequences and
      subsequent arthroscopic surgeries were included. Each MRI sequence was
      independently evaluated and scored by two readers retrospectively for the
      presence of TFC central perforations and SLL and LTL tears. Arthroscopic findings
      were used as the reference standard. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by
      using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The
      sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of both sequences for diagnosing the
      injuries were calculated. RESULTS: Arthroscopic surgery revealed 21 TFC central
      perforations, 7 SLL tears and 3 LTL tears. The area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve value of 2D and 3D for central perforations in TFC and tears
      in SLL and LTL was identical or similar (0.667-0.947). The sensitivity,
      specificity and accuracy of both sequences for diagnosing the injury of each
      structure were not significantly different (TFC, 90.5/80/88.5% for both
      readers/sequences; SLL, 100/89.5/92.3% for both readers' 2D and Reader A's 3D,
      and 85.7/89.5/88.5% for Reader B's 3D; LTL, 66.7/100/96.2% for both readers' 2D
      and 33.3/100/92.3% for both readers' 3D). Interobserver agreements were
      substantial to excellent. CONCLUSION: In wrist D-MRA, the diagnostic performances
      of 3D isotropic and 2D T1 weighted FSE sequences are comparable for TFC central
      perforations and SLL and LTL tears. Advances in knowledge: The diagnostic
      performance of 3D isotropic T1 weighted FSE D-MRA and that of 2D T1 weighted FSE
      D-MRA were not significantly different in the diagnosis of central perforations
      in the TFC and tears in the SLL and LTL. 3D isotropic T1 weighted FSE D-MRA has
      potential for substituting 2D imaging.

PMID- 28079394
TI  - The Positive Emotions after Acute Coronary Events behavioral health intervention:
      Design, rationale, and preliminary feasibility of a factorial design study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Positive psychological constructs, such as optimism, are associated
      with greater participation in cardiac health behaviors and improved cardiac
      outcomes. Positive psychology interventions, which target psychological well
      being, may represent a promising approach to improving health behaviors in high
      risk cardiac patients. However, no study has assessed whether a positive
      psychology intervention can promote physical activity following an acute coronary
      syndrome. OBJECTIVE: In this article we will describe the methods of a novel
      factorial design study to aid the development of a positive psychology-based
      intervention for acute coronary syndrome patients and aim to provide preliminary
      feasibility data on study implementation. METHODS: The Positive Emotions after
      Acute Coronary Events III study is an optimization study (planned N = 128),
      subsumed within a larger multiphase optimization strategy iterative treatment
      development project. The goal of Positive Emotions after Acute Coronary Events
      III is to identify the ideal components of a positive psychology-based
      intervention to improve post-acute coronary syndrome physical activity. Using a 2
      * 2 * 2 factorial design, Positive Emotions after Acute Coronary Events III aims
      to: (1) evaluate the relative merits of using positive psychology exercises alone
      or combined with motivational interviewing, (2) assess whether weekly or daily
      positive psychology exercise completion is optimal, and (3) determine the utility
      of booster sessions. The study's primary outcome measure is moderate-to-vigorous
      physical activity at 16 weeks, measured via accelerometer. Secondary outcome
      measures include psychological, functional, and adherence-related behavioral
      outcomes, along with metrics of feasibility and acceptability. For the primary
      study outcome, we will use a mixed-effects model with a random intercept (to
      account for repeated measures) to assess the main effects of each component
      (inclusion of motivational interviewing in the exercises, duration of the
      intervention, and inclusion of booster sessions) from a full factorial model
      controlling for baseline activity. Similar analyses will be performed on self
      report measures and objectively-measured medication adherence over 16 weeks. We
      hypothesize that the combined positive psychology and motivational interviewing
      intervention, weekly exercises, and booster sessions will be associated with
      superior physical activity. RESULTS: Thus far, 78 participants have enrolled,
      with 72% of all possible exercises fully completed by participants. CONCLUSION:
      The Positive Emotions after Acute Coronary Events III study will help to
      determine the optimal content, intensity, and duration of a positive psychology
      intervention in post-acute coronary syndrome patients prior to testing in a
      randomized trial. This study is novel in its use of a factorial design within the
      multiphase optimization strategy framework to optimize a behavioral intervention
      and the use of a positive psychology intervention to promote physical activity in
      high-risk cardiac patients.

PMID- 28079396
TI  - Does brain creatine content rely on exogenous creatine in healthy youth? A proof
      of-principle study.
AB  - It has been hypothesized that dietary creatine could influence cognitive
      performance by increasing brain creatine in developing individuals. This double
      blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, proof-of-principle study aimed to
      investigate the effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function and
      brain creatine content in healthy youth. The sample comprised 67 healthy
      participants aged 10 to 12 years. The participants were given creatine or placebo
      supplementation for 7 days. At baseline and after the intervention, participants
      undertook a battery of cognitive tests. In a random subsample of participants,
      brain creatine content was also assessed in the regions of left dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex, left hippocampus, and occipital lobe by proton magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) technique. The scores obtained from verbal
      learning and executive functions tests did not significantly differ between
      groups at baseline or after the intervention (all p > 0.05). Creatine content was
      not significantly different between groups in left dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex, left hippocampus, and occipital lobe (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, a 7
      day creatine supplementation protocol did not elicit improvements in brain
      creatine content or cognitive performance in healthy youth, suggesting that this
      population mainly relies on brain creatine synthesis rather than exogenous
      creatine intake to maintain brain creatine homeostasis.

PMID- 28079397
TI  - Mixed compared with single-source proteins in high-protein diets affect kidney
      structure and function differentially in obese fa/fa Zucker rats.
AB  - Questions remain regarding the potential negative effects of dietary high protein
      (HP) on kidney health, particularly in the context of obesity in which the risk
      for renal disease is already increased. To examine whether some of the
      variability in HP effects on kidney health may be due to source of protein, obese
      fa/fa Zucker rats were given HP (35% of energy from protein) diets containing
      either casein, soy protein, or a mixed source of animal and plant proteins for 12
      weeks. Control lean and obese rats were given diets containing casein at normal
      protein (15% of energy from protein) levels. Body weight and blood pressure were
      measured, and markers of renal structural changes, damage, and function were
      assessed. Obesity alone resulted in mild renal changes, as evidenced by higher
      kidney weights, proteinuria, and glomerular volumes. In obese rats, increasing
      the protein level using the single, but not mixed, protein sources resulted in
      higher renal fibrosis compared with the lean rats. The mixed-protein HP group
      also had lower levels of serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, even though
      this diet further increased kidney and glomerular size. Soy and mixed-protein HP
      diets also resulted in a small number of damaged glomeruli, while soy compared
      with mixed-protein HP diet delayed the increase in blood pressure over time.
      Since obesity itself confers added risk of renal disease, an HP diet from mixed
      protein sources that enables weight loss but has fewer risks to renal health may
      be advantageous.

PMID- 28079398
TI  - Feasibility evaluation of diffusion-weighted imaging using an integrated MRI
      radiotherapy system for response assessment to neoadjuvant therapy in rectal
      cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of on-board diffusion-weighted imaging
      (DWI) with an integrated low-field MRI radiotherapy system to assess responses to
      neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NAC) in rectal cancer. METHODS: A spin echo-based
      planar imaging diffusion sequence on a 0.35-T MRI radiotherapy system was
      acquired over the course of NAC. The apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) from
      the tumour regions of interest (ROIs) were calculated. A functional diffusion map
      (fDM) was created showing a pixelwise ADC analysis of the ROI over the course of
      treatment. Surgical pathology was correlated with ADC data. RESULTS: Consecutive
      patients treated on a 0.35-T MRI radiotherapy system were evaluated. Patient A
      had the worst pathological response to NAC with a tumour regression score of 1
      and was the only patient with a negative slope in the change of ADC values over
      the entire course of NAC, and during both the first and second half of NAC. The
      fDM from the first half of NAC for Patient A showed discrete dark areas in the
      tumour ROI, reflecting subregions with decreasing ADC values during NAC. Patient
      C had the most favourable pathological response to NAC with a Grade 3 response
      and was the only patient who had an increase in the slope in the change of ADC
      values from the first to the second half of NAC. CONCLUSION: DWI using a low
      field MRI radiotherapy system for evaluating the responses to NAC is feasible.
      Advances in knowledge: ADC values obtained using a 0.35-T MRI radiotherapy system
      over the course of NAC for rectal cancer correlate with pathological responses.

PMID- 28079399
TI  - Safety and Efficacy of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and DNase for Complicated
      Pleural Effusions Secondary to Abdominal Pathology.
AB  - RATIONALE: Exudative pleural effusions may arise secondary to inflammation of
      intra-abdominal structures. Pleural space loculations can complicate these
      effusions, preventing adequate chest tube drainage and leading to consideration
      of surgical intervention. Previous studies have demonstrated that intrapleural
      administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) combined with human
      recombinant DNase can improve fluid drainage and reduce surgery for patients with
      loculated parapneumonic effusions; however, the efficacy of this treatment has
      not been evaluated for complicated pleural effusions attributed to intra
      abdominal inflammation. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the safety and efficacy of
      tPA/DNase for 17 pleural effusions associated with nonmalignant intra-abdominal
      pathology that did not drain adequately after placement of one or more chest
      tubes. METHODS: Efficacy was measured by comparing post- to pretreatment fluid
      drainage rates, volumetric assessment of pleural fluid on radiographic images
      before and after treatment, and clinical improvement, including the need for
      surgical intervention. Symptomatic relief was assessed using the Borg scale for
      breathlessness. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After a median of two doses of
      tPA/DNase, 23.5% of patients had chest pain and none had pleural bleeding. The
      volume of pleural fluid drained increased from a median of 325 ml to 890 ml per
      24 hours after therapy (P = 0.018). The area of pleural space opacity on chest
      radiographs decreased from a median of 42.8-17.8% of the hemithorax (P = 0.001).
      tPA/DNase reduced the pleural fluid volume on chest computed tomographic imaging
      from a median of 294.4 ml to 116.1 ml. Borg scores improved from a median of 3
      (interquartile range = 1-6) to 0 (interquartile range = 0-2) after therapy (P =
      0.001). The median duration of chest tube placement and hospital stay were 4 and
      11 days, respectively. Two patients required surgical intervention for lung
      entrapment. Overall, treatment was considered successful for 88.2% of patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective case series suggests that intrapleural tPA/DNase
      can be safe and effective for patients with complicated pleural effusions
      attributed to abdominal pathology that do not drain adequately after chest tube
      placement. Additional studies are needed to determine whether the combination of
      tPA and DNase is more effective than tPA for this indication.

PMID- 28079400
TI  - Dysphagia therapy post stroke: An exploration of the practices and clinical
      decision-making of speech-language pathologists in Australia.
AB  - PURPOSE: A variety of dysphagia management options are available for the
      treatment of dysphagia following a stroke, however, it is unknown which of these
      approaches are most commonly utilised by Australian speech-language pathologists
      (SLPs) and whether particular factors influence decision-making. METHOD: The aim
      of this study was to investigate, through an online survey, the treatment
      practices of SLPs in Australia for the treatment of dysphagia post-stroke and
      identify the factors influencing treatment decisions. RESULT: A total of 118 SLPs
      completed the online survey. Descriptive statistics identified large variability
      in the dysphagia treatments utilised, with all 24 therapies listed in the online
      survey reported as being routinely used. Compensatory therapies were ranked as
      being utilised more frequently than rehabilitative approaches, with six of the
      seven highly utilised therapies being compensatory in nature. A client's
      cognitive capacity was the most prominent factor influencing SLPs' treatment
      decisions. CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into the practices of SLPs in
      Australia for the treatment of dysphagia following stroke and discusses potential
      for shifts in practice. It highlights the complexity involved in the decision
      making process and that clinicians consider evidence, as well as client,
      clinician and service factors, when selecting between the range of options
      available.

PMID- 28079401
TI  - HEMO2life as a protective additive to Celsior solution for static storage of
      donor hearts prior to transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior to heart transplantation, static storage of donor hearts is
      currently limited to 4-5 h, despite profound hypothermia (4-8  degrees C).
      Because heart transplantation is an emergency procedure, improved protection to
      extend safe storage duration would be advantageous. We investigated whether the
      naturally respiratory pigment HEMO2life(r), which is effective at hypothermia for
      the passive release of oxygen via oxygen gradient, could improve long-term
      preservation. METHODS: Isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts (n = 12/group)
      were equilibrated (20 min) and function (left ventricular developed pressure:
      LVDP) measured by intraventricular balloon before arrest with cold (7.5  degrees
      C) Celsior(r) solution, either alone (control) or with the addition of
      HEMO2life(r) (Hemarina SA, Morlaix, France) at 1 g/L. Cold storage lasted 8 h
      prior to reperfusion (60 min) and recovery (as % of pre-ischemic function) was
      assessed. Hearts (minced and homogenized) were also assessed by TTC staining as a
      measure of viability and two hearts from each group were sliced and assessed by
      TTC staining for infarct size. Values are expressed as mean +/- standard error of
      mean and analyzed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: Hearts recovered rapidly in both
      groups to a plateau by 20 min of reperfusion; control and HEMO2life(r) final
      recovery (60 min) was 45 +/- 2% and 57 +/- 1% (P < 0.05) respectively. Left
      ventricular end-diastolic pressure recovered to a similar extent in both groups
      (between 31 to 35 mmHg), as did heart rate (final recovery between 84 to 89% pre
      ischemic value); however, coronary flow was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in
      HEMO2life(r) group (7.5 +/- 0.7 ml/min) compared to control (5.4 +/- 0.4 ml/min).
      Viability and infarct size measurements were similar between groups. CONCLUSION:
      The addition of the natural oxygen releasing pigment HEMO2life(r) to Celsior(r)
      preservation solution significantly improved post-ischemic recovery of heart
      function. This additive may have major therapeutic potential for clinical heart
      transplantation.

PMID- 28079402
TI  - Sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women could be related to hormonal profile.
AB  - Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a public health problem that affects women's
      quality of life. Although the relationship between some hormones and the FSD has
      been described, it is not well established for all hormones. Therefore, the aim
      of our study was to evaluate the association between hormonal dysfunction and
      sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women. We performed a cross-sectional study
      with 60 patients with regular menstrual cycles, with age ranging from 18 to 44
      years, with previous diagnosis of FSD. All patients were evaluated using the
      female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire and had the levels of total
      testosterone, prolactin (PRL), thyroid-releasing hormone and free testosterone
      index measured. Among the 60 patients, 43 (71.7%) were diagnosed with hypoactive
      sexual desire disorder (HSDD), 9 (15%) had anorgasmy and 8 (3.3%) had sexual pain
      dysfunction. Hormonal evaluation, demonstrated that 79.1% of patients with HSDD,
      78.4% of patients with anorgasmy and 50% of patients with sexual pain dysfunction
      had female androgen insensitivity. We can conclude that there is an important
      association between low levels of total and free testosterone and FSD. This
      finding offers a new alternative for diagnosis and treatment of HSDD. Moreover,
      given the potential role of androgens in sexual function, randomized controlled
      trials with adequate long-term follow-up are essential to confirm its possible
      effect.

PMID- 28079403
TI  - Orofacial function and monitoring of oral care in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess orofacial function and monitor oral care in
      patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to maintain oral comfort and
      oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series of 14 patients newly diagnosed
      with ALS accepted to participate in a quality improvement project. After initial
      examinations, baseline oral conditions were obtained and the patients were seen
      every 3 months. Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) was used for evaluation
      of orofacial function. RESULTS: Patients were grouped according to initial
      symptoms in a bulbar group and a spinal group with eight and six patients,
      respectively. The mean age at diagnosis was 62.8 years. All were dentate with a
      mean of 26.7 natural teeth. Most patients had very good oral and dental
      conditions. As expected, orofacial functions were differently affected in the two
      groups; at initial NOT-S registration, the mean total score was 5.6 (range 3-8
      domains) in the bulbar group and 0.7 (0-2 domains) in the spinal group. At final
      registration, the corresponding figures were 6.1 and 3.2. Oral and dental aids
      were introduced according to need. CONCLUSIONS: In the bulbar group, several
      orofacial functions became impaired at an early stage of disease development, and
      at final registrations many vital orofacial functions were severely compromised.
      The spinal group was less severely affected orally. However, all individuals
      irrespective of type of initial symptoms needed assistance in performing oral
      hygiene measures in the latter part of the disease period. Good oral health and
      oral comfort could be maintained in all participants and no other dental
      treatment was needed.

PMID- 28079404
TI  - Free amino acids in fibromyalgia syndrome: relationship with clinical picture.
AB  - The objectives of our study were to evaluate free amino acid (FAA) concentrations
      in the serum of patients affected by fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to determine
      the relationships between FAA levels and FMS clinical parameters. Thus, serum
      amino acid concentrations were quantified (HPLC analysis) in 23 females with
      fibromyalgia (according to the American College of Rheumatology classification
      criteria) and 20 healthy females. The results showed significantly higher serum
      concentrations of aspartate, cysteine, glutamate, glycine, isoleucine, leucine,
      methionine, ornithine, phenylalanine, sarcosine, serine, taurine, tyrosine and
      valine in FMS patients vs. healthy controls. Patients with higher Fibromyalgia
      Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores showed increased levels of alanine, glutamine,
      isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, proline and valine. In conclusion, our
      results indicate an imbalance in some FAAs in FMS patients. Increased Glu is
      particularly interesting, as it could explain the deficit in monoaminergic
      transmission involved in pain.

PMID- 28079405
TI  - Posttraumatic growth following pregnancy termination for fetal abnormality: the
      predictive role of coping strategies and perinatal grief.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research about termination for fetal abnormality (TFA) suggests that
      it is a traumatic event with potential negative psychological consequences.
      However, evidence also indicates that following traumatic events individuals may
      experience growth. Although TFA's negative psychological outcomes are well
      documented, little is known of the potential for growth following this event.
      Therefore, the study's objectives were to measure posttraumatic growth (PTG) post
      TFA, examine the relationship between PTG, perinatal grief and coping, and
      determine the predictors of PTG. DESIGN: An online, retrospective survey was
      conducted with 161 women. METHODS: Eligible participants were women over 18 who
      had undergone TFA. Participants were recruited from a support organisation. They
      completed the Brief COPE, Short Perinatal Grief Scale and Posttraumatic Growth
      Inventory. Data were analysed using regression analyses. RESULTS: Moderate levels
      of PTG were observed for "relating to others," "personal strengths" and
      "appreciation of life." "Positive reframing" was a significant predictor of PTG.
      Despite using mainly "adaptive" coping strategies, women's grief levels were
      high. CONCLUSIONS: "Adaptive" coping strategies such as, "positive reframing" are
      relevant to TFA. They may act as protective factors against distress and as
      foundations for growth, implicating that interventions such as Cognitive
      Behavioural Therapy, which aim to reframe women's experience, may be beneficial.

PMID- 28079406
TI  - Predictive factors of depression symptoms among adolescents in the 18-month
      follow-up after Wenchuan earthquake in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear about the change and risk factors of depression among
      adolescent survivors after earthquake. AIMS: This study aimed to explore the
      change of depression, and identify the predictive factors of depression among
      adolescent survivors after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. METHODS: The
      depression among high school students at 6, 12 and 18 months after the Wenchuan
      earthquake were investigated. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used in
      this study to assess the severity of depression. RESULTS: Subjects included 548
      student survivors in an affected high school. The rates of depression among the
      adolescent survivors at 6-, 12- and 18-month after the earthquake were 27.3%,
      42.9% and 33.3%, respectively, for males, and 42.9%, 61.9% and 53.4%,
      respectively, for females. Depression symptoms, trauma-related self-injury,
      suicidal ideation and PTSD symptoms at the 6-month follow-up were significant
      predictive factors for depression at the 18-month time interval following the
      earthquake. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need for considering disaster
      related psychological sequela and risk factors of depression symptoms in the
      planning and implementation of mental health services. Long-term mental and
      psychological supports for victims of natural disasters are imperative.

PMID- 28079407
TI  - Noninvasive evaluation of gastric emptying and gastric wall thickness in SLE
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the gastric emptying in
      patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with gastrointestinal
      involvement using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography. METHODS: The gastric
      emptying times at 25% (T1), 50% (T2), and 75% (T3) of SLE patients with
      gastrointestinal involvement (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 80) were
      evaluated and compared. In addition, the correlations among the gastric wall
      thickness, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and upper gastrointestinal
      symptoms were calculated. RESULTS: The gastric wall thickness was correlated with
      the SLEDAI (r = 0.928, p < 0.001) and the upper gastrointestinal symptom index (r
      = 0.848, p < 0.001). The emptying times T1, T2, and T3 of the SLE patients were
      17.08 +/- 2.65 min (mean +/- standard deviation), 39.85 +/- 6.54 min, and 83.58
      +/- 7.12 min, respectively. For healthy controls, they were 19.65 +/- 5.39 min,
      41.08 +/- 7.51 min, and 70.34 +/- 8.03 min. The T1 of the SLE patients was
      shorter (p < 0.01), while the T3 was longer (p < 0.001). Moreover, T3 in the SLE
      group had the best correlation with the upper gastrointestinal symptom index (r =
      0.553, p < 0.001). T1 in the SLE group was anti-correlated with early satiety (r
      = -0.366, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combining the emptying times T1 and T3, as well
      as the gastric wall thickness, the SLEDAI and the upper gastrointestinal symptoms
      index can provide accurate clinical diagnosis of SLE with gastric involvement.

PMID- 28079408
TI  - An ecological approach to hearing-health promotion in workplaces.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess use, acceptability and feasibility of an
      ecological hearing conservation programme for workplaces. DESIGN: A school-based
      public health hearing preservation education programme (Dangerous Decibels(r))
      was adapted for workplaces using the Multi-level Approach to Community Health
      (MATCH) Model. The programme was delivered in small manufacturing companies and
      evaluated using a questionnaire before the training and at one week and two
      months after training. STUDY SAMPLE: Workers (n = 56) from five small
      manufacturing companies were recruited. RESULTS: There was a significant
      improvement in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of workers at the intrapersonal
      level; in behaviour motivation and safety culture at the interpersonal and
      organisational levels; and an overall improvement in hearing-health behaviour
      after two months post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The developed programme offers a
      simple, interactive and theory-based intervention that is well accepted and
      effective in promoting positive hearing-health behaviour in workplaces.

PMID- 28079410
TI  - The importance of adhering to high standards of research ethics.

PMID- 28079409
TI  - Promoting awareness of neonatal menstruation.
AB  - Neonatal uterine bleeding (NUB) has been carefully studied in the past through
      case reports, small series, clinical cohort studies, pathology investigations of
      fetal and neonatal. Following a historical recount, this review summarizes
      biological mechanisms conditioning NUB, starting from the persistence till birth
      of an 'ontogenetic progesterone resistance' (OPR), causing decreased
      responsiveness of target tissues to bioavailable progesterone. Several pregnancy
      related conditions, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, prematurity,
      post-maturity and even Rhesus or ABO incompatibility, influence the occurrence of
      NUB. It seems therefore that the phenomenon is precipitated by chronic fetal
      distress. When present, OPR may persists until telarche; as a consequence, if
      pregnancy occurs in early teenage, the disorder known as "defective deep
      placentation" may ensue, increasing the risk of obstetrical syndromes. In the
      presence of NUB, retrograde shedding into the peritoneal cavity of endometrial
      stem/progenitor and niche cells may occur. There, given the right environment,
      these cells can survive and become activated at the time of telarche, causing the
      specific phenotype of early-onset endometriosis. In conclusion, neonatal
      menstruation is a fetal distress indicator and can alter the incidence of a
      variety of pathological conditions later in life. For this reason, it should be
      carefully recorded and the parents informed.

PMID- 28079411
TI  - Enteral tube feeding: using good practice to prevent infection.
AB  - Enteral tube feeding is the delivery of nutritionally complete feed via a tube
      into the gut. It is used for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional
      needs orally. Enteral feeding can be given through a variety of different tubes
      that access the gastrointestinal tract either via the stomach or the small bowel.
      The contamination of enteral feed can often be overlooked as a source of
      bacterial infection. Enteral feeds can become contaminated in a variety of
      different ways. Most often infections result in extended lengths of stay in
      hospital and patients also need additional therapies and treatments in order to
      resolve these infections. Healthcare-associated infections not only affect the
      patients who acquire them but also have an impact on the staff involved in their
      care. Each acute trust will have its own local policies and guidelines regarding
      enteral feeding and infection control and prevention. These local documents will
      be based on national initiatives and guidelines. It is important for nurses to
      refer to their local policies and guidelines before they start a patient on
      enteral feeding to ensure that they are doing so in the safest manner possible.
      Nurses' practice is key to preventing bacterial contamination in such patients.

PMID- 28079412
TI  - Towards resilience and wellbeing in nurses.
AB  - Nursing is a physically and emotionally demanding profession. High role
      expectations and difficult working conditions place some nurses at risk of
      burnout and stress-related illness. In spite of the challenges in the current
      healthcare system, nurses continue to deliver high-quality patient care, retain
      resilience and progress professionally in the face of adversity. This article
      provides an overview, with discussion of the evidence in the literature, of some
      of the suggested methods to improve resilience and enhance staff wellbeing in the
      nursing profession at an individual and organisational level.

PMID- 28079413
TI  - Striving for a good standard of maths for potential student nurses.
AB  - This article explores some of the issues surrounding numerical competence for
      potential pre-registration children's nursing students, with examples of success
      and failure, at the University of Hertfordshire. With poor numerical ability
      causing concern in the UK, and the effect of low competence on patient safety
      when calculating drug dosages in healthcare, this article considers some of the
      literature surrounding numerical ability, confidence and anxiety, along with
      considering whether a 'C' grade at GCSE is a suitable marker for assessing
      numerical competence before starting a pre-registration nursing programme.

PMID- 28079414
TI  - Ineligibility criteria and deprivation of liberty in relation to guardianship.
AB  - Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, discusses
      how the law surrounding deprivation of liberty safeguards relates to a person who
      is the subject of a guardianship order.

PMID- 28079415
TI  - 2017: nursing in the New Year.

PMID- 28079416
TI  - Patient deaths and learning.

PMID- 28079417
TI  - The experiences of black and minority ethnic nurses working in the UK.
AB  - Evidence suggests that black and minority ethnic (BME) midwives are more likely
      to face fitness to practise hearings than white registrants and BME NHS staff are
      less likely to be in senior positions. This literature review critically
      evaluates the literature published since a systematic review on the topic was
      conducted in 2005. It found that BME nurses and midwives, especially those who
      registered abroad and subsequently came to live and work in the UK are
      'underemployed' and consequently expressed feelings of loss of self-confidence.
      This was further compounded by accounts of excessive scrutiny and punishment.
      Many felt excluded from white networks of power and opportunities for staff
      development and promotion. The literature also describes experiences of covert as
      well as overt racism between the white majority and BME staff as well as
      'horizontal racism' between BME staff of differing ethnicities.

PMID- 28079418
TI  - Memories of Nursing: nurses' social status and origins of the RNNH.

PMID- 28079419
TI  - What do we know about emotional labour in nursing? A narrative review.
AB  - Nurses have to manage their emotions and the expression of emotion to perform
      best care, and their behaviours pass through emotional labour (EL). However, EL
      seems to be an under-appreciated aspect of caring work and there is no synthetic
      portrait of literature about EL in the nursing profession. This review was
      conducted to synthesise and to critically analyse the literature in the nursing
      field related to EL. Twenty-seven papers were included and analysed with a
      narrative approach, where two main themes were found: EL strategies and EL
      antecedents and consequences. Hence, EL is a multidimensional, complex concept
      and it represents a nursing competence to provide the best care. Moreover, nurses
      have a high awareness of EL as a professional competence, which is a fundamental
      element to balance engagement with an appropriate degree of detachment to
      accomplish tasks for best practice, and to provide high-quality patient care.

PMID- 28079420
TI  - International nursing: reflections on working in Sierra Leone.
AB  - Registered Nurse, 4626 (AE) Sqn, RAuxAF, RAF Brize Norton/Nurse Practitioner,
      Center Parcs Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire looks back over her time working in
      A&E in Sierra Leone.

PMID- 28079421
TI  - Leg Club scholarships: from global learning to local implementation.

PMID- 28079422
TI  - Examining an alcohol health worker service's patient coverage.
AB  - Alcohol health workers (AHWs) have been found to be effective at reducing alcohol
      related hospital admissions, but there is still a paucity of evidence in keys
      areas. This was the first study to investigate what percentage of patients
      referred to an AHW service by alcohol screening tools are actually seen by the
      AHWs. The study-based in a large teaching hospital in the north of England-also
      investigated the impact of social deprivation on service usage. Research data
      came from a patient database and semi-structured interviews with AHWs. Further
      research is required to better understand the 'harm paradox' of patients'
      differential susceptibility to alcohol-related harm and how this might impact AHW
      service patient flow.

PMID- 28079423
TI  - Nurse education and the development of the nursing associate role.
AB  - Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses
      the recently launched curriculum for nursing associates and what this might mean
      for the delivery of care.

PMID- 28079424
TI  - Career development for all ages.
AB  - Sam Foster, Chief Nurse at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, considers the
      issues around career progression and staff retention and how they differ between
      generations.

PMID- 28079425
TI  - Ensuring care quality at a time of diminishing resources.
AB  - John Tingle, Reader in Health Law at Nottingham Trent University, discusses the
      Care Quality Commission's State of Health Care report, in the light of some
      important clinical negligence trends and reports on major safety failures.

PMID- 28079427
TI  - Effect of functional electrical stimulation on cardiovascular outcomes in
      patients with chronic heart failure.
AB  - Background/design Functional electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles is an
      alternative method of training in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
      Although it improves exercise capacity in CHF, we performed a randomised, placebo
      controlled study to investigate its effects on long-term clinical outcomes.
      Methods We randomly assigned 120 patients, aged 71 +/- 8 years, with stable CHF
      (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II/III (63%/37%), mean left ventricular
      ejection fraction 28 +/- 5%), to either a 6-week functional electrical
      stimulation training programme or placebo. Patients were followed for up to 19
      months for death and/or hospitalisation due to CHF decompensation. Results At
      baseline, there were no significant differences in demographic parameters, CHF
      severity and medications between groups. During a median follow-up of 383 days,
      14 patients died (11 cardiac, three non-cardiac deaths), while 40 patients were
      hospitalised for CHF decompensation. Mortality did not differ between groups (log
      rank test P = 0.680), while the heart failure-related hospitalisation rate was
      significantly lower in the functional electrical stimulation group (hazard ratio
      (HR) 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21-0.78, P = 0.007). The latter
      difference remained significant after adjustment for prognostic factors: age,
      gender, baseline NYHA class and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.22, 95%
      CI 0.10-0.46, P < 0.001). Compared to placebo, functional electrical stimulation
      training was associated with a lower occurrence of the composite endpoint (death
      or heart failure-related hospitalisation) after adjustment for the above
      mentioned prognostic factors (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.103-0.435, P < 0.001). However,
      that effect was mostly driven by the favourable change in hospitalisation rates.
      Conclusions In CHF patients, 6 weeks functional electrical stimulation training
      reduced the risk of heart failure-related hospitalisations, without affecting the
      mortality rate. The beneficial long-term effects of this alternative method of
      training require further investigation.

PMID- 28079428
TI  - The first 6 weeks of recovery after primary total hip arthroplasty with fast
      track.
AB  - Background and purpose - Fast-track protocols have been introduced worldwide to
      improve the recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA). These protocols have
      reduced the length of hospital stay (LOS), and THA in an outpatient setting is
      also feasible. However, less is known regarding the first weeks after THA with
      fast track. We examined patients' experiences of the first 6 weeks after hospital
      discharge following inpatient and outpatient THA with fast track. Patients and
      methods - In a prospective cohort study, 100 consecutive patients who underwent
      THA surgery in a fast-track setting between February 2015 and October 2015
      received a diary for 6 weeks. This diary contained various internationally
      validated questionnaires including HOOS-PS, OHS, EQ-5D, SF-12, and ICOAP. In
      addition, there were general questions regarding pain, the wound, physiotherapy,
      and thrombosis prophylaxis injections. Results - 94 patients completed the diary,
      42 of whom were operated in an outpatient setting. Pain and use of pain
      medication had gradually decreased during the 6 weeks. Function and quality of
      life gradually improved. After 6 weeks, 91% of all patients reported better
      functioning and less pain than preoperatively. Interpretation - Fast track
      improves early functional outcome, and the PROMs reported during the first 6
      weeks in this study showed continued improvement. They can be used as a baseline
      for future studies. The PROMs reported could also serve as a guide for staff and
      patients alike to modify expectations and therefore possibly improve patient
      satisfaction.

PMID- 28079429
TI  - Association between late effects assessed by physicians and quality of life
      reported by head-and-neck cancer survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many survivors of head-and-neck cancer (HNC) suffer from late
      effects. Their overall quality of life deteriorates during treatment, followed by
      a slow recovery up to five years after treatment. We examined the association
      between the severity of physician-assessed late effects and the health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL) reported by survivors of HNC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      analysis was based on data collected during follow-up for 136 survivors of cancer
      in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, or salivary glands. Physicians' assessments
      of dysphagia, xerostomia, fibrosis, and hoarseness, derived from reports to of
      the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group database and patient-reported overall
      quality of life and social, role, emotional, cognitive, and physical functioning
      reported on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer
      questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to examine the association
      between the severity of each late effect and HRQoL. RESULTS: Quality of life was
      decreased among patients with moderate to severe dysphagia compared to patients
      without dysphagia (-16 points; 95% CI -21;-3). Also role functioning (-20 points;
      95% CI -38;-2), emotional functioning (-19 points; 95% CI -34;-4) and social
      functioning (-27 points; 95% CI -41;-13) decreased compared with patients without
      dysphagia. Mild dysphagia was also associated with decreased overall quality of
      life (-12 points; 95% CI -21;-3). Moderate to severe hoarseness was significantly
      associated with poorer social functioning (-25 points; 95% CI -41;-10). There was
      no association between fibrosis or xerostomia and HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Physician
      assessed moderate to severe hoarseness and mild, moderate, or severe dysphagia
      are associated with clinically relevant decreases in patient-reported quality of
      life and functioning. Fibrosis and xerostomia of any severity were not associated
      with changes in any scale of functioning in this study population.

PMID- 28079430
TI  - Multimodal prehabilitation improves functional capacity before and after
      colorectal surgery for cancer: a five-year research experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multimodal prehabilitation is a preoperative conditioning
      intervention in form of exercise, nutritional assessment, whey protein
      supplementation, and anxiety-coping technique. Despite recent evidence suggesting
      that prehabilitation could improve functional capacity in patients undergoing
      colorectal surgery for cancer, all studies were characterized by a relatively
      small sample size. The aim of this study was to confirm what was previously found
      in three small population trials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 185 participants
      enrolled in a pilot single group study and two randomized control trials
      conducted at the McGill University Health Center from 2010 to 2015 were
      reanalyzed. Subjects performing trimodal prehabilitation (exercise, nutrition,
      and coping strategies for anxiety) were compared to the patients who underwent
      the trimodal program only after surgery (rehabilitation/control group).
      Functional capacity was assessed with the six-minute walk test (6MWT), a measure
      of the distance walked over six minutes (6MWD). A significant functional
      improvement was defined as an increase in 6MWD from baseline by at least 19 m.
      Changes in 6MWD before surgery, at four and eight weeks were compared between
      groups. RESULTS: Of the total study population, 113 subjects (61%) underwent
      prehabilitation. Changes in 6MWD in the prehabilitation group were higher
      compared to the rehabilitation/control group during the preoperative period {30.0
      [standard deviation (SD) 46.7] m vs. -5.8 (SD 40.1) m, p < 0.001}, at four weeks
      [-11.2 (SD 72) m vs. -72.5 (SD 129) m, p < 0.01], and at eight weeks [17.0 (SD
      84.0) m vs. -8.8 (SD 74.0) m, p = 0.047]. The proportion of subjects experiencing
      a significant preoperative improvement in physical fitness was higher in those
      patients who underwent prehabilitation [68 (60%) vs. 15 (21%), p < 0.001].
      CONCLUSION: In large secondary analysis, multimodal prehabilitation resulted in
      greater improvement in walking capacity throughout the whole perioperative period
      when compared to rehabilitation started after surgery.

PMID- 28079431
TI  - Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Intractable Epilepsy Associated With SCN1A Gene
      Abnormalities.
AB  - Mutations in the SCN1A gene cause a spectrum of epilepsy syndromes. There are 2
      syndromes that are on the severe end of this spectrum. The classic severe form,
      Dravet syndrome, is an epileptic encephalopathy of childhood, causing cognitive
      decline as well as intractable seizures. Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy
      Borderline (SMEIB) is a term used to include cases with similar severities as
      those with Dravet syndrome, but lacking a single feature of classic severe
      myoclonic epilepsy of infancy. Vagus nerve stimulation is a nonpharmacologic
      treatment for intractable epilepsy. A retrospective review was conducted of
      patients with deleterious SCN1A mutations who had vagus nerve stimulation
      placement for treatment of their intractable epilepsy. These children had onset
      of their epilepsy between 3 and 29 months of age. Seizure control was assessed 6
      months after implantation. Twenty patients are included in the study, with 12
      implanted at our institution. Nine of the 12 patients implanted at our
      institution, who had confirmed pre- and post-implantation seizure assessments,
      showed improvement in seizure control, which was defined as >50% reduction in
      generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and 4 of those 12 reported improvement in
      cognitive or speech development. Seven of the 8 patients not implanted at our
      institution reported subjective benefit, with 4 relating "marked improvement" or
      seizure freedom. Vagus nerve stimulation appears to impart a benefit to children
      with deleterious SCN1A gene abnormalities associated with intractable epilepsy.

PMID- 28079432
TI  - Primary tumors of the facial nerve misdiagnosed: a case series and review of the
      literature.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Unusual primary tumors of the facial nerve should be considered in
      patients with progressive facial paralysis, especially if this is accompanied by
      hearing loss or vertigo. Misdiagnosis could increase the difficulties of
      operation, diminish the chance of facial nerve reconstruction, and increase the
      likelihood of poor reconstructive outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This paper was to
      determine the characteristics of facial nerve primary tumors misdiagnosed as
      tumor-free conditions many years prior, and to describe appropriate treatments.
      METHODS: The cases of 11 Chinese patients with misdiagnosed primary tumors of the
      facial nerve were reviewed; every one had been misdiagnosed for more than 8
      years. All patients presented with progressive or complete facial paralysis and
      hearing loss, with or without vertigo. The pre- and post-operative images
      (including CT scans of the temporal bone) and MRI data were reviewed. RESULTS:
      All tumors were completely resected using the translabyrinthine or transmastoid
      approach and were confirmed to be primary tumors of the facial nerve. Facial
      hypoglossal nerve anastomosis failed because fibrosis developed at the end of the
      facial nerve in one patient whom this study sought to manage in two stages. One
      patient accepted facial-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis of two-stage and patient
      status improved to House-Brackmann (H-B) grade V from H-B grade VI. The other
      nine patients chose not to undergo reconstruction.

PMID- 28079433
TI  - PET imaging of cannabinoid type 2 receptors with [11C]A-836339 did not evidence
      changes following neuroinflammation in rats.
AB  - Cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2R) have emerged as promising targets for the
      diagnosis and therapy of brain pathologies. However, no suitable radiotracers for
      accurate CB2R mapping have been found to date, limiting the investigation of the
      CB2 receptor expression using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. In this
      work, we report the evaluation of the in vivo expression of CB2R with [11C]A
      836339 PET after cerebral ischemia and in two rat models of neuroinflammation,
      first by intrastriatal LPS and then by AMPA injection. PET images and in vitro
      autoradiography showed a lack of specific [11C]A-836339 uptake in these animal
      models demonstrating the limitation of this radiotracer to image CB2 receptor
      under neuroinflammatory conditions. Further, using immunohistochemistry, the CB2
      receptor displayed a modest expression increase after cerebral ischemia, LPS and
      AMPA models. Finally, [18F]DPA-714-PET and immunohistochemistry demonstrated
      decreased neuroinflammation by a selective CB2R agonist, JWH133. Taken together,
      these findings suggest that [11C]A-836339 is not a suitable radiotracer to
      monitor in vivo CB2R expression by using PET imaging. Future studies will have to
      investigate alternative radiotracers that could provide an accurate binding to
      CB2 receptors following brain inflammation.

PMID- 28079436
TI  - ?

PMID- 28079435
TI  - Bioelectrical impedance analysis of head and neck cancer patients at
      presentation.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Finnish head and neck cancer (HNC) patients show signs of severe
      malnutrition already at presentation, measured by bioelectric impedance analysis
      (BIA). BIA may be a practical method to detect malnutrition, analyze body
      composition, and to identify high-risk patients in this population. OBJECTIVES:
      BIA is a validated method for evaluating body composition and detecting
      malnutrition. Low phase angle (PA) is associated with increased mortality and
      morbidity. Vector analysis (BIVA) provides a qualitative measure for hydration
      and cell mass, independent of body size. This study describes BIA results in
      Finnish HNC patients at presentation. METHODS: Forty-one newly-diagnosed HNC
      patients at the Helsinki University Hospital were included. BIA measures
      (resistance, reactance, PA, fat-free mass index [FFMI], and fat mass index
      [FMI]), body mass index (BMI), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were
      determined. RESULTS: The majority of patients were men (78%), with a normal
      average BMI of 25.2. Low FFMI was seen in 44% of women and 28% of men. The PA
      (median = 4.6; IQ range = 4-5) was lower than the reference values in 76% (n =
      31) of cases. In BIVA, only 13 (32%) of the patients were within normal range and
      15 (37%) were plotted in the quadrant indicating malnutrition.

PMID- 28079434
TI  - Previous pregnancy outcomes and subsequent pregnancy anxiety in a Quebec
      prospective cohort.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy anxiety is an important psychosocial risk factor that may
      be more strongly associated with adverse birth outcomes than other measures of
      stress. Better understanding of the upstream predictors and causes of pregnancy
      anxiety could help to identify high-risk women for adverse maternal and infant
      outcomes. The objective of the present study was to measure the associations
      between five past pregnancy outcomes (live preterm birth (PTB), live term birth,
      miscarriage at <20 weeks, stillbirth at >=20 weeks, and elective abortion) and
      pregnancy anxiety at three trimesters in a subsequent pregnancy. METHODS:
      Analyses were conducted using data from the 3D Cohort Study, a Canadian birth
      cohort. Data on maternal demographic characteristics and pregnancy history for
      each known previous pregnancy were collected via interviewer-administered
      questionnaires at study entry. Pregnancy anxiety for the index study pregnancy
      was measured prospectively by self-administered questionnaire following three
      prenatal study visits. RESULTS: Of 2366 participants in the 3D Study, 1505 had at
      least one previous pregnancy. In linear regression analyses with adjustment for
      confounding variables, prior live term birth was associated with lower pregnancy
      anxiety in all three trimesters, whereas prior miscarriage was significantly
      associated with higher pregnancy anxiety in the first trimester. Prior stillbirth
      was associated with greater pregnancy anxiety in the third trimester. Prior
      elective abortion was significantly associated with higher pregnancy anxiety
      scores in the first and second trimesters, with an association of similar
      magnitude observed in the third trimester. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that
      the outcomes of previous pregnancies should be incorporated, along with
      demographic and psychosocial characteristics, into conceptual models framing
      pregnancy anxiety.

PMID- 28079437
TI  - ?

PMID- 28079438
TI  - ?

PMID- 28079440
TI  - ?

PMID- 28079439
TI  - Experience of patients waiting for a hip or pelvic fracture surgery - a
      qualitative study
AB  - Background: In Swiss hospitals, patients are waiting for a hip fracture surgery
      due to a variety of reasons, despite the guidelines recommending a rapid surgical
      treatment. Quantitative studies show that long delays have a negative impact on
      the physical and psychological health. Caregivers are confronted directly with
      waiting patients. Often they feel insecure and helpless, because little is known
      about how patients experience their waiting period. Aim: In order to derive
      implications for nursing care, the study describes the experiences of patients
      with hip fracture while waiting for this specific surgery. Method: A qualitative
      approach with semi-structured interviews was chosen. The data were analysed with
      the open coding method by Saldana. Results: Due to recruitment problems, patients
      with pelvic fracture were subsequently included. The participants - 33 to 89 year
      old - had an average waiting time of 68 hours. This condition has been perceived
      as a standstill and waste of time. Adequate information and attentive care,
      improved the confidence in the medical team and understanding of the situation,
      eased the waiting period, while physical and psychological distress such as pain,
      immobility or worries influenced it negatively. Under these circumstances,
      patients could hardly occupy themselves. They let time pass and appreciated
      distraction by their relatives. Conclusions: Consequently, reliable, consistent
      information and a compassionate, attentive care are core elements in caring for
      patients with delayed surgery.

PMID- 28079441
TI  - ?

PMID- 28079442
TI  - ?

PMID- 28079443
TI  - Breastfeeding in Women Having Experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can have a serious effect on general and
      obstetric health. Breastfeeding includes several triggers for memories of abuse
      experiences, which will likely influence decisions about breastfeeding and its
      implementation in daily life. This is important since breastfeeding improves
      maternal well-being and bonding with the child. Research aim: As breastfeeding
      strongly influences the long-term health of children, we investigated experiences
      with breastfeeding in women with a history of CSA. METHODS: Data on breastfeeding
      were collected within a research project designed to compare labor and delivery
      experiences in women with a history of CSA to women without such antecedents.
      Data from 85 women having experienced CSA and 170 controls pair-matched for
      maternal age, children's age, and nationality were evaluated. The clinical record
      of pregnancy and a self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data.
      RESULTS: Although the prevalence of breastfeeding was similar in women with and
      without CSA experiences (96.5% vs. 90.6%), women exposed to CSA more often
      described complications associated with breastfeeding (77.7% vs. 67.1%, p = .08).
      Mastitis (49.4% vs. 27.6%, p < .01) and pain (29.4% vs. 18.8%, p = .15) were
      reported significantly more often by women after CSA. For 20% of women after CSA,
      breastfeeding was a trigger for memories of CSA. Furthermore, 58% of women with
      CSA reported dissociation when breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: In addition to the
      growing list of potential health consequences of CSA experience, this experience
      seems to be associated with an increased number of problems when breastfeeding.
      However, most women with a history of CSA intend to breastfeed despite particular
      challenges related to CSA. A support protocol tailored to the specific needs of
      these women during pregnancy and the lactation period may help to improve
      breastfeeding and the early mother-child relationship.

PMID- 28079445
TI  - ESFM/Hill's Award given at feline day in Ghent.

PMID- 28079446
TI  - ESFM Feline Symposium 2009.

PMID- 28079448
TI  - AAFP Position statements.

PMID- 28079447
TI  - Corrigendum to 'Interference of iohexol with radioiodine thyroid uptake in the
      hyperthyroid cat' [ Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 10, 460-465].

PMID- 28079449
TI  - Minutes of the European Society of Feline Medicine (ESFM) Annual Members Meeting
      held at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh on Saturday, 27 September, 2008 beginning
      at 12.30 pm.

PMID- 28079450
TI  - Feline Congress 2008.

PMID- 28079451
TI  - Feline activities 2008 and VPAT Congress 2008.

PMID- 28079452
TI  - The 13th Nestle Purina Nutrition Forum.

PMID- 28079453
TI  - ESFM Feline Symposium.

PMID- 28079454
TI  - ESFM - Voorjaarsdagen Feline Symposium 2008.

PMID- 28079455
TI  - Emergence of Resistance to Fungicides: The Role of Fungicide Dose.
AB  - Resistance to antimicrobial drugs allows pathogens to survive drug treatment. The
      time taken for a new resistant mutant to reach a population size that is unlikely
      to die out by chance is called "emergence time." Prolonging emergence time would
      delay loss of control. We investigate the effect of fungicide dose on the
      emergence time in fungal plant pathogens. A population dynamical model is
      combined with dose-response data for Zymoseptoria tritici, an important wheat
      pathogen. Fungicides suppress sensitive pathogen population. This has two
      effects. First, the rate of appearance of resistant mutants is reduced, hence the
      emergence takes longer. Second, more healthy host tissue becomes available for
      resistant mutants, increasing their chances to invade and accelerates emergence.
      In theory, the two competing effects may lead to a non-monotonic dependence of
      the emergence time on fungicide dose that exhibits a minimum. But according to
      field data, fungicides are unable to reduce the fungicide-sensitive population
      strongly enough even at high doses. Hence, for full resistance over realistic
      ranges of pathogen's life history and fungicide dose-response parameters,
      emergence time decreases monotonically with increasing dose. For partial
      resistance, there can be cases within a limited parameter range, when emergence
      decelerates at higher doses.

PMID- 28079458
TI  - Leadership, Economics & Strategic Thinking: Moving Forward in Feline Practice.

PMID- 28079456
TI  - Overexpression of TIFY genes promotes plant growth in rice through jasmonate
      signaling.
AB  - Because environmental stress can reduce crop growth and yield, the identification
      of genes that enhance agronomic traits is increasingly important. Previous
      screening of full-length cDNA overexpressing (FOX) rice lines revealed that
      OsTIFY11b, one of 20 TIFY proteins in rice, affects plant size, grain weight, and
      grain size. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of OsTIFY11b and nine other TIFY
      genes on the growth and yield of corresponding TIFY-FOX lines. Regardless of
      temperature, grain weight and culm length were enhanced in lines overexpressing
      TIFY11 subfamily genes, except OsTIFY11e. The TIFY-FOX plants exhibited increased
      floret number and reduced days to flowering, as well as reduced spikelet
      fertility, and OsTIFY10b, in particular, enhanced grain yield by minimizing
      decreases in fertility. We suggest that the enhanced growth of TIFY-transgenic
      rice is related to regulation of the jasmonate signaling pathway, as in
      Arabidopsis. Moreover, we discuss the potential application of TIFY
      overexpression for improving crop yield.

PMID- 28079459
TI  - Feline Congress, 2009.

PMID- 28079460
TI  - Development of a version of the self-ordered pointing task: a working memory task
      for Brazilian preschoolers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Working memory is a fundamental cognitive function and is predictive
      of outcomes and achievement in a wide range of domains from an early age. The
      focus of this study was to develop a computerized Brazilian version of the Self
      Ordered Pointing Task (SOPT) for preschoolers and to provide initial normative
      and validation data for this task. METHODS: The sample of the present study was
      composed of 248 children aged 3 (n = 41), 4 (n = 88) and 5 (n = 119) years from
      13 private and public schools in Belo Horizonte. Children were evaluated with the
      SOPT and the Columbia Mental Maturity Scale (CMMS), a measure of intelligence,
      and their parents completed the Brazilian Criterion of Economic Classification
      (CCEB) to assess their SES. A subsample of parents of 184 children also filled
      the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 11/2-5 years (CBCL 11/2-5), a measure of
      psychopathology. RESULTS: A multiple regression analysis found chronological age,
      intelligence, and SES to be predictive of performance on the SOPT. Furthermore,
      five-year olds performed better than three- and four-year olds in the task. A
      difference between children in private and public kindergartens also emerged.
      Additionally, SOPT performance was negatively correlated with Internalizing,
      Externalizing, and Total psychopathological problems, as well as to several other
      psychopathological measures as accessed by the CBCL, although the correlations
      were small. CONCLUSION: Taken together, this study provides initial normative and
      validation data for the SOPT, but further validation studies are needed.

PMID- 28079461
TI  - Building the Evidence Base for Tele-Emergency Care: Efforts to Identify a
      Standardized Set of Outcome Measures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To enhance the quality of emergency department (ED) care, some rural
      hospitals have adopted the use of telemedicine (tele-ED). Without a common set of
      metrics, it is difficult to quantify the impact of this technology. INTRODUCTION:
      To address this limitation, the Health Resources and Services Administration
      funded the identification and testing of a core set of measures that could be
      used to build a business case for the value of tele-ED care. METHODS: A
      comprehensive environmental scan was conducted to identify existing measures
      relevant to assessing ED care and the use of telemedicine. Identified measures
      were assessed against a set of criteria and pilot tested in rural hospitals.
      RESULTS: The environmental scan identified numerous ED-specific measures and a
      limited set of telehealth-specific measures, but no clearly defined measures
      specific to tele-ED. Applying evaluation criteria to the measures revealed that
      few have a well-established evidence base, and fewer have undergone the rigorous
      testing needed to establish statistical reliability and validity. Nevertheless, a
      parsimonious set of measures was identified that met many of the evaluation
      criteria. Pilot testing indicated that collecting data using these measures was
      feasible. DISCUSSION: For tele-ED benefits to be widely acknowledged, more
      research is required to demonstrate that care delivered using tele-ED care is as
      high quality, if not more so, than in-person care. This requires researchers to
      consistently use a set of clearly defined measures. CONCLUSION: The use of
      clearly defined and standardized measures will aid interpretation and permit
      replication in multiple studies, furthering acceptance of study findings.

PMID- 28079462
TI  - Establishing the standard method of cochlear implant in Rongchang pig.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: In this investigation, a large mammal, Rongchang pigs were used to
      successfully establish a research platform for cochlear implant study on the
      routine use of it in clinic. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish a
      standard method of cochlear implant in a large mammal-pig. METHODS: Rongchang
      pigs were selected, then divided into two groups: normal-hearing group (Mitf +/+)
      and mutation group with hearing loss (Mitf -/-). Cochlear implants were used and
      ABR and EABR were recorded. The implanted electrodes were observed by X-ray and
      HE stains. RESULTS: The success with cochlear implant and the best electrode
      position could be defined in all animals, the coiling of the cochlea reached 1.5
      1.75 turns. Immediately after the operation of cochlear implants, the ABR
      threshold of the operated ear (right) could not be derived for each frequency at
      120 dB SPL. Moreover, 7 days after surgery, the low-frequency ABR threshold of
      the operated ear (right) could be derived partly at 100 dB SPL, but the high
      frequency ABR threshold could not be derived at 120 dB SPL. Immediately or 1 week
      after cochlear implants, the EABR threshold was 90 CL in the Mitf +/+ group. This
      was obviously lower than the 190 CL in the Mitf -/- group.

PMID- 28079463
TI  - Influence of ABCB1 polymorphisms and serum concentrations on venlafaxine response
      in patients with major depressive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of antidepressants show
      large inter-individual variations which result in unpredictable clinical
      responses. AIM: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of ABCB1
      polymorphisms and the serum concentrations on the efficacy and tolerability of
      venlafaxine in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: Fifty-two
      outpatients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
      Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for MDD were recruited for the study. The
      severity of depression was assessed using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for
      Depression scale (HDRS17) and tolerability was assessed based on a query
      regarding side-effects for 6 weeks. The ABCB1 C3435T/A and G2677T/A polymorphisms
      were genotyped by PCR/RFLP and steady-state serum venlafaxine concentrations were
      measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Patients with the TT
      genotype for the C3435T and the TT/TA genotype for the G2677T/A polymorphism
      showed significantly higher frequencies in venlafaxine-induced akathisia. This
      relationship was not observed for efficacy. As regards serum venlafaxine
      concentrations, patient groups showed no significant differences in efficacy and
      tolerability. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that individuals with the TT-TT/TA
      genotypes for the C3435T-G2677T/A polymorphisms of ABCB1 may be pre-disposed to a
      risk of akathisia.

PMID- 28079464
TI  - First ABCD & Merial Young Scientist Award.

PMID- 28079466
TI  - WSAVA Preconference Day Wednesday 20 August 2008 UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre,
      University College Dublin, Bellfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.

PMID- 28079468
TI  - The Congress of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine . Companion
      Animals.

PMID- 28079467
TI  - AAFP Veterinarian Membership Benefits.

PMID- 28079470
TI  - Rise in ambient temperature predisposes aging, male Japanese patients to renal
      colic episodes due to upper urolithiasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Urolithiasis is a common urological problem, and its incidence has
      been increasing worldwide, including in Japan. Relationships between stone
      etiology and rise in ambient temperature have been reported, but it remains
      unclear how age and gender affect these relationships. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective examination was conducted of the medical archives of 1005 patients
      (aged >=15 years) with acute renal colic diagnosed with urolithiasis upon image
      examination who consecutively visited emergency departments in three hospitals.
      The patients were categorized into six groups according to age: younger than 30,
      30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 years and older. The net difference and fold
      increase in the number of patients in summer (July to September) versus in winter
      (December to February) were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, the actual number of
      the patients varied according to the temperature rise throughout the year and
      among the age groups. Net increases in the number of patients were observed in
      all age groups for both genders, apart from 30-39-year-old women. The age group
      of 50-59 years considerably outnumbered all other groups. A significant
      statistical correlation was detected between the fold increase and male aging
      using Spearman's rank correlation analysis (rho = 0.94, p = 0.017), but not in
      females (rho = -0.03, p = 1). CONCLUSIONS: These results support a positive
      association between ambient temperature rise and increase in the incidence of
      renal colic due to urolithiasis in Japan, and indicate that aging and gender
      affect the association differently.

PMID- 28079471
TI  - Pre-implant modeling of depth lead placement in white matter for maximizing the
      extent of cortical activation during direct neurostimulation therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this work was to predict preoperatively the
      maximum extent to which direct stimulation therapy can propagate through an
      epileptic circuit for stabilizing refractory focal-onset epilepsy. A pre-surgical
      workflow is presented which comprises a computationally intensive process for
      calculating the volume of cortical activation (VOCA) surrounding cylindrical
      depth contacts virtually placed in white matter. The process employs an
      activation function (AF) derived from cable modeling of an axon. The AF was
      extrapolated to describe the three-dimensional activation of axon bundles
      facilitated by patient-specific diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). METHODS: The
      modeling process consisted of the following steps: (1) acquisition of structural
      MRI and DTI; (2) computation of the electric potential using the finite element
      method; (3) analysis of the effect of the modeled electric field on depolarizing
      axon bundles using the AF; (4) predicting distant cortical activation by
      strategically placing the AF seeds for creating a modulated circuit tractography
      (MCT) map; and finally, (5) post-implant in vivo validation using Subtracted
      Activated SPECT (SAS). RESULTS: The pre-implant simulation calculated non
      spherical volumetric regions around the contacts representing areas of
      hyperpolarization and depolarization. Furthermore, the generated MCT map
      predicted the extent to which white matter connected epileptic sources were
      influenced during direct stimulation therapy. Validation of this map was
      demonstrated post-implantation employing RNS electrocorticography and SAS. The
      latter technique captured transient alterations in blood flow synched to neural
      metabolism potentially distant to the stimulated contacts. CONCLUSION: This pre
      implant modeling system offers the potential for predicting optimal depth lead
      implant sites with a limited set of contacts for modulating the maximal extent of
      a refractory epileptogenic network.

PMID- 28079472
TI  - Polymorphisms of RPS6KB1 and CD86 associates with susceptibility to multiple
      sclerosis in Iranian population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent disorder of nervous
      system inflammation which involves demyelination of spinal cord; this process
      depends on both environmental and genetic susceptibility factors. In the present
      study, we examined the association between two SNPs in RPS6KB1 (rs180515) and
      CD86 (rs9282641) with MS in Iranian population. RPS6KB1gene encodes p70S6K1
      protein which plays a key role in mTOR signaling pathway, while CD86 gene codes a
      membrane protein type I which belongs to immunoglobulin super family act on co
      stimulation signaling pathway. METHODS: In this case-control study 130 patients
      with MS and 128 matched healthy controls were enrolled, genomic DNA was isolated
      and genotyping was performed using mismatched PCR-RFLP. The results were finally
      analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Our results showed significant difference in
      allelic frequency of SNP rs180515 among cases and controls (P = 0.004). For this
      variation, AA genotype was shown to have protective effect (P = 0.016 and OR =
      0.6), while GG genotype was a susceptive genotype to MS (P = 0.04 and OR = 2.2).
      Allelic frequency of SNP rs9282641 also showed significant difference between
      cases and controls (P = 0.006). For this SNP, AG genotype had predisposing effect
      (P = 0.04, OR = 2.3), and GG genotype showed protective (P = 0.01, OR = 0.411).
      CONCLUSION: We successfully replicated the association of two novel SNPs
      introduced by a GWAS study, and MS in the Iranian population. This result can
      open ways for better understanding the mechanisms involved in MS.

PMID- 28079474
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28079473
TI  - Protective immunity against influenza in HLA-A2 transgenic mice by modified
      vaccinia virus Ankara vectored vaccines containing internal influenza proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The emergence of novel strains of influenza A viruses with
      hemagglutinins (HAs) that are antigenically distinct from those circulating in
      humans, and thus have pandemic potential, pose concerns and call for the
      development of more broadly protective influenza vaccines. In the present study,
      modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) encoding internal influenza antigens were
      evaluated for their immunogenicity and ability to protect HLA-A2.1 transgenic
      (AAD) mice from infection with influenza viruses. METHODS: MVAs expressing NP
      (MVA-NP), M1 (MVA-M1) or polymerase PB1 (MVA-PB1) of A/California/4/09 (CA/09)
      virus were generated and used to immunize AAD mice. Antibodies and CD8+T cell
      responses were assessed by ELISA and ELISPOT, respectively, and challenge
      experiments were performed by infecting vaccinated mice with CA/09 virus.
      RESULTS: CD8+T cells specific to immunodominant and subdominant epitopes on the
      internal influenza proteins were elicited by MVA-based vectors in AAD mice,
      whereas influenza-specific antibodies were detected only in MVA-NP-immunized
      mice. Both M1- and NP-based MVA vaccines, regardless of whether they were applied
      individually or in combination, conferred protection against lethal influenza
      virus challenge. CONCLUSION: Our data further emphasize the promising potential
      of MVA vector expressing internal antigens toward the development of a universal
      influenza vaccine.

PMID- 28079475
TI  - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of sleep
      disorders in children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy on the
      treatment of sleep disorders and its safety in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
      METHODS: A total of 71 recruited children were divided into two groups based on
      age: group 1, aged between 2 and 4 years; and group 2, aged between 4 and 6
      years. The effects of HBO2 therapy on sleep quality were observed. RESULTS: The
      total sleep items (TSIs) were significantly different in the two groups between
      pre-HBO2, post 10 HBO2 sessions, and post 20 HBO2 sessions (p < 0.01). A total of
      15/38 (39.5%) participants in group 1 and 8/21 (38.0%) in group 2 presented
      difficulty in falling asleep; 17/38 (44.7%) in group 1 and 4/21 (19.0%) in group
      2 had a short duration of sleep during the night; and 20/38 (52.6%) in group 1
      and 11/21 (52.4%) in group 2 woke up easily in the night. No significant
      difference in the average TSIs in 59 participants was found after 10 HBO2
      sessions. Eight participants had insomnia after the first 5 sessions, and three
      in group 2 had nocturnal hyperkinesia after 15 sessions. A seizure during
      decompression was observed in 2/59 participants (2/419 sessions). DISCUSSION:
      These results indicate that HBO2 therapy is beneficial to improve sleep and is
      safe for children with CP; however, further studies are necessary to explore the
      mechanisms of HBO2 on sleep.

PMID- 28079476
TI  - Mimiviruses and the Human Interferon System: Viral Evasion of Classical Antiviral
      Activities, But Inhibition By a Novel Interferon-beta Regulated Immunomodulatory
      Pathway.
AB  - In this review we discuss the role of mimiviruses as potential human pathogens
      focusing on clinical and evolutionary evidence. We also propose a novel antiviral
      immunomodulatory pathway controlled by interferon-beta (IFN-beta) and mediated by
      immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1) and itaconic acid, its product. Acanthamoeba
      polyphaga Mimivirus (APMV) was isolated from amoebae in a hospital while
      investigating a pneumonia outbreak. Mimivirus ubiquity and role as protist
      pathogens are well understood, and its putative status as a human pathogen has
      been gaining strength as more evidence is being found. The study of APMV and
      human cells interaction revealed that the virus is able to evade the IFN system
      by inhibiting the regulation of interferon-stimulated genes, suggesting that the
      virus and humans have had host-pathogen interactions. It also has shown that the
      virus is capable of growing on IFN-alpha2, but not on IFN-beta-treated cells,
      hinting at an exclusive IFN-beta antiviral pathway. Our hypothesis based on
      preliminary data and published articles is that IFN-beta preferentially
      upregulates IRG1 in human macrophagic cells, which in turn produces itaconic
      acid. This metabolite links metabolism to antiviral activity by inactivating the
      virus, in a novel immunomodulatory pathway relevant for APMV infections and
      probably to other infectious diseases as well.

PMID- 28079477
TI  - Waste Gas Treatment in Biofilters.
AB  - Biofiltration of polluted gas streams containing malodorous triethylamine (TEA)
      was studied. The experiments were conducted in a laboratory-scale reactor with a
      mixture of sieved compost and chaff particles as the filter material on which the
      microorganisms were immobilized. The concentrations of TEA in the inlet gas
      varied from 0.32 to 3.45 g/m3 (78 ppmv to 841 ppmv), while the superficial
      velocity of the inlet gas ranged from 60.1 to 322.2 m/hr. The removal efficiency
      of triethylamine in the biofilter decreased as the gas velocity or TEA
      concentration in the inlet gas increased. Moreover, the elimination capacity of
      this biofilter could reach up to 140 g/(m3 hr). When the loading of TEA exceeded
      this critical value, substrate inhibition occurred and the elimination capacity
      decreased. A mathematical model predicting the removal efficiency of the
      pollutant was also developed in this study. The inhibitory effect of the
      substrate on the growth rate of the biomass was considered in this model. The
      proposed model could accurately represent the experimental data obtained in this
      study.

PMID- 28079478
TI  - Real World Vehicle Emissions: A Summary of the Fifth Coordinating Research
      Council On-Road Vehicle Emissions Workshop.

PMID- 28079479
TI  - Understanding and Reducing the Indoor Concentration of Submicron Particles at a
      Commercial Building in Southern California.
AB  - Submicron particles play a major role in soiling processes and contribute to
      corrosion, current leakage and shorts in electronic equipment. For more than a
      year, optical particle counters have been used to continuously measure the
      concentrations of submicron particles at a telecommunications facility in
      Southern California. Separate instruments have simultaneously sampled at four
      locations: the outdoor air intake, immediately upstream of the HVAC filters,
      immediately downstream of the HVAC filters, and inside the office. The indoor
      concentrations can be explained in the context of a one-compartment mass balance
      model. Key parameters in the model (e.g., the air exchange rate) were monitored
      throughout the sampling period. In the latter part of this study, the particle
      counters were used as feedback elements in the HVAC system. An estimate of the
      concentration of indoor submicron particles, based on measurements of outdoor
      submicron particles, has been used as a control variable. When this variable
      exceeds a preset value, the outdoor air damper is partially closed, reducing the
      amount of outdoor air entering the building. That is, the position of the damper
      is based on the concentration of outdoor particles as well as the outdoor
      temperature. As a consequence, the average indoor concentration of submicron
      particles has been significantly reduced within this facility.

PMID- 28079480
TI  - Nutrient Limitation in a Compost Biofilter Degrading Hexane.
AB  - A laboratory-scale compost-based biofilter was operated over a six-month period
      to study the requirements for removal of n-hexane from air. Hexane is a
      relatively short chain aliphatic hydrocarbon with a high Henry's coefficient and
      a low water solubility. Acclimation of the biofilter was slow, but removal
      efficiencies around 80% were achieved after one month of operation. However,
      performance decreased during the next two months of operation to 50% removal
      efficiency. Nutrient limitation was proposed as a reason for the decrease in
      reactor performance. After the addition of a concentrated nitrogen solution,
      reactor performance increased almost immediately to >99%. Removal efficiency
      remained above 99% for the following two months of operation at inlet
      concentrations of 0.7 g/m3 (200 ppmv), at superficial bed velocities approaching
      50 m/h, and empty bed residence times of about one minute. Thus, nutrient
      availability may well limit biofilter performance even in compost- based units.
      It was shown that nutrients can be added effectively in a soluble form if compost
      quality is poor and a method is proposed for the evaluation of compost quality.

PMID- 28079481
TI  - Emissions of Trace Products of Incomplete Combustion from a Pilot-Scale
      Incinerator Secondary Combustion Chamber.
AB  - Experiments were performed on a 73 kW rotary kiln incinerator simulator equipped
      with a 73 kW secondary combustion chamber (SCC) to examine emissions of products
      of incomplete combustion (PICs) resulting from incineration of carbon
      tetrachloride (CC14) and dichloromethane (CH2C12). Species were measured using an
      on-line gas chromatograph (GC) system capable of measuring concentrations of
      eight species of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a near-realtime fashion.
      Samples were taken at several points within the SCC, to generate species profiles
      with respect to system residence time. For the experiments, the afterburner on
      the SCC was operated at conditions ranging from fuel-rich to fuellean, while the
      kiln was operated at a constant set of conditions. Results indicate that
      combustion of CH2C12 produces higher levels of measured PICs than combustion of
      CC14, particularly 1, 2 dichlorobenzene, and to a lesser extent,
      monochlorobenzene. Benzene emissions were predominantly affected by the
      afterburner air/fuel ratio regardless of whether or not a surrogate waste was
      being fed.

PMID- 28079482
TI  - Interlaboratory and Intralaboratory Variability in the Analysis of Mercury in
      Coal.
AB  - With the passage of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA), accurate
      determination of the concentration of mercury in coal has become an increasingly
      important issue. To address this issue, CONSOL R&D conducted a round robin
      analytical program to determine the interlaboratory and intralaboratory
      variability in the measurement of mercury in coal. CONSOL supplied homogeneous
      splits of Pittsburgh and Illinois #6 seam coals, and the NIST 1632b coal standard
      to eleven laboratories, twice each, over a one-year period. A twelfth laboratory
      analyzed the coals once. A European coal standard, certified for mercury, was
      analyzed at the completion of the round robin study to evaluate accuracy. The
      round robin participants included representatives from industry, government, and
      academia. The laboratories, which are experienced in mercury-in-coal analysis,
      used various state-of-the-art sample preparation and analysis procedures in the
      study. The round robin results indicate that a substantial level of variability
      exists in the mercury-in-coal determination. Earlier studies1 found similar
      results. The relative intralaboratory repeatability was 0.02 ppm and the relative
      interlaboratory reproducibility ranged from 0.04 to 0.05 ppm. The study showed
      that laboratory variability can be greatly skewed by outlier values. Fifty-six
      percent of the results for the European coal standard fell within a 95%
      confidence interval of the standard (0.138 +/- 0.11 ppm). These results indicate
      that accuracy is not method-dependent.

PMID- 28079483
TI  - Airborne Lidar Measurements of a Smoke Plume Produced by a Controlled Burn of
      Crude Oil on the Ocean.
AB  - An airborne lidar was used to study the smoke plume from the burning of a
      controlled oil spill on the ocean. The ratio of the amount of light (at a
      wavelength, lambda, of 0.532 u.m) backscattered by the smoke to the amount of
      light extinguished by the smoke was determined by measuring the strength of a
      laser beam after it had passed through the smoke plume, been reflected from the
      ocean, and passed through the smoke plume again, and comparing this to the
      strength of the laser beam reflected directly from the ocean. The optical depth
      of the smoke (at lambda = 0.532 um) was typically between 0.2 and 0.5. The mass
      fluxes of smoke particles that passed through four vertical cross sections of the
      (nonsteady state) smoke plume were estimated from lidar measurements to be 142,
      175, 423, and 414 g s-1, compared to an average smoke mass production rate of
      ~770 g s-1. The spatial distribution of smoke mass along the long axis of the
      plume was also estimated from the lidar measurements; derived smoke mass
      concentrations were generally <300 ug m-3, with a few isolated values up to ~800
      ug m-3.

PMID- 28079484
TI  - Comparison of Outdoor and Classroom Ozone Exposures for School Children in Mexico
      City.
AB  - To evaluate methods of reducing exposure of school children in southwest Mexico
      City to ambient ozone, outdoor ozone levels were compared to indoor levels under
      three distinct classroom conditions: windows/doors open, air cleaner off;
      windows/doors closed, air cleaner off; windows/ doors closed, air cleaner on.
      Repeated two-minute average measurements of ozone were made within five minutes
      of each other inside and outside of six different school classrooms while
      children were in the room. Outdoor ozone two-minute average levels varied between
      64 and 361 ppb; mean outdoor levels were above 160 ppb for each of the three
      conditions. Adjusting for outdoor relative humidity, for a mean outdoor ozone
      concentration of 170 ppb, the mean predicted indoor ozone concentrations were
      125.3 (+/-5.7) ppb with windows/doors open; 35.4 (+/-4.6) ppb with windows/ doors
      closed, air cleaner off; and 28.9 (+/-4.3) ppb with windows/ doors closed, air
      cleaner on. The mean predicted ratios of indoor to outdoor ozone concentrations
      were 0.71 (+/-0.03) with windows/doors open; 0.18 (+/-0.02) ppb with
      windows/doors closed, air cleaner off; and 0.15 (+/-0.02) ppb with windows/doors
      closed, air cleaner on. As outdoor ozone concentrations increased, indoor ozone
      concentrations increased more rapidly with windows and doors open than with
      windows and doors closed. Ozone exposure in Mexican schools may be significantly
      reduced, and can usually be kept below the World Health Organization (WHO)
      guideline of 80 ppb, by closing windows and doors even when ambient ozone levels
      reach 30Q ppb or more.

PMID- 28079485
TI  - Prediction of IM240 Mass Emissions Using Portable Exhaust Analyzers.
AB  - Inspection and maintenance programs for motor vehicles in the United States
      increasingly use loaded mode mass emissions testing (IM240). A method was
      developed to predict mass emission rates and mass emission changes, particularly
      from repair benefits, using a low-cost, portable four-gas non-dispersive infrared
      (NDIR) vehicle exhaust gas analyzer. A single vehicle was tested several times
      with the analyzer while on the dynamometer and undergoing successive repairs.
      Excellent correlations for CO and HC were observed. Five vehicles were measured
      using an on-road driving loop before and after emissions-related repairs, while
      another three vehicles were tested with no repairs performed. The on-road
      concentration data used to guide the repair process were converted to grams per
      gallon; when divided by estimated miles per gallon, this gave grams per mile
      emissions for comparison to IM240. Correlation coefficients (r2) of 0.87 for CO
      and 0.76 for HC were achieved for the 13 tests. The linear correlations between
      IM240 and emissions measured by this method would allow repair facilities to
      perform a relatively inexpensive test for diagnostic purposes and to estimate
      repair effectiveness without the need for a dynamometer.

PMID- 28079486
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28079487
TI  - Adopting universal testing for HIV in intensive care for patients admitted with
      severe pneumonia: results from our change in practice.
AB  - Early identification of HIV infection is of obvious benefit to patients' health,
      yet many remain unaware of their diagnosis, with detrimental consequences.
      Current guidelines suggest patients with pneumonia are offered an HIV test. Early
      diagnosis of HIV infection in critically ill patients within intensive care is
      vital in reducing mortality and morbidity. In 2015, we established automated HIV
      testing for patients with pneumonia admitted to our intensive care unit. Prior to
      our change in practice, our HIV testing rate in patients with pneumonia was 29%
      within two weeks of admission. After implementation, 80% of patients with
      pneumonia were tested for HIV within 48 h (73% with 24 h). This intervention also
      facilitated an early and unexpected HIV diagnosis in one patient, which then
      allowed prompt tailored therapy and was a significant factor in their survival.
      Based on our success, we suggest other centres may benefit from employing a
      similar automated HIV testing system, especially in targeted patient groups such
      as severe pneumonia.

PMID- 28079488
TI  - Association analysis of ANK3 variants with bipolar disorder in the Korean
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a major psychiatric disorder characterized
      by alternating mood episodes, including major depressive, hypomanic, and manic
      episodes. Previous genetic studies of BD have reported several genes as
      potentially associated with BD. The ANK3 gene has been identified as a possible
      BD susceptibility gene in genome-wide association analyses. AIMS: The goal of the
      present study was to evaluate the association of ANK3 variants with BD in the
      Korean population. METHODS: Based on previous results, two single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1938526 and rs10994336, were selected in the ANK3 gene.
      The study included 287 BD patients and 340 healthy controls. Case-control
      association and case-control haplotype analyses of the two ANK3 variants were
      performed. RESULTS: No significant association was found of either single SNP
      with BD by case-control association analysis. However, rs1938526 and rs10994336
      showed a significant association (overall p = 3.6 * 10-11; permutation p = 0) in
      a case-control haplotype analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The haplotype analysis results
      suggest that ANK3 variants rs1938526 and rs10994336 may confer susceptibility for
      BD in the Korean population. Association analysis revealed a probable genetic
      difference between Korean and Caucasian populations in the degree of ANK3
      involvement in BD pathogenesis.

PMID- 28079489
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28079491
TI  - The Problem of University Courses on Infinitesimal Calculus and Their Demarcation
      from Infinitesimal Calculus in High Schools - ERRATUM.
AB  - In the above mentioned article [1] unfortunately the names of the translators of
      Toeplitz's lecture were omitted. The correct title is: The Problem of University
      Courses on Infinitesimal Calculus and Their Demarcation from Infinitesimal
      Calculus in High Schools Otto Toeplitz Translated into English by Michael N.
      Fried and Hans Niels Jahnke.

PMID- 28079490
TI  - Paris vs. Prague: A "Suspicion of Fraud": Ernst Mach Argues over Photographs and
      Epistemological Prerequisites.
AB  - Argument In spring 1888, an anonymous critic raised severe doubts about Ernst
      Mach's and Peter Salcher's studies, published one year before, on the processes
      in the air caused by very rapid projectiles. Paraphrasing the experiments for the
      French popular science magazine La Nature, the critic insinuated that the
      photographs upon which Mach and Salcher's argument were ostensibly based must
      have been of such low quality that they did not allow any well-founded
      conclusion. The critic did not deny the phenomena Mach and Salcher had presented
      in their article; he denied that the photographs taken in the course of the
      experiments could permit any observation of the phenomena. I take the resulting
      quarrel as a window into the actors' ideas on the requirements of "good
      observations" and the role of technical devices in this case. In particular I
      enquire how the various arguments relate to Lorraine Daston's and Peter Galison's
      framing of photography as an emblem of "mechanical objectivity." We will see that
      in the case under debate, actors considered naked-eye observation, observation by
      telescope and photography mainly with regard to the challenges of the particular
      research object.

PMID- 28079492
TI  - Working with Instruments: Ernst Mach as Material Epistemologist, a Short
      Introduction.
AB  - With the death of Ernst Mach on February 19, 1916, one day after his seventy
      eighth birthday, a question finally became explicit that had been looming for
      some time. It was as simple as it was fundamental: who, in the end, was this man,
      a scientist or a philosopher? The importance of this question for contemporaries
      can easily be gleaned from the obituaries that appeared in the weeks following
      Mach's death: one in the Physikalische Zeitschrift, written by Albert Einstein,
      and another in the Archiv fur die Geschichte der Philosophie, written by Mach's
      former student Heinrich Gomperz. They both addressed this critical issue in plain
      words. Einstein stressed that Mach "was not a philosopher who chose the natural
      sciences as the object of his speculation, but a many-sided, interested, diligent
      scientist who also took visible pleasure in detailed questions outside the
      burning issues of general interest" (Einstein 1916, 104; translation cited in
      Blackmore 1992, 158). Gomperz in turn first emphasized the great loss science had
      experienced with Mach's death, asking subsequently whether "the suffering science
      is physics or philosophy?" (Gomperz 1916, 321). His answer broadly followed
      Einstein's conclusion; relying on Mach's own words, he reminded his readers that
      Mach never claimed to be a philosopher, but merely was looking for a viewpoint
      that transcended the disciplinary constraints of particular scientific
      activities.

PMID- 28079493
TI  - Ernst Mach Invents a New Sphygmograph.
AB  - Argument The sphygmograph as designed and tested by Jules-Etienne Marey - an
      apparatus destined to write pulse tracings on paper - revolutionized medical
      diagnostics in the early 1860s. Since the accuracy with which this device
      registered and objectified the pulse was controversial from the outset, the young
      scholar Ernst Mach (soon to become a leading theoretician and philosopher)
      decided to thoroughly examine Marey's sphygmograph. The investigation led to the
      invention of an alternative, truly Machian, sphygmograph. Mach's sphygmograph had
      originated in the regime of theoretical and applied physics, whereas the
      instrument invented by Marey had been rooted in the regime of experimental
      physiology. This one type of instrument thus serves as the focal object of a
      comparative study of two antagonistic epistemological approaches to
      sphygmography.

PMID- 28079494
TI  - Remarks on Scientific Applications of Photography.
AB  - It is undisputed that all scientific knowledge proceeds from sense perception.
      And the way in which sense perception is fostered by the graphic arts generally,
      and in particular by photography (stereoscopy included), likewise needs no
      further explanation here.

PMID- 28079495
TI  - On the Principle of Temporal Diminution in Serial Photography.
AB  - In some cases our sensory organs are no longer capable of rendering processes in
      the external world perceptible to us. Their inadequacy expresses itself, for
      example, in phenomena that involve the kind of expansion of space and time in
      which the conditions for summary perception are no longer at all present. The
      resources that aid our immediate sense perception in these circumstances will
      thus be charged with the task of expanding or diminishing space and time to the
      extent that the contiguity and succession of events is comprehensible to us. The
      microscope is thus essentially based upon the principle of spatial expansion, the
      map on that of spatial diminution. The pertinent contrivances for these purposes
      are largely derived from the graphic arts. How stereoscopy and instantaneous
      photography, which is based on temporal expansion, facilitate our perception! In
      spite of the multifarious applications of photography, one has yet to take the
      step of employing it in the opposite direction, namely as a means of temporal
      diminution. We demonstrate that phenomena that take place in too ephemeral and
      too rapid a succession for our eyes can, with the help of instantaneous
      photographs in series, be analyzed with our senses as the event passes in a
      comparatively longer time. Quite analogously, we could also compress into a small
      duration the moments of an event separated widely from one another in time and
      thereby give our perception an understanding of the nature thereof.

PMID- 28079496
TI  - On the Theory of the Sphygmograph.
AB  - Many debates have already taken place on the reliability of the results obtained
      by means of sphygmographs. The following remarks may contribute to clarify some
      still unsettled points.

PMID- 28079497
TI  - Meanings of Waves: Electroencephalography and Society in Mexico City, 1940-1950.
AB  - Argument This paper focuses on the uses of electroencephalograms (EEGs) in Mexico
      during their introductory decade from 1940 to 1950. Following Borck (2006), I
      argue that EEGs adapted to fit local circumstances and that this adjustment led
      to the consolidation of different ways of making science and the emergence of new
      objects of study and social types. I also maintain that the way EEGs were
      introduced into the institutional networks of Mexico entangled them in
      discussions about the objective and juridical definitions of social groups,
      thereby preempting concerns about their technical and epistemic limitations. This
      ultimately enabled the use of EEGs as normative machines and dispositifs. To this
      end, the paper follows the arrival of EEGs and the creation of institutional
      networks then analyzes the extent to which the styles of thinking behind the uses
      of EEGs and attempts to reify a notion of normal electrical brain behavior
      particularly by applying EEGs to a community of Otomi Indians-correlated with the
      difficulties of defining the socio-anthropological notions that articulated legal
      and disciplinary projects of the time. Finally, it unveils the shortcomings of
      alternative attempts to define a brain model and to resist the production of
      ontological determinations.

PMID- 28079498
TI  - How Place and Audience Matter: Perspectives on Mathematics Plural Identities from
      Late 1950s French and English Middle School Textbooks.
AB  - Argument In this paper, I argue that studying school textbooks is a fruitful way
      to investigate mathematical conceptions in different national contexts. These
      sources give access to the written production of an extended mathematical milieu
      whose members write for various audiences. By studying the case of late 1950s
      French and English textbooks issued for a growing audience of 11- to 15-year-old
      pupils, I show that a plurality of conceptions was projected at the time onto
      pupils and their teachers in both national contexts. I link this diversity to
      contemporaneous debates regarding mathematics teaching and argue that textbooks
      themselves have to be considered as active agents of such debates.

PMID- 28079499
TI  - Notification that new names of prokaryotes, new combinations, and new taxonomic
      opinions have appeared in volume 66, part 9, of the IJSEM.

PMID- 28079500
TI  - Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in older and younger patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib 5
      or 10 mg twice daily (BID), in patients with moderate to severe RA, aged >=65 and
      <65 years. METHODS: Data were pooled from five Phase 3 trials and, separately,
      from two open-label long-term extension (LTE) studies (data cut-off April, 2012).
      Patients received tofacitinib, or placebo (Phase 3 only), with/without
      conventional synthetic DMARDs (mainly methotrexate). Clinical efficacy outcomes
      from Phase 3 studies were evaluated at Month 3. Safety evaluations using pooled
      Phase 3 data (Month 12) and pooled LTE data (Month 24) compared exposure-adjusted
      incidence rates (IRs; with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]), in older versus
      younger patients. RESULTS: In Phase 3 and LTE studies, 15.3% (475/3111) and 16.1%
      (661/4102) of patients, respectively, were aged >=65 years. Consequently,
      exposure to tofacitinib was lower in older versus younger patients in Phase 3
      (259.2 vs. 1554.9 patient years [pt-yrs]) and LTE (962.1 vs. 5071.7 pt-yrs)
      studies. Probability ratios for ACR responses and HAQ-DI improvement from
      baseline >=0.22 (Month 3) favoured tofacitinib and were similar in older and
      younger patients, with overlapping CIs. IRs for SAEs and discontinuations due to
      AEs were generally numerically higher in older versus younger patients,
      irrespective of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients receiving tofacitinib 5 or
      10 mg BID had a similar probability of ACR20 or ACR50 response and, due to
      comorbidities, a numerically higher risk of SAEs and discontinuations due to AEs
      compared with younger patients.

PMID- 28079501
TI  - Clinical efficacy of oral alendronate in ankylosing spondylitis: a randomised
      placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A prospective, double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial
      over 2 years was performed to test the efficacy of alendronate, an oral
      aminobisphosphonate, in improving symptoms and arrest disease progression in
      patients with mild to severe ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: 180 patients
      with AS were randomised to receive weekly alendronate 70 mg or placebo (1:1
      randomisation). BAS-G was the primary outcome measure with Bath indices as
      secondary outcomes. Vertebral x-rays were performed at 0 and 24 months.
      Biomarkers (including CRP, IL-1beta, IL6, VEGF, MMP-1, and MMP-3) were collected
      during the first 12 months. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between
      the placebo and treatment groups in any of the recorded outcomes over the 2 years
      including clinical indices, biomarkers, and radiology. The change in BAS-G, the
      primary outcome measure, was -0.21 for the treatment group and -0.42 for the
      placebo group p=0.57. Change in all other clinical outcome measures were also non
      significant; BASDAI p=0.86, BASFI p=0.37, BASMI p=0.021. Sub-group analysis of
      those subjects with a baseline BASDAI >4 were also non-significant. CONCLUSIONS:
      This prospective study demonstrates that alendronate 70mg weekly for 2 years was
      no more efficacious than placebo in improving clinical or laboratory measures of
      disease activity or measures of physical impact in subjects with mild to severe
      active AS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ID SRCTN12308164, registered on 15.12.2015.

PMID- 28079502
TI  - Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma with haemophagocytic syndrome
      during tocilizumab therapy for juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

PMID- 28079503
TI  - Novel evidences of atypical manifestations in cryopyrin-associated periodic
      syndromes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) usually start during
      infancy as an urticarial-like rash and a marked acute phase response, with
      additional manifestations appearing during its evolution. The aim of this study
      was to expand the clinical diversity of CAPS by the description of novel atypical
      features. METHODS: Clinical data were collected from patients' medical charts.
      Sanger sequencing analyzed NLRP3. Response to anti-IL-1 blockade was evaluated by
      clinical assessments and by measurements of laboratory parameters. RESULTS:
      Seventeen patients from two families (A and B), carrying the p.Ala439Thr and
      p.Arg260Trp NLRP3 mutations respectively, were enrolled. The disease was
      unexpectedly atypical in all members of Family A, with a 16-year-old asymptomatic
      carrier, and onset in adulthood associated with absence of skin lesions in four
      affected members. Surprisingly, one patient from each family suffered from severe
      haemorrhagic cystitis due to AA amyloidosis in the urinary bladder. Members of
      Family B displayed a classical phenotype, with two patients suffering from
      olfactive disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence suggests that CAPS may
      occasionally be presented as a late-onset, recurrent inflammatory disease without
      urticarial-like rash. In some patients, AA amyloidosis in strange locations like
      urinary bladder may complicate the clinical course. The response to IL-1 blockade
      in these atypical CAPS was similar to that described in classical forms.
      Consequently, we suggest that CAPS should be included in the differential
      diagnosis of adult patients with unexplained, recurrent inflammatory diseases,
      and once confirmed, the early initiation of anti-IL-1 blockade will probably
      prevent the development of life-threatening complications.

PMID- 28079504
TI  - Anti-carbonic anhydrase autoantibodies and serum beta-2 microglobulin correlate
      with the ClinESSDAI score in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

PMID- 28079505
TI  - Glucocorticoid withdrawal in polymyalgia rheumatica: the theory versus the
      practice.

PMID- 28079507
TI  - Do MicroRNAs have a key epigenetic role in osteoarthritis and in
      mechanotransduction?
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative disease affecting joint
      tissues. The pathogenesis of OA is complex and poorly understood, as well as the
      multiple factors contributing to its development and progression. Accumulating
      evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role as
      regulators of cartilage biology and in the pathogenesis of OA. It has been
      demonstrated that mechanical loading, important for the regulation of cartilage
      metabolism, affects miRNAs expression. Furthermore, miRNAs present in human
      plasma and in synovial fluid could represent promising biological markers for OA.
      Herein, we have reviewed the current state of research on miRNAs in cartilage
      homeostasis and OA pathogenesis and their potential clinical applications.

PMID- 28079506
TI  - Response of human rheumatoid arthritis osteoblasts and osteoclasts to
      adiponectin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Adiponectin is an effector molecule in the pathophysiology of
      rheumatoid arthritis, e.g. by inducing cytokines and matrix degrading enzymes in
      synovial fibroblasts. There is growing evidence that adiponectin affects
      osteoblasts and osteoclasts although the contribution to the aberrant bone
      metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis is unclear. Therefore, the adiponectin effects
      on rheumatoid arthritis-derived osteoblasts and osteoclasts were evaluated.
      METHODS: Adiponectin and its receptors were examined in bone tissue. Primary
      human osteoblasts and osteoclasts were stimulated with adiponectin and analysed
      using realtime polymerase chain-reaction and immunoassays. Effects on matrix
      production by osteoblasts and differentiation and resorptive activity of
      osteoclasts were examined. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry of rheumatoid arthritis
      bone tissue showed adiponectin expression in key cells of bone remodelling.
      Adiponectin altered gene expression and cytokine release in osteoblasts and
      increased IL-8 secretion by osteoclasts. Adiponectin inhibited osterix and
      induced osteoprotegerin mRNA in osteoblasts. In osteoclasts, MMP-9 and tartrate
      resistant acid phosphatase expression was increased. Accordingly, mineralisation
      capacity of osteoblasts decreased whereas resorptive activity of osteoclasts
      increased. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the proinflammatory potential of
      adiponectin and support the idea that adiponectin influences rheumatoid arthritis
      bone remodelling through alterations in osteoblast and osteoclast.

PMID- 28079508
TI  - Management of dyslipidaemia in high-risk patients with recent-onset rheumatoid
      arthritis: targets still not met despite specific recommendations. Results from
      the ESPOIR cohort during the first five years of follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Reduction of LDL-cholesterol (LDLc) is essential to decrease the
      cardiovascular mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Between 2005 and 2010,
      French recommendations for dyslipidaemia defined the LDLc target based on the
      number of cardiovascular risk factors. In 2006, it was recommended to consider
      LDLc objectives with RA being counted as an additional cardiovascular risk
      factor. Our objective was to assess lipid target achievement between 2006 and
      2010 in a cohort of patients with recent-onset RA. METHODS: 814 patients were
      included between 2002 and 2005 in a French cohort of patients with early
      arthritis and a high probability of RA (ESPOIR). Repeated cross-sectional
      analyses for cardiovascular risk factors, cholesterol levels were performed every
      year from 2006 to 2010 to determine lipid profile and achievement of the LDLc
      goal according to the French guidelines. RESULTS: On the 620 patients analysed at
      the first point, 77% were female, 89.8% fulfilled the ACR criteria for RA and
      2.7% received a statin. The proportion of patients failing to achieve the LDLc
      target did not improve following the publication of specific RA guidelines in
      2006 (15.3 to 22.5% between 2006 and 2010). In patients with the highest
      cardiovascular risk, more than 58% did not reach the LDLc target. CONCLUSIONS:
      Specific recommendations for RA published in 2006 decreased LDLc target but did
      not improve management of dyslipidaemia in daily life which remained suboptimal
      particularly in patients at highest risk.

PMID- 28079509
TI  - Excellent balance skills despite active and inactive juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis - unexpected results of a cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Postural control (PC) is fundamental for human movements. Different
      factors, such as injuries or diseases, can adversely affect PC. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate PC in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients
      with different disease activity levels in comparison to healthy peers. METHODS:
      JIA patients with active and inactive lower limb joints (n=36 each group) were
      examined. Both groups have been on medication and have had physiotherapy for at
      least 5 years. For comparison, an age- and gender-matched healthy control group
      (CG; n=36) participated. PC was measured bipedal on a balance-board (S3-Check,
      TST, Grobetahoeflein), with an instable tilting between left and right. The
      parameters of interest were the best results of Stability Index (STI),
      Sensorimotor Index (SMI) and Symmetry Index (SYI) out of 4 test trials as well as
      JIA disease-related variables. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics,
      comparison of averages, linear regression and correlations (p<0.05). RESULTS: The
      three groups showed no differences in anthropometric characteristics and SYI
      (p>0.05). In both JIA groups, STI and SMI were lower than indices of CG (p<0.05),
      indicating better stability and motor control. Balance indices did not differ
      between active and inactive JIA patients (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: JIA patients
      showed better PC than CG. Possible explanations are an increased body-awareness
      due to long-term physiotherapy and daily coordination training due to
      compensatory movements. The positive results highlight the success of individual,
      interdisciplinary treatment in JIA and can be used to promote recommendations for
      safe sport participation.

PMID- 28079510
TI  - A comparison of discontinuation rates of tofacitinib and biologic disease
      modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and
      Bayesian network meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the discontinuation rates of
      tofacitinib and biologics (tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), abatacept,
      rituximab, and tocilizumab) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients considering
      inadequate responses (IRs) to previous treatment(s). METHODS: Randomised
      controlled trials of tofacitinib and biologics - reporting at least one total
      discontinuation, discontinuation due to lack of efficacy (LOE), and
      discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs) - were identified through systematic
      review. The analyses were conducted for patients with IRs to conventional
      synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) and for patients with
      biologics-IR, separately. Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to estimate
      rate ratio (RR) of a biologic relative to tofacitinib with 95% credible interval
      (CrI), and probability of RR being <1 (P[RR<1]). RESULTS: The analyses of 34
      studies showed no significant differences in discontinuation rates between
      tofacitinib and biologics in the cDMARDs-IR group. In the biologics-IR group,
      however, TNFi (RR 0.17, 95% CrI 0.01-3.61, P[RR<1] 92.0%) and rituximab (RR 0.20,
      95% CrI 0.01-2.91, P[RR<1] 92.3%) showed significantly lower total
      discontinuation rates than tofacitinib did. Despite the difference,
      discontinuation cases owing to LOE and AEs revealed that tofacitinib was
      comparable to the biologics. CONCLUSIONS: The comparability of discontinuation
      rate between tofacitinib and biologics was different based on previous treatments
      and discontinuation reasons: LOE, AEs, and total (due to other reasons).
      Therefore, those factors need to be considered to decide the optimal treatment
      strategy.

PMID- 28079511
TI  - Circulating carotenoids and subsequent risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between
      circulating carotenoids and future risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We
      conducted a nested case-control study consisting of 227 incident RA cases and 671
      matched controls with prospectively measured plasma carotenoids (alpha-carotene,
      beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin) levels in the
      Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Nurses' Health Study II (NHS II). Each incident RA
      case was matched with 3 healthy controls. Serologic phenotype of RA was
      determined by rheumatoid factor or anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA)
      obtained by chart review. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to
      estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confident intervals (95% CI) for RA risk
      associated with each circulating carotenoid after adjusting for matching factors
      and other covariates. RESULTS: The median time from blood draw until RA diagnosis
      was 8.6 years. In the multivariable models, no significant associations were
      found between any plasma carotenoids and risk of RA. We further examined the
      associations for two subtypes of RA, and found associations of circulating alpha
      carotene and beta-carotene with reduced risk of seronegative RA. After correction
      for multiple comparisons using the Bonferroni method, the findings did not reach
      statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating carotenoids levels are not
      associated with reduced risk of RA. Further investigations using large
      prospective cohorts are needed to confirm our findings.

PMID- 28079514
TI  - ESRD: epidemiology and treatment in developing countries in Southeast Asia.

PMID- 28079512
TI  - Long-term treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis patients starting adalimumab
      or etanercept with or without concomitant methotrexate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To observe long-term clinical response and drug survival in a
      prospective two-year cohort study in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients starting
      adalimumab or etanercept treatment, with or without methotrexate (MTX), after
      failure of conventional DMARD therapy, including MTX. METHODS: Disease activity
      score of 28 joints (DAS28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were
      collected of 873 consecutive RA patients, treated with adalimumab or etanercept,
      prospectively at baseline, 4, 16, 28, 40, 52, 78 and 104 weeks of biological
      therapy. Sustained minimal disease activity (MDA), DAS28 <2.6 for at least 24
      consecutive weeks, biological discontinuation, DeltaHAQ and DeltaDAS28 were
      compared between patients treated with or without concomitant MTX for etanercept
      and adalimumab separately. RESULTS: More patients treated with adalimumab and MTX
      (42%) achieved sustained MDA than patients without MTX (18%). The hazard ratio
      (HR) was 2.3 [1.4-3.9]. No significant difference was found in etanercept
      treatment (with MTX 33% vs. 28% without MTX), HR 1.1 [0.8-1.6]. More patients
      treated without MTX discontinued treatment than patients with MTX co-treatment in
      adalimumab (HR 2.1 [1.5-3.0]) and etanercept (HR 1.9 [1.0-3.4]). The mean
      decrease in DAS28 over time was higher for patients treated with MTX in
      adalimumab (regression coefficient (RC): 0.57, p<0.001), but was not
      significantly different in etanercept treatment (RC 0.05, p=0.427). No
      significant differences were found in DeltaHAQ. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment
      discontinuation is lower in patients treated with MTX in both adalimumab and
      etanercept treatment. However, considering good clinical response, in contrast to
      etanercept, a synergetic effect of MTX is observed only in adalimumab treatment.

PMID- 28079513
TI  - High-dose aspirin for Kawasaki disease: outdated myth or effective aid?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous immunoglobulin
      (IVIG) plus high-dose aspirin (HDA) vs. IVIG plus low-dose aspirin (LDA) for the
      treatment of Kawasaki disease, with an emphasis on coronary artery outcomes.
      METHODS: This study was a retrospective, medical record review of paediatric
      patients with Kawasaki disease comparing 6 centres that routinely used HAD for
      initial treatment and 2 that used LDA in 2004-2013. Treatment response and
      adverse events were compared. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of
      coronary aneurysm at the subacute or convalescent stage. RESULTS: The cohort
      included 358 patients, of whom 315 were initially treated with adjunctive HDA and
      43 with LDA. There were no demographic differences between the groups. Coronary
      aneurysms occurred in 10% (20/196) of the HDA group and 4% (1/24) of the LDA
      group (p=0.34). Equivalence tests indicate it is unlikely that the risk of
      coronary aneurysm in LDA exceeds HDA by more than 3.5%. There were no significant
      between-group differences in the need for glucocorticoid pulse therapy or disease
      recurrence. Coronary ectasia rate and hospitalisation time were significantly
      greater in the HDA group. Adverse events were similar in the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant clinical benefit in using IVIG+HDA in
      Kawasaki disease compared to IVIG+LDA. The use of adjunctive HDA in this setting
      should be reconsidered.

PMID- 28079515
TI  - Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous versus intravenous bortezomib in multiple
      myeloma: a meta-analysis?.
AB  - PURPOSE: We performed this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety
      between two different administration routes of bortezomib, subcutaneous and
      intravenous. METHODS: Six retrospective studies and three randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) were included in our study. Data from retrospective studies or RCTs
      were pooled and displayed in their corresponding subgroup, retrospective studies
      subgroup or RCTs subgroup. We comprehensively compared the overall response rate
      (ORR) and the incidence of adverse events between subcutaneous and intravenous
      bortezomib. RESULTS: We did not find statistical difference in ORR between the
      two administration routes. The pooled RRs for ORR were 0.99 (95% CI = 0.79 -
      1.25, p = 0.95; retrospective studies subgroup) and 1.02 (95% CI = 0.93 - 1.11, p
      = 0.69; RCTs subgroup). Compared with intravenous bortezomib, the subcutaneous
      bortezomib reduced the incidence of peripheral neuropathy, both any grade and
      grade >= 3. The pooled RRs for any grade of peripheral neuropathy were 0.33 (95%
      CI = 0.15 - 0.71, p = 0.004; retrospective studies subgroup) and 0.55 (95% CI =
      0.31 - 0.97, p = 0.04; RCTs subgroup), and for peripheral neuropathy grade >= 3
      were 0.40 (95% CI = 0.16 - 0.95, p = 0.04; retrospective trials subgroup) and
      0.39 (95% CI = 0.19 - 0.80, p = 0.01; RCTs subgroup). Only retrospective trials
      subgroup found that the incidence of thrombocytopenia and renal and urinary
      disorders were lower in subcutaneous bortezomib than in intravenous, with the
      pooled RRs 0.46 (95% CI = 0.29 - 0.72, p = 0.0007; retrospective trials subgroup)
      and 0.23 (95% CI = 0.09 - 0.56, p = 0.001; retrospective trials subgroup),
      respectively. The RCTs subgroup did not find statistical differences in these two
      adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous bortezomib did not significantly reduce
      therapeutic efficacy but resulted in a lower incidence of peripheral neuropathy
      than intravenous bortezomib. Compared with intravenous bortezomib, subcutaneous
      bortezomib might reduce the incidence of thrombocytopenia and renal and urinary
      disorders, but this needs more clinical trials to confirm.?.

PMID- 28079516
TI  - Adequate exposure to tacrolimus with sublingual administration in pediatric liver
      transplant patients.

PMID- 28079518
TI  - Angiotensin receptor blockers and the risk of cancer: data mining of a
      spontaneous reporting database and a claims database?.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between
      angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and the risk of 10 major cancers by
      employing different pharmacoepidemiological assessments. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Data from the first quarter of 2004 through 2012 were downloaded from the US Food
      and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The reporting
      odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) were used to detect the signals.
      Furthermore, symmetry analysis was applied to the claims database to identify the
      risk of cancer after using ARBs from January 2005 to July 2013. RESULTS:
      Significant inverse associations were found for all cancer types assessed as a
      whole (ROR: 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75 - 0.80; IC: -0.36, 95% CI: 
      0.40 to -0.31) in the analyses of FAERS database. Likewise, significant inverse
      association was found for all cancer types assessed as a whole (adjusted sequence
      ratio: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82 - 0.96) in claims database. In addition, a
      significantly decreased risk for breast cancer and increased risks for pancreatic
      and prostate cancer were found in patients treated with ARBs in the analyses of
      individual cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Significant inverse association was found
      between ARB use and all cancer types assessed as a whole. However, in the
      analyses of individual cancers, the risks of ARB-induced cancer may differ
      according to cancer site. It may be reasonable to assume that the risks of ARB
      induced cancer may differ according to cancer site.?.

PMID- 28079517
TI  - Pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence study comparing a candesartan
      cilexetil/rosuvastatin calcium fixed-dose combination with the concomitant
      administration of candesartan cilexetil and rosuvastatin calcium in healthy
      Korean subjects?.
AB  - CONTEXT: A fixed-dose combination (FDC) of candesartan and rosuvastatin was
      recently developed for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and expected to
      enhance patient compliance. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare the
      single-dose pharmacokinetic properties and tolerability of DP-R208 (candesartan
      and rosuvastatin FDC) to those of each component administered alone in healthy
      Korean male volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 healthy Korean
      volunteers were enrolled in this randomized, open-label, single-dose, two
      treatment, two-way crossover study. During each treatment period, subjects
      received the test formulation (FDC tablet containing candesartan and
      rosuvastatin) or reference formulation (co-administration of candesartan and
      rosuvastatin). Plasma samples were collected pre-dose and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
      6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-dose. Safety and tolerability were assessed by
      the evaluation of adverse events (AEs), physical examinations, laboratory
      assessments, 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), and vital sign measurements.
      RESULTS: The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric least-square mean
      ratios of C<sub>max</sub>, AUC<sub>last</sub>, and AUC<sub>inf</sub> were 0.86 -
      1.00, 0.92 - 1.04, and 0.92 - 1.03 for candesartan, and 0.88 - 1.06, 0.91 - 1.08,
      and 0.91 - 1.03 for rosuvastatin, respectively. All of the AEs were mild, and
      there was no significant difference in the incidence of AEs between the
      formulations. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic properties of the test and
      reference formulations met the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence.
      <u>Discussion and conclusion:</u> Both formulations were safe and well tolerated,
      and no significant difference was observed in the safety assessments of the
      treatments.?.

PMID- 28079519
TI  - Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility for azithromycin and ceftriaxone in
      Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2012 and
      2015.
AB  - Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to azithromycin and ceftriaxone has been
      increasing in the past years. This is of concern since the combination of these
      antimicrobials is recommended as the first-line treatment option in most
      guidelines. To analyse trends in antimicrobial resistance, we retrospectively
      selected all consultations with a positive N. gonorrhoeae culture at the sexually
      transmitted infection clinic, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from January 2012
      through September 2015. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for azithromycin
      and ceftriaxone were analysed per year, and determinants associated with
      decreased susceptibility to azithromycin (MIC > 0.25 mg/L) or ceftriaxone (MIC >
      0.032 mg/L) were assessed. Between 2012 and 2015 azithromycin resistance (MIC >
      0.5 mg/L) was around 1.2%, the percentage of isolates with intermediate MICs (>
      0.25 and <= 0.5 mg/L) increased from 3.7% in 2012, to 8.6% in 2015. Determinants
      associated with decreased azithromycin susceptibility were, for men who have sex
      with men (MSM), infections diagnosed in the year 2014, two infected sites, and
      HIV status (HIV; associated with less decreased susceptibility); for
      heterosexuals this was having >= 10 sex partners (in previous six months).
      Although no ceftriaxone resistance (MIC > 0.125 mg/L) was observed during the
      study period, the proportion of isolates with decreased ceftriaxone
      susceptibility increased from 3.6% in 2012, to 8.4% in 2015. Determinants
      associated with decreased ceftriaxone susceptibility were, for MSM, infections
      diagnosed in 2014, and pharyngeal infections; and for heterosexuals, infections
      diagnosed in 2014 or 2015, being of female sex, and having >= 10 sex partners.
      Continued decrease of azithromycin and ceftriaxone susceptibility will threaten
      future treatment of gonorrhoea. Therefore, new treatment strategies are
      warranted.

PMID- 28079520
TI  - Genetic characterisation of novel, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N6
      viruses isolated in birds, South Korea, November 2016.
AB  - A novel genotype of H5N6 influenza viruses was isolated from migratory birds in
      South Korea during November 2016. Domestic outbreaks of this virus were
      associated with die-offs of wild birds near reported poultry cases in Chungbuk
      province, central South Korea. Genetic analysis and animal studies demonstrated
      that the Korean H5N6 viruses are highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses
      and that these viruses are novel reassortants of at least three different
      subtypes (H5N6, H4N2 and H1N1).

PMID- 28079521
TI  - Isoform-specific subcellular localization and function of protein kinase A
      identified by mosaic imaging of mouse brain.
AB  - Protein kinase A (PKA) plays critical roles in neuronal function that are
      mediated by different regulatory (R) subunits. Deficiency in either the RIbeta or
      the RIIbeta subunit results in distinct neuronal phenotypes. Although RIbeta
      contributes to synaptic plasticity, it is the least studied isoform. Using
      isoform-specific antibodies, we generated high-resolution large-scale
      immunohistochemical mosaic images of mouse brain that provided global views of
      several brain regions, including the hippocampus and cerebellum. The isoforms
      concentrate in discrete brain regions, and we were able to zoom-in to show
      distinct patterns of subcellular localization. RIbeta is enriched in dendrites
      and co-localizes with MAP2, whereas RIIbeta is concentrated in axons. Using
      correlated light and electron microscopy, we confirmed the mitochondrial and
      nuclear localization of RIbeta in cultured neurons. To show the functional
      significance of nuclear localization, we demonstrated that downregulation of
      RIbeta, but not of RIIbeta, decreased CREB phosphorylation. Our study reveals how
      PKA isoform specificity is defined by precise localization.

PMID- 28079522
TI  - Protection from within.
AB  - The development of the tsetse fly immune system relies on a cue from an
      endosymbiotic bacterium called Wigglesworthia.

PMID- 28079524
TI  - Spatial heterogeneity in the time and frequency properties of skin perfusion.
AB  - Pathological alterations of the microcirculatory system can be identified by
      measuring the temporal and spectral properties of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF)
      signals acquired on the skin, and their changes following physiological
      stimulation. A wide range of stimulation protocols and measurement locations is
      observed in literature. Researchers often use non-invasive stimulation
      techniques, such as post-occlusive hyperaemia, cold tests, and local heating. As
      concerns the stimulation/recording sites, the forearm, fingers, and toes are
      typically selected to conduct microcirculation studies. However, recent clinical
      investigations showed that different anatomical sites present dissimilar blood
      flow patterns. Therefore, studies involving the comparison of LDF data, obtained
      from various anatomical locations, and thus subjected to the intrinsic
      heterogeneity of the microcirculation, may be methodologically inaccurate. At the
      moment, no consensus has been reached upon the optimal measurement location, the
      stimulation pattern, and the physiological parameters of interest. The aim of
      this study is to quantitatively characterize the heterogeneity of the peripheral
      perfusion at different anatomical locations: the index finger, the forearm, and
      the hallux. The skin microvascular system exhibits a complex vasodilatory
      response in the temporal domain, upon local heating. This physiological reactive
      hyperaemia comprises two effects: a fast transient response, correlated to neural
      activation, named axon reflex, followed by a slower hyperaemic plateau, mediated
      by the release of nitric oxide. In this work, we compare the vasodilatory
      reaction to heating at the different sites, based on a parametric representation
      of the perfusion signal. Moreover, skin blood flow is characterized by several
      components fluctuating at different time scales. Time-frequency decomposition of
      LDF signals allows to quantitatively evaluate the relative contribution of known
      physiological mechanisms to the regulation of the peripheral circulation. For
      this reason, we analyze the wavelet transform coefficients of LDF signals at
      baseline, to assess potential spatial heterogeneities of the perfusion power
      spectra among the aforementioned anatomical locations.

PMID- 28079525
TI  - A model-based 3D patient-specific pre-treatment QA method for VMAT using the
      EPID.
AB  - This study reports the development and validation of a model-based, 3D patient
      dose reconstruction method for pre-treatment quality assurance using EPID images.
      The method is also investigated for sensitivity to potential MLC delivery errors.
      Each cine-mode EPID image acquired during plan delivery was processed using a
      previously developed back-projection dose reconstruction model providing a 3D
      dose estimate on the CT simulation data. Validation was carried out using 24 SBRT
      VMAT patient plans by comparing: (1) ion chamber point dose measurements in a
      solid water phantom, (2) the treatment planning system (TPS) predicted 3D dose to
      the EPID reconstructed 3D dose in a solid water phantom, and (3) the TPS
      predicted 3D dose to the EPID and our forward predicted reconstructed 3D dose in
      the patient (CT data). AAA and AcurosXB were used for TPS predictions. Dose
      distributions were compared using 3%/3 mm (95% tolerance) and 2%/2 mm (90%
      tolerance) gamma-tests in the planning target volume (PTV) and 20% dose volumes.
      The average percentage point dose differences between the ion chamber and the
      EPID, AcurosXB, and AAA were 0.73  +/-  1.25%, 0.38  +/-  0.96% and 1.06  +/- 
      1.34% respectively. For the patient (CT) dose comparisons, seven (3%/3 mm) and
      nine (2%/2 mm) plans failed the EPID versus AAA. All plans passed the EPID versus
      Acuros XB and the EPID versus forward model gamma-comparisons. Four types of MLC
      sensitive errors (opening, shifting, stuck, and retracting), of varying magnitude
      (0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mm), were introduced into six different SBRT-VMAT plans.
      gamma-comparisons of the erroneous EPID dose and original predicted dose were
      carried out using the same criteria as above. For all plans, the sensitivity
      testing using a 3%/3 mm gamma-test in the PTV successfully determined MLC errors
      on the order of 1.0 mm, except for the single leaf retraction-type error. A 2%/2
      mm criteria produced similar results with two more additional detected errors.

PMID- 28079523
TI  - Symbiont-induced odorant binding proteins mediate insect host hematopoiesis.
AB  - Symbiotic bacteria assist in maintaining homeostasis of the animal immune system.
      However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie symbiont-mediated host immunity
      are largely unknown. Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) house maternally transmitted
      symbionts that regulate the development and function of their host's immune
      system. Herein we demonstrate that the obligate mutualist, Wigglesworthia, up
      regulates expression of odorant binding protein six in the gut of intrauterine
      tsetse larvae. This process is necessary and sufficient to induce systemic
      expression of the hematopoietic RUNX transcription factor lozenge and the
      subsequent production of crystal cells, which actuate the melanotic immune
      response in adult tsetse. Larval Drosophila's indigenous microbiota, which is
      acquired from the environment, regulates an orthologous hematopoietic pathway in
      their host. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that
      underlie enteric symbiont-stimulated systemic immune system development, and
      indicate that these processes are evolutionarily conserved despite the divergent
      nature of host-symbiont interactions in these model systems.

PMID- 28079526
TI  - A measurement-based generalized source model for Monte Carlo dose simulations of
      CT scans.
AB  - The goal of this study is to develop a generalized source model for accurate
      Monte Carlo dose simulations of CT scans based solely on the measurement data
      without a priori knowledge of scanner specifications. The proposed generalized
      source model consists of an extended circular source located at x-ray target
      level with its energy spectrum, source distribution and fluence distribution
      derived from a set of measurement data conveniently available in the clinic.
      Specifically, the central axis percent depth dose (PDD) curves measured in water
      and the cone output factors measured in air were used to derive the energy
      spectrum and the source distribution respectively with a Levenberg-Marquardt
      algorithm. The in-air film measurement of fan-beam dose profiles at fixed gantry
      was back-projected to generate the fluence distribution of the source model. A
      benchmarked Monte Carlo user code was used to simulate the dose distributions in
      water with the developed source model as beam input. The feasibility and accuracy
      of the proposed source model was tested on a GE LightSpeed and a Philips
      Brilliance Big Bore multi-detector CT (MDCT) scanners available in our clinic. In
      general, the Monte Carlo simulations of the PDDs in water and dose profiles along
      lateral and longitudinal directions agreed with the measurements within 4%/1 mm
      for both CT scanners. The absolute dose comparison using two CTDI phantoms (16 cm
      and 32 cm in diameters) indicated a better than 5% agreement between the Monte
      Carlo-simulated and the ion chamber-measured doses at a variety of locations for
      the two scanners. Overall, this study demonstrated that a generalized source
      model can be constructed based only on a set of measurement data and used for
      accurate Monte Carlo dose simulations of patients' CT scans, which would
      facilitate patient-specific CT organ dose estimation and cancer risk management
      in the diagnostic and therapeutic radiology.

PMID- 28079527
TI  - Binary moving-blocker-based scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography
      with width-truncated projections: proof of concept.
AB  - This paper proposes a binary moving-blocker (BMB)-based technique for scatter
      correction in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). In concept, a beam blocker
      consisting of lead strips, mounted in front of the x-ray tube, moves rapidly in
      and out of the beam during a single gantry rotation. The projections are acquired
      in alternating phases of blocked and unblocked cone beams, where the blocked
      phase results in a stripe pattern in the width direction. To derive the scatter
      map from the blocked projections, 1D B-Spline interpolation/extrapolation is
      applied by using the detected information in the shaded regions. The scatter map
      of the unblocked projections is corrected by averaging two scatter maps that
      correspond to their adjacent blocked projections. The scatter-corrected
      projections are obtained by subtracting the corresponding scatter maps from the
      projection data and are utilized to generate the CBCT image by a compressed
      sensing (CS)-based iterative reconstruction algorithm. Catphan504 and pelvis
      phantoms were used to evaluate the method's performance. The proposed BMB-based
      technique provided an effective method to enhance the image quality by
      suppressing scatter-induced artifacts, such as ring artifacts around the bowtie
      area. Compared to CBCT without a blocker, the spatial nonuniformity was reduced
      from 9.1% to 3.1%. The root-mean-square error of the CT numbers in the regions of
      interest (ROIs) was reduced from 30.2 HU to 3.8 HU. In addition to high
      resolution, comparable to that of the benchmark image, the CS-based
      reconstruction also led to a better contrast-to-noise ratio in seven ROIs. The
      proposed technique enables complete scatter-corrected CBCT imaging with width
      truncated projections and allows reducing the acquisition time to approximately
      half. This work may have significant implications for image-guided or adaptive
      radiation therapy, where CBCT is often used.

PMID- 28079529
TI  - Leveraging the Skills of Nurses and the Power of Language Nutrition to Ensure a
      Better Future for Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early language exposure is critical for language acquisition and
      significantly influences a child's literacy skills. However, preterm infants may
      experience language deprivation in the neonatal intensive care unit. Nurses are
      vital to helping parents understand their critical role in early language
      development. PURPOSE: To discuss the impact of language-rich interactions and
      interventions that promote early language exposure, or Language Nutrition, by
      parents and caregivers on the long-term developmental, language, and educational
      outcomes of high-risk infants. METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY: A literature search was
      conducted using PubMed and Web of Science to identify articles that examined the
      influence of language interactions with high-risk infants on developmental
      outcomes. Recent campaigns touting the importance of early language exposure were
      identified through the Bridging the Word Gap Research Network. FINDINGS/RESULTS:
      Increasing preterm infants' exposure to Language Nutrition improves their
      language development, promotes parent-infant attachment, and decreases parent
      stress. In addition, it may result in greater neuroplasticity and volume of the
      auditory cortex. Several campaigns have been developed to increase children's
      access to Language Nutrition and can be implemented into everyday pediatric and
      neonatal care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Pediatric, neonatal nurses and advanced
      practice nurses are uniquely positioned to play a transformational role in high
      risk infants' developmental trajectory by educating parents about the importance
      of Language Nutrition and supporting parents as they engage with their infant.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Studies investigating the population-level impact of
      interventions aimed at increasing infants' access to Language Nutrition as well
      as studies identifying effective ways to communicate messages about Language
      Nutrition are warranted.

PMID- 28079528
TI  - Assessing the evolution of redundancy/synergy of spontaneous variability
      regulation with age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We exploited a model-based Wiener-Granger causality method in the
      information domain for the evaluation of the transfer entropy (TE) and
      interaction TE (ITE), the latter taken as a measure of the net balance between
      redundancy and synergy, to describe the interactions between the spontaneous
      variability of heart period (HP) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and the
      effect of respiration (R) on both variables. APPROACH: Cardiac control was
      typified via the genuine TE from SAP to HP, that from R to HP, and the ITE from
      SAP and R to HP, while vascular control was characterized via the genuine TE from
      HP to SAP, that from R to SAP, and the ITE from HP and R to SAP. The approach was
      applied to study age-related modifications of cardiac and vascular controls in a
      cohort of 100 healthy humans (age from 21 to 70 years, 54 males) recorded at
      supine rest (REST) and during active standing (STAND). A surrogate approach was
      exploited to test the significance of the computed quantities. MAIN RESULTS:
      Trends of the genuine information transfer with age, already present in
      literature, were here confirmed. We originally found that: (i) at REST redundancy
      was predominant over synergy in both vascular and cardiac controls; (ii) the
      predominance of redundancy of the cardiac control was not affected by postural
      challenge, while STAND reduced redundancy of vascular control; (iii) the net
      redundancy of the cardiac control at REST gradually decreased with age, while
      that of vascular control remained stable; (iv) during STAND net redundancy of
      both cardiac and vascular controls was stable with age. SIGNIFICANCE: The study
      confirms the relevance of computing genuine information transfer in
      cardiovascular control analysis and stresses the importance of evaluating the ITE
      to quantify the degree of redundancy of physiological mechanisms operating to
      maintain cardiovascular homeostasis.

PMID- 28079530
TI  - Can Intoxication Status Be Used as a Prediction Tool for Manner of Death?: A
      Comparison of the Intoxication Status in Violent Suicides and Homicides.
AB  - Determining the manner of death in medicolegal death investigations can be
      difficult. The investigator relies on many facets of death investigation,
      including the circumstances of death and autopsy examination. A study was
      designed to analyze whether the intoxication status of the decedent could be used
      as another tool in death investigations. The intoxication status of violent
      (nonoverdose or poisoning) suicides and homicides was retrospectively reviewed
      and compared. A total of 625 deaths were identified, including 366 suicides and
      259 homicides. Age, sex, cause of death, and intoxication status, including the
      specific drugs present, were analyzed. Gunshot wounds were the most common cause
      of death in both groups, with hanging being the second most common cause in
      suicides and sharp force injuries in homicides. Analysis found that although the
      overall intoxication status for suicides versus homicides did not differ
      significantly, certain drugs were more prevalent in one group over the other.
      Specifically, illicit drugs, that is, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, were
      more likely to be present in homicides, whereas antidepressants or
      antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and zolpidem were more common in suicides.

PMID- 28079531
TI  - The Effect of Albumin and Platelet-Poor Plasma Supplemented Botulinum A Toxin on
      Bioavaliability: An Experimental Rabbit Model.
AB  - Today, botulinum toxin is commonly used for cosmetic purposes throughout the
      world. Despite various agents reducing the efficiency of toxin are well defined,
      the studies related to increasing the bioavailability are limited. The purpose of
      our study is to assess the effect of the preparation of toxin by diluting with
      platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and/or albumin instead of standard dilution (saline)
      on bioavailability in cosmetic-purpose botulinum toxin applications.In the study,
      24 New Zealand rabbits were used. Right anterior auricular muscle was preferred
      for toxin injections. Subjects were divided in 4 groups and in every group;
      botulinum A toxin (BTxA) that was prepared by different dilution methods was
      injected. 2.5 U saline-diluted BTxA was injected to the subjects in group 1, 2.5
      U ready-to-use rabbit albumin-diluted BTxA was injected to group 2 and 2.5 U
      autologous PPP-diluted BTxA was injected to group 3 and pure saline was injected
      to group 4.Before the injection (0th week) and in the second, sixth, and 12th
      weeks after the injection, visual and electroneuromyographic evaluations of the
      ears of the subjects were performed.In the second week, median amplitude levels
      in group 2 were significantly found lower than other groups.In the sixth week,
      median amplitude levels in group 1 were significantly found lower than other
      groups.In 12th week, no significant difference was found among all the groups in
      terms of median amplitude levels.Visual findings were also correlated with
      electroneuromyographic findings.It was observed that the dilution of BTxA with
      albumin had caused a stronger paralysis when compared to dilution with saline or
      PPP at the beginning (second week); however, in the following weeks (sixth week),
      it was seen that dilution with saline had maintained paralysis better when
      compared with other dilution methods.In cosmetic BTxA applications, dilution of
      the toxin with albumin or PPP instead of standard dilution has no positive effect
      on bioavailability and such modifications regarding this kind of dilution are
      found unsuitable. Further studies are needed to directly relate the results with
      clinical applications.

PMID- 28079532
TI  - Course Review: Cadaveric Hand Trauma Course.
AB  - The St Thomas' Cadaveric Hand Trauma course is described and evaluated.

PMID- 28079533
TI  - National and Regional Differences in 32,248 Postmastectomy Autologous Breast
      Reconstruction Using the Updated National Inpatient Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of breast cancer (BC) cases has increased
      significantly. The number of breast reconstruction (BR) procedures performed has
      mirrored this trend. Although implant-only procedures remain the most commonly
      used type of immediate BR, autologous techniques involving donor sites account
      for approximately 20%. The aim of this study was to assess national and regional
      trends in different types of autologous BR. METHODS: Using the Nationwide
      Inpatient Sample database (2008 to 2012), data on BC and mastectomy rates, type
      of autologous BR, and sociodemographics were obtained and analyzed. Furthermore,
      national and regional trends over time for autologous BR were plotted and
      analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 427,272 patients diagnosed with BC or at increased
      risk of BC were included in the study. A total of 343,163 (80.3%) patients
      underwent mastectomy and, within this group, 148,700 (43.3%) patients underwent
      immediate BR. Of these, 32,249 (21.7%) patients underwent an autologous BR (not
      solely implant based) and 118,258 (78.3%) implant-based BR. Most autologous BRs
      were performed in the Southern region (37.4%). When stratified into flap types,
      most pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM), free TRAM, and other
      flaps were performed in the Northeast region, whereas most deep inferior
      epigastric perforator (DIEP) and latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps were performed in
      the Southern region. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant increasing
      trend for both LD and DIEP flaps, both nationally (P < 0.001) and regionally (P <
      0.001). Pedicled TRAM and free TRAM reconstructions decreased significantly both
      on national and regional level. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous BR demonstrated a
      significant positive trend over time in the Southern region (P < 0.001). The DIEP
      and LD flaps increased significantly over time, both nationally and regionally.

PMID- 28079534
TI  - Practical efficacy of olmesartan versus azilsartan in patients with hypertension:
      a multicenter randomized-controlled trial (MUSCAT-4 study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Olmesartan and azilsartan, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs),
      are expected to decrease blood pressure more than the other ARBs. We conducted
      randomized-controlled trials to compare the practical efficacy of olmesartan with
      azilsartan. METHODS: Eighty-four patients treated with the conventional ARBs for
      more than 3 months were assigned randomly to receive either 20 mg of olmesartan
      (olmesartan medoxomil, OL group) or 20 mg of azilsartan (azilsartan, not
      azilsartan medoxomil, AZ group) once daily for 16 weeks. The practical efficacy
      on blood pressure was compared between the OL and AZ groups. RESULTS: Office
      blood pressure of both groups decreased significantly (OL group: 152/86-141/79
      mmHg, P<0.05, AZ group: 149/83-135/75 mmHg; P<0.05). Diastolic home blood
      pressure in the AZ group decreased significantly (79+/-9-74+/-7 mmHg; P<0.05),
      but not in the OL group (79+/-11-75+/-10 mmHg; P=0.068). However, there were no
      significant differences between the groups. The dosage of olmesartan and
      azilsartan increased significantly and slightly for 16 weeks (OL group: 20.3-23.1
      mg; P<0.05, AZ group: 20.5-23.2 mg; P<0.05), without a significant difference
      between groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in renal
      function, lipid profiles, brain natriuretic peptide, soluble fms-like tyrosine
      kinase-1, and urinary L-type fatty acid-binding protein between the two groups.
      CONCLUSION: Both olmesartan and azilsartan equally reduced blood pressures. Both
      olmesartan and azilsartan showed a renoprotective effect and were well tolerated
      without any major adverse events.

PMID- 28079535
TI  - Heterozygous Deletion of Chorein Exons 70-73 and GNA14 Exons 3-7 in a Brazilian
      Patient Presenting With Probable Tau-Negative Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease.

PMID- 28079536
TI  - Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with severe inherited
      thrombophilia: a series of 33 patients.
AB  - : The aim of the study was to investigate whether treatment with non-vitamin K
      antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is effective and well tolerated in real
      life patients following venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with severe
      inherited thrombophilia. We evaluated 33 consecutive patients with severe
      inherited thrombophilia, defined as the presence of deficiencies in protein C,
      protein S, or anti-thrombin, homozygous factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A
      mutations, or combined defects. The patients were recruited from March 2010 to
      December 2015 and followed till July 2016. Rivaroxaban was used in 23 patients
      (70%), whereas dabigatran and apixaban were used in 4 patients each. During a
      median 21 (range 8-34) months' follow-up, three recurrent VTE episodes (9%) were
      observed. Deep vein thrombosis recurred after 6 months on rivaroxaban in a
      protein S-deficient 32-year-old woman who had heavy menstrual bleeding resulting
      in interruptions of therapy. A long journey preceded deep vein thrombosis
      recurrence after 12 months of rivaroxaban use in a 59-year-old obese man
      homozygous for prothrombin 20210A mutation. The third recurrent VTE following
      anticoagulation withdrawal prior to surgery and during hospitalization was
      observed in a 56-year-old woman with protein S deficiency and heterozygous factor
      V Leiden. The three patients continued use of NOACs, apixaban, dabigatran, and
      rivaroxaban, respectively. This largest real-life series of patients with severe
      thrombophilia receiving NOACs indicates that such patients could be safely and
      effectively treated with NOACs. Lower efficacy was observed in protein S
      deficiency. Recurrent VTE was mostly related with nonadherence, which highlights
      an important role of regular intake of NOACs in high-risk patients.

PMID- 28079537
TI  - Successful total hip replacement with sequential administration of bypassing
      agents in an adolescent boy with hemophilia A and high inhibitor titers.
AB  - : There are only a few reports of total hip replacement in patients with
      hemophilia A and inhibitors. We performed total hip replacement in an 18-year-old
      adolescent boy who had high inhibitor titers since infancy. Recombinant factor
      VIIa (NovoSeven) was used as a bypass agent during the surgery. There was no
      excessive introperative bleeding; however, postsurgical bleeding occurred and was
      controlled by sequential administration of recombinant factor VIIa and activated
      prothrombin complex concentrate (FEIBA). This is the first report of this
      treatment modality in such a major surgery. Sequential bypassing agent therapy
      can be effective for treating refractory bleeding in hemophilia patients who have
      high inhibitor titers but require major surgery.

PMID- 28079538
TI  - Antimicrobial Therapy for Pyogenic Liver Abscess Secondary to Streptococcus
      intermedius Bacteremia.

PMID- 28079539
TI  - Preoperative Ketoconazole Therapy for Primary Bilateral Adrenocorticotropic
      Hormone-Independent Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia Syndrome.

PMID- 28079540
TI  - Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Presenting With
      Bilateral Trigeminal Neuropathy.

PMID- 28079541
TI  - When and How Did Arantius Learn to Perform the Famous Tagliacotian Technique of
      Nose Reconstruction?

PMID- 28079543
TI  - A novel anti-HIV immunotherapy to cure HIV.

PMID- 28079542
TI  - Development and Validation of a Multi-institutional Preoperative Nomogram for
      Predicting Grade of Dysplasia in Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs)
      of the Pancreas: A Report from The Pancreatic Surgery Consortium.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous nomogram models for patients undergoing resection of
      intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) have been relatively small
      single-institutional series. Our objective was to improve upon these studies by
      developing and independently validating a new model using a large
      multiinstitutional dataset. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: IPMNs represent the most
      common radiographically identifiable precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer. They
      are a heterogenous group of neoplasms in which more accurate markers of high
      grade dysplasia or early invasive carcinoma could help avoid unnecessary surgery
      in 1 case and support potentially curative intervention (resection) in another.
      METHODS: Prospectively maintained databases from 3 institutions were queried for
      patients who had undergone resection of IPMNs between 2005 and 2015. Patients
      were separated into main duct [main and mixed-type (MD)] and branch duct (BD)
      types based on preoperative imaging. Logistic regression modeling was used on a
      training subset to develop 2 independent nomograms (MD and BD) to predict low
      risk (low- or intermediate-grade dysplasia) or high-risk (high-grade dysplasia or
      invasive carcinoma) disease. Model performance was then evaluated using an
      independent validation set. RESULTS: We identified 1028 patients who underwent
      resection for IPMNs [MD: n = 454 (44%), BD: n = 574 (56%)] during the 10-year
      study period. High-risk disease was present in 487 patients (47%). Patients with
      high-risk disease comprised 71% and 29% of MD and BD groups, respectively (P
      <0.0001). MD and BD nomograms were developed on the training set [70% of total (n
      = 720); MD: n = 318, BD: n = 402] and validated on the test set [30% (n = 308);
      MD: n = 136, BD: n = 172]. The presence of jaundice was almost exclusively
      associated with high-risk disease (57 of 58 patients, 98%). Cyst size >3.0 cm,
      solid component/mural nodule, pain symptoms, and weight loss were significantly
      associated with high-risk disease. C-indices were 0.82 and 0.81 on training and
      independent validation sets, respectively; Brier scores were 0.173 and 0.175,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with suspected IPMNs, we present an
      independently validated model for the prediction of high-risk disease.

PMID- 28079544
TI  - Discontinuation of treatment and adverse events in an Italian cohort of patients
      on dolutegravir.

PMID- 28079545
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of dolutegravir and two nucleos(t)ide reverse
      transcriptase inhibitors in HIV-1-positive, virologically suppressed patients.

PMID- 28079546
TI  - We should monitor the population-level effects of preexposure prophylaxis.

PMID- 28079547
TI  - The Evolution of Burn Injury Management: Using Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion
      Membrane Allografts in Clinical Practice.

PMID- 28079548
TI  - History and Advancement of Burn Treatments.
AB  - Advances in burn care have accelerated within the last 50 years. The principal
      modalities of and approaches to burn treatment include dressings, antimicrobials,
      fluid resuscitation, burn wound excision, skin grafting, and use of skin
      substitutes. This review presents a historical outline of these approaches, their
      current status, and prospects for the future of burn care.

PMID- 28079549
TI  - Contemporary Methods Allowing for Safe and Convenient Use of Amniotic Membrane as
      a Biologic Wound Dressing for Burns.
AB  - Partial-thickness burns involve damage to the upper layer of skin, which leaves
      nerve endings exposed, and therefore represent the most painful of several
      categories of thermal injuries. Historically, partial-thickness burns were
      treated conservatively by debriding the blisters, by daily tubbing and washing,
      and the application of new bandages with topical medications. Human amniotic
      membrane has been used for centuries as a biological wound dressing. In the past
      20 years, there has been an increasing body of literature addressing the use of
      amniotic tissue in chronic wounds and burns. In this review, we present an
      overview of the use of amniotic membrane in the treatment of burns including
      processing methods and early clinical use. We believe that amniotic membranes
      have great potential in improving burn wound care in the future. Standardized
      processing methods and terminal sterilization ensure safety and allow the
      material to be available for use by health care providers around the world in
      clinical trials and for patient care.

PMID- 28079550
TI  - The Use of Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion Membranes in the Treatment of Burns
      and Complex Wounds: Current and Future Applications.
AB  - Historically, biologic materials found in nature have been used for a wide
      variety of medicinal purposes, although their widespread use may be limited due
      to challenges in obtaining and properly preparing the material for safe clinical
      use. Amniotic membrane has long been recognized to possess unique properties
      favorable for healing. Dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allografts are
      commercially available for use in multiple sizes and configurations applicable
      for a variety of clinical settings and presentations. The purpose of this article
      is to review the therapeutic properties of amniotic membrane.

PMID- 28079551
TI  - Current Techniques for Burn Reconstruction: Using Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion
      Membrane Allografts as an Adjunctive Treatment Along the Reconstructive Ladder.
AB  - The reconstructive ladder is a term coined by reconstructive plastic surgeons to
      describe levels of increasingly complex management of wounds. The first rungs of
      the ladder is allowing the wound to heal by secondary intention, advancing up the
      ladder to direct tissue closure, with skin grafting and tissue transfer (flaps)
      comprising the higher rungs. Skin grafting and tissue transfer (flaps) at the
      middle and higher rungs of the ladder are often necessary for the treatment of
      complex burn injuries. Our purpose is to describe how dehydrated human
      amnion/chorion membrane allografts may be used as an adjunctive treatment.

PMID- 28079552
TI  - Clinical Experience: Using Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane Allografts
      for Acute and Reconstructive Burn Care.
AB  - Amniotic membrane is immunologically privileged and is a reservoir of growth
      factors and cytokines known to modulate inflammation and enhance the healing
      process, while also possessing antimicrobial, antifibrosis, and antiscarring
      properties. These properties establish a strong argument for using amniotic
      membrane derived products as a treatment for burns. The purpose of this article
      is to describe the use of commercially available dehydrated human amnion/chorion
      membrane allografts in patients with partial-thickness and full-thickness burns.

PMID- 28079553
TI  - End of life decisions in heart failure: to turn off the intracardiac device or
      not?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure is a significant public health concern around
      the world. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators with or without cardiac
      resynchronization therapy (CRT-D) have proven survival benefit. As patients
      progress to end-stage disease, management shifts to palliative care, and
      cardiologists are often confronted with how to best manage these devices. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Studies suggest that up to one-third of patients with an implantable
      cardioverter defibrillator receive painful shocks in the last 24 h of life.
      Disabling pacing or resynchronization devices may further weaken the heart
      function and expedite death, particularly if the patient has no underlying
      ventricular rhythm. Is it ethical or legal to discontinue functions of the
      implantable device? The discussion and the decision to be made are whether to
      continue both pacing and tachyarrhythmia therapies, disable tachyarrhythmia
      therapies while maintaining pacing, or discontinue both. SUMMARY: The decision to
      disable all or parts of the device function is ultimately up to the patient. To
      avoid painful shocks near the end of life, it is recommended that tachyarrhythmia
      therapies be turned off when the patient is being treated palliatively. After
      informed discussion, withdrawing the resynchronization or pacing device option is
      also acceptable if requested by the patient regardless of the potential outcomes.

PMID- 28079554
TI  - Latest evidence on transcatheter aortic valve implantation vs. surgical aortic
      valve replacement for the treatment of aortic stenosis in high and intermediate
      risk patients.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review is to summarize the current evidence
      supporting the use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in high and
      intermediate-risk patients. The focus is on the five randomized controlled trials
      comparing TAVI with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) published to date,
      as well as two recent meta-analyses. RECENT FINDINGS: TAVI has profoundly
      transformed the treatment of elderly patients presenting with symptomatic severe
      aortic stenosis. In experienced hands, the procedure has become well tolerated
      and the results more predictable. So far, two trials using two different devices
      [Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valve (PARTNER) 1A and US CoreValve High Risk]
      have shown that TAVI is able to compete in terms of mortality with SAVR in high
      risk patients. These findings have been extended to the intermediate-risk
      population in two recently published randomized controlled trials [PARTNER 2 and
      Nordic Aortic Valve Intervention (NOTION)]. The two meta-analyses suggested
      improved survival in both high and intermediate-risk patients during the first 2
      years following the intervention. The survival benefit was only found in patients
      treated via the transfemoral access, and appeared more pronounced in women.
      SUMMARY: Individual randomized trials enrolling high and intermediate-risk
      patients have established the noninferiority of TAVI in comparison with SAVR,
      whereas subsequent meta-analyses suggest superiority of transfemoral TAVI in
      terms of a sustained survival benefit 2 years after valve implantation
      irrespective of the surgical risk category. The benefit of TAVI appears more
      pronounced in women than in men.

PMID- 28079555
TI  - Epidural Labor Analgesia and Maternal Fever.
AB  - Women receiving an epidural for labor analgesia are at increased risk for
      intrapartum fever. This relationship has been supported by observational, before
      and after, and randomized controlled trials. The etiology is not well understood
      but is likely a result of noninfectious inflammation as studies have found women
      with fever have higher levels of inflammatory markers. Maternal pyrexia may
      change obstetric management and women are more likely to receive antibiotics or
      undergo cesarean delivery. Maternal pyrexia is associated with adverse neonatal
      outcomes. With these consequences, understanding and preventing maternal fever is
      imperative.

PMID- 28079556
TI  - Cardiac Arrest: Obstetric CPR/ACLS.
AB  - In contrast with other high-resource countries, maternal mortality has seen an
      increase in the United States. Caring for pregnant women in cardiac arrest may
      prove uniquely challenging given the rarity of the event coupled by the
      physiological changes of pregnancy. Optimization of resuscitative efforts
      warrants special attention as described in the 2015 American Heart Association's
      "Scientific Statement on Maternal Cardiac Arrest." Current recommendations
      address a variety of topics ranging from the basic components of chest
      compressions and airway management to some of the logistical complexities and
      operational challenges involved in maternal cardiac arrest.

PMID- 28079557
TI  - Dobutamine aggravates haemodynamic deterioration induced by pleural effusion: A
      randomised controlled porcine study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion is a common finding in critically ill patients and
      may contribute to circulatory instability and the need for inotropic support.
      OBJECTIVE: We hypothesised that dobutamine would affect the physiological
      determinants preload, afterload, contractility and changes of inferior vena cava
      characteristics during experimental pleural effusion. DESIGN: A randomised,
      controlled laboratory study. SETTING: Animal laboratory, conducted from March
      2013 to May 2013. ANIMALS: Twenty-four Landrace and Yorkshire female piglets
      (21.3 +/- 1.7 kg). INTERVENTION: Twenty piglets were included in the analyses.
      After inducing bilateral pleural effusion (30 ml kg), the piglets were block
      randomised to either incremental dobutamine infusion (n = 10) or control (n =
      10). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ultrasonographic measures of left ventricular end
      diastolic area, left ventricular afterload, left ventricular fractional area
      change and inferior vena cava diameter and distensibility were used to assess the
      basic physiological effect of incremental dobutamine administration during
      experimental pleural effusion. RESULTS: In the dobutamine group, preload,
      measured as left ventricular end-diastolic area, decreased from 11.3 +/- 2.0 cm
      after creation of the pleural effusion to 8.1 +/- 1.5 cm at a dobutamine infusion
      rate of 20 MUg kg min (P < 0.001). In the same period, central venous pressure
      and the expiratory diameter of the inferior vena cava decreased from 9 +/- 3 to 7
      +/- 4 mmHg (P < 0.001) and from 1.1 +/- 0.2 to 0.9 +/- 0.1 cm (P = 0.008),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: In a porcine model of pleural effusion, dobutamine
      affected basic haemodynamic determinants substantially by decreasing left
      ventricular preload. Changes in central venous pressure and inferior vena cava
      characteristics were minimal, discouraging their use as indices of preload. This
      study underlines the significance of evaluating basic haemodynamic determinants
      to avoid inappropriate, potentially harmful treatment.

PMID- 28079558
TI  - Once-daily tacrolimus in liver transplantation: a 'me-too drug', or a therapeutic
      advantage.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide latest information on differences between standard
      tacrolimus (TAC BID) and slow-released formulation of tacrolimus (Advagraf) in
      liver transplantation (LTx), and to discuss the latter's therapeutic value as a
      distinct entity. RECENT FINDINGS: Two articles on de-novo studies, several on
      conversion and one on survival analysis from the European Liver Transplant
      Registry published recently showed that low-dose Advagraf immediately after
      transplantation provided same protection to the kidney as standard dose delayed
      until day 5, and was associated with lower rejection rate; to maintain the same
      trough level after late conversion to Advagraf, an approximately 1.25-fold higher
      dose was needed on average; if studied by questionnaire, conversion improved
      medication adherence; and registry data provided evidence of long-term survival
      benefit of Advagraf over TAC BID (7 and 8% graft and patient survival rates over
      a 3-year period; P < 0.002 and P < 0.003, respectively). SUMMARY: Pharmacokinetic
      differences between TAC BID and Advagraf translate into less interpatient and
      intrapatient variability and improve adherence. If survival benefit of Advagraf
      administration de novo after LTx as demonstrated by the European Liver Transplant
      Registry analysis is confirmed in an independent cohort, Advagraf will leave the
      area of the 'me-too' drugs to become the immunosuppressant of choice.

PMID- 28079560
TI  - Prenatal exposures and the development of childhood wheezing illnesses.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To critically evaluate and summarize studies published between
      July 2015 and June 2016 linking prenatal exposures and the onset of childhood
      wheezing illnesses and to discuss future research directions in this field.
      RECENT FINDINGS: The aggregated evidence indicates a consistent detrimental
      effect of prenatal exposure to parental smoking, outdoor air pollution, and
      maternal stress on childhood wheezing illnesses. Less consistent evidence
      suggests an adverse impact of maternal obesity during pregnancy and prenatal
      exposure to antibiotics on these outcomes. There is insufficient evidence to
      support an association between in-utero exposure to acetaminophen or prenatal
      levels of specific nutrients (such as vitamin D, folic acid, or polyunsaturated
      fatty acids) and childhood wheezing illnesses. SUMMARY: Several common
      potentially modifiable prenatal exposures appear to be consistently associated
      with childhood wheezing illnesses (e.g. parental smoking, outdoor air pollution,
      and maternal stress). However, the effect of many other prenatal exposures on the
      onset of childhood wheezing illnesses remains unclear. The existing scientific
      evidence from the past year does not allow us to make any new recommendations on
      primary prevention measures. Intervention studies will best demonstrate whether
      changing the prenatal environment can prevent childhood wheezing illnesses and
      asthma.

PMID- 28079561
TI  - 'Single-checked' Patient Group Directions during initial nurse assessment within
      paediatric emergency departments of the UK and Ireland.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Double checking medications at initial assessment within paediatric
      emergency departments (EDs) has the potential to delay patient flow, and doubt
      has been cast on the efficacy of double checking in all but high-risk
      medications. We aimed to benchmark current practice for the use of Patient Group
      Direction (PGD) medications at initial assessment in EDs within the Paediatric
      Emergency Research UK and Ireland (PERUKI) network, with a focus on the use of
      'single-checker' PGDs. METHODS: Online survey was distributed to the research
      representative at each PERUKI site. The survey was open for 5 weeks (from March
      2015 to April 2015) and was completed by any appropriate clinician within the
      site. RESULTS: The response rate was 84% (36/43 EDs). From these, 22 out of 36
      (61%) EDs were using single-checker PGDs. The commonest single-checked
      medications in use were paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain. Among PERUKI sites,
      21.9% of EDs reported drug errors related to standard (double-checked) PGDs,
      whereas 13.6% of those with single-checked PGDs reported drug errors (Fisher's
      exact test with significance level of 0.05, P=0.501). The commonest errors
      reported were duplicated dose, incorrect weight, incorrect volume drawn up,
      contraindication missed. CONCLUSION: Single-checker PGDs are currently in use in
      nearly two-thirds of PERUKI sites. No evidence of increased medication errors was
      reported with this practice; however, more detailed studies are required to
      support this finding and to inform best practice.

PMID- 28079559
TI  - Strategies to alter the natural history of childhood asthma.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Asthma exhibits significant heterogeneity in occurrence and
      severity over the lifespan. Our goal is to discuss recent evidence regarding
      determinants of the natural history of asthma during childhood, and review the
      rationale behind and status of major efforts to alter its course. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Variations in microbial exposures are associated with risk of allergic
      disease, and the use of bacterial lysates may be a promising preventive strategy.
      Exposure to air pollution appears to be particularly damaging in prenatal and
      early life, and interventions to reduce pollution are feasible and result in
      clinical benefit. E-cigarette use may have a role in harm reduction for
      conventional cigarette smokers with asthma, but has undefined short-term and long
      term effects that must be clarified. Vitamin D insufficiency over the first
      several years of life is associated with risk of asthma, and vitamin D
      supplementation reduces the risk of severe exacerbations. SUMMARY: The
      identification of risk factors for asthma occurrence, persistence and severity
      will continue to guide efforts to alter the natural history of the disease. We
      have reviewed several promising strategies that are currently under
      investigation. Vitamin D supplementation and air pollution reduction have been
      shown to be effective strategies and warrant increased investigation and
      implementation.

PMID- 28079562
TI  - Can an age-adjusted D-dimer level be adopted in managing venous thromboembolism
      in the emergency department? A retrospective cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients suspected of having venous thromboembolism (VTE), with a
      low pretest probability, undergo D-dimer testing. A negative D-dimer, in a low
      risk patient rules out VTE with a high degree of certainty because of its high
      sensitivity. It is, however, a poorly specific test, and the absolute value
      increases with age. The aim of this study was to establish whether an age
      adjusted D-dimer could be safely used instead of a standard cut-off level in low
      risk patients over the age of 50 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a
      retrospective review of 1649 patients with suspected VTE whose D-dimer levels
      were analysed. In low-risk patients (defined as 'VTE unlikely' using the
      dichotomized Wells' scores), the outcomes in terms of confirmed VTE diagnosis,
      hospital admission and investigations using an age-adjusted D-dimer level
      (measured in D-dimer units) of 5* the age for patients over 50 years of age and
      250 ng/ml for patients younger than 50 years of age, was compared with the cut
      off standard level (230 ng/ml in all patients). RESULTS: Of the total group of
      patients in the VTE unlikely group, the proportion of patients with a negative D
      dimer when using the standard cut-off was 64.9% (859/1324). A further 130
      patients had a negative D-dimer when the age-adjusted cut-off was used,
      increasing the proportion of all patients in whom VTE could be excluded without
      imaging to 74.7% (989/1324).For those patients of 75 years or older, the
      proportion of patients in whom VTE could be excluded without imaging increased
      from only 91/242 (37.6%) when using the standard D-dimer cut-off to 154/242
      (63.6%) when the age-adjusted cut-off was used.These changes occurred without any
      additional false-negative findings. CONCLUSION: For patients over the age of 50
      years suspected of having VTE with a low pretest probability, increasing the D
      dimer cut-off level to 5* the age increases the proportion of patients in whom
      VTE can safely be excluded without radiological imaging.

PMID- 28079563
TI  - Cancer-related cognitive impairment.

PMID- 28079565
TI  - Anesthetics, the Ryanodine Receptors, and the Heart.

PMID- 28079564
TI  - An Anesthesiologist's Perspective on the History of Basic Airway Management: The
      "Artisanal Anesthetic" Era: 1846 to 1904.
AB  - This second installment of the history of basic airway management covers the
      early-artisanal-years of anesthesia from 1846 to 1904. Anesthesia was invented
      and practiced as a supporting specialty in the context of great surgical and
      medical advances. The current-day anesthesia provider tends to equate the history
      of airway management with the history of intubation, but for the first 58 yr
      after the introduction of ether anesthesia, airway management was provided by
      basic airway techniques with or without the use of a face mask. The jaw thrust
      and chin lift were described in the artisanal years and used primarily with
      inhalation anesthesia in the spontaneously breathing patient and less often with
      negative-pressure ventilation in the apneic victim. Positive-pressure ventilation
      and intubation stayed at the fringes of medical practice, and airway techniques
      and devices were developed by trial and error. At the beginning of the 20th
      century, airway management and anesthetic techniques lagged behind surgical
      requirements.

PMID- 28079567
TI  - Cardiac Calcium Release Channel (Ryanodine Receptor 2) Regulation by Halogenated
      Anesthetics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Halogenated anesthetics activate cardiac ryanodine receptor 2
      mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca release, leading to sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
      depletion, reduced cardiac function, and providing cell protection against
      ischemia-reperfusion injury. Anesthetic activation of ryanodine receptor 2 is
      poorly defined, leaving aspects of the protective mechanism uncertain. METHODS:
      Ryanodine receptor 2 from the sheep heart was incorporated into artificial lipid
      bilayers, and their gating properties were measured in response to five
      halogenated anesthetics. RESULTS: Each anesthetic rapidly and reversibly
      activated ryanodine receptor 2, but only from the cytoplasmic side. Relative
      activation levels were as follows: halothane (approximately 4-fold; n = 8),
      desflurane and enflurane (approximately 3-fold,n = 9), and isoflurane and
      sevoflurane (approximately 1.5-fold, n = 7, 10). Half-activating concentrations
      (Ka) were in the range 1.3 to 2.1 mM (1.4 to 2.6 minimum alveolar concentration
      [MAC]) with the exception of isoflurane (5.3 mM, 6.6 minimum alveolar
      concentration). Dantrolene (10 MUM with 100 nM calmodulin) inhibited ryanodine
      receptor 2 by 40% but did not alter the Ka for halothane activation. Halothane
      potentiated luminal and cytoplasmic Ca activation of ryanodine receptor 2 but had
      no effect on Mg inhibition. Halothane activated ryanodine receptor 2 in the
      absence and presence (2 mM) of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Adenosine, a
      competitive antagonist to ATP activation of ryanodine receptor 2, did not
      antagonize halothane activation in the absence of ATP. CONCLUSIONS: At clinical
      concentrations (1 MAC), halothane desflurane and enflurane activated ryanodine
      receptor 2, whereas isoflurane and sevoflurane were ineffective. Dantrolene
      inhibition of ryanodine receptor 2 substantially negated the activating effects
      of anesthetics. Halothane acted independently of the adenine nucleotide-binding
      site on ryanodine receptor 2. The previously observed adenosine antagonism of
      halothane activation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca release was due to competition
      between adenosine and ATP, rather than between halothane and ATP.

PMID- 28079566
TI  - Retesting the Hypothesis of a Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial in a
      Simulation Environment to Validate Anesthesia Simulation in Error Research (the
      VASER Study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simulation has been used to investigate clinical questions in
      anesthesia, surgery, and related disciplines, but there are few data
      demonstrating that results apply to clinical settings. We asked "would results of
      a simulation-based study justify the same principal conclusions as those of a
      larger clinical study?" METHODS: We compared results from a randomized controlled
      trial in a simulated environment involving 80 cases at three centers with those
      from a randomized controlled trial in a clinical environment involving 1,075
      cases. In both studies, we compared conventional methods of anesthetic management
      with the use of a multimodal system (SAFERsleep; Safer Sleep LLC, Nashville,
      Tennessee) designed to reduce drug administration errors. Forty anesthesiologists
      each managed two simulated scenarios randomized to conventional methods or the
      new system. We compared the rate of error in drug administration or recording for
      the new system versus conventional methods in this simulated randomized
      controlled trial with that in the clinical randomized controlled trial (primary
      endpoint). Six experts were asked to indicate a clinically relevant effect size.
      RESULTS: In this simulated randomized controlled trial, mean (95% CI) rates of
      error per 100 administrations for the new system versus conventional groups were
      6.0 (3.8 to 8.3) versus 11.6 (9.3 to 13.8; P = 0.001) compared with 9.1 (6.9 to
      11.4) versus 11.6 (9.3 to 13.9) in the clinical randomized controlled trial (P =
      0.045). A 10 to 30% change was considered clinically relevant. The mean (95% CI)
      difference in effect size was 27.0% (-7.6 to 61.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      our simulated randomized controlled trial justified the same primary conclusion
      as those of our larger clinical randomized controlled trial, but not a finding of
      equivalence in effect size.

PMID- 28079568
TI  - Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Transperineal Ultrasound Findings in Women
      With High-Pressure Voiding After Midurethral Sling Placement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate dynamic two-dimensional (2D)
      and 3D transperineal pelvic ultrasound findings with urodynamic studies in women
      with lower urinary tract symptoms after midurethral sling placement. METHODS: On
      2D images, the sling position, and on 3D imaging the sling angle, urethral
      diameter, urethral height, and urethral cross sectional area were recorded with
      and without Valsalva. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on 2D
      imaging: group 1-at rest, the sling lies parallel to the urethral lumen, and
      during Valsalva, the sling becomes C shaped; group 2-both at rest and during
      Valsalva, the sling runs parallel to the urethral lumen; group 3-at rest, the
      sling is C shaped, and during Valsalva, this curved shape is maintained. For
      analytical purposes, G3 was compared with G1+2. Multiple logistic regressions
      were used to evaluate the association between transperineal pelvic ultrasound and
      urodynamic study. RESULTS: Univariate analyses to examine the relationships
      between high-pressure voiding, and each variable revealed that Valsalva sling
      angle, G3 versus G1+2, and sling position as percentage of the urethral length
      yielded significant findings (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, P value for
      each, respectively: 1.037, 1.001-1.074, 0.04; 11.67, 2.116-64.31, 0.004; and
      0.952, 0.911-0.994, 0.02). When including G3 versus G1+2, Valsalva sling angle,
      and percentage into the regression model, we concluded that there was only
      statistically significant association between groups and high-pressure voiding
      (odds ratio, 6.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-42.04; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS:
      Transperineal ultrasound can help to predict women with high-pressure voiding
      after midurethral sling and thus may aid in the diagnosis of partial bladder
      outlet obstruction.

PMID- 28079569
TI  - Standing Vs Supine; Does it Matter in Cough Stress Testing?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of cough stress
      test in the standing versus supine position in the evaluation of incontinent
      females. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of women with
      the chief complaint of urinary incontinence (UI) undergoing a provocative cough
      stress test (CST). Subjects underwent both a standing and a supine CST. Testing
      order was randomized via block randomization. Cough stress test was performed in
      a standard method via backfill of 200 mL or until the subject described strong
      urge. The subjects were asked to cough, and the physician documented urine
      leakage by direct observation. The gold standard for stress UI diagnosis was a
      positive CST in either position. RESULTS: Sixty subjects were enrolled, 38 (63%)
      tested positive on any CST, with 38 (63%) positive on standing compared with 29
      (28%) positive on supine testing. Nine women (15%) had positive standing and
      negative supine testing. No subjects had negative standing with positive supine
      testing. There were no significant differences in positive tests between the 2
      randomized groups (standing first and supine second vs. supine first and standing
      second). When compared with the gold standard of any positive provocative stress
      test, the supine CST has a sensitivity of 76%, whereas the standing CST has a
      sensitivity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The standing CST is more sensitive than the
      supine CST and should be performed in any patient with a complaint of UI and
      negative supine CST. The order of testing either supine or standing first does
      not affect the results.

PMID- 28079570
TI  - Incidental Gallbladder Cancer Visualized From Posttreatment 131I Whole-Body Scan:
      Reply.

PMID- 28079571
TI  - Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension With Site of Leak Detected Only After 111In
      DTPA Cisternogram.
AB  - A 54-year-old man with a 3-week history of orthostatic headache and acute on
      chronic subdural hematoma presented with imaging findings suggestive of
      spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Three myelograms were negative for leak,
      and nontargeted epidural blood patches did not result in symptom relief. A
      cerebrospinal fluid leak study using In-DTPA with SPECT/CT demonstrated a focal
      area of asymmetric activity at the left C2 nerve root. A left C2 root tie-off,
      targeted epidural blood patch, and Dura seal glue resulted in resolution of
      patient symptomatology highlighting the importance of fused SPECT/CT images in
      detection of an occult cerebral spinal fluid leak.

PMID- 28079572
TI  - Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure
      (COPE): A Pilot Study in Alcohol-dependent Women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders are
      highly comorbid. Effective treatments are largely lacking. This pilot study
      evaluated the safety and feasibility of a novel intervention, Concurrent
      Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE), in
      preparation for a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Twenty-two treatment
      seeking women with current DSM-IV-TR PTSD and alcohol dependence (AD) were
      recruited. Participants received COPE. Safety and feasibility were evaluated, as
      were efficacy-related outcomes: PTSD and depression symptom severity, alcohol
      use, craving, and dependence severity. RESULTS: No adverse events occurred. COPE
      was implemented in routine clinical practice. Among the assessed women, 95.8%
      were eligible to participate. Treatment attendance and completion were higher
      than in previous studies. Post treatment, all efficacy-related outcomes,
      including PTSD and depression symptom severity, alcohol use, craving, and
      dependence severity, were significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: COPE was safe and
      feasible to use. Concerns that trauma-focused, exposure-based therapy might
      promote relapse in this population appear unwarranted. Our findings provide
      initial evidence suggestive of COPE efficacy for comorbid PTSD and AD in women.
      These results provide a strong rationale for investigating the efficacy of COPE
      for comorbid PTSD and AD in women in a randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 28079573
TI  - Medically Assisted Withdrawal (Detoxification): Considering the Mother-Infant
      Dyad.
AB  - Recommendations for opioid agonist pharmacotherapy and against medically assisted
      withdrawal were based upon early reports that associated withdrawal with maternal
      relapse and fetal demise. Data from recent case series have called these
      recommendations into question. Although these data do not support an association
      between medically assisted withdrawal and fetal demise, relapse remains a
      significant clinical concern with reported rates ranging from 17% to 96% (average
      48%). Given the high loss to follow-up in these studies, the actual relapse rate
      is likely even greater. Furthermore, while medically assisted withdrawal is being
      proposed as a public health strategy to reduce neonatal abstinence syndrome
      (NAS), current data do not support a reduction in NAS with medically assisted
      withdrawal relative to opioid agonist pharmacotherapy. Overall, the data do not
      support either benefit of medically assisted withdrawal or equivalence to opioid
      agonist pharmacotherapy for the maternal-newborn dyad. Medically assisted
      withdrawal increases the risk of maternal relapse and poor treatment engagement
      and does not improve newborn health. Treatment of chronic maternal disease,
      including opioid agonist disorder, should be directed toward optimal long-term
      outcome.

PMID- 28079574
TI  - Prognostic Impact of MUM1/IRF4 Expression in Burkitt Lymphoma (BL): A Reappraisal
      of 88 BL Patients in Japan.
AB  - MUM1/IRF4 expression is detected in 18% to 41% of Burkitt lymphoma (BL). However,
      only a few studies of MUM1-positive (MUM1) BL have been reported, and its
      characteristics still remain controversial. To highlight the features of MUM1 BL,
      we compared the clinicopathologic characteristics of 37 cases of MUM1 and 51
      cases of MUM1-negative (MUM1) BL in Japan. Compared with MUM1 BL, patients with
      MUM1 BL showed significantly younger onset (P=0.0062) and a higher ratio of
      females (P=0.013). We have also revealed the difference in the involved sites.
      The MUM1 group showed lower incidences of involvement of stomach (P=0.012) and
      tonsil (P=0.069). There was a more tendency in MUM1 group to involve colon
      (P=0.072), breast (P=0.073), and kidney (P=0.073). Regarding the prognosis, a
      trend toward a lower overall survival for MUM1 group was noted (P=0.089).
      Notably, comparing MUM1 and MUM1 BL cases of adults (age16 y old and above), the
      former showed significantly worse prognosis (P=0.041). Among the BL patients
      treated with the intensive chemotherapy, a standard therapy for BL, MUM1 cases
      showed worse prognosis (P=0.056). In conclusion, MUM1 BL showed worse prognosis,
      particularly in adult cases, compared with MUM1 BL. In addition, the difference
      of the onset age, sex ratio, and involved sites between the 2 groups was noted.
      Our results demonstrate that MUM1 expression might predict worse prognosis of BL,
      and MUM1 BL should be distinguished from MUM1 BL.

PMID- 28079575
TI  - Cystic Biliary Atresia and Choledochal Cysts Are Distinct Histopathologic
      Entities.
AB  - Cystic biliary atresia (CBA), a rare cystic expansion of atretic extrahepatic
      bile ducts in young infants, overlaps in age at presentation and imaging features
      with early choledochal cysts (CC). Treatment and prognosis differ; histologic
      differences are unsettled. We compared 10 patients with CBA, 1975 to 2015, to an
      age-similar cohort of 13 infants, and to older patients who had surgery for CC.
      Operative details, imaging, and clinical courses were correlated to pathologic
      specimens. Immunostains for smooth muscle actin and myosin heavy chain were used
      to evaluate cyst walls and atretic segments. CBA cysts typically lacked
      epithelium and inflammation; cyst walls had an inner, dense cicatricial layer
      associated with myofibroblastic (MF) hyperplasia that often delaminated producing
      a grossly visible inner cyst wall. Seven proximal biliary remnants in CBA
      featured circumferential peribiliary MF hyperplasia/fibrosis with little or no
      inflammation, similar to isolated BA. Extrahepatic atresia was usually both
      proximal and distal to the cyst. Features in 10/13 CC from infants and 8/8 CC in
      older patients had mostly preserved uninjured epithelium and no subepithelial
      cicatrix. Mural smooth muscle (absent in CBA) was present to some extent in CC at
      all ages. Unexpectedly, focal MF hyperplasia and laminar sclerosis was present in
      a few CC in infants, resembling CBA. CBA and infant CC are distinct histologic
      entities that occasionally overlap. CBA bile duct injury mimics non-CBA.
      Cystification is an aberrant manifestation of stromal proliferation in BA. The
      current management approach assuming CBA and CC in infants are 2 separate disease
      processes is supported but caution is advised.

PMID- 28079576
TI  - Mixed Gangliocytoma-Pituitary Adenoma: Insights on the Pathogenesis of a Rare
      Sellar Tumor.
AB  - Gangliocytomas originating in the sellar region are rare; most are tumors
      composed of gangliocytic and pituitary adenomatous elements, forming the so
      called mixed gangliocytoma-pituitary adenoma. The majority of mixed gangliocytoma
      adenomas are associated with endocrinopathies, mainly acromegaly and less often
      Cushing disease and hyperprolactinemia. In the present study, 10 cases of mixed
      gangliocytoma and somatotroph adenomas were evaluated for patterns of cellular
      differentiation and expression of lineage-specific transcription factors. The
      tumors were characterized by immunohistochemistry for pituitary hormones,
      cytokeratins, Pit-1, and the neuronal markers NeuN, neurofilaments (NFP), and
      MAP2. Double-labeling immunohistochemistry for Pit-1/GH, Pit-1/NFP, Pit-1/MAP2,
      and NeuN/GH was performed in 9/10 tumors. Our data demonstrate that both
      adenomatous and ganglionic cells express the acidophilic lineage transcription
      factor Pit-1. Although mixed gangliocytomas and somatotroph adenomas show
      histologically distinct cellular populations, there is at least a small
      population of cells that coexpress the Pit-1 transcription factor and neuronal
      associated cytoskeletal proteins favoring the theory of transdifferentiation of
      neuroendocrine cells into neuronal elements of these mixed tumors.

PMID- 28079578
TI  - The Liability of a Glowing Reference.

PMID- 28079577
TI  - Transdifferentiation of Neuroendocrine Cells: Gangliocytoma Associated With Two
      Pituitary Adenomas of Different Lineage in MEN1.
AB  - Gangliocytomas are rare and benign neuronal cell tumors, mostly found in the
      hypothalamic and sellar regions. Their histogenesis is still the subject of
      discussions. Herein we present a unique case of a pituitary gangliocytoma
      associated with a prolactinoma and a corticotroph adenoma in a patient affected
      by MEN1. The histologic study revealed shared features between adenomatous and
      neuronal cells, supporting the etiological hypothesis of a common origin or a
      phenomenon of transdifferentiation. Furthermore, gangliocytoma could be a new
      tumor related to MEN1. The clinical and histologic observations are discussed and
      the literature on the topic is reviewed.

PMID- 28079579
TI  - Detailed 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Evaluation of the Aortic
      Root and Aortic Valve in Complex Type A Dissections.

PMID- 28079580
TI  - A Predictive Model for Extended Postanesthesia Care Unit Length of Stay in
      Outpatient Surgeries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A predictive model that can identify patients who are at an increased
      risk for prolonged postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay could help optimize
      resource utilization and case sequencing. Although previous studies identified
      some predictors, there is not a model that only utilizes various patients
      demographic and comorbidities, that are already known preoperatively, and that
      may affect PACU length of stay for outpatient procedures requiring the care of an
      anesthesiologist. METHODS: We collected data from 4151 patients at a single
      institution from 2014 to 2015. The data set was split into a training set (cases
      before 2015) and a test set (cases during 2015). Bootstrap samples were chosen (R
      = 1000 replicates) and a logistic regression model was built on the samples using
      a combined method of forward selection and backward elimination based on the
      Akaike Information Criterion. The trained model was applied to the test set.
      Model performance was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) Curve (AUC) for discrimination and the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL)
      test for goodness-of-fit. RESULTS: The final model had 5 predictor variables for
      prolonged PACU length of stay, which included the following: morbid obesity,
      hypertension, surgical specialty, primary anesthesia type, and scheduled case
      duration. The model had an AUC value of 0.754 (95% confidence interval 0.733
      0.774) on the training set and 0.722 (95% confidence interval 0.698-0.747) on the
      test set, with no difference between the 2 ROC curves (P = .06). The model had
      good calibration for the data in both the training and test data set indicated by
      nonsignificant P values from the HL test (P = .211 and .719 for the training and
      test set, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a predictive model with
      excellent discrimination and goodness-of-fit that can help identify those at
      higher odds for extended PACU length of stay. This information may help optimize
      case-sequencing methodologies.

PMID- 28079581
TI  - Assessing the Impact of the Anesthesia Medication Template on Medication Errors
      During Anesthesia: A Prospective Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication errors continue to be a significant source of patient harm
      in the operating room with few concrete countermeasures. The organization and
      identification of medication syringes may have an impact on the commission of
      medication errors in anesthesia, so a team of physicians and designers at the
      University of Washington created the Anesthesia Medication Template (AMT) to
      define a formal way of organizing the anesthesia workspace. The purpose of this
      study is to assess the ability of the AMT to reduce perioperative medication
      errors by anesthesia providers. METHODS: This study evaluated the AMT in 2
      phases: (1) 41 anesthesia providers administered medications in 2 prospective,
      randomized operating room simulations with or without the AMT, while medication
      errors were directly observed; and (2) around 200 providers prospectively self
      reported medication errors from all anesthetizing locations during a 2-year
      period at Seattle Children's Hospital, an academic, pediatric medical center.
      RESULTS: In simulated emergencies, the odds of medication dosing errors using the
      AMT were 0.21 times the odds of medication dosing errors without AMT (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.07, 0.66), controlling for scenario, session,
      training level, and years at training level. During the year after implementation
      of the AMT, the mean monthly error rate for all reported medication errors that
      reached patients decreased from 1.24 (95% CI, 0.85-1.79) to 0.65 (95% CI, 0.39
      1.09) errors per 1000 anesthetics. The mean monthly error rate of reported swap,
      preparation, miscalculation, and timing errors decreased from 0.97 (95% CI, 0.64
      1.48) to 0.35 (95% CI, 0.17-0.70) errors per 1000 anesthetics. Medication errors
      that resulted in patient harm did not change after implementation of the AMT.
      CONCLUSIONS: Standardizing medication organization with the AMT is an intuitive,
      low-cost strategy with the potential to improve patient safety through reducing
      medication errors by anesthesia providers.

PMID- 28079582
TI  - Landmark-Guided and Ultrasound-Guided Approaches for Trochanteric Bursa
      Injection: A Cadaveric Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trochanteric bursa (TB) injection with local anesthetic and
      corticosteroid is a treatment for patients suffering from greater trochanteric
      pain syndrome. Both landmark (LM)-guided and ultrasound (US)-guided methods have
      been used, but their accuracies have not been determined. This study examined the
      accuracy of these injections with cadaveric dissection. METHODS: Twenty-four hip
      specimens were randomized to receive TB injections with methylene blue under
      either LM-guided or US-guided approach. After dissection, the locations of the
      dye were classified into 3 categories: intrabursal, extrabursal, or combined
      intrabursal and extrabursal. The presence of dye in the intrabursal space with or
      without extrabursal leak was considered a successful injection. Accuracy was
      defined as the percentage of successful injection. RESULTS: The accuracies of the
      LM-guided and US-guided injection were 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.35-0.90)
      and 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.62-1.00), respectively, with no significant
      difference. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first cadaveric study examining the accuracy
      of both the US-guided and LM-guided techniques for TB injection. Future clinical
      studies are required to compare the outcomes of LM-guided and US-guided greater
      trochanteric pain syndrome injection.

PMID- 28079583
TI  - Induction.

PMID- 28079584
TI  - The Development and Implementation of Cognitive Aids for Critical Events in
      Pediatric Anesthesia: The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia Critical Events
      Checklists.
AB  - Cognitive aids such as checklists are commonly used in modern operating rooms for
      routine processes, and the use of such aids may be even more important during
      critical events. The Quality and Safety Committee of the Society for Pediatric
      Anesthesia (SPA) has developed a set of critical-event checklists and cognitive
      aids designed for 3 purposes: (1) as a repository of the latest evidence-based
      and expert opinion-based information to guide response and management of critical
      events, (2) as a source of just-in-time information during critical events, and
      (3) as a method to facilitate a shared understanding of required actions among
      team members during a critical event. Committee members, who represented
      children's hospitals from across the nation, used the recent literature and
      established guidelines (where available) and incorporated the expertise of
      colleagues at their institutions to develop these checklists, which included
      relevant factors to consider and steps to take in response to critical events.
      Human factors principles were incorporated to enhance checklist usability,
      facilitate error-free accomplishment, and ensure a common approach to checklist
      layout, formatting, structure, and design.The checklists were made available in
      multiple formats: a PDF version for easy printing, a mobile application, and at
      some institutions, a Web-based application using the anesthesia information
      management system. After the checklists were created, training commenced, and
      plans for validation were begun. User training is essential for successful
      implementation and should ideally include explanation of the organization of the
      checklists; familiarization of users with the layout, structure, and formatting
      of the checklists; coaching in how to use the checklists in a team environment;
      reviewing of the items; and simulation of checklist use. Because of the rare and
      unpredictable nature of critical events, clinical trials that use crisis
      checklists are difficult to conduct; however, recent and future simulation
      studies with adult checklists provide a promising avenue for future validation of
      the SPA checklists. This article will review the developmental steps in producing
      the SPA crisis checklists, including creation of content, incorporation of human
      factors elements, and validation in simulation. Critical-events checklists have
      the potential to improve patient care during emergency events, and it is hoped
      that incorporating the elements presented in this article will aid in successful
      implementation of these essential cognitive aids.

PMID- 28079587
TI  - Review of the Alternatives to Epidural Blood Patch for Treatment of Postdural
      Puncture Headache in the Parturient.
AB  - Labor neuraxial anesthesia is commonly used in the parturient, and postdural
      puncture headache is the most common complication of the technique. Although
      epidural blood patch is the best treatment, there are some patients in whom this
      treatment is refused or contraindicated. The goal of this article is to review
      the efficacy of the most studied alternate modalities to treat postdural puncture
      headache. This will include a discussion of the various oral or intravenous
      therapies and the non-blood-containing epidural injections. Last, the evidence
      behind interventional pain modalities and acupuncture will be examined.

PMID- 28079588
TI  - The Cricoid Force Necessary to Occlude the Esophageal Entrance: Is There a Gender
      Difference?
AB  - BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis whether gender differences exist in the
      applied cricoid force necessary to prevent regurgitation. Real-time visual and
      dynamic means were used to assess the effectiveness of different applied cricoid
      forces in occluding the esophageal entrance in men (group 1) and in women (group
      2). METHODS: In anesthetized and paralyzed patients, the glottis and esophageal
      entrance were visualized with a Glidescope video laryngoscope. Trained operators
      performed cricoid pressure (CP) and gastric tube insertion trials. Successful
      gastric tube insertion in the presence of CP was considered ineffective CP,
      whereas unsuccessful insertion was considered effective CP. The applied cricoid
      forces were measured with a novel instrument, the cricometer. The first patient
      in each group received 20 N. The applied cricoid force in successive patients was
      determined by the response of the previous patient within the same group, using
      the up-and-down sequential allocation technique. RESULTS: In the 30 men and 30
      women who qualified for the study, the median cricoid force (cricoid force = 50)
      that occluded the esophageal entrance was 30.8 N (95% confidence interval = 28.15
      33.5) in men, and 18.7 N in women (95% confidence interval = 17.1-20.3; P <
      .0001). Patency of the esophageal entrance was observed when CP was not applied
      and when inadequate forces that allowed successful esophageal cannulation were
      used. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides evidence that the median force
      necessary to occlude the esophageal entrance to prevent regurgitation is less in
      women compared with men. Applying the appropriate cricoid force in women should
      also decrease airway-related problems that tend to occur with the use of
      excessive forces. The findings of the current study may only be applicable to
      patients with normal body habitus.

PMID- 28079589
TI  - In Vogue: Ketamine for Neuroprotection in Acute Neurologic Injury.
AB  - Neurologic deterioration following acute injury to the central nervous system may
      be amenable to pharmacologic intervention, although, to date, no such therapy
      exists. Ketamine is an anesthetic and analgesic emerging as a novel therapy for a
      number of clinical entities in recent years, including refractory pain,
      depression, and drug-induced hyperalgesia due to newly discovered mechanisms of
      action and new application of its known pharmacodynamics. In this focused review,
      the evidence for ketamine as a neuroprotective agent in stroke, neurotrauma,
      subarachnoid hemorrhage, and status epilepticus is highlighted, with a focus on
      its applications for excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and neuronal
      hyperexcitability. Preclinical modeling and clinical applications are discussed.

PMID- 28079590
TI  - The Evaluation of Corneal Fragility After UVA/Riboflavin Crosslinking.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the fragility of cornea after UVA/riboflavin crosslinking
      (CXL). METHODS: Sixty New Zealand rabbits received UVA/riboflavin crosslinking
      treatment (wavelength 365 nm, irradiance 3.0 mW/cm, and total dose 5.4 J/cm) on
      right eyes. Animals were sacrificed before and immediately after treatment (day
      0), day 1, 3, 7, and 28 after treatment. A 4*10 mm corneal strip for
      biomechanical evaluation was harvested after sacrifice. The corneal fragility was
      evaluated by measurement of elongation rate, whereby the elongation rate equals
      elongation length/baseline length. RESULTS: The Youngs modulus and maximal stress
      were 1.41+/-0.51 MPa and 5.56+/-1.84 MPa before CXL, and increased to 2.31+/-0.68
      MPa (P=0.008) and 9.25+/-2.74 MPa (P=0.04), respectively, on day 0, then
      maintained a stable level within a 28 days follow-up. The elongation rate was
      62.04+/-9.34% before CXL and decreased to 48.95%+/-8.24% (P=0.02) on day 0, then
      maintained a stable level within a 28 days follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      showed an increase in the corneal fragility after UVA/riboflavin crosslinking
      along with an increase in the corneal stiffness. A long-term follow-up should be
      taken to evaluate the potential deleterious effect of the increasing corneal
      fragility after UVA/riboflavin crosslinking.

PMID- 28079591
TI  - Point-of-care diagnostics: extending the laboratory network to reach the last
      mile.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: More point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests are becoming
      available for HIV diagnosis and treatment in resource-limited settings. These
      novel technologies have the potential to foster decentralized HIV care and
      treatment for the benefit of clinical laboratories, HIV clinics, and HIV-infected
      patients. There continue to be many business, technological, and operational
      challenges that limit product development and regulatory approval, which limits
      products available for the required operational and cost-effectiveness studies
      and delays policy adoption and implementation. RECENT FINDINGS: Although the
      rapid HIV diagnostic test has been widely successful, the pathways for POC CD4
      cell count and HIV viral load assay analyzers have been more challenging. We
      describe significant hurdles for product development, approval, and
      implementation, which include the business case, technical development, clinical
      impact, and integrating laboratory and clinical networks. SUMMARY: The objective
      of this review is to highlight the obstacles for developing and implementing
      appropriate strategies for POC HIV testing assays to improve the clinical
      services for HIV-infected patients in resource-limited settings.

PMID- 28079592
TI  - Implementation science: the laboratory as a command centre.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent advances in point-of-care technologies to ensure
      universal access to affordable quality-assured diagnostics have the potential to
      transform patient management, surveillance programmes, and control of infectious
      diseases. Decentralization of testing can put tremendous stresses on fragile
      health systems if the laboratory is not involved in the planning, introduction,
      and scale-up strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: The impact of investments in novel
      technologies can only be realized if these tests are evaluated, adopted, and
      scaled up within the healthcare system with appropriate planning and
      understanding of the local contexts in which these technologies will be used.
      SUMMARY: In this digital age, the laboratory needs to take on the role of the
      Command Centre for technology introduction and implementation. Implementation
      science is needed to understand the political, cultural, economic, and
      behavioural context for technology introduction. The new paradigm should include:
      building a comprehensive system of laboratories and point-of-care testing sites
      to provide quality-assured diagnostic services with good laboratory-clinic
      interface to build trust in test results and linkage to care; building and
      coordinating a comprehensive national surveillance and communication system for
      disease control and global health emergencies; conducting research to monitor the
      impact of new tools and interventions on improving patient care.

PMID- 28079593
TI  - Improving the clinic-laboratory-interface in the context of HIV diagnosis,
      treatment, and monitoring.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Laboratory support is central to clinical medicine. The
      present review focuses on the health systems strengthening needs of the clinic
      laboratory-interface (CLI) in developing countries within the context of HIV
      diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. RECENT FINDINGS: Although significant
      improvements have been made in reducing error rates in the analytical phase of
      pathology services within laboratories, there remain substantial deficits in both
      the preanalytic and postanalytic phases of the entire value chain that require
      strengthening. Recent interventions have largely aimed at improving the CLI focus
      through technological advancements. Although these are important, addressing CLI
      deficiencies within the context of the World Health Organization's health systems
      strengthening building blocks has been relatively neglected, and data are very
      limited in resource-limited countries. Broad health systems strengthening in the
      CLI is required. The present study reviews the key elements of the CLI associated
      with poor laboratory functioning, and proposes specific areas for improvement.
      The present study discuss case studies in South Africa and India, as well as
      reviewing data supporting interventions in public health clinics to improve the
      CLI. SUMMARY: The CLI is a neglected area of the laboratory value chain. Reducing
      errors and increasing efficiencies will improve the laboratory service to
      patients.

PMID- 28079594
TI  - Impact of Concurrent Medication Use on Pancreatic Cancer Survival-SEER-Medicare
      Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Preclinical studies have suggested that non-antineoplastic medication
      use may impact pancreatic cancer biology. We examined the association of several
      medication classes on pancreatic cancer survival in a large medical claims
      database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histologically confirmed pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 2006 and 2009 were analyzed from the
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database with available part
      D data. Drug use was defined as having 2 prescriptions filled within 12 months of
      pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The following medication classes/combinations were
      analyzed: beta-blocker, statin, insulin, metformin, thiazolidinedione, warfarin,
      heparin, beta-blocker/statin, metformin/statin, and beta-blocker/metformin.
      Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for age, sex, race, stage
      at diagnosis, site of cancer, and Charlson comorbidity index were constructed to
      test the association between medication classes and overall survival. RESULTS: A
      total of 13,702 patients were included in the study; median age 76 years, 42.5%
      males, 77.1% white. The most common anatomic site and stage at diagnosis were
      head of the pancreas (49.9%) and stage 4 (49.6%), respectively. Ninety-four
      percent of patients died in the follow-up period (median overall survival 5.3
      mo). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that use of beta-blockers,
      heparin, insulin, and warfarin were significantly associated with improved
      survival (P<0.05 for each one), whereas metformin, thiazolidinedione, statin, and
      combination therapies were not. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, use of beta-blockers,
      heparin, insulin, and warfarin were associated with improved survival in patients
      with pancreatic cancer. Additional studies are needed to validate these findings
      in the clinical setting.

PMID- 28079595
TI  - Acetylated cyclophilin A is a major mediator in hypoxia-induced autophagy and
      pulmonary vascular angiogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autophagy is a major intracellular degradation and recycling process
      that maintains cellular homeostasis, which is involved in structural and
      functional abnormalities of pulmonary vasculature in hypoxic pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (HPAH). Cyclophilin A (CyPA) is a secreted, oxidative stress-induced
      factor. Its role in inducing autophagy and augmenting endothelial cell
      dysfunction has never been explored. METHODS: Lungs from rats exposed to chronic
      hypoxia were examined for autophagy with electron microscopy, western blotting,
      and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Activated autophagy was seen in the
      endothelium of the pulmonary artery from experimental rat models of HPAH and
      cultured bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells under hypoxia. Inhibiting
      autophagy attenuated the pathological progression of HPAH and repressed
      endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. We also showed that CyPA was
      upregulated and acetylated under hypoxia and led to the abnormal occurrence of
      autophagy through its interaction with autophagy protein 5 and autophagy protein
      7. Moreover, acetylated CyPA was essential for the excessive proliferation,
      migration, and tube formation networks of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells.
      CONCLUSION: Our results indicate the crucial role of acetylated CyPA in the
      abnormal occurrence of autophagy and subsequent pulmonary vascular angiogenesis.

PMID- 28079596
TI  - Statistical analysis as a cause of white-coat hypertension.

PMID- 28079597
TI  - Histologic Findings of Severe/Therapy-Resistant Asthma From Video-assisted
      Thoracoscopic Surgery Biopsies.
AB  - The histologic changes occurring in severe/therapy-resistant asthma (SA) as
      defined by the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guidelines,
      particularly at the level of the distal airways are unknown. This study describes
      the clinical, radiologic, and histologic characteristics of 29 SA patients who
      underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lung biopsy. Pathologic
      observations were correlated with clinical features, especially the presence of
      autoimmune disease (AID) (15/29, 51.7%). Ten biopsies (10/29, 34.5%) showed only
      small airway manifestations of asthma, whereas in 19 (65.5%) asthmatic
      granulomatosis, manifested by asthmatic bronchiolitis supplemented by an alveolar
      septal mononuclear infiltrates with non-necrotizing granulomas, was present. SA
      patients without asthmatic granulomatosis showed more striking small airway
      injury, subbasement membrane thickening, and neutrophilic infiltrates. Cases with
      concurrent AID had a tendency to more parenchymal eosinophilic inflammation, more
      bronchiolocentric granulomas, and a suggestion of increased responsivity to
      nonsteroidal immunosuppressive therapy. Histologic examination of video-assisted
      thoracoscopic surgery lung biopsies in SA demonstrates diverse pathologies
      including cases associated with granulomatous inflammation in addition to
      eosinophilic infiltrates. This spectrum of histologies may link to a high
      incidence of AID.

PMID- 28079598
TI  - Interobserver Agreement in Endometrial Carcinoma Histotype Diagnosis Varies
      Depending on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-based Molecular Subgroup.
AB  - The Cancer Genome Atlas recently identified a genomic-based molecular
      classification of endometrial carcinomas, with 4 molecular categories: (1)
      ultramutated (polymerase epsilon [POLE] mutated), (2) hypermutated
      (microsatellite instability), (3) copy number abnormalities-low, and (4) copy
      number abnormalities-high. Two studies have since proposed models to classify
      endometrial carcinomas into 4 molecular subgroups, modeled after The Cancer
      Genome Atlas, using simplified and more clinically applicable surrogate
      methodologies. In our study, 151 endometrial carcinomas were molecularly
      categorized using sequencing for the exonuclease domain mutations (EDM) of POLE,
      and immunohistochemistry for p53 and mismatch repair (MMR) proteins. This
      separated cases into 1 of 4 groups: (1) POLE EDM, (2) MMR-D, (3) p53 wildtype
      (p53 wt), or (4) p53 abnormal (p53 abn). Seven gynecologic pathologists were
      asked to assign each case to one of the following categories: grade 1 to 2
      endometrioid carcinoma (EC), grade 3 EC, mucinous, serous carcinoma (SC), clear
      cell, dedifferentiated, carcinosarcoma, mixed, and other. Consensus diagnosis
      among all 7 pathologists was highest in the p53 wt group (37/41, 90%), lowest in
      the p53 abn group (14/36, 39%), and intermediate in the POLE EDM (22/34, 65%) and
      MMR-D groups (23/40, 58%). Although the majority of p53 wt endometrial carcinomas
      are grade 1 to 2 EC (sensitivity: 90%), fewer than half of grade 1 to 2 EC fell
      into the p53 wt category (positive predictive value: 42%). Pure SC almost always
      resided in the p53 abn group (positive predictive value: 96%), but it was
      insensitive as a marker of p53 abn (sensitivity 64%) and the reproducibility of
      diagnosing SC was suboptimal. The limitations in the precise histologic
      classification of endometrial carcinomas highlights the importance of an
      ancillary molecular-based classification scheme.

PMID- 28079599
TI  - Steatohepatitis-like Changes in Focal Nodular Hyperplasia, A Finding to
      Distinguish From Steatohepatitic Variant of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Steatohepatitis-like change has not been described in focal nodular hyperplasia
      (FNH). Steatohepatitis-like change in FNH may show overlapping features with
      steatohepatitic variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This problem can be
      compounded if seen in FNH with widened cell plates or hepatocyte rosettes, other
      features that can also be seen in HCC. This study examined steatotic FNHs for the
      frequency of steatohepatitis-like change, especially in the setting of FNH with
      rosettes and/or widened cell plates. Thirty-three resection specimens of
      steatotic FNH from 3 institutions were evaluated for degree of steatosis,
      background liver steatosis, ductular reaction, and lymphocytic infiltrate, as
      well as presence of thick fibrous bands, thick-walled vessels, ballooned
      hepatocytes, Mallory-Denk bodies, dilated sinusoids, hepatocyte rosettes, and
      thick hepatic plates. Steatosis was distributed along fibrous septa as well as
      diffusely throughout the FNH. Steatohepatitis-like changes were focally present
      in 54% (18 cases). Thick plates>3 cells were focally found in 14 cases (42%);
      rosettes were common (70%). All cases showed at least 2 of the histologic
      features highly suggestive for the diagnosis of FNH such as thick bands of
      fibrosis, thick-walled vessels and/or ductular reaction and the typical map-like
      pattern of glutamine synthetase immunostaining. More than half of fatty FNH
      examined for this study had features of at least focal steatohepatitis-like
      changes. This finding should not be confused with steatohepatitic variant of HCC.
      Common typical features of FNH including thick-walled vessels, ductular reaction
      and thick fibrous bands are helpful for discrimination of FNH from HCC.

PMID- 28079600
TI  - Acute administration of cyclosporine A does not impair attention or memory
      performance in healthy men.
AB  - There is clinical and experimental evidence that treatment with immunosuppressive
      and antiproliferative drugs such as the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A
      (CsA) is associated with mental health problems and neuropsychological
      disturbances in patients. However, it remains unclear whether and to what extent
      cognitive functions such as memory and attention processes are affected by the
      pharmacological treatment. This is partly because of the fact that it is
      difficult to refer the observed neuropsychological disturbances in patients to
      the drug itself, to drug-induced immune suppression, or to interaction with other
      medication or comorbidities. Thus, in a double-blind study with healthy male
      participants (n=30), we investigated whether short-term intake of therapeutic
      doses of CsA (4*2.5 mg/kg) affects attention, working memory performance, and
      anxiety levels, measured with the Tests of Attentional Performance and the State
      Trait Anxiety Inventory. The data indicate that short-term CsA-administration and
      subsequent suppression in interleukin-2 production are accompanied neither by a
      decrease in attention or memory performance nor by increased anxiety levels in
      healthy male volunteers, suggesting that the short-term intake of CsA does not
      impair cognitive functioning. Further studies in healthy humans are needed to
      determine neurocognitive functions and mood states after short-term or subchronic
      treatment with different immunosuppressive and antiproliferative drugs.

PMID- 28079601
TI  - Infliximab Optimization Based on Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Pediatric
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infliximab (IFX) is an effective treatment for the management of
      moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Low-serum IFX levels are
      associated with the development of antibodies to IFX (ATI), which subsequently
      associated with clinical relapse and increased morbidity. The primary purpose of
      this study is to examine the relation between dose and interval to IFX level.
      Secondary goal is to evaluate the relation between IFX level and ATI in a
      pediatric IBD population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of
      all children diagnosed with IBD and treated with IFX at a tertiary care pediatric
      IBD center. We performed our analysis based on prescribed dosing intervals and
      rounded dose up to 5 or 10 mg/kg as indicated in clinical practice. RESULTS: Our
      study included 278 samples from 129 children on IFX. ATI were detected in 37
      samples (13.3%). Low IFX levels (<3 MUg/mL) were detected in 37.2% of children
      receiving IFX. Samples with ATI present had significantly lower levels of IFX
      than samples in which ATI were not present. For the dose 5 mg/kg, Q6 dosing had
      significantly higher IFX levels than Q8 dosing (P = 0.009). Higher IFX levels
      were seen with interval shortening rather than dose escalation. CONCLUSIONS: We
      demonstrate that low IFX levels are associated with development of immunogenicity
      to IFX as measured by ATI. We demonstrate that interval shortening rather than
      dose escalation results in higher IFX levels. We suggest that given the high
      number of IFX levels below 3 MUg/mL in patients, early IFX level evaluation or
      primary initiation of Q6 week dosing be considered.

PMID- 28079603
TI  - Genital use of talc and risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Some epidemiological studies suggest an association between genital use of talc
      powders and increased risk of ovarian cancer, but the evidence is not consistent.
      We performed a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies to formally evaluate this
      suspected association. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and
      Scopus, leading to the identification of 24 case-control studies and three cohort
      studies. In the meta-analysis, we used a random-effect model to calculate summary
      estimates of the association between genital use of talc and occurrence of
      ovarian cancer. We assessed potential sources of between-study heterogeneity and
      presence of publication bias. The summary relative risk (RR) for ever use of
      genital talc and ovarian cancer was 1.22 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13
      1.30]. The RR for case-control studies was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.17-1.35) and for
      cohort studies was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.85-1.20, Pheterogeneity=0.007). Serous
      carcinoma was the only histologic type for which an association was detected (RR:
      1.24; 95% CI: 1.15-1.34). There was a weak trend in RR with duration and
      frequency of genital talc use. This meta-analysis resulted in a weak but
      statistically significant association between genital use of talc and ovarian
      cancer, which appears to be limited to serous carcinoma with suggestion of dose
      response. The heterogeneity of results by study design however, detracts from a
      causal interpretation of this association.

PMID- 28079604
TI  - Prior Use of Calcium Channel Blockers Is Associated With Decreased Mortality in
      Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis: A Prospective Observational Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Experimental studies suggest that calcium channel blockers can
      improve sepsis outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the association
      between prior use of calcium channel blockers and the outcome of patients
      admitted to the ICU with sepsis. DESIGN: A prospective observational study.
      SETTING: The ICUs of two tertiary care hospitals in the Netherlands. PATIENTS: In
      total, 1,060 consecutive patients admitted with sepsis were analyzed, 18.6% of
      whom used calcium channel blockers. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Considering large baseline differences between calcium channel blocker
      users and nonusers, a propensity score matched cohort was constructed to account
      for differential likelihoods of receiving calcium channel blockers. Fifteen
      plasma biomarkers providing insight in key host responses implicated in sepsis
      pathogenesis were measured during the first 4 days after admission. Severity of
      illness over the first 24 hours, sites of infection and causative pathogens were
      similar in both groups. Prior use of calcium channel blockers was associated with
      improved 30-day survival in the propensity-matched cohort (20.2% vs 32.9% in non
      calcium channel blockers users; p = 0.009) and in multivariate analysis (odds
      ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.31-0.74; p = 0.0007). Prior calcium channel blocker use
      was not associated with changes in the plasma levels of host biomarkers
      indicative of activation of the cytokine network, the vascular endothelium and
      the coagulation system, with the exception of antithrombin levels, which were
      less decreased in calcium channel blocker users. CONCLUSIONS: Prior calcium
      channel blocker use is associated with reduced mortality in patients following
      ICU admission with sepsis.

PMID- 28079605
TI  - Delirium in Critically Ill Children: An International Point Prevalence Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence of delirium in critically ill children and
      explore associated risk factors. DESIGN: Multi-institutional point prevalence
      study. SETTING: Twenty-five pediatric critical care units in the United States,
      the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS: All children
      admitted to the pediatric critical care units on designated study days (n = 994).
      INTERVENTION: Children were screened for delirium using the Cornell Assessment of
      Pediatric Delirium by the bedside nurse. Demographic and treatment-related
      variables were collected. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Primary study outcome
      measure was prevalence of delirium. In 159 children, a final determination of
      mental status could not be ascertained. Of the 835 remaining subjects, 25%
      screened positive for delirium, 13% were classified as comatose, and 62% were
      delirium-free and coma-free. Delirium prevalence rates varied significantly with
      reason for ICU admission, with highest delirium rates found in children admitted
      with an infectious or inflammatory disorder. For children who were in the PICU
      for 6 or more days, delirium prevalence rate was 38%. In a multivariate model,
      risk factors independently associated with development of delirium included age
      less than 2 years, mechanical ventilation, benzodiazepines, narcotics, use of
      physical restraints, and exposure to vasopressors and antiepileptics.
      CONCLUSIONS: Delirium is a prevalent complication of critical illness in
      children, with identifiable risk factors. Further multi-institutional,
      longitudinal studies are required to investigate effect of delirium on long-term
      outcomes and possible preventive and treatment measures. Universal delirium
      screening is practical and can be implemented in pediatric critical care units.

PMID- 28079606
TI  - Relationship Between Alternative Resuscitation Strategies, Host Response and
      Injury Biomarkers, and Outcome in Septic Shock: Analysis of the Protocol-Based
      Care for Early Septic Shock Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Protocol-based Care for Early Septic Shock trial found no
      differences across alternative resuscitation strategies in all-cause mortality. A
      separate aim was to determine whether differences in resuscitation strategies
      affected trajectories of biomarkers of key pathways associated with downstream
      clinical outcomes of sepsis and whether there were differences in survival across
      treatment arms for patients with different baseline biomarker profiles. DESIGN:
      Secondary analysis of a large randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Thirty-one U.S.
      hospitals. PATIENTS: Six hundred twenty-eight patients with septic shock.
      INTERVENTIONS: Two resuscitation protocols versus usual care. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: We measured a panel of biomarkers representing four
      pathophysiologic domains: "inflammation" (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6,
      and -10); "coagulation" (D-dimers, thrombin-antithrombin complex); "oxidative
      stress" (urine isoprostane); and "tissue hypoxia" (lactate) at 0, 6, 24, and 72
      hours after treatment. We analyzed whether alternative resuscitation strategies
      affected biomarker trajectories over 72 hours and whether effects on 90-day
      hospital mortality varied by baseline (time 0) biomarker profiles-both using
      regression models with interaction terms for treatment arms. For all baseline
      biomarkers, higher concentrations were associated with increased risk of death by
      90 days. However, there was no significant effect of treatment assignment on
      subsequent biomarker trajectories. We did find evidence for heterogeneity of
      treatment effect of protocol-based care on mortality for patients with different
      baseline [interleukin-6] and [interleukin-6] * [interleukin-10] profiles, whereas
      patients with the lowest quartiles fared better with protocol-based care (odds
      ratios, 0.32 [0.13-075]; p = 0.01 and 0.32 [0.14-0.73]; p = 0.01, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients with septic shock, alterations in inflammation,
      coagulation, oxidative stress, and tissue hypoxia are common and associated with
      adverse outcomes but are not influenced by protocol-based resuscitation compared
      with usual care. However, contrary to expectation, protocol-based resuscitation
      appeared to be superior in patients with lower concentrations of inflammatory
      biomarkers. The mechanisms responsible for this effect are unclear.

PMID- 28079607
TI  - Mapping Regional Differences of Local Pressure-Volume Curves With Electrical
      Impedance Tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lung-protective mechanical ventilation aims to prevent alveolar
      collapse and overdistension, but reliable bedside methods to quantify them are
      lacking. We propose a quantitative descriptor of the shape of local pressure
      volume curves derived from electrical impedance tomography, for computing maps
      that highlight the presence and location of regions of presumed tidal recruitment
      (i.e., elastance decrease during inflation, pressure-volume curve with upward
      curvature) or overdistension (i.e., elastance increase during inflation, downward
      curvature). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of experimental cohort study. SETTING:
      University research facility. SUBJECTS: Twelve mechanically ventilated pigs.
      INTERVENTIONS: After induction of acute respiratory distress syndrome by
      hydrochloric acid instillation, animals underwent a decremental positive end
      expiratory pressure titration (steps of 2 cm H2O starting from >= 26 cm H2O).
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Electrical impedance tomography-derived maps were
      computed at each positive end-expiratory pressure-titration step, and whole-lung
      CT taken every second steps. Airway flow and pressure were recorded to compute
      driving pressure and elastance. Significant correlations between electrical
      impedance tomography-derived maps and positive end-expiratory pressure indicate
      that, expectedly, tidal recruitment increases in dependent regions with
      decreasing positive end-expiratory pressure (p < 0.001) and suggest that
      overdistension increases both at high and low positive end-expiratory pressures
      in nondependent regions (p < 0.027), supporting the idea of two different
      scenarios of overdistension occurrence. Significant correlations with CT
      measurements were observed: electrical impedance tomography-derived tidal
      recruitment with poorly aerated regions (r = 0.43; p < 0.001); electrical
      impedance tomography-derived overdistension with nonaerated regions at lower
      positive end-expiratory pressures and with hyperaerated regions at higher
      positive end-expiratory pressures (r >= 0.72; p < 0.003). Even for positive end
      expiratory pressure levels minimizing global elastance and driving pressure,
      electrical impedance tomography-derived maps showed nonnegligible regions of
      presumed overdistension and tidal recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical impedance
      tomography-derived maps of pressure-volume curve shapes allow to detect regions
      in which elastance changes during inflation. This could promote individualized
      mechanical ventilation by minimizing the probability of local tidal recruitment
      and/or overdistension. Electrical impedance tomography-derived maps might become
      clinically feasible and relevant, being simpler than currently available
      alternative approaches.

PMID- 28079609
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells induce epithelial mesenchymal transition in melanoma by
      paracrine secretion of transforming growth factor-beta.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered for potential use as an ideal
      vehicle to efficiently deliver therapeutic agents in treatment against cancers
      including melanoma. However, emerging evidence indicates that MSCs promote tumor
      growth and progression. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the role of
      MSCs is very important to evaluate the MSCs-based therapy in melanoma. B16
      melanoma cells treated by MSC conditioned medium (CM), showed significantly
      enhanced migration and invasion, which was also confirmed in a lung metastasis
      mice model in vivo. Later, it was found that MSC CM induced an epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) in B16 cells. The ELISA assay showed that
      transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was secreted by MSCs and EMT was also
      induced by recombinant TGF-beta in B16 melanoma cells, which suggests the
      important role of TGF-beta in mediating EMT caused by MSC CM. When TGF-beta
      signaling was inhibited by SB431542, the EMT process was significantly eliminated
      in vitro and in xenograft tumors in vivo. Snail, as a downstream target of TGF
      beta signaling and an EMT regulator, was upregulated by MSC CM and inhibited by
      SB431542, which confirms the key role of TGF-beta signaling in EMT induced by MSC
      CM in B16 cells. Taken together, this study shows that MSC induces EMT in
      melanoma cells in a paracrine manner, which might be mediated by the TGF
      beta/Snail signaling pathway. Thus, caution should be exercised when considering
      MSCs-based therapy in melanoma and also in other cancers. Targeting TGF-beta
      signaling and Snail could be further investigated as potential therapeutic
      approaches for melanoma.

PMID- 28079610
TI  - Influence of the Localization of Frontal Bone Defects on Primary Stability Values
      of 2 Different Implant Designs: An In Vitro Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different
      frontal bone defect localizations on primary stability values of 2 different
      implant designs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight cow rib segments were prepared
      before implant installation, as 2 segments with coronal, 2 with middle, and 2
      with apical defects and 2 with control. Thirty-two cylindrical and 32 tapered
      implants were placed in the remaining 4 segments. Implant stability measurements
      were performed using electronic percussive testing and resonance frequency
      analysis. RESULTS: No significance was detected between the stability values of
      the 2 implant designs except the implant stability quotient (ISQ) of control
      groups. The tapered implants control group showed significantly higher lateral
      ISQs compared with cylindrical implants (P = 0.033). For both implant types,
      stability values were significantly lower in coronal defects (P < 0.01). No
      significant differences were detected in other defect types. CONCLUSION: Within
      the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that coronal defects may
      influence primary stability negatively, compared with middle and apical defects.
      Although statistically not significant, coronal defects caused lower primary
      stability values with the tapered design compared with parallel design.

PMID- 28079611
TI  - It Is Just Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder...or Is It?
AB  - CASE: Carly is a 5-year-old girl who presents for an interdisciplinary evaluation
      due to behaviors at school and home suggestive of attention-deficit hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD). Parent report of preschool teacher concerns was consistent with
      ADHD. Psychological testing showed verbal, visual-spatial, and fluid reasoning IQ
      scores in the average range; processing speed and working memory were below
      average. Carly's behavior improved when her mother left the room, and she was
      attentive during testing with a psychologist. Tests of executive function (EF)
      skills showed mixed results. Working memory was in the borderline range, although
      scores for response inhibition and verbal fluency were average. Parent ratings of
      ADHD symptoms and EF difficulties were elevated.Carly's parents recently
      separated; she now lives with her mother and sees her father on weekends.
      Multiple caregivers with inconsistent approaches to discipline assist with child
      care while her mother works at night as a medical assistant. Family history is
      positive for ADHD and learning problems in her father. Medical history is
      unremarkable. Review of systems is significant for nightly mouth breathing and
      snoring, but no night waking, bruxism, or daytime sleepiness. She has enlarged
      tonsils and a high-arched palate on physical examination.At a follow-up visit,
      parent rating scales are consistent with ADHD-combined type; teacher rating
      scales support ADHD hyperactive-impulsive type. Snoring has persisted. A sleep
      study indicated obstructive sleep apnea. After adenotonsillectomy, Carly had
      significant improvement in ADHD symptoms. She developed recurrence of behavior
      problems 1 year after the surgery.

PMID- 28079612
TI  - Thrombopoietin as Early Biomarker of Disease Severity in Patients With Acute
      Pancreatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the concentrations of thrombopoietin (TPO), a growth factor
      recently involved in the pathogenesis of experimental acute pancreatitis (AP),
      and its potential role as an early diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in
      patients with AP. METHODS: Thrombopoietin was measured in 44 AP patients, 18
      patients with nonpancreatic acute abdominal pain, and 18 healthy volunteers.
      Acute pancreatitis severity was classified on the basis of the 2012 International
      Atlanta Symposium on Acute Pancreatitis criteria. RESULTS: Thrombopoietin levels
      did not differ between AP patients and control subjects, whereas these were
      higher in patients with moderately severe or severe AP compared with those with
      mild AP. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of TPO for severe AP
      diagnosis showed an area under the curve of 0.80. A cutoff value of 31.48 pg/mL
      showed the highest sensitivity, allowing to rule out severe AP when TPO was
      lower, whereas TPO higher than 98.23 pg/mL was associated with severe AP with
      high specificity (93.5%). Furthermore, TPO levels were greater in AP patients
      developing organ dysfunction or sepsis and in nonsurvivors compared with
      survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide the first evidence for TPO as potential
      early prognostic biomarker in AP patients. High TPO levels at hospital admission
      may predict organ dysfunction, sepsis, and fatal outcome in AP patients.

PMID- 28079613
TI  - CENTRIPETAL MOVEMENT OF THE CAPILLARIES IN THE CENTRAL MACULAR REGION AFTER
      INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case that showed centripetal movements of the capillaries in
      the central macular region after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane
      peeling. METHODS: A 57-year-old pseudophakic woman underwent successful
      vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and air tamponade for a
      vitreomacular traction. Optical coherence tomography angiographic images of the 3
      mm * 3 mm inner retinal vascular plexus were examined preoperatively and at 3
      months postoperatively. The changes in 93 corresponding bifurcations of the
      capillaries were assessed. RESULTS: The majority of the bifurcations were
      displaced towards the fovea at 3 months after the vitrectomy with internal
      limiting membrane peeling. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography angiography
      was used to help visualize the centripetal movement of the inner retina around
      the fovea after the vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling.

PMID- 28079614
TI  - The role of gene-environment interplay in occupational and environmental
      diseases: current concepts and knowledge gaps.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The interplay between genetic susceptibilities and
      environmental exposures in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases is an area
      of increased scientific, epidemiologic, and social interest. Given the variation
      in methodologies used in the field, this review aims to create a framework to
      help understand occupational exposures as they currently exist and provide a
      foundation for future inquiries into the biological mechanisms of the gene
      environment interactions. Understanding of this complex interplay will be
      important in the context of occupational health, given the public health concerns
      surrounding a variety of occupational exposures. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies found
      evidence that suggest genetics influence the progression of disease postberyllium
      exposure through genetically encoded major histocompatibility complex, class II,
      DP alpha 2 (HLA-DP2)-peptide complexes as it relates to T-helper cells. This was
      characterized at the molecular level by the accumulation of Be-responsive CD4 T
      cells in the lung, which resulted in posttranslational change in the HLA-DPB1
      complex. SUMMARY: These studies provide important evidence of gene-environment
      association, and many provide insights into specific pathogenic mechanisms. The
      following includes a review of the literature regarding gene-environment
      associations with a focus on pulmonary diseases as they relate to the workplace.

PMID- 28079615
TI  - Neuromuscular weakness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: chest wall,
      diaphragm, and peripheral muscle contributions.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic obstructive lung disease affects the lung parenchyma
      and airways leading to well described effects in respiratory function. This
      review describes the current knowledge and advances regarding neuromuscular
      function and chest wall mechanics, which are affected in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). RECENT FINDINGS: In COPD, progressive lung
      hyperinflation becomes constrained by a chest wall with decreasing capacity to
      expand, resulting in respiratory muscle inefficiency. There is evidence of
      neuromuscular uncoupling, that is, the respiratory muscle is unable to increase
      its output in proportion to increasing neural signals. COPD patients also have
      evidence of altered peripheral muscles function. The end effect of all these
      pathological changes is neuromuscular weakness. SUMMARY: Respiratory and
      peripheral muscles dysfunction is found in patients with COPD. This manifests
      clinically as dyspnea, poor exercise capacity, and decreased quality of life. We
      have clear evidence that rehabilitation helps several aspects of patients with
      COPD. Further understanding of the physiopathology is needed to improve our
      therapeutic and rehabilitation strategies.

PMID- 28079616
TI  - Evaluation of an Outpatient Rehabilitative Program to Address Mobility
      Limitations Among Older Adults.
AB  - Live Long Walk Strong is a clinical demonstration program for community-dwelling
      older patients. It was designed to be consistent with current fall prevention
      guidelines and reimbursed under the Medicare model. Patients were screened within
      primary care and referred to a physiatrist followed by systematic assessment and
      treatment within an outpatient rehabilitative care setting. The treatment
      included behavioral modification, fall prevention education, community/home
      exercise integration, and exercise targeting strength, power, flexibility,
      balance, and endurance. Treatment duration and frequency varied with each patient
      based on baseline presentation, clinical judgment, and patient preference.
      Program feasibility and preliminary effectiveness were evaluated by assessing
      participation and changes in physical performance, respectively. There were 266
      patients referred to the program, and 147 were willing to participate. Of these,
      116 patients completed all scheduled visits (10.8 +/- 3.9 visits). The
      noncompleters (n = 31) had a higher rate of falls in the previous 6 months and
      lower baseline Short Physical Performance Battery composite score. At the
      completion of care, the adjusted mean change in Short Physical Performance
      Battery was 1.66 units, surpassing a large clinically meaningful threshold (1
      unit). The Live Long Walk Strong program appears to be feasible to implement and
      demonstrates preliminary effectiveness in enhancing mobility among older adults.

PMID- 28079617
TI  - Manipulation of the Endocannabinoid System in Colitis: A Comprehensive Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong disease of the
      gastrointestinal tract whose annual incidence and prevalence is on the rise.
      Current immunosuppressive therapies available for treatment of IBD offer limited
      benefits and lose effectiveness, exposing a significant need for the development
      of novel therapies. In the clinical setting, cannabis has been shown to provide
      patients with IBD symptomatic relief, although the underlying mechanisms of their
      anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear. METHODS: This review reflects our
      current understanding of how targeting the endocannabinoid system, including
      cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2, endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and 2
      arachidonoylglycerol, atypical cannabinoids, and degrading enzymes including
      fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, impacts murine colitis.
      In addition, the impact of cannabinoids on the human immune system is summarized.
      RESULTS: Cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2, endogenous cannabinoids, and atypical
      cannabinoids are upregulated in inflammation, and their presence and stimulation
      attenuate murine colitis, whereas cannabinoid receptor antagonism and cannabinoid
      receptor deficient models reverse these anti-inflammatory effects. In addition,
      inhibition of endocannabinoid degradation through monoacylglycerol lipase and
      fatty acid amide hydrolase blockade can also attenuate colitis development, and
      is closely linked to cannabinoid receptor expression. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      manipulation of the endocannabinoid system in murine colitis has proven to be
      largely beneficial in attenuating inflammation, there is a paucity of human study
      data. Further research is essential to clearly elucidate the specific mechanisms
      driving this anti-inflammatory effect for the development of therapeutics to
      target inflammatory disease such as IBD.

PMID- 28079618
TI  - Diffusion-weighted MRI Enables to Accurately Grade Inflammatory Activity in
      Patients of Ileocolonic Crohn's Disease: Results from an Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a novel technique to evaluate
      bowel inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD). It remains unclear whether DWI could
      differentiate grades of inflammation activity and add to the accuracy of
      conventional magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in defining disease activity.
      We aimed to assess the accuracy of DWI for evaluating ileocolonic CD inflammation
      compared with conventional MRE, using ileocolonoscopy as reference standard.
      METHODS: This was an observational study of CD patients who underwent both
      ileocolonoscopy and MRE with DWI. The conventional MRE and DWI findings of the
      ileocolon were scored from 0 to 3. The respective segment endoscopic disease
      activity was scored by simplified endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD)
      and was graded as inactive (0-2), mild (3-6) or moderate-severe (>=7). RESULTS:
      One hundred eighty-five bowel segments from 43 consecutive CD patients were
      evaluated and included inactive (n = 86), mild (n = 72), and moderate-severe (n =
      27) ileo-colonic segments. The area under the receiver operating characteristics
      curve (AUC) of 0.973 for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to differentiate
      active from inactive CD was significantly higher than those of conventional MRE
      parameters (AUC between 0.840 and 0.940). Higher accuracy of ADC (AUC = 0.919)
      for differentiating inactive-mild from moderate-severe CD was also shown compared
      with that of conventional MRE parameters (AUC between 0.868 and 0.915). ADC
      values demonstrated strongest correlation with SES-CD (r = -0.880) comparing to
      DWI SI and conventional MRE parameters (r between 0.787 and 0.867). CONCLUSIONS:
      DWI enables to accurately grade inflammatory activity in patients of ileocolonic
      CD and may be better suited than conventional MRE for monitoring the activity of
      CD.

PMID- 28079620
TI  - Clostridium difficile Infection and Risk of Colectomy in Patients with
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Bias-adjusted Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common complication of
      inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and is associated with worse outcome. Variable
      rates of colectomy have been reported among IBD complicated by CDI. We conducted
      a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies to assess the association
      between CDI and colectomy among patients with IBD. METHODS: The literature was
      systematically searched using PubMed from inception through April 2016. Studies
      were limited to cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies reporting
      colectomy risk stratified by CDI in patients with IBD. We estimated summary ORs
      and 95% CIs using the quality-effects model. Study quality was assessed using an
      adaptation of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: Six studies were included in
      the meta-analysis, comprising 8 data sets. Results from meta-analysis showed that
      CDI was a significant risk factor for colectomy among patients with IBD, mainly
      patients with ulcerative colitis, almost doubling the odds (OR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.23
      2.93). There was significant heterogeneity across studies (Q = 22.02, P < 0.001;
      I = 68%). Funnel plots were grossly asymmetrical. Results of sensitivity analysis
      restricting studies to those reporting ulcerative colitis only and studies using
      laboratory tests to confirm CDI were consistent with the result from the main
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: CDI is a significant risk factor for colectomy in patients
      with IBD. Further research is needed to investigate the attributable risks of
      surgery due to CDI among patients with Crohn's disease.

PMID- 28079619
TI  - The Importance and Challenges of Dietary Intervention Trials for Inflammatory
      Bowel Disease.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic
      and environmental stimuli such as our diet. Diets high in meat and fats and low
      in fruits and vegetables have been associated with new-onset inflammatory bowel
      disease. This has triggered interest in using dietary modification as a
      treatment. The 3 principle models of dietary intervention are supplementation
      with selected dietary components, exclusion of selected dietary components, or
      use of dietary formulas in place of a normal diet. Despite the high level of
      interest in dietary interventions as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease,
      few well-designed clinical trials have been conducted to firmly establish the
      optimal diet to induce or maintain remission. This may be in part related to the
      challenges of conducting dietary intervention trials. This review examines these
      challenges and potential approaches to be used in dietary intervention trials.

PMID- 28079621
TI  - Effects of Education and Information on Vaccination Behavior in Patients with
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the existence of international guidelines, vaccination in
      patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been integrated optimally.
      We developed a thorough education program, and compared its influence on
      vaccination rates with routine clinical practice in a tertiary IBD center.
      METHODS: Between December 2014 and March 2015, we included 505 consecutive
      patients with IBD visiting our outpatient clinic (53% men, 72% Crohn's disease,
      median age 44 years). Vaccination data, including hepatitis B, influenza,
      pneumococcus, tetanus, and varicella zoster virus, as well as demographic data,
      were collected by a fellow in training or a certified gastroenterologist.
      Thereafter, patients were randomly assigned to group A receiving routine clinical
      practice or intervention group B receiving additional education by the IBD nurse
      with help of an information brochure and vaccination card. Vaccination status was
      reassessed 8 months later. RESULTS: At baseline, 32% of patients were vaccinated
      according to the guidelines. The remaining 346 patients were randomized to group
      A (n = 206) or intervention group B (n = 140). Eight months after randomization,
      33% of intervention group B versus 6% of group A followed vaccination
      recommendations and differences were significant for each vaccine (all P <
      0.001). A higher educational level was independently associated with better
      compliance to pneumococcal vaccination (P = 0.008) and to the guidelines overall
      (P < 0.001). However, the educational intervention was the only consistent factor
      independently associated with improved compliance to each individual vaccination
      recommendation (all P <= 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of thorough
      vaccination education significantly increased compliance to vaccination
      guidelines. However, further education of patients and health care providers
      remains necessary.

PMID- 28079622
TI  - Prevalence and Determinants of Job Stress in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel
      Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychosocial factors have been shown to predict a poor disease course
      in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but whether this applies to
      job stress is currently unknown. We assessed the prevalence of job stress and its
      correlates in a large cohort of patients with IBD. METHODS: We included all
      adult, professionally active patients enrolled between 2006 and 2015 in the Swiss
      IBD Cohort. Job stress was measured through the self-report effort-reward
      imbalance ratio and overcommitment (OC) to work questionnaires. We used multiple
      linear regressions to assess association with sociodemographic, lifestyle,
      psychosocial, and disease-related factors. RESULTS: Altogether 1656 patients
      completed the questionnaires (905 Crohn's disease and 751 ulcerative colitis/IBD
      unclassified). Only 91 (5.7%) of patients had an effort-reward imbalance ratio
      >1. Effort-reward imbalance and OC scores were higher in full-time versus part
      time employees (coef = 0.050, P = 0.002; coef = 0.906, P < 0.001) and among those
      absent from the workplace in the previous 3 months (coef = 0.049, P = 0.010; coef
      = 1.062, P < 0.001). Higher OC scores were associated with sex (women vs. men:
      coef = 0.568, P = 0.014), being in a relationship (coef = 0.805, P = 0.001),
      higher level of occupation (director vs. trainee: coef = 1.447, P < 0.001), and
      extraintestinal manifestations (coef = 0.623, P = 0.005). Patients hospitalized
      in the previous 12 months had lower OC scores (coef = 0.560, P = 0.038).
      CONCLUSIONS: The average level of job stress seems to be remarkably low in
      patients with IBD from Switzerland. The clinician should turn attention
      especially to women, full-time employees with a high level of education, and
      patients with extraintestinal manifestations to identify those with the most
      vulnerability to suffer from job stress.

PMID- 28079623
TI  - The Ileitis of Ulcerative Colitis. Why Is It Not Crohn's Disease?

PMID- 28079624
TI  - Damage of the Mucus Layer: The Possible Shared Critical Common Cause for Both
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

PMID- 28079625
TI  - Older Age- and Health-related Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the older
      population is increasing. Older-onset disease is associated with reduced use of
      immunosuppressive medications. In addition, older patients may be more vulnerable
      to the effect of disease-related symptoms and consequently may experience worse
      health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with younger patients. METHODS:
      This prospective study included a cohort of patients with Crohn's disease and
      ulcerative colitis recruited from a single center. All patients completed the
      Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) and the short form-12 (SF
      12) questionnaire yielding general physical health (PCS) and mental health
      component scale subscores (MCS). Patients older than 60 years were compared with
      those younger than 60 years using multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Our
      study included 1607 patients, among whom 186 were older than 60 at the time of
      assessment. Older patients were more likely to have isolated colonic disease and
      less likely to use immunosuppressive therapy. On multivariable analysis, older
      patients with IBD had higher SIBDQ (2.34, 95% confidence interval, 0.82-3.87) and
      SF-12 mental subscores (3.78, 95% confidence interval, 2.26-5.30), but lower
      physical HRQoL (-1.80, 95% confidence interval, -3.21 to -0.38). There was no
      difference in the SIBDQ and PCS scores between older patients and newly diagnosed
      IBD or with established disease. CONCLUSIONS: Older age was associated with
      modestly higher SIBDQ and mental HRQoL scores, but lower physical HRQoL.
      Comprehensive care of the older patient with IBD should include assessment of
      factors impairing physical quality of life to ensure appropriate interventions.

PMID- 28079626
TI  - Complications and Disease Recurrence After Primary Ileocecal Resection in
      Pediatric Crohn's Disease: A Multicenter Cohort Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on the outcome of ileocecal resection in pediatric Crohn's
      disease (CD) have a limited follow-up and fail to assign predictors of adverse
      outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate (I) the complication and disease
      recurrence rates and (II) identify risk factors for these adverse outcomes after
      ileocecal resection for pediatric CD. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort
      analysis of all children (<18 years) that underwent ileocecal resection as first
      intestinal resection for CD derived from 7 tertiary hospitals in the Netherlands
      (1990-2015). Risk factors were identified using multivariable analysis. RESULTS:
      In total, 122 children were included (52% male; median age 15.5 years
      [interquartile range 14.0-16.0]). Severe postoperative complications rate was
      10%. Colonic disease (odds ratio: 5.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.3-26.3], P
      = 0.024), microscopically positive resection margins (odds ratio: 10.4 [95% CI:
      1.1-100.8] P = 0.043), and emergency surgery (odds ratio: 6.8 [95% CI: 1.1-42.2],
      P = 0.038) were risk factors for severe complications. Clinical and surgical
      recurrence rates after 1, 5 and 10 years were 19%, 49%, 71% and 2%, 12%, 22%,
      respectively. Female sex (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.1 [95% CI: 1.1-3.8], P = 0.023)
      was a risk factor for clinical recurrence, whereas ileocecal disease (HR: 3.9
      [95% CI: 1.2-12.5], P = 0.024) and microscopically positive resection margins
      (HR: 9.6 [95% CI: 1.2-74.5], P = 0.031) were risk factors for surgical
      recurrence. Immediate postoperative therapy reduced the risk of both clinical
      (HR: 0.3 [95% CI: 0.1-0.6], P = 0.001) and surgical (HR: 0.5 [95% CI: 0.1-0.9], P
      = 0.035) recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Ileocecal resection is an effective and durable
      treatment of pediatric CD, although postoperative complications occur frequently.
      Postoperative therapy may be started immediately to prevent disease recurrence.

PMID- 28079627
TI  - Inactivation of Digestive Proteases and Degradation of Mucus: The Possible Key
      Factors That Determined the Different Effects on the Gut by Antibiotics.

PMID- 28079628
TI  - Interleukin-6 is increased in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of community
      dwelling domestic dogs with acute ischaemic stroke.
AB  - Inflammatory cytokines are potential modulators of infarct progression in acute
      ischaemic stroke, and are therefore possible targets for future treatment
      strategies. Cytokine studies in animal models of surgically induced stroke may,
      however, be influenced by the fact that the surgical intervention itself
      contributes towards the cytokine response. Community-dwelling domestic dogs
      suffer from spontaneous ischaemic stroke, and therefore, offer the opportunity to
      study the cytokine response in a noninvasive set-up. The aims of this study were
      to investigate cytokine concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in
      dogs with acute ischaemic stroke and to search for correlations between infarct
      volume and cytokine concentrations. Blood and CSF were collected from dogs less
      than 72 h after a spontaneous ischaemic stroke. Infarct volumes were estimated on
      MRIs. Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor in the
      plasma, CSF and brain homogenates were measured using a canine-specific multiplex
      immunoassay. IL-6 was significantly increased in plasma (P=0.04) and CSF (P=0.04)
      in stroke dogs compared with healthy controls. The concentrations of other
      cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor and IL-2, were unchanged. Plasma IL-8
      levels correlated significantly with infarct volume (Spearman's r=0.8, P=0.013).
      The findings showed increased concentrations of IL-6 in the plasma and CSF of
      dogs with acute ischaemic stroke comparable to humans. We believe that dogs with
      spontaneous stroke offer a unique, noninvasive means of studying the inflammatory
      processes that accompany stroke while reducing confounds that are unavoidable in
      experimental models.

PMID- 28079629
TI  - Duration of pneumonia therapy and the role of biomarkers.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Increasing antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide phenomenon
      that is threatening public health. Lower respiratory infections are one of the
      leading causes of morbidity that contribute to antibiotic consumption and thus
      the emergence of multidrug-resistant microbial strains. The goal of shortening
      antibiotic regimens' duration in common bacterial infections has been prioritized
      by antimicrobial stewardship programs as an action against this problem. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Data coming from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and
      systematic reviews support the shortening of antimicrobial regimens in community
      acquired, hospital-acquired, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Short schedules
      have been proven at least as effective as long ones in terms of antimicrobial
      free days and clinical cure. Procalcitonin-based algorithms have been validated
      as well tolerated and cost-effective tools for the duration of pneumonia therapy
      reduction. SUMMARY: Shortening the duration of antibiotic regimens in pneumonia
      seems a reasonable strategy for reducing selective pressure driving antimicrobial
      resistance and costs provided that clinical cure is guaranteed. Procalcitonin
      based protocols have been proven essentially helpful in this direction. VIDEO
      ABSTRACT.

PMID- 28079630
TI  - 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and infectious diseases:
      current applications and future perspectives.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography is a well-established technique for diagnosis and management of a
      number of neoplastic conditions. However, in recent years the body of literature
      regarding its potential role in infectious diseases has progressively increased,
      with promising results. RECENT FINDINGS: So far 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron
      emission tomography/computed tomography has a well-established role and is
      recommended by guidelines only in a few settings, such as prosthetic valve
      endocarditis, vascular device infections, and chronic osteomyelitis. However,
      even the lack of large, prospective randomized trials, an increasing number of
      small series and case reports suggest a potential role in the diagnosis, disease
      staging, and monitoring of treatment response of several other infective
      conditions. SUMMARY: In this article, we summarize the available evidence and
      potential future applications of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of infectious
      diseases.

PMID- 28079631
TI  - The role of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in skin and soft tissue
      infections.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become
      a major public health issue worldwide over the last years. MRSA is frequently
      implicated in the development of skin and soft tissue infections, leading to
      significant increases in morbidity, mortality and overall healthcare costs.
      RECENT FINDINGS: In order to face the threat of MRSA, major changes in clinical
      management of skin and soft tissue infections are required. The identification of
      populations at risk for the acquisition of infections due to MRSA, together with
      the improvement of the diagnostic techniques, is paramount. Moreover, a number of
      new antimicrobials with activity against MRSA have been recently developed and
      approved for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, however, the use
      of the new drugs in the wide clinical practice remains limited. SUMMARY: We
      reviewed the current epidemiology of MRSA in skin and soft tissue infections,
      with particular focus on implications for clinical management. The potential role
      of new antibiotic options against MRSA infections is also discussed.

PMID- 28079632
TI  - Interrater and Test-Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of the
      Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and Subsystems With Community-Dwelling
      Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Falls are a common cause of injuries and hospital
      admissions in older adults. Balance limitation is a potentially modifiable factor
      contributing to falls. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), a clinical
      balance measure, categorizes balance into 6 underlying subsystems. Each of the
      subsystems is scored individually and summed to obtain a total score. The
      reliability of the BESTest and its individual subsystems has been reported in
      patients with various neurological disorders and cancer survivors. However, the
      reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the BESTest with community
      dwelling older adults have not been reported. The purposes of our study were to
      (1) determine the interrater and test-retest reliability of the BESTest total and
      subsystem scores; and (2) estimate the MDC of the BESTest and its individual
      subsystem scores with community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: We used a
      prospective cohort methodological design. Community-dwelling older adults (N =
      70; aged 70-94 years; mean = 85.0 [5.5] years) were recruited from a senior
      independent living community. Trained testers (N = 3) administered the BESTest.
      All participants were tested with the BESTest by the same tester initially and
      then retested 7 to 14 days later. With 32 of the participants, a second tester
      concurrently scored the retest for interrater reliability. Testers were blinded
      to each other's scores. Intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC(2,1)] were used
      to determine the interrater and test-retest reliability. Test-retest reliability
      was also analyzed using method error and the associated coefficients of variation
      (CVME). MDC was calculated using standard error of measurement. RESULTS:
      Interrater reliability (N = 32) of the BESTest total score was ICC(2, 1) = 0.97
      (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-0.99). The ICCs for the individual subsystem
      scores ranged from 0.85 to 0.94. Test-retest reliability (N = 70) of the BESTest
      total score was ICC(2,1) = 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.96). ICCs for the individual
      subsystem scores ranged from 0.72 to 0.89. The CVME (N = 70) of the BESTest total
      score was 4.1%. The CVME for the subsystem scores ranged from 5.0% to 10.7%. MDC
      (N = 70) for the BESTest total score at the 95% CI was 7.6%, or 8.2 points. MDC
      at the 95% CI for subsystem scores ranged from 11.7% to 19.0% (2.1-3.4 points).
      DISCUSSION: Results demonstrated generally good to excellent interrater and test
      retest reliability in both the BESTest total and subsystem scores with community
      dwelling older adults. CONCLUSIONS: The BESTest total and individual subsystem
      scores demonstrate good to excellent interrater and test-retest reliability with
      community-dwelling older adults. A change of 7.6% (8.2 points) or more in the
      BESTest total and a percentage change ranged from 11.7% to 19.0% (2.1-3.4 points)
      in the subsystem scores are suggested for clinicians to be 95% confident of true
      change when evaluating change in this population.

PMID- 28079633
TI  - Criterion-Referenced Values of Grip Strength and Usual Gait Speed Using
      Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Disability as the Criterion.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Current evidence suggests that grip strength and usual
      gait speed (UGS) are important predictors of instrumental activities of daily
      living (IADL) disability. Knowing the optimum cut points of these tests for
      discriminating people with and without IADL disability could help clinicians or
      researchers to better interpret the test results and make medical decisions. The
      purpose of this study was to determine the cutoff values of grip strength and UGS
      for best discriminating community-dwelling older adults with and without IADL
      disability, separately for men and women, and to investigate their association
      with IADL disability. METHODS: We conducted secondary data analysis on a national
      dataset collected in the Sarcopenia and Translational Aging Research in Taiwan
      (START). The data used in this study consisted of health data of 2420 community
      dwelling older adults 65 years and older with no history of stroke and with
      complete data. IADL disability was defined as at least 1 IADL item scored as
      "need help" or "unable to perform." Receiver operating characteristics analysis
      was used to estimate the optimum grip strength and UGS cut points for best
      discriminating older adults with/without IADL disability. The association between
      each physical performance (grip strength and UGS) and IADL disability was
      assessed with odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: With IADL disability as
      the criterion, the optimal cutoff values of grip strength were 28.7 kg for men
      and 16.0 kg for women, and those for UGS were 0.76 m/s for men and 0.66 m/s for
      women. The grip strength test showed satisfactory discriminant validity (area
      under the curve > 0.7) in men and a strong association with IADL disability (OR >
      4). Our cut points using IADL disability as the criterion were close to those
      indicating frailty or sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Our reported cutoffs can serve as
      criterion-referenced values, along with those previously determined using
      different indicators, and provide important landmarks on the performance continua
      of older adults' grip strength and UGS. These landmarks could be useful in
      interpreting test results, monitoring changes in performance, and identifying
      individuals requiring timely intervention. For identifying older adults at risk
      of IADL disability, grip strength is superior to UGS.

PMID- 28079634
TI  - Characteristics of Patients With Satisfactory Functional Gain Following Total
      Joint Arthroplasty in a Postacute Rehabilitation Setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is an effective and
      successful treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee as quantified by
      several measures, such as pain relief, improved walking, improved self-care,
      functions, and increased quality of life. Data are lacking as to the definition
      of a satisfactory functional gain in a postacute setting and identifying the
      characteristics of older patients with TJA who may achieve that gain. Our aim was
      to characterize patients who may achieve a satisfactory functional gain in a
      postacute rehabilitation setting following TJA. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      study of 180 patients with TJA admitted during 2010-2013. The main outcome
      measures were the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Montebello
      Rehabilitation Factor Score (MRFS) on the motor FIM, and the Timed Get Up and Go
      Test. Satisfactory functional gain was defined as an mFIM MRFS score above median
      score. Comparisons of clinical and demographic characteristics between patients
      who achieved a satisfactory functional gain versus those who did not were
      performed by the Mann-Whitney U test and the chi test. RESULTS: The proportion of
      patients who achieved a satisfactory functional gain was similar in the total
      knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty (THA) groups. The most significant
      characteristic of patients who achieved a satisfactory functional gain was their
      admission functional ability. Age negatively impacted the ability to achieve a
      satisfactory functional gain in patients with THA. CONCLUSION: Functional level
      on admission is the best predictive factor for a better rehabilitation outcome
      for patients with TJA. Age negatively affects functional gain in patients with
      THA.

PMID- 28079635
TI  - Influences of Age, Obesity, and Adverse Drug Effects on Balance and Mobility
      Testing Scores in Ambulatory Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The adverse effects of drugs may influence results on
      tests of mobility and balance, but the drug-specific impact is not identified
      when using these tests. We propose that a quantitative drug index (QDI) will
      assist in assessing fall risk based on these tests, when combined with other fall
      risk variables. METHODS: Fifty-seven community-dwelling older adults who could
      walk independently on a treadmill and had Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
      scores equal to or greater than 24 participated. Mobility and balance outcome
      measures included the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), Berg Balance
      Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and cognitive dual task TUG (TUGc). Fall
      history, current drug list, and Activity-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale
      scores were also collected. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The QDI was
      derived from the drug list for each individual, and based on fall-related drug
      adverse effects. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using age,
      BMI, and QDI as predictor variables for determining mobility and balance test
      scores, and ABC scale scores. Subsequently, participants were divided into (QDI =
      0) low-impact drug group (LIDG) and (QDI > 0) high-impact drug group (HIDG) for
      Mann-Whitney 2-group comparisons. RESULTS: Age, BMI, and QDI were all significant
      (P < .001) independent variables in multiple regression analyses for mobility and
      balance test scores, but not for the ABC scale. Separately, the 2 group
      comparisons for the BESTest, BBS, TUG, and TUGc demonstrated that HIDG scored
      significantly (P < .05) worse on these tests compared with the LIDG. Drug counts
      were also significantly higher for the HIDG than for the LIDG. In contrast, age,
      BMI, MMSE, and reported falls in the last 12 months were not significantly
      different between groups. CONCLUSION: Age, BMI, and QDI-all contributed
      independently to the mobility and balance test scores examined, and may provide
      health care professionals a screening tool to determine whether additional
      mobility and balance testing is required. In addition, the QDI is a more precise
      marker of adverse effects of drugs compared with drug counts, as the latter does
      not quantitate the influence of drugs on physiologic function.

PMID- 28079636
TI  - Reconstruction of a Postoperative Mohs Defect of the Upper Cutaneous and
      Vermilion Lip Involving Cupid's Bow.

PMID- 28079637
TI  - LN2, CD10, and Ezrin Do Not Distinguish Between Atypical Fibroxanthoma and
      Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma or Predict Clinical Outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a rare cutaneous spindled cell
      neoplasm. For both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, it is important to
      distinguish AFX from other poorly differentiated tumors, including
      undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to
      identify the clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical expression of LN2,
      ezrin, and CD10 in AFX and UPS tumors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The authors
      retrospectively examined the charts of patients with AFX and UPS treated with
      Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at 2 academic institutions. Patient demographics,
      tumor characteristics, and clinical course data were collected.
      Immunohistochemical stains were performed on primary and recurrent AFX and UPS
      tumors with monoclonal antibodies against the B-cell marker LN2 (CD74), CD10, and
      ezrin. RESULTS: In the series of 169 patients with AFX included in this study,
      local recurrence was rare at 3%. In contrast, the seven patients with UPS had an
      aggressive clinical course with 1 local recurrence and 2 distant metastases.
      Immunohistochemistry staining for ezrin, LN2, and CD10 were similar in AFX and
      UPS tumors. CONCLUSION: AFX can be treated with MMS with rare instances of
      recurrence. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma has a more aggressive clinical
      course with increased risk for recurrence and metastasis. Staining with ezrin,
      LN2, and CD10 did not differentiate AFX or UPS tumors.

PMID- 28079638
TI  - The Effect of Waxing Versus Shaving on the Efficacy of Laser Hair Removal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excessive hair is undesirable and represents both a social and
      emotional burden, especially among females. Laser hair removal (LHR) has gained
      popularity in the past 2 decades. It is a common practice to instruct patients
      not to pluck or wax their hair before undergoing LHR; only shaving is allowed to
      improve the efficacy of the LHR. OBJECTIVE: To compare the percentage of hair
      reduction in preshaved versus prewax epilated axillae after LHR in healthy adult
      Saudi females. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study is a quantitative experimental
      pilot clinical trial. Twenty female volunteers were enrolled into this study; all
      underwent 3 laser sessions using a long-pulsed alexandrite laser. Their left
      axilla was prewaxed and right axilla was preshaved immediately before laser
      treatment. Hair was counted manually before and 6 months after the third laser
      session. RESULTS: The right and left axillae both showed significant hair
      reduction, between the first session and the hair count 6 months after the third
      laser session. However, there was no statistically significant difference between
      these 2 means (p = .44). CONCLUSION: There is no statistical difference in hair
      reduction after LHR whether the area is preshaved or prewax epilated.

PMID- 28079639
TI  - Batten Stitch: A Tissue-Sparing Technique for Correction of an Inverted Dog-Ear.

PMID- 28079640
TI  - Comparison of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Seventh Edition and Brigham
      and Women's Hospital Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tumor Staging in
      Immunosuppressed Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition (AJCC-7) and
      Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) staging criteria for cutaneous squamous cell
      carcinoma (cSCC) have not been validated in immunosuppressed patients. OBJECTIVE:
      To compare the AJCC-7 and BWH staging systems for cSCCs in immunosuppressed
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-institution retrospective cohort study
      of cSCCs in immunosuppressed patients. Risks of local recurrence (LR), nodal
      metastasis (NM), in-transit metastasis, and any poor outcome (PO) were compared
      among AJCC-7 and BWH tumor T stages. RESULTS: One hundred six patients had 412
      primary invasive cSCCs. Eighty-five percent were AJCC-7 T1, and 15% T2. Risks of
      NM and PO for AJCC-7 T1 versus T2 were 0.9% versus 5% and 12.8% versus 23.3%,
      respectively, p < .05. Eighty-one percent of tumors were BWH T1, 18% T2a, 1% T2b,
      and 0.2% T3. Risk of LR for BWH T1 versus T2a was 11.4% versus 20.3%, p < .01.
      Risk of NM increased from 0.3% for T1 to 4.1%, 25%, and 100% for T2a, T2b, and
      T3, p < .05. Ninety percent of PO occurred in low-stage BWH T1/T2a. CONCLUSION:
      Low T-stage cSCCs account for most POs. Brigham and Women's Hospital staging
      criteria better risk stratifies cSCCs in immunosuppressed patients for risk of NM
      and LR.

PMID- 28079641
TI  - World Health Organization Framework: Multimodal Hand Hygiene Strategy in Piedmont
      (Italy) Health Care Facilities.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the "Hand
      Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework" (HHSAF) to evaluate the level of the
      application of the Multimodal Hand Hygiene Improvement Strategy (MHHIS), which
      defines preventive interventions, standards, and tools conceived to improve hand
      hygiene in healthcare facilities. The aim of our study was to evaluate the
      implementation of the MHHIS in Piedmont healthcare units in 2014 using the HHSAF
      document. METHODS: Our surveillance was performed through collection and analysis
      of the data from 50 Piedmont healthcare facilities recorded through the HHSAF in
      2014. The HHSAF describes the hand hygiene level evaluating the following 5
      parameters: system changes, education/staff training, evaluation and feedback,
      reminders in the workplace, and promotion of an institutional safety climate.
      RESULTS: We reported that 70.4% of the healthcare facilities involved in the
      study achieved the intermediate hand hygiene level, 19% the advanced level, and
      11% the basic level. No facility exhibited an inadequate level of WHO multimodal
      implementation. Only 55% of the healthcare units provided information about hand
      hygiene to patients, and only 15% actively involved patients and their families.
      CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the MHHIS has achieved important results all
      over the world in terms of hand hygiene. Piedmont has reached an overall good
      level, particularly in terms of the supply and availability of hand washing
      products and staff education. Our results revealed, however, some critical issues
      related to direct and indirect monitoring of hand hygiene, providing reminders
      and the active involvement of patients, family members, and caregivers.This is an
      open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
      Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is
      permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The
      work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from
      the journal.

PMID- 28079642
TI  - An Evaluation of a Competency-Based Public Health Training Program for Public
      Health Professionals in Kansas.
AB  - CONTEXT: Less than one-third of the US public health workforce has formal
      training in public health. Academic-public health agency partnerships aimed at
      addressing the nation's workforce challenges have shown great promise. OBJECTIVE:
      To evaluate the effectiveness of a piloted competency-based public health
      training program formed out of an academic-public health agency partnership.
      DESIGN: Mixed-methods design using pre- and postworkshop surveys and quizzes,
      open-ended questions, and document review. SETTING: Large, urban local health
      department located in south central Kansas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participant
      satisfaction with training, knowledge change, self-report application of new
      knowledge, and organizational change. RESULTS: Participants reported high
      satisfaction with the training program and valued the hands-on, practical
      approach used. Participation increased knowledge and confidence in public health
      competency areas covered in the program. At 3-month follow-up, 90% of
      participants reported applying new knowledge and skills in their primary job
      duties. At the organizational level, 3 major policy changes aimed at sustaining
      the program were implemented following its launch. CONCLUSION: Incorporating
      tailored, theory-driven approaches to trainings and collaborating with health
      department leadership to identify policy opportunities that help sustain the
      training program within the agency is recommended. Findings from this evaluation
      demonstrate the success of an academic-agency partnership's effort to develop and
      implement at a large, urban local health department.

PMID- 28079644
TI  - Functional Characteristics of Health Coalitions in Local Public Health Systems:
      Exploring the Function of County Health Councils in Tennessee.
AB  - CONTEXT: Partnerships are emerging as critically important vehicles for
      addressing health in local communities. Coalitions involving local health
      departments can be viewed as the embodiment of a local public health system.
      Although it is known that these networks are heavily involved in assessment and
      community planning activities, limited studies have evaluated whether health
      coalitions are functioning at an optimal capacity. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses
      the extent to which health coalitions met or exceeded expectations for building
      functional capacity within their respective networks. DESIGN: An evaluative
      framework was developed focusing on 8 functional characteristics of coalitions
      previously identified by Erwin and Mills. Twenty-nine indicators were identified
      that served as "proxy" measures of functional capacity within health coalitions.
      SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-three County Health Councils (CoHCs) in
      Tennessee. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Diverse member representation; formal rules,
      roles, and procedures; open, frequent interpersonal communication; task-focused
      climate; council leadership; resources; active member participation; and external
      linkages were assessed to determine the level of functionality of CoHCs. Scores
      across all CoHCs were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency
      distributions, measures of central tendency, and measures of variability. Data
      were analyzed using SAS 9.3. RESULTS: Of 68 CoHCs (73% response rate), the total
      mean score for the level of functional characteristics was 30.5 (median = 30.5;
      SD = 6.3; range, 18-44). Of the 8 functional characteristics, CoHCs met or
      exceeded all indicators associated with council leadership, tasked-focused
      climate, and external linkages. Lowest scores were for having a written
      communications plan, written priorities or goals, and opportunities for training.
      CONCLUSION: This study advances the research on health coalitions by establishing
      a process for quantifying the functionality of health coalitions. Future studies
      will be conducted to examine the association between health coalition functional
      capacity, local health departments' community health assessment and planning
      efforts, and changes in community health status.

PMID- 28079643
TI  - Validation of Retention in HIV Care Status Using the New York City HIV
      Surveillance Registry and Clinical Care Data From a Large HIV Care Center.
AB  - CONTEXT: Improving retention in care is a key element of the National HIV/AIDS
      Strategy (NHAS). However, definitions for measuring retention in care are not
      standardized. OBJECTIVE: To compare measures of retention based on both clinic
      visit data and HIV laboratory surveillance data. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort
      study. SETTING: New York City (NYC), New York. PARTICIPANTS: We matched adult
      patients with HIV infection seen at the Spencer Cox Center for Health (SCC) in
      2010 or 2011 with the NYC HIV Surveillance Registry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Retention in care was measured on the basis of SCC electronic medical record
      (EMR) data (>=1 medical visits in 2012) and Surveillance Registry data (>=2
      CD4/viral load [VL] tests >=90 days apart in 2012). RESULTS: There were 5746
      adult HIV-infected patients seen at SCC between 2010 and 2011 who matched with
      the Surveillance Registry. Seventy-eight percent (n = 4469) had 1 or more medical
      visits at SCC in 2012 and were considered retained on the basis of the EMR
      definition, among which 3831 (86%) met the surveillance definition for retention
      in care. Patients who did not have a medical visit at SCC in 2012 (n = 1277) were
      lost to care in NYC (n = 485; 36%), engaged in care at an alternate provider (n =
      622; 49%), or died after their last SCC visit (n = 197; 15%). IMPLICATIONS: This
      study is an important comparison of laboratory surveillance versus clinic visit
      based measures of retention in care in an urban setting with the largest HIV
      epidemic in the country. Collaborative projects between local health departments
      and clinical care providers can help validate the care status of patients and
      inform the allocation of resources to reengage patients who are lost to care.
      CONCLUSION: The combined use of laboratory and clinic visit-based data to measure
      retention in care provides a more accurate representation of the care status of
      HIV-infected patients than use of a single data source alone. Routine sharing of
      data by public health institutions and clinical care providers would help target
      resources toward reengaging patients who are lost to care in jurisdictions with
      universal HIV-related laboratory reporting.

PMID- 28079645
TI  - The Role of Patient Navigators in Building a Medical Home for Multiply Diagnosed
      HIV-Positive Homeless Populations.
AB  - CONTEXT: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) who are
      most at risk for falling out of HIV primary care and detectable viral loads
      include homeless and unstably housed individuals and those codiagnosed with
      behavioral health disorders. The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is a model
      that promotes provision of comprehensive, patient-centered, accessible,
      coordinated, and quality care for patients. This initiative provided patient
      navigation to HIV-positive homeless and unstably housed individuals codiagnosed
      with a mental health or substance use disorder as a means to create an adapted
      PCMH to meet the specific needs of this population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      this analysis was to characterize the roles and responsibilities of patient
      navigators as part of an effort to create a medical home for homeless and
      unstably housed PLWH with behavioral health comorbidities. DESIGN: Eighty-one in
      depth interviews with clinic staff and 2 focus groups with patient navigators
      were conducted. Content analysis was performed to identify key roles and
      responsibilities of the patient navigators. RESULTS: Patient navigators played an
      important role in creating a PCMH by working with clients to schedule and
      complete appointments, develop comprehensive care plans, forging critical
      relationships with providers both within and outside of health care systems,
      providing holistic support to increase patient self-management, and assisting in
      achieving housing stability. CONCLUSIONS: It may be necessary to adapt the
      traditional PCMH model to effectively meet the social, behavior health, and
      medical needs of homeless and unstably housed PLWH with behavioral health
      comorbidities. A patient navigator who can invest time in supporting and
      connecting these patients to needed services may be a key component in creating
      an effective PCMH for this population. These findings highlight the roles and
      tasks of patient navigators that may contribute to developing a PCMH specific to
      homeless and unstably housed PLWH with mental health and substance use
      comorbidities. Implementation of such a model has the potential to improve health
      outcomes (such as retention in care and viral suppression) for particularly
      vulnerable PLWH and thereby reduce the burden of HIV infection.

PMID- 28079646
TI  - Public Health Agency Accreditation Among Rural Local Health Departments:
      Influencers and Barriers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Health department accreditation is a crucial strategy for
      strengthening public health infrastructure. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate local health department (LHD) characteristics that are associated
      with accreditation-seeking behavior. This study sought to ascertain the effects
      of rurality on the likelihood of seeking accreditation through the Public Health
      Accreditation Board (PHAB). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using secondary data
      from the 2013 National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO)
      National Profile of Local Health Departments Study (Profile Study). SETTING:
      United States. PARTICIPANTS: LHDs (n = 490) that responded to the 2013 NACCHO
      Profile Survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: LHDs decision to seek PHAB accreditation.
      RESULTS: Significantly more accreditation-seeking LHDs were located in urban
      areas (87.0%) than in micropolition (8.9%) or rural areas (4.1%) (P < .001). LHDs
      residing in urban communities were 16.6 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3
      52.3) and micropolitan LHDs were 3.4 times (95% CI, 1.1-11.3) more likely to seek
      PHAB accreditation than rural LHDs (RLHDs). LHDs that had completed an agency
      wide strategic plan were 8.5 times (95% CI, 4.0-17.9), LHDs with a local board of
      health were 3.3 times (95% CI, 1.5-7.0), and LHDs governed by their state health
      department were 12.9 times (95% CI, 3.3-50.0) more likely to seek accreditation.
      The most commonly cited barrier was time and effort required for accreditation
      application exceeded benefits (73.5%). CONCLUSION: The strongest predictor for
      seeking PHAB accreditation was serving an urban jurisdiction. Micropolitan LHDs
      were more likely to seek accreditation than smaller RLHDs, which are typically
      understaffed and underfunded. Major barriers identified by the RLHDs included
      fees being too high and the time and effort needed for accreditation exceeded
      their perceived benefits. RLHDs will need additional financial and technical
      support to achieve accreditation. Even with additional funds, clear messaging of
      the benefits of accreditation tailored to RLHDs will be needed.

PMID- 28079647
TI  - Using Public Health Data for Soil Pb Hazard Management in Ohio.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how frequently elevated soil lead (Pb) hazards (>=400 ppm
      Pb) were identified in existing blood Pb site investigations in Ohio. DESIGN:
      This study evaluated 3050 site investigations from the Ohio Department of Health
      for children with blood Pb levels at or above 10 MUg dL that contained bare soil
      Pb data. SETTING: Data were collected from existing databases maintained by the
      Ohio Department of Health. PARTICIPANTS: All data were de-identified prior to
      analysis. The data used included blood Pb level test results for children (18
      years or younger) in Ohio, with most data coming from children younger than 6
      years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were blood Pb levels and
      identified Pb concentrations in environmental media, including soil, paint, and
      dust. METHODS: Data were organized and summarized according to county. Summary
      statistics were generated on the basis of type of environmental media and county.
      RESULTS: Soil samples were collected in approximately 5% of all blood Pb cases in
      Ohio between 1999 and 2015. Median bare soil Pb was 1030 mg Pb kg (range, 0-345
      021 mg Pb kg soil). Fifty-six of Ohio's 88 counties had at least 1 soil sample
      above 10 000 ppm (mg Pb kg). Multiple Pb hazards were identified, including bare
      soil (74% frequency), deteriorated exterior Pb paint (74%), deteriorated interior
      Pb paint (72%), and settled Pb dust (72%). Bare soil collected from identified
      dripline areas contained 2638 ppm Pb above soils collected from bare soil play
      areas (P = .02). Ninety assessments (3%) contained a bare soil hazard, with no
      other identified hazards. No trend was found comparing county mean or median Pb
      with county population. Previously identified high-risk counties for elevated
      blood Pb levels did not have an elevated prevalence of bare soil Pb hazards
      compared with other counties (P = .64). CONCLUSIONS: Site investigators should
      anticipate finding and managing elevated bare soil Pb in locations throughout
      Ohio. When communicating with the public about bare soil Pb hazards,
      practitioners and policy makers should emphasize the importance of addressing all
      potential Pb exposure sources. Findings demonstrate the importance of the
      individual home environment for exposure, as previously identified high-risk
      counties for elevated blood Pb levels were not different from other counties.

PMID- 28079648
TI  - Acute Response of the Infraspinatus and Biceps Tendons to Pitching in Youth
      Baseball.
AB  - PURPOSE: Youth baseball frequently results in repetitive strain injuries.
      Quantitative ultrasound allows real-time imaging with the ability to identify
      acute markers of tendon change. The study objective was to determine acute
      quantitative ultrasound changes in the long head of the biceps and infraspinatus
      tendons of the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders during a pitching performance.
      We hypothesized the tendons of the pitching arm would exhibit an increased width
      and decreased echogenicity after pitching and that tendons of the nonpitching arm
      would not demonstrate such changes. METHODS: Fifty youth baseball players, ages 9
      14 yr, engaged in a simulated pitching performance that consisted of 50 pitches.
      Subjects underwent serial quantitative ultrasound imaging of the infraspinatus
      and the long head of the biceps before pitching and after 25 and 50 pitches were
      thrown. RESULTS: Testing of the change in tendon width revealed the infraspinatus
      (0.21 mm) and long head of the biceps tendons (0.18 mm) in the throwing shoulder
      had statistically significant increases (P = 0.03) in tendon width as an acute
      response to throwing 50 pitches, without such changes in the nonthrowing shoulder
      (P > 0.05). No tendon width change was found at 25 pitches in either arm or
      tendon (P > 0.05). No associated changes in echogenicity were found at any time
      point (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that pitching
      acutely increases tendon width in two biomechanically important tendons of the
      shoulder as early as the 50 pitch mark. This change could be a normal
      physiological response or a potential warning sign of future pathology and
      requires further study.

PMID- 28079649
TI  - Factors Affecting the Ability of People With Diabetes to Avoid Hypoglycemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia is recognized as a limiting factor in diabetes
      management. Fear of experiencing hypoglycemia may lead to lower quality of life,
      impaired glycemic control, and emotional distress, all of which impair the
      ability of patients to self-manage their diabetes effectively. Problem solving is
      central to diabetes self-management and may help patients achieve effective self
      care of their disease. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the
      ability of people with diabetes to avoid hypoglycemia and to explore associated
      factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used for the study.
      Data were collected using a demographic and disease characteristics datasheet,
      the Hypoglycemic Problem Solving Scale, and the Disease-Associated Negative Mood
      Scale. RESULTS: Three hundred thirteen participants were recruited, with a mean
      age of 55.49 years. The average item score for the questions on hypoglycemic
      problem-solving ability was 2.43 (SD = 0.75). In comparing Hypoglycemic Problem
      Solving Scale subscales, participants scored highest on the problem orientation
      subscales and lowest on the problem-solving skills subscales. Multiple regression
      analysis revealed that being younger and unmarried and having a higher level of
      education, a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, and a lower negative mood score were
      each significantly associated with greater problem-solving ability as regards
      hypoglycemic events. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: We suggest that
      patients with diabetes, especially those who are older or with lower levels of
      education, receive disease-related psychological interventions and that
      healthcare professionals teach problem-solving abilities in conjunction with
      hypoglycemia management.

PMID- 28079650
TI  - PNEUMATIC DISPLACEMENT OF LIMITED TRAUMATIC SUBMACULAR HEMORRHAGE WITHOUT TISSUE
      PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR: A CASE SERIES.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal gas (perfluoropropane, C3F8)
      assisted displacement of submacular hemorrhage (SMH) secondary to recent or old
      blunt trauma. METHODS: An interventional case series of three patients who
      presented with SMH after blunt trauma, ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks back. All
      three patients were treated with an intravitreal injection of 0.3 cc of 100% C3F8
      with anterior chamber paracentesis. Strict prone position was advised for 2 weeks
      with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours per day. Documentation was done with serial
      recording of corrected distance visual acuity, fundus photographs, and spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography both before and after intervention. RESULTS:
      The follow-up period ranged from 2 weeks to 3 months. All patients showed a
      significant displacement of SMH with recovery of the normal foveal contour;
      foveal thinning was noted in 2 cases. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity
      improved from counting finger at 1 m to 20/30 in Case 1 and counting finger 3 m
      to 20/40 in Case 2. In Case 3, the visual acuity remained unchanged from the
      preoperative 20/60 which could be attributed to the presence of a choroidal
      rupture in the foveal area that became evident after the displacement of SMH.
      CONCLUSION: Pneumatic displacement is an effective technique in the management of
      SMH due to recent or old blunt trauma.

PMID- 28079651
TI  - BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION SECONDARY TO A RETINAL ARTERIOLAR MACROANEURYSM: A
      NOVEL MECHANISM SUPPORTED BY MULTIMODAL IMAGING.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To report a case of a branch retinal vein occlusion secondary
      to a retinal arteriolar macroaneurysm (RAM). METHODS: Retrospective case report
      describing examination findings, treatment outcome and unique multimodal imaging
      features demonstrated on fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography,
      optical coherence tomography angiography and adaptive optics photography of the
      retinal vessels and RAM. RESULTS: A 61-year-old man presented with 20/200 vision
      in the right eye because of a branch retinal vein occlusion secondary to a RAM.
      After sector panretinal photocoagulation and a course of 24 intravitreal
      antivascular endothelial growth factor injections over 4 years, visual acuity
      improved to 20/25. Fluorescein angiography showed filling of the RAM even after 4
      years. Optical coherence tomography angiography demonstrated venous collateral
      vessels in both the superficial and deep capillary plexuses, and adaptive optics
      imaging revealed a gap between the RAM wall and occluded vein. CONCLUSION:
      Multimodal imaging of this unusual presentation illustrated a novel mechanism of
      branch retinal vein occlusion in which a primary RAM adjacent to the junction of
      two retinal veins led to obstruction of venous flow without evidence of direct
      compression. This supports the theory that perianeurysmal microenvironment
      changes may be of importance in the pathogenesis of venous occlusion.

PMID- 28079652
TI  - Long-Term Survival and Causes of Late Death in Children Treated With
      Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used in patients with
      severe circulatory or respiratory failure since the 1970s, but the knowledge on
      long-term survival in this group is scarce. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the 10-year survival rates and causes of late death in children
      treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. DESIGN: Single-center,
      retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center for extracorporeal
      life support. PATIENTS: Neonatal and pediatric patients treated with
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 1987 to December 2013. INTERVENTIONS:
      None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Survival status was obtained from the
      national Causes of Death registry. Patient background data along with data on
      survival and causes of death were collected. Survival rates were calculated using
      the Kaplan-Meier method. Of 400 subjects, 76% survived to discharge. The median
      follow-up time in survivors was 7.2 years. There was a high mortality rate within
      the first months after discharge. In the group of patients who survived the first
      90 days after treatment, the 10-year survival rates were 93% in neonates and 89%
      in pediatric patients and were particularly beneficial in patients whose
      indication for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was meconium aspiration
      syndrome, trauma, or infectious diseases. Late deaths were seen in some
      diagnostic groups, but the Kaplan-Meier curves plateaued over time. CONCLUSIONS:
      Children who survive the first months after treatment with extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation have a high long-term survival rate. The prognosis is
      especially favorable in patients with reversible conditions.

PMID- 28079653
TI  - Comparison of Impact of Monocular and Integrated Binocular Visual Fields on
      Vision-related Quality of Life.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study was to investigate the
      relationship between vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) and mean deviation
      (MD) of the monocular visual field and integrated binocular visual field (IBVF).
      METHODS: One hundred eighty VFs (90 pairs) obtained from 90 patients with normal
      tension glaucoma were included. VRQOL was evaluated using the 25-item National
      Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). IBVF was calculated
      using maximal sensitivity and binocular summation and IBVF MD was calculated.
      Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the impact of IBVF deficit
      on VRQOL after adjusting for confounding factors. These results were compared to
      those of monocular visual field. RESULTS: Mean subject age was 59.4 years. The
      average MD of maximal sensitivity was significantly higher than that of binocular
      summation, the better eye, and the worse eye (-3.27, -3.78, -3.96, and -8.66 dB,
      respectively, P<0.001). Rasch-analyzed NEI VFQ-25 subscales and composite scores
      were significantly correlated with IBVF deficit. The impact that IBVF had on
      VRQOL was similar to that of the better eye (R of 0.431, 0.422, and 0.422 for MD
      of the better eye, binocular summation, and maximal sensitivity, respectively).
      In contrast, the worse eye showed the least correlation with VRQOL (0.363).
      CONCLUSIONS: The impact of IBVF on VRQOL was similar to that of the better eye
      irrespective of integration method. Therefore, better eye MD could be a good
      indicator for VRQOL.

PMID- 28079654
TI  - Retinal Oximetry in Subjects With Glaucomatous Hemifield Asymmetry.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although some studies suggest a strong link between retinal vessel
      oxygenation and damage to the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) seen in glaucoma,
      it has yet to be conclusively proven. This study compares intraocular retinal
      oximetry in glaucomatous eyes displaying asymmetrically affected hemifields
      across different subgroups of glaucoma, namely primary angle closure glaucoma
      (PACG), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
      METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 99 patients (PACG, n=28;
      POAG, n=37; NTG, n=34) underwent retinal oxygenation and vessel caliber
      measurements using the Oxymap T1 Retinal Oximeter, Cirrus optical coherence
      tomography, and Humphrey visual field testing. For the comparison between
      different subtypes of glaucoma, an analysis of variance with Bonferroni method
      was performed. Intraeye differences were compared with a paired t test.
      Determination of the more affected and less affected hemifield was made using the
      Humphrey visual field pattern deviation plot. RESULTS: Considering the mean
      deviation and Advanced Glaucoma Interventional Study score, the visual field
      defects were milder in NTG as compared with POAG and PACG (P<0.05).Arteriole
      diameter was smaller in the more affected hemifield compared with the less
      affected hemifield in patients with PACG (109.30+/-18.07 vs. 120.57+/-17.92;
      P=0.023) and NTG (109.36+/-13.79 vs. 117.46+/-17.72; P=0.04). The more affected
      hemifield had a significantly thinner RNFL than the less affected hemifield in
      patients across all 3 groups, though this was only significant in PACG (P=0.02)
      and NTG patients (P<0.01). In all 3 groups, although the less affected hemifield
      tended to have a marginally higher arteriole and venule oxygen saturation than
      the more affected hemifield, no statistical significance was reached. There were
      no significant differences in arteriovenous difference between the more and less
      affected hemifield in all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, localized visual
      field losses were not associated with changes in retinal oximetry but were
      associated with narrower retinal arteriolar diameters in PACG and NTG. The RNFL
      was thinner in the more affected hemifield in these 2 groups but this was not so
      marked in the POAG sample, possibly limiting our ability to find a difference in
      arteriolar diameter there.

PMID- 28079655
TI  - Microarchitecture of Schlemm Canal Before and After Selective Laser
      Trabeculoplasty in Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize the in vivo effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty
      (SLT) on the Schlemm canal (SC) in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one serial horizontal enhanced depth imaging
      optical coherence tomograph B-scans (interval between B-scans, ~35 MUm) of the
      nasal corneoscleral limbus were obtained before and 4 weeks after SLT. Fifty B
      scans in the overlapping regions before and after SLT were selected for analysis
      based on the structures of aqueous and blood vessels as landmarks. The SC cross
      sectional area (CSA) was measured in each selected B-scan and averaged to
      generate the mean SC CSA of the eye. SC volume in the overlapping region was
      calculated using commercially available 3-dimensional reconstruction software.
      The mean SC CSA and SC volume were compared between pre-SLT and post-SLT B-scans.
      Correlation analysis was performed between SC CSA changes and intraocular
      pressure (IOP) changes. RESULTS: Thirteen POAG eyes (13 patients) were included
      for analysis (mean age, 68.2+/-9.2 y). After SLT, the mean IOP was reduced from
      19.8+/-7.6 to 14.4+/-3.8 mm Hg (P=0.003); the mean SC CSA increased by 8%, from
      2478+/-550 to 2682+/-598 MUm (P=0.029); and the mean SC volume increased from
      4,304,592+/-954,777 to 4,658,250+/-1,039,956 MUm (P=0.029). Increase in SC CSA
      had a significant positive correlation with IOP reduction after SLT (P=0.023,
      R=0.622). CONCLUSIONS: SLT expands SC in POAG patients and even more so with
      greater IOP reduction after SLT. Post-SLT expansion of SC may be due to increased
      trabecular aqueous outflow, IOP decrease, or structural changes in trabecular
      meshwork resulting from SLT.

PMID- 28079656
TI  - Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation for the Treatment of Glaucoma in Boston
      Keratoprosthesis Type II Patient.
AB  - We describe the surgical technique of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in a
      Boston keratoprosthesis type II patient. This patient with ocular cicatricial
      pemphigoid had pars plana endoscopic cyclophotocoagula through wounds created in
      the eyelids.

PMID- 28079658
TI  - Normal-Tension Glaucoma and Low Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure.

PMID- 28079657
TI  - Diagnostic Capability of Peripapillary Retinal Volume Measurements in Glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic capability of spectral domain optical
      coherence tomography peripapillary retinal volume (RV) measurements. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A total of 156 patients, 89 primary open-angle glaucoma and 67
      normal subjects, were recruited. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography
      peripapillary RV was calculated for 4 quadrants using 3 annuli of varying scan
      circle diameters: outer circumpapillary annuli of circular grids 1, 2, and 3
      (OCA1, OCA2, OCA3). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves and
      pairwise comparisons of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were
      performed to determine which quadrants were best for diagnosing primary open
      angle glaucoma. The pairwise comparisons of the best ROC curves for RV and
      retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) were performed. The artifact rates were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Pairwise comparisons showed that the smaller annuli OCA1 and
      OCA2 had better diagnostic performance than the largest annulus OCA3 (P<0.05 for
      all quadrants). OCA1 and OCA2 had similar diagnostic performance, except for the
      inferior quadrant which was better for OCA1 (P=0.0033). The pairwise comparisons
      of the best ROC curves for RV and RNFL were not statistically significant. RV
      measurements had lower rates of artifacts at 7.4% while RNFL measurements had
      higher rates at 42.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Peripapillary RV measurements have excellent
      ability for diagnosing not only glaucoma patients but also a subset of early
      glaucoma patients. The inferior quadrant of peripapillary annulus OCA1
      demonstrated the best diagnostic capability for both glaucoma and early glaucoma.
      The diagnostic ability of RV is comparable with that of RNFL parameters in
      glaucoma but with lower artifact rates.

PMID- 28079659
TI  - Suspected Malignant Hyperthermia in the Setting of Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest
      for Type A Aortic Dissection Repair: A Case Report.
AB  - Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening biochemical process of
      hypermetabolism brought about in susceptible individuals by a triggering drug or
      event. Type A aortic dissections are surgical emergencies requiring
      cardiopulmonary bypass and frequently deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. We
      present a case of suspected MH in a patient undergoing emergent repair of a type
      A aortic dissection. Upon arrival at our institution, the patient had multiple
      signs of MH. However, no known triggering agent had been administered.
      Eventually, the unique physiologic changes of cardiopulmonary bypass provided
      strong support for the diagnosis of MH and dantrolene was administered,
      effectively treating the episode.

PMID- 28079660
TI  - Anesthetic Management of a Child With Jeune Syndrome for Tracheotomy: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Jeune syndrome is a rare autosomal-recessive skeletal disorder. Anesthetic
      management of these patients is often difficult because of thoracic and lung
      hypoplasia. A 5-month-old boy with Jeune syndrome was scheduled to undergo a
      tracheotomy. Despite 5-minute preoxygenation with continuous positive airway
      pressure, the patient's oxygen saturation rapidly dropped during the induction of
      anesthesia. The continuous positive airway pressure should have been titrated to
      effective tidal volume during preoxygenation to recruit the patient's functional
      residual capacity and to prevent desaturation. During tracheotomy, volume
      controlled ventilation with a high respiratory rate and sufficient inspiratory
      time effectively improved the patient's respiratory status.

PMID- 28079661
TI  - Femoral Neuropathy Following Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage After Cardiac
      Surgery: A Case Report.
AB  - A woman underwent ascending aortic aneurysm repair, aortic root and valve
      replacement, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Her postoperative course was
      complicated by stroke and status epilepticus. With supportive care and
      antiepileptics, her neurologic status improved. Intravenous heparin and aspirin
      were initiated. On postoperative day 13, she developed a large retroperitoneal
      hematoma with femoral neuropathy. Because her hematoma was not amenable to
      percutaneous drainage or surgical evacuation, and considering her comorbidities,
      a conservative approach was elected. Anticoagulation was held but not reversed,
      and she was transfused. Her impairment resolved fully after 3 days, and
      anticoagulation was restarted in staggered fashion.

PMID- 28079662
TI  - Recognition of a Thoracic Epidural Hematoma in the Setting of Transient
      Paralysis: A Case Report.
AB  - A 71-year-old woman on aspirin presented for a distal pancreatectomy,
      splenectomy, and partial colectomy with a T8/9 epidural catheter placed
      preoperatively in 3 attempts. Prophylactic 5000 units of subcutaneous heparin
      were given before the procedure. After catheter removal on postoperative day 2,
      the patient developed transient bilateral lower extremity paralysis, with near
      complete recovery within 30 minutes. An urgent MRI revealed a T4-T8 epidural
      hematoma prompting an emergent T3-T8 laminectomy. This case presentation
      highlights the need for heightened awareness regarding complications related to
      neuraxial analgesia in patients receiving unfractionated heparin for
      thromboembolism prophylaxis with concurrent aspirin use.

PMID- 28079663
TI  - General Anesthesia and Fabry Disease: A Case Report.
AB  - Fabry disease is an inherited X-linked disorder characterized by the absence (in
      men) or deficiency (in women) in alpha-galactosidase A activity that causes a
      progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids within lysosomes of cells of all
      the major organ systems. The subsequent organ damage that manifests in childhood
      and early adulthood presents a widely variable clinical picture of pain,
      hypertension, and cardiac, renal, nervous system, and lung dysfunction. We
      present 2 female patients with Fabry disease who required general anesthesia
      twice for gynecological and trauma surgery, respectively, and discuss their
      perioperative management based on new information in the medical literature.

PMID- 28079664
TI  - Multidose Adenosine Used to Facilitate Microsurgical Clipping of a Cerebral
      Aneurysm Complicated by Intraoperative Rupture: A Case Report.
AB  - In some cases of cerebral aneurysm clipping, direct clip application to the
      aneurysm neck may be difficult or the aneurysm may rupture unexpectedly. In these
      cases, a clip may be temporarily applied to the parent artery to reduce
      aneurysmal wall tension, facilitate permanent clip placement, or control bleeding
      if the aneurysm ruptures. In certain circumstances, even applying a temporary
      clip may be challenging. We present a case in which the aneurysm ruptured and IV
      administration of adenosine was required to facilitate clipping. This case
      suggests that administering multiple consecutive precalculated doses of adenosine
      may be a safe method to manage aneurysmal rupture.

PMID- 28079665
TI  - Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Antimuscle-Specific Kinase Antibody
      Positive Myasthenia Gravis Undergoing an Open Cholecystectomy: A Case Report.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production
      of antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor, muscle-specific kinase (MuSK),
      or other proteins at the neuromuscular junction. MG with antibodies against MuSK
      (MuSK-MG) has been described recently. Here, we report the first case of
      anesthetic management of a patient with MuSK-MG undergoing an open
      cholecystectomy. In our case, propofol and remifentanil-based anesthesia were
      used for successful management without using muscle relaxants. Patients with MuSK
      MG have predominantly ocular, bulbar, and respiratory symptoms that may increase
      the risk of aspiration. Anesthesiologists need to pay attention to perioperative
      respiratory failure and respiratory crisis.

PMID- 28079666
TI  - Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator Administration for Ischemic Stroke 1
      Hour After Epidural Catheter Removal: A Case Report.
AB  - Anticoagulation after a recent neuraxial procedure poses risk for development of
      spinal hematoma. Clinical evidence supports prompt IV tissue plasminogen
      activator administration after onset of ischemic stroke. There is an absence of
      data regarding emergency fibrinolytic therapy for patients experiencing a stroke
      with recent neuraxial procedures, resulting in highly disparate, nonevidence
      based guidelines. This report describes a patient who developed ischemic stroke
      when receiving postoperative epidural analgesia. Tissue plasminogen activator was
      emergently administered 1 hour after epidural catheter removal with a favorable
      recovery. The patient and his family reviewed the manuscript, and written consent
      to publish this case report was obtained from the patient.

PMID- 28079667
TI  - Stage of fibrosis and portal pressure correlation in nonalcoholic
      steatohepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement correlates with
      staging of liver fibrosis. Patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have
      a different pattern of fibrosis compared with hepatitis C virus (HCV) with
      possible alterations in pressures. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare
      portal pressures with the stage of fibrosis in NASH in comparison with other
      liver diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of all patients who had undergone
      transjugular liver biopsy with pressure measurements between January 2001 and
      June 2013 were reviewed. Wedge hepatic venous pressure (WHVP) and HVPG were
      compared with stages of fibrosis in liver diseases of different etiologies.
      RESULTS: Among 142 patients included in this study, the liver disease etiology
      was as follows: HCV (26.6%) and NASH (24.6%), with the remaining (38.7%) grouped
      under other categories. The mean age of the patients was 51.2+/-11.5 years, with
      more men with HCV (73.1%) compared with NASH (51.4%) in terms of etiology
      (P=0.046). There were strong correlations between the stage of fibrosis with both
      the HVPG (r=0.64; P<0.0001) and the WHVP (r=0.63; P<0.0001) in NASH patients.
      Compared with HCV patients, NASH patients had a lower HVPG (3.4+/-2.4 vs. 7.5+/
      11 mmHg/stage; P=0.01) with a coefficient estimate of -0.24 (P=0.017) and WHVP
      (9.6+/-5.5 vs. 14.6+/-15.2 mmHg/stage; P=0.03) for the stage of fibrosis.
      CONCLUSION: HVPG and WHVP measurements were strongly correlated with stages of
      fibrosis in NASH. Patients with NASH had lower HVPG and WHVP for each stage of
      fibrosis compared with HCV patients. This raises the concern of underestimation
      of pressures by HVPG in NASH etiology for the stage of disease or increased
      fibrosis despite lower pressures in them.

PMID- 28079671
TI  - Outcomes of Exercise Training Following the Use of a Birthing Ball During
      Pregnancy and Delivery.
AB  - Fournier, D, Feeney, G, and Mathieu, M-E. Outcomes of exercise training following
      the use of a birthing ball during pregnancy and delivery. J Strength Cond Res
      31(7): 1941-1947, 2017- Using a birthing ball (BB) is an exercise form that is
      growing in popularity. Improved delivery outcomes have been recently reported
      with as little a 6-8 hours of training per week; however, little is known
      regarding lower and higher training levels. The aim of this study was to document
      whether more time spent training with a BB resulted in improved delivery outcomes
      for the mother and the newborn. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with
      a sample of women who participated in 1 to 28 supervised exercise classes during
      pregnancy according to the Ballon Forme program offered in nonclinical settings
      (http://ballonforme.com), with the option of completing the supervised BB
      exercises performed at home. Thirty women who gave birth naturally were included
      in the study. Mean BB training time was 22.3 hours (SD = 16.6 hours). A greater
      BB training time was significantly associated with shorter labor duration (r = 
      0.408; p = 0.031) and specific stages of labor (stage 1 [dilatation/active stage]
      [r = -0.372; p = 0.043] and stage 2 [expulsion] [r = -0.415; p = 0.028]).
      Increased participation in BB supervised classes was more closely associated with
      quicker deliveries than those of home based BB exercises. No associations between
      training time and adverse effects of labor parameters or the baby's health were
      noted. Greater involvement in BB training seems to lead to quicker deliveries
      than lower levels of involvement; it also has the benefit of supervised practice.

PMID- 28079672
TI  - Unexplored Opportunities: Thoughts on Research to Improve Availability and Access
      to Sexual Health Services for Young Men Who Have Sex With Men.

PMID- 28079673
TI  - Differences in Use of High-quality and Low-quality Hospitals Among Working-age
      Individuals by Insurance Type.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research suggests that individuals with Medicaid or no insurance
      receive fewer evidence-based treatments and have worse outcomes than those with
      private insurance for a broad range of conditions. These differences may be due
      to patients' receiving care in hospitals of different quality. RESEARCH DESIGN:
      We used the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases
      2009-2010 data to identify patients aged 18-64 years with private insurance,
      Medicaid, or no insurance who were hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction,
      heart failure, pneumonia, stroke, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Multinomial
      logit regressions estimated the probability of admissions to hospitals classified
      as high, medium, or low quality on the basis of risk-adjusted, in-hospital
      mortality. RESULTS: Compared with patients who have private insurance, those with
      Medicaid or no insurance were more likely to be minorities and to reside in areas
      with low-socioeconomic status. The probability of admission to high-quality
      hospitals was similar for patients with Medicaid (23.3%) and private insurance
      (23.0%) but was significantly lower for patients without insurance (19.8%,
      P<0.01) compared with the other 2 insurance groups. Accounting for demographic,
      socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics did not influence the results.
      CONCLUSIONS: Previously noted disparities in hospital quality of care for
      Medicaid recipients are not explained by differences in the quality of hospitals
      they use. Patients without insurance have lower use of high-quality hospitals, a
      finding that needs exploration with data after 2013 in light of the Affordable
      Care Act, which is designed to improve access to medical care for patients
      without insurance.

PMID- 28079674
TI  - Borderline intellectual functioning: an update.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is a descriptive v
      code that is often used, especially in forensic settings, as if it were a full
      fledged disorder. Various historical and other aspects of this classification are
      reviewed, and commentary is made on the question of whether to upgrade BIF to a
      regular psychiatric category, or to eliminate it by folding it into an already
      recently expanded category of intellectual developmental disorder (IDD). RECENT
      FINDINGS: Full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) is an outmoded concept that is
      decreasingly being used. For example, DSM-5 states that measures of 'executive
      functioning' (reasoning, planning, consequential thinking, attention, self
      regulation, and so on) are often more meaningful that full-scale IQ as diagnostic
      indicators of IDD. Even the definition of BIF in DSM-5 no longer specifies an IQ
      score range. SUMMARY: BIF is a descriptive v-code (rather than a typical
      psychiatric category), which started out as a sub-type of IDD (formerly mental
      retardation or intellectual disability) but morphed into its current status when
      the IQ ceiling for IDD was changed from minus one standard deviation (85) to
      minus two standard deviations (70). It has been suggested that, as people with
      BIF often have adjustment problems, the BIF category be elevated to the status of
      a formal psychiatric disorder. In this article, a contrary opinion is expressed,
      namely that the BIF category be dropped.

PMID- 28079675
TI  - Recent advances in the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present article addresses intriguing questions related to
      the clinical intervention in distinct neuropsychiatric syndromes of patients with
      dementia. RECENT FINDINGS: We reviewed 154 articles published between 2015 and
      2016 targeting psychopharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, and
      safety-tolerability concerns. We selected 115 articles addressing the purpose of
      this study. Of these, 33 were chosen because they were dedicated to subtopics:
      agitation (42), depression (33), apathy (18), sleep disorders/anxiety (8), and
      psychosis (4). Clinical studies using both pharmacological (70) and
      nonpharmacological (37) interventions were considered; others were included for
      theoretical support. Regarding the methodological design, we found double-blind
      RCTs (17), single-blinded RCTs (4), open-label studies (18), case reports (5),
      cross-sectional or cohort studies (25), epidemiological papers (2), and expert
      reviews (44). This observation raises concerns about the overall methodological
      adequacy of a substantial proportion of studies in this field, which limits the
      potential of generalization of the findings. Finally, 18 studies were designed to
      determine safety-tolerability issues of psychotropic medications (6 were
      discussed). SUMMARY: Effective and well tolerated treatment of neuropsychiatric
      syndromes in dementia remains a critically unsolved challenge. We understand that
      this is an extremely important area of research, and critically required to guide
      clinical decisions in geriatric neuropsychiatry.

PMID- 28079676
TI  - Multiple Conditions Increase Preventable Crash Risks Among Truck Drivers in a
      Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantify the crash risk for truck drivers with
      multiple comorbid medical conditions, after adjusting for confounders. METHODS:
      This retrospective cohort of 38,184 drivers evaluated concomitant medical
      conditions and subsequent crash data between January 1, 2005, and October 31,
      2012. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated
      for any cause and preventable crashes of varying severity. RESULTS: Drivers with
      three or more medical conditions had a significantly increased risk of
      preventable Department of Transportation (DOT) reportable crashes (HR = 2.53, 95%
      CI = 1.65 to 3.88) and preventable crashes with injuries (HR = 2.23, 95% CI =
      1.09 to 5.31) after adjustment for covariates. Similarly, adjusted HRs were 2.55
      (95% CI = 1.37 to 4.73) for any cause DOT-reportable crashes and 3.21 (95% CI =
      1.18 to 8.75) for any cause crashes with injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Having three
      concomitant medical conditions may be a statistically significant risk factor for
      preventable and any cause DOT-reportable crashes and crashes with injuries.

PMID- 28079677
TI  - Cadaveric Testing of Robot-Assisted Access to the Internal Auditory Canal for
      Vestibular Schwannoma Removal.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: An image-guided robotic system can safely perform the bulk removal of
      bone during the translabyrinthine approach to vestibular schwannoma (VS).
      BACKGROUND: The translabyrinthine approach to VS removal involves extensive
      manual milling in the temporal bone to gain access to the internal auditory canal
      (IAC) for tumor resection. This bone removal is time consuming and challenging
      due to the presence of vital anatomy (e.g., facial nerve) embedded within the
      temporal bone. A robotic system can use preoperative imaging and segmentations to
      guide a surgical drill to remove a prescribed volume of bone, thereby preserving
      the surgeon for the more delicate work of opening the IAC and resecting the
      tumor. METHODS: Fresh human cadaver heads were used in the experiments. For each
      trial, the desired bone resection volume was planned on a preoperative computed
      tomography (CT) image, the steps in the proposed clinical workflow were
      undertaken, and the robot was programmed to mill the specified volume. A
      postoperative CT scan was acquired for evaluation of the accuracy of the milled
      cavity and examination of vital anatomy. RESULTS: In all experimental trials, the
      facial nerve and chorda tympani were preserved. The root mean squared surface
      accuracy of the milled cavities ranged from 0.23 to 0.65 mm and the milling time
      ranged from 32.7 to 57.0 minute. CONCLUSION: This work shows feasibility of using
      a robot-assisted approach for VS removal surgery. Further testing and system
      improvements are necessary to enable clinical translation of this technology.

PMID- 28079678
TI  - Sound Localization in Patients With Congenital Unilateral Conductive Hearing Loss
      With a Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implant.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus regarding the benefit of implantable hearing
      aids in congenital unilateral conductive hearing loss (UCHL). This study aimed to
      measure sound source localization performance in patients with congenital UCHL
      and contralateral normal hearing who received a new bone conduction implant.
      STUDY DESIGN: Evaluation of within-subject performance differences for sound
      source localization in a horizontal plane. SETTING: Tertiary referral center.
      PATIENTS: Five patients with atresia of the external auditory canal and
      contralateral normal hearing implanted with transcutaneous bone conduction
      implant at the Medical University of Vienna were tested. INTERVENTION:
      Activated/deactivated implant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Sound source localization
      test; localization performance quantified using the root mean square (RMS) error.
      RESULTS: Sound source localization ability was highly variable among individual
      subjects, with RMS errors ranging from 21 to 40 degrees. Horizontal plane
      localization performance in aided conditions showed statistically significant
      improvement compared with the unaided conditions, with RMS errors ranging from 17
      to 27 degrees. The mean RMS error decreased by a factor of 0.71 (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Analysis revealed improved sound localization performance in a
      horizontal plane with the activated transcutaneous bone conduction implant. Some
      patients with congenital UCHL might be capable of developing improved horizontal
      plane localization abilities with the binaural cues provided by this device.

PMID- 28079679
TI  - Influence of Behavior on Complications of Osseointegrated Bone Conduction Devices
      in Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compare incidences of complications following implantation of
      osseointegrated bone conduction devices (OBCD) between children with and without
      behavioral disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING:
      Tertiary referral center otology and neurotology practice. PATIENTS: Pediatric
      patients who underwent implantation of OBCD between May 2009 and July 2014 at
      Arkansas Children's Hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Implantation with Cochlear BAHA 200
      series, Cochlear BAHA BI300, or Oticon OBCD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Osseointegration failure (OIF) with resulting loss of flange-fixture and/or skin
      and soft tissue reactions. RESULTS: The total rate of complications was 66.2%,
      with the majority being minor complications (39.4%). There was no difference in
      the total rate of complication (p = 0.461), minor complications (p = 0.443),
      major complications (p = 0.777), and minor and major complications (p = 0.762)
      between the control group and children with behavioral disorders. CONCLUSION:
      Behavior was not observed to influence the incidence of OIF or skin/soft tissue
      reactions after implantation of OBCD in pediatric patients.

PMID- 28079680
TI  - Middle-Ear Sound Transmission Under Normal, Damaged, Repaired, and Reconstructed
      Conditions.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that current clinical treatment strategies for the
      disarticulated or eroded incus have the effect of combining the incus and stapes
      of the human middle ear (ME) into one rigid structure, which, while capable of
      adequately transmitting lower-frequency sounds, fails for higher frequencies.
      BACKGROUND: ME damage causes conductive hearing loss (CHL) and while great
      progress has been made in repairing or reconstructing damaged MEs, the outcomes
      are often far from ideal. METHODS: Temporal bones (TBs) from human cadavers, a
      laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV), and a fiber-optic based micro-pressure sensor
      were used to characterize ME transmission under various ME conditions: normal;
      with a disarticulated incus; repaired using medical glue; or reconstructed using
      a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP). RESULTS: Repairing the
      disarticulated incus using medical glue, or replacing the incus using a
      commercial PORP, provided similar restoration of ME function including almost
      perfect function at frequencies below 4 kHz, but with more than a 20-dB loss at
      higher frequencies. Associated phase responses under these conditions sometimes
      varied and seemed dependent on the degree of coupling of the PORP to the
      remaining ME structure. A new ME-prosthesis design may be required to allow the
      stapes to move in three-dimensional (3-D) space to correct this deficiency at
      higher frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of the incus to the stapes or ossicular
      reconstruction using a PORP limited the efficiency of sound transmission at high
      frequencies.

PMID- 28079681
TI  - Internal Jugular Vein Compression: A Novel Approach to Mitigate Blast Induced
      Hearing Injury.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Internal jugular vein (IJV) compression before blast injury will lead
      to reduced risk of traumatic hearing injury following exposure to a blast injury.
      BACKGROUND: IJV compression and its effects on not only intracranial, but also
      intracochlear pressure may potentiate blast induced hearing injury, therefore,
      precluding its use as a prophylactic therapy for blast induced traumatic brain
      injury. METHODS: Twenty Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to a 17.9 +/- 0.4 PSI
      (195.8 dB SPL) right sided shock wave in which 10 had application of a custom IJV
      compression collar before injury. All rodents received baseline and post blast
      injury otoacoustic emission (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing
      followed by cochlear histology. RESULTS: IJV compression was shown to
      significantly reduce ABR and OAE threshold shifts in comparison to the non
      intervention group by: 14.9 +/- 4.8 dB (right ear ABR 0.5 kHz Day 1 post blast, p
      = 0.01), 13.1 +/- 4.9 dB (right ear ABR 4 kHz Day 1 post blast, p = 0.04), 16.5
      +/- 4.5 dB (right ear ABR click Day 1 post blast, p = 0.003), 12.1 +/- 4.6 dB
      (right ear ABR click Day 6 post blast, p = 0.04), and 14.0 +/- 3.2 dB (both ears
      OAE 3.2-10 kHz, p < 0.0001). Also, those animals with collar application had a
      greater number of total hair cells per mm from 70 to 100% distance from the
      cochlear apex following blast injury in comparison to those without intervention
      (blast: 211.8 +/- 27.5 versus blast+collar: 355.5 +/- 39.5 [p = 0.0002]).
      CONCLUSION: This study supports the use of IJV compression in a pre-clinical
      model as a new prophylactic mechanism to combat blast induced hearing injury.

PMID- 28079682
TI  - Comparing Short-term Complications of Inpatient Versus Outpatient Single-level
      Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Analysis of 6940 Patients Using the
      ACS-NSQIP Database.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter propensity score-adjusted retrospective cohort study.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine baseline 30-day complication rates for anterior cervical
      discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and compare clinical complications for patients
      undergoing single-level ACDFs between inpatient and outpatient settings. SUMMARY
      OF BACKGROUND DATA: ACDF remains the most common procedure in the treatment of a
      variety of cervical disc pathologies, making it a focus of quality improvement
      initiatives. Outpatient single-level ACDFs are becoming more common and offer
      advantages including reducing nosocomial infections and costs, as well as
      improved patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2011-2013 NSQIP
      datasets were queried to identify all patients who underwent single-level ACDF
      procedures using current procedural terminology codes. Outpatient and inpatient
      cohorts were matched 1:1 using propensity score analysis to assess short-term
      outcomes. The outcomes assessed included 30-day medical and surgical
      complications, reoperation, readmission, and mortality. RESULTS: In total, 6940
      patients underwent a single-level ACDF with an overall complication rate of 4.2%.
      A total of 5162 patients (74.4%) had an inpatient hospital stay after surgery,
      whereas 1778 patients (25.6%) had outpatient surgery. After matching based on
      preoperative and operative characteristics to account for potential confounders,
      the overall complication rate was higher in the inpatient arm compared with the
      outpatient arm (2.5% vs. 1.2%; P=0.003). The 30-day readmission rate was also
      higher but not significant in the inpatient group than the outpatient group (2.2%
      vs. 1.8%; P=0.355). Mortality was the same with 0.1% in both groups (P=0.564).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing outpatient single-level ACDF had a lower 30-day
      complication rates than those undergoing it in the inpatient setting. Outpatient
      surgery for single-level ACDF is safe and a favorable option for suitable
      patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

PMID- 28079683
TI  - Factors Associated With Graft Detachment After Primary Descemet Stripping
      Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify risk factors associated with postoperative graft detachment
      after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). METHODS: In
      this retrospective institutional cohort study, the study group included all
      consecutive eyes that underwent primary DSAEK between January 2005 and October
      2015 at Villa Serena-Villa Igea private hospitals (Forli, Italy) and developed
      postoperative graft detachment (n = 45). The control group included all eyes that
      underwent primary DSAEK during the same period and did not develop graft
      detachment (n = 1167). The main outcome measure was whether or not postoperative
      graft detachment occurred. RESULTS: Main indications for surgery included Fuchs
      endothelial dystrophy (525/1212 = 41%), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy
      (422/1212 = 35%), and a failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK) graft (190/1212 =
      16%). Postoperative graft detachment occurred in 45 of 1212 (3.7%) eyes.
      Medically treated glaucoma, previous trabeculectomy, previous aqueous shunt
      procedure, and failed PK were all associated with an increased risk for graft
      detachment in univariate analysis. No particular lens status at the time of graft
      implantation was significantly associated with graft detachment, including the
      presence of an anterior chamber intraocular lens [odds ratio (OR), 1.5; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 0.35-6.46, P = 0.58] or aphakia at the time of graft
      transplantation (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.41-4.57, P = 0.74). Cataract removal during
      surgery was not associated with an increased risk for detachment (OR, 0.77; 95%
      CI, 0.39-1.5, P = 0.47). Previous trabeculectomy (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.53-11.56, P
      = 0.005) and a previous failed PK graft (OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.6-5.78, P = 0.001)
      were the only independent risk factors for graft detachment in multivariate
      analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Previous PK and trabeculectomy are independent risk
      factors for postoperative graft detachment in primary DSAEK.

PMID- 28079684
TI  - The cif Virulence Factor Gene Is Present in Isolates From Patients With
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether the cif gene is present in pathogenic Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa isolates from patients with bacterial keratitis at Aravind Eye
      Hospital, a referral eye care center in southern India, and from corresponding
      environmental isolates. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction amplification was
      performed on strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from ocular infections and
      environmental soil samples were collected from the area surrounding Aravind Eye
      Hospital. DNA sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA amplicons was performed to verify
      strain identity. RESULTS: We determined that 45 of 48 patient isolates carry a
      genomic copy of cif. Analysis of a catalog of environmental strains previously
      isolated from the surrounding area revealed that only 4 of 10 P. aeruginosa
      strains and 1 of 14 strains of related species carry the cif gene. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first study to show that P. aeruginosa strains with ocular
      pathogenicity carry the cif gene and that the presence of this gene may be
      enriched over its prevalence in the environment. Taken together, these results
      suggest a potential role for Cif in acute bacterial keratitis.

PMID- 28079685
TI  - Asymmetric Deep Stromal Keratopathy in a Patient With Multiple Myeloma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of asymmetric deep stromal keratopathy in a patient
      with multiple myeloma. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: An 85
      year-old woman was found to have progressive visually significant left-sided deep
      stromal opacity in the setting of monoclonal gammopathy. Hematologic workup
      resulted in a diagnosis of IgG kappa multiple myeloma. Histopathology was
      significant for semicrystalline deposits in the posterior stroma. The patient's
      visual acuity improved to 20/50 7 months after penetrating keratoplasty. A
      similar deep stromal lesion appeared in the right eye 2 years after initial
      presentation. CONCLUSIONS: We present an unusual case of paraproteinemic
      keratopathy with a uniquely asymmetric presentation that resulted in a diagnosis
      of multiple myeloma.

PMID- 28079686
TI  - Number of Bacteria and Time of Coincubation With Bacteria Required for the
      Development of Acanthamoeba Keratitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: We hypothesized that bacteria may be a factor contributing to the
      development of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). We investigated interactions between
      Acanthamoeba and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the development of keratitis in
      rabbit corneas. METHODS: Acanthamoeba castellanii (ATCC50492) and P. aeruginosa
      (PAO-1) were used. Two densities of P. aeruginosa (high, 1 * 10/mL; low, 3 *
      10/mL) and 2 durations of coincubation (long, 6 h; short, 2 h) of Acanthamoeba
      with 1 * 10/mL of P. aeruginosa were tested. Acanthamoeba alone or Acanthamoeba
      coincubated with P. aeruginosa was inoculated into rabbit corneas. After
      inoculation, levofloxacin (LVFX) eye drops were administered. The clinical score
      of the cornea was evaluated after inoculation. RESULTS: Acanthamoeba alone did
      not produce keratitis during a 5-day observation period. Rabbit corneas
      inoculated with Acanthamoeba coincubated with low-density P. aeruginosa followed
      by topical LVFX were clear with few infiltrates. Corneas inoculated with
      Acanthamoeba coincubated with high-density P. aeruginosa followed by LVFX
      treatment developed severe keratitis, and clinical scores were significantly
      higher compared with high-density P. aeruginosa alone followed by LVFX treatment
      (scores 7, 9.6, 8.5 vs. 3, 3.5, 3.25 on days 1-3, all P < 0.01). The long (6 h)
      coincubation time of Acanthamoeba with high-density P. aeruginosa resulted in
      more severe keratitis compared with short (2 h) coincubation (scores, 9.7, 12.7,
      12.1, 9.8, 8.7 vs. 7, 9.6, 8.5, 6.9, 5.6 on days 1-5, all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      These results suggest that the presence of bacteria is essential and a critical
      number of bacteria is required for the development of AK. The time of coexistence
      with bacteria may be an important determinant of the severity of AK.

PMID- 28079687
TI  - Periocular Amyloidosis Manifesting as Pseudopemphigoid Treated With Mitomycin C.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe an unusual cicatrizing manifestation of periocular amyloid
      and the utility of adjuvant antimetabolite therapy. METHODS: This is a case
      report of a 49-year old woman with progressive bilateral upper lid ptosis, who
      was found to have bilateral inferior forniceal masses with thickening of the
      conjunctiva. Conjunctival and eyelid biopsies showed evidence of amyloid
      deposition. Systemic evaluation did not reveal any evidence of systemic
      amyloidosis. Her blepharoptosis continued to deteriorate, and she underwent
      bilateral sequential upper lid ptosis correction surgery and debulking
      procedures. Subsequently, she developed severe and progressive cicatricial
      conjunctivitis with extensive symblepharon formation in all 4 fornices and
      restriction of ocular motility, simulating a clinical picture of ocular mucous
      membrane pemphigoid. RESULTS: She was treated surgically by division of
      symblepharon augmented with application of topical mitomycin C intraoperatively.
      This has been partially successful in freeing up differential movement between
      her lid and her eye and consequently improving eye protection and lubrication.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pseudopemphigoid represents a rare manifestation of periocular
      amyloid. Risks and benefits of surgical procedures in this context need to be
      carefully weighed to minimize the risk of secondary complications. Topical
      mitomycin C may be considered as a relatively safe adjunct in managing the
      cicatricial component of the disease.

PMID- 28079688
TI  - Retrospective Comparative Study of Topical Interferon alpha2b Versus Mitomycin C
      for Primary Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of topical interferon alpha 2b
      (IFNalpha2b) and mitomycin C (MMC) for ocular surface squamous neoplasia.
      METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of 51 eyes of 50 patients
      with a diagnosis of primary ocular surface squamous neoplasia were included. All
      cases were treated with either topical IFNalpha2b (1 million IU/mL) or MMC (0.4
      mg/mL) 4 times a day. The primary outcome measure was frequency of clinical
      resolution of tumors along with failure and recurrence rates after treatment.
      Other outcome measures included the duration of treatment and adverse effects
      associated with both topical therapies. RESULTS: Twenty-six eyes were treated
      with topical IFNalpha2b and 25 eyes were treated with topical MMC. A complete
      response was achieved in 23 (89%) and 23 (92%) eyes with topical IFNalpha2b and
      MMC, respectively (P = 0.67). The median time to lesion resolution was
      significantly different between the groups (median 3.5 months in the IFNalpha2b
      group and 1.5 months in the MMC group) with an average difference of 1.7 months
      (P < 0.005). Five (10%) of 51 patients showed no or partial response to topical
      therapy. Subsequently, they underwent surgical excision. Adverse effects occurred
      in 3 (12%) patients using IFNalpha2b and 22 (88%) patients using MMC (P < 0.005).
      CONCLUSIONS: Both IFNalpha2b and MMC seemed to be equally effective topical
      monotherapies. Despite a prolonged time to lesion resolution, IFNalpha2b-treated
      eyes had better safety and tolerance in comparison with MMC-treated eyes.

PMID- 28079689
TI  - Scanning Electron Microscope Analysis of Stromal Surface Regularity in DSAEK
      Using Manual or Automated Microkeratomes or DMEK.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze differences in the stromal bed according to the method used
      to obtain the disc for endothelial transplant with 1) an automated microkeratome
      for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), 2) homogeneous
      dissection of Descemet membrane (Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty
      [DMEK]), or 3) a manual microkeratome used for DSAEK. METHODS: We analyzed the
      stromal bed of 25 consecutive corneas used for endothelial transplantation,
      divided into 3 groups: 1) 11 samples cut with an automated microkeratome, 2) 5
      samples used for DMEK, 3) 9 samples cut with a manual microkeratome. A scanning
      electron microscope was used to obtain an image of the center of the stromal bed.
      The irregularity index of the surface complementary to the stromal surface of the
      disc obtained for grafting was calculated with the Canny algorithm (0: completely
      smooth; 1: completely irregular). RESULTS: At all thresholds studied (20, 30, 50,
      and 70), the mean irregularity index for group C (35.2, 24.4, 13.7, and 8.8,
      respectively) was higher than that of group A (26.2, 14.8, 6.7, and 4.0,
      respectively), which in turn was higher than that of group B (7.0, 4.2, 2.4, and
      1.8, respectively). Differences were statistically significant among all groups
      and for all thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: Irregularity of the stromal bed after any
      dissection can be quantified using the Canny method. The use of an automated
      microkeratome for DSAEK reduces irregularity and helps obtain a surface more
      similar to that obtained with DMEK than with a manual microkeratome.

PMID- 28079690
TI  - Noncontact Evaluation of Corneal Grafts: Swept-Source Fourier Domain OCT Versus
      High-Resolution Scheimpflug Imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the reliability and repeatability of anterior segment
      measurements in patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty with swept light
      source Fourier domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in
      comparison with a high-resolution Scheimpflug camera. METHODS: Keratometry (K)
      and elevation data of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, central
      corneal thickness, and anterior chamber depth were determined in 56
      postkeratoplasty eyes (mean age: 59.6 +/- 16.5 yrs) with SS-OCT (CASIA SS-1000;
      Tomey) followed by Scheimpflug photography (Pentacam High Resolution; Oculus).
      Examinations were also performed on 48 right eyes of 48 age-matched healthy
      subjects (mean age: 66.3 +/- 7.0 yrs). RESULTS: A statistically significant
      difference was detected between both tomographers in anterior flat K [1.7 +/-
      4.92 diopters (D)], posterior astigmatism (1.32 +/- 5.7 D) and elevation (6.65 +/
      14.07 MUm), and central corneal thickness (27.39 +/- 90.81 MUm) and anterior
      chamber depth values (0.14 +/- 0.66 mm) in patients who had undergone corneal
      transplantation (P < 0.05). In the postkeratoplasty group, repeatability of SS
      OCT was higher for every anterior segment parameter in comparison with the
      Pentacam. In corneal grafts, the variability between 3 consecutive measurements
      on the same subject was remarkably lower for every parameter while using SS-OCT.
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients who had undergone corneal transplantation, SS-OCT
      provided more reliable and repeatable anterior segment evaluations when compared
      with the rotating Scheimpflug system. Our findings suggested that the tested high
      resolution swept-source OCT system is a comprehensive and precise diagnostic tool
      for postoperative follow-up of patients who have undergone penetrating
      keratoplasty.

PMID- 28079691
TI  - Lutein and Brilliant Blue-Based Dye for Donor Preparation and Transplantation in
      Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: Trypan blue (TB) is used for visualization of the endothelium-Descemet
      membrane graft during Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). However,
      TB is assumed to have a dose-dependent toxic effect on the corneal endothelium.
      We retrospectively compared a lutein/zeaxanthin and Brilliant Blue (LZ/BB)-based
      dye for preparation and transplantation of the graft in DMEK to TB. METHODS: In
      20 patients, a dye composed of 1% LZ /0.025% BB was used, and in 22 patients,
      0.06% TB was used for graft visualization in DMEK. We evaluated the rebubbling
      rate, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), central corneal thickness
      (CCT), and endothelial cell density (ECD) before and 3 and 6 months after
      transplantation. RESULTS: Staining of endothelium-Descemet membrane with LZ/BB
      was faint but sufficient. There was no significant difference between both
      groups, except in CCT after 3 months, which was lower in the LZ/BB group (P =
      0.02). In the LZ/BB group, BSCVA improved from 0.48 +/- 0.39 before DMEK to 0.19
      +/- 0.09 after 6 months (P < 0.05) (20% rebubbling rate). Donor ECD decreased
      from 2735 +/- 259 cells/m preoperatively to 1876 +/- 316 cells/mm (P < 0.0001) at
      6 months (31.4%). CCT decreased from 642 +/- 130 MUm preoperatively to 519.8 +/-
      38 MUm (P < 0.0001) at 6 months. In the TB group, BSCVA improved from 0.43 +/-
      0.27 to 0.17 +/- 0.14 (P = 0.0003) at 6 months (30% rebubbling rate). ECD
      decreased from 2825 +/- 263 to 1777 +/- 302 cells/mm (P < 0.0001) after 6 months
      (36.3%), CCT from 638 +/- 48 MUm preoperatively to 531 +/- 48 MUm (P < 0.0001) at
      6 months. CONCLUSIONS: LZ/BB-based dyes are suitable for DMEK with outcomes
      comparable to TB. However, available formulas result in faint staining,
      discouraging their routine use in donors with assumed difficult preparation.

PMID- 28079692
TI  - Keratoconus and Bowman Layer Transplantation.

PMID- 28079693
TI  - Conjunctival Autograft Versus Amniotic Membrane Transplantation Following Double
      Pterygium Excision: A Randomized Trial.

PMID- 28079694
TI  - Eventual Endothelial Failure After Initial Corneal Clearing After a Detached
      Endothelial Graft in Fuchs Dystrophy.

PMID- 28079696
TI  - Fellowship Review: Laclinic Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship.

PMID- 28079697
TI  - Infectious Loss of Tissue Expanders in Breast Reconstruction: Are We Treating the
      Right Organisms?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative infections following tissue expander-based breast
      reconstruction represent a significant threat to the reconstructive process.
      Studies have found the incidence to be as high as 29%. There has been abundant
      research into the risk factors associated with these infections, although very
      few studies have focused on the causative organisms. The purpose of this study
      was to investigate the bacterial flora associated with tissue expander infections
      after breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients
      who underwent tissue expander-based breast reconstruction at our institution
      between February 2010 and April 2013 was conducted. The medical records were
      reviewed for demographic information, medical history, operative technique,
      postoperative course, and culture results. Descriptive data analysis was then
      performed. RESULTS: A total of 56 tissue expander infections were identified in
      49 patients during the study period. 41.1% of the cultures grew gram-positive
      organisms, whereas 28.6% grew gram-negative species. The 2 most common organisms
      were Staphylococcus aureus (17.9%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (14.3%).
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent gram-negative species and was also
      the third most frequent organism cultured (10.9%). DISCUSSION: Due to the high
      rate of infection in breast reconstruction patients, adequate perioperative
      prophylaxis is necessary. The surgeon must also be prepared to treat patients who
      may return with infection postoperatively. Although the majority of our
      infections were secondary to normal skin flora, a significant proportion were
      caused by gram-negative species. Given these results, the empiric antibiotic of
      choice for postoperative infections should be reconsidered to cover for these
      various organisms.

PMID- 28079698
TI  - Pediatric Hand Surgery in Global Health: The Role for International Outreach.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is emerging interest in hand surgery and global health. This was
      emphasized at the 2015 presidential address at the American Society for Surgery
      of Hand. Children are prioritized because of their increased risk for trauma and
      higher potential for better outcomes. This study aims to identify how hand
      surgical volunteer programs can benefit the pediatric hand surgical landscape in
      global health. There has been no literature review to date. METHODS: This
      institutional review board-approved review systematically searched PubMed,
      Embase, Medline, African Journal Online, and the Journal of Hand Surgery. A
      scoping review methodology was selected to allow mapping of a body of literature
      by topic, include a greater range of study designs, and provide a descriptive
      overview of the reviewed material. All studies published between 2000 to March
      2016 relevant to pediatric hand surgery in global health were included. Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used to record the
      search results. RESULTS: Six hundred sixty-eight citations were reviewed, with 10
      studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Hand trauma (70%), congenital
      anomalies (30%), tumors (20%), surgical technique (50%), and international
      outreach recommendation (30%) were common themes. Targeting prevention (50%),
      international outreach education (30%), and building on previous studies to
      validate findings study (10%) were identified as gaps.

PMID- 28079699
TI  - A New Technique for Total Reconstruction of the Lower Lid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although several methods have been described for total lower eyelid
      reconstruction, it remains as a major challenge in reconstructive surgery. Here,
      we present a new technique, the Mutaf unequal Z-plasty procedure for
      reconstruction of defects of the lower eyelid. METHODS: In this technique, 2 skin
      flaps designed in an unequal Z-plasty manner are used to provide skin coverage.
      Except for 2 patients whose additional upper eyelid defects were closed with
      Fricke flap, all patients were reconstructed with Mutaf unequal Z-plasty
      procedure. The conjunctival and tarsal defects are reconstructed with composite
      chondrocutaneous from the ear, mucochondral grafts, harvested from the nasal
      septum. In over 12 years, this new technique was used in 24 patients, 13 men and
      11 women, with total and subtotal lower eyelid defects that resulted from
      excision of basal cell carcinomas. The age range of the patients was between 45
      and 72 years. RESULTS: There was no complication such as ocular irritation or
      postoperative epiphora because of ectropion or entropion; all patients healed
      uneventfully. A mean follow-up of 4.7 +/- 2.15 years (between 1 and 9 years)
      revealed a functionally and cosmetically satisfactory total lower eyelid
      reconstruction in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: This new technique seems to be a
      useful alternative for reconstruction of total and subtotal lower eyelid defects.
      The procedure seems to be superior since it requires considerably shorter
      operating time with no risk of flap failure. Moreover, this technique offers an
      excellent color and textural match for the reconstruction of total and subtotal
      lower eyelid defects extending the infraorbital area.

PMID- 28079700
TI  - The Chimera Flap: A Quarter Century Odyssey.
AB  - Incredibly complicated multidimensional defects have always strained the
      ingenuity of the reconstructive surgeon. Secondary perhaps to vascularized
      composite allotransplantation as a solution to this dilemma, the compound flap
      has been developed to be a more useful and available alternative. Their greatest
      versatility has been proven by its subtype, the chimera flap. The chimera flap
      itself consists of multiple flaps, the latter possibly composed of bone, skin,
      muscle, and so on, where each part has an independent vascular supply, and each
      part is independent of any physical interconnection whatsoever with the other
      components, except where joined ultimately only to a common vascular pedicle. An
      appellation for this concept was first introduced a quarter century ago in this
      very journal, a time frame now the impetus for a recapitulation of its origin and
      subsequent history that proves that it has eventually withstood the test of time
      and has been successfully assimilated into the reconstructive repertoire.

PMID- 28079701
TI  - Ex Vivo Assessment of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque by Grating-Based Phase
      Contrast Computed Tomography: Correlation With Optical Coherence Tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of
      grating-based phase-contrast computed tomography (gb-PCCT) to classify and
      quantify coronary vessel characteristics in comparison with optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) and histopathology in an ex vivo setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      After excision from 5 heart specimens, 15 human coronary arteries underwent gb
      PCCT examination using an experimental imaging setup consisting of a rotating
      molybdenum anode x-ray tube, a Talbot-Lau grating interferometer, and a single
      photon counting detector. Subsequently, all vessels were imaged by OCT and
      histopathologically processed. Optical coherence tomography, gb-PCCT, and
      histopathology images were manually matched using anatomical landmarks. Optical
      coherence tomography and gb-PCCT were reviewed by 2 independent observers blinded
      to histopathology. Vessel, lumen, and plaque area were measured, and plaque
      characteristics (lipid rich, calcified, and fibrous) were determined for each
      section. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were derived, applying histopathology as
      the standard of reference. RESULTS: Of a total of 286 assessed cross sections,
      241 corresponding sections were included in the statistical analysis.
      Quantitative measures derived from gb-PCCT were significantly higher than from
      OCT (P < 0.001) and were strongly correlated with histopathology (Pearson r
      >=0.85 for gb-PCCT and >=0.61 for OCT, respectively). Results of Bland-Altman
      analysis demonstrated smaller mean differences between OCT and histopathology
      than for gb-PCCT and histopathology. Limits of agreement were narrower for gb
      PCCT with regard to lumen area, for OCT with regard to plaque area, and were
      comparable with regard to vessel area. Based on histopathology, 228/241 (94.6%)
      sections were classified as fibrous, calcified, or lipid rich. The diagnostic
      accuracy of gb-PCCT was excellent for the detection of all plaque components
      (sensitivity, >=0.95; specificity, >=0.94), whereas the results for OCT showed
      sensitivities of >=0.73 and specificities of >=0.66. CONCLUSIONS: In this ex vivo
      setting, gb-PCCT provides excellent results in the assessment of coronary
      atherosclerotic plaque characteristics and vessel dimensions in comparison to OCT
      and histopathology. Thus, the technique may serve as adjunct nondestructive
      modality for advanced plaque characterization in an experimental setting.

PMID- 28079702
TI  - Radiomic Analysis Reveals Prognostic Information in T1-Weighted Baseline Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging in Patients With Glioblastoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether radiomic analysis
      with random survival forests (RSFs) can predict overall survival from T1-weighted
      contrast-enhanced baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in a cohort of
      glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients with uniform treatment. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board
      and informed consent was waived. The MRI scans from 66 patients with newly
      diagnosed GBM from a previous prospective study were analyzed. Tumors were
      segmented manually on contrast-enhanced 3-dimensional T1-weighted images. Using
      these segmentations, P = 208 quantitative image features characterizing tumor
      shape, signal intensity, and texture were calculated in an automated fashion. On
      this data set, an RSF was trained using 10-fold cross validation to establish a
      link between image features and overall survival, and the individual risk for
      each patient was predicted. The mean concordance index was assessed as a measure
      of prediction accuracy. Association of individual risk with overall survival was
      assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a univariate proportional hazards model.
      RESULTS: Mean overall survival was 14 months (range, 0.8-85 months). Mean
      concordance index of the 10-fold cross-validated RSF was 0.67. Kaplan-Meier
      analysis clearly distinguished 2 patient groups with high and low predicted
      individual risk (P = 5.5 * 10). Low predicted individual mortality was found to
      be a favorable prognostic factor for overall survival in a univariate Cox
      proportional hazards model (hazards ratio, 1.038; 95% confidence interval, 1.015
      1.062; P = 0.0059). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that baseline MRI in GBM
      patients contains prognostic information, which can be accessed by radiomic
      analysis using RSFs.

PMID- 28079703
TI  - Metal Artifact Reduction Magnetic Resonance Imaging Around Arthroplasty Implants:
      The Negative Effect of Long Echo Trains on the Implant-Related Artifact.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Long echo train length (ETL) is an often recommended but unproven
      technique to decrease metal artifacts on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
      Therefore, we quantitatively and qualitatively assessed the effects of ETL on
      metal artifact on MRI scans using a cobalt-chromium-containing arthroplasty
      implant system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a total ankle arthroplasty system
      implanted into a human cadaver ankle and a clinical 1.5 T MRI system, turbo spin
      echo (TSE) pulse sequences were acquired with ETL ranging from 3 to 23 and
      receiver bandwidth (BW) from 100 to 750 Hz/pixel, whereas effective echo time and
      spatial resolution were controlled. A compressed sensing slice encoding for metal
      artifact correction TSE prototype pulse sequence was used as reference standard.
      End points included the total implant-related artifact area and implant-related
      signal void areas. Two raters evaluated the overall image quality and preference
      across varying BW and ETL. Two-factor analysis of variance, Friedman test,
      Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlation were used. P values of less than
      0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The total implant
      related artifact area ranged from 0.119 for compressed sensing slice encoding for
      metal artifact correction (BW, 600 Hz/pixel; ETL, 3) to 0.265 for TSE (BW, 100
      Hz/pixel; ETL, 23). Longer ETL significantly increases the total implant-related
      artifact area (P = 0.0004), whereas it decreased with increasing BW (P < 0.0001).
      Implant-related signal void areas were not significantly affected by larger echo
      train length, but reduced with higher BW (P < 0.0001). Readers had a significant
      preference for images with high BW and short ETL (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: High
      receiver BW is the most effective parameter for reduction of arthroplasty implant
      induced metal artifact on MRI scans, whereas in contradiction to prevalent
      notions, long echo trains fail to reduce implant-related metal artifacts, but in
      fact cause degradation of image quality around the implant with resultant larger
      appearing total metal artifacts.

PMID- 28079704
TI  - Modeling Perceived Exertion during Graded Arm Cycling Exercise in Spinal Cord
      Injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: RPE may be useful for exercise testing and prescription in individuals
      with spinal cord injury (SCI), although the roles of differentiated central and
      peripheral fatigue during exercise are not clear. We aimed to model
      differentiated RPE responses during graded arm cycling in individuals with SCI
      and to describe their relationship to cardiorespiratory outcomes. METHODS: Thirty
      six individuals with SCI (13 paraplegia and 23 tetraplegia) completed a maximal
      graded arm cycling exercise test to volitional exhaustion (5 W.min paraplegia; 10
      W.min tetraplegia). Participants were asked to report central RPE (CRPE) and
      peripheral RPE (PRPE) every minute using the Borg category ratio (CR10) scale
      until termination of exercise. Heart rate and breath-by-breath respiratory
      outcomes were collected throughout the exercise test. Ventilatory threshold (VT)
      was assessed using the ventilatory equivalents method. RESULTS: Cardiorespiratory
      indices increased linearly during graded arm exercise. By contrast, both CRPE and
      PRPE responses were best fit to a quadratic model with positively accelerating
      growth in individuals with paraplegia (P < 0.01) and tetraplegia (P < 0.05). PRPE
      developed faster than CRPE in individuals with tetraplegia (P < 0.01).
      Individuals with paraplegia had accelerated CRPE (P < 0.05) and PRPE (P < 0.05)
      responses compared with tetraplegia, but not when considering only individuals
      who reached VT. PRPE was higher than CPRE only in the late stages (80%-100% test
      duration; P < 0.05) in both groups when only considering individuals who reached
      VT. CONCLUSIONS: PRPE develops faster than CRPE in individuals with tetraplegia
      in a nonlinear fashion, despite linear increases in cardiorespiratory responses
      during graded arm cycling. Although there is promise to use differentiated RPE
      for exercise testing and prescription within the SCI population, our results
      indicate that there are differences in how individuals with tetraplegia perceive
      peripheral versus central exertion.

PMID- 28079705
TI  - Prescribed Drinking Leads to Better Cycling Performance than Ad Libitum Drinking.
AB  - : Drinking ad libitum during exercise often leads to dehydration ranging from -1%
      to -3% of body weight. PURPOSE: This article aimed to study the effect of a
      prescribed hydration protocol matching fluid losses on a simulated 30-km
      criterium-like cycling performance in the heat (31.6 degrees C +/- 0.5 degrees
      C). METHODS: Ten elite heat-acclimatized male endurance cyclists (30 +/- 5 yr,
      76.5 +/- 7.2 kg, 1.81 +/- 0.07 m, VO2peak = 61.3 +/- 5.2 mL.min.kg, body fat =
      10.5% +/- 3.3%, Powermax = 392 +/- 33 W) performed three sets of criterium-like
      cycling, which consisted of a 5-km cycling at 50% power max followed by a 5-km
      cycling all out at 3% grade (total 30 km). Participants rode the course on two
      separate occasions and in a counterbalanced order, during either ad libitum
      drinking (AD; drink water as much as they wished) or prescribed drinking (PD;
      drink water every 1 km to much fluid losses). To design the fluid intake during
      PD, participants performed a familiarization trial to calculate fluid losses.
      RESULTS: After the exercise protocol, the cyclist dehydrated by -0.5% +/- 0.3%
      and -1.8% +/- 0.7% of their body weight for the PD and AD trial, respectively.
      The mean cycling speed for the third bout of the 5-km hill cycling was greater in
      the PD trial (30.2 +/- 2.4 km.h) compared with the AD trial (28.8 +/- 2.6 km.h)
      by 5.1% +/- 4.8% (P < 0.05). Gastrointestinal, mean skin, and mean body
      temperatures immediately after the last hill climbing were greater in the AD
      compared with the PD trial (P < 0.05). Overall, sweat sensitivity during the
      three climbing bouts was lower in the AD (15.6 +/- 5.7 g.W.m) compared with the
      PD trial (22.8 +/- 3.4 g.W.m, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The data suggested that PD
      to match fluid losses during exercise in the heat provided a performance
      advantage because of lower thermoregulatory strain and greater sweating
      responses.

PMID- 28079707
TI  - Effect of Number of Sprints in an SIT Session on Change in VO2max: A Meta
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recent meta-analyses indicate that sprint interval training (SIT)
      improves cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), but the effects of various training
      parameters on the magnitude of the improvement remain unknown. The present meta
      analysis examined the modifying effect of the number of sprint repetitions in an
      SIT session on improvements in VO2max. METHODS: The databases PubMed and Web of
      Science were searched for original studies that have examined pre- and
      posttraining VO2max in adults after >=2 wk of training consisting of repeated
      (>=2) Wingate-type cycle sprints, published up to May 1, 2016. Articles were
      excluded if they were not in English; if they involved patients, athletes, or
      participants with a mean baseline VO2max of >55 mL.kg.min or a mean age <18 yr;
      and if an SIT trial was combined with another intervention or used intervals
      shorter than 10 s. A total of 38 SIT trials from 34 studies were included in the
      meta-analysis. Probabilistic magnitude-based inferences were made to interpret
      the outcome of the analysis. RESULTS: The meta-analysis revealed a likely large
      effect of a typical SIT intervention on VO2max (mean +/- 90% confidence limits =
      7.8% +/- 4.0%) with a possibly small modifying effect of the maximum number of
      sprint repetitions in a training session (-1.2% +/- 0.8% decrease per two
      additional sprint repetitions). Apart from possibly small effects of baseline
      VO2max and age, all other modifying effects were unclear or trivial. CONCLUSION:
      We conclude that the improvement in VO2max with SIT is not attenuated with fewer
      sprint repetitions, and possibly even enhanced. This means that SIT protocols can
      be made more time efficient, which may help SIT to be developed into a viable
      strategy to impact public health.

PMID- 28079706
TI  - Ibuprofen before Exercise Does Not Prevent Cortical Bone Adaptations to Training.
AB  - : Using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) before a single bout of
      mechanical loading can reduce bone formation response. It is unknown whether this
      translates to an attenuation of bone strength and structural adaptations to
      exercise training. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drug use before exercise prevents increases in bone structure
      and strength in response to weight-bearing exercise. METHODS: Adult female Wistar
      rats (n = 43) were randomized to ibuprofen (IBU) or vehicle (VEH) and exercise
      (EX) or sedentary (SED) groups in a 2 * 2 (drug and activity) ANCOVA design with
      body weight as the covariate, and data are reported as mean +/- SE. IBU drops (30
      mg.kg BW) or VEH (volume equivalent) were administered orally 1 h before the bout
      of exercise. Treadmill running occurred 5 d.wk for 60 min.d at 20 m.min with a 5
      degrees  incline for 12 wk. Micro-CT, mechanical testing, and finite element
      modeling were used to quantify bone characteristics. RESULTS: Drug-activity
      interactions were not significant. Exercise increased tibia cortical cross
      sectional area (EX = 5.67 +/- 0.10, SED = 5.37 +/- 0.10 mm, P < 0.01) and
      structural estimates of bone strength (Imax: EX = 5.16 +/- 0.18, SED = 4.70 +/-
      0.18 mm, P < 0.01; SecModPolar: EX = 4.01 +/- 0.11, SED = 3.74 +/- 0.10 mm, P <
      0.01). EX had increased failure load (EX = 243 +/- 9, SED = 202 +/- 7 N, P <
      0.05) and decreased distortion in response to a 200-N load (von Mises stress at
      tibia-fibula junction: EX = 48.2 +/- 1.3, SED = 51.7 +/- 1.2 MPa, P = 0.01).
      There was no effect of ibuprofen on any measurement tested. Femur results
      revealed similar patterns. CONCLUSION: Ibuprofen before exercise did not prevent
      the skeletal benefits of exercise in female rats. However, exercise that
      engenders higher bone strains may be required to detect an effect of ibuprofen.

PMID- 28079708
TI  - Parenteral nutrition in the critically ill.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Feeding guidelines have recommended early, full nutritional
      support in critically ill patients to prevent hypercatabolism and muscle
      weakness. Early enteral nutrition was suggested to be superior to early
      parenteral nutrition. When enteral nutrition fails to meet nutritional target, it
      was recommended to administer supplemental parenteral nutrition, albeit with a
      varying starting point. Sufficient amounts of amino acids were recommended, with
      addition of glutamine in subgroups. Recently, several large randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) have yielded important new insights. This review summarizes recent
      evidence with regard to the indication, timing, and dosing of parenteral
      nutrition in critically ill patients. RECENT FINDINGS: One large RCT revealed no
      difference between early enteral nutrition and early parenteral nutrition. Two
      large multicenter RCTs showed harm by early supplementation of insufficient
      enteral nutrition with parenteral nutrition, which could be explained by feeding
      induced suppression of autophagy. Several RCTs found either no benefit or harm
      with a higher amino acid or caloric intake, as well as harm by administration of
      glutamine. SUMMARY: Although unanswered questions remain, current evidence
      supports accepting low macronutrient intake during the acute phase of critical
      illness and does not support use of early parenteral nutrition. The timing when
      parenteral nutrition can be initiated safely and effectively is unclear.

PMID- 28079709
TI  - Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records by Outpatient Physicians and
      Readmissions of Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nearly one-fifth of hospitalized Medicare fee-for-service
      beneficiaries are readmitted within 30 days. Participation in the Meaningful Use
      initiative among outpatient physicians may reduce readmissions. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the impact of outpatient physicians' participation in Meaningful Use on
      readmissions. SUBJECTS AND RESEARCH DESIGN: The study population included 90,774
      Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries from New York State (2010-2012). We
      compared changes in the adjusted odds of readmission for patients of physicians
      who participated in Meaningful Use-stage 1, before and after attestation as
      meaningful users, with concurrent patients of matched control physicians who used
      paper records or electronic health records without Meaningful Use participation.
      Three secondary analyses were conducted: (1) limited to patients with 3+
      Elixhauser comorbidities; (2) limited to patients with conditions used by
      Medicare to penalize hospitals with high readmission rates (acute myocardial
      infarction, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia); and (3) using only patients
      of physicians with electronic health records who were not meaningful users as the
      controls. MAIN OUTCOME: Thirty-day readmission. RESULTS: Patients of Meaningful
      Use physicians had 6% lower odds of readmission compared with patients of
      physicians who were not meaningful users, but the estimate was not statistically
      significant (odds ratio: 0.94, 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.01). Estimated
      odds ratios from secondary analyses were broadly consistent with our primary
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Physician participation in Meaningful Use was not
      associated with reduced readmissions. Additional studies are warranted to see if
      readmissions decline in future stages of Meaningful Use where more emphasis is
      placed on health information exchange and outcomes.

PMID- 28079710
TI  - Electronic Health Record Data Versus the National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey (NHANES): A Comparison of Overweight and Obesity Rates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimating population-level obesity rates is important for informing
      policy and targeting treatment. The current gold standard for obesity measurement
      in the United States-the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      (NHANES)-samples <0.1% of the population and does not target state-level or
      health system-level measurement. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of using
      body mass index (BMI) data from the electronic health record (EHR) to assess
      rates of overweight and obesity and compare these rates to national NHANES
      estimates. RESEARCH DESIGN: Using outpatient data from 42 clinics, we studied
      388,762 patients in a large health system with at least 1 primary care visit in
      2011-2012. MEASURES: We compared crude and adjusted overweight and obesity rates
      by age category and ethnicity (white, black, Hispanic, Other) between EHR and
      NHANES participants. Adjusted overweight (BMI>=25) and obesity rates were
      calculated by a 2-step process. Step 1 accounted for missing BMI data using
      inverse probability weighting, whereas step 2 included a poststratification
      correction to adjust the EHR population to a nationally representative sample.
      RESULTS: Adjusted rates of obesity (BMI>=30) for EHR patients were 37.3% [95%
      confidence interval (95% CI), 37.1-37.5] compared with 35.1% (95% CI, 32.3-38.1)
      for NHANES patients. Among the 16 different obesity class, ethnicity, and sex
      strata that were compared between EHR and NHANES patients, 14 (87.5%) contained
      similar obesity estimates (ie, overlapping 95% CIs). CONCLUSIONS: EHRs may be an
      ideal tool for identifying and targeting patients with obesity for implementation
      of public health and/or individual level interventions.

PMID- 28079711
TI  - Cell Signaling Pathways in Brain Tumors.
AB  - Primary brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma, are associated with significant
      morbidity and are often recalcitrant to standard therapies. In recent years,
      brain tumors have been the focus of large-scale genomic sequencing efforts,
      providing unprecedented insight into the genomic aberrations and cellular
      signaling mechanisms that drive these cancers. Discoveries from these efforts
      have translated into novel diagnostic algorithms, biomarkers, and therapeutic
      strategies in Neuro-Oncology. However, the cellular mechanisms that drive brain
      tumors are heterogeneous and complex: applying this new knowledge to improve
      patient outcomes remains a challenge. Efforts to characterize and target these
      molecular vulnerabilities are evolving.

PMID- 28079712
TI  - A Comprehensive Review of Genomics and Noncoding RNA in Gliomas.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant primary adult brain tumor. In spite of
      our greater understanding of the biology of GBMs, clinical outcome of GBM
      patients remains poor, as their median survival with best available treatment is
      12 to 18 months. Recent efforts of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) have subgrouped
      patients into 4 molecular/transcriptional subgroups: proneural, neural,
      classical, and mesenchymal. Continuing efforts are underway to provide a
      comprehensive map of the heterogeneous makeup of GBM to include noncoding
      transcripts, genetic mutations, and their associations to clinical outcome. In
      this review, we introduce key molecular events (genetic and epigenetic) that have
      been deemed most relevant as per studies such as TCGA, with a specific focus on
      noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNA) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA). One of
      our main objectives is to illustrate how miRNAs and lncRNAs play a pivotal role
      in brain tumor biology to define tumor heterogeneity at molecular and cellular
      levels. Ultimately, we elaborate how radiogenomics-based predictive models can
      describe miRNA/lncRNA-driven networks to better define heterogeneity of GBM with
      clinical relevance.

PMID- 28079713
TI  - Interrogating IDH Mutation in Brain Tumor: Magnetic Resonance and
      Hyperpolarization.
AB  - Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) offers the possibility to noninvasively
      quantify 2HG concentration in the brain in the clinic, thereby serving as a
      valuable tool for patient-stratification as well as targeted treatment
      monitoring. Recently, hyperpolarized magnetic resonance techniques have opened up
      new opportunities for metabolic imaging not possible with conventional MRS in the
      brain. With over 10,000-fold increase in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), dynamic
      metabolic processes can be interrogated in vivo with very high specificity by
      hyperpolarized MRI. In the following article, we will review relevant clinical
      studies and practical considerations of MRS and hyperpolarized MRS, as well as
      discuss some promising preclinical hyperpolarization studies to interrogate real
      time metabolism in IDH mutations in vivo.

PMID- 28079714
TI  - Radiomic Phenotyping in Brain Cancer to Unravel Hidden Information in Medical
      Images.
AB  - Radiomics is a new area of research in the field of imaging with tremendous
      potential to unravel the hidden information in digital images. The scope of
      radiology has grown exponentially over the last two decades; since the advent of
      radiomics, many quantitative imaging features can now be extracted from medical
      images through high-throughput computing, and these can be converted into
      mineable data that can help in linking imaging phenotypes with clinical data,
      genomics, proteomics, and other "omics" information. In cancer, radiomic imaging
      analysis aims at extracting imaging features embedded in the imaging data, which
      can act as a guide in the disease or cancer diagnosis, staging and planning
      interventions for treating patients, monitor patients on therapy, predict
      treatment response, and determine patient outcomes.

PMID- 28079715
TI  - From K-space to Nucleotide: Insights Into the Radiogenomics of Brain Tumors.
AB  - Radiogenomics is a relatively new and exciting field within radiology that links
      different imaging features with diverse genomic events. Genomics advances
      provided by the Cancer Genome Atlas and the Human Genome Project have enabled us
      to harness and integrate this information with noninvasive imaging phenotypes to
      create a better 3-dimensional understanding of tumor behavior and biology. Beyond
      imaging-histopathology, imaging genomic linkages provide an important layer of
      complexity that can help in evaluating and stratifying patients into clinical
      trials, monitoring treatment response, and enhancing patient outcomes. This
      article reviews some of the important radiogenomic literatures in brain tumors.

PMID- 28079716
TI  - Promotion of Research on the HIV Continuum of Care in the United States: The CFAR
      HIV Continuum of Care/ECHPP Working Group.

PMID- 28079717
TI  - "Out of Care" HIV Case Investigations: A Collaborative Analysis Across 6 States
      in the Northwest US.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV care continuum estimates derived from laboratory surveillance
      typically assume that persons without recently reported CD4 count or viral load
      results are out of care. METHODS: We conducted a multistate project (Alaska,
      Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming) to ascertain the status of HIV
      cases that appeared to be out of care during a 12-month period. We used
      laboratory surveillance to identify cases in all states but Idaho, where viral
      load reporting is not mandatory, requiring us to rely on clinic records. After
      complete investigation, we assigned each case one of the following dispositions:
      moved out of state, died, in HIV care, no evidence of HIV care, or data error.
      RESULTS: We identified 3866 cases with no CD4 count or viral load result in a
      >=12-month period during 2012-2014, most (85%) of which were in Washington or
      Oregon. A median of 43% (range: 20%-67%) of cases investigated in each state had
      moved, 9% (0%-16%) had died, and 11% (8%-33%) were in care during the 12-month
      surveillance period. Only 28% of investigated cases in the region and a median of
      30% (10%-57%) of investigated cases in each state had no evidence of care,
      migration, or death after investigation. CONCLUSIONS: Most persons living with
      HIV in the Northwest United States who appear to be out of care based on
      laboratory surveillance are not truly out of care. Our findings highlight the
      importance of improving state surveillance systems to ensure accurate care
      continuum estimates and guide Data to Care efforts.

PMID- 28079718
TI  - Longitudinal HIV Care Trajectories in North Carolina.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term HIV care and treatment engagement is required for maximal
      clinical and prevention benefits, but longitudinal care patterns are poorly
      understood. We used the last 10 years' worth of HIV surveillance data from North
      Carolina to describe longitudinal HIV care trajectories from diagnosis. METHODS:
      We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study of all persons newly
      diagnosed with HIV in North Carolina between March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2015 (N
      = 16,207). We defined HIV care attendance in each 3-month and 6-month interval
      after diagnosis as the presence of viral load and/or CD4 records (care visit
      proxies) in the interval. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify
      common care trajectories and baseline predictors thereof. RESULTS: A predicted
      26% of newly HIV-diagnosed persons showed consistently high care attendance over
      time; ~16% exhibited steadily declining attendance; ~26% showed consistently low
      attendance; ~17% had initially weak attendance with an increase starting ~1.5
      year later; and ~15% showed initially weak attendance with an increase starting
      ~3 years later. Older age at diagnosis was protective against all suboptimal
      trajectories (with the "consistently high" pattern as referent), and being a man
      who has sex with men was protective against 3 of the 4 suboptimal patterns.
      CONCLUSIONS: As measured by surveillance-based laboratory proxies, most newly HIV
      diagnosed persons exhibited suboptimal care trajectories, but there was wide
      variation in the particular pathways followed. The insights provided by this
      analytical approach can help to inform the design of epidemic models and tailored
      interventions, with the ultimate goal of improving HIV care engagement and
      transmission prevention.

PMID- 28079719
TI  - Feasibility of Using HIV Care-Continuum Outcomes to Identify Geographic Areas for
      Targeted HIV Testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improved detection and linkage to care of previously undiagnosed HIV
      infections require innovative approaches to testing. We sought to determine the
      feasibility of targeted HIV testing in geographic areas, defined by continuum of
      care parameters, to identify HIV-infected persons needing linkage or engagement
      in care. METHODS: Using HIV surveillance data from Washington, DC, we identified
      census tracts that had an HIV prevalence >1% and were either above (higher risk
      areas-HRAs) or below (lower risk areas-LRAs) the median for 3 indicators:
      monitored viral load, proportion of persons out of care (OOC), and never in care.
      Community-based HIV rapid testing and participant surveys were conducted in the
      20 census tracts meeting the criteria. Areas were mapped using ArcGIS, and
      descriptive and univariate analyses were conducted comparing the areas and
      participants. RESULTS: Among 1471 persons tested, 28 (1.9%) tested HIV positive;
      2.1% in HRAs vs. 1.7% in LRAs (P = 0.57). Higher proportions of men (63.7% vs.
      56.7%, P = 0.007) and fewer blacks (91.0% vs. 94.6%, P = 0.008) were tested in
      LRAs vs. HRAs; no differences were observed in risk behaviors between the areas.
      Among HIV-positive participants, 54% were new diagnoses (n = 9) or OOC (n = 6),
      all were Black, 64% were men with a median age of 51 years. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      significant differences in HIV seropositivity were not observed between testing
      areas, our approach proved feasible and enabled identification of new diagnoses
      and OOC HIV-infected persons. This testing paradigm could be adapted in other
      locales to identify areas for targeted HIV testing and other reengagement
      efforts.

PMID- 28079720
TI  - !Solo Se Vive Una Vez! (You Only Live Once): A Pilot Evaluation of Individually
      Tailored Video Modules Aiming to Increase HIV Testing Among Foreign-Born Latino
      Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although Latinos living in the United States are disproportionately
      affected by HIV, the development, implementation, and evaluation of HIV
      prevention, testing, and linkage to care interventions lag behind efforts
      occurring in other communities. To address sociocultural barriers to testing, we
      developed a multilevel intervention. This study is a pilot evaluation of the
      individual-level component of the intervention-animated video modules that
      address specific barriers to HIV testing common among foreign-born Latino men.
      METHODS: We conducted a survey assessing HIV risk and barriers to testing with a
      convenience sample of 104 foreign-born Latino men in Baltimore, MD, who had not
      tested for HIV within the past year. Intention to test in the next 3 months was
      measured before and after viewing an intervention module selected based on survey
      responses. RESULTS: Fifty-two (50.0%) participants had never tested for HIV. Of
      the participants who had previously tested for HIV, the mean time since their
      last test was 3.48 years (SD = 3.55). Participants' intention to test for HIV
      significantly increased after watching the module (t = -8.28, P < 0.001).
      Increased intention to test was not associated with any socio-demographic
      characteristics (ie, age, country of origin) or reported sexual behaviors (ie,
      number of sex partners in the past year). DISCUSSION: These results suggest that
      our culturally sensitive, individually tailored intervention can be an additional
      tool to encourage HIV testing among previously untested foreign-born Latino men,
      one of the demographic groups at highest risk for delayed HIV diagnosis in the
      United States.

PMID- 28079721
TI  - An Exploratory Study to Assess Individual and Structural Level Barriers
      Associated With Poor Retention and Re-engagement in Care Among Persons Living
      With HIV/AIDS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retention in care is the most challenging step along the HIV care
      continuum. Many patients who engage in care and achieve viral suppression have
      care interruptions, characterized by moving in and out of care ("churn"). Poor
      retention has clinical consequences and contributes to new HIV transmissions, but
      how to predict or prevent it remains elusive. This study sought to understand the
      relationship between individual- and structural-level barriers, and poor
      retention for persons living with HIV/AIDS in Atlanta, GA. METHODS: We
      administered a survey, through interviews, with HIV-infected patients
      continuously retained in care for 6 years ("continuously retained," n = 32) and
      patients with recent gaps in care ("unretained" n = 27). We assessed individual
      level protective factors for successful engagement (self-efficacy, resilience,
      perceived social support, and disclosure), risk factors for poor engagement
      (substance use, mental illness, and stigma), and structural/systemic-level
      barriers (financial and housing instability, transportation, food insecurity,
      communication barriers, and incarceration history). Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U
      tests were used to compare the 2 populations. RESULTS: Both continuously retained
      and unretained populations had high rates of prior viral suppression but few
      unretained patients were virologically suppressed upon return to care (11%).
      Younger age, crack cocaine use, food insecurity, financial instability, housing
      instability, and phone number changes in the past year were significantly more
      likely to be present in the unretained population. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      suggest the need for targeted risk assessment tools to predict the highest-risk
      patients for poor retention whereby public health interventions can be directed
      to those individuals.

PMID- 28079722
TI  - Development and Preliminary Pilot Testing of a Peer Support Text Messaging
      Intervention for HIV-Infected Black Men Who Have Sex With Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately infected
      with HIV and are less well retained along the HIV continuum of care. We report on
      the feasibility of a peer support text messaging intervention designed to
      increase retention in HIV care and HIV medication adherence among HIV-infected
      black men who have sex with men. METHODS: Based on formative research, a cell
      phone app was developed to support a peer-based text messaging intervention. The
      app allowed the researchers to view text messages sent between mentors and
      mentees, but did not allow them to view other text messages sent by these phones.
      Three HIV-infected black men who have sex with men were recruited to serve as
      volunteer peer mentors. They were trained in motivational techniques, peer
      support skills, and skills for improving appointment attendance and medication
      adherence. Mentees (N = 8) received the intervention for 1 month. Mentees
      completed a postintervention survey and interview. RESULTS: The peer mentor text
      messaging intervention was feasible. Mentors delivered support in a
      nonjudgmental, motivational way. However, technical and other implementation
      problems arose. Some mentees desired more frequent contact with mentors, and
      mentors reported that other commitments made it difficult at times to be fully
      engaged. Both mentors and mentees desired more personalized contact (ie, phone
      calls). CONCLUSIONS: A text messaging peer mentor intervention was feasible.
      Additional research with a larger sample is needed to determine optimal ways to
      improve mentors' engagement in the intervention and to determine intervention
      acceptability and efficacy. In future studies, peer support phone calls could be
      incorporated.

PMID- 28079723
TI  - Toward Automating HIV Identification: Machine Learning for Rapid Identification
      of HIV-Related Social Media Data.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: "Social big data" from technologies such as social media, wearable
      devices, and online searches continue to grow and can be used as tools for HIV
      research. Although researchers can uncover patterns and insights associated with
      HIV trends and transmission, the review process is time consuming and resource
      intensive. Machine learning methods derived from computer science might be used
      to assist HIV domain experts by learning how to rapidly and accurately identify
      patterns associated with HIV from a large set of social data. METHODS: Using an
      existing social media data set that was associated with HIV and coded by an HIV
      domain expert, we tested whether 4 commonly used machine learning methods could
      learn the patterns associated with HIV risk behavior. We used the 10-fold cross
      validation method to examine the speed and accuracy of these models in applying
      that knowledge to detect HIV content in social media data. RESULTS AND
      DISCUSSION: Logistic regression and random forest resulted in the highest
      accuracy in detecting HIV-related social data (85.3%), whereas the Ridge
      Regression Classifier resulted in the lowest accuracy. Logistic regression
      yielded the fastest processing time (16.98 seconds). CONCLUSIONS: Machine
      learning can enable social big data to become a new and important tool in HIV
      research, helping to create a new field of "digital HIV epidemiology." If a
      domain expert can identify patterns in social data associated with HIV risk or
      HIV transmission, machine learning models could quickly and accurately learn
      those associations and identify potential HIV patterns in large social data sets.

PMID- 28079725
TI  - New Medicine for the U.S. Health Care System: Training Physicians for Structural
      Interventions.
AB  - Structural competency provides a language and theoretical framework to promote
      institutional-level interventions by clinical practitioners working with
      community organizations, non-health-sector institutions, and policy makers. The
      special collection of articles on structural competency in this issue of Academic
      Medicine addresses the need to move from theory to an appraisal of core
      educational interventions that operationalize the goals of and foster structural
      competency. In this Commentary, the authors review the role of clinical
      practitioners in enhancing population-level health outcomes through
      collaborations with professionals in fields outside medicine, including the
      social sciences and law. They describe the core elements of structural competency
      in preclinical and clinical education, as illustrated by the articles of this
      special collection: perceiving the structural causes of patients' disease,
      envisioning structural interventions, and cultivating alliances with non-health
      sector agencies that can implement structural interventions. Finally, the authors
      argue that preparing trainees to form partnerships will empower them to influence
      the social determinants of their patients' health and reduce health inequalities.

PMID- 28079726
TI  - The Charter on Professionalism for Health Care Organizations.
AB  - In 2002, the Physician Charter on Medical Professionalism was published to
      provide physicians with guidance for decision making in a rapidly changing
      environment. Feedback from physicians indicated that they were unable to fully
      live up to the principles in the 2002 charter partly because of their employing
      or affiliated health care organizations. A multistakeholder group has developed a
      Charter on Professionalism for Health Care Organizations, which may provide more
      guidance than charters for individual disciplines, given the current structure of
      health care delivery systems.This article contains the Charter on Professionalism
      for Health Care Organizations, as well as the process and rationale for its
      development. For hospitals and hospital systems to effectively care for patients,
      maintain a healthy workforce, and improve the health of populations, they must
      attend to the four domains addressed by the Charter: patient partnerships,
      organizational culture, community partnerships, and operations and business
      practices. Impacting the social determinants of health will require collaboration
      among health care organizations, government, and communities.Transitioning to the
      model hospital described by the Charter will challenge historical roles and
      assumptions of both its leadership and staff. While the Charter is aspirational,
      it also outlines specific institutional behaviors that will benefit both patients
      and workers. Lastly, this article considers obstacles to implementing the Charter
      and explores avenues to facilitate its dissemination.

PMID- 28079727
TI  - How Supervisor Experience Influences Trust, Supervision, and Trainee Learning: A
      Qualitative Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Appropriate trust and supervision facilitate trainees' growth toward
      unsupervised practice. The authors investigated how supervisor experience
      influences trust, supervision, and subsequently trainee learning. METHOD: In a
      two-phase qualitative inductive content analysis, phase one entailed reviewing 44
      internal medicine resident and attending supervisor interviews from two
      institutions (July 2013 to September 2014) for themes on how supervisor
      experience influences trust and supervision. Three supervisor exemplars (early,
      developing, experienced) were developed and shared in phase two focus groups at a
      single institution, wherein 23 trainees validated the exemplars and discussed how
      each impacted learning (November 2015). RESULTS: Phase one: Four domains of trust
      and supervision varying with experience emerged: data, approach, perspective,
      clinical. Early supervisors were detail oriented and determined trust depending
      on task completion (data), were rule based (approach), drew on their experiences
      as trainees to guide supervision (perspective), and felt less confident
      clinically compared with more experienced supervisors (clinical). Experienced
      supervisors determined trust holistically (data), checked key aspects of patient
      care selectively and covertly (approach), reflected on individual experiences
      supervising (perspective), and felt comfortable managing clinical problems and
      gauging trainee abilities (clinical). Phase two: Trainees felt the exemplars
      reflected their experiences, described their preferences and learning needs
      shifting over time, and emphasized the importance of supervisor flexibility to
      match their learning needs. CONCLUSIONS: With experience, supervisors differ in
      their approach to trust and supervision. Supervisors need to trust themselves
      before being able to trust others. Trainees perceive these differences and seek
      supervision approaches that align with their learning needs.

PMID- 28079728
TI  - Surveying Resident and Faculty Physician Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences in
      Response to Public Lead Contamination.
AB  - Environmental health crises can appear anywhere and without warning. After
      research revealed a significant incidence of elevated pediatric blood lead levels
      following a water source change, Genesee County declared a public health
      emergency in Flint, Michigan. Hospital patients and family members began
      approaching Hurley Medical Center's physicians with questions regarding the
      health implications of the lead contamination. Many of the physicians voiced
      concerns about responding appropriately to patient needs and increasing demands
      for information. As a result, a Hurley research team decided to conduct an
      informal survey across training programs to determine the need for added
      education.Because of heightened patient anxiety, it was necessary for the
      timeline to progress quickly. In creating the survey, the team's objective was to
      assess resident and faculty physician knowledge, attitudes, and experiences
      concerning lead contamination. The results revealed a critical need for
      supplementary training. Therefore, Hurley embarked on an education campaign for
      its graduate medical education programs, benefiting physicians and patients
      alike.Patient and physician needs may change drastically following an
      environmental health emergency. It is the duty of medical centers to ensure their
      clinicians are well equipped to confront such threats. As prompt treatment is
      often a key to positive health outcomes, the authors stress the importance of
      acting quickly and suggest conducting informal surveys to identify gaps in
      physician knowledge. Likewise, the authors encourage medical educators nationwide
      to examine their environmental health curricula. It appears lead-contaminated
      water is not just a Flint problem but may have far-reaching implications for many
      cities.

PMID- 28079729
TI  - Effect of Probiotics on Diarrhea in Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition: A
      Randomized Controlled Study in Uganda.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of probiotics on
      diarrhea during in- and outpatient treatment of children with severe acute
      malnutrition (SAM). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
      was conducted involving 400 children admitted with SAM. Patients received 1 daily
      dose of a blend of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis and Lactobacillus
      rhamnosus (10 billion colony-forming units, 50:50) or placebo during
      hospitalization followed by an 8- to 12-week outpatient treatment period,
      depending on patients' recovery rate. All outcomes were reported for in- and
      outpatient treatment separately. The primary outcome was number of days with
      diarrhea during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included other diarrhea
      outcomes, pneumonia, weight gain, and recovery. RESULTS: There was no difference
      in number of days with diarrhea between the probiotic (n = 200) and placebo (n =
      200) groups during inpatient treatment (adjusted difference +0.2 days, 95%
      confidence interval -0.8 to 1.2, P = 0.69); however, during outpatient treatment,
      probiotics reduced days with diarrhea (adjusted difference -2.2 days 95%
      confidence interval -3.5 to -0.3, P = 0.025). There were no effects of probiotics
      on diarrhea incidence and severity or pneumonia, weight gain or recovery during
      in- or outpatient treatment. Twenty-six patients died in the probiotic versus 20
      in the placebo group (P = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp
      lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus had no effect on diarrhea in children with SAM
      during hospitalization, but reduced the number of days with diarrhea in
      outpatient treatment by 26%. Probiotics may have a role in follow-up of
      hospitalized children with SAM or in community-based treatment of malnourished
      children, but further studies are needed to confirm this.

PMID- 28079730
TI  - Biomechanical Comparison of Cadaveric and Commercially Available Synthetic
      Osteoporotic Bone Analogues in a Locked Plate Fracture Model Under Torsional
      Loading.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Biomechanical studies of osteoporotic bone have used synthetic models
      rather than cadaveric samples because of decreased variability, increased
      availability, and overall ease of the use of synthetic models. We compared the
      torsional mechanical properties of cadaveric osteoporotic bone with those of
      currently available synthetic osteoporotic bone analogues. METHODS: We tested 12
      osteoporotic cadaveric humeri and 6 specimens each of 6 types of synthetic
      analogues. A 5-mm fracture gap model and posterior plating technique with 4.5-mm
      narrow 10-hole locking compression plate were used. Torque was applied to a peak
      of +/-10 N.m for 1000 cycles at 0.3 Hz. Data were continuously collected during
      cyclical and ramped loading with a servohydraulic materials testing system.
      RESULTS: Cadaveric bone had a 17% failure rate before completing 1000 cycles.
      Three osteoporotic bone models had 100% failure (P < 0.05), 2 had 17% failure,
      and 1 had 0% failure before 1000 cycles. Significant differences in the stiffness
      of the 3 types of synthetic bone models that survived cyclic loading were noted
      compared with the cadaveric bone model (P < 0.05). Osteoporotic bone analogues
      had torsional mechanical properties different from those of osteoporotic
      cadaveric specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The differences between osteoporotic cadaveric
      humeri and synthetic osteoporotic bone analogues ranged from profound with
      complete catastrophic failure after a few cycles to subtler differences in
      stiffness and strain hardening. These findings suggest that different bone
      analogue models vary substantially in their torsional mechanical properties and
      might not be appropriate substitutes for cadaveric bone in biomechanical studies
      of osteoporotic bone.

PMID- 28079731
TI  - Midterm Radiographic and Functional Outcomes of the Anterior Subcutaneous
      Internal Pelvic Fixator (INFIX) for Pelvic Ring Injuries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience using the anterior internal pelvic fixator
      (INFIX) for treating pelvic ring injuries. DESIGN: Case Series. SETTING: Level 1
      Trauma Center. PATIENTS: Eighty-three patients with pelvic ring injuries were
      treated with INFIX. Follow-up average was 35 months (range 12-80.33).
      INTERVENTION: Surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries included reduction,
      appropriate posterior fixation, and INFIX placement. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:
      Reduction using the pelvic deformity index and pubic symphysis widening, Majeed
      functional scores, complications; infection, implant failure, heterotopic
      ossification (HO), nerve injury, and pain. RESULTS: All patients healed in an
      appropriate time frame (full weight bearing 12 weeks postoperation). The average
      pelvic deformity index reduction (injury = 0.0420 +/- 0.0412, latest FU = 0.0254
      +/- 0.0243) was 39.58%. The average reduction of pubic symphysis injuries was
      56.92%. The average Majeed score of patients at latest follow-up was 78.77 (range
      47-100). Complications were 3 infections, 1 case of implant failure, 2 cases
      implantation too deep, 7 cases of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation, and
      3 cases of pain associated with the device. HO was seen in >50% of the patients,
      correlated with increased age (P < 0.007), injury severity score (P < 0.05) but
      only 1 case was symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: The pelvic injuries had good functional
      and radiological outcomes with INFIX and the appropriate posterior fixation. The
      downside is removal requiring a second anesthetic, there is a learning curve, HO
      often occurs, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve may get irritated which often
      resolves once the implants are removed. Surgery-specific implants need to be
      developed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors
      for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28079733
TI  - "A Tale of Two Planes": Deep Versus Superficial Serratus Plane Block for
      Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a significant burden for
      breast cancer survivors. Although multiple therapies have been described, an
      evolving field of serratus anterior plane blocks has been described in this
      population. We describe the addition of the deep serratus anterior plane block
      (DSPB) for PMPS. METHODS: Four patients with history of PMPS underwent DSPB for
      anterior chest wall pain. A retrospective review of these patients' outcomes was
      obtained through postprocedure interviews. RESULTS: Three of the patients
      previously had a superficial serratus anterior plane block, which was not as
      efficacious as the DSPB. The fourth patient had a superficial serratus anterior
      plane that was difficult to separate with hydrodissection but had improved pain
      control with a DSPB. CONCLUSIONS: We illustrate 4 patients who have benefitted
      from a DSPB and describe indications that this block may be more efficacious than
      a superficial serratus plane block. Further study is recommended to understand
      the intercostal nerve branches within the lateral and anterior muscular chest
      wall planes.

PMID- 28079734
TI  - Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia and Prophylactic Three Times Daily Unfractionated
      Heparin Within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway for Colorectal Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of
      preventable harm. Perioperative thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) presents a
      challenge to optimal VTE prophylaxis. Our primary aim was to characterize missed
      doses of VTE prophylaxis associated with epidural catheter placement and removal.
      Our secondary aim was to measure the effect of an enhanced recovery after surgery
      (ERAS) pathway on the rate of TEA-associated missed VTE prophylaxis. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database of 1264 colorectal
      surgery patients at a single academic center. Missed preoperative doses between
      TEA patients and non-TEA patients were compared. Missed postoperative
      unfractionated heparin (UFH) doses associated with epidural removal were compared
      before and after implementation of an ERAS program. Other data collected included
      demographic data, surgical indication, and thrombohemorrhagic complications.
      RESULTS: Of the 445 TEA patients, 12.6% missed their preoperative heparin doses
      compared with 8.4% of patients without epidurals (P = 0.017). Of the TEA patients
      prescribed 3 times daily UFH, 22.5% missed one or more doses associated with
      epidural removal. The percent of patients missing at least one dose of UFH on
      epidural removal dropped from 28.1% before ERAS to 17.9% after the ERAS program
      (P = 0.023). Seven patients developed VTEs. There were zero epidural hematomas.
      CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic epidural analgesia was associated with a 1.5-fold increased
      risk of missed dose of preoperative VTE prophylaxis, which was not affected by
      implementation of an ERAS program. The implementation of an ERAS program reduced
      missed doses associated with epidural removal. This study highlights the
      challenge posed by providing VTE prophylaxis in the setting of perioperative
      neuraxial analgesia.

PMID- 28079735
TI  - Incidence of Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity in Orthopedic Patients Receiving
      Peripheral Nerve Blocks.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peripheral nerve blocks are increasingly used.
      However, despite low complication rates, concerns regarding local anesthetic
      systemic toxicity remain. Although recent studies suggest that this severe
      complication has decreased considerably, there is a paucity of data about it on a
      national level. We sought to elucidate the incidence of local anesthetic systemic
      toxicity on a national level and therefore provide guidance toward the need for
      preparedness in daily anesthetic practice. METHODS: We searched a large
      administrative database for patients who received peripheral nerve blocks for
      total joint arthroplasties from 2006 to 2014. Their discharge and billing data
      were analyzed for International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
      Clinical Modification codes coding for local anesthetic systemic toxicity or
      surrogate outcomes including cardiac arrest, seizures, and use of lipid emulsion
      on the day of surgery. Rates for these outcomes were determined cumulatively and
      over time. RESULTS: We identified 238,473 patients who received a peripheral
      nerve block within the study period. The cumulative rate of outcomes among these
      patients in the study period was 0.18%. There was a significant decrease of
      overall outcome rates between 2006 and 2014. Use of lipid emulsion on the day of
      surgery increased significantly in total knee replacement from 0.02% 2006 to
      0.26% in 2014. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of local anesthetic systemic toxicity
      is low but should be considered clinically significant. Since it may cause
      substantial harm to the patient, appropriate resources and awareness to identify
      and treat local anesthetic systemic toxicity should be available wherever
      regional anesthesia is performed.

PMID- 28079736
TI  - Report on Neurosciences Sessions During the 16th World Congress of
      Anaesthesiologists (WCA 2016 Hong Kong).

PMID- 28079737
TI  - Dexmedetomidine Reduces Perioperative Opioid Consumption and Postoperative Pain
      Intensity in Neurosurgery: A Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been administered to patients during
      neurosurgery. Some studies have found that DEX could reduce perioperative opioid
      consumption and postoperative pain intensity. However, no firm conclusions have
      been reached. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of DEX
      for managing pain in neurosurgical patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) focusing on the effects of DEX on perioperative opioid consumption
      and postoperative pain intensity in patients undergoing neurosurgery. PubMed, the
      Web of science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched. The resulting
      data were combined to calculate the pooled mean differences (MDs), standard MDs
      or odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), as appropriate.
      Heterogeneity and potential publication bias were assessed. Furthermore, a trial
      sequential analysis was performed to improve the precision of our findings.
      RESULTS: A total of 11 published RCTs involving 674 patients undergoing
      neurosurgery (335 patients, 339 controls) were included in this meta-analysis.
      There were significant differences in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) visual
      analog scale scores between the groups (MD=-1.54, 95% CI, -2.33 to 0.75, I=87%,
      P=0.0001). In addition, there were significant differences in PACU opioid
      requirements between the treatment and control groups (standard MD=-0.88, 95% CI,
      -1.74 to 0.02, I=91%, P=0.05). Furthermore, intraoperative opioid consumption was
      significantly reduced in the treatment group (MD=-127.75, 95% CI, -208.62 to
      46.89, I=98%, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: DEX could reduce perioperative and PACU
      opioid consumption as well as postoperative pain intensity.

PMID- 28079738
TI  - Vision Problems and Reduced Reading Outcomes in Queensland Schoolchildren.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between vision and reading outcomes in
      Indigenous and non-Indigenous schoolchildren to determine whether vision problems
      are associated with lower reading outcomes in these populations. METHODS: Vision
      testing and reading assessments were performed on 508 Indigenous and non
      Indigenous schoolchildren in Queensland, Australia divided into two age groups:
      Grades 1 and 2 (6-7 years of age) and Grades 6 and 7 (12-13 years of age). Vision
      parameters measured included cycloplegic refraction, near point of convergence,
      heterophoria, fusional vergence range, rapid automatized naming, and visual motor
      integration. The following vision conditions were then classified based on the
      vision findings: uncorrected hyperopia, convergence insufficiency, reduced rapid
      automatized naming, and delayed visual motor integration. Reading accuracy and
      reading comprehension were measured with the Neale reading test. The effect of
      uncorrected hyperopia, convergence insufficiency, reduced rapid automatized
      naming, and delayed visual motor integration on reading accuracy and reading
      comprehension were investigated with ANCOVAs. RESULTS: The ANCOVAs explained a
      significant proportion of variance in both reading accuracy and reading
      comprehension scores in both age groups, with 40% of the variation in reading
      accuracy and 33% of the variation in reading comprehension explained in the
      younger age group, and 27% and 10% of the variation in reading accuracy and
      reading comprehension, respectively, in the older age group. The vision
      parameters of visual motor integration and rapid automatized naming were
      significant predictors in all ANCOVAs (P < .01). The direction of the
      relationship was such that reduced reading results were explained by reduced
      visual motor integration and rapid automatized naming results. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      reduced rapid automatized naming and visual motor integration were associated
      with poorer reading outcomes in Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. This is
      an important finding given the recent emphasis placed on Indigenous children's
      reading skills and the fact that reduced rapid automatized naming and visual
      motor integration skills are more common in this group.

PMID- 28079739
TI  - Opinion survey of members of British Society of Children's Orthopaedic Surgery
      related to specific case scenarios in slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess contemporary management of slipped capital
      femoral epiphysis (SCFE) by surveying members of the British Society of
      Children's Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS). A questionnaire with five case vignettes
      was used. Two questions examined the timing of surgery for an acute unstable SCFE
      in a child presenting at 6 and 48 h after start of symptoms. Two further
      questions explored the preferred method of fixation in mild and severe stable
      SCFE. The final question examined the management of the contralateral normal hip.
      Responses were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and the data was analysed using
      a chi-test. The response rate was 56% (110/196). Overall, 88% (97/110) responded
      that if a child presented with an acute unstable SCFE within 6 h, they would
      treat it within 24 h of presentation, compared with 41% (45/110) for one
      presenting 48 h after the onset of symptoms (P<0.0001). Overall, 53% (58/110) of
      surveyed BSCOS members would offer surgery for an unstable SCFE between 1 and 7
      days after onset of symptoms. Single screw fixation in situ for mild stable SCFE
      was advocated by 96% (106/110) with 71% (78/110) using this method for the
      treatment of severe stable SCFE. Corrective osteotomy is used by 2% (2/110) and
      25% (28/110) of respondents for mild and severe stable SCFE, respectively
      (P<0.0001). Surgeons preferring osteotomy are more likely to perform an
      intracapsular technique. Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral normal hip
      was performed by 27% (30/110) of respondents. There are significant differences
      in opinions between BSCOS members as to the optimal management of SCFE. This
      reflects the variable recommendations and quality in the current scientific
      literature. Further research is therefore required to determine best practice and
      enable consensus to be reached.

PMID- 28079740
TI  - Venous thromboembolism among pediatric orthopedic trauma patients: a database
      analysis.
AB  - Using the 2012 Kids Inpatient Database, we assessed records of pediatric patients
      (<21 years old) with fractures of the upper limb, lower limb, spine, pelvis, and
      multiple locations and calculated the overall prevalence of venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) and associated potential risk factors. 387 (0.68%) of 57
      183 patients with one or more fractures were diagnosed with VTE. Children
      sustaining fractures of the axial skeleton and those with multiple fractures had
      a higher prevalence of VTE than those with isolated extremity fractures.
      Associated risk factors included the presence of a central venous catheter. A
      prospective, multicenter study is needed to confirm our findings.

PMID- 28079741
TI  - Management of pediatric open tibia fractures with supracutaneous locked plates.
AB  - We evaluated the novel application of supracutaneous locked plates in pediatric
      open tibia fractures. Pediatric open tibia fractures stabilized with a locked
      supracutaneous plate from January 2011 to December 2014 were reviewed. Twenty
      eight children, mean age 8.9 years, with 29 open tibia fractures were included.
      Nine of these children who had metaphyseal or metadiaphyseal fractures did not
      require joint spanning. The mean follow-up duration was 13.5 months. The mean
      time to uneventful union was 11.46 weeks, with no unacceptable malunion.
      Supracutaneous locked plates showed early union and no refractures. They could
      favorably replace tubular external fixators in stabilizing pediatric open tibia
      fractures.

PMID- 28079742
TI  - The hybrid method for the treatment of congenital talipes equinovarus:
      preliminary results on 92 consecutive feet.
AB  - Over the past 4 years, our pediatric orthopedic unit has developed a new hybrid
      protocol combining the advantages of Ponseti's method and the French functional
      physiotherapy method. Sixty-one patients (92 feet) completed treatment. Clubfoot
      was unilateral in 30 (49.2%) patients and bilateral in 31 (50.8%) patients. The
      mean Dimeglio score at the start of treatment was 13.5/20 (range: 6/20-19/20).
      All patients had clinical and radiographic follow-up for at least 2 years (range:
      2-4 years). If orthopedic treatment was ineffective and feet showed no
      improvement, further surgery was performed. Posterior release was performed in
      eight (8.7%) feet. Clinical evaluation at the last follow-up found a mean dorsal
      flexion of 20 degrees +/-5 degrees  (range: 5 degrees -35 degrees ). The hybrid
      method is a combination approach applying the strengths of Ponseti's method, that
      is, serial casting, and the French physiotherapy method, that is, manipulations
      and radiographs, to achieve long-term correction with a foot that is fully
      functional and pain free.

PMID- 28079743
TI  - Normal radiographic parameters in paediatric pelvic radiographs from a Chinese
      population.
AB  - : Paediatric pelvic and hip radiographs are a common investigation used when
      assessing a child for suspected developmental dysplasia of the hip. This report
      describes an attempt to establish normal values of medial joint space, acetabular
      index and centre edge angle according to specific age groups and sex in a Chinese
      population. Patients who had undergone a pelvic radiograph as part of their
      assessment, but were subsequently found to have normal hips were recruited
      retrospectively. These patients were grouped according to sex and age; medial
      joint space, acetabular index and centre edge angle were measured in all
      radiographs. A mean+/-SD was calculated for each group, and then each age group
      was tested for statistical significance between the male and the female groups. A
      total of, 98 patients were recruited, who underwent 188 pelvic radiographs,
      resulting in images of 376 'normal' hips. The results for medial joint space,
      acetabular index and centre edge angle for each age and sex group are described.
      Only the acetabular index requires different reference ranges for male and female
      patients because of consistent statistical significance between the two groups.
      It was found that medial joint space remained fairly constant throughout the age
      groups, whereas the acetabular index decreased and the centre edge angle
      increased slightly. The reference ranges for the parameters described here are
      quite different from those established previously in a population of Northern
      European descent, which could be because of a variety of reasons including
      genetics, body habitus and measurement technique. We believe that it would be
      prudent to implement these different ranges when assessing patients of Chinese
      heritage to optimize care of patients who may suffer as a consequence of not
      receiving treatment for missed hip dysplasia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Study
      Level III - Study of nonconsecutive patients (without consistently applying the
      reference 'gold' standard).

PMID- 28079744
TI  - Endoscopic Woodward procedure for Sprengel deformity: case report.
AB  - : Sprengel deformity (SD) results in a limitation of movement of the shoulder
      girdle and produces an esthetic defect. Our aim is to assess the feasibility and
      advantages of a minimally invasive endoscopic approach for SD correction. A 4
      year-old boy with a Cavendish grade III right SD. The patient underwent an
      endoscopic Woodward procedure with access through two small incisions at the
      level of the upper and lower angles of the scapula. Near-symmetrical shoulder
      elevation was achieved, with an excellent cosmetic result. The endoscopic
      Woodward procedure is a feasible, effective, and minimally invasive technique in
      the treatment of SD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

PMID- 28079746
TI  - Sentinel Surveillance for Expedited Partner Therapy Prescriptions Using Pharmacy
      Data, in 2 New York City Neighborhoods, 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Expedited partner therapy (EPT) for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the
      practice of providing Ct-infected patients with medication, or prescription
      (prescription-EPT) to deliver to their sex partners without first examining those
      partners. New York City (NYC) providers commonly use prescription-EPT, yet NYC
      pharmacists report only occasional receipt of EPT prescriptions. This project
      assessed the frequency of EPT prescriptions filled in 2 NYC neighborhoods.
      METHODS: The 2 NYC facilities reporting the most frequent use of prescription-EPT
      were identified from Ct provider case reports and contacted to ascertain their
      EPT practices. Providers at the first facility (facility 1) prescribed two 1-g
      doses of azithromycin, including sex partner treatment on the index patient's
      electronic prescription. Providers at the second facility (facility 2) gave
      patients paper prescriptions for sex partners. We reviewed prescriptions filled
      in 2015 for azithromycin, 1 or 2 g at pharmacies near these facilities;
      prescriptions indicating partner therapy were classified "EPT prescriptions".
      RESULTS: Facility 1 providers submitted 112 Ct case reports indicating
      prescription-EPT, compared with 114 submitted by facility 2 providers. Twelve of
      26 identified pharmacies agreed to participate. At 7 pharmacies near facility 1,
      we found 61 EPT prescriptions from facility 1 and 37 from other facilities. At 5
      pharmacies near facility 2, we found only 1 EPT prescription from facility 2 and
      3 from other facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Expedited partner therapy prescriptions
      were received in NYC pharmacies near to EPT-prescribing facilities, but with
      great variability and at a lower frequency than suggested by provider case
      reports. Provider EPT prescribing practices may impact the likelihood that
      partners receive medication and should be further evaluated.

PMID- 28079747
TI  - How Reliable Is Microscopy and Culture for the Diagnosis of Gonorrhea? An 11-Year
      Experience from INDIA.
AB  - Positivity of microscopy and culture was greater (P < 0.0001) in men with
      urethral discharge syndrome (65.8%) than in women with vaginal/cervical discharge
      (0.5%), indicating that basic diagnostic tests may not be cost-effective for
      diagnosis of vaginal/cervical discharge syndrome. Microscopy when compared with
      culture showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative
      predictive value of 95.4%, 77.6%, 84.6%, and 95.3%, in men, whereas in women, it
      was 77.8%, 99.9%, 92.1%, and 99.9%, respectively.

PMID- 28079748
TI  - Clinical Characteristics of Herpes Simplex Virus Urethritis Compared With
      Chlamydial Urethritis Among Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to ascertain the clinical characteristics
      associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) urethritis in men and to compare those
      with chlamydial urethritis. METHODS: We compared clinical and laboratory data
      from men diagnosed with polymerase chain reaction confirmed HSV urethritis with
      those of men with chlamydial urethritis presenting to Melbourne Sexual Health
      Centre between 2000 and 2015. RESULTS: Eighty HSV urethritis cases were
      identified: 55 (68%, 95% confidence interval, 58-78) were by HSV-1 and 25 (32%,
      95% confidence interval, 22-42) by HSV-2. Compared with chlamydial urethritis,
      men with HSV urethritis were significantly more likely to report severe dysuria
      (20% vs 0%, P < 0.01) or constitutional symptoms (15% vs 0%, P < 0.01). Men with
      HSV urethritis were significantly more likely to have meatitis (62% vs 23%, P <
      0.01), genital ulceration (37% vs 0%, P < 0.01), or inguinal lymphadenopathy (30%
      vs 0%, P < 0.01) but less likely to have urethral discharge (32% vs 69%, P <
      0.01). There was no significant difference in the proportion of men who had
      raised (>=5) polymorphonuclear leukocytes per high-powered field between the two
      groups (P = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of HSV urethritis in
      men may differ from those of chlamydial urethritis and guide testing for HSV in
      men presenting with non-gonococcal urethritis.

PMID- 28079749
TI  - Should Female Partners of Men With Non-Gonococcal Urethritis, Negative for
      Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium, Be Informed and Treated?
      Clinical Outcomes From a Partner Study of Heterosexual Men With NGU.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine if female partners of men with pathogen-negative non
      gonococcal urethritis (NGU) are at risk of genital infection. METHODS: Secondary
      data analysis using health records from a large sexually transmitted disease
      clinic in Melbourne of 1710 men and their female partners attending on the same
      day from January 2006 to April 2015. Proportions of female partners with symptoms
      suggesting genital infection or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) were determined
      for: (1) men with NGU and no Chlamydia trachomatis or Mycoplasma genitalium
      (referred to as pathogen-negative NGU) (n = 91); 2) men with urethral C.
      trachomatis (n = 176); 3) men with urethral M. genitalium (n = 26); and 4)
      asymptomatic men (n = 652). RESULTS: Female partners of men with pathogen
      negative NGU experienced deep pelvic pain (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.2; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.1-4.4), post coital bleeding (AOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2
      4.9), and dysuria (AOR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.6-8.6) more commonly and were diagnosed
      with PID more commonly (AOR, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.1-11.3) than the female partners of
      asymptomatic men. Pelvic inflammatory disease was not more likely to be diagnosed
      in the female partners of men with genital warts (AOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.5-4.4) or
      candidiasis (AOR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.4-3.5) than the female partners of asymptomatic
      men. The female partners of men with chlamydia experienced post coital bleeding
      more (AOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0-3.6) and were more likely to be diagnosed with PID
      (AOR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.6-8.0). CONCLUSIONS: The female partners of men with
      pathogen-negative NGU may be at increased risk of genital infection, even if a
      recognised pathogen is not identified in the man.

PMID- 28079750
TI  - Management of Herpetic Urethritis and Female Partners of Men With Nongonococcal
      Urethritis.

PMID- 28079751
TI  - Updates on primary sclerosing cholangitis.

PMID- 28079752
TI  - Changes in Dorsal Root Ganglion Gene Expression in Response to Spinal Cord
      Stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to
      influence pain-related genes in the spinal cord directly under the stimulating
      electrodes. There is limited information regarding changes occurring at the
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG). This study evaluates gene expression in the DRG in
      response to SCS therapy. METHODS: Rats were randomized into experimental or
      control groups (n = 6 per group). Experimental animals underwent spared-nerve
      injury, implantation of lead, and continuous SCS (72 hours). Behavioral
      assessment for mechanical hyperalgesia was conducted to compare responses after
      injury and treatment. Ipsilateral DRG tissue was collected, and gene expression
      quantified for interleukin 1b (IL-1b), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis
      factor alpha (TNF-alpha), GABA B receptor 1 (GABAbr1), substance P (subP),
      Integrin alpha M (ITGAM), sodium/potassium ATP-ase (Na/K ATPase), fos proto
      oncogene (cFOS), serotonin receptor 3A (5HT3r), galanin (Gal), vasoactive
      intestinal peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NpY), glial fibrillary acidic protein
      (GFAP), and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) via quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction. Statistical significance was established using analysis of
      variance (ANOVA), independent t tests, and Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS:
      Expression of IL-1b and IL-6 was reversed following SCS therapy relative to the
      increase caused by the injury model. Both GABAbr1 and Na/K ATPase were
      significantly up-regulated upon implantation of the lead, and SCS therapy
      reversed their expression to within control levels. Pearson correlation analyses
      reveal that GABAbr1 and Na/K ATPase expression was dependent on the stimulating
      current intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord stimulation modulates expression of
      key pain-related genes in the DRG. Specifically, SCS led to reversal of IL-1b and
      IL-6 expression induced by injury. Interleukin 6 expression was still
      significantly larger than in sham animals, which may correlate to residual
      sensitivity following continuous SCS treatment. In addition, expression of
      GABAbr1 and Na/K ATPase was down-regulated to within control levels following SCS
      and correlates with applied current.

PMID- 28079753
TI  - Synergistic Effects of Serotonin or Dopamine Combined With Lidocaine at Producing
      Nociceptive Block in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the interactions of
      the local anesthetic lidocaine combined with an agent (serotonin or dopamine) as
      infiltrative anesthetics. METHODS: Cutaneous analgesia was characterized by the
      blockade of the cutaneous trunci muscle reflex following 6 skin pinpricks on the
      rat back. Serotonin or dopamine at producing cutaneous analgesia in a dosage
      dependent fashion was compared with lidocaine. Drug-drug interactions were
      calculated using the isobolographic analysis. RESULTS: We revealed that
      serotonin, dopamine, and lidocaine provoked dose-related cutaneous analgesic
      effects. On the 50% effective dose basis, the rank of drugs' potency was found to
      be serotonin (1.70 [1.56-1.85] MUmol) > lidocaine (5.18 [4.67-5.75] MUmol) >
      dopamine (43.0 [40.9-45.2] MUmol) (P < 0.01). At doses equivalent to their 25%,
      50%, and 75% effective doses, serotonin or dopamine elicited a longer duration of
      action than lidocaine (P < 0.01) on producing cutaneous analgesia.
      Coadministration of serotonin or dopamine with lidocaine produced a synergistic
      effect. CONCLUSIONS: The preclinical data showed that serotonin and dopamine
      produce dose-related cutaneous analgesic effects as an infiltrative anesthetic.
      Serotonin has a better potency with a much longer duration of action compared
      with lidocaine at provoking cutaneous analgesia. Serotonin or dopamine as an
      adjuvant increases the quality of lidocaine in cutaneous analgesia.

PMID- 28079754
TI  - Ultrasound-Guided Needle Technique Accuracy: Prospective Comparison of Passive
      Magnetic Tracking Versus Unassisted Echogenic Needle Localization.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia facilitates an
      approach to sensitive targets such as nerve clusters without contact or
      inadvertent puncture. We compared accuracy of needle placement with a novel
      passive magnetic ultrasound needle guidance technology (NGT) versus conventional
      ultrasound (CU) with echogenic needles. METHODS: Sixteen anesthesiologists and 19
      residents performed a series of 16 needle insertion tasks each, 8 using NGT (n =
      280) and 8 using CU (n = 280), in high-fidelity porcine phantoms. Tasks were
      stratified based on aiming to contact (target-contact) or place in close
      proximity with (target-proximity) targets, needle gauge (no. 18/no. 22), and in
      plane (IP) or out-of-plane (OOP) approach. Distance to the target, task
      completion by aim, number of passes, and number of tasks completed on the first
      pass were reported. RESULTS: Needle guidance technology significantly improved
      distance, task completion, number of passes, and completion on the first pass
      compared with CU for both IP and OOP approaches (P <= 0.001). Average NGT
      distance to target was lower by 57.1% overall (n = 560, 1.5 +/- 2.4 vs 3.5 +/-
      3.7 mm), 38.5% IP (n = 140, 1.6 +/- 2.6 vs 2.6 +/- 2.8 mm), and 68.2% OOP (n =
      140, 1.4 +/- 2.2 vs 4.4 +/- 4.3 mm) (all P <= 0.01). Subgroup analyses revealed
      accuracy gains were largest among target-proximity tasks performed by residents
      and for OOP approaches. Needle guidance technology improved first-pass completion
      from 214 (76.4%) per 280 to 249 (88.9%) per 280, a significant improvement of
      16.4% (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Passive magnetic NGT can improve accuracy of
      needle procedures, particularly among OOP procedures requiring close approach to
      sensitive targets, such as nerve blocks in anesthesiology practice.

PMID- 28079755
TI  - MACULAR PIGMENT DISTRIBUTION RESPONSES TO HIGH-DOSE ZEAXANTHIN SUPPLEMENTATION IN
      PATIENTS WITH MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze macular pigment (MP) amount and distribution in patients with
      macular telangiectasia Type 2 receiving oral zeaxanthin supplementation in a
      randomized, open-label, interventional trial. METHODS: Eight macular
      telangiectasia Type 2 patients were randomized to 10 mg or 20 mg of zeaxanthin
      per day. At each visit, best-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity,
      fundus biomicroscopy, color fundus photography, autofluorescence imaging, optical
      coherence tomography, and serum carotenoid levels were tested. Patients were
      assessed at baseline and after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of zeaxanthin
      supplementation. Concentration of MP was analyzed and calculated from
      autofluorescence imaging obtained at 488-nm excitation wavelength. Serum
      carotenoid levels were obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography.
      RESULTS: The majority of patients had definite increases in the intensity of
      hypofluorescent ring of MP, but none of them deposited MP centrally at the fovea.
      Although some patients noted subjective improvements in vision, no objective
      improvements could be documented, and there were no changes in foveal optical
      coherence tomographic features. Yellowish, hypofluorescent crystals appeared in
      one patient's macular region with no change in visual acuity. These inner retinal
      crystals disappeared several months after discontinuing her 20-mg zeaxanthin
      supplement. CONCLUSION: Based on the current study, zeaxanthin supplementation
      does not result in any visual benefit in patients with macular telangiectasia
      Type 2 and does not reestablish a normal peaked distribution of MP in the fovea.
      One patient developed a novel, reversible, crystalline maculopathy in response to
      zeaxanthin supplementation that was reminiscent of canthaxanthin crystalline
      maculopathy.

PMID- 28079756
TI  - OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY CHANGES IN EARLY TYPE 3
      NEOVASCULARIZATION AFTER ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR TREATMENT.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the morphologic changes on optical coherence tomography
      angiography (OCTA) of treatment-naive Type 3 neovascularization secondary to
      exudative age-related macular degeneration after 1 year of anti-vascular
      endothelial growth factor therapy. METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with
      treatment-naive early-stage Type 3 neovascularization were enrolled in this
      retrospective study. All patients underwent color fundus photographs/MultiColor
      (Heidelberg Engineering) imaging, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green
      angiography, structural spectral domain OCT, and OCTA Optovue RTVue XR Avanti
      (Optovue) at baseline, and repeated OCTA and structural spectral domain OCT at
      Month 12. Qualitative analysis of the 3 * 3 OCTA examinations at baseline and
      Month 12 was then compared, to assess changes after anti-vascular endothelial
      growth factor therapy. RESULTS: A total of 15 treatment-naive eyes of 15
      consecutive patients were included in the analysis. At 12-month follow-up after
      pro-re-data anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (5.75 +/- 1.48
      injections of ranibizumab, and injections of 6.33 +/- 1.21 of aflibercept), OCTA
      demonstrated persistence of the deep capillary plexus abnormalities in 13/15
      eyes. In the outer retina and choriocapillaris, the initial lesion became
      undetectable in 7/15 cases, accompanied by choriocapillaris atrophy. The abnormal
      vascular complex persisted in the form of a tuft-shaped lesion in the outer
      retinal segmentation in 9/15 eyes, which in the choriocapillaris segmentation was
      associated with sub-retinal pigment epithelium neovascularization in 8 cases.
      CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography angiography showed that the tuft-shaped
      abnormal outer retinal lesion, frequently associated with a small clew-like flow
      signal in the choriocapillaris, after 1 year of anti-vascular endothelial growth
      factor therapy, either becomes undetectable or develops sub-retinal pigment
      epithelium neovascularization.

PMID- 28079758
TI  - Concussion in Ice Hockey: Current Gaps and Future Directions in an Objective
      Diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This review provides an update on sport-related concussion (SRC) in
      ice hockey and makes a case for changes in clinical concussion evaluation.
      Standard practice should require that concussions be objectively diagnosed and
      provide quantitative measures of the concussion injury that will serve as a
      platform for future evidence-based treatment. METHODS: The literature was
      surveyed to address several concussion-related topics: research in ice hockey
      related head trauma, current subjective diagnosis, promising components of an
      objective diagnosis, and current and potential treatments. MAIN RESULTS: Sport
      related head trauma has marked physiologic, pathologic, and psychological
      consequences for athletes. Although animal models have been used to simulate head
      trauma for pharmacologic testing, the current diagnosis and subsequent treatment
      in athletes still rely on an athlete's motivation to report or deny symptoms.
      Bias-free, objective diagnostic measures are needed to guide quantification of
      concussion severity and assessment of treatment effects. Most of the knowledge
      and management guidelines of concussion in ice hockey are generalizable to other
      contact sports. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for an objective diagnosis of SRC
      that will quantify severity, establish a prognosis, and provide effective
      evidence-based treatment. Potential methods to improve concussion diagnosis by
      health care providers include a standardized concussion survey, the King-Devick
      test, a quantified electroencephalogram, and blood analysis for brain cell
      specific biomarkers.

PMID- 28079757
TI  - Pathogenesis of abdominal pain in bowel obstruction: role of mechanical stress
      induced upregulation of nerve growth factor in gut smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Abdominal pain is one of the major symptoms in bowel obstruction (BO); its
      cellular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that
      mechanical stress in obstruction upregulates expression of nociception mediator
      nerve growth factor (NGF) in gut smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and NGF sensitizes
      primary sensory nerve to contribute to pain in BO. Partial colon obstruction was
      induced with a silicon band implanted in the distal bowel of Sprague-Dawley rats.
      Colon-projecting sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (T13 to L2) were
      identified for patch-clamp and gene expression studies. Referred visceral
      sensitivity was assessed by measuring withdrawal response to stimulation by von
      Frey filaments in the lower abdomen. Membrane excitability of colon-projecting
      dorsal root ganglia neurons was significantly enhanced, and the withdrawal
      response to von Frey filament stimulation markedly increased in BO rats. The
      expression of NGF mRNA and protein was increased in a time-dependent manner (day
      1-day 7) in colonic SMC but not in mucosa/submucosa of the obstructed colon.
      Mechanical stretch in vitro caused robust NGF mRNA and protein expression in
      colonic SMC. Treatment with anti-NGF antibody attenuated colon neuron
      hyperexcitability and referred hypersensitivity in BO rats. Obstruction led to
      significant increases of tetrodotoxin-resistant Na currents and mRNA expression
      of Nav1.8 but not Nav1.6 and Nav1.7 in colon neurons; these changes were
      abolished by anti-NGF treatment. In conclusion, mechanical stress-induced
      upregulation of NGF in colon SMC underlies the visceral hypersensitivity in BO
      through increased gene expression and activity of tetrodotoxin-resistant Na
      channels in sensory neurons.

PMID- 28079759
TI  - The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Assay in Neuro-Ophthalmology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) testing is regularly
      used to detect infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, its utility in a
      patient population with a low risk for tuberculosis (TB) has been questioned. The
      following is a cohort study analyzing the efficacy of QFT-GIT testing as a method
      for detection of active TB disease in low-risk individuals in a neuro
      ophthalmologic setting. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients from 2 neuro-ophthalmology
      centers were identified as having undergone QFT-GIT testing between January 2012
      and February 2016. Patients were divided into groups of negative, indeterminate,
      and positive QFT-GIT results. Records of patients with positive QFT-GIT results
      were reviewed for development of latent or active TB, as determined by clinical,
      bacteriologic, and/or radiographic evidence. RESULTS: Of the 99 cases reviewed,
      18 patients had positive QFT-GIT tests. Of these 18 cases, 12 had documentation
      of chest radiographs or computed tomography which showed no evidence for either
      active TB or pulmonary latent TB infection (LTBI). Four had chest imaging which
      was indicative of possible LTBI. None of these 18 patients had symptoms of active
      TB and none developed active TB within the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Based
      on our results, we conclude that routine testing with QFT-GIT in a low-risk
      cohort did not diagnose active TB infection. We do not recommend routine QFT-GIT
      testing for TB low-risk individuals, as discerned through patient and exposure
      history, ocular examination, and clinical judgment, in neuro-ophthalmology
      practice.

PMID- 28079760
TI  - A 31-Year-Old Man With a Ring-Enhancing Brain Lesion.

PMID- 28079761
TI  - Canadian Laws Are on Target-But Is the Transplant Community?

PMID- 28079762
TI  - Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Gastric Resection for Primary Gastrointestinal
      Stromal Tumors >5 cm: A Size-Matched and Location-Matched Comparison.
AB  - This study compared robotic (RR) and laparoscopic resection (LR) for primary
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach >5 cm. Twelve consecutive
      patients who underwent RR from 2012 to 2015 were matched for tumor size and
      location with 24 patients who underwent LR from 2000 to 2012. The median tumor
      size was 7.1 cm (range, 5.5 to 11.5). GISTs were resected by wedge resection
      (91.7%) or distal gastrectomy. The median RR operative time was longer than that
      of LR (162.5 vs. 130 min, respectively; P=0.004). Only 1 LR patient required
      conversion. The time to flatus and hospital stay were similar between groups.
      Overall, 3 patients developed minor postoperative complications that were
      medically treated. Mortality was nil. All resections were R0. No difference was
      observed in the incidence of recurrence. RR was significantly more expensive
      (+21.6%) than LR. RR appears to be safe and feasible for GISTs>5 cm, but is
      associated with longer operative times and greater costs.

PMID- 28079763
TI  - The Comparison of Etomidate and Propofol Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing
      Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Etomidate and propofol played an important role in the sedation of
      patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. We conducted a systematic review
      and meta-analysis to compare their efficacy and safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were
      systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of
      etomidate versus propofol for the anesthesia of patients undergoing
      gastrointestinal endoscopy were included. Two investigators independently
      searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies.
      The primary outcomes were anesthesia duration and recovery time. Meta-analysis
      was performed using random-effect model. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled
      trials involving 1115 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall,
      compared with propofol, etomidate resulted in comparable anesthesia duration
      [standard mean difference (Std. MD)=-0.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.16 to
      0.10; P=0.66], recovery time (Std. MD=0.25; 95% CI, -0.42 to 0.92; P=0.47), mean
      arterial pressure at intubation (Std. MD=0.44; 95% CI, -0.26 to 1.15; P=0.21),
      heart pulse at intubation (Std. MD=0.93; 95% CI, -0.69 to 2.55; P=0.26), SPO2 at
      intubation (Std. MD=-0.52; 95% CI, -1.04 to 0.01; P=0.05), patient satisfaction
      [odds risk (OR)=0.42; 95% CI, 0.11-1.66; P=0.22], hypotension (OR=0.14; 95% CI,
      0.02-1.22; P=0.07), changes of heart rate (OR=0.97; 95% CI, 0.61-1.53; P=0.88),
      nausea-vomiting (OR=2.02; 95% CI, 0.73-5.57; P=0.17), and the reduction in apnea
      or hyoxemia (OR=0.39; 95% CI, 0.24-0.64; P=0.0002), and injection pain (OR=0.03;
      95% CI, 0.01-0.08; P<0.00001), but the increase in myoclonus (OR=8.54; 95% CI,
      3.14-23.20; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Between etomidate and propofol, no
      significant difference was revealed regarding anesthesia duration, recovery time,
      mean arterial pressure at intubation, heart pulse at intubation, SPO2 at
      intubation, patient satisfaction, hypotension, changes of heart rate and nausea
      vomiting. Compared with propofol, etomidate showed reduced apnea or hyoxemia, and
      injection pain, but with an increased myoclonus.

PMID- 28079764
TI  - Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy complicated by paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
AB  - : We report a case of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia complicating Tako
      Tsubo cardiomyopathy. We hypothesize that increased adrenergic tone supposedly
      underlying transient apical ballooning syndrome may facilitate the onset of
      paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias in predisposed patients.

PMID- 28079765
TI  - Early recurrence of Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy in an elderly woman with
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: different triggers inducing different apical
      ballooning patterns.
AB  - : We report the case of early recurrence of Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy in an
      elderly woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis triggered by different
      stressors. A first episode with typical apical ballooning was anticipated by an
      emotional stress; a second, characterized by systolic anterior motion of the
      mitral valve associated with mitral regurgitation and severe intra-ventricular
      gradient, was precipitated by surgical stress and hypovolemia. We therefore
      hypothesize both a possible link between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Tako
      Tsubo cardiomyopathy, and between different stressors and different Tako-Tsubo
      patterns.

PMID- 28079766
TI  - Attempted and Successful Vacuum-Assisted Vaginal Delivery by Prepregnancy Body
      Mass Index.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine rates of attempted and successful vacuum-assisted vaginal
      delivery by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study of 2,084 women with singleton gestations needing
      operative delivery assistance and vacuum-eligible (fully dilated, +2 station or
      greater, 34 weeks of gestation or greater) using 2006-2014 inpatient records.
      Prepregnancy BMI was categorized as underweight (less than 18.5), normal weight
      (18.5 to less than 25), overweight (25 to less than 30), or obese (30 or
      greater). Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) of attempted and successful vacuum-assisted vaginal
      delivery by prepregnancy BMI adjusted for age, race, marital status, parity,
      diabetes, labor induction-augmentation, episiotomy, gestational age, and neonatal
      birth weight. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of women requiring delivery assistance
      and eligible for a vacuum were overweight or obese, 79% had vacuum attempts, and
      95.3% of attempted vacuum-assisted vaginal deliveries were successful. Compared
      with women who were normal weight prepregnancy (82.8%), women who were overweight
      or obese were less likely to have vacuum attempted (75.8%, OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53
      0.96 and 71.2%, OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39-0.74, respectively). Among women with
      attempted vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery, successful delivery did not differ by
      prepregnancy BMI (92.6%, OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.21-1.37 for underweight; 94.5%, OR
      1.07, 95% CI 0.57-2.00 for overweight; 96.3%, OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.51-2.33 for obese
      compared with 95.6% among normal-weight women). CONCLUSION: Among women in need
      of operative delivery assistance, prepregnancy obesity was associated with lower
      likelihood of attempted vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery but, if attempted,
      success rates were similar to rates among normal-weight women. With significant
      morbidity of second-stage cesarean delivery in obese women, research should
      examine whether vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery may be appropriate for
      additional obese patients.

PMID- 28079767
TI  - Primary Gastric Choriocarcinoma Presenting as a Pregnancy of Unknown Location.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnancy of unknown location presents a diagnostic challenge, in
      rare occasions leading to the diagnosis of malignancy. We describe a case of beta
      hCG-secreting nongestational primary gastric choriocarcinoma presenting as a
      pregnancy of unknown location. CASE: A 37-year-old woman, gravida 4 para 3013,
      presented with several days of vaginal bleeding and rising beta-hCG level without
      ultrasound localization of pregnancy. The diagnosis of pregnancy of unknown
      location was made and methotrexate administered at a beta-hCG level of 7,779
      milli-international units/mL. A 40% decrease in beta-hCG level was noted between
      days 4 and 7. One week later, an inappropriate beta-hCG level rise to 10,937
      milli-international units/mL was noted, prompting a second dose of methotrexate
      and computed tomography imaging, leading to the discovery of gastric and liver
      lesions. Pathology from gastric biopsies revealed nongestational choriocarcinoma.
      The patient was treated with chemotherapy, with death from cardiac arrest 7
      months after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Malignancies that can secrete beta-hCG
      include gestational trophoblastic disease, gonadal and extragonadal germ cell
      tumors, and malignancies with choriocarcinoma differentiation. Although ectopic
      pregnancy compromises approximately 2% of first-trimester pregnancy, gestational
      trophoblastic neoplasia and gestational choriocarcinoma can be seen in 1 of 1,500
      and 1 of 20,000 pregnancies, respectively. When beta-hCG levels do not fall
      appropriately in women undergoing medical management for pregnancy of unknown
      location, ectopic beta-hCG secretion by a malignancy must be considered.

PMID- 28079768
TI  - Interpregnancy Interval After Termination of Pregnancy and the Risks of Adverse
      Outcomes in Subsequent Birth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the length of the interpregnancy interval after
      termination of pregnancy influences the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight,
      and small-for-gestational-age neonates in a subsequent pregnancy. METHODS: In
      this register-based study, we included all women (N=19,894) who underwent
      termination of pregnancy between 2000 and 2009 and whose subsequent pregnancy
      ended in live singleton delivery. The women were divided into five groups
      depending on the interpregnancy interval between termination of pregnancy and
      subsequent conception: interpregnancy interval less than 6 months (n=2,956), 6 to
      less than 12 months (n=3,203), 12 to less than 18 months (n=2,623), 18 to less
      than 24 months (n=2,076), and 24 months or greater (n=9,036). The incidences and
      unadjusted and adjusted risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small-for
      gestational-age neonates were calculated in relation to the different
      interpregnancy interval lengths, the reference group being that with an
      interpregnancy interval of 18 to less than 24 months. RESULTS: There was a
      significant difference in the rate of preterm birth between the group with the
      interpregnancy interval less than 6 months and the reference group (5.6% compared
      with 4.0%, respectively, P=.008). After adjusting for nine background factors, an
      interpregnancy interval of less than 6 months was associated with an increased
      risk of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.02
      1.77). No such association emerged in longer interpregnancy interval groups or
      regarding other adverse events. The possibility of unmeasured confounding cannot
      be ruled out. CONCLUSION: Slightly but significantly increased estimated risk of
      preterm delivery in subsequent pregnancy was seen when the interpregnancy
      interval after termination of pregnancy was less than 6 months. These data
      emphasize the need for prompt initiation of effective contraception after
      termination and enable counseling the patient for optimal conception interval.

PMID- 28079769
TI  - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Relapse and Clitoral Reconstruction After Female
      Genital Mutilation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence on clitoral reconstruction after female genital mutilation
      is lacking. CASE: A woman with female genital mutilation experiencing clitoral
      pain during sex consulted to undergo clitoral reconstruction. The surgery was
      complicated by a wound infection responsible for severe postoperative pain. Such
      genital pain made our patient recall the traumatic experience of genital
      mutilation and experience a relapse of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.
      She reported anxiety; spontaneous, intrusive recurrent memories of the cutting;
      hypervigilance; and depressed mood. We successfully treated the infection and
      posttraumatic stress disorder. At 6 months postsurgery, she reported no clitoral
      pain and improved sexual function. CONCLUSION: Genital pain after clitoral
      reconstruction may cause recall of memories of the genital mutilation. We
      recommend multidisciplinary comprehensive psychosexual care and adequate
      analgesia.

PMID- 28079770
TI  - Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Assisted Reproductive Technologies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare children's cognitive, motor, and language development at 2
      years of age after assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) relative to natural
      conception. METHODS: The 3D-Study (2010-2012) is a prospective cohort study,
      which sought to improve the understanding among perinatal events, obstetric
      outcomes, and child development. A total of 2,366 pregnant women were recruited,
      of whom 278 conceived with ART: ovarian stimulation, intrauterine sperm
      insemination, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or in
      vitro maturation. Natural conception was defined as the unassisted establishment
      of pregnancy. Cognitive, motor, and language neurodevelopmental outcomes were
      compared between ART and natural conception groups at 24 months using the Bayley
      Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition, and the MacArthur-Bates
      Communicative Development Inventories. Adjusted linear regression models
      evaluated the effect of ART on neurodevelopmental outcomes using natural
      conception as a reference. RESULTS: A total of 175 children in the ART group
      (62.9%) and 1,345 children in the natural conception group (64.4%) underwent
      neurodevelopmental assessment at 24 months postpartum. After adjusting for
      relevant confounders, children born after ART showed no difference in Bayley
      scales' cognitive scores (B1 [standard error]=-1.60 [0.9], 95% confidence
      interval [CI] -3.36 to 0.16), composite motor scores (B1 [standard error]=-1.33
      [1.0], 95% CI -3.29 to 0.63), or MacArthur-Bates language scores (B1 [standard
      error]=-0.28 [2.1], 95% CI -4.39 to 3.83). No difference was observed when
      independent ART techniques were compared nor when comparing in vivo (ovarian
      stimulation or intrauterine insemination) or in vitro (in vitro fertilization,
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or in vitro maturation) techniques (P>.05).
      CONCLUSION: Children born after ART had similar cognitive, motor, and language
      development as children born after natural conception at 2 years of age. These
      findings may be useful in the clinical counseling of patients undergoing ART.

PMID- 28079771
TI  - Advanced Research and Data Methods in Women's Health: Big Data Analytics,
      Adaptive Studies, and the Road Ahead.
AB  - Technical advances in science have had broad implications in reproductive and
      women's health care. Recent innovations in population-level data collection and
      storage have made available an unprecedented amount of data for analysis while
      computational technology has evolved to permit processing of data previously
      thought too dense to study. "Big data" is a term used to describe data that are a
      combination of dramatically greater volume, complexity, and scale. The number of
      variables in typical big data research can readily be in the thousands,
      challenging the limits of traditional research methodologies. Regardless of what
      it is called, advanced data methods, predictive analytics, or big data, this
      unprecedented revolution in scientific exploration has the potential to
      dramatically assist research in obstetrics and gynecology broadly across subject
      matter. Before implementation of big data research methodologies, however,
      potential researchers and reviewers should be aware of strengths, strategies,
      study design methods, and potential pitfalls. Examination of big data research
      examples contained in this article provides insight into the potential and the
      limitations of this data science revolution and practical pathways for its useful
      implementation.

PMID- 28079772
TI  - Severe Maternal Morbidity Among Hispanic Women in New York City: Investigation of
      Health Disparities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in severe maternal morbidity between
      Hispanic mothers and three major Hispanic subgroups compared with non-Hispanic
      white mothers and the extent to which differences in delivery hospitals may
      contribute to excess morbidity among Hispanic mothers. METHODS: We conducted a
      population-based cross-sectional study using linked 2011-2013 New York City
      discharge and birth certificate data sets (n=353,773). Rates of severe maternal
      morbidity were calculated using a published algorithm based on diagnosis and
      procedure codes. Mixed-effects logistic regression with a random hospital
      specific intercept was used to generate risk-standardized severe maternal
      morbidity rates for each hospital taking into consideration patient
      sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities. Differences in the
      distribution of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white deliveries were assessed among
      these hospitals in relation to their risk-adjusted morbidity. Sensitivity
      analyses were conducted after excluding isolated blood transfusion from the
      morbidity composite. RESULTS: Severe maternal morbidity occurred in 4,541
      deliveries and was higher among Hispanic than non-Hispanic white women (2.7%
      compared with 1.5%, P<.001); this rate was 2.9% among those who were Puerto
      Rican, 2.7% among those who were foreign-born Dominican, and 3.3% among those who
      were foreign-born Mexican. After adjustment for patient characteristics, the risk
      remained elevated for Hispanic women (odds ratio [OR] 1.42, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.22-1.66) and for all three subgroups compared with non-Hispanic
      white women (P<.001). Risk for Hispanic women was attenuated in sensitivity
      analyses (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.33). Risk-standardized morbidity across
      hospitals varied sixfold. We estimate that Hispanic-non-Hispanic white
      differences in delivery location may contribute up to 37% of the ethnic disparity
      in severe maternal morbidity rates in New York City hospitals. CONCLUSION:
      Hispanic compared with non-Hispanic white mothers are more likely to deliver at
      hospitals with higher risk-adjusted severe maternal morbidity rates and these
      differences in site of delivery may contribute to excess morbidity among Hispanic
      mothers. Our results suggest improving quality at the lowest performing hospitals
      could benefit both non-Hispanic white and Hispanic women and reduce ethnic
      disparities in severe maternal morbidity rates.

PMID- 28079773
TI  - Pregnancies After the Diagnosis of Mild Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Risk of
      Cardiometabolic Disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of subsequent pregnancy with subsequent
      metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes mellitus after a pregnancy complicated by
      mild gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: We conducted a prospective
      observational follow-up study of women with mild GDM randomized from 2002 to 2007
      to usual care or dietary intervention and glucose self-monitoring. Women were
      evaluated 5-10 years after the parent study. Participants were grouped according
      to the number of subsequent pregnancies (group A, none [reference]; group B, one;
      group C, two or greater). Serum triglycerides, glucose tolerance, high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference were assessed.
      Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by American Heart Association and National Heart
      Lung and Blood Institute criteria. Multivariable regression was used to estimate
      adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Of 905
      eligible women from the original trial, 483 agreed to participate, 426 of whom
      were included in this analysis. Groups A, B, and C consisted of 212, 143, and 71
      women, respectively. Of women with subsequent pregnancies, 32% (69/214) had
      another pregnancy complicated with GDM. No difference between groups was observed
      for metabolic syndrome (group A, 34%; group B, 33%; group C, 30%). Subsequent
      pregnancies were associated with diabetes mellitus outside of pregnancy (group A,
      5.2%; group B, 10.5%, RR 2.62, 95% CI 1.16-5.91; group C, 11.3%, RR 2.83, 95% CI
      1.06-7.59), and if complicated with GDM (no subsequent GDM pregnancy, RR 1.99,
      95% CI 0.82-4.84; subsequent GDM pregnancy, RR 3.75, 95% CI 1.60-8.82).
      CONCLUSION: In women with prior mild GDM, subsequent pregnancies did not increase
      the frequency of metabolic syndrome, but subsequent pregnancies with GDM
      increased the risk of diabetes mellitus outside of pregnancy.

PMID- 28079774
TI  - A Statewide Progestogen Promotion Program in Ohio.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To promote use of progestogen therapy to reduce premature births in
      Ohio by 10%. METHODS: The Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative initiated a
      quality improvement project in 2014 working with clinics at 20 large maternity
      hospitals, Ohio Medicaid, Medicaid insurers, and service agencies to use quality
      improvement methods to identify eligible women and remove treatment barriers. The
      number of women eligible for prophylaxis, the percent prescribed a progestogen
      before 20 and 24 weeks of gestation, and barriers encountered were reported
      monthly. Clinics were asked to adopt protocols to identify candidates and
      initiate treatment promptly. System-level changes were made to expand Medicaid
      eligibility, maintain Medicaid coverage during pregnancy, improve communication,
      and adopt uniform data collection and efficient treatment protocols. Rates of
      singleton births before 32 and 37 weeks of gestation in Ohio hospitals were
      primary outcomes. We used statistical process control methods to analyze change
      and generalized linear mixed models to estimate program effects accounting for
      known risk factors. RESULTS: Participating sites tracked 2,562 women eligible for
      treatment between January 1, 2014, and November 30, 2015. Late entry to care,
      variable interpretation of treatment guidelines, maintenance of Medicaid
      coverage, and inefficient communication among health care providers and insurers
      were identified as treatment barriers. Births before 32 weeks of gestation
      decreased in all hospitals by 6.6% and in participating hospitals by 8.0%. Births
      before 32 weeks of gestation to women with prior preterm birth decreased by 20.5%
      in all hospitals, by 20.3% in African American women, and by 17.1% in women on
      Medicaid. Births before 37 weeks of gestation were minimally affected. Adjusting
      for risk factors and birth clustering by hospital confirmed a program-associated
      13% (95% confidence interval 0.3-24%) reduction in births before 32 weeks of
      gestation to women with prior preterm birth. CONCLUSION: The Ohio progestogen
      project was associated with a sustained reduction in singleton births before 32
      weeks of gestation in Ohio.

PMID- 28079775
TI  - Association of Hospital Volume With Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Locally
      Advanced Cervical Cancer Treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate racial-ethnic disparities in guideline-based care in
      locally advanced cervical cancer and their relationship to hospital case volume.
      METHODS: Using the National Cancer Database, we performed a retrospective cohort
      study of women diagnosed between 2004 and 2012 with locally advanced squamous or
      adenocarcinoma of the cervix undergoing definitive primary radiation therapy. The
      primary outcome was the race-ethnicity-based rates of adherence to the National
      Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline-based care. The secondary outcome was the
      effect of guideline-based care on overall survival. Multivariable models and
      propensity matching were used to compare the hospital risk-adjusted rates of
      guideline-based adherence and overall survival based on hospital case volume.
      RESULTS: The final cohort consisted of 16,195 patients. The rate of guideline
      based care was 58.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57.4-59.4%) for non-Hispanic
      white, 53% (95% CI 51.4-54.9%) for non-Hispanic black, and 51.5% (95% CI 49.4
      53.7%) for Hispanic women (P<.001). From 2004 to 2012, the rate of guideline
      based care increased from 49.5% (95% CI 47.1-51.9%) to 59.1% (95% CI 56.9-61.2%)
      (Ptrend<.001). Based on a propensity score-matched analysis, patients receiving
      guideline-based care had a lower risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.65,
      95% CI 0.62-0.68). Compared with low-volume hospitals, the increase in adherence
      to guideline-based care in high-volume hospitals was 48-63% for non-Hispanic
      white, 47-53% for non-Hispanic black, and 41-54% for Hispanic women. CONCLUSION:
      Racial and ethnic disparities in the delivery of guideline-based care are the
      highest in high-volume hospitals. Guideline-based care in locally advanced
      cervical cancer is associated with improved survival.

PMID- 28079776
TI  - Enhanced Recovery Program and Length of Stay After Laparotomy on a Gynecologic
      Oncology Service: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether a rapid recovery program would reduce length of
      stay among patients undergoing laparotomy on a gynecologic oncology service.
      METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing an
      enhanced recovery after surgery protocol with routine postoperative care among
      women undergoing laparotomy on the gynecologic oncology service. Protocol
      elements included: preoperative counseling, regional anesthesia, intraoperative
      fluid restriction, and early postoperative ambulation and feeding. A sample size
      of 50 per group (N=100) was planned to achieve 80% power to detect a two-day
      difference in our primary outcome, length of hospital stay; secondary outcomes
      included: total daily narcotics used, time to postoperative milestones, and
      complications. RESULTS: A total of 112 women were enrolled between 2013 and 2015.
      Nine patients did not undergo laparotomy and were excluded, leaving 52 and 51
      patients in the control and intervention groups, respectively. There was no
      difference in length of stay between the two groups (median 3.0 in both groups;
      P=.36). Enhanced recovery after surgery patients used less narcotics on day 0
      (10.0 compared with 5.5 morphine equivalents in the control and intervention
      arms, respectively, P=.09) and day 2 (10.0 compared with 7.5 morphine
      equivalents, respectively; P=.05); however, there was no statistically
      significant difference between groups in any of the secondary outcomes. Post hoc
      analysis based on actual anesthesia received also failed to demonstrate a
      difference in time to discharge. CONCLUSION: When compared with usual care,
      introducing a formal enhanced recovery after surgery protocol did not
      significantly reduce length of stay. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01705288.

PMID- 28079777
TI  - It's All How You "Spin" It: Interpretive Bias in Research Findings in the
      Obstetrics and Gynecology Literature.
AB  - Scientific publications can be subject to varying degrees of interpretive bias,
      also known as spin. The rate of spin in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with
      nonsignificant primary outcomes in the general obstetrics and gynecology
      literature is unknown. A decade (January 2006 through December 2015) of the
      tables of contents of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the American Journal of
      Obstetrics & Gynecology were screened, with 503 RCTs identified. Limiting
      assessment to only parallel-group RCTs with a nonsignificant primary outcome
      (P>=.05) resulted in the identification of 194 studies. The abstracts of the
      articles reported the primary outcome in 93% of studies with 79% containing a
      precision estimate but only 25% noting an effect size. The extent of any type of
      spin occurred in 43% of abstracts and 50% of the main text. In articles that
      contained spin in the abstract, the more common types were: emphasizing
      statistically significant secondary results despite a nonsignificant primary
      outcome (40%); interpreting statistically nonsignificant primary results as
      showing treatment equivalence or comparable effectiveness (37%); and emphasizing
      the beneficial effect of the treatment despite statistically nonsignificant
      results (15%). Half of parallel-group RCTs with nonsignificant primary outcomes
      published in the two leading journals in general obstetrics and gynecology
      contains some level of spin. As readers of the medical literature, we should be
      aware of the concept of spin, the diversity and heterogeneity of spin in the
      reporting of conclusions, and its effects, particularly when discussing articles
      that may change clinical practice.

PMID- 28079778
TI  - Association of Intended Route of Delivery and Maternal Morbidity in Twin
      Pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal morbidity in twin pregnancies according to
      intended mode of delivery. METHODS: We assembled a 7-year retrospective cohort
      (2007-2014) of women delivering viable, vertex-presenting twins at or beyond 32
      weeks of gestation without contraindication to labor or uterine scar. We
      classified women as undergoing a trial of labor to attempt vaginal birth or
      choosing an elective cesarean delivery. Our primary outcome was a measure of
      composite maternal morbidity including death, postpartum hemorrhage, infection,
      major procedure, readmission for infection or reoperation, need for dilation and
      evacuation for hemorrhage or infection, venous thromboembolism, small bowel
      obstruction or ileus, or intensive care unit admission. Postpartum hemorrhage was
      defined as estimated blood loss greater than or equal to 1,500 mL or need for
      transfusion. The rate of lacerations in each group was also determined. Using
      logistic regression to control for confounders, we examined the odds of maternal
      morbidity according to intended mode of delivery. RESULTS: Of 2,272 twin
      pregnancies at or beyond 32 weeks of gestation, 1,140 (50%) met inclusion
      criteria with 571 (50%) electing cesarean delivery and 569 (50%) undergoing a
      trial of labor to attempt vaginal birth. Vaginal delivery of both twins was
      achieved in 74% (n=418) of women choosing a trial of labor. The rate of maternal
      morbidity was 12.3% in the trial of labor group compared with 9.1% in the
      elective cesarean delivery group (P=.08, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.1-2.4). Postpartum hemorrhage was more common among
      women who attempted vaginal delivery (n=52) compared with those electing cesarean
      delivery (n=28) with rates of 9.1% compared with 4.9%, respectively (P<.01,
      adjusted OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.6) and was responsible for the difference in the
      composite morbidity rate between groups. CONCLUSION: When adjustment is made for
      potential confounders, women undergoing a trial of labor with twins experience a
      higher odds of maternal morbidity than those electing cesarean delivery,
      primarily as a result of hemorrhage. In pragmatic terms, the tradeoff for a 74%
      chance of vaginal delivery is a 4% absolute increase in the rate of serious
      postpartum hemorrhage.

PMID- 28079779
TI  - Pathologically Diagnosed Placenta Accreta and Hemorrhagic Morbidity in a
      Subsequent Pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship between pathologically diagnosed placenta
      accreta and risk of major morbidity in a subsequent pregnancy. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with pathologically diagnosed
      placenta accreta in an index pregnancy who returned with a subsequent pregnancy
      at our academic center from 2007 to 2015. Subsequent delivery outcomes included
      minor, major, or no morbidity. Minor morbidity included estimated blood loss 500
      1,500 cc for vaginal and 1,000-1,500 cc for cesarean delivery, transfusion of one
      to three units of red cells, and minor surgical procedures. Major morbidity
      included estimated blood loss greater than 1,500 cc, transfusion of greater than
      three units of red cells, uterine artery embolization, unplanned laparotomy, or
      hysterectomy. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-nine patients with pathologically
      diagnosed accreta did not undergo hysterectomy, and 39 (11.5%) of these returned
      for subsequent delivery. Of these, 14 (36%) had accretas that had been identified
      clinically in the index pregnancy. Twenty-one (54%) experienced morbidity in the
      index pregnancy, 16 of these (76%) minor and five (24%) major. Of patients
      without morbidity in the first pregnancy, none experienced major morbidity in a
      subsequent pregnancy, whereas 6 of 21 (29%) with any index morbidity had a
      subsequent major morbid outcome (P=.02). Of those with a morbid index delivery,
      25% had either a clinical or pathologic accreta diagnosis at follow-up compared
      with none of those who index accreta was nonmorbid (P=.05). CONCLUSION: Risk for
      major hemorrhagic morbidity after a prior pathologically diagnosed accreta
      depends on the clinical context. Preparation for major blood loss is indicated
      after any prior pregnancy complicated by hemorrhage or treatment of retained
      placenta with a pathologic accreta.

PMID- 28079780
TI  - Subspecialty Influence on Scientific Peer Review for an Obstetrics and Gynecology
      Journal With a High Impact Factor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether quality of peer review and reviewer recommendation
      differ based on reviewer subspecialty in obstetrics and gynecology and to
      determine the role of experience on reviewer recommendation. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective cohort study of reviews submitted to Obstetrics &
      Gynecology between January 2010 and December 2014. Subspecialties were determined
      based on classification terms selected by each reviewer and included all major
      obstetrics and gynecology subspecialties, general obstetrics and gynecology, and
      nonobstetrics and gynecology categories. Review quality (graded on a 5-point
      Likert scale by the journal's editors) and reviewer recommendation of "reject"
      were compared across subspecialties using chi, analysis of variance, and
      multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 20,027 reviews from 1,889
      individual reviewers. Reviewers with family planning subspecialty provided higher
      quality peer reviews compared with reviewers with gynecology only, reproductive
      endocrinology and infertility, gynecologic oncology, and general obstetrics and
      gynecology specialties (3.61+/-0.75 compared with 3.44+/-0.78, 3.42+/-0.72,
      3.35+/-0.75, and 3.32+/-0.81, respectively, P<.05). Reviewers with gynecology
      only subspecialty recommended rejection more often compared with reviewers with a
      nonobstetrics and gynecology subspecialty (57.7% compared with 38.7%, P<.05).
      Editorial Board members recommended rejection more often than new reviewers
      (68.0% compared with 41.5%, P<.05). Increased adjusted odds of manuscript
      rejection recommendation were associated with reproductive endocrinology, female
      pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, and gynecology-only reviewer
      subspecialty (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.23 [1.07-1.41], 1.21 [1.05-1.39], and
      1.11 [1.02-1.20]). Manuscript rejection recommendation rate was also increased
      for reviewers who had completed the highest quintile of peer reviews (greater
      than 195) compared with the lowest quintile (one to seven) (adjusted OR 2.85
      [2.60-3.12]). CONCLUSION: Peer review quality differs based on obstetrics and
      gynecology subspecialty. Obstetrics and gynecology subspecialty and reviewer
      experience have implications for manuscript rejection recommendation. Reviewer
      assignment is pivotal to maintaining a rigorous manuscript selection process.

PMID- 28079782
TI  - Spin.

PMID- 28079781
TI  - Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation for Pain Relief During Office Hysteroscopy: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pain-relieving effect of transcutaneous electrical
      nerve stimulation (TENS) during office-based hysteroscopy without sedation.
      METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
      Participants were randomly assigned to the active TENS, placebo TENS, or control
      group. The active TENS intervention consisted of a varying high-frequency (80-100
      Hz), 400-microseconds, individually adjusted, high-intensity TENS application
      with two self-adhesive electrodes placed parallel to the spinal cord at the T10
      L1 and S2-S4 levels. In the placebo group, participants were connected to the
      TENS unit but delivering no electrical stimulation. The primary outcome was self
      reported pain intensity (0-100 mm) measured on a visual analog scale at several
      stages (entry, contact, biopsy, and residual). The minimum clinically relevant
      difference for the visual analog scale has been previously reported as 10 mm.
      Sample size was calculated to provide 80% power to show a 10-mm difference
      (alpha=0.0125) in the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included duration of
      the procedure, vital parameters, vasovagal symptoms, and participant satisfaction
      index (0-10 rating scale). RESULTS: A total of 138 women (46 per group)
      participated in the study between January 2016 and April 2016. No differences
      were found between groups regarding age, weight, body mass index, parity status,
      menopausal status, or previous hysteroscopy status. Visual analog scale scores
      highlighted a decrease in pain in the active TENS group compared with the placebo
      group (entry: -11 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] -17 to -5; contact: -21.9 mm,
      95% CI -30 to -13.9; biopsy: -30.5 mm, 95% CI -47.1 to -13.8, P<.001). Moreover,
      the reduction in pain reached the minimum clinically relevant difference.
      Regarding satisfaction, results also revealed differences between active TENS and
      placebo groups (1.3, 95% CI 0.5-2.2, P=.001). CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous
      electrical nerve stimulation reduces pain and increases patient satisfaction
      during office hysteroscopy without sedation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02647008.

PMID- 28079783
TI  - What Is New in Global Women's Health? (Part 2): Best Articles From the Past Year.
AB  - This month we focus on current research in global women's health in obstetrics
      and gynecology. Drs. Autry and Petersen discuss six recent publications, which
      are concluded with a "bottom line" that is the take-home message. The complete
      reference for each can be found in on this page, along with direct links to the
      abstracts.

PMID- 28079784
TI  - Connect the Dots-February 2017.

PMID- 28079785
TI  - Antiplatelet Agents and the Prevention of Spontaneous Preterm Birth: A Systematic
      Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous preterm birth is an important cause of neonatal mortality
      and morbidity. An increasing body of evidence suggests that uteroplacental
      ischemia plays an important role in the etiology of spontaneous preterm birth. We
      aimed to study whether antiplatelet agents reduce the risk of spontaneous preterm
      birth. DATA SOURCES: We included data from an individual participant data meta
      analysis of studies that had evaluated the effect of antiplatelet agents to
      reduce preeclampsia (Perinatal Antiplatelet Review of International Studies
      Individual Participant Data). METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: The meta-analysis
      included 31 studies that randomized women to low-dose aspirin-dipyridamole or
      placebo-no treatment as a primary preventive strategy for preeclampsia. For the
      current study we analyzed data from 17 trials (28,797 women) that supplied data
      on type of delivery (spontaneous compared with indicated birth). TABULATION,
      INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Primary endpoints were spontaneous preterm birth at
      less than 37 weeks, less than 34 weeks, and less than 28 weeks of gestation. We
      analyzed outcomes for each trial separately using chi statistics and combined in
      an individual participant data meta-analysis using a binary logistic regression
      model. Women assigned to antiplatelet treatment compared with placebo or no
      treatment had a lower risk of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 weeks
      (relative risk [RR] 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-0.996) and less than
      34 weeks of gestation (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76-0.99). The RR of having a spontaneous
      preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation was 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.95) for
      women who have had a previous pregnancy and 0.98 (95% CI 0.89-1.09) for women in
      their first pregnancy. The treatment effect was stable in all other prespecified
      subgroups. CONCLUSION: Antiplatelet agents reduce spontaneous preterm birth in
      pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia.

PMID- 28079786
TI  - Fatal postoperative systemic pulmonary hypertension in benfluorex-induced
      valvular heart disease surgery: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: Drug-induced valvular heart disease (DI-VHD) remains an under
      recognized entity. PATIENT CONCERNS: This report describes a heart valve
      replacement which was complicated by intractable systemic pulmonary arterial
      hypertension in a 61-year-old female with severe restrictive mitral and aortic
      disease. The diagnosis of valvular disease was preceded by a history of
      unexplained respiratory distress. The patient had been exposed to benfluorex for
      6.5 years. DIAGNOSES: The diagnostic procedure documented specific drug-induced
      valvular fibrosis. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical mitral and aortic valve replacement
      was performed. OUTCOMES: Heart valve replacement was postoperatively complicated
      by unanticipated disproportionate pulmonary hypertension. This issue was fatal
      despite intensive care including prolonged extracorporeal life support. LESSONS:
      Benfluorex is a fenfluramine derivative which has been marketed between 1976 and
      2009. Although norfenfluramine is the common active and toxic metabolite of all
      fenfluramine derivatives, the valvular and pulmonary arterial toxicity of
      benfluorex was much less known than that of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine. The
      vast majority of benfluorex-induced valvular heart disease remains misdiagnosed
      as hypothetical rheumatic fever due to similarities between both etiologies.
      Better recognition of DI-VHD is likely to improve patient outcome.

PMID- 28079787
TI  - Oral and vulvo-vaginal lichenoid reactions due to mitotane (Lysodren): A case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of pharmacovigilance (drug safety) is collection,
      detection, assessment, monitoring, and prevention of adverse effects with
      pharmaceutical products. It is meant to identify, characterize, prevent, or
      minimize actual or potential risks relating to medicinal products. To prevent
      these adverse effects and improve our practice, health professionals have a duty
      to report side effects to assess this risk and evaluate the benefit/risk
      requirements. Mitotane (Lysodren) is used for treating adrenocortical carcinoma.
      Currently, no side effects concerning oral and genital mucosa have been reported.
      CASE SUMMARY: This case report is about a 50 years old woman. Six months after
      the initiation on mitotane treatment, she developed erosive lesions located on
      the oral and vaginal mucosa. These drug reactions were diagnosed as erosive
      lichen planus by the biopsy. This lichenoid lesions were resistant to the usual
      treatments, mitotane being at the time not replaceable. CONCLUSION: This case
      describes an unreported adverse effect of mitotane, it is - to our knowledge -
      the 1st description of erosive lichenoid drug reaction due to Mitotane.

PMID- 28079788
TI  - The prevalence of factor VIII and IX inhibitors among Saudi patients with
      hemophilia: Results from the Saudi national hemophilia screening program.
AB  - Hemophilia A and B are X-linked diseases that predominantly affect male patients.
      Patients can develop coagulation factor inhibitors, which exponentially increases
      the treatment cost. However, the prevalence of factor VIII and IX inhibitors in
      Saudi Arabia is unclear.This study aimed to determine the Saudi prevalence of
      factor VIII and IX inhibitors.This 4-year, 7-center, cross-sectional study
      evaluated the Saudi prevalences of hemophilia A and B. We collected the patients'
      clinical data, evaluated their disease, and tested for factor inhibitors.We
      included 202 patients with hemophilia (median age at diagnosis: 0.13 years,
      range: birth-34.8 years). The patients included 198 male patients (98%), 148
      patients with hemophilia A (73.3%), and 54 patients with hemophilia B (26.7%).
      The patients exhibited severe factor VIII activity (<1%; 121 patients; 5.2%),
      moderate activity (1-5%; 7 patients; 4.9%), and mild activity (14 patients;
      9.9%). Among the patients with care-related data, most patients were treated for
      episodic bleeding (76.8%) or received prophylaxis (22.6%); 1 patient received
      both treatments. Among the patients with source-related data, the factor
      replacements were derived from plasma (48.4%), recombinant concentrates (22.9%),
      both sources (14.6%), or fresh frozen plasma (14.1%). Factor VIII inhibitors were
      observed in 43 (29.3%) of the 147 patients, and only 1 of the 54 patients
      developed factor IX inhibitors. Most patients who developed inhibitors had severe
      hemophilia (40/44; 90.9%), and inhibitors were also common among patients who
      received recombinant products (14/43; 32.6%).The Saudi prevalence of factor
      inhibitors was similar to those among other ethnic populations.

PMID- 28079789
TI  - The impact of irrigating fluid absorption on blood coagulation in patients
      undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate: A prospective observational
      study using rotational thromboelastometry.
AB  - Although endoscopic transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a well
      established procedure as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, its
      complications remain a concern. Among these, coagulopathy may be caused by the
      absorption of irrigating fluid. This study aimed to evaluate such phenomenon
      using a rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).A total of 20 patients undergoing
      TURP participated in this study. A mixture of 2.7% sorbitol-0.54% mannitol
      solution and 1% ethanol was used as an irrigating fluid, and fluid absorption was
      measured via the ethanol concentration in expired breath. The effects on
      coagulation were assessed by pre- and postoperative laboratory blood tests,
      including hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, international normalized ratio
      of prothrombin time (PT-INR), activated partial thromboplastin time, electrolyte,
      and ROTEM.INTEM-clotting time (INTEM-CT) was significantly lengthened by 14% (P =
      0.001). INTEM-alpha-angle was significantly decreased by 3% (P = 0.011). EXTEM
      clot formation time was significantly prolonged by 18% (P = 0.008), and EXTEM
      maximum clot firmness (EXTEM-MCF) was significantly decreased by 4% (P = 0.010).
      FIBTEM-MCF was also significantly decreased by 13% (P = 0.015). Moreover,
      hemoglobin (P < 0.001), hematocrit (P < 0.001), platelet counts (P < 0.001),
      potassium (P = 0.024), and ionized calcium (P = 0.004) were significantly
      decreased, while PT-INR (P = 0.001) was significantly increased after surgery.
      The amount of irrigating fluid absorbed was significantly associated with the
      weight of resected prostatic tissue (P = 0.001) and change of INTEM-CT (P <
      0.001).As shown by the ROTEM analysis, the irrigating fluid absorbed during TURP
      impaired the blood coagulation cascade by creating a disruption in the
      coagulation factor activity or by lowering the coagulation factor concentration
      via dilution.

PMID- 28079790
TI  - Ecthyma gangrenosum, a skin manifestation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis in a
      previously healthy child: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: Ecthyma gangrenosum (Eg) is a necrotic lesion that is mostly seen in
      immunocompromised patients. It reflects a severe sepsis, possibly caused by
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). PATIENT CONCERNS: A healthy 3-year-old girl admitted
      to the Pediatric Emergency Department presented a sepsis-associated purpura with
      neurological and respiratory distress. INTERVENTIONS: An empiric antibiotherapy
      (anti-meningococcal) was prescribed. DIAGNOSES: Forty-eight hours after
      admission, blood and wound cultures were positive for Pa. As a result, the
      decision was made to change the antibiotic therapy.Unfortunately, on day 3, the
      patient died. Exhaustive immunologic tests are presently being carried out.
      OUTCOMES: Eg caused by Pa is uncommon in healthy children, and purpura sepsis is
      usually caused by Neisseria meningitides infection. LESSONS: Eg should be
      recognized rapidly so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed as quickly
      as possible.

PMID- 28079791
TI  - A possible new approach in the prediction of late gestational hypertension: The
      role of the fetal aortic intima-media thickness.
AB  - The aim was to determine the predictive role of combined screening for late-onset
      gestational hypertension by fetal ultrasound measurements, third trimester
      uterine arteries (UtAs) Doppler imaging, and maternal history. This prospective
      study on singleton pregnancies was conducted at the tertiary center of Maternal
      and Fetal Medicine of the University of Padua during the period between January
      2012 and December 2014. Ultrasound examination (fetal biometry, fetal wellbeing,
      maternal Doppler study, fetal abdominal aorta intima-media thickness [aIMT], and
      fetal kidney volumes), clinical data (mother age, prepregnancy body mass index
      [BMI], and parity), and pregnancy outcomes were collected. The P value <0.05 was
      defined significant considering a 2-sided alternative hypothesis. The
      distribution normality of variables were assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnoff test.
      Data were presented by mean (+/-standard deviation), median and interquartile
      range, or percentage and absolute values. We considered data from 1381 ultrasound
      examinations at 29 to 32 weeks' gestation, and in 73 cases late gestational
      hypertension developed after 34 weeks' gestation. The final multivariate model
      found that fetal aIMT as well as fetal umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI),
      maternal age, maternal prepregnacy BMI, parity, and mean PI of maternal UtAs,
      assessed at ultrasound examination of 29 to 32 weeks' gestation, were significant
      and independent predictors for the development of gestational hypertension after
      34 weeks' gestation. The area under the curve of the model was 81.07% (95%
      confidence interval, 75.83%-86.32%). A nomogram was developed starting from
      multivariate logistic regression coefficients. Late-gestational hypertension
      could be independently predicted by fetal aIMT assessment at 29 to 32 weeks'
      gestation, ultrasound Doppler waveforms, and maternal clinical parameters.

PMID- 28079792
TI  - Amplification of HER2 and TOP2A and deletion of TOP2A genes in a series of
      Taiwanese breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic relevance of topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) copy
      number change remains not well established. This study is aimed to investigate
      the frequency and pattern of TOP2A aberrations; to correlate TOP2A alterations
      with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status and
      clinicopathological parameters, and further to explore prognostic value of TOP2A
      and HER2 status in breast cancer in Taiwan. METHODS: We analyzed tissue samples
      from 311 invasive carcinomas in tissue microarrays for TOP2A and HER2 status by
      fluorescent in situ hybridization. RESULTS: TOP2A copy number change is an
      infrequent genetic event (9.8% amplification and 2.7% deletion) and is present in
      both HER2-amplified and nonamplified tumors. TOP2A amplification is statistically
      associated with age >50 at diagnosis (P = 0.016) and HER2 amplification (P <
      0.001). HER2 amplification, but not TOP2A amplification, is a predictor of
      unfavorable prognosis (P = 0.002). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed
      that higher histologic grading, positive nodal involvement, and HER2 positivity
      were associated with poorer overall survival. Cytogenetically, double minutes
      type amplification is the predominant pattern for both genes (HER2: 64% and
      TOP2A: 93.1%). Homogeneous staining region-type signals of both genes are
      resistant to RNase digestion, supporting that these were not nuclear accumulation
      of mRNA transcripts. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate the prognostic value of
      tumor grading, nodal involvement, and HER2 status in Taiwanese breast cancer.
      TOP2A aberrations are an infrequent event independent of HER2 status, and TOP2A
      amplification carries no prognostic value. The predictive value of TOP2A
      aberrations in patients of breast cancer taking athracycline-containing treatment
      in Taiwan remains to be determined in prospectively well-designed clinical
      trials.

PMID- 28079793
TI  - Oral health-related quality of life in pediatric patients under general
      anesthesia: A prospective study.
AB  - Our goal was to evaluate how dental treatments under general anesthesia (GA)
      affect the quality of life by a prospective pair-matched design. Pediatric
      patients, who had received dental treatments under GA, were enrolled and were
      asked to complete the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) before
      the treatment and 1 month after the treatment. To shield the observed impacts, a
      pair-matched control group was performed. Patients in the control group were also
      required to complete the ECOHIS at these different points in time. In both
      groups, the items of troubled sleep and oral/dental pain scored highest, whereas
      avoiding smiling or laughing and avoiding talking scored lowest before the
      treatment. The total mean score in the 2 groups was 13.1 and 13.7, respectively,
      and there was no significant statistical difference (P > 0.05). However, the
      total mean score was 1.9 in the experimental group after the treatment and
      smaller compared with the control group (1.9 vs. 4.7, P < 0.001). The majority of
      the items in both groups had an apparent effect size and the total mean effect in
      the experimental group was greater than that in the control group (85.5% vs.
      65.7%, P < 0.001). Therefore, dental treatment under GA could provide better
      quality of life restoration compared with treatment over multiple visits.

PMID- 28079794
TI  - Interventional pulmonology for patients with central airway obstruction: An 8
      year institutional experience.
AB  - Patients with central airway obstruction (CAO) may need endobronchial
      intervention to relieve their symptoms. This report is on a single-center
      experience of using interventional bronchoscopy in terms of complications and
      survival. This retrospective study was conducted in a university hospital and
      involved 614 patients (464 men, 150 women; mean age, 60.2 years) with benign (n =
      133) and malignant (n = 481) tracheobronchial disease who received 756
      endobronchial intervention procedure during the period 2008 to 2015. Survival was
      analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, while the log-rank test was used for
      comparisons. A total of 583 patients (95%) achieved endoscopic success after
      interventional bronchoscopy. Four (0.7%) died within 24 hours of the procedure,
      while the major morbidities were halitosis (n = 41, 6.7%) and iatrogenic
      pneumonia (n = 24, 3.9%). Repeat procedures due to recurrent airway obstruction
      were done on 45 patients with benign conditions and on 60 with malignancies. The
      median survival after the procedure in patients with lung cancer, other
      metastatic cancer, and esophageal cancer was 166, 228, and 86 days, respectively.
      Between patients with inoperable lung cancer and CAO after therapeutic
      bronchoscopy and patients without CAO, there was no statistically significant
      difference in survival (P = 0.101). Interventional bronchoscopy is a safe and
      effective procedure that may be recommended for CAO. Patients with lung
      metastases have similar lengths of survival as patients with primary lung cancer.
      Patients with advanced lung cancer and CAO have similar survival as those without
      CAO.

PMID- 28079795
TI  - Pancreatic groove cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic groove cancer is very rare and can be indistinguishable from groove
      pancreatitis. This study is to clarify the characteristics, clinical features,
      managements, and survival outcomes of this rare tumor.Brief descriptions were
      made for each case of pancreatic groove cancer encountered at our institute.
      Individualized data of pancreatic groove cancer cases described in the literature
      were extracted and added to our database to expand the study sample size for a
      more complete analysis.A total of 33 patients with pancreatic groove cancer were
      included for analysis, including 4 cases from our institute. The median tumor
      size was 2.7 cm. The most common symptom was nausea or vomiting (89%), followed
      by jaundice (67%). Duodenal stenosis was noted by endoscopy in 96% of patients.
      The histopathological examination revealed well differentiated tumor in 43%.
      Perineural invasion was noted in 90%, and lymphovascular invasion and lymph node
      involvement in 83%. Overall 1-year survival rate was 93.3%, and 3- or 5-year
      survival rate was 62.2%, with a median survival of 11.0 months. Survival outcome
      for the well-differentiated tumors was better than those of the moderate/poorly
      differentiated ones.Early involvement of duodenum causing vomiting is often the
      initial presentation, but obstructive jaundice does not always happen until the
      disease progresses. Tumor differentiation is a prognostic factor for survival
      outcome. The possibility of pancreatic groove cancer should be carefully excluded
      before making the diagnosis of groove pancreatitis for any questionable case.

PMID- 28079797
TI  - Case report: Rapid improvement of crossed cerebellar diaschisis after
      intravascular laser irradiation of blood in a case of stroke.
AB  - RATIONALE: Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) is a poor prognostic factor after
      stroke because without immediate cerebral reperfusion no further improvements in
      the patient's condition can be achieved. We investigated the clinical effects of
      intravascular laser irradiation therapy (ILIB) on CCD and evaluated the
      therapeutic effect in the sub-acute post-stroke stage. PATIENT CONCERNS: The 77
      year-old male with cerebral infarction in the territory of the right anterior
      cerebral artery only underwent conservative treatment including hydration and
      aspirin in the acute post-stroke stage. DIAGNOSIS: He was diagnosed as stroke
      based on the clinical presentations and imaging findings. INTERVENTION: Once the
      patient was in stable condition, he underwent a daily hour-long ILIB (He-Ne
      laser) for ten consecutive days during the sub-acute post-stroke stage. OUTCOMES:
      We used single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) before and after
      intravascular laser irradiation to detect changes in cerebral and cerebellar
      perfusion. Then, we compared the two images. CCD was detected using the first
      SPECT. After intervention by ILIB, the second SPECT showed greater perfusion in
      the affected cerebellar hemisphere. LESSONS: We found that ILIB helped eliminate
      CCD, which was previously shown to be an untreatable condition using any
      intervention during the sub-acute post-stroke stage. Stroke patients could
      therefore greatly benefit from ILIB.

PMID- 28079796
TI  - Serum microRNA panel for early diagnosis of the onset of hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Unique change of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) was recognized to occur in early
      oncogenesis, which conferred it the potential as biomarkers for early detection
      of cancer. However, its diagnostic capability for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      has not been fully understood. In this study, microarray analysis was applied to
      screen the initial candidate miRNA from both the supernatants of anoikis
      resistant cellular models and the sera samples of HCC patients. The selected
      differentially expressed miRNAs were further verified in 115 HCC patients and 40
      health controls by qRT-PCR. Among these, 4 miRNAs (miR-16-2-3p, 92a-3p, 107, and
      3126-5p) were significantly changed in HCC patients compared with controls.
      Logistic regression analysis identified a 3-miRNA panel (miR-92-3p, miR-107, and
      miR-3126-5p) as valuable diagnostic marker for HCC, especially for early stage
      patients (AUC = 0.975) and for low-level AFP HCC patients (AUC = 0.971). In
      addition, the combination of 3-miRNA panel and AFP was even more effective for
      discriminating the early stage HCC patients (AUC = 0.988) and low-level AFP HCC
      patients (AUC = 0.989) from control. In conclusion, diagnostic efficacy of the
      combination of 3-miRNA panel and AFP was powerful for HCC diagnosis, especially
      in early tumor screening and low-level AFP patients.

PMID- 28079798
TI  - Clinical and genetic factors associated with warfarin maintenance dose in
      northern Chinese patients with mechanical heart valve replacement.
AB  - The effects of genetic variants on warfarin dosing vary among different ethnic
      groups, especially in the Chinese population. The objective of this study was to
      recruit patients through a rigorous experimental design and to perform a
      comprehensive screen to identify gene polymorphisms that may influence warfarin
      dosing in northern Han Chinese patients with mechanical heart valve replacement.
      Consenting patients (n = 183) with a stable warfarin dose were included in this
      study. Ninety-six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 30 genes involved in
      warfarin pharmacological pathways were genotyped using the Illumina SNP
      GoldenGate Assay, and their associations with warfarin dosing were assessed using
      univariate regression analysis with post hoc comparison using least significant
      difference analysis. Multiple linear regression was performed by incorporating
      patients' clinical and genetic data to create a new algorithm for warfarin
      dosing. From the 96 SNPs analyzed, VKORC1 rs9923231, CYP1A2 rs2069514, CYP3A4
      rs28371759, and APOE rs7412 were associated with higher average warfarin
      maintenance doses, whereas CYP2C9 rs1057910, EPHX1 rs2260863, and CYP4F2
      rs2189784 were associated with lower warfarin doses (P < 0.05). Multiple linear
      regression analysis could estimate 44.4% of warfarin dose variability consisting
      of, in decreasing order, VKORC1 rs9923231 (14.2%), CYP2C9*3 (9.6%), body surface
      area (6.7%), CYP1A2 rs2069514 (3.7%), age (2.7%), CYP3A4 rs28371759 (2.5%),
      CYP4F2 rs2108622 (1.9%), APOE rs7412 (1.7%), and VKORC1 rs2884737 (1.4%). In the
      dosing algorithm we developed, we confirmed the strongest effects of VKORC1,
      CYP2C9 on warfarin dosing. In the limited sample set, we also found that novel
      genetic predictors (CYP1A2, CYP3A4, APOE, EPHX1, CYP4F2, and VKORC1 rs2884737)
      may be associated with warfarin dosing. Further validation is needed to assess
      our results in larger independent northern Chinese samples.

PMID- 28079800
TI  - Discrepancy between financial disclosures of authors of clinical practice
      guidelines and reports by industry.
AB  - There is a substantial effort to increase the accuracy of conflicts of interest
      (COI) reporting, and reduce the influence of COI between physicians and industry,
      especially as it relates to clinical practice guidelines.We used the newly
      implemented Open Payments dataset to evaluate the accuracy of COI disclosures of
      authors of clinical practice guidelines that were either newly published or
      revised within 2014 and were included in the National Guideline Clearinghouse
      (NGC) website (maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
      Authors were considered as having inaccurate COI disclosure if they had not
      reported all companies from which they had received funds >$5000 in the 12 months
      preceding the guideline's publication.We identified 223 guidelines that were
      either newly published (109/223; 48.9%) or revised (114/223; 51.1%) within 2014
      and were included in the NGC website. Among the 1329 guideline authors with
      available Open Payments data, 523 received >$5000 from at least 1 healthcare
      associated entity. However, only 56 out of the 523 authors (10.7%) were found to
      have accurate COI disclosure. The percentage of authors with accurate COI
      disclosure in revised guidelines was significantly lower than in newly published
      guidelines (6.8% vs 14.3%; P < 0.01) and was also found to differ between
      specialties. Furthermore, authors were less likely to inaccurately disclose
      "research payments" (37/49, 75.5%) compared to "general payments" (488/559,
      87.3%, P = 0.02) as well as "other/associated research funding" (430/506, 85.0%,
      P = 0.08). No statistically significant association was detected between funding
      amount and disclosure accuracy.The majority of guideline authors lacked
      significant COIs, but among authors that received significant funds from at least
      1 healthcare-associated entity the frequency of accurate disclosure was low.
      These findings indicate that the current process of disclosing COIs may be
      suboptimal and a proactive approach should be adopted in order to minimize COI
      reporting discrepancies. Furthermore, every effort should be undertaken to ensure
      the completeness and accuracy of the data recorded in the Open Payments database.

PMID- 28079799
TI  - Risk factors for recollapse of the augmented vertebrae after percutaneous
      vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures with intravertebral vacuum
      cleft.
AB  - To determine risk factors related to recollapse of the augmented vertebrae after
      percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression
      fractures (OVCFs) with intravertebral vacuum cleft (IVC).Fifty-two patients
      treated with PVP for single OVCFs with the IVC were retrospectively reviewed. The
      follow-up period was at least 2 years. Vertebral height loss >=15% or kyphotic
      angle >=10 degrees  at the final follow-up in relation to the immediately
      postoperative values were adopted as a definition of recollapse of the augmented
      vertebrae. Correlation analysis and multiple logistic regression analyses were
      performed to elucidate the related clinical or radiological factors for
      recollapse of the augmented vertebrae including age, gender, bone mineral
      density, preoperative fracture severity, locations of IVC sign, distribution
      patterns of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), reduction rate, and reduction
      angle.Assuming the increase of height loss more than 15% as a criterion of
      recollapse, only cleft filling pattern of PMMA in the IVC area was a significant
      risk factor for recollapse of the augmented vertebrae (P < 0.01). Assuming >=10
      degrees  progression of kyphotic angle as a criterion, cleft filling pattern of
      PMMA and higher values of reduction angle was as 2 significant risk factors for
      recollapse of the augmented vertebrae (P < 0.01). No significant difference was
      found in other clinical and radiological factors (P > 0.05).Cleft filling pattern
      of PMMA and higher values of reduction angle may play an important role in
      inducing recollapse of the augmented vertebrae after PVP for OVCFs with the IVC.
      Careful observation of patients with these conditions is necessary to prevent
      deterioration of their clinical course.

PMID- 28079801
TI  - Acute necrotizing retinal vasculitis as onset of systemic lupus erythematosus: A
      case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease
      characterized by autoantibody production, complement activation, and deposition
      of immune complexes in tissues and organs. SLE can involve any region of the
      visual system. Although ocular manifestations are not part of the classification
      criteria for SLE, they can be observed in up to one-third of the patients with
      SLE. They are rarely reported at the time of disease onset. Retinal vasculitis is
      usually associated with active generalized disease. Due to its low frequency, we
      report a case of acute necrotizing retinal vasculitis as onset of SLE. PATIENT
      CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: A 25-year-old white female was referred to the
      rheumatology clinic with gradually and rapid deterioration of the vision due to
      abnormal vessel permeability in the right fundus with edema along the vessels,
      occlusion of arterial branches in the middle periphery with leakage of the dye in
      these areas and indentical but less prominent changes with cotton wool spots in
      the papillomacular area and extensive hemorrhages in the left eye. The onset of
      malar rash, arthralgias and positive antinuclear, anti-double stranded DNA, anti
      ribosomal P and anti-beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies with decreased C4 complement
      levels, as well as the positive lupus-band test confirmed the diagnosis of SLE.
      INTERVENTIONS: Aggressive immunomodulating therapy with high-dose
      methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, and cyclophosphamide was used for
      suppression of the disease activity followed by azathioprine as maintaince
      therapy. OUTCOMES: Substantial improvement and partial resorption of the
      vasculitic changes, including central retinal artery and vein, was achieved
      prominently in the left eye. The study was conducted in accordance with the
      Declaration of Helsinki and written informed consent was obtained from the
      patient. Because of this, there is no need to conduct special ethic review and
      the ethical approval is not necessary. LESSONS: Inclusion of ocular
      manifestations among the classification criteria for SLE would enable earlier
      establishment of the diagnosis and therapeutic interventions in some instances of
      SLE.

PMID- 28079802
TI  - Promoter methylation of yes-associated protein (YAP1) gene in polycystic ovary
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA methylation modification has been proved to influence the
      phenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Genome-wide association studies
      (GWAS) demonstrate that yes-associated protein (YAP1) genetic sites are
      associated with PCOS. The study aims to detect the methylation status of YAP1
      promoter in ovary granulosa cells (GCs) of PCOS patients and explore novel
      therapeutic targets for PCOS. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial was applied
      and a total of 72 women were included in the study, including 36 cases of PCOS
      patients and 36 cases of health controls. Ovary GCs were extracted from in vitro
      fertilization embryo transfer. Methylation status of YAP1 promoter was detected
      by bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). Protein and mRNA expression of YAP1 were
      measured by western blotting and real-time quantitate PCR. RESULTS: Overall
      methylation level of YAP1 promoter region from PCOS group was significantly lower
      than that from control group. CpG sites analysis revealed that 12 sites (-443, 
      431, -403, -371, -331, -120, -49, -5, +1, +9, +15, +22) were significantly
      hypomethylated in women with PCOS (P < 0.05). A significant upregulation of YAP1
      mRNA and protein expression levels was observed. Testosterone concentration could
      alleviate the methylation status and demonstrate obvious dose-dependent relation.
      CONCLUSION: Our research achievements manifest that hypomethylation of YAP1
      promoter promotes the YAP1 expression, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis
      and accelerate PCOS.

PMID- 28079803
TI  - High-resolution endoscopic ultrasound imaging and the number of needle passages
      are significant factors predicting high yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided
      fine needle aspiration for pancreatic solid masses without an on-site
      cytopathologist.
AB  - Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the accurate
      diagnostic method for pancreatic masses and its accuracy is affected by various
      FNA methods and EUS equipment. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the instrumental
      and methodologic factors for determining the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA for
      pancreatic solid masses without an on-site cytopathology evaluation.We
      retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 260 patients (265 pancreatic
      solid masses) who underwent EUS-FNA. We compared historical conventional EUS
      groups with high-resolution imaging devices and finally analyzed various factors
      affecting EUS-FNA accuracy.In total, 265 pancreatic solid masses of 260 patients
      were included in this study. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive
      predictive value, and negative predictive value of EUS-FNA for pancreatic solid
      masses without on-site cytopathology evaluation were 83.4%, 81.8%, 100.0%,
      100.0%, and 34.3%, respectively. In comparison with conventional image group,
      high-resolution image group showed the increased accuracy, sensitivity and
      specificity of EUS-FNA (71.3% vs 92.7%, 68.9% vs 91.9%, and 100% vs 100%,
      respectively). On the multivariate analysis with various instrumental and
      methodologic factors, high-resolution imaging (P = 0.040, odds ratio = 3.28) and
      3 or more needle passes (P = 0.039, odds ratio = 2.41) were important factors
      affecting diagnostic yield of pancreatic solid masses.High-resolution imaging and
      3 or more passes were the most significant factors influencing diagnostic yield
      of EUS-FNA in patients with pancreatic solid masses without an on-site
      cytopathologist.

PMID- 28079804
TI  - Aquaporin-4 positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders secondary to
      thrombopenic purpura: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is considered as an
      immune-mediated disorder in the central nervous system (CNS). Numerous autoimmune
      diseases are frequently complicated with NMOSD and distinct clinical
      characteristics are noted in NMOSD patients with other autoimmune diseases.
      However, to our best knowledge, co-occurrence of NMOSD and thrombopenic purpura
      is rarely identified. PATIENT CONCERNS: We presented a rare case of a 72-year-old
      female with 6-year history of thrombopenic purpura, and 1-month history of
      blurred vision as well as chest zonethesia. Anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies
      was positive in the serum of the patient. DIAGNOSES: With the addition of
      laboratory findings, iconography findings and physical examination results, the
      diagnosis of NMOSD was established according to the most recent diagnostic
      criteria. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: With the treatment of intravenous
      immunoglobulin (IVIg), the patient felt better at discharge without changing of
      expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score. LESSONS: The case indicates that
      NMOSD could co-occur with thrombopenic purpura. The disturbance of immune system
      balance may explain this overlap. Further studies are warranted to reveal the
      mechanism and to explore whether patients with NMOSD with and without
      thrombopenic purpura have distinct clinical feature, drug responsiveness or
      prognosis.

PMID- 28079805
TI  - Toxicities of different first-line chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of
      advanced ovarian cancer: A network meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths
      around the world, and several chemotherapy regimens have been applied in the
      treatment of OC. We aim to compare toxicities of different chemotherapy regimens
      in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) using network meta-analysis.
      METHODS: Literature research in Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE was
      performed up to November 2015. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of
      different chemotherapy regimens were included. Network meta-analysis combined
      direct and indirect evidence to assess pooled odds ratios (ORs) and draw the
      surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curves. RESULTS: Thirteen eligible
      RCTs were included in this network meta-analysis, including 8 chemotherapy
      regimens (paclitaxel + carboplatin [PC], pegylated liposomal doxorubicin [PLD] +
      carboplatin, carboplatin, gemcitabine + carboplatin, paclitaxel, PC + epirubicin,
      PC + topotecan, docetaxel + carboplatin). Gemcitabine + carboplatin regimen
      exerted higher incidence of anemia when compared with carboplatin and paclitaxel
      regimens. The incidence of febrile neutropenia of gemcitabine + carboplatin
      regimen was higher than that of PC, PLD + carboplatin, carboplatin, and PC +
      topotecan regimens. Topotecan PC + epirubicin regimen had a higher toxicity,
      comparing with PC, PLD + carboplatin, and PC + topotecan regimens. As for
      thrombocytopenia, gemcitabine + carboplatin chemotherapy regimen produced an
      obviously higher toxicity than PC and carboplatin. As for nausea, PLD +
      carboplatin chemotherapy regimen had a significantly higher toxicity than that of
      carboplatin chemotherapy regimen. Moreover, when compared with PC and carboplatin
      chemotherapy regimens, the toxicity of PC + epirubicin was greatly higher to
      patients with AOC. CONCLUSION: The nonhematologic toxicity of PLD + carboplatin
      regimen was higher than other regimens, which was clinically significant for the
      treatment of AOC.

PMID- 28079806
TI  - The relationship of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome for
      colonoscopy colorectal neoplasm.
AB  - Colorectal neoplasm is considered to have a strong association with nonalcoholic
      fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), respectively. The
      relationship among NAFLD, MetS, and colorectal neoplasm was assessed in 1793
      participants. Participants were divided into 4 groups based on the status of
      NAFLD and MetS. Relative excess risks of interaction (RERI), attributable
      proportion (AP), and synergy index (SI) were applied to evaluate the additive
      interaction. NAFLD and MetS were significantly correlated with colorectal
      neoplasm and colorectal cancer (CRC), respectively. The incidence of CRC in NAFLD
      (+) MetS (+) group was significantly higher than other 3 groups. The result of
      RERI, AP, and SI indicated the significant additive interaction of NAFLD and MetS
      on the development of CRC. NAFLD and MetS are risk factors for colorectal
      neoplasm and CRC, respectively. And NAFLD and MetS have an additive effect on the
      development of CRC.

PMID- 28079807
TI  - A case report: Distal humeral diaphyseal fracture in a child.
AB  - RATIONALE: Distal humeral diaphyseal fractures are much less common than
      supracondylar humeral fractures. The triangular shape and thinner periosteum in
      the diaphyseal region than in the supracondylar region of the distal diaphysis
      makes the treatment of diaphyseal fractures difficult. Nonoperative treatment for
      this fracture is challenging and troublesome; thus, open reduction and internal
      fixation (OR/IF) is generally recommended. PATIENT CONCERNS: We herein report a
      distal humeral diaphyseal fracture in a child. A 6-year-old boy fell from a
      chair, injuring his left elbow. Radiographs were performed at a local clinic.
      DIAGNOSIS: Unstable diaphyseal shaft fracture of the left humerus. INTERVENTIONS:
      Because of the severe displacement of the fracture and difficulty maintaining
      alignment for reduction, we performed OR/IF using an anterior mini-incision
      approach on the cubital skin line under general anesthesia. OUTCOMES:
      Displacement of the fracture was reduced easily, and stable fixation was achieved
      using percutaneous intramedullary Kirschner wires. After immobilization with a
      long-arm cast for 4 weeks, the cast was removed and range-of-motion exercises
      were encouraged. At 9 months postoperatively, the range of elbow motion was 0
      degrees  to 135 degrees . Baumann angle and the carrying angle were 62 degrees 
      and 17 degrees , respectively. According to Flynn criteria, the result was
      excellent. LESSONS: OR/IF using the herein-described cubital anterior approach
      seems to be a safe and easily performed procedure for distal humeral diaphyseal
      fractures, and percutaneous intramedullary Kirschner wires provide reliable
      fixation in such cases.

PMID- 28079808
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric benign pneumoperitoneum: A case report
      series of 9 patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Benign pneumoperitoneum (BPPT) is defined as asymptomatic free
      intraabdominal air or as pneumoperitoneum without peritonitis. Symptomatic free
      air requires surgical anagement, but management of asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum
      is controversial. In this study, we investigate the diagnosis and treatment of
      BPPT in children. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The clinical data of 9 pediatric patients
      with BPPT who were admitted to our hospital from January 2000 to January 2015
      were retrospectively analyzed to summarize the diagnosis and treatment. Overall,
      9 cases were included with 8 males and 1 female, aged from 4 days to 4 years.
      Among them there were 6 newborns (including 1 premature infant). Patients were
      all admitted to hospital with the major clinical symptom of abdominal distension,
      including 2 cases accompanied by tachypnea, 2 cases with vomiting, 1 case with
      diarrhea, and 2 cases with fever. No previous constipation or obstructive
      defecation existed. Six newborns had meconium defecation within 24 hours after
      birth. Physical examination revealed all patients with relaxed abdominal wall
      except 1 patient with abdominal distension had slight muscle stiffness and
      hyperactive bowel sounds. Abdominal X-ray suggested free air under the diaphragm
      in all cases. INTERVENTIONS/OUTCOMES: All patients except for one case of
      laparotomy were conservatively treated and cured with fasting, infection
      prevention, rehydration, abdominocentesis, and close observation. Nine cases of
      patients were all discharged with no death occurrence. After discharge follow-up
      of 7 months to 6 years was conducted. There was no recurrence of similar
      symptoms, and children were in good growth and development. CONCLUSION: The
      diagnosis of BPPT mainly relies on clinical symptoms in patient, careful
      abdominal examination, abdominal X-ray combined with abdominocentesis, and the
      exclusion of gastrointestinal perforation for confirmation. Conservative
      treatment can cure the disease. Attention should be paid to distinguish with
      surgical pneumoperitoneum to avoid unnecessary surgical exploration.

PMID- 28079809
TI  - A comparison of the surgical mortality due to colorectal perforation at different
      hospitals with data from 10,090 cases in the Japanese National Clinical Database.
AB  - Colorectal perforation has a high rate of mortality. We compared the incidence
      and fatality rates of colorectal perforation among different hospitals in Japan
      using data from the nationwide surgical database.Patients were registered in the
      National Clinical Database (NCD) between January 1st, 2011 and December 31st,
      2013. Patients with colorectal perforation were identified from surgery records
      by examining if acute diffuse peritonitis (ADP) and diseases associated with a
      high probability of colorectal perforation were noted. The primary outcome
      measures included the 30-day postsurgery mortality and surgical mortality of
      colorectal perforation. We analyzed differences in the observed-to-expected
      mortality (O/E) ratio between the two groups of hospitals, that is, specialized
      and non-specialized, using the logistic regression analysis forward selection
      method.There were 10,090 cases of disease-induced colorectal perforation during
      the study period. The annual average postoperative fatality rate was 11.36%.
      There were 3884 patients in the specialized hospital group and 6206 in the non
      specialized hospital group. The O/E ratio (0.9106) was significantly lower in the
      specialized hospital group than in the non-specialized hospital group (1.0704).
      The experience level of hospitals in treating cases of colorectal perforation
      negatively correlated with the O/E ratio.We conducted the first study
      investigating differences among hospitals with respect to their fatality rate of
      colorectal perforation on the basis of data from a nationwide database. Our data
      suggest that patients with colorectal perforation should choose to be treated at
      a specialized hospital or a hospital that treats five or more cases of colorectal
      perforation per year. The results of this study indicate that specialized
      hospitals may provide higher quality medical care, which in turn proves that
      government policy on healthcare is effective at improving the medical system in
      Japan.

PMID- 28079811
TI  - Routine application of lung ultrasonography in the neonatal intensive care unit.
AB  - The aim of this study was to study the features of lung ultrasonography (LUS) in
      lung disease and to evaluate the usefulness of LUS in the neonatal intensive care
      unit (NICU).All of 3405 neonates included in this study underwent an LUS
      examination. Diagnoses were based on medical history, clinical manifestation,
      laboratory examination, and signs on chest radiography (CR) and/or computed
      tomography (CT). A single expert physician performed all LUS examinations.There
      were 2658 cases (78.9%) with lung disease and 747 cases (21.9%) without lung
      disease. The main signs of neonates with lung disease on LUS were as follows:
      absence of A-lines, pleural-line abnormalities, interstitial syndrome, lung
      consolidation, air bronchograms, pulmonary edema, and lung pulse. These abnormal
      signs were reduced or eliminated on LUS as patient conditions improved. There
      were 81 cases that could not be diagnosed as lung disease by CR but were
      discovered as pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), or transient
      tachypnea of newborn (TTN) on LUS. Likewise, 23 cases misdiagnosed as RDS by CR
      were diagnosed as TTN on LUS. Among 212 cases of long-term oxygen dependence
      (LTOD) that failed to yield signs of pulmonary edema and lung consolidation on
      CR, 103 cases showed abnormal signs on LUS. Among 747 cases without lung disease,
      B-lines of 713 neonates (95.4%) could be found within 3 days after birth, and 256
      neonates (34.3%) could be observed from 3 days to 1 week after birth. B-lines of
      19 cases could be detected from 1 to 2 weeks after birth. The longest time at
      which B-lines could still be observed was 19 days after birth.LUS has clinical
      value for the diagnosis of lung disease and the discrimination of causes of LTOP
      in premature infants, particularly for the diagnosis and identification of RDS
      and TTN. Moreover, LUS has additional advantages, including its lack of radiation
      exposure and its ability to noninvasively monitor treatment progress. Therefore,
      LUS should be routinely used in the NICU.

PMID- 28079810
TI  - Risk of vertebral compression fractures in multiple myeloma patients: A finite
      element study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a finite element (FE) model
      to predict vertebral bone strength in vitro using multidetector computed
      tomography (MDCT) images in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, to serve as a
      complementing tool to assess fracture risk. In addition, it also aims to
      differentiate MM patients with and without vertebral compression fractures (VCFs)
      by performing FE analysis on vertebra segments (T1-L5) obtained from in vivo
      routine MDCT imaging scans. MDCT-based FE models were developed from the in vitro
      vertebrae samples and were then applied to the in vivo vertebrae segments of MM
      patients (n = 4) after validation. Predicted fracture load using FE models
      correlated significantly with experimentally measured failure load (r = 0.85, P <
      0.001). Interestingly, an erratic behavior was observed in patients with
      fractures (n = 2) and a more gradual change in FE-predicted strength values in
      patients without fractures (n = 2). Severe geometric deformations were also
      observed in models that have already attained fractures. Since BMD is not a
      reliable parameter for fracture risk prediction in MM subjects, it is necessary
      to use advanced tools such as FE analysis to predict individual fracture risk. If
      peaks are observed between adjacent segments in an MM patient, it can be safe to
      conclude that the spine is experiencing regions of structural instability. Such
      an FE visualization may have therapeutic consequences to prevent MM associated
      vertebral fractures.

PMID- 28079812
TI  - The efficacy of elastomeric patient-control module when connected to a balloon
      pump for postoperative epidural analgesia: A randomized, noninferiority trial.
AB  - When considering the principles of a pain control strategy by patients, reliable
      administration of additional bolus doses is important for providing the adequate
      analgesia and improving patient satisfaction. We compared the efficacy of
      elastomeric patient-control module (PCM) with conventional PCM providing epidural
      analgesia postoperatively.A noninferiority comparison was used. Eighty-six
      patients scheduled for open upper abdominal surgery were randomized to use either
      an elastomeric or conventional PCM connected to balloon pump. After successful
      epidural catheter insertion at T6-8 level, fentanyl (15-20 MUg/kg) in 0.3%
      ropivacaine 100 mL was administered at basal rate 2 mL/h with bolus 2 mL and lock
      out time 15 minutes. The primary outcome was the verbal numerical rating score
      for pain.The 95% confidence intervals for differences in pain scores during the
      first 48 hours postoperatively were <1, indicating noninferiority of the
      elastomeric PCM. The duration of pump reservoir exhaustion was shorter for the
      elastomeric PCM (mean [SD], 33 hours [8 hours] vs 40 hours [8 hours], P =
      0.0003). There were no differences in the frequency of PCM use, additional
      analgesics, or adverse events between groups.The elastomeric PCM was as effective
      as conventional PCM with and exhibited a similar safety profile.

PMID- 28079813
TI  - Surgical treatment for male prolactinoma: A retrospective study of 184 cases.
AB  - A total of 184 cases of surgically treated male prolactinoma were analyzed
      retrospectively to summarize the outcome of this surgical intervention. We
      analyzed the general characteristics, clinical manifestations, hormone levels,
      imaging features, preoperative treatments, surgical outcomes, pathology results,
      and follow-up records for all included patients. The most common clinical
      manifestations included sexual dysfunction (47.4%), headache (55.9%), and visual
      disturbance (46.7%). Serum prolactin levels ranged from 150 to 204,952 ng/mL.
      Tumor size varied from 6 to 70 mm. Pituitary adenomas grew in a parasellar
      pattern with visual deficits occurring 40.7% of the time. After surgical therapy,
      88.6% of patients achieved symptom relief, and 98.4% experienced an immediate
      postoperative decline in prolactin level. Fifty-seven patients (31.0%) achieved
      initial remission, and 26 patients (45.6%) experienced recurrence. Hence, our
      results suggest that in male prolactinoma characterized by a large pituitary
      diameter and high serum prolactin level, tumor size predicts the degree of gross
      resection. The prognostic predictors included preoperative tumor growth pattern
      and Ki-67 index.Citation: Yi-jun S, Mei-ting C, Wei L, Bing X, Yong Y, Ming F,
      Ren-zhi W. (2016) Surgical treatment for male prolactinoma: a retrospective study
      of 184 cases.

PMID- 28079814
TI  - Predictive role of corneal Q-value differences between nasal-temporal and
      superior-inferior quadrants in orthokeratology lens decentration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between pretreatment corneal
      parameters and orthokeratology lens decentration. METHODS: This retrospective
      study included a total of 108 eyes in 60 myopia patients, who were divided into a
      lens-decentration and a control group. Various pretreatment corneal parameters
      were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves), including
      corneal horizontal and vertical curvatures, diopter, corneal eccentricity (E
      value), asphericity (Q-value), diameter, and astigmatism, to establish a reliable
      predictive model for orthokeratology lens decentration. RESULTS: The temporal and
      inferior quadrants are preferential sides for lens decentration, which was
      associated with the occurrence of complications such as ghosting and corneal
      epithelial staining. By further analysis, we revealed lower corneal horizontal
      curvature and much higher corneal Q-value differences between the nasal-temporal
      and superior-inferior quadrants in the lens-decentration group compared to the
      control group (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the sum of Q-value
      differences between the nasal-temporal and superior-inferior quadrants was more
      sensitive than any other corneal parameters in predicting lens decentration, with
      an area under the curve of 0.778 and a truncation point of 0.3 (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: The sum of pretreatment corneal Q-value differences between nasal
      temporal and superior-inferior quadrants is a convenient and reliable predictor
      for orthokeratology lens decentration.

PMID- 28079815
TI  - Morning breathing exercises prolong lifespan by improving hyperventilation in
      people living with respiratory cancer.
AB  - Disturbance of oxygen-carbon dioxide homeostasis has an impact on cancer. Little
      is known about the effect of breath training on cancer patients. Here we report
      our 10-year experience with morning breathing exercises (MBE) in peer-support
      programs for cancer survivors.We performed a cohort study to investigate long
      term surviving patients with lung cancer (LC) and nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) who
      practiced MBE on a daily basis. End-tidal breath holding time (ETBHT) after MBE
      was measured to reflect improvement in alveolar O2 pressure and alveolar CO2
      pressure capacity.Patients (female, 57) with a diagnosis of LC (90 patients) and
      NPC (32 patients) were included. Seventy-six of them were MBE trainees. Average
      survival years were higher in MBE trainees (9.8 +/- 9.5) than nontrainees (3.3 +/
      2.8). The 5-year survival rate was 56.6% for MBE trainees and 19.6% for
      nontrainees (RR = 5.371, 95% CI = 2.271-12.636, P < 0.001). Survival probability
      of the trainees further increased 17.9-fold for the 10-year survival rate.
      Compared with the nontrainees, the MBE trainees shows no significant differences
      in ETBHT (baseline, P = 0.795; 1-2 years, P = 0.301; 3-4 years, P = 0.059) at
      baseline and within the first 4 years. From the 5th year onwards, significant
      improvements were observed in ETBHT, aCO2%, PaCO2, and PaO2 (P = 0.028). In
      total, 18 trainees (40.9%) and 20 nontrainees (74.1%) developed new metastasis
      (RR = 0.315, 95% CI = 0.108-0.919, P = 0.031).MBE might benefit for the long-term
      survival in patients with LC and NPC due to improvement in hyperventilation.

PMID- 28079816
TI  - A comparison study between gross tumor volumes defined by preoperative magnetic
      resonance imaging, postoperative specimens, and tumor bed for radiotherapy after
      breast-conserving surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification and contouring of target volume is important for
      breast-conserving therapy. The aim of the study was to compare preoperative
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), postoperative pathology, excised specimens'
      (ES) size, and tumor bed (TB) delineation as methods for determining the gross
      tumor volume (GTV) for radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery (BCS).
      METHODS: Thirty-three patients with breast cancer who underwent preoperative MRI
      and radiotherapy after BCS were enrolled. The GTVs determined by MRI, pathology,
      and the ES were defined as GTVMRI, GTVPAT, and GTVES, respectively. GTVMRI+1 was
      defined as a 1.0-cm margin around the GTVMRI. The radiation oncologist delineated
      GTV of the TB (GTVTB) using planning computed tomography according to >=5
      surgical clips placed in the lumpectomy cavity (LC). RESULTS: The median GTVMRI,
      GTVMRI+1, GTVPAT, GTVES, and GTVTB were 0.97 cm (range, 0.01-6.88), 12.58 cm
      (range, 3.90-34.13), 0.97 cm (range, 0.01-6.36), 15.46 cm (range, 1.15-70.69),
      and 19.24 cm (range, 4.72-54.33), respectively. There were no significant
      differences between GTVMRI and GTVPAT, GTVMRI+1 and GTVES, GTVES and GTVTB (P =
      0.188, 0.070, and 0.264, respectively). GTVMRI is positively related with GTVPAT.
      However, neither GTVES nor GTVTB correlated with GTVMRI (P = 0.071 and 0.378,
      respectively). Furthermore, neither GTVES nor GTVTB correlated with GTVMRI+1 (P =
      0.068 and 0.375, respectively). CONCLUSION: When >=5 surgical clips were placed
      in the LC for BCS, the volume of TB was consistent with the volume of ES. Neither
      the volume of TB nor the volume of ES correlated significantly with the volume of
      tumor defined by preoperative MRI.

PMID- 28079817
TI  - Clinical features of hepatitis B and C virus infections, with high alpha
      fetoprotein levels but not hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - The appropriate alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level to confirm hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) could be 100 ng/mL; however, the clinical significance of falsely elevated
      AFP in patients without HCC has not been fully studied. We investigated the
      clinical features and outcome of patients without HCC but with high AFP levels
      (100 ng/mL), especially with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or C (CHC).The sample
      included 124 consecutive patients with CHB (n = 97) or CHC (n = 27), with AFP
      levels >100 ng/mL and without HCC at baseline. Multivariate Cox proportional
      regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with AFP
      normalization and HCC development.During the mean 52-month follow-up, the
      proportion of patients with CHB with AFP normalization (90.7%) was significantly
      higher than the proportion of patients with CHC (59.3%, P < 0.001). Initial
      aspartate aminotransferase levels (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.02 per 10 U/L increase,
      P = 0.021) and antiviral therapy (HR = 2.89, P < 0.001) were significantly
      associated with AFP normalization. Of the 16 (12.9%) patients who developed HCC,
      hepatitis B virus infection (HR = 10.82, P = 0.001), initiation of antiviral
      treatment postenrollment (HR = 0.23, P = 0.030), and AFP normalization within 12
      months (HR = 0.13, P = 0.011) were associated with HCC development.CHB and CHC
      were the most common causes of falsely elevated AFP (>100 ng/mL). With either CHB
      or CHC, persistent AFP elevation (>12 months), regardless of antiviral treatment,
      might be an important marker of HCC development.

PMID- 28079818
TI  - Factors associated with syphilis incidence in the HIV-infected in the era of
      highly active antiretrovirals.
AB  - After several years of steady decline, syphilis is reemerging globally as a
      public health hazard, especially among people living with human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV). Syphilis resurgence is observed mainly in men who have sex with men
      (MSM), yet other transmission groups are affected too. In this manuscript, we
      study the factors associated with syphilis incidence in the Swiss HIV cohort
      study in the era of highly effective antiretrovirals. Using parametric interval
      censored models with fixed and time-varying covariates, we studied the
      immunological, behavioral, and treatment-related elements associated with
      syphilis incidence in 3 transmission groups: MSM, heterosexuals, and intravenous
      drug users. Syphilis incidence has been increasing annually since 2005, with up
      to 74 incident cases per 1000 person-years in 2013, with MSM being the population
      with the highest burden (92% of cases). While antiretroviral treatment (ART) in
      general did not affect syphilis incidence, nevirapine (NVP) was associated with a
      lower hazard of syphilis incidence (multivariable hazard ratio 0.5, 95%
      confidence interval 0.2-1.0). We observed that condomless sex and younger age
      were associated with higher syphilis incidence. Moreover, time-updated CD4, nadir
      CD4, and CD8 cell counts were not associated with syphilis incidence. Finally,
      testing frequency higher than the recommended once a year routine testing was
      associated with a 2-fold higher risk of acquiring syphilis. Condomless sex is the
      main driver of syphilis resurgence in the Swiss HIV Cohort study; ART and immune
      reconstitution provide no protection against syphilis. This entails targeted
      interventions and frequent screening of high-risk populations. There is no known
      effect of NVP on syphilis; therefore, further clinical, epidemiological, and
      microbiological investigation is necessary to validate our observation.

PMID- 28079819
TI  - Efficacy and toxicity of different concurrent chemoradiotherapy regimens in the
      treatment of advanced cervical cancer: A network meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of
      different concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) regimens in the treatment of
      advanced cervical cancer (CC) by adopting a network meta-analysis. METHODS: We
      searched PubMed and Cochrane Library from the inception of these databases to
      September 2016, and all cohort studies (CSs) related to different CCRT regimens
      in the treatment of CC were included. A network analysis was adopted to compare
      the combination of direct and indirect evidence, to analyze the odds ratio (OR),
      and to draw a surface under the cumulative ranking curve of the efficacy and
      toxicity of different CCRT regimens for CC. Cluster analyses were used to group
      each category based on similar treatment regimens. RESULTS: Nineteen CSs were
      enrolled in this network meta-analysis, including 12 CCRT regimens (radiotherapy
      [RT], CCRT [cisplatin], CCRT [vinorelbine], CCRT [paclitaxel], CCRT
      [hydroxyurea], CCRT [cisplatin + FU], CCRT [cisplatin + gemcitabine], CCRT
      [cisplatin + docetaxel], CCRT [cisplatin + paclitaxel], CCRT [cisplatin +
      amifostine], CCRT [cisplatin + FU + hydroxyurea], and CCRT [cisplatin +
      vincristine + bleomycin]). The results of the network meta-analysis showed that
      regarding efficacy, the overall response rate of CCRT (cisplatin + docetaxel) was
      higher than RT, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of CCRT (cisplatin + FU
      + hydroxyurea) was relatively higher than CCRT (hydroxyurea). As for toxicity,
      CCRT (cisplatin) had a lower incidence of leukopenia than CCRT (hydroxyurea),
      CCRT (cisplatin + FU) and CCRT (cisplatin + paclitaxel), and the incidences of
      diarrhea and vomiting in CCRT (cisplatin) were lower than those in CCRT
      (cisplatin + gemcitabine). Additionally, the cluster analysis showed that CCRT
      (cisplatin) had relatively lower incidences of both hematotoxicity and
      gastrointestinal toxicity, and CCRT (paclitaxel) had lower gastrointestinal
      toxicity than other regimens. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that CCRT
      (cisplatin + docetaxel) might be the best choice of CCRT regimens in the
      treatment of CC, and the 5-year OS rate of CCRT (cisplatin + FU + hydroxyurea)
      might be the highest among these different regimens. CCRT (cisplatin) might have
      the lowest toxicity among all the CCRT regimens.

PMID- 28079820
TI  - Hepatoblastoma in an 11-year-old: Case report and a review of the literature.
AB  - RATIONALE: Hepatoblastoma is a rare malignancy. Approximately 100 cases are
      diagnosed yearly in the United States. The highest incidence occurs in infants
      and in children younger than 5 years. Cases involving patients older than 5 years
      are very rare. We describe the case of a patient who was diagnosed with
      hepatoblastoma at an atypical age of presentation for this type of malignancy. We
      also performed Ovid MEDLINE search for hepatoblastoma and epidemiology reports
      occurring in children between the ages of 5 and 18 years. In this article we
      review the epidemiology and summarize case reports published between 1997 and
      2012 of patients with hepatoblastoma, who were older than 5 years. PATIENT
      CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: Our patient is an 11 year old boy with stage IV
      hepatoblastoma with lung and omental metastases at diagnosis. INTERVENTIONS: The
      patient received 7 cycles of chemotherapy following the treatment plan of COG
      protocol AHEP 0731, off study. He also had tumor resection and omentectomy and
      achieved complete remission. OUTCOMES: He later had disease recurrence and after
      undergoing treatment with different modalities, ultimately died of his disease.
      Review of SEER program data shows that the incidence of hepatoblastoma in
      children above the age of 5 years is too infrequent to be calculated. Literature
      review revealed 13 cases of patients diagnosed at age older than 5 years. Most
      cases were published due to unusual associations and/or complications. There are
      no obvious unifying characteristics for these cases, although there may be a
      slight male preponderance and many patients in this selected series presented
      with elevated Alpha-fetoprotein. LESSONS: The reported case is rare, given the
      very low incidence of hepatoblastoma outside of infancy. A systematic review of
      characteristics and outcomes for patients older than 5 years who are enrolled in
      cooperative group hepatoblastoma trials may reveal important information about
      the epidemiology and tumor biology in this rare patient population.

PMID- 28079821
TI  - Febuxostat-induced agranulocytosis in an end-stage renal disease patient: A case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Febuxostat, a nonpurine xanthine oxidase inhibitor, is approved as
      the first-line urate-lowering therapy in gout patients with normal renal function
      or mild to moderate renal impairment. The most common adverse effects of
      febuxostat are liver function test abnormalities, diarrhea, and skin rash.
      However, there is insufficient data in patients with severe renal impairment and
      end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We report the first case, to our knowledge, in
      which agranulocytosis developed after febuxostat treatment in an ESRD patient.
      CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old woman with gout and ESRD received febuxostat
      40 mg a day for 2.5 months. She subsequently complicated with febrile neutropenia
      and the absolute neutrophil count was only 14/MUL. After broad-spectrum
      antibiotics treatment and no more exposure to febuxostat for 17 days, her
      infection and neutrophil count recovered. Bone marrow study during neutropenic
      period showed myeloid hypoplasia without evidence of hematologic neoplasms.
      CONCLUSION: As febuxostat use may become more common in the population of
      advanced renal failure, clinicians should be aware of this rare but potentially
      life-threatening adverse effect. Based on our experience, close monitoring
      hemogram and immediate discontinuation of this medication may prevent serious
      consequences.

PMID- 28079822
TI  - Successfully treated congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation by open fetal
      surgery: A care-compliant case report of a 5-year follow-up and review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare
      hamartomatous cystic lesion. Open fetal surgery currently provides a potential
      therapeutic option for management of a fetus with CCAM diagnosis. CASE SUMMARY: A
      22-year-old G2P0 woman presented at (Equation is included in full-text
      article.)weeks' gestation for evaluation of a fetus with a left lung lesion and
      diagnosed as CCAM at (Equation is included in full-text article.)weeks'
      gestation. Open fetal surgery was performed to resection the lesion at (Equation
      is included in full-text article.)weeks' gestation under deep maternal general
      anesthesia. The mother presented at (Equation is included in full-text
      article.)weeks after open fetal surgery with preterm premature rupture of
      membranes (PPROM) and underwent cesarean delivery at (Equation is included in
      full-text article.)weeks' gestation. A vigorous woman infant of 1955 g, with good
      Apgar score, was delivered. At 1 month, 4 years, and present, 5 years after
      birth, she has continued to do well without any obvious deficit and both
      respiration and circulation were well maintained. CONCLUSION: We present one case
      of CCAM which was cured by open fetal surgery and continued to do well at follow
      up of 5 years. The success of treatment provided preliminary experience for
      further carrying out such interventions in China.

PMID- 28079823
TI  - PET/CT for differentiating between tuberculous peritonitis and peritoneal
      carcinomatosis: The parietal peritoneum.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tuberculous peritonitis (TBP) mimics peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC).
      We aimed to investigate the discriminative use of PET/CT findings in the parietal
      peritoneum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parietal peritoneal PET/CT findings from 76
      patients with TBP (n = 25) and PC (n = 51) were retrospectively reviewed. The
      lesion locations were noted as right subdiaphragmatic, left subdiaphragmatic,
      right paracolic gutters, left paracolic gutters, and pelvic regions. The
      distribution characteristic consisted of a dominant distribution in the pelvic
      and/or right subdiaphragmatic region (susceptible area for peritoneal
      implantation, SAPI) (SAPI distribution), a dominant distribution in the remaining
      regions (less-susceptible area for peritoneal implantation, LSAPI) (LSAPI
      distribution), or a uniform distribution. PET morphological patterns were
      classified as F18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) uptake in a long beaded line (string
      of-beads F-FDG uptake) or in a cluster (clustered F-FDG uptake) or focal F-FDG
      uptake. CT patterns included smooth uniform thickening, irregular thickening, or
      nodules. RESULTS: More common findings in the parietal peritoneum corresponding
      to TBP as opposed to PC were (a) >=4 involved regions (80.0% vs 19.6%), (b)
      uniform distribution (72.0% vs 5.9%), (c) string-of-beads F-FDG uptake (76.0% vs
      7.8%), and (d) smooth uniform thickening (60.0% vs 7.8%) (all P < 0.001), whereas
      more frequent findings in PC compared with TBP were (a) SAPI distribution (78.4%
      vs 28.0%), (b) clustered F-FDG uptake (56.9% vs 20.0%), (c) focal F-FDG uptake
      (21.6% vs 4.0%), (d) irregular thickening (51.0% vs 12.0%), and (e) nodules
      (21.6% vs 4.0%) (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, P > 0.05, P < 0.05, P > 0.05,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Our data show that PET/CT findings in the parietal
      peritoneum are useful for differentiating between TBP and PC.

PMID- 28079824
TI  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the pancreas in children: A case report
      and literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are an uncommon neoplasm, which
      are very rarely located in the pancreas. Clinically and radiologically, this rare
      pancreatic tumor presents as an abdominal mass lesion that mimics other
      pancreatic tumors, and should therefore be considered in the differential
      diagnosis of pancreatic tumors. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: The 15-year-old
      boy complained of abdominal pain over the left upper quadrant with intermittent
      fever for 7 days. Abdominal sonography revealed one cystic lesion with a
      hyperechoic component in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Surgical
      excision was performed and postoperative findings indicated a pancreatic tail
      tumor. The pathology indicated inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors. To our
      knowledge, this patient is a unique case as the tumor was located in the
      pancreatic tail only, sparing the body. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The patient
      underwent tumor resection and segmental resection of the transverse colon with
      simple closure. The patient had no evidence of disease recurrence at 3 years
      follow-up. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the pancreas in
      children are extremely rare. Surgical excision is the standard treatment, and
      corticosteroids use in children need more large-scale studies.

PMID- 28079825
TI  - The utility of bispectral index monitoring for prevention of rocuronium-induced
      withdrawal movement in children: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine whether a deep hypnotic state
      with a bispectral index (BIS) value less than 40 could alleviate withdrawal
      movement (WM) upon rocuronium injection during anesthesia induction in children.
      METHODS: Finally, 135 healthy children (3-12 years) scheduled for minor elective
      surgery were studied. Without premedication, anesthesia was induced with
      thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg. Patients were randomized into 2 groups (control vs
      experimental) and then by virtue of rocuronium injection time, patients in the
      experimental group were allocated into 2 groups, as follows: in the control group
      (group C; n = 45), rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was administered at the loss of eyelash
      reflex; in the 1st experimental group, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was administered when
      BIS fell to less than 40 (group T; n = 45); however, if BIS did not fall below 40
      after thiopental sodium administration, manual ventilation was provided with
      oxygen 6 L/minute using sevoflurane 8% and then rocuronium was administered when
      BIS fell below 40 (the 2nd experimental group, group S; n = 45). Rocuronium
      induced WM was evaluated using a 4-point scale (no movement; movement/withdrawal
      involving the arm only; generalized response, with movement/withdrawal of more
      than 1 extremity, but no requirement for restraint of the body; and generalized
      response which required restraint of the body and caused coughing or breath
      holding). RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the groups for
      patient characteristics including age, sex, height, and location of venous
      cannula. However, body weight, height, and body mass index in group S were all
      smaller than those in group T. The incidence of WM caused by rocuronium was 100%
      in group C, 95.6% in group T, and 80% in group S, and was significantly lower in
      group S than in group C. The grade of WM was 3.7 +/- 0.6 in group C, 3.2 +/- 0.9
      in group T, and 2.6 +/- 1.0 in group S. It was significantly lower in group T
      than in group C and significantly lower in group S than in groups C and T.
      CONCLUSION: The confirmation of a deep hypnotic state with BIS values lower than
      40 using BIS monitoring can reduce the grade of rocuronium-induced WMs during
      anesthesia induction using thiopental sodium or sevoflurane in children.

PMID- 28079826
TI  - Waist-to-height ratio is the best anthropometric predictor of hypertension: A
      population-based study with women from a state of northeast of Brazil.
AB  - The WHO recommends the use of some anthropometric parameters as a screening
      resource for individuals under cardiometabolic risk. However, in the validation
      of these indicators, Brazilian women were not included. These women have
      different anthropometric profile compared to women who integrated the samples of
      the validation studies. We aimed to verify the accuracy of anthropometric
      indicators as a resource for the screening of women with hypertension. A cross
      sectional study, with a probability sample of 3143 women (20-49 years) from the
      state of Alagoas (northeast of Brazil), was carried out. Hypertension was
      identified by systolic blood pressure (SBP) >=140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP >=90
      mm Hg and/or regular use of antihypertensive drugs. The anthropometric indicators
      analyzed were BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio
      (WHtR), body fat percentage, and conicity index. The accuracy definition of the
      indicators and the identification of best cut-off points were carried out on the
      basis of ROC curve analysis and Youden index, respectively. The prevalence of
      hypertension was 21.8%. All indicators used in hypertension identification had
      area under the ROC curve (AUC) >0.5. The WHtR with cut-off point of 0.54 was the
      best performance indicator (AUC = 0.72; P < 0.05; sensitivity = 67%, specificity
      = 66%). The WHtR with cut-off point of 0.54 has constituted the most accurate
      indicator in the screening of women with hypertension. In the absence of specific
      studies and considering the largest ethnic proximity and
      environmental/epidemiological similarity, the findings now obtained can be
      extended to women of other Brazilian states, especially those in the Northeastern
      region.

PMID- 28079827
TI  - Differentiating malignant from benign gastric mucosal lesions with quantitative
      analysis in dual energy spectral computed tomography: Initial experience.
AB  - To investigate the value of quantitative analysis in dual energy spectral
      computed tomography (DESCT) for differentiating malignant gastric mucosal lesions
      from benign gastric mucosal lesions (including gastric inflammation [GI] and
      normal gastric mucosa [NGM]). This study was approved by the ethics committee,
      and all patients provided written informed consent. A total of 161 consecutive
      patients (63 with gastric cancer [GC], 48 with GI, and 50 with NGM) who underwent
      dual-phase contrast enhanced DESCT scans in the arterial phase (AP) and portal
      venous phase (PVP) were included in this study. Iodine concentration (IC) in
      lesions was derived from the iodine-based material-decomposition images and
      normalized to that in the aorta to obtain normalized IC (nIC). The ratios of IC
      and nIC between the AP and PVP were calculated. Diagnostic confidence for GC and
      GI was evaluated with reviewing the features including gastric wall thickness,
      focal, and eccentric on the conventional polychromatic images. All statistical
      analyses were performed by using statistical software SPSS 17.0 (SPSS, Chicago,
      IL). IC and nIC in GC differed significantly from those in GI and NGM, except for
      nICAP in comparing GC with GI. Mean nIC values of GC (0.18 +/- 0.06 in AP and
      0.62 +/- 0.16 in PVP) were significantly higher than that of NGM (0.12 +/- 0.03
      in AP and 0.37 +/- 0.08 in PVP) (all P < 0.05). There was also significant
      difference for IC values in GC, GI, and NGM (24.19 +/- 8.27, 19.07 +/- 5.82, and
      13.61 +/- 2.52 mg/mL, respectively, in AP and 28.00 +/- 7.01, 24.66 +/- 6.55, and
      16.94 +/- 3.06 mg/mL, respectively, in PVP). Based on Receiver Operating
      Characteristic Curve analysis, nIC and IC in PVP had high sensitivities of 88.89%
      and 90.48%, respectively, in differentiating GC from NGM, while the sensitivities
      were 71.43% and 88.89% during AP. Ratios IC and nIC ratios did not provide
      adequate diagnostic accuracy with their area under curves less than 0.65. With
      the conventional features, the diagnostic accuracies for GC and GI were 75.0% and
      98.0%, respectively. Quantitative analysis of DESCT imaging parameters for
      gastric mucosa, such as nIC and IC, is useful for differentiating malignant from
      benign gastric mucosal lesions.

PMID- 28079828
TI  - Vaccination with 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in infants according to
      HIV status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phase III, open-label, single-center, controlled study in South
      Africa (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00829010) to evaluate immunogenicity,
      reactogenicity, and safety of the 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus
      influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) in human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)-infected (HIV+), HIV-exposed-uninfected (HEU), and HIV-unexposed-uninfected
      (HUU) children. METHODS: Children stratified by HIV status received PHiD-CV
      primary vaccination (age 6/10/14 weeks; coadministered with routine childhood
      vaccines) and booster dose (age 9-10 months). Immune responses, assessed using
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent and functional assays, and safety were evaluated up
      to 14 months post-booster. RESULTS: Of 83, 101, and 100 children enrolled in
      HIV+, HEU, and HUU groups, 70, 91, and 93 were included in according-to-protocol
      immunogenicity cohort. For each vaccine-serotype, percentages of children with
      antibody concentrations >=0.2 MUg/mL were >=97% 1 month post-primary vaccination
      and >=98.5% 1 month post-booster (except for 6B and 23F at both timepoints). Post
      primary vaccination, functional antibody responses were lower in HIV+ children:
      for each vaccine-serotype, percentages of children with opsonophagocytic activity
      (OPA) titres >=8 were >=72%, >=81%, and >=79% for HIV+, HEU, and HUU children.
      Post-booster, >=87% of children in each group had OPA titres >=8. Reactogenicity
      was similar across groups. Thirty one (37%) HIV+, 25 (25%) HEU, and 20 (20%) HUU
      children reported >=1 serious adverse event. Five HIV+ and 4 HEU children died.
      One death (sudden infant death syndrome; HEU group; 3 days post-dose 1) was
      considered potentially vaccine-related. CONCLUSION: PHiD-CV was immunogenic and
      well-tolerated in HIV+, HEU, and HUU children, and has the potential to provide
      substantial benefit irrespective of HIV infection status.

PMID- 28079829
TI  - Breath-hold and free-breathing F-18-FDG-PET/CT in malignant melanoma-detection of
      additional tumoral foci and effects on quantitative parameters.
AB  - During PET/CT acquisition, respiratory motion generates artifacts in the form of
      breath-related blurring, which may impair lesion detectability and diagnostic
      accuracy. This observational study was undertaken to verify whether breath-hold F
      18-FDG-PET/CT (bhPET) detects additional foci compared to free-breathing PET/CT
      (fbPET) in cases of malignant melanoma, and to assess the impact of breath
      holding on standard uptake values (SUV) and metabolic isocontoured volume
      (mVic40).Thirty-four patients with melanoma were examined. BhPET and fbPET
      findings of 117 lesions were compared and correlated with standard contrast
      enhanced (ce) CT and MRI for lesion verification. Quantitative parameters
      (SUVmax, SUVmean, and mVic40) were assessed for both methods and evaluated by
      linear regression and Spearman correlation. The impact of lesion size and time
      interval between investigations was analyzed.In 1 patient, a CT-confirmed liver
      metastasis was seen only on bhPET but not on fbPET. At bhPET, SUVmax, and SUVmean
      proved significantly higher and mVic40 significantly lower than at fbPET. The
      positive effect on SUVmax and SUVmean was more pronounced in smaller lesions,
      whereas the time interval between bhPET and fbPET did not influence SUV or
      mVic40.In our patient cohort, bhPET yielded significantly higher SUV and provided
      improved volumetric lesion definition, particularly of smaller lesions. Also one
      additional liver lesion was identified. Breath-hold PET/CT is technically
      feasible, and may become clinically useful when fine quantitative evaluations are
      needed.

PMID- 28079830
TI  - Geographic coverage of male circumcision in western Kenya.
AB  - Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      prevention has scaled up rapidly among young men in western Kenya since 2008.
      Whether the program has successfully reached uncircumcised men evenly across the
      region is largely unknown. Using data from two cluster randomized surveys from
      the 2008 and 2014 Kenyan Demographic Health Survey (KDHS), we mapped the
      continuous spatial distribution of circumcised men by age group across former
      Nyanza Province to identify geographic areas where local circumcision prevalence
      is lower than the overall, regional prevalence. The prevalence of self-reported
      circumcision among men 15 to 49 across six counties in former Nyanza Province
      increased from 45.6% (95% CI = 33.2-58.0%) in 2008 to 71.4% (95% CI = 67.4-75.0%)
      in 2014, with the greatest increase in men 15 to 24 years of age, from 40.4% (95%
      CI = 27.7-55.0%) in 2008 to 81.6% (95% CI = 77.2-85.0%) in 2014. Despite the
      dramatic scale-up of VMMC in western Kenya, circumcision coverage in parts of
      Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay counties was lower than expected (P < 0.05), with up
      to 50% of men aged 15 to 24 still uncircumcised by 2014 in some areas. The VMMC
      program has proven successful in reaching a large population of uncircumcised men
      in western Kenya, but as of 2014, pockets of low circumcision coverage still
      existed. Closing regional gaps in VMMC prevalence to reach 80% coverage may
      require targeting specific areas where VMMC prevalence is lower than expected.

PMID- 28079831
TI  - Gastric cancer burden of last 40 years in North China (Hebei Province): A
      population-based study.
AB  - Gastric cancer (GC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in China. It is
      well known that Cixian in Hebei Province is one of the highest risk areas of GC
      in China and worldwide. This study aims to accurate assessment of GC burden and
      trend in high-risk area (Hebei Province) from 1973 to 2013. The authors analyzed
      GC data from 21 population-based cancer registries which represented 15.25% of
      the entire population of Hebei Province. The collected data were stratified by 5
      year age groups, gender, and area. Mortality of GC was extracted from national
      death surveys from 1973 to 1975, 1990 to 1992, 2004 to 2005, and 2011 to 2013.
      Trend analysis (1988-2013) in a high-risk area (Cixian) used the Joinpoint Model.
      The age-period-cohort model was used to estimate the effects of age, period, and
      birth cohort in GC incidence in Cixian from 1988 to 2013. The crude incidence of
      GC in 2011 to 2013 was 40.37/100,000 (57.53/100,000 in males and 22.55/100,000 in
      females). The corresponding age-standardized rate by world age-standard
      population was 32.18/100,000 (48.87/100,000 in males and 17.53/100,000 in
      females), which was 2.66-fold (2.81-fold in male and 2.34-fold in female) higher
      than that in the world (12.1/100,000, 17.4/100,000 in males and 7.5/100,000 in
      females). Males in rural areas had the highest incidence, with an age
      standardized rate of 70.51/100,000. Gastric cardia cancer was primary anatomical
      subsite which accounting for 59.59% in GC, followed by gastric corpus (13.92%),
      gastric antrum (11.43%), gastric fundus (4.99%), and overlapping lesion of
      gastric (4.17%). The age-standardized rate of mortality from GC displayed a
      significant downward trend (P = 0.019) in Hebei Province from the 1990s
      (31.44/100,000) to the 2010s (24.63/100,000). In Cixian, the incidence of GC rose
      from 1988 (38.25/100,000) to 2009 (65.11/100,000). Cixian, where population-based
      screening of upper gastrointestinal cancer was performed, experienced the
      increasing rate of GC from 2000 (37.59/100,000) to 2009 (65.11/100,000) and then
      had a sharp decrease from 2009 to 2013 (55.30/100,000), with annual percentage
      change of -6.69%. Gastric cardia cancer had an increasing trend from 1988
      (6.88/100,000) to 2013 (26.56/100,000). Both age and birth cohort effects played
      important roles in these changes. In conclusion, males in rural areas had the
      highest risk of GC. GC mortality rate decreased from the 1990s in Hebei Province.
      Endoscopic screening project for GC is an effective method of controlling the
      disease.

PMID- 28079832
TI  - Usefulness of low dose chest CT for initial evaluation of blunt chest trauma.
AB  - We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance and inter-observer consistency
      between low dose chest CT (LDCT) and standard dose chest CT (SDCT) in the
      patients with blunt chest trauma.A total of 69 patients who met criteria
      indicative of blunt chest trauma (77% of male; age range, 16-85) were enrolled.
      All patients underwent LDCT without intravenous (IV) contrast and SDCT with IV
      contrast using parameters as following: LDCT, 40 mAs with automatic tube current
      modulation (ATCM) and 100 kVp (BMI <25, n = 51) or 120 kVp (BMI>25, n = 18);
      SDCT, 180 mAs with ATCM and 120 kVp. Transverse, coronal, sagittal images were
      reconstructed with 3-mm slice thickness without gap and provided for evaluation
      of 3 observers. Reference standard images (transverse, coronal, sagittal) were
      reconstructed using SDCT data with 1-mm slice thickness without gap. Reference
      standard was established by 2 experienced thoracic radiologists by consensus.
      Three observers independently evaluated each data set of LDCT and SDCT.Multiple
      reader receiver operating characteristic analysis for comparing areas under the
      ROC curves demonstrated that there was no significant difference of diagnostic
      performance between LDCT and SDCT for the diagnosis of pulmonary injury, skeletal
      trauma, mediastinal injury, and chest wall injury (P > 0.05). The intraclass
      correlation coefficient was measured for inter-observer consistency and revealed
      that there was good inter-observer consistency in each examination of LDCT and
      SDCT for evaluation of blunt chest injury (0.8601-1.000). Aortic and upper
      abdominal injury could not be appropriately compared as LDCT was performed
      without using contrast materials and this was limitation of this study.The
      effective radiation dose of LDCT (average DLP = 1.52 mSv?mGy cm) was
      significantly lower than those of SDCT (7.21 mSv mGy cm).There is a great
      potential benefit to use of LDCT for initial evaluation of blunt chest trauma
      because LDCT could maintain diagnostic image quality as SDCT and provide
      significant radiation dose reduction. A further study of LDCT with IV contrast
      for evaluation of aortic and upper abdominal injury is needed.

PMID- 28079833
TI  - The rare ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy: A case-report and literature
      review.
AB  - RATIONALE: Ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy (EON) is a well-known complication
      that results from the use of ethambutol. The ocular manifestations of EON include
      painless loss of central vision and cecocentral scotomas in the visual field.
      PATIENT CONCERNS: A 75-year-old Chinese Han man suffered from this rare ocular
      disorder because he took ethambutol for about 8 months. DIAGNOSES: He was
      diagnosed as EON based on series of ophthalmic examinations performed.
      INTERVENTIONS: Since he has stopped taking this drug for 3 months, we just
      offered some neurotrophic agents to him. OUTCOMES: One month later, he came back
      for return visit. The ophthalmic examinations indicated recovery of the visual
      function very well. LESSONS: The EON is a reversible optic neuropathy if the
      ocular toxicity is monitored closely among the tuberculosis patients that take
      ethambutol.

PMID- 28079834
TI  - Intestinal brucellosis associated with celiac artery and superior mesenteric
      artery stenosis and with ileum mucosa and submucosa thickening: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: Brucellosis is a multisystem infection found worldwide that has a
      broad range of characteristics, which range from acute fever and hepatomegaly to
      chronic infections that most commonly affect the central nervous system,
      cardiovascular system, or skeletal system. Gastrointestinal and splanchnic artery
      involvements in brucellosis are relatively uncommon. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report
      a case of brucellosis in an adolescent presenting as intermittent abdominal pain,
      diarrhea, and fever, with intestinal tract involvement. And stenosis of the
      celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery was found after exposed to risk
      factors of Brucella infection. Splanchnic vessels stenosis and an endothelial
      lesion may exacerbate the prevalent symptom of abdominal pain, as a form of colic
      pain, occurring after eating. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed as
      brucellosis. The narrowing of the SMA and CA was suspected to be vasculitis
      secondary to the brucellosis. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with
      minocycline and rifampicin for 12 weeks totally. OUTCOMES: The gastrointestinal
      manifestations of brucellosis recovered rapidly under intensive treatment.
      However, follow-up imaging revealed that the superior mesenteric artery and
      celiac artery stenosis was unimproved. LESSONS: In brucellosis, gastrointestinal
      manifestations may be the only observable features of the disease. Splanchnic
      arterial stenosis is a rare complication of brucellosis. Sonography and computed
      tomography may be useful for both diagnosis and follow-up.

PMID- 28079835
TI  - Prognostic factors of Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics, electroneurography
      (ENoG) results, and functional outcomes of patients with Bell's palsy (BP) and
      Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS).Around 57 patients with BP and 23 patients with RHS
      were enrolled in this study from January 2010 and September 2015. Both clinical
      characteristics and ENoG results were recorded at hospital admission. The
      evaluations of functional outcomes were conducted with House-Brackmann (H-B)
      grading system at 6-month follow-up.There were no significant differences in age,
      gender proportion, initial H-B grades, time before commencement of treatment and
      the presence of comorbid disease in 2 groups. However, the final H-B grades at 6
      month follow-up were significantly better in BP patients than RHS patients. The
      results of ENoG showed that degeneration index (DI) was significantly higher in
      the RHS group than the BP group. But no significant difference was found in the
      value of prolonged latency time (PLT) between the 2 groups. In multivariate
      analysis, age and ENoG DI were independently associated with functional outcome
      of recovery in the BP group (OR 0.167, 95% CI 0.038-0.622, P = 0.009 and OR 0.289
      95% CI 0.107-0.998, P = 0.050, respectively). However, in the RHS group, only
      ENoG DI was related to the final H-B grades (OR 0.067, 95% CI 0.005-0.882, P =
      0.040). Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed that higher age and ENoG DI
      were related to poorer prognosis in 2 groups (P < 0.05). PLT was related to
      functional outcomes only in the BP group (rs = 0.460, P < 0.001). The receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) of ENoG DI analysis revealed that the cutoff value
      was 67.0% for BP prognosis and 64.5% for RHS prognosis. What's more, patients
      with hypertension or diabetes mellitus had both higher final H-B grade and ENoG
      DI than those without the same comorbidity.Patients with RHS had poorer prognosis
      than those with BP. Some factors including age, ENoG DI, and the presence of
      disease influenced recovery from BP and RHS. The present study demonstrated that
      BP patients with ENoG DI < 67.0% and RHS patients with ENoG DI < 65.5% had a
      greater opportunity for recovery within half a year.

PMID- 28079836
TI  - Symptomatic Cytomegalovirus Infections in the First Year of Life: When Is
      Antiviral Therapy Conceived to Be Justified?
AB  - All infants treated with antiviral medication for symptomatic congenital
      (diagnosis <3 weeks) and probably postnatal (>3 weeks) cytomegalovirus infection
      were characterized with the help of a survey covering all German Pediatric
      hospitals between 2012 and 2013. We found that >50% of infants treated for
      cytomegalovirus were classified as probably postnatal cytomegalovirus infection,
      which was associated with preterm birth and underlying diseases of the immune
      system, heart or lung.

PMID- 28079837
TI  - It May Be Too Early to Try to Prove the Effect of Deworming on Tuberculin
      Reactivity.

PMID- 28079838
TI  - Re: "It May Be Too Early to Try to Prove the Effect of Deworming on Tuberculin
      Reactivity".

PMID- 28079839
TI  - Preparing Pediatric International Travelers for Travelers' Diarrhea: Insights
      From the Global TravEpiNet.

PMID- 28079840
TI  - Re: "Preparing Pediatric International Travelers for Travelers' Diarrhea:
      Insights from the Global TravEpiNet".

PMID- 28079841
TI  - Staphylococcus schleiferi Meningitis in an Infant.

PMID- 28079842
TI  - Increased erythrocyte aggregation and oxidative stress in patients with
      idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemorheological properties are important determinants of tissue
      oxygenation. Although hemorheological alterations in various lung diseases have
      been well-defined, no information is available about the effects of idiopathic
      interstitial pneumonia (IIP) on hemorheological parameters. OBJECTIVES: The aim
      of this study was to investigate hemorheological parameters (erythrocyte
      deformability, aggregation, and plasma viscosity -PV) and associated oxidative
      stress indices in patients with IIP. METHODS: The study enrolled 31 patients (9
      Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 10 non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia
      (NSIP), 12 Cryptogenic Organising Pneumonia (COP) and 33 healthy controls.
      Erythrocyte deformability and aggregation were measured by an ektacytometer. PV
      was determined by a cone-plate rotational viscometer and oxidative stress via a
      commercial kit. RESULTS: Erythrocyte aggregation, total oxidant status (TOS) and
      oxidative stress index (OSI) of IIP patients were higher than controls whereas
      erythrocyte deformability, PV and total antioxidant status (TAS) were unaltered.
      CONCLUSIONS: Increment of oxidative stress in IIP seems to depend on enhancement
      of oxidants, rather than alteration of antioxidants. The issue that, elevated
      erythrocyte aggregation may further impair tissue oxygenation by disturbing
      microcirculation in IIP, may be considered in the follow up and development of
      new treatment protocols for this disease.

PMID- 28079843
TI  - The association between BNP, 6MWD test, DLCO% and pulmonary hypertension in
      sarcoidosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a feared complication in patients
      with sarcoidosis.It is an important negative prognostic factor which is reflected
      as a priority given to these subjects for orthotopic lung transplantation. We
      evaluated the relationship between BNP, 6MWD test, DLCO% values and the severity
      of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: A retrospective chart
      review was conducted between January 2010 and January 2015 on consecutive
      confirmed adult subjects diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Demographics, medical
      comorbidities, clinical features, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 6MWD test,
      transthoracic echocardiography, laboratory investigations, radiographic findings,
      treatment and outcome data were collected from medical records. Subjects with
      suspicion for PH (i.e. those with PASP >= 25 mmHg) were included in the study. PH
      severity was classified using PASP into mild (PASP 25-49 mmHg), moderate (50-69
      mmHg) and severe (>=70 mmHg). We evaluated the strength of correlation between
      BNP, 6MWD test, DLCO% and the severity of PH. The association between variables
      was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient and results were considered
      statistically significant if P value was <0.05. RESULTS: Among the 108 cases
      diagnosed with sarcoidosis, we identified a total of 27 patients (25%) who had an
      elevated PASP suggestive of PH and met the study inclusion criteria. There was a
      significant correlation between BNP level (r=0.804, P=0.003), 6MWD test (r=
      0.865, P=0.000), DLCO% (r=-0.513, P=0.015) and the PASP in sarcoidosis patients.
      CONCLUSION: Although these simple tests should not be used as screening tools for
      suspecting sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension, they may be of value in
      following its progression in subjects already diagnosed with pulmonary
      hypertension.

PMID- 28079844
TI  - Serum interleukin-6 in systemic sclerosis and its correlation with disease
      parameters and cardiopulmonary involvement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess serum interleukin-6 (IL-6)level in patients with systemic
      sclerosis (SSc) and its correlations with European Scleroderma Study Group
      activity score (EUSTAR), Scleroderma Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), disability
      index and cardiopulmonary involvement. METHODS: Twenty SSc patients and 10
      matched healthy controls were included. Serum IL-6 was measured in patients and
      controls. Disease activity, status,and disability were assessed.Cardiopulmonary
      involvement was evaluated by pulmonary function tests (PFTs), six minute walk
      test, echocardiography, and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest.
      RESULTS: Serum level of IL-6 was significantly higher in patients with SSc (6.3+/
      1.4pg/ml) versus healthy controls (3.2+/- 0.4pg/ml) (P=0.002). IL-6 level showed
      positive correlations with disease duration (r=0.49, P=0.03), EUSTAR score
      (r=0.64, P=0.002), Index of Respiratory Status "IRS" (r=0.46, P=0.001), Index of
      Musculoskeletal Status "IMSS" (r=0.45, P=0.049), Index of Vascular Status "IVS"
      (r=0.39, P=0.04), mean and peak of pulmonary artery pressure (r=0.44 & 0.55,
      P=0.02 & 0.002 respectively). Negative correlations of IL-6 level with DLCO% (r=
      0.49, P=0.006),six minute walk distance (6MWD) (r=-0.52, P= 0.003) and right
      ventricle fraction area change (r=-0.48, P=0.03) were found, while there were
      strong positive correlations with HRCT-ground glass score (r=0.77, P=0.0001) and
      HRCT-fibrosis score (r=0.62, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: IL-6 level is increased in
      patients with SSc and significantly correlates with EUSTAR score, IRS, DLCO,
      6MWD, HRCT scores, and echocardiographic abnormalities of the right side of the
      heart. These results support the role of IL-6 in the disease activity and in the
      development of cardiopulmonary manifestations in SSc patients.

PMID- 28079845
TI  - Predictive value of C-reactive protein and clinically relevant baseline variables
      in sarcoidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aims to examine the predictive and prognostic implications
      of C-reactive protein (CRP) and clinically relevant baseline variables in
      determining treatment indication and disease progression in a large clinical
      cohort of patients with stable sarcoidosis. METHODS: A retrospective
      observational study of 328 sarcoidosis patients attending a regional tertiary
      referral centre over a 26-year period was performed. Clinical, biochemical,
      radiological and physiological data were analysed according to a clinically
      relevant dichotomous cutpoint of CRP. Multiple models of logistic regression were
      used to determine independent predictors of outcome as defined by indication for
      treatment with corticosteroids, radiological deterioration and physiological
      progression. RESULTS: 328/409 (80.2%) sarcoidosis patients had baseline serum CRP
      measured and were suitable for inclusion. Baseline CRP was elevated in 154 (47%).
      178 (54.3%) were prescribed corticosteroid treatment during the disease course.
      Physiological deterioration was demonstrated in 48 (14.6%) patients and
      radiological progression in 59 (17.9%) patients. High baseline CRP was strongly
      associated with Lofgren's syndrome (p=<0.001) and reduced FVC% predicted
      (p=0.012). High CRP was found to be a negative predictor of radiological
      progression (p=0.046). In a sub-analyses of patients without Lofgren's syndrome
      (n=223), patients with high baseline CRP were almost twice as likely to receive
      corticosteroid treatment, OR 1.89 (95% CI 1.04-3.55). Low baseline DLCO%
      independently predicted the need for corticosteroid treatment (p=<0.001) and
      physiological decline (p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated baseline CRP in
      sarcoidosis is associated with a good prognosis and is a negative predictive
      indicator of radiological progression. In patients without Lofgren's syndrome,
      high CRP and low DLCO% at presentation may identify a subset of patients more
      likely to develop physiological progression who may benefit from early systemic
      treatment.

PMID- 28079846
TI  - Patient confidence and quality of life in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and
      sarcoidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and sarcoidosis impact
      significantly on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). There are few studies on
      the impact of patient confidence on HRQOL in these conditions. OBJECTIVES: 1. To
      investigate whether patient confidence is associated with HRQOL, anxiety,
      depression, dyspnoea or fatigue. 2. To assess if patient confidence is associated
      with inpatient admissions, access to community healthcare and, for IPF patients,
      mortality and disease severity. METHODS: Study participants self-completed seven
      questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, EuroQol 5D (EQ5D), King's
      Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire, St George's Respiratory
      Questionnaire, MRC dyspnoea scale, Fatigue Assessment Scale and a non-validated
      questionnaire assessing patient confidence, symptom duration and access to
      community healthcare. Lung function and follow-up data were collected from
      hospital electronic databases. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were
      calculated to assess for correlation between patient confidence, questionnaire
      variables and inpatient admissions. Chi-square tests were performed to assess for
      association between patient confidence, mortality and disease severity. RESULTS:
      75 IPF patients and 69 sarcoidosis patients were recruited to the study. Patient
      confidence in IPF was significantly negatively correlated with depression and
      fatigue, and significantly positively correlated with EQ5D scores, but not
      healthcare outcomes. No associations were found between confidence and any of the
      variables assessed in sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of confidence in IPF
      patients are associated with higher levels of depression and fatigue and worse
      HRQOL. Efforts should be made to improve patient confidence to assess the impact
      on HRQOL.

PMID- 28079847
TI  - Relationship Between Abnormalities on High-Resolution Computerized Tomography,
      Pulmonary Function, and Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Progressive Systemic Sclerosis.
AB  - :  Introduction and aim: Progressive systemic sclerosis (pSS) is a multisystemic
      connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal
      organs including lung. The mechanisms that leads to progressive lung fibrosis in
      scleroderma remain obscure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the
      correlation between HRCT findings and patients' clinical and functional status
      and the degree of alveolitis based on the BAL resultsMaterials and methods: 65
      patients with pSS were evaluated. Thoracic HRCT, pulmonary function tests, and
      dyspnea measurements were applied, and BAL was performed. The parenchymal
      abnormalities identified on HRCT were coded, and  scored according to Warrick et
      al. RESULTS: Among parameters investigated, a correlation was found between the
      number of segments with subpleural cysts and the duration of disease. Also there
      was a correlation between the HRCT score and patient age whereas no correlation
      was detected between the duration of the disease, manifestation of the symptoms,
      and the x-ray findings. A correlation was found between the percentage of
      neutrophils detected in BAL and the extent of the honeycombing on HRCT.
      CONCLUSION: This study showed a strong correlation between the extent of x-ray
      abnormalities and FVC, RV, and DLCO, as well as an increase in the percentage of
      BAL fluid neutrophils in patients with SSc-PI.

PMID- 28079848
TI  - High-resolution computed tomography to differentiate chronic diffuse infiltrative
      lung diseases with chronic multifocal consolidation patterns using logical
      analysis of data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic lung consolidation has a limited number of differential
      diagnoses requiring distinct managements. The aim of the study was to investigate
      how logical analysis of data (LAD) can support their diagnosis at HRCT (high
      resolution computed tomography). METHODS: One hundred twenty-four patients were
      retrospectively included and classified into 8 diagnosis categories: sarcoidosis
      (n=35), connective tissue disease (n=21), adenocarcinoma (n=17), lymphoma (n=13),
      cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (n=11), drug-induced lung disease (n=9), chronic
      eosinophilic pneumonia (n =7) and miscellaneous (n=11). First, we investigated
      the patterns and models (association of patterns characterizing a disease) built
      up by the LAD from combinations of HRCT attributes (n=51). Second, data were
      recomputed by adding simple clinical attributes (n=14) to the analysis. Third,
      cluster analysis was performed to explain LAD failures. RESULTS: HRCT models
      reached a sensitivity >80% and a specificity >90% for adenocarcinoma and chronic
      eosinophilic pneumonia. The same thresholds were obtained for sarcoidosis,
      connective tissue disease, and drug-induced lung diseases when clinical
      attributes were added to HRCT. LAD failed to provide a satisfactory model for
      lymphoma and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, with overlap between both diseases
      shown on cluster analysis. CONCLUSION: LAD provides relevant models that can be
      used as a diagnosis support for the radiologist. It highlights the need to add
      clinical data in the analysis due to frequent overlap between diseases at HRCT.

PMID- 28079849
TI  - Role of serial F-18 FDG PET/CT scans in assessing treatment response and
      predicting relapses in patients with symptomatic sarcoidosis.
AB  - : ackground: Monitoring disease activity in sarcoidosis remains a clinical
      challenge as there is no gold standard. Positron emission tomography (PET)
      imaging is a novel tool to assess the metabolic activity. There is limited data
      on the role of serial PET scans in monitoring the disease activity. METHODS: This
      is a prospective study of 27 sarcoidosis patients treated with systemic
      corticosteroids. Patients underwent two serial PET/CT scans: one before
      initiating therapy and the follow up scan at end of therapy. The metabolic
      response on PET scan was classified as: (a) complete metabolic response (CMR);
      (b) partial metabolic response (PMR); (c) stable metabolic disease (SMD); and,
      (d) progressive metabolic disease (PMD). Patients with either CMR or PMR were
      classified as PET responders while those with SMD or PMD were considered as PET
      non-responders. All patients were followed at 3, 6 and 12 months after completion
      of therapy. Relapse rates and relapse-free survival was compared between the
      various groups. RESULTS: There was significant decline in the median SUVmax of
      the mediastinal lymph nodes, peripheral lymph nodes and the lung parenchyma in
      the follow up PET scan. Eight patients achieved CMR, 6 patients achieved PMR
      while 13 patients were PET non-responders. There was no difference in the
      clinical remission rates between the responders and non-responders. However, the
      relapse rate was significantly higher in non-responders vs. responders (61.5% vs.
      14.2%, p=0.018). None of the patients who achieved a CMR relapsed during the
      study period. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with metabolic response on PET scan have
      significantly fewer relapses as compared to those with no response on PET scan.

PMID- 28079850
TI  - Challenges in diagnosing Sarcoidosis in tuberculosis endemic regions: Clinical
      scenario in India.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a chronic, systemic disease of unknown etiology that affects
      multiple organs. The disease was considered rare in developing countries like
      India. More recently sarcoidosis is being increasingly diagnosed in countries
      where tuberculosis continues to be endemic. There is a general perception among
      physicians that the prevalence of sarcoidosis has increased over the last two
      decades in countries like India. This may be true but could also be related to
      better awareness of the condition, availability of improved diagnostic facilities
      and the increased ability of physicians to differentiate it from tuberculosis. In
      India, diagnosis of tuberculosis is entertained first in patients who may have
      sarcoidosis and thus, it is very likely for sarcoidosis to be misdiagnosed as
      tuberculosis, owing to the high prevalence of tuberculosis and
      clinicoradiological resemblance to the disease. This editorial highlights the
      challenges in diagnosing tuberculosis in countries where tuberculosis still
      continues to be endemic.

PMID- 28079851
TI  - Corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis: a single center experience and literature review.
AB  - Acute Exacerbation (AEx) is a frequent and severe complication of Idiopathic
      Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). In the absence of consensus regarding treatment,
      studies evaluating the efficacy of specific therapies, such as corticosteroids
      and immunosuppresant agents, are needed. In this case series we evaluated the
      outcome in terms of survival of intravenous pulse doses of high-dose
      corticosteroid (methylprednisolone 1000 mg per day for 3 consecutive days)
      followed by montlhy cyclophosphamide administration (maximum 6 doses) in a cohort
      of patients with AEx-IPF referred to the Respiratory Unit, San Gerardo University
      Hospital, Monza, Italy, from 2009 to 2013. A total of 11 patients (7 males,
      median age 65 years) were enrolled. A median of five monthly pulse doses of
      cyclophosphamide were administered, with four patients receiving all 6 doses.
      Four patients died before completion. Three patients developed adverse events.
      Overall survival at 3 months was 73%, at 6 months 63%, at 12 months 55%, at 18
      months 45% and at 2 years 27%. In-hospital mortality was 9%. Causes of death
      were: six respiratory failures from disease progression, one lung cancer and one
      breast cancer. Two patients received lung transplantation and were excluded from
      the Kaplan-Meier analysis. In conclusion, combined intravenous pulse doses of
      high-dose corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide could be a reasonable add-on
      therapy for AEx-IPF, considering the few side effects and safe profile. A
      complete and rapid diagnostic work-up associated to the proper management (e.g.
      support of respiratory failure with non-invasive ventilation) in the right
      setting, may also have a positive effect on patients' outcome.

PMID- 28079852
TI  - Ichthyosiform sarcoidosis: report of three cases from Japan and literature
      review.
AB  - Cutaneous lesions of sarcoidosis present with various manifestations including
      specific and non-specific cutaneous lesions. Ichthyosiform sarcoidosis is a rare
      form of cutaneous sarcoidosis, presenting with asymptomatic, adherent, polygonal
      scales, mainly appearing on the lower limbs.  Ichthyosiform sarcoidosis has a
      predilection for dark-skinned races, and cases affecting Japanese patients have
      rarely been reported in English literature.  We herein describe three Japanese
      cases of ichthyosiform sarcoidosis on the lower limbs. All of the patients were
      female, with an age range of 57-69 years old.  Histologically, sarcoidal
      granulomas were located in the mid- to lower dermis.  All cases had scar
      sarcoidosis on the knees.  Furthermore, Case 1 presented with papular sarcoidosis
      on the back, and Case 3 presented with subcutaneous nodules on the buttock as
      well as erythema nodosum-like lesions on the lower legs.  All patients had lung
      sarcoidosis, but ocular sarcoidosis was seen in only Case 2. Case 3 showed
      Heerfordt syndrome with facial nerve paralysis. Histological features showed that
      the granular layers were scarcely detected in the overlying epidermis; however,
      filaggrin expression was not decreased.  Sarcoidal granulomas accumulated around
      the sweat glands in one case, whereas those features were not detected in the
      other two cases. In conclusion, ichthyosiform cutaneous sarcoidosis may be
      overlooked or misdiagnosed as xerotic dry skin which is frequently found in
      elderly people, and ichthyosiform cutaneous lesions may be more prevalent than
      previously estimated.

PMID- 28079854
TI  - Time-course of Serum Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines Levels Observed in
      Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Case Report.
AB  - A 77-year-old man visited our hospital with chief complaints of difficulty in
      hearing, nasal discharge and fever. The patients was diagnosed with otitis media,
      and his fever continued at approximately 38 degrees C despite the administration
      of clarithromycin. After that, dyspnea on exertion developed and chest X-ray
      examination indicated multiple infiltrative shadows. PR3-ANCA levels were high
      (238-fold of the normal levels), and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was
      diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and pathological
      findings. Thus, remission induction therapy was initiated with prednisolone and
      cyclophosphamide, following which symptoms and imaging findings rapidly improved.
      Blood concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, and growth
      related oncogene that had been measured since before treatment decreased over
      time with the improvement of lesions following treatment.

PMID- 28079853
TI  - Solely lung-involved IgG4-related disease : a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - By analyzing the clinical data of 1 case of IgG4-related lung disease(IgG4-RLD)
      and the review of literature, the author investigated the clinical
      characteristics of IgG4-RLD. IgG4-RLD is a rare disease characterized by
      significant elevation of serum IgG4 and infiltration of a large number of IgG4+
      plasma cells. The clinical manifestations of the disease were nonspecific, and
      the imaging features were mixed with several types. The disease can only be
      involved in the lung, but also multiple organ involvement. Solely lung-involved
      IgG4-RD is not only extremely rare but also easily misdiagnosed as tuberculosis,
      lung cancer, lymphoma and other common pulmonary diseases. Histopathological
      examination is the key to the diagnosis of the disease. Corticosteroids are the
      first choice of treatment, and the overall prognosis is good.

PMID- 28079855
TI  - Acute sarcoid myopathy: a case report and literature review.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a worldwide spread disease with brad clinical spectrum, in which
      the pulmonary involvement is the main manifestation (more than 90% of cases);
      nevertheless, extrathoracic symptoms can predominate in the clinical picture and
      they may even be the first manifestation. One of them is the skeletal muscle
      involvement that normally is chronic and silent, with poor response to treatment
      with glucocorticoids. However, in some cases, it has an acute presentation. We
      present a case of a 61-year-old man with diagnosis of sarcoidosis whe were
      evaluated for proximal lower limb weakness within few days of evolution.

PMID- 28079856
TI  - Charles VI of France and Henry VI of England: Familial Sarcoidosis in the Hundred
      Years' War.
AB  - Not available.

PMID- 28079857
TI  - Annexin A11 is associated with pulmonary fibrosis in African American patients
      with sarcoidosis.
AB  - Not available.

PMID- 28079858
TI  - Reticuloendothelial system involvement in untreated sarcoidosis patients as
      assessed by 18F-FDG PET scanning.
AB  - Not available.

PMID- 28079859
TI  - Executive functions in sarcoidosis: a neurocognitive assessment study.
AB  - Not available.

PMID- 28079860
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - In the article "Transcriptional blood signatures of sarcoidosis, sarcoid-like
      reactions and tubercolosis and their diagnostic implications" which appeared in
      Volume 33, Issue 3 (2016) of Sarcoidosis, vasculitis and diffuse lung diseases,
      the title was given incorrectly. The correct title is "Transcriptional blood
      signatures of sarcoidosis, sarcoid-like reactions and tuberculosis and their
      diagnostic implications".

PMID- 28079861
TI  - Endoscopic vs. Surgical Interventions for Painful Chronic Pancreatitis: What is
      Needed for Future Clinical Trials.
AB  - The treatment of painful chronic pancreatitis remains controversial. The
      available evidence from two randomized controlled trials favor surgical
      intervention, whereas an endotherapy-first approach is widely practiced. Chronic
      pancreatitis is complex disease with different genetic and environmental factors,
      different pain mechanisms and different treatment modalities including medical,
      endoscopic, and surgical. The widely practiced step-up approach remains unproven.
      In designing future clinical trials there are some important pre-requisites
      including a more comprehensive pain assessment tool, the optimization of
      conservative medical treatment and interventional techniques. Consideration
      should be given to the need of a control arm and the optimal timing of
      intervention. Pending better designed studies, the practical way forward is to
      identify subgroups of patients who clearly warrant endotherapy or surgery first,
      and to design the future clinical trials for the remainder.

PMID- 28079862
TI  - Extraneuronal pathology in a canine model of CLN2 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
      after intracerebroventricular gene therapy that delays neurological disease
      progression.
AB  - CLN2 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a hereditary lysosomal storage disease
      with primarily neurological signs that results from mutations in TPP1, which
      encodes the lysosomal enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase-1 (TPP1). Studies using a
      canine model for this disorder demonstrated that delivery of TPP1 enzyme to the
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by intracerebroventricular administration of an AAV
      TPP1 vector resulted in substantial delays in the onset and progression of
      neurological signs and prolongation of life span. We hypothesized that the
      treatment may not deliver therapeutic levels of this protein to tissues outside
      the central nervous system that also require TPP1 for normal lysosomal function.
      To test this hypothesis, dogs treated with CSF administration of AAV-TPP1 were
      evaluated for the development of non-neuronal pathology. Affected treated dogs
      exhibited progressive cardiac pathology reflected by elevated plasma cardiac
      troponin-1, impaired cardiac function and development of histopathological
      myocardial lesions. Progressive increases in the plasma activity levels of
      alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase indicated development of pathology
      in the liver and muscles. The treatment also did not prevent disease-related
      accumulation of lysosomal storage bodies in the heart or liver. These studies
      indicate that optimal treatment outcomes for CLN2 disease may require delivery of
      TPP1 systemically as well as directly to the central nervous system.

PMID- 28079863
TI  - The modified patient enablement instrument: a Portuguese cross-cultural
      adaptation, validity and reliability study.
AB  - Enabling patients with asthma to obtain the knowledge, confidence and skills they
      need in order to assume a major role in the management of their disease is cost
      effective. It should be an integral part of any plan for long-term control of
      asthma. The modified Patient Enablement Instrument (mPEI) is an easily
      administered questionnaire that was adapted in the United Kingdom to measure
      patient enablement in asthma, but its applicability in Portugal is not known.
      Validity and reliability of questionnaires should be tested before use in
      settings different from those of the original version. The purpose of this study
      was to test the applicability of the mPEI to Portuguese asthma patients after
      translation and cross-cultural adaptation, and to verify the structural validity,
      internal consistency and reproducibility of the instrument. The mPEI was
      translated to Portuguese and back translated to English. Its content validity was
      assessed by a debriefing interview with 10 asthma patients. The translated
      instrument was then administered to a random sample of 142 patients with
      persistent asthma. Structural validity and internal consistency were assessed.
      For reproducibility analysis, 86 patients completed the instrument again 7 days
      later. Item-scale correlations and exploratory factor analysis were used to
      assess structural validity. Cronbach's alpha was used to test internal
      consistency, and the intra-class correlation coefficient was used for the
      analysis of reproducibility. All items of the Portuguese version of the mPEI were
      found to be equivalent to the original English version. There were strong item
      scale correlations that confirmed construct validity, with a one component
      structure and good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.8) as well as high
      test-retest reliability (ICC=0.85). The mPEI showed sound psychometric properties
      for the evaluation of enablement in patients with asthma making it a reliable
      instrument for use in research and clinical practice in Portugal. Further studies
      are needed to confirm its responsiveness.

PMID- 28079864
TI  - Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complication of bronchopulmonary
      dysplasia (BPD) but the true impact of PH in patients with BPD remains unclear.
      We sought to systematically review and meta-analyze incidence of PH in BPD and
      compare clinical outcomes of BPD patients with PH to those without PH in preterm
      infants. STUDY DESIGN: Medline, Embase, PsychINFO and CINAHL were searched from
      January 2000 through December 2015. Cohort, case-control and randomized studies
      were included. Case-reports, case-series and letters to editors and studies with
      high risk of bias were excluded. Study design, inclusion/exclusion criteria,
      diagnostic criteria for BPD and PH and outcomes were extracted independently by
      two co-authors. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of PH in patients with BPD (any
      severity) was 17% (95% confidence interval (CI) 12 to 21; 7 studies) and 24% (95%
      CI 17 to 30; 9 studies) in moderate-severe BPD. Patients with BPD have higher
      unadjusted odds of developing PH compared to those without BPD (odds ratio (OR)
      3.00; 95% CI 1.18 to 7.66; 4 studies). Patients with BPD and PH were at higher
      odds of mortality (OR 5.29; 95% CI 2.07 to 13.56; 3 studies) compared with BPD
      without PH, but there was no significant difference in duration of initial
      hospitalization, duration of supplemental oxygen requirement or need for home
      oxygen. No studies included in this review reported on long-term pulmonary or
      neurodevelopmental outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: PH occurs in one out of 4 to 5 preterm
      neonates with BPD. Patients with BPD and PH may have higher odds of mortality;
      however, there is urgent need for high quality studies that control for
      confounders and provide data on long-term outcomes.

PMID- 28079865
TI  - Differences in mortality characteristics in neonates with Down's syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neonates with Down's syndrome (nDS) may have multiple medical issues
      that place them at increased risk for mortality during the newborn period. Goal
      of this study was to determine if there are differences in baseline
      characteristics, medical complications or procedures performed during
      hospitalization between nDS who survived versus those who died during initial
      hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN: Data from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed using the
      Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS) database on all DS patients admitted
      to the hospital <30 days postnatal life. Baseline demographics, medical
      complications, procedures performed and mortality were recorded. Patients were
      divided into nDS patients who were discharged alive (nDS-a) versus nDS patients
      who died (nDS-d). Multivariate logistic analysis with odds ratios was performed
      to determine significant predictors of death. A P<0.05 was considered
      significant. RESULTS: A total of 5737 nDS were evaluated. Overall mortality was
      7.5% (431/5737). nDS-d were more likely than nDS-a to have a lower birth weight
      (1.0 (0.9 to 1.0)), presence of a diaphragmatic hernia (6.9 (1.9 to 25.1), or a
      cardiac diagnosis of a pulmonary venous abnormality (6.8 (1.9 to 24.4)),
      Ebstein's anomaly (3.2 (1.2 to 8.5)) or left-sided obstructive lesion (2.0 (1.3
      to 3.0). nDS-d were more likely to develop hydrops (5.7 (3.5 to 9.5)) and
      necrotizing enterocolitis (1.7 (1.2 to 2.6)). In addition, nDS-d had
      significantly higher odds of requiring mechanical ventilation (20.7 (9.9 to
      43.1)) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (8.7 (4.7 to 16.1)). CONCLUSIONS: A
      number of characteristics, specifically certain cardiac diagnosis, place nDS at
      increased risk for mortality. Furthermore, development of specific medical
      complications or need for particular procedures increases the odds for mortality
      in nDS. Caregivers should be cognizant that they are taking care of a high-risk
      population nDS with an increased risk for mortality if these variables are
      present.

PMID- 28079866
TI  - Outcomes of twin pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes: a meta-analysis
      of observational studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in singleton pregnancy is
      associated with large for gestational age neonates and adverse perinatal
      outcomes; however, the impact of GDM in twin pregnancy is unclear. Thus, the aim
      of this study is to assess the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies complicated
      by GDM by performing a meta-analysis of observational studies. STUDY DESIGN:
      Studies investigating GDM in twin pregnancy were identified through an online
      search of three databases: Medline, Embase and Web of Science. Selection criteria
      comprised full paper observational studies (retrospective or prospective)
      published in English that examined GDM in twin pregnancy compared with non-GDM
      twin pregnancy and reported on birth weight and/or adverse perinatal outcomes.
      Random-effects models with inverse-variance weighting were used to calculate
      standardized mean differences and unadjusted odds ratios. Sensitivity analyses
      were carried out to determine the impact of possible maternal confounders (body
      mass index and age) and GDM diagnostic criteria on perinatal outcomes. RESULTS:
      Thirteen observational studies were included. GDM twins were born at the same
      gestation as non-GDM twins, with marginally lower birth weight. There was no
      difference in the incidence of large or small for gestational age neonates.
      Although there was no correlation between GDM in twin pregnancy and respiratory
      distress, neonatal hypoglycemic or low Apgar score, GDM twins had a higher rate
      of neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR 1.49; 95% confidence interval:
      1.10, 2.02; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Identification and subsequent treatment of GDM
      in twin pregnancy demonstrates a similar risk of adverse perinatal outcomes
      compared with non-GDM twin pregnancies.

PMID- 28079867
TI  - Reducing peripherally inserted central catheters in the neonatal intensive care
      unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to safely reduce the number of peripherally inserted
      central catheters (PICCs) inserted in infants with umbilical venous catheter
      using quality improvement methods. STUDY DESIGN: In a tertiary neonatal intensive
      care unit, a questionnaire designed to prompt critical thinking around the
      decision to place a PICC, along with an updated standardized feeding guideline
      was introduced. PICC insertion in 86 infants with umbilical venous catheter (pre
      intervention) with birth weight 1000-1500 g were compared with 115 infants (post
      intervention) using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: PICC lines inserted after the
      intervention decreased by 37.5% (67/86; 77.9% vs 56/115; 48.7%; P<0.001). The
      proportion of central line-associated blood stream infection were 2.49 vs
      2.82/1000 umbilical venous catheter days; P=0.91 in the two epochs, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Quality improvement methodology was successful in significantly
      reducing the number of PICCs inserted without an increase in central line
      associated blood stream infection.

PMID- 28079868
TI  - CDC123/CAMK1D gene rs12779790 polymorphism and rs10811661 polymorphism upstream
      of the CDKN2A/2B gene in women with gestational diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is carbohydrate intolerance
      occurring in pregnant women. CDC123/CAMK1D and CDKN2A/2B are associated with
      increased risk of type 2 diabetes and may affect pancreatic beta cell function.
      The aim of this study was to examine the association between CDKN2A/2B rs10811661
      and CDC123/CAMK1D rs12779790 gene polymorphisms and GDM. STUDY DESIGN: This study
      included 411 pregnant women. The diagnosis of GDM was based on the International
      Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. According to the
      results of their oral glucose tolerance test, the women were divided into two
      groups: 204 pregnant women with GDM and 207 pregnant women with normal glucose
      tolerance. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the
      distribution of CDC123/CAMK1D rs12779790 genotypes and alleles between women with
      GDM and healthy pregnant women. However, there was a statistically significant
      association between the C allele of CDKN2A/2B rs10811661 polymorphism and reduced
      risk of GDM (C vs T, OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.79, P=0.0014). In the multivariate
      logistic regression analysis, older age and higher body mass index before
      pregnancy were independent significant predictors of a higher risk of GDM, while
      higher number of C alleles (CDKN2A/2B rs10811661) was a protective factor against
      GDM. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest an association between
      CDKN2A/2B gene rs10811661 polymorphism and GDM.

PMID- 28079870
TI  - Impact of l-carnitine supplementation on metabolic profiles in premature infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the influence that of l-carnitine supplementation on
      acylcarnitine (AC) profiles and hospital outcomes in premature infants. STUDY
      DESIGN: This study is a secondary analysis of previously reported work. Metabolic
      profiles were obtained using standard newborn techniques on infants born between
      23 and 31 completed weeks of gestation. The profiles were drawn within the first
      24 h after birth and on approximately days 7, 28 and 42 of life, or at the time
      of discharge. A single, central, contract laboratory analyzed and managed the
      samples. RESULTS: We studied 995 patients; none was subsequently diagnosed with
      an inborn error of metabolism. l-Carnitine was added to parenteral nutrition in
      390 (39%) study subjects; 592 (60%) did not receive supplementation. Non
      supplemented infants were more likely to develop low levels of free carnitine
      (FC; <7 MUm) on day 28; (41% vs 5%, P<0.01); and FC values were lower on day 7.
      Despite higher levels of FC and fewer patients with significant carnitine
      deficiencies, we found no evidence that l-carnitine supplementation was
      associated with improved short-term hospital outcomes. CONCLUSION: l-Carnitine
      supplementation is common in prematurely born neonates and is associated with
      higher carnitine levels, but is not associated with improved short-term hospital
      outcomes.

PMID- 28079869
TI  - Racial and social predictors of longitudinal cervical measures: the Cervical
      Ultrasound Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the racial and socioeconomic disparities are
      present in adverse cervical parameters, and, if so, when such disparities
      develop. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted. 175 women with a
      prior preterm birth had up to four endovaginal ultrasounds between gestational
      weeks 16 and 24 (Cervical Ultrasound Trial of the MFMU). Each sociodemographic
      factor (race/ethnicity, marital status, insurance funding and education) was
      examined as a predictor of short cervix or U/funnel shape, using multiple
      logistic and linear regression. Changes in the cervical length and shape across
      pregnancy and after pressure were also examined. RESULTS: The strongest
      associations were seen between race and government-funded insurance and short
      cervix and U shape per funneling (race and length <25 mm per funnel: adjusted
      odds ratio (OR) 5.52, 2.24 to 13.63; government-funded insurance and length <30
      mm per funnel: adjusted OR 3.10, 1.34 to 7.15). Changes in cervical length were
      not associated with sociodemographics. CONCLUSION: African-American race and, to
      a lesser extent, insurance funder, are associated with cervical length and shapes
      that have been associated with preterm birth, and those properties are present
      largely early in pregnancy.

PMID- 28079871
TI  - The relationship between the rising cesarean delivery and postpartum readmission
      rates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to determine if the increasing rate of postpartum
      readmissions is related to the increasing rate of cesarean delivery. STUDY
      DESIGN: Readmitted patients were identified in the State Inpatient Databases of
      California, Florida and New York from 2004 to 2011. Relevant maternal
      comorbidities, pregnancy complications and intrapartum events were collected
      using ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes. The effects of cesarean delivery were
      first examined via univariate logistic regression to calculate the odds of
      readmission by year for patients who had delivered via cesarean section. Then, we
      used multivariate logistic regression models to isolate the effect of mode of
      delivery on the odds of readmission by adjusting for the effects of patient
      demographics, hospital characteristics and maternal comorbidities. RESULTS:
      Nearly one million deliveries were identified each year, and ~600 000 deliveries
      per year met inclusion criteria. During this time, the readmission rate increased
      from 1.72 to 2.16%, and the cesarean delivery rate increased from 30.4 to 33.9%.
      The odds of readmission for patients delivered via cesarean section decreased
      yearly, from 1.343 (95% CI: 1.295 to 1.392) in 2004 to 1.046 (95% CI: 1.012 to
      1.108) in 2011. In a multivariate model, the odds based on year were 1.032 (95%
      CI: 1.030 to 1.035), demonstrating an increased odds of readmission over time.
      When cesarean delivery was added to the model, this odds estimate did not change
      (OR: 1.031, 95% CI: 1.028 to 1.035), suggesting it did not account for the
      increased odds of readmission over time, even though cesarean delivery rates
      increased. However, when maternal comorbidities were added to the model, the odds
      ratio for year became insignificant (OR: 1.001, 95% CI: 0.998 to 1.005),
      suggesting that they accounted for the increasing rate of readmissions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The increasing cesarean delivery rate does not explain the
      increasing rate of postpartum readmissions. Rather, the increasing postpartum
      readmission rate appears to be related to maternal comorbidities.

PMID- 28079872
TI  - Is use of multiple antihypertensive agents to achieve blood pressure control
      associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether requiring >1 medication for blood pressure control
      is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort
      of 974 singletons with chronic hypertension at a tertiary care center. Subjects
      on >1 antihypertensive agent were compared with those on one agent <20 weeks
      gestational age with results stratified by average blood pressure (<140/90 and
      ?140/90 mm Hg) from prenatal visits. The primary maternal outcome was
      preeclampsia; the primary neonatal outcome was small for gestational age (<10th
      percentile). RESULT: Among women with blood pressure ?140/90 mm Hg, women on
      multiple agents had the greatest risk of preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia,
      antenatal admissions to rule out preeclampsia, preterm birth <35 weeks and
      composite neonatal adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Compared with use of a single
      agent when blood pressure is ?140/90 mm Hg, use of multiple agents increases
      adverse risks, while no such finding exists when blood pressure is controlled
      below 140/90 mm Hg.

PMID- 28079873
TI  - Major anomalies and birth-weight influence NICU interventions and mortality in
      infants with trisomy 13 or 18.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) medical interventions
      and NICU mortality by birth weight and major anomaly types for infants with
      trisomy 13 (T13) or 18 (T18). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis of
      infants with T13 or T18 from 2005 to 2012 in the Pediatrix Medical Group. We
      classified infants into three groups by associated anomaly type: neonatal
      surgical, non-neonatal surgical and minor. Outcomes were NICU medical
      interventions and mortality. RESULTS: 841 infants were included from 186 NICUs.
      NICU mortality varied widely by anomaly type and birth weight, from 70% of
      infants <1500 g with neonatal surgical anomalies to 31% of infants ?2500 g with
      minor anomalies. Infants ?1500 g without a neonatal surgical anomaly comprised
      66% of infants admitted to the NICU; they had the lowest rates of NICU medical
      interventions and NICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Risk stratification by anomaly
      type and birth weight may help provide more accurate family counseling for
      infants with T13 and T18.

PMID- 28079874
TI  - Cerebral modulation of the autonomic nervous system in term infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Central topography of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function has yet
      to be fully deciphered. In adults it has been shown to lateralize sympathetic and
      parasympathetic influence predominantly to the right and left cerebral
      hemispheres, respectively. We examined functional topography of central ANS in
      newborn subjects utilizing spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), an
      established measure of ANS function. STUDY DESIGN: We studied newborns with
      hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy participating in a prospective study undergoing a
      therapeutic hypothermia protocol.We included subjects with continuous heart rate
      data over the first 3 h of normothermia (post rewarming) and brain magnetic
      resonance imaging, which was reviewed and scored according to a 4 region scheme.
      HRV was evaluated by spectral analysis in the low-frequency (0.05 to 0.25 Hz) and
      high-frequency (0.3 to 1 Hz) ranges. The relationship between injured brain
      regions and HRV was studied using multiple regressions. RESULTS: Forty eight
      newborns were included. When examined in isolation, right hemisphere injury had a
      significant negative effect on HRV (-0.088; 95% CI: -0.225,-0.008). The
      combination of posterior fossa region injury with right hemispheric injury or
      left hemispheric injury demonstrated significant positive (0.299; 95% CI: 0.065,
      0.518) and negative (-0.475; 95% CI: -0.852, -0.128) influences on HRV,
      respectively. The association between brain injury location and HRV in the high
      frequency range did not reach significance. CONCLUSION: Our data support the
      notion that lateralized cerebral modulation of the ANS, specifically of its
      sympathetic component, is present in the term newborn, and suggest complex
      modulation of these tracts by components of the posterior fossa.

PMID- 28079876
TI  - Cardiac output decreases and systemic vascular resistance increases in newborns
      placed in the left-lateral position.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to study the effect of short-term left
      lateral position on cardiovascular parameters in hemodynamically stable newborns.
      STUDY DESIGN: Cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), systemic vascular
      resistance index (SVRI) and heart rate (HR) were measured by electric velocimetry
      in hemodynamically stable newborns without respiratory support in the supine,
      left-lateral and back-to-supine positions, each kept for 10 min. RESULTS: Thirty
      two newborns were enrolled, birth weight 2134 (1818 to 2460) g, gestational age
      34.5+/-2.4 weeks. CO and SV decreased significantly from supine to left-lateral
      position (CO supine: 193.4 (168.0 to 229.6) ml kg-1min-1; CO left-lateral: 172.0
      (154.9 to 201.6) ml kg-1min-1, P<0.0001; SV supine: 3.0 (2.7 to 4.0) ml; SV left
      lateral: 2.7 (2.4 to 3.2) ml, P<0.0004). Conversely, SVRI increased in left
      lateral position: SVRI supine: 18865+/-9244 dyns cm-5 m-2; SVRI left-lateral:
      21203+/-10059 dyns cm-5 m-2, P<0.0001). All variables returned to the initial
      value when infants were back in the supine position. HR and blood pressure did
      not change. CONCLUSION: In stable infants, CO and SV decrease and SVRI increases,
      in left-lateral position.

PMID- 28079875
TI  - Early postnatal illness severity scores predict neurodevelopmental impairments at
      10 years of age in children born extremely preterm.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A neonatal illness severity score, The Score for Neonatal Acute
      Physiology-II (SNAP-II), predicts neurodevelopmental impairments at two years of
      age among children born extremely preterm. We sought to evaluate to what extent
      SNAP-II is predictive of cognitive and other neurodevelopmental impairments at 10
      years of age. STUDY DESIGN: In a cohort of 874 children born before 28 weeks of
      gestation, we prospectively collected clinical, physiologic and laboratory data
      to calculate SNAP-II for each infant. When the children were 10 years old,
      examiners who were unaware of the child's medical history assessed
      neurodevelopmental outcomes, including neurocognitive, gross motor, social and
      communication functions, diagnosis and treatment of seizures or attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), academic achievement, and quality of life. We used
      logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: An undesirably
      high SNAP-II (?30), present in 23% of participants, was associated with an
      increased risk of cognitive impairment (IQ, executive function, language
      ability), adverse neurological outcomes (epilepsy, impaired gross motor
      function), behavioral abnormalities (attention deficit disorder and
      hyperactivity), social dysfunction (autistic spectrum disorder) and education
      related adversities (school achievement and need for educational supports. In
      analyses that adjusted for potential confounders, Z-scores ?-1 on 11 of 18
      cognitive outcomes were associated with SNAP-II in the highest category, and 6 of
      18 were associated with SNAP-II in the intermediate category. Odds ratios and 95%
      confidence intervals ranged from 1.4 (1.01, 2.1) to 2.1 (1.4, 3.1). Similarly, 2
      of the 8 social dysfunctions were associated with SNAP-II in the highest
      category, and 3 of 8 were associated with SNAP-II in the intermediate category.
      Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were slightly higher for these
      assessments, ranging from 1.6 (1.1, 2.4) to 2.3 (1.2, 4.6). CONCLUSION: Among
      very preterm newborns, physiologic derangements present in the first 12 postnatal
      hours are associated with dysfunctions in several neurodevelopmental domains at
      10 years of age. We are unable to make inferences about causality.

PMID- 28079877
TI  - Genome-wide transposon screening and quantitative insertion site sequencing for
      cancer gene discovery in mice.
AB  - Transposon-mediated forward genetics screening in mice has emerged as a powerful
      tool for cancer gene discovery. It pinpoints cancer drivers that are difficult to
      find with other approaches, thus complementing the sequencing-based census of
      human cancer genes. We describe here a large series of mouse lines for
      insertional mutagenesis that are compatible with two transposon systems, PiggyBac
      and Sleeping Beauty, and give guidance on the use of different engineered
      transposon variants for constitutive or tissue-specific cancer gene discovery
      screening. We also describe a method for semiquantitative transposon insertion
      site sequencing (QiSeq). The QiSeq library preparation protocol exploits acoustic
      DNA fragmentation to reduce bias inherent to widely used restriction-digestion
      based approaches for ligation-mediated insertion site amplification. Extensive
      multiplexing in combination with next-generation sequencing allows affordable
      ultra-deep transposon insertion site recovery in high-throughput formats within 1
      week. Finally, we describe principles of data analysis and interpretation for
      obtaining insights into cancer gene function and genetic tumor evolution.

PMID- 28079878
TI  - A complete workflow for high-resolution spectral-stitching nanoelectrospray
      direct-infusion mass-spectrometry-based metabolomics and lipidomics.
AB  - Metabolomic and lipidomic studies measure and discover metabolic and lipid
      profiles in biological samples, enabling a better understanding of the metabolism
      of specific biological phenotypes. Accurate biological interpretations require
      high analytical reproducibility and sensitivity, and standardized and transparent
      data processing. Here we describe a complete workflow for nanoelectrospray
      ionization (nESI) direct-infusion mass spectrometry (DIMS) metabolomics and
      lipidomics. After metabolite and lipid extraction from tissues and biofluids,
      samples are directly infused into a high-resolution mass spectrometer (e.g.,
      Orbitrap) using a chip-based nESI sample delivery system. nESI functions to
      minimize ionization suppression or enhancement effects as compared with standard
      electrospray ionization (ESI). Our analytical technique-named spectral stitching
      measures data as several overlapping mass-to-charge (m/z) windows that are
      subsequently 'stitched' together, creating a complete mass spectrum. This
      considerably increases the dynamic range and detection sensitivity-about a
      fivefold increase in peak detection-as compared with the collection of DIMS data
      as a single wide mass-to-charge (m/z ratio) window. Data processing, statistical
      analysis and metabolite annotation are executed as a workflow within the user
      friendly, transparent and freely available Galaxy platform (galaxyproject.org).
      Generated data have high mass accuracy that enables molecular formulae peak
      annotations. The workflow is compatible with any sample-extraction method; in
      this protocol, the examples are extracted using a biphasic method, with methanol,
      chloroform and water as the solvents. The complete workflow is reproducible,
      rapid and automated, which enables cost-effective analysis of >10,000 samples per
      year, making it ideal for high-throughput metabolomics and lipidomics screening
      e.g., for clinical phenotyping, drug screening and toxicity testing.

PMID- 28079879
TI  - The ClusPro web server for protein-protein docking.
AB  - The ClusPro server (https://cluspro.org) is a widely used tool for protein
      protein docking. The server provides a simple home page for basic use, requiring
      only two files in Protein Data Bank (PDB) format. However, ClusPro also offers a
      number of advanced options to modify the search; these include the removal of
      unstructured protein regions, application of attraction or repulsion, accounting
      for pairwise distance restraints, construction of homo-multimers, consideration
      of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data, and location of heparin-binding
      sites. Six different energy functions can be used, depending on the type of
      protein. Docking with each energy parameter set results in ten models defined by
      centers of highly populated clusters of low-energy docked structures. This
      protocol describes the use of the various options, the construction of auxiliary
      restraints files, the selection of the energy parameters, and the analysis of the
      results. Although the server is heavily used, runs are generally completed in <4
      h.

PMID- 28079881
TI  - Translational upregulation of Aurora-A by hnRNP Q1 contributes to cell
      proliferation and tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer.
AB  - By using RNA-immunoprecipitation assay following next-generation sequencing, a
      group of cell cycle-related genes targeted by hnRNP Q1 were identified, including
      Aurora-A kinase. Overexpressed hnRNP Q1 can upregulate Aurora-A protein, but not
      alter the mRNA level, through enhancing the translational efficiency of Aurora-A
      mRNA, either in a cap-dependent or -independent manner, by interacting with the
      5'-UTR of Aurora-A mRNA through its RNA-binding domains (RBDs) 2 and 3. By
      ribosomal profiling assay further confirmed the translational regulation of
      Aurora-A mRNA by hnRNP Q1. Overexpression of hnRNP Q1 promotes cell proliferation
      and tumor growth. HnRNP Q1/DeltaRBD23-truncated mutant, which loses the binding
      ability and translational regulation of Aurora-A mRNA, has no effect on promoting
      tumor growth. The expression level of hnRNP Q1 is positively correlated with
      Aurora-A in colorectal cancer. Taken together, our data indicate that hnRNP Q1 is
      a novel trans-acting factor that binds to Aurora-A mRNA 5'-UTRs and regulates its
      translation, which increases cell proliferation and contributes to tumorigenesis
      in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 28079880
TI  - Nonradioactive quantification of autophagic protein degradation with L
      azidohomoalanine labeling.
AB  - At present, several assays that use radioisotope labeling to quantify the
      degradation of long-lived proteins have been developed to measure autophagic
      flux. Here, we describe a nonradioactive pulse-chase protocol using L
      azidohomoalanine (AHA) labeling to quantify long-lived protein degradation during
      autophagy. AHA is used as a surrogate for L-methionine, and, when added to
      cultured cells grown in methionine-free medium, AHA is incorporated into proteins
      during de novo protein synthesis. After a chase period to remove short-lived
      proteins, autophagy is induced by starvation or other stimuli. Cells then undergo
      a 'click' reaction between the azide group of AHA and a fluorescently tagged
      alkyne probe. The AHA-containing proteins can then be detected by flow cytometry.
      This protocol is nonradioactive, sensitive and quantitative, and it is easy to
      perform. It is also applicable to various cell culture systems. The whole
      protocol is estimated to take 4-5 d to complete.

PMID- 28079882
TI  - Stability of the cancer target DDIAS is regulated by the CHIP/HSP70 pathway in
      lung cancer cells.
AB  - DNA damage-induced apoptosis suppressor (DDIAS) rescues lung cancer cells from
      apoptosis in response to DNA damage. DDIAS is transcriptionally activated by
      NFATc1 and EGF-mediated ERK5/MEF2B, leading to cisplatin resistance and cell
      invasion. Therefore, DDIAS is suggested as a therapeutic target for lung cancer.
      Here, we report that DDIAS stability is regulated by E3 U-box ubiquitin ligase
      carboxyl terminus of HSP70-interacting protein (CHIP)-mediated proteasomal
      degradation. We first isolated CHIP as an interacting partner of DDIAS by yeast
      two-hybrid screening. CHIP physically associated with both the N- and C-terminal
      regions of DDIAS, targeting it for proteasomal degradation and reducing the DDIAS
      half-life. CHIP overexpression analyses indicated that the tetratrico peptide
      repeat (TPR) domain and the U-box are required for DDIAS ubiquitination. It is
      likely that HSP70-bound DDIAS is recruited to the CHIP E3 ligase via the TPR
      domain, suggesting DDIAS as a client protein of HSP70. In addition, CHIP
      overexpression in lung cancer cells expressing high DDIAS levels induced
      significant growth inhibition by enhancing DDIAS degradation. Furthermore,
      simultaneous CHIP overexpression and DNA damage agent treatment caused a
      substantial increase in the apoptosis of lung cancer cells. Taken together, these
      findings indicate that the stability of the DDIAS protein is regulated by
      CHIP/HSP70-mediated proteasomal degradation and that CHIP overexpression
      stimulates the apoptosis of lung cancer cells in response to DNA-damaging agents.

PMID- 28079883
TI  - Cysteamine re-establishes the clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by macrophages
      bearing the cystic fibrosis-relevant F508del-CFTR mutation.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal monogenic disease in Caucasians, is
      characterized by recurrent bacterial infections and colonization, mainly by
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resulting in unresolved airway inflammation. CF is caused
      by mutations in the gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance
      regulator (CFTR) protein, which functions as a chloride channel in epithelial
      cells, macrophages, and other cell types. Impaired bacterial handling by
      macrophages is a feature of CF airways, although it is still debated how
      defective CFTR impairs bacterial killing. Recent evidence indicates that a
      defective autophagy in CF macrophages leads to alterations of bacterial clearance
      upon infection. Here we use bone marrow-derived macrophages from transgenic mice
      to provide the genetic proof that defective CFTR compromises both uptake and
      clearance of internalized Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We demonstrate that the
      proteostasis regulator cysteamine, which rescues the function of the most common
      F508del-CFTR mutant and hence reduces lung inflammation in CF patients, can also
      repair the defects of CF macrophages, thus restoring both bacterial
      internalization and clearance through a process that involves upregulation of the
      pro-autophagic protein Beclin 1 and re-establishment of the autophagic pathway.
      Altogether these results indicate that cysteamine restores the function of
      several distinct cell types, including that of macrophages, which might
      contribute to its beneficial effects on CF.

PMID- 28079884
TI  - Lack of collagen XV is protective after ischemic stroke in mice.
AB  - Collagens are key structural components of basement membranes, providing a
      scaffold for other components or adhering cells. Collagens and collagen-derived
      active fragments contribute to biological activities such as cell growth,
      differentiation and migration. Here, we report that collagen XV knock-out (ColXV
      KO) mice are resistant to experimental ischemic stroke. Interestingly, the
      infarcts of ColXV KO mice were as small as those of wild-type (WT) mice
      thrombolysed with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA), the actual
      treatment for ischemic stroke. Importantly, there were no differences in the
      architecture of cerebrovascular anatomy between WT and ColXV KO mice. We found a
      twofold increase of the most potent pro-angiogenic factor, type A vascular growth
      endothelial factor (VEGF-A) in the ipsilateral cortex of rtPA-treated ischemic WT
      mice compared with untreated ischemic and sham-operated counterparts. A similar
      increase of VEGF-A was also found in both rtPA and untreated ischemic ColXV KO
      mice compared with sham ColXV KO mice. Finally, we evidenced that the levels of
      ColXV were increased in the plasma of WT mice treated with rtPA compared with
      untreated ischemic counterparts. Altogether, this study indicates that the lack
      ColXV is protective after stroke and that the degradation of endothelial ColXV
      may contribute to the beneficial effect of rtPA after ischemic stroke. The
      neuroprotection observed in ColXV KO mice may be attributed to the increased VEGF
      A production following stroke in the ischemic territory.

PMID- 28079885
TI  - MiRNA182 regulates percentage of myeloid and erythroid cells in chronic myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - The deregulation of lineage control programs is often associated with the
      progression of haematological malignancies. The molecular regulators of lineage
      choices in the context of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance remain
      poorly understood in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). To find a potential
      molecular regulator contributing to lineage distribution and TKI resistance, we
      undertook an RNA-sequencing approach for identifying microRNAs (miRNAs).
      Following an unbiased screen, elevated miRNA182-5p levels were detected in Bcr
      Abl-inhibited K562 cells (CML blast crisis cell line) and in a panel of CML
      patients. Earlier, miRNA182-5p upregulation was reported in several solid tumours
      and haematological malignancies. We undertook a strategy involving transient
      modulation and CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic
      repeats)-mediated knockout of the MIR182 locus in CML cells. The lineage
      contribution was assessed by methylcellulose colony formation assay. The
      transient modulation of miRNA182-5p revealed a biased phenotype. Strikingly,
      Delta182 cells (homozygous deletion of MIR182 locus) produced a marked shift in
      lineage distribution. The phenotype was rescued by ectopic expression of miRNA182
      5p in Delta182 cells. A bioinformatic analysis and Hes1 modulation data suggested
      that Hes1 could be a putative target of miRNA182-5p. A reciprocal relationship
      between miRNA182-5p and Hes1 was seen in the context of TK inhibition. In
      conclusion, we reveal a key role for miRNA182-5p in restricting the myeloid
      development of leukemic cells. We propose that the Delta182 cell line will be
      valuable in designing experiments for next-generation pharmacological
      interventions.

PMID- 28079886
TI  - HIV-1 Nef is released in extracellular vesicles derived from astrocytes: evidence
      for Nef-mediated neurotoxicity.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus-associated neurological disorders (HANDs) affect the
      majority of AIDS patients and are a significant problem among HIV-1-infected
      individuals who live longer because of combined anti-retroviral therapies. HIV-1
      utilizes a number of viral proteins and subsequent cytokine inductions to unleash
      its toxicity on neurons. Among HIV-1 viral proteins, Nef is a small protein
      expressed abundantly in astrocytes of HIV-1-infected brains and has been
      suggested to have a role in the pathogenesis of HAND. In order to explore its
      effect in the central nervous system, HIV-1 Nef was expressed in primary human
      fetal astrocytes (PHFAs) using an adenovirus. Our results revealed that HIV-1 Nef
      is released in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from PHFA cells expressing
      the protein. Interestingly, HIV-1 Nef release in EVs was enriched significantly
      when the cells were treated with autophagy activators perifosine, tomaxifen, MG
      132, and autophagy inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin suggesting a novel role of
      autophagy signaling in HIV-1 Nef release from astrocytes. Next, Nef-carrying EVs
      were purified from astrocyte cultures and neurotoxic effects on neurons were
      analyzed. We observed that HIV-1 Nef-containing EVs were readily taken up by
      neurons as demonstrated by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Furthermore,
      treatment of neurons with Nef-carrying EVs induced oxidative stress as evidenced
      by a decrease in glutathione levels. To further investigate its neurotoxic
      effects, we expressed HIV-1 Nef in primary neurons by adenoviral transduction.
      Intracellular expression of HIV-1 Nef caused axonal and neurite degeneration of
      neurons. Furthermore, expression of HIV-1 Nef decreased the levels of phospho-tau
      while enhancing total tau in primary neurons. In addition, treatment of primary
      neurons with Nef-carrying EVs suppressed functional neuronal action potential
      assessed by multielectrode array studies. Collectively, these data suggested that
      HIV-1 Nef can be a formidable contributor to neurotoxicity along with other
      factors, which leads to HAND in HIV-1-infected AIDS patients.

PMID- 28079887
TI  - DRP-1 is required for BH3 mimetic-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation and
      apoptosis.
AB  - The concept of using BH3 mimetics as anticancer agents has been substantiated by
      the efficacy of selective drugs, such as Navitoclax and Venetoclax, in treating
      BCL-2-dependent haematological malignancies. However, most solid tumours depend
      on MCL-1 for survival, which is highly amplified in multiple cancers and a major
      factor determining chemoresistance. Most MCL-1 inhibitors that have been
      generated so far, while demonstrating early promise in vitro, fail to exhibit
      specificity and potency in a cellular context. To address the lack of
      standardised assays for benchmarking the in vitro binding of putative inhibitors
      before analysis of their cellular effects, we developed a rapid differential
      scanning fluorimetry (DSF)-based assay, and used it to screen a panel of BH3
      mimetics. We next contrasted their binding signatures with their ability to
      induce apoptosis in a MCL-1 dependent cell line. Of all the MCL-1 inhibitors
      tested, only A-1210477 induced rapid, concentration-dependent apoptosis, which
      strongly correlated with a thermal protective effect on MCL-1 in the DSF assay.
      In cells that depend on both MCL-1 and BCL-XL, A-1210477 exhibited marked synergy
      with A-1331852, a BCL-XL specific inhibitor, to induce cell death. Despite this
      selectivity and potency, A-1210477 induced profound structural changes in the
      mitochondrial network in several cell lines that were not phenocopied following
      MCL-1 RNA interference or transcriptional repression, suggesting that A-1210477
      induces mitochondrial fragmentation in an MCL-1-independent manner. However, A
      1210477-induced mitochondrial fragmentation was dependent upon DRP-1, and
      silencing expression levels of DRP-1 diminished not just mitochondrial
      fragmentation but also BH3 mimetic-mediated apoptosis. These findings provide new
      insights into MCL-1 ligands, and the interplay between DRP-1 and the anti
      apoptotic BCL-2 family members in the regulation of apoptosis.

PMID- 28079888
TI  - Antiphospholipid antibodies enhance rat neonatal cardiomyocyte apoptosis in an in
      vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation injury model via p38 MAPK.
AB  - A significant amount of myocardial damage during a myocardial infarction (MI)
      occurs during the reperfusion stage, termed ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury,
      and accounts for up to 50% of total infarcted tissue post-MI. During the
      reperfusion phase, a complex interplay of multiple pathways and mechanisms is
      activated, which ultimately leads to cell death, primarily through apoptosis.
      There is some evidence from a lupus mouse model that lupus IgG, specifically the
      antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody subset, is pathogenic in mesenteric I/R injury.
      Furthermore, it has previously been shown that the immunodominant epitope for the
      majority of circulating pathogenic aPLs resides in the N-terminal domain I (DI)
      of beta-2 glycoprotein I (beta2GPI). This study describes the enhanced pathogenic
      effect of purified IgG derived from patients with lupus and/or the
      antiphospholipid syndrome in a cardiomyocyte H/R in vitro model. Furthermore, we
      have demonstrated a pathogenic role for aPL containing samples, mediated via aPL
      beta2GPI interactions, resulting in activation of the pro-apoptotic p38 MAPK
      pathway. This was shown to be inhibited using a recombinant human peptide of
      domain I of beta2GPI in the fluid phase, suggesting that the pathogenic anti
      beta2GPI antibodies in this in vitro model target this domain.

PMID- 28079889
TI  - Deletion of the BH3-only protein Noxa alters electrographic seizures but does not
      protect against hippocampal damage after status epilepticus in mice.
AB  - Several members of the Bcl-2 gene family are dysregulated in human temporal lobe
      epilepsy and animal studies show that genetic deletion of some of these proteins
      influence electrographic seizure responses to chemoconvulsants and associated
      brain damage. The BH3-only proteins form a subgroup comprising direct activators
      of Bax-Bak that are potently proapoptotic and a number of weaker proapoptotic BH3
      only proteins that act as sensitizers by neutralization of antiapoptotic Bcl-2
      family members. Noxa was originally characterized as a weaker proapoptotic,
      'sensitizer' BH3-only protein, although recent evidence suggests it too may be
      potently proapoptotic. Expression of Noxa is under p53 control, a known seizure
      activated pathway, although Noxa has been linked to energetic stress and
      autophagy. Here we characterized the response of Noxa to prolonged seizures and
      the phenotype of mice lacking Noxa. Status epilepticus induced by intra-amygdala
      kainic acid caused a rapid increase in expression of noxa in the damaged CA3
      subfield of the hippocampus but not undamaged CA1 region. In vivo upregulation of
      noxa was reduced by pifithrin-alpha, suggesting transcription may be partly p53
      dependent. Mice lacking noxa developed less severe electrographic seizures during
      status epilepticus in the model but, surprisingly, displayed equivalent
      hippocampal damage to wild-type animals. The present findings indicate Noxa does
      not serve as a proapoptotic BH3-only protein during seizure-induced neuronal
      death in vivo. This study extends the comprehensive phenotyping of seizure and
      damage responses in mice lacking specific Bcl-2 gene family members and provides
      further evidence that these proteins may serve roles beyond control of cell death
      in the brain.

PMID- 28079890
TI  - Structural insight into an evolutionarily ancient programmed cell death regulator
      - the crystal structure of marine sponge BHP2 bound to LB-Bak-2.
AB  - Sponges of the porifera family harbor some of the evolutionary most ancient
      orthologs of the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family, a protein family critical to
      regulation of apoptosis. The genome of the sponge Geodia cydonium contains the
      putative pro-survival Bcl-2 homolog BHP2, which protects sponge tissue as well as
      mammalian Hek-293 and NIH-3T3 cells against diverse apoptotic stimuli. The Lake
      Baikal demosponge Lubomirskia baicalensis has been shown to encode both putative
      pro-survival Bcl-2 (LB-Bcl-2) and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 members (LB-Bak-2), which
      have been implied in axis formation (branches) in L. baicalensis. However, the
      molecular mechanism of action of sponge-encoded orthologs of Bcl-2 remains to be
      clarified. Here, we report that the pro-survival Bcl-2 ortholog BHP2 from G.
      cydonium is able to bind the BH3 motif of a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, LB-Bak-2
      of the sponge L. baicalensis. Furthermore, we determined the crystal structure of
      BHP2 bound to LB-Bak-2, which revealed that using a binding groove conserved
      across all pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins, BHP2 binds multi-motif Bax-like proteins
      through their BH3-binding regions. However, BHP2 discriminates against BH3-only
      bearing proteins by blocking access to a hydrophobic pocket that is critical for
      BH3 motif binding in pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins from higher organisms. This
      differential binding mode is reflected in a structure-based phylogenetic
      comparison of BHP2 with other Bcl-2 family members, which revealed that BHP2 does
      not cluster with either Bcl-2 members of higher organisms or pathogen-encoded
      homologs, and assumes a discrete position. Our findings suggest that the
      molecular machinery and mechanisms for executing Bcl-2-mediated apoptosis as
      observed in mammals are evolutionary ancient, with early regulation of apoptotic
      machineries closely resembling their modern counterparts in mammals rather than
      Caenorhabditis elegans or drosophila.

PMID- 28079891
TI  - CRB3 regulates contact inhibition by activating the Hippo pathway in mammary
      epithelial cells.
AB  - The loss of contact inhibition is a hallmark of cancer cells. The Hippo pathway
      has recently been shown to be an important regulator of contact inhibition, and
      the cell apical polarity determinant protein CRB3 has been suggested to be
      involved in Hippo signalling. However, whether CRB3 regulates contact inhibition
      in mammary cells remains unclear, and the underlying mechanisms have not been
      elucidated. As shown in the present study, CRB3 decreases cell proliferation,
      promotes apoptosis, and enhances the formation of tight and adherens junctions.
      Furthermore, we report for the first time that CRB3 acts as an upstream regulator
      of the Hippo pathway to regulate contact inhibition by recruiting other Hippo
      molecules, such as Kibra and/or FRMD6, in mammary epithelial cells. In addition,
      CRB3 inhibits tumour growth in vivo. Collectively, the present study increases
      our understanding of the Hippo pathway and provides an important theoretical
      basis for exploring new avenues for breast cancer treatment.

PMID- 28079892
TI  - HIF-2alpha and Oct4 have synergistic effects on survival and myocardial repair of
      very small embryonic-like mesenchymal stem cells in infarcted hearts.
AB  - Poor cell survival and limited functional benefits have restricted mesenchymal
      stem cell (MSC) efficacy for treating myocardial infarction (MI), suggesting that
      a better understanding of stem cell biology is needed. The transcription factor
      HIF-2alpha is an essential regulator of the transcriptional response to hypoxia,
      which can interact with embryonic stem cells (ESCs) transcription factor Oct4 and
      modulate its signaling. Here, we obtained very small embryonic-like mesenchymal
      stem cells (vselMSCs) from MI patients, which possessed the very small embryonic
      like stem cells' (VSELs) morphology as well as ESCs' pluripotency. Using
      microarray analysis, we compared HIF-2alpha-regulated gene profiles in vselMSCs
      with ESC profiles and determined that HIF-2alpha coexpressed Oct4 in vselMSCs
      similarly to ESCs. However, this coexpression was absent in unpurified MSCs
      (uMSCs). Under hypoxic condition, vselMSCs exhibited stronger survival,
      proliferation and differentiation than uMSCs. Transplantation of vselMSCs caused
      greater improvement in cardiac function and heart remodeling in the infarcted
      rats. We further demonstrated that HIF-2alpha and Oct4 jointly regulate their
      relative downstream gene expressions, including Bcl2 and Survivin; the important
      pluripotent markers Nanog, Klf4, and Sox2; and Ang-1, bFGF, and VEGF, promoting
      angiogenesis and engraftment. Importantly, these effects were generally magnified
      by upregulation of HIF-2alpha and Oct4 induced by HIF-2alpha or Oct4
      overexpression, and the greatest improvements were elicited after co
      overexpressing HIF-2alpha and Oct4; overexpressing one transcription factor while
      silencing the other canceled this increase, and HIF-2alpha or Oct4 silencing
      abolished these effects. Together, these findings demonstrated that HIF-2alpha in
      vselMSCs cooperated with Oct4 in survival and function. The identification of the
      cooperation between HIF-2alpha and Oct4 will lead to deeper characterization of
      the downstream targets of this interaction in vselMSCs and will have novel
      pathophysiological implications for the repair of infarcted myocardium.

PMID- 28079893
TI  - Mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction disturbs neuronal and cardiac lineage
      commitment of human iPSCs.
AB  - Mitochondrial diseases are genetically heterogeneous and present a broad clinical
      spectrum among patients; in most cases, genetic determinants of mitochondrial
      diseases are heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. However, it is
      uncertain whether and how heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations affect particular
      cellular fate-determination processes, which are closely associated with the cell
      type-specific pathophysiology of mitochondrial diseases. In this study, we
      established two isogenic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines each carrying
      different proportions of a heteroplasmic m.3243A>G mutation from the same
      patient; one exhibited apparently normal and the other showed most likely
      impaired mitochondrial respiratory function. Low proportions of m.3243A>G
      exhibited no apparent molecular pathogenic influence on directed differentiation
      into neurons and cardiomyocytes, whereas high proportions of m.3243A>G showed
      both induced neuronal cell death and inhibited cardiac lineage commitment. Such
      neuronal and cardiac maturation defects were also confirmed using another patient
      derived iPSC line carrying quite high proportion of m.3243A>G. In conclusion,
      mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction strongly inhibits maturation and survival
      of iPSC-derived neurons and cardiomyocytes; our presenting data also suggest that
      appropriate mitochondrial maturation actually contributes to cellular fate
      determination processes during development.

PMID- 28079894
TI  - MiR-26 enhances chemosensitivity and promotes apoptosis of hepatocellular
      carcinoma cells through inhibiting autophagy.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) generally possesses a high resistance to
      chemotherapy. Given that autophagy is an important factor promoting tumor
      chemoresistance and HCC express low level of miR-26, we aim to investigate the
      functional role of miR-26 in autophagy-mediated chemoresistance of HCC. We found
      that chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Dox) induced autophagy but decreased the
      level of miR-26a/b in HCC cells. Activating autophagy using rapamycin can
      directly downregulate the level of miR-26a/b in HCC cells. In turn, restoring the
      expression of miR-26a/b inhibited autophagy induced by Dox and promoted apoptosis
      in HCC cells. Further mechanistic study identified that miR-26a and miR-26b
      target ULK1, a critical initiator of autophagy, at post-transcriptional level.
      Results from 30 cases of patients with HCC also showed that tumor cellular levels
      of miR-26a and miR-26b are significantly downregulated as compared with the
      corresponding control tissues and negatively correlated with the protein level of
      ULK1 but are not correlated to the mRNA level of ULK1. Gain- and loss-of-function
      assay confirmed that miR-26a/b inhibited autophagic flux at the initial stage
      through targeting ULK1. Overexpression of miR-26a/b enhanced the sensitivity of
      HCC cells to Dox and promoted apoptosis via inhibiting autophagy in vitro. Using
      xenograft models in nude mice, we confirmed that miR-26a/b, via inhibiting
      autophagy, promoted apoptosis and sensitized hepatomas to Dox treatment in vivo.
      Our findings demonstrate for the first time that miR-26a/b can promote apoptosis
      and sensitize HCC to chemotherapy via suppressing the expression of autophagy
      initiator ULK1, and provide the reduction of miR-26a/b in HCC as a novel
      mechanism of tumor chemoresistance.

PMID- 28079895
TI  - TNF-induced chronic inflammation does not affect tumorigenesis driven by p53
      loss.

PMID- 28079896
TI  - Impaired embryonic development in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient
      Caenorhabditis elegans due to abnormal redox homeostasis induced activation of
      calcium-independent phospholipase and alteration of glycerophospholipid
      metabolism.
AB  - Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a commonly pervasive
      inherited disease in many parts of the world. The complete lack of G6PD activity
      in a mouse model causes embryonic lethality. The G6PD-deficient Caenorhabditis
      elegans model also shows embryonic death as indicated by a severe hatching
      defect. Although increased oxidative stress has been implicated in both cases as
      the underlying cause, the exact mechanism has not been clearly delineated. In
      this study with C. elegans, membrane-associated defects, including enhanced
      permeability, defective polarity and cytokinesis, were found in G6PD-deficient
      embryos. The membrane-associated abnormalities were accompanied by impaired
      eggshell structure as evidenced by a transmission electron microscopic study.
      Such loss of membrane structural integrity was associated with abnormal lipid
      composition as lipidomic analysis revealed that lysoglycerophospholipids were
      significantly increased in G6PD-deficient embryos. Abnormal glycerophospholipid
      metabolism leading to defective embryonic development could be attributed to the
      increased activity of calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA) in G6PD
      deficient embryos. This notion is further supported by the fact that the
      suppression of multiple iPLAs by genetic manipulation partially rescued the
      embryonic defects in G6PD-deficient embryos. In addition, G6PD deficiency induced
      disruption of redox balance as manifested by diminished NADPH and elevated lipid
      peroxidation in embryos. Taken together, disrupted lipid metabolism due to
      abnormal redox homeostasis is a major factor contributing to abnormal embryonic
      development in G6PD-deficient C. elegans.

PMID- 28079898
TI  - The current state of implementation science in genomic medicine: opportunities
      for improvement.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to identify trends and gaps in the field
      of implementation science in genomic medicine. METHODS: We conducted a literature
      review using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health
      Genomics Knowledge Base to examine the current literature in the field of
      implementation science in genomic medicine. We selected original research
      articles based on specific inclusion criteria and then abstracted information
      about study design, genomic medicine, and implementation outcomes. Data were
      aggregated, and trends and gaps in the literature were discussed. RESULTS: Our
      final review encompassed 283 articles published in 2014, the majority of which
      described uptake (35.7%, n = 101) and preferences (36.4%, n = 103) regarding
      genomic technologies, particularly oncology (35%, n = 99). Key study design
      elements, such as racial/ethnic composition of study populations, were
      underreported in studies. Few studies incorporated implementation science
      theoretical frameworks, sustainability measures, or capacity building.
      CONCLUSION: Although genomic discovery provides the potential for population
      health benefit, the current knowledge base around implementation to turn this
      promise into a reality is severely limited. Current gaps in the literature
      demonstrate a need to apply implementation science principles to genomic medicine
      in order to deliver on the promise of precision medicine.Genet Med advance online
      publication 12 January 2017.

PMID- 28079897
TI  - Tsc1 expression by dendritic cells is required to preserve T-cell homeostasis and
      response.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal to the induction of adaptive T-cell immune
      responses. Recent evidence highlights a critical role of tuberous sclerosis
      complex 1 (Tsc1), a primarily upstream negative regulator of mammalian target of
      rapamycin (mTOR), in DC development, but whether and how Tsc1 directly regulate
      mature DC function in vivo remains elusive. Here we show that selective
      disruption of Tsc1 in DCs results in a lymphoproliferative disorder with the
      spontaneous activation of T cells. Tsc1 deficiency results in the activation of
      mTORC1-PPARgamma pathway, which leads to the upregulation of neuropilin-1 (Nrp1)
      expression on DCs to stimulate naive T-cell proliferation. However, Tsc1
      deficient DCs have defects in the ability to induce antigen-specific T-cell
      responses in vitro and in vivo owing to impaired survival during antigen
      transportation and presentation. Indeed, Tsc1 promotes DC survival through
      restraining independent mTORC1 and ROS-Bim pathways. Our study identifies Tsc1 as
      a crucial signaling checkpoint in DCs essential for preserving T-cell homeostasis
      and response.

PMID- 28079899
TI  - Genome sequencing and carrier testing: decisions on categorization and whether to
      disclose results of carrier testing.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated the use of genome sequencing for preconception carrier
      testing. Genome sequencing could identify one or more of thousands of X-linked or
      autosomal recessive conditions that could be disclosed during preconception or
      prenatal counseling. Therefore, a framework that helps both clinicians and
      patients understand the possible range of findings is needed to respect patient
      preferences by ensuring that information about only the desired types of genetic
      conditions are provided to a given patient. METHODS: We categorized gene
      condition pairs into groups using a previously developed taxonomy of genetic
      conditions. Patients could elect to receive results from these categories. A
      Return of Results Committee (RORC) developed inclusion and exclusion criteria for
      each category. RESULTS: To date, the RORC has categorized 728 gene-condition
      pairs: 177 are categorized as life span-limiting, 406 are categorized as serious,
      93 are categorized as mild, 41 are categorized as unpredictable, and 11 are
      categorized as adult-onset. An additional 64 gene-condition pairs were excluded
      from reporting to patients or put on a watch list, generally because evidence
      that a gene and condition were associated was limited. CONCLUSION: Categorization
      of gene-condition pairs using our taxonomy simplifies communication regarding
      patient preferences for carrier information from a genomic test.Genet Med advance
      online publication 12 January 2017.

PMID- 28079900
TI  - A curated gene list for reporting results of newborn genomic sequencing.
AB  - PURPOSE: Genomic sequencing (GS) for newborns may enable detection of conditions
      for which early knowledge can improve health outcomes. One of the major
      challenges hindering its broader application is the time it takes to assess the
      clinical relevance of detected variants and the genes they impact so that disease
      risk is reported appropriately. METHODS: To facilitate rapid interpretation of GS
      results in newborns, we curated a catalog of genes with putative pediatric
      relevance for their validity based on the ClinGen clinical validity
      classification framework criteria, age of onset, penetrance, and mode of
      inheritance through systematic evaluation of published evidence. Based on these
      attributes, we classified genes to guide the return of results in the BabySeq
      Project, a randomized, controlled trial exploring the use of newborn GS (nGS),
      and used our curated list for the first 15 newborns sequenced in this project.
      RESULTS: Here, we present our curated list for 1,514 gene-disease associations.
      Overall, 954 genes met our criteria for return in nGS. This reference list
      eliminated manual assessment for 41% of rare variants identified in 15 newborns.
      CONCLUSION: Our list provides a resource that can assist in guiding the
      interpretive scope of clinical GS for newborns and potentially other
      populations.Genet Med advance online publication 12 January 2017.

PMID- 28079901
TI  - The clinical utility of DNA-based screening for fetal aneuploidy by primary
      obstetrical care providers in the general pregnancy population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical utility of cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-based
      screening for aneuploidies offered through primary obstetrical care providers to
      a general pregnancy population. METHODS: Patient educational materials were
      developed and validated and providers were trained. Serum was collected for
      reflexive testing of cfDNA failures. Providers and patients were surveyed
      concerning knowledge, decision making, and satisfaction. Pregnancy outcome was
      determined by active or passive ascertainment. RESULTS: Between September 2014
      and July 2015, 72 providers screened 2,691 women. The five largest participating
      practices increased uptake by 8 to 40%. Among 2,681 reports, 16 women (0.6%) were
      screen-positive for trisomy 21, 18, or 13; all saw genetic professionals. Twelve
      were confirmed (positive predictive value (PPV), 75%; 95% CI, 48-93%) and four
      were false-positives (0.15%). Of 150 failures (5.6%), 79% had a negative serum or
      subsequent cfDNA test; no aneuploidies were identified. Of 100 women surveyed, 99
      understood that testing was optional, 96 had their questions answered, and 95
      received sufficient information. Pretest information was provided by the
      physician/certified nurse midwife (55) or office nurse/educator (40); none was
      provided by genetic professionals. CONCLUSION: This first clinical utility study
      of cfDNA screening found higher uptake rates, patient understanding of basic
      concepts, and easy incorporation into routine obstetrical practices. There were
      no reported cases of aneuploidy among cfDNA test failures.Genet Med advance
      online publication 12 January 2017.

PMID- 28079902
TI  - PhenX measures for phenotyping rare genetic conditions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The PhenX Toolkit, an online resource of well-established measures
      of phenotypes and exposures, now has 16 new measures recommended for assessing
      rare genetic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: These measures and their
      protocols were selected by a working group of domain experts with input from the
      scientific community. RESULTS: The measures, which cover life stages from birth
      through adulthood, include clinical scales, characterization of rare genetic
      conditions, bioassays, and questionnaires. Most are broadly applicable to rare
      genetic conditions (e.g., family history, growth charts, bone age, and body
      proportions). Some protocols (e.g., sweat chloride test) target specific
      conditions. DISCUSSION: The rare genetic condition measures complement the
      existing measures in the PhenX Toolkit that cover anthropometrics, demographics,
      mental health, and reproductive history. They are directed at research pertaining
      to common and complex diseases. PhenX measures are publicly available and are
      recommended to help standardize assessments across a range of biomedical study
      designs. To facilitate incorporation of measures into human subjects' research,
      the Toolkit offers data collection worksheets and compatible data dictionaries.
      CONCLUSION: Widespread use of standard PhenX measures in clinical, translational,
      and epidemiological research will enable more uniform cross-study comparisons and
      increase statistical power with the potential for enhancing scientific
      discovery.Genet Med advance online publication 12 January 2017.

PMID- 28079903
TI  - Introduction-Standing on each other's shoulders.

PMID- 28079906
TI  - 4d and 5d bimetal doped tubular silicon clusters Si12M2 with M = Nb, Ta, Mo and
      W: a bimetallic configuration model.
AB  - Geometries and electronic properties related to the ground state stabilities of
      several Si12M2 clusters (M: second-row (Nb and Mo) and third-row (Ta and W)
      transition metals, and their mixed bimetallic clusters M2: NbMo and TaW) were
      explored using density functional theory (DFT) computations. The computed results
      show that two different structural motifs emerge as the global energy minima of
      such clusters. They are basically singlet tubular structures in either a C2v
      prism (1A1) or a C6v antiprism (1A1) form. Other structural shapes are also
      possible for higher-energy isomers and in higher spin states. 58-valence electron
      systems including Nb2Si12, Ta2Si12, Mo2Si122+, W2Si122+, NbMoSi12+ and TaWSi12+
      are thermodynamically stable as C2v prism global minima on the corresponding
      potential energy surfaces. Clusters containing 60 valence electrons include
      Mo2Si12, W2Si12, Nb2Si122-, Ta2Si122-, NbMoSi12- and TaWSi12- and they prefer a
      C6v anti-prism form. In the mixed MoNbSi12 and TaWSi12 open-shell systems, both
      resulting C2 (2A) and C2v (2A1) forms are nearly degenerate. The formation of
      Si12M2 clusters in such specific ground state symmetry is explained using the
      Jellium model and orbital interaction analyses. The investigations lead further
      to a proposal for a simple model of a bimetallic configuration using the nature
      of interactions of the transition metal d-d dimeric bond with the Si12 host, to
      interpret the formation of such M2Si12 clusters.

PMID- 28079905
TI  - DEVELOPMENT OF DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORS IN YOUNG CHILDREN: A PROSPECTIVE POPULATION
      BASED COHORT STUDY.
AB  - We know relatively little about the development of disruptive behaviors (DBs),
      and gender differences therein. The objective of this study was to describe the
      continuity and discontinuity in the degree to which young children in the general
      population are reported to exhibit specific DBs over time. Data came from the
      Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. First, the results show that
      relatively few children exhibit DBs on a frequent basis at 41 months of age.
      Second, the results show that a majority of children who exhibit a particular DB
      on a frequent basis at 41 months of age did not do so 1 year earlier. In
      addition, a majority of children who exhibited a particular DB on a frequent
      basis at 29 months of age no longer do so 1 year later. Third, gender differences
      in DBs (boys > girls) are either emerging or at least increasing in magnitude
      between 29 and 41 months of age. Consistent with the canalization of the
      behavioral development principle, children who exhibited DBs on a frequent basis
      at 29 months of age are less likely to stop doing so in the following year if
      they had exhibited the same behaviors at 17 months of age.

PMID- 28079907
TI  - Retention of fungal enzyme activity in environmental liquid and filter samples.
AB  - Fungal biomass can be determined by measuring the beta-N-acetylhexos-aminidase
      (NAHA) enzyme activity. NAHA, an enzyme present in fungal mycelium and spores,
      has been detected in inactive, dormant and non-viable cells. Very little
      information is available on the enzyme activity of different species or retention
      of the activity under various storage conditions. This study used fluorometry to
      evaluate the enzyme activity of liquid and filter samples containing spores of
      four fungal species from genera Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and
      Acremonium. When fungal spores were stored on a filter, enzyme activity was more
      stable than when the spores were maintained in suspension for one year. The
      enzyme activity in suspension samples increased with most of the differences
      detected between the values at the baseline and 12 months being statistically
      significant. The results indicate that enzyme activity varies between species.
      Cladosporium spores had highest NAHA content per spore, whereas Acremonium did
      not exhibit any detectable enzyme activity even when viability was detected. The
      results indicated that samples should be stored as dry filter samples.

PMID- 28079908
TI  - Hot off the press.
AB  - A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of
      current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as
      hitorin A from Chloranthus japonicus.

PMID- 28079909
TI  - The Clinical Utility of Intravenous Immunoglobulin and When to Involve Our
      Consultants.

PMID- 28079910
TI  - Human Papillomavirus and the HPV Vaccine: Where Are We Today?
AB  - Vaccine discussions are an important part of the general pediatrician's day. The
      human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, in particular, has been slow to gain
      acceptance by the general public. It has recently gained momentum (both positive
      and negative) on social media, which has led to an increase in questions and
      concerns from families. It is important that providers are equipped to address
      these concerns, answer questions, and provide quality information for families to
      help guide them in their vaccination decisions. Not only is it crucial to be
      knowledgeable about the vaccines themselves, but providers should also be
      informed about HPV and its potential disease burden. The HPV vaccine
      recommendations are also evolving, so it is important to stay abreast with
      current data to provide the best care for all patients. [Pediatr Ann.
      2017;46(1):e2-e5.].

PMID- 28079911
TI  - Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Its Clinical Applications.

PMID- 28079912
TI  - Intravenous Immunoglobulin in the Treatment of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases.
AB  - Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used as antibody replacement therapy
      in primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) for more than 50 years. Its role as
      a therapeutic agent has expanded over the past couple of decades as its anti
      inflammatory and immune-modulatory mechanisms of action have been elucidated. It
      is now used "off-label" to treat other autoimmune diseases. This article focuses
      on the role of IVIG in the treatment of PIDDs characterized by absent or
      deficient antibody production. Replacement doses are given on a monthly basis in
      these conditions as a prophylactic measure to prevent acute and serious bacterial
      infections. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(1):e8-e12.].

PMID- 28079913
TI  - Intravenous Immunoglobulin in the Treatment of Hematologic Disorders in
      Pediatrics.
AB  - Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is pooled immunoglobulin G derived from human
      blood donors. It was introduced in the early 1980s to treat immunodeficiency
      disorders. Since then, its use has expanded to other fields such as neurology,
      rheumatology, and hematology. IVIG has been used to provide passive immunity in
      qualitative and quantitative immunoglobulin disorders, to neutralize antibodies
      in immune-mediated diseases, and as an immune modulatory agent. The difficulty of
      producing IVIG in high quantities, in addition to a growing list of "off-label"
      indications, has resulted in a worldwide shortage and increase in cost. From a
      pediatric hematology perspective, IVIG is considered an appropriate therapeutic
      option in autoimmune cytopenias, sometimes coadministrated with steroids. Its use
      in other hematologic disorders is questionable, and there is not sufficient
      evidence to recommend it. This article provides clear information to the general
      pediatrician about indications for IVIG therapy in children with hematologic
      disorders. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(1):e13-e18.].

PMID- 28079914
TI  - Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Pediatric Rheumatology: When to Use It and What Is
      the Evidence.
AB  - Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is given to children with a variety of
      rheumatologic illnesses. The mechanism of action by which it exerts therapeutic
      effects is not well understood and likely differs in the medical conditions for
      which it is given. IVIG is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and is
      the standard of care for Kawasaki disease, but most IVIG use in pediatric
      rheumatology is "off-label. " The literature supports the use of IVIG for
      juvenile dermatomyositis, although it is unclear whether its use should be
      limited to those children with more severe or refractory disease. It appears
      efficacious in the treatment of autoimmune thrombocytopenia secondary to lupus,
      but its use may be limited by transient responses. Treatment of other categories
      of pediatric rheumatologic diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and
      non-Kawasaki vasculitides, is not well-established in the literature. This review
      focuses on current use of IVIG in the treatment of pediatric rheumatologic
      disorders. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(1):e19-e24.].

PMID- 28079915
TI  - Intravenous Immunoglobulin for the Treatment of Kawasaki Disease.
AB  - Standard first-line therapy for Kawasaki disease (KD) consists of intravenous
      immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin. Current guidelines recommend 2 g/kg of IVIG
      and 80 to 100 mg/kg of aspirin administered within the first 10 days of illness.
      This regimen has marked efficacy in preventing the development of coronary artery
      aneurysms. Approximately 15% to 20% of treated patients require a second dose of
      IVIG to control the inflammatory process. The role of adjunctive corticosteroid
      therapy with IVIG and aspirin is evolving, with Japanese studies showing a clear
      benefit in those patients at highest risk for development of coronary disease.
      The challenge in North America has been reliable identification of the highest
      risk patients, which still eludes us because the Japanese scoring systems are
      ineffective in multiethnic populations. Despite its efficacy, the precise
      mechanism of IVIG's effect in KD is unclear but probably relates to its ability
      to down-regulate aspects of the up-regulated inflammatory response in patients
      with KD. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(1):e25-e28.].

PMID- 28079916
TI  - Adolescent Shin Pain.
AB  - Shin pain is a common complaint in adolescent athletes. The term "shin splints"
      has historically been applied to these patients. Shin splints, more often than
      not, refers to a stress reaction of the tibia from overuse. Overuse injuries
      occur when repetitive microtrauma to the bone exceeds the biologic healing
      potential. Diagnosis is based on typical history and physical examination
      findings. Plain radiographs and advanced imaging are rarely necessary but can
      provide valuable prognostic information. Treatment consists of adequate rest and
      exercise modification. Time to return to sport depends on injury location and
      severity. Stress fractures have long-term implications on bone health, so
      modifiable risk factors should be addressed. It is important for primary care
      physicians to understand the significance of these injuries. [Pediatr Ann.
      2017;46(1):e29-e32.].

PMID- 28079917
TI  - Did you know Medicare does not usually include a dental benefit? Findings from a
      multisite investigation of oral health literacy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Medicare does not usually include a dental benefit. Adults who are
      unaware of this fact risk unanticipated expenses after retirement. This report
      will explore the sociodemographic and oral health literacy determinants of this
      knowledge. METHODS: Data came from the Multi-Site Oral Health Literacy Research
      Study, a survey of patients presenting to two university dental clinics.
      Sociodemographic descriptors included age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level,
      and dental insurance status. Oral health literacy was measured by the Rapid
      Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine and Dentistry (REALM-D). RESULTS: Only 34
      percent of respondents knew the correct answer to the Medicare question.
      Knowledge was significantly associated with age, race/ethnicity, education level
      (bivariate only), and REALM-D score. CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers and those
      assisting in Medicare enrollment should ensure information regarding dental
      coverage is communicated in ways that individuals of varying literacy, language,
      and culture understand what is necessary to make appropriate decisions.

PMID- 28079920
TI  - Serum microRNA profiles in patients with syphilis.

PMID- 28079919
TI  - Copper oxide nanoparticles and copper sulphate act as antigenotoxic agents in
      drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - The biological reactivity of metal and metal oxide nanomaterials is attributed to
      their redox properties, which would explain their pro- or anti-cancer properties
      depending on exposure circumstances. In this sense, copper oxide nanoparticles
      (CuONP) have been proposed as a potential anti-tumoral agent. The aim of this
      study was to assess if CuONP can exert antigenotoxic effects using Drosophila
      melanogaster as an in vivo model. Genotoxicity was induced by two well-known
      genotoxic compounds, namely potassium dichromate (PD) and ethyl methanesulfonate
      (EMS). The wing-spot assay and the comet assay were used as biomarkers of
      genotoxic effects. In addition, changes in the expression of Ogg1 and Sod genes
      were determined. The effects of CuONP cotreatment were compared with those
      induced by copper sulfate (CS), an agent releasing copper ions. Using the wing
      spot assay, CuONP and CS were not able to reduce the genotoxic effects of EMS
      exposure, but had the ability to decrease the effects induced by PD, reducing the
      frequency of mutant twin-spots that arise from mitotic recombination. In
      addition, CuONP and CS were able to reduce the DNA damage induced by PD as
      determined by the comet assay. In general, similar qualitative antigenotoxic
      effects were obtained with both copper compounds. The antigenotoxic effects of
      environmentally relevant and non-toxic doses of CuONP and CS may be explained by
      their ability to partially restore the expression levels of the repair gene Ogg1
      and the antioxidant gene Cu,ZnSod, both of which are inhibited by PD treatment.
      Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:46-55, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28079918
TI  - Dose evaluation of lamivudine in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children
      aged 5 months to 18 years based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis.
AB  - AIM: The objectives of this study were to characterize age-related changes in
      lamivudine pharmacokinetics in children and evaluate lamivudine exposure,
      followed by dose recommendations for subgroups in which target steady state area
      under the daily plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-24h ) is not reached.
      METHODS: Population pharmacokinetic modelling was performed in NONMEM using data
      from two model-building datasets and two external datasets [n = 180 (age 0.4-18
      years, body weight 3.4-60.5 kg); 2061 samples (median 12 per child); daily oral
      dose 60-300 mg (3.9-17.6 mg kg-1 )]. Steady state AUC0-24h was calculated per
      individual (adult target 8.9 mg.h l-1 ). RESULTS: A two-compartment model with
      sequential zero order and first order absorption best described the data.
      Apparent clearance and central volume of distribution (% RSE) were 13.2 l h-1
      (4.2%) and 38.9 l (7.0%) for a median individual of 16.6 kg, respectively.
      Bodyweight was identified as covariate on apparent clearance and volume of
      distribution using power functions (exponents 0.506 (20.2%) and 0.489 (32.3%),
      respectively). The external evaluation supported the predictive ability of the
      final model. In 94.5% and 35.8% of the children with a body weight >14 kg and <14
      kg, respectively, the target AUC0-24h was reached. CONCLUSION: Bodyweight best
      predicted the developmental changes in apparent lamivudine clearance and volume
      of distribution. For children aged 5 months-18 years with a body weight <14 kg,
      the dose should be increased from 8 to 10 mg kg-1  day-1 if the adult target for
      AUC0-24h is aimed for. In order to identify whether bodyweight influences
      bioavailability, clearance and/or volume of distribution, future analysis
      including data on intravenously administered lamivudine is needed.

PMID- 28079921
TI  - Four cases of exogenous acral pigmentation related to a darkling beetle
      (coleoptera: tenebrionidae: blaps).

PMID- 28079922
TI  - IgA tracheobronchial deposits underlie respiratory compromise in neonatal linear
      IgA bullous dermatosis.

PMID- 28079923
TI  - Vibrational circular dichroism of a 2,5-diketopiperazine (DKP) peptide: Evidence
      for dimer formation in cyclo LL or LD diphenylalanine in the solid state.
AB  - The diastereomer diketopiperazine (DKP) peptides built on phenylalanine, namely,
      cyclo diphenylalanine LPhe-LPhe and LPhe-DPhe, were studied in the solid phase by
      vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) coupled to quantum chemical calculations.
      The unit structure of cyclo LPhe-LPhe in KBr pellets is a dimer bridged by two
      strong NH...O hydrogen bonds. The intense bisignate signature in the CO stretch
      region is interpreted in terms of two contributions arising from the free COs of
      the dimer and the antisymmetrical combination of the bound COs. In contrast,
      cyclo LPhe-DPhe shows no VCD signal in relation to its symmetric nature.

PMID- 28079924
TI  - Optimized microwave-assistant extraction combined ultrasonic pretreatment of
      flavonoids from Periploca forrestii Schltr. and evaluation of its anti-allergic
      activity.
AB  - Microwave extraction combined ultrasonic pretreatment of flavonoids from
      Periploca forrestii Schltr. was investigated in this study, extraction process
      was first performed in an ultrasonic cleaner, then treated by microwave
      irradiation. The optimum ultrasonic time of 25 min was selected by single-factor
      experiments. A response surface methodology has been used to obtain a
      mathematical model that describes the process and analyzes the significant
      parameters ethanol concentration 59.92%, liquid to raw materials ratio 21.24
      mL/g, microwave radiation time 209.53 s, and microwave power 274.14 w. In these
      optimum conditions, the yield of flavonoids from P. forrestii (TFPF) could be up
      to 9.11 +/- 0.08%, which was increased by 14.30 and 19.86% compared microwave
      extraction and ultrasonic extraction, respectively. In vitro suppress
      hyaluronidase experimentation showed that TFPF purified using polyamide exhibited
      good anti-hyaluronidase ability with IC50 value of 1.033 mg/mL, possessing
      certain anti-antiallergic and potential application prospect in pharmaceutical
      production of treating inflammation and other related fields.

PMID- 28079925
TI  - Pregnancy outcome after rituximab treatment before conception in patients
      affected by severe pemphigus vulgaris/superficialis.

PMID- 28079926
TI  - Fallen stock data: An essential source of information for quantitative knowledge
      of equine mortality in France.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative information about equine mortality is relatively scarce,
      yet it could be of great value for epidemiological purposes. In France, data from
      rendering plants are centralised in the Fallen Stock Data Interchange database
      (FSDI), managed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, while individual equine
      data are centralised in the French equine census database, SIRE, managed by the
      French horse and riding institute (IFCE). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the
      combined use of the FSDI and SIRE databases can provide representative and
      accurate quantitative information on mortality for the French equine population
      and to propose enhancements of these databases to improve the quality of the
      resulting demographic information. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. METHODS:
      Mortality ratios for the French equine population were calculated per year
      between 2011 and 2014 and temporal variations in equine mortality modelled during
      the same period. Survival analyses were performed on a sample of equines
      traceable in both the FSDI and SIRE databases. RESULTS: Estimates of the annual
      mortality ratios varied from 3.02 to 3.40% depending on the years. Survival rates
      of equines 2-years-old and over differed according to breed categories with the
      highest median age at death for the ponies. The weekly description of mortality
      highlighted marked seasonality of deaths whatever the category of equines.
      Modelling temporal variations in equine mortality also brought to light excess
      mortality. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Insufficient traceability of equines between the two
      databases. CONCLUSION: The FSDI database provided an initial approach to equine
      death ratios on a national scale and an original description of temporal
      variations in mortality. Improvement in the traceability of equines between the
      FSDI and SIRE databases is needed to enable their combined use, providing a
      representative description of equine longevity and a more detailed description of
      temporal variations in mortality.

PMID- 28079928
TI  - Relation of serum and vitreous nesfatin-1 concentrations with diabetic
      retinopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nesfatin-1, belonging to adipokine family, serves as an anti
      inflammatory mediator. We performed this investigation to evaluate the relation
      between serum and vitreous nesfatin-1 concentrations with diabetic retinopathy
      (DR). METHODS: This study was performed in a population of 189 diabetic patients
      and 48 control subjects. Diabetic patients were then divided into diabetic
      patients without DR, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) patients, and
      proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients. RESULTS: Serum and vitreous
      nesfatin-1 concentrations were significantly lower in the diabetic patients than
      in the controls. NPDR patients had reduced vitreous nesfatin-1 concentrations
      compared with patients without DR. In addition, there were significantly lower
      serum and vitreous nesfatin-1 concentrations in PDR patients compared with the
      other three groups. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum nesfatin-1 was
      negatively correlated with body mass index and fasting plasma glucose in diabetic
      patients. CONCLUSION: Serum and vitreous nesfatin-1 concentrations were
      negatively correlated with DR.

PMID- 28079927
TI  - Developmental programming: Interaction between prenatal BPA and postnatal
      overfeeding on cardiac tissue gene expression in female sheep.
AB  - Epidemiologic studies and studies in rodents point to potential risks from
      developmental exposure to BPA on cardiometabolic diseases. Furthermore, it is
      becoming increasingly evident that the manifestation and severity of adverse
      outcomes is the result of interaction between developmental insults and the
      prevailing environment. Consistent with this premise, recent studies in sheep
      found prenatal BPA treatment prevented the adverse effects of postnatal obesity
      in inducing hypertension. The gene networks underlying these complex interactions
      are not known. mRNA-seq of myocardium was performed on four groups of four female
      sheep to assess the effects of prenatal BPA exposure, postnatal overfeeding and
      their interaction on gene transcription, pathway perturbations and functional
      effects. The effects of prenatal exposure to BPA, postnatal overfeeding, and
      prenatal BPA with postnatal overfeeding all resulted in transcriptional changes
      (85-141 significant differentially expressed genes). Although the effects of
      prenatal BPA and postnatal overfeeding did not involve dysregulation of many of
      the same genes, they affected a remarkably similar set of biological pathways.
      Furthermore, an additive or synergistic effect was not found in the combined
      treatment group, but rather prenatal BPA treatment led to a partial reversal of
      the effects of overfeeding alone. Many genes previously known to be affected by
      BPA and involved in obesity, hypertension, or heart disease were altered
      following these treatments, and AP-1, EGR1, and EGFR were key hubs affected by
      BPA and/or overfeeding. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:4-18, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28079930
TI  - Expression of Concern.

PMID- 28079929
TI  - The impact of age on psoriasis health care in Germany.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inequality between age groups has been demonstrated in the
      prescription of biologics, yet systematic real-world data about age-related
      differences in psoriasis care are missing. OBJECTIVE: To investigate disparities
      in psoriasis characteristics by age groups and to identify potential impact on
      psoriasis health care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data analysis included 3615 patients
      from the German psoriasis registry PsoBest, which observes adult patients with
      moderate-to-severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on systemic treatment
      over a time period of 10 years. RESULTS: With 2376 participants (65.7%), the
      majority of patients was assigned to the age group 35-64, followed by 776 (21.4%)
      and 463 (12.8%) for the age groups 18-34 and 65+, respectively. Psoriasis
      vulgaris was the most frequent form of psoriasis with nearly 90% patients
      affected. Appearance of psoriasis forms did not differentiate significantly
      between the age groups except for erythrodermic psoriasis, which was more
      frequent in the elderly than in patients aged 35-64 (1.9%, P <= 0.048). Nail
      psoriasis appeared significantly more often in patients aged 35-64 (55.5%, P <=
      0.001) and also showed the highest number of nails involved (6.9 +/- 3.3). PsA
      was less frequent in the age group 18-34 (9.5%, P <= 0.001). This group showed
      the highest rate of scalp psoriasis (85.8%) compared to the elder age groups (P
      <= 0.001). Biologicals were used significantly less in younger patients (16.2%)
      compared to the age groups 35-64 (23.9%, P <= 0.001) and 65+ (21.8%, P <= 0.042).
      CONCLUSION: Middle-aged patients show higher rates of PsA and nail psoriasis,
      which may explain age-dependent disparities in health care including the use of
      systemic treatment.

PMID- 28079931
TI  - Novel tropical forests: response to global change.

PMID- 28079932
TI  - The Trojan horse coronatine: the COI1-JAZ2-MYC2,3,4-ANAC019,055,072 module in
      stomata dynamics upon bacterial infection.

PMID- 28079933
TI  - Co-expression of peppermint geranyl diphosphate synthase small subunit enhances
      monoterpene production in transgenic tobacco plants.
AB  - Monoterpenes are important for plant survival and useful to humans. In addition
      to their function in plant defense, monoterpenes are also used as flavors,
      fragrances and medicines. Several metabolic engineering strategies have been
      explored to produce monoterpene in tobacco but only trace amounts of monoterpenes
      have been detected. We investigated the effects of Solanum lycopersicum 1-deoxy-d
      xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (SlDXS), Arabidopsis thaliana geranyl diphosphate
      synthase 1 (AtGPS) and Mentha * piperita geranyl diphosphate synthase small
      subunit (MpGPS.SSU) on production of monoterpene and geranylgeranyl diphosphate
      (GGPP) diversities, and plant morphology by transient expression in Nicotiana
      benthamiana and overexpression in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum. We showed that
      MpGPS.SSU could enhance the production of various monoterpenes such as (-)
      limonene, (-)-linalool, (-)-alpha-pinene/beta-pinene or myrcene, in transgenic
      tobacco by elevating geranyl diphosphate synthase (GPS) activity. In addition,
      overexpression of MpGPS.SSU in tobacco caused early flowering phenotype and
      increased shoot branching by elevating contents of GA3 and cytokinins due to
      upregulated transcript levels of several plastidic 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4
      phosphate (MEP) pathway genes, geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases 3 (GGPPS3)
      and GGPPS4. Our method would allow the identification of new monoterpene synthase
      genes using transient expression in N. benthamiana and the improvement of
      monoterpene production in transgenic tobacco plants.

PMID- 28079934
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28079935
TI  - Regional heritability mapping and genome-wide association identify loci for
      complex growth, wood and disease resistance traits in Eucalyptus.
AB  - Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have provided valuable insights
      into the decoding of the relationships between sequence variation and complex
      phenotypes, they have explained little heritability. Regional heritability
      mapping (RHM) provides heritability estimates for genomic segments containing
      both common and rare allelic effects that individually contribute too little
      variance to be detected by GWAS. We carried out GWAS and RHM for seven growth,
      wood and disease resistance traits in a breeding population of 768 Eucalyptus
      hybrid trees using EuCHIP60K. Total genomic heritabilities accounted for large
      proportions (64-89%) of pedigree-based trait heritabilities, providing additional
      evidence that complex traits in eucalypts are controlled by many sequence
      variants across the frequency spectrum, each with small contributions to the
      phenotypic variance. RHM detected 26 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) encompassing
      2191 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), whereas GWAS detected 13 single SNP
      trait associations. RHM and GWAS QTLs individually explained 5-15% and 4-6% of
      the genomic heritability, respectively. RHM was superior to GWAS in capturing
      larger proportions of genomic heritability. Equated to previously mapped QTLs,
      our results highlighted genomic regions for further examination towards gene
      discovery. RHM-QTLs bearing a combination of common and rare variants could be
      useful enhancements to incorporate prior knowledge of the underlying genetic
      architecture in genomic prediction models.

PMID- 28079936
TI  - Mycorrhizal fungi as drivers and modulators of terrestrial ecosystem processes.

PMID- 28079937
TI  - Cereal immunity against powdery mildews targets RNase-Like Proteins associated
      with Haustoria (RALPH) effectors evolved from a common ancestral gene.

PMID- 28079939
TI  - Functional ecology of cryptogams: scaling from bryophyte, lichen, and soil crust
      traits to ecosystem processes.

PMID- 28079938
TI  - An enigmatic Hawaiian moth is a missing link in the adaptive radiation of
      Schiedea.
AB  - Shifts in pollination may drive adaptive diversification of reproductive systems
      within plant lineages. The monophyletic genus Schiedea is a Hawaiian lineage of
      32 extant species, with spectacular diversity in reproductive systems. Biotic
      pollination is the presumed ancestral condition, but this key element of the life
      history and its role in shaping reproductive systems has remained undocumented.
      We observed floral visitors to two species of Schiedea and conducted field
      experiments to test pollinator effectiveness. We used choice tests to compare
      attraction of pollinators to species hypothesized to be biotically vs wind
      pollinated. Pseudoschrankia brevipalpis (Erebidae), a recently described moth
      species known only from O'ahu, visited hermaphroditic Schiedea kaalae and S.
      hookeri and removed nectar from their unique tubular nectary extensions.
      Pseudoschrankia brevipalpis effectively pollinates S. kaalae; single visits to
      emasculated flowers resulted in pollen transfer. In choice tests, P. brevipalpis
      strongly preferred these hermaphroditic species over two subdioecious species
      capable of wind pollination. A shift from biotic to abiotic pollination is
      clearly implicated in the diversification of reproductive systems within
      Schiedea. Abundant pollination by a previously unknown native moth in
      experimental and restored populations suggests the potential for restoration to
      re-establish native plant-pollinator interactions critical for production of
      outcrossed individuals with high fitness.

PMID- 28079940
TI  - Reproductive modification in forest plantations: impacts on biodiversity and
      society.
AB  - 1000 I. 1000 II. 1001 III. 1014 IV. 1015 V. 1016 1016 References 1016 SUMMARY:
      Genetic engineering (GE) can be used to improve forest plantation productivity
      and tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses. However, gene flow from GE forest
      plantations is a large source of ecological, social and legal controversy. The
      use of genetic technologies to mitigate or prevent gene flow has been discussed
      widely and should be technically feasible in a variety of plantation taxa.
      However, potential ecological effects of such modifications, and their social
      acceptability, are not well understood. Focusing on Eucalyptus, Pinus, Populus
      and Pseudotsuga - genera that represent diverse modes of pollination and seed
      dispersal - we conducted in-depth reviews of ecological processes associated with
      reproductive tissues. We also explored potential impacts of various forms of
      reproductive modification at stand and landscape levels, and means for mitigating
      impacts. We found little research on potential reactions by the public and other
      stakeholders to reproductive modification in forest plantations. However, there
      is considerable research on related areas that suggest key dimensions of concern
      and support. We provide detailed suggestions for research to understand the
      biological and social dimensions of containment technologies, and consider the
      role of regulatory and market restrictions that obstruct necessary ecological and
      genetic research.

PMID- 28079941
TI  - Changes to Cretaceous surface fire behaviour influenced the spread of the early
      angiosperms.
AB  - Angiosperms evolved and diversified during the Cretaceous period. Early
      angiosperms were short-stature weedy plants thought to have increased fire
      frequency and mortality in gymnosperm forest, aiding their own expansion.
      However, no explorations have considered whether the range of novel fuel types
      that diversified throughout the Cretaceous also altered fire behaviour, which
      should link more strongly to mortality than fire frequency alone. We measured
      ignitability and heat of combustion in analogue Cretaceous understorey fuels
      (conifer litter, ferns, weedy and shrubby angiosperms) and used these data to
      model palaeofire behaviour. Variations in ignition, driven by weedy angiosperms
      alone, were found to have been a less important feedback to changes in Cretaceous
      fire activity than previously estimated. Our model estimates suggest that fires
      in shrub and fern understories had significantly greater fireline intensities
      than those fuelled by conifer litter or weedy angiosperms, and whilst fern
      understories supported the most rapid fire spread, angiosperm shrubs delivered
      the largest amount of heat per unit area. The higher fireline intensities
      predicted by the models led to estimates of enhanced scorch of the gymnosperm
      canopy and a greater chance of transitioning to crown fires. Therefore, changes
      in fire behaviour driven by the addition of new Cretaceous fuel groups may have
      assisted the angiosperm expansion.

PMID- 28079942
TI  - Treatment of capillary malformation using topical timolol combined with 585-nm
      pulsed dye laser: a prospective, randomized, split-lesion study.

PMID- 28079943
TI  - Cooperative Activation of Isocyanates by Al-N-Based Active Lewis Pairs and the
      Generation of a C5 Chain by Simultaneous Formation of Two C-C Bonds.
AB  - The active Al/N Lewis pair, (Me3 C)2 Al-C(SiMe3 )=C(H)-N(CHMe-CH2 )2 CH2 (2),
      reacted with isocyanates to afford a fascinating variety of products. One
      equivalent of Ph-N=C=O yielded by the release of H-C=C-SiMe3 an urea-type ligand
      which coordinated the Al atom in a chelating manner (4). Dipp-N=C=O gave a
      similar product, but the bulky substituent hindered the approach of the N-aryl
      group to Al. A situation similar to that of frustrated Lewis pairs resulted in
      the coordination of the alkyne to the Al and N atoms (6) by C-H bond activation.
      Dual insertion was observed upon treatment of 2 with two equivalents of
      isocyanates (8 to 11). The preferred formation of cyclic oligomers is prevented
      by the specific cooperative properties of the Lewis pair. A metal-free dimeric
      isocyanate (13) was formed by hydrolysis. Replacement of the CMe3 groups in 2 by
      less bulky isobutyl groups (7) afforded the insertion of two isocyanate molecules
      into the Al-vinyl bonds without alkyne elimination. The resulting highly
      functionalised compound had a chain formed by two isocyanates and the organic
      backbone of the Lewis pair. Me3 C-N=C=O and 2 afforded a unique compound (14) in
      which an isocyanate ligand connects two molecules of 2 by the release of
      dimethylpiperidine. The combination of a C1 building block and two C2 groups gave
      an unsaturated branched C5 moiety by the simultaneous formation of two C-C bonds.
      The molecular structure showed an interaction between an Al atom and a C-C pi
      bond.

PMID- 28079944
TI  - An Isolable Silicon Dicarbonate Complex from Carbon Dioxide Activation with a
      Silylone.
AB  - The first isolable molecular silicon dicarbonate complex (bis-NHC)Si(CO3 )2 2
      (bis-NHC=H2 C[{NC(H)=C(H)N(Dipp)}C:]2 , Dipp=2,6-iPr2 C6 H3 ) was synthesized by
      facile reaction of the bis-N-heterocyclic carbene stabilized silylone (bis-NHC)Si
      1, bearing a zero-valent silicon atom, with carbon dioxide. The monomeric silicon
      dioxide complex (bis-NHC)SiO2 3 supported by the bis-NHC ligand was proposed as a
      key intermediate resulting from double oxygenation of the zero-valent silicon
      atom in 1 by two molar equivalents of CO2 under liberation of CO; its subsequent
      Lewis acid-base reaction with CO2 leads to 2 which has been fully characterized
      including an single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Its electronic structure,
      spectroscopic data and the thermochemistry of the formation have been studied
      quantum-chemically.

PMID- 28079945
TI  - Systematic review of site distribution of bone metastases in differentiated
      thyroid cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the United States. A
      small portion of differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs; 2% to 13%) develop bone
      metastases, which can decrease a patient's survival rate by more than 60%.
      METHODS: A systematic literature search of studies, including patients with DTC
      with bone metastases, was conducted by following Preferred Reporting Items for
      Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A case series of
      patients with DTC diagnosed with bone metastases seen at our institution was also
      included. RESULTS: A total of 616 bone metastases sites in 317 patients were
      identified in 14 case series. Ten patients were identified in our institutional
      case series. The most common sites of metastases are spine (34.6%), pelvis
      (25.5%), sternum and ribs (18.3%), extremities (10.2%), shoulder girdle (5.4%),
      and craniomaxillofacial (5.4%). CONCLUSION: The axial skeleton is the primary
      target of bone metastases in DTC. The relative distribution of bone metastases
      and red marrow content follow a similar rank. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
      Head Neck 39: 812-818, 2017.

PMID- 28079946
TI  - Enantioselective and Regiodivergent Addition of Purines to Terminal Allenes:
      Synthesis of Abacavir.
AB  - The rhodium-catalyzed atom-economic asymmetric N-selective intermolecular
      addition of purine derivatives to terminal allenes is reported. Branched allylic
      purines were obtained in high yields, regioselectivity and outstanding
      enantioselectivity utilizing a Rh/Josiphos catalyst. Conversely, linear selective
      allylation of purines could be realized in good to excellent regio- and E/Z
      selectivity with a Pd/dppf catalyst system. Furthermore, the new methodology was
      applied to a straightforward asymmetric synthesis of carbocyclic nucleoside
      abacavir.

PMID- 28079947
TI  - An Unusually Delocalized Mixed-Valence State of a Cyanidometal-Bridged Compound
      Induced by Thermal Electron Transfer.
AB  - The heterometallic complexes trans-[Cp(dppe)FeNCRu(o-bpy)CNFe(dppe)Cp][PF6 ]n
      (1[PF6 ]n , n=2, 3, 4; o-bpy=1,2-bis(2,2'-bipyridyl-6-yl)ethane, dppe=1,2
      bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, Cp=1,3-cyclopentadiene) in three distinct states
      have been synthesized and fully characterized. 13+ [PF6 ]3 and 14+ [PF6 ]4 are
      the one- and two-electron oxidation products of 12+ [PF6 ]2 , respectively. The
      investigated results suggest that 1[PF6 ]3 is a Class II mixed valence compound.
      1[PF6 ]4 after a thermal treatment at 400 K shows an unusually delocalized mixed
      valence state of [FeIII -NC-RuIII -CN-FeII ], which is induced by electron
      transfer from the central RuII to the terminal FeIII in 1[PF6 ]4 , which was
      confirmed by IR spectroscopy, magnetic data, and EPR and Mossbauer spectroscopy.

PMID- 28079949
TI  - A 11-Steps Total Synthesis of Magellanine through a Gold(I)-Catalyzed Dehydro
      Diels-Alder Reaction.
AB  - We have developed an innovative strategy for the formation of angular carbocycles
      via a gold(I)-catalyzed dehydro Diels-Alder reaction. This transformation
      provides rapid access to a variety of complex angular cores in excellent
      diastereoselectivities and high yields. The usefulness of this AuI -catalyzed
      cycloaddition was further demonstrated by accomplishing a 11-steps total
      synthesis of (+/-)-magellanine.

PMID- 28079948
TI  - Induction of Antibodies Directed Against Branched Core O-Mannosyl Glycopeptides
      Selectivity Complimentary to the ConA Lectin.
AB  - Mammalian protein O-mannosylation, initiated by attachment of alpha-mannopyranose
      to Ser or Thr residues, comprise a group of post-translational modifications
      (PTMs) involved in muscle and brain development. Recent advances in
      glycoproteomics methodology and the "SimpleCell" strategy have enabled rapid
      identification of glycoproteins and specific glycosylation sites. Despite the
      enormous progress made, the biological impact of the mammalian O-mannosyl
      glycoproteome remains largely unknown to date. Tools are still needed to
      investigate the structure, role, and abundance of O-mannosyl glycans. Although O
      mannosyl branching has been shown to be of relevance in integrin-dependent cell
      migration, and also plays a role in demyelinating diseases, such as multiple
      sclerosis, a broader understanding of the biological roles of branched O-mannosyl
      glycans is lacking in part due to the paucity of detection tools. In this work, a
      glycopeptide vaccine construct was synthesized and used to generate antibodies
      against branched O-mannosyl glycans. Glycopeptide microarray screening revealed
      high selectivity of the induced antibodies for branched glycan core structures
      presented on different peptide backbones, with no cross-reactivity observed with
      related linear glycans. For comparison, microarray screening of the mannose
      binding lectin concanavalin A (ConA), which is commonly used in glycoproteomics
      workflows to enrich tryptic O-mannosyl peptides, showed that the ConA lectin did
      not recognize branched O-mannosyl glycans. The binding preference of ConA for
      short linear O-mannosyl glycans was rationalized in terms of molecular structure
      using crystallographic data augmented by molecular modeling. The contrast between
      the ConA binding specificity and that of the new antibodies indicates a novel
      role for the antibodies in studies of protein O-mannosylation.

PMID- 28079950
TI  - Olefin Insertion into a Pd-F Bond: Catalyst Reactivation Following beta-F
      Elimination in Ethylene/Vinyl Fluoride Copolymerization.
AB  - The discrete (phosphinoarenesulfonate)Pd fluoride complex (POBp,OMe
      )PdF(lutidine), where POBp,OMe =(2-MeOC6 H4 )(2-{2,6-(MeO)2 C6 H3 }C6 H4 )(2-SO3 
      5-MeC6 H3 )P, inserts vinyl fluoride (VF) to form (POBp,OMe )PdCH2 CHF2
      (lutidine) and inserts multiple ethylene (E) units to generate polyethylene that
      contains -CH2 F chain ends. These results provide strong evidence that the -CHF2
      and -CH2 F chain ends in E/VF copolymer generated by (phosphinoarenesulfonate)PdR
      catalysts form by beta-F elimination of Pd(beta-F-alkyl) species, VF or E
      insertion of the resulting (PO)PdF species, and subsequent chain growth. These
      results also imply that beta-F elimination is not an important catalyst
      deactivation reaction in this system.

PMID- 28079951
TI  - Water Catalysis of the Reaction between Methanol and OH at 294 K and the
      Atmospheric Implications.
AB  - The rate coefficient for the reaction CH3 OH+OH was determined by means of a
      relative method in a simulation chamber under quasi-real atmospheric conditions
      (294 K, 1 atm of air) and variable humidity or water concentration. Under these
      conditions, a quadratic dependence of the rate coefficient for the reaction CH3
      OH+OH on the water concentration was found. Thus the catalytic effect of water is
      not only important at low temperatures, but also at room temperature. The
      detailed mechanism responsible of the reaction acceleration is still unknown.
      However, this dependence should be included in the atmospheric global models
      since it is expected to be important in humid regions as in the tropics.
      Additionally, it could explain several differences regarding the global and local
      atmospheric concentration of methanol in tropical areas, for which many
      speculations about the sinks and sources of methanol have been reported.

PMID- 28079952
TI  - Regioselectivity Change in the Organocatalytic Enantioselective (3+2)
      Cycloaddition with Nitrones through Cooperative Hydrogen-Bonding
      Catalysis/Iminium Activation.
AB  - The reaction of nitrones with enals through iminium activation can be modulated
      by using cooperative hydrogen-bonding catalysis to induce the participation of a
      nitrone ylide (C-N-C) instead of the classical C-N-O dipole. As a consequence, N
      hydroxypyrrolidines are obtained, rather than the expected isoxazolidines. The
      reaction proceeds smoothly and high enantioselectivities are observed in all
      cases. By using the appropriate substrate, polysubstituted pyrrolidines
      incorporating quaternary stereocenters can be efficiently prepared.

PMID- 28079953
TI  - Reversible Photoactivated Phosphorescence of Gold(I) Arylethynyl Complexes in
      Aerated DMSO Solutions and Gels.
AB  - Phosphorescence in fluid solutions at ambient temperature is usually quenched by
      molecular oxygen via energy transfer, and singlet oxygen is concomitantly
      sensitized. The long-lived phosphorescence of a series of AuI arylethynyl
      complexes with tunable emission energies in aerated dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
      solutions can be completely and repeatedly switched on by controlled
      photoirradiation. A trace amount of DMSO oxidation by the sensitized singlet
      oxygen is proposed to lead to a depletion of molecular oxygen in the local
      microenvironment of the AuI phosphor in the photoactivation processes. Harnessing
      the photoactivated phosphorescence and using UV light as a non-contact pen, a
      writing-erasing-rewriting prototype has been demonstrated with a DMSO gel
      containing AuI arylethynyl complexes.

PMID- 28079954
TI  - Conformational SERS Classification of K-Ras Point Mutations for Cancer
      Diagnostics.
AB  - Point mutations in Ras oncogenes are routinely screened for diagnostics and
      treatment of tumors (especially in colorectal cancer). Here, we develop an
      optical approach based on direct SERS coupled with chemometrics for the study of
      the specific conformations that single-point mutations impose on a relatively
      large fragment of the K-Ras gene (141 nucleobases). Results obtained offer the
      unambiguous classification of different mutations providing a potentially useful
      insight for diagnostics and treatment of cancer in a sensitive, fast, direct and
      inexpensive manner.

PMID- 28079955
TI  - Solubilization of Membrane Proteins into Functional Lipid-Bilayer Nanodiscs Using
      a Diisobutylene/Maleic Acid Copolymer.
AB  - Once removed from their natural environment, membrane proteins depend on membrane
      mimetic systems to retain their native structures and functions. To this end,
      lipid-bilayer nanodiscs that are bounded by scaffold proteins or amphiphilic
      polymers such as styrene/maleic acid (SMA) copolymers have been introduced as
      alternatives to detergent micelles and liposomes for in vitro membrane-protein
      research. Herein, we show that an alternating diisobutylene/maleic acid (DIBMA)
      copolymer shows equal performance to SMA in solubilizing phospholipids,
      stabilizes an integral membrane enzyme in functional bilayer nanodiscs, and
      extracts proteins of various sizes directly from cellular membranes. Unlike
      aromatic SMA, aliphatic DIBMA has only a mild effect on lipid acyl-chain order,
      does not interfere with optical spectroscopy in the far-UV range, and does not
      precipitate in the presence of low millimolar concentrations of divalent cations.

PMID- 28079956
TI  - An Exonuclease III-Powered, On-Particle Stochastic DNA Walker.
AB  - DNA-based machines have attracted rapidly growing interest owing to their
      potential in drug delivery, biocomputing, and diagnostic applications. Herein, we
      report a type of exonuclease III (Exo III)-powered stochastic DNA walker that can
      autonomously move on a spherical nucleic acid (SNA)-based 3D track. The motion is
      propelled by unidirectional Exo III digestion of hybridized DNA tracks in a burnt
      bridge mechanism. The operation of this Exo III-propelled DNA walker was
      monitored in real time and at the single-particle resolution using total internal
      reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF). We further interrogated the
      morphological effect of the 3D track on the nuclease activity, which suggested
      that the performance of the DNA walker was critically dependent upon the DNA
      density and the track conformation. Finally, we demonstrated potential
      bioanalytical applications of this SNA-based stochastic DNA walker by exploiting
      movement-triggered cascade signal amplification.

PMID- 28079957
TI  - Palladium-Catalyzed Remote Aryldifluoroalkylation of Alkenyl Aldehydes.
AB  - A palladium-catalyzed three-component reaction between fluoroalkyl bromides,
      arylboronic acids, and alkenyl aldehydes has been developed and provides facile
      access to 5-, 6-, or 7-difluoroalkylated ketones under very mild reaction
      conditions. The resultant products can be smoothly converted into CF2 -containing
      tetrahydronaphthalenes by a novel silver-catalyzed intramolecular decarboxylative
      cyclization of 5-aryl-2,2-difluoropentanoic acids.

PMID- 28079958
TI  - An S-Oxygenated [NiFe] Complex Modelling Sulfenate Intermediates of an O2 
      Tolerant Hydrogenase.
AB  - To understand the molecular details of O2 -tolerant hydrogen cycling by a soluble
      NAD+ -reducing [NiFe] hydrogenase, we herein present the first bioinspired
      heterobimetallic S-oxygenated [NiFe] complex as a structural and vibrational
      spectroscopic model for the oxygen-inhibited [NiFe] active site. This compound
      and its non-S-oxygenated congener were fully characterized, and their electronic
      structures were elucidated in a combined experimental and theoretical study with
      emphasis on the bridging sulfenato moiety. Based on the vibrational spectroscopic
      properties of these complexes, we also propose novel strategies for exploring S
      oxygenated intermediates in hydrogenases and similar enzymes.

PMID- 28079959
TI  - Removal of Multiple Contaminants from Water by Polyoxometalate Supported Ionic
      Liquid Phases (POM-SILPs).
AB  - The simultaneous removal of organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants from
      water by one material offers significant advantages when fast, facile, and robust
      water purification is required. Herein, we present a supported ionic liquid phase
      (SILP) composite where each component targets a specific type of water
      contaminant: a polyoxometalate-ionic liquid (POM-IL) is immobilized on porous
      silica, giving the heterogeneous SILP. The water-insoluble POM-IL is composed of
      antimicrobial alkylammonium cations and lacunary polyoxometalate anions with
      heavy-metal binding sites. The lipophilicity of the POM-IL enables adsorption of
      organic contaminants. The silica support can bind radionuclides. Using the POM
      SILP in filtration columns enables one-step multi-contaminant water purification.
      The results show how multi-functional POM-SILPs can be designed for advanced
      purification applications.

PMID- 28079960
TI  - Successful medical management of a domestic longhair cat with subdural
      intracranial empyema and multifocal pneumonia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of successful medical management of subdural
      intracranial empyema and multifocal pneumonia in a domestic longhaired cat. CASE
      SUMMARY: A 7-year-and-8-month-old male neutered domestic longhair cat presented
      with tachypnea, respiratory compromise, vestibular ataxia, obtundation, left
      sided head tilt, and multiple cranial nerve deficits. Neuroanatomical
      localization was multifocal with central vestibular involvement. Magnetic
      resonance imaging of the head indicated diffuse subdural empyema, mainly
      affecting the middle cranial fossa and the right cerebrum. Analysis of
      cerebrospinal fluid revealed degenerate neutrophils with a mixed population of
      intracellular bacilli. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax was suggestive for
      multifocal pneumonia. Aggressive medical management with IV fluids, oxygen
      supplementation, mannitol boluses, dexamethasone, and broad-spectrum
      antimicrobials was initiated. The cat demonstrated gradual improvement within 24
      hours following initiation of treatment. General physical and neurological
      examinations, 9 weeks after initiating treatment, did not reveal any
      abnormalities. A CT examination performed at this time revealed resolution of the
      cat's pulmonary lesions. The cat was still free of clinical signs, 9 months after
      treatment was started. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Subdural empyema is
      infrequently reported in cats and has high mortality rates even following
      surgical treatment. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of
      successful medical management of a cat with subdural empyema and suggests that
      aggressive medical management should be attempted in cats that are not considered
      surgical candidates.

PMID- 28079961
TI  - Highly Porous Thermoelectric Nanocomposites with Low Thermal Conductivity and
      High Figure of Merit from Large-Scale Solution-Synthesized Bi2 Te2.5 Se0.5 Hollow
      Nanostructures.
AB  - To enhance the performance of thermoelectric materials and enable access to their
      widespread applications, it is beneficial yet challenging to synthesize hollow
      nanostructures in large quantities, with high porosity, low thermal conductivity
      (kappa) and excellent figure of merit (z T). Herein we report a scalable (ca.
      11.0 g per batch) and low-temperature colloidal processing route for Bi2 Te2.5
      Se0.5 hollow nanostructures. They are sintered into porous, bulk nanocomposites
      (phi 10 mm*h 10 mm) with low kappa (0.48 W m-1  K-1 ) and the highest z T (1.18)
      among state-of-the-art Bi2 Te3-x Sex materilas. Additional benefits of the
      unprecedented low relative density (68-77 %) are the large demand reduction of
      raw materials and the improved portability. This method can be adopted to
      fabricate other porous phase-transition and thermoelectric chalcogenide materials
      and will pave the way for the implementation of hollow nanostructures in other
      fields.

PMID- 28079962
TI  - Determining Electrochemical Surface Stress of Single Nanowires.
AB  - Electrochemical surface stress is important in nanomaterials because of their
      large surface-to-volume ratios, which lead to unique mechanical and
      electrocatalytic properties, but directly measuring this quantity has been
      challenging. Here we report on experimental determination of the surface stress,
      and associated electrochemical processes of a single gold nanowire with an
      optical imaging technique. We show that surface stress changes linearly and
      reversibly with the potential between 0 and 0.8 V versus Ag/AgCl, but abruptly
      with large hysteresis, associated with the oxidation and reduction of the
      nanowire, between 0.8 and 1.5 V. The potential derivative of the surface stress
      closely resembles the cyclic voltammograms. We described the observations in
      terms of anion adsorption and surface oxidation/reduction. This work demonstrates
      a new approach to study electrochemical processes and the associated surface
      stress changes of nanomaterials.

PMID- 28079963
TI  - Nauseas Y Vomitos Durante el Embarazo (Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy).

PMID- 28079964
TI  - BAB-random-C Monomer Sequence via Radical Terpolymerization of Limonene (A),
      Maleimide (B), and Methacrylate (C): Terpene Polymers with Randomly Distributed
      Periodic Sequences.
AB  - A naturally abundant terpene, limonene (A), was radically polymerized with a
      maleimide derivative (B) and methacrylate (C) in a fluorinated alcohol to give
      terpolymers with unprecedented BAB-random-C sequences in which the BAB monomer
      sequence was randomly copolymerized with a C unit. In each binary system,
      limonene was hardly copolymerized with methacrylate while it was efficiently
      copolymerized with maleimide to result in a 1:2-alternating BAB periodic
      sequence, in part due to the penultimate effects and hydrogen-bonding
      interactions with fluoroalcohol. Methacrylate and maleimide were randomly
      copolymerized to give copolymers rich in methacrylate units with minimal amounts
      of maleimide-maleimide sequences. Their terpolymerization resulted in a BAB-r-C
      sequence as a consequence of the selective BAB polymerization between limonene
      and maleimide, the random copolymerization between methacrylate and maleimide,
      and the lack of copolymerization between limonene and methacrylate.

PMID- 28079965
TI  - Transanal endolaparoscopic circumferential mucosectomy for symptomatic benign
      rectal stenosis - a video vignette.

PMID- 28079966
TI  - Updates From the Literature, January/February 2017.

PMID- 28079967
TI  - Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice January/February 2017.

PMID- 28079968
TI  - Salud Vaginal y De La Vulva.

PMID- 28079969
TI  - Molecular Polygons Probe the Role of Intramolecular Strain in the Photophysics of
      pi-Conjugated Chromophores.
AB  - pi-Conjugated segments, chromophores, are the electronically active units of
      polymer materials used in organic electronics. To elucidate the effect of the
      bending of these linear moieties on elementary electronic properties, such as
      luminescence color and radiative rate, we introduce a series of molecular
      polygons. The pi-system in these molecules becomes so distorted in bichromophores
      (digons) that these absorb and emit light of arbitrary polarization: any part of
      the chain absorbs and emits radiation with equal probability. Bending leads to a
      cancellation of transition dipole moment (TDM), increasing excited-state
      lifetime. Simultaneously, fluorescence shifts to the red as radiative transitions
      require mixing of the excited state with vibrational modes. However, strain can
      become so large that excited-state localization on shorter units of the chain
      occurs, compensating TDM cancellation. The underlying correlations between shape
      and photophysics can only be resolved in single molecules.

PMID- 28079970
TI  - Categorizing the Magnitude and Frequency of Exposure to Uncivil Behaviors: A New
      Approach for More Meaningful Interventions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine turnover intentions, as well as the prevalence and frequency
      of uncivil behaviors, from the perspective of registered nurses, respiratory
      therapists, and imaging professionals, using a new method to categorize exposure
      magnitude. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected using the 22-item Negative
      Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R). Additional items, informed by Price and
      Mueller's causal model of turnover, were included, as were select demographic
      variables. The final sample included 170 healthcare professionals. Descriptive
      statistics were used to describe the sample, a chi-square test was constructed to
      test for significant differences in exposure to uncivil behavior based on
      demographics, and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics were used to test
      associations between variables and calculation of raw sum scores to implement a
      new method of analysis for the NAQ-R, allowing for categorization of exposure
      magnitude. FINDINGS: Exposure to uncivil behavior was reported more often among
      nursing staff than other healthcare professionals. Lack of exposure to uncivil
      behavior was a significant predictor of intention to stay. Perceptual differences
      were found between nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and associate degree
      levels. Lastly, no significant correlations between exposure to uncivil behavior
      and selected demographic variables were found, suggesting that exposure is not
      dependent upon age, race, unit type, or educational level. CONCLUSIONS: Findings
      support prior research associating negative organizational climate with higher
      turnover intentions. Uncivil behavior was reported across the organization, most
      predominantly among units staffed with nurses. Finally, use of newly defined
      cutoff points for the NAQ-R provide organizations with the ability to use both
      subjective and objective data to identify targets of uncivil behaviors to
      construct meaningful interventions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is a need to
      develop more meaningful interventions to support targets of uncivil behaviors.
      Use of the NAQ-R, coupled with the proposed cutoff scores, allows for the
      identification of targets, the magnitude of exposure, and the construction of
      meaningful primary, secondary, and tertiary intervention programs that may
      improve turnover and quality of care.

PMID- 28079971
TI  - Au/La2 Ti2 O7 Nanostructures Sensitized with Black Phosphorus for Plasmon
      Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production in Visible and Near-Infrared Light.
AB  - Efficient utilization of solar energy is a high-priority target and the search
      for suitable materials as photocatalysts that not only can harvest the broad
      wavelength of solar light, from UV to near-infrared (NIR) region, but also can
      achieve high and efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion is one of the most
      challenging missions. Herein, using Au/La2 Ti2 O7 (BP-Au/LTO) sensitized with
      black phosphorus (BP), a broadband solar response photocatalyst was designed and
      used as efficient photocatalyst for H2 production. The optimum H2 production
      rates of BP-Au/LTO were about 0.74 and 0.30 mmol g-1  h-1 at wavelengths longer
      than 420 nm and 780 nm, respectively. The broad absorption of BP and plasmonic Au
      contribute to the enhanced photocatalytic activity in the visible and NIR light
      regions. Time-resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy revealed efficient
      interfacial electron transfer from excited BP and Au to LTO which is in
      accordance with the observed high photoactivities.

PMID- 28079972
TI  - Prevalence of vomiting in dogs with pericardial effusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pericardial effusion (PE) is common in dogs. Clinical signs may be
      vague until cardiac tamponade and associated cardiovascular decompensation
      develops. Vomiting has previously been identified in some dogs, but the actual
      prevalence of vomiting in dogs with PE is unknown. The purpose of this study is
      to report the prevalence of vomiting associated with PE, and to determine if
      vomiting is associated with the underlying cause of effusion, presenting plasma
      lactate concentration, or volume of PE removed. KEY FINDINGS: The medical records
      of 49 dogs diagnosed with PE were restrospectively reviewed. Data collected from
      the medical record included signalment, the presence or absence of vomiting,
      presenting plasma lactate concentration, and the etiology of the PE. Twenty-five
      of 49 dogs (51%) identified with PE had recently vomited. Vomiting was more
      common in dogs with presenting plasma lactate concentration > 5.0 mmol/L (P =
      0.02) but was unrelated to the specific etiology of the PE. The volume of PE
      obtained via pericardiocentesis did not differ (P = 0.79) between dogs with (8.7
      +/- 3.4 mL/kg) and without historical vomiting (9.1 +/- 4.3 mL/kg). SIGNIFICANCE:
      Vomiting is common in dogs with PE, and in particular, dogs with evidence of
      hypoperfusion. Pericardial effusion should be included as a differential
      diagnosis in dogs with a history of vomiting that present with weakness or
      collapse.

PMID- 28079974
TI  - Findings From a Pilot Study: Bringing Evidence-Based Practice to the Bedside.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To translate research supporting inpatient care outcomes and provide
      evidence-based care, registered nurses (RNs) need continuing education and
      mentoring support to adopt evidence-based practice (EBP). AIMS: The aim of this
      study was to assess a demonstration project intended to pilot and evaluate a
      structured EBP education with mentoring innovation for nurses in a multihospital
      system. METHODS: Nurses from five units in five hospitals were included in an
      education with mentoring innovation to implement the Johns Hopkins Nursing
      Evidence-Based Practice Model and the Advancing Research and Clinical practice
      through close Collaboration (ARCC) Model. To determine outcomes, the EBP beliefs
      scale (EBPB) and implementation scale (EBPI) were administered before and after
      the education with mentoring innovation. Eighty-three RNs completed both
      preintervention surveys. A total of 57 RNs completed the postintervention
      surveys. In addition, qualitative data were obtained from focus groups involving
      24 participants. FINDINGS: Statistical analysis indicated positive movement
      toward EBP in project participants. Qualitative analysis revealed perceived
      successes and challenges involved with implementing an evidence-based program,
      provided logistical lessons learned, and indicated that nurses at all levels of
      practice require mentoring and coaching to foster EBP sustainment. LINKING
      EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The engagement of nurses in this project supported
      professional development and clinical application of evidence at the point of
      care. The pilot project's outcome informed a decision by health system
      administrators to fund more nurse driven EBP projects in the five hospitals. This
      innovative program provides a replicable structure for deployment and appraisal
      of EBP nursing model implementation.

PMID- 28079973
TI  - A regulatory BMI1/let-7i/ERK3 pathway controls the motility of head and neck
      cancer cells.
AB  - Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAPK), whose biological activity is tightly regulated by its
      cellular abundance. Recent studies have revealed that ERK3 is upregulated in
      multiple cancers and promotes cancer cell migration/invasion and drug resistance.
      Little is known, however, about how ERK3 expression level is upregulated in
      cancers. Here, we have identified the oncogenic polycomb group protein BMI1 as a
      positive regulator of ERK3 level in head and neck cancer cells. Mechanistically,
      BMI1 upregulates ERK3 expression by suppressing the tumor suppressive microRNA
      (miRNA) let-7i, which directly targets ERK3 mRNA. ERK3 then acts as an important
      downstream mediator of BMI1 in promoting cancer cell migration. Importantly, ERK3
      protein level is positively correlated with BMI1 level in head and neck tumor
      specimens of human patients. Taken together, our study revealed a molecular
      pathway consisting of BMI1, miRNA let-7i, and ERK3, which controls the migration
      of head and neck cancer cells, and suggests that ERK3 kinase is a potential new
      therapeutic target in head and neck cancers, particularly those with BMI1
      overexpression.

PMID- 28079975
TI  - Edge States and Topological Phase Transitions in Chains of Dielectric
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - Recently introduced field of topological photonics aims to explore the concepts
      of topological insulators for novel phenomena in optics. Here polymeric chains of
      subwavelength silicon nanodisks are studied and it is demonstrated that these
      chains can support two types of topological edge modes based on magnetic and
      electric Mie resonances, and their topological properties are fully dictated by
      the spatial arrangement of the nanoparticles in the chain. It is observed
      experimentally and described how theoretically topological phase transitions at
      the nanoscale define a change from trivial to nontrivial topological states when
      the edge mode is excited.

PMID- 28079977
TI  - Psychosocial changes as correlates of weight regain vs. continued loss within 2
      year trials of a self-regulation-focused community-based intervention.
AB  - Although health-enhancing weight reductions are associated with behavioural
      treatments initially, a trajectory towards full regain typically begins within 6
      9 months. Women with obesity (body mass index = 30-40 kg m-2 ) who lost at least
      3% of their baseline weight within two trials of a new cognitive-behavioural
      treatment incorporating physical activity prior to changes in eating behaviours,
      and either regained >=50% of that weight over 2 years (Regain group, n=32) or
      continued to lose weight (ContinuedLoss group, n = 34), were assessed from months
      6 to 24 on changes in weight-loss behaviours and psychosocial predictors of those
      behaviours derived from established behavioural theories. For the Regain group,
      significant decreases in physical activity and fruit/vegetable intake during
      months 12-24, from both months 6 to 24 and 12 to 24 in eating- and physical
      activity-related self-regulation and from months 6 to 24 in eating-related self
      efficacy (i.e. feelings of ability), were found. No significant behavioural or
      psychosocial changes were found over those times in the ContinuedLoss group.
      Changes in self-regulation and self-efficacy completely mediated the relationship
      between changes in fruit/vegetable intake and group (Regain vs. ContinuedLoss)
      (McFadden's R 2  = 0.19 and 0.20, respectively), with self-regulation
      independently contributing to the explained variance. Changes over both months 6
      24 and 12-24 in self-regulation significantly mediated the relationship between
      changes in physical activity and group membership (McFadden's R 2  = 0.24 and
      0.27, respectively). Findings suggested that approximately 6 months after
      treatment initiation would be a suitable time to intervene with some bolstering
      methods, while approximately 12 months post-initiation would be most applicable
      for others.

PMID- 28079976
TI  - Maresin 1 induces a novel pro-resolving phenotype in human platelets.
AB  - : Essentials Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) promote the resolution of
      inflammation. This study sought to investigate the effects of SPMs on human
      platelet function. The SPM, Maresin 1, enhanced hemostatic, but suppressed
      inflammatory functions of platelets. SPMs uniquely regulate platelet function and
      may represent a new class of antiplatelet agents. SUMMARY: Background
      Antiplatelet therapy is a cornerstone of modern medical practice and is routinely
      employed to reduce the likelihood of myocardial infarction, thrombosis and
      stroke. However, current antiplatelet therapies, such as aspirin, often have
      adverse side-effects, including increased risk of bleeding, and some patients are
      relatively 'aspirin-resistant'. Platelets are intimately involved in hemostasis
      and inflammation, and clinical consequences are associated with excessive or
      insufficient platelet activation. Objectives A major unmet need in the field of
      hematology is the development of new agents that safely prevent unwanted platelet
      activation in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease, while minimizing
      the risk of bleeding. Here, we investigate the potential of endogenously
      produced, specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) as novel antiplatelet
      agents. SPMs are a recently discovered class of lipid-derived molecules that
      drive the resolution of inflammation without being overtly immunosuppressive.
      Methods Human platelets were treated with lipoxin A4, resolvin D1, resolvin D2,
      17-HDHA or maresin 1 for 15 min, then were subjected to platelet function tests,
      including spreading, aggregation and inflammatory mediator release. Results We
      show for the first time that human platelets express the SPM receptors, GPR32 and
      ALX. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that maresin 1 differentially regulates
      platelet hemostatic function by enhancing platelet aggregation and spreading,
      while suppressing release of proinflammatory and prothrombotic mediators.
      Conclusions These data support the concept that SPMs differentially regulate
      platelet function and may represent a novel class of antiplatelet agents. SPMs
      also may play an important role in the resolution of inflammation in
      cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 28079979
TI  - A General Strategy to Enhance the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by
      Incorporating a Light-Harvesting Dye with a Hydrophobic Polydiacetylene
      Electrolyte-Blocking Layer.
AB  - A unique strategy to suppress charge recombination effectively and enhance light
      harvesting in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is demonstrated by the design of
      a new dipolar organic dye functionalized with a diacetylene unit, which is
      capable of undergoing a photoinduced crosslinking reaction to generate a
      hydrophobic polydiacetylene layer. The polydiacetylene layer serves as an
      electrolyte-blocking layer that effectively blocks the approach of the oxidized
      redox mediator and suppresses the dark current, and also plays a role in light
      harvesting owing to efficient energy transfer to the dipolar dyes. A 15 %
      efficiency improvement was achieved on going from the monomer dye (JSC =13.5 mA
      cm-2 , Voc =0.728 V, fill factor=0.73, eta=7.17 %) to the crosslinked dye (JSC
      =14.9 mA cm-2 , Voc =0.750 V, fill factor=0.74, eta=8.27 %) under AM 1.5
      conditions.

PMID- 28079978
TI  - Targeting coagulation factor receptors - protease-activated receptors in
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal lung disease with a 5-year
      mortality rate of > 50% and unknown etiology. Treatment options remain limited
      and, currently, only two drugs are available, i.e. nintedanib and pirfenidone.
      However, both of these antifibrotic agents only slow down the progression of the
      disease, and do not remarkably prolong the survival of IPF patients. Hence, the
      discovery of new therapeutic targets for IPF is crucial. Studies exploring the
      mechanisms that are involved in IPF have identified several possible targets for
      therapeutic interventions. Among these, blood coagulation factor receptors, i.e.
      protease-activated receptors (PARs), are key candidates, as these receptors
      mediate the cellular effects of coagulation factors and play central roles in
      influencing inflammatory and fibrotic responses. In this review, we will focus on
      the controversial role of the coagulation cascade in the pathogenesis of IPF. In
      the light of novel data, we will attempt to reconciliate the apparently
      conflicting data and discuss the possibility of pharmacologic targeting of PARs
      for the treatment of fibroproliferative diseases.

PMID- 28079980
TI  - Induction of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation in the absence of soluble
      inducer for cutaneous wound regeneration by a chitin nanofiber-based hydrogel.
AB  - Transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has been considered
      to be a promising strategy for wound healing. However, poor viability of
      engrafted BMSCs and limited capabilities of differentiation into the desired cell
      types in wounds often hinder its application. Few studies report the induction of
      BMSC differentiation into the skin regeneration-related cell types using natural
      biopolymer, e.g. chitin and its derivative. Here we utilized a chitin nanofiber
      (CNF) hydrogel as a directive cue to induce BMSC differentiation for enhancing
      cutaneous wound regeneration in the absence of cell-differentiating factors.
      First, a 'green' fabrication of CNF hydrogels encapsulating green fluorescence
      protein (GFP)-transfected rat BMSCs was performed via in-situ physical gelation
      without chemical cross-linking. Without soluble differentiation inducers, CNF
      hydrogels decreased the expression of BMSC transcription factors (Oct4 and Klf4)
      and concomitantly induced their differentiation into the angiogenic cells and
      fibroblasts, which are indispensable for wound regeneration. In vivo, rat full
      thickness cutaneous wounds treated with BMSC hydrogel exhibited better viability
      of the cells than did local BMSC injection-treated wounds. Similar to that of the
      in vitro result, CNF hydrogels induced BMSCs to differentiate into beneficial
      cell types, resulting in accelerated wound repair characterized by granulation
      tissue formation. Our data suggest that three-dimensional CNF hydrogel may not
      only serve as a 'protection' to improve the viability of exogenous BMSCs, but
      also provide a functional scaffold capable of enhancing BMSC regenerative
      potential to promote wound healing. This may help to overcome the current
      limitations to stem cell therapy that are faced in the field of wound
      regeneration. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28079981
TI  - Inhibiting Solid Tumor Growth In Vivo by Non-Tumor-Penetrating Nanomedicine.
AB  - Nanomedicine (NM) cannot penetrate deeply into solid tumors, which is partly
      attributed to the heterogeneous microenvironment and high interstitial fluid
      pressure of solid tumors. To improve NM efficacy, there has been tremendous
      effort developing tumor-penetrating NMs by miniaturizing NM sizes or controlling
      NM surface properties. But progress along the direction of developing tumor
      penetrating nanoparticle has been slow and improvement of the overall antitumor
      efficacy has been limited. Herein, a novel strategy of inhibiting solid tumor
      with high efficiency by dual-functional, nontumor-penetrating NM is demonstrated.
      The intended NM contains 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA), a vascular
      disrupting agent, and doxorubicin (DOX), a cytotoxic drug. Upon arriving at the
      target tumor site, sustained release of DMXAA from NMs results in disruption of
      tumor vessel functions, greatly inhibiting the interior tumor cells by cutting
      off nutritional supply. Meanwhile, the released DOX kills the residual cells at
      the tumor exterior regions. The in vivo studies demonstrate that this dual
      functional, nontumor penetrating NM exhibits superior anticancer activity,
      revealing an alternative strategy of effective tumor growth inhibition.

PMID- 28079983
TI  - Stretchable Fiber Supercapacitors with High Volumetric Performance Based on
      Buckled MnO2 /Oxidized Carbon Nanotube Fiber Electrodes.
AB  - A stretchable fiber supercapacitor (SC) based on buckled MnO2 /oxidized carbon
      nanotube (CNT) fiber electrode is fabricated by a simple prestraining-then
      buckling method. The prepared stretchable fiber SC has a specific volumetric
      capacitance up to 409.4 F cm-3 , which is 33 times that of the pristine CNT fiber
      based SC, and shows the outstanding stability and repeatability in performance as
      a stretchable SC.

PMID- 28079982
TI  - Recombinant soluble apyrase APT102 inhibits thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia in
      vein grafts without adversely affecting hemostasis or re-endothelialization.
AB  - : Essentials New strategies are needed to inhibit thrombosis and intimal
      hyperplasia (IH) in vein grafts (VG). We studied effects of apyrase (APT102) on
      VGs and smooth muscle and endothelial cells (SMC/EC). APT102 inhibited
      thrombosis, SMC migration, and IH without impairing hemostasis or EC recovery.
      Apyrase APT102 is a single-drug approach to inhibit multiple processes that cause
      VG failure. SUMMARY: Background Occlusion of vein grafts (VGs) after bypass
      surgery, owing to thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia (IH), is a major clinical
      problem. Apyrases are enzymes that scavenge extracellular ATP and ADP, and
      promote adenosine formation at sites of vascular injury, and hence have the
      potential to inhibit VG pathology. Objectives To examine the effects of
      recombinant soluble human apyrase, APT102, on platelets, smooth muscle cells
      (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro, and on thrombosis and IH in murine
      VGs. Methods SMC and EC proliferation and migration were studied in vitro.
      Inferior vena cava segments from donor mice were grafted into carotid arteries of
      recipient mice. Results APT102 potently inhibited ADP-induced platelet
      aggregation and VG thrombosis, but it did not impair surgical hemostasis. APT102
      did not directly inhibit SMC or EC proliferation, but significantly attenuated
      the effects of ATP on SMC and EC proliferation. APT102 significantly inhibited
      SMC migration, but did not inhibit EC migration, which may be mediated, at least
      in part, by inhibition of SMC, but not EC, migration by adenosine. At 4 weeks
      after surgery, there was significantly less IH in VGs of APT102-treated mice than
      in control VGs. APT102 significantly inhibited cell proliferation in VGs, but did
      not inhibit re-endothelialization. Conclusions Systemic administration of a
      recombinant human apyrase inhibits thrombosis and IH in VGs without increasing
      bleeding or compromising re-endothelialization. These results suggest that APT102
      has the potential to become a novel, single-drug treatment strategy to prevent
      multiple pathologic processes that drive early adverse remodeling and occlusion
      of VGs.

PMID- 28079984
TI  - Medical application of glycosaminoglycans: a review.
AB  - The characteristic molecular composition of the different glycosaminoglycans
      (GAGs) is related to their role as structural components and regulators of a
      multitude of functions of proteins, cells and tissues in the human body.
      Therefore, it is not surprising that GAGs are widely used as coating materials
      for implants, components of 3D-constructs such as tissue engineering scaffolds
      and hydrogels, but also as diagnostic devices such as biosensors and in
      controlled release applications. Beside a physisorption or encapsulation of GAGs,
      these applications often require their chemical modification to allow a stable
      covalent attachment on surfaces or cross-linking reactions with other molecules.
      Then, the preservation of the functionality of GAGs under maintenance of their
      biocompatibility is a challenging task and must be addressed in accordance with
      the designated field of application. Here, we will give a brief overview on
      structure and biological functions of GAGs, different methods of their activation
      and immobilization, the recent progress in GAG-related biomaterials development,
      as well as some examples of their application in the field of tissue engineering
      and regenerative medicine. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28079985
TI  - One-Pot Bimetallic Pd/Cu-Catalyzed Synthesis of Sulfonamides from Boronic Acids,
      DABSO and O-Benzoyl Hydroxylamines.
AB  - A practical and straightforward bimetallic Pd/Cu catalytic system has been
      developed. This system affords various sulfonamides in one pot from easy-to
      handle and readily available boronic acids, sulfur dioxide surrogate DABSO and O
      benzoyl hydroxylamines in high yields. Without additional ligands, the newly
      developed catalytic system revealed a broad substrate scope for both partners and
      tolerated a wide array of functional groups even at low catalyst loadings.
      Furthermore, based on control experiments, a plausible mechanism has been
      proposed, in which sodium sulfinate has been isolated and identified as the
      crucial intermediate for this transformation.

PMID- 28079986
TI  - Establishment of an in vitro three-dimensional model for cartilage damage in
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to
      progressive joint destruction. To further understand the process of rheumatoid
      cartilage damage, an in vitro model consisting of an interactive tri-culture of
      synovial fibroblasts (SFs), LPS-stimulated macrophages and a primary chondrocyte
      based tissue-engineered construct was established. The tissue-engineered
      construct has a composition similar to that of human cartilage, which is rich in
      collagen type II and proteoglycans. Data generated from this model revealed that
      healthy chondrocytes were activated in the presence of SFs and macrophages. The
      activated chondrocytes subsequently displayed aberrant behaviours as seen in a
      disease state such as increased apoptosis, decreased gene expression for matrix
      components such as type II collagen and aggrecan, increased gene expression for
      tissue-degrading enzymes (MMP-1, -3, -13 and ADAMTS-4, -5), and upregulation of
      inflammatory mediator gene expression (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IKBKB).
      Additionally, the inclusion of SFs and macrophages in the model enabled both cell
      types to more closely replicate an in vivo role in mediating cartilage
      destruction. This is evidenced by extensive matrix loss, detected in the model
      through immunostaining and biochemical analysis. Subsequent drug treatment with
      celecoxib has shown that the model was able to respond to the therapeutic effects
      of this drug by reversing cartilage damage. This study showed that the model was
      able to recapitulate certain pathological features of an RA cartilage. If
      properly validated, this model potentially can be used for screening new
      therapeutic drugs and strategies, thereby contributing to the improvement of anti
      rheumatic treatment. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28079987
TI  - Body-Centered Tetragonal C16 : A Novel Topological Node-Line Semimetallic Carbon
      Composed of Tetrarings.
AB  - The present work not only predicts the existence of 3D topological semimetallic
      carbon allotropes composed of tetrarings, but also provides a likely crystalline
      structure for the unknown phase produced in the detonation soot.

PMID- 28079995
TI  - Effects of cell cycle phases on the induction of dental pulp stem cells toward
      dopaminergic-like cells.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by tremors and cognitive issues, and is
      due to the death of dopaminergic (DA-ergic) neurons in brain circuits that are
      responsible for producing neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). Currently, cell
      replacement therapies are underway to improve upon existing therapeutic
      approaches such as drug treatments and electrical stimulation. Among the widely
      available sources, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) from deciduous teeth have
      gained popularity because of their neural crest origin and inherent propensity
      toward neuronal lineage. Despite the various pre-clinical studies conducted, an
      important factor yet to be elucidated is the influence of growth phases in a
      typical trans-differentiation process. This study selected DPSCs at three
      distinct time points with variable growth phase proportions (G0/G1, S and G2/M)
      for in vitro trans-differentiation into DA-ergic-like cells. Using commercially
      available PCR arrays, we identified distinct gene profiles pertaining to cell
      cycles in these phases. The differentiation outcomes were assessed in terms of
      morphology and gene and protein expression, as well as with functional assays. It
      was noted that DPSCs with the highest G0/G1 phase were comparatively the best,
      representing at least a 2-fold up regulation (p < 0.05) of DA-ergic molecular
      cues compared to those from the remaining time points. Further investigations in
      terms of protein expression and DA-release assays also revealed a similar
      phenomenon (p < 0.05). These findings are expected to provide vital information
      for consideration in improving standard operating procedures in future cell
      transplantation work. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28080010
TI  - Turmoil in the Health Insurance Marketplaces.
AB  - The first three years of the Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplaces
      have been tumultuous ones, with rapid entry and exit of insurers and recent
      spikes in premiums. As concerns mount about the stability and viability of the
      Marketplaces, this brief provides some insight into the forces behind the
      headlines and presents six options for policymakers to consider.

PMID- 28080011
TI  - Insurance Coverage and Access to Care Under the Affordable Care Act.
AB  - This brief details changes in insurance coverage and access to care under the
      Affordable Care Act. About 20 million individuals gained coverage under the law
      and access to care improved.  Despite these gains, more than 27 million
      individuals are still uninsured, and many others face barriers in accessing care.
      As a result of the 2016 elections, the future of the ACA is uncertain.  As the
      next Administration and policymakers debate further health system reforms, they
      should consider the scope of the ACA's effects on their constituents.

PMID- 28080012
TI  - Medicaid's future: What Might ACA Repeal Mean?
AB  - Issue: Republicans in Congress are expected to repeal portions of the Affordable
      Care Act (ACA) using a fast-track process known as budget reconciliation. Goals:
      This issue brief examines how repeal legislation could affect Medicaid, the
      nation's health care safety net, which insured 70 million people in 2016.
      Findings and Conclusions: Partial-repeal legislation that passed Congress but was
      vetoed by President Obama in 2016 offers some insight but new legislation could
      go further. It could repeal the ACA's Medicaid eligibility expansions for adults
      and children but also roll back other provisions, such as simplified enrollment
      and improvements in long-term services and supports for beneficiaries with
      disabilities. Additionally, the Trump Administration could expanduse of
      demonstration authority to introduce deeper structural changes into Medicaid,
      such as eligibility restrictions tied to work, required premium contributions and
      lock-out for nonpayment, annual enrollment periods, and coverage limits and
      exclusions. Together, these changes would have far-reaching implications for
      Medicaid's continued role as the nation's safety-net insurer.

PMID- 28080019
TI  - Controlled Growth of Metal-Organic Framework on Upconversion Nanocrystals for NIR
      Enhanced Photocatalysis.
AB  - Development of MOF-based photocatalysts is intriguing research due to their
      structural flexibility and tremendous catalytic sites, whereas most MOFs only can
      take use of UV/visible light and lack of response to NIR light. Herein, we
      present a facile approach to integrate upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with
      MOF to build a NIR-responsive composite photocatalyst. The MOF shell with
      controllable thickness can be grown on the UCNPs, thus exhibiting tunable
      photocatalytic activities under NIR irradiation. Furthermore, we extend visible
      absorption of the MOF shell by adding -NH2 groups so that the composite
      photocatalysts have a better utilization of UC emissions and sunlight to improve
      their activities. The developed composite photocatalysts have been characterized
      by XRD, TEM, PL, etc., and their photocatalytic performances were systematically
      explored. The formation and working mechanism of the composite photocatalysts
      were also elucidated.

PMID- 28080020
TI  - Biocatalytic Self-Assembly Using Reversible and Irreversible Enzyme
      Immobilization.
AB  - Biocatalytic control of molecular self-assembly provides an effective approach
      for developing smart biomaterials, allowing versatile enzyme-mediated tuning of
      material structure and properties as well as enabling biomedical applications. We
      functionalized surfaces with bioinspired polydopamine and polyphenol coatings to
      study the effects of enzyme surface localization and surface release on the self
      assembly process. We show how these coatings could be conveniently used to
      release enzymes for bulk gelation as well as to irreversibly immobilize enzymes
      for localizing the self-assembly to the surface. The results provide insights to
      the mode of action of biocatalytic self-assembly relevant to nanofabrication and
      enzyme-responsive materials.

PMID- 28080021
TI  - An Ionic Liquid as Interface Linker for Tuning Piezoresistive Sensitivity and
      Toughness in Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Carbon Nanotube Composites.
AB  - Conductive polymer nanocomposites (CPNCs) have emerged as potential alternatives
      for metallic foil sensors and semiconductor strain gauges. The simultaneous
      achievement of high piezoresistive sensitivity and large strain ranges for CPNCs
      currently presents a great challenge and solving this challenge may extend the
      applications of CPNCs with self-diagnosis capabilities to many structural health
      monitoring (SHM) systems. This paper reports a facile strategy for fabricating
      highly piezoresistive and tough poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based CPNCs by
      tuning the interactions between the polymer matrix and multiwalled carbon
      nanotubes (CNT) using an ionic liquid (IL) as an interface linker/modifier. As a
      result, the presence of IL achieves homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in PVDF but
      causes a reduced number of CNT-CNT ohmic contacts with higher electrical contact
      resistance. According to the lower initial resistivity, piezoresistive
      sensitivity is greatly improved, and the gauge factor (GF) varies from 7 to 60
      upon the addition of IL. It is also shown that IL tunes PVDF-CNT interfacial
      bonding and, as an effective interface linker/modifier, achieves significantly
      improved sensing strain ranges (increased from ca. 6 to 21%) and toughness
      (elongation at break increases from 6 to 130%) of CPNCs. These results
      substantially advance the understanding of the missing relationship between
      polymer-filler interface interactions and piezoresistive properties and have
      important implications for future studies of tuning polymer-filler interface
      bonding properties and piezoresistive sensitivity.

PMID- 28080022
TI  - Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Doping in Lead-Acid Batteries: A New Horizon.
AB  - The addition of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to lead-acid battery
      electrodes is the most efficient suppresser of uncontrolled sulfation processes.
      Due to the cost of SWCNT, we studied the optimization loading of SWCNT in lead
      acid battery electrodes. We optimized the SWCNT loading concentrations in both
      the positive and negative plates, separately. Loadings of 0.01% and 0.001% in the
      positive and negative active masses were studied, respectively. Two volts of lead
      acid laboratory cells with sulfuric acid, containing silica gel-type
      electrolytes, were cycled in a 25% and 50% depth-of-discharge (DOD) cycling with
      a charging rate of C and 2C, respectively, and discharge rates of C/2 and C,
      respectively. All tests successfully demonstrated an excellent service life up to
      about 1700 and 1400 cycles for 25% and 50% DOD operations, respectively, at a low
      loading level of SWCNT. This performance was compared with CNT-free cells and
      cells with a multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) additive. The outstanding
      performance of the lead-acid cells with the SWCNT additive is due to the
      oxidative stability of the positive plates during charging and the efficient
      reduction in sulfation in both plates while forming conducting active-material
      matrices.

PMID- 28080023
TI  - Microbial Nanoscopy: Breakthroughs, Challenges, and Opportunities.
AB  - Studying the structure, properties, and interactions of microbial cells is key to
      understanding the functions of the microbiome. Recent advances in nanotechnology
      have offered new tools to probe microbes at the single-molecule and single-cell
      levels. In this issue of ACS Nano, Kumar et al. present an atomic force
      microscopy method that is capable of imaging the nanoscale organization of
      bacterial proteins in native, curved membranes. This study represents an
      important step forward in the development of nanoscopy techniques for analyzing
      biological systems with large curvature and vertical dimensions, such as membrane
      vesicles and bacterial cells.

PMID- 28080024
TI  - Direct Fabrication of Micro/Nano-Patterned Surfaces by Vertical-Directional
      Photofluidization of Azobenzene Materials.
AB  - Anisotropic movement of azobenzene materials (i.e., azobenzene molecules
      incorporated in polymer, glass, or supramolecules) has provided significant
      opportunities for the fabrication of micro/nanoarchitectures. The examples
      include circular holes, line gaps, ellipsoidal holes, and nanofunnels. However,
      all of the previous studies have only focused on the lateral directional movement
      for the structural shaping of azobenzene materials. Herein, we propose structural
      shaping based on a vertical directional movement of azobenzene materials. To do
      this, light with oblique incidence, containing normal direction light
      polarization, was illuminated onto azobenzene materials film contact with
      patterned elastomeric molds (i.e., PDMS) so that the resulting vertical
      directional movement of azobenzene materials fills in the cavities of the molds
      and results in pattern formation. As a result, a range of patterns with sizes of
      features from micro- to sub-100 nm scale was successfully fabricated in a large
      area (few cm2), and the structural height was deterministically controlled by
      simply adjusting irradiation time. In addition to the notable capability of
      fabricating the single-scale structures, the technique provides a facile way to
      fabricate complex hierarchical multiscale structures, ensuring its versatility
      and wide applicability to various applications. As a selected exemplary
      application of the multiscale structures, a superhydrophobic surface has been
      successfully demonstrated.

PMID- 28080026
TI  - Ionic Strength Responsive Sulfonated Polystyrene Opals.
AB  - Stimuli-responsive photonic crystals (PCs) represent an intriguing class of smart
      materials very promising for sensing applications. Here, selective ionic strength
      responsive polymeric PCs are reported. They are easily fabricated by partial
      sulfonation of polystyrene opals, without using toxic or expensive monomers and
      etching steps. The color of the resulting hydrogel-like ordered structures can be
      continuously shifted over the entire visible range (405-760 nm) by changing the
      content of ions over an extremely wide range of concentration (from about 70 MUM
      to 4 M). The optical response is completely independent from pH and temperature,
      and the initial color can be fully recovered by washing the sulfonated opals with
      pure water. These new smart photonic materials could find important applications
      as ionic strength sensors for environmental monitoring as well as for healthcare
      screening.

PMID- 28080025
TI  - Enabling Energy Efficiency and Polarity Control in Germanium Nanowire Transistors
      by Individually Gated Nanojunctions.
AB  - Germanium is a promising material for future very large scale integration
      transistors, due to its superior hole mobility. However, germanium-based devices
      typically suffer from high reverse junction leakage due to the low band-gap
      energy of 0.66 eV and therefore are characterized by high static power
      dissipation. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate a solution to suppress
      the off-state leakage in germanium nanowire Schottky barrier transistors.
      Thereto, a device layout with two independent gates is used to induce an
      additional energy barrier to the channel that blocks the undesired carrier type.
      In addition, the polarity of the same doping-free device can be dynamically
      switched between p- and n-type. The shown germanium nanowire approach is able to
      outperform previous polarity-controllable device concepts on other material
      systems in terms of threshold voltages and normalized on-currents. The dielectric
      and Schottky barrier interface properties of the device are analyzed in detail.
      Finite-element drift-diffusion simulations reveal that both leakage current
      suppression and polarity control can also be achieved at highly scaled
      geometries, providing solutions for future energy-efficient systems.

PMID- 28080027
TI  - Asymmetric Pentagonal Metal Meshes for Flexible Transparent Electrodes and
      Heaters.
AB  - Metal meshes have emerged as an important class of flexible transparent
      electrodes. We report on the characteristics of a new class of asymmetric meshes,
      tiled using a recently discovered family of pentagons. Micron-scale meshes were
      fabricated on flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrates via optical
      lithography, metal evaporation (Ti 10 nm, Pt 50 nm), and lift-off. Three
      different designs were assessed, each with the same tessellation pattern and line
      width (5 MUm), but with different sizes of the fundamental pentagonal unit. Good
      mechanical stability was observed for both tensile strain and compressive strain.
      After 1000 bending cycles, devices subjected to tensile strain showed fractional
      resistance increases in the range of 8-17%, while devices subjected to
      compressive strain showed fractional resistance increases in the range of 0-7%.
      The performance of the pentagonal metal mesh devices as visible transparent
      heaters via Joule heating was also assessed. Rapid response times (~15 s) at low
      bias voltage (<=5 V) and good thermal resistance characteristics (213-258 
      degrees C cm2/W) were found using measured thermal imaging data. Deicing of an
      ice-bearing glass coupon on top of the transparent heater was also successfully
      demonstrated.

PMID- 28080028
TI  - A Grand Avenue to Au Nanocluster Electrochemiluminescence.
AB  - In most cases of semiconductor quantum dot nanocrystals, the inherent optical and
      electrochemical properties of these interesting nanomaterials do not translate
      into expected efficient electrochemiluminescence or electrogenerated
      chemiluminescence (ECL) because of the surface-state induction effect. Thus,
      their low ECL efficiencies, while very interesting to explore, limit their
      applications. As their electrochemistry is not well-defined, insight into their
      ECL mechanistic details is also limited. Alternatively, gold nanoclusters possess
      monodispersed sizes with atomic precision, low and well defined HOMO-LUMO energy
      gaps, and stable optical and electrochemical properties that make them suitable
      for potential ECL applications. In this Account, we demonstrate strong and
      sustainable ECL of gold nanoclusters Au25z (i.e., Au25(SR)18z, z = 1-, 0, 1+),
      Au38(SR)24, and Au144(SR)60, where the ligand SR is 2-phenylethanethiol. By
      correlation of the optical and electrochemical features of Au25 nanoclusters, a
      Latimer-type diagram can be constructed to reveal thermodynamic relationships of
      five oxidation states (Au252+, Au25+, Au250, Au25-, and Au252-) and three excited
      states (Au25-*, Au250*, and Au25+*). We describe ECL mechanisms and reaction
      kinetics by means of conventional ECL-voltage curves and novel spooling ECL
      spectroscopy. Notably, their ECL in the presence of tri-n-propylamine (TPrA), as
      a coreactant, is attributed to emissions from Au25-* (950 nm, strong), Au250*
      (890 nm, very strong), and Au25+* (890 nm, very strong), as confirmed by the
      photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the three Au25 clusters electrogenerated in
      situ. The ECL emissions are controllable by adjustment of the concentrations of
      TPrA. and Au25-, Au250, and Au25+ species in the vicinity of the working
      electrode and ultimately the applied potential. It was determined that the Au25
      /TPrA coreactant system should have an ECL efficiency of >50% relative to the
      Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA, while those of Au250/TPrA and Au25+/TPrA reach 103% and 116%,
      respectively. Au25-* is the main light emission source for Au25z in the presence
      of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as a coreactant, with a relative efficiency of up to
      30%. For Au38, BPO leads to the Au38-* excited state, which emits light at 930
      nm. In the Au38/TPrA coreactant system, we find that highly efficient light
      emission at 930 nm is mainly from Au38+* (and also Au383+*), with an efficiency
      3.5 times that of the Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA reference. We show that the ECL and PL of
      the various Au38 charge states, namely, Au382-, Au38-, Au380, Au38+, Au382+, and
      Au384+, have the same peak wavelength of 930 nm. Finally, we demonstrate ECL with
      a peak wavelength of 930 nm from the Au144/TPrA coreactant system, which is
      released from the electrogenerated excited states Au144+* and Au1443+*. In our
      opinion, these gold nanoclusters represent a new class of effective near-IR ECL
      emitters, from which applications such as bioimaging, biological testing, and
      medical diagnosis are anticipated once they are made water-dispersible with
      hydrophilic capping ligands.

PMID- 28080029
TI  - One-Step Fabrication of 3D Nanohierarchical Nickel Nanomace Array To Sinter with
      Silver NPs and the Interfacial Analysis.
AB  - Three-dimensional (3D) nanohierarchical Ni nanomace (Ni NM) array was fabricated
      on copper substrate by only one step with electroplating method, the unique
      structure was covered with Au film (Ni/Au NM) without changing its morphology,
      and in the following step, it was sintered with silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)
      paste. The structure of the Ni NM array and its surface morphology were
      characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and
      atomic force microscope. The sintered interface was investigated by SEM,
      transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to
      analyze the sintering mechanism. The results showed that a metallurgical bond was
      successfully achieved at 250  degrees C without any gas or vacuum shield and
      extra pressure. The Cu substrate with Ni/Au NM array was able to join with the Ag
      NP paste without obvious voids. Due to the compatible chemical potential between
      Ag NPs and Ni/Au NM array, the Au element was able to diffuse into the Ag layer
      with about 800 nm distance. Based on the excellent 3D nanohierarchical structure,
      the shear strength of Ni/Au NM array was 6 times stronger than the flat Ni/Au
      coated substrate. It turned out that the substrate surface played a crucial role
      in improving the shear strength and sintering efficiency. The 3D Ni NM array had
      achieved an excellent bonding interface and had great potential application in
      the microelectronics packaging field.

PMID- 28080030
TI  - Chemoselective, Enzymatic C-H Bond Amination Catalyzed by a Cytochrome P450
      Containing an Ir(Me)-PIX Cofactor.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 enzymes have been engineered to catalyze abiological C-H bond
      amination reactions, but the yields of these reactions have been limited by low
      chemoselectivity for the amination of C-H bonds over competing reduction of the
      azide substrate to a sulfonamide. Here we report that P450s derived from a
      thermophilic organism and containing an iridium porphyrin cofactor (Ir(Me)-PIX)
      in place of the heme catalyze enantioselective intramolecular C-H bond amination
      reactions of sulfonyl azides. These reactions occur with chemoselectivity for
      insertion of the nitrene units into C-H bonds over reduction of the azides to the
      sulfonamides that is higher and with substrate scope that is broader than those
      of enzymes containing iron porphyrins. The products from C-H amination are formed
      in up to 98% yield and ~300 TON. In one case, the enantiomeric excess reaches
      95:5 er, and the reactions can occur with divergent site selectivity. The
      chemoselectivity for C-H bond amination is greater than 20:1 in all cases.
      Variants of the Ir(Me)-PIX CYP119 displaying these properties were identified
      rapidly by evaluating CYP119 mutants containing Ir(Me)-PIX in cell lysates,
      rather than as purified enzymes. This study sets the stage to discover suitable
      enzymes to catalyze challenging C-H amination reactions.

PMID- 28080031
TI  - A New Approach to Sensitize Antitumor Monofunctional Platinum(II) Complexes via
      Short Time Photo-Irradiation.
AB  - Sensitizing the antitumor activity of monofunctional PtII complexes is a reliable
      approach to developing antitumor agents different from the classic Pt-based
      drugs. Considering the poor intracellular accumulation of monofunctional PtII
      complexes, in this study, the photosensitizing monofunctional PtII complex Pt-BA
      was derived from a weak BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene)-derived photosensitizer BA,
      with the purpose to improve its antitumor cytotoxicity via enhancing its
      intracellular accumulation with a short time photo-irradiation. Photoinduced
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination indicated that the PtII center in Pt
      BA is able to improve the photoinduced ROS production ability of BA, which makes
      Pt-BA a mild photosensitizer. Fluorescence imaging disclosed that dark incubation
      makes Pt-BA accumulate mainly on the surface of cell membrane, and the later
      short time photo-irradiation (5 min) promotes distinctly the intracellular
      accumulation of Pt-BA, which has been confirmed by inductively coupled plasma
      mass spectrometry determination. Flow cytometric Annexin V-FITC assay indicated
      that the short time irradiation of Pt-BA induces in situ the cell membrane
      damage, which might finally enhance the intracellular accumulation of this
      monofunctional complex. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide assay confirmed that the short time photo-irradiation promotes distinctly
      the antitumor cytotoxicity of Pt-BA against MCF-7, SGC-7901, A549, and HeLa cell
      lines. The photopromoted antitumor activity of Pt-BA implies that modifying
      monofunctional PtII complex as a mild photosensitizer to promote its cell
      accumulation is a useful approach to sensitizing the antitumor activity of
      monofunctional PtII complex and renders the possibility of monofunctional PtII
      prodrugs for precise chemotherapy via only short time photoactivation.

PMID- 28080032
TI  - Heteroprotein Complex Formation of Bovine Lactoferrin and Pea Protein Isolate: A
      Multiscale Structural Analysis.
AB  - Associative electrostatic interactions between two oppositely charged globular
      proteins, lactoferrin (LF) and pea protein isolate (PPI), the latter being a
      mixture of vicilin, legumin, and convicilin, was studied with a specific PPI/LF
      molar ratio at room temperature. Structural aspects of the electrostatic
      complexes probed at different length scales were investigated as a function of pH
      by means of different complementary techniques, namely, with dynamic light
      scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), turbidity measurements, and
      atomic force microscopy (AFM). Irrespective of the applied techniques, the
      results consistently displayed that complexation between LF and PPI did occur. In
      an optimum narrow range of pH 5.0-5.8, a viscous liquid phase of complex
      coacervate was obtained upon mild centrifugation of the turbid LF-PPI mixture
      with a maximum Rh, turbidity and the zeta-potential being close to zero observed
      at pH 5.4. In particular, the SAXS data demonstrated that the coacervates were
      densely assembled with a roughly spherical size distribution exhibiting a maximum
      extension of ~80 nm at pH 5.4. Equally, AFM image analysis showed size
      distributions containing most frequent cluster sizes around 40-80 nm with
      spherical to elliptical shapes (axis aspect ratio <= 2) as well as less frequent
      elongated to chainlike structures. The most frequently observed compact
      complexes, we identify as mainly leading to LF-PPI coacervation, whereas for the
      less frequent chain-like aggregates, we hypothesize that additionally PPI-PPI
      facilitated complexes exist.

PMID- 28080033
TI  - Solvent-Templated Folding of Perylene Bisimide Macrocycles into Coiled Double
      String Ropes with Solvent-Sensitive Optical Signatures.
AB  - A series of semirigid perylene bisimide (PBI) macrocycles with varied ring size
      containing two to nine PBI chromophores were synthesized in a one-pot reaction
      and their photophysical properties characterized by fluorescence, steady-state,
      and transient absorption spectroscopy as well as femtosecond stimulated Raman
      spectroscopy. These macrocycles show solvent-dependent conformational equilibria
      and excited-state properties. In dichloromethane, the macrocycles prevail in wide
      stretched conformations and upon photoexcitation exhibit symmetry-breaking charge
      separation followed by charge recombination to triplet states, which
      photosensitize singlet oxygen formation. In contrast, in aromatic solvents
      folding of the macrocycles with a distinct odd-even effect regarding the number
      of PBI chromophore units was observed in steady-state and time-resolved
      absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as femtosecond stimulated Raman
      spectroscopy. These distinctive optical properties are attributable to the
      folding of the even-membered macrocycles into exciton-vibrational coupled dimer
      pairs in aromatic solvents. Studies in a variety of aromatic solvents indicate
      that these solvents embed between PBI dimer pairs and accordingly template the
      folding of even-membered PBI macrocycles into ropelike folded conformations that
      give rise to solvent-specific exciton-vibrational couplings in UV-vis absorption
      spectra. As a consequence of the embedding of solvent molecules in the coiled
      double-string rope architecture, highly solvent specific intensity ratios are
      observed for the two lowest-energy exciton-vibrational bands, enabling assignment
      of the respective solvent simply based on the absorption spectra measured for the
      tetramer macrocycle.

PMID- 28080034
TI  - Mechanism of Flavoprotein l-6-Hydroxynicotine Oxidase: pH and Solvent Isotope
      Effects and Identification of Key Active Site Residues.
AB  - The flavoenzyme l-6-hydroxynicotine oxidase is a member of the monoamine oxidase
      family that catalyzes the oxidation of (S)-6-hydroxynicotine to 6
      hydroxypseudooxynicotine during microbial catabolism of nicotine. While the
      enzyme has long been understood to catalyze oxidation of the carbon-carbon bond,
      it has recently been shown to catalyze oxidation of a carbon-nitrogen bond
      [Fitzpatrick, P. F., et al. (2016) Biochemistry 55, 697-703]. The effects of pH
      and mutagenesis of active site residues have now been utilized to study the
      mechanism and roles of active site residues. Asn166 and Tyr311 bind the
      substrate, while Lys287 forms a water-mediated hydrogen bond with flavin N5. The
      N166A and Y311F mutations result in ~30- and ~4-fold decreases in kcat/Km and
      kred for (S)-6-hydroxynicotine, respectively, with larger effects on the kcat/Km
      value for (S)-6-hydroxynornicotine. The K287M mutation results in ~10-fold
      decreases in these parameters and a 6000-fold decrease in the kcat/Km value for
      oxygen. The shapes of the pH profiles are not altered by the N166A and Y311F
      mutations. There is no solvent isotope effect on the kcat/Km value for amines.
      The results are consistent with a model in which both the charged and neutral
      forms of the amine can bind, with the former rapidly losing a proton to a
      hydrogen bond network of water and amino acids in the active site prior to the
      transfer of hydride to the flavin.

PMID- 28080035
TI  - Fluorescence Turn-On Sensing of DNA Duplex Formation by a Tricyclic Cytidine
      Analogue.
AB  - Most fluorescent nucleoside analogues are quenched when base stacked and some
      maintain their brightness, but there has been little progress toward developing
      nucleoside analogues that markedly increase their fluorescence upon duplex
      formation. Here, we report on the design and synthesis of a new tricyclic
      cytidine analogue, 8-diethylamino-tC (8-DEA-tC), that responds to DNA duplex
      formation with up to a 20-fold increase in fluorescent quantum yield as compared
      with the free nucleoside, depending on neighboring bases. This turn-on response
      to duplex formation is the greatest of any reported nucleoside analogue that can
      participate in Watson-Crick base pairing. Measurements of the quantum yield of 8
      DEA-tC mispaired with adenosine and, separately, opposite an abasic site show
      that there is almost no fluorescence increase without the formation of correct
      Watson-Crick hydrogen bonds. Kinetic isotope effects from the use of deuterated
      buffer show that the duplex protects 8-DEA-tC against quenching by excited state
      proton transfer. These results, supported by DFT calculations, suggest a
      rationale for the observed photophysical properties that is dependent on duplex
      integrity and the electronic structure of the analogue.

PMID- 28080036
TI  - Lithium Hexamethyldisilazide-Mediated Enolization of Acylated Oxazolidinones:
      Solvent, Cosolvent, and Isotope Effects on Competing Monomer- and Dimer-Based
      Pathways.
AB  - Lithium hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS)-mediated enolization of (+)-4-benzyl-3
      propionyl-2-oxazolidinone in THF-hydrocarbon mixtures shows unusual sensitivity
      to the choice of hydrocarbon cosolvent (hexane versus toluene) and to isotopic
      labeling. Four mechanisms corresponding to monosolvated monomers, trisolvated
      dimers, octasolvated monomers, and octasolvated dimers were identified. Even
      under conditions in which the LiHMDS monomer was the dominant observable form,
      dimer-based metalation was significant. The mechanism-dependent isotope and
      cosolvent effects are discussed in the context of ground-state stabilization and
      transition-state tunneling.

PMID- 28080037
TI  - Global Metabolic Engineering of Glycolytic Pathway via Multicopy Integration in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The use of renewable feedstocks for producing biofuels and biobased chemicals by
      engineering metabolic pathways of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has recently
      become an attractive option. Many researchers attempted to increase glucose
      consumption rate by overexpressing some glycolytic enzymes because most target
      biobased chemicals are derived through glycolysis. However, these attempts have
      met with little success. In this study, to create a S. cerevisiae strain with
      high glucose consumption rate, we used multicopy integration to develop a global
      metabolic engineering strategy. Among approximately 350 metabolically engineered
      strains, YPH499/dPdA3-34 exhibited the highest glucose consumption rate. This
      strain showed 1.3-fold higher cell growth rate and glucose consumption rate than
      the control strain. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that transcription levels of
      glycolysis-related genes such as HXK2, PFK1, PFK2, PYK2, PGI1, and PGK1 in
      YPH499/dPdA3-34 were increased. Our strategy is thus a promising approach to
      optimize global metabolic pathways in S. cerevisiae.

PMID- 28080038
TI  - Tracking Catalyst Redox States and Reaction Dynamics in Ni-Fe Oxyhydroxide Oxygen
      Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts: The Role of Catalyst Support and Electrolyte
      pH.
AB  - Ni-Fe oxyhydroxides are the most active known electrocatalysts for the oxygen
      evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes and are therefore of great
      scientific and technological importance in the context of electrochemical energy
      conversion. Here we uncover, investigate, and discuss previously unaddressed
      effects of conductive supports and the electrolyte pH on the Ni-Fe(OOH) catalyst
      redox behavior and catalytic OER activity, combining in situ UV-vis spectro
      electrochemistry, operando electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), and in situ
      cryo X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Supports and pH > 13 strongly enhanced
      the precatalytic voltammetric charge of the Ni-Fe oxyhydroxide redox peak couple,
      shifted them more cathodically, and caused a 2-3-fold increase in the catalytic
      OER activity. Analysis of DEMS-based faradaic oxygen efficiency and
      electrochemical UV-vis traces consistently confirmed our voltammetric
      observations, evidencing both a more cathodic O2 release and a more cathodic
      onset of Ni oxidation at higher pH. Using UV-vis, which can monitor the amount of
      oxidized Ni+3/+4 in situ, confirmed an earlier onset of the redox process at high
      electrolyte pH and further provided evidence of a smaller fraction of Ni+3/+4 in
      mixed Ni-Fe centers, confirming the unresolved paradox of a reduced metal redox
      activity with increasing Fe content. A nonmonotonic super-Nernstian pH dependence
      of the redox peaks with increasing Fe content-displaying Pourbaix slopes as steep
      as -120 mV/pH-suggested a two proton-one electron transfer. We explain and
      discuss the experimental pH effects using refined coupled (PCET) and decoupled
      proton transfer-electron transfer (PT/ET) schemes involving negatively charged
      oxygenate ligands generated at Fe centers. Together, we offer new insight into
      the catalytic reaction dynamics and associated catalyst redox chemistry of the
      most important class of alkaline OER catalysts.

PMID- 28080039
TI  - Using Standing Gold Nanorod Arrays as Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
      Substrates for Detection of Carbaryl Residues in Fruit Juice and Milk.
AB  - In recent years, there have been increasing concerns about pesticide residues in
      various foods. On the other hand, there is growing attention in utilizing novel
      nanomaterials as highly sensitive, low-cost, and reproducible substrates for
      surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications. The objective of this
      study was to develop a SERS method for the rapid detection of pesticides that
      were extracted from different types of food samples (fruit juice and milk). A new
      SERS substrate was prepared by assembling gold nanorods into standing arrays on a
      gold-coated silicon slide. The standing nanorod arrays were neatly arranged and
      were able to generate a strong electromagnetic field in SERS measurement. The as
      prepared SERS substrate was utilized to detect carbaryl in acetonitrile/water
      solution, fruit juices (orange and grapefruit), and milk. The results show that
      the concentrations of carbaryl spiked in fruit juice and milk were linearly
      correlated with the concentrations predicted by the partial least-squares (PLS)
      models with r values of 0.91, 0.88, and 0.95 for orange juice, grapefruit juice,
      and milk, respectively. The SERS method was able to detect carbaryl that was
      extracted from fruit juice and milk samples at a 50 ppb level. The detection
      limits of carbaryl were 509, 617, and 391 ppb in orange juice, grapefruit juice,
      and milk, respectively. All detection limits are below the maximum residue limits
      that were set by the U.S. EPA. Moreover, satisfactory recoveries (82-97.5%) were
      accomplished for food samples using this method. These results demonstrate that
      SERS coupled with the standing gold nanorod array substrates is a rapid,
      reliable, sensitive, and reproducible method for the detection of pesticide
      residues in foods.

PMID- 28080041
TI  - In Vitro Reconstitution and Optimization of the Entire Pathway to Convert Glucose
      into Fatty Acid.
AB  - Glucose and fatty acids play essential physiological roles in nearly all living
      organisms, and the pathway that converts glucose into fatty acid is pivotal to
      the central metabolic network. We have successfully reconstituted a pathway that
      converts glucose to fatty acid in vitro using 30 purified proteins. Through
      systematic titration and optimization of the glycolytic pathway and pyruvate
      dehydrogenase, we increased the yield of free fatty acid from nondetectable to a
      level that exceeded 9% of the theoretical yield. We also reconstituted the entire
      pentose-phosphate pathway of Escherichia coli and established a pentose phosphate
      glycolysis hybrid pathway, replacing GAPDH to enhance NADPH availability. Our
      efforts provide a useful platform for research involving these core biochemical
      transformations.

PMID- 28080040
TI  - Insights into Thiol-Aromatic Interactions: A Stereoelectronic Basis for S-H/pi
      Interactions.
AB  - Thiols can engage favorably with aromatic rings in S-H/pi interactions, within
      abiological systems and within proteins. However, the underlying bases for S-H/pi
      interactions are not well understood. The crystal structure of Boc-l-4
      thiolphenylalanine tert-butyl ester revealed crystal organization centered on the
      interaction of the thiol S-H with the aromatic ring of an adjacent molecule, with
      a through-space Hthiol...Caromatic distance of 2.71 A, below the 2.90 A sum of
      the van der Waals radii of H and C. The nature of this interaction was further
      examined by DFT calculations, IR spectroscopy, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and
      analysis of the Cambridge Structural Database. The S-H/pi interaction was found
      to be driven significantly by favorable molecular orbital interactions, between
      an aromatic pi donor orbital and the S-H sigma* acceptor orbital (a pi -> sigma*
      interaction). For comparison, a structural analysis of O-H/pi interactions and of
      cation/pi interactions of alkali metal cations with aromatic rings was conducted.
      Na+ and K+ exhibit a significant preference for the centroid of the aromatic ring
      and distances near the sum of the van der Waals and ionic radii, as expected for
      predominantly electrostatic interactions. Li+ deviates substantially from Na+ and
      K+. The S-H/pi interaction differs from classical cation/pi interactions by the
      preferential alignment of the S-H sigma* toward the ring carbons and an aromatic
      pi orbital rather than toward the aromatic centroid. These results describe a
      potentially broadly applicable approach to understanding the interactions of
      weakly polar bonds with pi systems.

PMID- 28080042
TI  - Relative Stability of Empty Exohedral Fullerenes: pi Delocalization versus Strain
      and Steric Hindrance.
AB  - Predicting and understanding the relative stability of exohedral fullerenes is an
      important aspect of fullerene chemistry, since the experimentally formed
      structures do not generally follow the rules that govern addition reactions or
      the making of pristine fullerenes. First-principles theoretical calculations are
      of limited applicability due to the large number of possible isomeric forms, for
      example, more than 50 billion for C60X8. Here we propose a simple model,
      exclusively based on topological arguments, that allows one to predict the
      relative stability of exohedral fullerenes without the need for electronic
      structure calculations or geometry optimizations. The model incorporates the
      effects of pi delocalization, cage strain, and steric hindrance. We show that the
      subtle interplay between these three factors is responsible for (i) the formation
      of non-IPR (isolated pentagon rule) exohedral fullerenes in contrast with their
      pristine fullerene counterparts, (ii) the appearance of more pentagon-pentagon
      adjacencies than predicted by the PAPR (pentagon-adjacency penalty rule), (iii)
      the changes in regioisomer stability due to the chemical nature of the addends,
      and (iv) the variations in fullerene cage stability with the progressive addition
      of chemical species.

PMID- 28080043
TI  - Plasma-Based Water Treatment: Efficient Transformation of Perfluoroalkyl
      Substances in Prepared Solutions and Contaminated Groundwater.
AB  - A process based on electrical discharge plasma was tested for the transformation
      of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The plasma-based process was adapted for two
      cases, high removal rate and high removal efficiency. During a 30 min treatment,
      the PFOA concentration in 1.4 L of aqueous solutions was reduced by 90% with the
      high rate process (76.5 W input power) and 25% with the high efficiency process
      (4.1 W input power). Both achieved remarkably high PFOA removal and
      defluorination efficiencies compared to leading alternative technologies. The
      high efficiency process was also used to treat groundwater containing PFOA and
      several cocontaminants including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), demonstrating
      that the process was not significantly affected by cocontaminants and that the
      process was capable of rapidly degrading PFOS. Preliminary investigation into the
      byproducts showed that only about 10% of PFOA and PFOS is converted into shorter
      chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Investigation into the types of reactive
      species involved in primary reactions with PFOA showed that hydroxyl and
      superoxide radicals, which are typically the primary plasma-derived reactive
      species, play no significant role. Instead, scavenger experiments indicated that
      aqueous electrons account for a sizable fraction of the transformation, with free
      electrons and/or argon ions proposed to account for the remainder.

PMID- 28080044
TI  - Structural Dependence of the Ising-type Magnetic Anisotropy and of the Relaxation
      Time in Mononuclear Trigonal Bipyramidal Co(II) Single Molecule Magnets.
AB  - This paper describes the correlation between Ising-type magnetic anisotropy and
      structure in trigonal bipyramidal Co(II) complexes. Three sulfur-containing
      trigonal bipyramidal Co(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized. It was
      shown that we can engineer the magnitude of the Ising anisotropy using ligand
      field theory arguments in conjunction with structural parameters. To prepare this
      series of compounds, we used, on the one hand, a tetradentate ligand containing
      three sulfur atoms and one amine (NS3tBu) and on the other hand three different
      axial ligands, namely, Cl-, Br-, and NCS-. The organic ligand imposes a trigonal
      bipyramidal arrangement with the three sulfur atoms lying in the trigonal plane
      with long Co-S bond distances. The magnetic properties of the compounds were
      measured, and ab initio calculations were used to analyze the anisotropy
      parameters and perform magneto-structural correlations. We demonstrate that a
      smaller axial zero-field splitting parameter leads to slower relaxation time when
      the symmetry is strictly axial, while the presence of very weak rhombicity
      decreases the energy barrier and speeds the relaxation of the magnetization.

PMID- 28080045
TI  - Crystal Engineering of Hand-Twisted Helical Crystals.
AB  - A strategy is outlined for the design of hand-twisted helical crystals. The
      starting point in the exercise is the one-dimensional (1D) plastic crystal, 1,4
      dibromobenzene, which is then changed to a 1D elastic crystal, exemplified by 4
      bromophenyl 4'-chlorobenzoate, by introduction of a molecular synthon -O-CO- in
      lieu of the supramolecular synthon Br...Br in the precursor. The 1D elastic
      crystals are next modified to two-dimensional (2D) elastic crystals, of the type
      4-bromophenyl 4'-nitrobenzoate where the halogen bonding and C-H...O hydrogen
      bonding are well-matched. Finally, varying the interaction strengths in these 2D
      elastic crystals gives plastic crystals with two pairs of bendable faces but
      without slip planes. Typical examples are 4-chlorophenyl and 4-bromophenyl 4'
      nitrobenzoate. This type of 2D plasticity represents a new type of bendable
      crystals in which plastic behavior is seen with a fair degree of isotropic
      character in the crystal packing. The presence of two sets of bendable faces,
      generally orthogonal to each other, allows for the possibility of hand-twisting
      of the crystals to give grossly helical morphologies. Accordingly, we propose the
      name hand-twisted helical crystals for these substances.

PMID- 28080046
TI  - Application of 2-Aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic Acid as a Forensic Marker of
      Cyanide Exposure.
AB  - Cyanides are infamous for their highly poisonous properties. Accidental cyanide
      poisoning occurs frequently, but occasionally, intentional poisonings also occur.
      Inhalation of fumes generated by fire may also cause cyanide poisoning. There are
      many limitations in direct analysis of cyanide. 2-Aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic
      acid (ATCA), a cyanide metabolite, seems to be the only surrogate that is being
      used in the detection of cyanide because of its stability and its cyanide
      dependent quality in a biological matrix. Unfortunately, toxicokinetic studies on
      diverse animal models suggest significant interspecies differences; therefore,
      the attempt to extrapolate animal models to human models may be unsuccessful. The
      aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of ATCA as a forensic marker of
      cyanide exposure. For this purpose, post-mortem materials (blood and organs) from
      fire victims (n = 32) and cyanide-poisoned persons (n = 3) were collected. The
      distribution of ATCA in organs and its thermal stability were evaluated. The
      variability of cyanides in a putrid sample and in the context of their long-term
      and higher temperature stability was established. The presence of ATCA was
      detected by using an LC-MS/MS method and that of cyanide was detected
      spectrofluorimetrically. This is the first report on the endogenous ATCA
      concentrations and the determination of ATCA distribution in tissues of fire
      victims and cyanide-poisoned persons. It was found that blood and heart had the
      highest ATCA concentrations. ATCA was observed to be thermally stable even at 90 
      degrees C. Even though the cyanide concentration was not elevated in putrid
      samples, it was unstable during long-term storage and at higher temperature, as
      expected. The relationship between ATCA and cyanides was also observed. Higher
      ATCA concentrations were related to increased levels of cyanide in blood and
      organs (less prominent). ATCA seems to be a reliable forensic marker of exposure
      to lethal doses of cyanide.

PMID- 28080047
TI  - Burden of Disease from Rising Coal-Fired Power Plant Emissions in Southeast Asia.
AB  - Southeast Asia has a very high population density and is on a fast track to
      economic development, with most of the growth in electricity demand currently
      projected to be met by coal. From a detailed analysis of coal-fired power plants
      presently planned or under construction in Southeast Asia, we project in a
      business-as-usual scenario that emissions from coal in the region will triple to
      2.6 Tg a-1 SO2 and 2.6 Tg a-1 NOx by 2030, with the largest increases occurring
      in Indonesia and Vietnam. Simulations with the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model
      show large resulting increases in surface air pollution, up to 11 MUg m-3 for
      annual mean fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in northern Vietnam and up to 15 ppb
      for seasonal maximum 1 h ozone in Indonesia. We estimate 19 880 (11 400-28 400)
      excess deaths per year from Southeast Asian coal emissions at present, increasing
      to 69 660 (40 080-126 710) by 2030. 9000 of these excess deaths in 2030 are in
      China. As Chinese emissions from coal decline in coming decades, transboundary
      pollution influence from rising coal emissions in Southeast Asia may become an
      increasing issue.

PMID- 28080048
TI  - Wearable Sensors for Personal Monitoring and Estimation of Inhaled Traffic
      Related Air Pollution: Evaluation of Methods.
AB  - Physical activity and ventilation rates have an effect on an individual's dose
      and may be important to consider in exposure-response relationships; however,
      these factors are often ignored in environmental epidemiology studies. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate methods of estimating the inhaled dose of air
      pollution and understand variability in the absence of a true gold standard
      metric. Five types of methods were identified: (1) methods using (physical)
      activity types, (2) methods based on energy expenditure, METs (metabolic
      equivalents of task), and oxygen consumption, (3) methods based on heart rate or
      (4) breathing rate, and (5) methods that combine heart and breathing rate.
      Methods were compared using a real-life data set of 122 adults who wore devices
      to track movement, black carbon air pollution, and physiological health markers
      for 3 weeks in three European cities. Different methods for estimating minute
      ventilation performed well in relative terms with high correlations among
      different methods, but in absolute terms, ignoring increased ventilation during
      day-to-day activities could lead to an underestimation of the daily dose by a
      factor of 0.08-1.78. There is no single best method, and a multitude of methods
      are currently being used to approximate the dose. The choice of a suitable method
      for determining the dose in future studies will depend on both the size and the
      objectives of the study.

PMID- 28080049
TI  - Modeling Diversity in Structures of Bacterial Outer Membrane Lipids.
AB  - Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are vital components of the outer membrane of Gram
      negative bacteria, and they act as extremely strong stimulators of innate
      immunity in diverse eukaryotic species. The primary immunostimulatory center of
      the LPS molecule is lipid A, a disaccharide-bound lipophilic domain. Considering
      the broad diversity in bacterial species, there are variations in the lipid A
      structures and their immunogenic potencies. In this work, we model the lipid A
      structures of eight commensal or human pathogenic bacterial species: Helicobacter
      pylori, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides fragilis, Bordetella pertussis,
      Chlamydia trachomatis, Campylobacter jejuni, Neisseria meningitidis, and
      Salmonella minnesota. The membrane properties of these bacterial species were
      characterized and compared using molecular simulations. The structure-property
      relationships that emerge from this lipid A molecular library highlight the roles
      of acyl chain lengths, number of chains, phosphorylation state, membrane
      composition, and counterion charge in regulating the phase transition temperature
      of the membrane, diffusion coefficient of the lipids, and membrane thickness. The
      molecular and structural insights provided reveal the diversity in bacterial
      outer membrane lipids and their contribution to human disease and immunity.

PMID- 28080050
TI  - Altering Product Selectivity by Mechanochemistry.
AB  - Mechanochemical activation achieved by grinding, shearing, pulling, or milling
      opens unique opportunities in synthetic organic chemistry. Common features are
      that mechanochemistry facilitates reactions with insoluble reactants, enables
      high-yielding solvent-free synthetic procedures, and shortens reaction times,
      among others. However, mechanochemical techniques can also alter chemical
      reactivity and selectivity compared to the analogous solution-based protocols. As
      a consequence, solvent-free milling can lead to different product compositions or
      equilibration mixtures than in solution. Reactions by milling have also allowed
      the trapping and characterization of elusive intermediates and materials. In this
      Perspective we highlight a few selected examples that illustrate the value of
      mechanochemistry in uncovering interesting chemical reactivity, which is often
      masked in typical liquid-phase synthesis.

PMID- 28080051
TI  - Prediction of Bond Dissociation Energies/Heats of Formation for Diatomic
      Transition Metal Compounds: CCSD(T) Works.
AB  - It was recently reported ( J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2015 , 11 , 2036 - 2052 ) that
      the coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples method,
      CCSD(T), should not be used as a benchmark tool for the prediction of
      dissociation energies (heats of formation) for the first row transition metal
      diatomics based on a comparison with the experimental thermodynamic values for a
      set of 20 diatomics. In the present work the bond dissociation energies as well
      as the heats of formation for those diatomics have been calculated by the Feller
      Peterson-Dixon approach at the CCSD(T)/complete basis set (CBS) level of theory
      including scalar relativistic corrections and correlation of the outer shell of
      core electrons in addition to the valence electrons. Revised experimental values
      for the hydrides are presented that are based on new heterolytic R-H bond
      dissociation energies, which are needed for analysis of the mass spectrometry
      experiments. The agreement between the calculated bond dissociation energies and
      the revised experimental values of the hydrides is good. Good agreement of the
      calculated bond dissociation energies/heats of formation is also found for most
      of the chlorides, oxides, and sulfides given the experimental error bars from
      experiment and those of the transition metal atoms in the gas phase. Thus,
      reliable results can be achieved by the CCSD(T) method at the CBS limit. The use
      of PW91 orbitals for the CCSD(T) calculations improves the predictions for some
      compounds with large T1 diagnostics at the HF-CCSD(T) level. The optimized bond
      distances and calculated vibrational frequencies for the diatomics also agree
      well with the available experimental values.

PMID- 28080052
TI  - Mechanochemical Tuning of Pyrene Absorption Spectrum Using Force Probes.
AB  - Control of absorption spectra in chromophores is a fundamental aspect of many
      photochemical and photophysical processes as it constitutes the first step of the
      global photoinduced process. Here we explore the use of mechanical forces to
      modulate the light absorption process. Specifically, we develop a computational
      formalism for determining the type of mechanical forces permitting a global
      tuning of the absorption spectrum. This control extends to the excitation
      wavelength, absorption bands overlap, and oscillator strength. The determination
      of these optimal forces permits us to rationally guide the design of new mechano
      responsive chromophores. Pyrene has been chosen as the case study for applying
      these computational tools because significant absorption spectra information is
      available for the chromophore as well as for different strained derivatives.
      Additionally, pyrene presents a large flexibility, which makes it a good system
      to test the inclusion of force probes as the strategy to exert forces on the
      system.

PMID- 28080054
TI  - Bond Dissociation Energies for Diatomic Molecules Containing 3d Transition
      Metals: Benchmark Scalar-Relativistic Coupled-Cluster Calculations for 20
      Molecules.
AB  - Benchmark scalar-relativistic coupled-cluster calculations for dissociation
      energies of the 20 diatomic molecules containing 3d transition metals in the
      3dMLBE20 database ( J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2015 , 11 , 2036 ) are reported.
      Electron correlation and basis set effects are systematically studied. The
      agreement between theory and experiment is in general satisfactory. For a subset
      of 16 molecules, the standard deviation between computational and experimental
      values is 9 kJ/mol with the maximum deviation being 15 kJ/mol. The discrepancies
      between theory and experiment remain substantial (more than 20 kJ/mol) for VH,
      CrH, CoH, and FeH. To explore the source of the latter discrepancies, the
      analysis used to determine the experimental dissociation energies for VH and CrH
      is revisited. It is shown that, if improved values are used for the heterolytic C
      H dissociation energies of di- and trimethylamine involved in the experimental
      determination, the experimental values for the dissociation energies of VH and
      CrH are increased by 18 kJ/mol, such that D0(VH) = 223 +/- 7 kJ/mol and D0(CrH) =
      204 +/- 7 kJ/mol (or De(VH) = 233 +/- 7 kJ/mol and De(CrH) = 214 +/- 7 kJ/mol).
      The new experimental values agree quite well with the calculated values, showing
      the consistency of the computation and the measured reaction thresholds.

PMID- 28080055
TI  - Morphological Transformation of Surface Femtodroplets upon Dissolution.
AB  - Constructing controllable liquid patterns with high resolution and accuracy is of
      great importance in droplet depositions for a range of applications. Simple
      surface chemical micropatterns have been popularly used to regulate the shape of
      liquid droplets and the final structure of deposited materials. In this work, we
      study the morphological evolution of a dissolving femtoliter droplet pinned on
      multiple microdomains. On the basis of minimization of interfacial energy, the
      numerical simulations predict various symmetric droplet profiles in equilibrium
      at different liquid volumes. However, our experimental results show both
      symmetric and asymmetric shapes of droplets due to contact line pinning and
      symmetry breaking during droplet dissolution. Upon slow volume reduction, the
      deposited microdroplet arrays on one single type of simple surface prepatterns
      spontaneously morphed into a series of complex regular 3D shapes. The findings in
      this work offer insights into design and prepararion of the rich and complex
      morphology of liquid patterns via simple surface premicropatterns.

PMID- 28080053
TI  - Lipid-Drug Conjugate for Enhancing Drug Delivery.
AB  - Lipid-drug conjugates (LDCs) are drug molecules that have been covalently
      modified with lipids. The conjugation of lipids to drug molecules increases
      lipophilicity and also changes other properties of drugs. The conjugates
      demonstrate several advantages including improved oral bioavailability, improved
      targeting to the lymphatic system, enhanced tumor targeting, and reduced
      toxicity. Based on the chemical nature of drugs and lipids, various conjugation
      strategies and chemical linkers can be utilized to synthesize LDCs. Linkers
      and/or conjugation methods determine how drugs are released from LDCs and are
      critical for the optimal performance of LDCs. In this review, different lipids
      used for preparing LDCs and various conjugation strategies are summarized.
      Although LDCs can be administered without a delivery carrier, most of them are
      loaded into appropriate delivery systems. The lipid moiety in the conjugates can
      significantly enhance drug loading into hydrophobic components of delivery
      carriers and thus generate formulations with high drug loading and superior
      stability. Different delivery carriers such as emulsions, liposomes, micelles,
      lipid nanoparticles, and polymer nanoparticles are also discussed in this review.

PMID- 28080056
TI  - Metadynamics Simulations Distinguish Short- and Long-Residence-Time Inhibitors of
      Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8.
AB  - The duration of drug efficacy in vivo is a key aspect primarily addressed during
      the lead optimization phase of drug discovery. Hence, the availability of robust
      computational approaches that can predict the residence time of a compound at its
      target would accelerate candidate selection. Nowadays the theoretical prediction
      of this parameter is still very challenging. Starting from methods reported in
      the literature, we set up and validated a new metadynamics (META-D)-based
      protocol that was used to rank the experimental residence times of 10
      arylpyrazole cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) inhibitors for which target-bound X
      ray structures are available. The application of reported methods based on the
      detection of the escape from the first free energy well gave a poor correlation
      with the experimental values. Our protocol evaluates the energetics of the whole
      unbinding process, accounting for multiple intermediates and transition states.
      Using seven collective variables (CVs) encoding both roto-translational and
      conformational motions of the ligand, a history-dependent biasing potential is
      deposited as a sum of constant-height Gaussian functions until the ligand reaches
      an unbound state. The time required to achieve this state is proportional to the
      integral of the deposited potential over the CV hyperspace. Average values of
      this time, for replicated META-D simulations, provided an accurate classification
      of CDK8 inhibitors spanning short, medium, and long residence times.

PMID- 28080058
TI  - Fabrication of PEDOT Nanocone Arrays with Electrochemically Modulated Broadband
      Antireflective Properties.
AB  - Ordered nanocone arrays of the electroactive polymer poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) were fabricated by the simultaneous oxygen plasma
      etching of an electrodeposited PEDOT thin film coated with a hexagonally closed
      packed polystyrene bead monolayer. PEDOT nanocone arrays with an intercone
      spacing of 200 nm and an average nanocone height of 350 nm exhibited a low
      broadband reflectivity of <1.5% from 550 to 800 nm. Electrochemical modulation of
      the oxidation state of the PEDOT nanocone array film was used to change both its
      ex situ absorption spectrum (electrochromism) and reflection spectrum
      (electroreflectivity). The sign of the PEDOT nanocone array electroreflectivity
      was opposite to that observed from unmodified PEDOT thin films; this significant
      difference is attributed to the unique optical behavior of nanostructured
      surfaces with an interfacial layer that contains a graded mix of air and highly
      absorptive nanocones. The combined electrochromic and electroreflective behavior
      of the antireflective PEDOT nanocone array films should find promising
      applications in solar energy cells, sensors and other optical devices.

PMID- 28080057
TI  - Identification of Binding Modes for Amino Naphthalene 2-Cyanoacrylate (ANCA)
      Probes to Amyloid Fibrils from Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
AB  - The amino naphthalene 2-cyanoacrylate (ANCA) probe is a kind of fluorescent
      amyloid binding probe that can report different fluorescence emissions when bound
      to various amyloid deposits in tissue, while their interactions with amyloid
      fibrils remain unclear due to the insoluble nature of amyloid fibrils. Here, all
      atom molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the interaction
      between ANCA probes with three different amyloid fibrils. Two common binding
      modes of ANCA probes on Abeta40 amyloid fibrils were identified by cluster
      analysis of multiple simulations. The van der Waals and electrostatic
      interactions were found to be major driving forces for the binding. Atomic
      contacts analysis and binding free energy decomposition results suggested that
      the hydrophobic part of ANCA mainly interacts with aromatic side chains on the
      fibril surface and the hydrophilic part mainly interacts with positive charged
      residues in the beta-sheet region. By comparing the binding modes with different
      fibrils, we can find that ANCA adopts different conformations while interacting
      with residues of different hydrophobicity, aromaticity, and electrochemical
      properties in the beta-sheet region, which accounts for its selective mechanism
      toward different amyloid fibrils.

PMID- 28080059
TI  - A Computational Approach for Modeling Neutron Scattering Data from Lipid
      Bilayers.
AB  - Biological cell membranes are responsible for a range of structural and dynamical
      phenomena crucial, which are crucial to a cell's well-being and its associated
      functions. Due to the complexity of cell membranes, lipid bilayer systems are
      often used as biomimetic models. These systems have led to significant insights
      into vital membrane phenomena such as domain formation, passive permeation, and
      protein insertion. Experimental observations of membrane structure and dynamics
      are, however, limited in resolution, both spatial and temporal. Importantly,
      computer simulations are starting to play a more prominent role in interpreting
      experimental results, enabling a molecular understanding of lipid membranes. In
      particular, the synergy between scattering experiments and simulations offers
      opportunities for new discoveries in membrane physics, as the length and time
      scales probed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations parallel those of
      experiments. Here, we describe a coarse-grained MD simulation approach that
      mimics neutron scattering data from large unilamellar lipid vesicles over a range
      of bilayer rigidities. Specifically, we simulate vesicle form factors and
      membrane thickness fluctuations determined from small angle neutron scattering
      (SANS) and neutron spin echo (NSE) experiments, respectively. Our simulations
      accurately reproduce trends from experiments and lay the groundwork for studies
      of more complex membrane systems.

PMID- 28080060
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of the Individual Major Components of Polymyxin B and Colistin
      in Rats.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics of polymyxin B1, polymyxin B2, colistin A, and colistin B
      were investigated in a rat model following intravenous administration (0.8 mg/kg)
      of each individual component. Plasma and urine concentrations were determined by
      LC-MS/MS, and plasma protein binding was measured by ultracentrifugation. Total
      and unbound pharmacokinetic parameters for each component were calculated using
      noncompartmental analysis. All of the polymyxin components had a similar
      clearance, volume of distribution, elimination half-life, and urinary recovery.
      The area under the concentration-time curve for polymyxins B1 and B2 was greater
      than those of colistins A and B. Colistin A (56.6 +/- 9.25%) and colistin B (41.7
      +/- 12.4%) displayed lower plasma protein binding in rat plasma compared to
      polymyxin B1 (82.3 +/- 4.30%) and polymyxin B2 (68.4 +/- 3.50%). These
      differences in plasma protein binding potentially equate to significant
      differences in unbound pharmacokinetics, highlighting the need for more stringent
      standardization of the composition of commercial products currently available for
      clinical use.

PMID- 28080061
TI  - Evaluation of a New Biosensor Based on in Situ Synthesized PPy-Ag-PVP Nanohybrid
      for Selective Detection of Dopamine.
AB  - In the present work, in situ synthesis of polypyrrole-silver-polyvinylpyrrolidone
      (PPy-Ag-PVP) nanohybrid using AgNO3 as an oxidant and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
      as a stabilizer and surfactant is demonstrated. The obtained ternary PPy-Ag-PVP
      nanohybrid was characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, XRD, Raman, TGA, SEM, and HR-TEM
      analysis. Further the synthesized PPy-Ag-PVP has been investigated for its
      selective and sensitive sensing of dopamine (DA). The PPy-Ag-PVP modified glassy
      carbon electrode shows a reversible electrochemical behavior with superior
      response for DA. The limit of detection and limit of quantification are found to
      be 0.0126 and 0.042 MUM (S/N = 3 and 10), respectively, with remarkable
      sensitivity (7.26 MUA mM-1 cm-2). The practical application of the present
      modified electrode has been validated by determining the concentration of DA in
      human urine samples of different age group.

PMID- 28080062
TI  - Theoretical Prediction on [5]Radialene Sandwich Complexes (CpM)2(C10H10) (Cp =
      eta5-C5H5; M = Fe, Co, Ni): Geometry, Spin States, and Bonding.
AB  - [5]Radialene, the missing link for synthesis of radialene family, has been
      finally obtained via the preparation and decomplexation of the [5]radialene-bis
      Fe(CO)3 complex. The stability of [5]radialene complex benefits from the
      coordination with Fe(CO)3 by losing free 1,3-butadiene structures to avoid
      polymerization. In light of the similar coordination ability of half-sandwiches
      CpM(Cp = eta5-C5H5; M = Fe, Co, Ni), there is a great possibility that the
      sandwiched complexes of [5]radialene with CpM are available. Herein, we present
      the first theoretical prediction on the geometry, spin states and bonding of
      (CpM)(C10H10) and (CpM)2(C10H10). For M = Fe, Co, Ni, the ground states of
      (CpM)(C10H10) and (CpM)2(C10H10) are doublet and triplet, singlet and singlet,
      and doublet and triplet states, where each Fe, Co, and Ni adopts 17, 18, and 19
      electron-configuration, respectively. In particular, (CpFe)2(C10H10) and
      (CpNi)2(C10H10) have considerable open-shell singlet features. Generally the
      trans isomers of (CpM)2(C10H10) with two CpM fragments on the opposite sides of
      the [5]radialene plane are apparently more stable than the cis ones with CpM
      fragments on the same side. However, for the singlet and triplet isomers of
      (CpNi)2(C10H10) (both cis and trans isomers), the energy differences are
      relatively small, indicating that these isomers all have the opportunity to
      exist. Besides, the easy Diels-Alder (DA) dimerization between the [3]dendralene
      like fragments of (CpM)(C10H10) suggests the great difficulty in isolating the
      (CpM)(C10H10) monomer.

PMID- 28080063
TI  - Optimization of 2-Anilino 4-Amino Substituted Quinazolines into Potent
      Antimalarial Agents with Oral in Vivo Activity.
AB  - Novel antimalarial therapeutics that target multiple stages of the parasite
      lifecycle are urgently required to tackle the emerging problem of resistance with
      current drugs. Here, we describe the optimization of the 2-anilino quinazoline
      class as antimalarial agents. The class, identified from publicly available
      antimalarial screening data, was optimized to generate lead compounds that
      possess potent antimalarial activity against P. falciparum parasites comparable
      to the known antimalarials, chloroquine and mefloquine. During the optimization
      process, we defined the functionality necessary for activity and improved in
      vitro metabolism and solubility. The resultant lead compounds possess potent
      activity against a multidrug resistant strain of P. falciparum and arrest
      parasites at the ring phase of the asexual stage and also gametocytogensis.
      Finally, we show that the lead compounds are orally efficacious in a 4 day murine
      model of malaria disease burden.

PMID- 28080064
TI  - Collective Excitations in Protein as a Measure of Balance Between its Softness
      and Rigidity.
AB  - In this article, we elucidate the protein activity from the perspective of
      protein softness and flexibility by studying the collective phonon-like
      excitations in a globular protein, human serum albumin (HSA), and taking
      advantage of the state-of-the-art inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS) technique.
      Such excitations demonstrate that the protein becomes softer upon thermal
      denaturation due to disruption of weak noncovalent bonds. On the other hand, no
      significant change in the local excitations is detected in ligand- (drugs) bound
      HSA compared to the ligand-free HSA. Our results clearly suggest that the protein
      conformational flexibility and rigidity are balanced by the native protein
      structure for biological activity.

PMID- 28080065
TI  - Level Spectrum and Charge Relaxation in a Silicon Double Quantum Dot Probed by
      Dual-Gate Reflectometry.
AB  - We report on dual-gate reflectometry in a metal-oxide-semiconductor double-gate
      silicon transistor operating at low temperature as a double quantum dot device.
      The reflectometry setup consists of two radio frequency resonators respectively
      connected to the two gate electrodes. By simultaneously measuring their
      dispersive responses, we obtain the complete charge stability diagram of the
      device. Electron transitions between the two quantum dots and between each
      quantum dot and either the source or the drain contact are detected through phase
      shifts in the reflected radio frequency signals. At finite bias, reflectometry
      allows probing charge transitions to excited quantum-dot states, thereby enabling
      direct access to the energy level spectra of the quantum dots. Interestingly, we
      find that in the presence of electron transport across the two dots the
      reflectometry signatures of interdot transitions display a dip-peak structure
      containing quantitative information on the charge relaxation rates in the double
      quantum dot.

PMID- 28080066
TI  - para-Selective Alkylation of Sulfonylarenes by Cooperative Nickel/Aluminum
      Catalysis.
AB  - A method for the para-selective alkylation of a variety of arenesulfonamides and
      aromatic sulfones with 1-alkenes by cooperative nickel/aluminum catalysis has
      been developed. Taking advantage of the sulfornyl functionality serving as a
      removable ortho-directing group, the reaction can be applied to facile access to
      1,3-dialkyl-substitued benzenes.

PMID- 28080067
TI  - Stability, Kinetic, and Mechanistic Investigation of 1,8-Self-Immolative Cinnamyl
      Ether Spacers for Controlled Release of Phenols and Generation of Resonance and
      Inductively Stabilized Methides.
AB  - Three cinnamyl ether spacers (non-methyl, alpha-methyl, and gamma-methyl) for
      caging of phenols have been synthesized and are physiologically stable. When
      triggered, the gamma-methyl spacer releases phenols (pKa 7.8 and 9.8) with a t1/2
      < 30 s and <2 min in aqueous and aqueous-organic solvent, respectively. The alpha
      methyl spacer releases a phenol (pKa 7.8) with a t1/2 = 27 and 54 min. For the
      gamma-methyl spacer, the results suggest the presence of a resonance and
      inductively stabilized aza-cinnamyl methide.

PMID- 28080068
TI  - Transition-Metal-Free Redox-Neutral One-Pot C3-Alkenylation of Indoles Using
      Aldehydes.
AB  - The synthesis of sensitive beta-alkyl 3-vinylindoles having diverse functional
      groups with good selectivity remains a challenging task. Keeping the synthetic
      utility of 3-alkenylindoles in mind, we explored a unique approach to synthesize
      them from unprotected indoles in a domino fashion. A transition-metal-free C3
      alkenylation of indole is reported by using sequential Bronsted acid/base
      catalysis. Several beta-substituted 3-alkenylindoles and conjugated 1,3-dienes
      are synthesized by direct coupling of indole and readily available aliphatic
      aldehydes. Excellent scalability and recycling of benzenesulfinic acid for
      successive alkenylation reactions up to five times make this method economically
      viable.

PMID- 28080069
TI  - Direct Construction of 2,3-Dihydroxy-2,3-diaryltetrahydrofurans via N
      Heterocyclic Carbene/Base-Mediated Domino Reactions of Aromatic Aldehydes and
      Vinyl Selenone.
AB  - A one-pot, stereoselective construction of 2,3-dihydroxy-2,3
      diaryltetrahydrofurans has been achieved via N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)/base
      mediated domino reactions of aldehydes and vinyl selenone. The products
      containing two contiguous quaternary hydroxyl functionalities among the three
      stereocenters are obtained advantageously as either acetals or ketals through the
      formation of five new chemical bonds in a single operation. This report
      constitutes an altogether different reactivity of vinyl selenone in comparison
      with the corresponding sulfones and phosphonates under NHC/base-mediated
      reactions.

PMID- 28080070
TI  - Solution Synthesis of Iodine-Doped Red Phosphorus Nanoparticles for Lithium-Ion
      Battery Anodes.
AB  - Red phosphorus (RP) is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries due
      to its earth abundance and a high theoretical capacity of 2596 mA h g-1. Although
      RP-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries have been reported, they were all in
      the form of carbon-P composites, including P-graphene, P-graphite, P-carbon
      nanotubes (CNTs), and P-carbon black, to improve P's extremely low conductivity
      and large volume change during cycling process. Here, we report the large-scale
      synthesis of red phosphorus nanoparticles (RPNPs) with sizes ranging from 100 to
      200 nm by reacting PI3 with ethylene glycol in the presence of
      cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in ambient environment. Unlike the
      insulator behavior of commercial RP (conductivity of <10 -12 S m-1), the
      conductivity of RPNPs is between 2.62 * 10-3 and 1.81 * 10-2 S m-1, which is
      close to that of semiconductor germanium (1.02 * 10-2 S m-1), and 2 orders of
      magnitude higher than silicon (5.35 * 10-4 S m-1). Around 3-5 wt % of iodine
      doping was found in RPNPs, which was speculated as the key to significantly
      improve the conductivity of RPNPs. The significantly improved conductivity of
      RPNPs and their uniform colloidal nanostructures enable them to be used solely as
      active materials for LIBs anodes. The RPNPs electrodes exhibit a high specific
      capacity of 1700 mA h g-1 (0.2 C after 100 cycles, 1 C = 2000 mA g-1), long
      cycling life (~900 mA h g-1 after 500 cycles at 1 C), and outstanding rate
      capability (175 mA h g-1 at the charge current density of 120 A g-1, 60 C).
      Moreover, as a proof-of-concept example, pouch-type full cells using RPNPs anodes
      and Li(Ni0.5Co0.3Mn0.2)O2 (NCM-532) cathodes were assembled to show their
      practical uses.

PMID- 28080071
TI  - Nanoscale Engineering in VO2 Nanowires via Direct Electron Writing Process.
AB  - Controlling phase transition in functional materials at nanoscale is not only of
      broad scientific interest but also important for practical applications in the
      fields of renewable energy, information storage, transducer, sensor, and so
      forth. As a model functional material, vanadium dioxide (VO2) has its metal
      insulator transition (MIT) usually at a sharp temperature around 68  degrees C.
      Here, we report a focused electron beam can directly lower down the transition
      temperature of a nanoarea to room temperature without prepatterning the VO2. This
      novel process is called radiolysis-assisted MIT (R-MIT). The electron beam
      irradiation fabricates a unique gradual MIT zone to several times of the beam
      size in which the temperature-dependent phase transition is achieved in an
      extended temperature range. The gradual transformation zone offers to precisely
      control the ratio of metal/insulator phases. This direct electron writing
      technique can open up an opportunity to precisely engineer nanodomains of
      diversified electronic properties in functional material-based devices.

PMID- 28080072
TI  - Chiral Catalyst-Directed Dynamic Kinetic Diastereoselective Acylation of Anomeric
      Hydroxyl Groups and a Controlled Reduction of the Glycosyl Ester Products.
AB  - A catalytic method is developed for the diastereoselective acylation of the
      anomeric hydroxyl group in diverse carbohydrates to form either alpha- or beta
      anomeric esters. While exclusive formation of the beta-isomer was observed in
      most sugar substrates with one enantiomer of the chiral catalyst, moderate to
      high alpha-selectivity was obtained by using the other enantiomer of the chiral
      catalyst. The resulting alpha- and beta-anomeric esters have very different
      reactivity toward a reduction reaction.

PMID- 28080073
TI  - Copper-Mediated Domino Cyclization/Trifluoromethylation/Deprotection with TMSCF3:
      Synthesis of 4-(Trifluoromethyl)pyrazoles.
AB  - A copper-mediated synthesis of 4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazoles is described. In one
      step from readily accessible alpha,beta-alkynic tosylhydrazones, a remarkable
      domino sequence of cyclization, trifluoromethylation, and detosylation takes
      place to furnish the 4-CF3 N-H pyrazole cores with good functional group
      compatibility. The reaction conditions are mild and convenient, at room
      temperature in air, using the commercially available
      trifluoromethyltrimethylsilane (TMSCF3) as the CF3 source. The method can be
      applied to the synthesis of a 4-CF3 analogue of the anti-inflammatory drug
      celecoxib.

PMID- 28080074
TI  - Synthesis of Briarane Diterpenoids: Biomimetic Transannular Oxa-6pi
      electrocyclization Induced by a UVA/UVC Photoswitch.
AB  - A biomimetic synthesis of briareolate ester B (3) from briareolate ester L (1)
      via the intermediate briareolate ester G (2) has been achieved through a unique
      transannular oxa-6pi electrocyclization induced by UVA light. UVC irradiation of
      3 triggered a rapid retro-6pi electrocyclization to establish an unprecedented
      photochromic switch. In the ground state, reaction of 1 led to the formation of a
      polycyclic gamma-spiroketal gamma-lactone 5, architecturally related to the ether
      bridged cembranoids of the cladiellin class.

PMID- 28080076
TI  - Adverse childhood experiences and risk for suicidal behavior in male Iraq and
      Afghanistan veterans seeking PTSD treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with increased
      risk for suicide and appear to occur in disproportionately high rates among men
      who served in the U.S. military. However, research has yet to examine a
      comprehensive range of ACEs among Iraq/Afghanistan veterans with combat-related
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or whether these premilitary stressors may
      contribute to suicidal behavior in this highly vulnerable population. METHOD: A
      sample of 217 men entering a residential program for combat-related PTSD
      completed measures for ACEs, combat exposure, and lifetime suicidal ideation and
      attempts. RESULTS: The majority of patients had experienced multiple types of
      adversity or traumas during childhood/adolescence. In particular, 83.4% endorsed
      at least 1 ACE category and 41.5% reported experiencing 4 or more ACEs. When
      accounting for effects of deployment-related stressors, we further found that
      accumulation of ACEs was uniquely linked with thoughts of suicide or attempts
      among these patients. Namely, for every 1-point increase on the ACE
      Questionnaire, veterans' risk of suicidal ideation and attempts increased by 23%
      and 24%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This brief report provides initial evidence
      that veterans seeking treatment for combat-related PTSD often have extensive
      histories of premilitary stressors that may increase suicide risk beyond probable
      deployment-related traumas. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080075
TI  - Cognitive outcomes in early-treated adults with phenylketonuria (PKU): A
      comprehensive picture across domains.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease which affects
      cognitive functions due to an inability to metabolize phenylalanine which leads
      to the accumulation of toxic by-products (Phe) in the brain. PKU can be
      effectively treated with a low phenylalanine diet, but some cognitive deficits
      remain. Studies have reported impairments, especially for processing speed and
      executive functions, but there is a lack of comprehensive assessment across
      cognitive domains. Moreover, it is important to establish outcomes in early
      treated adults with PKU (AwPKU) who have better metabolic control than groups
      previously reported in the literature. METHOD: We tested 37 AwPKU with an
      unprecedented number of tasks (N = 28) and measures (N = 44) and compared results
      with 30 controls matched for age and education. RESULTS: We found (a) group
      impairments, particularly in tasks tapping speed of processing and complex
      executive functions; (b) high variability across participants, with a sizable
      number of AwPKU with completely normal performance (about 38%); (c) but also a
      sizable number of participants who were clearly impaired (about 24%); and (d)
      good performance in tasks tapping verbal learning, verbal memory and orthographic
      processing, indicating no generalized learning impairment. CONCLUSION: Our
      results indicate good outcomes, but also that deficits are still present with
      current treatment policies. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080077
TI  - Dogs' (Canis familiaris) attention to human perception: Influence of breed groups
      and life experiences.
AB  - Attending to the perception of others may help individuals gaining information
      from conspecifics, or help in competitive situations. Dogs (Canis familiaris) are
      attentive to humans' signals and their attentional state. We investigated whether
      dogs of different breed groups differ in their ability to pay attention to
      human's perception, first according to the genetic relatedness between dog
      breeds, and second according to working style differences. Once dogs had learned
      to leave forbidden food on the floor, they were confronted with 2 food items to
      which only they had unrestricted visual access. The owners saw either none or 1
      food item through a transparent barrier. Our results showed that dogs pay
      attention to the perception of humans, whereby differences between breed groups
      became obvious. Within different genetic groups, ancient and hunting type dogs
      performed similarly, they were more attentive to their owners' perception than
      shepherd and the mastiff type dogs. When comparing dogs classified according to
      their working style, independent workers and family dogs were attentive to the
      owner's perception, while cooperative workers seemed not. The dogs' choice could
      not be explained by a general or training induced preference for eating behind an
      opaque screen, or by an influence of the owner's possible intention to prevent
      the dog from taking the food item he could see. Our study confirms that dogs are
      attentive/sensitive to human's perception, but genetic and working style
      differences among the breeds, as well as dog sport experiences explain part of
      the variation seen in their performance. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080078
TI  - What to do when scalar invariance fails: The extended alignment method for multi
      group factor analysis comparison of latent means across many groups.
AB  - Scalar invariance is an unachievable ideal that in practice can only be
      approximated; often using potentially questionable approaches such as partial
      invariance based on a stepwise selection of parameter estimates with large
      modification indices. Study 1 demonstrates an extension of the power and
      flexibility of the alignment approach for comparing latent factor means in large
      scale studies (30 OECD countries, 8 factors, 44 items, N = 249,840), for which
      scalar invariance is typically not supported in the traditional confirmatory
      factor analysis approach to measurement invariance (CFA-MI). Importantly, we
      introduce an alignment-within-CFA (AwC) approach, transforming alignment from a
      largely exploratory tool into a confirmatory tool, and enabling analyses that
      previously have not been possible with alignment (testing the invariance of
      uniquenesses and factor variances/covariances; multiple-group MIMIC models;
      contrasts on latent means) and structural equation models more generally.
      Specifically, it also allowed a comparison of gender differences in a 30-country
      MIMIC AwC (i.e., a SEM with gender as a covariate) and a 60-group AwC CFA (i.e.,
      30 countries * 2 genders) analysis. Study 2, a simulation study following up
      issues raised in Study 1, showed that latent means were more accurately estimated
      with alignment than with the scalar CFA-MI, and particularly with partial
      invariance scalar models based on the heavily criticized stepwise selection
      strategy. In summary, alignment augmented by AwC provides applied researchers
      from diverse disciplines considerable flexibility to address substantively
      important issues when the traditional CFA-MI scalar model does not fit the data.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080080
TI  - The role of emotional capital during the early years of marriage: Why everyday
      moments matter.
AB  - Throughout a marriage couples will share countless ordinary moments together that
      may seem trivial, but which actually have potential to affirm and strengthen
      relational bonds. According to theories of emotional capital, the accumulation of
      shared positive moments in a relationship should serve as an essential resource
      for protecting the relationship against threats. To date, however, few empirical
      studies have explored the role emotional capital may play in shaping responses to
      negative relationship experiences. In the current study, newly married couples
      completed 3 14-day daily diary tasks assessing emotional capital, negative
      partner behaviors, and marital satisfaction over a 3-year period, for a total of
      42 potential days of diary data. Contrary to predictions, emotional capital on a
      given day was not associated with reactivity to relationship threats on the
      following day. However, conceptually replicating prior work, individuals who
      accumulated more emotional capital on average across the diary tasks did exhibit
      lower reactivity to daily relationship threats; that is, on days of greater
      relationship threat (i.e., negative partner behaviors), those spouses who
      generally accrued more shared positive moments with their partner maintained
      greater feelings of marital satisfaction compared with spouses who accrued fewer
      positive moments. These findings contribute to a growing literature illustrating
      how positive shared activities between partners help sustain relationship quality
      over time. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080079
TI  - Mother, father, and adolescent self-control and adherence in adolescents with
      Type 1 diabetes.
AB  - This study explored whether shared self-control across a family system, including
      adolescent, mother, and father self-control, as well as the interaction of mother
      and father self-control, was associated with ease of completing adherence tasks
      and the completion of adherence behaviors related to the Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
      regimen. One hundred thirty-seven adolescents (M = 13.48 years), mothers, and
      fathers completed a self-report measure of self-control, while adolescents also
      self-reported on ease of completing adherence tasks and the frequency with which
      they completed adherence tasks. Higher adolescent, mother, father, and the
      interaction of mother and father self-control were each associated with greater
      adolescent perceptions of ease of completing adherence tasks. Also, greater
      adolescent perception of ease of adherence mediated the association of higher
      adolescent, father, and the interaction of mother and father self-control on more
      frequent adherence behaviors. The results are consistent with the idea that
      family members may share the load of self-control within the family system. The
      results point to the importance of assessing and intervening within the entire
      family system to support improved quality of life and better adherence to the
      medical regimen in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080081
TI  - The heart of parenting: Parent HR dynamics and negative parenting while resolving
      conflict with child.
AB  - The current study examined parent heart rate (HR) dynamic changing patterns and
      their links to observed negative parenting (i.e., emotional unavailability and
      psychological control) during a parent-child conflict resolution task among 150
      parent-child dyads (child age ranged from 6 to 12 years, Mage = 8.54 +/- 1.67).
      Parent HR was obtained from electrocardiogram (ECG) data collected during the
      parent-child conflict resolution task. Negative parenting was coded offline based
      on the video recording of the same task. Results revealed that emotionally
      sensitive parents during the task showed greater HR increases while discussing a
      conflict and greater HR decreases while resolving the conflict, whereas
      emotionally unavailable parents showed no changes in HR. However, parent
      psychological control was not associated with HR dynamics during the task. These
      findings indicated the physiological underpinnings of parent emotional
      sensitivity and responsiveness during parent-child interactions. The potential
      association between HR baseline levels and parenting behaviors was also
      discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080082
TI  - Parenting and later substance use among Mexican-origin youth: Moderation by
      preference for a common language.
AB  - The primary goal of the current study was to test whether parent and adolescent
      preference for a common language moderates the association between parenting and
      rank-order change over time in offspring substance use. A sample of Mexican
      origin 7th-grade adolescents (Mage = 12.5 years, N = 194, 52% female) was
      measured longitudinally on use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana. Mothers,
      fathers, and adolescents all reported on consistent discipline and monitoring of
      adolescents. Both consistent discipline and monitoring predicted relative
      decreases in substance use into early adulthood but only among parent-offspring
      dyads who expressed preference for the same language (either English or Spanish).
      This moderation held after controlling for parent substance use, family
      structure, having completed schooling in Mexico, years lived in the United
      States, family income, and cultural values. An unintended consequence of the
      immigration process may be the loss of parenting effectiveness that is normally
      present when parents and adolescents prefer to communicate in a common language.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080083
TI  - The empathy impulse: A multinomial model of intentional and unintentional empathy
      for pain.
AB  - Empathy for pain is often described as automatic. Here, we used implicit
      measurement and multinomial modeling to formally quantify unintentional empathy
      for pain: empathy that occurs despite intentions to the contrary. We developed
      the pain identification task (PIT), a sequential priming task wherein
      participants judge the painfulness of target experiences while trying to avoid
      the influence of prime experiences. Using multinomial modeling, we distinguished
      3 component processes underlying PIT performance: empathy toward target stimuli
      (Intentional Empathy), empathy toward prime stimuli (Unintentional Empathy), and
      bias to judge target stimuli as painful (Response Bias). In Experiment 1,
      imposing a fast (vs. slow) response deadline uniquely reduced Intentional
      Empathy. In Experiment 2, inducing imagine-self (vs. imagine-other) perspective
      taking uniquely increased Unintentional Empathy. In Experiment 3, Intentional and
      Unintentional Empathy were stronger toward targets with typical (vs. atypical)
      pain outcomes, suggesting that outcome information matters and that effects on
      the PIT are not reducible to affective priming. Typicality of pain outcomes more
      weakly affected task performance when target stimuli were merely categorized
      rather than judged for painfulness, suggesting that effects on the latter are not
      reducible to semantic priming. In Experiment 4, Unintentional Empathy was
      stronger for participants who engaged in costly donation to cancer charities, but
      this parameter was also high for those who donated to an objectively worse but
      socially more popular charity, suggesting that overly high empathy may facilitate
      maladaptive altruism. Theoretical and practical applications of our modeling
      approach for understanding variation in empathy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 28080085
TI  - Suppression and expression of emotion in social and interpersonal outcomes: A
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Emotion expression is critical for the communication of important social
      information, such as emotional states and behavioral intentions. However, people
      tend to vary in their level of emotional expression. This meta-analysis
      investigated the relationships between levels of emotion expression and
      suppression, and social and interpersonal outcomes. PsycINFO databases, as well
      as reference lists were searched. Forty-three papers from a total of 3,200 papers
      met inclusion criteria, allowing for 105 effect sizes to be calculated. Meta
      analyses revealed that greater suppression of emotion was significantly
      associated with poorer social wellbeing, including more negative first
      impressions, lower social support, lower social satisfaction and quality, and
      poorer romantic relationship quality. Furthermore, the expression of positive and
      general/nonspecific emotion was related to better social outcomes, while the
      expression of anger was associated with poorer social wellbeing. Expression of
      negative emotion generally was also associated with poorer social outcomes,
      although this effect size was very small and consisted of mixed results. These
      findings highlight the importance of considering the role that regulation of
      emotional expression can play in the development of social dysfunction and
      interpersonal problems. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080084
TI  - Negative affect mediates the relation between trait urgency and behavioral
      distress tolerance.
AB  - Distress tolerance is associated with a range of psychopathology and risk-taking
      behavior. Current research suggests that the behavioral ability to persist at
      goal-directed behavior when distressed may be malleable. However, little is known
      about the contributing factors that underlie individual differences in distress
      tolerance. Trait urgency, or the tendency to act impulsively in the context of
      acute changes in affect, may predict distress tolerance because the prepotent
      response to avoid or remove an aversive state may undermine persistence. To date,
      most research has examined the role of negative urgency, a valenced subfactor of
      urgency, in relation to distress tolerance. However, the broad trait of urgency
      may be associated with a greater change in affect that precedes the inability to
      tolerate distress. The current study examined whether greater changes in negative
      affect was indeed a mediator in the relationship between trait urgency and
      behavioral distress tolerance. The effects of both positive and negative urgency
      on affect change were examined to investigate the potential contribution of the
      broader urgency trait. The results suggest that a greater change in negative
      affect over the course of a stressor mediated the association between both
      subfactors of urgency and distress tolerance. These findings suggest that trait
      urgency, regardless of valence, may be associated with experiencing greater
      changes in affect that ultimately undermine the ability to tolerate distress.
      These findings also highlight important components of distress tolerance that
      could inform behavioral interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080086
TI  - Attentional capture by taboo words: A functional view of auditory distraction.
AB  - It is well established that task-irrelevant, to-be-ignored speech adversely
      affects serial short-term memory (STM) for visually presented items compared with
      a quiet control condition. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether the
      semantic content of the speech has the capacity to capture attention and to
      disrupt memory performance. In the present article, we tested whether taboo words
      are more difficult to ignore than neutral words. Taboo words or neutral words
      were presented as (a) steady state sequences in which the same distractor word
      was repeated, (b) changing state sequences in which different distractor words
      were presented, and (c) auditory deviant sequences in which a single distractor
      word deviated from a sequence of repeated words. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that
      taboo words disrupted performance more than neutral words. This taboo effect did
      not habituate and it did not differ between individuals with high and low working
      memory capacity. In Experiments 3 and 4, in which only a single deviant taboo
      word was presented, no taboo effect was obtained. These results do not support
      the idea that the processing of the auditory distractors' semantic content is the
      result of occasional attention switches to the auditory modality. Instead, the
      overall pattern of results is more in line with a functional view of auditory
      distraction, according to which the to-be-ignored modality is routinely monitored
      for potentially important stimuli (e.g., self-relevant or threatening
      information), the detection of which draws processing resources away from the
      primary task. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080088
TI  - The effect of reactive emotions expressed in response to another's anger on
      inferences of social power.
AB  - Social perception of emotions is influenced by the context in which it occurs.
      One such context is a social interaction involving an exchange of emotions. The
      way parties to the interaction are perceived is shaped by the combination of
      emotions exchanged. This idea was examined by assessing the extent to which
      expressions of anger toward a target-which, in isolation, are perceived as
      signals of high social power-are influenced by the target's emotional reaction to
      it (i.e., reactive emotions). Three studies show that the angry person was
      perceived as having a higher level of social power when this anger was responded
      by fear or sadness than when it was responded by neutrality or anger. Study 1
      indicated that reactive emotions have a stronger effect on perceived social power
      when emotions were incongruent with gender stereotypes. Study 2 indicated that
      these effects are a result of these emotions serving as reactive emotions rather
      than a benchmark against which the angry person's power is assessed. Study 3
      showed that reactive emotions affect perceived social power by serving as signals
      of the level to which the high social power suggested by the first person's
      expression is confirmed by its target. Comparing effects of reactive emotions to
      anger with reactive emotions to sadness, showed that perceived social power of
      the expresser is determined by the nature of the expression, with some adjustment
      caused by the reactive emotions. This underscores the importance of social
      interaction as a context for the social perception of emotions. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 28080089
TI  - What you like is what you try to get: Attitudes toward emotions and situation
      selection.
AB  - Why do people expose themselves to certain emotional stimuli and avoid others? We
      propose that what people want to feel is linked to attitudes toward emotions. In
      3 studies, we show that individuals with more (vs. less) negative attitudes
      toward an emotion were more (vs. less) likely to avoid stimuli that induce that
      emotion. People who evaluated disgust (or joy) less favorably than others were
      less likely to expose themselves to disgusting (or joyful) pictures (Study 1).
      These links were emotion-specific and could not be explained by differences in
      state or trait emotion (Study 2) or in emotional reactivity (Study 3). We were
      further able to show that the choice of emotion-inducing stimuli affected
      emotional experience in a congruent manner. People with more (vs. less) negative
      attitudes toward disgust (or sadness) were more likely to avoid disgusting (or
      sad) stimuli, resulting in more intense experiences of disgust (or sadness; Study
      2). Finally, people with more negative attitudes toward disgust chose to avoid
      more disgusting stimuli, whether attitudes were assessed explicitly or implicitly
      (Study 3). These findings suggest that people avoid stimuli that induce emotions
      that they evaluate less favorably, even when such evaluations are not consciously
      accessible. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080087
TI  - Perceptual salience does not influence emotional arousal's impairing effects on
      top-down attention.
AB  - Emotional arousal impairs top-down attentional control while strengthening bottom
      up attentional biases. In this study, we examined whether top-down impairments
      due to arousal can be modulated by increasing the perceptual salience of the
      target stimulus. To examine this question, we briefly displayed positive and
      negative arousing images prior to the encoding of 2 emotionally neutral items, 1
      of which was to be remembered and 1 of which was perceptually salient (the to-be
      remembered and the salient items were either the same item or different items).
      Eye tracking was used to measure attention biases during the encoding of the 2
      competing neutral items, as well as to measure pupillary responses to the
      preceding modulator image. Viewing emotional images, regardless of valence,
      impaired top-down attention to animate stimulus targets (i.e., animals),
      regardless of perceptual salience. However, these effects on encoding had no
      influence on recognition memory. Taken together, these findings reveal that
      exposure to emotionally arousing images impairs top-down attention to animate
      stimuli, regardless of whether that stimulus is perceptually salient. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 28080090
TI  - We are sorry, they don't care: Misinterpretation of facial embarrassment displays
      in Arab-White intergroup contexts.
AB  - Embarrassment displays show others that one is aware of one's own misbehavior and
      willing to make up for it. The facial actions of embarrassment, however, are
      partly similar to those of disinterest, which has an opposite function, signaling
      that one is not concerned about one's self in relation to others. In the context
      of negative intergroup relations, embarrassment displays of outgroup members may
      therefore be misinterpreted as disinterest. In the present research, the authors
      predicted that Whites would perceive Arab expressions of embarrassment more as
      disinterest, but embarrassment displays of Whites more as embarrassment.
      Aggregated Study 1 (N = 1,154) confirms this hypothesis showing that White
      participants perceived more intense embarrassment in Whites than in Arabs and
      more intense disinterest in Arabs than in Whites. Studies 2 (n = 193) and 3 (n =
      260) include methodological improvements and either largely or fully replicated
      our findings. Based on this evidence in an Arab-White context, the authors
      conclude that the affiliative function of embarrassment perception is dependent
      on the nature of the group context. Finally, they discuss the generalizability of
      this intergroup emotion bias in which emotional expressions may be perceived as
      the opposite of what they are intended to display. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080091
TI  - Dynamical systems modeling of early childhood self-regulation.
AB  - Self-regulation can be conceptualized in terms of dynamic tension between highly
      probable reactions (prepotent responses) and use of strategies that can modulate
      those reactions (executive processes). This study investigated the value of a
      dynamical systems approach to the study of early childhood self-regulation.
      Specifically, ordinary differential equations (ODEs) were used to model the
      interactive influences of 115 36-month-olds' executive processes (strategy use)
      and prepotent responses to waiting to open a gift (desire for the gift and
      frustration about waiting to open it). Using a pair of coupled second-order ODEs
      in a nonlinear mixed effects framework, the study tested predictions for specific
      within- and between-child patterns of prepotent response-executive process
      coupling. Dynamic modeling results articulated the limits of 36-month olds'
      strategic efforts. They engaged executive processes when their prepotent
      responding levels were high, which delayed the resurgence of prepotent responses,
      but ultimately did not damp prepotent responding over the course of the wait.
      There was, however, preliminary evidence that the effectiveness of 36-month-olds'
      self-regulation depended upon child characteristics. Externalizing behavior
      problems were associated with more regulatory interference. Temperamental
      negative affectivity was marginally associated with more regulatory inefficiency.
      Compared with conventional methods of studying self-regulation, dynamic modeling
      yielded complementary and unique findings, suggesting its potential. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 28080093
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Short Inventory of Problems (SIP) with adjudicated
      DUI intervention participants.
AB  - We used responses of two large samples of court-ordered participants from a
      statewide alcohol/driving safety program to investigate factor structure, score
      reliability, and criterion-related validity of the Short Inventory of Problems
      (SIP). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, using both item-level and
      subscore-level data, support a one-factor structure for the SIP. Internal
      consistency score reliability estimates were consistent across samples and high
      enough to warrant use for making decisions about individuals. Item response
      theory model calibration of the scale, using a two-parameter logistic model,
      yielded consistent estimates of location and discrimination (slope) across
      samples. Estimated scale scores correlated moderately with an independent
      indicator of alcohol problems and poorly with an indicator of risky driving
      behavior, lending evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. We judge the
      SIP as adequately described by a single factor, that the joint person-item scale
      is coherent, and scores behave consistently across samples. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 28080092
TI  - Brief online interventions targeting risk and protective factors for increased
      and problematic alcohol use among American college students studying abroad.
AB  - Research documents increased and problematic alcohol use during study abroad
      experiences for college students yet no research documents effective preventive
      programs with these students. The present randomized controlled trial was
      designed to prevent increased and problematic alcohol use abroad by correcting
      misperceptions of peer drinking norms abroad and by promoting positive and
      healthy adjustment into the host culture (i.e., sojourner adjustment) through
      brief online personalized feedback interventions. A sample of 343 study abroad
      college students was randomly assigned to 1 of 4 conditions including a
      personalized normative feedback intervention (PNF), a sojourner adjustment
      feedback intervention (SAF), a combined PNF + SAF intervention, and an assessment
      only control condition. Generalized estimated equation analyses accounting for
      baseline drinking and consequences revealed an intervention effect for PNF that
      was mitigated by baseline drinking level, such that PNF was best for those with
      lighter baseline drinking, but heavier baseline drinkers receiving PNF alone or
      PNF + SAF drank comparatively similar or more heavily abroad to those in the
      control condition. However, PNF + SAF condition participants with greater
      baseline levels of consequences reported comparatively less consequences abroad
      than their control participants. Thus, PNF alone may be helpful for lighter
      drinkers at predeparture and the addition of SAF to PNF may help prevent
      consequences abroad for those reporting more consequences prior to departure
      abroad. This research represents an important first step in designing and
      implementing efficacious interventions with at-risk study abroad college
      students, for which no current empirically based programs exist. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 28080094
TI  - Lifetime Alcoholics Anonymous attendance as a predictor of spiritual gains in the
      Relapse Replication and Extension Project (RREP).
AB  - This study investigated the association between extent of lifetime attendance in
      Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and spiritual gains among treatment seeking adults for
      alcohol use disorder. Participants included 246 individuals from 2 of the 3 sites
      in the Relapse Replication and Extension Project (Lowman, Allen, Stout, & The
      Relapse Research Group, 1996). Baseline characteristics included 63% male, 39.9%
      single, and the average age was 34 years (SD = 8.2). The Alcoholics Anonymous
      Involvement questionnaire (Tonigan, Connors, & Miller, 1996) was used to assess
      lifetime AA attendance. The Religious Beliefs & Behaviors Questionnaire (Connors,
      Tonigan, & Miller, 1996) was used to assess spirituality. Percent days abstinent
      (PDA) and drinks per drinking day (DPDD) were measured using the Form 90. At
      baseline, adults with more extensive AA histories were more severely alcohol
      impaired although they were no older relative to adults with less past AA
      exposure. Clear patterns of AA engagement were found between the high-low AA
      history groups over follow-up, with adults with less AA experience reporting less
      AA participation across a swath of AA-specific measures. Gains in spiritual
      practices significantly mediated AA-related benefit as measured by PDA and DPDD.
      Tests for moderated-mediation indicated that the magnitude of the mediational
      effect of spiritual gains did not differ between high-low AA history groups.
      Having an extensive AA history did not advantage (or disadvantage) adults in
      mobilizing future spiritual practices that are prescribed in AA. Clinical
      assessment of client AA history is important, however, because it predicts both
      the nature and extent that clients may participate in AA. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 28080095
TI  - The proximal effects of acute alcohol use on female aggression: A meta-analytic
      review of the experimental literature.
AB  - Experimental research on alcohol-related aggression has focused largely upon male
      participants, providing only a limited understanding of the proximal effects of
      acute alcohol use on aggression among females extrapolated from the male
      literature. The current meta-analysis was undertaken to summarize the effects of
      alcohol, compared to placebo or no alcohol, on female aggression as observed
      across experimental investigations. A review of the literature yielded 11
      articles and 12 effect sizes for further analysis. The overall effect size of
      alcohol on female aggression was small and reached statistical significance (d =
      .17, p = .02, 95% confidence interval [.03, .30]). Meta-analytic examination of
      the experimental literature indicated that alcohol is a significant factor in
      female aggression. The overall alcohol-aggression effect was smaller than has
      been observed among male samples. Additional research is required to evaluate the
      influence of other factors on alcohol-related aggressive responding among female
      participants. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080096
TI  - Emotion dysregulation explains associations between anxiety sensitivity and
      hazardous drinking and drinking motives among adult treatment-seeking smokers.
AB  - Smoking and drinking frequently co-occur. For example, alcohol use is associated
      with smoking lapses during quit attempts. However, little is known regarding
      psychological factors explaining drinking among smokers. Anxiety sensitivity is a
      risk factor associated with hazardous drinking and drinking to cope and/or
      conform, although little is known about mechanisms underlying such associations.
      One potential explanatory factor is emotion dysregulation. The current study
      examined emotion dysregulation as an explanatory factor underlying Anxiety
      Sensitivity and 5 alcohol-related outcomes: hazardous drinking, alcohol
      consumption, alcohol problems, coping-oriented drinking, and drinking to conform.
      Participants for this study were 467 treatment-seeking adult, daily smokers
      (48.2% women; Mage = 36.7 years, SD = 13.6) who reported smoking an average of
      16.5 cigarettes per day. Results indicate significant indirect effects of Anxiety
      Sensitivity on hazardous drinking via emotion dysregulation, alcohol consumption,
      alcohol problems, drinking to cope, and drinking to conform. Effects were medium
      in size. Alternative models testing indirect effects of emotion dysregulation
      through Anxiety Sensitivity on outcomes, and Anxiety Sensitivity through outcomes
      on emotion dysregulation were nonsignificant and all had small effect sizes.
      Follow-up tests examined the path of effects from Anxiety Sensitivity through
      specific emotion-dysregulation subfactors. Thus, among treatment-seeking smokers,
      emotion dysregulation may explain the associations of Anxiety Sensitivity with
      alcohol-related outcomes. This pattern of findings highlights the potential
      importance of interventions targeting emotion dysregulation among hazardous
      drinking smokers. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080097
TI  - "You must be lying because I don't understand you: Language proficiency and lie
      detection:" Correction to Elliott and Leach (2016).
AB  - Reports an error in "You must be lying because I don't understand you: Language
      proficiency and lie detection" by Elizabeth Elliott and Amy-May Leach (Journal of
      Experimental Psychology: Applied, 2016[Dec], Vol 22[4], 488-499). In the Results
      section, under "Signal detection theory," the first sentence of the second
      paragraph contains errors. The correct sentence is provided in this erratum. (The
      following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2016-59419-006.) We
      examined the impact of interviewees' language proficiencies on observers' lie
      detection performance. Observers (N = 132) were randomly assigned to make
      deception judgments about interviewees (N = 56) from Four proficiency groups
      (i.e., native, advanced, intermediate, and beginner English speakers).
      Discrimination between lie- and truth-tellers was poorest when observers judged
      beginner English speakers compared to interviewees from any other proficiency
      group. Observers were also less likely to exhibit a truth-bias toward nonnative
      than native English speakers. These results suggest that interviewing individuals
      in their nonnative languages can create inequalities in the justice system.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080098
TI  - Knowledge of the self-control benefits of high-level versus low-level construal.
AB  - Research indicates that inducing high-level construal (processing that highlights
      invariant, essential features) relative to low-level construal (processing that
      highlights idiosyncratic, peripheral features) promotes self-control (Fujita &
      Carnevale, 2012). In the present work, we investigate to what extent people
      recognize the self-control benefits of high-level construal, and explore the
      consequences of this knowledge. Studies 1 and 2 provide initial evidence that
      individuals are aware that high-level relative to low-level construal promotes
      self-control in the dieting domain. Studies 3 and 4 find that individual
      differences in this knowledge predict self-control success outcomes (i.e., body
      mass index) among those who are motivated by dieting goals. Examining academics
      as a domain of self-control, Study 5 demonstrates that those with higher
      knowledge of construal level's impact on self-control earned higher end-of
      semester grades to the extent that they were motivated to do well academically.
      Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 28080099
TI  - School connectedness and suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A systematic meta
      analysis.
AB  - Among the protective factors associated with reduced risk for suicide, scientific
      inquiries into school connectedness are especially important considering that
      schools are ideally situated to provide interventions reaching the vast majority
      of youth. Although there is a wealth of research that supports the association
      between school connectedness and reduced self-report of adolescents having a
      suicidal thought or making a suicide attempt, inconsistencies in the way studies
      have measured and operationalized school connectedness limit synthesis across
      findings. This meta-analytic study investigates the literature exploring
      associations between school connectedness and suicidal thoughts and behaviors
      across general and subpopulations (high risk and sexual minority youth) using a
      random effects model. Eligible studies examined a measure of school connectedness
      explicitly referred to as "school connectedness" or "connections at school" in
      relation to suicidal ideation or suicide attempts among youth enrolled in school
      (Grades 6-12). Multiple metaregression analyses were conducted to explore the
      influence of school connectedness measurement variation, as well as participant
      characteristics. Results, including 16 samples, support that higher school
      connectedness is associated with reduced reports of suicidal thoughts and
      behaviors across general (odds ratio [OR] = 0.536), high-risk (OR = 0.603), and
      sexual minority (OR = 0.608) adolescents. Findings are consistent when analyzed
      separately for suicidal ideation (OR = 0.529) and suicide attempts (OR = 0.589)
      and remain stable when accounting for measurement variability. Although limited
      by its cross-sectional nature, findings support recent calls to increase school
      connectedness and proffer important implications for screening and intervention
      efforts conducted in schools. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080100
TI  - Metabolic control and academic achievement over time among adolescents with type
      1 diabetes.
AB  - The relation between metabolic control (HbA1c) and achievement (grade point
      average [GPA]) was examined over a period of 2.5 years (every 6 months) employing
      a dynamical systems approach that allowed for the examination of whether HbA1c
      was associated with change in subsequent GPA and vice versa. Metabolic control
      tends to deteriorate (i.e., with higher HbA1c reflecting poorer metabolic
      control) during adolescence. It was hypothesized that these higher levels of
      HbA1c would limit subsequent increases in GPA. The sample included 252
      adolescents (Mbaseline age = 12.49 years, SD = 1.53; 53.6% female) with Type 1
      diabetes. Mothers' report and school records provided information on relevant
      demographics and GPA; medical records provided values of HbA1c. Two simultaneous
      coupled change equations (i.e., examining current values in 1 variable associated
      with changes in the other) controlling relevant risk indicators (i.e., age, sex,
      disease duration, insulin delivery method, IQ) revealed higher levels of HbA1c
      limited increases in GPA. Higher levels of GPA, however, were not associated with
      change in HbA1c except for 2 instances where moderation existed by disease
      duration and IQ. Higher GPA was associated with slower increases in HbA1c over
      time for youth with shorter disease duration and lower IQ. These results affirm
      the importance of maintaining good metabolic control to facilitate adequate
      school performance across the adolescent years. Further, the results suggest that
      factors related to school achievement may protect adolescents who are newly
      diagnosed or who have low cognitive ability from subsequent deterioration in
      metabolic control. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080101
TI  - Racial discrimination and psychological health among Polynesians in the U.S.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There is a dearth of research on the mental health of Polynesians
      residing in the United States. The aims of this study were to examine experiences
      of racial discrimination, self-esteem, trait anger, satisfaction with life, and
      psychological well-being among 628 Polynesians (e.g., Native Hawaiian, Tongan,
      Samoan, Fijian, Tahitian, Maori; 60% women (n = 378) and 40% men (n = 249); mean
      age = 28.7). METHOD: Measures were administered through an online survey to 628
      Polynesians residing in the United States. Comparison analyses between men and
      women, correlations, and path analyses were analyzed for this Polynesian sample.
      RESULTS: Polynesian women showed higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of
      depression and anxiety. Racial discrimination was inversely correlated with self
      esteem and satisfaction with life, and positively linked to trait anger,
      depression, anxiety, and stress. Self-esteem had an indirect effect on the
      relationship between racial discrimination and satisfaction with life.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mental health professionals need to be aware of racial
      discrimination on psychological health and incorporate the value of self-esteem
      in the psychological treatment of Polynesians. Additional results are provided
      and implications of these findings are outlined. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080103
TI  - Empirical influence of the multicultural guidelines: A brief report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2002, the American Psychological Association (APA) Council of
      Representatives approved the "Guidelines for Multicultural Education, Training,
      Research, Practice and Organizational Change for Psychologists." The Guidelines
      have been downloaded 64,153 times from the APA website from 2007 to 2013, and
      have been cited nearly 900 times. This suggests that the Guidelines have
      influenced education, training, research, and practice in psychology. However, it
      is unclear how the Guidelines have influenced these domains. We conducted a
      comprehensive literature review to examine how the Guidelines have influenced the
      field. Articles were coded for several criteria, including whether the Guidelines
      were cited, the type of research that was conducted, study findings, limitations,
      and future directions of research. METHOD: The data for this study consisted of
      895 empirical articles published since the 2003 publication of the Guidelines. A
      literature review using the keywords APA and multicultural guidelines were
      searched in PsycINFO and ERIC databases. Articles were then coded by the research
      team. RESULTS: Findings from the literature review suggested that although there
      were a total of 895 articles and books that cited the Guidelines, only 34 met our
      coding criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that most of the articles that
      cited the Guidelines used the citation as a way to document that culture is
      important to consider. In some cases, other professions cited the Guidelines to
      argue that their discipline should also attend to culture. However, very few
      articles focused on framing an investigation around a specific guideline.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080102
TI  - Not just sticks and stones: Indirect ethnic discrimination leads to greater
      physiological reactivity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined the effect of indirect ethnic discrimination on
      physiological reactivity (i.e., cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate) in Latino
      emerging adults. METHOD: Participants (N = 32) were randomly assigned to be
      exposed to indirect ethnic discrimination (experimental condition) or not
      (control condition) while undergoing a cognitive stress task. RESULTS: Greater
      total cortisol output was observed in participants in the experimental condition,
      relative to those in the control condition. No significant differences in heart
      rate or blood pressure were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that witnessing
      ethnic discrimination affects cortisol recovery responses, but not cardiovascular
      reactivity. Words that are not intentionally hurtful or directed at a specific
      person may still "hurt"-affecting biological processes associated with
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and potentially leading to long
      term health consequences. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080104
TI  - Measuring Black men's police-based discrimination experiences: Development and
      validation of the Police and Law Enforcement (PLE) Scale.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although social science research has examined police and law
      enforcement-perpetrated discrimination against Black men using policing
      statistics and implicit bias studies, there is little quantitative evidence
      detailing this phenomenon from the perspective of Black men. Consequently, there
      is a dearth of research detailing how Black men's perspectives on police and law
      enforcement-related stress predict negative physiological and psychological
      health outcomes. This study addresses these gaps with the qualitative development
      and quantitative test of the Police and Law Enforcement (PLE) Scale. METHOD: In
      Study 1, we used thematic analysis on transcripts of individual qualitative
      interviews with 90 Black men to assess key themes and concepts and develop
      quantitative items. In Study 2, we used 2 focus groups comprised of 5 Black men
      each (n = 10), intensive cognitive interviewing with a separate sample of Black
      men (n = 15), and piloting with another sample of Black men (n = 13) to assess
      the ecological validity of the quantitative items. For Study 3, we analyzed data
      from a sample of 633 Black men between the ages of 18 and 65 to test the factor
      structure of the PLE, as we all as its concurrent validity and
      convergent/discriminant validity. RESULTS: Qualitative analyses and confirmatory
      factor analyses suggested that a 5-item, 1-factor measure appropriately
      represented respondents' experiences of police/law enforcement discrimination. As
      hypothesized, the PLE was positively associated with measures of racial
      discrimination and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence
      suggests that the PLE is a reliable and valid measure of Black men's experiences
      of discrimination with police/law enforcement. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080105
TI  - Cross-cultural feigning assessment: A systematic review of feigning instruments
      used with linguistically, ethnically, and culturally diverse samples.
AB  - The cross-cultural validity of feigning instruments and cut-scores is a critical
      concern for forensic mental health clinicians. This systematic review evaluated
      feigning classification accuracy and effect sizes across instruments and
      languages by summarizing 45 published peer-reviewed articles and unpublished
      doctoral dissertations conducted in Europe, Asia, and North America using
      linguistically, ethnically, and culturally diverse samples. The most common
      psychiatric symptom measures used with linguistically, ethnically, and culturally
      diverse samples included the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology,
      the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test, and the Minnesota Multiphasic
      Personality Inventory (MMPI). The most frequently studied cognitive effort
      measures included the Word Recognition Test, the Test of Memory Malingering, and
      the Rey 15-item Memory test. The classification accuracy of these measures is
      compared and the implications of this research literature are discussed.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080107
TI  - Feasibility and adherence paradigm to ecological momentary assessments in urban
      minority youth.
AB  - All adolescents in general, including ethnic and racial minorities, report high
      levels of cell phone use, making mobile technology a useful tool for assessment
      and intervention. Known health and education disparities based on minority status
      motivated us to conduct an in-depth investigation regarding feasibility of and
      adherence to the ecological momentary assessment (EMA) research protocol,
      studying daily life of urban minority youth. In addition, this paper presents a
      methodological approach to conceptualizing and reporting adherence in EMA
      studies. The sample was comprised of 126 youth (41.3% boys; 40.5% 7th and 59.5%
      8th graders; 75.4% African American, and 20.6% Hispanic) who carried a mobile
      phone for 10 days, including 2 weekends and reported on activities, moods, and
      attitudes. Mean level of adherence was 81% for momentary and 93.8% for daily
      assessments; it decreased over time and was higher during the week compared to
      weekends. Adherence was lower on days when participants reported high levels of
      negative affect and on days when they were engaged in physical activities. Our
      findings underscore the importance of differentiating between human and
      technology-related factors when computing adherence rates and portray adherence
      as a complex and dynamic construct that can vary across individuals. Specific
      study recommendations and methodological discussion provide guidelines for
      designing future studies. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080106
TI  - Validity of the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) for identifying depression
      and anxiety in young adult cancer survivors: Comparison with a Structured
      Clinical Diagnostic Interview.
AB  - The Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) is widely used to assess psychological
      symptoms in cancer survivors, but the validity of conventional BSI-18 cut-off
      scores in this population has been questioned. This study assessed the accuracy
      of the BSI-18 for identifying significant anxiety and depression in young adult
      cancer survivors (YACS), by comparing it with a "gold standard" diagnostic
      interview measure. Two hundred fifty YACS, age 18-40 completed the BSI-18 and the
      Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
      Disorders (DSM-IV; SCID) interview assessing anxiety and depressive disorders.
      BSI-18 results were compared with SCID criteria using receiver operating
      characteristics (ROC) analyses. Forty four participants (17.7%) met criteria for
      >=1 SCID diagnoses, and an additional 20 (8.0%) met criteria for clinically
      significant SCID symptoms without a diagnosis. General concordance between the
      BSI-18 GSI scale and SCID diagnosis was good (AUC = 0.848), but the 2 most widely
      used BSI-18 case rules failed to identify a majority of survivors with SCID
      diagnoses, and no alternative BSI-18 cut-off scores met study criteria for
      clinical screening. Analyses aimed at identifying survivors with significant SCID
      symptoms or a SCID diagnosis had similar results, as did analyses examining
      depression and anxiety separately. The BSI-18 shows good overall concordance with
      a psychiatric interview, but recommended cut-off scores fail to identify a
      majority of YACS with psychiatric diagnosis. Clinicians should not rely on the
      BSI-18 alone as a screening measure for YACS. Alternative BSI-18 scoring
      algorithms optimized for detecting psychiatric symptoms in YACS may be an
      important step to address this limitation. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080108
TI  - The Brief Problem Monitor-Parent form (BPM-P), a short version of the Child
      Behavior Checklist: Psychometric properties in Spanish 6- to 8-year-old children.
AB  - We provide the first validation data on the Spanish version of the Brief Problem
      Monitor-Parent form (BPM-P), a recently developed abbreviated version of the 120
      item Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 6 to 18 (CBCL/6-18) in young
      schoolchildren. Parents of a community sample of 521 children aged 6-8 answered
      the CBCL/6-18 yearly, and the 19 BPM-P items were examined; parents also provided
      different measures of psychopathology. Confirmatory factor analysis of the
      expected 3-factor model (attention, externalizing, and internalizing) showed
      adequate fit (root mean square error of approximation, RMSEA <= .057), and
      measurement invariance across sex and age was observed. Internal consistency for
      the derived scores was satisfactory (omega >= .83). Concurrent validity with the
      equivalent scale scores of the original full CBCL/6-18 (r >= .84) and convergent
      validity with parents' ratings of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
      scores (r >= .52) were good. BPM-P scores at age 7 showed good predictive
      accuracy for discriminating the use of mental health services (OR >= 1.12),
      functional impairment (B <= -1.25), and the presence of the corresponding
      disorders diagnosed with an independent clinical interview, both cross
      sectionally at age 7 and longitudinally at age 8 (OR >= 1.24). The BPM-P provides
      reliable and valid scores as a very brief follow-up and screening tool for
      assessing behavioral and emotional problems in young schoolchildren. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 28080109
TI  - The dynamic range of response set activation during action sequencing.
AB  - We show that theories of response scheduling for sequential action can be
      discriminated on the basis of their predictions for the dynamic range of response
      set activation during sequencing, which refers to the momentary span of
      activation states for completed and to-be-completed actions in a response set. In
      particular, theories allow that future actions in a plan are partially activated,
      but differ with respect to the width of the range, which refers to the number of
      future actions that are partially activated. Similarly, theories differ on the
      width of the range for recently completed actions that are assumed to be rapidly
      deactivated or gradually deactivated in a passive fashion. We validate a new
      typing task for measuring momentary activation states of actions across a
      response set during action sequencing. Typists recruited from Amazon Mechanical
      Turk copied a paragraph by responding to a "go" signal that usually cued the next
      letter but sometimes cued a near-past or future letter (n-3, -2, -1, 0, +2, +3).
      The activation states for producing letters across go-signal positions can be
      inferred from RTs and errors. In general, we found evidence of graded parallel
      activation for future actions and rapid deactivation of more distal past actions.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080110
TI  - Spoken words can make the invisible visible-Testing the involvement of low-level
      visual representations in spoken word processing.
AB  - The notion that processing spoken (object) words involves activation of category
      specific representations in visual cortex is a key prediction of modality
      specific theories of representation that contrasts with theories assuming
      dedicated conceptual representational systems abstracted away from sensorimotor
      systems. In the present study, we investigated whether participants can detect
      otherwise invisible pictures of objects when they are presented with the
      corresponding spoken word shortly before the picture appears. Our results showed
      facilitated detection for congruent ("bottle" -> picture of a bottle) versus
      incongruent ("bottle" -> picture of a banana) trials. A second experiment
      investigated the time-course of the effect by manipulating the timing of picture
      presentation relative to word onset and revealed that it arises as soon as 200
      400 ms after word onset and decays at 600 ms after word onset. Together, these
      data strongly suggest that spoken words can rapidly activate low-level category
      specific visual representations that affect the mere detection of a stimulus,
      that is, what we see. More generally, our findings fit best with the notion that
      spoken words activate modality-specific visual representations that are low level
      enough to provide information related to a given token and at the same time
      abstract enough to be relevant not only for previously seen tokens but also for
      generalizing to novel exemplars one has never seen before. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 28080111
TI  - Generalized movement representation in haptic perception.
AB  - The extraction of spatial information by touch often involves exploratory
      movements, with tactile and kinesthetic signals combined to construct a spatial
      haptic percept. However, the body has many tactile sensory surfaces that can move
      independently, giving rise to the source binding problem: when there are multiple
      tactile signals originating from sensory surfaces with multiple movements, are
      the tactile and kinesthetic signals bound to one another? We studied haptic
      signal combination by applying the tactile signal to a stationary fingertip while
      another body part (the other hand or a foot) or a visual target moves, and using
      a task that can only be done if the tactile and kinesthetic signals are combined.
      We found that both direction and speed of movement transfer across limbs, but
      only direction transfers between visual target motion and the tactile signal. In
      control experiments, we excluded the role of explicit reasoning or knowledge of
      motion kinematics in this transfer. These results demonstrate the existence of 2
      motion representations in the haptic system-one of direction and another of speed
      or amplitude-that are both source-free or unbound from their sensory surface of
      origin. These representations may well underlie our flexibility in haptic
      perception and sensorimotor control. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080112
TI  - Beyond trial-by-trial adaptation: A quantification of the time scale of cognitive
      control.
AB  - The idea that adaptation to stimulus or response conflict can operate over
      different time scales takes a prominent position in various theories and models
      of cognitive control. The mechanisms underlying temporal variations in control
      are nevertheless poorly understood, which is partly due to a lack of appropriate
      empirical measures. Inspired by reinforcement learning models, we developed a
      method to quantify the time scale of control behaviorally, by computing trial-by
      trial effects that go beyond the preceding trial. Briefly, we extended the
      congruency sequence effect from 1 trial to multiple trials into the past and
      quantified the influence of previous trials on current-trial performance as a
      function of trial distance. The rate at which this influence changes across
      trials was taken as a measure of the time scale of control. We applied the method
      to a flanker task with different conflict frequencies and volatility. Results
      showed that the time scale of control was smaller in rare-conflict and volatile
      contexts, compared to frequent-conflict and neutral contexts. This is in
      agreement with theories differentiating transient from sustained control. The
      method offers new opportunities to reveal temporal differences in control modes
      and can easily be applied to various empirical paradigms. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 28080113
TI  - Higher-order cognitive control in dual tasks: Evidence from task-pair switching.
AB  - In the present study, we combined the psychological refractory period (PRP)
      paradigm with a novel task-pair switching logic which enabled us to isolate
      performance costs occurring at the global level of task-pairs. In Experiment 1,
      in which we used conceptually overlapping responses for Task 1 (T1) and Task 2
      (T2), we generated 3 task-pairs by combining 1 of 3 visual tasks (T1) with an
      auditory task (T2). In addition to worse performance after a short SOA than a
      long SOA (i.e., PRP effect), we found impaired performance in n - 1 task-pair
      switches as compared to n - 1 task-pair repetitions (i.e., n - 1 task-pair switch
      costs), suggesting that task-pairs were activated during dual-task processing. In
      Experiment 2, we increased the interference between T1 and T2 by using physically
      overlapping responses and we again observed n - 1 task-pair switch costs. To
      investigate whether the activation of task-pairs is adjusted by inhibitory
      control, we looked at the n - 2 task-pair sequence and found performance to be
      better in n - 2 task-pair repetitions than in n - 2 task-pair switches in both
      experiments. This n - 2 task-pair repetition benefit was replicated in Experiment
      3 in which no immediate task-pair repetitions were included. Hence, the evidence
      suggests enhanced activation rather than inhibition as a crucial selection
      mechanism at the global level of dual-task processing. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080114
TI  - Oculomotor and linguistic processing effects in reading dynamic horizontally
      scrolling text.
AB  - Two experiments are reported investigating oculomotor behavior and linguistic
      processing when reading dynamic horizontally scrolling text (compared to reading
      normal static text). Three factors known to modulate processing time in normal
      reading were investigated: Word length and word frequency were examined in
      Experiment 1, and target word predictability in Experiment 2. An analysis of
      global oculomotor behavior across the 2 experiments showed that participants made
      fewer and longer fixations when reading scrolling text, with shorter progressive
      and regressive saccades between these fixations. Comparisons of the linguistic
      manipulations showed evidence of a dissociation between word-level and sentence
      level processing. Word-level processing (Experiment 1) was preserved for the
      dynamic scrolling text condition with no difference in length and frequency
      effects between scrolling and static text formats. However, sentence-level
      integration (Experiment 2) was reduced for scrolling compared to static text in
      that we obtained no early facilitation effect for predictable words under
      scrolling text conditions. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080115
TI  - Reaching into response selection: Stimulus and response similarity influence
      central operations.
AB  - To behave adaptively in complex and dynamic environments, one must link
      perception and action to satisfy internal states, a process known as response
      selection (RS). A largely unexplored topic in the study of RS is how
      interstimulus and interresponse similarity affect performance. To examine this
      issue, we manipulated stimulus similarity by using colors that were either
      similar or dissimilar and manipulated response similarity by having participants
      move a mouse cursor to locations that were either close together or far apart.
      Stimulus and response similarity produced an interaction such that the mouse
      trajectory showed the greatest curvature when both were similar, a result
      obtained under task conditions emphasizing speed and conditions emphasizing
      accuracy. These findings are inconsistent with symbolic look-up accounts of RS
      but are consistent with central codes incorporating metrical properties of both
      stimuli and responses. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080116
TI  - Recognition memory for hue: Prototypical bias and the role of labeling.
AB  - How does the concurrent use of language affect perception and memory for
      exemplars? Labels cue more general category information than a specific exemplar.
      Applying labels can affect the resulting memory for an exemplar. Here 3
      alternative hypotheses are proposed for the role of labeling an exemplar at
      encoding: (a) labels distort memory toward the label prototype, (b) labels guide
      the level of specificity needed in the current context, and (c) labels direct
      attention to the label's referent among all possible features within a visual
      scene. University students were shown hues on object silhouettes that they either
      labeled with basic color categories, made preference judgments about, or
      indicated the animacy of its category. Experiments 1 and 2 established that there
      are response shifts toward the category prototype regardless of labeling, showing
      a pervasive influence of category knowledge on response bias. They also
      established an effect of labeling whereby labeling decreases the magnitude of
      shifts. Experiments 3 and 4 investigated the uniqueness and necessity of language
      in causing the decreased shift-neither of which proved to be the case. Overall,
      category-relative bias was pervasive and labeling appears to direct attention to
      the feature resulting in less biased memory. The results highlight that the
      context at encoding affects how memory is formed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080117
TI  - Effects of learned episodic event structure on prospective duration judgments.
AB  - The field of psychology of time has typically distinguished between prospective
      timing and retrospective duration estimation: in prospective timing, participants
      attend to and encode time, whereas in retrospective estimation, estimates are
      based on the memory of what happened. Prior research on prospective timing has
      primarily focused on attentional mechanisms to explain timing behavior, but it
      remains unclear the extent to which memory processes may also play a role. The
      present studies investigate this issue, and specifically, the role of newly
      learned encoded event structure. Two structural properties of dynamic event
      sequences were examined, which are known to modulate retrospective duration
      estimates: the perceived number of segments and the similarity between them. We
      found that when duration and episodic event content are both attended to and
      encoded, more segments and less similarity between them led to longer attributed
      durations, despite clock duration remaining constant. In contrast, when only
      duration is attended to, only the number of segments influenced estimated
      durations. These findings indicate that incidentally or intentionally encoded
      episodic event structure modulates prospective duration judgments. Based on these
      and previous findings, implications for the role of memory mechanisms on
      prospective paradigms are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080118
TI  - Photos that increase feelings of learning promote positive evaluations.
AB  - Research shows that when semantic context makes it feel easier for people to
      bring related thoughts and images to mind, people can misinterpret that feeling
      of ease as evidence that information is positive. But research also shows that
      semantic context does more than help people bring known concepts to mind-it also
      teaches people new concepts. In five experiments, we show that when photos
      increase these feelings of learning, they also increase positive evaluations.
      People saw fictitious wine names and evaluated claims about each. Within
      subjects, wine names appeared with (or without) photos depicting the noun in the
      names. We found that photos promoted positive evaluations, did so most when they
      were most likely to help people learn new words, and even led people to think the
      wines tasted better. Together, these findings fit with the idea that semantic
      context promotes positive evaluations in part by teaching people new concepts.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080119
TI  - The role of episodic context in retrieval practice effects.
AB  - The episodic context account of retrieval-based learning proposes that retrieval
      enhances subsequent retention because people must think back to and reinstate a
      prior learning context. Three experiments directly tested this central assumption
      of the context account. Subjects studied word lists and then either restudied the
      words under intentional learning conditions or made list discrimination judgments
      by indicating which list each word had occurred in originally. Subjects in both
      conditions experienced all items for the same amount of time, but subjects in the
      list discrimination condition were required to retrieve details about the
      original episodic context in which the words had occurred. Making initial list
      discrimination judgments consistently enhanced subsequent free recall relative to
      restudying the words. Analyses of recall organization and retrieval strategies on
      the final test showed that retrieval practice enhanced temporal organization
      during final recall. Semantic encoding tasks also enhanced retention relative to
      restudying but did so by promoting semantic organization and semantically based
      retrieval strategies during final recall. The results support the episodic
      context account of retrieval-based learning. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080120
TI  - A goal bias in action: The boundaries adults perceive in events align with sites
      of actor intent.
AB  - We live in a dynamic world comprised of continuous events. Remembering our past
      and predicting future events, however, requires that we segment these ongoing
      streams of information in a consistent manner. How is this segmentation achieved?
      This research examines whether the boundaries adults perceive in events, such as
      the Olympic figure skating routine used in these studies, align with the
      beginnings (sources) and endings (goals) of human goal-directed actions. Study 1
      showed that a group of experts, given an explicit task with unlimited time to
      rewatch the event, identified the same subevents as one another, but with greater
      agreement as to the timing of goals than sources. In Study 2, experts, novices
      familiarized with the figure skating sequence, and unfamiliarized novices
      performed an online event segmentation task, marking boundaries as the video
      progressed in real time. The online boundaries of all groups corresponded with
      the sources and goals offered by Study 1's experts, with greater alignment of
      goals than sources. Additionally, expertise, but not mere perceptual familiarity,
      boosted the alignment of sources and goals. Finally, Study 3, which presented
      novices with the video played in reverse, indicated, unexpectedly, that even when
      spatiotemporal cues were disrupted, viewers' perceived event boundaries still
      aligned with their perception of the actors' intended sources and goals. This
      research extends the goal bias to event segmentation, and suggests that our
      spontaneous sensitivity toward goals may allow us to transform even relatively
      complex and unfamiliar event streams into structured and meaningful
      representations. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080122
TI  - Continuing our organizational mission: A new name for a new time.
AB  - This editorial explains the need for a new name for the American Orthopsychiatric
      Association (ORTHO). As ORTHO continues their work into the 21st century, they
      want to better reflect their global membership and focus, increasing the number
      of partnerships with individuals and organizations, and commitment to a just
      society. Therefore, ORTHO is changing their name to the Global Alliance for
      Behavioral Health and Social Justice. It is crucial to underscore that, although
      the organizations name is changing, the values and principles that inform their
      work will remain the same. The mission statement of the Global Alliance for
      Behavioral Health and Social Justice is "to inform policy, practice, and research
      to prevent behavioral health disorders and to promote conditions to ensure that
      people with disorders can be full participants in society." (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 28080121
TI  - Hand matters: Left-hand gestures enhance metaphor explanation.
AB  - Research suggests that speech-accompanying gestures influence cognitive
      processes, but it is not clear whether the gestural benefit is specific to the
      gesturing hand. Two experiments tested the "(right/left) hand-specificity"
      hypothesis for self-oriented functions of gestures: gestures with a particular
      hand enhance cognitive processes involving the hemisphere contralateral to the
      gesturing hand. Specifically, we tested whether left-hand gestures enhance
      metaphor explanation, which involves right-hemispheric processing. In Experiment
      1, right-handers explained metaphorical phrases (e.g., "to spill the beans,"
      beans represent pieces of information). Participants kept the one hand (right,
      left) still while they were allowed to spontaneously gesture (or not) with their
      other free hand (left, right). Metaphor explanations were better when
      participants chose to gesture when their left hand was free than when they did
      not. An analogous effect of gesturing was not found when their right hand was
      free. In Experiment 2, different right-handers performed the same metaphor
      explanation task but, unlike Experiment 1, they were encouraged to gesture with
      their left or right hand or to not gesture at all. Metaphor explanations were
      better when participants gestured with their left hand than when they did not
      gesture, but the right hand gesture condition did not significantly differ from
      the no-gesture condition. Furthermore, we measured participants' mouth asymmetry
      during additional verbal tasks to determine individual differences in the degree
      of right-hemispheric involvement in speech production. The left-over-right-side
      mouth dominance, indicating stronger right-hemispheric involvement, positively
      correlated with the left-over-right-hand gestural benefit on metaphor
      explanation. These converging findings supported the "hand-specificity"
      hypothesis. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080123
TI  - Treating adult survivors of childhood emotional abuse and neglect: A new
      framework.
AB  - This article provides the outline of a new framework for treating adult survivors
      of childhood emotional abuse and neglect. Component-based psychotherapy (CBP) is
      an evidence-informed model that bridges, synthesizes, and expands upon several
      existing schools, or theories, of treatment for adult survivors of traumatic
      stress. These include approaches to therapy that stem from more classic
      traditions in psychology, such as psychoanalysis, to more modern approaches
      including those informed by feminist thought. Moreover, CBP places particular
      emphasis on integration of key concepts from evidence-based treatment models
      developed in the past few decades predicated upon thinking and research on the
      effects of traumatic stress and processes of recovery for survivors. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 28080124
TI  - Statistical learning of parts and wholes: A neural network approach.
AB  - Statistical learning is often considered to be a means of discovering the units
      of perception, such as words and objects, and representing them as explicit
      "chunks." However, entities are not undifferentiated wholes but often contain
      parts that contribute systematically to their meanings. Studies of incidental
      auditory or visual statistical learning suggest that, as participants learn about
      wholes they become insensitive to parts embedded within them, but this seems
      difficult to reconcile with a broad range of findings in which parts and wholes
      work together to contribute to behavior. Bayesian approaches provide a principled
      description of how parts and wholes can contribute simultaneously to performance,
      but are generally not intended to model the computations that actually give rise
      to this performance. In the current work, we develop an account based on learning
      in artificial neural networks in which the representation of parts and wholes is
      a matter of degree, and the extent to which they cooperate or compete arises
      naturally through incidental learning. We show that the approach accounts for a
      wide range of findings concerning the relationship between parts and wholes in
      auditory and visual statistical learning, including some findings previously
      thought to be problematic for neural network approaches. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 28080125
TI  - Valence in context: Asymmetric reactions to realized gains and losses.
AB  - The current research documents a novel pattern of preferences across nominally
      equivalent outcomes. When evaluating the outcome of completed experiences, people
      are sensitive to the magnitude of component (i.e., gross) gains and losses rather
      than responding solely to the net outcomes. However, people do not consistently
      favor outcomes that minimize losses (a pattern consistent with loss aversion),
      nor those that maximize gains (a pattern consistent with a positivity bias).
      Instead, preferences are context dependent. Holding net outcomes constant, people
      prefer positive outcomes that have lower magnitudes of component gains and
      losses. In contrast, people prefer negative outcomes that have higher magnitudes
      of component gains and losses. A shift in focus occurs such that people
      prioritize the contrasting attribute (e.g., negative when the net outcome is
      positive) in the evaluation process. The article concludes by discussing
      implications for a broad range of judgments and decisions. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 28080126
TI  - Know thy enemy: Education about terrorism improves social attitudes toward
      terrorists.
AB  - Hatred of terrorists is an obstacle to the implementation of effective
      counterterrorism policies-it invites indiscriminate retaliation, whereas many of
      the greatest successes in counterterrorism have come from understanding
      terrorists' personal and political motivations. Drawing from psychological
      research, traditional prejudice reduction strategies are generally not well
      suited to the task of reducing hatred of terrorists. Instead, in 2 studies, we
      explored education's potential ability to reduce extreme negative attitudes
      toward terrorists. Study 1 compared students in a college course on terrorism
      (treatment) with wait-listed students, measuring prosocial attitudes toward a
      hypothetical terrorist. Initially, all students reported extremely negative
      attitudes; however, at the end of the semester, treatment students' attitudes
      were significantly improved. Study 2 replicated the effect within a sample of
      treatment and control classes drawn from universities across the United States.
      The present work was part of an ongoing research project, focusing on foreign
      policy and the perceived threat of terrorism; thus classes did not explicitly aim
      to reduce prejudice, making the effect of treatment somewhat surprising. One
      possibility is that learning about terrorists "crowds out" the initial pejorative
      associations-that is, the label terrorism may ultimately call more information to
      mind, diluting its initial negative associative links. Alternatively, students
      may learn to challenge how the label terrorist is being applied. In either case,
      learning about terrorism can decrease the extreme negative reactions it evokes,
      which is desirable if one wishes to implement effective counterterrorism
      policies. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080127
TI  - Are you early or late?: Temporal error monitoring.
AB  - Temporal judgments regarding a target interval typically produce a nearly
      normally distributed reproduction times centered on the target with substantial
      variance. This phenomenon indicates that the majority of our temporal judgments
      are deviations from the target times, which are assumed to originate from the
      underlying timing uncertainty. Although humans were found to adapt their
      decisions in response to timing uncertainty, we do not know if they can
      accurately judge the direction and degree of their temporal errors. In this
      study, we asked participants to reproduce durations as accurately as possible.
      After each reproduction, participants were asked to retrospectively rate their
      confidence in their temporal estimates and to judge if their response time was
      earlier or later than the target interval. The results revealed that human
      participants are aware of both the direction and magnitude of their timing
      errors, pointing at an informationally rich temporal error monitoring ability. We
      further show that a sequential diffusion process can account for the detection of
      direction of errors as well as the qualitative features of the relationship of
      objective temporal errors with subjective confidence ratings and associated
      response times. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28080130
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Mueller AM, Rosso C, Entezari V, McKenzie B, Hasebroock A, Della Croce U,
      Nazarian A, Ramappa AJ, DeAngelis JP. The effect of supraspinatus tears on
      glenohumeral translations in passive pitching motion. Am J Sports Med.
      2014;42(10):2455-2462. (Original DOI: 10.1177/0363546514547348 ) In the above
      article, an author was inadvertently omitted: Andrea Cereatti, PhD (Department of
      Information Engineering, Political Sciences and Communication Sciences,
      University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy). The corrected citation information is as
      follows: Mueller AM, Rosso C, Entezari V, McKenzie B, Hasebroock A, Cereatti A,
      Della Croce U, Nazarian A, Ramappa AJ, DeAngelis JP. The effect of supraspinatus
      tears on glenohumeral translations in passive pitching motion. Am J Sports Med.
      2014;42(10):2455-2462.

PMID- 28080131
TI  - Hypusination of eIF5A as a Target for Antiviral Therapy.

PMID- 28080132
TI  - Ranting in 2017: Is It Working?

PMID- 28080133
TI  - Associations Between Internet Attachment, Cyber Victimization, and Internalizing
      Symptoms Among Adolescents.
AB  - With increasing frequency of Internet use among adolescents, there are growing
      concerns about their risk for becoming attached to these forms of communication
      and increased vulnerability for negative online experiences, including cyber
      victimization. The effect of these experiences on adolescent mental health is not
      well understood. In this study, we examine how Internet attachment is related to
      anxiety and depression and assess the mediating effect of cyber victimization on
      these associations. Participants included 1,151 middle school students (51.4
      percent males) aged 10 to 16 (M = 12.7, SD = 0.93). Structural equation models
      show that greater Internet attachment was associated with more cyber
      victimization and greater symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cyber victimization
      mediated the associations between Internet attachment and anxiety and between
      Internet attachment and depression. Implications for online awareness efforts are
      discussed.

PMID- 28080135
TI  - Characteristics, Properties and Analytical Methods of Amoxicillin: A Review with
      Green Approach.
AB  - Bacterial infections are the second leading cause of global mortality.
      Considering this fact, it is extremely important studying the antimicrobial
      agents. Amoxicillin is an antimicrobial agent that belongs to the class of
      penicillins; it has bactericidal activity and is widely used in the Brazilian
      health system. In literature, some analytical methods are found for the
      identification and quantification of this penicillin, which are essential for its
      quality control, which ensures maintaining the product characteristics,
      therapeutic efficacy and patient's safety. Thus, this study presents a brief
      literature review on amoxicillin and the analytical methods developed for the
      analysis of this drug in official and scientific papers. The major analytical
      methods found were high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra
      performance liquid chromatography (U-HPLC), capillary electrophoresis and
      iodometry and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform. It is essential to
      note that most of the developed methods used toxic and hazardous solvents, which
      makes necessary industries and researchers choose to develop environmental
      friendly techniques to provide enhanced benefits to environment and staff.

PMID- 28080134
TI  - Alveolar Epithelial Cell-Derived Mediators: Potential Direct Regulators of Large
      Airway and Vascular Responses.
AB  - Bronchial epithelial cells and pulmonary endothelial cells are thought to be the
      primary modulators of conducting airways and vessels, respectively. However,
      histological examination of both mouse and human lung tissue reveals that
      alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) line the adventitia of large airways and vessels
      and thus are also in a position to directly regulate these structures. The
      primary purpose of this perspective is to highlight the fact that AECs coat the
      adventitial surface of every vessel and airway in the lung parenchyma. This
      localization is ideal for transmitting signals that can contribute to physiologic
      and pathologic responses in vessels and airways. A few examples of mediators
      produced by AECs that may contribute to vascular and airway responses are
      provided to illustrate some of the potential effects that AECs may modulate.

PMID- 28080136
TI  - Isoniazid: A Review of Characteristics, Properties and Analytical Methods.
AB  - Isoniazid is a synthetic antimicrobial and one of the most important first-line
      drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Since it was introduced in the
      therapy in 1952, the drug remains at the front line of the antituberculosis
      treatment mainly due to its potency and high selectivity against Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis. Pharmaceutical analysis and therapeutic drug monitoring of
      isoniazid in both, pharmaceuticals and biological samples, plays an important
      role to comprehend aspects regarding to bioavailability, bioequivalence and
      therapeutic monitoring during patients following-up. In the last case, validated
      and simple methods are extremely useful for Public Healthy in order to guarantee
      the drug efficacy, safety and reduce the tuberculosis resistance. Among the
      available analytical tools, HPLC-based methods coupled to ultraviolet or mass
      spectroscopy are the most widely used techniques to quantify isoniazid.
      Therefore, this review highlights the main analytical methods reported in the
      literature for determination of isoniazid focusing in HPLC-based methods.

PMID- 28080138
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - McCormick F, Nwachukwu BU, Solomon D, Dewing C, Golijanin P, Gross DJ, Provencher
      MT. The efficacy of biceps tenodesis in the treatment of failed superior labral
      anterior posterior repairs. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(4):820-825. (Original DOI:
      10.1177/0363546513520122 ).

PMID- 28080139
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Farr J, Tabet SK, Margerrison E, Cole BJ. Clinical, radiographic, and
      histological outcomes after cartilage repair with particulated juvenile articular
      cartilage: a 2-year prospective study. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(6):1417-1425.
      (Original DOI: 10.1177/0363546514528671 ) In the above article, 2 authors were
      inadvertently omitted: Cathy S. Carlson, DVM, PhD (Department of Veterinary
      Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St
      Paul, Minnesota, USA) and Garry E. Gold, MD (Department of Radiology, Stanford
      University, Stanford, California, USA). The corrected citation information is as
      follows: Farr J, Tabet SK, Margerrison E, Carlson CS, Gold GE, Cole BJ. Clinical,
      radiographic, and histological outcomes after cartilage repair with particulated
      juvenile articular cartilage: a 2-year prospective study. Am J Sports Med.
      2014;42(6):1417-1425.

PMID- 28080141
TI  - Low concentration of oleic acid exacerbates LPS-induced cell death and
      inflammation in human alveolar epithelial cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: The current study aimed to investigate in vitro effects of oleic acid on
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury in the human lung epithelial
      cells (A549). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) tests. Selected gene
      expression levels were analyzed by Real-Time Quantitative-Polymerase Chain
      Reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: 24 hours of LPS (100 ng/mL) exposure decreased the
      cells' viability by 44.6% compared to untreated control. Low concentration (2.5
      nM) of oleic acid slightly suppressed the cell survival by 9.1% analyzed 24 hours
      after incubation. However, oleic acid pretreatment before LPS exposure
      significantly increased cell survival loss to 63.9%. LPS exposure decreased the
      expressions of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mRNA levels by 2.8
      and 2.5 fold, respectively. Moreover, pretreatment of the cells with oleic acid
      strengthened LPS-decreased expressions of CAT and GPx genes by 3.5 and 6.7 fold,
      respectively. The mRNA expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), induced nitric
      oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1beta, IL-12, COX-2, caspase-3 and caspase-8
      were increased by 2.4, 2.2, 2.2, 2.3, 3.0, 2.6, and 2.5 fold, respectively, by
      LPS, and oleic acid pretreatment significantly potentiated the effect of LPS.
      CONCLUSION: Oleic acid worsens LPS-induced cell death by potentiating oxidative
      stress and inflammation in A549 lung epithelial cells.

PMID- 28080142
TI  - Whole Genome Amplification Provides Suitable Control DNA for Use in DNA Barcoding
      Applications.

PMID- 28080144
TI  - A Survey of the Current Situation of Clinical Biobanks in China.
AB  - The development of biomedical research urgently needs the support of a large
      number of high-quality clinical biospecimens. Therefore, human biobanks at
      different levels have been established successively in China and other countries
      at a significantly increasing pace in recent years. To better understand the
      general current state of clinical biobanks in China, we surveyed 42 clinical
      biobanks based in hospitals and collected information involving their management
      systems, sharing mechanisms, quality control systems, and informational
      management systems using closed questionnaire methods. Based on our current
      information, there has not been such a large-scale survey in China. An
      understanding of the status and challenges current clinical biobanks face will
      provide valuable insights for the construction and sustainable development of
      higher quality clinical biobanks.

PMID- 28080145
TI  - Neuropsychological Predictors of ODD Symptom Dimensions in Young Children.
AB  - Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a commonly diagnosed childhood behavior
      disorder, yet knowledge of relations between ODD and early neuropsychological
      functions, particularly independent of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD), is still limited. In addition, studies have not examined
      neuropsychological functioning as it relates to the different ODD symptom
      dimensions. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate how preschool
      neuropsychological functioning predicted negative affect, oppositional behavior,
      and antagonistic behavior symptom dimensions of ODD in 224 six-year-old children,
      oversampled for early behavior problems. Working memory, inhibition, and
      sustained attention predicted negative affect symptoms of ODD, controlling for
      ADHD, whereas delay aversion uniquely predicted oppositional behavior,
      controlling for ADHD. Delay aversion also marginally predicted antagonistic
      behavior, controlling for ADHD. Results demonstrate that different ODD symptom
      dimensions may be differentially predicted by different neuropsychological
      functions. The findings further underscore the importance of future research on
      ODD to take into account the possible heterogeneity of both symptoms and
      underlying neuropsychological functioning.

PMID- 28080148
TI  - Beyond Direct Benefits: Indirect Health Benefits of Social Media Use.

PMID- 28080146
TI  - Perceptions vs. evidence: therapeutic substitutes for antipsychotics in patients
      with dementia in long-term care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare differences between clinician perceptions of therapeutic
      substitutes for antipsychotics prescribed to patients with dementia in long term
      care (LTC) and published evidence. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach that
      included a drug information search, online survey of 55 LTC clinicians and a
      comprehensive literature review was used. For 41 pharmacologic antipsychotic
      substitute candidates identified, LTC clinicians rated the likelihood they would
      substitute each for patients with dementia and identified non-pharmacologic
      antipsychotic substitutes. The quality of evidence supporting the most likely
      antipsychotic substitutes was assessed using a modified GRADE approach. RESULTS:
      Among 36 (65%) of LTC clinicians responding, the pharmacologic candidates deemed
      likely or somewhat likely to be substituted for an antipsychotic were: valproic
      acid, serotonin modulator antidepressants, short-acting benzodiazepines,
      serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist,
      buspirone, acetaminophen, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
      antidepressants, memantine, and a cholinesterase inhibitor. High quality evidence
      supporting these substitutions existed for only memantine and cholinesterase
      inhibitors, while high quality evidence cautioning against this substitution
      existed for valproic acid. Activities and music therapy were the most commonly
      cited non-pharmacologic substitutes but the supporting evidence for each is
      sparse. CONCLUSION: Perceptions of LTC clinicians regarding substitutes for
      antipsychotics in LTC patients with dementia vary widely and are often discordant
      with published evidence.

PMID- 28080149
TI  - Positive Preferences: The Emotional Valence of What an Avatar Says Matters.
AB  - This study examined preferences and ascriptions of human control for avatars
      associated with positive and negative language. An avatar is a graphical
      representation of an individual user in a virtual world. Users form judgments of
      other virtual world users based on the appearance and behavior of their avatars
      in the absence of physical cues. In particular, users have previously displayed
      sensitivity toward anthropomorphism and verbal behavior of avatars they encounter
      within virtual environments. Thus far, investigations of language in online and
      virtual spaces have been limited to specific contexts. University student
      participants and Amazon Mechanical Turk workers were shown two avatars. Each pair
      consisted of two out of three possible appearances: a tiger, a male, or a female.
      Each avatar was aligned with a different text introduction: one containing words
      of positive emotional valence and the other of negative emotional valence.
      Participants from both samples preferred avatars associated with positive
      language, regardless of appearance, but participants did not ascribe human
      control of an avatar based on either emotional valance or appearance. Significant
      differences for reported preferences and likeability demonstrate the salience of
      emotive language as a social cue even in short text introductions for avatars.
      These findings suggest that those we like and want to be around in virtual
      environments might not necessarily align with whom we view as human.

PMID- 28080150
TI  - Motives Matter: Motives for Playing Pokemon Go and Implications for Well-Being.
AB  - Mobile games such as Pokemon Go have become a major form of entertainment, and
      yet little is known about why people play the games and how their motives
      associate with well-being. Although literature on motives for playing video and
      online games is informative, the findings may not reflect the full spectrum of
      mobile gaming motives due to some unique affordances of mobile games (e.g.,
      mobility). To catch up with the evolving gaming context, a popular mobile game,
      Pokemon Go, was taken as an example to explore individuals' mobile gaming
      motives. A Pokemon Go Motive Scale was developed. Seven motives were identified
      through factor analyses based on survey data from 262 Pokemon Go players (45
      percent women; Mage = 30.71, standard deviation = 7.77): Exercise, Fun, Escapism,
      Nostalgia, Friendship Maintenance, Relationship Initiation, and Achievement. Both
      Fun and Friendship Maintenance were positive correlates of well-being, whereas
      Escapism and Nostalgia were negative correlates. Relationship Initiation was
      associated with both better and poorer well-being. Implications of the findings
      are discussed.

PMID- 28080152
TI  - Ideological Consumerism in Colombian Elections, 2015: Links Between Political
      Ideology, Twitter Activity, and Electoral Results.
AB  - Propagation of political ideologies in social networks has shown a substantial
      impact on voting behavior. Both the contents of the messages (the ideology) and
      the politicians' influence on their online audiences (their followers) have been
      associated with such an impact. In this study we evaluate which of these factors
      exerted a major role in deciding electoral results of the 2015 Colombian regional
      elections by evaluating the linguistic similarity of political ideologies and
      their influence on the Twitter sphere. The electoral results proved to be
      strongly associated with tweets and retweets and not with the linguistic content
      of their ideologies or politicians' followers in Twitter. Finally, suggestions
      for new ways to analyze electoral processes are discussed.

PMID- 28080154
TI  - Biocompatibility assessments for medical devices - evolving regulatory
      considerations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Biocompatibility assessment provides key data supporting medical
      device development and marketing. Although regional and international guidance is
      available, differences in proposed biocompatibility assessments or test methods
      lead to confusion and inefficiencies in generating the package of supporting
      nonclinical data. Areas covered: Modifications to available guidance for
      biological safety testing of medical devices, as described by the International
      Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the US Food and Drug Administration
      (FDA), have, over time, sometimes increased and sometimes decreased the level of
      harmonisation in testing requirements. These requirements continue to evolve, as
      shown by refinements and supplements to existing ISO 10,993 standards, new ISO
      standards under development and new finalised guidance from the FDA - which shows
      a shift away from routine testing-based approaches and much greater emphasis on
      characterisation, with use of existing literature or demonstration of equivalence
      to established comparator products, where possible. Expert commentary: This
      article examines the impact of recent changes in guidance for biocompatibility
      assessment of new medical devices and shows that, although a high level of
      consistency now occurs in ISO and FDA requirements, there are still areas where a
      'standard approach' is not possible, allowing hurdles for global development of
      medical devices to persist.

PMID- 28080153
TI  - Long-term Change of Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Behcet's Disease Patients
      with Posterior Uveitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term changes of subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) in
      Behcet's disease (BD) patients with posterior uveitis. METHODS: Changes in SCT
      measured with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography during
      quiescent phase were assessed during >24 months in 63 BD patients and control
      group. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics showed no difference, but the BD group
      showed poorer visual acuity (p = 0.013) and smaller SCT (p = 0.006) at final
      examination. Mean SCT in the BD group decreased from 291.0 to 268.1 MUm (p<0.001)
      during the mean period of 38.5 months. Mean change rate of SCT in the BD group
      was greater than controls (-7.2 vs 2.0 MUm/year; p<0.001) and was associated with
      longer active inflammation (p<0.001). Patients with longer disease duration
      showed smaller baseline SCT (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In BD patients, choroidal
      thickness decreased over time, which was associated with length of active
      inflammation. It suggests intraocular inflammation in BD affects the choroid as
      well as the retina.

PMID- 28080155
TI  - Safety of Interferon Alpha-2a in Patients with Severe Ophthalmic Behcet's
      Disease: Response to Bielefeld et al.'s Letter.
AB  - Thyroid dysfunction is a common and severe side-effect encountered in up to 40%
      of patients treated with IFN-alpha-2a. The main two mechanisms by which IFN-alpha
      2a induces thyroid dysfunction can be categorized as autoimmune and non
      autoimmune disease. In the first subgroup, thyroid antibodies are found before
      treatment initiation, and then patients develop thyroiditis. In the second
      subgroup, IFN-alpha-2a induces thyroiditis by a direct cytotoxic effect on the
      thyroid gland; in this case, thyroid antibodies are usually negative. To avoid
      such complications, patients should undergo routine thyroid screening (thyroid
      stimulating hormone and thyroid antibodies) prior to IFN-alpha-2a initiation,
      during the treatment period, and 6 months after treatment withdrawal.

PMID- 28080157
TI  - Detection of recurrence in early stage endometrial cancer - the role of symptoms
      and routine follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Considerable controversy remains as to the optimal organization of
      endometrial cancer follow-up. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the way
      recurrence was detected and survival after treatment for endometrial cancer.
      Further, to identify characteristics associated with a pre-scheduled examination
      in women with symptomatic recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All women with early
      stage endometrial cancer during 2005-2009 were included in a population-based
      historical cohort derived from the Danish Gynecological Cancer Database. Women
      diagnosed with recurrence within three years after primary surgery and the mode
      of recurrence detection were identified from hospital charts: asymptomatic
      recurrence detected at regular follow-up, symptomatic recurrence detected at
      regular follow-up or symptomatic recurrence detected in between follow-up.
      Survival of women with symptomatic and asymptomatic disease was compared.
      Furthermore, characteristics associated with self-referral as compared to
      presenting symptoms at regular follow-ups were identified using univariate
      analyses. RESULTS: In total, 183 cases of recurrence (7%) were identified in the
      cohort of 2612 women. Of these, 65.5% were symptomatic with vaginal bleeding as
      the most prevalent symptom. Asymptomatic women had a significantly better three
      year survival rate compared to symptomatic women (80.3% vs. 54.3%, p < 0.01). A
      total of 2.3% of the entire population had an asymptomatic recurrence. Women
      diagnosed at a pre-scheduled visit due to symptoms had a higher educational level
      (p = 0.03) and more often high-risk disease (p = 0.02) than symptomatic women
      diagnosed at regular follow-up. CONCLUSION: Early stage endometrial cancer
      carries a low risk of recurrence. Survival appears to be superior in asymptomatic
      patients, but length-time bias, i.e. the effect of aggressive tumor biology in
      symptomatic recurrences, may bias results in non-randomized controlled trials.
      Well educated patients with symptoms of recurrence more often sought medical
      attendance compared to less educated counterparts. This should be considered if
      patient-initiated follow-up is the standard care.

PMID- 28080158
TI  - Diagnosing central lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage as traumatic or
      degenerative: a review of clinical accuracy.
AB  - : This study examined the reliability of surgeons' estimations as to whether
      central lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex were traumatic or
      degenerative. A total of 50 consecutive central triangular fibrocartilage complex
      lesions were independently rated by ten experienced wrist surgeons viewing high
      quality arthroscopy videos. The videos were reassessed after intervals of 3
      months; at the second assessment surgeons were given the patient's history,
      radiographs and both, each in a randomized order. Finally, the surgeons assessed
      the histories and radiographs without the videos. Kappa statistics revealed fair
      interrater agreement when the histories were added to the videos. The other four
      modalities demonstrated moderate agreement, with lower Kappa values for the
      assessment without videos. Intra-rater reliability showed fair agreement for
      three surgeons, moderate agreement for two surgeons and substantial agreement for
      five surgeons. It appears that classification of central triangular
      fibrocartilage complex lesions depends on the information provided upon viewing
      the triangular fibrocartilage complex at arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 28080160
TI  - The Whipple Prize.

PMID- 28080159
TI  - Profile.

PMID- 28080167
TI  - Best Paper and Poster Presented at Bssh Autumn Meeting 2011.

PMID- 28080168
TI  - Corneal Melt after Boston Keratoprosthesis: Clinical Presentation, Management,
      Outcomes and Risk Factor Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the presentation, risk factors, and outcomes of keratolysis
      after Boston type I keratoprosthesis (B-KPro). METHODS: Retrospective chart
      review. RESULTS: A total of 16 (14%) of the 110 eyes (96 patients) which
      underwent B-KPro implantation developed keratolysis at an average 20 +/- 11
      months. Retroprosthetic membrane (RPM), infectious keratitis, and corneal dellen
      were identified in 31%, 25%, and 13% of corneal melts, respectively. Five eyes
      had keratolysis without a readily identifiable cause. RPM (odds-ratio, OR = 4.4,
      p = 0.02) and infectious keratitis (OR = 17.6, p<0.0005) were confirmed as
      significant risk factors. Retinal detachment (p = 0.001) and choroidal detachment
      (p = 0.003) were more common in eyes with keratolysis. Management included B-KPro
      removal or exchange (n = 7), amniotic membrane transplantation (n = 1), tectonic
      corneal transplantation (n = 2), medical treatment (n = 4), and observation (n =
      2). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of keratolysis following B-Kpro increases with the
      development of RPM and infectious keratitis. Patients with keratolysis had higher
      complication rates and should receive rigorous monitoring.

PMID- 28080170
TI  - Presentation to the best candidate in the European board of hand surgery diploma
      examination 2011.

PMID- 28080169
TI  - FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS): development and feasibility of a psychosocial
      intervention for families of childhood cancer survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We developed and tested the feasibility of a manualized psychosocial
      intervention, FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS), a home-based psychosocial
      intervention for families of childhood cancer survivors. The aim of the
      intervention is to support families in adopting healthy strategies to cope with
      the psychological consequences of childhood cancer. The intervention is now being
      evaluated in a nationwide randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS AND DESIGN:
      FAMOS is based on principles of family systems therapy and cognitive behavioral
      therapy, and is delivered in six sessions at home. Families were recruited from
      all four pediatric oncology departments in Denmark after the end of intensive
      cancer treatment. We evaluated the feasibility of the intervention and of a RCT
      design for comparing the intervention with usual care. The evaluation was
      conducted among families enrolled in the study by tracking procedures and
      parents' evaluations. RESULTS: A total of 68 families (68 mothers, 60 fathers, 68
      children with cancer and 73 siblings) were enrolled, with a participation rate of
      62% of families. Fathers were highly represented (88% of families); also families
      with single parents (12%) and parents with basic education (7-12 years of
      primary, secondary, and grammar school education) were represented (12%). The
      dropout rate was 12% of families (all in the control group), and two families did
      not complete the intervention because of relapse. Evaluation by parents in the
      intervention group showed overall satisfaction with the format, timing, and
      content of the intervention. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the FAMOS
      intervention is feasible in terms of recruitment, retention, and acceptability.
      The effects of the intervention on post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety,
      family functioning, and quality of life will be reported after the nationwide RCT
      has been completed.

PMID- 28080172
TI  - Focusing on Participation: A Commentary on "Current Rehabilitation Practices for
      Children with Cerebral Palsy: Focus and Gaps".

PMID- 28080174
TI  - The Use of Topical Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Uveitic Cystoid
      Macular Edema.
AB  - The use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the management of
      uveitic cystoid macular edema is controversial. In this letter, we review the
      literature and report our results from a retrospective case series of 281
      patients taking topical nepafenac 0.1% for uveitic cystoid macular edema between
      2010 and 2016. Over a 4-month period, there was a modest improvement in best
      corrected visual acuity (0.66 +/- 3.7 logMAR) and central macular thickness (69.8
      +/- 132.5 MUm). Patients with idiopathic anterior uveitis and HLA-B*27-associated
      anterior uveitis recovered more vision while taking topical nepafenac 0.1%, than
      those with other uveitides, however, this was not statistically significant.
      There is a need for controlled prospective studies to evaluate the efficacy of
      topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the management of uveitic
      cystoid macular edema. At present, clinicians have little evidence on which to
      base practice.

PMID- 28080175
TI  - Combination of adalimumab with lower dose of methylprednisolone in Erdheim
      Chester disease with systemic involvement.

PMID- 28080173
TI  - Evaluation of Long-Term Cryostorage of Brain Tissue Sections for Quantitative
      Histochemistry.
AB  - Storage of tissue sections for long periods allows multiple samples, acquired
      over months or years, to be processed together, in the same reagents, for
      quantitative histochemical studies. Protocols for freezer storage of free
      floating frozen sections using sucrose with different additives have been
      reported and assert that storage has no effect on histochemistry, but no
      quantitative support has been provided. The present study analyzed the efficacy
      of long-term storage of brain tissue sections at -80C in buffered 15% glycerol.
      To determine whether histochemical reactivity is affected, we analyzed 11
      datasets from 80 monkey brains that had sections stored for up to 10 years. For
      processing, sections from multiple cases were removed from storage, thawed, and
      batch-processed at the same time for different histochemical measures, including
      IHC for neuronal nuclear antigen, parvalbumin, orexin-A, doublecortin,
      bromodeoxyuridine, the pro-form of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and damaged
      myelin basic protein as well as a histochemical assay for hyaluronic acid.
      Results were quantified using stereology, optical densitometry, fluorescence
      intensity, or percent area stained. Multiple regression analyses controlling for
      age and sex demonstrated the general stability of these antigens for up to a
      decade when stored in 15% glycerol at -80C.

PMID- 28080180
TI  - Long-term effects on the incidence of second primary cancers in a randomized
      trial of two and five years of adjuvant tamoxifen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tamoxifen is a well established treatment for breast cancer, but its
      long-term effects on the incidence of secondary cancers are not fully evaluated.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have studied 4128 postmenopausal patients with early
      stage breast cancer who were alive and free of breast cancer recurrence after two
      years of tamoxifen, and who were randomized to receive totally two or five years
      of therapy. RESULTS: Compared to patients randomized to two years of tamoxifen
      the incidence of contralateral breast cancer [hazard ratio (HR) 0.73; 95% CI 0.56
      0.96] and of lung cancer (HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.27-0.77), especially squamous cell
      and small cell lung cancer, were reduced in the five-year group, and similar
      results were seen when restricting the analysis to the 10-year period after
      treatment stopped. An increased incidence of endometrial cancer was observed in
      the five-year group, but the excess risk decreased over time. CONCLUSION: Further
      studies of the effects of tamoxifen on the risk of different histological types
      of lung cancer are needed.

PMID- 28080181
TI  - Conceptualizing patient empowerment in cancer follow-up by combining theory and
      qualitative data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient empowerment (PE) may be defined as the opportunity for
      patients to master issues important to their own health. The aim of this study
      was to conceptualize PE and how the concept manifests itself for cancer patients
      attending follow-up, in order to develop a relevant and sensitive questionnaire
      for this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A theoretical model of PE was made,
      based on Zimmerman's theory of psychological empowerment. Patients who were in
      follow-up after first line treatment for their cancer (n = 16) were interviewed
      about their experiences with follow-up. A deductive thematic analysis was
      conducted to contextualize the theory and find concrete manifestations of
      empowerment. Data were analyzed to find situations that expressed empowerment or
      lack of empowerment. We then analyzed what abilities these situations called for
      and we further analyzed how these abilities fitted Zimmerman's theory. RESULTS:
      In all, 16 patients from two different hospitals participated in the interviews.
      PE in cancer follow-up was conceptualized as: (1) the perception that one had the
      possibility of mastering treatment and care (e.g. the possibility of 'saying no'
      to treatment and getting in contact with health care when needed); (2) having
      knowledge and skills regarding, for example treatment, care, plan of treatment
      and care, normal reactions and late effects, although knowledge and information
      was not always considered positively; and (3) being able to make the health care
      system address one's concerns and needs and, for some patients, also being able
      to monitor one's treatment, tests and care. CONCLUSION: We conceptualized PE
      based on Zimmerman's theory and empirical data to contextualize the concept in
      cancer follow-up. When developing a patient reported outcome measure measuring PE
      for this group of patients, one needs to be attentive to differences in wishes
      regarding mastery.

PMID- 28080182
TI  - Multi-Professional Perspectives on Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Across
      Europe: An e-Delphi Survey.
AB  - The aims of this article are to describe the ongoing development of adolescent
      and young adult (AYA) cancer services within the European Union (EU), and to
      develop consensus on key areas within the field. This survey used an e-Delphi
      design. An initial survey was distributed via email to professionals working in
      Europe. A snowball sampling technique was used to promote distribution. Consensus
      was sought over three rounds from October 2012 to April 2015. Consensus was
      defined as >80% agreement ("agree" or "strongly agree"). Sixty professionals
      participated in round 1, 106 in round 2, and 61 in round 3. Twenty-six countries
      were represented across all rounds. Consensus was achieved for: the need for
      national policy guidance, the importance of patient choice, the validity of the
      International Charter of Rights for Young People, and some aspects of multi
      disciplinary working. There was 75% agreement on a single definition of the
      patient age range within AYA cancer care. European professionals with expertise
      in AYA cancer care reached consensus on key elements of care for this group. The
      optimal AYA age range remained an elusive topic on which to agree. The broad
      engagement and interest in AYA cancer across the EU through the European Network
      for Cancer in Children and Adolescents (ENCCA) network was also demonstrated.

PMID- 28080184
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28080183
TI  - Palliative Care Scorecard.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In response to poor healthcare quality outcomes and rising costs,
      healthcare reform triple aim has increased requirements for providers to
      demonstrate value to payers, partners, and the public. OBJECTIVE: Electronically
      automating measurement of the meaningful impact of palliative care (PC) programs
      on clinical, operational, and financial systems over time is imperative to the
      success of the field and the goal of development of this automated PC scorecard.
      DESIGN: The scorecard was organized into a format of quality measures identified
      by the Measuring What Matters (MWM) project that are defined as important to the
      team, automatically extracted from the electronic health record, valid, and can
      be impacted over time. SETTING: The scorecard was initially created using
      University of Florida Health (UF) data, a new PC program, and successfully
      applied and implemented at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU), a
      second institution with a mature PC program. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical metrics are
      organized in the scorecard based on MWM and described in terms of the metric
      definition, rationale for selection, measure type (structure, process, or
      outcome), and whether this represents a direct or proxy measure.
      RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The process of constructing the scorecard helped identify
      areas within both systems for potential improvement in team structure, clinical
      processes, and outcomes. In addition, by automating data extraction, the
      scorecard decreases costs associated with manual data entry and extraction,
      freeing clinical staff to care for patients and increasing the value of PC
      delivered to patients.

PMID- 28080185
TI  - PRESENTATION TO THE BEST CANDIDATE IN THE FESSH DIPLOMA EXAMINATION 2007.

PMID- 28080186
TI  - Satisfaction with sex life in sexually active heterosexual couples dealing with
      breast cancer: a nationwide longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A breast cancer (BC) diagnosis can profoundly affect the sex life of
      patient and partner within a couple. The purpose of the present study is to
      examine whether individual and partner sexual functioning, affectionate behavior,
      emotional closeness and depressive symptoms are associated with change over time
      in satisfaction with sex life of sexually active heterosexual couples dealing
      with BC and to explore whether the associations differ between patients and
      partners after adjustment for basic sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity
      and BC treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women with BC and their male partners
      participated in a longitudinal study (Time 1, <=4 months after surgery; Time 2, 5
      months later). Participants completed items from the PROMIS(r) Sexual Function
      and Satisfaction measure (version 1.0), two items measuring affectionate
      behavior, a single item measuring emotional closeness and the Center for
      Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Registers provided sociodemographic and
      medical information. Multilevel models were used, which take the interdependency
      of couples' scores into account. RESULTS: A total of 287 sexually active couples
      were included in the analyses. Less vaginal discomfort and more vaginal
      lubrication were associated with increases in patients' satisfaction with sex
      life. Patients' and partners' satisfaction increased with higher ratings of their
      own orgasm ability and of partners' timing of ejaculation. Patients' reports of
      affectionate behavior were positively associated with their partners'
      satisfaction, and vice versa for partners. Patients' satisfaction increased the
      more emotional closeness their partner experienced. Partners' depressive symptoms
      were negatively associated with their satisfaction. Sociodemographic factors and
      BC treatment were not significantly associated with change in satisfaction.
      CONCLUSION: Satisfaction with sex life in sexually active couples dealing with BC
      needs to be seen as a couple issue. Health professionals should take the partner
      into account when addressing sexuality issues. Couples' functioning and
      relationship-related factors may be promising targets for couple interventions.

PMID- 28080187
TI  - Early life risk factors for testicular cancer: a case-cohort study based on the
      Copenhagen School Health Records Register.
AB  - PURPOSE: One established risk factors for testicular cancer is cryptorchidism.
      However, it remains unclear whether cryptorchidism is a risk factor in itself or
      whether the two conditions share common causes in early life (estrogen
      hypothesis), such as birth weight and birth order. The objective of this study is
      to utilize data from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register (CSHRR) to
      evaluate cryptorchidism, birth weight and birth order as risk factors for
      testicular cancer. METHODS: The study population consisted of 408 cases of
      testicular cancer identified by a government issued identification number linkage
      of the entire CSHRR with the Danish Cancer Registry and a random subsample of
      4819 males from the CSHRR. The study design was case-cohort and the period of
      follow-up between 2 April 1968 and 31 December 2003. RESULTS: Cryptorchidism was
      significantly associated with testicular cancer in crude analyses [hazard ratio
      (HR) = 3.60, 95% CI 2.79-4.65]. Birth weight was inversely associated with
      testicular cancer and no clear association with birth order was observed. The
      positive association between cryptorchidism and testicular cancer was only
      slightly attenuated controlling for birth weight and birth order and stratified
      on birth cohort (HR = 3.46, 95% CI 2.67-4.48). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed
      the robustness of the association between cryptorchidism and testicular cancer
      even after adjustment for birth weight and birth order. Furthermore, the study
      showed an inverse association between birth weight and testicular cancer.

PMID- 28080190
TI  - Informatics and Computing.

PMID- 28080188
TI  - Informatics and Computing.

PMID- 28080191
TI  - From the Editor-in-Chief: The JALA Special Issues on Robotics in Laboratory
      Automation.

PMID- 28080193
TI  - Pioneers in Hand Surgery.

PMID- 28080194
TI  - GEOFFREY RAYMOND FISK (1916-2007).

PMID- 28080195
TI  - Presentation to the best candidate in the European board of hand surgery diploma
      examination 2012.

PMID- 28080196
TI  - Dr. Dieter Buck-Gramcko.

PMID- 28080198
TI  - From the Editor-in-Chief: The 2013 JALA Ten: Call for Nominations.

PMID- 28080203
TI  - Alginate immobilized enrichment culture for atrazine degradation in soil and
      water system.
AB  - An atrazine degrading enrichment culture, a consortium of bacteria of genus
      Bacillus along with Pseudomonas and Burkholderia, was immobilized in sodium
      alginate and was used to study atrazine degradation in mineral salts medium
      (MSM), soil and wastewater effluent. Sodium alginate immobilized consortium, when
      stored at room temperature (24 +/- 5 degrees C), was effective in degrading
      atrazine in MSM up to 90 days of storage. The survival of bacteria in alginate
      beads, based on colony formation unit (CFU) counts, suggested survival up to 90
      days and population counts decreased to 1/5th on 120 days. Comparison of atrazine
      degrading ability of the freely suspended enrichment culture and immobilized
      culture suggested that the immobilized culture took longer time for complete
      degradation of atrazine as a lag phase of 2 days was observed in the MSM
      inoculated with alginate immobilized culture. The free cells resulted in complete
      degradation of atrazine within 6 days, while immobilized cells took 10 days for
      100% atrazine degradation. Further, immobilized cultures were able to degrade
      atrazine in soil and wastewater effluent. Alginate beads were stable and
      effective in degrading atrazine till 3rd transfer and disintegrated thereafter.
      The study suggested that immobilized enrichment culture, due to its better
      storage and application, can be used to degrade atrazine in soil water system.

PMID- 28080204
TI  - Identification of HuR target circular RNAs uncovers suppression of PABPN1
      translation by CircPABPN1.
AB  - HuR influences gene expression programs and hence cellular phenotypes by binding
      to hundreds of coding and noncoding linear RNAs. However, whether HuR binds to
      circular RNAs (circRNAs) and impacts on their function is unknown. Here, we have
      identified en masse circRNAs binding HuR in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells.
      One of the most prominent HuR target circRNAs was hsa_circ_0031288, renamed
      CircPABPN1 as it arises from the PABPN1 pre-mRNA. Further analysis revealed that
      HuR did not influence CircPABPN1 abundance; interestingly, however, high levels
      of CircPABPN1 suppressed HuR binding to PABPN1 mRNA. Evaluation of PABPN1 mRNA
      polysomes indicated that PABPN1 translation was modulated positively by HuR and
      hence negatively by CircPABPN1. We propose that the extensive binding of
      CircPABPN1 to HuR prevents HuR binding to PABPN1 mRNA and lowers PABPN1
      translation, providing the first example of competition between a circRNA and its
      cognate mRNA for an RBP that affects translation.

PMID- 28080205
TI  - Laparoscopic Liver Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with a Tumor Size Larger
      Than 5 cm: Review of 45 Cases in a Tertiary Institution.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has developed rapidly,
      its usefulness for the treatment of large tumors is less clear, due to concerns
      about compromising oncological principles and patient safety. The purpose of this
      study was to explore the feasibility and safety of LLR for the treatment of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a tumor size larger than 5 cm. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2014, we performed LLR in 45 patients with
      HCC with a tumor size >=5 cm. Perioperative outcome, tumor recurrence, and
      overall patient survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Median age was 60 years
      (interquartile range [IQR] 52-68) and 64.4% (29/45) were male. Seven patients
      (15.6%) had larger than 10 cm of HCC. No operative deaths occurred and six of the
      laparoscopic procedures were converted to open resection (conversion rate 13.3%).
      Median operation time was 365 minutes (IQR 277-443) and median estimated blood
      loss (EBL) was 400.0 mL (IQR 275-600). There was no R1 or R2 resection and median
      resection margin was 19.0 mm (IQR 8.0-33.0). Complications above Clavien-Dindo
      classification grade III occurred in four patients (8.9%). The median overall
      follow-up time was 10.7 month (range 1.1-62.1). One-year recurrence free survival
      (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 86.0% and 95.5%, and 3-year RFS and OS were
      70.7% and 86.0%. CONCLUSION: LLR appears safe and feasible in patients with HCC
      with a tumor size larger than 5 cm. Expansion of indication for LLR in patients
      with HCC may be considered.

PMID- 28080202
TI  - Chemical probes targeting epigenetic proteins: Applications beyond oncology.
AB  - Epigenetic chemical probes are potent, cell-active, small molecule inhibitors or
      antagonists of specific domains in a protein; they have been indispensable for
      studying bromodomains and protein methyltransferases. The Structural Genomics
      Consortium (SGC), comprising scientists from academic and pharmaceutical
      laboratories, has generated most of the current epigenetic chemical probes.
      Moreover, the SGC has shared about 4 thousand aliquots of these probes, which
      have been used primarily for phenotypic profiling or to validate targets in cell
      lines or primary patient samples cultured in vitro. Epigenetic chemical probes
      have been critical tools in oncology research and have uncovered mechanistic
      insights into well-established targets, as well as identify new therapeutic
      starting points. Indeed, the literature primarily links epigenetic proteins to
      oncology, but applications in inflammation, viral, metabolic and
      neurodegenerative diseases are now being reported. We summarize the literature of
      these emerging applications and provide examples where existing probes might be
      used.

PMID- 28080206
TI  - Probiotics, D-Lactic acidosis, oxidative stress and strain specificity.
AB  - The existence of an implicit living microscopic world, composed primarily of
      bacteria, has been known for centuries. The exact mechanisms that govern the
      contribution of bacteria to human health and disease have only recently become
      the subject of intense research efforts. Within this very evident shift in
      paradigms, the rational design of probiotic formulations has led to the creation
      of an industry that seeks to progress the engineering of probiotic bacteria that
      produce metabolites that may enhance human host health and prevent disease. The
      promotion of probiotics is often made in the absence of quality scientific and
      clinically plausible data. The latest incursions into the probiotic market of
      claims have posited the amelioration of oxidative stress via potent antioxidant
      attributes or limiting the administration of probiotics to those species that do
      not produce D-Lactic acid (i.e., claims that D-Lactic acid acidosis is linked to
      chronic health conditions) or are strain-specific (shaping an industry point of
      difference) for appraising a therapeutic effect. Evidence-based research should
      guide clinical practice, as there is no place in science and medicine that
      supports unsubstantiated claims. Extravagant industry based notions continue to
      fuel the imprimatur of distrust and skepticism that is leveled by scientists and
      clinicians at an industry that is already rife with scientific and medical
      distrust and questionable views on probiotics. Ignoring scientifically discordant
      data, when sorting through research innovations and false leads relevant to the
      actions of probiotics, drives researcher discomfit and keeps the bar low,
      impeding the progress of knowledge. Biologically plausible posits are obligatory
      in any research effort; companies formulating probiotics often exhibit a lack of
      analytical understanding that then fuels questionable investigations failing to
      build on research capacity.

PMID- 28080207
TI  - Laparoscopic Gastropleural Fistula Repair: A Minimally Invasive Solution for a
      Complex Problem.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gastropleural fistula (GPF) is a complex pathology that can present
      as a result of surgery, trauma, peptic ulcer disease, malignancies, radiation, or
      chemotherapy. Management typically includes endoscopic or surgical intervention
      along with intraabdominal or intrathoracic drainage of pre-existing infection.
      Traditionally, surgical approaches have been through exploratory laparotomy or
      thoracotomy, subjecting already ill patients to additional morbidity. CASE
      REPORT: We describe and demonstrate a laparoscopic minimally invasive approach to
      the management of a GPF with a wedge resection of the stomach, along with a
      review of the current literature regarding GPF treatment. CONCLUSION: GPF repair
      can be performed through laparoscopy and may lead to improved patient outcomes
      and faster recovery.

PMID- 28080208
TI  - A research program for the socioeconomic impacts of gene editing regulation.
AB  - Gene editing technologies are a group of recent innovations in plant breeding
      using molecular biology, which have in common the capability of introducing a
      site-directed mutation or deletion in the genome. The first cases of crops
      improved with these technologies are approaching the market; this has raised an
      international debate regarding if they should be regulated as genetically
      modified crops or just as another form of mutagenesis under conventional
      breeding. This dilemma for policymakers not only entails issues pertaining safety
      information and legal/regulatory definitions. It also demands borrowing tools
      developed in the field of social studies of science and technology, as an
      additional basis for sound decision making.

PMID- 28080209
TI  - Dissipation, half-lives, and mass spectrometric identification of chlorpyrifos
      and its two metabolites on field-grown collard and kale.
AB  - The persistence and fate of chlorpyrifos and its two metabolites, chlorpyrifos
      oxon and the 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) break-down product were
      investigated on kale and collard leaves under field conditions. A simultaneous
      extraction and quantification procedure was developed for chrorpyrifos and its
      two main metabolites. Residues of chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos oxon, and TCP were
      determined using a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with an electron capture
      detector (GC/ECD). Chlorpyrifos metabolites were detectable up to 23 days
      following application. Residues were confirmed using a GC equipped with a mass
      selective detector (GC/MSD) in total ion mode. Initial residues of chlorpyrifos
      were greater on collard (14.5 ug g-1) than kale (8.2 ug g-1) corresponding to
      half-lives (T1/2) values of 7.4 and 2.2 days, respectively. TCP, the hydrolysis
      product, was more persistent on collards with an estimated T1/2 of 6.5 days
      compared to kale (T1/2 of 1.9 days).

PMID- 28080210
TI  - Pathogen control at the intestinal mucosa - H2O2 to the rescue.
AB  - Intestinal infections are a global challenge, connected to malnutrition and
      inadequate hygiene in developing countries, and to expanding antibiotic
      resistance in developed countries. In general, a healthy host is capable of
      fighting off gut pathogens or at least to recover from infections quickly. The
      underlying protective mechanism, termed colonization resistance, is provided by
      indigenous commensal communities (microbiota) that are shaped and aided by the
      host's epithelial and innate immune system. Commensal-pathogen interactions are
      governed by competition for a suitable niche for replication and stable
      colonization, nutrient availability, species-specific alterations of the
      metabolic environment, changes in oxygen tension and release of chemicals and
      proteinaceous toxins (bacteriocins). This protective intestinal milieu is further
      reinforced by antimicrobial factors and chemicals secreted by the epithelial
      barrier, by dendritic cell sensing and by homeostasis between T-cell subsets
      (Treg/Th17) in the lamina propria. The 3 players (host-microbiota-pathogen)
      communicate via direct interactions or secreted factors. Our recent manuscript
      illustrates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an integral part of
      colonization resistance and should be considered an interkingdom antivirulence
      strategy.

PMID- 28080211
TI  - Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder diagnostic criteria: Sensitivity and
      specificity are both important.

PMID- 28080212
TI  - Heterogeneity of Carbapenem Resistance Mechanisms Among Gram-Negative Pathogens
      in Lebanon: Results of the First Cross-Sectional Countrywide Study.
AB  - Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens have progressively disseminated to
      different countries worldwide, presenting a serious public health concern. The
      aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of carbapenem resistance in
      Gram-negative bacteria in Lebanon, to elucidate molecular mechanisms, and to
      identify genetic relatedness of incriminated strains. Carbapenem nonsusceptible
      Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas were collected from
      11 Lebanese hospitals in 2012. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed with
      phenotypic tests, genes encoding carbapenemases were screened via PCR-sequencing,
      and genetic relatedness was examined by PGFE and ERIC-PCR. A total of 398
      nonrepetitive carbapenem nonsusceptible isolates were studied, of which 44 were
      Enterobacteriaceae, 142 were A. baumannii, and 212 were Pseudomonas. Among
      Enterobacteriaceae, 70.4% carried blaOXA-48-like gene on IncL/M-type plasmids,
      while acquired AmpC cephalosporinases, extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases, and
      efflux-pump were additional contributors to carbapenem resistance. Among A.
      baumannii, 90% produced OXA-23 and GES-11 and carried insertion sequence ISAba1
      upstream and adjacent to blaOXA-23 and blaAcinetobacter-derived
      cephalosporinases. Among Pseudomonas, 16% harbored VIM-2, 4.2% IMP-2, and 1.4%
      IMP-1 metallo-beta-lactamases. Fingerprint analysis indicated that the spread of
      OXA-48-like carbapenemases was mostly mediated by horizontal transfer, while OXA
      23 and GES-11 diffusion in A. baumannii and VIM-2 diffusion in P. aeruginosa were
      primarily due to clonal dissemination. This study is the first nationwide
      investigation of carbapenem resistance in Lebanon, showing low level of
      resistance in Enterobacteriaceae, and higher levels in A. baumannii and
      Pseudomonas. With current changes in the region, continuous surveillance of
      carbapenem resistance is crucial.

PMID- 28080214
TI  - 1H-NMR-based metabolomic studies of bisphenol A in zebrafish (Danio rerio).
AB  - Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy was used to study the
      response of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to increasing concentrations of bisphenol A
      (4,4'-(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol, BPA). Orthogonal partial least squares
      discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was applied to detect aberrant metabolomic
      profiles after 72 h of BPA exposure at all levels tested (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0
      mg/L). The OPLS-DA score plots showed that BPA exposure caused significant
      alterations in the metabolome. The metabolomic changes in response to BPA
      exposure generally exhibited nonlinear patterns, with the exception of reduced
      levels of several metabolites, including glutamine, inosine, lactate, and
      succinate. As the level of BPA exposure increased, individual metabolite patterns
      indicated that the zebrafish metabolome was subjected to severe oxidative stress.
      Interestingly, ATP levels increased significantly at all levels of BPA exposure.
      In the present study, we demonstrated the applicability of 1H-NMR-based
      metabolomics to identify the discrete nature of metabolic changes.

PMID- 28080213
TI  - Campylobacter jejuni transducer like proteins: Chemotaxis and beyond.
AB  - Chemotaxis, a process that mediates directional motility toward or away from
      chemical stimuli (chemoeffectors/ligands that can be attractants or repellents)
      in the environment, plays an important role in the adaptation of Campylobacter
      jejuni to disparate niches. The chemotaxis system consists of core signal
      transduction proteins and methyl-accepting-domain-containing Transducer like
      proteins (Tlps). Ligands binding to Tlps relay a signal to chemotaxis proteins in
      the cytoplasm which initiate a signal transduction cascade, culminating into a
      directional flagellar movement. Tlps facilitate substrate-specific chemotaxis in
      C. jejuni, which plays an important role in the pathogen's adaptation,
      pathobiology and colonization of the chicken gastrointestinal tract. However, the
      role of Tlps in C. jejuni's host tissue specific colonization, physiology and
      virulence remains not completely understood. Based on recent studies, it can be
      predicted that Tlps might be important targets for developing strategies to
      control C. jejuni via vaccines and antimicrobials.

PMID- 28080215
TI  - Laparoscopy-Assisted Duhamel-Z Anastomosis for Total Colonic Aganglionosis:
      Outcome Assessed by Fecal Continence Evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A Z-shaped colorectal side-to-side anastomosis was introduced to
      improve the Duhamel procedure by eliminating the rectal blind pouch. We
      retrospectively reviewed all total colonic aganglionosis patients treated by
      laparoscopy-assisted Duhamel-Z (LapDZ) between 2009 and 2014 focusing on annual
      fecal continence evaluation scores (CES) as an indicator of outcome. METHODS:
      LapDZ was performed conventionally. Postoperatively, defecation was regulated
      with medications and enemas according to our standard protocol. Stool frequency,
      stool consistency, fecal soiling/incontinence, growth, and severity of
      enterocolitis were each scored (0-2) to give a total CES (maximum: 10). RESULTS:
      Eleven subjects (6 males and 5 females) were reviewed. Mean age and mean weight
      at LapDZ were 10.2 months and 8.4 kg, respectively. Mean length of the
      aganglionic ileum resected was 19.5 cm. Mean operative time was 6.2 hours.
      Postoperative recommencement of oral intake took 5.7 days on average. There were
      no intraoperative complications, no anastomotic leaks or strictures, and no
      intestinal obstruction. Postoperative blood transfusion was required in 1 case
      complicated by chronic bleeding. No subject has been constipated postoperatively.
      Follow-up was for 5 years. The number of subjects who had CES assessments each
      year was: after 1 year (n = 11), after 2 years (n = 10), after 3 years (n = 10),
      after 4 years (n = 8), and after 5 years (n = 5). Average annual CES during
      follow-up were 4.5, 6.1, 7.7, 8.1, and 8.4, respectively. CONCLUSION: LapDZ and
      strict management of postoperative bowel function may have contributed to
      improving CES over time.

PMID- 28080216
TI  - Occurrence of mycotoxins in wheat grains exposed to fungicides on fusarium head
      blight control in southern Brazil.
AB  - Mycotoxins occurrence in wheat grains impose risks to human and animal health.
      The southern Brazil has favorable weather conditions for Fusarium graminearum
      infections and consequently for mycotoxins accumulation on grains. The goal of
      this study was to evaluate the behavior of new wheat commercial genotypes to
      Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), to control performance of new fungicide formulations
      and their relationship with mycotoxins concentration in grains. The manly
      mycotoxin occurrence on wheat grains in southern Brazil was deoxynivalenol (DON).
      Two cultivars showed high DON concentration above the tolerance limits (>3000 MUg
      kg-1). Many other mycotoxins monitored presented concentrations below method
      detection limit. Satisfactory levels of fungicide effectiveness were achieved
      against F. graminearum. Some fungicides promoted a satisfactory decrease on DON
      accumulation in grains. The best results were obtained when prothioconazole was
      present. SDHI (Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors) + QoI (Quinone outside
      inhibitors) fungicides showed benefic effects at FHB control at field, but it did
      not promote satisfactory reduction on DON contamination. Fungicides can be used
      satisfactory for FHB control and reduce DON contamination in grains in southern
      Brazil. The presence of prothioconazole should be recommended. Some genotypes
      showed high DON concentration and it was not directly related with FHB severity
      at field.

PMID- 28080218
TI  - Temperature dependence of multiple sclerosis mortality rates in the United
      States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is well known that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are very
      sensitive to heat events. However, how MS patients respond to the significant
      temperature difference between the high- and low-latitude regions is not
      understood. OBJECTIVE: The goal is to identify the primary factor responsible for
      the fact that MS mortality rates of the United States is more than three times
      higher in the northern states than in the southern states. METHODS: Correlation
      coefficients between the age-adjusted mortality rate of MS as the underlying
      cause of death and the state average temperature, altitude, latitude, duration of
      sunshine hours, and solar radiation in the 48 contiguous states were compared.
      RESULTS: MS mortality rates correlate significantly and inversely with
      temperatures in the 48 states (correlation coefficient r = -0.812 and
      significance p = 0.00). Durations of sunshine hours and solar radiation do not
      correlate significantly with MS mortality rates ( r = -0.245, -0.14, and p =
      0.101, 0.342, respectively). CONCLUSION: High environmental temperature is the
      primary reason for the low MS mortality rates and likely the low MS prevalence in
      low-latitude regions. Implication of the study result is that benefits of long
      term heat acclimation through gradual and prolonged exposure to environmental
      heat for MS patients may be greatly underappreciated.

PMID- 28080217
TI  - Synergistic Effects of Tetrandrine with Posaconazole Against Aspergillus
      fumigatus.
AB  - In our earlier in vitro and in vivo studies, synergistic effects were observed
      when itraconazole or voriconazole were combined with tetrandrine (TET) against
      Aspergillus fumigatus, and the synergistic mechanism was related to inhibition of
      the drug efflux pump. Posaconazole (PCZ) is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal
      agent used for the treatment of diverse fungal infections, including
      aspergillosis and candidiasis. Herein, the antifungal effects of TET are further
      investigated in vitro and in vivo alone or combined with PCZ against 20 clinical
      isolates of A. fumigatus. We found that the minimal inhibitory concentrations
      (MICs) of PCZ were decreased one- to twofold and three- to fivefold across a
      series of concentration gradients in vitro in presence of TET. Time-killing
      curves revealed that the synergy was dependent on TET and PCZ concentrations as
      well as incubation time. The combination could further downregulate the
      expression of MDR2, MDR3, MDR4, and ATRF in PCZ-resistant strain, however, it has
      subtle effects on TET-synergized mechanism. In addition, TET in combination with
      PCZ significantly prolonged mice survival time and reduced kidney and brain
      tissue burdens in vivo. Our data in vitro and in vivo demonstrate that TET is an
      effective synergist with azoles against A. fumigates.

PMID- 28080220
TI  - Predictors of response to first-line immunosuppressive therapy in neuromyelitis
      optica spectrum disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Azathioprine (AZA) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) are the most
      commonly used first-line therapies for patients with neuromyelitis optica
      spectrum disorders (NMOSD). However, some patients experience a relapse following
      AZA or MMF treatment. OBJECTIVES: To identify factors that predict a response to
      AZA or MMF in NMOSD. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated medical records from
      116 patients who were initially treated with AZA or MMF for at least 6 months.
      Poor response was defined as ?2 relapses or ?1 severe relapse. RESULTS: Among the
      116 patients, 40 (34%) were classified as poor responders. Logistic regression
      analyses revealed that a poor response was independently associated with a pre
      treatment history of a severe attack ( p < 0.001) and a younger age at disease
      onset ( p = 0.022). Among the 40 patients with a poor response, 29 (73%) switched
      to rituximab, and only 3 (10%) had a poor response to rituximab. CONCLUSION:
      Patients with a pre-treatment history of a severe attack and a younger age of
      onset exhibited an increased risk of a poor response to AZA or MMF therapy.
      Identifying patients who are unlikely to respond to AZA or MMF therapy may allow
      for treatment with more potent therapies that improve treatment outcomes.

PMID- 28080219
TI  - Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder
      characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and altered glucose-lipid metabolism. We
      propose that ectonucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP1), a protein
      known to induce adipocyte IR, is a determinant of GDM. Our objective was to study
      ENPP1 expression in adipose tissue (AT) of obese pregnant women with or without
      GDM, as well as glucose tolerance in pregnant transgenic (Tg) mice with AT
      specific overexpression of human ENPP1. METHODS: AT biopsies and blood were
      collected from body mass index-matched obese pregnant women non-GDM (n = 6), GDM
      (n = 7), and nonpregnant controls (n = 6) undergoing cesarian section or elective
      surgeries, respectively. We measured the following: (1) Expression of key
      molecules involved in insulin signaling and glucose-lipid metabolism in AT; (2)
      Plasma glucose and insulin levels and calculation of homeostasis model assessment
      of IR (HOMA-IR); (3) Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test in AtENPP1 Tg
      pregnant mice. RESULTS: We found that: (1) Obese GDM patients have higher AT
      ENPP1 expression than obese non-GDM patients, or controls (P = 0.01-ANOVA). (2)
      ENPP1 expression level correlated negatively with glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4)
      and positively with insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) serine phosphorylation,
      and to other adipocyte functional proteins involved in glucose and lipid
      metabolism (P < 0.05 each), (3) AT ENPP1 expression levels were positively
      correlated with HOMA-IR (P = 0.01-ANOVA). (4) Pregnant AT ENPP1 Tg mice showed
      higher plasma glucose than wild type animals (P = 0.046-t test on area under
      curve [AUC]glucose). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence of a causative
      link between ENPP1 and alterations in insulin signaling, glucose uptake, and
      lipid metabolism in subcutaneous abdominal AT of GDM, which may mediate IR and
      hyperglycemia in GDM.

PMID- 28080221
TI  - Molecular Mechanisms of Antisense Oligonucleotides.
AB  - In 1987, when I became interested in the notion of antisense technology, I
      returned to my roots in RNA biochemistry and began work to understand how
      oligonucleotides behave in biological systems. Since 1989, my research has
      focused primarily on this topic, although I have been involved in most areas of
      research in antisense technology. I believe that the art of excellent science is
      to frame large important questions that are perhaps not immediately answerable
      with existing knowledge and methods, and then conceive a long-term (multiyear)
      research strategy that begins by answering the most pressing answerable questions
      on the path to the long-term goals. Then, a step-by-step research pathway that
      will address the strategic questions posed must be implemented, adjusting the
      plan as new things are learned. This is the approach we have taken at Ionis.
      Obviously, to create antisense technology, we have had to address a wide array of
      strategic questions, for example, the medicinal chemistry of oligonucleotides,
      manufacturing and analytical methods, pharmacokinetics and toxicology, as well as
      questions about the molecular pharmacology of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs).
      Each of these endeavors has consumed nearly three decades of scientific effort,
      is still very much a work-in-progress, and has resulted in hundreds of
      publications. As a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award 2016 granted by
      the Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Society, in this note, my goal is to summarize
      the contributions of my group to the efforts to understand the molecular
      mechanisms of ASOs.

PMID- 28080222
TI  - Eyes on New Product Development.

PMID- 28080224
TI  - RIMS Conference Abstracts.

PMID- 28080249
TI  - Pactrims Invited Lecture / Ordinary Submission.

PMID- 28080250
TI  - No evidence of disease activity in patients receiving daclizumab versus
      intramuscular interferon beta-1a for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in
      the DECIDE study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No evidence of disease activity (NEDA) is a composite endpoint being
      increasingly applied as an outcome measure in clinical trials as well as proposed
      for individual therapeutic decisions in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE:
      Assess the proportion of patients with relapsing-remitting MS achieving NEDA in
      the DECIDE study of daclizumab 150 mg subcutaneous versus intramuscular
      interferon beta-1a 30 ug for 96-144 weeks. METHODS: NEDA was defined as no
      relapses, no onset of 12-week confirmed disability progression (CDP), no
      new/newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions (NET2), and no gadolinium-enhancing
      (Gd+) lesions. Logistic regression models adjusted for baseline covariates
      compared treatment groups for baseline to week 96, weeks 0-24, and weeks 24-96.
      RESULTS: From baseline to week 96, more daclizumab versus intramuscular
      interferon beta-1a patients achieved NEDA (24.6% vs 14.2%; odds ratio (OR; 95%
      confidence interval): 2.059 (1.592-2.661); p < 0.0001). ORs for clinical NEDA (no
      relapses, no CDP) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) NEDA (no NET2, no Gd+
      lesions) were 1.651 (1.357-2.007; p < 0.0001) and 2.051 (1.628-2.582; p <
      0.0001), respectively. ORs in favor of daclizumab for weeks 24-96 were
      consistently higher than for weeks 0-24. CONCLUSION: More daclizumab versus
      intramuscular interferon beta-1a patients achieved NEDA early in DECIDE, with
      effects increasing over time.

PMID- 28080251
TI  - Tetrahedral DNA Nanoparticle Vector for Intracellular Delivery of Targeted
      Peptide Nucleic Acid Antisense Agents to Restore Antibiotic Sensitivity in
      Cefotaxime-Resistant Escherichia coli.
AB  - The bacterial cell wall presents a barrier to the uptake of unmodified synthetic
      antisense oligonucleotides, such as peptide nucleic acids, and so is one of the
      greatest obstacles to the development of their use as therapeutic anti-bacterial
      agents. Cell-penetrating peptides have been covalently attached to antisense
      agents, to facilitate penetration of the bacterial cell wall and deliver their
      cargo into the cytoplasm. Although they are an effective vector for antisense
      oligonucleotides, they are not specific for bacterial cells and can exhibit
      growth inhibitory properties at higher doses. Using a bacterial cell growth assay
      in the presence of cefotaxime (CTX 16 mg/L), we have developed and evaluated a
      self-assembling non-toxic DNA tetrahedron nanoparticle vector incorporating a
      targeted anti-blaCTX-M-group 1 antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA4) in its
      structure for penetration of the bacterial cell wall. A dose-dependent CTX
      potentiating effect was observed when PNA4 (0-40 MUM) was incorporated into the
      structure of a DNA tetrahedron vector. The minimum inhibitory concentration (to
      CTX) of an Escherichia coli field isolate harboring a plasmid carrying blaCTX-M-3
      was reduced from 35 to 16 mg/L in the presence of PNA4 carried by the DNA
      tetrahedron vector (40 MUM), contrasting with no reduction in MIC in the presence
      of PNA4 alone. No growth inhibitory effects of the DNA tetrahedron vector alone
      were observed.

PMID- 28080252
TI  - Editors' note.

PMID- 28080254
TI  - Wellness and multiple sclerosis: The National MS Society establishes a Wellness
      Research Working Group and research priorities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have identified "wellness" and
      associated behaviors as a high priority based on "social media listening"
      undertaken by the National MS Society (i.e. the Society). OBJECTIVE: The Society
      recently convened a group that consisted of researchers with experience in MS and
      wellness-related research, Society staff members, and an individual with MS for
      developing recommendations regarding a wellness research agenda. METHOD: The
      members of the group engaged in focal reviews and discussions involving the state
      of science within three approaches for promoting wellness in MS, namely diet,
      exercise, and emotional wellness. RESULTS: That process informed a group-mediated
      activity for developing and prioritizing research goals for wellness in MS. This
      served as a background for articulating the mission and objectives of the
      Society's Wellness Research Working Group. CONCLUSION: The primary mission of the
      Wellness Research Working Group is the provision of scientific evidence
      supporting the application of lifestyle, behavioral, and psychosocial approaches
      for promoting optimal health of mind, body, and spirit (i.e. wellness) in people
      with MS as well as managing the disease and its consequences.

PMID- 28080255
TI  - Assessing long-term prognosis improvement as a consequence of treatment pattern
      changes in MS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the age at which multiple sclerosis (MS) patients
      reach Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) milestones changed as long as new
      drugs for the treatment of MS became available. METHODS: We evaluated the long
      term impact of therapies on disability progression assessing whether there is a
      detectable delay in the age at which patients reached EDSS milestones in more
      recent years. We used data collected over more than 30 years in the Center of
      Brescia, Italy. We compared the age at EDSS = 6 among patients diagnosed with
      relapsing-remitting MS in different time periods, adjusting for age at diagnosis
      and median interval among EDSS visits, by a multivariate Cox model. RESULTS: A
      total of 1324 MS patients were included. Patients diagnosed in more recent
      periods reached EDSS = 6 at an older age: the rate at which patients reached EDSS
      = 6 in those diagnosed in 1991-1995 was similar to those diagnosed in 1980-1990
      (hazard ratio ( HR) = 1.09, p = 0.68) and to those diagnosed in 1996-2000 ( HR =
      0.85, p = 0.44), it was reduced by 37% in patients diagnosed in 2001-2005 ( HR =
      0.63, p = 0.05), by 46% in patients diagnosed in 2006-2010 ( HR = 0.54, p <
      0.02). CONCLUSION: A clear modification of MS course is observed after 2000;
      among other causes, this can be associated to the changes in the treatment
      patterns experienced in those years.

PMID- 28080258
TI  - LACTRIMS Abstracts.

PMID- 28080257
TI  - Karl Vass, 1958-2012.

PMID- 28080259
TI  - Plenary Session.

PMID- 28080263
TI  - MENACTRIMS congress 2016.

PMID- 28080262
TI  - Processing speed test: Validation of a self-administered, iPad(r)-based tool for
      screening cognitive dysfunction in a clinic setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients
      and has important consequences for daily activities, yet, unlike motor function,
      is not routinely assessed in the clinic setting. We developed the Processing
      Speed Test (PST), a self-administered iPad(r)-based tool to measure MS-related
      deficits in processing speed. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the PST is valid
      for screening cognitive dysfunction by comparing it to the paper-and-pencil
      Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). METHODS: We assessed PST test-retest
      reliability, sensitivity of PST and SDMT in discriminating MS patients from
      healthy controls (HC), convergent validity between PST and SDMT, correlations
      between T2 lesion load and PST and SDMT, and PST performance with and without
      technician present during administration. RESULTS: PST had excellent test-retest
      reliability, was highly correlated with SDMT, was slightly more sensitive than
      SDMT in discriminating MS from HC groups, and correlated better with cerebral T2
      lesion load than did SDMT. Finally, PST performance was no different with or
      without a technician in the testing environment. CONCLUSION: PST has advantages
      over SDMT because of its efficient administration, scoring, and potential for
      medical record or research database integration. PST is a practical tool for
      routine screening of processing speed deficits in the MS clinic.

PMID- 28080261
TI  - Performance of Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites on the NIH Toolbox Cognition
      Battery: the roles of ethnicity and language backgrounds.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the influence of Hispanic ethnicity and
      language/cultural background on performance on the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery
      (NIHTB-CB). METHOD: Participants included healthy, primarily English-speaking
      Hispanic (n = 93; Hispanic-English), primarily Spanish-speaking Hispanic (n = 93;
      Hispanic-Spanish), and English speaking Non-Hispanic white (n = 93; NH white)
      adults matched on age, sex, and education levels. All participants were in the
      NIH Toolbox national norming project and completed the Fluid and Crystallized
      components of the NIHTB-CB. T-scores (demographically-unadjusted) were developed
      based on the current sample and were used in analyses. RESULTS: Spanish-speaking
      Hispanics performed worse than English-speaking Hispanics and NH whites on
      demographically unadjusted NIHTB-CB Fluid Composite scores (ps < .01). Results on
      individual measures comprising the Fluid Composite showed significant group
      differences on tests of executive inhibitory control (p = .001), processing speed
      (p = .003), and working memory (p < .001), but not on tests of cognitive
      flexibility or episodic memory. Test performances were associated with
      language/cultural backgrounds in the Hispanic-Spanish group: better vocabularies
      and reading were predicted by being born outside the U.S., having Spanish as a
      first language, attending school outside the U.S., and speaking more Spanish at
      home. However, many of these same background factors were associated with worse
      Fluid Composites within the Hispanic-Spanish group. CONCLUSIONS: On tests of
      Fluid cognition, the Hispanic-Spanish group performed the poorest of all groups.
      Socio-demographic and linguistic factors were associated with those differences.
      These findings highlight the importance of considering language/cultural
      backgrounds when interpreting neuropsychological test performances. Importantly,
      after applying previously published NIHTB-CB norms with demographic corrections,
      these language/ethnic group differences are eliminated.

PMID- 28080270
TI  - Editorial Note.

PMID- 28080282
TI  - Dirty Headlights - Frequency and Visibility Effects.
AB  - To investigate the problem of dirty headlamps, three experiments have been
      carried out. In the first, dirt layers were systematically collected under
      various road conditions. The wetness of the road was found markedly to influence
      the amount of dirt deposited. In the second, light reduction caused by dirt on
      cars in traffic was measured. It was found that even in dry weather on seemingly
      clean roads light reduction due to headlamp dirt is normally 10-20%. In bed
      (slushy) road conditions few cars have light reduction below 50%. Drivers
      normally do not react to light reduction below 60% In the third experiment,
      reduction in visibility during night driving was measured as a function of light
      reduction. Light reduction of 60% causes a 20% reduction of high beam visibility
      and a 15% reduction of low beam visibility.

PMID- 28080264
TI  - Convergent and criterion validity of the CogState computerized brief battery
      cognitive assessment in women with and without breast cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Computerized tests have increasingly garnered interest for assessing
      cognitive functioning due to their potential logistical and financial advantages
      over traditional 'pencil and-paper' neuropsychological tests. However,
      psychometric information is necessary to guide decisions about their clinical and
      research utility with varied populations. We explored the convergent construct
      validity and criterion validity of the CogState computerized tests in breast
      cancer survivors, a group known to present with mostly mild, subtle cognitive
      dysfunction. METHOD: Fifty-three post-menopausal women (26 breast cancer
      survivors, 27 healthy controls) completed the CogState Brief Battery tests with
      passed performance checks, conceptually matched traditional neuropsychological
      tests, and a self-report measure of daily functioning, the Functional Activities
      Questionnaire. RESULTS: Significant positive correlations were found between the
      CogState Brief Battery tests and traditional neuropsychological tests, although
      the traditional tests specifically hypothesized to correlate with CogState tests
      did not reach statistical significance. Analysis of Covariance results showed
      preliminary support for criterion validity, as the patient and control groups
      differed on the traditional test of working memory (Digits Backwards, p = .01),
      with a trend towards significance for the CogState test of working memory (One
      Back, p = .02), controlled for age, race, and mood. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      provide preliminary support for further research to determine if the CogState
      tests are viable as screening tools to detect subtle cognitive differences
      between breast cancer survivors and healthy women. Our study was limited by the
      low base rate of cognitive impairment and small sample size. We recommend further
      research employing sufficiently powered sample sizes and a longitudinal, repeated
      measures study design.

PMID- 28080285
TI  - International Ergonomics Association Minutes of the Fifth General Assembly, held
      in Amsterdam on the 7th of June, 1973.

PMID- 28080287
TI  - The Ergonomics Research Society ANNUAL CONFERENCE 1974 ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS.

PMID- 28080292
TI  - Effect of the endOclear(r) Device on Biofilm in Endotracheal Tubes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Organisms trapped in biofilms cause more than 80% of medical
      infections. Significant investments are being made to develop methods of removing
      these biofilms. The endOclear(r) device is reported to remove biofilm from
      endotracheal tubes (ETTs) and to decrease pneumonia rates and ventilator time.
      METHODS: This was an observational study performed at a university Level 1 trauma
      center intensive care unit. A series of 40 ETTs were collected at extubation,
      with half of the patients having been treated daily with the endOclear(r) device.
      Biofilms were quantified from a standardized point on the distal ETT. The
      patients' standard and biofilm cultures were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean hours of
      intubation for the control group was 135 and for the device group 138. This
      difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.91). Eleven patients in the
      device group were found to have pneumonia compared with six in the control group
      (p = 0.34). Ventilator data after device use showed a mean increase of 29.9 cc in
      tidal volume and a mean decrease in peak pressures of 0.39 cm H2O. Comparisons
      between biofilm stage or hours of intubation and a diagnosis of pneumonia found
      no correlation. Only nine of 40 ETTs had congruence between the microbiata of the
      biofilm and standard bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, a divergence rate of
      78%. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of the endOclear(r) group and controls demonstrated
      a trend toward a higher pneumonia rate in the former. Additionally, the device
      achieved very small, clinically insignificant, changes in ventilator settings,
      and no difference was seen in the time on the ventilator. Comparisons between
      biofilm and standard BAL cultures continue to show the biofilm is more diverse
      than previously thought. In this study, no statistical significance was found
      between biofilm stage and the pneumonia rate. This study provides additional
      evidence that there is no correlation between biofilm stage and duration of
      intubation.

PMID- 28080293
TI  - Proximal Contact Repair of Complex Amalgam Restorations.
AB  - The carving of a complex amalgam restoration may occasionally result in light
      proximal contact with the adjacent tooth. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate the strength of complex amalgam restorations repaired with a proximal
      slot amalgam preparation. Extracted human third molars of similar coronal size
      were sectioned 1 mm apical to the height of the contour using a saw and were
      randomly distributed into 9 groups of 10 teeth each. One pin was placed at each
      line angle of the flattened dentinal tooth surface. A metal matrix band was
      placed and an admixed alloy was condensed and carved to create a full crown
      contour but with a flat occlusal surface. A proximal slot was prepared with or
      without a retention groove and repaired using a single-composition spherical
      amalgam 15 minutes, 24 hours, one week, or six months after the initial crown
      condensation. The specimens were stored for 24 hours in 37 degrees C water before
      fracture at the marginal ridge using a round-ended blade in a universal testing
      machine. The control group was not repaired. The mean maximum force in newtons
      and standard deviation were determined per group. Data were analyzed with a 2-way
      analysis of variance as well as Tukey and Dunnett tests (alpha=0.05). Significant
      differences were found between groups based on type of slot preparation (p=0.017)
      but not on time (p=0.327), with no significant interaction (p=0.152). No
      significant difference in the strength of the marginal ridge was found between
      any repair group and the unrepaired control group (p>0.076). The proximal repair
      strength of a complex amalgam restoration was not significantly different from an
      unrepaired amalgam crown. Placing a retention groove in the proximal slot
      preparation resulted in significantly greater fracture strength than a slot with
      no retention grooves. Time of repair had no significant effect on the strength of
      the repair.

PMID- 28080301
TI  - Assessing social cognition: age-related changes in moral reasoning in childhood
      and adolescence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is increasing recognition that socio-cognitive skills, such as
      moral reasoning (MR), are affected in a wide range of developmental and
      neuropsychological conditions. However, the lack of appropriate measures
      available to neuropsychologists poses a challenge for the direct assessment of
      these skills. This study sought to explore age-related changes in MR using an
      innovative visual tool and examine the developmental sensitivity of the task.
      METHOD: To address some of the methodological limitations of traditional measures
      of MR, a novel, visual task, the Socio-Moral Reasoning Aptitude Level (So-Moral),
      was used to evaluate MR in 216 healthy participants aged 6-20 years. RESULTS: The
      findings show a linear increase in MR from childhood to late adolescence with
      significant group differences between childhood (6-8 years) and preadolescence (9
      11 years), and between early adolescence (12-14 years) and middle adolescence (15
      17 years). CONCLUSIONS: Interpreted in light of current brain development
      research, the results highlight age-related changes in MR that offer insight into
      typical MR development and opportunities for comparisons with clinical
      populations. The findings also provide evidence of the potential of the So-Moral
      as a developmentally appropriate measure of MR throughout childhood and
      adolescence.

PMID- 28080302
TI  - The Road to Bribery and Corruption.
AB  - Major forms of corruption constitute a strong threat to the functioning of
      societies. The most frequent explanation of how severe corruption emerges is the
      slippery-slope metaphor-the notion that corruption occurs gradually. While having
      widespread theoretical and intuitive appeal, this notion has barely been tested
      empirically. We used a recently developed paradigm to test whether severely
      corrupt acts happen gradually or abruptly. The results of four experimental
      studies revealed a higher likelihood of severe corruption when participants were
      directly given the opportunity to engage in it (abrupt) compared with when they
      had previously engaged in minor forms of corruption (gradual). Neither the size
      of the payoffs, which we kept constant, nor evaluations of the actions could
      account for these differences. Contrary to widely shared beliefs, sometimes the
      route to corruption leads over a steep cliff rather than a slippery slope.

PMID- 28080303
TI  - The Development of a Cross-Modal Sense of Body Ownership.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the contribution of tactile and proprioceptive
      cues to the development of the sense of body ownership by testing the
      susceptibility of 4- to 5-year-old children, 8- to 9-year-old children, and
      adults to the somatic rubber-hand illusion (SRHI). We found that feelings of
      owning a rubber hand in the SHRI paradigm, as assessed by explicit reports (i.e.,
      questionnaire), are already present by age 4 and do not change throughout
      development. In contrast, the effect of the illusion on the sense of hand
      position, as assessed by a pointing task, was present only in 8- to 9-year-old
      children and adults; the magnitude of such capture increased with age. Our
      findings reveal that tactile-proprioceptive interactions contributed differently
      to the two aspects characterizing the SRHI: Although the contribution of such
      interactions to an explicit sense of self was similar across age groups, their
      contribution to the more implicit recalibration of hand position is still
      developing by age 9.

PMID- 28080305
TI  - Critical review of the building downwash algorithms in AERMOD.
AB  - : The only documentation on the building downwash algorithm in AERMOD (American
      Meteorological Society/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model),
      referred to as PRIME (Plume Rise Model Enhancements), is found in the 2000 A&WMA
      journal article by Schulman, Strimaitis and Scire. Recent field and wind tunnel
      studies have shown that AERMOD can overpredict concentrations by factors of 2 to
      8 for certain building configurations. While a wind tunnel equivalent building
      dimension study (EBD) can be conducted to approximately correct the
      overprediction bias, past field and wind tunnel studies indicate that there are
      notable flaws in the PRIME building downwash theory. A detailed review of the
      theory supported by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and wind tunnel
      simulations of flow over simple rectangular buildings revealed the following
      serious theoretical flaws: enhanced turbulence in the building wake starting at
      the wrong longitudinal location; constant enhanced turbulence extending up to the
      wake height; constant initial enhanced turbulence in the building wake (does not
      vary with roughness or stability); discontinuities in the streamline
      calculations; and no method to account for streamlined or porous structures.
      IMPLICATIONS: This paper documents theoretical and other problems in PRIME along
      with CFD simulations and wind tunnel observations that support these findings.
      Although AERMOD/PRIME may provide accurate and unbiased estimates (within a
      factor of 2) for some building configurations, a major review and update is
      needed so that accurate estimates can be obtained for other building
      configurations where significant overpredictions or underpredictions are common
      due to downwash effects. This will ensure that regulatory evaluations subject to
      dispersion modeling requirements can be based on an accurate model. Thus, it is
      imperative that the downwash theory in PRIME is corrected to improve model
      performance and ensure that the model better represents reality.

PMID- 28080315
TI  - We Know Who Likes Us, but Not Who Competes Against Us.
AB  - Research on dyadic meta-accuracy suggests that people can accurately judge how
      their acquaintances feel toward them. However, existing studies have focused
      exclusively on positive feelings, such as liking. We present the first research
      on dyadic meta-accuracy for competition, a common dynamic among work colleagues.
      Data from the sales staff at a car dealership and students working on project
      teams suggest that the prevailing model of dyadic meta-accuracy breaks down for
      judgments of competition. For liking, projecting one's own feelings promotes
      dyadic meta-accuracy because colleagues tend to reciprocate each other's liking.
      For competition, the tendency to compete against superior performers reduces
      reciprocity and renders self-projection ineffective. You can accurately estimate
      how much your colleagues like you, but are unlikely to know how much those same
      colleagues compete against you.

PMID- 28080306
TI  - No Clinically Significant Difference Between Adult and Pediatric IKDC Subjective
      Knee Evaluation Scores in Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two versions of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC)
      Subjective Knee Evaluation form currently exist: the original version (1999) and
      a recently modified pediatric-specific version (2011). Comparison of the
      pediatric IKDC with the adult version in the adult population may reveal that
      either version could be used longitudinally. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that the
      scores for the adult IKDC and pediatric IKDC will not be clinically different
      among adult patients aged 18 to 50 years. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized crossover
      study design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: The study consisted of 100
      participants, aged 18 to 50 years, who presented to orthopaedic outpatient
      clinics with knee problems. All participants completed both adult and pediatric
      versions of the IKDC in random order with a 10-minute break in between. We used a
      paired t test to test for a difference between the scores and a Welch's 2-sample
      t test to test for equivalence. A least-squares regression model was used to
      model adult scores as a function of pediatric scores, and vice versa. RESULTS: A
      paired t test revealed a statistically significant 1.6-point difference between
      the mean adult and pediatric scores. However, the 95% confidence interval (0.54
      2.66) for this difference did not exceed our a priori threshold of 5 points,
      indicating that this difference was not clinically important. Equivalence testing
      with an equivalence region of 5 points further supported this finding. The adult
      and pediatric scores had a linear relationship and were highly correlated with an
      R2 of 92.6%. CONCLUSION: There is no clinically relevant difference between the
      scores of the adult and pediatric IKDC forms in adults, aged 18 to 50 years, with
      knee conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Either form, adult or pediatric, of the IKDC
      can be used in this population for longitudinal studies. If the pediatric version
      is administered in adolescence, it can be used for follow-up into adulthood.

PMID- 28080323
TI  - Oral Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) Administration Increases Postexercise ATP
      Levels, Muscle Excitability, and Athletic Performance Following a Repeated Sprint
      Bout.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oral adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) administration has failed to
      increase plasma ATP levels; however, chronic supplementation with ATP has shown
      to increase power, strength, lean body mass, and blood flow in trained athletes.
      The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ATP supplementation
      on postexercise ATP levels and on muscle activation and excitability and power
      following a repeated sprint bout. METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      randomized design, 42 healthy male individuals were given either 400 mg of ATP as
      disodium salt or placebo for 2 weeks prior to an exercise bout. During the
      exercise bout, muscle activation and excitability (ME, ratio of power output to
      muscle activation) and Wingate test peak power were measured during all sprints.
      ATP and metabolites were measured at baseline, after supplementation, and
      immediately following exercise. RESULTS: Oral ATP supplementation prevented a
      drop in ATP, adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP)
      levels postexercise (p < 0.05). No group by time interaction was observed for
      muscle activation. Following the supplementation period, muscle excitability
      significantly decreased in later bouts 8, 9, and 10 in the placebo group (-30.5, 
      28.3, and -27.9%, respectively; p < 0.02), whereas ATP supplementation prevented
      the decline in later bouts. ATP significantly increased Wingate peak power in
      later bouts compared to baseline (bout 8: +18.3%, bout 10: +16.3%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Oral ATP administration prevents exercise-induced declines in ATP and its
      metabolite and enhances peak power and muscular excitability, which may be
      beneficial for sports requiring repeated high-intensity sprinting bouts.

PMID- 28080324
TI  - The 40th annual meeting of AMERSA: Highlights, abstracts, and awards.

PMID- 28080326
TI  - Running the HIV risk.
AB  - A report from the Health Protection Agency last month revealed that 3,010 men who
      have sex with men (MSM) were diagnosed with HIV in 2011 - the highest number in
      any year since the AIDS epidemic began in 1981.

PMID- 28080325
TI  - Adequacy of Parent-Packed Lunches and Preschooler's Consumption Compared to
      Dietary Reference Intake Recommendations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: U.S. preschool children consume inadequate amounts of key nutrients.
      Understanding the contents of lunches packed by parents and consumed by their
      children can help identify areas of opportunity for the development of healthy
      food preferences. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutrient adequacy of lunches packed
      by parents and consumed by children attending early care and education (ECE)
      centers. METHODS: Baseline data from 607 parent-child dyads in the "Lunch Is in
      the Bag" cluster-randomized controlled trial in Central Texas were examined.
      Foods packed by parents and consumed by children in sack lunches were observed at
      30 ECE centers on 2 nonconsecutive days. Mean levels of energy, macronutrients,
      vitamins, and minerals were estimated with covariate-adjusted multilevel
      regression models that accounted for center-level clustering and repeated within
      child measures. RESULTS: Energy (kilocalories) was 602.48 for packed lunches
      compared to 374.40 for consumed lunches. In packed lunches, percentage of energy
      as macronutrients for protein (14.8%), carbohydrate (55.9%), and total fat
      (31.2%) were within the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR) for
      the children's ages. Sugar (28.9% of energy) was above the AMDR recommendation.
      Only a quarter of parents packed 33% or more of the child's dietary reference
      intake (DRI) for dietary fiber. Over half the parents packed 33% or more of the
      DRI for vitamin A and calcium, and less than one in 8 packed 33% of the DRI for
      potassium. Children consistently consumed between 60 and 80% of the nutrients
      that were packed. CONCLUSIONS: Preschool children rely on parents to present them
      with healthy food choices, but lunches packed by parents for their preschool
      children do not consistently provide adequate nutrients. These data and the
      relationships between the dietary quality of packed and consumed lunches can be
      useful information to guide nutrition behavior change through targeted
      interventions.

PMID- 28080327
TI  - Under pressure.
AB  - There is something about staying up night after night with a sick relative that
      can turn one into a pain in the neck.

PMID- 28080328
TI  - 'Campaign Remains As Urgent As Ever'.
AB  - Peter Carter, general secretary of the RCN: 'The quality and dignity of care for
      all our patients is at the heart of everything the nursing profession does. By
      working together to eliminate poor care and to share the good practice that so
      many nurses deliver day in, day out, we can make sure that all patients get the
      quality of care that we would like to receive ourselves. This campaign has
      highlighted many examples of good practice, and I hope that they will be adopted
      widely.'

PMID- 28080330
TI  - Research rules out link between pre-eclampsia and drugs for autoimmune disease.
AB  - Women with systemic lupus erythematosus have twice the risk of developing pre
      eclampsia compared with women without autoimmune disease, but the effects of drug
      use during pregnancy are slight.

PMID- 28080332
TI  - On a mission to encourage better eating and drinking.
AB  - Head of nursing for older people Ann Gibbins, left, was one year into her role at
      Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust when she heard about the Care
      campaign.

PMID- 28080329
TI  - HCA Voices Make Council Debut.
AB  - I have been an RCN member since 2002 when healthcare assistants (HCAs) had to
      have an NVQ level 3 to join - so I got one. Soon after, with encouragement from
      the general secretary and chair of congress, I was the first HCA to vote and
      speak at RCN congress - in a speech in favour of nursery nurses joining the RCN
      with an NVQ level 2 qualification.

PMID- 28080339
TI  - Over-diagnosis is a price worth paying for lives saved.
AB  - The debate about whether the benefits of breast screening outweigh the perceived
      harms reached fever pitch in October 2011, prompting an independent review.

PMID- 28080338
TI  - Race is a contributing factor in length of survival for people with kidney
      cancer.
AB  - A national study of patients with kidney cancer in the United States has confi
      rmed that white people consistently have a survival advantage over black people,
      regardless of tumour character or surgical treatment.

PMID- 28080340
TI  - Starting out - nurse training initaly was tough boosting but it taught me the
      essence of care.
AB  - In my final year of nurse training, I spent eight months in Italy as part of my
      degree in European nursing.

PMID- 28080341
TI  - Readers panel - Boosting.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28080344
TI  - One in six mothers who took their baby to a&e had postnatal depression.
AB  - Mothers who seek treatment at emergency departments for their young infants have
      a high prevalence of postnatal.

PMID- 28080343
TI  - Legal advice.
AB  - All patients, including those who have died, have the right to their personal
      health information being kept confi dential.

PMID- 28080345
TI  - Uncommon cold.
AB  - Everyone has heard of the common cold. Well, I am suffering from the uncommon
      cold. It is extremely tiresome - much more so than the common cold. And I wish it
      would clear up and let me get on with my life.

PMID- 28080347
TI  - Staff lack competence in caring for people with genetic conditions.
AB  - Nurses appear to have poor knowledge of and clinical skills in genetic health
      care, suggests a review of the evidence.

PMID- 28080346
TI  - Getting to the heart of care.
AB  - Taking up my role as a support nurse at the Cardiomyopathy Association has been a
      fascinating career move, building on my background in intensive and cardiac care,
      and vascular surgery.

PMID- 28080352
TI  - 'The nursing staff were phenomenal'.
AB  - Garry Brough (pictured) was diagnosed HIV positive in February 1991 and developed
      AIDS in 1995. He was subsequently hospitalised several times with Karposi's
      sarcoma, a skin cancer associated with AIDS.

PMID- 28080362
TI  - Playing to my strengths.
AB  - Studying for a pre-nursing orthopaedic certifi cate many years ago inspired my
      interest in health care and a later job working with children excluded from
      school made me realise I enjoyed working with young people. So my current job as
      a school nurse assistant fosters both my interests.

PMID- 28080363
TI  - Review aims to maximise Staff potential.
AB  - New community roles being developed by Skills for Health will demonstrate the
      benefi ts that support healthcare staff at bands 1-4 can bring to patient care.

PMID- 28080364
TI  - HCAs are perfectly placed to provide human sympathy and support.
AB  - The importance of healthcare assistants in hospitals has undoubtedly grown in
      recent years.

PMID- 28080365
TI  - Francis Biley 1958-2012.
AB  - Francis (Fran) Biley, who has died at the age of 54, was an enthusiastic champion
      of health and wellbeing in nursing and mental health.

PMID- 28080366
TI  - Clarification.
AB  - We have been asked to point out that new RCGP guidance mentioned last week
      (noticeboard November 21) referred to the former Winterbourne View Hospital,
      Bristol, and not the BMI Winterbourne Hospital in Dorset.

PMID- 28080367
TI  - 'Game show' approach to service commissioning was a total sham.
AB  - I recently attended a clinical commissioning group (CCG) 'consultation' in Kent.
      It was held in a church building at the back of a remote industrial estate.

PMID- 28080370
TI  - ?
AB  - Nurses and healthcare assistants have always worked together as a team and I
      believe RCN council is no different.

PMID- 28080368
TI  - Exercise can help to alleviate the fatigue associated with cancer.
AB  - Aerobic exercise can help to relieve the fatigue that is frequently associated
      with cancer and its treatment, according to a review of the evidence by Cochrane
      researchers.

PMID- 28080371
TI  - News update.
AB  - The RCN has raised concerns that many healthcare assistants are paid less than
      the ethical minimum. While the current UK-wide minimum wage is L6.19 per hour,
      the Living Wage Foundation - which campaigns for minimum wages that refl ect the
      cost of living - claims the minimum wage should be L8.30 per hour in London and
      L7.20 per hour in other parts of UK. Commenting during the recent Living Wage
      Week, RCN general secretary Peter Carter said: 'This affects college members,
      particularly healthcare assistants in the private sector, who are often paid less
      than the living wage. Some struggle to make ends meet, forcing them to claim
      benefi ts.'

PMID- 28080372
TI  - Voices leadership is all very well, but leaders need people to lead, says jean
      gray.
AB  - As we await publication of the report on care failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS
      Foundation Trust, which is due in the new year, it becomes increasingly clear
      that the most important issue facing the profession is safe staffi ng levels.

PMID- 28080375
TI  - Good tidings.
AB  - Crisis at Christmas is one of the largest volunteering events in the UK - more
      than 8,000 volunteers and 3,200 guests attended its centres last year.

PMID- 28080378
TI  - Building the basis for appropriate therapy.
AB  - Speech and language therapy may not seem a priority treatment for patients in a
      secure psychiatric hospital, nor one commonly undertaken by care assistants.

PMID- 28080380
TI  - Safety first on medicines.
AB  - Aspects of medicines management are increasingly being taken on by healthcare
      assistants.

PMID- 28080382
TI  - Courses & resources.
AB  - Wound care A workshop on wound care for healthcare assistants will be held in
      Manchester on January 24 and in London on January 31. These will be an
      opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in wound care, infection control and
      removing skin closures. The course includes anatomy, physiology and
      pathophysiology of skin and skin healing, wound dressings, documentation and
      professional responsibilities. tinyurl.com/cnwb3o4.

PMID- 28080384
TI  - The importance of remaining watchful.
AB  - Between November 2011 and March 2012, six senior sisters at the Heart of England
      NHS Foundation Trust in Birmingham were made 'supervisory to shift' to test
      different ways of turning the concepts of the Care campaign into reality.

PMID- 28080387
TI  - 'Nurses suffered in the two world wars and history abandoned them'.
AB  - Although more than 1,500 nurses lost their lives serving in the two world wars,
      there is no national memorial to that sacrifice.

PMID- 28080388
TI  - Post-menopausal women who receive hrt have lower risk of morbidity.
AB  - Hormone replacement therapy significantly reduces the risk of mortality in post
      menopausal women, according to the first long-term randomised controlled trial to
      look at the effects of initiating the therapy early in post-menopause.

PMID- 28080389
TI  - Elephant ahead.
AB  - I often use a stretch of motorway where vast new dot matrix signs have been
      installed. There is one of these monsters on each carriageway at one mile
      intervals, and they must have cost millions.

PMID- 28080390
TI  - In search of answers.
AB  - When the National Nursing Research Unit was founded in 1977, its remit was to
      conduct robust and independent academic enquiry into key policy questions for the
      Department of Health.

PMID- 28080391
TI  - Insulin resistance in obese children reduced significantly by regular aerobic
      exercise.
AB  - Twenty minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week can reduce diabetes risk in
      overweight and obese children, suggests a study of primary school children in the
      US.

PMID- 28080392
TI  - Women who have undergone genital mutilation experience impaired sexual function.
AB  - A study by researchers at King's College London has confirmed that women who have
      undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) have a significantly impaired sexual
      quality of life.

PMID- 28080393
TI  - Vintage charm.
AB  - It was a touching scene. A nursing home resident in her nineties, frail and in a
      wheelchair, had been taken along to the shops for a trip out.

PMID- 28080396
TI  - Voices - The US healthcare system makes Yvonne Coghill appreciate the NHS.
AB  - By the time you read this, voting for the next president of the United States
      will have finished. I have been in the US for the past six weeks and the race has
      been extremely close.

PMID- 28080397
TI  - The independent commission's key recommendations.
AB  - ? Use evidence of the benefits nurses have on patient outcomes when planning
      nursing skill mix.

PMID- 28080402
TI  - Medicines management.
AB  - As an independent and supplementary nurse prescriber, is it possible to prescribe
      pre-emptive medication for end of life care patients?

PMID- 28080398
TI  - Willis review of nurse education backs shist to all-graduate entry.
AB  - A UK-wide review of nurse education says the system must produce nurses who have
      both intelligence and compassion. It says education should encourage nurses to
      question practice constantly and look for evidence to improve performance.

PMID- 28080403
TI  - Effectiveness of care pathway is dependent on the practitioner.
AB  - There has been much discussion about the Liverpool Care Pathway (news October
      31).

PMID- 28080404
TI  - Workforce.
AB  - Now that the afterglow has faded, it is worth refl ecting on one less positive
      aspect of preparations for London 2012.

PMID- 28080405
TI  - An ombudsman would encourage nurses to report concerns.
AB  - The events at Winterbourne View residential home and failures on the part of the
      NHS to take up concerns about Sir Jimmy Savile (news October 31) are evidence
      that whistleblowing policies are not working.

PMID- 28080406
TI  - Leadership training needs to be offered at all levels.
AB  - The news of investment in leadership training for nurses and ward leaders over
      the next three years is probably to be welcomed (news October 10, letters October
      24 and October 31), but it depends on how the investment is to be used.

PMID- 28080407
TI  - Vacating RCN's offices in London would prove to be a false economy.
AB  - I appreciate why Sue Green might think it sensible for the RCN to vacate its
      London office in Cavendish Square and relocate to a part of the country where
      property rental is less expensive (letters October 24).

PMID- 28080408
TI  - Nurse of the year highlights the value of prison nurses.
AB  - The work of nurses with prisoners is often overlooked, so it is inspiring to read
      about nurse of the year Johanne Tomlinson's engagement with inmates at HMP
      Stafford (features October 10), a category C prison that houses up to 740 male
      offenders.

PMID- 28080409
TI  - The experts' view.
AB  - RCN general secretary Peter Carter: 'There is no truth in the suggestion that
      because nurses receive training from universities as well as on the ward they
      become less caring. Improvements will need to be made to the profession in the
      future, notably in the regulation of healthcare assistants.'

PMID- 28080411
TI  - Make the time to talk to patients who may be anxious.
AB  - Patients with dementia can often display behaviour that is perceived to be
      difficult, such as getting out of bed unexpectedly and leaving wards.

PMID- 28080412
TI  - If the public wants best care then they must pay for it.
AB  - Times are tough for nurses. We are working unpaid overtime and through our
      breaks, and our salaries are decreasing in value. Foundation trusts are
      discarding Agenda for Change and our job security feels threatened.

PMID- 28080413
TI  - It is wrong to penalise nurses for the failings of their regulator.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has accepted a L20 million grant from the
      Department of Health to address long-running problem areas, notably the backlog
      of fitness to practise cases (news October 31).

PMID- 28080415
TI  - Correction.
AB  - NMC fees are increasing from L76 to L100 a year, and not to L100 a month, as
      stated in last week's editorial. We apologise for the error.

PMID- 28080416
TI  - Clarification about use of water in burns treatment.
AB  - In response to our article on burns management (art&science September 12), Mark
      Pittman writes that cold water and cling film are the best remedy for burns
      (letters September 26).

PMID- 28080418
TI  - Competence-based education: learning disability nursing in wales.
AB  - A new era of nursing education has begun in Wales during 2012 based on new
      standards for pre-registration nursing education published by the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council ( NMC ). While the article focuses on pre-registration learning
      disability nursing education, the NMC standards can also be used for adult,
      mental health and children's nursing education. Partnership working across Wales
      has resulted in the development of nationally agreed common elements relating to
      students' ongoing record of achievement of practice competence, student selection
      and recruitment principles, a generic educational audit format and student
      evaluation. Details of the NMC standards are provided, with particular examples
      of their implementation in learning disability nursing education across Wales.

PMID- 28080419
TI  - Managing anxiety.
AB  - As a mental health liaison nurse, my role involves assessing psychiatric
      referrals from emergency departments and general wards. I encounter patients
      experiencing anxiety and in mental health crisis.

PMID- 28080420
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28080425
TI  - Taking a stand.
AB  - Earlier this year, I was trying to encourage nurses in my sector to bid for
      funding to celebrate Nurses' Day. But I was concerned to discover that those I
      spoke to felt far too stressed to think beyond job security, pay and pensions.

PMID- 28080426
TI  - Victory for 'J' in police records case.
AB  - A nurse who claims her 'excessive pillow plumping' led to an unfair police record
      has won a landmark court ruling.

PMID- 28080428
TI  - Readers panel-An issue of jobs for the boys.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28080429
TI  - Starting out - stroke unit placement reinforced an issue belief that nursing is
      right for me.
AB  - Nursing is a unique career. Not only does it require the right academic knowledge
      and practical skills, but it also requires the right attitude. Anyone who wants
      to enter the profession has to ask themselves: 'Is this the right career for me?'

PMID- 28080430
TI  - Nurses should consider ethnic background when advising couples about dementia
      care.
AB  - Ethnic background influences whether family or formal care is preferred by
      partners of people with dementia, a study suggests.

PMID- 28080432
TI  - Will ministers listen to what Willis has to say?
AB  - The RCN took a risk when it asked former head teacher Lord Willis, a shadow
      education minister when the Liberal Democrats were in opposition, to conduct a
      wide-ranging review of nurse education. He could have agreed with the popular
      view that nursing students do not need degrees to know how to care, and gone
      along with the prevailing public opinion that moving nursing schools into
      universities 20 years ago was a mistake. As an MP from 1997 to 2010, he will have
      heard many complaints from constituents along these lines.

PMID- 28080436
TI  - 'We are being accused of extermination, but we must fight back'.
AB  - Rita Doyle, palliative care clinical nurse specialist at Royal Liverpool and
      Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, said the newspaper reports have
      distressed patients and nurses.

PMID- 28080434
TI  - Clinically indicated catheter replacement is as safe as more frequent removal.
AB  - Routine removal of peripheral intravenous catheters may not be necessary,
      suggests an Australian study.

PMID- 28080437
TI  - Have you got what it takes to commission services for patients?
AB  - Nurse representation on clinical commissioning group boards was made mandatory
      last year, and the rules on membership of the boards that will oversee each
      clinical commissioning group were laid before parliament in July.

PMID- 28080438
TI  - Maladaptive schemas mediate poor parental attachment and suicidality in college
      students.
AB  - In college-aged adults (n = 766), the transition to adulthood may aggravate risk
      factors for suicidal behavior such as poor parental attachment and maladaptive
      self-schemas. Because poor parental attachment may facilitate developing
      maladaptive self-related schemas, this study was designed to determine whether
      specific maladaptive schemas mediate the relation between poor parental
      attachment and college students' suicide proneness and ideation. Findings
      supported this hypothesis. Defectiveness and emotional deprivation schemas, which
      are consistent with "perceived burdensomeness" and "thwarted belonging," may be
      important intervention targets for suicide prevention programs. The ongoing role
      of parental attachment during early adult development is highlighted.

PMID- 28080439
TI  - Reiki helped me to cope with stress.
AB  - I recently had cause to require anti-stress therapy after a car accident six
      months ago. I had several choices of treatment and I decided to choose reiki,
      which I knew nothing about at the time.

PMID- 28080440
TI  - The Admiral Nursing Service helps the carer.
AB  - Following my 'On the move' appearance (News July 7), I felt I should clarify the
      role of the Admiral Nursing Service in which specialist nurses work in the
      community to support the carers of people with dementia.

PMID- 28080441
TI  - Foot notes.
AB  - A friend of mine used to hate the expression 'it all went pear- shaped'. She
      still does, for all I know. We tend to avoid the subject these days.

PMID- 28080442
TI  - Vaccine plans may fail without enough nurses.
AB  - NURSES HAVE welcomed the announcement of a new meningitis vaccine which could
      save the lives of thousands but fear there may not be enough nurses or vaccine to
      deliver the programme.

PMID- 28080443
TI  - Nursing may be more academic these days - but not if you are Finnish.
AB  - This month it was my turn once again to renew my UKCC registration. When I came
      to fill in the section 'Further academic qualifications, degrees or diplomas', I
      realised that my two degrees, MA and BA, have never been printed on my form. I
      telephoned the UKCC to ask whether nursing or related degrees only were included 
      to be told that was not the case but that as both of my degrees were obtained at
      a university in Finland, they could not be recorded on my professional register.

PMID- 28080444
TI  - Complaints procedure must be clearer.
AB  - THE PUBLIC must be made more aware of when they can complain to the health
      service ombudsman (HSO), according to the RCN.

PMID- 28080445
TI  - Complementary therapies follow Hippocrates.
AB  - Things have changed considerably since Claire Rayner qualified in 1954.

PMID- 28080446
TI  - Naturopathy is a different approach to illness.
AB  - As a naturopath I would like to comment on Ms Rayner's view of naturopathy as
      quackery. Naturopathy requires a four-year honours degree course and is an
      established alternative to orthodox medicine with a sound philosophy to support
      its principles.

PMID- 28080447
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28080449
TI  - Nurses demand information on GMOs as concern grows.
AB  - NURSES ARE calling for more information about genetically modified (CM) food so
      they can answer questions about food safety from the public.

PMID- 28080448
TI  - Set for care.
AB  - overnight, unless there were complications. At the same time, their wounds and
      vaginal blood loss were checked by nurses.

PMID- 28080451
TI  - Nursing care diluted by support workers.
AB  - HEALTHCARE assistants (HCAs) are carrying out nursing tasks such as tracheostomy
      care and administering drugs as health authorities exploit confusion between
      general care and specialist nursing care to save money.

PMID- 28080452
TI  - MP calls for clarification of long-term care.
AB  - AN EARLY DAY motion tabled in the House of Commons this week urges health
      secretary Frank Dobson (above) to issue new guidance on patients' eligibility for
      long-term nursing care in light of the Coughlan case ruling.

PMID- 28080453
TI  - Unfair criteria are blocking access to nursing homes.
AB  - HEALTH AUTHORITIES (HAs) and social services are enforcing such strict
      eligibility criteria for nursing home care that patients 'practically have to be
      dead', a nursing home organisation claimed this week.

PMID- 28080454
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - When Neil Armstrong stepped on to the moon 30 years ago, I was up a tree. If he
      thought he was taking a giant leap, he obviously hadn't straddled the large gap
      between forking boughs half way up the big yew in our garden. The Sea of
      Tranquility? Easy.

PMID- 28080455
TI  - Second rate citizens.
AB  - Don't be ageist We are all humans who deserve to be given the best possible care
      regardless of our age. Every age group can put forward a good reason for why they
      should be given priority. The young have a whole life in front of them. The
      middle aged are the primarily employed population. The older generation have
      given a life-time towards the society of today.

PMID- 28080456
TI  - Ask the experts.
AB  - I am a newly qualified D grade working on an acute hospital ward with one other
      nurse and a ward sister. We think the sister has a drink problem she comes in
      smelling of drink. She sucks mints and uses perfume, so I don't think the
      patients have noticed. We are worried that patients might be compromised by her
      drinking, but as we have no real evidence we wonder if something has to happen
      before we can tell anyone. I am worried about repercussions should my complaint
      be unfounded.

PMID- 28080458
TI  - Recruitment 'turns the comer'.
AB  - THE NUMBER of applicants to diploma courses in England saw a 73 per cent rise on
      last year's figures.

PMID- 28080457
TI  - Super model behaviour.
AB  - EVA HERZICOVA (pictured) was one of five models praised by the National Blood
      Transfusion Service (NBTS) for giving blood in a photo shoot for the August
      edition of the style magazine.

PMID- 28080459
TI  - Euthanasia debate.
AB  - IF EUTHANASIA were legalised nurses would need specialist training and the
      protection of the law, says the author of an article on the controversial area.

PMID- 28080460
TI  - Just tell me why...
AB  - Well Walter, you were unsuccessful on this occasion.' I was being informed
      sympathetically by the nursing officer that my attempt to obtain a charge nurse
      post had crashed on the treacherous rocks of interview. 'Do come and see me if
      you wish to discuss the matter further,' he added.

PMID- 28080461
TI  - No minimum standards patients' post-operative.
AB  - PATIENTS WANT minimum standards for post-operative observations to set down how
      frequently they should be monitored following surgery.

PMID- 28080462
TI  - Feedback.
AB  - The Health and Safety Commission has asked the RCN for its views on a
      consultation document on genetically modified organisms. The consultation is
      being carried out to establish whether UK law should be changed.

PMID- 28080463
TI  - Someone should know how to use sign language.
AB  - The article 'Audiology and hearing impairment - improving the quality of care'
      (Art&Science July 14) was very interesting and clearly written. However as the
      mother of a deaf child who uses total communication - speech, lipreading and
      British Sign Language, I was amazed that in the section on communication there
      was no mention of sign language.

PMID- 28080464
TI  - Autism linked to autoimmune disease.
AB  - Families with children who have autism have a particularly high incidence of
      autoimmune diseases, according to American researchers.

PMID- 28080465
TI  - Guidelines do not affect mothers' use of services.
AB  - Providing new mothers with Baby Check, an illness scoring system for babies aged
      up to six months, does not affect use of health services, Scottish researchers
      say.

PMID- 28080466
TI  - Depression after stillbirth and further pregnancy.
AB  - Women who have had a stillbirth might be well advised to delay another conception
      for 12 months, researchers believe.

PMID- 28080467
TI  - New adjunctive therapy for intractable epilepsy.
AB  - Low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) might be useful
      as a non-invasive adjunctive treatment for intractable epilepsy.

PMID- 28080468
TI  - Beating the habit.
AB  - As a drugs charity, Addaction long ago recognised the important role that nurses
      and ex-nurses have to play at our 22 projects around the country. We have nurses
      working with drug users at many of our projects, as well as former nurses who
      have become drug workers before moving into management and even on to our
      executive team.

PMID- 28080469
TI  - Network offers you the chance to contact other-nurses free of charge. If you want
      help on any professional matters, please send details to Nursing Standard.

PMID- 28080470
TI  - 'Eligibility criteria' send shivers down the spine.
AB  - NOW THEN, when you go on duty today are you going to be delivering skilled
      specialist care to patients with complex needs? And will you recognise when semi
      skilled nursing is in order? Indeed, can you identify the difference? Can you say
      exactly how many hours of care a patient is going to need? What criteria will you
      be applying? If your work involves contact with nursing homes, that word criteria
      has probably sent a shiver down your spine.

PMID- 28080471
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 28080472
TI  - Spotlight on private cane.
AB  - An Awful Lot of poppycock has been written and spoken around the subject of
      private health care. It is one of those areas where everyone has an opinion. The
      trouble is, the people with the strongest and least complimentary opinions have
      not always been the ones with the most experience of this area.

PMID- 28080473
TI  - Fractured neck of femur, the risk factors.
AB  - On the orthopaedic ward on which I work, a large percentage of trauma/emergency
      admissions to the ward are the result of falls by older people resulting in
      fractures of the neck of femur.

PMID- 28080474
TI  - ?
AB  - Castaway: staff nurse Carol Baum showed Hull schoolgirl Rachel Clarke how to help
      her mum get plastered during a fracture clinic demonstration at Hull Royal
      Infirmary's family day. During the day there were displays by several
      departments, including pathology, health education and physiotherapy, and
      youngsters had fun being made up with pretend bruises and wounds.

PMID- 28080476
TI  - UKCC to survey nurses' ethnic identity.
AB  - THE UKCC is to compile the first comprehensive statistics on the number of black
      nurses in the UK.

PMID- 28080477
TI  - A&E nurses plan to sue over post-traumatic stress.
AB  - NURSES ARE planning to take their employers to the High Court, claiming that NHS
      trusts failed to protect them from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PMID- 28080478
TI  - Resources.
AB  - A resource guide on HIV health promotion with African community groups in England
      is now available. The guide lists published reports, educational resources,
      websites, useful contacts and advance information on forthcoming projects. To
      receive the guide free of charge send a stamped addressed envelope to: National
      HIV Prevention Information Service Health Education Authority Trevelyan House 30
      Great Peter Street London SW12 2HW.

PMID- 28080479
TI  - Demanding Patients? Analysing The Use of Primary Care Demanding Patients?
      Analysing The Use of Primary Care Rogers Anne , Hasswll Karen , Nicolaas Gerry ,
      250pp , L16.99 0-335-20090-7 0335200907.
AB  - This book examines the policy and sociological explanations for the diverse
      patterns of service use in primary care. Drawing on empirical data, the book's
      major interest concerns the interface between the public and primary care. It
      deals with lay decision making and the importance of these issues in
      understanding the role of the public in planning services in primary care groups.

PMID- 28080481
TI  - Complementary Therapies in Context Helen Graham Complementary Therapies in
      Context Jessica Kingsley 350pp , L16.95 1-85302-6409 1853026409.
AB  - Helen Graham addresses a wide range of topics and themes which underpin concepts
      of healing. Part I offers a well informed and succinct overview of perspectives
      of healing. Ms Graham summarises the key elements of ancient and modern
      approaches to healing before addressing both Eastern and Western approaches to
      this topic. This is a fascinating section and places recent developments in
      medicine within a sociocultural context.

PMID- 28080482
TI  - Nurse in the house.
AB  - WHEN KAREN ST.CYR first arrived at her office in the House of Commons, she found
      some unorthodox nursing equipment.

PMID- 28080495
TI  - Correction.
AB  - In 'The ultimate honour' (features October 31), it was reported that breast
      cancer nurse specialist Gill Donovan, joint winner of the first patient's choice
      award in 2008, is retiring from her post at Velindre Hospital in Cardiff. Ms
      Donovan is leaving Velindre, but is not retiring. We are happy to set the record
      straight.

PMID- 28080497
TI  - Fundamental values.
AB  - Changes in health care over the past 30 years, such as the increase in patient
      throughput and greater complexity of patient need, have undoubtedly affected
      nursing practice in hospitals.

PMID- 28080498
TI  - An instrument is only as good as its player.
AB  - The Liverpool Care Pathway is an excellent map guiding best practice for the
      terminally ill, but recently relatives have complained about a lack of
      consultation on decisions to withdraw food and fluids, for example.

PMID- 28080501
TI  - Let us clarify the type of leadership we want.
AB  - The prime minister sees better nursing leadership as essential to the NHS. He
      recently announced that 300 aspiring board-level directors of nursing will get a
      L2.7 million leadership development programme. A further L37 million will be
      available to train 10,000 leaders at foundation or mid-career level.

PMID- 28080511
TI  - Starting out - Managers have a duty to support staff with mental health problems.
AB  - As someone in their mid-thirties on their second career, I chose mental health
      nursing because I was eager to help people with mental health difficulties.

PMID- 28080512
TI  - Safeguarding adults at risk understand neglect and how to promote care and
      compassion.
AB  - Officially, neglect is a form of abuse. Government guidance states that abuse can
      be 'neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care
      needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or
      educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as
      medication, adequate nutrition and heating' ( Department of Health (DH) and Home
      Office 2000 ).

PMID- 28080515
TI  - Fight back.
AB  - At the RCN UK stewards conference in Birmingham earlier this month, the south
      west pay consortium was high on the agenda.

PMID- 28080516
TI  - Readers panel - wading into controversy.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28080518
TI  - Midwives' care can be as safe as physician-led services, and sometimes has better
      outcomes.
AB  - Midwife-led maternity care is as safe as physician-led care for women and babies,
      and may also have additional health benefits, concludes a review of the evidence
      by UK researchers.

PMID- 28080520
TI  - Staff in the south west are on the pay front line.
AB  - The group of trusts in south west England that is seeking to go its own way on
      pay lost one of its members last week. To the delight of staff, the board of the
      Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Dorset
      decided to remain with the hundreds of other NHS employers that are happy for
      terms and conditions to be set nationally rather than by local cabals.

PMID- 28080524
TI  - Nurses will judge programme's effectiveness.
AB  - The palliative and end of life learning and development programme for nursing
      homes will be delivered to nurses in 266 care homes across Northern Ireland by
      March 31 2013.

PMID- 28080526
TI  - CNO's blueprint aims to refocus profession on core priorities.
AB  - At the heart of the chief nursing officer for England's blueprint for nursing is
      an ambition to unlock the potential of every nurse and develop a culture of
      compassionate care.

PMID- 28080527
TI  - Don't ask me ....
AB  - I am not a stupid person. I read books and stay on top of current affairs. Having
      children keeps me abreast of popular culture, and I watch television and listen
      to Radio 4. So why am I a quiz night duffer?

PMID- 28080528
TI  - Waiting game.
AB  - 'You used to pay them half a crown. A lot of money in those days, but at least
      they came.' That was my mother reminiscing about the dark ages of health care,
      before the NHS.

PMID- 28080529
TI  - Be a ratings winner.
AB  - Improving patient experience requires the commitment of staff at every level of
      an organisation. From the chief executive to volunteers, everyone has a part to
      play, including the patients themselves wherever possible.

PMID- 28080531
TI  - Prioritise prevention.

PMID- 28080532
TI  - I want to help nurses articulate their contribution.
AB  - By writing the articles in this supplement, we wanted to support nurses in
      recognising neglect, in understanding the processes that can foster neglect and
      to offer ideas on how to prevent it.

PMID- 28080533
TI  - Nurses need to respond promptly to older people's expressions of pain.
AB  - Nurses use simple questions to assess pain in older patients in hospital,
      including those who have difficulty communicating, despite the availability of
      validated pain assessment tools, a qualitative study has found.

PMID- 28080534
TI  - Voices - The NMC will cut costs to keep registration fees down, says Mark
      Addison.
AB  - When the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) voted to increase the registration
      fee by L24 to L100 a year from February 2013, it was not a decision we made
      lightly.

PMID- 28080540
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28080539
TI  - Progesterone test predicts early pregnancy outcome in women with pain or
      bleeding.
AB  - A single progesterone measurement can discriminate between a viable and non
      viable pregnancy in women who have pain or bleeding in the early stages of their
      pregnancy, an analysis of the evidence has found.

PMID- 28080541
TI  - Exhaustion during training linked to poor performance in later years.
AB  - Nursing students who show signs of burnout during training are likely to
      underperform in their nursing practice after qualifying and experience poor
      psychological wellbeing, a study in Sweden has revealed.

PMID- 28080542
TI  - General health checks for adults fail to improve their wellbeing or longevity.
AB  - A meta-analysis of the evidence by Cochrane researchers has concluded that
      general health checks - such as those introduced in the UK in 2009 for adults
      aged 40 to 74 years - are unlikely to be beneficial.

PMID- 28080543
TI  - Stand up and be.
AB  - Nurses have a duty to prevent neglect occurring and this entails keeping abreast
      of current practice, being honest about their own competence and being prepared
      to report neglectful practices or dangerous organisational systems ( NMC 2008 ,
      2011 ).

PMID- 28080545
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28080548
TI  - Nurses shape up on reality show.
AB  - Two nurses faced their food fears on television in reality show Supersize Versus
      Superskinny, which aired this week on Channel 4.

PMID- 28080547
TI  - Anti-smoking policy puts staff at risk.
AB  - Nurses being asked to confront people breaching NHS hospital smoking bans could
      be putting their own safety at risk, according to the RCN.

PMID- 28080549
TI  - Dole queue health danger.
AB  - There is a wealth of literature showing links between unemployment and ill
      health. As the government struggles with the economy and attempts to keep people
      in work, nurses are bracing themselves for the health impact of growing job
      losses. Last week, the RCN took the opportunity of prime minister Gordon Brown's
      employment summit to remind politicians that periods of economic downturn
      historically lead to well documented rises in health problems.

PMID- 28080550
TI  - Domiciliary oxygen therapy:assessment and management.

PMID- 28080553
TI  - Small changes can bring big improvements for patients.
AB  - Further to Alan Halliday's letter (January 7), in my experience as a matron in
      outpatients the emphasis has already shifted towards a more caring environment.

PMID- 28080551
TI  - Health unions unite in call for a 2.5-hour cut in the working week.
AB  - Health unions will renew calls for nurses to work a shorter working week as part
      of moves to improve working conditions for NHS staff.

PMID- 28080555
TI  - Overcrowding must lead to compromised patient dignity.
AB  - It's a bit like Wimbledon. The ball goes back and forth. Alan Halliday wants the
      focus of the RCN's dignity campaign to switch to outpatients, where he complains
      that patient dignity is compromised as a matter of course (letters January 7).

PMID- 28080556
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - If you are a woman aged 45 to 70, the National Osteoporosis Society website will
      inform you and may even change your life. Osteoporosis is a condition in which
      the bones, particularly those of the wrist, hip and spine, become increasingly
      fragile and prone to fracture.

PMID- 28080557
TI  - Patient bottlenecks lead to conveyor belt care in outpatient departments.
AB  - Outpatients would be a great place to work were it not for the hordes of patients
      booked in to be seen in the morning and afternoon clinics (letters January 7 and
      14).

PMID- 28080559
TI  - Write a practice profile.

PMID- 28080558
TI  - Providing specialist care for pregnant women with asthma.
AB  - This article evaluates the care provided by respiratory nurse specialists to
      pregnant women with asthma. The effect of asthma on pregnancy and the effect of
      pregnancy on asthma are discussed with reference to relevant literature. This
      article focuses on education relating specifically to asthma and pregnancy and
      the personalised asthma action plan.

PMID- 28080560
TI  - Steps to promote dignity are undermined by target culture.
AB  - Nurses working in outpatients face the challenge of delivering individualised
      care in a clinical environment where the patient to trained staff ratio is
      significantly higher than the typical ward area (letters January 7 and 14).

PMID- 28080561
TI  - Hospital end of life care is inappropriate and unwanted.
AB  - Hospitals are far too expensive a burden on the state and a large part of that
      expense is inappropriate end of life care (editorial and news January 7). Many of
      the interventions for hospital patients nearing the end of their lives are
      unwanted, inappropriate, aggressive and highly technical.

PMID- 28080562
TI  - Adverse reaction.
AB  - Prescribed drugs undoubtedly save lives but some can also adversely affect mental
      health.

PMID- 28080564
TI  - Pre-surgery checklist aims to promote safety.
AB  - A checklist designed by the World Health Organization to ensure surgical
      procedures are carried out safely has been welcomed by the International
      Federation of Perioperative Nurses (IFPN).

PMID- 28080565
TI  - Alcohol-related presentations.
AB  - As a second-year adult nursing student on placement in an endocrine and upper
      gastrointestinal surgical ward, I encounter many patients with alcohol-induced
      pancreatitis.

PMID- 28080563
TI  - Every dying patient deserves the best specialist care.
AB  - The End of Life Care Strategy is an important document, but end of life care
      planning is unfortunately much more complex than the Commons public accounts
      committee and your editorial (January 7) would suggest.

PMID- 28080567
TI  - Climate is growing health threat.
AB  - Nurses will have to cope with a rising number of people with illnesses related to
      climate change over the next 50 years, according to a coalition of leading
      environmental and social justice groups.

PMID- 28080566
TI  - Graduates turn to public sector careers amid financial uncertainty.
AB  - A dramatic increase in the number of graduates applying to train as nurses in
      Newcastle upon Tyne has coincided with the loss of thousands of banking jobs in
      the city.

PMID- 28080568
TI  - Good management protects employees from heart disease.
AB  - Managers who display leadership skills might protect their staff from developing
      ischaemic heart disease.

PMID- 28080569
TI  - Beta blockers do not improve surgical clinical outcomes.
AB  - Evidence does not support the use of beta blockers for the prevention of
      perioperative clinical outcomes in patients having non-cardiac surgery.

PMID- 28080571
TI  - Rights of the child.
AB  - Thirteen-year-old leukaemia patient Hannah Jones was given the 'right to die'
      last year. That, at least, is what happened according to some newspaper reports.

PMID- 28080570
TI  - A race for women to support women - and men.
AB  - Liz Piper raised some interesting issues about Cancer Research UK's Race for Life
      (reflections December 3).

PMID- 28080572
TI  - Alcohol and drug use leads to violence among young tourists.
AB  - International resorts that attract young people feature many of the key risk
      factors for violence, including large numbers of bars and nightclubs and high
      levels of substance misuse.

PMID- 28080573
TI  - High levels of resistance in E. coli urinary infection.
AB  - With the exception of nitrofurantoin, resistance to drugs commonly used to treat
      urinary tract infections (UTIs) is extremely high.

PMID- 28080575
TI  - I learned how body image can affectapatient'smentalstate- Starting out.
AB  - Jude was a middle-aged woman whose independence had been severely affected by a
      vulvectomy. I visited her at home, with my mentor, four weeks after her
      operation.

PMID- 28080576
TI  - Survey reveals vast differences in practice nurse remuneration.
AB  - Some experienced practice nurses are receiving less money than newly qualified
      nurses working in the NHS, a survey of practice nurses has found.

PMID- 28080577
TI  - Staff on gaza conflict front line commended.
AB  - Nurses in Gaza and Israel have been sent a message of 'support, fraternity and
      solidarity' from the RCN during the current conflict.

PMID- 28080578
TI  - Letter from america.
AB  - With thousands of providers, a complex payment and reimbursement system and an
      extreme shortage of primary care doctors, it is difficult to see how the United
      States health system might compare to ours in the UK.

PMID- 28080579
TI  - Occupational hazard.
AB  - Shifts that interfere with diurnal rhythms have been classified as a carcinogen
      of the same magnitude as ultraviolet light.

PMID- 28080580
TI  - Respecting the rights of atheist or agnostic patients.
AB  - The National Secular Society (NSS) is a pressure group that defends the rights of
      atheists, agnostics and all non-believers.

PMID- 28080582
TI  - First meeting of new regulatory 'board' proves short and sweet.
AB  - The new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) held its first, and decidedly
      succinct, council meeting last week at the regulator's London headquarters,
      writes Petra Kendall-Raynor.

PMID- 28080581
TI  - Stress point.
AB  - A new pharmacy assistant asked me why nurses get stressed over their patients'
      TTOs.

PMID- 28080583
TI  - Hold the trade gobbledegook and say it like it is, says Daniel Allen.
AB  - The best example of a badly named healthcare department is 'ECT suite' because
      'suite' implies to me a sofa and a couple of armchairs.

PMID- 28080584
TI  - Readers panel - Lining private sector pockets.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28080585
TI  - The modest hospital gown.
AB  - Inter-faith hospital gowns provide alternative attire for patients who wish to
      cover themselves more extensively than the traditional gown allows. They were the
      brainchild of Karen Jacob, a linen services manager at Lancashire Teaching
      Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Distributor Interweave Textiles Limited has sold
      about 1,000 gowns to the NHS over the past two years.

PMID- 28080587
TI  - New constitution to promote needs and rights of NHS nurses.
AB  - The Department of Health (DH) is expected to make a pledge towards more nurse
      training in the new NHS Constitution, which is being launched this week.

PMID- 28080586
TI  - Guide to spiritual needs of staff and patients aims to clear up confusion.
AB  - It has been 12 years since healthcare students were given the first 'culturally
      appropriate' uniforms for NHS staff. The move was considered groundbreaking and
      recognised that the NHS needs to cater for people differently according to their
      religious beliefs.

PMID- 28080588
TI  - Rise in mental health problems predicted as job losses increase.
AB  - Psychological therapies must be accessible to people who have lost their jobs and
      are feeling depressed, leading nurses have warned.

PMID- 28080589
TI  - RCN members to gain more voting power.
AB  - The voting system at RCN congress could be overhauled to help give members a
      'stronger voice' during the college's annual conference.

PMID- 28080590
TI  - Emergency patients say care is improving.
AB  - Improved communication between patients and A&E staff, including better
      information at discharge, has been reported by the Healthcare Commission.

PMID- 28080591
TI  - Legal blame for fatal infection outbreaks could fall on nurses.
AB  - More nurses can expect to be blamed for outbreaks of healthcare-associated
      infections (HCAIs) as a result of high-profile investigations into cases,
      according to the RCN.

PMID- 28080593
TI  - Nmc's registration rules are gobbledegook to me.
AB  - The past three years have been difficult following my forced retirement due to
      ill health. But at last something positive has come of it. I will no longer be
      paying a registration fee to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for it to
      send out gobbledegook letters.

PMID- 28080595
TI  - Senseless suffering of children in the middle east.
AB  - My heart bleeds for the children in the Middle East. I cannot bear to watch the
      television news footage of shocked and injured children and young people in Gaza
      and Israel.

PMID- 28080594
TI  - Strategies to promote bme staff are not being enforced.
AB  - The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement report Access of BME Staff to
      Senior Positions in the NHS (news January 14) put a bit of damper on my new year.

PMID- 28080596
TI  - Mobile phone pests should not be let loose on hospital wards.
AB  - The woman who answers to the name of Amelie is on the train. I know this because
      she has told everyone within earshot five times already. And I know lots more
      about her as well.

PMID- 28080597
TI  - There is a time and a place for words of endearment.
AB  - I read with some degree of bemusement your readers panel on how we address
      patients (reflections January 7).

PMID- 28080598
TI  - Voices-Dame Chris Beasley outlines a government push to enhance community
      services.
AB  - I am pleased to announce that funding has been made available by the Department
      of Health to support leadership development and to enhance the evidence base of
      good practice in community services in England.

PMID- 28080600
TI  - RCN's dignity campaign is relevant to outpatients.
AB  - Alan Halliday (letters January 7) is so right when he says the need for dignity
      is as relevant in outpatients as it is in every other care service area.

PMID- 28080599
TI  - Squeezed by degrees.
AB  - Much of the debate on nursing education in recent months has focused on the pros
      and cons of making entry to the profession at degree level only. But many nursing
      students are worried about more basic issues, such as paying our rent, heating
      our homes and whether we can afford to stay on our courses.

PMID- 28080601
TI  - Ear muff acceptance among sawmill workers.
AB  - A method of ear muff selection has been suggested whereby the attenuation
      provided by the muff, measured as the SLC80 value, the muff weight and clamping
      force are combined to provide a rating index. A range of muffs selected on this
      basis was tested in a number of Australian sawmills to determine their acceptance
      among the workers in these mills. A specific relationship between the rating
      index and wearer acceptance was not clearly established, although a number of
      muffs with the highest indices were favourably rated by wearers and others with
      the lowest values were rated unfavourably.

PMID- 28080602
TI  - Memory overload or expectancy effect? 'Hysteresis' revisited.
AB  - The effects of expectancy and variation in task demand on the rate of human
      information transmission were studied. Subjects performed an eight-choice key
      pressing task, attempting to match characters presented singly under both
      increasing and decreasing demand. The results support previous research
      indicating that the relationship between the rate of information an individual is
      able to transmit and task demand depends, at least in part, upon the temporal
      history of demand. When a relatively high level of demand was imposed,
      performance failed to recover at the expected rate as demand was reduced.
      However, this 'hysteresis' effect occurred even when a cue was provided to
      indicate clearly that a reduction in task demand was imminent, suggesting that an
      overload of short-term memory, rather than an individual's erroneous expectations
      regarding demand, is primarily responsible for the effect.

PMID- 28080603
TI  - A cost analysis method of establishing training criteria.
AB  - A significant problem encountered in designing operator training programmes is
      the lack of a method for establishing appropriate training criteria (final
      performance levels). This paper presents such a method which has been derived on
      the basis of integrating three relatively distinct technical areas: (1) learning
      curve modelling, (2) quality assurance concepts, and (3) economic analysis. The
      information requirements for making training decisions are discussed and sources
      of that information are proposed. The end result of applying the method is a
      quantifiable measure of the cost effectiveness of a training programme.

PMID- 28080604
TI  - The influence of vehicle type on the estimation of velocity while driving.
AB  - Velocity production in the absence of speedometer information was investigated as
      a function of car size. In the first experiment three vehicles of different sizes
      were driven by 30 subjects; in the second experiment a different sample of 20
      subjects used their own vehicles, which were classified into two size categories.
      In both experiments subjects were required to drive under conditions of normal
      and attenuated auditory feedback. The results indicated a greater production
      accuracy in small compared with large cars and a tendency for drivers of small
      cars to make greater use of auditory information. The results are discussed in
      the context of the relative contribution of different sensory channels to the
      subjective scale of speed.

PMID- 28080605
TI  - Obituary.

PMID- 28080606
TI  - A comparison of colour and visual texture as codes for use as area symbols on
      thematic maps.
AB  - Three experiments compared colour and texture as methods of coding area symbols
      for thematic maps. Most previous research has been limited to displays with, at
      most, eight codes. This study employed displays containing 16 types of symbol
      coded either by colour, texture, or a non-redundant combination of the two.
      Symbols coded by colour, or a combination of colour and texture were much easier
      to find than symbols coded by texture alone. Point symbols were easier to locate
      against a coloured background than a textured background. Texture codes may be
      slightly easier to remember than colour codes but the difference, if any, is
      small.

PMID- 28080607
TI  - The need for single registration care homes: the RCN visionThis report discusses
      the provision of care for people living in nursing and residential homes. It
      presents the RCN's (1997a) proposals for single registration care homes. In the
      first of two articles, on page 35 in this week's issue, the authors also examine
      the statutory framework that currently regulates residential and nursing home
      provision.

PMID- 28080608
TI  - New chief for Ashworth.
AB  - NURSES AT ASHWORTH Special Hospital on Merseyside are hoping for a period of
      calm, the RCN said last week.

PMID- 28080609
TI  - Agency alert.
AB  - IMAGINE THE scene. Monday morning and you are the only qualified nurse on a busy
      elderly care unit. Of the other three care staff, one is a regular' and the
      others are from the agency and have never been in the building before.

PMID- 28080610
TI  - Readers panel.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28080611
TI  - Numeracy skills for intravenous calculations.
AB  - Aims and intended learning outcomes: This article covers the numeracy skills
      required in the administration of intravenous (IV) therapy in the acute setting.
      It begins by considering everyday practice with straightforward prescriptions and
      progresses to more complex calculations. The article also encourages the
      practitioner to consider other related features of IV therapy.

PMID- 28080612
TI  - 'Happiness sessions' help stressed nurses.
AB  - A NURSE who left the profession because of stress has set up her own company to
      help other stressed nurses.

PMID- 28080615
TI  - Nurses told to hand back overpayments.
AB  - NURSES AT a Scottish health board are taking legal advice after being asked to
      hand back overpayments made to them I under a management which has been
      criticised by an independent inquiry.

PMID- 28080613
TI  - ?
AB  - June Catterall, nee Salisbury, the first baby born under the NHS on July 5 1948
      holds Jack Topping, born July 5 1998 at the same hospital, the North Manchester
      General Hospital. The event was part of the NHS 50th anniversary celebrations.

PMID- 28080616
TI  - MPs look into eviction of nursing home residents.
AB  - THE GOVERNMENT is looking at ways to protect nursing home residents from being
      evicted abruptly.

PMID- 28080618
TI  - CHImp is watching: rolling checks designed to make sure national standards are
      met.
AB  - A NEW statutory body, the Commission for Health Improvement, (CHImp) is to
      monitor trusts' performance.

PMID- 28080617
TI  - ?
AB  - A NEW publication written by a group of respected policy analysts provides a cool
      overview of the UK nursing labour market, demonstrating the extent to which every
      policy change, deal and review affects it in some way.

PMID- 28080619
TI  - ?
AB  - New recruit: Jan Anderson joins the cast of the BBC's hit TV series Casualty as
      new nurse Chloe Hill in the forthcoming series starting in September.

PMID- 28080620
TI  - New hi-tech standards.
AB  - CLEAR PERFORMANCE standings to ensure nurses remain up to date with hi-tech
      equipment are on the way.

PMID- 28080621
TI  - Clinical governance: senior clinicians to draw up programmes for improving
      quality.
AB  - NATIONAL standards, set by NICE and the national service frameworks, will be
      introduced across the country through clinical governance - tire system for
      putting the standards into practice locally.

PMID- 28080622
TI  - Treasury cash offers NHS a fighting chance.
AB  - THE CASH injection for public services expected this week should provide for more
      nurse- led services, RCN general secretary Christine Hancock has said.

PMID- 28080623
TI  - National body needed to solve nursing crisis.
AB  - A STUDY of the nursing labour market has predicted that government efforts to end
      nursing shortages will fail.

PMID- 28080624
TI  - Buying health.
AB  - THE GOOD NEWS in the government's strategy for the new NHS is the official
      recognition of the need for nurse involvement in commissioning. 'The bad news is
      that some influential senior managers have been heard to say that the inclusion
      of nurses in the White Paper was an afterthought, not planned or thought through,
      which only happened after extensive lobbying. I do not agree with this, I think
      it reflected the belated realisation by the government that much high-quality
      expertise was being lost to the management of the NHS because of the failure to
      include nurses in commissioning.

PMID- 28080625
TI  - The need for single registration care homes 1: current provision.
AB  - Successive governments have committed themselves to care in the community, with
      emphasis on people staying in their own homes for as long as possible.

PMID- 28080626
TI  - Persecution of the fifty'somethings.
AB  - I WONDER how much wastage of skills, knowledge, respect and loyalty occurs when a
      nurse, on reaching 50- something, is placed on the 'witchhunt hit-list?

PMID- 28080627
TI  - Trusts block right to see medical notes.
AB  - MIDWIFE Amanda Shaw is among thousands of angry patients and relatives who claim
      they have been given the runaround by GPs and hospitals over access to medical
      records.

PMID- 28080629
TI  - Protest over private funding.
AB  - NURSES protested last week against plans to fund hospital developments privately.

PMID- 28080628
TI  - Sentence for bogus nurse is criticised.
AB  - THE SYSTEM for checking nurses' registration and qualifications is being
      tightened up following the case of a bogus nurse, Gloucester Crown Court was told
      last week.

PMID- 28080631
TI  - Rewind.
AB  - A round-up of recent news events.

PMID- 28080632
TI  - Unexpected peril for gardeners.
AB  - People who spend a lot of time gardening might be at risk of psittacosis.

PMID- 28080633
TI  - Opportunity knocks.....will nurses answer?Nurses will have to compete with other
      professions for the chance to lead the new NHS, says Rudolf Klein.
AB  - ONE OF THE characteristics of the government's White Paper, The New NHS: Modern
      Dependable', is that it is strong on long-term aspirations but fuzzily vague
      about the mechanisms and tools required to achieve its aims. It is an outline
      sketch, where the details still remain to be filled in.

PMID- 28080635
TI  - Frameworks for equal standards of care.
AB  - NATIONAL SERVICE frameworks will set standards for the treatment and care of
      particular conditions and diseases.

PMID- 28080634
TI  - Patients' use of denial: coping with the unacceptable.
AB  - Sigmund Freud ( 1961 ) identified the ego as the reality component of the
      personality that governs problem solving and rational thinking. As the level of
      anxiety increases, the strength of the ego is tested, and energy is mobilised to
      confront the threat. Anna Freud ( 1953 ) identified a number of defence
      mechanisms which can be used in the face of threat to physical or psychological
      integrity. Among these defence mechanisms is the commonly used and important
      mechanism of denial.

PMID- 28080636
TI  - Lifelong learning keeps skills up to date.
AB  - NURSES WILL have to take part in continuing professional development (CPD) under
      clinical governance arrangements.

PMID- 28080637
TI  - Listings.

PMID- 28080638
TI  - Self-regulation is to be strengthened.
AB  - PROFESSIONAL self-regulation will be modernised and strengthened. It will aim to
      identify possible lapses in quality earlier than under the present system.

PMID- 28080639
TI  - Learning for life.
AB  - PARENTS OF children with life-threatening conditions are initally in a state of
      severe shock. Education is not even on their agenda.

PMID- 28080640
TI  - Mental health nurses ready to set 'care blueprint'.
AB  - MENTAL HEALTH nurses have been recruited to an expert group which will be asked
      to draw up a 'care blueprint' for mental health services across the country.

PMID- 28080641
TI  - Women who conceal breast lumps.
AB  - In spite of extensive media coverage, a substantial proportion of women still
      conceal their breast lumps.

PMID- 28080642
TI  - Why are we embarrased to talk about pay?
AB  - UKCC We would like to make it clear that a recent letter from Nursing Standard
      concerning the UKCC's current survey of selected registrants over the PREP
      requirements was published and distributed by Nursing Standard and not by the
      UKCC. The letter is not part of the UKCC's evaluation work.

PMID- 28080644
TI  - Visiting list will resolve disputes.
AB  - I was pleased to see coverage of my national campaign on visiting access (News
      Analysis June 17).

PMID- 28080643
TI  - Blood pressure and risk of stroke.
AB  - Even a small reduction in systolic blood pressure could substantially lower the
      risk of stroke. Chinese researchers undertook a prospective, observational study
      of nearly 10,000 men and women.

PMID- 28080645
TI  - NetworkNetwork offers you the chance to contact other nurses free of charge. if
      you want help with any professional issues, please send details to nursing
      standard.
AB  - I work in a small A&E department on the west coast of Scotland and am trying to
      establish standard advice and treatment for dealing with ticks. I am also trying
      to collect information on Lymes disease. I would be grateful for any information.

PMID- 28080646
TI  - Work-related asthma rockets.
AB  - NURSES ARE ideally placed to help the government in its battle against the
      alarming rise in occupational asthma, according to an asthma charity. Ministers
      now consider the problem a health priority.

PMID- 28080647
TI  - TV appeal for Christie's.
AB  - MARCELLE LEWIS, a staff nurse at Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, is
      getting used to being a 'luvvy' after she appeared in a prime-time television
      advertisement.

PMID- 28080648
TI  - Web worries.
AB  - IN A study funded by the Foundation of Nursing Studies, and available in full on
      this week's Nursing Standard Online, senior nurses were asked to give their views
      on computer networks. TTie results were surprisingly upbeat, though tempered with
      caution.

PMID- 28080650
TI  - PCGs may not cut management costs.
AB  - PRIMARY CARE groups are unlikely to reduce NHS management costs, at least in
      their first few years, according to a King's Fund report.

PMID- 28080651
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28080652
TI  - Nurse with criminal past loses job offer.
AB  - A SOMERSET nurse has turned to his MP for justice after he lost a job opportunity
      clue to a spent conviction.

PMID- 28080653
TI  - All that glitters is not gold...
AB  - As the leading employer of nurse expert witnesses, I welcome the work the RCN is
      doing to improve the standard of this service. Performance in the witness box not
      only reflects and exposes an individual's credibility, but also publicly
      demonstrates the professionalism of nurses in general.

PMID- 28080654
TI  - Size matters.
AB  - DURING THE admission procedure for people requiring psychiatric hospital care,
      nursing staff concentrate on the client's current mental health problems. At the
      same time, the admittance nurse assesses the client's potential for violence.

PMID- 28080655
TI  - Nurses are not part of the 'medical profession'.
AB  - I welcome the RCN's call for recognition by the Crown Prosecution Service of RNs
      as professional witnesses (News July 1). The issues are complex, not least
      because of differences between expert and professional witnesses. A professional
      witness gives evidence of fact, while an expert witness gives an opinion in a
      professional capacity.

PMID- 28080656
TI  - Sidelines.
AB  - ? If Lord Stoddard of Swindon ever ends up in hospital, nurses should beware of
      (ailing hint David. At least, not unless they are sure he won't be offended. The
      Labour peer is upset at the overfamiliarity of NHS staff who address patients by
      their first names rather than their surnames. Lord Stoddard is so concerned that
      he has urged health minister Baroness Jay to issue orders to all NHS hospitals.
      His Lordship, as he may wish to be described, believes NHS patients should be
      treated 'like paying customers' and 'customers should be addressed by their
      surnames and titles unless the use of their Christian name is desired and
      sanctioned by the customer'.

PMID- 28080657
TI  - Caring climate will help us to heal.
AB  - Reflection is widely written and talked about these days, but I wonder to what
      extent it actually occurs. I recently attended a reflective practice conference,
      where participants demonstrated the ways in which reflection is used -
      particularly interesting was the use of poetry, art work and meditation.

PMID- 28080658
TI  - Climax of speech did not reach audience.
AB  - It was a privilege to be invited to open the series of reflections on the NHS at
      the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Westminster Abbey. My title was The vision of
      dignity and the challenge - respect and care for all'.

PMID- 28080661
TI  - Welsh assembly goes it alone on regulation of support workers.
AB  - Healthcare support workers (HCSWs) in Wales are to be regulated for the first
      time in a historic move by the Welsh Assembly Government.

PMID- 28080659
TI  - Drop the histrionics and face the facts.
AB  - In the fallout after the scandal at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, I am incredulous
      at the attitude of Professor Christopher Maggs (Letters July 1).

PMID- 28080662
TI  - Margaret haywood 'delighted' as ban is overturned.
AB  - A whistleblower who was banned from nursing in April for exposing patient neglect
      in a BBC documentary has been allowed to nurse again.

PMID- 28080663
TI  - Shoe inserts can reduce serious pain in runners.
AB  - Running injuries are among the most commonly treated sports-related injuries.

PMID- 28080664
TI  - HPV vaccines could prevent many cases of penile cancer.
AB  - Vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) are likely to be effective in penile
      carcinoma.

PMID- 28080665
TI  - It should be nurses' skills that count, not their gender.
AB  - Striving to achieve the right gender balance provides an opportunity to re-think
      the profession and get rid of stereotypical gendered roles (reflections September
      30).

PMID- 28080667
TI  - Personal factors might influence induction rate of labour.
AB  - More than a quarter of induced labours are not explained by clinical factors,
      Scottish researchers report.

PMID- 28080666
TI  - Starting out - I was amazed by the skill and professionalism of paramedics.
AB  - On my community placement I joined a 12-hour shift at the East Midlands Ambulance
      Service NHS Trust. I was apprehensive at first, but as we raced to our first
      emergency, the adrenaline soon overcame any doubts.

PMID- 28080668
TI  - First aid article further confuses a complicated issue.
AB  - Articles such as 'Introduction to the nurse's role in providing first aid'
      (art&science September 30) do notassist or educate the nursing community on their
      duties and obligations. They serve only to confuse the issues.

PMID- 28080670
TI  - Leave pay to the experts.
AB  - The promise of a pay freeze in 2011 should the Conservatives win power did not
      come as a major surprise when it was announced by shadow chancellor George
      Osborne last week. Before their annual conference the Tories had said they would
      be honest about the cuts they would make to government spending, and hinted that
      public sector pay would be in their sights.

PMID- 28080669
TI  - Scale detects drug overuse in people with chronic headache.
AB  - The severity of dependence scale (SDS) reliably detects medication overuse and
      dependency-like behaviour in people with primary chronic headache.

PMID- 28080671
TI  - Unions warn of workforce crisis if osborne imposes wage freeze.
AB  - Nurses' pay could be frozen for the first time in living memory if the
      Conservative Party wins the next general election, prompting fears of a major
      recruitment crisis.

PMID- 28080672
TI  - Your views on public pay freeze.
AB  - The Conservatives propose a pay freeze for public sector workers if they win next
      year's general election. Nursing Standard asked nurses how it would affect them.

PMID- 28080673
TI  - Mobile phones may be useful tools but are banned on wards for a reason.
AB  - Vincent Tremayne asserts that a mobile phone can be a nursing student's best
      friend. In the student focus (September 30), he writes: 'Thoughts of buying a fob
      watch, nursing dictionary, pens and a complete nursing library should be put on
      hold because you probably own an accessory that can perform all these functions -
      your mobile phone.'

PMID- 28080674
TI  - Doctors want limit to nurse prescribing.
AB  - Nearly eight out of ten psychiatrists have concerns about the clinical safety of
      mental health nurse prescribers, according to a study.

PMID- 28080676
TI  - Psychometric tests may be used to recruit staff and students.
AB  - Nursing students and staff in England will be asked to undergo psychometric tests
      as part of the recruitment process, Nursing Standard has learned.

PMID- 28080675
TI  - Reports highlight drug errors in residential care homes.
AB  - The quality of district and community nursing in care homes will be analysed as
      part of a broader investigation into residential home care.

PMID- 28080677
TI  - OutsideIn.
AB  - Before I reveal what the other boys called me at school, I want to make two
      things clear. First, the nickname was in no way a reflection on my personal
      hygiene. And second, it was positively complimentary compared with what some
      other children were called.

PMID- 28080679
TI  - RCN survey reveals discrimination persists towards BME staff.
AB  - Plans to tackle racism in the NHS will be developed by the RCN after a survey of
      nurses from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds found that they continue
      to experience discrimination.

PMID- 28080680
TI  - Cameras aim to deter attacks on nurses.
AB  - CCTV will be introduced in A&E units across Wales in a bid to protect nurses
      against violent attacks.

PMID- 28080681
TI  - Time to decide how to deliver older people's care - and who will fund it.
AB  - How to fund long-term care is set to be a major issue at next year's general
      election.

PMID- 28080682
TI  - Colleagues in a lather for a worthy cause.
AB  - Nurses scrubbed up to raise funds for their patients at a charity car wash.

PMID- 28080683
TI  - Narrowed pay gap could erode differences in bands, says RCN.
AB  - The pay gap between unqualified healthcare assistants (HCAs) and registered
      nurses will be narrowed if a Conservative government freezes public sector pay.

PMID- 28080684
TI  - Hepatitis support club launched at hospital.
AB  - A support group allowing people living with hepatitis B or C to share their
      experiences was launched this month.

PMID- 28080685
TI  - Deaf student signs on to register.
AB  - A deaf nurse is believed to have become the first man whose primary language is
      British Sign Language to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council register.

PMID- 28080686
TI  - Potential NHS whistleblowers are being paid off, charity claims.
AB  - A whistleblowing charity claims some NHS employers are offering large sums of
      money to buy the silence of staff who raise concerns.

PMID- 28080687
TI  - Nursing needs an urgent image overhaul to attract more men.
AB  - The number of men applying for nursing diploma courses has slumped by half,
      leading to calls for an urgent revamp of the profession's image.

PMID- 28080688
TI  - On-call rules decision has to be delayed.
AB  - Plans to introduce standardised pay for nurses working on-call have been delayed.

PMID- 28080690
TI  - Lansley should come clean on his policy for the NHS.
AB  - Despite the recent speech by shadow secretary Andrew Lansley at the Conservative
      Party conference, the electorate remains unclear about Tory policy on the NHS.

PMID- 28080689
TI  - Honour a patient's request to die without judgement.
AB  - Nurses who hear a patient asking for assisted dying should really listen. It is
      wrong to ignore an authentic request, or dismiss it with 'you don't really mean
      that'.

PMID- 28080692
TI  - Community mental healthservices are being eroded.
AB  - Inpatient mental health service users do not receive sufficient support and care
      from nurses and I am pleased that the Care Quality Commission's 2009 Survey of
      Mental Health Acute Inpatient Services has highlighted this (news September 30).

PMID- 28080693
TI  - The best of the week's health-related tv and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28080695
TI  - Ward to board leadership.
AB  - Nursing directors are supposed to ensure that clinical quality features
      frequently on the agendas of NHS board meetings and is monitored at board level.
      On the face of it, nurse directors are ideally placed to promote clinical
      quality. After all, nurses and midwives are seen as key to providing quality
      care.

PMID- 28080694
TI  - Gram-negative bacterium illustration is misleading.
AB  - Reading one of my wife's copies of Nursing Standard, I was surprised to see an
      illustration of a Gram negative bacterium that is misleading (art&science August
      5).

PMID- 28080696
TI  - There are three basic steps to motivating nurses.
AB  - Further to 'The right incentive' (career development September 30), there is no
      need for managers to ask individual staff members what motivates us.

PMID- 28080697
TI  - Voices - Tony Hazell says the four UK countries can learn from each other.
AB  - When I took on the role of chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in
      January, I became aware very quickly of the challenge of being a four-country
      regulator.

PMID- 28080698
TI  - Skill mix is the key to retaining experienced staff.
AB  - Further to the analysis by Tamsin Snow on workforce planning (September 23), I
      have been in nursing all my working life and have just opted for the 24-hour
      retirement option at the age of 58.

PMID- 28080699
TI  - I feel cheated out of a public symbol of three years' work.
AB  - I have recently qualified after three hard years of study, stress and laughter,
      and had a wonderful day celebrating with my fellow graduates.

PMID- 28080700
TI  - Reders panel - alcohol anonymous.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28080702
TI  - 'Staffing levels dictate what i do'.
AB  - Tayo Onipede manages the renal unit at King's College Hospital, London.

PMID- 28080705
TI  - Using the mnemonic 'brain attack' in the management of acute stroke.

PMID- 28080706
TI  - A telling truth.
AB  - When I was a nursing student I had to tell a man that his wife was dying. As the
      'third year' in charge of the ward, I was deemed senior enough to have the
      unenviable task fall to me.

PMID- 28080707
TI  - A journey of all-round discovery.
AB  - The chief nursing officer (CNO) for England's black and minority ethnic (BME)
      advisory group was established to advise her on policy and practice matters.

PMID- 28080709
TI  - Management of home emergencies.

PMID- 28080708
TI  - Give us the resources to lead.
AB  - Scotland and Wales have begun programmes to support ward sisters and charge
      nurses, and Northern Ireland has allocated L2 million to provide practical
      support for them. There is no hint of similar activity in England.

PMID- 28080710
TI  - The Ergonomics Society ANNUAL CONFERENCE 1976 ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS.

PMID- 28080715
TI  - Dignity in all we do.
AB  - The RCN's dignity campaign is encouraging nurses to give respectful and
      compassionate care at all times.

PMID- 28080716
TI  - External fixation.
AB  - As a newly qualified staff nurse working on a trauma ward, I see patients with a
      variety of fractures. It is often difficult to distinguish between the different
      types of fractures and the methods of fixation.

PMID- 28080717
TI  - Correction.
AB  - There was an error in the last paragraph of Clare Walker's letter (August 5) on
      the RCN policy change to a neutral position on assisted suicide. Catholic Nursing
      Association should have read Catholic Medical Association.

PMID- 28080718
TI  - NHS must go the extra mile.
AB  - For years, many of the community nurses and midwives who use their own cars for
      work have been subsidising the NHS. The mileage rates on offer have fallen some
      way short of the true costs of running a car, which have soared in recent years.

PMID- 28080719
TI  - Leisure time activity low in men employed in passive jobs.
AB  - Men who work in passive jobs are less likely to engage in physical leisure
      activity.

PMID- 28080720
TI  - Drive to meet targets may undermine learning aims.
AB  - As a professor of nursing, I read with interest that Imperial College Healthcare
      NHS Trust in London aims to double the proportion of nurses with degrees from 25
      to 50 per cent over the next five years (news July 29).

PMID- 28080721
TI  - Hundreds of posts in a wide range of specialties are taking three months or more
      to fill.
AB  - The statistics also showed there were 1,200 more jobs being advertised in acute,
      older people's and general care compared to the same time the previous year.

PMID- 28080723
TI  - Rise in unfilled posts blamed on squeeze on overseas recruitment.
AB  - Tighter immigration laws are leaving health organisations struggling for staff,
      particularly to care for older people, the RCN claims.

PMID- 28080725
TI  - Starting out - conquering your fears is key to helping others overcome theirs.
AB  - During my time on a surgical ward I was allocated a placement in theatres. As
      soon as my mentor mentioned it, I felt anxious. I went home and worried all
      night. I did not know what to expect in theatre. What if I fainted?

PMID- 28080724
TI  - Yearly medicines management training should be mandatory.
AB  - A discussion took place at a recent meeting of the Medicines Management Nurses
      Network Group on the amount of work, time and effort each member of the group had
      undertaken to reduce the number of reported medication-related errors made by
      healthcare professionals.

PMID- 28080726
TI  - Meet students' europe-wide leader.
AB  - Second-year nursing student Saffron Brown, pictured, will help raise the profile
      of students across the UK and Europe.

PMID- 28080727
TI  - Working unpaid overtime is no way to manage workload.
AB  - Is working extra unpaid hours every week the best way to address heavy workloads
      (news August 5)? Absolutely not.

PMID- 28080730
TI  - Methadone prescribing maintenance could be improved, study finds.
AB  - Important elements of care in provision of methadone maintenance treatment are
      likely to influence, or indicate, an individual's risk of death.

PMID- 28080728
TI  - Dig for victory in the worldwide war on fat.
AB  - I was stressed out by house hunting and still struggling to lose weight when a
      friend said: 'Make sure your new house has a garden that needs a lot of work. A
      few hours a week digging flower beds is all you need. Get stuck in to a bit of
      digging and your weight will drop off.'

PMID- 28080731
TI  - I disapprove of the policy change on assisted suicide.
AB  - As an RCN fellow, I share many readers' disappointment about the RCN policy
      change on assisted suicide. Neutrality signals weak leadership and mixed messages
      to nurses and patients.

PMID- 28080732
TI  - Suicide ruling is welcomed, but presents problems too.
AB  - The Huntington's Disease Association knows only too well that assisted suicide is
      a complicated issue and fraught with ethical, spiritual and moral dilemmas (news
      and letters July 29).

PMID- 28080735
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28080733
TI  - Nurses should beware of putting words in their patients'mouths.
AB  - While reviewing care plans for patients in care homes recently, I noticed that
      they were written in the first person singular.

PMID- 28080736
TI  - Respecting patient choice extends to suicide rights.
AB  - There is much talk in health care about ensuring that the people we care for have
      their choices respected. But people in the UK with progressive illnesses are not
      being offered the choice to die with dignity.

PMID- 28080737
TI  - RCN is only prepared to take on pre-agenda for change claims.
AB  - The RCN takes issues of equal pay seriously. However, your article about the
      college supporting unfair pay claims is misleading (news August 5).

PMID- 28080738
TI  - Nurses and doctors need to discuss end of life care.
AB  - I am an RCN fellow and regret the decision of RCN council to adopt a neutral
      position in the debate on assisted dying. It is questionable whether it is
      possible to be neutral in such circumstances. Nursing is not carried out in
      isolation. Nurses are part of a team of practitioners acting in concert for the
      welfare of patients.

PMID- 28080740
TI  - Staff suspended over 'anomalies' in A&E waiting time records.
AB  - A trust investigating irregularities in the recording of A&E waiting times has
      suspended two of its senior nurses.

PMID- 28080739
TI  - Developing and implementing an oral care policy and assessment tool.

PMID- 28080741
TI  - Transition smooth on hours law.
AB  - The introduction of a European law limiting the number of hours junior doctors
      can work has gone smoothly and not raised concern among RCN members, according to
      the college.

PMID- 28080742
TI  - Student life-Seeing the person.
AB  - Few people would dispute that education can be an important tool in defeating
      ageist attitudes. For professionals, however, clinical practice is as important
      as classroom learning in developing and shaping students' experiences, especially
      when it comes to caring for older people.

PMID- 28080743
TI  - Troubled hospital criticised over lack of progress.
AB  - Efforts to improve care at the troubled Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust
      remain blighted by a serious shortage of experienced nurses and a reliance on
      agency staff.

PMID- 28080744
TI  - 'We want to go the extra mile'.
AB  - Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London has introduced a range of
      measures to enhance dignity and respect in patient care.

PMID- 28080745
TI  - Consultation on alternative therapy regulation launched.
AB  - Nurses practising acupuncture, or herbal or Chinese medicine, may soon be subject
      to UK-wide statutory regulation and have to pass an accreditation test.

PMID- 28080746
TI  - Delivering value for money.
AB  - World class commissioning (WCC) is a catchphrase made famous by departing health
      minister Lord Darzi in the Next Stage Review. Such is the importance attached to
      primary care trusts (PCTs) as commissioners of effective services that the
      Department of Health (DH) established a major WCC programme for primary care
      organisations.

PMID- 28080747
TI  - Leading nurse claims most staff fail to carry out essential checks.
AB  - The nursing profession needs to confront the failure of nurses to complete
      essential processes, such as patient observations, a leading nurse director has
      warned.

PMID- 28080749
TI  - Crash victim inspired to join profession.
AB  - Watching healthcare professionals at work as she recovered from a devastating car
      crash has inspired Rachael Medlock to pursue her dream to be a nurse.

PMID- 28080750
TI  - Overhaul of mileage allowances will see current system simplified.
AB  - Recommended mileage rates for NHS staff using personal cars for work could be
      increased in a bid to simplify the current system, Nursing Standard can reveal.

PMID- 28080751
TI  - Private healthcare sector shows resilience amid economic gloom.
AB  - Jennifer Richards is one of a growing number of nurses working in the private
      sector.

PMID- 28080752
TI  - Healthcare support staff must be regulated.
AB  - Every day tens of thousands of dedicated healthcare support workers (HCSWs)
      provide personal and complex care to patients, often with little supervision and
      support.

PMID- 28080753
TI  - Trust's service innovation sees tissue donations soar.
AB  - Tissue donation at a hospital has increased 40-fold after a nurse combined its
      bereavement and donation services.

PMID- 28080755
TI  - Call for probe into deaths from superbug.
AB  - The Scottish Labour Party is calling for a Scotland-wide investigation into
      deaths caused by Clostridium difficile.

PMID- 28080756
TI  - Voices - seize the chance to help shape nursing's future, urges Chris Beasley.
AB  - The consultation for the prime minister's Commission on the Future of Nursing and
      Midwifery closed last week and, on behalf of the commission, I would like to
      thank those of you who responded. There will be more opportunities to get
      involved in the commission's work through local events over the coming months.

PMID- 28080754
TI  - David Newnham is living on the wrong side of the digital divide.
AB  - Everyone says that living in the countryside is good for your health. All those
      plants pumping out oxygen and coloured a nice, relaxing green. What could be more
      beneficial? Well, decent mobile phone coverage for a start.

PMID- 28080757
TI  - 'Improve access to head cancer nurses'.
AB  - All patients with head and neck cancer should have access to a clinical nurse
      specialist from diagnosis, a new audit has recommended.

PMID- 28080758
TI  - Care home sector braced for cuts.
AB  - The economic downturn could lead to a reduction in the number of long-term care
      residences, according to Registered Nursing Home Association chief executive
      officer Frank Ursell.

PMID- 28080759
TI  - Trusts turn to retired nurses to cope with swine flu pandemic.
AB  - NHS organisations are reaching out to hundreds of recently retired nurses for
      help during the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic.

PMID- 28080761
TI  - Readers panel - painful decisions.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28080760
TI  - Commission analyses submissions on what makes an ideal nurse.
AB  - The prime minister's Commission on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery is
      starting to analyse the submissions to its consultation on what makes an ideal
      nurse.

PMID- 28080762
TI  - Strategies to improve patients' adherence to medication.

PMID- 28080764
TI  - A little knowledge can be an irritating thing.
AB  - There was a time when medical expertise was valued and patients knew little and
      questioned nothing. Thankfully we have moved on. Patients have a right to an
      opinion and expect to be given enough information to make informed decisions.

PMID- 28080763
TI  - WebWise.
AB  - NHS Choices has set up a swine flu portal for the general public and healthcare
      professionals. This site is an invaluable and comprehensive resource on influenza
      A(H1N1) and is being updated on a daily basis during the global pandemic.

PMID- 28080765
TI  - Health visiting: a critical service.
AB  - MPs on the House of Commons health committee were surprised recently when then
      health secretary Alan Johnson suggested that the worsening shortage of health
      visitors might be partially resolved if they no longer routinely saw individual
      children and their families.

PMID- 28080766
TI  - Why does nursing workload spike every ten years?
AB  - Trends in nursing workload can be analysed by capturing and counting workload
      data across time.

PMID- 28080767
TI  - Patients to judge equality council.
AB  - Patient satisfaction surveys will be used to judge whether the new NHS Equality
      and Diversity Council is a success, according to the Department of Health (DH).

PMID- 28080768
TI  - Police, courts and NHS pledge to tackle nurse abuse.
AB  - Nurses who have been attacked in Suffolk have been promised 'enhanced support'
      after local authorities signed an agreement to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted
      where appropriate.

PMID- 28080769
TI  - No answers.
AB  - Have you noticed the number of service companies that end their name in
      'solutions'? It seems to be the fashion nowadays.

PMID- 28080770
TI  - Antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter not clinically important.
AB  - There is no evidence of more severe or prolonged illness in people with quinolone
      resistant Campylobacter infection, nor evidence of any adverse medium-term
      consequences.

PMID- 28080773
TI  - BSc (Hons) in global health and disease.
AB  - Run by Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Hull.

PMID- 28080771
TI  - Risk factors linked to onset of diabetes in later life.
AB  - Researchers in the United States investigated how lifestyle factors, assessed in
      combination, relate to the development of diabetes in older adults. In a
      prospective study over ten years, data on repeated measures of lifestyle factors
      were collected.

PMID- 28080774
TI  - The WWDU (Work With Display Units) Conference as a Platform for Occupational
      Health and Safety in the Past-And as a WWCS (Work With Computer Systems)
      Conference in the Future.

PMID- 28080775
TI  - A Comparison of the Legibility of Three Types of Electronic Digital Displays.
AB  - A series of experiments was carried out to compare the legibility of three
      different typos of electronic digital display. The three displays, namely the
      cold cathode, the side illumination and the straight projection types, were
      examined under varying ambient light levels and viewing positions. The two
      performance criteria used in the investigations were recognition time for a
      single digit and accuracy of report of a four digit number. Results indicated
      that there was little difference between the cold cathode and the straight
      projection types under the conditions used in the experiment. However, the side
      illumination display gave a significantly poorer performance score than cither of
      the two other displays. It was also shown that performance decrements would
      result if any of the displays wore used in ambient light levels of greater than
      22 foot candles.

PMID- 28080777
TI  - The Design of Non-Linear Scales for Slide Rules.
AB  - Many school children experience considerable difficulty in reading the 0 scale on
      conventional slide rules. This investigation sets out to provide design
      recommendations for a scale of acceptable accuracy which can be understood by
      children with a wide range of abilities. Eight different scale designs, including
      the conventional design, were compared at a scale-reading task using secondary
      modern schoolboys as subjects. The scales were presented in booklet form. Errors
      in the results are classified as either gross errors, i.e. those caused by
      misunderstanding, or interpolation errors. Analysis shows that the simplest
      designs, i.e. those with the fewest gradations and numerals, lead to fewer gross
      errors, and can be read faster than the conventional design. The simpler designs,
      however, led to more interpolation errors than the conventional design mainly
      because interpolation errors were not possible (for three significant figure
      accuracy) at the lower end of the conventional scales. Inconsistency in the
      meaning of gradations and numerals in different parts of the scale seems to be
      the main source of misunderstanding on the conventional design. The recommended
      scale has gradations at the 0.1 positions and numbering only at the 1,2...10
      positions. It is suggested, however, that the introduction of such a simplified
      scale for school slide rides might meet with some resistance, and a scale with
      consistent numbering and with gradations at the 0.05 position is recommended as a
      more acceptable alternative.

PMID- 28080778
TI  - Mechanical Energy Relationships in Vaulting with a Fibreglass Pole.
AB  - The performances of the competitors in the polo vault at the 1968 Now Zealand.
      A.A.A. Championships were studied by means of a motion-picture analysis. For
      successive stages throughout the best vault recorded by each subject, the
      subject's kinetic energy of translation, kinetic energy of rotation, potential
      energy, and total mechanical energy, and the extent of the pole-bend, were
      computed. Comparison of these parameters between subjects of differing abilities
      revealed certain characteristics which appeared to be directly associated with
      the quality of the performance. The best performances were characterised by a
      pronounced bending of the pole, similar rates of polo-bonding and pole
      straightening and marked changes in the subject's potential energy and kinetic
      energy of translation as the pole straightened.

PMID- 28080779
TI  - Report on an International Event Cost 281/ebea Forum.

PMID- 28080781
TI  - Improved personal tutor contact with students is complete sense.
AB  - The news story, 'Personal tutor support from the start reduces student attrition'
      (September 12), makes complete sense, especially given the high levels of
      attrition from nursing degree courses.

PMID- 28080782
TI  - Clinical skills and experience are essential for older people's care.
AB  - I agree with Bridget Ryan (letters September 5) that simple initiatives such as
      offering manicures and hand massages can make a world of difference to the
      inpatient experience.

PMID- 28080783
TI  - Front line staff would benefit from belonging to a trade union.
AB  - Nurses are divided over whether the RCN should join the Trades Union Congress
      (features September 5).

PMID- 28080784
TI  - PM wants nurses with pretty hats doing 'trolley dolly' rounds.
AB  - Prime minister David Cameron announced in January that he wanted hourly rounds to
      be carried out as part of a government drive to improve nursing care (analysis
      August 22).

PMID- 28080785
TI  - Regulator to slash number of university inspections.
AB  - The number of universities receiving inspection visits from the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council is to be cut drastically, its outgoing chair has said.

PMID- 28080786
TI  - New posts for well-paid senior staff are the final straw for me.
AB  - Have you wondered where your pay rise went? Not just on foreign jaunts for
      ministers, oh no. We are again creating lots of new posts for managers (news
      September 5).

PMID- 28080787
TI  - Cameron's care forum chair calls for research into effects of long shists.
AB  - Nurses should be allowed to take power naps during breaks, according to new
      guidance on shift patterns due to be published by the RCN next month.

PMID- 28080788
TI  - A change in attitude is needed towards nurses with disabilities.
AB  - I have a chronic back condition and my mobility is poor. On qualifying in 2010, I
      managed to work without taking any sick leave for three months but experienced
      discriminatory behaviour from colleagues.

PMID- 28080789
TI  - Athletic achievements should spur us on to meet our own fitness challenge.
AB  - Four readers panellists were asked if the Olympics and Paralympics will leave a
      lasting health legacy for the UK (reflections September 12).

PMID- 28080790
TI  - Rosie Ratcliffe 1944-2012.
AB  - Renal nurse who died doing what she loved Rosemary (Bud) Downey, known
      professionally as sister Rosie Ratcliffe, has died aged 67 at Hull Royal
      Infirmary following a stroke while on duty in the haemodialysis unit. She had
      been in nursing for 51 years, the past 39 of them as a renal nurse in East
      Yorkshire.

PMID- 28080792
TI  - The ideal consultation.
AB  - The consulting room used to be regarded as the doctor's preserve. Not any longer.
      Patients are increasingly consulting nurses for advice and treatment, especially
      in community settings or in the patient's home.

PMID- 28080791
TI  - Has anyone received support for management strategies training?
AB  - In these cash-starved times, we nurses, particularly those like myself in
      specialist practice, should be able to demonstrate our worth.

PMID- 28080794
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28080793
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28080797
TI  - Leading centre for research marks 35th year.
AB  - Nurse academics and policymakers celebrated the 35th anniversary of the
      influential national nursing research unit in London last week.

PMID- 28080798
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Museum of Health Care at Kingston in Ontario, Canada, is part of the Ann
      Baillie Building National Historic Site, a former residence for nursing students
      built in 1904 in the grounds of Kingston General Hospital.

PMID- 28080801
TI  - Launch of network for BME leaders.
AB  - An RCN network comprising former and aspiring black and minority ethnic nurse
      directors is due to be set up as part of a drive to bolster their dwindling
      numbers, Nursing Standard has learned.

PMID- 28080800
TI  - Mid Staffs' L15m deficit sparks financial scrutiny by Monitor.
AB  - Nurses at the troubled Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust say they are
      concerned and surprised after learning their organisation could go into special
      administration.

PMID- 28080802
TI  - New health secretary praises NHS workers.
AB  - Jeremy Hunt (pictured) last week met nurses for the first time since becoming
      England's health secretary. He was given a tour of St Thomas' Hospital in London
      and was told about staff training and how nurses look after patients who need
      extra care.

PMID- 28080803
TI  - Evidence-based nursing is the cornerstone of our profession.
AB  - I read with interest nurse Jennie Burch's learning zone article (September 12) on
      enhanced recovery for patients following colorectal surgery.

PMID- 28080804
TI  - Nurse prescribers favour seminars to develop skills.
AB  - Nearly nine out of ten nurse prescribers would attend independent validated
      educational seminars supported by pharmaceutical companies, a Nursing Standard
      survey of 2,000 nurses shows.

PMID- 28080805
TI  - Breakaway success.

PMID- 28080807
TI  - Women diagnosed with breast cancer who have a high BMI run greater risk of
      recurrence.
AB  - Women who are obese when they are diagnosed with the most common form of breast
      cancer have a higher risk of recurrence and death, suggests a study by American
      researchers.

PMID- 28080808
TI  - Balance and strength activities reduce rate of falls in older people.
AB  - The Lifestyle integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) approach integrates balance
      and strength training into normal activities, so that exercises are repeated many
      times a day.

PMID- 28080809
TI  - 'I am extremely cautious about the case for regional pay'.
AB  - Tensions between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have worsened
      steadily over the summer, and one issue that may provide the catalyst for a split
      is the future of NHS pay.

PMID- 28080810
TI  - Manage workplace chaos by building your resilience.
AB  - Faced with stressful situations, do you go into meltdown or do you adapt and
      thrive? Overwork, paperwork, and physical and mental exhaustion are part of many
      nursing jobs, but why do some people cope better than others?

PMID- 28080812
TI  - Social inequalities have a negative health effect on rich and poor individuals.
AB  - Living close to a poor area has a negative effect on the health of rich people,
      suggests an analysis of mortality rates and deprivation in England.

PMID- 28080811
TI  - All high-risk areas should put measures in place to help address resistance to
      care.
AB  - Preventive strategies to reduce resistance to care by patients are required
      across a range of settings, not just in older people's care, a study by nurse
      researchers suggests.

PMID- 28080813
TI  - Waiting room blues.
AB  - My partner had an altercation recently with two excitable dogs, only one of which
      belonged to us. Around 70kg of combined dog at speed can cause a lot of damage,
      especially when they are heading for your chest.

PMID- 28080814
TI  - Readers panel - Ready for take off.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28080815
TI  - Fine whines.
AB  - 'Ooh, and my feet at the end of the day. They're so swollen they need their own
      postcode!' said the waitress. 'I know,' I sympathised. 'Tell me about it.'

PMID- 28080816
TI  - Our duty of care is from cradle to grave.
AB  - I recently visited an undertaker friend who was distressed by a body he had
      received at his chapel of rest. He wanted to know what was happening to nursing,
      especially the care and respect we show our deceased patients.

PMID- 28080817
TI  - Changing practice on the basis of evidence.
AB  - Proving that one nursing intervention or system works better than another has
      long been a challenge for the profession. Some practice is not grounded in any
      evidence at all, but rather on a premise that it has always been done in a
      particular way and is generally considered to be effective.

PMID- 28080819
TI  - Will the government reshuffle signal a brighter NHS future?
AB  - The appointment of Jeremy Hunt as health secretary marks not only the end of
      Andrew Lansley's tenure, but also the halfway point of the coalition government's
      term in office.

PMID- 28080820
TI  - Bus ads aim to boost profession's image.
AB  - An advertising campaign that highlights nurses' unique skills was unveiled on a
      London bus last week.

PMID- 28080821
TI  - Voices.
AB  - More than a thousand buses across the country are now advertising This is
      Nursing, the RCN's new initiative to promote the nursing profession and tell the
      public about the challenges you face.

PMID- 28080823
TI  - Nurses will take lower paid jobs to escape NHS, recruiters claim.
AB  - Job-seeking nurses have told employers in the independent sector they are willing
      to take a pay cut to work outside the NHS.

PMID- 28080822
TI  - Job seekers keen to branch out.
AB  - Owen Davies, third-year nursing student, University of Surrey 'I am looking to
      see what is available in the private sector compared with the NHS. But at the end
      of the day, I just want a job.'

PMID- 28080824
TI  - A powerful message.

PMID- 28080825
TI  - Starting out can act as barriers to family bonds i learnt that well-meaning acts.
AB  - During a second-year placement on a neonatal unit, I helped to look after
      Abraham, a two-week old boy with congenital heart defects.

PMID- 28080827
TI  - NMC chair warns council not to rely on fee rise.
AB  - The outgoing Nursing and Midwifery Council chair warned council members not to
      base financial decisions on the assumption that the proposed 58 per cent fee
      increase will be approved.

PMID- 28080826
TI  - The integumentary system: anatomy, physiology and function of skin.
AB  - This article, which forms part of the life sciences series, examines the anatomy
      and physiology of skin, also termed the integumentary system. Skin is composed of
      two main layers, the epidermis and dermis. The structure of the epidermis and
      dermis are described and their functions are discussed. Accessory structures,
      such as nails and hair are also considered. Although many diseases of the skin
      exist, two common conditions - psoriasis and decubitus ulcers - are described in
      this article.

PMID- 28080828
TI  - Lawyer slams vulnerable man's treatment as 'blatant prejudice'.
AB  - Do not resuscitate orders are frequently being put in the medical files of UK
      patients with a learning disability without the knowledge or agreement of their
      families, according to Mencap.

PMID- 28080830
TI  - People with Parkinson's report little improvement in quality of life following
      physiotherapy.
AB  - Physiotherapy has limited benefi ts in people with Parkinson's disease, according
      to a review of evidence by British researchers.

PMID- 28080829
TI  - TUC delegates told that 'scroungers' image fuels crime.
AB  - Hate crimes against people with disabilities are being fuelled by public
      perceptions that many are 'benefit scroungers', Trades Union Congress delegates
      heard at their annual conference in Brighton last week.

PMID- 28080831
TI  - Crossing the line.
AB  - The dentist is fine about it. And why not? He never does home visits - can you
      imagine having root canal work at the kitchen table? As long as I can still
      produce a credit card, why should he care where I live? At the GP surgery,
      however, it's a different story.

PMID- 28080833
TI  - From Distillation to Standardization: A French Perspective on the Shaping of
      Turpentine Spirit (1909-1976).
AB  - Turpentine is a complex substance of pine resin origin, widely used as a solvent
      in multiple industries. Attempts to define it, even when elaborated by
      scientists, have been marked by a whole range of extra-scientific market
      considerations. While the Pine Institute, a resin chemistry research centre in
      Bordeaux, succeeded in stabilizing the meaning of the word "turpentine" on the
      national level in France, its expertise was contested abroad. When the
      International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Committee 35 tried to
      establish a new international standard for turpentine, France was accused of
      protecting its industry by twisting scientific definitions for its own needs. The
      ISO members clashed over the relationship between trade standards and scientific
      definitions, at the same time highlighting the epistemological difficulties in
      constructing both categories.

PMID- 28080836
TI  - Comments on "Relating Summer Ambient Particulate Sulfur, Sulfur Dioxide, and
      Light Scattering to Gaseous Tracer Emissions from the MOHAVE Power Project".

PMID- 28080834
TI  - Low Adherence to Dietary Guidelines in Spain, Especially in the Overweight/Obese
      Population: The ANIBES Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the dietary intake of the
      Spanish population according to ponderal status and body fat distribution.
      METHODS: Data were obtained from ANIBES (Anthropometry, Intake, and Energy
      Balance in Spain), a cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample
      (1013 men, 996 women) of the Spanish population (18-64 years). The final
      fieldwork was carried out from mid-September to November (three months) 2013. A 3
      day dietary record provided information about food and beverage consumption.
      Height, weight, and waist circumference were assessed, and body mass index (BMI)
      and waist-height ratio (WHtR) calculated. RESULTS: The Spanish population had a
      low consumption of fruits and vegetables, cereals, whole cereals, and dairy and
      high consumption of meat products. Individuals with overweight/obesity (BMI >= 25
      kg/m2) and abdominal adiposity (WHtR >= 0.5) showed lower compliance with dietary
      guidelines. In the male group, adjusting by age, inadequate consumption of
      cereals (<4 servings/day) and vegetables and fruit (<5 servings/day) was
      associated with higher risk of overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.704, 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.187-2.447, p = 0.001, for cereals and OR = 3.816, 95%
      CI, 1.947-7.480, p = 0.001, for vegetables and fruits) and abdominal adiposity
      (OR = 2.081, 95% CI, 1.419-3.053, p = 0.000 and OR = 4.289, 95% CI, 2.108-8.726,
      p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Nutritional campaigns should be conducted
      to improve the dietary habits of the Spanish population in general, especially
      men, who have poorer ponderal status and abdominal adiposity, due to their lower
      adherence to dietary guidelines.

PMID- 28080837
TI  - Light Scattering Characteristics of Aerosols as a Function of Relative Humidity:
      Part I-A Comparison of Measured Scattering and Aerosol Concentrations Using the
      Theoretical Models.
AB  - The Southeastern Aerosol and Visibility Study (SEAVS) was undertaken to
      characterize the size-dependent composition, thermodynamic properties, and
      optical characteristics of the ambient atmospheric particles in the southeastern
      United States. The field portion of the study was carried out from July 15 to
      August 25, 1995. As part of the study a relative humidity controlled inlet was
      built to raise or lower the relative humidity to predetermined levels before the
      aerosol was passed into an integrating nephelometer or particle-sizing device.
      Five other integrating nephelometers were operated in various configurations, two
      of which were fitted with a 2.5 MUm inlet. Fine particle (<2.5 MUm) samplers were
      operated to measure concentrations of sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium ions,
      organic and elemental carbon, and fine soil. Mass size distributions were
      measured with an eight-stage, single orifice cascade impactor.

PMID- 28080838
TI  - Welcome to a Special Issue from the Specialty Conference on Visual Air Quality,
      Aerosols, and Global Radiation Balance.

PMID- 28080840
TI  - Blog gripes.
AB  - Scoff if you like, but I have only just discovered what a 'blog' is. And having
      found out, I have been following one of these online threads about modern nurses
      and their tendency to discriminate.

PMID- 28080839
TI  - Light Scattering Characteristics of Aerosols at Ambient and as a Function of
      Relative Humidity: Part II-A Comparison of Measured Scattering and Aerosol
      Concentrations Using Statistical Models.
AB  - The eastern United States national parks experience some of the worst visibility
      conditions in the nation. To study these conditions, the Southeastern Aerosol and
      Visibility Study (SEAVS) was undertaken to characterize the size-dependent
      composition, thermodynamic properties, and optical characteristics of the ambient
      atmospheric particles. It is a cooperative three-year study that is sponsored by
      the National Park Service and the Electric Power Research Institute and its
      member utilities. The field portion of the study was carried out from July 15 to
      August 25, 1995. The study design, instrumental configuration, and estimation of
      aerosol types from particle measurements is presented in a companion paper. In
      the companion paper, we compare measurements of scattering at ambient conditions
      and as functions of relative humidity to theoretical predictions of scattering.
      In this paper, we make similar comparisons, but using statistical techniques.
      Statistically derived specific scattering associated with sulfates suggest that a
      reasonable estimate of sulfate scattering can be arrived at by assuming nominal
      dry specific scattering and treating the aerosols as an external mixture with
      ammoniation of sulfate accounted for and by the use of Tang's growth curves to
      predict water absorption. However, the regressions suggest that the sulfate
      scattering may be underestimated by about 10%. Regression coefficients on
      organics, to within the statistical uncertainty of the model, suggest that a
      reasonable estimate of organic scattering is about 4.0 m2/g. A new analysis
      technique is presented, which does not rely on comparing measured to model
      estimates of scattering to evoke an understanding of ambient aerosol growth
      properties, but rather relies on measurements of scattering as a function of
      relative humidity to develop actual estimates of f(RH) curves. The estimates of
      the study average f(RH) curve for sulfates compares favorably with the
      theoretical f(RH) curve for ammonium bisulfate, which is in turn consistent with
      the study average sulfate am-moniation corresponding to a molar ratio of NH4/SO4
      of approximately one. The f(RH) curve for organics is not significantly different
      from one, suggesting that organics are weakly to nonhygroscopic.

PMID- 28080841
TI  - Turning theory into practice.
AB  - Joy Jones has shown us how managing change requires a good deal of personal
      stamina, commitment and wisdom. Patient application to a single issue can work
      wonders.

PMID- 28080842
TI  - Mid Staffs: how to ensure the mistakes never happen again.
AB  - NHS organisations must learn from the tragedies that followed cuts in nursing
      jobs at Stafford Hospital according to England's chief nursing officer Dame Chris
      Beasley.

PMID- 28080843
TI  - Landmark deal gives union power to negotiate terms for non-NHS nurses.
AB  - A landmark recognition agreement has been secured between the RCN and a county
      council, allowing the college to negotiate terms and conditions for the
      organisation's nurses.

PMID- 28080844
TI  - Praise for innovative services.
AB  - A nurse-led, award-winning bereavement and donor support team has been praised by
      the prime minister's commission on the future of nursing and midwifery.

PMID- 28080845
TI  - Fighting talk from midwives.
AB  - The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) will hold any future Labour government to
      account about commitments made to the profession.

PMID- 28080846
TI  - The long road.

PMID- 28080847
TI  - New regulatory regime will hold managers to account.
AB  - Managers and non-executive directors could be regulated as a result of the
      devastating care failures at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

PMID- 28080848
TI  - 'Our staff are good people who have been badly led'.
AB  - Nurses at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust will ask patients every two
      hours if they need pain relief, a drink or toilet assistance.

PMID- 28080849
TI  - Disseminating best practice through publication in journals.
AB  - This article, the second in a five-part series, explores the ways in which best
      practice might be presented successfully through articles published within
      journals. The article discusses the importance of preparatory research and
      'thinking time', the need for an article plan and how to target journals and
      approach staff. Information and advice is provided on writing, redrafting and
      dealing with the peer review process. There is an emphasis on consultation and
      obtaining feedback on the potential article throughout the planning and writing
      process.

PMID- 28080850
TI  - Outsidein.
AB  - I suppose there are people who buy Country Life magazine. I expect they live in
      vast Georgian houses in Wiltshire. But despite being a frequent reader, I have
      never paid for a single issue.

PMID- 28080851
TI  - Voices - Tony Hazell urges nurses to send their views on education to the NMC.
AB  - This year we have been putting a lot of thought into the nurses of tomorrow as we
      begin consulting on our proposed changes to pre-registration nurse education.

PMID- 28080852
TI  - Minister for nursing promises action group to implement commission's 'radical'
      findings.
AB  - A future Labour government would implement the recommendations of the prime
      minister's commission on the future of nursing, health minister Ann Keen has told
      Nursing Standard.

PMID- 28080853
TI  - Commission recommendations.
AB  - 1. Nurses and midwives must declare their commitment to delivering high quality
      and compassionate care.

PMID- 28080854
TI  - Nurses must pledge to give quality care.
AB  - Every nurse and midwife should take a pledge to give high quality and
      compassionate care, according to the commission on the future of nursing.

PMID- 28080856
TI  - Trust in my colleagues has been shaken by mid staffs.
AB  - The Francis report into the failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust
      makes for shocking reading. It is clear that there was a failure of management
      and nursing involving a culture shift, rather than simply a lack of resources.
      There was a lack of compassion and of basic nursing responsibilities that had
      nothing to do with understaffing.

PMID- 28080857
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Launched in June 2008, the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) is the
      central repository for cancer-related data in the UK, with a number of tools
      providing information for health professionals, commissioners and public health
      officials.

PMID- 28080858
TI  - Better nutrition can come at an affordable price.
AB  - It was a pleasure to read Lynne Pearce's feature about simple, sensible and cost
      effective ways to promote nutrition among nursing home residents by offering
      tempting treats (February 17).

PMID- 28080859
TI  - Chris Halek mental health nurse 1957- 2010.
AB  - Mental health nursing has lost one of its most inspirational nursing leaders.
      Chris Halek RMN, BA (Hons), MPA, director of nursing at Coventry and Warwickshire
      NHS Partnership Trust, died on February 6 at the age of 53 from ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28080861
TI  - Putting patients first.
AB  - It may be a coincidence that the prime minister's nursing commission issued its
      recommendations just days after Robert Francis published his verdict into why
      hundreds of patients died unnecessarily at Stafford Hospital. However, the
      publication of two high-profile reports on the state of nursing in such quick
      succession could hardly be more timely.

PMID- 28080860
TI  - Psychosocial care loses out because of time constraints.
AB  - In his excellent learning zone article (February 17), Mark Haddad concludes that
      nurses are central to care delivery for people living with depression associated
      with long-term conditions. He discusses the essential capabilities that
      healthcare staff need to demonstrate for people to speak candidly about their
      illnesses.

PMID- 28080862
TI  - Attrition could be curbed by more high quality mentors.
AB  - Your analysis article on nursing student attrition rates (February 17) raises
      concerns about the ways we are training and treating our students.

PMID- 28080863
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28080864
TI  - A nursing education is about more than writing essays.
AB  - The analysis article on student attrition (February 17) made for grim reading and
      I was deeply sorry to read that former student Dan Bartlett's placement reports
      counted for nothing.

PMID- 28080866
TI  - Standardised training is key for healthcare assistants.
AB  - Jayne Thomas says healthcare assistant (HCA) training has always been on the job
      and should remain so (letters February 17). But a recent study and Nursing
      Standard survey (news February 10) reveal that many HCAs are not receiving
      training in personal care or basic hygiene.

PMID- 28080867
TI  - Smoking cessation after early diagnosis can be beneficial.
AB  - There is preliminary evidence that smoking cessation after diagnosis of early
      stage lung cancer improves prognosis. Offering smoking cessation treatment to
      patients presenting with early stage lung cancer can help.

PMID- 28080868
TI  - Rectal irrigation for patients with functional bowel disorders.

PMID- 28080870
TI  - Give sisters visible authority.
AB  - Prime minister Gordon Brown, pictured, has supported a call for the visible
      authority of the ward sister to be reinstated.

PMID- 28080869
TI  - Commission report underlines the need to enhance ward leaders'role.
AB  - The prime minister's commission on the future of nursing and midwifery has called
      on the government and the NHS to strengthen nurse leadership at ward and board
      level.

PMID- 28080871
TI  - Protein should be added to dietary advice on diabetes.
AB  - Diets high in animal protein are associated with an increased risk of developing
      diabetes. There may also be an association for total protein rather than only
      animal sources. Consumption of energy from protein at the expense of carbohydrate
      or fat may similarly increase diabetes risk.

PMID- 28080873
TI  - Wound sepsis reduced when chlorhexidine is used as skin prep.
AB  - Pre-operative skin cleaning with chlorhexidine-alcohol is superior to povidone
      iodine for preventing surgical site infections after clean-contaminated surgery.

PMID- 28080874
TI  - Buddies help find the way.
AB  - 'We were given a map of the hospital and told to find our own way,' is one
      comment from a third-year student nurse recalling her experience of a first-year
      placement.

PMID- 28080875
TI  - My ambition is to harness nurses'passion and talent.

PMID- 28080876
TI  - The NHS should take the blame for credibility gap.
AB  - Much space is devoted to what is wrong with nurse education (editorial, news,
      analysis and letters February 17). But the issues of student attrition and the
      credibility of educators are two old chestnuts that have been knocking around for
      decades.

PMID- 28080878
TI  - Mixed reception for dual roles.
AB  - Former NHS chief executive Nigel Crisp wrote to a national newspaper last month
      calling for more health service staff to be trained to carry out specific tasks.

PMID- 28080879
TI  - Administering medication to adult patients with dysphagia:part 2.

PMID- 28080880
TI  - The ultimate gift.

PMID- 28080881
TI  - Starting out - Time is no barrier to forming a close nurse-patient relationship.
AB  - My first placement was on a surgical ward. One day I helped a nurse bed bath a
      patient. I had just come back from my day off and had never seen this patient
      before.

PMID- 28080882
TI  - New test can rapidly identify the cause of bacterial sepsis.
AB  - Definitive identification of bacterial species using a new molecular sepsis assay
      is highly sensitive, specific and faster than the gold standard culture based
      method.

PMID- 28080883
TI  - A good place to be.
AB  - The largest supplier of graduates to the health service in north east England has
      a nurse at its helm. Professor Kathleen McCourt is six months into her role as
      dean of the school of health, community and education at Northumbria University.

PMID- 28080884
TI  - Assisted suicide guidance wins support of palliative care nurses.
AB  - Nurses could be prosecuted if they help patients to take their own lives,
      guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirms.

PMID- 28080885
TI  - It seems that the defining role of caring is no longer our domain.
AB  - NHS boards in Wales are to cut a number of staff at bands 5 and above (news
      February 17) and replace them with healthcare support workers (HCSWs). Strategic
      health authorities in England are cutting commissions for nursing students and
      receptionists are being trained by doctors in their surgeries to adopt nurse
      roles (news February 15).

PMID- 28080886
TI  - Readers panel - job security comes at a price.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28080887
TI  - Arthritis specialists being 'under-used'.
AB  - Specialist nurses can enhance treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis,
      according to an influential group of MPs.

PMID- 28080889
TI  - Booking a time for treatment.
AB  - Carrie Ross, pictured, was chemotherapy lead nurse at Harrogate and District NHS
      Foundation Trust, North Yorkshire, when she had an idea for a staff/patient
      scheduling system that electronically books patients for their treatments
      according to the availability and competence of staff.

PMID- 28080888
TI  - Embarrassing problem? Show it to television viewers.
AB  - 'You lose all your dignity don't you? How often have we heard those words? Few of
      us are perfect physical specimens and the disrobing required for many procedures
      can discourage patients from attending. Like most people, I do my best to keep
      loss of dignity to a minimum, but I was somewhat nonplussed when preparing to do
      a smear when the patient asked 'can you do it without looking?' This was a
      request made in all seriousness and, although I hated to admit to a weakness in
      my repertoire, I had to say no.

PMID- 28080890
TI  - Standards body will assess care.
AB  - An NHS watchdog will begin detailed assessment of care improvements needed at
      Stafford Hospital this month and says its staffing levels still cause concern.

PMID- 28080892
TI  - Local pay system in doubt as unions urge staff to opt out.
AB  - Staff at the only NHS trust with a grading system that differs markedly from
      Agenda for Change (AfC) are being encouraged by unions to transfer to the
      national pay bands.

PMID- 28080896
TI  - TRAUMATIC (FOREIGN BODY) PERICARDITIS IN A TOCO TOUCAN (RAMPHASTOS TOCO).
AB  - An approximately 10-yr-old, captive-born female toco toucan ( Ramphastos toco )
      was presented due to an acute onset of depression and apathy. On visual and
      physical examination, it showed an abnormal posture and dehydration,
      respectively. Serum biochemistry revealed hyperuricemia (39.4 mg/dl) and elevated
      glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT; 1,050 U/L). Radiographs demonstrated an
      enlargement of the cardiac silhouette. The bird died 7 days after presentation,
      despite treatment with enrofloxacin, allopurinol, a preparation of hepatorenal
      protectors, and complex B vitamins with dextrose. Necropsy revealed severe
      fibrinohemorrhagic pericarditis with a 15 mm long and 2.5 mm diameter, rigid
      foreign body in the pericardial exudate. Microscopically, this foreign body was
      of vegetal origin.

PMID- 28080897
TI  - RADIOGRAPHIC CARDIAC SILHOUETTE MEASUREMENT IN CAPTIVE LIVINGSTONE'S FRUIT BATS
      (PTEROPUS LIVINGSTONII).
AB  - Cardiomyopathies have been increasingly noted in the captive population of
      Livingstone's fruit bat ( Pteropus livingstonii ). The aim of this study was to
      produce a set of repeatable quantitative reference measurements that could be
      used to assess the cardiac size during radiographic examination of this species.
      Ventro-dorsal and lateral radiographs (n = 129) from a total of 42 individual
      Livingstone's fruit bats were examined. The control group radiographs (n = 102)
      consisted of 34 healthy individuals. Radiographic measurements were taken of
      structures within the thorax and then converted into ratios. These ratios from
      radiographs (n = 27) were also calculated for eight individuals with diagnosed
      cardiomyopathy. Vertebral Heart Scores (VHS) were calculated from right lateral
      radiographs and compared between the two groups. From all the data, only the
      width of the cardiac silhouette to the width of the thorax (the W : T ratio) in
      the ventro-dorsal view and the VHS were found to be significantly different
      between both groups (P < 0.05). The group with cardiomyopathies had a mean W : T
      ratio of 0.59 (+/-0.005) and a VHS of 9.77 (+/-0.89), while a mean W : T ratio of
      0.54 (+/-0.004) and a VHS of 8.71 (+/-0.93) was established for healthy
      specimens.

PMID- 28080899
TI  - HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF FREE-RANGING EASTERN INDIGO SNAKES
      (DRYMARCHON COUPERI) IN GEORGIA, UNITED STATES.
AB  - Clinical pathology and nutritional parameters are useful in evaluating and
      monitoring threatened and endangered wildlife populations, but reference ranges
      for most snake species are lacking. From 2001 to 2005, health assessments were
      performed on 58 eastern indigo snakes (EIS) (Drymarchon couperi) captured in the
      wild in southeastern Georgia, United States. Health and nutritional assessments
      performed included hematology, serum biochemistry, fat-soluble vitamins, heavy
      metals, pesticide contaminants, parasitology, and surveys of other pathogens.
      Significant differences in total solids, packed cell volume, glucose, blood urea
      nitrogen, albumin : globulin ratio, amylase, triglycerides, and bile acids
      between males and females were observed. Additionally, there was a significant
      difference between liver and kidney concentrations for vitamins A and E. As
      previously noted in captive EIS, total Ca was elevated in comparison to
      concentrations reported in other snake species. Parasitism was a common finding
      in sampled EIS, but the overall health status of this free-ranging population
      appeared good. A winter-time dermatitis was found in most snakes, which resolved
      in the summer months. This study represents the first health and nutritional
      assessment of free-ranging EIS, and provides needed data to guide monitoring and
      conservation efforts.

PMID- 28080901
TI  - CEREBELLAR AND MESENCEPHALON NEOPLASIA IN A NILE HIPOPPOTAMUS (HIPPOPOTAMUS
      AMPHIBIOUS).
AB  - A 52-yr-old female Nile hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibious ) was presented
      for acute onset anorexia, depression, lethargy, instability, and weakness in the
      pelvic limbs. Clinical signs were rapidly progressive, despite empiric therapy
      with anti-inflammatory medications, resulting in the death of the animal. Gross
      necropsy evaluation revealed two tan, firm masses in the cerebellum and
      mesencephalon and a single mass in the right cranial adrenal gland. All three
      masses had a similar histologic morphology, and immunohistochemical investigation
      confirmed the general diagnosis of an adenocarcinoma, but the exact cell of
      origin remains unclear. In addition, there was evidence of neuroendocrine
      differentiation in the adrenal gland and not in the brain. These findings suggest
      either two distinct neoplastic populations or a metastasizing adenocarcinoma with
      focal endocrine differentiation. In dogs, anal sac and clitoral adenocarcinomas
      have been reported to undergo focal endocrine differentiation, and both can cause
      widespread metastasis while the primary lesion can be small. A small neoplasm of
      these glands may have been missed on gross examination.

PMID- 28080903
TI  - STRESS LEVELS IN CAPTURED RIVER OTTERS (LONTRA CANADENSIS) DECREASED AFTER
      TRANSPORTATION TO REINTRODUCTION SITES.
AB  - The level of stress that animals endure during capture, handling, transportation,
      and release processes is a major concern of animal reintroduction projects.
      Animals under chronic stress are more susceptible to disease and other
      deleterious issues that could reduce their survival in a new environment.
      Northern river otters ( Lontra canadensis ) have been reintroduced in 22 states
      in the United States and may be susceptible to developing chronic stress during
      the reintroduction process. We assessed stress levels in five river otters
      captured from wild populations in Washington, held in captivity for up to 21
      days, and then transported to New Mexico for reintroduction. Glucocorticoid
      levels in fecal samples of all otters tested decreased from when they were held
      captive in Washington to the time of release. This outcome suggests that
      habituation to captivity before transport and release may serve to minimize the
      likelihood of an otter being released while experiencing a potentially burdensome
      level of stress.

PMID- 28080902
TI  - A SEROLOGIC AND POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION SURVEY OF EQUINE HERPESVIRUS IN
      BURCHELL'S ZEBRAS (EQUUS QUAGGA), HARTMANN'S MOUNTAIN ZEBRAS (EQUUS ZEBRA
      HARTMANNAE), AND THOMSON'S GAZELLES (EUDORCAS THOMSONII) IN A MIXED SPECIES
      SAVANNAH EXHIBIT.
AB  - Reports of equine herpesvirus (EHV) 1 and EHV-9 causing clinical disease in a
      wide range of species have been well documented in the literature. It is thought
      that zebras are the natural hosts of EHV-9 both in the wild and in captive
      collections. Concerns about potential interspecies transmission of EHV-1 and EHV
      9 in a mixed species savannah exhibit prompted serologic and polymerase chain
      reaction surveys. Eighteen Burchell's zebras ( Equus quagga ), 11 Hartmann's
      mountain zebras ( Equus zebra hartmannae), and 14 Thomson's gazelles ( Eudorcas
      thomsonii ) cohabitating the same exhibit were examined for EHV-1 virus
      neutralization titers, and evidence of virus via EHV 1-5 polymerase chain
      reactions. None of the animals had previous exposure to vaccination with EHV-1 or
      EHV-4. All tested zebras had positive EHV-1 titers, ranging from 4 to 384. All
      zebras and Thomson's gazelles had negative polymerase chain reaction results for
      all targeted equine herpesviruses. EHV-9-specific assays are not available but
      EHV-1, EHV-4, and EHV-9 cross-react serologically. Positive serology results
      indicate a potential latent equine herpesvirus in the zebra population, which
      prompted initiation of an equine herpesvirus vaccine protocol, changes in
      pregnant zebra mare management, and equine herpesvirus polymerase chain reaction
      screening prior to shipment to or from the study site.

PMID- 28080904
TI  - PHOTORECEPTOR DEGENERATION IN A MOUNTAIN LION CUB (PUMA CONCOLOR).
AB  - An orphaned 4-mo-old female mountain lion cub ( Puma concolor ) was captured
      along the coastline in Montana de Oro State Park in Los Osos, California, USA.
      Following suspicion that the cub was visually impaired, ophthalmic examination
      revealed diffuse bilateral retinal atrophy. Due to a poor prognosis, humane
      euthanasia was elected. Necropsy and histopathological findings were consistent
      with photoreceptor degeneration. Based on the cub's signalment, history, and
      histopathology, a genetic or nutritional etiology was suspected, with the former
      etiology more strongly supported. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first
      report of photoreceptor degeneration in a wild felid and should be considered in
      cases of blindness.

PMID- 28080905
TI  - PLASMA PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS AND SELECT ACUTE PHASE PROTEINS IN HEALTHY
      BONNETHEAD SHARKS (SPHYRNA TIBURO) UNDER MANAGED CARE.
AB  - Preventative health care of elasmobranchs is an important but understudied field
      of aquatic veterinary medicine. Evaluation of inflammation through the acute
      phase response is a valuable tool in health assessments. To better assess the
      health of bonnethead sharks ( Sphyrna tiburo ) under managed care, normal
      reference intervals of protein electrophoresis (EPH) and the acute phase
      proteins, C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin (HP), were established. Blood
      was collected from wild caught, captive raised bonnethead sharks housed at public
      aquaria. Lithium heparinized plasma was either submitted fresh or stored at -80
      degrees C prior to submission. Electrophoresis identified protein fractions with
      migration characteristics similar to other animals with albumin, alpha-1
      globulin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulin. These fractions
      were classified as fractions 1-5 as fractional contents are unknown in this
      species. Commercial reagents for CRP and HP were validated for use in bonnethead
      sharks. Reference intervals were established using the robust method recommended
      by the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology for the calculation of
      90% reference intervals. Once established, the diagnostic and clinical
      applicability of these reference intervals was used to assess blood from
      individuals with known infectious diseases that resulted in systemic inflammation
      and eventual death. Unhealthy bonnethead sharks had significantly decreased
      fraction 2, fraction 3, and fraction 3:4 ratio and significantly increased
      fraction 5, CRP, and HP. These findings advance our understanding of elasmobranch
      acute phase inflammatory response and health and aid clinicians in the diagnosis
      of inflammatory disease in bonnethead sharks.

PMID- 28080906
TI  - ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN AN AGED CAPTIVE WHITE RHINOCEROS (CERATOTHERIUM
      SIMUM).
AB  - A 48-yr-old captive white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum ) was euthanized due
      to old age, pododermatitis, and progressive laminitis of the middle toe of the
      left fore- and hindlimbs. Severe chronic necrotizing periodontitis and dental
      loss was diagnosed, although food intake prior to death had not decreased. In
      addition, extensive ulceration of the tongue was noted. Histologically, squamous
      cell carcinoma of the tongue was diagnosed with chronic severe ulcerative
      glossitis. Metastatic lesions were not detected. Clinicians should monitor the
      oral health of aging rhinoceros due to the occult nature of these lesions.

PMID- 28080907
TI  - UNSEDATED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR DIAGNOSIS OF PELVIC CANAL OBSTRUCTION IN A
      LEOPARD GECKO (EUBLEPHARIS MACULARIUS).
AB  - An adult leopard gecko ( Eublepharis macularius ) presented for lethargy,
      hyporexia, weight loss, decreased passage of waste, and a palpable caudal
      coelomic mass. Computed tomography showed a heterogeneous hyperattenuating (~143
      Hounsfield units) structure within the right caudal coelom. The distal colon
      coprodeum lumen or urinary bladder was hypothesized as the most likely location
      for the heterogeneous structure. Medical support consisted of warm water and
      lubricant enema, as well as a heated environment. Medical intervention aided the
      passage of a plug comprised centrally of cholesterol and urates with peripheral
      stratified layers of fibrin, macrophages, heterophils, and bacteria. Within 24
      hr, a follow-up computed tomography scan showed resolution of the pelvic canal
      plug.

PMID- 28080908
TI  - ANTIDOG IgG SECONDARY ANTIBODY SUCCESSFULLY DETECTS IgG IN A VARIETY OF AQUATIC
      MAMMALS.
AB  - Serological tests play an important role in the detection of wildlife diseases.
      However, while there are many commercial assays and reagents available for
      domestic species, there is a need to develop efficient serological assays for
      wildlife. In recent years, marine mammals have represented a wildlife group with
      emerging infectious diseases, such as influenza, brucellosis, and leptospirosis.
      However, with the exception of disease-agent-specific assays or functional
      assays, few reports describe the use of antibody detection assays in marine
      mammals. In an indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) or an immunofluorescence
      assay, antibody is detected using an antitarget species secondary conjugated
      antibody. The sensitivity of the assay depends on the avidity of the binding
      reaction between the bound antibody and the detection antibody. A commercial
      polyclonal antidog IgG conjugated antibody was tested in an EIA for its ability
      to sensitively detect the IgG of seven marine mammals including sea otter (
      Enhydra lutris ), polar bear ( Ursus maritimus ), grey seal ( Halichoerus grypus
      ), harbor seal ( Phoca vitulina ), northern elephant seal ( Mirounga
      angustirostris ), California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus ), Pacific walrus
      ( Odobenus rosmarus ) and one freshwater mammal: Asian small-clawed otter ( Aonyx
      cinerea ). With the exception of Asian small-clawed sea otters, the detection of
      IgG in these marine mammals either exceeded or was nearly equal to detection of
      dog IgG. The use of the tested commercial antidog IgG antibody may be a valid
      approach to the detection of antibody response to disease in sea mammals.

PMID- 28080910
TI  - USE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATION OF RHINITIS AND SINUSITIS IN A
      GREATER RHEA (RHEA AMERICANA).
AB  - Sinusitis is a common finding in avian species; however, it presents unique
      treatment challenges in ratites. A 6-yr-old male greater rhea ( Rhea americana )
      presented acutely with right infraorbital sinus swelling and chemosis. Oral
      antibiotics were prescribed based on bacterial culture results with incomplete
      resolution of clinical signs. A computed tomography scan of the skull
      demonstrated a mixed-density soft tissue mass with extensive destruction of the
      right nasal bone, hard palate, maxilla, and frontal bone. The affected tissue was
      surgically resected and histopathology was consistent with inspissated necrotic
      tissue. Aerobic culture of the mass grew a multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli
      and was treated with amikacin. Ten months postsurgery, no further clinical signs
      were observed. Advanced diagnostic imaging with computed tomography and surgical
      therapy facilitated complete resolution of this resistant bacterial sinusitis in
      a species that is not typically amenable to frequent handling and restraint.

PMID- 28080911
TI  - EVALUATION OF IN-HOUSE URINE DIPSTICK, REFERENCE LABORATORY URINALYSIS, AND URINE
      PROTEIN: CREATININE RATIO FROM A COLONY OF CALLIMICOS (CALLIMICO GOELDII).
AB  - This study evaluated results from an in-house (IH) laboratory dipstick, a
      reference laboratory (RL) urinalysis, and urine protein : creatinine (UPC) ratios
      from callimicos ( Callimico goeldii ). Urine was collected from 25 individuals
      comprising a single colony under professional care in North America and compared
      based on laboratory, sex, age class, and presence or absence of a normal
      urinalysis. Urine specific gravity and pH between laboratories were statistically
      different. Overall, 56% to 100% of animals had at least a trace amount of protein
      in their urine. In comparing normal and abnormal urinalyses, IH dipstick protein,
      RL dipstick protein, RL pH, quantitative protein measurement, and UPC ratios were
      all statistically different. Eleven animals (44%) had UPC ratios that were >=0.5.
      Based on results of this study, UPC > 0.3 was found to be abnormal and supportive
      of renal compromise in callimicos. Higher protein concentrations on the IH
      dipstick, the quantitative protein concentration, and UPC ratio in the 1- to 4-yr
      old age class were the only significant age-related differences. There was no
      association between any categorical variable (glucose, blood, bilirubin, ketones,
      urobilinogen) and abnormal urinalysis. There were no differences between sexes.
      Since renal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this species,
      the authors recommend including routine urinalyses and UPC ratios as part of
      preventive care programs for callimicos. These data provide the first published
      information on urinalysis and UPC ratios in callimicos and will serve as a
      helpful reference for interpreting results and evaluating patients with renal
      disease.

PMID- 28080912
TI  - COMPARISON OF MEDETOMIDINE-KETAMINE AND BUTORPHANOL-AZAPERONE-MEDETOMIDINE IN
      CAPTIVE BENNETT'S WALLABIES (MACROPUS RUFOGRISEUS).
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare a traditional partially reversible
      medetomidine-ketamine sedation with a more reversible butorphanol-azaperone
      medetomidine combination in Bennett's wallabies ( Macropus rufogriseus )
      maintained in a zoological collection. Fourteen animals were divided into two
      treatment groups. Individuals in group 1 received an intramuscular (i.m.)
      injection of butorphanol (0.54 +/- 0.05 mg/kg), azaperone (0.22 +/- 0.02 mg/kg),
      and medetomidine (0.16 +/- 0.02 mg/kg). Individuals in group 2 received an i.m.
      injection of ketamine (5.43 +/-1.16 mg/kg) with medetomidine (0.05 +/- 0.014
      mg/kg). For group 1, sedation was reversed with atipamezole (0.81 +/- 0.069 mg/kg
      i.m.) and naltrexone (1.08 +/- 0.09 mg/kg i.m.). For group 2, sedation was
      reversed with atipamezole (0.27 +/- 0.056 mg/kg i.m.). There were no significant
      differences between the groups in mean time to induction, time spent on gas
      anesthesia, or time to standing after reversal was administered. Animals in both
      groups required supplemental gas anesthesia to facilitate intubation. No adverse
      reactions or effects were noted with either protocol; however, the BAM protocol
      did not provide sufficient sedation for handling in all animals and may not be
      suitable for use in this species.

PMID- 28080913
TI  - LIVER ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN DOLPHINS: USE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY TO ESTABLISH A
      TECHNIQUE FOR HEPATOBILIARY IMAGING AND TO EVALUATE METABOLIC DISEASE-ASSOCIATED
      LIVER CHANGES IN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS).
AB  - The objective of this study was to establish a comprehensive technique for
      ultrasound examination of the dolphin hepatobiliary system and apply this
      technique to 30 dolphins to determine what, if any, sonographic changes are
      associated with blood-based indicators of metabolic syndrome (insulin greater
      than 14 MUIU/ml or glucose greater than 112 mg/dl) and iron overload (transferrin
      saturation greater than 65%). A prospective study of individuals in a cross
      sectional population with and without elevated postprandial insulin levels was
      performed. Twenty-nine bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) in a managed
      collection were included in the final data analysis. An in-water ultrasound
      technique was developed that included detailed analysis of the liver and
      pancreas. Dolphins with hyperinsulinemia concentrations had larger livers
      compared with dolphins with nonelevated concentrations. Using stepwise,
      multivariate regression including blood-based indicators of metabolic syndrome in
      dolphins, glucose was the best predictor of and had a positive linear association
      with liver size (P = 0.007, R2 = 0.24). Bottlenose dolphins are susceptible to
      metabolic syndrome and associated complications that affect the liver, including
      fatty liver disease and iron overload. This study facilitated the establishment
      of a technique for a rapid, diagnostic, and noninvasive ultrasonographic
      evaluation of the dolphin liver. In addition, the study identified ultrasound
      detectable hepatic changes associated primarily with elevated glucose
      concentration in dolphins. Future investigations will strive to detail the
      pathophysiological mechanisms for these changes.

PMID- 28080914
TI  - TRICAINE METHANESULFONATE (MS-222) SEDATION AND ANESTHESIA IN THE PURPLE-SPINED
      SEA URCHIN (ARBACIA PUNCTULATA).
AB  - The purple-spined sea urchin ( Arbacia punctulata ) is commonly found in shallow
      waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from the New England area of the United
      States to the Caribbean. Sea urchins play a major role in ocean ecology,
      echinoculture, and biomedical research. Additionally, sea urchins are commonly
      displayed in public aquaria. Baseline parameters were developed in unanesthetized
      urchins for righting reflex (time to regain oral recumbency) and spine response
      time to tactile stimulus. Tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) was used to sedate
      and anesthetize purple-spined sea urchins and assess sedation and anesthetic
      parameters, including adhesion to and release from a vertical surface, times to
      loss of response to tactile stimulus and recovery of righting reflex, and
      qualitative observations of induction of spawning and position of spines and
      pseudopodia. Sedation and anesthetic parameters were evaluated in 11 individuals
      in three circumstances: unaltered aquarium water for baseline behaviors, 0.4 g/L
      MS-222, and 0.8 g/L MS-222. Induction was defined as the release from a vertical
      surface with the loss of righting reflex, sedation as loss of righting reflex
      with retained tactile spine response, anesthesia as loss of righting reflex and
      loss of tactile spine response, and recovery as voluntary return to oral
      recumbency. MS-222 proved to be an effective sedative and anesthetic for the
      purple-spined sea urchin at 0.4 and 0.8 g/L, respectively. Sodium bicarbonate
      used to buffer MS-222 had no measurable sedative effects when used alone.
      Anesthesia was quickly reversed with transfer of each individual to anesthesia
      free seawater, and no anesthetic-related mortality occurred. The parameters
      assessed in this study provide a baseline for sea urchin anesthesia and may
      provide helpful comparisons to similar species and populations that are in need
      of anesthesia for surgical procedures or research.

PMID- 28080915
TI  - DORSAL LAMINECTOMY TO RELIEVE SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION IN A CAPTIVE SYRIAN BEAR
      (URSUS ARCTOS SYRIACUS).
AB  - A 19-yr-old captive male Syrian bear ( Ursus arctos syriacus) presented with a
      right hind limb lameness that progressed to nonambulatory paraparesis over the
      course of 2 wk. When night enclosure confinement and a short course of
      glucocorticoids and antibiotics did not lead to improvement, radiographs were
      performed, followed by cerebrospinal fluid analysis and myelography, revealing a
      dynamic spinal cord compression at the level of T2-T3. Dorsal laminectomy of both
      T2 and T3 was performed to allow decompression. The bear recovered uneventfully
      with first sign of neurological improvement apparent at 10 days postoperatively.
      Following 6 mo of rehabilitation the bear was walking and using his hind limbs
      normally.

PMID- 28080916
TI  - AEROBIC MICROFLORA AND ENDOPARASITES OF FRESHLY SHOT WILD AGOUTI (DASYPROCTA
      LEPORINA) IN TRINIDAD, WEST INDIES.
AB  - The agouti ( Dasyprocta leporina ) is a New World wild rodent hunted for its meat
      in Trinidad and other Latin American countries. Studies on agouti under captive
      conditions have yielded some data on health-related aspects, but relatively very
      little is known about their wild counterparts. The environment of the agouti can
      influence the microflora and parasites harbored by the animals, which may contain
      zoonotic pathogens. Here, the microflora found on the nasal mucosa and sections
      of the intestinal tract and endoparasites of freshly shot agouti from various
      areas of Trinidad are described. Staphylococcus epidermidis , S. intermedius ,
      Bacillus spp., Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli comprised the majority of
      bacteria isolated from the nasal mucosa whereas Escherichia coli , Streptococcus
      viridans, Bacillus spp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae were predominant in all
      sections of the intestinal tract. The fungi Aspergillus fumigatus , Aspergillus
      spp., Candida spp., Penicillium spp., and Mucor spp. were only isolated from the
      nasal cavity but not in any section of the intestinal tract. The parasites
      Strongyloides spp., Ascaridia spp., a hookworm, a trematode, and Trichuris spp.
      were detected at variable frequencies in each of the sections of the intestines
      (small intestine, large intestine, caecum), whereas Eimeria spp. were found in
      all sections (76.9%, 10 of 13 agoutis). These wild agoutis were presumably
      healthy at the time of death and represent animals that hunters may encounter.
      Some of the detected pathogens and parasites have the potential to cause
      opportunistic infections or infestations, especially in immune-compromised hosts.

PMID- 28080917
TI  - RESULTS OF THE MEGAVEREBRATE ANALGESIA SURVEY: GIRAFFE AND HIPPOPOTAMUS.
AB  - Results of an online survey posted on the American Association of Zoo
      Veterinarians listserv examined the patterns of analgesic medication and pain
      management modalities used for captive giraffe and hippopotami. Compiled data
      included signalment, drugs administered, dosing regimens, subjective efficacy
      scores, ease of administration, and adverse events. Nineteen institutions
      exhibiting hippopotami ( Hippopotamus amphibious ) and pygmy hippopotami
      (Choeropsis liberiensis) and 45 exhibiting giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis spp.)
      responded. Phenylbutazone was the most-commonly administered nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drug (NSAID), followed by flunixin meglumine, but doses varied
      widely. Eight institutions reported adverse events from NSAID administration.
      Tramadol was the most-commonly administered opioid followed by butorphanol. Only
      one adverse event was reported for opioids. Twenty-three of 45 institutions
      exhibiting giraffe utilized alternative analgesia methods including gabapentin,
      glucosamine-chondroitin, local anesthetics, and low level laser therapy. Six of
      19 institutions exhibiting hippopotami administered omega 3-6 fatty acids,
      gabapentin, glucosamine-chondroitin, and alpha-2 adrenergics to provide
      analgesia. While all reporting zoological institutions administered similar
      drugs, there was substantial variation and diversity in both dosing regimens and
      frequencies, indicating the need for both preclinical and clinical studies
      supporting dosing regimens.

PMID- 28080918
TI  - HIGH PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL ADENOCARCINOMA IN A CAPTIVE POPULATION OF AMAZON
      MILK FROG (TRACHYCEPHALUS RESINIFICTRIX).
AB  - :  A series of eight cases of intestinal adenocarcinoma in Amazon milk frog
      (Trachycephalus resinifictrix) is described. All cases presented with signs of
      inappetence and weight loss, and evidence of large intestinal distention on gross
      postmortem, with six of the eight cases showing a grossly visible large
      intestinal mass. Histologic examination identified the mass as an intestinal
      adenocarcinoma in all cases. No specific etiologic agent could be identified.
      This is the first report of neoplasia in the Amazon milk frog, and the first
      reported series of amphibian gastrointestinal neoplasia.

PMID- 28080919
TI  - RESTRICTIVE CARDIOMYOPATHY AND SECONDARY CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IN A MCDOWELL'S
      CARPET PYTHON (MORELIA SPILOTA MCDOWELLI).
AB  - Echocardiography is an established and noninvasive diagnostic tool used in
      herpetologic cardiology. Various cardiac lesions have been previously described
      in reptiles with the exception of restrictive cardiomyopathy. In this case
      report, restrictive cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure associated with
      left atrial and sinus venosus dilation were diagnosed in a 2-yr-old captive
      lethargic McDowell's carpet python ( Morelia spilota mcdowelli), based on
      echocardiographic, Doppler, and histopathologic examinations. This cardiomyopathy
      was also associated with thrombosis within the sinus venosus.

PMID- 28080920
TI  - PHAEOHYPHOMYCOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH OSSIFICATION OF THE SKULL AND CERVICAL
      VERTEBRAE IN A SWELL SHARK (CEPHALOSCYLLIUM VENTRIOSUM).
AB  - A female, captive bred, juvenile swell shark ( Cephaloscyllium ventriosum ) was
      observed swimming in tight circles and rolling. Radiographs and computed
      tomography of this individual revealed extensive cartilage mineralization of the
      skull and cranial cervical vertebrae compared with diagnostic images of
      clinically healthy conspecifics. Gross necropsy and histopathologic examination
      revealed ossification and fibrosis of the cartilaginous matrix of the skull and
      cervical vertebrae with deep invasion by a pigmented hyphal fungus. There was no
      growth on fungal culture, but fungal polymerase chain reaction identified a DNA
      sequence compatible with Exophiala sp. (99%). Radiographs and computed tomography
      were helpful to determine a prognosis and course of action for this individual.
      This case emphasizes the need to include fungal infections as a differential
      diagnosis when evaluating elasmobranchs with abnormal swimming behaviors and
      mineralization of the skeletal structures.

PMID- 28080921
TI  - UTERINE ADENOMYOSIS AND AN ENDOMETRIAL POLYP IN A ROCK HYRAX (PROCAVIA CAPENSIS).
AB  - An 8-yr-old nulliparous, female rock hyrax ( Procavia capensis ) had intermittent
      mucoid to bloody discharge late winter-early spring for two consecutive years.
      Fragments of necrotic tissue, suspected to be vaginal or rectal in origin, were
      passed on two occasions. Physical examination, radiographs, and ultrasound did
      not identify the source of the tissue. Exploratory laparotomy and
      ovariohysterectomy were performed. On histopathology, a diagnosis of adenomyosis
      with a uterine polyp was made. Postsurgical complications included incisional
      infection and renal compromise that were medically managed and resolved. No
      further vaginal discharge was observed. This is the first report of uterine
      adenomyosis and endometrial polyp in a rock hyrax.

PMID- 28080922
TI  - SOLITARY OSTEOCHONDROMA OF THE DISTAL THIRD METACARPAL BONE IN A TWO-YEAR-OLD
      WHITE RHINOCEROS (CERATOTHERIUM SIMUM).
AB  - A privately owned, 2-yr-old, 600-kg, intact male white rhinoceros presented with
      a progressive lameness of the left front limb of 8-mo duration with a focal
      swelling situated over the dorsoproximal aspect of third metacarpophalangeal
      joint. Radiographs of the affected limb showed a 28 mm * 26 mm exostosis at the
      dorsodistal third metacarpal bone. Surgical removal of the exostosis was
      performed and histopathologic examination confirmed a solitary osteochondroma. A
      follow-up examination 1 yr after surgical removal revealed total abolishment of
      the left front limb lameness. This report documents the first diagnosis and
      treatment of solitary osteochondroma in a white rhinoceros.

PMID- 28080923
TI  - TREATMENT OF RENAL CARCINOMA IN A BINTURONG (ARCTICTIS BINTURONG) WITH
      NEPHRECTOMY AND A TYROSINE KINASE INHIBITOR.
AB  - A 13-yr-old female binturong ( Arctictis binturong ) presented with a 1 wk
      history of decreased appetite. The animal was thin, with hypercalcemia (calcium
      12.2 mg/dl). A right renal mass was identified on ultrasound and removed via
      nephrectomy. Histopathology indicated a renal adenocarcinoma. Treatment with
      toceranib phosphate, a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, was initiated and well
      tolerated by the animal. Four months after initial diagnosis radiographs
      indicated metastases to the lungs and the animal was euthanized. Necropsy
      revealed disseminated adenocarcinoma. Although treatment did not prevent
      metastasis, it was minimally invasive and well tolerated by the animal with
      minimal side effects. Review of records at the institution revealed that the
      cause of death for the primary case's dam and sire was disseminated renal
      carcinoma. These cases suggest that there may be a hereditary component to
      development of renal neoplasia in binturongs. Renal carcinoma should be
      considered an aggressive neoplasia in binturongs with a poor prognosis.

PMID- 28080924
TI  - SELECTED PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY ANALYTES OF HEALTHY CAPTIVE SULCATA (AFRICAN
      SPURRED) TORTOISES (CENTROCHELYS SULCATA).
AB  - The sulcata or African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is a large
      tortoise species that is commonly kept in zoologic collections and as a pet. The
      objectives of this study were to establish reference intervals for selected
      biochemical analytes in clinically healthy captive sulcata tortoises and to
      evaluate the impact of blood sampling site and sex. Blood samples were collected
      from 60 tortoises from either the dorsal coccygeal (tail) vein or the
      subcarapacial venous plexus based on their body size. The packed cell volume and
      refractometric total solids (TS) were determined. The concentrations of selected
      plasma biochemical analytes were determined using the VetScan VS2 analyzer and
      included albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, bile acids, calcium, creatine
      kinase, globulins, glucose, potassium, sodium, phosphorous, total proteins (TP),
      and uric acid. The calcium-to-phosphorous ratio was calculated. Reference
      intervals were determined and evaluated for the potential effects of blood
      sampling site and sex. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) associated
      with the blood sampling site in TS, TP, phosphorus, and globulins, with higher
      values in samples from the tail versus the subcarapacial sampling site. No
      significant statistical differences were noted in the plasma biochemistry
      analytes between the sexes. Reading of the globulins by the analyzer failed in 36
      of 60 of the samples and was largely associated with the subcarapacial plexus
      sampling site. The reference intervals defined by the VetScan analyzer in this
      study can be used for clinical medicine and conservation of this tortoise
      species. Sampling site was identified as a factor significantly affecting some
      blood analytes in this study; this factor should thus be taken into consideration
      when assessing sulcata tortoise health status and using this testing methodology.

PMID- 28080925
TI  - CARDIAC ASSESSMENT OF ZOO-KEPT, BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOGS (CYNOMYS LUDOVICIANUS)
      ANESTHETIZED WITH ISOFLURANE.
AB  - Cardiomyopathy is suggested to be a relatively common disease condition in
      prairie dogs; however, there are no reports of normal cardiac echosonography and
      radiology in the prairie dog ( Cynomys spp.). The objective of this study was to
      report the ultrasonographic and radiographic measurements of the heart, and
      plasma troponin concentration in captive healthy anesthetized black-tailed
      prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus ). Zoo-kept prairie dogs with no signs of
      cardiac disease (n = 17) were evaluated. Each animal was anesthetized with
      isoflurane via face mask and a complete clinical assessment was performed,
      including complete blood cell count and plasma biochemistry, urinalysis, blood
      gasses, plasma troponin concentration, three-view whole body radiography, and
      echocardiogram. Standard measurements were taken. Few trivial findings were
      identified on echocardiographic evaluation. Further research with a larger sample
      size is needed to determine if these variations are normal, or represent early or
      mild cardiac disease. The data presented here can aid, with the necessary
      caution, in evaluating prairie dogs with possible cardiac disease, potentially
      resulting in earlier diagnosis and more successful treatment.

PMID- 28080926
TI  - Integrating task analysis into system design: Surveying designers' needs.
AB  - The authors are presently developing tools to enable software designers to carry
      out task analyses (TA). The tools will support a methodology comprising
      techniques for carrying out task analyses and will also take account of
      integrating the resulting TA information into system design. To support
      integration and to identify the requirements for TA tools, a group of designers
      were surveyed. The survey identified how the designers approach design, whether
      the designers believe TA would be of use to them and how, why and where TA might
      contribute to design. Finally the designers' views of the desired characteristics
      of TA tools was sought. This paper outlines the results of this small, detailed
      survey of what designers want, need and expect from TA tools.

PMID- 28080927
TI  - Individual differences and the user interface.
AB  - Individual differences in cognitive functions are relevant in introducing novioes
      to computing. The interaction between the user and the computer may be improved
      if these psychological characteristics are taken into account in the design of
      the user interface and in the design of introductory courses. In.section 1 of
      this paper an analysis is made of individual differences and of the possibilities
      of adaptation. The user interface is described as an opportunity for adaptation.
      Methods of adaptation are systematically related to the changeability of
      individual differences. Illustrated by an overview of previous experimental work,
      some principles of adaptation are demonstrated in relation to individual
      differences on variables that are relevant in human-computer interaction. Prior
      knowledge of mathematics has been shown to be related to success and failure in
      learning a programming language, and to motivation for using computers. In
      section 2 ways to prevent the course drop-out rate by structuring the teaching
      method are illustrated. Strategies of information processing in the user
      interface, in relation to metacommunication and teaching, are described in
      section 3 as another example of an individual difference variable that may be
      attended to in teaching, resulting in reduction of problem solving time. Some
      cognitive styles are related to success in programming. The choice of adequate
      educational examples may improve programming habits, as illustrated in section 4.
      Style of representation and spatial ability are relevant for the development of
      mental models of computer system. In section 5 some field studies on teaching
      novices to work with office systems illustrate these relations. Teaching
      strategies, educational examples, and metaphors, may neutralize the handicap some
      novices have because of these variables.

PMID- 28080928
TI  - JSD and the design of user interface software.
AB  - Systems analysis and design methods (SADMs), such as Jackson system development
      (JSD), have been proposed as a means of improving software quality. This is
      contrasted with the role of improving software usability proposed for human
      factors (HF). The paper argues the need for an explicit user interface
      specification stage in system development to ensure the usability of proposed
      systems. It is suggested that JSD supplemented by the specialist knowledge of HF
      can support such a specification stage. For HF and JSD to be successfully
      integrated, contributions from both need to be appropriately timed and
      structured. A model of the system development process that incorporates HF
      contributions is proposed. A means by which the HF contributions, in the form of
      a user interface specification, can be integrated with the JSD specification is
      developed and illustrated through examples.

PMID- 28080929
TI  - Designing for user benefit: a methodological cautionary tale.
AB  - This paper is concerned with the problem of 'losing sight' of the user during the
      design of human-computer interfaces. A methodological practice is proposed which
      enables the designer to track the implications of design proposals with respect
      to both the benefits they confer on the user and their goodness of fit with user
      characteristics. The methodological practice, which is seen as a technique for
      early or formative evaluation, is then applied in retrospect to two adaptive
      prototypes which are currently being incorporated into a Multi-Author Document
      Preparation System. The results of this process are intended as a methodological
      cautionary tale for other designers, illustrating the potential consequences of
      failure to evaluate the implicit assumptions that are being made about users by
      the designer.

PMID- 28080930
TI  - The human-computer interface hierarchy model and strategies in system
      development.
AB  - With the rapid introduction of computer systems into various practical settings,
      there has been a great need for theoretical guidance, and for system development
      strategies. Based on results of research on the organizational interface in
      Chinese enterprises, a LISREL model of human-computer interface hierarchy was
      built. Three useful strategies: computer expertise, system connectivity and
      participation strategies were formulated according to the Interface Hierarchy
      Model. The implications of the Model and related strategies were highlighted in
      relation to system development tasks and relative to the macro-ergonomics
      perspective.

PMID- 28080931
TI  - Alphanumeric and graphic displays for dynamic process monitoring and control.
AB  - The use of high resolution graphic display technology provides the control system
      designer with numerous options for displaying process plant information. This
      research evaluated the effectiveness of alphanumeric and graphic display formats
      for presenting system information in a dynamic process plant environment Thirty
      subjects, divided equally into three groups, were tested on three separate
      display formats: graphical, digital and multiple representations. The operators'
      task was to optimize the performance of a simulated fluid processing plant and to
      detect system failures. Results showed that the multiple display resulted in the
      best optimization performance and minimized the time required to detect failures.
      In general, the graphic display produced the worst performance with the digital
      display exhibiting intermediate results. The decision strategies used by the
      operators were found to have the greatest impact on performance. The results are
      discussed in terms of the merits of different display formats for representing
      system information in a manner appropriate to the operator's task.

PMID- 28080932
TI  - The implementation and evaluation of a theory for high level cognitive skill
      acquisition through expert systems modelling techniques.
AB  - From previous studies by Koubek and Salvendy (1988), it has been established that
      differences exist in the high level controlled processes between expert (E) and
      super-expert (SE) subjects on computer program modification tasks. This study
      examines the implications of this finding by applying modelling techniques via
      expert systems technology. To examine the hypothesis that the knowledge
      representation is critical to SE performance, and to indicate how these results
      might have practical application, two small prototype expert systems were
      developed using the E and SE knowledge representations respectively. A
      qualitative analysis reveals significant performance differences between systems
      attributable to the knowledge representation and suggests a combination of E and
      SE knowledge be used for construction of a hybrid expert system. The SE knowledge
      base is a hierarchical structure and is organized under abstract categories,
      suggesting a breadth first approach. This structure allows for interactions
      within the program itself and between the program and user environment. The E
      knowledge base is narrow and task specific, indicating a depth first approach. In
      conclusion, theoretical and practical implications of this research into SE
      performance and modelling techniques are discussed.

PMID- 28080933
TI  - Video analysis in cognitive ergonomics: a methodological perspective.
AB  - The object of this paper is to discuss the methodological issues associated with
      using video analysis in the evaluation of Human-Computer Interaction. It is
      proposed that the mapping between low-level observed events and the high-level
      goals of the usability evaluation ultimately determines the success of this
      research technique. The paper firstly addresses the advantages of using video as
      a data-capture medium in the context of usability evaluations, and secondly,
      evaluates the use of alternative data capture devices. The process of conducting
      video analysis is then described. The methodological issues that arise in
      employing this technique are presented in a format consistent with the execution
      of any empirical investigation: research design, scoring, data analysis and
      interpretation of results. The reader is alerted to certain methodological
      problems associated with the use of video analysis as a means of data collection.
      The conclusion is drawn that video analysis provides a very powerful data source
      for the study of human performance in cognitive ergonomics and usability
      evaluations provided that human factors practitioners attend to the
      methodological requirements imposed by this technique.

PMID- 28080934
TI  - Some requirements and suggestions for a methodology to develop knowledge based
      systems.
AB  - This paper describes an approach to the creation of a methodology for the
      development of knowledge based systems. It specifies some requirements and
      suggests how these requirements might be met. General requirements can be
      satisfied using a systems approach. More specific ones can be met by viewing an
      organization as a network of consultations for coordinating expertise. The nature
      of consultations is described and the form of a possible cognitive model using a
      blackboard architecture is outlined. The value of the approach is illustrated in
      terms of certain knowledge elicitation methods.

PMID- 28080935
TI  - Conference review Simulation in the development of user interfaces.

PMID- 28080936
TI  - State-space and verbal protocol methods for studying the human operator in
      process control.
AB  - This paper presents a variety of methods founded in cognitive science for
      examining the behaviour of the human operator in process control. The waterbath
      task described by Crossman and Cooke (1974) and by Moray et al. (1986) is taken
      as a basic process control laboratory paradigm for applying these methods in an
      integrated approach. First, the waterbath task itself was analysed and a
      graphical representation developed to show relations between system variables
      (various valve and heater settings) and state variables (volume, temperature and
      flow rate). From this a representation of possible correct knowledge about the
      waterbath was developed. Second, a classification was made of the different
      states the waterbath system could be in with respect to an operator's goal state.
      A state-action diagram identified the correct control action or actions to travel
      from each state to the goal. This provided a basis for predicting the types of
      difficulties operators might have. Results of an experiment snowed that the need
      to coordinate several control actions to reach a goal was a source of difficulty.
      Subjects consistently misunderstood the relation between variables and
      performance data showed poorer performance when these variables had to be
      controlled. Verbal protocol data showed how often and how accurately subjects
      discussed particular aspects of the waterbath system. It was possible to piece
      together fragments of a subject's whole system of knowledge. Overall, the methods
      discussed contrast possible actions and knowledge with actual actions and
      knowledge. They represent a promising collection of data reduction techniques for
      studying the human operator in process control.

PMID- 28080937
TI  - Towards a conception for an engineering discipline of human factors.
AB  - This paper concerns one possible response of human factors to the need for better
      user interactions of computer-based systems. The paper is in two parts. Part I
      examines the potential for human factors to formulate engineering principles. A
      basic prerequisite for realizing that potential is a conception of the general
      design problem addressed by human factors. The problem is expressed informally
      as: 'to design human interactions with computers for effective working'. A
      conception would provide the set of related concepts which both expressed the
      general design problem more formally, and which might be embodied in engineering
      principles. Part II of the paper proposes such a conception and illustrates its
      concepts. It is offered as an initial and speculative step towards a conception
      for an engineering discipline of Human Factors.

PMID- 28080938
TI  - Dynamic analysis of isoinertial lifting technique.
AB  - The objectives of the study were threefold: (1) to quantify dynamic measures
      (displacement, velocity, force/acceleration, and power) of a 1.83 m isoinertial
      lift on an incremental lifting machine (ILM); (2)to identify any gender
      differences in ILM lifting technique; and (3) to assess the implications of these
      data for the use of the ILM as a screening device. One hundred and thirty-two
      military personnel (33 females and 99 males) completed a maximal isoinertial
      lifting test from a starting height of 0.34 m to a target height of 1.83 m on the
      ILM. A force transducer attached to the back of the armature provided continuous
      velocity and displacement data from which the displacement, velocity,
      acceleration/force, and power profiles were determined. These data were
      summarized into 37 lift parameters; 33 representing the dynamic components of the
      lift, and four representing averages taken across the entire lift. The results
      revealed that the 1.83 m isoinertial lift could be described in three phases: (1)
      a powerful pulling phase, which incorporated measures of maximal
      acceleration/force, velocity, and power; 2) a wrist changeover manoeuvre, wherein
      momentum was required to compensate for minimal force and acceleration values;
      and (3) a pushing phase, during which second maximal force and acceleration
      measures were attained. Statistically significant differences were found between
      genders on various parameters of the technique profiles, suggesting that the
      testing protocol may have placed different demands on males and females. Females
      spent a greater proportion of the total lift time in the pushing phase, and had
      less opportunity to generate power during the pulling phase. The resulting TLM
      scores may have underestimated the lifting capacity of females. It was
      recommended that females and males be given independent consideration in the
      design of ILM lifting protocols.

PMID- 28080940
TI  - Predicting the transmissibility of a suspension seat.
AB  - Measurements of the stiffness and the damping of an air suspension seat were
      made. The seat was loaded with either a person or an equivalent rigid mass, and
      the effect of the following variables was investigated: duration; vibration
      magnitude; load on-the seat; seat adjustment. The results obtained with a rigid
      mass were used in conjunction with previous measurements of the apparent mass of
      the body and the apparent mass of the legs, to predict the transmissibility of
      the seat with a person. Good agreement was obtained between measured and
      predicted seat transmissibilities.

PMID- 28080942
TI  - Perceived relationship between elements of a complex display.
AB  - An important aspect of complex control and display layout is the grouping
      together of functionally related areas. Three experiments on perception of the
      relationship between elements of a complex display are reported. In the first
      experiment, subjects were presented with an array of nine plain elements with
      different element and external aspect ratios as well as different values of
      solidity of the display. Subjects reported their judgments on the perceived
      relationship of three groups of three elements which were related in either a
      horizontal or vertical direction. It was found that both aspect ratios were
      important in determining the strength of the 'vertically'-related response.
      Solidity of the display was not important. Two further experiments used display
      elements from power stations. The first of these experiments used a series of
      display elements with varying element and external aspect ratios; both of these
      variables were found to be significant in determining the perceived relationship
      between elements. However, the results are not as clear as those for the abstract
      elements used in the first experiment and suggest that more extreme aspect ratios
      are necessary to ensure that the desired relationships are perceived. The third
      experiment considered displays in which the elements within the one display were
      of different sizes. The perceived relationships are further weakened by the
      inclusion of this factor.

PMID- 28080945
TI  - Sensations of temperature and humidity during alternative work/rest and the
      influence of underwear knit structure.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of alternate work/rest
      and knit structure of underwear on various subjective sensations of temperature
      and humidity. Underwear manufactured from 100% polypropylene fibres in five
      different knit structures (1-by-l rib, fleece, fishnet, interlock, double-layer
      rib) were applied and tested as part of a prototype clothing system. Human
      testing was done on eight male subjects, and took place at Ta = 5 degrees C, Tdp
      = - 3.5 degrees C and Va = 0.32ms-1. The test comprized a twice-repeated bout of
      40 min cycle exercise (56 Wm-2;. [Vdot]O2 = 1741O2min-1~52+/-4.9% V O2 max)
      followed by 20 min of rest (OWm-2 0.351 O2 min-1). Alternate work/rest had a
      significant influence on all temperature and humidity sensations of the body, of
      the skin-clothing interface, and of the environment. Knit structures of the
      underwear influenced sensations of humidity significantly, but not sensations of
      temperature. The various sensations of temperature correlated best with core
      temperature, whereas the sensations of humidity correlated with skin wettedness.
      Subjective sensations of wetness of the skin and of the clothing are recommended
      as a sensitive tool to discriminate between the thermal function of similar
      garments.

PMID- 28080946
TI  - Four factor model to describe an isoinertial lift.
AB  - The objectives of the study were threefold: (1) to develop an empirical
      description of dynamic factors involved in a test of lifting performance on an
      Incremental Lifting Machine (TLM) through application of principal components
      analysis; (2) to conduct gender analyses of the factor structures; and (3) to
      determine the stability of the structures with repeated sampling. An initial
      sample of 175 participants (79 females and 96 males) completed a maximal
      isoinertial lifting test from a starting height of 0.34 m to a target height of
      1.83 m. A confirmatory sample of 132 participants (33 females and 99 males)
      completed the same 1LM test under identical conditions. A force transducer
      attached to the back of the armature provided continuous displacement data from
      which displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, and power profiles were
      determined. These data were summarized into 32 lift parameters, and then
      subjected to principal components analyses. For the dynamic parameters recorded
      for the initial sample, a four factor solution accounting for 78.9% of the
      variance was found to be optimal. Factor one (named Mid-Body Coordination and
      accounting for 24.7% of the variance) related to the timing and displacement of
      maximum velocity and power. Factor two (named Maximum Strength) contained maximum
      force and power measurements and accounted for 22.5% of the variance. Factor
      three (named Minimum Strength) related to minimum measures of force and power and
      accounted for 17.2% of the variance. Finally, factor four (named Lower Body Co
      ordination and accounting for 14.4% of the variance) related to the timing and
      displacement of maximum force. Descriptions of the factors were developed in
      terms of their underlying biomechanical relationships. The four factor solution
      was found to be stable across genders, and it was replicated for the confirmatory
      sample. It was concluded that these dynamic factors possessed considerable
      scientific utility for future research.

PMID- 28080947
TI  - HIV testing intervention development among men who have sex with men in the
      developed world.
AB  - HIV testing is a 'gateway' technology, enabling access to treatment and HIV
      prevention. Biomedical approaches to prevention, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis
      and treatment as prevention, require accurate and regular HIV test results. HIV
      testing also represents a powerful 'teachable moment' for behavioural prevention.
      An increasing range of HIV tests and the emergence of self-managed diagnostic
      technologies (e.g. self-testing) means there is now considerable diversification
      of when, where and how results are available to those who test. These changes
      have profound implications for intervention development and, indeed, health
      service redesign. This paper highlights the need for better ways of
      conceptualising testing in order to capitalise on the health benefits that
      diverse HIV testing interventions will bring. A multidimensional framework is
      proposed to capture ongoing developments in HIV testing among men who have sex
      with men and focus on the intersection of: (1) the growing variety of HIV testing
      technologies and the associated diversification of their pathways into care; (2)
      psychosocial insights into the behavioural domain of HIV testing; and (3) better
      appreciation of population factors associated with heterogeneity and concomitant
      inequities. By considering these three aspects of HIV testing in parallel, it is
      possible to identify gaps, limitations and opportunities in future HIV testing
      related interventions. Moreover, it is possible to explore and map how diverse
      interventions may work together having additive effects. Only a holistic and
      dynamic framework that captures the increasing complexity of HIV testing is fit
      for purpose to deliver the maximum public health benefit of HIV testing.

PMID- 28080948
TI  - ECG Diagnosis: Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction.

PMID- 28080949
TI  - Image Diagnosis: Endobronchial Tuberculosis Masquerading as an Endobronchial
      Tumor with Presentation as Middle Lobe Syndrome.

PMID- 28080951
TI  - Primary Upper Limb Lymphedema: Case Report of a Rare Pathology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lymphedema is characterized by a defect in the lymphatic system
      that causes limb swelling. Impaired uptake and transport of lymphatic fluid
      through lymphatic vessels causes accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the
      interstitial spaces, which leads to swelling of the limb. Primary lymphedema
      often presents at birth. The rare cases that arise after age 35 years are
      described as lymphedema tarda. The great majority of patients with lymphedema
      have swelling of the lower limbs-upper limb lymphedema is a rare disorder. CASE
      PRESENTATION: An 84-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of unilateral
      swelling of the right upper limb. There were no constitutional symptoms and no
      evidence of lymphadenopathy or systemic disease. Blood tests, carcinoembryonic
      antigen test, computed tomography scans, and venous Doppler ultrasound were all
      normal. The diagnosis was primary upper limb lymphedema. DISCUSSION: The swelling
      that occurs in upper limb lymphedema is permanent and usually extends to the
      hand. About one-third of patients with this condition also present with lower
      limb lymphedema. Thorough investigations are warranted in cases of unilateral
      upper limb lymphedema to rule out occult malignancy and systemic disease.

PMID- 28080950
TI  - Image Diagnosis: A Striking Bleomycin-Induced Skin Toxicity: Flagellate
      Hyperpigmentation.

PMID- 28080953
TI  - Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology, and How You Can
      Heal.

PMID- 28080954
TI  - Sjogren Syndrome and Pregnancy: A Literature Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Autoimmune diseases do not impair fertility, and women with
      autoimmune diseases who become pregnant are likely to experience more complicated
      pregnancies than are women without the disease. Pregnancies complicated by these
      disorders have a high clinical impact on both the pregnancy and the disease. The
      effect of autoimmune disease on pregnancy differs according to the type of
      maternal disease, disease activity, severity of organ damage, antibody profile,
      and drug treatment. Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disease with a high
      prevalence of anti-SS-A (anti-Ro) and anti-SS-B (anti-La) antibodies. Anti-SS-A
      antibodies are associated with congenital heart block. Data on pregnancy outcomes
      in primary Sjogren syndrome are scarce. METHODS: We performed a review of the
      literature regarding pregnancy outcomes in women with Sjogren syndrome. RESULTS:
      Women with Sjogren syndrome are likely to experience more complications during
      pregnancy than women without an autoimmune disease. Studies show a high incidence
      of poor fetal outcomes for these patients. CONCLUSION: Women with Sjogren
      syndrome require prenatal counseling explaining the risks involved and the need
      to control the disease well before conception. High-risk pregnancies can be
      optimally managed by a multidisciplinary team.

PMID- 28080955
TI  - Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis Secondary to Pyridostigmine (Mestinon): Report of a
      Possible First Case.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pyridostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor commonly used
      in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. We describe a patient who developed a rash
      after recently being started on pyridostigmine and give a general review of
      leukocytoclastic vasculitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 91-year-old man was diagnosed
      with ocular myasthenia gravis. He was started on pyridostigmine, and 2 weeks
      later he developed a rash. The rash was biopsied and found to be secondary to
      leukocytoclastic vasculitis; the pyridostigmine was stopped, loratadine was
      started, and the rash resolved. DISCUSSION: Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is
      commonly caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to medications, or it can be
      associated with certain medical conditions. We present a brief review of the most
      common medications and medical conditions known to cause this reaction, but to
      our knowledge this is the first description of pyridostigmine causing this
      reaction.

PMID- 28080956
TI  - ECG Diagnosis: Deep T Wave Inversions Associated with Intracranial Hemorrhage.

PMID- 28080957
TI  - Understanding Preferences for Osteoporosis Information to Develop an Osteoporosis
      Patient Education Brochure.
AB  - CONTEXT: Patient education materials can provide important information related to
      osteoporosis prevention and treatment. However, available osteoporosis education
      materials fail to follow best-practice guidelines for patient education.
      OBJECTIVE: To develop an educational brochure on bone health for adults aged 50
      years and older using mixed-method, semistructured interviews. DESIGN: This
      project consisted of 3 phases. In Phase 1, we developed written content that
      included information about osteoporosis. Additionally, we designed 2 graphic-rich
      brochures, Brochure A (photographs) and Brochure B (illustrations). In Phase 2,
      interviewers presented the text-only document and both brochure designs to 53
      participants from an academic Medical Center in the Midwest and an outpatient
      clinic in the Southeastern region of the US. Interviewers used open- and closed
      ended questions to elicit opinions regarding the brochures. In Phase 3, using
      feedback from Phase 2, we revised the brochure and presented it to 11
      participants at a third site in the Southeastern US. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Participants' comprehension of brochure text and acceptability of brochure
      design. RESULTS: We enrolled 64 participants. Most were women, white, and college
      educated, with an average age of 66.1 years. Participants were able to restate
      the basic content of the brochure and preferred Brochure A's use of photographs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using feedback from older adults, we developed and refined a
      brochure for communicating bone health information to older adults at risk of
      osteoporosis and fragility fractures. The methods outlined in this article may
      serve to guide others in developing health educational brochures for chronic
      medical conditions.

PMID- 28080958
TI  - Erratum for Euro Surveill. 2016;21(50).

PMID- 28080959
TI  - Sentinel surveillance of imported dengue via travellers to Europe 2012 to 2014:
      TropNet data from the DengueTools Research Initiative.
AB  - We describe the epidemiological pattern and genetic characteristics of 242 acute
      dengue infections imported to Europe by returning travellers from 2012 to 2014.
      The overall geographical pattern of imported dengue (South-east Asia > Americas >
      western Pacific region > Africa) remained stable compared with 1999 to 2010. We
      isolated the majority of dengue virus genotypes and epidemic lineages causing
      outbreaks and epidemics in Asia, America and Africa during the study period.
      Travellers acted as sentinels for four unusual dengue outbreaks (Madeira, 2012
      13; Luanda, 2013; Dar es Salaam, 2014; Tokyo, 2014). We were able to characterise
      dengue viruses imported from regions where currently no virological surveillance
      data are available. Up to 36% of travellers infected with dengue while travelling
      returned during the acute phase of the infection (up to 7 days after symptom
      onset) or became symptomatic after returning to Europe, and 58% of the patients
      with acute dengue infection were viraemic when seeking medical care.
      Epidemiological and virological data from dengue-infected international
      travellers can add an important layer to global surveillance efforts. A
      considerable number of dengue-infected travellers are viraemic after arrival back
      home, which poses a risk for dengue introduction and autochthonous transmission
      in European regions where suitable mosquito vectors are prevalent.

PMID- 28080961
TI  - Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health.
AB  - Interoception refers to the sensing of the internal state of one's body.
      Interoception is distinct from the processing of sensory information concerning
      external (non-self) stimuli (e.g. vision, hearing, touch and smell) and is the
      afferent axis to internal (autonomic and hormonal) physiological control.
      However, the impact of interoception extends beyond homeostatic/allostatic
      reflexes: it is proposed to be fundamental to motivation, emotion (affective
      feelings and behaviours), social cognition and self-awareness. This view is
      supported by a growing body of experimental evidence that links peripheral
      physiological states to mental processes. Within this framework, the
      representation of self is constructed from early development through continuous
      integrative representation of biological data from the body, to form the basis
      for those aspects of conscious awareness grounded on the subjective sense of
      being a unique individual. This theme issue of the Philosophical Transactions of
      the Royal Society B draws together state-of-the-art knowledge concerning
      theoretical, experimental and clinical facets of interoception with the emphasis
      on cognitive and affective neuroscience. The multidisciplinary and cross
      disciplinary perspectives represented in this theme issue disseminate and
      entrench knowledge about interoception across the scientific community and
      provide a reference for the conceptualization and further study of interoception
      across behavioural sciences.

PMID- 28080960
TI  - Myogenic regulatory transcription factors regulate growth in rhabdomyosarcoma.
AB  - Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric malignacy of muscle with myogenic
      regulatory transcription factors MYOD and MYF5 being expressed in this disease.
      Consensus in the field has been that expression of these factors likely reflects
      the target cell of transformation rather than being required for continued tumor
      growth. Here, we used a transgenic zebrafish model to show that Myf5 is
      sufficient to confer tumor-propagating potential to RMS cells and caused tumors
      to initiate earlier and have higher penetrance. Analysis of human RMS revealed
      that MYF5 and MYOD are mutually-exclusively expressed and each is required for
      sustained tumor growth. ChIP-seq and mechanistic studies in human RMS uncovered
      that MYF5 and MYOD bind common DNA regulatory elements to alter transcription of
      genes that regulate muscle development and cell cycle progression. Our data
      support unappreciated and dominant oncogenic roles for MYF5 and MYOD convergence
      on common transcriptional targets to regulate human RMS growth.

PMID- 28080962
TI  - 'Bodily precision': a predictive coding account of individual differences in
      interoceptive accuracy.
AB  - Individuals differ in their awareness of afferent information from within their
      bodies, which is typically assessed by a heartbeat perception measure of
      'interoceptive accuracy' (IAcc). Neural and behavioural correlates of this trait
      have been investigated, but a theoretical explanation has yet to be presented.
      Building on recent models that describe interoception within the free
      energy/predictive coding framework, this paper applies similar principles to
      IAcc, proposing that individual differences in IAcc depend on 'precision' in
      interoceptive systems, i.e. the relative weight accorded to 'prior'
      representations and 'prediction errors' (that part of incoming interoceptive
      sensation not accounted for by priors), at various levels within the cortical
      hierarchy and between modalities. Attention has the effect of optimizing
      precision both within and between sensory modalities. Our central assumption is
      that people with high IAcc are able, with attention, to prioritize interoception
      over other sensory modalities and can thus adjust the relative precision of their
      interoceptive priors and prediction errors, where appropriate, given their
      personal history. This characterization explains key findings within the
      interoception literature; links results previously seen as unrelated or
      contradictory; and may have important implications for understanding cognitive,
      behavioural and psychopathological consequences of both high and low
      interoceptive awareness.This article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception
      beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080963
TI  - Is the cardiac monitoring function related to the self in both the default
      network and right anterior insula?
AB  - The self has been proposed to be rooted in the neural monitoring of internal
      bodily signals and might thus involve interoceptive areas, notably the right
      anterior insula (rAI). However, studies on the self consistently showed the
      involvement of midline default network (DN) nodes, without referring to visceral
      monitoring. Here, we investigate this apparent discrepancy. We previously showed
      that neural responses to heartbeats in the DN encode two different self
      dimensions, the agentive 'I' and the introspective 'Me', in a whole-brain
      analysis of magnetoencephalography (MEG) data. Here, we confirm and anatomically
      refine this result with intracranial recordings (intracranial
      electroencephalography, iEEG). In two patients, we show a parametric modulation
      of neural responses to heartbeats by the self-relatedness of thoughts, at the
      single trial level. A region-of-interest analysis of the insula reveals that MEG
      responses to heartbeats in the rAI encode the 'I' self-dimension. The effect in
      rAI was weaker than in the DN and was replicated in iEEG data in one patient out
      of two. We propose that a common mechanism, the neural monitoring of cardiac
      signals, underlies the self in both the DN and rAI. This might reconcile studies
      on the self highlighting the DN, with studies on interoception focusing on the
      insula.This article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception beyond
      homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080964
TI  - Prospective memory mediated by interoceptive accuracy: a psychophysiological
      approach.
AB  - Previous studies on prospective memory (PM), defined as memory for future
      intentions, suggest that psychological stress enhances successful PM retrieval.
      However, the mechanisms underlying this notion remain poorly understood. We
      hypothesized that PM retrieval is achieved through interaction with autonomic
      nervous activity, which is mediated by the individual accuracy of interoceptive
      awareness, as measured by the heartbeat detection task. In this study, the
      relationship between cardiac reactivity and retrieval of delayed intentions was
      evaluated using the event-based PM task. Participants were required to detect PM
      target letters while engaged in an ongoing 2-back working memory task. The
      results demonstrated that individuals with higher PM task performance had a
      greater increase in heart rate on PM target presentation. Also, higher
      interoceptive perceivers showed better PM task performance. This pattern was not
      observed for working memory task performance. These findings suggest that cardiac
      afferent signals enhance PM retrieval, which is mediated by individual levels of
      interoceptive accuracy.This article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception
      beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080965
TI  - Feeling, learning from and being aware of inner states: interoceptive dimensions
      in neurodegeneration and stroke.
AB  - Interoception is a complex process encompassing multiple dimensions, such as
      accuracy, learning and awareness. Here, we examined whether each of those
      dimensions relies on specialized neural regions distributed throughout the vast
      interoceptive network. To this end, we obtained relevant measures of cardiac
      interoception in healthy subjects and patients offering contrastive lesion models
      of neurodegeneration and focal brain damage: behavioural variant fronto-temporal
      dementia (bvFTD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and fronto-insular stroke. Neural
      correlates of the three dimensions were examined through structural and
      functional resting-state imaging, and online measurements of the heart-evoked
      potential (HEP). The three patient groups presented deficits in interoceptive
      accuracy, associated with insular damage, connectivity alterations and abnormal
      HEP modulations. Interoceptive learning was differentially impaired in AD
      patients, evidencing a key role of memory networks in this skill. Interoceptive
      awareness results showed that bvFTD and AD patients overestimated their
      performance; this pattern was related to abnormalities in anterior regions and
      associated networks sub-serving metacognitive processes, and probably linked to
      well-established insight deficits in dementia. Our findings indicate how damage
      to specific hubs in a broad fronto-temporo-insular network differentially
      compromises interoceptive dimensions, and how such disturbances affect widespread
      connections beyond those critical hubs. This is the first study in which a
      multiple lesion model reveals fine-grained alterations of body sensing, offering
      new theoretical insights into neuroanatomical foundations of interoceptive
      dimensions.This article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception beyond
      homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080966
TI  - Active interoceptive inference and the emotional brain.
AB  - We review a recent shift in conceptions of interoception and its relationship to
      hierarchical inference in the brain. The notion of interoceptive inference means
      that bodily states are regulated by autonomic reflexes that are enslaved by
      descending predictions from deep generative models of our internal and external
      milieu. This re-conceptualization illuminates several issues in cognitive and
      clinical neuroscience with implications for experiences of selfhood and emotion.
      We first contextualize interoception in terms of active (Bayesian) inference in
      the brain, highlighting its enactivist (embodied) aspects. We then consider the
      key role of uncertainty or precision and how this might translate into
      neuromodulation. We next examine the implications for understanding the
      functional anatomy of the emotional brain, surveying recent observations on
      agranular cortex. Finally, we turn to theoretical issues, namely, the role of
      interoception in shaping a sense of embodied self and feelings. We will draw
      links between physiological homoeostasis and allostasis, early cybernetic ideas
      of predictive control and hierarchical generative models in predictive
      processing. The explanatory scope of interoceptive inference ranges from
      explanations for autism and depression, through to consciousness. We offer a
      brief survey of these exciting developments.This article is part of the themed
      issue 'Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080967
TI  - Affective touch and attachment style modulate pain: a laser-evoked potentials
      study.
AB  - Affective touch and cutaneous pain are two sub-modalities of interoception with
      contrasting affective qualities (pleasantness/unpleasantness) and social meanings
      (care/harm), yet their direct relationship has not been investigated. In 50
      women, taking into account individual attachment styles, we assessed the role of
      affective touch and particularly the contribution of the C tactile (CT) system in
      subjective and electrophysiological responses to noxious skin stimulation, namely
      N1 and N2-P2 laser-evoked potentials. When pleasant, slow (versus fast) velocity
      touch was administered to the (non-CT-containing) palm of the hand, higher
      attachment anxiety predicted increased subjective pain ratings, in the same
      direction as changes in N2 amplitude. By contrast, when pleasant touch was
      administered to CT-containing skin of the arm, higher attachment anxiety
      predicted attenuated N1 and N2 amplitudes. Higher attachment avoidance predicted
      opposite results. Thus, CT-based affective touch can modulate pain in early and
      late processing stages (N1 and N2 components), with the direction of effects
      depending on attachment style. Affective touch not involving the CT system seems
      to affect predominately the conscious perception of pain, possibly reflecting
      socio-cognitive factors further up the neurocognitive hierarchy. Affective touch
      may thus convey information about available social resources and gate pain
      responses depending on individual expectations of social support.This article is
      part of the themed issue 'Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and
      mental health'.

PMID- 28080968
TI  - Interoception, homeostatic emotions and sympathovagal balance.
AB  - We briefly review the evidence for distinct neuroanatomical substrates that
      underlie interoception in humans, and we explain how they substantialize feelings
      from the body (in the insular cortex) that are conjoined with homeostatic
      motivations that guide adaptive behaviours (in the cingulate cortex). This
      hierarchical sensorimotor architecture coincides with the limbic cortical
      architecture that underlies emotions, and thus we regard interoceptive feelings
      and their conjoint motivations as homeostatic emotions We describe how bivalent
      feelings, emotions and sympathovagal balance can be organized and regulated
      efficiently in the bicameral forebrain as asymmetric positive/negative,
      approach/avoidance and parasympathetic/sympathetic components. We provide
      original evidence supporting this organization from studies of cardiorespiratory
      vagal activity in monkeys and functional imaging studies in healthy humans
      showing activation modulated by paced breathing and passively viewed emotional
      images. The neuroanatomical architecture of interoception provides deep insight
      into the functional organization of all emotional feelings and behaviours in
      humans.This article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception beyond
      homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080970
TI  - Differentiating attention styles and regulatory aspects of self-reported
      interoceptive sensibility.
AB  - Based on prior research, multiple discriminable dimensions of interoception have
      been defined: awareness, accuracy and sensibility. Some investigators defined
      interoceptive awareness as metacognitive awareness of interoceptive accuracy,
      assessed as correspondence between subjective confidence in and objective
      accuracy of one's heartbeat detection. However, metacognitive awareness has been
      understood quite differently: 'a cognitive set in which negative
      thoughts/feelings are experienced as mental events, rather than as the self' or
      as 'error awareness'. Interoceptive sensibility, defined as self-reported
      interoception, distinguishes self-reported interoception from objective
      interoceptive accuracy, but does not differentiate between anxiety-driven and
      mindful attention styles towards interoceptive cues, a distinction of key
      clinical importance: one attention style is associated with somatization and
      anxiety disorders; the other has been viewed as healthy, adaptive, resilience
      enhancing. The self-report Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness
      was developed to differentiate these attention styles. It has been translated
      into 16 languages and applied in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
      Findings from these applications suggest that differentiating interoceptive
      sensibility according to attention style and regulatory aspects (i) provides
      insights into the psychology of interoceptive awareness, (ii) differentiates
      between clinically maladaptive and beneficial interoceptive attention, and (iii)
      helps elucidate therapeutic approaches that claim to provide health benefits by
      training mindful styles of bodily awareness.This article is part of the themed
      issue 'Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080971
TI  - Interoceptive dimensions across cardiac and respiratory axes.
AB  - Interoception refers to the sensing of signals concerning the internal state of
      the body. Individual differences in interoceptive sensitivity are proposed to
      account for differences in affective processing, including the expression of
      anxiety. The majority of investigations of interoceptive accuracy focus on
      cardiac signals, typically using heartbeat detection tests and self-report
      measures. Consequently, little is known about how different organ-specific axes
      of interoception relate to each other or to symptoms of anxiety. Here, we compare
      interoception for cardiac and respiratory signals. We demonstrate a dissociation
      between cardiac and respiratory measures of interoceptive accuracy (i.e. task
      performance), yet a positive relationship between cardiac and respiratory
      measures of interoceptive awareness (i.e. metacognitive insight into own
      interoceptive ability). Neither interoceptive accuracy nor metacognitive
      awareness for cardiac and respiratory measures was related to touch acuity, an
      exteroceptive sense. Specific measures of interoception were found to be
      predictive of anxiety symptoms. Poor respiratory accuracy was associated with
      heightened anxiety score, while good metacognitive awareness for cardiac
      interoception was associated with reduced anxiety. These findings highlight that
      detection accuracies across different sensory modalities are dissociable and
      future work can better delineate their relationship to affective and cognitive
      constructs.This article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception beyond
      homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080969
TI  - An active inference theory of allostasis and interoception in depression.
AB  - In this paper, we integrate recent theoretical and empirical developments in
      predictive coding and active inference accounts of interoception (including the
      Embodied Predictive Interoception Coding model) with working hypotheses from the
      theory of constructed emotion to propose a biologically plausible unified theory
      of the mind that places metabolism and energy regulation (i.e. allostasis), as
      well as the sensory consequences of that regulation (i.e. interoception), at its
      core. We then consider the implications of this approach for understanding
      depression. We speculate that depression is a disorder of allostasis, whose
      myriad symptoms result from a 'locked in' brain that is relatively insensitive to
      its sensory context. We conclude with a brief discussion of the ways our approach
      might reveal new insights for the treatment of depression.This article is part of
      the themed issue 'Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental
      health'.

PMID- 28080972
TI  - Towards a psychophysics of interoceptive processes: the measurement of heartbeat
      detection.
AB  - It is difficult to collect objective evidence of interoception. Unlike
      exteroception, the effective stimuli for interoception are often unknown, and
      even when identifiable, they are difficult to control experimentally.
      Furthermore, direct stimulation of the interoceptors is seldom appropriate in
      human experimentation. Hence, non-invasive behavioural measures of accuracy in
      heartbeat detection have frequently been adopted to index interoceptive
      sensitivity. However, there has been little standardization and the two most
      popular methods for assessing heartbeat detection, heartbeat tracking and two
      alternative forced choice methods, appear to be biased and of questionable
      validity. These issues do not arise with other methods that are based on
      classical psychophysics and that enable subjects to indicate when during the
      cardiac cycle their heartbeat sensations occur. Not only are these classical
      methods highly reliable, but they also provide continuous unbiased measures of
      the temporal locations of heartbeat sensations and the precision with which these
      sensations are detected.This article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception
      beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080973
TI  - Changes in interoceptive processes following brain stimulation.
AB  - The processing and perception of individual internal bodily signals
      (interoception) has been differentiated to comprise different levels and
      processes involved. The so-called heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP) offers an
      additional possibility to examine automatic processing of cardiac signals.
      Knowledge on neural structures potentially supporting different facets of
      interoception is still sparse. One way to get insights into neuroanatomical
      function is to manipulate the activity of different brain structures. In this
      study, we used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and a
      continuous theta-burst protocol to inhibit specific central locations of the
      interoceptive network including the right anterior insula and the right
      somatosensory cortices and assessed effects on interoceptive facets and the HEP
      in 18 male participants. Main results were that inhibiting anterior insula
      resulted in a significant decline in cardiac and respiratory interoceptive
      accuracy (IAc) and in a consistent decrease in perception confidence. Continuous
      theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) over somatosensory cortices reduced only cardiac
      IAc and affected perception confidence. Inhibiting right anterior insula and
      right somatosensory cortices increased interoceptive sensibility and reduced the
      HEP amplitude over frontocentral locations. Our findings strongly suggest that
      cTBS is an effective tool to investigate the neural network supporting
      interoceptive processes.This article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception
      beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080974
TI  - How the heart speaks to the brain: neural activity during cardiorespiratory
      interoceptive stimulation.
AB  - Prominent theories emphasize key roles for the insular cortex in the central
      representation of interoceptive sensations, but how this brain region responds
      dynamically to changes in interoceptive state remains incompletely understood.
      Here, we systematically modulated cardiorespiratory sensations in humans using
      bolus infusions of isoproterenol, a rapidly acting peripheral beta-adrenergic
      agonist similar to adrenaline. To identify central neural processes underlying
      these parametrically modulated interoceptive states, we used pharmacological
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) to simultaneously measure blood
      oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) and arterial spin labelling (ASL) signals in
      healthy participants. Isoproterenol infusions induced dose-dependent increases in
      heart rate and cardiorespiratory interoception, with all participants endorsing
      increased sensations at the highest dose. These reports were accompanied by
      increased BOLD and ASL activation of the right insular cortex at the highest
      dose. Different responses across insula subregions were also observed. During
      anticipation, insula activation increased in more anterior regions. During
      stimulation, activation increased in the mid-dorsal and posterior insula on the
      right, but decreased in the same regions on the left. This study demonstrates the
      feasibility of phMRI for assessing brain activation during adrenergic
      interoceptive stimulation, and provides further evidence supporting a dynamic
      role for the insula in representing changes in cardiorespiratory states.This
      article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect,
      cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080975
TI  - Neural correlates of heart-focused interoception: a functional magnetic resonance
      imaging meta-analysis.
AB  - Interoception is the ability to perceive one's internal body state including
      visceral sensations. Heart-focused interoception has received particular
      attention, in part due to a readily available task for behavioural assessment,
      but also due to accumulating evidence for a significant role in emotional
      experience, decision-making and clinical disorders such as anxiety and
      depression. Improved understanding of the underlying neural correlates is
      important to promote development of anatomical-functional models and suitable
      intervention strategies. In the present meta-analysis, nine studies reporting
      neural activity associated with interoceptive attentiveness (i.e. focused
      attention to a particular interoceptive signal for a given time interval) to
      one's heartbeat were submitted to a multilevel kernel density analysis. The
      findings corroborated an extended network associated with heart-focused
      interoceptive attentiveness including the posterior right and left insula, right
      claustrum, precentral gyrus and medial frontal gyrus. Right-hemispheric dominance
      emphasizes non-verbal information processing with the posterior insula presumably
      serving as the major gateway for cardioception. Prefrontal neural activity may
      reflect both top-down attention deployment and processing of feed-forward
      cardioceptive information, possibly orchestrated via the claustrum.This article
      is part of the themed issue 'Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition
      and mental health'.

PMID- 28080977
TI  - Moorland vegetation burning debates should avoid contextomy and anachronism: a
      comment on Davies et al. (2016).

PMID- 28080976
TI  - Respiratory modulation of startle eye blink: a new approach to assess afferent
      signals from the respiratory system.
AB  - Current approaches to assess interoception of respiratory functions cannot
      differentiate between the physiological basis of interoception, i.e. visceral
      afferent signal processing, and the psychological process of attention focusing.
      Furthermore, they typically involve invasive procedures, e.g. induction of
      respiratory occlusions or the inhalation of CO2-enriched air. The aim of this
      study was to test the capacity of startle methodology to reflect respiratory
      related afferent signal processing, independent of invasive procedures. Forty-two
      healthy participants were tested in a spontaneous breathing and in a 0.25 Hz
      paced breathing condition. Acoustic startle noises of 105 dB(A) intensity (50 ms
      white noise) were presented with identical trial frequency at peak and on-going
      inspiration and expiration, based on a new pattern detection method, involving
      the online processing of the respiratory belt signal. The results show the
      highest startle magnitudes during on-going expiration compared with any other
      measurement points during the respiratory cycle, independent of whether breathing
      was spontaneous or paced. Afferent signals from slow adapting phasic pulmonary
      stretch receptors may be responsible for this effect. This study is the first to
      demonstrate startle modulation by respiration. These results offer the potential
      to apply startle methodology in the non-invasive testing of interoception-related
      aspects in respiratory psychophysiology.This article is part of the themed issue
      'Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'.

PMID- 28080978
TI  - The role of fire in UK upland management: the need for informed challenge to
      conventional wisdoms: a comment on Davies et al. (2016).

PMID- 28080979
TI  - The peatland vegetation burning debate: keep scientific critique in perspective.
      A response to Brown et al. and Douglas et al.

PMID- 28080981
TI  - Phenotypic interactions between tree hosts and invasive forest pathogens in the
      light of globalization and climate change.
AB  - Invasive pathogens can cause considerable damage to forest ecosystems. Lack of
      coevolution is generally thought to enable invasive pathogens to bypass the
      defence and/or recognition systems in the host. Although mostly true, this
      argument fails to predict intermittent outcomes in space and time, underlining
      the need to include the roles of the environment and the phenotype in host
      pathogen interactions when predicting disease impacts. We emphasize the need to
      consider host-tree imbalances from a phenotypic perspective, considering the lack
      of coevolutionary and evolutionary history with the pathogen and the environment,
      respectively. We describe how phenotypic plasticity and plastic responses to
      environmental shifts may become maladaptive when hosts are faced with novel
      pathogens. The lack of host-pathogen and environmental coevolution are aligned
      with two global processes currently driving forest damage: globalization and
      climate change, respectively. We suggest that globalization and climate change
      act synergistically, increasing the chances of both genotypic and phenotypic
      imbalances. Short moves on the same continent are more likely to be in balance
      than if the move is from another part of the world. We use Gremmeniella abietina
      outbreaks in Sweden to exemplify how host-pathogen phenotypic interactions can
      help to predict the impacts of specific invasive and emergent diseases.This
      article is part of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal
      health, food security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080980
TI  - Climate forcing of an emerging pathogenic fungus across a montane multi-host
      community.
AB  - Changes in the timings of seasonality as a result of anthropogenic climate change
      are predicted to occur over the coming decades. While this is expected to have
      widespread impacts on the dynamics of infectious disease through environmental
      forcing, empirical data are lacking. Here, we investigated whether seasonality,
      specifically the timing of spring ice-thaw, affected susceptibility to infection
      by the emerging pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) across a
      montane community of amphibians that are suffering declines and extirpations as a
      consequence of this infection. We found a robust temporal association between the
      timing of the spring thaw and Bd infection in two host species, where we show
      that an early onset of spring forced high prevalences of infection. A third
      highly susceptible species (the midwife toad, Alytes obstetricans) maintained a
      high prevalence of infection independent of time of spring thaw. Our data show
      that perennially overwintering midwife toad larvae may act as a year-round
      reservoir of infection with variation in time of spring thaw determining the
      extent to which infection spills over into sympatric species. We used future
      temperature projections based on global climate models to demonstrate that the
      timing of spring thaw in this region will advance markedly by the 2050s,
      indicating that climate change will further force the severity of infection. Our
      findings on the effect of annual variability on multi-host infection dynamics
      show that the community-level impact of fungal infectious disease on biodiversity
      will need to be re-evaluated in the face of climate change.This article is part
      of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food
      security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080982
TI  - Drivers of variation in species impacts for a multi-host fungal disease of bats.
AB  - Disease can play an important role in structuring species communities because the
      effects of disease vary among hosts; some species are driven towards extinction,
      while others suffer relatively little impact. Why disease impacts vary among host
      species remains poorly understood for most multi-host pathogens, and factors
      allowing less-susceptible species to persist could be useful in conserving highly
      affected species. White-nose syndrome (WNS), an emerging fungal disease of bats,
      has decimated some species while sympatric and closely related species have
      experienced little effect. We analysed data on infection prevalence, fungal loads
      and environmental factors to determine how variation in infection among sympatric
      host species influenced the severity of WNS population impacts. Intense
      transmission resulted in almost uniformly high prevalence in all species. By
      contrast, fungal loads varied over 3 orders of magnitude among species, and
      explained 98% of the variation among species in disease impacts. Fungal loads
      increased with hibernating roosting temperatures, with bats roosting at warmer
      temperatures having higher fungal loads and suffering greater WNS impacts. We
      also found evidence of a threshold fungal load, above which the probability of
      mortality may increase sharply, and this threshold was similar for multiple
      species. This study demonstrates how differences in behavioural traits among
      species-in this case microclimate preferences-that may have been previously
      adaptive can be deleterious after the introduction of a new pathogen. Management
      to reduce pathogen loads rather than exposure may be an effective way of reducing
      disease impact and preventing species extinctions.This article is part of the
      themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security
      and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080984
TI  - Modelling coffee leaf rust risk in Colombia with climate reanalysis data.
AB  - Many fungal plant diseases are strongly controlled by weather, and global climate
      change is thus likely to have affected fungal pathogen distributions and impacts.
      Modelling the response of plant diseases to climate change is hampered by the
      difficulty of estimating pathogen-relevant microclimatic variables from standard
      meteorological data. The availability of increasingly sophisticated high
      resolution climate reanalyses may help overcome this challenge. We illustrate the
      use of climate reanalyses by testing the hypothesis that climate change increased
      the likelihood of the 2008-2011 outbreak of Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR, Hemileia
      vastatrix) in Colombia. We develop a model of germination and infection risk, and
      drive this model using estimates of leaf wetness duration and canopy temperature
      from the Japanese 55-Year Reanalysis (JRA-55). We model germination and infection
      as Weibull functions with different temperature optima, based upon existing
      experimental data. We find no evidence for an overall trend in disease risk in
      coffee-growing regions of Colombia from 1990 to 2015, therefore, we reject the
      climate change hypothesis. There was a significant elevation in predicted CLR
      infection risk from 2008 to 2011 compared with other years. JRA-55 data suggest a
      decrease in canopy surface water after 2008, which may have helped terminate the
      outbreak. The spatial resolution and accuracy of climate reanalyses are
      continually improving, increasing their utility for biological modelling.
      Confronting disease models with data requires not only accurate climate data, but
      also disease observations at high spatio-temporal resolution. Investment in
      monitoring, storage and accessibility of plant disease observation data are
      needed to match the quality of the climate data now available.This article is
      part of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food
      security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080983
TI  - Snake fungal disease: an emerging threat to wild snakes.
AB  - Since 2006, there has been a marked increase in the number of reports of severe
      and often fatal fungal skin infections in wild snakes in the eastern USA. The
      emerging condition, referred to as snake fungal disease (SFD), was initially
      documented in rattlesnakes, where the infections were believed to pose a risk to
      the viability of affected populations. The disease is caused by Ophidiomyces
      ophiodiicola, a fungus recently split from a complex of fungi long referred to as
      the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV). Here we review the
      current state of knowledge about O. ophiodiicola and SFD. In addition, we provide
      original findings which demonstrate that O. ophiodiicola is widely distributed in
      eastern North America, has a broad host range, is the predominant cause of fungal
      skin infections in wild snakes and often causes mild infections in snakes
      emerging from hibernation. This new information, together with what is already
      available in the scientific literature, advances our knowledge of the cause,
      pathogenesis and ecology of SFD. However, additional research is necessary to
      elucidate the factors driving the emergence of this disease and develop
      strategies to mitigate its impacts.This article is part of the themed issue
      'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security and ecosystem
      resilience'.

PMID- 28080985
TI  - Emerging oomycete threats to plants and animals.
AB  - Oomycetes, or water moulds, are fungal-like organisms phylogenetically related to
      algae. They cause devastating diseases in both plants and animals. Here, we
      describe seven oomycete species that are emerging or re-emerging threats to
      agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture and natural ecosystems. They include the
      plant pathogens Phytophthora infestans, Phytophthora palmivora, Phytophthora
      ramorum, Plasmopara obducens, and the animal pathogens Aphanomyces invadans,
      Saprolegnia parasitica and Halioticida noduliformans For each species, we
      describe its pathology, importance and impact, discuss why it is an emerging
      threat and briefly review current research activities.This article is part of the
      themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security
      and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080986
TI  - Clinical implications of globally emerging azole resistance in Aspergillus
      fumigatus.
AB  - Aspergillus fungi are the cause of an array of diseases affecting humans, animals
      and plants. The triazole antifungal agents itraconazole, voriconazole,
      isavuconazole and posaconazole are treatment options against diseases caused by
      Aspergillus However, resistance to azoles has recently emerged as a new
      therapeutic challenge in six continents. Although de novo azole resistance occurs
      occasionally in patients during azole therapy, the main burden is the aquisition
      of resistance through the environment. In this setting, the evolution of
      resistance is attributed to the widespread use of azole-based fungicides.
      Although ubiquitously distributed, A. fumigatus is not a phytopathogen. However,
      agricultural fungicides deployed against plant pathogenic moulds such as
      Fusarium, Mycospaerella and A. flavus also show activity against A. fumigatus in
      the environment and exposure of non-target fungi is inevitable. Further,
      similarity in molecule structure between azole fungicides and antifungal drugs
      results in cross-resistance of A. fumigatus to medical azoles. Clinical studies
      have shown that two-thirds of patients with azole-resistant infections had no
      previous history of azole therapy and high mortality rates between 50% and 100%
      are reported in azole-resistant invasive aspergillosis. The resistance phenotype
      is associated with key mutations in the cyp51A gene, including TR34/L98H, TR53
      and TR46/Y121F/T289A resistance mechanisms. Early detection of resistance is of
      paramount importance and if demonstrated, either with susceptibility testing or
      through molecular analysis, azole monotherapy should be avoided. Liposomal
      amphotericin B or a combination of voriconazole and an echinocandin are
      recomended for azole-resistant aspergillosis.This article is part of the themed
      issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security and
      ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080987
TI  - Ploidy dynamics and evolvability in fungi.
AB  - Rapid responses to acute stresses are essential for stress survival and are
      critical to the ability of fungal pathogens to adapt to new environments or
      hosts. The rapid emergence of drug resistance is used as a model for how fungi
      adapt and survive stress conditions that inhibit the growth of progenitor cells.
      Aneuploidy and loss of heterozygosity (LOH), which are large-scale genome shifts
      involving whole chromosomes or chromosome arms, occur at higher frequency than
      point mutations and have the potential to mediate stress survival. Furthermore,
      the stress of exposure to an antifungal drug can induce elevated levels of LOH
      and can promote the formation of aneuploids. This occurs via mitotic defects that
      first produce tetraploid progeny with extra spindles, followed by chromosome mis
      segregation. Thus, drug exposure induces elevated levels of aneuploidy, which can
      alter the copy number of genes that improve survival in a given stress or drug.
      Selection then acts to increase the proportion of adaptive aneuploids in the
      population. Because aneuploidy is a common property of many pathogenic fungi,
      including those posing emerging threats to plants, animals and humans, we propose
      that aneuploid formation and LOH often accompanying it contribute to the rapid
      generation of diversity that can facilitate the emergence of fungal pathogens to
      new environmental niches and/or new hosts, as well as promote antifungal drug
      resistance that makes emerging fungal infections ever more difficult to
      contain.This article is part of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal
      threats to animal health, food security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080990
TI  - Food system consequences of a fungal disease epidemic in a major crop.
AB  - Fungal diseases are major threats to the most important crops upon which humanity
      depends. Were there to be a major epidemic that severely reduced yields, its
      effects would spread throughout the globalized food system. To explore these
      ramifications, we use a partial equilibrium economic model of the global food
      system (IMPACT) to study a hypothetical severe but short-lived epidemic that
      reduces rice yields in the countries affected by 80%. We modelled a succession of
      epidemic scenarios of increasing severity, starting with the disease in a single
      country in southeast Asia and ending with the pathogen present in most of eastern
      Asia. The epidemic and subsequent crop losses led to substantially increased
      global rice prices. However, as long as global commodity trade was unrestricted
      and able to respond fast enough, the effects on individual calorie consumption
      were, to a large part, mitigated. Some of the worse effects were projected to be
      experienced by poor net-rice importing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, which
      were not affected directly by the disease but suffered because of higher rice
      prices. We critique the assumptions of our models and explore political economic
      pressures to restrict trade at times of crisis. We finish by arguing for the
      importance of 'stress-testing' the resilience of the global food system to crop
      disease and other shocks.This article is part of the themed issue 'Tackling
      emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security and ecosystem
      resilience'.

PMID- 28080988
TI  - Medical mycology and fungal immunology: new research perspectives addressing a
      major world health challenge.
AB  - Fungi cause more than a billion skin infections, more than 100 million mucosal
      infections, 10 million serious allergies and more than a million deaths each
      year. Global mortality owing to fungal infections is greater than for malaria and
      breast cancer and is equivalent to that owing to tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. These
      statistics evidence fungal infections as a major threat to human health and a
      major burden to healthcare budgets worldwide. Those patients who are at greatest
      risk of life-threatening fungal infections include those who have weakened
      immunity or have suffered trauma or other predisposing infections such as HIV. To
      address these global threats to human health, more research is urgently needed to
      understand the immunopathology of fungal disease and human disease susceptibility
      in order to augment the advances being made in fungal diagnostics and drug
      development. Here, we highlight some recent advances in basic research in medical
      mycology and fungal immunology that are beginning to inform clinical decisions
      and options for personalized medicine, vaccine development and adjunct
      immunotherapies.This article is part of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging
      fungal threats to animal health, food security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080989
TI  - Overview of chytrid emergence and impacts on amphibians.
AB  - Chytridiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease of amphibians that affects
      over 700 species on all continents where amphibians occur. The amphibian
      chytridiomycosis system is complex, and the response of any amphibian species to
      chytrid depends on many aspects of the ecology and evolutionary history of the
      amphibian, the genotype and phenotype of the fungus, and how the biological and
      physical environment can mediate that interaction. Impacts of chytridiomycosis on
      amphibians are varied; some species have been driven extinct, populations of
      others have declined severely, whereas still others have not obviously declined.
      Understanding patterns and mechanisms of amphibian responses to chytrids is
      critical for conservation and management. Robust estimates of population numbers
      are needed to identify species at risk, prioritize taxa for conservation actions,
      design management strategies for managing populations and species, and to develop
      effective measures to reduce impacts of chytrids on amphibians.This article is
      part of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food
      security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080991
TI  - Minimizing fungal disease deaths will allow the UNAIDS target of reducing annual
      AIDS deaths below 500 000 by 2020 to be realized.
AB  - Deaths from AIDS (1 500 000 in 2013) have been falling more slowly than
      anticipated with improved access to antiretroviral therapy. Opportunistic
      infections account for most AIDS-related mortality, with a median age of death in
      the mid-30s. About 360 000 (24%) of AIDS deaths are attributed to tuberculosis.
      Fungal infections deaths in AIDS were estimated at more than 700 000 deaths (47%)
      annually. Rapid diagnostic tools and antifungal agents are available for these
      diseases and would likely have a major impact in reducing deaths. Scenarios for
      reduction of avoidable deaths were constructed based on published outcomes of the
      real-life impact of diagnostics and generic antifungal drugs to 2020. Annual
      deaths could fall for cryptococcal disease by 70 000, Pneumocystis pneumonia by
      162 500, disseminated histoplasmosis by 48 000 and chronic pulmonary
      aspergillosis by 33 500, with approximately 60% coverage of diagnostics and
      antifungal agents; a total of >1 000 000 lives saved over 5 years. If factored in
      with the 90-90-90 campaign rollout and its effect, AIDS deaths could fall to 426
      000 annually by 2020, with further reductions possible with increased coverage.
      Action could and should be taken by donors, national and international public
      health agencies, NGOs and governments to achieve the UNAIDS mortality reduction
      target, by scaling up capability to detect and treat fungal disease in AIDS.This
      article is part of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal
      health, food security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080992
TI  - Microevolutionary traits and comparative population genomics of the emerging
      pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus gattii.
AB  - Emerging fungal pathogens cause an expanding burden of disease across the animal
      kingdom, including a rise in morbidity and mortality in humans. Yet, we currently
      have only a limited repertoire of available therapeutic interventions. A greater
      understanding of the mechanisms of fungal virulence and of the emergence of
      hypervirulence within species is therefore needed for new treatments and
      mitigation efforts. For example, over the past decade, an unusual lineage of
      Cryptococcus gattii, which was first detected on Vancouver Island, has spread to
      the Canadian mainland and the Pacific Northwest infecting otherwise healthy
      individuals. The molecular changes that led to the development of this
      hypervirulent cryptococcal lineage remain unclear. To explore this, we traced the
      history of similar microevolutionary events that can lead to changes in host
      range and pathogenicity. Here, we detail fine-resolution mapping of genetic
      differences between two highly related Cryptococcus gattii VGIIc isolates that
      differ in their virulence traits (phagocytosis, vomocytosis, macrophage death,
      mitochondrial tubularization and intracellular proliferation). We identified a
      small number of single site variants within coding regions that potentially
      contribute to variations in virulence. We then extended our methods across
      multiple lineages of C. gattii to study how selection is acting on key virulence
      genes within different lineages.This article is part of the themed issue
      'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security and ecosystem
      resilience'.

PMID- 28080993
TI  - Secondary metabolite arsenal of an opportunistic pathogenic fungus.
AB  - Aspergillus fumigatus is a versatile fungus able to successfully exploit diverse
      environments from mammalian lungs to agricultural waste products. Among its many
      fitness attributes are dozens of genetic loci containing biosynthetic gene
      clusters (BGCs) producing bioactive small molecules (often referred to as
      secondary metabolites or natural products) that provide growth advantages to the
      fungus dependent on environment. Here we summarize the current knowledge of these
      BGCs-18 of which can be named to product-their expression profiles in vivo, and
      which BGCs may enhance virulence of this opportunistic human pathogen.
      Furthermore, we find extensive evidence for the presence of many of these BGCs,
      or similar BGCs, in distantly related genera including the emerging pathogen
      Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of white-nose syndrome in bats,
      and suggest such BGCs may be predictive of pathogenic potential in other
      fungi.This article is part of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats
      to animal health, food security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080994
TI  - Global food and fibre security threatened by current inefficiencies in fungal
      identification.
AB  - Fungal pathogens severely impact global food and fibre crop security. Fungal
      species that cause plant diseases have mostly been recognized based on their
      morphology. In general, morphological descriptions remain disconnected from
      crucially important knowledge such as mating types, host specificity, life cycle
      stages and population structures. The majority of current fungal species
      descriptions lack even the most basic genetic data that could address at least
      some of these issues. Such information is essential for accurate fungal
      identifications, to link critical metadata and to understand the real and
      potential impact of fungal pathogens on production and natural ecosystems.
      Because international trade in plant products and introduction of pathogens to
      new areas is likely to continue, the manner in which fungal pathogens are
      identified should urgently be reconsidered. The technologies that would provide
      appropriate information for biosecurity and quarantine already exist, yet the
      scientific community and the regulatory authorities are slow to embrace them.
      International agreements are urgently needed to enforce new guidelines for
      describing plant pathogenic fungi (including key DNA information), to ensure
      availability of relevant data and to modernize the phytosanitary systems that
      must deal with the risks relating to trade-associated plant pathogens.This
      article is part of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal
      health, food security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080995
TI  - Rapid emergence of pathogens in agro-ecosystems: global threats to agricultural
      sustainability and food security.
AB  - Agricultural ecosystems are composed of genetically depauperate populations of
      crop plants grown at a high density and over large spatial scales, with the
      regional composition of crop species changing little from year to year. These
      environments are highly conducive for the emergence and dissemination of
      pathogens. The uniform host populations facilitate the specialization of
      pathogens to particular crop cultivars and allow the build-up of large population
      sizes. Population genetic and genomic studies have shed light on the evolutionary
      mechanisms underlying speciation processes, adaptive evolution and long-distance
      dispersal of highly damaging pathogens in agro-ecosystems. These studies document
      the speed with which pathogens evolve to overcome crop resistance genes and
      pesticides. They also show that crop pathogens can be disseminated very quickly
      across and among continents through human activities. In this review, we discuss
      how the peculiar architecture of agro-ecosystems facilitates pathogen emergence,
      evolution and dispersal. We present four example pathosystems that illustrate
      both pathogen specialization and pathogen speciation, including different time
      frames for emergence and different mechanisms underlying the emergence process.
      Lastly, we argue for a re-design of agro-ecosystems that embraces the concept of
      dynamic diversity to improve their resilience to pathogens. This article is part
      of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food
      security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080997
TI  - Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security and ecosystem
      resilience.
AB  - Emerging infections caused by fungi have become a widely recognized global
      phenomenon. Their notoriety stems from their causing plagues and famines, driving
      species extinctions, and the difficulty in treating human mycoses alongside the
      increase of their resistance to antifungal drugs. This special issue comprises a
      collection of articles resulting from a Royal Society discussion meeting
      examining why pathogenic fungi are causing more disease now than they did in the
      past, and how we can tackle this rapidly emerging threat to the health of plants
      and animals worldwide.This article is part of the themed issue 'Tackling emerging
      fungal threats to animal health, food security and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080998
TI  - Determination of oxycodone and its major metabolites noroxycodone and oxymorphone
      by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in
      plasma and urine: application to real cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxycodone is a narcotic drug widely used to alleviate moderate and
      severe acute and chronic pain. Variability in analgesic efficacy could be
      explained by inter-subject variations in plasma concentrations of parent drug and
      its active metabolite, oxymorphone. To evaluate patient compliance and to set up
      therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), an ultra-high-performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) assay was developed and
      validated for the parent drug and its major metabolites noroxycodone and
      oxymorphone. METHODS: Extraction of analytes from plasma and urine samples was
      obtained by simple liquid-liquid extraction. The chromatographic separation was
      achieved with a reversed phase column using a linear gradient elution with two
      solvents: acetic acid 1% in water and methanol. The separated analytes were
      detected with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operated in multiple reaction
      monitoring (MRM) mode via positive electrospray ionization (ESI). RESULTS:
      Separation of analytes was obtained in less than 5 min. Linear calibration curves
      for all the analytes under investigation in urine and plasma samples showed
      determination coefficients (r2) equal or higher than 0.990. Mean absolute
      analytical recoveries were always above 86%. Intra- and inter-assay precision
      (measured as coefficient of variation, CV%) and accuracy (measured as % error)
      values were always better than 13%. Limit of detection at 0.06 and 0.15 ng/mL and
      limit of quantification at 0.2 and 0.5 ng/mL for plasma and urine samples,
      respectively, were adequate for the purpose of the present study. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rapid extraction, identification and quantification of oxycodone and its
      metabolites both in urine and plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS assay was tested for its
      feasibility in clinical samples and provided excellent results for rapid and
      effective drug testing in patients under oxycodone treatment.

PMID- 28080996
TI  - Mitigating amphibian chytridiomycoses in nature.
AB  - Amphibians across the planet face the threat of population decline and
      extirpation caused by the disease chytridiomycosis. Despite consensus that the
      fungal pathogens responsible for the disease are conservation issues, strategies
      to mitigate their impacts in the natural world are, at best, nascent. Reducing
      risk associated with the movement of amphibians, non-amphibian vectors and other
      sources of infection remains the first line of defence and a primary objective
      when mitigating the threat of disease in wildlife. Amphibian-associated
      chytridiomycete fungi and chytridiomycosis are already widespread, though, and we
      therefore focus on discussing options for mitigating the threats once disease
      emergence has occurred in wild amphibian populations. All strategies have
      shortcomings that need to be overcome before implementation, including stronger
      efforts towards understanding and addressing ethical and legal considerations.
      Even if these issues can be dealt with, all currently available approaches, or
      those under discussion, are unlikely to yield the desired conservation outcome of
      disease mitigation. The decision process for establishing mitigation strategies
      requires integrated thinking that assesses disease mitigation options critically
      and embeds them within more comprehensive strategies for the conservation of
      amphibian populations, communities and ecosystems.This article is part of the
      themed issue 'Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security
      and ecosystem resilience'.

PMID- 28080999
TI  - Electrochemical depositing rGO-Ti-rGO heterogeneous substrates with higher
      thermal conductivity and heat transfer performance compared to pure Ti.
AB  - Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely applied in many high strength, light
      weight applications, but their thermal conductivity is lower compared to that of
      other metals, which limits their further applications. In this paper, we
      demonstrated experimentally that rGO-Ti-rGO heterogeneous substrates with higher
      thermal conductivity, up to ~38.8% higher than Ti, could be fabricated by
      electrochemical depositing rGO on their surface. The rGO layers are grown on the
      surface of Ti substrates, with appearance of bedclothes on the beds. The
      thickness of rGO layers is around 300-500 nm and around 600-1000 nm when
      deposited for 5 cycles and 10 cycles, respectively. According to the cooling
      experiment results, as-prepared Ti + rGO substrates can present excellent thermal
      conduction performance, and reduce the chip temperature close to 3.2  degrees C
      13.1  degrees C lower than Ti alloy substrates with the heat flow density of 0.4
      3.6 W cm-2. Finally, the approach to electro-chemically deposit hundreds of
      nanometer rGO layers on the surface of Ti substrates can improve their thermal
      conductivity and heat transfer performance, which may have further application in
      the increasing thermal conduction of other metal-alloys, ceramics and polymers.

PMID- 28081000
TI  - On the development of a VIPARnd radiotherapy 3D polymer gel dosimeter.
AB  - This work presents an improvement of the VIPARnd ('nd' stands for 'normoxic,
      double', or VIP) polymer gel dosimeter. The gel composition was altered by
      increasing the concentration of the monomeric components, N-vinylpyrrolidone
      (NVP) and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), in co-solvent solutions. The optimal
      composition (VIPARCT, where 'CT' stands for computed tomography, or VIC)
      comprised: 17% NVP, 8% MBA, 12% t-BuOH, 7.5% gelatine, 0.007% ascorbic acid,
      0.0008% CuSO4  *  5H2O and 0.02% hydroquinone. The following characteristics of
      VIC were achieved: (i) linear dose range of 0.9_30 Gy, (ii) saturation for
      radiation doses of over 50 Gy, (iii) threshold dose of about 0.5 Gy, (iv) dose
      sensitivity of 0.171 Gy-1 s-1, which is roughly 2.2 times higher than that of VIP
      (for nuclear magnetic resonance measurements). It was also found that VIC is dose
      rate-independent, and its dose response does not alter if the radiation source
      is changed from electrons to photons for external beam radiotherapy. The gel
      responded similarly to irradiation with small changes in radiation energy but was
      sensitive to larger energy changes. The VIC gel retained temporal stability from
      20 h until at least 10 d after irradiation, whereas spatial stability was
      retained from 20 h until at least 6 d after irradiation. The scheme adopted for
      VIC manufacturing yields repeatable gels in terms of radiation dose response. The
      VIC was also shown to perform better than VIP using x-ray computed tomography as
      a readout method; the dose sensitivity of VIC (0.397 HU Gy-1) was 1.5 times
      higher than that of VIP. Also, the dose resolution of VIC was better than that of
      VIP in the whole dose range examined.

PMID- 28081001
TI  - How assembly matters to catalysis and thermal conductivity mediated by CuO
      nanoparticles.
AB  - CuO nanostructures (NSs) of different morphologies were prepared, applied as
      catalysts for the pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse (PSCB), and applied for
      thermally-conductive nanofluids. Both size and shape of the prepared NSs ranged
      from 5 to 1000 nm, and from nanodots (NDs) to spindle nano-aggregates (NAs),
      respectively. The catalytic activity of these NSs towards the PSCB was followed
      up by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), where they increased the percentage of
      total weight loss, and lowered the decomposition temperatures of PSCB. The Coats
      Redfern kinetic model showed a decline in activation energy by 57 and 9-43 kJ mol
      1 for NDs and NAs, respectively. Colloidal dispersions of CuO NDs and NAs in
      monoethylene glycol (MEG) were prepared with volume fractions ([Formula: see
      text]) of 0.01-0.04%, where thermal conductivity improved with increasing
      [Formula: see text]. At all values of [Formula: see text], the best enhancements
      were exerted by NDs. The nature of assembly impacted the catalyzed PSCB and the
      thermal conductivity of MEG. This behavior depends to a large extent on the NAs
      that expose a different fraction of crystal facets of different reactivities and
      surface areas, not on the constituent nanorods (NRs).

PMID- 28081002
TI  - Symmetry analysis of transport properties in helical superconductor junctions.
AB  - We study the discrete symmetries satisfied by helical p-wave superconductors with
      the d-vectors [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] and the transformations
      brought by symmetry operations to ferromagnet and spin-singlet superconductors,
      which show intimate associations with the transport properties in
      heterojunctions, including helical superconductors. In particular, the partial
      symmetries of the Hamiltonian under spin-rotation and gauge-rotation operations
      are responsible for the novel invariances of the conductance in tunnel junctions
      and the new selection rules for the lowest current and peculiar phase diagrams in
      Josephson junctions, which were reported recently. The symmetries of constructed
      free energies for Josephson junctions are also analyzed, and are consistent with
      the results from the Hamiltonian.

PMID- 28081003
TI  - Fe-nitrilotriacetic acid coordination polymer nanowires: an effective sensing
      platform for fluorescence-enhanced nucleic acid detection.
AB  - The determination of specific nucleic acid sequences is key in identifying
      disease-causing pathogens and genetic diseases. In this paper we report the
      utilization of Fe-nitrilotriacetic acid coordination polymer nanowires as an
      effective nanoquencher for fluorescence-enhanced nucleic acid detection. The
      detection is fast and the whole process can be completed within 15 min. This
      nanosensor shows a low detection limit of 0.2 nM with selectivity down to single
      base mismatch. This work provides us with an attractive sensing platform for
      applications.

PMID- 28081004
TI  - Reverberant shear wave fields and estimation of tissue properties.
AB  - The determination of shear wave speed is an important subject in the field of
      elastography, since elevated shear wave speeds can be directly linked to
      increased stiffness of tissues. MRI and ultrasound scanners are frequently used
      to detect shear waves and a variety of estimators are applied to calculate the
      underlying shear wave speed. The estimators can be relatively simple if plane
      wave behavior is assumed with a known direction of propagation. However, multiple
      reflections from organ boundaries and internal inhomogeneities and mode
      conversions can create a complicated field in time and space. Thus, we explore
      the mathematics of multiple component shear wave fields and derive the basic
      properties, from which efficient estimators can be obtained. We approach this
      problem from the historic perspective of reverberant fields, a conceptual
      framework used in architectural acoustics and related fields. The framework can
      be recast for the alternative case of shear waves in a bounded elastic media, and
      the expected value of displacement patterns in shear reverberant fields are
      derived, along with some practical estimators of shear wave speed. These are
      applied to finite element models and phantoms to illustrate the characteristics
      of reverberant fields and provide preliminary confirmation of the overall
      framework.

PMID- 28081005
TI  - Mechanical properties and failure behavior of phosphorene with grain boundaries.
AB  - Using the density-functional tight-binding method, we studied the effect of grain
      boundaries on the mechanical properties and failure behavior of phosphorene. We
      found that the high-angle tilt boundaries with a higher density of (5?7) defect
      pairs (oriented along the armchair direction) are stronger than the low-angle
      tilt boundaries with a lower defect density, and similarly the high-angle
      boundaries with a higher density of (4?8) defect pairs (oriented along the zigzag
      direction) are stronger than the low-angle boundaries with a lower defect
      density. The failure is due to the rupture of the most pre-strained bonds in the
      heptagons of the (5?7) defect pair or octagons of the (4?8) pairs. The high-angle
      grain boundaries are better at accommodating the pre-strained bonds in heptagon
      and octagon defects, leading to a higher failure stress and strain. The results
      cannot be described by a Griffith-type fracture mechanics criterion, since this
      does not take into account the bond pre-stretching. Interestingly, these
      anomalous mechanical and failure characteristics of tilt grain boundaries in
      phosphorene are also shared by graphene and hexagonal boron nitride, signifying
      that they may be universal for 2D materials. The findings revealed here may be
      useful in tuning the mechanical properties of phosphorene via defect engineering
      for specific applications.

PMID- 28081006
TI  - Latent feature representation with depth directional long-term recurrent learning
      for breast masses in digital breast tomosynthesis.
AB  - Characterization of masses in computer-aided detection systems for digital breast
      tomosynthesis (DBT) is an important step to reduce false positive (FP) rates. To
      effectively differentiate masses from FPs in DBT, discriminative mass feature
      representation is required. In this paper, we propose a new latent feature
      representation boosted by depth directional long-term recurrent learning for
      characterizing malignant masses. The proposed network is designed to encode mass
      characteristics in two parts. First, 2D spatial image characteristics of DBT
      slices are encoded as a slice feature representation by convolutional neural
      network (CNN). Then, depth directional characteristics of masses among the slice
      feature representations are encoded by the proposed depth directional long-term
      recurrent learning. In addition, to further improve the class discriminability of
      latent feature representation, we have devised three objective functions aiming
      to (a) minimize classification error, (b) minimize intra-class variation within
      the same class, and (c) preserve feature representation consistency in a central
      slice. Experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed latent feature
      representation achieves a higher level of classification performance in terms of
      receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve
      values compared to performance with feature representation learned by
      conventional CNN and hand-crafted features.

PMID- 28081007
TI  - Electronic structure of AlCrN films investigated using various photoelectron
      spectroscopies and ab initio calculations.
AB  - The valence band (VB) structures of wurtzite AlCrN (Cr concentration: 0-17.1%),
      which show optical absorption in the ultraviolet-visible-infrared light region,
      were investigated via photoelectron yield spectroscopy (PYS), x-ray/ultraviolet
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS), and ab initio density of states (DOS)
      calculations. An obvious photoelectron emission threshold was observed ~5.3 eV
      from the vacuum level for AlCrN, whereas no emission was observed for AlN in the
      PYS spectra. Comparisons of XPS and UPS VB spectra and the calculated DOS imply
      that Cr 3d states are formed both at the top of the VB and in the AlN gap. These
      data suggest that Cr doping could be a viable option to produce new materials
      with relevant energy band structures for solar photoelectric conversion.

PMID- 28081008
TI  - Elastic properties of amorphous T 0.75Y0.75B14 (T  =  Sc, Ti, V, Y, Zr, Nb) and
      the effect of O incorporation on bonding, density and elasticity (T'  =  Ti, Zr).
AB  - We have systematically studied the effect of transition metal valence electron
      concentration (VEC) of amorphous T 0.75Y0.75B14 (a-T 0.75Y0.75B14, T  =  Sc, Ti,
      V, Y, Zr, Nb) on the elastic properties, bonding, density and electronic
      structure using ab initio molecular dynamics. As the transition metal VEC is
      increased in both periods, the bulk modulus increases linearly with molar- and
      mass density. This trend can be understood by a concomitant decrease in cohesive
      energy. T'  =  Ti and Zr were selected to validate the predicted data
      experimentally. A-Ti0.74Y0.80B14 and a-Zr0.75Y0.75B14 thin films were synthesized
      by high power pulsed magnetron sputtering. Chemical composition analysis revealed
      the presence of up to 5 at.% impurities, with O being the largest fraction. The
      measured Young's modulus values for a-Ti0.74Y0.80B14 (301  +/-  8 GPa) and a
      Zr0.75Y0.75B14 (306  +/-  9 GPa) are more than 20% smaller than the predicted
      ones. The influence of O incorporation on the elastic properties for these
      selected systems was theoretically studied, exemplarily in a
      Ti0.75Y0.75B12.75O1.25. Based on ab initio data, we suggest that a-Ti0.75Y0.75B14
      exhibits a very dense B network, which is partly severed in a
      Ti0.75Y0.75B12.75O1.25. Upon O incorporation, the average coordination number of
      B and the molar density decrease by 9% and 8%, respectively. Based on these data
      the more than 20% reduced Young's modulus obtained experimentally for films
      containing impurities compared to the calculated Young's modulus for a
      Ti0.75Y0.75B14 (without incorporated oxygen) can be rationalized. The presence of
      oxygen impurities disrupts the strong B network causing a concomitant decrease in
      molar density and Young's modulus. Very good agreement between the measured and
      calculated Young's modulus values is obtained if the presence of impurities is
      considered in the calculations. The implications of these findings are that
      prediction efforts regarding the elastic properties of amorphous borides
      containing oxygen impurities on the at.% level are flawed without taking the
      presence of impurities into account.

PMID- 28081009
TI  - Influence of wall thickness and diameter on arterial shear wave elastography: a
      phantom and finite element study.
AB  - Quantitative, non-invasive and local measurements of arterial mechanical
      properties could be highly beneficial for early diagnosis of cardiovascular
      disease and follow up of treatment. Arterial shear wave elastography (SWE) and
      wave velocity dispersion analysis have previously been applied to measure
      arterial stiffness. Arterial wall thickness (h) and inner diameter (D) vary with
      age and pathology and may influence the shear wave propagation. Nevertheless, the
      effect of arterial geometry in SWE has not yet been systematically investigated.
      In this study the influence of geometry on the estimated mechanical properties of
      plates (h  =  0.5-3 mm) and hollow cylinders (h  =  1, 2 and 3 mm, D  =  6 mm)
      was assessed by experiments in phantoms and by finite element method simulations.
      In addition, simulations in hollow cylinders with wall thickness difficult to
      achieve in phantoms were performed (h  =  0.5-1.3 mm, D  =  5-8 mm). The phase
      velocity curves obtained from experiments and simulations were compared in the
      frequency range 200-1000 Hz and showed good agreement (R 2  =  0.80  +/-  0.07
      for plates and R 2  =  0.82  +/-  0.04 for hollow cylinders). Wall thickness had
      a larger effect than diameter on the dispersion curves, which did not have major
      effects above 400 Hz. An underestimation of 0.1-0.2 mm in wall thickness
      introduces an error 4-9 kPa in hollow cylinders with shear modulus of 21-26 kPa.
      Therefore, wall thickness should correctly be measured in arterial SWE
      applications for accurate mechanical properties estimation.

PMID- 28081010
TI  - Biological dose representation for carbon-ion radiotherapy of unconventional
      fractionation.
AB  - In carbon-ion radiotherapy, single-beam delivery each day in alternate directions
      has been common practice for efficient operation, taking advantage of the Bragg
      peak and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for uniform dose
      conformation to a tumor. Treatments are usually fractionated and treatment plans
      are evaluated with the total RBE-weighted dose; however, this is of limited
      relevance to the biological effect. In this study, we reformulate the
      biologically effective dose (BED) to normalize the dose-fractionation and cell
      repopulation effects as well as the RBE of treating radiation, based on
      inactivation of a reference cell line by a reference carbon-ion radiation. The
      BED distribution virtually represents the biological effect of a treatment
      regardless of radiation modality or fractionation scheme. We applied the BED
      formulation to simplistic model treatments and to a preclinical survey for
      hypofractionation based on an actual prostate cancer treatment with carbon ions.
      The proposed formulation was demonstrated to be practical and to give theoretical
      implications. For a prostate cancer treatment in 12 fractions, the distributions
      of BED and of RBE-weighted dose were very similar. With hypofractionation, while
      the RBE-weighted dose distribution varied significantly, the BED distribution was
      nearly invariant, implying that carbon-ion radiotherapy would be effectively
      insensitive to fractionation. However, treatment evaluation with such a
      simplistic biological dose is intrinsically limited and must be complemented in
      practice by clinical experience and biological experiments.

PMID- 28081011
TI  - Spectrum reconstruction method based on the detector response model calibrated by
      x-ray fluorescence.
AB  - Accurate estimation of distortion-free spectra is important but difficult in
      various applications, especially for spectral computed tomography. Two key
      problems must be solved to reconstruct the incident spectrum. One is the
      acquisition of the detector energy response. It can be calculated by Monte Carlo
      simulation, which requires detailed modeling of the detector system and a high
      computational power. It can also be acquired by establishing a parametric
      response model and be calibrated using monochromatic x-ray sources, such as
      synchrotron sources or radioactive isotopes. However, these monochromatic sources
      are difficult to obtain. Inspired by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrum modeling,
      we propose a feasible method to obtain the detector energy response based on an
      optimized parametric model for CdZnTe or CdTe detectors. The other key problem is
      the reconstruction of the incident spectrum with the detector response. Directly
      obtaining an accurate solution from noisy data is difficult because the
      reconstruction problem is severely ill-posed. Different from the existing
      spectrum stripping method, a maximum likelihood-expectation maximization
      iterative algorithm is developed based on the Poisson noise model of the system.
      Simulation and experiment results show that our method is effective for spectrum
      reconstruction and markedly increases the accuracy of XRF spectra compared with
      the spectrum stripping method. The applicability of the proposed method is
      discussed, and promising results are presented.

PMID- 28081012
TI  - The lead acceptor in p-type natural 2H-polytype MoS2 crystals evidenced by
      electron paramagnetic resonance.
AB  - A low-temperature (T  =  1.5-8 K) electron paramagnetic resonance study of p-type
      2H-polytype natural MoS2 crystals reveals a previously unreported anisotropic
      signal of corresponding defect density (spin S  =  1/2) ~5  *  1014 cm-3. For the
      applied magnetic field B//c-axis, the response is comprised of a single central
      asymmetric Zeeman peak at zero-crossing g  =  2.102(1), amid a symmetrically
      positioned hyperfine doublet of splitting 6.6(2) G. Field angular observations
      reveal a two-branch g pattern, indicative of a defect of lower than axial
      symmetry, likely orthorhombic (C 2v). Based on the signal specifics, it is
      ascribed to a system of decoupled Pb impurities substituting for Mo, the defect
      operating as an acceptor, with estimated thermal activation energy  >10 meV.
      Supporting theoretical anticipation, the results pinpoint the conduct of the Pb
      impurity in layered MoS2.

PMID- 28081013
TI  - Magneto photoluminescence measurements of tungsten disulphide monolayers.
AB  - Layered transition-metal dichalcogenides have attracted great interest in the
      last few years. Thinned down to the monolayer limit they change from an indirect
      band structure to a direct band gap in the visible region. Due to the monolayer
      thickness the inversion symmetry of the crystal is broken and spin and valley are
      coupled to each other. The degeneracy between the two equivalent valleys, K and
      K', respectively, can be lifted by applying an external magnetic field. Here, we
      present photoluminescence measurements of CVD-grown tungsten disulphide (WS2)
      monolayers at temperatures of 2 K. By applying magnetic fields up to 7 T in
      Faraday geometry, a splitting of the photoluminescence peaks can be observed. The
      magnetic field dependence of the A-exciton, the trion and three bound exciton
      states is discussed and the corresponding g-factors are determined.

PMID- 28081015
TI  - The prospects of phosphorene as an anode material for high-performance lithium
      ion batteries: a fundamental study.
AB  - To completely understand lithium adsorption, diffusion, and capacity on the
      surface of phosphorene and, therefore, the prospects of phosphorene as an anode
      material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), we carried out
      density-functional-theory calculations and studied the lithium adsorption energy
      landscape, the lithium diffusion mobility, the lithium intercalation, and the
      lithium capacity of phosphorene. We also carried out, for the very first time,
      experimental measurement of the lithium capacity of phosphorene. Our calculations
      show that the lithium diffusion mobility along the zigzag direction in the valley
      of phosphorene was about 7 to 11 orders of magnitude faster than that along the
      other directions, indicating its ultrafast and anisotropic diffusivity. The
      lithium intercalation in phosphorene was studied by considering various Li n P16
      configurations (n = 1-16) including single-side and double-side adsorptions. We
      found that phosphorene could accommodate up to a ratio of one Li per P atom (i.e.
      Li16P16). In particular, we found that, even at a high Li concentration (e.g. x =
      1 in Li x P), there was no lithium clustering, and the structure of phosphorene
      (when fractured) is reversible during lithium intercalation. The theoretical
      value of the lithium capacity for a monolayer phosphorene is predicted to be
      above 433 mAh g-1, depending on whether Li atoms are adsorbed on the single side
      or the double side of phosphorene. Our experimental measurement of the lithium
      capacity for few-layer phosphorene networks shows a reversible stable value of
      ~453 mAh g-1 even after 50 cycles. Our results clearly show that phosphorene,
      compared to graphene and other two-dimensional materials, has great promise as a
      novel anode material for high-performance LIBs.

PMID- 28081014
TI  - Canny edge-based deformable image registration.
AB  - This work focuses on developing a 2D Canny edge-based deformable image
      registration (Canny DIR) algorithm to register in vivo white light images taken
      at various time points. This method uses a sparse interpolation deformation
      algorithm to sparsely register regions of the image with strong edge information.
      A stability criterion is enforced which removes regions of edges that do not
      deform in a smooth uniform manner. Using a synthetic mouse surface ground truth
      model, the accuracy of the Canny DIR algorithm was evaluated under axial rotation
      in the presence of deformation. The accuracy was also tested using fluorescent
      dye injections, which were then used for gamma analysis to establish a second
      ground truth. The results indicate that the Canny DIR algorithm performs better
      than rigid registration, intensity corrected Demons, and distinctive features for
      all evaluation matrices and ground truth scenarios. In conclusion Canny DIR
      performs well in the presence of the unique lighting and shading variations
      associated with white-light-based image registration.

PMID- 28081016
TI  - Graphene as a flexible template for controlling magnetic interactions between
      metal atoms.
AB  - Metal-doped graphene produces magnetic moments that have potential application in
      spintronics. Here we use density function theory computational methods to show
      how the magnetic interaction between metal atoms doped in graphene can be
      controlled by the degree of flexure in a graphene membrane. Bending graphene by
      flexing causes the distance between two substitutional Fe atoms covalently bonded
      in graphene to gradually increase and these results in the magnetic moment
      disappearing at a critical strain value. At the critical strain, a carbon atom
      can enter between the two Fe atoms and blocks the interaction between relevant
      orbitals of Fe atoms to quench the magnetic moment. The control of interactions
      between doped atoms by exploiting the mechanical flexibility of graphene is a
      unique approach to manipulating the magnetic properties and opens up new
      opportunities for mechanical-magnetic 2D device systems.

PMID- 28081017
TI  - Lattice parameters guide superconductivity in iron-arsenides.
AB  - The discovery of superconducting materials has led to their use in technological
      marvels such as magnetic-field sensors in MRI machines, powerful research
      magnets, short transmission cables, and high-speed trains. Despite such
      applications, the uses of superconductors are not widespread because they
      function much below room-temperature, hence the costly cooling. Since the
      discovery of Cu- and Fe-based high-temperature superconductors (HTS), much
      intense effort has tried to explain and understand the superconducting
      phenomenon. While no exact explanations are given, several trends are reported in
      relation to the materials basis in magnetism and spin excitations. In fact, most
      HTS have antiferromagnetic undoped 'parent' materials that undergo a
      superconducting transition upon small chemical substitutions in them. As it is
      currently unclear which 'dopants' can favor superconductivity, this manuscript
      investigates crystal structure changes upon chemical substitutions, to find clues
      in lattice parameters for the superconducting occurrence. We review the chemical
      substitution effects on the crystal lattice of iron-arsenide-based crystals (2008
      to present). We note that (a) HTS compounds have nearly tetragonal structures
      with a-lattice parameter close to 4 A, and (b) superconductivity can depend
      strongly on the c-lattice parameter changes with chemical substitution. For
      example, a decrease in c-lattice parameter is required to induce 'in-plane'
      superconductivity. The review of lattice parameter trends in iron-arsenides
      presented here should guide synthesis of new materials and provoke theoretical
      input, giving clues for HTS.

PMID- 28081018
TI  - Mantle Cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Subcutaneous Soft Tissue Mass With an
      Unusual Appearance.

PMID- 28081019
TI  - Adenofibroma in the Uterine Cervix Manifesting as Multilocular Cystic Lesions.
AB  - Uterine cervical adenofibroma, a very rare benign neoplasm, has rarely been
      reported in imaging features in the English literature. Herein, we describe a
      case of uterine cervical adenofibroma that was depicted as a multilocular cystic
      lesion with enhanced solid portions.

PMID- 28081020
TI  - Sonographic Findings and Diagnostic Pitfalls in Evaluation for Uterine Rupture in
      a Case of Fetal Demise and Prior Cesarean Delivery of Unknown Type.
AB  - A 38-week pregnant patient with history of cesarean delivery was admitted to the
      hospital for induction of labor after diagnosis of fetal demise. When the
      clinical picture became concerning for uterine scar dehiscence, an ultrasound was
      ordered. After targeted ultrasound of the lower uterine segment, the sonographer
      initially reported thin but intact lower uterine segment and normal positioning
      of the fetus. By keeping a high level of suspicion, the radiologist analyzed the
      images submitted and found other clues suggesting possible dehiscence or rupture.
      Additional images were then obtained, ultimately demonstrating uterine rupture
      with fetus external to uterus.

PMID- 28081021
TI  - Endoleak.

PMID- 28081022
TI  - Luteoma of Pregnancy.

PMID- 28081024
TI  - Chinese TOC.

PMID- 28081023
TI  - A Case Study of Hemochromatosis and Conflicting Point Shear Wave Measurements in
      the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis.
AB  - There are multiple factors that affect the shear wave speed in the assessment of
      liver stiffness. In this case report, we present a case of hemochromatosis that
      has elevated liver stiffness suggestive of significant fibrosis or cirrhosis;
      however on liver biopsy, no fibrosis was identified. This article will discuss
      the possibility that liver iron deposition may affect SWE measurements of the
      liver, leading to inaccurate assessment of liver fibrosis. In these cases, a
      liver biopsy may be required for accurate liver assessment.

PMID- 28081025
TI  - Transdermal Scopolamine Withdrawal Syndrome Case Report in the Pediatric Cerebral
      Palsy Population.
AB  - Sialorrhea in children with cerebral palsy (CP) results in aspiration, decreased
      social integration, and poor quality of life. Management options include
      transdermal anticholinergics such as the scopolamine patch. A controlled clinical
      trial has proven botulinum toxin (BTX) injections into the salivary glands are an
      effective alternative to transdermal anticholinergics with a safer side effect
      profile. Multiple studies of the injections in diverse populations demonstrate
      reduction in saliva production with improvement in quality of life and decrease
      in hospitalization-associated costs. The authors describe a 15-year-old boy with
      spastic quadriplegic CP who developed emesis, nausea, and lethargy 1 day after
      the first injection of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) to his salivary glands for
      sialorrhea management. The authors ascribed his symptoms to scopolamine
      withdrawal. Given the lack of exposure in the medical literature, there is
      minimal awareness of the withdrawal syndrome from transdermal scopolamine in
      children with or without CP, resulting in delayed diagnosis and potential
      complications. Treatment of the withdrawal syndrome has been successful with
      meclizine though safety and efficacy has not been established in children younger
      than 12 despite frequent clinical and over-the-counter use. Prompt diagnosis of
      the transdermal scopolamine withdrawal syndrome can result in quicker treatment
      and a shorter hospital stay.

PMID- 28081026
TI  - The Effect of Nebulized Glycopyrrolate on Posterior Drooling in Patients with
      Brain Injury: Two Cases of Different Brain Lesions.
AB  - Posterior drooling, which can lead to substantial respiratory morbidity,
      including unexplained lung diseases and recurrent pneumonia, is an important
      issue in the rehabilitation unit. There are various treatment options for
      posterior drooling, including pharmacologic therapy, oral motor or behavioral
      therapy, biofeedback, local glandular injection of botulinum toxin, irradiation,
      and surgery. Among them, nebulized glycopyrrolate has the following advantages:
      It is noninvasive and is relatively free of central adverse effects because it
      does not cross the blood-brain barrier unlike other anticholinergics. Although
      there has been one case report regarding the effectiveness of nebulized
      glycopyrrolate for drooling in a motor neuron patient, there have not been any
      reports on its effectiveness for posterior drooling. Herein, we report two cases
      (an 82-year-old male bilateral hemiplegic stroke patient and a 1-year-old female
      cerebral palsy infant with bilaterally spastic hemiplegia of posterior drooling
      treated with nebulized glycopyrrolate) and identify salivary aspiration and the
      effect of nebulized glycopyrrolate using radionuclide salivagram. Considering its
      advantages and effectiveness, nebulized glycopyrrolate should be considered as
      one of the reliable methods to manage posterior drooling in patients with
      impaired cognition or swallowing difficulties, such as severe brain injury.

PMID- 28081027
TI  - Physician Burnout in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R): Should We Focus
      More on Physiatrists' Mission?

PMID- 28081028
TI  - Second-Order Peer Reviews of Clinically Relevant Articles for the Physiatrist:
      "Early Physical Therapy Vs Usual Care in Patients with Recent-Onset Low Back
      Pain" (Fritz JM, Magel JS, McFadden M, et al, JAMA 2015): "Physical Therapy May
      Not Help Acute Lower Back Pain Sufferers".

PMID- 28081029
TI  - A Rarely Seen Complication That Causes Increase in Morbidity in Tetraplegic
      Patients: Zenker Diverticula.
AB  - Although spinal cord injury (SCI) damages the spinal cord, physiological changes
      due to SCI can affect many organs and systems of the human body. While
      respiratory problems are common following cervical SCI, dysphagia is a relatively
      uncommon secondary complication that occurs after cervical SCI. We report a case
      of recurrent aspiration pneumonia due to Zenker diverticulum in 26-year-old
      tetraplegic patient with a chronic history of silent aspirations and dysphagia
      contributing to functional disability.

PMID- 28081030
TI  - Ultrasound Findings of Young and Traumatic Amputees With Lower Extremity Residual
      Limb Pain in Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed to document clinical and ultrasound
      (US) findings of patients with residual limb pain (RLP) after amputation and to
      investigate the relationship between these findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      chart review was performed to identify demographic and clinical data including
      the age (current and at the time of injury), time since amputation, gender,
      reason for amputation, affected limb number, side and level of limb loss, and
      ultrasonographic findings of young and traumatic amputees with RLP. RESULTS: The
      study included a total of 147 patients. Inflammation and neuroma were the leading
      pathologies in 20-29 years and 30-39 years age groups, respectively.
      Inflammation/edema were detected significantly more in patients with <1 year
      since amputation (P = 0.001). Neuroma was found at a significantly high rate in
      patients at 1-5 years (P = 0.029) and infection/abscess was more common in
      patients at >5 years since amputation (P = 0.051). The percentage of neuromas in
      below-the-knee amputees was significantly higher than in non-below-the-knee
      amputees (45.8% vs. 28.6%). Neuroma formation was detected in 50% of the patients
      with land mine-related amputation and at 27% in patients with amputation
      secondary to other traumatic reasons. Regression analysis showed below-the-knee
      level amputation to be an associated factor for US abnormality. CONCLUSION: The
      leading US findings were inflammation/edema, neuroma, and infection/abscess in
      traumatic amputees with RLP. The US findings might be different in patients
      according to the time since amputation. Patient with land mine-related
      amputations may have different US findings.

PMID- 28081031
TI  - Intracranial hemorrhage recurrence on vitamin K antagonist: severity of the first
      episode and HASBLED score fail to identify high-risk patients from the CHIRONE
      study.
AB  - The most feared complication of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) treatment is
      intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The previously published CHIRONE Study fails to
      identify risk factors associated with ICH recurrence after VKAs resumption. The
      aim of this secondary analysis of the study is to evaluate if patients who need
      surgery or with severe neurological sequelae after the first episode show a
      higher risk of ICH recurrence. The HASBLED score was used to stratify bleeding
      risk and to evaluate the distribution of recurrence in relation to each class of
      risk. The study included 267 patients from 27 Italian centers. The treatment of
      the index ICH, surgical or medical was recorded; modified Rankin Scale score of 3
      or more was used to define patients with severe neurological impairment; HASBLED
      score of 3 or more was used to identify high bleeding risk patients. During
      follow-up, 20 patients (7.5%) had ICH recurrence (rate of 2.56 * 100 patient
      years). No difference in the type of treatment [hazard ratio = 1.5; 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 0.49-4.74] and neurological impairment with modified
      Rankin Scale 3 or more (hazard ratio = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.31-2.83) were found in
      relation to ICH recurrence. The mean HASBLED score was similar between the two
      groups (P = 0.54). In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that neither
      the severity of the index ICH at presentation nor the HASBLED clinical prediction
      rule should be used to assess the risk of recurrence in patients who need VKAs
      resumption after a previous ICH.

PMID- 28081032
TI  - A Systematic Review of the Factors Influencing Ethnic Minority Women's Cervical
      Cancer Screening Behavior: From Intrapersonal to Policy Level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer can be prevented by effective screening using
      Papanicolaou tests, but the utilization rate is lower among ethnic minorities
      than in the general population. Understanding the factors influencing minorities'
      use of such screening can aid the design of an appropriate intervention to
      increase their uptake rate. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to examine the
      factors that influence ethnic minority women in using cervical cancer screening
      and the similarities and differences in associated factors across different
      groups and to explore the interrelationships between the factors identified.
      METHODS: A literature search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Cumulative Index
      to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus, Scopus, PsycINFO, and PubMed.
      Furthermore, 1390 articles were retrieved, of which 24 met the inclusion
      criteria. Critical appraisal was performed by means of a quality assessment tool.
      The findings were summarized in tabular and narrative forms. RESULTS: The
      findings showed that certain factors commonly affected ethnic minority women's
      screening behavior, including knowledge, attitude and perceptions, physician's
      recommendation, quality of care and service, language, and acculturation. Culture
      related factors, religion, and acculturation exhibited close interrelationships
      with the attitude and perceptions factor, resulting in behavioral change.
      CONCLUSIONS: The review sheds light on how common or unique are the factors
      across ethnic minorities and how these factors interact to influence behavior.
      Further studies are warranted to develop and test empirically a comprehensive
      model leading to a better understanding of the interrelationships between
      multiple factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The model should be useful in
      informing policy makers about appropriate resource allocation and in guiding the
      development of culturally relevant programs to increase screening uptake.

PMID- 28081033
TI  - Performance Aspects and Physiological Responses in Male Amateur Boxing
      Competitions: A Brief Review.
AB  - Slimani, M, Chaabene, H, Davis, P, Franchini, E, Cheour, F, and Chamari, K.
      Performance aspects and physiological responses in male amateur boxing
      competitions: a brief review. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 1132-1141, 2017-Boxing
      is one of the most popular striking combat sports in the world. The aim of this
      review was to present data concerning performance analysis (time-motion and
      technical-tactical analysis) and physiological responses (i.e., blood lactate
      concentration [BLC], heart rate, and oxygen consumption) during novice and elite
      male simulated and official amateur boxing competitions in any age category. The
      present review shows that boxing competition is a high-intensity intermittent
      striking combat sport. Typically, the activity-to-rest ratio was higher in elite
      (18:1) than in novice (9:1) boxers and significant differences were observed
      between rounds (first round = 16:1, second round = 8:1, and third round = 6:1) in
      novice boxers. Thus, total stop-time and total stop-frequency increased over
      subsequent rounds in novice boxers. The technical-tactical aspects in elite and
      novice boxing bouts were different between rounds and dependent on the match
      outcome (i.e., winners vs. losers). Particularly, the current review highlights
      that triple-punch combinations, total combinations, block- and counter-punch
      combinations, total punches to the head, technical performance effectiveness, and
      defensive- and offensive-skills effectiveness may have contributed to win in
      novice and elite boxing competitions. Higher frequencies of technical movements
      were also observed in elite compared with novice boxers. From a physiological
      point of view, BLC increased significantly from postround 1 compared with
      postround 3 in novice boxing match. BLC was also higher in official than in
      simulated elite boxing matches in senior compared with junior boxers and in
      medium heavy-weight category compared with light- and medium-weight categories in
      junior boxing competition. A higher percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) and
      maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) were reported in round 3
      compared with rounds 2 and 1 in elite boxing competition. In conclusion, these
      data are useful for both technical-tactical and physical conditioning sessions.
      Coaches and fitness trainers are encouraged to adjust their training according to
      these particular characteristics, specifically in terms of age, participants'
      level, weight categories, and combat contest type.

PMID- 28081034
TI  - The Effects of the Removal of Electronic Devices for 48 Hours on Sleep in Elite
      Judo Athletes.
AB  - : This study examined the effects of evening use of electronic devices (i.e.,
      smartphones, etc.) on sleep quality and next-day athletic and cognitive
      performance in elite judo athletes. Over 6 consecutive days and nights, 23 elite
      Australian judo athletes were monitored while attending a camp at the Australian
      Institute of Sport (AIS). In 14 athletes, all electronic devices were removed on
      days 3 and 4 (i.e., for 48 hours: the "device-restricted group"), whereas 9 were
      permitted to use their devices throughout the camp (the "control group"). All
      athletes wore an activity monitor (Readiband) continuously to provide measures of
      sleep quantity and quality. Other self-reported (diary) measures included time in
      bed, electronic device use, and rate of perceived exertion during training
      periods. Cognitive performance (Cogstate) and physical performance (single leg
      triple hop test) were also measured. When considering night 2 as a "baseline" for
      each group, removal of electronic devices on nights 3 and 4 (device-restricted
      group) resulted in no significant differences in any sleep-related measure
      between the groups. When comparing actigraphy-based measures of sleep to
      subjective measures, all athletes significantly overestimated sleep duration by
      58 +/- 85 minutes (p = 0.001) per night and underestimated time of sleep onset by
      37 +/- 72 minutes (p = 0.001) per night. No differences in physical or cognitive
      function were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that
      the removal of electronic devices for a period of two nights (48 hours) during a
      judo camp does not affect sleep quality or quantity or influence athletic or
      cognitive performance.

PMID- 28081035
TI  - Removal of ribonucleotides by p53 protein incorporated during DNA synthesis by
      HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.
AB  - OBJECTIVE(S): HIV-1 reverse transcriptase frequently incorporates ribonucleotides
      into the proviral DNA in macrophages, but not in lymphocytes. The enzyme exerts
      an efficient ribonucleotide-terminated primer extension capacity. Furthermore,
      ribonucleotide-editing repair is attenuated in macrophages. Tumor suppressor p53
      protein, displaying an intrinsic 3'->5' exonuclease activity, was found to be
      involved in efficient proofreading of base-base mismatches produced during DNA
      synthesis. As the presence of proofreading activity is cardinal for the DNA
      synthesis accuracy, it was of interest to assess whether p53 can serve as a trans
      acting proofreader for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase during ribonucleotide
      incorporation. DESIGN: We investigated the potential involvement of cytoplasmic
      p53 in error correction during insertion of ribonucleotides into DNA by
      recombinant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in a p53-proficient and deficient
      background. METHODS: Primer extension reactions were carried out to elucidate the
      incorporation and removal of ribonucleotides. RESULTS: The biochemical studies
      suggest that p53 is involved in a ribonucleotide damage-associated repair
      mechanism through its capacity to remove preformed 3'-terminal ribonucleotides,
      to decrease ribonucleotide incorporation and to prevent the 3'-ribo-terminated
      primer extension during ongoing DNA synthesis by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. A
      positive correlation exists between the presence of endogenous p53 and decrease
      in stable incorporation of ribonucleotides into DNA with p53-harboring lysates of
      HCT116 cells. p53, by preferential removal of purine over pyrimidine
      ribonucleotides, may affect the ribonucleotide mutation spectra produced by HIV-1
      reverse transcriptase. CONCLUSION: The data implies that p53 can excise incorrect
      sugar in addition to base mispairs, thereby expanding the role of p53 in the
      repair of nucleic acids replication errors.

PMID- 28081036
TI  - One-year mortality of HIV-positive patients treated for rifampicin- and isoniazid
      susceptible tuberculosis in Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Latin America.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The high mortality among HIV/tuberculosis (TB) coinfected patients in
      Eastern Europe is partly explained by the high prevalence of drug-resistant TB.
      It remains unclear whether outcomes of HIV/TB patients with rifampicin/isoniazid
      susceptible TB in Eastern Europe differ from those in Western Europe or Latin
      America. METHODS: One-year mortality of HIV-positive patients with
      rifampicin/isoniazid-susceptible TB in Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Latin
      America was analysed and compared in a prospective observational cohort study.
      Factors associated with death were analysed using Cox regression modelsRESULTS::
      Three hundred and forty-one patients were included (Eastern Europe 127, Western
      Europe 165, Latin America 49). Proportions of patients with disseminated TB (50,
      58, 59%) and initiating rifampicin + isoniazid + pyrazinamide-based treatment
      (93, 94, 94%) were similar in Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Latin America
      respectively, whereas receipt of antiretroviral therapy at baseline and after 12
      months was lower in Eastern Europe (17, 39, 39%, and 69, 94, 89%). The 1-year
      probability of death was 16% (95% confidence interval 11-24%) in Eastern Europe,
      vs. 4% (2-9%) in Western Europe and 9% (3-21%) in Latin America; P < 0.0001.
      After adjustment for IDU, CD4 cell count and receipt of antiretroviral therapy,
      those residing in Eastern Europe were at nearly 3-fold increased risk of death
      compared with those in Western Europe/Latin America (aHR 2.79 (1.15-6.76); P =
      0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Despite comparable use of recommended anti-TB treatment,
      mortality of patients with rifampicin/isoniazid-susceptible TB remained higher in
      Eastern Europe when compared with Western Europe/Latin America. The high
      mortality in Eastern Europe was only partially explained by IDU, use of ART and
      CD4 cell count. These results call for improvement of care for TB/HIV patients in
      Eastern Europe.

PMID- 28081038
TI  - Impact of HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment on N-terminal prohormone of
      brain natriuretic peptide as surrogate of myocardial function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vasoactive cardiovascular hormones such as the N-terminal prohormone
      of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are produced upon ventricular stretch
      and play a central role in neurohumoral pathways of the heart regulating
      cardiovascular remodeling and volume homeostasis. The impact of HIV infection on
      these neurohumoral pathways of the heart and its potential reversibility by
      combinations of antiretroviral therapies remain unclear. METHODS: We assessed
      serum levels of NT-proBNP in 219 antiretroviral therapy-naive HIV-infected
      patients with a normal cardiac and renal status at treatment initiation and after
      attainment of viremic control. RESULTS: Before antiretroviral therapy, NT-proBNP
      as a surrogate of myocardial function displayed a significant correlation with
      absolute CD4 cell count (r = -0.31; P < 0.001) as well as with HIV viral load (r
      = 0.26; P < 0.001). The median levels of NT-proBNP were 80 pg/ml (36-205) in
      patients with a CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/MUl and 42 pg/ml (20-80; P <
      0.001) with a CD4 cell count more than 500 cells/MUl. After viremic control, no
      statistical correlation was present. CONCLUSION: Higher NT-proBNP levels were
      observed in treatment-naive patients with low CD4 cell count and high HIV viral
      load, indicating a subclinical impact of HIV infection on myocardial function.
      This association is reversible by the initiation of antiretroviral therapy and
      subsequent viral suppression.

PMID- 28081037
TI  - Higher CD163 levels are associated with insulin resistance in hepatitis C virus
      infected and HIV-infected adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is associated with insulin
      resistance, but the mechanism is unclear. We hypothesized that intestinal
      epithelial damage and the consequent monocyte/macrophage activation and
      inflammation explain this perturbation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 519
      adults (220 HIV+/HCV-; 64 HIV-/HCV+; 89 HIV+/HCV+; 146 HIV-/HCV-). METHODS: We
      used multivariable linear regression to evaluate associations of HIV and HCV with
      the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and if
      intestinal fatty (FA) acid binding protein (I-FABP, a marker of gut epithelial
      integrity), soluble CD14 (sCD14) and soluble CD163 (sCD163) (markers of
      monocyte/macrophage activation), and IL-6 (an inflammatory cytokine) mediated
      this association. RESULTS: HIV+/HCV+ and HIV-/HCV+ had greater demographic
      adjusted HOMA-IR [mean (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.96 (1.51, 2.54) and 1.65
      (1.22, 2.24)] than HIV+/HCV- and HIV-/HCV-[1.41 (1.18, 1.67) and 1.44 (1.17,
      1.75), respectively]. After additional adjustment for lifestyle and metabolic
      factors, HIV+/HCV+ remained associated with 36% (95% CI: 4, 80%) greater HOMA-IR
      relative to HIV-/HCV-, whereas HIV-/HCV+ and HIV+/HCV- had smaller differences.
      Adjustment for sCD163 substantially attenuated the difference between HIV+/HCV+
      and HIV-/HCV-; adjustment for I-FABP, sCD14, and IL-6 had little effect. Higher
      sCD163 was independently associated with 19% (95% CI: 7, 33%), 26% (95% CI: 15,
      39%), 25% (95% CI: 14, 37%), and 23% (95% CI: 11, 36%) greater HOMA-IR in
      HIV+/HCV+, HIV-/HCV+, HIV+/HCV-, and HIV-/HCV- (all estimates per doubling of
      sCD163). I-FABP, sCD14, and IL-6 were not associated with HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION:
      HIV/HCV coinfection is associated with greater HOMA-IR, even after controlling
      for demographic, lifestyle, and metabolic factors. sCD163, which appears
      independent of intestinal epithelial damage and inflammation, partly explains
      this association. Our findings that the association of sCD163 with HOMA-IR
      occurred even in the absence of HIV and HCV, indicate that viral and nonviral
      factors affect sCD163 levels. Its role in insulin resistance needs elucidation.

PMID- 28081039
TI  - HIV and hypogonadism: a new challenge for young-aged and middle-aged men on
      effective antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - Male hypogonadism is poorly defined in people living with HIV. Using a reliable
      free-testosterone assay, we examined the prevalence and risk factors of male
      hypogonadism among people living with HIV on effective antiretroviral therapy.
      Male hypogonadism was found in 12.4% of patients, twice the rate reported in the
      general population of the same age. Two risk thresholds, namely 5 years of
      antiretroviral therapy and 19% total body fat, may help to identify patients at
      risk.

PMID- 28081040
TI  - Azathioprine Therapy in a Pediatric TPMT-Deficient Patient-Still an Option.
AB  - We describe the case of a pediatric patient on azathioprine therapy with
      previously undiagnosed homozygote thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT)
      deficiency, resulting in myelotoxic thiopurine metabolite levels. The patient was
      successfully treated with a very low azathioprine dose of 50 mg once a week (4%
      of standard dose), guided by frequent thiopurine metabolite measurement and a
      close clinical surveillance. We demonstrate that azathioprine therapy still might
      be an effective and safe therapeutic option in pediatric thiopurine S
      methyltransferase-deficient IBD patients.

PMID- 28081042
TI  - Detection of Hydrocodone and Morphine as Metabolites in Oral Fluid by LC-MS/MS in
      Patients Prescribed Codeine.
AB  - A retrospective analysis of oral fluid drug testing results using LC-MS/MS was
      performed to determine the prevalence rates in oral fluid for codeine (COD) and 3
      COD metabolites-morphine (MOR), norhydrocodone (NHC), and hydrocodone (HCOD).
      Oral fluid samples were collected using Quantisal oral fluid collection device
      (Immunalysis Inc.) and submitted to Millennium Health, LLC for the routine drug
      analysis by LC-MS/MS. Consistent with previously published literature, COD was
      the primary analyte detected in oral fluid after the use of COD. In COD-positive
      samples, HCOD, MOR, and NHC were detected at rates of 68.4%, 18.4%, and 6.3%,
      respectively. Concentration ranges of these analytes were 1.0 to >2000 ng/mL for
      COD, 1.0-20.2 ng/mL for MOR, 1.0-740.0 ng/mL for HCOD, and 2.1-47.5 ng/mL for
      NHC. In contrast to urine, where HCOD is typically detected as a minor metabolite
      of COD, HCOD was the most commonly detected metabolite in oral fluid in samples
      testing positive for COD with reported prescriptions for COD. This observation
      suggests that care should be taken when interpreting HCOD positives in oral fluid
      results, and that the use of COD should be considered as one possible explanation
      for HCOD positives.

PMID- 28081041
TI  - A Systematic Literature Review Approach to Estimate the Therapeutic Index of
      Selected Immunosuppressant Drugs After Renal Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drugs that exhibit close margins between therapeutic and toxic blood
      concentrations are considered to have a narrow therapeutic index (NTI). The Food
      and Drug Administration has proposed that NTI drugs should have more stringent
      bioequivalence standards for approval of generic formulations. However, many
      immunosuppressant drugs do not have a well-defined therapeutic index (TI).
      METHODS: We sought to determine whether safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic
      data obtained from the medical literature through a comprehensive literature
      search could be used to estimate the TI of cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and
      sirolimus. In this analysis, we considered TI <=2 as a criterion to define a drug
      as having an NTI. RESULTS: Published literature indicates that cyclosporine has a
      TI of 2-3, which falls just short of our criteria to be classified as having an
      NTI. We found sirolimus and tacrolimus to have a therapeutic range of 5-12 ng/mL
      and of 5-20 ng/mL, respectively, but were unable to calculate the TI.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the current literature does not provide a clear indication
      that these drugs have an NTI, the routine use of therapeutic drug monitoring in
      clinical practice suggests that more stringent testing of their pharmacokinetic
      and pharmacodynamic properties should be performed before the approval of generic
      formulations.

PMID- 28081044
TI  - Evaluation of the Condom Barriers Scale for Young Black Men Who Have Sex With
      Men: Reliability and Validity of 3 Subscales.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reliable and valid scale measures of barriers to condom use are not
      available for young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the Condom Barriers Scales for application with YBMSM.
      METHODS: A clinic-based sample of 600 YBMSM completed a computer-assisted self
      interview. The primary measure was a 14-item abbreviated version of the Condom
      Barriers Scale. Reliability and criterion validity were assessed. RESULTS: All 3
      subscales were reliable: partner-related barriers (Cronbach alpha=0.73),
      sensation-related barriers (alpha=0.70), and motivation-related barriers (alpha
      =0.81). A complete absence of barriers was common: 47.0% (partner-related), 30.7%
      (sensation-related), and 46.5% (motivation-related). Dichotomized subscales were
      significantly associated with reporting any condomless insertive anal sex (all Ps
      < 0.001) and any condomless receptive anal sex (all Ps < 0.001). The subscales
      were significantly associated with these measures of condomless sex preserved at
      a continuous level (all Ps <0.001, except for sensation barriers associated with
      condomless receptive anal sex = 0.03). Further, the subscales were significantly
      associated with reporting any condom use problems (all Ps <0.001) and a measure
      of condomless oral sex (all Ps <0.001, except for partner-related barriers=0.31).
      Finally, the sensation-related barriers subscale was significantly associated
      with testing positive for Chlamydia and/or gonorrhea (P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: The
      3 identified subscales yielded adequate reliability and strong evidence of
      validity, thereby suggesting the utility of these brief measures for use in
      observational and experimental research with YBMSM.

PMID- 28081043
TI  - The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Endemic: Maintaining Disease Transmission in At
      Risk Urban Areas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A study of network relationships, geographic contiguity, and risk
      behavior was designed to test the hypothesis that all 3 are required to maintain
      endemicity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in at-risk urban communities.
      Specifically, a highly interactive network, close geographic proximity, and
      compound risk (multiple high-risk activities with multiple partners) would be
      required. METHODS: We enrolled 927 participants from two contiguous geographic
      areas in Atlanta, GA: a higher-risk area and lower-risk area, as measured by
      history of HIV reporting. We began by enrolling 30 "seeds" (15 in each area) who
      were comparable in their demographic and behavioral characteristics, and
      constructed 30 networks using a chain-link design. We assessed each individual's
      geographic range; measured the network characteristics of those in the higher and
      lower-risk areas; and measured compound risk as the presence of two or more (of
      6) major risks for HIV. RESULTS: Among participants in the higher-risk area, the
      frequency of compound risk was 15%, compared with 5% in the lower-risk area.
      Geographic cohesion in the higher-risk group was substantially higher than that
      in the lower-risk group, based on comparison of geographic distance and social
      distance, and on the extent of overlap of personal geographic range. The networks
      in the 2 areas were similar: both areas show highly interactive networks with
      similar degree distributions, and most measures of network attributes were
      virtually the same. CONCLUSIONS: Our original hypothesis was supported in part.
      The higher and lower-risk groups differed appreciably with regard to risk and
      geographic cohesion, but were substantially the same with regard to network
      properties. These results suggest that a "minimum" network configuration may be
      required for maintenance of endemic transmission, but a particular prevalence
      level may be determined by factors related to risk, geography, and possibly other
      factors.

PMID- 28081045
TI  - Changes in the Distribution of Sex Partners in the United States: 2002 to 2011
      2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current analysis is to examine subgroup differences
      in the distribution of opposite-sex sex partners in the United States across an
      approximate 10-year period to identify patterns that may inform sexually
      transmitted infection research and prevention. METHODS: Data were drawn from the
      2002 and 2011-2013 National Survey of Family Growth, a US probability-based
      household survey focusing on sexual and reproductive health. The measures
      included in this analysis were lifetime opposite-sex sex partners and opposite
      sex sex partners in the past year. Analyses were conducted separately for men and
      women. All analyses were conducted in R and R-studio with the "survey" package,
      focusing on medians, the 80th, and 95th quartile. RESULTS: In 2002, there were
      significant differences between men and women in median number of lifetime sex
      partners with men reporting more lifetime partners. However, in the 2011-2013
      data, these differences are no longer significant. Still, the findings suggest
      that the top 20% and top 5% of men are reporting significantly more lifetime
      partners than their female counterparts. In comparison, partners in the past year
      remain relatively unchanged for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest that there were important changes in the distribution of sex partners
      between 2002 and 2011-2013 that have implications for sexually transmitted
      infection prevention. Median lifetime partners are no longer different for women
      and men: however, the distribution of lifetime partners among men is becoming
      even more skewed.

PMID- 28081046
TI  - Evaluation of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Serological Tests for Use With Dried
      Blood Spots in Kenya.
AB  - We evaluated 2 assays to detect antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 in
      dried blood spots prepared from blood specimens submitted to a reference
      laboratory in Kenya. Dried blood spots did not perform well with the Kalon herpes
      simplex virus type 2 assay. Focus HerpeSelect 2 was 98.8% sensitive and 98.9%
      specific with dried blood spots.

PMID- 28081047
TI  - The Challenges of Implementing and Evaluating Prescription Expedited Partner
      Treatment.

PMID- 28081049
TI  - The First Infant Death Associated With Human Coronavirus NL63 Infection.
AB  - Human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) primarily infects the upper respiratory tract.
      However, it may cause severe lower respiratory tract infection, and the clinical
      course may be severe in immunocompromised patients. To our knowledge, child death
      due to HCoV-NL63 has not been reported. We present a fatal lower respiratory
      tract disease associated with HCoV-NL63 in a 7-month-old malnourished infant.

PMID- 28081048
TI  - A Prospective Cohort Study of Common Childhood Infections in South African HIV
      exposed Uninfected and HIV-unexposed Infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Much evidence of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infant infectious
      morbidity predates availability of maternal combination antiretroviral therapy
      and does not control for universal risk factors (preterm birth, low birth weight,
      suboptimal breastfeeding and poverty). METHODS: This prospective cohort study
      identified HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected mothers and their newborns from South
      African community midwife unit. The primary outcome, infectious cause
      hospitalization or death before 6 months of age, was compared between HEU and HIV
      unexposed (HU) infants and classified for type and severity using validated study
      specific case definitions. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated by
      logistic regression including stratified analyses conditioned on breastfeeding.
      RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-six (94 HEU and 82 HU) mother-infant pairs were
      analyzed. HIV-infected mothers were older (median, 27.8 vs. 24.7 years; P < 0.01)
      and HU infants more often breastfed (81/82 vs. 35/94; P < 0.001). Groups were
      similar for maternal education, antenatal course, household characteristics,
      birth weight, gestational age and immunizations. The primary outcome occurred in
      17 (18%) HEU and 10 (12%) HU infants [aOR, 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI):
      0.44-4.55]. In stratified analysis restricted to breastfed infants, the aOR for
      hospitalization due to very severe infection or death was 4.2 (95% CI: 1.00-19.2;
      P = 0.05) for HEU infants. Hospitalization for diarrhea was more common in HEU
      than HU infants [8/94 (8.5%) vs. 1/82 (1.2%); P = 0.04]. CONCLUSION: The
      difference between HEU and HU infants in the probability of infectious cause
      hospitalization or death in the first 6 months of life was not significant.
      However, among breastfed infants, severe infectious morbidity occurred more often
      in HEU than HU infants.

PMID- 28081050
TI  - White Paper of the Society of Computed Body Tomography and Magnetic Resonance on
      Dual-Energy CT, Part 3: Vascular, Cardiac, Pulmonary, and Musculoskeletal
      Applications.
AB  - This is the third of a series of 4 white papers that represent Expert Consensus
      Documents developed by the Society of Computed Body Tomography and Magnetic
      Resonance through its Task Force on dual-energy computed tomography. This paper,
      part 3, describes computed tomography angiography and thoracic, cardiac,
      vascular, and musculoskeletal clinical applications. At the end of the discussion
      of each application category (vascular, cardiac, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal),
      we present our consensus opinions on the current clinical utility of the
      application and opportunities for further research.

PMID- 28081051
TI  - Procedure Oriented Torsional Anatomy of the Forearm for Spasticity Injection:
      Erratum.

PMID- 28081052
TI  - Identification of Key Transcription Factors Associated with Lung Squamous Cell
      Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND Lung squamous cell carcinoma (lung SCC) is a common type of lung
      cancer, but its mechanism of pathogenesis is unclear. The aim of this study was
      to identify key transcription factors in lung SCC and elucidate its mechanism.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS Six published microarray datasets of lung SCC were
      downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) for integrated bioinformatics
      analysis. Significance analysis of microarrays was used to identify
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between lung SCC and normal controls. The
      biological functions and signaling pathways of DEGs were mapped in the Gene
      Otology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database,
      respectively. A transcription factor gene regulatory network was used to obtain
      insights into the functions of DEGs. RESULTS A total of 1,011 genes, including
      539 upregulated genes and 462 downregulated genes, were filtered as DEGs between
      lung SCC and normal controls. DEGs were significantly enriched in cell cycle, DNA
      replication, p53 signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, adherens junction, and
      cell adhesion molecules signaling pathways. There were 57 transcription factors
      identified, which were used to construct a regulatory network. The network
      consisted of 736 interactions between 49 transcription factors and 486 DEGs.
      NFIC, BRCA1, and NFATC2 were the top 3 transcription factors that had the highest
      connectivity with DEGs and that regulated 83, 82, and 75 DEGs in the network,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS NFIC, BRCA1, and NFATC2 might be the key transcription
      factors in the development of lung SCC by regulating the genes involved in cell
      cycle and DNA replication pathways.

PMID- 28081054
TI  - QuickStats: Prevalence* of Untreated Dental Caries? in Permanent Teeth Among
      Children and Adolescents Aged 6-19 Years, by Age Group - National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey, United States, 2011-2014.
AB  - During 2011-2014, 13.3% of children and adolescents aged 6-19 years had untreated
      dental caries in their permanent teeth. The percentage of children and
      adolescents with untreated dental caries increased with age: 6.1% among those
      aged 6-11 years, 14.5% among those aged 12-15 years, and 22.6% among those aged
      16-19 years.

PMID- 28081053
TI  - Notes from the Field: Occupational Lead Exposures at a Shipyard - Douglas County,
      Wisconsin, 2016.

PMID- 28081055
TI  - State-Level Lifetime Medical and Work-Loss Costs of Fatal Injuries - United
      States, 2014.
AB  - Injury-associated deaths have substantial economic consequences in the United
      States. The total estimated lifetime medical and work-loss costs associated with
      fatal injuries in 2013 were $214 billion (1). In 2014, unintentional injury,
      suicide, and homicide (the fourth, tenth, and seventeenth leading causes of
      death, respectively) accounted for 194,635 deaths in the United States (2). In
      2014, a total of 199,756 fatal injuries occurred in the United States, and the
      associated lifetime medical and work-loss costs were $227 billion (3). This
      report examines the state-level economic burdens of fatal injuries by extending a
      previous national-level study (1). Numbers and rates of fatal injuries, lifetime
      costs, and lifetime costs per capita were calculated for each of the 50 states
      and the District of Columbia (DC) and for four injury intent categories (all
      intents, unintentional, suicide, and homicide). During 2014, injury mortality
      rates and economic burdens varied widely among the states and DC. Among fatal
      injuries of all intents, the mortality rate and lifetime costs per capita ranged
      from 101.9 per 100,000 and $1,233, respectively (New Mexico) to 40.2 per 100,000
      and $491 (New York). States can engage more effectively and efficiently in injury
      prevention if they are aware of the economic burden of injuries, identify areas
      for immediate improvement, and devote necessary resources to those areas.

PMID- 28081056
TI  - Guidance for Assessment of Poliovirus Vaccination Status and Vaccination of
      Children Who Have Received Poliovirus Vaccine Outside the United States.
AB  - In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio).
      Since then, wild poliovirus (WPV) cases have declined by >99.9%, from an
      estimated 350,000 cases of polio each year to 74 cases in two countries in 2015
      (1). This decrease was achieved primarily through the use of trivalent oral
      poliovirus vaccine (tOPV), which contains types 1, 2, and 3 live, attenuated
      polioviruses. Since 2000, the United States has exclusively used inactivated
      polio vaccine (IPV), which contains all three poliovirus types (2,3). In 2013,
      the World Health Organization (WHO) set a target of a polio-free world by 2018
      (4). Of the three WPV types, type 2 was declared eradicated in September 2015. To
      remove the risk for infection with circulating type 2 vaccine-derived
      polioviruses (cVDPV), which can lead to paralysis similar to that caused by WPV,
      all OPV-using countries simultaneously switched in April 2016 from tOPV to
      bivalent OPV (bOPV), which contains only types 1 and 3 polioviruses (5). This
      report summarizes current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
      recommendations for poliovirus vaccination and provides CDC guidance, in the
      context of the switch from tOPV to bOPV, regarding assessment of vaccination
      status and vaccination of children who might have received poliovirus vaccine
      outside the United States, to ensure that children living in the United States
      (including immigrants and refugees) are protected against all three poliovirus
      types. This guidance is not new policy and does not change the recommendations of
      ACIP for poliovirus vaccination in the United States. Children living in the
      United States who might have received poliovirus vaccination outside the United
      States should meet ACIP recommendations for poliovirus vaccination, which require
      protection against all three poliovirus types by age-appropriate vaccination with
      IPV or tOPV. In the absence of vaccination records indicating receipt of these
      vaccines, only vaccination or revaccination in accordance with the age
      appropriate U.S. IPV schedule is recommended. Serology to assess immunity for
      children with no or questionable documentation of poliovirus vaccination will no
      longer be an available option and therefore is no longer recommended, because of
      increasingly limited availability of antibody testing against type 2 poliovirus.

PMID- 28081057
TI  - Reducing Potentially Excess Deaths from the Five Leading Causes of Death in the
      Rural United States
AB  - In 2014, the all-cause age-adjusted death rate in the United States reached a
      historic low of 724.6 per 100,000 population (1). However, mortality in rural
      (nonmetropolitan) areas of the United States has decreased at a much slower pace,
      resulting in a widening gap between rural mortality rates (830.5) and urban
      mortality rates (704.3) (1). During 1999-2014, annual age-adjusted death rates
      for the five leading causes of death in the United States (heart disease, cancer,
      unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD), and stroke) were
      higher in rural areas than in urban (metropolitan) areas (Figure 1). In most
      public health regions (Figure 2), the proportion of deaths among persons aged <80
      years (U.S. average life expectancy) (2) from the five leading causes that were
      potentially excess deaths was higher in rural areas compared with urban areas
      (Figure 3). Several factors probably influence the rural-urban gap in potentially
      excess deaths from the five leading causes, many of which are associated with
      sociodemographic differences between rural and urban areas. Residents of rural
      areas in the United States tend to be older, poorer, and sicker than their urban
      counterparts (3). A higher proportion of the rural U.S. population reports
      limited physical activity because of chronic conditions than urban populations
      (4). Moreover, social circumstances and behaviors have an impact on mortality and
      potentially contribute to approximately half of the determining causes of
      potentially excess deaths (5).

PMID- 28081059
TI  - Notice to Readers: MMWR Weekly Launches Online Manuscript Submission System.
AB  - The MMWR Weekly is now using MMWR ScholarOne Manuscripts, an online system for
      manuscript submissions. Launching this system provides comprehensive workflow
      management and streamlines the Weekly submission process.

PMID- 28081058
TI  - Leading Causes of Death in Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan Areas- United States,
      1999-2014.
AB  - PROBLEM/CONDITION: Higher rates of death in nonmetropolitan areas (often referred
      to as rural areas) compared with metropolitan areas have been described but not
      systematically assessed. PERIOD COVERED: 1999-2014 DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM:
      Mortality data for U.S. residents from the National Vital Statistics System were
      used to calculate age-adjusted death rates and potentially excess deaths for
      nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas for the five leading causes of death. Age
      adjusted death rates included all ages and were adjusted to the 2000 U.S.
      standard population by the direct method. Potentially excess deaths are defined
      as deaths among persons aged <80 years that exceed the numbers that would be
      expected if the death rates of states with the lowest rates (i.e., benchmark
      states) occurred across all states. (Benchmark states were the three states with
      the lowest rates for each cause during 2008-2010.) Potentially excess deaths were
      calculated separately for nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas. Data are
      presented for the United States and the 10 U.S. Department of Health and Human
      Services public health regions. RESULTS: Across the United States,
      nonmetropolitan areas experienced higher age-adjusted death rates than
      metropolitan areas. The percentages of potentially excess deaths among persons
      aged <80 years from the five leading causes were higher in nonmetropolitan areas
      than in metropolitan areas. For example, approximately half of deaths from
      unintentional injury and chronic lower respiratory disease in nonmetropolitan
      areas were potentially excess deaths, compared with 39.2% and 30.9%,
      respectively, in metropolitan areas. Potentially excess deaths also differed
      among and within public health regions; within regions, nonmetropolitan areas
      tended to have higher percentages of potentially excess deaths than metropolitan
      areas. INTERPRETATION: Compared with metropolitan areas, nonmetropolitan areas
      have higher age-adjusted death rates and greater percentages of potentially
      excess deaths from the five leading causes of death, nationally and across public
      health regions. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: Routine tracking of potentially excess
      deaths in nonmetropolitan areas might help public health departments identify
      emerging health problems, monitor known problems, and focus interventions to
      reduce preventable deaths in these areas.

PMID- 28081060
TI  - Erratum: Vol. 65, Nos. 50 & 51.
AB  - In the report "Increases in Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths - United
      States, 2010-2015" in both "TABLE 1. Number and age-adjusted rate of drug
      overdose deaths* involving natural and semisynthetic opioids? and methadone,S, 
      by sex, age group, race/ethnicity,** U.S. Census region, and selected states?? -
      United States, 2014 and 2015," and in "TABLE 2. Number and age-adjusted rate of
      drug overdose deaths* involving synthetic opioids other than methadone? and
      heroin,S,  by sex, age group, race/ethnicity,** U.S. Census region, and selected
      states?? - United States, 2014 and 2015," the seventh footnote (SS) should have
      read as follows: "Statistically significant at p<0.05 level. Nonoverlapping
      confidence intervals based on the gamma method were used if the number of deaths
      was <100 in 2014 or 2015, and z-tests were used if the number of deaths was >=100
      in both 2014 and 2015."

PMID- 28081061
TI  - Vital Signs: Decrease in Incidence of Diabetes-Related End-Stage Renal Disease
      among American Indians/Alaska Natives - United States, 1996-2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) have the highest diabetes
      prevalence among any racial/ethnic group in the United States. Among AI/AN,
      diabetes accounts for 69% of new cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), defined
      as kidney failure treated with dialysis or transplantation. During 1982-1996,
      diabetes-related ESRD (ESRD-D) in AI/AN increased substantially and
      disproportionately compared with other racial/ethnic groups. METHODS: Data from
      the U.S. Renal Data System, the Indian Health Service (IHS), the National Health
      Interview Survey, and the U.S. Census were used to calculate ESRD-D incidence
      rates by race/ethnicity among U.S. adults aged >=18 years during 1996-2013 and in
      the diabetic population during 2006-2013. Rates were age-adjusted based on the
      2000 U.S. standard population. IHS clinical data from the Diabetes Cares and
      Outcomes Audit were analyzed for diabetes management measures in AI/AN. RESULTS:
      Among AI/AN adults, age-adjusted ESRD-D rates per 100,000 population decreased
      54%, from 57.3 in 1996 to 26.5 in 2013. Although rates for adults in other
      racial/ethnic groups also decreased during this period, AI/AN had the steepest
      decline. Among AI/AN with diabetes, ESRD-D incidence decreased during 2006-2013
      and, by 2013, was the same as that for whites. Measures related to the assessment
      and treatment of ESRD-D risk factors also showed more improvement during this
      period in AI/AN than in the general population. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE: Despite well-documented health and socioeconomic
      disparities among AI/AN, ESRD-D incidence rates among this population have
      decreased substantially since 1996. This decline followed implementation by the
      IHS of public health and population management approaches to diabetes accompanied
      by improvements in clinical care beginning in the mid-1980s. These approaches
      might be a useful model for diabetes management in other health care systems,
      especially those serving populations at high risk.

PMID- 28081062
TI  - Prevalence of Perceived Food and Housing Security - 15 States, 2013.
AB  - Recent global (1) and national (2,3) health equity initiatives conclude that the
      elimination of health disparities requires improved understanding of social
      context (4,5) and ability to measure social determinants of health, including
      food and housing security (3). Food and housing security reflect the availability
      of and access to essential resources needed to lead a healthy life. The 2013
      Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) included two questions to
      assess perceived food and housing security in 15 states.* Among 95,665
      respondents, the proportion who answered "never or rarely" to the question "how
      often in the past 12 months would you say you were worried or stressed about
      having enough money to buy nutritious meals?" ranged from 68.5% to 82.4% by
      state. Among 90,291 respondents living in housing they either owned or rented,
      the proportion who answered "never or rarely" to the question, "how often in the
      past 12 months would you say you were worried or stressed about having enough
      money to pay your rent/mortgage?" ranged from 59.9% to 72.8% by state. Food
      security was reported less often among non-Hispanic blacks (blacks) (68.5%) and
      Hispanics (64.6%) than non-Hispanic whites (whites) (81.8%). These racial/ethnic
      disparities were present across all levels of education; housing security
      followed a similar pattern. These results highlight racial/ethnic disparities in
      two important social determinants of health, food and housing security, as well
      as a substantial prevalence of worry or stress about food or housing among all
      subgroups in the United States. The concise nature of the BRFSS Social Context
      Module's single-question format for food and housing security makes it possible
      to incorporate these questions into large health surveys so that social
      determinants can be monitored at the state and national levels and populations at
      risk can be identified.

PMID- 28081063
TI  - State Laws Requiring Hand Sanitation Stations at Animal Contact Exhibits-United
      States, March-April 2016.
AB  - In the United States, animal contact exhibits, such as petting zoos and
      agricultural fairs, have been sources of zoonotic infections, including
      infections with Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium (1-4). The
      National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians recommends handwashing
      after contact with animals as an effective prevention measure to disease
      transmission at these exhibits (4). This report provides a list of states that
      have used law, specifically statutes and regulations, as public health
      interventions to increase hand sanitation at animal contact exhibits. The report
      is based on an assessment conducted by CDC's Public Health Law Program, in
      collaboration with the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental
      Diseases in CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.
      The assessment found that seven states have used statutes or regulations to
      require hand sanitation stations at these exhibits (5). Jurisdictions seeking to
      improve rates of hand sanitation at animal contact exhibits can use this report
      as a resource in developing their own legal interventions.

PMID- 28081064
TI  - Using National Inpatient Death Rates as a Benchmark to Identify Hospitals with
      Inaccurate Cause of Death Reporting - Missouri, 2009-2012.
AB  - Reporting causes of death accurately is essential to public health and hospital
      based programs; however, some U.S. studies have identified substantial
      inaccuracies in cause of death reporting. Using CDC's national inpatient hospital
      death rates as a benchmark, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
      (DHSS) analyzed inpatient death rates reported by hospitals with high inpatient
      death rates in St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas. Among the selected
      hospitals with high inpatient death rates, 45.8% of death certificates indicated
      an underlying cause of death that was inconsistent with CDC's Guidelines for
      Death Certificate completion. Selected hospitals with high inpatient death rates
      were more likely to overreport heart disease and renal disease, and underreport
      cancer as an underlying cause of death. Based on these findings, the Missouri
      DHSS initiated a new web-based training module for death certificate completion
      based on the CDC guidelines in an effort to improve accuracy in cause of death
      reporting.

PMID- 28081065
TI  - Notes from the Field: Pan-Resistant New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase-Producing
      Klebsiella pneumoniae - Washoe County, Nevada, 2016.

PMID- 28081066
TI  - Experimental demonstration of pulse multiplexing and beam combining of four fiber
      lasers by noncollinear frequency conversion in an LBO crystal.
AB  - In this work, we provide proof-of-concept experimental realization of pulse
      multiplexing and beam combining of four pulsed Yb-doped fiber lasers by
      noncollinear frequency up-conversion in an LBO crystal. An overall conversion
      efficiency of 51% and up to 29 W average power in a combined 532 nm beam were
      achieved. These results correspond to an improvement by a factor of 2 compared to
      the average power extracted from a single fiber amplifier.

PMID- 28081067
TI  - Guiding terahertz orbital angular momentum beams in multimode Kagome hollow-core
      fibers.
AB  - We explore terahertz (THz) orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes supported in
      multimode Kagome hollow-core fibers. Numerical models are adopted to characterize
      the effective indices and confinement losses of vector modes over 0.2-0.9 THz,
      where two low-loss transmission windows are observed. Linearly combining the
      vector modes, THz OAM states can be generated. Covering a broad bandwidth of 0.25
      THz, the purity values of OAM modes are beyond 0.9. Using numerical simulations,
      the hollow-core THz fibers with one and two rings of Kagome structures are also
      comparably investigated. We reveal that the OAM purity is dependent upon the
      confinement performance of THz fiber.

PMID- 28081068
TI  - Plasmonic wavelength splitter based on a metal-insulator-metal waveguide with a
      graded grating coupler.
AB  - A plasmonic wavelength splitter based on a sub-wavelength metal-insulator-metal
      (MIM) periodic rectangle wrinkle waveguide with a graded grating coupler is
      theoretically analyzed and experimentally demonstrated. The surface plasmon
      polaritons (SPPs), excited in the metal grating with wavelength selection, are
      deflected by the graded difference according to the aplanatic parametric
      principle. The wave vector of the deflected SPPs meets the phase-matching
      condition and couples into the periodic rectangle wrinkle waveguide with a
      plasmonic bandgap. The characteristic of the plasmonic wavelength splitter is
      simulated by finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation, which agrees well
      with the theoretical analysis. By electron beam lithography and ion beam etching
      process, the plasmonic wavelength splitter was fabricated. The SPPs excited by
      incident 650 and 832 nm were successfully split and guided to opposite directions
      of the MIM waveguide with extinction ratios of 27.5 dB and 32.7 dB, respectively,
      which was observed under an optical microscope using a CCD camera. The proposed
      wavelength splitter is simple fabricated and has a large coupling aperture by
      utilizing the graded grating coupler.

PMID- 28081069
TI  - Photoacoustic imaging of sub-diffraction objects with spectral contrast.
AB  - Photoacoustic imaging couples the chemical specificity of optical absorption with
      the viewing depth of ultrasound. Systems based on linear array transducers have
      the versatility to be applied in various (pre-) clinical scenarios but face a
      trade-off between viewing depth and image resolution depending on transducer
      frequency and aperture. We propose here a method to disentangle, with precision,
      small, closely spaced targets with optical spectral contrast, without impairing
      the imaging depth. Photoacoustic data sets were recorded at two different optical
      wavelengths. We accurately recovered object separation distances (mean
      error=2.3%+/-6%) from the phase difference between signals across the array, down
      to a spacing of 1/20th of the system's beam-formed lateral resolution. The
      proposed method may enable the translation of super-resolution microscopy to deep
      tissue imaging.

PMID- 28081070
TI  - Second harmonic generation via femtosecond laser fabrication of poled, quasi
      phase-matched waveguides in fused silica.
AB  - Second harmonic generation (SHG) is demonstrated in femtosecond laser written
      waveguides in fused silica through a combination of thermal poling and laser
      based quasi-phase-matching (QPM) techniques. Quasi-phase-matching was controlled
      by the periodic erasure of induced nonlinearity through femtosecond laser
      erasure. A maximum SHG conversion efficiency of 6.6+/-0.5*10<sup>-5</sup>%/W is
      reported for the fundamental wavelength of 1552.8 nm with a phase-matching
      bandwidth of 4.4 nm for a 10.0 mm long waveguide. For a shorter sample, an
      effective second-order nonlinearity of chi<sup>(2)</sup>=0.012+/-0.001  pm/V was
      measured. Chirped QPM structures for wider SHG bandwidths also were demonstrated.
      Such periodically poled waveguides are promising for introducing nonlinear
      optical components within the 3D passive optical circuits that can be flexibly
      formed in fused silica by femtosecond laser writing.

PMID- 28081071
TI  - Small-period long-period fiber grating with improved refractive index sensitivity
      and dual-parameter sensing ability.
AB  - We UV inscribe and characterize a long-period fiber grating with a period of 25
      MUm. A series of polarization-dependent dual-peak pairs can be seen in the
      transmission spectrum, even though only the symmetrical refractive index
      modification is introduced. The fabricated grating exhibits a lower temperature
      sensitivity compared with standard long-period gratings and an enhanced
      refractive index sensitivity of ~312.5  nm/RIU averaged from 1.315 to 1.395,
      which is more than four-fold higher than standard long-period gratings in this
      range. The full width at half-maximum of the fabricated grating is only about 0.6
      nm, allowing for high-resolution sensing. Moreover, the grating period is so
      small that the attenuation dip corresponding to a high-order Bragg resonance can
      also be seen, which can act as a monitor of the unwanted perturbation to realize
      dual-parameter sensing.

PMID- 28081072
TI  - V-band gapless OFDM RoF system with power detector down-conversion and novel
      Volterra nonlinear filtering.
AB  - This Letter presents a V-band gapless orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
      (OFDM) RoF system at 60 GHz employing a power detector to support vector signal
      down-conversion. Additional RF tone is generated and transmitted from a central
      station to replace the local oscillator at a wireless receiver for power detector
      down-conversion. To enhance the spectrum efficiency, the gap between the OFDM
      signal and the RF tone is not needed. However, the down-converted signal will
      suffer signal-to-signal interference (SSBI). In this Letter, we propose and
      successfully employ a novel Volterra nonlinear compensation to mitigate SSBI,
      resulting in a 22% data rate improvement with a bit-loading algorithm.

PMID- 28081073
TI  - Strip-loaded horizontal slot waveguide.
AB  - We introduce a novel concept for an optical waveguide called a strip-loaded slot
      waveguide. It allows an extraordinary confinement of the field in a waveguide
      with an extremely tiny (vertical) cross section. Unlike conventional slot
      waveguides, the proposed configuration has potential for very low propagation
      losses. Its operation is demonstrated at telecommunication wavelengths and, in
      addition, it is fabricated by means of mass production compatible techniques:
      atomic layer deposition and nanoimprint replication. The possibility to fabricate
      the proposed structure with such low-cost techniques opens a new path for a
      variety of nanophotonics applications.

PMID- 28081074
TI  - Influence of the photon orbital angular momentum on electric dipole transitions:
      negative experimental evidence.
AB  - We describe an experiment of atomic spectroscopy devoted to ascertaining whether
      the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of photons has the same property of
      interacting with atoms or molecules as occurs for the spin angular momentum
      (SAM). In our experiment, rubidium vapors are excited by means of laser radiation
      with different combinations of OAM and SAM, particularly selected to inhibit or
      enhance the fluorescence according to the selection rules for the electric dipole
      transitions between the fundamental state and the first excited doublet. Our
      results clearly show that an electric-dipole-type transition is insensitive to
      the OAM value, and provide an original validation of a problem long debated in
      theoretical works.

PMID- 28081075
TI  - Dual-focus coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy using a compact two
      beam fiber laser source.
AB  - We have developed a dual-focus coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS)
      microscope based on a dual output, compact fiber laser source. The underlying
      concepts of time-multiplexed, two-beam scanning and demultiplexed detection that
      we already employed for second-harmonic generation are here naturally extended
      for CARS microscopy. The layout of a robust, all-fiber laser source was
      reconfigured to provide two outputs, each containing the two colors necessary for
      the CARS process. The utilization of the design for simultaneously imaging two
      laterally or axially separated fields of view and, thus, inherently speeding up
      the image acquisition process, is demonstrated on human artery tissue samples.

PMID- 28081076
TI  - Spatially-resolved individual particle spectroscopy using photothermal modulation
      of Mie scattering.
AB  - We report a photothermal modulation of Mie scattering (PMMS) method that enables
      concurrent spatial and spectral discrimination of individual micron-sized
      particles. This approach provides a direct measurement of the "fingerprint"
      infrared absorption spectrum with the spatial resolution of visible light. Trace
      quantities (tens of picograms) of material were deposited onto an infrared
      transparent substrate and simultaneously illuminated by a wavelength-tunable
      intensity-modulated quantum cascade pump laser and a continuous-wave 532 nm probe
      laser. Absorption of the pump laser by the particles results in direct modulation
      of the scatter field of the probe laser. The probe light scattered from the
      interrogated region is imaged onto a visible camera, enabling simultaneous
      probing of spatially-separated individual particles. By tuning the wavelength of
      the pump laser, the IR absorption spectrum is obtained. Using this approach, we
      measured the infrared absorption spectra of individual 3 MUm PMMA and silica
      spheres. Experimental PMMS signal amplitudes agree with modeling using an
      extended version of the Mie scattering theory for particles on substrates,
      enabling the prediction of the PMMS signal magnitude based on the material and
      substrate properties.

PMID- 28081077
TI  - MeV electron acceleration at 1  kHz with <10  mJ laser pulses.
AB  - We demonstrate laser-driven acceleration of electrons to MeV-scale energies at 1
      kHz repetition rate using <10  mJ pulses focused on near-critical density He and
      H<sub>2</sub> gas jets. Using the H<sub>2</sub> gas jet, electron acceleration to
      ~0.5  MeV in ~10  fC bunches was observed with laser pulse energy as low as 1.3
      mJ. Increasing the pulse energy to 10 mJ, we measure ~1  pC charge bunches with
      >1  MeV energy for both He and H<sub>2</sub> gas jets.

PMID- 28081078
TI  - Mid-wave infrared narrow bandwidth guided mode resonance notch filter.
AB  - We have designed, fabricated, and characterized a guided mode resonance notch
      filter operating in the technologically vital mid-wave infrared (MWIR) region of
      the electromagnetic spectrum. The filter provides a bandstop at lambda~4.1  MUm,
      with a 12 dB extinction on resonance. In addition, we demonstrate a high
      transmission background (>80%), less than 6% transmission on resonance, and an
      ultra-narrow bandwidth transmission notch (10  cm<sup>-1</sup>). Our filter is
      optically characterized using angle- and polarization-dependent Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy, and simulated using rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA)
      with excellent agreement between simulations and our experimental results. Using
      our RCWA simulations, we are able to identify the optical modes associated with
      the transmission dips of our filter. The presented structure offers a potential
      route toward narrow-band laser filters in the MWIR.

PMID- 28081079
TI  - Simple and fast spectral domain algorithm for quantitative phase imaging of
      living cells with digital holographic microscopy.
AB  - We present a simple and fast phase aberration compensation method in digital
      holographic microscopy (DHM) for quantitative phase imaging of living cells. By
      analyzing the frequency spectrum of an off-axis hologram, phase aberrations can
      be compensated for automatically without fitting or pre-knowledge of the setup
      and/or the object. Simple and effective computation makes the method suitable for
      quantitative online monitoring with highly variable DHM systems. Results from
      automated quantitative phase imaging of living NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblasts
      demonstrate the effectiveness and the feasibility of the method.

PMID- 28081080
TI  - Optimal measurements for resolution beyond the Rayleigh limit.
AB  - We establish the conditions to attain the ultimate resolution predicted by
      quantum estimation theory for the case of two incoherent point sources using a
      linear imaging system. The solution is closely related to the spatial symmetries
      of the detection scheme. In particular, for real symmetric point spread
      functions, any complete set of projections with definite parity achieves the
      goal.

PMID- 28081081
TI  - Compact broadband polarization beam splitter using a symmetric directional
      coupler with sinusoidal bends.
AB  - We design and demonstrate a compact broadband polarization beam splitter (PBS)
      using a symmetric directional coupler with sinusoidal bends on a silicon-on
      insulator platform. The sinusoidal bends in our PBS suppress the power exchange
      between two parallel symmetric strip waveguides for the transverse-electric (TE)
      mode, while allowing for the maximum power transfer to the adjacent waveguide for
      the transverse-magnetic (TM) mode. Our PBS has a nominal coupler length of 8.55
      MUm, and it has an average extinction ratio (ER) of 12.0 dB for the TE mode, an
      average ER of 20.1 dB for the TM mode, an average polarization isolation (PI) of
      20.6 dB for the through port, and an average PI of 11.5 dB for the cross port,
      all over a bandwidth of 100 nm.

PMID- 28081082
TI  - Seedless velocimetry at 100  kHz with picosecond-laser electronic-excitation
      tagging.
AB  - Picosecond-laser electronic-excitation tagging (PLEET), a seedless picosecond
      laser-based velocimetry technique, is demonstrated in non-reactive flows at a
      repetition rate of 100 kHz with a 1064 nm, 100 ps burst-mode laser. The
      fluorescence lifetime of the PLEET signal was measured in nitrogen, and the laser
      heating effects were analyzed. PLEET experiments with a free jet of nitrogen show
      the ability to measure multi-point flow velocity fluctuations at a 100 kHz
      detection rate or higher. Both spectral and dynamic mode decomposition analyses
      of velocity on a Ma=0.8 free jet show two dominant Strouhal numbers around 0.24
      and 0.48, respectively, well within the shear-layer flapping frequencies of the
      free jets. This technique increases the laser-tagging repetition rate for
      velocimetry to hundreds of kilohertz. PLEET is suitable for subsonic through
      supersonic laminar- and turbulent-flow velocity measurements.

PMID- 28081083
TI  - Molecular dispersion spectroscopy based on Fabry-Perot quantum cascade lasers.
AB  - Two Fabry-Perot quantum cascade lasers are used in a differential dual comb
      configuration to perform rapidly swept dispersion spectroscopy of low-pressure
      nitrous oxide with <1  ms acquisition time. Active feedback control of the laser
      injection current enables simultaneous wavelength modulation of both lasers at
      kilohertz rates. The system demonstrates similar performance in both absorption
      and dispersion spectroscopy modes and achieves a noise-equivalent absorption
      figure of merit in the low 10<sup>-4</sup>/Hz range.

PMID- 28081084
TI  - Tailoring supercontinuum generation beyond 2  MUm in step-index tellurite fibers.
AB  - We report numerical and experimental demonstrations of flexible group-velocity
      dispersion regimes in step-index tellurite fibers by fine control of the fiber
      core diameter. Our simple fiber design allowed us to explore various nonlinear
      propagation regimes beyond 2 MUm, which involved careful control of four-wave
      mixing processes. Combined with the recent development of 2 MUm fiber lasers, we
      present an easy way to tailor supercontinuum generation and related coherence
      features in the high-demand 1.5-3.5 MUm spectral region.

PMID- 28081085
TI  - Coherent and incoherent seeding of dissipative modulation instability in a
      nonlinear fiber ring cavity.
AB  - We investigate the coherent or incoherent seeding of dissipative modulation
      instability (MI) in a nonlinear fiber ring cavity. By varying wavelength and
      degree of coherence of the seed signal across the MI gain band, we observe a
      strong sensitivity of the resulting MI sidebands in terms of bandwidth and
      amplification. Both spectral and temporal characterizations are performed to
      reveal intensity coherence properties (over a single round-trip) of the generated
      temporal patterns. Experimental observations are well confirmed by numerical
      simulations. Our results provide new insights into the control of dissipative MI
      through a specific seeding in optical resonators with a moderate free-spectral
      range. In particular, a large tunability of the subsequent Kerr comb spacing is
      achieved by means of the early transient stage of seeded MI growth.

PMID- 28081086
TI  - Random sources for rotating spectral densities.
AB  - The propagating modes of a wide-sense stationary Schell-like source with
      arbitrary coherence state and a twist factor are determined. This suggests a
      convenient practical method for modeling novel classes of twisted partially
      coherent beam-like fields. The first example discusses the previously introduced
      twisted anisotropic Gaussian Schell-model source and verifies the feasibility of
      this method. As a second example, we introduce a new type of twisted partially
      coherent beam in which a radiated flat-top average intensity pattern remains
      invariant in shape (but not size) while it twists around the axis upon
      propagation.

PMID- 28081087
TI  - Plasmonic non-concentric nanorings array as an unidirectional nano-optical
      conveyor belt actuated by polarization rotation.
AB  - We report a nano-optical conveyor belt containing an array of gold plasmonic non
      concentric nanorings (PNNRs) for the realization of trapping and unidirectional
      transportation of nanoparticles through rotating the polarization of an
      excitation beam. The location of hot spots within an asymmetric plasmonic
      nanostructure is polarization dependent, thus making it possible to manipulate a
      trapped target by rotating the incident polarization state. In the case of PNNR,
      the two poles have highly unbalanced trap potential. This greatly enhances the
      chance of transferring trapped particles between adjacent PNNRs in a given
      direction through rotating the polarization. As confirmed by three-dimensional
      finite-difference time-domain analysis, an array of PNNRs forms an unidirectional
      nano-optical conveyor belt, which delivers target nanoparticles or biomolecules
      over a long distance with nanometer accuracy. With the capacity to trap and to
      transfer, our design offers a versatile scheme for conducting mechanical sample
      manipulation in many on-chip optofluidic applications.

PMID- 28081088
TI  - AM-to-PM conversion in a resonant microwave optical rectification detector.
AB  - A LiNbO<sub>3</sub>-loaded microwave cavity pumped with weakly AM-modulated 30 fs
      optical pulses was used as a platform to investigate AM-to-PM conversion in the
      optical rectification process. Theoretical treatment of AM-to-PM conversion
      (i.e., peak-induced electrical phase deviation beta<sub>i</sub> due to optical
      power modulation with index m) suggests that the dominant mechanism is self-group
      velocity modulation due to chi<sup>(3)</sup> and cascaded chi<sup>(2)</sup>
      processes with a value of delta=beta<sub>i</sub>/m=-151  dB, linearly dependent
      on the optical power at intensities of 6*10<sup>10</sup>  W/m<sup>2</sup> in a 40
      mm long LiNbO<sub>3</sub> crystal. This is in stark contrast to p-i-n photodiodes
      which can exhibit an AM-to-PM conversion gain delta>0  dB. In this experiment, we
      measured values of delta for a resonant optical rectification detector using
      typical mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser pulses (100 MHz, 30 fs, P<sub>avg</sub>~100
      mW) and found an instrumentation-limited lower bound of delta~-43.5  dB,
      independent of the optical power.

PMID- 28081089
TI  - Direct comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional laser-induced
      fluorescence measurements on highly turbulent flames.
AB  - This Letter reports the first direct comparison between two-dimensional (2D) and
      three-dimensional (3D) laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) applied to highly
      turbulent flames, with the goal of experimentally illustrating the capabilities
      and limitations of volumetric LIF (VLIF). To accomplish these goals, planar LIF
      (PLIF) and VLIF measurements were simultaneously performed on turbulent flames
      based on the CH radical. The PLIF measurements imaged a planar cross-section of
      the target flames across a 2D field-of-view (FOV) of 42  mm*42  mm. The VLIF
      measurements imaged the same region in the target flame with a 3D FOV of 42 
      mm*42  mm*5  mm, with 5 mm being the thickness of the measurement volume. The
      VLIF signals generated in this volume were captured by five intensified cameras
      from different perspectives, based on which a 3D tomographic reconstruction was
      performed to obtain the 3D reconstruction of the CH radical (as a marker of the
      flame front). The PLIF measurements were then compared to a cross-section of the
      VLIF measurement to demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of instantaneous 3D
      imaging of flame topography and flame surface area in highly turbulent flames.

PMID- 28081090
TI  - Enhancement cavities for few-cycle pulses.
AB  - We address the challenge of increasing the bandwidth of high-finesse femtosecond
      enhancement cavities and demonstrate a broad spectrum spanning 1800  cm<sup>
      1</sup> (195 nm) at -10  dB around a central wavelength of 1050 nm in an EC with
      an average finesse exceeding 300. This will benefit a host of spectroscopic
      applications, including transient absorption spectroscopy, direct frequency comb
      spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The pulse circulating in the EC is composed
      of only 5.4 optical cycles, at a kilowatt-level average power. Together with a
      suitable gating technique, this paves the way to the efficient generation of
      multi-megahertz-repetition-rate isolated extreme ultraviolet attosecond pulses
      via intracavity high-order harmonic generation.

PMID- 28081091
TI  - Refocus criterion based on maximization of the coherence factor in digital three
      wavelength holographic interferometry.
AB  - This Letter presents an alternative approach for image refocusing in digital
      Fresnel holography. In the literature, a large majority of reported focus
      detection criteria is based on amplitude contrast or phase contrast. We propose a
      focus detection criterion based on the speckle phase coherence factor. This
      factor reaches its maximum value at the best focus distance. At any
      reconstruction distance, estimation of the coherence factor is based on robust
      noise estimation from anisotropic diffusion. We propose a theoretical relation to
      estimate the coherence factor from the measured standard deviation. Experimental
      results for the case of three-color holographic imaging and interferometry are
      provided. Experimental results show the suitability of the proposed approach for
      image plane refocusing.

PMID- 28081092
TI  - Optical excitation of spin waves in epitaxial iron garnet films: MSSW vs BVMSW.
AB  - In most of the previous studies of the spin wave optical generation in magnetic
      dielectrics, the backward volume spin waves were excited. Here we modified the
      parameters of the circularly polarized optical pump beams emitted by femtosecond
      laser to reveal surface spin waves in bismuth iron garnet thin film. Beams that
      are larger than 10 MUm in diameter generate both surface and volume spin waves
      with only one spectral peak near the ferromagnetic resonance. On the contrary,
      narrower beams excite predominantly surface spin waves of higher frequency,
      providing an additional peak in the spin wave spectrum. Thus different
      interference patterns of the magnetization dynamics are achievable. This may
      significantly broaden the capabilities of spin wave based devices.

PMID- 28081093
TI  - Balanced detection for self-mixing interferometry.
AB  - We propose a new detection scheme for self-mixing interferometry using two
      photodiodes for implementing a differential acquisition. The method is based on
      the phase opposition of the self-mixing signal measured between the two laser
      diode facet outputs. The subtraction of the two outputs implements a sort of
      balanced detection that improves the signal quality, and allows canceling of
      unwanted signals due to laser modulation and disturbances on laser supply and
      transimpedance amplifier. Experimental results demonstrate the benefits of
      differential acquisition in a system for both absolute distance and displacement
      vibration measurement. This Letter provides guidance for the design of self
      mixing interferometers using balanced detection.

PMID- 28081094
TI  - Graphitic C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> as a new saturable absorber for the mid
      infrared spectral range.
AB  - The saturable absorption properties of few-layer graphitic carbon nitride (g
      C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>) nanosheets near 3 MUm were investigated. A stable Q
      switched Er:Lu<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> laser at 2.84 MUm was realized by using a
      home-made g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> saturable absorber (SA), generating a
      pulse duration of 351 ns and an average output power of 1.09 W at a repetition
      rate of 99 kHz, corresponding to a pulse energy of 11.1 MUJ. Our result indicates
      a great potential of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> as a new SA in the 3 MUm
      wavelength range.

PMID- 28081095
TI  - High spatial resolution distributed optical fiber dynamic strain sensor with
      enhanced frequency and strain resolution.
AB  - A distributed optical fiber dynamic strain sensor with high spatial and frequency
      resolution is demonstrated. The sensor, which uses the phi-OTDR interrogation
      technique, exhibited a higher sensitivity thanks to an improved optical
      arrangement and a new signal processing procedure. The proposed sensing system is
      capable of fully quantifying multiple dynamic perturbations along a 5 km long
      sensing fiber with a frequency and spatial resolution of 5 Hz and 50 cm,
      respectively. The strain resolution of the sensor was measured to be 40 nepsilon.

PMID- 28081096
TI  - Pump-probe micro-spectroscopy by means of an ultra-fast acousto-optics delay
      line.
AB  - We demonstrate femtosecond pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy using a
      programmable dispersive filter as an ultra-fast delay line. Combined with fast
      synchronous detection, this delay line allows for recording of 6 ps decay traces
      at 34 kHz. With such acquisition speed, we perform single point pump-probe
      spectroscopy on bulk samples in 80 MUs and hyperspectral pump-probe imaging over
      a field of view of 100 MUm in less than a second. The usability of the method is
      illustrated in a showcase experiment to image and discriminate between two
      pigments in a mixture.

PMID- 28081097
TI  - Laser beam self-focusing in turbulent dissipative media.
AB  - A high-power laser beam propagating through a dielectric in the presence of
      fluctuations is subject to diffraction, dissipation, and optical Kerr
      nonlinearity. A method of moments was applied to a stochastic, nonlinear
      enveloped wave equation to analyze the evolution of the long-term spot radius.
      For propagation in atmospheric turbulence described by a Kolmogorov-von Karman
      spectral density, the analysis was benchmarked against field experiments in the
      low-power limit and compared with simulation results in the high-power regime.
      Dissipation reduced the effect of self-focusing and led to chromatic aberration.

PMID- 28081098
TI  - Generation of terahertz optical beating from a simultaneously self-mode-locked
      Nd:YAG laser at 1064 and 1123  nm.
AB  - The reflectivity of the output coupler is designed to achieve the synchronously
      self-mode-locked operation at 1064 and 1123 nm in a diode-end-pumped Nd:YAG
      laser. Numerical analyses are performed to confirm that the designed output
      coupler can lead the emission lines to be predominant at 1064 and 1123 nm.
      Moreover, the crossover of the threshold pump powers for the 1064 and 1123 nm
      emission lines can be exploited to obtain the single central wavelength of 1064
      nm or the single central wavelength of 1123 nm or, simultaneously, dual-central
      wavelength self-mode-locked operation by finely adjusting the cavity alignment.
      For the dual-central-wavelength mode-locked emissions, the pulse repetition rate
      and the pulse duration are 4.5 GHz and 50.8 ps, respectively. The maximum output
      power can be up to 2.47 W at a pump power of 7.5 W. The synchronization of the
      1064 and 1123 nm mode-locked pulses generates the optical beating pulse trains
      with repetition rates up to 14.7 THz.

PMID- 28081099
TI  - High-order external cavity modes and restabilization of a laser diode subject to
      a phase-conjugate feedback.
AB  - We experimentally report the sequence of bifurcations destabilizing and
      restabilizing a laser diode with phase-conjugate feedback when the feedback rate
      is increased. Specifically, we successively observe the initial steady state,
      undamped relaxation oscillations, quasi-periodicity, chaos, and oscillating
      solutions at harmonics up to 13 times the external cavity frequency but also the
      restabilization to a steady state. The experimental results are qualitatively
      well reproduced by a model that accounts for the time the light takes to
      penetrate the phase-conjugate mirror. The theory points out that the system
      restabilizes through a Hopf bifurcation whose frequency is a harmonic of the
      external cavity frequency.

PMID- 28081100
TI  - Digital equalization of time-delay array receivers on coherent laser
      communications.
AB  - Field conjugation arrays use adaptive combining techniques on multi-aperture
      receivers to improve the performance of coherent laser communication links by
      mitigating the consequences of atmospheric turbulence on the down-converted
      coherent power. However, this motivates the use of complex receivers as optical
      signals collected by different apertures need to be adaptively processed, co
      phased, and scaled before they are combined. Here, we show that multiple
      apertures, coupled with optical delay lines, combine retarded versions of a
      signal at a single coherent receiver, which uses digital equalization to obtain
      diversity gain against atmospheric fading. We found in our analysis that, instead
      of field conjugation arrays, digital equalization of time-delay multi-aperture
      receivers is a simpler and more versatile approach to accomplish reduction of
      atmospheric fading.

PMID- 28081101
TI  - Design of many-body spin states of Rydberg atoms excited to highly tunable
      magnetic sublevels.
AB  - Quantum control methodology is presented to design many-body spin states in a
      spin chain of Rydberg atoms using laser pulses and a magnetic field. A two-photon
      ladder-type configuration is implemented, which is advantageous due to the
      combined action of the one-photon and two-photon detunings as control parameters.
      Many-body spin states are designed consisting of an ensemble of spins encoded in
      sublevels of Rydberg states and coupled via the van der Waals interactions.

PMID- 28081102
TI  - Dual-comb coherent Raman spectroscopy with lasers of 1-GHz pulse repetition
      frequency.
AB  - We extend the technique of multiplex coherent Raman spectroscopy with two
      femtosecond mode-locked lasers to oscillators of a pulse repetition frequency of
      1 GHz. We demonstrate a spectra of liquids, which span 1100  cm<sup>-1</sup> of
      Raman shifts. At a resolution of 6  cm<sup>-1</sup>, their measurement time may
      be as short as 5 MUs for a refresh rate of 2 kHz. The waiting period between
      acquisitions is improved 10-fold compared to previous experiments with two lasers
      of 100-MHz repetition frequencies.

PMID- 28081103
TI  - Robust processing of phase dislocations based on combined unwrapping and
      inpainting approaches.
AB  - This Letter proposes a robust processing of phase dislocations to recover
      continuous phase maps. The approach is based on combined unwrapping and
      inpainting methods. Phase dislocations are determined using an estimator based on
      the second order phase gradient. The algorithm is validated using a realistic
      simulation of phase dislocations, and the phase restoration exhibits only weak
      errors. A comparison with other inpainting algorithms is also provided,
      demonstrating the suitability of the approach. The approach is applied to
      experimental data from off-axis digital holographic interferometry. The phase
      dislocation from phase data from a wake flow at Mach 0.73 are identified and
      processed. Excellent phase restoration can be appreciated.

PMID- 28081104
TI  - Intracavity stretcher for chirped-pulse amplification in high-power laser
      systems.
AB  - We present pulse stretching with an intracavity Offner-type pulse stretcher
      applied to a high-energy, short-pulse laser system. The compact intracavity
      design, offering a tunable stretching factor, allows the pulses to be stretched
      to several nanoseconds and, at the same time, to be amplified to 100 MUJ. The
      stretched pulses have been further amplified with the high-power laser system
      Polaris and have been recompressed to durations as short as 102 fs, reaching peak
      powers of 100 TW. Furthermore, the temporal intensity contrast is investigated
      and compared to the formerly used stretcher setup.

PMID- 28081105
TI  - Dynamic trapping of a polarization rotation vector soliton in a fiber laser.
AB  - Ultrafast fiber laser, as a dissipative nonlinear optical system, plays an
      important role in investigating various nonlinear phenomena and soliton dynamics.
      Vector features of solitons, including polarization locked and polarization
      rotation vector solitons (PRVSs), are interesting nonlinear dynamics in ultrafast
      fiber lasers. Herein, we experimentally reveal the trapping characteristics of
      PRVSs for the first time, to the best of our best knowledge. We show that, for
      the conventional soliton trapping in the ultrafast fiber laser, the soliton
      central wavelengths of the two polarization components are constant at the laser
      output port. However, it is found that the dynamic trapping can be observed for
      the PRVS. That is, the peak frequencies along the two orthogonal polarization
      directions are dynamically alternating, depending on the relative intensities of
      the two polarization components. The obtained results would further unveil the
      physical mechanism of PRVSs.

PMID- 28081106
TI  - Broad-bandwidth, reversible, and high-contrast-ratio optical diode.
AB  - Fano resonance is widely used to realize high-contrast nonreciprocal
      transmission. However, resonance-enhanced all-optical diodes (AOD) are bandwidth
      limited, and their transmission rates are normally low, which restricts realistic
      application. In this Letter, we analytically and numerically demonstrate that
      this limitation can be overcome once multistability of cascaded nonlinear
      cavities is appropriately excited. By precisely molding the transiting of the
      signal light between multistable states, a high-contrast-ratio, high
      unidirectional-transmission-rate, and reversal-controllable AOD is achieved with
      a bandwidth over 2.4 nm, which is about two orders of magnitude wider than the
      reported results obtained by other methods based on Fano resonances. This
      approach may pave the way for dynamic control of on-chip all-optical information
      processing.

PMID- 28081107
TI  - Electrically pumped continuous-wave 1.3  MUm quantum-dot lasers epitaxially grown
      on on-axis (001)  GaP/Si.
AB  - We demonstrate the first electrically pumped continuous-wave (CW) III-V
      semiconductor lasers epitaxially grown on on-axis (001) silicon substrates
      without offcut or germanium layers, using InAs/GaAs quantum dots as the active
      region and an intermediate GaP buffer between the silicon and device layers.
      Broad-area lasers with uncoated facets achieve room-temperature lasing with
      threshold current densities around 860  A/cm<sup>2</sup> and 110 mW of single
      facet output power for the same device. Ridge lasers designed for low threshold
      operations show maximum lasing temperatures up to 90 degrees C and thresholds
      down to 30 mA.

PMID- 28081108
TI  - Integrated all-optical MIMO demultiplexer for mode- and wavelength-division
      multiplexed transmission.
AB  - A photonic integrated circuit performing simultaneous mode and wavelength
      demultiplexing for few-mode-fiber transmission is demonstrated for the first
      time. The circuit is realized on an InP-based technological platform; it can
      handle up to eight mode- and wavelength-division-multiplexed (MDM/WDM) channels
      and allows all-optical multiple-input-multiple-output processing to unscramble
      mode mixing generated by fiber propagation. A single arrayed waveguide grating is
      used to demultiplex the WDM channels carried by all the propagating modes,
      optimizing circuit complexity, chip area, and operational stability. Combined
      with an integrated wideband mode multiplexer the circuit is successfully
      exploited for the transmission of 10  Gbit/s on-off-keying non-return-to-zero
      channels with a residual cross talk of about -15  dB.

PMID- 28081109
TI  - Non-axial-scanning multifocal confocal microscopy with multiplexed volume
      holographic gratings.
AB  - Confocal imaging techniques offer an optical sectioning capability to acquire
      three-dimensional information from various volumetric samples by discriminating
      the desired in-focus signals from the out-of-focus background. However, confocal,
      in general, requires a point-by-point scan in both the lateral and axial
      directions to reconstruct three-dimensional images. In addition, axial scanning
      in confocal is slower than scanning in lateral directions. In this Letter, a non
      axial-scanning multifocal confocal microscope incorporating multiplexed
      holographic gratings in illumination and dual detection for depth discrimination
      is presented. Further, we demonstrate the ability of the proposed confocal
      microscopy to image ex vivo tissue structures simultaneously at different focal
      depths without mechanical or electro-optic axial scanning.

PMID- 28081110
TI  - Light-sheet microscopy in a glass capillary: feedback holographic control for
      illumination beam correction.
AB  - Light-sheet microscopy enables fast 3D, high-contrast imaging in biology and
      colloidal sciences. Recently, the controlled transport of living embryos or small
      colloids through stable glass capillaries is manifold interesting. Although they
      hardly impair the sample, glass capillaries spoil the image by generating
      significant aberrations of the illumination and detection light. Here, we analyze
      the deflection of illuminating Bessel beams at the capillary by k-spectral
      shifting, and correct for it by a beam deflector. Using cylindrical lenses for
      astigmatism compensation on the detection side, we demonstrate 3D line-confocal
      imaging inside a glass capillary over an axial range of +/-400  MUm.

PMID- 28081111
TI  - Naked eye picometer resolution in a Michelson interferometer using conjugated
      twisted beams.
AB  - Michelson interferometry is one of the most widely used techniques for accuracy
      measurements. Its main characteristic feature is to infer a displacement in one
      of the arms of the interferometer from a phase measurement. Two different twisted
      beams, also called vortex beams, with opposite twisted rotations in each arm of
      the interferometer interfere in a daisy flower-like pattern. The number of petals
      is twice the topological charge. Their position depends on the relative phase of
      the beams. Naked eye detection of 44 pm displacements is achieved. The
      sensitivity of such an interferometer together with possible further
      improvements, and applications are then discussed.

PMID- 28081112
TI  - Electronic states of defect with impurity and infrared emission on black silicon
      prepared by an ns-laser.
AB  - It is found that the optimum annealing temperature is about 1000 degrees C for
      the infrared emission of defect states at room temperature on black silicon (BS)
      prepared by using a nanosecond-pulsed laser. In addition, it is observed that the
      suitable annealing time is 6~8  min at 1000 degrees C for the emission on the BS.
      The crystallizing proceeding in annealing on the BS can be used to explain the
      above annealing effect. It is interesting that the emission band becomes
      intensive and broader on the BS prepared in oxygen atmosphere than that prepared
      in vacuum in the analysis of photoluminescence spectra, where the electronic
      states localized at the defects from D1 to D4 doped with oxygen play an important
      role in the emission with the broader band which are obviously enhanced in the
      room temperature.

PMID- 28081113
TI  - Reciprocity relation for the vector radiative transport equation and its
      application to diffuse optical tomography with polarized light.
AB  - We derive a reciprocity relation for the 3D vector radiative transport equation
      that describes propagation of polarized light in multiple-scattering media. We
      then show how this result, together with translational invariance of a plane
      parallel sample, can be used to efficiently compute the sensitivity kernel of
      diffuse optical tomography by Monte Carlo simulations. Numerical examples of
      polarization-selective sensitivity kernels are given.

PMID- 28081114
TI  - Enhancement of entanglement using cascaded four-wave mixing processes.
AB  - A maximal joint quadrature squeezing of -6.8+/-0.4  dB is experimentally obtained
      by a scheme of cascaded four-wave mixing (FWM) processes, which gives strong
      proof about the inseparability or entanglement between output of the twin beams
      from the system. Here joint quadrature is the difference between the two
      quadratures of the twin beam output from the cascaded FWM processes. This result
      is enhanced by about 3.1 dB, compared with the one of the single FWM process. We
      also study the gain dependence of the entanglement enhancement in this cascaded
      system. Theoretical predictions with the considerations of the losses in the
      experiment are also studied, and a similar trend in the low-gain regime can be
      found between the experimental results and the theoretical predictions. The
      scheme of cascaded FWM processes, which can be used to improve or even manipulate
      the degree of the entanglement between the output fields from the single FWM
      process, may find its applications in the continuous-variable quantum
      communication protocols.

PMID- 28081115
TI  - Circular fringe projection profilometry: erratum.
AB  - In this erratum, an error in Eq. (14) in our recently published Letter [Opt.
      Lett.41, 4951 (2016)10.1364/OL.41.004951OPLEDP0146-9592] is corrected.

PMID- 28081116
TI  - The Sharing Experimental Animal Resources, Coordinating Holdings (SEARCH)
      Framework: Encouraging Reduction, Replacement, and Refinement in Animal Research.
AB  - While significant medical breakthroughs have been achieved through using animal
      models, our experience shows that often there is surplus material remaining that
      is frequently never revisited but could be put to good use by other scientists.
      Recognising that most scientists are willing to share this material on a
      collaborative basis, it makes economic, ethical, and academic sense to explore
      the option to utilise this precious resource before generating new/additional
      animal models and associated samples. To bring together those requiring animal
      tissue and those holding this type of archival material, we have devised a
      framework called Sharing Experimental Animal Resources, Coordinating Holdings
      (SEARCH) with the aim of making remaining material derived from animal studies in
      biomedical research more visible and accessible to the scientific community. We
      encourage journals, funding bodies, and scientists to unite in promoting a new
      way of approaching animal research by adopting the SEARCH framework.

PMID- 28081117
TI  - Interplay between Public Attention and Public Emotion toward Multiple Social
      Issues on Twitter.
AB  - This study aims to elucidate the intricate interplay between public attention and
      public emotion toward multiple social issues. A theoretical framework is
      developed based on three perspectives including endogenous affect hypothesis,
      affect transfer hypothesis, and affective intelligence theory. Large-scale
      longitudinal data with 265 million tweets on five social issues are analyzed
      using a time series analytical approach. Public attention on social issues can
      influence public emotion on the issue per se. Social issues interact with one
      another to attract public attention in both cooperative and competitive ways.
      Instead of a direct transfer from public emotion to public attention, the public
      emotion toward a social issue moderates the interaction between the issue and
      other issue(s).

PMID- 28081118
TI  - The Cost of War on Public Health: An Exploratory Method for Understanding the
      Impact of Conflict on Public Health in Sri Lanka.
AB  - PURPOSE: The direct impact of protracted conflict on population health and
      development is well understood. However, the extent of a war's impact on long
      term health, and the opportunity costs, are less well understood. This research
      sought to overcome this gap by asking whether or not health outcomes in Sri Lanka
      would have been better in the absence of a 26-year war than they were in the
      presence of war. METHODS: A counterfactual model of national and district-level
      health outcomes was created for Sri Lanka for the period 1982 to 2002. At the
      national level, the model examined life expectancy, infant mortality rate (IMR),
      and maternal mortality ratios (MMR). At the district level, it looked at IMR and
      MMR. The model compared outcomes generated by the counterfactual model to actual
      obtained health outcomes. It looked at the rate of change and absolute values.
      RESULTS: The analysis demonstrated that war altered both rate of change and
      absolute health outcomes for the worse. The impact was most clearly evident at
      the district level. IMR was poorer than predicted in 10 districts; of these 8
      were outside of the conflict zone. The MMR was worse than expected in 11
      districts of which 9 were not in the conflict zone. Additionally, the rate of
      improvement in IMR slowed as a result of war in 16 districts whereas the rate of
      improvement in MMR slowed in 9. CONCLUSION: This project showed that protracted
      conflict degraded the trajectory of public health in Sri Lanka and hurt
      population health outside of the conflict zone. It further provided a novel
      methodology with which to better understand the indirect impact of conflict on
      population health by comparing what is to what could have been achieved in the
      absence of war. In so doing, this research responded to two public health
      challenges by providing a tool through which to better understand the human and
      opportunity costs of war and by answering a call for new methodologies.

PMID- 28081119
TI  - Sclerostin Promotes Bone Remodeling in the Process of Tooth Movement.
AB  - Tooth movement is a biological process of bone remodeling induced by mechanical
      force. Sclerostin secreted by osteocytes is mechanosensory and important in bone
      remodeling. However, little is known regarding the role of sclerostin in tooth
      movement. In this study, models of experimental tooth movement were established
      in rats and mice. Sclerostin expression was investigated with
      immunohistochemistry staining, and osteoclastic activity was analyzed with
      tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells
      underwent uniaxial compression and tension stress or were cultured in hypoxia
      conditions. Expression of sclerostin was assessed by RT-qPCR and ELISA. MLO-Y4
      cells were cultured with recombinant human sclerostin (rhSCL) interference and
      then co-cultured with RAW264.7 osteoclast precursor cells. Expressions of RANKL
      and OPG were analyzed by RT-qPCR, and osteoclastic activity was assessed by TRAP
      staining. During tooth movement, sclerostin was expressed differently in
      compression and tension sites. In SOST knock-out mice, there were significantly
      fewer TRAP-positive cells than in WT mice during tooth movement in compression
      sites. In-vitro studies showed that the expression of sclerostin in MLO-Y4
      osteocyte-like cells was not different under a uniaxial compression and tension
      force, whereas hypoxia conditions significantly increased sclerostin expression
      in MLO-Y4 cells. rhSCL interference increased the expression of RANKL and the
      RANKL/OPG ratio in MLO-Y4 cells and the osteoclastic induction ability of MLO-Y4
      cells in experimental osteocyte-osteoclast co-culture. These data suggest that
      sclerostin plays an important role in the bone remodeling of tooth movement.

PMID- 28081120
TI  - Epidemiology of Chikungunya Virus Outbreaks in Guadeloupe and Martinique, 2014:
      An Observational Study in Volunteer Blood Donors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During Dec-2013, a chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreak was first
      detected in the French-West Indies. Subsequently, the virus dispersed to other
      Caribbean islands, continental America and many islands in the Pacific Ocean.
      Previous estimates of the attack rate were based on declaration of clinically
      suspected cases. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Individual testing for CHIKV RNA of
      all (n = 16,386) blood donations between Feb-24th 2014 and Jan-31st 2015
      identified 0.36% and 0.42% of positives in Guadeloupe and Martinique,
      respectively. The incidence curves faithfully correlated with those of suspected
      clinical cases in the general population of Guadeloupe (abrupt epidemic peak),
      but not in Martinique (flatter epidemic growth). No significant relationship was
      identified between CHIKV RNA detection and age-classes or blood groups.
      Prospective (Feb-2014 to Jan-2015; n = 9,506) and retrospective (Aug-2013 to Feb
      2014; n = 6,559) seroepidemiological surveys in blood donors identified a final
      seroprevalence of 48.1% in Guadeloupe and 41.9% in Martinique. Retrospective
      survey also suggested the absence or limited "silent" CHIKV circulation before
      the outbreak. Parameters associated with increased seroprevalence were: Gender
      (M>F), KEL-1, [RH+1/KEL-1], [A/RH+1] and [A/RH+1/KEL-1] blood groups in
      Martiniquan donors. A simulation model based on observed incidence and actual
      seroprevalence values predicted 2.5 and 2.3 days of asymptomatic viraemia in
      Martiniquan and Guadeloupian blood donors respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
      This study, implemented promptly with relatively limited logistical requirements
      during CHIKV emergence in the Caribbean, provided unique information regarding
      retrospective and prospective epidemiology, infection risk factors and natural
      history of the disease. In the stressful context of emerging infectious disease
      outbreaks, blood donor-based studies can serve as robust and cost-effective first
      line tools for public health surveys.

PMID- 28081121
TI  - Isolation of Novel Trypanosomatid, Zelonia australiensis sp. nov.
      (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) Provides Support for a Gondwanan Origin of
      Dixenous Parasitism in the Leishmaniinae.
AB  - The genus Leishmania includes approximately 53 species, 20 of which cause human
      leishmaniais; a significant albeit neglected tropical disease. Leishmaniasis has
      afflicted humans for millennia, but how ancient is Leishmania and where did it
      arise? These questions have been hotly debated for decades and several theories
      have been proposed. One theory suggests Leishmania originated in the Palearctic,
      and dispersed to the New World via the Bering land bridge. Others propose that
      Leishmania evolved in the Neotropics. The Multiple Origins theory suggests that
      separation of certain Old World and New World species occurred due to the opening
      of the Atlantic Ocean. Some suggest that the ancestor of the dixenous genera
      Leishmania, Endotrypanum and Porcisia evolved on Gondwana between 90 and 140
      million years ago. In the present study a detailed molecular and morphological
      characterisation was performed on a novel Australian trypanosomatid following its
      isolation in Australia's tropics from the native black fly, Simulium (Morops)
      dycei Colbo, 1976. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted and confirmed this
      parasite as a sibling to Zelonia costaricensis, a close relative of Leishmania
      previously isolated from a reduviid bug in Costa Rica. Consequently, this
      parasite was assigned the name Zelonia australiensis sp. nov. Assuming Z.
      costaricensis and Z. australiensis diverged when Australia and South America
      became completely separated, their divergence occurred between 36 and 41 million
      years ago at least. Using this vicariance event as a calibration point for a
      phylogenetic time tree, the common ancestor of the dixenous genera Leishmania,
      Endotrypanum and Porcisia appeared in Gondwana approximately 91 million years
      ago. Ultimately, this study contributes to our understanding of trypanosomatid
      diversity, and of Leishmania origins by providing support for a Gondwanan origin
      of dixenous parasitism in the Leishmaniinae.

PMID- 28081122
TI  - Novel Bartonella Species in Insectivorous Bats, Northern China.
AB  - Bartonella species are emerging human pathogens. Bats are known to carry diverse
      Bartonella species, some of which are capable of infecting humans. However, as
      the second largest mammalian group by a number of species, the role of bats as
      the reservoirs of Bartonella species is not fully explored, in term of their
      species diversity and worldwide distribution. China, especially Northern China,
      harbors a number of endemic insectivorous bat species; however, to our knowledge,
      there are not yet studies about Bartonella in bats in China. The aim of the study
      was to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in
      bats in Northern China. Bartonella species were detected by PCR amplification of
      gltA gene in 25.2% (27/107) bats in Mengyin County, Shandong Province of China,
      including 1/3 Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, 2/10 Rhinolophus pusillus, 9/16 Myotis
      fimbriatus, 1/5 Myotis ricketti, 14/58 Myotis pequinius. Phylogenetic analysis
      showed that Bartonella species detected in bats in this study clustered into ten
      groups, and some might be novel Bartonella species. An association between
      Bartonella species and bat species was demonstrated and co-infection with
      different Bartonella species in a single bat was also observed. Our findings
      expanded our knowledge on the genetic diversity of Bartonella in bats, and shed
      light on the ecology of bat-borne Bartonella species.

PMID- 28081123
TI  - Yersinia enterocolitica, a Neglected Cause of Human Enteric Infections in Cote
      d'Ivoire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enteropathogenic Yersinia circulate in the pig reservoir and are the
      third bacterial cause of human gastrointestinal infections in Europe. In West
      Africa, reports of human yersiniosis are rare. This study was conducted to
      determine whether pathogenic Yersinia are circulating in pig farms and are
      responsible for human infections in the Abidjan District. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: From June 2012 to December 2013, pig feces were collected monthly in 41
      swine farms of the Abidjan district. Of the 781 samples collected, 19 Yersinia
      strains were isolated in 3 farms: 7 non-pathogenic Yersinia intermedia and 12
      pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica bioserotype 4/O:3. Farm animals other than
      pigs and wild animals were not found infected. Furthermore, 2 Y. enterocolitica
      4/O:3 strains were isolated from 426 fecal samples of patients with digestive
      disorders. All 14 Y. enterocolitica strains shared the same PFGE and MLVA
      profile, indicating their close genetic relationship. However, while 6 of them
      displayed the usual phage type VIII, the other 8 had the highly infrequent phage
      type XI. Whole genome sequencing and SNP analysis of individual colonies revealed
      that phage type XI strains had unusually high rates of mutations. These strains
      displayed a hypermutator phenotype that was attributable to a large deletion in
      the mutS gene involved in DNA mismatch repair. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This
      study demonstrates that pathogenic Y. enterocolitica circulate in the pig
      reservoir in Cote d'Ivoire and cause human infections with a prevalence
      comparable to that of many developed countries. The paucity of reports of
      yersiniosis in West Africa is most likely attributable to a lack of active
      detection rather than to an absence of the microorganism. The identification of
      hypermutator strains in pigs and humans is of concern as these strains can
      rapidly acquire selective advantages that may increase their fitness,
      pathogenicity or resistance to commonly used treatments.

PMID- 28081124
TI  - Rapid Genotyping of beta-tubulin Polymorphisms in Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris
      lumbricoides.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics, albendazole (ABZ) and
      mebendazole (MBZ) are the most common drugs used for treatment of soil
      transmitted helminths (STHs). Their intensive use increases the possibility that
      BZ resistance may develop. In veterinary nematodes, BZ resistance is caused by a
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the beta-tubulin isotype 1 gene at codon
      position 200, 167 or 198, and these SNPs have also been correlated with poor
      response of human Trichuris trichiura to BZ treatment. It is important to be able
      to investigate the presence of resistance-associated SNPs in STHs before
      resistance becomes clinically established. METHODS: The objective of this study
      was to develop new genotyping assays to screen for the presence of beta-tubulin
      SNPs in T. trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides. Rapid, simple and accurate
      genotyping assays were developed based on the SmartAmp2 method. Primer sets were
      optimized and selected to distinguish the SNP-variant genotypes. After initial
      optimization on control plasmids, the feasibility of the assay was assessed in
      field samples from Haiti and Panama. Finally, spiked fecal samples were assessed
      to determine the tolerance of Aac polymerase to fecal inhibitors. FINDINGS: Rapid
      SNP genotyping assays were developed to target beta-tubulin polymorphisms in T.
      trichiura and A. lumbricoides. The assays showed high sensitivity and specificity
      in field samples and also demonstrated high tolerance to PCR inhibitors in fecal
      samples. CONCLUSION: These assays proved to be robust and efficient with the
      potential to be used as field tools for monitoring SNPs that could be associated
      with BZ resistance. However, further work is needed to validate the assays on
      large numbers of field samples before and after treatment.

PMID- 28081125
TI  - The Neural Representation of Prospective Choice during Spatial Planning and
      Decisions.
AB  - We are remarkably adept at inferring the consequences of our actions, yet the
      neuronal mechanisms that allow us to plan a sequence of novel choices remain
      unclear. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate how
      the human brain plans the shortest path to a goal in novel mazes with one
      (shallow maze) or two (deep maze) choice points. We observed two distinct
      anterior prefrontal responses to demanding choices at the second choice point:
      one in rostrodorsal medial prefrontal cortex (rd-mPFC)/superior frontal gyrus
      (SFG) that was also sensitive to (deactivated by) demanding initial choices and
      another in lateral frontopolar cortex (lFPC), which was only engaged by demanding
      choices at the second choice point. Furthermore, we identified hippocampal
      responses during planning that correlated with subsequent choice accuracy and
      response time, particularly in mazes affording sequential choices.
      Psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analyses showed that coupling between the
      hippocampus and rd-mPFC increases during sequential (deep versus shallow)
      planning and is higher before correct versus incorrect choices. In short, using a
      naturalistic spatial planning paradigm, we reveal how the human brain represents
      sequential choices during planning without extensive training. Our data highlight
      a network centred on the cortical midline and hippocampus that allows us to make
      prospective choices while maintaining initial choices during planning in novel
      environments.

PMID- 28081126
TI  - A Pan-Lyssavirus Taqman Real-Time RT-PCR Assay for the Detection of Highly
      Variable Rabies virus and Other Lyssaviruses.
AB  - Rabies, resulting from infection by Rabies virus (RABV) and related lyssaviruses,
      is one of the most deadly zoonotic diseases and is responsible for up to 70,000
      estimated human deaths worldwide each year. Rapid and accurate laboratory
      diagnosis of rabies is essential for timely administration of post-exposure
      prophylaxis in humans and control of the disease in animals. Currently, only the
      direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test is recommended for routine rabies
      diagnosis. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based
      diagnostic methods have been widely adapted for the diagnosis of other viral
      pathogens, but there is currently no widely accepted rapid real-time RT-PCR assay
      for the detection of all lyssaviruses. In this study, we demonstrate the
      validation of a newly developed multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay named LN34,
      which uses a combination of degenerate primers and probes along with probe
      modifications to achieve superior coverage of the Lyssavirus genus while
      maintaining sensitivity and specificity. The primers and probes of the LN34 assay
      target the highly conserved non-coding leader region and part of the
      nucleoprotein (N) coding sequence of the Lyssavirus genome to maintain assay
      robustness. The probes were further modified by locked nucleotides to increase
      their melting temperature to meet the requirements for an optimal real-time RT
      PCR assay. The LN34 assay was able to detect all RABV variants and other
      lyssaviruses in a validation panel that included representative RABV isolates
      from most regions of the world as well as representatives of 13 additional
      Lyssavirus species. The LN34 assay was successfully used for both ante-mortem and
      post-mortem diagnosis of over 200 clinical samples as well as field derived
      surveillance samples. This assay represents a major improvement over previously
      published rabies specific RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR assays because of its
      ability to universally detect RABV and other lyssaviruses, its high throughput
      capability and its simplicity of use, which can be quickly adapted in a
      laboratory to enhance the capacity of rabies molecular diagnostics. The LN34
      assay provides an alternative approach for rabies diagnostics, especially in
      rural areas and rabies endemic regions that lack the conditions and broad
      experience required to run the standard DFA assay.

PMID- 28081128
TI  - Radiation Exposure from Diagnostic Imaging in a Cohort of Pediatric Transplant
      Recipients.
AB  - Recipients of solid organ transplants (SOT) have extensive diagnostic imaging
      (DI). The purpose of this study was to quantify this exposure. Children from
      northern Alberta with SOTs at Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta
      January 1, 2006, to July 31, 2012, were included. Effective doses of radiation
      were estimated using published norms for DI performed post-transplant up to
      October 16, 2014. The 54 eligible children had 6215 DI studies (5628 plain films,
      293 computerized tomography (CT) scans, 149 positron emission topography (PET) 
      CT scans, 47 nuclear medicine scans and 98 cardiac catheterizations). Children
      less than 5 years of age underwent more DI studies than did older children
      (median (IQR) 140 (66-210) vs 49 (19-105), p = 0.010). Children with post
      transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (N = 8) had more CT scans (median (IQR)
      13 (5.5-36) vs 1 (0-5), p<0.001) and PET-CT scans (median (IQR) 3.5 (1.5-8) vs 0
      (0-0), p<0.001) than did other children. The estimated cumulative effective dose
      attributed to DI studies post-transplant was median (range) 78 (4.1-400)
      millisievert (mSv), and 19 of 54 children (35%; 95% confidence interval 24-49%)
      had a dose >100 mSv. In conclusion, a significant proportion of pediatric
      transplant recipients have sufficient radiation exposure post-transplant for DI
      to be at potential risk for radiation-induced malignancies.

PMID- 28081127
TI  - Transient In Vivo Resistance Mechanisms of Burkholderia pseudomallei to
      Ceftazidime and Molecular Markers for Monitoring Treatment Response.
AB  - Much is known about the mode of action of drugs and resistance mechanisms under
      laboratory growth conditions, but research on the bacterial transcriptional
      response to drug pressure in vivo or efficacious mode of action and transient
      resistance mechanisms of clinically employed drugs is limited. Accordingly, to
      assess active alternative metabolism and transient resistance mechanisms, and
      identify molecular markers of treatment response, the in vivo transcriptional
      response of Burkholderia pseudomallei 1026b to treatment with ceftazidime in
      infected lungs was compared to the in vitro bacterial response in the presence of
      drug. There were 1,688 transcriptionally active bacterial genes identified that
      were unique to in vivo treated conditions. Of the in vivo transcriptionally
      active bacterial genes, 591 (9.4% coding capacity) genes were differentially
      expressed by ceftazidime treatment. In contrast, only 186 genes (2.7% coding
      capacity) were differentially responsive to ceftazidime treatment under in vitro
      culturing conditions. Within the genes identified were alternative PBP proteins
      that may compensate for target inactivation and transient resistance mechanisms,
      such as beta-lactamses that may influence the potency of ceftazidime. This
      disparate observation is consistent with the thought that the host environment
      significantly alters the bacterial metabolic response to drug exposure compared
      to the response observed under in vitro growth. Notably, this study revealed 184
      bacterial genes and ORFs that were unique to in vivo ceftazidime treatment and
      thus provide candidate molecular markers for treatment response. This is the
      first report of the unique transcriptional response of B. pseudomallei from host
      tissues in an animal model of infection and elucidates the in vivo metabolic
      vulnerabilities, which is important in terms of defining the efficacious mode of
      action and transient resistance mechanisms of a frontline meliodosis
      chemotherapeutic, and biomarkers for monitoring treatment outcome.

PMID- 28081129
TI  - Effects of Kasugamycin on the Translatome of Escherichia coli.
AB  - It is long known that Kasugamycin inhibits translation of canonical transcripts
      containing a 5'-UTR with a Shine Dalgarno (SD) motif, but not that of leaderless
      transcripts. To gain a global overview of the influence of Kasugamycin on
      translation efficiencies, the changes of the translatome of Escherichia coli
      induced by a 10 minutes Kasugamycin treatment were quantified. The effect of
      Kasugamycin differed widely, 102 transcripts were at least twofold more sensitive
      to Kasugamycin than average, and 137 transcripts were at least twofold more
      resistant, and there was a more than 100-fold difference between the most
      resistant and the most sensitive transcript. The 5'-ends of 19 transcripts were
      determined from treated and untreated cultures, but Kasugamycin resistance did
      neither correlate with the presence or absence of a SD motif, nor with
      differences in 5'-UTR lengths or GC content. RNA Structure Logos were generated
      for the 102 Kasugamycin-sensitive and for the 137 resistant transcripts. For both
      groups a short Shine Dalgarno (SD) motif was retrieved, but no specific motifs
      associated with resistance or sensitivity could be found. Notably, this was also
      true for the region -3 to -1 upstream of the start codon and the presence of an
      extended SD motif, which had been proposed to result in Kasugamycin resistance.
      Comparison of the translatome results with the database RegulonDB showed that the
      transcript with the highest resistance was leaderless, but no further leaderless
      transcripts were among the resistant transcripts. Unexpectedly, it was found that
      translational coupling might be a novel feature that is associated with
      Kasugamycin resistance. Taken together, Kasugamycin has a profound effect on
      translational efficiencies of E. coli transcripts, but the mechanism of action is
      different than previously described.

PMID- 28081130
TI  - Comparative Ability of Oropsylla montana and Xenopsylla cheopis Fleas to Transmit
      Yersinia pestis by Two Different Mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transmission of Yersinia pestis by flea bite can occur by two
      mechanisms. After taking a blood meal from a bacteremic mammal, fleas have the
      potential to transmit the very next time they feed. This early-phase transmission
      resembles mechanical transmission in some respects, but the mechanism is unknown.
      Thereafter, transmission occurs after Yersinia pestis forms a biofilm in the
      proventricular valve in the flea foregut. The biofilm can impede and sometimes
      completely block the ingestion of blood, resulting in regurgitative transmission
      of bacteria into the bite site. In this study, we compared the relative
      efficiency of the two modes of transmission for Xenopsylla cheopis, a flea known
      to become completely blocked at a high rate, and Oropsylla montana, a flea that
      has been considered to rarely develop proventricular blockage.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Fleas that took an infectious blood meal
      containing Y. pestis were maintained and monitored for four weeks for infection
      and proventricular blockage. The number of Y. pestis transmitted by groups of
      fleas by the two modes of transmission was also determined. O. montana readily
      developed complete proventricular blockage, and large numbers of Y. pestis were
      transmitted by that mechanism both by it and by X. cheopis, a flea known to block
      at a high rate. In contrast, few bacteria were transmitted in the early phase by
      either species. CONCLUSIONS: A model system incorporating standardized
      experimental conditions and viability controls was developed to more reliably
      compare the infection, proventricular blockage and transmission dynamics of
      different flea vectors, and was used to resolve a long-standing uncertainty
      concerning the vector competence of O. montana. Both X. cheopis and O. montana
      are fully capable of transmitting Y. pestis by the proventricular biofilm
      dependent mechanism.

PMID- 28081131
TI  - "I Wasted 3 Years, Thinking It's Not a Problem": Patient and Health System Delays
      in Diagnosis of Leprosy in India: A Mixed-Methods Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, leprosy is one of the major causes of preventable
      disability. India contributes to 60% of global leprosy burden. With increasing
      numbers of leprosy with grade 2 disability (visible disability) at diagnosis, we
      aimed to determine risk factors associated with grade 2 disability among new
      cases and explore patients and providers' perspectives into reasons for late
      presentation. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This was an explanatory mixed
      methods study where the quantitative component, a matched case-control design,
      was followed by a qualitative component. A total of 70 cases (grade 2 disability)
      and 140 controls (grade 0) matched for age and sex were randomly sampled from new
      patients registered between January 2013-January 2015 in three districts of
      Maharashtra (Mumbai, Thane and Amaravati) and interviewed using a structured
      close ended questionnaire. Eight public health care providers involved in leprosy
      care and 7 leprosy patients were purposively selected (maximum variation
      sampling) and interviewed using a structured open-ended interview schedule. Among
      cases, overall median (IQR) diagnosis delay in months was 17.9(7-30); patient and
      health system delay was 7(4-16.5) and 5.5(0.9-12.5) respectively; this was
      significantly higher than the delay in controls. Reasons for delayed presentation
      identified by the quantitative and qualitative data were: poor awareness of
      leprosy symptoms, first health care provider visited being private practitioners
      who were not aware about provision of free leprosy treatment at public health
      care facilities, reduced engagement and capacity of the general health care
      system in leprosy control. CONCLUSIONS: Raising awareness in communities and
      health care providers regarding early leprosy symptoms, engagement of private
      health care provider in early leprosy diagnosis and increasing capacity of
      general health system staff, especially targeting high endemic areas that are
      hotspots for leprosy transmission may help in reducing diagnosis delays.

PMID- 28081132
TI  - The Janus-faced Nature of miR-22 in Hematopoiesis: Is It an Oncogenic Tumor
      Suppressor or Rather a Tumor-Suppressive Oncogene?

PMID- 28081133
TI  - The Power of Malaria Vaccine Trials Using Controlled Human Malaria Infection.
AB  - Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) in healthy human volunteers is an
      important and powerful tool in clinical malaria vaccine development. However,
      power calculations are essential to obtain meaningful estimates of protective
      efficacy, while minimizing the risk of adverse events. To optimize power
      calculations for CHMI-based malaria vaccine trials, we developed a novel non
      linear statistical model for parasite kinetics as measured by qPCR, using data
      from mosquito-based CHMI experiments in 57 individuals. We robustly account for
      important sources of variation between and within individuals using a Bayesian
      framework. Study power is most dependent on the number of individuals in each
      treatment arm; inter-individual variation in vaccine efficacy and the number of
      blood samples taken per day matter relatively little. Due to high inter
      individual variation in the number of first-generation parasites, hepatic vaccine
      trials required significantly more study subjects than erythrocytic vaccine
      trials. We provide power calculations for hypothetical malaria vaccine trials of
      various designs and conclude that so far, power calculations have been overly
      optimistic. We further illustrate how upcoming techniques like needle-injected
      CHMI may reduce required sample sizes.

PMID- 28081134
TI  - Pain: A Statistical Account.
AB  - Perception is seen as a process that utilises partial and noisy information to
      construct a coherent understanding of the world. Here we argue that the
      experience of pain is no different; it is based on incomplete, multimodal
      information, which is used to estimate potential bodily threat. We outline a
      Bayesian inference model, incorporating the key components of cue combination,
      causal inference, and temporal integration, which highlights the statistical
      problems in everyday perception. It is from this platform that we are able to
      review the pain literature, providing evidence from experimental, acute, and
      persistent phenomena to demonstrate the advantages of adopting a statistical
      account in pain. Our probabilistic conceptualisation suggests a principles-based
      view of pain, explaining a broad range of experimental and clinical findings and
      making testable predictions.

PMID- 28081135
TI  - Rumor Detection over Varying Time Windows.
AB  - This study determines the major difference between rumors and non-rumors and
      explores rumor classification performance levels over varying time windows-from
      the first three days to nearly two months. A comprehensive set of user,
      structural, linguistic, and temporal features was examined and their relative
      strength was compared from near-complete date of Twitter. Our contribution is at
      providing deep insight into the cumulative spreading patterns of rumors over time
      as well as at tracking the precise changes in predictive powers across rumor
      features. Statistical analysis finds that structural and temporal features
      distinguish rumors from non-rumors over a long-term window, yet they are not
      available during the initial propagation phase. In contrast, user and linguistic
      features are readily available and act as a good indicator during the initial
      propagation phase. Based on these findings, we suggest a new rumor classification
      algorithm that achieves competitive accuracy over both short and long time
      windows. These findings provide new insights for explaining rumor mechanism
      theories and for identifying features of early rumor detection.

PMID- 28081136
TI  - Task Irrelevant External Cues Can Influence Language Selection in Voluntary
      Object Naming: Evidence from Hindi-English Bilinguals.
AB  - We examined if external cues such as other agents' actions can influence the
      choice of language during voluntary and cued object naming in bilinguals in three
      experiments. Hindi-English bilinguals first saw a cartoon waving at a color
      patch. They were then asked to either name a picture in the language of their
      choice (voluntary block) or to name in the instructed language (cued block). The
      colors waved at by the cartoon were also the colors used as language cues (Hindi
      or English). We compared the influence of the cartoon's choice of color on naming
      when speakers had to indicate their choice explicitly before naming (Experiment
      1) as opposed to when they named directly on seeing the pictures (Experiment 2
      and 3). Results showed that participants chose the language indicated by the
      cartoon greater number of times (Experiment 1 and 3). Speakers also switched
      significantly to the language primed by the cartoon greater number of times
      (Experiment 1 and 2). These results suggest that choices leading to voluntary
      action, as in the case of object naming can be influenced significantly by
      external non-linguistic cues. Importantly, these symbolic influences can work
      even when other agents are merely indicating their choices and are not
      interlocutors in bilingual communication.

PMID- 28081137
TI  - Anillin Phosphorylation Controls Timely Membrane Association and Successful
      Cytokinesis.
AB  - During cytokinesis, a contractile ring generates the constricting force to divide
      a cell into two daughters. This ring is composed of filamentous actin and the
      motor protein myosin, along with additional structural and regulatory proteins,
      including anillin. Anillin is a required scaffold protein that links the
      actomyosin ring to membrane and its organizer, RhoA. However, the molecular basis
      for timely action of anillin at cytokinesis remains obscure. Here, we find that
      phosphorylation regulates efficient recruitment of human anillin to the
      equatorial membrane. Anillin is highly phosphorylated in mitosis, and is a
      substrate for mitotic kinases. We surveyed function of 46 residues on anillin
      previously found to be phosphorylated in human cells to identify those required
      for cytokinesis. Among these sites, we identified S635 as a key site mediating
      cytokinesis. Preventing S635 phosphorylation adjacent to the AH domain disrupts
      anillin concentration at the equatorial cortex at anaphase, whereas a
      phosphomimetic mutant, S635D, partially restores this localization. Time-lapse
      videomicroscopy reveals impaired recruitment of S635A anillin to equatorial
      membrane and a transient unstable furrow followed by ultimate failure in
      cytokinesis. A phosphospecific antibody confirms phosphorylation at S635 in late
      cytokinesis, although it does not detect phosphorylation in early cytokinesis,
      possibly due to adjacent Y634 phosphorylation. Together, these findings reveal
      that anillin recruitment to the equatorial cortex at anaphase onset is enhanced
      by phosphorylation and promotes successful cytokinesis.

PMID- 28081138
TI  - Overexpression of Kinesin Family Member 20A Correlates with Disease Progression
      and Poor Prognosis in Human Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of
      105 Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) may
      play a critical role in the development and progression of cancer. However, the
      clinical value of KIF20A in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unknown. Here, we
      investigated the expression pattern of KIF20A in NPC and its correlation with
      clinicopathological features of patients. METHODS: Real-time PCR and Western
      blotting were used to quantify KIF20A expression in NPC cell lines and clinical
      specimens compared with normal controls. KIF20A protein expression was also
      examined in archived paraffin embedded tumor samples from 105 patients with
      pathologically confirmed NPC by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Statistical analyses
      were applied to assess the associations between KIF20A expression and the
      clinicopathological features and survival outcomes. Effects on migration and
      invasion were assessed by wound healing and transwell invasion assays after
      KIF20A silencing. RESULTS: KIF20A was significantly overexpressed at both the
      mRNA and protein levels in NPC cell lines and human tumor tissues. 45/105 (42.9%)
      of NPC specimens expressed high levels of KIF20A among the KIF20A detectable
      cases. Statistical analysis revealed that high KIF20A expression was
      significantly associated with gender (P = 0.046), clinical stage (P<0.001), T
      category (P = 0.022), N category (P<0.001), distant metastasis (P = 0.001) and
      vital status (P = 0.001). Moreover, Higher KIF20A expression patients had shorter
      overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.001 and P =
      0.001; log-rank test). In multivariate analysis, KIF20A was an independent
      prognostic factor for OS and PFS in the entire cohort (P = 0.033, P = 0.008).
      Knock down of KIF20A expression significantly suppressed NPC cell's migration and
      invasion. CONCLUSIONS: KIF20A is overexpressed and may serve as an independent
      prognostic biomarker in NPC. Targeting KIF20A reduces migration and invasion of
      NPC cells.

PMID- 28081139
TI  - Long-Latency Somatosensory Evoked Potentials of the Subthalamic Nucleus in
      Patients with Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are a viable way to measure processing of
      somatosensory information. SSEPs have been described at the scalp and the
      cortical level by electroencephalographic, magnetoencephalographic and
      intracranial cortical recordings focusing on short-latency (SL; latency<40 ms)
      and long-latency (LL; latency>40 ms) SSEPs as well as by deep brain stimulation
      (DBS) electrode studies targeting SL-SSEPs. Unfortunately, LL-SSEPs have not been
      addressed at the subcortical level aside from the fact that studies targeting the
      characteristics and generators of SSEPs have been neglected for the last ten
      years. To cope with these issues, we investigated LL-SSEPs of the subthalamic
      nucleus (STN) in twelve patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) that underwent
      deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment. In a postoperative setting, LL-SSEPs were
      elicited by median nerve stimulation (MNS) to the patient's wrists. Ipsilateral
      or contralateral MNS was applied with a 3 s inter-stimulus interval. Here, we
      report about four distinctive LL-SSEPs ("LL-complex" consisting of P80, N100,
      P140 and N200 component), which were recorded by using monopolar/bipolar
      reference and ipsi/contralateral MNS. Phase reversal and/or maximum amplitude
      provided support for the generation of such LL-SSEPs within the STN, which also
      underscores a role of this subcortical structure in sensory processing.

PMID- 28081140
TI  - BnLATE, a Cys2/His2-Type Zinc-Finger Protein, Enhances Silique Shattering
      Resistance by Negatively Regulating Lignin Accumulation in the Silique Walls of
      Brassica napus.
AB  - Silique shattering resistance is one of the most important agricultural traits in
      oil crop breeding. Seed shedding from siliques prior to and during harvest causes
      devastating losses in oilseed yield. Lignin biosynthesis in the silique walls is
      thought to affect silique-shattering resistance in oil crops. Here, we identified
      and characterized B. napus LATE FLOWERING (BnLATE), which encodes a Cys2/His2
      type zinc-finger protein. Heterologous expression of BnLATE under the double
      enhanced CaMV 35S promoter (D35S) in wild-type Arabidopsis plants resulted in a
      marked decrease in lignification in the replum, valve layer (carpel) and
      dehiscence zone. pBnLATE::GUS activity was strong in the yellowing silique walls
      of transgenic lines. Furthermore, the expression pattern of BnLATE and the lignin
      content gradient in the silique walls at 48 days after pollination (DAP) of
      73290, a B. napus silique shattering-resistant line, are similar to those in
      transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing BnLATE. Transcriptome sequencing of the
      silique walls revealed that genes encoding peroxidases, which polymerize
      monolignols and lignin in the phenylpropanoid pathway, were down-regulated at
      least two-fold change in the D35S::BnLATE transgenic lines. pBnLATE::BnLATE
      transgenic lines were further used to identify the function of BnLATE, and the
      results showed that lignification in the carpel and dehiscence zone of yellowing
      silique also remarkably decreased compared with the wild-type control, the
      silique shattering-resistance and expression pattern of peroxidase genes are very
      similar to results with D35S::BnLATE. These results suggest that BnLATE is a
      negative regulator of lignin biosynthesis in the yellowing silique walls, and
      promotes silique-shattering resistance in B. napus through restraining the
      polymerization of monolignols and lignin.

PMID- 28081141
TI  - Could a Neuroscientist Understand a Microprocessor?
AB  - There is a popular belief in neuroscience that we are primarily data limited, and
      that producing large, multimodal, and complex datasets will, with the help of
      advanced data analysis algorithms, lead to fundamental insights into the way the
      brain processes information. These datasets do not yet exist, and if they did we
      would have no way of evaluating whether or not the algorithmically-generated
      insights were sufficient or even correct. To address this, here we take a
      classical microprocessor as a model organism, and use our ability to perform
      arbitrary experiments on it to see if popular data analysis methods from
      neuroscience can elucidate the way it processes information. Microprocessors are
      among those artificial information processing systems that are both complex and
      that we understand at all levels, from the overall logical flow, via logical
      gates, to the dynamics of transistors. We show that the approaches reveal
      interesting structure in the data but do not meaningfully describe the hierarchy
      of information processing in the microprocessor. This suggests current analytic
      approaches in neuroscience may fall short of producing meaningful understanding
      of neural systems, regardless of the amount of data. Additionally, we argue for
      scientists using complex non-linear dynamical systems with known ground truth,
      such as the microprocessor as a validation platform for time-series and structure
      discovery methods.

PMID- 28081142
TI  - The Global Distribution and Drivers of Alien Bird Species Richness.
AB  - Alien species are a major component of human-induced environmental change.
      Variation in the numbers of alien species found in different areas is likely to
      depend on a combination of anthropogenic and environmental factors, with
      anthropogenic factors affecting the number of species introduced to new
      locations, and when, and environmental factors influencing how many species are
      able to persist there. However, global spatial and temporal variation in the
      drivers of alien introduction and species richness remain poorly understood.
      Here, we analyse an extensive new database of alien birds to explore what
      determines the global distribution of alien species richness for an entire
      taxonomic class. We demonstrate that the locations of origin and introduction of
      alien birds, and their identities, were initially driven largely by European
      (mainly British) colonialism. However, recent introductions are a wider
      phenomenon, involving more species and countries, and driven in part by
      increasing economic activity. We find that, globally, alien bird species richness
      is currently highest at midlatitudes and is strongly determined by anthropogenic
      effects, most notably the number of species introduced (i.e., "colonisation
      pressure"). Nevertheless, environmental drivers are also important, with native
      and alien species richness being strongly and consistently positively associated.
      Our results demonstrate that colonisation pressure is key to understanding alien
      species richness, show that areas of high native species richness are not
      resistant to colonisation by alien species at the global scale, and emphasise the
      likely ongoing threats to global environments from introductions of species.

PMID- 28081143
TI  - Engineered Aedes aegypti JAK/STAT Pathway-Mediated Immunity to Dengue Virus.
AB  - We have developed genetically modified Ae. aegypti mosquitoes that activate the
      conserved antiviral JAK/STAT pathway in the fat body tissue, by overexpressing
      either the receptor Dome or the Janus kinase Hop by the blood feeding-induced
      vitellogenin (Vg) promoter. Transgene expression inhibits infection with several
      dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in the midgut as well as systemically and in the
      salivary glands. The impact of the transgenes Dome and Hop on mosquito longevity
      was minimal, but it resulted in a compromised fecundity when compared to wild
      type mosquitoes. Overexpression of Dome and Hop resulted in profound
      transcriptome regulation in the fat body tissue as well as the midgut tissue,
      pinpointing several expression signatures that reflect mechanisms of DENV
      restriction. Our transcriptome studies and reverse genetic analyses suggested
      that enrichment of DENV restriction factor and depletion of DENV host factor
      transcripts likely accounts for the DENV inhibition, and they allowed us to
      identify novel factors that modulate infection. Interestingly, the fat body
      specific activation of the JAK/STAT pathway did not result in any enhanced
      resistance to Zika virus (ZIKV) or chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection, thereby
      indicating a possible specialization of the pathway's antiviral role.

PMID- 28081145
TI  - Probing the Association between Early Evolutionary Markers and Schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia is suggested to be a by-product of the evolution in humans, a
      compromise for our language, creative thinking and cognitive abilities, and thus,
      essentially, a human disorder. The time of its origin during the course of human
      evolution remains unclear. Here we investigate several markers of early human
      evolution and their relationship to the genetic risk of schizophrenia. We tested
      the schizophrenia evolutionary hypothesis by analyzing genome-wide association
      studies of schizophrenia and other human phenotypes in a statistical framework
      suited for polygenic architectures. We analyzed evolutionary proxy measures:
      human accelerated regions, segmental duplications, and ohnologs, representing
      various time periods of human evolution for overlap with the human genomic loci
      associated with schizophrenia. Polygenic enrichment plots suggest a higher
      prevalence of schizophrenia associations in human accelerated regions, segmental
      duplications and ohnologs. However, the enrichment is mostly accounted for by
      linkage disequilibrium, especially with functional elements like introns and
      untranslated regions. Our results did not provide clear evidence that markers of
      early human evolution are more likely associated with schizophrenia. While SNPs
      associated with schizophrenia are enriched in HAR, Ohno and SD regions, the
      enrichment seems to be mediated by affiliation to known genomic enrichment
      categories. Taken together with previous results, these findings suggest that
      schizophrenia risk may have mainly developed more recently in human evolution.

PMID- 28081144
TI  - Digital Health: Tracking Physiomes and Activity Using Wearable Biosensors Reveals
      Useful Health-Related Information.
AB  - A new wave of portable biosensors allows frequent measurement of health-related
      physiology. We investigated the use of these devices to monitor human
      physiological changes during various activities and their role in managing health
      and diagnosing and analyzing disease. By recording over 250,000 daily
      measurements for up to 43 individuals, we found personalized circadian
      differences in physiological parameters, replicating previous physiological
      findings. Interestingly, we found striking changes in particular environments,
      such as airline flights (decreased peripheral capillary oxygen saturation [SpO2]
      and increased radiation exposure). These events are associated with physiological
      macro-phenotypes such as fatigue, providing a strong association between reduced
      pressure/oxygen and fatigue on high-altitude flights. Importantly, we combined
      biosensor information with frequent medical measurements and made two important
      observations: First, wearable devices were useful in identification of early
      signs of Lyme disease and inflammatory responses; we used this information to
      develop a personalized, activity-based normalization framework to identify
      abnormal physiological signals from longitudinal data for facile disease
      detection. Second, wearables distinguish physiological differences between
      insulin-sensitive and -resistant individuals. Overall, these results indicate
      that portable biosensors provide useful information for monitoring personal
      activities and physiology and are likely to play an important role in managing
      health and enabling affordable health care access to groups traditionally limited
      by socioeconomic class or remote geography.

PMID- 28081146
TI  - Maternal Nutrition during Pregnancy Affects Testicular and Bone Development,
      Glucose Metabolism and Response to Overnutrition in Weaned Horses Up to Two
      Years.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pregnant mares and post-weaning foals are often fed concentrates
      rich in soluble carbohydrates, together with forage. Recent studies suggest that
      the use of concentrates is linked to alterations of metabolism and the
      development of osteochondrosis in foals. The aim of this study was to determine
      if broodmare diet during gestation affects metabolism, osteoarticular status and
      growth of yearlings overfed from 20 to 24 months of age and/or sexual maturity in
      prepubertal colts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four saddlebred mares were fed
      forage only (n = 12, group F) or cracked barley and forage (n = 12, group B) from
      mid-gestation until foaling. Colts were gelded at 12 months of age. Between 20
      and 24 months of age, all yearlings were overfed (+140% of requirements) using an
      automatic concentrate feeder. Offspring were monitored for growth between 6 and
      24 months of age, glucose homeostasis was evaluated via modified frequently
      sampled intra veinous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) at 19 and 24 months of age
      and osteoarticular status was investigated using radiographic examinations at 24
      months of age. The structure and function of testicles from prepubertal colts
      were analyzed using stereology and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Post-weaning weight growth
      was not different between groups. Testicular maturation was delayed in F colts
      compared to B colts at 12 months of age. From 19 months of age, the cannon bone
      was wider in B vs F yearlings. F yearlings were more insulin resistant at 19
      months compared to B yearlings but B yearlings were affected more severely by
      overnutrition with reduced insulin sensitivity. The osteoarticular status at 24
      months of age was not different between groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion,
      nutritional management of the pregnant broodmare and the growing foal may affect
      sexual maturity of colts and the metabolism of foals until 24 months of age.
      These effects may be deleterious for reproductive and sportive performances in
      older horses.

PMID- 28081147
TI  - Fine Mapping of a Degenerated Abdominal Legs Mutant (Edl) in Silkworm, Bombyx
      mori.
AB  - In insects, abdominal appendages, also called prolegs, vary due to adaptive
      evolution. Mutations on prolegs within species provide insights to better
      understand the mechanisms underlying appendage development and diversity. In
      silkworm Bombyx mori, extra-crescents and degenerated abdominal legs (Edl)
      mutant, belonging to the E pseudoallele group, is a spontaneous mutation that
      adds crescents and degenerates prolegs on the third abdominal segment (A3). This
      mutation may be a homeotic transformation of A3 to A2. In this study, the Edl
      locus was mapped within approximately a 211 Kb region that is 10 Kb upstream of
      Bmabdominal-A (Bmabd-A). RT-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis
      of Bmabd-A expression showed a slight but significant decrease, while the
      expression of BmUltrabithorax (BmUbx) was up-regulated in the Edl mutant compared
      to wildtype (Dazao). Moreover, we also found that BmDistal-less (BmDll), which
      regulated the development of distal proleg structures, was missing at the tips of
      the A3 prolegs in the Edl mutant compared to BmDll expression in normally
      developed prolegs in both the wildtype and mutant. Collectively, we identified
      approximately a 211 Kb region in the Edl locus that regulates BmUbx and Bmabd-A
      expression and found that changes in BmUbx and Bmabd-A expression may lead to the
      loss of distal proleg structures in B. mori.

PMID- 28081148
TI  - Characterization of Multi-Drug Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from
      Cephalic Recording Chambers in Research Macaques (Macaca spp.).
AB  - Nonhuman primates are commonly used for cognitive neuroscience research and often
      surgically implanted with cephalic recording chambers for electrophysiological
      recording. Aerobic bacterial cultures from 25 macaques identified 72 bacterial
      isolates, including 15 Enterococcus faecalis isolates. The E. faecalis isolates
      displayed multi-drug resistant phenotypes, with resistance to ciprofloxacin,
      enrofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, chloramphenicol,
      bacitracin, and erythromycin, as well as high-level aminoglycoside resistance.
      Multi-locus sequence typing showed that most belonged to two E. faecalis sequence
      types (ST): ST 4 and ST 55. The genomes of three representative isolates were
      sequenced to identify genes encoding antimicrobial resistances and other traits.
      Antimicrobial resistance genes identified included aac(6')-aph(2"), aph(3')-III,
      str, ant(6)-Ia, tetM, tetS, tetL, ermB, bcrABR, cat, and dfrG, and polymorphisms
      in parC (S80I) and gyrA (S83I) were observed. These isolates also harbored
      virulence factors including the cytolysin toxin genes in ST 4 isolates, as well
      as multiple biofilm-associated genes (esp, agg, ace, SrtA, gelE, ebpABC),
      hyaluronidases (hylA, hylB), and other survival genes (ElrA, tpx). Crystal violet
      biofilm assays confirmed that ST 4 isolates produced more biofilm than ST 55
      isolates. The abundance of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes in
      the ST 4 isolates likely relates to the loss of CRISPR-cas. This macaque colony
      represents a unique model for studying E. faecalis infection associated with
      indwelling devices, and provides an opportunity to understand the basis of
      persistence of this pathogen in a healthcare setting.

PMID- 28081149
TI  - Rationale for Further Development of a Vaccine Based on the Circumsporozoite
      Protein of Plasmodium vivax.

PMID- 28081150
TI  - The Association of Birth Weight and Infant Growth with Energy Balance-Related
      Behavior - A Systematic Review and Best-Evidence Synthesis of Human Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suboptimal prenatal and early postnatal growths are associated with
      obesity in later life, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this
      study was to systematically review the literature that reports on the
      longitudinal association of (i) birth size or (ii) infant growth with later (i)
      energy intake, (ii) eating behaviors, (iii) physical activity or (iv) sedentary
      behavior in humans. METHODS: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO
      and The Cochrane Library was conducted to identify relevant publications. We
      appraised the methodological quality of the studies and synthesized the extracted
      data through a best-evidence synthesis. RESULTS: Data from 41 publications were
      included. The quality of the studies was high in three papers, moderate in 11 and
      low in the large majority (n = 27) of papers appraised. Our best-evidence
      synthesis indicates that there is no evidence for an association of birth weight
      with later energy intake, eating behavior, physical activity or sedentary
      behavior. We found moderate evidence for an association of extreme birth weights
      (at both ends of the spectrum) with lower physical activity levels at a later
      age. Evidence for the association of infant growth with energy balance-related
      behavior was generally insufficient. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that current
      evidence does not support an association of early-life growth with energy balance
      related behaviors in later life, except for an association of extreme birth
      weights with later physical activity.

PMID- 28081151
TI  - Human Lacrimal Gland Gene Expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study of human lacrimal gland biology and development is limited.
      Lacrimal gland tissue is damaged or poorly functional in a number of disease
      states including dry eye disease. Development of cell based therapies for
      lacrimal gland diseases requires a better understanding of the gene expression
      and signaling pathways in lacrimal gland. Differential gene expression analysis
      between lacrimal gland and other embryologically similar tissues may be helpful
      in furthering our understanding of lacrimal gland development. METHODS: We
      performed global gene expression analysis of human lacrimal gland tissue using
      Affymetrix (r) gene expression arrays. Primary data from our laboratory was
      compared with datasets available in the NLM GEO database for other surface
      ectodermal tissues including salivary gland, skin, conjunctiva and corneal
      epithelium. RESULTS: The analysis revealed statistically significant difference
      in the gene expression of lacrimal gland tissue compared to other ectodermal
      tissues. The lacrimal gland specific, cell surface secretory protein encoding
      genes and critical signaling pathways which distinguish lacrimal gland from other
      ectodermal tissues are described. CONCLUSIONS: Differential gene expression in
      human lacrimal gland compared with other ectodermal tissue types revealed
      interesting patterns which may serve as the basis for future studies in directed
      differentiation among other areas.

PMID- 28081153
TI  - Dermal gammadelta T Cells Do Not Freely Re-Circulate Out of Skin and Produce IL
      17 to Promote Neutrophil Infiltration during Primary Contact Hypersensitivity.
AB  - The role of mouse dermal gammadelta T cells in inflammatory skin disorders and
      host defense has been studied extensively. It is known that dendritic epidermal T
      cells (DETC) have a monomorphic gammadelta T cell receptor (TCR) and reside in
      murine epidermis from birth. We asked if dermal gammadelta cells freely re
      circulated out of skin, or behaved more like dermal resident memory T cells (TRM)
      in mice. We found that, unlike epidermal gammadelta T cells (DETC), dermal
      gammadelta cells are not homogeneous with regard to TCR, express the tissue
      resident T cell markers CD69 and CD103, bear skin homing receptors, and produce
      IL-17 and IL-22. We created GFP+: GFP- parabiotic mice and found that dermal
      gammadelta T cells re-circulate very slowly-more rapidly than authentic alphabeta
      TCR TRM, but more slowly than the recently described dermal alphabeta TCR T
      migratory memory cells (TMM). Mice lacking the TCR delta gene (delta-/-) had a
      significant reduction of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact
      hypersensitivity (CHS). We created mice deficient in dermal gammadelta T cells
      but not DETC, and these mice also showed a markedly reduced CHS response after
      DNFB challenge. The infiltration of effector T cells during CHS was not reduced
      in dermal gammadelta T cell-deficient mice; however, infiltration of Gr-1+CD11b+
      neutrophils, as well as ear swelling, was reduced significantly. We next depleted
      Gr-1+ neutrophils in vivo, and demonstrated that neutrophils are required for ear
      swelling, the accepted metric for a CHS response. Depletion of IL-17-producing
      dermal Vgamma4+ cells and neutralization of IL-17 in vivo, respectively, also led
      to a significantly reduced CHS response and diminished neutrophil infiltration.
      Our findings here suggest that dermal gammadelta T cells have an intermediate
      phenotype of T cell residence, and play an important role in primary CHS through
      producing IL-17 to promote neutrophil infiltration.

PMID- 28081152
TI  - Increased Serum Sodium and Serum Osmolarity Are Independent Risk Factors for
      Developing Chronic Kidney Disease; 5 Year Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemics of chronic kidney disease (CKD) not due to diabetes
      mellitus (DM) or hypertension have been observed among individuals working in hot
      environments in several areas of the world. Experimental models have documented
      that recurrent heat stress and water restriction can lead to CKD, and the
      mechanism may be mediated by hyperosmolarity that activates pathways
      (vasopressin, aldose reductase-fructokinase) that induce renal injury. Here we
      tested the hypothesis that elevated serum sodium, which reflects serum
      osmolality, may be an independent risk factor for the development of CKD.
      METHODS: This study was a large-scale, single-center, retrospective 5-year cohort
      study at Center for Preventive Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital,
      Tokyo, Japan, between 2004 and 2009. We analyzed 13,201 subjects who underwent
      annual medical examination of which 12,041 subjects (age 35 to 85) without DM
      and/or CKD were enrolled. This analysis evaluated age, sex, body mass index,
      abdominal circumference, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, fasting
      glucose, BUN, serum sodium, potassium, chloride and calculated serum osmolarity.
      RESULTS: Elevated serum sodium was an independent risk factor for development of
      CKD (OR: 1.03, 95% CI, 1.00-1.07) after adjusted regression analysis with an 18
      percent increased risk for every 5 mmol/L change in serum sodium. Calculated
      serum osmolarity was also an independent risk factor for CKD (OR: 1.04; 95% CI,
      1.03-1.05) as was BUN (OR: 1.08; 95% CI, 1.06-1.10) (independent of serum
      creatinine). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum sodium and calculated serum osmolarity
      are independent risk factors for developing CKD. This finding supports the role
      of limiting salt intake and preventing dehydration to reduce risk of CKD.

PMID- 28081154
TI  - Sensitization of Radioresistant Prostate Cancer Cells by Resveratrol Isolated
      from Arachis hypogaea Stems.
AB  - Resveratrol (RV, 3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) is naturally produced by a wide
      variety of plants including grapes and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea). However, the
      yield of RV from peanut stem and its potential radiosensitizing effects in
      prostate cancer (PCa) have not been well investigated. In this study, we
      characterized RV in peanut stem extract (PSE) for the first time and showed that
      both RV and PSE dose-dependently induced cell death in DOC-2/DAB2 interactive
      protein (DAB2IP)-deficient PCa cells with the radioresistant phenotype.
      Furthermore, the combination of radiation with either RV or PSE induced the death
      of radioresistant PCa cells through delayed repair of radiation-induced DNA
      double-strand break (DSB) and prolonged G2/M arrest, which induced apoptosis. The
      administration of RV and PSE effectively enhanced radiation therapy in the
      shDAB2IP PCa xenograft mouse model. These results demonstrate the promising
      synergistic effect of RV and PSE combined with radiation in the treatment of
      radioresistant PCa.

PMID- 28081155
TI  - Evaluation of Bufadienolides as the Main Antitumor Components in Cinobufacin
      Injection for Liver and Gastric Cancer Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cinobufacin injection, also known as huachansu, is a preparation form
      of Cinobufacini made from Cinobufacin extract liquid. Despite that Cinobufacin
      injection is shown to shrink liver and gastric tumors, improving patient survival
      and life quality, the effective components in Cinobufacin remain elusive. In this
      study, we aim to screen antitumor components from Cinobufacin injection to
      elucidate the most effective antitumor components for treatment of liver and
      gastric cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) and LC-MS/MS analysis were used to separate and determine the components
      in Cinobufacin injection. Inhibition rates of various components in Cinobufacin
      injection on liver and gastric cancer cells were determined with MTT assay;
      Hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer models were used to assess the
      antitumor effect of the compounds in vivo. RESULTS: The major constituents in
      Cinobufacin injection include peptides, nucleic acids, tryptamines and
      bufotalins. MTT assay revealed that bufadienolides had the best antitumor
      activity, with peptides being the second most effective components.
      Bufadienolides showed significant inhibition rates on gastric and hepatocellular
      tumour growth in vivo. CONCLUSION: Bufadienolides are the most effective
      components in Cinobufacini injection for the treatment of liver and gastric
      cancers. This discovery can greatly facilitate further research in improving the
      therapeutic effects of Cinobufacin injection, meanwhile reducing its adverse
      reaction.

PMID- 28081156
TI  - Generation of a Stable Transgenic Swine Model Expressing a Porcine Histone 2B
      eGFP Fusion Protein for Cell Tracking and Chromosome Dynamics Studies.
AB  - Transgenic pigs have become an attractive research model in the field of
      translational research, regenerative medicine, and stem cell therapy due to their
      anatomic, genetic and physiological similarities with humans. The development of
      fluorescent proteins as molecular tags has allowed investigators to track cell
      migration and engraftment levels after transplantation. Here we describe the
      development of two transgenic pig models via SCNT expressing a fusion protein
      composed of eGFP and porcine Histone 2B (pH2B). This fusion protein is targeted
      to the nucleosomes resulting a nuclear/chromatin eGFP signal. The first model (I)
      was generated via random insertion of pH2B-eGFP driven by the CAG promoter
      (chicken beta actin promoter and rabbit Globin poly A; pCAG-pH2B-eGFP) and
      protected by human interferon-beta matrix attachment regions (MARs). Despite the
      consistent, high, and ubiquitous expression of the fusion protein pH2B-eGFP in
      all tissues analyzed, two independently generated Model I transgenic lines
      developed neurodegenerative symptoms including Wallerian degeneration between 3-5
      months of age, requiring euthanasia. A second transgenic model (II) was developed
      via CRISPR-Cas9 mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) of IRES-pH2B-eGFP into
      the endogenous beta-actin (ACTB) locus. Model II transgenic animals showed
      ubiquitous expression of pH2B-eGFP on all tissues analyzed. Unlike the pCAG-pH2B
      eGFP/MAR line, all Model II animals were healthy and multiple pregnancies have
      been established with progeny showing the expected Mendelian ratio for the
      transmission of the pH2B-eGFP. Expression of pH2B-eGFP was used to examine the
      timing of the maternal to zygotic transition after IVF, and to examine chromosome
      segregation of SCNT embryos. To our knowledge this is the first viable transgenic
      pig model with chromatin-associated eGFP allowing both cell tracking and the
      study of chromatin dynamics in a large animal model.

PMID- 28081157
TI  - Simultaneous Quantitative MRI Mapping of T1, T2* and Magnetic Susceptibility with
      Multi-Echo MP2RAGE.
AB  - The knowledge of relaxation times is essential for understanding the biophysical
      mechanisms underlying contrast in magnetic resonance imaging. Quantitative
      experiments, while offering major advantages in terms of reproducibility, may
      benefit from simultaneous acquisitions. In this work, we demonstrate the
      possibility of simultaneously recording relaxation-time and susceptibility maps
      with a prototype Multi-Echo (ME) Magnetization-Prepared 2 RApid Gradient Echoes
      (MP2RAGE) sequence. T1 maps can be obtained using the MP2RAGE sequence, which is
      relatively insensitive to inhomogeneities of the radio-frequency transmit field,
      [Formula: see text]. As an extension, multiple gradient echoes can be acquired in
      each of the MP2RAGE readout blocks, which permits the calculation of [Formula:
      see text] and susceptibility maps. We used computer simulations to explore the
      effects of the parameters on the precision and accuracy of the mapping. In vivo
      parameter maps up to 0.6 mm nominal resolution were acquired at 7 T in 19 healthy
      volunteers. Voxel-by-voxel correlations and the test-retest reproducibility were
      used to assess the reliability of the results. When using optimized paramenters,
      T1 maps obtained with ME-MP2RAGE and standard MP2RAGE showed excellent agreement
      for the whole range of values found in brain tissues. Simultaneously obtained
      [Formula: see text] and susceptibility maps were of comparable quality as Fast
      Low-Angle SHot (FLASH) results. The acquisition times were more favorable for the
      ME-MP2RAGE (~ 19 min) sequence as opposed to the sum of MP2RAGE (~ 12 min) and
      FLASH (~ 10 min) acquisitions. Without relevant sacrifice in accuracy, precision
      or flexibility, the multi-echo version may yield advantages in terms of reduced
      acquisition time and intrinsic co-registration, provided that an appropriate
      optimization of the acquisition parameters is performed.

PMID- 28081158
TI  - "I Do Not Take My Medicine while Hiding" - A Longitudinal Qualitative Assessment
      of HIV Discordant Couples' Beliefs in Discordance and ART as Prevention in
      Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV negative members of serostatus discordant couples are at high
      risk for HIV acquisition, but few interventions are in place to target them in
      sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: In this study, we interviewed 28 couples, 3 times
      over a period of one year to understand their perceptions and attitudes around
      discordance, their relationship dynamics, their HIV risk behaviour, their beliefs
      and attitudes about antiretroviral therapy (ART) and their views of the community
      perceptions of discordance and treatment for HIV. RESULTS: Findings revealed that
      at baseline there were multiple complex explanations and interpretations about
      discordance among discordant couples and their surrounding community. Shifts in
      beliefs and attitudes about discordance, HIV risk reduction and ART over time
      were enabled through re-testing negative members of discordant couples and repeat
      counselling but some beliefs remain solidly embedded in cultural imperatives of
      the importance of childbearing as well as culturally determined and enforced
      gender roles. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions that aim to target discordant couples
      must embrace the complex and dynamic understandings of HIV diagnosis and
      treatment in context of fluid relationships, and changing beliefs about HIV risk
      and treatment.

PMID- 28081160
TI  - Estimates of Abundance and Trend of Chilean Blue Whales off Isla de Chiloe,
      Chile.
AB  - Since 1970, blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) have been seen feeding in the
      waters off southern Chile during the summer and autumn (December to May).
      Investigation of the genetic, acoustic and morphological characteristics of these
      blue whales shows that they are a distinct but unnamed subspecies, called the
      Chilean blue whales. Photo-identification surveys have been conducted in the
      waters off northwestern Isla Grande de Chiloe, southern Chile from 2004-2012 and
      Isla Chanaral, central Chile in 2012. Over this time, 1,070 blue whales were
      encountered yielding, after photo-quality control, 318 and 267 unique photographs
      of the left and right side of the flank respectively. Using mark-recapture
      analysis of left and right side photographs collected from Isla Grande de Chiloe
      (2004-2012), open population models estimate that ~570-760 whales are feeding
      seasonally in this region. POPAN superpopulation abundance estimates for the same
      feeding ground in 2012 are 762 (95% confidence intervals, CI = 638-933) and 570
      (95% CI 475-705) for left and right side datasets respectively, very similar to
      results from closed population models. Estimates of trend revealed strong
      variation in abundance, peaking in 2009 and [suggesting] fluctuating use in the
      survey area over time, likely related to the density of their prey. High inter
      annual return rates suggest a degree of site-fidelity of individuals to Isla
      Grande de Chiloe and that the number of whales using this feeding ground is
      relatively small.

PMID- 28081159
TI  - Osmoregulation in the Halophilic Bacterium Halomonas elongata: A Case Study for
      Integrative Systems Biology.
AB  - Halophilic bacteria use a variety of osmoregulatory methods, such as the
      accumulation of one or more compatible solutes. The wide diversity of compounds
      that can act as compatible solute complicates the task of understanding the
      different strategies that halophilic bacteria use to cope with salt. This is
      specially challenging when attempting to go beyond the pathway that produces a
      certain compatible solute towards an understanding of how the metabolic network
      as a whole addresses the problem. Metabolic reconstruction based on genomic data
      together with Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) is a promising tool to gain insight
      into this problem. However, as more of these reconstructions become available, it
      becomes clear that processes predicted by genome annotation may not reflect the
      processes that are active in vivo. As a case in point, E. coli is unable to grow
      aerobically on citrate in spite of having all the necessary genes to do it. It
      has also been shown that the realization of this genetic potential into an actual
      capability to metabolize citrate is an extremely unlikely event under normal
      evolutionary conditions. Moreover, many marine bacteria seem to have the same
      pathways to metabolize glucose but each species uses a different one. In this
      work, a metabolic network inferred from genomic annotation of the halophilic
      bacterium Halomonas elongata and proteomic profiling experiments are used as a
      starting point to motivate targeted experiments in order to find out some of the
      defining features of the osmoregulatory strategies of this bacterium. This new
      information is then used to refine the network in order to describe the actual
      capabilities of H. elongata, rather than its genetic potential.

PMID- 28081161
TI  - Factors Related with CH4 and N2O Emissions from a Paddy Field: Clues for
      Management implications.
AB  - Paddy fields are major sources of global atmospheric greenhouse gases, including
      methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). The different phases previous to emission
      (production, transport, diffusion, dissolution in pore water and ebullition)
      despite well-established have rarely been measured in field conditions. We
      examined them and their relationships with temperature, soil traits and plant
      biomass in a paddy field in Fujian, southeastern China. CH4 emission was
      positively correlated with CH4 production, plant-mediated transport, ebullition,
      diffusion, and concentration of dissolved CH4 in porewater and negatively
      correlated with sulfate concentration, suggesting the potential use of sulfate
      fertilizers to mitigate CH4 release. Air temperature and humidity, plant stem
      biomass, and concentrations of soil sulfate, available N, and DOC together
      accounted for 92% of the variance in CH4 emission, and Eh, pH, and the
      concentrations of available N and Fe3+, leaf biomass, and air temperature 95% of
      the N2O emission. Given the positive correlations between CH4 emission and DOC
      content and plant biomass, reduce the addition of a carbon substrate such as
      straw and the development of smaller but higher yielding rice genotypes could be
      viable options for reducing the release of greenhouse gases from paddy fields to
      the atmosphere.

PMID- 28081162
TI  - Beyond Pressure Gradients: The Effects of Intervention on Heart Power in Aortic
      Coarctation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In aortic coarctation, current guidelines recommend reducing pressure
      gradients that exceed given thresholds. From a physiological standpoint this
      should ideally improve the energy expenditure of the heart and thus prevent long
      term organ damage. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to assess the effects of
      interventional treatment on external and internal heart power (EHP, IHP) in
      patients with aortic coarctation and to explore the correlation of these
      parameters to pressure gradients obtained from heart catheterization. METHODS: In
      a collective of 52 patients with aortic coarctation 25 patients received stenting
      and/or balloon angioplasty, and 20 patients underwent MRI before and after an
      interventional treatment procedure. EHP and IHP were computed based on
      catheterization and MRI measurements. Along with the power efficiency these were
      combined in a cardiac energy profile. RESULTS: By intervention, the catheter
      gradient was significantly reduced from 21.8+/-9.4 to 6.2+/-6.1mmHg (p<0.001).
      IHP was significantly reduced after intervention, from 8.03+/-5.2 to 4.37+/-2.13W
      (p < 0.001). EHP was 1.1+/-0.3 W before and 1.0+/-0.3W after intervention, p =
      0.044. In patients initially presenting with IHP above 5W intervention resulted
      in a significant reduction in IHP from 10.99+/-4.74 W to 4.94+/-2.45W (p<0.001),
      and a subsequent increase in power efficiency from 14 to 26% (p = 0.005). No
      significant changes in IHP, EHP or power efficiency were observed in patients
      initially presenting with IHP < 5W. CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that
      interventional treatment of coarctation resulted in a decrease in IHP. Pressure
      gradients, as the most widespread clinical parameters in coarctation, did not
      show any correlation to changes in EHP or IHP. This raises the question of
      whether they should be the main focus in coarctation interventions. Only patients
      with high IHP of above 5W showed improvement in IHP and power efficiency after
      the treatment procedure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov NCT02591940.

PMID- 28081163
TI  - Income in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Different Disease Phenotypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with profound heterogeneity in
      clinical course. OBJECTIVE: To analyze sources and levels of income among MS
      patients in relation to disease phenotype with a special focus on identifying
      differences/similarities between primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary
      progressive MS (SPMS). METHODS: A total of 6890 MS patients aged 21-64 years and
      living in Sweden in 2010 were identified for this cross-sectional study.
      Descriptive statistics, logistic, truncated linear, and zero-inflated negative
      binomial regression models were used to estimate differences in income between
      SPMS, PPMS and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients. RESULTS: RRMS patients
      earned almost twice as much as PPMS and SPMS patients (on average SEK 204,500,
      SEK 114,500, and SEK 79,800 in 2010, respectively). The difference in earnings
      between PPMS and SPMS was not statistically significant when analyzed with
      multivariable regression. The estimated odds ratio for PPMS patients to have
      income from earnings was not significantly different from SPMS patients (95% CI
      0.98 to 1.59). PPMS and RRMS patients were less likely to receive benefits when
      compared to SPMS patients (by 6% and 27% lower, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our
      findings argue for similarities between PPMS and SPMS and highlight the
      socioeconomic importance of preventing RRMS patients convert to SPMS.

PMID- 28081164
TI  - Economic Evaluation of PCSK9 Inhibitors in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk from
      Health System and Private Payer Perspectives.
AB  - The introduction of Proprotein covertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)
      inhibitors has been heralded as a major advancement in reducing low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol levels by nearly 50%. However, concerns have been raised
      on the added value to the health care system in terms of their costs and
      benefits. We assess the cost-effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors based on a
      decision-analytic model with existing clinical evidence. The model compares a
      lipid-lowering therapy based on statin plus PCSK9 inhibitor treatment with statin
      treatment only (standard therapy). From health system perspective, incremental
      cost per quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained are presented. From a private
      payer perspective, return-on-investment and net present values over patient
      lifespan are presented. At the current annual cost of $14,000 to $15,000, PCSK9
      inhibitors are not cost-effective at an incremental cost of about $350,000 per
      QALY. Moreover, for every dollar invested in PCSK9 inhibitors, the private payer
      loses $1.98. Our study suggests that the annual treatment price should be set at
      $4,250 at a societal willingness-to-pay of $100,000 per QALY. However, we
      estimate the breakeven price for private payer is only $600 per annual treatment.
      At current prices, our study suggests that PCSK9 inhibitors do not add value to
      the U.S. health system and their provision is not profitable for private payers.
      To be the breakthrough drug in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the
      current price of PCSK9 inhibitors must be reduced by more than 70%.

PMID- 28081165
TI  - Urine Concentrating Capacity, Vasopressin and Copeptin in ADPKD and IgA
      Nephropathy Patients with Renal Impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) patients have an
      impaired urine concentrating capacity. Increased circulating vasopressin (AVP)
      concentrations are supposed to play a role in the progression of ADPKD. We
      hypothesized that ADPKD patients have a more severely impaired urine
      concentrating capacity in comparison to other patients with chronic kidney
      disease at a similar level of kidney function, with consequently an enhanced AVP
      response to water deprivation with higher circulating AVP concentrations.
      METHODS: 15 ADPKD (eGFR<60) patients and 15 age-, sex- and eGFR-matched controls
      with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), underwent a water deprivation test to determine
      maximal urine concentrating capacity. Plasma and urine osmolality, urine
      aquaporin-2 (AQP2) and plasma AVP and copeptin (a surrogate marker for AVP) were
      measured at baseline and after water deprivation (average 16 hours). In ADPKD
      patients, height adjusted total kidney volume (hTKV) was measured by MRI.
      RESULTS: Maximal achieved urine concentration was lower in ADPKD compared to IgAN
      controls (533+/-138 vs. 642+/-148 mOsm/kg, p = 0.046), with particularly a lower
      maximal achieved urine urea concentration (223+/-74 vs. 299+/-72 mmol/L, p =
      0.008). After water deprivation, plasma osmolality was similar in both groups
      although change in plasma osmolality was more profound in ADPKD due to a lower
      baseline plasma osmolality in comparison to IgAN controls. Copeptin and AVP
      increased significantly in a similar way in both groups. AVP, copeptin and urine
      AQP2 were inversely associated with maximal urine concentrating in both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: ADPKD patients have a more severely impaired maximal urine
      concentrating capacity with a lower maximal achieved urine urea concentration in
      comparison to IgAN controls with similar endogenous copeptin and AVP responses.

PMID- 28081166
TI  - Comparison of Criteria for Choosing the Number of Classes in Bayesian Finite
      Mixture Models.
AB  - Identifying the number of classes in Bayesian finite mixture models is a
      challenging problem. Several criteria have been proposed, such as adaptations of
      the deviance information criterion, marginal likelihoods, Bayes factors, and
      reversible jump MCMC techniques. It was recently shown that in overfitted mixture
      models, the overfitted latent classes will asymptotically become empty under
      specific conditions for the prior of the class proportions. This result may be
      used to construct a criterion for finding the true number of latent classes,
      based on the removal of latent classes that have negligible proportions. Unlike
      some alternative criteria, this criterion can easily be implemented in complex
      statistical models such as latent class mixed-effects models and multivariate
      mixture models using standard Bayesian software. We performed an extensive
      simulation study to develop practical guidelines to determine the appropriate
      number of latent classes based on the posterior distribution of the class
      proportions, and to compare this criterion with alternative criteria. The
      performance of the proposed criterion is illustrated using a data set of
      repeatedly measured hemoglobin values of blood donors.

PMID- 28081167
TI  - Bacterial Communities Associated with Houseflies (Musca domestica L.) Sampled
      within and between Farms.
AB  - The housefly feeds and reproduces in animal manure and decaying organic
      substances and thus lives in intimate association with various microorganisms
      including human pathogens. In order to understand the variation and association
      between bacteria and the housefly, we used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to
      describe bacterial communities of 90 individual houseflies collected within and
      between ten dairy farms in Denmark. Analysis of gene sequences showed that the
      most abundant classes of bacteria found across all sites included Bacilli,
      Clostridia, Actinobacteria, Flavobacteria, and all classes of Proteobacteria and
      at the genus level the most abundant genera included Corynebacterium,
      Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Vagococcus, Weissella, Lactococcus, and
      Aerococcus. Comparison of the microbiota of houseflies revealed a highly diverse
      microbiota compared to other insect species and with most variation in species
      richness and diversity found between individuals, but not locations. Our study is
      the first in-depth amplicon sequencing study of the housefly microbiota, and
      collectively shows that the microbiota of single houseflies is highly diverse and
      differs between individuals likely to reflect the lifestyle of the housefly. We
      suggest that these results should be taken into account when addressing the
      transmission of pathogens by the housefly and assessing the vector competence
      variation under natural conditions.

PMID- 28081168
TI  - A Mobile Platform Enables Unprecedented Sanitation Uptake in Zambia.

PMID- 28081169
TI  - Assessment of a 96-Well Plate Assay of Quantitative Drug Susceptibility Testing
      for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the Sensitire MYCOTB MIC Plate (MYCOTB)
      which could measure the twelve anti-tuberculosis drugs susceptibility on one 96
      wells plate. METHODS: A total of 140 MDR-TB strains and 60 non-MDR strains were
      sub-cultured and 193 strains were finally tested for drug resistance using MYCOTB
      and agar proportion method (APM) and another 7 strains failed of subculture. The
      drugs included ofloxacin (Ofx), moxifloxacin (Mfx), rifampin (RFP), amikacin
      (Am), rifabutin (Rfb), para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), ethionamide (Eth),
      isoniazid (INH), kanamycin (Km), ethambutol (EMB), streptomycin (Sm), and
      cycloserine(Cs). The categorical agreement, conditional agreement, sensitivity
      and specificity of MYCOTB were assessed in comparison with APM. For strains with
      inconsistent results between MYCOTB and APM, the drug resistance related gene
      fragments were amplified and sequenced: gyrA for Ofx and Mfx; rpoB for RFP and
      Rfb; embB for EMB; rpsl for Sm; katG and the promoter region of inhA for INH,
      ethA and the promoter region of inhA for Eth. The sequence results were compared
      with results of MYCOTB and APM to analyze the consistency between sequence
      results and MYCOTB or APM. RESULTS: The categorical agreement between two methods
      for each drug ranged from 88.6% to 100%. It was the lowest for INH (88.6%). The
      sensitivity and specificity of MYCOTB ranged from 71.4% to 100% and 84.3% to
      100%, respectively. The sensitivity was lowest for Cs(71.4%), EMB at 10MUg/ml
      (80.0%) and INH at 10.0MUg/ml (84.6%). The specificity was lowest for Rfb
      (84.3%). Overall discordance between the two phenotypic methods was observed for
      96 strains, of which 63 (65.6%) were found susceptible with APM and resistant
      with MYCOTB and the remaining 33(34.4%) strains were resistant by APM and
      susceptible with MYCOTB. 34/52 (65.4%) sequenced APM susceptible and MYCOTB
      resistant(APM-S/MYCOTB-R) strains had mutations or insertions in the amplified
      regions. 20/30 (66.7%) sequenced APM resistant and MYCOTB susceptible strains had
      mutations in the sequenced genes. MICs of twenty-nine of these thirty isolates
      were equal to or within 1 doubling dilution of the critical concentration.
      CONCLUSION: MYCOTB had good performance for most of tested drugs and could be
      used as an alternative to the more labor demanding and longer turnaround time
      solid culture based DST method for detection of drug susceptibility in China.

PMID- 28081170
TI  - An Alpha-1A Adrenergic Receptor Agonist Prevents Acute Doxorubicin Cardiomyopathy
      in Male Mice.
AB  - Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors mediate adaptive effects in the heart and cardiac
      myocytes, and a myocyte survival pathway involving the alpha-1A receptor subtype
      and ERK activation exists in vitro. However, data in vivo are limited. Here we
      tested A61603 (N-[5-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-5,6,7,8
      tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl]methanesulfonamide), a selective imidazoline agonist
      for the alpha-1A. A61603 was the most potent alpha-1-agonist in activating ERK in
      neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. A61603 activated ERK in adult mouse
      ventricular myocytes and protected the cells from death caused by the
      anthracycline doxorubicin. A low dose of A61603 (10 ng/kg/d) activated ERK in the
      mouse heart in vivo, but did not change blood pressure. In male mice, concurrent
      subcutaneous A61603 infusion at 10 ng/kg/d for 7 days after a single
      intraperitoneal dose of doxorubicin (25 mg/kg) increased survival, improved
      cardiac function, heart rate, and cardiac output by echocardiography, and reduced
      cardiac cell necrosis and apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis. All protective
      effects were lost in alpha-1A-knockout mice. In female mice, doxorubicin at doses
      higher than in males (35-40 mg/kg) caused less cardiac toxicity than in males. We
      conclude that the alpha-1A-selective agonist A61603, via the alpha-1A adrenergic
      receptor, prevents doxorubicin cardiomyopathy in male mice, supporting the theory
      that alpha-1A adrenergic receptor agonists have potential as novel heart failure
      therapies.

PMID- 28081171
TI  - A Higher Proportion of Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Subjects with Sleep
      Disordered Breathing: A Case-Control Study Based on Electrocardiogram-Derived
      Sleep Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) has increased rapidly in
      Taiwan and worldwide. We aim to determine the association between sleep
      disordered breathing (SDB) and MS in a Chinese general population. METHODS: This
      case-control study recruited subjects who have undergone a prospective
      electrocardiogram-based cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) sleep spectrogram as part
      of the periodic health check-ups at the National Taiwan University Hospital.
      Comprehensive anthropometrics, blood biochemistry, prevalence of MS and its
      individual components were compared with Bonferroni correction between 40
      subjects with SDB, defined as the CPC-derived apnea-hypopnea index (CPC-AHI) >5
      event/hour and 80 age- and sex-matched controls, defined as CPC-AHI <1
      event/hour. MS was diagnosed based on the Adult Treatment Panel III, with a
      modification of waist circumference for Asians. RESULTS: Subjects with SDB were
      more obese with larger waist circumferences (95.1+/-12.9 vs. 87.3+/-6.9, P <
      .001) and borderline higher BMI (27.0+/-4.9 vs. 24.3+/-2.5, P = .002). Waist
      circumference was independently associated with the presence of SDB after
      adjustment for BMI, systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose in multiple
      regression analyses. Subjects with SDB had a higher prevalence of central obesity
      (72.5% vs. 42.5%, P = .002), hyperglycemia (45.0% vs. 26.3%, P = .04), MS (45.0%
      vs. 22.5%, P = .01) and number of MS components (2.4 +/- 1.6 vs. 1.7 +/- 1.4, P =
      .01) than the control group. Waist circumference was significantly correlated
      with both CPC-AHI (r = .492, P = .0013) and PSG-AHI (r = .699, P < .0001) in the
      SDB group. CONCLUSIONS: SDB was associated with a higher prevalence of MS and its
      individual components, notably central obesity, in a Chinese general population.
      Large-scale screening of high risk population with MS to identify subjects with
      SDB for appropriate management is warranted.

PMID- 28081172
TI  - Influence of Corneal Opacity on Intraocular Pressure Assessment in Patients with
      Lysosomal Storage Diseases.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate an influence of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS)- and Morbus
      Fabry-associated corneal opacities on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements and
      to evaluate the concordance of the different tonometry methods. METHODS: 25 MPS
      patients with or without corneal clouding, 25 Fabry patients with cornea
      verticillata >= grade 2 and 25 healthy age matched controls were prospectively
      included into this study. Outcome measures: Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT);
      palpatory assessment of IOP; Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg),
      corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc), corneal resistance factor (CRF)
      and corneal hysteresis (CH) assessed by Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA); central
      corneal thickness (CCT) and density assessed with Pentacam. Statistical analysis
      was performed using linear mixed effect models and Spearman correlation
      coefficients. The concordance between tonometry methods was assessed using Bland
      Altman analysis. RESULTS: There was no relevant difference between study groups
      regarding median GAT, IOPg, IOPcc and CCT measurements. The limits of agreement
      between GAT and IOPcc/IOPg/palpatory IOP in MPS were: [-11.7 to 12.1mmHg], [-8.6
      to 15.5 mmHg] and [- 5.4 to 10.1 mmHg] respectively. Limits of agreement were
      less wide in healthy subjects and Fabry patients. Palpatory IOP was higher in MPS
      than in healthy controls and Fabry patients. Corneal opacity correlated more
      strongly with GAT, IOPg, CH, CRF, CCT and corneal density in MPS (r = 0.4, 0.5,
      0.5, 0.7, 0.6, 0.6 respectively) than in Fabry patients (r = 0.3, 0.2, -0.03,
      0.1, 0.3, -0.2 respectively). In contrast, IOPcc revealed less correlation with
      corneal opacity than GAT in MPS (r = 0.2 vs. 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: ORA and GAT
      render less comparable IOP-values in patients suffering from MPS-associated
      corneal opacity in comparison to Fabry and healthy controls. The IOP seems to be
      overestimated in opaque MPS-affected corneas. GAT, IOPg and biomechanical
      parameters of the cornea correlate more strongly with the corneal clouding than
      IOPcc in MPS patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01695161.

PMID- 28081173
TI  - Effect of Rifampin on Thyroid Function Test in Patients on Levothyroxine
      Medication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Levothyroxine (LT4) and rifampin (RIF) are sometimes used together;
      however, no clinical studies have assessed the effects of these drugs on thyroid
      function or the need to adjust LT4 dose. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      records of 71 Korean patients who started RIF during LT4 treatment. Clinically
      relevant cases that required dose adjustment according to the American Thyroid
      Association (ATA)/American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
      guidelines were identified, and risk factors of increased LT4 dose were analyzed.
      RESULTS: After administering RIF, median serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
      level (2.58 mIU/L, interquartile range [IQR] 0.21-7.44) was significantly higher
      than that before RIF (0.25 mIU/L, IQR, 0.03-2.62; P < 0.001). An increased LT4
      dose was required for 50% of patients in the TSH suppression group for thyroid
      cancer and 26% of patients in the replacement group for hypothyroidism. Risk
      factor analysis showed that remaining thyroid gland (odds ratio [OR] 9.207, P =
      0.002), the time interval between starting RIF and TSH measurement (OR 1.043, P =
      0.019), and baseline LT4 dose per kg body weight (OR 0.364, P = 0.011) were
      clinically relevant variables. CONCLUSIONS: In patients receiving LT4, serum
      thyroid function test should be performed after starting RIF treatment. For
      patients with no remnant thyroid gland and those receiving a lower LT4 dose,
      close observation is needed when starting RIF and TB medication.

PMID- 28081174
TI  - Definition of Human Epitopes Recognized in Tetanus Toxoid and Development of an
      Assay Strategy to Detect Ex Vivo Tetanus CD4+ T Cell Responses.
AB  - Despite widespread uses of tetanus toxoid (TT) as a vaccine, model antigen and
      protein carrier, TT epitopes have been poorly characterized. Herein we defined
      the human CD4+ T cell epitope repertoire by reevaluation of previously described
      epitopes and evaluation of those derived from prediction of HLA Class II binding.
      Forty-seven epitopes were identified following in vitro TT stimulation, with 28
      epitopes accounting for 90% of the total response. Despite this diverse range of
      epitopes, individual responses were associated with only a few immunodominant
      epitopes, with each donor responding on average to 3 epitopes. For the top 14
      epitopes, HLA restriction could be inferred based on HLA typing of the responding
      donors. HLA binding predictions re-identified the vast majority of known
      epitopes, and identified 24 additional novel epitopes. With these epitopes, we
      created a TT epitope pool, which allowed us to characterize TT responses directly
      ex vivo using a cytokine-independent Activation Induced Marker (AIM) assay. These
      TT responses were highly Th1 or Th2 polarized, which was dependent upon the
      original priming vaccine, either the cellular DTwP or acellular DTaP formulation.
      This polarization remained despite the original priming having occurred decades
      past and a recent booster immunization with a reduced acellular vaccine
      formulation. While TT responses following booster vaccination were not durably
      increased in magnitude, they were associated with a relative expansion of CD4+
      effector memory T cells.

PMID- 28081175
TI  - Understanding the Goals of Everyday Instrumental Actions Is Primarily Linked to
      Object, Not Motor-Kinematic, Information: Evidence from fMRI.
AB  - Prior research conceptualised action understanding primarily as a kinematic
      matching of observed actions to own motor representations but has ignored the
      role of object information. The current study utilized fMRI to identify (a)
      regions uniquely involved in encoding the goal of others' actions, and (b) to
      test whether these goal understanding processes draw more strongly on regions
      involved in encoding object semantics or movement kinematics. Participants
      watched sequences of instrumental actions while attending to either the actions'
      goal (goal task), the movements performed (movement task) or the objects used
      (object task). The results confirmed, first, a unique role of the inferior
      frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus and medial frontal gyrus in action goal
      understanding. Second, they show for the first time that activation in the goal
      task overlaps directly with object- but not movement-related activation.
      Moreover, subsequent parametric analyses revealed that movement-related regions
      become activated only when goals are unclear, or observers have little action
      experience. In contrast to motor theories of action understanding, these data
      suggest that objects-rather than movement kinematics-carry the key information
      about others' actions. Kinematic information is additionally recruited when goals
      are ambiguous or unfamiliar.

PMID- 28081176
TI  - Radiation Induced Apoptosis of Murine Bone Marrow Cells Is Independent of Early
      Growth Response 1 (EGR1).
AB  - An understanding of how each individual 5q chromosome critical deleted region
      (CDR) gene contributes to malignant transformation would foster the development
      of much needed targeted therapies for the treatment of therapy related myeloid
      neoplasms (t-MNs). Early Growth Response 1 (EGR1) is a key transcriptional
      regulator of myeloid differentiation located within the 5q chromosome CDR that
      has been shown to regulate HSC (hematopoietic stem cell) quiescence as well as
      the master regulator of apoptosis-p53. Since resistance to apoptosis is a
      hallmark of malignant transformation, we investigated the role of EGR1 in
      apoptosis of bone marrow cells; a cell population from which myeloid malignancies
      arise. We evaluated radiation induced apoptosis of Egr1+/+ and Egr1-/- bone
      marrow cells in vitro and in vivo. EGR1 is not required for radiation induced
      apoptosis of murine bone marrow cells. Neither p53 mRNA (messenger RNA) nor
      protein expression is regulated by EGR1 in these cells. Radiation induced
      apoptosis of bone marrow cells by double strand DNA breaks induced p53
      activation. These results suggest EGR1 dependent signaling mechanisms do not
      contribute to aberrant apoptosis of malignant cells in myeloid malignancies.

PMID- 28081177
TI  - First Behavioural Characterisation of a Knockout Mouse Model for the Transforming
      Growth Factor (TGF)-beta Superfamily Cytokine, MIC-1/GDF15.
AB  - Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), also known as growth differentiation
      factor 15 (GDF15), is a stress response cytokine. MIC-1/GDF15 is secreted into
      the cerebrospinal fluid and increased levels of MIC-1/GDF15 are associated with a
      variety of diseases including cognitive decline. Furthermore, Mic-1/Gdf15
      knockout mice (Mic-1 KO) weigh more, have increased adiposity, associated with
      increased spontaneous food intake, and exhibit reduced basal energy expenditure
      and physical activity. The current study was designed to comprehensively
      determine the role of MIC-1/GDF15 on behavioural domains of male and female
      knockout mice including locomotion, exploration, anxiety, cognition, social
      behaviours, and sensorimotor gating. Mic-1 KO mice exhibited a task-dependent
      increase in locomotion and exploration and reduced anxiety-related behaviours
      across tests. Spatial working memory and social behaviours were not affected by
      Mic-1/Gdf15 deficiency. Interestingly, knockout mice formed an increased
      association with the conditioned stimulus in fear conditioning testing and also
      displayed significantly improved prepulse inhibition. Overall sex effects were
      evident for social behaviours, fear conditioning, and sensorimotor gating. This
      is the first study defining the role of Mic-1/Gdf15 in a number of behavioural
      domains. Whether the observed impact is based on direct actions of Mic-1/Gdf15
      deficiency on the CNS or whether the behavioural effects are mediated by indirect
      actions on e.g. other neurotransmitter systems must be clarified in future
      studies.

PMID- 28081178
TI  - Gender Differences in HIV Care among Criminal Justice-Involved Persons: Baseline
      Data from the CARE+ Corrections Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-infected individuals recently released from incarceration have
      suboptimal linkage and engagement in community HIV care. We conducted a study to
      evaluate an information and communication technology intervention to increase
      linkage to community care among HIV-infected persons recently involved in the
      criminal justice (CJ) system. Baseline characteristics including risk behaviors
      and HIV care indicators are reported and stratified by gender. METHODS: We
      recruited HIV-infected individuals in the District of Columbia jail and persons
      with a recent history of incarceration through community and street outreach.
      Participants completed a baseline computer-assisted personal interview regarding
      HIV care and antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence, substance use, and sexual
      behaviors. CD4 and HIV plasma viral load testing were performed at baseline or
      obtained through medical records. Data were analyzed for the sample overall and
      stratified by gender. RESULTS: Of 110 individuals, 70% were community-enrolled,
      mean age was 40 (SD = 10.5), 85% were Black, and 58% were male, 24% female, and
      18% transgender women. Nearly half (47%) had condomless sex in the three months
      prior to incarceration. Although drug dependence and hazardous alcohol use were
      highly prevalent overall, transgender women were more likely to have participated
      in drug treatment than men and women (90%, 61%, and 50% respectively; p = 0.01).
      Prior to their most recent incarceration, 80% had an HIV provider and 91% had
      ever taken ART. Among those, only 51% reported >=90% ART adherence. Fewer women
      (67%) had received HIV medications during their last incarceration compared to
      men (96%) and transgender women (95%; p = 0.001). Although neither was
      statistically significant, transgender women and men had higher proportions of
      baseline HIV viral suppression compared to women (80%, 69%, and 48.0%
      respectively, p>0.05); a higher proportion of women had a CD4 count <=200
      compared to men and transgender women (17%, 8% and 5% respectively; p>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, HIV-infected persons with recent incarceration in
      Washington, DC reported important risk factors and co-morbidities, yet the
      majority had access to HIV care and ART prior to, during, and after
      incarceration. Self-reported ART adherence was sub-optimal, and while there were
      not statistically significant differences, CJ-involved women appeared to be at
      greatest risk of poor HIV outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on
      ClinicalTrials.gov on 10/16/2012. Reference number: NCT01721226.

PMID- 28081179
TI  - Effect of Straw Amendment on Soil Zn Availability and Ageing of Exogenous Water
      Soluble Zn Applied to Calcareous Soil.
AB  - Organic matter plays a key role in availability and transformation of soil Zn
      (zinc), which greatly controls Zn concentrations in cereal grains and human Zn
      nutrition level. Accordingly, soils homogenized with the wheat straw (0, 12 g
      straw kg-1) and Zn fertilizer (0, 7 mg Zn kg-1) were buried and incubated in the
      field over 210 days to explore the response of soil Zn availability and the
      ageing of exogenous Zn to straw addition. Results indicated that adding straw
      alone scarcely affected soil DTPA-Zn concentration and Zn fractions because of
      the low Zn concentration of wheat straw and the high soil pH, and large clay and
      calcium carbonate contents. However, adding exogenous Zn plus straw increased the
      DTPA-Zn abundance by about 5-fold and had the similar results to adding exogenous
      Zn alone, corresponding to the increased Zn fraction loosely bounded to organic
      matter, which had a more dominant presence in Zn reaction than soil other
      constituents such as carbonate and minerals in calcareous soil. The higher
      relative amount of ineffective Zn (~50%) after water soluble Zn addition also
      occurred, and at the days of 120-165 and 180-210when the natural temperature and
      rainfall changed mildly, the ageing process of exogenous Zn over time was well
      evaluated by the diffusion equation, respectively. Consequently, combining crop
      residues with exogenous water soluble Zn application is promising strategy to
      maximize the availability of Zn in calcareous soil, but the higher ageing rate of
      Zn caused by the higher Zn mobility should be considered.

PMID- 28081180
TI  - PI3Kgamma Deficient NOD-Mice Are Protected from Diabetes by Restoring the Balance
      of Regulatory to Effector-T-Cells.
AB  - With a steady increase in its incidence and lack of curative treatment, type 1
      diabetes (T1D) has emerged as a major health problem worldwide. To design novel
      effective therapies, there is a pressing need to identify regulatory targets
      controlling the balance of autoreactive to regulatory-T-cells (Tregs). We
      previously showed that the inhibition of the gamma-subunit of the
      Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), significantly suppress autoimmune-diabetes. To
      further delineate the mechanisms and the selectivity of specific immune
      modulation by PI3Kgamma-inhibition, we developed a new NOD mouse model of T1D
      lacking the gamma-subunit of PI3K. Strikingly, the loss of PI3Kgamma protected
      92% of the NOD-mice from developing spontaneous diabetes. The NOD.PI3Kgamma-/-
      mice are protected from insulitis secondary to a defect in CD4 and CD8
      autoreactive-T-cells activation and survival. In addition, PI3Kgamma-deficiency
      promoted Treg generation in-vitro and in-vivo. Furthermore, PI3Kgamma-inhibitor
      (AS605240) inhibited proliferation and cytokine production of a human CD4+ T-cell
      clone specific for GAD555-567 peptide that was isolated from a patient with T1D.
      These studies demonstrate the key role of the PI3Kgamma pathway in regulating
      autoimmune-diabetes and provide rationales for future devise of anti- PI3Kgamma
      therapy in T1D.

PMID- 28081181
TI  - Aronia melanocarpa Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism through
      PPARgamma2 Downregulation.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic
      syndrome. Studies have demonstrated that anthocyanin-rich foods may improve
      hyperlipidemia and ameliorate hepatic steatosis. Here, effects of Aronia
      melanocarpa (AM), known to be rich of anthocyanins, on hepatic lipid metabolism
      and adipogenic genes were determined. AM was treated to C57BL/6N mice fed with
      high fat diet (HFD) or to FL83B cells treated with free fatty acid (FFA). Changes
      in levels of lipids, enzymes and hormones were observed, and expressions of
      adipogenic genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism were detected by PCR,
      Western blotting and luciferase assay. In mice, AM significantly reduced the body
      and liver weight, lipid accumulation in the liver, and levels of biochemical
      markers such as fatty acid synthase, hepatic triglyceride and leptin. Serum
      transaminases, indicators for hepatocyte injury, were also suppressed, while
      superoxide dismutase activity and liver antioxidant capacity were significantly
      increased. In FL83B cells, AM significantly reduced FFA-induced lipid droplet
      accumulation. Protein synthesis of an adipogenic transcription factor, peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) was inhibited in vivo.
      Furthermore, transcriptional activity of PPARgamma2 was down-regulated in vitro,
      and mRNA expression of PPARgamma2 and its downstream target genes, adipocyte
      protein 2 and lipoprotein lipase were down-regulated by AM both in vitro and in
      vivo. These results show beneficial effects of AM against hepatic lipid
      accumulation through the inhibition of PPARgamma2 expression along with
      improvements in body weight, liver functions, lipid profiles and antioxidant
      capacity suggesting the potential therapeutic efficacy of AM on NAFLD.

PMID- 28081182
TI  - Combination of Plant Metabolic Modules Yields Synthetic Synergies.
AB  - The great potential of pharmacologically active secondary plant metabolites is
      often limited by low yield and availability of the producing plant. Chemical
      synthesis of these complex compounds is often too expensive. Plant cell
      fermentation offers an alternative strategy to overcome these limitations.
      However, production in batch cell cultures remains often inefficient. One reason
      might be the fact that different cell types have to interact for metabolite
      maturation, which is poorly mimicked in suspension cell lines. Using alkaloid
      metabolism of tobacco, we explore an alternative strategy, where the metabolic
      interactions of different cell types in a plant tissue are technically mimicked
      based on different plant-cell based metabolic modules. In this study, we simulate
      the interaction found between the nicotine secreting cells of the root and the
      nicotine-converting cells of the senescent leaf, generating the target compound
      nornicotine in the model cell line tobacco BY-2. When the nicotine demethylase
      NtomCYP82E4 was overexpressed in tobacco BY-2 cells, nornicotine synthesis was
      triggered, but only to a minor extent. However, we show here that we can improve
      the production of nornicotine in this cell line by feeding the precursor,
      nicotine. Engineering of another cell line overexpressing the key enzyme NtabMPO1
      allows to stimulate accumulation and secretion of this precursor. We show that
      the nornicotine production of NtomCYP82E4 cells can be significantly stimulated
      by feeding conditioned medium from NtabMPO1 overexpressors without any negative
      effect on the physiology of the cells. Co-cultivation of NtomCYP82E4 with
      NtabMPO1 stimulated nornicotine accumulation even further, demonstrating that the
      physical presence of cells was superior to just feeding the conditioned medium
      collected from the same cells. These results provide a proof of concept that
      combination of different metabolic modules can improve the productivity for
      target compounds in plant cell fermentation.

PMID- 28081183
TI  - Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Dogs with Mammary Tumors: Short and Long Fragments
      and Integrity Index.
AB  - Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been considered an interesting
      diagnostic/prognostic plasma biomarker in tumor-bearing subjects. In cancer
      patients, cfDNA can hypothetically derive from tumor necrosis/apoptosis, lysed
      circulating cells, and some yet unrevealed mechanisms of active release. This
      study aimed to preliminarily analyze cfDNA in dogs with canine mammary tumors
      (CMTs). Forty-four neoplastic, 17 non-neoplastic disease-bearing, and 15 healthy
      dogs were recruited. Necrosis and apoptosis were also assessed as potential
      source of cfDNA on 78 CMTs diagnosed from the 44 dogs. The cfDNA fragments and
      integrity index significantly differentiated neoplastic versus non-neoplastic
      dogs (P<0.05), and allowed the distinction between benign and malignant lesions
      (P<0.05). Even if without statistical significance, the amount of cfDNA was also
      affected by tumor necrosis and correlated with tumor size and apoptotic markers
      expression. A significant (P<0.01) increase of Bcl-2 in malignant tumors was
      observed, and in metastatic CMTs the evasion of apoptosis was also suggested.
      This study, therefore, provides evidence that cfDNA could be a diagnostic marker
      in dogs carrying mammary nodules suggesting that its potential application in
      early diagnostic procedures should be further investigated.

PMID- 28081184
TI  - Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Effect of Latanoprost Is Hampered by Defective
      Cervical Lymphatic Drainage.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether defects in cervical lymphatic drainage influence the
      intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of latanoprost in patients with
      primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who have undergone unilateral radical neck
      dissection (uRND). METHODS: We enrolled (1) bilateral POAG patients who had
      started (bilateral) latanoprost (0.005%) monotherapy prior to their uRND and (2)
      treatment-naive, bilateral glaucoma suspects (GSs) who had undergone the same
      surgery. We compared the eyes ipsilateral to the uRND with their fellow eyes in
      terms of the changes in IOP between the baseline (prior to the uRND) and the
      follow-up visits (1, 3, and 6 months after the uRND). RESULTS: The study involved
      22 eyes of 11 POAG patients and 14 eyes of 7 GSs. In the POAG patients, IOP had
      increased significantly after surgery in the eyes ipsilateral to the uRND (from
      14.7+/-1.4mmHg to 17.1+/-2.2mmHg; P = 0.007). Interestingly, in the eyes
      contralateral to the uRND, IOP had not changed significantly after surgery (from
      14.2+/-1.8mmHg to 14.4+/-2.0mmHg; P = 0.826). In GSs, the eyes ipsilateral to the
      uRND did not differ significantly from their fellow eyes in terms of post
      operative IOP change (ipsilateral value: 0.3+/-0.5mmHg, fellow eyes: -0.1+/
      0.7mmHg; P = 0.242). CONCLUSION: In the POAG patients, IOP had increased
      significantly in the eyes ipsilateral to the uRND. However, it had not changed
      significantly in the eyes contralateral to the surgery or in the eyes of the GSs.
      These findings suggest that, latanoprost works, at least in part, by enhancing
      outflow from the aqueous humor via the uveolymphatic pathway.

PMID- 28081186
TI  - Mechanical Compression Effects on the Secretion of vWF and IL-8 by Cultured Human
      Vein Endothelium.
AB  - Short peripheral catheters are ubiquitous in today's healthcare environment
      enabling effective delivery of fluids and medications directly into a patient's
      vasculature. However, complications related to their use, such as short
      peripheral catheter thrombophlebitis (SPCT), affect up to 80% of hospitalized
      patients. While indwelling within the vein, the catheters exert prolonged
      constant pressure upon the endothelium which can trigger inflammation processes.
      We have developed and studied an in-vitro model of cultured endothelial cells
      subjected to mechanical compression of modular self-designed weights, and
      explored their inflammatory response by quantification of two key biomarkers- vWF
      and IL-8. Evaluation was performed by ELISA immunoassay and processing of vWF
      labeled immunofluorescence images. We found that application of weights
      correspond to 272 Pa yielded increased release of vWF and IL-8 up to 150% and
      250% respectively, comparing to the exertion of 136 Pa. Analyses of the
      immunofluorescence images revealed significantly longer and more extracellular
      vWF-strings as well as higher intensity stained-pixels in cells exposed to
      elevated pressures. The release of both factors found to be significantly
      dependent on the extent of the exerted pressure. The research shed a light on the
      relationship between induced mechanical compression and the pathogenesis of SPCT.
      Minimizing, let alone eliminating the contact between the catheter and the vein
      wall will mitigate the pressure acting on the endothelium, thereby reducing the
      secretion of inflammatory factors and lessen the incidence of SPCT.

PMID- 28081185
TI  - Upregulated Expression of Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V
      Receptors in Mucosae of Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Patients
      with a History of Alcohol Consumption or Smoking.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Transient receptor potential cation channel (subfamily V, members 1
      4) (TRPV1-4) are expressed in skin and neurons and activated by external stimuli
      in normal mucosae of all oral cavity sites. The oral cavity is exposed to various
      stimuli, including temperature, mechanical stimuli, chemical substances, and
      changes in pH, and, notably, the risk factors for oncogenic transformation in
      oral squamous epithelium are the same as the external stimuli received by TRPV1-4
      receptors. Hence, we examined the relationship between oral squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC) and TRPV1-4 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral SCC patients
      (n = 37) who underwent surgical resection were included in this study. We
      investigated the expression of TRPV1-4 by immunohistochemical staining and
      quantification of TRPV1-4 mRNA in human oral mucosa. In addition, we compared the
      TRPV1-4 levels in mucosa from patients with SCC to those in normal oral mucosa.
      RESULTS: The receptors were expressed in oral mucosa at all sites (tongue, buccal
      mucosa, gingiva, and oral floor) and the expression was stronger in epithelia
      from patients with SCC than in normal epithelia. Furthermore, alcohol consumption
      and tobacco use were strongly associated with the occurrence of oral cancer and
      were found to have a remarkable influence on TRPV1-4 receptor expression in
      normal oral mucosa. In particular, patients with a history of alcohol consumption
      demonstrated significantly higher expression levels. CONCLUSION: Various external
      stimuli may influence the behavior of cancer cells. Overexpression of TRPV1-4 is
      likely to be a factor in enhanced sensitivity to external stimuli. These findings
      could contribute to the establishment of novel strategies for cancer therapy or
      prevention.

PMID- 28081187
TI  - Perceptual Space of Superimposed Dual-Frequency Vibrations in the Hands.
AB  - The use of distinguishable complex vibrations that have multiple spectral
      components can improve the transfer of information by vibrotactile interfaces. We
      investigated the qualitative characteristics of dual-frequency vibrations as the
      simplest complex vibrations compared to single-frequency vibrations. Two
      psychophysical experiments were conducted to elucidate the perceptual
      characteristics of these vibrations by measuring the perceptual distances among
      single-frequency and dual-frequency vibrations. The perceptual distances of dual
      frequency vibrations between their two frequency components along their relative
      intensity ratio were measured in Experiment I. The estimated perceptual spaces
      for three frequency conditions showed non-linear perceptual differences between
      the dual-frequency and single-frequency vibrations. A perceptual space was
      estimated from the measured perceptual distances among ten dual-frequency
      compositions and five single-frequency vibrations in Experiment II. The effect of
      the component frequency and the frequency ratio was revealed in the perceptual
      space. In a percept of dual-frequency vibration, the lower frequency component
      showed a dominant effect. Additionally, the perceptual difference among single
      frequency and dual-frequency vibrations were increased with a low relative
      difference between two frequencies of a dual-frequency vibration. These results
      are expected to provide a fundamental understanding about the perception of
      complex vibrations to enrich the transfer of information using vibrotactile
      stimuli.

PMID- 28081188
TI  - Effect of Varroa destructor, Wounding and Varroa Homogenate on Gene Expression in
      Brood and Adult Honey Bees.
AB  - Honey bee (Apis mellifera) gene expression related to immunity for hymenoptaecin
      (AmHym) and defensin-1 (AmDef-1), longevity for vitellogenin (AmVit2) and stem
      cell proliferation for poly U binding factor 68 kDa (AmPuf68) was compared
      following Varroa destructor parasitism, buffer injection and injection of V.
      destructor compounds in its homogenate. In adults, V. destructor parasitism
      decreased expression of all four genes, while buffer injection decreased
      expression of AmHym, AmPuf68 and AmVit2, and homogenate injection decreased
      expression of AmPuf68 and AmVit2 but increased expression of AmDef-1 relative to
      their respective controls. The effect of V. destructor parasitism in adults
      relative to the controls was not significantly different from buffer injection
      for AmHym and AmVit2 expression, and it was not significantly different from
      homogenate injection for AmPuf68 and AmVit2. In brood, V. destructor parasitism,
      buffer injection and homogenate injection decreased AmVit2 expression, whereas
      AmHym expression was decreased by V. destructor parasitism but increased by
      buffer and homogenate injection relative to the controls. The effect of varroa
      parasitism in brood was not significantly different from buffer or homogenate
      injection for AmPuf68 and AmVit2. Expression levels of the four genes did not
      correlate with detectable viral levels in either brood or adults. The results of
      this study indicate that the relative effects of V. destructor parasitism on
      honey bee gene expression are also shared with other types of stresses.
      Therefore, some of the effects of V. destructor on honey bees may be mostly due
      to wounding and injection of foreign compounds into the hemolymph of the bee
      during parasitism. Although both brood and adults are naturally parasitized by V.
      destructor, their gene expression responded differently, probably the result of
      different mechanisms of host responses during development.

PMID- 28081189
TI  - Global Gene Expression Analysis of Cross-Protected Phenotype of Pectobacterium
      atrosepticum.
AB  - The ability to adapt to adverse conditions permits many bacterial species to be
      virtually ubiquitous and survive in a variety of ecological niches. This ability
      is of particular importance for many plant pathogenic bacteria that should be
      able to exist, except for their host plants, in different environments e.g. soil,
      water, insect-vectors etc. Under some of these conditions, bacteria encounter
      absence of nutrients and persist, acquiring new properties related to resistance
      to a variety of stress factors (cross-protection). Although many studies describe
      the phenomenon of cross-protection and several regulatory components that induce
      the formation of resistant cells were elucidated, the global comparison of the
      physiology of cross-protected phenotype and growing cells has not been performed.
      In our study, we took advantage of RNA-Seq technology to gain better insights
      into the physiology of cross-protected cells on the example of a harmful
      phytopathogen, Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pba) that causes crop losses all over
      the world. The success of this bacterium in plant colonization is related to both
      its virulence potential and ability to persist effectively under various stress
      conditions (including nutrient deprivation) retaining the ability to infect
      plants afterwards. In our previous studies, we showed Pba to be advanced in
      applying different adaptive strategies that led to manifestation of cell
      resistance to multiple stress factors. In the present study, we determined the
      period necessary for the formation of cross-protected Pba phenotype under
      starvation conditions, and compare the transcriptome profiles of non-adapted
      growing cells and of adapted cells after the cross-protective effect has reached
      the maximal level. The obtained data were verified using qRT-PCR. Genes that were
      expressed differentially (DEGs) in two cell types were classified into functional
      groups and categories using different approaches. As a result, we portrayed
      physiological features that distinguish cross-protected phenotype from the
      growing cells.

PMID- 28081190
TI  - Inflammatory Activity on Natalizumab Predicts Short-Term but Not Long-Term
      Disability in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In people with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon-beta or
      glatiramer acetate, new MRI lesions and relapses during the first year of
      treatment predict a poor prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To study this association in those
      receiving natalizumab. METHODS: Data were collected on relapses, new MRI
      activity, and Modified Rio Score after initiation of natalizumab in an
      observational cohort of 161 patients with high baseline disability. These were
      correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression at years 1,
      2, 3, and 3-7 after treatment initiation, versus pre-treatment baseline. RESULTS:
      46/161 patients had a relapse in the first year and 44/161 had EDSS progression
      by year 2. Relapses and Modified Rio Score in the first year of treatment
      predicted EDSS progression at year 1 and 2 after treatment initiation. However,
      this effect disappeared with longer follow-up. Paradoxically, there was a trend
      towards inflammatory activity on treatment (first year Modified Rio Score,
      relapses, and MRI activity) predicting a lower risk of EDSS progression by years
      3-7, although this did not reach statistical significance. Those with and without
      EDSS progression did not differ in baseline age, EDSS, or pre-treatment relapse
      rate. Relapses in year 0-1 predicted further relapses in years 1-3. CONCLUSIONS:
      Breakthrough inflammatory activity after natalizumab treatment is predictive of
      short-term outcome measures of relapses or EDSS progression, but does not predict
      longer term EDSS progression, in this cohort with high baseline disability.

PMID- 28081191
TI  - Recreational Physical Activity and Premenstrual Syndrome in Young Adult Women: A
      Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that up to 75% of premenopausal women experience at
      least one premenstrual symptom and 8-20% meet clinical criteria for premenstrual
      syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome substantially reduces quality of life for many
      women of reproductive age, with pharmaceutical treatments having limited efficacy
      and substantial side effects. Physical activity has been recommended as a method
      of reducing menstrual symptom severity. However, this recommendation is based on
      relatively little evidence, and the relationship between physical activity,
      premenstrual symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome remains unclear. METHODS: We
      evaluated the relationship between physical activity and premenstrual syndrome
      and premenstrual symptoms among 414 women aged 18-31. Usual premenstrual symptom
      experience was assessed with a modified version of the Calendar of Premenstrual
      Experiences. Total, physical, and affective premenstrual symptom scores were
      calculated for all participants. Eighty women met criteria for moderate-to-severe
      premenstrual syndrome, while 89 met control criteria. Physical activity, along
      with dietary and lifestyle factors, was assessed by self-report. RESULTS:
      Physical activity was not significantly associated with total, affective, or
      physical premenstrual symptom score. Compared to the women with the lowest
      activity, women in tertiles 2 and 3 of activity, classified as metabolic
      equivalent task hours, had prevalence odds ratios for premenstrual syndrome of
      1.5 (95% CI: 0.6-3.7) and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.4-2.4), respectively (p-value for trend
      = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between physical activity and
      either premenstrual symptom scores or the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome.

PMID- 28081193
TI  - Environmental Factors Can Influence Mitochondrial Inheritance in the
      Saccharomyces Yeast Hybrids.
AB  - Mitochondria play a critical role in the generation of metabolic energy and are
      crucial for eukaryotic cell survival and proliferation. In most sexual
      eukaryotes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited from only one parent in non
      Mendelian inheritance in contrast to the inheritance of nuclear DNA. The model
      organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae is commonly used to study mitochondrial
      biology. It has two mating types: MATa and MATalpha. Previous studies have
      suggested that the mtDNA inheritance patterns in hybrid diploid cells depend on
      the genetic background of parental strains. However, the underlying mechanisms
      remain unclear. To elucidate the mechanisms, we examined the effects of
      environmental factors on the mtDNA inheritance patterns in hybrids obtained by
      crossing S. cerevisiae with its close relative S. paradoxus. The results
      demonstrated that environmental factors can influence mtDNA transmission in
      hybrid diploids, and that the inheritance patterns are strain dependent. The
      fitness competition assay results showed that the fitness differences can explain
      the mtDNA inheritance patterns under specific conditions. However, in this study,
      we found that fitness differences cannot fully be explained by mitochondrial
      activity in hybrids under stress conditions.

PMID- 28081192
TI  - Circulating Betatrophin Levels and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The association between circulating betatrophin levels and gestational
      diabetes mellitus (GDM) is controversial. The aim of our study was to
      systematically review available literature linking betatrophin to GDM for a
      comprehensive understanding of the relationship between circulating betatrophin
      levels and GDM in human. METHODS: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Medline and CNKI
      were searched for studies published up to August 2016. Manual searches of
      references of the relevant original studies were conducted. Pooled estimates were
      measured using the fixed or random effect model. Overall effect was reported in a
      standard mean difference (SMD). All data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3
      and Stata 12.0. RESULTS: Of 25 references reviewed, 8 studies met our inclusion
      criteria and contributed to meta-analysis. All the studies were used to evaluate
      the relationship between betatrophin levels in blood and GDM. Betatrophin levels
      were significantly elevated in women with GDM compared with those without GDM
      (SMD = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.41-1.68, P = 0.001). This evidence was more consistent
      among women with betatrophin blood draw during the third trimester (SMD = 1.3,
      95% CI: 1-1.61, P < 0.001) and for women BMI >= 28 kg/m2 (SMD = 1.53, 95% CI:
      1.30-1.75, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The evidences from this meta-analysis
      indicated that the levels of circulating betatrophin were significantly elevated
      among women with GDM compared with women with normal glucose tolerance,
      especially with BMI >= 28 kg/m2 and in the third trimester.

PMID- 28081194
TI  - T Cell Epitope-Containing Domains of Ragweed Amb a 1 and Mugwort Art v 6 Modulate
      Immunologic Responses in Humans and Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
      are the major cause of pollen allergy in late summer. Allergen-specific
      lymphocytes are crucial for immune modulation during immunotherapy. We sought to
      generate and pre-clinically characterise highly immunogenic domains of the
      homologous pectate lyases in ragweed (Amb a 1) and mugwort pollen (Art v 6) for
      immunotherapy. METHODS: Domains of Amb a 1 (Amb a 1alpha) and Art v 6 (Art v
      6alpha) and a hybrid molecule, consisting of both domains, were designed,
      expressed in E. coli and purified. Human IgE reactivity and allergenicity were
      assessed by ELISA and mediator release experiments using ragweed and mugwort
      allergic patients. Moreover, T cell proliferation was determined. Blocking IgG
      antibodies and cytokine production in BALB/c mice were studied by ELISA and
      ELISPOT. RESULTS: The IgE binding capacity and in vitro allergenic activity of
      the Amb a 1 and Art v 6 domains and the hybrid were either greatly reduced or
      abolished. The recombinant proteins induced T cell proliferative responses
      comparable to those of the natural allergens, indicative of retained allergen
      specific T cell response. Mice immunisation with the hypoallergens induced IL-4,
      IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-gamma production after antigen-specific in vitro re
      stimulation of splenocytes. Moreover, murine IgG antibodies that inhibited
      specific IgE binding of ragweed and mugwort pollen allergic patients were
      detected. CONCLUSION: Accumulation of T cell epitopes and deletion of IgE
      reactive areas of Amb a 1 and Art v 6, modulated the immunologic properties of
      the allergen immuno-domains, leading to promising novel candidates for
      therapeutic approach.

PMID- 28081195
TI  - Assessment of Volumetric versus Manual Measurement in Disseminated Testicular
      Cancer; No Difference in Assessment between Non-Radiologists and Genitourinary
      Radiologist.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and
      reproducibility of semi-automatic volumetric measurement of retroperitoneal lymph
      node metastases in testicular cancer (TC) patients treated with chemotherapy
      versus the standardized manual measurements based on RECIST criteria. METHODS: 21
      TC patients with retroperitoneal lymph node metastases of testicular cancer were
      studied with a CT scan of chest and abdomen before and after cisplatin based
      chemotherapy. Three readers, a surgical resident, a radiological technician and a
      radiologist, assessed tumor response independently using computerized volumetric
      analysis with Vitrea software(r) and manual measurement according to RECIST
      criteria (version 1.1). Intra- and inter-rater variability were evaluated with
      intra class correlations and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Assessment of intra
      observer and inter observer variance proved non-significant in both measurement
      modalities. In particularly all intraclass correlation (ICC) values for the
      volumetric analysis were > .99 per observer and between observers. There was
      minimal bias in agreement for manual as well as volumetric analysis. CONCLUSION:
      In this study volumetric measurement using Vitrea software(r) appears to be a
      reliable, reproducible method to measure initial tumor volume of retroperitoneal
      lymph node metastases of testicular cancer after chemotherapy. Both measurement
      methods can be performed by experienced non-radiologists as well.

PMID- 28081196
TI  - How Social Ties Influence Consumer: Evidence from Event-Related Potentials.
AB  - A considerable amount of marketing research has reported that consumers are more
      saliently influenced by friends (strong social ties) than by acquaintances and
      strangers (weak social ties). To shed light on the neural and psychological
      processes underlying such phenomenon, in this study we designed an amended S1-S2
      paradigm (product-[reviewer-review]) that is based on realistic consumer purchase
      experiences. After incoming all given information (product, reviewer, review),
      participants were required to state their purchase intentions. The neurocognitive
      and emotional processes related to friend and stranger stimuli were delineated to
      suggest how social ties influence consumers during their shopping processes.
      Larger P2 (fronto-central scalp areas) and P3 (central and posterior-parietal
      scalp areas) components under stranger condition were elicited successfully.
      These findings demonstrate that the cognitive and emotional processing of friend
      and stranger stimuli occurs at stages of neural activity, and can be indicated by
      the P2 and P3 components. Electrophysiological data also support the hypothesis
      that different neural and emotional processing magnitude and strength underlie
      friend and stranger effect in the context of consumer purchase. During this
      process, the perception of stimuli evoked P2, subsequently emotional processing
      and attention modulation were activated and indicated by P2 and P3. The friend
      dominated phenomenon can be interpreted as the result of distinctive
      neurocognitive and emotional processing magnitude, which suggests that
      psychological and emotional factors can guide consumer decision making. This
      study consolidates that event related potential (ERP) methodology is likely to be
      a more sensitive method for investigating consumer behaviors. From the
      perspectives of management and marketing, our findings show that the P2 and P3
      components can be employed as an indicator to probe the influential factors of
      consumer purchase intentions.

PMID- 28081197
TI  - Morphine Withdrawal Modifies Prion Protein Expression in Rat Hippocampus.
AB  - The hippocampus is a vulnerable brain structure susceptible to damage during
      aging and chronic stress. Repeated exposure to opioids may alter the brain so
      that it functions normally when the drugs are present, thus, a prolonged
      withdrawal might lead to homeostatic changes headed for the restoration of the
      physiological state. Abuse of morphine may lead to Reacting Oxygen Species
      induced neurodegeneration and apoptosis. It has been proposed that during
      morphine withdrawal, stress responses might be responsible, at least in part, for
      long-term changes of hippocampal plasticity. Since prion protein is involved in
      both, Reacting Oxygen Species mediated stress responses and synaptic plasticity,
      in this work we investigate the effect of opiate withdrawal in rats after
      morphine treatment. We hypothesize that stressful stimuli induced by opiate
      withdrawal, and the subsequent long-term homeostatic changes in hippocampal
      plasticity, might modulate the Prion protein expression. Our results indicate
      that abstinence from the opiate induced a time-dependent and region-specific
      modification in Prion protein content, indeed during morphine withdrawal a
      selective unbalance of hippocampal Prion Protein is observable. Moreover, Prion
      protein overexpression in hippocampal tissue seems to generate a dimeric
      structure of Prion protein and alpha-cleavage at the hydrophobic domain. Stress
      factors or toxic insults can induce cytosolic dimerization of Prion Protein
      through the hydrophobic domain, which in turn, it stimulates the alpha-cleavage
      and the production of neuroprotective Prion protein fragments. We speculate that
      this might be the mechanism by which stressful stimuli induced by opiate
      withdrawal and the subsequent long-term homeostatic changes in hippocampal
      plasticity, modulate the expression and the dynamics of Prion protein.

PMID- 28081198
TI  - Molecular Analysis of Chinese Celastrus and Tripterygium and Implications in
      Medicinal and Pharmacological Studies.
AB  - Celastrus and Tripterygium species, which are used in traditional Chinese
      medicine, have attracted much attention due to their anti-tumor promoting and
      neuroprotective activities, in addition to their applications in autoimmune
      disorders. However, systematic relationships between them and among species are
      unclear, and it may disturb their further medicinal utilization. In the present
      study, the molecular analysis of combined chloroplast and nuclear markers of all
      Chinese Celastrus and Tripterygium was performed, and clear inter- and intra
      genus relationships were presented. The result suggests that Tripterygium
      constitute a natural monophyletic clade within Celastrus with strong support
      value. Fruit and seed type are better than inflorescence in subgeneric
      classification. Chinese Celastrus are classified for three sections: Sect.
      Sempervirentes (Maxim.) CY Cheng & TC Kao, Sect. Lunatus XY Mu & ZX Zhang, sect.
      nov., and Sect. Ellipticus XY Mu & ZX Zhang, sect. nov. The phylogenetic data was
      consistent with their chemical components reported previously. Owing to the close
      relationship, several evergreen Celastrus species are recommended for chemical
      and pharmacological studies. Our results also provide reference for molecular
      identification of Chinese Celastrus and Tripterygium.

PMID- 28081199
TI  - Mesons from Laser-Induced Processes in Ultra-Dense Hydrogen H(0).
AB  - Large signals of charged light mesons are observed in the laser-induced particle
      flux from ultra-dense hydrogen H(0) layers. The mesons are formed in such layers
      on metal surfaces using < 200 mJ laser pulse-energy. The time variation of the
      signal to metal foil collectors and the magnetic deflection to a movable pin
      collector are now studied. Relativistic charged particles with velocity up to 500
      MeV u-1 thus 0.75 c are observed. Characteristic decay time constants for meson
      decay are observed, for charged and neutral kaons and also for charged pions.
      Magnetic deflections agree with charged pions and kaons. Theoretical predictions
      of the decay chains from kaons to muons in the particle beam agree with the
      results. Muons are detected separately by standard scintillation detectors in
      laser-induced processes in ultra-dense hydrogen H(0) as published previously. The
      muons formed do not decay appreciably within the flight distances used here. Most
      of the laser-ejected particle flux with MeV energy is not deflected by the
      magnetic fields and is thus neutral, either being neutral kaons or the ultra
      dense HN(0) precursor clusters. Photons give only a minor part of the detected
      signals. PACS: 67.63.Gh, 14.40.-n, 79.20.Ds, 52.57.-z.

PMID- 28081200
TI  - Fitter Women Did Not Have Attenuated Hemodynamic Responses to Psychological
      Stress Compared with Age-Matched Women with Lower Levels of Fitness.
AB  - According to the 'cross stressor adaptation hypothesis', regular exercise acts as
      a buffer against the detrimental effects of stress. Nevertheless, evidence that
      higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness moderate hemodynamic responses to
      acute psychological stress is inconclusive, especially in women. Women aged 30-50
      years (in the mid-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle) with higher (n = 17)
      and lower (n = 17) levels of fitness were subjected to a Trier Social Stress Test
      (TSST). Continuous, non-invasive measurements were made of beat-to-beat, systolic
      blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure
      (MAP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), left ventricular
      ejection time (LVET), maximum slope, pulse interval (PI) and total peripheral
      resistance (TPR). Maximal oxygen consumption was significantly (p<0.001) higher
      in the 'higher fit' women. Lower fit women had higher fasting glucose, resting
      heart rate, waist to hip ratios and elevated serum triglyceride and cholesterol/
      HDL ratios compared with higher fit women (p<0.05 for all). While all measured
      parameters (for both groups)displayed significant (p<0.001) responses to the
      TSST, only HR, PI and LVET differed significantly between higher and lower fit
      women (p<0.001 for all) with the higher fit women having the larger response in
      each case. It was also found that higher fit women had significantly shorter time
      to recovery for maximum slope compared with the lower fit women. These findings
      provide little support for the notion that higher levels of cardiorespiratory
      fitness result in lower cardiovascular responsivity to psychological stress in
      women but may indicate that lower fit women have blunted responses to stress.

PMID- 28081201
TI  - Complex Network Analysis for Characterizing Global Value Chains in Equipment
      Manufacturing.
AB  - The rise of global value chains (GVCs) characterized by the so-called
      "outsourcing", "fragmentation production", and "trade in tasks" has been
      considered one of the most important phenomena for the 21st century trade. GVCs
      also can play a decisive role in trade policy making. However, due to the
      increasing complexity and sophistication of international production networks,
      especially in the equipment manufacturing industry, conventional trade statistics
      and the corresponding trade indicators may give us a distorted picture of trade.
      This paper applies various network analysis tools to the new GVC accounting
      system proposed by Koopman et al. (2014) and Wang et al. (2013) in which gross
      exports can be decomposed into value-added terms through various routes along
      GVCs. This helps to divide the equipment manufacturing-related GVCs into some sub
      networks with clear visualization. The empirical results of this paper
      significantly improve our understanding of the topology of equipment
      manufacturing-related GVCs as well as the interdependency of countries in these
      GVCs that is generally invisible from the traditional trade statistics.

PMID- 28081202
TI  - Characterization and Functional Analysis of Five MADS-Box B Class Genes Related
      to Floral Organ Identification in Tagetes erecta.
AB  - According to the floral organ development ABC model, B class genes specify petal
      and stamen identification. In order to study the function of B class genes in
      flower development of Tagetes erecta, five MADS-box B class genes were identified
      and their expression and putative functions were studied. Sequence comparisons
      and phylogenetic analyses indicated that there were one PI-like gene-TePI, two
      euAP3-like genes-TeAP3-1 and TeAP3-2, and two TM6-like genes-TeTM6-1 and TeTM6-2
      in T. erecta. Strong expression levels of these genes were detected in stamens of
      the disk florets, but little or no expression was detected in bracts, receptacles
      or vegetative organs. Yeast hybrid experiments of the B class proteins showed
      that TePI protein could form a homodimer and heterodimers with all the other four
      B class proteins TeAP3-1, TeAP3-2, TeTM6-1 and TeTM6-2. No homodimer or
      interaction was observed between the euAP3 and TM6 clade members. Over-expression
      of five B class genes of T. erecta in Nicotiana rotundifolia showed that only the
      transgenic plants of 35S::TePI showed altered floral morphology compared with the
      non-transgenic line. This study could contribute to the understanding of the
      function of B class genes in flower development of T. erecta, and provide a
      theoretical basis for further research to change floral organ structures and
      create new materials for plant breeding.

PMID- 28081203
TI  - Mechanism and Parameter Optimization of Fenton's Reagent Integrated with
      Surfactant Pretreatment to Improve Sludge Dewaterability.
AB  - Sludge dewatering can effectively reduce the volume and mass of sludge for
      subsequent treatment and disposal. The work validated the potential of Fenton's
      reagent combined with dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) in
      improving sludge dewaterability and proposed the mechanism of joint conditioning.
      The composite conditioner dosage was optimized using response surface
      methodology. Results indicated the good conditioning capability of the composite
      conditioners. The optimum dosages for H2O2, Fe2+, and DDBAC were 44.6, 39.6, and
      71.0 mg/g, respectively, at which a sludge cake water content of 59.67% could be
      achieved. Moreover, a second-order polynomial equation was developed to describe
      the behavior of joint conditioning. Analysis of the reaction mechanism showed
      that Fenton oxidation effectively decomposed extracellular polymeric substance
      (EPS), including loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) and tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS), into
      dissolved organics, such as proteins and polysaccharides. The process facilitated
      the conversion of the bound water into free water. Furthermore, DDBAC further
      released the bound water through solubilization of TB-EPS and LB-EPS after the
      Fenton reaction. The bound water content of the sludge conditioned with Fenton's
      reagent decreased from 3.15 to 1.36 g/g and further decreased to 1.08 g/g with
      the addition of DDBAC. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis verified
      that the composite conditioning could oxidize and hydrolyze EPS into low
      molecular-mass organics (e.g., formic and acetic acid), thereby facilitating the
      release of bound water.

PMID- 28081204
TI  - Deletion of ssnA Attenuates the Pathogenicity of Streptococcus suis and Confers
      Protection against Serovar 2 Strain Challenge.
AB  - Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is a major porcine and human pathogen which
      causes arthritis, meningitis, and septicemia. Streptococcus suis nuclease A
      (SsnA) is a recently discovered deoxyribonuclease (DNase), which has been
      demonstrated to contribute to escape killing in neutrophil extracellular traps
      (NETs). To further determine the effects of ssnA on virulence, the ssnA deletion
      mutant (DeltassnA) and its complemented strain (C-DeltassnA) were constructed.
      The ability of DeltassnA mutant to interact with human laryngeal epithelial cell
      (Hep-2) was evaluated and it exhibited dramatically decreased ability to adhere
      to and invade Hep-2 cells. This mutation was found to exhibit significant
      attenuation of virulence when evaluated in CD1 mice, suggesting ssnA plays a
      critical role in the pathogenesis of SS2. Finally, we found that immunization
      with the DeltassnA mutant triggered both antibody responses and cell-mediated
      immunity, and conferred 80% protection against virulent SS2 challenge in mice.
      Taken together, our results suggest that DeltassnA represents an attractive
      candidate for designing an attenuated live vaccine against SS2.

PMID- 28081206
TI  - Identifying Pleiotropic Genes in Genome-Wide Association Studies for Multivariate
      Phenotypes with Mixed Measurement Scales.
AB  - We propose a multivariate genome-wide association test for mixed continuous,
      binary, and ordinal phenotypes. A latent response model is used to estimate the
      correlation between phenotypes with different measurement scales so that the
      empirical distribution of the Fisher's combination statistic under the null
      hypothesis is estimated efficiently. The simulation study shows that our proposed
      correlation estimation methods have high levels of accuracy. More importantly,
      our approach conservatively estimates the variance of the test statistic so that
      the type I error rate is controlled. The simulation also shows that the proposed
      test maintains the power at the level very close to that of the ideal analysis
      based on known latent phenotypes while controlling the type I error. In contrast,
      conventional approaches-dichotomizing all observed phenotypes or treating them as
      continuous variables-could either reduce the power or employ a linear regression
      model unfit for the data. Furthermore, the statistical analysis on the database
      of the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE) demonstrates that
      conducting a multivariate test on multiple phenotypes can increase the power of
      identifying markers that may not be, otherwise, chosen using marginal tests. The
      proposed method also offers a new approach to analyzing the Fagerstrom Test for
      Nicotine Dependence as multivariate phenotypes in genome-wide association
      studies.

PMID- 28081205
TI  - Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A
      Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) may involve new-onset anxiety and
      depression post-discharge. However, long-term population-based studies have
      lacked access to follow-up conditions in terms of new-onset anxiety and
      depression. The objective of this study was to estimate the long-term risk of new
      onset anxiety and depression post-discharge. METHODS: The Longitudinal Health
      Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000) from Taiwan's National Health Insurance
      Research Database was used in this study. Individuals with tSCI were identified
      using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical
      Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnostic codes of 806 and 952 from 1999-2008. The
      comparison cohort (other health conditions group) was randomly selected from the
      LHID2000 and was 1:1 matched by age, sex, index year, and comorbidities to reduce
      the selection bias. All study participants were retrospectively followed for a
      maximum of 3 years until the end of follow-up, death, or new-onset anxiety (ICD-9
      CM: 309.2-309.4) or depression (ICD-9-CM: 296.2, 296.5, 296.82, 300.4, 309.0
      309.1, and 311). Persons who were issued a catastrophic illness card for tSCI
      were categorized as having a severe level of SCI (Injury Severity Score [ISS]
      >=16). Poisson regression was used to estimate the incidence rate ratios of
      anxiety or depression between patients with tSCI and other health conditions. The
      relative risk of anxiety or depression was estimated using a Cox regression
      analysis, which was adjusted for potential confounding factors. RESULTS:
      Univariate analyses showed that the tSCI patients (n = 3556) had a 1.33 times
      greater incidence of new-onset anxiety or depression (95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.12-1.57) compared to the other health conditions group (n = 3556). After
      adjusting for potential risk factors, the tSCI patients had a significant 1.29
      fold increased risk of anxiety or depression compared to the group with other
      health conditions (95% CI: 1.09-1.53). Individuals with tSCI, including patients
      who were under the age of 35, patients who were males, patients who had a low
      income, and patients without a Charlson Comorbidity Index score, all had a higher
      long-term risk of anxiety or depression than the other health conditions group
      (IRRs: 1.84, 1.63, 1.29, and 1.39, respectively). For all tSCI patients, those
      with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >=16 had an almost 2-fold higher risk of
      anxiety or depression (adjusted Hazard Ratio: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.17-2.92) compared
      to those with ISS <16. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that tSCI patients
      have a high risk of anxiety or depression post-discharge, especially among the
      younger tSCI patients (age <50 years), compared with the other health conditions
      group. This information could help physicians understand the long-term risk of
      new-onset anxiety or depression in tSCI patients post-discharge.

PMID- 28081207
TI  - Myxovirus Resistance Protein A mRNA Expression Kinetics in Multiple Sclerosis
      Patients Treated with IFNbeta.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Interferon-beta (IFNbeta) is the first-line treatment for relapsing
      remitting multiple sclerosis. Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) is a marker of
      IFNbeta bioactivity, which may be reduced by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs)
      against IFNbeta. The aim of the study was to analyze the kinetics of MxA mRNA
      expression during long-term IFNbeta treatment and assess its predictive value.
      METHODS: A prospective, observational, open-label, non-randomized study was
      designed in multiple sclerosis patients starting IFNbeta treatment. MxA mRNA was
      assessed prior to initiation of IFNbeta therapy and every three months
      subsequently. NAbs were assessed every six months. Assessment of relapses was
      scheduled every three months during 24 months of follow up. The disease activity
      was correlated to the pretreatment baseline MxA mRNA value. In NAb negative
      patients, clinical status was correlated to MxA mRNA values. RESULTS: 119
      patients were consecutively enrolled and 107 were included in the final analysis.
      There was no correlation of MxA mRNA expression levels between baseline and month
      three. Using survival analysis, none of the selected baseline MxA mRNA cut off
      points allowed prediction of time to first relapse on the treatment. In NAb
      negative patients, mean MxA mRNA levels did not significantly differ in patients
      irrespective of relapse status. CONCLUSION: Baseline MxA mRNA does not predict
      the response to IFNbeta treatment or the clinical status of the disease and the
      level of MxA mRNA does not correlate with disease activity in NAb negative
      patients.

PMID- 28081208
TI  - Optimizing Training Population Size and Genotyping Strategy for Genomic
      Prediction Using Association Study Results and Pedigree Information. A Case of
      Study in Advanced Wheat Breeding Lines.
AB  - Wheat breeding programs generate a large amount of variation which cannot be
      completely explored because of limited phenotyping throughput. Genomic prediction
      (GP) has been proposed as a new tool which provides breeding values estimations
      without the need of phenotyping all the material produced but only a subset of it
      named training population (TP). However, genotyping of all the accessions under
      analysis is needed and, therefore, optimizing TP dimension and genotyping
      strategy is pivotal to implement GP in commercial breeding schemes. Here, we
      explored the optimum TP size and we integrated pedigree records and genome wide
      association studies (GWAS) results to optimize the genotyping strategy. A total
      of 988 advanced wheat breeding lines were genotyped with the Illumina 15K SNPs
      wheat chip and phenotyped across several years and locations for yield, lodging,
      and starch content. Cross-validation using the largest possible TP size and all
      the SNPs available after editing (~11k), yielded predictive abilities (rGP)
      ranging between 0.5-0.6. In order to explore the Training population size, rGP
      were computed using progressively smaller TP. These exercises showed that TP of
      around 700 lines were enough to yield the highest observed rGP. Moreover, rGP
      were calculated by randomly reducing the SNPs number. This showed that around 1K
      markers were enough to reach the highest observed rGP. GWAS was used to identify
      markers associated with the traits analyzed. A GWAS-based selection of SNPs
      resulted in increased rGP when compared with random selection and few hundreds
      SNPs were sufficient to obtain the highest observed rGP. For each of these
      scenarios, advantages of adding the pedigree information were shown. Our results
      indicate that moderate TP sizes were enough to yield high rGP and that pedigree
      information and GWAS results can be used to greatly optimize the genotyping
      strategy.

PMID- 28081209
TI  - MTHFR C677T, A1298C and MS A2756G Gene Polymorphisms and Male Infertility Risk in
      a Chinese Population: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR C677T and A1298C) and
      methionine synthase gene (MS A2756G) polymorphisms have shown an association with
      male infertility risk in several ethnic populations. Although several studies
      have evaluated these associations in Chinese populations, their small sample
      sizes and inconsistent outcomes have prevented strong conclusions. Therefore, the
      present meta-analysis was performed with published studies to evaluate the
      associations of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and male
      infertility in a Chinese population. METHODS: We conducted a search of PubMed,
      Embase, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China
      biology medical literature (CBM), VIP, and Chinese literature (Wan Fang)
      databases up to May 31, 2016. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals
      (95%CIs) were used to assess the strength of associations with a random-effect
      model or a fixed-effect model based on the heterogeneity analysis results.
      Sensitivity analysis was used to confirm the reliability and stability of the
      meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of nine studies, including 1,713 cases and 1,104
      controls, were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that
      the MTHFR C667T polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of
      male infertility in the Chinese population in the allele model (T vs. C: OR =
      1.47, 95%CI = 1.32-1.63), the dominant model (TT + CT vs. CC: OR = 1.51, 95%CI =
      1.30-1.77), the additive model (TT vs. CC: OR = 2.08, 95%CI = 1.68-2.58) and the
      recessive model (TT vs. CT+CC: OR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.31-1.90), whereas the MTHFR
      A1298C and MS A2756G polymorphisms were not risk factors. There was no
      significant heterogeneity in any genotype contrasts among the studies. The
      sensitivity analysis indicated that the results of this meta-analysis were
      relatively stable. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the MTHFR C667T
      polymorphism may contribute to the genetic susceptibility to male infertility in
      the Chinese population, whereas MTHFR A1298C and MS A2756G polymorphisms may be
      unrelated to male infertility. Studies with larger sample sizes and
      representative population-based cases and well-matched controls are needed to
      validate our results.

PMID- 28081212
TI  - Correction: A Stochastic Model of the Yeast Cell Cycle Reveals Roles for Feedback
      Regulation in Limiting Cellular Variability.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005230.].

PMID- 28081210
TI  - Mutations in HYAL2, Encoding Hyaluronidase 2, Cause a Syndrome of Orofacial
      Clefting and Cor Triatriatum Sinister in Humans and Mice.
AB  - Orofacial clefting is amongst the most common of birth defects, with both genetic
      and environmental components. Although numerous studies have been undertaken to
      investigate the complexities of the genetic etiology of this heterogeneous
      condition, this factor remains incompletely understood. Here, we describe
      mutations in the HYAL2 gene as a cause of syndromic orofacial clefting. HYAL2,
      encoding hyaluronidase 2, degrades extracellular hyaluronan, a critical component
      of the developing heart and palatal shelf matrix. Transfection assays
      demonstrated that the gene mutations destabilize the molecule, dramatically
      reducing HYAL2 protein levels. Consistent with the clinical presentation in
      affected individuals, investigations of Hyal2-/- mice revealed craniofacial
      abnormalities, including submucosal cleft palate. In addition, cor triatriatum
      sinister and hearing loss, identified in a proportion of Hyal2-/- mice, were also
      found as incompletely penetrant features in affected humans. Taken together our
      findings identify a new genetic cause of orofacial clefting in humans and mice,
      and define the first molecular cause of human cor triatriatum sinister,
      illustrating the fundamental importance of HYAL2 and hyaluronan turnover for
      normal human and mouse development.

PMID- 28081211
TI  - Development and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Bacteremia among
      Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients in Outpatient Settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, no reliable clinical prediction rule (CPR) for
      identifying bacteremia in hemodialysis (HD) patients has been established. The
      aim of this study was to develop a CPR for bacteremia in maintenance HD patients
      visiting the outpatient department. METHODS: This multicenter cohort study
      involved consecutive maintenance HD patients who visited the outpatient clinic or
      emergency room of seven Japanese institutions between August 2011 and July 2013.
      The outcome measure was bacteremia diagnosed based on the results of blood
      cultures. The candidate predictors for bacteremia were extracted through a
      literature review. A CPR for bacteremia was developed using a coefficient-based
      multivariable logistic regression scoring method, and calibration was performed.
      The test performance was then assessed for the CPR. RESULTS: Of 507 patients
      eligible for the study, we analyzed the 293 with a complete dataset for candidate
      predictors. Of these 293 patients, 48 (16.4%) were diagnosed with bacteremia. At
      the conclusion of the deviation process, body temperature >= 38.3 degrees C,
      heart rate >= 125 /min, C-reactive protein >= 10 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase >360
      IU/L, and no prior antibiotics use within the past week were retained and scored.
      The CPR had a good fit for the model on calibration. The AUC of the CPR was 0.76,
      and for score CPR >= 2, the sensitivity and specificity were 89.6% and 51.4%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We established a simple CPR for bacteremia in
      maintenance HD patients using routinely obtained clinical information in an
      outpatient setting. This model may facilitate more appropriate clinical decision
      making.

PMID- 28081213
TI  - Transcriptome Profiling to Understand the Effect of Citrus Rootstocks on the
      Growth of 'Shatangju' Mandarin.
AB  - To obtain insight into potential mechanisms underlying the influence of rootstock
      on scion growth, we performed a comparative analysis of 'Shatangju' mandarin
      grafted onto 5 rootstocks: Fragrant orange (Citrus junons Sieb. ex. Tanaka), Red
      tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco), 'Shatangju' mandarin (Citrus reticulata
      Blanco), Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush) and Canton lemon (Citrus limonia
      Osbeck). The tree size of 'Shatangju' mandarin grafted onto Canton lemon and
      Rough lemon were the largest, followed by self-rooted rootstock trees, and the
      lowest tree sizes correspond to ones grafted on Red tangerine and Fragrant orange
      rootstocks. The levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin (GA) were
      significantly and positively related to growth vigor. The differences of gene
      expression in leaves of trees grafted onto Red tangerine, Canton lemon and
      'Shatangju' mandarin were analyzed by RNA-Seq. Results showed that more
      differentially expressed genes involved in oxidoreductase function, hormonal
      signal transduction and the glycolytic pathway were enriched in 'Red tangerine vs
      Canton lemon'. qRT-PCR analysis showed that expression levels of ARF1, ARF8, GH3
      and IAA4 were negatively correlated with the growth vigor and IAA content. The
      metabolism of GA was influenced by the differential expression of KO1 and GA2OX1
      in grafted trees. In addition, most of antioxidant enzyme genes were up-regulated
      in leaves of trees grafted onto Red tangerine, resulting in a higher peroxidase
      activity. We concluded that different rootstocks significantly affected the
      expression of genes involved in auxin signal transduction pathway and GA
      biosynthesis pathway in the grafted plants, and then regulated the hormone levels
      and their signal pathways.

PMID- 28081215
TI  - Genome-Wide Association Studies of Multiple Keratinocyte Cancers.
AB  - There is strong evidence for a role of environmental risk factors involved in
      susceptibility to develop multiple keratinocyte cancers (mKCs), but whether genes
      are also involved in mKCs susceptibility has not been thoroughly investigated. We
      investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with
      susceptibility for mKCs. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 1,666 cases
      with mKCs and 1,950 cases with single KC (sKCs; controls) from Harvard cohorts
      (the Nurses' Health Study [NHS], NHS II, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up
      Study) and the Framingham Heart Study was carried-out using over 8 million SNPs
      (stage-1). We sought to replicate the most significant statistical associations
      (p-value<= 5.5x10-6) in an independent cohort of 574 mKCs and 872 sKCs from the
      Rotterdam Study. In the discovery stage, 40 SNPs with suggestive associations (p
      value <=5.5x10-6) were identified, with eight independent SNPs tagging all 40
      SNPs. The most significant SNP was located at chromosome 9 (rs7468390; p-value =
      3.92x10-7). In stage-2, none of these SNPs replicated and only two of them were
      associated with mKCs in the same direction in the combined meta-analysis. We
      tested the associations for 19 previously reported basal cell carcinoma-related
      SNPs (candidate gene association analysis), and found that rs1805007 (MC1R locus)
      was significantly associated with risk of mKCs (p-value = 2.80x10-4). Although
      the suggestive SNPs with susceptibility for mKCs were not replicated, we found
      that previously identified BCC variants may also be associated with mKC, which
      the most significant association (rs1805007) located at the MC1R gene.

PMID- 28081216
TI  - Real-Time Monitoring of Placental Oxygenation during Maternal Hypoxia and
      Hyperoxygenation Using Photoacoustic Imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: This preclinical study aimed to evaluate placental oxygenation in
      pregnant rats by real-time photoacoustic (PA) imaging on different days of
      gestation and to specify variations in placental oxygen saturation under
      conditions of maternal hypoxia and hyperoxygenation. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Placentas of fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were examined on days 14, 17, and 20 of
      pregnancy with a PA imaging system coupled to high-resolution ultrasound imaging.
      Pregnant rats were successively exposed to hyperoxygenated and hypoxic conditions
      by changing the oxygen concentration in inhaled gas. Tissue oxygen saturation was
      quantitatively analyzed by real-time PA imaging in the skin and 3 regions of the
      placenta. All procedures were performed in accordance with applicable ethical
      guidelines and approved by the animal care committee. RESULTS: Maternal hypoxia
      was associated with significantly greater decrease in blood oxygen saturation
      (DeltaO2 Saturation) in the skin (70.74% +/-7.65) than in the mesometrial
      triangle (32.66% +/-5.75) or other placental areas (labyrinth: 18.58% +/- 6.61;
      basal zone: 13.13% +/-5.72) on different days of pregnancy (P<0.001). DeltaO2
      Saturation did not differ significantly between the labyrinth, the basal zone,
      and the decidua. After the period of hypoxia, maternal hyperoxygenation led to a
      significant rise in oxygen saturation, which returned to its initial values in
      the different placental regions (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PA imaging enables the
      variation of blood oxygen saturation to be monitored in the placenta during
      maternal hypoxia or hyperoxygenation. This first preclinical study suggests that
      the placenta plays an important role in protecting the fetus against maternal
      hypoxia.

PMID- 28081214
TI  - Cold Pressor Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Myocardial Flow Reserve Is Not
      Useful for Detection of Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Women with Signs and
      Symptoms of Ischemia and No Obstructive CAD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary endothelial function testing using acetylcholine is not
      routinely available, while non-pharmacological cold pressor testing (CPT) is
      considered an endothelial stressor. Noninvasive cardiac magnetic resonance
      imaging (CMRI) myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) can detect coronary
      microvascular dysfunction (CMD). We evaluated if CPT stress CMRI MPRI could
      detect invasive coronary endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: Coronary reactivity
      testing was performed in 189 women with symptoms and signs of ischemic but no
      obstructive coronary artery disease as previously described plus CPT stress.
      Subjects also underwent pharmacologic and CPT stress during CMRI (1.5 T).
      Statistical analysis comparing CPT MPRI between groups was performed by Welch's t
      test and Mann-Whitney where appropriate. Anderson-Darling test and Levene test
      were considered to verify the normality and homogeneity of variances assumptions.
      Correlation analyses between CPT MPRI and both invasive and noninvasive measures
      of CMD were performed using Spearman correlation. RESULTS: While CPT MPRI
      correlated with pharmacological stress MPRI, it did not correlate with invasive
      measures of CMD including invasively measured responses to intracoronary (IC)
      adenosine, IC acetylcholine, CPT, or IC nitroglycerin. Additionally CPT MPRI was
      not significantly different between subjects with normal compared to abnormal
      pharm stress MPRI or normal compared to abnormal invasive CMD parameters.
      CONCLUSION: Despite correlation with pharmacological stress MPRI, non-invasive
      CPT MPRI does not appear to be useful for detecting CMD in symptomatic women.

PMID- 28081217
TI  - Collective Genetic Interaction Effects and the Role of Antigen-Presenting Cells
      in Autoimmune Diseases.
AB  - Autoimmune diseases occur when immune cells fail to develop or lose their
      tolerance toward self and destroy body's own tissues. Both insufficient negative
      selection of self-reactive T cells and impaired development of regulatory T cells
      preventing effector cell activation are believed to contribute to autoimmunity.
      Genetic predispositions center around the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
      class II loci involved in antigen presentation, the key determinant of CD4+ T
      cell activation. Recent studies suggested that variants in the MHC region also
      exhibit significant non-additive interaction effects. However, collective
      interactions involving large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      contributing to such effects are yet to be characterized. In addition, relatively
      little is known about the cell-type-specificity of such interactions in the
      context of cellular pathways. Here, we analyzed type 1 diabetes (T1D) and
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) genome-wide association data sets via large-scale, high
      performance computations and inferred collective interaction effects involving
      MHC SNPs using the discrete discriminant analysis. Despite considerable
      differences in the details of SNP interactions in T1D and RA data, the enrichment
      pattern of interacting pairs in reference epigenomes was remarkably similar:
      statistically significant interactions were epigenetically active in cell-type
      combinations connecting B cells to T cells and intestinal epithelial cells, with
      both helper and regulatory T cells showing strong disease-associated interactions
      with B cells. Our results provide direct genetic evidence pointing to the
      important roles B cells play as antigen-presenting cells toward CD4+ T cells in
      the context of central and peripheral tolerance. In addition, they are consistent
      with recent experimental studies suggesting that the repertoire of B cell
      specific self-antigens in the thymus are critical to the effective control of
      corresponding autoimmune activation in peripheral tissues.

PMID- 28081219
TI  - Correction: A Novel Diphenylthiosemicarbazide Is a Potential Insulin Secretagogue
      for Anti-Diabetic Agent.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164785.].

PMID- 28081218
TI  - Adiponectin Signaling Regulates Lipid Production in Human Sebocytes.
AB  - Adiponectin plays important roles in metabolic function, inflammation and
      multiple biological activities in various tissues. However, evidence for
      adiponectin signaling in sebaceous glands is lacking, and its role remains to be
      clarified. This study investigated the role of adiponectin in lipid production in
      sebaceous glands in an experimental study of human sebocytes. We demonstrated
      that human sebaceous glands in vivo and sebocytes in vitro express adiponectin
      receptor and that adiponectin increased cell proliferation. Moreover, based on a
      lipogenesis study using Oil Red O, Nile red staining and thin layer
      chromatography, adiponectin strongly upregulated lipid production in sebocytes.
      In three-dimensional culture of sebocytes, lipid synthesis was markedly enhanced
      in sebocytes treated with adiponectin. This study suggested that adiponectin
      plays a significant role in human sebaceous gland biology. Adiponectin signaling
      is a promising target in the clinical management of barrier disorders in which
      sebum production is decreased, such as in atopic dermatitis and aged skin.

PMID- 28081220
TI  - Correction: Hierarchy of Dysfunction Related to Dressing Performance in Stroke
      Patients: A Path Analysis Study.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151162.].

PMID- 28081221
TI  - Dietary Lipid Sources Influence Fatty Acid Composition in Tissue of Large Yellow
      Croaker (Larmichthys crocea) by Regulating Triacylglycerol Synthesis and
      Catabolism at the Transcriptional Level.
AB  - An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid
      sources on growth performance, fatty acid composition, rate-limiting enzyme
      activities and gene expression related to lipid metabolism in large yellow
      croaker (Larmichthys crocea). Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic experimental
      diets were formulated to contain different lipid sources, such as fish oil (FO),
      soybean oil (SO), linseed oil (LO), rapeseed oil (RO) and peanut oil (PO),
      respectively. Triplicate groups of 50 fish (initial weight 13.77+/-0.07g) were
      stocked in 15 floating net cages (1.5m*1.5m*2.0m). Fish fed the diets containing
      RO and LO had lower weight gain and specific growth rates than those fed the FO,
      SO and PO diets. Survival, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio,
      hepatosomatic index, viscerasomatic index and condition factor were not
      significantly affected by different dietary lipid sources. Fish fed the diet
      containing FO had higher lipid content in whole body compared with the other
      groups, whereas fish fed the SO diet had the lowest muscle lipid content. Fatty
      acid profiles of muscle and liver reflected the fatty acid composition of the
      diets. Plasma glucose, triglyceride, and the enzymatic activity of aspartate
      aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly influenced by
      different dietary lipid sources, while total protein, cholesterol, superoxide
      dismutase or malondialdehyde in plasma were not affected by the different dietary
      lipid sources. Fish fed the LO diet had lower adipose triglyceride lipase and
      fatty acid synthase activities in liver than those fed the diets containing FO
      and RO, while the LO diet resulted in the highest hepatic carnitine
      palmitoultransferase-1 activity. Hepatic gene relative expression of adipose
      triglyceride lipase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 in fish fed PO diet was
      significantly higher than all other groups, whereas fish fed the SO and LO diets
      had lower relative expression levels of lipoprotein lipase than the other groups.
      The highest relative expression levels of fatty acid synthase and acyl-CoA
      diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 were observed in the FO group, while the highest
      relative expression of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase occurred in fish fed the
      FO and RO diets. In summary, based on the growth performance, FO and SO appear to
      be suitable lipid sources for large yellow croaker, with the findings of this
      study also providing a molecular insight into the role of lipid metabolic
      mechanism in response to different dietary lipid sources.

PMID- 28081222
TI  - AT7867 Inhibits Human Colorectal Cancer Cells via AKT-Dependent and AKT
      Independent Mechanisms.
AB  - AKT is often hyper-activated in human colorectal cancers (CRC). This current
      study evaluated the potential anti-CRC activity by AT7867, a novel AKT and
      p70S6K1 (S6K1) dual inhibitor. We showed that AT7867 inhibited survival and
      proliferation of established (HT-29, HCT116 and DLD-1 lines) and primary human
      CRC cells. Meanwhile, it provoked caspase-dependent apoptosis in the CRC cells.
      Molecularly, AT7867 blocked AKT-S6K1 activation in CRC cells. Restoring AKT-S6K1
      activation, via expression of a constitutively-active AKT1 ("ca-AKT1"), only
      partially attenuated AT7867-induced HT-29 cell death. Further studies
      demonstrated that AT7867 inhibited sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) activity to
      promote pro-apoptotic ceramide production in HT-29 cells. Such effects by AT7867
      were independent of AKT inhibition. AT7867-indued ceramide production and
      subsequent HT-29 cell apoptosis were attenuated by co-treatment of sphingosine-1
      phosphate (S1P), but were potentiated with the glucosylceramide synthase (GCS)
      inhibitor PDMP. In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of AT7867 inhibited HT-29
      xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. AKT activation was also inhibited in AT7867
      treated HT-29 tumors. Together, the preclinical results suggest that AT7867
      inhibits CRC cells via AKT-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

PMID- 28081223
TI  - High-Intensity Jump Training Is Tolerated during 60 Days of Bed Rest and Is Very
      Effective in Preserving Leg Power and Lean Body Mass: An Overview of the Cologne
      RSL Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Space agencies are looking for effective and efficient countermeasures
      for the degrading effects of weightlessness on the human body. The aim of this
      study was to assess the effects of a novel jump exercise countermeasure during
      bed rest on vitals, body mass, body composition, and jump performance. METHODS:
      23 male participants (29+/-6 years, 181+/-6 cm, 77+/-7 kg) were confined to a bed
      rest facility for 90 days: a 15-day ambulatory measurement phase, a 60-day six
      degree head-down-tilt bed rest phase (HDT), and a 15-day ambulatory recovery
      phase. Participants were randomly allocated to the jump training group (JUMP, n =
      12) or the control group (CTRL, n = 11). A typical training session consisted of
      4x10 countermovement jumps and 2x10 hops in a sledge jump system. The training
      group had to complete 5-6 sessions per week. RESULTS: Peak force for the reactive
      hops (3.6+/-0.4 kN) as well as jump height (35+/-4 cm) and peak power (3.1+/-0.2
      kW) for the countermovement jumps could be maintained over the 60 days of HDT.
      Lean body mass decreased in CTRL but not in JUMP (-1.6+/-1.9 kg and 0+/-1.0 kg,
      respectively, interaction effect p = 0.03). Resting heart rate during recovery
      was significantly increased for CTRL but not for JUMP (interaction effect
      p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Participants tolerated the near-daily high-intensity jump
      training and maintained high peak forces and high power output during 60 days of
      bed rest. The countermeasure was effective in preserving lean body mass and
      partly preventing cardiac deconditioning with only several minutes of training
      per day.

PMID- 28081224
TI  - Resveratrol Impairs Glioma Stem Cells Proliferation and Motility by Modulating
      the Wnt Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a grade IV astrocytoma and the most common form
      of malignant brain tumor in adults. GBM remains one of the most fatal and least
      successfully treated solid tumors: current therapies provide a median survival of
      12-15 months after diagnosis, due to the high recurrence rate. Glioma Stem Cells
      (GSCs) are believed to be the real driving force of tumor initiation, progression
      and relapse. Therefore, better therapeutic strategies GSCs-targeted are needed.
      Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in fruits and vegetables
      displaying pleiotropic health benefits. Many studies have highlighted its chemo
      preventive and chemotherapeutic activities in a wide range of solid tumors. In
      this work, we analyzed the effects of Resveratrol exposure on cell viability,
      proliferation and motility in seven GSC lines isolated from GBM patients. For the
      first time in our knowledge, we investigated Resveratrol impact on Wnt signaling
      pathway in GSCs, evaluating the expression of seven Wnt signaling pathway-related
      genes and the protein levels of c-Myc and beta-catenin. Finally, we analyzed
      Twist1 and Snail1 protein levels, two pivotal activators of epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. Results showed that although response to
      Resveratrol exposure was highly heterogeneous among GSC lines, generally it was
      able to inhibit cell proliferation, increase cell mortality, and strongly
      decrease cell motility, modulating the Wnt signaling pathway and the EMT
      activators. Treatment with Resveratrol may represent a new interesting
      therapeutic approach, in order to affect GSCs proliferation and motility, even if
      further investigations are needed to deeply understand the GSCs heterogeneous
      response.

PMID- 28081225
TI  - Fighting Ebola: A Window for Vaccine Re-evaluation?

PMID- 28081226
TI  - Regional Homogeneity Changes in Nicotine Addicts by Resting-State fMRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reveal the brain functional changes of nicotine addicts compared
      with those of non-smokers and explore the objective biomarker for nicotine
      dependence evaluation. METHODS: A total of 14 smokers and 11 non-smoking controls
      were recruited for this study. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance
      imaging and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were applied in the neural activity
      analysis. Two-sample t-test was performed to examine the voxel-wise difference
      between the smokers and the controls. Correlation analysis between the ReHo
      values and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores were
      performed to explore the biomarkers for the clinical characteristics of smokers.
      RESULTS: The ReHo values from the right superior frontal gyrus of the Brodmann's
      area (BA) 9 to the right middle frontal gyrus and the ReHo value from the left
      and right precuneus (BA 23) to the left and right middle cingulum gyrus were
      lower in the smokers than in the non-smokers. The ReHo value in the precuneus (BA
      23) was significantly and positively correlated with the FTND score of smokers.
      CONCLUSION: The ReHo values in the right superior frontal gyrus and left
      precuneus can be used to separate the smokers from the non-smokers. In
      particular, the left precuneus is a potential neuroimaging biomarker for nicotine
      addicts.

PMID- 28081227
TI  - Diagnostic Accuracy of GeneXpert MTB/RIF Assay in Comparison to Conventional Drug
      Susceptibility Testing Method for the Diagnosis of Multidrug-Resistant
      Tuberculosis.
AB  - Xpert MTB/RIF assay is regarded as a great achievement of modern medicine for the
      rapid diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The main purpose of
      this study was to determine the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay compared to
      conventional drug susceptibility testing (DST) method for the diagnosis of MDR
      TB. A comparative cross sectional study was carried out at German-Nepal
      Tuberculosis Project, Kathmandu, Nepal, from April 2014 to September 2014. A
      total of 88 culture positive clinical samples (83 pulmonary and 5 extra
      pulmonary) received during the study period were analyzed for detection of
      multidrug-resistant tuberculosis by both GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and conventional
      DST method. McNemar chi square test was used to compare the performance of Xpert
      with that of DST method. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as
      statistically significant. Of total 88 culture positive samples, one was reported
      as invalid while 2 were found to contain nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). Among
      remaining 85 Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture positive samples, 69 were found
      to be MDR-TB positive by both methods. The overall sensitivity, specificity,
      positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of GeneXpert
      MTB/RIF assay were found to be 98.6%, 100%, 100% and 93.8% respectively.
      Statistically, there was no significant difference between the diagnostic
      performance of Xpert and conventional DST method for detection of MDR-TB.
      GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay was found to be highly sensitive, specific and comparable
      to gold standard conventional DST method for the diagnosis of MDR-TB.

PMID- 28081228
TI  - Resistance for Genotoxic Damage in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Is Increased by
      Hypoxia but Not Generally Dependent on p53-Regulated Cell Cycle Arrest.
AB  - Adult stem cells including multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) acquire a
      high amount of DNA-damage due to their prolonged lifespan. MSC may exert specific
      mechanisms of resistance to avoid loss of functional activity. We have previously
      shown that resistance of MSC is associated with an induction of p53 and
      proliferation arrest upon genotoxic damage. Hypoxia may also contribute to
      resistance in MSC due to the low oxygen tension in the niche. In this study we
      characterized the role of p53 and contribution of hypoxia in resistance of MSC to
      genotoxic damage. MSC exhibited increased resistance to cisplatin induced DNA
      damage. This resistance was associated with a temporary G2/M cell cycle arrest,
      induction of p53- and p21-expression and reduced cyclin B / cdk1-levels upon
      subapoptotic damage. Resistance of MSC to cisplatin was increased at hypoxic
      conditions i. e. oxygen <0.5%. However, upon hypoxia the cisplatin-induced cell
      cycle arrest and expression of p53 and p21 were abrogated. MSC with shRNA
      mediated p53 knock-down showed a reduced cell cycle arrest and increased cyclin B
      / cdk1 expression. However, this functional p53 knock down did not alter the
      resistance to cisplatin. In contrast to cisplatin, functional p53-knock-down
      increased the resistance of MSC to etoposide. We conclude that resistance of MSC
      to genotoxic damage is influenced by oxygen tension but is not generally
      dependent on p53. Thus, p53-dependent and p53-independent mechanisms of
      resistance are likely to contribute to the life-long functional activity of MSC
      in vivo. These findings indicate that hypoxia and different resistance pathways
      contribute to the phenotype that enables the prolonged lifespan of MSC.

PMID- 28081229
TI  - Statistical Parametric Mapping to Identify Differences between Consensus-Based
      Joint Patterns during Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy.
AB  - Experts recently identified 49 joint motion patterns in children with cerebral
      palsy during a Delphi consensus study. Pattern definitions were therefore the
      result of subjective expert opinion. The present study aims to provide objective,
      quantitative data supporting the identification of these consensus-based
      patterns. To do so, statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the mean
      kinematic waveforms of 154 trials of typically developing children (n = 56) to
      the mean kinematic waveforms of 1719 trials of children with cerebral palsy (n =
      356), which were classified following the classification rules of the Delphi
      study. Three hypotheses stated that: (a) joint motion patterns with 'no or minor
      gait deviations' (n = 11 patterns) do not differ significantly from the gait
      pattern of typically developing children; (b) all other pathological joint motion
      patterns (n = 38 patterns) differ from typically developing gait and the
      locations of difference within the gait cycle, highlighted by statistical
      parametric mapping, concur with the consensus-based classification rules. (c) all
      joint motion patterns at the level of each joint (n = 49 patterns) differ from
      each other during at least one phase of the gait cycle. Results showed that: (a)
      ten patterns with 'no or minor gait deviations' differed somewhat unexpectedly
      from typically developing gait, but these differences were generally small (<=3
      degrees ); (b) all other joint motion patterns (n = 38) differed from typically
      developing gait and the significant locations within the gait cycle that were
      indicated by the statistical analyses, coincided well with the classification
      rules; (c) joint motion patterns at the level of each joint significantly
      differed from each other, apart from two sagittal plane pelvic patterns. In
      addition to these results, for several joints, statistical analyses indicated
      other significant areas during the gait cycle that were not included in the
      pattern definitions of the consensus study. Based on these findings, suggestions
      to improve pattern definitions were made.

PMID- 28081230
TI  - Characteristics of HIV-Infected Children at Enrollment into Care and at
      Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Central Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) regularly updating
      guidelines to recommend earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in
      children, timely enrollment into care and initiation of ART in sub-Saharan Africa
      in children lags behind that of adults. The impact of implementing increasingly
      less restrictive ART guidelines on ART initiation in Central Africa has not been
      described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data are from the Central Africa International
      Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) pediatric cohort of 3,426
      children (0-15 years) entering HIV care at 15 sites in Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda.
      Measures include CD4 count, WHO clinical stage, age, and weight-for-age Z score
      (WAZ), each at enrollment into HIV care and at ART initiation. Changes in the
      medians or proportions of each measure by year of enrollment and year of ART
      initiation were assessed to capture potential impacts of changing ART guidelines.
      RESULTS: Median age at care enrollment decreased from 77.2 months in 2004-05 to
      30.3 months in 2012-13. The median age at ART initiation (n = 2058) decreased
      from 83.0 months in 2004-05 to 66.9 months in 2012-13. The proportion of children
      <=24 months of age at enrollment increased from 12.7% in 2004-05 to 46.7% in 2012
      13, and from 9.6% in 2004-05 to 24.2% in 2012-13 for ART initiation. The median
      CD4 count at enrollment into care increased from 563 (IQR: 275, 901) in 2004-05
      to 660 (IQR: 339, 1071) cells/MUl in 2012-13, and the median CD4 count at ART
      initiation increased from 310 (IQR:167, 600) in 2004-05 to 589 (IQR: 315, 1113)
      cells/MUl in 2012-13. From 2004-05 to 2012-13, median WAZ improved from -2 (IQR: 
      3.4, -1.1) to -1 (IQR: -2.5, -0.2) at enrollment in care and from -2 (IQR: -3.8, 
      1.6) to -1 (IQR: -2.6, -0.4) at ART initiation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:
      Although HIV-infected children <=24 months of age accounted for half of all
      children enrolling in care in our cohort during 2012-13, they represented less
      than a quarter of all those who were initiated on ART during the same period.
      Further research is needed to identify barriers to timely diagnosis, linkage to
      care, and initiation of ART among children with HIV infection.

PMID- 28081231
TI  - Physical Activity, Energy Expenditure, Nutritional Habits, Quality of Sleep and
      Stress Levels in Shift-Working Health Care Personnel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among health care personnel working regular hours or rotating shifts
      can affect parameters of general health and nutrition. We have investigated
      physical activity, sleep quality, metabolic activity and stress levels in health
      care workers from both groups. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 46 volunteer
      participants from the workforce of a University Medical Department of which 23
      worked in rotating shifts (all nursing) and 21 non-shift regular hours (10
      nursing, 13 clerical staff). All were investigated over 7 days by multisensory
      accelerometer (SenseWear Bodymedia(r) armband) and kept a detailed food diary.
      Physical activity and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured in metabolic
      equivalents of task (METs). Quality of sleep was assessed as Pittsburgh Sleeping
      Quality Index and stress load using the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress
      questionnaire (TICS). RESULTS: No significant differences were found for overall
      physical activity, steps per minute, time of exceeding the 3 METs level or sleep
      quality. A significant difference for physical activity during working hours was
      found between shift-workers vs. non-shift-workers (p<0.01) and for shift-working
      nurses (median = 2.1 METs SE = 0.1) vs. non-shift-working clerical personnel
      (median = 1.5 METs SE = 0.07, p<0.05). Non-shift-working nurses had a
      significantly lower REE than the other groups (p<0.05). The proportion of fat in
      the diet was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the office worker group (median =
      42% SE = 1.2) whereas shift-working nurses consumed significantly more
      carbohydrates (median = 46% SE = 1.4) than clerical staff (median = 41% SE =
      1.7). Stress assessment by TICS confirmed a significantly higher level of social
      overload in the shift working group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this prospective
      cohort study shift-working had no influence on overall physical activity. Lower
      physical activity during working hours appears to be compensated for during off
      hours. Differences in nutritional habits and stress load warrant larger scale
      trials to determine the effect on implicit health-associated conditions.

PMID- 28081232
TI  - Correction: Population Screening Using Sewage Reveals Pan-Resistant Bacteria in
      Hospital and Community Samples.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164873.].

PMID- 28081233
TI  - Differences in Inflammatory Response Induced by Two Representatives of Clades of
      the Pandemic ST258 Klebsiella pneumoniae Clonal Lineage Producing KPC-Type
      Carbapenemases.
AB  - ST258-K. pneumoniae (ST258-KP) strains, the most widespread multidrug-resistant
      hospital-acquired pathogens, belong to at least two clades differing in a 215 Kb
      genomic region that includes the cluster of capsule genes. To investigate the
      effects of the different capsular phenotype on host-pathogen interactions, we
      studied representatives of ST258-KP clades, KKBO-1 and KK207-1, for their ability
      to activate monocytes and myeloid dendritic cells from human immune competent
      hosts. The two ST258-KP strains strongly induced the production of inflammatory
      cytokines. Significant differences between the strains were found in their
      ability to induce the production of IL-1beta: KK207-1/clade I was much less
      effective than KKBO-1/clade II in inducing IL-1beta production by monocytes and
      dendritic cells. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway by live cells
      and/or purified capsular polysaccharides was studied in monocytes and dendritic
      cells. We found that glibenclamide, a NLRP3 inhibitor, inhibits more than 90% of
      the production of mature IL-1beta induced by KKBO1 and KK207-1. KK207-1 was
      always less efficient compared to KKBO-1 in: a) inducing NLRP3 and pro-IL-1beta
      gene and protein expression; b) in inducing caspase-1 activation and pro-IL-1beta
      cleavage. Capsular composition may play a role in the differential inflammatory
      response induced by the ST258-KP strains since capsular polysaccharides purified
      from bacterial cells affect NLRP3 and pro-IL-1beta gene expression through
      p38MAPK- and NF-kappaB-mediated pathways. In each of these functions, capsular
      polysaccharides from KK207-1 were significantly less efficient compared to those
      purified from KKBO-1. On the whole, our data suggest that the change in capsular
      phenotype may help bacterial cells of clade I to partially escape innate immune
      recognition and IL-1beta-mediated inflammation.

PMID- 28081234
TI  - Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Influenza Vaccination among Adults with Chronic
      Medical Conditions Vary by Age in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People living with chronic health conditions exhibit higher risk for
      developing severe complications from influenza according to the Centers for
      Diseases Control and Prevention. Although racial and ethnic disparities in
      influenza vaccination have been documented, it has not been comprehensively
      determined whether similar disparities are present among the adult population
      with at least one such condition. OBJECTIVE: To study if racial and ethnic
      disparities in relation to influenza vaccination are present in adults suffering
      from at least one chronic condition and if such inequalities differ between age
      groups. METHODS: The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2011-2012) was used to
      study the adult population (age >=18) who had at least one chronic health
      condition. Baseline differences in population traits across racial and ethnic
      groups were identified using a chi-square test. This was conducted among various
      age groups. In addition, survey logistic regression was utilized to produce odds
      ratios of receiving influenza vaccination annually between racial and ethnic
      groups. RESULTS: The total sample consisted of 15,499 adults living with at least
      one chronic health condition. The numbers of non-Hispanic whites (whites), non
      Hispanic blacks (blacks), and Hispanics were 8,658, 3,585, and 3,256,
      respectively. Whites (59.93%) were found to have a higher likelihood of self
      reporting their receipt of the influenza vaccine in comparison to the black
      (48.54%) and Hispanic (48.65%) groups (P<0.001). When examining persons aged 50
      64 years and >=65 years, it was noted that the black (54.99%, 62.72%) and
      Hispanic (53.54%, 64.48%) population had lower rates of influenza vaccine
      coverage than the white population (59.22%, 77.89) (both P<0.0001). No
      significant differences between whites and the blacks or Hispanics were found
      among the groups among adults between 18 and 49 inclusive (P>0.05). After
      controlling for patient characteristics, the difference in influenza vaccine
      coverage between whites and the minority groups were no longer significant for
      adults aged 50-64 years. However, the difference were still statistically
      significant for those aged >=65 years. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, there
      are significant disparities in influenza vaccination by race and ethnicity for
      adults over 65 years with at least one chronic health condition. Future research
      is needed to help develop more targeted interventions to address these issues and
      improve influenza vaccination rates.

PMID- 28081235
TI  - Comprehensive RNA-Seq Profiling to Evaluate the Sheep Mammary Gland Transcriptome
      in Response to Experimental Mycoplasma agalactiae Infection.
AB  - Mycoplasma agalactiae is a worldwide serious pathogen of small ruminants that
      usually spreads through the mammary route causing acute to subacute mastitis
      progressing to chronic persistent disease that is hard to eradicate. Knowledge of
      mechanisms of its pathogenesis and persistence in the mammary gland are still
      insufficient, especially the host-pathogen interplay that enables it to reside in
      a chronic subclinical state. This study reports transcriptome profiling of
      mammary tissue from udders of sheep experimentally infected with M. agalactiae
      type strain PG2 in comparison with uninfected control animals using Illumina RNA
      sequencing (RNA-Seq). Several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed
      in the infected udders and RT-qPCR analyses of selected DEGs showed their
      expression profiles to be in agreement with results from RNA-Seq. Gene Ontology
      (GO) analysis revealed majority of the DEGs to be associated with mycoplasma
      defense responses that are directly or indirectly involved in host innate and
      adaptive immune responses. Similar RNA-Seq analyses were also performed with
      spleen cells of the same sheep to know the specific systemic transcriptome
      responses. Spleen cells exhibited a comparatively lower number of DEGs suggesting
      a less prominent host response in this organ. To our knowledge this is the first
      study that describes host transcriptomics of M. agalactiae infection and the
      related immune-inflammatory responses. The data provides useful information to
      further dissect the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying mycoplasma mastitis,
      which is a prerequisite for designing effective intervention strategies.

PMID- 28081236
TI  - A Key Marine Diazotroph in a Changing Ocean: The Interacting Effects of
      Temperature, CO2 and Light on the Growth of Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS101.
AB  - Trichodesmium is a globally important marine diazotroph that accounts for
      approximately 60 - 80% of marine biological N2 fixation and as such plays a key
      role in marine N and C cycles. We undertook a comprehensive assessment of how the
      growth rate of Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS101 was directly affected by the
      combined interactions of temperature, pCO2 and light intensity. Our key findings
      were: low pCO2 affected the lower temperature tolerance limit (Tmin) but had no
      effect on the optimum temperature (Topt) at which growth was maximal or the
      maximum temperature tolerance limit (Tmax); low pCO2 had a greater effect on the
      thermal niche width than low-light; the effect of pCO2 on growth rate was more
      pronounced at suboptimal temperatures than at supraoptimal temperatures;
      temperature and light had a stronger effect on the photosynthetic efficiency
      (Fv/Fm) than did CO2; and at Topt, the maximum growth rate increased with
      increasing CO2, but the initial slope of the growth-irradiance curve was not
      affected by CO2. In the context of environmental change, our results suggest that
      the (i) nutrient replete growth rate of Trichodesmium IMS101 would have been
      severely limited by low pCO2 at the last glacial maximum (LGM), (ii) future
      increases in pCO2 will increase growth rates in areas where temperature ranges
      between Tmin to Topt, but will have negligible effect at temperatures between
      Topt and Tmax, (iii) areal increase of warm surface waters (> 18 degrees C) has
      allowed the geographic range to increase significantly from the LGM to present
      and that the range will continue to expand to higher latitudes with continued
      warming, but (iv) continued global warming may exclude Trichodesmium spp. from
      some tropical regions by 2100 where temperature exceeds Topt.

PMID- 28081237
TI  - Co-Occurrence of Asthma and Nephrolithiasis in Children.
AB  - It has been proposed that epithelial dysfunction and inflammation may predispose
      patients to kidney stone formation. Asthma is another chronic condition related
      to epithelial dysfunction and inflammation. We hypothesized that pediatric
      patients with asthma would have an increased prevalence of nephrolithiasis.
      Furthermore, we investigated if asthma patients with nephrolithiasis have
      clinical characteristics and urine profiles that point to mechanisms of stone
      formation. We evaluated 865 pediatric patients who had a diagnosis of
      nephrolithiasis. Clinical/demographic data and 24 hour urine samples were
      compared between asthma + stone (n = 142) and stone only patients. Data from
      asthmatics without stone were also available for evaluation of medication
      differences among asthma + stone and asthma only patients. The prevalence of
      nephrolithiasis in the pediatric population at our institution was 0.08% vs.
      0.31% in our pediatric asthmatic population. The prevalence of asthma in our
      pediatric population was 6.8% vs. 26.7% in our pediatric stone patients. Asthma +
      stone patients were more likely to be on a combination inhaled corticosteroid +
      long acting beta agonist inhaler as compared to age/gender/BMI matched asthma
      patients without stone (29.7% vs. 13.7%, p = 0.0012). 259 kidney stone patients
      had 24 hour urine samples for comparison. There was no difference in 24 hour
      urine profiles between asthma + stone and stone only patients. Children with
      asthma have a 4-fold greater prevalence of kidney stones than the general
      pediatric population. Similarly, children with kidney stones have a 4-fold
      greater prevalence of asthma. This correlation may suggest a mechanistic link
      between asthma and nephrolithiasis. Further investigation is needed to elucidate
      the pathophysiologic origin of this relationship.

PMID- 28081238
TI  - Genomic Organization of Repetitive DNA in Woodpeckers (Aves, Piciformes):
      Implications for Karyotype and ZW Sex Chromosome Differentiation.
AB  - Birds are characterized by a low proportion of repetitive DNA in their genome
      when compared to other vertebrates. Among birds, species belonging to Piciformes
      order, such as woodpeckers, show a relatively higher amount of these sequences.
      The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of different classes of
      repetitive DNA-including microsatellites, telomere sequences and 18S rDNA-in the
      karyotype of three Picidae species (Aves, Piciformes)-Colaptes melanochloros (2n
      = 84), Colaptes campestris (2n = 84) and Melanerpes candidus (2n = 64)-by means
      of fluorescence in situ hybridization. Clusters of 18S rDNA were found in one
      microchromosome pair in each of the three species, coinciding to a region of
      (CGG)10 sequence accumulation. Interstitial telomeric sequences were found in
      some macrochromosomes pairs, indicating possible regions of fusions, which can be
      related to variation of diploid number in the family. Only one, from the 11
      different microsatellite sequences used, did not produce any signals. Both
      species of genus Colaptes showed a similar distribution of microsatellite
      sequences, with some difference when compared to M. candidus. Microsatellites
      were found preferentially in the centromeric and telomeric regions of micro and
      macrochromosomes. However, some sequences produced patterns of interstitial bands
      in the Z chromosome, which corresponds to the largest element of the karyotype in
      all three species. This was not observed in the W chromosome of Colaptes
      melanochloros, which is heterochromatic in most of its length, but was not
      hybridized by any of the sequences used. These results highlight the importance
      of microsatellite sequences in differentiation of sex chromosomes, and the
      accumulation of these sequences is probably responsible for the enlargement of
      the Z chromosome.

PMID- 28081239
TI  - Statistical Modeling Applied to Deformation-Relaxation Processes in a Composite
      Biopolymer Network Induced by Magnetic Field.
AB  - This study investigated a methodology based on image processing and statistics to
      characterize and model the deformation upon controlled and uniform magnetic field
      and the relaxation under zero field of droplets observed in aqueous solutions of
      sodium alginate incorporating magnetic maghemite nanoparticles stabilized by
      adsorption of citrate ions. The changes of droplet geometry were statistically
      analyzed using a new approach based on the data obtained from optical microscopy,
      image processing, nonlinear regression, evolutionary optimization, analysis of
      variance and resampling. Image enhancement and then image segmentation (Gaussian
      mixture modeling) processes were applied to extract features with reliable
      information of droplets dimensions from optical micrographs. The droplets
      deformation and relaxation trends were accurately adjusted by the Kohlrausch
      Williams-Watts (KWW) function and a mean relaxation time was obtained by fitting
      the time evolution of geometry parameters. It was found to be proportional to the
      initial radius of the spherical droplets and was associated to interfacial
      tension.

PMID- 28081240
TI  - Oropharyngeal Candidiasis: Fungal Invasion and Epithelial Cell Responses.

PMID- 28081241
TI  - CD25+CD127+Foxp3- Cells Represent a Major Subpopulation of CD8+ T Cells in the
      Eye Chambers of Normal Mice.
AB  - The aim of this study has been to determine whether eye chambers constitute part
      of the normal migratory pathway of naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in mouse and if
      natural CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells are present within
      these eye compartments. To this aim, the cells obtained from aqueous humor (AH)
      of normal mice were phenotyped in terms of the expression CD4, CD8, CD25, CD127
      and transcription factor Foxp3. The mean percentage of CD8+ T cells in the total
      AH lymphocyte population was as high as 28.69%; the mean percentage of CD8high
      and CD8low cells in this population was 34.09% and 65.91%, respectively. The
      presence of cells with the regulatory phenotype, i.e. CD25+Foxp3+ cells,
      constituted only 0.32% of CD8+ T cell subset. Regarding the expression of CD25,
      AH CD8+ T cells were an exceptional population in that nearly 85% of these cells
      expressed this molecule without concomitant Foxp3 expression. Despite having this
      phenotype, they should not be viewed as activated cells because most of them co
      expressed CD127, which indicates that they are naive lymphocytes. With regard to
      the markers applied in the present research, CD8+CD25+CD127+Foxp3- T cells
      represent the most numerous subset of AH CD8+ cells. The results suggest that eye
      chambers in mice are an element in the normal migratory pathway of naive CD8+ T
      cells. The study presented herein demonstrated only trace presence of CD4+ cells
      in the eye chambers, as the mean percentage of these cells was just 0.56. Such
      selective and specific homing of CD8+ and CD4+ cells to the eye chambers is most
      clearly engaged in the induction and maintenance of ocular immune privilege.

PMID- 28081242
TI  - Genetic and Clinical Analyses of DOA and LHON in 304 Chinese Patients with
      Suspected Childhood-Onset Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.
AB  - Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and dominant optic atrophy (DOA), the
      most common forms of hereditary optic neuropathy, are easily confused, and it is
      difficult to distinguish one from the other in the clinic, especially in young
      children. The present study was designed to survey the mutation spectrum of
      common pathogenic genes (OPA1, OPA3 and mtDNA genes) and to analyze the genotype
      phenotype characteristics of Chinese patients with suspected childhood-onset
      hereditary optic neuropathy. Genomic DNA and clinical data were collected from
      304 unrelated Chinese probands with suspected hereditary optic neuropathy with an
      age of onset below 14 years. Sanger sequencing was used to screen variants in the
      coding and adjacent regions of OPA1, OPA3 and the three primary LHON-related
      mutation sites in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (m.3460G>A, m.11778G>A and
      m.14484T>C). All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination and were
      compared with age-matched controls. We identified 89/304 (29.3%) primary mtDNA
      mutations related to LHON in 304 probands, including 76 mutations at m.11778
      (76/89, 85.4% of all mtDNA mutations), four at m.3460 (4/89, 4.5%) and nine at
      m.14484 (9/89, 10.1%). This result was similar to the mutation frequency among
      Chinese patients with LHON of any age. Screening of OPA1 revealed 23 pathogenic
      variants, including 11 novel and 12 known pathogenic mutations. This study
      expanded the OPA1 mutation spectrum, and our results showed that OPA1 mutation is
      another common cause of childhood-onset hereditary optic neuropathy in Chinese
      pediatric patients, especially those with disease onset during preschool age.

PMID- 28081243
TI  - The Prognostic and Clinicopathological Significance of Tumor-Associated
      Macrophages in Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Comprehensive studies have investigated the prognostic and
      clinicopathological value of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in gastric
      cancer patients, yet results remain controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta
      analysis to clarify this issue. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library
      databases were searched to identify eligible studies. We extracted hazard ratios
      (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals
      (95% CIs) to estimate the effect sizes. In addition, subgroup analysis and
      sensitivity analysis were also conducted. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies
      involving 2242 patients were included. High generalised TAMs density was
      significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.15
      1.95). Subgroup analysis revealed that CD68+ TAMs had no significant effect on OS
      (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.00-1.91). High M1 TAMs density was correlated with better OS
      (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.32-0.65). By contrast, high density of M2 TAMs was correlated
      with a poor prognosis for OS (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.25-1.75). Furthermore, high M2
      TAMs density was correlated with larger tumor size, diffuse Lauren type, poor
      histologic differentiation, deeper tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and
      advanced TNM stage. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this meta-analysis reveal that although
      CD68+ TAMs infiltration has the neutral prognostic effects on OS, the M1/M2
      polarization of TAMs are predicative factor of prognosis in gastric cancer
      patients.

PMID- 28081244
TI  - Fever Is Associated with Reduced, Hypothermia with Increased Mortality in Septic
      Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sepsis is usually accompanied by changes of body temperature (Tb),
      but whether fever and hypothermia predict mortality equally or differently is not
      fully clarified. We aimed to find an association between Tb and mortality in
      septic patients with meta-analysis of clinical trials. METHODS: We searched the
      PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry databases (from inception
      to February 2016). Human studies reporting Tb and mortality of patients with
      sepsis were included in the analyses. Average Tb with SEM and mortality rate of
      septic patient groups were extracted by two authors independently. RESULTS: Forty
      two studies reported Tb and mortality ratios in septic patients (n = 10,834).
      Pearson correlation analysis revealed weak negative linear correlation (R2 =
      0.2794) between Tb and mortality. With forest plot analysis, we found a 22.2%
      (CI, 19.2-25.5) mortality rate in septic patients with fever (Tb > 38.0 degrees
      C), which was higher, 31.2% (CI, 25.7-37.3), in normothermic patients, and it was
      the highest, 47.3% (CI, 38.9-55.7), in hypothermic patients (Tb < 36.0 degrees
      C). Meta-regression analysis showed strong negative linear correlation between Tb
      and mortality rate (regression coefficient: -0.4318; P < 0.001). Mean Tb of the
      patients was higher in the lowest mortality quartile than in the highest: 38.1
      degrees C (CI, 37.9-38.4) vs 37.1 degrees C (CI, 36.7-37.4). CONCLUSIONS: Deep Tb
      shows negative correlation with the clinical outcome in sepsis. Fever predicts
      lower, while hypothermia higher mortality rates compared with normal Tb. Septic
      patients with the lowest (< 25%) chance of mortality have higher Tb than those
      with the highest chance (> 75%).

PMID- 28081245
TI  - Sharp-Tailed Grouse Nest Survival and Nest Predator Habitat Use in North Dakota's
      Bakken Oil Field.
AB  - Recent advancements in extraction technologies have resulted in rapid increases
      of gas and oil development across the United States and specifically in western
      North Dakota. This expansion of energy development has unknown influences on
      local wildlife populations and the ecological interactions within and among
      species. Our objectives for this study were to evaluate nest success and nest
      predator dynamics of sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) in two study
      sites that represented areas of high and low energy development intensities in
      North Dakota. During the summers of 2012 and 2013, we monitored 163 grouse nests
      using radio telemetry. Of these, 90 nests also were monitored using miniature
      cameras to accurately determine nest fates and identify nest predators. We
      simultaneously conducted predator surveys using camera scent stations and
      occupancy modeling to estimate nest predator occurrence at each site. American
      badgers (Taxidea taxus) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were the primary
      nest predators, accounting for 56.7% of all video recorded nest depredations.
      Nests in our high intensity gas and oil area were 1.95 times more likely to
      succeed compared to our minimal intensity area. Camera monitored nests were 2.03
      times more likely to succeed than non-camera monitored nests. Occupancy of
      mammalian nest predators was 6.9 times more likely in our study area of minimal
      gas and oil intensity compared to the high intensity area. Although only a
      correlative study, our results suggest energy development may alter the predator
      community, thereby increasing nest success for sharp-tailed grouse in areas of
      intense development, while adjacent areas may have increased predator occurrence
      and reduced nest success. Our study illustrates the potential influences of
      energy development on the nest predator-prey dynamics of sharp-tailed grouse in
      western North Dakota and the complexity of evaluating such impacts on wildlife.

PMID- 28081246
TI  - Nitrosothiol-Trapping-Based Proteomic Analysis of S-Nitrosylation in Human Lung
      Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - Nitrosylation of cysteines residues (S-nitrosylation) mediates many of the
      cellular effects of nitric oxide in normal and diseased cells. Recent research
      indicates that S-nitrosylation of certain proteins could play a role in tumor
      progression and responsiveness to therapy. However, the protein targets of S
      nitrosylation in cancer cells remain largely unidentified. In this study, we used
      our recently developed nitrosothiol trapping approach to explore the
      nitrosoproteome of human A549 lung carcinoma cells treated with S-nitrosocysteine
      or pro-inflammatory cytokines. Using this approach, we identified about 300
      putative nitrosylation targets in S-nitrosocysteine-treated A549 cells and
      approximately 400 targets in cytokine-stimulated cells. Among the more than 500
      proteins identified in the two screens, the majority represent novel targets of S
      nitrosylation, as revealed by comparison with publicly available nitrosoproteomic
      data. By coupling the trapping procedure with differential thiol labeling, we
      identified nearly 300 potential nitrosylation sites in about 150 proteins. The
      proteomic results were validated for several proteins by an independent approach.
      Bioinformatic analysis highlighted important cellular pathways that are targeted
      by S-nitrosylation, notably, cell cycle and inflammatory signaling. Taken
      together, our results identify new molecular targets of nitric oxide in lung
      cancer cells and suggest that S-nitrosylation may regulate signaling pathways
      that are critically involved in lung cancer progression.

PMID- 28081247
TI  - Changes of Oxidative Stress, Glutathione, and Its Dependent Antioxidant Enzyme
      Activities in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma before and after Tumor
      Resection.
AB  - The changes in and relationship between oxidative stress and the glutathione
      (GSH) antioxidant system in the plasma and tissues of patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after tumor resection have not been
      clearly determined. We investigated the changes in oxidative stress, GSH status
      and its dependent antioxidant enzyme activities in HCC patients before and after
      tumor resection, and to determine the association of oxidative stress with GSH
      and its dependent antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma and tissues. This study
      employed a cross-sectional design. Forty-four men and 16 women with HCC were
      recruited. Fasting blood was drawn on the day before the tumor resection and one
      month after the tumor resection. HCC tissue and adjacent normal liver tissue were
      obtained at the time of surgical resection. Patients had significantly increased
      plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized-low density lipoprotein levels but
      decreased GSH and oxidized GSH levels before tumor resection compared with the
      corresponding post-resection values. GSH and trolox equivalent antioxidant
      capacity (TEAC) levels and activities of GSH peroxidase were significantly
      increased while MDA level was significantly lower in HCC tissue when compared
      with the adjacent normal tissue. The pre-resection plasma MDA level was
      significantly correlated with pre-resection plasma GSH concentration, and MDA
      level in HCC and adjacent normal tissues. Pre-resection plasma GSH concentration
      was significantly correlated with GSH and TEAC level in HCC tissue. HCC patients
      had increased oxidative stress, decreased GSH, and lower dependent antioxidant
      capacities before tumor resection. However, hepatocellular tumor had increased
      GSH and TEAC levels as well as GSH peroxidase activities which might protect
      itself against increased oxidative stress.

PMID- 28081248
TI  - Low Rice Intake Is Associated with Proteinuria in Participants of Korea National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - Little is known about the risk factors of proteinuria in the Asian population. On
      the basis of the association between rice intake patterns and chronic diseases,
      we hypothesized that rice intake patterns are associated with proteinuria in the
      Asian population. Data, including data regarding rice intake frequency and
      dipstick urinalysis results, from the Korea National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey in 1998, 2001, 2005, and 2007 were analyzed. The study
      involved 19,824 participants who were older than 20 years of age. Low rice intake
      was defined as consumption of rice <= 1 time/day. Proteinuria was defined as
      dipstick urinalysis protein >= 1 positive. Among the 19,824 participants, the
      prevalence of low rice intake and proteinuria were 17.3% and 2.9%, respectively.
      The low rice intake group showed a higher rate of proteinuria than the non-low
      rice intake group did (3.8% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic
      regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) of low rice intake for proteinuria was
      1.54 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25-1.89; P < 0.001). Low rice intake was
      also independently associated with high blood pressure (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.31
      1.56; P < 0.001) and diabetes (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.27-1.62; P < 0.001). In
      conclusion, low rice intake was found to be independently associated with
      proteinuria in the Asian population, which might have been affected by the
      associations of low rice intake with high blood pressure and diabetes. Future
      prospective studies are needed to confirm the results of this study.

PMID- 28081249
TI  - Measuring Physical Activity with Hip Accelerometry among U.S. Older Adults: How
      Many Days Are Enough?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Accelerometers are increasingly used in research. Four to 7 days of
      monitoring is preferred to estimate average activity but may be burdensome for
      older adults. We aimed to investigate: 1) 7-day accelerometry protocol adherence,
      2) demographic predictors of adherence, 3) day of the week effect, and 4) average
      activity calculated from 7 versus fewer days among older adults. METHODS: We used
      the 2003-2006 older adult hip accelerometry data from the National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) sample. We determined proportions with 1-7
      valid (10-20 hours) wear days and identified wear day correlates using ordinal
      logistic regression. We determined the day of week effect on 5 accelerometry
      measures (counts per minute, CPM; % sedentary behavior; % light-lifestyle
      activity; % moderate-vigorous activity, MVPA; total activity counts) using
      multivariate linear regression and compared averages estimated over 2 or 3 versus
      7 days using correlations, linear regression, and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS:
      Among 2,208 participants aged 65+, 85% of participants had >=2 and 44% had 7
      valid wear days. Increasing age (p = 0.01) and non-white race (p < 0.001) were
      associated with fewer days. Daily CPM, % MVPA, and total daily activity counts
      were similar Monday through Saturday, but significantly lower on Sundays (p <
      0.001). Daily % sedentary behavior and % light-lifestyle activity were
      significantly different on Saturdays (p = 0.04-0.045) and Sundays (p < 0.001)
      compared to weekdays. Among participants with 7 valid days, 2 or 3 day averages
      were highly correlated with 7 day averages for all 5 accelerometry measures (2
      versus 7 days: r = 0.90-0.93, 3 versus 7 days: r = 0.94-0.96). CONCLUSIONS:
      Protocols of 2-3 days, adjusting for Sundays (average CPM, % moderate-vigorous
      activity, and average total daily activity counts) or weekends (% sedentary
      behavior and % light-lifestyle activity), give reliable estimates of older adult
      activity.

PMID- 28081250
TI  - Cutaneous Deficiency of Filaggrin and STAT3 Exacerbates Vaccinia Disease In Vivo.
AB  - RATIONALE: Defects in filaggrin and STAT3 are associated with atopic dermatitis
      (AD) and susceptibility to severe skin infection. METHODS: We evaluated skin
      infection with the current smallpox vaccine, ACAM-2000, in immunosuppressed mice
      with combined cutaneous deficiency in filaggrin and STAT3. In parallel, early
      events post-infection with ACAM-2000 were investigated in cultured keratinocytes
      in which filaggrin expression was knocked down via siRNA. RESULTS:
      Immunosuppressed, filaggrin-deficient mice, treated with the topical STAT3
      inhibitor Stattic(r) prior to ACAM-2000 infection, demonstrated rapid weight
      loss, prolonged vaccinia burden in skin, and dermatitis. The TGF-beta family
      ligand activin A was upregulated ten-fold in infected skin. Topically-applied
      ALK5/TGbetaR1 signaling inhibitor synergized with vaccinia immune globulin (VIG)
      to promote vaccinia clearance and limit weight loss. In cultured keratinocytes,
      filaggrin-directed siRNA inhibited programmed necrosis and inflammatory cytokine
      release induced by ACAM-2000, while viral growth was increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings may point to a novel role for filaggrin in early antiviral responses in
      skin. In wounded skin with underlying barrier defects, chronically elevated
      activin A levels may contribute to skin remodeling and cutaneous pathogen
      persistence. Inhibition of ALK5/TGFbetaR1 signaling may provide a novel co
      therapeutic approach, together with VIG, to limit cutaneous spread of vaccinia.

PMID- 28081251
TI  - Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Modify the Association between
      Melanocortin 4 Receptor Gene Variant and Obesity in Chinese Children and
      Adolescents.
AB  - Effects of MC4R variants in previous Chinese population studies were
      inconsistent. Gene-environment interactions might influence the effect of MC4R
      variants on obesity, which was still unclear. We performed the study to clarify
      the association of variants near MC4R gene with obesity-related phenotypes and
      gene-environment interactions in Chinese children and adolescents. Two common
      variants (rs12970134 and rs17782313) near MC4R were genotyped in 2179 children
      and adolescents aged 7-18 years in Beijing of China. Associations between the
      variants and obesity-related phenotypes together with gene-environment
      interactions were analyzed. The A-alleles of rs12970134 were nominally associated
      with risk of overweight/obesity (Odds Ratios (OR) = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.03-1.44, P =
      0.025) and BMI (beta = 0.33 kg/m2, 95%CI: 0.02-0.63, P = 0.025), respectively.
      The rs12970134 was also associated with HDL-C (beta = -0.03mmol/L per A-allele,
      95%CI: -0.05, -0.01, P = 0.013) independent of BMI. In the further analysis, we
      found the significant interaction of rs12970134 and physical activity/sedentary
      behaviors on BMI (Pinteraction = 0.043). The rs12970134 was found to be
      associated with BMI only in children with physical activity<1h/d and sedentary
      behaviors >=2h/d (BMI: beta = 1.27 kg/m2, 95%CI: 0.10-2.45, P = 0.034). The
      association was not detected in their counterparts with physical activity>=1h/d
      or sedentary behaviors <2h/d. We identified the effect of MC4R rs12970134 on
      overweight/obesity and BMI, and we also found physical activity and sedentary
      behaviors modified the association between the rs12970134 and BMI in Chinese
      children and adolescents.

PMID- 28081252
TI  - Corn-Soy-Blend Fortified with Phosphorus to Prevent Refeeding Hypophosphatemia in
      Undernourished Piglets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phosphorus (P) levels in refeeding diets are very important as
      undernourished children are at risk of hypophosphatemia during refeeding. For
      this reason, conventional corn-soy-blends (CSB) have been reformulated by the
      World Food Programme to obtain a mono-calcium-phosphate fortified product (CSB+)
      and a product further fortified with skim milk powder (CBS++). METHODS: Using a
      piglet model of undernourished children, we hypothesized that feeding of CSB+,
      CSB++ or CSB+ with added whey permeate (CSB+/wp) would help to prevent refeeding
      hypophosphatemia. Pigs were weaned at 4 weeks of age and undernutrition was
      induced with a nutritionally inadequate pure maize diet for 7 weeks, after which
      they were refed for 3 weeks with either CSB+ (n = 10), CSB++ (n = 10) or CSB+/wp
      (n = 10). For reference, a fourth group continued on the maize diet (REF, n =
      10). RESULTS: Following induction of undernutrition, body weight and length were
      29+/-5% and 67+/-4% (means+/-SD) of values in age-matched pigs fed a
      nutritionally adequate diet, and the mean serum P level was 1.77+/-0.34 mmol/l.
      During the first week of refeeding, P levels in the CSB+ pigs decreased to 55% of
      values before refeeding (P < 0.05) while values in the CSB++ and CSB+/wp pigs
      were able to maintain their plasma phosphate at a similar level as before
      refeeding. CONCLUSION: We conclude that fortification of CSB with only
      monocalcium-phosphate does not prevent hypophosphatemia. Dairy products like skim
      milk powder or whey permeate may represent relevant sources of phosphorus during
      refeeding. The content and form of phosphorus in such diets need to be carefully
      evaluated, and the undernourished piglet may be used to test the efficacy of such
      diets.

PMID- 28081253
TI  - Probability of Transmission of Malaria from Mosquito to Human Is Regulated by
      Mosquito Parasite Density in Naive and Vaccinated Hosts.
AB  - Over a century since Ronald Ross discovered that malaria is caused by the bite of
      an infectious mosquito it is still unclear how the number of parasites injected
      influences disease transmission. Currently it is assumed that all mosquitoes with
      salivary gland sporozoites are equally infectious irrespective of the number of
      parasites they harbour, though this has never been rigorously tested. Here we
      analyse >1000 experimental infections of humans and mice and demonstrate a dose
      dependency for probability of infection and the length of the host pre-patent
      period. Mosquitoes with a higher numbers of sporozoites in their salivary glands
      following blood-feeding are more likely to have caused infection (and have done
      so quicker) than mosquitoes with fewer parasites. A similar dose response for the
      probability of infection was seen for humans given a pre-erythrocytic vaccine
      candidate targeting circumsporozoite protein (CSP), and in mice with and without
      transfusion of anti-CSP antibodies. These interventions prevented infection more
      efficiently from bites made by mosquitoes with fewer parasites. The importance of
      parasite number has widespread implications across malariology, ranging from our
      basic understanding of the parasite, how vaccines are evaluated and the way in
      which transmission should be measured in the field. It also provides direct
      evidence for why the only registered malaria vaccine RTS,S was partially
      effective in recent clinical trials.

PMID- 28081254
TI  - Maternal Supply of Cas9 to Zygotes Facilitates the Efficient Generation of Site
      Specific Mutant Mouse Models.
AB  - Genome manipulation in the mouse via microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9 site-specific
      nucleases has allowed the production time for genetically modified mouse models
      to be significantly reduced. Successful genome manipulation in the mouse has
      already been reported using Cas9 supplied by microinjection of a DNA construct,
      in vitro transcribed mRNA and recombinant protein. Recently the use of transgenic
      strains of mice overexpressing Cas9 has been shown to facilitate site-specific
      mutagenesis via maternal supply to zygotes and this route may provide an
      alternative to exogenous supply. We have investigated the feasibility of
      supplying Cas9 genetically in more detail and for this purpose we report the
      generation of a transgenic mice which overexpress Cas9 ubiquitously, via a CAG
      Cas9 transgene targeted to the Gt(ROSA26)Sor locus. We show that zygotes prepared
      from female mice harbouring this transgene are sufficiently loaded with
      maternally contributed Cas9 for efficient production of embryos and mice
      harbouring indel, genomic deletion and knock-in alleles by microinjection of
      guide RNAs and templates alone. We compare the mutagenesis rates and efficacy of
      mutagenesis using this genetic supply with exogenous Cas9 supply by either mRNA
      or protein microinjection. In general, we report increased generation rates of
      knock-in alleles and show that the levels of mutagenesis at certain genome target
      sites are significantly higher and more consistent when Cas9 is supplied
      genetically relative to exogenous supply.

PMID- 28081255
TI  - Changes in DNA Methylation in Mouse Lungs after a Single Intra-Tracheal
      Administration of Nanomaterials.
AB  - AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanomaterial (NM) exposure
      on DNA methylation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Intra-tracheal administration of NM:
      gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of 5-, 60- and 250-nm diameter; single-walled carbon
      nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at high dose of 2.5
      mg/kg and low dose of 0.25 mg/kg for 48 h to BALB/c mice. Study showed
      deregulations in immune pathways in NM-induced toxicity in vivo. NM
      administration had the following DNA methylation effects: AuNP 60 nm induced CpG
      hypermethylation in Atm, Cdk and Gsr genes and hypomethylation in Gpx; Gsr and
      Trp53 showed changes in methylation between low- and high-dose AuNP, 60 and 250
      nm respectively, and AuNP had size effects on methylation for Trp53. CONCLUSION:
      Epigenetics may be implicated in NM-induced disease pathways.

PMID- 28081256
TI  - Inhibition of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and 2 (ACC2) Reduces Proliferation
      and De Novo Lipogenesis of EGFRvIII Human Glioblastoma Cells.
AB  - Tumor cell proliferation and migration processes are regulated by multiple
      metabolic pathways including glycolysis and de novo lipogenesis. Since acetyl-CoA
      carboxylase (ACC) is at the junction of lipids synthesis and oxidative metabolic
      pathways, we investigated whether use of a dual ACC inhibitor would provide a
      potential therapy against certain lipogenic cancers. The impact of dual ACC1/ACC2
      inhibition was investigated using a dual ACC1/ACC2 inhibitor as well as dual
      siRNA knock down on the cellular viability and metabolism of two glioblastoma
      multiform cancer cell lines, U87 and a more aggressive form, U87 EGFRvIII. We
      first demonstrated that while ACCi inhibited DNL in both cell lines, ACCi
      preferentially blunted the U87 EGFRvIII cellular proliferation capacity.
      Metabolically, chronic treatment with ACCi significantly upregulated U87 EGFRvIII
      cellular respiration and extracellular acidification rate, a marker of glycolytic
      activity, but impaired mitochondrial health by reducing maximal respiration and
      decreasing mitochondrial ATP production efficiency. Moreover, ACCi treatment
      altered the cellular lipids content and increased apoptotic caspase activity in
      U87 EGFRvIII cells. Collectively these data indicate that ACC inhibition, by
      reducing DNL and increasing cellular metabolic rate, may have therapeutic utility
      for the suppression of lipogenic tumor growth and warrants further investigation.

PMID- 28081257
TI  - Influence of La3+ Substitution on Structure, Morphology and Magnetic Properties
      of Nanocrystalline Ni-Zn Ferrite.
AB  - Lanthanum substituted Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles (Ni0.5Zn0.5LaxFe1-xO4; 0.00
      <=x<= 1.00) synthesized by sol-gel method were presented. X-ray diffraction
      patterns reveal the typical single phase spinel cubic ferrite structure, with the
      traces of secondary phase for lanthanum substituted nanocrystals. In addition,
      the structural analysis also demonstrates that the average crystallite size
      varied in the range of 21-25 nm. FTIR spectra present the two prominent
      absorption bands in the range of 400 to 600 cm-1 which are the fingerprint region
      of all ferrites. Surface morphology of both substituted and unsubstituted Ni-Zn
      ferrite nanoparticle samples was studied using FESEM technique and it indicates a
      significant increase in the size of spherical shaped particles with La3+
      substitution. Magnetic properties of all samples were analyzed using vibrating
      sample magnetometer (VSM). The results revealed that saturation magnetization
      (Ms) and coercivity (Hc) of La3+ substituted samples has decreased as compared to
      the Ni-Zn ferrite samples. Hence, the observed results affirm that the lanthanum
      ion substitution has greatly influenced the structural, morphology and magnetic
      properties of Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles.

PMID- 28081258
TI  - The Effect of Individual and Neighbourhood Socioeconomic Status on Diabetes
      Mellitus Survival in Working Age Patients in Taiwan.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global pandemic metabolic disorder. In
      recent years, the amount of medical resources required for the treatment of
      diabetes has increased as diabetes rates have gradually risen. The combined
      effects of individual and neighbourhood socio-economic status (SES) on DM
      survival rates are still not clear, especially in patients of working age. In
      this paper, we aim to analyze the combined effects of neighbourhood and
      individual SES on DM survival rates in patients of working age in Taiwan.
      METHODS: The study of 23,781 people who were diagnosed with DM by using
      population-based study between 2002 and 2006. Each sample was followed up for 4
      years or as a sensor case. We defined Individual SES and neighbourhood SES by
      each patient's job category and household income which characterized as
      advantaged or disadvantaged. Then we compared the survival rates by SES group
      used Cox proportional hazards model for adjust risk factors. RESULTS: The 4-year
      overall survival rates of diabetic patients were worst for those with low
      individual SES who living in advantaged neighbourhoods. After adjustment for
      patient characteristics, DM patients with high individual SES living in
      disadvantaged neighbourhoods had the same risk of mortality as those patients
      with high individual SES living in advantaged neighbourhoods (hazard ratio: 1.11;
      95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-1.51). The study found that DM patients with
      low individual SES who live in disadvantaged areas had a greater risk of
      mortality than those with high SES (odds ratio: 2.57; 95% CI: 2.04-3.24). There
      were significant differences in survival rates between patients with high
      individual SES and patients with low individual SES. In contrast, the results did
      not statistically significant differences in survival rates between advantaged
      and disadvantaged neighbourhood SES groups. CONCLUSION: DM patients with low
      individual SES had the worst survival rate, regardless of whether they were
      living in a high or low SES neighbourhood area. The competitive cause of death,
      i.e., the fact that complications, rather than DM itself, are often the cause of
      death, may be the reason for the inverse relationship found between the effects
      of individual SES and neighbourhood SES on DM survival. We conclude that the
      socio-economic gradient in survival among DM patients may be the result of
      differences in access to medical treatment and attributes related to individual
      SES.

PMID- 28081259
TI  - Frequency of Propionibacterium acnes Infection in Prostate Glands with Negative
      Biopsy Results Is an Independent Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer in Patients with
      Increased Serum PSA Titers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Propionibacterium acnes has recently been implicated as a cause of
      chronic prostatitis and this commensal bacterium may be linked to prostate
      carcinogenesis. The occurrence of intracellular P. acnes infection in prostate
      glands and the higher frequency of P. acnes-positive glands in radical
      prostatectomy specimens from patients with prostate cancer (PCa) than in those
      from patients without PCa led us to examine whether the P. acnes-positive gland
      frequency can be used to assess the risk for PCa in patients whose first prostate
      biopsy, performed due to an increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) titer, was
      negative. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the first and last prostate
      biopsy samples from 44 patients that were diagnosed PCa within 4 years after the
      first negative biopsy and from 36 control patients with no PCa found in repeated
      biopsy for at least 3 years after the first biopsy. We evaluated P. acnes
      positive gland frequency and P. acnes-positive macrophage number using enzyme
      immunohistochemistry with a P. acnes-specific monoclonal antibody (PAL antibody).
      RESULTS: The frequency of P. acnes-positive glands was higher in PCa samples than
      in control samples in both first biopsy samples and in combined first and last
      biopsy samples (P < 0.001). A frequency greater than the threshold (18.5 and
      17.7, respectively) obtained by each receiver operating characteristic curve was
      an independent risk factor for PCa (P = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively) with odds
      ratios (14.8 and 13.9, respectively) higher than those of serum PSA titers of
      patients just before each biopsy (4.6 and 2.3, respectively). The number of P.
      acnes-positive macrophages did not differ significantly between PCa and control
      samples. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the frequency of P. acnes
      positive glands in the first negative prostate biopsy performed due to increased
      PSA titers can be supportive information for urologists in planning repeated
      biopsy or follow-up strategies.

PMID- 28081261
TI  - The Role of TOR1A Polymorphisms in Dystonia: A Systematic Review and Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: A number of genetic loci were found to be associated with dystonia.
      Quite a few studies have been contacted to examine possible contribution of TOR1A
      variants to the risk of dystonia, but their results remain conflicting. The aim
      of the present study was to systematically evaluate the effect of TOR1A gene SNPs
      on dystonia and its phenotypic subtypes regarding the body distribution. METHODS:
      We performed a systematic review of Pubmed database to identify all available
      studies that reported genotype frequencies of TOR1A SNPs in dystonia. In total 16
      studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were
      calculated in each study to estimate the influence of TOR1A SNPs genotypes on the
      risk of dystonia. The fixed-effects model and the random effects model, in case
      of high heterogeneity, for recessive and dominant mode of inheritance as well as
      the free generalized odds ratio (ORG) model were used to calculate both the
      pooled point estimate in each study and the overall estimates. RESULTS: Rs1182
      was found to be associated with focal dystonia in recessive mode of inheritance
      [Odds Ratio, OR (95% confidence interval, C.I.): 1.83 (1.14-2.93), Pz = 0.01]. In
      addition, rs1801968 was associated with writer's cramp in both recessive and
      dominant modes [OR (95%C.I.): 5.99 (2.08-17.21), Pz = 0.00009] and [2.48 (1.36
      4.51), Pz = 0.003) respectively and in model free-approach [ORG (95%C.I.): 2.58
      (1.45-4.58)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis revealed a significant implication
      of rs1182 and rs1801968 TOR1A variants in the development of focal dystonia and
      writer's cramp respectively. TOR1A gene variants seem to be implicated in
      dystonia phenotype.

PMID- 28081262
TI  - Efficacy of Statin Treatment in Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major medical challenge and frequently
      coexists with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can be treated by statin
      trerapy. However, whether statin treatment affects renal progression and outcomes
      in CKD patients remains unclear. We retrospectively reviewed CKD patients at
      Gachon University Gil Medical Center from 2003-2013. From a total of 14,497 CKD
      patients, 858 statin users were paired with non-users and analyze with propensity
      score matching was performed. The outcomes of this study were creatinine
      doubling, renal death, all-cause mortality, and interactive factors for composite
      outcomes. Statins were prescribed to 13.5% of the study subjects. Hazard ratios
      (HRs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for statin treatment for the doubling of
      serum creatinine levels were significant only in CKD patients with an estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >=30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and were 0.744 (0.635
      0.873) in the unmatched cohort and 0.767 (0.596-0.986) in the matched cohort. In
      analyses of secondary outcomes, the HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality were
      0.655 (0.502-0.855) in the unmatched cohort and 0.537 (0.297-0.973) in the
      matched cohort. The HRs (95% CIs) for statin therapy for composite outcomes among
      patients with and without an eGFR >=30 mL/min/1.73 m2 were 0.764 (0.613-0.952)
      and 1.232 (0.894-1.697), respectively (P for interaction, 0.017). Thus, statin
      treatment may have beneficial effects on renal progression and all-cause
      mortality only for the patients with early- stage CKD.

PMID- 28081260
TI  - Comparative Genome Sequencing Reveals Within-Host Genetic Changes in Neisseria
      meningitidis during Invasive Disease.
AB  - Some members of the physiological human microbiome occasionally cause life
      threatening disease even in immunocompetent individuals. A prime example of such
      a commensal pathogen is Neisseria meningitidis, which normally resides in the
      human nasopharynx but is also a leading cause of sepsis and epidemic meningitis.
      Using N. meningitidis as model organism, we tested the hypothesis that virulence
      of commensal pathogens is a consequence of within host evolution and selection of
      invasive variants due to mutations at contingency genes, a mechanism called phase
      variation. In line with the hypothesis that phase variation evolved as an
      adaptation to colonize diverse hosts, computational comparisons of all 27 to date
      completely sequenced and annotated meningococcal genomes retrieved from public
      databases showed that contingency genes are indeed enriched for genes involved in
      host interactions. To assess within-host genetic changes in meningococci, we
      further used ultra-deep whole-genome sequencing of throat-blood strain pairs
      isolated from four patients suffering from invasive meningococcal disease. We
      detected up to three mutations per strain pair, affecting predominantly
      contingency genes involved in type IV pilus biogenesis. However, there was not a
      single (set) of mutation(s) that could invariably be found in all four pairs of
      strains. Phenotypic assays further showed that these genetic changes were
      generally not associated with increased serum resistance, higher fitness in human
      blood ex vivo or differences in the interaction with human epithelial and
      endothelial cells in vitro. In conclusion, we hypothesize that virulence of
      meningococci results from accidental emergence of invasive variants during
      carriage and without within host evolution of invasive phenotypes during disease
      progression in vivo.

PMID- 28081263
TI  - Molecular and Functional Characterization of Three Odorant-Binding Protein from
      Periplaneta americana.
AB  - The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, is a vector of many pathogenic
      organisms associated with human diseases. Olfaction plays a crucial role in
      guiding cockroach behaviors and contributes to their ability to transmit
      pathogens. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs), abundant in the insect olfactory
      sensilla, are important for insect olfaction. In this study, three OBP genes,
      PameOBP1, 2 and 3, were cloned from P. americana. Sequence alignment and
      phylogenetic analysis revealed that PameOBP1, 2 and 3 belong to the Minus-C OBP,
      Classic OBP, and Plus-C OBP subfamilies, respectively. Expression pattern and
      ligand-binding analysis showed that PameOBP1 and 2 were specifically expressed in
      antennae, and exhibited high binding affinities (Ki < 2 MUM) to farnesene,
      farnesol, 2-tridecanone, and tetradecane, suggesting roles in volatile
      perception. Conversely, PameOBP3 was ubiquitously expressed in most of the
      tissues examined at high levels and displayed very weak binding affinities (Ki >
      40 MUM) for all 87 ligands tested. Our study provides insights into the
      functional diversity of PameOBP genes and provides some volatiles that can
      potentially be used in behavioral interference of P. americana.

PMID- 28081264
TI  - The Important Role of Lipid Raft-Mediated Attachment in the Infection of Cultured
      Cells by Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus Beaudette Strain.
AB  - Lipid raft is an important element for the cellular entry of some viruses,
      including coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). However, the exact role
      of lipid rafts in the cellular membrane during the entry of IBV into host cells
      is still unknown. In this study, we biochemically fractionated IBV-infected cells
      via sucrose density gradient centrifugation after depleting plasma membrane
      cholesterol with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin or Mevastatin. Our results demonstrated
      that unlike IBV non-structural proteins, IBV structural proteins co-localized
      with lipid raft marker caveolin-1. Infectivity assay results of Vero cells
      illustrated that the drug-induced disruption of lipid rafts significantly
      suppressed IBV infection. Further studies revealed that lipid rafts were not
      required for IBV genome replication or virion release at later stages. However,
      the drug-mediated depletion of lipid rafts in Vero cells before IBV attachment
      significantly reduced the expression of viral structural proteins, suggesting
      that drug treatment impaired the attachment of IBV to the cell surface. Our
      results indicated that lipid rafts serve as attachment factors during the early
      stages of IBV infection, especially during the attachment stage.

PMID- 28081265
TI  - The Plasmin-Sensitive Protein Pls in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) Is a Glycoprotein.
AB  - Most bacterial glycoproteins identified to date are virulence factors of
      pathogenic bacteria, i.e. adhesins and invasins. However, the impact of protein
      glycosylation on the major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus remains
      incompletely understood. To study protein glycosylation in staphylococci, we
      analyzed lysostaphin lysates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) strains by SDS-PAGE and subsequent periodic acid-Schiff's staining. We
      detected four (>300, ~250, ~165, and ~120 kDa) and two (>300 and ~175 kDa)
      glycosylated surface proteins with strain COL and strain 1061, respectively. The
      ~250, ~165, and ~175 kDa proteins were identified as plasmin-sensitive protein
      (Pls) by mass spectrometry. Previously, Pls has been demonstrated to be a
      virulence factor in a mouse septic arthritis model. The pls gene is encoded by
      the staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC)mec type I in MRSA that also encodes
      the methicillin resistance-conferring mecA and further genes. In a search for
      glycosyltransferases, we identified two open reading frames encoded downstream of
      pls on the SCCmec element, which we termed gtfC and gtfD. Expression and deletion
      analysis revealed that both gtfC and gtfD mediate glycosylation of Pls.
      Additionally, the recently reported glycosyltransferases SdgA and SdgB are
      involved in Pls glycosylation. Glycosylation occurs at serine residues in the Pls
      SD-repeat region and modifying carbohydrates are N-acetylhexosaminyl residues.
      Functional characterization revealed that Pls can confer increased biofilm
      formation, which seems to involve two distinct mechanisms. The first mechanism
      depends on glycosylation of the SD-repeat region by GtfC/GtfD and probably also
      involves eDNA, while the second seems to be independent of glycosylation as well
      as eDNA and may involve the centrally located G5 domains. Other previously known
      Pls properties are not related to the sugar modifications. In conclusion, Pls is
      a glycoprotein and Pls glycosyl residues can stimulate biofilm formation. Thus,
      sugar modifications may represent promising new targets for novel therapeutic or
      prophylactic measures against life-threatening S. aureus infections.

PMID- 28081266
TI  - Human Extravillous Trophoblasts Penetrate Decidual Veins and Lymphatics before
      Remodeling Spiral Arteries during Early Pregnancy.
AB  - In humans, the defective invasion of the maternal endometrium by fetal
      extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) can lead to insufficient perfusion of the
      placenta, resulting in pregnancy complications that can put both mother and baby
      at risk. To study the invasion of maternal endometrium between (W)5.5-12 weeks of
      gestation by EVTs, we combined fluorescence in situ hybridization,
      immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry to determine the presence of (male)
      EVTs in the vasculature of the maternal decidua. We observed that interstitial
      mononuclear EVTs directly entered decidual veins and lymphatics from W5.5. This
      invasion of decidual veins and lymphatics occurred long before endovascular EVTs
      remodelled decidual spiral arteries. This unexpected early entrance of
      interstitial mononuclear EVTs in the maternal circulation does not seem to
      contribute to the materno-placental vascular connection directly, but rather to
      establish (and expand) the materno-fetal interface through an alternative
      vascular route.

PMID- 28081267
TI  - Single Nucleotide Variants of Candidate Genes in Aggrecan Metabolic Pathway Are
      Associated with Lumbar Disc Degeneration and Modic Changes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is genetically determined and
      severity of LDD is associated with Modic changes. Aggrecan is a major
      proteoglycan in the intervertebral disc and end plate. Progressive reduction of
      aggrecan is a main feature of LDD and Modic changes. OBJECTIVES: The study
      investigated the associations of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) of candidate
      genes in the aggrecan metabolic pathway with the severity of LDD and Modic
      changes. In-silico functional analysis of significant SNVs was also assessed.
      METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out on 106 patients with
      chronic mechanical low back pain. T1, T2 sagittal lumbar MRI scans were used to
      assess the severity of LDD and Modic changes. 62 SNVs in ten candidate genes
      (ACAN, IL1A, IL1B, IL6, MMP3, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, TIMP1, TIMP2 and TIMP3) were
      genotyped on Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. Multiple linear regression
      analysis was carried out using PLINK 1.9 in accordance with additive genetic
      model. In-silico functional analysis was carried out using Provean, SIFT,
      PolyPhen and Mutation Taster. RESULTS: Mean age was 52.42+/-9.42 years. 74
      (69.8%) were females. The rs2856836, rs1304037, rs17561 and rs1800587 variants of
      the IL1A gene were associated with the severity of LDD and Modic changes. The
      rs41270041 variant of the ADAMTS4 gene and the rs226794 variant of the ADAMTS5
      gene were associated with severity of LDD while the rs34884997 variant of the
      ADAMTS4 gene, the rs55933916 variant of the ADAMTS5 gene and the rs9862 variant
      of the TIMP3 gene were associated with severity of Modic changes. The rs17561
      variant of the IL1A gene was predicted as pathogenic by the PolyPhen prediction
      tool. CONCLUSIONS: SNVs of candidate genes in ACAN metabolic pathway are
      associated with severity of LDD and Modic changes in patients with chronic
      mechanical low back pain. Predictions of in-silico functional analysis of
      significant SNVs are inconsistent.

PMID- 28081269
TI  - Morphine Does Not Affect Myocardial Salvage in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial
      Infarction.
AB  - Recent studies have proposed intravenous (IV) morphine is associated with delayed
      action of antiplatelet agents in acute myocardial infarction. However, it is
      unknown whether morphine results in increased myocardial damage in ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI). We investigated myocardial salvage index (MSI) to
      determine whether IV morphine affects myocardial injury adversely in STEMI
      patients undergoing primary PCI. 299 STEMI patients underwent contrast-enhanced
      magnetic resonance imaging a median of 3 days after PCI. Infarct size was
      measured on delayed-enhancement imaging, and area at risk was quantified on T2
      weighted imaging. MSI was calculated as '[area at risk-infarct size] X 100 / area
      at risk'. IV morphine was administrated in 32.1% of patients. Patients treated
      with morphine had shorter symptom to balloon time and higher prevalence of
      Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade 0 or 1. The morphine group
      showed a trend toward larger MSI and infarct size and significantly greater area
      at risk than the non-morphine group. After propensity score matching (90 pairs),
      MSI was similar between the morphine and non-morphine group (46.1% versus 43.5%,
      P = .11), and infarct size and area at risk showed no difference. In propensity
      score-matched analysis, IV morphine prior to primary PCI in STEMI patients did
      not cause adverse impacts on myocardial salvage.

PMID- 28081270
TI  - Outcome and Treatment Effects in Stroke Associated with Acute Cervical ICA
      Occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy (EVT) with stent retrievers in addition to i.v.
      thrombolysis (IVT) has proven effective in acute stroke patients with middle
      cerebral artery (MCA, M1 segment) and distal internal carotid artery (ICA)
      occlusion. Limited data exist concerning acute cervical ICA occlusion, either
      alone or in combination with intracranial ICA occlusion (tandem occlusion).
      Therefore we analyzed outcome and treatment effects in stroke associated with
      cervical ICA occlusion, with specific focus on the impact of intracranial ICA or
      M1 patency. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with cervical ICA occlusion from our
      local stroke unit registry were analyzed retrospectively. Thrombolysis in
      Cerebral Infarction (TICI) classification, infarct size, modified Rankin scale
      (mRS), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and death were assessed as
      outcome parameters. RESULTS: Forty-three patients had isolated cervical ICA
      occlusion whereas 35 patients presented with extra-/intracranial tandem
      occlusion. Patients underwent IVT alone (n = 23), combined IVT/EVT (n = 28) or no
      treatment (n = 27). Treated and untreated patients with tandem occlusion had a
      worse outcome after 90 days compared to isolated cervical occlusion (OR for
      moderate outcome 0.29, 0.27-0.88, p = 0.01). Additional EVT improved outcome in
      patients with tandem occlusion (OR for moderate outcome: 15.43, 1.60-148.90, p =
      0.008) but not isolated cervical occlusion (OR 1.33, 0.38-11.60, NS).
      CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to tandem occlusion, stroke outcome in patients with
      isolated cervical ICA occlusion was generally more benign and not improved by
      combined IVT/EVT compared to IVT alone. Intracranial vessel patency may be
      critical for treatment decision in acute cervical ICA occlusion.

PMID- 28081271
TI  - Beaver Colony Density Trends on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, 1987 -
      2013.
AB  - The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is a managed species in the United
      States. In northern Wisconsin, as part of the state-wide beaver management
      program, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest removes beavers from targeted
      trout streams on U.S. Forest Service lands. However, the success of this
      management program has not been evaluated. Targeted removals comprise only 3% of
      the annual beaver harvest, a level of effort that may not affect the beaver
      population. We used colony location data along Forest streams from 1987-2013
      (Nicolet, northeast Wisconsin) and 1997-2013 (Chequamegon, northwest Wisconsin)
      to assess trends in beaver colony density on targeted trout streams compared to
      non-targeted streams. On the Chequamegon, colony density on non-targeted trout
      and non-trout streams did not change over time, while colony density on targeted
      trout streams declined and then stabilized. On the Nicolet, beaver colony density
      decreased on both non-targeted streams and targeted trout streams. However,
      colony density on targeted trout streams declined faster. The impact of targeted
      trapping was similar across the two sides of the Forest (60% reduction relative
      to non-targeted trout streams). Exploratory analyses of weather influences found
      that very dry conditions and severe winters were associated with transient
      reductions in beaver colony density on non-targeted streams on both sides of the
      Forest. Our findings may help land management agencies weigh more finely
      calibrated beaver control measures against continued large-scale removal
      programs.

PMID- 28081268
TI  - The Rice Dynamin-Related Protein OsDRP1E Negatively Regulates Programmed Cell
      Death by Controlling the Release of Cytochrome c from Mitochondria.
AB  - Programmed cell death (PCD) mediated by mitochondrial processes has emerged as an
      important mechanism for plant development and responses to abiotic and biotic
      stresses. However, the role of translocation of cytochrome c from the
      mitochondria to the cytosol during PCD remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that
      the rice dynamin-related protein 1E (OsDRP1E) negatively regulates PCD by
      controlling mitochondrial structure and cytochrome c release. We used a map-based
      cloning strategy to isolate OsDRP1E from the lesion mimic mutant dj-lm and
      confirmed that the E409V mutation in OsDRP1E causes spontaneous cell death in
      rice. Pathogen inoculation showed that dj-lm significantly enhances resistance to
      fungal and bacterial pathogens. Functional analysis of the E409V mutation showed
      that the mutant protein impairs OsDRP1E self-association and formation of a
      higher-order complex; this in turn reduces the GTPase activity of OsDRP1E.
      Furthermore, confocal microscopy showed that the E409V mutation impairs
      localization of OsDRP1E to the mitochondria. The E409V mutation significantly
      affects the morphogenesis of cristae in mitochondria and causes the abnormal
      release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytoplasm. Taken together, our
      results demonstrate that the mitochondria-localized protein OsDRP1E functions as
      a negative regulator of cytochrome c release and PCD in plants.

PMID- 28081272
TI  - Individual Plasticity of the Shade Response of the Invasive Solidago canadensis
      in China.
AB  - To evaluate the population variation, individual plasticity, and local
      adaptability of Solidago canadensis in response to shade treatment, we conducted
      a common pots experiment with a total of 150 ramets (5 genets, 15 populations,
      and 2 treatments) subjected to both control (natural light) and shady treatment
      (10% of natural light). Shade treatment significantly reduced growth and content
      of defense metabolites in S. canadensis. Compared to control, shading led to
      increased height, decreased basal diameter, increased leaf width, increased leaf
      length, increased chlorophyll content, stronger photosynthetic rate (Pn),
      stronger stomatal conductance (gs), and lower root to shoot ratio. Three-way
      analysis of variance revealed geographical origin to significantly affect the
      basal diameter of S. canadensis, while genotype significantly affected plant
      height, intercelluar CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), and proline
      content. Significant interactive effects between shade and geographic origin were
      prevalent for most traits. The phenotypic differentiation coefficient of the
      plasticity of all traits was below 0.4, indicating that most of all variations
      can be found among individuals within populations. Phenotypic selection analysis
      revealed that fitness was significantly positively related to plant height, basal
      diameter, Ci, total flavonoid content, as well as the plasticity of plant height,
      leaf length, leaf width, gs, Ci, total flavonoid content, and malondialdehyde
      content under the control condition. However, subjected to shade, fitness was
      only significantly positively related to plant height, basal diameter, and the
      plasticity of basal diameter. Rather than local adaption, these results suggest
      that individual plasticity played a more prominent role in the shade response of
      the invasive S. canadensis.

PMID- 28081273
TI  - Assessing the Impact of Retreat Mechanisms in a Simple Antarctic Ice Sheet Model
      Using Bayesian Calibration.
AB  - The response of the Antarctic ice sheet (AIS) to changing climate forcings is an
      important driver of sea-level changes. Anthropogenic climate change may drive a
      sizeable AIS tipping point response with subsequent increases in coastal flooding
      risks. Many studies analyzing flood risks use simple models to project the future
      responses of AIS and its sea-level contributions. These analyses have provided
      important new insights, but they are often silent on the effects of potentially
      important processes such as Marine Ice Sheet Instability (MISI) or Marine Ice
      Cliff Instability (MICI). These approximations can be well justified and result
      in more parsimonious and transparent model structures. This raises the question
      of how this approximation impacts hindcasts and projections. Here, we calibrate a
      previously published and relatively simple AIS model, which neglects the effects
      of MICI and regional characteristics, using a combination of observational
      constraints and a Bayesian inversion method. Specifically, we approximate the
      effects of missing MICI by comparing our results to those from expert assessments
      with more realistic models and quantify the bias during the last interglacial
      when MICI may have been triggered. Our results suggest that the model can
      approximate the process of MISI and reproduce the projected median melt from some
      previous expert assessments in the year 2100. Yet, our mean hindcast is roughly
      3/4 of the observed data during the last interglacial period and our mean
      projection is roughly 1/6 and 1/10 of the mean from a model accounting for MICI
      in the year 2100. These results suggest that missing MICI and/or regional
      characteristics can lead to a low-bias during warming period AIS melting and
      hence a potential low-bias in projected sea levels and flood risks.

PMID- 28081274
TI  - Role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in
      polycystic ovary syndrome risk.
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most frequently encountered endocrine
      malfunctions. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays a vital role in
      folate metabolism, DNA methylation, and RNA synthesis. We carried out a study to
      investigate the association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C genetic variations and
      the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome in a Chinese population. We recruited 244
      patients and 257 control subjects from an Inner Mongolian Medical University to
      this hospital-based, case-control study. The genotyping of the MTHFR C677T and
      A1298C polymorphisms was carried out using polymerase chain reaction coupled with
      restriction fragment length polymorphism. Using multiple logistic regression
      analysis, we found that the TT genotype and the T allele of MTHFR C677T carriers
      showed increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome compared with the wild-type
      genotype or allele carriers. The adjusted ORs for the TT genotype and the T
      allele of MTHFR C677T were 1.84 (1.05-3.26) and 1.38 (1.06-1.81), respectively.
      Subjects carrying the CC genotype (OR = 3.98, 95%CI = 1.60-11.23) and the C
      allele (OR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.07-2.00) of MTHFR A1298C had an elevated risk of
      polycystic ovary syndrome compared with the AA genotype and A allele carriers. In
      conclusion, our study suggests that the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms may
      have contributed to the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome in the Chinese women
      investigated. Further research involving a greater number of individuals is
      warranted to confirm our results.

PMID- 28081275
TI  - Role of XRCC1 gene polymorphisms in non-small cell lung cancer cisplatin-based
      chemotherapy, and their effect on clinical and pathological characteristics.
AB  - Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cancer globally. The XRCC1
      protein interacts with ligase and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase to repair cisplatin
      induced DNA damage. The authors of previous studies have reported XRCC1
      Arg399Gln, Arg280His, and Arg194Trp polymorphisms and advanced NSCLC prognosis,
      but the results are inconclusive. We investigated the association between
      clinical outcome and XRCC1 Arg399Gln, Arg280His, and Arg194Trp polymorphisms in
      advanced NSCLC patients treated with cisplatin. We recruited 252 patients with
      advanced NSCLC (TNM stages: IIIB and IV) and used polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to genotype the
      polymorphisms. Patients with the TT genotype of XRCC1 Arg194Trp showed a
      significantly better response to chemotherapy than those with the CC genotype.
      The GA+AA genotype of Arg194Trp was correlated with better response to
      chemotherapy than the wild-type form. The TT genotype of Arg194Trp was associated
      with longer survival time than the CC genotype. The TT genotype of Arg194Trp was
      correlated with lower risk of death from all causes than the CC genotype. The
      Arg194Trp polymorphisms interacted with squamous cell carcinoma and affected
      overall survival of advanced NSCLC. However, there was no association between
      Arg399Gln and Arg280His polymorphisms and response to cisplatin-based
      chemotherapy and overall survival in advanced NSCLC. The results suggest that the
      TT genotype of Arg194Trp is significantly associated with better response to
      chemotherapy and longer overall survival of advanced NSCLC patients than the wild
      type form. Our investigation offers insight into the influence of XRCC1 gene
      polymorphisms on the treatment outcome of advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 28081276
TI  - Correlation and path analysis of biomass sorghum production.
AB  - Sorghum biomass is an interesting raw material for bioenergy production due to
      its versatility, potential of being a renewable energy source, and low-cost of
      production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability
      of biomass sorghum genotypes and to estimate genotypic, phenotypic, and
      environmental correlations, and direct and indirect effects of seven agronomic
      traits through path analysis. Thirty-four biomass sorghum genotypes and two
      forage sorghum genotypes were cultivated in a randomized block design with three
      replicates. The following morpho-agronomic traits were evaluated: flowering date,
      stem diameter, number of stems, plant height, number of leaves, green mass
      production, and dry matter production. There were significant differences at the
      1% level for all traits. The highest genotypic correlation was found between the
      traits green mass production and dry matter production. The path analysis
      demonstrated that green mass production and number of leaves can assist in the
      selection of dry matter production.

PMID- 28081277
TI  - Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of rice dwarf mutants induced by gamma
      irradiation.
AB  - Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is a powerful tool used to analyze
      changes in copy number, polymorphisms, and structural variations in the genome.
      Gene copy number variation (CNV) is a common form of natural diversity in the
      genome, which can create new genes and alter gene structure. Thus, CNVs may
      influence phenotypic variation and gene expression. In this study, to detect
      CNVs, we irradiated rice seeds with gamma rays (300 Gy) and selected two dwarf
      mutagenized plants, GA-III-189 and -1052, in the M3 generation. These plants were
      subjected to CGH analysis using Agilent's RICE CGH array. Most of the CNVs
      identified were less than 10 kb in length. We detected 90 amplified and 18
      deleted regions in GA-III-189, and 99 amplified and 11 deleted regions in GA-III
      1052. Of note, CNVs were located on chromosome 12 in both GA-III-189 and -1052,
      which contained 39 commonly amplified regions in 29 genes. The commonly amplified
      genes included six genes encoding F-box domain-containing proteins. Alterations
      in these F-box domain-containing genes were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR.
      Integration of CGH and gene expression data identified copy number aberrations
      and novel genes potentially involved in the dwarf phenotype. These CGH and gene
      expression data may be useful for uncovering the mechanisms underlying the dwarf
      phenotype.

PMID- 28081278
TI  - Population structure of Annona crassiflora: an endemic plant species of the
      Brazilian Cerrado.
AB  - Habitat fragmentation has numerous consequences, particularly to endemic species,
      and has a negative impact on the genetic diversity of neglected species, leading
      to genetic drift. Annona crassiflora Mart. is a species that is endemic to
      Brazil, and its incidence in the Cerrado biome has decreased. The identification
      and characterization of its remaining diversity is necessary for its
      conservation. Our aim was to study the population structure of A. crassiflora
      populations from different Cerrado regions in Minas Gerais State, Brazil
      (Corinto, Curvelo, Carmo da Mata, Boa Esperanca, and Paraguacu) using inter
      simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and DNA content. Nuclear DNA content was
      estimated by flow cytometry using 10 individuals from each population. ISSR
      markers were used for genotyping accessions in order to study their genetic
      diversity and population structures. We found considerable genetic variation
      among populations, with the highest variability observed in the Curvelo
      population. There was a significant positive correlation between DNA content and
      latitude (r = 0.46, P = 0. 0003). A Bayesian-based cluster analysis grouped the
      populations into three clusters, which followed their geographical origins. There
      was some level of genetic diversity and differentiation among the populations,
      suggesting the need for a conservation plan for this species. The ISSR markers
      and DNA content analysis were effective in studying the genetic diversity and
      population structure of A. crassiflora.

PMID- 28081279
TI  - Karyotype analysis and ribosomal gene localization of spotted knifejaw
      Oplegnathus punctatus.
AB  - The spotted knifejaw, Oplegnathus punctatus, is an important aquaculture fish
      species in China. To better understand the chromosomal microstructure and the
      karyotypic origin of this species, cytogenetic analysis was performed using
      Giemsa staining to identify metaphase chromosomes, C-banding to detect C-positive
      heterochromatin, silver staining to identify the nucleolus organizer regions (Ag
      NORs), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for physical mapping of the
      major (18S rDNA) and minor (5S rDNA) ribosomal genes. The species showed a
      karyotype of 2n = 48 for females, composed of 2 submetacentric and 46 telocentric
      chromosomes, with a fundamental number (FN) = 50, while the karyotype of males
      was 2n = 47, composed of 1 exclusive large metacentric, 2 submetacentric, and 44
      telocentric chromosomes, with FN = 50. These karyotype results suggest that O.
      punctatus might have an X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y multiple sex chromosome system. C-positive
      heterochromatin was distributed in the centromeres of all chromosomal pairs and
      in the terminal portions of some chromosomes. A single pair of Ag-positive NORs
      was found to be localized at the terminal regions of the short arms of the
      subtelocentric chromosome pair, which was supported by FISH of 18S rDNA. After
      FISH, 5S rDNA were located on the interstitial regions of the smallest
      telocentric chromosome pair. This study was the first to identify the karyotype
      of this species and will facilitate further research on karyotype evolution in
      the order Perciformes.

PMID- 28081280
TI  - Evaluation on the germplasm of maize (Zea mays L.) landraces from southwest
      China.
AB  - Because of their local adaptation and economic factors that limit the adoption of
      commercial hybrids, farmer-saved maize landraces are still grown over a
      considerable area concentrated in southwest China. To evaluate the potential of
      using maize landraces, the germplasm characteristics of 96 landraces from
      southwest China were evaluated at phenotypic, cellular, and molecular levels. The
      existence of high phenotypic variation and elite germplasm tolerant to low-N, low
      P, as well as drought stress was observed. Of the total landraces, 81.25, 7.29,
      5.21, and 2.08% were found with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 B chromosomes. Using 42
      microsatellite (simple sequence repeat) loci, 246 alleles were detected among the
      landraces. The number of alleles per SSR locus varied from 2 to 10, averaging
      5.67 allele per locus, which revealed a high level of genetic diversity of maize
      landraces in southwest China. Cluster analysis showed that 96 landraces could
      distinctly be clustered into four groups, which tended to associate with their
      geographic origins. We propose that the genetic diversity center of maize
      landraces in southwest China might be in Sichuan. A sharp genetic deviation from
      Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed from heterozygosity deficiency and a
      considerable genetic variation was revealed within, rather than among, the
      landraces. Based on their germplasm characteristics, the innovation and
      utilization of maize landraces in southwestern China for theoretical and applied
      research could be achieved by constructing heterosis groups, developing inbred
      lines with high combining ability, and maintaining the landraces with elite
      germplasm and B chromosomes using bulked pollen.

PMID- 28081281
TI  - SHORT-COMMUNICATION Validation of reference genes for real-time quantitative PCR
      in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum).
AB  - Tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, is the main native freshwater fish in Brazilian
      aquaculture. Therefore, intensive research pressure has been applied to the
      species to support new technologies for tambaqui farming. Molecular biology
      represents a tool that can be used to investigate every field of applied biology,
      from fish physiology to the effects of climate change. Based on the importance of
      reference genes for the relative or absolute quantification of gene transcripts,
      we cloned and sequenced three candidate reference genes in tambaqui (18S
      ribossomal RNA - 18s, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase - gapdh, and actin
      beta - beta-actin), and validated a set of primers for each gene for use in real
      time quantitative PCR. The results were evaluated by RefFinder, which indicated
      that beta-actin is the most suitable reference gene for tambaqui among those
      studied, followed by 18s.

PMID- 28081282
TI  - Cloning of three genes involved in the flavonoid metabolic pathway and their
      expression during insect resistance in Pinus massoniana Lamb.
AB  - Pinus massoniana Lamb. is an important timber and turpentine-producing tree
      species in China. Dendrolimus punctatus and Dasychira axutha are leaf-eating
      pests that have harmful effects on P. massoniana production. Few studies have
      focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying pest resistance in P. massoniana.
      Based on sequencing analysis of the transcriptomes of insect-resistant P.
      massoniana, three key genes involved in the flavonoid metabolic pathway were
      identified in the present study (PmF3H, PmF3'5'H, and PmC4H). Structural domain
      analysis showed that the PmF3H gene contains typical binding sites for the 2OG-Fe
      (II) oxygenase superfamily, while PmF3'5'H and PmC4H both contain the cytochrome
      P450 structural domain, which is specific for P450 enzymes. Phylogenetic analysis
      showed that each of the three P. massoniana genes, and the homologous genes in
      gymnosperms, clustered into a group. Expression of these three genes was highest
      in the stems, and was higher in the insect-resistant P. massoniana varieties than
      in the controls. The extent of the increased expression in the insect-resistant
      P. massoniana varieties indicated that these three genes are involved in defense
      mechanisms against pests in this species. In the insect-resistant varieties,
      rapid induction of PmF3H increased the levels of PmF3'5'H and PmC4H expression.
      The enhanced anti-pest capability of the insect-resistant varieties could be
      related to temperature and humidity. In addition, these results suggest that
      these three genes maycontribute to the change in flower color during female cone
      development.

PMID- 28081283
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) during the late stage
      of fruit ripening.
AB  - Fruit ripening is a complex developmental process, the details of which remain
      largely unknown in fleshy fruits. In this paper, the fruit flesh of two peach
      varieties, "Zhongyou9" (a nectarine; Prunus persica L. Batsch) and its mutant
      "Hongyu", was analyzed by RNA-seq technology during two stages of ripening at 20
      day intervals. One hundred and eighty significant upregulated and two hundred and
      thirty-five downregulated genes were identified in the experiment. Many of these
      genes were related to plant hormones, chlorophyll breakdown, accumulation of
      aroma and flavor volatiles, and stress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the
      first transcriptome analysis of peach ripening, and our data will be useful for
      further studies of the molecular basis of fruit ripening.

PMID- 28081284
TI  - Analysis of the relationship between ribosomal DNA ITS sequences and active
      components in Rhodiola plants.
AB  - Rhodiola plants are a valuable resource in traditional Chinese medicine. The
      objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ribosomal DNA
      internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and the three active components in
      Rhodiola plants. For this, we determined ITS sequence polymorphisms and the
      concentrations of active components salidroside, tyrosol, and gallic acid in
      different Rhodiola species from the Tibetan Plateau. In a total of 23 Rhodiola
      samples, 16 different haplotypes were defined based on their ITS sequences.
      Analysis of the active components in these same samples revealed that salidroside
      was not detected in species with haplotypes H4, H5, or H10, tyrosol was not
      detected with haplotypes H3, H5, H7, H10, H14, or H15, and gallic acid was
      detected in with all haplotypes except H14 and H15. In addition, the
      concentrations of salidroside, tyrosol and gallic acid varied between samples
      with different haplotypes as well as those with the same haplotype, implying that
      no significant correlation exists between haplotype and salidroside, tyrosol or
      gallic acid concentrations. However, a statistically significant positive
      correlation was observed for among these three active components.

PMID- 28081285
TI  - Pre-harvest foliar application of ethephon strengthens gibberellins-induced fruit
      expansion in Pyrus pyrifolia.
AB  - To identify the roles of ethylene in fruit development in Japanese pear Pyrus
      pyrifolia 'Niitaka', one of the non-climacteric genotypes, source-sink strength
      and fruit development during fruit expansion were investigated when ethephon was
      applied after a conventional gibberellic acid (GA) lanolin paste treatment on the
      pedicel. The results demonstrate that the conventional GA treatment during the
      early stage of fruit expansion resulted in larger fruit size and advanced fruit
      maturation, but pre-harvest foliar application of ethephon only advanced fruit
      maturation. However, pre-harvest foliar application of ethephon with a preceding
      conventional GA treatment during the early stage of fruit expansion dramatically
      improved fruit size and advanced fruit maturation over GA or ethephon alone.
      Moreover, the early foliar application of ethephon showed a better efficacy in
      increasing fruit size than the late spraying. A further study revealed that when
      ethephon was applied after the conventional GA treatment, it improved source-sink
      strength associated with leaf photosynthesis and the specific rate of [13C]
      accumulation in fruit, and also strengthened cell expansion more than did GA or
      ethephon alone.

PMID- 28081286
TI  - Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation in a Weak Ligand Field: Leveraging Open-Shell First
      Row Transition-Metal Catalysts.
AB  - Unique features of earth-abundant transition-metal catalysts are reviewed in the
      context of catalytic carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions. Aryl-substituted
      bis(imino)pyridine iron and cobalt dihalide compounds, when activated with alkyl
      aluminum reagents, form highly active catalysts for the polymerization of
      ethylene. Open-shell iron and cobalt alkyl complexes have been synthesized that
      serve as single-component olefin polymerization catalysts. Reduced
      bis(imino)pyridine iron and cobalt dinitrogen compounds have also been discovered
      that promote the unique [2+2] cycloaddition of unactivated terminal alkenes.
      Studies of the electronic structure support open-shell intermediates, a deviation
      from traditional strong-field organometallic compounds that promote catalytic C-C
      bond formation.

PMID- 28081287
TI  - Current insights into the aetiology, pathobiology, and management of local
      disease recurrence in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.
AB  - : Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva is predominantly a disease of the elderly,
      where the mainstay of treatment is radical surgery. Local vulval recurrence (LVR)
      is a significant problem for these patients, and the rates of recurrence have not
      improved over the last three decades. Disappointingly, we still lack an
      understanding of how LVRs develop, and the best approach to prevent and manage
      the condition. This review discusses recent insights into the key prognostic
      factors that influence the risk of recurrence, focusing on the role of tumour
      adjacent non-neoplastic epithelial disorders, which are thought to play a
      causative role. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A review that discusses the key prognostic
      factors that influence local recurrence in vulval cancer.

PMID- 28081288
TI  - Short dental implants (6 mm) versus long dental implants (11-15 mm) in
      combination with sinus floor elevation procedures: 3-year results from a
      multicentre, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
AB  - AIM: To test whether the use of short dental implants (6 mm) results in an
      implant survival rate similar to that with longer implants (11-15 mm) in
      combination with sinus grafting. METHODS: This multicentre study enrolled 101
      patients with partial edentulism in the posterior maxilla and a remaining bone
      height of 5-7 mm. Included patients were randomly assigned to receive short
      implants (6 mm; GS/group short) or long implants (11-15 mm) simultaneously with
      sinus grafting (GG/group graft). Six months after implant placement (IP),
      implants were loaded with single crowns (PR) and patients were re-examined yearly
      thereafter. Assessed outcomes included: implant survival, marginal bone level
      changes (MBL), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP) and plaque
      accumulation (PCR) during 3 years of loading as well as recording of any adverse
      effects. In addition to descriptive statistics, statistical analysis has been
      performed for the two treatment modalities using a non-parametric approach.
      RESULTS: In 101 patients, 137 implants were placed. At the 3-year follow-up (FU
      3), 94 patients with 129 implants were re-examined. The implant survival rate was
      100% in both groups. MBL at FU-3 was 0.45 mm (GG) and 0.44 mm (GS) (p > 0.05). A
      statistically significant loss of MBL was observed in both GG (-0.43 +/- 0.58 mm)
      and GS (-0.44 +/- 0.56 mm) from IP to FU-3, and from PR to FU-3 in GG (-0.25 +/-
      0.58 mm) but not in GS (-0.1 +/- 0.54 mm). PCR and BoP at FU-3 did not show any
      difference between the groups but for PPD (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Within the
      limitations of this study, implants with a length of 6 mm as well as longer
      implants in combination with a lateral sinus lift may be considered as a
      treatment option provided a residual ridge height of 5-7 mm in the atrophied
      posterior maxilla is present.

PMID- 28081289
TI  - Transgenic cotton expressing Cry10Aa toxin confers high resistance to the cotton
      boll weevil.
AB  - Genetically modified (GM) cotton plants that effectively control cotton boll
      weevil (CBW), which is the most destructive cotton insect pest in South America,
      are reported here for the first time. This work presents the successful
      development of a new GM cotton with high resistance to CBW conferred by Cry10Aa
      toxin, a protein encoded by entomopathogenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene.
      The plant transformation vector harbouring cry10Aa gene driven by the cotton
      ubiquitination-related promoter uceA1.7 was introduced into a Brazilian cotton
      cultivar by biolistic transformation. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays revealed
      high transcription levels of cry10Aa in both T0 GM cotton leaf and flower bud
      tissues. Southern blot and qPCR-based 2-DeltaDeltaCt analyses revealed that T0 GM
      plants had either one or two transgene copies. Quantitative and qualitative
      analyses of Cry10Aa protein expression showed variable protein expression levels
      in both flower buds and leaves tissues of T0 GM cotton plants, ranging from
      approximately 3.0 to 14.0 MUg g-1 fresh tissue. CBW susceptibility bioassays,
      performed by feeding adults and larvae with T0 GM cotton leaves and flower buds,
      respectively, demonstrated a significant entomotoxic effect and a high level of
      CBW mortality (up to 100%). Molecular analysis revealed that transgene stability
      and entomotoxic effect to CBW were maintained in T1 generation as the Cry10Aa
      toxin expression levels remained high in both tissues, ranging from 4.05 to 19.57
      MUg g-1 fresh tissue, and the CBW mortality rate remained around 100%. In
      conclusion, these Cry10Aa GM cotton plants represent a great advance in the
      control of the devastating CBW insect pest and can substantially impact cotton
      agribusiness.

PMID- 28081290
TI  - Membrane microdomains and the cytoskeleton constrain AtHIR1 dynamics and
      facilitate the formation of an AtHIR1-associated immune complex.
AB  - Arabidopsis hypersensitive-induced reaction (AtHIR) proteins function in plant
      innate immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms by which AtHIRs participate
      in plant immunity remain elusive. Here, using VA-TIRFM and FLIM-FRET, we revealed
      that AtHIR1 is present in membrane microdomains and co-localizes with the
      membrane microdomain marker REM1.3. Single-particle tracking analysis revealed
      that membrane microdomains and the cytoskeleton, especially microtubules,
      restrict the lateral mobility of AtHIR1 at the plasma membrane and facilitate its
      oligomerization. Furthermore, protein proximity index measurements, fluorescence
      cross-correlation spectroscopy, and biochemical experiments demonstrated that the
      formation of the AtHIR1 complex upon pathogen perception requires intact
      microdomains and cytoskeleton. Taken together, these findings suggest that
      microdomains and the cytoskeleton constrain AtHIR1 dynamics, promote AtHIR1
      oligomerization, and increase the efficiency of the interactions of AtHIR1 with
      components of the AtHIR1 complex in response to pathogens, thus providing
      valuable insight into the mechanisms of defense-related responses in plants.

PMID- 28081291
TI  - A Bioorganometallic Approach to Study Histidine Kinase Autophosphorylations.
AB  - Auto-phosphorylation of bacterial histidine kinases PhoR, PhoQ, and EnvZ has been
      investigated using adenosine-5'-[gamma-ferrocene] triphosphate (Fc-ATP) as a
      cosubstrate for the first time. The study has been carried out in solution and on
      surface. Results from biochemical multiplex assay and surface
      electrochemical/optical methods are consistent, which successfully demonstrates
      that Fc-ATP is an efficient cosubstrate for histidine kinase auto
      phosphorylations. The study also has discovered that the concentration of Fc-ATP
      influences the autophosphorylation efficiency. This developed methodology will
      provide a powerful tool in studying such biological processes towards further
      understanding of the involved mechanism.

PMID- 28081292
TI  - The utility of abbreviated patient-reported outcomes for predicting survival in
      early stage colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used in clinical
      settings. Prior research suggests that PROs collected at baseline may be
      associated with cancer survival, but most of those studies were conducted in
      patients with breast or lung cancer. The objective of this study was to determine
      the correlation between prospectively collected PROs and cancer-specific outcomes
      in patients with early stage colorectal cancer. METHODS: Patients who had newly
      diagnosed stage II or III colorectal cancer from 2009 to 2010 and had a
      consultation at the British Columbia Cancer Agency completed the brief
      Psychosocial Screen for Cancer (PSSCAN) questionnaire, which collects data on
      patients' perceived social supports, quality of life (QOL), anxiety and
      depression, and general health. PROs from the PSSCAN were linked with the
      Gastrointestinal Cancers Outcomes Database, which contains information on patient
      and tumor characteristics, treatment details, and cancer outcomes. Cox regression
      models were constructed for overall survival (OS), and Fine and Gray regression
      models were developed for disease-specific survival (DSS). RESULTS: In total, 692
      patients were included. The median patient age was 67 years (range, 26-95 years),
      and the majority had colon cancer (61%), were diagnosed with stage III disease
      (54%), and received chemotherapy (58%). In general, patients felt well supported
      and reported good overall health and QOL. On multivariate analysis, increased
      fatigue was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99; P = .00007) and
      DSS (HR, 1.63; P = .03), as was lack of emotional support (OS: HR, 4.36; P =
      .0003; DSS: HR, 1.92; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Although most patients described
      good overall health and QOL and indicated that they were generally well
      supported, patients who experienced more pronounced fatigue or lacked emotional
      support had a higher likelihood of worse OS and DSS. These findings suggest that
      abbreviated PROs can inform and assist clinicians to identify patients who have a
      worse prognosis and may need more vigilant follow-up. Cancer 2017;123:1839-1847.
      (c) 2017 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 28081293
TI  - Role of Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate at the Titanium Implant Interface In Vivo:
      Increased Hemophilicity, Inactive Platelet Adhesion, and Osteointegration.
AB  - Titanium is the most biocompatible inorganic biomaterial with a long history of
      use in orthopedic and dental implants. However, promoting rapid and effective
      bone formation and integration onto etched, rough TiO2 surfaces has been a
      challenging topic. Here, 21 commercially available molecules are examined that
      met the following criteria: (1) contain phosphonic acid for stable immobilization
      onto TiO2 surfaces and (2) have a molecular weight less than 500 Da for
      negligible coating thickness. Of these molecules, the surface immobilization of
      pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), an active form of vitamin B6 , dramatically
      increases the hemophilic property of the surface and accelerated osteointegration
      in vivo. Analysis shows that PLP promotes surface binding of serum albumin and
      other plasma proteins by Schiff-base formations via its aldehyde group, providing
      a platform suitable for osteoblast adhesion. PLP also retards blood coagulation
      more than the widely used citric acid at the TiO2 surface. As PLP is capable of
      maintaining an inactivated status of surface-adsorbed platelets, delayed
      coagulation at the implant-blood interface allows for sufficient supply of growth
      factors from blood plasma and migration of osteoblasts. The results suggest that
      PLP can be widely applicable as a biocompatible, effective coating compound to
      promote osteointegration of titanium-based implants.

PMID- 28081294
TI  - Xenogeneic Bio-Root Prompts the Constructive Process Characterized by Macrophage
      Phenotype Polarization in Rodents and Nonhuman Primates.
AB  - Tissue or organ regeneration using xenogeneic matrices is a promising approach to
      address the shortage of donor matrices for allotransplantation. Success of such
      approach has been demonstrated to correlate with macrophage-mediated fibrotic
      homeostasis and tissue remodeling. The previous studies have demonstrated that
      treated dentin matrix (TDM) could be a suitable bioactive substrate for
      allogeneic tooth root regeneration. This study constructed xenogeneic
      bioengineered tooth root (bio-root) via a combination of porcine TDM (pTDM) with
      allogeneic dental follicle cells (DFCs). Macrophage phenotypes are used to
      evaluate the remodeling process of xenogeneic bio-roots in vitro and in vivo.
      pTDM can facilitate odontoblast differentiation of human derived DFCs. Xenogeneic
      bio-roots in rat subcutaneous tissue prompt constructive response via M1
      macrophage infiltration during early postimplantation stages and increase
      restorative M2 phenotype at later stages. After implantation of bio-roots into
      jaws of rhesus monkeys for six months, periodontal ligament-like fibers
      accompanied by macrophage polarization are observed, which are positive for COL
      1, Periostin, betaIII-tubulin and display such structures as fibroblasts and
      blood vessels. The reconstructed bio-root possesses biomechanical properties for
      the dissipation of masticatory forces. These results support that xenogeneic bio
      root could maintain fibrotic homeostasis during remodeling process and highlight
      the potential application of xenogeneic matrices in regenerative medicine.

PMID- 28081295
TI  - Connected component masking accurately identifies the ratio of phagocytosed and
      cell-bound particles in individual cells by imaging flow cytometry.
AB  - Innate immune cell-mediated recognition, capture, and engulfment of large
      particulate targets such as bacteria is known as phagocytosis. This highly
      dynamic cellular process involves a series of steps including receptor-mediated
      target binding, phagocytic cup formation, pseudopod extension, and phagosome
      closure, which depend on distinct actin polymerization events. Using flow
      cytometry, precise determination of target locations relative to cell membranes
      (i.e., surface-bound vs. fully engulfed/internalized) during the phagocytic
      process is difficult to quantify. Here, we describe the application of new
      analysis features within the IDEAS(r) software to distinguish internalized and
      surface-bound particles on individual cells with a high degree of accuracy and
      reproducibility. Through the use of connected component masks, the accurate
      discrimination of surface-bound beads versus those internalized is clearly
      demonstrated. In addition, we were able to further analyze the ratio of beads
      that had been surface-bound or internalized within individual cells. This novel
      method of analyzing the phagocytic process provides more accurate determination
      of target-cell interactions that will assist in examination of the signalling
      events that occur during the various stages of phagocytosis. (c) 2017
      International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

PMID- 28081296
TI  - Short Synthetic alpha-Helical-Forming Peptide Amphiphiles for Fungal Keratitis
      Treatment In Vivo.
AB  - The emergence of fungal keratitis is on the rise globally. However, current
      antifungal therapeutics are ineffective in severe keratomycosis. Previously
      reported alpha-helical peptides comprising 8-14 amino acids demonstrate broad
      spectrum antimicrobial activity both in vitro and in vivo. Here, alpha-helical
      peptides of the optimized sequences are investigated for antifungal biofilm in
      vitro and in vivo using a fungal biofilm-caused mouse keratitis model. The
      peptides with the optimal composition demonstrate higher alpha-helical propensity
      and improve antifungal activity in dispersing Candida albicans biofilm in vitro.
      Moreover, the optimized alpha-helical peptides are not only effective in treating
      C. albicans biofilm-induced keratitis in mice, they are also nontoxic to the mice
      eyes. These peptides have the potential to be developed as antifungal agents for
      the treatment of C. albicans biofilm-caused keratitis.

PMID- 28081297
TI  - First trimester noninvasive fetal RHD genotyping using maternal dried blood
      spots.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to evaluate whether maternal dried blood spots
      could be a potential source for the noninvasive fetal RHD genotyping, serving as
      a combined one-step test for both the First Trimester Screen and the fetal RHD
      genotyping. METHOD: Both the maternal dried blood spots and the peripheral blood
      samples from 19 RhD-negative pregnant women were obtained during the First
      Trimester Screen. DNA was extracted and sequential real-time PCRs were performed
      to determine the fetal RHD genotypes. Fetal RhD serological types were obtained
      after delivery. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board, and
      informed consents were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 19/19 fetal RHD genotyping
      with maternal DBS were consistent with the follow-up serological RhD test results
      after birth. Eleven were RhD positive, and eight were RhD negative (RHD deletion
      or RHD-CE-D = 6, RHD pseudogene = 1, RHDVI = 1). Sensitivity = 100%, specificity
      = 100%, positive predictive value = 100%, negative predictive value = 100%. A
      total of 18/19 fetal gender were determined correctly with maternal DBS. One
      female fetus was falsely determined as male. Sensitivity = 100%, specificity =
      91.6%, positive predictive value = 87.5%, negative predictive value = 100%.
      CONCLUSION: Maternal dried blood spots, with the benefits of flexible sample
      transportation and processing, could be utilized for the noninvasive prenatal
      fetal RHD genotyping and potentially be incorporated into the routine First
      Trimester Screen. Larger scale study is in progress to implement fetal RHD
      genotyping in routine prenatal care. (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28081298
TI  - Full-Thickness Heart Repair with an Engineered Multilayered Myocardial Patch in
      Rat Model.
AB  - In a rat model of right free wall replacement, the transplantation of an
      engineered multilayered myocardial patch fabricated from a polycaprolactone
      membrane supporting a chitosan/heart matrix hydrogel induces significant muscular
      and vascular remodeling and results in a significantly higher right ventricular
      ejection fraction compared to use of a commercially available pericardium patch.

PMID- 28081299
TI  - Ultrasound Detection of Regional Oxidative Stress in Deep Tissues Using Novel
      Enzyme Loaded Nanoparticles.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a powerful tool that is critical to immune mediated responses
      in healthy individuals, yet additionally plays a crucial role in development of
      cancer, inflammatory pathologies, and tissue ischemia. Despite this, there remain
      relatively few molecular tools to study oxidative stress, particularly in living
      mammals. To develop an intravenously injectable probe capable of labeling sites
      of oxidative stress in vivo, 200 nm catalase synthetic hollow enzyme loaded
      nanospheres (catSHELS) are designed and fabricated using a versatile enzyme
      nanoencapsulation method. catSHELS catalyze H2 O2 to water and oxygen producing
      microbubbles that can be detected and imaged using a clinical ultrasound system.
      catSHELS are optimized in vitro to maximize ultrasound signal and their
      functionality is demonstrated in rat ischemic renal injury model. Ischemic
      oxidative injury is induced in a single kidney of normal rats by clamping the
      renal artery for 1 h followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Imaging of both kidneys is
      performed following the intravenous bolus injection of 1012 catSHELS of the
      optimized formulation. There is significant increase in ultrasound signal of the
      injured kidney relative to controls. This method offers a novel intravenous
      approach to detect oxidative stress in deep tissues in living animals.

PMID- 28081300
TI  - Deep caries due to Pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption in a newly erupted
      primary molar.
AB  - CASE REPORT: This report describes a rare case of a 19-month-old girl with pre
      eruptive intracoronal resorption in the lower left first primary molar which had
      erupted a few weeks earlier and had deep caries. The treatment is described.
      CONCLUSION: Dentists who treat children must take into consideration the
      possibility of pre-eruptive lesions in the primary dentition that may cause
      involvement of the pulp, either before or shortly post-eruption.

PMID- 28081301
TI  - Ethanol Induces Platelet Apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol abuse incurs severe medical conditions, such as
      thrombocytopenia and hemorrhage, but the pathogenesis is not totally understood.
      Alcohol has been reported to induce apoptosis in eukaryotic cells, such as
      hepatocyte, nerve cell, corneal fibroblasts. However, it is still unclear whether
      alcohol induces platelet apoptosis. METHODS: Washed human platelets were
      pretreated with ethanol (EtOH), and apoptotic events and platelet function were
      detected. In in vivo experiments, C57BL/6J mice were given EtOH by gavage.
      Platelet counts, tail bleeding time, and the stomach were examined. RESULTS: EtOH
      dose dependently induces depolarization of mitochondrial inner transmembrane
      potential, up-regulation of Bax, down-regulation of Bcl-2, and caspase-3
      activation. EtOH does not induce surface expression of P-selectin or PAC-1
      binding, whereas significantly reduces collagen-, thrombin-, and ADP-induced
      platelet aggregation. Moreover, EtOH induces c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase
      activation. In an in vivo mouse model of the acute alcoholism, EtOH significantly
      reduces the number of circulating platelets, prolongs the tail bleeding time, and
      causes gastric mucosa hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that EtOH
      induces mitochondria-mediated intrinsic platelet apoptosis, results in the
      reduction of the number of circulating platelets, and impairs in vivo hemostasis.
      These findings reveal the possible pathogenesis of hemorrhagic symptoms in
      patients experiencing acute alcohol intoxication.

PMID- 28081302
TI  - Education and support needs in patients with head and neck cancer: A multi
      institutional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) encompasses a diverse group of tumors, and
      thus providing appropriate and tailored information to patients before, during,
      and after treatment is a challenge. The objective of the current study was to
      characterize the experience and unmet needs of patients with HNC with regard to
      information and support provision. METHODS: A 28-question, cross-sectional survey
      was completed by patients treated for HNC at 1 of 4 institutions in New South
      Wales, Australia (Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and Liverpool, Westmead, and Wollongong
      hospitals). It consisted of the adapted Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and
      questions assessing information quality, quantity, and format. RESULTS: A total
      of 597 patients responded. The mean age of the patients was 58 years (range, 21
      94 years) with 284 men and 313 women (1:1.1). The majority of patients reported
      information concerning the disease process (76%), prognosis (67%), and treatment
      (77%) was sufficient, and approximately 50% reporting having received little or
      no information regarding coping with stress and anxiety. A substantial percentage
      of patients reported receiving minimal information concerning psychosexual health
      (56%) or the availability of patient support groups (56%). The majority of
      patients preferred access to multiple modes of information delivery (72%), with
      the preferred modality being one-on-one meetings with a health educator (37%)
      followed by internet-based written information (19%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with
      HNC are a diverse group, with complex educational and support needs. Patients
      appear to be given information regarding survivorship topics such as
      psychological well-being, patient support groups, and psychosexual health less
      frequently than information concerning disease and treatment. Verbal
      communication needs to be reinforced by accessible, well-constructed, written and
      multimedia resources appropriate to the patient's educational level. Cancer
      2017;123:1949-1957. (c) 2017 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 28081303
TI  - The novel fusion transcript NR5A2-KLHL29FT is generated by an insertion at the
      KLHL29 locus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Novel fusion transcripts (FTs) caused by chromosomal rearrangement
      are common factors in the development of cancers. In the current study, the
      authors used massively parallel RNA sequencing to identify new FTs in colon
      cancers. METHODS: RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and TopHat-Fusion were used to
      identify new FTs in colon cancers. The authors then investigated whether the
      novel FT nuclear receptor subfamily 5, group A, member 2 (NR5A2)-Kelch-like
      family member 29 FT (KLHL29FT) was transcribed from a genomic chromosomal
      rearrangement. Next, the expression of NR5A2-KLHL29FT was measured by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in colon cancers and matched
      corresponding normal epithelia. RESULTS: The authors identified the FT NR5A2
      KLHL29FT in normal and cancerous epithelia. While investigating this transcript,
      it was unexpectedly found that it was due to an uncharacterized polymorphic
      germline insertion of the NR5A2 sequence from chromosome 1 into the KLHL29 locus
      at chromosome 2, rather than a chromosomal rearrangement. This germline
      insertion, which occurred at a population frequency of 0.40, appeared to bear no
      relationship to cancer development. Moreover, expression of NR5A2-KLHL29FT was
      validated in RNA specimens from samples with insertions of NR5A2 at the KLHL29
      gene locus, but not from samples without this insertion. It is interesting to
      note that NR5A2-KLH29FT expression levels were significantly lower in colon
      cancers than in matched normal colonic epithelia (P =.029), suggesting the
      potential participation of NR5A2-KLHL29FT in the origin or progression of this
      tumor type. CONCLUSIONS: NR5A2-KLHL29FT was generated from a polymorphism
      insertion of the NR5A2 sequence into the KLHL29 locus. NR5A2-KLHL29FT may
      influence the origin or progression of colon cancer. Moreover, researchers should
      be aware that similar FTs may occur due to transchromosomal insertions that are
      not correctly annotated in genome databases, especially with current assembly
      algorithms. Cancer 2017;123:1507-1515. (c) 2017 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 28081304
TI  - Comparison of an AC-taxane versus AC-free regimen and paclitaxel versus docetaxel
      in patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer: Final results of the National
      Surgical Adjuvant Study of Breast Cancer 02 trial, a randomized comparative phase
      3 study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In postoperative patients with breast cancer, the combination of an
      anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by a taxane is a standard
      regimen. In the current study, the authors examined whether AC could be safely
      omitted, and compared the effectiveness of paclitaxel versus docetaxel. METHODS:
      Female postoperative patients with axillary lymph node-positive breast cancer
      were eligible for enrollment in this phase 3, open-label, randomized controlled
      trial at 84 centers in Japan. Patients were randomized to 4 cycles of doxorubicin
      at a dose of 60 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide at a dose of 600 mg/m2 (AC) followed
      by 4 cycles of paclitaxel at a dose of 175 mg/m2 (ACpT) or AC followed by 4
      cycles of docetaxel at a dose of 75 mg/m2 (ACdT), or 8 cycles of paclitaxel (PTx)
      or docetaxel (DTx) every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival
      (DFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival adverse events. The authors
      adopted a 2 * 2 factorial design to examine the AC containing-regimens (ACpT and
      ACdT) versus the AC free-regimens (PTx and DTx), and the paclitaxel-containing
      regimens (ACpT and PTx) versus the docetaxel-containing regimens (ACdT and DTx).
      RESULTS: Of 1060 patients, 1049 were treated and included in the intention-to
      treat population. The DFS results did not demonstrate noninferiority between the
      AC-containing and the AC-free regimens (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19; 95% confidence
      interval [95% CI], 0.982-1.448 [Pnoninferiority  = .30]). Better outcomes were
      noted in patients treated with the docetaxel-containing regimens compared with
      the paclitaxel-containing regimens with respect to DFS (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.589
      0.875 [P = .0008]) and overall survival (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.574-0.980 [P =
      .035]). Neutropenia, nausea, and vomiting were found to occur more often in the
      AC-containing arms, whereas the incidence of edema was greater in the docetaxel
      containing treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: Noninferiority in DFS was not
      demonstrated between the AC-containing and AC-free regimens. Compared with a
      similar regimen of paclitaxel, docetaxel appeared to increase the DFS. Cancer
      2017;123:759-68. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 28081305
TI  - Biocompatible Multifunctional Black-Silicon for Implantable Intraocular Sensor.
AB  - Multifunctional black-silicon (b-Si) integrated on the surface of an implantable
      intraocular pressure sensor significantly improves sensor performance and
      reliability in six-month in vivo studies. The antireflective properties of b-Si
      triples the signal-to-noise ratio and increases the optical readout distance to a
      clinically viable 12 cm. Tissue growth and inflammation response on the sensor is
      suppressed demonstrating desirable anti-biofouling properties.

PMID- 28081306
TI  - Tracheal intubation in patients immobilized by a rigid collar: a comparison of
      GlideScope and an intubating laryngeal mask airway.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Intubation must be rapidly performed with the utmost care in
      cervical trauma patients. We present the first comparison of GlideScope and an
      intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) regarding insertion and intubation times,
      intubation success rates, mucosal damage, need for optimization maneuvers,
      effects on hemodynamic changes, and postoperative minor complications in a
      simulated cervical injury with a Philadelphia cervical collar. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ethics committee approval and patient consent were obtained and 94
      American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I or II patients were enrolled
      in this study. Following standard anesthesia monitoring and induction, the
      Philadelphia-type cervical collar was applied and patients were subsequently
      intubated with ILMA or GlideScope. RESULTS: The total intubation success rates
      were similar between the groups (96%). The insertion (14.9 +/- 10 s vs. 21.9 +/-
      6.5 s, respectively; P < 0.001) and intubation (43.5 +/- 13 s vs. 48.4 +/- 11 s;
      P = 0.02) times for ILMA were longer than for GlideScope. The total intubation
      times for ILMA were longer than the intubation time for GlideScope (43.5 +/- 13 s
      vs. 85.6 +/- 13 s; P < 0.001). The mucosal damage was higher in the ILMA group (P
      = 0.04). The two airway devices increased the heart rate and mean arterial
      pressure after insertion compared with the postinduction values within groups.
      CONCLUSION: GlideScope is superior to ILMA in terms of lower insertion and
      intubation times and lower levels of mucosal damage in cervical collar
      immobilized patients.

PMID- 28081307
TI  - The demographics and histopathological features of oral cavity cancers in Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to examine the demographics and
      histopathological features of oral cavity cancers (OCCs) managed in our clinic.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with OCCs in the Gazi
      University Otorhinolaryngology Department between the years 1993 and 2013 were
      retrospectively enrolled in the study. Surgical archive charts and pathology
      records were reviewed in detail regarding the anatomical and histopathological
      profiles of the tumors, as well as the demographic data of the patients. RESULTS:
      Out of 230 patients with OCCs, the most common anatomic location and
      histopathological diagnosis were found to be the oral tongue (41.4%) and squamous
      cell carcinoma (SCC) (84.3%), respectively. A marked predominance of SCC was
      observed in all subsites of the oral cavity except the hard palate location. The
      mean age at presentation was 55.5 +/- 13.4 years (+/-SD). The male:female ratio
      was found to be 2.2:1. A male predominance was also present in all subsites
      except the retromolar trigon. CONCLUSION: OCCs particularly concern the elderly
      population with a male predominance. The most common location and
      histopathological type are the oral tongue and SCC, respectively.

PMID- 28081308
TI  - Exhaled carbon monoxide is a marker of heavy nicotine dependence.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Exhaled CO level provides an objective measure of a patient's
      smoking status. The relationship between CO levels and nicotine dependence is
      controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between
      exhaled CO levels and nicotine dependence as well as to demonstrate that exhaled
      CO levels may be used as a marker of nicotine dependence. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Two hundred eighty-nine patients (132 females, 157 males) were included in the
      study. Smoking duration, the age of smoking initiation, exhaled CO levels, and
      Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores were recorded. The
      relationship between FTND scores and exhaled CO levels was investigated. RESULTS:
      There was a statistically significant correlation between FTND score and exhaled
      CO levels (P < 0.001). We found that a cut-off score of 7.5 ppm for exhaled CO
      may be useful as a marker for heavy smoking. The sensitivity and specificity of
      this cut-off score for exhaled CO was 69.3% and 49.3%, respectively (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: We found that exhaled CO levels significantly correlated with FTND
      scores. For patients who are unable to provide reliable answers to questions in
      the FTND, exhaled CO measurements may be used as an alternative test for
      estimating the status of heavy smoking.

PMID- 28081309
TI  - Simulation of cryolipolysis as a novel method for noninvasive fat layer
      reduction.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Regarding previous problems in conventional liposuction methods,
      the need for development of new fat removal operations was appreciated. In this
      study we are going to simulate one of the novel methods, cryolipolysis, aimed to
      tackle those drawbacks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We think that simulation of
      clinical procedures contributes considerably in efficacious performance of the
      operations. To do this we have attempted to simulate temperature distribution in
      a sample fat of the human body. Using Abaqus software we have presented the
      graphical display of temperature-time variations within the medium. RESULTS:
      Findings of our simulation indicate that tissue temperature decreases after cold
      exposure of about 30 min. It can be seen that the minimum temperature of tissue
      occurs in shallow layers of the sample and the temperature in deeper layers of
      the sample remains nearly unchanged. It is clear that cold exposure time of more
      than the specific time (t > 30 min) does not result in considerable changes.
      CONCLUSION: Numerous clinical studies have proved the efficacy of cryolipolysis.
      This noninvasive technique has eliminated some of drawbacks of conventional
      methods. Findings of our simulation clearly prove the efficiency of this method,
      especially for superficial fat layers.

PMID- 28081310
TI  - A simple risk score in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Modified
      ACEF(age, creatinine, and ejection fraction) score.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate if the modified ACEF (age,
      creatinine, and ejection fraction) score is a predictor of major adverse cardiac
      and cerebrovascular events during 1 year of follow-up in patients with ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled
      1632 consecutive patients who were admitted to our emergency department diagnosed
      with STEMI within 12 h of chest pain and treated with primary PCI. The modified
      ACEF score, determined with a simplified scoring system, was calculated. The
      patients were grouped into tertiles according to this score (group I mACEF <
      1.03, group II mACEF 1.03-1.37, group III > 1.37) . The clinical and angiographic
      data were compared among the tertiles. RESULTS: In patients with the highest
      mACEF tertile, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (1.3%, 1.8%, and 4.1%
      consecutively; P = 0.003), Killip class &ge; II (P < 0.001), and cardiogenic
      shock were more common and ejection fraction was lower (P < 0.001). Moreover, in
      the 1-year follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference between
      cardiac mortality, target vessel revascularization, stroke, reinfarction, and
      major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events of the groups, while the rates
      of stent thrombosis were similar. CONCLUSION: The modified ACEF score is a
      predictor of cardiac mortality and morbidity during 1-year follow-up.

PMID- 28081311
TI  - Applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health
      in children with low vision: differences between raters.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: This study was conducted to analyze the agreement between
      International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) raters
      and to show its applicability in children with low vision. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty children (mean age: 11.70 +/- 1.92 years) were included. To evaluate the
      independency of the sample, the Northwick Park Activities Daily Living
      questionnaire was used. The Low Vision Quality of Life Scale was used to evaluate
      quality of life. An ICF core set was developed to be used in this study. The core
      set consisted of 13 items for body functions, 3 items for body structures, 36
      items for activity and participation, and 12 items for environmental factors.
      RESULTS: High agreement was found between two raters in terms of subparameters of
      the ICF core set for activity and participation (r = 0.880, P = 0.000).
      CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the raters showed strong agreement in
      terms of the ICF core set used in this study. This shows that the core set can be
      used to evaluate activity and participation of children with low vision.

PMID- 28081312
TI  - The effects of balneotherapy on acute, process-related, and cumulative peripheral
      cardiac responses and pulmonary functions in patients with musculoskeletal
      disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of balneotherapy on
      acute, process-related, and cumulative peripheral cardiac responses and pulmonary
      functions in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Ninety-eight patients with musculoskeletal disorders referred to physiotherapy
      with balneotherapy were recruited. The patients received balneotherapy for 20 min
      5 times per week for 2 weeks. Blood pressure and pulse were measured at the 0th,
      5th, 10th, 20th, and 30th minutes during the 1st and 10th sessions. All patients
      were subjected to pulmonary function testing before balneotherapy and after the
      10th session. RESULTS: It was found that systolic blood pressure decreased
      between the 10th and 20th minutes of the 1st session and between the 10th and
      20th minutes and the 20th and 30th minutes of the 10th session (P < 0.05).
      Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased and pulse increased during balneotherapy
      (P < 0.05). DBP increase and pulse decrease were observed during recovery time (P
      < 0.05). The blood pressure decreased and the pulse increased after the 1st
      session and after the 10th session (P < 0.05). Pulmonary function improved after
      balneotherapy (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Balneotherapy may be effective for
      improving peripheral cardiopulmonary responses in patients with musculoskeletal
      disorders.

PMID- 28081313
TI  - Clinical and histopathological features of asymptomaticpersistent microscopic
      hematuria in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: We analyzed the clinical and pathological features and prognosis
      of 106 children with persistent asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (PAMH) with or
      without mild proteinuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study
      of 106 children who were referred to our clinics from 2000 to 2013 for evaluation
      of PAMH. RESULTS: Among the 106 patients, 69 (65%) were female and 37 (35%) were
      male. The patients were divided into two groups: 101 patients with isolated
      microscopic hematuria (IMH) and 5 patients with asymptomatic microscopic
      hematuria and mild proteinuria (AMHP). Renal biopsy was performed in all 5
      children with AHMP: 2 patients had hereditary nephropathy and 2 patients had
      focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). One biopsy specimen revealed
      nonspecific findings. Renal biopsy was performed in 9 children with IMH: 4
      patients had hereditary nephropathy and 5 patients had nonspecific findings. None
      of the patients received any specific treatment prior to renal biopsy. During the
      follow-up period, none of the patients developed impaired renal function. Among
      all the children, only one patient with AMHP developed hypertension and 2
      patients with IMH developed proteinuria. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up must be
      done carefully for isolated microscopic hematuria and renal biopsy should be
      performed in selected cases.

PMID- 28081314
TI  - Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia: clinical and radiological features, treatment
      outcomes of 17 patients, and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: We evaluated patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP)
      who attended our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated
      the clinical and radiological findings, diagnostic methods, treatment, and follow
      up outcomes of 17 patients who had been histopathologically diagnosed with COP.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 49.8 +/- 10.4 years. The most common
      symptom was cough (n = 15; 88.2%) and the most common radiological finding (n =
      10) was consolidation in the inferior lobes on thoracic computed tomography. The
      diagnosis of COP was made by open lung biopsy in 11 (64.7%) patients,
      transbronchial biopsy in 5 (29.4%), and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
      biopsy in 1 (5.9%). The mean follow-up period was 28.7 +/- 25.0 (range: 3-85)
      months. Twelve patients received oral corticosteroid therapy and seven of them
      improved without any fibrotic changes. One patient refused treatment; a chest
      radiography of that patient was found to be normal at the end of the 20-month
      follow-up period. Three patients received no other therapy, as the lesion had
      been completely excised. CONCLUSION: Common symptoms included cough and dyspnea,
      while the main radiological presentation of COP was consolidation.
      Corticosteroids are a good treatment option in general, but relapse may occur.

PMID- 28081315
TI  - The association of papillary thyroid cancer with microcalcification in
      thyroidnodules with indeterminate cytology based on fine-needle aspiration
      biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Microcalcifications are generally accepted as highly specific for
      thyroid malignancy, especially for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The aim of
      this study was to determine the significance of microcalcification within nodules
      that were classified as being of &ldquo;indeterminate cytology&rdquo; (IC)
      according to fine-needle aspiration biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who
      underwent thyroidectomy between January 2010 and 2013 were included in the study.
      Nodules identified as &ldquo;atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined
      significance", "follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm", or
      "suspicious for malignancy" were categorized as IC. Patients were subcategorized
      depending on the presence of microcalcification (Group 1) or its absence (Group
      2). The relationship between microcalcification and PTC was evaluated in the IC
      group retrospectively. RESULTS: Indeterminate cytology was detected in 135
      (28.5%) of 473 patients. Microcalcification was detected in 27 (20%) of 135
      nodules and classified as Group 1, while the remaining 108 (80%) patients were
      classified as Group 2. According to the final pathology results, PTC was
      diagnosed in 13 of 27 (48.1%) patients in Group 1 and 29 of 108 (26.8%) patients
      in Group 2. A statistically significant relation between microcalcification and
      malignancy was determined in the IC group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgery might
      be considered primarily for patients harboring nodule(s) with IC accompanied by
      microcalcification due to increased risk of PTC.

PMID- 28081316
TI  - Evaluation of epidemiological characteristics and risk factors affecting
      mortality in patients with candidemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to determine epidemiologic characters
      of patients with candidemia and to evaluate risk factors that can affect
      mortality rates among these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients admitted to
      the Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe Training Hospital between 2009 and 2011
      who had a positive blood culture for Candida spp. during hospitalization were
      studied retrospectively for demographic characteristics and risk factors.
      Statistical comparisons were estimated with the Stata 12 package. Independent
      variables associated with mortality were estimated by Cox regression analyses.
      RESULTS: A total of 89 patients were identified with a positive blood culture. Of
      the isolates, 72% (64/89) were C. albicans and 10% (9/89) were non-albicans
      Candida, while 18% (16/89) were unidentified. C. parapsilosis was the most
      frequently isolated species among non-albicans Candida. The crude mortality rate
      among candidemia cases was 30% (27/89). By univariate analysis, being in the ICU
      and age (>=50 or >=60) were found to be statistically significant, whereas by
      multivariate analysis only age of >=50 years was independently more associated
      with mortality (OR, 2.7; CI, 1.05-6.73). CONCLUSION: Candidemia is associated
      with high mortality rates. Patients older than 50 years are found to be at
      considerable risk in terms of adverse outcomes.

PMID- 28081317
TI  - Hormone therapy in hypospadias surgery: a survey on the current practice in
      Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Nowadays surgical intervention is possible in smaller phalluses
      and younger children with hypospadias disease. Different hormone treatments with
      different doses, modalities, indications, and treatment times come along with
      some disputes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the management approaches in
      hypospadias surgery of surgeons in regards to hormone preparations. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Questionnaires were sent via e-mail to 110 actively working pediatric
      surgeons and urologists. The answers of 99 surgeons were evaluated (90%). Two
      surgeons declared that they did not perform hypospadias surgery. RESULTS: When
      testosterone usage in penile surgery was questioned, 44.4% of participants (n =
      44) answered positively. Small-short penis glans, narrow urethral plate, chordee,
      disorders of sexual development, buccal mucosa-graft operations, slight tissue,
      and defective ventral skin were the indications for usage. Forty of forty-four
      surgeons stated usage in proximal hypospadias, 18 of them in penile hypospadias,
      and 15 of them in distal hypospadias. The most common form was
      dihydrotestosterone (62%). According to the respondents, fistulas (83%),
      infections (78%), and wound dehiscence (77%) were reduced. Fifty-six percent of
      the surgeons stated that bleeding was increased and 39% stated easier dissection.
      CONCLUSION: As a result of this questionnaire we can understand that there is no
      standard usage of testosterone in Turkey. Optimal points of usage can be
      introduced by increasing prospective randomized trials and education programs can
      ensure similar effective usage.

PMID- 28081318
TI  - Clinical characteristics and outcome of Brucella endocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Brucella endocarditis, which is a rare condition, is the most
      common cause of death in human brucellosis, leading to severe cardiac
      complications. By collecting and analyzing clinical cases, we analyzed the
      clinical characteristics and outcome of Brucella endocarditis in endemic areas in
      China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Presented here are 5 cases of Brucella
      endocarditis, all managed uniformly. We present the clinical, serological, and
      echocardiographic features; the therapeutic approach; and the follow-up of five
      patients with Brucella endocarditis. RESULTS: There was a predominance of aortic
      involvement (4 cases) and a high incidence of left ventricular failure (5 cases).
      Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was positive in all five patients.
      Diagnostic suspicion was essential in order to test blood cultures correctly,
      which in this series were positive in 3 patients. In the follow-up postoperative
      period of a minimum of 24 months, the patients suffered rare relapse in terms of
      either the infection or the dysfunction in terms of prosthesis after 3-month
      antibiotic therapy, with only one exception that died within that period.
      CONCLUSION: We should pay attention to Brucella infections and strengthen public
      awareness and education. It is necessary to screen for and recognize Brucella
      endocarditis cases early and to provide adequate antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 28081319
TI  - Chronic cough: clinical characteristics and etiologies of 510 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the clinical features and underlying etiologies of
      chronic cough (CC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and ten CC patients were
      enrolled. The phases, characteristics and associated clinical manifestations of
      CC among the gastroesophageal reflux cough (GERC), cough-variant asthma (CVA),
      and upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) groups were compared, and the diagnostic
      values of each group were evaluated by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: In
      the 510 patients, 404 had CC with single etiology-GERC (n = 175), CVA (n = 134),
      and UACS (n = 95). The characteristic features of GERC included gastric acid
      backflow symptoms such as sour-tasting regurgitation, heartburn, endoscopic
      esophagitis, poststimulation cough, frequent throat clearing, daytime mono-cough,
      and feelings of heaviness and pain in the chest. Patients with CVA typically
      exhibited sensitivity to smog and other irritants; the cough occurred mostly at
      night, and was associated with positive bronchodilator and provocation test
      results. The typical features of UACS included a history and/or symptoms of
      rhinitis, retropharyngeal postnasal drip, and wet cough occurring mostly during
      the daytime. The diagnostic specificities of above factors were >70%. CONCLUSION:
      The most common causes of CC include GERC, CVA, and UACS, and their diagnosis is
      based on the characteristics of the underlying disease.

PMID- 28081320
TI  - Pityriasis rosea: a natural history of pediatric cases in theCentral Anatolia
      Region of Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and
      epidemiological features of pityriasis rosea (PR) in a cohort of 46 children in
      Yozgat, a city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Forty-six children with PR were monitored at regular intervals (1, 2, 4, and 12
      weeks) for 3 months from the time of diagnosis. A complete evaluation of the
      patient was performed at each visit. RESULTS: The average age of patients at time
      of diagnosis was 12 +/- 3.9 years. Cases were most common in the winter (rainy,
      snowy months; n = 14, 31%). Fifteen patients had a medical history significant
      for the presence of upper respiratory tract infection, while skin PR
      manifestations were preceded by drug intake in a second group of 15 patients. The
      presence of a herald patch was observed in 78.3% of patients, most frequently on
      the trunk (n = 23). Pruritus occurred in 75% of patients. Median PR duration was
      3 weeks (range: 1-20 weeks). CONCLUSION: The course of PR is similar in Turkish
      children and adults. The high prevalence of pruritus in children with PR in
      Turkey was also significant. Further evaluation of this finding comparing adults
      and children is now required.

PMID- 28081321
TI  - Sleep quality in opioid-naive and opioid-dependent patientson methadone
      maintenance therapy in Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Sleep disturbances may contribute to poor treatment outcomes in
      opioid-dependent patients. The extent to which the sleep profiles of opioid
      dependent patients differ from those of the general Malaysian population is not
      documented. This study compared opioid-naive subjects and opioid-dependent
      patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in terms of their sleep quality.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants comprised Malay male opioid-naive subjects (n
      = 159) and opioid-dependent patients (n = 160) from MMT clinics in Kelantan,
      Malaysia, between March and October 2013. Sleep quality was evaluated using the
      translated and validated Malay version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
      (PSQI). RESULTS: The opioid-dependent patients exhibited higher global PSQI
      scores [adjusted mean (95% CI) = 5.46 (5.02, 5.90)] than the opioid-naive group
      [4.71 (4.26, 5.15)] [F (1, 313) = 4.77, P = 0.030]. CONCLUSION: This study
      confirmed the poorer sleep quality among opioid-dependent patients on MMT, as
      manifested by their higher global PSQI scores. The sleep complaints in this
      patient population are a factor to consider and, when necessary, sleep evaluation
      and treatment should be undertaken to improve MMT patients' quality of sleep and
      overall treatment outcome.

PMID- 28081322
TI  - Does CPAP treatment affect the voice?
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in voice
      parameters among patients using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for
      the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Patients with an indication for CPAP treatment without any voice problems and
      with normal laryngeal findings were included and voice parameters were evaluated
      before and 1 and 6 months after CPAP. Videolaryngostroboscopic findings, a self
      rated scale (Voice Handicap Index-10, VHI-10), perceptual voice quality
      assessment (GRBAS: grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain), and acoustic
      parameters were compared. RESULTS: Data from 70 subjects (48 men and 22 women)
      with a mean age of 44.2 +/- 6.0 years were evaluated. When compared with the pre
      CPAP treatment period, there was a significant increase in the VHI-10 score after
      1 month of treatment and in VHI- 10 and total GRBAS scores, jitter percent (P =
      0.01), shimmer percent, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and voice turbulence index after
      6 months of treatment. Vague negative effects on voice parameters after the first
      month of CPAP treatment became more evident after 6 months. CONCLUSION: We
      demonstrated nonsevere alterations in the voice quality of patients under CPAP
      treatment. Given that CPAP is a long-term treatment it is important to keep these
      alterations in mind.

PMID- 28081323
TI  - Acute exudative tonsillitis in adults: the use of the Centor scoreand some
      laboratory tests.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of our study was to determine the usefulness of the
      Centor score and some basic laboratory tests (complete blood count and C-reactive
      protein) for the differential diagnosis of exudative tonsillitis due to Group A
      &beta;-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) or due to non-GABHS agents. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The data of clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients
      diagnosed with exudative tonsillitis were collected and statistically compared
      between those having positive GABHS throat culture result and those who were
      negative for any bacterial agent. RESULTS: Totally 899 adult patients were
      included in our study; 56 (6.2%) of them were positive for GABHS, while 34 (3.8%)
      of the cases had a bacterial cause other than GABHS. The remaining 809 (90%) were
      accepted as non-GABHS cases. The percentages of patients having Centor score of 3
      or greater, neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia, and CRP values of greater than 5-fold
      normal upper reference range were significantly higher in GABHS patients.
      CONCLUSION: Centor score of 3 or more together with high CRP, neutrophilia, and
      lymphocytopenia is predictive for GABHS tonsillopharyngitis.

PMID- 28081324
TI  - Treatment efficacy and superinfection rates in complicated urinarytract
      infections treated with ertapenem or piperacillin tazobactam.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: In this retrospective study, the efficacy of ertapenem and
      piperacillin tazobactam was compared in the treatment of complicated urinary
      tract infections (cUTIs). Treatment responses were also evaluated for both
      antibiotics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 230 patients were enrolled in the
      study. Of these, 170 received ertapenem and 60 received piperacillin-tazobactam.
      RESULTS: In both groups, urine cultures after 48 h were negative for the initial
      uropathogen. The frequency of superinfection was 29.4% in the ertapenem group and
      8.3% in the piperacillin-tazobactam group over the duration of treatment (P <
      0.05). Urinary catheterization increased the superinfection risk 2.88-fold in the
      ertapenem group and diabetes mellitus increased the risk 8.50-fold in the
      piperacillin-tazobactam group (CI: 1.44-5.76 and 1.16-62.09, respectively, P <
      0.05). The main pathogen isolated from superinfection in the ertapenem group
      after 48 h was Enterococcus spp. (71.4%). CONCLUSION: Both ertapenem and
      piperacillin-tazobactam were effective in the treatment of cUTIs caused by ESBL
      producing microorganisms. A high frequency of superinfection in the ertapenem
      group was the result of Enterococcus and Pseudomonas spp., against which
      ertapenem is not active. In the presence of urinary catheterization, diabetes
      mellitus, and urological intervention, patients should be closely monitored for
      the development of a superinfection, especially patients receiving ertapenem.

PMID- 28081325
TI  - Plasma levels of serotonin, gastrointestinal symptoms,and sleep problems in
      children with autism.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder identified with higher
      frequency of serotonin abnormalities and gastrointestinal (GI) and sleep
      problems. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma levels of serotonin, GI
      symptoms, and sleep problems, and their relationship with autism severity in
      children with autism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five children with autism and
      31 healthy subjects were studied. GI problems, sleep disorders, and severity of
      disorder were assessed. Plasma serotonin was determined using ELISA. RESULTS:
      There was no significant association between GI problems and autism severity, but
      a significant positive correlation was seen between different indicators of sleep
      disorder and severity of autism. Plasma levels of serotonin were significantly
      higher in autistic children and a significant negative correlation was observed
      between plasma levels of serotonin and autism severity (r = -0.39, P = 0.02).
      CONCLUSION: Elevated plasma serotonin in autistic children and its negative
      correlation with disease severity may indicate involvement of the
      neurotransmitter in the neurophysiologic mechanism of autism.

PMID- 28081326
TI  - The effect of deep sclerectomy on ocular blood flow: a 6-month clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the effect of deep sclerectomy on retrobulbar
      blood flow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 20 eyes of 20
      patients with open angle glaucoma. Color Doppler imaging (CDI) examinations were
      performed before and 2, 12, and 24 weeks after deep sclerectomy. Peak systolic
      velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index (RI) were
      measured for the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and
      temporal and nasal short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) at each examination
      and the results were compared. RESULTS: A significant decrease was determined in
      intraocular pressure (IOP) (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in ocular
      perfusion pressure (OPP) (P < 0.001) at all postoperative examinations. The EDV
      in OA increased significantly (P < 0.001), but the change in RI was not
      statistically significant (P = 0.67). EDV increased and RI decreased
      significantly in CRA and SPCA (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Deep sclerectomy decreases
      IOP and increases OPP significantly. Retrobulbar blood flow was seen to improve
      after deep sclerectomy.

PMID- 28081327
TI  - Biliary stenting in difficult common bile duct stones: a single tertiary center
      experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: We aimed to examine the effect of plastic biliary stenting in the
      treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of
      13,034 patients in our unit who had endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between 2008 and 2015 were scanned
      retrospectively. RESULTS: A biliary stent was placed in 61 of 74 patients. While
      the plastic biliary stent was placed in patients, the mean stone size after the
      1st ERCP was 20 mm and the bile duct size was 13 mm. At the time of the 2nd ERCP
      conducted approximately 73.9 days later, the mean stone size was found to be 15
      mm and the bile duct size was 12 mm. With recurrent ERCPs, the CBD stone was
      successfully removed in 53 patients but could not be removed in 8 patients. Among
      the 53 successful cases, 29 removals were successful in the 2nd ERCP session, 16
      were successful in the 3rd session, 2 were successful in the 4th session, 1 was
      successful in the 5th session, 4 were successful in the 6th session, and 1 was
      successful in the 7th session. CONCLUSION: For CBD stones that cannot be removed
      by standard methods, temporary plastic stenting is an alternative method.

PMID- 28081328
TI  - Cytomegalovirus hepatitis in 49 pediatric patients with normal immunity.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) hepatitis is generally asymptomatic or
      rarely can lead to severe complications in immunocompetent hosts. This study aims
      to evaluate CMV hepatitis in immunocompetent young children, which is discussed
      relatively rarely in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective
      review of 49 pediatric patients with CMV hepatitis from January 2005 to December
      2010 was performed. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 5.81 +/- 6.49
      months and 57.1% were female. Complaints were prolonged jaundice, vomiting,
      diarrhea, and abdominal distension. Seventeen patients (34.6%) had congenital or
      probable congenital CMV infection, while 32/49 (65.3%) had perinatal CMV
      infection. CMV hepatitis was accompanied by other system findings in 22 patients
      (44.9%), and only liver involvement was present in 27/49 (55.1%). Alanine
      aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were elevated together in all
      patients. Cholestatic hepatitis was present in 13 patients (26.5%). Four patients
      (8.16%) were treated with ganciclovir. Complete improvement of hepatitis occurred
      in 48/49 (97.95%). The recovery time of liver function tests was 7-180 days
      (mean: 53.92 +/- 40.8). CONCLUSION: CMV hepatitis is usually mild and has a good
      outcome in immunocompetent individuals. However, cases should be carefully
      evaluated due to the important role of CMV in the etiology of infantile and
      neonatal hepatitis.

PMID- 28081329
TI  - Daily surveillance with early warning scores help predicthospital mortality in
      medical wards.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: To analyze the potency of a modified early warning score (EWS) to
      help predict hospital mortality when used for surveillance in nonacute medical
      wards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients in internal medicine wards were
      prospectively recruited. First, highest, and last scores; and mean daily score
      recordings and values were recorded. Nurses calculated scores for each patient
      upon admission and every 4 h. The last score was the score before death,
      discharge, or transfer to another ward. The highest scores in total and for each
      single parameter were used for analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-nine percent of 182
      recruited patients had recordings eligible for data analysis. Patients admitted
      from the emergency room had higher mortality rates than patients admitted from
      outpatient clinics (15% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.01) as well as patients whose first (40%
      vs. 4.9%; P = 0.033) and highest scores (18.8% vs. 1.3%; P = 0.003) were equal to
      or more than 3. The first recorded EWS was not predictive for mortality while the
      maximum score during the admission period was. CONCLUSION: This study underlines
      the fact that each physiological variable of EWS may not have the same weight in
      determining the outcome.

PMID- 28081330
TI  - Experiential avoidance, empathy, and anger-related attitudesin antisocial
      personality disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: In prevailing opinion, a strong relation exists between lack of
      empathy and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). However, recent data fail to
      wholly clarify this relation, especially in consideration of empathy dimensions.
      In this study our aim was to address ASPD and social functionality from a
      contextual behavioral science viewpoint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study
      was conducted with a sample of 34 individuals with ASPD and 32 healthy
      individuals as the control group. The participants were assessed with a
      sociodemographic form, Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM I and II (SCID-I
      and SCID-II), Social Functioning Scale (SFS), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire
      II for measuring experiential avoidance, Interpersonal Reactivity Index for
      measuring empathy dimensions, and the State-Trait Anger Scale for anger-related
      attitudes. RESULTS: Experiential avoidance, dysfunctional anger regulation
      patterns, and lack of perspective-taking levels were higher in the ASPD group
      than in the control group. Experiential avoidance and perspective-taking
      processes were related with social functioning in ASPD. CONCLUSION: These
      findings may provide initial data for understanding ASPD clinical features and
      related social interaction problems. Further relations between scales and social
      functionality also analyzed and discussed.

PMID- 28081331
TI  - Segmental epidural anesthesia for percutaneous kyphoplasty:comparison with
      general anesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: This is a feasibility study evaluating whether segmental epidural
      anesthesia is an alternative anesthetic approach to general anesthesia for
      percutaneous kyphoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After ethics committee approval
      was obtained, 52 ASA class I-III patients scheduled for elective, single-level
      percutaneous kyphoplasty were recruited. The patients were divided into two equal
      groups. In Group E (Group Epidural) segmental epidural anesthesia was performed
      using the loss of resistance technique with saline. In Group G (Group Control)
      general anesthesia was performed. Hemodynamic parameters, intraoperative and
      postoperative analgesic requirements, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, length
      of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and complications were recorded.
      RESULTS: Hemodynamics were similar between the two groups. Postoperative
      analgesic requirement was significantly higher in Group G than in Group E (P <
      0.004). VAS scores were significantly lower in Group E than in Group G (P <
      0.05). Time to first pain experience at the first postoperative 4 h was
      significantly longer and length of stay in the PACU was significantly shorter in
      Group E than in Group G (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Segmental epidural anesthesia is
      a safe anesthetic technique for percutaneous kyphoplasty. This technique offered
      advantages over general anesthesia in terms of postoperative analgesia, analgesic
      consumption, early recovery, and short PACU stay. Therefore, it should be
      considered a suitable anesthetic technique in patients undergoing single level
      percutaneous kyphoplasty.

PMID- 28081333
TI  - Bone mineral density and growth in children with coeliac disease on a gluten free
      diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate changes in growth and bone metabolism during
      consumption of a gluten-free diet (GFD) in children with coeliac disease (CD).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven children with CD (mean age of 8.8 +/- 4.6
      years, 21 girls) were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements, bone mineral density
      (BMD) in lumbar 2-4 vertebrae, and serum alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and
      phosphorus levels at diagnosis and at follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: The mean
      follow-up period was 3.5 +/- 2.3 years. The BMD of patients was significantly
      lower than that of control subjects at the time of diagnosis but not after 1 year
      of the GFD. Incidence of low BMD with respect to z-scores for chronological age
      (CA) was significantly higher than z-scores for height age (HA) (P = 0.006). At
      the first year of GFD, BMD, BMD z-score, height-for-age z-scores, and weight-for
      age z-scores were significantly increased compared with the baseline, but not
      after 1 year of the GFD. CONCLUSION: In CD, the first year of GFD is important in
      weight gain, linear growth, and improvement of BMD. A considerable relation of
      low BMD in children with CD, with respect to z-scores for CA, may be a result of
      misinterpretation of low BMD due to short stature.

PMID- 28081332
TI  - Surgical management of large-cell neuroendocrinelung carcinoma: an analysis of 25
      cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung is a
      relatively uncommon and aggressive subset of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors,
      which include typical and atypical carcinoid, and small-cell lung cancer. LCNEC
      of the lung accounts for no more than 1% of all lung cancers. LCNECs show
      features of high-grade neuroendocrine tumors and patients with LCNEC have a very
      poor prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (22 males and 3
      females; mean years 60.7; range 48 to 77 years) who underwent pulmonary resection
      for large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma between January 2004 and December 2014
      were investigated retrospectively. RESULTS: Type of surgery, pathologic TNM
      stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, time of recurrence, site of recurrence, response to
      treatment, and long-term results were evaluated. The longest patient follow-up
      period was 83 months. One-, two-, and three-year survival rates of these patients
      were, respectively, 80.95%, 76.47%, and 50%. CONCLUSION: Complete surgical
      resection is the treatment of choice for early-stage LCNEC and chemotherapy after
      radical surgical treatment improves survival. Follow-up periods after surgery
      adjuvant chemotherapy will prevent recurrence and patients may survive for many
      years if complete surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy are possible.

PMID- 28081334
TI  - Comparison of the distinctive pathological features of and p16 and c
      Kitexpression levels in benign and malignant endometrial polyps.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Histopathological examination is crucial for the effective
      management of endometrial polyps. Immunohistochemical markers such as p16 and c
      Kit may facilitate the differential diagnoses of benign and malignant polyps. The
      aim of the present study was to explore the expression levels of c-Kit (CD117)
      and p16 in endometrial polyps of postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty-five hysterectomy specimens with malignant endometrial polyps and
      hysterectomy or polypectomy specimens featuring 55 benign polyps were studied.
      The polyps were immunohistochemically stained for p16 and c-Kit, and differences
      in the expression levels of these proteins in the glandular and stromal
      components of benign polyps and the benign regions of the malignant polyps were
      assessed by using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The glandular components of
      malignant polyps exhibited significantly more intense p16 immunostaining than did
      benign polyps. Most immunoreactive cells were glandular cells exhibiting tubal
      metaplasia. The stromal components of either type of polyp did not differ in
      terms of p16 immunostaining. The extent of c-Kit immunostaining in benign and
      malignant polyps was similar. CONCLUSION: The extensive tubal metaplasia in and
      the p16 immunoreactivity of the glandular components of malignant polyps may be
      useful to distinguish such polyps from benign polyps.

PMID- 28081335
TI  - Comparison of wire-guided localization and radio-guided occult lesionlocalization
      in preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Breast lesions that are not palpable on physical examination but
      considered suspicious for malignancy on mammography or ultrasonography should be
      marked before surgery. Wire-guided localization (WGL) is the most frequently used
      method for preoperative marking of nonpalpable breast lesions (NPBLs). An
      alternative is marking by a radioactive agent (radio-guided occult lesion
      localization; ROLL). The present study aimed to compare WGL and ROLL for
      preoperative marking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 25 patients
      marked by ROLL and 11 patients marked by WGL. The groups were compared in terms
      of patient and lesion characteristics, method-related characteristics, hospital
      stay duration, complications, cosmetic outcomes, and rate of correct marking.
      RESULTS: Suspicious lesions were marked with a success rate of 95.6% by ROLL and
      100% by WGL. Complications and pain sensation rates were found significantly
      lower in the ROLL group compared to WGL. Although ROLL was considered more
      advantageous in terms of hospital stay duration, positive surgical margins,
      cosmetic outcomes, and excision duration, the differences between the groups were
      not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: ROLL, which is a simple, comfortable,
      and reliable method, could be used as an alternative to the WGL in preoperative
      marking of NPBLs.

PMID- 28081336
TI  - The factors affecting survival in patients with bronchiectasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: There is limited information about the rate and modifiers of
      mortality in noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study
      enrolled a total of 56 bronchiectasis patients. Patients' body mass index,
      smoking habit, previous therapies, comorbid disorders, history of vaccination,
      bronchiectasis type and radiological extent, arterial blood gas analysis,
      respiratory function tests, and laboratory results were recorded. RESULTS: After
      a follow-up of 65.38 +/- 18.62 months the overall mortality rate was 35.7%. The
      mean survival duration was 46.42 +/- 8.25 months. Advanced age significantly
      increased mortality (HR: 2.031; CI: 0.991-4.072, P = 0.035). A significant
      correlation was found between mortality rate and the partial oxygen pressure
      level (HR: 0.886 (CI: 0.817-0.960); P = 0.039). Pulmonary artery pressure was
      directly proportional to mortality rate (HR: 9.015 (CI: 3.272-94.036); P = 0.03).
      There was also a significant correlation between Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      proliferation in sputum and mortality (HR: 7.014 (CI: 2.812-17.962); P = 0.00).
      Comorbidities increased mortality (HR: 1.984 (CI: 0.972-2.996); P = 0.04).
      CONCLUSION: Bronchiectasis is a disease with high mortality. Advanced age,
      comorbid conditions, reduced partial oxygen pressure, pulmonary hypertension, and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa proliferation in sputum increase its mortality rate.

PMID- 28081337
TI  - Do anxiety and depression statuses differ in differentpolycystic ovary syndrome
      phenotypes?
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate psychological parameters and health quality profiles
      in women with reproductive polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes and age
      matched controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study groups included 101 women with
      PCOS (54 with the National Institutes of Health [NIH] phenotype and 47 with the
      non-NIH phenotype) and 49 healthy female controls. The participants completed
      anxiety and depression scales and four quality of life domains. RESULTS: We
      identified the women with PCOS as having a 3.39 times increased risk for
      depression (subscale &ge; 7) and a 3.64 times increased risk for anxiety
      (subscale &ge; 10) compared to the controls. Both NIH and non-NIH phenotypes
      showed similar rates of depression (46.3% vs. 46.8%, respectively; P = 0.57) and
      anxiety (31.5% vs. 36.2%, respectively; P = 0.47). Regarding the quality of life
      scale, the women with NIH PCOS had significantly lower mental health scores
      compared to those with non-NIH PCOS (P = 0.03). Furthermore, while mental health
      scores were similar in the women with PCOS and the controls, physical health
      scores were significantly lower in the women with PCOS (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION:
      Nearly half of the women with PCOS had higher depression scores and one third had
      higher anxiety scores. Thus, psychiatric evaluations appear necessary for PCOS
      patients in order to diagnose and treat clinical depression and anxiety.

PMID- 28081338
TI  - New immunohistochemical markers in the differential diagnosisof nonsmall cell
      lung carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate Napsin-A, NTRK-1, NTRK
      2, Desmoglein-3, and Desmocollin-3 in the differential diagnosis and prognosis of
      nonsmall cell lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of Napsin-A,
      NTRK-1, NTRK-2, and Desmoglein-3 was examined by immunohistochemistry in 50
      squamous cell carcinomas and 50 adenocarcinomas. Desmocollin-3 was investigated
      in 29 squamous cell carcinoma and 29 adenocarcinoma cases. Associations between
      expression profiles of Napsin-A, NTRK-1, NTRK-2, Desmoglein-3, and Desmocollin-3
      in lung cancers and clinicopathological variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Napsin
      A staining was statistically significant in detecting adenocarcinomas versus
      squamous cell carcinomas. The sensitivity of Napsin-A for adenocarcinomas was 96%
      and the specificity was 100%. NTRK-2 and Desmocollin-3 staining were
      statistically significant in detecting squamous cell carcinomas versus
      adenocarcinomas. Desmoglein-3, Napsin-A, and NTRK-2 had no effect on survival.
      Disease-free survival time was significantly shorter in cases that were
      moderately positive with NTRK-1. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that Napsin-A, NTRK
      2, and Desmocollin-3 are useful markers in the differentiation of nonsmall cell
      lung cancer.

PMID- 28081339
TI  - Management of acute postoperative hypertension for reducing cardiovascular
      complications in cancer patients: when and how aggressively?
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: We sought to determine what factors cardiovascular complications
      (CVCs) correlate with in cancer patients with acute postoperative hypertension
      (APH) and to define when and how aggressively to treat this disorder in the
      present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of
      cancer patients with postoperative hypertension at a single intensive care unit
      between July 2007 and June 2013 was conducted. The outcome of interest was the
      incidence of a CVC. RESULTS: There were 1162 patients enrolled, of which 92
      (7.9%) experienced one or more CVCs. Preexisting hypertension (OR 38.3, 95% CI
      3.2-457.4, P = 0.004) and choice of vasodilator (OR 6.5, 95% CI 2.3-18.6, P =
      0.000) were predictors of a CVC. Cardiovascular complications were less likely to
      occur if pain was relieved efficiently during the postoperative period (OR 15.9,
      95% CI 1.9-130.1, P = 0.01). Furthermore, there were increased CVCs among
      patients with postoperative hypertensive crises compared to those with stage 1 or
      stage 2 hypertension with the treatment threshold for systolic blood pressure (OR
      5.7, 95% CI 2.0-16.5, P = 0.001) or diastolic blood pressure (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.8
      20.3, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: To reduce CVCs, APH may be defined and managed as a
      hypertensive crisis in cancer patients.

PMID- 28081340
TI  - Importance of sonographic paratracheal lymph node evaluationin early autoimmune
      thyroiditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: To review the sonographic views of paratracheal lymph nodes
      (PLNs) in the diagnosis and during different stages of autoimmune thyroiditis.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Features of the PLNs (left and right), thyroid sonography,
      and laboratory data were investigated in 126 cases. Patients were divided into
      three groups by using thyroid sonographic criteria in the literature (group 1:
      control, group 2: early-stage/indeterminate, group 3: definite thyroiditis).
      Indeterminate patients were followed up for 1 year and included as
      indeterminate/early-stage thyroiditis patients. RESULTS: Percentage of right and
      left PLN was 13.3% and 46.2% in control cases, 21.2% and 80% in early
      stage/indeterminate cases, and 41.3% and 88.5% in definite thyroiditis cases.
      Significant among-group differences were evident in terms of right and left PLNs
      presence (Pearson chi-squared test, P = 0.011 and P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Careful
      and thorough review of the PLNs can ensure diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis
      even in cases of early stage of the disease and prevent false-negative diagnoses.

PMID- 28081341
TI  - Association of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio with the degree ofinterstitial lung
      disease in systemic sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Determining the severity of systemic sclerosis related
      interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is based on clinical and radiological
      findings, inflammation marker levels, and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of
      the lung (DLCO). Recently studies are ongoing for objective and easy markers.
      Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is shown to be a good marker for inflammation
      in recent clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to identify the possible
      relationship between NLR and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (KCO) of SSc
      ILD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with systemic sclerosis
      (SSc) were enrolled in the study. We used high-resolution computed tomography for
      diagnosis and used DLCO to evaluate degree of lung involvement. Complete blood
      cell counts and acute phase reactants were included as laboratory assessments.
      RESULTS: NLR values were significantly higher in the SSc-ILD group (3.66 +/- 1.32
      vs. 2.85 +/- 1.12, P = 0.01) and correlated negatively with KCO. The NLR cut-off
      value was 3.21, its sensitivity was 81%, and its specificity was 81%. CONCLUSION:
      NLR level may serve as a marker of lung involvement in the presence of ILD in
      patients with SSc.

PMID- 28081342
TI  - Exploring CYP2B6 activity by measuring the presence ofnevirapine hydroxy
      metabolites in plasma.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Nevirapine is a reverse-transcriptase inhibitor widely used in
      combination therapy to treat HIV infection. Nevirapine is extensively metabolized
      in the liver and CYP2B6 is mainly responsible for oxidation of 3
      hydroxynevirapine (3-OH NVP). This study aims to explore CYP2B6 activity by
      measuring 2-hydroxynevirapine (2-OH NVP) and 3-OH NVP in plasma and to identify
      factors associated with nevirapine pharmacokinetic parameters. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 112 patients were recruited and treated with nevirapine-based
      antiretroviral therapy. Plasma nevirapine and metabolite concentrations were
      assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography via liquid-liquid
      extraction. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (34.8%) of the patients had no 3-OH NVP detected
      in their plasma while 2-OH NVP was detected in all patients. Metabolite
      concentrations were low compared to nevirapine. Positive correlations were
      observed between nevirapine and its metabolites, 2-OH NVP (P < 0.01) and 3-OH NVP
      (P = 0.012). Nevirapine concentration was decreased when concomitantly
      administered with methadone. Univariate analysis showed that ALT level, AST
      level, and detection of 3-OH NVP were associated with nevirapine pharmacokinetic
      parameters. CONCLUSION: The variability of nevirapine pharmacokinetic parameters
      was caused by liver enzymes and the presence of 3-OH NVP metabolites. The
      presence of 3-OH NVP can probably be used to distinguished CYP2B6 activity and
      efficacy of nevirapine in patients with HIV infection.

PMID- 28081343
TI  - The combined effects of proteasome inhibitor bortezomib with topoisomerase I and
      II inhibitors on topoisomerase enzymes.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: DNA topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes that regulate
      conformational changes in DNA topology during essential cellular processes, and,
      for this reason, have been characterized as the cellular targets of a number of
      anticancer drugs. Bortezomib is a powerful proteasome inhibitor used in the
      treatment of hematological malignancies. In this study, we investigated the
      inhibitory effects of bortezomib on human topoisomerase I and II enzymes both
      alone and in combination modes with camptothecin and etoposide. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The interactions of these drugs with topoisomerase enzymes were
      evaluated by relaxation assay in cell-free systems. IC50 values of the drugs on
      topoisomerase enzymes were calculated using the S probit analysis program.
      RESULTS: Bortezomib showed a very weak inhibition effect on topoisomerase I (IC50
      = 87.11 mM). On the other hand, it had a strong inhibitory effect on
      topoisomerase II (IC50 = 1.41 mM). Our results indicated that bortezomib is
      effective not only on proteasome but also on topoisomerase II. In addition,
      bortezomib possesses an increased synergistic effect when used in combination
      with camptothecin and etoposide than when used alone. CONCLUSION: The results of
      this study point out that these data may build a framework for combination
      studies with bortezomib, camptothecin, and etoposide in the treatment of cancer.

PMID- 28081344
TI  - Peripheral FLT-3 ligand levels as a pathobiological parameter duringthe clinical
      course of acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: FLT-3 ligand is a growth factor affecting the hematopoietic
      lineage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variability of peripheral FLT
      3 ligand during the clinical course of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients were enrolled in this study in order
      to assess alterations in the circulating levels of FLT-3 ligand during the
      clinical course of AML. RESULTS: We studied the association in the diagnostic
      period between the FLT-3 ligand and peripheral blood cells together with serum
      electrolytes. FLT-3 ligand levels (pg/mL) during the aplastic period due to
      remission induction and consolidation were higher than the levels at initial
      diagnosis. On the other hand, the diagnostic and remission induction values of
      leukocytes and FLT-3 ligand showed an inverse association. These results indicate
      to us that higher white cell counts are associated with lower FLT-3 ligand
      levels. We also found a reversed association between FLT-3 ligand and serum
      lactate dehydrogenase level. However, there was no association between FLT-3
      ligand and other serum electrolyte levels. We also found higher FLT-3 ligand
      levels in male patients. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the inverse
      proliferative action of FLT-3 ligand on the early myeloid lineage. In addition,
      this study showed us that FLT-3 receptor inhibition during chemotherapy-induced
      aplasia causes a compensative ligand overexpression.

PMID- 28081345
TI  - Growing OXA-23 type strains among carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
      and tigecycline as an alternate combination therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The increasing prevalence and global spread of difficult-to-treat
      carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has become a serious problem. The
      aim of this study is to investigate the resistance patterns and tigecycline
      sensitivity of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Acinetobacter strains that were carbapenem-resistant and collected mainly from
      intensive care units were included into this study. The antibiotic
      sensitivity/resistance of the strains to other antibiotics and tigecycline were
      noted. Presence of blaOXA-23, blaOXA-48, blaOXA-58, and NDM-1 was investigated by
      PCR. RESULTS: In total, 44 carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains were
      detected. In addition, 57% (25/44) showed resistance to netilmicin and 2% (1/43)
      to tigecycline. All of the strains were susceptible to colistin. blaOXA-58 was
      found only in one (2%) strain while blaOXA-23 was found in 14 (32%) strains. All
      strains were negative for blaOXA-48 and NDM-1. CONCLUSION: blaOXA-23 was the main
      resistance pattern in carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains. blaOXA-58 was
      present only in one strain and no blaOXA-48 was found. Tigecycline susceptibility
      is high and it can be a treatment option for a possible combination therapy of
      carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, especially for those for whom colistin is
      contraindicated because of its toxicity.

PMID- 28081346
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cellsand
      conditioned medium in mechanically injured neuroblastoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) possess self
      renewal characteristics that distinguish them from other cell types. Recent
      studies have focused on the effects of conditioned medium (CM) that includes the
      extracellular matrix. Here we examined the neuroprotective effects of BMSCs and
      CM on damaged neuroblastoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cells were divided
      into five groups: 1) healthy controls, 2) damaged cells alone, 3) damaged cells
      treated with BMSCs, 4) damaged cells treated with CM, and 5) damaged cells
      treated with both BMSCs and CM. Neuroprotective effects were then evaluated based
      upon the levels of oxidative stress, antitransforming growth factor beta1 (anti
      TGFbeta1) production, and apoptosis. RESULTS: Significant differences were
      observed between healthy controls and damaged cells (P < 0.001), as well as
      between damaged cells and those treated with BMSCs alone (P < 0.05), CM alone (P
      < 0.05), and both BMSCs and CM in combination (P < 0.01). Among the treated
      groups, the strongest neuroprotective effects were seen in cells treated with
      both BMSCs and CM. CONCLUSION: These results show that both BMSCs and CM exhibit
      neuroprotective effects in damaged neuroblastoma cells. The strongest benefits
      were seen following treatment with both BMSCs and CM.

PMID- 28081348
TI  - The effect of basolateral amygdala nucleus lesion on memory under acute,mid and
      chronic stress in male rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The basolateral amygdala (BLA) modulates memory for emotional
      events and is involved in both stress and memory. This study investigated
      different durations of stress and the role of BLA on serum corticosterone level
      and spatial and cognitive memory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different durations of
      stress (acute, mid, and chronic stress), with and without BLA lesion were induced
      in rats by 6 h/day restraint stress for 1, 7, and 21 days. Memory functions were
      evaluated by novel object recognition (NOR) and object location test (OLT).
      RESULTS: The OLT findings showed locomotor activity and spatial memory slightly
      decreased with different durations of stress. The NOR findings significantly
      showed locomotor activity impairment in different durations of stress. Cognitive
      memory deficit was observed in mid stress. The corticosterone level significantly
      increased in the mid and chronic stress groups. Moreover, the mid stress was the
      strongest stress condition. There is a possibility that different stress
      durations act by different mechanisms. The recognition of a novel location
      decreased in all lesion groups. It was more severe in the NOR. The BLA lesion
      significantly decreased corticosterone level in the mid and chronic stress groups
      compared to similar groups without lesion. CONCLUSION: The BLA lesion caused more
      damage to cognitive than spatial memory in stressed groups.

PMID- 28081347
TI  - Virulence factors, biofilm-forming ability, and antimicrobial resistance of
      urinary Escherichia coli strains isolated from hospitalized patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Escherichia coli is the most frequent cause of urinary tract
      infections. We investigated the possible associations between the origin of
      strains, antimicrobial resistance, the presence of urovirulence factors, and
      biofilm-forming ability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antibiotic susceptibility of E.
      coli strains was tested by disk diffusion method. Hemagglutination assays were
      performed for phenotypic characterization of the cell surface. Multiplex PCR was
      used for detection of virulence genes and for determination of phylogenetic
      relationships. RESULTS: The resistance to ampicillin (55.5%) and tetracycline
      (39.3%) was significantly more frequent than to other antimicrobial agents. The
      fim gene was present in 92.5% of strains. The sfa and pap genes were found in
      53.8% and 38.7% of strains, respectively. The pap gene was significantly less
      frequently detected in strains from dialysis patients. The hly gene was present
      in 18.5% of strains. The aer gene was detected in 52.6% and cnf in 12.1%, while
      afa was detected in 4.6% of strains. Most strains belonged to the B2 and D
      phylogenetic groups. The aer gene was significantly associated with strains
      producing strong biofilms. CONCLUSION: The E. coli strains causing cystitis in
      hospitalized patients differed in terms of resistance to antibiotics, virulence
      genes, and potential for biofilm formation.

PMID- 28081350
TI  - The effect of systemic isotretinoin treatment on skin biophysicalparameters among
      patients with acne vulgaris.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Systemic isotretinoin has been widely considered an effective and
      safe medical treatment for severe and refractory acne for nearly 3 decades.
      However, it also appears to cause undesirable cutaneous side effects. The aim of
      this study was to prospectively measure biophysical parameters of skin function
      among patients with acne vulgaris before and after 3 months of isotretinoin
      therapy, including pH, temperature, sebum content, skin hydration, and
      transepidermal water loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort consisted of
      19 patients with acne vulgaris. Noninvasive methods were used to measure the
      biophysical characteristics of forehead skin. All measurements were repeated
      following the completion of 3 months of systemic isotretinoin treatment. RESULTS:
      Biophysical skin parameter measurements after 3 months of isotretinoin therapy
      revealed a decrease in the severity of seborrhea. However, the skin was dry,
      indicting a decrease in stratum corneum hydration. An increase in skin
      temperature was also determined. CONCLUSION: Treatment with systemic isotretinoin
      reduces sebum secretion and stratum corneum hydration and increases skin
      temperature, suggesting that isotretinoin may partially improve the biophysical
      characteristics of the skin among patients with acne vulgaris.

PMID- 28081349
TI  - Chrysin prevents brain damage caused by global cerebralischemia/reperfusion in a
      C57BL/J6 mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of
      chrysin (CRS) following global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) in a
      C57BL/J6 mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 mice were equally
      divided into four groups: (1) sham-operated (SH = control), (2) global cerebral
      I/R (I/R), (3) CRS, and (4) CRS + I/R. In the I/R group, the bilateral carotid
      arteries were clipped for 15 min and the mice were treated with vehicle (corn
      oil) for 10 days. In the CRS group, CRS (50 mg/kg) was given for 10 days without
      carotid occlusion. In the CRS + I/R group bilateral carotid arteries were clipped
      for 15 min and the mice were also treated with CRS (50 mg/kg) for 10 days. All of
      the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia on day 10, and neurodegenerative
      histological changes in the brain and tissue levels of oxidants and antioxidants
      were evaluated. RESULTS: CRS treatment significantly reversed the oxidative
      effects of I/R and inhibited the development of neurodegenerative
      histopathologies. In the CRS + I/R group, the decrease in TBARS levels and
      increase in GSH levels were similar to those in the SH group. CONCLUSION:
      Treatment with CRS can positively affect the neural system of mice and it can be
      used for the treatment of global cerebral I/R.

PMID- 28081351
TI  - The effect of methylprednisolone treatment on fibrinolysis, thecoagulation
      system, and blood loss in cardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine steroid pretreatment in
      order to decrease postoperative coagulopathy disorders and bleeding. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In this randomized double-blinded study, the efficacy of low versus
      high doses of methylprednisolone on the coagulation system and postoperative
      bleeding was compared in patients who were undergoing cardiac surgery with
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The platelet response to agonists, D-dimer
      concentration, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator
      inhibitor (PAI-1) antigens, and platelet receptors CD42b, CD62P, and CD41a were
      evaluated. RESULTS: The platelet response to agonists was reduced. The mean
      concentrations of D-dimer and tPA antigen increased although PAI-1 concentration
      did not show any significant changes following heparin neutralization.
      Postoperative expression of CD42b showed no changes in comparison with
      preoperation values in both groups. There was a significant increase in the
      expression of CD62P with a methylprednisolone dose of 15 mg/kg, while there was
      just a slight increase with a dose of 5 mg/kg. CD41a, as a fibrinogen receptor,
      was increased significantly after CPB in both groups. Significant data were shown
      in decreasing blood loss with a high dose of methylprednisolone. CONCLUSION:
      Methylprednisolone at a dose of 15 mg/kg reduced bleeding, probably by increasing
      CD62P after heparin neutralization, which can activate platelet activation in
      favor of better hemostasis.

PMID- 28081352
TI  - Removing the specimen with traction during robotic radical prostatectomy does not
      cause a positive surgical margin.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to gauge whether removal of a specimen
      with traction during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy causes a
      positive surgical margin or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty
      nine patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent robot-assisted
      laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from 2009 to 2011 were included in the study.
      After dividing the patients into two groups, we recorded their characteristics
      and pre-op/post-op evaluations. RESULTS: There were 111 and 58 patients in groups
      1 (with traction) and 2 (without traction), respectively. We evaluated the
      patients' ages, follow-up time, body mass index (BMI), prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA) values, pre-op and post-op Gleason score values, pathological stage,
      positive surgical margin rates, and biochemical PSA recurrence rates. There was
      no statistically significant difference between the groups for age, pre-op PSA
      values, BMI, pre-op and post-op Gleason scores, positive surgical margin rates
      and biochemical recurrence rates. There was a significant difference between
      prostate weight, tumor volume, and clinical stage. CONCLUSION: Removing the
      specimen with traction during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
      does not cause a positive surgical margin. The incision should be as small as
      possible for cosmetic appearance.

PMID- 28081353
TI  - Clinical correlation between the 6-min walk test andcardiopulmonary exercise
      testing in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The aims of the present study were to assess the relationship
      between the distance walked during the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and exercise
      capacity as determined by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients
      with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to investigate the prognostic
      value of the 6MWT in comparison to clinical parameters of CPET and
      echocardiography findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty PAH patients
      participated in the study. Subject characteristics and New York Heart Association
      (NYHA) classifications were recorded. All subjects completed the 6MWT and CPET.
      Relationships among the variables were analyzed by the Pearson correlation test.
      Correlation coefficients between 6MWT distance and other variables were
      determined by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Distance walked in the 6MWT
      was significantly correlated with the following exercise parameters: peak oxygen
      consumption, work load, and metabolic equivalents. Additionally, cardiac index
      was correlated with peak oxygen consumption and metabolic equivalents. We also
      showed that cardiac index and age were two significant determinants for exercise
      performance, accounting for 35.4% of the variance in the 6MWT. CONCLUSION: The
      6MWT provides information that may be a better index for the patient's NYHA
      functional class determination than maximal exercise testing.

PMID- 28081354
TI  - Is there a difference between Parkinson disease patients and a control group in
      terms of urinary symptoms and quality of life?
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study is to research whether urinary symptoms and
      disruption of quality of life observed in Parkinson disease patients are
      different than those of their healthy peers. Additionally, whether these
      complaints were affected by characteristics such as age at onset of Parkinson
      disease, sex, disease duration, and severity was investigated. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study comprised a total of 79 individuals, 39 Parkinson patients
      and a control group of 40 individuals. Parkinson diagnosis was provided by a
      neurology expert according to the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank
      Criteria. All patients were evaluated by a urologist with the International
      Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and an overactive bladder (OAB) questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the Parkinson patient group had
      statistically significantly higher rates of urological complaints (P < 0.001),
      irritative symptoms (P < 0.001), voiding symptoms (P < 0.001), OAB score (P <
      0.001), IPSS total score (P = 0.007), and treatment requirements (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Urologic complaints were observed more frequently in the Parkinson
      patient group compared to the control group. Another important result of this
      study is that in the Parkinson patient group there was no difference found
      between urologic complaints in terms of sex.

PMID- 28081355
TI  - Oral Delivery of Probiotics in Poultry Using pH-Sensitive Tablets.
AB  - As alternatives to antibiotics in livestocks, probiotics have been used, although
      most of them in the form of liquid or semisolid formulations, which show low cell
      viability after oral administration. Therefore, suitable dry dosage forms should
      be developed for livestocks to protect probiotics against the low pH in the
      stomach such that the products have higher probiotics survivability. Here, in
      order to develop a dry dosage forms of probiotics for poultry, we used
      hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate 55 (HPMCP 55) as a tablet-forming matrix
      to develop probiotics in a tablet form for poultry. Here, we made three different
      kinds of probiotics-loaded tablet under different compression forces and
      investigated their characteristics based on their survivability, morphology,
      disintegration time, and kinetics in simulated gastrointestinal fluid. The
      results indicated that the probiotics formulated in the tablets displayed higher
      survival rates in acidic gastric conditions than probiotics in solution. Rapid
      release of the probiotics from the tablets occurred in simulated intestinal fluid
      because of fast swelling of the tablets in neutral pH. As a matrix of tablet,
      HPMCP 55 provided good viability of probiotics after 6 months under
      refrigeration. Moreover, after oral administration of probiotics-loaded tablets
      to chicken, more viable probiotics were observed, than with solution type,
      through several digestive areas of chicken by the tablets.

PMID- 28081356
TI  - Canna edulis Leaf Extract-Mediated Preparation of Stabilized Silver
      Nanoparticles: Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity, and Toxicity Studies.
AB  - A novel approach to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaf extract of
      Canna edulis Ker-Gawl. (CELE) under ambient conditions is reported here. The as
      prepared AgNPs were analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission emission
      microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, energy
      dispersive analysis of X-ray spectroscopy, zeta potential, and dynamic light
      scattering. The AgNPs showed excellent antimicrobial activity against various
      pathogens, including bacteria and various fungi. The biocompatibility of the
      AgNPs was analyzed in the L929 cell line using NRU and MTT assays. Acridine
      orange/ethidium bromide staining was used to determine whether the AgNPs had
      necrotic or apoptotic effects on L929 cells. The concentration of AgNPs required
      for 50% inhibition of growth of mammalian cells is far more than that required
      for inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, CELE is a candidate for the
      eco-friendly, clean, cost-effective, and nontoxic synthesis of AgNPs.

PMID- 28081357
TI  - Assessment of Neuronal Cell-Based Cytotoxicity of Neurotoxins from an Estuarine
      Nemertean in the Han River Estuary.
AB  - A heteronemertean, Yininemertes pratensis, was collected in Han River Estuary,
      South Korea. This estuarine nemertean has been known by the local fishermen for
      harmful effects to the glass eels, juveniles of Japanese eel Anguilla japonica,
      migrating to fresh water. The present study confirmed the neurotoxic effects of
      this heteronemertean ribbon worm at the cellular level. Derivative types of
      neurotoxic tetrodotoxin (TTX), 5,11-dideoxy TTX (m/z 288) and 11-norTTX-6(S)-01
      (m/z 305.97), were identified through HPLC and MALDI-TOF MS. However, significant
      neurotoxicity was confirmed in the fraction containing an undefined molecule
      corresponding to the 291.1 (m/z) peak, when tested in rat primary astrocytes and
      dorsal ganglion cells. This study is the first to report neurotoxins of the
      estuarine nemertean, fairly abundant in the Han River estuary, and suggests the
      long-term monitoring of population dynamics and surveillance of the toxicity in
      this river estuary.

PMID- 28081358
TI  - Microbial Diversity during Fermentation of Sweet Paste, a Chinese Traditional
      Seasoning, Using PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to elucidate the changes in the microbial community and
      biochemical properties of a traditional sweet paste during fermentation. PCR
      denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis showed that Aspergillus
      oryzae was the predominant species in the koji (the fungal mixture), and the
      majority of the fungi isolated belonged to two Zygosaccharomyces species in the
      mash. The bacterial DGGE profiles revealed the presence of Bacillus subtilis
      during fermentation, and Lactobacillus acidipiscis, Lactobacillus pubuzihii,
      Lactobacillus sp., Staphylococcus kloosi, and several uncultured bacteria were
      also detected in the mash after 14 days of main fermentation. Additionally,
      during main fermentation, amino-type nitrogen and total acid increased gradually
      to a maximum of 6.77 +/- 0.25 g/kg and 19.10 +/- 0.58 g/kg (30 days)
      respectively, and the concentration of reducing sugar increased to 337.41 +/-
      3.99 g/kg (7 days). The 180-day fermented sweet paste contained 261.46 +/- 19.49
      g/kg reducing sugar and its pH value remained at around 4.65. This study has used
      the PCR-DGGE technique to demonstrate the microbial community (including bacteria
      and fungi) in sweet paste and provides useful information (biochemical
      properties) about the assessment of the quality of sweet paste throughout
      fermentation.

PMID- 28081359
TI  - Benzoic Acid Enhances Embryo Implantation through LIF-Dependent Expression of
      Integrin alphaVbeta3 and alphaVbeta5.
AB  - Embryo implantation is the crucial step for a successful pregnancy. Diverse
      factors, including adhesion molecules, growth factors, and cytokines are
      important for embryo implantation through improving endometrial receptivity.
      Benzoic acid (BA), a component of various plants, has been shown to have
      antifungal and antioxidant effects. However, the effect of BA on embryo
      implantation remains unknown. Here, we showed the contribution of BA for the
      enhancement of endometrial receptivity through the leukemia inhibitory factor
      (LIF)-dependent increase of integrin alphaV, beta3, and beta5 expression.
      Furthermore, in vivo study using a mifepristone-induced implantation failure
      model showed that BA definitely improves the numbers of implantation embryos.
      Taken together, we suggest that BA has a novel function for embryo implantation
      through the up-regulation of LIF-mediated integrins, and may be a candidate for
      therapeutic medicine to increase the pregnancy rate.

PMID- 28081360
TI  - Pinus Densiflora Bark Extract (PineXol) Decreases Adiposity in Mice by Down
      Regulation of Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis and Adipogenesis in White Adipose
      Tissue.
AB  - PineXol, extracted from Korean red pine bark, has beneficial effects, such as
      antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antilipogenic activities in vitro. We tested
      the hypothesis that PineXol supplementation could have anti-obesity effects on
      mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed normal
      chow (18% kcal from fat) or a HFD (60% kcal from fat). HFD-fed animals were also
      subjected to PineXol treatment at a dose of 10 or 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) (PX10
      or PX50, respectively) body weight. The body weight and body fat mass in the PX50
      group were statistically lower than those in the HFD group (p < 0.05 and p <
      0.001, respectively). The concentration of hepatic triglycerides, total
      cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were reduced in the PX50
      group compared with the HFD group (p < 0.01). Acetyl CoA carboxylase (p < 0.01),
      elongase of very long chain fatty acids 6 (p < 0.01), stearoyl CoA desaturase 1
      (p < 0.05), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (p < 0.01), and sterol
      regulatory element-binding protein 1 (p < 0.05) were significantly decreased in
      the PX50 group compared with that in the HFD group. In white adipose tissue,
      CCAATenhancer-binding protein alpha (p < 0.05), peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma (p < 0.001), and perilipin (p < 0.01) were decreased in the PX50
      group compared with those in the HFD group. Therefore, the current study implies
      the potential of PineXol for the prevention and/or amelioration of obesity, in
      part by inhibition of both hepatic lipid synthesis and adipogenesis in white
      adipose tissue.

PMID- 28081361
TI  - Microbial Transformation of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes by Mycobacterium
      vanbaalenii PYR-1.
AB  - Carbonaceous nanomaterials are widely used in industry and consumer products, but
      concerns have been raised regarding their release into the environment and
      subsequent impacts on ecosystems and human health. Although many efforts have
      been devoted to understanding the environmental fate of carbonaceous
      nanomaterials, information about their microbial transformation is still rare. In
      this study, we found that within 1 month a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
      degrading bacterium, Mycobacterium vanbaalenii PYR-1, was able to degrade both
      pristine and carboxyl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (p-MWCNT and c
      MWCNT), as demonstrated by consistent results from high resolution transmission
      electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and confocal Raman microspectroscopy.
      Statistical analysis of Raman spectra identified a significant increase in the
      density of disordered or amorphous carbon in p-MWCNT and c-MWCNT after
      biodegradation. Microbial respiration further suggested potential mineralization
      of MWCNTs within about 1 month. All of our analyses consistently showed higher
      degradation or mineralization of c-MWCNT compared to p-MWCNT. These results
      highlight the potential of using bacteria in engineered systems to remove
      residual carbonaceous nanomaterials and reduce risk of human exposure and
      environmental impact. Meanwhile, our finding suggests possible transformation of
      carbonaceous nanomaterials by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria
      in the natural environment, which should be accounted for in predicting the
      environmental fate of these emerging contaminants and in nanotechnology risk
      regulation.

PMID- 28081362
TI  - Lithium Carbonate Recovery from Cathode Scrap of Spent Lithium-Ion Battery: A
      Closed-Loop Process.
AB  - A closed-loop process to recover lithium carbonate from cathode scrap of lithium
      ion battery (LIB) is developed. Lithium could be selectively leached into
      solution using formic acid while aluminum remained as the metallic form, and most
      of the other metals from the cathode scrap could be precipitated out. This
      phenomenon clearly demonstrates that formic acid can be used for lithium recovery
      from cathode scrap, as both leaching and separation reagent. By investigating the
      effects of different parameters including temperature, formic acid concentration,
      H2O2 amount, and solid to liquid ratio, the leaching rate of Li can reach 99.93%
      with minor Al loss into the solution. Subsequently, the leaching kinetics was
      evaluated and the controlling step as well as the apparent activation energy
      could be determined. After further separation of the remaining Ni, Co, and Mn
      from the leachate, Li2CO3 with the purity of 99.90% could be obtained. The final
      solution after lithium carbonate extraction can be further processed for sodium
      formate preparation, and Ni, Co, and Mn precipitates are ready for precursor
      preparation for cathode materials. As a result, the global recovery rates of Al,
      Li, Ni, Co, and Mn in this process were found to be 95.46%, 98.22%, 99.96%,
      99.96%, and 99.95% respectively, achieving effective resources recycling from
      cathode scrap of spent LIB.

PMID- 28081363
TI  - Distance-Dependent Measurements of the Conductance of Porphyrin Nanorods Studied
      with Conductive Probe Atomic Force Microscopy.
AB  - Protocols for nanopatterning porphyrins on Au(111) were developed based on
      immersion particle lithography. Porphyrins with and without a central metal ion,
      5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphyrin (TPP) and 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H
      porphyrin cobalt(II) (CoTPP), were selected for study, which spontaneously formed
      nanorod geometries depending on concentration parameters. The elongated shapes of
      the nanorods offers an opportunity for successive distance-dependent conductive
      probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM) measurements along the length of the
      nanorods. To prepare patterns of TPP and CoTPP nanorods, a mask of silica
      mesospheres was placed on gold substrates to generate nanoholes within an
      alkanethiol matrix film. The nanoholes prepared by particle lithography with an
      immersion step were backfilled with porphyrins by a second immersion step. By
      controlling the concentration and immersion interval, nanorods of porphyrins were
      generated with one end of the nanostructure attached to gold within a nanohole.
      The porphyrin nanorods exhibited slight differences in dimensions at the
      nanoscale to enable size-dependent measurements of conductive properties. The
      conductivity along the horizontal direction of the nanorods was evaluated with CP
      AFM studies. Changes in conductivity were measured along the long axis of TPP and
      CoTPP nanorods. The TPP nanorods exhibited conductive profiles of an insulating
      material, and the CoTPP nanorods exhibited profiles of a semiconductor. The
      experiments demonstrate the applicability of particle lithography for preparing
      unique and functional surface platforms of porphyrins to measure distance
      dependent conductive properties on gold.

PMID- 28081364
TI  - Relative Contributions of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Dissolved Copper to Cu
      Uptake Kinetics of Gulf Killifish (Fundulus grandis) Embryos.
AB  - The toxicity of soluble metal-based nanomaterials may be due to the uptake of
      metals in both dissolved and nanoparticulate forms, but the relative
      contributions of these different forms to overall metal uptake rates under
      environmental conditions are not quantitatively defined. Here, we investigated
      the linkage between the dissolution rates of copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles
      (NPs) and their bioavailability to Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) embryos,
      with the aim of quantitatively delineating the relative contributions of
      nanoparticulate and dissolved species for Cu uptake. Gulf killifish embryos were
      exposed to dissolved Cu and CuO NP mixtures comprising a range of pH values (6.3
      7.5) and three types of natural organic matter (NOM) isolates at various
      concentrations (0.1-10 mg-C L-1), resulting in a wide range of CuO NP dissolution
      rates that subsequently influenced Cu uptake. First-order dissolution rate
      constants of CuO NPs increased with increasing NOM concentration and for NOM
      isolates with higher aromaticity, as indicated by specific ultraviolet absorbance
      (SUVA), while Cu uptake rate constants of both dissolved Cu and CuO NP decreased
      with NOM concentration and aromaticity. As a result, the relative contribution of
      dissolved Cu and nanoparticulate CuO species for the overall Cu uptake rate was
      insensitive to NOM type or concentration but largely determined by the percentage
      of CuO that dissolved. These findings highlight SUVA and aromaticity as key NOM
      properties affecting the dissolution kinetics and bioavailability of soluble
      metal-based nanomaterials in organic-rich waters. These properties could be used
      in the incorporation of dissolution kinetics into predictive models for
      environmental risks of nanomaterials.

PMID- 28081365
TI  - Visualizing Arsenate Reactions and Encapsulation in a Single Zero-Valent Iron
      Nanoparticle.
AB  - A nanostructure-based mechanism is presented on the enrichment, separation, and
      immobilization of arsenic with nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). The As-Fe
      reactions are studied with spherical aberration corrected scanning transmission
      electron microscopy (Cs-STEM). Near-atomic resolution (<1 nm3) electron
      tomography discovers a thin continuous layer (23 +/- 3 A) of elemental arsenic
      sandwiched between the iron oxide shell and the zerovalent iron core. This points
      to a unique mechanism of nanoencapsulation and proves that the outer layer,
      especially the Fe(0)-oxide interface, is the edge of the As-Fe reactions. Atomic
      resolution imaging on the grain boundary provides strong evidence that arsenic
      atoms diffuse preferably along the nonequilibrium, high-energy, and defective
      polycrystalline grain boundary of iron oxides. Results also offer direct evidence
      on the surface sorption or surface complex formation of arsenate on ferric
      hydroxide (FeOOH). The core-shell structure and unique properties of nZVI clearly
      underline rapid separation, large capacity, and stability for the treatment of
      toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and uranium.

PMID- 28081367
TI  - Ordered Mesoporous Titanium Nitride as a Promising Carbon-Free Cathode for
      Aprotic Lithium-Oxygen Batteries.
AB  - Despite the extraordinary gravimetric energy densities, lithium-oxygen (Li-O2)
      batteries are still facing a technological challenge; limited round trip
      efficiency leading to insufficient cycle life. Recently, carbonaceous electrode
      materials were found to be one of the primary origins of the limited cycle life,
      as they produce irreversible side products during discharge. A few investigations
      based on noncarbonaceous materials have demonstrated largely suppressed
      accumulation of irreversible side products, but such studies have focused mainly
      on the materials themselves rather than delicate morphology control. As such,
      here, we report the synthesis of mesoporous titanium nitride (m-TiN) with a 2D
      hexagonal structure and large pores (>30 nm), which was templated by a block
      copolymer with tunable chain lengths, and introduce it as a stable air-cathode
      backbone. Due to the well-aligned pore structure and decent electric conductivity
      of TiN, the battery reaction was quite reversible, resulting in robust cycling
      performance for over 100 cycles under a potential cutoff condition. Furthermore,
      by protecting the Li metal with a poreless polyurethane separator and engaging a
      lithium iodide redox mediator, the original capacity was retained for 280 cycles
      under a consistent capacity condition (430 mAh g-1). This study reveals that when
      the appropriate structure and material choice of the air-cathode are coupled with
      an advanced separator and an effective solution-phase redox mediator, the cycle
      lives of Li-O2 batteries can be enhanced dramatically.

PMID- 28081366
TI  - An Estimation of Hybrid Quantum Mechanical Molecular Mechanical Polarization
      Energies for Small Molecules Using Polarizable Force-Field Approaches.
AB  - In this work, we report two polarizable molecular mechanics (polMM) force field
      models for estimating the polarization energy in hybrid quantum mechanical
      molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations. These two models, named the potential
      of atomic charges (PAC) and potential of atomic dipoles (PAD), are formulated
      from the ab initio quantum mechanical (QM) response kernels for the prediction of
      the QM density response to an external molecular mechanical (MM) environment (as
      described by external point charges). The PAC model is similar to fluctuating
      charge (FQ) models because the energy depends on external electrostatic potential
      values at QM atomic sites; the PAD energy depends on external electrostatic field
      values at QM atomic sites, resembling induced dipole (ID) models. To demonstrate
      their uses, we apply the PAC and PAD models to 12 small molecules, which are
      solvated by TIP3P water. The PAC model reproduces the QM/MM polarization energy
      with a R2 value of 0.71 for aniline (in 10,000 TIP3P water configurations) and
      0.87 or higher for other 11 solute molecules, while the PAD model has a much
      better performance with R2 values of 0.98 or higher. The PAC model reproduces
      reference QM/MM hydration free energies for 12 solute molecules with a RMSD of
      0.59 kcal/mol. The PAD model is even more accurate, with a much smaller RMSD of
      0.12 kcal/mol, with respect to the reference. This suggests that polarization
      effects, including both local charge distortion and intramolecular charge
      transfer, can be well captured by induced dipole type models with proper
      parametrization.

PMID- 28081368
TI  - Smart Metal-Organic Framework Coatings: Triggered Antibiofilm Compound Release.
AB  - Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have a large potential for delivery of active
      molecules. Here, a MOF coating is investigated as a smart host matrix for
      triggered release of antibiofilm compounds. In addition to a coating consisting
      of the regular Fe-terephthalate MIL-88B(Fe), a new hydrophobic MIL-88B(Fe)
      coating is synthesized in hydrothermal conditions using palmitic acid as a
      lattice terminating group. These porous materials are used as a host matrix for
      the antibiofilm compound 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(2-isobutyl)-2-aminoimidazole,
      which has a specific biofilm-inhibiting effect at concentrations at which no
      activity against planktonic cells is detected. The stability of MIL-88B(Fe) in
      distilled water and tryptic soy broth medium is investigated, together with the
      ability of iron(III) chelators to serve as a trigger for controlled decomposition
      of MIL-88B(Fe) by metal complexation. Organic iron chelators are used to mimic
      the iron chelating function of siderophores, which are specific molecules
      excreted by biofilm-forming bacteria. Trisodium citrate is able to chelate metal
      ions from the junctions of the framework. By sequestration of these metal ions,
      the host matrix is partially degraded, resulting in an antibiofilm compound
      release. Finally, the antibiofilm properties against Salmonella Typhimurium are
      validated by monitoring biofilm growth on MOF layers either loaded or not with
      aminoimidazole. A strong proof-of-concept is shown for efficient inhibition of
      biofilm growth through triggered antibiofilm compound release.

PMID- 28081369
TI  - Randomized Controlled Ethanol Cookstove Intervention and Blood Pressure in
      Pregnant Nigerian Women.
AB  - RATIONALE: Hypertension during pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal
      mortality. Exposure to household air pollution elevates blood pressure (BP).
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate the ability of a clean cookstove intervention to lower
      BP during pregnancy. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in
      Nigeria. Pregnant women cooking with kerosene or firewood were randomly assigned
      to an ethanol arm (n = 162) or a control arm (n = 162). BP measurements were
      taken during six antenatal visits. In the primary analysis, we compared ethanol
      users with control subjects. In subgroup analyses, we compared baseline kerosene
      users assigned to the intervention with kerosene control subjects and compared
      baseline firewood users assigned to ethanol with firewood control subjects.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) over
      time was significantly different between ethanol users and control subjects (P =
      0.040); systolic blood pressure (SBP) did not differ (P = 0.86). In subgroup
      analyses, there was no significant intervention effect for SBP; a significant
      difference for DBP (P = 0.031) existed among preintervention kerosene users. At
      the last visit, mean DBP was 2.8 mm Hg higher in control subjects than in ethanol
      users (3.6 mm Hg greater in control subjects than in ethanol users among
      preintervention kerosene users), and 6.4% of control subjects were hypertensive
      (SBP >=140 and/or DBP >=90 mm Hg) versus 1.9% of ethanol users (P = 0.051). Among
      preintervention kerosene users, 8.8% of control subjects were hypertensive
      compared with 1.8% of ethanol users (P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge,
      this is the first cookstove randomized controlled trial examining prenatal BP.
      Ethanol cookstoves have potential to reduce DBP and hypertension during
      pregnancy. Accordingly, clean cooking fuels may reduce adverse health impacts
      associated with household air pollution. Clinical trial registered with
      www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02394574).

PMID- 28081372
TI  - Role of Hyperplasia of Gingival Lymphatics in Periodontal Inflammation.
AB  - Lymphatic vessels are important for maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis and
      afferent antigen transport. In chronic inflammation, lymphangiogenesis takes
      place and is characterized by lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation and
      lymphatic hyperplasia. Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) is the main
      known lymphangiogenic growth factor, and its expression is increased in
      periodontitis, a common chronic infectious disease that results in tissue
      destruction and alveolar bone loss. The role of lymphangiogenesis during
      development of periodontitis is unknown. Here, we test if transgenic
      overexpression of epithelial VEGFC in a murine model is followed by hyperplasia
      of lymphatic vessels in oral mucosa and if the lymphatic drainage capacity is
      altered. We also test if lymphatic hyperplasia protects against periodontal
      disease development. Transgenic keratin 14 (K14)-VEGFC mice had significant
      hyperplasia of lymphatics in oral mucosa, including gingiva, without changes in
      blood vessel vasculature. The basal lymph flow was normal but slightly lower than
      in wild-type mice when oral mucosa was challenged with lipopolysaccharide from
      Porphyromonas gingivalis. Under normal conditions, K14-VEGFC mice exhibited an
      increased number of neutrophils in gingiva, demonstrated enhanced phagocyte
      recruitment in the cervical lymph nodes, and had more alveolar bone when compared
      with their wild-type littermates. After induction of periodontitis, no strain
      differences were observed in the periodontal tissues with respect to granulocyte
      recruitment, bone resorption, angiogenesis, cytokines, and bone-related protein
      expressions or in draining lymph node immune cell proportions and
      vascularization. We conclude that overexpression of VEGFC results in hyperplastic
      lymphatics, which do not enhance lymphatic drainage capacity but facilitate
      phagocyte transport to draining lymph nodes. Hyperplasia of lymphatics does not
      protect against development of ligature-induced periodontitis.

PMID- 28081373
TI  - Loss of Function of Evc2 in Dental Mesenchyme Leads to Hypomorphic Enamel.
AB  - Ellis-van Creveld (EvC) syndrome is an autosomal-recessive skeletal dysplasia,
      characterized by short stature and postaxial polydactyly. A series of dental
      abnormalities, including hypomorphic enamel formation, has been reported in
      patients with EvC. Despite previous studies that attempted to uncover the
      mechanism leading to abnormal tooth development, little is known regarding how
      hypomorphic enamel is formed in patients with EvC. In the current study, using
      Evc2/ Limbin mutant mice we recently generated, we analyzed enamel formation in
      the mouse incisor. Consistent with symptoms in human patients, we observed that
      Evc2 mutant mice had smaller incisors with enamel hypoplasia. Histologic
      observations coupled with ameloblast marker analyses suggested that Evc2 mutant
      preameloblasts were capable of differentiating to secretory ameloblasts; this
      process, however, was apparently delayed, due to delayed odontoblast
      differentiation, mediated by a limited number of dental mesenchymal stem cells in
      Evc2 mutant mice. This concept was further supported by the observation that
      dental mesenchymal-specific deletion of Evc2 phenocopied the tooth abnormalities
      in Evc2 mutants. Overall, our findings suggest that mutations in Evc2 affect
      dental mesenchymal stem cell homeostasis, which further leads to hypomorphic
      enamel formation.

PMID- 28081371
TI  - GWAS Identifies New Loci for Painful Temporomandibular Disorder: Hispanic
      Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.
AB  - Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by
      pain and reduced function in the temporomandibular joint and/or associated
      masticatory musculature. Prevalence in the United States is 5% and twice as high
      among women as men. We conducted a discovery genome-wide association study (GWAS)
      of TMD in 10,153 participants (769 cases, 9,384 controls) of the US Hispanic
      Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). The most promising single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested in meta-analysis of 4 independent
      cohorts. One replication cohort was from the United States, and the others were
      from Germany, Finland, and Brazil, totaling 1,911 TMD cases and 6,903 controls. A
      locus near the sarcoglycan alpha ( SGCA), rs4794106, was suggestive in the
      discovery analysis ( P = 2.6 * 106) and replicated (i.e., 1-tailed P = 0.016) in
      the Brazilian cohort. In the discovery cohort, sex-stratified analysis identified
      2 additional genome-wide significant loci in females. One lying upstream of the
      relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 ( RXP2) (chromosome 13,
      rs60249166, odds ratio [OR] = 0.65, P = 3.6 * 10-8) was replicated among females
      in the meta-analysis (1-tailed P = 0.052). The other (chromosome 17, rs1531554,
      OR = 0.68, P = 2.9 * 10-8) was replicated among females (1-tailed P = 0.002), as
      well as replicated in meta-analysis of both sexes (1-tailed P = 0.021). A novel
      locus at genome-wide level of significance (rs73460075, OR = 0.56, P = 3.8 * 10
      8) in the intron of the dystrophin gene DMD (X chromosome), and a suggestive
      locus on chromosome 7 (rs73271865, P = 2.9 * 10-7) upstream of the Sp4
      Transcription Factor ( SP4) gene were identified in the discovery cohort, but
      neither of these was replicated. The SGCA gene encodes SGCA, which is involved in
      the cellular structure of muscle fibers and, along with DMD, forms part of the
      dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Functional annotation suggested that several of
      these variants reside in loci that regulate processes relevant to TMD
      pathobiologic processes.

PMID- 28081374
TI  - Cytokine Profiles in Aqueous Humor and Plasma of HIV-infected Individuals with
      Ocular Syphilis or Cytomegalovirus Retinitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize the immunologic profile in aqueous humor (AqH) of HIV
      infected individuals with cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVr) or ocular syphilis and
      to assess if AqH and plasma represent independent cytokine compartments. METHODS:
      Concentrations of 27 cytokines in AqH and plasma of HIV-infected individuals with
      CMVr (n = 23) or ocular syphilis (n = 16) were measured by multiplex assay.
      Cytokine profiles of both groups were compared. RESULTS: Individuals with CMVr
      had higher plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-7, IL-8, IL-10, interferon
      (IFN)-gamma, IFN-alpha2, G-CSF, IP-10 and IL-1alpha; as well as higher AqH
      concentrations of IL-1alpha, IP-10 and GM-CSF than those with ocular syphilis.
      AqH and plasma levels correlated only for IP-10 in both ocular infections.
      CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with CMVr had higher plasma cytokine levels than those
      with ocular syphilis. The immunologic profiles in AqH and plasma are independent.
      Therefore, AqH cytokine concentrations cannot be inferred from plasma cytokine
      concentrations in the population studied.

PMID- 28081382
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28081379
TI  - Direct Gingival Fibroblast/Osteoblast Transdifferentiation via Epigenetics.
AB  - Alveolar bone resorption caused by trauma or periodontal diseases has represented
      a challenge for both dental clinicians and researchers. In this study, we
      evaluate the osteogenic potential of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) through a
      direct transdifferentiation from HGFs to functional osteoblasts via epigenetic
      modification and osteogenic signaling with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in
      vitro and in vivo. HGF treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) induced
      demethylation in the hypermethylated CpG islands of the osteogenic lineage marker
      genes RUNX2 and ALP, and subsequent BMP2 treatment successfully drove the
      fibroblasts to the osteoblasts' lineage. Cell morphological changes viewed under
      microscopy and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S (ARS) staining
      confirmed the osteoblastic change mediated by epigenetic modification as did real
      time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and
      chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, which demonstrated the altered
      methylation patterns in the RUNX2 and ALP promoter regions and their effect on
      gene expression. Furthermore, micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis of in vivo
      mouse cell transplantation experiments showed high-density signal in the
      epigenetically modified HGF group; in addition, a significant amount of bone
      formation was observed in the transplanted material using hematoxylin and eosin
      (H&E) staining as well. Collectively, our results indicate that epigenetic
      modification permits the direct programming of HGFs into functional osteoblasts,
      suggesting that this approach might open a novel therapeutic avenue in alveolar
      bone regeneration.

PMID- 28081383
TI  - Inhibiting Effect of Lithium Chloride on Endotoxin-induced Uveitis in Rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of lithium chloride in
      endotoxin-induced uveitis. METHODS: A total of 200 Wistar rats were randomly
      divided into four groups: a control group; EIU group; LiCl-treated control group;
      and LiCl-treated lipopolysaccharide group. Clinical score, slit-lamp photography,
      hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used to determine the degree of
      inflammatory reaction. Level of glycogen synthase kinase3-beta and nuclear factor
      kappa B p65 in iris-ciliary body was examined by western blot and RT-PCR.
      Cytokines in aqueous humor were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Pretreatment with
      LiCl produced an anti-inflammatory effect during endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU).
      With LiCl treatment, the level of P-GSK3-beta in iris-ciliary body was
      upregulated and the expression of NF-kappaB p65 was significantly suppressed
      during EIU. CONCLUSIONS: LiCl pretreatment can suppress intraocular inflammatory
      responses in EIU rats. Mechanistically, this anti-inflammatory effect may be
      related to the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3-beta.

PMID- 28081385
TI  - Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in Adults Receiving Home Parenteral
      Nutrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A common complication in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition
      (HPN) is catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). The CRBSI incidence
      has been advocated as an outcome parameter assessing the quality of care. This
      study aimed to illustrate how the use of different CRBSI definitions affects the
      reported incidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an observational study based on the
      Copenhagen intestinal failure database, all clinically reported CRBSIs from 2002
      2013 were compared with data from the affiliated microbiological database
      according to recommended CRBSI criteria. RESULTS: Clinically, 1034 CRBSIs were
      observed in 548 adults receiving HPN for 1410 catheter-years. Thus, the
      clinically assessed CRBSI incidence was 1.95/1000 catheter-days. However, based
      on the microbiological evaluation, only 47% of our episodes fulfilled the Centers
      for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and European Society for Clinical
      Nutrition (ESPEN) CRBSI criteria. Employing a catheter-salvaging strategy, 40% of
      the CRBSI diagnoses were supported by the paired blood culture positivity
      criteria and only 6% by a positive catheter tip. In 53%, CRBSIs were categorized
      as a clinical or "probable CRBSI" diagnosis. In 20% of all episodes, missing
      information/blood cultures hampered a CDC/ESPEN CRBSI diagnosis. Thereby,
      according to CDC/ESPEN CRBSI definitions, the incidence was 0.92/1000 days or 46%
      lower than clinically assessed. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the practical
      and methodological challenges and great variability in reporting of the CRBSI
      incidence. Nonetheless, it is recommended as a marker of the quality of care.
      Consensus regarding CRBSI definitions is a prerequisite for a meaningful
      comparison of this important outcome parameter between HPN centers.

PMID- 28081386
TI  - Effects of biodiesel made from swine and chicken fat residues on carbon monoxide,
      carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions.
AB  - : The effects of two alternative sources of animal fat-derived biodiesel
      feedstock on CO2, CO, NOx tailpipe emissions as well as fuel consumption were
      investigated. Biodiesel blends were produced from chicken and swine fat waste (FW
      1) or floating fat (FW-2) collected from slaughterhouse wastewater treatment
      processes. Tests were conducted in an unmodified stationary diesel engine
      operating under idling conditions in attempt to simulate slow traffic in urban
      areas. Significant reductions in CO (up to 47% for B100; FW-2) and NOx (up to 20%
      for B5; FW-2 or B100; FW-1) were attained when using biodiesel fuels at the
      expense of 5% increase in fuel consumption. Principal component analysis (PCA)
      was performed to elucidate possible associations among gas (CO2, CO, and NOx)
      emissions, cetane number and iodine index with different sources of feedstock
      typically employed in the biodiesel industry. NOx, cetane number and iodine index
      were inversely proportional to CO2 and biodiesel concentration. High NOx
      emissions were reported from high iodine index biodiesel derived especially from
      forestry, fishery and some agriculture feedstocks, while the biodiesel derived
      from animal sources consistently presented lower iodine index mitigating NOx
      emissions. The obtained results point out the applicability of biodiesel fuels
      derived from fat-rich residues originated from animal production on mitigation of
      greenhouse gas emissions. The information may encourage practitioners from
      biodiesel industry whilst contributing towards development of sustainable animal
      production. IMPLICATIONS: Emissions from motor vehicles can contribute
      considerably to the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The use of
      biodiesel to replace or augment diesel can not only decrease our dependency on
      fossil fuels but also help decrease air pollution. Thus, different sources of
      feedstocks are constantly being explored for affordable biodiesel production.
      However, the amount of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and/or
      nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions can vary largely depending on type of feedstock
      used to produce biodiesel. In this work, the authors demonstrated animal fat
      feasibility in replacing petrodiesel with less impact regarding greenhouse gas
      emissions than other sources.

PMID- 28081387
TI  - Air Emissions from the Manufacture of Inks.
AB  - Mass balance data are employed to determine VOC emission factors for ink
      manufacturing processes. The data represent a broad spectrum of case studies in
      which inputs to ink mixing vessels are weighed both before and after mixing. The
      difference between pre-mixing and post-mixing weights represent air emissions. In
      contrast to EPA's estimate of 30 lb of VOC emissions per ton of manufactured ink
      (contained in the AP-42 emission factors), this work indicates that 44.7 lb/ton
      is a more accurate emission factor. The new data are expected to have a
      significant effect on permitting efforts for ink manufacturers as Title V
      operating permits are prepared.

PMID- 28081388
TI  - Maximum Ground-Level Concentrations with Downwash: The Urban Stability Mode.
AB  - Gaussian model-based equations for critical downwind distance, wind speed, and
      plume height that result in maximum ground-level concentrations (MGLC) under
      downwash conditions for the rural stability mode were presented in a previous
      paper. This paper presents general equations for the critical downwind distance
      xc for the urban stability mode. Specific examples are presented for Schulman
      Scire and Huber-Snyder downwash treatments for building-enhanced and regular
      sigmas.

PMID- 28081389
TI  - Estimation of Trends in Atmospheric Concentrations of Sulfate in the Northeastern
      United States.
AB  - Daily atmospheric concentrations of sulfate collected at six locations in the
      northeastern United States are regressed against meteorological factors, ozone,
      seasonal cycles, and time in order to determine if a significant trend in sulfate
      can be detected. The data used in this analysis were collected during the Sulfate
      Regional Experiment (SURE, 1977-1978) and the Eulerian Model Evaluation Field
      Study (EMEFS, 1988-1989). Ozone, specific humidity, and seasonal terms
      (reflecting the potential of the atmosphere for oxidation of sulfur dioxide)
      emerged as important explanatory variables. After accounting for the variability
      explained by environmental factors, the median estimated change in sulfate
      concentration from the six locations over the 11-year period is -22% (or -28% if
      ozone is not used as an explanatory variable). Although there are wide variations
      among locations, these changes are commensurate with an estimated 25% decline in
      sulfur emissions in the northeastern U.S. during the same period. These analyses
      provide insight into methods for detecting reductions in sulfate that may be
      expected to occur as a result of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
      Uncertainties in the estimates, with consideration of serial correlation in the
      data, imply a minimum detectable reduction of 10% using this modeling procedure
      with similar data availability.

PMID- 28081390
TI  - Chloroform in Indoor Air and Wastewater: The Role of Residential Washing
      Machines.
AB  - A residential washing machine was studied in order to determine the extent of
      chloroform formation following the application of a laundry bleach containing
      sodium hypochlorite. A dynamic model was also developed to estimate chloroform
      formation, mass transfer, and gaseous emissions during a typical wash cycle. A
      series of 22 experiments was completed to determine model parameters, including
      chemical reaction and mass transfer rate coefficients, as well as headspace air
      exchange rates. Three additional experiments were completed to evaluate model
      performance. Experimental and model results suggest that washing machine
      environments are very conducive to chloroform formation, with chloroform levels
      frequently exceeding 1 mg/L in washwater. Chloroform stripping efficiencies were
      observed to be greater than those previously reported for ethanol, but less than
      those reported for radon. Mass emissions of chloroform to indoor air during a ten
      minute wash cycle were predicted to be between 5.3 and 9.8 mg. On a unit activity
      basis, chloroform emissions associated with hypochlorite-containing bleach
      addition to washing machines far exceeded emissions from showers. Each source was
      estimated to emit similar quantities of chloroform on an annual basis. Finally,
      it was estimated that the use of hypochlorite-containing laundry bleaches may
      contribute a significant fraction of chloroform mass loadings to municipal
      wastewater.

PMID- 28081391
TI  - Determination of the Leaching Dynamics of Metals from Municipal Solid Waste
      Incinerator Fly Ash Using a Column Test.
AB  - The objective of this work was to study the dynamic leaching behavior of thirty
      three elements in municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash using a column test
      employing double deionized water. Nearly all of the elements initially present in
      the leachate were found to leach quickly and then decrease to near constant
      concentrations after five pore volumes of water passed through the column. Of the
      eight elements subject to toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP)
      investigations, all except lead were found in concentrations below regulatory
      limits. After three pore volumes of water passed through the column, leachate
      lead concentrations were found to have diminished to TCLP permissible levels.
      Concerning Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Title D regulations
      pertaining to permissible landfill leachate production, lead concentrations were
      still found at levels above allowable limits after as many as 40 pore volumes of
      leachate production.

PMID- 28081392
TI  - Modeling the Energy Content of Municipal Solid Waste Using Multiple Regression
      Analysis.
AB  - In this research multiple regression analysis was used to develop predictive
      models of the energy content of municipal solid waste (MSW). The scope of work
      included collecting waste samples in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, characterizing the
      waste, and performing a stepwise forward selection procedure for isolating
      variables. Two regression models were developed to correlate the energy content
      with variables derived from physical composition and ultimate analysis. The
      performance of these models for this particular waste was superior to that of
      equations developed by other researchers (e.g., Dulong, Steuer) for estimating
      energy content. Attempts at developing regression models from proximate analysis
      data were not successful.

PMID- 28081393
TI  - Models to Estimate Volatile Organic Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions from
      Municipal Sewer Systems.
AB  - Emissions from municipal sewers are usually omitted from hazardous air pollutant
      (HAP) emission inventories. This omission may result from a lack of appreciation
      for the potential emission impact and/or from inadequate emission estimation
      procedures. This paper presents an analysis and comparison of the models
      available to estimate volatile organic HAP (VOHAP) emissions from sewers.
      Comparisons were made between the different theoretical foundations of the
      models, as well as between the emissions predicted by the models for a single
      sewer component. Sewer gas concentrations predicted by the models were also
      compared to measured sewer gas concentrations reported in the literature. Two of
      the models were compared in their ability to estimate sewer VOHAP emissions for a
      large U. S. city using National Pollution Discharge Effluent System data for the
      influent wastewater to the city's municipal wastewater treatment facilities. This
      estimate showed that, regardless of the model used, sewer emissions are a
      potentially significant source of VOHAP emissions in the urban environment. The
      choice of model, however, is thought to be less critical to sewer emission
      estimates than the source of sewer wastewater VOHAP concentration data.

PMID- 28081394
TI  - Motor Vehicle Emissions Variability.
AB  - Test-to-test variability has been observed by many current testing methods,
      including the Federal Test Procedure, the IM240 dynamometer test, the idle test
      common to many Inspection and Maintenance programs, and on-road remote sensing.
      The variability is attributable to the vehicle, not to the testing procedure.
      Because the vehicles are the dominant source of variability, the only way such
      vehicles can be reliably identified is through the use of multiple tests. The
      emissions variability increases with increasing average emissions, and it appears
      to be prevalent among the few newer technology vehicles with defective, but
      untampered, closed-loop emissions control systems (1981 and newer models). In one
      fleet the variable emitters constitute 2.2% to 4.8% of the vehicles and
      contribute 8.5% to 22% of the total carbon monoxide emissions. Scheduled I/M
      programs that fail to ensure repair of these vehicles allow a significant portion
      of vehicles with excess emissions to escape reduction measures.

PMID- 28081396
TI  - Particle Concentrations Inside a Tavern Before and After Prohibition of Smoking:
      Evaluating the Performance of an Indoor Air Quality Model.
AB  - Measurements were made of respirable suspended particles (RSP) in a large sports
      tavern on 26 dates over approximately two years in which smoking was allowed,
      followed by measurements on 50 dates during the year after smoking was
      prohibited. The smoking prohibition occurred without warning when the city
      government passed a regulation restricting smoking in local restaurants and
      taverns. Two follow-up field surveys, consisting of 24 and 26 visits,
      respectively, were conducted to measure changes in RSP levels after smoking was
      prohibited. No decrease in tavern attendance was evident after smoking was
      prohibited. During the smoking period, the average RSP concentration was 56.8
      |ig/m3 above the outdoor concentrations, but the average abruptly dropped to 5.9
      ug/m3 above outdoor levels-a 90% decrease- on 24 visits in the first two months
      immediately after smoking was prohibited (first follow-up study). A second set of
      26 follow-up visits (matched by time of day, day of the week, and season to the
      earlier smoking visits) yielded an average concentration of 12.9 jig/m3 above the
      outdoor levels, or an overall decrease in the average RSP concentration of 77%
      compared with the smoking period. During the smoking period, RSP concentrations
      more than 100 ug/m3 above outdoor levels occurred on 30.7% of the visits. During
      the 50 nonsmoking visits, 92% of the RSP concentrations were less than 20 u,g/m3
      above outdoor levels, and no concentration exceeded 100 ug/m3 on any nonsmoking
      visit. The data show there was a striking decline in indoor RSP concentrations in
      the tavern after smoking was prohibited. The indoor concentration observed in the
      nonsmoking periods (9.1 u.g/m3 average for all nonsmoking visits) was attributed
      to cooking and resuspended dust. A mathematical model based on the mass balance
      equation was developed that included smoking, cooking, and resuspended dust.
      Using cigarette emission rates from the literature, the tavern volume of 521 m3,
      and the air exchange rate measured in the tavern under conditions regarded by the
      management as "typical," the model predicted 42.5 ug/m3 for an average smoking
      count of 1.17 cigarettes, which compared favorably with the average concentration
      of 43.9 ng/m3 observed in the tavern. A regression analysis indicated that the
      active smoking count explained over 50% of the variation of the RSP
      concentrations measured on different dates. The mathematical model can be used to
      estimate RSP concentrations from smoking in other similar taverns under similar
      conditions.

PMID- 28081397
TI  - Research and Evaluation of Organic Hazardous Air Pollutant Source Emission Test
      Methods.
AB  - Title III of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 has increased the need for well
      defined and tested stationary source emission sampling and analysis methods. The
      Methods Branch of the Air Measurements Research Division of U.S. EPA's Office of
      Research and Development is responsible for a major methods development and
      evaluation program intended to help fill that need. This paper summarizes recent
      developments from several of the component projects of that program. Primary
      emphasis is placed on status and references for methods for organic hazardous air
      pollutants, such as phosgene, methanol, chloroform, acetonitrile, isocyanates,
      aldehydes, halogenated organics, non-halogenated organics, and volatile organic
      material.

PMID- 28081398
TI  - Influence of Ethanol-Blended Fuels on the Emissions from Three Pre-1985 Light
      Duty Passenger Vehicles.
AB  - Tailpipe and evaporative emissions from three pre-1985 passenger motor vehicles
      operating on an ethanol oxygenated and on a nonoxygenated (base) fuel were
      characterized. Emission data were collected for vehicles operating over the
      Federal Test Procedure at 90  degrees F, 75  degrees F, and 40  degrees F to
      simulate ambient driving conditions. The two fuels tested were a commercial
      summer-grade regular gasoline (the nonoxygenated base fuel) and an oxygenated
      fuel containing 8.8% ethanol, more paraffins and olefins, and less aromatics than
      the base fuel. The Reid vapor pressure (RVP) was adjusted to correspond to that
      of the base fuel. The emissions measured were total hydrocarbons (THCs),
      speciated hydrocarbons, spedated aldehydes, carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of
      nitrogen (NOX). This study showed a general reduction in tailpipe emissions of
      THC, CO, benzene, and 1,3-butadiene when tested with the ethanol fuel. The
      ethanol fuel significantly reduced these emissions from the high emitting
      vehicle, MU098, at 90  degrees F, 75  degrees F, and 40  degrees F test
      temperatures. Additionally, the ethanol fuel reduced CO emissions from vehicle
      BU950, with and without catalyst, and from vehicle CI415 at 40  degrees F. Both
      formaldehyde and acetaldehyde emissions generally increased when tested with the
      oxygenated fuel. The acetaldehyde emissions were about double with this fuel. The
      limited data indicate that most emissions, including toxics, occur during the
      first 124 seconds of vehicle start-up. Diurnal evaporative emissions were less
      from the oxygenated fuel, while hot-soak evaporative emissions were greater from
      the oxygenated fuel (for all vehicles except MU098). Evaporative emissions were
      generally greatest at the 90  degrees F test temperature.

PMID- 28081399
TI  - Modeling of Thermal Treatment of Hazardous Solid Wastes in a DC Arc Melter.
AB  - Ashley Wenger is a graduate student in the Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
      (MEM) Department at Drexel University. Dr. Bakhtier Farouk is a professor in the
      MEM Department at Drexel University, 32nd and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA
      19104. Dr. J. Kenneth Wittle is the vice president of Electro-Pyrolysis, Inc.,
      Suite 1118, 996 Old Eagle School Road, Wayne, PA 19087. Please address all
      correspondence to Dr. Bakhtier Farouk.

PMID- 28081400
TI  - Combustion Modifications of Batch Annealing Furnaces and Ammonia Combustion Ovens
      for NOX Abatement in Steel Plants.
AB  - NOX control employing several combustion modification techniques is studied in
      batch annealing furnaces and ammonia combustion ovens in steel plants. The fuels
      of the annealing furnace and ammonia oven are by-product fuel gases and ammonia
      vapor, respectively, which are generated in the same steelworks. Study of the
      emission characteristics of the annealing furnace show that delayed combustion
      can effectively reduce NOX emissions. Delayed combustion is accomplished by air
      staging in burners, off-symmetric mixing of fuel and air, and air-biasing in the
      furnace, and these modification can operations achieve 60%, 40%, and 26% of NOX
      reductions, respectively. For the ammonia oven, NOX emission from combustion of
      ammonia vapor is remarkably reduced by staging the air injected into the oven,
      adjusting the total air rate, and adding by-product fuel gases to the combustion
      system.

PMID- 28081401
TI  - Establishing and Evaluating the Risk Implications of Uniform Soil Remediation
      Goals.
AB  - There is growing interest in the establishment of uniform, concentration-based
      soil remediation goals to accelerate the cleanup of contaminated sites and to
      provide consistency in the extent of cleanup required for similar sites. If
      uniform goals are used in a region, post-remediation risk will vary across sites
      due to regional variability in site properties. Thus far, of the national and
      state agencies that have established or proposed uniform concentration
      guidelines, none have quantified the regional variability in risk that is likely
      to result with their use as remediation goals. This paper describes a methodology
      for evaluating regional cancer risk variability resulting from use of uniform,
      concentration-based soil remediation goals, presents an example application of
      the methodology, and examines its utility for establishing uniform goals for
      organic contaminants in soil. The methodology is based on the integrated
      transport, fate, exposure, and risk model SoilRisk. Also addressed is the issue
      of contaminants for which regional risk variability is expected to be large with
      use of uniform soil remediation goals. An approach is described for reducing such
      variability by development of alternative uniform contaminant concentration
      levels for categories of sites differentiated by site geographic location or
      physical-chemical properties.

PMID- 28081402
TI  - Heterogeneous Photocatalysis for Control of Volatile Organic Compounds in Indoor
      Air.
AB  - Research results concerning the photocatalytic activity and selectivity of
      benzene are discussed. This compound, which represents one of an important class
      of volatile organic compounds found in indoor air, was oxidized in an annular
      photocatalytic reactor featuring a thin film of titanium dioxide and illuminated
      by a fluorescent black light. The gas phase products, carbon dioxide and carbon
      monoxide, were quantified with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR).
      Adsorbed intermediates were extracted from the surface with water. The extract
      was analyzed via high performance liquid chromatography and some of the adsorbed
      species were provisionally identified by retention time matching. The adsorption
      of reactants on the catalyst surface was studied explicitly, particularly with
      respect to the effect of near-UV radiation on adsorption processes. Maximum and
      steady-state rates of the surface reactions are reported here as functions of the
      operating conditions. Deactivation of the catalyst surface is characterized and
      methods of regeneration of catalyst activity are explored. This established
      research methodology provides the framework for a broader outline of research
      into enhancement of indoor air quality via photocatalytic oxidation. The results
      of investigations are discussed that pertain to a variety of classes of compounds
      representative of indoor air pollutants.

PMID- 28081403
TI  - A Strategy for the Evaluation of Sensory and Pulmonary Irritation Due to Chemical
      Emissions from Indoor Sources.
AB  - Sensory and pulmonary irritation are physiological responses to chemical exposure
      which result in characteristic, measurable changes in respiratory activity in
      mice. A standard method has been applied to the estimation of sensory irritation
      associated with a specific chemical exposure. This method has been correlated
      with human responses to these chemicals. Symptoms associated with chemical
      irritants are consistent with complaints due to problems with indoor air quality,
      which may include eye and upper respiratory tract irritation, headaches, and
      nausea. A stepwise strategy for assessing the contribution of indoor products to
      sensory and pulmonary irritation is discussed in the current paper. The strategy
      includes product emissions testing using dynamic environmental chambers, the
      selection of suspected irritants for respiratory irritation testing, respiratory
      irritation testing of individual compounds and representative mixtures using
      synthesized atmospheres, and the evaluation of test data to determine those
      compounds which may contribute to sensory and pulmonary irritation in humans. The
      current strategy is being applied to evaluate carpet system materials and their
      constituent chemicals.

PMID- 28081404
TI  - Characterization of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions From Carpet Cushions.
AB  - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating chemical emissions
      from carpet systems in order to determine whether the emissions may be
      responsible for the numerous health complaints associated with carpet
      installation. As part of this effort, a study was conducted to identify and
      quantify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the air by five major
      product types of new carpet cushions. Cushion samples were tested in small-volume
      dynamic chambers over a six-hour exposure period. Airborne VOCs collected on
      multisorbent samplers were identified using sensitive gas chromatography/mass
      spectrometry. The emissions of selected VOCs were quantitated with the small
      scale chamber method and further characterized in larger environmental chambers
      conducted over a 96-hour period under conditions more representative of indoor
      environments. A separate chamber method was developed to screen polyurethane
      cushions for emissions of toluene diisocyanates (TDI). Over 100 VOCs, spanning a
      broad range of chemical classes, were emitted from 17 carpet cushions. The
      pattern of emitted VOCs varied between and among product types, which reflects
      probable differences in manufacturing processes and ingredients. No significant
      quantities of TDI or formaldehyde were released by any cushions. Emission
      profiles were characterized for total VOCs and for the predominant individual
      VOCs. As a group, the synthetic fiber cushion samples emitted the lowest
      quantities of VOCs. Cushion samples purchased from carpet retailers released
      lesser amounts of VOCs than samples of the same cushion types obtained directly
      from the manufacturing mills, suggesting that chemical losses from the bulk
      material may ensue as a result of transport, handling, and storage prior to
      installation. The data suggest that placement of carpet on top of a carpet
      cushion, as would occur in a residential installation, reduced the rate of some
      VOC emissions when compared to the cushion alone.

PMID- 28081405
TI  - Measurement of Indoor Air Emissions from Dry-Process Photocopy Machines.
AB  - Presently, no standard test method exists to evaluate the various emissions from
      office equipment (e.g., ozone, volatile organic compounds, inorganic gases, and
      particulates) so it is difficult to compare data from different studies.1 As a
      result, the authors are developing a standardized guidance document for measuring
      indoor air emissions from office equipment. The ultimate goal is to apply the
      test method to better understand emissions from office equipment and to develop
      lower emitting machines. This paper provides background information on indoor air
      emissions from office equipment with an emphasis on dry-process photocopy
      machines. The test method is described in detail, along with the results of a
      study to evaluate the test method using four dry-process photocopy machines. The
      results from this study indicate that the test method provides acceptable
      performance for characterizing emissions; that it can adequately identify
      differences in emissions between machines both in compounds emitted and their
      emission rates; and that it is capable of measuring both intra- and inter-machine
      variability in emissions. Challenges and complications were encountered in
      developing and implementing the test method. These included heat generation,
      which can cause large increases in chamber temperature; finite paper supplies for
      photocopy machines, which limit test duration; varying power requirements that
      may require changes in chamber electrical supply; and remote starting of the
      machines, which is necessary to maintain chamber integrity. Results show that dry
      process photocopy machines can produce emissions of ozone and volatile organic
      compounds that can potentially have a significant impact on indoor air quality.
      For the four machines tested in this study, the compounds with the highest
      emission rates overall were ethylbenzene (28,000 ug/hour), m,p-xylenes (29,000
      ug/hour), o-xylene (17,000 ug/hour), 2-ethyl-lhexanol (14,000 ug/hour), and
      styrene (12,000 fig/hour). Although many of the same compounds tended to be
      detected in emissions from each of the four photocopiers, the relative
      contribution of individual compounds varied considerably between machines, with
      differences greater than an order of magnitude for some compounds.

PMID- 28081407
TI  - A Wind Tunnel Study into the Effects of Raised Intakes and Parapets on Fresh Air
      Intake Contamination by a Rooftop Stack.
AB  - A wind tunnel study was completed to determine the effects the presence of a
      parapet and raised intake configurations have on the dilution of a pollutant
      between a rooftop stack and building intake. This study was the first to address
      the effects of building parapets and varying intake configurations. A study of
      this kind is desirable because it is common practice for architects to attempt to
      hide stacks with the use of a parapet in order to make industrial buildings more
      aesthetically pleasing. This is done with no thought to the effect it may have on
      the intended function of the stacks, which is dispersing gases away from the
      building to avoid contamination of ventilation air. Three parapet configurations
      (no parapet and two different parapet heights) and two intake configurations
      (flush and raised) were investigated. The relative effects of the parapets and
      the raised intake configurations were also compared and contrasted for five stack
      heights, two stack locations, and four intake locations. The parapets were found
      to produce a cavity zone that extends above the building's roof by as much as two
      times the physical height of the parapet; increasing stack height had little
      effect on dispersion until the stack extended beyond this cavity region. The
      independent use of the parapets and raised intake configuration decreased the
      number of dilutions occurring between stack and intake when compared to the no
      parapet and flush intake configurations in all cases. Also substantiated in this
      study is the widely accepted view that the effect of the parapet addition is to
      decrease the effective stack height by the parapet height itself. The results of
      this investigation were then compared to existing wind tunnel-derived empirical
      models. The models tested were not able to predict the effects of varying stack
      height and of varying the relative distance between stack and intake on the
      dilution of a pollutant between stack and intake under the tested configurations.

PMID- 28081410
TI  - Field Assessment of a New Method for Estimating Emission Rates from Volume
      Sources Using Open-Path FTIR Spectroscopy.
AB  - An auto-positioning open-path Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer can
      be used to directly measure vertical concentration profiles in a plume downwind
      from an emission source. The multi-component analysis capabilities of FTIR
      spectroscopy allow simultaneous measurement of diverse downwind pollutant
      species. Using concentration measurements and meteorological data, it is possible
      to estimate the emission fluxes across the plume and, thus, the emission rates of
      pollutants from the source. The field assessment goals were to conduct the first
      in a series of field tests of a new measurements system developed to perform such
      emission rate determinations, and to evaluate the system's performance and
      feasibility. For these purposes, a simple volume source simulator was constructed
      to emulate process equipment leaks encountered at chemical plants, refineries,
      and other facilities. By metering the release rates from the volume source
      simulator, "actual" release rates were compared to the "estimated" release rates
      calculated using the measurements system. Using simple data screening techniques,
      over 90% of the field tests conducted produced run-average emission rate
      estimates within 20% of the actual emission rates. Half of the tests were within
      10% of the actual emission rates.

PMID- 28081411
TI  - Pressure Correction is Not Required for Particulate Matter Sampling.
AB  - The Environmental Protection Agency's Reference Methods for determining
      particulate matter as PM10 require pressure corrections before comparison to
      their National Ambient Air Quality Standards. No chemical, physiological, or
      toxicological basis exists for correction for particulate sampling when results
      are expressed in weight per unit volume (fxg/m3). The implications of misapplying
      pressure corrections are at least twofold: a) exposure assessment comparisons at
      different elevations, using EPA generated data, do not use equivalent doses; and
      b) cities at higher elevations are held to a more stringent compliance standard.

PMID- 28081412
TI  - An Envelope Curve as a 12-Month Rolling Sum Permit Limit.

PMID- 28081413
TI  - Control of Nitrogen Oxide Emissions by Hydrogen Peroxide-Enhanced Gas-Phase
      Oxidation Of Nitric Oxide.
AB  - Nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulfur oxides (SOX) are criteria air pollutants,
      emitted in large quantities from fossil-fueled electric power plants. Emissions
      of SOX are currently being reduced significantly in many places by wet scrubbing
      of the exhaust or flue gases, but most of the NOX in the flue gases is NO, which
      is so insoluble that it is virtually impossible to scrub. Consequently, NOX
      control is mostly achieved by using combustion modifications to limit the
      formation of NOX, or by using chemical reduction techniques to reduce NOX to N2.
      Low NOX burners are relatively inexpensive but can only achieve about 50%
      reduction in NOX emissions; selective catalytic reduction (SCR) can achieve high
      reductions but is very expensive. The removal of NOX in wet scrubbers could be
      greatly enhanced by gas-phase oxidation of the NO to NO2, HNO2, and HNO3 (the
      acid gases are much more soluble in water than NO). This oxidation is
      accomplished by injecting liquid hydrogen peroxide into the flue gas; the H2O2
      vaporizes and dissociates into hydroxyl radicals. The active OH radicals then
      oxidize the NO and NO2. This NOX control technique might prove economically
      feasible at power plants with existing SO2 scrubbers. The higher chemical costs
      for H2O2 would be balanced by the investment cost savings, compared with an
      alternative such as SCR. The oxidation of NOX by using hydrogen peroxide has been
      demonstrated in a laboratory quartz tube reactor. NO conversions of 97% and 75%
      were achieved at hydrogen peroxide/NO mole ratios of 2.6 and 1.6, respectively.
      The reactor conditions (500  degrees C, a pressure of one atmosphere, and 0.7
      seconds residence time) are representative of flue gas conditions for a variety
      of combustion sources. The oxidized NOX species were removed by caustic water
      scrubbing.

PMID- 28081414
TI  - Background Ozone in the Planetary Boundary Layer Over the United States.
AB  - Reliable estimates of background O3 in the planetary boundary layer are needed as
      part of the current review by the U.S. EPA of O3 health and welfare criteria and
      of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for O3. Such estimates are
      especially necessary for comparing O3 concentrations at which vegetation effects
      occur to O3 concentrations reported to represent background levels. Some
      vegetation researchers have used the seasonal average of the daily 7-h (0900-
      1559 h) average as the exposure parameter in exposure-response models. The 7-h
      (0900-1559 h) seasonal mean reference point for O3 was assumed to be 0.025 ppm.
      Ozone aerometric data are presented from the monitoring sites in the United
      States which experience some of the lowest maximum hourly average concentrations,
      as identified in the U.S. EPA AIRS database. Criteria are enumerated and
      discussed for determining whether O3 concentrations at a given site can be
      considered to be "background" O3. The paper also suggests statistical techniques
      for estimating background O3 concentrations. Linear regression techniques yield
      valuable information about O3 concentration data from the literature. Coupled
      with other criteria, such analyses can be used to select sites that represent
      "background" sites for O3. Selection of such sites thus allows estimations of
      background O3 in different areas of the country, at different elevations, and for
      different averaging times. Using several techniques, the current O3 background at
      inland sites in the United States and Canada for the daylight 7-h (0900-1559 h)
      seasonal (April-October) average concentrations usually occurred within the range
      of 35 +/- 10 ppb. For coastal sites, the corresponding O3 concentrations were
      somewhat lower, occurring within the range of 25 +/- 10 ppb for locations in the
      northern hemisphere, but with most O3 concentrations at the coastal sites in the
      range of 30 +/- 5 ppb. The 50th percentile concentrations range from 16 ppb to 45
      ppb at inland sites and range from 10 ppb to 33 ppb at coastal sites. The maximum
      hourly concentrations range from 50 ppb to 98 ppb at inland sites and range from
      44 ppb to 80 ppb at coastal sites. We believe that the maximum hourly
      concentration of 98 ppb experienced in 1988 was influenced by the massive fires
      in Yellowstone National Park. These ranges suggest that the background O3 is
      somewhat dependent on a number of conditions such as the nature of upwind flow,
      lack of pollution sources, and terrain conditions including deposition with
      respect to forest or agricultural areas.

PMID- 28081415
TI  - Comparison of Two Ambient Beta Gauge PM10 Samplers.
AB  - This paper reports on the performance of the Kimoto 180 sampler and the Wedding
      ambient PM10 beta gauge sampler. Monodisperse ammonium fluorescein test particles
      were generated in the laboratory and used to determine the penetration curve of
      the Kimoto 180 cyclonic inlet. It was found that the actual DpaSOof the Kimoto
      180 inlet, 3.5 (xm, is much lower than the designated standard value, 10 um. In
      the field test, the two beta gauge samplers were collocated with an Andersen
      SA1200 high-volume sampler to compare their measured daily average PM10
      concentrations. The low Dpa50 of the Kimoto 180 inlet serves to explain why its
      daily average PM10 concentrations were much lower than the actual PM10
      concentrations found in the field study. In addition, the PM10 concentrations of
      the Kimoto 180 beta gauge sampler were found to be seriously affected by the
      water vapor content of the ambient air. In contrast, the daily average PM10
      concentrations of the Wedding beta gauge sampler were found to be more accurate,
      and influences by ambient conditions were insignificant.

PMID- 28081416
TI  - An Experimental Evaluation of Remote Sensing-Based Hydrocarbon Measurements: A
      Comparison to FID Measurements.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to intercompare hydrocarbon (HC) measurements
      performed by a number of different instruments: a gas chromatograph (GC), a flame
      ionization detector (FID), a fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), a
      commercially produced non-dispersive infrared analyzer (NDIR), and two remote
      sensors. These instruments were used to measure total HC concentrations in a
      variety of samples, including (1) ten different individual HC species, (2) 12
      different vehicle exhaust samples, and (3) three different volatilized fuel
      samples. The 12 exhaust samples were generated by operating two different
      vehicles on a dynamometer. Each vehicle was operated at different times with
      three different fuels. The vehicles were operated fuel rich, i.e., with low
      air/fuel ratios to encourage elevated exhaust HC levels. Some of the exhaust
      samples were obtained while operating each vehicle at a stoichiometric air/fuel
      ratio with one spark plug wire disconnected. To quantify the degree to which the
      various instruments agreed with the FID, a parameter called the response factor
      was used, where the response factor was defined as the HC/CO2 ratio measured by
      each instrument divided by the HC/CO2 ratio measured by the dynamometer bench. Of
      the various instruments, only the GC yielded response factors that were
      consistently at or close to one. The other instruments typically had values at or
      below one. For the ten individual HC species studied, the NDIR and remote sensors
      obtained response factors between 0.05 and 1.0, with the highest response factors
      being obtained for the alkanes and the lowest response factors obtained for
      toluene and ethylene. For the exhaust samples, the NDIR and remote sensors
      obtained response factors between 0.23 and 0.68. For raw fuel samples, the
      response factors were between 0.44 and 0.68. NDIR and remote sensor measurements
      correlated very poorly with total HC in exhaust.

PMID- 28081422
TI  - Metals as Catalysts during the Formation and Decomposition of Chlorinated Dioxins
      and Furans in Incineration Processes.
AB  - Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans
      (PCDFs) are found on fly ash and in flue gas of municipal waste incinerators.
      Municipal waste incinerators seem to be the most important source for PCDDs and
      PCDFs emitted into the air during the last decades. PCDD/F formation takes place
      in the cooler zones (250  degrees C-450  degrees C) of a municipal waste
      incinerator, at the electrostatic precipitator. Copper is an important component
      of the fly ash that can catalyse the formation of PCDDs and PCDFs. Inhibition of
      the formation can be done by complexation of the metals (Cu) with EDTA or NTA.

PMID- 28081423
TI  - Real-World Vehicle Emissions: A Summary of the Seventh Coordinating Research
      Council On-Road Vehicle Emissions Workshop.
AB  - The Coordinating Research Council (CRC) has sponsored a series of workshops over
      the last decade focusing on the most recent research on real-world vehicle
      emissions. This summary presents findings from the latest workshop by researchers
      engaged in improving our understanding of the contribution of mobile sources to
      air quality. Participants in the workshop discussed efforts to evaluate and
      improve mobile source emission models, field programs designed to understand the
      contribution of mobile sources to emission inventories, and results from gas- and
      particle-phase emissions studies from spark-ignition and diesel-powered vehicles,
      as well as topics for future research.

PMID- 28081424
TI  - Measurements of Trace Metal (Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr) Oxidation States in Fog and Stratus
      Clouds.
AB  - The oxidation state of four transition metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Cr) in cloudwater
      has been investigated during several cloud events at Whiteface Mountain (NY), one
      cloud event at San Pedro Hill (CA), and one fog event at Bakers-field (CA).
      Samples were collected and immediately analyzed for the oxidation states of four
      transition metals: Fe(II) [44 measurements], Cu(I) [30 measurements], Mn(IV) [27
      measurements], and Cr(III) [3 measurements]. Extreme care was taken to minimize
      contamination and interferences when measuring these oxidation states. Par
      ticulate and dissolved concentrations of these metals were also determined. Other
      measurements performed-relevant to the redox chemistry of these metals-included
      pH, total elemental concentrations (Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, Al, K, Ca, Na, and Mg),
      organic anions (formate, acetate, glyco-late, oxalate), inorganic anions
      (chloride, sulfate, nitrate, sulfite), cations (sodium, calcium, magnesium,
      potassium), peroxides, and formaldehyde. These measurements were then used in
      thermodynamic-speciation models to understand the speciation of ambient fog and
      cloudwater. From this analysis, two different cases were found for Fe(III)soluble
      speciation. Fe(III) was found to exist either as Fe(OH)2+ or Fe(Oxalate)2.
      However, an unidentified strong chelating ligand with Fe(III) was also suggested
      by the data. Cu(I) and Cu(II) were calculated to be predominantly Cu+ and Cu2+
      (with less than 10% as Cu(II)-oxalate complexes). A chemical kinetic model was
      also used to investigate the transition-metal chemistry. The model results
      indicate that Fe(II) should be the predominant chemical form of Fe during
      daylight conditions. This prediction is in agreement with the field measurements
      in which the highest ratios of Fe(II)/Fe total were found in samples collected
      during the day. The model results also indicated that Fe(III) should be the
      predominant form of Fe during nighttime conditions, which is also in agreement
      with the field measurements. In the model, Cu(II) and Mn(II) were the predominant
      oxidation states during daylight and nighttime conditions with Cu(I) and Mn(III)
      increasing during daylight conditions. Mn(III) concentrations were never high
      enough to influence the redox chemistry of Cr. Overall, Cr(VI) in cloudwater is
      predicted to be reduced to Cr(III) if free S(IV) is present.

PMID- 28081425
TI  - Aqueous Photochemistry of Mercury with Organic Acids.
AB  - To understand the dynamic chemical changes of mercury taking place in atmospheric
      water, a more detailed knowledge of the reactions of mercury with organic acids
      must be obtained. The rate of the above chemical reactions with different Hg(II)
      species is especially essential for understanding the dominant pathway of mercury
      transformation in the atmosphere. The objective of this research is to study the
      rate of photochemical reactions of dissolved divalent mercury with organic acids
      such as oxalate, acetate, and formate, which are abundant in atmospheric water.
      Laboratory photochemical experiments with simulated sunlight were conducted to
      assess the role of homogeneous photochemistry in changing the redox states of
      mercury in atmospheric water. It is observed that Hg(II) is readily reduced by
      hydroperoxyl radicals produced by the photolysis of oxalate. The second-order
      rate constant for the Hg(II)-hydroperoxyl radical reaction was found to be 1.7 x
      104 M-1 s-1 when no chloride is present and 1.1 x 104 M-1 s-1 when chloride is
      present in the system. Modeling of mercury speciation has been performed using
      MICROQL equilibrium software.

PMID- 28081428
TI  - Development of a Speciated, Hourly, and Gridded Air Pollutants Emission Modeling
      System-A Case Study on the Precursors of Photochemical Smog in the Seoul
      Metropolitan Area, Korea.
AB  - A speciated, hourly, and gridded air pollutants emission modeling system (SHEMS)
      was developed and applied in predicting hourly nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone
      (O3) levels in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA). The primary goal of the SHEMS
      was to produce a systemized emission inventory for air pollutants including ozone
      precursors for modeling air quality in urban areas. The SHEMS is principally
      composed of three parts: (1) a pre-processor to process emission factors,
      activity levels, and spatial and temporal information using a geographical
      information system; (2) an emission model for each source type; and (3) a post
      processor to produce report and input data for air quality models through
      database modeling. The source categories in SHEMS are point, area, mobile,
      natural, and other sources such as fugitive emissions. The emission database
      produced by SHEMS contains 22 inventoried compounds: sulfur dioxide, NO2, carbon
      monoxide, and 19 speciated volatile organic compounds. To validate SHEMS, the
      emission data were tested with the Urban Airshed Model to predict NO2 and O3
      concentrations in the SMA during selected episode days in 1994. The results
      turned out to be reliable in describing temporal variation and spatial
      distribution of those pollutants.

PMID- 28081430
TI  - Amphibian (Xenopus laevis) tadpoles and adult frogs mount distinct interferon
      responses to the Frog Virus 3 ranavirus.
AB  - Infections of amphibians by Frog Virus 3 (FV3) and other ranavirus genus members
      are significantly contributing to the amphibian declines, yet much remains
      unknown regarding amphibian antiviral immunity. Notably, amphibians represent an
      important step in the evolution of antiviral interferon (IFN) cytokines as they
      are amongst the first vertebrates to possess both type I and type III IFNs.
      Accordingly, we examined the roles of type I and III IFNs in the skin of FV3
      challenged amphibian Xenopus laevis) tadpoles and adult frogs. Interestingly, FV3
      infected tadpoles mounted type III IFN responses, whereas adult frogs relied on
      type I IFN immunity. Subcutaneous administration of type I or type III IFNs
      offered short-term protection of tadpoles against FV3 and these type I and type
      III IFNs induced the expression of distinct antiviral genes in the tadpole skin.
      Moreover, subcutaneous injection of tadpoles with type III IFN significantly
      extended their survival and reduced FV3 dissemination.

PMID- 28081431
TI  - Clinical characterization of autoimmune encephalitis and psychosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Autoimmune disorders are growing alarmingly high in
      prevalence across the globe. Autoimmune encephalitis has had a dramatic impact on
      the medical field, effectually altering diagnostic and treatment paradigms in
      regard to neuropsychiatric disorders. Our primary goal in conducting this study
      was to analyze the clinical characteristics of autoimmune encephalitis patients,
      with special focus on psychiatric presentations, in the West China Hospital and
      report patient prognoses after immunotherapy. METHODS: Data for patients admitted
      to the West China Hospital with autoimmune encephalitis diagnoses from 2015 to
      2016 were collected and the corresponding clinical features were analyzed.
      RESULTS: We ultimately included 70 patients with autoimmune encephalitis: 56
      (80%) anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients, 8 (11%) LGI1 antibody encephalitis
      patients, and 6 (9%) GABAbR antibody encephalitis patients. The median age of the
      70 patients was 33years, 40% were female, and the initial symptoms in 31 patients
      (44%) were psychiatric in nature. Psychiatric disturbance appeared in 58 patients
      (83%) during inpatient treatment, after which 57 patients (81%) recovered.
      CONCLUSIONS: Many patients with autoimmune encephalitis present psychotic
      symptoms; psychiatric symptoms typically appear before neurological features
      emerge. Timely diagnosis and treatment may yield favorable prognosis.

PMID- 28081432
TI  - Changes in age patterns of suicide in Australia, the United States, Japan and
      Hong Kong.
AB  - The patterns of association between age and suicide rate vary by country,
      subpopulation and gender, and over time. To shed light on factors associated with
      these differences, we analysed suicide data from four populations, two 'Western'
      (Australia, the United States [US]) and two Asian (Japan and Hong Kong). We
      computed suicide rates in five-year age-groups (between 10 and 14 years and 85+
      years) for men and women separately, and present graphical representations of the
      age patterns during selected five-year periods. Rates and age patterns differed
      markedly, as did gender patterns except in Hong Kong. In 1964-8, male suicide
      rates in Australia and US were represented by upward-sloping graphs, whereas in
      Japan the pattern was bimodal. By 1979-83, male patterns in Australia and US were
      bimodal, but Japan's was trimodal, including a middle-age peak reached in 1994
      98. In contrast, female age patterns in the Western countries were shallowly
      convex or uniform, while in Hong Kong and Japan the upward-sloping graphs became,
      over time, less steep; by 2009-13, the pattern in Japan was uniform (flat). In
      recent decades, suicide rates of older men in Australia, US and Japan, and older
      women in Japan and Hong Kong, have fallen considerably. Suicide rates of men aged
      45-64 in Australia and US also fell, though by 2009-13 the US rate had risen
      again. The suicide rate of Australian men in their twenties halved between 1994
      98 and 2009-13, while rates for younger men and women in Japan have risen since
      1994-98. In Hong Kong, suicide rates of young men have increased. Age patterns of
      suicide likely reflect period and cohort effects shaped by socioeconomic
      stressors, availability of health and welfare services, access to lethal methods
      of suicide, and other factors. Greater understanding of their impact on age
      patterns of suicide can result in potential preventive solutions.

PMID- 28081433
TI  - What's the law got to do with it? Legislation regarding in-vehicle technology use
      and its impact on driver distraction.
AB  - Legislation in the road transport domain aims to control safety on the roads.
      Despite this, a critical issue affecting road safety is that of driver
      distraction. Although poorly defined, distraction is a significant road safety
      issue which, in part, is caused by the prevalence of technology within vehicles.
      Legislation surrounding the use of in-vehicle technologies are explored in this
      paper from a socio-technical system perspective. This reveals the wider context
      of the road transport system operating under the current laws using an Accimap
      analysis. A distinction in the law between the use of hand-held mobile phones, a
      device that is typically banned for use by drivers worldwide, and the use of
      other technological devices that are covered by more general laws against
      'careless' and/or 'dangerous' driving was found. Historically, individual
      drivers' have been blamed for distraction, whereas the systems approach shows how
      current legislation may have created the conditions necessary for driver
      distraction.

PMID- 28081434
TI  - Implicit attitudes towards risky driving: Development and validation of an affect
      misattribution procedure for speeding.
AB  - The present study aimed to develop and validate an instrument for measuring
      implicit attitudes towards speeding, based on the Affect Misattribution Procedure
      (AMP). The data collected from 140 drivers supported the reliability of the AMP
      (alpha=0.80). Results provided some support for the construct validity of the
      AMP, through its convergence with explicit attitudes towards speeding (r=0.22).
      Also, the AMP incrementally predicted driving violations (DeltaR2=0.034) and
      traffic accidents (DeltaR2=0.022), above and beyond demographic variables and
      explicit attitudes towards speeding, thus providing initial evidence for its
      criterion validity. The multiplicative interaction effect between implicit and
      explicit attitudes (in predicting the same criterion variables) was not
      supported. Overall, our results provide support for Speeding-AMP's validity and
      reliability, which can be successfully used in research concerning risky driving
      behavior.

PMID- 28081436
TI  - A 3D Sphere Culture System Containing Functional Polymers for Large-Scale Human
      Pluripotent Stem Cell Production.

PMID- 28081435
TI  - Heavy episodic drinking and alcohol-related injuries: An open cohort study among
      college students.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study is to assess the effects of Heavy Episodic
      Drinking (HED) on the incidence of alcohol-related injuries among university
      students in Spain, taking sex into consideration. METHODS: We carried out an open
      cohort study among college students in Spain (992 women and 371 men). HED and
      alcohol-related injuries were measured by question 3rd and 9th of Alcohol Use
      Disorders Identification Test to every participant at the ages of 18, 20, 22, 24
      and 27. For data analysis we used a Multilevel Logistic Regression for repeated
      measures adjusting for alcohol and cannabis use. RESULTS: The incidence rate of
      alcohol-related injuries was 0.028year-1 for females and 0.036year-1 for males.
      The multivariate analysis showed that among females a high frequency of HED and
      use of cannabis are risk factors for alcohol-related injuries (Odds Ratio
      [OR]=2.64 and OR=3.68), while being more than 23 is a protective factor
      (OR=0.34). For males, bivariate analysis also showed HED like risk factor
      (OR=4.69 and OR=2.51). Finally, the population attributable fraction for HED
      among females was 37.12%. CONCLUSIONS: HED leads to an increase of alcohol
      related injuries in both sexes and being over 23 years old acts as a protective
      factor among women. Our results suggest that about one third of alcohol-related
      injuries among women could be avoided by removing HED.

PMID- 28081437
TI  - Defining Differences among Perivascular Cells Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem
      Cells.

PMID- 28081438
TI  - TBX3 Directs Cell-Fate Decision toward Mesendoderm.

PMID- 28081439
TI  - Knotty Zika Virus Blocks Exonuclease to Produce Subgenomic Flaviviral RNAs.
AB  - In a recent issue of Science, Akiyama et al. (2016) prove the existence of a
      pseudoknot that stabilizes a nuclease-resistant RNA structure in the 3'
      untranslated region of Zika virus. This reinforced structure blocks the 5'->3'
      exonuclease Xrn1 for the production of pathogenic subgenomic flaviviral RNAs.

PMID- 28081440
TI  - A Knockout Screen of ApiAP2 Genes Reveals Networks of Interacting Transcriptional
      Regulators Controlling the Plasmodium Life Cycle.
AB  - A family of apicomplexa-specific proteins containing AP2 DNA-binding domains
      (ApiAP2s) was identified in malaria parasites. This family includes sequence
      specific transcription factors that are key regulators of development. However,
      functions for the majority of ApiAP2 genes remain unknown. Here, a systematic
      knockout screen in Plasmodium berghei identified ten ApiAP2 genes that were
      essential for mosquito transmission: four were critical for the formation of
      infectious ookinetes, and three were required for sporogony. We describe non
      essential functions for AP2-O and AP2-SP proteins in blood stages, and identify
      AP2-G2 as a repressor active in both asexual and sexual stages. Comparative
      transcriptomics across mutants and developmental stages revealed clusters of co
      regulated genes with shared cis promoter elements, whose expression can be
      controlled positively or negatively by different ApiAP2 factors. We propose that
      stage-specific interactions between ApiAP2 proteins on partly overlapping sets of
      target genes generate the complex transcriptional network that controls the
      Plasmodium life cycle.

PMID- 28081441
TI  - Warfare between Host Immunity and Bacterial Weapons.
AB  - Bacterial pathogens deploy protein secretion systems to facilitate infection and
      colonization of their hosts. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Chen et al.
      (2017) report a new role for a type VI secretion effector in promoting bacterial
      colonization by preventing inflammasome activation induced by a type III
      secretion system.

PMID- 28081442
TI  - Mapping and Role of the CD8+ T Cell Response During Primary Zika Virus Infection
      in Mice.
AB  - CD8+ T cells may play a dual role in protection against and pathogenesis of
      flaviviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV). We evaluated the CD8+ T cell response
      in ZIKV-infected LysMCre+IFNARfl/fl C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice lacking the type I
      interferon receptor in a subset of myeloid cells. In total, 26 and 15 CD8+ T cell
      reactive peptides for ZIKV African (MR766) and Asian (FSS13025) lineage strains,
      respectively, were identified and validated. CD8+ T cells from infected mice were
      polyfunctional and mediated cytotoxicity. Adoptive transfer of ZIKV-immune CD8+ T
      cells reduced viral burdens, whereas their depletion led to higher tissue
      burdens, and CD8-/- mice displayed higher mortality with ZIKV infection.
      Collectively, these results demonstrate that CD8+ T cells protect against ZIKV
      infection. Further, this study provides a T cell competent mouse model for
      investigating ZIKV-specific T cell responses.

PMID- 28081443
TI  - The Bacterial T6SS Effector EvpP Prevents NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by
      Inhibiting the Ca2+-Dependent MAPK-Jnk Pathway.
AB  - Inflammasome activation is an important innate immune defense mechanism against
      bacterial infection, and in return, bacteria express virulence determinants that
      counteract inflammasome activation. Many such effectors are secreted into host
      cells via specialized bacterial secretion systems. Here, the intracellular
      pathogenic bacterium Edwardsiella tarda was demonstrated to activate NLRC4 and
      NLRP3 inflammasomes via a type III secretion system (T3SS), and to inhibit NLRP3
      inflammasome via a type VI secretion system (T6SS), indicating the antagonistic
      roles of these systems in inflammasome signaling. Furthermore, a non-VgrG T6SS
      effector, EvpP, was identified that significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome
      activation. Subsequent studies revealed that EvpP significantly suppressed Jnk
      activation, thus impairing oligomerization of the inflammasome adaptor ASC.
      Moreover, EvpP counteracted cytoplasmic Ca2+ increase, which works upstream of
      Jnk activation to regulate the NLRP3 inflammasome. Finally, EvpP-mediated
      inflammasome inhibition promoted bacterial colonization in vivo. This work
      expands our understanding of bacterial T6SS in counteracting host immune
      responses.

PMID- 28081444
TI  - Host-to-Host Transmission of the Pneumococcus-New Victims of a Toxic
      Relationship.
AB  - Host-to-host transmission is critical for survival of the human-adapted bacterium
      Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Zafar et al.
      (2017) show that transmission is dependent on nasopharyngeal inflammation
      elicited by the toxin pneumolysin, causing increased shedding and enhanced
      survival of the bacterium in the environment.

PMID- 28081445
TI  - Bringing the Dynamic Microbiome to Life with Animations.
AB  - Our bodies and natural environment contain complex microbial communities,
      colloquially termed microbiomes. We previously created a web-based application,
      EMPeror, for visualizing ordinations derived from comparisons of these microbiome
      communities. We have now improved EMPeror to create interactive animations that
      connect successive samples to highlight patterns over time.

PMID- 28081446
TI  - Host-to-Host Transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae Is Driven by Its
      Inflammatory Toxin, Pneumolysin.
AB  - Host-to-host transmission is a critical step for infection. Here we studied
      transmission of the opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae in an infant
      mouse model. Transmission from nasally colonized pups required high levels of
      bacterial shedding in nasal secretions and was temporally correlated with, and
      dependent upon, the acute inflammatory response. Pneumolysin, a pore-forming
      cytotoxin and major virulence determinant, was both necessary and sufficient to
      promote inflammation, which increased shedding and allowed for intralitter
      transmission. Direct contact between pups was not required for transmission
      indicating the importance of an environmental reservoir. An additional in vivo
      effect of pneumolysin was to enhance bacterial survival outside of the host. Our
      findings provide experimental evidence of a microbial strategy for transit to new
      hosts and explain why an organism expresses a toxin that damages the host upon
      which it depends.

PMID- 28081447
TI  - Hepatic transcriptional responses to copper in the three-spined stickleback are
      affected by their pollution exposure history.
AB  - Some fish populations inhabiting contaminated environments show evidence of
      increased chemical tolerance, however the mechanisms contributing to this
      tolerance, and whether this is heritable, are poorly understood. We investigated
      the responses of two populations of wild three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus
      aculeatus) with different histories of contaminant exposure to an oestrogen and
      copper, two widespread aquatic pollutants. Male stickleback originating from two
      sites, the River Aire, with a history of complex pollution discharges, and
      Siblyback Lake, with a history of metal contamination, were depurated and then
      exposed to copper (46MUg/L) and the synthetic oestrogen ethinyloestradiol
      (22ng/L). The hepatic transcriptomic response was compared between the two
      populations and to a reference population with no known history of exposure
      (Houghton Springs, Dorset). Gene responses included those typical for both copper
      and oestrogen, with no discernable difference in response to oestrogen between
      populations. There was, however, some difference in the magnitude of response to
      copper between populations. Siblyback fish showed an elevated baseline
      transcription of genes encoding metallothioneins and a lower level of
      metallothionein induction following copper exposure, compared to those from the
      River Aire. Similarly, a further experiment with an F1 generation of Siblyback
      fish bred in the laboratory found evidence for elevated transcription of genes
      encoding metallothioneins in unexposed fish, together with an altered
      transcriptional response to 125MUg/L copper, compared with F1 fish originating
      from the clean reference population exposed to the same copper concentration.
      These data suggest that the stickleback from Siblyback Lake have a differential
      response to copper, which is inherited by the F1 generation in laboratory
      conditions, and for which the underlying mechanism may include an elevation of
      baseline transcription of genes encoding metallothioneins. The genetic and/or
      epigenetic mechanisms contributing to this inherited alteration of
      metallothionein transcription have yet to be established.

PMID- 28081448
TI  - The relationships among fear of hypoglycaemia, diabetes-related quality of life
      and psychological well-being in Norwegian adults with Type 1 diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the associations among fear of hypoglycaemia, diabetes-related
      quality of life and psychological well-being, and determine whether diabetes
      related quality of life is a mediator of the relationship between fear of
      hypoglycaemia and psychological well-being in adults with Type 1 diabetes.
      METHODS: A total of 235 of 319 invited adults (18-69years) with Type 1 diabetes
      agreed to participate. Hierarchical linear regression was applied to 188
      individuals with complete data. Mediation analysis was used to determine whether
      diabetes-related quality of life mediated the relationship between fear of
      hypoglycaemia and psychological well-being. RESULTS: Fear of hypoglycaemia was
      significantly associated with diabetes-related quality of life and psychological
      well-being. The behaviour and worry components of fear of hypoglycaemia were
      significantly associated with diabetes-related quality of life (behaviour
      component: unstandardised coefficient=-0.04, p<0.001, standardised coefficient=
      0.40; worry component: unstandardised coefficient=-0.01, p=0.041, standardised
      coefficient=-0.18). Fear of hypoglycaemia worry had a significant independent
      association with psychological well-being (unstandardised coefficient=-0.28,
      p=0.009, standardised coefficient=-0.25), whereas fear of hypoglycaemia behaviour
      did not. Diabetes-related quality of life mediated approximately half of the
      association between fear of hypoglycaemia worry and psychological well-being.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglycaemic episodes can have serious consequences, and assessing
      fear of hypoglycaemia might help health care providers offer suitable care
      strategies to individuals with Type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 28081449
TI  - Diabetes diagnostic thresholds of the glycated hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma
      glucose levels considering the 5-year incidence of retinopathy.
AB  - AIMS: As retinopathy is used as a defining threshold of diabetes, we assessed the
      glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values
      associated with an increased risk of 5-year incidence of retinopathy. METHODS: We
      studied HbA1c, FPG, and optic fundus findings of 2605 individuals without
      previously diagnosed diabetes annually during a 5-year period. Retinopathy was
      examined using non-mydriatic, 45 degrees  digital fundus photography. Baseline
      levels were stratified as <5.3 [34], 5.3-5.6 [34-38], 5.7-6.0 [39-42], 6.1-6.4
      [43-47], and ?6.5% [48mmol/mol] for HbA1c and <5.0, 5.0-5.5, 5.6-6.0, 6.1-6.9,
      and ?7.0mmol/L for FPG. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze
      hazard ratios (HRs) associated with HbA1c or FPG for incident retinopathy.
      RESULTS: During a total of 11845 person-years, we identified 50 (1.9%) cases of
      incident retinopathy. The adjusted HRs for incident retinopathy associated with a
      one-standard deviation increase in HbA1c and FPG were 1.2 (95% confidence
      intervals: 1.1-1.4) and 1.2 (1.1-1.4), respectively. These HRs were significantly
      higher for a HbA1c level ?6.5% (48mmol/mol) (3.4 [1.1-10.2]) or FPG level
      ?7.0mmol/L (3.6 [1.1-11.6]) than for a HbA1c level <5.3% (34mmol/mol) or FPG
      level <5.0mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: A HbA1c value of 6.5% (48mmol/mol) and FPG value
      of 7.0mmol/L might be proper as diabetes diagnostic thresholds that indicate a
      high risk of future retinopathy.

PMID- 28081450
TI  - Heparanase-driven inflammation from the AGEs-stimulated macrophages changes the
      functions of glomerular endothelial cells.
AB  - AIMS: Amounts of macrophages were infiltrated in glomeruli in diabetic
      nephropathy. Heparanase has been thought to be closely related to proteinuria.
      Our aims were to determine the effect of heparanase on the inflammation in AGEs
      stimulated macrophages and its role on the functions of glomerular endothelial
      cells (GEnCs). METHODS: The expression of inflammation cytokines in macrophages
      were assayed by q-RT PCR, western, and ELISA. Then western was used to measure
      the expression of RAGE and key proteins in NF-kappaB pathway in macrophages. The
      expression of the adherence molecules and tight junction proteins in GEnCs were
      assessed by western. The adherence of mononuclear cells to GEnCs were observed by
      HE staining and transendothelial FITC-BSA were tested for the permeability of
      GEnCs. RESULTS: HPA siRNA and heparanase inhibitor sulodexide could attenuate the
      increasing inflammatory factors (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) in AGEs-stimulated
      macrophages. NF-kappaB inhibitor PDTC could also decrease the augmented
      inflammation cytokines through inhibiting the activation of the NF-kappaB pathway
      induced by AGEs. The phosphorylation of NF-kappaB signaling pathway could be also
      attenuated by HPA siRNA and sulodexide, the same to the receptor of AGEs RAGE.
      When the macrophage-conditioned culture medium were added to the glomerular
      endothelial cells, we found HPA siRNA and sulodexide groups could decrease the
      increasing adherence and permeability of GEnCs induced by AGEs. CONCLUSIONS:
      Heparanase increases the inflammation in AGEs-stimulated macrophages through
      activating the RAGE-NF-kappaB pathway. Heparanase driven inflammation from AGEs
      stimulated macrophages increases the adherence of GEnCs and augments the
      permeability of GEnCs.

PMID- 28081451
TI  - How specialized are writing-specific brain regions? An fMRI study of writing,
      drawing and oral spelling.
AB  - Several brain imaging studies identified brain regions that are consistently
      involved in writing tasks; the left premotor and superior parietal cortices have
      been associated with the peripheral components of writing performance as opposed
      to other regions that support the central, orthographic components. Based on a
      meta-analysis by Planton, Jucla, Roux, and Demonet (2013), we focused on five
      such writing areas and questioned the task-specificity and hemispheric
      lateralization profile of the brain response in an functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) experiment where 16 right-handed participants wrote down, spelled
      out orally object names, and drew shapes from object pictures. All writing
      related areas were activated by drawing, and some of them by oral spelling, thus
      questioning their specialization for written production. The graphemic/motor
      frontal area (GMFA), a subpart of the superior premotor cortex close to Exner's
      area (Roux et al., 2009), was the only area with a writing-specific
      lateralization profile, that is, clear left lateralization during handwriting,
      and bilateral activity during drawing. Furthermore, the relative lateralization
      and levels of activation in the superior parietal cortex, ventral premotor
      cortex, ventral occipitotemporal cortex and right cerebellum across the three
      tasks brought out new evidence regarding their respective contributions to the
      writing processes.

PMID- 28081453
TI  - Intertypic recombination of human parechovirus 4 isolated from infants with
      sepsis-like disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human parechoviruses (HPeVs) (family Picornaviridae), are common
      pathogens in young children. Despite their high prevalence, research on their
      genetic identity, diversity and evolution have remained scarce. OBJECTIVES:
      Complete coding regions of three previously reported HPeV-4 isolates from Finnish
      children with sepsis-like disease were sequenced in order to elucidate the
      phylogenetic relationships and potential recombination events during the
      evolution of these isolates. STUDY DESIGN: The isolated viruses were sequenced
      and aligned with all HPeV complete genome sequences available in GenBank.
      Phylogenetic trees were constructed and similarity plot and bootscanning methods
      were used for recombination analysis. RESULTS: The three HPeV-4 isolates had
      99.8% nucleotide sequence similarity. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that
      capsid-encoding sequences of these HPeV-4 isolates were closely related to other
      HPeV-4 strains (80.7-94.7% nucleotide similarity), whereas their non-structural
      region genes 2A to 3C clustered together with several HPeV-1 and HPeV-3 strains,
      in addition to the HPeV-4 strain K251176-02 (isolated 2002 in the Netherlands),
      but not with other HPeV-4 strains. However, in 3D-encoding sequence the Finnish
      HPeV-4 isolates did not cluster with the strain HPeV-4/K251176-02, but instead,
      formed a distinct group together with several HPeV-1 and HPeV-3 strains.
      Similarity plot and Bootscan analyses further confirmed intertypic recombination
      events in the evolution of the Finnish HPeV-4 isolates. CONCLUSION: Intertypic
      recombination event(s) have occurred during the evolution of HPeV-4 isolates from
      children with sepsis-like disease. However, due to the low number of parechovirus
      complete genomes available, the precise recombination partners could not be
      detected. The results suggest frequent intratypic recombination among
      parechoviruses.

PMID- 28081454
TI  - Study of the adsorption and electroadsorption process of Cu (II) ions within
      thermally and chemically modified activated carbon.
AB  - The aim of this work is to modify the porous texture and superficial groups of a
      commercial activated carbon through chemical and thermal treatment and
      subsequently study the kinetics of adsorption and electroadsorption of Cu (II)
      ion for these carbons. Samples of three activated carbons were used. These were a
      commercial activated carbon, commercial activated carbon modified thermically (C
      N2-900) and finally commercial activated carbon modified chemically C-SO2-H2S
      200. The activated carbons were characterized chemically and texturally and the
      electrical conductivity of them determined. Different kinetic models were
      applied. The kinetics of the adsorption and electroadsorption process of the Cu
      (II) ion fits a pseudo second order model and the most likely mechanism takes
      place in two stages. A first step through transfer of the metal mass through the
      boundary layer of the adsorbent and distribution of the Cu (II) on the external
      surface of the activated carbon and a second step that represents intraparticle
      diffusion and joining of the Cu (II) with the active centres of the activated
      carbon. Finally, the kinetics of the adsorption process are faster than the
      kinetics of the electroadsorption but the percentage of the Cu (II) ion retained
      is much higher in the electroadsorption process.

PMID- 28081452
TI  - Differential white matter involvement associated with distinct visuospatial
      deficits after right hemisphere stroke.
AB  - Visuospatial attention depends on the integration of multiple processes, and
      people with right hemisphere lesions after a stroke may exhibit severe or no
      visuospatial deficits. The anatomy of core components of visuospatial attention
      is an area of intense interest. Here we examine the relationship between the
      disruption of core components of attention and lesion distribution in a
      heterogeneous group (N = 70) of patients with right hemisphere strokes regardless
      of the presence of clinical neglect. Deficits of lateralized spatial orienting,
      measured as the difference in reaction times for responding to visual targets in
      the contralesional or ipsilesional visual field, and deficits in re-orienting
      attention, as measured by the difference in reaction times for invalidly versus
      validly cued targets, were measured using a computerized spatial orienting task.
      Both measures were related through logistic regression and a novel ridge
      regression method to anatomical damage measured with magnetic resonance imaging.
      While many regions were common to both deficit maps, a deficit in lateralized
      spatial orienting was more associated with lesions in the white matter underlying
      the posterior parietal cortex, and middle and inferior frontal gyri. A deficit in
      re-orienting of attention toward unattended locations was associated with lesions
      in the white matter of the posterior parietal cortex, insular cortex and less so
      with white matter involvement of the anterior frontal lobe. An hodological
      analysis also supports this partial dissociation between the white matter tracts
      that are damaged in lateralized spatial biases versus impaired re-orienting. Our
      results underscore that the integrity of fronto-parietal white matter tracts is
      crucial for visuospatial attention and that different attention components are
      mediated by partially distinct neuronal substrates.

PMID- 28081455
TI  - Correlates of vitamin D in psychotic disorders: A comprehensive systematic
      review.
AB  - People with psychosis have high prevalence of low vitamin D levels but the
      correlates and relevance of this deficiency are unclear. A systematic search of
      major databases from inception to 03/2016 was undertaken investigating correlates
      of vitamin D in people with psychosis. Data was summarised with a best evidence
      synthesis. Across 23 included studies (n=1770 psychosis, n=8171 controls) a mean
      difference in vitamin D levels between both groups of -11.14ng/ml+/-0.59 was
      found. 53 unique correlations between vitamin D and outcomes in people with
      psychosis were identified. The evidence base was broadly equivocal although
      season of blood sampling (67% of studies found a positive correlation with warmer
      seasons) and parathyroid hormone (100% of studies found a negative correlation)
      were associated with vitamin D levels. The most commonly non-correlated variables
      were: BMI (83% found no correlation), age (73%), gender (86%), smoking (100%),
      duration of illness (100%) and general assessment of functioning score (100%). In
      conclusion, whilst many unique correlates have been investigated, there is weak
      and inconclusive evidence regarding the consistency and meaning of the correlates
      of vitamin D levels in people with psychosis. Future longitudinal studies should
      consider the correlates of vitamin D in people with psychosis.

PMID- 28081456
TI  - Robust, tough and anti-fatigue cationic latex composite hydrogels based on dual
      physically cross-linked networks.
AB  - Dual physically cross-linked hydrogels, which are triggered by cationic latexes
      as hydrophobic association and ionic crosslinking centers, were easily fabricated
      via a one-pot in situ polymerization method. First, the hydrophobic alkyl chains
      of hydrophobic monomers are adsorbed on the surface of latex microspheres and
      stabilized in the presence of surfactants, forming hydrophobic association
      centers as the first physical crosslinking points. Meanwhile, the anionic sulfate
      radicals dissociated by persulphate are attracted towards the cationic molecular
      chains of latex microspheres through ionic interactions, forming the secondary
      physical crosslinking centers, and initiate the copolymerization between
      acrylamide and hydrophobic vinyl monomers. The fabricated hydrogel exhibited high
      tensile strength of 1.32MPa, a remarkable toughness of 4.53MJm-3, excellent self
      recovery properties and fatigue resistance. Therefore, the current work provides
      a promising strategy for designing novel hydrogels via multiple physical
      interactions and devoid of any chemical crosslinking. The novel design of
      hydrogels can enhance their mechanical properties and expand their biomedical
      applications.

PMID- 28081457
TI  - Surface-active ionic liquids in catalysis: Impact of structure and concentration
      on the aerobic oxidation of octanol in water.
AB  - We present design and synthesis of surface-active ionic liquids for the
      application in micellar catalysis. A series of 1-methyl-3-dodecylimidazolium
      based ionic liquids with variable core structures including dicationic and
      zwitterionic ones was synthesized and characterized. These surface-active ionic
      liquids where applied in the aerobic oxidation of aliphatic alcohols to carbonyl
      compounds. A strong dependence on the ionic liquid concentration and structure
      was identified, which is in accordance with the concepts of micellar catalysis.
      Optimum conditions for the oxidation of 1-octanol could be identified, and the
      use of surface-active ionic liquids strongly improved the reaction performance
      compared to pure water. Under optimized conditions, it was possible to isolate up
      to 75% of octanoic acid using only small amounts of surface-active ionic liquid
      in a 0.05mM solution in water without further ligands.

PMID- 28081458
TI  - Multistage bioassociation of uranium onto an extremely halophilic archaeon
      revealed by a unique combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.
AB  - The interactions of two extremely halophilic archaea with uranium were
      investigated at high ionic strength as a function of time, pH and uranium
      concentration. Halobacterium noricense DSM-15987 and Halobacterium sp. putatively
      noricense, isolated from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant repository, were used
      for these investigations. The kinetics of U(VI) bioassociation with both strains
      showed an atypical multistage behavior, meaning that after an initial phase of
      U(VI) sorption, an unexpected interim period of U(VI) release was observed,
      followed by a slow reassociation of uranium with the cells. By applying in situ
      attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the
      involvement of phosphoryl and carboxylate groups in U(VI) complexation during the
      first biosorption phase was shown. Differences in cell morphology and uranium
      localization become visible at different stages of the bioassociation process, as
      shown with scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X
      ray spectroscopy. Our results demonstrate for the first time that association of
      uranium with the extremely halophilic archaeon is a multistage process, beginning
      with sorption and followed by another process, probably biomineralization.

PMID- 28081460
TI  - Blood-brain barrier dysfunction induced by silica NPs in vitro and in vivo:
      Involvement of oxidative stress and Rho-kinase/JNK signaling pathways.
AB  - Silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) has been extensively exploited in biomedical
      fields and mostly designed to enter the circulatory system, however, few studies
      focused on the potential adverse effects of SiO2-NPs exposure on the blood-brain
      barrier (BBB) that serves as a critical barrier between the central nervous
      system (CNS) and the peripheral circulation. This study attempts to provide an
      understanding of whether and how SiO2-NPs disrupts the BBB in vitro and in vivo.
      Through a human BBB model, we found that SiO2-NPs could induce tight junction
      loss and cytoskeleton arrangement, and increase inflammatory response and the
      release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of brain microvessel
      endothelial cells (BMECs), which further activates astrocytes to amplify the
      generation of VEGF and increase the aquaporin-4 expression, and thus causing BBB
      disruption through a complex immunoregulatory loop between BMECs and astrocytes
      under SiO2-NPs exposure. Additionally, our data show that inhibition of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) and Rho-kinase (ROCK) could effectively protect the SiO2-NPs
      induced BBB dysfunction. In vivo studies further confirmed that SiO2-NPs could
      cause the BBB paracellular opening, oxidative stress and astrocyte activation in
      brains of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. These findings demonstrate that SiO2-NPs
      could disturb BBB structure and function and induce BBB inflammation, and suggest
      that these effects may occur through ROS and ROCK-mediated pathways, which not
      only improve neurotoxicity evaluation for SiO2-NPs but also provide useful
      information in development of SiO2-NPs in neuro-therapeutics and nanodiagnostics.

PMID- 28081459
TI  - Targeted delivery of in situ PCR-amplified Sleeping Beauty transposon genes to
      cancer cells with lipid-based nanoparticle-like protocells.
AB  - A Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is made of a transposon plasmid
      (containing gene encoding a desired functional or therapeutic protein) and a
      transposase plasmid (encoding an enzyme capable of cutting and pasting the gene
      into the host cell genome). It is a kind of natural, nonviral gene delivery
      vehicle, which can achieve efficient genomic insertion, providing long-term
      transgenic expression. However, before the SB transposon system could play a role
      in promoting gene expression, it has to be delivered efficiently first across
      cell membrane and then into cell nuclei. Towards this end, we used a nanoparticle
      like lipid-based protocell, a closed bilayer of the neutral lipids with the DNA
      encapsulated inside, to deliver the SB transposon system to cancer cells. The SB
      transposon system was amplified in situ inside the protocells by a polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) process, realizing more efficient loading and delivery of
      the target gene. To reach a high transfection efficiency, we introduced two
      targeting moieties, folic acid (FA) as a cancer cell-targeting motif and
      Dexamethasone (DEX) as a nuclear localization signaling molecule, into the
      protocells. As a result, the FA enabled the modified targeting protocells to
      deliver the DNA into the cancer cells with an increased efficiency and the DEX
      promoted the DNA to translocate to cell nuclei, eventually leading to the
      increased chromosome insertion efficiency of the SB transposon. In vivo study
      strongly suggested that the transfection efficiency of FA-modified protocells in
      the tumor tissue was much higher than that in other tissues, which was consistent
      with the in vitro results. Our studies implied that with the targeting ligand
      modification, the protocells could be utilized as an efficient targeting gene
      carrier. Since the protocells were made of neutral lipids without cationic
      charges, the cytotoxicity of protocells was significantly lower than that of
      traditional cationic gene carriers such as cationic liposomes and
      polyethylenimine, enabling the protocells to be employed in a wider dosage range
      in gene therapy. Our work shows that the protocells are a promising gene carrier
      for future clinical applications.

PMID- 28081461
TI  - BDNF gene delivery mediated by neuron-targeted nanoparticles is neuroprotective
      in peripheral nerve injury.
AB  - Neuron-targeted gene delivery is a promising strategy to treat peripheral
      neuropathies. Here we propose the use of polymeric nanoparticles based on
      thiolated trimethyl chitosan (TMCSH) to mediate targeted gene delivery to
      peripheral neurons upon a peripheral and minimally invasive intramuscular
      administration. Nanoparticles were grafted with the non-toxic carboxylic fragment
      of the tetanus neurotoxin (HC) to allow neuron targeting and were explored to
      deliver a plasmid DNA encoding for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
      in a peripheral nerve injury model. The TMCSH-HC/BDNF nanoparticle treatment
      promoted the release and significant expression of BDNF in neural tissues, which
      resulted in an enhanced functional recovery after injury as compared to control
      treatments (vehicle and non-targeted nanoparticles), associated with an
      improvement in key pro-regenerative events, namely, the increased expression of
      neurofilament and growth-associated protein GAP-43 in the injured nerves.
      Moreover, the targeted nanoparticle treatment was correlated with a significantly
      higher density of myelinated axons in the distal stump of injured nerves, as well
      as with preservation of unmyelinated axon density as compared with controls and a
      protective role in injury-denervated muscles, preventing them from denervation.
      These results highlight the potential of TMCSH-HC nanoparticles as non-viral gene
      carriers to deliver therapeutic genes into the peripheral neurons and thus, pave
      the way for their use as an effective therapeutic intervention for peripheral
      neuropathies.

PMID- 28081462
TI  - In vitro evaluation of biodegradable lignin-based nanoparticles for drug delivery
      and enhanced antiproliferation effect in cancer cells.
AB  - Currently, nanosystems have been developed and applied as promising vehicles for
      different biomedical applications. We have developed three lignin nanoparticles
      (LNPs): pure lignin nanoparticles (pLNPs), iron(III)-complexed lignin
      nanoparticles (Fe-LNPs), and Fe3O4-infused lignin nanoparticles (Fe3O4-LNPs) with
      round shape, narrow size distribution, reduced polydispersity and good stability
      at pH 7.4. The LNPs showed low cytotoxicity in all the tested cell lines and
      hemolytic rates below 12% after 12 h of incubation. Additionally, they induced
      hydrogen peroxide production in a small extent and time-dependent manner, and the
      interaction with the cells increased over time, exhibiting a dose-dependent cell
      uptake. Concerning the drug loading, pLNPs showed the capacity to efficiently
      load poorly water-soluble drugs and other cytotoxic agents, e.g. sorafenib and
      benzazulene (BZL), and improve their release profiles at pH 5.5 and 7.4 in a
      sustained manner. Furthermore, the BZL-pLNPs presented an enhanced
      antiproliferation effect in different cells compared to the pure BZL and showed a
      maximal inhibitory concentration ranging from 0.64 to 12.4 MUM after 24 h
      incubation. Overall, LNPs are promising candidates for drug delivery
      applications, and the superparamagnetic behavior of Fe3O4-LNPs makes them
      promising for cancer therapy and diagnosis, such as magnetic targeting and
      magnetic resonance imaging.

PMID- 28081463
TI  - Analysis of the results of recurrent intracranial meningiomas treated with re
      radiosurgery.
AB  - OBJECTS: Meningioma is the most common intracranial neoplasm, comprising
      approximately 30% of all primary intracranial tumors (Claus et al., 2005) [1].
      Treatment options include observation, microsurgical resection, stereotactic
      radiosurgery (SRS), and whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Gamma knife
      radiosurgery (GKRS) is a very effective treatment for intracranial meningiomas;
      previous studies showed the tumor control rate at 5-10 years of follow-up as
      84.3%-100% in all cases (Feigl et al., 2005; Linskey et al., 2005; Malik et al.,
      2005; Aichholzer et al., 2000; Hakim et al., 1998; Chang and Adler 1997;
      Lunsford, 1994; Ganz et al., 1993) [2-9]. Many studies have discussed issues like
      optimal dose, conformal configurations, and adverse effects to improve the
      treatment result with GKRS (Malik et al., 2005; Kenai et al., 2005; Rowe et al.,
      2004; Shrieve et al., 2004) [4,10-12]. There are some cases in which the
      radiosurgery result is unfavorable and perhaps further treatment is needed. In
      these cases, re-radiosurgery can be an option. However, there have not been
      comprehensive studies discussing the issues of re-radiosurgery. Therefore, we
      analyzed the result of re-radiosurgery for recurrent meningiomas and their impact
      on clinical outcomes. METHODS: From 1995 to 2015, we retrospectively reviewed
      1163 patients who underwent GKRS for intracranial meningioma at the Asan Medical
      Center. Patients with multiple meningiomas or a follow-up with a period of less
      than a year were excluded from this study. Finally, 865 patients were enrolled in
      this study. Clinical symptoms and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
      were assessed by neurosurgeons. When tumor size increased together with newly
      developed neurologic symptoms, further management, such as microsurgical
      resection or SRS, was considered. Histologic analysis of the resected tumors was
      performed by neuropathologists. Clinical data, including patient's sex, age, and
      tumor locations were recorded. Treatment data included tumor volume, tumor grade,
      radiation dose, and presence of edema. Final outcome data including follow-up
      period, time to progression, interval between first and second radiosurgery
      courses and interval between microsurgery and radiosurgery were obtained.
      RESULTS: Among 865 patients, tumor recurrence was found in 63 patients (7.28%).
      Seven patients showed transient tumor growth after GKRS. These patients have been
      under close observation without any further treatments. Fifty-six patients
      (6.47%) showed permanent tumor growth on follow-up MRI. Thirty-three patients
      from this group underwent repeated radiosurgery owing to tumor growth, resulting
      in a re-irradiation rate of 3.82% at our radiosurgery center. The other 23
      patients were treated using methods other than re-radiosurgery. Among the 33
      patients, 25 underwent microsurgical resection prior to their initial course of
      GKRS, and the other 8 were treated with re-radiosurgery only. An analysis was
      performed to determine factors that may have a role in treatment results. Of the
      many variables, tumor grade (p=0.004, Fisher's exact test) was the only
      significant factor for progression-free survival (PFS). Thirteen patients with
      unbiopsied or benign meningioma showed stable tumor size, while there was tumor
      growth in 8 patients. Among high-grade meningioma patients, 3 and 9 showed stable
      disease and tumor growth, respectively. As a result of re-radiosurgery, 11 out of
      17 patients showed tumor growth and needed further treatments; this involved a
      third GKRS for 4 patients, microsurgical resection for 6 patients, and cyber
      knife radiosurgery (CKRS) for 1 patient. Four patients from this group were also
      treated with WBRT. CONCLUSION: We analyzed the results of re-radiosurgery for
      recurrent meningiomas and observed that World Health Organization (WHO) grade II
      and III was significantly associated with a lower PFS rate compared with low
      grade meningiomas (p=0.004). Conversely, patients with benign meningioma or
      unbiopsied tumors had much better results. Hence, re-radiosurgery is recommended
      for patients with unknown or benign meningiomas if their first GKRS result is
      unsatisfactory. However, re-radiosurgery should be considered carefully for
      recurrent high-grade tumors. Owing to the small number of recurrent meningioma
      patients treated with re-radiosurgery, further studies are required to delineate
      the role of this treatment.

PMID- 28081464
TI  - Tumor angiogenesis of SCLC inhibited by decreased expression of FMOD via
      downregulating angiogenic factors of endothelial cells.
AB  - Fibromodulin (FMOD), an ECM small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP), was reported
      to promote angiogenesis not only during wound healing, but also in optical and
      cutaneous angiogenesis-dependent diseases. However, whether it plays important
      roles in tumor angiogenesis remains unclear. To explore the role of FMOD in tumor
      angiogenesis of human small cell lung cancer (SCLC), initially the study analyzed
      the relationship of FMOD expression in cancer tissues of SCLC with clinical
      characteristics. The analysis revealed that the positive FMOD expression was
      significantly associated with extensive stage of SCLC and higher vascular
      density. In mouse models, xenograft tumors developed with FMOD-silenced H446
      cells (H446-shFMOD) exhibited slowed growth rate, decreased microvessel density,
      and reduced blood perfusion related to that of controls (H446-shCON).
      Additionally, compared with that of controls, the decreased secretion of FMOD in
      conditioned medium (CM) from H446-shFMOD inhibited proliferation, migration, and
      invasion of human umbilical vessel endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, the
      decreased secretion of FMOD downregulated the expression of VEGF, TGF-beta1, FGF
      2, and PDGF-B in HUVECs. The findings strongly suggested that the autocrine FMOD
      of cancer cells may promote tumor angiogenesis of SCLC by upregulating the
      expression of angiogenic factors that act in concert to facilitate the angiogenic
      phenotype of endothelial cells as a proangiogenic factor. Therefore, silencing
      FMOD may be a potentially clinical therapy for repressing tumor angiogenesis.

PMID- 28081465
TI  - Biological function and mechanism of lncRNA-MEG3 in Tenon's capsule fibroblasts
      proliferation: By MEG3-Nrf2 protein interaction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The proliferation of Tenon's capsule fibroblasts after glaucoma
      filtration surgery is a harmful element for operation failure. However, the
      underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the role of
      long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-MEG3 in the proliferation of Glaucoma Tenon's
      capsule fibroblasts (GTFs) with a model of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF
      beta)-induced proliferation which has been used in previous studies to explore
      the mechanism underlying glaucoma surgery failure. METHODS: In vitro cell
      proliferation model was made by TGF-beta2 (5ng/mL)-stimulated GTFs obtained from
      patients with glaucoma filtration surgery, and cell viability and cell
      proliferation was assessed by MTT assay and [3H] thymidine incorporation assay
      respectively. Relative expression of MEG3 and Nrf2 mRNA was determined by
      quantitative real-time PCR. Nrf2 protein level was detected by western blot.
      Functional interaction between MEG3 and Nrf2 was examined by RNA pull down and
      RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP). RESULTS: As detected in isolated
      Tenon's capsule fibroblasts, expression level of both MEG3 and Nrf2 is decreased
      in GTFs compared with control fibroblasts (HTFs). Adenovirus mediated
      overexpression of MEG3 attenuates cell ability and cell proliferation, as well as
      contributed to upregulation of Nrf2 protein in TGF-beta2-stimualted GTFs. MEG3
      positively affects the expression of Nrf2 protein rather than Nrf2 mRNA. We found
      that this functional interaction of them depends on MEG3-Nrf2 protein formation
      by RNA pull down and RIP analysis and also is proved to be involved in TGF-beta2
      induced cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: The above data suggested that the
      functional interaction between lncRNA-MEG3 and Nrf2 constitutes the mechanism by
      which TGF-beta2 induces Tenon's capsule fibroblasts proliferation after glaucoma
      filtration surgery via the direct binding of MEG3 to Nrf2.

PMID- 28081466
TI  - Long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 is an unfavourable prognostic factor and promotes
      glioma cell progression by activation of the Notch signaling pathway.
AB  - Survival of patients with glioma remains poor, which is largely attributed to
      active carcinogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) play key roles in tumor initiation and progression. However, the
      function of lncRNA ZFAS1 in glioma is still unclear. In the current study, we
      found that ZFAS1 was upregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. High ZFAS1
      expression in glioma tissues was significantly correlated with advanced tumor
      stage and poor overall survival. Furthermore, in vitro assays demonstrated that
      ZFAS1 inhibition significantly suppressed glioma cell proliferation, migration
      and invasion. Importantly, we further confirmed that epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) and the Notch signaling pathway was inactivated in the glioma
      cells after ZFAS1 knockdown. Thus, our findings indicated that ZFAS1 could
      exhibit a tumor oncogenic role in glioma progression by regulating EMT and Notch
      signaling pathway. LncRNA ZFAS1 might serve as a therapeutic target for the
      treatment of glioma patients.

PMID- 28081467
TI  - Oxidative stress and mRNA expression of acetylcholinesterase in the leukocytes of
      ischemic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathogenesis of ischemic brain injury is occurred by crucial
      metabolic reasons. For instance, oxidative stress from free radical generation is
      causing to the thrombotic cerebrovascular stroke. In this case, the measurement
      of the oxidative stress is very important for a better understanding of the
      stroke pathophysiology. Because, the oxidative stress in stroke is generally
      assumed as one of the mechanisms taking part in neuronal damage. Thus, oxidative
      stress has a vital role in the cholinergic system. METHODS: We performed on 18
      adult patients with stroke and 24 healthy persons as control subjects. First,
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative status were assayed in plasma
      and subsequently, quantitative gene expression of acetylcholinesterase was
      determined in leukocytes of patients diagnosed with acute stage of ischemia.
      RESULT: It was observed an increase in levels of the protein carbonyl content
      compared to the control (p=0.0011, p<0.01). The amount of the total thiol was
      lower than in the control groups of the ischemic patients (p=0.023, p<0.05). AChE
      and GST activities were significantly lower than control (p<0.01) in acute
      ischemic patients (p<0.01). mRNA expression of AChE was higher in the control
      groups than in the leukocytes of acute ischemic patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:
      These results suggest that oxidative status, AChE activity and its gene
      expression were changed significantly at the acute ischemic patients.

PMID- 28081468
TI  - Role of miR-15a in intervertebral disc degeneration through targeting MAP3K9.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs are involved in
      various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation,
      apoptosis and metastasis. miR-15a is an important regulator of immune responses
      and angiogenesis, endogenous controls as well as potential targets and hallmarks
      of cancer. However, the role of miR-15a in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD)
      has not been elucidated. METHODS: Total RNA was extracted from degenerative
      nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues of 20 patients with IDD and NP cells, respectively.
      The expression levels of miR-15a were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. The
      stable overexpress or silence miR-15a expression cell lines and control cell
      lines were constructed by lentivirus infection. Subsequently, 3-(4,5-dimethylthia
      zol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenylte trazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry test, TdT
      mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) experiment, colony formation assay and
      western blot analysis were performed to detect the biological functions of miR
      15a. Moreover, a luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm its target
      associations. RESULTS: Herein, the results found that miR-15a was dramatically up
      regulated in degenerative NP tissues and NP cells compared with the controls.
      Overexpression of miR-15a promoted NP cells proliferation and induced apoptosis.
      Moreover, apoptosis-related protein caspase-3 was significantly up-regulated and
      bcl-2 was observably down-regulated when NP cells were transfected with miR-15a
      mimics, while bax and caspase-3 were significantly down-regulated as well as bcl
      2 was observably up-regulated when NP cells were transfected with miR-15a
      inhibitors. Further, luciferase reporter assay showed that MAP3K9, an upstream
      activator of MAPK kinase, was putative target of miR-15a. There was a negatively
      relationship between miR-15a and MAP3K9 expression in NP cells. In addition,
      knockdown MAP3K9 inhibited NP cells proliferation and promoted apoptosis, which
      further inhibited the activation of p38 and ERK MAPK pathway. CONCLUSION: This
      present study revealed that miR-15a might be considered as a novel therapeutic
      target for IDD treatment.

PMID- 28081469
TI  - Anti-osteoporotic effects of an antidepressant tianeptine on ovariectomized rats.
AB  - In the current investigation, the potential alleviating effects of tianeptine
      against bone loss induced in ovariectomized (OVX) rats was determined. Two weeks
      following a bilateral ovariectomy operation, tianeptine treatment (12.5 and
      25mg/kg/twice/d) was initiated and continued for twenty-eight consecutive days.
      Changes in serum and urinary bone turnover biomarkers and osteoclastogenesis
      inducing factors were estimated. The femoral bone mineral content was estimated
      using inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry. Morphometric alterations of
      distal femoral bones were observed in the cortical and trabecular structures
      using micro-CT. Finally, femur bones were assessed for histopathological changes.
      The lack of estrogen significantly increased the levels of bone turnover
      biomarkers and inflammatory mediators. Mineral concentrations in the femoral
      bones were reduced in the OVX group. Furthermore, the femoral bone micro
      architecture determined using micro-CT and histopathology were significantly
      altered by estrogen deficiency. Tianeptine, particularly the higher dose,
      corrected the elevated levels of bone metabolic products and pro-inflammatory
      cytokines. Tianeptine also improved mineral concentrations in femoral bones and
      the disturbed morphometric and histopathological features in OVX rats. In
      conclusion, tianeptine alleviated the osteoporotic changes in OVX animals, which
      may be via inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis stress and
      osteoclastogenesis-provoking factors, suggesting attenuation of bone matrix
      degradation and osteoclast stimulation.

PMID- 28081470
TI  - Inhibition viral RNP and anti-inflammatory activity of coumarins against
      influenza virus.
AB  - Influenza viruses pose a severe threat to human health and a significant increase
      in antiviral drug-resistant among influenza viruses worldwide has been observed.
      Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop the new antiviral drugs,
      specifically from the natural products. In this study, the anti-viral and anti
      inflammatory activities of coumarins against influenza A virus in vitro were
      investigated. One of the derivatives eleutheroside B1 showed a wide spectrum of
      anti- human influenza virus effect with the IC50 value of 64-125MUg/ml in vitro,
      but it showed no effects against avian influenza virus. The time of addition was
      done and the results indicated that it had a potent antiviral effect when added
      at 0-6h, and also the virus yield was reduced by 60%. The influenza virus
      ribonucleoprotein was inhibited at 200MUg/ml, and also the NP mRNA expression was
      inhibited at 50 and 200MUg/ml. The expression level of cytokines and chemokines
      influenced by eleutheroside B1 was further demonstrated, the IL-6, CXCL-8, CCL-2
      expression were all inhibited by the eleuthe roside B1 at concentration
      200MUg/ml. The findings of study suggest that eleutheroside B1 can be as
      potential agent to develop for the prevention and treatment of influenza A virus.

PMID- 28081471
TI  - In situ morphological assessment of apoptosis induced by Phaleria macrocarpa
      (Boerl.) fruit ethyl acetate fraction (PMEAF) in MDA-MB-231 cells by microscopy
      observation.
AB  - Phaleria macrocarpa (Boerl.) is a well-known medicinal plant and have been
      extensively used as traditional medicine for ages in treatment of various
      diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the in situ cytotoxicity
      effect P. macrocarpa fruit ethyl acetate fraction (PMEAF) by using various
      conventional and modern microscopy techniques. The cytotoxicity of PMEAF treated
      MDA-MB-231 cells was determined through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay and CyQuant Cell
      Proliferation Assay after 24h of treatment. Both results were indicated that the
      PMEAF is a potential anticancer agent with the average IC50 values of 18.10MUg/mL
      by inhibiting the MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation. Various conventional and modern
      microscopy techniques such as light microscopy, holographic microscopy,
      transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscope were used for the
      observation of morphological changes in PMEAF treated MDA-MB-231cells for 24h.
      The characteristic of apoptotic cell death includes cell shrinkage, membrane
      blebs, chromatin condensation and the formation of apoptotic bodies were
      observed. PMEAF might be the best candidate for developing more potent anticancer
      drugs or chemo-preventive supplements.

PMID- 28081472
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis via PERK-eIF2alpha-CHOP signaling in
      the methamphetamine-induced chronic pulmonary injury.
AB  - Methamphetamine (MA) leads to multiple organs lesions and apoptosis. The aim of
      this study is to investigate if endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) - initiated
      apoptosis is involved in the chronic pulmonary injury induced by MA. In this
      study, rats were divided into a control group, methamphetamine 5mg/kg group and
      methamphetamine 10mg/kg group. This study found that the protein level of GRP78
      is higher in M10 group than in control group. PERK signaling and the relevant
      apoptosis factors were also activated. Morphological measurements showed that
      protein BAX and CHOP accumulated in the alveolar epithelium and the alveolar
      walls with epithelium were damaged and that the number of pulmonary alveoli
      decreased. The findings showed that ERS and PERK pathway are activated and
      eventually lead to apoptosis. Severe ERS mediated the apoptosis of alveolar
      epithelium cells as well as decreasing numbers of pulmonary alveoli.

PMID- 28081473
TI  - Cortisol extraction through human skin by reverse iontophoresis.
AB  - Continuous monitoring of cortisol at the surface of the skin would advance the
      diagnosis and treatment of cortisol-related diseases, or of elevated cortisol
      levels related to stress in otherwise healthy populations. Reliable and accurate
      detection of cortisol at the skin surface remains a limiting factor in real-time
      monitoring of cortisol. To address this limitation, cortisol extraction through
      excised human skin by reverse iontophoresis was studied in vitro in side-by-side
      diffusion cells using a radiolabeled probe. The skin was subjected to four direct
      current regimens (0, 28, 56, 113MUAcm-2) with the anode in the donor chamber and
      the cumulative cortisol concentrations recorded in the receiver chamber. The 56
      and 113MUAcm-2 regimens significantly increased transport of 3H-cortisol through
      the skin, and current density correlated directly with transcutaneous transport
      of 3H-cortisol. The threshold of detection of electroosmotic versus passive
      diffusion of cortisol through the skin was between 28 and 56MUAcm-2. The results
      of this study are significant in examining how lipophilic analytes found in the
      bloodstream respond to reverse iontophoresis across the skin. In addition, a
      device integration technique is presented which illustrates how continuous
      cortisol extraction and sensing could potentially be achieved in a conventional
      wearable format.

PMID- 28081474
TI  - The future excess fraction of occupational cancer among those exposed to
      carcinogens at work in Australia in 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies in other countries have generally found approximately 4% of
      current cancers to be attributable to past occupational exposures. This study
      aimed to estimate the future burden of cancer resulting from current occupational
      exposures in Australia. METHODS: The future excess fraction method was used to
      estimate the future burden of occupational cancer (2012-2094) among the
      proportion of the Australian working population who were exposed to occupational
      carcinogens in 2012. Calculations were conducted for 19 cancer types and 53
      cancer-exposure pairings, assuming historical trends and current patterns
      continued to 2094. RESULTS: The cohort of 14.6 million Australians of working age
      in 2012 will develop an estimated 4.8 million cancers during their lifetime, of
      which 68,500 (1.4%) are attributable to occupational exposure in those exposed in
      2012. The majority of these will be lung cancers (n=26,000), leukaemias (n=8000),
      and malignant mesotheliomas (n=7500). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of
      future cancers will result from occupational exposures. This estimate is lower
      than previous estimates in the literature; however, our estimate is not directly
      comparable to past estimates of the occupational cancer burden because they
      describe different quantities - future cancers in currently exposed versus
      current cancers due to past exposures. The results of this study allow us to
      determine which current occupational exposures are most important, and where to
      target exposure prevention.

PMID- 28081475
TI  - Add-on stiripentol elevates serum valproate levels in patients with or without
      concomitant topiramate therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Stiripentol (STP), valproate (VPA) and topiramate (TPM) are reported
      to have efficacy for Dravet syndrome. In this study, we sought to elucidate the
      mechanisms underlying the increased serum VPA concentrations following STP
      adjunctive therapy in patients with Dravet syndrome. METHODS: Twenty-eight
      patients with Dravet syndrome (age range, 1-35 years) undergoing combination
      therapy with VPA and STP were included in this study. We evaluated VPA and
      clobazam (CLB) serum concentrations before and after add-on STP. We also
      investigated potential factors impacting VPA metabolism during add-on STP
      therapy, including add-on TPM and CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms. The
      effect of STP on the metabolism of concomitantly administered CLB was also
      investigated. RESULTS: Add-on STP was significantly associated with the serum
      concentration-to-dose (CD) ratio of VPA. Two patients, who were concomitantly
      treated with TPM, developed severe anorexia and thrombocytopenia because of
      marked increases in serum VPA concentrations. Further analysis revealed that the
      rate of increase in the VPA CD ratio was positively correlated with TPM dose. In
      patients not receiving TPM, STP enhanced the rate of increase in the VPA CD ratio
      to a significantly greater extent in CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers than in
      CYP2C19 poor metabolizers. Add-on STP was also associated with significant
      increases in CLB and N-desmethyl-CLB serum concentrations. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that serum VPA concentrations should be carefully monitored
      during STP adjunctive therapy, particularly in patients receiving concomitant TPM
      therapy.

PMID- 28081476
TI  - Electron spin relaxation of a boron-containing heterocyclic radical.
AB  - Preparation of the stable boron-containing heterocyclic phenanthrenedione
      radical, (C6F5)2B(O2C14H8), by frustrated Lewis pair chemistry has been reported
      recently. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements of this radical were made
      at X-band in toluene:dichloromethane (9:1) from 10 to 293K, in toluene from 180
      to 293K and at Q-band at 80K. In well-deoxygenated 0.1mM toluene solution at room
      temperature hyperfine splittings from 11B, four pairs of 1H, and 5 pairs of 19F
      contribute to an EPR spectrum with many resolved lines. Observed hyperfine
      couplings were assigned based on DFT calculations and account for all of the
      fluorines and protons in the molecule. Rigid lattice g values are gx=2.0053,
      gy=2.0044, and gz=2.0028. Near the melting point of the solvent 1/Tm is enhanced
      due to motional averaging of g and A anisotropy. Increasing motion above the
      melting point enhances 1/T1 due to contributions from tumbling-dependent
      processes. The overall temperature dependence of 1/T1 from 10 to 293K was modeled
      with the sum of contributions of a process that is linear in T, a Raman process,
      spin rotation, and modulation of g anisotropy by molecular tumbling. The EPR
      measurements are consistent with the description of this compound as a
      substituted aromatic radical, with relatively small spin density on the boron.

PMID- 28081477
TI  - Pharmacokinetic studies of active triterpenoid saponins and the total secondary
      saponin from Anemone raddeana Regel.
AB  - The rhizome of Anemone raddeana Regel, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which
      has a robust history treating rheumatism and neuralgia. The total secondary
      saponin (TSS) from it has demonstrated antitumor activity. In this study, a rapid
      and validated LC-MS/MS method was developed to simultaneously determine the
      active compounds (Hederacolchiside A1 and Eleutheroside K). Analytes were
      separated on a reverse-phase C18 column with acetonitrile-water (5mmol/L ammonium
      acetate) as the mobile phase. This assay showed acceptable linearity (r>0.99)
      over the concentration range 5-1000 nmol/L for two analytes. The intra- and inter
      day precision was within 8.06% and accuracy was ranged from -3.16% to 3.34% for
      two analytes. The mean extraction recoveries of analytes and IS from rat plasma
      were all more than 76.0%. Under the developed analytical conditions, the obtained
      values of main pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax and AUC0-t) indicated that the
      pure compounds were more efficient than the TSS extract in Hederacolchiside A1
      and Eleutheroside K absorption. In addition, pharmacokinetic studies of two
      individual compounds demonstrated their poor oral absorption in rat (aF%, 0.019
      1.521). In the study of absorption and transportation of Hederacolchiside A1 and
      Eleutheroside K in Caco-2 cell monolayer model, the uptake permeability was in 10
      6cm/sec range suggesting poor absorption, which confirmed the previous
      pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo. Interestingly, the uptake ratio of them
      declined significantly when treated with phloridzin (SGLT1 inhibitor). It
      indicated that the absorption of Hederacolchiside A1 in intestine was mainly
      through positive transport and SGLT1 might participate in its active absorption.

PMID- 28081478
TI  - Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma with ALK Rearrangement: Frequency, Clinical
      Pathologic Characteristics, and Response to ALK Inhibitor.
AB  - PURPOSE: The incidence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement in
      pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is controversial. In this study, we aimed
      to reveal the reliable frequency and the clinical-pathologic characteristics of
      pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) with ALK rearrangement in Chinese
      population, and to provide insight into the translatability of anti-ALK treatment
      in this treatment-refractory disease. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a
      Ventana anti-ALK (D5F3) rabbit monoclonal antibody was performed in 141 PSC
      specimens collected from multiple medical centers. IHC-positive cases were then
      confirmed using ALK fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The incidence rates
      and clinical-pathologic characteristics of ALK-rearranged PSC were then analyzed.
      Response to ALK inhibitor crizotinib in a patient with ALK-rearranged PSC was
      evaluated according to the response evaluation criteria for solid tumors (RECIST)
      version 1.1. RESULTS: Five of 141 (3.5%) of PSCs showed ALK rearrangement
      positive by IHC and then were confirmed by FISH. Two were carcinosarcomas and the
      other three were pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC). Strong positive ALK
      rearrangement was observed in both the epithelioid and sarcomatoid components.
      The median age of ALK-positive patients was younger than that of ALK-negative
      patients. PSCs in never-smokers were more likely to harbor ALK rearrangement than
      those in former or current smokers (P<.05). A 40-year-old woman diagnosed with
      ALK-rearranged PPC experienced a partial response (-32%) to the ALK inhibitor
      crizotinib. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rates of ALK rearrangement in PSC in the
      Chinese population are similar to those of other subtypes of NSCLC. PSCs in
      younger never-smokers are more often to harbor ALK rearrangement. ALK inhibitors
      may serve as an effective treatment for ALK-rearranged PSC.

PMID- 28081479
TI  - 5-year experience in the diagnosis and treatment of occult urinary incontinence
      in women with pelvic organ prolapse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to analyze our five-year experience in the diagnosis and
      treatment of occult urinary incontinence in women with pelvic organ prolapse.
      STUDY DESIGN: The medical records of all patients who were admitted to the
      Division of Urogynecology of Istanbul Faculty of Medicine between January 2008
      and December 2013; in total, 1600 patients were retrospectively evaluated. The
      study population included 287 patients who had prolapse beyond the hymen and
      underwent two consecutive urodynamic studies with and without prolapse reduction.
      Demographic data, medical records, physical examination, full urogynecologic
      examination, urodynamic investigations, treatment modality, the results of the
      treatment and King's Health Questionnaire scores before treatment and at one-year
      follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-five of 287 patients (29.6%) were
      continent, 20 (23.5%) of whom had occult stress urinary incontinence during
      cystometry. Among these 20 patients, 17 underwent anti-incontinence surgery; 12
      were satisfied with their surgery and had no postoperative urinary leakage.
      Twenty (23.5%) patients had overactive bladder symptoms during urodynamic studies
      after prolapse reduction. King's Health Questionnaire scores before and after the
      operation, showed that health status of 12 patients was better, 1 patient was
      unsatisfied after the treatment, 2 patients' scores did not change and 2 patients
      were lost to follow up. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the prevalence of occult
      urinary incontinence was 23.5% when using urodynamics with prolapse reduction. 12
      of the 17 patients diagnosed with occult urinary incontinence were satisfied with
      surgery and had no postoperative urinary leakage.

PMID- 28081480
TI  - Does the addition of salpingectomy or fimbriectomy to hysterectomy in
      premenopausal patients compromise ovarian reserve? A prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in ovarian reserve in patients following
      hysterectomy, with or without bilateral salpingectomy or fimbriectomy. STUDY
      DESIGN: Open-label, prospective cohort trial of patients undergoing hysterectomy
      for benign uterine indications. Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH),
      anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and ultrasonic measures of peak systolic flow
      velocity/diastolic velocity (S/D) ratio and resistance index (RI) in the ovarian
      artery were taken from patients before and 6 weeks after hysterectomy,
      hysterectomy+salpingectomy or hysterectomy+fimbriectomy. RESULTS: The study
      period was from November 2011 to May 2014. Sixty patients were included in the
      final analysis, after two patients were lost to follow-up and one patient
      underwent bilateral oophorectomy. Of these 60 patients, 16 underwent hysterectomy
      alone (control group), and 44 were included in the study group (22 patients
      underwent hysterectomy+fimbriectomy and 22 patients underwent
      hysterectomy+salpingectomy). The mean age of patients was 46 years (standard
      deviation 4.07 years). Between-group dfferences in FSH, AMH, ovarian volume,
      ovarian artery S/D ratio and ovarian artery RI were not significant. CONCLUSION:
      The addition of salpingectomy or fimbriectomy to routine hysterectomy in
      premenopausal patients does not diminish ovarian reserve.

PMID- 28081481
TI  - Fatigue limits of different PEEK materials for dental implants.
AB  - The increasing use of PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone) as a substitute for metal
      implant components has led to the suggestion that it could also be used as an
      alternative to titanium in the field of dental implants. A major requirement for
      dental implant materials is their resistance to cyclic loading due to
      mastication. A special fatigue test was designed to evaluate the elastic behavior
      and long-term form stability of cylindrically shaped PEEK specimens of 4, 5 and
      6mm in diameter, using 11 different PEEK materials of various grades: unfilled,
      filled with titanium dioxide or barium sulfate powder, reinforced with short
      carbon fibers or short glass fibers, and reinforced with continuous carbon
      fibers. The samples were exposed to cyclic loads of up to 2000N. The elastic
      limits ranged between 46.57+/-6.44MPa for short carbon fiber reinforced specimens
      of 6mm diameter and 107.62+/-8.23MPa for samples of a different short carbon
      fiber reinforced PEEK compound of 4mm diameter. The elastic limits of the two
      PEEK grades containing continuous carbon fibers could not be observed because
      they exceeded the limits of the test specification. The elastic moduli ranged
      between 2.06+/-0.18GPa for barium sulfate powder filled PEEK-specimens of 6 mm
      diameter and 57.53+/-14.3GPa for continuous carbon fibers reinforced PEEK
      specimens of 4 mm diameter. In terms of the elastic limit all the PEEK materials
      in consideration were able to resist the pressure caused by maximum masticatory
      forces.

PMID- 28081482
TI  - Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) study: Implementation and baseline
      prevalence of drug use in an online cohort study of gay and bisexual men in
      Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug use among gay and bisexual men (GBM) is higher than most
      populations. The use of crystal methamphetamine, erectile dysfunction medication
      (EDM), and amyl nitrite have been associated with sexual risk behaviour and HIV
      infection among gay and bisexual men (GBM). OBJECTIVE: This paper describes an
      online prospective observational study of licit and illicit drug use among GBM
      and explores baseline prevalence of drug use in this sample. Capturing these data
      poses challenges as participants are required to disclose potentially illegal
      behaviours in a geographically dispersed country. To address this issue, an
      entirely online and study specific methodology was chosen. METHODS: Men living in
      Australia, aged 16.5 years of age or older, who identified as homosexual or
      bisexual or had sex with at least one man in the preceding 12 months were
      eligible to enrol. RESULTS: Between September 2014 and July 2015, a total of 2250
      participants completed the baseline questionnaire, of whom, 1710 (76.0%)
      consented to six-monthly follow-up. The majority (65.7%) were recruited through
      Facebook targeted advertising. At baseline, over half (50.5%) the men reported
      the use of any illicit drug in the previous six months, and 28.0% had used party
      drugs. In the six months prior to enrolment, 12.0% had used crystal
      methamphetamine, 21.8% had used EDM, and 32.1% had used amyl nitrite. Among the
      1710 men enrolled into the cohort, 790 men had used none of these drugs.
      CONCLUSION: Ease of entry and minimal research burden on participants helped
      ensure successful recruitment into this online cohort study. Study outcomes will
      include the initiation and cessation of drug use, associated risk behaviours, and
      health consequences, over time. Results will provide insights into the role gay
      community plays in patterns of drug use among GBM.

PMID- 28081483
TI  - Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic bacteria disinfection by g-C3N4
      AgBr.
AB  - g-C3N4-AgBr was synthesized by depositing AgBr nanoparticles onto g-C3N4.
      Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse
      reflectance spectra (DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectra were employed to
      characterize the as-synthesized photocatalysts. The disinfection activities
      towards representative Gram-negative strain E. coli and Gram-positive strain S.
      aureus were examined under visible light irradiation. Complete inactivation of
      3*106CFU/mL viable cell density was reached in 60min for E. coli and 150min for
      S. aureus, respectively. Ag+ released from the photocatalysts did not contribute
      to the photocatalytic disinfection process. Direct contact of g-C3N4-AgBr
      composites and bacterial cells, as well as the presence of O2 was indispensable
      for the cell inactivation. Photo-generated holes, surface bounded OH, and
      indirect generation of intracellular active species played important roles in
      disinfection process of g-C3N4-AgBr under visible light irradiation. The
      disruption of outside structure of cells as well as inner cell injury led to the
      inactivation. High pH condition led to increasing the cell disinfection due to
      the generation of surface bounded OH.

PMID- 28081484
TI  - New insights into antiviral immunity gained through intravital imaging.
AB  - Viral infections pose an ongoing challenge for mankind. Much of our knowledge of
      the immune response to viral infections comes from ex vivo analyses of infected
      animals, which provide important yet static information about events occurring
      within the host. Recently, a relatively new technique known as intravital
      microscopy (IVM) has been applied to the study of antiviral immunity. Intravital
      imaging affords a unique, real-time view of both viral dynamics and the ensuing
      immune response (along with their interplay) in the living animal. This review
      details some of the newest observations about the antiviral immune response
      gained using IVM.

PMID- 28081485
TI  - The elucidation of non-classical MHC class II antigen processing through the
      study of viral antigens.
AB  - By convention, CD4+ T cells are activated predominantly by Major
      Histocompatibility Complex class II-bound peptides derived from extracellular
      (exogenous) antigens. It has been known for decades that alternative sources of
      antigen, particularly those synthesized within the antigen-presenting cell, can
      also supply peptides but the impact on TCD4+ responses, sometimes considerable,
      has only recently become appreciated. This review focuses on the contributions
      that studies of viral antigen have made to this shift in perspective, concluding
      with discussions of relevance to rational vaccine design, autoimmunity and cancer
      immunotherapy.

PMID- 28081486
TI  - Front-line treatment of CLL in the era of novel agents.
AB  - Although chemoimmunotherapy prolongs survival and as such, is the standard of
      care for treatment-naive patients, its effectiveness may be reduced by associated
      toxicity and dose reductions. In addition, it has been associated with the
      development of myelosuppression and secondary neoplasms; treatments are hence
      needed which offer greater survival and lowered toxicity. A range of new targeted
      agents, ibrutinib, idelalisib and venetoclax, have demonstrated such a balance in
      a second-line setting, offering CLL patients durable remissions and a modest
      toxicity profile. Ibrutinib has since been given first-line approval, and with
      news of second-generation targeted agents on the horizon, high-level discussions
      have taken place concerning their use in elderly or unfit patients; with
      potential use in younger patients in a first-line setting. This article reviews
      the potential first-line therapeutic options for treating CLL and their clinical
      potential and examines whether first-line chemotherapy has a place in the age of
      targeted agents.

PMID- 28081487
TI  - Comparative genome-wide phylogenetic and expression analysis of SBP genes from
      potato (Solanum tuberosum).
AB  - Flowering time is a very important phase in transition to reproductive stage of
      life in higher plants. SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein (SBP) gene family
      encodes plant-specific transcription factors that are involved in regulation of
      several developmental processes, especially flowering. Although SBP-box genes
      have been identified in different plants, there have been no study indicating the
      regulatory effect of SBP box in potato flowering. Here, we report for the first
      time the identification and characterization of SBP-box transcription factors as
      well as determination of expression level of SBP-box genes in Solanum tuberosum
      L. an important crop worldwide. Fifteen different SBP-box transcription factor
      genes were identified in potato genome. They were found to be distributed in nine
      chromosomes and eight of them included miR156 and miRNA157 target sites.
      Characterization of amino acid sequences were performed and protein interactions
      were predicted. In addition, expression levels of five S. tuberosum SBP-box genes
      were analysed by both in silico and qRT-PCR. All these results provide a better
      understanding of functional role of SBP-box gene family members in flowering time
      in potato.

PMID- 28081488
TI  - Chemical and physiological metal bioaccessibility assessment in surface bottom
      sediments from the Deba River urban catchment: Harmonization of PBET, TCLP and
      BCR sequential extraction methods.
AB  - In the present study, the physiologically based extraction test PBET (gastric and
      intestinal phases) and two chemical based extraction methods, the toxicity
      characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and the sequential extraction procedure
      BCR 701 (Community Bureau of Reference of the European Commission) have been used
      to estimate and evaluate the bioaccessibility of metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr
      and Pb) in sediments from the Deba River urban catchment. The statistical
      analysis of data and comparison among physiological and chemical methods have
      highlighted the relevance of simulate the gastrointestinal tract environment
      since metal bioaccessibility seems to depend on water and sediment properties
      such as pH, redox potential and organic matter content, and, primordially, on the
      form in which metals are present in the sediment. Indeed, metals distributed
      among all fractions (Mn, Ni, Zn) were the most bioaccessible, followed by those
      predominantly bound to oxidizable fraction (Cu, Cr and Pb), especially near major
      urban areas. Finally, a toxicological risk assessment was also performed by
      determining the hazard quotient (HQ), which demonstrated that, although sediments
      from mid- and downstream sampling points presented the highest metal
      bioaccessibilities, were not enough to have adverse effects on human health, Cr
      being the most potentially toxic element.

PMID- 28081490
TI  - Mesoporous activated carbon prepared from NaOH activation of rattan (Lacosperma
      secundiflorum) hydrochar for methylene blue removal.
AB  - Hydrothermal carbonization of biomass wastes presents a promising step in the
      production of cost-effective activated carbon. In the present work, mesoporous
      activated carbon (HAC) was prepared by the hydrothermal carbonization of rattan
      furniture wastes followed by NaOH activation. The textural and morphological
      characteristics, along with adsorption performance of prepared HAC toward
      methylene blue (MB) dye, were evaluated. The effects of common adsorption
      variables on performance resulted in a removal efficiency of 96% for the MB
      sample at initial concentration of 25mg/L, solution pH of 7, 30 degrees C, and
      8h. The Langmuir equation showed the best isotherm data correlation, with a
      maximum uptake of 359mg/g. The adsorbed amount versus time data was well fitted
      by a pseudo-second order kinetic model. The prepared HAC with a high surface area
      of 1135m2/g and an average pore size distribution of 35.5A could be an efficient
      adsorbent for treatment of synthetic dyes in wastewaters.

PMID- 28081489
TI  - Protective effect of chitosan on photosynthesis and antioxidative defense system
      in edible rape (Brassica rapa L.) in the presence of cadmium.
AB  - Chitosan (CTS) induces plant tolerance against several abiotic stresses,
      including salinity and drought exposure. However, the role of CTS in cadmium (Cd)
      induced stress amelioration is largely unknown. In the present study, a
      hydroponic pot experiment was conducted to study the roles of CTS with different
      molecular weight (Mw) (10kDa,5kDa and 1kDa) in alleviating Cd toxicity in edible
      rape (Brassica rapa L .). The results showed that Cd stress significantly
      decreased plant growth, leaf chlorophyll contents and increased the
      malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rape leaves. Foliar application of CTS promoted
      the plant growth and leaf chlorophyll contents, and decreased the malondialdehyde
      (MDA) level in edible rape leaves under Cd stress. The alleviation effect of CTS
      on toxicity was depended on its Mw and CTS with Mw of 1kDa showed the best
      activity. Spraying 1kDa CTS onto the leaves of edible rape under Cd-toxicity
      could decrease shoot Cd2+ concentration and improve photosynthetic
      characteristics of edible rape. Moreover, 1kDa CTS also significantly enhanced
      non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid) and enzyme activities (superoxide
      dismutase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase) under Cd stress. Based on these
      findings, it can be concluded that application of exogenous CTS could be an
      effective approach to alleviate the harmful effects of Cd stress and could be
      explored in an agricultural production system.

PMID- 28081491
TI  - Effect of humic acid-based amendments with foliar application of Zn and Se on Cd
      accumulation in tobacco.
AB  - The smoke of tobacco is a major source of exposure to Cd in humans and therefore
      it is urgent to find a way to a method to reduce Cd accumulation in tobacco. A
      four-month tobacco pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of two
      base treatments (humic acid-based amendments) and two foliar treatments (Zn and
      Se) on Cd uptake by tobacco. The results showed that Cd in tobacco was mainly
      transferred into leaves, which could be significantly reduced by both applied
      amendments. The Cd contents in leaves were reduced by up to 67%. Foliar Zn alone
      significantly decreased Cd contents in leaves while foliar Se slightly increased
      them. When base and foliar treatments were combined, base treatments had dominant
      effects but those of foliar treatments were not distinct. The applied amendments
      did reduce Cd contents in all the parts of tobacco and the translocation into
      leaves and they were more effective than foliar Zn and Se.

PMID- 28081492
TI  - Hassle free synthesis of nanodimensional Ni, Cu and Zn sulfides for spectral
      sensing of Hg, Cd and Pb: A comparative study.
AB  - A simple room temperature synthesis method of Ni, Cu and Zn sulfide nanoparticles
      (NPs) in aqueous medium is reported here. The NPs stabilized in aqueous medium by
      the citrate ions were characterized by UV-vis, zeta potentials, TEM and Raman
      spectroscopic techniques. The solid NPs could be isolated from the aqueous medium
      when allowed to stand for a prolonged time (~20h). The solids were also
      characterized by IR and powder X-ray analysis. The nanoparticles were further
      used for the development of facile optical sensing and detection of heavy metal
      ions at trace scale. Alterations in the absorption spectra of the generated NPs
      were indicative of their interactions with heavy metal ions. Raman spectral
      measurements further validate the detection technique. It is found that out of
      the three synthesized nanoparticles, nickel sulfide NP is a specific sensor for
      mercury ions whereas zinc sulfide and copper sulfide NPs act as sensors for Hg2+,
      Cd2+ and Pb2+.

PMID- 28081493
TI  - Optical and vibrational properties of phosphorylcholine-based contact lenses
      Experimental and theoretical investigations.
AB  - The Raman, MIR and UV-vis spectroscopy have been used to characterize Omafilcon A
      material constructing the one of the Proclear family contact lenses. The
      Omafilcon A is hydrogel material composed of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)
      and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (PC) polymers crosslinked with
      ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Vibrational and electronic properties of
      the Omafilcon A material were also investigated by quantum chemical calculations.
      Experimentally obtained Raman, MIR and optical spectra were compared to the
      theoretical ones calculated applying RHF and DFT methodology. The quantum
      chemical calculations were performed for isolated monomers of lenses compounds as
      well as for their dimers and trimers to elucidate the effect of Omafilcon A
      polymerization and the role of an individual components.

PMID- 28081494
TI  - A cockspur for the DSS cells: Erythrina crista-galli sensitizers.
AB  - Dye sensitized solar cells were assembled employing a mixture of anthocyanins
      extracted from red ceibo's flowers. At the literature different extraction
      procedures are reported to extract anthocyanins from natural products and
      sensitize the cells. In order to compare them, different methods were followed to
      set the cells under the same conditions. Assembled cells showed very interesting
      conversion efficiency values, reaching a 0.73% value for extracts purified using
      C18 column, in open cells under illumination using a solar light simulator, 1
      sun, 1.5 AM. Data reported herein prove that anthocyanins obtained from ceibo's
      flower, after simple further purification, might represent an excellent, cheap
      and clean alternative for the development of DSS cells.

PMID- 28081495
TI  - Emotional intensity in episodic autobiographical memory and counterfactual
      thinking.
AB  - Episodic counterfactual thoughts-imagined alternative ways in which personal past
      events might have occurred-are frequently accompanied by intense emotions. Here,
      participants recollected positive and negative autobiographical memories and then
      generated better and worse episodic counterfactual events from those memories.
      Our results suggest that the projected emotional intensity during the simulated
      remembered/imagined event is significantly higher than but typically positively
      related to the emotional intensity while remembering/imagining the event.
      Furthermore, repeatedly simulating counterfactual events heightened the emotional
      intensity felt while simulating the counterfactual event. Finally, for both the
      emotional intensity accompanying the experience of remembering/imagining and the
      projected emotional intensity during the simulated remembered/imagined event, the
      emotional intensity of negative memories was greater than the emotional intensity
      of upward counterfactuals generated from them but lower than the emotional
      intensity of downward counterfactuals generated from them. These findings are
      discussed in relation to clinical work and functional theories of counterfactual
      thinking.

PMID- 28081496
TI  - The role of negative parental attributions in the associations between daily
      stressors, maltreatment history, and harsh and abusive discipline.
AB  - Negative parental attributions are related to parent and family stressors and are
      thought to be important predictors of subsequent disciplinary actions and,
      potentially, abusive parenting. We examined if negative parental attributions
      mediate the relation between daily stressors (i.e., low SES, parenting stress,
      partner-related stress) parents' own history of child maltreatment, and harsh and
      abusive parenting. Mothers (n=53) completed a computerized attribution task and
      reported on daily stressors, their own history of child maltreatment and their
      discipline strategies. Mothers' negative parental attributions mediated the
      association between parenting stress (but not the other stressors) and harsh and
      abusive discipline. These finding implicate that interventions to decrease (the
      risk of) child abuse should not only focus on reducing abuse-related stressors,
      but also target negative parental attributions.

PMID- 28081497
TI  - Paramedic student exposure to workplace violence during clinical placements - A
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - Paramedic students are hesitant to formally report exposure to acts of workplace
      violence as they feel it may jeopardise their chance of getting a job. The
      objective of this study was to identify the type and number of workplace violence
      acts experienced by undergraduate paramedic students whilst on an ambulance
      clinical placement. This was a cross-sectional study using the Paramedic
      Workplace Violence Exposure Questionnaire to obtain student exposure to acts of
      workplace violence which occurred whilst on ambulance clinical placements. The
      survey response rate was 29.8%. The students' average age was 24.1 years, median
      age of 23 years, range 18-47 years. There were 32.6% of students who were exposed
      to at least one act of workplace violence with 56% of these being females. Verbal
      abuse 18%, and intimidation 17% were the common acts of workplace violence
      students were exposed to. One female, a nursing/paramedic student, was exposed to
      sexual harassment on more than one occasion. The findings from this study suggest
      that paramedic students are exposed to similar rates of workplace violence as
      full time practising paramedics. Further research is required into workplace
      violence against students from all professions and what detrimental effect this
      may have on them.

PMID- 28081498
TI  - Enhancing analysis throughput, sensitivity and specificity in LC/ESI-MS/MS assay
      of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 by derivatization with triplex 4-(4
      dimethylaminophenyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (DAPTAD) isotopologues.
AB  - The plasma/serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] is a diagnostic
      index for vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, which is associated with a wide
      range of diseases, such as rickets, cancer and diabetes. We have reported that
      the derivatization with 4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione
      (DAPTAD) works well in the liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) assay of the serum/plasma 25(OH)D3 for enhancing
      the sensitivity and the separation from a potent interfering metabolite, 3-epi-25
      hydroxyvitamin D3 [3-epi-25(OH)D3]. However, enhancing the analysis throughput
      remains an issue in the LC/ESI-MS/MS assay of 25(OH)D3. The most obvious
      restriction of the LC/MS/MS throughput is the chromatographic run time. In this
      study, we developed an enhanced throughput method for the determination of the
      plasma 25(OH)D3 by LC/ESI-MS/MS combined with the derivatization using the
      triplex (2H0-, 2H3- and 2H6-) DAPTAD isotopologues. After separate derivatization
      with 1 of 3 different isotopologues, the 3 samples were combined and injected
      together into LC/ESI-MS/MS. Based on the mass differences between the
      isotopologues, the derivatized 25(OH)D3 in the 3 different samples were
      quantified within a single run. The developed method tripled the hourly analysis
      throughput without sacrificing assay performance, i.e., ease of pretreatment of
      plasma sample (only deproteinization), limit of quantification (1.0ng/mL when a
      5MUL-plasma was used), precision (intra-assay RSD<=5.9% and inter-assay
      RSD<=5.5%), accuracy (98.7-102.2%), matrix effects, and capability of separating
      from an interfering metabolite, 3-epi-25(OH)D3. The multiplexing of samples by
      the isotopologue derivatization was applied to the analysis of plasma samples of
      healthy subjects and the developed method was proven to have a satisfactory
      applicability.

PMID- 28081499
TI  - Screening active compounds from Corydalis yanhusuo by combining high expression
      VEGF receptor HEK293 cell membrane chromatography with HPLC - ESI - IT - TOF -
      MSn method.
AB  - Corydalis Thizoma,or Yuanhu in China, is a common herbal drug used for thousands
      of years as analgesic in Chinese medicine that has been reported to have
      potential anti-angiogenic effects. In this study, a VEGFR/cell membrane
      chromatography (VEGFR/CMC) coupled with HPLC- ESI-IT-TOF-MSn system was developed
      and successfully applied for identifying active components from YuanHu extract
      acting on VEGFR. We identified tetrahydropalmatine and corydaline as bioactive
      components with VEGFR activity, thus confirming their inhibitory activity on
      VEGFR engineered HEK293 cell growth by MTT assay. The activity of
      tetrahydropalmatine and corydaline was compared with the positive control
      sorafenib in a range of concentration from 6.25 to 50.0MUM, showing a dose
      dependent inhibitory trend. These results indicate that the VEGFR/CMC coupled
      with HPLC- ESI-IT-TOF-MSn system can purify and identify specific bioactive
      components from complex systems, thus representing a promising tool for screening
      molecules active towards VEGFR from natural herbs.

PMID- 28081500
TI  - A highly sensitive quantum dots-DNA nanobiosensor based on fluorescence resonance
      energy transfer for rapid detection of nanomolar amounts of human papillomavirus
      18.
AB  - A very sensitive and convenient nanobiosensor based on fluorescence resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) was developed for the detection of a 22-mer
      oligonucleotides sequence in Human Papillomavirus 18 virus (HPV18) gene. For this
      purpose, water-soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized and,
      subsequently, amino-modified 11-mer oligonucleotide as one of the two necessary
      probes was attached to QDs surface to form functional QDs-DNA conjugates. Right
      after addition of the QDs-DNA and a second Cyanine5 (Cy5)-labeled 11-mer
      oligonucleotide probe to the DNA target solution, the sandwiched hybrids were
      formed. The resulting hybridization brings the Cy5 fluorophore as the acceptor to
      close proximity of the QDs as donor, so that an effective transfer of energy from
      the excited QDs to the Cy5 probe would occur via FRET processing. The
      fluorescence intensity of Cy5 found to linearly enhance by increasing the DNA
      target concentration from 1.0 to 50.0nM, with a detection limit of 0.2nM. This
      homogeneous DNA detection method does not require excessive washing and
      separation steps of un-hybridized DNA, due to the fact that no FRET can be
      observed when the probes are not ligated. Finally, feasibility and selectivity of
      the proposed one-spot DNA detection nanobiosensor were investigated by analysis
      of derived nucleotides from HPV18 and mismatched sequences.

PMID- 28081501
TI  - Isolation, characterization using LC-ESI-QTOF, NMR and in vitro cytotoxicity
      assay of niclosamide forced degradation products.
AB  - The present study describes the isolation, characterization and in vitro
      cytotoxic effect of all forced degradation products of niclosamide (NCM) an
      anthelmintic class of drug used specifically to treat tapeworms. NCM was
      subjected to forced degradation involving hydrolysis (acidic, alkaline and
      neutral), oxidative, photolysis and thermal stress, as per ICH (Q1A (R2))
      suggested conditions. The drug under hydrolytic (acidic and basic) conditions
      showed extensive degradation, while it was stable under neutral hydrolytic,
      oxidative, photolytic and thermal stress conditions. A total of four degradation
      products (DPs) were observed and chromatographic separation of drug and its
      degradation products were achieved on a reverse phase Fortis diphenyl column
      (150*4.6mm, 5MUm) using 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase in
      gradient mode. All the four degradation products were isolated by semi
      preparative LC and its structures were characterized and confirmed by high
      resolution MS and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. In view of safety aspects,
      cytotoxicity assay were carried out for NCM and its four degradation products on
      human mononuclear cells and cell lines depicting the major organelle: neuronal
      (Neuro 2a), hepatic (HepG 2) and alveolar (A549). NCM was found to be non toxic
      on human mononuclear cells and cell lines at tested concentrations. However DP-1,
      DP-2, DP-3 and DP-4 showed significant increase in LDH release as compared to
      control at a concentration of 100MUM. DP-1 and DP-3 exhibited toxicity on A549
      cells with an IC50 of 92.18+/-4.93MUM and 65.42+/-6.29MUM respectively. DP-2, DP
      3 and DP-4 were cytotoxic to Neuro 2a cells with an IC50 of 63.62+/-3.85MUM,
      86.09+/-6.19MUM and 42.81+/-8.10MUM respectively. The degradation products were
      found to be nontoxic on HepG 2 cells.

PMID- 28081502
TI  - Quantitative determinations using portable Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - A portable Raman spectrometer was used to develop chemometric models to determine
      percent (%) drug release and potency for 500mg ciprofloxacin HCl tablets.
      Parallel dissolution and chromatographic experiments were conducted alongside
      Raman experiments to assess and compare the performance and capabilities of
      portable Raman instruments in determining critical drug attributes. All batches
      tested passed the 30min dissolution specification and the Raman model for drug
      release was able to essentially reproduce the dissolution profiles obtained by
      ultraviolet spectroscopy at 276nm for all five batches of the 500mg ciprofloxacin
      tablets. The five batches of 500mg ciprofloxacin tablets also passed the potency
      (assay) specification and the % label claim for the entire set of tablets run
      were nearly identical, 99.4+/-5.1 for the portable Raman method and 99.2+/-1.2
      for the chromatographic method. The results indicate that portable Raman
      spectrometers can be used to perform quantitative analysis of critical product
      attributes of finished drug products. The findings of this study indicate that
      portable Raman may have applications in the areas of process analytical
      technology and rapid pharmaceutical surveillance.

PMID- 28081503
TI  - In silico identification of alternative oxidase 2 (AOX2) in monocots: A new
      evolutionary scenario.
AB  - We identified AOX2 genes in monocot species from Lemnoideae (Spirodela polyrhiza,
      Lemna gibba and Landoltia punctata), Pothoideae (Anthurium andraeanum and
      Anthurium amnicola) and Monsteroideae (Epipremnum aureum) subfamilies within the
      Araceae, an early-diverging monocot family. These findings highlight the presence
      of AOX2 in the most ancient monocot ancestor and also that at least partial loss
      of this gene occurred during speciation events within several monocot orders. The
      presence of AOX2 in monocot species challenges (1) new understanding of the
      evolutionary history of the AOX gene family in angiosperms and (2) drives
      experimental and bioinformatics efforts to explore functional relevance of the
      two AOX gene family members for plant growth and development. Knowledge gain in
      this field will impact running strategies on AOX-derived functional marker
      candidate development for plant breeding.

PMID- 28081504
TI  - The expression and function of the neonatal Fc receptor in thyrocytes of
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies (TgAb and
      TPOAb), which are primarily of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) class, can mediate
      antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. However, it is unclear
      whether any thyrocyte molecules can facilitate the transport and elimination of
      TgAb and TPOAb. The IgG transport receptor neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is a
      candidate mediator of these processes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate FcRn
      expression and function in normal and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) thyrocytes.
      METHODS: FcRn expression in primary thyrocyte cultures (four normal and four HT
      groups) was examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting.
      Localization of FcRn was demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy. A double
      immunofluorescence staining method was adopted to detect FcRn and internalized
      human TgAb IgG. Stimulation experiments were performed to assess the regulation
      of FcRn expression by T helper cell 1 (Th1) (IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) and Th2
      cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4). RESULTS: FcRn expression was lower in HT thyrocytes
      than in normal thyrocytes. FcRn was located in the cytoplasm, membranes,
      mitochondria and transport vesicles of thyrocytes. Both human IgG and TgAb IgG
      were internalized by thyrocytes in a pH-dependent manner and co-localized with
      FcRn in thyrocytes. FcRn expression was downregulated by Th1 and Th2 cytokines in
      both normal and HT thyrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that FcRn may be associated with the transport and metabolism of
      IgG in thyrocytes and that transport is independent of IgG type. FcRn may be
      involved in HT pathogenesis.

PMID- 28081505
TI  - Practicability of monitoring soil Cd, Hg, and Pb pollution based on a geochemical
      survey in China.
AB  - Repeated visiting, i.e., sampling and analysis at two or more temporal points, is
      one of the important ways of monitoring soil heavy metal contamination. However,
      with the concern about the cost, determination of the number of samples and the
      temporal interval, and their capability to detect a certain change is a key
      technical problem to be solved. This depends on the spatial variation of the
      parameters in the monitoring units. The "National Multi-Purpose Regional
      Geochemical Survey" (NMPRGS) project in China, acquired the spatial distribution
      of heavy metals using a high density sampling method in the most arable regions
      in China. Based on soil Cd, Hg, and Pb data and taking administrative regions as
      the monitoring units, the number of samples and temporal intervals that may be
      used for monitoring soil heavy metal contamination were determined. It was found
      that there is a large variety of spatial variation of the elements in each NMPRGS
      region. This results in the difficulty in the determination of the minimum
      detectable changes (MDC), the number of samples, and temporal intervals for
      revisiting. This paper recommends a suitable set of the number of samples (nr)
      for each region under the balance of cost, practicability, and monitoring
      precision. Under nr, MDC values are acceptable for all the regions, and the
      minimum temporal intervals are practical with the range of 3.3-13.3 years.

PMID- 28081506
TI  - Investigation of ozone and peroxone impacts on natural organic matter character
      and biofiltration performance using fluorescence spectroscopy.
AB  - Impacts of ozonation alone as well as an advanced oxidation process of ozone plus
      hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 + O3) on organic matter prior to and following
      biofiltration were studied at pilot-scale. Three biofilters were operated in
      parallel to assess the effects of varying pre-treatment types and dosages.
      Conventionally treated water (coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation) was fed to
      one control biofilter, while the remaining two received water with varying
      applied doses of O3 or H2O2 + O3. Changes in organic matter were characterized
      using parallel factors analysis (PARAFAC) and fluorescence peak shifts.
      Intensities of all PARAFAC components were reduced by pre-oxidation, however,
      individual humic-like components were observed to be impacted to varying degrees
      upon exposure to O3 or H2O2 + O3. While the control biofilter uniformly reduced
      fluorescence of all PARAFAC components, three of the humic-like components were
      produced by biofiltration only when pre-oxidation was applied. A fluorescence red
      shift, which occurred with the application of O3 or H2O2 + O3, was attributed to
      a relative increase in carbonyl-containing components based on previously
      reported results. A subsequent blue shift in fluorescence caused by biofiltration
      which received pre-oxidized water indicated that biological treatment readily
      utilized organics produced by pre-oxidation. The results provide an understanding
      as to the impacts of organic matter character and pre-oxidation on biofiltration
      efficiency for organic matter removal.

PMID- 28081507
TI  - Occurrence, fate and environmental risk of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in the
      Langat and Selangor River basins, Malaysia.
AB  - Five homologs (C10-C14) of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) were quantitated
      in surface water collected in the Langat and Selangor River basins using liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A geographic information
      system (GIS) was used to spatially analyze the occurrence of LAS in both river
      basins, and the LAS contamination associated with the population was elucidated
      by spatial analysis at a sub-basin level. The LAS concentrations in the dissolved
      phase (<0.45 MUm) and 4 fractions separated by particle size (<0.1 MUm, 0.1-1
      MUm, 1-11 MUm and >11 MUm) were analyzed to elucidate the environmental fate of
      LAS in the study area. The environmental risks of the observed LAS concentration
      were assessed based on predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) normalized by a
      quantitative structure-activity relationship model. The LAS contamination mainly
      occurred from a few populated sub-basins, and it was correlated with the
      population density and ammonia nitrogen. The dissolved phase was less than 20% in
      high contamination sites (>1000 MUg/L), whereas it was more than 60% in less
      contaminated sites (<100 MUg/L). The environmental fate of LAS in the study area
      was primarily subject to the adsorption to suspended solids rather than
      biodegradation because the LAS homologs, particularly in longer alkyl chain
      lengths, were considerably absorbed to the large size fraction (>11 MUm) that
      settled in a few hours. The observed LAS concentrations exceeded the normalized
      PNEC at 3 sites, and environmental risk areas and susceptible areas to the LAS
      contamination were spatially identified based on their catchment areas.

PMID- 28081508
TI  - Historical variation in black carbon deposition and sources to Northern China
      sediments.
AB  - Black carbon (BC) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an important air
      pollutant in a large area of China. We have reconstructed a 100-year-long history
      of BC deposition based on analyses of sediment samples in the coastal area of the
      Northern China Plain (NCP). During 1900-2010, the sedimentary BC concentrations
      at three cores increased from 0.2 to 1.3, from 0.2 to 2.3, and from 0.2 to 1.9 mg
      g-1, and the ranges for the BC deposition fluxes were 0.1-4.7, 0.1-8.2, 0.2-7.4 g
      m-2 a-1, suggesting the increase of ten times from the pre-industrial era. The BC
      deposition fluxes showed abrupt variation with two peaks in the 1970s and 2010s.
      Residential energy consumption and biomass burning (i.e., low-temperature
      combustion sources; thus, large-scale wildfires with high temperature may not be
      included) were responsible for the BC increase in the 1970s. Fossil fuel
      combustion generated by the industrial sectors, including industry, power plants,
      and transportation, was negligible before 1990 but significantly increased during
      1990-2010. The historical increase in the BC deposition was accurately predicted
      by climate models, specifically the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5
      (CMIP5). However, the BC fluxes in the NCP sediments were an order of magnitude
      greater than those of the simulated depositions, suggesting an underestimation of
      the BC deposition in the severely polluted area in China.

PMID- 28081509
TI  - In silico prediction of toxicity of phenols to Tetrahymena pyriformis by using
      genetic algorithm and decision tree-based modeling approach.
AB  - Risk assessment of chemicals is an important issue in environmental protection;
      however, there is a huge lack of experimental data for a large number of end
      points. The experimental determination of toxicity of chemicals involves high
      costs and time-consuming process. In silico tools such as quantitative structure
      toxicity relationship (QSTR) models, which are constructed on the basis of
      computational molecular descriptors, can predict missing data for toxic end
      points for existing or even not yet synthesized chemicals. Phenol derivatives are
      known to be aquatic pollutants. With this background, we aimed to develop an
      accurate and reliable QSTR model for the prediction of toxicity of 206 phenols to
      Tetrahymena pyriformis. A multiple linear regression (MLR)-based QSTR was
      obtained using a powerful descriptor selection tool named Memorized_ACO
      algorithm. Statistical parameters of the model were 0.72 and 0.68 for Rtraining2
      and Rtest2, respectively. To develop a high-quality QSTR model, classification
      and regression tree (CART) was employed. Two approaches were considered: (1)
      phenols were classified into different modes of action using CART and (2) the
      phenols in the training set were partitioned to several subsets by a tree in such
      a manner that in each subset, a high-quality MLR could be developed. For the
      first approach, the statistical parameters of the resultant QSTR model were
      improved to 0.83 and 0.75 for Rtraining2 and Rtest2, respectively. Genetic
      algorithm was employed in the second approach to obtain an optimal tree, and it
      was shown that the final QSTR model provided excellent prediction accuracy for
      the training and test sets (Rtraining2 and Rtest2 were 0.91 and 0.93,
      respectively). The mean absolute error for the test set was computed as 0.1615.

PMID- 28081510
TI  - Gestational and lactational exposure to di-isobutyl phthalate via diet in
      maternal mice decreases testosterone levels in male offspring.
AB  - Phthalates are a large family of ubiquitous environmental chemicals suspected of
      being endocrine disruptors, with exposure to these chemicals during prenatal and
      postnatal development possibly resulting in reproductive disorders. Di-isobutyl
      phthalate (DiBP) is widely used in consumer and industrial products, and although
      its exposure in the general population has increased in recent years, the
      mechanisms behind DiBP-induced reproductive disorders in male offspring remain
      unclear. Here, pregnant mice were exposed to 0 or 450 mg/kg bw/day DiBP via diet
      from gestation day (GD) 0 to GD21. Until postnatal day 21 (PD21), half of the
      exposed pups were also exposed to DiBP by lactation (TT), while the rest were not
      (TC). Half of each group were sacrificed on PD21, with the remaining mice fed a
      normal diet until PD80 (TCC and TTC, respectively). Reproductive toxicological
      parameters such as relative organ weights and testosterone levels were determined
      in male offspring on PD21 and PD80 and sperm quality was tested on PD80. Maternal
      exposure (pregnancy and lactation) led to decreased serum and testis testosterone
      concentrations, accompanied by decreased expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid
      dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) and cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1
      (CYP11A1) in PD21 pups and PD80 adults. Furthermore, the TTC group showed
      decreased epididymis sperm concentration and motility. Taken together, DiBP
      exposure in early life (prenatal and postnatal) impaired male reproductive
      function in later life, possibly by interfering with testosterone levels and
      CYP11A1, which might be a major steroidogenic enzyme targeted by DiBP or other
      phthalates.

PMID- 28081511
TI  - Spatiotemporal distributions of butyltin compounds in various intertidal
      organisms along the Samcheok and Tongyeong coasts of Korea.
AB  - Thirteen years ago, the Korean Government introduced a regulation prohibiting the
      use of tributyltin (TBT), which was a component of antifouling paints. A
      subsequent decline in the concentration of butyltins (BTs) was recorded in
      seawater and the sediment, however, the current concentration of BTs in biota has
      not been well documented. The spatiotemporal distribution and concentration of
      BTs was recorded in biota from 2013 to 2015 along the coasts of Samcheok and
      Tongyeong using GS/MSD analysis. Crustaceans contained the greatest
      concentrations of BTs, followed by gastropods, fishes, and bivalves. We found
      that the concentration of BTs was greater at Tongyeong compared to Samcheok,
      because of the geographical characteristics of the area. We also confirmed that
      the regulation has been effective by showing that the TBT concentration decreased
      over the 3-year study period. The TBT levels of gastropods and bivalves fell
      within the limits of the guidelines and/or the effective concentration of the
      toxicological endpoint reported previously. The concentration of BTs also varied
      among species, being dependent on the weight of the soft tissue. Furthermore, the
      greater quantities of BTs degradation products compared to TBT confirmed the
      absence of recent inputs of pollutants during the study periods. However,
      compared with other Asian countries, biota BTs were greater in Korea, with
      noticeably greater concentrations along the south coast. Thus, further
      investigation of the distribution of BTs along the Korean coasts is required in
      the future. In conclusion, our results provide useful information about the
      recent trends of BTs in Korea.

PMID- 28081512
TI  - Association between herpes simplex virus Types 1 and 2 with cardiac myxoma.
AB  - Most cases of atrial myxoma are sporadic, and the exact etiology is unknown. We
      examined if herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2 antigens and/or DNA could be
      detected in a cohort of Iranian patients with cardiac myxomas. From July 2004 to
      June 2014, among a total of 36,703 patients undergoing open heart surgeries,
      consecutive patients with cardiac myxoma who were treated by surgical excision at
      our center included in this study. Of 73 patients studied, 56% were female with a
      mean age of 54 years (ranging from 23 to 77 years). Seventy-four myxomas were
      surgically removed from 73 patients, since one patient had two myxomas which were
      located on both the right atrium and right ventricle. The materials for this
      analysis were retrospectively gathered from extracted tumors that stored in a
      pathology bank of tissue paraffin blocks. The formalin fixed paraffin embedded
      tissue samples were investigated for HSV genomic DNA by both immunohistochemistry
      (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. In all 74 cases there was no
      presence of HSV 1 and HSV 2 infection. This suggests that HSV may not play a role
      in sporadic cardiac myxomas; however, evidence for such association is currently
      lacking, and further studies are required to determine such a role.

PMID- 28081513
TI  - Thrombosis of a mechanical prosthetic aortic valve in early pregnancy:
      histopathological findings.
AB  - We present results of the histopathological workup of a prosthetic aortic valve
      which was explanted from a 31-year-old woman due to valve thrombosis during early
      pregnancy. Our images demonstrate nicely thrombotic material directly adherent to
      the pyrolytic carbon surface in a human specimen.

PMID- 28081514
TI  - Role of miRNA-1 in regulating connexin 43 in ischemia-reperfusion heart injury: a
      rat model.
AB  - MiRNA-1 may participate in regulating ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) by
      affecting the expression and distribution of connexin 43 (Cx43). The aim of this
      study is to investigate miR-1 expression and its potential role in regulating
      Cx43 during ischemic postconditioning (IPOST) in a rat model. Fifty-five Wistar
      male rats were randomly divided into five groups: N, IR, IPOST, agomir-1, and
      antagomir-1 group. The hearts were perfused with the Langendorff system. The
      reperfusion arrhythmia (RA) and myocardial infarct size were observed and
      recorded. The miRNA-1 expression and the Cx43 expression and distribution were
      assessed by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. First, the RA score
      in the IR group was higher than that in the control group, whereas there was no
      difference between the IPOST and antagomir-1 groups. Second, the myocardial
      infarct size was larger in the agomir-1 than in the IPOST group; there was no
      difference between the antagomir-1 and the IPOST group. Third, the miRNA-1
      expression increased by 78% in the agomir-1 group but decreased by 32% in the
      antagomir-1 group compared with the IPOST group. Fourth, compared with the
      Control group, the Cx43 expression in the IR group decreased, the Cx43 expression
      decreased in the agomir-1 group compared with the IPOST group. Fifth, the
      distribution of Cx43 was irregular and disorganized in the IR and agomir-1
      groups. In the IPOST and antagomir-1 groups, Cx43 was neatly distributed in the
      intercalated disk area. Our findings suggest that IPOST can inhibit the up
      regulation of miRNA-1 induced by ischemia-reperfusion and that the down
      regulation of miRNA-1 can prevent the decrease and redistribution of Cx43, which
      will protect the heart from IRI.

PMID- 28081515
TI  - Distinguishing subpopulations of marijuana users with latent profile analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the
      United States, little is known about the effects of typical marijuana use
      patterns and whether there are distinct subgroups of marijuana users. METHODS:
      The present study used latent profile analysis to determine the number of
      distinct subgroups of marijuana users in a large sample of college students
      (n=2129 past month marijuana users across 11 universities). We also examined how
      these distinct groups differ on several putative risk/protective factors (e.g.,
      personality traits, perceptions of marijuana, and motives for using marijuana).
      RESULTS: Using the Lo-Mendell-Rubin Likelihood Ratio Test, we identified four
      latent classes with the largest class consisting of infrequent marijuana users,
      and three other classes demonstrating increasingly frequent use and more negative
      consequences with the most severe class being the smallest class. We found the
      largest between-class differences (i.e., distinctions across classes) to be on
      identification with being a marijuana user and use of protective behavioral
      strategies (PBS), such that the heavier user classes showed higher identification
      with marijuana users and lower use of PBS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate
      that college student marijuana users are a heterogeneous group with different
      profiles of risk/protective factors and that those who use marijuana a few times
      per month are different from those who are near-daily or daily users. Our
      findings also serve as a call to action for the field to consider examining
      identification with being a marijuana user and the use of PBS in future marijuana
      studies.

PMID- 28081516
TI  - Autism does not limit strategic thinking in the "beauty contest" game.
AB  - A popular hypothesis in developmental psychology is that individuals with autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD) have a specific impairment or developmental delay in
      their ability to reason about other people's mental processes, especially when
      this reasoning process is of a higher-order, recursive, or nested variety. One
      type of interpersonal interaction that involves this sort of complex reasoning
      about others' minds is an economic game, and because economic games have been
      extensively modeled in behavioral economics, they provide a unique testbed for a
      quantitative and precise analysis of cognitive functioning in ASD. This study
      specifically asked whether ASD is associated with strategic depth in the economic
      game known as The Beauty Contest, in which all players submit a number from 0 to
      100, and the winner is the player who submits the number closest to 2/3 of the
      mean of all numbers submitted. Unexpectedly, the distribution of responses among
      adult participants with ASD reflected a level of strategic reasoning at least as
      deep as that of their neurotypical peers, with the same proportion of
      participants with ASD being characterized as "higher order" strategic players.
      Thus, whatever mentalistic reasoning abilities are necessary for typical
      performance in the context of this economic game appear to be largely intact, and
      therefore unlikely to be fundamental to persistent social dysfunction in ASD.

PMID- 28081517
TI  - A path analysis model of factors influencing children's requests for unhealthy
      foods.
AB  - Little is known about the complex combination of factors influencing the extent
      to which children request unhealthy foods from their parents. The aim of this
      study was to develop a comprehensive model of influencing factors to provide
      insight into potential methods of reducing these requests. A web panel provider
      was used to administer a national online survey to a sample of 1302 Australian
      parent-child dyads (total sample n=2604). Initial univariate analyses identified
      potential predictors of children's requests for and consumption of unhealthy
      foods. The identified variables were subsequently incorporated into a path
      analysis model that included both parents' and children's reports of children's
      requests for unhealthy foods. The resulting model accounted for a substantial 31%
      of the variance in parent-reported food request frequency and 27% of the variance
      in child-reported request frequency. The variable demonstrating the strongest
      direct association with both parents' and children's reports of request frequency
      was the frequency of children's current intake of unhealthy foods. Parents' and
      children's exposure to food advertising and television viewing time were also
      positively associated with children's unhealthy food requests. The results
      highlight the need to break the habitual provision of unhealthy foods to avoid a
      vicious cycle of requests resulting in consumption.

PMID- 28081518
TI  - Development of a biometric method to estimate age on hand radiographs.
AB  - Age estimation of living individuals aged less than 13, 18 or 21 years, which are
      some relevant legal ages in most European countries, is currently problematic in
      the forensic context. Thus, numerous methods are available for legal authorities,
      although their efficiency can be discussed. For those reasons, we aimed to
      propose a new method, based on the biometric analysis of hand bones. 451 hand
      radiographs of French individuals under the age of 21 were retrospectively
      analyzed. This total sample was divided into three subgroups bounded by the
      relevant legal ages previously mentioned: 0-13, 13-18 and 18-21 years. On these
      radiographs, we numerically applied the osteometric board method used in
      anthropology, by including each metacarpal and proximal phalange of the five hand
      rays in the smallest rectangle possible. In that we can access their length and
      width information thanks to a measurement protocol developed precisely for our
      treatment with the ORS Visual(r) software. Then, a statistical analysis was
      performed from these biometric data: a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)
      evaluated the probability for an individual to belong to one of the age group (0
      13, 13-18 or 18-21); and several multivariate regression models were tested for
      the establishment of age estimation formulas for each of these age groups. The
      mean Correlation Coefficient between chronological age and both lengths and
      widths of hand bones is equal to 0.90 for the total sample. Repeatability and
      reproducibility were assessed. The LDA could more easily predict the belonging to
      the 0-13 age group. Age can be estimated with a mean standard error which never
      exceeds 1 year for the 95% confidence interval. Finally, compared to the
      literature, we can conclude that estimating an age from the biometric information
      of metacarpals and proximal phalanges is promising.

PMID- 28081519
TI  - Interoception and psychopathology: A developmental neuroscience perspective.
AB  - Interoception refers to the perception of the physiological condition of the
      body, including hunger, temperature, and heart rate. There is a growing
      appreciation that interoception is integral to higher-order cognition. Indeed,
      existing research indicates an association between low interoceptive sensitivity
      and alexithymia (a difficulty identifying one's own emotion), underscoring the
      link between bodily and emotional awareness. Despite this appreciation, the
      developmental trajectory of interoception across the lifespan remains under
      researched, with clear gaps in our understanding. This qualitative review and
      opinion paper provides a brief overview of interoception, discussing its
      relevance for developmental psychopathology, and highlighting measurement issues,
      before surveying the available work on interoception across four stages of
      development: infancy, childhood, adolescence and late adulthood. Where gaps in
      the literature addressing the development of interoception exist, we draw upon
      the association between alexithymia and interoception, using alexithymia as a
      possible marker of atypical interoception. Evidence indicates that interoceptive
      ability varies across development, and that this variance correlates with
      established age-related changes in cognition and with risk periods for the
      development of psychopathology. We suggest a theory within which atypical
      interoception underlies the onset of psychopathology and risky behaviour in
      adolescence, and the decreased socio-emotional competence observed in late
      adulthood.

PMID- 28081520
TI  - Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with KCNT1 mutation.

PMID- 28081521
TI  - Peer victimization in adolescence: The nature, progression, and consequences of
      being bullied within a developmental context.
AB  - Since Dan Olweus's seminal work on bullying in the 1970's (Olweus, 1978), there
      has been a concerted effort by investigators to identify the confluence of
      factors that contribute to peer victimization and its role in psychosocial
      development. Although the cause and consequences of peer victimization may
      include underlying, age-invariant processes, the manifestation of these factors
      is, in part, driven by the developmental stage being studied. Thus, a
      comprehensive understanding of peer victimization requires an explicit
      developmental perspective. This paper examines how peer victimization in
      adolescence is unique from other developmental periods. Changes in the nature of
      peer victimization, associated risk factors, the contexts in which victimization
      is experienced, and the psychosocial outcomes affected are addressed. A primary
      focus is how maturational processes and interpersonal contexts characteristic of
      adolescence contribute to changes in victimization, with the objective of
      informing future research directions and the development of effective
      interventions.

PMID- 28081522
TI  - Adrenal giant cystic pheochromocytoma treated by posterior retroperitoneoscopic
      adrenalectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Giant cystic pheochromocytoma (>10cm) is rare with only a few cases
      described in the literature. Preoperative diagnosis is very difficult because
      clinical, biochemical and radiologic finds are usually not consistent with a
      pheochromocytoma. Open surgery is traditionally the gold standard. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 51 year-old male patient resorted to surgery department with an
      adrenal cystic incidentaloma. He was asymptomatic, mild hypertension easily
      controlled, with increased plasma fractionated metanephrines. MRI and MIBG scans
      confirmed the presence of a right adrenal giant cystic pheochromocytoma (14cm). A
      right posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy was performed, complicated
      with an unintended disruption. At follow-up he was asymptomatic and with plasma
      fractionated metanephrines normalized. DISCUSSION: Although laparoscopic surgery
      is effective and safe, traditional open surgery is the gold standard in the
      presence of adrenal tumours with suspicion of malignancy, like masses larger than
      8cm (including giant cystic pheochromocytomas). Minimal invasive techniques have
      the advantages of less postoperative pain and ileus, less morbidity, improved
      cosmetics, and faster recovery, but with the negative impact in R0 resection and
      probably a higher risk of cystic rupture. However comparisons between open and
      minimally invasive surgery are lacking. Additionally posterior
      retroperitoneoscopic approach has several advantages over laparoscopic
      transperitoneal method. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report of a giant
      cystic pheochromocytoma treated by posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy,
      but the occurrence of the unintended rupture may be a factor against this
      approach. More studies are needed to compare open and minimally invasive
      techniques in terms of resectability and cystic rupture rate.

PMID- 28081523
TI  - Enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis and acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation of
      sugarcane bagasse by combined diluted acid with oxidate ammonolysis pretreatment.
AB  - This study aims to propose a biorefinery pretreatment technology for the
      bioconversion of sugarcane bagasse (SB) into biofuels and N-fertilizers.
      Performance of diluted acid (DA), aqueous ammonia (AA), oxidate ammonolysis (OA)
      and the combined DA with AA or OA were compared in SB pretreatment by enzymatic
      hydrolysis, structural characterization and acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE)
      fermentation. Results indicated that DA-OA pretreatment improves the
      digestibility of SB by sufficiently hydrolyzing hemicellulose into fermentable
      monosaccharides and oxidating lignin into soluble N-fertilizer with high nitrogen
      content (11.25%) and low C/N ratio (3.39). The enzymatic hydrolysates from DA-OA
      pretreated SB mainly composed of glucose was more suitable for the production of
      ABE solvents than the enzymatic hydrolysates from OA pretreated SB containing
      high ratio of xylose. The fermentation of enzymatic hydrolysates from DA-OA
      pretreated SB produced 12.12g/L ABE in 120h. These results suggested that SB
      could be utilized efficient, economic, and environmental by DA-OA pretreatment.

PMID- 28081524
TI  - Effects of acidified aqueous glycerol and glycerol carbonate pretreatment of rice
      husk on the enzymatic digestibility, structural characteristics, and bioethanol
      production.
AB  - Rice husk as an abundant biomass was used in this study, and it contained 30.1%
      glucan and 13.5% xylan, 22.4% lignin. The pretreated rice husk with glycerol
      carbonate and acidified aqueous glycerol (10% water) at 90 degrees C and 130
      degrees C for 60min had the maximum yield of glucan digestibility which was 78.2%
      and 69.7% respectively, using cellulase for 72h. The simultaneous
      saccharification and fermentation was conducted anaerobically at 37 degrees C
      with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 5% w/v glucan and 10FPU/g glucan of cellulase.
      11.58 and 8.84g/L was the highest ethanol concentration after 3days of incubation
      form pretreated rice husk with glycerol carbonate and acidified aqueous glycerol
      respectively.

PMID- 28081525
TI  - Effect of free nitrous acid pre-treatment on primary sludge at low exposure
      times.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of different free
      nitrous acid (FNA) concentrations at low pre-treatment times (PTs) (1, 2 and 5h)
      and without pH control with mild agitation on primary sludge (PS)
      biodegradability and methane production (MP). Increasing PTs resulted in an
      increase in the solubility of the organic matter (around 25%), but not on cell
      mortality (>75% in all the cases with FNA) and neither on methane generation. FNA
      pre-treatment at low PTs improve MP (around 16% at PT of 1h and 650mg N-NO2-/L).
      However, a similar improvement was found with mild agitation of PS without FNA at
      2 and 5h. Taking into account the potential costs associated with the FNA pre
      treatment, a mild agitation without FNA would be preferred to enhance MP in PS.

PMID- 28081526
TI  - Phosphomolybdic acid and ferric iron as efficient electron mediators for coupling
      biomass pretreatment to produce bioethanol and electricity generation from wheat
      straw.
AB  - Phosphomolybdic acid (PMo12) was used as an electron mediator and proton carrier
      to mediate biomass pretreatment for ethanol production and electricity generation
      from wheat straw. In the pretreatment, lignin was oxidized anaerobically by PMo12
      with solubilization of a fraction of hemicelluloses, and the PMo12 was
      simultaneously reduced. In an external liquid flow cell, the reduced PMo12 was re
      oxidized with generation of electricity. The effects of several factors on
      pretreatment were investigated for optimizing the conditions. Enzymatic
      conversion of cellulose and xylan were about 80% and 45%, respectively, after
      pretreatment of wheat straw with 0.25M PMo12, at 95 degrees C for 45min. FeCl3
      was found to be an effective liquid mediator to transfer electrons to air, the
      terminal electron acceptor. By investigating the effects of various operation
      parameters and cell structural factors, the highest output power density of about
      11mW/cm2 was obtained for discharging of the reduced PMo12.

PMID- 28081527
TI  - Enhanced microalgal biomass and lipid production from a consortium of indigenous
      microalgae and bacteria present in municipal wastewater under gradually
      mixotrophic culture conditions.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the influences of gradually mixotrophic
      culture conditions on microalgal biomass and lipid production by a consortium of
      indigenous microalgae and bacteria present in raw municipal wastewater. Lab-scale
      photobioreactors containing the consortium were operated in repeated batch mode.
      Initial cultivation (phase I) was performed using only the municipal wastewater,
      then 10% and 25% of the reactor volumes were replaced with the effluent from a
      sewage sludge fermentation system producing volatile fatty acids (SSFV) at the
      beginnings of phase II and phase III, respectively. The highest biomass
      productivity (117.1+/-2.7mg/L/d) was attained during phase II, but the lipid
      productivity (17.2+/-0.2mg/L/d) was attained during phase III. The increase in
      the effluent from the SSFV influenced microalgal diversity with a preference for
      Chlorella sp., but bacterial diversity increased significantly during phase III.

PMID- 28081528
TI  - Rapid Decrease in Populations of Wild Ring-Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta) in
      Madagascar.
AB  - Lemurs are the most threatened group of mammals on earth. Lemur catta (ring
      tailed lemur) represents one of the most iconic lemur species and faces numerous
      anthropogenic threats in the wild. In this study, we present population estimates
      from 32 sites across the range of L. catta, collected from primary and secondary
      data sources, to assess the number of ring-tailed lemurs left in the wild. We
      estimate that there are approximately 2,220 individual L. catta remaining in the
      32 sites considered. We note local extinctions of populations of L. catta in at
      least 12 of the 32 sites examined, and that significantly more extinctions
      occurred in areas without some form of protection. This decrease in extant
      populations could represent a decrease of more than 95% of all ring-tailed lemurs
      in Madagascar since the year 2000. While these results should be considered
      preliminary, we stress the rapid decline of the species and note that habitat
      loss, bushmeat hunting and the illegal pet trade are driving populations to local
      extinction. Based on the data presented here, urgent and immediate funding and
      conservation action are crucial to ensure the viability of the remaining wild
      populations of ring-tailed lemurs.

PMID- 28081529
TI  - Zika Virus-Induced Microcephaly and Its Possible Molecular Mechanism.
AB  - Zika virus is an arthropod-borne re-emerging pathogen associated with the global
      pandemic of 2015-2016. The devastating effect of Zika viral infection is
      reflected by its neurological manifestations such as microcephaly in newborns.
      This scenario evoked our interest to uncover the neurotropic localization,
      multiplication of the virus, and the mechanism of microcephaly. The present
      report provides an overview of a possible molecular mechanism of Zika virus
      induced microcephaly based on recent publications. Transplacental transmission of
      Zika viral infection from mother to foetus during the first trimester of
      pregnancy results in propagation of the virus in human neural progenitor cells
      (hNPCs), where entry is facilitated by the receptor (AXL protein) leading to the
      alteration of signalling and immune pathways in host cells. Further modification
      of the viral-induced TLR3-mediated immune network in the infected hNPCs affects
      viral replication. Downregulation of neurogenesis and upregulation of apoptosis
      in hNPCs leads to cell cycle arrest and death of the developing neurons. In
      addition, it is likely that the environmental, physiological, immunological, and
      genetic factors that determine in utero transmission of Zika virus are also
      involved in neurotropism. Despite the global concern regarding the Zika-mediated
      epidemic, the precise molecular mechanism of neuropathogenesis remains elusive.

PMID- 28081530
TI  - Antipathy of Trichoderma against Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.: Evaluation of Cell
      Wall-Degrading Enzymatic Activities and Molecular Diversity Analysis of
      Antagonists.
AB  - The fungus Trichoderma is a teleomorph of the Hypocrea genus and associated with
      biological control of plant diseases. The microscopic, biochemical, and molecular
      characterization of Trichoderma was carried out and evaluated for in vitro
      antagonistic activity against the fungal pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii causing stem
      rot disease in groundnut. In total, 11 isolates of Trichoderma were examined for
      antagonism at 6 and 12 days after inoculation (DAI). Out of 11, T. virens NBAII
      Tvs12 evidenced the highest (87.91%) growth inhibition of the test pathogen
      followed by T. koningii MTCC 796 (67.03%), T. viride NBAII Tv23 (63.74%), and T.
      harzianum NBAII Th1 (60.44%). Strong mycoparasitism was observed in the best
      antagonist Tvs12 strain during 6-12 DAI. The specific activity of cell wall
      degrading enzymes - chitinase and beta-1,3-glucanase - was positively correlated
      with growth inhibition of the test pathogen. In total, 18 simple sequence repeat
      (SSR) polymorphisms were reported to amplify 202 alleles across 11 Trichoderma
      isolates. The average polymorphism information content for SSR markers was found
      to be 0.80. The best antagonist Tvs 12 was identified with 7 unique SSR alleles
      amplified by 5 SSR markers. Clustering patterns of 11 Trichoderma strains showed
      the best antagonist T. virens NBAII Tvs 12 outgrouped with a minimum 3%
      similarity from the rest of Trichoderma.

PMID- 28081531
TI  - Viral Nucleic Acids in the Serum Are Dependent on Blood Sampling Site in Patients
      with Clinical Suspicion of Myocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The meaning of viral nucleic acids in the myocardium in many cases is
      difficult for clinical interpretation, whereas the presence of viral nucleic
      acids in the serum is a marker of active infection. We determined the diagnostic
      value of viral nucleic acids in ventricular serum and peripheral serum samples in
      comparison with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) specimens in patients with clinically
      suspected myocarditis. METHODS: The viral nucleic acid evaluation was performed
      in serum samples and EMB specimens by real-time PCR in 70 patients (age: 47 +/-
      16 years). The biopsy specimens were examined by histo- and immunohistochemistry
      to detect inflammatory response. RESULTS: The viral nucleic acids were detected
      in ventricular and peripheral serum, and EMB samples of 10 (14%), 14 (20%), and
      32 (46%) patients, respectively. Notably, viral nucleic acids of the same virus
      as in the EMB sample were present more often in ventricular than in peripheral
      serum (60 vs. 7%, p = 0.01). A significant concurrence was observed between the
      positive and the negative results of viral nucleic acids present in EMB and
      ventricular serum (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The detection of the same viral
      nucleic acid type in the myocardium and in ventricular serum being significantly
      more frequent than in the peripheral serum may suggest that the site of the blood
      collection is important for more precise and reliable confirmation of the active
      viral replication in the heart.

PMID- 28081532
TI  - Cardiovascular Events in Moderately to Severely Obese Obstructive Sleep Apnea
      Patients on Positive Airway Pressure Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In moderately to severely obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea
      (OSA), the effects of long-term positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment on
      cardiovascular risk are poorly defined. PURPOSE: To assess the effect of
      continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on
      the occurrence of cardiovascular events in obese OSA patients. METHODS: We
      performed a noninterventional observational study in obese OSA patients recruited
      between 2007 and 2010 at the Sleep Center, University of Grenoble, treated with
      CPAP or NIV, and followed for 5.6 years by a single home care provider. Baseline
      clinical characteristics, blood chemistry, and respiratory and vascular function
      were assessed. Incident cardiovascular events were investigated by phone
      interviews. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients (55 men, 48 women; age and body mass
      index [BMI] at diagnosis 54.1 +/- 10.5 years and 40.3 +/- 5.5, respectively [mean
      +/- standard deviation]; CPAP: n = 75; NIV: n = 28) agreed to participate in the
      study. Grade I, II, and III obesity occurred in 17.5, 33.0, and 49.5% of the
      sample, respectively. In patients using PAP treatment (n = 69), the mean nightly
      use was 6.3 +/- 2.4 h. Thirty-one patients stopped PAP treatment during follow
      up. Three patients on NIV died. Nonfatal cardiovascular events (n = 27) occurred
      in 19 patients, who were older and showed higher number of comorbidities and
      triglyceride levels than patients without events. In the patients who interrupted
      treatment, the event rate was high and increased with the number of
      comorbidities, while BMI at baseline did not predict events. CONCLUSIONS: The
      study suggests that regular PAP treatment may be associated with protection
      against cardiovascular risk in obese OSA patients, especially in the presence of
      multiple comorbidities.

PMID- 28081534
TI  - Enhanced Auditory Sensitivity to Body Vibrations in Superior Canal Dehiscence
      Syndrome.
AB  - A key feature of superior canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome is supranormal hearing
      of body sounds. The aim of the present study was to quantify this phenomenon and
      to ascertain whether auditory sensitivity to body vibrations can distinguish SCD
      patients. Hearing thresholds in response to vibration at the vertex, at the
      spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra, and at the medial malleolus were
      tested in 10 SCD patients and 10 controls. Both patients and controls had insert
      earphones in both ears. The insert in the test ear was blocked while masking was
      presented to the other ear. Vibration in the frequency range of 125-1,000 Hz was
      presented to each of the 3 stimulation sites. The SCD patients were found to have
      significantly lower hearing thresholds compared with controls. The two study
      groups reacted differently with respect to frequency. The SCD patients showed an
      enhanced sensitivity for the lower stimulus frequencies. The difference was,
      however, rather independent of stimulus presentation site. The findings suggest
      that hearing thresholds in response to low-frequency body vibration at sites
      distant from the ears can distinguish SCD patients. The present findings may also
      support the idea that auditory sensation to body vibrations is a response related
      to soft tissue conduction.

PMID- 28081533
TI  - EEG Monitoring Technique Influences the Management of Hypoxic-Ischemic Seizures
      in Neonates Undergoing Therapeutic Hypothermia.
AB  - Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring techniques for neonatal hypoxia-ischemia
      (HI) are evolving over time, and the specific type of EEG utilized could
      influence seizure diagnosis and management. We examined whether the type of EEG
      performed affected seizure treatment decisions (e.g., the choice and number of
      antiseizure drugs [ASDs]) in therapeutic hypothermia-treated neonates with HI
      from 2007 to 2015 in the Johns Hopkins Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
      During this period, 3 different EEG monitoring protocols were utilized: Period 1
      (2007-2009), single, brief conventional EEG (1 h duration) at a variable time
      during therapeutic hypothermia treatment, i.e., ordered when a seizure was
      suspected; Period 2 (2009-2013), single, brief conventional EEG followed by
      amplitude-integrated EEG for the duration of therapeutic hypothermia treatment
      and another brief conventional EEG after rewarming; and Period 3 (2014-2015),
      continuous video-EEG (cEEG) for the duration of therapeutic hypothermia treatment
      (72 h) plus for an additional 12 h during and after rewarming. One hundred and
      sixty-two newborns were included in this retrospective cohort study. As a
      function of the type and duration of EEG monitoring, we assessed the risk
      (likelihood) of receiving no ASD, at least 1 ASD, or >=2 ASDs. We found that the
      risk of a neonate being prescribed an ASD was 46% less during Period 3 (cEEG)
      than during Period 1 (brief conventional EEG only) (95% CI 6-69%, p = 0.03).
      After adjusting for initial EEG and MRI results, compared with Period 1, there
      was a 38% lower risk of receiving an ASD during Period 2 (95% CI: 9-58%, p =
      0.02) and a 67% lower risk during Period 3 (95% CI: 23-86%, p = 0.01). The risk
      ratio of receiving >=2 ASDs was not significantly different across the 3 periods.
      In conclusion, in addition to the higher sensitivity and specificity of
      continuous video-EEG monitoring, fewer infants are prescribed an ASD when
      undergoing continuous forms of EEG monitoring (aEEG or cEEG) than those receiving
      conventional EEG. We recommend that use of continuous video-EEG be considered
      whenever possible, both to treat seizures more specifically and to avoid
      overtreatment.

PMID- 28081535
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion of Recombinant Human
      Gonadotropins for Congenital Micropenis during Early Infancy?.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early postnatal administration of gonadotropins to infants with
      congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can mimic minipuberty, thereby
      increasing penile growth. We assessed the effects of gonadotropin infusion on
      stretched penile length (SPL) and hormone levels in infants with congenital
      micropenis. METHODS: Single-center study including 6 males with micropenis in
      case of isolated CHH (n = 4), panhypopituitarism (n = 1), and partial androgen
      insensitivity syndrome (PAIS; n = 1). Patients were evaluated at baseline,
      monthly and at the end of the study through a clinical examination (SPL,
      testicular position and size), serum hormone assays (testosterone, luteinizing
      hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, anti-Mullerian hormone [AMH]),
      and ultrasound of penis/testes. RESULTS: In CHH, significant increases occurred
      in serum testosterone (from undetectable level to 3.5 +/- 4.06 ng/mL [12.15 +/-
      14.09 nmol/L]), SPL (from 13.8 +/- 4.5 to 42.6 +/- 5 mm; p < 0.0001), inhibin B
      (from 94.8 +/- 74.9 to 469.4 +/- 282.5 pg/mL, p = 0.04), and AMH (from 49.6 +/-
      30.6 to 142 +/- 76.5 ng/mL, p = 0.03). Micropenis was corrected in all patients,
      except one. On treatment, in the patient with PAIS, SPL was increased from 13 to
      38 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Early gonadotropin infusion is a safe, well-tolerated and
      effective treatment. The effect in PAIS has not been reported previously. Long
      term follow-up is needed to assess the impact, if any, on future fertility and
      reproduction.?.

PMID- 28081536
TI  - WT1 Haploinsufficiency Supports Milder Renal Manifestation in Two Patients with
      Denys-Drash Syndrome.
AB  - Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) is characterized by nephropathy, genital
      abnormalities, and predisposition to Wilms' tumor. DDS patients usually present
      heterozygous de novo germline WT1 mutations. The WT1 gene comprises 10 exons
      encoding the N-terminal transactivation and the C-terminal DNA-binding regions.
      Two unrelated patients with genital ambiguity and Wilms' tumor were analyzed by
      sequencing of the WT1 gene, and 3 mutations in exon 1 were identified of which 2
      are novel. Patient 1 carried a c.555delC mutation that causes a frameshift and a
      premature stop codon. Patient 2 carried both c.421A>C and c.424C>T aberrations
      that lead to the missense p.Lys141Gln and the nonsense p.Lys142* mutation,
      respectively. As both patients were heterozygous for the mutations, we tested
      their parents who did not carry any mutation. Therefore, the 3 WT1 mutations
      occurred de novo in both patients. Heterozygous mutations result in WT1
      haploinsufficiency as they impair protein production. They are associated with a
      milder DDS phenotype as observed in the patients studied here.

PMID- 28081537
TI  - Impact of disease stage and aetiology on survival in hepatocellular carcinoma:
      implications for surveillance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Variation in survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been
      attributed to different aetiologies or disease stages at presentation. While
      international guidelines recommend surveillance of high-risk groups to permit
      early diagnosis and curative treatment, the evidence that surveillance decreases
      disease-specific mortality is weak. METHODS: We compared HCC survival figures
      from Japan (n=1174) and Hong Kong (n=1675) over similar time periods (Japan 2000
      2013, Hong Kong, China 2003-2014). The former has an intensive national
      surveillance programme, while the latter has none. We also analysed changes in
      survival in Japan over a 50-year period including data from before and after
      institution of a national HCC surveillance programme. RESULTS: In Japan, over 75%
      of cases are currently detected by surveillance, whereas in Hong Kong <20% of
      cases are detected presymptomatically. Median survival was 52 months in Japan and
      17.8 months in Hong Kong; this survival advantage persisted after allowance for
      lead-time bias. Sixty-two per cent of Japanese patients had early disease at
      diagnosis and 63% received curative treatment. The comparable figures for Hong
      Kong were 31.7% and 44.1%, respectively. These differences could not be accounted
      for by disease aetiology, and patients in Hong Kong who were detected at an early
      stage had a similar survival to the analogous patients in Japan. CONCLUSIONS: The
      variation in survival is largely accounted for by stage at diagnosis, which in
      turn relates to the intensity of surveillance programmes and the consequent
      variation in curative therapeutic options.

PMID- 28081538
TI  - Testing breast cancer serum biomarkers for early detection and prognosis in pre
      diagnosis samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality
      worldwide. Although mammography screening is available, there is an ongoing
      interest in improved early detection and prognosis. Herein, we have analysed a
      combination of serological biomarkers in a case-control cohort of sera taken
      before diagnosis. METHODS: This nested case-control study within the UK
      Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) used serum samples from
      239 women who subsequently developed breast cancer and 239 matched cancer-free
      controls. Sera were screened by ELISA for 9 candidate markers. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses were performed to examine associations with clinico
      pathological features and between case controls in different time groups before
      diagnosis. RESULTS: Significant associations with clinico-pathological features
      related to prognosis were found for several candidates (CA15-3, HSP90A and PAI
      1). However, there were no consistent differences between cases and controls for
      any candidate in the lead up to diagnosis. Whilst combination models outperformed
      single markers, there was no increase in performance towards diagnosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study using unique pre-diagnosis samples shows that CA15-3,
      HSP90A and PAI-1 have potential as early prognostic markers and warrant further
      investigation. However, none of the candidates or combinations would be useful
      for screening.

PMID- 28081539
TI  - Regulation of anoikis resistance by NADPH oxidase 4 and epidermal growth factor
      receptor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Normal cells are sensitive to anoikis, which is a cell detachment
      induced apoptosis. However, cancer cells acquire anoikis resistance that is
      essential for successful metastasis. This study aimed to demonstrate the function
      and potential mechanism of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and EGFR activation in
      regulating anoikis resistance in lung cancer. METHODS: Cells were cultured either
      in the attached or suspended condition. Cell viability was measured by cell
      counting and live and dead cell staining. Expression levels of NOX4 and EGFR were
      measured by PCR and immunoblotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were
      measured by flow cytometry. Effects of NOX4 overexpression or NOX4 knockdown by
      si-NOX4 on anoikis sensitivity were explored. Levels of NOX4 and EGFR in lung
      cancer tissues were evaluated by IHC staining. RESULTS: NOX4 was upregulated but
      EGFR decreased in suspended cells compared with attached cells. Accordingly, ROS
      levels were increased in suspended cells, resulting in the activation of Src and
      EGFR. NOX4 knockdown decreased activation of Src and EGFR, and thus sensitised
      cells to anoikis. NOX4 overexpression increased EGFR levels and attenuated
      anoikis. NOX4 expression is upregulated and is positively correlated with EGFR
      levels in the lung cancer patient tissues. CONCLUSIONS: NOX4 upregulation confers
      anoikis resistance by ROS-mediated activation of EGFR and Src, and by maintaining
      EGFR levels, which is critical for cell survival.

PMID- 28081540
TI  - Efficacy of fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary
      tract cancer after failure of gemcitabine plus cisplatin: retrospective analysis
      of 321 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the efficacy of second-line fluoropyrimidine-based
      chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) after failure
      of gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GEMCIS). METHODS: We retrospectively examined
      patients with histologically documented advanced BTC who received first-line
      GEMCIS between December 2010 and June 2015. Among 748 patients treated with first
      line GEMCIS, 321 (43%) subsequently received fluoropyrimidine-based second-line
      systemic chemotherapy. RESULTS: Fluoropyrimidine monotherapy and fluoropyrimidine
      platinum combination were used in 255 and 66 patients, respectively. In patients
      with measurable disease, the overall response rate (ORR) was 3% and disease
      control rate was 47%. After a median follow-up of 27.6 months (range, 0.9-70.4
      months), the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)
      were 1.9 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6-2.2) and 6.5 months (95% CI,
      5.9-7.0), respectively. The ORR was significantly higher in patients who received
      fluoropyrimidine-platinum combination compared with those who received
      fluoropyrimidine alone (8 vs 1%, P=0.009), although the PFS (P=0.43) and OS
      (P=0.88) did not significantly differ between these groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy was modestly effective as a second-line
      chemotherapy for advanced BTC patients after failure of GEMCIS. Fluoropyrimidine
      platinum combination therapy was not associated with improved survival outcomes,
      as compared with fluoropyrimidine monotherapy.

PMID- 28081542
TI  - Galectin-1 has potential prognostic significance and is implicated in clear cell
      renal cell carcinoma progression through the HIF/mTOR signaling axis.

PMID- 28081541
TI  - Circular RNA 0000096 affects cell growth and migration in gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs broadly
      expressed in cells of various species. Their role in cancers, especially in
      gastric cancer, is poorly understood. METHODS: Circular RNA 0000096
      (hsa_circ_0000096) levels in 101 paired gastric cancer tissues and adjacent non
      tumorous tissues from patients with gastric cancer were detected by real-time
      quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A receiver
      operating characteristic curve was generated to evaluate the diagnostic value of
      hsa_circ_0000096. RNA interference was used to manipulate the expression of
      hsa_circ_0000096. Its biological effects were evaluated by flow cytometry, real
      time cell analysis, a wound scratch assay, western blot analysis and xenograft
      models. RESULTS: Hsa_circ_0000096 was found to be significantly downregulated in
      gastric cancer tissues and gastric cancer cell lines compared with paired
      adjacent non-tumorous tissues and normal gastric epithelial cells (P<0.001).
      Moreover, knockdown of hsa_circ_0000096 significantly inhibited cell
      proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. The results of both
      immunohistochemical and western blot analyses showed that the protein levels of
      cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), matrix metalloproteinase-2 and MMP-9
      were significantly reduced in vitro and in vivo. A gastric cancer xenograft nude
      mouse model indicated that Ki67 and VEGF were reduced in a dose-dependent manner
      following knockdown of hsa_circ_0000096. However, the expression of E-cadherin
      increased. CONCLUSIONS: Hsa_circ_0000096 may be used as a potential novel
      biomarker for gastric cancer. It affects gastric cancer cell growth and migration
      by regulating cyclin D1, CDK6, MMP-2 and MMP-9.

PMID- 28081543
TI  - Randomised phase II trial of irinotecan plus S-1 in patients with gemcitabine
      refractory pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of irinotecan/S-1 (IRIS)
      therapy with S-1 monotherapy in patients with gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic
      cancer. METHODS: Patients were treated with oral S-1 (80-120 mg for 14 days every
      4 weeks) plus intravenous irinotecan (100 mg m-2 on days 1 and 15 every 4 weeks;
      IRIS group) or oral S-1 group (80-120 mg daily for 28 days every 6 weeks). The
      primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Of 137 patients
      enrolled, 127 were eligible for efficacy. The median PFS in the IRIS group and S
      1 monotherapy group were 3.5 and 1.9 months, respectively (hazard ratio
      (HR)=0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.53-1.11; P=0.18), while the median
      overall survival (OS) were 6.8 and 5.8 months, respectively (HR=0.75; 95% CI,
      0.51-1.09; P=0.13). Response rate was significantly higher in the IRIS group than
      in the S-1 monotherapy group (18.3% vs 6.0%, P=0.03). Grade 3 or higher
      neutropenia and anorexia occurred more frequently in the IRIS group. CONCLUSIONS:
      There was a trend for better PFS and OS in the IRIS group that could be a
      treatment arm in the clinical trials for gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic
      cancer.

PMID- 28081544
TI  - Nomogram to predict pathologic complete response in HER2-positive breast cancer
      treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with improved
      survival outcomes in patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer. We
      developed a nomogram to predict the probability of pCR rates by using oestrogen
      receptor (ER) expression, progesterone receptor (PR) expression and HER2/CEP17
      ratio as continuous variables. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with
      stages I-III HER2-positive invasive breast cancer who had definitive surgery in
      1999-2015 and received neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST). Multivariate logistic
      regression models were applied to assess the effect of variables on pCR. A
      nomogram was built to estimate the probability of pCR. The discriminative ability
      was estimated by the concordance index (C-index). The accuracy was assessed
      graphically with a calibration curve. RESULTS: A total of 793 patients were
      included in the analysis. Low ER expression (P<0.001), high HER2/CEP12 ratio
      (P=0.03), and non-inflammatory breast cancer subtype (P=0.003) were associated
      with increased pCR rates. Regimens containing trastuzumab or trastuzumab and
      pertuzumab were associated with higher pCR rates than cytotoxic agents alone
      (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The C-index was 0.69. The calibration curve
      showed good agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Our nomogram predicted the pCR rate after NST
      among patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer using clinicopathologic
      factors.

PMID- 28081545
TI  - Mathematical optimisation of the cisplatin plus etoposide combination for
      managing extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents one of the most aggressive
      forms of lung cancer. Despite the fair sensitivity of SCLC to chemotherapy and
      radiotherapy, the current standard treatment regimens have modest survival rates
      and are associated with potential life-threatening adverse events. Therefore,
      research into new optimised regimens that increase drug efficacy while respecting
      toxicity constraints is of primary importance. METHODS: A PK/PD model for the
      combination of cisplatin and etoposide to treat extensive-stage SCLC patients was
      generated. The model takes into consideration both the efficacy of the drugs and
      their haematological toxicity. Using optimisation techniques, the model can be
      used to propose new regimens. RESULTS: Three new regimens with varying timing for
      combining cisplatin and etoposide have been generated that respect haematological
      toxicity constraints and achieve better or similar tumour regression. The
      proposed regimens are: (1) Protocol OP1: etoposide 80 mg m-2 over 1 h D1,
      followed by a long infusion 12 h later (over 3 days) of 160 mg m-2 plus cisplatin
      80 mg m-2 over 1 h D1, D1-D1 21 days; (2) Protocol OP2: etoposide 80 mg m-2 over
      1 h D1, followed by a long infusion 12 h later (over 4 days) of 300 mg m-2 plus
      cisplatin 100 mg m-2 over 1 h D1, D1-D1 21 days; and (3) Protocol OP3: etoposide
      40 mg m-2 over 1 h, followed by a long infusion 6 h later (3 days) of 105 mg m-2
      plus cisplatin 50 mg m-2 over 1 h, D1-D1 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: Mathematical
      modelling can help optimise the design of new cisplatin plus etoposide regimens
      for managing extensive-stage SCLC patients.

PMID- 28081546
TI  - Advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma outcomes with transition from devolved to
      centralised care in a regional Cancer Centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous observations suggest suboptimal 'real world' survival
      outcomes for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We hypothesized that
      centralisation of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma management would improve
      chemotherapy treatment and survival from the disease. METHODS: The data was
      prospectively collected on all cases of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma
      reviewed through Clatterbridge Cancer Centre according to two groups; 1 October
      2009-31st Dec 2010 (devolved care) or 1 January 2013-31 March 2014 (centralised
      care). Analysis included treatment received, 30-day chemotherapy mortality rate
      and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: More patients received chemotherapy with
      central care (67.0% (n=115) vs 43.0% (n=121); P=2.2 * 10-4) with no difference in
      30-day mortality (20.8% vs 25%; P=0.573) but reduced time to commencement of
      chemotherapy (18 vs 28 days, P=1.0 * 10-3). More patients received second-line
      chemotherapy with central care (23.4% vs 1.9%, P=1.4 * 10-4), while OS was
      significantly increased with central care (median: Five vs three months, HR
      0.785, P=0.045). Exploratory analysis suggested that it was those with a poorer
      performance status, elderly or with metastatic disease who benefited the most
      from transition to central care. CONCLUSIONS: A centralised clinic model for
      advanced pancreatic cancer management resulted in prompt, safe and higher use of
      chemotherapy compared with devolved care. This was associated with a modest
      survival benefit. Prospective studies are required to validate the findings
      reported and the basis for improved survival with centralised care.

PMID- 28081547
TI  - Diagnosis of pancreaticobiliary malignancy by detection of minichromosome
      maintenance protein 5 in biliary brush cytology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biliary brush cytology is the standard method of evaluating biliary
      strictures, but is insensitive at detecting malignancy. In pancreaticobiliary
      cancer minichromosome maintenance replication proteins (MCM 2-7) are dysregulated
      in the biliary epithelium and MCM5 levels are elevated in bile samples. This
      study aimed to validate an immunocolorimetric ELISA assay for MCM5 as a
      pancreaticobiliary cancer biomarker in biliary brush samples. METHODS: Biliary
      brush specimens were collected prospectively at ERCP from patients with a biliary
      stricture. Collected samples were frozen at -80  degrees C. The supernatant was
      washed and lysed cells incubated with HRP-labelled anti-MCM5 mouse monoclonal
      antibody. Test positivity was determined by optical density absorbance. Patients
      underwent biliary brush cytology or additional investigations as per clinical
      routine. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were included in the study; 50 had
      malignant strictures. Median age was 65 years (range 21-94) and 51 were male.
      Compared with final diagnosis the MCM5 assay had a sensitivity for malignancy of
      65.4% compared with 25.0% for cytology. In the 72 patients with paired MCM5 assay
      and biliary brush cytology, MCM5 demonstrated an improved sensitivity (55.6% vs
      25.0%; P=0.0002) for the detection of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Minichromosome
      maintenance replication protein5 is a more sensitive indicator of
      pancreaticobiliary malignancy than standard biliary brush cytology.

PMID- 28081548
TI  - Serum LDH predicts benefit from bevacizumab beyond progression in metastatic
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different antiangiogenics are currently indicated in the second-line
      treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), following a first-line
      bevacizumab-containing treatment. The magnitude of benefit is limited, but no
      predictors of benefit have been identified. METHODS: A total of 184 mCRC patients
      progressing to a first-line bevacizumab-containing treatment were randomised in
      the BEBYP study to continue or not the antiangiogenic in combination with a
      second-line chemotherapy. A subgroup analysis according to baseline serum lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) levels was carried out. RESULTS: A significant interaction
      effect between LDH levels and treatment was found in terms of progression-free
      survival (PFS; P=0.002). Although patients with low LDH levels achieved
      significant PFS benefit from the continuation of bevacizumab (HR: 0.39 (95% CI:
      0.23-0.65)), patients with high levels did not (HR: 1.10 (95% CI: 0.74-1.64)).
      Consistent results were reported in overall survival (OS; P=0.075). CONCLUSIONS:
      As preclinical evidence suggests that serum LDH may be a marker of tumour
      angiogenesis activation, low levels may indicate that bevacizumab is still
      efficacious in inhibiting angiogenesis. Validation of present results in subgroup
      analyses of other randomised trials of second-line angiogenesis inhibitors is
      warranted.

PMID- 28081549
TI  - MicroRNA promoter methylation: a new tool for accurate detection of urothelial
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common cancer affecting the
      urinary system, worldwide. Lack of accurate early detection tools entails delayed
      diagnosis, precluding more efficient and timely treatment. In a previous study,
      we found that miR-129-2 and miR-663a were differentially methylated in UC
      compared with other genitourinary tract malignancies. Here, we evaluated the
      diagnostic performance of those microRNAs in urine. METHODS: Promoter methylation
      levels of miR-129-2 and miR-663a were assessed, using real-time quantitative
      methylation-specific PCR, in UC tissue samples (using normal urothelium as
      control) and, subsequently, in urine samples from UC and other genitourinary
      malignancies. Diagnostic and prognostic performances were evaluated by receiver
      operator characteristics curve and survival analyses, respectively. RESULTS:
      Promoter methylation levels of both microRNAs were significantly higher in UC
      tissue samples compared with normal urothelium. In urine, the assay was able to
      distinguish UC from other genitourinary tract carcinomas with 87.7% sensitivity
      and 84% specificity, resulting in 85.85% overall accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: This
      panel of miRNAs promoter methylation accurately detects UC in urine, comparing
      well with other promising epigenetic-based biomarkers. This may constitute the
      basis for a non-invasive assay to detect UC.

PMID- 28081550
TI  - Ninth grade school performance in Danish childhood cancer survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer survivors can experience learning problems resulting
      in lower-than-expected attained education as adults. It is unclear whether
      learning problems manifest already during adolescence. METHODS: We analysed
      nationwide Danish registries on school grades for Danish children during 2001
      2014. Applying a matched design we compared grades of childhood cancer survivors
      to children without cancer at ninth grade. We estimated grade differences by
      subject and its correlation to cancer site and age at diagnosis. The available
      statistical precision allowed for an analysis of more rare cancer sites. RESULTS:
      The total study population was 793 332 children (mean age 15.24 years and 49.7%
      girls), of whom 1320 were childhood cancer survivors. Lower rank grades were seen
      in children with cancer in all school subjects but differed substantially
      according to cancer site. Most affected were survivors of central nervous system
      (CNS) tumours, neuroblastoma, lymphoma, leukaemia, other malignant neoplasm and
      germ-cell tumours. Survivors from other cancer types did not obtain lower grades.
      Lower rank grades were associated with young age at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The
      effect of childhood cancer differed substantially between cancer sites. The
      largest effect was among survivors of CNS tumours and leukaemia diagnosed at a
      young age, suggesting an association with radiation therapy. However, the
      majority of cancer survivors fare well. Increasing awareness on children affected
      by cancer and special accommodations may help maximise the learning potential of
      those most affected.

PMID- 28081551
TI  - Time for the New Zealand government to ban alcohol advertising and sponsorship in
      sport.

PMID- 28081552
TI  - Demographic and psychological correlates of New Zealanders support for
      euthanasia.
AB  - AIMS: To explore the distribution of New Zealanders' support towards the
      legalisation of euthanasia and examine demographic and psychological factors
      associated with these attitudes. METHODS: 15,822 participants responded to the
      2014/15 New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (NZAVS) survey. This survey
      included an item on people's attitudes towards euthanasia, and information on
      their demographic and psychological characteristics. RESULTS: The majority of New
      Zealanders expressed support for euthanasia, which was assessed by asking
      "Suppose a person has a painful incurable disease. Do you think that doctors
      should be allowed by law to end the patient's life if the patient requests it?"
      Non-religious, liberal, younger, employed, non-parents and those living in rural
      areas were more supportive. Those of Pacific or Asian ethnicity, with lower
      income and higher deprivation, education and socio-economic status were less
      supportive. Furthermore, those high on extraversion, conscientiousness and
      neuroticism showed more support, while those high on agreeableness and honesty
      humility exhibited less support. CONCLUSION: There is strong public support for
      euthanasia when people are asked whether doctors should be allowed by law to end
      the life of a patient with a painful incurable disease upon their request. There
      are reliable demographic and personality differences in support for euthanasia.

PMID- 28081553
TI  - Changes in the age pattern of New Zealand suicide rates.
AB  - AIMS: It is timely to examine changes in male and female suicide rates across the
      age range in New Zealand, comparing them to some of the changes recorded in
      Australia. METHOD: Data regarding suicide and population figures in New Zealand
      and Australia were obtained. The suicide rates of different age-groups in the two
      countries were calculated and compared. Data concerning 'open verdicts' were also
      obtained. RESULTS: The age patterns of suicide rates in New Zealand and Australia
      have changed markedly and similarly. Suicide rates of New Zealand males in their
      twenties increased threefold between the 1960s and 1990s, with a fall since then.
      Nevertheless, the 2009-13 youth suicide rates in New Zealand were double the
      corresponding rates in Australia. Since 1979-88 a decrease in suicide rates of
      men and women aged 60-79 has been even greater than in Australia. The Maori
      suicide rate is high in young men but almost zero in old age. CONCLUSIONS: The
      persistently high suicide rate of New Zealand youths (Maori much more than non
      Maori) remains of concern. The rate is equally high among indigenous young
      Australians. There has been a welcome decrease in late-life suicide rates in New
      Zealand and Australia.

PMID- 28081554
TI  - Alcohol sponsorship of a summer of sport: a frequency analysis of alcohol
      marketing during major sports events on New Zealand television.
AB  - AIMS: This research aims to assess the nature and extent of alcohol marketing
      through sport sponsorship over a summer of televised sport in New Zealand.
      METHODS: Frequency analysis of New Zealand television broadcasts of five
      international sporting events during the summer of 2014-2015. Broadcasts were
      analysed to identify the percentage of time when alcohol brands were visible
      during game-play. The number of independent alcohol brand exposures was recorded.
      RESULTS: Alcohol brands were observed during every televised event. Audiences
      were exposed to between 1.6 and 3.8 alcohol brand exposures per minute. Alcohol
      brands were visible between 42 and 777 times across the games examined. For three
      out of the five events alcohol brands were visible for almost half of the game.
      CONCLUSION: Alcohol sponsorship was prevalent in international sport on New
      Zealand television. Given the popularity of broadcast sport, especially with
      children, there is an urgent need for regulation of alcohol sponsorship of sport.
      There are viable models of alcohol sponsorship replacement but their
      implementation requires the will of both sporting organisations and politicians.
      This research adds weight to arguments to implement recommendations to remove all
      alcohol sponsorship of sport.

PMID- 28081555
TI  - New Zealand rugby health study: motor cortex excitability in retired elite and
      community level rugby players.
AB  - AIMS: Rugby union is a high contact sport in which players frequently experience
      brain injuries. Acute brain injury is associated with altered corticomotor
      function. However, it is uncertain if long-term exposure to rugby is associated
      with any alterations in corticomotor function. The aim of the study was to assess
      measures of corticomotor excitability and inhibition in retired rugby players in
      comparison to retired non-contact sport players. METHODS: The design was a cross
      sectional study with three groups of retired athletes: elite rugby (n=23),
      community level rugby (n=28) and non-contact sport control (n=22). Assessments of
      corticomotor excitability were made using transcranial magnetic stimulation.
      RESULTS: Resting motor threshold was significantly higher and long-interval
      intracortical inhibition was greater in the elite rugby group compared to the
      control group. Participants in the two rugby groups had sustained significantly
      more concussions than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We provide some evidence of
      altered corticomotor excitation and inhibition in retired elite rugby players in
      comparison to retired non-contact sport players. Given the absence of findings in
      the community rugby group, who had experienced a similar number of concussions,
      the association with previous brain injury is unclear.

PMID- 28081556
TI  - Stressful events and circumstances reported by patients prior to being prescribed
      antidepressants.
AB  - AIMS: This study investigates the extent to which those who receive a
      prescription for antidepressants perceive psychosocial stressors to be
      significant in their difficulties. METHODS: This study draws on a survey of
      adults prescribed antidepressants. It analyses 1,683 responses to an open-ended
      question that enquired about difficult events and circumstances participants
      experienced in the time leading up to receiving an antidepressant prescription.
      RESULTS: Sixty-five percent of respondents described experiencing one or more
      stressful events or circumstances, with 19 % reporting two and 20% reporting
      three or more. The most frequently reported stressors identified by participants
      were categorised as: relationship difficulties (19%), life transitions (19%),
      losses (18%), work related difficulties (15%) and participants' own or others'
      health issues (15%). Other less frequently reported stressors included isolation,
      academic difficulties, abuse and violence and financial difficulties.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings are that stressful life events or circumstances are
      significant for a large number of who are given a prescription for
      antidepressants. It is important for GPs to be aware of significance of these
      psychosocial stressors in their patients' lives and make treatment
      recommendations that address these difficulties. Conclusions need to be
      interpreted in the light of limitations arising from the sampling method.

PMID- 28081557
TI  - Student-led intervention to inNOvate hand hygiene practice in Auckland Region's
      medical students (the No HHARMS study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is important in reducing healthcare-associated
      infections. The World Health Organization has defined 'five moments' when hand
      hygiene compliance is required. During 2013, New Zealand national data showed
      poor compliance with these moments by medical students. AIM: To improve medical
      students' compliance with the five moments. METHODS: In this prospective student
      led quality improvement initiative, student investigators developed, implemented
      and evaluated a multi-modal intervention comprising a three-month social media
      campaign, a competition and an entertaining educational video. Data on individual
      patient-medical student interactions were collected covertly by observers at
      baseline and at one week, six weeks and three months after initiation of the
      intervention. RESULTS: During the campaign, compliance improved in moment 2, but
      not significantly in moments 1, 3, 4 or 5. Statistical analysis of amalgamated
      data was limited by non-independent data points-a consideration apparently not
      always addressed in previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: The initiative produced
      improvements in compliance by medical students with one hand hygiene moment.
      Statistical analysis of amalgamated data for all five moments should allow for
      the non-independence of each occasion in which clinicians interact with a
      patient. More work is needed to ensure excellent hand hygiene practices of future
      doctors.

PMID- 28081558
TI  - Should New Zealand introduce nationwide pulse oximetry screening for the
      detection of critical congenital heart disease in newborn infants?

PMID- 28081559
TI  - An unusual cause of acute appendicitis in New Zealand.

PMID- 28081560
TI  - Renal artery embolisation for uncontrolled hypertension in ESRD.

PMID- 28081561
TI  - A Novel Richardson-Lucy Model with Dictionary Basis and Spatial Regularization
      for Isolating Isotropic Signals.
AB  - Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive imaging method
      that has been increasingly used in neuroscience imaging over the last decade.
      Partial volume effects (PVEs) exist in sampling signal for many physical and
      actual reasons, which lead to inaccurate fiber imaging. We overcome the influence
      of PVEs by separating isotropic signal from diffusion-weighted signal, which can
      provide more accurate estimation of fiber orientations. In this work, we use a
      novel response function (RF) and the correspondent fiber orientation distribution
      function (fODF) to construct different signal models, in which case the fODF is
      represented using dictionary basis function. We then put forward a new index
      Piso, which is a part of fODF to quantify white and gray matter. The classic
      Richardson-Lucy (RL) model is usually used in the field of digital image
      processing to solve the problem of spherical deconvolution caused by highly ill
      posed least-squares algorithm. In this case, we propose an innovative model
      integrating RL model with spatial regularization to settle the suggested double
      models, which improve noise resistance and accuracy of imaging. Experimental
      results of simulated and real data show that the proposal method, which we call
      iRL, can robustly reconstruct a more accurate fODF and the quantitative index
      Piso performs better than fractional anisotropy and general fractional
      anisotropy.

PMID- 28081562
TI  - Male Facial Appearance and Offspring Mortality in Two Traditional Societies.
AB  - It has been hypothesised that facial traits such as masculinity and a healthy
      appearance may indicate heritable qualities in males (e.g. immunocompetence) and
      that, consequently, female preferences for such traits may function to increase
      offspring viability and health. However, the putative link between paternal
      facial features and offspring health has not previously been tested empirically
      in humans. Here we present data from two traditional societies with little or no
      access to modern medicine and family planning technologies. Data on offspring
      number and offspring survival were analysed for the Agta of the Philippines and
      the Maya of Belize, and archive facial photographs were assessed by observers for
      attractiveness and masculinity. While there was no association between
      attractiveness and offspring survival in either population, a quadratic
      relationship was observed between masculinity and offspring survival in both
      populations, such that intermediate levels of masculinity were associated with
      the lowest offspring mortality, with both high and low levels of masculinity
      being associated with increased mortality. Neither attractiveness nor masculinity
      were related to fertility (offspring number) in either population. We consider
      how these data may or may not reconcile with current theories of female
      preferences for masculinity in male faces and argue that further research and
      replication in other traditional societies should be a key priority for the
      field.

PMID- 28081563
TI  - Interactions with Astroglia Influence the Shape of the Developing Dendritic Arbor
      and Restrict Dendrite Growth Independent of Promoting Synaptic Contacts.
AB  - Astroglia play key roles in the development of neurons, ranging from regulating
      neuron survival to promoting synapse formation, yet basic questions remain about
      whether astrocytes might be involved in forming the dendritic arbor. Here, we
      used cultured hippocampal neurons as a simple in vitro model that allowed
      dendritic growth and geometry to be analyzed quantitatively under conditions
      where the extent of interactions between neurons and astrocytes varied. When
      astroglia were proximal to neurons, dendrites and dendritic filopodia oriented
      toward them, but the general presence of astroglia significantly reduced overall
      dendrite growth. Further, dendritic arbors in partial physical contact with
      astroglia developed a pronounced pattern of asymmetrical growth, because the
      dendrites in direct contact were significantly smaller than the portion of the
      arbor not in contact. Notably, thrombospondin, the astroglial factor shown
      previously to promote synapse formation, did not inhibit dendritic growth. Thus,
      while astroglia promoted the formation of presynaptic contacts onto dendrites,
      dendritic growth was constrained locally within a developing arbor at sites where
      dendrites contacted astroglia. Taken together, these observations reveal
      influences on spatial orientation of growth as well as influences on
      morphogenesis of the dendritic arbor that have not been previously identified.

PMID- 28081564
TI  - African Non-Human Primates Host Diverse Enteroviruses.
AB  - Enteroviruses (EVs) belong to the family Picornaviridae and are responsible for
      mild to severe diseases in mammals including humans and non-human primates (NHP).
      Simian EVs were first discovered in the 1950s in the Old World Monkeys and
      recently in wild chimpanzee, gorilla and mandrill in Cameroon. In the present
      study, we screened by PCR EVs in 600 fecal samples of wild apes and monkeys that
      were collected at four sites in Gabon. A total of 32 samples were positive for
      EVs (25 from mandrills, 7 from chimpanzees, none from gorillas). The phylogenetic
      analysis of VP1 and VP2 genes showed that EVs identified in chimpanzees were
      members of two human EV species, EV-A and EV-B, and those identified in mandrills
      were members of the human species EV-B and the simian species EV-J. The
      identification of two novel enterovirus types, EV-B112 in a chimpanzee and EV
      B113 in a mandrill, suggests these NHPs could be potential sources of new EV
      types. The identification of EV-B107 and EV90 that were previously found in
      humans indicates cross-species transfers. Also the identification of chimpanzee
      derived EV110 in a mandrill demonstrated a wide host range of this EV. Further
      research of EVs in NHPs would help understanding emergence of new types or
      variants, and evaluating the real risk of cross-species transmission for humans
      as well for NHPs populations.

PMID- 28081565
TI  - Leucine Rich alpha-2 Glycoprotein: A Novel Neutrophil Granule Protein and
      Modulator of Myelopoiesis.
AB  - Leucine-rich alpha2 glycoprotein (LRG1), a serum protein produced by hepatocytes,
      has been implicated in angiogenesis and tumor promotion. Our laboratory
      previously reported the expression of LRG1 in murine myeloid cell lines
      undergoing neutrophilic granulocyte differentiation. However, the presence of
      LRG1 in primary human neutrophils and a role for LRG1 in regulation of
      hematopoiesis have not been previously described. Here we show that LRG1 is
      packaged into the granule compartment of human neutrophils and secreted upon
      neutrophil activation to modulate the microenvironment. Using immunofluorescence
      microscopy and direct biochemical measurements, we demonstrate that LRG1 is
      present in the peroxidase-negative granules of human neutrophils. Exocytosis
      assays indicate that LRG1 is differentially glycosylated in neutrophils, and co
      released with the secondary granule protein lactoferrin. Like LRG1 purified from
      human serum, LRG1 secreted from activated neutrophils also binds cytochrome c. We
      also show that LRG1 antagonizes the inhibitory effects of TGFbeta1 on colony
      growth of human CD34+ cells and myeloid progenitors. Collectively, these data
      invoke an additional role for neutrophils in innate immunity that has not
      previously been reported, and suggest a novel mechanism whereby neutrophils may
      modulate the microenvironment via extracellular release of LRG1.

PMID- 28081566
TI  - A Novel Phytophthora sojae Resistance Rps12 Gene Mapped to a Genomic Region That
      Contains Several Rps Genes.
AB  - Phytophthora sojae Kaufmann and Gerdemann, which causes Phytophthora root rot, is
      a widespread pathogen that limits soybean production worldwide. Development of
      Phytophthora resistant cultivars carrying Phytophthora resistance Rps genes is a
      cost-effective approach in controlling this disease. For this mapping study of a
      novel Rps gene, 290 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) (F7 families) were developed
      by crossing the P. sojae resistant cultivar PI399036 with the P. sojae
      susceptible AR2 line, and were phenotyped for responses to a mixture of three P.
      sojae isolates that overcome most of the known Rps genes. Of these 290 RILs, 130
      were homozygous resistant, 12 heterzygous and segregating for Phytophthora
      resistance, and 148 were recessive homozygous and susceptible. From this
      population, 59 RILs homozygous for Phytophthora sojae resistance and 61
      susceptible to a mixture of P. sojae isolates R17 and Val12-11 or P7074 that
      overcome resistance encoded by known Rps genes mapped to Chromosome 18 were
      selected for mapping novel Rps gene. A single gene accounted for the 1:1
      segregation of resistance and susceptibility among the RILs. The gene encoding
      the Phytophthora resistance mapped to a 5.8 cM interval between the SSR markers
      BARCSOYSSR_18_1840 and Sat_064 located in the lower arm of Chromosome 18. The
      gene is mapped 2.2 cM proximal to the NBSRps4/6-like sequence that was reported
      to co-segregate with the Phytophthora resistance genes Rps4 and Rps6. The gene is
      mapped to a highly recombinogenic, gene-rich genomic region carrying several
      nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR)-like genes. We named this
      novel gene as Rps12, which is expected to be an invaluable resource in breeding
      soybeans for Phytophthora resistance.

PMID- 28081567
TI  - Risk of Rebleeding and Mortality in Cirrhotic Patients with Peptic Ulcer
      Bleeding: A 12-Year Nationwide Cohort Study.
AB  - Although a few studies have investigated the risks of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB)
      in cirrhotic patients, large population-based studies on in-hospital and long
      term reports on recurrent PUB in a cohort of cirrhotic patients are lacking. This
      12-year nationwide cohort study aimed to investigate the risks of in-hospital and
      long-term rebleeding and mortality in cirrhotic patients and to identify possible
      risk factors. Patient data from 1997 to 2008 were extracted from the National
      Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. A total of 15,575 patients who were
      discharged with a diagnosis of PUB were identified after strict exclusions (n =
      2889). Among them, patients with cirrhosis (n = 737) and those with chronic
      hepatitis (n = 1044) were compared to propensity-score matched normal controls at
      a ratio of 1:1. Accumulated in-hospital and long-term follow-up PUB-free survival
      rates were analyzed in patients with cirrhosis, patients with chronic hepatitis,
      and matched controls. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify
      each independent risk factor. Compared with matched controls, patients with
      cirrhosis exhibited a 2.62-fold (95% CI: 1.74-3.92) higher risk of developing in
      hospital rebleeding, but the risk of long-term rebleeding was comparable between
      cirrhotic patients and matched controls (hazard ratio: 1.29, 95% CI: 0.8-2.09).
      On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in in-hospital and long
      term rebleeding between chronic hepatitis patients and matched controls. We
      compared the survival rates of cirrhotic and chronic hepatitis patients to that
      of matched controls. After propensity score matching, both cirrhotic and chronic
      hepatitis patients showed significantly lower survival than the matched controls
      (P < 0.0001 and 0.033, respectively) during the 12-year follow-up period.
      However, in-hospital and long-term rebleeding rates were not significantly
      different between chronic hepatitis patients and matched controls (P = 0.251 and
      0.474, respectively). In conclusion, liver cirrhosis increased health care
      expenses in patients with PUB and these patients exhibited higher recurrent
      bleeding rate than non-cirrhotic patients during hospitalization. Cirrhosis and
      chronic hepatitis are independently associated with an increased long-term
      mortality when compared with patients without liver disease.

PMID- 28081569
TI  - Gender Incongruence of Childhood: Clinical Utility and Stakeholder Agreement with
      the World Health Organization's Proposed ICD-11 Criteria.
AB  - The World Health Organization (WHO) is revising the tenth version of the
      International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10).
      This includes a reconceptualization of the definition and positioning of Gender
      Incongruence of Childhood (GIC). This study aimed to: 1) collect the views of
      transgender individuals and professionals regarding the retention of the
      diagnosis; 2) see if the proposed GIC criteria were acceptable to transgender
      individuals and health care providers; 3) compare results between two countries
      with two different healthcare systems to see if these differences influence
      opinions regarding the GIC diagnosis; and 4) determine whether healthcare
      providers from high-income countries feel that the proposed criteria are
      clinically useful and easy to use. A total of 628 participants were included in
      the study: 284 from the Netherlands (NL; 45.2%), 8 from Flanders (Belgium; 1.3%),
      and 336 (53.5%) from the United Kingdom (UK). Most participants were transgender
      people (or their partners/relatives; TG) (n = 522), 89 participants were
      healthcare providers (HCPs) and 17 were both HCP and TG individuals. Participants
      completed an online survey developed for this study. Overall, the majority
      response from transgender participants (42.9%) was that if the diagnosis would be
      removed from the mental health chapter it should also be removed from the ICD-11
      completely, while 33.6% thought it should remain in the ICD-11. Participants were
      generally satisfied with other aspects of the proposed ICD-11 GIC diagnosis: most
      TG participants (58.4%) thought the term Gender Identity Disorder should change,
      and most thought Gender Incongruence was an improvement (63.0%). Furthermore,
      most participants (76.1%) did not consider GIC to be a psychiatric disorder and
      placement in a separate chapter dealing with Gender and Sexual Health (the
      majority response in the NL and selected by 37.5% of the TG participants overall)
      or as a Z-code (the majority response in the UK and selected by 26.7% of the TG
      participants overall) would be preferable. In the UK, the majority response
      (35.8%) was that narrowing the GIC diagnosis was an improvement, while the NL
      majority response (49.5%) was that this was not an improvement. Although
      generally the results from HCPs were in line with the results from TG
      participants some differences were found. This study suggests that, although in
      an ideal world a diagnosis is not welcomed, several participants felt the
      diagnosis should not be removed. This is likely due to concerns about restricting
      access to reimbursed healthcare. The choice for positioning of a diagnosis of GIC
      within the ICD-11 was as a separate chapter dealing with symptoms and/or
      disorders regarding sexual and gender health. This was the overall first choice
      for NL participants and second choice for UK participants, after the use of a Z
      code. The difference reflects that in the UK, Z-codes carry no negative
      implications for reimbursement of treatment costs. These findings highlight the
      challenges faced by the WHO in their attempt to integrate research findings from
      different countries, with different cultures and healthcare systems in their
      quest to create a manual that is globally applicable.

PMID- 28081568
TI  - Non-Lethal Endotoxin Injection: A Rat Model of Hypercoagulability.
AB  - Systemic inflammation co-activates coagulation, which unchecked culminates in a
      lethal syndrome of multi-organ microvascular thrombosis known as disseminated
      intravascular coagulation (DIC). We studied an endotoxin-induced inflammatory
      state in rats to identify biomarkers of hemostatic imbalance favoring
      hypercoagulability. Intraperitoneal injection of LPS at 15 mg/kg body weight
      resulted in peripheral leukopenia and widespread neutrophilic sequestration
      characteristic of an acute systemic inflammatory response. Early indicators of
      hemostatic pathway activation developed within 4 hours, including increased
      circulating concentrations of procoagulant extracellular vesicles (EVs), EVs
      expressing endothelial cell and platelet membrane markers, and high concentration
      of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and D-dimers. Inflammation persisted throughout the 48-hour
      observation period; however, increases were found in a subset of serum microRNA
      (miRNA) that coincided with gradual resolution of hemostatic protein
      abnormalities and reduction in EV counts. Dose-adjusted LPS treatment in rats
      provides a time-course model to develop biomarker profiles reflecting
      procoagulant imbalance and rebalance under inflammatory conditions.

PMID- 28081570
TI  - The Population Ecology of Technology: An Empirical Study of US Biotechnology
      Patents from 1976 to 2003.
AB  - A detailed understanding of technological change as an evolutionary process is
      currently not well understood. To increase our understanding, we build upon
      theory from organizational ecology to develop a model of endogenous technological
      growth and determine to what extent the pattern of technological growth can be
      attributed to the structural or systemic characteristics of the technology
      itself. Through an empirical investigation of patent data in the biotechnology
      industry from 1976 to 2003, we find that a technology's internal (i.e., density
      and diversity) ecological characteristics have a positive effect on its growth
      rate. The niche's external characteristics of crowding and status have a negative
      effect on its growth rate. Hence, applying theory from organizational ecology
      increases our understanding of technological change as an evolutionary process.
      We discuss the implications of our findings for the study of technological growth
      and evolution, and suggest avenues for further research.

PMID- 28081571
TI  - Robust Inference from Conditional Logistic Regression Applied to Movement and
      Habitat Selection Analysis.
AB  - Conditional logistic regression (CLR) is widely used to analyze habitat selection
      and movement of animals when resource availability changes over space and time.
      Observations used for these analyses are typically autocorrelated, which biases
      model-based variance estimation of CLR parameters. This bias can be corrected
      using generalized estimating equations (GEE), an approach that requires
      partitioning the data into independent clusters. Here we establish the link
      between clustering rules in GEE and their effectiveness to remove statistical
      biases in variance estimation of CLR parameters. The current lack of guidelines
      is such that broad variation in clustering rules can be found among studies
      (e.g., 14-450 clusters) with unknown consequences on the robustness of
      statistical inference. We simulated datasets reflecting conditions typical of
      field studies. Longitudinal data were generated based on several parameters of
      habitat selection with varying strength of autocorrelation and some individuals
      having more observations than others. We then evaluated how changing the number
      of clusters impacted the effectiveness of variance estimators. Simulations
      revealed that 30 clusters were sufficient to get unbiased and relatively precise
      estimates of variance of parameter estimates. The use of destructive sampling to
      increase the number of independent clusters was successful at removing
      statistical bias, but only when observations were temporally autocorrelated and
      the strength of inter-individual heterogeneity was weak. GEE also provided robust
      estimates of variance for different magnitudes of unbalanced datasets. Our
      simulations demonstrate that GEE should be estimated by assigning each individual
      to a cluster when at least 30 animals are followed, or by using destructive
      sampling for studies with fewer individuals having intermediate level of
      behavioural plasticity in selection and temporally autocorrelated observations.
      The simulations provide valuable information to build reliable habitat selection
      and movement models that allow for robustness of statistical inference without
      removing excessive amounts of ecological information.

PMID- 28081573
TI  - [Prostate Carcinoma Mimics Lung Carcinoma: A Case Report].
AB  - A PSA-negative, advanced adenocarcinoma of the prostate is a rare finding.
      Expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) in the tumour in combination
      with a previous medical history of lung adenocarcinoma could complicate the final
      diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, we present the second case of a TTF-1
      positive, acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate.We present the case of a 65-year
      old male with surgically treated lung adenocarcinoma; 3 years later we diagnosed
      adenocarcinoma of the bladder and prostate. Although our initial assumption was
      that the patient had metastatic lung carcinoma in the bladder and prostate, a
      further immune histochemical analysis of the carcinoma with Napsin A, CK7 and
      CK20, along with the evaluation of the clinical manifestations, led us to the
      diagnosis of primary adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

PMID- 28081572
TI  - Exposed Dentin: Influence of Cleaning Procedures and Simulated Pulpal Pressure on
      Bond Strength of a Universal Adhesive System.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare various pre-treatments serving as cleaning procedures of
      dentin on the bond strength of resin composite promoted by a universal adhesive
      system applied either in the absence or presence of simulated pulpal pressure.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prior to application of the adhesive system (Scotchbond
      Universal) and resin composite (Filtek Z250), ground dentin surfaces were given
      one of five pre-treatments either without or with simulated pulpal pressure: 1)
      no pre-treatment, adhesive system in "self-etch" mode, 2) phosphoric acid
      etching, adhesive system in "total-etch" mode, 3) polishing with pumice on
      prophylaxis cup, 4) air abrasion with AIR-FLOW PLUS powder, 5) air abrasion with
      AIR-FLOW PERIO powder; n = 20/group of pre-treatment. After storage (37 degrees
      C, 100% humidity, 24 h), micro shear bond strength was measured and data analyzed
      with parametric ANOVA including Bonferroni-Holm correction for multiple testing
      followed by Student's t tests (significance level: alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The
      ANOVA found type of pre-treatment and simulated pulpal pressure to have no
      significant effect on dentin bond strength. The explorative post-hoc tests showed
      a negative effect of simulated pulpal pressure for phosphoric acid etching
      (adhesive system in "total-etch" mode; p = 0.020), but not for the other four pre
      treatments (all p = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Air abrasion with powders containing
      either erythritol and chlorhexidine (AIR-FLOW PLUS) or glycine (AIR-FLOW PERIO)
      yielded dentin bond strengths similar to no pre-treatment, phosphoric acid
      etching, or polishing with pumice. Simulated pulpal pressure reduced the bond
      strength only when the self-etch adhesive system was used in total-etch mode.

PMID- 28081574
TI  - GSTP1 and CYP2B6 Genetic Polymorphisms and the Risk of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
      in Preterm Neonates.
AB  - Objectives Antioxidant response plays a key role in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
      (BPD) pathogenesis. The glutathione-S-tranferases pi 1 (GSTP1) and cytochrome
      P450 (CYP) detoxification enzymes protect cells from oxidative damage. The aim of
      the study was to investigate whether the A313G GSTP1 and G516T CYP2B6
      inactivating polymorphisms could be associated with BPD susceptibility. Study
      Design To test this hypothesis, we conducted a case-control study enrolled 138
      premature neonates <=32 weeks of gestational age; of the 138, 46 developed BPD
      and 92 did not develop BPD. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from
      neonates' peripheral blood and was used as template for GSTP1 and CYP2B6
      genotyping using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results Our
      report provides evidence for a possible pathogenetic role of the G516T CYP2B6
      polymorphism in BPD susceptibility. Although no differences in the frequencies of
      the GSTP1 variant genotypes were noticed between premature neonates who developed
      BPD and neonates who did not develop BPD, a significantly higher frequency of the
      GSTP1 polymorphism was observed in extremely low birth weight infants. Despite
      the small sample size, it is very interesting the fact that all neonates <=1,000
      g carrying the homozygous mutant GSTP1 genotype developed BPD. Conclusion Our
      results underscore the significance of both CYP2B6 and GSTP1 polymorphisms in
      modulating the risk of BPD.

PMID- 28081575
TI  - What Arthroscopic Skills Need to Be Trained Before Continuing Safe Training in
      the Operating Room?
AB  - The purpose of this study was to generate consensus among experienced surgeons on
      "what skills a resident should possess before continuing safe training in the
      operating room (OR)." An online survey of 65 questions was developed and
      distributed to surgeons in the European community. A total of 216 responded. The
      survey included 15 questions regarding generic and specific skills; 16 on patient
      and tissue manipulation, 11 on knowledge of pathology and 6 on inspection of e
      anatomical structures; 5 methods to prepare residents; and 12 on specific skills
      exercises. The importance of each question (arthroscopic skill) was evaluated
      ranging from 1 (not important at all) to 6 (very important). Chi-square test,
      respondent agreement, and a qualitative ranking method were determined to
      identify the top ranked skills (p < 0.05). The top four of general skills
      considered important were "anatomical knowledge," "tissue manipulation," "spatial
      perception," and "triangulation" (all chi-square test > 134, p < 0.001, all
      excellent agreement > 0.85, and all "high priority" level). The top ranked 2
      specific arthroscopic skills were "portal placement" and "triangulating the tip
      of the probe with a 30-degree scope" (chi-square test > 176, p < 0.001, excellent
      agreement, and assigned high priority). The online survey identified consensus on
      skills that are considered important for a trainee to possess before continuing
      training in the OR. Compared with the Canadian colleagues, the European
      arthroscopy community demonstrated similar ranking.

PMID- 28081576
TI  - The Clinical Characteristics of Obese Patients with Acanthosis Nigricans and Its
      Independent Risk Factors.
AB  - Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk
      factors for acanthosis nigricans (AN) in obese patients. Methods: 80 obese
      patients without AN (OB group) and 128 obese patients with AN (AN group) were
      included in this study. Clinical data for each patients were collected. Serum
      levels of leptin were measured by ELISA. Results: Body mass index (BMI), uric
      acid (UA) levels, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were higher in AN than OB
      (P<0.05). The levels of leptin were significantly higher in AN than OB (P<0.001)
      after adjustment for BMI and gender. In male patients, AN showed lower serum
      levels of testosterone than OB (P<0.001). Multiple Logistic-regression analysis
      demonstrated that UA (OR 4.627, 95%CI 2.443-8.762, P<0.001) and Leptin (OR 4.098,
      95%CI 1.237-13.581, P=0.021) were independent risk factors for AN. In addition,
      low testosterone level was an independent risk factor for AN in male obese
      patients (OR 39.062, 95%CI 5.523-283.808, P<0.001). Conclusions: AN is associated
      with more severe hyperinsulinemia and hyperuricemia in obese patients, as well as
      lower serum testosterone levels in male patients. UA and Leptin were independent
      risk factors for AN in obese patients. Low testosterone may be a valuable
      predictor of AN in male obese patients.

PMID- 28081577
TI  - Can HbA1c be Used to Screen for Glucose Abnormalities Among Adults with Severe
      Mental Illness?
AB  - Aim: Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are highly prevalent among individuals with
      serious mental illness and increased by antipsychotic medication. Although widely
      recommended, many obstacles prevent these patients from obtaining a proper
      screening for dysglycemia. Currently, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting
      glucose, and 2-hour glucose levels from the oral glucose tolerance test are used
      for screening prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to
      investigate if HbA1c could be used as the only screening test among individuals
      with serious mental illness. Methods: Cross sectional study comparing the
      sensitivity of HbA1c, fasting glucose, and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test to
      detect dysglycemias in serious mental illness participants referred for metabolic
      complications. Results: A total of 84 participants (43 female; aged: 38.5+/-12.8
      years; BMI: 35.0+/-6.8 kg/m2) was included. Regarding prediabetes, 44, 44 and 76%
      were identified by HbA1c, fasting glucose, and 2 h- oral glucose tolerance test
      respectively and for type 2 diabetes, 60, 53 and 66% were identified by HbA1c,
      fasting glucose and 2 h-oral glucose tolerance test. The overlap between the 3
      markers was low (8% of participants for prediabetes and 26% for Type 2 diabetes).
      Sensitivity of HbA1c were moderate (range 40-62.5%), while its specificity was
      excellent (92-93%). Conclusion: The present study indicates a low agreement
      between HbA1c, fasting glucose and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. It appears
      that these markers do not identify the same participants. Thus, HbA1c may not be
      used alone to detect all glucose abnormalities among individuals with serious
      mental illness.

PMID- 28081578
TI  - Birth Prevalence of Anorectal Malformations for the Western Cape Province, South
      Africa, 2005 to 2012.
AB  - Introduction Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are a major birth anomaly worldwide.
      South Africa has ethnically and geologically diverse populations. A recent
      publication indicated an increased birth prevalence of ARMs in the Witwatersrand
      referral area between 2005 and 2010. The purpose of this study was to determine
      the birth prevalence of ARM and its various subtypes in the Western Cape referral
      district over an 8-year period. Methods For an 8-year period from January 1,
      2005, to December 31, 2012; retrospective data were collected from the Pediatric
      Surgical Departments of Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Tygerberg
      Children's Hospital, as well as the private sector health registries. The number
      of live births per year for a specific municipal district was obtained from the
      National Department of Health. The chi-square for trend test was used to
      determine statistical significance. Results The birth prevalence for ARM in the
      Western Cape Province (WCP) in 2012 was shown to be 1:5,572 live births
      (1.79/10,000 live births). The West Coast municipality district had the highest
      average birth prevalence rate of 1:3,063 (3.26/10,000) live births for years
      studied. There was a male predominance (1.6:1), the most common ARM was the
      vestibular fistula (19.2%) and in 26% of the patients, there was an initial delay
      in the diagnosis. Conclusion This study has provided some recent data for ARMs
      for the WCP. There was no statistical significant change in the prevalence of
      ARMs over the 8-year period for the WCP as well as in any of the individual six
      municipal health districts (chi2 for trend, p = 0.52). The number of delayed
      diagnosis of ARM is of concern.

PMID- 28081579
TI  - Predicting Full Enteral Feeding in the Postoperative Period in Infants with
      Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.
AB  - Introduction The objective of the study is to examine the factors associated with
      time to achieve full enteral feeding after repair of congenital diaphragmatic
      hernia. Materials and Methods Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were
      retrospectively assessed, and uni- and multivariate Cox regression were performed
      to examine factors predictive of achieving full enteral feeding that was defined
      as time to achieve120 mL/kg/d after surgical repair. Results Of 78 infants, 66
      underwent intervention before hospital discharge. All infants who survived had
      reached full enteral feeding at the time of hospital discharge by a median of 22
      days (range: 2-119 days) after surgery and 10 days (range: 1-91) after initiation
      of postoperative enteral feedings. Independent risk factors associated with a
      longer time to reach full enteral feeding achievement included gastroesophageal
      reflux and days of antibiotics in the postoperative period. Daily stool passage
      preoperatively predicted earlier enteral tolerance. Conclusion Infants who
      survive congenital diaphragmatic hernia generally are able to achieve full
      enteral feedings after surgical repair. A longer time to full feeding is needed
      in the most severe cases, but some specific characteristics can be used to help
      identify patients at higher risk. Although some of these characteristics are
      unavoidable, others including rational antibiotic usage and active
      gastroesophageal reflux prevention and treatment are feasible and may improve
      enteral tolerance.

PMID- 28081580
TI  - Biosynthetic Studies on Acetosellin and Structure Elucidation of a New
      Acetosellin Derivative.
AB  - Natural products from fungi, especially Ascomycota, play a major role in therapy
      and drug discovery. Fungal strains originating from marine habitats offer a new
      avenue for finding unusual molecular skeletons. Here, the marine-derived fungus
      Epicoccum nigrum (strain 749) was found to produce the azaphilonoid compounds
      acetosellin and 5',6'-dihydroxyacetosellin. The latter is a new natural product.
      The biosynthesis of these polyketide-type compounds is intriguing, since two
      polyketide chains are assembled to the final product. Here we performed 13C
      labeling studies on solid cultures to prove this hypothesis for acetosellin
      biosynthesis.

PMID- 28081581
TI  - Differences in Gene Expression and Gene Associations in Epicardial Fat Compared
      to Subcutaneous Fat.
AB  - Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) plays a role in cardiac physiology and may
      contribute to the development of coronary artery disease. Our objective was to
      determine whether there was a significant difference in gene expression in EAT
      compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and to identify potential
      relationships. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched using the key terms "Epicardial
      Adipose Tissue" or "Epicardial Fat" in combination with "RNA", "mRNA", or "gene".
      The entry criteria were studies that presented primary data including expression
      levels of mRNA in human EAT compared with SAT and an expression of variance (SD).
      Genes identified by 2 or more studies were evaluated. Genes that showed
      significant change in expression between EAT and SAT were examined using the Gene
      Functional Classification analytical tool in Database for Annotation,
      Visualization and Integrated Discovery and cross-validated by ToppGene. Seventeen
      genes were identified from 25 studies. Meta-analysis showed that 10 genes
      (ADORA1, adiponectin, AGT, ADM, CATA, IL-1beta, MCP-1, RBP-4, TNF-alpha, UCP-1)
      were significantly different in EAT. Gene Functional Classification analysis
      yielded 23 clusters with significant relationships. The top clusters were focused
      on responses to glucocorticoid stimulus, regulation of apoptosis, cellular ion
      homeostasis, and responses to hormone stimulus. Genetic analysis shows that EAT
      is discretely different from SAT. ADORA1, adiponectin, AGT, ADM, CATA, IL-1beta,
      MCP-1, RBP-4, TNF-alpha, and UCP-1 may play significant roles in the unique
      physiology of EAT and/or its role in pathophysiology, through mechanisms as
      diverse as steroid hormone responses and regulation of apoptosis.

PMID- 28081582
TI  - [Expert Evidence in Whiplash Injury].
AB  - The assessment of cervical spine injuries is not a problem - provided full
      evidence of primary physical damage can be ensured. MRI examinations of the
      cervical spine carried out soon after the accident provide the best evidence. The
      assessment is more difficult if only clinical abnormalities are documented by the
      doctors after the accident in the diagnosis of cervical spine distortion, as
      functional results of this type are not specific and are also common in the
      general population. The legal rules of evidence must be taken into account in the
      summary assessment of the consequences of cervical spine injuries. Testing
      schemes are available which allow structured assessment of cervical spine
      injuries and help to avoid incorrect assessments.

PMID- 28081583
TI  - [Early Results of Adjuvant Topical Treatment of Recurrent Osteomyelitis with
      Absorbable Antibiotic Carriers].
AB  - Background Treatment of musculoskeletal infections principally consists of
      radical surgical debridement and systemic administration of antibiotics.
      Additional local antibiotic therapy is not yet generally established, and lacks
      evidence-based proof of efficacy. Nonetheless, there are a variety of practical
      approaches, as most specialised departments are unwilling to forego this option.
      The established polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) carrier system has a number of
      practical disadvantages. This has led to the increased use of absorbable carrier
      systems, and those based on calcium sulphate have given particularly encouraging
      results. In this article, we present our experience with this procedure in the
      treatment of osteomyelitis. There is currently no standard procedure or algorithm
      for the use of local antibiotic carriers in the treatment of recurrent
      osteomyelitis. Material and Methods Between February 2014 and May 2015, a total
      of 93 patients were treated with an absorbable carrier of topical antibiotics
      based on calcium sulphate. These patients had suffered from a recurrence of
      osteomyelitis that had been unsuccessfully treated by the primary implantation of
      a PMMA chain and systemic antibiotics. The treatment algorithm consisted of
      radical debridement, followed by implantation of a commercial PMMA chain. If no
      remission of the infection was observed, the chains were surgically removed and
      replaced with an absorbable carrier system and antibiotics chosen in accordance
      with the resistogram. Pursuant to the classification of Cierny and Mader, 10
      patients were classified as type I, 5 as type II, 55 as type III and 23 as type
      IV. The mean follow-up period was 11 months. Two carrier systems, Osteoset(r) and
      Herafill(r), were purchased from Wright Medical Technology Inc., Arlington, TN,
      USA and Heraeus Medical GmbH, Wehrheim, Germany, respectively. These were used as
      supplied for tobramycin and gentamycin. In the case of Osteoset, it was also
      possible to add an additional arbitrary, water-soluble antibiotic. Systemic
      administration of antibiotics was carried out in parallel in accordance with the
      resistogram. Results The most common clinical entities were femoral (36 %) and
      tibial (29 %) osteitis. Vancomycin (38 %) and tobramycin (38 %) were the most
      frequently used topical antibiotics, followed by gentamycin (17 %), ceftriaxone
      (4 %), fosfomycin (2 %) and colistin (1 %). Systemic administration of
      antibiotics was carried out in parallel, in accordance with the resistogram. In
      85 % of all patients, remission was achieved. Infections with methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; 62 %) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (43 %)
      showed significantly poorer remission rates. The bacterial spectrum was primarily
      composed of Staphylococcus aureus (28 %), Staphylococcus epidermidis (22 %),
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7 %) and Enterococcus faecalis (5 %), as well as
      Escherichia coli and Klebsiella oxytoca (4 %). Conclusion Topical adjuvant
      antibiotic therapy based on an absorbable carrier system offers an expedient
      extension of the treatment of osteomyelitis. The remission rate of 85 % for
      recurrent infections encouraged the use of a therapeutic alternative for many
      patients. We developed an algorithm for the treatment of osteomyelitis, which
      includes the application of local antibiotics with different compositions and
      absorbable carriers. We present early results of successful treatment of patients
      with recurrent osteomyelitis, after futile topical therapy with non-absorbable
      antibiotic chains.

PMID- 28081584
TI  - [Mini-open Approach Shows Good Results in Treatment of Femoroacetabular
      Impingement].
AB  - Background Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) describes a painful, abnormal
      (bony) contact between the femoral neck and acetabulum, which, if left untreated,
      contributes to early osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. Despite its flat learning
      curve and long operation times, hip arthroscopy has been used increasingly often
      in recent years in the surgery of femoroacetabular impingement. The mini-open
      technique (MOT) offers a possible alternative that addresses the abnormal
      morphological prominence and allows minimally invasive clearance of hip motion.
      There is still a lack of information on the influence of the greater degree of
      soft tissue intrusion inherent to the mini-open approach. Therefore we decided to
      evaluate the medium-term outcome of the mini-open technique and to compare the
      results to those of the arthroscopic technique reported in the literature.
      Patients, Material und Methods 99 patients (105 hips, 40 women, 59 men) underwent
      mini-open surgical treatment for FAI between 2005 and 2012 and were followed-up
      for an average of 40.5 months. The evaluation focused on the pre- and
      postoperative pain intensity (NRS: numeric rating scale), the clinical and
      functional outcomes such as ROM (range of motion), HOS (Hip Outcome Score) and
      mHHS (modified Harris Hip Score), changes in athletic behaviour and the
      satisfaction of the patients. Radiological analysis (alpha-angle, anterior head
      neck-offset (HNO), head-neck-offset ratio, ossification, grade of OA) was
      performed using preoperative, immediate postoperative as well as follow-up
      radiographs. Finally our results were compared to those reported for the
      arthroscopic technique in the literature. Results The average pain level
      decreased from 6.5 +/- 2.3 to 2.3 +/- 2.6 (p < 0.001). 80 % (84) confirmed a mean
      postoperative pain-free period of 29.5 months (2-103 months), and 52.4 % (55)
      were still almost pain-free by the time of the final follow-up. The mHHS
      increased from 68.2 +/- 13.5 to 85.2 +/- 18.2 (p < 0.001). The HOS-ADL (ADL:
      activities of daily life) was 82.2 % +/- 19.7 and the HOS-sport was 69.7 % +/-
      27.9 at the final follow-up. At the time of the last follow-up, 93 % of the
      preoperatively active patients (n = 84) returned to athletic activities (n = 78).
      In a comparison of athletic behaviour, significantly fewer patients were
      performing high-impact and more patients were performing low-impact sports after
      surgery. Flexion (113 degrees +/-16 to 117 degrees +/-16) and internal rotation
      (12 degrees +/-8 to 25 degrees +/-12) improved significantly. alpha-angle
      reduction from 62 degrees +/-11 to 42 degrees +/- 9 (p < 0.01) was observed. The
      HNO increased from 3.8 mm +/- 3.2 to 10.7 mm +/- 3.2. In 17.6 % of the cases,
      progression of OA was noticed. Patients with initial OA Kellgren >= 2 showed
      significantly worse outcome than those without OA. Conclusion MOT is a safe and
      effective alternative for treating FAI. It leads to recovery of pain-free hip
      function in short- and medium-term follow-up and allows a return to practicing
      sports in most cases. Patients with preoperative OA >= 2 seem to experience
      insufficient gains from MO surgery, so surgeons should be reluctant to apply the
      technique under these circumstances.

PMID- 28081585
TI  - Drug-eluting stent placement versus coronary artery bypass surgery for
      unprotected left main coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis of randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the standard of care for
      treating left main coronary lesions. However, recently published randomized
      controlled trials (RCT) have shown conflicting results. We sought to compare
      clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting
      stent placement to CABG using a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
      METHODS: A systemic search of Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane library, and
      Clinicaltrials.gov was performed for randomized controlled trials comparing PCI
      with CABG in patients with left main stenosis. Data were analyzed using random
      effect models and Mantel-Haenszel methods. The primary outcome was major adverse
      cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE). The secondary outcomes were
      myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac, and all-cause mortality. A subgroup
      analysis based on SYNTAX score was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 4595
      patients (2297 in the PCI group and 2298 in the CABG group) from five RCTs were
      included in the analysis. There were significant differences in MACCE (odds ratio
      [OR] 1.36, confidence interval [CI] 95%, 1.18-1.58, p-value: < 0.0001) and repeat
      revascularization (OR 1.85, CI 95%, 1.53-2.23, p-value: < 0.00001) favoring CABG.
      There were no significant differences in the incidence of myocardial infarction,
      stroke, or cardiac and all-cause mortality. Based on SYNTAX score, CABG was
      superior in terms of MACCE only in the subgroup with SYNTAX score of 33 or more.
      CONCLUSIONS: CABG results in fewer MACCE and need for repeat revascularization
      than PCI in patients with unprotected left main disease.

PMID- 28081586
TI  - A case of levocetirizine-induced liver injury.
AB  - Levocetirizine is a second-generation nonsedative antihistaminic agent that has
      been demonstrated to be safe and effective for treating allergic disease. There
      was only one case report of levocetirizine-induced liver toxicity, but a liver
      biopsy was not performed. In this article, we present the first case of
      levocetirizine-induced liver injury with histologic findings. A 48-year-old man
      was hospitalized with jaundice and generalized pruritus that had developed after
      2 months of therapy with levocetirizine for prurigo nodularis. Laboratory
      findings revealed acute hepatitis with cholestasis. A liver biopsy demonstrated
      portal inflammation and hepatitis with apoptotic hepatocytes. The patient fully
      recovered 3 weeks after withdrawing levocetirizine. Although levocetirizine is
      safe and effective, physicians should be aware of its potential hepatotoxicity.

PMID- 28081587
TI  - Clinical significance and predictive factors of early massive recurrence after
      radiofrequency ablation in patients with a single small hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most frequently
      applied curative treatments in patients with a single small hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC). However, the clinical significance of and risk factors for early
      massive recurrence after RFA-a dreadful event limiting further curative treatment
      have not been fully evaluated. METHODS: In total, 438 patients with a single HCC
      of size <=3 cm who underwent percutaneous RFA as an initial treatment between
      2006 and 2009 were included. Baseline patient characteristics, overall survival,
      predictive factors, and recurrence after RFA were evaluated. In addition, the
      incidence, impact on survival, and predictive factors of early massive
      recurrence, and initial recurrence beyond the Milan criteria within 2 years were
      also investigated. RESULTS: During the median follow-up of 68.4 months, recurrent
      HCC was confirmed in 302 (68.9%) patients, with early massive recurrence in 27
      patients (6.2%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 95.4%, 84.7%,
      and 81.8%, respectively, in patients with no recurrence, 99.6%, 86.4%, and 70.1%
      in patients with recurrence within the Milan criteria or late recurrence, and
      92.6%, 46.5%, and 0.05% in patients with early massive recurrence. Multivariable
      analysis identified older age, Child-Pugh score B or C, and early massive
      recurrence as predictive of poor overall survival. A tumor size of >=2 cm and
      tumor location adjacent to the colon were independent risk factors predictive of
      early massive recurrence. CONCLUSION: Early massive recurrence is independently
      predictive of poor overall survival after RFA in patients with a single small
      HCC. Tumors sized >=2 cm and located adjacent to the colon appear to be
      independent risk factors for early massive recurrence.

PMID- 28081588
TI  - Cyanoacrylate injection versus band ligation for bleeding from cardiac varices
      along the lesser curvature of the stomach.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Practice guidelines recommend endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and
      endoscopic variceal obturation (EVO) for bleeding from esophageal varices and
      fundal varices, respectively. However, the optimal treatment for bleeding from
      cardiac varices along the lesser curvature of the stomach (GOV1) remains
      undefined. This retrospective study compared the efficacy between EBL and EVO for
      bleeding from GOV1. METHODS: Patients treated by EBL or EVO via cyanoacrylate
      injection for bleeding from GOV1 were enrolled. Patients diagnosed with
      hepatocellular carcinoma or treated with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy were
      excluded. RESULTS: The study included 91 patients treated for bleeding from GOV1.
      The mean age was 56.3+/-10.9 years (mean+/-SD), and 78 of them (85.7%) were men.
      Overall, 51 and 40 patients were treated with EBL and EVO, respectively. A trend
      for a higher hemostasis rate was noted in the EVO group (100%) than in the EBL
      group (82.6%, P=0.078). Varices rebled in 15 patients during follow-up. The
      rebleeding rate was significantly higher in the EBL group than in the EVO group
      (P=0.004). During follow-up, 13 patients died (11 in the EBL group and 2 in the
      EVO group); the survival rate was marginally significant between two groups
      (P=0.050). The rebleeding-free survival rate was significantly higher in the EVO
      group than in the EBL group (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared to EBL, EVO offered
      significantly lower rebleeding rates, significantly higher rebleeding-free
      survival rates, and a trend for higher hemostasis and survival rates. EVO appears
      to be the better therapeutic option for bleeding from GOV1.

PMID- 28081589
TI  - Preemptive antiviral therapy with entecavir can reduce acute deterioration of
      hepatic function following transarterial chemoembolization.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic damage during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is
      a critical complication in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Apart from its role in preventing HBV
      reactivation, there is some evidence for the benefits of preemptive antiviral
      therapy in TACE. This study evaluated the effect of preemptive antiviral therapy
      on acute hepatic deterioration following TACE. METHODS: This retrospective
      observational study included a prospectively collected cohort of 108 patients
      with HBV-related HCC who underwent TACE between January 2007 and January 2013.
      Acute hepatic deterioration following TACE was evaluated. Treatment-related
      hepatic decompensation was defined as newly developed encephalopathy, ascites,
      variceal bleeding, elevation of the bilirubin level, prolongation of prothrombin
      time, or elevation of the Child-Pugh score by >=2 within 2 weeks following TACE.
      Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors
      influencing treatment-related decompensation. Preemptive antiviral therapy
      involves directing prophylaxis only toward high-risk chronic hepatitis B patients
      in an attempt to prevent the progression of liver disease. We regarded at least 6
      months as a significant duration of preemptive antiviral treatment before
      diagnosis of HCC. RESULTS: Of the 108 patients, 30 (27.8%) patients received
      preemptive antiviral therapy. Treatment-related decompensation was observed in 25
      (23.1%) patients during the follow-up period. Treatment-related decompensation
      following TACE was observed more frequently in the nonpreemptive group than in
      the preemptive group (29.5% vs. 6.7%, P=0.008). In the multivariate analysis,
      higher serum total bilirubin (Hazard ratio [HR] =3.425, P=0.013), hypoalbuminemia
      (HR=3.990, P=0.015), and absence of antiviral therapy (HR=7.597, P=0.006) were
      significantly associated with treatment-related hepatic decompensation.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that preemptive antiviral therapy significantly
      reduces the risk of acute hepatic deterioration. Preventing hepatic deterioration
      during TACE by applying such a preemptive approach may facilitate the
      continuation of anticancer therapy and thus improve long-term outcomes.

PMID- 28081590
TI  - Emergency endoscopic variceal ligation in cirrhotic patients with blood clots in
      the stomach but no active bleeding or stigmata increases the risk of rebleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      emergency variceal ligation for the prevention of rebleeding in cirrhotic
      patients who are found on initial endoscopy to have blood clots in the stomach
      but no actively bleeding esophageal and gastric varices or stigmata. METHODS:
      This study included 28 cirrhotic patients who underwent emergency prophylactic
      EVL and 41 who underwent an elective intervention between January 2009 and June
      2014. Clinical outcomes were analyzed, including the rebleeding, 6-week
      mortality, and rebleeding-free survival rates. RESULTS: The rebleeding rate was
      higher in the emergency than in the elective group (28.6% vs. 7.3%, P=0.041).
      Multivariate analysis showed that emergency prophylactic EVL (odds ratio [OR] =
      7.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.634.8, P=0.012) and Child-Pugh score C
      (OR=10.6, 95% CI=1.4-80.8, P=0.022) were associated with rebleeding. In the
      emergency group, the gastric varices were associated with rebleeding (OR=12.0,
      95% CI=1.7-83.5, P=0.012). CONCLUSION: Emergency EVL may be associated with
      variceal rebleeding when blood clots are present in the stomach without active
      esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding or stigmata. Elective intervention
      should be considered as a safer strategy for preventing variceal rebleeding in
      this situation.

PMID- 28081592
TI  - Primary adenosquamous carcinoma of the liver: a case report.
AB  - Adenosquamous carcinoma of the liver is a rare variant of cholangiocarcinoma. It
      is known to be a highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis, but its
      pathogenesis remains unclear owing to limited data in the literature. We report a
      case of 56-year-old woman who presented with a 1-week history of epigastric pain.
      Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 6.5-cm ill-defined mass with low signal
      intensity in the left lobe of the liver, which was suspicious of
      cholangiocarcinoma. The patient underwent left hemihepatectomy. Microscopically,
      the tumor consisted of malignant glandular and squamous components and staged as
      pT2aN1. Despite postoperative chemoradiation, the patient had recurrence 8 months
      after surgery.

PMID- 28081591
TI  - New perspectives of biomarkers for the management of chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - With recent advances in molecular and genomic investigations, the impact of
      hepatitis B viral and host factors on the progression of chronic HBV infection
      has been explored. For viral factors, hepatitis B viral load is a strong
      predictor for liver disease progression. Hepatitis B viral kinetics appear to be
      important for successful anti-viral therapy. Serum HBsAg level serves as a
      complementary marker to viral load for the prediction of HBV-related adverse
      outcomes in patients with low viral load. In those with low viral load, high
      serum HBsAg level is associated with higher risks of cirrhosis and HCC. Hepatitis
      B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) induces host immune responses, and the reduction
      of the HBcrAg level as well as the increment of total anti-HBc level are
      significantly associated with favorable outcomes. HBV genotypes (genotype C/D)
      and mutants (basal core promoter and deletion mutation in pre-S genes) are well
      known viral genetic markers to predict disease progression. For host factors,
      serum inflammatory biomarkers have been developed to evaluate the HBV-associated
      hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis. Host single nucleotide polymorphism on
      sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP, an HBV entry receptor) may
      be associated with a decreased risk for cirrhosis and HCC. In conclusion,
      patients with chronic hepatitis B should be evaluated with relevant viral and
      host markers to identify those who are at a higher risk of liver disease
      progression and then receive timely antiviral therapy.

PMID- 28081593
TI  - Percutaneous cryoablation for hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Local ablation therapy is considered as a conventional treatment option for
      patients with early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although radiofrequency
      (RF) ablation is widely used for HCC, the use of cryoablation has been increasing
      as newer and safer cryoablation systems have developed. The thermodynamic
      mechanism of freezing and thawing used in cryoablation is the Joule-Thomson
      effect. Cryoablation destroys tissue via direct tissue destruction and vascular
      related injury. A few recent comparative studies have shown that percutaneous
      cryoablation for HCCs is comparable to percutaneous RF ablation in terms of long
      term therapeutic outcomes and complications. Cryoablation has several advantages
      over RF ablation such as well visualization of iceball, no causation of severe
      pain, and lack of severe damage to great vessels and gallbladder. It is important
      to know the advantages and disadvantages of cryoablation compared with RF
      ablation for improvement of therapeutic efficacy and safety.

PMID- 28081595
TI  - Switch to tenofovir-based therapy or to continue adefovir-based therapy in CHB
      patients with suboptimal response to adefovir-based combination?

PMID- 28081594
TI  - Management of direct antiviral agent failures.
AB  - The current standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      infection is a combination of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Most HCV
      patients treated with these drugs achieve viral elimination, but 1% to 15% fail
      to attain this objective. Treatment failures are usually related to relapse, and
      less often to on-treatment viral breakthrough. HCV drug resistant associated
      substitutions are detected in most patients who do not eliminate the virus. The
      risk of developing these variants depends on host- and virus-related factors, the
      properties of the drugs used, and the treatment strategies applied. Patients who
      carry Resistant Associated Substitutions (RASs) may not obtain benefits from
      treatment, and are at a risk of disease progression. Whether HCV RASs persist
      depends on their type: NS3-4A variants often disappear gradually after DAA
      therapy is stopped, whereas NS5A variants tend to persist for more than 2 years.
      The best way to prevent emergence of resistant variants is to eliminate the virus
      at the first treatment using highly potent DAAs with genetic barriers to
      resistance. For those who fail an NS5A inhibitor, deferral of treatment is
      recommended pending the availability of additional data if they do not have
      cirrhosis or reasons for urgent re-treatment. If re-treatment is needed, the most
      commonly used strategy is sofosbuvir as backbone therapy plus a drug from a class
      other than that previously used, for 24 weeks. Unless it is contraindicated,
      weight-based ribavirin should also be added. If available, nucleotide-based (eg,
      sofosbuvir) triple or quadruple DAA regimens may be considered. The optimal
      treatment for patients who fail an NS5A inhibitor and those with multidrug
      resistant variants remains to be defined, and research efforts should continue to
      focus on treatment for these patients.

PMID- 28081596
TI  - Synthesis and Modular Reactivity of Pyrazole 5-Trifluoroborates: Intermediates
      for the Preparation of Fully Functionalized Pyrazoles.
AB  - The regioselective condensation of hydrazines and ynone trifluoroborates provides
      access to a range of pyrazole 5-trifluoroborates. The stability of the borate
      unit allows chemoselective halogenation of the heteroaromatic ring, thereby
      delivering pyrazole scaffolds that allow orthogonal functionalization at C5 and
      C4. The modular reactivity of these intermediates is exemplified by cross
      coupling reactions, enabling regiocontrolled synthesis of fully functionalized
      pyrazole derivatives.

PMID- 28081597
TI  - New Wide Band Gap Donor for Efficient Fullerene-Free All-Small-Molecule Organic
      Solar Cells.
AB  - A new organic small molecule, DRTB-T, that incorporates a two-dimensional
      trialkylthienyl-substituted benzodithiophene core building block was designed and
      synthesized. DRTB-T has a band gap (Egopt) of 2.0 eV with a low-lying highest
      occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of -5.51 eV. Nonfullerene small-molecule
      solar cells consisting of DRTB-T and a nonfullerene acceptor (IC-C6IDT-IC) were
      constructed, and the morphology of the active layer was fine-tuned by solvent
      vapor annealing (SVA). The device showed a record 9.08% power conversion
      efficiency (PCE) with a high open-circuit voltage (Voc = 0.98 V). This is the
      highest PCE for a nonfullerene small-molecule organic solar cell (NFSM-OSC)
      reported to date. Our notable results demonstrate that the molecular design of a
      wide band gap (WBG) donor to create a well-matched donor-acceptor pair with a low
      band gap (LBG) nonfullerene small-molecule acceptor, as well as subtle
      morphological control, provides great potential to realize high-performance NFSM
      OSCs.

PMID- 28081598
TI  - An AlGaN Core-Shell Tunnel Junction Nanowire Light-Emitting Diode Operating in
      the Ultraviolet-C Band.
AB  - To date, semiconductor light emitting diodes (LEDs) operating in the deep
      ultraviolet (UV) spectral range exhibit very low efficiency due to the presence
      of large densities of defects and extremely inefficient p-type conduction of
      conventional AlGaN quantum well heterostructures. We have demonstrated that such
      critical issues can be potentially addressed by using nearly defect-free AlGaN
      tunnel junction core-shell nanowire heterostructures. The core-shell nanowire
      arrays exhibit high photoluminescence efficiency (~80%) in the UV-C band at room
      temperature. With the incorporation of an epitaxial Al tunnel junction, the p
      (Al)GaN contact-free nanowire deep UV LEDs showed nearly one order of magnitude
      reduction in the device resistance, compared to the conventional nanowire p-i-n
      device. The unpackaged Al tunnel junction deep UV LEDs exhibit an output power >8
      mW and a peak external quantum efficiency ~0.4%, which are nearly one to two
      orders of magnitude higher than previously reported AlGaN nanowire devices.
      Detailed studies further suggest that the maximum achievable efficiency is
      limited by electron overflow and poor light extraction efficiency due to the TM
      polarized emission.

PMID- 28081599
TI  - Core-Shell Metal-Organic Frameworks/Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles as
      Absorbents for the Detection of Pyrraline in Milk and Milk Powder.
AB  - A novel core-shell metal-organic framework coated with a dummy template
      molecularly imprinted polymer (MOF@DMIP) was synthesized by one-pot bulk
      polymerization for the detection of pyrraline in food samples. The pyrraline
      analogue pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid was used as the template because of its
      lower cost, and MIL-101 was used as the MOF core owing to its numerous inherent
      advantages, including high chemical and hydrothermal stabilities. MIL-101@DMIP
      was used to detect trace pyrraline in foods by solid-phase extraction combined
      with high-performance liquid chromatography. It exhibited the advantages of
      faster mass transport, excellent sensitivity, and selectivity. Under optimum
      conditions, the detection limit of this system was 40.7 MUg L-1, and a linear
      range was from 5 * 10-7 to 2 * 10-3 mol L-1, within relative standard deviations
      of 4.46-6.87%. The recoveries ranged from 92.23 to 103.87%, indicating the
      excellent ability of the prepared MIL-101@DMIP to recognize pyrraline in complex
      food matrices and its potential for application in pyrraline detection.

PMID- 28081600
TI  - Isogarcinol Extracted from Garcinia mangostana L. Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced
      Psoriasis-like Skin Lesions in Mice.
AB  - Isogarcinol (YDIS), a natural compound extracted from Garcinia mangostana L., has
      a significant immunosuppressive effect on systemic lupus erythematosus and
      rheumatoid arthritis. This paper reports that it reduced imiquimod-induced
      psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice. It strongly attenuated the aberrant
      proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. Moreover, the expression of
      genes involving the interleukin-23 (IL-23)/T-helper 17 (Th17) axis was
      significantly inhibited in the dorsal skin of the YDIS-treated mice, as was that
      of the other pro-inflammatory factors TNF-alpha, IL-2, and even interferon (IFN)
      gamma. Furthermore, YDIS prevented the abnormal distribution of T cell types and
      suppressed the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells in the spleens of
      mice exposed to imiquimod. Interestingly, it elevated numbers of regulatory T
      cells (Tregs) in the spleen and boosted IL-10 expression in the skin. In
      agreement with the above, YDIS increased serum IL-10 and reduced serum IL-17. It
      also caused less damage to the liver and, especially, kidneys of mice than
      cyclosporine A (CsA). In vitro, YDIS caused more death of HaCaT keratinocytes
      than CsA. It also strongly inhibited inflammatory factor expression in
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated HaCaT cells. These findings suggest that YDIS
      is a promising immunosuppressive agent for treating psoriasis.

PMID- 28081601
TI  - Combination Therapy of NSCLC Using Hsp90 Inhibitor and Doxorubicin Carrying
      Functional Nanoceria.
AB  - K-RAS driven non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a major cause of death
      among smokers. Recently, nanotechnology has introduced novel avenues for the
      diagnosis and personalized treatment options for cancer. Herein, we report a
      novel, multifunctional nanoceria platform loaded with a unique combination of two
      therapeutic drugs, doxorubicin (Doxo) and Hsp90 inhibitor ganetespib (GT), for
      the diagnosis and effective treatment of NSCLC. We hypothesize that the use of
      ganetespib synergizes and accelerates the therapeutic efficacy of Doxo via ROS
      production, while minimizing the potential cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin drug.
      Polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles (PNC) were fabricated
      for the targeted combination therapy of lung cancers. Using "click" chemistry,
      the surface carboxylic acid groups of nanoceria were decorated with folic acid to
      target folate-receptor-overexpressing NSCLC. As a result of combination therapy,
      results showed more than 80% of NSCLC death within 48 h of incubation. These
      synergistic therapeutic effects were assessed via enhanced ROS, cytotoxicity,
      apoptosis, and migration assays. Overall, these results indicated that the
      targeted codelivery of Doxo and GT using nanoceria may offer an alternative
      combination therapy option for the treatment of undruggable NSCLC.

PMID- 28081602
TI  - Design of Stomach Acid-Stable and Mucin-Binding Enzyme Polymer Conjugates.
AB  - The reduced immunogenicity and increased stability of protein-polymer conjugates
      has made their use in therapeutic applications particularly attractive. However,
      the physicochemical interactions between polymer and protein, as well as the
      effect of this interaction on protein activity and stability, are still not fully
      understood. In this work, polymer-based protein engineering was used to examine
      the role of polymer physicochemical properties on the activity and stability of
      the chymotrypsin-polymer conjugates and their degree of binding to intestinal
      mucin. Four different chymotrypsin-polymer conjugates, each with the same polymer
      density, were synthesized using "grafting-from" atom transfer radical
      polymerization. The influence of polymer charge on chymotrypsin-polymer conjugate
      mucin binding, bioactivity, and stability in stomach acid was determined.
      Cationic polymers covalently attached to chymotrypsin showed high mucin binding,
      while zwitterionic, uncharged, and anionic polymers showed no mucin binding.
      Cationic polymers also increased chymotrypsin activity from pH 6-8, while
      zwitterionic polymers had no effect, and uncharged and anionic polymers decreased
      enzyme activity. Lastly, cationic polymers decreased the tendency of chymotrypsin
      to structurally unfold at extremely low pH, while uncharged and anionic polymers
      induced unfolding more quickly. We hypothesized that when polymers are covalently
      attached to the surface of a protein, the degree to which those polymers interact
      with the protein surface is the predominant determinant of whether the polymer
      will stabilize or inactivate the protein. Preferential interactions between the
      polymer and the protein lead to removal of water from the surface of the protein,
      and this, we believe, inactivates the enzyme.

PMID- 28081603
TI  - Metal Chalcogenide Clusters with Closed Electronic Shells and the Electronic
      Properties of Alkalis and Halogens.
AB  - Clusters with filled electronic shells and a large gap between the highest
      occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital
      (LUMO) are generally energetically and chemically stable. Enabling clusters to
      become electron donors with low ionization energies or electron acceptors with
      high electron affinities usually requires changing the valence electron count.
      Here we demonstrate that a metal cluster may be transformed from an electron
      donor to an acceptor by exchanging ligands while the neutral form of the clusters
      has closed electronic shells. Our studies on Co6Te8(PEt3)m(CO)n (m + n = 6)
      clusters show that Co6Te8(PEt3)6 has a closed electronic shell and a low
      ionization energy of 4.74 eV, and the successive replacement of PEt3 by CO
      ligands ends with Co6Te8(CO)6 exhibiting halogen-like behavior. Both the low
      ionization energy Co6Te8(PEt3)6 and high electron affinity Co6Te8(CO)6 have
      closed electronic shells marked by high HOMO-LUMO gaps of 1.24 and 1.39 eV,
      respectively. Further, the clusters with an even number of ligands favor a
      symmetrical placement of ligands around the metal core.

PMID- 28081604
TI  - Surface State-Dominated Photoconduction and THz Generation in Topological
      Bi2Te2Se Nanowires.
AB  - Topological insulators constitute a fascinating class of quantum materials with
      nontrivial, gapless states on the surface and insulating bulk states. By
      revealing the optoelectronic dynamics in the whole range from femto- to
      microseconds, we demonstrate that the long surface lifetime of Bi2Te2Se nanowires
      allows us to access the surface states by a pulsed photoconduction scheme and
      that there is a prevailing bolometric response of the surface states. The
      interplay of the surface and bulk states dynamics on the different time scales
      gives rise to a surprising physical property of Bi2Te2Se nanowires: their pulsed
      photoconductance changes polarity as a function of laser power. Moreover, we show
      that single Bi2Te2Se nanowires can be used as THz generators for on-chip high
      frequency circuits at room temperature. Our results open the avenue for single
      Bi2Te2Se nanowires as active modules in optoelectronic high-frequency and THz
      circuits.

PMID- 28081605
TI  - Surface Interaction of Water-in-Oil Emulsion Droplets with Interfacially Active
      Asphaltenes.
AB  - Adsorption of interfacially active components at the water/oil interface plays
      critical roles in determining the properties and behaviors of emulsion droplets.
      In this study, the droplet probe atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique was
      applied, for the first time, to quantitatively study the interaction mechanism
      between water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion droplets with interfacially adsorbed
      asphaltenes. The behaviors and stability of W/O emulsion droplets were
      demonstrated to be significantly influenced by the asphaltene concentration of
      organic solution where the emulsions were aged, aging time, force load, contact
      time, and solvent type. Bare water droplets could readily coalesce with each
      other in oil (i.e., toluene), while interfacially adsorbed asphaltenes could
      sterically inhibit droplet coalescence and induce interfacial adhesion during
      separation of the water droplets. For low asphaltene concentration cases, the
      adhesion increased with increasing asphaltene concentration (<=100 mg/L), but it
      significantly decreased at relatively high asphaltene concentration (e.g., 500
      mg/L). Experiments in Heptol (i.e., mixture of toluene and heptane) showed that
      the addition of a poor solvent for asphaltenes (e.g., heptane) could enhance the
      interfacial adhesion between emulsion droplets at relatively low asphaltene
      concentration but could weaken the adhesion at relatively high asphaltene
      concentration. This work has quantified the interactions between W/O emulsion
      droplets with interfacially adsorbed asphaltenes, and the results provide useful
      implications into the stabilization mechanisms of W/O emulsions in oil
      production. The methodology in this work can be readily extended to other W/O
      emulsion systems with interfacially active components.

PMID- 28081606
TI  - Orange Carotenoid Protein as a Control Element in an Antenna System Based on a
      DNA Nanostructure.
AB  - Taking inspiration from photosynthetic mechanisms in natural systems, we
      introduced a light-sensitive photo protective quenching element to an artificial
      light-harvesting antenna model to control the flow of energy as a function of
      light intensity excitation. The orange carotenoid protein (OCP) is a
      nonphotochemical quencher in cyanobacteria: under high-light conditions, the
      protein undergoes a spectral shift, and by binding to the phycobilisome, it
      absorbs excess light and dissipates it as heat. By the use of DNA as a scaffold,
      an antenna system made of organic dyes (Cy3 and Cy5) was constructed, and OCP was
      assembled on it as a modulated quenching element. By controlling the illumination
      intensity, it is possible to switch the direction of excitation energy transfer
      from the donor Cy3 to either of two acceptors. Under low-light conditions, energy
      is transferred from Cy3 to Cy5, and under intense illumination, energy is
      partially transferred to OCP as well. These results demonstrate the feasibility
      of controlling the pathway of energy transfer using light intensity in an
      engineered light-harvesting system.

PMID- 28081608
TI  - Dynamic Interconversions of HCV Helicase Binding Modes on the Nucleic Acid
      Substrate.
AB  - The dynamics involved in the interaction between hepatitis C virus nonstructural
      protein 3 (NS3) C-terminal helicase and its nucleic acid substrate have been the
      subject of interest for some time given the key role of this enzyme in viral
      replication. Here, we employed fluorescence-based techniques and focused on
      events that precede the unwinding process. Both ensemble Forster resonance energy
      transfer (FRET) and ensemble protein induced fluorescence enhancement (PIFE)
      assays show binding on the 3' single-stranded overhang of model DNA substrates
      (>5 nucleotides) with no preference for the single-stranded/double-stranded
      (ss/ds) junction. Single-molecule PIFE experiments revealed three enhancement
      levels that correspond to three discrete binding sites at adjacent bases. The
      enzyme is able to transition between binding sites in both directions without
      dissociating from the nucleic acid. In contrast, the NS3 mutant W501A, which is
      unable to engage in stacking interactions with the DNA, is severely compromised
      in this switching activity. Altogether our data are consistent with a model for
      NS3 dynamics that favors ATP-independent random binding and sliding by one and
      two nucleotides along the overhang of the loading strand.

PMID- 28081607
TI  - Structure-Activity Relationships of Spectinamide Antituberculosis Agents: A
      Dissection of Ribosomal Inhibition and Native Efflux Avoidance Contributions.
AB  - Spectinamides are a novel class of antitubercular agents with the potential to
      treat drug-resistant tuberculosis infections. Their antitubercular activity is
      derived from both ribosomal affinity and their ability to overcome intrinsic
      efflux mediated by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1258c efflux pump. This study
      explores the structure-activity relationships through analysis of 50 targeted
      spectinamides. Compounds are evaluated for ribosomal translational inhibition,
      MIC activity in Rv1258c efflux pump deficient and wild type tuberculosis strains,
      and efficacy in an acute model of tuberculosis infection. The results of this
      study show a narrow structure-activity relationship, consistent with a tight
      ribosome-binding pocket and strict structural requirements to overcome native
      efflux. Rationalization of ribosomal inhibition data using molecular dynamics
      simulations showed stable complex formation for halogenated spectinamides
      consistent with the long post antibiotic effects observed. The lead spectinamides
      identified in this study demonstrated potent MIC activity against MDR and XDR
      tuberculosis and had desirable antitubercular class specific features including
      low protein binding, low microsomal metabolism, no cytotoxicity, and significant
      reductions in bacterial burdens in the lungs of mice infected with M.
      tuberculosis. The structure-activity relationships detailed here emphasize the
      need to examine efflux-mediated resistance in the design of antituberculosis
      drugs and demonstrate that it is possible to overcome intrinsic efflux with
      synthetic modification. The ability to understand the structure requirements for
      this class has produced a variety of new substituted spectinamides, which may
      provide useful alternative candidates and promote the further development of this
      class.

PMID- 28081610
TI  - The Bare Essentials of Antibiotic Target Validation.
AB  - The convergence of competitive fitness experiments and phenotypic screening would
      seem to be an auspicious beginning for validation of an antibacterial target.
      IMPDH was already identified an essential protein in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      when not one, but two, groups discovered inhibitors with promising antitubercular
      activity. A new target appeared to be born. Surprisingly, the two groups came to
      completely different conclusions about the vulnerability of IMPDH and its future
      as a drug target. This viewpoint discusses these papers and how to resolve this
      conundrum.

PMID- 28081611
TI  - Endoscopic removal of retained large surgical gauze: a case report.
AB  - In this paper, a 63-year-old woman was reported with recurrent abdominal pain
      after cholecystectomy. A retained surgical towel was seen by CT-scan in the
      peritoneal cavity, where it migrated across duodenum wall toward pre-pyloric
      region of the stomach. Endoscopic removal of the large retained gauze in size of
      40 cm x 40 cm was successfully performed without laparotomy and with no
      complication. In the last years, the main method for removal of retained foreign
      objects has been open laparotomy or laparoscopy. We claimed that removal of large
      retained surgical long gauze is actually possible using upper GI endoscopy by
      expert endoscopists, and, therefore, there is no need for anesthesia or surgery
      as well as no occurrence of complication and laceration.

PMID- 28081612
TI  - Mesenteric schwannoma: an unusual cause of abdominal mass.
AB  - Schwannomas (or neurilemmomas) are slow-growing mesenchymal neoplasms of the
      peripheral nerve sheath that may arise at almost any anatomical site. Mesentery
      schwannoma is extremely rare, with less than ten previously described cases. We
      present the case of a 38-year-old woman with arterial hypertension and chronic
      kidney disease with an abdominal painless mass of two years duration and an
      inconclusive pre-operative clinical diagnosis; she was successfully treated by
      complete surgical resection of the mass. The aim of this report is to recognize
      the possibility of schwannomas in the differential diagnosis of abdominal slowly
      growing tumors.

PMID- 28081613
TI  - Perceived Patient Preference and Clinical Testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in
      Females: How Closely Are These Aligned?

PMID- 28081614
TI  - Stress coping strategies, spirituality, social support and posttraumatic growth
      in a Polish sample of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the level of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and
      its relationship to the level of stress coping strategies, spirituality and
      social support among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 250). The level of
      PTG was measured by the Polish adaptation of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.
      Stress coping strategies were evaluated by the Polish adaptation of the Mini-COPE
      Inventory. Spirituality was measured by the Self-Description Questionnaire.
      Social support was assessed with the Berlin Social Support Scales. Stress coping
      strategies (return to religion, acceptance), spirituality and social support
      (need for support) were significantly related to the level of PTG among
      participants. Despite evidence of a beneficial relationship between PTG and the
      course of RA, little empirical attention has been paid to the factors associated
      with PTG among this patient group. Given the substantial health-related benefits
      associated with PTG among RA patients, it is important to further explore the
      phenomena of PTG among RA patients.

PMID- 28081615
TI  - Assessing Pediatric Food Addiction: Tools for the Clinician.

PMID- 28081616
TI  - Talking to children about their HIV status: a review of available resources,
      tools, and models for improving and promoting pediatric disclosure.
AB  - As children living with HIV (CLHIV) grow into adolescence and adulthood,
      caregivers and healthcare providers are faced with the sensitive challenge of
      when to disclose to a CLHIV his or her HIV status. Despite WHO recommendations
      for CLHIV to know their status, in countries most affected by HIV, effective
      resources are often limited, and national guidance on disclosure is often
      lacking. To address the need for effective resources, gray and scientific
      literature was searched to identify existing tools and resources that can aid in
      the disclosure process. From peer-reviewed literature, seven disclosure models
      from six different countries were identified. From the gray literature, 23
      resources were identified including children's books (15), job aides to assist
      healthcare providers (5), and videos (3). While these existing resources can be
      tailored to reflect local norms and used to aid in the disclosure process,
      careful consideration must be taken in order to avoid damaging disclosure
      practices.

PMID- 28081617
TI  - Pediatric Chest Pain-Low-Probability Referral: A Multi-Institutional Analysis
      From Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs(r)), the
      Pediatric Health Information Systems Database, and the National Ambulatory
      Medical Care Survey.
AB  - We conducted a study to assess test characteristics of red-flag criteria for
      identifying cardiac disease causing chest pain and technical charges of low
      probability referrals. Accuracy of red-flag criteria was ascertained through
      study of chest pain Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans
      (SCAMPs(r)) data. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group1 (concerning
      clinical elements) and Group2 (without). We compared incidence of cardiac disease
      causing chest pain between these 2 groups. Technical charges of Group 2 were
      analyzed using the Pediatric Health Information System database. Potential
      savings for the US population was estimated using National Ambulatory Medical
      Care Survey data. Fifty-two percent of subjects formed Group 1. Cardiac disease
      causing chest pain was identified in 8/1656 (0.48%). No heart disease was
      identified in patients in Group 2 ( P = .03). Applying red-flags in determining
      need for referral identified patients with cardiac disease causing chest pain
      with 100% sensitivity. Median technical charges for Group 2, over a 4-year
      period, were US2014$775 559. Eliminating cardiac testing of low-probability
      referrals would save US2014$3 775 182 in technical charges annually. Red-flag
      criteria were an effective screen for children with chest pain. Eliminating
      cardiac testing in children without red-flags for referral has significant
      technical charge savings.

PMID- 28081618
TI  - Shifting uncertainties in the pre-diagnostic trajectory of early-onset dementia.
AB  - This article argues that people with early-onset dementia and their family
      members experience shifts when it comes to dealing with uncertainty in the pre
      diagnostic illness trajectory. The empirical data show that these shifts follow
      three patterns. Upon the appearance of first symptoms, people with early-onset
      dementia and their family members, in a collaborative effort, maintain
      uncertainty in order to continue living the lives they know. Following this,
      various explanations, all with a temporal character, are sought to explain
      changed behaviour. Finally, when relationships are threatened or health is
      perceived to be at stake, people seriously start to seek medical advice. This
      article is based on 41 qualitative interviews with seven people with early-onset
      dementia and 39 family members in the Netherlands, conducted between 2014 and
      2015. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed identifying key topics.

PMID- 28081619
TI  - Fever and a Morbilliform Rash.

PMID- 28081620
TI  - On-site Mental Health Professionals and Pediatric Residents in Continuity Clinic.
AB  - The objective of the study was to examine differences in pediatric resident
      perceptions and practices related to child mental health conditions in continuity
      clinic settings with versus without on-site mental health professionals (MHPs). A
      20-item questionnaire, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics Periodic
      Survey Number 59, was administered to pediatric residents in a medium-sized
      program from 2008 to 2011. Of 130 residents surveyed, compared with their peers,
      those practicing with the on-site MHPs were more likely to report mental health
      services as very available in their clinic (odds ratio [OR] = 39.7; P = .000).
      Residents with on-site MHPs inquired more frequently about attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; OR = 2.96; P = .029) and referred more
      frequently for ADHD (OR = 3.68; P = .006), depression (OR = 2.82; P = .030), and
      behavioral problems (OR = 3.04; P = .012). On-site MHPs in continuity clinics
      offer great potential to improve resident education and patient care. Additional
      research is necessary to further understand their impact.

PMID- 28081621
TI  - PlA2 Polymorphism in Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Modulates the Morphology and
      Nanomechanics of Platelets.
AB  - Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) is the most abundant platelet surface receptor
      for fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor. Polymorphism PlA1/A2 in the gene of
      GPIIb/IIIa is among the risk factors for the development of arterial and venous
      thrombosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the carriage of
      PlA1/A2 on the size, topographic features, and membrane stiffness of platelets
      from healthy controls and patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Atomic
      force microscopy (AFM) imaging and nanoindentation (force-distance curves) were
      applied to investigate the morphological and nanomechanical properties (Young's
      modulus) of platelets immobilized on glass surface. The surface roughness ( Ra)
      and height ( h) of platelets from patients with DVT, carriers of mutant allele
      PlA2 ( Ra = 30.2 +/- 6 nm; h = 766 +/- 182 nm) and noncarriers ( Ra = 28.6 +/- 6
      nm; h = 865 +/- 290 nm), were lower than those of healthy carriers of allele PlA2
      ( Ra = 48.1 +/- 12 nm; h = 1072 +/- 338 nm) and healthy noncarriers ( Ra = 49.7
      +/- 14 nm; h = 1021 +/- 433 nm), respectively. Platelets isolated from patients
      with DVT, both carriers and noncarriers, exhibit much higher degree of stiffness
      at the stage of spreading ( E = 327 +/- 85 kPa and 341 +/- 102 kPa, respectively)
      compared to healthy noncarriers ( E = 198 +/- 50 kPa). In addition, more
      pronounced level of platelet activation was found in polymorphism carriers. In
      conclusion, the carriage of PlA2 allele modulates the activation state,
      morphology, and membrane elasticity of platelets.

PMID- 28081622
TI  - Comparison of Effect of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy on Split
      Renal Function: Single Tract vs Multiple Tracts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To observe serum creatinine (SCr) and treated side glomerular
      filtration rate (TGFR) variations in patients with upper urinary tract calculi
      after minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A total of 178 patients underwent MPCNL in our institute and they were
      retrospectively evaluated between May 2014 and February 2016. SCr and TGFR
      variations were observed with renal scintigraphy using 99mTc-diethylene triamine
      pentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) preoperatively and after at least 6 months of
      follow-up (FU). The patients were categorized into two groups according to the
      number of percutaneous access tracts: group I (single tract, n = 122) and group
      II (multiple tracts, n = 56). RESULTS: At a mean FU of 7.6 months, SCr dropped
      from 192.9 +/- 151.9/L to 167.6 +/- 113.9 MUM (13.15% decrease, p = 0.008) and
      TGFR increased from 29.8 +/- 21.2 mL/minute preoperatively to 32.7 +/- 22.5
      mL/minute postoperatively (9.79% increase, p = 0.022) in group I. Similarly, SCr
      dropped from 238.5 +/- 130.1 to 215.8 +/- 128.1MU (9.50% decrease, p = 0.013) and
      TGFR increased from 29.6 +/- 21.4 mL/minute preoperatively to 32.9 +/- 25.1
      mL/minute postoperatively (11.17% increase, p = 0.014) in group II. No
      statistically significant difference between two groups according to SCr or TGFR
      variation was observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stone clearance resulted in
      improvement of split kidney function after single tract or multiple tract MPCNL.
      Single tract or multiple tract MPCNL did not show statistically significant
      difference in split renal function postoperative recovery.

PMID- 28081624
TI  - What Is Hypospadias?

PMID- 28081623
TI  - Apocynin derivatives from Iris tectorum.
AB  - Phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of Iris tectorum resulted in the
      isolation and characterization of three new apocynin derivatives, apocynin-4-O
      beta-D-(6'-O-syringyl)glucopyranoside (1), scrophenoside C-7-ethyl ether (2, 3),
      together with a new naturally occurring compound but known by synthesis, apocynin
      4-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (4), and five known ones (5-9). Their structures were
      elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation.

PMID- 28081625
TI  - An unsound AAN Practice Advisory on poststroke etanercept.

PMID- 28081627
TI  - Fruiting Bodies of Antrodia cinnamomea and Its Active Triterpenoid, Antcin K,
      Ameliorates N-Nitrosodiethylamine-Induced Hepatic Inflammation, Fibrosis and
      Carcinogenesis in Rats.
AB  - Antrodia cinnamomea (A. cinnamomea), a popular medicinal mushroom in Taiwan, is
      widely used to prevent or treat liver diseases. Systematic studies on the anti
      inflammatory effect of A. cinnamomea and its molecular mechanisms have not yet
      been fully investigated. HPLC fingerprint analysis identified seven ergostane
      type triterpenoids from A. cinnamomea water extract (ACW), including high amounts
      of Antcin K (AC), Antcin C, Antcin H, Dehydrosulphurenic acid, Antcin B, Antcin A
      and Dehydroeburicoic acid. Here, we explored the effects and mechanisms of ACW
      and the highest content AC on N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) induced liver
      inflammation, fibrosis and carcinogenesis in rats. In the in vitro study, we
      measured how ACW and AC dose-dependently scavenged O[Formula: see text], H2O2 and
      HOCl by a chemiluminescence analyzer. In the in vivo experiment, oral intake ACW
      and AC significantly inhibited DEN-enhanced hepatocellular inflammation, fibrosis
      and carcinoma by pathologic observation, the elevated bile and liver reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) amounts, plasma [Formula: see text]-glutamyl transpeptidase,
      and oxidative stress including 3-nitrotyrosine, 4-hydroxynonenal and Kuppfer cell
      infiltration (ED-1 stains) in the inflammatory livers. DEN enhanced nuclear
      factor-[Formula: see text]B (NF-[Formula: see text]B) translocation, whereas ACW
      and AC suppressed DEN-enhanced NF-[Formula: see text]B translocation through the
      inhibition of its upstream signaling of p85/phosphoinositide-3-kinase, mitogen
      activated protein kinase and CYP2E1 expression. In conclusion, DEN can induce
      hepatocellular inflammation, fibrosis and carcinoma by increasing NF-[Formula:
      see text]B translocation to the nucleus, and oxidative injury. ACW and its active
      component, Antcin K, counteract DEN-induced hepatic injury and inflammation by
      the protective and therapeutic mechanisms of a direct scavenging ROS activity and
      an upregulation of anti-oxidant defense mechanisms.

PMID- 28081626
TI  - Scutellaria baicalensis Ameliorates Acute Lung Injury by Suppressing Inflammation
      In Vitro and In Vivo.
AB  - Scutellaria baicalensis has been widely used as both a dietary ingredient and
      traditional herbal medicine in Taiwan to treat inflammation, cancer, and
      bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal
      tract. This paper aims to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory
      effects of S. baicalensis. In HPLC analysis, the fingerprint chromatogram of the
      water extract of S. baicalensis (WSB) was established. The anti-inflammatory
      effects of WSB were inverstigated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse
      macrophage (RAW264.7) in vitro and LPS-induced lung injury in vivo. WSB
      attenuated the production of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-[Formula: see text], interleukin-[Formula: see text] (IL-1[Formula:
      see text], and IL-6 in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with WSB markedly reduced
      the LPS-induced histological alterations in lung tissues. Furthermore, WSB
      significantly reduced the number of total cells and the protein concentration
      levels in the BALF. WSB blocked protein expression of inducible NO synthase
      (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phosphorylation of I[Formula: see text]B
      [Formula: see text] protein and MAPKs in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and LPS
      induce lung injury was also blocked. This study suggests that WSB possesses anti
      inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, and the results suggested that WSB may
      be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 28081628
TI  - Schisandra chinensis and Its Main Constituent Schizandrin Attenuate Allergic
      Reactions by Down-Regulating Caspase-1 in Ovalbumin-Sensitized Mice.
AB  - Schisandra chinensis (SC) and its main constituent, schizandrin (SCH) exhibit
      anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities. Allergic and inflammatory
      reactions are aggravated via caspase-1 signaling pathway. However, the regulatory
      effects of SC and SCH on caspase-1 activation have not been clarified yet. In
      this study, we aimed to clarify the anti-allergic effects of SC and SCH using an
      ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice and anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies-stimulated
      splenocytes. SC or SCH significantly inhibited the levels of immunoglobulin
      (Ig)E, IgG1, or interleukin (IL)-4 in serum of OVA-sensitized mice. SC or SCH
      significantly inhibited the levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula:
      see text], and IL-1[Formula: see text] in spleen of the OVA-sensitized mice. SC
      or SCH significantly suppressed the expression of caspase-1 and receptor
      interacting protein (RIP)-2 in spleen of the OVA-sensitized mice. In activated
      splenocytes, SC or SCH significantly decreased the expression of caspase-1 and
      RIP-2 as well as the production of IL-6 and TNF-[Formula: see text]. We suggest
      that SC and SCH exert an anti-allergic effect by down-regulating caspase-1
      signaling.

PMID- 28081629
TI  - Punicalagin Pretreatment Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via
      Activation of AMPK.
AB  - Punicalagin (PUN), a major bioactive component in pomegranate juice, has been
      proven to exert neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
      (I/R) insult via anti-oxidant properties. This study aims to investigate whether
      PUN provides cardioprotection against myocardial I/R (MI/R) injury and the
      underlying mechanisms. PUN (30[Formula: see text]mg/kg/d) or vehicle was
      intragastrically administered to Sprague-Dawley rats for one week before the
      operation. MI/R was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary
      artery for 30[Formula: see text]min and subsequent reperfusion for 3[Formula: see
      text]h. PUN pretreatment conferred cardioprotective effects against MI/R injury
      by improving cardiac function, limiting infarct size, reducing serum creatine
      kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase activities, and suppressing cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis. Moreover, PUN pretreatment inhibited I/R-induced myocardial oxidative
      stress as evidenced by decreased generation of superoxide content and
      malonaldialdehyde formation and increased antioxidant capability. Furthermore,
      PUN pretreatment increased adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase
      (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation in I/R hearts. AMPK
      inhibitor compound c inhibited PUN-enhanced AMPK phosphorylation, and blunted PUN
      mediated anti-oxidative effects and cardioprotection. These results indicate for
      the first time that PUN pretreatment protect against I/R-induced oxidative stress
      and myocardial injury via activation of AMPK.

PMID- 28081630
TI  - Huang Qi Decoction Prevents BDL-Induced Liver Fibrosis Through Inhibition of
      Notch Signaling Activation.
AB  - Notch signaling has been demonstrated to be involved in ductular reactions and
      fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that Huang Qi Decoction (HQD) can prevent
      the progression of cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF). However, whether HQD affects
      the Notch signaling pathway is unclear. In this study, CLF was established by
      common bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. At the end of the first week, the rats
      were randomly divided into a model group (i.e., BDL), an HQD group, and a
      sorafenib positive control group (SORA) and were treated for 3 weeks. Bile duct
      proliferation and liver fibrosis were determined by tissue staining. Activation
      of the Notch signaling pathway was evaluated by analyzing expressions of Notch-1,
      -2, -3, and -4, Jagged (JAG) 1, and Delta like (DLL)-1, -3, and -4. The results
      showed that HQD significantly reduced the deposition of collagen and the Hyp
      content of liver tissue and inhibited the activation of HSCs compared with the
      BDL group. In addition, HQD significantly decreased the protein and mRNA
      expressions of TGF-[Formula: see text]1 and [Formula: see text]-SMA. In contrast,
      HQD significantly enhanced expression of the Smad 7 protein. HQD also reduced
      biliary epithelial cell proliferation, and reduced the mRNA levels of CK7, CK8,
      CK18, SRY-related high mobility group-box gene (SOX) 9, epithelial cell adhesion
      molecule (EpCAM) and the positive areas of CK19 and OV6. In addition, the mRNA
      and protein expressions of Notch-3, -4, JAG1, and DLL-1, -3 were significantly
      reduced in the HQD compared to the BDL group. These results demonstrated that HQD
      may prevent biliary liver fibrosis through inhibition of the Notch signaling
      pathway, and it may be a potential treatment for cholestatic liver disease.

PMID- 28081631
TI  - Baicalein Induces Beclin 1- and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Dependent
      Autophagy in Ovarian Cancer Cells.
AB  - Baicalein (BA), one of the major compounds isolated from the root of Scutellaria
      baicalensis Gerogi, exhibits various pharmacological effects, such as anti
      oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. In this study, we found that
      BA reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells.
      Treatment of cells with BA enhanced microtubule-associated protein light chain 3
      II (LC3-II) expression, acidic vesicular organelle and GFP-LC3 fluorescence dot
      accumulation. Combined treatment with chloroquine and BA apparently reduced cell
      viability and increased the cleavage of poly (ADPribose) polymerase (PARP) in
      both HEY and A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines, indicating that BA induces a
      protective autophagy in these cells. Knockdown of Beclin 1 by siRNA remarkably
      decreased BA-induced LC3-II lipidation. In addition, we found an increase in the
      phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK, Thr202/Thr204) and
      AKT (Ser473) after BA treatment, and inhibition of ERK activation by the
      pharmacological inhibitor U0126 or ERK siRNA blocked BA-induced autophagy. Taken
      together, these results suggest that BA induces Beclin 1- and ERK-dependent
      autophagy in ovarian cancer cells.

PMID- 28081632
TI  - ERK Signaling Pathway Plays a Key Role in Baicalin Protection Against
      Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury.
AB  - Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose causes hepatocytes necrosis and acute liver
      failure. Baicalin (BA), a major flavonoid of Scutellariae radix, has potent
      hepatoprotective properties in traditional medicine. In the present study, we
      investigated the protective effects of BA on a APAP-induced liver injury in a
      mouse model. The mice received an intraperitoneal hepatotoxic dose of APAP
      (300[Formula: see text]mg/kg) and after 30[Formula: see text]min, were treated
      with BA at concentrations of 0, 15, 30, or 60[Formula: see text]mg/kg. After
      16[Formula: see text]h of treatment, the mice were sacrificed for further
      analysis. APAP administration significantly elevated the serum alanine
      transferase (ALT) enzyme levels and hepatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity when
      compared with control animals. Baicalin treatment significantly attenuated the
      elevation of liver ALT levels, as well as hepatic MPO activity in a dose-
      dependent manner (15-60[Formula: see text]mg/kg) in APAP-treated mice. The
      strongest beneficial effects of BA were seen at a dose of 30[Formula: see
      text]mg/kg. BA treatment at 30[Formula: see text]mg/kg after APAP overdose
      reduced elevated hepatic cytokine (TNF-[Formula: see text] and IL-6) levels, and
      macrophage recruitment around the area of hepatotoxicity in immunohistochemical
      staining. Significantly, BA treatment can also decrease hepatic phosphorylated
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression, which is induced by APAP
      overdose. Our data suggests that baicalin treatment can effectively attenuate
      APAP-induced liver injury by down-regulating the ERK signaling pathway and its
      downstream effectors of inflammatory responses. These results support that
      baicalin is a potential hepatoprotective agent.

PMID- 28081633
TI  - Activity- vs. structural-oriented treatment approach for frozen shoulder: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the short- and long-term effects of a structural-oriented
      (convential) with an activity-oriented physiotherapeutic treatment in patients
      with frozen shoulder. DESIGN: Double-blinded, randomized, experimental study.
      SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: We included patients diagnosed with a
      limited range of motion and pain in the shoulder region, who had received a
      prescription for physiotherapy treatment, without additional symptoms of
      dizziness, a case history of headaches, pain and/or limited range of motion in
      the cervical spine and/or temporomandibular joint. INTERVENTIONS: The study group
      received treatment during the performance of activities. The comparison group was
      treated with manual therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
      (conventional therapy). Both groups received 10 days of therapy, 30 minutes each
      day. MAIN MEASURES: Range of motion, muscle function tests, McGill pain
      questionnaire and modified Upper Extremity Motor Activity Log were measured at
      baseline, after two weeks of intervention and after a three-month follow-up
      period without therapy. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were randomized into two
      groups: The activity-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 44 years, SD = 16 years)
      including 20 male (61%) and the structural-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 47
      years, SD = 17 years) including 21 male (64%). The activity-oriented group
      revealed significantly greater improvements in the performance of daily life
      activities and functional and structural tests compared with the group treated
      with conventional therapy after 10 days of therapy and at the three-month follow
      up ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Therapy based on performing activities seems to be
      more effective for pain reduction and the ability to perform daily life
      activities than conventional treatment methods.

PMID- 28081634
TI  - The effect of nitisinone on homogentisic acid and tyrosine: a two-year survey of
      patients attending the National Alkaptonuria Centre, Liverpool.
AB  - Background Alkaptonuria is a rare, debilitating autosomal recessive disorder
      affecting tyrosine metabolism. Deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase leads
      to increased homogentisic acid which is deposited as ochronotic pigment. Clinical
      sequelae include severe early onset osteoarthritis, increased renal and prostate
      stone formation and cardiac complications. Treatment has been largely based on
      analgaesia and arthroplasty. The National Alkaptonuria Centre in Liverpool has
      been using 2 mg nitisinone (NTBC) off-license for all patients in the United
      Kingdom with alkaptonuria and monitoring the tyrosine metabolite profiles.
      Methods Patients with confirmed alkaptonuria are commenced on 2 mg dose
      (alternative days) of NTBC for three months with daily dose thereafter.
      Metabolite measurement by LC-MS/MS is performed at baseline, day 4, three-months,
      six-months and one-year post-commencing NTBC. Thereafter, monitoring and clinical
      assessments are performed annually. Results Urine homogentisic acid concentration
      decreased from a mean baseline 20,557 umol/24 h (95th percentile confidence
      interval 18,446-22,669 umol/24 h) by on average 95.4% by six months, 94.8% at one
      year and 94.1% at two year monitoring. A concurrent reduction in serum
      homogentisic acid concentration of 83.2% compared to baseline was also measured.
      Serum tyrosine increased from normal adult reference interval to a mean +/- SD of
      594 +/- 184 umol /L at year-two monitoring with an increased urinary excretion
      from 103 +/- 81 umol /24 h at baseline to 1071 +/- 726 umol /24 h two years from
      therapy. Conclusions The data presented represent the first longitudinal survey
      of NTBC use in an NHS service setting and demonstrate the sustained effect of
      NTBC on the tyrosine metabolite profile.

PMID- 28081635
TI  - Highly sensitive faecal DNA testing of TWIST1 methylation in combination with
      faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin is a promising marker for detection of
      colorectal neoplasia.
AB  - Background As TWIST1 methylation is specific to colorectal neoplasia, detection
      of TWIST1 methylation from faeces samples might be useful for colorectal
      neoplasia screening. However, because the content of human DNA in faeces is very
      small, it is very difficult to detect TWIST1 methylation by conventional
      bisulphite-based methylation assays. Therefore, we developed a new methylation
      assay without bisulphite treatment, the combined restriction digital PCR assay,
      and evaluated its sensitivity and specificity in combination with and without the
      faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin for colorectal neoplasia detection
      from faeces samples. Methods For the combined restriction digital PCR assay, DNA
      was treated with three methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes and an
      exonuclease, followed by measurement of TWIST1 methylation level by droplet
      digital PCR. Faecal DNA testing and faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin
      were performed on 109 patients with colorectal neoplasia and 10 control
      individuals. Results Basic performance testing showed that the combined
      restriction digital PCR assay enabled detection of 0.14% of the TWIST1
      methylation level for the lymphocyte DNA. The combined restriction digital PCR
      assay from faeces samples had a sensitivity of 22.2% (95% confidence interval,
      2.8-60.0%) for non-advanced adenoma, 47.1% (95% confidence interval, 23.0-72.2%)
      for advanced adenoma, and 33.7% (95% confidence interval, 23.7-45.0%) for
      colorectal cancer, and a specificity of 100.0%. Combination of faecal
      immunochemical test for haemoglobin and faecal combined restriction digital PCR
      assay increased sensitivity to 82.4% (95% confidence interval, 56.6-96.2%) for
      the detection of advanced adenoma. Conclusions We developed the combined
      restriction digital PCR assay, a possible highly sensitive methylation assay.
      Combination of faecal combined restriction digital PCR assay with faecal
      immunochemical test for haemoglobin may provide an alternative screening strategy
      for colorectal neoplasia, especially for potentially precancerous lesions.

PMID- 28081636
TI  - The serum concentration of soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with
      Kawasaki disease.
AB  - Kawasaki disease is a febrile disease of childhood that is associated with
      increased inflammatory cytokines and immunoregulatory abnormalities. While the
      serum concentrations of soluble IL-2 receptor can change under such pathologies,
      the relevance of the soluble IL-2 receptor concentration in patients with
      Kawasaki disease has not been specified. We aimed to summarize the existing
      studies that reported the soluble IL-2 receptor concentrations in patients with
      Kawasaki disease. Original articles that were published up to July 2016 were
      collected using a PubMed/Medline-based search engine. A total of nine articles
      that reported the serum soluble IL-2 receptor concentrations in acute-phase
      Kawasaki disease were eligible. All of the articles described a high soluble IL-2
      receptor concentration in patients with Kawasaki disease relative to the level of
      controls or the reference range. Two of five articles on patients with coronary
      artery aneurysms described a significantly higher soluble IL-2 receptor
      concentration in patients with coronary artery aneurysms than patients without.
      Two articles on patients with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy described a
      significant decrease of the soluble IL-2 receptor concentration after the
      therapy. Accordingly, the serum soluble IL-2 receptor can be a potent marker of
      disease activity and therapeutic effects in patients with Kawasaki disease;
      further studies are thus warranted for its use in the clinical setting.

PMID- 28081637
TI  - Comparison of method-related reference intervals for thyroid hormones: studies
      from a prospective reference population and a literature review.
AB  - Introduction Reference intervals are dependent on the reference population, the
      analytical methods and the way the data are handled statistically. Individual
      method-related differences have been studied but the comparative differences in
      reference intervals have not. Methods We studied a reference population of
      healthy adult subjects and measured free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating
      hormone by the four most commonly used analytical platforms used in the UK.
      Subjects were excluded if they were > 65 years or had positive thyroid peroxidase
      antibodies. We also performed a systematic literature review of thyroid hormone
      reference interval studies in non-pregnant adults. Results In total, 303 subjects
      were recruited and 42 excluded. The central 95th centile values for thyroid
      stimulating hormone (mIU/L) were Abbott Architect (0.51-3.67); Beckman Unicel DxI
      (0.57-3.60); Roche Cobas (0.60-4.31) and Siemens Advia Centaur XP (0.63-4.29).
      The 95th centile values for thyroxine (pmol/L) were Abbott Architect (10.6-15.5);
      Beckman Unicel DxI (7.9-13.0); Roche Cobas (12.5-19.6) and Siemens Advia Centaur
      XP (11.8-19.0). We identified 55 papers describing thyroid reference intervals in
      male and non-pregnant female adults. The values for upper and lower reference
      intervals by manufacturer varied but were not significantly different for thyroid
      stimulating hormone but were for thyroxine. Discussion Our study demonstrates
      clearly that there are marked variations in the reference intervals for thyroid
      hormones between analytical platforms. There is an urgent need for
      standardization of thyroid hormone assays to permit transferability of results.
      Until then, guidelines will need to reflect this method-related difference.

PMID- 28081638
TI  - Echocardiography may cause significant pain response in preterm infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate if echocardiographic
      examination causes any pain response in term and preterm infants. METHODS: Term
      and preterm neonates who admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Gazi
      University Hospital and Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Training and Research Hospital and
      were performed echocardiography for any reason were included into the study.
      Neonates were evaluated before, during and 10 minutes after the examination.
      Vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, transcutaneous oxygen
      saturation) were recorded. All subjects were also evaluated with Neonatal Infant
      Pain Scale during the examination. RESULTS: In this study, we evaluated 99
      newborn infants. Five infants who received fentanyl treatment were excluded. The
      heart rate (p = 0.000), respiratory rate (p = 0.000), diastolic blood pressure (p
      = 0.001) and oxygen saturation (p = 0.000) during the examination were
      significantly different than the values before and 10 minutes after the
      examination. Infants whose gestational age <=32 weeks (n:20) have significantly
      higher NIPS scores (mean +/- SEM = 3.3 +/- 0.4) than the infants whose
      gestational age is greater than 32 weeks (n:71) (mean +/- SEM = 2.4 +/- 0.2).
      CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographic examination which is known as noninvasive and
      painless causes significant pain in preterm infants.

PMID- 28081639
TI  - Differential expression of cord blood neurotrophins in gestational diabetes: the
      impact of fetal growth abnormalities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may induce fetal macrosomia or
      growth restriction and is associated with later offspring neurodevelopmental
      disorders. We aimed to determine whether neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) are
      differentially expressed in cord blood samples at birth in large-for-gestational
      age (LGA), intrauterine-growth-restricted (IUGR) and appropriate-for-gestational
      age (AGA) offspring of diabetic mothers, as compared to AGA controls from non
      diabetic mothers. METHODS: BDNF, NGF and NT-4 concentrations were prospectively
      determined in 80 cord blood samples from LGA (n = 15), IUGR (n = 12) and AGA (n =
      33) diabetic, as well as from AGA normal (controls, n = 20) singleton full-term
      pregnancies. RESULTS: Fetal BDNF concentrations considerably decreased in GDM, as
      compared with normal pregnancies [(b = -2.836, 95%CI -5.067 to (-0.604), p =
      0.013)] and were higher in females (b = 2.298, 95%CI 0.357-4.238, p = 0.021).
      Cord blood NGF concentrations were lower in IUGR than AGA infants (p = 0.038).
      CONCLUSIONS: BDNF is down-regulated in the fetus exposed to GDM, independently of
      the fetal growth pattern, probably representing a candidate mechanism underlying
      the association between maternal diabetes and later psychopathology. IUGR fetuses
      born to diabetic mothers present with NGF deficiency, which may contribute to
      their long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae. Gender-dependent differences in
      fetal BDNF may partly explain the higher prevalence of adverse neurodevelopmental
      outcomes following brain insults in male infants.

PMID- 28081640
TI  - xCT deficiency aggravates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity under inhibition
      of the transsulfuration pathway.
AB  - Cystine, an oxidized form of cysteine (Cys), is imported into cells via the
      protein xCT, which is also associated with the export of glutamate as the counter
      amino acid. In the current study, we attempted to rationalize roles of xCT in the
      livers of male mice. While xCT was not expressed in the livers of ordinary mice,
      it was induced under conditions of glutathione depletion, caused by the
      administration of acetaminophen (AAP). To differentiate the role between xCT and
      the transsulfuration pathway on the supply of Cys, we employed an inhibitor of
      the enzyme cystathionine gamma-lyase, propargylglycine (PPG). This inhibitor
      caused a marked aggravation in AAP-induced hepatic damage and the mortality of
      the xCT-/- mice was increased to a greater extent than that for the xCT+/+ mice.
      While a PPG pretreatment had no effect on liver condition or Cys levels, the
      administration of AAP to the PPG-pretreated mice reduced the levels of Cys as
      well as glutathione to very low levels in both the xCT+/+ and xCT-/- mice. These
      findings indicate that the transsulfuration pathway plays a major role in
      replenishing Cys when glutathione levels are low. Moreover, an ascorbic acid
      insufficiency, induced by Akr1a ablation, further aggravated the AAP-induced
      liver damage in the case of the xCT deficiency, indicating that glutathione and
      ascorbic acid function cooperatively in protecting the liver. In conclusion,
      while the transsulfuration pathway plays a primary role in supplying Cys to the
      redox system in the liver, xCT is induced in cases of emergencies, by
      compensating for Cys supply systems.

PMID- 28081642
TI  - First-trimester placental vascular development in multiparous women differs from
      that in nulliparous women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Multiparas differ from nulliparas by delivering larger babies with
      larger placentas and by having a lower risk of developing placental syndromes. We
      postulate that these differences result from a different initial course of
      placental vascular development. STUDY DESIGN: We measured placental flow index
      (FI), vascularization index (VI) and placental volume by 3D power Doppler and
      obtained blood samples at 8, 10 and 12 weeks pregnancy in 34 healthy nulliparous
      and 16 multiparous women with an uneventful pregnancy. RESULTS: Between 8 and 12
      weeks multiparas differed from nulliparas in a more rapid initial rise in FI, a
      higher angiopoietin-2 (ang2) level at eight weeks and no decline in the
      VEGF/sVEGF-R ratio. Nevertheless, at 12 weeks the FI and placental volume were
      indistinguishable between both study groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results combining
      serially measured placental vascularization, placental volume and circulating
      angiogenetic factors show initial differences in placental development, that
      howeve, did not maintain till the end of first trimester. The results support the
      concept that early placental vascular development differs between nulliparas and
      multiparas. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether these differences contribute to
      the development later on in pregnancy of intergroup differences in birthweight
      and incidence of placental syndromes.

PMID- 28081643
TI  - Microemulsion for topical delivery of fenoprofen calcium: in vitro and in vivo
      evaluation.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate microemulsion (ME) based topical
      delivery system for fenoprofen calcium (FPCa) to eliminate its oral
      gastrointestinal adverse effects. ME was prepared by the water titration method
      using oleic acid as oil phase, tween 80 as a surfactant and propylene glycol as a
      cosurfactant. Oleic acid was selected as oil phase due to its good solubilizing
      capacity. ME existence region was determined using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams
      for preparing different formulations. Six different formulations were selected
      with various values of oil (25-68%), water (2-3%), and the mixture of surfactant
      and cosurfactant (1:1) (24-67%). The selected ME formulae were characterized for
      optical birefringence, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), pH, %
      transmittance, electronic conductivity, drug content, droplet size, rheological
      properties and stability evaluation. In vitro release study of FPCa from ME s
      through the synthetic membrane and hairless rat skin were evaluated. The
      optimized formula ME5 consisting of 5% w/w FPCa, 60% w/w oleic acid as oil phase,
      3% w/w aqueous phase, and 32% w/w of surfactant phase containing Tween 80 and
      propylene glycol (1: 1) showed the highest transdermal flux and highest skin
      permeation rate. Finally, the % inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema
      of the optimized formula ME5 was highly significant (p < 0.001) as compared to
      plain gel of FPCa. In conclusion, ME is a promising technique for topical
      delivery of FPCa.

PMID- 28081641
TI  - Vessel pruning or healing: endothelial metabolism as a novel target?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Antiangiogenic drugs were originally designed to starve tumors by
      cutting off their vascular supply. Unfortunately, when these agents are used as
      monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy, they provide only modest
      survival benefits in the order of weeks to months in most cancer patients.
      Strategies normalizing the disorganized tumor vasculature offer the potential to
      increase tumor perfusion and oxygenation, and to improve the efficacy of radio-,
      chemo- and immunotherapy, while reducing metastasis. Areas covered: This review
      discusses tumor vascular normalization (TVN) as an alternative strategy for anti
      angiogenic cancer treatment. We summarize (pre)-clinical strategies that have
      been developed to normalize tumor vessels as well as their potential to enhance
      standard therapy. Notably, we describe how targeting endothelial cell metabolism
      offers new possibilities for antiangiogenic therapy through evoking TVN. Expert
      opinion: Several drugs targeting VEGF signaling are now clinically used for
      antiangiogenic cancer treatment. However, excessive blood vessel pruning impedes
      perfusion and causes tumor hypoxia, known to promote cancer cell dissemination
      and impair radio-, chemo- and immunotherapy. Normalized vessels lessen tumor
      hypoxia, impair cancer cell intravasation and enhance anticancer treatment. New
      data indicate that targeting endothelial cell metabolism is an alternative
      strategy of antiangiogenic cancer treatment via promotion of TVN.

PMID- 28081644
TI  - Reactive nitrogen species as therapeutic targets for autophagy: implication for
      ischemic stroke.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Roles of autophagy/mitophagy activation in ischemic stroke remain
      controversial. To elucidate potential reasons, we analyze the factors responsible
      for divergent results in literatures. Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are
      important cytotoxic factors in ischemic stroke. Herein, we particularly discuss
      the roles played by RNS in autophagy/mitophagy and ischemic brain injury. Areas
      covered: Following factors should be considered in the studies on
      autophagy/mitophagy in ischemic stroke: (1) Protocols for administration of
      autophagy regulators including administration time points, routes and doses,
      etc.; (2) Specificity of autophagy regulators; (3) Animal models of cerebral
      ischemia with or without reperfusion. In the underlying mechanisms of
      autophagy/mitophagy, we particularly discuss the potential roles of RNS in
      mediating excessive autophagy/mitophagy during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
      injury. Expert opinion: Emphasis should be given to the following aspects in
      future studies: (1) Targeting RNS and related cellular signaling pathways in the
      regulation of autophagy/mitophagy might be a promising strategy for developing
      novel drugs as well as combined therapy for thrombolytic treatment to reach
      better outcomes for ischemic stroke; (2) Developing circulating plasma biomarkers
      linking RNS-mediated autophagy/mitophagy to the magnitude of ischemic brain
      injury will benefit for stroke treatment. Subsequently, RNS could be dominant
      therapeutic targets to regulate autophagy/mitophagy for ischemic stroke.

PMID- 28081645
TI  - Factors related to recurrence of the benign non-functioning thyroid nodules after
      percutaneous microwave ablation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the factors affecting the recurrence of the solitary benign
      thyroid nodules (BTN) after microwave ablation (MWA). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Between January 2013 and January 2015, a total of 110 patients with at least one
      solid thyroid nodule (solid component >= 80%) were enrolled. MWA was performed
      under continuous ultrasound (US) guidance. Before and during the follow-up, the
      thyroid nodule volume, thyroid function and cosmetic complaints were evaluated.
      Recurrence is defined by the new blood flow in the total ablation area or/and >
      50% increase in nodule volume. RESULTS: Almost all thyroid nodules were
      significantly decreased in size after MWA. After 12 months, the average volume of
      thyroid nodules was decreased from 12.6 +/- 15.1 to 3.2 +/- 5.7 ml. Of the total
      110 patients, 16 cases had recurrence 12 months after MWA, and these patients had
      a larger initial volume than that of the non-recurrence patients (11.6 +/- 14.9
      vs. 23.9 +/- 12.5, p < 0.01). The recurrence group also demonstrated more
      irregular blood vessels (1.8 8 +/- 1.1 vs. 2.8 5 +/- 1.3, p < 0.05), and a lower
      energy (1575.5 +/- 674.3 J/ml vs. 1172.3 +/- 454.2 J/ml, p < 0.01). In addition,
      81.2% (13/16) of the patients in the recurrence group were adjacent to the vital
      structures, which is significantly higher than that of the non-recurrence group
      28.7% (27/94) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The US-guided MWA results in a
      satisfactory long-term outcome of the patients with a benign solitary thyroid
      nodule. We identified three risk factors for recurrence: initial volume,
      vascularity and the energy per 1 ml reduction in nodular volume.

PMID- 28081647
TI  - Interaction of S-layer proteins of Lactobacillus kefir with model membranes and
      cells.
AB  - In previous works, it was shown that S-layer proteins from Lactobacillus kefir
      were able to recrystallize and stabilize liposomes, this feature reveling a great
      potential for developing liposomal-based carriers. Despite previous studies on
      this subject are important milestones, a number of questions remain unanswered.
      In this context, the feasibility of S-layer proteins as a biomaterial for drug
      delivery was evaluated in this work. First, S-layer proteins were fully
      characterized by electron microscopy, 2D-electrophoresis, and anionic exchange
      chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). Afterward,
      interactions of S-layer proteins with model lipid membranes were evaluated,
      showing that proteins adsorb to the lipid surface following a non-fickean or
      anomalous diffusion, when positively charged lipid were employed, suggesting that
      electrostatic interaction is a key factor in the recrystallization process on
      these proteins. Finally, the interaction of S-layer coated liposomes with Caco-2
      cell line was assessed: First, cytotoxicity of formulations was tested showing no
      cytotoxic effects in S-layer coated vesicles. Second, by flow cytometry, it was
      observed an increased ability to transfer cargo molecules into Caco-2 cells from
      S-layer coated liposomes in comparison to control ones. All data put together,
      supports the idea that a combination of adhesive properties of S-layer proteins
      concomitant with higher stability of S-layer coated liposomes represents an
      exciting starting point in the development of new drug carriers.

PMID- 28081648
TI  - Chemical pharmacotherapy options for managing adult acne.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of adult acne is increasing worldwide. Despite
      clinical overlap with conventional acne, it has distinct features. Areas covered:
      A literature search of English-language review articles, randomized control
      studies and retrospective studies conducted over the past 30 years was performed
      using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms included acne, adult, topical
      medication, oral medication and skin of color. We highlight important clinical
      features and treatment modalities pertinent to the evaluation and management of
      adult acne. Given the relative dearth of literature detailing treatment options
      specific to adult acne, we offer expert opinion regarding management of the
      condition especially in special populations such as skin of color and pregnancy.
      Expert Opinion: It is unclear whether adult acne represents a distinct entity or
      a continuum of adolescent disease. Providers may opt to use topical medication as
      first-line, but should have a low threshold for switching to systemic therapy
      given the magnitude of psychosocial and emotional burden associated with the
      condition.

PMID- 28081649
TI  - Three-dimensional fluoroscopic navigation-assisted surgery for tumors in patients
      with tumor-induced osteomalacia in the bones.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome
      usually caused by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors. Segmental resection has been
      recommended for these tumors in the bones because curettage was found to be
      associated with a high local recurrence rate. Navigation-assisted surgery
      provides radiological information to guide the surgeon during surgery. No
      previous study has reported on the efficacy of navigation-assisted surgery for
      tumors in patients with TIO. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the
      efficacy of navigation-assisted surgery for tumors in patients with TIO. METHODS:
      The study included seven patients with TIO who were treated between January 2003
      and December 2014 at our hospital. All patients underwent surgical treatment with
      or without the use of a 3-dimensional (3D) fluoroscopy-based navigation system.
      The laboratory data and oncological outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The follow
      up period was 8-128 months. The tumors were located at the femur (n = 4),
      ischium, spine and ilium (n = 1). Of the seven patients, five underwent
      navigation-assisted surgery and two underwent surgery without navigation
      assistance. In the two patients who underwent surgery without navigation
      assistance, a complete cure was not obtained and osteomalacia did not resolve.
      One of these two patients and the other five patients who underwent navigation
      assisted surgery, one patient had incomplete resection due to massive invasion of
      the tumor into the spinal canal, but five patients achieved complete excision and
      recovered from osteomalacia. CONCLUSIONS: Navigation-assisted surgery using a 3D
      fluoroscopy-based navigation system is effective for tumors in patients with TIO.

PMID- 28081646
TI  - Comparison of rapid MMP-8 and interleukin-6 point-of-care tests to identify intra
      amniotic inflammation/infection and impending preterm delivery in patients with
      preterm labor and intact membranes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Among patients presenting with preterm labor and intact membranes,
      those with intra-amniotic inflammation have adverse obstetrical and neonatal
      outcomes. The diagnosis of intra-amniotic inflammation can easily be made by
      detecting an elevated concentration of the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 or the
      enzyme neutrophil collagenase, also known as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8.
      The diagnostic performances of MMP-8 and IL-6 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      tests are similar. Recently, a rapid test has become available for point-of-care
      determination of either MMP-8 or IL-6. The objectives of this study were to
      compare the diagnostic indices and predictive values between the rapid MMP-8 and
      IL-6 tests for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation in patients with
      preterm labor and intact membranes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective cohort study including 124 women with singleton pregnancies who
      presented with symptoms of preterm labor and underwent transabdominal
      amniocentesis for the evaluation of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity
      (MIAC). MIAC was defined according to amniotic fluid culture results (aerobic and
      anaerobic bacteria as well as genital Mycoplasmas). Amniotic fluid white blood
      cell (WBC) counts were determined using a hemocytometer chamber. An elevated
      amniotic fluid MMP-8 concentration was assessed using Yoon's MMP-8 Check(r)
      (cutoff: 10 ng/mL). An elevated amniotic fluid IL-6 concentration was scored when
      there was a positive result for the lateral flow-based immunoassay (cutoff: >=745
      pg/mL and >=1000 pg/mL). In order to objectively compare rapid MMP-8 and rapid IL
      6 tests to identify intra-amniotic inflammation, an amniotic fluid WBC count of
      >=50 cells/mm3 was used to define intra-amniotic inflammation. RESULTS: (1) The
      rapid tests had the same sensitivity for the detection of intra-amniotic
      inflammation [85.7% (18/21) for all]; (2) the specificity of the rapid MMP-8 test
      was higher than that of the rapid IL-6 test (cutoff: 745 pg/mL) for the
      identification of intra-amniotic inflammation [72.8% (75/103) vs. 64.1% (66/103);
      p < 0.05]; and (3) there were no differences in the sensitivity and specificity
      between the rapid MMP-8 test and the rapid IL-6 test (cutoff:1000 pg/mL) in the
      identification of intra-amniotic inflammation. Of 13 patients with discrepant
      results between the rapid MMP-8 and rapid IL-6 tests, two had a positive MMP-8
      but a negative rapid IL-6 test, and both delivered preterm - one within 24 h, and
      the other within 10 days - and both had acute histologic chorioamnionitis. On the
      other hand, there were 11 patients with a positive rapid IL-6 but a negative
      rapid MMP-8 result: 10 delivered preterm, 3 had acute histologic chorioamnionitis
      and 1 had subacute chorionitis. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the rapid MMP-8 test
      has a better specificity than the rapid IL-6 (cutoff: 745 pg/mL) assay for the
      detection of intra-amniotic infection. Moreover, we observed that among patients
      who were not identified as having intra-amniotic infection or inflammation by the
      standard cultivation technique and amniotic fluid WBC count, those who had a
      positive MMP-8 rapid test delivered preterm and had acute histologic
      chorioamnionitis.

PMID- 28081650
TI  - Current and future therapies for the treatment of histamine-induced angioedema.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angioedema, a sudden, self-limited swelling of localized areas of
      any part of the body that may or may not be associated with urticaria, is thought
      to be the result of a mast-cell mediated process versus a bradykinin etiology.
      Understanding the mechanism is key in determining the proper treatment. Areas
      Covered: Clinical presentation of varying angioedema types may be similar;
      however, the appropriate treatment algorithm is dependent upon clinicians'
      knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology and classification of angioedema.
      Literature review of recent guidelines, available medications, and alternative
      therapies was completed to provide an overview of options. CONCLUSION: There are
      no formal guidelines for treatment of acute or chronic histamine-mediated
      angioedema, and therefore, algorithms for the treatment of acute and chronic
      urticaria should be followed until such information becomes available.
      Differentiating histamine-mediated versus bradykinin mediated angioedema is
      essential, as treatments and treatment responses are quite different. Further
      research is needed to better understand idiopathic angioedema that is
      unresponsive to H1/H2 antagonists, LTMAs, or medications designed to treat
      bradykinin-mediated angioedema.

PMID- 28081651
TI  - Bridging the gap from values to actions: a family systems framework for family
      centered AAC services.
AB  - Despite the growing recognition of the importance of family involvement in
      augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention, little guidance
      exists on how professionals can establish successful collaborative relationships
      with families. In this paper, we discuss family systems theory and ecological
      systems theory as a framework to guide family-centered AAC practice, review
      family-focused research in AAC, consider how AAC may impact the family system,
      and provide examples of the clinical implications of using the proposed family
      systems framework to improve family-centered AAC practice.

PMID- 28081652
TI  - A new dimeric stilbene from the lianas of Gnetum parvifolium.
AB  - A new dimeric stilbene, gnetifolin P (1), was isolated from the lianas of Gnetum
      parvifolium, together with seven known compounds 2-8. The structure of compound 1
      was determined by extensive NMR and HRESIMS data analyses, and quantum chemical
      calculations. All the compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory
      activity. Compounds 1 and 6 inhibited the expression of IL-1beta on LPS induced
      THP-1 cells with the inhibition rate of 35.78 and 64.67%, respectively, at
      concentration of 25 MUg/mL.

PMID- 28081654
TI  - Allusive thinking (remote associations) and auditory top-down inhibition skills
      differentially predict creativity and positive schizotypy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Positive schizotypy and creativity seem to be linked. However, the
      question still remains why they are related, and what may make the difference? As
      creative ideation is hypothesised as a dual process (association and inhibition),
      the propensity for remote associations might be a shared mechanism. However,
      positive schizotypy and creative thinking might be differentially linked to
      inhibition. Therefore, this study investigated a potentially overlapping feature
      of positive schizotypy and creativity (remote associations) as well as a
      potential dissociative factor (auditory inhibition). METHODS: From a large
      screening sample, 46 participants covering a broad range of positive schizotypy
      were selected. Association proneness was assessed via two association tasks,
      auditory inhibition skill with the forced-left condition of the Dichotic
      Listening Test, and creative thinking by means of two creative ideation tests.
      RESULTS: Positive schizotypy and creative thinking were positively associated.
      Both traits were linked to lower rates of common associations. However, creative
      thinking was associated with higher and positive schizotypy with lower inhibitory
      control in the auditory domain. CONCLUSIONS: While creativity and positive
      schizotypy shared some variance (related to remote associations), profound
      inhibition skills may be vital for creative performance and may coincide with
      lower levels of positive schizotypy.

PMID- 28081653
TI  - Toxicity from automotive screenwashes reported to the United Kingdom National
      Poisons Information Service (NPIS) from 2012 to 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Automotive screenwashes commonly contain ethylene glycol, methanol,
      and/or isopropanol; ethanol is also included in many formulations. The
      concentrations and combinations of each constituent vary considerably between the
      products. This study was undertaken to investigate the toxicity of automotive
      screenwashes as reported by telephone to the United Kingdom National Poisons
      Information Service (NPIS). METHODS: Enquiries to the NPIS relating to automotive
      screenwashes were analyzed retrospectively for the period January 2012 to
      December 2015. RESULTS: There were 295 enquiries involving 255 individual
      exposures. The majority (n = 241, 94.5%) of exposures involved ingestion and 14
      of these also involved other routes. Six cases were due to skin contact alone,
      three to inhalation alone, three to eye contact alone, one to ear exposure alone
      and another occurred from inhalation and skin contact. Children below 5 years of
      age accounted for 26% of all ingestions. The identity (and therefore composition)
      of the screenwash was known with certainty in 124 of 241 ingestions and included
      methanol in 106 formulations, isopropanol in 72, ethylene glycol in 38, and
      ethanol in 104. The World Health Organisation/International Programme on Chemical
      Safety/European Commission/European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical
      Toxicologists Poisoning Severity Score was known in 235 of 241 cases of
      ingestion: most patients were asymptomatic (n = 169, 71.9%), but 59 (25.1%)
      developed minor (PSS 1), six (2.6%) moderate (PSS 2), and one patient severe (PSS
      3) features; this patient later died. Nausea (n = 10), vomiting (n = 11),
      abdominal pain (n = 10), metabolic acidosis (n = 8) and raised anion gap (n = 8)
      were reported most commonly after ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients (71.9%)
      ingesting automotive screenwash did not develop features. The implication is that
      the amount of screenwash ingested was very small. Skin and eye exposure produced
      either no features or only minor toxicity.

PMID- 28081655
TI  - Marked biochemical difference in amyloid proportion between intra- and
      extraocular tissues in a liver-transplanted patient with hereditary ATTR
      amyloidosis.
AB  - In order to elucidate the pathomechanism of ocular amyloid formation in a liver
      transplanted patient with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis, we investigated detailed
      biochemical features of ocular amyloid. The patient was a 49-year-old woman with
      V30M transthyretin (TTR) variant (p.TTRV50M), who underwent ophthalmectomy due to
      corneal rupture 10 years after liver transplantation (LT). The amyloid was
      selectively isolated from several portions in intra- and extraocular tissues
      using a laser microdissection (LMD) system and analyzed by liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry to determine the composition percentage of wild-type and
      variant TTR in the isolated amyloid. Biochemical analysis revealed that the
      amyloid consisted mainly of variant TTR in intraocular tissues with a percentage
      > 80%. On the contrary in the extraocular muscles, wild-type TTR was the main
      component of the amyloid with a percentage of ~70%. Our data indicate that
      intraocular amyloid formation strongly depends on locally synthesized variant TTR
      and the contribution of wild-type TTR to amyloid formation is quite limited.

PMID- 28081656
TI  - Clinicopathological and biochemical findings of thyroid amyloid in hereditary
      transthyretin amyloidosis with and without liver transplantation.
AB  - Hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is a fatal disease causing systemic
      organ dysfunctions. Histopathological studies revealed that thyroid glands are
      major target tissues. However, details about thyroid functions remain to be fully
      elucidated in this disease. For patient treatment, liver transplantation (LT)
      reportedly prolongs patient survival, but thyroid gland function after LT still
      remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the thyroid functions
      in 101 patients with hereditary TTR amyloidosis and the effects of LT on thyroid
      functions in those patients. In addition, we investigated histopathological and
      biochemical findings of thyroid specimens obtained at autopsy. Disease duration
      and age at examination inversely correlated with serum levels of free
      triiodothyronine (fT3) in hereditary TTR amyloidosis. On the contrary, in
      patients who underwent transplantation, time from disease onset to
      transplantation and age at transplantation clearly correlated with serum fT3and
      thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. In autopsy studies, amounts of thyroid
      amyloid deposits in patients with transplantation were significantly lower than
      those in patients without transplantation. Mass spectrometric analyzes also
      revealed that proportions of wild-type (WT) TTR in thyroid amyloid deposits in
      patients with hereditary TTR amyloidosis who underwent transplantations were
      higher than those in patients without transplantation. Thyroid hormone functions
      may diminish according to the disease progression. LT could prevent thyroid
      dysfunction in hereditary TTR amyloidosis.

PMID- 28081657
TI  - Bariatric endoscopy: current state of the art, emerging technologies, and
      challenges.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Over the last few decades obesity has become a major health issue
      worldwide. Although dietary and lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of obesity
      management, it still poses a huge challenge for the majority of patients to
      permanently change their eating habits. Bariatric endoscopy represents an
      evolving filed of minimally invasive techniques and procedures for weight loss
      trying to respond to these challenges by developing new methods with the
      increasing role of endoscopists in the management of obesity. Areas covered: The
      aim of this article is to review the role and the advantages of bariatric
      endoscopy in the management of obesity by providing a comprehensive reference
      source and evaluating the currently available and emerging endoscopic devices and
      techniques for weight loss. Expert commentary: Endoscopic methods for weight loss
      represent a useful armamentarium in the management of obesity by providing
      improved effectiveness compared with medications, with a lower risk profile than
      traditional bariatric surgery. Although preliminary results of recently
      introduced methods are encouraging, many questions remain regarding the safety
      and efficacy of such interventions. Combining scientific background with
      advancements in technology is the key strategy for the further development of
      bariatric endoscopy.

PMID- 28081658
TI  - Breast cancer chemoprevention: A service in need of menopause specialist support.

PMID- 28081659
TI  - Network of Ethical Relationships model for global North-South population health
      research.
AB  - Although a substantial body of literature exists that details how to address
      ethical issues and provide oversight for traditional research study designs,
      there currently is very little guidance available to researchers on how to deal
      with the unique and novel challenges that arise when conducting research that
      goes outside of these well-defined boundaries. One such example is North-South (N
      S) team-based global population health (GPH) research. This paper presents a
      Network of Ethical Relationships (NER) model which can allow GPH researchers
      better understand and resolve ethical issues that arise in N-S collaborative
      research efforts. The NER model elucidates some of the core relationships
      involved in GPH research and sheds light on the complex milieu of moral,
      institutional, societal and legal processes in which it is embedded. The utility
      of the NER model is examined by reviewing 14 GPH research teams, looking at two
      relationships in more detail - Researcher-Ethics Board, and Researcher-Funder
      relationships. The paper argues that improved dialogue and flexibility in the
      application of formal ethical rules and procedures can lead to research being
      conducted in a more ethical manner since it better accounts for the multitude of
      voices and perspectives influencing researchers' choices and actions.

PMID- 28081660
TI  - Valsalva maneuver in phlebologic practice.
AB  - Forced expiration against an airway obstruction was originally described as a
      method for inflating the Eustachian tubes and is accredited to Antonio Maria
      Valsalva (1666-1723). The Valsalva maneuver is commonly applied for different
      diagnostic purposes. Its use for phlebologic diagnosis is the object this review.
      Venous reflux is the most frequent pathophysiologic mechanism in chronic venous
      disease. Reflux is easily visualized by duplex ultrasound when properly elicited,
      in standing position. A simple way to elicit reflux is the so-called "compression
      release maneuver": by emptying the muscle reservoir, it determines a centrifugal
      gradient, dependent on hydrostatic pressure, creating an aspiration system from
      the superficial to the deep system. The same results are obtained with dynamics
      tests activating calf muscles. The Valsalva maneuver elicits reflux by a
      different mechanism, increasing the downstream pressure and, thus, highlighting
      any connection between the source of reflux and the refluxing vessel. The
      Valsalva maneuver is typically used to investigate the saphenofemoral junction.
      When the maneuver is performed correctly, it is very useful to analyse several
      conditions and different hemodynamic behaviours of the valvular system at the
      saphenofemoral junction. Negative Valsalva maneuver always indicates valvular
      competence at the saphenofemoral junction. Reverse flow lasting during the whole
      strain (positive Valsalva maneuver) indicates incompetence or absence of proximal
      valves. Coupling Valsalva maneuver to compression-release maneuver, with the
      sample volume in different saphenofemoral junction sections, may reveal different
      hemodynamic situations at the saphenofemoral junction, which can be analysed in
      detail.

PMID- 28081662
TI  - Neuroendocrine, goblet cell and mixed adeno-neuroendocrine tumours of the
      appendix: updates, clinical applications and the future.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasms are rare, clinically
      challenging tumours that are typically incidentally diagnosed, have a poorly
      understood biology and have controversy surrounding their management. Most are
      adequately treated with appendectomy, and although distant metastases are rare,
      the threat of disease dissemination remains and current guidelines possess poor
      accuracy in terms of selecting patients requiring more extensive surgery, i.e.
      oncological right-hemicolectomy. Areas covered: In this article, we discuss the
      presentation and diagnostic work-up of patients with appendiceal neuroendocrine
      neoplasms, and also examine the evidence base for existing management strategies.
      We highlight controversies within the management of these tumours, and anticipate
      avenues for further progress. Although no longer classified as neuroendocrine
      neoplasms, we also discuss two related forms of tumours with neuroendocrine
      features - goblet cell cancers and mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinomas. Expert
      commentary: Existing guidelines for the treatment of appendiceal neuroendocrine
      neoplasms are derived from a limited evidence base and are unable to accurately
      predict which patients require extensive attempts at surgical disease control.
      Future advances in the field of improved patient selection for more extensive
      surgery may be possible with multi-factorial tumour assessment integrating
      morphological and molecular analyses.

PMID- 28081661
TI  - Patients and physicians agree only partially in symptoms and clinical findings
      before and after treatment for varicose veins.
AB  - Objective Quality improvement in surgery has mainly been based on clinical
      database outcomes. This study compared variables from the patient-reported
      Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire with the Danish Clinical Vein Database, in
      order to reveal agreements and differences in symptoms and clinical findings.
      Methods In the period January-March 2011, 379 legs in 287 patients treated for
      varicose veins were registered in the Danish Clinical Vein Database and compared
      to the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire. Results Patients and physicians
      agreed in reduction of symptoms after intervention with one or more complaints
      still present in 128 (93%) patients according to Aberdeen Varicose Vein
      Questionnaire compared to the Danish Clinical Vein Database with only 64 (47%)
      patients. Patients reported cosmetic complaints and teleangiectasies both before
      and after treatment (p < 0.001) more often than doctors. Conclusion The Aberdeen
      Varicose Vein Questionnaire has added valuable information to the dialogue
      between the doctor and patient on which symptoms expecting to improve and which
      not.

PMID- 28081663
TI  - Computational analysis of BACE1-ligand complex crystal structures and linear
      discriminant analysis for identification of BACE1 inhibitors with anti P
      glycoprotein binding property.
AB  - More than 100 years of research on Alzheimer's disease didn't yield a potential
      cure for this dreadful disease. Poor Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability and P
      glycoprotein binding of BACE1 inhibitors are the major causes for the failure of
      these molecules during clinical trials. The design of BACE1 inhibitors with a
      balance of sufficient affinity to the binding site and little or no interaction
      with P-glycoproteins is indispensable. Identification and understanding of
      protein-ligand interactions are essential for ligand optimization process.
      Structure-based drug design (SBDD) efforts led to a steady accumulation of BACE1
      ligand crystal complexes in the PDB. This study focuses on analyses of 153 BACE1
      ligand complexes for the direct contacts (hydrogen bonds and weak interactions)
      observed between protein and ligand and indirect contacts (water-mediated
      hydrogen bonds), observed in BACE1-ligand complex crystal structures. Intraligand
      hydrogen bonds were analyzed, with focus on ligand P-glycoprotein efflux. The
      interactions are dissected specific to subsites in the active site and discussed.
      The observed protein-ligand and intraligand interactions were used to develop the
      linear discriminant model for the identification of BACE1 inhibitors with less or
      no P-glycoprotein binding property. Excellent statistical results and model's
      ability to correctly predict a new data-set with an accuracy of 92% is achieved.
      The results are retrospectively analyzed to give input for the design of
      potential BACE1 inhibitors.

PMID- 28081664
TI  - Effect of telehealth intervention on breast cancer patients' quality of life and
      psychological outcomes: A meta-analysis.
AB  - Introduction Telehealth intervention has been proposed as an innovative
      intervention approach to breast cancer patients, but there are still conflicting
      results in the literature about its effect. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and
      China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from inception to 3
      October 2016 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which assessed the effect of
      telehealth intervention versus usual care in breast cancer patients. No language
      restrictions were used. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95%
      confidence interval (95% CI) was pooled when needed. Subgroup and sensitivity
      analyses were conducted if necessary and feasible. Results Twenty RCTs with a
      total of 2190 participants were included into this meta-analysis. Compared with
      usual care, telehealth intervention was associated with higher quality of life
      (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI 0.18-1.01, p = 0.005) and self-efficacy (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI
      0.19-0.98, p = 0.003), with less depression (SMD = -1.29, 95% CI -2.28 to -0.30,
      p = 0.01), distress (SMD = -0.25, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.10, p = 0.001) and perceived
      stress (SMD = -0.30, 95% CI, -0.59 to -0.02, p = 0.04). However, anxiety score
      did not differ significantly between the two groups (SMD = -0.09, 95% CI -0.22 to
      0.04, p = 0.17). Discussion Telehealth intervention is superior to usual care in
      breast cancer patients for improved quality of life, higher self-efficacy and
      less depression, distress, and perceived stress. However, these results should be
      recognized cautiously due to between-study heterogeneity, indicating that further
      well-designed RCTs are warranted.

PMID- 28081665
TI  - PACTRIMS abstracts.

PMID- 28081666
TI  - Recruitment of ethnic minorities for public health research: An interpretive
      synthesis of experiences from six interlinked Danish studies.
AB  - AIMS: This paper examines the importance of recruitment site in relation to the
      recruitment of ethnic minorities into health research. It presents a synthesis of
      experiences drawn from six interlinked Danish studies which applied different
      methods and used healthcare facilities and educational settings as sites for
      recruitment. METHODS: Inspired by interpretive reviewing, data on recruitment
      methods from the different studies were synthesized with a focus on the various
      levels of recruitment success achieved. This involved an iterative process of
      comparison, analysis and discussion of experiences among the researchers
      involved. RESULTS: Success in recruitment seemed to depend partly on recruitment
      site. Using healthcare facilities as the recruitment site and healthcare
      professionals as gatekeepers was less efficient than using schools and employees
      from educational institutions. Successful study designs also depended on the
      possibility of singling out specific locations with a high proportion of the
      relevant ethnic minority target population. CONCLUSIONS: The findings, though
      based on a small number of cases, indicate that health professionals and
      healthcare institutions, despite their interest in high-quality health research
      into all population groups, fail to facilitate research access to some of the
      most disadvantaged groups, who need to be included in order to understand the
      mechanisms behind health disparities. This happens despite the genuine wish of
      many healthcare professionals to help facilitate such research. In this way, the
      findings indirectly emphasize the specific challenge of accessing more vulnerable
      and sick groups in research studies.

PMID- 28081667
TI  - Contributions of caspase-8 and -9 to liver injury from CYP2E1-produced
      metabolites of halogenated hydrocarbons.
AB  - 1. Drug-induced liver injury is difficult to predict at the pre-clinical stage.
      This study aimed to clarify the roles of caspase-8 and -9 in CYP2E1 metabolite
      induced liver injury in both rats and cell cultures in vitro treated with carbon
      tetrachloride (CCl4), halothane or sevoflurane. The human hepatocarcinoma
      functional liver cell line was maintained in 3-dimensional culture alone or in co
      culture with human acute monocytic leukemia cells. 2. In vivo, laboratory indices
      of liver dysfunction and histology were normal after administration of
      sevoflurane. CCl4 treatment increased blood AST/ALT levels, liver caspase-3 and 
      9 activities and liver malondialdehyde, accompanied by centrilobular hepatocyte
      necrosis. Halothane increased AST/ALT levels, caspase-3 and -8 activities (but
      not malondialdehyde) concomitant with widespread hepatotoxicity. In vitro, CCl4
      treatment increased caspase-9 activity and decreased both mitochondrial membrane
      potential (MMP) and cell viability. In co-culture, halothane increased caspase-8
      activity and decreased MMP and cellular viability. There were no toxic responses
      in CYP2E1 knockdown in monoculture and co-culture. 3. CYP2E1-inducing compounds
      play a pivotal role in halogenated hydrocarbon toxicity. 4. Changes in hepatocyte
      caspase-8 and -9 activities could be novel biomarkers of metabolites causing
      DILI, and in pre-clinical development of new pharmaceuticals can predict nascent
      DILI in the clinical stage.

PMID- 28081668
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of pH-sensitive, self-assembled chitosan-based
      nanoparticles as efficient doxorubicin carriers.
AB  - A novel pH-responsive polymer based on amphiphilic N-acetyl histidine and
      arginine-grafted chitosan was synthesized using N-acetyl histidine as hydrophobic
      segment and arginine as hydrophilic segment by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)
      carbodiimide-mediated coupling reactions as anticancer drug delivery system for
      doxorubicin. The structure of the synthesized polymer was confirmed by Fourier
      transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Due to self
      association behavior, N-acetyl histidine and arginine-grafted chitosan structured
      nanoparticles with in size range of 204 nm. N-acetyl histidine and arginine
      grafted chitosan with different substitution degree of N-acetyl histidine were
      initially prepared and characterized. The critical micelle concentration
      decreased with increasing substitution degree of N-acetyl histidine. Furthermore,
      N-acetyl histidine and arginine-grafted chitosan nanoparticles exhibited an
      acidic pH-triggered aggregation and disassembling nature. The doxorubicin
      encapsulated nanoparticles based on synthesized conjugate ( N-acetyl histidine
      and arginine-grafted chitosan/doxorubicin nanoparticles) showed a sustained drug
      release pattern, which could be hastened under acidic pH conditions but delayed
      with increasing substitution degree of N-acetyl histidine. Anticancer effects
      demonstrated that N-acetyl histidine and arginine-grafted chitosan/doxorubicin
      nanoparticles could suppress both sensitive and resistant human breast tumor cell
      line (MCF-7) efficiently in a dose- and time-dependent pattern. Confocal
      microscopy results evidenced increased cellular uptake and enhanced retention of
      the synthesized nanoparticles in drug-resistant cells demonstrating better
      efficacy of nanoparticles over native doxorubicin. These results suggest that N
      acetyl histidine and arginine-grafted chitosan/doxorubicin nanoparticles might be
      promising carriers for delivery of hydrophobic drug doxorubicin against drug
      resistant tumors.

PMID- 28081669
TI  - Graphical timeline software for inpatient medication review.
AB  - MedHistory is a web-based software module that graphically displays medication
      usage (y-axis) against time (x-axis). We set out to examine whether MedHistory
      would improve clinician's interactions with the medical record system. The
      authors invited house-officers at our institution to complete a survey about
      inpatient medication administration before and after using MedHistory. Detailed
      logs were also kept for 1 year after the study period. Compared to the pre
      intervention survey, the post-intervention survey found that reviewing medication
      history was easier (pre: 13.2% vs post: 32.4%, p = .008), that medication review
      now fit within resident workflow (38.9% vs 75.7%, p < .001), and that there was
      increased satisfaction with the electronic health records software (2.6% vs
      29.7%, p = .002). Additionally, determining the timing (29% vs 50.1%, p = .045)
      and dosing history (21.1% vs. 43.2%, p = .036) of inpatient medication
      administration was easier with MedHistory. Anti-infective agents and drugs
      requiring frequent adjustments were the most commonly reviewed. A graphical
      timeline of inpatient medications (MedHistory) was met with favorable response
      across multiple areas, including efficiency, speed, safety, and workflow.

PMID- 28081670
TI  - Oxidation and degradation of polypropylene transvaginal mesh.
AB  - Polypropylene (PP) transvaginal mesh (TVM) repair for stress urinary incontinence
      (SUI) has shown promising short-term objective cure rates. However, life-altering
      complications have been associated with the placement of PP mesh for SUI repair.
      PP degradation as a result of the foreign body reaction (FBR) has been proposed
      as a contributing factor to mesh complications. We hypothesized that PP oxidizes
      under in vitro conditions simulating the FBR, resulting in degradation of the PP.
      Three PP mid-urethral slings from two commercial manufacturers were evaluated.
      Test specimens (n = 6) were incubated in oxidative medium for up to 5 weeks.
      Oxidation was assessed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and
      degradation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR spectra of
      the slings revealed evidence of carbonyl and hydroxyl peaks after 5 weeks of
      incubation time, providing evidence of oxidation of PP. SEM images at 5 weeks
      showed evidence of surface degradation, including pitting and flaking. Thus,
      oxidation and degradation of PP pelvic mesh were evidenced by chemical and
      physical changes under simulated in vivo conditions. To assess changes in PP
      surface chemistry in vivo, fibers were recovered from PP mesh explanted from a
      single patient without formalin fixation, untreated (n = 5) or scraped (n = 5) to
      remove tissue, and analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Mechanical
      scraping removed adherent tissue, revealing an underlying layer of oxidized PP.
      These findings underscore the need for further research into the relative
      contribution of oxidative degradation to complications associated with PP-based
      TVM devices in larger cohorts of patients.

PMID- 28081671
TI  - Emergence and control of epidemic meningococcal meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - For more than a century, meningitis epidemics have regularly recurred across sub
      Saharan Africa, involving 19 contiguous countries that constitute a 'meningitis
      belt' where historically the causative agent has been serogroup A meningococcus.
      Attempts to control epidemic meningococcal meningitis in Africa by vaccination
      with meningococcal polysaccharide (PS) vaccines have not been successful. This is
      largely because PS vaccines are poorly immunogenic in young children, do not
      induce immunological memory, and have little or no effect on the pharyngeal
      carriage. Meningococcal PS-protein conjugate vaccines overcome these
      deficiencies. Conjugate meningococcal vaccine against serotype A (MenAfriVac) was
      developed between 2001 and 2009 and deployed in 2010. So far, 262 million
      individuals have been immunized across the meningitis belt. The public health
      benefits of MenAfriVac have already been demonstrated by a sharp decline in
      reported cases of meningococcal disease in the countries where it has been
      introduced. However, serogroup replacement following mass meningitis vaccination
      has been noted, and in 2015 an epidemic with a novel strain of serogroup C was
      recorded in Niger and Nigeria for the first time since 1975. This has posed a
      serious challenge toward elimination of meningococcal meningitis epidemics in the
      African. For an effective control of meningococcal meningitis in the African
      meningitis belt, there is a need for an effective surveillance system, provision
      of rapid antigen detection kits as well as affordable vaccine that provides
      protection against the main serogroups causing meningitis in the sub-region.

PMID- 28081672
TI  - Immunogenicity of modified vaccinia virus Ankara expressing the hemagglutinin
      stalk domain of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaccination offers protection against influenza, although current
      vaccines need to be reformulated each year. The development of a broadly
      protective influenza vaccine would guarantee the induction of heterosubtypic
      immunity also against emerging influenza viruses of a novel subtype. Vaccine
      candidates based on the stalk region of the hemagglutinin (HA) have the potential
      to induce broad and persistent protection against diverse influenza A viruses.
      METHODS: Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing a headless HA (hlHA) of
      A/California/4/09 (CA/09) virus was used as a vaccine to immunize C57BL/6 mice.
      Specific antibody and cell-mediated immune responses were determined, and
      challenge experiments were performed by infecting vaccinated mice with CA/09
      virus. RESULTS: Immunization of mice with CA/09-derived hlHA, vectored by MVA,
      was able to elicit influenza-specific broad cross-reactive antibodies and cell
      mediated immune responses, but failed to induce neutralizing antibodies and did
      not protect mice against virus challenge. CONCLUSION: Although highly
      immunogenic, our vaccine was unable to induce a protective immunity against
      influenza. A misfolded and unstable conformation of the hlHA molecule may have
      affected its capacity of inducing neutralizing antiviral, conformational
      antibodies. Design of stable hlHA-based immunogens and their delivery by
      recombinant MVA-based vectors has the potential of improving this promising
      approach for a universal influenza vaccine.

PMID- 28081673
TI  - Atherogenic properties of LDL particles after switching from Truvada or Kivexa
      plus lopinavir/r to lamivudine plus lopinavir/r: OLE-MET substudy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of tenofovir
      or abacavir discontinuation on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) phenotype and
      lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity in HIV-infected
      patients treated with lopinavir/ritonavir plus 2 nucleos(t)ide reverse
      transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI). METHODS: Multicenter, open-label study. Patients
      were randomized to continue with lopinavir/ritonavir plus 2 NRTI (triple therapy)
      or to switch to lopinavir/ritonavir plus lamivudine (dual therapy). LDL phenotype
      (by gradient gel electrophoresis) and Lp-PLA2 (by 2-thio-PAF) were determined at
      baseline and week 48. RESULTS: Forty-four patients included (triple therapy n =
      19, dual therapy n = 25): men 63.6%, age 41.5 years (25-61), Framingham score
      4.9% (0.2-22). Tenofovir was part of the regimen in 28 (63.6%) patients. Dual
      therapy patients were younger (p = 0.013) and had lower baseline apolipoprotein
      A1 (p = 0.029). At week 48, there were no changes in standard lipid measurements,
      except ApoA1/Apo B, which increased in dual therapy (p = 0.038) with no
      differences between arms. At week 48, no change in LDL phenotype was found in
      either arm. No changes in total Lp-PLA2 activity or the relative distribution of
      LDL and HDL particles were found at week 48 in either arm. CONCLUSIONS:
      Discontinuing the third nucleos(t)ide, mainly tenofovir and abacavir, in a
      lopinavir/ritonavir-containing regimen was not associated with a deleterious
      effect on LDL phenotype nor in Lp-PLA2 activity.

PMID- 28081674
TI  - In vivo lifetime and anti-cancer efficacy of doxorubicin-loaded nanogels composed
      of cinnamoyl poly (beta-cyclodextrin) and cinnamoyl Pluronic F127.
AB  - Nanogel composed of rhodamine B isothiocyanate-labeled cinnamoyl polymeric beta
      cyclodextrin and cinnamoyl Pluronic F127 was prepared by taking advantage of
      their self-assembling property in aqueous phase. The in vivo lifetime of the
      nanogel in the blood circulation system of hairless mouse was determined by
      fluorescence imaging method using rhodamine B isothiocyanate as a fluorescence
      probe, and it was more than 192 h. The in vivo clearance of doxorubicin loaded in
      the nanogel was observed by the same fluorescence imaging method. Doxorubicin
      loaded in the nanogel was cleared from the blood circulation system more slowly
      than free drug, indicating that the in vivo lifetime of the anti-cancer drug was
      prolonged by the nanogel. The fluorescence of doxorubicin was detected from the
      mouse even 200 h after the doxorubicin-loaded nanogel was intravenously injected
      into a mouse. According to the histological study of tumor tissue, the in vivo
      tumor growth-inhibiting efficacy of doxorubicin loaded in the nanogel was higher
      than that of free drug, possibly because of its longer in vivo lifetime.

PMID- 28081675
TI  - Three-Dimension-Printed Porous Poly(Propylene Fumarate) Scaffolds with Delayed
      rhBMP-2 Release for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Fixation.
AB  - Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures reconstructed with tendon grafts are
      commonly fixed with bioabsorbable implants, which are frequently complicated by
      incomplete bone filling upon degradation. Bone regeneration after ACL
      reconstruction could be enhanced by utilizing tissue engineering techniques and
      three-dimensional (3D) printing to create a porous bioabsorbable scaffold with
      delayed delivery of recombinant-human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2). The
      first aim of this study was to design a 3D poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) porous
      scaffold that maintained suitable pullout strength for future testing in a rabbit
      ACL reconstruction model. Our second aim was to determine the release kinetics of
      rhBMP-2 from PPF scaffolds that utilized both calcium-phosphate coatings and
      growth factor delivery on microspheres, both of which have been shown to decrease
      the initial burst release of rhBMP-2 and increase bone regeneration. To determine
      the degree of scaffold porosity that maintained suitable pullout strength,
      tapered scaffolds were fabricated with increasing porosity (0%, 20%, 35%, and
      44%) and pullout testing was performed in a cadaveric rabbit ACL reconstruction
      model. Scaffolds were coated with carbonate hydroxyapatite (synthetic bone
      mineral [SBM]), and radiolabeled rhBMP-2 was delivered in four different
      experimental groups as follows: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres only,
      microspheres and collagen (50:50), collagen only, and saline solution only. rhBMP
      2 release was measured at day 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32. The microsphere delivery
      groups had a smaller burst release and released a smaller percentage of rhBMP-2
      over the 32 days than the collagen and saline only groups. In conclusion, a
      porous bioabsorbable scaffold with suitable strength for a rabbit ACL
      reconstruction was developed. Combining a synthetic bone mineral coating with
      microspheres had an additive effect, decreasing the initial burst release and
      cumulative release of rhBMP-2. Future studies need to evaluate this scaffold's
      fixation strength and bone filling capabilities in vivo compared to traditional
      bioabsorbable implants.

PMID- 28081676
TI  - Bacterial contamination and stethoscope disinfection practices: a cross-sectional
      survey of healthcare workers in Karachi, Pakistan.
AB  - Stethoscopes routinely used for clinical examination of patients may potentially
      transfer micro-organisms and cause iatrogenic infections. This study was
      undertaken to detect the presence of microorganisms on stethoscopes used
      clinically in hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan and to ascertain the infection
      control practices of healthcare workers (HCWs). In a cross-sectional study, 118
      samples were collected from public and private institutions. Samples were tested
      for the presence and sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms. Microorganisms
      were found on diaphragms of 33/64 (51.6%) and 19/57 (33.3%) stethoscopes in
      public and private sector hospitals, respectively. Methycillin resistance was
      identified in all staphylococcally contaminated samples. Only 33 (18%)
      respondents reported cleaning their stethoscopes regularly. We highlight the need
      for more and better on-the-job routines for decontaminating stethoscopes among
      HCWs in Karachi.

PMID- 28081677
TI  - Treatment of oral mucosal manifestations of chronic graft-versus-host disease:
      dexamethasone vs. budesonide.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The oral mucosa is commonly involved in chronic graft-versus-host
      disease (cGVHD). Oral mucosal cGVHD markedly affect individual's daily function
      and wellbeing. In some cases, it might become a life threating complication.
      Areas covered: This article describes the rationale for treatment, method of
      topical application in the oral cavity, evidence supporting the topical
      administration of dexamethasone and budesonide for oral cGVHD, and their adverse
      effects. Expert opinion: Evidence supports the use of topical dexamethasone and
      budesonide for treatment of oral cGVHD. Topical corticosteroid choice for oral
      cGVHD, takes into consideration the potency, bioavailability, preferred
      concentration, and possible adverse effects. Budesonide's pharmacological
      characteristics mark it as a preferable topical agent for oral cGVHD.

PMID- 28081678
TI  - Molecular dynamics and MM/GBSA-integrated protocol probing the correlation
      between biological activities and binding free energies of HIV-1 TAR RNA
      inhibitors.
AB  - The interaction of HIV-1 transactivator protein Tat with its cognate
      transactivation response (TAR) RNA has emerged as a promising target for
      developing antiviral compounds and treating HIV infection, since it is a crucial
      step for efficient transcription and replication. In the present study, molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations and MM/GBSA calculations have been performed on a
      series of neamine derivatives in order to estimate appropriate MD simulation time
      for acceptable correlation between DeltaGbind and experimental pIC50 values.
      Initially, all inhibitors were docked into the active site of HIV-1 TAR RNA.
      Later to explore various conformations and examine the docking results, MD
      simulations were carried out. Finally, binding free energies were calculated
      using MM/GBSA method and were correlated with experimental pIC50 values at
      different time scales (0-1 to 0-10 ns). From this study, it is clear that in case
      of neamine derivatives as simulation time increased the correlation between
      binding free energy and experimental pIC50 values increased correspondingly.
      Therefore, the binding energies which can be interpreted at longer simulation
      times can be used to predict the bioactivity of new neamine derivatives.
      Moreover, in this work, we have identified some plausible critical nucleotide
      interactions with neamine derivatives that are responsible for potent inhibitory
      activity. Furthermore, we also provide some insights into a new class of
      oxadiazole-based back bone cyclic peptides designed by incorporating the
      structural features of neamine derivatives. On the whole, this approach can
      provide a valuable guidance for designing new potent inhibitors and modify the
      existing compounds targeting HIV-1 TAR RNA.

PMID- 28081679
TI  - Introduction to microwave tumour ablation special issue.

PMID- 28081680
TI  - Impact of rectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia on HIV viral load in the rectum:
      potential significance for onward transmission.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of asymptomatic rectal
      bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on rectal HIV viral load (VL). A
      prospective cohort study of HIV-positive men who have sex with men attending a
      tertiary centre in London, UK, for their routine HIV care was performed. Forty
      two HIV-positive men who have sex with men were recruited between January and
      August 2014. In participants on antiretroviral therapy (ART), there was no
      significant difference in rectal VL in those with and without STI ( p = 0.4). All
      rectal HIV VLs were below the limit of detection (<100 copies/ug of total RNA)
      whether an STI was present or not. In those not on ART, rectal HIV VL was on
      average 0.6log10 lower post STI treatment. The presence of asymptomatic rectal
      chlamydia and gonorrhoea was not associated with increased rectal HIV VL in those
      fully suppressed on ART. In the context of effective ART, the presence of rectal
      gonorrhoea or chlamydia does not appear to increase rectal HIV VL and the risk of
      increased viral infectivity.

PMID- 28081681
TI  - Contextual, experiential, and behavioral risk factors associated with HIV status:
      a descriptive analysis of transgender women residing in Atlanta, Georgia.
AB  - This study assessed the prevalence of self-reported HIV infection among a
      community sample of transgender women and identified associated contextual,
      experiential, and behavioral factors. Ninety-two transgender women completed a
      self-administered interview. Recruitment occurred through an LGBT service
      organization, a transgender support group, transgender advocates, and informal
      communications. Eighty-two percent were African American/Black. Of 83 who knew
      their status, 60% reported being HIV infected. High rates of childhood sexual
      abuse (52%), rape (53%), intimate partner violence (56%), and incarceration (57%)
      were reported. Many did not have health insurance (53%), were not employed full
      time nor in school (63%) and had been recently homeless (49%). HIV-infected
      transgender women as compared to HIV-uninfected transgender women were more
      likely to be African American/Black ( P = 0.04), and older than 34 years ( P =
      0.01), unemployed/not in school ( P < 0.001). HIV-infected transgender women also
      experienced less trans-related discrimination ( P = 0.03), perceived less
      negative psychosocial impact due to trans status ( P = 0.04) and had greater
      happiness with their physical appearance ( P = 0.01). HIV-infected transgender
      women may experience relatively less trans-related stress compared to their HIV
      uninfected counterparts. High rates of HIV, trauma, and social marginalization
      raise concerns for this population and warrant the development of structural and
      policy-informed interventions.

PMID- 28081682
TI  - Genital lichen sclerosus developing around 'ectopic' urethral orifices supports
      the role of occlusion and urine in its pathogenesis.
AB  - Several factors such as genetic susceptibility, autoimmunity, hormones,
      infections, local trauma, urine, and occlusion have been speculated to play a
      role in the pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus. We report two male patients with
      lichen sclerosus around 'ectopic' urethral openings and the opposing surfaces of
      the penile shaft and scrotum, providing further evidence in support of urine and
      occlusion as contributing factors in the development of lichen sclerosus.

PMID- 28081683
TI  - High HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among female sex workers in
      Rwanda.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence is often high among female sex
      workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the dynamics of HIV infection
      in this key population is critical to developing appropriate prevention
      strategies. We aimed to describe the prevalence and associated risk factors among
      a sample of FSWs in Rwanda from a survey conducted in 2010. A cross-sectional
      biological and behavioral survey was conducted among FSWs in Rwanda. Time
      location sampling was used for participant recruitment from 4 to 18 February
      2010. HIV testing was done using HIV rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) as per Rwandan
      national guidelines at the time of the survey. Elisa tests were simultaneously
      done on all samples tested HIV-positive on RDT. Proportions were used for sample
      description; multivariable logistic regression model was performed to analyze
      factors associated with HIV infection. Of 1338 women included in the study, 1112
      consented to HIV testing, and the overall HIV prevalence was 51.0%. Sixty percent
      had been engaged in sex work for less than five years and 80% were street based.
      In multivariable logistic regression, HIV prevalence was higher in FSWs 25 years
      or older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.83, 95% [confidence interval (CI): 1.42
      2.37]), FSWs with consistent condom use in the last 30 days (aOR = 1.39, [95% CI:
      1.05-1.82]), and FSWs experiencing at least one STI symptom in the last 12 months
      (aOR = 1.74 [95% CI: 1.34-2.26]). There was an inverse relationship between HIV
      prevalence and comprehensive HIV knowledge (aOR = 0.65, [95% CI: 0.48-0.88]). HIV
      prevalence was high among a sample of FSWs in Rwanda, and successful prevention
      strategies should focus on HIV education, treatment of sexually transmitted
      infections, and proper and consistent condom use using an outreach approach.

PMID- 28081685
TI  - Tracing partners of patients with syphilis infection remains challenging:
      experience of Geneva Hospital.
AB  - Syphilis has been reinstated on the list of notifiable diseases in Switzerland
      since 2006 and the active management of sexual partners is encouraged to avoid
      reinfection. However, contact tracing has yielded unsatisfactory results and the
      incidence of syphilis remains important, especially in high-risk populations. The
      aim of this study was to compare the proportions of notified sexual partners of
      patients diagnosed with syphilis by the laboratories of Geneva University
      Hospitals (HUG) with those diagnosed in private laboratories (non-HUG) and to
      assess the risk factors for no notification to sexual partners. All syphilis
      cases notified to the Office of the Surgeon General in Geneva (Switzerland)
      between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013 were analysed. The proportions of
      partner notification (PN) between HUG and non-HUG laboratories were compared by
      Chi square test and the main risk factors for no notification to sexual partners
      were assessed by binomial log-linear regression. Among a total of 720
      notifications reported, 244 cases were diagnosed with contagious syphilis stages
      and 263 with non-contagious stages (i.e. successfully treated patients with or
      late latent cases). Overall, PN was higher among contagious than non-contagious
      cases (58.4% versus 31.0%; p = 0.030) and it was significantly higher in the non
      HUG compared to the HUG group (75.9% versus 50.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). Risk
      factors independently associated with no notification to sexual partners were the
      place of diagnosis (risk ratio [RR] 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-2.27
      for HUG versus non-HUG, respectively), age >45 years (RR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05-1.76)
      and if the patient had received treatment for syphilis (RR 1.91; 95% CI: 1.38
      2.66). Our results illustrate the difficulty of contact tracing in syphilis
      infection and the necessity to improve this crucial part of sexually transmitted
      infection management.

PMID- 28081684
TI  - Implementation and outcomes of a new safeguarding pathway for vulnerable adults
      presenting to sexual health services.
AB  - Adult safeguarding is the process of protecting vulnerable adults from harm or
      exploitation. In 2014, our sexual health clinic implemented a new adult
      safeguarding pathway, including an adult safeguarding proforma, an electronic
      database and a monthly adult safeguarding meeting. We conducted a retrospective
      case note review of patients entered onto the safeguarding database and found
      that greater numbers of adults were identified as vulnerable following the
      introduction of this pathway. Many required referral for onward support,
      highlighting the importance of robust safeguarding procedures in a sexual health
      setting.

PMID- 28081686
TI  - 2017 European guideline for the management of chancroid.
AB  - Chancroid is a sexually acquired infection caused by Haemophilus ducreyi. The
      infection is characterized by one or more genital ulcers, which are soft and
      painful, and regional lymphadenitis, which may develop into buboes. The infection
      may easily be misidentified due to its rare occurrence in Europe and difficulties
      in detecting the causative pathogen. H. ducreyi is difficult to culture. Nucleic
      acid amplification tests can demonstrate the bacterium in suspected cases.
      Antibiotics are usually effective in curing chancroid.

PMID- 28081688
TI  - Focus Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy Characterization of Osteoclastic
      Resorption of Calcium Phosphate Substrates.
AB  - This article presents the application of dual focused ion beam/scanning electron
      microscopy (FIB-SEM) imaging for preclinical testing of calcium phosphates with
      osteoclast precursor cells and how this high-resolution imaging technique is able
      to reveal microstructural changes at a level of detail previously not possible.
      Calcium phosphate substrates, having similar compositions but different
      microstructures, were produced using low- and high-temperature processes
      (biomimetic calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite [CDHA] and stoichiometric sintered
      hydroxyapatite, respectively). Human osteoclast precursor cells were cultured for
      21 days before evaluating their resorptive potential on varying microstructural
      features. Alternative to classical morphological evaluation of osteoclasts (OC),
      FIB-SEM was used to observe the subjacent microstructure by transversally
      sectioning cells and observing both the cells and the substrates. Resorption
      pits, indicating OC activity, were visible on the smoother surface of high
      temperature sintered hydroxyapatite. FIB-SEM analysis revealed signs of acidic
      degradation on the grain surface under the cells, as well as intergranular
      dissolution. No resorption pits were evident on the surface of the rough CDHA
      substrates. However, whereas no degradation was detected by FIB sections in the
      material underlying some of the cells, early stages of OC-mediated acidic
      degradation were observed under cells with more spread morphology. Collectively,
      these results highlight the potential of FIB to evaluate the resorptive activity
      of OC, even in rough, irregular, or coarse surfaces where degradation pits are
      otherwise difficult to visualize.

PMID- 28081689
TI  - Origin and evolutionary dynamics of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype E in
      Madagascar.
AB  - Africa is one of the endemic regions of HBV infection. In particular, genotype E
      is highly endemic in most of sub-Saharan Africa such as West African countries
      where it represents more than 90% of total infections. Madagascar, which is
      classified as a high endemic area for HBV and where the most prevalent genotype
      is E, might play a relevant role in the dispersion of this genotype due to its
      crucial position in the Indian Ocean. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the origin, population dynamics, and circulation of HBV-E genotype in Madagascar
      through high-resolution phylogenetic and phylodynamic approaches. The
      phylogenetic tree indicated that Malagasy isolates were intermixed and closely
      related with sequences mostly from West African countries. The Bayesian tree
      highlighted three statistically supported clusters of Malagasy strains which
      dated back to the years 1981 (95% HPD: 1971-1992), 1986 (95% HPD: 1974-1996), and
      1989 (95% HPD: 1974-2001). Population dynamics analysis showed an exponential
      increase in the number of HBV-E infections approximately from the year 1975 until
      2000s. The migration analysis was also performed and a dynamic pattern of gene
      flow was identified. In conclusion, this study confirms previous observation of
      HBV-E circulation in Africa and expands these findings at Madagascar
      demonstrating its recent introduction, and highlighting the role of the African
      countries in the spread of HBV-E genotype. Further studies on molecular
      epidemiology of HBV genotype E are needed to clarify the evolutionary history of
      this genotype.

PMID- 28081690
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4-Related Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Associated With
      Myasthenia Gravis, With Contained Rupture.
AB  - Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related disease is reportedly among the various causes of
      inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA). Many IgG4-related diseases are
      closely related to allergic constitution and autoimmune disease. We report a case
      of a 72-year-old man with IgG4-related IAAA associated with myasthenia gravis,
      with contained rupture.

PMID- 28081691
TI  - Comparison of Drug-Eluting Balloon and Standard Balloon Angioplasty for
      Infrapopliteal Arterial Diseases in Diabetic Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To consider the clinical outcomes and restenosis rates of drug-eluting
      balloons (DEBs) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in diabetic
      patients with infrapopliteal (IP) arterial disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      retrospective, single-center study included 51 patients (37 males; mean age:
      63.43 +/- 9.81 years) with diabetes mellitus having IP arterial disease, from
      October 2012 to September 2014. Twenty-two patients were treated with PTA, and 29
      patients were treated with DEBs. After intervention, the patients were evaluated
      in the first week and every 3 months, clinically and radiologically. Univariate
      and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of diabetic
      patients with IP arterial disease who were treated with either DEBs or PTA.
      RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups
      in terms of age and gender, risk factors, characteristics of lesions, or the
      diameters or length of the balloons ( P > .05). Primary patency was higher in the
      DEB group than in the PTA group (97.8% vs 81.1%, P = .020) in the first 3 months.
      However, there was no statistically significant difference at 1-year follow-up
      (68.2% vs 48.5%, P = .131). At the 12-month follow-up, there was no difference in
      clinical improvement between the groups ( P = .193). CONCLUSION: The findings of
      this study reveal that DEB is a safe alternative treatment method for IP arterial
      disease in diabetic patients.

PMID- 28081692
TI  - Percutaneous Removal of a Tiny Needle Fracture From the Right Ventricle of the
      Heart in a Drug Abuser.
AB  - PURPOSE: To demonstrate the successful percutaneous removal of a tiny needle
      fracture from the heart with the use of a guide wire with a magnet at its distal
      end and two snares through both femoral veins. CASE REPORT: We report a rare case
      of a tiny needle fracture in the apex of the right ventricle of the heart in a
      drug abuser after its migration from the neck through the lumen of the right
      internal jugular vein. The procedure of the percutaneous approach and removal of
      this tiny foreign body was extremely difficult and dangerous due to its location
      and tiny size. CONCLUSION: This percutaneous technique for the removal of a tiny
      foreign body from the heart was proven to be both effective and safe for the
      patient, and it provides a good therapeutic option for removal of intracardiac
      foreign bodies.

PMID- 28081693
TI  - Endovascular Management of Central Retinal Arterial Occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an
      ophthalmologic emergency due to the sudden cessation of circulation to the inner
      retinal layer. Without immediate treatment, permanent blindness may ensue.
      Several treatment options exist, ranging from noninvasive medical management to
      thrombolysis. Nonetheless, ongoing debate exists regarding the best therapeutic
      strategy. CASE PRESENTATION: The authors present the case of a 78-year-old woman
      with a medical history of hypercholesterolemia and rheumatoid arthritis who
      experienced complete loss of vision in her left eye. Following ophthalmologic
      evaluation demonstrating left CRAO, anterior chamber paracentesis was performed.
      Endovascular intervention was performed via local intra-arterial fibrinolysis
      with alteplase. Her vision returned to 20/20 following the procedure. In general,
      conventional therapies have not significantly improved patient outcomes.
      CONCLUSION: Several management options exist for CRAO. In general, conservative
      measures have not been reported to yield better patient outcomes as compared to
      the natural history of this medical emergency. Endovascular approaches are
      another option as observed with this case reported. In cases of CRAO, therapeutic
      strategies such as intra-arterial fibrinolysis utilize a local infusion of
      reactive tissue plasminogen activator directly at the site of occlusion via
      catheterization of the ophthalmic artery. Although several case series do show
      promising results after treating CRAO with intra-arterial fibrinolysis, further
      studies are required given the reports of complications.

PMID- 28081695
TI  - DNA methylation of imprinted loci of autosomal chromosomes and IGF2 is not
      affected in Parkinson's disease patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that results in
      differential expression of alleles, depending on their parental origin. The
      functional significance of DNA methylation in genomic imprinting has been widely
      investigated, and to date, approximately 100 imprinted genes have been identified
      in humans. METHODS: To investigate whether the methylation status of these
      'known' imprinting genes was associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), we
      analyzed the methylation profiles of all 'known' imprinted genes using the
      Illumina 450K methylation chip. Samples were derived from mononuclear blood cells
      of 17 male Parkinson's disease patients vs. 21 healthy male individuals and 12
      discordant MZ twin pairs. RESULTS: None of the annotated autosomal genes show
      changes in DNA methylation between PD individuals and healthy individuals. We
      further refined our analysis by evaluating the DNA methylation status of the
      maternally imprinted human gene encoding insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)
      using bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) of DNA derived from 15 PD patients and 9
      controls, taking into consideration different dosages of L-dopa. CONCLUSION: Our
      results demonstrated that methylation of IGF2 in PD patients was neither
      influenced by the dosage of L-dopa treatment nor by the disease itself. Thus,
      loss or disruption of imprinting in autosomal chromosomes does not seem to be
      relevant for the pathogenesis of the disease.

PMID- 28081694
TI  - International Occupational Therapy Research Priorities.
AB  - Occupational therapy is a global profession represented by the World Federation
      of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). International research priorities are needed
      for strategic guidance on global occupational therapy practice. The objective of
      this study was to develop international research priorities to reflect global
      occupational therapy practice. A Delphi study using three rounds of electronic
      surveys, distributed to WFOT member organizations and WFOT accredited
      universities, was conducted. Data were analyzed after each round, and priorities
      were presented for rating and ranking in order of importance. Forty-six (53%) out
      of 87 WFOT member countries participated in the Delphi process. Eight research
      priorities were confirmed by the final electronic survey round. Differences were
      observed in rankings given by member organizations and university respondents.
      Despite attrition at Round 3, the final research priorities will help to focus
      research efforts in occupational therapy globally. Follow-up research is needed
      to determine how the research priorities are being adopted internationally.

PMID- 28081696
TI  - Effect of Metformin Therapy on Serum Fetuin Levels in Insulin Resistant Type 1
      Diabetics.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Insulin resistance may develop with Type 1 diabetes. Insulin
      resistance is currently recognized by the estimated glucose disposal rate. Serum
      fetuin has been accused as a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. AIM: To
      determine the relationship between the serum fetuin and insulin resistance in
      Type 1 diabetes subjects and the effect of short-term Metformin therapy on this
      relationship. METHODS: 40 T1DM male >= 18 years of age were screened for insulin
      resistance (defined using estimated glucose disposal rate). 20 subjects (Group I)
      were insulin resistant with a mean estimated glucose disposal rate of (7.15+/
      0.37 mg/kg/min) while 20 subjects (Group II) were non-insulin resistant with a
      mean estimated glucose disposal rate of (9.08+/-0.42 mg/kg/min). Fasting blood
      sugar, 2 hours-post prandial blood sugar, HbA1c%, C-peptide, lipid profile,
      highly sensitive-C reactive protein, and serum fetuin were assessed. Group I were
      given 1gm Metformin twice daily for 3 months as an add-on to their insulin
      regimen. All anthropometric and laboratory parameters were reassessed at the end
      of the 3 months. RESULTS: Group I had a higher age, BMI and waist/hip ratio, FBS,
      PPBS, HbA1c%, TC, LDL-C, TG, Hs-CRP and serum fetuin (rho <= 0.001), and a lower
      C-peptide (rho=0.001). Fetuin showed a positive correlation with age, FBS,
      HbA1c%, and Hs-CRP. After Metformin therapy, FBS, PPB and HbA1c%, Hs- CRP and
      fetuin decreased (rho<=0.001) while eGDR and insulin dose in units/kg increased
      (rho <0.001). Correlation after Metformin therapy within Group I showed that eGDR
      was inversely related with FBS and PPBS and fetuin showed a positive correlation
      with Hs-CRP. CONCLUSION: Serum fetuin was elevated in insulin resistant T1DM, yet
      this was not associated with eGDR. Levels of fetuin-A and HsCRP decreased after
      Metformin therapy.

PMID- 28081698
TI  - Treatment Avenues for Type 2 Diabetes and Current Perspectives on Adipokines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes has turned into a pandemic disorder that is affecting
      millions of people worldwide. Industries are aggressively racing and pursuing
      research towards the discovery of antidiabetic drug and the current global sale
      of such drugs are ever on the increase. However, in spite of such massive level
      of expenditure thereof, WHO projects that by 2030, diabetes will rank as the 7th
      leading cause of mortality. OBJECTIVE: It is in this context that we have
      reviewed here the various approaches available and possible towards diabetes
      management. This review also includes the WHO guidelines for controlling the
      glycemic levels, which must be known and followed by clinicians for a better
      diabetes management. CONCLUSION: Despite having a wealth of FDA-approved
      therapeutic options for type 2 diabetes majorities of the patients are not able
      to achieve the appropriate glycemic control due to various factors. The
      development of new options with actions at multiple foci of diabetic
      manifestation and better efficacy may potentially help in improving the current
      scenario of T2D management.

PMID- 28081697
TI  - Cytokine Gene Variants as Predictors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is the third widespread after heart disease and cancer. We
      have investigated genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes viz. IL-4, IL-1Ra, IL
      1beta, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10 and ADIPOQ. The aim of study was to
      investigate the haplotypes, gene-gene interactions and their role in determining
      individual susceptibility to T2DM of family members with diabetic history.
      METHODS: Haplotype analysis of 2 SNPs each in IL-6 and adiponectin genes showing
      Pairwise Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was done by SHEsis software. Logistic
      regression was used to study various combinations of gene-gene interactions.
      RESULTS: The TCGT* set of allele combination appeared to increase the disease
      risk upto 2 times while TATG* upto 51.4 times when four SNPs are taken together
      viz. IL-1beta-511 C/T, IL-18-607 A/C, ADIPOQ1 +45 G/T and ADIPOQ2 +10211 T/G.
      Interaction of SNPs in eight genes showed one highly significant combination of
      alleles, TCGAGCTT* which increased the risk of T2DM upto 7.4 times while
      CAGAGCGT* allele combination increased the risk upto 4 times. CONCLUSION: During
      pedigree analysis in six families with four SNPs, it was interesting to note that
      susceptible 'AC' genotype of IL-18-607 A/C was frequent in diabetic individuals
      in almost all families. Moreover, when checked for the presence of risk
      haplotypes it was observed that TCGT* and TATG* sets of allele combinations were
      present in most of the diabetic individuals. Individuals with certain abnormal
      biochemical parameters but not yet diagnosed for T2DM carried the risk genotype
      or haplotype. This suggested that individuals carrying risk genotypes/haplotypes
      might be susceptible to T2DM and develop the disease in the future.

PMID- 28081699
TI  - Erratum to: Experiences and attitudes of residents regarding a community-based
      genome cohort study in Japan: a population-based, cross-sectional study.

PMID- 28081700
TI  - HHV-6A in vitro infection of thyrocytes and T cells alters the expression of
      miRNA associated to autoimmune thyroiditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human herpesviruses have been hypothesized as environmental triggers
      in the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), and in particular
      active human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) infection was detected in thyrocytes of
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients, who also show specific anti-viral immune
      responses. On the other hand, AITD patients display modulation of specific miRNAs
      in thyroid tissue and blood. We wanted to ascertain whether HHV-6A infection
      might be correlated to the miRNA dysregulation observed in AITD. METHODS: Human
      thyroid and T-cell lines were infected in vitro with HHV-6A,-6B or -7, and
      analysed for miRNAs expression, either by microarray or by specific RT-PCR assays
      detecting miRNAs associated with AITD in vivo. RESULTS: HHV-6A infection, but not
      -6B or -7 infections, induced a decrease in miR-155_2 expression and an increase
      in miR-1238 expression in thyrocytes, as well as an increase in the expression
      levels of several autoimmunity-associated miRNAs in T lymphocytes, including miR
      16_1, miR34a, miR-130a, miR-143_1, miR-202, miR-301b, miR-302c, miR-449b, miR
      451_1, and miR-1238_2. CONCLUSIONS: HHV-6A infection modulates miRNAs expression
      in the cell types involved in the development of AITD. Notably, our in vitro
      findings correlate with what observed in AITD patients, further supporting the
      association between HHV-6A infection and AITD development. Moreover, these
      effects are 6A-specific, emphasizing the differences between the two HHV-6 virus
      species, and suggesting diverse virus mechanisms of action and therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 28081701
TI  - Erratum to: Glymphatic distribution of CSF-derived apoE into brain is isoform
      specific and suppressed during sleep deprivation.

PMID- 28081702
TI  - Erratum to: Socioeconomic variation in incidence of primary and secondary major
      cardiovascular disease events: an Australian population-based prospective cohort
      study.

PMID- 28081703
TI  - Identification and validation of differentially expressed transcripts by RNA
      sequencing of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lung tissue from patients
      with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal lung disease of
      unknown etiology. A major limitation in transcriptomic profiling of lung tissue
      in IPF has been a dependence on snap-frozen fresh tissues (FF). In this project
      we sought to determine whether genome scale transcript profiling using RNA
      Sequencing (RNA-Seq) could be applied to archived Formalin-Fixed Paraffin
      Embedded (FFPE) IPF tissues. RESULTS: We isolated total RNA from 7 IPF and 5
      control FFPE lung tissues and performed 50 base pair paired-end sequencing on
      Illumina 2000 HiSeq. TopHat2 was used to map sequencing reads to the human
      genome. On average ~62 million reads (53.4% of ~116 million reads) were mapped
      per sample. 4,131 genes were differentially expressed between IPF and controls
      (1,920 increased and 2,211 decreased (FDR < 0.05). We compared our results to
      differentially expressed genes calculated from a previously published dataset
      generated from FF tissues analyzed on Agilent microarrays (GSE47460). The overlap
      of differentially expressed genes was very high (760 increased and 1,413
      decreased, FDR < 0.05). Only 92 differentially expressed genes changed in
      opposite directions. Pathway enrichment analysis performed using MetaCore
      confirmed numerous IPF relevant genes and pathways including extracellular
      remodeling, TGF-beta, and WNT. Gene network analysis of MMP7, a highly
      differentially expressed gene in both datasets, revealed the same canonical
      pathways and gene network candidates in RNA-Seq and microarray data. For
      validation by NanoString nCounter(r) we selected 35 genes that had a fold change
      of 2 in at least one dataset (10 discordant, 10 significantly differentially
      expressed in one dataset only and 15 concordant genes). High concordance of fold
      change and FDR was observed for each type of the samples (FF vs FFPE) with both
      microarrays (r = 0.92) and RNA-Seq (r = 0.90) and the number of discordant genes
      was reduced to four. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that RNA sequencing of
      RNA obtained from archived FFPE lung tissues is feasible. The results obtained
      from FFPE tissue are highly comparable to FF tissues. The ability to perform RNA
      Seq on archived FFPE IPF tissues should greatly enhance the availability of
      tissue biopsies for research in IPF.

PMID- 28081704
TI  - Bilateral benign renal oncocytomas and the role of renal biopsy: single
      institution review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal was to assess the natural history and management of patients
      with pathologically proven bilateral (synchronous) RO after undergoing initial
      partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS: All patients underwent either
      robotic/laparoscopic or open PN by two experienced genitourinary oncologists from
      2005-2013. Final pathology was determined by surgical excision, CT-guided
      percutaneous core biopsy (CT-biopsy) or fine needle aspiration (FNA). Patient
      demographics, tumor characteristics (pathologic data, location, size) type of
      surgery, pre/post estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and surgical
      complications were recorded. RESULTS: Twelve patients were identified with
      bilateral RO. Median age at the time of surgery was 68 years (46-77) (Table 1).
      The median size of the largest tumor(s) resected was 2.75 cm (1.5-5.5 cm) and
      second largest tumor(s) was 1.75 cm (1.0-4.0 cm). Four patients underwent
      bilateral staged PN and one patient underwent simultaneous bilateral PN
      (horseshoe kidney). Two patients underwent RFA at the time of biopsy of the
      contralateral mass after PN. Five patients underwent CT-bx/FNA (5/5) of the
      contralateral mass followed by active surveillance. Mean follow up was 34 months.
      There was no significant change in median creatinine pre- and post-operatively.
      One patient was lost to follow up and one patient died of unknown causes 5 years
      post-operatively. eGFR decreased an average of 16.96% post-operatively, including
      a single patient whose eGFR increased by 7.8% after surgery and a single patient
      whose eGFR did not change (Table 2). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bilateral renal
      masses and pathologically proven RO can be safely managed with active
      surveillance after biopsy confirmation of the contralateral mass.

PMID- 28081705
TI  - Development of a microarray for simultaneous detection and differentiation of
      different tospoviruses that are serologically related to Tomato spotted wilt
      virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tospoviruses, the plant-infecting genus in the family Bunyaviridae,
      are thrips borne and cause severe agricultural losses worldwide. Based on the
      serological relationships of the structural nucleocapsid protein (NP), the
      current tospoviruses are divided into six serogroups. The use of NP-antisera is
      convenient for virus detection, but it is insufficient to identify virus species
      grouped in a serogroup due to the serological cross-reaction. Alternatively,
      virus species can be identified by the N gene amplification using specific
      primers. Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is the type species of the genus
      Tospovirus and one of the most destructive plant viruses. Eight known
      tospoviruses, Alstroemeria necrotic streak virus (ANSV), Chrysanthemum stem
      necrosis virus (CSNV), Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV), Impatiens necrotic spot
      virus (INSV), Melon severe mosaic virus (MeSMV), Pepper necrotic spot virus
      (PNSV), Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV) and Zucchini lethal chlorosis virus
      (ZLCV), sharing serological relatedness with TSWV in NP, are grouped in the TSWV
      serogroup. Most of the TSWV-serogroup viruses prevail in Europe and America. An
      efficient diagnostic method is necessary for inspecting these tospoviruses in
      Asia, including Taiwan. METHODS: A microarray platform was developed for
      simultaneous detection and identification of TSWV-serogroup tospoviruses. Total
      RNAs extracted from Chenopodium quinoa leaves separately inoculated with ANSV,
      CSNV, GRSV, INSV, TCSV and TSWV were used for testing purposes. The 5'
      biotinylated degenerate forward and reverse primers were designed from the
      consensus sequences of N genes of TSWV-serogroup tospoviruses for reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification. Virus-specific
      oligonucleotide probes were spotted on the surface of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
      chips to hybridize with PCR products. The hybridization signals were visualized
      by hydrolysis of NBT/BCIP with streptavidine-conjugated alkaline phosphatase. The
      microarray was further applied to diagnose virus infection in field crop samples.
      RESULTS: Amplicons of approximately 0.46 kb were amplified from all tested TSWV
      serogroup tospoviruses by RT-PCR using the degenerate primer pair Pr-dTS-f/Pr-dTS
      r. Virus species were identified on chips by hybridization of PCR products with
      respective virus-specific probes. The microarray was successfully used to
      diagnose TSWV infection in field pepper samples. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a
      rapid, sensitive and precise microarray method has been developed to
      simultaneously detect and identify six TSWV-serogroup tospoviruses. The
      microarray platform provides a great potential to explore tospoviruses that can
      help researchers and quarantine staff to prevent invasions of tospoviruses.

PMID- 28081706
TI  - Berberine inhibits enterovirus 71 replication by downregulating the MEK/ERK
      signaling pathway and autophagy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The MEK-ERK signaling pathway and autophagy play an important role
      for enterovirus71(EV71) replication. Inhibition of MEK-ERK signaling pathway and
      autophagy is shown to impair EV71 replication. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline
      alkaloid isolated from Berberis vulgaris L., has been reported to have ability to
      regulate this signaling pathway and autophagy. Herein, we want to determine
      whether berberine can inhibit EV71 infection by downregulating the MEK/ERK
      signaling pathway and autophagy. METHODS: The antiviral effect of berberine was
      determined by cytopathic effect (CPE) assay, western blotting assay and qRT-PCR
      assay. The mechanism of BBR anti-virus was determined by western blotting assay
      and immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: We showed that berberine does-dependently
      reduced EV71 RNA and protein synthesis, which was, at least in part, the result
      of inhibition of activation of MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, we found
      that berberine suppressed the EV71-induced autophagy by activating AKT protein
      and inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK and PI3KIII. CONCLUSIONS: BBR inhibited
      EV71 replication by downregulating autophagy and MEK/ERK signaling pathway. These
      findings suggest that BBR may be a potential agent or supplement against EV71
      infection.

PMID- 28081707
TI  - Antigen-specific single B cell sorting and expression-cloning from immunoglobulin
      humanized rats: a rapid and versatile method for the generation of high affinity
      and discriminative human monoclonal antibodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an ever-increasing need of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for
      biomedical applications and fully human binders are particularly desirable due to
      their reduced immunogenicity in patients. We have applied a strategy for the
      isolation of antigen-specific B cells using tetramerized proteins and single-cell
      sorting followed by reconstruction of human mAbs by RT-PCR and expression
      cloning. RESULTS: This strategy, using human peripheral blood B cells, enabled
      the production of low affinity human mAbs against major histocompatibility
      complex molecules loaded with peptides (pMHC). We then implemented this
      technology using human immunoglobulin transgenic rats, which after immunization
      with an antigen of interest express high affinity-matured antibodies with human
      idiotypes. Using rapid immunization, followed by tetramer-based B-cell sorting
      and expression cloning, we generated several fully humanized mAbs with strong
      affinities, which could discriminate between highly homologous proteins (eg.
      different pMHC complexes). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we describe a versatile and
      more effective approach as compared to hybridoma generation or phage or yeast
      display technologies for the generation of highly specific and discriminative
      fully human mAbs that could be useful both for basic research and
      immunotherapeutic purposes.

PMID- 28081708
TI  - Identifying aggressive prostate cancer foci using a DNA methylation classifier.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Slow-growing prostate cancer (PC) can be aggressive in a subset of
      cases. Therefore, prognostic tools to guide clinical decision-making and avoid
      overtreatment of indolent PC and undertreatment of aggressive disease are
      urgently needed. PC has a propensity to be multifocal with several different
      cancerous foci per gland. RESULTS: Here, we have taken advantage of the
      multifocal propensity of PC and categorized aggressiveness of individual PC foci
      based on DNA methylation patterns in primary PC foci and matched lymph node
      metastases. In a set of 14 patients, we demonstrate that over half of the cases
      have multiple epigenetically distinct subclones and determine the primary
      subclone from which the metastatic lesion(s) originated. Furthermore, we develop
      an aggressiveness classifier consisting of 25 DNA methylation probes to determine
      aggressive and non-aggressive subclones. Upon validation of the classifier in an
      independent cohort, the predicted aggressive tumors are significantly associated
      with the presence of lymph node metastases and invasive tumor stages.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study provides molecular-based support for determining
      PC aggressiveness with the potential to impact clinical decision-making, such as
      targeted biopsy approaches for early diagnosis and active surveillance, in
      addition to focal therapy.

PMID- 28081709
TI  - Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) has the strongest association with ultrasound-detected
      synovitis and predicts response to biologic treatment: results from a
      longitudinal study of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calprotectin (S100A8/A9 or MRP8/14) and S100A12 (leukocyte-derived
      proteins), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are
      markers of inflammation and angiogenesis. Ultrasound (US) is sensitive for
      detection of greyscale synovitis and power Doppler (PD) vascularization. The
      objective of the present study was to explore the associations between
      calprotectin, S100A12, IL-6, VEGF, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive
      protein and a comprehensive US assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA) starting biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) treatment.
      METHODS: A total of 141 patients with RA were assessed by US, clinical
      examination and biomarker levels at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months
      after initiation of bDMARDs. US assessment of 36 joints and 4 tendon sheaths were
      scored semi-quantitatively (0-3 scale). European League Against Rheumatism
      (EULAR) response was calculated. Statistical assessments performed to explore the
      associations between biomarkers and US sum scores included Spearman's rank
      correlation analysis as well as linear and linear mixed model regression
      analyses. RESULTS: Calprotectin showed the overall strongest correlations with
      both US sum scores (r s = 0.25-0.62) and swollen joint counts (of 32) (r s = 0.24
      0.47) (p < 0.05 at all examinations). An association with US sum scores remained
      after we adjusted for age, sex, disease duration and all the other markers in a
      regression analysis at baseline. Decreased calprotectin at the first month was
      predictive of both EULAR response (p <= 0.001) and decreased sum PD scores at 3,
      6 and 12 months (p <= 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Calprotectin had the highest
      association with US synovitis and predicted treatment response. It may thus be
      considered as a marker for evaluating inflammation and responsiveness in patients
      with RA on bDMARD treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical
      Trials Registry (ANZCTR) identifier: ACTRN12610000284066 . Registered on 8 April
      2010 (retrospectively registered).

PMID- 28081712
TI  - Erratum to: Perfusion Pressure Cerebral Infarct (PPCI) trial - the importance of
      mean arterial pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass to prevent cerebral
      complications after cardiac surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled
      trial.

PMID- 28081710
TI  - The effects of perceived racism on psychological distress mediated by venting and
      disengagement coping in Native Hawaiians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have linked perceived racism to psychological distress via
      certain coping strategies in several different racial and ethnic groups, but few
      of these studies included indigenous populations. Elucidating modifiable factors
      for intervention to reduce the adverse effects of racism on psychological well
      being is another avenue to addressing health inequities. METHODS: We examined the
      potential mediating effects of 14 distinct coping strategies on the relationship
      between perceived racism and psychological distress in a community-based sample
      of 145 Native Hawaiians using structural equation modeling. RESULTS: Perceived
      racism had a significant indirect effect on psychological distress, mediated
      through venting and behavioral disengagement coping strategies, with control for
      age, gender, educational level, and marital status. DISCUSSION: The findings
      suggest that certain coping strategies may exacerbate the deleterious effects of
      racism on a person's psychological well-being. CONCLUSION: Our study adds Native
      Hawaiians to the list of U.S. racial and ethnic minorities whose psychological
      well-being is adversely affected by racism.

PMID- 28081711
TI  - The association between malaria and malnutrition among under-five children in
      Shashogo District, Southern Ethiopia: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have presented conflicting findings about whether
      malaria is associated with an increased or decreased risk of malnutrition.
      Therefore, assessing the relationship between these two disastrous diseases in
      the most vulnerable groups, such as in children aged below 5 years (under-five
      children), may lead to the discovery of new low-cost and effective aides to
      current methods of malnutrition prevention in malaria-endemic areas. Therefore,
      this study was conducted to assess the relationship between malaria and
      malnutrition among under five children in an area with a high degree of malaria
      transmission. METHODS: The study involved comparing malnourished children aged 6
      59 months and nourished children of the same age for their past exposure to
      malaria, in Shashogo District, Southern Ethiopia. A validated structured
      questionnaire was used to collect home to home socioeconomic data and
      anthropometric instruments for clinical data. The collected data were analysed
      using descriptive and inferential statistics by means of EpiData entry software
      and STATA data analysis software. RESULTS: A total of 356 (89 malnourished and
      267 nourished) under-five children participated in the study. Previous exposure
      to Plasmodium infection was found to be a predictor for the manifestation of
      malnutrition in under-five children (P = 0.02 [OR = 1.87, CI = 1.115-3.138]).
      Children from a household with a monthly income of less than USD 15 were 4.5 more
      likely to be malnourished as compared to the other children (P = 0.001 [OR =
      0.422, CI = 0.181-0.978]). CONCLUSION: This study found that exposure to
      Plasmodium has a significant impact on the nutritional status of children. In
      addition, socio-demographic factors, such as family income, may play a role in
      determining whether children are malnourished or not and may lead to increased
      morbidity due to malnourishment in children living in malaria-endemic areas.
      Therefore, malnutrition control interventions should be consolidated with malaria
      prevention strategies particularly in high malaria transmission areas.

PMID- 28081713
TI  - Genistein protects against Abeta25-35 induced apoptosis of PC12 cells through JNK
      signaling and modulation of Bcl-2 family messengers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deposition of aggregated amyloid beta (Abeta) protein is hallmark of
      Alzheimer's disease, leading to dysfunction and apoptosis of neurons. The
      isoflavone phytoestrogen compound genistein (Gen) exerts a significant protective
      effect against Abeta25-35 induced neurotoxicity and mitochondrial damage in rat
      pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. However, the mechanisms underlying Gen's rescue
      remain elusive. Therefore we endeavored to research further the molecular
      mechanisms underlying Gen's inhibition of Abeta25-35 induced apoptosis of
      neurons. RESULTS: We found that Gen dramatically suppressed the activation by
      Abeta25-35 of p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and also inhibited the JNK
      dependent decreased of Bcl-w and increased of Bim. Furthermore, Gen significantly
      reduced the cytoplasmic concentrations of cytochrome c and Smac protein as well
      as caspase-3 activity. Additionally, pretreatment with JNK inhibitor SP600125
      effectively suppressed Abeta25-35 induced PC12 cell cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION:
      Taken together, the results suggested that Gen protects PC12 cells from Abeta25
      35 induced neurotoxicity by interfering with p-JNK activation, thus attenuating
      the JNK-dependent apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. These findings
      constitute novel insights into the pathway for Abeta25-35 toxicity, and the
      neuroprotective action of Gen.

PMID- 28081715
TI  - Erratum to: Mutational landscape of mucinous ovarian carcinoma and its neoplastic
      precursors.

PMID- 28081714
TI  - ClinGen Pathogenicity Calculator: a configurable system for assessing
      pathogenicity of genetic variants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The success of the clinical use of sequencing based tests (from
      single gene to genomes) depends on the accuracy and consistency of variant
      interpretation. Aiming to improve the interpretation process through practice
      guidelines, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the
      Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) have published standards and guidelines
      for the interpretation of sequence variants. However, manual application of the
      guidelines is tedious and prone to human error. Web-based tools and software
      systems may not only address this problem but also document reasoning and
      supporting evidence, thus enabling transparency of evidence-based reasoning and
      resolution of discordant interpretations. RESULTS: In this report, we describe
      the design, implementation, and initial testing of the Clinical Genome Resource
      (ClinGen) Pathogenicity Calculator, a configurable system and web service for the
      assessment of pathogenicity of Mendelian germline sequence variants. The system
      allows users to enter the applicable ACMG/AMP-style evidence tags for a specific
      allele with links to supporting data for each tag and generate guideline-based
      pathogenicity assessment for the allele. Through automation and comprehensive
      documentation of evidence codes, the system facilitates more accurate application
      of the ACMG/AMP guidelines, improves standardization in variant classification,
      and facilitates collaborative resolution of discordances. The rules of reasoning
      are configurable with gene-specific or disease-specific guideline variations
      (e.g. cardiomyopathy-specific frequency thresholds and functional assays). The
      software is modular, equipped with robust application program interfaces (APIs),
      and available under a free open source license and as a cloud-hosted web service,
      thus facilitating both stand-alone use and integration with existing variant
      curation and interpretation systems. The Pathogenicity Calculator is accessible
      at http://calculator.clinicalgenome.org . CONCLUSIONS: By enabling evidence-based
      reasoning about the pathogenicity of genetic variants and by documenting
      supporting evidence, the Calculator contributes toward the creation of a
      knowledge commons and more accurate interpretation of sequence variants in
      research and clinical care.

PMID- 28081716
TI  - Heterogeneous pattern of DNA methylation in developmentally important genes
      correlates with its chromatin conformation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA methylation is a major epigenetic modification, playing a crucial
      role in the development and differentiation of higher organisms. DNA methylation
      is also known to regulate transcription by gene repression. Various developmental
      genes such as c-mos, HoxB5, Sox11, and Sry show tissue-specific gene expression
      that was shown to be regulated by promoter DNA methylation. The aim of the
      present study is to investigate the establishment of chromatin marks (active or
      repressive) in relation to heterogeneous methylation in the promoter regions of
      these developmentally important genes. RESULTS: Chromatin-immunoprecipitation
      (ChIP) assays were performed to immuno-precipitate chromatin by antibodies
      against both active (H3K4me3) and repressive (H3K9me3) chromatin regions. The
      analysis of ChIP results showed that both the percentage input and fold
      enrichment of activated chromatin was higher in tissues expressing the respective
      genes as compared to the tissues not expressing the same set of genes. This was
      true for all the genes selected for the study (c-mos, HoxB5, Sox11, and Sry).
      These findings illustrate that inconsistent DNA methylation patterns (sporadic,
      mosaic and heterogeneous) may also influence gene regulation, thereby resulting
      in the modulation of chromatin conformation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      illustrate that various patterns of DNA methylation (asynchronous, mosaic and
      heterogeneous) correlates with chromatin modification, resulting in the gene
      regulation.

PMID- 28081717
TI  - Erratum to: The impact of glutamine supplementation on the symptoms of ataxia
      telangiectasia: a preclinical assessment.

PMID- 28081718
TI  - Erratum to: Incidence and risk factor prevalence of community-acquired pneumonia
      in adults in primary care in Spain (NEUMO-ES-RISK project).

PMID- 28081719
TI  - The influence of antibiotic prophylaxis on bacterial resistance in urinary tract
      infections in children with spina bifida.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is an increasingly threatening
      consequence of antimicrobial exposure for many decades now. In urinary tract
      infections (UTIs), antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) increases bacterial resistance. We
      studied the resistance patterns of positive urinary cultures in spina bifida
      children on clean intermittent catheterization, both continuing and stopping AP.
      METHODS: In a cohort of 176 spina bifida patients, 88 continued and 88 stopped
      using AP. During 18 months, a fortnightly catheterized urine sample for bacterial
      pathogens was cultured. UTIs and significant bacteriuria (SBU) were defined as a
      positive culture with a single species of bacteria, respectively with and without
      clinical symptoms and leukocyturia. We compared the percentage of resistance to
      commonly used antibiotics in the isolated bacteria in both groups. RESULTS: In a
      total of 4917 cultures, 713 (14.5%) had a positive monoculture, 54.3% of which
      were Escherichia coli. In the group stopping AP, the resistance percentage to
      antibiotics in UTI / SBU bacteria was lower than in the group remaining on AP,
      even when excluding the administered prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Stopping antibiotic
      prophylaxis for urinary tract infections is associated with reduced bacterial
      resistance to antibiotics in children with spina bifida. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ISRCTN ISRCTN56278131 . Registered 20 December 2005.

PMID- 28081720
TI  - Acute flaccid myelitis associated with enterovirus-D68 infection in an otherwise
      healthy child.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reporting new cases of enterovirus (EV)-D68-associated acute flaccid
      myelitis (AFM) is essential to understand how the virus causes neurological
      damage and to characterize EV-D68 strains associated with AFM. CASE PRESENTATION:
      A previously healthy 4-year-old boy presented with sudden weakness and limited
      mobility in his left arm. Two days earlier, he had an upper respiratory illness
      with mild fever. At admission, his physical examination showed that the child was
      febrile (38.5  degrees C) and alert but had a stiff neck and weakness in his left
      arm, which was hypotonic and areflexic. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination
      showed a mild increase in white blood cell count (80/mm3, 41% neutrophils) and a
      slightly elevated protein concentration (76 gm/dL). Bacterial culture and
      molecular biology tests for detecting viral infection in CSF were negative. The
      patient was then treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and acyclovir. Despite
      therapy, within 24 h, the muscle weakness extended to all four limbs, which
      exhibited greatly reduced mobility. Due to his worsening clinical prognosis, the
      child was transferred to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit; at admission he was
      diagnosed with acute flaccid paralysis of all four limbs. Brain magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) was negative, except for a focal signal alteration in the
      dorsal portion of the medulla oblongata, also involving the pontine tegmentum,
      whereas spine MRI showed an extensive signal alteration of the cervical and
      dorsal spinal cord reported as myelitis. Signal alteration was mainly localized
      in the central grey matter, most likely in the anterior horns. Molecular biology
      tests performed on nasopharyngeal aspirate and on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
      were negative for bacteria but positive for EV-D68 clade B3. Plasmapheresis was
      performed and corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins were administered.
      After 4 weeks of treatment, the signs and symptoms of AFM were significantly
      reduced, although some weakness and tingling remained in the patient's four
      limbs. MRI acquired after 3 weeks showed that the previously reported alterations
      were no longer present. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that EV-D68 is a
      neurotropic agent that can cause AFM and strains are circulating in Europe. EV
      D68 disease surveillance is required to better understand EV-D68 pathology and to
      compare various strains that cause AFM.

PMID- 28081722
TI  - Emerging links between m6A and misregulated mRNA methylation in cancer.
AB  - N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) in mRNA has emerged as a crucial epitranscriptomic
      modification that controls cellular differentiation and pluripotency. Recent
      studies are pointing to a role for the RNA methylation program in cancer self
      renewal and cell fate, making this a new and promising therapeutic avenue for
      investigation.

PMID- 28081721
TI  - Splenic T1-mapping: a novel quantitative method for assessing adenosine stress
      adequacy for cardiovascular magnetic resonance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) performed with
      inadequate adenosine stress leads to false-negative results and suboptimal
      clinical management. The recently proposed marker of adequate stress, the
      "splenic switch-off" sign, detects splenic blood flow attenuation during stress
      perfusion (spleen appears dark), but can only be assessed after gadolinium first
      pass, when it is too late to optimize the stress response. Reduction in splenic
      blood volume during adenosine stress is expected to shorten native splenic T1,
      which may predict splenic switch-off without the need for gadolinium. METHODS:
      Two-hundred and twelve subjects underwent adenosine stress CMR: 1.5 T (n = 104;
      75 patients, 29 healthy controls); 3 T (n = 108; 86 patients, 22 healthy
      controls). Native T1spleen was assessed using heart-rate-independent ShMOLLI
      prototype sequence at rest and during adenosine stress (140 MUg/kg/min, 4 min,
      IV) in 3 short-axis slices (basal, mid-ventricular, apical). This was compared
      with changes in peak splenic perfusion signal intensity (DeltaSIspleen) and the
      "splenic switch-off" sign on conventional stress/rest gadolinium perfusion
      imaging. T1spleen values were obtained blinded to perfusion DeltaSIspleen, both
      were derived using regions of interest carefully placed to avoid artefacts and
      partial-volume effects. RESULTS: Normal resting splenic T1 values were 1102 +/-
      66 ms (1.5 T) and 1352 +/- 114 ms (3 T), slightly higher than in patients (1083
      +/- 59 ms, p = 0.04; 1295 +/- 105 ms, p = 0.01, respectively). T1spleen decreased
      significantly during adenosine stress (mean DeltaT1spleen ~ -40 ms), independent
      of field strength, age, gender, and cardiovascular diseases. While DeltaT1spleen
      correlated strongly with DeltaSIspleen (rho = 0.70, p < 0.0001); neither indices
      showed significant correlations with conventional hemodynamic markers (rate
      pressure product) during stress. By ROC analysis, a DeltaT1spleen threshold of >=
      -30 ms during stress predicted the "splenic switch-off" sign (AUC 0.90, p <
      0.0001) with sensitivity (90%), specificity (88%), accuracy (90%), PPV (98%), NPV
      (42%). CONCLUSIONS: Adenosine stress and rest splenic T1-mapping is a novel
      method for assessing stress responses, independent of conventional hemodynamic
      parameters. It enables prediction of the visual "splenic switch-off" sign without
      the need for gadolinium, and correlates well to changes in splenic signal
      intensity during stress/rest perfusion imaging. DeltaT1spleen holds promise to
      facilitate optimization of stress responses before gadolinium first-pass
      perfusion CMR.

PMID- 28081723
TI  - Kidney dysfunction, systemic inflammation and mental well-being in elderly post
      myocardial infarction patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate whether mild kidney dysfunction and low
      grade inflammation in post-myocardial infarction patients are independently
      associated with markers of mental well-being (i.e. depressive and apathy
      symptoms, and dispositional optimism). METHODS: In post-myocardial infarction
      patients, kidney function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (eGFR) calculated from the combined CKD-EPI formula based on serum levels of both
      creatinine and cystatine C. Systemic inflammation was assessed using high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. The 15-item Geriatric Depression
      Scale (GDS-15), the 3-item apathy subscale and the 4-item optimism questionnaire
      (4Q) were used to measure mental well-being and were analyzed using linear
      multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 2355 patients, mean age was
      72.3 (range 63-84) years and 80.1% were men. After multivariable adjustment, a
      poorer kidney function was associated with more depressive symptoms (beta = 
      0.084, p < 0.001), more apathy symptoms (beta = -0.101, p < 0.001), and less
      dispositional optimism (beta = 0.072, p = 0.002). Moreover, higher levels of hs
      CRP were associated with more depressive symptoms (beta = 0.051, p = 0.013), more
      apathy symptoms (beta = 0.083, p < 0.001) and less dispositional optimism (beta =
      -0.047 p = 0.024). Apathy showed the strongest independent relation with both low
      eGFR and high hs-CRP. CONCLUSIONS: In post-myocardial infarction patients,
      impaired kidney function and systemic inflammation showed a stronger association
      with apathy than with depressive symptoms and dispositional optimism.

PMID- 28081724
TI  - Health-related quality of life and psychological distress among cancer survivors
      in Southeast Asia: results from a longitudinal study in eight low- and middle
      income countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A better understanding of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and
      psychological distress in cancer survivors can raise awareness, promote the
      development of policies in cancer survivorship care, and facilitate better
      targeted use of limited resources in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
      The main objectives of this paper were therefore to assess HRQoL and the
      prevalence of psychological distress amongst cancer survivors in Southeast Asia
      and identify risk factors of these outcomes. METHODS: The ACTION study was a
      longitudinal study in eight LMICs in Southeast Asia with 5249 first time cancer
      survivors followed up at 1 year after diagnosis. HRQoL was assessed using the
      EORTC QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D. Psychological distress (anxiety and depression) was
      assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. General linear models
      and multiple logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors of
      HRQoL and psychological distress. RESULTS: One year after diagnosis, the mean
      EORTC QLQ-C30 global health score for survivors was 66.2 out of 100 (SD 22.0),
      the mean index score on the EQ-5D was 0.74 (SD 0.23), 37% of survivors had at
      least mild levels of anxiety, and 46% showed at least mild levels of depression.
      Poorest HRQoL and highest prevalence of anxiety and depression were seen in
      patients with lung cancer and lymphomas, while highest scores and least
      psychological distress were seen in female patients with breast and cervical
      cancer. The most significant predictor of poor HRQoL and psychological distress
      outcomes was cancer stage at diagnosis. Age, co-morbidities, treatment, and
      several socioeconomic factors were associated with HRQoL and psychological
      distress. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer survivors in LMICs in Southeast Asia have impaired
      HRQoL and substantial proportions have psychological distress. Patients with
      advanced cancer stages at diagnosis and those in a poor socioeconomic position
      were most at risk of such poor outcomes. Supportive interventions for cancer
      patients that address wider aspects of patient wellbeing are needed, as well as
      policies that address financial and other barriers to timely treatment.

PMID- 28081726
TI  - Preoperative right ventricle voltage mapping in Ebstein's anomaly: can we make
      the late arrhythmogenic mortality following the cone procedure zero?
AB  - A young woman with Epstein's anomaly had a large endocardial scar in the
      atrialised ventricular myocardium. In patients with significant preoperative
      ventricular scarring, more information is needed to help appropriately manage the
      risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death.

PMID- 28081727
TI  - MicroRNA-200a Suppresses Cell Invasion and Migration by Directly Targeting GAB1
      in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - MicroRNA-200a (miR-200a) is frequently downregulated in most cancer types and
      plays an important role in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In this study,
      we determined that miR-200a was downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      tissues and cell lines, consistent with the results of our previous study.
      Because a previous study suggested that downregulation of miR-200a is correlated
      with HCC metastasis, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the role of
      miR-200a in metastasis in HCC. Here we observed that overexpression of miR-200a
      resulted in suppression of HCC metastatic ability, including HCC cell migration,
      invasion, and metastasis, in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatics and
      luciferase reporter assays indicated that GAB1 is a direct target of miR-200a.
      Inhibition of GAB1 resulted in substantially decreased cell invasion and
      migration similar to that observed with overexpression of miR-200a in HCC cell
      lines, whereas restoration of GAB1 partially rescued the inhibitory effects of
      miR-200a. Taken together, these data provide novel information for comprehending
      the tumor-suppressive role of miR-200a in HCC pathogenesis through inhibition of
      GAB1 translation.

PMID- 28081728
TI  - Overexpression of Aristaless-Like Homeobox-4 Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion,
      and EMT in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - Aristaless-like homeobox-4 (ALX4), a member of the Aristaless-like homeobox
      family, has been found to be involved in tumor cell proliferation, migration, and
      invasion. However, the role of ALX4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains
      largely unclear. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of ALX4 on
      HCC. The study results indicated that the expression of ALX4 was downregulated in
      HCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrated that overexpression of
      ALX4 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) in HCC cells. We also found that ALX4 had an inhibitory effect on the sonic
      hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway. Taken together, the results suggest that ALX4
      may be a promising target for HCC treatment.

PMID- 28081729
TI  - Knockdown of Rap2B Inhibits the Proliferation and Invasion in Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - Rap2B, a member of the Ras family of small GTP-binding proteins, was found to be
      highly expressed in various human tumors and plays an important role in the
      development of tumors. However, the function of Rap2B in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the biological
      functions of Rap2B in HCC and the potential underlying mechanisms. Our results
      indicated that Rap2B was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Rap2B
      silencing obviously inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC
      cells, as well as attenuated xenografted tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, Rap2B
      silencing greatly reduced the expression levels of phosphorylated focal adhesion
      kinase (p-FAK), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 in HCC cells. In
      conclusion, our data suggest that Rap2B silencing inhibits the proliferation and
      invasion in HCC cells. Thus, Rap2B may have potential as a treatment for HCC.

PMID- 28081725
TI  - Synthetic and natural antioxidants attenuate cisplatin-induced vomiting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Synthetic and natural antioxidants including Bacopa monnieri (L.)
      Pennell (Scrophulariaceae) which also possess anti-dopaminergic properties, have
      been proposed to be useful for emetogenic chemotherapy. In this study, synthetic
      [N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine (MPG), vitamin C (Vit-C)] and natural [grape
      seed proanthocyanidin (GP), B. monnieri n-butanolic fraction (BM-ButFr)]
      antioxidants and their combinations were evaluated against cisplatin-induced
      emesis in pigeons during a 24 h observation period. METHODS: Emesis was induced
      using cisplatin (7.0 mg/kg, i.v). MPG (10, 20, 30 mg/kg), Vit-C (100, 200, 300
      mg/kg), GP (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) and BM-ButFr (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and their
      combinations were administered i.m., 15 min before cisplatin administration. The
      number of vomiting bouts, retching, emetic latency and % weight loss were
      recorded to assess antiemetic potential. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by
      the DPPH free radical scavenging assay (FRSA). RESULTS: Significant attenuation
      of vomiting bouts, retching, % weight loss along with an increase in latency was
      produced by all the antioxidants and their combinations compared to cisplatin
      alone and this is the first report of this activity of GP in pigeons. Low EC50
      values in the FRSA for MPG (67.66 MUg/mL), Vit-C (69.42 MUg/mL), GP (6.498
      MUg/mL) and BM-ButFr (55.61 MUg/mL) compared to BHT standard (98.17 MUg/mL)
      demonstrated their radical scavenging capacity. Correlation between the
      antioxidant activity and antiemetic efficacy disclosed a high degree of
      correlation for the tested antioxidants. CONCLUSION: The selected synthetic and
      natural antioxidants and their combinations were able to attenuate cisplatin
      induced vomiting, which correlated with their potent in vitro antioxidant
      activity.

PMID- 28081730
TI  - MicroRNA-377 Downregulates Bcl-xL and Increases Apoptosis in Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - Aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and their role in cancer development
      have recently gained more attention. However, the potential role of miRNAs in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we
      demonstrated that miR-377 was markedly downregulated in HCC cell lines and
      primary human HCC tissues. The decreased expression of miR-377 contributes to the
      upregulation of Bcl-xL expression by targeting its 3'-untranslated region (3'
      UTR). Functionally, knockdown of miR-377 noticeably increased HCC cell growth and
      colony formation and inhibited apoptosis. In contrast, overexpression of miR-377
      suppressed cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. This study provides new
      insights for the use of miR-377 as a potential molecular target in HCC therapy.

PMID- 28081731
TI  - The Biological Effects of Dickkopf1 on Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells and Bone
      Metastasis.
AB  - The bone is among the most common sites of metastasis in patients with lung
      cancer. Over 30%-40% of lung cancers can develop bone metastasis, and no
      effective therapeutic methods exist in clinic cases. Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      and Dickkopf1 (DKK1) play important roles in the progression of lung cancer,
      which preferentially metastasizes to the skeleton. However, the role of DKK1 in
      osteotropism of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains to be elucidated. This
      study aimed to define the role of DKK1 in SCLC bone metastasis and investigate
      the underlying mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that the expression level of
      DKK1 was dramatically higher in bone metastatic SCLC cells (SBC-5 cell line)
      compared with that in cells without bone metastatic ability (SBC-3 cell line).
      Therefore, we hypothesized that DKK1 was involved in the bone metastasis of SCLC.
      We then suppressed the DKK1 expression in SBC-5 cells by RNAi and found that
      downregulation of DKK1 can inhibit cell proliferation, colony formation, cell
      migration, and invasion, but increase the apoptosis rate. Downregulation of DKK1
      did not affect the cell cycle progression of SBC-5 cells in vitro. In vivo,
      downregulated DKK1 in SBC-5 cells resulted in attenuated bone metastasis. These
      results indicated that DKK1 may be an important regulator in bone metastases of
      SCLC, and targeting DKK1 may be an effective method to prevent and treat skeleton
      metastases in SCLC cases.

PMID- 28081732
TI  - Inhibition of Beclin-1-Mediated Autophagy by MicroRNA-17-5p Enhanced the
      Radiosensitivity of Glioma Cells.
AB  - The role of miRNAs in the radiosensitivity of glioma cells and the underlying
      mechanism is still far from clear. In the present study, we detected six
      downregulated and seven upregulated miRNAs in the serum after radiotherapy
      compared with paired serum samples before radiotherapy via miRNA panel PCR. Among
      these, miR-17-5p was highly reduced (fold change = -4.21). Further, we validated
      the levels of miR-17-5p in all serum samples with qRT-PCR. In addition,
      statistical analysis suggested that a reduced miR-17-5P level was positively
      associated with advanced clinical stage of glioma, incidence of relapse, and
      tumor differentiation. Moreover, we provided evidence that irradiation markedly
      activated autophagy and decreased miR-17-5p in the glioma cell line. Further, we
      demonstrated that irradiation-induced autophagy activation was mediated by beclin
      1, and downregulation of beclin-1 via siRNA significantly abolished the
      irradiation-activated autophagy. Interestingly, we demonstrated that miR-17-5p
      could directly target beclin-1 via luciferase gene reporter assay. Exotic
      expression of miRNA-17-5p decreased autophagy activity in vitro. In nude mice,
      miRNA-17-5p upregulation sensitized the xenograft tumor to irradiation and
      suppressed irradiation-induced autophagy. Finally, pharmacal inhibition of
      autophagy markedly enhanced the cytotoxicity of irradiation in RR-U87 cells.

PMID- 28081733
TI  - Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha-Induced Protein 8-like-2 (TIPE2) Inhibits
      Proliferation and Tumorigenesis in Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced protein 8-like-2 (TNFAIP8L2 or
      TIPE2), a member of the tumor necrosis TNFAIP8 family, was found to be involved
      in the development and progression of several tumors. However, to date, the role
      of TIPE2 in breast cancer is still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study is to
      explore the role of TIPE2 in breast cancer. Our results indicated that TIPE2
      expression was significantly decreased in human breast cancer tissue and cell
      lines. Overexpression of TIPE2 inhibited the proliferation in vitro and tumor
      xenograft growth in vivo. TIPE2 also inhibited the migration/invasion of breast
      cancer cells through preventing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      phenotype. Mechanically, TIPE2 inhibited the expression of beta-catenin, cyclin
      D1, and c-Myc in breast cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings show that TIPE2
      may play an important role in breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and
      tumorigenesis in vivo. Therefore, TIPE2 may be a potential molecular target for
      the treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 28081734
TI  - MicroRNA-142-5p Overexpression Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis by
      Regulating FOXO in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - Abnormal expression of microRNA (miR)-142-5p has been reported in hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC). However, little information is available regarding the
      functional role of miR-142-5p in HCC. We aimed to explore the effects of miR-142
      5p aberrant expression on HCC cell growth and cell apoptosis, as well as the
      underlying mechanism. Human HCC cell lines HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were
      transfected with miR-142-5p mimic, inhibitor, or a corresponding negative
      control. Cell viability, cell cycle distribution, and cell apoptosis were then
      analyzed. In addition, protein expression of Forkhead box, class O (FOXO) 1 and
      3, a Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim), procaspase 3, and activated
      caspase 3 was measured. After transfection with miR-142-5p inhibitor, FOXO1 and
      FOXO3 were overexpressed, and then the cell viability and cell apoptosis were
      determined again. The relative cell viability in both HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells
      was significantly reduced by miR-142-5p overexpression (p < 0.05). miR-142-5p
      overexpression displayed a significant blockage at the G1/S transition and
      significantly increased the percentages of G0/G1 phase. Moreover, the results
      showed that miR-142-5p overexpression significantly induced cell apoptosis and
      statistically elevated the protein expression levels of FOXO1, FOXO3, Bim,
      procaspase 3, and activated caspase 3. However, the cells transfected with miR
      142-5p inhibitor showed contrary results. Additionally, the effects of miR-142-5p
      inhibitor on cell viability and apoptosis were reversed by overexpression of
      FOXO. In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-142-5p overexpression shows an
      important protective role in HCC by inhibiting cell growth and inducing
      apoptosis. These effects might be by regulating FOXO expression in HCC cells.

PMID- 28081735
TI  - miR-214-5p Targets ROCK1 and Suppresses Proliferation and Invasion of Human
      Osteosarcoma Cells.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small conserved RNAs regulating specific target genes in
      posttranscriptional levels. They have been involved in multiple processes of
      tumor progression, including cell proliferation. miR-214-5p (also miR-214*) is a
      newly identified miRNA, and its functions are largely unknown. In this study, we
      explore the role of miR-214-5p in the proliferation and invasion of human
      osteosarcoma (OS) cells. The results showed that miR-214-5p was sharply reduced
      in OS tissues and cell lines, compared with normal tissues and cell lines. In
      addition, the miR-214-5p mimic greatly increased the miR-214-5p level and
      significantly decreased the proliferation and invasion of HOS and G293 OS cells.
      In contrast, the miR-214-5p inhibitor had a completely opposite effect on the miR
      214-5p level, cell proliferation, and cell invasion. Moreover, bioinformatics and
      luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that miR-1908 targeted the mRNA 3'-UTR
      region of ROCK1, a characterized tumor promoter in OS. In conclusion, miR-214-5p
      was identified as a new tumor suppressor, which directly targeted ROCK1 and
      suppressed proliferation of human OS cells.

PMID- 28081736
TI  - RASSF4 Overexpression Inhibits the Proliferation, Invasion, EMT, and Wnt
      Signaling Pathway in Osteosarcoma Cells.
AB  - RASSF4, a member of the RASSF family, is broadly expressed in normal tissues but
      often inactivated in human cancers. Despite various studies on RASSF4, its role
      in osteosarcoma remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the
      effects of RASSF4 expression on osteosarcoma cells and explored the underlying
      mechanism. The results of our study showed that RASSF4 was lowly expressed in
      osteosarcoma tissues and cells. RASSF4 overexpression significantly inhibited
      proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as the EMT process in osteosarcoma
      cells. Meanwhile, we found that RASSF4 overexpression markedly decreased the
      protein expression of beta-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc in osteosarcoma cells.
      In conclusion, our findings showed that RASSF4 overexpression inhibits
      proliferation, invasion, EMT, and Wnt signaling pathway in osteosarcoma cells.
      Thus, RASSF4 may be considered a novel target for osteosarcoma treatment.

PMID- 28081737
TI  - Identification of Sensitivity Predictors of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for the
      Treatment of Adenocarcinoma of Gastroesophageal Junction.
AB  - The identification of reliable predictors of chemotherapy sensitivity and early
      screening of adenocarcinoma of gastroesophageal junction (AGEJ) patients who are
      resistant to chemotherapy has become an important area of clinical and
      translational research. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of seven
      cancer-associated cellular proteins for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in AGEJ
      patients. Clinical data of 93 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for
      locally advanced AGEJ between June 2010 and December 2014 were reviewed. All
      patients were administered the combination regimen of S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX).
      Expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), glutathione S-transferase-pi (GST-pi),
      topoisomerase II (topo II), multidrug resistance gene-associated protein (MRP),
      lung resistance-related protein (LRP), Ki-67, and p53 was determined by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) in AGEJ tissues before neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
      Chemotherapeutic efficacy was evaluated according to RECIST 1.0 standards and
      histopathological results, and the relationship between the expression of the
      cellular proteins and chemotherapy efficacy was analyzed. The SOX regimen was
      associated with an overall response rate of 46.2%. The frequency of expression of
      the seven cancer-associated factors in the AGEJ tissues was as follows: P-gp,
      64.5%; GST-pi, 39.8%; topo II, 72.0%; MRP, 33.3%; LRP, 68.8%; Ki-67, 62.4%; and
      p53, 40.9%. Expression of Ki-67 (p = 0.003) and p53 (p = 0.009) was significantly
      correlated with chemotherapy sensitivity. Elevated Ki-67 expression and decreased
      p53 expression predict for SOX insensitivity in AGEJ, and the cellular expression
      of these respective proteins may provide a useful reference for designing
      individualized chemotherapy regimens for AGEJ patients in the future.

PMID- 28081738
TI  - Silencing of Armadillo Repeat-Containing Protein 8 (ARMc8) Inhibits TGF-beta
      Induced EMT in Bladder Carcinoma UMUC3 Cells.
AB  - Armadillo repeat-containing protein 8 (ARMc8) is a key factor in regulating cell
      migration, proliferation, tissue maintenance, and tumorigenesis. However, its
      role in bladder cancer remains unknown. Thus, in this study we sought to
      investigate the effect of ARMc8 on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      progress in bladder cancer cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF
      beta1). Our results found that ARMc8 was highly expressed in bladder cancer cell
      lines. ARMc8 silencing inhibited the TGF-beta1-induced migration and invasion and
      suppressed the EMT progress in bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, ARMc8 silencing
      inhibited the TGF-beta1-induced expression of beta-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-myc
      in bladder cancer cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates a novel
      function for ARMc8, which acts as a mediator for TGF-beta1-induced cell
      migration/invasion through modulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway
      in bladder cancer cells. This study suggests that ARMc8 may be a potential
      therapeutic target for the development of therapies for bladder cancer.

PMID- 28081739
TI  - miR-940 Upregulation Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis by
      Targeting PKC-delta in Ovarian Cancer OVCAR3 Cells.
AB  - Ovarian cancer remains as one of the most threatening malignancies for females in
      the world. This study investigated the pivotal role of miR-940 in the progression
      of ovarian cancer and to reveal the possible molecular mechanism of its action.
      Ovarian cancer OVCAR3 cells were transfected with the miR-940 vector, miR-940
      inhibitor, and/or small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting PKC-delta (si-PKC
      delta), respectively. After transfection, cell viability and cell apoptosis were
      analyzed, as well as cell proliferation and apoptosis-related protein expression.
      Compared to the control, miR-940 upregulation suppressed cell viability but
      induced cell apoptosis. miR-940 upregulation increased the expression of p27,
      Hes1, survivin, and caspase 3, but decreased the expression of PKC-delta. In
      addition, elevated cell viability induced by the miR-940 inhibitor was
      significantly decreased by knockdown of PKC-delta, and reduced cell apoptosis
      induced by the miR-940 inhibitor was increased by knockdown of PKC-delta. Taken
      together, the results of our study suggest that upregulation of miR-940 may
      function as a suppressor in the progression of ovarian cancer by inhibiting cell
      proliferation and inducing apoptosis by targeting PKC-delta. This study may
      provide a basis for the possible application of miR-940 in illustrating the
      molecular pathogenic mechanism of ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28081740
TI  - Knockdown of Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 37 (TRIM37) Inhibits the
      Proliferation and Tumorigenesis in Colorectal Cancer Cells.
AB  - Tripartite motif-containing protein 37 (TRIM37), a new member of the RING-B-box
      coiled-coil (RBCC) subfamily of zinc finger proteins, was found to be involved in
      the development and progression of several cancers. However, the expression
      pattern and biological functions of TRIM37 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain
      unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the expression pattern of
      TRIM37 in CRC and investigated the function of TRIM37 in the progression of CRC.
      Our results showed that TRIM37 expression was upregulated in CRC cell lines.
      Knockdown of TRIM37 inhibited CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth in vivo.
      Furthermore, knockdown of TRIM37 inhibited the migration and invasion in CRC
      cells. Last, knockdown of TRIM37 inhibited the protein level expression of beta
      catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc in CRC cells. In conclusion, these results
      demonstrate that TRIM37 may play an important role in the proliferation,
      invasion, and tumorigenesis of CRC cells. Thus, TRIM37 may be a potential
      therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.

PMID- 28081741
TI  - Depletion of NFBD1/MDC1 Induces Apoptosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells
      Through the p53-ROS-Mitochondrial Pathway.
AB  - NFBD1, a signal amplifier of the p53 pathway, is vital for protecting cells from
      p53-mediated apoptosis and the early phase of DNA damage response under normal
      culture conditions. Here we investigated its expression in patients with
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and we describe the biological functions of the
      NFBD1 gene. We found that NFBD1 mRNA and protein were more highly expressed in
      NPC tissues than in nontumorous tissues. To investigate the function of NFBD1, we
      created NFBD1-depleted NPC cell lines that exhibited decreased cellular
      proliferation and colony formation, an increase in their rate of apoptosis, and
      an enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents compared with in vitro
      controls. However, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and downregulation of p53 expression
      could partially reverse the apoptosis caused by the loss of NFBD1. Further
      analysis showed that loss of NFBD1 resulted in increased production of
      intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) depending on p53, which subsequently
      triggered the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Using a xenograft model in nude
      mice, we showed that silencing NFBD1 also significantly inhibited tumor growth
      and led to apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that inhibition of NFBD1
      in NPC could be therapeutically useful.

PMID- 28081742
TI  - MicroRNA-92a Promotes Cell Proliferation in Cervical Cancer via Inhibiting p21
      Expression and Promoting Cell Cycle Progression.
AB  - MicroRNA-92a (miR-92a) generally plays a promoting role in human cancers, but the
      underlying mechanism in cervical cancer remains unclear. Here we studied the
      expression and clinical significance of miR-92a in cervical cancer, as well as
      the regulatory mechanism in the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Our data
      indicated that miR-92a was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer tissues
      compared to their matched adjacent nontumor tissues (ANTs), and the increased miR
      92a levels were significantly associated with a higher grade, lymph node
      metastasis, and advanced clinical stage in cervical cancer. In vitro study
      revealed that inhibition of miR-92a led to a significant reduction in the
      proliferation of HeLa cells via induction of cell cycle arrest at the G1 stage.
      In contrast, overexpression of miR-92a markedly promoted the proliferation of
      HeLa cells by promoting cell cycle progression. Further investigation revealed
      that miR-92a has a negative effect on protein levels, but not the mRNA levels, of
      p21 in HeLa cells, suggesting that p21 is a direct target of miR-92a.
      Overexpression of p21 eliminated the promoting effects of miR-92a on the
      proliferation and cell cycle progression of HeLa cells. However, knockdown of p21
      reversed the suppressive effects of miR-92a downregulation on HeLa cell
      proliferation and cell cycle progression. Moreover, p21 was significantly
      downregulated in cervical cancer tissues compared to ANTs, suggesting that the
      increased expression of miR-92a may contribute to the decreased expression of
      p21, which further promotes cervical cancer growth. In conclusion, our study
      demonstrates that miR-92a promotes the proliferation of cervical cancer cells via
      inhibiting p21 expression and promoting cell cycle progression, highlighting the
      clinical significance of miR-92a in cervical cancer.

PMID- 28081743
TI  - Overexpression of MicroRNA-27b Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion
      via Suppression of MET Expression.
AB  - MicroRNA-27b (miR-27b) was recently found to be significantly downregulated in
      different human cancers. However, evidence of the function of miR-27b in non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains limited. In this study, we aimed to
      investigate novel miR-27b-mediated targets or signaling pathways associated with
      the tumorigenesis and metastasis of NSCLC. Real-time (RT) PCR was performed to
      examine miR-27b expression in NSCLC specimens. MTT assay, wound-healing assay,
      and Transwell assay were used to determine cell proliferation, migration, and
      invasion. Our data indicated that the miR-27b levels were significantly decreased
      in NSCLC specimens and cell lines (SK-MES-1, H358, H460, A549, and H1229) when
      compared to matched normal adjacent tissues and normal human lung epithelial cell
      lines, respectively. Restoration of miR-27b significantly inhibited the
      proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. We then conducted in silico
      analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay and identified MET, a receptor
      tyrosine kinase, as a direct target of miR-27b in NSCLC cells. Moreover,
      overexpression of MET rescued the suppressive effect of miR-27b on the
      proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells, suggesting that MET acts as
      a downstream effecter of miR-27b in NSCLC cells. In summary, our study identified
      a novel miR-27b/MET signaling pathway involved in the cell proliferation,
      migration, and invasion of NSCLC, and identification of miR-27b-mediated novel
      signaling pathways may help reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the
      development and malignant progression of this disease.

PMID- 28081744
TI  - ERRATUM.
AB  - Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies.
      MicroRNAs (miRs) play a crucial role in the development and progression of OC,
      but the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. Our study investigated the
      regulatory role of miR-148a in OC cell proliferation and invasion. We found that
      miR-148a was significantly downregulated in OC tissues compared to their matched
      adjacent nontumor tissues. In addition, its expression was also reduced in OC
      cell lines (SKOV3, ES-2, OVCAR, and A2780) compared to normal ovarian epithelial
      cells. Overexpression of miR-148a caused a significant decrease in OC cell
      proliferation and invasion, as well as reduced MMP9 protein levels. Transforming
      growth factor-beta-induced 2 (TGFI2) was further identified as a target gene of
      miR-148a, and its protein expression was downregulated in OC cells after miR-148a
      overexpression. Restoration of TGFI2 attenuated the suppressive effects of miR
      148a on OC cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, we found that TGFI2 was
      remarkably upregulated in OC tissues when compared with their matched adjacent
      nontumor tissues, and observed a reverse correlation between miR-148a and TGFI2
      expression in OC tissues. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that miR
      148a inhibits OC cell proliferation and invasion partly through inhibition of
      TGFI2. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of the miR-148a/TGFI2 axis
      in the malignant progression of OC.

PMID- 28081745
TI  - The Influence of Secular Trends in Body Height and Weight on the Prevalence of
      Overweight and Obesity among Chinese Children and Adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of secular trends in body height and weight
      on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and
      adolescents. METHODS: The data were obtained from five cross-sectional Chinese
      National Surveys on Students' Constitution and Health. Overweight/obesity was
      defined as BMI-for-age Z-score of per the Wold Health Organization (WHO)
      reference values. Body height and weight for each sex and age were standardized
      to those reported in 1985 (standardized height: SHY; standardized weight: SWY)
      and for each sex and year at age 7 (standardized height: SHA; standardized
      weight: SWA) using the Z-score method. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      overweight/obesity in Chinese children was 20.2% among boys and 10.7% among girls
      in 2010 and increased continuously from 1985 to 2010. Among boys and girls of
      normal weight, SHY and SHA were significantly greater than SWY and SWA,
      respectively (P < 0.001). Among boys and girls with overweight/obesity, SHY was
      significantly lower than SWY (P < 0.001), and showed an obvious decreasing trend
      after age 12. SHA was lower than SWA among overweight boys aged 7-8 years and
      girls aged 7-9 years. SHY/SHW and SHA/SWA among normal-weight groups were greater
      than among overweight and obese groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The continuous
      increase in the prevalence of overweight/obesity among Chinese children may be
      related to a rapid increase in body weight before age 9 and lack of secular
      increase in body height after age 12.

PMID- 28081746
TI  - Effect of Low Level Subchronic Microwave Radiation on Rat Brain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of
      subchronic low level microwave radiation (MWR) on cognitive function, heat shock
      protein 70 (HSP70) level and DNA damage in brain of Fischer rats. METHODS:
      Experiments were performed on male Fischer rats exposed to microwave radiation
      for 90 days at three different frequencies: 900, 1800, and 2450 MHz. Animals were
      divided into 4 groups: Group I: Sham exposed, Group II: animals exposed to
      microwave radiation at 900 MHz and specific absorption rate (SAR) 5.953 * 10-4
      W/kg, Group III: animals exposed to 1800 MHz at SAR 5.835 * 10-4 W/kg and Group
      IV: animals exposed to 2450 MHz at SAR 6.672 * 10-4 W/kg. All the animals were
      tested for cognitive function using elevated plus maze and Morris water maze at
      the end of the exposure period and subsequently sacrificed to collect brain
      tissues. HSP70 levels were estimated by ELISA and DNA damage was assessed using
      alkaline comet assay. RESULTS: Microwave exposure at 900-2450 MHz with SAR values
      as mentioned above lead to decline in cognitive function, increase in HSP70 level
      and DNA damage in brain. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest
      that low level microwave exposure at frequencies 900, 1800, and 2450 MHz may lead
      to hazardous effects on brain.

PMID- 28081747
TI  - Role of PERK/eIF2alpha/CHOP Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway in Oxidized Low
      density Lipoprotein Mediated Induction of Endothelial Apoptosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: PERK/eIF2alpha/CHOP is a major signaling pathway mediating endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) stress related with atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) also
      induces endothelial apoptosis and plays a vital role in the initiation and
      progression of atherosclerosis. The present study was conducted to explore the
      regulatory effect of ox-LDL on PERK/eIF2alpha/CHOP signaling pathway in vascular
      endothelial cells. METHODS: The effects of ox-LDL on PERK and p-eIF2alpha protein
      expression of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were
      investigated by Western blot analysis. PERK gene silencing and selective
      eIF2alpha phosphatase inhibitor, salubrinal were used to inhibit the process of
      ox-LDL induced endothelial cell apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, and CHOP mRNA
      level. RESULTS: Ox-LDL treatment significantly increased the expression of PERK,
      PERK-mediated inactivation of eIF2alpha phosphorylation, and the expression of
      CHOP, as well as the caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. The effects of ox-LDL were
      markedly decreased by knocking down PERK with stable transduction of lentiviral
      shRNA or by selective eIF2alpha phosphatase inhibitor, salubrinal. CONCLUSION:
      This study provides the first evidence that ox-LDL induces apoptosis in vascular
      endothelial cells mediated largely via the PERK/eIF2alpha/CHOP ER-stress pathway.
      It adds new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis
      and progression of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28081748
TI  - Inactivated Sendai virus induces apoptosis mediated by reactive oxygen species in
      murine melanoma cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to investigate the apoptotic effect of inactivated
      Sendai virus (hemagglutinating virus of Japan-enveloped, HVJ-E) on murine
      melanoma cells (B16F10) and the possible mechanisms involved in the putative
      apoptotic reactions. METHODS: B16F10 cells were treated with HVJ-E at various
      multiplicities of infection (MOI), and the reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell
      viability, and apoptosis were measured. Next, the roles of ROS in the regulation
      of Bcl-2/Bax and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      pathways in HVJ-E-treated B16F10 cells were analyzed. To further evaluate the
      cytotoxic effect of HVJ-E-generated ROS on B16F10 cells, HVJ-E was intratumorally
      injected, both with and without N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), into melanoma tumors
      on BALB/c mice. Tumor volume was then monitored for 3 weeks, and the tumor
      proteins were separated for immunoblot assay. RESULTS: Treatment of B16F10 cells
      with HVJ-E resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell-viability and an
      induction of apoptosis. The latter effect was associated with the generation of
      ROS. Inhibition of ROS generation by NAC resulted in a significant reduction of
      HVJ-E-induced Erk1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK activation. Additionally, ROS inhibition
      caused a decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio as well as promoting activation of
      apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HVJ-E
      possesses potential anticancer activity in B16F10 cells through ROS-mediated
      mitochondrial dysfunction involving the MAPK pathway.

PMID- 28081749
TI  - Does Periconceptional Fish Consumption by Parents Affect the Incidence of Autism
      Spectrum Disorder and Intelligence Deficiency? A Case-control Study in Tianjin,
      China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between periconceptional
      fish consumption by parents and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intelligence
      deficiency (ID). METHODS: A case-control study was conducted through a
      questionnaire with 108 ASD cases, 79 ID cases, and 108 controls. The ASD and ID
      cases were students from special educational schools in Tianjin from 2012 to
      2014. The age- and sex-matched controls were from a high school, three primary
      schools, and a kindergarten in Tianjin. Multivariate logistic regression was
      performed. RESULTS: Paternal habit of eating hairtail before fertilization,
      maternal preference for fruits during pregnancy, and maternal habit of eating
      grass carp during pregnancy were preventive factors for ASD. Paternal habit of
      drinking alcohol before fertilization was a risk factor for ID, whereas maternal
      preference for fruits during pregnancy and maternal habit of eating crucian carp
      during pregnancy were protective factors for ID. CONCLUSION: Parental fish
      consumption is beneficial for the prevention of ASD and ID. Meanwhile, the
      protective effects of fish consumption on ASD and ID differ. More attention
      should be paid to the combined effect of other food when eating fish.

PMID- 28081750
TI  - An Epistaxis Emergency Associated with Multiple Pollutants in Elementary
      Students.
AB  - Emergencies of epistaxis in students caused by environmental pollution have
      rarely been reported to date. This study aimed to explore the cause of an
      emergency of epistaxis in elementary students by using a field epidemiological
      investigation. Twenty-two epistaxis cases from a single school with differences
      in gender, age, and classroom, were diagnosed within a period of 7 days. The air
      concentration of chromic acid mist (Cr6+) in the electroplating factory area, new
      campus, and residential area exceeded the limit of uncontrolled emissions. The
      emission of HCL and H2SO4 was also observed. Formaldehyde levels in the
      classrooms exceeded the limits of indoor air quality. Abnormal nasal mucosa was
      significantly more frequent in the case group (93.3%) and control group 1 (of the
      same school) (66.7%) than in control group 2 (from a mountainous area with no
      industrial zone) (34.8%; P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). On the basis of
      the pre-existing local nasal mucosal lesions, excessive chromic acid mist in the
      school's surrounding areas and formaldehyde in the classrooms were considered to
      have acutely irritated the nasal mucosa, causing epistaxis. Several lessons
      regarding factory site selection, eradication of chemical emissions, and indoor
      air quality in newly decorated classrooms, should be learned from this emergency.

PMID- 28081751
TI  - Mineral Intake in Urban Pregnant Women from Base Diet, Fortified Foods, and Food
      Supplements: Focus on Calcium, Iron, and Zinc.
AB  - In the Chinese national nutrition surveys, fortified foods were not investigated
      separately from the base diet, and the contribution of fortified foods to
      micronutrients intake is not very clear. This study investigated the diet,
      including fortified foods and food supplements, of urban pregnant women and
      analyzed the intake of calcium, iron, and zinc to assess the corresponding
      contributions of fortified foods, food supplements, and the base diet. The
      results demonstrated that the base diet was the major source of calcium, iron,
      and zinc, and was recommended to be the first choice for micronutrients intake.
      Furthermore, consumption of fortified foods and food supplements offered
      effective approaches to improve the dietary intake of calcium, iron, and zinc in
      Chinese urban pregnant women.

PMID- 28081752
TI  - A Centralized Report on Pediatric Japanese Encephalitis Cases from Beijing
      Children's Hospital, 2013.
AB  - Fifteen pediatric cases of suspected Japanese encephalitis (JE) were reported in
      Beijing Children's Hospital during the late summer of 2013. The clinical
      manifestations in most cases included high fever, seizures, and abnormal magnetic
      resonance imaging findings. Twelve of 15 cases were laboratory-confirmed as JE
      cases by pathogen identification. Epidemiological investigations showed that five
      of the 12 laboratory-confirmed patients had an incomplete JE vaccination history.
      Follow-up investigations after discharge indicated that seven laboratory
      confirmed JE patients without JE vaccinations had relatively poor prognoses, with
      an average Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) score of 2.6 when compared with the other
      five laboratory-confirmed, JE-vaccinated patients with an average MRS score of
      0.5. The observation of pediatric JE cases among those with a history of JE
      vaccination warrants further attention.

PMID- 28081753
TI  - Early Changes of Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Patients with
      Occupational 2,4-dinitrophenol Poisoning.
AB  - 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), an organic compound which frequently used in industry,
      is considered to have high toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the early
      changes of lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with occupational 2,4-DNP
      poisoning. Totally 9 patients with acute occupational 2,4-DNP poisoning and 30
      healthy volunteers as control were enrolled. The patients received immediately
      comprehensive supportive treatments, including large-dose glucocorticoid and
      repeated hemoperfusion (HP). The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells were significantly
      higher in patients upon admission compared to healthy controls (P < 0.01);
      however, counts of total lymphocytes, CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, B (CD19+), and
      natural killer (NK) cells (CD16+CD56+) were significantly reduced (all P <
      0.001). The NK cell count was negatively correlated with initial plasma 2,4-DNP
      concentration (r = -0.750, P = 0.026). Thus, acute occupational 2,4-DNP poisoning
      was accompanied by immediate complex immune cell reactions, especially NK cells
      might play important role in severe 2,4-DNP poisoning.

PMID- 28081754
TI  - Effectiveness of Adherence to Standardized Hypertension Management by Primary
      Health Care Workers in China: a Cross-sectional Survey 3 Years after the
      Healthcare Reform.
AB  - The standardized hypertension management provided by primary health care workers
      is an important part of China's recent health care reform efforts. Investigating
      5,116 hypertensive patients from a cross-sectional survey conducted by the
      Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2012, this study found that
      adherence to standardized hypertension management is associated with positive
      effects on hypertension- related knowledge, healthy lifestyle behavior,
      antihypertensive medical treatments, and blood pressure control. It will be
      necessary to provide primary health care workers with sufficient training and
      reasonable incentives to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of
      hypertension management.

PMID- 28081755
TI  - Sibling cell size matters.
AB  - A motor protein called Klp10A ensures that germline stem cells in male fruit
      flies divide to produce two sibling cells that are equal in size.

PMID- 28081756
TI  - ?

PMID- 28081757
TI  - [Rescue therapy with darunavir for treatment-experienced HIV-infected patients].

PMID- 28081758
TI  - [Long-term safety and effectiveness of darunavir].

PMID- 28081759
TI  - [Darunavir in special situations].

PMID- 28081760
TI  - [Darunavir as initial therapy for human immunodeficiency virus infection and as a
      strategy for switching regimen not motivated by virological failure].

PMID- 28081761
TI  - [Pharmacological aspects of darunavir/cobicistat].

PMID- 28081762
TI  - [Present and future of darunavir for the treatment of human immunodeficiency
      virus infection].

PMID- 28081763
TI  - ?

PMID- 28081764
TI  - Pathogenesis: common pathways between hidradenitis suppurativa and Crohn disease.
AB  - Both hidradenitis suppurativa and Crohn disease are considered chronic
      inflammatory diseases due to immune dysregulation. The high prevalence of Crohn
      disease patients diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa suggests the existence
      of common pathogenic links. The present literature review analyses the
      similarities and differences in the pathogenesis of the two diseases, in the
      search for new research and knowledge targets.

PMID- 28081765
TI  - Therapeutic approach to Crohn disease: possible parallels with hidradenitis
      suppurativa.
AB  - The current controversy in the setting of dermatology surrounding the treatment
      of inflammatory diseases, and specifically hidradenitis suppurativa, bears strong
      similarities with the debate concerning inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that
      took place several years ago. That debate led to new perspectives on this disease
      and, in particular, its treatment after the development of biological agents.

PMID- 28081766
TI  - Clinical features of hidradenitis suppurativa and Crohn disease: what do these
      two entities have in common?
AB  - Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and Crohn disease (CD) are chronic, recurrent
      inflammatory diseases. They share certain clinical characteristics and flares are
      common in both. Both entities are usually diagnosed between the second and third
      decades of life and share risk factors such as smoking and overweight. In CD, as
      in HS, acute untreated episodes of inflammation can lead to sequels such as
      abscesses, fistulas and stenosis. Consequently, early management is of the utmost
      importance. Some patients have both diseases. The estimated prevalence of SH in
      CD patients is 12.4%-17.9%, while the prevalence of CD in HS patients is around
      3%. The presence of HS in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is
      associated with an earlier onset of IBD and with more frequent need for anti-TNF
      alpha therapy and surgical resection.

PMID- 28081767
TI  - Hidradenitis suppurativa and perianal Crohn disease: differential diagnosis.
AB  - The first description of perianal fistulas and complications in Crohn disease was
      made 75 years ago by Penner and Crohn. Published studies have subsequently
      confirmed that perianal fistulas are the most common manifestations of
      fistulising Crohn disease. Hidradenitis suppurativa was described in 1854 by a
      French surgeon, Aristide Verneuil. It is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent and
      debilitating disease of the pilosebaceous follicle, that usually manifests after
      puberty with deep, painful and inflamed lesions in the areas of the body with
      apocrine glands, usually the axillary, inguinal and anogenital regions. The
      differential diagnosis between hidradenitis suppurativa and Crohn disease can be
      challenging, especially when the disease is primarily perianal. When they occur
      simultaneously, hidradenitis suppurativa and Crohn disease show severe phenotypes
      and patients can respond to anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy, although
      adalimumab is currently the only treatment with demonstrated efficacy in
      hidradenitis suppurativa and Crohn disease. In addition, there is sometimes a
      need for different complementary surgical procedures.

PMID- 28081769
TI  - Clinical experience of the use of adalimumab in the management of hidradenitis
      suppurativa. Comparison of response rates with Crohn disease.
AB  - The recent approval of adalimumab as the first treatment to be approved for the
      management of hidradenitis suppurativa has represented a before and after in the
      control of this chronic inflammatory disease. Given the inflammatory burden of
      this cutaneous disease, in the last few years hidradenitis suppurativa has been
      compared with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly with Crohn disease, to the
      point of considering hidradenitis suppurativa as "Crohn disease of the skin".
      These two chronic inflammatory diseases show sufficient similarities to consider
      whether treatment response based on the inflammatory load could also be similar.
      The present article aims to analyse the efficacy of adalimumab in hidradenitis
      suppurativa in comparison with a truly comparable disease, Crohn disease, with a
      view to evaluating therapeutic response rates and to drawing conclusions on the
      therapeutic success obtained in this disabling cutaneous disease.

PMID- 28081768
TI  - Management of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.
AB  - Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a high
      prevalence in the population. Treatment options are both medical and surgical.
      Medical treatment is based on the use of antibiotics, retinoids, and anti
      inflammatory drugs, in which anti-TNFalpha agents (infliximab y adalimumab) play
      a central role in the treatment of moderate-to-severe HS and enjoy the highest
      level of scientific support. Currently, adalimumab is the only drug approved in
      the summary of product characteristics for the treatment of this disease. Due to
      the scarcity of clinical trials in HS, there is still no therapeutic guideline
      backed by solid evidence and the evidence for most drugs is low. However, early
      treatment in patients with HS would probably reduce the complications of this
      disease. This review analyses the distinct treatments used in this dermatological
      disease and provides a therapeutic algorithm with different treatment options.

PMID- 28081770
TI  - Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects in special situations:
      hidradenitis suppurativa in paediatric patients.
AB  - Hidradenitis suppurativa usually develops in the third decade of life and is
      infrequent in children and adolescents. This article reviews the scant
      epidemiological clinical and therapeutic data that are available for this age
      group. From the epidemiological point of view, reports have been more numerous in
      children, which has been related to hormone alterations and with a possibly
      higher genetic load than when this disease develops in adults. Clinically, it
      seems that when hidradenitis suppurativa develops in young patients, there is
      greater disease extension. The therapeutic approach is especially complex, since
      there is hardly any scientific evidence to serve as a basis for decisions. The
      challenges posed by this disease are to help patients accept their disease,
      recommend them healthy lifestyle habits and choose the most appropriate treatment
      for each patient.

PMID- 28081771
TI  - Epidemiology of hidradenitis suppurativa and inflammatory bowel disease: are
      these two disease associated?
AB  - Hidradenitis suppurativa and inflammatory bowel disease are chronic inflammatory
      diseases mainly affecting young people. Their aetiology is complex and
      multifactorial and numerous case series have shown that the two diseases can
      manifest concurrently, although the strength of this association varies widely
      among distinct reports. An additional problem is the difficulty of distinguishing
      between cutaneous Crohn disease and hidradenitis. In the last few years,
      epidemiological cohort studies have revealed that 1.2%-23% of inflammatory bowel
      disease patients also have hidradenitis suppurativa. This wide variability is
      influenced by geographical variables and the biases inherent in the distinct data
      collection methods, among other factors. There is a clear predominance of Crohn
      disease over ulcerative colitis. When hidradenitis suppurativa and inflammatory
      bowel disease manifest concurrently, the bowel disease is more severe and shows a
      predominance of colon involvement.

PMID- 28081772
TI  - Metabolic amplification of insulin secretion is differentially desensitized by
      depolarization in the absence of exogenous fuels.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The metabolic amplification of insulin secretion is the sequence of
      events which enables the secretory response to a fuel secretagogue to exceed the
      secretory response to a purely depolarizing stimulus. The signals in this pathway
      are incompletely understood. Here, we have characterized an experimental
      procedure by which the amplifying response to glucose is reversibly desensitized,
      while the response to alpha-ketoisocaproic acid (KIC) is unchanged.
      MATERIALS/METHODS: Insulin secretion, NAD(P)H- and FAD-autofluorescence, Fura-2
      fluorescence and oxygen consumption were measured in perifused NMRI mouse islets.
      The ATP- and ADP-contents were measured in statically incubated mouse islets. All
      islets were freshly isolated. RESULTS: While the original observation on the
      dissociation between glucose- and KIC-amplification was obtained with islets that
      had been exposed to a high concentration of the sulfonylurea glipizide in the
      absence of glucose, we now show that in the absence of exogenous fuel a moderate
      depolarization, irrespective of its mechanism, progressively decreased the
      amplification in response to both glucose and KIC. However, the amplification in
      response to glucose declined faster, so a time window exists where glucose was
      already inefficient, whereas KIC was of unimpaired efficiency. Measurements of
      adenine nucleotides, NAD(P)H- and FAD-autofluorescence, and oxygen consumption
      point to a central role of the mitochondrial metabolism in this process. The
      desensitization could be quickly reversed by increasing oxidative deamination of
      glutamate and consequently anaplerosis of the citrate cycle. CONCLUSION:
      Depolarization in the absence of exogenous fuel may be a useful model to identify
      those signals which are indispensable for the generation of metabolic
      amplification.

PMID- 28081773
TI  - Mechanisms of marrow adiposity and its implications for skeletal health.
AB  - The bone marrow niche is composed of cells from hematopoietic and mesenchymal
      origin. Both require energy to power differentiation and these processes are
      intimately connected to systemic metabolic homeostasis. Glycolysis is the
      preferred substrate for mesenchymal stromal cells in the niche, although fatty
      acid oxidation and glutaminolysis are important during stage specific
      differentiation. Autophagy and lipophagy, in part triggered by adenosine
      monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), may also play an important but
      temporal specific role in osteoblast differentiation. Enhanced marrow adiposity
      is caused by clinical factors that are genetically, environmentally, and
      hormonally mediated. These determinants mediate a switch from the osteogenic to
      the adipogenic lineage. Preliminary evidence supports an important role for fuel
      utilization in those cell fate decisions. Although both the origin and function
      of the marrow adipocyte remain to be determined, and in some genetic mouse models
      high marrow adiposity may co-exist with greater bone mass, in humans changes in
      marrow adiposity are closely linked to adverse changes in skeletal metabolism.
      This supports an intimate relationship between bone and fat in the marrow. Future
      studies will likely shed more light on the relationship of cellular as well as
      whole body metabolism on the ultimate fate of bone marrow stromal cells.

PMID- 28081774
TI  - Nesfatin-1 regulates the lateral hypothalamic area melanin-concentrating hormone
      responsive gastric distension-sensitive neurons and gastric function via arcuate
      nucleus innervation.
AB  - Nesfatin-1, a recently discovered neuropeptide involved in satiety. Recent
      studies have revealed that central nesfatin-1 inhibits gastric emptying and
      gastric acid secretion, though the mechanisms involved in these processes are not
      known. We aim to explore the effects of nesfatin-1 on a population of gastric
      distension (GD)-sensitive neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LHA), gastric
      motility, and gastric secretion and the role for an arcuate nucleus (Arc)-LHA
      neural pathway in these processes. Single unit extracellular discharge recordings
      were made in of LHA. Further, gastric motility and gastric secretion in rats were
      monitored. Retrograde tracing and fluorescent immunohistochemical staining were
      used to explore nesfatin-1 neuron projection. The results revealed that
      administration of nesfatin-1 to the LHA or electric stimulation of the Arc could
      alter the neuronal activity of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)-responsive, GD
      responsive neurons in LHA, which could be blocked by pretreatment with MCH
      receptor-1 antagonist PMC-3881-PI or weakened by pretreatment of a nesfatin-1
      antibody in LHA. Administration of nesfatin-1 into LHA could inhibit gastric
      motility and gastric secretion, and these effects could be enhanced by
      administration of PMC-3881-PI. Electrical stimulation of Arc promoted the gastric
      motility and gastric secretion. Nesfatin-1 antibody or PMC-3881-PI pretreatment
      to LHA had no effect on Arc stimulation-induced gastric motility, but these
      pretreatments did alter Arc stimulation-induced effects on gastric secretion. Our
      findings suggest that nesfatin-1 signaling in LHA participates in the regulation
      of efferent information from the gastrointestinal tract and gastric secretion
      which also involve MCH signaling. Further, they show that a nesfatin-1-positive
      Arc to LHA pathway is critical for these effects.

PMID- 28081775
TI  - Skeletal muscle extracellular matrix remodeling after short-term overfeeding in
      healthy humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling has been
      proposed as a feature of the pathogenic milieu associated with obesity and
      metabolic dysfunction. The aim of the current study was to examine the timeline
      of this response and determine whether 3 and 28days of overfeeding alters markers
      of ECM turnover. METHODS: Forty healthy individuals were overfed by 1250kcal/day
      for 28days. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps and abdominal fat distribution
      were performed at baseline and day 28 of overfeeding and skeletal muscle biopsies
      taken at baseline, day 3 and day 28. mRNA expression (COL1a1, COL3a1, MMP2, MMP9,
      TIMP1, CD68, Integrin) was performed in 19 subjects that consented to having all
      biopsies performed and microarray analysis was performed in 8 participants at
      baseline and day 28. RESULTS: In the whole cohort, body weight increased by 0.6+/
      0.1 and 2.7+/-0.3kg at days 3 and 28 (both P<0.001), respectively. Glucose
      infusion rate during the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp decreased from 54.8+/
      2.8 at baseline to 50.3+/-2.5MUmol/min/kg FFM at day 28 of overfeeding (P=0.03).
      Muscle COL1 and COL3 and MMP2 mRNA levels were significantly higher 28days after
      overfeeding (all P<0.05), with no significant changes in MMP9, TIMP1, CD68 and
      integrin expression. Microarray based gene set tests revealed that pathways
      related to ECM receptor interaction, focal adhesion and adherens junction were
      differentially altered. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal muscle ECM remodeling occurs early
      in response to over-nutrition with as little as 3% body weight gain. Our findings
      contribute to the growing evidence linking muscle ECM remodeling and accumulation
      as another sequela of obesity-related insulin resistance.

PMID- 28081776
TI  - Factors associated with adipocyte size reduction after weight loss interventions
      for overweight and obesity: a systematic review and meta-regression.
AB  - AIMS: Enlarged adipocytes are a prime feature of adipose tissue dysfunction, and
      may be an appropriate target to decrease disease risk in obesity. We aimed to
      assess the change in adipocyte size in response to lifestyle and surgical weight
      loss interventions for overweight or obesity; and to explore whether certain
      participant and intervention characteristics influence this response. METHODS: We
      systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane electronic databases
      to identify weight loss studies that quantified adipocyte size before and after
      the intervention. Using meta-regression analysis, we assessed the independent
      effects of weight loss, age, sex, adipocyte region, and intervention type
      (surgical vs. lifestyle) on adipocyte size reduction. We repeated the model as a
      sensitivity analysis including only the lifestyle interventions. RESULTS: Thirty
      five studies met our eligibility criteria. In our main model, every 1.0% weight
      loss was associated with a 0.64% reduction in adipocyte size (p=0.003); and
      adipocytes from the upper body decreased 5% more in size than those in the lower
      body (p=0.009). These relationships were no longer significant when focusing only
      on lifestyle interventions. Moreover, age, sex and intervention type did not
      independently affect adipocyte size reduction in either model. CONCLUSIONS:
      Weight loss in obese individuals is consistently associated with a decrease in
      adipocyte size that is more pronounced in upper-body adipocytes. It remains to be
      clarified how biological differences and intervention characteristics influence
      this relationship, and whether it corresponds with reductions in other aspects of
      adipose tissue dysfunction and disease risk.

PMID- 28081777
TI  - Research advances in metabolism 2016.

PMID- 28081778
TI  - An association of metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease from a 10-year
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although metabolic abnormalities have been considered important risk
      factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS)
      and insulin resistance on renal function deterioration is poorly understood. We
      investigated the association between MS and incident CKD/rapid decline of
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a 10-year population-based
      longitudinal study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Among 10,030 subjects, 6065 without
      history of CKD or cardiovascular disease at baseline were analyzed using data
      generated from the Ansan-Ansung cohort of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study.
      Participants were categorized into two groups based on the presence of MS at
      baseline. Incident CKD was defined as eGFR <60ml/min per 1.73m2, and rapid
      decline of eGFR was defined as >3ml/min per 1.73m2/yr over 10years. RESULTS:
      During the 10-year follow-up period, CKD developed in 893 subjects (14.7%).
      Compared to subjects without MS, the odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval, CI)
      of incident CKD in those with MS was 1.38 (1.16-1.64) after controlling for
      confounding factors. The risk of rapid decline of eGFR was also higher in
      subjects with MS than those without MS (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.39). In
      addition, we found that higher levels of homeostatic model assessment of insulin
      resistance (HOMA-IR) were associated with incident CKD and rapid decline of eGFR
      independently of traditional CKD risk factors (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04-1.47).
      CONCLUSION: Both MS and insulin resistance were independent risk factors of
      incident CKD and rapid decline of eGFR in healthy Korean population.

PMID- 28081779
TI  - Higher free triiodothyronine is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
      in euthyroid subjects: the Lifelines Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Overt hypothyroidism confers an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease (NAFLD). The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of
      cholesterol and triglycerides; thyroid hormones interact on hepatic lipid
      homeostasis. Thyroid function within the euthyroid range affects a number of
      health issues, including atherosclerosis development and biochemical markers of
      increased cardiovascular risk. However, the association of thyroid hormones with
      NAFLD in euthyroid subjects has not been unequivocally established. We therefore
      determined associations of thyroid hormone parameters with NAFLD among euthyroid
      subjects. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Lifelines Cohort Study, a
      population-based cohort study of participants living in the North of the
      Netherlands. Only euthyroid subjects (thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 0.5
      4.0mU/L, free thyroxine (FT4) 11-19.5pmol/L and free triiodothyronine (FT3) 4.4
      6.7pmol/L) older than 18years were included. Exclusion criteria were participants
      with excessive alcohol use, known hepatitis or cirrhosis, liver functions >=
      three times the upper limit, current cancer, non-white ancestry, previous or
      current use of thyroid medication and current use of lipid or glucose lowering
      medication. A priori defined liver biochemistry, thyroid function parameters and
      metabolic syndrome (MetS) were studied. NAFLD was defined by using the validated
      Fatty Liver Index (FLI); FLI>=60 was categorized as NAFLD. A P<0.01 was
      considered significant. RESULTS: FLI>=60 was found in 4274 (21.1%) of 20,289
      individuals (62.1% male, median age 46years) with increased prevalence of MetS
      (P<0.0001). In age- and sex-adjusted analysis FLI>=60 was independently
      associated with a higher FT3 (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.29-1.39, per SD increment,
      P<0.0001) and a lower FT4 (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.70-0.75, P<0.0001) but not by TSH.
      The strongest association was found for the FT3/FT4 ratio (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.39
      1.49, P<0.0001). These associations remained similar after additional adjustment
      for the presence of MetS. In subjects with enlarged waist circumference, TSH and
      FT4 were lower while FT3 was higher, resulting in an increased FT3/FT4 ratio
      (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Euthyroid subjects with suspected NAFLD are
      characterized by higher FT3, lower FT4 and higher FT3/FT4 ratio, probably
      consequent to central obesity.

PMID- 28081780
TI  - Association between vascular inflammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:
      Analysis by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggests that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease as well as metabolic syndrome.
      FDG-PET is a novel imaging technique that detects vascular inflammation, which
      may reflect rupture-prone vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS: Vascular
      inflammation was measured as the maximum target-to-background ratio (maxTBR),
      along with various cardiometabolic risk factors in 51 subjects with NAFLD, and
      compared with 100 age- and gender-matched subjects without NAFLD. The liver
      attenuation index (LAI), which was measured using computed tomography, was used
      as a parameter for the diagnosis of NAFLD. RESULTS: After adjusting for age and
      sex, both maxTBR and LAI values were associated with several cardiometabolic risk
      parameters. Furthermore, there was a significant inter-relationship between LAI
      and maxTBR values (r=-0.227, P=0.005). Individuals with NAFLD had higher maxTBR
      values than those without NAFLD (P=0.026), although their carotid intima-media
      thickness (CIMT) values did not differ. The proportion of subjects with NAFLD
      showed a step-wise increment following the tertiles of maxTBR values (P for
      trend=0.015). In multiple logistic regression analysis, maxTBR tertiles were
      independently associated with NAFLD after adjusting for age, gender, systolic
      blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, glucose, BUN, creatinine and
      homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P=0.030). However,
      their relationship was attenuated after further adjustment for waist
      circumference or high sensitive C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION: Patients with
      NAFLD have an increased risk for vascular inflammation as measured via FDG-PET/CT
      even without difference in CIMT. (Clinical trials No. NCT01958411,
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/).

PMID- 28081781
TI  - Effects of visceral adiposity on glycerol pathways in gluconeogenesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of using oral 13C labeled glycerol to
      assess effects of visceral adiposity on gluconeogenic pathways in obese humans.
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Obese (BMI >=30kg/m2) participants without type 2
      diabetes underwent visceral adipose tissue (VAT) assessment and stratification by
      median VAT into high VAT-fasting (n=3), low VAT-fasting (n=4), and high VAT-refed
      (n=2) groups. Participants ingested [U-13C3] glycerol and blood samples were
      subsequently analyzed at multiple time points over 3h by NMR spectroscopy. The
      fractions of plasma glucose (enrichment) derived from [U-13C3] glycerol via
      hepatic gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and tricarboxylic acid
      (TCA) cycle were assessed using 13C NMR analysis of glucose. Mixed linear models
      were used to compare 13C enrichment in glucose between groups. RESULTS: Mean age,
      BMI, and baseline glucose were 49years, 40.1kg/m2, and 98mg/dl, respectively. Up
      to 20% of glycerol was metabolized in the TCA cycle prior to gluconeogenesis and
      PPP activity was minor (<1% of total glucose) in all participants. There was a
      21% decrease in 13C enrichment in plasma glucose in the high VAT-fasting compared
      with low VAT-fasting group (p=0.03), suggesting dilution by endogenous glycerol.
      High VAT-refed participants had 37% less 13C enrichment in glucose compared with
      high VAT-fasting (p=0.02). There was a trend toward lower [1,2-13C2] (via PPP)
      and [5,6-13C2]/[4,5,6-13C3] (via TCA cycle) glucose in high VAT versus low VAT
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: We applied a simple method to detect gluconeogenesis from
      glycerol in obese humans. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that excess
      visceral fat disrupts multiple pathways in hepatic gluconeogenesis from glycerol.

PMID- 28081782
TI  - Insulin sensitivity and its relation to hormones in adolescent boys and girls.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A subset of obese individuals lacks cardiometabolic
      impairment. We aimed to analyze hormonal profiles of insulin-sensitive obese
      (ISO) and insulin-resistant obese (IRO) adolescents and determine hormonal
      predictors of homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A threshold of 3.16 of HOMA-IR was used to classify ISO (<3.16) IRO
      (>=3.16). In 702 individuals aged 13-18years (55.8% girls) anthropometric and
      laboratory [blood glucose, insulin, thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free
      triiodothyronine (fT3), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), steroid hormones,
      luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, prolactin, ghrelin, glucose
      dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon-like-peptide 1glucagon, leptin,
      resistin, visfatin, leptin, adiponectin and adipsin] assessments were performed.
      Orthogonal projections to latent structures and Mann-Whitney tests with
      Bonferroni correction were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 52.6% girls
      and 42.9% boys were insulin sensitive. In the predictive model of HOMA-IR thyroid
      function tests, adiponectin, ghrelin and leptin concentrations played an
      important role in both genders. Prolactin, testosterone and glucagon contributed
      to the model only in boys, while progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
      levels only in girls. After Bonferroni correction levels of leptin, adiponectin,
      leptin/adiponectin ratio, SHBG and fT4/TSH ratio in both genders, testosterone
      and glucagon levels in boys and levels of TSH and fT3 in girls were related to
      insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Metabolic health defined by HOMA-IR is partly
      predicted by various hormones. Some of them are gender specific. Free T4/TSH and
      leptin/adiponectin ratios are related to insulin sensitivity in both genders.

PMID- 28081783
TI  - Stress hyperglycemia and acute ischemic stroke in-hospital outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Stress hyperglycemia is frequent in patients with acute
      ischemic stroke. However, it is unclear whether stress hyperglycemia only
      reflects stroke severity or if it is directly associated with adverse outcome. We
      aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of stress hyperglycemia in acute
      ischemic stroke. METHODS: We prospectively studied 790 consecutive patients who
      were admitted with acute ischemic stroke (41.0% males, age 79.4+/-6.8years). The
      severity of stroke was assessed at admission with the National Institutes of
      Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Stress hyperglycemia was defined as fasting serum
      glucose levels at the second day after admission >=126mg/dl in patients without
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The outcome was assessed with adverse outcome
      rates at discharge (modified Rankin scale between 2 and 6) and with in-hospital
      mortality. RESULTS: In the total study population, 8.6% had stress hyperglycemia.
      Patients with stress hyperglycemia had more severe stroke. Independent predictors
      of adverse outcome at discharge were age, prior ischemic stroke and NIHSS at
      admission whereas treatment with statins prior to stroke was associated with
      favorable outcome. When the NIHSS was removed from the multivariate model,
      independent predictors of adverse outcome were age, heart rate at admission,
      prior ischemic stroke, log-triglyceride (TG) levels and stress hyperglycemia,
      whereas treatment with statins prior to stroke was associated with favorable
      outcome. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were atrial fibrillation
      (AF), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum log-TG levels and NIHSS at admission.
      When the NIHSS was removed from the multivariate model, independent predictors of
      in-hospital mortality were age, AF, DBP, log-TG levels and stress hyperglycemia.
      CONCLUSION: Stress hyperglycemia does not appear to be directly associated with
      the outcome of acute ischemic stroke. However, given that patients with stress
      hyperglycemia had higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors than patients
      with normoglycemia and that glucose tolerance was not evaluated, more studies are
      needed to validate our findings.

PMID- 28081784
TI  - Forensic medical evaluation of deaths resulting from inhalation of cigarette
      lighter refill fuel in Turkey.
AB  - Voluntary inhalation/abuse of volatile substances is an important public health
      problem which especially affects adolescent and young populations worldwide and
      may be encountered in all socioeconomic and cultural levels. Lighter gas abuse
      related death is still an important health problem in Turkey. In this study,
      25,265 case files and final reports submitted to the Institute of Forensic
      Medicine of the First Specialization Board between January 2011 and December 2015
      were evaluated retrospectively. In 56 of these cases, lighter gas inhalation (n
      butane, propane, isobutane) was recorded as the cause of death. All subjects were
      male with a mean age of 16.8years. According to eyewitness and crime scene
      investigation reports, in 48 (85.7%) of the cases, a lighter refill container was
      found at the scene. It was determined that 21.4% of the cases used a plastic bag
      to increase the effects of lighter gas and 76.8% inhaled the lighter gas via
      their mouth and nose. The toxicological analysis of the samples taken while
      hospitalized showed no lighter refill components (n-butane, propane, isobutane)
      in 66% of the cases, n-butane in 32.1% of the cases, and n
      butane+propane+isobutane in 1.9% of the cases. The importance of lighter gas
      inhalation-related deaths in Turkey has been increasing. Strict measures against
      the abuse of these very dangerous substances should be undertaken by the mutual
      efforts of medical specialists and legislators.

PMID- 28081785
TI  - Fatal acute intoxication of accidentally ingested nifedipine in an infant - A
      case report.
AB  - A fatal case of acute nifedipine intoxication in a two-year-old boy is presented.
      The boy accidentally orally ingested an unknown amount of his grandfather's
      nifedipine (40mg/tablet), mistaking it for a ramune confectionery. Despite
      intensive medical treatment, his death was confirmed at 31h after the accidental
      ingestion. The forensic autopsy revealed that there were neither pathological
      alterations or injuries in all of the organs. Toxicologically, nifedipine could
      be detected at the concentrations of 0.463, 0.669 and 13.0MUg/g in cardiac blood,
      peripheral blood and stomach contents, respectively. These concentrations were
      evaluated as fatal levels, and the cause of death was diagnosed as acute
      nifedipine intoxication. Recently, the number of infants and children who
      accidentally ingest drugs in the home is increasing. This case report prompts
      forensic pathologists and toxicologists to emphasize that children are always
      exposed to the risk of accidental drug ingestion in daily life.

PMID- 28081786
TI  - Experimental evaluation of freezing preparation for the macroscopic inspection in
      putrefied brain.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of freezing preparation for macroscopic
      investigation in advanced putrefied brain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After sealing
      in individual plastic bags, 10 pig heads were stored at 20 degrees C for 5days
      allow postmortem change (putrefaction) to progress. After an observation period,
      they were divided into 2 groups to evaluate the usefulness of the freezing effect
      in macroscopic investigation. The process over the postmortem period and the
      freezing process were examined. RESULTS: At day-5, the presence of air density
      was detected between the inner surface of the cranium and the brain parenchyma.
      Intra-cranial air accumulation presented on CT in all heads. In the control
      group, the brain parenchyma leaked out from the hole in the meninges, and the
      gray-white matter difference was clear in 3/72 (4.2%), moderate in 7/72 (9.7%),
      ambiguous in 17/72 (23.6%), and poor in 45/72 (62.5%). In the freezing group, the
      brain parenchyma presented homogeneous low density after more than 14h freezing.
      On opening the cranium, the entire brains were frozen, and the gray-white matter
      difference was clear in 33/72 (46.0%), moderate in 17/72 (24.0%), ambiguous in
      15/72 (21.0%), and poor in 7/72 (10.0%). The freezing group afforded greater
      clarity in the gray-white matter inspection (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Freezing
      preparation was useful for the macroscopic investigation of putrefied brain
      compared with the ordinary autopsy.

PMID- 28081787
TI  - Primed neutrophil infiltrations into multiple organs in child physical abuse
      cases: A preliminary study.
AB  - Physical abuse of the elderly induces a massive primed neutrophil infiltration
      into the lung and liver through chemotaxis by interleukin (IL)-8, similar to
      cases of traumatic or hemorrhagic shock. Here, we used immunohistochemical
      analyses to investigate this infiltration in cases of physically abused children.
      In addition, we examined the expression of neutrophil elastase (NE) as the
      inflammatory mediator and alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) as the elastase inhibitor. The
      number of neutrophils in the abuse cases was increased significantly in the
      heart, lung, liver, and kidney, compared with that of control cases. IL-8
      positive cells and NE-positive cells in all organs of abuse cases were
      significantly greater than those in control cases. Large quantities of oxidized
      AAT, which fails to inactivate NE and results in tissue damage, was detected in
      the liver of abuse cases. Neutrophil infiltration showed positive correlation
      with the degree of systemic accumulation of non-fatal injuries caused by
      repetitive abusive behavior. Although further investigation using more autopsy
      samples is necessary, results of our preliminary study indicate that massive
      neutrophil infiltration induced by IL-8 in multiple organs is a new complementary
      diagnostic indicator of physical abuse in children. Moreover, the demonstration
      of NE-positive cells and oxidized AAT provides firm evidence of tissue damage.

PMID- 28081788
TI  - Autosomal SNPs study of a population sample from Southern Portugal and from a
      sample of immigrants from Guinea-Bissau residing in Portugal.
AB  - In recent years, autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been
      comprehensively investigated in forensic research due to their usefulness in
      certain circumstances in complementing short tandem repeats (STRs) analysis, or
      even for use on their own when analysis of STRs fails. However, as with STRs, in
      order to properly use SNP markers in forensic casuistic we need to understand the
      population and forensic parameters in question. As a result of Portugal's
      colonial history during the time of empire, and the subsequent process of
      decolonization, some African individuals migrated to Portugal, giving rise to
      large African and African-descendent communities. One of these groups is the
      community originating from Guinea-Bissau, that in 2014, was enumerated to consist
      of more than 17,700 individuals with official residency status, more than the
      third major city of Guinea-Bissau. In order to study the population and forensic
      parameters mentioned above for the two populations important to our casuistic, a
      total of 142 unrelated individuals from the South of Portugal and 90 immigrants
      from Guinea-Bissau (equally non related and all residing in Portugal) were typed
      with SNaPshotTM assay for all 52 loci included in the SNPforID 52plex.

PMID- 28081789
TI  - Rapid and highly sensitive analysis of benzodiazepines and tandospirone in human
      plasma by automated on-line column-switching UFLC-MS/MS.
AB  - A high-throughput method was developed for the detection of 31 benzodiazepine
      drugs and tandospirone in human plasma by on-line column-switching ultra-fast
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma samples (100MUl) spiked
      with the 32 drugs and oxazepam-d5 (internal standard) were diluted with 300MUl of
      13.3mM ammonium acetate/acetonitrile (33:67, v/v). After centrifugation and
      filtration, the clear supernatant was injected directly onto the extraction
      column (Oasis HLB cartridge column). The following procedure was fully automated.
      The analytes retained on the extraction column were eluted by backflushing of the
      extraction column and introduced into an analytical column (SUMIPAX ODS D-Swifter
      column, 30mm*3.0mm i.d.; particle size 2MUm) by column switching. Quantification
      was performed by multiple reaction monitoring with positive-ion electrospray
      ionization. Distinct peaks appeared for each drug and the internal standard on
      each channel within 7min, including the extraction time. All drugs spiked into
      plasma showed recoveries of 83-95%. The regression equations for the 32 drugs
      showed excellent linearities in the range of 50-2000pg/ml of plasma and the
      limits of detection ranged from 20 to 50pg/ml. The lower and upper limits of
      quantitation were 50-100ng/ml and 2000pg/ml, respectively. Intra- and interday
      coefficients of variation for none of the drugs were greater than 13.6%. The
      accuracies of quantitation were 87-112%. The multiple reaction monitoring
      information-dependent acquisition of enhanced product ions method enabled the
      quantification and confirmation of diazepam, triazolam, and lorazepam obtained
      from actual plasma.

PMID- 28081790
TI  - Non-ionic iodinated contrast media related immediate reactions: A mechanism study
      of 27 patients.
AB  - The underlying mechanism of non-ionic iodinated contrast media-related immediate
      reactions was evaluated in this study. Patients presenting at least grade II
      immediate reactions after non-ionic iodinated contrast media injection were
      enrolled. Basophil activation was evaluated by flow cytometry. The plasma
      concentration of human terminal complement complex SC5b-9, as well as
      concentrations of serum chymase, tryptase, human mast cell carboxypeptidase A3,
      human prostaglandin D2, and total IgE were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. The basophil activation percentage was significantly higher
      in the study group than in the control group (17.94+/-21.06% vs 3.45+/-1.49%).
      The plasma concentration of human terminal complement complex SC5b-9 and
      concentrations of serum chymase, human mast cell carboxypeptidase A3,
      prostaglandin D2, tryptase, and total IgE were also significantly increased
      (236.99+/-318.21 vs 49.70+/-30.41ng/mL, 0.41+/-0.49 vs 0.09+/-0.06ng/mL, 1.17+/
      0.67 vs 0.30+/-0.17ng/mL, 203.52+/-137.27 vs 102.28+/-48.72pg/mL, 3.81+/-0.22 vs
      2.70+/-0.16ng/mL, 102.00+/-51.84 vs 19.97+/-2.75ng/mL, respectively). Both mast
      cells and basophils were activated in non-ionic iodinated contrast media to
      mediate immediate hypersensitivity, and mast cells may be involved. Different
      mechanisms, including IgE-dependent, complement-dependent, and direct membrane
      effects, contributed to mast cell and basophil activation. Individual patients
      may use a single or combined mechanism involving single or combined mast cells
      and basophils. Immediate reactions following non-ionic iodinated contrast media
      injection may be a mechanically heterogenous disease.

PMID- 28081791
TI  - Traffic accident or dumping? - Striking results of a traffic accident
      reconstruction.
AB  - An atypical traffic accident scenario should be investigated directly at the
      crash site from all concerned professions, especially police men, forensic
      pathologists and technical experts, to get a personal overview and impression of
      the situation and the opportunity for interdisciplinary discussion. We present
      the rare case of a fatal traffic accident on a German motorway which was
      initially thought to be an accidental discovery of dumping a corpse. Based on
      autopsy findings, the technical investigation and the accident reconstruction,
      this case was solved as a spectacular form of a collision between a pedestrian
      and a bonnet-front car, which was not described elsewhere in scientific
      literature to the best of our knowledge. The pedestrian was hit in an upright
      body position, was lifted up by the car, smashed the windscreen and flew over the
      car with several body rotations. His flight curve ends directly at the roof of
      the car during brake processing, where the body touched the roof, smashed the
      rear-window and landed in the trunk. Based on the technical investigation, the
      driver of the car was not able to hide the accident. However, the pedestrian
      could have avoided the collision if he did not cross the motorway on foot.

PMID- 28081792
TI  - Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of
      thiosulfate in human blood and urine as an indicator of hydrogen sulfide
      poisoning.
AB  - Being a stable metabolite of hydrogen sulfide, thiosulfate has been utilized as
      an index for hydrogen sulfide poisoning (HSP). Thiosulfate analysis is mainly
      performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) due to its high
      sensitivity and specificity. The GC-MS analysis requires two-step derivatizations
      of thiosulfate, and the derivative is not stable in solution as it has a
      disulfide moiety. To resolve this stability issue, we developed a novel
      analytical method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
      for monitoring the pentafluorobenzyl derivative of thiosulfate (the first
      reaction product of the GC-MS method) in this study. The established method
      exhibited high reproducibility despite being a more simplified and rapid
      procedure compare to the GC-MS method. Phenyl 4-hydroxybenzoate was used as an
      internal standard because 1,3,5-tribromobenzene which had been used in the GC-MS
      method was not suitable compound for LC-MS/MS with Electrospray ionization (ESI)
      negative detection. The linear regression of the peak area ratios versus
      concentrations was fitted over the concentration ranges of 0.5-250MUM and 0.25
      250MUM in blood and urine, respectively. The validation results satisfied the
      acceptance criteria for intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision. Blood and
      urine samples from 12 suspected HSP cases were tested using this method. The
      thiosulfate concentration detected in the sample coincided well with that
      determined at the scene of each HSP accident.

PMID- 28081793
TI  - Loss of heterozygosity detected at three short tandem repeat locus commonly used
      for human DNA identification in a case of paternity testing.
AB  - Short tandem repeat (STR) is widely used for DNA profiling in forensic sciences
      for its stable inheritance. Genomic variations in STR loci may affect the results
      of the genotyping. In this study, using STR profiling and genome-wide chromosomal
      microarray assay, we detected the incidence of uniparental disomy or copy-neutral
      loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in a case of a parental testing, which altered the
      genotype of three commonly used STR markers including D2S1338, D2S441 and
      D2S1776. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time found that LOH
      affect the genotyping of STR markers commonly used for paternity testing. Our
      findings demonstrated that the incidence of LOH in the genome may dramatically
      alter the results of DNA identification, and suggested that genomic structure
      variation need to be taking into consideration in the DNA identification using
      STR markers.

PMID- 28081794
TI  - The geographical distribution of fly larvae on corpses in Saitama Prefecture in
      Japan during the summer season.
AB  - Identification of fly larvae species may offer valuable information as to the
      location, or the environment in which corpses were placed, but only if the
      geographical distribution of larva species is clarified. In this study, we
      investigated a total of 126 larvae on 42 corpses found in Saitama Prefecture in
      Japan between July and September. We identified the larva species by analyzing
      the sequences of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I. Our results
      revealed that larvae belonged to 6 different species: Lucilia sericata and
      Chrysomya pinguis from the Calliphoridae family, and Parasarcophaga crassipalpis,
      Boettcherisca peregrina, Parasarcophaga harpax, and Parasarcophaga dux from the
      Sarcophagidae family. Additionally, we investigated if there was a correlation
      between larvae species and population density. Based on the random sampling and
      the statistical analysis on the entire larva collection, larvae of Chrysomya
      pinguis species were more likely to be found in low population density areas,
      whereas larvae of Lucilia sericata were commonly found in high population density
      areas. The accumulation of distribution data of larvae may be useful to confirm
      the environment around the place where corpses were found.

PMID- 28081795
TI  - Associations of OCA2-HERC2 SNPs and haplotypes with human pigmentation
      characteristics in the Brazilian population.
AB  - Panels composed of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to
      pigmentation, when associated with different phenotypes, may assist in predicting
      the physical appearance of an individual, being very useful in forensic
      caseworks. We evaluated the association of seven OCA2-HERC2 SNPs and haplotypes
      with pigmentation characteristics (eye, skin, hair and freckles) in the highly
      admixed and phenotypically heterogeneous Brazilian population. All the seven SNPs
      evaluated presented one allele associated with phenotypes from at least two
      pigmentation features and the alternative allele associated with the opposite
      phenotypes from the same trait. The genotypic associations followed the same
      pattern for all seven SNPs. Nine haplotypes were observed in our sample and eight
      were associated with at least two pigmentation traits. Such SNPs and haplotypes
      could be deemed as good predictors for the presence of freckles and for skin, eye
      and hair pigmentation in the Brazilian population.

PMID- 28081796
TI  - Helium ion microscopy (HIM): Proof of the applicability on altered human remains
      (hairs of Holy Maria-Magdalena).

PMID- 28081797
TI  - Comparison of the cardiothoracic ratio between postmortem and antemortem computed
      tomography.
AB  - As postmortem imaging has gained prominence as a supplement to traditional
      autopsy, it is important to understand the normal postmortem changes to enable
      the accurate evaluation of postmortem imaging. No studies have evaluated the
      postmortem changes in cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) compared with antemortem images
      in the same subjects. We studied 147 consecutive subjects who underwent
      antemortem and postmortem CT, and autopsy. Postmortem CT was performed <23h after
      death and was followed by autopsy. The subjects were divided into three groups:
      normal heart, old myocardial infarction, and CPR-treated hearts. CTR was compared
      between antemortem and postmortem CT using paired t tests, which revealed that
      the CTR was greater on postmortem CT than on antemortem CT in all groups (mean
      CTR: 0.53+/-0.06vs. 0.50+/-0.06, respectively; P<0.01). Sex, age, time elapsed
      since death, and the causes of death were examined as potential confounding
      factors for the postmortem changes in CTR, but no significant associations were
      found. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine CTR
      values for cardiomegaly, which was defined according to the autopsy weight of the
      heart. The area under the ROC curve was 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.63-0.79).
      The CTR threshold of 0.54 identified cardiomegaly with the greatest accuracy,
      compared with the general threshold of 0.50. In conclusion, the CT-determined CTR
      increases after death, irrespective of the heart's condition. We should be
      cautious of overdiagnosis of cardiomegaly on postmortem CT, and new criteria for
      interpreting cardiomegaly on postmortem CTR are needed.

PMID- 28081798
TI  - Post-mortem detection of bacteremia using pairs of blood culture samples.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study was to assess the utility of examining pairs of
      blood culture samples obtained from separate sites (both ventricles or the aorta
      and vena cava) for detecting bacteremia in the post-mortem setting. METHODS:
      Autopsy cases in which bacterial species were isolated from blood cultures were
      identified over a 4-year period. Ante-mortem and post-mortem records and the
      findings of pathological examinations were reviewed. RESULTS: Overall, 23
      bacterial species were detected in 18 autopsy cases. E. coli was the most
      commonly detected species (5 cases, 27.8%), followed by S. aureus and K.
      pneumoniae, respectively. Seven of the detected bacterial species (3 cases,
      16.7%) were obligate anaerobes (Clostridium spp. and Bacteroides spp.). Among the
      3 cases involving obligate anaerobes, multiple bacterial species were detected in
      2 cases. Clinically, 2 of the 18 patients in which bacteria were detected were
      treated for significant infections (urosepsis, pneumonia, and catheter-related
      bloodstream infection) before their deaths. Seven cases exhibited evidence of
      significant infection during the post-mortem pathological examination. The
      differences between the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria positivity rates of the
      single and paired blood culture samples were significant (aerobic: p=0.013 and
      anaerobic: p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Analyzing pairs of blood culture samples
      obtained from separate sites is useful for detecting bacteremia during post
      mortem examinations.

PMID- 28081799
TI  - The nicer side of innate immunity: Wound healing and tissue regeneration.

PMID- 28081800
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28081801
TI  - Management of Descending Thoracic Aorta Disease: Evolving Treatment Paradigms in
      the TEVAR Era.

PMID- 28081802
TI  - Editor's Choice - Management of Descending Thoracic Aorta Diseases: Clinical
      Practice Guidelines of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS).

PMID- 28081803
TI  - Microalgae as embedded environmental monitors.
AB  - In marine ecosystems, microalgae are an important component as they transform
      large quantities of inorganic compounds into biomass and thereby impact
      environmental chemistry. Of particular relevance is phytoplankton's sequestration
      of atmospheric CO2, a greenhouse gas, and nitrate, one cause of harmful algae
      blooms. On the other hand, microalgae sensitively respond to changes in their
      chemical environment, which initiates an adaptation of their chemical
      composition. Analytical methodologies were developed in this study that utilize
      microalgae's adaptation as a novel approach for in-situ environmental monitoring.
      Longterm applications of these novel methods are investigations of environmental
      impacts on phytoplankton's sequestration performance and their nutritional value
      to higher organisms feeding on them. In order to analyze the chemical composition
      of live microalgae cells (Nannochloropsis oculata), FTIR-ATR spectroscopy has
      been employed. From time series of IR spectra, the formation of bio-sediment can
      be monitored and it has been shown that the nutrient availability has a small but
      observable impact. Since this bio-sediment formation is governed by several
      biological parameters of the cells such as growth rate, size, buoyancy, number of
      cells, etc., this enables studies of chemical environment's impact on biomass
      formation and the cells' physical parameters. Moreover, the spectroscopic
      signature of these microalgae has been determined from cultures grown under 25
      different CO2 and NO3- mixtures (200 ppm-600 ppm CO2, 0.35 mM-0.75 mM NO3-). A
      novel, nonlinear modeling methodology coined 'Predictor Surfaces' is being
      presented by means of which the nonlinear responses of the cells to their
      chemical environment could reliably be described. This approach has been utilized
      to measure the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere over the phytoplankton culture
      as well as the nitrate concentration dissolved in their growing environment. The
      achieved precision of concentration predictions were a few percent of the
      measurement range. Moreover, the Predictor Surface itself allows for a chemical
      interpretation of the cells' response to a shift in their chemical environment.
      This will open new approaches to study the link between concentration levels in
      an ecosystem and the biological consequences for this ecosystem.

PMID- 28081804
TI  - Robust l-malate bienzymatic biosensor to enable the on-site monitoring of
      malolactic fermentation of red wines.
AB  - Monitoring the malolactic fermentation process is strictly required to guarantee
      the sensorial quality and freshness of red wines. This could be achieved by in
      field and real-time continuous measurements of l-malate concentration in the
      fermentation tanks. The potential of a miniaturized amperometric bienzymatic
      biosensor as an analytical tool to be applied in such scenario is described in
      this paper. The biosensor comprises a thin-film gold electrode as transducer,
      malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and diaphorase (DP) enzymes together with nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) cofactor as the selective receptor and an adequate
      redox mediator to record the corresponding amperometric signal. Three different
      biosensor architectures are studied, whose main differences lie in the
      immobilization of the different chemical components onto the electrode surface.
      In all cases a fast-electrosynthethized polypyrrole (PPy) membrane is generated
      for this purpose. The experimental conditions are optimized and the best
      architecture shows a sensitivity of 1365 +/- 110 mA M-1 cm-2 and a detection
      limit of 6.3 * 10-8 M in a concentration range of 1 * 10-7 M - 1 * 10-6 M. The
      biosensor presents an excellent working stability as it retains above 90% of its
      sensitivity after 37 days, thus enabling the monitoring of the malolactic
      fermentation of three red wines. The obtained results show excellent agreement
      with the standard colorimetric method.

PMID- 28081805
TI  - High-sensitive surface plasmon resonance microRNA biosensor based on streptavidin
      functionalized gold nanorods-assisted signal amplification.
AB  - Herein, a facile and sensitive microRNA (miRNA) biosensor was designed by using
      interfacial biotinylated thiolated DNA molecular beacon (MB) as probe and
      streptavidin functionalized gold nanorods (Stre-GNRs) as tag for the enhanced
      surface plasmon resonance (SPR) signal. The MB probe with two terminals labeled
      with biotin and thiol groups, respectively, was modified on the gold film via
      thiol-gold interaction. Upon hybridization with the target, the biotinylated
      group became accessible to the Stre-GNRs. The introduction of the Stre-GNRs tag
      to the gold film produced strong SPR signal for detection. Our work has
      illustrated that the plasmonic field extension generated from the gold film to
      GNRs and the mass increase due to the GNRs have led to drastic sensitivity
      enhancement. Under optimal conditions, this proposed approach allowed detection
      of miRNA with the limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.045 pM. The results have
      shown that the MB probe functionalized sensing film, together with streptavidin
      conjugated GNRs, was readily served as a plasmonic coupling partner that can be
      used as a powerful ultrasensitive sandwich assay for miRNA detection, and GNRs
      were readily served as promising amplification labels in SPR sensing technology.

PMID- 28081806
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphism discrimination with and without an ethidium
      bromide intercalator.
AB  - Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping is an important aspect in
      understanding genetic variations. Here, we discriminate SNPs using toe-hold
      mediated displacement reactions. The biological target is an 80 nucleotide long
      double-stranded-DNA from the mtDNA HV1 region, associated with maternal ancestry.
      This target has been specially designed with a pendant toehold and a cationic
      fluorophore, ATTO 647N, as a reporter, produced in a polymerase chain reaction.
      Rates of reaction for the toehold-polymerase chain reaction products (TPPs) with
      their corresponding complementary displacing sequences, labelled with a Black
      Hole Quencher 1, followed the order TPP-Cytosine > TPP-Thymine > TPP-Adenine >=
      TPP-Guanine. Non-complementary rates were the slowest with mismatches involving
      cytosine. These reactions, operating in a static/or contact mode, gave averaged
      readouts between SNPs within 15 min (with 80-90% quenching), compared to 25-30
      min in previous studies involving fluorescence resonance energy transfer.
      Addition of an intercalating agent, ethidium bromide, retarded the rate of
      reaction in which cytosine was involved, presumably through stabilization of the
      base pairing, which resulted in markedly improved discrimination of cytosine
      containing SNPs.

PMID- 28081807
TI  - Microwave-assisted grafting polymerization modification of nylon 6 capillary
      channeled polymer fibers for enhanced weak cation exchange protein separations.
AB  - A weak cation exchange liquid chromatography stationary phase (nylon-COOH) was
      prepared by grafting polyacrylic acid on to native nylon 6 capillary-channeled
      polymer (C-CP) fibers via a microwave-assisted radical polymerization. To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first study of applying microwave-assisted
      grafting polymerization to affect nylon material for protein separation. The C-CP
      fiber surfaces were characterized by attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared
      spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The anticipated carbonyl
      peak at 1722.9 cm-1 was found on the nylon-COOH fibers, but was not found on the
      native fiber, indicating the presence of the polyacrylic acid on nylon fibers
      after grafting. The nylon-COOH phase showed a ~12* increase in lysozyme dynamic
      binding capacity (~12 mg mL-1) when compared to the native fiber phase (~1 mg mL
      1). The loading capacity of the nylon-COOH phase is nearly independent of the
      lysozyme loading concentration (0.05-1 mg mL-1) and the mobile phase linear
      velocity (7.3-73 mm s-1). The reproducibility of the lysozyme recovery from the
      nylon-COOH (RSD = 0.3%, n = 10) and the batch-to-batch variability in the
      functionalization (RSD = 3%, n = 5) were also investigated, revealing very high
      levels of consistency. Fast baseline separations of myoglobin, alpha
      chymotrypsinogen A, cytochrome c and lysozyme were achieved using the nylon-COOH
      column. It was found that a 5* increase in the mobile phase linear velocity (7.3
      to-36.5 mm s-1) had little effect on the separation resolution. The microwave
      assisted grafting polymerization has great potential as a generalized surface
      modification methodology across the applications of C-CP fibers.

PMID- 28081808
TI  - Support vector machine classification trees based on fuzzy entropy of
      classification.
AB  - The support vector machine (SVM) is a powerful classifier that has recently been
      implemented in a classification tree (SVMTreeG). This classifier partitioned the
      data by finding gaps in the data space. For large and complex datasets, there may
      be no gaps in the data space confounding this type of classifier. A novel
      algorithm was devised that uses fuzzy entropy to find optimal partitions for
      situations when clusters of data are overlapped in the data space. Also, a kernel
      version of the fuzzy entropy algorithm was devised. A fast support vector machine
      implementation is used that has no cost C or slack variables to optimize.
      Statistical comparisons using bootstrapped Latin partitions among the tree
      classifiers were made using a synthetic XOR data set and validated with ten
      prediction sets comprised of 50,000 objects and a data set of NMR spectra
      obtained from 12 tea sample extracts.

PMID- 28081809
TI  - Off-line mixed-mode liquid chromatography coupled with reversed phase high
      performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry to improve
      coverage in lipidomics analysis.
AB  - The confident identification and in-depth profiling of molecular lipid species
      remain to be a challenge in lipidomics analysis. In this work, an off-line two
      dimensional mixed-mode and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) method
      combined with high-field quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometer (Q Exactive HF)
      was developed to profile lipids from complex biological samples. In the first
      dimension, 22 different lipid classes were separated on a monolithic silica
      column with elution order from neutral to polar lipids. A total of 13 fractions
      were collected and run on a RPLC C30 column in the second dimension for further
      separation of the lipid molecular species based on their hydrophobicity, with the
      elution order being determined by both the length and degree of unsaturation in
      the fatty-acyl chain. The method was applied to analyze lipids extracted from rat
      plasma and rat liver. Fatty acid methyl ester analysis by gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry was used to identify the fatty acyls from total lipid extracts,
      which provided a more confident identification of the lipid species present in
      these samples. More than 800 lipids were identified in each sample and their
      molecular structures were confidentially confirmed using tandem mass spectrometry
      (MS/MS). The number of lipid molecular species identified in both rat plasma and
      rat liver by this off-line two-dimensional method is approximately twice of that
      by one-dimensional RPLC-MS/MS employing a C30 column. This off-line two
      dimensional mixed-mode LC-RPLC-MS/MS method is a promising technique for
      comprehensive lipid profiling in complex biological matrices.

PMID- 28081810
TI  - Novel assay of antibacterial components in manuka honey using lucigenin
      chemiluminescence-HPLC.
AB  - Five components (hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal, dihydroxyacetone, fructose and
      glucose) of New Zealand manuka honey (Leptospermum scoparium) were analyzed using
      lucigenin chemiluminescence high-performance liquid chromatography (lucigenin-CL
      HPLC). We focused on active oxygen species produced from the components in order
      to easily detect these five components contained in manuka honey. H2O2 and O2-
      generated from these components were identified by lucigenin-CL and electron spin
      resonance (ESR), and the bactericidal effect of ROS was confirmed using E. coli.
      The previously reported assays for Manuka honey components have low specificities
      and require complicated preprocessing methods. As our results, the detection and
      identification of these components were possible within 30 min in lucigenin-CL
      HPLC system, without any special treatment. It is considered that lucigenin-CL
      HPLC is useful for the quality control and the analysis of various honey.

PMID- 28081811
TI  - Convolutional neural networks for vibrational spectroscopic data analysis.
AB  - In this work we show that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can be efficiently
      used to classify vibrational spectroscopic data and identify important spectral
      regions. CNNs are the current state-of-the-art in image classification and speech
      recognition and can learn interpretable representations of the data. These
      characteristics make CNNs a good candidate for reducing the need for
      preprocessing and for highlighting important spectral regions, both of which are
      crucial steps in the analysis of vibrational spectroscopic data. Chemometric
      analysis of vibrational spectroscopic data often relies on preprocessing methods
      involving baseline correction, scatter correction and noise removal, which are
      applied to the spectra prior to model building. Preprocessing is a critical step
      because even in simple problems using 'reasonable' preprocessing methods may
      decrease the performance of the final model. We develop a new CNN based method
      and provide an accompanying publicly available software. It is based on a simple
      CNN architecture with a single convolutional layer (a so-called shallow CNN). Our
      method outperforms standard classification algorithms used in chemometrics (e.g.
      PLS) in terms of accuracy when applied to non-preprocessed test data (86% average
      accuracy compared to the 62% achieved by PLS), and it achieves better performance
      even on preprocessed test data (96% average accuracy compared to the 89% achieved
      by PLS). For interpretability purposes, our method includes a procedure for
      finding important spectral regions, thereby facilitating qualitative
      interpretation of results.

PMID- 28081812
TI  - Standardization from a benchtop to a handheld NIR spectrometer using
      mathematically mixed NIR spectra to determine fuel quality parameters.
AB  - The interest in performing in field measures using portable instruments is
      growing increasingly. Calibration transfer techniques can be used to enable
      models, predicted values or spectra obtained in a benchtop instrument be used in
      portable instrument, saving money and time required for a complete recalibration.
      Most of the calibration transfer methods require a set of transfer samples which
      spectra have to be acquired in both spectrometers. The present work evaluates the
      use of virtual standards as transfer samples in the reverse standardization (RS)
      method in order to standardize very dissimilar spectral responses of fuel samples
      (gasoline and biodiesel blends) from a high-resolution benchtop Frontier FT-NIR
      (PerkinElmer) spectrometer and a handheld MicroNIRTM1700 (JDSU). These virtual
      standards can be created by mathematically mixing spectra from the pure solvents
      present in gasoline or diesel/biodiesel (D/B) blends, to avoid volatilization and
      changes in the composition of the compounds during storage and/or transportation
      of the real transfer fuel samples. Virtual standards were created using ten and
      five pure solvents for gasoline and D/B blends, respectively. Partial least
      squares regression (PLS) models were built for five quality parameters of
      gasoline (distillation temperatures at 10%, 50%, 90% and final boiling point
      (FBP) volume recovered and density) and one of D/B blends (biodiesel content).
      The RMSEP values obtained after the standardization approaches were equivalent to
      the reproducibility of the reference methods, except for density and biodiesel
      content parameters obtained for the virtual samples standardization approach. RS
      procedure provided promising results showing that it is possible to transfer
      gasoline or D/B blend spectra acquired with a high-resolution benchtop instrument
      to the handheld MicroNIR using virtual standards as transfer samples.

PMID- 28081813
TI  - Synthesis of palladium@gold nanoalloys/nitrogen and sulphur-functionalized
      multiple graphene aerogel for electrochemical detection of dopamine.
AB  - Integration of noble metal nanomaterials on graphene nanosheets potentially paves
      one way to improve their electronic, chemical and electrochemical properties. The
      study reported synthesis of palladium@gold nanoalloys/nitrogen and sulphur
      functionalized multiple graphene aerogel composite (Pd@Au/N,S-MGA). The as
      prepared composite offers a well-defined three-dimensional architecture with rich
      of mesopores. The Pd@Au nanoalloys were dispersed on the graphene framework
      networks and their active sites were fully exposed. The unique structure achieves
      to ultra high electron/ion conductivity, electrocatalytic activity and structural
      stability. The sensor based on the Pd@Au/N,S-MGA creates ultrasensitive
      electrochemical response towards dopamine due to significantly electrochemical
      synergy between Pd, Au and N,S-MGA. Its differential pulse voltammetric signal
      linearly increases with the increase of dopamine concentration in the range from
      1.0 * 10-9 M to 4.0 * 10-5 M with the detection limit of 3.6 * 10-10 M (S/N = 3).
      The analytical method provides the advantage of sensitivity, reproducibility,
      rapidity and long-term stability. It has been successfully applied in the
      detection of trace dopamine in biological samples. The study also opens a window
      on the electronic properties of graphene aerogel and metal nanomaterials as well
      their nanohybrids to meet needs of further applications as nanoelectronics in
      diagnosis, bioanalysis and catalysis.

PMID- 28081814
TI  - Surface-coated wooden-tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for
      determination of trace fluoroquinolone and macrolide antibiotics in water.
AB  - In this study, a surface-coated wooden-tip electrospray ionization mass
      spectrometry (SCWT-ESI-MS) method was developed for rapid and sensitive analysis
      of trace fluoroquinolone and macrolide antibiotics in water. First, a SCWT solid
      phase microextration (SPME) probe was prepared, via silanization and sulfonation
      for modification of a layer of adsorbent containing both C8-chain and sulfo group
      on the surface of wooden tips. Then, the SCWT-SPME probe was applied for
      extraction of trace fluoroquinolone and macrolide antibiotics in water. The
      specially designed adsorbent gave the probe desirable enrichment capacity towards
      fluoroquinolone and macrolide antibiotics, with enrichment factors of
      approximately 100-500 folds for six target analytes. After extraction, the loaded
      SCWT-SPME probe was directly applied for ambient MS analysis. With the
      application of a high voltage and some spray solvent on the SCWT-SPME probe,
      analytes enriched on the probe was desorbed and ionized for mass spectrometric
      analysis under ambient and open-air conditions. The method was sensitive, with
      limits of detection and quantification of 1.8-4.5 ng/L and 5.9-15.1 ng/L,
      respectively. The method also showed good linearity, with correlation coefficient
      values (r2) of no less than 0.9940 for six target analytes. The developed method
      was successfully applied for the analysis of six fluoroquinolone and macrolide
      antibiotics in tap and river water samples, and no antibiotic was found in tap
      water but some antibiotics were detected in river water with concentrations at
      dozens to hundreds nanogram-per-liter level. Standard addition experiments were
      also performed, and the obtained recoveries were 89-102% for tap waters and 82
      92% for river waters, respectively. All the experimental results demonstrated
      that our proposed SCWT-ESI-MS method was rapid, sensitive, and reliable for
      analyzing trace antibiotics in water.

PMID- 28081815
TI  - Parts-per-trillion detection of harmala alkaloids in Undaria pinnatifida algae by
      on-line solid phase extraction capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry.
AB  - beta-carboline alkaloids of the harmala group (HAlks)-a family of compounds with
      pharmacologic effects-can be found at trace levels (<25 MUg kg-1 algae) in the
      edible invasive algae Undaria pinnatifida, known commonly as wakame. In this
      study, we present a simple and sensitive method to detect and quantify at low
      parts-per-trillion levels the six HAlks more frequently found in those plants.
      The method is based on on-line solid phase extraction capillary electrophoresis
      mass spectrometry using a C18 sorbent. First, the methodology was optimized and
      validated with standard solutions through the use of ultraviolet (UV) and mass
      spectrometry (MS) detection. Second, the optimized method for MS detection was
      applied to an analysis of the HAlks in U. pinnatifida extracts. The method
      achieved limits of detection between 2 and 77 pg mL-1 for standards, producing an
      analyte preconcentration of about 1000-times in comparison to CE-MS. Some matrix
      effects were observed for the complex wakame extracts, especially for the most
      polar HAlks (harmol and harmalol), which bear aromatic hydroxyl groups. Harmine,
      harmaline, and norharmane were not detected in the algal extracts, whereas
      harmane was found at 70 pg mL-1 (70 ng kg-1 dry algae). The results underscored
      that C18-SPE-CE-MS may be considered as a powerful method to detect trace levels
      of alkaloids and other bioactive small molecules in complex plant extracts.

PMID- 28081816
TI  - Silicon isotope ratio measurements by inductively coupled plasma tandem mass
      spectrometry for alteration studies of nuclear waste glasses.
AB  - High-level, long-lived nuclear waste arising from spent fuel reprocessing is
      vitrified in silicate glasses for final disposal in deep geologic formations. In
      order to better understand the mechanisms driving glass dissolution, glass
      alteration studies, based on silicon isotope ratio monitoring of 29Si-doped
      aqueous solutions, were carried out in laboratories. This work explores the
      capabilities of the new type of quadrupole-based ICP-MS, the Agilent 8800 tandem
      quadrupole ICP-MS/MS, for accurate silicon isotope ratio determination for
      alteration studies of nuclear waste glasses. In order to avoid silicon polyatomic
      interferences, a new analytical method was developed using O2 as the reaction gas
      in the Octopole Reaction System (ORS), and silicon isotopes were measured in mass
      shift mode. A careful analysis of the potential polyatomic interferences on SiO+
      and SiO2+ ion species was performed, and we found that SiO+ ion species suffer
      from important polyatomic interferences coming from the matrix of sample and
      standard solutions (0.5M HNO3). For SiO2+, no interferences were detected, and
      thus, these ion species were chosen for silicon isotope ratio determination. A
      number of key settings for accurate isotope ratio analysis like, detector dead
      time, integration time, number of sweeps, wait time offset, memory blank and
      instrumental mass fractionation, were considered and optimized. Particular
      attention was paid to the optimization of abundance sensitivity of the quadrupole
      mass filter before the ORS. We showed that poor abundance sensitivity leads to a
      significant shift of the data away from the Exponential Mass Fractionation Law
      (EMFL) due to the spectral overlaps of silicon isotopes combined with different
      oxygen isotopes (i.e. 28Si16O18O+, 30Si16O16O+). The developed method was
      validated by measuring a series of reference solutions with different 29Si
      enrichment. Isotope ratio trueness, uncertainty and repeatability were found to
      be <0.2%, <0.5% and <0.6%, respectively. These performances meet the requirements
      of the studies of nuclear glasses alteration and open up possibilities to use
      this method for precise determination of silicon content in natural samples by
      Isotope Dilution.

PMID- 28081817
TI  - Highly sensitive quantification for human plasma-targeted metabolomics using an
      amine derivatization reagent.
AB  - Amino acids and their related metabolites play important roles in various
      physiological processes and have consequently become biomarkers for diseases.
      However, accurate quantification methods have only been established for major
      compounds, such as amino acids and a limited number of target metabolites. We
      previously reported a highly sensitive high-throughput method for the
      simultaneous quantification of amines using 3-aminopyridyl-N-succinimidyl
      carbamate as a derivatization reagent combined with liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Herein, we report the successful development of a
      practical and accurate LC-MS/MS method to analyze low concentrations of 40
      physiological amines in 19 min. Thirty-five of these amines showed good
      linearity, limits of quantification, accuracy, precision, and recovery
      characteristics in plasma, with scheduled selected reaction monitoring
      acquisitions. Plasma samples from 10 healthy volunteers were evaluated using our
      newly developed method. The results revealed that 27 amines were detected in one
      of the samples, and that 24 of these compounds could be quantified. Notably, this
      new method successfully quantified metabolites with high accuracy across three
      orders of magnitude, with lowest and highest averaged concentrations of 31.7 nM
      (for spermine) and 18.3 MUM (for alpha-aminobutyric acid), respectively.

PMID- 28081818
TI  - Simple approach for the fabrication of screen-printed carbon-based electrode for
      amperometric detection on microchip electrophoresis.
AB  - This paper describes a simple method for the fabrication of screen-printed based
      electrodes for amperometric detection on microchip electrophoresis (ME) devices.
      The procedure developed is quite simple and does not require expensive
      instrumentation or sophisticated protocols commonly employed on the production of
      amperometric sensors, such as photolithography or sputtering steps. The
      electrodes were fabricated through manual deposition of home-made conductive
      carbon ink over patterned acrylic substrate. Morphological structure and
      electrochemical behavior of the carbon electrodes were investigated by scanning
      electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The produced amperometric sensors
      were coupled to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchips at end-channel
      configuration in order to evaluate their analytical performance. For this
      purpose, electrophoretic experiments were carried out using nitrite and ascorbic
      acid as model analytes. Separation of these substances was successfully performed
      within 50s with good resolution (R = 1.2) and sensitivities (713.5 pA/MUM for
      nitrite and 255.4 pA/MUM for ascorbate). The reproducibility of the fabrication
      method was evaluated and revealed good values concerning the peak currents
      obtained (8.7% for nitrite and 9.3% for ascorbate). The electrodes obtained
      through this method exhibited satisfactory lifetime (ca. 400 runs) over low
      fabrication cost (less than $1 per piece). The feasibility of the proposed device
      for real analysis was demonstrated through the determination of nitrite
      concentration levels in drinking water samples. Based on the results achieved,
      the approach proposed here shows itself as an interesting alternative for simple
      fabrication of carbon-based electrodes. Furthermore, the devices indicate great
      promise for other kind of analytical applications involving ME devices.

PMID- 28081819
TI  - A benzothiazole-based fluorescent probe for distinguishing and bioimaging of Hg2+
      and Cu2.
AB  - A new benzothiazole-based fluorescent probe 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4-(1,3-
      dithian-2-yl)phenol (BT) with two different reaction sites, a thioacetal group
      (site 1 for Hg2+), and O and N atoms of the benzothiazole dye (site 2 for Cu2+),
      was designed and synthesized. The probe BT showed ratiometric fluorescent
      response to Hg2+ and fluorescence quenching behavior to Cu2+, which induces naked
      eye fluorescent color changes from green to blue and colorless, respectively.
      Moreover, it displayed highly sensitivity and selectivity toward Hg2+ and Cu2+
      without interference from other metal ions. The sensing mechanisms were also
      confirmed by 1H NMR titration, mass spectrum and Job's plot analyses. Finally,
      probe BT was successfully used for fluorescent imaging of Hg2+ and Cu2+ in living
      cells, demonstrating its potential applications in biological science.

PMID- 28081821
TI  - Adding CABG to the Dual Antiplatelet Salad.

PMID- 28081820
TI  - Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Versus Aspirin Monotherapy in Diabetics With
      Multivessel Disease Undergoing CABG: FREEDOM Insights.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend post-operative dual
      antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass
      grafting (CABG) following acute coronary syndromes (ACS). OBJECTIVES: The authors
      have evaluated DAPT utilization rates and associated outcomes among post-CABG
      patients with diabetes. METHODS: In a post hoc, nonrandomized analysis from the
      FREEDOM (Future REvascularization Evaluation in patients with Diabetes mellitus:
      Optimal management of Multivessel disease) trial, we compared patients receiving
      DAPT (aspirin plus thienopyridine) and aspirin monotherapy at 30 days post
      operatively. The primary outcome was the risk adjusted 5-year FREEDOM composite
      of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke. Safety
      outcomes included major bleeding, blood transfusion, and hospitalization for
      bleeding. RESULTS: At 30 days post-CABG, 544 (68.4%) patients received DAPT and
      251 (31.6%) patients received aspirin alone. The median (25th, 75th percentile)
      duration of clopidogrel therapy was 0.98 (0.23 to 1.91) years. There was no
      significant difference in the 5-year primary composite outcome between DAPT- and
      aspirin-treated patients (12.6% vs. 16.0%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.83; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 0.54 to 1.27; p = 0.39). The 5-year primary composite
      outcomes were similar for patients receiving DAPT versus aspirin monotherapy
      respectively, in subgroups with pre-CABG ACSs (15.2% vs. 16.5%; HR: 1.06; 95% CI:
      0.53 to 2.10; p = 0.88) and those with stable angina (11.6% vs. 15.8%; HR: 0.82;
      95% CI: 0.50 to 1.343; p = 0.42). The composite outcomes of both treatment groups
      were also similar by SYNTAX score, duration of DAPT therapy, completeness of
      revascularization, and in off-pump CABG. No treatment-related differences in
      major bleeding (5.6% vs. 5.7%; HR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.99; p = 0.99), blood
      transfusions (4.8% vs. 4.5%; HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.51 to 2.34; p = 0.82), or
      hospitalization for bleeding (2.6% vs. 3.3%; HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.34 to 2.17; p =
      0.74) were observed between aspirin- and DAPT-treated patients, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of DAPT in patients with diabetes post-CABG in our cohort
      was high. Compared with aspirin monotherapy, no associated differences were
      observed in cardiovascular or bleeding outcomes, suggesting that routine use of
      DAPT may not be clinically warranted. (Future REvascularization Evaluation in
      patients with Diabetes mellitus: Optimal management of Multivessel disease
      [FREEDOM]; NCT00086450).

PMID- 28081822
TI  - Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Microvascular Destabilization in the Myocardium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus causes microcirculatory rarefaction and may impair
      the responsiveness of ischemic myocardium to proangiogenic factors. OBJECTIVES:
      This study sought to determine whether microvascular destabilization affects
      organ function and therapeutic neovascularization in diabetes mellitus. METHODS:
      The authors obtained myocardial samples from patients with end-stage heart
      failure at time of transplant, with or without diabetes mellitus. Diabetic (db)
      and wild-type (wt) pigs were used to analyze myocardial vascularization and
      function. Chronic ischemia was induced percutaneously (day 0) in the circumflex
      artery. At day 28, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) (5 * 1012 viral
      particles encoding vascular endothelial growth factor-A [VEGF-A] or thymosin beta
      4 [Tbeta4]) was applied regionally. CD31+ capillaries per high power field
      (c/hpf) and NG2+ pericyte coverage were analyzed. Global myocardial function
      (ejection fraction [EF] and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure) was assessed
      at days 28 and 56. RESULTS: Diabetic human myocardial explants revealed capillary
      rarefaction and pericyte loss compared to nondiabetic explants. Hyperglycemia in
      db pigs, even without ischemia, induced capillary rarefaction in the myocardium
      (163 +/- 14 c/hpf in db vs. 234 +/- 8 c/hpf in wt hearts; p < 0.005), concomitant
      with a distinct loss of EF (44.9% vs. 53.4% in nondiabetic controls; p < 0.05).
      Capillary density further decreased in chronic ischemic hearts, as did EF (both p
      < 0.05). Treatment with rAAV.Tbeta4 enhanced capillary density and maturation in
      db hearts less efficiently than in wt hearts, similar to collateral growth.
      rAAV.VEGF-A, though stimulating angiogenesis, induced neither pericyte
      recruitment nor collateral growth. As a result, rAAV.Tbeta4 but not rAAV.VEGF-A
      improved EF in db hearts (34.5 +/- 1.4%), but less so than in wt hearts (44.8 +/-
      1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus destabilized microvascular vessels of the
      heart, affecting the amplitude of therapeutic neovascularization via rAAV.Tbeta4
      in a translational large animal model of hibernating myocardium.

PMID- 28081823
TI  - The Transgenic Diabetic Pig Heart: A "Sweet Heart" for Translational
      Cardiovascular Research.

PMID- 28081825
TI  - A New Treatable Risk Factor for Stroke and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular
      Disease?

PMID- 28081824
TI  - Oxidized Phospholipids on Apolipoprotein B-100 and Recurrent Ischemic Events
      Following Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biomarkers to predict recurrent stroke and targets of therapy to
      prevent stroke are lacking. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated whether patients
      with prior cerebrovascular events and elevated levels of oxidized phospholipids
      on apolipoprotein B-100 (OxPL-apoB), but without prior coronary artery disease
      (CAD), are at risk for recurrent stroke and CAD events following high-dose statin
      therapy. METHODS: In the SPARCL (Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in
      Cholesterol Levels) trial, OxPL-apoB levels were measured in 4,385 patients with
      stroke or transient ischemic attack at baseline and in 3,106 patients at 5 years
      following randomization to placebo or 80 mg atorvastatin. The primary endpoint
      was the time from randomization to a second nonfatal or fatal stroke. Secondary
      endpoints included first major coronary events and any cardiovascular event.
      RESULTS: Patients with recurrent stroke had higher baseline median OxPL-apoB
      levels than patients without (15.5 nmol/l vs. 11.6 nmol/l; p < 0.0001). After
      multivariable adjustment, elevated baseline OxPL-apoB predicted recurrent stroke
      (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.3; p < 0.0001), first major coronary events (HR: 4.0; p <
      0.0001), and any cardiovascular event (HR: 4.4; p < 0.0001). These comparisons
      for any endpoint did not differ by treatment, shown as a nonsignificant
      interaction test. The net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination
      improvement, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC)
      were all significantly improved by adding OxPL-apoB to the models, with DeltaAUC
      +0.0505 (p < 0.0001) for recurrent stroke, DeltaAUC +0.0409 (p < 0.0001) for
      first major coronary event, and DeltaAUC +0.0791 (p < 0.0001) for any
      cardiovascular event. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated OxPL-apoB levels predicted recurrent
      stroke and first major coronary events in patients with prior stroke or transient
      ischemic attack. The lack of statin-OxPL-apoB treatment interaction suggested
      that OxPLs might be statin-independent therapeutic targets to reduce risk of
      cardiovascular events. (Lipitor in the Prevention of Stroke, for Patients Who
      Have Had a Previous Stroke [SPARCL]; NCT00147602).

PMID- 28081826
TI  - Going Polymer Free and Dual Antiplatelet Free Earlier: The Coevolution of Stent
      and Pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 28081828
TI  - Cangrelor: The Paradox of Choice.

PMID- 28081829
TI  - Cardiac Pacemakers: Function, Troubleshooting, and Management: Part 1 of a 2-Part
      Series.
AB  - Advances in cardiac surgery toward the mid-20th century created a need for an
      artificial means of stimulating the heart muscle. Initially developed as large
      external devices, technological advances resulted in miniaturization of
      electronic circuitry and eventually the development of totally implantable
      devices. These advances continue to date, with the recent introduction of
      leadless pacemakers. In this first part of a 2-part review, we describe
      indications, implant-related complications, basic function/programming, common
      pacemaker-related issues, and remote monitoring, which are relevant to the
      practicing cardiologist. We provide an overview of magnetic resonance imaging and
      perioperative management among patients with cardiac pacemakers.

PMID- 28081830
TI  - Advances and Future Directions in Cardiac Pacemakers: Part 2 of a 2-Part Series.
AB  - In the second part of this 2-part series on pacemakers, we present recent
      advances in pacemakers and preview future developments. Cardiac resynchronization
      therapy (CRT) is a potent treatment for heart failure in the setting of
      ventricular dyssynchrony. Successful CRT using coronary venous pacing depends on
      appropriate patient selection, lead implantation, and device programming. Despite
      optimization of these factors, nonresponse to CRT may occur in one-third of
      patients, which has led to a search for alternative techniques such as multisite
      pacing, His bundle pacing, and endocardial left ventricular pacing. A paradigm
      shift in pacemaker technology has been the development of leadless pacemaker
      devices, and on the horizon is the development of batteryless devices. Remote
      monitoring has ushered in an era of greater safety and the ability to respond to
      device malfunction in a timely fashion, improving outcomes.

PMID- 28081831
TI  - The Relationship Between the Right Ventricle and its Load in Pulmonary
      Hypertension.
AB  - In pulmonary hypertension, the right ventricle adapts to the increasing vascular
      load by enhancing contractility ("coupling") to maintain flow. Ventriculoarterial
      coupling implies that stroke volume changes little while preserving ventricular
      efficiency. Ultimately, a phase develops where ventricular dilation occurs in an
      attempt to limit the reduction in stroke volume, with uncoupling and increased
      wall stress as a consequence. With pressure-volume analysis, we separately
      describe the changing properties of the pulmonary vascular system and the right
      ventricle, as well as their coupling, as important concepts for understanding the
      changes that occur in pulmonary hypertension. On the basis of the unique
      properties of the pulmonary circulation, we show how all relevant physiological
      parameters can be derived using an integrative approach. Because coupling is
      maintained by hypertrophy until the end stage of the disease, when progressive
      dilation begins, right ventricular volume is the essential parameter to measure
      in follow-up of patients with pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 28081832
TI  - Medicare Formulary Changes After the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American
      Heart Association Cholesterol Guideline.

PMID- 28081833
TI  - HDL Cholesterol Efflux Capacity and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With
      Chronic Kidney Disease.

PMID- 28081834
TI  - Reply: Did Mutation Type Affect the Efficacy of Mexiletine Observed in Patients
      With LQTS Type 3?

PMID- 28081835
TI  - Did Mutation Type Affect the Efficacy of Mexiletine Observed in Patients With
      LQTS Type 3?

PMID- 28081836
TI  - Crushed Prasugrel Tablets in Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary Percutaneous
      Coronary Intervention: The CRUSH Study.

PMID- 28081837
TI  - Reply: Crushed Prasugrel Tablets in Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: The CRUSH Study.

PMID- 28081839
TI  - A Cautionary Tone Before Expanded Adoption of the Proposed CHA2DS2-VASc R Score.

PMID- 28081838
TI  - Reply: A Cautionary Tone Before Expanded Adoption of the Proposed CHA2DS2-VASc R
      Score.

PMID- 28081840
TI  - Seventeenth Conference on the Adrenal Cortex (Adrenal 2016) Boston, MA, March 28
      31, 2016.

PMID- 28081841
TI  - Itch: Its perception and involvement in allergy.

PMID- 28081842
TI  - Corrigendum to "Prevention of food allergy - Early dietary interventions"
      [Allergol Int 65 (2016) 370-377].

PMID- 28081843
TI  - Dissociable effects of stimulus range on perception and action.
AB  - We have recently reported the discovery that the ability to detect a minimum
      increment to a stimulus depends on the spread of the other stimuli for which this
      just noticeable difference (JND) is being measured (Namdar, Ganel, & Algom,
      2016). In particular, the JND around a standard stimulus was larger when the
      other standards tested within the same experimental session spread a larger
      range. In this study we show that this range of standards effect (RSE) is limited
      to perceptual estimations and does not extend to action. The JND remained
      invariant when the participants grasped the objects rather than perceptually
      estimated their size. This difference supports the hypothesis that visual
      perception, on the one hand, and visually controlled action, on the other hand,
      are governed by separate rules and mediated by different mechanisms.

PMID- 28081844
TI  - Benefits of comanagement with internal medicine on health care and economic
      outcomes in psychiatric inpatients.

PMID- 28081845
TI  - Current issues in implementing do-not-resuscitate orders for cardiac patients.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases are still the most common cause of death, and heart
      failure is the most common reason for hospitalization of patients older than 65
      years. However, Cardiology attributes low importance to end-of-life care. Cardiac
      patients' perception of their disease's prognosis and the results of
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation differ greatly from reality. The "do not
      resuscitate" order allows patients to pre-emptively express their rejection for
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation, thereby avoiding its potentially negative
      consequences. However, these orders are still underused and misinterpreted in
      cardiac patients. Most of these patients usually have no opportunity to have the
      necessary conversations with their attending physician on their resuscitation
      preferences. In this review, we performed an analysis of the causes that could
      explain this situation.

PMID- 28081846
TI  - Slow-Growing Keratotic Tumor on the Eyelid.

PMID- 28081847
TI  - RF- Insufficient Exposure to Sunlight and Global Mortality: Should We Advise
      Against or Recommend Sun Exposure?

PMID- 28081848
TI  - Ranolazine and Microvascular Angina by PET in the Emergency Department: Results
      From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a common but underdiagnosed
      cause of chest pain. Literature is scant regarding effective treatments. We
      explored the effect of ranolazine on coronary flow reserve (CFR) among
      symptomatic patients with CMD. METHODS: This pilot double-blinded randomized
      controlled trial included emergency department patients with chest pain and CMD
      admitted to an observation unit between June 2014 and November 2015. Participants
      were assessed by cardiac Rb-82 positron emission tomography and computed
      tomography imaging at baseline and 30 days. CMD was defined as CFR <2 corrected
      for rate pressure product or <2.5 uncorrected, with no evidence of obstructive or
      nonobstructive coronary artery disease or calcification. Patients with
      infarction, hypertensive urgency, heart failure, or prescribed QTc-prolonging
      drugs were excluded. Participants were assigned to ranolazine or placebo in a 2:1
      ratio. Primary outcome was change in CFR at 30 days. FINDINGS: We enrolled 31
      patients (71% female, mean [SD] age 50 [6] years) with CMD (mean [SD] corrected
      CFR 1.6 [0.3]). Ranolazine improved CFR at 30 days by 17% (P = 0.005) compared
      with 0% with placebo (P = 0.67). However, there was no significant difference in
      the primary outcome as measured by mean change in CFR (0.27 ranolazine compared
      with 0.06 placebo; 95% CI, -0.08 to 0.62). IMPLICATIONS: The emergency department
      offers a unique venue to diagnose CMD with acute symptoms. In an exploratory
      randomized controlled trial of symptomatic patients with CMD and no coronary
      artery disease, promising results were seem with ranolazine and CFR improving at
      30 days. Large robust clinical trials are needed to verify improvement of CMD in
      a sex-specific model. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02052011.

PMID- 28081849
TI  - Constitutive high expression of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 in asthmatic
      airway smooth muscle cells is caused by reduced microRNA-19a expression and leads
      to enhanced remodeling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In asthma remodeling airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) contribute to
      airway wall thickness through increased proliferation, migration, and
      extracellular matrix deposition. Previously, we described that protein arginine
      methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) participates in airway remodeling in pulmonary
      inflammation in E3 rats. OBJECTIVE: We sought to define the asthma-specific
      regulatory mechanism of PRMT1 in human ASMCs. METHODS: ASMCs from healthy
      subjects and asthmatic patients were activated with platelet-derived growth
      factor (PDGF)-BB. PRMT1 was localized by means of immunohistochemistry in human
      lung tissue sections and by means of immunofluorescence in isolated ASMCs. PRMT1
      activity was suppressed by the pan-PRMT inhibitor AMI-1, signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) was suppressed by small interfering RNA, and
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK) was suppressed by PD98059. MicroRNAs (miRs) were assessed by using real
      time quantitative PCR and regulated by miR mimics or inhibitors. RESULTS: PRMT1
      expression was significantly increased in lung tissue sections and in isolated
      ASMCs of patients with severe asthma. PDGF-BB significantly increased PRMT1
      expression through ERK1/2 MAPK and STAT1 signaling in control ASMCs, whereas in
      ASMCs from asthmatic patients, these proteins were constitutively expressed.
      ASMCs from asthmatic patients had reduced miR-19a expression, causing
      upregulation of ERK1/2 MAPK, STAT1, and PRMT1. Inhibition of PRMT1 abrogated
      collagen type I and fibronectin deposition, cell proliferation, and migration of
      ASMCs from asthmatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: PRMT1 is a central regulator of
      tissue remodeling in ASMCs from asthmatic patients through the pathway: PDGF-BB
      miR-19a-ERK1/2 MAPK and STAT1. Low miR-19a expression in ASMCs from asthmatic
      patients is the key event that results in constitutive increased PRMT1 expression
      and remodeling. Therefore PRMT1 is an attractive target to limit airway wall
      remodeling in asthmatic patients.

PMID- 28081827
TI  - Cangrelor With and Without Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Patients
      Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cangrelor, an intravenous, reversible P2Y12 antagonist, is approved
      for use in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
      OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cangrelor
      compared with clopidogrel in subgroups that did and did not receive glycoprotein
      IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs). METHODS: This pooled, patient-level analysis of the 3
      CHAMPION (Cangrelor versus Standard Therapy to Achieve Optimal Management of
      Platelet Inhibition) trials analyzed all randomized patients who underwent PCI
      and received the study drug (n = 24,902). Only bailout/rescue GPI use was
      permitted, except in CHAMPION PCI, in which routine or bailout/rescue GPI use was
      at the site investigator's discretion. The primary efficacy endpoint was the
      composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven
      revascularization, or stent thrombosis at 48 h after randomization. RESULTS:
      Overall, 3,173 patients (12.7%) received a GPI, most commonly eptifibatide
      (69.4%). Despite variation in indications for GPIs, baseline characteristics were
      well balanced between the cangrelor and clopidogrel arms in subsets receiving and
      not receiving GPIs. Rates of the primary composite endpoint were lower with
      cangrelor compared with clopidogrel in patients who did (4.9% vs. 6.5%; odds
      ratio [OR]: 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55 to 1.01) or did not receive
      a GPI (3.6% vs. 4.4%; OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.94; Pint = 0.55). Cangrelor did
      not increase the primary safety endpoint, GUSTO-defined severe/life-threatening
      bleeding, in patients who did (0.4% vs. 0.5%; OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.99) or
      did not receive GPIs (0.2% vs. 0.1%; OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 0.80 to 3.04; Pint =
      0.21). GPI use was associated with increased risk of bleeding in both treatment
      arms. CONCLUSIONS: Cangrelor's efficacy in reducing ischemic complications in
      patients undergoing PCI was maintained irrespective of GPI administration. GPI
      use was associated with substantially higher bleeding rates, regardless of the
      randomization to cangrelor or clopidogrel. (A Clinical Trial to Demonstrate the
      Efficacy of Cangrelor [PCI]: NCT00305162; Cangrelor Versus Standard Therapy to
      Achieve Optimal Management of Platelet Inhibition [PLATFORM]: NCT00385138; A
      Clinical Trial Comparing Cangrelor to Clopidogrel Standard Therapy in Subjects
      Who Require Percutaneous Coronary Intervention [PCI] [CHAMPION PHOENIX]
      [CHAMPION]: NCT01156571).

PMID- 28081850
TI  - Acid-suppressive medications during pregnancy and risk of asthma and allergy in
      children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 28081851
TI  - A new use for maximum deflection index: Detection of intraventricular
      dyssynchrony.
AB  - AIM: CRT has been shown to be very beneficial for patients with reduced LVEF,
      symptomatic HF and increased QRS width. But many patients do not benefit from
      CRT. Maximum deflection index (MDI) is a quantitive measure of the rapidity of
      depolarization of the myocardium. In previous studies, high MDI was found to
      indicate epicardial origin of ventricular tachycardia. We aimed to detect the
      relationship between echocardiographic intraventricular dyssynchrony and MDI.
      METHODS: We included 144 patients with HF, QRS>=120ms, LBBB, NYHA II-IV, LVEF<35%
      and scheduled for CRT (90 male, 54 female; mean age 65.3+/-9.9years). Septal
      lateral >60ms delay for the beginning of systolic velocity in TDI and septum
      posterior >130ms delay in M-mode were accepted as intraventricular dyssynchrony.
      The MDI was calculated by dividing the time from onset of the QRS complex to the
      earliest point of maximum deflection in V5-V6 by the QRS duration. RESULTS:
      Septal-lateral delay was associated with MDI and QRS width in bivariate analysis.
      In logistic regression analysis, MDI (beta=0,264, p=0.001) and QRS width
      (beta=0,177, p=0.028) were found to be independent parameters for predicting
      significant septal-lateral delay. MDI was also associated with significant septum
      posterior delay in bivariate correlations and ROC curve (p<0.05 for all). In
      bivariate analysis MDI was associated with intraventricular dyssynchrony in both
      non-strict LBBB (r=0.261, p=0.010) and strict LBBB (r=0.305, p=0.035) groups.
      CONCLUSION: MDI is closely associated with all echocardiographic intraventricular
      dyssynchrony parameters. We suggest that MDI may be used as a marker to detect
      patients with increased intraventricular dyssynchrony. It may be useful to
      integrate MDI to CRT patient selection procedure in order to minimize
      nonresponders.

PMID- 28081852
TI  - Brugada sign in a patient with hyperkalemia due to rhabdomyolysis in hypothermia.
AB  - The Brugada sign may appear as an indication of severe hyperkalemia. This
      phenomena has recently been called as the "Brugada phenocopy". Hyperthermia and
      hypothermia may lead to rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome
      characterized by muscle necrosis and the release of intracellular muscle
      constituents into the circulation. We present a case where rhabdomyolysis-related
      delayed hyperkalemia showed Brugada sign on the ECG mimicking ventricular
      tachycardia.

PMID- 28081853
TI  - Development of a multi-institutional clinical research consortium for pediatric
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multicenter clinical research studies in pediatric surgery have been
      largely limited to relatively small case-series and retrospective reviews because
      of the rarity of many of the diseases we treat and difficulty coordinating and
      executing multi-institutional studies. Creation of a collaborative research
      network can provide the needed patient population and infrastructure to perform
      high quality multi-institutional studies. METHODS: In 2013, eleven academic
      pediatric surgery centers within the United States formed a research consortium
      to develop and conduct multicenter clinical research projects to advance the
      practice of pediatric surgery. RESULTS: We present our process for creating,
      developing, and maintaining this consortium including initial regional geographic
      limitation, charter development with by-laws and procedures for adopting studies,
      and research infrastructure including a central website for study monitoring and
      central reliance institutional review board process. CONCLUSION: Our model could
      be reproduced or adapted by other institutions to develop or strengthen other
      research collaboratives. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Type of study: retrospective, IV.

PMID- 28081855
TI  - Same-sex twins are taller and heavier than opposite-sex twins (but only if
      breastfed): Possible evidence for sex bias in human breast milk.
AB  - Recent studies show that human and other mammalian breast milk may be tailored
      for the sex of the offspring. Such sex bias suggests that opposite-sex twins, who
      receive breast milk that cannot simultaneously be tailored for both sexes, may be
      at a disadvantage for growth compared with same-sex twins. An analysis of data
      from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) shows
      that, controlling for sex, age, birth weight, and zygosity, breastfed same-sex
      twins are, on average, about 1 inch taller and 12 pounds heavier than their
      opposite-sex counterparts through adolescence and early adulthood. In contrast,
      never-breastfed same-sex twins tend to be shorter and lighter than their opposite
      sex counterparts. These results may be potential evidence for sex bias in human
      breast milk and its long-term effects.

PMID- 28081854
TI  - Deficiency in milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 exacerbates organ
      injury and mortality in neonatal sepsis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neonatal sepsis is a systemic inflammation occurring in neonates
      because of a proven infection within the first 28days of birth. It is the third
      leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the newborns. The mechanism(s)
      underlying the systemic inflammation in neonatal sepsis has not been completely
      understood. We hypothesize that the deficiency of milk fat globule-epidermal
      growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8), a protein commonly found in human milk, could be
      responsible for the increased inflammatory response leading to morbidity and
      mortality in neonatal sepsis. METHODS: Male and female newborn mice aged 5-7days
      were injected intraperitoneally with 0.9mg/g body weight cecal slurry (CS). At
      10h after CS injection, they were euthanized, and blood, lungs and gut tissues
      were obtained for further analyses. Control newborn mice underwent similar
      procedures with the exception of the CS injection. In duplicate newborn mice
      after CS injection, they were returned to their respective cages with their
      mothers and were closely monitored for 7days and survival rate recorded. RESULTS:
      At 10h after CS injection, serum LDH in the MFG-E8 knockout (KO) newborn mice was
      significantly increased by 58% and serum IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in the MFG
      E8KO newborn mice were also significantly increased by 56%, 65%, and 105%,
      respectively, from wild type (WT) newborn mice. There were no significant
      difference between WT control and MFG-E8 control newborn mice. The lung
      architecture was severely damaged and a significant 162% increase in injury score
      was observed in the CS MFG-E8KO newborn mice. The MPO, TUNEL staining, and
      cytokine levels in the lungs and the intestine in CS MFG-E8KO newborn mice were
      significantly increased from CS WT newborn mice. Similarly, intestinal integrity
      was also compromised in the CS MFG-E8KO newborn mice. In a survival study, while
      the mortality rate within 7days was only 29% in the CS WT newborn mice, 80% of
      the CS MFG-E8KO newborn mice died during the same time period with the majority
      of mortality occurring within 48h. CONCLUSION: The deficiency in MFG-E8 caused
      increases in inflammation, tissue injury, neutrophil infiltration and apoptosis,
      which led to morbidity and mortality in murine neonatal sepsis. These studies
      suggest that MFG-E8 has a protective role in fighting against neonatal sepsis.

PMID- 28081857
TI  - Vaccination against infectious bronchitis virus: A continuous challenge.
AB  - Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a significant respiratory pathogen of
      commercial poultry that causes millions of dollars in lost revenue worldwide each
      year. Even though the poultry industry extensively vaccinates against IBV,
      emergence of new serotypes and variants continually occur, making control of the
      disease difficult. Current mass application strategies for IBV vaccines are
      inefficient and frequently result in vaccination failures. Novel vaccine
      technology development has been slow, and is hindered by the constraints of large
      scale poultry production. Further complicating the situation is the lack of
      knowledge of IBV protein and host cell interactions, making targeted vaccine
      intervention strategies near impossible. Taken together, it is easy to see why
      this disease remains significant in poultry production. This review outlines the
      current situation as it relates to IBV control, including vaccination, vaccines,
      and development of immunity, and recent developments in vaccine technology that
      may provide better protection in the future.

PMID- 28081856
TI  - An angiotensin II type 1 receptor binding molecule has a critical role in
      hypertension in a chronic kidney disease model.
AB  - Angiotensin II type 1 receptor-associated protein (ATRAP) promotes AT1R
      internalization along with suppression of hyperactivation of tissue AT1R
      signaling. Here, we provide evidence that renal ATRAP plays a critical role in
      suppressing hypertension in a mouse remnant kidney model of chronic kidney
      disease. The effect of 5/6 nephrectomy on endogenous ATRAP expression was
      examined in the kidney of C57BL/6 and 129/Sv mice. While 129/Sv mice with a
      remnant kidney showed decreased renal ATRAP expression and developed
      hypertension, C57BL/6 mice exhibited increased renal ATRAP expression and
      resistance to progressive hypertension. Consequently, we hypothesized that
      downregulation of renal ATRAP expression is involved in pathogenesis of
      hypertension in the remnant kidney model of chronic kidney disease.
      Interestingly, 5/6 nephrectomy in ATRAP-knockout mice on the hypertension
      resistant C57BL/6 background caused hypertension with increased plasma volume.
      Moreover, in knockout compared to wild-type C57BL/6 mice after 5/6 nephrectomy,
      renal expression of the epithelial sodium channel alpha-subunit and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha was significantly enhanced, concomitant with increased
      plasma membrane angiotensin II type 1 receptor in the kidneys. Thus, renal ATRAP
      downregulation is involved in the onset and progression of blood pressure
      elevation caused by renal mass reduction, and implicates ATRAP as a therapeutic
      target for hypertension in chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 28081858
TI  - Oligo-dT selected spermatozoal transcript profiles differ among higher and lower
      fertility dairy sires.
AB  - Spermatozoal messenger RNA (mRNA) has the potential as a molecular marker for
      sire fertility because this population can reflect gene expression that occurred
      during spermatogenesis and may have a functional role in early embryonic
      development. The goal of this study was to compare the oligo-dT selected
      spermatozoal transcript profiles of higher fertility (Conception Rate (CR) 1.8
      3.5) and lower fertility (CR -2.9 to -0.4) sires using Ribonucleic Acid
      Sequencing (RNA-Seq). A total of 3227 transcripts and 5366 transcripts were
      identified in the higher and lower fertility populations, respectively. While
      common transcripts between the two populations were identified (2422
      transcripts), several transcripts were also unique to the fertility populations
      including 805 transcripts that were unique to the higher fertility population and
      2944 transcripts that were unique to the lower fertility population. From gene
      ontological analysis, the transcripts unique to each fertility population
      differed in Biological Processes (BP), including enrichment of regulatory
      transcripts for growth and protein kinase activity in the higher fertility bulls.
      Biological variation in transcript presence among individual sires was also
      found. Of the candidate fertility spermatozoal transcripts chosen from the RNA
      Seq population analysis reported here and previous publications, COX7C was
      negatively correlated with sire fertility. Using high-throughput sequencing,
      candidate spermatozoal transcripts were identified for further study as potential
      markers for sire fertility.

PMID- 28081859
TI  - Hydrostatic pressure effect on PNIPAM cononsolvency in water-methanol solutions.
AB  - When methanol is added to water at room temperature and 1atm, poly (N
      isopropylacrylamide), PNIPAM, undergoes a coil-to-globule collapse transition.
      This intriguing phenomenon is called cononsolvency. Spectroscopic measurements
      have shown that application of high hydrostatic pressure destroys PNIPAM
      cononsolvency in water-methanol solutions. We have developed a theoretical
      approach that identifies the decrease in solvent-excluded volume effect as the
      driving force of PNIPAM collapse on increasing the temperature. The same approach
      indicates that cononsolvency, at room temperature and P=1atm, is caused by the
      inability of PNIPAM to make all the attractive energetic interactions that it
      could be engaged in, due to competition between water and methanol molecules. The
      present analysis suggests that high hydrostatic pressure destroys cononsolvency
      because the coil state becomes more compact, and the quantity measuring PNIPAM
      solvent attractions increases in magnitude due to the solution density increase,
      and the ability of small water molecules to substitute methanol molecules on
      PNIPAM surface.

PMID- 28081860
TI  - Long-term Outcomes After Bladder-preserving Tri-modality Therapy for Patients
      with Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: An Updated Analysis of the Massachusetts
      General Hospital Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tri-modality therapy (TMT) is a recognized treatment strategy for
      selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). OBJECTIVE: Report
      long-term outcomes of patients with MIBC treated by TMT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred and seventy-five patients with cT2-T4a MIBC were
      enrolled on protocols or treated as per protocol at the Massachusetts General
      Hospital between 1986 and 2013. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent transurethral
      resection of bladder tumor followed by concurrent radiation and chemotherapy.
      Patients with less than a complete response (CR) to chemoradiation or with an
      invasive recurrence were recommended to undergo salvage radical cystectomy.
      OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Disease-specific survival (DSS)
      and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS
      AND LIMITATIONS: Median follow-up for surviving patients was 7.21 yr. Five- and
      10-yr DSS rates were 66% and 59%, respectively. Five- and 10-yr OS rates were 57%
      and 39%, respectively. The risk of salvage cystectomy at 5 yr was 29%. In
      multivariate analyses, T2 disease (OS hazard ratio [HR]: 0.57, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 0.44-0.75, DSS HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.36-0.73), CR to chemoradiation
      (OS HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46-0.81, DSS HR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34-0.71), and presence
      of tumor-associated carcinoma in situ (OS HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.17-2.08, DSS HR:
      1.50, 95% CI: 1.03-2.17) were significant predictors for OS and DSS. When
      evaluating our cohort over treatment eras, rates of CR improved from 66% to 88%
      and 5-yr DSS improved from 60% to 84% during the eras of 1986-1995 to 2005-2013,
      while the 5-yr risk of salvage radical cystectomy rate decreased from 42% to 16%.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate high rates of CR and bladder preservation in
      patients receiving TMT, and confirm DSS rates similar to modern cystectomy
      series. Contemporary results are particularly encouraging, and therefore TMT
      should be discussed and offered as a treatment option for selected patients.
      PATIENT SUMMARY: Tri-modality therapy is an alternative to radical cystectomy for
      patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and is associated with comparable
      long-term survival and high rates of bladder preservation.

PMID- 28081861
TI  - An introduction to using Bayesian linear regression with clinical data.
AB  - Statistical training psychology focuses on frequentist methods. Bayesian methods
      are an alternative to standard frequentist methods. This article provides
      researchers with an introduction to fundamental ideas in Bayesian modeling. We
      use data from an electroencephalogram (EEG) and anxiety study to illustrate
      Bayesian models. Specifically, the models examine the relationship between error
      related negativity (ERN), a particular event-related potential, and trait
      anxiety. Methodological topics covered include: how to set up a regression model
      in a Bayesian framework, specifying priors, examining convergence of the model,
      visualizing and interpreting posterior distributions, interval estimates,
      expected and predicted values, and model comparison tools. We also discuss
      situations where Bayesian methods can outperform frequentist methods as well has
      how to specify more complicated regression models. Finally, we conclude with
      recommendations about reporting guidelines for those using Bayesian methods in
      their own research. We provide data and R code for replicating our analyses.

PMID- 28081862
TI  - Getting the Most Out of Liver Biopsy.
AB  - Histopathologic evaluation of liver biopsy specimens yields information that is
      not otherwise obtainable and is frequently essential for diagnosing hepatic
      disease. Percutaneous needle biopsy, laparoscopic biopsy, and surgical biopsy
      each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Care should be taken to
      ensure an adequate amount of tissue is collected for meaningful histologic
      evaluation. Because sampling error is a limitation of hepatic biopsy, multiple
      liver lobes should be biopsied. This article discusses the indications for liver
      biopsy, associated risks, advantages and disadvantages of different biopsy
      techniques, and strategies to get the most useful information possible out of
      this process.

PMID- 28081863
TI  - Canine Breed-Specific Hepatopathies.
AB  - Canine hepatopathies, both congenital and acquired, arise from an interaction
      between genes and environment. Many show increased breed prevalences. This
      article reviews the current understanding on breed predispositions for congenital
      portosystemic shunts; microvascular dysplasia and portal vein hypoplasia; ductal
      plate abnormalities (congenital hepatic fibrosis and Caroli disease); chronic
      hepatitis (both copper associated and idiopathic); vacuolar hepatopathies; and
      gallbladder mucocele. Although all these diseases can occur in many breeds and
      crossbreeds, understanding breed predispositions helps recognition and will guide
      future research to improve understanding of causes and treatments.

PMID- 28081864
TI  - Semi-global output consensus of discrete-time multi-agent systems with input
      saturation and external disturbances.
AB  - This paper investigates the problem of leader-following output consensus of a
      linear discrete-time multi-agent system with input saturation and external
      disturbances. Low-gain state feedback technique and output regulation theory are
      used to deal with the output consensus of multi-agent systems with input
      saturation and external disturbances. Both the cases with identical and non
      identical disturbances are discussed in the multi-agent systems. For the case of
      identical external disturbance, the output consensus can be attained when the
      directed graph has no loop and there exists at least one directed path from the
      leader to every follower agent. For the case of non-identical external
      disturbances, the output consensus can be achieved if the directed graph is
      strongly connected and detailed balanced, and at least one follower can have
      access to the information of the leader. Numerical simulation results are
      presented to demonstrate the validation of the proposed design.

PMID- 28081865
TI  - The outcome of super-cutaneous locked plate fixation with percutaneous reduction
      of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Supercutaneous (external) fixation with locking plate is utilized
      for fixation of long bone fractures. One retrospective study for open reduction
      and supercutaneous fixation of the calcaneus is reported. We prospectively
      evaluated the use of this method of fixation combined with percutaneous
      reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2014 and June 2015, 32
      displaced calcaneus fractures in 30 patients were stabilized with percutaneous
      reduction and super-cutaneous fixation. They were 24 males and six females. The
      mean age was 37.9+/-5.7 years (21-55). All cases were closed. The time to
      surgery, complications, radiographic alignment, and time to radiographic union
      were recorded. Clinical results at the final follow-up were assessed by
      evaluating Bohler's angles for the radiographic alignment, and the system of the
      American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) for the functional outcome.
      RESULTS: According to the Sanders' classification, two cases were type II, 17
      cases were type III and 13 cases were type IV. The preoperative average Bohler's
      angle was 10.57 degrees +/-4.8. The postoperative X-ray films demonstrated that
      the average Bohler's angle improved to 29.07 degrees +/-5.9 (p<0.001). At the
      time of radiologic healing (about 3 months), the plates and screws were removed
      under general anesthesia. The average follow-up was 13.2 months (11-18). Four
      cases (type IV) showed mal-union and heel pain. According to (AOFAS) rating, the
      fine score was 87.1+/-17.1 points. CONCLUSION: Super-cutaneous fixation with
      percutaneous reduction of calcaneal fracture is an effective method in type II
      and III and can be effective with type IV but with less favorable results.

PMID- 28081866
TI  - A single nucleotide variant in microRNA-1269a promotes the occurrence and process
      of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting to oncogenes SPATS2L and LRP6.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the malignant and lethal cancers. Single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNAs(miRNAs) can affect the expression
      and target identification of miRNAs and lead to the formation of malignant
      tumors. However, little is known about whether microRNA-1269a (miR-1269a) SNPs
      affect the susceptibility and progression of HCC or their specific mechanism. The
      association between microRNA-1269a rs73239138 and the susceptibility to HCC was
      verified by MassARRAY assay in a large case-control sample. The effect of miR
      1269a and the variant on the proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells was
      examined by flow cytometry (FCM), CCK8 assay and Western blot. The target of miR
      1269a was identified by bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR and its role on cell
      proliferative capacity was examined by CCK8 assay. The expression level of miR
      1269a was analyzed by qRT-PCR in HCC cells transfected with wild or variant type
      pre-miR-1269a plasmid.MiR-1269a produced a tumor suppressor effect by inhibiting
      cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis of human HCC cells, possibly via
      inhibiting the expression of its target genes SPATS2L and LRP6, which were tumor
      promoters. While, rs73239138 (G>A) in miR-1269a reduced the anticancer effect of
      miR-1269a possibly by attenuating its total amount in HCC cells or its target
      recognition, reduce its inhibition on target genes and promoted the
      susceptibility to HCC. Our findings for the first time proved that miR-1269a SNP
      plays a role in the occurrence and process of HCC and the relevant mechanism, in
      accompany with the discovery of the novel target genes of miR-1269a.

PMID- 28081868
TI  - The Rise and Fall of Tuberculosis and Atherosclerosis: First There Is a
      Mountain....

PMID- 28081867
TI  - The central nervous system patterning gene variants associated with clinical
      symptom severity of autism spectrum disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Central nervous system (CNS) patterning genes are recognized
      as candidate genes for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) based on neuroimaging and
      neuropathological evidence. Several genes that regulate CNS development are shown
      to be associated with ASD. Our previous family-based association study also
      revealed that a specific haplotype of WNT2 (wingless-type MMTV integration site
      family member 2) gene was overtransmitted to probands with ASD. Whether the CNS
      patterning genes moderate the clinical phenotype of ASD is unclear. This study
      investigated the genetic associations of WNT2, engrailed 2 (EN2), and forkhead
      box P2 (FOXP2) with the clinical symptom severity. METHODS: The sample included
      391 patients (males, 88.3%; mean age+/-standard deviation, 9.5+/-4.4 years)
      diagnosed with ASDs. Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of EN2, WNT2, and
      FOXP2 were genotyped. The single-locus and multilocus markers were tested for
      association. RESULTS: We found that multilocus markers of WNT2 were associated
      with stereotyped behaviors whereas the markers of FOXP2 tended to be associated
      with social deficits. Moreover, an SNP of WNT2 showed a trend to be associated
      with less inattentive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our findings that WNT2 and FOXP2 may
      moderate the clinical phenotypes of ASD provide evidence to support the possible
      universal effect of WNT2 and FOXP2 on neurodevelopmental symptom dimensions. Such
      findings warrant further validation in other independent samples. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration identifier: NCT00494754.

PMID- 28081869
TI  - Cardiovascular disease risk in patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 28081870
TI  - Luteal start vaginal micronized progesterone improves pregnancy success in women
      with recurrent pregnancy loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of luteal start vaginal micronized P in a
      recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) cohort. DESIGN: Observational cohort study using
      prospectively collected data. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Women seen
      between 2004 and 2012 with a history of two or more unexplained pregnancy losses
      <10 weeks in size; endometrial biopsy (EB) performed 9-11 days after LH surge;
      and one or more subsequent pregnancy(ies). Women were excluded if concomitant
      findings, such as endometritis, maturation delay, or glandular-stromal
      dyssynchrony, were identified on EB. INTERVENTION(S): Vaginal micronized P was
      prescribed at a dose of 100-200 mg every 12 hours starting 3 days after LH surge
      (luteal start) if glandular epithelial nuclear cyclin E (nCyclinE) expression was
      elevated (>20%) in endometrial glands or empirically despite normal nCyclinE
      (<=20%). Women with normal nCyclinE (<=20%) who did not receive P were used as
      controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy success was an ongoing pregnancy >10
      weeks in size. RESULT(S): One hundred sixteen women met the inclusion criteria,
      of whom 51% (n = 59) had elevated nCyclinE and 49% (n = 57) had normal nCyclinE.
      Pregnancy success in the 59 women with elevated nCyclinE significantly improved
      after intervention: 6% (16/255) in prior pregnancies versus 69% (57/83) in
      subsequent pregnancies. Pregnancy success in subsequent pregnancies was higher in
      women prescribed vaginal micronized P compared with controls: 68% (86/126) versus
      51% (19/37); odds ratio = 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.0-4.4). CONCLUSION(S):
      In this study, we found that the use of luteal start vaginal micronized P was
      associated with improved pregnancy success in a strictly defined cohort of women
      with RPL.

PMID- 28081871
TI  - Editorial - Will ALLPS pass the test of time?

PMID- 28081872
TI  - Response to Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 28081873
TI  - Intraoperative extrinsic left atrial compression due to paraesophageal hiatal
      hernia.

PMID- 28081874
TI  - Pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum secondary to cystic intestinal pneumatosis
      after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement.

PMID- 28081875
TI  - Surgery on Twitter.

PMID- 28081876
TI  - Fluoroquinolone therapy could influence the clinical signs of pulmonary
      coccidioidomycosis.

PMID- 28081877
TI  - [Characterisation of Cryptococcus isolates in Uruguay].

PMID- 28081879
TI  - Safety and Surgical Outcomes of Same-day Anterior Urethroplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of same-day anterior
      urethroplasty at our institution and define predictors of postoperative admission
      and surgical failure. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 118
      consecutive anterior urethroplasties performed at a tertiary care center. Data
      were analyzed to detect predictors of postoperative admission and urethroplasty
      failure. The 30-day complications and long-term outcomes were compared between
      same-day and admitted patients. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients (78%) were
      discharged on the day of surgery. A penile stricture location compared with a
      bulbar stricture location (odds ratio: 13.4, P = .009) and having undergone more
      than 3 prior endoscopic stricture interventions (odds ratio: 10.2, P = .001) were
      significantly associated with postoperative admission. Patients with a ventral
      onlay approach were more likely to be discharged home (P = .03), whereas patients
      with combined repairs were more likely to be admitted (P = .04). Same-day
      urethroplasty did not increase 30-day postoperative complications, patient
      emergency room visits, unplanned clinic visits, or phone calls. Success rates did
      not differ between same-day (89%) and admitted (79%) cohorts, and no individual
      stricture characteristic was predictive of urethroplasty failure. CONCLUSION:
      Same-day anterior urethroplasty is safe and feasible and could help increase
      utilization of urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease.

PMID- 28081878
TI  - [Isolated renal mucormycosis in a critically ill patient].

PMID- 28081880
TI  - Prognostic value of endocervical sampling following loop excision of high grade
      intraepithelial neoplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of additional biopsies performed with loop
      electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP) in predicting the likelihood of
      persistent high grade intraepithelial neoplasia. METHODS: Clinicopathologic data
      were abstracted from women who underwent excision of high grade intraepithelial
      lesions between 2001 and 2014. Persistent disease was defined as uninterrupted
      high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, whereas recurrent disease was defined as
      disease diagnosed >=1year after treatment with intervening normal evaluation. Chi
      square and Fisher's exact tests were used to examine associations between
      demographic and histologic parameters and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of
      606 women underwent LEEP for high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL), of
      whom, 178 (29%) were additionally evaluated by endocervical curettage, 80 (13%),
      top hat and 99 (16%), both procedures. With mean follow-up of 1.9+/-1.5years,
      persistent disease was identified in 87 women (14%) while recurrent disease was
      diagnosed in 20 (3%). After adjusting for age, HIV status and histologic grade of
      disease, the presence of disease at the endocervical margin (aOR=2.2, 95% CL 1.8
      5.5, p<0.0001), with endocervical curettage (aOR=2.39, 95% CL 1.2-9.9, p=0.025)
      or on top hat (aOR=4.0, 95% CL 1.1-16.2, p=0.04) correlated with the likelihood
      of persistent but not recurrent disease. Only endocervical margin status remained
      predictive (p=0.03) of outcome after controlling for pre-procedure likelihood of
      endocervical disease. Sensitivity of endocervical margin status for persistent
      disease was 56.9% with specificity of 72.2%. Positive predictive value (PPV) was
      24.9% and negative predictive value (NPV) 90.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite frequent
      use of additional procedures to sample the endocervix, these strategies do not
      improve the ability of endocervical margin status to predict persistent or
      recurrent dysplasia.

PMID- 28081881
TI  - The opinions and practices of providers toward the sexual issues of cervical
      cancer patients undergoing treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer and its treatments impair women's sexual function.
      These complications may or may not be regarded when clinicians develop treatment
      plans. We aim to investigate the considerations of providers toward the sex life
      of cervical cancer patients. METHODS: All members of the Society of Gynecologic
      Oncology received a questionnaire assessing their opinions and practices toward
      specific questions regarding the sexual functioning of their patients. RESULTS:
      Of the 124 providers who completed the survey, the majority were Board Certified
      Gynecologic Oncologists (56%) with an average of 15years in training.
      Approximately 23% received training about sexual dysfunction. Providers without
      formal training were more likely to agree that: "Information regarding sexual
      function in patients undergoing treatment for cervical cancer is lacking"
      (p=0.02). Providers with over 10years of experience were more likely to agree
      that "sex is private and discussing it with patients will interfere with our
      provider-patient relationship" (p=0.03). International clinicians were more
      likely to agree that: "I feel uncomfortable initiating discussions regarding
      sexual function with patients" (p=0.03), "Sex is private and discussing it with
      patients will interfere in our provider-patient relationship" (p=0.02), and "If a
      patient has a sexual problem, they will raise the subject" (p=0.009).
      CONCLUSIONS: Years of clinical experience, provider age, a history of training on
      regarding sexual dysfunction and an international setting of practice affect
      providers' opinions and practices toward sexual issues of cervical cancer
      patients. More formal, relevant training regarding sexual dysfunction is
      warranted for clinicians who treat cervical cancer patients.

PMID- 28081882
TI  - Colpoplasty by laparoscopic modified Davydov's procedure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To show laparoscopic surgery to treat vaginal shortening, with
      functional sequelae (sexual disorders), after radiotherapy and brachytherapy for
      vaginal carcinoma. METHODS: Davydov's procedure was initially described to treat
      vaginal aplasia (Davydov & Zhvitiashvili, 1974). This surgery was then improved
      for the upper part of the vagina, performed by laparoscopy (Leblanc, 2010;
      Adamyan, 1995) [2-3]. We used surgical technique, based on Davydov's procedure,
      by laparoscopy, to cover the upper neovagina, with two large peritoneal flaps,
      one anterior with the pre-vesical peritoneum and a second one posterior with the
      peritoneum of Douglas pouch. This surgery can be performed with no use of
      intestinal gesture, skin grafting, flap or any foreign material. Leblanc et al.
      (2016) [4] reported promising results about eight patients with this technique.
      RESULTS: A 36-years old patient had been treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy
      and brachytherapy for a vagina cancer with a para-rectal extension. After four
      years of remission, she was worried about an important vaginal atrophy related to
      a significant vaginal shortening (about 5cm), causing major dyspareunia. This
      situation had caused sexual disorders with a real impact on the quality of life.
      All non-invasive techniques (dilatators, lubricants...) had led to failures. A
      colpoplasty by laparoscopic modified Davydov's procedure was performed. The post
      operative follow-up was simple without complication. The vaginal mandrel was
      removed after 12days. The clinical examination after 4months demonstrates that
      size and elasticity of the neovaginal cavity was rewarding. CONCLUSION: This
      surgical technique requires training and experienced team, but seems to be
      promising way to restore a normal vaginal length.

PMID- 28081883
TI  - Comprehensive laparoscopic lymphadenectomy from the deep circumflex iliac vein to
      the renal veins: Impact on quality of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compare quality of life metrics for consecutive patients having total
      laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TLHBSO) with and
      without comprehensive pelvic/aortic lymphadenectomy (CPALND) from proximal to the
      distal circumflex iliac nodes and vessels to the renal vessels. METHODS: Analysis
      of mailed survey responses with 25 validated questions regarding
      musculoskeletal/lower extremity, gastro-intestinal, abdominal, urological, and
      energetic/activities of daily living. Data analyzed with Chi-Square tests of
      Association, Mann-Whitney U tests and follow up regression analysis. RESULTS: Of
      533 surveys mailed, 197 (37%) responded; 57 (28.9%) received CPALND. Age and
      parity were not different between groups, but the TLHBSO group had a higher BMI
      (31.4 v. 25.8, p<0.001), and were less likely to receive chemotherapy (CT),
      radiotherapy (RT), or both (CT+RT). In the CPALND cohort, a mean of 47 nodes were
      removed, of which 26% were positive: 21% pelvic, 11% inframesenteric, 11%
      infrarenal. Both groups had similar total quality of life total scores of 86/92.
      Those having CPALND did not report more swelling but they did report more
      tingling/numbness (2.8 v. 3.5, p<0.001). A series of hierarchical regressions
      confirmed that CPALND, per se, did not significantly reduce lower extremity
      scores apart from CT (p=0.402) and CT+RT (p=0.108). However, CPALND did predict
      for lower extremity swelling after receipt of CT, RT, or CT+RT. Node count, in
      total, or from each basin, did not correlate with any QOL decrement. CONCLUSIONS:
      CPALND did not cause lymphedema or a reduction in overall quality of life. Only
      after controlling for BMI, and receipt of radiation and/or chemotherapy were QOL
      scores mildly reduced. Routine omission of the distal circumflex nodes from the
      dissection may account for the low risk of lymphedema from the dissection. Larger
      prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal staging protocols that
      address all the likely sites of metastasis and recurrence, and optimize survival,
      while maintaining our patients' quality of life.

PMID- 28081884
TI  - Mortality in Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Initiating Treatment: A
      Six-Cohort Study in Latin America.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the risks of and factors associated with mortality, loss to
      follow-up, and changing regimens after children with HIV infected perinatally
      initiate combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Latin America and the
      Caribbean. STUDY DESIGN: This 1997-2013 retrospective cohort study included 1174
      antiretroviral therapy-naive, perinatally infected children who started cART age
      when they were younger than 18 years of age (median 4.7 years; IQR 1.7-8.8) at 1
      of 6 cohorts from Argentina, Brazil, Haiti, and Honduras, within the Caribbean,
      Central and South America Network for HIV Epidemiology. Median follow-up was 5.6
      years (IQR 2.3-9.3). Study outcomes were all-cause mortality, loss to follow-up,
      and major changes in cART. We used Cox proportional hazards models stratified by
      site to examine the association between predictors and times to death or changing
      regimens. RESULTS: Only 52% started cART at younger than 5 years of age; 19%
      began a protease inhibitor. At cART initiation, median CD4 count was 472
      cells/mm3 (IQR 201-902); median CD4% was 16% (IQR 10-23). Probability of death
      was high in the first year of cART: 0.06 (95% CI 0.04-0.07). Five years after
      cART initiation, the cumulative mortality incidence was 0.12 (95% CI 0.10-0.14).
      Cumulative incidences for loss to follow-up and regimen change after 5 years were
      0.16 (95% 0.14-0.18) and 0.30 (95% 0.26-0.34), respectively. Younger children had
      the greatest risk of mortality, whereas older children had the greatest risk of
      being lost to follow-up or changing regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Innovative clinical
      and community approaches are needed for quality improvement in the pediatric care
      of HIV in the Americas.

PMID- 28081886
TI  - Breastfeeding, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels in Colostrum and Child
      Intelligence Quotient at Age 5-6 Years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in
      breast milk with children's IQ. STUDY DESIGN: In the French Etude des
      Determinants pre- et postnatals precoces du developpement et de la sante de
      l'Enfant (EDEN) mother-child cohort, colostrum samples were collected at the
      maternity unit. Colostrum omega-6 and omega-3 PUFA were analyzed by gas
      chromatography. At age 5-6 years, the IQs of 1080 children were assessed using
      the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-III. The relationships
      of breastfeeding duration and PUFA levels with children's IQs were examined by
      linear regression. RESULTS: Full scale IQ of ever breastfed children was 4.5 (95%
      CI: 2.7, 6.2) higher than never breastfed children in the unadjusted model, but
      this was not statistically significant in the adjusted model (1.3 points higher [
      0.4, 3.0]). Any breastfeeding duration was associated with full scale (0.20
      [0.00, 0.41] points/month) and verbal (0.31 [0.09, 0.52]) IQ. Colostrum linoleic
      acid (LA) levels were negatively associated with Verbal IQ (-0.6 [-1.1, 0.0]
      points per 1% level increase). Children exposed to colostrum high in LA and low
      in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had lower IQs than those exposed to colostrum high
      in DHA (3.0 [0.5, 5.5] points) and those exposed to colostrum low in LA and DHA
      (4.4 [1.6, 7.3] points). Finally, the association between breastfeeding duration
      and child IQ was stronger when LA levels were high. CONCLUSIONS: Duration of
      breastfeeding and colostrum PUFA levels were associated with children's IQs in
      the EDEN cohort. These data support breastfeeding and add evidence for the role
      of early PUFA exposure on childhood cognition.

PMID- 28081885
TI  - Health-Related Quality of Life and Lifestyle Behavior Clusters in School-Aged
      Children from 12 Countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between children's lifestyles and health
      related quality of life and to explore whether this relationship varies among
      children from different world regions. STUDY DESIGN: This study used cross
      sectional data from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and
      the Environment. Children (9-11 years) were recruited from sites in 12 nations (n
      = 5759). Clustering input variables were 24-hour accelerometry and self-reported
      diet and screen time. Health-related quality of life was self-reported with
      KIDSCREEN-10. Cluster analyses (using compositional analysis techniques) were
      performed on a site-wise basis. Lifestyle behavior cluster characteristics were
      compared between sites. The relationship between cluster membership and health
      related quality of life was assessed with the use of linear models. RESULTS:
      Lifestyle behavior clusters were similar across the 12 sites, with clusters
      commonly characterized by (1) high physical activity (actives); (2) high
      sedentary behavior (sitters); (3) high screen time/unhealthy eating pattern (junk
      food screenies); and (4) low screen time/healthy eating pattern and moderate
      physical activity/sedentary behavior (all-rounders). Health-related quality of
      life was greatest in the all-rounders cluster. CONCLUSIONS: Children from
      different world regions clustered into groups of similar lifestyle behaviors.
      Cluster membership was related to differing health-related quality of life, with
      children from the all-rounders cluster consistently reporting greatest health
      related quality of life at sites around the world. Findings support the
      importance of a healthy combination of lifestyle behaviors in childhood: low
      screen time, healthy eating pattern, and balanced daily activity behaviors
      (physical activity and sedentary behavior). TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01722500.

PMID- 28081887
TI  - Eliminating Disparities in Mother's Milk Feeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care
      Unit.

PMID- 28081888
TI  - A Computerized Sexual Health Survey Improves Testing for Sexually Transmitted
      Infection in a Pediatric Emergency Department.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess whether clinical decision support, using computerized
      sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk assessments, results in increased STI
      testing of adolescents at high risk for STI. STUDY DESIGN: In a 2-arm,
      randomized, controlled trial conducted at a single, urban, pediatric emergency
      department, adolescents completed a computerized sexual health survey. For
      patients assigned to the intervention arm, attending physicians received decision
      support to guide STI testing based on the sexual health survey-derived STI risk;
      in the usual care arm, decision support was not provided. We compared STI testing
      rates between the intervention and usual care groups, adjusting for potential
      confounding using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 728 enrolled
      patients, 635 (87.2%) had evaluable data (323 intervention arm; 312 usual care
      arm). STI testing frequency was higher in the intervention group compared with
      the usual care group (52.3% vs 42%; aOR 2 [95% CI 1.1, 3.8]). This effect was
      even more pronounced among the patients who presented asymptomatic for STI (28.6
      vs 8.2%; aOR 4.7 [95% CI 1.4-15.5]). CONCLUSIONS: Providing sexual health survey
      derived decision support to emergency department clinicians led to increased
      testing rates for STI in adolescents at high risk for infection, particularly in
      those presenting asymptomatic for infection. Studies to understand potential
      barriers to decision support adherence should be undertaken to inform larger,
      multicenter studies that could determine the generalizability of these findings
      and whether this process leads to increased STI detection. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02509572.

PMID- 28081889
TI  - The Placebo Response in Pediatric Abdominal Pain-Related Functional
      Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the magnitude and determinants of the placebo response
      in studies with pediatric abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal
      disorders. STUDY DESIGN: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched for systematic reviews and
      randomized placebo-controlled trials concerning children 4-18 years of age with
      an abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorder. The primary
      outcome was the pooled proportion of subjects assigned to placebo with
      improvement as defined by the authors. The effect of trial characteristics on the
      magnitude of the placebo response was investigated using univariate meta
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-one trials were identified. The pooled
      proportion of subjects with improvement was 41% (95% CI, 34%-49%; 17 studies) and
      with no pain was 17% (95% CI, 8%-32%; 7 studies). The pooled standardized mean
      difference on the Faces Pain Scales compared with baseline was -0.73 (95% CI, 
      1.04 to -0.42; 8 studies). There was significant heterogeneity across studies
      with respect to both outcomes. Lower dosing frequency (P = .04), positive study
      (P = .03), longer duration of treatment (P < .001), and higher placebo dropout (P
      < .001) were associated with higher report of no pain. Response on Faces Pain
      Scales was greater in studies conducted in the Middle East (P = .002), in studies
      that did not report the randomization schedule (P = .02), and in studies with a
      higher percentage of females (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 41% of
      children with abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders
      improve on placebo. Several trial characteristics are correlated significantly
      with the proportion of patients with no pain on placebo and with the magnitude of
      the placebo response on Faces Pain Scales. These data could be valuable for the
      design of future studies.

PMID- 28081890
TI  - Impact of Latency Duration on the Prognosis of Preterm Infants after Preterm
      Premature Rupture of Membranes at 24 to 32 Weeks' Gestation: A National
      Population-Based Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of latency duration on survival, survival without
      severe morbidity, and early-onset sepsis in infants born after preterm premature
      rupture of membranes (PPROM) at 24-32 weeks' gestation. STUDY DESIGN: This study
      was based on the prospective national population-based Etude Epidemiologique sur
      les Petits Ages Gestationnels 2 cohort of preterm births and included 702
      singletons delivered in France after PPROM at 24-32 weeks' gestation. Latency
      duration was defined as the time from spontaneous rupture of membranes to
      delivery, divided into 4 periods (12 hours to 2 days [reference], 3-7 days, 8-14
      days, and >14 days). Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the
      relationship between latency duration and survival, survival without severe
      morbidity at discharge, or early-onset sepsis. RESULTS: Latency duration ranged
      from 12 hours to 2 days (18%), 3-7 days (38%), 8-14 days (24%), and >14 days
      (20%). Rates of survival, survival without severe morbidity, and early-onset
      sepsis were 93.5% (95% CI 91.8-94.8), 85.4% (82.4-87.9), and 3.4% (2.0-5.7),
      respectively. A crude association found between prolonged latency duration and
      improved survival disappeared on adjusting for gestational age at birth (aOR 1.0
      [reference], 1.6 [95% CI 0.8-3.2], 1.2 [0.5-2.9], and 1.0 [0.3-3.2] for latency
      durations from 12 hours to 2 days, 3-7 days, 8-14 days, and >14 days,
      respectively). Prolonged latency duration was not associated with survival
      without severe morbidity or early-onset sepsis. CONCLUSION: For a given
      gestational age at birth, prolonged latency duration after PPROM does not worsen
      neonatal prognosis.

PMID- 28081891
TI  - Preschool Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe preschool neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with
      complex congenital heart disease (CHD), who were evaluated as part of a
      longitudinal cardiac neurodevelopmental follow-up program, as recommended by the
      American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and identify
      predictors of neurodevelopmental outcomes in these children. STUDY DESIGN:
      Children with CHD meeting the American Heart Association/American Academy of
      Pediatrics high-risk criteria for neurodevelopmental delay were evaluated at 4-5
      years of age. Testing included standardized neuropsychological measures. Parents
      completed measures of child functioning. Scores were compared by group (single
      ventricle [1V]; 2 ventricles [2V]; CHD plus known genetic condition) to test
      norms and classified as: normal (within 1 SD of mean); at risk (1-2 SD from
      mean); and impaired (>2 SD from mean). RESULTS: Data on 102 patients were
      analyzed. Neurodevelopmental scores did not differ based on cardiac anatomy (1V
      vs 2V); both groups scored lower than norms on fine motor and adaptive behavior
      skills, but were within 1 SD of norms. Patients with genetic conditions scored
      significantly worse than 1V and 2V groups and test norms on most measures.
      CONCLUSIONS: Children with CHD and genetic conditions are at greatest
      neurodevelopmental risk. Deficits in children with CHD without genetic conditions
      were mild and may not be detected without formal longitudinal testing. Parents
      and providers need additional education regarding the importance of developmental
      follow-up for children with CHD.

PMID- 28081893
TI  - Advances in spatial epidemiology and geographic information systems.
AB  - The field of spatial epidemiology has evolved rapidly in the past 2 decades. This
      study serves as a brief introduction to spatial epidemiology and the use of
      geographic information systems in applied research in epidemiology. We highlight
      technical developments and highlight opportunities to apply spatial analytic
      methods in epidemiologic research, focusing on methodologies involving geocoding,
      distance estimation, residential mobility, record linkage and data integration,
      spatial and spatio-temporal clustering, small area estimation, and Bayesian
      applications to disease mapping. The articles included in this issue incorporate
      many of these methods into their study designs and analytical frameworks. It is
      our hope that these studies will spur further development and utilization of
      spatial analysis and geographic information systems in epidemiologic research.

PMID- 28081892
TI  - Rapid Resolution of Blended or Composite Multigenic Disease in Infants by Whole
      Exome Sequencing.
AB  - Whole-exome sequencing identified multiple genetic causes in 2 infants with
      heterogeneous disease. Three gene defects in the first patient explained all
      symptoms, but manifestations were overlapping (blended phenotype). Two gene
      defects in the second patient explained nonoverlapping symptoms (composite
      phenotype). Whole-exome sequencing rapidly and comprehensively resolves
      heterogeneous genetic disease.

PMID- 28081894
TI  - Prevalence of serious mental illness among parents in the United States: results
      from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 2008-2014.
AB  - PURPOSE: This brief research report presents findings from a US national
      household survey on the number and percentage of parents with mental illness.
      METHODS: Using combined annual data from the 2008-2014 National Survey on Drug
      Use and Health, parents were defined as having children in the household from
      birth to 18 years. Prediction models developed in an earlier clinical study using
      a National Survey on Drug Use and Health subsample were used to estimate serious
      mental illness (SMI). RESULTS: A total of 2.7 million parents (3.8%) had a SMI in
      the past year and 12.8 million parents (18.2%) had any mental illness in the past
      year. Mental illness was more common among mothers than fathers and least common
      among Asians compared with other races. SMI was less prevalent in parents who
      were aged 50 years and older compared with younger age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
      burden of mental illness in parents is high in the United States, especially
      among mothers. Physicians who treat parents should routinely screen for mental
      illness and discuss its implications for parenting.

PMID- 28081895
TI  - Cyclodextrins as inhibitors of the precipitation of riboflavin-5'-phosphate due
      to presence of zinc chloride: A NMR investigation.
AB  - Several cyclodextrins (CDs) were probed in order to counteract the precipitation
      of riboflavin-5'-phosphate (or flavin mononucleotide, FMN-P) due to the presence
      of divalent cations, by exploiting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
      both for quantitative analyses and stereochemical characterizations. Among CDs,
      beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) showed the best solubilizing power in virtue of the
      formation of a 1-2 FMN-P/beta-CD complex, the stereochemistry of which was
      ascertained by ROESY (Rotating-frame Overhauser Enhanced SpectroscopY)
      measurements.

PMID- 28081896
TI  - [A computerised clinical decision-support system for the management of depression
      in Primary Care].
AB  - Despite its clinical relevance and its importance as a public health problem,
      there are major gaps in the management of depression. Evidence-based clinical
      guidelines are useful to improve processes and clinical outcomes. In order to
      make their implementation easier these guidelines have been transformed into
      computerised clinical decision support systems. In this article, a description is
      presented on the basics and characteristics of a new computerised clinical
      guideline for the management of major depression, developed in the public health
      system in Catalonia. This tool helps the clinician to establish reliable and
      accurate diagnoses of depression, to choose the best treatment a priori according
      to the disease and the patient characteristics. It also emphasises the importance
      of systematic monitoring to assess the clinical course, and to adjust therapeutic
      interventions to the patient's needs at all times.

PMID- 28081897
TI  - The incidence and impact of arthroscopy in the year prior to total knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior knee surgery and arthroscopy is known to increase complications
      and re-operations in subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We set out to
      examine the time dependant effect of arthroscopy on Patient Reported Outcome
      Measures following subsequent TKA. METHODS: A retrospective review of theatre and
      clinical records identified 186 patients who underwent TKA within a year of
      arthroscopy (2009-2013). Oxford knee score (OKS) data was compared with a
      published cohort from the same department (1708 patients). RESULTS: One hundred
      and eighty six patients were identified who underwent TKA within a year of
      arthroscopy; 112 females, 74 males; mean age 64 (SD 10); mean BMI 31.4 (SD 4.6).
      There was no significant difference between groups with respect to sex, age, BMI,
      or pre-operative OKS. One hundred and three patients underwent TKA within six
      months of arthroscopy. This group had a significant reduction in OKS compared to
      the previously published cohort (32.8 vs 36.3, p<0.005). There was no significant
      difference in OKS when TKA was performed more than six months after arthroscopy
      (35.3). The re-operation rate was 14% in the arthroscopy group, with a revision
      rate of 3.8% vs 1.6% in a previously published large cohort from the same
      institution. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a negative impact of arthroscopy in
      relation to subsequent TKA which seems to be time dependent. TKA should not
      routinely be performed within six months of arthroscopy. This should inform
      guidelines on the management knee osteoarthritis.

PMID- 28081898
TI  - Good functional results following high tibial opening-wedge osteotomy of knees
      with medial osteoarthritis: A prospective study with a mean of 8.3years of follow
      up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report time dependent functional improvement and predictive risk
      factors for failure when the load in varus knees with medial osteoarthritis is
      shifted from the medial to the lateral knee compartment. METHODS: Forty-nine
      consecutive patients (52 knees), mean age 47 (31-64) years, underwent a high
      tibial opening-wedge valgus osteotomy stabilized with a Puddu plate and bone
      grafting. The patients were evaluated with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis
      Outcome Score (KOOS) preoperatively and at three and six months, one, two, five
      and 10years postoperatively with a mean follow-up time of 8.3years (2.0-10.6).
      RESULTS: Mean angular correction was 8.0 degrees  (four to 12). The five
      subscores of KOOS increased significantly during the first year by 40-131% from
      preoperative values, the good results remaining throughout the 10-year follow-up
      for those with a surviving osteotomy. The outcome was related to the grade of
      preoperative osteoarthritis. Seven knees were converted to total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) mean 6.2years (two to nine) post-operatively, and had a lower
      KOOS preoperatively than those of surviving osteotomies. The osteotomy survival
      rate at five years was 94% and at 10years 83%. Patients with KOOS subscore
      quality of life (QoL) <44 at the two-year follow-up had a 11.7 times higher risk
      for later TKA than those with QoL >=44 (P=0.017). CONCLUSION: High tibial opening
      wedge osteotomy for medial knee osteoarthritis resulted in good functional
      recovery after one year and favorable mid-term results. It may be a good
      treatment option for middle-aged patients with varus knees and medial
      osteoarthritis in order to prevent or postpone TKA.

PMID- 28081899
TI  - BARCHAN: Blob Alignment for Robust CHromatographic ANalysis.
AB  - Two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC*GC) plays a central role into the
      elucidation of complex samples. The automation of the identification of peak
      areas is of prime interest to obtain a fast and repeatable analysis of
      chromatograms. To determine the concentration of compounds or pseudo-compounds,
      templates of blobs are defined and superimposed on a reference chromatogram. The
      templates then need to be modified when different chromatograms are recorded. In
      this study, we present a chromatogram and template alignment method based on peak
      registration called BARCHAN. Peaks are identified using a robust mathematical
      morphology tool. The alignment is performed by a probabilistic estimation of a
      rigid transformation along the first dimension, and a non-rigid transformation in
      the second dimension, taking into account noise, outliers and missing peaks in a
      fully automated way. Resulting aligned chromatograms and masks are presented on
      two datasets. The proposed algorithm proves to be fast and reliable. It
      significantly reduces the time to results for GC*GC analysis.

PMID- 28081900
TI  - Broadening of analyte streams due to a transverse pressure gradient in free-flow
      isoelectric focusing.
AB  - Pressure-driven cross-flows can arise in free-flow isoelectric focusing systems
      (FFIEF) due to a non-uniform electroosmotic flow velocity along the channel width
      induced by the pH gradient in this direction. In addition, variations in the
      channel cross-section as well as unwanted differences in hydrostatic heads at the
      buffer/sample inlet ports can also lead to such pressure-gradients which besides
      altering the equilibrium position of the sample zones have a tendency to
      substantially broaden their widths deteriorating the separations. In this
      situation, a thorough assessment of stream broadening due to transverse pressure
      gradients in FFIEF devices is necessary in order to establish accurate design
      rules for the assay. The present article describes a mathematical framework to
      estimate the noted zone dispersion in FFIEF separations based on the method-of
      moments approach under laminar flow conditions. A closed-form expression has been
      derived for the spatial variance of the analyte streams at their equilibrium
      positions as a function of the various operating parameters governing the assay
      performance. This expression predicts the normalized stream variance under the
      chosen conditions to be determined by two dimensionless Peclet numbers evaluated
      based on the transverse pressure-driven and electrophoretic solute velocities in
      the separation chamber, respectively. Moreover, the analysis shows that while the
      stream width can be expected to increase with an increase in the value of the
      first Peclet number, the opposite trend will be followed with respect to the
      latter. The noted results have been validated using Monte Carlo simulations that
      also establish a time/length scale over which the predicted equilibrium stream
      width is attained in the system.

PMID- 28081901
TI  - Development of a multichannel microfluidic system with Schlieren imaging
      microscopy for online chip-based moving boundary electrophoresis.
AB  - The concentration gradient detection method based on the Schlieren optics
      employed for electrophoresis analyses by extending the technology to a multi
      channel system using a prototyped microfluidic chip (thinXXS Micro-technology,
      Germany). The results prove that coupling a chip-based microfluidic device with
      Schlieren detection is an appropriate approach to improve the electrophoretic
      separations. The effects of channel's geometry and dimension were investigated by
      conducting the experiments in channels with different cross sectional areas. Fast
      kinetic data acquisition of the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera facilitated
      recording of a time sequence of optical images, demonstrating the potential of
      the CCD camera as a powerful tool for studying dynamic processes such as
      diffusion. Diffusion coefficients of sample proteins were measured under static
      and dynamic conditions, where the static mode demonstrated more accurate results.
      Furthermore, the Fourier transformation was employed to improve the Schlieren
      images for quantitative analysis of the diffusion coefficient measurement.

PMID- 28081902
TI  - [Renal abnormalities].

PMID- 28081903
TI  - Prevalence of obesity and diabetes in Spanish adults 1987-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM)
      has increased worldwide. Our objective was to examine trends in the prevalence of
      overweight, obesity, morbid obesity and DM in Spain from 1987 to 2012.
      PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from 8 waves of the national health
      surveys which are cross-sectional studies conducted in representative samples of
      the Spanish adult population. Self-reported data of 156,440 adults (>=16 years)
      from 1987 to 2012 were used. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self
      reported weight and height. Overweight was defined as a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9kg/m2,
      obesity as a BMI>=30kg/m2 and morbid obesity as a BMI>=40kg/m2. DM was considered
      present if the participant reported having been diagnosed. Age-adjusted
      prevalence was adjusted by the direct standardisation method to the 2003 survey
      population. RESULTS: From 1987 to 2012 age-adjusted prevalence of overweight
      increased from 34.0% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 33.2-34.8) to 35.8% (95%
      CI 35.0-36.6), prevalence of obesity from 8.0% (95% CI 7.5-8.5) to 16.5% (95% CI
      15.7-17.1%) and DM prevalence from 4.2% (95% CI 3.9-4.5) to 7.1% (95% CI 6.7
      7.4%). Morbid obesity increased from 0.20% (95% CI 0.13-0.27) in 1993 to 0.88%
      (95% CI 0.70-1.05) in 2012. The growth rate was greater among males. CONCLUSIONS:
      An increasing trend of the prevalence of overweight, obesity, morbid obesity and
      DM was found in Spain from 1987 to 2012, particularly in males.

PMID- 28081904
TI  - Screening and treatment of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis.

PMID- 28081905
TI  - [Perioperative stroke following transurethral resection of prostate: high index
      of suspicion and stabilization of physiological parameters can save lives].
AB  - We report a case of a 72 year old hypertensive male who developed severe
      hypertension followed by neurological deterioration in the immediate
      postoperative period after transurethral resection of prostate. While arterial
      blood gas and laboratory tests excluded transurethral resection of prostate
      syndrome or any other metabolic cause, reduction of blood pressure failed to
      ameliorate the symptoms. A cranial CT done 4hours after the onset of neurological
      symptoms revealed bilateral gangliocapsular and right thalamic infarcts. Oral
      aspirin was advised to prevent early recurrent stroke. Supportive treatment and
      mechanical ventilation ensured physiological stability and the patient recovered
      completely over the next few days without any residual neurological deficit.

PMID- 28081906
TI  - [Neuraxial analgesia in a parturient with the VACTERL association undergoing
      labor and vaginal delivery].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The term VACTERL is an acronym for an association of congenital
      malformations: including vertebral, anal, cardiac, tracheo-esophageal, renal and
      limb anomalies. VACTERL anomalies pose a formidable challenge to
      anesthesiologists. We describe the anesthetic management of a parturient with
      VACTERL association, who underwent neuraxial analgesia for labor and vaginal
      delivery. CASE REPORT: A 23 year old primigravida at 39 weeks gestation presented
      in labor at 4cm cervical dilatation, completely effaced, requesting labor
      analgesia. Past medical history included VACTERL association with an imperforate
      anus and a partial endocardial cushion defect, both repaired in early childhood.
      She also had significant dorso-lumbar scoliosis with an extra lumbar vertebra. An
      MRI performed at 14 years age revealed the above findings with no spinal cord
      abnormalities. With a normal neurologic exam, a combined spinal epidural
      technique was performed. Despite significant scoliosis, the epidural space was
      identified at approximately the L3-L4 interspace at a depth of 5cm. Spinal
      Fentanyl 25mcg was administered followed by continuous patient-controlled
      epidural analgesia. The patient experienced excellent pain relief throughout her
      labor, and had an uneventful vaginal delivery 5h after epidural placement.
      DISCUSSION: The rarity of VACTERL association in the obstetric population with
      its extensive anomalies mandates a multidisciplinary approach in the prenatal
      period as it can pose major challenges to all health care providers, including
      airway, ventilatory, cardiac and neuraxial problems. This is the first reported
      case of a successful and safe neuraxial technique in a laboring patient with the
      VACTERL association with albeit limited vertebral and spinal cord anomalies.

PMID- 28081907
TI  - [Anesthetic management of an infant with giant abdominal neuroblastoma].
AB  - Neuroblastoma is the most common, non-central nervous system tumor of childhood.
      It has the potential to synthesize catecholamines. However, the presences of
      hypertension are uncommon. We report the perioperative management of a 15-month
      old infant with giant abdominal neuroblastoma who presented severe hypertension.
      The pathophysiological alterations of neuroblastoma are reviewed and
      perioperative management presented.

PMID- 28081908
TI  - The impact on women's health and the cervical cancer screening budget of primary
      HPV screening with dual-stain cytology triage in Belgium.
AB  - Dual stain cytology, or "diagnostic cytology", offers a significant increase in
      sensitivity compared to cytology, with a slight decrease in specificity. This can
      reduce additional investigations like colposcopies, biopsies, and follow-up
      visits. Cervical cancer screening for women between 25 and 65 years of age with
      diagnostic cytology is estimated to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer by
      36% and reduce annual cervical cancer mortalities by 40%. The reduced number of
      screening visits and the decrease in incidence and mortality will improve quality
      of life. In this article, a model was created to evaluate the cost-effectiveness
      of diagnostic cytology for Belgium. In this approach, precancerous cells are more
      likely to be immediately identified during the first screening visit. This
      reduces both the number and frequency of follow-up visits required. After two
      cycles (6 years), the prevalence of CIN and cervical cancer is decreased
      significantly in the screened population. At a population level, these shifts can
      reduce the screening budget by 21%, resulting in savings of 5.3 million euro a
      year in Belgium. Diagnostic cytology benefits all stakeholders involved in
      cervical cancer screening.

PMID- 28081909
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus screening and decolonization reduces the risk of surgical
      site infections in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery.
AB  - In a controlled before-and-after study in a single centre, it was aimed to
      determine whether identification of Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriers followed
      by nasal mupirocin ointment and chlorhexidine soap reduced surgical site
      infections (SSIs) among 182 patients undergoing deep brain stimulation. In all,
      119 patients were included in the control group and 63 in the screening group.
      There was a significant SSI decrease from 10.9% to 1.6% between the two groups
      (P<0.04; relative risk: 0.13; 95% confidence interval: 0.003-0.922). There were
      eight SSIs involving S. aureus in the control group, none in the screening group.
      No specific risk factors for SSI were identified.

PMID- 28081910
TI  - The global hand-sanitizing relay: promoting hand hygiene through innovation.
AB  - On the 10th anniversary of the 'Clean Care is Safer Care' programme, the World
      Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety launched the
      'Global Hand Sanitizing Relay 2015' (HSRelay). This hospital-wide activity
      promotes the WHO handrubbing technique to improve hand hygiene (HH) compliance.
      More than 15,000 healthcare workers (HCWs) from 133 hospitals in 43 countries
      participated. Between May and September 2015, 14 hospitals submitted pre- and
      post-event HH compliance data; 57% (8/14) reported a significant increase while
      others showed minimal or no improvement (average absolute change 9.4%). The
      HSRelay demonstrated that HCWs were interested in novel strategies to improve HH
      compliance.

PMID- 28081911
TI  - Antimicrobial coating innovations to prevent healthcare-associated infection.

PMID- 28081912
TI  - Veterinary epidemiology: Forging a path toward one health.
AB  - The One Health concept has been extensively used to describe those practices that
      support transdisciplinary collaborations involving animal and human health and
      the environment. During the past International Society of Veterinary Epidemiology
      and Economics (ISVEE) conference in Merida (Mexico) in November 2015, a panel
      discussion was held to identify gaps and needs required for success with such
      approaches. Key messages included further development of dynamic,
      transdisciplinary collaborations, new mechanisms for obtaining, integrating and
      interpreting data from diverse sources, the identification of One Health joint
      priorities and resources for the veterinary and public health professions, and
      operationalization and institutionalization of One Health. Additionally, all
      abstracts that were presented at ISVEE containing the term "One Health" were
      identified. There has been an increase in the use of the term over time. One
      Health research has been presented at ISVEE since at least as early as 2009 and
      has been highlighted at the conference for work carried out in at least 41
      countries from 69 research centers or institutions, with highly diversified
      articles, which reveals the richness of this field of research.

PMID- 28081913
TI  - Checkpoint inhibition: a new beginning for urothelial cancer.

PMID- 28081915
TI  - FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab as conversion-therapy for liver metastases in
      colorectal cancer: A necessity?

PMID- 28081914
TI  - Safety and activity of pembrolizumab in patients with locally advanced or
      metastatic urothelial cancer (KEYNOTE-012): a non-randomised, open-label, phase
      1b study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PD-1 and its ligands are expressed in urothelial cancer, and findings
      have shown that inhibition of the PD-1 pathway has clinical benefit. We aimed to
      assess the safety and activity of an anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab in patients
      with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. METHODS: This study was
      part of the non-randomised, multi-cohort, open-label, phase 1b KEYNOTE-012 basket
      trial. We enrolled patients aged 18 years and older with a histologically or
      cytologically confirmed diagnosis of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial
      cancer, including cancers of the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, or urethra, from
      eight hospitals in the USA and Israel. Patients were required to have at least 1%
      PD-L1 expression detected on the tumour cells or in tumour stroma, as determined
      by immunohistochemistry. Patients were given 10 mg/kg intravenous pembrolizumab
      every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxic effects, or the end
      of the study (ie, 24 months of treatment). Primary endpoints were safety and
      overall response (defined by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors
      [RECIST] version 1.1), as assessed by a masked, independent central review.
      Safety was assessed in patients who received one or more doses of pembrolizumab
      (all-patients-as-treated population); activity was assessed in patients who
      received pembrolizumab, had measurable disease at baseline, and had one or more
      post-baseline scans, or discontinued because of progressive disease or treatment
      related adverse events (full analysis set). This study is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01848834, and is no longer enrolling patients;
      follow-up is ongoing. FINDINGS: Between May 14, 2013, and Dec 10, 2013, 115
      patients were tissue pre-screened as part of a two-part consent process. 61 (53%)
      patients were PD-L1 positive, of whom 33 were enrolled in this study. All
      enrolled patients received at least one dose of pembrolizumab and were included
      in the safety analyses. 27 patients comprised the full analysis set and were
      deemed assessable for activity. Six patients were not assessable: three
      discontinued study drug because of a non-treatment-related adverse event before
      the first post-baseline scan, two withdrew before the first post-baseline scan,
      and one had no measurable disease at baseline. The most common treatment-related
      adverse events were fatigue (six [18%] of 33 patients) and peripheral oedema (4
      [12%]). Five (15%) patients had 11 grade 3 treatment-related adverse events; no
      single event occurred in more than one patient. Three (9%) patients experienced
      five serious treatment-related adverse events. After median follow-up of 13
      months (range 1-26, IQR 5-23), an overall response was achieved in seven (26%
      [95% CI 11-46]) of 27 assessable patients, with three (11% [2-29]) complete and
      four (15% [4-34]) partial responses. Of the four deaths that occurred during the
      study (cardiac arrest, pneumonia, sepsis, and subarachnoid haemorrhage), none
      were deemed treatment related. INTERPRETATION: Pembrolizumab showed anti-tumour
      activity and acceptable safety in patients with advanced urothelial cancer,
      supporting ongoing phase 2 and 3 studies of pembrolizumab in this population.
      FUNDING: Merck & Co., Inc.

PMID- 28081916
TI  - Vocal Characteristics and Laryngoscopic Findings in Future Musical Theater
      Performers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Musical theater performers are a special group of elite vocal
      performers with a high vocal load as they combine singing, acting, and physical
      performance. As they are absolutely depending on their voice quality and vocal
      capacities for their studies and their future profession, an optimal voice
      production is very important. The purpose of this study was to determine the
      voice quality of musical theater students. The voice quality of seven students
      was then reevaluated 1 year after the first assessment. STUDY DESIGN:
      Observational study. METHODS: Thirty-one musical students (7 men and 24 women)
      with a mean age of 20 years participated in the study. To determine the voice
      quality, objective (aerodynamic measurements, voice range profile, acoustic
      analysis, and Dysphonia Severity Index) and subjective (videolaryngostroboscopy,
      Voice Handicap Indexes, and questionnaires regarding voice symptoms and risk
      factors) voice measurements were performed. RESULTS: The median Dysphonia
      Severity Index in male and female musical students was respectively 5.3 and 5.7,
      both corresponding with an overall good voice quality. The questionnaires
      revealed the presence of vocal fatigue, dryness of the throat, vocal tract
      discomfort, and harmful vocal habits in the majority of students. In 45% of the
      subjects, videolaryngostroboscopic evaluation of the vocal folds showed an
      organic lesion. The majority of these lesions are inflammatory lesions (26%). In
      68% of the subjects, a certain degree of supraglottic constriction was observed.
      CONCLUSION: Despite the overall good voice quality, videolaryngostroboscopy
      showed a high presence of vocal fold lesions and supraglottic constriction during
      phonation.

PMID- 28081917
TI  - [Congenital anomalies of the optic disc: In the differential diagnosis of
      congenital glaucoma].

PMID- 28081919
TI  - [Swept-Source optical coherence tomography angiography of X-linked
      retinoschisis].

PMID- 28081918
TI  - [Selective laser trabeculoplasty: Effect of number of preoperative topical
      glaucoma medications on pressure lowering and success rate].
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) one year after
      SLT and to assess if differences are related to number of pre-SLT topical
      treatments in ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG)
      patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of 106 eyes of 13 OHT and 93 POAG
      patients treated by SLT for insufficient IOP control, allergy, discomfort or non
      compliance to glaucoma medications, excluding patients with less than 1 year of
      follow-up after SLT. IOP was measured by applanation before and at 1, 6 and 12
      months after SLT. RESULTS: Hundred and six eyes untreated (n=13), or treated with
      one (n=25), two (n=40) or three or more (n=28) glaucoma medications were
      included. Mean IOP decreased from 19.4+/-3.6mmHg preoperatively to 15.7+/-3.1mmHg
      at 12 months, which corresponds to an average decrease of 18.8%. At 1 year, 62.2%
      (n=66) were responders (IOP reduction>=3mmHg): 92.3% without medications (n=12),
      68% with one (n=17), 57.5% with two (n=23) and 50% with three or more medications
      (n=14). Their average IOP decreased from 20.7+/-3.4 to 15.2+/-2.9mmHg (26.6%),
      respectively from 20.8+/-2.6 to 15.8+/-3.2 (25%) without medications, 20.6+/-3.2
      to 14.9+/-3.7 (27.3%) with one, 20.8+/-4.1 to 15.5+/-3.3 (25.1%) with two and
      20.7+/-3.2 to 14.4+/-2.4mmHg (29.7%) with three medications. CONCLUSIONS: The
      number of responders seems to be greater in OHT and POAG patients without or with
      few glaucoma medications, but the IOP reduction seems to be similar regardless of
      the number of glaucoma medications.

PMID- 28081920
TI  - Control of an Acinetobacter baumannii multidrug resistance endemic in the ICU.
      Recalling the obvious.

PMID- 28081921
TI  - Urotensinergic system genes in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cerebral vasospasm, one of the main complications of subarachnoid
      hemorrhage (SAH), is characterized by arterial constriction and mainly occurs
      from day 4 until the second week after the event. Urotensin-II (U-II) has been
      described as the most potent vasoconstrictor peptide in mammals. An analysis is
      made of the serum U-II concentrations and mRNA expression levels of U-II,
      urotensin related peptide (URP) and urotensin receptor (UT) genes in an
      experimental murine model of SAH. DESIGN: An experimental study was carried out.
      SETTING: Experimental operating room of the Biomedicine Institute of Seville
      (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital (Seville, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: 96
      Wistar rats: 74 SAH and 22 sham intervention animals. INTERVENTIONS: Day 1: blood
      sampling, followed by the percutaneous injection of 100MUl saline (sham) or blood
      (SAH) into the subarachnoid space. Day 5: blood sampling, followed by sacrifice
      of the animals. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Weight, early mortality, serum U-II
      levels, mRNA values for U-II, URP and UT. RESULTS: Serum U-II levels increased in
      the SAH group from day 1 (0.62pg/mL [IQR 0.36-1.08]) to day 5 (0.74pg/mL [IQR
      0.39-1.43]) (p<0.05), though not in the sham group (0.56pg/mL [IQR 0.06-0.83] day
      1; 0.37pg/mL [IQR 0.23-0.62] day 5; p=0.959). Between-group differences were
      found on day 5 (p<0.05). The ROC analysis showed that the day 5 serum U-II levels
      (AUC=0.691), URP mRNA (AUC=0.706) and UT mRNA (AUC=0.713) could discriminate
      between sham and SAH rats. The normal serum U-II concentration range in rats was
      0.56pg/mL (IQR 0.06-0.83). CONCLUSION: The urotensinergic system is upregulated
      on day 5 in an experimental model of SAH.

PMID- 28081922
TI  - Application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to Detect Toxigenic Clostridium
      difficile from Stool Specimens: A Proof of Concept.
AB  - We evaluated the performance of an early prototype core molecular mirroring
      nuclear magnetic resonance detection platform (Mentor-100) to detect toxigenic
      Clostridium difficile from stool. This technology uses customized nanoparticles
      bound to target specific oligonucleotide probes that form binaries in the
      presence of nucleic acid from the target microorganism. Liquid patient stool
      specimens were seeded with C. difficile or other Clostridium species to determine
      the analytical sensitivity and specificity. Samples underwent nucleic acid
      extraction and target amplification with probes conjugated with iron
      nanoparticles. Signal from nuclear magnetic resonance spin-spin relaxation time
      was measured to detect the presence or absence of toxigenic C. difficile. The
      limit of detection was <180 colony forming units per reaction of toxigenic C.
      difficile. No cross-reactivity was observed with nontoxigenic C. difficile,
      Clostridium sordellii, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus subtilis, or
      Paenibacillus polymyxa at 108 colony forming units/mL. Correlation studies using
      frozen stool samples yielded a sensitivity of 88.4% (61 of 69) and a specificity
      of 87.0% (40 of 46) as compared with a commercial PCR assay for C. difficile. The
      area under the curve in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was
      0.922. The prototype molecular mirroring platform showed promising performance
      for pathogen detection from clinical specimens. The platform design has the
      potential to offer a novel, low-cost alternative to currently available nucleic
      acid-based tests.

PMID- 28081923
TI  - Analysis of rhizobial endosymbionts of Vicia, Lathyrus and Trifolium species used
      to maintain mountain firewalls in Sierra Nevada National Park (South Spain).
AB  - Forest fires lead to the annual disappearance of many natural formations that
      require the creation of firewall areas. They can be maintained by enriching their
      pastures with attractive plants for grazing livestock, mainly legumes, which have
      a high protein content and low dependence on N fertilizers due to their ability
      to establish nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with rhizobia. In this study, the rhizobia
      isolated from the nodules of six legumes from the genera Vicia, Lathyrus and
      Trifolium were analysed in a firewall zone established in Lanjaron (Granada)
      close to the Sierra Nevada National Park (Spain). The results showed a high
      genetic diversity of the isolated strains that had 3, 16, 14 and 13 different
      types of rrs, recA, atpD and glnII genes, respectively. All strains were
      phylogenetically close to the species from the Rhizobium leguminosarum group,
      although they were not identified as any of them. The isolated strains belonged
      to the symbiovars viciae and trifolii but high phylogenetic diversity was found
      within both symbiovars, since there were 16 and 14 nodC gene types, respectively.
      Some of these strains clustered with strains isolated in other countries and
      continents, but others formed atpD, recA, glnII and nodC clusters and lineages
      only found to date in this study.

PMID- 28081925
TI  - Detection of mcr-1-encoding plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant Salmonella
      isolates from human infection in Denmark.

PMID- 28081924
TI  - Physiological and gene expression responses to nitrogen regimes and temperatures
      in Mastigocladus sp. strain CHP1, a predominant thermotolerant cyanobacterium of
      hot springs.
AB  - Cyanobacteria are widely distributed primary producers with significant
      implications for the global biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen.
      Diazotrophic cyanobacteria of subsection V (Order Stigonematales) are
      particularly ubiquitous in photoautotrophic microbial mats of hot springs. The
      Stigonematal cyanobacterium strain CHP1 isolated from the Porcelana hot spring
      (Chile) was one of the major contributors of the new nitrogen through nitrogen
      fixation. Further morphological and genetic characterization verified that the
      strain CHP1 belongs to Stigonematales, and it formed a separate clade together
      with other thermophiles of the genera Fischerella and Mastigocladus. Strain CHP1
      fixed maximum N2 in the light, independent of the temperature range. At 50
      degrees C nifH gene transcripts showed high expression during the light period,
      whereas the nifH gene expression at 45 degrees C was arrhythmic. The strain
      displayed a high affinity for nitrate and a low tolerance for high ammonium
      concentrations, whereas the narB and glnA genes showed higher expression in light
      and at the beginning of the dark phase. It is proposed that Mastigocladus sp.
      strain CHP1 would represent a good model for the study of subsection V
      thermophilic cyanobacteria, and for understanding the adaptations of these
      photoautotrophic organisms inhabiting microbial mats in hot springs globally.

PMID- 28081927
TI  - Florid reactive periostitis of the long bone: A case series of seven patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Florid reactive periostitis (FRP) is a rare benign periosteal lesion,
      which mostly involves the tubular bones of the extremities. FRP of the long bone
      is especially rare. We here report a case series of long bone FRP and also
      discuss the differential diagnosis and clinical outcome of our series. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: In total, four female and three male patients with long bone FRP and
      a mean age of 25.1 years were evaluated for this study, from which four upper
      extremity and three lower extremity FRP lesions were identified. Patients were
      classified according to the clinical, radiological and pathological
      manifestations of the lesion. RESULTS: Periosteal reaction and edema around the
      lesions were observed in all cases. Calcified mass, bone marrow edema and
      cortical erosion were observed in six out of seven patients. Moreover, two
      lesions with peripheral mineralization and zoning appearances were observed. Limb
      rest and anti-inflammatory therapy proved to be sufficient treatment in all
      cases. The lesions were spontaneously resolved in all cases, leaving a residual
      exostosis. CONCLUSION: Our report indicates that short bone and long bone FRP
      could reveal different characteristics in some aspects, including the choice of
      the therapeutic approach. In spite of the favorable clinical outcome of long bone
      FRP, its differentiation from more aggressive lesions, especially osteosarcoma
      and osteomyelitis, should still be taken into consideration. In addition,
      according to our evidence, the implication of the zonal pattern in differential
      diagnosis of FRP and myositis ossificans (MO) could be re-evaluated.

PMID- 28081926
TI  - Asymmetrical vertebral collapse from spinal metastasis in lower thoracic and
      lumbar spine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between
      spinal metastasis and osteoporotic compression fractures on plain X-ray images,
      focusing on asymmetrical vertebral collapse and fracture level. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study included 180 patients with pathological collapse from spinal
      metastasis (188 vertebrae) who were treated at our institution and 70 patients
      (92 vertebrae) with osteoporotic compression fractures. Anteroposterior X-ray
      images of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine were evaluated for asymmetrical
      collapse deformity. RESULTS: Asymmetrical collapse was found in 134 vertebrae
      (71.3%) with metastasis, and in 20 osteoporotic vertebrae (21.7%); this
      difference was significant (p < 0.0001). The asymmetrical collapse angle in
      spinal metastasis patients ranged from 0 to 18 degrees , with a mean of 7.0 and a
      standard deviation (SD) of 4.5. In contrast, the asymmetrical collapse angle in
      patients with osteoporotic fractures ranged from 0 to 13 degrees , with a mean of
      3.1 and a SD of 2.8. The difference in collapse angle between the two groups was
      statistically significant (p < 0.001). The cutoff value to suspect spinal
      metastasis was determined to be 5 degrees  or more (sensitivity 0.67, specificity
      0.74). Fracture at Th10 or below L3 was found in 20.2% of spinal metastasis
      patients; only 3% of osteoporotic fractures occurred at these levels. CONCLUSION:
      Asymmetrical collapse with an angle of 5 degrees  or more and fractures at
      atypical levels on plain radiographs can be useful clues to spinal metastasis.

PMID- 28081928
TI  - Relationship between clinical symptoms of osteoporotic vertebral fracture with
      intravertebral cleft and radiographic findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With aging of the population, the numbers of osteoporotic vertebral
      fractures with intravertebral cleft have been increasing. However, the details of
      clinical symptoms of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with intravertebral cleft
      are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship
      between clinical symptoms of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with intravertebral
      cleft and radiographic findings. METHODS: Two hundred seventeen patients with
      single-level osteoporotic vertebral fractures with intravertebral cleft were
      examined. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using Numerical Rating Scale for back
      pain and the Oswestry Disability Index for physical disability. The presence of
      delayed neurologic deficit was also detected. Radiography and computed tomography
      were used to measure local kyphotic angle and vertebral instability and to detect
      the presence of posterior wall fracture of the vertebral body. Correlations
      between clinical symptoms of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with intravertebral
      cleft and radiographic findings were investigated. RESULTS: Mean Numerical Rating
      Scale and Oswestry Disability Index were 7.4 and 58.0%, respectively. Delayed
      neurologic deficit occurred in 41 patients (19%). The mean local kyphotic angle,
      vertebral instability, and rate of posterior wall fracture of the vertebral body
      were 19.4 degrees , 7.3 degrees , and 91%, respectively. Numerical Rating Scale
      and Oswestry Disability Index were statistically correlated with vertebral
      instability but not with local kyphotic angle and presence of posterior wall
      fracture. In the patients with delayed neurologic deficit, vertebral instability
      was significantly higher and posterior wall fractures were significantly more
      frequent than in the patients without delayed neurologic deficit. Local kyphotic
      angle was not correlated with delayed neurologic deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral
      instability is a factor causing symptoms of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with
      intravertebral cleft. In addition, vertebral instability may be the predominant
      cause of delayed neurologic deficit. To manage osteoporotic vertebral fractures
      with intravertebral cleft and delayed neurologic deficit efficiently, it may be
      important to control vertebral instability of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

PMID- 28081929
TI  - Human knee joint sound during the Lachman test: Comparison between healthy and
      anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Lachman test is clinically considered to be a reliable physical
      examination for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. However, the test
      involves subjective judgement of differences in tibial translation and endpoint
      quality. An auscultation system has been developed to allow assessment of the
      Lachman test. The knee joint sound during the Lachman test was analyzed using
      fast Fourier transformation. The purpose of the present study was to
      quantitatively evaluate knee joint sounds in healthy and ACL-deficient human
      knees. METHODS: Sixty healthy volunteers and 24 patients with ACL injury were
      examined. The Lachman test with joint auscultation was evaluated using a
      microphone. Knee joint sound during the Lachman test (Lachman sound) was analyzed
      by fast Fourier transformation. As quantitative indices of the Lachman sound, the
      peak sound (Lachman peak sound) as the maximum relative amplitude (acoustic
      pressure) and its frequency were used. RESULTS: In healthy volunteers, the mean
      Lachman peak sound of intact knees was 100.6 Hz in frequency and -45 dB in
      acoustic pressure. Moreover, a sex difference was found in the frequency of the
      Lachman peak sound. In patients with ACL injury, the frequency of the Lachman
      peak sound of the ACL-deficient knees was widely dispersed. In the ACL-deficient
      knees, the mean Lachman peak sound was 306.8 Hz in frequency and -63.1 dB in
      acoustic pressure. If the reference range was set at the frequency of the healthy
      volunteer Lachman peak sound, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive
      value, and negative predictive value were 83.3%, 95.6%, 95.2%, and 85.2%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Knee joint auscultation during the Lachman test was
      capable of judging ACL deficiency on the basis of objective data. In particular,
      the frequency of the Lachman peak sound was able to assess ACL condition.

PMID- 28081930
TI  - Management of foot deformity in children.
AB  - This study describes the management of foot deformity in children. Severe
      congenital clubfeet treated using posteromedial release without talocalcaneal
      joint release were flexible and functional. Talectomy may be necessary for
      congenital clubfeet with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. The diagnosis and
      severity of vertical talus were defined based on stress radiographs. For the
      deformity with spina bifida, a combination of talocalcaneal joint fusion and
      precise correction by soft tissue release and tendon transfer was performed. This
      combined surgery is effective, particularly in patients with equino-varus feet.

PMID- 28081931
TI  - Neurogenin-2-transduced human neural progenitor cells attenuate neonatal hypoxic
      ischemic brain injury.
AB  - Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury leads to high mortality and
      neurodevelopmental disabilities. Multipotent neural progenitor cells (NPCs) with
      self-renewing capacity have the potential to reduce neuronal loss and improve the
      compromised environment in the HI brain injury. However, the therapeutic efficacy
      of neuronal-committed progenitor cells and the underlying mechanisms of recovery
      are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study investigated the regenerative
      ability and action mechanisms of neuronally committed human NPCs (hNPCs)
      transduced with neurogenin-2 (NEUROG2) in neonatal HI brain injury. NEUROG2- or
      green fluorescent protein (GFP)-encoding adenoviral vector-transduced hNPCs
      (NEUROG2- or GFP-NPCs) were transplanted into neonatal mouse brains with HI
      injury. Grafted NEUROG2-NPCs showed robust dispersion and engraftment, prolonged
      survival, and neuronal differentiation in HI brain injury. NEUROG2-NPCs
      significantly improved neurological behaviors, decreased cellular apoptosis, and
      increased the neurite outgrowth and axonal sprouting in HI brain injury. In
      contrast, GFP-NPC grafts moderately enhanced axonal extension with limited
      behavioral recovery. Notably, NEUROG2-NPCs showed increased secretion of multiple
      factors, such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor,
      neurotrophin-3 (NTF3), fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), ciliary neurotrophic
      factor (CNTF), and thrombospondins 1 and 2 (THBS 1/2), which promoted SH-SY5Y
      neuroblastoma cell survival and neurite outgrowth. Thus, we postulate that
      NEUROG2-expressing human NPCs facilitate functional recovery after neonatal HI
      brain injury via their ability to secrete multiple factors that enhance neuronal
      survival and neuroplasticity.

PMID- 28081932
TI  - Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Families and Healthcare Team Interaction
      Trajectories During Acute Hospitalization.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify common or unique family-healthcare team interactions during
      acute hospitalization for pediatric patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
      using a life course trajectory (LCT) theoretical approach. DESIGN AND METHODS: A
      3-year prospective observational study of 35 children, ages 5 days to 15 years
      who were admitted to an urban Level-1 trauma hospital for a TBI. We defined brain
      injury severity using the admission Glasgow Coma Scale score (mild 13-15,
      moderate 9-12, and severe 3-8). Using a life course trajectory theoretical
      approach, we extracted from the patient's electronic health record the first
      eight-days of hospitalization and plotted the number and type of daily family
      healthcare team interactions to visualize patterns or phases. RESULTS: A general
      trajectory for each severity group was determined. When individually compared,
      family trajectories were similar based on injury severity. Visual interpretations
      of family-healthcare interactions based on the brain injury severity yielded
      three phases. The interactions phases included: (1) information seeking, (2)
      watchful waiting and (3) decision making. CONCLUSION: Using a LCT approach,
      phases identified based on injury severity and family interactions support the
      need for proper timing of tailored communication and support. The findings also
      support the development of future best care practices that facilitate family's
      needs, decrease caregiver burden to improve functional outcomes.

PMID- 28081934
TI  - Safety Culture in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: A
      Need for Policy Change.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Assessment of the prevailing safety culture within the Gazan health
      care system can be used to identify problem areas. Specifically, the need for
      improvements, raising awareness about patient safety, the identification and
      evaluation of existing safety programs and interventions for improving the safety
      culture. This study aims to assess the safety culture in the neonatal intensive
      care units (NICUs) in Gaza Strip hospitals and to assess the safety culture in
      regards to caregivers' characteristics. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study using
      a census sample, we surveyed all nurses and physicians working in at all the
      NICUs in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ)
      which includes six scales was used to assess participants' attitudes towards
      safety culture. RESULTS: The overall score for SAQ was 63.9. Domains' scores
      ranged between 55.5 (perception of management) and 71.8 (stress recognition). The
      scores reported by our participants fell below the 75 out of a possible score of
      100, which was considered as a cut-off point for a positive score. Moreover, our
      results revealed substantial variation in safety culture domain scores among
      participating NICUs. CONCLUSION: These results should be an indicator to our
      health care policy makers to modify current or adopt new health care policies to
      improve safety culture. It should also be a call to design customized programs
      for improving the safety culture in NICUs in the Gaza Strip.

PMID- 28081933
TI  - Intention of Mothers in Israel to Vaccinate their Sons against the Human
      Papilloma Virus.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated the intention of mothers in Israel to vaccinate
      their sons against HPV, using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework, while
      comparing between Arab and Jewish mothers. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study has a
      quantitative cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 200 Jewish and Arab
      mothers of boys aged 5-18 completed a questionnaire based on the HBM. RESULTS:
      The research findings indicate that only 14% of the mothers, constituting mostly
      Arab mothers, vaccinated their sons against HPV. Moreover, mothers showed a
      moderate level of intention to vaccinate their sons. This level was similar among
      Arab and Jewish mothers. However, the health beliefs of Jewish and Arab mothers
      differed. The HBM was found to explain 68% of mothers' intention to vaccinate
      their sons against HPV, and the perceived benefits of the vaccine were the factor
      most affecting this intention. CONCLUSIONS: Although mothers' health beliefs
      concerning vaccinating their sons against HPV may vary between sectors, the HBM
      can be used to explain what motivates mothers to vaccinate their sons. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: The research findings can assist in designing a national project
      among mothers of boys aimed at raising HPV vaccination rates, in both the Jewish
      and the Arab sector.

PMID- 28081935
TI  - Chloride on the Move.
AB  - Chloride (Cl-) is an essential plant nutrient but under saline conditions it can
      accumulate to toxic levels in leaves; limiting this accumulation improves the
      salt tolerance of some crops. The rate-limiting step for this process - the
      transfer of Cl- from root symplast to xylem apoplast, which can antagonize
      delivery of the macronutrient nitrate (NO3-) to shoots - is regulated by abscisic
      acid (ABA) and is multigenic. Until recently the molecular mechanisms
      underpinning this salt-tolerance trait were poorly defined. We discuss here how
      recent advances highlight the role of newly identified transport proteins, some
      that directly transfer Cl- into the xylem, and others that act on endomembranes
      in 'gatekeeper' cell types in the root stele to control root-to-shoot delivery of
      Cl-.

PMID- 28081936
TI  - Quadrupolar solid-state NMR and repetitive experiments: Some aspects in the
      Liouville space. Application to spins I=1.
AB  - The aim of this work is to generalize the Ernst-Anderson model developed to
      account of the steady-state regime of isolated spins I=1/2 subject to a train of
      strictly identical pulse sequences separated by free evolution periods of same
      duration. We generalize this model to the general case of spins I>=1 and general
      pulse sequence within the framework of the Liouville space. In particular, it is
      proved that under reasonable assumptions, a well defined steady-state regime is
      reached which is independent of the initial conditions. The general formal
      expressions obeyed by the steady-state density operator are given as a function
      of pulse propagators and relaxation operator for single and two-pulse sequences.
      In solid-state NMR where recycle time can be made, at the same time, much longer
      than typical coherence relaxation times and smaller than typical population
      relaxation times, further simplification leads to more tractable formula. As an
      example, the formalism is applied to I=1 spins with hard and soft single pulse
      sequence, or to the solid echo sequence. In particular, we were able to
      generalize the Ernst-Anderson formula to spins I=1. The pertinence of the theory
      is verified by comparing the theoretical and numerical simulations outputs to 2H
      single crystal experiments performed on nonadecane/urea C19D40/urea-H4 compound.

PMID- 28081937
TI  - Self-guided interventions for managing psychological distress in people with
      cancer - A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: People with cancer can experience psychological distress but do not
      always desire, or engage with, professional support to assist with managing
      distress. Interventions that are self-directed or guided by patients may hold
      promise as they allow patients to engage with interventions as they need. The
      objective of this review is to describe and appraise the evidence for
      effectiveness of self-guided interventions that aim to manage psychological
      distress in people with cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of Medline,
      PsychInfo and CINAHL identified 15 relevant papers, reporting on 14 studies.
      RESULTS: Of the interventions, three studies comprised hard-copy workbooks, six
      studies used resource packs, four were online resources and one was a brief
      multimedia resource. One study was adequately powered and demonstrated a positive
      effect. Almost all interventions required some level of facilitation. Distressed
      participants may benefit more from interventions. CONCLUSION: Self-guided
      interventions represent a potentially efficient way of delivering support for
      people affected by cancer, however evidence supporting them is lacking. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: There is a need to generate evidence to understand the impact of
      self-guided interventions for: i) the ideal delivery point in the disease
      trajectory, ii) patient groups, iii) intervention content and iv) type and mode
      of delivery.

PMID- 28081938
TI  - Do medical images aid understanding and recall of medical information? An
      experimental study comparing the experience of viewing no image, a 2D medical
      image and a 3D medical image alongside a diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compared the experience of viewing 3D medical images, 2D
      medical images and no image presented alongside a diagnosis. METHODS: We
      conducted two laboratory experiments, each with 126 healthy participants.
      Participants heard three diagnoses; one accompanied by 3D medical images, one
      accompanied by 2D medical images and one with no image. Participants completed a
      questionnaire after each diagnosis rating their experience. In Experiment 2, half
      of the participants were informed that image interpretation can be susceptible to
      errors. RESULTS: Participants preferred to view 3D images alongside a diagnosis
      (p<0.001) and reported greater understanding (p<0.001), perceived accuracy
      (p<0.001) and increased trust (p<0.001) when the diagnosis was accompanied by an
      image compared to no image. There was no significant difference in trust between
      participants who were informed of errors within image interpretation and those
      who were not. CONCLUSION: When presented alongside a diagnosis, medical images
      may aid patient understanding, recall and trust in medical information. PRACTICAL
      CONSIDERATIONS: Medical images may be a powerful resource for patients that could
      be utilised by clinicians during consultations.

PMID- 28081939
TI  - Value of the Definition of Severe Familial Hypercholesterolemia for
      Stratification of Heterozygous Patients.
AB  - Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by high low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol with co-dominant transmission and high risk of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD), although with high variability among subjects.
      Currently, CVD stratification tools for heterozygous FH (HeFH) are not available.
      A definition of severe HeFH has been recently proposed by the International
      Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), but it has not been validated. Our study aims to
      see clinical characteristics and prevalence of CVD in subjects defined as severe
      HeFH by IAS criteria. Probable or definite HeFH introduced in the Dyslipidemia
      Registry of Spanish Arteriosclerosis Society were analyzed by the IAS criteria.
      Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to assess the association of CVD
      with the IAS criteria. About 1,732 HeFH cases were analyzed. Severe HeFH had
      higher prevalence of familial history of CVD, personal history of tendon
      xanthomas, LDL cholesterol, and CVD than nonsevere HeFH. A total of 656 (77.1%)
      and 441 (50.1%) of men and women, respectively, fulfilled the IAS criteria of
      severe HeFH. In the univariate analysis, subjects defined as severe HeFH showed
      odds ratio 3.016 (95% CI 3.136 to 4.257, p <0.001) for CVD. However, when
      traditional risk factors were included in the multivariate analysis, only the
      presence of cholesterol >400 mg/dl had a statistically significant association
      with CVD odds ratio 8.76 (95% CI 3.90 to 19.69, p <0.001). In conclusion, the IAS
      definition of severe HeFH is not significantly associated with CVD when adjusted
      for classic risk factors. Risk stratification in HeFH is an important issue, but
      the proposed criteria do not seem to solve this problem.

PMID- 28081940
TI  - Statins, Ezetimibe, and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors
      to Reduce Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Events.
AB  - Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the physiologically normal levels of low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the thresholds for development of
      atherosclerosis and adverse coronary events are in the 30- to 70-mg/dl range.
      More patients have been studied in randomized controlled trials assessing the
      effects of statins on outcomes than any other drug class in the history of
      medicine. This cumulative body of evidence documents that atherosclerosis
      progression is halted and coronary heart disease events are minimized when statin
      therapy with or without ezetimibe, and possibly proprotein convertase subtilisin
      kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, is used to drive down the LDL-C to a range of
      about 30 to 50 mg/dl. Thus far, these agents appear to be safe even when LDL-C is
      lowered to about 50 mg/dl, although more robust outcome and safety data are
      required, particularly for the PCSK9 inhibitors and very low LDL-C levels (e.g.,
      down to 25 mg/dl). In conclusion, the current national guidelines specifying only
      the use of a high-potency statin without specific LDL-C goals may lead to
      substantial undertreatment of high-risk patients, leaving them vulnerable to
      future adverse cardiovascular events.

PMID- 28081941
TI  - Comparison of the Incidence of Major Bleeding With Rivaroxaban Use Among
      Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Versus Without Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common co-morbidity in those with nonvalvular atrial
      fibrillation (NVAF). Most patients with DM and NVAF have a CHA2DS2-VASc score of
      >=1 and should be considered for oral anticoagulation therapy for stroke
      prevention per treatment guidelines. The most important risk associated with
      anticoagulation is bleeding, which may be higher in those with NVAF plus DM. Our
      objective was to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of major bleeding
      (MB) in rivaroxaban users diagnosed with NVAF, further comparing those with DM
      versus those without DM, in a real-world clinical setting. Electronic medical
      records of >10 million patients from the Department of Defense Military Health
      System were queried to identify rivaroxaban users with NVAF over a 2.5-year
      period. Major bleeding-related hospitalization was identified by a validated case
      finding algorithm. Patient characteristics, incidence and management of MB, and
      fatal outcomes were assessed by DM status. Of 44,793 rivaroxaban users with NVAF,
      12,039 (26.9%) had DM, who were more likely men, younger, with more co-morbidity
      and higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Major bleeding incidence was higher among those
      with DM compared with those without, 3.68 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.37 to
      4.03) versus 2.51 (95% CI 2.34 to 2.69) per 100 person-years, and intracranial
      bleeding incidence was 0.19 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.28) versus 0.25 (95% CI 0.20 to
      0.31) per 100 person-years. Fatal outcomes were rare for both cohorts, 0.09 per
      100 person-years. In conclusion, in this post-marketing study of 44,793
      rivaroxaban users with NVAF, patients with DM had more co-morbidities and higher
      incidence of MB compared with those without DM.

PMID- 28081942
TI  - PTEN: Local and Global Modulation of Neuronal Function in Health and Disease.
AB  - Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) was recently
      revealed to be a synaptic player during plasticity events in addition to its well
      established role as a general controlling factor in cell proliferation and
      neuronal growth during development. Alterations of these direct actions of PTEN
      at synapses may lead to synaptic dysfunction with behavioral and cognitive
      consequences. A recent paradigmatic example of this situation, Alzheimer's
      disease (AD), is associated with excessive recruitment of PTEN into synapses
      leading to pathological synaptic depression. By contrast, some forms of autism
      are characterized by failure to weaken synaptic connections, which may be related
      to insufficient PTEN signaling. Understanding the modulation of synaptic function
      by PTEN in these pathologies may contribute to the development of new therapies.

PMID- 28081943
TI  - Capturing the Moment of Fusion Loss in Intermittent Exotropia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize eye movements made by patients with intermittent
      exotropia when fusion loss occurs spontaneously and to compare them with those
      induced by covering 1 eye and with strategies used to recover fusion. DESIGN:
      Prospective study of a patient cohort referred to our laboratory. PARTICIPANTS:
      Thirteen patients with typical findings of intermittent exotropia who experienced
      frequent spontaneous loss of fusion. METHODS: The position of each eye was
      recorded with a video eye tracker under infrared illumination while fixating on a
      small central near target. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Eye position and peak velocity
      measured during spontaneous loss of fusion, shutter-induced loss of fusion, and
      recovery of fusion. RESULTS: In 10 of 13 subjects, the eye movement made after
      spontaneous loss of fusion was indistinguishable from that induced by covering 1
      eye. It reached 90% of full amplitude in a mean of 1.75 seconds. Peak velocity of
      the deviating eye's movement was highly correlated for spontaneous and shutter
      induced events. Peak velocity was also proportional to exotropia amplitude.
      Recovery of fusion was more rapid than loss of fusion, and often was accompanied
      by interjection of a disconjugate saccade. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of fusion in
      intermittent exotropia is not influenced by visual feedback. Excessive divergence
      tone may be responsible, but breakdown of alignment occurs via a unique,
      pathological type of eye movement that differs from a normal, physiological
      divergence eye movement.

PMID- 28081944
TI  - Early Experience with Technology-Based Eye Care Services (TECS): A Novel
      Ophthalmologic Telemedicine Initiative.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aging population is at risk of common eye diseases, and routine eye
      examinations are recommended to prevent visual impairment. Unfortunately,
      patients are less likely to seek care as they age, which may be the result of
      significant travel and time burdens associated with going to an eye clinic in
      person. A new method of eye-care delivery that mitigates distance barriers and
      improves access was developed to improve screening for potentially blinding
      conditions. We present the quality data from the early experience (first 13
      months) of Technology-Based Eye Care Services (TECS), a novel ophthalmologic
      telemedicine program. DESIGN: With TECS, a trained ophthalmology technician is
      stationed in a primary care clinic away from the main hospital. The ophthalmology
      technician follows a detailed protocol that collects information about the
      patient's eyes. The information then is interpreted remotely. Patients with
      possible abnormal findings are scheduled for a face-to-face examination in the
      eye clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Any patient with no known ocular disease who desires a
      routine eye screening examination is eligible. METHODS: Technology-Based Eye Care
      Services was established in 5 primary care clinics in Georgia surrounding the
      Atlanta Veterans Affairs hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Four program operation
      metrics (patient satisfaction, eyeglass remakes, disease detection, and visit
      length) and 2 access-to-care metrics (appointment wait time and no-show rate)
      were tracked. RESULTS: Care was rendered to 2690 patients over the first 13
      months of TECS. The program has been met with high patient satisfaction (4.95 of
      5). Eyeglass remake rate was 0.59%. Abnormal findings were noted in 36.8% of
      patients and there was >90% agreement between the TECS reading and the face-to
      face findings of the physician. TECS saved both patient (25% less) and physician
      time (50% less), and access to care substantially improved with 99% of patients
      seen within 14 days of contacting the eye clinic, with a TECS no-show rate of
      5.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The early experience with TECS has been promising. Tele
      ophthalmology has the potential to improve operational efficiency, reduce cost,
      and significantly improve access to care. Although further study is necessary,
      TECS shows potential to help prevent avoidable vision loss.

PMID- 28081945
TI  - Long-term Effects of Intravitreal 0.19 mg Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant on
      Progression and Regression of Diabetic Retinopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) on the
      progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and the impact of FAc on
      changes in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) diabetic
      retinopathy (DR) severity scale (DRSS) grade during the Fluocinolone Acetonide in
      Diabetic Macular Edema (FAME) A and B Phase III clinical trials. DESIGN: Post hoc
      analysis of data from the 36-month prospective, randomized, FAME A and B trials.
      PARTICIPANTS: Patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who received sham
      control or FAc 0.2 or 0.5 MUg/day. METHODS: A masked reading center (University
      of Wisconsin-Madison) determined DRSS grade and retinal perfusion status using
      standard 7-field stereo fundus photography and fluorescein angiography,
      respectively. Retinopathy changes over time were determined by DRSS step
      differences from baseline to month 36. Pairwise comparisons between the 3
      treatment groups were performed using a log-rank test without adjustment for
      covariates, with the primary comparison between sham control and 0.2 MUg/day FAc.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Study eye progression to PDR based on a composite clinical
      outcome of (1) progression from nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) to
      PDR based on graded fundus photographs, (2) panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), or
      (3) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for PDR; and study eye changes on the DRSS.
      RESULTS: In the integrated FAME data set, compared with sham control-treated
      subjects, time to first PDR event was significantly delayed in subjects treated
      with FAc (P < 0.001), and this effect was confirmed in subgroups with more severe
      DR and chronic DME at baseline. In addition, subjects with retinal nonperfusion
      at baseline showed greater reduction in progression to PDR with FAc treatment.
      Both FAc dosages demonstrated statistically significant improvements in mean DR
      severity compared with sham treatment at months 6, 12, and 18. Numerically more
      subjects who received FAc experienced 2-or-more- or 3-or-more-step improvements
      in DR severity compared with subjects who received sham; conversely, fewer
      subjects treated with FAc experienced 2-or-more- or 3-or-more-step worsening in
      DR severity. The 3-or-more-step improvement with 0.5 MUg/day FAc was
      statistically significantly different from sham control. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects
      with DME, sustained intraocular delivery of FAc slows development of PDR and
      slows progression of diabetic retinopathy.

PMID- 28081946
TI  - [Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance].
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma related mortality is one of the highest among all
      cancers. Ninety percent of all hepatocellular carcinoma develop in the context of
      liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is not recognized prior to the diagnosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma in 25 % of the cases, despite the existence of risk
      factors. Hepatocellular carcinoma is diagnosed within a surveillance program in
      less than 25 % of the cases. Ultrasound screening for hepatocellular carcinoma
      every 6 months increases chances to diagnose HCC at an early stage amenable to
      curative treatment, and increases survival. Interval greater than 7months between
      ultrasound imaging has a significant negative impact on survival. All patients
      diagnosed with cirrhosis have to perform an ultrasound screening for
      hepatocellular carcinoma and comply with the six months rule.

PMID- 28081947
TI  - The effects of DPP-4 inhibitor on hypoxia-induced apoptosis in human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells.
AB  - Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a new class of oral hypoglycemic
      agents for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and have potential
      antiatherosclerotic properties. Meanwhile, it is unclear how DPP-4 inhibitors
      have protective effects on atherosclerosis. Our aim was to determine the effects
      and its mechanisms of DPP-4 inhibitors on cultured endothelial cells. Human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in hypoxic condition. To
      evaluate the protective effects of DPP-4 inhibitor on HUVECs, DPP-4 inhibitor was
      added in the cell culture medium and the cell viability was assessed by TUNEL
      assay. And we examined the intracellular signaling pathways in relation to the
      effects of DPP-4 inhibitor. DPP-4 inhibition had beneficial effects by inhibiting
      the apoptosis under hypoxic conditions in HUVECs. The antiapoptotic effects of
      DPP-4 inhibitor were abolished by the pretreatment with a CXCR4 antagonist or a
      Stat3 inhibitor. DPP-4 inhibition has beneficial effects on HUVECs by inhibiting
      the apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. SDF-1alpha/CXCR4/Stat3 pathways might be
      involved in the mechanisms of the cytoprotective effects of DPP-4 inhibitor.
      These results suggested that DPP-4 inhibitor has a potential for protecting
      vessels.

PMID- 28081948
TI  - High glucose induces N-linked glycosylation-mediated functional upregulation and
      overexpression of Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels in neuroendocrine-like
      differentiated human prostate cancer cells.
AB  - Given that Cav3.2 T-type Ca2+ channels were functionally regulated by asparagine
      (N)-linked glycosylation, we examined effects of high glucose on the function of
      Cav3.2, known to regulate secretory function, in neuroendocrine-like
      differentiated prostate cancer LNCaP cells. High glucose accelerated the
      increased channel function and overexpression of Cav3.2 during neuroendocrine
      differentiation, the former prevented by enzymatic inhibition of N-glycosylation
      and cleavage of N-glycans. Hyperglycemia thus appears to induce N-linked
      glycosylation-mediated functional upregulation and overexpression of Cav3.2 in
      neuroendocrine-like differentiated prostate cancer cells.

PMID- 28081949
TI  - Myocardial fibrosis detected with Gadolinium Delayed Enhancement in Cardiac
      Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ventriculoarterial Coupling alterations in
      patients with Acute Myocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The delayed Gadolinium Myocardium Enhancement (DGE) extent on Cardiac
      Magnetic Resonance (CMR) correlates with biomarkers of myocardial injury in
      patients with acute viral myocarditis and is an independent predictor of adverse
      cardiovascular outcome. Ventriculoarterial Coupling (VAC) is related to both the
      cardiovascular work output and energy efficiency and can be noninvasively
      assessed. In this work, we aimed to evaluate alterations in VAC indices in
      correlation with DGE in patients with acute myocarditis. METHODS: Fifty-seven
      patients (mean age 42 (18) years old, 58% male, 19% had hypertension, 9% coronary
      artery disease and 2% diabetes mellitus) with diagnosed acute myocarditis were
      enrolled. All patients underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation with
      a VAC value calculation and CMR imaging within a 24-hour period. RESULTS: The
      mean ejection fraction was 42+/-18%; 49% had preserved systolic function. DGE was
      noted in 56% of patients. When stratified by EF (preserved or reduced), those
      with an EF>50% had significantly smaller ventricles and a lower VAC, closer to
      the values that maximize the stroke work and energy efficiency (p=0.002 for end
      diastolic diameters, 0.001 for VAC, 0.01 for distance from 0.7 and 0.5 and 0.056
      for distance from 1). No difference in DGE prevalence was noted (p=0.34). DGE
      based stratification did not reveal any difference in the EF or VAC values
      between groups. Multi-adjusted regression analysis showed that EF was a
      significant predictor of VAC alterations. CONCLUSION: In acute myocarditis
      patients, DGE is related to neither EF nor VAC; however, EF significantly affects
      the VAC status. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential
      quantitative, rather than qualitative, relationships between these variables.

PMID- 28081950
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28081951
TI  - Intracerebral haemorrhage: no good treatment but treatment helps.

PMID- 28081952
TI  - Thrombolytic removal of intraventricular haemorrhage in treatment of severe
      stroke: results of the randomised, multicentre, multiregion, placebo-controlled
      CLEAR III trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraventricular haemorrhage is a subtype of intracerebral
      haemorrhage, with 50% mortality and serious disability for survivors. We aimed to
      test whether attempting to remove intraventricular haemorrhage with alteplase
      versus saline irrigation improved functional outcome. METHODS: In this
      randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multiregional trial (CLEAR III),
      participants with a routinely placed extraventricular drain, in the intensive
      care unit with stable, non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage volume less than
      30 mL, intraventricular haemorrhage obstructing the 3rd or 4th ventricles, and no
      underlying pathology were adaptively randomly assigned (1:1), via a web-based
      system to receive up to 12 doses, 8 h apart of 1 mg of alteplase or 0.9% saline
      via the extraventricular drain. The treating physician, clinical research staff,
      and participants were masked to treatment assignment. CT scans were obtained
      every 24 h throughout dosing. The primary efficacy outcome was good functional
      outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 3 or less at 180 days
      per central adjudication by blinded evaluators. This study is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00784134. FINDINGS: Between Sept 18, 2009, and Jan 13,
      2015, 500 patients were randomised: 249 to the alteplase group and 251 to the
      saline group. 180-day follow-up data were available for analysis from 246 of 249
      participants in the alteplase group and 245 of 251 participants in the placebo
      group. The primary efficacy outcome was similar in each group (good outcome in
      alteplase group 48% vs saline 45%; risk ratio [RR] 1.06 [95% CI 0.88-1.28;
      p=0.554]). A difference of 3.5% (RR 1.08 [95% CI 0.90-1.29], p=0.420) was found
      after adjustment for intraventricular haemorrhage size and thalamic intracerebral
      haemorrhage. At 180 days, the treatment group had lower case fatality (46 [18%]
      vs saline 73 [29%], hazard ratio 0.60 [95% CI 0.41-0.86], p=0.006), but a greater
      proportion with mRS 5 (42 [17%] vs 21 [9%]; RR 1.99 [95% CI 1.22-3.26], p=0.007).
      Ventriculitis (17 [7%] alteplase vs 31 [12%] saline; RR 0.55 [95% CI 0.31-0.97],
      p=0.048) and serious adverse events (114 [46%] alteplase vs 151 [60%] saline; RR
      0.76 [95% CI 0.64-0.90], p=0.002) were less frequent with alteplase treatment.
      Symptomatic bleeding (six [2%] in the alteplase group vs five [2%] in the saline
      group; RR 1.21 [95% CI 0.37-3.91], p=0.771) was similar. INTERPRETATION: In
      patients with intraventricular haemorrhage and a routine extraventricular drain,
      irrigation with alteplase did not substantially improve functional outcomes at
      the mRS 3 cutoff compared with irrigation with saline. Protocol-based use of
      alteplase with extraventricular drain seems safe. Future investigation is needed
      to determine whether a greater frequency of complete intraventricular haemorrhage
      removal via alteplase produces gains in functional status. FUNDING: National
      Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

PMID- 28081954
TI  - Proton beam radiation as salvage therapy for bilateral colorectal liver
      metastases not amenable to second-stage hepatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), are now aggressively
      managed in a multidisciplinary fashion with a two-stage hepatectomy; however, up
      to 30% of patients are not candidates for second stage hepatectomy. In this
      report, we describe a novel technique of delivering ablative radiation to the
      entire right hemiliver by using proton therapy in a series of patients. METHODS:
      A data base of patients undergoing entire right hemiliver ablative radiation was
      maintained prospectively. Clinical, pathologic and treatment characteristics were
      collected for these patients. Survival duration was calculated from end of
      radiation. Radiation was delivered with proton therapy using deep inspiratory
      breath hold (DIBH) and a phase contrast simulation CT scan. RESULTS: All five
      patients tolerated radiation treatment well. All four patients treated with
      biologic equivalent dose (BED) >89.6 Gy achieved partial or complete radiographic
      response and in-field local control at last follow up. Two patients are alive and
      without evidence of disease. Two patients experienced disease progression outside
      of the liver. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the use of stereotactic
      proton therapy as a salvage therapy for patients with CRLM not amenable to second
      stage hepatectomy may achieve good local control and permit an opportunity for
      long term survival.

PMID- 28081953
TI  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not affect future liver remnant growth and outcomes
      of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The only potentially curative treatment for patients with colorectal
      liver metastases is hepatectomy. Associating liver partition and portal vein
      ligation for staged hepatectomy has emerged as a method of treatment for patients
      with inadequate future liver remnant. One concern about associating liver
      partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy is that preoperative
      chemotherapy may negatively affect the volume increase of the future liver
      remnant and outcomes. METHODS: This study from the International Associating
      Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy Registry
      (NCT01924741) includes 442 patients with colorectal liver metastases registered
      from 2012-2016. Future liver remnant hypertrophy (absolute increase, percent
      increase, and kinetic growth rate) and clinical outcome were analyzed
      retrospectively in relation to type and amount of chemotherapy. The analyzed
      groups included patients with no chemotherapy, 1 regimen of chemotherapy, >1
      regimen, and a group that received monoclonal antibodies in addition to
      chemotherapy. RESULTS: Ninety percent of the patients received neoadjuvant
      oncologic therapy including 42% with 1 regimen of chemotherapy, 44% with
      monoclonal antibodies, and 4% with >1 regimen. Future liver remnant increased
      between 74-92% with the largest increase in the group with 1 regimen of
      chemotherapy. The increase in milliliters was between 241 mL (>1 regimen) and 306
      mL (1 regimen). Kinetic growth rate was between 14-18% per week and was greatest
      for the group with 1 regimen of chemotherapy. No statistical significance was
      found between the groups with any of the measurements of future liver remnant
      hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including monoclonal
      antibodies, does not negatively affect future liver remnant growth. Patients with
      colorectal liver metastases who might be potential candidates for associating
      liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy should be
      considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 28081955
TI  - Generation of patient-derived xenografts from fine needle aspirates or core
      needle biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient-derived xenografts have recently become a powerful tool for
      cancer research and may be used to guide personalized therapy. Thus far, patient
      derived xenografts have been grown from tumor tissue obtained after operative
      resection; however, many cancer patients never undergo operative intervention for
      a variety of reasons. We hypothesized that xenograft tumors could be grown from
      smaller volumes of patient tissue, such as those obtained during diagnostic
      biopsies. METHODS: Surgical specimens were obtained after resection of primary or
      metastatic lesions of the following cancers: pancreatic carcinoma, non-small cell
      lung cancer, bladder (urothelial) carcinoma, and melanoma. At least 10 cases of
      each cancer were included in this study. To mimic clinical biopsies, small
      fragments of the surgical specimens were biopsied with a 22-gauge needle, and the
      needle contents were injected subcutaneously in immunocompromised mice. The tumor
      fragment from which the biopsy was taken was also implanted subcutaneously in the
      contralateral side of the same mouse as a control. RESULTS: Success rates of the
      traditional method of xenograft implantation ranged from 27.3%-70%. Success rates
      of the fine needle aspirate technique ranged from 0%-36.4%. An attempt to engraft
      a percutaneous core needle liver biopsy of a metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma
      also was successful. CONCLUSION: We have found that it is possible to engraft
      fine needle aspirates and core biopsies of solid tumors in order to generate
      patient-derived xenografts. This may open up xenografting to a wider cancer
      patient population than previously possible.

PMID- 28081956
TI  - Predatory Bacteria: Moving from Curiosity Towards Curative.
AB  - In a world where infection-causing, pathogenic bacteria are evolving resistance
      to conventional antibiotics, new solutions are needed. One proposal is the use of
      predatory bacteria as living antibiotics. Two new papers show that predators are
      not harmful and can kill pathogens inside live animals, a very positive step
      forward.

PMID- 28081957
TI  - Systematic review of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of radiation
      induced skin necrosis.
AB  - Every year, 1.2 million cancer patients receive radiation therapy in the United
      States. Late radiation tissue injury occurs in an estimated 5-15% of these
      patients. Tissue injury can include skin necrosis, which can lead to chronic
      nonhealing wounds. Despite many treatments available to help heal skin necrosis
      such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, no clinical guidelines exist and evidence is
      lacking. The purpose of this review is to identify and comprehensively summarize
      studies published to date to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen
      therapy for the treatment of radiation-induced skin necrosis. Adhering to PRISMA
      guidelines, a systematic review of currently published articles was performed,
      evaluating the use of hyperbaric oxygen to treat skin necrosis. Eight articles
      were identified, including one observational cohort, five case series, and two
      case reports. The articles describe changes in symptoms and alteration in wound
      healing of radiation-induced skin necrosis after treatment with hyperbaric oxygen
      therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe intervention with promising
      outcomes; however, additional evidence is needed to endorse its application as a
      relevant therapy in the treatment of radiation-induced skin necrosis.

PMID- 28081958
TI  - Texas and Louisiana coastal vulnerability and shelf connectivity.
AB  - A numerical study of connectivity between the continental shelf and coast in the
      northwestern Gulf of Mexico using a circulation model and surface-limited
      numerical drifters shows that despite seasonal changes in winds, the overall
      connectivity of the shelf with the coastline is similar in the winter and summer,
      though it extends more offshore in Texas in summer. However, there is a spatial
      pattern to the connectivity: more of the inner shelf is connected with the coast
      in Texas as compared with Louisiana. Subsets of the coast do have seasonal
      variability: the coast near both Galveston and Port Aransas has more connectivity
      from upcoast in the winter and from offshore and downcoast in the summer. In both
      seasons, we find drifters reach the Port Aransas coast most frequently, with a
      stronger trend in the summer. These results are important for assessing likely
      pathways for spilled oil and other potentially hazardous material.

PMID- 28081959
TI  - Trace element accumulation and elutriate toxicity in surface sediment in northern
      Tunisia (Tunis Gulf, southern Mediterranean).
AB  - Metal concentrations in sediments were investigated in the Gulf of Tunis,
      Tunisia, in relation to anthropic activities along the Mejerda River and Ghar El
      Melh Lagoon, with effluents discharged into the gulf. Distribution of grain size
      showed that the silty fraction is dominant with 53%, while sand and clay averages
      are 34 and 12% respectively. Zn concentration increased in the vicinity of the
      Mejerda River while Pb was at its highest levels at the outlet of Ghar El Mehl
      Lagoon. Sediment elutriate toxicity, as measured by oyster embryo bioassays,
      ranged from 10 to 45% abnormalities after 24h, but no relation was found between
      metal concentration and sediment toxicity. The AVS fraction that represents
      monosulfide concentrations in the sediment was higher in the central part of the
      gulf than in the coastal zone. The results reveal the influence of AVS, TOC and
      grain size on metal speciation and sediment toxicity.

PMID- 28081960
TI  - Determination of radioactivity levels and heavy metal concentrations in seawater,
      sediment and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) from the Black Sea in Rize, Turkey.
AB  - Seawater, sediment and fish (anchovy) samples consumed in the Rize province of
      the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey were collected from five different
      stations. The radioactivity levels (226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs) were determined
      in all the samples using a high-purity germanium detector. While 226Ra, 232Th and
      40K radionuclides were detected in all samples, the radionuclide concentration of
      137Cs, except for the sediment samples (mean activity is 9+/-1.4Bqkg-1), was not
      detected for the seawater and fish samples. The total annual effective dose rates
      from the ingestion of these radionuclides for fish were calculated using the
      measured activity concentrations in radionuclides and their ingested dose
      conversion factor. Also, the concentrations of some heavy metals in all the
      samples were determined. The activity and heavy metal concentration values that
      were determined for the seawater, sediment and fish samples were compared among
      the locations themselves and with literature values.

PMID- 28081961
TI  - Environmental factors in breast cancer invasion: a mathematical modelling review.
AB  - This review presents a brief overview of breast cancer, focussing on its
      heterogeneity and the role of mathematical modelling and simulation in teasing
      apart the underlying biophysical processes. Following a brief overview of the
      main known pathophysiological features of ductal carcinoma, attention is paid to
      differential equation-based models (both deterministic and stochastic), agent
      based modelling, multi-scale modelling, lattice-based models and image-driven
      modelling. A number of vignettes are presented where these modelling approaches
      have elucidated novel aspects of breast cancer dynamics, and we conclude by
      offering some perspectives on the role mathematical modelling can play in
      understanding breast cancer development, invasion and treatment therapies.

PMID- 28081962
TI  - Quality of Life Analysis in Patients With RAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal
      Cancer Treated With First-Line Cetuximab Plus Chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adding cetuximab to FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan)
      significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS),
      and objective response rate (ORR) in patients with KRAS or RAS (KRAS/NRAS, exons
      2-4) wild-type (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the first-line CRYSTAL
      study. The present exploratory and descriptive retrospective analysis assessed
      the quality of life (QoL) of CRYSTAL study patients with RAS wt mCRC-the labeled
      indication for cetuximab in many countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patient QoL was
      investigated using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer
      QoL questionnaire core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). QoL assessments were performed at
      baseline, after every 8 weeks of treatment, and at the final tumor assessment.
      RAS wt patients were considered evaluable for QoL if they had provided >= 1
      evaluable EORTC QLQ-C30. RESULTS: Of the 367 patients with RAS wt tumors, 351
      were evaluable for QoL. Global health status (GHS)/QoL and the time to worsening
      of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status were similar between the
      treatment groups. However, the analysis was complicated by a large decrease in
      the number of evaluable patients in the FOLFIRI arm between weeks 32 and 40. The
      individual dimensions of interest in mCRC (eg, social functioning, fatigue,
      nausea/vomiting, pain, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, and functional
      difficulties) were also similar between the treatment arms. Changes in GHS/QoL
      and social functioning from baseline to week 8 were similar, irrespective of
      whether patients experienced early skin reactions. CONCLUSION: The findings of
      the present descriptive retrospective analysis suggest that adding cetuximab to
      first-line FOLFIRI improves PFS, OS, and ORR without negatively affecting the QoL
      of CRYSTAL study patients with RAS wt mCRC.

PMID- 28081964
TI  - Interventions to reduce inappropriate polypharmacy: Implications for research and
      practice.

PMID- 28081963
TI  - Rapid neuroinflammatory response localized to injured neurons after diffuse
      traumatic brain injury in swine.
AB  - Despite increasing appreciation of the critical role that neuroinflammatory
      pathways play in brain injury and neurodegeneration, little is known about acute
      microglial reactivity following diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI) - the most
      common clinical presentation that includes all concussions. Therefore, we
      investigated acute microglial reactivity using a porcine model of closed-head
      rotational velocity/acceleration-induced TBI that closely mimics the
      biomechanical etiology of inertial TBI in humans. We observed rapid microglial
      reactivity within 15min of both mild and severe TBI. Strikingly, microglial
      activation was restrained to regions proximal to individual injured neurons - as
      denoted by trauma-induced plasma membrane disruption - which served as epicenters
      of acute reactivity. Single-cell quantitative analysis showed that in areas free
      of traumatically permeabilized neurons, microglial density and morphology were
      similar between sham or following mild or severe TBI. However, microglia density
      increased and morphology shifted to become more reactive in proximity to injured
      neurons. Microglial reactivity around injured neurons was exacerbated following
      repetitive TBI, suggesting further amplification of acute neuroinflammatory
      responses. These results indicate that neuronal trauma rapidly activates
      microglia in a highly localized manner, and suggest that activated microglia may
      rapidly influence neuronal stability and/or pathophysiology after diffuse TBI.

PMID- 28081965
TI  - 2017 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway for Periprocedural Management of
      Anticoagulation in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the
      American College of Cardiology Clinical Expert Consensus Document Task Force.

PMID- 28081966
TI  - NPY up-regulation in the tadpole brain of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis during osmotic
      stress.
AB  - Most of the amphibians breed in temporary ponds vulnerable to occasional
      desiccation, thus, leaving their larvae exposed to stressful fluctuations in
      various environmental parameters including salinity. These animals possess a well
      suited central adaptive mechanism to adapt to these alterations. Neuropeptide Y
      (NPY), a 36 amino acid neurotransmitter, has been reported to antagonize various
      neuropsychological consequences of stress within the mammalian brain. Osmotic
      regulation of NPY in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial pathway of mammalian brain
      is also known. Although the molecule possesses an extensive distribution in the
      brain of amphibians, its functional association is not well understood. We have
      investigated the endogenous response of NPY-ergic system to osmotically stressful
      conditions in the brain of Indian skipper frog-Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles.
      Using Immunohistochemistry, we observed an up-regulation of NPY immunoreactivity
      (NPY-ir) in the brain of tadpoles exposed to stressful salt concentrations. A
      significant increase of NPY-ir occurred in the pallium and septum regions of
      telencephalon; preoptic area, epithalamic, thalamic and hypothalamic parts of
      diencephalon. Most of the regions are implicated in the modulation of stress and
      anxiety related brain functions and have also been shown to respond to the
      salinity stress in mammals. In addition, NPY producing neurons in pre-optic and
      hypothalamic parts show a close co-existence with the vasopressin-ergic neurons.
      Thus, our study suggests a possible role of NPY in stabilizing the neuro
      endocrinological consequences of osmotic stress in an amphibian brain.

PMID- 28081967
TI  - [The microRNAs as biomarkers: What prospects?]
AB  - MicroRNAs are nucleic acids of about twenty nucleotides that regulate about a
      third of the genome at the post-transcriptional level. Thanks to their different
      forms of transport, microRNAs are stable and can be detected in biological fluids
      such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, or saliva. In addition, the profile of
      circulating microRNAs is a specific part of the cells in which it is secreted and
      is modified according to the physiological or pathological conditions of these
      cells. MicroRNAs therefore appear as biomarkers of interest for many diseases.
      However, these applications face several challenges because there are currently
      considerable differences between the sample processing procedures, assay methods,
      and especially the result standardization strategies. This literature review aims
      to take stock of the current use of microRNAs as biomarkers mainly in biological
      fluids and address the perspectives that emerge from the fact that their
      vesicular circulating forms could be used to assess the state of the cells and
      the tissues that produce them.

PMID- 28081968
TI  - The global distribution and diversity of protein vaccine candidate antigens in
      the highly virulent Streptococcus pnuemoniae serotype 1.
AB  - Serotype 1 is one of the most common causes of pneumococcal disease worldwide.
      Pneumococcal protein vaccines are currently being developed as an alternate
      intervention strategy to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Pre-requisites for an
      efficacious pneumococcal protein vaccine are universal presence and minimal
      variation of the target antigen in the pneumococcal population, and the
      capability to induce a robust human immune response. We used in silico analysis
      to assess the prevalence of seven protein vaccine candidates (CbpA, PcpA, PhtD,
      PspA, SP0148, SP1912, SP2108) among 445 serotype 1 pneumococci from 26 different
      countries, across four continents. CbpA (76%), PspA (68%), PhtD (28%), PcpA (11%)
      were not universally encoded in the study population, and would not provide full
      coverage against serotype 1. PcpA was widely present in the European (82%), but
      not in the African (2%) population. A multi-valent vaccine incorporating CbpA,
      PcpA, PhtD and PspA was predicted to provide coverage against 86% of the global
      population. SP0148, SP1912 and SP2108 were universally encoded and we further
      assessed their predicted amino acid, antigenic and structural variation. Multiple
      allelic variants of these proteins were identified, different allelic variants
      dominated in different continents; the observed variation was predicted to impact
      the antigenicity and structure of two SP0148 variants, one SP1912 variant and
      four SP2108 variants, however these variants were each only present in a small
      fraction of the global population (<2%). The vast majority of the observed
      variation was predicted to have no impact on the efficaciousness of a protein
      vaccine incorporating a single variant of SP0148, SP1912 and/or SP2108 from S.
      pneumoniae TIGR4. Our findings emphasise the importance of taking geographic
      differences into account when designing global vaccine interventions and support
      the continued development of SP0148, SP1912 and SP2108 as protein vaccine
      candidates against this important pneumococcal serotype.

PMID- 28081970
TI  - Influenza in the Asia-Pacific region: Findings and recommendations from the
      Global Influenza Initiative.
AB  - The fourth roundtable meeting of the Global Influenza Initiative (GII) was held
      in Hong Kong, China, in July 2015. An objective of this meeting was to gain a
      broader understanding of the epidemiology, surveillance, vaccination policies and
      programs, and obstacles to vaccination of influenza in the Asia-Pacific region
      through presentations of data from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,
      Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. As well as
      a need for improved levels of surveillance in some areas, a range of factors were
      identified that act as barriers to vaccination in some countries, including
      differences in climate and geography, logistical challenges, funding, lack of
      vaccine awareness and education, safety concerns, perceived lack of vaccine
      effectiveness, and lack of inclusion in national guidelines. From the
      presentations at the meeting, the GII discussed a number of recommendations for
      easing the burden of influenza and overcoming the current challenges in the Asia
      Pacific region. These recommendations encompass the need to improve surveillance
      and availability of epidemiological data; the development and publication of
      national guidelines, where not currently available and/or that are in line with
      those proposed by the World Health Organization; the requirement for optimal
      timing of vaccination programs according to local or country-specific
      epidemiology; and calls for advocacy and government support of vaccination
      programs in order to improve availability and uptake and coverage. In conclusion,
      in addition to the varied epidemiology of seasonal influenza across this diverse
      region, there are a number of logistical and resourcing issues that present a
      challenge to the development of optimally effective vaccination strategies and
      that need to be overcome to improve access to and uptake of seasonal influenza
      vaccines. The GII has developed a number of recommendations to address these
      challenges and improve the control of influenza.

PMID- 28081969
TI  - Replacement of in vivo human rabies vaccine potency testing by in vitro
      glycoprotein quantification using ELISA - Results of an international
      collaborative study.
AB  - Three different ELISAs quantifying rabies glycoprotein were evaluated as in vitro
      alternatives to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in vivo potency test for
      batch release of human rabies vaccines. The evaluation was carried out as an
      international collaborative study supported by the European Partnership for
      Alternatives to Animal Testing (EPAA). This pre-validation study, the results of
      which are presented in this paper, compared three different ELISA designs,
      assessing their within- and between-laboratory precision. One of the ELISA
      designs was proposed to the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines &
      HealthCare (EDQM) and accepted for an international collaborative study under the
      umbrella of the Biological Standardisation Programme.

PMID- 28081972
TI  - Methotrexate reduces vaccine-specific immunoglobulin levels but not numbers of
      circulating antibody-producing B cells in rheumatoid arthritis after vaccination
      with a conjugate pneumococcal vaccine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) leads to decreased total immunoglobulin (Ig) levels and impairs
      vaccine-specific IgG antibody levels following pneumococcal vaccination. The
      mechanisms by which MTX exerts these effects in RA are unknown. We aimed to
      evaluate whether MTX reduces vaccine-specific serum Ig levels and their
      functionality in RA patients following vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate
      vaccine, and if numbers of antigen-specific circulating plasmablasts are
      affected. METHODS: Ten patients with RA on MTX and 10 RA patients without disease
      modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) were immunized with a dose 13-valent
      pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar13). Circulating plasmablasts producing
      total IgG and IgA as well as specific IgG and IgA against two pneumococcal
      capsular serotypes (6B and 23F) were enumerated using ELISPOT 6days after
      vaccination. IgG levels against both these serotypes were determined with ELISA
      before and 4-6weeks after vaccination. Positive antibody response was defined as
      ?2-fold increase of pre-vaccination antibody levels. The functionality of vaccine
      specific antibodies to serotype 23F was evaluated by measuring their ability to
      opsonize bacteria using opsonophagocytic assay (OPA) in 4 randomly chosen RA
      patients on MTX and 4 RA patients without DMARD. RESULTS: After vaccination, RA
      patients on MTX showed significant increase in pre- to postvaccination antibody
      levels for 6B (p<0.05), while patients without DMARD had significant increases
      for both 6B and 23F (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Only 10% of RA on MTX and
      40% of RA patients without DMARD showed positive post-vaccination antibody
      responses for both serotypes. Increased opsonizing ability after vaccination was
      detected in 1 of 4 RA patients on MTX and 3 of 4 patients on RA without DMARD.
      However, numbers of circulating total and vaccine-specific IgG- or IgA-producing
      plasmablasts did not differ between RA patients with or without MTX. CONCLUSIONS:
      MTX treatment in RA leads to reduced vaccine-specific antibody responses and
      their functionality compared to untreated RA following pneumococcal vaccination
      using polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine. However, since there was no
      reduction in numbers of circulating total or vaccine-specific antibody-producing
      plasmablasts after vaccination this effect is probably not due to reduced
      activation of B cells in lymphoid tissue. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      NCT02240888.

PMID- 28081971
TI  - Demand- and supply-side determinants of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus
      nonvaccination and dropout in rural India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although 93% of 12- to 23-month-old children in India receive at
      least one vaccine, typically Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, only 75% complete the
      recommended three doses of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT, also referred to as
      DTP) vaccine. Determinants can be different for nonvaccination and dropout but
      have not been examined in earlier studies. We use the three-dose DPT series as a
      proxy for the full sequence of recommended childhood vaccines and examine the
      determinants of DPT nonvaccination and dropout between doses 1 and 3. METHODS: We
      analyzed data on 75,728 6- to 23-month-old children in villages across India to
      study demand- and supply-side factors determining nonvaccination with DPT and
      dropout between DPT doses 1 and 3, using a multilevel approach. Data come from
      the District Level Household and Facility Survey 3 (2007-08). RESULTS: Individual
      and household-level factors were associated with both DPT nonvaccination and
      dropout between doses 1 and 3. Children whose mothers had no schooling were 2.3
      times more likely not to receive any DPT vaccination and 1.5 times more likely to
      drop out between DPT doses 1 and 3, compared with children whose mothers had 10
      or more years of schooling. Although supply-side factors related to availability
      of public health facilities and immunization-related health workers in villages
      were not correlated with dropout between DPT doses 1 and 3, children in districts
      where 46% or more villages had a healthcare subcentre were 1.5 times more likely
      to receive at least one dose of DPT vaccine compared with children in districts
      where 30% or fewer villages had subcentres. CONCLUSIONS: Nonvaccination with DPT
      in India is influenced by village- and district-level contextual factors over and
      above individuals' background characteristics. Dropout between DPT doses 1 and 3
      is associated more strongly with demand-side factors than with village- and
      district-level supply-side factors.

PMID- 28081973
TI  - Charles Bonnet syndrome in a young patient with a history of epilepsy.

PMID- 28081974
TI  - Alice in Wonderland syndrome as the initial and sole manifestation of ischaemic
      stroke.

PMID- 28081975
TI  - Pseudotumour cerebri in children: Aetiology, clinical features, and progression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The definition, associated aetiologies, diagnosis, and treatment of
      idiopathic intracranial hypertension, or pseudotumour cerebri (PTC), are
      constantly being revised in the paediatric population. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS:
      Our study included children younger than 15 years old with PTC and attended at a
      reference hospital in the past 12 years. We analysed the clinical and
      epidemiological features of our sample and the diagnostic and treatment
      approaches. PTC was defined as presence of intracranial hypertension (CSF opening
      pressure>25cmH2O) and absence of space-occupying lesions in brain MR images.
      RESULTS: A total of 12 children with PTC were included; mean age was 10 years and
      90% were girls. Weight was normal in all patients. Eighty-two percent of the
      patients had symptoms: headache (66%), diplopia (8%), and visual loss (8%). All
      of them displayed papilloedema (17% unilaterally). Lumbar puncture (LP) provided
      the diagnosis in all cases and 91% showed no relevant MRI findings. A potential
      cause of PTC was identified in 5 cases: pharmacological treatment in 2 and
      infection (Mycoplasma pneumoniae [M. pneumoniae]) in 3. Ninety-one per cent of
      the patients received treatment: 75% underwent several LPs and 42% received
      acetazolamide and/or prednisone. Outcomes were favourable in all cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PTC was estimated at approximately 1 case per 100
      000 children/years, in line with data reported by previous studies. Overweight
      was not found to be a risk factor for PTC in this population. M. pneumoniae
      infection may trigger PTC and cause recurrences at later stages. The absence of
      symptoms seems to be independent from the degree of intracranial hypertension.
      Acetazolamide treatment is effective in most cases, and it represents a viable
      alternative to repeated LP.

PMID- 28081976
TI  - Spinal extradural angiolipomas: 7 new cases and review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We present our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of
      spinal angiolipomas (SAL). METHODS: We used our database of surgical patients to
      gather epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up data from
      confirmed cases of SAL. Patients' functional status was evaluated using the
      modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score for thoracic myelopathy.
      RESULTS: We included 7 patients with ages ranging between 42 and 63 years; 4 were
      women. Lesions in all patients were located in the thoracic epidural space; in 2
      cases, lesions extended outside the spinal canal. The most frequent form of
      presentation was pain combined with progressive myelopathy; patients scored 5 to
      9 points on the mJOA scale. Radiological findings varied; this variability
      clearly depended on the proportion of tumour components (cellular variant in one
      case, predominantly angiomatous in another, and myxoid in yet another case). Four
      cases displayed radiological signs of bone involvement. Surgery resulted in
      excellent mJOA scores except in one case (mJOA score of 10); no recurrences were
      detected during follow-up (periods ranging from 1 to 5 years). CONCLUSIONS:
      Extradural SAL can present with highly variable radiological and clinical
      features. Surgery must be tailored to each individual situation according to
      tumour extension; in some cases, it may include spinal reconstruction. Surgery
      results in excellent outcomes regardless of preoperative functional status and it
      is associated with low recurrence rates, even in case of incomplete resection.

PMID- 28081977
TI  - The combined use of Drug-eluting balloon and Excimer laser for coronary artery
      Restenosis In-Stent Treatment: The DERIST study.
AB  - AIM: Stents reduce angiographic restenosis in comparison with balloon
      angioplasty. The rate of in-stent restenosis (ISR), although less frequent than
      post-angioplasty restenosis, is becoming increasingly prevalent due to the recent
      exponential increase in the use of intracoronary stents. The aim of this study is
      to evaluate angiographic and clinical outcomes of PTCA in combination with the
      use of excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) and drug-eluting balloon (DEB)
      in treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR). METHODS AND RESULTS: This multi
      centric case-control study evaluated angiographic and clinical outcomes of PTCA
      with excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) and drug-eluting balloon (DEB) in
      80 patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR). All patients underwent nine months of
      clinical and a coronary angiography follow-up. This study showed clinical and
      angiographic long-term success in the 91% of the patients. The incidence of
      myocardial infarctions and deaths was lower than the rate after plain balloon
      angioplasty within the stent. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that excimer laser
      coronary angioplasty (ELCA) and drug-eluting balloon (DEB) may be an alternative
      treatment for in-stent restenosis (ISR).

PMID- 28081978
TI  - Influence of Genes on the Lifespan of Long- and Short-Lived Families.

PMID- 28081980
TI  - The lipid accumulation product is a powerful tool to predict metabolic syndrome
      in undiagnosed Brazilian adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is emergent predictor of
      central lipid accumulation linked to diabetes risk and cardiovascular disease. In
      this study, our aims were (i) to assess the accuracy of the LAP for predicting
      metabolic syndrome (MS) in subjects without diagnosis of cardiovascular disease
      (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with other classical anthropometric
      parameters and (ii) to estimate the optimal LAP cut-off point to predict MS in
      this population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with
      representative undiagnosed subjects aged 20-79 years (n = 201; 37.8% men),
      selected by simple random sampling. In this study, subjects without previous
      diagnosis of CVD and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and those who did not make use of
      continuous medication were included. The independent variables were body mass
      index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and waist-to
      hip ratio (WHR) and LAP. MS was defined by American Heart Association and the
      National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI); International Diabetes
      Federation (IDF); and a harmonized criteria between AHA/NHLBI and IDF. RESULTS:
      The prevalence of MS was 78.9% and 69.6% for men and women, respectively. LAP
      showed better area under the curve (AUC) for MS in three different criteria than
      those indexes based on body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height
      ratio and waist-to-hip ratio, even after adjusting for age and sex. In the
      harmonized criteria, the cut-off point of 34.2 cm.mmol/L for LAP showed the
      highest accuracy for MS (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.61, positive likelihood
      ratio of 2.31 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: LAP is a
      simple and accurate predictor tool for MS in undiagnosed adults. Moreover, it has
      significantly higher predictability than other screening tools commonly used to
      find subjects at risk of CVD and type 2 diabetes mellitus development, with the
      best performance at the 34.2 cm.mmol/L cut-off point.

PMID- 28081979
TI  - Malignant Catarrhal Fever in Brazilian cattle presenting with neurological
      syndrome.
AB  - Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) was investigated in the central nervous system of
      cattle with neurological syndrome. Two-hundred-ninety samples were analyzed by
      histology, and molecular methods to detect ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) were
      optimized and validated. The qualitative polymerase chain reaction (qualitative
      PCR) analytical sensitivity was 101DNA copies/MUL and found 4.8% (14/290)
      positive for OvHV-2. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analytical
      sensitivity was 100DNA copy/MUL and 5.9% (17/290) positivity, with 47.1% (8/17)
      of the positive samples presenting histological evidence of non-purulent meningo
      encephalitis. The qualitative PCR products (422bp of the ORF75 region) were
      sequenced and submitted to phylogenetic analysis. Identity matrices showed 100%
      similarity in OvHV-2 samples obtained in this study and those recovered from
      GenBank, corroborating other studies.

PMID- 28081981
TI  - Impact of treatment modality on quality of life of head and neck cancer patients:
      Findings from an academic medical institution.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this pilot study was to determine how different
      treatment modalities (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy) impact quality of
      life (QOL) in a population of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. METHODS:
      Fifty-nine newly diagnosed, biopsy-confirmed HNC patients were recruited between
      2007-2012. They completed the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire and Head & Neck
      Module at 5 intervals pre- and post-treatment. Participants were grouped into
      four categories based on modality: surgery only, surgery/radiation,
      chemoradiation, or surgery/chemoradiation. Repeated measures ANOVA examined
      effect of treatment modality on QOL over time. RESULTS: Xerostomia symptoms were
      significantly associated with chemoradiation (F(2.47, 59.27)=3.57, p=0.03),
      lowest at pretreatment and highest 6 months post-treatment. Time was
      significantly associated with head and neck pain, F(2.95,67.89)=3.39, p=0.02.
      CONCLUSIONS: HNC survivors exhibit different QOL related symptoms depending on
      combined treatment modalities, and time post-treatment. It is important to
      understand QOL differences based upon treatment modalities when developing
      treatment plans for HNC patients.

PMID- 28081982
TI  - Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cell-conditioned medium exerts in
      vitro antiaging effects in human fibroblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIMS: Chronic wounds are a common complication of diabetes. Fibroblast
      myofibroblast differentiation is important for wound repair, which is commonly
      impaired in non-healing wounds, and the underlying mechanisms need to be further
      elucidated. METHODS: We used high glucose (HG) to simulated the diabetes
      microenvironment and explored its effects on the biological features of
      fibroblasts in vitro. RESULTS: The results showed that prolonged HG induced
      senescence in fibroblasts through activation of p21 and p16 in a reactive oxygen
      species (ROS)-dependent manner, further delayed the viability and migration in
      fibroblasts and also depressed fibroblast differentiation through the TGF
      beta/Smad signaling pathway. However, mesenchymal stromal cell-conditioned medium
      (MSC-CM) counteracts the effects of HG. Treatment of fibroblasts with MSC-CM
      decreased HG-induced ROS overproduction, ameliorated HG-induced senescence in
      fibroblasts and reversed the defects in myofibroblast formation. Our results may
      provide clues for the pathogenesis of chronic wounds and a theoretical basis to
      develop MSC-CM as an alternative therapeutic method to treatment of chronic
      wounds.

PMID- 28081983
TI  - Post-partum eosinophilic gastroenteritis: A case report.

PMID- 28081984
TI  - Updates on a case of Mckittrick-Wheelock syndrome and metabolic coma.

PMID- 28081986
TI  - Response to Zamponi et al.

PMID- 28081985
TI  - Repurposing of Potent Drug Candidates for Multiparasite Targeting.
AB  - Parasite-directed drug discovery efforts require sustained and substantial
      scientific resources. Many eukaryotic parasites share similarities in metabolic
      pathways and housekeeping genes, as evident from their underlying protein
      sequences. Their subsequent structural congruence within enzyme active sites can
      thus be leveraged for multiparasite targeting using similar or identical drug
      probes. This bodes well for delivering new anti-infectives.

PMID- 28081987
TI  - Serum folate, vitamin B12 levels and diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2
      diabetes: A meta-analysis.
AB  - The association between serum folate and vitamin B12 levels and the risk of
      diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) remains unclear. This meta-analysis included
      16 studies of serum folate levels (1190 cases and 1501 controls) and 18 studies
      of serum vitamin B12 levels (1239 cases and 1562 controls) in patients with type
      2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Reduced serum levels of folate and vitamin B12 were
      found in patients with T2DM and DPN compared with patients with T2DM but without
      DPN; weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 
      2.46, -0.81) and WMD = -70.86 (95% CI = -101.55, -40.17), respectively. A
      subgroup analysis confirmed these associations in the Chinese population, but not
      in the Caucasian and mixed populations. In conclusion, these findings support the
      need for further controlled studies in defined patient populations and the
      importance of monitoring serum folate and vitamin B12 levels in patients with
      T2DM.

PMID- 28081988
TI  - Exposure to famine in early life and the risk of obesity in adulthood in Qingdao:
      Evidence from the 1959-1961 Chinese famine.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the association between famine exposure
      during early life and obesity and obesitymax (obese at the highest weight) in
      adulthood. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were from two population-based cross
      sectional surveys conducted in 2006 and 2009 in Qingdao, China. A total of 8185
      subjects born between 1/1/1941 and 12/31/1971 were categorized into unexposed
      (born between 01/01/1962 and 12/31/1971), fetal/infant exposed (born between
      01/01/1959 and 12/31/1961), childhood exposed (born between 01/01/1949 and
      12/31/1958) and adolescence exposed (born between 01/01/1941 and 12/31/1948)
      according to their age when exposed to the Chinese famine from 1959 to 1961.
      Obesity was defined as BMI (body mass index) >=28.0 and obesitymax was defined as
      BMImax (BMI at the highest weight) >=28.0. We compared fetal/infant exposed,
      childhood exposed and adolescence exposed to the unexposed using logistic
      regression models to assess the effect of famine exposure on later obesity and
      obesitymax. Fetal/infant exposed (OR = 1.59, P < 0.001), childhood exposed (OR =
      1.42, P < 0.01) and adolescence exposed (OR = 1.86, P < 0.01) all had higher
      risks of obesity than the unexposed. Exposure groups were more likely to be obese
      at their highest weight than the unexposed, and ORs (95%CIs) for obesitymax in
      the fetal/infant exposed, childhood exposed and adolescence exposed were
      1.49(1.20-1.86), 1.24(1.02-1.49) and 1.64 (1.40-1.93), respectively. Similar
      results were found in both men and women. CONCLUSION: Exposure to famine in early
      life was associated with increased risks of obesity and obesitymax in adulthood.
      Preventing undernutrition in early life appears beneficial to reduce the
      prevalence of later obesity.

PMID- 28081989
TI  - Dietary glycemic index, glycemic load and metabolic profile in children with
      phenylketonuria.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: No data exist in the current literature on the glycemic
      index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of the diet of phenylketonuric (PKU) children.
      The aims of this study were to examine the dietary GI and GL in PKU children on a
      low-phenylalanine (Phe)-diet and to evaluate whether an association may exist
      between the carbohydrate quality and the metabolic profile. METHODS: Twenty-one
      PKU children (age 5-11 years) and 21 healthy children, gender and age matched,
      were enrolled. Dietary (including GI and GL) and blood biochemical assessments
      were performed. RESULTS: No difference was observed for daily energy intake
      between PKU and healthy children. Compared to healthy controls, PKU children
      consumed less protein (p = 0.001) and fat (p = 0.028), and more carbohydrate (%
      of total energy, p = 0.004) and fiber (p = 0.009). PKU children had higher daily
      GI than healthy children (mean difference (95% confidence interval), 13.7 (9.3
      18.3)) and higher GL (31.7 (10.1-53.2)). PKU children exhibited lower blood total
      and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels (p < 0.01) and higher
      triglyceride level (p = 0.014) than healthy children, while glucose and insulin
      concentrations did not differ. In PKU children the dietary GL was associated with
      triglyceride glucose index (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.515, p =
      0.034). CONCLUSION: In PKU children a relationship of the dietary treatment with
      GI and GL, blood triglycerides and triglyceride glucose index may exist.
      Improvement towards an optimal diet for PKU children could include additional
      attention to the management of dietary carbohydrate quality.

PMID- 28081990
TI  - Can we use lower volume of local anesthetic for infraclavicular brachial plexus
      nerve block under ultrasound guidance in children?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine if the infraclavicular brachial plexus block can be
      applied with lower volume of local anesthetic. DESIGN: Randomised, double-blinded
      clinical trial. PATIENTS: 60 patients aged 5-15years with ASA I-II who underwent
      emergent or elective arm, forearm or hand operations were included in the study.
      INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into two groups randomly; standard volume
      local anesthetic administered group (Group S, n=30) and low volume anesthetic
      administered group (Group L, n=30). MEASUREMENT: Postoperative pain scores,
      sensory and motor block durations were noted. MAIN RESULTS: Pain scores (Wong
      Baker Face Scale) were evaluated and the results were detected to be similar at
      all times (30min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24h). Durations of motor block were 168(+/-16)
      minutes and 268(+/-15) minutes in Group L and Group S respectively and the
      difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Durations of sensory block
      were 385(+/-26) and 402(+/-39) in Group L and Group S respectively and no
      statistically significant difference was detected (p=0.064). CONCLUSION: Similar
      block success, postoperative sensory block durations and pain scores could be
      obtained during infraclavicular brachial plexus in pediatric patients with lower
      local anesthetic volumes.

PMID- 28081991
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.

PMID- 28081992
TI  - Corrigendum to "Assessing hazardous risks of indoor airborne polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons in the kitchen and its association with lung functions and urinary
      PAH metabolites in kitchen workers" [Clin. Chim. Acta 452 (2016) 204-213.].

PMID- 28081993
TI  - Biomethanization of olive mill solid waste after phenols recovery through low
      temperature thermal pre-treatment.
AB  - Due to the high polluting potential of Olive Mill Solid Waste (OMSW), it is
      necessary to develop an economical and environmental-friendly sustainable
      management method. OMSW anaerobic digestion has been shown to be an interesting
      management alternative, although it should be optimized to improve its economic
      viability. In the present study, low-temperature thermal pre-treatment of OMSW is
      proposed to allow the extraction of high added-value compounds, such as phenols,
      and to enhance the subsequent biomethanization of the substrate. OMSW low
      temperature thermal pre-treatment facilitated the separation of a solid phase,
      where most of organic compounds remained, and a liquid phase, where most of
      phenolic compounds were concentrated. Hydroxytyrosol presented the highest
      concentration of the measured individual phenols in the liquid phase, i.e. 1034+/
      22mg/L. Anaerobic digestion of OMSW and the different pre-treated phases and
      mixtures operated under stable conditions, except the biomethanization of the
      liquid phase, which was mainly inhibited by the high phenols content. Low
      temperature thermal pre-treatment allows obtaining an improvement on
      biodegradability and methane production up to 37% and 34%, respectively. The
      proposed economic assessment showed that the combination of low-temperature pre
      treatment, phenols recovery and the subsequent biomethanization of the substrates
      was the most attractive treatment option. This management option could reach
      economic benefit of ?0.845/kg OMSW, i.e. twenty times higher than only energy
      recovery.

PMID- 28081994
TI  - Sustainable use of tannery sludge in brick manufacturing in Bangladesh.
AB  - Chromium-rich tannery sludge generated from tanneries has the potential to become
      a serious environmental burden in Bangladesh and a promising avenue for disposal
      of this sludge is by stabilizing it in clay brick products. But for sustainable
      industrial application of such technique it needs to be ensured first that the
      engineering properties of bricks as a building material are not diminished by
      addition of sludge, the process becomes energy efficient compared to alternatives
      and the use of such bricks do not pose any harmful environmental effects in the
      long run. In this study, clay bricks were prepared with different proportions of
      sludge (10%, 20%, 30% and 40% by dry weight) in both laboratory-controlled and
      field conditions and their suitability as a construction material was assessed
      based on their strength, water absorption, shrinkage, weight-loss on ignition and
      bulk density. For the sludge incorporated bricks, the compressive strength ranged
      from 10.98MPa to 29.61MPa and water absorption ranged from 7.2% to 20.9%, which
      in most cases met both the Bangladesh and ASTM criteria for bricks as a
      construction material. Volumetric shrinkage, weight loss and efflorescence
      properties of sludge-amended bricks were found to be favorable and it was
      estimated that an energy saving of 15-47% could potentially be achieved during
      firing with 10-40% tannery sludge-amended bricks. The quality of sludge-amended
      bricks made in the brick kiln was relatively inferior compared to bricks produced
      in the laboratory due to operating in a less-controlled environment with respect
      to maintaining adequate compaction and optimum moisture content. The leaching
      behavior of several heavy metals (Cr, As, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb and Zn) from sludge
      amended bricks has been found to be insignificant and far below the Dutch
      regulations and USEPA regulatory limits. Results from this study indicate that
      tannery sludge can be sustainably stabilized in clay bricks and large-scale
      application of this technique can be envisaged in the context of Bangladesh where
      brick remains a dominant building material.

PMID- 28081995
TI  - Procedure to describe clavicular motion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For many years, researchers have attempted to describe shoulder
      motions by using different mathematical methods. The aim of this study was to
      describe a procedure to quantify clavicular motion. METHODS: The procedure
      proposed for the kinematic analysis consists of 4 main processes: 3 transcortical
      pins in the clavicle, motion capture, obtaining 3-dimensional bone models, and
      data processing. RESULTS: Clavicular motion by abduction (30 degrees  to 150
      degrees ) and flexion (55 degrees  to 165 degrees ) were characterized by an
      increment of retraction of 27 degrees  to 33 degrees , elevation of 25 degrees 
      to 28 degrees , and posterior rotation of 14 degrees  to 15 degrees ,
      respectively. In circumduction, clavicular movement described an ellipse, which
      was reflected by retraction and elevation. Kinematic analysis shows that the
      articular surfaces move by simultaneously rolling and sliding on the convex
      surface of the sternum for the 3 movements of abduction, flexion, and
      circumduction. CONCLUSION: The use of 3 body landmarks in the clavicle and the
      direct measurement of bone allowed description of the osteokinematic and
      arthrokinematic movement of the clavicle.

PMID- 28081996
TI  - Tendon vascularity in overhead athletes with subacromial pain syndrome and its
      correlation with the resting subacromial space.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Supraspinatus tendinopathy is one of the common causes of subacromial
      pain syndrome (SAPS) in overhead athletes. Changes in tendon vascularity have
      been reported in painful tendons; however, the prevalence and distribution have
      not been investigated in young overhead athletes. METHODS: We conducted a cross
      sectional study of 47 overhead athletes (male, 31; female, 16) aged 18 to 36
      years with SAPS for >3 months. A sonographer graded the severity of the
      tendinopathy and area of vascularization. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure
      supraspinatus tendon thickness, vascularity, and resting subacromial space. A
      self-written program was used to semiquantify the intensity of vascularity,
      expressed as the vascular index. RESULTS: The majority (87.2%) of the
      participants had signs of tendinopathy in the supraspinatus tendon, and 40
      (85.1%) of the tendinopathic tendons had vascularity. The majority (66.0%) of the
      vascularized subjects presented with minimal increase in vascularity, and 19.1%
      had moderate to severe vascularization. Most (79.2%) of the vascularization was
      observed in the pericortical region. The vascular index was negatively correlated
      with the resting subacromial space in male athletes with a reduced subacromial
      space (rho = -0.63; P = .038). CONCLUSION: Of overhead athletes with SAPS, 87.2%
      had supraspinatus tendinopathy with minimal to moderate vascularization, with the
      majority of vascularization occurring in the pericortical region. In male
      athletes with a reduced subacromial space, greater vascularity in the
      supraspinatus tendon was associated with a smaller resting subacromial space.

PMID- 28081997
TI  - Persistent motion loss after free joint mobilization in a rat model of post
      traumatic elbow contracture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC) in the elbow is a challenging
      clinical problem due to the anatomical and biomechanical complexity of the elbow
      joint. METHODS: We previously established an animal model to study elbow PTJC,
      wherein surgically induced soft tissue damage, followed by 6 weeks of unilateral
      immobilization in Long-Evans rats, led to stiffened and contracted joints that
      exhibited features similar to the human condition. In this study, after 6 weeks
      of immobilization, we remobilized the animal (ie, external bandage removed and
      free cage activity) for an additional 6 weeks, after which the limbs were
      evaluated mechanically and histologically. The objective of this study was to
      evaluate whether this decreased joint motion would persist after 6 weeks of free
      mobilization (FM). RESULTS: After FM, flexion-extension demonstrated decreased
      total range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone length, and increased ROM midpoint
      for injured limbs compared with control and contralateral limbs. Specifically,
      after FM total ROM demonstrated a significant decrease of approximately 22% and
      26% compared with control and contralateral limbs for injury I (anterior
      capsulotomy) and injury II (anterior capsulotomy with lateral collateral ligament
      transection), respectively. Histologic evaluation showed increased adhesion,
      fibrosis, and thickness of the capsule tissue in the injured limbs after FM
      compared with control and contralateral limbs, which is consistent with patterns
      previously reported in human tissue. CONCLUSION: Even with FM, injured limbs in
      this model demonstrate persistent joint motion loss and histologic results
      similar to the human condition. Future work will use this animal model to
      investigate the mechanisms responsible for PTJC and responses to therapeutic
      intervention.

PMID- 28081999
TI  - Influence of the Flavored Cigarette Ban on Adolescent Tobacco Use.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This paper estimated the association between the U.S. Food and Drug
      Administration's 2009 ban on flavored cigarettes (which did not apply to menthol
      cigarettes or tobacco products besides cigarettes) and adolescents' tobacco use.
      METHODS: Regression modeling was used to evaluate tobacco use before and after
      the ban. The analyses controlled for a quadratic time trend, demographic
      variables, prices of cigarettes and other tobacco products, and teenage
      unemployment rate. Data from the 1999-2013 National Youth Tobacco Surveys were
      collected and analyzed in 2016. The sample included 197,834 middle and high
      schoolers. Outcomes were past 30-day cigarette use; cigarettes smoked in the past
      30 days among smokers; rate of menthol cigarette use among smokers; and past 30
      day use of cigars, smokeless tobacco, pipes, any tobacco products besides
      cigarettes, and any tobacco products including cigarettes. RESULTS: Banning
      flavored cigarettes was associated with reductions in the probability of being a
      cigarette smoker (17%, p<0.001) and cigarettes smoked by smokers (58%, p=0.005).
      However, the ban was positively associated with the use by smokers of menthol
      cigarettes (45%, p<0.001), cigars (34%, p<0.001), and pipes (55%, p<0.001),
      implying substitution toward the remaining legal flavored tobacco products.
      Despite increases in some forms of tobacco, overall there was a 6% (p<0.001)
      reduction in the probability of using any tobacco. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      suggest the 2009 flavored cigarette ban did achieve its objective of reducing
      adolescent tobacco use, but effects were likely diminished by the continued
      availability of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products.

PMID- 28081998
TI  - Parent's Physical Activity Associated With Preschooler Activity in Underserved
      Populations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the U.S., children from low-income families are more likely to
      be obese. The impact of parent modeling of physical activity (PA) and sedentary
      behaviors in low-income American ethnic minorities is unclear, and studies
      examining objective measures of preschooler and parent PA are sparse. METHODS:
      This cross-sectional study examined 1,003 parent-child pairs who were of low
      income, largely Latino and African American, and living in one of two
      geographically disparate metropolitan areas in the U.S. Parents and children wore
      GT3X/GT3X+ accelerometers for an average of >12 hours/day (7:00am-9:00pm) for 1
      week (September 2012 to May 2014). Analysis occurred in 2015-2016. RESULTS: About
      75% of children were Latino and >10% were African American. Mean child age was
      3.9 years. The majority of children (60%) were normal weight (BMI >=50th and
      <85th percentiles), and more than a third were overweight/obese. Children's total
      PA was 6.03 hours/day, with 1.5 hours spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA).
      Covariate-adjusted models showed a monotonic, positive association between parent
      and child minutes of sedentary behavior (beta=0.10, 95% CI=0.06, 0.15) and light
      PA (beta=0.06; 95% CI=0.03, 0.09). Child and parent MVPA were positively
      associated up to 40 minutes/day of parent MVPA, but an inverse association was
      observed when parental MVPA was beyond 40 minutes/day (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS:
      Increasing parental PA and reducing sedentary behavior correlate with increased
      PA-related behaviors in children. However, more work is needed to understand the
      impact of high levels of parental MVPA on the MVPA levels of their children.

PMID- 28082000
TI  - Exercise Intensity and Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome: The SUN Project.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Emerging evidence suggests that vigorous physical activity may be
      associated with higher cardioprotective benefits than moderate physical activity.
      This study aimed to assess the long-term relationship between the intensity of
      leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and the risk of developing metabolic
      syndrome (MS) in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: The Seguimiento Universidad
      de Navarra (SUN) Project comprises Spanish university graduates. Participants
      (n=10,145) initially free of MS were followed for a minimum of 6 years (2008
      2014). Analysis was conducted in 2015. Physical activity was assessed though a
      validated questionnaire. The intensity of each physical activity was measured in
      METs. The intensity of LTPA was estimated by the ratio between total METs/week
      and total hours of LTPA/week, obtaining the mean METs/hour of LTPA. MS was
      defined according to the harmonizing definition. The association between the
      intensity of LTPA (METs/hour) and MS was assessed with logistic regression models
      adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Among 10,145 participants initially
      free of any MS criteria, 412 new MS cases were observed. Vigorous LTPA was
      associated with a 37% relatively lower risk (AOR=0.63, 95% CI=0.44, 0.89)
      compared with light LTPA. For a given total energy expenditure, independent of
      the time spent on it, participants who performed vigorous LTPA exhibited a higher
      reduction in the risk of MS than those who performed light to moderate LTPA.
      CONCLUSIONS: Vigorous LTPA was significantly associated with lower risk of
      developing MS after a 6-year follow-up period.

PMID- 28082002
TI  - Identifying adults aging with disability using existing data: The case of the
      Health and Retirement Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The population of persons aging with disabilities is growing. Being
      able to segment aging with disability sub-populations within national data sets
      is becoming increasingly important in order to understand the relationship of
      aging with disability to a range of outcomes in later life including health and
      wellness, economic security, and health and long-term service and support need
      and use. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify viable sub-samples
      of adults aging with disabilities within the Health and Retirement Study, one of
      the most used secondary data sets to study aging and older adults. METHOD:
      Samples used in this research are drawn from wave 11 (2012) of the HRS. Five
      operationalizations of disability were used: childhood disability (n = 719),
      childhood chronic condition (n = 3070), adult chronic condition (n = 13,723),
      functional limitation in adulthood (n = 4448) and work disability (n = 5632).
      RESULTS: These subsamples are not mutually exclusive. Among respondents that
      reported having a childhood disability, 87% also report having at least one
      chronic disease in adulthood, 50% report having functional limitations in
      adulthood and 38% report interruption in their ability to work due to a
      disability. Compared to the childhood disability samples, rates of reporting
      fair/poor health are nearly double among adults with functional limitations or
      those with work disruptions because of disability. CONCLUSION: Work disability
      and functional limitation appeared to be the most viable sub-sample options to
      consider when using the HRS to study experiences of adults aging with disability.
      Overall, age at onset is unclear.

PMID- 28082001
TI  - The Built Environment and Cognitive Disorders: Results From the Cognitive
      Function and Ageing Study II.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Built environment features have been related to behavior
      modification and might stimulate cognitive activity with a potential impact on
      cognitive health in later life. This study investigated cross-sectional
      associations between features of land use and cognitive impairment and dementia,
      and also explored urban and rural differences in these associations. METHODS:
      Postcodes of the 7,505 community-based participants (aged >=65 years) in the
      Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II (collected in 2008-2011) were linked to
      environmental data from government statistics. Multilevel logistic regression
      investigated associations between cognitive impairment (defined as Mini-Mental
      State Examination score <=25) and dementia (Geriatric Mental Status and Automatic
      Geriatric Examination for Computer-Assisted Taxonomy organicity level >=3) and
      land use features, including natural environment availability and land use mix,
      fitting interaction terms with three rural/urban categories. Data were analyzed
      in 2015. RESULTS: Associations between features of land use and cognitive
      impairment were not linear. After adjusting for individual-level factors and area
      deprivation, living in areas with high land use mix was associated with a nearly
      30% decreased odds of cognitive impairment (OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.58, 0.89). This was
      similar, yet non-significant, for dementia (OR=0.70, 95% CI=0.46, 1.06). In
      conurbations, living in areas with high natural environment availability was
      associated with 30% reduced odds of cognitive impairment (OR=0.70, 95% CI=0.50,
      0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Non-linear associations between features of land use and
      cognitive impairment were confirmed in this new cohort of older people in
      England. Both lack of and overload of environmental stimulation may be
      detrimental to cognition in later life.

PMID- 28082003
TI  - Community integration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
      A national longitudinal analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) 1915(c) waivers are
      the largest providers of long-term supports and services (LTSS) for people with
      intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the United States. National
      and longitudinal analyses of HCBS 1915(c) waivers for people with IDD are
      critical because of changes in the fiscal landscape, the variability produced by
      states ability to flexibly customize their programs, and the significant changes
      required by the HCBS final settings rule. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this
      study was to determine spending allocations and state priorities for LTSS for
      people with IDD through Medicaid HCBS waivers over a five-year period (fiscal
      year 2011 to fiscal year 2015). METHODS: Medicaid HCBS 1915(c) waivers for people
      with IDD from fiscal year (FY) 2011 to FY 2015 were analyzed to determine total
      projected spending, unduplicated participants, and average spending per
      participant across fiscal years and states. Over 10,000 services from the five
      years were also analyzed to determine service priorities. RESULTS: This
      longitudinal analysis of HCBS IDD waiver allocation revealed large fluctuation
      across five years in terms of total participants, total spending, and average
      spending per participant. Trends also revealed a shifting away from residential
      habilitation settings towards supports for living in one's own home. CONCLUSIONS:
      When revising waivers to meet the Final Settings Rule, states should utilize our
      findings to determine areas of need and how to best apply limited funding.

PMID- 28082004
TI  - On the nature of the speech perception deficits in children with autism spectrum
      disorders.
AB  - Previous studies have claimed to show deficits in the perception of speech sounds
      in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of the current study was to clarify
      the nature of such deficits. Children with ASD might only exhibit a lesser amount
      of precision in the perception of phoneme categories (CPR deficit). However,
      these children might further present an allophonic mode of speech perception,
      similar to the one evidenced in dyslexia, characterised by enhanced
      discrimination of acoustic differences within phoneme categories. Allophonic
      perception usually gives rise to a categorical perception (CP) deficit,
      characterised by a weaker coherence between discrimination and identification of
      speech sounds. The perceptual performance of ASD children was compared to that of
      control children of the same chronological age. Identification and discrimination
      data were collected for continua of natural vowels, synthetic vowels, and
      synthetic consonants. Results confirmed that children with ASD exhibit a CPR
      deficit for the three stimulus continua. These children further exhibited a trend
      toward allophonic perception that was, however, not accompanied by the usual CP
      deficit. These findings confirm that the commonly found CPR deficit is also
      present in ASD. Whether children with ASD also present allophonic perception
      requires further investigations.

PMID- 28082005
TI  - Phylogeographic structure of Canthon cyanellus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), a
      Neotropical dung beetle in the Mexican Transition Zone: Insights on its origin
      and the impacts of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations on population dynamics.
AB  - Canthon cyanellus is a roller dung beetle with a wide distribution range in the
      tropical forests of the New World. In Mexico, it inhabits the Pacific and the
      Gulf coasts, the Yucatan Peninsula and the south mainly in the State of Chiapas.
      This species shows a wide geographical variation in cuticle color, which has been
      used as defining trait for subspecies. In this study we analyzed the
      phylogeographic and demographic history of the Mexican populations of C.
      cyanellus using DNA sequences of the nuclear ITS2, and the mitochondrial COI and
      16S genes. We found that not all the current valid subspecies are supported by
      the molecular analysis. The populations are genetically and geographically
      structured in five lineages. The diversification events that gave origin to the
      main lineages within this species complex occurred during the Pleistocine in a
      time range of 1.63-0.91Myr. The demographic history of these lineages suggests
      post-glacial expansions toward the middle and the end of the Pleistocene. The
      combined data of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA suggest that the phylogeographic
      structure and demographic history of the C. cyanellus populations are the result
      of: the geological and volcanic activity that occurred from the end of the
      Pliocene to the Pleistocene; and the contraction and expansion of tropical
      forests due to the glacial and inter-glacial cycles during the Pleistocene.
      Landscape changes derived from historical events have affected the demographic
      history of the populations of this species. The results presented here point to
      the need to review the taxonomic status and delimitation of the lineages
      encompassed in the Canthon cyanellus complex.

PMID- 28082006
TI  - Molecular diversity of Wolbachia in Lepidoptera: Prevalent allelic content and
      high recombination of MLST genes.
AB  - Wolbachia are common endosymbiotic bacteria of Arthropoda and Nematoda that are
      ordinarily transmitted vertically in host lineages through the egg cytoplasm.
      Despite the great interest in the Wolbachia symbiont, many issues of its biology
      remain unclear, including its evolutionary history, routes of transfer among
      species, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the symbiont's effect on its
      host. In this report, we present data relating to Wolbachia infection in 120
      species of 13 Lepidoptera families, mostly butterflies, from West Siberian
      localities based on Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and the wsp locus and
      perform a comprehensive survey of the distribution of Wolbachia and its genetic
      diversity in Lepidoptera worldwide. We observed a high infection incidence in the
      studied region; this finding is probably also true for other temperate latitude
      regions because many studied species have broad Palearctic and even Holarctic
      distribution. Although 40 new MLST alleles and 31 new STs were described, there
      was no noticeable difference in the MLST allele content in butterflies and
      probably also in moths worldwide. A genetic analysis of Wolbachia strains
      revealed the MLST allele core in lepidopteran hosts worldwide, viz. the ST-41
      allele content. The key finding of our study was the detection of rampant
      recombination among MLST haplotypes. High rates of homologous recombination
      between Wolbachia strains indicate a substantial contribution of genetic
      exchanges to the generation of new STs. This finding should be considered when
      discussing issues related to the reconstruction of Wolbachia evolution,
      divergence time, and the routes of Wolbachia transmission across arthropod hosts.

PMID- 28082008
TI  - In reply to: "Meyer CP et al., The association of hypoalbuminemia with early
      perioperative outcomes - A comprehensive assessment across 16 major procedures".

PMID- 28082007
TI  - Prognostic performance of coronary computed tomography angiography in
      asymptomatic individuals as compared to symptomatic patients with an appropriate
      indication.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Current Appropriatene Usa Criteria exclude coronary computed
      tomography angiography (CTA) in asymptomatic individuals. We compared the
      prognostic value of coronary CTA in asymptomatic individuals to symptomatic
      patients with "definitely appropriate" indications for coronary CTA. METHODS:
      Consecutive patients without previously known CAD referred for a CTA exam were
      divided into 2 groups. One group consisted ofasymptomatic individuals, the other
      of symptomatic patients with a "definitely appropriate" indication for coronary
      CT (unable to exercise and/or with an uninterpretable electrocardiogram and at an
      intermediate pre-test probability of obstructive coronary artery disease).
      Patients that did not fit into either groups were excluded. The segment stenosis
      score (SSS) was calculated based on coronary CTA and patients were followed for a
      composite endpoint of all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction and late
      revascularization. RESULTS: A total of 1080 patients (60 +/- 12 years, 65% male)
      were included in the study (674 "asymptomatic" and 406 "appropriate"). SSS >4 was
      more frequent in "asymptomatic" than in "appropriate" CT data sets (27% vs 20%, p
      = 0.02). After a mean follow-up of 4.4 +/- 1.8 yrs, 49 patients reached the
      composite endpoint. On multivariable analysis adjusting for CAD risk factors and
      symptoms, only a high-risk CTA study and past smoking were independently
      predictive of events. CONCLUSIONS: Although currently not regarded as "definitely
      appropriate", the use of coronary CTA in a selected asymptomatic population had
      higher yield for identifying high-risk individuals than appropriately indicated
      studies in symptomatic patients and provided thequal prognostic information.

PMID- 28082009
TI  - Locally advanced primary recto-sigmoid cancers: Improved survival with
      multivisceral resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multivisceral resection (MVR) is considered a radical operation with
      many surgeons only using it as a last resort. However, when locally advanced
      colorectal cancers invade adjacent organs, MVR is an important consideration for
      select patients. The current study addresses the outcomes of MVR in locally
      advanced recto-sigmoid cancer patients subsequent to these recommendations and
      hypothesizes that MVR yields improved survival. METHOD: SEER data (1988-2008) was
      used to identify all eligible patients with MVR. Patients were limited to single
      primary locally advanced non-metastatic colorectal cancers originating from the
      sigmoid and rectum. RESULTS: A total of 4111 locally advanced non-metastatic
      recto sigmoid cancer patients were included in the study. Cox regression analysis
      showed variables predictive of MVR were female (OR = 1.95) and late year period
      (OR = 1.90). Kaplan Meier analysis showed that five-year survival was highest for
      MVR (52.7%, 48 months), followed by standard surgery (SS; 38.9%, 32 months) and
      no surgery (NS; 16.6%, 12 months, P < 0.001). With radiation treatment, five year
      survival improved for all groups, with the highest being MVR (57%, 52 months).
      With no radiation treatment, five year survival decreased for all groups, with
      the highest being MVR (45.1%, 44 months), followed by SS (27.3%, 19 months), and
      NS (8.7%, 6 months, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study supports that MVR
      offers greater survival advantage in patients with locally advanced colorectal
      cancer. MVR are extensive surgical procedures with significant associated
      morbidity that usually require specialized training and sometimes the
      coordination of multiple surgical specialists.

PMID- 28082010
TI  - Perioperative feedback in surgical training: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in surgical training have raised concerns about residents'
      operative exposure and preparedness for independent practice. One way of
      addressing this concern is by optimizing teaching and feedback in the operating
      room (OR). The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review on
      perioperative teaching and feedback. METHODS: A systematic literature search
      identified articles from 1994 to 2014 that addressed teaching, feedback,
      guidance, or debriefing in the perioperative period. Data was extracted according
      to ENTREQ guidelines, and a qualitative analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thematic
      analysis of the 26 included studies identified four major topics. Observation of
      teaching behaviors in the OR described current teaching practices. Identification
      of effective teaching strategies analyzed teaching behaviors, differentiating
      positive and negative teaching strategies. Perceptions of teaching behaviors
      described resident and attending satisfaction with teaching in the OR. Finally
      models for delivering structured feedback cited examples of feedback strategies
      and measured their effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an overview of
      perioperative teaching and feedback for surgical trainees and identifies a need
      for improved quality and quantity of structured feedback.

PMID- 28082011
TI  - Quality of sleep in patients undergoing cardiac surgery during the postoperative
      period in intensive care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the quality of sleep of patients undergoing cardiac
      surgery during the first two nights following surgery and identify some of the
      factors conditioning the nightly rest of these patients in the Intensive Care
      Unit. METHOD: Observational descriptive study based on applying the Richards
      Campbell Sleep Questionnaire through a consecutive sample of patients undergoing
      cardiac surgery with Intensive Care Unit admission. Simultaneously, a
      questionnaire assessing different environmental factors existing in the unit as
      possible conditioning of the night's rest was applied. The association between
      consumption of opioid and sleep quality was studied. RESULTS: Sample of 66
      patients with a mean age of 65+/-11.57 years, of which 73% were men (N=48). The
      Richards-Campbell sleep questionnaire garnered average scores of 50.33mm (1.st
      night) and 53.30mm (2.nd night). The main sleep disturbing factors were
      discomfort with the different devices, 30.91mm and pain, 30.18mm. The problems
      caused by environmental noise, 27.5mm or through the voices of the professionals,
      26.53mm were also elements of nocturnal discomfort. No statistical association
      was found between sleep and the distance of the patient with respect to the
      nursing control area or related to opioid analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of
      sleep during the first two nights of Intensive Care Unit admission was "regular".
      The environmental factors that conditioned the night-time rest of patients were
      discomfort, pain and ambient noise.

PMID- 28082012
TI  - Applications of ultrasound in processing of liquid foods: A review.
AB  - Ultrasonic processing of a variety of liquids, drinks and beverages has generated
      much interest with published literature papers increasing within this area in
      recent years. Benefits include enhanced emulsification with improved
      homogenization and fat globule size reduction being recorded. In dairy systems
      increased creaming rates are observed on sonication in a process known as
      fractionation. Whilst fruit juices exhibit retention or enhancement of quality
      parameters whilst increasing levels of bioactive compounds. Sterilization of
      liquids is a large feature of ultrasonic treatment with microbial activity of a
      range of fruit juices being monitored over time as increased stability and
      reduced spoilage is observed. Progress has also been made towards scale up of
      ultrasonic processes with several examples of batch and continuous processes
      being studied with reduced processing times and temperatures being quoted as a
      result of ultrasonic treatment. This short review covers the effect of sonication
      on liquids and beverages with a specific focus towards dairy and fruit juices and
      covers emulsification, fractionation, sterilization and some pilot scale
      initiatives.

PMID- 28082013
TI  - Severe methemoglobinemia caused by continuous lidocaine infusion in a term
      neonate.
AB  - Neonates and young infants are especially prone to develop drug-induced
      methemoglobinemia. Therefore, lidocaine is not licensed as local anesthetic in
      children below the age of 3 months. However, its systemic use is advocated for
      neonatal seizures. Cardiac arrhythmia has been reported as sole major side
      effect. Here we report a case of severe methemoglobinemia caused by continuous
      infusion of lidocaine in a term neonate with neonatal seizures. The increase of
      methemoglobin up to 13.8% was accompanied by hypoxemia and cyanosis,
      necessitating additional inspired oxygen and CPAP ventilation. After stopping
      lidocaine infusion methemoglobin levels fell and the neonate could be weaned from
      ventilation. Neonates treated with lidocaine for seizures must be monitored for
      the occurrence of methemoglobinemia.

PMID- 28082015
TI  - Response shift - The experience of disease progression in Parkinson disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate response shift, the recalibration of perceived quality
      of life (QoL) relative to symptomatic changes in Parkinson disease (PD).
      BACKGROUND: Health-related QoL in PD is influenced by improvement vs. decline in
      disease severity. However, it is unclear how disease course changes internal
      standards of QoL over time. METHODS: 124 PD patients were subdivided based on
      Total UPDRS change over 1 year (stable, improved, declined). The EuroQol Visual
      Analog Scale assessed QoL at baseline (T1) and 1 year later (T2). At T2, patients
      rated current QoL (T2-current) and reappraised their T1 QoL (T2-retrospective).
      Recalibration response shifts were represented by the difference between T1 and
      T2-retrospective QoL ratings. RESULTS: At follow-up (T2), the total patient
      sample reported no difference between current (T2 current mean (M) = 76.3) and
      retrospective (T2-R M = 77.8) QoL ratings. While there was no significant
      difference between T1 (M = 79.2) and T2-R ratings 1 year later (M = 77.8) for the
      total sample, there was a change by group interaction (p < 0.005) which showed
      that retrospectively, decliners reduced ratings (M Delta = -9.0) and improvers
      increased ratings (M Delta = +6.4) while stable patients did not change.
      CONCLUSIONS: When PD patients consider their health status one year ago,
      decliners recalibrate and downgrade last year's health assessment, while
      improvers upgrade last year's assessment. Changes in internal calibrations
      cushion periods of decline or improvement in PD such that patients tend to
      "stabilize" their general disease course when recalling symptom trajectory,
      providing insight into the process of adaptation to the effects of disease
      progression and treatment over time.

PMID- 28082014
TI  - Survey on treatments for primary headaches in 13 specialized juvenile Headache
      Centers: The first multicenter Italian study.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this retrospective multicenter study was to evaluate the use
      and the self-perceived efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological and non
      pharmacological treatments in children and adolescents with primary headaches.
      METHODS: Study of a cohort of children and adolescents diagnosed with primary
      headache, consecutively referred to 13 juvenile Italian Headache Centers. An ad
      hoc questionnaire was used for clinical data collection. RESULTS: Among 706
      patients with primary headaches included in the study, 637 cases with a single
      type of headache (migraine 76% - with and without aura in 10% and 67%
      respectively; tension-type headache 24%) were selected (mean age at clinical
      interview: 12 years). Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (in
      particular ibuprofen) were commonly used to treat attacks, by 76% and 46% of
      cases respectively. Triptans were used overall by 6% of migraineurs and by 13% of
      adolescents with migraine, with better efficacy than acetaminophen and non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Preventive drugs were used by 19% of
      migraineurs and by 3% of subjects with tension-type headache. In migraineurs,
      flunarizine was the most frequently used drug (18%), followed by antiepileptic
      drugs (7%) and pizotifen (6%), while cyproheptadine, propanolol and amitriptyline
      were rarely used. Pizotifen showed the best perceived efficacy and tolerability.
      Melatonin and nutraceuticals were used by 10% and 32% of subjects, respectively,
      both for migraine and tension-type headache, with good results in terms of
      perceived efficacy and tolerability. Non-pharmacological preventive treatments
      (i.e. relaxation techniques, biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral therapy,
      acupuncture) were used only by 10% of cases (migraine 9%, tension-type headache
      15%). DISCUSSION: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially ibuprofen,
      should be preferred to acetaminophen for acute attacks of migraine or tension
      type headache, because they were usually more effective and well tolerated.
      Triptans could be used more frequently as first or almost second choice for
      treating migraine attack in adolescents. Non-pharmacological preventive
      treatments are recommended by some pediatric guidelines as first-line
      interventions for primary headaches and their use should be implemented in
      clinical practice. Prospective multicenter studies based on larger series are
      warranted to better understand the best treatment strategies for young people
      with primary headaches.

PMID- 28082016
TI  - A Tablet for Healthy Ageing: The Effect of a Tablet Computer Training
      Intervention on Cognitive Abilities in Older Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of a tablet computer training intervention to
      improve cognitive abilities of older adults. DESIGN: Prospective randomized
      controlled trial. SETTING: Community-based aging intervention study, Edinburgh,
      UK. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight healthy older adults aged 65 to 76 years were
      recruited at baseline with no or minimal tablet experience; 43 completed follow
      up testing. INTERVENTION: Twenty-two participants attended a weekly 2-hour class
      for 10 weeks during which they learned how to use a tablet and various
      applications on it. MEASUREMENTS: A battery of cognitive tests from the WAIS-IV
      measuring the domains of Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Processing, Working
      Memory, and Processing Speed, as well as health, psychological, and well-being
      measures. RESULTS: A 2 * 2 mixed model ANOVA suggested that the tablet
      intervention group (N = 22) showed greater improvements in Processing Speed (eta2
      = 0.10) compared with controls (N = 21), but did not differ in Verbal
      Comprehension, Perceptual Processing, or Working Memory (eta2 ranged from -0.03
      to 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Engagement in a new mentally challenging activity (tablet
      training) was associated with improved processing speed. Acquiring skills in
      later life, including those related to adopting new technologies, may therefore
      have the potential to reduce or delay cognitive changes associated with ageing.
      It is important to understand how the development of these skills might further
      facilitate everyday activities, and also improve older adults' quality of life.

PMID- 28082017
TI  - Physical Activity and the Hippocampus in Older Adults.

PMID- 28082018
TI  - Association Between Exercise Capacity and Late Onset of Dementia, Alzheimer
      Disease, and Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To address the association between exercise capacity and the onset of
      dementia, Alzheimer disease, and cognitive impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: For
      6104 consecutive veteran patients (mean +/- SD age: 59.2+/-11.4 years) referred
      for treadmill exercise testing, the combined end point of dementia, Alzheimer
      disease, and cognitive impairment was abstracted from the Veterans Affairs
      computerized patient record system. RESULTS: After mean +/- SD follow-up of
      10.3+/-5.5 years, 353 patients (5.8%) developed the composite end point at a mean
      +/- SD age of 76.7+/-10.3 years. After correction for confounders in multivariate
      Cox proportional hazards regression, higher age at exercise testing (hazard ratio
      [HR]=1.08; 95% CI, 1.07-1.09; P<.001), current smoking (HR=1.44; 95% CI, 1.08
      1.93; P=.01), and exercise capacity (HR=0.92; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96; P<.001) emerged
      as predictors of cognitive impairment. Each 1-metabolic equivalent increase in
      exercise capacity conferred a nearly 8% reduction in the incidence of cognitive
      impairment. Meeting the recommendations for daily activity was not associated
      with a delay in onset of cognitive impairment (HR=1.07; 95% CI, 0.86-1.32;
      P=.55). CONCLUSION: Exercise capacity is strongly associated with cognitive
      function; the inverse association between fitness and cognitive impairment
      provides an additional impetus for health care providers to promote physical
      activity.

PMID- 28082019
TI  - Mediatory role of NMDA, AMPA/kainate, GABAA and Alpha2 receptors in topiramate
      neuroprotective effects against methylphenidate induced neurotoxicity in rat.
AB  - Prolonged abuse of methylphenidate (MPH) often causes neuronal damage. Topiramate
      (TPM) has neuroprotective properties, but its mechanism of action remains
      unclear. The current study evaluates in vivo role of various doses of TPM (10,
      30, 50, 70 and 100mg/kg) and its possible mechanisms against MPH-induced
      hippocampal oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, in absence and presence
      of different receptor agonists and antagonists. Domoic acid (DOM) as AMPA/kainate
      receptor agonist, bicuculline (BIC) as GABAA receptor antagonist, ketamine (KET)
      as NMDA receptor antagonist, yohimbine (YOH) as alpha2 adrenergic receptor
      antagonist and haloperidole (HAL) as D2 dopamine receptor antagonist was used.
      Open Field Test (OFT) was used to investigate the disturbances in motor activity.
      Hippocampal oxidative, anti-oxidant and inflammatory parameters and apoptotic
      factors were studied. Expressions of BDNF at gene and protein levels were also
      evaluated. Crystal violet staining was performed to determine neuronal cell
      density. TPM (70 and 100mg/kg) reduced MPH-induced rise in lipid peroxidation,
      oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG), IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels, Bax
      expression and motor activity disturbances. In addition, TPM treatment increased
      BDNF gene and protein expressions, Bcl-2 expression, the level of reduced form of
      glutathione (GSH) and activities of enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione
      peroxidase and glutathione reductase.TPM also inhibited MPH-induced hippocampal
      degeneration. Pretreatment of animals with DOM, BIC, KET and YOH inhibited TPM
      induced neuroprotection and increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation,
      neuroapoptosis and neurodegeneration while reducing BDNF expressions. Thus, TPM
      by interacting with AMPA/kainate, GABAA, NMDA and alpha2-adrenergic receptors
      improves BDNF expression and acts as a neuroprotective agent against MPH-induced
      neurodegeneration.

PMID- 28082020
TI  - miR424-5p functions as an anti-oncogene in cervical cancer cell growth by
      targeting KDM5B via the Notch signaling pathway.
AB  - AIMS: Aberrant expression of miRNAs exert the critical roles in carcinogenesis,
      including cervical cancer. Recent study corroborated the down-regulation of
      miR424-5p in uterine cervix adenocarcinoma. This research aimed to investigate
      the function and underlying mechanisms of miR424-5p in cervical cancer cell
      growth. MAIN METHODS: Tissues samples were collected from patients with cervical
      cancer and healthy control. The expression levels of miR424-5p were determined by
      qRT-PCR. After transfection with miR424-5p mimics or inhibitor, cervical cancer
      cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by WST-1 and flow cytometry
      assay, respectively. The underlying mechanism involved in aforementioned
      processes was also explored. KEY FINDINGS: Expression of miR424-5p was notably
      decreased in cervical cancer tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR424-5p
      restrained cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis, but with little
      function in miR424-5p inhibitor-treated groups. Furthermore, KDM5B was identified
      as a direct target of miR424-5p as the evidence that miR-424-5p inhibited KDM5B
      expression and luciferase activity of KDM5B 3'-UTR. Here, KDM5B elevation majorly
      reversed miR424-5p-triggered inhibition in cell proliferation and increase in
      cell apoptosis. Moreover, silencing KDM5B expression also restrained cell growth.
      Additionally, miR424-5p overexpression inhibited the expression of Notch1 and
      Notch2, which was obviously rescued after KDM5B up-regulation. Simultaneously,
      blocking KDM5B also attenuated the activation of Notch pathway. Importantly,
      treatment with Notch agonist Jagged1 antagonized miR424-5p-mediated suppression
      on cell growth. SIGNIFICANCE: This research suggests that miR424-5p may act as a
      novel anti-oncogene in cervical cancer by blocking cell growth through targeting
      KDM5B-Notch pathway. Accordingly, our study will support a promising therapeutic
      strategy against cervical carcinoma.

PMID- 28082021
TI  - Somatic hypermutation of immunoglobulin genes in Rad18 knockout mice.
AB  - Somatic hypermutation (SHM) of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes is triggered by the
      activity of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). AID induces DNA lesions
      in variable regions of Ig genes, and error-prone DNA repair mechanisms initiated
      in response to these lesions introduce the mutations that characterize SHM. Error
      prone DNA repair in SHM is proposed to be mediated by low-fidelity DNA
      polymerases such as those that mediate trans-lesion synthesis (TLS); however, the
      mechanism by which these enzymes are recruited to AID-induced lesions remains
      unclear. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the sliding clamp for
      multiple DNA polymerases, undergoes Rad6/Rad18-dependent ubiquitination in
      response to DNA damage. Ubiquitinated PCNA promotes the replacement of the
      replicative DNA polymerase stalled at the site of a DNA lesion with a TLS
      polymerase. To examine the potential role of Rad18-dependent PCNA ubiquitination
      in SHM, we analyzed Ig gene mutations in Rad18 knockout (KO) mice immunized with
      T cell-dependent antigens. We found that SHM in Rad18 KO mice was similar to wild
      type mice, suggesting that Rad18 is dispensable for SHM. However, residual levels
      of ubiquitinated PCNA were observed in Rad18 KO cells, indicating that Rad18
      independent PCNA ubiquitination might play a role in SHM.

PMID- 28082022
TI  - Cellular cholesterol regulates monocyte deformation.
AB  - The role of cholesterol content on monocyte biomechanics remains understudied
      despite the well-established link between cholesterol and monocytes/macrophages
      in atherosclerosis, and the effect on other cell types. In this work, we have
      investigated the effect of cholesterol on monocyte deformability and the
      underlying molecular mechanisms. We altered the baseline cholesterol in human
      monocytic cell line THP-1, and investigated the changes in monocyte deformability
      using a custom microfluidic platform and atomic force microscopy. We observed
      that the cholesterol depletion lowered deformability while enrichment increased
      deformability compared to untreated cells. As a consequence of altered
      deformability, cholesterol depleted cells spread more on collagen-coated surfaces
      with elongated morphology, whereas cholesterol enriched cells had a more rounded
      morphology. We observed that the decreased deformability in cholesterol depleted
      cells, despite an increase in the fluidity of the membrane, is due to an increase
      in phosphorylation of Protein Kinase C (PKC), which translates to a higher degree
      of actin polymerization. Together, our results highlight the importance of
      biophysical regulation of monocyte response to cholesterol levels.

PMID- 28082023
TI  - Oxidative damage and redox in Lysosomal Storage Disorders: Biochemical markers.
AB  - Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSD) comprise a heterogeneous group of >50 genetic
      disorders caused by mutations in genes that encode lysosomal enzymes, transport
      proteins or other gene products essential for a functional lysosomal system. As a
      result, abnormal accumulation of substrates within the lysosome leads to a
      progressive cellular impairment and dysfunction of numerous organs and systems.
      The exact mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of LSD remain obscure.
      Previous studies proposed a relationship between oxidative stress and the
      pathogenesis of several inborn errors of metabolism, including LSD. Considering
      these points, in this paper it was reviewed oxidative stress and emerging
      antioxidant therapy in LSD, emphasizing studies with biological samples from
      patients affected by this group of conditions. These studies allow presuming that
      metabolites accumulated in LSD cause an increase of lysosomes' number and size,
      which may induce excessive production of reactive species and/or deplete the
      tissue antioxidant capacity, leading to damage in biomolecules. In vitro and in
      vivo evidence showed that cell oxidative process occurs in LSD and probably
      contributes to the pathophysiology of these disorders. In this context, it is
      possible to suggest that, in the future, antioxidants could come to be used as
      adjuvant therapy for LSD patients.

PMID- 28082024
TI  - Associations of the fatty liver and hepatic steatosis indices with risk of
      cardiovascular disease: Interrelationship with age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fatty liver index (FLI) and the hepatic steatosis index (HSI),
      are biomarker-based algorithms developed as proxies for non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease (NAFLD). We assessed associations of FLI and HSI with cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The FLI and HSI were estimated at
      baseline in the PREVEND cohort involving 6340 participants aged 28-75years
      without pre-existing CVD. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 10.5years, 631
      CVD events occurred. In age-and sex-adjusted analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) (95%
      CI) for CVD comparing FLI>=60 versus FLI<30 was 1.53 (1.25-1.88); which was
      attenuated to 0.89 (0.70-1.13) on adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk
      factors. The association remained absent after additional adjustment for
      potential confounders 0.85 (0.65-1.11). Comparing HSI>36 versus HSI<30, the
      corresponding adjusted HRs were 1.29 (1.02-1.65), 0.84 (0.65-1.09) and 0.79 (0.55
      1.13) respectively. Subgroup analyses suggested a positive association in younger
      participants (<50years) for FLI and inverse associations in older participants
      (>=50years) for both indices (P for interaction for all=0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Current data suggest age interactions in the association of NAFLD (as assessed by
      FLI or HSI) with CVD risk in a general Caucasian population.

PMID- 28082025
TI  - Mitral Regurgitation After Orthotopic Lung Transplantation: Natural History and
      Impact on Outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Progression of mitral regurgitation (MR) after orthotopic lung
      transplantation (OLT) may be an underrecognized phenomenon due to the overlapping
      symptomatology of pulmonary and valvular disease. Literature evaluating the
      progression of MR after OLT currently is limited to case reports. Therefore, the
      hypothesis that MR progresses after OLT was tested and the association of
      preprocedure MR with postoperative mortality was assessed. DESIGN: A
      retrospective cohort. SETTING: A tertiary-care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients
      who underwent OLT between January 1, 2003 and February 4, 2012. INTERVENTIONS:
      After receiving institutional review board approval, a preprocedure
      transesophageal echocardiogram was compared with a postoperative transthoracic
      echocardiogram (TTE) to determine the progression of MR. Univariate and
      multivariate association between preprocedure MR grade and 1- and 5-year
      mortality was assessed. A p value of<0.05 was considered statistically
      significant. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From 715 patients who underwent OLT,
      352 had a postoperative TTE and were included in the evaluation of progression of
      MR. Five patients had progression of MR postoperatively, and the mean change in
      MR score of -0.04 was found to be nonsignificant (p = 0.25). Mortality data were
      available for 634 of the 715 patients. After covariate adjustment, there was no
      significant association between MR grade and 1-year mortality (p = 0.20) or 5
      year mortality (p = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: This study rejected the hypothesis that
      primary and secondary MR progresses after OLT and found that preprocedure MR was
      not associated with increased postoperative mortality. Despite the findings that
      MR does not progress in all patients, there is a subset of patients for whom MR
      progression is clinically significant.

PMID- 28082026
TI  - Blood and Anticoagulation Management in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for
      Surgical and Nonsurgical Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe blood management and anticoagulation practice for cardiac
      and respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with consideration of
      major surgery at the time of its initiation. DESIGN: A single-center
      retrospective review over 18 months of blood product usage and anticoagulation in
      patients treated with veno-venous (VV) ECMO versus veno-arterial (VA) ECMO and
      after major surgery (Sx) versus no surgery (Nsx). SETTING: Tertiary metropolitan
      hospital and state ECMO referral and heart and lung transplantation center.
      PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 42 patients representing 48 consecutive ECMO
      runs (16 VV, 32 VA, 26 Sx, 22 Nsx). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of the total run time of 362 days was with no
      continuous infusion of heparin. The mean (standard deviation) daily dose of
      heparin was lower for Sx versus Nsx patients (11,397 [9,297] v 17,324 [10,387] U,
      p = 0.047). Sx patients also received more fresh frozen plasma (1.1 [1.93] v 0.2
      [0.59] U per day, p = 0.049) and platelets (0.5 [0.51] v 0.1 [0.25] U per day, p
      = 0.003). VV patients received fewer packed red cells (0.7 [0.45] v 2.0 [2.04] U
      per day, p = 0.016) and platelets (0.1 [0.18] v 0.4 [0.49] U per day, p = 0.008)
      compared with VA patients. Survival to hospital discharge was 69%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Heparin doses were low, with frequent interruption of anticoagulation. This was
      more pronounced in patients with a high bleeding risk recovering from major
      surgery. The overall usage of blood products was low in VV and Nsx patients, with
      an overall excellent survival rate.

PMID- 28082027
TI  - "CAPS" Cardiac Acute Pain Services-A Nationwide Survey From Canada.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acute Pain Services (APS) are well-established worldwide; however,
      their availability and use in cardiac surgery units are less widespread and, even
      where present, may be provided less consistently. The authors undertook this
      survey to assess the current organization of Cardiac Acute Pain Services (CAPS)
      in Canada. DESIGN: This was a prospectively administered survey. SETTING: This
      study included all centers in Canada that conducted adult cardiac surgery.
      PARTICIPANTS: The participants were anesthesiologists. INTERVENTION: A 20-item
      questionnaire covered the demographics, functioning and APS structure. RESULTS:
      The authors achieved a response rate of 100% with completed questionnaires from
      all 31 centers. Ten centers (32.3%) stated that they had a dedicated CAPS, 9
      centers (29%) stated that they did not have an APS, and 12 centers (38.7%) had
      APS but no CAPS. At the time of the survey for the 10 centers with CAPS, 3 of the
      CAPS had a physician-run model, 4 had a combined physician and nurse service, and
      1 used a combination of protocols, intensivists, and nurse practitioners. Nine
      centers had an anesthesiologist assigned to daily acute pain rounds. Only in 2 of
      10 centers with CAPS were more than 50% of their cardiac surgery patients
      receiving care. In general, postoperative pain management was a protocol-driven
      activity. CONCLUSIONS: CAPS are varied in both structure and functioning. Further
      work is required both at the institutional and the national levels to improve the
      postoperative care and the pain-related outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac
      surgery.

PMID- 28082028
TI  - Dealing With the Aftermath of an Atrial Fibrillation Procedure: Another Role for
      Echocardiography.

PMID- 28082029
TI  - Chikungunya and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

PMID- 28082030
TI  - Brain Oxygen Supply Parameters in the Risk Assessment of Cerebral Complications
      During Carotid Endarterectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preoperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation
      (rSO2) and the decrease in rSO2 during carotid clamping were predictive of the
      risk for neurologic complications in carotid endarterectomy and to determine the
      cutoff values of the studied parameters. DESIGN: Cohort, prospective,
      nonrandomized trial. SETTING: Research Institute of Circulation Pathology,
      Novosibirsk, Russia. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 466 adults who underwent
      carotid endarterectomy since 2012. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Patient characteristics, postoperative complications, and brain oxygen
      supply during carotid endarterectomy were analyzed. The primary endpoints were
      the perioperative and early postoperative neurologic complications. Ischemic
      stroke was diagnosed in 1.5% of patients, and cognitive disorders were reported
      in 2.6% of patients. Preoperative rSO2 of 50% was the cutoff value for the
      prediction of stroke outcome after carotid endarterectomy, with a sensitivity of
      90.7% and specificity of 66.7%. A 20% decrease in rSO2 during temporary carotid
      clamping was the cutoff value for the prediction of stroke, with a sensitivity of
      86.0% and specificity of 57.1%, and for the prediction of cognitive disorders,
      with a sensitivity of 88.1% and specificity of 58.3%. Preoperative rSO2 less than
      50% and a decrease in rSO2 of at least 20% during temporary carotid artery
      clamping caused a significant increase in the hospitalization period.
      CONCLUSIONS: A 20% or more decrease in rSO2 during temporary internal carotid
      artery clamping during carotid endarterectomy caused a 10-fold increased risk of
      ischemic stroke and an 8-fold increased risk of cognitive disorders, whereas
      preoperative rSO2 less than 50% resulted in a 6-fold increased risk of ischemic
      stroke in the perioperative and early postoperative periods of carotid
      endarterectomy.

PMID- 28082031
TI  - Reliability of Percutaneous Pulmonary Vent and Coronary Sinus Cardioplegia in the
      Setting of Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement: A Single-Center
      Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluating the efficacy of 2 new percutaneous devices specifically
      designed to be placed through the right internal jugular vein, therefore named
      "necklines," for achieving retrograde cardioplegia and pulmonary venting in the
      setting of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR). DESIGN: Case
      series. SETTING: University-affiliated private hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients
      undergoing MIAVR. INTERVENTIONS: Necklines were placed by the anesthesiologist
      using transesophageal electrocardiography, with pressure guidance before the
      surgical procedure was initiated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The records of
      51 consecutive patients who underwent MIAVR with necklines placement were
      reviewed retrospectively. The access for MIAVR was through either a J
      hemisternotomy or a right anterior thoracotomy. The efficacy of the 2 catheters,
      successful placement rate, time needed to deploy catheters, and perioperative
      complications were recorded. Necklines were placed successfully in all patients
      in 23+/-13 minutes. A total of 110 doses of retrograde cardioplegia were
      delivered at a mean flow rate of 173+/-35 mL/min and a mean pressure of 41+/-6
      mmHg. The pulmonary catheter ensured venting of the heart that was graded by
      surgeons as "excellent" in 33 patients, "sufficient" in 12 patients, and "not
      adequate" in 2 patients. There were no major adverse events or deaths.
      CONCLUSIONS: Necklines ensure effective retrograde cardioplegia and venting of
      the heart, provide optimal surgical vision and access during MIAVR, and allow
      surgeons to operate in an unobstructed surgical field. Nevertheless, additional
      studies are required to determine whether the use of necklines is associated with
      better outcomes than those with conventional methods.

PMID- 28082033
TI  - Community pharmacy-based point-of-care testing: A case study of pharmacist
      physician collaborative working relationships.
AB  - Building collaborative working relationships (CWRs) with physicians or other
      prescribers is an important step for community pharmacists in establishing a
      collaborative practice agreement (CPA). This case study describes the individual,
      context, and exchange factors that drive pharmacist-physician CWR development for
      community pharmacy-based point-of-care (POC) testing. Two physicians who had
      entered in a CPA with community pharmacists to provide POC testing were surveyed
      and interviewed. High scores on the pharmacist-physician collaborative index
      indicated a high level of collaboration between the physicians and the pharmacist
      who initiated the relationship. Trust was established through the physicians'
      personal relationships with the pharmacist or due to the community pharmacy
      organization's strong reputation. The physicians' individual perceptions of
      community pharmacy-based POC testing affected their CWRs and willingness to
      establish a CPA. These findings suggest that exchange characteristics remain
      significant factors in CWR development. Individual factors may also contribute to
      physicians' willingness to advance their CWR to include a CPA for POC testing.

PMID- 28082032
TI  - Recommendations for the use of parenteral methotrexate in rheumatic diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop recommendations for the use of parenteral methotrexate
      (MTX) in rheumatic diseases, mainly rheumatoid arthritis, based on best evidence
      and experience. METHODS: A group of 21 experts on parenteral MTX use was
      selected. The coordinator formulated 13 questions about parenteral MTX
      (indications, efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness). A systematic review was
      conducted to answer the questions. Using this information, inclusion and
      exclusion criteria were established, as were the search strategies (involving
      Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library). Three different reviewers selected the
      articles. Evidence tables were created. Abstracts from the European League
      Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) were
      evaluated. Based on this evidence, the coordinator proposed preliminary
      recommendations that the experts discussed and voted in a nominal group meeting.
      The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were established using the
      Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and the level of agreement with the
      Delphi technique (2 rounds). Agreement was established if at least 80% of the
      experts voted yes (yes/no). RESULTS: Most of the evidence involved rheumatoid
      arthritis. A total of 13 preliminary recommendations on the use of parenteral MTX
      were proposed; 11 of them were accepted. Two of the 13 were not voted and are
      commented on in the main text. CONCLUSIONS: The manuscript aims to solve frequent
      questions and help in decision-making strategies when treating patients with
      parenteral MTX.

PMID- 28082034
TI  - Enhanced Oral Care and Health Outcomes Among Nursing Facility Residents: Analysis
      Using the National Long-Term Care Database in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although oral care may have salutary effects among
      frail elderly people, access to dental care is often limited in long-term care
      facilities. In 2009, the Japanese long-term care insurance system introduced an
      additional reimbursement scheme for enhanced oral care supervised by dentists in
      nursing facilities. The aim of this study was to examine whether enhanced oral
      care provided by trained nursing facility staff members is sufficient to improve
      health outcomes among nursing facility residents. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: This was a quasi-experimental study using a nationwide long-term
      care database. Using facility-level propensity score matching, we identified
      170,874 residents in 742 facilities that provided enhanced oral care and 167,546
      residents in 742 control facilities that provided only standard care from 2009 to
      2012. We used a resident-level difference-in-differences approach to analyze the
      impact of enhanced oral care on health outcomes among nursing facility residents.
      RESULTS: After controlling for resident characteristics and background time
      trends, no significant differences were found between residents admitted to the
      facilities with and without enhanced oral care in the incidence of critical
      illness, transfer to a hospital, mortality, or costs. Yearly change in the odds
      of discharge to home was significantly increased for residents with enhanced oral
      care (odds ratio = 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.12; P = .008).
      CONCLUSION: The results suggest that enhanced oral care provided by trained
      nursing facility staff members may improve the general condition of elderly
      residents in nursing facilities and promote their discharge to home.

PMID- 28082035
TI  - Bifunctional bisphosphonate derivatives and platinum complexes with high affinity
      for bone hydroxyapatite.
AB  - A series of ethylenediamine/1,3-propanediamine derivatives containing
      bifunctional bisphosphonate substituents and their corresponding
      dichloroplatinum(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by
      elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 31P NMR, and HRMS spectra. Based on WST-8
      assay with CCK-8, in general, the newly synthesized dichloroplatinum complexes 1
      6 showed higher in vitro antitumor activity than platinum-free compounds L1-L6
      against three tumor cell lines (especially osteosarcoma MG-63). According to
      hydroxyapatite binding experiment, complexes 2, 3, and 6 showed much higher
      affinity (K'=3.7, 4.0, and 3.0, respectively) for bone hydroxyapatite than
      cisplatin (K'<0.1), comparable to zoledronate (K'=2.8). It can be found that
      representative complex 2 with high cytotoxicity and in vitro antiproliferative
      activity against osteosarcoma cell line, as well as promising hydroxyapatite
      binding ability has been screened as a potential bone-targeting antitumor agent
      for subsequent in vivo study. In addition, flow cytometry experiment was applied
      to investigate the mode of action of representative complex 2.

PMID- 28082037
TI  - Sulfonamide-based non-alkyne LpxC inhibitors as Gram-negative antibacterial
      agents.
AB  - We attempted to optimize sulfonamide-based non-alkyne LpxC inhibitors by focusing
      on improvements in enzyme inhibitory and antibacterial activity. It was
      discovered that inhibitors possessing 2-aryl benzofuran as a hydrophobe exhibited
      good activity. In particular, compound 21 displayed impressive antibacterial
      activity (E. coli MIC=0.063MUg/mL, K. pneumoniae MIC=0.5MUg/mL, and P. aeruginosa
      MIC=0.5MUg/mL), and is a promising lead for further exploration as an
      antibacterial agent.

PMID- 28082036
TI  - Structure-based optimization of 1H-imidazole-2-carboxamides as Axl kinase
      inhibitors utilizing a Mer mutant surrogate.
AB  - Axl has been a target of interest in the oncology field for several years based
      on its role in various oncogenic processes. To date, no wild-type Axl crystal
      structure has been reported. Herein, we describe the structure-based optimization
      of a novel chemotype of Axl inhibitors, 1H-imidazole-2-carboxamide, using a
      mutated kinase homolog, Mer(I650M), as a crystallographic surrogate. Iterative
      optimization of the initial lead compound (1) led to compound (21), a selective
      and potent inhibitor of wild-type Axl. Compound (21) will serve as a useful
      compound for further in vivo studies.

PMID- 28082038
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological activity evaluation of novel 2,6
      difluorobenzamide derivatives through FtsZ inhibition.
AB  - Novel series of 3-substituted 2,6-difluorobenzamide derivatives as FtsZ
      inhibitors were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro
      antibacterial activity against various phenotype of Gram-positive and Gram
      negative bacteria, and their cell division inhibitory activity against three
      representative strains. As a result, 3-chloroalkoxy derivative 7, 3-bromoalkoxy
      derivative 12 and 3-alkyloxy derivative 17 were found to exhibit the best
      antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis with MICs of 0.25-1MUg/mL, and
      good activity (MIC<10MUg/mL) against both susceptible and resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, all the three compounds displayed potent
      cell division inhibitory activity with MIC values of below 1MUg/mL against
      Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.

PMID- 28082039
TI  - Synthesis and antioxidant activity of a procyanidin B3 analogue.
AB  - Proanthocyanidin, an oligomer of catechin, is a natural antioxidant and a potent
      inhibitor of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1, which is involved in the
      pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. We synthesized proanthocyanidin analogue 1, in
      which the geometry of one catechin molecule in procyanidin B3, a dimer of (+)
      catechin, is constrained to be planar. The antioxidant activities of the
      compounds were evaluated in terms of their capacities to scavenge galvinoxyl
      radicals, and results demonstrate that while procyanidin was 3.8 times more
      potent than (+)-catechin, the radical scavenging activity of proanthocyanidin
      analogue 1 was further increased to 1.9 times that of procyanidin B3. This newly
      designed proanthocyanidin analogue 1 may be a promising lead compound for the
      treatment of arteriosclerosis and related cerebrovascular diseases.

PMID- 28082040
TI  - Discovery of medium ring thiophosphorus based heterocycles as antiproliferative
      agents.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been investigated for its potential in therapy.
      Recently, we reported novel H2S donor molecules based on a thiophosphorus core,
      which slowly release H2S and have improved anti-proliferative activity in cancer
      cell lines compared to the most widely studied H2S donor GYY4137 (1). Herein, we
      have prepared new thiophosphorus organic H2S donors with different ring sizes and
      evaluated them in two solid tumor cell lines and one normal cell line. A seven
      membered ring compound, 17, was found to be the most potent with sub-micromolar
      IC50s in breast (0.76MUM) and ovarian (0.76MUM) cancer cell lines. No significant
      H2S release was detected in aqueous solution for this compound. However, confocal
      imaging showed that H2S was released from 17 inside cells at a similar level to
      the widely studied H2S donor GYY4137, which was shown to release 10MUM H2S after
      12h at a concentration of 400MUM. Comparison of 17 with its non-sulfur oxygen
      analogue, 26, provided evidence that the sulfur atom is important for its
      potency. However, the significant potency observed for 26 (5.94-11.0MUM)
      indicates that the high potency of 17 is not entirely due to release of H2S.
      Additional mechanism(s) appear to be responsible for the observed activity, hence
      more detailed studies are required to better understand the role of H2S in cancer
      with potent thiophosphorus agents.

PMID- 28082041
TI  - Curculactones A and B induced the differentiation of C3H10T1/2 and MC3T3-E1 cells
      to osteoblasts.
AB  - Curculactones A and B are rare gamma-lactone derivatives obtained from yellow,
      natural curcumin following gamma-irradiation, and are a type of small molecules
      with a moderate anti-obesity effect. However, the exact role of curculactones A
      and B in osteoblast differentiation is unknown. In this study, the effects of
      curculactones A and B on the differentiation of the mesenchymal cell line
      C3H10T1/2 and pre-osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 to osteoblasts were examined.
      Curculactones A or B could markedly increase the mRNA levels of osteogenic marker
      genes and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Collectively, our findings
      indicate that curculactones A or B induced osteoblast differentiation through
      osteogenic expression of genes such as distal-less homeobox 5 (Dlx5), runt
      related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), ALP, and osteocalcin (OC).

PMID- 28082042
TI  - Cementless vs Cemented Tibial Fixation in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ideal fixation for modern tibial components in total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial with uncertainty on whether cementless
      implants can yield equivalent outcomes to cemented fixation in early follow-up.
      METHODS: A series of 70 consecutive cases with reverse hybrid cementless fixation
      were matched to 70 cemented cases from 2008 to 2015 based on implant design and
      patient demographics. RESULTS: Cementless TKA demonstrated greater aseptic
      loosening (7 vs 0, P = .013) and revision surgery (10 vs 0, P = .001) than
      cemented fixation within 5 years of follow-up, but with no clinically significant
      differences in outcome scores. CONCLUSION: It remains unclear whether early
      aseptic loosening in cementless TKA can be reduced with enhanced adjunct fixation
      and what proportion of early failure justifies the potential lifelong fixation
      through biologic ingrowth of cementless tibial components.

PMID- 28082043
TI  - Superior Survivorship of Cementless vs Cemented Diaphyseal Fixed Modular Rotating
      Hinged Knee Megaprosthesis at 7 Years' Follow-Up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty in the presence of a huge bone and soft
      tissue defect is always a challenge. A rotating-hinged (RH) megaprosthesis is
      indicated for extensive soft-tissue loss with a huge bone defect such as a
      primary or metastatic neoplasm of the bone, repeat periprosthetic joint
      infection, or extensive trauma of the knee. However, the reported survivorship of
      RH megaprostheses is unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      survivorship of megaprostheses and the factors that contribute to implant
      survival. METHODS: A total of 103 RH knee megaprostheses were implanted in 85
      patients between January 2001 and June 2013. Each prosthesis was a modular custom
      made (CM) cemented or cementless fixed total knee system (United USTAR system).
      Clinical results and prosthesis survivorship were evaluated between the 2 groups.
      RESULTS: The overall survivorship of this CM knee megaprosthesis was 91% at 2
      years, 83% at 5 years, and 68% at 10 years. The cumulative component survivorship
      was 87% in the cemented group and 96% in the cementless group at 2 years compared
      with 75% in the cemented group and 94% in the cementless group at 5 years. The
      failure mechanism included loosening in 5 and breakage in 6 patients in the
      cemented stem group. The survivorship of the cementless fixed component was
      significantly superior to that of the cemented fixed component. CONCLUSION: Our
      data suggest that modular RHCM knee megaprosthesis provides an acceptable
      clinical result. A diaphyseal long stem with cementless fixation was more
      reliable and durable than its cemented counterpart.

PMID- 28082045
TI  - Advantages in Using Cemented Polished Tapered Stems When Performing Total Hip
      Arthroplasty in Very Young Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of revision following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA)
      is increased in young patients who undergo THA for pathologies other than primary
      osteoarthritis. We report the results of primary THA performed with cemented
      polished stems in patients aged 40 years and younger for pathologies other than
      primary osteoarthritis. METHODS: We investigated 52 patients (65 hips) who
      underwent primary THA for secondary osteoarthritis with a cemented tapered
      polished stem between 1990 and 2007. Clinical and radiographic outcomes,
      available in 46 patients (57 hips), included the Harris Hip Scores, Societe
      Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopedique et de Traumatologie activity, patient
      satisfaction, stem survival and reoperations, and assessment of prosthesis-cement
      bone radiolucencies, osteolysis, and femoral bone deficiencies. RESULTS: Median
      patient age was 34 years (16-40) and follow-up was 14 years (mean 13, range 5
      22). Stem survival to the endpoint revision for loosening was 100% and to the
      endpoint revision for any reason, excluding infection was 88% (95% confidence
      interval 78-98) at 16 years. No stem was revised for aseptic loosening. Nine
      stems were revised for other reasons. Radiographically, one stem was definitely
      loose at 16 years. The median patient Harris pain score improved from marked pain
      to no pain at latest follow-up. Patient activity level improved, albeit
      minimally, for 8 years after surgery. At latest follow-up, 98% of the patients
      remained satisfied with their surgery. CONCLUSION: Primary THA with a cemented
      polished stem shows excellent results in young patients with pathology other than
      primary osteoarthritis. In addition, the stem design facilitates cement within
      cement exchange and therefore preservation of proximal femoral bone stock at
      revision surgery.

PMID- 28082044
TI  - The Efficacy of Liposomal Bupivacaine Using Periarticular Injection in Total Knee
      Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is gradually emerging as the treatment
      of choice for end-stage osteoarthritis. In the past, the method of liposomal
      bupivacaine by periarticular injection (PAI) showed better effects on pain
      reduction and opioid consumption after surgery. However, some recent studies have
      reported that liposomal bupivacaine by PAI did not improve pain control and
      functional recovery in patients undergoing TKA. Therefore, this meta-analysis was
      conducted to determine whether liposomal bupivacaine provides better pain relief
      and functional recovery after TKA. METHODS: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and
      the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched. Randomized controlled trials,
      controlled clinical trials, and cohort studies were included in our meta
      analysis. Eleven studies that compared liposomal bupivacaine using the PAI
      technique with the conventional PAI method were included in our meta-analysis.
      The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA)
      guidelines and Cochrane Handbook were applied to assess the quality of the
      results published in all included studies to ensure that the results of our meta
      analysis were reliable and veritable. RESULTS: Our pooled data analysis
      demonstrated that liposomal bupivacaine was as effective as the control group in
      terms of visual analog scale score at 24 hours (P = .46), 48 hours (P = .43), 72
      hours (P = .21), total amount of opioid consumption (P = .25), range of motion (P
      = .28), length of hospital stay (P = .53), postoperative nausea (P = .34), and
      ambulation distance (P = .07). CONCLUSION: Compared with the conventional PAI
      method, liposomal bupivacaine shows similar pain control and functional recovery
      after TKA. Considering the cost for pain control, liposomal bupivacaine is not
      worthy of being recommended as a long-acting alternative analgesic agent using
      the PAI method.

PMID- 28082046
TI  - A comprehensive evaluation for the treatment of lupus nephritis.
AB  - Systemic lupus is the prototypic human autoimmune disease. It is a kaleidoscope
      of autoreactivities, with clear indications of both a genetic and environmental
      basis. Indeed, it is a disease that can manifest in virtually every tissue and
      organ and can also be found spontaneously in a number of animal species,
      including dogs, cats and horses. Moreover, there are multiple murine models of
      lupus, the first of which, New Zealand Black (NZB) mice, were discovered in 1959.
      Despite an enormous effort from scientists in multiple disciplines, the etiology
      of lupus remains elusive and the introduction of new therapies has been
      disappointing. Fortunately, significant advances have occurred to help patients
      through the general principles of internal medicine, including antibiotics,
      dialysis, and of course use of steroids and immunosuppressive agents. However,
      the magic bullet has yet to be discovered. One of the major causes of morbidity
      in lupus remains lupus nephritis and there has been significant effort and
      encouragement in understanding the pathogenesis, renal histologic classification,
      and use of therapeutic protocols to induce and sustain remission of lupus
      nephritis. Indeed, the first use of evidence-based clinical trials in lupus was
      initiated by Dr. Alfred D. Steinberg at NIH in pioneering studies involving
      either oral or intravenous pulses of cyclophosphamide, azathioprine or
      corticosteroids alone and/or some combination. Cyclophosphamide intravenously
      proved to be superior and the use of cyclophosphamide in combination with
      methylprednisolone remained the standard protocol for the treatment of lupus
      nephritis for decades. Although alternative therapies have been introduced,
      including mycophenolate mofetil, the use of therapies first pioneered at NIH may
      still be considered standard of care in the appropriate indications. More
      targeted therapies are much desired. In this review we provide a comprehensive
      overview of lupus nephritis and the evolution of clinical treatments.

PMID- 28082047
TI  - Smoking activates cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and causes survivin release in
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - CD8+ T cells have an emerging role in RA. Resent research indicates a causal
      relationship between the non-exhausted state of CD8+ T cells, defined by lost
      function of PD-1, and development of arthritis. We investigated how smoking
      contributes to the non-exhausted phenotype of CD8+ T cells and cause survivin
      release to serum. We compared serum survivin levels between smokers and non
      smokers in 252 RA and 168 healthy subjects. Nicotine effects on CD8+ T cells were
      studied in peripheral blood of smoking women, bone marrow of nicotine treated
      mice and in sorted CD8 spleen cells in vitro using flow cytometry and
      quantitative PCR. Smoking increased the frequency of survivin release in serum of
      healthy women (OR 3.64, p = 0.025) and in RA patients (OR 1.98, p = 0.039). CD8+
      T cells of smokers gained a non-exhausted PD-1 deficient phenotype. Expression of
      the cytotoxic marker CD107 correlated to survivin levels in serum. In the
      experimental setting, nicotine exposure led to an accumulation of non-exhausted
      PD-1-IL-7R+ CD8+ T cells in the bone marrow that is abundant with survivin
      producing cells. The production of the cytolytic protein perforin in bone marrow
      correlated to serum survivin levels. In vitro stimulation of nicotinic receptors
      on murine CD8+ T cells induced repressive transcription factors T-bet and Blimp-1
      in support of the non-exhausted phenotype. We conclude that nicotine contributes
      to autoimmunity by supporting the non-exhausted state of CD8+ T cells resulting
      in the release of survivin. This presents a new mechanism by which smoking may
      contribute to the pathogenesis of RA.

PMID- 28082048
TI  - RET Fusion Lung Carcinoma: Response to Therapy and Clinical Features in a Case
      Series of 14 Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RET (rearranged during transfection) fusions have been reported in 1%
      to 2% of lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) cases. In contrast, KIF5B-RET and CCDC6-RET
      fusion genes have been identified in 70% to 90% and 10% to 25% of tumors,
      respectively. The natural history and management of RET-rearranged LADC are still
      being delineated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a series of 14 patients with
      RET-rearranged LADC. The response to therapy was assessed by the clinical
      response and an avatar model in 2 cases. Patients underwent chemotherapy,
      targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients (8 women; 10
      never smokers; 4 light smokers; mean age, 57 years) were included. KIF5B-RET and
      CCDC6-RET variants were diagnosed in 10 and 4 cases, respectively. Eight patients
      had an early disseminated manifestation, seven with KIF5B-RET rearranged tumor.
      The features of this subset included bilateral miliary lung metastases, bone
      metastases, and unusual early visceral abdominal involvement. One such patient
      demonstrated an early and durable complete response to cabozantinib for 7 months.
      Another 2 patients treated with cabozantinib experienced a partial response, with
      rapid significant clinical improvement. Four patients with tumors harboring CCDC6
      RET and KIF5B-RET fusions showed pronounced and durable responses to platinum
      based chemotherapy that lasted for 8 to 15 months. Two patients' tumors showed
      programmed cell death ligand 1-positive staining but did not respond to
      pembrolizumab. The median overall survival was 22.8 months. CONCLUSION: RET
      rearranged LADC in our series tended to occur as bilateral disease with early
      visceral involvement, especially with KIF5B fusion. Treatment with cabozantinib
      achieved responses, including 1 complete response. However, further studies are
      required in this group of patients.

PMID- 28082049
TI  - Evolution and Increasing Complexity of the Therapeutic Landscape in Advanced Non
      Small-cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - The therapeutic landscape in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is
      rapidly changing. Never have so many changes of major importance occurred within
      so short a time. The present perspective describes this rapid evolution and
      resultant increasing complexity in the therapeutic decision-making process for
      the practicing oncologist.

PMID- 28082050
TI  - Limits of internal fixation in long-bone fracture.
AB  - Alternatives to internal fixation of long-bone fracture comprise, depending on
      location, external fixation or joint replacement. Limitations comprise risk of
      infection and functional outcome quality, which vary according to technique. The
      present study examines these limitations, based on comparative or large-scale
      studies from which certain significant results emerge. Four main questions are
      dealt with: (1) the present role of locking plates; (2) conditions for
      intramedullary nailing in Gustilo grade IIIb open fracture; (3) the limitations
      of conversion from external fixation to intramedullary nailing in open lower leg
      fracture; (4) and the limitations of definitive anterograde femoral nailing in
      multiple trauma. Locking plate fixation has yet to prove clinical superiority in
      any of the anatomic sites for which good-quality comparative analyses are
      available. Infection risk in Gustilo grade IIIb open lower leg fracture is
      equivalent when treated by intramedullary nailing or external fixation, if wound
      care and debridement are effective, antibiotherapy is initiated rapidly and skin
      cover is restored within 7days. Conversion from primary external fixation to
      intramedullary nailing is possible if the external fixator was fitted less than
      28days previously and skin cover was restored within 7days. The pulmonary and
      systemic impact of peripheral lesions or definitive anterograde intramedullary
      nailing of femoral fracture in multiple trauma calls for caution and what is
      known as "damage-control orthopedics" (DCO), a term covering the general
      consequences of both the initial trauma and its treatment. Femoral intramedullary
      nailing is thus contraindicated in case of hemorrhagic shock (blood
      pressure<90mmHg), hypothermia (<33 degrees C), coagulation disorder (platelet
      count<90,000) or peripheral lesions such as multiple long-bone fractures, crushed
      limb or primary pulmonary contusion. In such cases, external fixation or
      retrograde nailing with a small-diameter nail and without reaming are preferable.

PMID- 28082051
TI  - How does total knee replacement technique influence polyethylene wear?
AB  - In knee prostheses, wear is inherent to the tribology of the imperfectly
      congruent surfaces, one in chromium-cobalt alloy, the other in polyethylene. It
      is a multifactorial phenomenon, involving the properties of the respective
      materials and implant design, but also implant functioning, as determined by the
      implantation technique. There are still dark corners in the implantation charge
      book, especially concerning minimal insert thickness, the adjustment of
      tibiofemoral alignment and ligament balance. A review of the literature revealed
      consensus regarding minimal insert thickness (8mm), tibiofemoral alignment (to be
      kept within 5 degrees  on either side of the neutral axis) and ligament balance
      (identical collateral ligament tension in both extension and flexion spaces).
      Finer adjustment seems desirable. Tibiofemoral alignment is probably customizable
      according to individual patient morphology and weight. The rotational alignment
      of the components should allow harmonious patellar engagement. Classic ligament
      balance rules underestimate sagittal laxity, which needs checking to prevent
      paradoxical movement accelerating polymer delamination. Navigation techniques or
      specific ancillaries can help optimize implant component alignment. Control of
      sagittal laxity may require specific adaptation, notably in the flexion space.
      Improved implantation technique could postpone wear onset until beyond the 10th
      or even 20th postoperative year, barring material failure for other reasons.

PMID- 28082052
TI  - Aberrant proteolytic processing and therapeutic strategies in Alzheimer disease.
AB  - Amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) and tau are major components of senile plaques and
      neurofibrillary tangles, respectively, deposited in the brains of Alzheimer
      disease (AD) patients. Abeta is derived from amyloid-beta precursor protein that
      is sequentially cleaved by two aspartate proteases, beta- and gamma-secretases.
      Secreted Abeta is then catabolized by several proteases. Several lines of
      evidence suggest that accumulation of Abeta by increased production or decreased
      degradation induces the tau-mediated neuronal toxicity and symptomatic
      manifestations of AD. Thus, the dynamics of cerebral Abeta, called as "Abeta
      economy", would be the mechanistic basis of AD pathogenesis. Partial loss of
      gamma-secretase activity leads to the increased generation of toxic Abeta
      isoforms, indicating that activation of gamma-secretase would provide a
      beneficial effect for AD. After extensive discovery and development efforts,
      BACE1, which is a beta-secretase enzyme, has emerged as a prime drug target for
      lowering brain Abeta levels. Recent studies revealed the decreased clearance of
      Abeta in sporadic AD patients, suggesting the importance of the catabolic
      mechanism in the pathogenesis of AD. I will discuss with these proteolytic
      mechanisms involved in the regulation of Abeta economy, and development of
      effective treatment and diagnostics for AD.

PMID- 28082054
TI  - Do small barriers affect the movement of freshwater fish by increasing residency?
AB  - River fragmentation due to artificial barriers directly impacts fish communities
      by limiting migratory movements. This work aims to understand how small barriers
      affect the movements of a potamodromous cyprinid species - the Iberian barbel
      (Luciobarbus bocagei (Steindachner, 1864)) - in a 5.6km upstream segment of a
      stream impacted only by the presence of physical barriers. Fish were marked with
      Visible Implant Elastomer tags (VIE), and barriers were seasonally characterized.
      A total of 683 fish were tagged, with 104 recaptures, during five sampling
      seasons (spring 2012 - early summer 2013). Eleven of the recaptured fish moved
      past a barrier, without any preference in terms of direction of movement. There
      were no differences in length, either between migrants and residents, or between
      upstream and downstream migrants. The results show that although barbel are able
      to negotiate small barriers, part of the population did not move between
      fragmented reaches - an indication that under such conditions, fish species
      populations may adjust their life-history strategy to augment residency as it was
      hypothesized from the results.

PMID- 28082053
TI  - A description of the "event manager" role in resuscitations: A qualitative study
      of interviews and focus groups of resuscitation participants.
AB  - PURPOSE: Communication during resuscitation is essential for the provision of
      coordinated, effective care. Previously, we observed 44% of resuscitation
      communication originated from participants other than the physician team leader;
      65% of which was directed to the team, exclusive of the team leader. We called
      this outer-loop communication. METHODS: This institutional review board-approved
      qualitative study used grounded theory analysis of focus groups and interviews to
      describe and define outer-loop communication and the role of "event manager" as
      an additional "leader." Participants were health care staff involved in the
      medical management of resuscitations in a quaternary pediatric academic hospital.
      RESULTS: The following 3 domains were identified: the existence and rationale of
      outer-loop communication; the functions fulfilled by outer-loop communication;
      and the leadership and learning of event manager skills. The role was recognized
      by all team members and evolved organically as resuscitation complexity
      increased. A "good" manager has similar qualities to a "good team leader" with
      strong nontechnical skills. Event managers were not formally identified and no
      specific training had occurred. CONCLUSIONS: "Outer-loop" communication supports
      resuscitation activities. An event manager gives direction to the team,
      coordinates activities, and supports the team leader. We describe a new role in
      resuscitation in light of structural organizational theory and cognitive load
      with a view to incorporating this structure into resuscitation training.

PMID- 28082055
TI  - Historical record and fluxes of DDTs at the Palos Verdes Shelf Superfund site,
      California.
AB  - Marine sediments at many locations in the world are contaminated with a wide
      range of persistent organic pollutants. The Palos Verdes Shelf (PVS) is located
      in the ocean off the coast of Los Angeles, California and has been listed as a
      Superfund site by the US EPA since 1997, because of heavy contamination of DDTs
      and PCBs. However, little is known about the historical trend in the deposition
      of DDTs as a result of decades-long discharge of wastewater effluents. In this
      study, sediment cores were taken from the PVS site and determined for DDT and its
      metabolites including DDE and DDD (denoted as DDTs). Individual DDTs were found
      in the majority (95%) of the samples analyzed. The highest ?DDT concentrations
      were found in three cores along the 60-meter isobath with geometric means of
      31300, 7490, and 5010ng/gdw and medians of 82400, 17300, and 5200ng/g dw,
      respectively. Among DDT congeners, p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDD were
      predominant, contributing to approximately 54%, 27%, and 14% of the SigmaDDTs in
      sediment. The vertical profiles of concentrations of contaminants in the sediment
      cores were examined. For most of the cores, a steady increase in the
      concentrations of DDTs during 1940s to 1980s was observed, while the
      concentrations declined gradually toward the surficial layers. On the basis of
      the mass flux of DDTs calculated and the area of the PVS Superfund site, we
      estimated the total deposition amount of DDTs in sediment and the deposition
      amount of SigmaDDTs in this region during 1947-1971 was 132 tons, which was
      fairly close to what was reported in earlier studies for industrial wastewater
      discharge in the PVS site (870-1450tons). Our findings suggest that the elevated
      levels of DDTs in sediment from the PVS site are linked to the discharge of these
      contaminants between the 1940s-1980s.

PMID- 28082056
TI  - Effects of plant-symbiotic relationships on the living soil microbial community
      and microbial necromass in a long-term agro-ecosystem.
AB  - We examined the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia on the living
      microbial community and microbial necromass under different long-term
      fertilization treatments at the long-term Static Fertilization Experiment Bad
      Lauchstadt (Germany). Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) and amino sugars plus
      muramic acid, were used as biomarkers for soil microbial bio- and necromass,
      respectively, and analyzed from six treatments imposed on two crop rotations,
      varying only in the inclusion/non-inclusion of a legume. Treatments included: two
      levels of only farmyard manure (FYM), only mineral fertilizer (NPK), the combined
      application of both fertilizer types and a non-fertilized control. PLFA profiles
      differed clearly between the investigated crop rotations and were significantly
      related to labile C, mineral N, and soil pH. This emphasizes the role of carbon,
      and of mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbioses, as driver for changes in the
      microbial community composition due to effects on the living conditions in soil.
      We found some evidence that legume associated symbiosis with arbuscular
      mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia act as a buffer, reducing the impact of varying
      inputs of mineral nutrients on the decomposer community. While our results
      support former findings that living microbial populations vary within short-term
      periods and are reflective of a given crop grown in a given year, soil necromass
      composition indicates longer term changes across the two crop rotation types,
      mainly shaped by fertilizer related effects on the community composition and C
      turnover. However, there was some evidence that specifically the presence of a
      legume, affects the soil necromass composition not only over the whole crop
      rotation but even in the short-term.

PMID- 28082057
TI  - Freshwater ecotoxicity impacts from pesticide use in animal and vegetable foods
      produced in Sweden.
AB  - Chemical pesticides are widely used in modern agriculture but their potential
      negative impacts are seldom considered in environmental assessments of food
      products. This study aims to assess and compare the potential freshwater
      ecotoxicity impacts due to pesticide use in the primary production of six food
      products: chicken fillet, minced pork, minced beef, milk, pea soup, and wheat
      bread. The assessment is based on a detailed and site-specific inventory of
      pesticide use in the primary production of the food products, all of which are
      produced in Sweden. Soybeans, used to produce the animal-based food products, are
      grown in Brazil. Pesticide emissions to air and surface water were calculated
      using PestLCI v. 2.0.5. Ecotoxicity impacts were assessed using USEtox v. 2.01,
      and expressed in relation to five functional units. The results show that the
      animal-based food products have considerably larger impact potentials than the
      plant-based food products. In relation to kg pea soup, impact potentials of
      bread, milk, minced beef, chicken fillet and minced pork are ca. 2, 3, 50, 140
      and 170 times larger, respectively. All mass-based functional units yield the
      same ranking. Notably, chicken fillet and minced pork have larger impacts than
      minced beef and milk, regardless of functional unit, due to extensive use of
      pesticides, some with high toxicity, in soybean production. This result stands in
      sharp contrast to typical carbon footprint and land use results which attribute
      larger impacts to beef than to chicken and pork. Measures for reducing impacts
      are discussed. In particular, we show that by substituting soybeans with locally
      sourced feed crops, the impact potentials of minced pork and chicken fillet are
      reduced by ca. 70 and 90%, respectively. Brazilian soybean production is heavily
      reliant on pesticides. We propose that weak legislation, in combination with
      tropical climate and agronomic practices, explains this situation.

PMID- 28082058
TI  - The importance of extranodal extension in metastatic head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma, in the light of the new AJCC cancer staging system.

PMID- 28082059
TI  - Corrigendum to "Anti-infective mannose receptor immune mechanism in large yellow
      croaker (Larimichthys crocea)" [Fish Shellfish Immunol. 54 (2016 Jul) 257-265].

PMID- 28082061
TI  - Purification, auto-activation and kinetic characterization of apoptosis signal
      regulating kinase I.
AB  - Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase I (ASK1) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase
      kinase kinase (MAP3K) that activates the downstream MAP kinase kinases (MKKs)
      from two MAP kinase cascades: c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. The
      essential physiological functions of ASK1 have attracted extensive attention.
      However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ASK1, including the
      activation mechanism of ASK1 and the catalytic mechanism of ASK1-mediated MKK
      phosphorylation, remain unclear. The lack of purified ASK1 protein has hindered
      the elucidation of ASK1-initiated signal transduction mechanisms. Here, we report
      a one-step chromatography method for the expression and purification of
      functional full-length ASK1 from Escherichia coli. The purified ASK1 demonstrates
      auto-phosphorylation activity. The kinase activity of auto-phosphorylated ASK1
      (pASK1) was also evaluated on two MKK substrates, MKK4 and 7, from the JNK
      cascades. Our results show that MKK7 can be phosphorylated by pASK1 more
      effectively than MKK4. The steady-state kinetic analysis demonstrates that MKK7
      is a better ASK1 substrate than MKK4. These observations are further confirmed by
      direct pull-down assays which shows ASK1 binds MKK7 significantly stronger than
      MKK4. Furthermore, robust phospho-tyrosine signal is observed in MKK4
      phosphorylation by pASK1 in addition to the phospho-serine and phospho-threonine.
      This study provides novel mechanistic and kinetic insights into the ASK1
      initiated MAPK signal transduction via highly controlled reconstructed protein
      systems.

PMID- 28082060
TI  - Breastfeeding in Infancy Is Associated with Body Mass Index in Adolescence: A
      Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing American Indians/Alaska Natives and Non
      Hispanic Whites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest obesity
      prevalence in the United States, but the influence of early childhood variables
      on body mass index (BMI; calculated as kg/m2) is not well understood. Previous
      studies have investigated the association between breastfeeding in infancy and
      offspring BMI, but rarely included American Indians and Alaska Natives.
      OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between breastfeeding in
      infancy and BMI in American Indians and Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white
      adolescents and young adults. DESIGN: Longitudinal analysis based on data from
      the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1994 to 2008).
      PARTICIPANTS: Adolescent respondents who self-identified as American Indians and
      Alaska Native or non-Hispanic white, and whose parents completed the parental
      questionnaire, reported their height and weight. The final sample included 655
      American Indians and Alaska Native and 10,305 non-Hispanic white respondents.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Generalized estimating equations were used to
      measure the mean differences, 95% CIs, and P values of the association between
      breastfeeding in infancy and offspring BMI in adolescence, stratifying by race,
      and adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic variables. RESULTS: The length of
      breastfeeding was inversely associated with BMI in both populations. American
      Indians and Alaska Natives that were breastfed for 6 to 12 months or for more
      than 12 months had a mean BMI of 2.69 (95% CI -3.46 to -1.92; P<0.01) and 1.54
      (95% CI -2.75 to -0.33; P<0.05) units lower than those that were never breastfed.
      Non-Hispanic whites that were breastfed for 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, or
      more than 12 months had a mean BMI of 0.71 (95% CI -0.93 to -0.50; P<0.01), 0.68
      (95% CI -0.87 to -0.50; P<0.01), and 0.85 (95% CI -1.09 to -0.62; P<0.01) units
      lower than those that were never breastfed. The association between the length of
      breastfeeding and offspring BMI varied by race (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Breastfeeding in infancy is associated with lower mean BMI. Future research
      should investigate causal pathways and whether interventions promoting
      breastfeeding in American Indians and Alaska Natives can prevent increasing BMI.

PMID- 28082062
TI  - Five-Strand Hamstring Autograft Versus Quadruple Hamstring Autograft With Graft
      Diameters 8.0 Millimeters or More in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction:
      Clinical Outcomes With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of 2 groups of patients undergoing anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: the first with a quadrupled
      semitendinosus gracilis (ST-G) autograft larger than 8 mm diameter and the second
      with a 5-strand ST-G autograft larger than 8 mm due to an insufficient diameter
      graft harvesting. METHODS: This was a retrospective study with 70 patients
      divided into 2 groups. Inclusion criteria included ACL ruptures of less than 3
      months, ST-G ACL reconstructions, and final (4-strand or 5-strand) graft size
      larger than 8 mm. Exclusion criteria included multiligament knee injuries,
      meniscal or chondral pathology, ACL re-ruptures, inflammatory joint disease, or
      other procedures in the knee. RESULTS: Group A comprised 33 patients with a
      quadruple ST-G graft, and group B comprised 37 patients with an insufficient
      graft diameter (<8 mm) in which a 5-strand graft was used. Mean age in group A
      was 29.7 (range 17-52) years and in group B was 30.6 (range 13-53) years (P =
      .78). Average follow-up in group A was 32.2 (range 24-48) months and in group B
      was 30.35 (range 24-48) months (P = .75). Average graft diameter in group A was
      8.5 mm (range 8-10) and in group B when the graft was measured as quadruple was
      7.2 mm (range 6.5-7.5) and 9.2 mm (range 8-10) when it was converted to 5-strand
      (P = .00596). Group A had 3 (9%) re-ruptures, and group B had 2 (5.4%) (P = .55).
      The average postoperative Lysholm score in group A was 93.3 (range 71-100) and in
      group B was 97.1 (range 80-100) (P = .79). Mean postoperative International Knee
      Documentation Committee in group A was 91 (range 75.9-100) and in group B was
      96.8 (range 82-100) (P = .18). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the 5-strand hamstring
      autograft in ACL reconstruction was clinically comparable with the quadruple
      autograft larger than 8 mm. The differences in re-rupture and clinical outcomes
      were not statistically significant between the 2 groups, suggesting that it is a
      valid option when we have a graft of insufficient diameter. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level III, retrospective comparative study.

PMID- 28082063
TI  - Arthroscopic Repair of Isolated Subscapularis Tears: A Systematic Review of
      Technique-Specific Outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature to identify all studies
      reporting outcomes of arthroscopically repaired isolated subscapularis tears, to
      (1) report outcomes across all repair techniques, (2) compare outcomes by
      arthroscopic technique, and (3) highlight the frequency and management of
      associated long head of biceps pathology, and the influence of these concomitant
      procedures on outcomes following arthroscopic subscapularis repair. METHODS: A
      systematic literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus
      databases with the following term: ("isolated repair" AND "arthroscopic
      subscapularis tear"). Only studies evaluating the techniques and outcomes of
      isolated subscapularis repair were included. Data were extracted, including
      patient characteristics, surgical technique, and outcomes. Descriptive analysis
      was provided for the available literature. RESULTS: Eight studies were included
      in this review. Uniformly, improvements in patient-reported outcome scores were
      substantial after arthroscopic subscapularis repair. Constant Total scores
      improved in each individual study from preoperative to postoperative (range,
      Delta18.8-Delta49.8 points), as did Strength (range, Delta1.3-Delta13.7 points),
      Pain (range, Delta7.6-Delta8.9 points), Range of Motion (range, Delta7.3
      Delta13.3 points), and Activities of Daily Living (range, Delta8.7-Delta10.2
      points) subscores. Significant improvements were seen in most individual studies
      for belly-press (Delta21.6 N or Delta1.9 out of 5) and lift-off strength
      (Delta24.3 N or Delta1.7-Delta1.9 out of 5), range of motion in forward flexion
      (29.1 degrees -37.0 degrees ), external rotation (10.3 degrees -16.0 degrees ),
      and internal rotation. Complications were relatively infrequent overall, with 5
      studies reporting no complications, and the remaining 3 studies with rerupture
      rates between 4.8% and 11.8%. Studies that used only double-row repair reported
      fewer complications (0% vs 5%-10%) and better outcome scores than single-row
      repair, similar to those studies that uniformly performed biceps tenodesis
      compared with no biceps intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This descriptive study
      highlights that arthroscopic subscapularis repair appears to be a reasonable
      option for the treatment of isolated tears of the subscapularis to obtain
      successful functional and patient-reported clinical outcomes. Its findings also
      pose the question of whether future prospective, comparative studies will find
      double-row surgical fixation and concomitant biceps tenodesis surgery to be
      superior to single-row fixation and leaving the biceps alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level IV, systematic review of Level IV studies.

PMID- 28082064
TI  - A case of recombinant coxsackievirus A2 infection with neurological complications
      in Taiwan.

PMID- 28082065
TI  - Salvage therapy with intravenous fosfomycin plus ceftriaxone for necrotizing
      fasciitis caused by penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PMID- 28082066
TI  - Impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children on the serotypic
      epidemiology of adult invasive pneumococcal diseases in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) causes significant morbidity and
      mortality, especially in children and older adults. Pneumococcal 7-valent and 13
      valent conjugate vaccines (PCV7 and PCV13) were introduced in Taiwan in 2005 and
      2011, respectively, for children. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact
      of PCV administered in children on adult IPD. METHODS: From the logbooks of
      microbiology laboratories, we retrospectively retrieved Streptococcus pneumoniae
      isolates, collected from normally sterile sites in adult patients. One hundred
      and fifty-seven consecutive, nonduplicated isolates were collected from one
      hospital during 2001 and 2003 (pre-PCV period) and 150 isolates from three
      hospitals from July 2011 to June 2015 (post-PCV period). Serotypes were
      determined by Quellung test. RESULTS: Among the 307 isolates, 31
      serotypes/serogroups were identified. PCV7 serotypes, particularly types 14
      (31.2%), 23F (19.7%) and 6B (12.7%) dominated in the pre-PCV period (78.3%) but
      significantly decreased in the post-PCV period (36%) (p < 0.01). PCV13 specific
      serotypes (PCV13-PCV7) significantly increased from 7% of the isolates in the pre
      PCV period to 28.7% of the isolates in the post-PCV period (p < 0.001),
      particularly type 19A (from 0.6% to 10%) and 6A (from 0 to 6.7%). Serotype 15B
      also increased significantly from 0.6% to 6.7% (p < 0.01). Nonvaccine serotypes
      increased significantly in the post-PCV period (11.5% to 22.0%, p < 0.05),
      particularly type 15A (from 0 to 4.4%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Serotype
      distribution of adult IPD in Taiwan has evolved after the introduction of PCV in
      children, indicating an indirect impact in adults. Continuous surveillance after
      the PCV13 vaccination program in children is needed.

PMID- 28082067
TI  - Clinical predictors of the leading pathogens in human immunodeficiency virus
      infected adults with community-onset bacteremia in the emergency department: The
      importance of transmission routes.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and pathogens of
      community-onset bacteremia among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected
      adults as well as to establish the clinical predictors of the major
      microorganisms. METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted
      retrospectively between January 2007 and December 2012. Demographic
      characteristics and pathogens determined from chart records were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Of the 121 eligible HIV adults with bacteremia, there was a male
      predominance (106 patients, 87.6%); elderly individuals (age >= 65 years)
      accounted for only 2.5% of the study population (3 patients). Of the total
      microorganisms isolated (n=123), Staphylococcus aureus (55, 44.7%) and Salmonella
      enterica (17, 13.8%) were the common pathogens. In a multivariate analysis, the
      leading two significant predictors of S. aureus infection were infective
      endocarditis (odds ratio, 11.49; p=0.001) and transmission risk with injection
      drug users (IDUs; odds ratio, 6.22; p=0.001). In addition, transmission risk with
      men who have sex with men (MSM; odds ratio, 37.49; p=0.001) was the leading
      clinical predictor of S. enterica infection. In further analyses, a strong linear
      by-linear correlation between S. aureus infection and IDU (gamma=0.94, p=0.02) as
      well as between S. enterica infection and MSM (gamma=0.96, p=0.01) was evidenced.
      CONCLUSION: Focusing on the two key pathogens in HIV-infected adults with
      community-onset bacteremia, IDU was one of independent predictors associated with
      S. aureus infection, whereas MSM was the leading risk factor of S. enterica
      infection. Although the proposed predictive model of these pathogens has been not
      established, a scoring system involving the transmission risk of HIV may be of
      use for the early identification of these patients for clinicians.

PMID- 28082068
TI  - Discovery of hepatitis B virus capsid assembly inhibitors leading to a
      heteroaryldihydropyrimidine based clinical candidate (GLS4).
AB  - Inhibition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly is a novel strategy for the
      development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) therapeutics. Herein we described our
      lead optimization studies including the synthesis, molecular docking studies and
      structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of a series of novel
      heteroaryldihydropyrimidine (HAP) inhibitors of HBV capsid assembly inhibitors,
      and the discovery of a potent inhibitor of HBV capsid assembly of GLS4 (ethyl 4
      [2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl]-6-[morpholino-methyl]-2-[2-thiazolyl]-1,4-dihydro
      pyrimidine-5-carboxylate) which is now in clinical phase 2. GLS4 demonstrated
      potent inhibitory activities in HBV HepG2.2.15 cell assay with an EC50 value of
      1nM, and it also exhibited high potency against various drug-resistant HBV viral
      strains with EC50 values in the range of 10-20nM, more potent than the typical
      HBV polymerase inhibitors such as lamivudine, telbivudine, and entecavir.
      Pharmacokinetic profiles of GLS4 were favorable and safety evaluation including
      acute toxicity and repeated toxicity study indicated that GLS4 was safe enough to
      support clinical experiments in human.

PMID- 28082069
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of frentizole-based indolyl thiourea analogues as
      MAO/ABAD inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with an
      excessive accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta). Based on the
      multifactorial nature of AD, preparation of multi-target-directed ligands
      presents a viable option to address more pathological events at one time. A novel
      class of asymmetrical disubstituted indolyl thioureas have been designed and
      synthesized to interact with monoamine oxidase (MAO) and/or amyloid-binding
      alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD). The design combines the features of known MAO
      inhibitors scaffolds (e.g. rasagiline or ladostigil) and a frentizole moiety with
      potential to interact with ABAD. Evaluation against MAO identified several
      compounds that inhibited in the low to moderate micromolar range. The most
      promising compound (19) inhibited human MAO-A and MAO-B with IC50 values of
      6.34MUM and 0.30MUM, respectively. ABAD activity evaluation did not show any
      highly potent compound, but the compound series allowed identification of
      structural features to assist the future development of ABAD inhibitors. Finally,
      several of the compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of horseradish
      peroxidase (HRP), preventing the use of the AmplexTM Red assay to detect hydrogen
      peroxide produced by MAO, highlighting the need for serious precautions when
      using an enzyme-coupled assay.

PMID- 28082070
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of (E)-3,4-dihydroxystyryl 4
      acylaminophenethyl sulfone, sulfoxide derivatives as dual inhibitors of HIV-1
      CCR5 and integrase.
AB  - Aiming at the limited effectiveness of current clinical therapeutic effect of
      AIDS, novel series of compounds bearing (E)-3,4-dihydroxystyryl sulfone (or
      sulfoxide) and anilide fragments were designed and synthesized as dual inhibitors
      of HIV-1 CCR5/IN. The biological results indicated that several target compounds
      showed inhibitory activity against HIV-1 Bal (R5) infection in TZM-bl cells.
      Besides targeting the chemokine receptor on the host cell surface, they also
      displayed binding affinities with HIV-1 integrase using the surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR) binding assays. Molecular docking studies have inferred the
      possible binding mode of target compounds against integrase. These data
      demonstrate that the structure of (E)-3,4-dihydroxystyryl sulfone and sulfoxide
      derivatives have the potential to derive potent dual inhibitors of HIV-1
      Integrase and CCR5.

PMID- 28082072
TI  - Early neurological deterioration in older adults with traumatic brain injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and resulting fatalities among
      older adults increased considerably in recent years. Neurological deterioration
      often goes unrecognized at the injury scene and patients arrive at emergency
      departments with near-normal Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores. This study examined
      the proportion of older adults experiencing early neurological deterioration
      (prehospital to emergency department), associated factors, and association of the
      magnitude of neurological deterioration with TBI severity. METHODS: This
      secondary analysis of National Trauma Data Bank Research Datasets included
      patients who were age ?65, sustained a TBI, and transported from the injury scene
      to an emergency department. Data analysis included chi-square analysis, t-tests,
      and logistic regression. Long-term anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy was not
      associated with deterioration. RESULTS: Of the sample of 91,886 patients, 13,913
      (15.1%) experienced early neurological deterioration. Adjusting for covariates,
      age, gender, head AISmax injury severity, and probability of death were
      associated with early deterioration. Patients with severe and critical head
      injuries had the highest odds of early neurological deterioration (OR=1.41
      [CI=1.22-1.63] and OR=1.98 [CI=1.63-2.40], p<0.001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS:
      Prehospital providers, nurses, physicians, and other providers have opportunities
      to optimize outcomes from older adult TBI through early recognition of
      neurological deterioration, rapid transport to facilities for definitive
      treatment, and targeted rehabilitation.

PMID- 28082071
TI  - Highly predictive and interpretable models for PAMPA permeability.
AB  - Cell membrane permeability is an important determinant for oral absorption and
      bioavailability of a drug molecule. An in silico model predicting drug
      permeability is described, which is built based on a large permeability dataset
      of 7488 compound entries or 5435 structurally unique molecules measured by the
      same lab using parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). On the
      basis of customized molecular descriptors, the support vector regression (SVR)
      model trained with 4071 compounds with quantitative data is able to predict the
      remaining 1364 compounds with the qualitative data with an area under the curve
      of receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) of 0.90. The support vector
      classification (SVC) model trained with half of the whole dataset comprised of
      both the quantitative and the qualitative data produced accurate predictions to
      the remaining data with the AUC-ROC of 0.88. The results suggest that the
      developed SVR model is highly predictive and provides medicinal chemists a useful
      in silico tool to facilitate design and synthesis of novel compounds with optimal
      drug-like properties, and thus accelerate the lead optimization in drug
      discovery.

PMID- 28082073
TI  - Specialty-Specific Values Affecting the Management of Symptomatic Uterine
      Fibroids.
AB  - PURPOSE: To better understand why interventional radiologists and gynecologists
      differ in their approaches to symptomatic uterine fibroids. METHODS:
      Conversational interviews were conducted with 26 interventional radiologists and
      gynecologists about their professional roles, clinical reasoning, and practice
      variation within and outside their specialty. Interview transcripts were
      systematically analyzed using NVivo 10 software (QSR International, Burlington,
      Massachusetts) according to grounded theory and content analysis to identify key
      themes and compare themes across specialties and practice environments. Data were
      supplemented with retrospective analysis of 7,659 patients with symptomatic
      uterine fibroids treated at a large academic center over 11 years. RESULTS:
      Interventional radiologists' shares of symptomatic uterine fibroid treatment and
      endovascular stent treatments have remained constant (P > .05) for 11 y at a
      large medical center, whereas minimally invasive gynecologic fibroid treatments
      and the percentage of interventional radiology (IR) procedures reimbursed by
      Medicaid/Medicare have increased significantly (r > .90, P < .001 and r = .93, P
      < .001). Interventional radiologists and gynecologists shared a commitment to do
      "the right thing" for patients, but each group possessed distinct professional
      values affecting how they viewed medical evidence, outcomes, and their
      colleagues. When differences were apparent and concerning, physicians tended to
      suspect ulterior motives not in patients' best interests. CONCLUSIONS:
      Interventional radiologists and gynecologists demonstrated wide-ranging
      perspectives regarding their role in caring for patients with symptomatic uterine
      fibroids. To promote genuine collaboration and adoption of shared goals,
      stakeholders should seek and promote a deeper understanding of specialty-specific
      values and culture.

PMID- 28082075
TI  - Vertebral fractures assessment in children: Evaluation of DXA imaging versus
      conventional spine radiography.
AB  - Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) by DXA is an accepted tool in adults.
      However, its use in children has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate DXA VFA and morphometric analysis (MXA) using a GE Lunar iDXA bone
      densitometer against spinal radiographic assessment (RA) for the identification
      of vertebral fractures in children. Spine RA and VFA (T3-L5) were acquired on the
      same day in 80 children. Forty children considered high risk for fracture by
      their metabolic bone specialist were referred for spinal RA. Another 40 children
      were recruited as part of a prospective fracture study and were considered low
      risk for vertebral fracture. Agreement between RA and VFA was assessed by an
      expert paediatric radiologist and two paediatricians with expertise in bone
      pathology. Agreement between RA and MXA was assessed by an expert paediatric
      radiologist, two clinical scientists and an experienced paediatric radiographer.
      Vertebrae were ranked as normal, mild, moderate or severe if they had <10%, 11
      25%, 26-50% and >50% deformity, respectively. Levels of agreement were calculated
      using the Cohen kappa score. Evaluating the data from all readable vertebrae, 121
      mild, 44 moderate and 16 severe vertebral fractures were identified; with 26, 8,
      and 5 subjects having at least one mild, moderate or severe fracture,
      respectively. Depending on rater, 92.8-94.8% of the vertebrae were evaluable by
      RA. In contrast, 98.4% were evaluable by VFA and only 83.6% were evaluable by
      MXA. Moderate agreement was found between raters for RA [kappa 0.526-0.592], and
      VFA [kappa 0.601-0.658] and between RA and VFA [kappa 0.630-0.687]. In contrast,
      only slight agreement was noted between raters for MXA [kappa 0.361-0.406] and
      between VFA and MXA [kappa 0.137-0.325]. Agreement substantially improved if the
      deformities were dichotomised as normal or mild versus moderate or severe [kappa
      0.826-0.834]. For the detection of moderate and/or severe fractures the
      sensitivities & specificities were 81.3% & 99.3%, and 62.5% & 99.2% for VFA and
      MXA, respectively. This study demonstrates that VFA is as good as RA for
      detecting moderate and severe vertebral fractures. Given the significant
      radiation dose saving of VFA compared with RA, VFA is recommended as a diagnostic
      tool for the assessment of moderate or severe vertebral fracture in children.

PMID- 28082074
TI  - Rescue of Hearing by Gene Delivery to Inner-Ear Hair Cells Using Exosome
      Associated AAV.
AB  - Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a safe and effective vector for gene therapy for
      retinal disorders. Gene therapy for hearing disorders is not as advanced, in part
      because gene delivery to sensory hair cells of the inner ear is inefficient.
      Although AAV transduces the inner hair cells of the mouse cochlea, outer hair
      cells remain refractory to transduction. Here, we demonstrate that a vector,
      exosome-associated AAV (exo-AAV), is a potent carrier of transgenes to all inner
      ear hair cells. Exo-AAV1-GFP is more efficient than conventional AAV1-GFP, both
      in mouse cochlear explants in vitro and with direct cochlear injection in vivo.
      Exo-AAV shows no toxicity in vivo, as assayed by tests of auditory and vestibular
      function. Finally, exo-AAV1 gene therapy partially rescues hearing in a mouse
      model of hereditary deafness (lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 5/tetraspan
      membrane protein of hair cell stereocilia [Lhfpl5/Tmhs-/-]). Exo-AAV is a
      powerful gene delivery system for hair cell research and may be useful for gene
      therapy for deafness.

PMID- 28082076
TI  - Topical bisphosphonate augments fixation of bone-grafted hydroxyapatite coated
      implants, BMP-2 causes resorption-based decrease in bone.
AB  - Bone allograft is used in total joint arthroplasties in order to enhance implant
      fixation. BMPs are known to stimulate new bone formation within allograft, but
      also known to accelerate graft resorption. Bisphosphonates are strong inhibitor
      of bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the
      bisphosphonate zoledronate was able to counteract the accelerated graft
      resorption without interfering with the BMP induced bone formation. In the
      present study the two drugs alone and in combination were studied in our canine
      model of impaction bone grafting. We included 10 dogs in this study. Cancellous
      allograft bone grafts were soaked in either saline or zoledronate solution
      (0.005mg/mL) and then vehicle or BMP2 (0.15mg rhBMP2) was added. This produced
      four treatment groups: A) control, B) BMP2, C) zoledronate and D)
      BMP2+zoledronate. The allograft treated with A, B, C or D was impacted into a
      circumferential defect of 2.5mm around HA-coated porous Ti implants. Each dog
      received all four treatment groups with two implants in the distal part of each
      femur. The group with allograft soaked in zoledronate (C) showed better
      biomechanical fixation than all other groups (p<0.05). It had less allograft
      resorption compared to all other groups (p<0.005) without any statistically
      significant change in new bone formation. The addition of BMP2 to the allograft
      did not increase new bone formation significantly, but did accelerate allograft
      resorption. This was also the case where the allograft was treated with BMP2 and
      zoledronate in combination (D). This caused a decrease in mechanical implant
      fixation in both these groups compared to the control group, however only
      statistically significant for the BMP2 group compared to control. The study shows
      that topical zoledronate can be a valuable tool for augmenting bone grafts when
      administered optimally. The use of BMP2 in bone grafting procedures seems
      associated with a high risk of bone resorption and mechanical weakening.

PMID- 28082077
TI  - Effects of suppressed bone remodeling by minodronic acid and alendronate on bone
      mass, microdamage accumulation, collagen crosslinks and bone mechanical
      properties in the lumbar vertebra of ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys.
AB  - Collagen crosslinking is an important determinant of the quality of bone
      material. We have previously shown that suppressed bone turnover by high doses of
      minodronic acid and alendronate increases compressive strength of vertebra, but
      also increases microdamage accumulation, in monkey bone. The aim of this study is
      to examine the effects of these bisphosphonates on collagen crosslinks and
      intrinsic material properties, in addition to microdamage accumulation, in
      vertebral cancellous bone in ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys. Sixty female
      monkeys aged 9-17years were divided into five groups: sham and ovariectomized
      groups were treated daily for 17months with lactose vehicle, and the other three
      groups were given minodronic acid daily at 0.015 or 0.15mg/kg or alendronate
      daily at 0.5mg/kg orally. After sacrifice, lumbar vertebrae were subjected to
      histomorphometry, microdamage measurement, analysis of collagen crosslinking and
      compressive mechanical tests. Minodronic acid caused dose-dependent suppression
      of increased bone remodeling due to ovariectomy, and low-dose minodronic acid
      suppressed remodeling same level as alendronate. However, low-dose minodronic
      acid did not change microdamage accumulation, collagen maturity and the
      pentosidine level, whereas high-dose minodronic acid and alendronate increased
      these parameters. Compressive ultimate load was increased following high-dose
      minodronic acid and alendronate, but no treatment altered the reduction in
      intrinsic material properties caused by ovariectomy. These findings suggest that
      deterioration of bone material and formation of pentosidine and microdamage
      induced by minodronic acid is less than that expected based on the extent of
      remodeling suppression, in comparison with alendronate, but this was not
      reflected in any significant change of mechanical properties.

PMID- 28082078
TI  - High Bone Mass is associated with bone-forming features of osteoarthritis in non
      weight bearing joints independent of body mass index.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: High Bone Mass (HBM) is associated with (a) radiographic knee
      osteoarthritis (OA), partly mediated by increased BMI, and (b) pelvic
      enthesophytes and hip osteophytes, suggestive of a bone-forming phenotype. We
      aimed to establish whether HBM is associated with radiographic features of OA in
      non-weight-bearing (hand) joints, and whether such OA demonstrates a bone-forming
      phenotype. METHODS: HBM cases (BMD Z-scores>=+3.2) were compared with family
      controls. A blinded assessor graded all PA hand radiographs for: osteophytes (0
      3), joint space narrowing (JSN) (0-3), subchondral sclerosis (0-1), at the index
      Distal Interphalangeal Joint (DIPJ) and 1st Carpometacarpal Joint (CMCJ), using
      an established atlas. Analyses used a random effects logistic regression model,
      adjusting a priori for age and gender. Mediating roles of BMI and bone turnover
      markers (BTMs) were explored by further adjustment. RESULTS: 314 HBM cases (mean
      age 61.1years, 74% female) and 183 controls (54.3years, 46% female) were
      included. Osteophytes (grade>=1) were more common in HBM (DIPJ: 67% vs. 45%,
      CMCJ: 69% vs. 50%), with adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.82 [1.11, 2.97], p=0.017 and 1.89
      [1.19, 3.01], p=0.007 respectively; no differences were seen in JSN. Further
      adjustment for BMI failed to attenuate ORs for osteophytes in HBM cases vs.
      controls; DIPJ 1.72 [1.05, 2.83], p=0.032, CMCJ 1.76 [1.00, 3.06], p=0.049.
      Adjustment for BTMs (concentrations lower amongst HBM cases) did not attenuate
      ORs. CONCLUSIONS: HBM is positively associated with OA in non-weight-bearing
      joints, independent of BMI. HBM-associated OA is characterised by osteophytes,
      consistent with a bone-forming phenotype, rather than JSN reflecting cartilage
      loss. Systemic factors (e.g. genetic architecture) which govern HBM may also
      increase bone-forming OA risk.

PMID- 28082079
TI  - X-box Binding Protein 1 Regulates Unfolded Protein, Acute-Phase, and DNA Damage
      Responses During Regeneration of Mouse Liver.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) increases
      the protein folding burden at the endoplasmic reticulum of remnant hepatocytes,
      resulting in induction of the unfolded protein response. We investigated the role
      of the core unfolded protein response transcription factor X-box binding protein
      1 (XBP1) in liver regeneration using genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation
      analysis. METHODS: We performed studies with C57Bl6-J (control) and interleukin 6
      knockout mice. Mice underwent PH or sham surgeries. In some mice, hepatic
      expression of XBP1 was knocked down by injection of adenoviral vectors encoding
      small hairpin RNAs against Xbp1 messenger RNA. Liver tissues were collected
      before surgery and at 6 and 48 hours after surgery and analyzed by chromatin
      immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing. We also performed functional analyses
      of HepG2 cells. RESULTS: Expression of XBP1 by hepatocytes increased immediately
      after PH (priming phase of liver regeneration) in control mice, but this effect
      was delayed in interleukin 6-deficient mice. In mice with knockdown of XBP1, we
      observed of liver tissue persistent endoplasmic reticulum stress, defects in
      acute-phase response, and increased hepatocellular damage, compared with control
      mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses of liver tissue showed that at 6
      hours after PH, liver XBP1 became bound to a large set of genes implicated in
      proteostasis, the acute-phase response, metabolism, and the DNA damage response
      (DDR). At this time point, XBP1 bound the promoter of the signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3 gene (Stat3). Livers of XBP1-knockdown mice showed
      reduced expression of STAT3 and had lower levels of STAT3 phosphorylation at
      Ser727, a modification that promotes cell proliferation and the DDR. Regenerating
      livers from XBP1-knockdown mice expressed high levels of a marker of DNA double
      strand breaks, phosphorylated histone 2A, member X (H2AX), compared with control
      mice. The inhibition of XBP1 expression caused a reduced up-regulation of DDR
      messenger RNAs in regenerating hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: In livers of mice, we
      found that PH induces expression of XBP1, and that this activity requires
      interleukin 6. XBP1 expression regulates the unfolded protein response, acute
      phase response, and DDR in hepatocytes. In regenerating livers, XBP1 deficiency
      leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress and DNA damage.

PMID- 28082080
TI  - Bacteriophage SPP1 pac Cleavage: A Precise Cut without Sequence Specificity
      Requirement.
AB  - In many tailed bacteriophages, DNA packaging is initiated by recognition and
      cleavage of a specific sequence pac by the small (TerS) and large (TerL)
      terminase subunits. It was previously shown that the SPP1 pac region has two
      sequences where TerS binds (pacR and pacL), flanking the segment where TerL
      cleaves the SPP1 DNA (pacC). However, the pac-specific sequences required to
      achieve this endonucleolytic cut were not established. Their characterization is
      essential to understand the underlying mechanism. We show that the pacR sequence
      localized within 35bp downstream of the pac cut can be extensively degenerated,
      including its c1 and c2 repeats, and that only a disruption of a 5-bp polyadenine
      tract impairs the pac cleavage. This result together with deletion analysis of
      pacL shows that the specific DNA sequences required for targeting the terminase
      for pac cleavage are considerably shorter than the large region bound by TerS.
      Furthermore, extensive degeneration of the 6-bp target sequence within pacC where
      pac cleavage occurs reveals that TerL maintains, remarkably, its precise position
      of cleavage. Studies with SPP1-related phages show the conservation of the cut
      position, irrespective of the sequence variation in pacC and in pacR or the
      changes in pacL-pacC distance. Mechanistically, our data are compatible with a
      model in which TerS interactions with part of the pacL sequence and a poly-A
      tract in pacR are sufficient to orient very accurately the TerL nuclease to a
      defined pacC position. They also demonstrate that the resulting precise cut at
      pacC is independent of the targeted DNA sequence.

PMID- 28082083
TI  - Adolescents and Contraception: The Updated US Medical Eligibility Criteria for
      Contraceptive Use.

PMID- 28082082
TI  - Key European guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with
      phenylketonuria.
AB  - We developed European guidelines to optimise phenylketonuria (PKU) care. To
      develop the guidelines, we did a literature search, critical appraisal, and
      evidence grading according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
      method. We used the Delphi method when little or no evidence was available. From
      the 70 recommendations formulated, in this Review we describe ten that we deem as
      having the highest priority. Diet is the cornerstone of treatment, although some
      patients can benefit from tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). Untreated blood
      phenylalanine concentrations determine management of people with PKU. No
      intervention is required if the blood phenylalanine concentration is less than
      360 MUmol/L. Treatment is recommended up to the age of 12 years if the
      phenylalanine blood concentration is between 360 MUmol/L and 600 MUmol/L, and
      lifelong treatment is recommended if the concentration is more than 600 MUmol/L.
      For women trying to conceive and during pregnancy (maternal PKU), untreated
      phenylalanine blood concentrations of more than 360 MUmol/L need to be reduced.
      Treatment target concentrations are as follows: 120-360 MUmol/L for individuals
      aged 0-12 years and for maternal PKU, and 120-600 MUmol/L for non-pregnant
      individuals older than 12 years. Minimum requirements for the management and
      follow-up of patients with PKU are scheduled according to age, adherence to
      treatment, and clinical status. Nutritional, clinical, and biochemical follow-up
      is necessary for all patients, regardless of therapy.

PMID- 28082084
TI  - The effects of fungal infection and physiological condition on the locomotory
      behaviour of the ant Myrmica scabrinodis.
AB  - Parasite infection often results in alterations in host behaviour. These changes
      vary greatly in their magnitude, from slight shifts in the time spent by the host
      performing a given activity to the appearance of novel behaviours. The effects of
      parasites can differ with the age and the physiological condition of the host.
      Rickia wasmannii is an ectoparasitic fungal symbiont in Myrmica ants that covers
      the whole body surface of the host and reduces its lifespan. The fungus is
      present in both young and old individuals, making it an optimal subject for the
      study of age-related parasitic effects. We tested the effect of fungal infection
      on the locomotory activity of the Myrmica scabrinodis ant in different age
      categories. The fat content of workers was measured as a proxy for their
      physiological status. Based on our findings, old workers bore more thalli and
      were leaner than young individuals, while they tended to move at higher speeds
      and with a lower degree of meandering. Young individuals covered smaller
      distances, at slower speeds and with a higher degree of meandering. Contrary to
      our expectations, the infection intensity of R. wasmannii affected neither the
      fat content nor the locomotory activity of ant workers. However, the two age
      classes seem to have different strategies with regards to the relationship
      between fat content and distance covered. Our results suggest that
      characteristics of locomotory activity differ between the age classes in many
      respects, and are also influenced by their physiological status, but parasitism
      by R. wasmannii does not seem to have a straightforward effect on any of the
      variables studied.

PMID- 28082085
TI  - The E23K variant of the Kir6.2 subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel
      increases susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia in response to ischemia in
      rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The E23K variant of the Kir6.2 subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium
      (KATP) channel has been implicated in cardiac remodeling. However, the effects of
      E23K variant on ventricular electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis remain
      unclear. METHODS: Transgenic rats were generated to express human E23K-variant
      genomic DNA in the heart under the alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter.
      Electrophysiological parameters including electrocardiograph, ventricular action
      potential duration (APD), effective refractory period (ERP), electrical alternans
      and ventricle arrhythmia threshold were examined in wild type (WT) and transgenic
      rats. The KATP current in cardiomyocytes was recorded using whole-cell patch
      clamp techniques. RESULTS: No differences in the electrophysiological parameters
      between the two groups were found at baseline. However, after acute ischemic
      stress, shortened QT intervals were further aggravated in the E23K-variant rats.
      Additionally, the E23K variant exacerbated the decrease of APD70, APD90 and ERP.
      The ventricular arrhythmia and alternans thresholds were significantly
      attenuated, and the duration of ventricular arrhythmia induced by electrical
      stimulation was significantly prolonged in the E23K-variant rats. More
      importantly, the KATP current in cardiomyocytes was significantly increased in
      the E23K-variant rats after ischemia. CONCLUSION: The E23K variant of the KATP
      channel increased the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia under acute
      ischemia stress.

PMID- 28082086
TI  - Effectiveness of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and
      determinants of inappropriate shock delivery.
AB  - AIMS: Assess subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD)
      effectiveness in the prevention of sudden cardiac death and the impact of
      demographics and the initial detection algorithm in the delivery of inappropriate
      shocks (safety). METHODS: Real world prospective registry in which we assessed 54
      patients (40+/-17years old, 85% males) who underwent S-ICD implantation for
      primary or secondary prevention of SCD. Safety and efficacy outcomes were defined
      as the delivery of inappropriate shocks and the prevention of sudden cardiac
      death, respectively. Tiered-therapy S-ICD had at least two programmed zones,
      determined by the longest RR interval. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 2.6+/
      1.9years, 6 patients (11%) died, none due to sudden cardiac death. Six patients
      (11%) received appropriate therapies, irrespectively of the established detection
      algorithm (p=0.59). All ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation episodes were
      adequately treated. Nine patients (17%) had inappropriate shocks: 6 without
      tiered-therapy vs 3 with previously programmed tiered-therapy (p=0.001). The
      yearly rate of inappropriate shocks was 17%/year with single zone detection vs
      4%/year with tiered-therapy programming (p=0.007). Single-zone detection
      programming was an independent predictor of inappropriate shock delivery (HR
      1.49, IC 95%: 1.05-18.80, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: In this selected population of
      patients, the S-ICDs proved effective in preventing sudden cardiac death. Tiered
      therapy was independently associated with a lower rate of inappropriate shock
      delivery.

PMID- 28082087
TI  - Among patients with left bundle branch block, T-wave peak to T-wave end time is
      prolonged in the presence of acute coronary occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessing the effect of myocardial ischemia on ventricular
      repolarization in the setting of left bundle branch block (LBBB) poses a
      challenge due to secondary prolongation of the QT interval inherent in LBBB. The
      T-wave peak to T-wave end (TpTe) interval has been noted to prolong during
      myocardial ischemia and correct after reperfusion in patients with normal
      conduction. Here we compare the TpTe intervals of patients with LBBB both with
      and without complete acute coronary occlusion (ACO). METHODS: Retrospectively,
      emergency department patients with LBBB and symptoms of myocardial ischemia were
      identified both with angiographically-proven ACO and with No-ACO. The longest QT,
      JT, and TpTe intervals were analyzed. RESULTS: The ACO and No-ACO groups
      consisted of 33 and 129 patients, respectively. The mean TpTe was longer in ACO
      (103.6ms [95%CI 98.5-108.7]) compared to No-ACO patients (88.6ms [95%CI 85.3
      91.9]) (P<0.0001) and this held true after correction for heart rate. In ACO
      versus No-ACO, the TpTe also more frequently exceeded prolongation cutoffs of
      85ms (30 [90%] versus 69 [54%]) and 100ms (25 [76%] versus 42 [33%]) (P<0.0001
      for all). The mean QT, JT, QTc, and JTc intervals were not significantly
      different between the groups for either the Bazett's or Rautaharju's correction
      formulas. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with LBBB on the ECG, the TpTe is longer and
      more frequently prolonged in patients with ACO compared to patients without ACO.
      Future studies of ventricular repolarization in patients with LBBB should include
      analyses of the TpTe interval.

PMID- 28082088
TI  - Manifestations of Lyme carditis.
AB  - The first data of Lyme carditis, a relatively rare manifestation of Lyme disease,
      were published in eighties of the last century. Clinical manifestations include
      syncope, light-headedness, fainting, shortness of breath, palpitations, and/or
      chest pain. Atrioventricular (AV) electrical block of varying severity presents
      the most common conduction disorder in Lyme carditis. Although is usually mild,
      AV block can fluctuates rapidly and progress from a prolonged P-R interval to a
      His-Purkinje block within minutes to hours and days. Rarely, Lyme disease may be
      the cause of endocarditis, while some studies and reports, based on serological
      and/or molecular investigations, have suggested possible influence of Borrelia
      burgdorferi on degenerative cardiac valvular disease. Myocarditis, pericarditis,
      pancarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure have also been described
      as possible manifestations of Lyme carditis. The clinical course of Lyme carditis
      is generally mild, short term, and in most cases, completely reversible after
      adequate antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 28082089
TI  - Cardiovascular mortality - Comparing risk factor associations within couples and
      in the total population - The HUNT Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare associations of conventional risk factors with
      cardiovascular death within couples and in the population as a whole. METHODS: We
      analysed baseline data (1995-97) from the HUNT2 Study in Norway linked to the
      national Causes of Death Registry. We compared risk within couples using
      stratified Cox regression. RESULTS: During 914776 person-years, 3964
      cardiovascular deaths occurred, and 1658 of the deaths occurred among 1494
      couples. There were consistently stronger associations of serum lipids and blood
      pressure with cardiovascular mortality within couples compared to the population
      as a whole. For instance, for systolic blood pressure (per 20mmHg), the hazard
      ratio (HR) within couples was 1.28 (95% confidence interval: 1.17, 1.40) compared
      to 1.16 (1.12, 1.20) in the total population, and for diastolic pressure (per
      10mmHg), the corresponding HRs were 1.16 (1.07, 1.26) and 1.11 (1.08, 1.13).
      Anthropometric factors (BMI, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio) as well as
      diabetes, smoking, physical activity, and education, showed nearly identical
      positive associations within couples and in the total population. CONCLUSIONS:
      Prospective population studies may tend to slightly underestimate associations of
      these factors with cardiovascular mortality.

PMID- 28082091
TI  - Changes in concentrations of circulating fibroblast activation protein alpha are
      associated with myocardial damage in patients with acute ST-elevation MI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a membrane-bound serine
      protease expressed by activated fibroblasts after myocardial infarction (MI).
      Reduced circulating FAP levels were associated with increased mortality in
      patients with acute coronary syndrome. We hypothesized that FAP concentrations
      are altered after acute ST-elevation MI (STEMI), and related to myocardial
      damage. METHODS: We measured circulating FAP concentrations in blood plasma of 60
      patients on admission, day 1, day 3 and day 5 after STEMI, and in 25 apparently
      healthy blood donors as controls. RESULTS: Plasma FAP concentrations were lower
      in STEMI patients on admission (71ng/mL) than in blood donors (101ng/mL,
      P<0.0001). FAP concentrations declined in STEMI patients from admission to day 3
      (66ng/mL, P<0.05) and day 5 (57ng/mL, P<0.05). FAP concentrations on day 5 were
      inversely correlated with maximum CK and maximum CRP levels. In a multiple linear
      regression analysis, maximum CRP was independently associated with low FAP
      concentrations on day 5 after STEMI. When stratified according to the absolute
      amount of FAP change from admission to day 5 (DeltaFAP), patients with high
      DeltaFAP (-22ng/mL) had worse left ventricular function, higher levels of hs
      cTnT, CK on admission, maximum CK and CRP than patients with low DeltaFAP (
      3ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Our study first demonstrates alterations of circulating FAP
      concentrations acutely after STEMI. A greater decline of circulating FAP
      concentrations in the first 5days after STEMI is associated with increased
      myocardial damage and inflammation. Measurement of circulating FAP might help to
      better understand the relation of myocardial injury and inflammatory response in
      the individual patient.

PMID- 28082090
TI  - Endothelial dysfunction and abnormal vascular structure are simultaneously
      present in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction and abnormal vascular structure may be
      involved in the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (HF). The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate simultaneously vascular function and vascular structure in
      patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS: We
      measured flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-induced
      vasodilation as indices of vascular function and intima-media thickness (IMT) as
      an index of vascular structure of the brachial artery in 41 patients with HFpEF
      (23 men and 18 women; mean age, 66+/-12yr) and 165 patients without HF (95 men
      and 70 women; mean age, 54+/-16yr). RESULTS: FMD was significantly smaller in
      patients with HFpEF than in patients without HF (2.9+/-2.1% versus 4.6+/-2.7%,
      P=0.0002). Nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation was significantly smaller in
      patients with HFpEF than in patients without HF (9.3+/-4.1% versus 12.9+/-4.9%,
      P<0.0001). Brachial artery IMT was significantly larger in patients with HFpEF
      than in patients without HF (0.35+/-0.06mm versus 0.31+/-0.07mm, P=0.0002). After
      adjustment for age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, the
      associations remained significant between HFpEF and FMD (odds ratio, 0.79; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.66-0.92; P=0.0032), nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation
      (odds ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.96; P=0.0039), and brachial
      artery IMT (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.17; P=0.033).
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that both endothelial dysfunction and
      abnormal vascular structure may contribute to the pathogenesis and maintenance of
      HFpEF. Endothelial function and vascular structure may be potential therapeutic
      targets for HFpEF.

PMID- 28082092
TI  - Energy utilization of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte in
      Fabry disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disease in which
      glycosphingolipids (GB3) accumulate in organs of the human body, leading to
      idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and target organ damage. Its
      pathophysiology is still poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to generate
      patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from FD patients
      presenting cardiomyopathy to determine whether the model could recapitulate key
      features of the disease phenotype and to investigate the energy metabolism in
      Fabry disease. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a 30-year-old
      Chinese man with a diagnosis of Fabry disease, GLA gene (IVS4+919G>A) mutation
      were reprogrammed into iPSCs and differentiated into iPSC-CMs and energy
      metabolism was analyzed in iPSC-CMs. RESULTS: The FD-iPSC-CMs recapitulated
      numerous aspects of the FD phenotype including reduced GLA activity, cellular
      hypertrophy, GB3 accumulation and impaired contractility. Decreased energy
      metabolism with energy utilization shift to glycolysis was observed, but the
      decreased energy metabolism was not modified by enzyme rescue replacement (ERT)
      in FD-iPSCs-CMs. CONCLUSION: This model provided a promising in vitro model for
      the investigation of the underlying disease mechanism and development of novel
      therapeutic strategies for FD. This potential remedy for enhancing the energetic
      network and utility efficiency warrants further study to identify novel therapies
      for the disease.

PMID- 28082093
TI  - Long-term prognostic impact of CT-Leaman score in patients with non-obstructive
      CAD: Results from the COronary CT Angiography EvaluatioN For Clinical Outcomes
      InteRnational Multicenter (CONFIRM) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) identified by coronary
      computed tomography angiography (CCTA) demonstrated prognostic value. CT-adapted
      Leaman score (CT-LeSc) showed to improve the prognostic stratification. Aim of
      the study was to evaluate the capability of CT-LeSc to assess long-term prognosis
      of patients with non-obstructive (CAD). METHODS: From 17 centers, we enrolled
      2402 patients without prior CAD history who underwent CCTA that showed non
      obstructive CAD and provided complete information on plaque composition. Patients
      were divided into a group without CAD and a group with non-obstructive CAD (<50%
      stenosis). Segment-involvement score (SIS) and CT-LeSc were calculated. Outcomes
      were non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and the combined end-point of MI and
      all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Patient mean age was 56+/-12years. At follow-up
      (mean 59.8+/-13.9months), 183 events occurred (53 MI, 99 all-cause deaths and 31
      late revascularizations). CT-LeSc was the only multivariate predictor of MI (HRs
      2.84 and 2.98 in two models with Framingham and risk factors, respectively) and
      of MI plus all-cause mortality (HR 2.48 and 1.94 in two models with Framingham
      and risk factors, respectively). This was confirmed by a net reclassification
      analysis confirming that the CT-LeSc was able to correctly reclassify a
      significant proportion of patients (cNRI 0.28 and 0.23 for MI and MI plus all
      cause mortality, respectively) vs. baseline model, whereas SIS did not.
      CONCLUSION: CT-LeSc is an independent predictor of major acute cardiac events,
      improving prognostic stratification of patients with non-obstructive CAD.

PMID- 28082094
TI  - Effects of acute oxygen supplementation on functional capacity and heart rate
      recovery in Eisenmenger syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) precipitates the extreme manifestation of
      pulmonary hypertension, which leads to severe functional limitation and poor
      quality of life. The propose of the current study was: 1) examined the acute
      effects of 40% oxygen supplementation during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT); and
      2) evaluate the relation between exercise capacity and clinical cardiac
      parameters in patients with ES. METHODS: Thirty subjects were prospectively
      included; all were submitted to a 6MWT with compressed air and with 40% of
      oxygen. Heart rate recovery at the first minute (HRR1) and perceived effort Borg
      scale for dyspnea and lower limb fatigue were recorded in both tests scenarios.
      RESULTS: The 6MWT distance was modestly, negatively associated with pulmonary
      vascular resistance (PVR) [r=0.46, p=0.02]. Patients improved 6MWT distance
      (p<0.001) and exhibited a faster HRR1 (p<0.001) with 40% supplemental oxygen
      compared to compressed air. With 40% supplemental oxygen, subjects revealed lower
      dyspnea and lower limb fatigue compared to 6MWT without oxygen supplementation
      (p<0.001). The amount of change in the 6MWT distance from air to oxygen was
      moderate, positively associated with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion
      (TAPSE) and right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) [r=0.50, p=0.03;
      r=0.64, p<0.001, respectively]. CONCLUSION: Acute 40% oxygen supplementation in
      patients with Eisenmenger syndrome led to an improvement in 6MWT distance, faster
      HRR1 and lower dyspnea and lower limb fatigue perception. Moreover, functional
      capacity was positively associated with right ventricular parameters.

PMID- 28082095
TI  - ATF3, a novel cardiac therapeutic target: Beneficial or harmful?

PMID- 28082096
TI  - Investigations, findings, and follow-up in patients with chest pain and elevated
      high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels but no myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated troponin levels, in patients without myocardial infarction
      (MI), are associated with increased mortality. In an observational cohort study
      we aimed to assess how patients with elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T
      (hs-cTnT) levels, and no MI are investigated and followed up, compared to
      patients with MI. METHODS: During January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012, all
      patients >25years of age, with chest pain and elevated hs-cTnT levels or MI, at
      the Karolinska University Hospital were included. We calculated risk ratios (RR)
      with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for echocardiographies, stress tests, and
      follow-up, and compared medication in patients with and without MI. RESULTS: 1848
      patients with elevated hs-cTnT levels but no MI, of whom 871 (47%) had no prior
      heart disease, and 667 patients with MI were included. Echocardiography was
      performed in 609 patients (33%) without MI and 580 (87%) with MI (adjusted RR
      0.42; 95% CI, 0.37-0.48). Follow-up was planned for 856 (46%) patients without MI
      and 611 (92%) with MI (adjusted RR 0.54; 95% CI, 0.48-0.60). Among patients
      without MI and no heart disease who underwent echocardiography 46 (14%) had a
      left ventricular ejection fraction of <=40%, and on stress tests 27 (37%) had
      findings associated with ischemia. Platelet inhibitors and statins were started
      in 266 (25%) and 199 (17%) patients without MI, respectively, compared with 424
      (93%), and 416 (86%) patients with MI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with elevated hs
      cTnT levels and no MI are rarely investigated for detection of cardiac disease or
      followed up, or started on cardiovascular medication that potentially could
      prevent future cardiovascular events and death.

PMID- 28082097
TI  - Analysis of reperfusion time trends in patients with ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction across New York State from 2004 to 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Registry-driven data have shown a significant decrease in door-to
      balloon (DTB) times in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
      receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to determine the
      trends in reperfusion times (symptom-onset to door (SOTD) and DTB times) in
      patients presenting with STEMI across New York State. METHODS: We retrospectively
      examined 35,613 STEMI patients receiving PCI from 2004 to 2012 and compared
      median SOTD and DTB times across years. Patients with SOTD time >12h and DTB time
      >3h were excluded. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant trend towards
      shorter DTB times (median DTB time of 83min (IQR 53, 116) in 2004 to a median DTB
      time of 59min (IQR 40, 78) in 2012, P<0.01 for trend) and SOTD times (median SOTD
      time of 127min (IQR 64, 241) in 2004 to a median SOTD time of 116min (IQR 60,
      205) in 2012, P<0.01 for trend). In subgroup analysis, demographics and the
      presence of co-morbid conditions did not influence the trend in reperfusion
      times. However, women had longer reperfusion times than men in 2012. After
      adjusting for confounding variables, DTB was a significant predictor of in
      hospital mortality (HR=1.04 (per 10minutes), P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was a
      significant decrease in reperfusion times from 2004 to 2012 in STEMI patients
      across New York State. This trend was significant regardless of the presence of
      co-morbid conditions, although a significant gap in reperfusion times persists
      between men and women.

PMID- 28082098
TI  - Application of 3D printing technology to left atrial appendage occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has undergone rapid development in
      medical applications. However, only a few reports have described its applications
      in left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion. We assessed the feasibility and
      effectiveness of the 3DP technology for left atrial appendage (LAA). METHODS:
      Forty-two patients with atrial fibrillation (average age: 69.3+/-7.8years) were
      randomly assigned to two groups equally (3DP and control). The transoesophageal
      echocardiography (TOE), LAA angiography, and cardiac computed tomography
      angiography measurements of the LAA orifice size between the groups. The
      procedure times, radiographic exposure, contrast agent volumes, residual shunt
      and costs were presented between the two groups. RESULTS: All patients underwent
      a successful LAA occlusion operation with the Watchman device. TOE, LAA
      angiography, and cardiac computed tomography angiography measurements of the LAA
      orifice size between the groups were 20.4+/-2.5 vs. 20.1+/-3.3mm, 19.6+/-2.2 vs.
      19.5+/-2.8mm, and 20.8+/-2.1 vs. 20.2+/-3.0mm, respectively (p>0.05). After the
      occlusion, the immediate TOE examination showed 3 mild residual shunt cases in
      the control group. The radiation exposure was significantly reduced in the 3DP
      compared with the control group (p<0.05). The patients were followed for an
      average of 7.7+/-2.5months. No postoperative complications, device-related
      thrombosis, or ischemic events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: LAA occlusion guided by 3DP
      technology is feasible. 3DP increases the working efficiency and ensures the
      effectiveness of occlusion, making it valuable for clinical application.

PMID- 28082099
TI  - A beginner's guide to tissue clearing.
AB  - The last decade has seen a proliferation of tissue clearing methods that render
      large biological samples transparent and allow unprecedented three-dimensional
      views of enormous volumes of tissue. For a scientist wondering whether these
      methods will be useful to address their research problems, it can be bewildering
      to sort through the ever-increasing number of papers introducing new clearing
      methods. Here, I provide a concise summary for the novice describing what tissue
      clearing is, which research problems it can be applied to, how to decide on a
      clearing method, and where the field is headed in the future.

PMID- 28082100
TI  - A collaborative study to establish the 3rd WHO International Standard for
      hepatitis B virus for nucleic acid amplification techniques.
AB  - Nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) are routinely used for clinical
      diagnostics and monitoring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, and are
      implemented on a voluntary basis for blood screening. A collaborative study was
      performed to evaluate a replacement WHO International Standard for HBV for the
      standardization of NAT. Two lyophilised HBV candidates were evaluated by 16
      laboratories worldwide, alongside the existing HBV International Standard. The
      overall mean potency estimates for the candidate samples 1 and 2, relative to
      sample 3 (2nd HBV International Standard), from quantitative assays, were 5.93
      and 5.98 log10 International Units (IU)/mL respectively. The variability in
      individual laboratory mean estimates for samples 1-3 for quantitative assays was
      ~0.3 log10 IU/mL. The inter-laboratory variability for qualitative assays was
      higher. Accelerated thermal degradation studies indicate that both lyophilised
      candidates are stable and suitable for long-term use. Overall, the results
      suggested that both candidates were suitable as replacement International
      Standards. Sample 1 (NIBSC code 10/264) was established as the 3rd WHO
      International Standard for HBV for NAT with an assigned potency of 850,000 IU/mL
      (~5.93 log10 IU/mL), when reconstituted in 0.5 mL of nuclease-free water. It is
      intended for the calibration (in IU) of secondary reference materials used in HBV
      NAT.

PMID- 28082102
TI  - Molecular snapshot of an intracellular freezing event in an Antarctic nematode.
AB  - The Antarctic nematode, Panagrolaimus sp. DAW1 (formerly called Panagrolaimus
      davidi), is the best documented example of an organism able to survive
      intracellular ice formation in all of its compartments. Not only is it able to
      survive such extreme physiological disruption, but it is able to produce progeny
      once thawed from such a state. In addition, under slower rates, or less extreme
      degrees, of cooling, its body remains unfrozen and the vapour pressure difference
      between the supercooled body fluids and the surrounding ice leads to a process
      termed cryoprotective dehydration. In contrast to a fairly large body of work in
      building up our molecular understanding of cryoprotective dehydration, no
      comparable work has been undertaken on intracellular freezing. This paper
      describes an experiment subjecting cultures of Panagrolaimus sp. DAW1 to a range
      of temperatures including a rapid descent to -10  degrees C, in a medium just
      prior to, and after, freezing. Through deep sequencing of RNA libraries we have
      gained a snapshot of which genes are highly abundant when P. sp. DAW1 is
      undergoing an intracellular freezing event. The onset of freezing correlated with
      a high production of genes involved in cuticle formation and subsequently, after
      24 h in a frozen state, protease production. In addition to the mapping of RNA
      sequencing, we have focused on a select set of genes arising both from the
      expression profiles, as well as implicated from other cold tolerance studies, to
      undertake qPCR. Among the most abundantly represented transcripts in the RNA
      mapping is the zinc-metalloenzyme, neprilysin, which also shows a particularly
      strong upregulated signal through qPCR once the nematodes have frozen.

PMID- 28082101
TI  - Negative Regulation of Type 2 Immunity.
AB  - Type 2 immunity encompasses the mechanisms through which the immune system
      responds to helminths and an array of environmental substances such as allergens.
      In the developing world, billions of individuals are chronically infected with
      endemic parasitic helminths. In comparison, in the industrialized world, millions
      of individuals suffer from dysregulated type 2 immunity, referred to clinically
      as atopic diseases including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
      Thus, type 2 immunity must be carefully regulated to mount protective host
      responses yet avoid inappropriate activation and immunopathology. In this review,
      we describe the key players and connections at play in type 2 responses and focus
      on the emerging mechanisms involved in the negative regulation of type 2
      immunity.

PMID- 28082103
TI  - The Role of Extent of Surgical Resection and Lymph Node Assessment for Clinical
      Stage I Pulmonary Lepidic Adenocarcinoma: An Analysis of 1991 Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the association of extent of lung resection,
      pathologic nodal evaluation, and survival for patients with clinical stage I (cT1
      2N0M0) adenocarcinoma with lepidic histologic features in the National Cancer
      Data Base. METHODS: The association between extent of surgical resection and long
      term survival for patients in the National Cancer Data Base with clinical stage I
      lepidic adenocarcinoma who underwent lobectomy or sublobar resection was
      evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.
      RESULTS: Of the 1991 patients with cT1-2N0M0 lepidic adenocarcinoma who met the
      study criteria, 1544 underwent lobectomy and 447 underwent sublobar resection.
      Patients treated with sublobar resection were older, more likely to be female,
      and had higher Charlson/Deyo comorbidity scores, but they had smaller tumors and
      lower T status. Of the patients treated with lobectomy, 6% (n = 92) were upstaged
      because of positive nodal disease, with a median of seven lymph nodes sampled
      (interquartile range 4-10). In an analysis of the entire cohort, lobectomy was
      associated with a significant survival advantage over sublobar resection in
      univariate analysis (median survival 9.2 versus 7.5 years, p = 0.022, 5-year
      survival 70.5% versus 67.8%) and after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio =
      0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.95, p = 0.011). However, lobectomy was no
      longer independently associated with improved survival when compared with
      sublobar resection (hazard ratio = 0.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.77-1.27, p =
      0.905) in a multivariable analysis of a subset of patients in which only those
      patients who had undergone a sublobar resection including lymph node sampling
      were compared with patients treated with lobectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons
      treating patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma with lepidic features should
      cautiously utilize sublobar resection rather than lobectomy, and they must always
      perform adequate pathologic lymph node evaluation.

PMID- 28082104
TI  - Transcriptome sequencing analysis of porcine granulosa cells treated with an anti
      inhibin antibody.
AB  - Inhibin can regulate granulosa cell proliferation and function via direct action
      on granulosa cells, or indirectly through stimulation of pituitary follicle
      stimulating hormone secretion. Thus far, it has not been possible to unravel or
      formulate the chain of molecular events that lead to enhanced granulosa cell
      proliferation and function using conventional gene expression analysis. The aim
      of this study was to examine the biological effects of immuno-neutralization of
      inhibin bioactivity in porcine granulosa cells using transcriptome profiling by
      the RNA-seq technology. Treatment of granulosa cells with anti-inhibin alpha
      subunit antibodies increased both cell proliferation and estradiol secretion.
      Data revealed by RNA sequencing were subjected to bioinformatic analysis. The
      results showed that a total of 476 genes, including 27 novel genes, were
      differentially expressed in anti- inhibin antibody-treated granulosa cells
      compared to untreated granulosa cells. RNA sequencing data were validated by qRT
      PCR which confirmed differential expression (upregulation and downregulation) of
      eighteen of twenty selected genes A total of 476 differentially expressed genes
      were enriched in processes such as matrix remodeling, chemokine activity, protein
      binding, and structural molecular activities, and which could be related to
      granulosa cell proliferation, estradiol synthesis, and ovarian follicle growth.
      In particular, the data emphasized the importance of extracellular matrix
      remodeling and the involvement of chemokines in enhanced granulosa cell function,
      which are important features of ovarian follicle growth, development, maturation,
      and ovulation. This study provided a new level of understanding of enhanced
      granulosa cell function and ovarian follicle development achieved through immuno
      neutralization of endogenous inhibin bioactivity.

PMID- 28082105
TI  - The relationship between BOLD fMRI response and the underlying white matter as
      measured by fractional anisotropy (FA): A systematic review.
AB  - Despite the relationship between brain structure and function being of
      fundamental interest in cognitive neuroscience, the relationship between the
      brain's white matter, measured using fractional anisotropy (FA), and the
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD)
      response is poorly understood. A systematic review of literature investigating
      the association between FA and fMRI BOLD response was conducted following the
      PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)
      guidelines. The PubMed and Web of Knowledge databases were searched up until
      22.04.2016 using a predetermined set of search criteria. The search identified
      363 papers, 28 of which met the specified inclusion criteria. Positive
      relationships were mainly observed in studies investigating the primary sensory
      and motor systems and in resting state data. Both positive and negative
      relationships were seen in studies using cognitive tasks. This systematic review
      suggests that there is a relationship between FA and the fMRI BOLD response and
      that the relationship is task and region dependent. Behavioural and/or clinical
      variables were shown to be essential in interpreting the relationships between
      imaging measures. The results highlight the heterogeneity in the methods used
      across papers in terms of fMRI task, population investigated and data analysis
      techniques. Further investigation and replication of current findings are
      required before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

PMID- 28082106
TI  - Creative constraints: Brain activity and network dynamics underlying semantic
      interference during idea production.
AB  - Functional neuroimaging research has recently revealed brain network interactions
      during performance on creative thinking tasks-particularly among regions of the
      default and executive control networks-but the cognitive mechanisms related to
      these interactions remain poorly understood. Here we test the hypothesis that the
      executive control network can interact with the default network to inhibit
      salient conceptual knowledge (i.e., pre-potent responses) elicited from memory
      during creative idea production. Participants studied common noun-verb pairs and
      were given a cued-recall test with corrective feedback to strengthen the paired
      association in memory. They then completed a verb generation task that presented
      either a previously studied noun (high-constraint) or an unstudied noun (low
      constraint), and were asked to "think creatively" while searching for a novel
      verb to relate to the presented noun. Latent Semantic Analysis of verbal
      responses showed decreased semantic distance values in the high-constraint (i.e.,
      interference) condition, which corresponded to increased neural activity within
      regions of the default (posterior cingulate cortex and bilateral angular gyri),
      salience (right anterior insula), and executive control (left dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex) networks. Independent component analysis of intrinsic
      functional connectivity networks extended this finding by revealing differential
      interactions among these large-scale networks across the task conditions. The
      results suggest that interactions between the default and executive control
      networks underlie response inhibition during constrained idea production,
      providing insight into specific neurocognitive mechanisms supporting creative
      cognition.

PMID- 28082107
TI  - Sounds facilitate visual motion discrimination via the enhancement of late
      occipital visual representations.
AB  - Sensory discriminations, such as judgements about visual motion, often benefit
      from multisensory evidence. Despite many reports of enhanced brain activity
      during multisensory conditions, it remains unclear which dynamic processes
      implement the multisensory benefit for an upcoming decision in the human brain.
      Specifically, it remains difficult to attribute perceptual benefits to specific
      processes, such as early sensory encoding, the transformation of sensory
      representations into a motor response, or to more unspecific processes such as
      attention. We combined an audio-visual motion discrimination task with the single
      trial mapping of dynamic sensory representations in EEG activity to localize when
      and where multisensory congruency facilitates perceptual accuracy. Our results
      show that a congruent sound facilitates the encoding of motion direction in
      occipital sensory - as opposed to parieto-frontal - cortices, and facilitates
      later - as opposed to early (i.e. below 100ms) - sensory activations. This
      multisensory enhancement was visible as an earlier rise of motion-sensitive
      activity in middle-occipital regions about 350ms from stimulus onset, which
      reflected the better discriminability of motion direction from brain activity and
      correlated with the perceptual benefit provided by congruent multisensory
      information. This supports a hierarchical model of multisensory integration in
      which the enhancement of relevant sensory cortical representations is transformed
      into a more accurate choice.

PMID- 28082108
TI  - Head-shaft angle changes during internal and external shoulder rotations: 2-D
      angulation in 3-D space.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Restoration of native head-shaft angle (HSA) is critical for
      treatment of proximal humerus fracture. However, HSA has not been properly
      investigated according to the humeral rotation. This study was designed to
      analyze the relationship between the humeral rotation and the HSA at 1 degrees 
      increments, and clarify its serial changing pattern according to the humeral
      rotation. HYPOTHESIS: The angulation of HSA would be undervalued when the humerus
      is being rotated externally and it would be overvalued when it is being rotated
      internally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight dried cadaveric normal humeri were CT
      scanned. They were analyzed using computer-aided design with a standardized
      neutral position. HSA was the angle between the humeral shaft axis (SA) and the
      humeral head axis (HA). SA and HA were the best-fit lines through center of all
      the best-fitting circles in every cross section along the humeral shaft and
      within the humeral head, respectively. Each 3D model was rotated 30 degrees 
      internally and 45 degrees  externally relatives to the SA at 1 degrees 
      increments with the camera was fixed at antero-posterior view of neutral
      position. Angulation of HSA in every rotational degree was documented as ratio
      relatives to the angulation of HSA in neutral position. RESULTS: The average HSA
      at neutral position was 133+/-1.93 degrees . HSA was underestimated by 8+/-1.9%
      and it was overestimated by 20+/-5.1% at the maximum external rotation (ER) and
      internal rotation (IR), respectively. HSA was underestimated by 1% in every 5.8
      degrees  of ER and overestimated by 1% in every 1.5 degrees  of IR. Rotational
      misalignments within 10 degrees  of IR and 18 degrees  of ER could be tolerated
      (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: HSA was underestimated at ER and was overestimated at IR.
      This information could be useful for surgeons in restoring the native HSA for
      treatment of proximal humerus fracture. TYPE OF STUDY: Basic research study.

PMID- 28082110
TI  - Novel phototoxicity assay using human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment
      epithelial cells.
AB  - Some chemicals are harmful in to light-exposed tissues such as skin and eyes. The
      3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test has been validated and adopted by the
      Organization of Economic and Community Development (OECD) as a method of
      evaluating chemical phototoxicity using mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. However, the high
      rate of false positive results associated with this test eventually led to
      increased laboratory animal usage. Although the eye is vulnerable to light damage
      because of constant exposure to environmental radiation, few approaches are
      available to predict ocular phototoxicity in humans. Here, we propose a tier one
      test that identifies the potential ocular phototoxicity of chemical substances.
      Using a three-dimensional culture technique, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)
      were differentiated to retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE) precursors. The
      precursors after prolonged treatment with FBS formed a uniform hexagonal lattice
      of cells with well-developed tight junctions and time-dependent elevation of
      melanin content and RPE maturation marker levels. Hierarchical clustering of gene
      transcripts revealed that hESC-derived RPEs were very similar to tissue-derived
      adult RPEs. Interestingly, there were a high percentage of chemicals eliciting a
      positive response in 3T3 cells and negative in hESC-derived RPEs under the
      experimental conditions used in the phototoxicity test. The response to treatment
      of hESC-derived RPEs with these negative chemicals became positive at a higher
      dose of UVA irradiation; however, the biological responses to these chemicals
      differed between the two cells. Taken together, we conclude that hESC-derived
      RPEs are novel tool for future toxicological and mechanistic studies of ocular
      phototoxicity in humans.

PMID- 28082109
TI  - 1,3-Butadiene-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is correlated with mitochondrial
      CYP2E1 activity in Collaborative Cross mice.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) metabolizes low molecular weight hydrophobic
      compounds, including 1,3-butadiene, which is converted by CYP2E1 to electrophilic
      epoxide metabolites that covalently modify cellular proteins and DNA. Previous
      CYP2E1 studies have mainly focused on the enzyme localized in the endoplasmic
      reticulum (erCYP2E1); however, active CYP2E1 has also been found in mitochondria
      (mtCYP2E1) and the distribution of CYP2E1 between organelles can influence an
      individual's response to exposure. Relatively few studies have focused on the
      contribution of mtCYP2E1 to activation of chemical toxicants. We hypothesized
      that CYP2E1 bioactivation of 1,3-butadiene within mitochondria adversely affects
      mitochondrial respiratory complexes I-IV. A population of Collaborative Cross
      mice was exposed to air (control) or 200ppm 1,3-butadiene. Subcellular fractions
      (mitochondria, DNA, and microsomes) were collected from frozen livers and CYP2E1
      activity was measured in microsomes and mitochondria. Individual activities of
      mitochondrial respiratory complexes I-IV were measured using in vitro assays and
      purified mitochondrial fractions. In air- and 1,3-butadiene-exposed mouse
      samples, mtDNA copy numbers were assessed by RT-PCR, and mtDNA integrity was
      assessed through a PCR-based assay. No significant changes in mtDNA copy number
      or integrity were observed; however, there was a decrease in overall activity of
      mitochondrial respiratory complexes I, II, and IV after 1,3-butadiene exposure.
      Additionally, higher mtCYP2E1 (but not erCYP2E1) activity was correlated with
      decreased mitochondrial respiratory complex activity (in complexes I-IV) in the
      1,3-butadiene-exposed (not control) animals. Together, these results represent
      the first in vivo link between mitochondrial CYP2E1 activity and mitochondrial
      toxicity.

PMID- 28082111
TI  - Protective effects of dioscin against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity via
      adjusting FXR-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation.
AB  - Dioscin shows active effects against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury and
      lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory kidney injury, however, little is known
      concerning the role of it on doxorubicin (Dox)-induced nephrotoxicity. In the
      present study, in vivo test of Dox-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and in vitro
      model in NRK-52E cells were developed. The results showed that dioscin
      significantly attenuated cell injury, obviously reduced ROS level in vitro, and
      markedly decreased the levels of BUN, Cr, MDA, and notably increased the levels
      of SOD, GSH and GSH-Px in rats. Mechanistic studies showed that dioscin
      significantly increased the levels of p-AMPKalpha, Nrf2, HO-1 and GST by
      activation of FXR against oxidative stress. In addition, dioscin suppressed the
      nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and HMGB1, and subsequently decreased the mRNA
      levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha against inflammation. These results were
      further validated by knockdown of FXR using siRNA silencing, and abrogation of
      FXR using NDB (a FXR inhibitor) in NRK-52E cells, and the results suggested that
      the protective effect of dioscin against Dox- induced nephrotoxicity via
      adjusting FXR-mediated signal to suppress oxidative stress and inflammation. In
      addition, molecular docking assay showed that dioscin directly targeted with FXR
      through competing with Helix12 (H12) by hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effect and
      electrostatic interactions. In a word, our data showed that dioscin is a novel
      and potent FXR agonist to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress against Dox
      induced nephrotoxicity.

PMID- 28082112
TI  - Pleural Effusion in Dasatinib-Treated Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in
      Chronic Phase: Identification and Management.
AB  - Dasatinib has demonstrated durable clinical responses in patients, both as first
      line and subsequent lines of therapy. Dasatinib use can result in pleural
      effusion in some patients, occurring any time during treatment and commonly
      characterized as mild to moderate in severity. Early identification of symptoms
      is essential in the proper management of pleural effusion. Prompt confirmation of
      diagnosis and management of pleural effusion can minimize morbidity and maximize
      the ability to preserve long-term clinical benefits with dasatinib. Here, we
      provide guidance on early identification and management of dasatinib-related
      pleural effusion.

PMID- 28082113
TI  - Effects of Deeper Molecular Responses on Outcomes in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
      Patients in Chronic Phase Treated With Imatinib Mesylate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR)
      is well defined in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia treated
      with imatinib as first-line therapy. However, the effect on outcomes of obtaining
      molecular response itself and the depth of it is not clear. In this study we
      aimed to determine the frequency of complete molecular response (CMR) during long
      term follow-up and the clinical significance of CMR on patient outcomes and
      survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the files of 178
      chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients using imatinib therapy. Forty
      seven patients with missing data were excluded from the study and the assessment
      was done in 131 patients. CMR was defined as undetectable BCR-ABL transcripts
      using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction with a sensitivity level
      of >= 104 in 2 consecutive analyses at least 3 months apart. Cytogenetic and
      molecular monitoring during treatment was performed according to the European
      LeukemiaNet recommendations criteria. Our primary objective was to analyze the
      association of deeper molecular response with differences in progression-free
      survival (PFS). RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients (67%) achieved CMR at any time in
      a median of 65 months of follow-up. The rate of CMR was higher in patients who
      achieved CCyR at 12 months and major molecular response (MMR) at 18 months. Fewer
      events occurred in the CMR group than the MMR group (26.1% vs. 50.0%). Overall
      survival was not different in both groups. CMR was associated with longer PFS
      with borderline significance. CONCLUSION: Prolonged imatinib therapy helps to
      achieve a deeper molecular response in the long-term. Achieving deeper molecular
      response at any time positively affects maintaining the cytogenetic and molecular
      responses, and decreases the transformation to accelerated and/or blastic phase.
      The slight prolongation in PFS did not reach statistical significance.

PMID- 28082114
TI  - Bioinspired and biocompatible carbon nanotube-Ag nanohybrid coatings for robust
      antibacterial applications.
AB  - : The design of self-sterilizing surfaces with favorable biocompatibility is
      acknowledged as an effective approach to deal with the bacterial infections of
      biomedical devices. In this study, we report an intriguing protocol for the large
      scale fabrication of self-sterilizing and biocompatible surface film coatings by
      using polymer shielded silver nanoparticle loaded oxidized carbon nanotube
      (AgNPs@oCNT) nano-dispersions. To achieve the antibacterial coatings, the
      bioinspired positively charged and negatively charged AgNPs@oCNTs were
      alternately deposited onto substrates by spray-coating assisted layer-by-layer
      assembly. Then the bacterial inhibitory zones, optical density value monitoring,
      bacterial killing efficiency and adhesion were investigated; and all the results
      revealed that the AgNPs@oCNTs thin film coatings exhibited robust and long-term
      antibacterial activity against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria.
      Moreover, due to the shielding effects of polymer layers, the coatings showed
      extraordinary blood compatibility and limited toxicity against human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells. It is believed that the proposed large-scale fabrication
      of bactericidal, blood and cell compatible AgNPs@oCNT based thin film coatings
      will have great potential to forward novel operational pathogenic inhibition
      strategies to avoid undesired bacterial contaminations of biomedical implants or
      biological devices. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Bacterial infection of medical
      devices has been considered to be a world-wide clinical threat towards patients'
      health. In this study, a bioinspired and biocompatible antibacterial coating was
      prepared via the spray-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. The silver
      nanopartilces loaded oxidized carbon nanotube (AgNPs@oCNT), which were coated by
      functional polymers (chitosan and synthetic heparin mimicking polymers), were
      prepared via mussel inspired chemistry; and the spray-assisted assembly process
      allowed the fast construction on devices. Owing to the antibacterial efficiency
      of the loaded AgNPs, the coating showed robust bacterial killing activity and
      resistance towards bacterial adhesion. Moreover, since that the AgNPs were
      shielded by the polymers, the coating exhibited no clear toxicity at blood or
      cellular level. Benefiting from the universal and large-scale fabrication
      advancements of the spray assisted LbL coating; it is believed that the proposed
      strategy can be applied in designing many other kinds of self-sterilizing
      biomedical implants and devices.

PMID- 28082116
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of scleroligation versus band ligation alone for
      eradication of gastroesophageal varices.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastric varices develop in 5% to 33% of patients with portal
      hypertension. Their most common form is concomitant gastroesophageal varices.
      Scleroligation (combined sclerotherapy and band ligation) has been used
      successfully in management of esophageal varices but has not been evaluated
      previously in the management of gastroesophageal varices. The aim of this work
      was evaluation of a new scleroligation technique for management of bleeding
      gastroesophageal varices regarding efficacy, adverse events, variceal recurrence,
      and survival. METHODS: This study was conducted on 120 cirrhotic patients with
      bleeding gastroesophageal varices, whom we divided randomly into 2 groups of 60
      patients each-a band ligation group and a scleroligation group. RESULTS: The mean
      number of sessions was lower in the scleroligation group than in the band
      ligation group (2.22 +/- 0.92 and 3.43 +/- 0.67, respectively) (P < .001), as
      were the duration of treatment and total number of bands used. Cost and survival
      were comparable in the 2 groups. There was no significant difference between the
      2 maneuvers regarding adverse events, recurrence rates, or rebleeding rates after
      obliteration. Recurrence was significantly higher in patients with larger
      varices, ulceration, and postprocedure pyrexia. Rebleeding was significantly
      higher among those who experienced postprocedure pyrexia and developed or had
      worsening of gastric antral vascular ectasia. CONCLUSIONS: Scleroligation appears
      to achieve a faster rate of eradication with fewer treatment sessions and total
      number of bands deployed to achieve variceal obliteration than band ligation and
      is comparable in cost and in adverse event and recurrence rates. (Clinical trial
      registration number: NCT02646202.).

PMID- 28082115
TI  - Cap cuff-assisted colonoscopy versus standard colonoscopy for adenoma detection:
      a randomized back-to-back study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EndoCuff is a disposable device applied to standard
      colonoscopes to improve mucosal visualization. Randomized parallel trials have
      shown that EndoCuff increases the adenoma detection rate (ADR). The primary aim
      of this study was to compare the ADR between EndoCuff-assisted colonoscopies
      (EAC) and standard colonoscopies within a randomized back-to-back trial. METHODS:
      This was a single-center randomized crossover study (NCT02374515) involving adult
      patients undergoing screening, surveillance, or diagnostic colonoscopy.
      Participants received back-to-back standard colonoscopies and EACs in a random
      order, performed by the same endoscopist. All polyps were excised, but only those
      proven at histology to be adenomas were considered for analysis. RESULTS: From
      February 2015 to March 2016, a total of 288 patients were enrolled, and 274 were
      included in the per-protocol analysis. Compared with standard colonoscopies, EACs
      increased the ADR (29.6% vs 26.3%; P < .01) and the number of diagnosed adenomas
      (176 vs 129; P < .01), particularly in the left (73 vs 46; P < .01) and right
      sides of the colon (83 vs 63; P < .01). EAC increased the detection of adenomas
      <5 mm (129 vs 84; P < .01), but no difference was found with regard to larger
      lesions. In 7.3% of patients, findings of EndoCuff shortened the surveillance
      interval determined by standard colonoscopy findings. EndoCuff caused 7 mucosal
      erosions (2.5% of patients), requiring a mucosal adrenaline injection in 1 case.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of EndoCuff increases the number of identified adenomas,
      primarily small adenomas in the left and right sides of the colon. This increases
      the ADR and allows a better definition of the surveillance program. (Clinical
      trial registration number: NCT02374515.).

PMID- 28082117
TI  - Targeting endothelial metabolism for anti-angiogenesis therapy: A pharmacological
      perspective.
AB  - Current anti-angiogenic therapies in malignant and ocular diseases target growth
      factor signaling in order to attenuate excessive vascular growth. Although
      initial responses are promising, overall therapeutic success is limited due to
      insufficient efficiency, tumor refractoriness and resistance. Emerging evidence
      suggests that diverse growth factor signaling pathways in endothelial cells (ECs)
      converge onto cellular metabolism, creating an attractive target for novel
      alternative anti-angiogenic therapies. Recent studies show that ECs rely on
      glycolysis for ATP and biomass synthesis, necessary for proliferation and
      migration, key processes of angiogenesis. In addition, fatty acid beta-oxidation
      (FAO) is essential for de novo nucleotide synthesis during EC proliferation.
      Initial proof-of-evidence has been given that administration of pharmacological
      inhibitors of those metabolic pathways can be used to inhibit pathological
      angiogenesis in vivo. Deciphering the role of other metabolic pathways and
      exploring the therapeutic potential of blocking these pathways await further
      investigation.

PMID- 28082119
TI  - Periostin Promotes Scar Formation through the Interaction between Pericytes and
      Infiltrating Monocytes/Macrophages after Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - Scar formation is a prominent pathological feature of traumatic central nervous
      system (CNS) injury, which has long been implicated as a major impediment to the
      CNS regeneration. However, the factors affecting such scar formation remain to be
      elucidated. We herein demonstrate that the extracellular matrix protein periostin
      (POSTN) is a key player in scar formation after traumatic spinal cord injury
      (SCI). Using high-throughput RNA sequencing data sets, we found that the genes
      involved in the extracellular region, such as POSTN, were significantly expressed
      in the injured spinal cord. The expression of POSTN peaked at 7 days after SCI,
      predominantly in the scar-forming pericytes. Notably, we found that genetic
      deletion of POSTN in mice reduced scar formation at the lesion site by
      suppressing the proliferation of the pericytes. Conversely, we found that
      recombinant POSTN promoted the migration capacity of the monocytes/macrophages
      and increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha from the
      monocytes/macrophages in vitro, which facilitated the proliferation of pericytes.
      Furthermore, we revealed that the pharmacological blockade of POSTN suppressed
      scar formation and improved the long-term functional outcome after SCI. Our
      findings suggest a potential mechanism whereby POSTN regulates the scar formation
      after SCI and provide significant evidence that POSTN is a promising therapeutic
      target for CNS injury.

PMID- 28082118
TI  - Elevated Expression of Moesin in Muscular Dystrophies.
AB  - Fibrosis is the main complication of muscular dystrophies. We identified moesin,
      a member of the ezrin-radixin-moesin family, in dystrophic muscles of mice
      representing Duchenne and congenital muscular dystrophies (DMD and CMD,
      respectively) and dysferlinopathy, but not in the wild type. High levels of
      moesin were also observed in muscle biopsy specimens from DMD, Ullrich CMD, and
      merosin-deficient CMD patients, all of which present high levels of fibrosis. The
      myofibroblasts, responsible for extracellular matrix protein synthesis, and the
      macrophages infiltrating the dystrophic muscles were the source of moesin. Moesin
      positive cells were embedded within the fibrotic areas between the myofibers
      adjacent to the collagen type I fibers. Radixin was also synthesized by the
      myofibroblasts, whereas ezrin colocalized with the myofiber membranes. In animal
      models and patients' muscles, part of the moesin was in its active phosphorylated
      form. Inhibition of fibrosis by halofuginone, an antifibrotic agent, resulted in
      a major decrease in moesin levels in the muscles of DMD and CMD mice. In summary,
      the results of this study may pave the way for exploiting moesin as a novel
      target for intervention in MDs, and as part of a battery of biomarkers to
      evaluate treatment success in preclinical studies and clinical trials.

PMID- 28082120
TI  - Modulation of Antiviral Immunity by Heme Oxygenase-1.
AB  - Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress-inducible, anti-inflammatory, and
      cytoprotective enzyme expressed in most cell types in the organism. Under several
      stress stimuli, HO-1 expression and activity is up-regulated to catalyze the rate
      limiting enzymatic step of heme degradation into carbon monoxide, free iron, and
      biliverdin. Besides its effects on cell metabolism, HO-1 is also capable of
      modulating host innate and adaptive immune responses in response to sepsis,
      transplantation, and autoimmunity, and preventing oxidative damage associated
      with inflammation. In addition, recent studies have reported that HO-1 can exert
      a significant antiviral activity against a wide variety of viruses, including
      HIV, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, enterovirus 71, influenza virus,
      respiratory syncytial virus, dengue virus, and Ebola virus, among others. Herein,
      we address the current understanding of the functional significance of HO-1
      against a variety of viruses and its potential as a therapeutic strategy to
      prevent and control viral infections. Furthermore, we review the most important
      features of the immunoregulatory functions for this enzyme.

PMID- 28082121
TI  - Changes in the Luminal Environment of the Colonic Epithelial Cells and
      Physiopathological Consequences.
AB  - Evidence, mostly from experimental models, has accumulated, indicating that
      modifications of bacterial metabolite concentrations in the large intestine
      luminal content, notably after changes in the dietary composition, may have
      important beneficial or deleterious consequences for the colonic epithelial cell
      metabolism and physiology in terms of mitochondrial energy metabolism, reactive
      oxygen species production, gene expression, DNA integrity, proliferation, and
      viability. Recent data suggest that for some bacterial metabolites, like hydrogen
      sulfide and butyrate, the extent of their oxidation in colonocytes affects their
      capacity to modulate gene expression in these cells. Modifications of the luminal
      bacterial metabolite concentrations may, in addition, affect the colonic pH and
      osmolarity, which are known to affect colonocyte biology per se. Although the
      colonic epithelium appears able to face, up to some extent, changes in its
      luminal environment, notably by developing a metabolic adaptive response, some of
      these modifications may likely affect the homeostatic process of colonic
      epithelium renewal and the epithelial barrier function. The contribution of major
      changes in the colonocyte luminal environment in pathological processes, like
      mucosal inflammation, preneoplasia, and neoplasia, although suggested by several
      studies, remains to be precisely evaluated, particularly in a long-term
      perspective.

PMID- 28082122
TI  - Is There Any Difference Between Questionnaires on Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract
      Dysfunction?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic properties of 3 different scoring
      systems (Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score [DVSS], Dysfunctional Voiding and
      Incontinence Symptoms Score [DVISS], Incontinence Symptom Index-Pediatric [ISI-P,
      for children older than 11 years]) that are used to evaluate lower urinary tract
      symptoms in pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four participants
      were evaluated by detailed history, physical examination, 3 different scoring
      systems (DVSS, DVISS, ISI-P), ultrasonography, and uroflowmetry. Depending on the
      tests, cases were stratified as healthy or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by
      2 urologists who were blinded to the questionnaires. Patients were reevaluated by
      the same tests and questionnaires 3 months after treatment. Diagnostic properties
      of questionnaires were calculated. Additionally, parents were asked to scale the
      improvement of symptoms subjectively from 0% to 100% to correlate to each of the
      three scoring systems. RESULTS: The mean ages of the normal and the LUTS groups
      were 9.1 +/- 2.6 years and 10.1 +/- 2.8 years, respectively (P = .301). Gender
      (male:female) distribution was 21:21 in the LUTS group and 25:17 in the control
      group (P = .381). In terms of diagnosis, DVISS has the highest accuracy
      (sensitivity: 81%, specificity: 97.6%, accuracy: 89%) followed by ISI-P
      (sensitivity: 55.6%, specificity: 100%, accuracy: 82%) and DVSS (sensitivity:
      54.8%, specificity: 97.6%, accuracy: 76%). The similar order was valid for the 23
      patients older than 11 years (accuracy for DVISS: 87%, for ISI-P: 82%, and for
      DVSS: 78%). In terms of response to treatment, all 3 tests showed good
      correlation with parents' ratings (DVSS: P < .001, DVISS: P = .005, ISI-P: P =
      .042). CONCLUSION: Although DVISS had the highest accuracy in distinguishing the
      patients from healthy controls, all 3 questionnaires seem to be equivalent for
      the evaluation of response to treatment.

PMID- 28082123
TI  - Nicotine suppresses the neurotoxicity by MPP+/MPTP through activating
      alpha7nAChR/PI3K/Trx-1 and suppressing ER stress.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease. Nicotine has been
      reported to have the role in preventing Parkinson's disease. However, its
      mechanism is still unclear. In present study we found that nicotine suppressed 1
      methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion(MPP+) toxicity in PC12 cells by MTT assay. The
      expression of thioredoxin-1(Trx-1) was decreased by MPP+, which was restored by
      nicotine. The nicotine suppressed expressions of Glucose-regulated protein
      78(GRP78/Bip) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) induced by MPP+. The
      methyllycaconitine (MLA), the inhibitor of alpha7nAChR and LY294002, the
      inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) blocked the suppressions of
      above molecules, respectively. Consistently, pretreatment with nicotine
      ameliorated the motor ability, restored the declines of Trx-1 and tyrosine
      hydroxylase (TH), and suppressed the expressions of Bip and CHOP induced by 1
      Methy-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in mice. Our results suggest
      that nicotine plays role in resisting MPP+/MPTP neurotoxicity through activating
      the alpha7nAChR/PI3K/Trx-1 pathway and suppressing ER stress.

PMID- 28082124
TI  - Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: We know what they are not. But do we know what
      they are?

PMID- 28082125
TI  - Oligomeric state of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase from
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Sedimentation equilibrium and size-exclusion chromatography experiments on
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase
      (MtHGPRT) have established the existence of this enzyme as a reversibly
      associating mixture of dimeric and tetrameric species in 0.1 M Tris-HCl-0.012 M
      MgCl2, pH 7.4. Displacement of the equilibrium position towards the larger
      oligomer by phosphate signifies the probable existence of MtHGPRT as a tetramer
      in the biological environment. These data thus add credibility to the relevance
      of considering enzyme function in the light of a published tetrameric structure
      deduced from X-ray crystallography. Failure of 5-phospho-alpha-d-ribosyl-1
      pyrophosphate (PRib-PP) to perturb the dimer-tetramer equilibrium position
      indicates the equivalence and independence of binding for this substrate (the
      first to bind in an ordered sequential mechanism) to the two oligomers. By virtue
      of the displacement of the equilibrium position towards dimer that is affected by
      removing MgCl2 from the Tris-HCl buffer, it can be concluded that divalent metal
      ions, as well as phosphate, can affect the oligomerization. These characteristics
      of MtHGPRT in solution are correlated with published crystal structures of four
      enzyme-ligand complexes.

PMID- 28082126
TI  - Metabolic Syndrome: One Speckled Stone Kills a Flock of Birds?
AB  - Effectively treating metabolic syndrome and its progression to type 2 diabetes,
      steatohepatitis and cardiovascular disease remain a major clinical challenge. The
      use of a novel engineered molecule that combines thyroid hormone and glucagon to
      target liver and adipose tissue might provide a new 'magic bullet' with exciting
      future prospects.

PMID- 28082127
TI  - Beyond dual systems: A genetically-informed, latent factor model of behavioral
      and self-report measures related to adolescent risk-taking.
AB  - The dual systems model posits that adolescent risk-taking results from an
      imbalance between a cognitive control system and an incentive processing system.
      Researchers interested in understanding the development of adolescent risk-taking
      use a diverse array of behavioral and self-report measures to index cognitive
      control and incentive processing. It is currently unclear whether different
      measures commonly interpreted as indicators of the same psychological construct
      do, in fact, tap the same underlying dimension of individual differences. In a
      diverse sample of 810 adolescent twins and triplets (M age=15.9years,
      SD=1.4years) from the Texas Twin Project, we investigated the factor structure of
      fifteen self-report and task-based measures relevant to adolescent risk-taking.
      These measures can be organized into four factors, which we labeled
      premeditation, fearlessness, cognitive dyscontrol, and reward seeking. Most
      behavioral measures contained large amounts of task-specific variance; however,
      most genetic variance in each measure was shared with other measures of the
      corresponding factor. Behavior genetic analyses further indicated that genetic
      influences on cognitive dyscontrol overlapped nearly perfectly with genetic
      influences on IQ (rA=-0.91). These findings underscore the limitations of using
      single laboratory tasks in isolation, and indicate that the study of adolescent
      risk taking will benefit from applying multimethod approaches.

PMID- 28082128
TI  - Individual-based energetic model suggests bottom up mechanisms for the impact of
      coastal hypoxia on Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) foraging
      behavior.
AB  - Wind-driven coastal hypoxia represents an environmental stressor that has the
      potential to drive redistribution of gilled marine organisms, and thereby
      indirectly affect the foraging characteristics of air-breathing upper trophic
      level predators. We used a conceptual individual-based model to simulate effects
      of coastal hypoxia on the spatial foraging behavior and efficiency of a marine
      mammal, the Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) on the Oregon coast.
      Habitat compression of fish was simulated at varying intensities of hypoxia.
      Modeled hypoxia affected up to 80% of the water column and half of prey species'
      horizontal habitat. Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus), Pacific herring
      (Clupea pallasii), and English sole (Parophrys vetulus) were selected as
      representative harbor seal prey species. Model outputs most affected by coastal
      hypoxia were seal travel distance to foraging sites, time spent at depth during
      foraging dives, and daily energy balance. For larger seals, English sole was the
      most optimal prey during normoxia, however during moderate to severe hypoxia
      Pacific sand lance was the most beneficial prey. For smaller seals, Pacific
      herring was the most efficient prey species during normoxia, but sand lance
      became more efficient as hypoxia increased. Sand lance represented the highest
      increase in foraging efficiency during severe hypoxic events for all seals.
      Results suggest that during increasing hypoxia, smaller adult harbor seals could
      benefit by shifting from foraging on larger neritic schooling fishes to foraging
      closer inshore on less energetically-dense forage fish. Larger adult seals may
      benefit by shifting from foraging on groundfish to smaller, schooling neritic
      fishes as hypoxia increases. The model suggests a mechanism by which hypoxia may
      result in increased foraging efficiency of Pacific harbor seals, and therefore
      increased rates of predation on coastal fishes on the continental shelf during
      hypoxic events.

PMID- 28082129
TI  - Effects of stimulus mode and ambient temperature on cerebral responses to local
      thermal stimulation: An EEG study.
AB  - The physiological responses to human thermal stimulation have been widely
      investigated, but most of them are mainly concerned about the whole body thermal
      stimulation. In this study, we investigated the effects of stimulus mode and
      ambient temperature on cerebral responses during local thermal stimulation on
      hand. The left hands were stimulated by metal thermostat based and thermostatic
      water based stimulators at different stimulated temperatures (38 degrees C, 40
      degrees C, 42 degrees C and 44 degrees C) and different ambient temperatures (25
      degrees C and 32 degrees C). EEG data were recorded over the whole brain during
      the experiments. Then the statistical comparisons were conducted on the EEG
      relative power among different experimental sessions. We observed that EEG
      activities were alternated between thermal stimulated periods and the baseline in
      all four frequency bands. And there was a higher percentage of delta band power
      in the right temporal and parietal regions under the ambient temperature of 32
      degrees C while compared to 25 degrees C. In addition, the theta band activity
      under the metal based stimulation showed significantly higher EEG relative power
      than that under the water based stimulation over the whole brain. Compared with
      the water based stimulation, there was a lower EEG relative power of the beta
      band activity during the metal based stimulation in the bilateral frontal and
      right temporal regions. The experimental results suggested that the neural
      physiological responses in different EEG frequency bands were sensitive to
      different influence factors during the local hand thermal stimulation.

PMID- 28082130
TI  - Diurnal variations and source apportionment of ozone at the summit of Mount
      Huang, a rural site in Eastern China.
AB  - Comprehensive measurements were conducted at the summit of Mount (Mt.) Huang, a
      rural site located in eastern China during the summer of 2011. They observed that
      ozone showed pronounced diurnal variations with high concentrations at night and
      low values during daytime. The Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry
      (WRF-Chem) model was applied to simulate the ozone concentrations at Mt. Huang in
      June 2011. With processes analysis and online ozone tagging method we coupled
      into the model system, the causes of this diurnal pattern and the contributions
      from different source regions were investigated. Our results showed that boundary
      layer diurnal cycle played an important role in driving the ozone diurnal
      variation. Further analysis showed that the negative contribution of vertical
      mixing was significant, resulting in the ozone decrease during the daytime. In
      contrast, ozone increased at night owing to the significant positive contribution
      of advection. This shifting of major factor between vertical mixing and advection
      formed this diurnal variation. Ozone source apportionment results indicated that
      approximately half was provided by inflow effect of ozone from outside the model
      domain (O3-INFLOW) and the other half was formed by ozone precursors (O3-PBL)
      emitted in eastern, central, and southern China. In the O3-PBL, 3.0% of the ozone
      was from Mt. Huang reflecting the small local contribution (O3-LOC) and the non
      local contributions (O3-NLOC) accounted for 41.6%, in which ozone from the
      southerly regions contributed significantly, for example, 9.9% of the ozone
      originating from Jiangxi, representing the highest geographical contributor.
      Because the origin and variation of O3-NLOC was highly related to the diurnal
      movements in boundary layer, the similar diurnal patterns between O3-NLOC and
      total ozone both indicated the direct influence of O3-NLOC and the importance of
      boundary layer diurnal variations in the formation of such distinct diurnal ozone
      variations at Mt. Huang.

PMID- 28082131
TI  - Dynamic interplay between microbial denitrification and antibiotic resistance
      under enhanced anoxic denitrification condition in soil.
AB  - Mixed contamination of nitrate and antibiotics/antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs)
      is an emerging environmental risk to farmland soil. This is the first study to
      explore the role of excessive anthropogenic nitrate input in the anoxic
      dissipation of soil antibiotic/ARGs. During the initial 10 days of incubation,
      the presence of soil antibiotics significantly inhibited NO3- dissipation, N2O
      production rate, and denitrifying genes (DNGs) abundance in soil (p < 0.05).
      Between days 10 and 30, by contrast, enhanced denitrification clearly prompted
      the decline in antibiotic contents and ARG abundance. Significantly negative
      correlations were detected between DNGs and ARGs, suggesting that the higher the
      DNG activity, the more dramatic is the denitrification and the greater are the
      antibiotic dissipation and ARG abundance. This study provides crucial knowledge
      for understanding the mutual interaction between soil DNGs and ARGs in the
      enhanced anoxic denitrification condition.

PMID- 28082132
TI  - A laboratory assessment of the potential effect of Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj-containing Bt
      maize pollen on Folsomia candida by toxicological and biochemical analyses.
AB  - The common soil arthropod Folsomia candida can survive well when fed only maize
      pollen and thus may be exposed to insecticidal proteins by ingesting insect
      resistant genetically engineered maize pollen containing Bacillus thuringiensis
      (Bt) proteins when being released into the soil. Laboratory experiments were
      conducted to assess the potential effects of Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj-producing transgenic
      Bt maize (Shuangkang 12-5) pollen on F. candida fitness. Survival, development,
      and the reproduction were not significantly reduced when F. candida fed on Bt
      maize pollen rather than on non-Bt maize pollen, but these parameters were
      significantly reduced when F. candida fed on non-Bt maize pollen containing the
      protease inhibitor E-64 at 75 MUg/g pollen. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm)
      was not significantly reduced when F. candida fed on Bt maize pollen but was
      significantly reduced when F. candida fed on non-Bt maize pollen containing E-64.
      The activities of antioxidant-related enzymes in F. candida were not
      significantly affected when F. candida fed on Bt maize pollen but were
      significantly increased when F. candida fed on non-Bt pollen containing E-64. The
      results demonstrate that consumption of Bt maize pollen containing Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj
      has no lethal or sublethal effects on F. candida.

PMID- 28082133
TI  - Chemical characterization of submicron aerosol particles during wintertime in a
      northwest city of China using an Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometry.
AB  - An Aerodyne quadrupole aerosol mass spectrometry (Q-AMS) was utilized to measure
      the size-resolved chemical composition of non-refractory submicron particles (NR
      PM1) from October 27 to December 3, 2014 at an urban site in Lanzhou, northwest
      China. The average NR-PM1 mass concentration was 37.3 MUg m-3 (ranging from 2.9
      to 128.2 MUg m-3) under an AMS collection efficiency of unity and was composed of
      organics (48.4%), sulfate (17.8%), nitrate (14.6%), ammonium (13.7%), and
      chloride (5.7%). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) with the multi-linear engine
      (ME-2) solver identified six organic aerosol (OA) factors, including hydrocarbon
      like OA (HOA), coal combustion OA (CCOA), cooking-related OA (COA), biomass
      burning OA (BBOA) and two oxygenated OA (OOA1 and OOA2), which accounted for
      8.5%, 20.2%, 18.6%, 12.4%, 17.8% and 22.5% of the total organics mass on average,
      respectively. Primary emissions were the major sources of fine particulate matter
      (PM) and played an important role in causing high chemically resolved PM
      pollution during wintertime in Lanzhou. Back trajectory analysis indicated that
      the long-range regional transport air mass from the westerly was the key factor
      that led to severe submicron aerosol pollution during wintertime in Lanzhou.

PMID- 28082134
TI  - The dual role of cathelicidins in systemic inflammation.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides are key components of the innate immune system. They act
      as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents against Gram-positive and -negative
      bacteria, viruses, and fungi. More recently, antimicrobial peptides have been
      ascribed immunomodulatory functions, including roles in wound healing, induction
      of cytokines, and altering host gene expression. Cathelicidins are a class of
      antimicrobial peptide found in humans, mice, and rats, among others. Known as LL
      37 in humans and cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) in rodents,
      cathelicidins are produced by many different cells, including macrophages,
      neutrophils, and epithelial cells. The role of cathelicidins is somewhat
      confounding, as they exhibit both pro-and anti-inflammatory activity. A major
      obstacle in the study of cathelicidins is the inability of exogenous LL-37 or
      CRAMP to mimic the activity of their endogenous counterparts. Nevertheless,
      studies have shown that LL-37 is recognized by multiple receptors, and may
      stabilize or modulate Toll-like receptor signaling. In addition, cathelicidins
      play a role in apoptosis, inflammasome activation, and phagocytosis. However,
      many studies are revealing the dual effects of cathelicidins. For example, CRAMP
      appears to be protective in models of group A Streptococcus skin infection,
      pneumonia, and meningitis, but detrimental in cases of severe bacterial
      infection, such as septic shock. It is becoming increasingly clear that the
      activity of cathelicidins is modulated by complex interactions with the
      microenvironment, as well as the disease background. This article reviews what is
      currently known about the activity of cathelicidins in an attempt to understand
      their complex roles in systemic diseases.

PMID- 28082135
TI  - Routine Postoperative Imaging Is Not Indicated in the Management of Mandibular
      Fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prior literature has shown that routine postoperative computed
      tomography (CT) scans for mandibular fractures have no effect on outcomes and
      complications; however, past surveys have reported that most clinicians continue
      to order routine scans. We aimed to determine the current use of routine
      postoperative CT scans, evaluate what factors contribute to this practice, and
      identify differences in outcomes and complications among patients with either
      routine, indicated, or no postoperative CT scans. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients treated for a mandibular
      fracture at Vancouver General Hospital from January 1, 2007, to March 1, 2012.
      RESULTS: We included 167 patients in the study for analysis. No significant
      differences in outcomes or complications were found between patients who had an
      indicated postoperative CT scan (27%) and patients with no scans (64%). Only the
      treating surgeon had a statistically significant effect on whether a patient
      received a postoperative CT scan (P < .001), and those patients who had an
      indicated postoperative CT scan (9%) were more likely to have a decreased level
      of temporomandibular joint function (P = .002) and increased incidence of
      complications and secondary operations (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Routine postoperative CT scans were found to have no significant
      effect on outcomes and complications, and a clinician's individual practice was
      the most significant factor for whether a patient received a routine
      postoperative CT scan. Future work should aim at providing well-defined
      indications for postoperative imaging.

PMID- 28082136
TI  - Diagnostic approach to sudden onset of diffuse isolated oedema of the lips.
AB  - In the light of a case of sudden onset of diffuse, isolated oedema of the lips,
      the authors describe the key points of the diagnostic approach and the main
      epidemiological and clinical data.

PMID- 28082137
TI  - Sofosbuvir in combination with daclatasvir in liver transplant recipients with
      HCV infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies focusing on the efficacy of SOF+DCV regimen on liver
      transplantation recipients with HCV infection are still limited. In the current
      study, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the
      efficacy and tolerability of SOF+DCV regimen, with or without ribavirin, on post
      LT setting. METHODS: A systematic literature search of various databases as well
      as abstracts of major liver diseases conferences was performed. Studies with SVR
      data in HCV infected liver transplantation recipients treated with
      daclatasvir/sofosbuvir regimen were included. All statistical analyses were
      conducted by R version 3.3.1 (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna,
      Austria). RESULTS: Seven studies with a total of 379 LT recipients were included
      in this study. Most of these LT recipients had genotype 1 HCV infection. The
      overall rate of SVR12 reached 93.3% (95% CI: 83.3% to 99.4%). After excluding the
      study of Fontana et al., the SVR12 reached 96.8% and heterogeneity was lowered
      down (P=0.17). In three studies, patients treated with SOF+DCV (n=146) had a
      higher SVR12 rate than that of patients treated with SOF+DCV+RBV (n=83) (OR 0.33,
      95% CI: 0.12 to 0.87; P=0.02). There was no difference in SVR12 between patients
      infected with HCV genotype 1 and genotype 3 (P=0.57) and no difference was found
      in SVR12 rate between 12-week therapy and 24-week therapy (P=0.82). The most
      common adverse effects (AEs) were: anemia 32% (n=64/202), infections 26%
      (n=38/149), neutropenia 23% (n=35/149), thrombocytopenia 21% (n=32/149) and renal
      failure 8% (n=12/149). CONCLUSION: SOF+DCV+/-RBV regimen is of high efficacy and
      tolerability in LT recipients with HCV infection.

PMID- 28082139
TI  - Pilot study examining the relationship of childhood trauma, perceived stress, and
      medication use to serum kynurenic acid and kynurenine levels in schizophrenia.

PMID- 28082138
TI  - Interhospital transfers of the critically ill: Time spent at referring
      institutions influences survival.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if the length of stay at a referring institution
      intensive care unit (ICU) before transfer to a tertiary/quaternary care facility
      is a risk factor for mortality. DESIGN: We performed a retrospective chart review
      of patients transferred to our ICU from referring institution ICUs over a 3-year
      period. Logistical regression analysis was performed to determine which factors
      were independently associated with increased mortality. The primary outcomes were
      ICU and hospital mortality. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1248 patients were included
      in our study. Length of stay at the referring institution was an independent risk
      factor for both ICU and hospital mortality (P<.0001), with increasing lengths of
      stay correlating with increased mortality. Each additional day at the referring
      institution was associated with a 1.04 increase in likelihood of ICU mortality
      (95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.06; P =0.001) and a 1.029 (95% confidence
      interval, 1.01-1.05; P .005) increase in likelihood of hospital mortality.
      CONCLUSIONS: Length of stay at the referring institution before transfer is a
      risk factor for worse outcomes, with longer stays associated with increased
      likelihood of mortality. Further studies delineating which factors most affect
      length of stay at referring institutions, though a difficult task, should be
      pursued.

PMID- 28082140
TI  - Shared abnormality of white matter integrity in schizophrenia and bipolar
      disorder: A comparative voxel-based meta-analysis.
AB  - Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD) shared a significant
      overlap in genetic susceptibility, pharmacological treatment responses,
      neuropsychological deficits, and epidemiological features. However, it remains
      unknown whether these clinical overlaps are mediated by shared or disorder
      specific abnormalities of white matter integrity. In this voxel-based meta
      analytic comparison of whole-brain white matter integrity, we aimed to identify
      the shared or disorder-specific structural abnormalities between schizophrenia
      and BD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted up to February 2016 to
      identify studies that compared between patients and healthy controls (HC) by
      using whole-brain diffusion approach (schizophrenia: 24 datasets with 754
      patients vs. 775 HC; BD: 23 datasets with 705 patients vs. 679 HC). Voxel-wise
      meta-analyses were conducted and restricted to unified template using seed-based
      d-Mapping. Abnormal white matter integrity was calculated within each condition
      and a direct comparison of effect size was performed of alterations between two
      conditions. Two regions with significant reductions of fractional anisotropy (FA)
      characterized abnormal water diffusion in both disorders: the genu of the corpus
      callosum (CC) and posterior cingulum fibers. There was no significant difference
      found between the two disorders. Our results highlighted shared impairments of FA
      at genu of the CC and left posterior cingulum fibers, which suggests that,
      phenotypic overlap between schizophrenia and BD could be related to common brain
      circuit dysfunction.

PMID- 28082141
TI  - Regulation of mitochondrial dynamics by DISC1, a putative risk factor for major
      mental illness.
AB  - Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that are essential to power the process of
      neurotransmission. Neurons must therefore ensure that mitochondria maintain their
      functional integrity and are efficiently transported along the full extent of the
      axons and dendrites, from soma to synapses. Mitochondrial dynamics (trafficking,
      fission and fusion) co-ordinately regulate mitochondrial quality control and
      function. DISC1 is a component of the mitochondrial transport machinery and
      regulates mitochondrial dynamics. DISC1's role in this is adversely affected by
      sequence variants connected to brain structure/function and disease risk, and by
      mutant truncation. The DISC1 interactors NDE1 and GSK3beta are also involved,
      indicating a convergence of putative risk factors for psychiatric illness upon
      mitochondrial dynamics.

PMID- 28082142
TI  - Draft genome sequence of an environmental multidrug-resistant Klebsiella
      pneumoniae ST340/CC258 harbouring blaCTX-M-15 and blaKPC-2 genes.
AB  - Anthropogenic activities, including the release of wastewater and sewage from
      hospitals, have contributed to the contamination of aquatic environments, raising
      a concern to public health. In this study, we present the first draft genome
      sequence of a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain (Kp171, TIET-4200) belonging to the
      high-risk hospital-associated clonal lineage ST340/CC258, which was recovered
      from a water sample collected in an urban river in Brazil.

PMID- 28082143
TI  - Draft genome sequence of an aminoglycoside-resistant RmtG-producing Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa ST235 isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are often chronically colonised or infected by non
      fermenting Gram-negative bacilli, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most
      prevalent. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of a multidrug
      resistant P. aeruginosa strain belonging to sequence type ST235, isolated from
      the respiratory tract of a CF patient with chronic colonisation. Whole-genome
      sequencing analysis revealed a 6.7Mb genome size and the presence of 12
      antibiotic resistance genes, including the rmtG gene conferring high-level
      aminoglycoside resistance, located on the chromosome.

PMID- 28082144
TI  - High-quality genome sequence of human pathogen Enterobacter asburiae type strain
      1497-78T.
AB  - Enterobacter asburiae belongs to the Enterobacter cloacae complex (Ecc), which
      comprises six heterogenic species. These bacteria can cause nosocomial
      infections. Moreover, they are well known for antibiotic resistance features
      based on overproduction of AmpC beta-lactamases. Although Ecc have clinical
      importance, little is known about their virulence-associated properties, and very
      few strains from the six species have been sequenced. In this study, the type
      strain of E. asburiae 1497-78T (ATCC 35953) was sequenced. The genome sequence of
      the type strain of E. asburiae will help us to understand antibiotic resistance
      and evolution in Ecc.

PMID- 28082145
TI  - How resistant is Staphylococcus aureus to the topical antibiotic mupirocin?

PMID- 28082146
TI  - Reply to: "Histone deacetylase inhibitor for the treatment of hepatocellular
      carcinoma: Chemoimmunotherapeutic perspective and prospects".

PMID- 28082147
TI  - Hepatitis C "true" late relapse beyond 48weeks of sustained virologic response
      after direct acting antiviral therapy.

PMID- 28082148
TI  - Vps33b is crucial for structural and functional hepatocyte polarity.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: In the normal liver, hepatocytes form a uniquely polarised
      cell layer that enables movement of solutes from sinusoidal blood to canalicular
      bile. Whilst several cholestatic liver diseases with defects of hepatocyte
      polarity have been identified, the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis are not
      well defined. One example is arthrogryposis, renal dysfunction and cholestasis
      syndrome, which in most patients is caused by VPS33B mutations. VPS33B is a
      protein involved in membrane trafficking that interacts with RAB11A at recycling
      endosomes. To understand the pathways that regulate hepatocyte polarity better,
      we investigated VPS33B deficiency using a novel mouse model with a liver-specific
      Vps33b deletion. METHODS: To assess functional polarity, plasma and bile samples
      were collected from Vps33b liver knockout (Vps33bfl/fl-AlfpCre) and control
      (Vps33bfl/fl) mice; bile components or injected substrates were quantitated by
      mass spectrometry or fluorometry. For structural analysis, livers underwent light
      and transmission electron microscopy. Apical membrane and tight junction protein
      localisation was assessed by immunostaining. Adeno-associated virus vectors were
      used for in vivo gene rescue experiments. RESULTS: Like patients, Vps33bfl/fl
      AlfpCre mice showed mislocalisation of ATP-binding cassette proteins that are
      specifically trafficked to the apical membrane via Rab11a-positive recycling
      endosomes. This was associated with retention of bile components in blood. Loss
      of functional tight junction integrity and depletion of apical microvilli were
      seen in knockout animals. Gene transfer partially rescued these defects.
      CONCLUSIONS: Vps33b has a key role in establishing structural and functional
      aspects of hepatocyte polarity and may be a target for gene replacement therapy.
      LAY SUMMARY: Hepatocytes are liver cells with tops and bottoms; that is, they are
      polarised. At their bottoms they absorb substances from blood. They then, at
      their tops, secrete these substances and their metabolites into bile. When
      polarity is lost, this directional flow of substances from blood to bile is
      disrupted and liver disease follows. In this study, using a new mouse model with
      a liver-specific mutation of Vps33b, the mouse version of a gene that is mutated
      in most patients with arthrogryposis, renal dysfunction and cholestasis (ARC)
      syndrome, we investigated how the Vps33b gene product contributes to establishing
      hepatocyte polarity. We identified in these mice abnormalities similar to those
      in children with ARC syndrome. Gene transfer could partly reverse the mouse
      abnormalities. Our work contributes to the understanding of VPS33B disease and
      hepatocyte polarity in general, and may point towards gene transfer mediated
      treatment of ARC liver disease.

PMID- 28082149
TI  - Histone deacetylase inhibitor for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma:
      Chemoimmunotherapeutic perspective and prospects.

PMID- 28082150
TI  - Searching for proprioceptors in human facial muscles.
AB  - The human craniofacial muscles innervated by the facial nerve typically lack
      muscle spindles. However these muscles have proprioception that participates in
      the coordination of facial movements. A functional substitution of facial
      proprioceptors by cutaneous mechanoreceptors has been proposed but at present
      this alternative has not been demonstrated. Here we have investigated whether
      other kinds of sensory structures are present in two human facial muscles
      (zygomatic major and buccal). Human checks were removed from Spanish cadavers,
      and processed for immunohistochemical detection of nerve fibers (neurofilament
      proteins and S100 protein) and two putative mechanoproteins (acid-sensing ion
      channel 2 and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4) associated with
      mechanosensing. Nerves of different calibers were found in the connective septa
      and within the muscle itself. In all the muscles analysed, capsular corpuscle
      like structures resembling elongated or round Ruffini-like corpuscles were
      observed. Moreover the axon profiles within these structures displayed
      immunoreactivity for both putative mechanoproteins. The present results
      demonstrate the presence of sensory structures in facial muscles that can
      substitute for typical muscle spindles as the source of facial proprioception.

PMID- 28082151
TI  - Antidepressant and anxiolytic-like behavioral effects of erucamide, a bioactive
      fatty acid amide, involving the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in mice.
AB  - Erucamide (Era) is a bioactive fatty acid amide, which is similar to the
      classical endocannabinoid analogue oleoylethanolamide (OEA). In the present
      study, we hypothesized that Era may regulate the central nervous system and may
      have the potential to antagonize depression and anxiety. Therefore, we
      investigated the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of Era in animal models in
      comparison with fluoxetine (Fxt). Fifty mice were randomly divided into 5 groups,
      and treated with a vehicle (0.3% methyl cellulose, 20mL/kg, p.o.), Era (5, 10,
      20mg/kg, p.o.), or Fxt (20mg/kg, p.o.) for 7days. Immobility was used to evaluate
      depressive-like behavior in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension
      test (TST). Animal activity and exploratory behavior as well as anxiety-like
      behaviors were measured in open field test (OFT) and elevated plus-maze test
      (EPMT) in mice. Additionally, serum adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and
      corticosterone (CORT) levels were determined using the ELISA method, and the
      total anti-oxidative capacity (T-AOC) was detected by ultraviolet
      spectrophotometry. Our data showed that Era (5, 10, or 20mg/kg) induced a
      significant reduction in mouse immobility time in the TST and FST compared to the
      normal control group (vehicle group). The positive control, Fxt (20mg/kg group),
      also induced a significant change in immobility time in the TST and FST compared
      to the control (vehicle) group. In the OFT, compared with the control group, Fxt
      (20mg/kg) and Era (5, 10, or 20mg/kg) did not significantly change the locomotive
      activity (locomotive time, immobility time, or locomotive distance) in mice, but
      Fxt (20mg/kg) and Era (10, or 20mg/kg) significantly increased the percentage of
      time spent and squares visited in the OFT central area. In regards to the EPMT,
      the data showed that Fxt (20mg/kg) and Era (10, 20mg/kg) significantly increased
      the ratio of time spent and entries in open arms, but did not significantly
      change the total locomotive distance (including open arms and closed arms)
      compared to the control group. Biochemical tests found that after 7days of drug
      treatment, compared with the control group, ACTH and CORT serum levels in mice
      were significantly decreased, although T-AOC levels did not significantly change.
      In conclusion, Era (dose range of 5-20mg/kg) administered orally may alleviate
      depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice, and the antidepressant and anti
      anxiety effects of Era may be related to the regulation of the hypothalamus
      pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA).

PMID- 28082153
TI  - Melatonin produces a rapid onset and prolonged efficacy in reducing depression
      like behaviors in adult rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress.
AB  - The present study was aimed at evaluating the rapidity and duration of melatonin
      as an antidepressant in a rat model of depression. The rats were subjected to a
      six-week period of unpredictable mild stress followed by melatonin treatment.
      Three groups of rats were included in this study: Controls (CON - no stress
      exposure), Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUS) and CUS followed by melatonin
      (MT). Stressors consisted of exposure to rotation on a shaker, placement in a
      chamber maintained at 4 degrees C, lights off for 3h, lights on overnight,
      exposure to an aversive odor, 45 degrees  tilted cages, food and water
      deprivation and crowding and isolated housing. Subsequently, the saline vehicle
      (CUS) or melatonin was administered at a dose of 10mg/kg for 14days period. Body
      weight and behavioral tests were used to evaluate depression-like behavior and
      its recovery following melatonin treatment. While body weight increases were
      significantly lower in rats exposed to CUS versus CON, body weights of the MT
      group increased significantly following melatonin treatment as compared with the
      CUS group. With regard to results obtained with behavioral assays indicative of
      depression, rapid and long-term functional recoveries in depression were observed
      in the MT as compared to the CUS group. The results indicate that not only does
      melatonin induce an antidepressant-like action within this rat model of
      depression, but does so with a rapid onset and prolonged efficacy. As most
      current treatments for depression require an extended period of administration,
      our current results suggest that melatonin may prove to be a particularly effect
      agent to promote a rapid onset and prolonged behavioral benefits in the treatment
      of depression.

PMID- 28082154
TI  - Lead Aprons Are a Lead Exposure Hazard.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether lead-containing shields have lead dust on the
      external surface. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained for
      this descriptive study of a convenience sample of 172 shields. Each shield was
      tested for external lead dust via a qualitative rapid on-site test and a
      laboratory-based quantitative dust wipe analysis, flame atomic absorption
      spectrometry (FAAS). The chi2 test was used to test the association with age,
      type of shield, lead sheet thickness, storage method, and visual and radiographic
      appearance. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56%-70%)
      of the shields had detectable surface lead by FAAS and 50% (95% CI: 43%-57%) by
      the qualitative method. Lead dust by FAAS ranged from undetectable to 998
      MUg/ft2. The quantitative detection of lead was significantly associated with the
      following: (1) visual appearance of the shield (1 = best, 3 = worst): 88% of
      shields that scored 3 had detectable dust lead; (2) type of shield: a greater
      proportion of the pediatric patient, full-body, and thyroid shields were positive
      than vests and skirts; (3) use of a hanger for storage: 27% of shields on a
      hanger were positive versus 67% not on hangers. Radiographic determination of
      shield intactness, thickness of interior lead sheets, and age of shield were
      unrelated to presence of surface dust lead. CONCLUSIONS: Sixty-three percent of
      shields had detectable surface lead that was associated with visual appearance,
      type of shield, and storage method. Lead-containing shields are a newly
      identified, potentially widespread source of lead exposure in the health
      industry.

PMID- 28082155
TI  - Nonresearch Industry Payments to Radiologists: Characteristics and Associations
      With Regional Medical Imaging Utilization.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate characteristics of nonresearch industry payments to
      radiologists and associations with regional diagnostic imaging utilization.
      METHODS: Using 2014 CMS Open Payment data, all disclosed nonresearch-related
      industry payments to radiologists were identified. Health Resources and Services
      Administration Area Health Resources Files were used to identify actual and
      population-weighted numbers of radiologists by state. Utilizing the 5% random
      beneficiary sample CMS Research Identifiable Files from 2014, average Medicare
      imaging spending per beneficiary in each state was calculated. Average frequency
      and dollar amounts of nonresearch nonroyalty payments to radiologists were
      calculated at the state level. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient, the
      relationship between frequency and amounts of nonresearch payments to
      radiologists versus per-beneficiary Medicare imaging spending was evaluated at
      the state level. RESULTS: Overall, 2,008 radiologists (1,670 diagnostic, 338
      interventional) received nonresearch nonroyalty payments from industry,
      representing 5.2% of all 38,857 radiologists nationwide. A total of 4,975
      individual transfers translated to 2.5 +/- 1.3 discrete payments per receiving
      radiologist with a mean of $432 +/- $1,976 (median $26; range $1-$34,050). Food
      and beverage expenses constituted the vast majority of disclosed transfers
      (4,111; 83%), followed by travel and lodging (444; 9%), consulting fees (279;
      6%), and educational expenses (51; 1%). Considerable geographic variation in
      payments was observed, ranging from 0% of radiologists in Vermont to 12.9% in the
      District of Columbia. No correlation was identified between average per
      beneficiary Medicare imaging spending and the proportion of nonresearch-funded
      radiologists in each state (r = 0.06). Similarly, no correlation was identified
      between average per-beneficiary Medicare imaging spending and the average
      nonresearch transfer amount to radiologists in each state (r = -0.08).
      CONCLUSIONS: In 2014, only a small minority of United States radiologists
      received nonresearch payments from industry. At the state level, medical imaging
      utilization does not seem to be influenced by such financial relationships.

PMID- 28082152
TI  - Pharmacogenomics in epilepsy.
AB  - There is high variability in the response to antiepileptic treatment across
      people with epilepsy. Genetic factors significantly contribute to such
      variability. Recent advances in the genetics and neurobiology of the epilepsies
      are establishing the basis for a new era in the treatment of epilepsy, focused on
      each individual and their specific epilepsy. Variation in response to
      antiepileptic drug treatment may arise from genetic variation in a range of gene
      categories, including genes affecting drug pharmacokinetics, and drug
      pharmacodynamics, but also genes held to actually cause the epilepsy itself. From
      a purely pharmacogenetic perspective, there are few robust genetic findings with
      established evidence in epilepsy. Many findings are still controversial with
      anecdotal or less secure evidence and need further validation, e.g. variation in
      genes for transporter systems and antiepileptic drug targets. The increasing use
      of genetic sequencing and the results of large-scale collaborative projects may
      soon expand the established evidence. Precision medicine treatments represent a
      growing area of interest, focussing on reversing or circumventing the
      pathophysiological effects of specific gene mutations. This could lead to a
      dramatic improvement of the effectiveness and safety of epilepsy treatments, by
      targeting the biological mechanisms responsible for epilepsy in each specific
      individual. Whilst much has been written about epilepsy pharmacogenetics, there
      does now seem to be building momentum that promises to deliver results of use in
      clinic.

PMID- 28082156
TI  - The Commodity-Proof Radiologist.

PMID- 28082157
TI  - Improved Image Quality of Low-Dose CT Pulmonary Angiograms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The use of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to evaluate for pulmonary
      embolism has been increasing, and carries a significant radiation dose. We
      evaluate image quality of lower-dose images, taking into account patient size as
      well as the effects of image postprocessing. METHODS: A total of 250 CTPAs were
      retrospectively reviewed. The following parameters were obtained: kVp, mA, dose
      length product, Hounsfield units (HU) with standard deviation in the main
      pulmonary artery, transverse scout measurement, and subjective image quality.
      RESULTS: Radiation dose decreased 55% by reducing kVp from 120 to 100, and 60%
      from 100 to 80 kVp. Radiation dose decreased 82% from 120 to 80 kVp. Noise
      increased 38% from 120 kVp to 100 kVp, and increased 23% from 100 kVp to 80 kVp.
      Adding an overlapped reconstructed image decreased noise by 16% to 21%. Despite
      the increase in image noise, diagnostic quality was significantly improved at 80
      and 100 kVp, compared with 120 kVp, with an average subjective quality rating of
      3.8, 4.0, and 3.2, respectively, and an average pulmonary artery density of 536,
      423, and 278 HU. Even in larger patients, qualitative image quality was better at
      100 kVp compared with 120 kVp, with an average quality rating of 3.6 versus 2.9,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation dose exposure can be easily reduced on CTPA
      by lowering kVp, which at the same time improves image quality. Studies using a
      lower kVp were of significantly higher diagnostic quality. This held true even in
      larger patients.

PMID- 28082158
TI  - Anticipated Impact of the 2016 Federal Election on Federal Health Care
      Legislation.

PMID- 28082159
TI  - CT Images Are Noninferior to Anatomic Specimens in Teaching Cardiac Anatomy-A
      Randomized Quantitative Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The new generation's learning habits demand reforms in the methods by
      which we teach anatomy. Medical imaging techniques such as CT may offer a
      solution to help the understanding of complex anatomic structures. Our objective
      was to assess the noninferiority of using radiologic images in teaching anatomy
      as opposed to prosections or lecture slides. METHODS: Seventy-three first-year
      medical students were assigned to three experimental groups taught using
      different approaches: lecture slides (LG), prosections (PG), or radiology images
      (RG). All three groups received a 2-hour presentation on cardiac anatomy. Three
      days after the lectures, the participants were subjected to a gross anatomic "pin
      test" followed by a written theoretical examination to evaluate their knowledge
      of cardiac anatomy. RESULTS: We found a significant difference between the three
      groups regarding their gross anatomic examination scores (LG: 8.1 +/- 4.1, PG:
      10.6 +/- 3.3, RG: 8.5 +/- 3.4, P = .03; Tukey's honest significant difference:
      P(LG-PG) = .04, P(PG-RG) = .08, P(LG-RG) = .94), whereas no significant
      difference was apparent regarding their written theoretical examination scores
      (LG: 16.6 +/- 4.2, PG: 18.6 +/- 3.5, RG: 18.3 +/- 3.0, P = .13). CONCLUSIONS:
      Concerning gross anatomic knowledge, groups taught using prosections or
      radiologic images showed no significant difference. Demonstrative materials do
      not seem to significantly affect the theoretical knowledge of the students. The
      use of medical imaging techniques could represent a valuable contribution toward
      teaching anatomy.

PMID- 28082161
TI  - Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score predicts mortality and
      neurological outcome in out-of hospital cardiac arrest.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the Global
      Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score in predicting in-hospital
      mortality and neurological outcome of patients resuscitated after out-of-hospital
      cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients
      admitted to our hospital between October 2009 and October 2015 with OHCA and
      shockable initial cardiac rhythm who were resuscitated via conventional
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We calculated the GRACE risk score on admission
      and assessed its usefulness in predicting in-hospital mortality and neurological
      outcome. RESULTS: Among 91 patients, 42 (46%) had acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI), 19 (21%) died in-hospital, and 52 (57%) had favorable neurological
      outcome. Among all the study patients, GRACE risk score was lower in survivors
      than in non-survivors (median 211 [interquartile range 176-240] vs. 266 [219
      301], p<0.001, respectively) and in favorable than in unfavorable neurological
      outcome group (202 [167-237] vs. 242 [219-275], p<0.001, respectively).
      Multivariate analysis showed significant association between GRACE risk score and
      favorable neurological outcome (odds ratio, 0.975; 95% confidence interval, 0.961
      0.990). Areas under receiver-operating characteristic curves, that describe the
      accuracy of GRACE risk score in predicting in-hospital mortality and favorable
      neurological outcome, were both 0.79. CONCLUSION: GRACE risk score may predict
      the in-hospital mortality and neurological outcome associated with resuscitated
      patients with OHCA and shockable initial cardiac rhythm, regardless of the cause
      of arrest.

PMID- 28082160
TI  - Derivation of decision rules to predict clinically important outcomes in acute
      flank pain patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Routine CT for patients with acute flank pain has not been shown to
      improve patient outcomes, and it may unnecessarily expose patients to radiation
      and increased costs. As preliminary steps toward the development of a guideline
      for selective CT, we sought to determine the prevalence of clinically important
      outcomes in patients with acute flank pain and derive preliminary decision rules.
      METHODS: We analyzed data from a randomized trial of CT vs. ultrasonography for
      patients with acute flank pain from 15 EDs between October 2011 and February
      2013. Clinically important outcomes were defined as inpatient admission for
      ureteral stones and alternative diagnoses. Clinically important stones were
      defined as stones requiring urologic intervention. We sought to derive highly
      sensitive decision rules for both outcomes. RESULTS: Of 2759 participants, 236
      (8.6%) had a clinically important outcome and 143 (5.2%) had a clinically
      important stone. A CDR including anemia (hemoglobin <13.2g/dl), WBC count
      >11000/MUl, age>42years, and the absence of CVAT had a sensitivity of 97.9% (95%
      CI 94.8-99.2%) and specificity of 18.7% (95% 17.2-20.2%) for clinically important
      outcome. A CDR including hydronephrosis, prior history of stone, and WBC count
      <8300/MUl had a sensitivity of 98.6% (95% CI 94.5-99.7%) and specificity of 26.0%
      (95% 24.2-27.7%) for clinically important stone. CONCLUSIONS: We determined the
      prevalence of clinically important outcomes in patients with acute flank pain,
      and derived preliminary high sensitivity CDRs that predict them. Validation of
      CDRs with similar test characteristics would require prospective enrollment of
      2100 patients.

PMID- 28082162
TI  - Neck anteflexion method for facilitating videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation
      while applying cricoid pressure.

PMID- 28082163
TI  - Identification of the cell binding domain in Nipah virus G glycoprotein using a
      phage display system.
AB  - Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic paramyxovirus with unusual
      broad host tropism and is designated as a Category C pathogen by the U.S.
      National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. NiV infection is initiated
      after binding of the viral G glycoprotein to the host cell receptor. The aim of
      this study was to map the NiV G glycoprotein cell binding domain using a phage
      display system. The NiV G extracellular domain was truncated and displayed as
      attachment proteins on M13 phage g3p minor coat protein. The binding efficiency
      of recombinant phages displaying different regions of NiV G to mammalian cells
      was evaluated. Results showed that regions of NiV G consisting of amino acids 396
      602 (recombinant phage G4) and 498-602 (recombinant phage G5) demonstrated the
      highest binding to both Vero (5.5*103 cfu/ml and 5.6*103 cfu/ml) and THP-1 cells
      (3.5*103 cfu/ml and 2.9*103 cfu/ml). However, the binding of both of these
      recombinant phages to THP-1 cells was significantly lower than to Vero cells, and
      this could be due to the lack of primary host cell receptor expression on THP-1
      cells. Furthermore, the binding between these two recombinant phages was
      competitive suggesting that there was a common host cell attachment site. This
      study employed an approach that is suitable for use in a biosafety level 2
      containment laboratory without the need to use live virus to show that NiV G
      amino acids 498-602 play an important role for attachment to host cells.

PMID- 28082164
TI  - A neutralization assay with a severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus
      strain that makes plaques in inoculated cells.
AB  - Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a recently-discovered,
      potentially fatal infectious disease caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV). Due to the
      inability of SFTSV to make clear cytopathic effects (CPE) in cell culture,
      titration and neutralization assays of the virus require immunostaining of
      inoculated cells; consequently, the assays are time-consuming and expensive. In
      this report, we demonstrate the use of a highly-passaged SFTSV strain, p50-2, in
      a neutralization assay, which made clear plaques in inoculated Vero cells under
      neutral red staining. Furthermore, we performed molecular analyses to determine
      the characteristics of the strain. The results suggested that a single amino acid
      mutation within the viral glycoprotein conferred the ability to make clear
      plaques to SFTSV.

PMID- 28082165
TI  - An efficient and high fidelity method for amplification, cloning and sequencing
      of complete tospovirus genomic RNA segments.
AB  - Tospoviruses (genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae) are responsible for major
      losses in an extensive range of crops worldwide. New species of these single
      stranded, ambisense RNA viruses regularly emerge and have been shown to maintain
      heterogeneous populations with individual isolates having quite variable
      biological and virulence characteristics. Most tospovirus phylogenetic studies
      have focused on analysis of a single gene, most often the nucleocapsid protein
      gene. Complete genomic RNA segment amplification as a single fragment would
      facilitate more detailed analyses of genome-wide sequence variability, but
      obtaining such sequences for a large number of tospovirus isolates using
      traditional methods of amplification and cloning of small overlapping fragments
      is tedious, time consuming and expensive. In this study, protocols were optimized
      to amplify, clone and sequence full-length M- and S-RNA genome segments of Tomato
      spotted wilt virus and Impatiens necrotic spot virus. The strategy presented here
      is straightforward, scalable and offers several advantages over the previously
      commonplace and overlapping amplicon-based approach. Use of whole genome
      segments, instead of individual gene sequences or defined portions of genome
      segments, will facilitate a better understanding of the underlying molecular
      diversity of tospoviruses in mixed infections.

PMID- 28082166
TI  - So Many Possibilities: Lung Nodules in a Transplant Recipient.

PMID- 28082167
TI  - Continued growth, a new metric, same high quality!

PMID- 28082168
TI  - Idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder and neurodegenerative risk: To tell or not
      to tell to the patient? How to minimize the risk?
AB  - Most people with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) have an underlying
      synucleinopathy, mainly Parkinson's disease (PD) or dementia with Lewy bodies,
      with median conversion time of 4-9 y from iRBD diagnosis and of 11-16 y from
      symptom onset. Subtle signs and imaging tests indicate concomitant
      neurodegeneration in widespread brain areas. Risk factor studies suggest that
      iRBD patients may have prior head injury, occupational farming, pesticide
      exposure, low education level and possibly more frequent family history of dream
      enactment behavior (but not of PD), plus unexpected risk factors (smoking,
      ischemic heart disease and inhaled corticosteroid use). Unlike PD, caffeine and
      smoking appear not to have a protective role. Prior depression and antidepressant
      use may be early neurodegenerative signs rather than exclusively causative
      factors. Age, hyposmia, impaired color vision, abnormal dopaminergic imaging,
      mild cognitive impairment and possibly sleepiness, may identify patients at
      greater risk of more rapid conversion. The consensus is to generally disclose the
      neurodegenerative risk to patients (with the caveat that phenoconversion and its
      temporal course remain uncertain in individuals without "soft neurodegenerative
      signs" and those under 50 y of age), to suggest a healthy lifestyle and to take
      part in prospective cohort studies in anticipation of eventual neuroprotective
      trials.

PMID- 28082170
TI  - Synergistic antitumor activity of a self-assembling camptothecin and capecitabine
      hybrid prodrug for improved efficacy.
AB  - The direct use of anticancer drugs to create their own nanostructures is an
      emerging concept in the field of drug delivery to obtain nanomedicines of high
      drug loading and high reproducibility, and the combination use of two or more
      drugs has been a proven clinical strategy to enhance therapeutic outcomes. We
      report here the synthesis, assembly and cytotoxicity evaluation of self
      assembling hybrid prodrugs containing both camptothecin (CPT) and a capecitabine
      (Cap) analogue. CPT and Cap molecules were conjugated onto a short beta-sheet
      forming peptide (Sup35) to yield three different self-assembling prodrugs (dCPT
      Sup35, CPT-Cap-Sup35 and dCap-Sup35). We found that the chemical structure of
      conjugated drugs could strongly influence their assembled morphology as well as
      their structural stability in aqueous solution. With a decrease in number of CPT
      units, the resulting nanostructures exhibited a morphological transformation from
      nanofibers (dCPT-Sup35) to filaments (CPT-Cap-Sup35) then to spherical particles
      (dCap-Sup35). Notably, the hybrid CPT-Cap prodrug showed a synergistic effect and
      significantly enhanced potency against three esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines
      compared with the two homo-prodrugs (dCPT-Sup35 and dCap-Sup35) as well as free
      parent drugs (CPT, 5-Fu and CPT/5-FU mixture (1:1)). We believe this work
      represents a conceptual advancement in integrating two structurally distinct
      drugs of different action mechanisms into a single self-assembling hybrid prodrug
      to construct self-deliverable nanomedicines for more effective combination
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 28082169
TI  - Nonmuscle myosin II inhibition disrupts methamphetamine-associated memory in
      females and adolescents.
AB  - Memories associated with drug use can trigger strong motivation for the drug,
      which increases relapse vulnerability in substance use disorder (SUD). Currently
      there are no treatments for relapse to abuse of psychostimulants, such as
      methamphetamine (METH). We previously reported that storage of memories
      associated with METH, but not those for fear or food reward, and the concomitant
      spine density increase are disrupted in a retrieval-independent manner by
      depolymerizing actin in the basolateral amygdala complex (BLC) of adult male rats
      and mice. Similar results are achieved in males through intra-BLC or systemic
      inhibition of nonmuscle myosin II (NMII), a molecular motor that directly drives
      actin polymerization. Given the substantial differences in physiology between
      genders, we sought to determine if this immediate and selective disruption of
      METH-associated memory extends to adult females. A single intra-BLC infusion of
      the NMII inhibitor Blebbistatin (Blebb) produced a long-lasting disruption of
      context-induced drug seeking for at least 30days in female rats that mirrored our
      prior results in males. Furthermore, a single systemic injection of Blebb prior
      to testing disrupted METH-associated memory and the concomitant increase in BLC
      spine density in females. Importantly, as in males, the same manipulation had no
      effect on an auditory fear memory or associated BLC spine density. In addition,
      we established that the NMII-based disruption of METH-associated memory extends
      to both male and female adolescents. These findings provide further support that
      small molecular inhibitors of NMII have strong therapeutic potential for the
      prevention of relapse to METH abuse triggered by associative memories.

PMID- 28082171
TI  - Abdominal muscle activity during breathing in different postures in COPD "Stage
      0" and healthy subjects.
AB  - This study aims to evaluate the effect of different postures on the abdominal
      muscle activity during breathing in subjects "at risk" for the development of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy. Twenty-nine volunteers,
      divided in "At Risk" for COPD (n=16; 47.38+/-5.08years) and Healthy (n=13;
      47.54+/-6.65years) groups, breathed at the same rhythm in supine, standing,
      tripod and 4-point-kneeling positions. Surface electromyography was performed to
      assess the activation intensity of rectus abdominis, external oblique and
      transversus abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO) muscles, during inspiration and
      expiration. From supine to standing, an increased activation of all abdominal
      muscles was observed in "At Risk" for COPD group; however, in Healthy group,
      TrA/IO muscle showed an increased activation. In both groups, the TrA/IO muscle
      activation in tripod and 4-point kneeling positions was higher than in supine and
      lower than in standing. Subjects "at risk" for the development of COPD seemed to
      have a specific recruitment of the superficial layer of ventrolateral abdominal
      wall for the synchronization of postural function and mechanics of breathing.

PMID- 28082172
TI  - Barriers and enablers of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of
      HIV/AIDS program in China: a systematic review and policy implications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the barriers to and enablers of the prevention of mother
      to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV program in China. METHODS: A systematic
      review of the existing literature regarding barriers to and enablers of the
      implementation of the PMTCT program in China was performed. The checklist from
      the SURE guidelines (Supporting the Use of Research Evidence) was used to
      synthesize the barriers and enablers (supporting strategies) and to analyze their
      relationships. The HIV testing rate, vertical transmission rate, and
      antiretroviral treatment (ART) acceptance rate among HIV-infected women and their
      infants was also extracted from the included studies to assess the effectiveness
      of the enablers. RESULTS: Initially 794 publications were identified, and
      ultimately 14 articles were included. Eighteen types of barrier and nine types of
      supportive strategy were identified, mainly at the level of social and political
      issues, healthcare recipients, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system.
      Based on government-oriented multi-sector cooperation, enablers in China have
      included community-hospital-family promotion, comprehensive financial support for
      service recipients, free HIV testing at marriage registration, the opt-out model,
      and the one-to-one service model. CONCLUSIONS: Experience in China suggests that
      the government's role in coordination and the acceptability and accessibility of
      the service should be the primary concerns in regard to the PMTCT project.

PMID- 28082173
TI  - Balancing thromboembolic and bleeding risk with non-vitamin K antagonist oral
      anticoagulants (NOACs): A systematic review and meta-analysis on gender
      differences.
AB  - Sex and gender differences have been reported in atrial fibrillation (AF),
      especially in relation to differences in thromboembolic and bleeding risks. More
      recently, pharmacological treatments have changed following the introduction of
      non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) progressively replacing
      vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). The aims of this systematic review are to summarize
      the available evidence on NOACs and the relationship to major adverse outcomes
      according to sex. Moreover, we performed a meta-analysis of data from the phase
      III clinical trials investigating the sex effect on stroke/systemic embolic
      events (SEE) and major bleeding. Our literature review found small differences in
      NOACs efficacy and safety between male and female patients, even if so far
      available literature is limited to post-hoc ancillary analyses from randomized
      trials and one cohort study. Meta-analysis from NOAC trials found a differential
      effect of NOACs, with male patients being more protected from stroke/SEE and
      female patients more protected from major bleeding events. Further data are
      needed to fully elucidate sex differences in AF patients treated with NOACs.

PMID- 28082174
TI  - Isolation and identification methods of Rothia species in oral cavities.
AB  - Rothia dentocariosa and Rothia mucilaginosa which are Gram-positive bacteria are
      part of the normal flora in the human oral cavity and pharynx. Furthermore,
      Rothia aeria, which was first isolated from air samples in the Russian space
      station Mir, is predicted to be an oral inhabitant. Immunocompromised patients
      are often infected by these organisms, leading to various systemic diseases. The
      involvement of these organisms in oral infections has attracted little attention,
      and their distribution in the oral cavity has not been fully clarified because of
      difficulties in accurately identifying these organisms. A suitable selective
      medium for oral Rothia species, including R. aeria, is necessary to assess the
      veritable prevalence of these organisms in the oral cavity. To examine the
      bacterial population in the oral cavity, a novel selective medium (ORSM) was
      developed for isolating oral Rothia species in this study. ORSM consists of
      tryptone, sodium gluconate, Lab-Lemco powder, sodium fluoride, neutral
      acriflavin, lincomycin, colistin, and agar. The average growth recovery of oral
      Rothia species on ORSM was 96.7% compared with that on BHI-Y agar. Growth of
      other representative oral bacteria, i.e. genera Streptococcus, Actinomyces,
      Neisseria, and Corynebacterium, was remarkably inhibited on the selective medium.
      PCR primers were designed based on partial sequences of the 16S rDNA genes of
      oral Rothia species. These primers reacted to each organism and did not react to
      other non-oral Rothia species or representative oral bacteria. These results
      indicated that these primers are useful for identifying oral Rothia species. A
      simple multiplex PCR procedure using these primers was a reliable method of
      identifying oral Rothia species. The proportion of oral Rothia species in saliva
      samples collected from 20 subjects was examined by culture method using ORSM.
      Rothia dentocariosa, Rothia mucilaginosa, and R. aeria accounted for 1.3%, 5.9%,
      and 0.8% of the total cultivable bacteria number on BHI-Y agar in the oral
      cavities of all subjects, respectively. It was indicated that among oral Rothia
      species, R. mucilaginosa is most predominant in the oral cavity of humans. A
      novel selective medium, ORSM, was useful for isolating each oral Rothia species.

PMID- 28082175
TI  - The application of phenotypic microarray analysis to anti-fungal drug
      development.
AB  - Candida albicans metabolic activity in the presence and absence of acetylcholine
      was measured using phenotypic microarray analysis. Acetylcholine inhibited C.
      albicans biofilm formation by slowing metabolism independent of biofilm forming
      capabilities. Phenotypic microarray analysis can therefore be used for screening
      compound libraries for novel anti-fungal drugs and measuring antifungal
      resistance.

PMID- 28082176
TI  - Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Vision Restoration Training
      in Subacute Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visual field defects after posterior cerebral artery stroke can be
      improved by vision restoration training (VRT), but when combined with
      transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which alters brain excitability,
      vision recovery can be potentiated in the chronic stage. To date, the combination
      of VRT and tDCS has not been evaluated in postacute stroke rehabilitation.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine whether combined tDCS and VRT can be effectively
      implemented in the early recovery phase following stroke, and to explore the
      feasibility, safety and efficacy of an early intervention. DESIGN: Open-label
      pilot study including a case series of 7 tDCS/VRT versus a convenience sample of
      7 control patients (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02935413). SETTING: Rehabilitation
      center. SUBJECTS: Patients with homonymous visual field defects following a
      posterior cerebral artery stroke. METHODS: Seven homonymous hemianopia patients
      were prospectively treated with 10 sessions of combined tDCS (2.mA, 10 daily
      sessions of 20 minutes) and VRT at 66 (+/-50) days on average poststroke. Visual
      field recovery was compared with the retrospective data of 7 controls, whose
      defect sizes and age of lesions were matched to those of the experimental
      subjects and who had received standard rehabilitation with compensatory eye
      movement and exploration training. RESULTS: All 7 patients in the treatment group
      completed the treatment protocol. The safety and acceptance were excellent, and
      patients reported occasional skin itching beneath the electrodes as the only
      minor side effect. Irrespective of their treatment, both groups (treatment and
      control) showed improved visual fields as documented by an increased mean
      sensitivity threshold in decibels in standard static perimetry. Recovery was
      significantly greater (P < .05) in the tDCS/VRT patients (36.73% +/- 37.0%) than
      in the controls (10.74% +/- 8.86%). CONCLUSION: In this open-label pilot study,
      tDCS/VRT in subacute stroke was demonstrated to be safe, with excellent
      applicability and acceptance of the treatment. Preliminary effectiveness
      calculations show that tDCS/VRT may be superior to standard vision training
      procedures. A confirmatory, larger-sample, controlled, randomized, and double
      blind trial is now underway to compare real-tDCS- versus sham-tDCS-supported
      visual field training in the early vision rehabilitation phase. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 28082177
TI  - Long-Term Dosing of Intrathecal Baclofen in the Treatment of Spasticity After
      Acquired Brain Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) often is used to treat severe spasticity
      of cerebral origin. Although literature exists regarding the efficacy of ITB,
      there has been minimal investigation related to dosing in the adult-acquired
      brain injury population, particularly at long-term duration. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate long-term dosing of ITB in adult patients with spasticity of cerebral
      origin due traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy (HIE). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: An academic
      outpatient rehabilitation clinic. PATIENTS: Forty-two adult patients with
      spasticity secondary to TBI, stroke, or HIE treated with ITB for greater than 3
      years. METHODS: Medical records and device manufacturer records of included
      patients were reviewed to obtain demographic data, dosing information, dates of
      pump and catheter placements, and revisions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Average daily
      ITB doses and mean change in ITB dose over 1, 2, and 3 years. Goal of ITB
      treatment (active function versus comfort/care/positioning) also was compared.
      RESULTS: Of 42 total patients, spasticity was attributed to either TBI (n = 19),
      stroke (n = 11), or HIE (n = 12). The mean (standard deviation) age was 35.21
      (10.17), 56.7 (13.1), and 35.1 (12.4) years for the TBI, stroke, and HIE groups,
      respectively (P < .001). There was a significant difference in the goal of
      therapy with "improving functional independence," accounting for 27.8%, 72.8%,
      and 0% in the TBI, stroke, and HIE groups, respectively (P = .002). The mean
      duration of ITB therapy was 8.5 (5.0), 7.8 (3.4), and 9.1 (4.6) years in the TBI,
      stroke, and HIE groups, respectively (P = .79). The mean daily ITB dose was 596.9
      (322.8) MUg/d, 513.2 (405.7) MUg/d, and 705.2 (271.7) MUg/d for the TBI, stroke,
      and HIE groups, respectively (P = .39). In the subset of the cohort with ITB
      therapy for more than 5 years, the mean percent change in daily ITB dose between
      time of chart review and 1, 2, and 3 years previously was 7.3% (13.6), 12.7%
      (16), and 24.7% (50.3), respectively. A complex dosing pattern was used more
      frequently in those with stroke (36.4%) compared with the TBI and HIE (9.7%)
      groups (P = .04). CONCLUSION: Despite the long-term use of ITB therapy in this
      cohort, the mean daily dose of ITB continued to require adjustments. There was no
      significant difference in the mean daily dose between patients with a diagnosis
      of TBI, stroke, or HIE. A complex dosing pattern was used more frequently in
      patients with stroke. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 28082178
TI  - The Course of Concussion Recovery in Children 6-12 Years of Age: Experience From
      an Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current concussion evidence is derived largely from teenagers and
      adults. Concussion in younger children occurs within the context of
      neuromaturation, with differing age-based pathophysiological responses to injury.
      Therefore, our current understanding of concussion in older children and adults
      is unlikely to directly apply to younger children. OBJECTIVE: To describe patient
      variables, clinical course, and factors associated with time to discharge from
      concussion care in children 6-12 years of age with concussion treated in an
      interdisciplinary rehabilitation-based concussion clinic. DESIGN: Retrospective
      chart review. SETTING: Interdisciplinary concussion clinic at an academically
      affiliated rehabilitation center. PATIENTS: Children aged 6-12 years (n = 105;
      mean 10.8 years of age, 70% male) seen within 60 days of concussive injury. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Descriptive statistics explored demographic, injury, and
      clinical features. The primary outcome measure, time to discharge from concussion
      care, was estimated with survival-analysis methods based on the date of discharge
      from the clinic. Multivariate models were used to examine factors associated with
      longer time to discharge. RESULTS: Median time to discharge was 34 days
      postinjury (range 5-192 days); 75% of children were discharged within 60 days of
      injury. A minority reported persisting symptoms at discharge. Younger age and
      increased symptom burden at initial evaluation predicted longer time to
      discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Although children 6-12 years old treated in a specialty
      concussion clinic show variability in time to discharge from concussion care,
      most were discharged within 2 months after injury. Risk factors for prolonged
      recovery, such as younger age and greater symptom burden at initial visit, can be
      used when counseling families and planning interventions. There may be varying
      contributions, including psychosocial stressors, to ongoing symptoms in children
      who experience persisting symptoms after other concussion-related concerns have
      resolved. Future work focused on the subset of children who report persisting
      symptoms will be useful for developing an evidence base related to their care.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 28082179
TI  - Strengthening of Quadriceps by Neuromuscular Magnetic Stimulation in Healthy
      Subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quadriceps muscle strengthening is one of the rehabilitation
      strategies for improving walking in some people with gait impairments, and
      neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used for that reason. The
      strengthening effect of neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (NMMS) on the
      quadriceps has been demonstrated in various conditions, but not specifically for
      gait training. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the effect of
      NMMS is clinically applicable. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of NMMS on
      quadriceps muscle strength, cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness in healthy
      subjects. DESIGN: Single-blind, prospective, case-control study. SETTING:
      Tertiary academic hospital setting. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 40 healthy
      volunteers were randomly assigned to an NMMS (n = 20) or control group (n = 20).
      INTERVENTIONS: Fifteen minutes of quadriceps NMMS of at maximum tolerable
      intensity, 3 times per week for 5 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: At baseline
      and after the intervention, the CSA and thicknesses of the rectus femoris and
      vastus intermedius were measured by ultrasound. Isometric and isokinetic maximal
      and average peak torques of the dominant side knee extensors were also measured
      at pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: There were no between-group differences in
      strength, CSA, or muscle thickness at baseline. Isometric maximum and average
      peak torque of NMMS group were increased significantly after 5 weeks of
      intervention (P < .001). The isokinetic maximum and average peak torque of NMMS
      group were increased significantly at both angle velocities of 60 degrees /sec
      and 120 degrees /sec after 5 weeks of intervention (P < .001). However, neither
      group showed a significant difference in cross-sectional area or thickness after
      training. CONCLUSION: NMMS can be a useful strengthening method for large
      skeletal muscles such as the quadriceps. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 28082180
TI  - Patient-Centered Goal Setting in a Hospital-Based Outpatient Stroke
      Rehabilitation Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Goal-setting can have a positive impact on stroke recovery during
      rehabilitation. Patient participation in goal formulation can ensure that
      personally relevant goals are set, and can result in greater satisfaction with
      the rehabilitation experience, along with improved recovery of stroke deficits.
      This, however, not yet been studied in a stroke outpatient rehabilitation
      setting. OBJECTIVE: To assess patient satisfaction of meeting self-selected goals
      during outpatient rehabilitation following a stroke. DESIGN: Retrospective chart
      review. SETTING: Stroke patients enrolled in a multidisciplinary outpatient
      rehabilitation program, who set at least 1 goal during rehabilitation.
      PARTICIPANTS: Patients recovering from a stroke received therapy through the
      outpatient rehabilitation program between January 2010 and December 2013.
      METHODS: Upon admission and discharge from rehabilitation, patients rated their
      satisfaction with their ability to perform goals that they wanted to achieve.
      Researchers independently sorted and labeled recurrent themes of goals. Goals
      were further sorted into International Classification of Functioning, Disability
      and Health (ICF) categories. To compare the perception of patients' goal
      satisfaction, repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted across the 3
      ICF goal categorizations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Goal satisfaction scores.
      RESULTS: A total of 286 patients were included in the analysis. Patient goals
      concentrated on themes of improving hand function, mobility, and cognition. Goals
      were also sorted into ICF categories in which impairment-based and activity
      limitation-based goals were predominant. Compared to activity-based and
      participation-based goals, patients with impairment-based goals perceived greater
      satisfaction with meeting their goals at admission and discharge (P < .001).
      Patient satisfaction in meeting their first-, second-, and third-listed goals
      each significantly improved by discharge from the rehabilitation program (P <
      .001). CONCLUSION: Within an outpatient stroke rehabilitation setting, patients
      set heterogeneous goals that were predominantly impairment based. Satisfaction in
      achieving goals significantly improved after receiving therapy. The type of goals
      that patients set were related to their goal satisfaction scores, with impairment
      based goals being rated significantly higher than activity-based and
      participation-based goals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 28082181
TI  - Return to the Primary Acute Care Service Among Patients With Multiple Myeloma on
      an Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancytopenia, immunosuppression, and other factors may place patients
      with multiple myeloma at risk for medical complications. These patients often
      require inpatient rehabilitation. No previous studies have looked at risk factors
      for return to the primary acute care service of this patient population.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of and factors associated with return to
      the primary acute care service of multiple myeloma rehabilitation inpatients.
      DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Acute inpatient rehabilitation unit within
      a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center. PARTICIPANTS: All
      patients with multiple myeloma admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit
      between March 1, 2004, and February 28, 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Return to
      the primary acute care service was analyzed with demographic information,
      multiple myeloma characteristics, medications, laboratory values, and hospital
      admission characteristics. RESULTS: One hundred forty-three inpatient
      rehabilitation admissions were found during the study period. After we removed
      multiple admissions of the same patients and planned transfers to the primary
      acute care service, 122 admissions were analyzed. Thirty-two (26%) patients
      transferred back to the primary acute care service for unplanned reasons.
      Multivariate analysis revealed male gender and thrombocytopenia as significantly
      associated with return to the primary acute care service. The median survival of
      patients who transferred back to the inpatient primary acute care service was 180
      days versus 550 days for those who did not (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Because of
      their medical fragility, clinicians caring for rehabilitation inpatients with
      multiple myeloma should maintain close contact with the primary oncology service.
      Factors associated with an increased risk of transfer back to the primary acute
      care service include male gender and thrombocytopenia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 28082182
TI  - Cytosine DNA methylation at promoter of non LTR retrotransposon and heat shock
      protein gene (HSP70) of Entamoeba histolytica and lack of correlation with
      transcription status.
AB  - Non LTR retrotransposons (EhLINEs and EhSINEs) occupy 11% of the Entamoeba
      histolytica genome. Since promoter DNA methylation at cytosines has been
      correlated with transcriptional silencing of transposable elements in model
      organisms we checked whether this was the case in EhLINE1. We located promoter
      activity in a 841bp fragment at 5'-end of this element by luciferase reporter
      assay. From RNAseq and RT-PCR analyses we selected a transcriptionally active and
      silent copy to study cytosine DNA methylation of the promoter region by bisulfite
      sequencing. None of the cytosines were methylated in either copy. Further, we
      looked at methylation status of a few selected cytosines in all 5'-intact EhLINE1
      copies by single nucleotide incorporation opposite cytosine in bisulfite-treated
      DNA, where dGTP would be incorporated if the cytosine was methylated. Again we
      did not find evidence of cytosine methylation, indicating that expression status
      of this element was not correlated with promoter DNA methylation. To test for any
      role of cytosine methylation in transcriptional regulation of the E. histolytica
      Hsp70 gene in which the promoter is fully methylated under normal growth
      conditions, we checked methylation status and found that the promoter remained
      fully methylated during heat-shock as well, although transcription was greatly
      enhanced by heat-shock, showing that cytosine methylation is not a repressive
      mark for EhHsp70. Our data present direct evidence that promoter methylation, a
      common mode of transposon silencing, is unlikely to be involved in
      transcriptional regulation of EhLINE1, and reinforce the conclusion that promoter
      DNA methylation may not be a major contributor to transcriptional regulation in
      E. histolytica.

PMID- 28082184
TI  - Identification and function analysis of an anti-lipopolysaccharide factor from
      the ridgetail prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda.
AB  - Anti-lipopolysaccharide factor is a kind of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) with
      broad-spectrum activities against bacteria, virus, and fungi in crustacean.
      Different isoforms of ALFs showed different activities to virus or bacteria.
      Therefore, discovery of more ALFs will provide new insights into drug development
      and disease control. Here we reported an ALF gene, EcALF1, isolated from the
      ridgetail prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda. Its transcripts was mainly detected in
      hemocytes. Silencing of EcALF1 caused a lesion of hepatopancreas and finally led
      to death of the prawn. In vivo bacteria detection to the hepatopancreas showed
      that the colonies of thiosulphate citrate bile salts (TCBS) cultured bacteria in
      EcALF1-silenced prawn increased dramatically. We identified the dominant bacteria
      cultured in TCBS and found that Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus
      were dominant bacteria which were pathogenic species to prawn. We further
      synthesized the functional domain, LPS binding domain (LBD) of EcALF1, and its
      antibacterial and antiviral activities were detected. The synthetic EcLBD1
      peptide showed very strong antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus and
      V. alginolyticus. Pre-incubation of WSSV with EcLBD1 peptide reduced the
      pathogenicity of WSSV infection to the prawn. The present data showed the
      important roles of an ALF gene in modulating the in vivo bacterial proliferation
      in E. carinicauda and provided new insight in disease control in aquaculture.

PMID- 28082183
TI  - Effects of P2X7 receptor antagonists on hypoxia-induced neonatal seizures in
      mice.
AB  - Neonatal seizures are a common consequence of hypoxic/ischemic encephalopathy
      (HIE). Phenobarbital remains the frontline treatment for neonatal seizures but is
      often ineffective. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a cell surface-expressed
      ionotropic receptor activated by high amounts of ATP which may be released during
      seizures or as a consequence of tissue injury. Here, we explored the role of the
      P2X7R in a mouse model of neonatal seizures induced by hypoxia. Exposure of
      postnatal day 7 (P7) mouse pups to global hypoxia (5% O2 for 15 min) produced
      electrographically-defined seizures with behavioural correlates that persisted
      after restitution of normoxia. Expression of the P2X7R showed age-dependent
      increases in the hippocampus and neocortex of developing mice and was present in
      human neonatal brain. P2X7R transcript and protein levels were increased 24 h
      after neonatal hypoxia-induced seizures in mouse pups. EEG recordings in pups
      determined that injection of the P2X7R antagonist A-438079 (25 mg/kg-1,
      intraperitoneal) reduced electrographic seizure number, EEG power and spiking
      during hypoxia. A-438079 did not reduce post-hypoxia seizures. Caspase-1
      processing and molecular markers of inflammation and microglia were reduced in
      A438079-treated mice. Electrographic seizure-suppressive effects were also
      observed with a second P2X7R antagonist, JNJ-47965567, in the same model. The
      present study shows hypoxia-induced seizures alter expression of purinergic and
      neuroinflammatory signalling components and suggest potential applications but
      also limitations of the P2X7R as a target for the treatment of HIE and other
      causes of neonatal seizures.

PMID- 28082185
TI  - UVA1-Induced Skin Darkening Is Associated with Molecular Changes Even in Highly
      Pigmented Skin Individuals.

PMID- 28082186
TI  - The Abnormal Architecture of Healed Diabetic Ulcers Is the Result of FAK
      Degradation by Calpain 1.
AB  - Delayed wound healing is a major complication of diabetes occurring in
      approximately 15% of chronic diabetic patients. It not only significantly affects
      patients' quality of life but also poses a major economic burden to the health
      care system. Most efforts have been focused on accelerating wound
      reepithelialization and closure. However, even after healing the quality of
      healed tissue in diabetics is abnormal and recurrence is common (50-75%). Thus,
      understanding how diabetes alters the ultimate mechanical properties of healed
      wounds will be important to develop more effective approaches for this condition.
      Focal adhesion kinase is an intracellular protein kinase that plays critical
      roles in cell migration, focal adhesion formation, and is an important component
      of cellular mechanotransduction. We have found that focal adhesion kinase
      expression is downregulated under a high glucose condition both in vitro and in
      vivo. This is secondary to increased activity of calpain 1, the primary enzyme
      responsible for focal adhesion kinase degradation, which becomes induced in
      hyperglycemia. We demonstrate that selective inhibition of calpain 1 activation
      improves wound healing and normalizes the mechanical properties of diabetic skin,
      suggesting a new therapeutic approach to prevent diabetic wound recurrence.

PMID- 28082187
TI  - The MTHFR C677T mutation is not a risk factor recognized for HBV-related HCC in a
      population with a high prevalence of this genetic marker.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene
      can affect disease progression in HBV infection. However, the results from
      different reports are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the outcome of HBV infection
      in a Tianjin Han population. METHODS: TaqMan SNP genotyping was employed to
      determine the alleles and genotypes of MTHFR C677T in 2511 subjects from various
      stages of HBV infection and 549 healthy controls. RESULTS: Of the 3060 subjects,
      the genotypic frequencies were CT 48.9%, TT 29.3% and CC 21.8%; the allelic
      frequencies were T 53.8% and C 46.2%. There was no significant difference in
      genotypic or allelic distribution among the different disease groups. When either
      healthy subjects or self-limited subjects were used as controls, the TT genotype
      and the T allele conferred protective effects against hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) (HCC vs healthy subjects: OR=0.588, 95% CI=0.413-0.836, P=0.003; OR=0.768,
      95% CI=0.645-0.915, P=0.003, respectively. HCC vs self-limited subjects:
      OR=0.598, 95% CI=0.404-0.886, P=0.010; OR=0.772, 95% CI=0.635-0.940, P=0.010,
      respectively). After sub-stratification by gender, the prevalence of the TT
      genotype or T allele was the lowest in the male HCC group (TT 23.5%, T 49.8%).
      The protective effects of the TT genotype and the T allele were observed in male
      HCC and cirrhotic subjects (HCC vs self-limited subjects: OR=0.470, 95% CI=0.288
      0.766, P=0.002; OR=0.681, 95% CI=0.535-0.866, P=0.002, respectively. Liver
      cirrhosis vs self-limited subjects: OR=0.624, 95% CI=0.392-0.992, P=0.046;
      OR=0.791, 95% CI=0.627-0.998, P=0.048, respectively), but not in female. When the
      subjects were stratified according to the clinical features, no statistically
      significant difference in the genotypic distribution was observed (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The TT genotype and T allele of MTHFR C677T may confer a protective
      effect on disease progression to HCC in HBV-infected individuals, especially
      among male patients, in a population with a high prevalence of this genetic
      marker.

PMID- 28082189
TI  - Immediate rejection of manuscripts without peer review at the CMI.

PMID- 28082188
TI  - Molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in Iceland: Early introductions, transmission
      dynamics and recent outbreaks among injection drug users.
AB  - The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in Iceland has not been described so far.
      Detailed analyses of the dynamics of HIV-1 can give insights for prevention of
      virus spread. The objective of the current study was to characterize the genetic
      diversity and transmission dynamics of HIV-1 in Iceland. Partial HIV-1 pol
      (1020bp) sequences were generated from 230 Icelandic samples, representing 77% of
      all HIV-1 infected individuals reported in the country 1985-2012. Maximum
      likelihood phylogenies were reconstructed for subtype/CRF assignment and
      determination of transmission clusters. Timing and demographic growth patterns
      were determined in BEAST. HIV-1 infection in Iceland was dominated by subtype B
      (63%, n=145) followed by subtype C (10%, n=23), CRF01_AE (10%, n=22), sub-subtype
      A1 (7%, n=15) and CRF02_AG (7%, n=15). Trend analysis showed an increase in non-B
      subtypes/CRFs in Iceland over the study period (p=0.003). The highest proportion
      of phylogenetic clustering was found among injection drug users (IDUs; 89%),
      followed by heterosexuals (70%) and men who have sex with men (35%). The time to
      the most recent common ancestor of the oldest subtype B cluster dated back to
      1978 (median estimate, 95% highest posterior density interval: 1974-1981)
      suggesting an early introduction of HIV-1 into Iceland. A previously reported
      increase in HIV-1 incidence among IDUs 2009-2011 was revealed to be due to two
      separate outbreaks. Our study showed that a variety of HIV-1 subtypes and CRFs
      were prevalent in Iceland 1985-2012, with subtype B being the dominant form both
      in terms of prevalence and domestic spread. The rapid increase of HIV-1
      infections among IDUs following a major economic crisis in Iceland raises
      questions about casual associations between economic factors, drug use and public
      health.

PMID- 28082190
TI  - A bioinformatics tool for ensuring the backwards compatibility of Legionella
      pneumophila typing in the genomic era.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has revolutionized the subtyping of
      Legionella pneumophila but calling the traditional sequence-based type from
      genomic data is hampered by multiple copies of the mompS locus. We propose a
      novel bioinformatics solution for rectifying that limitation, ensuring the
      feasibility of WGS for cluster investigation. METHODS: We designed a novel
      approach based on the alignment of raw reads with a reference sequence. With WGS,
      reads originating from either of the two mompS copies cannot be differentiated.
      Therefore, when non-identical copies were present, we applied a read-filtering
      strategy based on read alignment to a reference sequence via unique 'anchors'. If
      minimal read coverage was achieved after filtration (>=3X), a consensus sequence
      was built based on mapped reads followed by calling the sequence-based typing
      allele. The entire procedure was implemented using a Perl script. RESULTS: The
      method was validated using a diverse sample of 265 L. pneumophila genomes,
      consisting of 59 different sequence types (STs) and 23 mompS variants; 57 of the
      265 (22%) had non-identical mompS copies. In 237 of the 265 samples (89.4%),
      mompS calling was successful and no erroneous calling occurred. A 98.1% success
      was recorded among 109 samples meeting quality requirements. The method was
      superior to alternative approaches. CONCLUSIONS: As WGS becomes more accessible,
      technical difficulties in routine clinical and surveillance work will arise. The
      case of mompS in L. pneumophila serves as an example for such limitations that
      necessitate the development of novel computational solutions that meet end-user
      demands.

PMID- 28082191
TI  - Norwegian patients and retail chicken meat share cephalosporin-resistant
      Escherichia coli and IncK/blaCMY-2 resistance plasmids.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2012 and 2014 the Norwegian monitoring programme for antimicrobial
      resistance in the veterinary and food production sectors (NORM-VET) showed that
      124 of a total of 406 samples (31%) of Norwegian retail chicken meat were
      contaminated with extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli. The
      aim of this study was to compare selected cephalosporin-resistant E. coli from
      humans and poultry to determine their genetic relatedness based on whole genome
      sequencing (WGS). METHODS: Escherichia coli representing three prevalent
      cephalosporin-resistant multi-locus sequence types (STs) isolated from poultry
      (n=17) were selected from the NORM-VET strain collections. All strains carried an
      IncK plasmid with a blaCMY-2 gene. Clinical E. coli isolates (n=284) with AmpC
      mediated resistance were collected at Norwegian microbiology laboratories from
      2010 to 2014. PCR screening showed that 29 of the clinical isolates harboured
      both IncK and blaCMY-2. All IncK/blaCMY-2-positive isolates were analysed with
      WGS-based bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: Analysis of single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNP) in 2.5 Mbp of shared genome sequences showed close
      relationship, with fewer than 15 SNP differences between five clinical isolates
      from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the ST38 isolates from poultry.
      Furthermore, all of the 29 clinical isolates harboured IncK/blaCMY-2 plasmid
      variants highly similar to the IncK/blaCMY-2 plasmid present in the poultry
      isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide support for the hypothesis that clonal
      transfer of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli from chicken meat to humans may
      occur, and may cause difficult-to-treat infections. Furthermore, these E. coli
      can be a source of AmpC-resistance plasmids for opportunistic pathogens in the
      human microbiota.

PMID- 28082192
TI  - Glucose homeostasis, nutrition and infections during critical illness.
AB  - Critical illness is a complex life-threatening disease characterized by profound
      endocrine and metabolic alterations and by a dysregulated immune response,
      together contributing to the susceptibility for nosocomial infections and sepsis.
      Hitherto, two metabolic strategies have been shown to reduce nosocomial
      infections in the critically ill, namely tight blood glucose control and early
      macronutrient restriction. Hyperglycaemia, as part of the endocrine-metabolic
      responses to stress, is present in virtually all critically ill patients and is
      associated with poor outcome. Maintaining normoglycaemia with intensive insulin
      therapy has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality, by prevention of vital
      organ dysfunction and prevention of new severe infections. The favourable effects
      of this intervention were attributed to the avoidance of glucose toxicity and
      mitochondrial damage in cells of vital organs and in immune cells. Hyperglycaemia
      was shown to impair macrophage phagocytosis and oxidative burst capacity, which
      could be restored by targeting normoglycaemia. An anti-inflammatory effect of
      insulin may have contributed to prevention of collateral damage to host tissues.
      Not using parenteral nutrition during the first week in intensive care units, and
      so accepting a large macronutrient deficit, also resulted in fewer secondary
      infections, less weakness and accelerated recovery. This was at least partially
      explained by a suppressive effect of early parenteral nutrition on autophagic
      processes, which may have jeopardized crucial antimicrobial defences and cell
      damage removal. The beneficial impact of these two metabolic strategies has
      opened a new field of research that will allow us to improve the understanding of
      the determinants of nosocomial infections, sepsis and organ failure in the
      critically ill.

PMID- 28082193
TI  - How common is subsequent central nervous system toxicity in asymptomatic patients
      with haematologic malignancy and supratherapeutic voriconazole serum levels?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the frequency at which patients with elevated
      voriconazole (VRC) levels but no clinically evident central nervous system (CNS)
      toxicity subsequently develop CNS toxicity. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      the records of adult patients with haematolologic malignancy who had a VRC serum
      level >5.5 MUg/mL at MD Anderson Cancer Center (January 2010 to December 2015).
      Patients with any documented CNS toxicity at the time the VRC level was obtained
      or patients whose VRC was discontinued as a response to high VRC level were
      excluded. Neurologic status was assessed using standard grading scales.
      Demographic and clinical characteristics, including potentially interacting
      medications, were correlated with the development of toxicity. RESULTS: We
      identified 320 such patients (mean age, 57 +/- 15 years; 202 male (63%)).
      Subsequent CNS toxicity was documented in only 16 patients (5%). The most common
      CNS toxicities were visual disturbances (9/16, 56%), depressed consciousness
      (5/16, 31%) and cognitive disturbance (4/16, 19%). Patients with CNS toxicity
      tended to be older than those without (64 +/- 8 vs 57 +/- 15 y, p 0.08). The use
      of one or more neurotoxic drugs was common in patients with subsequent CNS
      toxicity (14/16, 88%). Reduction of VRC dose associated with the high VRC level
      did not correlate with less subsequent CNS toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Development of
      subsequent CNS toxicity is uncommon in haematolologic malignancy patients with
      elevated VRC levels who had no evidence of toxicity at the time the level was
      obtained. Automatic reduction of VRC dose out of concern for impending CNS
      toxicity might not be warranted.

PMID- 28082194
TI  - Bidirectional relationship of mast cells-neurovascular unit communication in
      neuroinflammation and its involvement in POCD.
AB  - Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has been hypothesized to be mediated
      by surgery-induced neuroinflammation, which is also a key element in the
      pathobiology of neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and neuropsychiatric
      disorders. There is extensive communication between the immune system and the
      central nervous system (CNS). Inflammation resulting from activation of the
      innate immune system cells in the periphery can impact central nervous system
      behaviors, such as cognitive performance. Mast cells (MCs), as the"first
      responders" in the CNS, can initiate, amplify, and prolong other immune and
      nervous responses upon activation. In addition, MCs and their secreted mediators
      modulate inflammatory processes in multiple CNS pathologies and can thereby
      either contribute to neurological damage or confer neuroprotection.
      Neuroinflammation has been considered to be linked to neurovascular dysfunction
      in several neurological disorders. This review will provide a brief overview of
      the bidirectional relationship of MCs-neurovascular unit communication in
      neuroinflammation and its involvement in POCD, providing a new and unique
      therapeutic target for the adjuvant treatment of POCD.

PMID- 28082195
TI  - The influence of calorie and physical activity labelling on snack and beverage
      choices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Much research suggests nutrition labelling does not influence lower
      energy food choice. This study aimed to assess the impact of physical activity
      based and kilocalorie (Kcal) based labels on the energy content of snack food and
      beverage choices made. METHODS: An independent-groups design, utilizing an online
      questionnaire platform tested 458 UK adults (87 men), aged 18-64 years (mean: 30
      years) whose BMI ranged from 16 to 41 kg/m2 (mean: 24 kg/m2). Participants were
      randomized to one of four label information conditions (no label, Kcal label,
      physical activity label [duration of walking required to burn the Kcal in the
      product], Kcal and physical activity label) and were asked to choose from higher
      and lower energy options for a series of items. RESULTS: Label condition
      significantly affected low vs. high-energy product selection of snack foods (p <
      0.001) and beverages (p < 0.001). The physical activity label condition resulted
      in significantly lower energy snack and beverage choices than the Kcal label
      condition (p < 0.001). This effect was found across the full sample and persisted
      even when participants' dietary restraint, BMI, gender, socioeconomic status,
      habitual physical activity, calorie and numerical literacy were controlled.
      CONCLUSION: The provision of physical activity information appeared most
      effective in influencing the selection of lower Kcal snack food and beverage
      items, when compared with no information or Kcal information. These findings
      could inform the debate around potential legislative policies to facilitate
      healthier nutritional choices at a population level.

PMID- 28082196
TI  - Multicontextual correlates of energy-dense, nutrient-poor snack food consumption
      by adolescents.
AB  - Frequent consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor snack foods is an eating
      behavior of public health concern. This study was designed to inform strategies
      for reducing adolescent intake of energy-dense snack foods by identifying
      individual and environmental influences. Surveys were completed in 2009-2010 by
      2540 adolescents (54% females, mean age = 14.5 +/- 2.0, 80% nonwhite) in
      Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota schools. Daily servings of energy-dense snack
      food was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire that asked about
      consumption of 21 common snack food items, such as potato chips, cookies, and
      candy. Data representing characteristics of adolescents' environments were
      collected from parents/caregivers, friends, school personnel, Geographic
      Information System sources, and a content analysis of favorite television shows.
      Linear regression was used to examine relationships between each individual or
      environmental characteristic and snack food consumption in separate models and
      also to examine relationships in a model including all of the characteristics
      simultaneously. The factors found to be significantly associated with higher
      energy-dense snack food intake represented individual attitudes/behaviors (e.g.,
      snacking while watching television) and characteristics of home/family (e.g.,
      home unhealthy food availability), peer (friends' energy-dense snack food
      consumption), and school (e.g., student snack consumption norms) environments. In
      total, 25.5% of the variance in adolescents' energy-dense snack food consumption
      was explained when factors from within each context were examined together. The
      results suggest that the design of interventions targeting improvement in the
      dietary quality of adolescents' snack food choices should address relevant
      individual factors (e.g., eating while watching television) along with
      characteristics of their home/family (e.g., limiting the availability of
      unhealthy foods), peer (e.g., guiding the efforts of a peer leader in making
      healthy choices), and school environments (e.g., establishing student norms for
      selecting nutrient-dense snack foods).

PMID- 28082197
TI  - Dual role of the active-center cysteine in human peroxiredoxin 1: Peroxidase
      activity and heme binding.
AB  - HBP23, a 23-kDa heme-binding protein identified in rats, is a member of the
      peroxiredoxin (Prx) family, the primary peroxidases involved in hydrogen peroxide
      catabolism. Although HBP23 has a characteristic Cys-Pro heme-binding motif, the
      significance of heme binding to Prx family proteins remains to be elucidated.
      Here, we examined the effect of heme binding to human peroxiredoxin-1 (PRX1),
      which has 97% amino acid identity to HBP23. PRX1 was expressed in Escherichia
      coli and purified to homogeneity. Spectroscopic titration demonstrated that PRX1
      binds heme with a 1:1 stoichiometry and a dissociation constant of 0.17 MUM. UV
      vis spectra of heme-PRX1 suggested that Cys52 is the axial ligand of ferric heme.
      PRX1 peroxidase activity was lost upon heme binding, reflecting the fact that
      Cys52 is not only the heme-binding site but also the active center of peroxidase
      activity. Interestingly, heme binding to PRX1 caused a decrease in the toxicity
      and degradation of heme, significantly suppressing H2O2-dependent heme peroxidase
      activity and degradation of PRX1-bound heme compared with that of free hemin. By
      virtue of its cytosolic abundance (~20 MUM), PRX1 thus functions as a scavenger
      of cytosolic hemin (<1 MUM). Collectively, our results indicate that PRX1 has a
      dual role; Cys-dependent peroxidase activity and cytosolic heme scavenger.

PMID- 28082198
TI  - Neuroprotectant androst-3beta, 5alpha, 6beta-triol suppresses TNF-alpha-induced
      endothelial adhesion molecules expression and neutrophil adhesion to endothelial
      cells by attenuation of CYLD-NF-kappaB pathway.
AB  - Neuroinflammation is one of key pathologic element in neurological diseases
      including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer' s Disease, Parkinson's
      Disease, and multiple sclerosis as well. Up-regulation of endothelial adhesion
      molecules, which facilitate leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium, is the vital
      process of endothelial cells mediated neuroinflammation. Androst-3beta, 5alpha,
      6beta-triol (Triol) is a synthetic steroid which has been reported to have
      neuroprotective effects in hypoxia/re-oxygenation-induced neuronal injury model.
      In the present study, we firstly investigated whether Triol inhibited the TNF
      alpha-induced inflammatory response in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells
      (RBMECs). Our data showed that Triol decreased TNF-alpha-induced expression of
      vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1
      (ICAM-1) and the adhesion of neutrophil to RBMECs. We also found that Triol
      inhibited TNF-alpha-induced degradation of IkappaBalpha and phosphorylation of NF
      kappaBp65 that are required for NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, Triol
      significantly reversed TNF-alpha-induced down-expression of CYLD, which is a
      deubiquitinase that negatively regulates activation of NF-kappaB. These results
      suggest that Triol displays an anti-inflammatory effect on TNF-alpha-induced
      RBMECs via downregulating of CYLD-NF-kappaB signaling pathways and might have a
      potential benefit in therapeutic neuroinflammation related diseases.

PMID- 28082199
TI  - Ric-8A-mediated stabilization of the trimeric G protein subunit Galphai is
      inhibited by pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation.
AB  - The heterotrimeric G protein subunit Galphai can be activated by G protein
      coupled receptors and the cytosolic protein Ric-8A, the latter of which is also
      known to prevent ubiquitin-dependent degradation of Galphai. Here we show that
      the amounts of the three Galphai-related proteins Galphai1, Galphai2, and
      Galphai3, but not that of Galphaq, are rapidly decreased by cell treatment with
      pertussis toxin (PTX). The decrease appears to be due to ADP-ribosylation of
      Galphai, because PTX treatment does not affect the amount of a mutant Galphai2
      carrying alanine substitution for Cys352, the residue that is ADP-ribosylated by
      the toxin. The presence of endogenous and exogenous Ric-8A increases Galphai
      stability as shown in cells treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor
      cycloheximide; however, Ric-8A fails to efficiently stabilize ADP-ribosylated
      Galphai. The failure agrees with the inability of Ric-8A to bind to ADP
      ribosylated Galphai both in vitro and in vivo. Thus PTX appears to exert its
      pathological effects at least in part by converting Galphai to an unstable ADP
      ribosylated form, in addition to the well-known inability of ADP-ribosylated
      Galphai to transduce signals triggered by G protein-coupled receptors.

PMID- 28082200
TI  - mTOR up-regulation of PFKFB3 is essential for acute myeloid leukemia cell
      survival.
AB  - Although mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) activation is frequently observed
      in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, the precise function and the downstream
      targets of mTOR are poorly understood. Here we revealed that PFKFB3, but not
      PFKFB1, PFKFB2 nor PFKFB4 was a novel downstream substrate of mTOR signaling
      pathway as PFKFB3 level was augmented after knocking down TSC2 in THP1 and OCI
      AML3 cells. Importantly, PFKFB3 silencing suppressed glycolysis and cell
      proliferation of TSC2 silencing OCI-AML3 cells and activated apoptosis pathway.
      These results suggested that mTOR up-regulation of PFKFB3 was essential for AML
      cells survival. Mechanistically, Rapamycin treatment or Raptor knockdown reduced
      the expression of PFKFB3 in TSC2 knockdown cells, while Rictor silencing did not
      have such effect. Furthermore, we also revealed that mTORC1 up-regulated PFKFB3
      was dependent on hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF1alpha), a positive
      regulator of glycolysis. Moreover, PFKFB3 inhibitor PFK15 and rapamycin
      synergistically blunted the AML cell proliferation. Taken together, PFKFB3 was a
      promising drug target in AML patients harboring mTOR hyper-activation.

PMID- 28082201
TI  - Cap-independent protein synthesis is enhanced by betaine under hypertonic
      conditions.
AB  - Protein synthesis is one of the main cellular functions inhibited during
      hypertonic challenge. The subsequent accumulation of the compatible osmolyte
      betaine during the later adaptive response allows not only recovery of
      translation but also its stimulation. In this paper, we show that betaine
      modulates translation by enhancing the formation of cap-independent 48 S pre
      initiation complexes, leaving cap-dependent 48 S pre-initiation complexes
      basically unchanged. In the presence of betaine, CrPV IRES- and sodium-dependent
      neutral amino acid transporter-2 (SNAT2) 5'-UTR-driven translation is 2- and 1.5
      fold stimulated in MCF7 cells, respectively. Thus, betaine could provide an
      advantage in translation of messengers coding for proteins implicated in the
      response of cells to different stressors, which are often recognized by ribosomal
      40 S subunit through simplified cap-independent mechanisms.

PMID- 28082202
TI  - Hepatitis C virus alters metabolism of biogenic polyamines by affecting
      expression of key enzymes of their metabolism.
AB  - Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces liver fibrosis and cancer.
      In particular metabolic alterations and associated oxidative stress induced by
      the virus play a key role in disease progression. Albeit the pivotal role of
      biogenic polyamines spermine and spermidine in the regulation of liver metabolism
      and function and cellular control of redox homeostasis, their role in the viral
      life cycle has not been studied so far. Here we show that in cell lines
      expressing two viral proteins, capsid and the non-structural protein 5A,
      expression of the two key enzymes of polyamine biosynthesis and degradation,
      respectively, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyl
      transferase (SSAT), increases transiently. In addition, both HCV core and NS5A
      induce sustained expression of spermine oxidase (SMO), an enzyme that catalyzes
      conversion of spermine into spermidine. Human hepatoma Huh7 cells harboring a
      full-length HCV replicon exhibited suppressed ODC and SSAT levels and elevated
      levels of SMO leading to decreased intracellular concentrations of spermine and
      spermidine. Thus, role of HCV-driven alterations of polyamine metabolism in virus
      replication and development of HCV-associated liver pathologies should be
      explored in future.

PMID- 28082203
TI  - Cell laden hydrogel construct on-a-chip for mimicry of cardiac tissue in-vitro
      study.
AB  - Since the leading cause of death are cardiac diseases, engineered heart tissue
      (EHT) is one of the most appealing topics defined in tissue engineering and
      regenerative medicine fields. The importance of EHT is not only for heart
      regeneration but also for in vitro developing of cardiology. Cardiomyocytes could
      grow and commit more naturally in their microenvironment rather than traditional
      cultivation. Thus, this research tried to develop a set up on-a-chip to produce
      EHT based on chitosan hydrogel. Micro-bioreactor was hydrodynamically designed
      and simulated by COMSOL and produced via soft lithography process. Chitosan
      hydrogel was also prepared, adjusted, and assessed by XRD, FTIR and also its
      degradation rate and swelling ratio were determined. Finally, hydrogels in which
      mice cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) were loaded were injected into the micro
      device chambers and cultured. Each EHT in every chamber was evaluated separately.
      Prepared EHTs showed promising results that expanded in them CPCs and work as an
      integrated syncytium. High cell density culture was the main accomplishment of
      this study.

PMID- 28082205
TI  - Blunted respiratory drive response in late onset Pompe disease.

PMID- 28082204
TI  - Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition by regorafenib/sorafenib inhibits growth and
      invasion of meningioma cells.
AB  - Systemic chemotherapeutic treatment for unresectable and/or aggressive
      meningiomas is still unsatisfying. PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-mediated activation of
      mitogenic signalling has been shown to be active in meningiomas. Therefore, we
      evaluate in vitro and in vivo the effects of inhibiting PDGFR using the
      clinically well-characterised tyrosine kinase inhibitors sorafenib or regorafenib
      in meningioma models. IOMM-Lee meningioma cells were used to assess cytotoxic
      effects, inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, as well as
      inhibition of migration and motility by sorafenib and regorafenib. Using an
      orthotopic mouse xenograft model, growth inhibition as monitored by magnetic
      resonance imaging, and overall survival of sorafenib- or regorafenib-treated mice
      compared with control animals was determined. Treatment of malignant IOMM-Lee
      cells resulted in significantly reduced cell survival and induction of apoptosis
      following regorafenib and sorafenib treatment. Western blots showed that both
      drugs target phosphorylation of p44/42 ERK via downregulation of the PDGFR. Both
      drugs additionally showed significant inhibition of cell motility and invasion.
      In vivo, mice with orthotopic meningioma xenografts showed a reduced volume
      (n.s.) of signal enhancement in MRI (mainly tumour) following sorafenib and
      regorafenib treatment. This was translated in a significantly increased overall
      survival time (p <= 0.05) for regorafenib-treated mice. Analyses of in vivo-grown
      tumours demonstrated again reduced PDGFR expression and
      expression/phosphorylation of p44/42. Sorafenib and regorafenib show antitumour
      activity in vitro and in vivo by targeting PDGFR and p44/42 ERK signalling.

PMID- 28082206
TI  - The yield of diagnostic work-up of patients presenting with myalgia, exercise
      intolerance, or fatigue: A prospective observational study.
AB  - Myalgia, fatigue, and exercise intolerance are cause for referral to a
      neurologist. However, the diagnostic value of history, neurological examination,
      and ancillary investigations in patients with these symptoms is unknown. This
      study provides a sound footing for deciding which ancillary investigations should
      be conducted. A prospective observational study of the diagnostic approach in 187
      patients with myalgia, exercise intolerance, or fatigue as their predominant
      symptom was performed. The primary outcomes were independent contribution of
      referral letter, history, examination, and ancillary investigations to a myopathy
      diagnosis. The secondary outcome was diagnostic value of combined ancillary
      investigations. 27% of patients had a myopathy. Positive family history (OR 3.2),
      progressive symptoms (OR 2.2), atrophy (OR 9.7), weakness (OR 10.9), and
      hyporeflexia (OR 4.4) were associated with a myopathy. Positive predictive values
      for myopathy were calculated for CK (0.32), EMG (0.66), ultrasound (0.47), and
      muscle biopsy (0.78). All contributed significantly in predicting myopathy.
      Multivariate analysis yielded a diagnostic algorithm facilitating a more
      efficient work-up in future patients. CK levels, EMG, ultrasound, and muscle
      biopsy independently contribute to predicting a myopathy. The diagnostic
      algorithm shows which combination of ancillary investigations should be employed
      in different subgroups and when to omit invasive techniques. This algorithm may
      drastically improve diagnostic efficiency.

PMID- 28082207
TI  - Prevalence of myotonic dystrophy type 1 in adults in western Sweden.
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common inherited muscle disorder in
      adults. The prevalence differs widely between countries, but a figure of
      13/100.000 is most frequently cited. It is a multi-organ disorder classified into
      four categories: congenital, childhood, adult/classical and late-onset/mild. The
      purpose of this study was to estimate the total and age adjusted prevalence of
      DM1 in adults in western Sweden (the Vastra Gotaland Region, VGR) as well as in
      the city of Gothenburg and also in the VGR except Gothenburg. Patients with the
      diagnosis of DM1 in the VGR were traced by outpatient registers at the
      Neuromuscular Center, contacted by regular mail and thereafter telephone
      interviewed about organ manifestations in order to ascertain the age at onset and
      thus the disease category. Medical records were examined to obtain detail
      accuracy. We detected 230 adult DM1 patients in the VGR which gives a prevalence
      of 17.8/100.000. The prevalence of DM1 in Gothenburg was 14.1/100.000, which was
      significantly lower than in the remaining region which was 19.7/100.000. There
      was no gender difference. The age adjusted prevalence rates showed that DM1 is
      most prevalent in the age group 35-44 years (23.9/100.000) and 45-54 years
      (25.8/100.000). DM1 prevalence in the western Sweden thus seems to be somewhat
      higher than elsewhere in Europe, and is especially high in the less densely
      populated areas of the region. The disease burden in the community is larger than
      what was known previously.

PMID- 28082208
TI  - Body composition and clinical outcome measures in patients with myotonic
      dystrophy type 1.
AB  - Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of adult onset muscular
      dystrophy. In this study we compared body composition in DM1 and matched controls
      and evaluated the relationship between these parameters and clinical outcome
      measures in DM1 patients. In addition we established the sensitivity to change of
      these measures in a prospective 18 month longitudinal study of the DM1 patient
      cohort. Clinical data, manual muscle testing (MMT), quantitative muscle testing
      (QMT) of ankle dorsiflexion, bilateral grip dynamometry, 6 minute walk test and a
      DM1 functional rating scale (DM1-Activ) were collected at baseline (n = 38) and
      18 month follow-up (n = 36). The case-control analysis was performed comparing
      baseline data with 31 anthropometrically matched controls. Dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to obtain regional measurements of fat-free mass
      index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) and demonstrated significant reduction of
      FFMI in the legs (left p = 0.004; right p = 0.017) and trunk (p < 0.0001) and
      increased FMI localised to the trunk (p < 0.0001) in DM1 patients compared to
      controls. Regional left and right arm FFMI and FMI significantly positively and
      negatively correlated with grip strength and both total FFMI (p = 0.0009) and FMI
      (p = 0.02) decreased and increased by 0.38 kg/m2 and 0.31 kg/m2 respectively
      after 18 month follow-up. DEXA is likely to provide a useful secondary outcome
      measurement of disease progression in addition to muscle strength and timed
      functional tasks in clinical trials.

PMID- 28082209
TI  - Resistant myasthenia gravis and rituximab: A monocentric retrospective study of
      28 patients.
AB  - This retrospective study evaluated the efficiency and tolerance of rituximab in
      the management of resistant myasthenia gravis (MG). All patients who received
      rituximab for the treatment of MG between 2004 and 2015 at Pitie-Salpetriere
      University Hospital (Paris, France) were included. The efficacy of rituximab was
      evaluated every 6 months by the myasthenic muscle score (MMS), the Myasthenia
      Gravis Foundation of America - Clinical Classification (MGFA-CC), the MGFA
      Therapy Status and the Postintervention Status (PIS). All rituximab-related side
      effects were noted. Twenty-eight patients were included: 21 with anti
      acetylcholine receptor antibodies, 3 with anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase
      antibodies and 4 seronegatives. The mean age at day 1 of RTX was 50.6 +/- 12.0
      years. Patients previously received 1-4 immunosuppressants. The mean follow-up
      was 27.2 months (range: 6-60 months). The mean total dose of rituximab was 4.8 +/
      2.5 g. The initial median MMS (58.8 points) improved significantly at M6 (74.5
      +/- 15.0 points; p < 0.0001) and remained stable thereafter: at M12: 75.9 +/-
      14.0 points (p = 0.00014), at M36: 72.5 +/- 13.1 points (p = 0.0013). Among 16
      patients with initial severe symptoms (MGFA-CC class IV), 14 improved. The PIS
      showed efficacy in about 50% of patients: at M6, 12/28 (43%) patients were
      considered improved. This benefit remained stable thereafter: at M12: 12/24, at
      M24: 7/17, at M36: 6/12. One patient developed a delayed progressive multifocal
      leukoencephalopathy. Based on the PIS, rituximab may be efficient in 50% of
      patients with MG resistant to immunosuppressants.

PMID- 28082210
TI  - Depression Literacy and Awareness of Psychopathological Symptoms During the
      Perinatal Period.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize women's depression literacy during the perinatal
      period, including their ability to recognize clinically significant symptoms of
      depression. DESIGN: A quantitative, cross-sectional, survey design. SETTING:
      Internet communities and Web sites focused on the topics of pregnancy and
      motherhood. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 194 women during the perinatal period (32.5%
      pregnant, 67.5% postnatal) completed the survey; 34.0% had clinically significant
      psychopathological symptoms. Most women were married/cohabiting (82.0%) and
      employed (71.8%). METHODS: Women answered self-report questionnaires to assess
      depression literacy, symptoms of depression, emotional competence, and
      awareness/recognition of psychopathological symptoms. RESULTS: Women had moderate
      levels of depression literacy during the perinatal period, with higher literacy
      levels concerning depression-related characteristics than depression-related
      treatments. Lower education and lower income were associated with poor depression
      literacy, whereas prior history of psychiatric problems or treatments was
      associated with higher levels of depression literacy. An indirect effect through
      emotional competence in the relationship between depression literacy and
      awareness/recognition of symptoms was found: women with poor depression literacy
      tended to have a greater lack of emotional clarity, which negatively affected
      their symptom awareness and recognition. CONCLUSION: Our results support the need
      to improve women's mental health literacy during the perinatal period. Education
      on mental health topics in the context of a trusting relationship with health
      professionals may contribute to the promotion of women's depression literacy and
      emotional competence.

PMID- 28082211
TI  - A Randomized Controlled Trial of Glycerin Suppositories During Phototherapy in
      Premature Neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if glycerin suppositories were effective in reducing
      total duration of phototherapy in premature neonates. We hypothesized that
      glycerin suppositories would have no effect on phototherapy duration or total
      serum bilirubin levels. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled double-blinded
      trial. SETTING: Level IV NICU. PARTICIPANTS: Neonates born between 30 weeks, 0
      days and 34 weeks, 6 days gestational age who developed physiologic
      hyperbilirubinemia needing phototherapy. METHODS: Neonates were randomized to the
      no-suppository group or to the suppository group. Neonates were randomized to
      receive glycerin suppositories every 8 hours while under phototherapy or to a
      sham group. The primary outcome was total hours of phototherapy. Secondary
      outcomes included peak total serum bilirubin levels, time from start to
      discontinuation of phototherapy, rate of decline in bilirubin levels, repeat
      episodes of phototherapy, and number of stools while the neonates received
      phototherapy. RESULTS: A total of 39 neonates were assigned to the no-suppository
      group and 40 to the suppository group. Withholding suppositories was not inferior
      to providing suppositories. The total hours of phototherapy were not longer
      (i.e., noninferior) among neonates not provided suppositories (61 +/- 53 hours)
      than among those given suppositories (72 +/- 49 hours). There were no differences
      in peak bilirubin levels, rate of bilirubin decline, or repeat episodes of
      phototherapy. CONCLUSION: Routine use of glycerin suppositories among preterm
      neonates who receive phototherapy does not affect bilirubin levels or
      phototherapy duration.

PMID- 28082212
TI  - Improving the sensitivity of immunoassay based on MBA-embedded Au@SiO2
      nanoparticles and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - Traditional "sandwich" structure immunoassay is mainly based on the self-assembly
      of "antibody on solid substrate-antigen-antibody with nanotags" architectures,
      and the sensitivity of this strategy is critically depended on the surface
      enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities and stability of nanotags. Therefore,
      the rational design and fabrication on the SERS nanotags attracts the common
      interests to the bio-related detecting and imaging. Herein, silica encapsulated
      Au with mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) core-shell nanoparticles (Au-MBA@SiO2) are
      fabricated instead of the traditional naked Au or Ag nanoparticles for the SERS
      based immunoassay on human and mouse IgG antigens. The MBA molecules facilitate
      the formation of continuous pinhole-free silica shell and are also used as SERS
      labels. The silica shell is employed to protect MBA labels and to isolate Au core
      from the ambient solution for blocking the aggregation. This shell also played
      the similar role to BSA in inhibiting the nonspecific bindings, which allowed the
      procedures for constructing "sandwich" structures to be simplified. All of these
      merits of the Au-MBA@SiO2 brought the high performance in the related
      immunoassay. Benefiting from the introduction of silica shell to encapsulate MBA
      labels, the detection sensitivity was improved by about 1-2 orders of magnitude
      by comparing with the traditional approach based on naked Au-MBA nanoparticles.
      This kind of label-embedded core-shell nanoparticles could be developed as the
      versatile nanotags for the bioanalysis and bioimaging.

PMID- 28082213
TI  - Deep sequencing analysis reveals a TMV mutant with a poly(A) tract reduces host
      defense responses in Nicotiana benthamiana.
AB  - Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) possesses an upstream pseudoknotted domain (UPD),
      which is important for replication. After substituting the UPD with an internal
      poly(A) tract (43 nt), a mutant TMV-43A was constructed. TMV-43A replicated
      slower than TMV and induced a non-lethal mosaic symptom in Nicotiana benthamiana.
      In this study, deep sequencing was performed to detect the differences of small
      RNA profiles between TMV- and TMV-43A-infected N. benthamiana. The results showed
      that TMV-43A produced lesser amount of virus-derived interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs)
      than that of TMV. However, the distributions of vsiRNAs generation hotspots
      between TMV and TMV-43A were similar. Expression of genes related to small RNA
      biogenesis in TMV-43A-infected N. benthamiana was significantly lower than that
      of TMV, which leads to generation of lesser vsiRNAs. The expressions of host
      defense response genes were up-regulated after TMV infection, as compared to TMV
      43A-infected plants. Host defense response to TMV-43A infection was lower than
      that to TMV. The absence of UPD might contribute to the reduced host response to
      TMV-43A. Our study provides valuable information in the role of the UPD in
      eliciting host response genes after TMV infection in N. benthamiana. (187 words).

PMID- 28082215
TI  - Neuropeptides encoded within a neural transcriptome of the giant triton snail
      Charonia tritonis, a Crown-of-Thorns Starfish predator.
AB  - Neuropeptides represent a diverse class of signaling molecules originating from
      neural tissues. These chemical modulators orchestrate complex physiological
      events including those associated with growth and reproduction. De novo
      transcriptome sequencing of a cerebral ganglion library of the endangered giant
      triton snail (Charonia tritonis) was undertaken in an effort to identify key
      neuropeptides that control or influence its physiology. The giant triton snail is
      considered a primary predator of the corallivore Acanthaster planci (Crown-of
      Thorns Starfish) that is responsible for a significant loss in coral cover on
      reefs in the Indo-Pacific. The transcriptome library was assembled into contigs,
      and then bioinformatic analysis was used to identify a repertoire of 38 giant
      triton snail neuropeptide precursor genes, and various isoforms, that encode
      conserved molluscan neuropeptides. C. tritonis neuropeptides show overall
      precursor organisation consistent with those of other molluscs. These include
      those neuropeptides associated with mollusc reproduction such as the APGWamide,
      buccalin, conopressin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), NKY and egg-laying
      hormone. These data provide a foundation for further studies targeted towards the
      functional characterisation of neuropeptides to further understand aspects of the
      biology of the giant triton snail, such as elucidating its reproductive
      neuroendocrine pathway to allow the development of knowledge based captive
      breeding programs.

PMID- 28082214
TI  - Are perioperative bundles associated with reduced postoperative morbidity in
      women undergoing benign hysterectomy? Retrospective cohort analysis of 16,286
      cases in Michigan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare teams that frequently follow a bundle of evidence-based
      processes provide care with lower rates of morbidity. Few process bundles to
      improve surgical outcomes in hysterectomy have been identified. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this study was to investigate whether a bundle of 4 perioperative care
      processes is associated with fewer postoperative complications and readmissions
      for hysterectomies in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. STUDY DESIGN:
      A bundle of perioperative care process goals was developed retrospectively with
      30-day peri- and postoperative outcome data from the Hysterectomy Initiative in
      Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. All benign hysterectomies that had been
      performed between January 2013 and January 2015 were included. Based on evidence
      of lower complication rates after benign hysterectomy, the following processes
      were considered to be the "bundle": use of guideline-appropriate preoperative
      antibiotics, a minimally invasive surgical approach, operative duration <120
      minutes, and avoidance of intraoperative hemostatic agent use. Each process was
      considered present or absent, and the number of processes was summed for a bundle
      score that ranged from 0-4. Cases with a score of zero were excluded. Outcomes
      measured were rates of complications (any and major) and hospital readmissions,
      all within 30 days of surgery. Postoperative events that were considered a "major
      complication" included acute renal failure, cardiac arrest that required
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation, central line infection, cerebral vascular
      accident, death, deep vein thrombosis, intestinal obstruction, myocardial
      infarction, pelvic abscess, pulmonary embolism, rectovaginal fistula, sepsis,
      surgical site infection (deep and organ-space), unplanned intubation, ureteral
      obstruction, and ureterovaginal and vesicovaginal fistula. The outcome "any
      complication" included all those events already described in addition to blood
      transfusion within 72 hours of surgery, urinary tract infection, and superficial
      surgical site infection. Outcomes were adjusted for patient demographics,
      surgical factors, and hospital-level clustering effects. RESULTS: There were
      16,286 benign hysterectomies available for analysis. Among all hysterectomies
      that were reviewed, 33.6% met criteria for all bundle processes; however, there
      was wide variation in the rate among the 56 hospitals in the study sample with
      9.1% of cases at the lowest quartile and 60.4% at the highest quartile of
      hospitals that met criteria for all bundle processes. Overall, the rate of any
      complication was 6.8% and of any major complication was 2.3%. The rate of
      hospital readmissions was 3.6%. After adjustment for confounders, in cases in
      which all bundle criterion were met compared with cases in which all bundle
      criterion were not met, the rate of any complications increased from 4.3-7.8%
      (P<.001); major complications increased from 1.7-2.6% (P<.001), and readmissions
      increased from 2.6-4.1% (P<.001). After adjustment for confounders, hospitals
      with greater rates of meeting all 4 criteria were associated significantly with
      lower hospital-level rates of postoperative complications (P<.001) and
      readmissions (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This multiinstitutional evaluation reveals
      that reduced morbidity and readmission are associated with rates of bundle
      compliance. The proposed bundle is a surgical goal, which is not possible in
      every case, and there is significant variation in the proportion of cases meeting
      all 4 bundle processes in Michigan hospitals. Implementation of evidence-based
      process bundles at a healthcare system level are worthy of prospective study to
      determine whether improvements in patient outcomes are possible.

PMID- 28082216
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of graphene quantum dots/CoNiAl-layered double
      hydroxide nanocomposite: Application as a glucose sensor.
AB  - In the present work, a novel nanocomposite based on the graphene quantum dots and
      CoNiAl-layered double-hydroxide was successfully synthesized by co-precipitation
      method. To achieve the morphological, structural and compositional information,
      the resulted nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy X
      ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. Then, the nanocomposite was used as a
      modifier to fabricate a modified carbon paste electrode as a non-enzymatic sensor
      for glucose determination. Electrochemical behavior and determination of glucose
      at the nanocomposite modified carbon paste electrode were investigated by cyclic
      voltammetry and chronoamperometry methods, respectively. The prepared sensor
      offered good electrocatalytic properties, fast response time, high
      reproducibility and stability. At the optimum conditions, the constructed sensor
      exhibits wide linear range; 0.01-14.0 mM with a detection limit of 6 MUM (S/N =
      3) and high sensitivity of 48.717 MUAmM-1. Finally, the sensor was successfully
      applied to determine the glucose in real samples which demonstrated its
      applicability.

PMID- 28082218
TI  - A gel-less isolation of untagged plasmid DNA insert from vector backbone in
      homogeneous format.
AB  - Agarose gel electrophoresis with subsequent DNA extraction from gel is routinely
      used for DNA fragment isolation after plasmid DNA digestion. We describe a gel
      less method for DNA fragment isolation after plasmid DNA digestion which is based
      on in-solution negative selection through depletion of vector backbone bearing
      LoxP sites by sorption on solid phase-immobilized mutated Cre recombinase. The
      method might be especially useful in preparation of DNA fragments for transgenic
      animal generation where residual agarose presence is a concern, and DNA fragments
      are frequently large in size and thus might be mechanically damaged during
      purification with conventional affinity-based gel extraction methods.

PMID- 28082217
TI  - Imaging based magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) localization for quantitative
      neurochemical analysis and cerebral metabolism studies.
AB  - Accurate quantitative metabolic imaging of the brain presents significant
      challenges due to the complexity and heterogeneity of its structures and
      compositions with distinct compartmentations of brain tissue types (e.g., gray
      and white matter). The brain is compartmentalized into various regions based on
      their unique functions and locations. In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy
      (MRS) techniques allow non-invasive measurements of neurochemicals in either
      single voxel or multiple voxels, yet the spatial resolution and detection
      sensitivity of MRS are significantly lower compared with MRI. A fundamentally
      different approach, namely spectral localization by imaging (SLIM) provides a new
      framework that overcomes major limitations of conventional MRS techniques.
      Conventional MRS allows only rectangular voxel shapes that do not conform to the
      shapes of brain structures or lesions, while SLIM allows compartments with
      arbitrary shapes. However, the restrictive assumption proposed in the original
      concept of SLIM, i.e., compartmental homogeneity, led to spectral localization
      errors, which have limited its broad applications. This review focuses on the
      recent technical frontiers of image-based MRS localization techniques that
      overcome the limitations of SLIM through the development and implementation of
      various new strategies, including incorporation of magnetic field inhomogeneity
      corrections, the use of multiple receiver coils, and prospective optimization of
      data acquisition.

PMID- 28082219
TI  - Characterization and carboplatin loaded chitosan nanoparticles for the
      chemotherapy against breast cancer in vitro studies.
AB  - Aim of the studies to synthesized chitosan nanoparticles by an ionic interaction
      procedure. The nanoparticles were characterized by physicochemical methods like,
      DLS, TEM, Surface potential measurements, FT-IR and DSC. The average particle
      size of chitosan and carboplatin nanoparticles was found to be 277.25+/-11.37nm
      and 289.30+/-8.15nm and zeta potential was found to be 31+/-3.14mV and 33+/
      2.15mV respectively with low polydispersity index. The maximum entrapment of
      carboplatin in nanoparticles was a spherical shape with a positive charge. The
      maximum encapsulation and loading efficiencies of carboplatin (5mg/ml) were
      obtained to be 58.43% and 13.27% respectively. The nanocarboplatin was better
      blood compatibility as compared to chitosan nanoparticles. Finally, the cytotoxic
      effects of the carboplatin loaded chitosan nanoparticles were tested in-vitro
      against breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines. Our studies showed that the chitosan
      nanoparticles could be used as a promising candidate for drug delivery for the
      therapeutic treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 28082220
TI  - Structural features and thermal property of propionylated starches with different
      amylose/amylopectin ratio.
AB  - This work concerned the effects of amylose/amylopectin ratio on the structure and
      thermal stability of propionylated starches with high degree of substitution
      (DS). Four starches with different amylose content were used to obtain
      propionylated starches. Acylation partly disrupted granule morphology of native
      starches, and the imperfection and porous structures of starch granule were
      intensified along with the increased amylose content. It was noted that the
      crystalline structure of starch was destroyed and thus intense acylation occurred
      in both amorphous and crystalline regions. The acylated starch with high-amylose
      content displayed more ordered region compared to low-amylose starch. Acylation
      enhanced the thermal stability of starch, and this effect became more evident as
      the amylose content increased. Thus, the amylose/amylopectin ratio has been
      confirmed capable of affecting the structure and thermal behaviors of hydrophobic
      propionylated starch, which is of value for the design of starchy materials with
      tailored thermal stability.

PMID- 28082221
TI  - Alanine 310 is important for the activity of 1,4-alpha-glucan branching enzyme
      from Geobacillus thermoglucosidans STB02.
AB  - 1,4-alpha-Glucan branching enzyme (GBE) catalyzes the formation of alpha-1,6
      branch points in starch or glycogen by hydrolyzing alpha-1,4-glucosidic linkages
      and then synthesizing alpha-1,6-glucosidic linkages. In the GBE from Geobacillus
      thermoglucosidans STB02, alanine 310 (Ala310) is located in conserved region II.
      An analysis of the amino acid sequence shows that Ala310 is highly conserved in
      the prokaryotic GBE subfamily. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to determine
      the function of Ala310 in GBE. Replacement of Ala310 with glycine, aspartate,
      asparagine, isoleucine, glutamate, or glutamine resulted in mutant enzymes with
      less than 10% to 25% of wild-type activity when amylopectin or amylose was used
      as substrate. Studies using high-performance anion exchange chromatography with
      pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) showed that A310G mutant had no effect
      on the transfer pattern, but the branching activity had been repressed to a large
      extent. Kinetic analysis also showed that mutations of Ala310 had an effect on
      the KM value that changed the preferred substrate from amylopectin to amylose.
      These results show that Ala310 is important for the catalytic activity of the GBE
      from G. thermoglucosidans STB02.

PMID- 28082222
TI  - In vitro photodynamic effects of scavenger receptor targeted-photoactivatable
      nanoagents on activated macrophages.
AB  - Scavenger receptors (SRs) expressed on the activated macrophages in inflammation
      sites have been considered as the most interesting and important target biomarker
      for targeted drug delivery, imaging and therapy. In the present study, we
      fabricated the scavenger receptor-A (SR-A) targeted-photoactivatable nanoagents
      (termed as Ce6/DS-DOCA) by entrapping chlorin e6 (Ce6) into the amphiphilic
      dextran sulfate-deoxycholic acid (DS-DOCA) conjugates via physically hydrophobic
      interactions. Insoluble Ce6 was easily encapsulated into DS-DOCA nanoparticles by
      a dialysis method and the loading efficiency was approximately 51.7%. The Ce6/DS
      DOCA formed nano-sized self-assembled aggregates (28.8+/-5.6nm in diameter),
      confirmed by transmission electron microscope, UV/Vis and fluorescence
      spectrophotometer. The Ce6/DS-DOCA nanoagents could generate highly reactive
      singlet oxygen under laser irradiation. Also, in vitro studies showed that they
      were more specifically taken up by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activated
      macrophages (RAW 264.7) via a SR-A-mediated endocytosis, relative to by non
      activated macrophages, and notably induced cell death of activated macrophages
      under laser irradiation. Therefore, SR-A targetable and photoactivatable Ce6/DS
      DOCA nanoagents with more selective targeting to the activated macrophages will
      have great potential for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 28082223
TI  - Mechanical, morphological and structural properties of cellulose nanofibers
      reinforced epoxy composites.
AB  - Present study, deals about isolation and characterization of cellulose nanofibers
      (CNFs) from the Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) pulp, fabrication by hand
      lay-up technique and characterization of fabricated epoxy nanocomposites at
      different filler loadings (0.5%, 0.75%, 1% by wt.). The effect of CNFs loading on
      mechanical (tensile, impact and flexural), morphological (scanning electron
      microscope and transmission electron microscope) and structural (XRD and FTIR)
      properties of epoxy composites were investigated. FTIR analysis confirms the
      introduction of CNFs into the epoxy matrix while no considerable change in the
      crystallinity and diffraction peaks of epoxy composites were observed by the XRD
      patterns. Additions of CNFs considerably enhance the mechanical properties of
      epoxy composites but a remarkable improvement is observed for 0.75% CNFs as
      compared to the rest epoxy nanocomposites. In addition, the electron micrographs
      revealed the perfect distribution and dispersion of CNFs in the epoxy matrix for
      the 0.75% CNFs/epoxy nanocomposites, while the existence of voids and
      agglomerations were observed beyond 0.75% CNFs filler loadings. Overall results
      analysis clearly revealed that the 0.75% CNFs filler loading is best and
      effective with respect to rest to enhance the mechanical and structural
      properties of the epoxy composites.

PMID- 28082224
TI  - Color reduction of sulfonated eucalyptus kraft lignin.
AB  - Several eucalyptus lignins named as HSL, SML and BSL were prepared by high
      temperature sulfonation, sulfomethylation, butane sultone sulfonation
      respectively. The color properties of samples were investigated. Under optimized
      conditions the sulfonic group (SO3H) content of HSL, SML and BSL reached 1.52,
      1.60 and 1.58mmol/g, respectively. Samples were characterized by UV-vis
      spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, GPC and brightness test,
      respectively. The results revealed that BSL performed a higher molecular weight
      and lighter color due to the phenolic hydroxyl blocking by 1,4-butane sultone
      (1,4-BS). The color reduction of sodium borohydride treated BSL (labeled as SBSL)
      was further enhanced and the brightness value was improved by 76.1% compared with
      the darkest HSL. SBSL process was much better than HSL and SML process. Hydroxyl
      blocking effect of 1,4-BS and reducibility of sodium borohydride played important
      roles in the color reduction of sulfonated eucalyptus kraft lignin.

PMID- 28082225
TI  - Rigidifying flexible sites: An approach to improve stability of chondroitinase
      ABC I.
AB  - The stability of chondroitin ABC lyase I (cABC I) at physiological temperature is
      one of the current obstacles to its clinical application. In this study, we used
      a protein engineering approach; rigidify flexible sites, to improve stability of
      cABC I. B-factor analysis showed a flexible loop at the N-terminal domain of cABC
      I which may be involved in its thermal instability and five residues in this
      region were replaced with proline. Thermal inactivation and thermal denaturation
      analysis revealed that Glu138Pro mutation increased half-life and Tm of enzyme,
      respectively. The Km values of mutated enzymes were slightly increased compared
      to the wild type enzyme. The results of limited proteolysis indicated that
      Glu138Pro mutant was more resistant against trypsinolysis and this variant was
      less quenched in both acrylamide and KI quenching experiments. Moreover,
      intrinsic fluorescence intensity of Glu138Pro variant was increased and its ANS
      fluorescence intensity was decreased, whereas no considerable changes were
      observed in the far-UV CD spectra. The structural analyses indicated compactness
      of structure of Glu138Pro enzyme which can be related to moderately enhanced
      stability of this mutant. This study demonstrated that rigidifying flexible
      residues can be considered as a possible approach to increase the stability of
      the protein.

PMID- 28082226
TI  - Activation of phenoloxidase activity by humoral lectin in hemocytes of freshwater
      crab Paratelphusa jacquemontii.
AB  - The lectin, Pjlec isolated from the hemolymph of the freshwater crab Paratelphusa
      jacquemontii hemagglutinated (HA) with mice, rabbit and rat erythrocytes.
      However, the lectin failed to agglutinate neraminidase treated asialylated
      erythrocytes showing its sialic acid specificity. The poyacyrlamide gel
      electrophoresis of lectin yielded 310kDa proteins, on sodium sulphate dodecyl
      (SDS) gel appeared as a tetramer with subunits of 76kDa. The observation of in
      vitro phagocytosis in granular hemocytes of lectin opsonized rabbit erythrocyte
      by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the release of lytic vesicles by
      exocytosis prior to engulfment. The Pjlec lectin also showed an ability to
      oxidize L-3, 4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and in hemocyte lysate preparation
      (HLS) was enhanced on reduction with SDS and on proteolytic cleavage with
      trypsin. The lectin appeared to have a regulatory role in activation of enzyme
      activity associated with phagocytosis and melanin formation.

PMID- 28082227
TI  - Sulfation of fucogalactan from Agaricus bisporus: Different patterns in the
      chemical structure and their effects on anticoagulant activity.
AB  - A fucogalactan from Agaricus bisporus was sulfated by two methodologies based on
      an optimized sulfation method. The direct action of chlorosulfonic acid and SO3
      pyridine complex over the sulfation reaction and its effects on anticoagulant
      activity were evaluated. The products of chemical sulfations were two sulfated
      fucogalactans named E100 and ESL respectively. Clotting assays (APTT, PT and TT)
      showed that both sulfated polysaccharides have anticoagulant activity, and that
      ESL was more potent compared to E100. The FXa, T and FXIIa activities in the
      presence of the sulfated polysaccharides were determined. The better
      anticoagulant activity of ESL could be related to anti-FXIIa activity and also
      probably to its higher bioavailability. The HPSEC analysis showed similar Mw of
      1.08*104gmol-1 and 1.00*104gmol-1 for E100 and ESL respectively. NMR and
      methylation analyses indicated a heterogeneous sulfation pattern for E100,
      whereas ESL showed conserved unsulfated (1->6)-linked alpha-d-Galp residues in
      the main-chain and a more homogeneous sulfation pattern. The DS values of ESL and
      E100 were 1.0 and 2.8 respectively, indicating that the sulfation pattern is more
      important for the anticoagulant activity than the amount of sulfate.

PMID- 28082228
TI  - Multifunctional nanocomposites of chitosan, silver nanoparticles, copper
      nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes for water treatment: Antimicrobial
      characteristics.
AB  - Multifunctional nanocomposites of chitosan with silver nanoparticles, copper
      nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes either as bi- or multifunctional
      nanocomposites were prepared. Change in the overall morphology of the prepared
      nanocomposites was observed; carbon nanotubes, Ag NPs and Cu NPs are distributed
      homogeneously inside the polymer matrix individually in the case of the bi
      nanocomposites while a combination of different dimensional shapes; spherical NPs
      and nanotubes was observed in the multifunctional nanocomposite. Multifunctional
      nanocomposites has a higher antimicrobial activity, in relative short contact
      times, against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria; E. coli,
      Staphylococcus aureus; respectively in addition to the fungal strain; Aspergillus
      flavus isolated from local wastewater sample. The nanocomposites are highly
      differentiable at the low contact time and low concentration; 1% concentration of
      the multifunctional nanocomposite is very effective against the tested microbes
      at contact time of only 10min.

PMID- 28082229
TI  - Impact of Fusarium mycotoxins on hepatic and intestinal mRNA expression of
      cytochrome P450 enzymes and drug transporters, and on the pharmacokinetics of
      oral enrofloxacin in broiler chickens.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) drug biotransformation enzymes and multidrug resistance
      (MDR) proteins may influence drug disposition processes. The first part of the
      study aimed to evaluate the effect of mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and/or
      fumonisins (FBs), at contamination levels approaching European Union guidance
      levels, on intestinal and hepatic CYP450 enzymes and MDR proteins gene expression
      in broiler chickens. mRNA expression of genes encoding CYP450 enzymes (CYP3A37,
      CYP1A4 and CYP1A5) and drug transporters (MDR1/ABCB1 and MRP2/ABCC2) was
      determined using qRT-PCR. A significant up-regulation of CYP1A4 (P = 0.037) and
      MDR1 (P = 0.036) was observed in the jejunum of chickens fed a diet contaminated
      with FBs. The second part of this study aimed to investigate the impact of
      feeding a FBs contaminated diet on the oral absorption of enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg
      BW), a MDR1 substrate. A significant (P = 0.045), however small, decreased area
      under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-48 h, mean +/- SD) was observed
      for enrofloxacin in chickens fed the FBs contaminated diet compared to the
      control group, 16.28 +/- 1.82 h MUg/mL versus 18.27 +/- 1.79 h MUg/mL. These
      findings suggest that concurrent administration of drugs with FBs contaminated
      feed might alter the pharmacokinetic characteristics of CYP1A4 substrate drugs
      and MDR1 substrates, such as enrofloxacin.

PMID- 28082230
TI  - Toxicity of hemimethyl-substituted cucurbit[7]uril.
AB  - Hemimethyl-substituted cucurbit[7]uril (HMeCB[7]), a derivative of
      cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) with nearly identical host-guest complexation properties
      to that of the parent, has significant potential in biomedical sciences due to
      its superior solubility in water. Its toxicity profile has been investigated in
      this work, including its developmental and organ-specific toxicities, with both
      in vivo zebrafish models and a relevant in vitro cellular model. These results
      demonstrated that HMeCB[7] has negligible developmental toxicity at
      concentrations up to 3.2 mM and very moderate cardiotoxicity and hepatotoxicity
      at concentrations of >=0.8 mM, and is thus generally less toxic than the parent
      CB[7]. Our results suggest that HMeCB[7] may be a promising candidate of
      excipient in medicinal and pharmaceutical research fields.

PMID- 28082231
TI  - Structure elucidation, DNA binding specificity and antiproliferative proficiency
      of isolated compounds from Garcinia nervosa.
AB  - Garcinia nervosa is an abundant source of bioactive phytochemicals. The present
      paper deals with the isolation of a novel isoflavone 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(3'-hydroxy
      4',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (1) along with a known compound
      DL-Allantoin (2) from the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Garcinia nervosa
      (Family: Guttiferae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical
      and physical evidences viz. elemental analysis, UV, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and
      mass spectral analysis. Single-crystal X-ray analysis was further used for the
      authentication of structure of both compounds (1 and 2). Interaction studies of
      compound (1) and (2) with ctDNA were studied by UV-Visible spectroscopy,
      fluorescence, KI quenching studies, competitive displacement assay and circular
      dichroism studies, which showed groove binding interaction (non-intercalation) of
      both the compounds 1 and 2 with ctDNA. However, compound 1 (K=3.9*104M-1) shows
      higher binding affinity to the ctDNA than compound 2 (K=1.44*104M-1). The
      molecular modeling results also illustrated that compound 1 strongly binds to
      groove of DNA by relative binding energy of docked structure -6.82kcal/mol. In
      addition the antiproliferative activity also showed high potential of compound 1
      against MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 cell line with IC50 value 8.44+/-3.5MUM and 6.94+/
      2.6MUM, respectively.

PMID- 28082232
TI  - Ferroptosis and cell death mechanisms in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Symptoms of Parkinson's disease arise due to neuronal loss in multiple brain
      regions, especially dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.
      Current therapies aim to restore dopamine levels in the brain, but while these
      provide symptomatic benefit, they do not prevent ongoing neurodegeneration.
      Preventing neuronal death is a major strategy for disease-modifying therapies;
      however, while many pathogenic factors have been identified, it is currently
      unknown how neurons die in the disease. Ferroptosis, a recently identified iron
      dependent cell death pathway, involves several molecular events that have
      previously been implicated in PD. This review will discuss ferroptosis and other
      cell death pathways implicated in PD neurodegeneration, with a focus on the
      potential to therapeutically target these pathways to slow the progression of
      this disease.

PMID- 28082233
TI  - Comparison of multiplex platforms for cytokine assessments and their potential
      use for biomarker profiling in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The levels of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines can be altered in
      different autoimmune pathologies, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). It is likely
      that cytokines in bodily fluids can provide a good reflection of ongoing disease
      patho-physiology. In this study we aimed to validate multiplex cytokine platforms
      and evaluate whether these cytokines are differentially expressed in MS. METHODS:
      Assay validation for simultaneous quantification of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF
      alpha in serum and CSF were performed using both the Luminex-xMAP (Luminex) and
      Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platforms. Next, the relation of the pro-inflammatory
      cytokine 4-plex with disease progression, symptoms and subtypes was studied in
      paired serum and CSF of MS patients (n=56), and compared with healthy controls
      (n=203), with the use of the MSD-platform. RESULTS: The MSD-platform showed
      overall better assay characteristics such as, sensitivity, recovery and linearity
      compared to the Luminex for the 4-plex cytokines in CSF and serum. IL-6, IL-8 and
      TNF-alpha (p<0.001) levels were significantly increased in MS serum compared to
      healthy controls. Moreover, serum IL-1beta levels correlated with expanded
      disability status scale (EDSS) scores (r=-0.34, p<0.05). Additionally, IL-6 and
      IL-8 CSF levels were both significantly decreased in MS patients compared to non
      inflammatory neurological disease controls. Noteworthy, higher IL-8 CSF levels
      than IL-8 serum levels were observed for MS patients, indicating intrathecal
      activation of macrophages in MS. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that the pro
      inflammatory 4-plex kit of the MSD-platform shows better assay characteristics in
      comparison with Luminex kit for quantification of these cytokines in serum and
      CSF. Overall, the increased levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha in serum of MS
      patients compared to healthy controls, support the use of multiple cytokines for
      future MS biomarker and disease progression research.

PMID- 28082234
TI  - Increased systemic and epidermal levels of IL-17A and IL-1beta promotes
      progression of non-segmental vitiligo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) results from autoimmune destruction of
      melanocytes. The altered levels of various cytokines have been proposed in the
      pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, the exact immune mechanisms have not yet been
      fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of epidermal and systemic
      cytokines in active and stable NSV patients. METHODS: Serum levels of
      inflammatory cytokines were checked in 42 active and 30 stable NSV patients with
      30 controls. The lesional, perilesional and normal skin sections were subjected
      to H&E staining. The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and their
      respective receptors were assessed by quantitative PCR in lesional skin of both
      active and stable NSV skin. The MITF and IL-17A were immunolocalized in lesional,
      perilesional and normal skin tissue. RESULTS: Significant increase in the
      expression of inflammatory cytokines, IL-17A, IL-1beta and TGF-beta was observed
      in active patients, whereas no change was observed in stable patients. A marked
      reduction in epidermal thickness was observed in lesional skin sections.
      Significant increase in IL-17A and significant decrease in microphthalmia
      associated transcription factor (MITF) expression was observed in lesional and
      perilesional skin sections. Moreover, qPCR analysis showed significant
      alterations in the mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, TGF-beta and their
      respective receptors in active and stable vitiligo patient samples. CONCLUSION:
      Increased levels of IL-17A and IL-1beta cytokines and decreased expression of
      MITF suggested a possible role of these cytokines in dysregulation of melanocytic
      activity in the lesional skin and hence might be responsible for the progression
      of active vitiligo.

PMID- 28082236
TI  - Adenosine generated by ectonucleotidases modulates the host immune system during
      visceral leishmaniasis.
AB  - Adenosine, an endogenous purine nucleoside is one such extracellular signaling
      molecule whose role in the regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and immune
      pathogenicity in visceral leishmaniasis is indeterminate. Here, we have evaluated
      the adenosine in the plasma of 20 visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients during
      active disease and after successful treatment. We observed the elevated plasma
      adenosine during active VL disease (26.73+/-1.95MUM) and the level subsides as
      the treatment progresses and falls to the normal level after successful treatment
      (4.32+/-0.45MUM). We demonstrated a direct correlation between changes in the
      plasma adenosine level and the Th1/Th2 balance in VL patients and it was
      corroborated with in vitro experiment. Further, we delineated the molecular
      mechanism involved in the elevation of plasma adenosine during visceral
      leishmaniasis. Our results reveal that the elevated plasma adenosine level
      associated with pathogenicity and plays a critical role in skewing immune
      response from Th1 to Th2 type to influence the outcome of the disease.

PMID- 28082235
TI  - From stable disease to acute-on-chronic liver failure: Circulating cytokines are
      related to prognosis in different stages of cirrhosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although both pro- and anti-inflammatory circulating cytokines are
      known to be elevated in liver cirrhosis, its clinical significance is not
      completely recognized. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic significance of
      circulating cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17 and IL-10 in different stages of
      cirrhosis. METHODS: This prospective study included two cohorts: (1) stable
      cirrhosis attended in the Outpatient Clinic (n=118), and (2) subjects
      hospitalized for acute decompensation (AD) (n=130). Thirty healthy subjects
      served as control group. RESULTS: Patients with cirrhosis exhibited higher levels
      of cytokines as compared to controls. In stable cirrhosis, during a median follow
      up of 17months, liver-related events occurred in 26 patients. Higher IL-10 levels
      and Child-Pugh B/C were independently associated with reduced event-free
      survival. In AD cohort, death after 90days of follow-up occurred in 39 patients
      and was independently associated with ascites, higher IL-6 and model for end
      stage liver disease. IL-6 levels also showed higher AUROC than CRP for predicting
      bacterial infection in the AD cohort (0.831+/-0.043vs. 0.763+/-0.048,
      respectively). IL-17 decreased at third day of hospitalization only in patients
      who progressed to death. Higher IL-6 levels were observed in acute-on-chronic
      liver failure (ACLF) patients even in the absence of bacterial infection whereas
      IL-10 was higher only in subjects with infection-related ACLF. Higher IL-10 and
      IL-17 levels were associated with progression to death in ACLF. CONCLUSIONS: The
      pattern of immune response seems to vary according to the phase of cirrhosis and
      is related to prognosis, from stable disease to ACLF.

PMID- 28082237
TI  - Follicular fluid cytokine composition and oocyte quality of polycystic ovary
      syndrome patients with metabolic syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization.
AB  - PURPOSE: To provide insights into the correlation among lipid metabolism,
      cytokine profiles in the follicular fluid (FF) and embryo quality of women with
      Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: Ninety
      women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment were recruited, including
      60 PCOS patients (PCOS non MS and PCOS MS) and 30 age-matched controls.
      Individual FF samples were analyzed using the cytometric multiplex immunoassay.
      RESULTS: In the FF, the PCOS MS group was associated with higher, total
      cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
      concentrations compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). The FF tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) level in the PCOS MS group was 3.89+/
      1.18ng/mL, which was significantly higher compared with the control (2.94+/
      1.02ng/mL) and PCOS non-MS groups (3.05+/-1.21ng/mL) (P=0.002), while the
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) level in the PCOS MS group (4.18+/
      1.33ng/mL) was lower compared with the control (5.61+/-1.82ng/mL) and PCOS non-MS
      groups (5.32+/-1.91ng/mL) (P=0.004). The FF G-CSF showed a trend toward negative
      relationship with TG and TC; TNF-alpha concentration was positively associated
      with TG. The percentage of top-quality embryo decreased in the PCOS MS group than
      in the other two groups (20% vs. 38.4% and 34.6%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion,
      there was an elevated lipolysis condition within the FF of PCOS MS patients and
      the TNF-alpha and G-CSF levels in FF were associated with top-quality embryo
      percentage. TNF-alpha and G-CSF may be the key cytokines involved in the
      mechanism of decreased embryo development potential in PCOS MS patients.

PMID- 28082238
TI  - Electrochemiluminescent chemodosimeter based on iridium(III) complex for point-of
      care detection of homocysteine levels.
AB  - Elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) are an independent risk factor for
      cardiovascular disease. Although a routine, rapid, and simple determination of
      Hcy levels is highly desired, the existing methods are practically limited
      because of complicated sample preparation and bulky instrumentation. Herein, we
      report a chemodosimetric approach for one-step analysis of Hcy levels based on
      the electrochemiluminescence (ECL). A rationally designed cyclometalated
      iridium(III) complex possessing a phenylisoquinoline main ligand underwent a
      selective ring-formation reaction with Hcy to generate a binding adduct, which
      enabled producing highly luminescent excited states, and yielded strong ECL
      signals on the surface of electrode without any use of enzymes or antibodies. The
      level of Hcy was successfully monitored by the ECL increment with a linear
      correlation between 0 and 40uM in 99.9% aqueous media. The approach required
      neither sample preparation nor bulky instrument, suggesting the point-of-care
      testing of Hcy levels, and is potentially useful for routine, cost-effective, and
      precautionary diagnosis of various cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 28082239
TI  - Recent advances in nanomaterial-based biosensors for antibiotics detection.
AB  - Antibiotics are able to be accumulated in human body by food chain and may induce
      severe influence to human health and safety. Hence, the development of sensitive
      and simple methods for rapid evaluation of antibiotic levels is highly desirable.
      Nanomaterials with excellent electronic, optical, mechanical, and thermal
      properties have been recognized as one of the most promising materials for
      opening new gates in the development of next-generation biosensors. This review
      highlights the current advances in the nanomaterial-based biosensors for
      antibiotics detection. Different kinds of nanomaterials including carbon
      nanomaterials, metal nanomaterials, magnetic nanoparticles, up-conversion
      nanoparticles, and quantum dots have been applied to the construction of
      biosensors with two main signal-transducing mechanisms, i.e. optical and
      electrochemical. Furthermore, the current challenges and future prospects in this
      field are also included to provide an overview for future research directions.

PMID- 28082240
TI  - Non-invasive, in vitro analysis of islet insulin production enabled by an optical
      porous silicon biosensor.
AB  - A label-free porous silicon (pSi) based, optical biosensor, using both an
      antibody and aptamer bioreceptor motif has been developed for the detection of
      insulin. Two parallel biosensors were designed and optimised independently, based
      on each bioreceptor. Both bioreceptors were covalently attached to a thermally
      hydrosilylated pSi surface though amide coupling, with unreacted surface area
      rendered stable and low fouling by incorporation of PEG moieties. The insulin
      detection ability of each biosensor was determined using interferometric
      reflectance spectroscopy, using a range of different media both with and without
      serum. Sensing performance was compared in terms of response value, response time
      and limit of detection (LOD) for each platform. In order to demonstrate the
      capability of the best performing biosensor to detect insulin from real samples,
      an in vitro investigation with the aptamer-modified surface was performed. This
      biosensor was exposed to buffer conditioned by glucose-stimulated human islets,
      with the result showing a positive response and a high degree of selectivity
      towards insulin capture. The obtained results correlated well with the ELISA used
      in the clinic for assaying glucose-stimulated insulin release from donor islets.
      We anticipate that this type of sensor can be applied as a rapid point-of-use
      biosensor to assess the quality of donor islets in terms of their insulin
      production efficiency, prior to transplantation.

PMID- 28082241
TI  - Bacterial community dynamics in a biodenitrification reactor packed with
      polylactic acid/poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) blend as the carbon
      source and biofilm carrier.
AB  - While heterotrophic denitrification has been widely used for treating such
      nitrogen-rich wastewater, it requires the use of additional carbon sources. With
      fluctuations in the nitrate concentration in the influent, controlling the C/N
      ratio to avoid carbon breakthrough becomes difficult. To overcome this obstacle,
      solid-phase denitrification (SPD) using biodegradable polymers has been used,
      where denitrification and carbon source biodegradation depend on microorganisms
      growing within the reactor. However, the microbial community dynamics in
      continuous-flow SPD reactors have not been fully elucidated yet. Here, we aimed
      to study bacterial community dynamics in a biodenitrification reactor packed with
      a polylactic acid/poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PLA/PHBV) blend
      as the carbon source and biofilm carrier. A lab-scale denitrifying reactor filled
      with a PLA/PHBV blend was used. With 85 mg/L of influent NO3-N concentration and
      a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2.5 h, more than 92% of the nitrate was
      removed. The bacterial community of inoculated activated sludge had the highest
      species richness in all samples. Bacterial species diversity in the reactor first
      decreased and then increased to a stable level. Diaphorobacter species were
      predominant in the reactor after day 24. In total, 178 clones were retrieved from
      the 16S rRNA gene clone library constructed from the biofilm samples in the
      reactor at 62 days of operation, and 80.9% of the clones were affiliated with
      Betaproteobacteria. Of these, 97.2% were classified into phylotypes corresponding
      to Diaphorobacter nitroreducens strain NA10B with 99% sequence similarity.
      Diaphorobacter, Rhizobium, Acidovorax, Rubrivivax, Azospira, Thermomonas, and
      Acidaminobacter constituted the biofilm microflora in the stably running reactor.

PMID- 28082242
TI  - New guidelines, new recommendations! But what is really new? A pragmatic
      interpretation of the 2016 European guidelines for the management of chronic
      heart failure.

PMID- 28082243
TI  - Clinical outcomes in myocardial infarction and multivessel disease after a
      cardiac rehabilitation programme: Partial versus complete revascularization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current guideline recommendations encourage culprit vessel only
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease. However, recent studies
      have shown a better clinical outcome in patients who receive multivessel PCI.
      AIM: To measure and compare clinical outcomes between partial revascularization
      (PR) versus complete revascularization (CR) in patients with STEMI and
      multivessel disease who underwent a cardiac rehabilitation programme. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 282 patients with STEMI and
      multivessel disease who received PR or CR and were subsequently enrolled in a
      cardiac rehabilitation programme between July 2006 and November 2013 at La Paz
      University Hospital. The incidences of cardiovascular events, new PCI, hospital
      admissions for cardiovascular reasons and mortality were compared between the PR
      and CR groups. RESULTS: Overall, 143 patients received PR and 139 received CR.
      Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups, except for mean age (59.3
      vs. 56.7 years; P=0.02), diabetes mellitus prevalence (34.3% vs. 20.1%; P=0.01)
      and number of arteries with stenosis (2.6 vs. 2.3; P=0.001). During the mean
      follow-up of 48.0+/-25.9 months, a cardiovascular event occurred in 23 (16.1%) PR
      patients and 20 (14.4%) CR patients, with no statistically significant
      differences in the early (hazard ratio: 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.19-1.89)
      or late (hazard ratio: 1.40, 95% confidence interval: 0.62-3.14) follow-up
      periods. Cox regression, adjusted for age, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus and
      number of affected coronary vessels, showed no difference in new cardiovascular
      event risk. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistical differences in clinical
      outcomes between PR and CR among patients who received cardiac rehabilitation.

PMID- 28082244
TI  - Isolation of Clostridium perfringens type A from wild bharals (Pseudois nayaur)
      following sudden death in Tibet, China.
AB  - Dozens of wild bharals died suddenly in Tibet. Necropsy showed severe congestion
      and hemorrhage in multiple organs, with large numbers of Gram-positive bacilli.
      Strains of Clostridium perfringens type A were isolated from the different organs
      and the intestinal contents. The other possible pathogens were ruled out by PCR.

PMID- 28082245
TI  - Corticosterone administration after a single-trial contextual fear conditioning
      does not influence the strength and specificity of recent and remote memory in
      rats.
AB  - It is well established that corticosterone (CORT) enhances memory consolidation
      of emotionally arousing experiences. Despite emotional memories being usually
      referred to as well remembered for long periods, there are no studies that have
      investigated the effects of CORT in modulating the duration and specificity of
      memory. In the present study, we trained Wistar rats in a single-trial contextual
      fear conditioning protocol and injected CORT (0.3, 1.0 or 3.0mg/kg), immediately
      after training, to investigate its effects on memory consolidation. Rats were
      tested 2 and 29days after the training session or only 29days after training to
      assess recent or remote memory. Our results show that animals tested for recent
      memory discriminated the training context from a novel one, while those tested
      only for remote memory generalized the fear response to both contexts. Animals
      tested for remote memory after being tested for recent memory were able to
      discriminate both contexts. These results support the literature regarding memory
      specificity and duration. However, CORT treatment, even at the dose of 1.0mg/kg
      that effectively enhanced the plasmatic hormone levels, did not affect the
      strength or the specificity of memory in either recent or remote memory tests. We
      hypothesize that the lack of effect of CORT treatment could be due to the low
      arousing training experience of the single-trial protocol which, despite being
      sufficient to induce significant recent and remote memory consolidation, may not
      be sufficient to allow the memory-enhancing effect of CORT.

PMID- 28082246
TI  - Prepubertal ovariectomy modulates paced mating behavior but not sexual preference
      or conditioned place preference for mating in female rats.
AB  - The present study investigated whether the presence or absence of peripubertal
      ovarian hormones affects sexual preference and conditioned place preference for
      paced mating in adult female rats primed with 10MUg estradiol benzoate and 1mg
      progesterone. Ovariectomy (OVX) occurred either before or after pubertal
      development, and 4weeks later rats began a series of behavioral tests. Rats with
      ovaries removed before the pubertal timeframe (Prepubertal OVX) were more active,
      more likely to withdrawal from the male compartment, and did not discriminate
      between mounts and intromissions during paced mating relative to rats with
      ovaries during puberty (Adult OVX). Both Adult OVX and Prepubertal OVX rats
      showed a higher preference for the male when hormone primed vs. oil treated and a
      conditioned place preference for paced mating behavior. The results of the
      present study demonstrate that some, but not all, aspects of female sexual
      behavior require ovarian hormones during puberty.

PMID- 28082247
TI  - The impact of psychological stress on cardiovascular function and health.

PMID- 28082248
TI  - Pain modulation as a function of hypnotizability: Diffuse noxious inhibitory
      control induced by cold pressor test vs explicit suggestions of analgesia.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of explicit suggestions
      of analgesia and of the activation of the Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control
      (DNIC) by cold pressor test on pain perception and heart rate in healthy
      participants with high (highs, N=18), low (lows, N=18) and intermediate scores of
      hypnotizability (mediums, N=15) out of hypnosis. Pain reports and the stimulus
      locked heart rate changes induced by electrical nociceptive stimulation of the
      left hand were studied in the absence of concomitant stimuli (Control), during
      suggestions of analgesia (SUGG, glove analgesia) and during cold pressor test
      used as a conditioning stimulus to the right hand (DNIC, water temperature=10-12
      degrees C) in the REAL session. Participants were submitted also to a SHAM
      session in which the DNIC water temperature was 30 degrees C and the suggestions
      for analgesia were substituted with weather forecast information. Both
      suggestions and DNIC reduced pain significantly in all subjects; however, the
      percentage of reduction was significantly larger in highs (pain intensity=55% of
      the control condition) than in mediums (70%) and lows (80%) independently of the
      REAL/SHAM session and of the specific pain manipulation. Heart rate was not
      modulated consistently with pain experience. Findings indicate that both
      suggestions and DNIC influence pain experience as a function of hypnotizability
      and suggest that both sensory and cognitive mechanisms co-operate in DNIC induced
      analgesia.

PMID- 28082249
TI  - Mechanical and chemical properties of composite materials made of dredged
      sediments in a fly-ash based geopolymer.
AB  - Dredging activity in harbours and channels produces huge quantities of sediments,
      generally considered as waste soil (WS) to be disposed: the management of such
      sediments is a great environmental problem for many countries worldwide. Among
      the recycling possibilities, the use of dredged sediments for the manufacture of
      geopolymer-based materials seems to be an interesting alternative to disposal,
      due to their low cost and easy availability. In order to analyse the possibility
      to use these geopolymer materials as building materials - for instance as precast
      construction elements in maritime projects - a multi-disciplinary research
      activity has been developed at the Federico II University of Napoli (Italy). Some
      experimental tests have been carried out on different geopolymeric specimens made
      by mixing sediments from Napoli 'harbour and industrial fly ashes produced by a
      power plant in the South of Italy. A siliceous sand was used for comparison as an
      inert reference material. Chemical, morphological and mechanical properties of
      different specimens have been studied by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron
      Microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and finally
      unconfined compression tests. The experimental results highlight that the use of
      dredged sediments in combination with fly ash can lead to geopolymeric matrices
      with interesting mechanical performances. Some differences in the microstructure
      of the geocomposite built with the siliceous sand or the dredged materials were
      found. In terms of environmental impacts, on the basis of standard leaching tests
      and according to Italian thresholds, the adopted dredged mixtures satisfy the
      prescribed limit for inert or non hazardous waste.

PMID- 28082250
TI  - Loss of ecosystem services due to chronic pollution of forests and surface waters
      in the Adirondack region (USA).
AB  - Sustaining recent progress in mitigating acid pollution could require lower
      emissions caps that will give rise to real or perceived tradeoffs between healthy
      ecosystems and inexpensive energy. Because most impacts of acid rain affect
      ecosystem functions that are poorly understood by policy-makers and the public,
      an ecosystem services (ES) framework can help to measure how pollution affects
      human well-being. Focused on the Adirondack region (USA), a global 'hot-spot' of
      acid pollution, we measured how the chronic acidification of the region's
      forests, lakes, and streams has affected the potential economic and cultural
      benefits they provide to society. We estimated that acid-impaired hardwood
      forests provide roughly half of the potential benefits of forests on moderate to
      well-buffered soils - an estimated loss of ~ $10,000 ha-1 in net present value of
      wood products, maple syrup, carbon sequestration, and visual quality. Acidic
      deposition has had only nominal impact - relative to the effects of surficial
      geology and till depth - on the capacity of Adirondack lakes and streams to
      provide water suitable for drinking. However, as pH declines in lakes, the
      estimated value of recreational fishing decreases significantly due to loss of
      desirable fish such as trout. Hatchery stocking programs have partially offset
      the pollution-mediated losses of fishery value, most effectively in the pH range
      4.8-5.5, but are costly and limited in scope. Although any estimates of the
      monetary 'damages' of acid rain have significant uncertainties, our findings
      highlight some of the more tangible economic and cultural benefits of pollution
      mitigation efforts, which continue to face litigation and political opposition.

PMID- 28082251
TI  - Upstream solutions to coral reef conservation: The payoffs of smart and
      cooperative decision-making.
AB  - Land-based source pollutants (LBSP) actively threaten coral reef ecosystems
      globally. To achieve the greatest conservation outcome at the lowest cost,
      managers could benefit from appropriate tools that evaluate the benefits (in
      terms of LBSP reduction) and costs of implementing alternative land management
      strategies. Here we use a spatially explicit predictive model (InVEST-SDR) that
      quantifies change in sediment reaching the coast for evaluating the costs and
      benefits of alternative threat-abatement scenarios. We specifically use the model
      to examine trade-offs among possible agricultural road repair management actions
      (water bars to divert runoff and gravel to protect the road surface) across the
      landscape in West Maui, Hawaii, USA. We investigated changes in sediment delivery
      to coasts and costs incurred from management decision-making that is (1)
      cooperative or independent among landowners, and focused on (2) minimizing costs,
      reducing sediment, or both. The results illuminate which management scenarios
      most effectively minimize sediment while also minimizing the cost of mitigation
      efforts. We find targeting specific "hotspots" within all individual parcels is
      more cost-effective than targeting all road segments. The best outcomes are
      achieved when landowners cooperate and target cost-effective road repairs,
      however, a cooperative strategy can be counter-productive in some instances when
      cost-effectiveness is ignored. Simple models, such as the one developed here,
      have the potential to help managers make better choices about how to use limited
      resources.

PMID- 28082252
TI  - Percutaneous management of bile duct stones in children: results of 12 cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic
      removal of bile duct stones in children. METHODS: The study included 12 pediatric
      patients (4 males, 8 females; age range, 1-16 years; mean age, 6.6 years) who
      underwent percutaneous transhepatic removal of bile duct stones between September
      2007 and December 2015. Demographic data, patient symptoms, indications for
      interventions, technical and clinical outcomes of the procedure, and
      complications were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Of 12 children, five
      children with cholelithiasis underwent cholecystectomy subsequently. The overall
      technical and clinical success rate was 100%. One patient had cholangitis as a
      complication during the follow-up and was treated medically. CONCLUSION:
      Percutaneous transhepatic removal of bile duct stones is a safe and effective
      method for the treatment of children with biliary stone disease. It is a feasible
      alternative when the endoscopic procedure is unavailable or fails.

PMID- 28082253
TI  - Optimizing care for the obese patient in interventional radiology.
AB  - With the rising epidemic of obesity, interventional radiologists are treating
      increasing numbers of obese patients, as comorbidities associated with obesity
      preclude more invasive treatments. These patients are at heightened risk of
      vascular and oncologic disease, both of which often require interventional
      radiology care. Obese patients pose unique challenges in imaging, technical
      feasibility, and periprocedural monitoring. This review describes the technical
      and clinical challenges posed by this population, with proposed methods to
      mitigate these challenges and optimize care.

PMID- 28082254
TI  - Proton pump inhibitor use for 12 months is not associated with changes in serum
      magnesium levels: a prospective open label comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a widely used class of drugs
      because of a generally acceptable safety profile. Among recently raised safety
      issues of the long-term use of PPIs is the increased risk of developing
      hypomagnesemia. As there have been very few prospective studies measuring serum
      magnesium levels before and after PPI therapy, we aimed to prospectively assess
      the potential association between PPI therapy for 12 months and the risk of
      hypomagnesemia as well as the incidence of new-onset hypomagnesemia during the
      study. In addition, the association of PPI therapy with the risk of hypocalcemia
      was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 250 patients with normal
      serum magnesium and total calcium levels, who underwent a long-term PPI
      treatment. Serum magnesium, total calcium, and parathormone (PTH) levels were
      measured at baseline and after 12 months. RESULTS: Of the 250 study participants,
      209 completed 12 months of treatment and were included in the statistical
      analysis. The Wilcoxon signed rank test showed no statistically significant
      differences in serum magnesium levels between measurements at two different time
      points. However, there were statistically significant differences in serum total
      calcium and PTH levels in PPI users. CONCLUSION: Stable serum magnesium levels
      were demonstrated after 12 months and no association between PPI use and risk of
      hypomagnesemia was shown in the general population. Significant reductions of
      serum total calcium levels were demonstrated among PPI users; nevertheless,
      further research is required before recommending any serum calcium and PTH level
      monitoring in patients initiated on long-term PPI therapy.

PMID- 28082255
TI  - Pancreatic pseudocyst after measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination.

PMID- 28082256
TI  - Using Administrative Data to Ascertain True Cases of Muscular Dystrophy: Rare
      Disease Surveillance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Administrative records from insurance and hospital discharge data
      sources are important public health tools to conduct passive surveillance of
      disease in populations. Identifying rare but catastrophic conditions is a
      challenge since approaches for maximizing valid case detection are not firmly
      established. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to explore a number of
      algorithms in which International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
      Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes and other administrative variables could
      be used to identify cases of muscular dystrophy (MD). METHODS: We used active
      surveillance to identify possible cases of MD in medical practices in neurology,
      genetics, and orthopedics in 5 urban South Carolina counties and to identify the
      cases that had diagnostic support (ie, true cases). We then developed an
      algorithm to identify cases based on a combination of ICD-9-CM codes and
      administrative variables from a public (Medicaid) and private insurer claims
      based system and a statewide hospital discharge dataset (passive surveillance).
      Cases of all types of MD and those with Duchenne or Becker MD (DBMD) that were
      common to both surveillance systems were examined to identify the most specific
      administrative variables for ascertainment of true cases. RESULTS: Passive
      statewide surveillance identified 3235 possible cases with MD in the state, and
      active surveillance identified 2057 possible cases in 5 actively surveilled
      counties that included 2 large metropolitan areas where many people seek medical
      care. There were 537 common cases found in both the active and passive systems,
      and 260 (48.4%) were confirmed by active surveillance to be true cases. Of the
      260 confirmed cases, 70 (26.9%) were recorded as DBMD. CONCLUSIONS: Accuracy of
      finding a true case in a passive surveillance system was improved substantially
      when specific diagnosis codes, number of times a code was used, age of the
      patient, and specialty provider variables were used.

PMID- 28082257
TI  - Analyzing mHealth Engagement: Joint Models for Intensively Collected User
      Engagement Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evaluating engagement with an intervention is a key component of
      understanding its efficacy. With an increasing interest in developing behavioral
      interventions in the mobile health (mHealth) space, appropriate methods for
      evaluating engagement in this context are necessary. Data collected to evaluate
      mHealth interventions are often collected much more frequently than those for
      clinic-based interventions. Additionally, missing data on engagement is closely
      linked to level of engagement resulting in the potential for informative
      missingness. Thus, models that can accommodate intensively collected data and can
      account for informative missingness are required for unbiased inference when
      analyzing engagement with an mHealth intervention. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of
      this paper are to discuss the utility of the joint modeling approach in the
      analysis of longitudinal engagement data in mHealth research and to illustrate
      the application of this approach using data from an mHealth intervention designed
      to support illness management among people with schizophrenia. METHODS:
      Engagement data from an evaluation of an mHealth intervention designed to support
      illness management among people with schizophrenia is analyzed. A joint model is
      applied to the longitudinal engagement outcome and time-to-dropout to allow
      unbiased inference on the engagement outcome. Results are compared to a naive
      model that does not account for the relationship between dropout and engagement.
      RESULTS: The joint model shows a strong relationship between engagement and
      reduced risk of dropout. Using the mHealth app 1 day more per week was associated
      with a 23% decreased risk of dropout (P<.001). The decline in engagement over
      time was steeper when the joint model was used in comparison with the naive
      model. CONCLUSIONS: Naive longitudinal models that do not account for informative
      missingness in mHealth data may produce biased results. Joint models provide a
      way to model intensively collected engagement outcomes while simultaneously
      accounting for the relationship between engagement and missing data in mHealth
      intervention research.

PMID- 28082258
TI  - EEPD1 Is a Novel LXR Target Gene in Macrophages Which Regulates ABCA1 Abundance
      and Cholesterol Efflux.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The sterol-responsive nuclear receptors, liver X receptors alpha
      (LXRalpha, NR1H3) and beta (LXRbeta, NR1H2), are key determinants of cellular
      cholesterol homeostasis. LXRs are activated under conditions of high cellular
      sterol load and induce expression of the cholesterol efflux transporters ABCA1
      and ABCG1 to promote efflux of excess cellular cholesterol. However, the full set
      of genes that contribute to LXR-stimulated cholesterol efflux is unknown, and
      their identification is the objective of this study. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We
      systematically compared the global transcriptional response of macrophages to
      distinct classes of LXR ligands. This allowed us to identify both common and
      ligand-specific transcriptional responses in macrophages. Among these, we
      identified endonuclease-exonuclease-phosphatase family domain containing 1
      (EEPD1/KIAA1706) as a direct transcriptional target of LXRs in human and murine
      macrophages. EEPD1 specifically localizes to the plasma membrane owing to the
      presence of a myristoylation site in its N terminus. Accordingly, the first 10
      amino acids of EEPD1 are sufficient to confer plasma membrane localization in the
      context of a chimeric protein with GFP. Functionally, we report that silencing
      expression of EEPD1 blunts maximal LXR-stimulated Apo AI-dependent efflux and
      demonstrate that this is the result of reduced abundance of ABCA1 protein in
      human and murine macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we identify EEPD1 as a
      novel LXR-regulated gene in macrophages and propose that it promotes cellular
      cholesterol efflux by controlling cellular levels and activity of ABCA1.

PMID- 28082259
TI  - Identification of Genetic Variants Linking Protein C and Lipoprotein Metabolism:
      The ARIC Study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have identified common genetic variants in 4
      chromosomal regions that together account for 14% to 15% of the variance in
      circulating levels of protein C. To further characterize the genetic architecture
      of protein C, we obtained denser coverage at some loci, extended investigation of
      protein C to low-frequency and rare variants, and searched for new associations
      in genes known to influence protein C. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Genetic associations
      with protein C antigen level were evaluated in <=10 778 European and 3190 black
      participants aged 45 to 64 years. Analyses included >26 million autosomal
      variants available after imputation to the 1000 Genomes reference panel along
      with additional low-frequency and rare variants directly genotyped using the
      Illumina ITMAT-Broad-CARe chip and Illumina HumanExome BeadChip. Genome-wide
      significant associations (P<5*10-8) were found for common variants in the GCKR,
      PROC, BAZ1B, and PROCR-EDEM2 regions in whites and PROC and PROCR-EDEM2 regions
      in blacks, confirming earlier findings. In a novel finding, the low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering allele of rs12740374, located in the CELSR2
      PSRC1-SORT1 region, was associated with lower protein C level in both whites and
      blacks, reaching genome-wide significance in a meta-analysis combining results
      from both groups (P=1.4*10-9). To further investigate a possible link between
      lipid metabolism and protein C level, we conducted Mendelian randomization
      analyses using 185 lipid-related genetic variants as instrumental variables. The
      results indicated that triglycerides, and possibly low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, influence protein C levels. CONCLUSIONS: Discovery of variants
      influencing circulating protein C levels in the CELSR2-PSRC1-SORT1 region may
      indicate a novel genetic link between lipoprotein metabolism and hemostasis.

PMID- 28082260
TI  - Mechanisms of Mas1 Receptor-Mediated Signaling in the Vascular Endothelium.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Angiotensin II (AngII) has been shown to regulate angiogenesis and at
      high pathophysiological doses to cause vasoconstriction through the AngII
      receptor type 1. Angiotensin 1 to 7 (Ang-(1-7)) acting through the Mas1 receptor
      can act antagonistically to high pathophysiological levels of AngII by inducing
      vasodilation, whereas the effects of Ang-(1-7) signaling on angiogenesis are less
      defined. To complicate the matter, there is growing evidence that a subpressor
      dose of AngII produces phenotypes similar to Ang-(1-7). APPROACH AND RESULTS:
      This study shows that low-dose Ang-(1-7), acting through the Mas1 receptor,
      promotes angiogenesis and vasodilation similar to a low, subpressor dose of AngII
      acting through AngII receptor type 1. In addition, we show through in vitro tube
      formation that Ang-(1-7) augments the angiogenic response in rat microvascular
      endothelial cells. Using proteomic and genomic analyses, downstream components of
      Mas1 receptor signaling were identified, including Rho family of GTPases,
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase D1, mitogen-activated protein
      kinase, and extracellular signal-related kinase signaling. Further experimental
      antagonism of extracellular signal-related kinases 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated
      protein kinase signaling inhibited endothelial tube formation and vasodilation
      when stimulated with equimolar, low doses of either AngII or Ang-(1-7).
      CONCLUSIONS: These results significantly expand the known Ang-(1-7)/Mas1 receptor
      signaling pathway and demonstrate an important distinction between the
      pathological effects of elevated and suppressed AngII compared with the
      beneficial effects of AngII normalization and Ang-(1-7) administration. The
      observed convergence of Ang-(1-7)/Mas1 and AngII/AngII receptor type 1 signaling
      at low ligand concentrations suggests a nuanced regulation in vasculature. These
      data also reinforce the importance of mitogen-activated protein
      kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase signaling in maintaining vascular
      function.

PMID- 28082261
TI  - Hydrogel versus Bare Platinum Coils in Patients with Large or Recurrent Aneurysms
      Prone to Recurrence after Endovascular Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Some patients are at high risk of aneurysm recurrence
      after endovascular treatment: patients with large aneurysms (Patients Prone to
      Recurrence After Endovascular Treatment PRET-1) or with aneurysms that have
      previously recurred after coiling (PRET-2). We aimed to establish whether the use
      of hydrogel coils improved efficacy outcomes compared with bare platinum coils.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: PRET was an investigator-led, pragmatic, multicenter,
      parallel, randomized (1:1) trial. Randomized allocation was performed separately
      for patients in PRET-1 and PRET-2, by using a Web-based platform ensuring
      concealed allocation. The primary outcome was a composite of a residual/recurrent
      aneurysm, adjudicated by a blinded core laboratory, or retreatment, intracranial
      bleeding, or mass effect during the 18-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes
      included adverse events, mortality, and morbidity (mRS > 2). The hypothesis was
      that hydrogel would decrease the primary outcome from 50% to 30% at 18 months,
      necessitating 125 patients per group (500 for PRET-1 and PRET-2). RESULTS: The
      trial was stopped once 250 patients in PRET-1 and 197 in PRET-2 had been
      recruited because of slow accrual. A poor primary outcome occurred in 44.4% (95%
      CI, 35.5%-53.2%) of those in PRET-1 allocated to platinum compared with 52.5%
      (95% CI, 43.4%-61.6%) of patients allocated to hydrogel (OR, 1.387; 95% CI, 0.838
      2.295; P = .20) and in 49.0% (95% CI, 38.8%-59.1%) in PRET-2 allocated to
      platinum compared with 42.1% (95% CI, 32.0%-52.2%) allocated to hydrogel (OR,
      0.959; 95% CI, 0.428-1.342; P = .34). Adverse events and morbidity were similar.
      There were 3.6% deaths (1.4% platinum, 5.9% hydrogel; P = .011). CONCLUSIONS:
      Coiling of large and recurrent aneurysms is safe but often poorly effective
      according to angiographic results. Hydrogel coiling was not shown to be better
      than platinum.

PMID- 28082262
TI  - Endovascular Rescue Therapy for Refractory Vasospasm: When and How?

PMID- 28082263
TI  - Effects of Radiation Exposure on the Cost-Effectiveness of CT Angiography and
      Perfusion Imaging in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CT angiography and perfusion imaging is an important
      prognostic tool in the management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid
      hemorrhage. The purpose of this study was to perform a cost-effectiveness
      analysis of advanced imaging in patients with SAH, incorporating the risks of
      radiation exposure from CT angiography and CT perfusion imaging. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The risks of radiation-induced brain cancer and cataracts were
      incorporated into our established decision model comparing the cost-effectiveness
      of CT angiography and CT perfusion imaging and transcranial Doppler sonography in
      SAH. Cancer risk was calculated by using National Cancer Institute methodology.
      The remaining input probabilities were based on literature data and a cohort at
      our institution. Outcomes were expected quality-adjusted life years gained,
      costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. One-way, 2-way, and
      probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: CT angiography and CT
      perfusion imaging were the dominant strategies, resulting in both better health
      outcomes and lower costs, even when incorporating brain cancer and cataract
      risks. Our results remained robust in 2-way sensitivity analyses varying the
      prolonged latency period up to 30 years, with either brain cancer risk up to 50
      times higher than the upper 95% CI limit or the probability of cataracts from 0
      to 1. Results were consistent for scenarios that considered either symptomatic or
      asymptomatic patients with SAH. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirmed our
      findings over a broad range of selected input parameters. CONCLUSIONS: While
      risks of radiation exposure represent an important consideration, CT angiography
      and CT perfusion imaging remained the preferred imaging compared with
      transcranial Doppler sonography in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients
      with SAH, with improved health outcomes and lower health care costs, even when
      modeling a significantly higher risk and shorter latency period for both cataract
      and brain cancer than that currently known.

PMID- 28082264
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28082265
TI  - Regarding "Uremic Encephalopathy: MR Imaging Findings and Clinical Correlation".

PMID- 28082267
TI  - Use of X-rays to study acupuncture points of the hand: implications for
      education.

PMID- 28082266
TI  - Reporting characteristics and risk of bias in randomised controlled trials of
      acupuncture analgesia published in PubMed-listed journals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acupuncture analgesia has been evaluated by a number of randomised
      controlled trials (RCTs); however, a systematic summary of reporting quality of
      RCTs in this specific field is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To examine the reporting
      characteristics and risk of bias of RCTs of acupuncture analgesia indexed in the
      PubMed database. METHODS: A PubMed search of RCTs of acupuncture analgesia was
      conducted through November 2015. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool was
      used to assess the risk of bias of each trial. RESULTS: 206 articles were
      identified across 59 journals (impact factor 0.4-20), of which 56% of articles
      and 86% of journals were Science Citation Index (SCI)-indexed. Nearly half of the
      articles were published in China. The next most represented countries of origin
      were the UK (22%) and USA (21%). Of the included trials, postoperative pain was
      the most prevalent phenotype, and manual acupuncture was the most frequently
      applied type of stimulation (46%). A total of 12% of articles reported on
      analgesic mechanisms. The most frequently used acupuncture points were LI4, ST36,
      PC6, SP6 and Shenmen. The overwhelming majority of trials were considered to be
      at high risk of bias (84%). Furthermore, 79% of trials enrolled <50 participants
      per treatment arm. CONCLUSIONS: RCTs of acupuncture analgesia indexed in PubMed
      journals generally exhibited poor reporting of methodological and treatment
      details. Future studies should provide more information regarding clinical trial
      registration, blinding of participants (including sham procedures where
      applicable) and outcome assessors, as well as the training and qualification of
      acupuncturists.

PMID- 28082268
TI  - New onset facial swelling.

PMID- 28082269
TI  - Commentary: It's not all doom and gloom...but the crunch is coming.

PMID- 28082270
TI  - Modern Healthcare Versus Nontuberculous Mycobacteria: Who Will Have the Upper
      Hand?

PMID- 28082271
TI  - A painful swollen knee after a fall.

PMID- 28082272
TI  - Let's hear it for the case report.

PMID- 28082273
TI  - Infographic: The training-injury prevention paradox: should athletes be training
      smarter and harder?

PMID- 28082274
TI  - NHS chief warns of more financial challenges.

PMID- 28082275
TI  - Validity and Reliability of the Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) Scale and
      Development of Its Shorter Version (S-PAC) Among Family Caregivers of Older
      Adults.
AB  - Purpose of the Study: To (a) assess the validity and reliability of the 9-item
      Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale among a national sample of caregivers
      for older adults with functional limitations, (b) develop a shorter version
      (short-PAC [S-PAC] scale) and assess its psychometric properties, and (c)
      investigate both scales' measurement equivalence/invariance (ME/I) across
      language of administration (Chinese/English/Malay). Design and Methods:
      Scale/item measurement property assessment, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA),
      testing the "original" 2-factor model (6 items: first factor; 3 items: second
      factor), and exploratory FA (EFA) of the 9-item PAC scale was done. Consequently,
      alternate CFA models were tested. The S-PAC was developed and subjected to CFA.
      For both scales, convergent (correlation with caregiver esteem) and divergent
      (correlation with caregiver depressive symptoms) validity, and language ME/I was
      assessed. Results: For the 9-item PAC scale, the "original" 2-factor CFA model
      had a poor fit; its EFA and scale/item measurement properties supported a single
      factor. Among alternate CFA models, a bi-factor model (all nine items: first
      factor [overall PAC]; six items: second factor [self-affirmation]; three items:
      third factor [outlook-on-life]) had the best fit. The bi-factor CFA model also
      had a good fit for the S-PAC scale, developed after eliminating 2 items from the
      9-item PAC scale. Both scales demonstrated convergent and divergent validity, and
      partial ME/I across language of administration. Implications: Both the 9-item PAC
      and 7-item S-PAC scales can be used to assess positive feelings resulting from
      care provision among family caregivers of older adults with functional
      limitations.

PMID- 28082276
TI  - Balancing Eating With Breathing: Community-Dwelling Older Adults' Experiences of
      Dysphagia and Texture-Modified Diets.
AB  - Purpose: Although many older adults suffer from dysphagia and are required to eat
      texture-modified diets, little is known about the experiences and challenges
      faced in doing so at home. In this study, we explored the perspectives of
      community-dwelling older adults as they struggled to balance dysphagia symptoms
      and recommended diet modifications with their preferred lifestyles. Design and
      Methods: Using an interpretive descriptive design, we conducted 37 in-home semi
      structured interviews and 5 member-checking interviews, participant observations
      during a meal, and reviewed the medical charts of 20 participants recruited
      through maximum variation purposeful sampling. Meaning units and codes were
      identified and synthesized into 4 themes. Results: Participants faced a
      frightening choice between eating and breathing. Hiding dysphagia symptoms from
      the public eye was important to preserve self-identity. Following the recommended
      diet created a feeling that life was "falling apart." We also found that adhering
      to the diet was not an "all or none" phenomenon. Implications: Given that correct
      adherence to the restrictive diet is rare, to effectively manage dysphagia
      symptoms, clinicians must appreciate the full range of impact of dysphagia and
      texture-modified diets on the lives of older adults.

PMID- 28082278
TI  - Ageism and the Older Worker: A Scoping Review.
AB  - Purpose of the Study: Given the policy shifts toward extended work lives, it is
      critically important to address barriers that older workers may face in attaining
      and maintaining satisfactory work. This article presents a scoping review of
      research addressing ageism and its implications for the employment experiences
      and opportunities of older workers. Design and Methods: The five-step scoping
      review process outlined by Arksey and O'Malley was followed. The data set
      included 43 research articles. Results: The majority of articles were cross
      sectional quantitative surveys, and various types of study participants (older
      workers, human resource personnel/manager, employers, younger workers,
      undergraduate students) were included. Four main themes, representing key
      research emphases, were identified: stereotypes and perceptions of older workers;
      intended behavior toward older workers; reported behavior toward older workers;
      and older workers' negotiation of ageism. Implications: Existing research
      provides a foundational evidence base for the existence of ageist stereotypes and
      perceptions about older workers and has begun to demonstrate implications in
      relation to intended behaviors and, to a lesser extent, actual behaviors toward
      older workers. A few studies have explored how aging workers attempt to negotiate
      ageism. Further research that extends beyond cross-sectional surveys is required
      to achieve more complex understandings of the implications of ageism and inform
      policies and practices that work against ageism.

PMID- 28082277
TI  - Interdisciplinary Practice Models for Older Adults With Back Pain: A Qualitative
      Evaluation.
AB  - Purpose: Older adults seek health care for low back pain from multiple providers
      who may not coordinate their treatments. This study evaluated the perceived
      feasibility of a patient-centered practice model for back pain, including
      facilitators for interprofessional collaboration between family medicine
      physicians and doctors of chiropractic. Design and Methods: This qualitative
      evaluation was a component of a randomized controlled trial of 3
      interdisciplinary models for back pain management: usual medical care; concurrent
      medical and chiropractic care; and collaborative medical and chiropractic care
      with interprofessional education, clinical record exchange, and team-based case
      management. Data collection included clinician interviews, chart abstractions,
      and fieldnotes analyzed with qualitative content analysis. An organizational
      level framework for dissemination of health care interventions identified
      norms/attitudes, organizational structures and processes, resources, networks
      linkages, and change agents that supported model implementation. Results:
      Clinicians interviewed included 13 family medicine residents and 6 chiropractors.
      Clinicians were receptive to interprofessional education, noting the experience
      introduced them to new colleagues and the treatment approaches of the cooperating
      profession. Clinicians exchanged high volumes of clinical records, but found the
      logistics cumbersome. Team-based case management enhanced information flow,
      social support, and interaction between individual patients and the collaborating
      providers. Older patients were viewed positively as change agents for
      interprofessional collaboration between these provider groups. Implications:
      Family medicine residents and doctors of chiropractic viewed collaborative care
      as a useful practice model for older adults with back pain. Health care
      organizations adopting medical and chiropractic collaboration can tailor this
      general model to their specific setting to support implementation.

PMID- 28082279
TI  - Perceived Neighborhood Safety, Social Cohesion, and Psychological Health of Older
      Adults.
AB  - Purpose of the Study: We aimed to investigate the interactive effects of
      perceived neighborhood safety and social cohesion on the psychological health of
      older adults with and without functional impairments. Design and Methods: This
      cross-sectional study included 13,897 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65
      years and older) from the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).
      Hypotheses were tested using weighted moderated ordinary least squared regression
      analysis. Results: Perceived neighborhood safety was significantly associated
      with psychological health regardless of respondents' physical functioning,
      although the effect was greater among older adults with functional limitations.
      Perceived social cohesion, however, was only significantly related to
      psychological health among those with functional limitations. Among physically
      impaired respondents, social cohesion buffered the ill-effect of an unsafe
      neighborhood on psychological health. Implications: Findings suggest that efforts
      to promote perceived neighborhood safety and social cohesion are essential to the
      well-being of older adults. Special attention should be paid to older adults with
      functional limitations, who appear to be more vulnerable to the negative effects
      of neighborhood environments.

PMID- 28082281
TI  - The American Journal of Botany in 2017: Let's work together!

PMID- 28082280
TI  - Serum Metabolomic Profiles Identify ER-Positive Early Breast Cancer Patients at
      Increased Risk of Disease Recurrence in a Multicenter Population.
AB  - Purpose: Detecting signals of micrometastatic disease in patients with early
      breast cancer (EBC) could improve risk stratification and allow better tailoring
      of adjuvant therapies. We previously showed that postoperative serum metabolomic
      profiles were predictive of relapse in a single-center cohort of estrogen
      receptor (ER)-negative EBC patients. Here, we investigated this further using
      preoperative serum samples from ER-positive, premenopausal women with EBC who
      were enrolled in an international phase III trial.Experimental Design: Proton
      nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of 590 EBC samples (319 with
      relapse or >=6 years clinical follow-up) and 109 metastatic breast cancer (MBC)
      samples was performed. A Random Forest (RF) classification model was built using
      a training set of 85 EBC and all MBC samples. The model was then applied to a
      test set of 234 EBC samples, and a risk of recurrence score was generated on the
      basis of the likelihood of the sample being misclassified as metastatic.Results:
      In the training set, the RF model separated EBC from MBC with a discrimination
      accuracy of 84.9%. In the test set, the RF recurrence risk score correlated with
      relapse, with an AUC of 0.747 in ROC analysis. Accuracy was maximized at 71.3%
      (sensitivity, 70.8%; specificity, 71.4%). The model performed independently of
      age, tumor size, grade, HER2 status and nodal status, and also of Adjuvant!
      Online risk of relapse score.Conclusions: In a multicenter group of EBC patients,
      we developed a model based on preoperative serum metabolomic profiles that was
      prognostic for disease recurrence, independent of traditional clinicopathologic
      risk factors. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1422-31. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28082282
TI  - A wild origin of the loss-of-function lycopene beta cyclase (CYC-b) allele in
      cultivated, red-fleshed papaya (Carica papaya).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The red flesh of some papaya cultivars is caused by a
      recessive loss-of-function mutation in the coding region of the chromoplast
      specific lycopene beta cyclase gene (CYC-b). We performed an evolutionary genetic
      analysis of the CYC-b locus in wild and cultivated papaya to uncover the origin
      of this loss-of-function allele in cultivated papaya. METHODS: We analyzed the
      levels and patterns of genetic diversity at the CYC-b locus and six loci in a 100
      kb region flanking CYC-b and compared these to genetic diversity levels at
      neutral autosomal loci. The evolutionary relationships of CYC-b haplotypes were
      assessed using haplotype network analysis of the CYC-b locus and the 100-kb CYC-b
      region. KEY RESULTS: Genetic diversity at the recessive CYC-b allele (y) was much
      lower relative to the dominant Y allele found in yellow-fleshed wild and
      cultivated papaya due to a strong selective sweep. Haplotype network analyses
      suggest the y allele most likely arose in the wild and was introduced into
      domesticated varieties after the first papaya domestication event. The shared
      haplotype structure between some wild, feral, and cultivated haplotypes around
      the y allele supports subsequent escape of this allele from red cultivars back
      into wild populations through feral intermediates. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      supports a protracted domestication process of papaya through the introgression
      of wild-derived traits and gene flow from cultivars to wild populations. Evidence
      of gene flow from cultivars to wild populations through feral intermediates has
      implications for the introduction of transgenic papaya into Central American
      countries.

PMID- 28082283
TI  - Five species, many genotypes, broad phenotypic diversity: When agronomy meets
      functional ecology.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Current ecological theory can provide insight into the
      causes and impacts of plant domestication. However, just how domestication has
      impacted intraspecific genetic variability (ITV) is unknown. We used 50 ecotypes
      and 35 cultivars from five grassland species to explore how selection drives
      functional trait coordination and genetic differentiation. METHODS: We quantified
      the extent of genetic diversity among different sets of functional traits and
      determined how much genetic diversity has been generated within populations of
      natural ecotypes and selected cultivars. KEY RESULTS: In general, the cultivars
      were larger (e.g., greater height, faster growth rates) and had larger and
      thinner leaves (greater SLA). We found large (average 63%) and trait-dependent
      (ranging from 14% for LNC to 95.8% for growth rate) genetic variability. The
      relative extent of genetic variability was greater for whole-plant than for organ
      level traits. This pattern was consistent within ecotypes and within cultivars.
      However, ecotypes presented greater ITV variability. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      indicated that genetic diversity is large in domesticated species with
      contrasting levels of heritability among functional traits and that selection for
      high yield has led to indirect selection of some associated leaf traits. These
      findings open the way to define which target traits should be the focus in
      selection programs, especially in the context of community-level selection.

PMID- 28082285
TI  - Plasticity of neuroeffector transmission during bowel inflammation1.
AB  - Altered gastrointestinal (GI) function contributes to the debilitating symptoms
      of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Nerve circuits contained within the gut
      wall and outside of the gut play important roles in modulating motility, mucosal
      fluid transport, and blood flow. The structure and function of these neuronal
      populations change during IBD. Superimposed on this plasticity is a diminished
      responsiveness of effector cells - smooth muscle cells, enterocytes, and vascular
      endothelial cells - to neurotransmitters. The net result is a breakdown in the
      precisely orchestrated coordination of motility, fluid secretion, and GI blood
      flow required for health. In this review, we consider how inflammation-induced
      changes to the effector innervation of these tissues, and changes to the tissues
      themselves, contribute to defective GI function in models of IBD. We also explore
      the evidence that reversing neuronal plasticity is sufficient to normalize
      function during IBD.

PMID- 28082284
TI  - Hepatocyte-specific PPARA expression exclusively promotes agonist-induced cell
      proliferation without influence from nonparenchymal cells.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARA) is a nuclear
      transcription factor and key mediator of systemic lipid metabolism. Prolonged
      activation in rodents causes hepatocyte proliferation and hepatocellular
      carcinoma. Little is known about the contribution of nonparenchymal cells (NPCs)
      to PPARA-mediated cell proliferation. NPC contribution to PPARA agonist-induced
      hepatomegaly was assessed in hepatocyte (Ppara?Hep)- and macrophage (Ppara?Mac)
      specific Ppara null mice. Mice were treated with the agonist Wy-14643 for 14
      days, and response of conditional null mice was compared with conventional
      knockout mice (Ppara-/- ). Wy-14643 treatment caused weight loss and severe
      hepatomegaly in wild-type and Ppara?Mac mice, and histological analysis revealed
      characteristic hepatocyte swelling; Ppara?Hep and Ppara-/- mice were protected
      from these effects. Ppara?Mac serum chemistries, as well as aspartate
      aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, matched wild-type mice.
      Agonist-treated Ppara?Hep mice had elevated serum cholesterol, phospholipids, and
      triglycerides when compared with Ppara-/- mice, indicating a possible role for
      extrahepatic PPARA in regulating circulating lipid levels. BrdU labeling
      confirmed increased cell proliferation only in wild-type and Ppara?Mac mice.
      Macrophage PPARA disruption did not impact agonist-induced upregulation of lipid
      metabolism, cell proliferation, or DNA damage and repair-related gene expression,
      whereas gene expression was repressed in Ppara?Hep mice. Interestingly,
      downregulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-15 and IL-18 was dependent on
      macrophage PPARA. Cell type-specific regulation of target genes was confirmed in
      primary hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. These studies conclusively show that cell
      proliferation is mediated exclusively by PPARA activation in hepatocytes and that
      Kupffer cell PPARA has an important role in mediating the anti-inflammatory
      effects of PPARA agonists.

PMID- 28082286
TI  - Enteric glia cells are critical to limiting the intestinal inflammatory response
      after injury.
AB  - Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has been shown to limit intestinal inflammation
      following injury; however, a direct connection between vagal terminals and
      resident intestinal immune cells has yet to be identified. We have previously
      shown that enteric glia cell (EGC) expression is increased after injury through a
      vagal-mediated pathway to help restore gut barrier function. We hypothesize that
      EGCs modulate immune cell recruitment following injury and relay vagal anti
      inflammatory signals to resident immune cells in the gut. EGCs were selectively
      ablated from an isolated segment of distal bowel with topical application of
      benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in male mice. Three days following BAC application,
      mice were subjected to an ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) by superior
      mesenteric artery occlusion for 30 min. VNS was performed in a separate cohort of
      animals. EGC+ and EGC- segments were compared utilizing histology, flow
      cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and intestinal permeability. VNS significantly
      reduced immune cell recruitment after I/R injury in EGC+ segments with cell
      percentages similar to sham. VNS failed to limit immune cell recruitment in EGC-
      segments. Histologic evidence of gut injury was diminished with VNS application
      in EGC+ segments, whereas EGC- segments showed features of more severe injury.
      Intestinal permeability increased following I/R injury in both EGC+ and EGC-
      segments. Permeability was significantly lower after VNS application compared
      with injury alone in EGC+ segments only (95.1 +/- 30.0 vs. 217.6 +/- 21.7 MUg/ml,
      P < 0.05). Therefore, EGC ablation uncouples the protective effects of VNS,
      suggesting that vagal-mediated signals are translated to effector cells through
      EGCs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intestinal inflammation is initiated by local immune cell
      activation and epithelial barrier breakdown, resulting in the production of
      proinflammatory mediators with subsequent leukocyte recruitment. Vagal nerve
      stimulation (VNS) has been shown to limit intestinal inflammation following
      injury; however, direct connection between vagal terminals and resident
      intestinal immune cells has yet to be identified. Here, we demonstrate that
      intact enteric glia cells are required to transmit the gut anti-inflammatory
      effects of VNS.

PMID- 28082287
TI  - Ups and downs of the ADP phosphoproteome.

PMID- 28082288
TI  - Making a case for more sickle cell initiatives in Africa.

PMID- 28082289
TI  - Transplant biomarkers ready for the clinic?

PMID- 28082290
TI  - Microbes prevent HSPCs from "NOD"-ing off.

PMID- 28082291
TI  - One size doesn't fit all in Ph-like ALL.

PMID- 28082292
TI  - CML stem cells: evasion for better invasion.

PMID- 28082293
TI  - Driving the hemophilia tolerance CAR.

PMID- 28082294
TI  - Zika virus in the blood supply.

PMID- 28082295
TI  - Near-triploid B lymphoblastic leukemia with Burkitt-like morphology.

PMID- 28082296
TI  - Nerves in bone marrow of newly diagnosed therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 28082297
TI  - Varied effects of age-related neuropathologies on the trajectory of late life
      cognitive decline.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine whether the effects of age-related
      neuropathologies on cognition change over time. Participants were 1096 deceased
      persons from two clinical-pathologic studies. All were without dementia at
      baseline, completed a detailed battery of cognitive tests annually over up to 21
      years, died, and underwent detailed neuropathologic examinations to identify
      Alzheimer's disease pathology, vascular pathologies (i.e. macro- and microscopic
      infarcts, atherosclerosis, arteriolar sclerosis, and cerebral amyloid
      angiopathy), Lewy bodies, transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43)
      pathology, and hippocampal sclerosis. A time-varying effects model was used to
      flexibly characterize the trajectory of global cognition and assess whether the
      effects of demographics and each neuropathologic index on cognition changed over
      time. Results indicated that the mean trajectory of global cognition was
      characterized by gradual cognitive decline beginning ~15 years before death and
      accelerated decline in the last few years. With the exception of microinfarcts
      and arteriolar sclerosis, all neuropathologies were associated with the cognitive
      trajectory. However, the nature of their associations varied. Alzheimer's disease
      pathology, macroscopic infarcts, Lewy bodies, TDP-43 pathology, and hippocampal
      sclerosis were associated with progressive cognitive decline, with their
      deleterious effects increasing over time. By contrast, atherosclerosis and
      cerebral amyloid angiopathy pathology were associated with a lower level of
      cognition but their effects were relatively stable over time. These results
      suggest that age-related neuropathologies are differentially related to late life
      cognitive trajectories. Whereas some contribute to progressive cognitive
      deterioration, others lower the level of cognition but exert relatively stable
      effects over time.

PMID- 28082298
TI  - Finding the imposter: brain connectivity of lesions causing delusional
      misidentifications.
AB  - SEE MCKAY AND FURL DOI101093/AWW323 FOR A SCIENTIFIC COMMENTARY ON THIS ARTICLE:
      Focal brain injury can sometimes lead to bizarre symptoms, such as the delusion
      that a family member has been replaced by an imposter (Capgras syndrome). How a
      single brain lesion could cause such a complex disorder is unclear, leading many
      to speculate that concurrent delirium, psychiatric disease, dementia, or a second
      lesion is required. Here we instead propose that Capgras and other delusional
      misidentification syndromes arise from single lesions at unique locations within
      the human brain connectome. This hypothesis is motivated by evidence that
      symptoms emerge from sites functionally connected to a lesion location, not just
      the lesion location itself. First, 17 cases of lesion-induced delusional
      misidentifications were identified and lesion locations were mapped to a common
      brain atlas. Second, lesion network mapping was used to identify brain regions
      functionally connected to the lesion locations. Third, regions involved in
      familiarity perception and belief evaluation, two processes thought to be
      abnormal in delusional misidentifications, were identified using meta-analyses of
      previous functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. We found that all 17
      lesion locations were functionally connected to the left retrosplenial cortex,
      the region most activated in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of
      familiarity. Similarly, 16 of 17 lesion locations were functionally connected to
      the right frontal cortex, the region most activated in functional magnetic
      resonance imaging studies of expectation violation, a component of belief
      evaluation. This connectivity pattern was highly specific for delusional
      misidentifications compared to four other lesion-induced neurological syndromes
      (P < 0.0001). Finally, 15 lesions causing other types of delusions were connected
      to expectation violation (P < 0.0001) but not familiarity regions, demonstrating
      specificity for delusion content. Our results provide potential neuroanatomical
      correlates for impaired familiarity perception and belief evaluation in patients
      with delusional misidentifications. More generally, we demonstrate a mechanism by
      which a single lesion can cause a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome based on that
      lesion's unique pattern of functional connectivity, without the need for pre
      existing or hidden pathology.

PMID- 28082301
TI  - Coca-Cola is sued over claims of misleading advertising.

PMID- 28082300
TI  - Trajectories of prediagnostic functioning in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - SEE BREEN AND LANG DOI101093/AWW321 FOR A SCIENTIFIC COMMENTARY ON THIS ARTICLE:
      At the time of clinical diagnosis, patients with Parkinson's disease already have
      a wide range of motor and non-motor features that affect their daily functioning.
      However, the temporal sequence of occurrence of these features remains largely
      unknown. We studied trajectories of daily functioning and motor and non-motor
      features in the 23 years preceding Parkinson's disease diagnosis by performing a
      nested case-control study within the prospective Rotterdam study. Between 1990
      and 2013, we repeatedly performed standardized assessments of daily functioning
      (Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire, Lawton Instrumental Activities of
      Daily Living Scale), potential prediagnostic motor (hypo- and bradykinesia,
      tremor, rigidity, postural imbalance, postural abnormalities) and non-motor
      features of Parkinson's disease, including cognition (Mini-Mental State
      Examination, Stroop Test, Letter-Digit-Substitution Test, Word Fluency Test),
      mood (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, Hamilton Anxiety and
      Depression Scale), and autonomic function (blood pressure, laxative use). In
      addition, the cohort was followed-up for the onset of clinical Parkinson's
      disease using several overlapping modalities, including repeated in-person
      examinations, as well as complete access to medical records and specialist
      letters of study participants. During follow-up, 109 individuals were diagnosed
      with Parkinson's disease, and each case was matched to 10 controls based on age
      and sex (total n = 1199). Subsequently, we compared prediagnostic trajectories of
      daily functioning and other features between Parkinson's disease cases and
      controls. From 7 years before diagnosis onwards, prediagnostic Parkinson's
      disease cases more commonly had problems in instrumental activities of daily
      functioning, and more frequently showed signs of movement poverty and slowness,
      tremor and subtle cognitive deficits. In the past 5 years, Parkinson's disease
      cases developed additional motor features (postural imbalance, rigidity, and
      postural abnormalities) and increasingly reported problems in basic daily
      activities. Parkinson's disease cases also increasingly reported anxiety
      symptoms, depressive symptoms, and use of laxatives throughout study follow-up,
      although differences with controls only became statistically significant in the
      last years before diagnosis. In conclusion, in patients with prediagnostic
      Parkinson's disease, impairments in instrumental daily activities, which require
      both motor and non-motor skills, pre-date difficulties in more physically
      oriented daily activities.media
      1vid110.1093/brain/aww291_video_abstractaww291_video_abstract.

PMID- 28082302
TI  - Impact of a national antimicrobial stewardship mentoring program: Insights and
      lessons learned.
AB  - PURPOSE: The impact of an interprofessional mentoring program to advance
      antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in selected U.S. hospitals and lessons
      learned are described. SUMMARY: A seven-step mentoring process with self
      assessment, telephone calls, continuing education, a one-day onsite visit, action
      plan, and outcome data collection and analysis was provided to ASP teams at nine
      hospitals. Six hospitals completed the program. A significant improvement in the
      timeliness and appropriateness of i.v. antibiotic therapy (defined as a hang time
      within one hour after prescriber order entry and broad-spectrum coverage for gram
      negative pathogens administered first when combination therapy was used) was
      observed in patients with sepsis over the 12-month period after implementation of
      the mentoring program. As a result of requiring hospital administration's
      participation in the mentoring program, increased funding became available at
      three hospitals for the microbiology laboratory to provide new rapid diagnostic
      tests and for pharmacist and physician time to devote to ASP activities. The
      collaboration and engagement of ASP team members, inclusion of hospital
      administrators and pharmacy directors in the onsite mentoring visits, and an
      experienced mentor team with an infectious diseases (ID) physician and ID
      pharmacist contributed to ASP success. Challenges included insufficient time to
      collect outcome metrics due to competing hospital priorities and loss of momentum
      over time. CONCLUSION: A mentoring program for antimicrobial stewardship provided
      the perspective that comes from experience. Engagement of hospital administration
      was a key factor for both developing and sustaining a stewardship program.

PMID- 28082303
TI  - Significant publications on infectious diseases pharmacotherapy in 2015.
AB  - PURPOSE: The most important articles on infectious diseases (ID) pharmacotherapy
      published in the peer-reviewed literature in 2015, as nominated and selected by
      panels of pharmacists and others with ID expertise, are summarized. SUMMARY:
      Members of the Houston Infectious Diseases Network were asked to nominate
      articles published in prominent peer-reviewed journals in 2015 that were thought
      to have a major impact in the field of ID pharmacotherapy. A list of 55 nominated
      articles on general ID-related topics and 10 articles specifically related to
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immunodeficiency
      syndrome (AIDS) was compiled. In a national online survey, members of the Society
      of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) were asked to select from the list 10
      general ID articles believed to have made a significant contribution to the field
      of ID pharmacotherapy and 1 article contributing to HIV/AIDS pharmacotherapy. Of
      the 361 SIDP members surveyed, 153 (42%) and 76 (21%) participated in the
      selection of general ID-related articles and HIV/AIDS-related articles,
      respectively. The 11 highest-ranked publications (10 general ID-related articles
      and 1 HIV/AIDS-related article) are summarized here. CONCLUSION: With the growing
      number of significant ID-related publications each year, it can be challenging to
      stay current with the literature. This review of important ID pharmacotherapy
      publications in 2015 may be helpful in identifying key articles and lessening
      this burden.

PMID- 28082304
TI  - Protein Kinase C Activation Promotes alpha1B-Adrenoceptor Internalization and
      Late Endosome Trafficking through Rab9 Interaction. Role in Heterologous
      Desensitization.
AB  - Upon agonist stimulation, alpha1B-adrenergic receptors couple to Gq proteins,
      calcium signaling and protein kinase C activation; subsequently, the receptors
      are phosphorylated, desensitized, and internalized. Internalization seems to
      involve scaffolding proteins, such as beta-arrestin and clathrin. However, the
      fine mechanisms that participate remain unsolved. The roles of protein kinase C
      and the small GTPase, Rab9, in alpha1B-AR vesicular traffic were investigated by
      studying alpha1B-adrenergic receptor-Rab protein interactions, using Forster
      resonance energy transfer (FRET), confocal microscopy, and intracellular calcium
      quantitation. In human embryonic kidney 293 cells overexpressing Discosoma spp.
      red fluorescent protein (DsRed)-tagged alpha1B-ARs and enhanced green fluorescent
      protein--tagged Rab proteins, pharmacological protein kinase C activation
      mimicked alpha1B-AR traffic elicited by nonrelated agents, such as sphingosine 1
      phosphate (i.e., transient alpha1B-AR-Rab5 FRET signal followed by a sustained
      alpha1B-AR-Rab9 interaction), suggesting brief receptor localization in early
      endosomes and transfer to late endosomes. This latter interaction was abrogated
      by blocking protein kinase C activity, resulting in receptor retention at the
      plasma membrane. Similar effects were observed when a dominant-negative Rab9
      mutant (Rab9-GDP) was employed. When alpha1B-adrenergic receptors that had been
      mutated at protein kinase C phosphorylation sites (S396A, S402A) were used,
      phorbol ester-induced desensitization of the calcium response was markedly
      decreased; however, interaction with Rab9 was only partially decreased and
      internalization was observed in response to phorbol esters and sphingosine 1
      phosphate. Finally, Rab9-GDP expression did not affect adrenergic-mediated
      calcium response but abolished receptor traffic and altered desensitization. Data
      suggest that protein kinase C modulates alpha1B-adrenergic receptor transfer to
      late endosomes and that Rab9 regulates this process and participates in G protein
      mediated signaling turn-off.

PMID- 28082299
TI  - Neuromodulation interventions for addictive disorders: challenges, promise, and
      roadmap for future research.
AB  - Addictive disorders are a major public health concern, associated with high
      relapse rates, significant disability and substantial mortality. Unfortunately,
      current interventions are only modestly effective. Preclinical studies as well as
      human neuroimaging studies have provided strong evidence that the observable
      behaviours that characterize the addiction phenotype, such as compulsive drug
      consumption, impaired self-control, and behavioural inflexibility, reflect
      underlying dysregulation and malfunction in specific neural circuits. These
      developments have been accompanied by advances in neuromodulation interventions,
      both invasive as deep brain stimulation, and non-invasive such as repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation.
      These interventions appear particularly promising as they may not only allow us
      to probe affected brain circuits in addictive disorders, but also seem to have
      unique therapeutic applications to directly target and remodel impaired circuits.
      However, the available literature is still relatively small and sparse, and the
      long-term safety and efficacy of these interventions need to be confirmed. Here
      we review the literature on the use of neuromodulation in addictive disorders to
      highlight progress limitations with the aim to suggest future directions for this
      field.

PMID- 28082305
TI  - Modulation of Chemokine Receptor Function by Cholesterol: New Prospects for
      Pharmacological Intervention.
AB  - Chemokine receptors are seven transmembrane-domain receptors belonging to class A
      of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The receptors together with their
      chemokine ligands constitute the chemokine system, which is essential for
      directing cell migration and plays a crucial role in a variety of physiologic and
      pathologic processes. Given the importance of orchestrating cell migration, it is
      vital that chemokine receptor signaling is tightly regulated to ensure
      appropriate responses. Recent studies highlight a key role for cholesterol in
      modulating chemokine receptor activities. The steroid influences the spatial
      organization of GPCRs within the membrane bilayer, and consequently can tune
      chemokine receptor signaling. The effects of cholesterol on the organization and
      function of chemokine receptors and GPCRs in general include direct and indirect
      effects (Fig. 1). Here, we review how cholesterol and some key metabolites
      modulate functions of the chemokine system in multiple ways. We emphasize the
      role of cholesterol in chemokine receptor oligomerization, thereby promoting the
      formation of a signaling hub enabling integration of distinct signaling pathways
      at the receptor-membrane interface. Moreover, we discuss the role of cholesterol
      in stabilizing particular receptor conformations and its consequence for
      chemokine binding. Finally, we highlight how cholesterol accumulation, its
      deprivation, or cholesterol metabolites contribute to modulating cell
      orchestration during inflammation, induction of an adaptive immune response, as
      well as to dampening an anti-tumor immune response.

PMID- 28082306
TI  - Spontaneous retroperitoneal haematoma resulting in bowel ischaemia.
AB  - A 69-year-old man presented to the emergency department with sudden onset
      abdominal pain. He was hypotensive and tachycardic with a peritonitic abdomen. On
      admission, the patient had been taking clopidogrel, a known cause of spontaneous
      retroperitoneal haematoma. An initial computed tomography of the abdomen showed a
      mass in the pelvis, which was thought to most likely be a gastrointestinal
      stromal tumour arising from the sigmoid colon. Explorative surgery identified a
      retroperitoneal haematoma of the rectosigmoid region. There was no evidence of
      bowel perforation. Hence a washout and closure was performed. Five days following
      an initial improvement, the patient developed symptoms of peritonitis. A second
      operation revealed that the rectum had become necrotic and perforated with free
      faeces. The ischaemia was caused by the retroperitoneal haematoma restricting the
      blood supply to this part of the upper rectum.

PMID- 28082307
TI  - Intracranial infection caused by minor skin contusion associated with previous
      craniotomy.
AB  - Minor damage to the scalp may lead to intracranial infection. Moreover, the
      postoperative state of the scalp, skull and meninges is especially noteworthy
      with respect to invasion of pathogens into the skull. Therefore, a detailed
      medical history should be obtained from patients with even minor scalp injuries
      to avoid intracranial infection. We herein report a case of intracranial
      infection caused by a minor scalp injury associated with previous craniotomy,
      which was missed at first.

PMID- 28082308
TI  - Concomitant orbital cavernous haemangioma and schwannoma in a patient.
AB  - A woman aged 39 years presented with right eye painless proptosis and decreased
      vision since 5 months. Right fundus examination revealed optic disc oedema. CT of
      the orbit revealed a well-defined homogeneous mass in the intraconal space in
      both orbits. Surgical excisional biopsy of the orbital lesions was performed.
      Histopathological examination of the right orbital lesion was suggestive of
      cavernous haemangioma and the left orbital lesion revealed schwannoma. The
      patient had an unremarkable postoperative course with improved visual acuity.
      This case illustrates benign orbital masses of 2 different tissues of origin in a
      single patient, which has not been described in the literature.

PMID- 28082309
TI  - Graphics and statistics for cardiology: survival analysis.
AB  - Reports of data in the medical literature frequently lack information needed to
      assess the validity and generalisability of study results. Some recommendations
      and standards for reporting have been developed over the last two decades, but
      few are available specifically for survival data. We provide recommendations for
      tabular and graphical representations of survival data. We argue that data and
      analytic software should be made available to promote reproducible research.

PMID- 28082310
TI  - Very Early Onset IBD: How Very Different 'on Average'?

PMID- 28082311
TI  - Science, modernity, and the Muslim world: To improve scientific research in
      Muslim countries requires profound social and economic liberalization of their
      societies.

PMID- 28082313
TI  - Regulating phage therapy: The biological master file concept could help to
      overcome regulatory challenge of personalized medicines.

PMID- 28082312
TI  - A single MIU motif of MINDY-1 recognizes K48-linked polyubiquitin chains.
AB  - The eight different types of ubiquitin (Ub) chains that can be formed play
      important roles in diverse cellular processes. Linkage-selective recognition of
      Ub chains by Ub-binding domain (UBD)-containing proteins is central to coupling
      different Ub signals to specific cellular responses. The motif interacting with
      ubiquitin (MIU) is a small UBD that has been characterized for its binding to
      monoUb. The recently discovered deubiquitinase MINDY-1/FAM63A contains a tandem
      MIU repeat (tMIU) that is highly selective at binding to K48-linked polyUb. We
      here identify that this linkage-selective binding is mediated by a single MIU
      motif (MIU2) in MINDY-1. The crystal structure of MIU2 in complex with K48-linked
      polyubiquitin chains reveals that MIU2 on its own binds to all three Ub moieties
      in an open conformation that can only be accommodated by K48-linked triUb. The
      weak Ub binder MIU1 increases overall affinity of the tMIU for polyUb chains
      without affecting its linkage selectivity. Our analyses reveal new concepts for
      linkage selectivity and polyUb recognition by UBDs.

PMID- 28082314
TI  - A CMC1-knockout reveals translation-independent control of human mitochondrial
      complex IV biogenesis.
AB  - Defects in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV (CIV) frequently cause
      encephalocardiomyopathies. Human CIV assembly involves 14 subunits of dual
      genetic origin and multiple nucleus-encoded ancillary factors. Biogenesis of the
      mitochondrion-encoded copper/heme-containing COX1 subunit initiates the CIV
      assembly process. Here, we show that the intermembrane space twin CX9C protein
      CMC1 forms an early CIV assembly intermediate with COX1 and two assembly factors,
      the cardiomyopathy proteins COA3 and COX14. A TALEN-mediated CMC1 knockout
      HEK293T cell line displayed normal COX1 synthesis but decreased CIV activity
      owing to the instability of newly synthetized COX1. We demonstrate that CMC1
      stabilizes a COX1-COA3-COX14 complex before the incorporation of COX4 and COX5a
      subunits. Additionally, we show that CMC1 acts independently of CIV assembly
      factors relevant to COX1 metallation (COX10, COX11, and SURF1) or late stability
      (MITRAC7). Furthermore, whereas human COX14 and COA3 have been proposed to affect
      COX1 mRNA translation, our data indicate that CMC1 regulates turnover of newly
      synthesized COX1 prior to and during COX1 maturation, without affecting the rate
      of COX1 synthesis.

PMID- 28082317
TI  - Colorectal cancer cells use the negative feedback regulators of WNT signalling to
      activate epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways.

PMID- 28082318
TI  - Response to letter to the editor.

PMID- 28082316
TI  - miR-16 and miR-125b are involved in barrier function dysregulation through the
      modulation of claudin-2 and cingulin expression in the jejunum in IBS with
      diarrhoea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in controlling intestinal
      epithelial barrier function partly by modulating the expression of tight junction
      (TJ) proteins. We have previously shown differential messenger RNA (mRNA)
      expression correlated with ultrastructural abnormalities of the epithelial
      barrier in patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). However, the
      participation of miRNAs in these differential mRNA-associated findings remains to
      be established. Our aims were (1) to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in
      the small bowel mucosa of patients with IBS-D and (2) to explore putative target
      genes specifically involved in epithelial barrier function that are controlled by
      specific dysregulated IBS-D miRNAs. DESIGN: Healthy controls and patients meeting
      Rome III IBS-D criteria were studied. Intestinal tissue samples were analysed to
      identify potential candidates by: (a) miRNA-mRNA profiling; (b) miRNA-mRNA
      pairing analysis to assess the co-expression profile of miRNA-mRNA pairs; (c)
      pathway analysis and upstream regulator identification; (d) miRNA and target mRNA
      validation. Candidate miRNA-mRNA pairs were functionally assessed in intestinal
      epithelial cells. RESULTS: IBS-D samples showed distinct miRNA and mRNA profiles
      compared with healthy controls. TJ signalling was associated with the IBS-D
      transcriptional profile. Further validation of selected genes showed consistent
      upregulation in 75% of genes involved in epithelial barrier function.
      Bioinformatic analysis of putative miRNA binding sites identified hsa-miR-125b-5p
      and hsa-miR-16 as regulating expression of the TJ genes CGN (cingulin) and CLDN2
      (claudin-2), respectively. Consistently, protein expression of CGN and CLDN2 was
      upregulated in IBS-D, while the respective targeting miRNAs were downregulated.
      In addition, bowel dysfunction, perceived stress and depression and number of
      mast cells correlated with the expression of hsa-miR-125b-5p and hsa-miR-16 and
      their respective target proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Modulation of the intestinal
      epithelial barrier function in IBS-D involves both transcriptional and post
      transcriptional mechanisms. These molecular mechanisms include miRNAs as master
      regulators in controlling the expression of TJ proteins and are associated with
      major clinical symptoms.

PMID- 28082319
TI  - Delayed severe bleeding complications after treatment of pancreatic fluid
      collections with lumen-apposing metal stents.

PMID- 28082320
TI  - Red palms associated with adenovirus gastroenteritis.

PMID- 28082322
TI  - Headache, Chiari malformation type 1 and treatment options.

PMID- 28082321
TI  - Female genital mutilation in children presenting to Australian paediatricians.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The WHO reports that female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is an
      ancient cultural practice prevalent in many countries. FGM/C has been reported
      among women resident in Australia. Our paper provides the first description of
      FGM/C in Australian children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey conducted in April
      June 2014. SETTING: Paediatricians and other child health specialists recruited
      through the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit were asked to report children
      aged <18 years with FGM/C seen in the last 5 years, and to provide data for
      demographics, FGM/C type, complications and referral for each case. PARTICIPANTS:
      Of 1311 eligible paediatricians/child health specialists, 1003 (76.5%) responded.
      RESULTS: Twenty-three (2.3%) respondents had seen 59 children with FGM/C and
      provided detailed data for 31. Most (89.7%) were identified during refugee
      screening and were born in Africa. Three (10.3%) were born in Australia: two had
      FGM/C in Australia and one in Indonesia. All parents were born overseas, mainly
      Africa (98.1%). Ten children had WHO FGM/C type I, five type II, five type III
      and six type IV. Complications in eight children included recurrent genitourinary
      infections, menstrual, sexual, fertility and psychological problems. Nineteen
      children (82.6%) were referred to obstetrics/gynaecology: 16 (69.9%) to social
      work and 13 (56.5%) to child protection. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that
      FGM/C is seen in paediatric clinical practice within Australia. Paediatricians
      need cultural awareness, education and resources to help them identify children
      with FGM/C and/or at risk of FGM/C, to enable appropriate referral and
      counselling of children, families and communities to assist in the prevention of
      this practice.

PMID- 28082323
TI  - Second Generation Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Vape Pen Exposure
      Generalizes as a Smoking Cue.
AB  - Introduction: Second generation electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; also
      known as e-cigarettes, vaporizers or vape pens) are designed for a customized
      nicotine delivery experience and have less resemblance to regular cigarettes than
      first generation "cigalikes." The present study examined whether they generalize
      as a conditioned cue and evoke smoking urges or behavior in persons exposed to
      their use. Methods: Data were analyzed in N = 108 young adult smokers (>=5
      cigarettes per week) randomized to either a traditional combustible cigarette
      smoking cue or a second generation ENDS vaping cue in a controlled laboratory
      setting. Cigarette and e-cigarette urge and desire were assessed pre- and post
      cue exposure. Smoking behavior was also explored in a subsample undergoing a
      smoking latency phase after cue exposure (N = 26). Results: The ENDS vape pen cue
      evoked both urge and desire for a regular cigarette to a similar extent as that
      produced by the combustible cigarette cue. Both cues produced similar time to
      initiate smoking during the smoking latency phase. The ENDS vape pen cue elicited
      smoking urge and desire regardless of ENDS use history, that is, across ENDS
      naive, lifetime or current users. Inclusion of past ENDS or cigarette use as
      covariates did not significantly alter the results. Conclusions: These findings
      demonstrate that observation of vape pen ENDS use generalizes as a conditioned
      cue to produce smoking urge, desire, and behavior in young adult smokers. As the
      popularity of these devices may eventually overtake those of first generation
      ENDS cigalikes, exposure effects will be of increasing importance. Implications:
      This study shows that passive exposure to a second generation ENDS vape pen cue
      evoked smoking urge, desire, and behavior across a range of daily and non-daily
      young adult smokers. Smoking urge and desire increases after vape pen exposure
      were similar to those produced by exposure to a first generation ENDS cigalike
      and a combustible cigarette, a known potent cue. Given the increasing popularity
      of ENDS tank system products, passive exposures to these devices will no doubt
      increase, and may contribute to tobacco use in young adult smokers.

PMID- 28082324
TI  - Genetic Dissection of a QTL Affecting Bone Geometry.
AB  - Parameters of bone geometry such as width, length, and cross-sectional area are
      major determinants of bone strength. Although these traits are highly heritable,
      few genes influencing bone geometry have been identified. Here, we dissect a
      major quantitative trait locus (QTL) influencing femur size. This QTL was
      originally identified in an F2 cross between the C57BL/6J-hg/hg (HG) and CAST/EiJ
      strains and was referred to as femur length in high growth mice 2 (Feml2). Feml2
      was located on chromosome (Chr.) 9 at ~20 cM. Here, we show that the HG.CAST
      (D9Mit249-D9Mit133)/Ucd congenic strain captures Feml2 In an F2 congenic cross,
      we fine-mapped the location of Feml2 to an ~6 Mbp region extending from 57.3 to
      63.3 Mbp on Chr. 9. We have identified candidates by mining the complete genome
      sequence of CAST/EiJ and through allele-specific expression (ASE) analysis of
      growth plates in C57BL/6J * CAST/EiJ F1 hybrids. Interestingly, we also find that
      the refined location of Feml2 overlaps a cluster of six independent genome-wide
      associations for human height. This work provides the foundation for the
      identification of novel genes affecting bone geometry.

PMID- 28082325
TI  - Adapting Genotyping-by-Sequencing for Rice F2 Populations.
AB  - Rapid and cost-effective genotyping of large mapping populations can be achieved
      by sequencing a reduced representation of the genome of every individual in a
      given population, and using that information to generate genetic markers. A
      customized genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) pipeline was developed to genotype a
      rice F2 population from a cross of Oryza sativa ssp. japonica cv. Nipponbare and
      the African wild rice species O. longistaminata While most GBS pipelines aim to
      analyze mainly homozygous populations, we attempted to genotype a highly
      heterozygous F2 population. We show how species- and population-specific
      improvements of established protocols can drastically increase sample throughput
      and genotype quality. Using as few as 50,000 reads for some individuals (134,000
      reads on average), we were able to generate up to 8154 informative SNP markers in
      1081 F2 individuals. Additionally, the effects of enzyme choice, read coverage,
      and data postprocessing are evaluated. Using GBS-derived markers, we were able to
      assemble a genetic map of 1536 cM. To demonstrate the usefulness of our GBS
      pipeline, we determined quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the number of tillers.
      We were able to map four QTL to chromosomes 1, 3, 4, and 8, and partially confirm
      their effects using introgression lines. We provide an example of how to
      successfully use GBS with heterozygous F2 populations. By using the comparatively
      low-cost MiSeq platform, we show that the GBS method is flexible and cost
      effective, even for smaller laboratories.

PMID- 28082326
TI  - Friedreich Ataxia: Hypoplasia of Spinal Cord and Dorsal Root Ganglia.
AB  - After Friedreich's description in 1877, depletion of myelinated fibers in the
      dorsal columns, dorsal spinocerebellar and lateral corticospinal tracts, and
      neuronal loss in the dorsal nuclei of Clarke columns were considered unique and
      essential neuropathological features of Friedreich ataxia (FA). Lack of large
      neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), thinning of dorsal roots (DR), and poor
      myelination in sensory nerves are now recognized as key components of FA. Here,
      we measured cross-sectional areas of the mid-thoracic spinal cord (SC) and
      neuronal sizes in lumbosacral DRG of 24 genetically confirmed FA cases. Mean
      thoracic SC areas in FA (24.17 mm2) were significantly smaller than those in 12
      normal controls (37.5 mm2); DRG neuron perikarya in FA (1362 um2) were also
      significantly smaller than normal (2004 um2). DRG neuron sizes were not
      correlated with SC areas. The FA patients included a wide range of disease onset
      and duration suggesting that the SC undergoes growth arrest early and remains
      abnormally small throughout life. Immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated
      neurofilament protein, peripheral myelin protein 22, and myelin proteolipid
      protein confirmed chaotic transition of axons into the SC in DR entry zones. We
      conclude that smaller SC areas and lack of large DRG neurons indicate hypoplasia
      rather than atrophy in FA.

PMID- 28082327
TI  - A Functional and Neuropathological Testing Paradigm Reveals New Disability-Based
      Parameters and Histological Features for P0180-190-Induced Experimental
      Autoimmune Neuritis in C57BL/6 Mice.
AB  - We assessed novel disability-based parameters and neuropathological features of
      the P0180-190 peptide-induced model of experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) in
      C57BL/6 mice. We show that functional assessments such as running capacity
      provide a more sensitive method for detecting alterations in disease severity
      than a classical clinical scoring paradigm. We performed detailed ultrastructural
      analysis and show for the first time that tomaculous neuropathy is a
      neuropathological feature of this disease model. In addition, we demonstrate that
      ultrastructural assessments of myelin pathology are sufficiently sensitive to
      detect significant differences in both mean G-ratio and mean axon diameter
      between mice with EAN induced with different doses of pertussis toxin. In
      summary, we have established a comprehensive assessment paradigm for
      discriminating variations in disease severity and the extent of myelin pathology
      in this model. Our findings indicate that this model is a powerful tool to study
      the pathogenesis of human peripheral demyelinating neuropathies and that this
      assessment paradigm could be used to determine the efficacy of potential
      therapies that aim to promote myelin repair and protect against nerve damage in
      autoimmune neuritides.

PMID- 28082328
TI  - Response to Selection in Finite Locus Models with Nonadditive Effects.
AB  - Under the finite-locus model in the absence of mutation, the additive genetic
      variation is expected to decrease when directional selection is acting on a
      population, according to quantitative-genetic theory. However, some theoretical
      studies of selection suggest that the level of additive variance can be sustained
      or even increased when nonadditive genetic effects are present. We tested the
      hypothesis that finite-locus models with both additive and nonadditive genetic
      effects maintain more additive genetic variance (VA) and realize larger medium-
      to long-term genetic gains than models with only additive effects when the trait
      under selection is subject to truncation selection. Four genetic models that
      included additive, dominance, and additive-by-additive epistatic effects were
      simulated. The simulated genome for individuals consisted of 25 chromosomes, each
      with a length of 1 M. One hundred bi-allelic QTL, 4 on each chromosome, were
      considered. In each generation, 100 sires and 100 dams were mated, producing 5
      progeny per mating. The population was selected for a single trait (h2 = 0.1) for
      100 discrete generations with selection on phenotype or BLUP-EBV. VA decreased
      with directional truncation selection even in presence of nonadditive genetic
      effects. Nonadditive effects influenced long-term response to selection and among
      genetic models additive gene action had highest response to selection. In
      addition, in all genetic models, BLUP-EBV resulted in a greater fixation of
      favorable and unfavorable alleles and higher response than phenotypic selection.
      In conclusion, for the schemes we simulated, the presence of nonadditive genetic
      effects had little effect in changes of additive variance and VA decreased by
      directional selection.

PMID- 28082329
TI  - Tortuous great artery in association with partial anomalous pulmonary venous
      connection in an infant.

PMID- 28082330
TI  - Defining the genetic architecture of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: re-evaluating
      the role of non-sarcomeric genes.
AB  - Aim: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) exhibits genetic heterogeneity that is
      dominated by variation in eight sarcomeric genes. Genetic variation in a large
      number of non-sarcomeric genes has also been implicated in HCM but not formally
      assessed. Here we used very large case and control cohorts to determine the
      extent to which variation in non-sarcomeric genes contributes to HCM. Methods and
      results: We sequenced known and putative HCM genes in a new large prospective HCM
      cohort (n = 804) and analysed data alongside the largest published series of
      clinically genotyped HCM patients (n = 6179), previously published HCM cohorts
      and reference population samples from the exome aggregation consortium (ExAC, n =
      60 706) to assess variation in 31 genes implicated in HCM. We found no
      significant excess of rare (minor allele frequency < 1:10 000 in ExAC) protein
      altering variants over controls for most genes tested and conclude that novel
      variants in these genes are rarely interpretable, even for genes with previous
      evidence of co-segregation (e.g. ACTN2). To provide an aid for variant
      interpretation, we integrated HCM gene sequence data with aggregated pedigree and
      functional data and suggest a means of assessing gene pathogenicity in HCM using
      this evidence. Conclusion: We show that genetic variation in the majority of non
      sarcomeric genes implicated in HCM is not associated with the condition,
      reinforce the fact that the sarcomeric gene variation is the primary cause of HCM
      known to date and underscore that the aetiology of HCM is unknown in the majority
      of patients.

PMID- 28082331
TI  - Sleep during an Antarctic summer expedition: new light on "polar insomnia".
AB  - Sleep complaints are consistently cited as the most prominent health and well
      being problem in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, without clear evidence to
      identify the causal mechanisms. The present investigation aimed at studying sleep
      and determining circadian regulation and mood during a 4-mo Antarctic summer
      expedition. All data collection was performed during the continuous illumination
      of the Antarctic summer. After an habituation night and acclimatization to the
      environment (3 wk), ambulatory polysomnography (PSG) was performed in 21 healthy
      male subjects, free of medication. An 18-h profile (saliva sampling every 2 h) of
      cortisol and melatonin was assessed. Mood, sleepiness, and subjective sleep
      quality were assessed, and the psychomotor vigilance task was administered. PSG
      showed, in addition to high sleep fragmentation, a major decrease in slow-wave
      sleep (SWS) and an increase in stage R sleep. Furthermore, the ultradian
      rhythmicity of sleep was altered, with SWS occurring mainly at the end of the
      night and stage R sleep at the beginning. Cortisol secretion profiles were
      normal; melatonin secretion, however, showed a severe phase delay. There were no
      mood alterations according to the Profile of Mood States scores, but the
      psychomotor vigilance test showed an impaired vigilance performance. These
      results confirm previous reports on "polar insomnia", the decrease in SWS, and
      present novel insight, the disturbed ultradian sleep structure. A hypothesis is
      formulated linking the prolonged SWS latency to the phase delay in melatonin.NEW
      & NOTEWORTHY The present paper presents a rare body of work on sleep and sleep
      wake regulation in the extreme environment of an Antarctic expedition,
      documenting the effects of constant illumination on sleep, mood, and
      chronobiology. For applied research, these results suggest the potential
      efficiency of melatonin supplementation in similar deployments. For fundamental
      research, these results warrant further investigation of the potential link
      between melatonin secretion and the onset of slow-wave sleep.

PMID- 28082332
TI  - Losartan reduces the immediate and sustained increases in muscle sympathetic
      nerve activity after hyperacute intermittent hypoxia.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by intermittent hypoxemia, which
      produces elevations in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and associated
      hypertension in experimental models that persist beyond the initial exposure. We
      tested the hypotheses that angiotensin receptor blockade in humans using losartan
      attenuates the immediate and immediately persistent increases in 1) SNA discharge
      and 2) mean arterial pressure (MAP) after hyperacute intermittent hypoxia
      training (IHT) using a randomized, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures
      experimental design. We measured ECG and photoplethysmographic arterial pressure
      in nine healthy human subjects, while muscle SNA (MSNA) was recorded in seven
      subjects using microneurography. Subjects were exposed to a series of hypoxic
      apneas in which they inhaled two to three breaths of nitrogen, followed by a 20-s
      apnea and 40 s of room air breathing every minute for 20 min. Hyperacute IHT
      produced substantial and persistent elevations in MSNA burst frequency (baseline:
      15.3 +/- 1.8, IHT: 24 +/- 1.5, post-IHT 20.0 +/- 1.3 bursts/min, all P < 0.01)
      and MAP (baseline: 89.2 +/- 3.3, IHT: 92.62 +/- 3.1, post-IHT: 93.83 +/- 3.1
      mmHg, all P < 0.02). Losartan attenuated the immediate and sustained increases in
      MSNA (baseline: 17.3 +/- 2.5, IHT: 18.6 +/- 2.2, post-IHT 20.0 +/- 1.3
      bursts/min, all P < 0.001) and MAP (baseline: 81.9 +/- 2.6, IHT: 81.1 +/- 2.8,
      post-IHT: 81.3 +/- 3.0 mmHg, all P > 0.70). This investigation confirms the role
      of angiotensin II type 1a receptors in the immediate and persistent
      sympathoexcitatory and pressor responses to IHT.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study
      demonstrates for the first time in humans that losartan, an angiotensin receptor
      blocker (ARB), abrogates the acute and immediately persistent increases in muscle
      sympathetic nerve activity and arterial pressure in response to acute
      intermittent hypoxia. This investigation, along with others, provides important
      beginning translational evidence for using ARBs in treatment of the intermittent
      hypoxia observed in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

PMID- 28082333
TI  - The cerebrovascular response to lower-body negative pressure vs. head-up tilt.
AB  - Lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) has been proposed as a MRI-compatible
      surrogate for orthostatic stress. Although the effects of LBNP on cerebral
      hemodynamic behavior have been considered to reflect those of orthostatic stress,
      a direct comparison with actual orthostasis is lacking. We assessed the effects
      of LBNP (-50 mmHg) vs. head-up tilt (HUT; at 70 degrees ) in 10 healthy subjects
      (5 female) on transcranial Doppler-determined cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv)
      in the middle cerebral artery and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) as estimated
      from the blood pressure signal (finger plethysmography). CPP was maintained
      during LBNP but decreased after 2 min in response to HUT, leading to an ~15%
      difference in CPP between LBNP and HUT (P <= 0.020). Mean CBFv initially
      decreased similarly in response to LBNP and for HUT, but, from minute 3 on, the
      decline became ~50% smaller (P <= 0.029) during LBNP. The reduction in end-tidal
      Pco2 partial pressure (PetCO2 ) was comparable but with an earlier return toward
      baseline values in response to LBNP but not during HUT (P = 0.008). We consider
      the larger decrease in CBFv during HUT vs. LBNP attributable to the pronounced
      reduction in PetCO2 and to gravitational influences on CPP, and this should be
      taken into account when applying LBNP as an MRI-compatible orthostatic stress
      modality.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) has the potential
      to serve as a MRI-compatible surrogate of orthostatic stress but a comparison
      with actual orthostasis was lacking. This study showed that the pronounced
      reduction in end-tidal Pco2 together with gravitational effects on the brain
      circulation lead to a larger decline in cerebral blood flow velocity in response
      to head-up tilt than during lower-body negative pressure. This should be taken
      into account when employing lower-body negative pressure as MRI-compatible
      alternative to orthostatic stress.

PMID- 28082334
TI  - Moderate-intensity resistance exercise alters skeletal muscle molecular and
      cellular structure and function in inactive older adults with knee
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - High-intensity resistance exercise (REX) training increases physical capacity, in
      part, by improving muscle cell size and function. Moderate-intensity REX, which
      is more feasible for many older adults with disease and/or disability, also
      increases physical function, but the mechanisms underlying such improvements are
      not understood. Therefore, we measured skeletal muscle structure and function
      from the molecular to the tissue level in response to 14 wk of moderate-intensity
      REX in physically inactive older adults with knee osteoarthritis (n = 17; 70 +/-
      1 yr). Although REX training increased quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area
      (CSA), average single-fiber CSA was unchanged because of reciprocal changes in
      myosin heavy chain (MHC) I and IIA fibers. Intermyofibrillar mitochondrial
      content increased with training because of increases in mitochondrial size in
      men, but not women, with no changes in subsarcolemmal mitochondria in either sex.
      REX increased whole muscle contractile performance similarly in men and women. In
      contrast, adaptations in single-muscle fiber force production per CSA (i.e.,
      tension) and contractile velocity varied between men and women in a fiber type
      dependent manner, with adaptations being explained at the molecular level by
      differential changes in myosin-actin cross-bridge kinetics and mechanics and
      single-fiber MHC protein expression. Our results are notable compared with
      studies of high-intensity REX because they show that the effects of moderate
      intensity REX in older adults on muscle fiber size/structure and myofilament
      function are absent or modest. Moreover, our data highlight unique sex-specific
      adaptations due to differential cellular and subcellular structural and
      functional changes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Moderate-intensity resistance training causes
      sex-specific adaptations in skeletal muscle structure and function at the
      cellular and molecular levels in inactive older adult men and women with knee
      osteoarthritis. However, these responses were minimal compared with high
      intensity resistance training. Thus adjuncts to moderate-intensity training need
      to be developed to correct underlying cellular and molecular structural and
      functional deficits that are at the root of impaired physical function in this
      mobility-limited population.

PMID- 28082336
TI  - Kinetics of circulating progenitor cell mobilization during submaximal exercise.
AB  - Circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) are a heterogeneous population of
      stem/progenitor cells in peripheral blood that includes hematopoietic stem and
      progenitor cells (HSPCs and HSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are involved in tissue repair and adaptation.
      CPC mobilization during exercise remains uncharacterized in young adults. The
      purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetics of CPC mobilization during
      and after submaximal treadmill running and their relationship to mobilization
      factors. Seven men [age = 25.3 +/- 2.4 yr, body mass index = 23.5 +/- 1.0 kg/m2,
      peak O2 uptake (Vo2peak) = 60.9 +/- 2.74 ml.kg-1.min-1] ran on a treadmill for 60
      min at 70% Vo2peak Blood sampling occurred before (Pre), during [20 min (20e), 40
      min (40e), 60 min (60e)], and after exercise [15 min (15p), 60 min (60p), 120 min
      (120p)] for quantification of CPCs (CD34+), HSPCs (CD34+/CD45low), HSCs
      (CD34+/CD45low/CD38-), CD34+ MSCs (CD45-/CD34+/CD31-/CD105+), CD34- MSCs (CD45
      /CD34-/CD31-/CD105+), and EPCs (CD45-/CD34+/CD31+) via flow cytometry. CPC
      concentration increased compared with Pre at 20e and 40e (2.7- and 2.4-fold,
      respectively, P < 0.05). HSPCs and HSCs increased at 20e compared with 60p (2.7-
      and 2.8-fold, respectively, P < 0.05), whereas EPCs and both MSC populations did
      not change. CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL) 12 (1.5-fold; P < 0.05) and stem cell
      factor (1.3-fold; P < 0.05) were increased at 40e and remained elevated
      postexercise. The peak increase in CPCs was positively correlated to
      concentration of endothelial cells during exercise with no relationship to CXCL12
      and SCF. Our data show the kinetics of progenitor cell mobilization during
      exercise that could provide insight into cellular mediators of exercise-induced
      adaptations, and have implication for the use of exercise as an adjuvant therapy
      for CPC collection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a
      comprehensive evaluation of circulating progenitor cells (CPCs), we show that CPC
      mobilization during exercise is related to tissue damage, and not plasma
      concentrations of CXC chemokine ligand 12 and stem cell factor. These data have
      implications for the use of exercise interventions as adjuvant therapy for CPC
      mobilization in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplant and also
      support the role of mobilized progenitor cells as cellular mediators of systemic
      adaptations to exercise.

PMID- 28082335
TI  - Adenosine receptor-dependent signaling is not obligatory for normobaric and
      hypobaric hypoxia-induced cerebral vasodilation in humans.
AB  - Hypoxia increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) with the underlying signaling
      processes potentially including adenosine. A randomized, double-blinded, and
      placebo-controlled design, was implemented to determine if adenosine receptor
      antagonism (theophylline, 3.75 mg/Kg) would reduce the CBF response to normobaric
      and hypobaric hypoxia. In 12 participants the partial pressures of end-tidal
      oxygen ([Formula: see text]) and carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]),
      ventilation (pneumotachography), blood pressure (finger photoplethysmography),
      heart rate (electrocardiogram), CBF (duplex ultrasound), and intracranial blood
      velocities (transcranial Doppler ultrasound) were measured during 5-min stages of
      isocapnic hypoxia at sea level (98, 90, 80, and 70% [Formula: see text]).
      Ventilation, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], blood pressure, heart
      rate, and CBF were also measured upon exposure (128 +/- 31 min following arrival)
      to high altitude (3,800 m) and 6 h following theophylline administration. At sea
      level, although the CBF response to hypoxia was unaltered pre- and postplacebo,
      it was reduced following theophylline (P < 0.01), a finding explained by a lower
      [Formula: see text] (P < 0.01). Upon mathematical correction for [Formula: see
      text], the CBF response to hypoxia was unaltered following theophylline.
      Cerebrovascular reactivity to hypoxia (i.e., response slope) was not different
      between trials, irrespective of [Formula: see text] At high altitude,
      theophylline (n = 6) had no effect on CBF compared with placebo (n = 6) when end
      tidal gases were comparable (P > 0.05). We conclude that adenosine receptor
      dependent signaling is not obligatory for cerebral hypoxic vasodilation in
      humans.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The signaling pathways that regulate human cerebral blood
      flow in hypoxia remain poorly understood. Using a randomized, double-blinded, and
      placebo-controlled study design, we determined that adenosine receptor-dependent
      signaling is not obligatory for the regulation of human cerebral blood flow at
      sea level; these findings also extend to high altitude.

PMID- 28082338
TI  - New diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

PMID- 28082337
TI  - Contribution of rostral fluid shift to intrathoracic airway narrowing in asthma.
AB  - In asthma, supine posture and sleep increase intrathoracic airway narrowing. When
      humans are supine, because of gravity fluid moves out of the legs and accumulates
      in the thorax. We hypothesized that fluid shifting out of the legs into the
      thorax contributes to the intrathoracic airway narrowing in asthma. Healthy and
      asthmatic subjects sat for 30 min and then lay supine for 30 min. To simulate
      overnight fluid shift, supine subjects were randomized to receive increased fluid
      shift out of the legs with lower body positive pressure (LBPP, 10-30 min) or none
      (control) and crossed over. With forced oscillation at 5 Hz, respiratory
      resistance (R5) and reactance (X5, reflecting respiratory stiffness) and with
      bioelectrical impedance, leg and thoracic fluid volumes (LFV, TFV) were measured
      while subjects were seated and supine (0 min, 30 min). In 17 healthy subjects
      (age: 51.8 +/- 10.9 yr, FEV1/FVC z score: -0.4 +/- 1.1), changes in R5 and X5
      were similar in both study arms (P > 0.05). In 15 asthmatic subjects (58.5 +/-
      9.8 yr, -2.1 +/- 1.3), R5 and X5 increased in both arms (DeltaR5: 0.6 +/- 0.9 vs.
      1.4 +/- 0.8 cmH2O.l-1.s-1, DeltaX5: 0.3 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.9 cmH2O.l-1.s-1).
      The increases in R5 and X5 were 2.3 and 3.7 times larger with LBPP than control,
      however (P = 0.008, P = 0.006). The main predictor of increases in R5 with LBPP
      was increases in TFV (r = 0.73, P = 0.002). In asthmatic subjects, the magnitude
      of increases in X5 with LBPP was comparable to that with posture change from
      sitting to supine (1.1 +/- 0.9 vs. 1.4 +/- 0.9 cmH2O.l-1.s-1, P = 0.32). We
      conclude that in asthmatic subjects fluid shifting from the legs to the thorax
      while supine contributed to increases in the respiratory resistance and
      stiffness.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In supine asthmatic subjects, application of positive
      pressure to the lower body caused appreciable increases in respiratory system
      resistance and stiffness. Moreover, these changes in respiratory mechanics
      correlated positively with increase in thoracic fluid volume. These findings
      suggest that fluid shifts from the lower body to the thorax may contribute to
      overnight intrathoracic airway narrowing and worsening of asthma symptoms.

PMID- 28082339
TI  - BCR-ABL translocation as a favorable prognostic factor in elderly patients with
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the era of potent tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

PMID- 28082340
TI  - Long-term relapse-free survival in a phase 2 study of blinatumomab for the
      treatment of patients with minimal residual disease in B-lineage acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.

PMID- 28082341
TI  - The transcription factor GATA1 regulates NBEAL2 expression through a long
      distance enhancer.
AB  - Gray platelet syndrome is named after the gray appearance of platelets due to the
      absence of alpha-granules. It is caused by recessive mutations in NBEAL2,
      resulting in macrothrombocytopenia and myelofibrosis. Though using the term gray
      platelets for GATA1 deficiency has been debated, a reduced number of alpha
      granules has been described for macrothrombocytopenia due to GATA1 mutations. We
      compared platelet size and number of alpha-granules for two NBEAL2 and two GATA1
      deficient patients and found reduced numbers of alpha-granules for all, with the
      defect being more pronounced for NBEAL2 deficiency. We further hypothesized that
      the granule defect for GATA1 is due to a defective control of NBEAL2 expression.
      Remarkably, platelets from two patients, and Gata1-deficient mice, expressed
      almost no NBEAL2. The differentiation of GATA1 patient-derived CD34+ stem cells
      to megakaryocytes showed defective proplatelet and alpha-granule formation with
      strongly reduced NBEAL2 protein and ribonucleic acid expression. Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed 5 GATA binding sites in a regulatory
      region 31 kb upstream of NBEAL2 covered by a H3K4Me1 mark indicative of an
      enhancer locus. Luciferase reporter constructs containing this region confirmed
      its enhancer activity in K562 cells, and mutagenesis of the GATA1 binding sites
      resulted in significantly reduced enhancer activity. Moreover, DNA binding
      studies showed that GATA1 and GATA2 physically interact with this enhancer
      region. GATA1 depletion using small interfering ribonucleic acid in K562 cells
      also resulted in reduced NBEAL2 expression. In conclusion, we herein show a long
      distance regulatory region with GATA1 binding sites as being a strong enhancer
      for NBEAL2 expression.

PMID- 28082342
TI  - Second-line rituximab, lenalidomide, and bendamustine in mantle cell lymphoma: a
      phase II clinical trial of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi.

PMID- 28082343
TI  - Integrative clinicopathological and molecular analyses of angioimmunoblastic T
      cell lymphoma and other nodal lymphomas of follicular helper T-cell origin.

PMID- 28082344
TI  - Is immunotherapy here to stay in multiple myeloma?
AB  - Immune escape and impaired immune surveillance have been identified as emerging
      hallmarks of cancer.1 Multiple myeloma represents a genuine example of disrupted
      immune surveillance characterized by: impaired antibody production, deregulation
      of the T and natural killer cell compartment, disruption of antigen presentation
      machinery, upregulation of inhibitory surface ligands, and recruitment of
      immunosuppressive cells. Although the potential value of immunotherapeutic
      interventions had a clear antecedent in the graft-versus-myeloma effect induced
      by allogeneic stem cell transplant and donor lymphocyte infusions, it is only
      recently that this field has faced a real revolution. In this review we discuss
      the current results obtained with immune approaches in patients with multiple
      myeloma that have placed this disease under the scope of immuno-oncology,
      bringing new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of multiple myeloma
      patients.

PMID- 28082345
TI  - Gfi1b controls integrin signaling-dependent cytoskeleton dynamics and
      organization in megakaryocytes.
AB  - Mutations in GFI1B are associated with inherited bleeding disorders called GFI1B
      related thrombocytopenias. We show here that mice with a megakaryocyte-specific
      Gfi1b deletion exhibit a macrothrombocytopenic phenotype along a megakaryocytic
      dysplasia reminiscent of GFI1B-related thrombocytopenia. GFI1B deficiency
      increases megakaryocyte proliferation and affects their ploidy, but also
      abrogates their responsiveness towards integrin signaling and their ability to
      spread and reorganize their cytoskeleton. Gfi1b-null megakaryocytes are also
      unable to form proplatelets, a process independent of integrin signaling. GFI1B
      deficient megakaryocytes exhibit aberrant expression of several components of
      both the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, with a dramatic reduction of alpha
      tubulin. Inhibition of FAK or ROCK, both important for actin cytoskeleton
      organization and integrin signaling, only partially restored their response to
      integrin ligands, but the inhibition of PAK, a regulator of the actin
      cytoskeleton, completely rescued the responsiveness of Gfi1b-null megakaryocytes
      to ligands, but not their ability to form proplatelets. We conclude that Gfi1b
      controls major functions of megakaryocytes such as integrin-dependent
      cytoskeleton organization, spreading and migration through the regulation of PAK
      activity whereas the proplatelet formation defect in GFI1B-deficient
      megakaryocytes is due, at least partially, to an insufficient alpha-tubulin
      content.

PMID- 28082346
TI  - Initiation, Progression, and Sustained Waterpipe Use: A Nationally Representative
      Longitudinal Study of U.S. Young Adults.
AB  - Background: Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is increasing in popularity despite
      evidence of harm and potential for dependence. Intervention development has been
      hampered by a lack of longitudinal, nationally representative data on usage
      patterns and factors independently associated with WTS initiation. Therefore, we
      aimed to characterize key transitions between WTS states in a nationally
      representative group of young adults, with particular attention to factors
      independently associated with initiation.Methods: Participants were randomly
      selected from a national probability-based panel representing 97% of the United
      States. A total of 1,785 adults ages 18 to 30 at baseline completed two Web-based
      surveys 18 months apart in 2013 and 2014. Assessments included knowledge of
      waterpipe tobacco smoke composition, positive and negative attitudes toward WTS,
      normative beliefs, intention to use waterpipe, and WTS behavior. We used
      multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between predictive
      factors and subsequent WTS initiation.Results: In fully adjusted models, overall
      knowledge about toxicants associated with WTS was not associated with subsequent
      WTS initiation. Similarly, negative attitudes and normative beliefs were not
      associated with WTS uptake. However, baseline positive attitudes were strongly
      and significantly associated with WTS initiation [adjusted OR (AOR) = 1.7; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 1.2-2.3]. Similarly, baseline intention to use WTS was
      strongly associated with subsequent initiation (AOR = 7.0; 95% CI, 3.5
      13.7).Conclusions: Prevention efforts may be most successful if they target
      individuals with clear intentions to use WTS and challenge positive attitudes
      surrounding WTS.Impact: Surveillance of WTS trajectories will help inform health
      care and policy surrounding this emerging risk behavior among U.S. young adults.
      Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 748-55. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28082347
TI  - Cytokeratin 7 in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Junctional Biomarker
      for Human Papillomavirus-Related Tumors.
AB  - Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC) represents a distinct subgroup of head and neck tumors. We
      analyze the expression of cytokeratin 7, a junctional biomarker with a SEQIKA
      fragment, which stabilizes HPV-16 E7 transcripts, in oropharyngeal SCCs.Methods:
      Archived tumor specimens and epidemiologic data were collected from patients with
      oropharyngeal SCCs over 10 years. Briefly, DNA was extracted from tissue blocks,
      and HPV testing was carried out using SPF10 HPV PCR and INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping.
      Immunohistochemical staining for CK7 and p16ink4a was performed on the Ventana
      BenchMark Ultra Immunostainer. Analysis was by light microscopy using the H
      score. CK7 expression was correlated with epidemiologic data, p16ink4a
      positivity, and HPV status using SPSS.Results: CK7 expression was observed
      specifically and uniformly in the tonsillar crypt epithelium of normal tonsils
      and tumor specimens. There were 226 cases of oropharyngeal SCCs, with 70
      demonstrating both HPV and p16 positivity. Of 216 cases evaluated for CK7, 106
      demonstrated some positivity, whereas H-score > 60 was seen in 55 of these. CK7 H
      score > 60 was significantly associated with tonsillar subsite and HPV and p16
      positivity.Conclusions: An association between CK7 and HPV has been demonstrated.
      CK7-expressing tonsillar crypt cells potentially represent an oropharyngeal
      subsite susceptible to HPV-related SCC.Impact: Along with the cervix and
      anorectum, specific oropharyngeal expression of CK7 in a site predisposed to HPV
      related tumors may suggest a role for CK7 in the pathogenesis of this subgroup of
      tumors. Further research is warranted to characterize the association between CK7
      and HPV-related head and neck SCC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 702
      10. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28082349
TI  - Seasonality of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Terceira and
      Sao Jorge Islands, Azores, Portugal.
AB  - Population dynamics studies are very important for any area-wide control program
      as they provide detailed knowledge about the relationship of Medfly [Ceratitis
      capitata (Wiedemann)] life cycle with host availability and abundance. The main
      goal of this study is to analyse seasonality of C. capitata in Terceira and Sao
      Jorge Islands (Azores archipelago) using field and laboratory data collected
      during (2010-2014) CABMEDMAC (MAC/3/A163) project. The results from Sao Jorge
      Island indicate significantly lower male/female ratio than on Terceira Island.
      This is an important finding specially regarding when stablishing the scenario
      parameters for a sterile insect technique application in each island. The
      population dynamics of C. capitata are generally linked with host fruit
      availability and abundance. However, on Terceira Island fruit infestation levels
      are not synchronized with the trap counts. For example, there was Medfly
      infestations in some fruits [e.g., Solanum mauritianum (Scop.)] while in the
      nearby traps there were no captures at the same time. From this perspective, it
      is important to denote the importance of wild invasive plants, on the population
      dynamics of C. capitata, as well important to consider the possibility of having
      different densities of traps according to the characteristics of each area in
      order to improve the network of traps surveillance's sensitivity on Terceira
      Island.

PMID- 28082348
TI  - Interactome disassembly during apoptosis occurs independent of caspase cleavage.
AB  - Protein-protein interaction networks (interactomes) define the functionality of
      all biological systems. In apoptosis, proteolysis by caspases is thought to
      initiate disassembly of protein complexes and cell death. Here we used a
      quantitative proteomics approach, protein correlation profiling (PCP), to explore
      changes in cytoplasmic and mitochondrial interactomes in response to apoptosis
      initiation as a function of caspase activity. We measured the response to
      initiation of Fas-mediated apoptosis in 17,991 interactions among 2,779 proteins,
      comprising the largest dynamic interactome to date. The majority of interactions
      were unaffected early in apoptosis, but multiple complexes containing known
      caspase targets were disassembled. Nonetheless, proteome-wide analysis of
      proteolytic processing by terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates (TAILS)
      revealed little correlation between proteolytic and interactome changes. Our
      findings show that, in apoptosis, significant interactome alterations occur
      before and independently of caspase activity. Thus, apoptosis initiation includes
      a tight program of interactome rearrangement, leading to disassembly of
      relatively few, select complexes. These early interactome alterations occur
      independently of cleavage of these protein by caspases.

PMID- 28082350
TI  - Secretin is involved in sodium conservation through the renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system.
AB  - Secretin (SCT) and its receptor (SCTR) are important in fluid regulation at
      multiple levels via the modulation of expression and translocation of renal
      aquaporin 2 and functions of central angiotensin II (ANGII). The functional
      interaction of SCT with peripheral ANGII, however, remains unknown. As the ANGII
      aldosterone axis dominates the regulation of renal epithelial sodium channel
      (ENaC) function, we therefore tested whether SCT/SCTR can regulate sodium
      homeostasis via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. SCTR-knockout (SCTR-/-)
      mice showed impaired aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) expression and, consequently,
      aldosterone release upon intraperitoneal injection of ANGII. Endogenous ANGII
      production induced by dietary sodium restriction was higher in SCTR-/- than in
      C57BL/6N [wild-type (WT)] mice, but CYP11B2 and aldosterone synthesis were not
      elevated. Reduced accumulation of cholesteryl ester-the precursor of aldosterone
      was observed in adrenal glands of SCTR-/- mice that were fed a low-sodium diet.
      Absence of SCTR resulted in elevated basal transcript levels of adrenal CYP11B2
      and renal ENaCs. Although transcript and protein levels of ENaCs were similar in
      WT and SCTR-/- mice under sodium restriction, ENaCs in SCTR-/- mice were less
      sensitive to amiloride hydrochloride. In summary, the SCT/SCTR axis is involved
      in aldosterone precursor uptake, and the knockout of SCTR results in defective
      aldosterone biosynthesis/release and altered sensitivity of ENaCs to amiloride.
      Bai, J., Chow, B. K. C. Secretin is involved in sodium conservation through the
      renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

PMID- 28082351
TI  - FTY720/fingolimod increases NPC1 and NPC2 expression and reduces cholesterol and
      sphingolipid accumulation in Niemann-Pick type C mutant fibroblasts.
AB  - Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by
      mutations in NPC1 or NPC2 with decreased functions leading to lysosomal
      accumulation of cholesterol and sphingolipids. FTY720/fingolimod, used for
      treatment of multiple sclerosis, is phosphorylated by nuclear sphingosine kinase
      2, and its active phosphorylated form (FTY720-P) is an inhibitor of class I
      histone deacetylases. In this study, administration of clinically relevant doses
      of FTY720 to mice increased expression of NPC1 and -2 in brain and liver and
      decreased cholesterol in an SphK2-dependent manner. FTY720 greatly increased
      expression of NPC1 and -2 in human NPC1 mutant fibroblasts that correlated with
      formation of FTY720-P and significantly reduced the accumulation of cholesterol
      and glycosphingolipids. In agreement with this finding, FTY720 pretreatment of
      human NPC1 mutant fibroblasts restored transport of the cholera toxin B subunit,
      which binds ganglioside GM1, to the Golgi apparatus. Together, these findings
      suggest that FTY720 administration can ameliorate cholesterol and sphingolipid
      storage and trafficking defects in NPC1 mutant fibroblasts. Because
      neurodegeneration is the main clinical feature of NPC disease, and FTY720
      accumulates in the CNS and has several advantages over available histone
      deacetylase inhibitors now in clinical trials, our work provides a potential
      opportunity for treatment of this incurable disease.-Newton, J., Hait, N. C.,
      Maceyka, M., Colaco, A., Maczis, M., Wassif, C. A., Cougnoux, A., Porter, F. D.,
      Milstien, S., Platt, N., Platt, F. M., Spiegel, S. FTY720/fingolimod increases
      NPC1 and NPC2 expression and reduces cholesterol and sphingolipid accumulation in
      Niemann-Pick type C mutant fibroblasts.

PMID- 28082352
TI  - Estrogen receptor alpha is required for oviductal transport of embryos.
AB  - Newly fertilized embryos spend the first few days within the oviduct and are
      transported to the uterus, where they implant onto the uterine wall. An
      implantation of the embryo before reaching the uterus could result in ectopic
      pregnancy and lead to maternal death. Estrogen is necessary for embryo transport
      in mammals; however, the mechanism involved in estrogen-mediated cellular
      function within the oviduct remains unclear. In this study, we show in mouse
      models that ciliary length and beat frequency of the oviductal epithelial cells
      are regulated through estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) but not estrogen receptor
      beta (ESR2). Gene profiling indicated that transcripts in the WNT/beta-catenin
      (WNT/CTNNB1) signaling pathway were regulated by estrogen in mouse oviduct, and
      inhibition of this pathway in a whole oviduct culture system resulted in a
      decreased embryo transport distance. However, selective ablation of CTNNB1 from
      the oviductal ciliated cells did not affect embryo transport, possibly because of
      a compensatory mechanism via intact CTNNB1 in the adjacent secretory cells. In
      summary, we demonstrated that disruption of estrogen signaling in oviductal
      epithelial cells alters ciliary function and impairs embryo transport. Therefore,
      our findings may provide a better understanding of etiology of the ectopic
      pregnancy that is associated with alteration of estrogen signals.-Li, S.,
      O'Neill, S. R. S., Zhang, Y., Holtzman, M. J., Takemaru, K.-I., Korach, K. S.,
      Winuthayanon, W. Estrogen receptor alpha is required for oviductal transport of
      embryos.

PMID- 28082353
TI  - Gestational disruptions in metabolic rhythmicity of the liver, muscle, and
      placenta affect fetal size.
AB  - Maternal metabolic adaptations are essential for successful pregnancy outcomes.
      We investigated how metabolic gestational processes are coordinated, whether
      there is a functional link with internal clocks, and whether disruptions are
      related to metabolic abnormalities in pregnancy, by studying day/night metabolic
      pathways in murine models and samples from pregnant women with normally grown and
      large-for-gestational age infants. In early mouse pregnancy, expression of
      hepatic lipogenic genes was up-regulated and uncoupled from the hepatic clock. In
      late mouse pregnancy, rhythmicity of energy metabolism-related genes in the
      muscle followed the patterns of internal clock genes in this tissue, and
      coincided with enhanced lipid transporter expression in the fetoplacental unit.
      Diurnal triglyceride patterns were disrupted in human placentas from pregnancies
      with large-for-gestational age infants and this overlapped with an increase in
      BMAL1 expression. Metabolic adaptations in early pregnancy are uncoupled from the
      circadian clock, whereas in late pregnancy, energy availability is mediated by
      coordinated muscle-placenta metabolic adjustments linked to internal clocks.
      Placental triglyceride oscillations in the third trimester of human pregnancy are
      lost in large-for-gestational age infants and may be regulated by BMAL1. In
      summary, disruptions in metabolic and circadian rhythmicity are associated with
      increased fetal size, with implications for the pathogenesis of macrosomia.
      Papacleovoulou, G., Nikolova, V., Oduwole, O., Chambers, J., Vazquez-Lopez, M.,
      Jansen, E., Nicolaides, K., Parker, M., Williamson, C. Gestational disruptions in
      metabolic rhythmicity of the liver, muscle, and placenta affect fetal size.

PMID- 28082354
TI  - Combination therapy with liposomal neuroprotectants and tissue plasminogen
      activator for treatment of ischemic stroke.
AB  - For ischemic stroke treatment, extension of the therapeutic time window (TTW) of
      thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and amelioration of
      secondary ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are most desirable. Our previous
      studies have indicated that liposomal delivery of neuroprotectants into an
      ischemic region is effective for stroke treatment. In the present study, for
      solving the above problems in the clinical setting, the usefulness of combination
      therapy with tPA and liposomal fasudil (fasudil-Lip) was investigated in ischemic
      stroke model rats with photochemically induced thrombosis, with clots that were
      dissolved by tPA. Treatment with tPA 3 h after occlusion markedly increased blood
      brain barrier permeability and activated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9,
      which are involved in cerebral hemorrhage. However, an intravenous administration
      of fasudil-Lip before tPA markedly suppressed the increase in permeability and
      the MMP activation stemming from tPA. The combination treatment showed
      significantly larger neuroprotective effects, even in the case of delayed tPA
      administration compared with each treatment alone or the tPA/fasudil-treated
      group. These findings suggest that treatment with fasudil-Lip before tPA could
      decrease the risk of tPA-derived cerebral hemorrhage and extend the TTW of tPA
      and that the combination therapy could be a useful therapeutic option for
      ischemic stroke.-Fukuta, T., Asai, T., Yanagida, Y., Namba, M., Koide, H.,
      Shimizu, K., Oku, N. Combination therapy with liposomal neuroprotectants and
      tissue plasminogen activator for treatment of ischemic stroke.

PMID- 28082355
TI  - Under pressure.

PMID- 28082356
TI  - IKKalpha controls ATG16L1 degradation to prevent ER stress during inflammation.
AB  - Inhibition of the IkappaB kinase complex (IKK) has been implicated in the therapy
      of several chronic inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases.
      In this study, using mice with an inactivatable IKKalpha kinase (IkkalphaAA/AA),
      we show that loss of IKKalpha function markedly impairs epithelial regeneration
      in a model of acute colitis. Mechanistically, this is caused by compromised
      secretion of cytoprotective IL-18 from IKKalpha-mutant intestinal epithelial
      cells because of elevated caspase 12 activation during an enhanced unfolded
      protein response (UPR). Induction of the UPR is linked to decreased ATG16L1
      stabilization in IkkalphaAA/AA mice. We demonstrate that both TNF-R and
      nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain stimulation promote ATG16L1
      stabilization via IKKalpha-dependent phosphorylation of ATG16L1 at Ser278. Thus,
      we propose IKKalpha as a central mediator sensing both cytokine and microbial
      stimulation to suppress endoplasmic reticulum stress, thereby assuring
      antiinflammatory function during acute intestinal inflammation.

PMID- 28082357
TI  - Defective ATG16L1-mediated removal of IRE1alpha drives Crohn's disease-like
      ileitis.
AB  - ATG16L1T300A, a major risk polymorphism in Crohn's disease (CD), causes impaired
      autophagy, but it has remained unclear how this predisposes to CD. In this study,
      we report that mice with Atg16l1 deletion in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs)
      spontaneously develop transmural ileitis phenocopying ileal CD in an age
      dependent manner, driven by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor
      IRE1alpha. IRE1alpha accumulates in Paneth cells of Atg16l1DeltaIEC mice, and
      humans homozygous for ATG16L1T300A exhibit a corresponding increase of IRE1alpha
      in intestinal epithelial crypts. In contrast to a protective role of the IRE1beta
      isoform, hyperactivated IRE1alpha also drives a similar ileitis developing
      earlier in life in Atg16l1;Xbp1DeltaIEC mice, in which ER stress is induced by
      deletion of the unfolded protein response transcription factor XBP1. The
      selective autophagy receptor optineurin interacts with IRE1alpha, and optineurin
      deficiency amplifies IRE1alpha levels during ER stress. Furthermore, although
      dysbiosis of the ileal microbiota is present in Atg16l1;Xbp1DeltaIEC mice as
      predicted from impaired Paneth cell antimicrobial function, such structural
      alteration of the microbiota does not trigger ileitis but, rather, aggravates
      dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Hence, we conclude that defective
      autophagy in IECs may predispose to CD ileitis via impaired clearance of
      IRE1alpha aggregates during ER stress at this site.

PMID- 28082360
TI  - Comment on: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: still a concern in patients with
      haematological malignancies and stem cell transplant recipients.

PMID- 28082359
TI  - Class II MHC-independent suppressive adhesion of dendritic cells by regulatory T
      cells in vivo.
AB  - Regulatory T (T reg) cells are essential for peripheral homeostasis and known to
      target and suppress dendritic cells (DCs). One important mechanism is through
      prolonged interaction between antigen-specific T reg cells and DCs that down
      regulates the co-stimulatory capacity of DCs. However, the dynamics and TCR
      specificities of such T reg cell-DC interaction and its relevance to the
      suppressive outcomes for individual DCs have not been clarified. To gain insights
      into the underlying cellular events in vivo, we analyzed individual T reg cell-DC
      interaction events in lymph nodes by intravital microscopy. Our results show
      that, upon exposure to interleukin-2, T reg cells formed prolonged adhesive
      contact with DCs, independent of antigen or MHC recognition, which significantly
      suppressed the contemporaneous interaction of the same DCs with antigen-specific
      conventional T cells and impaired T cell priming. Therefore, T reg cells may
      function in part as feedback regulators in inflammatory milieu, by suppressing
      local DCs and interrupting immune activation in a contact-dependent and class II
      MHC-independent manner.

PMID- 28082358
TI  - Strong adhesion by regulatory T cells induces dendritic cell cytoskeletal
      polarization and contact-dependent lethargy.
AB  - Dendritic cells are targeted by regulatory T (T reg) cells, in a manner that
      operates as an indirect mode of T cell suppression. In this study, using a
      combination of single-cell force spectroscopy and structured illumination
      microscopy, we analyze individual T reg cell-DC interaction events and show that
      T reg cells exhibit strong intrinsic adhesiveness to DCs. This increased DC
      adhesion reduces the ability of contacted DCs to engage other antigen-specific
      cells. We show that this unusually strong LFA-1-dependent adhesiveness of T reg
      cells is caused in part by their low calpain activities, which normally release
      integrin-cytoskeleton linkage, and thereby reduce adhesion. Super resolution
      imaging reveals that such T reg cell adhesion causes sequestration of Fascin-1,
      an actin-bundling protein essential for immunological synapse formation, and
      skews Fascin-1-dependent actin polarization in DCs toward the T reg cell adhesion
      zone. Although it is reversible upon T reg cell disengagement, this sequestration
      of essential cytoskeletal components causes a lethargic state of DCs, leading to
      reduced T cell priming. Our results reveal a dynamic cytoskeletal component
      underlying T reg cell-mediated DC suppression in a contact-dependent manner.

PMID- 28082361
TI  - Extensive Ca2+ leak through K4750Q cardiac ryanodine receptors caused by
      cytosolic and luminal Ca2+ hypersensitivity.
AB  - Various ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) point mutations cause catecholamine-induced
      polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a life-threatening arrhythmia evoked
      by diastolic intracellular Ca2+ release dysfunction. These mutations occur in
      essential regions of RyR2 that regulate Ca2+ release. The molecular dysfunction
      caused by CPVT-associated RyR2 mutations as well as the functional consequences
      remain unresolved. Here, we study the most severe CPVT-associated RyR2 mutation
      (K4750Q) known to date. We define the molecular and cellular dysfunction
      generated by this mutation and detail how it alters RyR2 function, using Ca2+
      imaging, ryanodine binding, and single-channel recordings. HEK293 cells and
      cardiac HL-1 cells expressing RyR2-K4750Q show greatly enhanced spontaneous Ca2+
      oscillations. An endoplasmic reticulum-targeted Ca2+ sensor, R-CEPIA1er, revealed
      that RyR2-K4750Q mediates excessive diastolic Ca2+ leak, which dramatically
      reduces luminal [Ca2+]. We further show that the K4750Q mutation causes three
      RyR2 defects: hypersensitization to activation by cytosolic Ca2+, loss of
      cytosolic Ca2+/Mg2+-mediated inactivation, and hypersensitization to luminal Ca2+
      activation. These defects combine to kinetically stabilize RyR2-K4750Q openings,
      thus explaining the extensive diastolic Ca2+ leak from the sarcoplasmic
      reticulum, frequent Ca2+ waves, and severe CPVT phenotype. As the multiple
      concurrent defects are induced by a single point mutation, the K4750 residue
      likely resides at a critical structural point at which cytosolic and luminal RyR2
      control input converge.

PMID- 28082362
TI  - Case characteristics among Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus outbreak
      and non-outbreak cases in Saudi Arabia from 2012 to 2015.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: As of 1 November 2015, the Saudi Ministry of Health had reported 1273
      cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS); among these cases, which
      included 9 outbreaks at several hospitals, 717 (56%) patients recovered, 14 (1%)
      remain hospitalised and 543 (43%) died. This study aimed to determine the
      epidemiological, demographic and clinical characteristics that distinguished
      cases of MERS contracted during outbreaks from those contracted sporadically (ie,
      non-outbreak) between 2012 and 2015 in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: Data from the Saudi
      Ministry of Health of confirmed outbreak and non-outbreak cases of MERS
      coronavirus (CoV) infections from September 2012 through October 2015 were
      abstracted and analysed. Univariate and descriptive statistical analyses were
      conducted, and the time between disease onset and confirmation, onset and
      notification and onset and death were examined. RESULTS: A total of 1250 patients
      (aged 0-109 years; mean, 50.825 years) were reported infected with MERS-CoV.
      Approximately two-thirds of all MERS cases were diagnosed in men for outbreak and
      non-outbreak cases. Healthcare workers comprised 22% of all MERS cases for
      outbreak and non-outbreak cases. Nosocomial infections comprised one-third of all
      Saudi MERS cases; however, nosocomial infections occurred more frequently in
      outbreak than non-outbreak cases (p<0.001). Patients contracting MERS during an
      outbreak were significantly more likely to die of MERS (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: To
      date, nosocomial infections have fuelled MERS outbreaks. Given that the Kingdom
      of Saudi Arabia is a worldwide religious travel destination, localised outbreaks
      may have massive global implications and effective outbreak preventive measures
      are needed.

PMID- 28082363
TI  - Direct-to-consumer advertising of success rates for medically assisted
      reproduction: a review of national clinic websites.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To establish how medically assisted reproduction (MAR) clinics report
      success rates on their websites. SETTING: Websites of private and NHS clinics
      offering in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in the UK. PARTICIPANTS: We identified
      clinics offering IVF using the Choose a Fertility Clinic facility on the website
      of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Of 81 clinics
      identified, a website could not be found for 2, leaving 79 for inclusion in the
      analysis. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures reported by
      clinic websites. The numerator and denominator included in the outcome measure
      were of interest. RESULTS: 53 (67%) websites reported their performance using 51
      different outcome measures. It was most common to report pregnancy (83% of these
      clinics) or live birth rates (51%). 31 different ways of reporting pregnancy and
      9 different ways of reporting live birth were identified. 11 (21%) reported
      multiple birth or pregnancy rates. 1 clinic provided information on adverse
      events. It was usual for clinics to present results without relevant contextual
      information such as sample size, reporting period, the characteristics of
      patients and particular details of treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Many combinations of
      numerator and denominator are available for the purpose of reporting success
      rates for MAR. The range of reporting options available to clinics is further
      increased by the possibility of presenting results for subgroups of patients and
      for different time periods. Given the status of these websites as advertisements
      to patients, the risk of selective reporting is considerable. Binding guidance is
      required to ensure consistent, informative reporting.

PMID- 28082364
TI  - Rethinking clinical governance: healthcare professionals' views: a Delphi study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although the guiding principle of clinical governance states that
      healthcare professionals are the leading contributors to quality and safety in
      healthcare, little is known about what healthcare professionals perceive as
      important for clinical governance. The aim of this study is to clarify this by
      exploring healthcare professionals' views on clinical governance. DESIGN: Based
      on a literature search, a list of 99 elements related to clinical governance was
      constructed. This list was refined, extended and restricted during a three-round
      Delphi study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The panel of experts was formed of 24
      healthcare professionals from an academic hospital that is seen as a leader in
      terms of its clinical governance expertise in the Netherlands. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Rated importance of each element on a four-point scale. RESULTS: The 50
      elements that the panel perceived as most important related to adopting a bottom
      up approach to clinical governance, ownership, teamwork, learning from mistakes
      and feedback. The panel did not reach a consensus concerning elements that
      referred to patient involvement. Elements that referred to a managerial approach
      to clinical governance and standardisation of work were rejected by the panel.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the views of the panel of experts, clinical governance is a
      practice-based, value-driven approach that has the goal of delivering the highest
      possible quality care and ensuring the safety of patients. Bottom-up approaches
      and effective teamwork are seen as crucial for high quality and safe healthcare.
      Striving for high quality and safe healthcare is underpinned by continuous
      learning, shared responsibility and good relationships and collaboration between
      healthcare professionals, managers and patients.

PMID- 28082365
TI  - Effectiveness of diagnostic screening tests in mass screening for COPD using a
      cooperative regional system in a region with heavy air pollution: a cross
      sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a cooperative
      healthcare model for early detection and diagnosis of chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational
      study. We performed diagnosis of COPD at 4 public health centres in Omuta, Japan
      from March 2015 to March 2016, by adding screening for COPD at the time of
      routine medical evaluations. All patients aged over 40 years were eligible to
      participate. Among 397 eligible patients, 293 agreed to participate in the study.
      RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of COPD in Omuta was 10% among patients aged
      over 40 years and was 17% among smokers. Among those who were screened, over half
      of them had questionnaire scores over the cut-off of 17 points and decreased
      FEV1/FVC%, indicating COPD (p>0.05). 30 patients with suspected COPD were
      referred for further investigation at a local central hospital, but only 6
      underwent further medical examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of a COPD
      questionnaire and medical examination is effective as a COPD screening tool.
      Future research should investigate behavioural interventions for smoking
      cessation that can be offered in a cooperative model, as well as for improving
      participation in COPD screening and for encouraging early presentation for
      treatment in those suspected of having COPD.

PMID- 28082366
TI  - Psychosocial well-being and health-related quality of life in a UK population
      with Usher syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether psychosocial well-being is associated with the
      health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of people with Usher syndrome. SETTING:
      The survey was advertised online and through deafblind-related charities, support
      groups and social groups throughout the UK. PARTICIPANTS: 90 people with Usher
      syndrome took part in the survey. Inclusion criteria are having a diagnosis of
      Usher syndrome, being 18 or older and being a UK resident. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
      OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants took part in a survey that measured depressive
      symptoms, loneliness and social support (predictors) and their physical and
      mental HRQOL (outcomes). Measured confounders included age-related, sex-related
      and health-related characteristics. Hierarchical multiple linear regression
      analyses examined the association of each psychosocial well-being predictor with
      the physical and mental HRQOL outcomes while controlling for confounders in a
      stepwise manner. RESULTS: After adjusting for all confounders, psychosocial well
      being was shown to predict physical and mental HRQOL in our population with Usher
      syndrome. Increasing depressive symptoms were predictive of poorer physical
      (beta=-0.36, p<0.01) and mental (beta=-0.60, p<0.001) HRQOL. Higher levels of
      loneliness predicted poorer mental HRQOL (beta=-0.20, p<0.05). Finally,
      increasing levels of social support predicted better mental HRQOL (beta=0.19,
      p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Depression, loneliness and social support all represent
      important issues that are linked with HRQOL in a UK population with Usher
      syndrome. Our results add to the growing body of evidence that psychosocial well
      being is an important factor to consider in people with Usher syndrome alongside
      functional and physical impairment within research and clinical practice.

PMID- 28082367
TI  - Antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of major congenital
      malformations in a cohort of depressed pregnant women: an updated analysis of the
      Quebec Pregnancy Cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Antidepressant use during gestation has been associated with risk of
      major congenital malformations but estimates can lack statistical power or be
      confounded by maternal depression. We aimed to determine the association between
      first-trimester exposure to antidepressants and the risk of major congenital
      malformations in a cohort of depressed/anxious women. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Data were obtained from the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort (QPC). All pregnancies with a
      diagnosis of depression or anxiety, or exposed to antidepressants in the 12
      months before pregnancy, and ending with a live-born singleton were included.
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Antidepressant classes (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
      (SSRI), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), tricyclic
      antidepressants (TCA) and other antidepressants) and types were individually
      compared with non-exposure during the first trimester (depressed untreated).
      Major congenital malformations overall and organ-specific malformations in the
      first year of life were identified. RESULTS: 18 487 pregnant women were included.
      When looking at the specific types of antidepressant used during the first
      trimester, only citalopram was increasing the risk of major congenital
      malformations (adjusted OR, (aOR) 1.36, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.73; 88 exposed cases),
      although there was a trend towards increased risk for the most frequently used
      antidepressants. Antidepressants with serotonin reuptake inhibition effect (SSRI,
      SNRI, amitriptyline (the most used TCA)) increased the risk of certain organ
      specific defects: paroxetine increased the risk of cardiac defects (aOR 1.45, 95%
      CI 1.12 to 1.88), and ventricular/atrial septal defects (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.00 to
      1.93); citalopram increased the risk of musculoskeletal defects (aOR 1.92, 95% CI
      1.40 to 2.62), and craniosynostosis (aOR 3.95, 95% CI 2.08 to 7.52); TCA was
      associated with eye, ear, face and neck defects (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.05 to 5.72),
      and digestive defects (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.40 to 4.66); and venlafaxine was
      associated with respiratory defects (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.38). CONCLUSIONS:
      Antidepressants with effects on serotonin reuptake during embryogenesis increased
      the risk of some organ-specific malformations in a cohort of pregnant women with
      depression.

PMID- 28082368
TI  - Efficacy of combined conservative therapies on clinical outcomes in patients with
      thumb base osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomised, controlled trial (COMBO).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Management of thumb base osteoarthritis (OA) using a combination of
      therapies is common in clinical practice; however, evidence for the efficacy of
      this approach is lacking. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a
      combination of conservative therapies for the treatment of thumb base OA compared
      with an education control group. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a randomised,
      controlled, single-centre, two-arm superiority trial with 1:1 allocation ratio;
      with assessor and statistician blinded. Participants are blinded to the trial's
      hypothesis and to the interventions received by the opposite group. A total of
      204 participants will be recruited from the community and randomised using a
      computer-generated schedule. The intervention group will receive education for
      joint protection and OA, a splint for the base of the thumb, hand exercises and
      topical diclofenac sodium 1% gel over 6 weeks. The control group will receive
      education for joint protection and OA alone. Main inclusion criteria are pain
      >=40 mm (Visual Analogue Scale, 0-100) at the base of the thumb, impairment in
      hand function >=6 (Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis, 0-30) and
      radiographic thumb base OA (Kellgren Lawrence grade >=2). Participants currently
      receiving any of the intervention components will be excluded. Outcomes will be
      measured at 2, 6 and 12 weeks. The primary outcome is change in pain and hand
      function from baseline to 6 weeks. Other outcomes include changes in grip and
      pinch strength, quality of life, presence of joint swelling and tenderness,
      duration of joint stiffness, patient's global assessment and use of rescue
      medication. Analysis will be performed according to the intention-to-treat
      principle. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the study. ETHICS AND
      DISSEMINATION: This protocol is approved by the local ethics committee
      (HREC/15/HAWKE/479). Dissemination will occur through presentations at
      international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12616000353493; Pre-results.

PMID- 28082370
TI  - An approach to hypopigmentation.

PMID- 28082372
TI  - Structural developmental psychology and health promotion in the third age.
AB  - In response to the ever-increasing longevity in Western societies, old age has
      been divided into two different periods, labelled the third and fourth age. Where
      the third age, with its onset at retirement, mostly involves positive aspects of
      growing old, the fourth age involves functional decline and increased morbidity.
      This article focuses on the entry to the third age and its potential for health
      promotion initiatives. Well-being is an important factor to emphasize in such
      health promotion, and this article views the lifestyle of third agers as
      essential for their well-being. The structural developmental theory of Robert
      Kegan delineates how a person's way of knowing develops throughout the life
      course. This theory is an untapped and salient perspective for health promotion
      initiatives in the third age. This article outlines Kegan's approach as a tool
      for developing psychologically spacious health promotion, and suggests future
      directions for research on the topic.

PMID- 28082373
TI  - Nutrition labelling is a trade policy issue: lessons from an analysis of specific
      trade concerns at the World Trade Organization.
AB  - Interpretive nutrition labels provide simplified nutrient-specific text and/or
      symbols on the front of pre-packaged foods, to encourage and enable consumers to
      make healthier choices. This type of labelling has been proposed as part of a
      comprehensive policy response to the global epidemic of non-communicable
      diseases. However, regulation of nutrition labelling falls under the remit of not
      just the health sector but also trade. Specific Trade Concerns have been raised
      at the World Trade Organization's Technical Barriers to Trade Committee regarding
      interpretive nutrition labelling initiatives in Thailand, Chile, Indonesia, Peru
      and Ecuador. This paper presents an analysis of the discussions of these
      concerns. Although nutrition labelling was identified as a legitimate policy
      objective, queries were raised regarding the justification of the specific
      labelling measures proposed, and the scientific evidence for effectiveness of
      such measures. Concerns were also raised regarding the consistency of the
      measures with international standards. Drawing on policy learning theory, we
      identified four lessons for public health policy makers, including: strategic
      framing of nutrition labelling policy objectives; pro-active policy engagement
      between trade and health to identify potential trade issues; identifying ways to
      minimize potential 'practical' trade concerns; and engagement with the Codex
      Alimentarius Commission to develop international guidance on interpretative
      labelling. This analysis indicates that while there is potential for trade sector
      concerns to stifle innovation in nutrition labelling policy, care in how
      interpretive nutrition labelling measures are crafted in light of trade
      commitments can minimize such a risk and help ensure that trade policy is
      coherent with nutrition action.

PMID- 28082369
TI  - Regulation of PI3K effector signalling in cancer by the phosphoinositide
      phosphatases.
AB  - Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) generates phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5
      trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) at the plasma membrane in response to growth
      factors, activating a signalling cascade that regulates many cellular functions
      including cell growth, proliferation, survival, migration and metabolism. The
      PI3K pathway is commonly dysregulated in human cancer, and drives tumorigenesis
      by promoting aberrant cell growth and transformation. PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 facilitates
      the activation of many pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing proteins
      including the serine/threonine kinase AKT. There are three AKT isoforms that are
      frequently hyperactivated in cancer through mutation, amplification or
      dysregulation of upstream regulatory proteins. AKT isoforms have converging and
      opposing functions in tumorigenesis. PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signalling is degraded and
      terminated by phosphoinositide phosphatases such as phosphatase and tensin
      homologue (PTEN), proline-rich inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (PIPP)
      (INPP5J) and inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B).
      PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 is rapidly hydrolysed by PIPP to generate phosphatidylinositol
      3,4-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4)P2), which is further hydrolysed by INPP4B to form
      phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P). PtdIns(3,4)P2 and PtdIns3P are also
      important signalling molecules; PtdIns(3,4)P2 together with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 are
      required for maximal AKT activation and PtdIns3P activates PI3K-dependent serum
      and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK3) signalling. Loss of Pten, Pipp or
      Inpp4b expression or function promotes tumour growth in murine cancer models
      through enhanced AKT isoform-specific signalling. INPP4B inhibits PtdIns(3,4)P2
      mediated AKT activation in breast and prostate cancer; however, INPP4B expression
      is increased in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), melanoma and colon cancer where it
      paradoxically promotes cell proliferation, transformation and/or drug resistance.
      This review will discuss how PTEN, PIPP and INPP4B distinctly regulate
      PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signalling downstream of PI3K and how dysregulation of these
      phosphatases affects cancer outcomes.

PMID- 28082374
TI  - Cohort Profile: The Nijmegen Biomedical Study (NBS).

PMID- 28082377
TI  - A creeping hand eruption.

PMID- 28082375
TI  - Evidence for large-scale gene-by-smoking interaction effects on pulmonary
      function.
AB  - Background: Smoking is the strongest environmental risk factor for reduced
      pulmonary function. The genetic component of various pulmonary traits has also
      been demonstrated, and at least 26 loci have been reproducibly associated with
      either FEV 1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) or FEV 1 /FVC (FEV 1 /forced
      vital capacity). Although the main effects of smoking and genetic loci are well
      established, the question of potential gene-by-smoking interaction effect remains
      unanswered. The aim of the present study was to assess, using a genetic risk
      score approach, whether the effect of these 26 loci on pulmonary function is
      influenced by smoking. Methods: We evaluated the interaction between smoking
      exposure, considered as either ever vs never or pack-years, and a 26-single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genetic risk score in relation to FEV 1 or FEV 1
      /FVC in 50 047 participants of European ancestry from the Cohorts for Heart and
      Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) and SpiroMeta consortia. Results:
      We identified an interaction ( betaint  = -0.036, 95% confidence interval, -0.040
      to -0.032, P  = 0.00057) between an unweighted 26 SNP genetic risk score and
      smoking status (ever/never) on the FEV 1 /FVC ratio. In interpreting this
      interaction, we showed that the genetic risk of falling below the FEV /FVC
      threshold used to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is higher among
      ever smokers than among never smokers. A replication analysis in two independent
      datasets, although not statistically significant, showed a similar trend in the
      interaction effect. Conclusions: This study highlights the benefit of using
      genetic risk scores for identifying interactions missed when studying individual
      SNPs and shows, for the first time, that persons with the highest genetic risk
      for low FEV 1 /FVC may be more susceptible to the deleterious effects of smoking.

PMID- 28082378
TI  - Cancer, Oxidative Stress, and Metastasis.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules that arise from a
      number of cellular sources, including oxidative metabolism in mitochondria. At
      low levels they can be advantageous to cells, activating signaling pathways that
      promote proliferation or survival. At higher levels, ROS can damage or kill cells
      by oxidizing proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. It was hypothesized that
      antioxidants might benefit high-risk patients by reducing the rate of ROS-induced
      mutations and delaying cancer initiation. However, dietary supplementation with
      antioxidants has generally proven ineffective or detrimental in clinical trials.
      High ROS levels limit cancer cell survival during certain windows of cancer
      initiation and progression. During these periods, dietary supplementation with
      antioxidants may promote cancer cell survival and cancer progression. This raises
      the possibility that rather than treating cancer patients with antioxidants, they
      should be treated with pro-oxidants that exacerbate oxidative stress or block
      metabolic adaptations that confer oxidative stress resistance.

PMID- 28082376
TI  - Axonal ribosomes and mRNAs associate with fragile X granules in adult rodent and
      human brains.
AB  - Local mRNA translation in growing axons allows for rapid and precise regulation
      of protein expression in response to extrinsic stimuli. However, the role of
      local translation in mature CNS axons is unknown. Such a mechanism requires the
      presence of translational machinery and associated mRNAs in circuit-integrated
      brain axons. Here we use a combination of genetic, quantitative imaging and super
      resolution microscopy approaches to show that mature axons in the mammalian brain
      contain ribosomes, the translational regulator FMRP and a subset of FMRP mRNA
      targets. This axonal translational machinery is associated with Fragile X
      granules (FXGs), which are restricted to axons in a stereotyped subset of brain
      circuits. FXGs and associated axonal translational machinery are present in
      hippocampus in humans as old as 57 years. This FXG-associated axonal
      translational machinery is present in adult rats, even when adult neurogenesis is
      blocked. In contrast, in mouse this machinery is only observed in juvenile
      hippocampal axons. This differential developmental expression was specific to the
      hippocampus, as both mice and rats exhibit FXGs in mature axons in the adult
      olfactory system. Experiments in Fmr1 null mice show that FMRP regulates axonal
      protein expression but is not required for axonal transport of ribosomes or its
      target mRNAs. Axonal translational machinery is thus a feature of adult CNS
      neurons. Regulation of this machinery by FMRP could support complex behaviours in
      humans throughout life.

PMID- 28082381
TI  - Pneumopericardium and colo-pericardial fistula.

PMID- 28082379
TI  - Five years of specialised early intervention versus two years of specialised
      early intervention followed by three years of standard treatment for patients
      with a first episode psychosis: randomised, superiority, parallel group trial in
      Denmark (OPUS II).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of five years of specialised early intervention
      (SEI) treatment for first episode schizophrenia spectrum disorder with the
      standard two years of SEI plus three years of treatment as usual. DESIGN:
      Randomised, superiority, parallel group trial with blinded outcome assessment.
      Randomisation was centralised and computerised with concealed randomisation
      sequence carried out at an external site. SETTING: Participants were recruited
      from six OPUS teams in Denmark between 2009 and 2012. OPUS teams provide SEI
      treatment to all patients diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder in
      Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: 400 participants (51% women) with a mean age of 25.6
      (standard deviation 4.3) were randomised to five years of SEI (experimental
      intervention; n=197) or to two years of SEI plus three years of treatment as
      usual (control; n=203). INTERVENTIONS: OPUS treatment consists of three core
      elements-modified assertive community treatment, family involvement, and social
      skill training-with a patient-case manager ratio of no more than 12:1. For
      participants randomised to five years of OPUS treatment, the treatment was
      largely unchanged. Participants randomised to the control group were mostly
      referred to community health centres after two years of SEI treatment. MAIN
      OUTCOMES: Follow-up assessments were conducted five years after start of OPUS
      treatment. Primary outcome was negative symptoms measured on the scale for
      assessment of negative symptoms (avolition-apathy, anhedonia, alogia, and
      affective blunting). Secondary outcomes were remission of both negative and
      psychotic symptoms, psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, substance abuse,
      compliance with medical treatment, adherence with treatment, client satisfaction,
      days in hospital care, and labour market affiliation. RESULTS: Levels of negative
      symptoms did not differ between the intervention group and control group (1.72 v
      1.81 points; estimated mean difference -0.10 (95% confidence interval -0.33 to
      0.13), P=0.39). Participants receiving five years of OPUS treatment were more
      likely to remain in contact with specialised mental health services (90.4% v
      55.6%, P<0.001), had higher client satisfaction (estimated mean difference 2.57
      points (95% confidence interval 1.36 to 3.79), P<0.001), and had a stronger
      working alliance (estimated mean difference 5.56 points (95% confidence interval
      2.30 to 8.82), P=0.001) than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This trial tests SEI
      treatment for up to five years for patients with first episode schizophrenia
      spectrum disorder; previous trials have found treatment effects for programmes
      lasting from one to three years. The prolonged SEI treatment had few effects,
      which could be due to the high level of treatment provided to control
      participants and the late start of specialised treatment.Trial registration
      Clinicaltrial.gov NCT00914238.

PMID- 28082382
TI  - Monocytes primed with GTS-21/alpha7 nAChR (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor)
      agonist develop anti-inflammatory memory.
AB  - Background: The neural system can finely tune immune system, especially pro- or
      anti-inflammatory responses of monocytes/macrophages. To maintain immune
      homeostasis, monocytes/macrophages are supposed to be primed by alpha7 nAChR
      agonist to establish anti-inflammatory memory. Aim: To study whether activation
      of alpha7 nAChR would elicit anti-inflammatory memory in splenic monocytes in
      vivo and J774 monocytes in vitro . Design: Laboratory study. Methods: The
      wildtype mice were sacrificed 4 or 12 h after receiving intravenous injection of
      GTS-21. The splenocytes were isolated and stimulated with LPS for 4 h to detect
      Ly6C hi TNF-alpha +  monocytes by flow cytometry. In the in vitro study, J774
      monocytes received priming with GTS-21, washing GTS-21 out and resting, and
      thereafter stimulating with TLR ligands. The TNF-alpha protein and Tnfalpha ,
      Il1beta and il6 mRNAs were measured to evaluate anti-inflammatory responses. The
      H3K9ac, H4K5ac, H4K8ac, Acetyl-CBP, CBP (CREB-binding protein), PCAF (P300/CBP
      associated factor) and Acetyl-NF-kB levels were measured in GTS-21-primed
      monocytes. Results: Activation of alpha7 nAChR by GTS-21 suppressed TNF-alpha
      production in splenic Ly6C hi monocytes. In vivo -GTS-21-primed splenic Ly6C hi
      monocytes passed on anti-inflammatory feature if stimulated with LPS in vitro .
      J774 monocytes primed with GTS-21 developed anti-inflammatory trait in response
      to LPS (TLR4), Poly:IC (TLR3) and R848 (TLR7/8) ligands. In GTS-21-primed
      monocytes, H3K9ac, H4K5ac, H4K8ac, Acetyl-CBP, CBP, PCAF and Acetyl-NF-kB were
      reduced 4 h after washing and resting. In the nuclear extract, PCAF, Acetyl-NF
      kB, p-NF-kB and p-STAT3 were decreased in LPS-stimulated GTS-21 primed J774
      monocytes 4 h after washing and resting. Conclusions: Monocytes primed by alpha7
      nAChR agonist developed anti-inflammatory memory.

PMID- 28082383
TI  - More Than Window Dressing: Revealing 5-Methylcytocine Patterns That Decorate
      Arabidopsis RNA.

PMID- 28082385
TI  - Management of Pregnancy in Patients With Complex Congenital Heart Disease: A
      Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart
      Association.
AB  - Today, most female children born with congenital heart disease will reach
      childbearing age. For many women with complex congenital heart disease, carrying
      a pregnancy carries a moderate to high risk for both the mother and her fetus.
      Many such women, however, do not have access to adult congenital heart disease
      tertiary centers with experienced reproductive programs. Therefore, it is
      important that all practitioners who will be managing these women have current
      information not only on preconception counseling and diagnostic evaluation to
      determine maternal and fetal risk but also on how to manage them once they are
      pregnant and when to refer them to a regional center with expertise in pregnancy
      management.

PMID- 28082384
TI  - The Rice Receptor-Like Kinases DWARF AND RUNTISH SPIKELET1 and 2 Repress Cell
      Death and Affect Sugar Utilization during Reproductive Development.
AB  - Cell-to-cell communication precisely controls the creation of new organs during
      reproductive growth. However, the sensor molecules that mediate developmental
      signals in monocot plants are poorly understood. Here, we report that DWARF AND
      RUNTISH SPIKELET1 (DRUS1) and DRUS2, two closely related receptor-like kinases
      (RLKs), redundantly control reproductive growth and development in rice (Oryza
      sativa). A drus1-1 drus2 double knockout mutant, but not either single mutant,
      showed extreme dwarfism and barren inflorescences that harbored sterile
      spikelets. The gibberellin pathway was not impaired in this mutant. A phenotypic
      comparison of mutants expressing different amounts of DRUS1 and 2 revealed that
      reproductive growth requires a threshold level of DRUS1/2 proteins. DRUS1 and 2
      maintain cell viability by repressing protease-mediated cell degradation and
      likely by affecting sugar utilization or conversion. In the later stages of
      anther development, survival of the endothecium requires DRUS1/2, which may
      stimulate expression of the UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene UGP2 and starch
      biosynthesis in pollen. Unlike their Arabidopsis thaliana ortholog FERONIA, DRUS1
      and 2 mediate a fundamental signaling process that is essential for cell survival
      and represents a novel biological function for the CrRLK1L RLK subfamily.

PMID- 28082386
TI  - Population-Based Long-Term Cardiac-Specific Mortality Among 34 489 Five-Year
      Survivors of Childhood Cancer in Great Britain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased risks of cardiac morbidity and mortality among childhood
      cancer survivors have been described previously. However, little is known about
      the very long-term risks of cardiac mortality and whether the risk has decreased
      among those more recently diagnosed. We investigated the risk of long-term
      cardiac mortality among survivors within the recently extended British Childhood
      Cancer Survivor Study. METHODS: The British Childhood Cancer Survivor Study is a
      population-based cohort of 34 489 five-year survivors of childhood cancer
      diagnosed from 1940 to 2006 and followed up until February 28, 2014, and is the
      largest cohort to date to assess late cardiac mortality. Standardized mortality
      ratios and absolute excess risks were used to quantify cardiac mortality excess
      risk. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the
      simultaneous effect of risk factors. Likelihood ratio tests were used to test for
      heterogeneity and trends. RESULTS: Overall, 181 cardiac deaths were observed,
      which was 3.4 times that expected. Survivors were 2.5 times and 5.9 times more at
      risk of ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathy/heart failure death,
      respectively, than expected. Among those >60 years of age, subsequent primary
      neoplasms, cardiac disease, and other circulatory conditions accounted for 31%,
      22%, and 15% of all excess deaths, respectively, providing clear focus for
      preventive interventions. The risk of both overall cardiac and
      cardiomyopathy/heart failure mortality was greatest among those diagnosed from
      1980 to 1989. Specifically, for cardiomyopathy/heart failure deaths, survivors
      diagnosed from 1980 to 1989 had 28.9 times the excess number of deaths observed
      for survivors diagnosed either before 1970 or from 1990 on. CONCLUSIONS: Excess
      cardiac mortality among 5-year survivors of childhood cancer remains increased
      beyond 50 years of age and has clear messages in terms of prevention strategies.
      However, the fact that the risk was greatest in those diagnosed from 1980 to 1989
      suggests that initiatives to reduce cardiotoxicity among those treated more
      recently may be having a measurable impact.

PMID- 28082387
TI  - High-Intensity Interval Training in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced
      Ejection Fraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small studies have suggested that high-intensity interval training
      (HIIT) is superior to moderate continuous training (MCT) in reversing cardiac
      remodeling and increasing aerobic capacity in patients with heart failure with
      reduced ejection fraction. The present multicenter trial compared 12 weeks of
      supervised interventions of HIIT, MCT, or a recommendation of regular exercise
      (RRE). METHODS: Two hundred sixty-one patients with left ventricular ejection
      fraction <=35% and New York Heart Association class II to III were randomly
      assigned to HIIT at 90% to 95% of maximal heart rate, MCT at 60% to 70% of
      maximal heart rate, or RRE. Thereafter, patients were encouraged to continue
      exercising on their own. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline, after
      the intervention, and at follow-up after 52 weeks. Primary end point was a
      between-group comparison of change in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter
      from baseline to 12 weeks. RESULTS: Groups did not differ in age (median, 60
      years), sex (19% women), ischemic pathogenesis (59%), or medication. Change in
      left ventricular end-diastolic diameter from baseline to 12 weeks was not
      different between HIIT and MCT (P=0.45); left ventricular end-diastolic diameter
      changes compared with RRE were -2.8 mm (-5.2 to -0.4 mm; P=0.02) in HIIT and -1.2
      mm (-3.6 to 1.2 mm; P=0.34) in MCT. There was also no difference between HIIT and
      MCT in peak oxygen uptake (P=0.70), but both were superior to RRE. However, none
      of these changes was maintained at follow-up after 52 weeks. Serious adverse
      events were not statistically different during supervised intervention or at
      follow-up at 52 weeks (HIIT, 39%; MCT, 25%; RRE, 34%; P=0.16). Training records
      showed that 51% of patients exercised below prescribed target during supervised
      HIIT and 80% above target in MCT. CONCLUSIONS: HIIT was not superior to MCT in
      changing left ventricular remodeling or aerobic capacity, and its feasibility
      remains unresolved in patients with heart failure. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00917046.

PMID- 28082389
TI  - An optimized, broadly applicable piggyBac transposon induction system.
AB  - The piggyBac (PB) transposon has been used in a number of biological
      applications. The insertion of PB transposons into the genome can disrupt genes
      or regulatory regions, impacting cellular function, so for many experiments it is
      important that PB transposition is tightly controlled. Here, we systematically
      characterize three methods for the post-translational control of the PB
      transposon in four cell lines. We investigated fusions of the PB transposase with
      ERT2 and two degradation domains (FKBP-DD, DHFR-DD), in multiple orientations,
      and determined (i) the fold-induction achieved, (ii) the absolute transposition
      efficiency of the activated construct and (iii) the effects of two inducer
      molecules on cellular transcription and function. We found that the FKBP-DD
      confers the PB transposase with a higher transposition activity and better
      dynamic range than can be achieved with the other systems. In addition, we found
      that the FKBP-DD regulates transposon activity in a reversible and dose-dependent
      manner. Finally, we showed that Shld1, the chemical inducer of FKBP-DD, does not
      interfere with stem cell differentiation, whereas tamoxifen has significant
      effects. We believe the FKBP-based PB transposon induction will be useful for
      transposon-mediated genome engineering, insertional mutagenesis and the genome
      wide mapping of transcription factor binding.

PMID- 28082388
TI  - Imaging chromatin nanostructure with binding-activated localization microscopy
      based on DNA structure fluctuations.
AB  - Advanced light microscopy is an important tool for nanostructure analysis of
      chromatin. In this report we present a general concept for Single Molecule
      localization Microscopy (SMLM) super-resolved imaging of DNA-binding dyes based
      on modifying the properties of DNA and the dye. By careful adjustment of the
      chemical environment leading to local, reversible DNA melting and hybridization
      control over the fluorescence signal of the DNA-binding dye molecules can be
      introduced. We postulate a transient binding as the basis for our variation of
      binding-activated localization microscopy (BALM). We demonstrate that several
      intercalating and minor-groove binding DNA dyes can be used to register
      (optically isolate) only a few DNA-binding dye signals at a time. To highlight
      this DNA structure fluctuation-assisted BALM (fBALM), we applied it to measure,
      for the first time, nanoscale differences in nuclear architecture in model
      ischemia with an anticipated structural resolution of approximately 50 nm. Our
      data suggest that this approach may open an avenue for the enhanced microscopic
      analysis of chromatin nano-architecture and hence the microscopic analysis of
      nuclear structure aberrations occurring in various pathological conditions. It
      may also become possible to analyse nuclear nanostructure differences in
      different cell types, stages of development or environmental stress conditions.

PMID- 28082390
TI  - Identification of endoribonuclease specific cleavage positions reveals novel
      targets of RNase III in Streptococcus pyogenes.
AB  - A better understanding of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of
      gene expression in bacteria relies on studying their transcriptome. RNA
      sequencing methods are used not only to assess RNA abundance but also the exact
      boundaries of primary and processed transcripts. Here, we developed a method,
      called identification of specific cleavage position (ISCP), which enables the
      identification of direct endoribonuclease targets in vivo by comparing the 5? and
      3? ends of processed transcripts between wild type and RNase deficient strains.
      To demonstrate the ISCP method, we used as a model the double-stranded specific
      RNase III in the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes. We mapped 92 specific
      cleavage positions (SCPs) among which, 48 were previously described and 44 are
      new, with the characteristic 2 nucleotides 3? overhang of RNase III. Most SCPs
      were located in untranslated regions of RNAs. We screened for RNase III targets
      using transcriptomic differential expression analysis (DEA) and compared those
      with the RNase III targets identified using the ISCP method. Our study shows that
      in S. pyogenes, under standard growth conditions, RNase III has a limited impact
      both on antisense transcripts and on global gene expression with the expression
      of most of the affected genes being downregulated in an RNase III deletion
      mutant.

PMID- 28082391
TI  - FACT is a sensor of DNA torsional stress in eukaryotic cells.
AB  - Transitions of B-DNA to alternative DNA structures (ADS) can be triggered by
      negative torsional strain, which occurs during replication and transcription, and
      may lead to genomic instability. However, how ADS are recognized in cells is
      unclear. We found that the binding of candidate anticancer drug, curaxin, to
      cellular DNA results in uncoiling of nucleosomal DNA, accumulation of negative
      supercoiling and conversion of multiple regions of genomic DNA into left-handed Z
      form. Histone chaperone FACT binds rapidly to the same regions via the SSRP1
      subunit in curaxin-treated cells. In vitro binding of purified SSRP1 or its
      isolated CID domain to a methylated DNA fragment containing alternating
      purine/pyrimidines, which is prone to Z-DNA transition, is much stronger than to
      other types of DNA. We propose that FACT can recognize and bind Z-DNA or DNA in
      transition from a B to Z form. Binding of FACT to these genomic regions triggers
      a p53 response. Furthermore, FACT has been shown to bind to other types of ADS
      through a different structural domain, which also leads to p53 activation. Thus,
      we propose that FACT acts as a sensor of ADS formation in cells. Recognition of
      ADS by FACT followed by a p53 response may explain the role of FACT in DNA damage
      prevention.

PMID- 28082392
TI  - The ribosome biogenesis factor yUtp23/hUTP23 coordinates key interactions in the
      yeast and human pre-40S particle and hUTP23 contains an essential PIN domain.
AB  - Two proteins with PIN endonuclease domains, yUtp24(Fcf1)/hUTP24 and yUtp23/hUTP23
      are essential for early pre-ribosomal (r)RNA cleavages at sites A0, A1/1 and
      A2/2a in yeast and humans. The yUtp24/hUTP24 PIN endonuclease is proposed to
      cleave at sites A1/1 and A2/2a, but the enzyme cleaving at site A0 is not known.
      Yeast yUtp23 contains a degenerate, non-essential PIN domain and functions
      together with the snR30 snoRNA, while human hUTP23 is associated with U17, the
      human snR30 counterpart. Using in vivo RNA-protein crosslinking and gel shift
      experiments, we reveal that yUtp23/hUTP23 makes direct contacts with expansion
      sequence 6 (ES6) in the 18S rRNA sequence and that yUtp23 interacts with the 3?
      half of the snR30 snoRNA. Protein-protein interaction studies further
      demonstrated that yeast yUtp23 and human hUTP23 directly interact with the H/ACA
      snoRNP protein yNhp2/hNHP2, the RNA helicase yRok1/hROK1(DDX52), the ribosome
      biogenesis factor yRrp7/hRRP7 and yUtp24/hUTP24. yUtp23/hUTP23 could therefore be
      central to the coordinated integration and release of ES6 binding factors and
      likely plays a pivotal role in remodeling this pre-rRNA region in both yeast and
      humans. Finally, studies using RNAi-rescue systems in human cells revealed that
      intact PIN domain and Zinc finger motifs in human hUTP23 are essential for 18S
      rRNA maturation.

PMID- 28082393
TI  - Alternative lengthening of telomeres can be maintained by preferential elongation
      of lagging strands.
AB  - Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is a telomerase independent telomere
      maintenance mechanism that occurs in ~15% of cancers. The potential mechanism of
      ALT is homology-directed telomere synthesis, but molecular mechanisms of how ALT
      maintains telomere length in human cancer is poorly understood. Here, we
      generated TERC (telomerase RNA) gene knockouts in telomerase positive cell lines
      that resulted in long-term surviving clones acquiring the ALT pathway but at a
      very low frequency. By comparing these ALT cells with parental telomerase
      positive cells, we observed that ALT cells possess excessively long telomeric
      overhangs derived from telomere elongation processes that mostly occur during S
      phase. ALT cells exhibited preferential elongation of the telomeric lagging
      strands, whereas telomerase positive cells exhibited similar elongation between
      leading and lagging strands. We propose that the ALT pathway preferentially
      occurs at telomeric lagging strands leading to heterogeneous telomere lengths
      observed in most ALT cancers.

PMID- 28082394
TI  - TSSPlant: a new tool for prediction of plant Pol II promoters.
AB  - Our current knowledge of eukaryotic promoters indicates their complex
      architecture that is often composed of numerous functional motifs. Most of known
      promoters include multiple and in some cases mutually exclusive transcription
      start sites (TSSs). Moreover, TSS selection depends on cell/tissue, development
      stage and environmental conditions. Such complex promoter structures make their
      computational identification notoriously difficult. Here, we present TSSPlant, a
      novel tool that predicts both TATA and TATA-less promoters in sequences of a wide
      spectrum of plant genomes. The tool was developed by using large promoter
      collections from ppdb and PlantProm DB. It utilizes eighteen significant
      compositional and signal features of plant promoter sequences selected in this
      study, that feed the artificial neural network-based model trained by the
      backpropagation algorithm. TSSPlant achieves significantly higher accuracy
      compared to the next best promoter prediction program for both TATA promoters
      (MCC?0.84 and F1-score?0.91 versus MCC?0.51 and F1-score?0.71) and TATA-less
      promoters (MCC?0.80, F1-score?0.89 versus MCC?0.29 and F1-score?0.50). TSSPlant
      is available to download as a standalone program at
      http://www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/download/.

PMID- 28082395
TI  - The crystal structure of the 5? functional domain of the transcription
      riboregulator 7SK.
AB  - In vertebrates, the 7SK RNA forms the scaffold of a complex, which regulates
      transcription pausing of RNA-polymerase II. By binding to the HEXIM protein, the
      complex comprising proteins LARP7 and MePCE captures the positive transcription
      elongation factor P-TEFb and prevents phosphorylation of pausing factors. The
      HEXIM-binding site embedded in the 5?-hairpin of 7SK (HP1) encompasses a short
      signature sequence, a GAUC repeat framed by single-stranded uridines. The present
      crystal structure of HP1 shows a remarkably straight helical stack involving
      several unexpected triples formed at a central region. Surprisingly, two uridines
      of the signature sequence make triple interactions in the major groove of the
      (GAUC)2. The third uridine is turned outwards or inward, wedging between the
      other uridines, thus filling the major groove. A molecular dynamics simulation
      indicates that these two conformations of the signature sequence represent stable
      alternatives. Analyses of the interaction with the HEXIM protein confirm the
      importance of the triple interactions at the signature sequence. Altogether, the
      present structural analysis of 7SK HP1 highlights an original mechanism of
      swapping bases, which could represent a possible '7SK signature' and provides new
      insight into the functional importance of the plasticity of RNA.

PMID- 28082396
TI  - PHF1 Tudor and N-terminal domains synergistically target partially unwrapped
      nucleosomes to increase DNA accessibility.
AB  - The Tudor domain of human PHF1 recognizes trimethylated lysine 36 on histone H3
      (H3K36me3). PHF1 relies on this interaction to regulate PRC2 methyltransferase
      activity, localize to DNA double strand breaks and mediate nucleosome
      accessibility. Here, we investigate the impact of the PHF1 N-terminal domain
      (NTD) on the Tudor domain interaction with the nucleosome. We show that the NTD
      is partially ordered when it is natively attached to the Tudor domain. Through a
      combination of FRET and single molecule studies, we find that the increase of DNA
      accessibility within the H3K36me3-containing nucleosome, instigated by the Tudor
      binding to H3K36me3, is dramatically enhanced by the NTD. We demonstrate that
      this nearly order of magnitude increase is due to preferential binding of PHF1 to
      partially unwrapped nucleosomes, and that PHF1 alters DNA-protein binding within
      the nucleosome by decreasing dissociation rates. These results highlight the
      potency of a PTM-binding protein to regulate DNA accessibility and underscores
      the role of the novel mechanism by which nucleosomes control DNA-protein binding
      through increasing protein dissociation rates.

PMID- 28082397
TI  - Differential hepatitis C virus RNA target site selection and host factor
      activities of naturally occurring miR-122 3? variants.
AB  - In addition to suppressing cellular gene expression, certain miRNAs potently
      facilitate replication of specific positive-strand RNA viruses. miR-122, a pro
      viral hepatitis C virus (HCV) host factor, binds and recruits Ago2 to tandem
      sites (S1 and S2) near the 5? end of the HCV genome, stabilizing it and promoting
      its synthesis. HCV target site selection follows canonical miRNA rules, but how
      non-templated 3? miR-122 modifications impact this unconventional miRNA action is
      unknown. High-throughput sequencing revealed that a 22 nt miRNA with 3?G ('22
      3?G') comprised <63% of total miR-122 in human liver, whereas other variants (23
      3?A, 23-3?U, 21-3?U) represented 11-17%. All loaded equivalently into Ago2, and
      when tested individually functioned comparably in suppressing gene expression. In
      contrast, 23-3?A and 23-3?U were more active than 22-3?G in stabilizing HCV RNA
      and promoting its replication, whereas 21-3?U was almost completely inactive.
      This lack of 21-3?U HCV host factor activity correlated with reduced recruitment
      of Ago2 to the HCV S1 site. Additional experiments demonstrated strong preference
      for guanosine at nt 22 of miR-122. Our findings reveal the importance of non
      templated 3? miR-122 modifications to its HCV host factor activity, and identify
      unexpected differences in miRNA requirements for host gene suppression versus RNA
      virus replication.

PMID- 28082398
TI  - The large terminase DNA packaging motor grips DNA with its ATPase domain for
      cleavage by the flexible nuclease domain.
AB  - Many viruses use a powerful terminase motor to pump their genome inside an empty
      procapsid shell during virus maturation. The large terminase (TerL) protein
      contains both enzymatic activities necessary for packaging in such viruses: the
      adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) that powers DNA translocation and an
      endonuclease that cleaves the concatemeric genome at both initiation and
      completion of genome packaging. However, how TerL binds DNA during translocation
      and cleavage remains mysterious. Here we investigate DNA binding and cleavage
      using TerL from the thermophilic phage P74-26. We report the structure of the P74
      26 TerL nuclease domain, which allows us to model DNA binding in the nuclease
      active site. We screened a large panel of TerL variants for defects in binding
      and DNA cleavage, revealing that the ATPase domain is the primary site for DNA
      binding, and is required for nuclease activity. The nuclease domain is
      dispensable for DNA binding but residues lining the active site guide DNA for
      cleavage. Kinetic analysis of DNA cleavage suggests flexible tethering of the
      nuclease domains during DNA cleavage. We propose that interactions with the
      procapsid during DNA translocation conformationally restrict the nuclease domain,
      inhibiting cleavage; TerL release from the capsid upon completion of packaging
      unlocks the nuclease domains to cleave DNA.

PMID- 28082399
TI  - Radiation-Induced Enhancement of Antitumor T-cell Immunity by VEGF-Targeted 4-1BB
      Costimulation.
AB  - Radiotherapy can elicit systemic immune control of local tumors and distant
      nonirradiated tumor lesions, known as the abscopal effect. Although this effect
      is enhanced using checkpoint blockade or costimulatory antibodies, objective
      responses remain suboptimal. As radiotherapy can induce secretion of VEGF and
      other stress products in the tumor microenvironment, we hypothesized that
      targeting immunomodulatory drugs to such products will not only reduce toxicity
      but also broaden the scope of tumor-targeted immunotherapy. Using an
      oligonucleotide aptamer platform, we show that radiation-induced VEGF-targeted 4
      1BB costimulation potentiated both local tumor control and abscopal responses
      with equal or greater efficiency than 4-1BB, CTLA-4, or PD1 antibodies alone.
      Although 4-1BB and CTLA-4 antibodies elicited organ-wide inflammatory responses
      and tissue damage, VEGF-targeted 4-1BB costimulation produced no observable
      toxicity. These findings suggest that radiation-induced tumor-targeted
      immunotherapy can improve the therapeutic index and extend the reach of
      immunomodulatory agents. Cancer Res; 77(6); 1310-21. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28082401
TI  - A Multifunctional Role for Adjuvant Anti-4-1BB Therapy in Augmenting Antitumor
      Response by Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells.
AB  - Adoptive immunotherapy utilizing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has
      demonstrated high success rates in hematologic cancers, but results against solid
      malignancies have been limited to date, due in part to the immunosuppressive
      tumor microenvironment. Activation of the 4-1BB (CD137) pathway using an
      agonistic alpha-4-1BB antibody is known to provide strong costimulatory signals
      for augmenting and diversifying T-cell responses. We therefore hypothesized that
      a combination of alpha-4-1BB and CAR T-cell therapy would result in improved
      antitumor responses. Using a human-Her2 self-antigen mouse model, we report here
      that alpha-4-1BB significantly enhanced CAR T-cell efficacy directed against the
      Her2 antigen in two different established solid tumor settings. Treatment also
      increased the expression of IFNgamma and the proliferation marker Ki67 in tumor
      infiltrating CAR T cells when combined with alpha-4-1BB. Strikingly, alpha-4-1BB
      significantly reduced host immunosuppressive cells at the tumor site, including
      regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, correlating with an
      increased therapeutic response. We conclude that alpha-4-1BB has a
      multifunctional role for enhancing CAR T-cell responses and that this combination
      therapy has high translational potential, given current phase I/II clinical
      trials with alpha-4-1BB against various types of cancer. Cancer Res; 77(6); 1296
      309. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28082400
TI  - ARF Confers a Context-Dependent Response to Chemotherapy in Muscle-Invasive
      Bladder Cancer.
AB  - Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) generally responds poorly to treatment and
      tends to exhibit significant mortality. Here we show that expression of the tumor
      suppressor p14ARF (ARF) is upregulated in aggressive subtypes of MIBC.
      Accumulation of ARF in the nucleolus is associated with poor outcome and
      attenuated response to chemotherapy. In both genetically engineered mouse models
      and murine xenograft models of human MIBC, we demonstrate that tumors expressing
      ARF failed to respond to treatment with the platinum-based chemotherapy agent
      cisplatin. Resistance was mediated in part by the integrin-binding protein
      ITGB3BP (CENPR) and reflected ARF-dependent impairment of protein translation,
      which was exaggerated by drug treatment. Overall, our results highlight a context
      dependent role for ARF in modulating the drug response of bladder cancer. Cancer
      Res; 77(4); 1035-46. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28082402
TI  - Enriching the Housing Environment for Mice Enhances Their NK Cell Antitumor
      Immunity via Sympathetic Nerve-Dependent Regulation of NKG2D and CCR5.
AB  - Mice housed in an enriched environment display a tumor-resistant phenotype due to
      eustress stimulation. However, the mechanisms underlying enriched environment
      induced protection against cancers remain largely unexplained. In this study, we
      observed a significant antitumor effect induced by enriched environment in murine
      pancreatic cancer and lung cancer models. This effect remained intact in T/B
      lymphocyte-deficient Rag1-/- mice, but was nearly eliminated in natural killer
      (NK) cell-deficient Beige mice or in antibody-mediated NK-cell-depleted mice,
      suggesting a predominant role of NK cells in enriched environment-induced tumor
      inhibition. Exposure to enriched environment enhanced NK-cell activity against
      tumors and promoted tumoral infiltration of NK cells. Enriched environment
      increased the expression levels of CCR5 and NKG2D (KLRK1) in NK cells; blocking
      their function effectively blunted the enriched environment-induced enhancement
      of tumoral infiltration and cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Moreover, blockade of
      beta-adrenergic signaling or chemical sympathectomy abolished the effects of
      enriched environment on NK cells and attenuated the antitumor effect of enriched
      environment. Taken together, our results provide new insight into the mechanism
      by which eustress exerts a beneficial effect against cancer. Cancer Res; 77(7);
      1611-22. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28082403
TI  - RORgammat+ Innate Lymphoid Cells Promote Lymph Node Metastasis of Breast Cancers.
AB  - Cancer cells tend to metastasize first to tumor-draining lymph nodes, but the
      mechanisms mediating cancer cell invasion into the lymphatic vasculature remain
      little understood. Here, we show that in the human breast tumor microenvironment
      (TME), the presence of increased numbers of RORgammat+ group 3 innate lymphoid
      cells (ILC3) correlates with an increased likelihood of lymph node metastasis. In
      a preclinical mouse model of breast cancer, CCL21-mediated recruitment of ILC3 to
      tumors stimulated the production of the CXCL13 by TME stromal cells, which in
      turn promoted ILC3-stromal interactions and production of the cancer cell motile
      factor RANKL. Depleting ILC3 or neutralizing CCL21, CXCL13, or RANKL was
      sufficient to decrease lymph node metastasis. Our findings establish a role for
      RORgammat+ILC3 in promoting lymphatic metastasis by modulating the local
      chemokine milieu of cancer cells in the TME. Cancer Res; 77(5); 1083-96. (c)2017
      AACR.

PMID- 28082404
TI  - SRSF2 Regulates Alternative Splicing to Drive Hepatocellular Carcinoma
      Development.
AB  - Aberrant RNA splicing is recognized to contribute to cancer pathogenesis, but the
      underlying mechanisms remain mainly obscure. Here, we report that the splicing
      factor SRSF2 is upregulated frequently in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),
      where this event is associated with poor prognosis in patients. RNA-seq and other
      molecular analyses were used to identify SRSF2-regulated alternative splicing
      events. SRSF2 binding within an alternative exon was associated with its
      inclusion in the RNA, whereas SRSF2 binding in a flanking constitutive exon was
      associated with exclusion of the alternative exon. Notably, cancer-associated
      splice variants upregulated by SRSF2 in clinical specimens of HCC were found to
      be crucial for pathogenesis and progression in hepatoma cells, where SRSF2
      expression increased cell proliferation and tumorigenic potential by controlling
      expression of these variants. Our findings identify SRSF2 as a key regulator of
      RNA splicing dysregulation in cancer, with possible clinical implications as a
      candidate prognostic factor in patients with HCC. Cancer Res; 77(5); 1168-78.
      (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28082406
TI  - Ataxia Telangiectasia and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
AB  - We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of a child with typical
      ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) who developed juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
      The patient was a 15-year-old boy with A-T who presented with noninfectious
      polyarthritis. A-T is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by
      cerebellar atrophy, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, immunodeficiency,
      radiosensitivity, and predisposition to cancer. The gene responsible for A-T is
      the A-T mutated (ATM) gene. Clinical manifestations of the disorder are the
      result of lacking ATM protein, which is involved in DNA repair, apoptosis,
      various checkpoints in the cell cycle, gene regulation, translation, initiation,
      and telomere maintenance. There are a few articles that describe deficiency of
      the DNA repair enzyme, ATM, in rheumatoid arthritis, but the connection between
      the absence of ATM protein and JIA has not been presented or studied yet. JIA is
      a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by arthritis of unknown origin
      with onset before the age of 16 years. It is the most common childhood chronic
      rheumatic disease and causes significant disability. Because immunodeficiency can
      be part of A-T, infectious arthritis can occur, but chronic autoimmune arthritis
      in these patients is rare. We report a rare case of a 15-year-old boy with A-T
      and JIA. This case shows a possible relationship between altered function of ATM
      protein and the pathogenesis of JIA.

PMID- 28082407
TI  - Improving Early Identification and Intervention for Children at Risk for Autism
      Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide an example of a successful, novel statewide effort to
      increase early identification of young children at risk for autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD) using a 2-tiered screening process with enhanced quality
      assessment, interagency policy collaboration and coordination. METHODS: The South
      Carolina Act Early Team (SCAET) provided focused collaboration among leaders
      representing state agencies, universities, health care systems, private
      organizations, and families to improve quality of life for children with ASD.
      Specific focus was on implementing policy changes and training to result in
      earlier identification and home-based behavioral intervention for young children
      at risk for ASD. RESULTS: Policy changes, training, and modified state agency
      practices were accomplished. Presumptive eligibility, on the basis of a 2-tiered
      screening process was implemented by BabyNet (South Carolina's Early Intervention
      Program) in collaboration with the lead agency for developmental disability
      services. There was a fivefold increase in children eligible for early intensive
      behavioral intervention without waiting for a diagnosis of ASD, avoiding long
      waits for diagnostic evaluations. Only 16 children (2.5%) were later found not to
      have ASD from a comprehensive evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in early
      identification and intervention are feasible through collaborative policy change.
      The South Carolina Act Early Team and its key stakeholders committed to improving
      outcomes for this population used existing tools and methods in new ways to
      improve early identification of children with ASD and to make available evidence
      based intervention services. This example should be replicable in other states
      with key stakeholders working collaboratively for the benefit of young children
      with ASD.

PMID- 28082405
TI  - Superior Efficacy and Selectivity of Novel Small-Molecule Kinase Inhibitors of
      T790M-Mutant EGFR in Preclinical Models of Lung Cancer.
AB  - The clinical utility of approved EGFR small-molecule kinase inhibitors is plagued
      both by toxicity against wild-type EGFR and by metastatic progression in the
      central nervous system, a disease sanctuary site. Here, we report the discovery
      and preclinical efficacy of GNS-1486 and GNS-1481, two novel small-molecule EGFR
      kinase inhibitors that are selective for T790M-mutant isoforms of EGFR. Both
      agents were effective in multiple mouse xenograft models of human lung
      adenocarcinoma (T790M-positive or -negative), exhibiting less activity against
      wild-type EGFR than existing approved EGFR kinase inhibitors (including
      osimertinib). In addition, GNS-1486 showed superior potency against intracranial
      metastasis of EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. Our results offer a preclinical
      proof of concept for new EGFR kinase inhibitors with the potential to improve
      therapeutic index and efficacy against brain metastases in patients. Cancer Res;
      77(5); 1200-11. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28082408
TI  - julius seizure, a Drosophila Mutant, Defines a Neuronal Population Underlying
      Epileptogenesis.
AB  - Epilepsy is a neural disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Bang-sensitive
      Drosophila represent an important model for studying epilepsy and neuronal
      excitability. Previous work identified the bang-sensitive gene slamdance (sda) as
      an allele of the aminopeptidase N gene. Here we show through extensive genetic
      analysis, including recombination frequency, deficiency mapping, transposon
      insertion complementation testing, RNA interference (RNAi), and genetic rescue
      that the gene responsible for the seizure sensitivity is julius seizure (jus),
      formerly CG14509, which encodes a novel transmembrane domain protein. We also
      describe more severe genetic alleles of jus RNAi-mediated knockdown of jus
      revealed that it is required only in neurons and not glia, and that partial bang
      sensitivity is caused by knockdown in GABAergic or cholinergic but not
      glutamatergic neurons. RNAi knockdown of jus at the early pupal stages leads to
      strong seizures in adult animals, implicating that stage as critical for
      epileptogenesis. A C-terminal-tagged version of Jus was generated from a fosmid
      genomic clone. This fosmid fusion rescued the bang-sensitive phenotype and was
      expressed in the optic lobes and the subesophageal and thoracic abdominal
      ganglia. The protein was primarily localized in axons, especially in the neck
      connectives, extending into the thoracic abdominal ganglion.

PMID- 28082409
TI  - Unbound free fatty acid profiles in human plasma and the unexpected absence of
      unbound palmitoleate.
AB  - We determined for the first time the profiles of the nine most abundant unbound
      FFAs (FFAus) in human plasma. Profiles were determined for a standard reference
      plasma of pooled healthy adults for which the Lipid MAPSMAPS Consortium had
      determined the total FFA profiles. Measurements were performed by using 20
      different acrylodan-labeled fatty acid binding protein mutants (probes), which
      have complementary specificities for the nine FFAs that comprise more than 96% of
      long-chain plasma FFA. The acrylodan fluorescence emission for each probe changes
      upon binding a FFAu. The plasma concentrations of each of the nine FFAus were
      determined by combining the measured fluorescence ratios of the 20 probes. The
      total molar FFAu concentration accounted for <10-5 of the total FFA
      concentration, and the mole fractions of the FFAu profiles were substantially
      different than the total FFA profiles. Myristic acid, for example, comprises 22%
      of the unbound versus 2.8% of the total. The most surprising difference is our
      finding of zero unbound cis-9-palmitoleic acid (POA), whereas the total POA was
      7.2%. An unidentified plasma component appears to specifically prevent the
      release of POA. FFAus are the physiologically active FFAs, and plasma FFAu
      profiles may provide novel information about human health.

PMID- 28082410
TI  - Sphingomyelins and ceramides with VLCPUFAs are excluded from low-density raft
      like domains in differentiating spermatogenic cells.
AB  - Rat spermatogenic cells contain sphingomyelins (SMs) and ceramides (Cers) with
      very long-chain PUFAs (VLCPUFAs) in nonhydroxylated (n-V) and 2-hydroxylated (h
      V) forms. How these atypical species distribute among membrane fractions during
      differentiation was investigated here using a detergent-free procedure to isolate
      a small light raft-like low-density fraction and a large heavy fraction, mostly
      derived from the plasma membrane of spermatocytes, round spermatids, and late
      spermatids. The light fraction contained cholesterol, glycerophospholipids
      (GPLs), and SM with the same saturated fatty acids in all three stages. In the
      heavy fraction, as PUFA increased in the GPL and VLCPUFA in SM from spermatocytes
      to spermatids, the concentration of cholesterol was also augmented. The heavy
      fraction had mostly n-V SM in spermatocytes, but accumulated h-V SM and h-V Cer
      in spermatids. A fraction containing intracellular membranes had less SM and more
      Cer than the latter, but in both fractions SM and Cer species with h-V increased
      over species with n-V with differentiation. This accretion of h-V was consistent
      with the differentiation-dependent expression of fatty acid 2-hydroxylase (Fa2h),
      as it increased significantly from spermatocytes to spermatids. The non-raft
      region of the plasma membrane is thus the main target of the dynamic lipid
      synthesis and remodeling that is involved in germ cell differentiation.

PMID- 28082411
TI  - TZAP: A telomere-associated protein involved in telomere length control.
AB  - Telomeres are found at the end of chromosomes and are important for chromosome
      stability. Here we describe a specific telomere-associated protein: TZAP
      (telomeric zinc finger-associated protein). TZAP binds preferentially to long
      telomeres that have a low concentration of shelterin complex, competing with the
      telomeric-repeat binding factors TRF1 and TRF2. When localized at telomeres, TZAP
      triggers a process known as telomere trimming, which results in the rapid
      deletion of telomeric repeats. On the basis of these results, we propose a model
      for telomere length regulation in mammalian cells: The reduced concentration of
      the shelterin complex at long telomeres results in TZAP binding and initiation of
      telomere trimming. Binding of TZAP to long telomeres represents the switch that
      triggers telomere trimming, setting the upper limit of telomere length.

PMID- 28082413
TI  - A paralogous decoy protects Phytophthora sojae apoplastic effector PsXEG1 from a
      host inhibitor.
AB  - The extracellular space (apoplast) of plant tissue represents a critical
      battleground between plants and attacking microbes. Here we show that a pathogen
      secreted apoplastic xyloglucan-specific endoglucanase, PsXEG1, is a focus of this
      struggle in the Phytophthora sojae-soybean interaction. We show that soybean
      produces an apoplastic glucanase inhibitor protein, GmGIP1, that binds to PsXEG1
      to block its contribution to virulence. P. sojae, however, secretes a paralogous
      PsXEG1-like protein, PsXLP1, that has lost enzyme activity but binds to GmGIP1
      more tightly than does PsXEG1, thus freeing PsXEG1 to support P. sojae infection.
      The gene pair encoding PsXEG1 and PsXLP1 is conserved in many Phytophthora
      species, and the P. parasitica orthologs PpXEG1 and PpXLP1 have similar
      functions. Thus, this apoplastic decoy strategy may be widely used in
      Phytophthora pathosystems.

PMID- 28082412
TI  - Deficiency of microRNA miR-34a expands cell fate potential in pluripotent stem
      cells.
AB  - Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
      efficiently generate all embryonic cell lineages but rarely generate
      extraembryonic cell types. We found that microRNA miR-34a deficiency expands the
      developmental potential of mouse pluripotent stem cells, yielding both embryonic
      and extraembryonic lineages and strongly inducing MuERV-L (MERVL) endogenous
      retroviruses, similar to what is seen with features of totipotent two-cell
      blastomeres. miR-34a restricts the acquisition of expanded cell fate potential in
      pluripotent stem cells, and it represses MERVL expression through transcriptional
      regulation, at least in part by targeting the transcription factor Gata2. Our
      studies reveal a complex molecular network that defines and restricts pluripotent
      developmental potential in cultured ESCs and iPSCs.

PMID- 28082414
TI  - Thyroid cytology-histology correlation using the RCPath terminology for thyroid
      cytology reporting.
AB  - AIMS: The Royal College of Pathologists Thy1-5 thyroid cytology guidance, 2009,
      second edition 2016, invites audits of its use. This report documents the
      experience of one department, assessing percentage usage of each Thy category,
      correlation with subsequent histology and comparison with other published
      studies. METHODS: Thyroid cytology and subsequent histology reports for 7 years
      (1 January 2008-31 December 2014) were reviewed, excluding referrals. Years 2008
      2010 were compared with 2011-2014. RESULTS: There were 1090 specimens in 2008
      2010, 1239 in 2011-2014. Thy usage for 2008-2010/2011-2014, respectively was:
      Thy1 16.1%/9.8%; Thy1c 10.6%/10.7%; Thy2/2c 52.4%/45.2%; Thy3a 9.6%/14.4%; Thy3f
      5.8%/10.9%; Thy4 2.3%/3.6%; Thy5 1.8%/5.4%. 772 specimens had subsequent
      histology: 415 non-neoplastic lesions; 357 neoplasms (110 benign, 247 malignant).
      Risk of malignancy (ROM) (including non-histology cases) for 2008-2010/2011-2014:
      Thy1/1c 5.2%/4.0%; Thy2/2c 1.4%/1.4%; Thy3a 10.0%/14.5%; Thy3f 25.4%/26.7%.
      Positive predictive values (PPVs) for neoplasia (histology cases only): Thy3a
      20.3%/56.9%; Thy3f 60.0%/64.8%; Thy4 58.3%/90.9%; Thy5 100%/100%. PPVs for
      malignancy (histology cases only): Thy3a 10.2%/36.1%; Thy3f 35.4%/33.3%; Thy4
      50.0%/81.8%; Thy5 100%/100%. The Thy3a/Thy5 ratio for 2011-2014 was 2.7.
      CONCLUSIONS: Numerical reporting categories facilitate audit and comparison with
      other published results. Technique-related inadequates (Thy1) have reduced but
      cystic lesions (Thy1c) are stable, in keeping with increased use of ultrasound
      scanning (USS). Thy2/2c has reduced, probably reflecting increased USS selection
      of non-benign nodules for sampling. ROMs for Thy1/1c/2/2c are low. Usage of all
      positive categories, Thy3a, Thy3f, Thy4 and Thy5, has increased. As others have
      reported for atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of
      undetermined significance, Thy3a is followed by malignancy more frequently than
      expected. There is stable prediction of malignancy by Thy3f and Thy5, the latter
      being 100% throughout.

PMID- 28082415
TI  - SMO mutation status defines a distinct and frequent molecular subgroup in
      olfactory groove meningiomas.
AB  - Background: Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors in
      adults. Identification of SMO and AKT1 mutations in meningiomas has raised the
      hope for targeted therapies. It would be useful to know the precise frequency of
      these mutations in anatomical subgroups and clarify their prognostic value.
      Methods: We used the Sanger sequencing technique to characterize 79 samples of
      olfactory groove meningiomas for SMO (L412F and W535L) and AKT1E17K mutations. We
      reviewed clinical data to assess the prognostic value of these mutations in this
      anatomical subgroup. Results: Out of the 79 patients with olfactory groove
      meningiomas, we identified targetable mutations in 34 patients (43%) (22 patients
      [28%] with SMO mutation-L412F almost exclusively-and 12 patients [15%] with AKT1
      mutation). Meningiomas in the SMO-mutant group had an overall 36% recurrence
      rate, significantly higher than in the AKT1-mutant group (16%) and in the "SMO
      and AKT1 wildtype" group (11%) (chi2 test, P = .04). All late recurrences (after
      5 y) occurred in the SMO-mutant group. Among grade I meningiomas, the SMO-mutant
      group was identified as having a significantly poorer prognosis. World Health
      Organization histological grade II (P = .006) and incomplete resection (P = .001)
      were independently associated with shorter recurrence-free survival. Conclusion:
      Molecular diagnosis of SMOL412F/W535L and AKT1E17K mutations improves prognostic
      evaluation in olfactory groove meningiomas and opens new therapeutic perspectives
      with SMO or AKT inhibitors for recurrent cases.

PMID- 28082417
TI  - Impact of Enterovirus Testing on Resource Use in Febrile Young Infants: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - CONTEXT: Enterovirus infection commonly causes fever in infants aged 0 to 90 days
      and, without testing, is difficult to differentiate from serious bacterial
      infection. OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost savings of routine enterovirus
      testing and identify subgroups of infants with greater potential impact from
      testing among infants 0 to 90 days old with fever. DATA SOURCES: Studies were
      identified systematically from published and unpublished literature by using
      Embase, Medline, the Cochrane database, and conference proceedings. STUDY
      SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were original studies, in any language, of
      enterovirus infection including the outcomes of interest in infants aged 0 to 90
      days. DATA EXTRACTION: Standardized instruments were used to appraise each study.
      The evidence quality was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
      Development, and Evaluation criteria. Two investigators independently searched
      the literature, screened and critically appraised the studies, extracted the
      data, and applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and
      Evaluation criteria. RESULTS: Of the 257 unique studies identified and screened,
      32 were completely reviewed and 8 were included. Routine enterovirus testing was
      associated with reduced hospital length of stay and cost savings during peak
      enterovirus season. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis was a poor predictor of
      enterovirus meningitis. The studies were all observational and the evidence was
      of low quality. CONCLUSIONS: Enterovirus polymerase chain reaction testing,
      independent of cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, can reduce length of stay and
      achieve cost savings, especially during times of high enterovirus prevalence.
      Additional study is needed to identify subgroups that may achieve greater cost
      savings from testing to additionally enhance the efficiency of testing.

PMID- 28082416
TI  - A brain-penetrant RAF dimer antagonist for the noncanonical BRAF oncoprotein of
      pediatric low-grade astrocytomas.
AB  - Background: Activating mutations or structural rearrangements in BRAF are
      identified in roughly 75% of all pediatric low-grade astrocytomas (PLGAs).
      However, first-generation RAF inhibitors approved for adult melanoma have poor
      blood-brain penetrance and are only effective on tumors that express the
      canonical BRAFV600E oncoprotein, which functions as a monomer. These drugs (type
      I antagonists that target the "DFG-in" conformation of the kinase) fail to block
      signaling via KIAA1549:BRAF, a truncation/fusion BRAF oncoprotein which functions
      as a dimer and is found in the most common form of PLGA. Methods: A panel of
      small molecule RAF inhibitors (including type II inhibitors, targeting the "DFG
      out" conformation of the kinase) was screened for drugs showing efficacy on
      murine models of PLGA and on authentic human PLGA cells expressing KIAA1549:BRAF.
      Results: We identify a type II RAF inhibitor that serves as an equipotent
      antagonist of BRAFV600E, KIAA1549:BRAF, and other noncanonical BRAF oncoproteins
      that function as dimers. This drug (MLN2480, also known as TAK-580) has good
      brain penetrance and is active on authentic human PLGA cells in brain organotypic
      cultures. Conclusion: MLN2480 may be an effective therapeutic for BRAF mutant
      pediatric astrocytomas.

PMID- 28082418
TI  - Heterogeneous distribution of substrates between the endocardium and epicardium
      promotes ventricular fibrillation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      dysplasia/cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Aims: Whether the distribution of scar in arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      cardiomyopathy (ARVC) plays a role in predicting different types of ventricular
      arrhythmias is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of
      scar distribution in patients with ARVC. Methods and results: We studied 80
      consecutive ARVC patients (46 men, mean age 47 +/- 15 years) who underwent an
      electrophysiological study with ablation. Thirty-four patients receive both
      endocardial and epicardial mapping. Abnormal endocardial substrates and
      epicardial substrates were characterized. Three groups were defined according to
      the epicardial and endocardial scar gradient (<10%: transmural, 10-20%:
      intermediate, >20%: horizontal, as groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Sinus
      rhythm electrograms underwent a Hilbert-Huang spectral analysis and were
      displayed as 3D Simultaneous Amplitude Frequency Electrogram Transformation (SAFE
      T) maps, which represented the arrhythmogenic potentials. The baseline
      characteristics were similar between the three groups. Group 3 patients had a
      higher incidence of fatal ventricular arrhythmias requiring defibrillation and
      cardiac arrest during the initial presentation despite having fewer premature
      ventricular complexes. A larger area of arrhythmogenic potentials in the
      epicardium was observed in patients with horizontal scar. The epicardial
      endocardial scar gradient was independently associated with the occurrence of
      fatal ventricular arrhythmias after a multivariate adjustment. The total,
      ventricular tachycardia, and VF recurrent rates were higher in Group 3 during 38
      +/- 21 months of follow-up. Conclusion: For ARVC, the epicardial substrate that
      extended in the horizontal plane rather than transmurally provided the
      arrhythmogenic substrate for a fatal ventricular arrhythmia circuit.

PMID- 28082419
TI  - Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy among patients with non-ischaemic
      vs. ischaemic cardiomyopathy for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death.
AB  - Aim: The magnitude of benefit related to implantable cardioverter defibrillator
      (ICD) therapy for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in non
      ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) has not been
      evaluated extensively in clinical practice. Methods and results: Of the 5539
      consecutive patients enrolled in the multicentre Defibrillateur Automatique
      Implantable-Prevention Primaire (DAI-PP) study (2002-12), 5485 patients (with
      information on underlying heart disease) were included in the present analysis:
      2181 (39.8%) had NICM and 3304 (60.2%) had ICM. ICM patients were older (63.7 +/
      10.3 vs. 60.6 +/- 12.2 years, P < 0.0001), with a higher ejection fraction [27%
      (25-30) vs. 25% (20-30), P < 0.0001], narrower QRS (37.3% vs. 21.4% with QRS
      <120, P < 0.0001), and higher prevalence of sinus rhythm (77.3% vs. 74.0%, P =
      0.009). During a mean follow-up of 3.1 +/- 2.2 years, 814 patients died, giving a
      mortality incidence of 48.6 per 1000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI)
      45.2-51.9], higher among ICM patients (52.3, 95% CI 47.8-56.7) than in NICM
      patients (42.4, 95% CI 37.3-47.6; P = 0.008) (adjusted hazard ratio 1.31, 95% CI
      1.06-1.61, P = 0.01). The increase in mortality among ICM patients was mainly due
      to non-cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.0002), whereas incidences of
      cardiovascular mortality (including ICD-unresponsive SCD) were similar in the two
      groups. Incidences of appropriate ICD interventions (anti-tachycardia pacing,
      shocks) were similar, but inappropriate therapies were more frequent in NICM
      (7.94 vs. 5.96%; P = 0.005). Conclusion: NICM and ICM patients had a same rate of
      ICD therapy for primary prevention of SCD in everyday practice. But, ICM patients
      more often died of a non- cardiovascular cause of death. Clinical Trial
      Registration: NCT 01992458.

PMID- 28082420
TI  - Actin visualization at a glance.
AB  - Actin functions in a multitude of cellular processes owing to its ability to
      polymerize into filaments, which can be further organized into higher-order
      structures by an array of actin-binding and regulatory proteins. Therefore,
      research on actin and actin-related functions relies on the visualization of
      actin structures without interfering with the cycles of actin polymerization and
      depolymerization that underlie cellular actin dynamics. In this Cell Science at a
      Glance and the accompanying poster, we briefly evaluate the different techniques
      and approaches currently applied to analyze and visualize cellular actin
      structures, including in the nuclear compartment. Referring to the gold standard
      F-actin marker phalloidin to stain actin in fixed samples and tissues, we
      highlight methods for visualization of actin in living cells, which mostly apply
      the principle of genetically fusing fluorescent proteins to different actin
      binding domains, such as LifeAct, utrophin and F-tractin, as well as anti-actin
      nanobody technology. In addition, the compound SiR-actin and the expression of
      GFP-actin are also applicable for various types of live-cell analyses. Overall,
      the visualization of actin within a physiological context requires a careful
      choice of method, as well as a tight control of the amount or the expression
      level of a given detection probe in order to minimize its influence on endogenous
      actin dynamics.

PMID- 28082421
TI  - Role of the phagosomal redox-sensitive TRP channel TRPM2 in regulating
      bactericidal activity of macrophages.
AB  - Acidification of macrophage phagosomes serves an important bactericidal function.
      We show here that the redox-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) cation
      channel TRPM2 is expressed in the phagosomal membrane and regulates macrophage
      bactericidal activity through the activation of phagosomal acidification.
      Measurement of the TRPM2 current in phagosomes identified TRPM2 as a functional
      redox-sensitive cation channel localized in the phagosomal membrane. Simultaneous
      measurements of phagosomal Ca2+ changes and phagosome acidification in
      macrophages undergoing phagocytosis demonstrated that TRPM2 was required to
      mediate the efflux of cations and for phagosomal acidification during the process
      of phagosome maturation. Acidification in phagosomes was significantly reduced in
      macrophages isolated from Trpm2-/- mice as compared to wild type, and
      acidification was coupled to reduced bacterial clearance in Trpm2-/- mice.
      Trpm2+/+ macrophages treated with the vacuolar H+-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin
      showed reduced bacterial clearance, similar to that in Trpm2-/- macrophages.
      Direct activation of TRPM2 using adenosine diphosphate ribose (ADPR) induced both
      phagosomal acidification and bacterial killing. These data collectively
      demonstrate that TRPM2 regulates phagosomal acidification, and is essential for
      the bacterial killing function of macrophages.

PMID- 28082423
TI  - Facile manipulation of protein localization in fission yeast through binding of
      GFP-binding protein to GFP.
AB  - GFP-binding protein (or GBP) has been recently developed in various systems and
      organisms as an efficient tool to purify GFP-fusion proteins. Due to the high
      affinity between GBP and GFP or GFP variants, this GBP-based approach is also
      ideally suited to alter the localization of functional proteins in live cells. In
      order to facilitate the wide use of the GBP-targeting approach in the fission
      yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we developed a set of pFA6a-, pJK148- and pUC119
      based vectors containing GBP- or GBP-mCherry-coding sequences and variants of
      inducible nmt1 or constitutive adh1 promoters that result in different levels of
      expression. The GBP or GBP-mCherry fragments can serve as cassettes for N- or C
      terminal genomic tagging of genes of interest. We illustrated the application of
      these vectors in the construction of yeast strains with Dma1 or Cdc7 tagged with
      GBP-mCherry and efficient targeting of Dma1- or Cdc7-GBP-mCherry to the spindle
      pole body by Sid4-GFP. This series of vectors should help to facilitate the
      application of the GBP-targeting approach in manipulating protein localization
      and the analysis of gene function in fission yeast, at the level of single genes,
      as well as at a systematic scale.

PMID- 28082422
TI  - Suppression of intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc mutant mice upon Musashi-1
      deletion.
AB  - Therapeutic strategies based on a specific oncogenic target are better justified
      when elimination of that particular oncogene reduces tumorigenesis in a model
      organism. One such oncogene, Musashi-1 (Msi-1), regulates translation of target
      mRNAs and is implicated in promoting tumorigenesis in the colon and other
      tissues. Msi-1 targets include the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli
      (Apc), a Wnt pathway antagonist lost in ~80% of all colorectal cancers. Cell
      culture experiments have established that Msi-1 is a Wnt target, thus positioning
      Msi-1 and Apc as mutual antagonists in a mutually repressive feedback loop. Here,
      we report that intestines from mice lacking Msi-1 display aberrant Apc and Msi-1
      mutually repressive feedback, reduced Wnt and Notch signaling, decreased
      proliferation, and changes in stem cell populations, features predicted to
      suppress tumorigenesis. Indeed, mice with germline Apc mutations (ApcMin ) or
      with the Apc1322T truncation mutation have a dramatic reduction in intestinal
      polyp number when Msi-1 is deleted. Taken together, these results provide genetic
      evidence that Msi-1 contributes to intestinal tumorigenesis driven by Apc loss,
      and validate the pursuit of Msi-1 inhibitors as chemo-prevention agents to reduce
      tumor burden.

PMID- 28082424
TI  - Accumulation of nuclear ADAR2 regulates adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing during
      neuronal development.
AB  - Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is important for a functional brain,
      and most known sites that are subject to selective RNA editing have been found to
      result in diversified protein isoforms that are involved in neurotransmission. In
      the absence of the active editing enzymes ADAR1 or ADAR2 (also known as ADAR and
      ADARB1, respectively), mice fail to survive until adulthood. Nuclear A-to-I
      editing of neuronal transcripts is regulated during brain development, with low
      levels of editing in the embryo and a dramatic increase after birth. Yet, little
      is known about the mechanisms that regulate editing during development. Here, we
      demonstrate lower levels of ADAR2 in the nucleus of immature neurons than in
      mature neurons. We show that importin-alpha4 (encoded by Kpna3), which increases
      during neuronal maturation, interacts with ADAR2 and contributes to the editing
      efficiency by bringing it into the nucleus. Moreover, we detect an increased
      number of interactions between ADAR2 and the nuclear isomerase Pin1 as neurons
      mature, which contribute to ADAR2 protein stability. Together, these findings
      explain how the nuclear editing of substrates that are important for neuronal
      function can increase as the brain develops.

PMID- 28082425
TI  - Cullin neddylation may allosterically tune polyubiquitin chain length and
      topology.
AB  - Conjugation of Nedd8 (neddylation) to Cullins (Cul) in Cul-RING E3 ligases (CRLs)
      stimulates ubiquitination and polyubiquitination of protein substrates. CRL is
      made up of two Cul-flanked arms: one consists of the substrate-binding and
      adaptor proteins and the other consists of E2 and Ring-box protein (Rbx).
      Polyubiquitin chain length and topology determine the substrate fate. Here, we
      ask how polyubiquitin chains are accommodated in the limited space available
      between the two arms and what determines the polyubiquitin linkage topology. We
      focus on Cul5 and Rbx1 in three states: before Cul5 neddylation (closed state),
      after neddylation (open state), and after deneddylation, exploiting molecular
      dynamics simulations and the Gaussian Network Model. We observe that regulation
      of substrate ubiquitination and polyubiquitination takes place through Rbx1
      rotations, which are controlled by Nedd8-Rbx1 allosteric communication.
      Allosteric propagation proceeds from Nedd8 via Cul5 dynamic hinges and hydrogen
      bonds between the C-terminal domain of Cul5 (Cul5CTD) and Rbx1 (Cul5CTD residues
      R538/R569 and Rbx1 residue E67, or Cul5CTD E474/E478/N491 and Rbx1 K105).
      Importantly, at each ubiquitination step (homogeneous or heterogeneous, linear or
      branched), the polyubiquitin linkages fit into the distances between the two
      arms, and these match the inherent CRL conformational tendencies. Hinge sites may
      constitute drug targets.

PMID- 28082426
TI  - Metabolic profiling reveals reprogramming of lipid metabolic pathways in
      treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome with 3-iodothyronamine.
AB  - Complex diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are associated with
      intricate pathophysiological, hormonal, and metabolic feedbacks that make their
      early diagnosis challenging, thus increasing the prevalence risks for obesity,
      cardiovascular, and fatty liver diseases. To explore the crosstalk between
      endocrine and lipid metabolic pathways, we administered 3-iodothyronamine (T1AM),
      a natural analog of thyroid hormone, in a mouse model of PCOS and analyzed plasma
      and tissue extracts using multidisciplinary omics and biochemical approaches.
      T1AM administration induces a profound tissue-specific antilipogenic effect in
      liver and muscle by lowering gene expression of key regulators of lipid
      metabolism, PTP1B and PLIN2, significantly increasing metabolites (glucogenic,
      amino acids, carnitine, and citrate) levels, while enhancing protection against
      oxidative stress. In contrast, T1AM has an opposing effect on the regulation of
      estrogenic pathways in the ovary by upregulating STAR, CYP11A1, and CYP17A1.
      Biochemical measurements provide further evidence of significant reduction in
      liver cholesterol and triglycerides in post-T1AM treatment. Our results shed
      light onto tissue-specific metabolic vs. hormonal pathway interactions, thus
      illuminating the intricacies within the pathophysiology of PCOS This study opens
      up new avenues to design drugs for targeted therapeutics to improve quality of
      life in complex metabolic diseases.

PMID- 28082427
TI  - Respiratory gas exchange as a new aid to monitor acidosis in endotoxemic rats:
      relationship to metabolic fuel substrates and thermometabolic responses.
AB  - This study introduces the respiratory exchange ratio (RER; the ratio of whole
      body CO2 production to O2 consumption) as an aid to monitor metabolic acidosis
      during the early phase of endotoxic shock in unanesthetized, freely moving rats.
      Two serotypes of lipopolysaccharide (lipopolysaccharide [LPS] O55:B5 and O127:B8)
      were tested at shock-inducing doses (0.5-2 mg/kg). Phasic rises in RER were
      observed consistently across LPS serotypes and doses. The RER rise often exceeded
      the ceiling of the quotient for oxidative metabolism, and was mirrored by
      depletion of arterial bicarbonate and decreases in pH It occurred independently
      of ventilatory adjustments. These data indicate that the rise in RER results from
      a nonmetabolic CO2 load produced via an acid-induced equilibrium shift in the
      bicarbonate buffer. Having validated this new experimental aid, we asked whether
      acidosis was interconnected with the metabolic and thermal responses that
      accompany endotoxic shock in unanesthetized rats. Contrary to this hypothesis,
      however, acidosis persisted regardless of whether the ambient temperature favored
      or prevented downregulation of mitochondrial oxidation and regulated hypothermia.
      We then asked whether the substrate that fuels aerobic metabolism could be a
      relevant factor in LPS-induced acidosis. Food deprivation was employed to divert
      metabolism away from glucose oxidation and toward fatty acid oxidation.
      Interestingly, this intervention attenuated the RER response to LPS by 58%,
      without suppressing other key aspects of systemic inflammation. We conclude that
      acid production in unanesthetized rats with endotoxic shock results from a phasic
      activation of glycolysis, which occurs independently of physiological changes in
      mitochondrial oxidation and body temperature.

PMID- 28082428
TI  - A comparison of substrate oxidation during prolonged exercise in men at
      terrestrial altitude and normobaric normoxia following the coingestion of 13C
      glucose and 13C fructose.
AB  - This study compared the effects of coingesting glucose and fructose on exogenous
      and endogenous substrate oxidation during prolonged exercise at altitude and sea
      level, in men. Seven male British military personnel completed two bouts of
      cycling at the same relative workload (55% Wmax) for 120 min on acute exposure to
      altitude (3375 m) and at sea level (~113 m). In each trial, participants ingested
      1.2 g.min-1 of glucose (enriched with 13C glucose) and 0.6 g.min-1 of fructose
      (enriched with 13C fructose) directly before and every 15 min during exercise.
      Indirect calorimetry and isotope ratio mass spectrometry were used to calculate
      fat oxidation, total and exogenous carbohydrate oxidation, plasma glucose
      oxidation, and endogenous glucose oxidation derived from liver and muscle
      glycogen. Total carbohydrate oxidation during the exercise period was lower at
      altitude (157.7 +/- 56.3 g) than sea level (286.5 +/- 56.2 g, P = 0.006, ES =
      2.28), whereas fat oxidation was higher at altitude (75.5 +/- 26.8 g) than sea
      level (42.5 +/- 21.3 g, P = 0.024, ES = 1.23). Peak exogenous carbohydrate
      oxidation was lower at altitude (1.13 +/- 0.2 g.min-1) than sea level (1.42 +/-
      0.16 g.min-1, P = 0.034, ES = 1.33). There were no differences in rates, or
      absolute and relative contributions of plasma or liver glucose oxidation between
      conditions during the second hour of exercise. However, absolute and relative
      contributions of muscle glycogen during the second hour were lower at altitude
      (29.3 +/- 28.9 g, 16.6 +/- 15.2%) than sea level (78.7 +/- 5.2 g (P = 0.008, ES =
      1.71), 37.7 +/- 13.0% (P = 0.016, ES = 1.45). Acute exposure to altitude reduces
      the reliance on muscle glycogen and increases fat oxidation during prolonged
      cycling in men compared with sea level.

PMID- 28082429
TI  - Chronic TrkB agonist treatment in old age does not mitigate diaphragm
      neuromuscular dysfunction.
AB  - Previously, we found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling
      through the high-affinity tropomyosin-related kinase receptor subtype B (TrkB)
      enhances neuromuscular transmission in the diaphragm muscle. However, there is an
      age-related loss of this effect of BDNF/TrkB signaling that may contribute to
      diaphragm muscle sarcopenia (atrophy and force loss). We hypothesized that
      chronic treatment with 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a small molecule BDNF
      analog and TrkB agonist, will mitigate age-related diaphragm neuromuscular
      transmission failure and sarcopenia in old mice. Adult male TrkBF616A mice (n =
      32) were randomized to the following 6-month treatment groups: vehicle-control,
      7,8-DHF, and 7,8-DHF and 1NMPP1 (an inhibitor of TrkB kinase activity in
      TrkBF616A mice) cotreatment, beginning at 18 months of age. At 24 months of age,
      diaphragm neuromuscular transmission failure, muscle-specific force, and fiber
      cross-sectional areas were compared across treatment groups. The results did not
      support our hypothesis in that chronic 7,8-DHF treatment did not improve
      diaphragm neuromuscular transmission or mitigate diaphragm muscle sarcopenia.
      Taken together, these results do not exclude a role for BDNF/TrkB signaling in
      aging-related changes in the diaphragm muscle, but they do not support the use of
      7,8-DHF as a therapeutic agent to mitigate age-related neuromuscular dysfunction.

PMID- 28082430
TI  - Increased cardiac work provides a link between systemic hypertension and heart
      failure.
AB  - The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is an established model of human
      hypertensive heart disease transitioning into heart failure. The study of the
      progression to heart failure in these animals has been limited by the lack of
      longitudinal data. We used MRI to quantify left ventricular mass, volume, and
      cardiac work in SHRs at age 3 to 21 month and compared these indices to data from
      Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls. SHR had lower ejection fraction compared with WKY at
      all ages, but there was no difference in cardiac output at any age. At 21 month
      the SHR had significantly elevated stroke work (51 +/- 3 mL.mmHg SHR vs. 24 +/- 2
      mL.mmHg WKY; n = 8, 4; P < 0.001) and cardiac minute work (14.2 +/- 1.2
      L.mmHg/min SHR vs. 6.2 +/- 0.8 L.mmHg/min WKY; n = 8, 4; P < 0.001) compared to
      control, in addition to significantly larger left ventricular mass to body mass
      ratio (3.61 +/- 0.15 mg/g SHR vs. 2.11 +/- 0.008 mg/g WKY; n = 8, 6; P < 0.001).
      SHRs showed impaired systolic function, but developed hypertrophy to compensate
      and successfully maintained cardiac output. However, this was associated with an
      increase in cardiac work at age 21 month, which has previously demonstrated
      fibrosis and cell death. The interplay between these factors may be the mechanism
      for progression to failure in this animal model.

PMID- 28082431
TI  - Underlying mechanism of the cyclic migrating motor complex in Suncus murinus: a
      change in gastrointestinal pH is the key regulator.
AB  - In the fasted gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a characteristic cyclical rhythmic
      migrating motor complex (MMC) occurs in an ultradian rhythm, at 90-120 min time
      intervals, in many species. However, the underlying mechanism directing this
      ultradian rhythmic MMC pattern is yet to be completely elucidated. Therefore,
      this study aimed to identify the possible causes or factors that involve in the
      occurrence of the fasting gastric contractions by using Suncus murinus a small
      model animal featuring almost the same rhythmic MMC as that found in humans and
      dogs. We observed that either intraduodenal infusion of saline at pH 8 evoked the
      strong gastric contraction or continuously lowering duodenal pH to 3-evoked
      gastric phase II-like and phase III-like contractions, and both strong
      contractions were essentially abolished by the intravenous administration of MA
      2029 (motilin receptor antagonist) and D-Lys3-GHRP6 (ghrelin receptor antagonist)
      in a vagus-independent manner. Moreover, we observed that the prostaglandin E2
      alpha (PGE2-alpha) and serotonin type 4 (5HT4) receptors play important roles as
      intermediate molecules in changes in GI pH and motilin release. These results
      suggest a clear insight mechanism that change in the duodenal pH to alkaline
      condition is an essential factor for stimulating the endogenous release of
      motilin and governs the fasting MMC in a vagus-independent manner. Finally, we
      believe that the changes in duodenal pH triggered by flowing gastric acid and the
      release of duodenal bicarbonate through the involvement of PGE2-alpha and 5HT4
      receptor are the key events in the occurrence of the MMC.

PMID- 28082433
TI  - Optimization of Labeling PSMAHBED with Ethanol-Postprocessed 68Ga and Its Quality
      Control Systems.
AB  - Radiolabeling of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) inhibitor Glu-NH
      CO-NH-Lys(Ahx) using the 68Ga chelator HBED-CC (PSMAHBED) allows imaging of
      prostate cancer lesions because of high expression of PSMA in prostate carcinoma
      cells and in bone metastases and lymph nodes related to the disease. The aim of
      this work was to optimize labeling of 68Ga-PSMAHBED using the efficient cation
      exchange postprocessing of 68Ga as well as the development of a thin-layer
      chromatography (TLC)-based quality control system. Methods: Labeling was
      optimized for online ethanol-postprocessed 68Ga eluate investigating various
      parameters, such as buffer molarity (0.1-1 M), temperature (25 degrees C-90
      degrees C), tracer amount (0.11-0.74 nmol), and labeling time. In addition,
      purification of the crude product was tested. For radio-TLC quality control,
      various mobile phases were analyzed using silica gel 60 plates and the results
      were validated using high-performance liquid chromatography. The most superior
      mobile phases were also applied on instant thin-layer chromatography (ITLC)
      silica gel plates. Results: Using optimized conditions, labeling yields of more
      than 95% were obtained within 10 min when ethanol-based postprocessing was
      applied using PSMAHBED amounts as low as 0.1 nmol. A higher precursor
      concentration (0.7 nmol) further increased labeling and quantitative yields to
      more than 98% within 5 min. In clinical routine, patient batches (>200
      applications) with radiochemical purity greater than 98% and specific activities
      of 326 +/- 20 MBq/nmol are obtained reproducibly. When TLC quality control was
      performed on silica gel 60 plates, 4 mobile phases with suitable separation
      properties and complementary Rf values were identified. Two systems showed
      equivalent separation on ITLC silica gel plates, with ITLC analysis finished
      within 5 min, in contrast to 20 min for the TLC system. Labeling of PSMAHBED was
      optimized for cation-exchange postprocessing methods, ensuring almost
      quantitative labeling and high nuclide purity of final 68Ga-PSMAHBED, making
      subsequent purification steps unnecessary. Conclusion: The new radio-TLC method
      allows quality control in a short time using a fast, reliable, low-cost method
      with little equipment complexity. Using this approach, the synthesis is easily
      adopted by automated synthesis modules.

PMID- 28082432
TI  - Quantification of Lung PET Images: Challenges and Opportunities.
AB  - Millions of people are affected by respiratory diseases, leading to a significant
      health burden globally. Because of the current insufficient knowledge of the
      underlying mechanisms that lead to the development and progression of respiratory
      diseases, treatment options remain limited. To overcome this limitation and
      understand the associated molecular changes, noninvasive imaging techniques such
      as PET and SPECT have been explored for biomarker development, with 18F-FDG PET
      imaging being the most studied. The quantification of pulmonary molecular imaging
      data remains challenging because of variations in tissue, air, blood, and water
      fractions within the lungs. The proportions of these components further differ
      depending on the lung disease. Therefore, different quantification approaches
      have been proposed to address these variabilities. However, no standardized
      approach has been developed to date. This article reviews the data evaluating 18F
      FDG PET quantification approaches in lung diseases, focusing on methods to
      account for variations in lung components and the interpretation of the derived
      parameters. The diseases reviewed include acute respiratory distress syndrome,
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and interstitial lung diseases such as
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Based on review of prior literature, ongoing
      research, and discussions among the authors, suggested considerations are
      presented to assist with the interpretation of the derived parameters from these
      approaches and the design of future studies.

PMID- 28082434
TI  - 89Zr-Bevacizumab PET: Potential Early Indicator of Everolimus Efficacy in
      Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Currently, biomarkers that predict the efficacy of everolimus in metastatic renal
      cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients are lacking. Everolimus inhibits vascular
      endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) expression. We performed PET scans on mRCC
      patients with 89Zr-bevacizumab, a VEGF-A-binding antibody tracer. The aims were
      to determine a change in tumor tracer uptake after the start of everolimus and to
      explore whether 89Zr-bevacizumab PET can identify patients with early disease
      progression. Methods:89Zr-bevacizumab PET was done before and 2 and 6 wk after
      the start of everolimus, 10 mg/d, in mRCC patients. Routine CT scans were
      performed at baseline and every 3 mo thereafter. Tumor tracer uptake was
      quantified using SUVmax The endpoints were a change in tumor tracer uptake and
      treatment response on CT after 3 mo. Results: Thirteen patients participated. The
      median SUVmax of 94 tumor lesions was 7.3 (range, 1.6-59.5). Between patients,
      median tumor SUVmax varied up to 8-fold. After 2 wk, median SUVmax was 6.3 (1.7
      62.3), corresponding to a mean decrease of 9.1% (P < 0.0001). Three patients
      discontinued everolimus early. At 6 wk, a mean decrease in SUVmax of 23.4%
      compared with baseline was found in 70 evaluable lesions of 10 patients, with a
      median SUVmax of 5.4 (1.1-49.4, P < 0.0001). All 10 patients who continued
      treatment had stable disease at 3 mo. Conclusion: Everolimus decreases 89Zr
      bevacizumab tumor uptake. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the
      predictive value of 89Zr-bevacizumab PET for everolimus antitumor efficacy.

PMID- 28082435
TI  - Cumulated Activity Comparison of 64Cu-/177Lu-Labeled Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor
      Receptor Antibody in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Model.
AB  - This work aimed at estimating the kinetic parameters, and hence cumulated
      activity (AC), of a diagnostic/therapeutic convergence radiopharmaceutical,
      namely 64Cu-/177Lu-labeled antibody (64Cu-/177Lu-cetuximab), that acts as anti
      epidermal growth factor receptor. Methods: In mice bearing esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma tumors, to estimate uptake (K), release rate constant (kR), and
      hence AC, a kinetic model analysis was applied to recently published
      biodistribution data of immuno-PET imaging with 64Cu-cetuximab and of small
      animal SPECT/CT imaging with 177Lu-cetuximab, including blood and TE-8 tumor.
      Results: K, kR, and AC were estimated to be 0.0566/0.0593 g?h-1?g-1,
      0.0150/0.0030 h-1, and 2.3 * 1010/4.1 * 1012 disintegrations (per gram of TE-8
      tumor), with an injected activity of 3.70/12.95 MBq, for 64Cu-/177Lu-cetuximab,
      respectively. Conclusion: A model is available for comparing kinetic parameters
      and AC of the companion diagnostic/therapeutic 64Cu-/177Lu-cetuximab that may be
      considered as a step for determining whether one can really use the former to
      predict dosimetry of the latter.

PMID- 28082436
TI  - Resin Versus Glass Microspheres for 90Y Transarterial Radioembolization:
      Comparing Survival in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Pretreatment
      Partition Model Dosimetry.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare survival of patients treated for
      unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) with 90Y transarterial
      radioembolization (TARE) using pretreatment partition model dosimetry (PMD).
      Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on
      77 patients consecutively treated (mean age +/- SD, 66.4 +/- 12.2 y) for uHCC (36
      uninodular, 5 multinodular, 36 diffuse) with 90Y TARE (41 resin, 36 glass) using
      pretreatment PMD. Study endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and
      overall survival (OS) assessed by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Several variables
      including Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, tumor size, and
      serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level were investigated using Cox proportional
      hazards regression. Results: The characteristics of 2 groups were comparable with
      regard to demographic data, comorbidities, Child-Pugh score, BCLC, serum AFP
      level, and 90Y global administered activity. The median follow-up time was 7.7 mo
      (range, 0.4-50.1 mo). Relapse occurred in 44 patients (57%) at a median of 6 mo
      (range, 0.4-27.9 mo) after 90Y TARE, and 41 patients (53%) died from tumor
      progression. Comparison between resin and glass microspheres revealed higher but
      not statistically significantly PFS and OS rates in the 90Y resin group than the
      90Y glass group (resin PFS 6.1 mo [95% confidence interval CI, 4.7-7.4] and glass
      PFS 5 mo [95% CI, 0.9-9.2], P = 0.53; resin OS 7.7 mo [95% CI, 7.2-8.2] and glass
      OS 7 mo [95% CI 1.6-12.4], P = 0.77). No significant survival difference between
      both types of 90Y microspheres was observed in any subgroups of patients with
      early/intermediate or advanced BCLC stages. Among the variables investigated, Cox
      analyses showed that only in the glass group, the BCLC staging system and the
      serum AFP level were associated with PFS (P = 0.04) and OS (P = 0.04). Tumor size
      was a prognostic factor without significant influence on PFS and OS after 90Y
      TARE. Conclusion: Comparison between resin and glass microspheres revealed no
      significant survival difference in patients treated for uHCC with 90Y TARE using
      pretreatment PMD. Further, larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm
      these findings.

PMID- 28082437
TI  - Whole-Body 18F-FDG PET/CT Is Superior to CT as First-Line Diagnostic Imaging in
      Patients Referred with Serious Nonspecific Symptoms or Signs of Cancer: A
      Randomized Prospective Study of 200 Patients.
AB  - A fast-track pathway has been established in Denmark to investigate patients with
      serious nonspecific symptoms and signs of cancer (NSSC), who are not eligible to
      enter an organ-specific cancer program. The prevalence of cancer in this cohort
      is approximately 20%. The optimal screening strategy in patients with NSSC
      remains unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate whether 18F-FDG PET/CT
      was superior to CT as an initial imaging modality in patients with NSSC. In a
      randomized prospective trial, the imaging modalities were compared with regard to
      diagnostic performance. Methods: Two hundred patients were randomized 1:1 to
      whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT or CT of the thorax and abdomen as the imaging
      modality. A tentative diagnosis was established after first-line imaging. The
      final referral diagnosis was adjudicated by the physician, when sufficient data
      were available. Results: One hundred ninety-seven patients were available for
      analysis because 3 patients withdrew consent before scanning. Thirty-nine (20%)
      patients were diagnosed with cancer, 10 (5%) with an infection, 15 (8%) with an
      autoimmune disease, and 76 (39%) with other diseases. In the remaining 57
      patients (28%), no specific disease was found. 18F-FDG PET/CT had a higher
      specificity (96% vs. 85%; P = 0.028) and a higher accuracy (94% vs. 82%; P =
      0.017) than CT. However, there were no statistically significant differences in
      sensitivity (83% vs. 70%) or negative predictive values (96% vs. 92%). No
      difference in days to final referral diagnosis according to randomization group
      could be shown (7.2 vs. 7.6 d). However, for the subgroups in which the imaging
      modality showed a suggestion of malignancy, there was a significant delay to
      final diagnosis in the CT group compared with the 18F-FDG PET/CT group (11.6 vs.
      5.7 d; P = 0.02). Conclusion: Compared with CT, we found a higher diagnostic
      specificity and accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT for detecting cancer in patients with
      NSSC. 18F-FDG PET/CT should therefore be considered as first-line imaging in this
      group of patients.

PMID- 28082438
TI  - The Impact of Somatostatin Receptor-Directed PET/CT on the Management of Patients
      with Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) imaging is widely used for guiding the management of
      neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients. 68Ga-DOTATATE approval by the U.S. Food and
      Drug Administration has triggered widespread clinical interest in SSTR PET/CT
      throughout the United States. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta
      analysis to evaluate the impact of SSTR PET/CT on the management of patients with
      NETs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using The National
      Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed online database, applying the
      following key words: "management" AND "PET" AND "neuroendocrine". Fourteen of 190
      studies were deemed suitable based on the following inclusion criteria: original
      research, cohort study, number of patients 10 or more, and reported change in
      management after SSTR PET/CT. Change in management across studies was determined
      by a random-effects model. Results: A total of 1,561 patients were included.
      Overall, change in management occurred in 44% (range, 16%-71%) of NET patients
      after SSTR PET/CT. In 4 of 14 studies, SSTR PET/CT was performed after an 111In
      Octreotide scan. In this subgroup, additional information by SSTR PET/CT led to a
      change in management in 39% (range, 16%-71%) of patients. Seven of 14 studies
      differentiated between inter- and intramodality changes, with most changes being
      intermodality (77%; intramodality, 23%). Conclusion: The management was changed
      in more than one third of patients undergoing SSTR PET/CT even when performed
      after an 111In-Octreotide scan. Intermodality changes were 3 times more likely
      than intramodality changes, underlining the clinical impact of SSTR PET/CT.

PMID- 28082440
TI  - A Common Mistake in Assessing the Diagnostic Value of a Test: Failure to Account
      for Statistical and Methodologic Issues.

PMID- 28082439
TI  - Dissociation Between Brown Adipose Tissue 18F-FDG Uptake and Thermogenesis in
      Uncoupling Protein 1-Deficient Mice.
AB  - 18F-FDG PET imaging is routinely used to investigate brown adipose tissue (BAT)
      thermogenesis, which requires mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). It
      remains uncertain, however, whether BAT 18F-FDG uptake is a reliable surrogate
      measure of UCP1-mediated heat production. Methods: UCP1 knockout (KO) and wild
      type (WT) mice housed at thermoneutrality were treated with the selective beta3
      adrenergic receptor agonist CL 316, 243 and underwent metabolic cage, infrared
      thermal imaging and 18F-FDG PET/MRI experiments. Primary brown adipocytes were
      additionally examined for their bioenergetics by extracellular flux analysis as
      well as their uptake of 2-deoxy-3H-glucose. Results: In response to CL 316, 243
      treatments, oxygen consumption, and BAT thermogenesis were diminished in UCP1 KO
      mice, but BAT 18F-FDG uptake was fully retained. Isolated UCP1 KO brown
      adipocytes exhibited defective induction of uncoupled respiration whereas their
      glycolytic flux and 2-deoxy-3H-glucose uptake rates were largely unaffected.
      Conclusion: Adrenergic stimulation can increase BAT 18F-FDG uptake independently
      of UCP1 thermogenic function.

PMID- 28082441
TI  - Determinants of fatal bleeding during induction therapy for acute promyelocytic
      leukemia in the ATRA era.
AB  - Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is commonly complicated by a complex
      coagulopathy. Uncertainty remains as to which markers of bleeding risk are
      independent predictors. Drawing from 5 large clinical trials that included all
      trans retinoic acid (ATRA) as part of induction, we assessed known determinants
      of bleeding at baseline and evaluated them as potential predictors of hemorrhagic
      death (HD) in the first 30 days of treatment. The studies included were ALLG
      APML3 (single arm of ATRA + idarubicin +/- prednisone), ALLG APML4 (single arm of
      ATRA + idarubicin + arsenic trioxide + prednisone), CALGB C9710 (single arm of
      ATRA + cytarabine + daunorubicin), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-American
      College of Radiology Imaging Network (ECOG-ACRIN) E2491 (intergroup I0129,
      consisting of daunorubicin + cytarabine vs ATRA), and SWOG S0521 (single-arm
      induction of ATRA + cytarabine + daunorubicin). A total of 1009 patients were
      included in the original trials, of which 995 had sufficient data to be included
      in our multivariate analysis. In this final cohort, there were 37 HD cases during
      the first 30 days following induction, for an estimated cumulative incidence of
      3.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6% to 5.0%). Using multivariate Cox
      proportional hazards regression, the hazard ratio of HD in the first 30 days was
      2.17 (95% CI, 0.84-5.62) for an ECOG performance status of 3-4 vs 0-2 and 5.20
      (95% CI, 2.70-10.02) for a white blood cell count of >=20 000/MUL vs <20 000/MUL.
      In this large cohort of APL patients, high white blood cell count emerged as an
      independent predictor of early HD.

PMID- 28082442
TI  - RhIg-prophylaxis is not influenced by FCGR2/3 polymorphisms involved in red blood
      cell clearance.

PMID- 28082443
TI  - A novel PTPN1 splice variant upregulates JAK/STAT activity in classical Hodgkin
      lymphoma cells.
AB  - Chronic activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of
      transcription (STAT) signaling pathways is a hallmark of a variety of B-cell
      lymphomas, including classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Constitutive JAK/STAT
      signaling is crucial for survival and proliferation of Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg
      (HRS) cells, the malignant cells of cHL. Although the molecular basis of this
      constitutive JAK/STAT signaling in cHL has not been completely understood,
      accumulating reports highlight the role of an inactivation or reduced expression
      of negative JAK/STAT regulators such as silencer of cell signaling 1 (SOCS1) or
      protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in this process. Here, we report the
      expression of truncated PTP1B mRNA variants identified in cHL cell lines and
      primary cHL tumor samples lacking either 1 or several exon sequences. One of
      these novel PTP1B variants, a splice variant lacking exon 6 (PTP1BDelta6), was
      found expressed at low levels in cHL cell lines. However, serum stimulation of
      cHL augmented the expression of PTP1BDelta6 significantly. Functional
      characterization of PTP1BDelta6 revealed a positive effect on interferon-gamma-
      and interleukin-4-induced JAK/STAT activity in HEK293 or HEK293-STAT6 cells, and
      on the basal STAT activity in stably transfected L-428 and U-HO1 cHL cell lines.
      Furthermore, PTP1BDelta6 expression increased the proliferation of L-428 and U
      HO1 cells and reduced cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutical agents
      gemcitabine and etoposide distinctively. Collectively, these data indicate that
      PTP1BDelta6 is a positive regulator of JAK/STAT signaling in cHL.

PMID- 28082444
TI  - Mutational landscape and response are conserved in peripheral blood of AML and
      MDS patients during decitabine therapy.

PMID- 28082445
TI  - p53-related protein kinase confers poor prognosis and represents a novel
      therapeutic target in multiple myeloma.
AB  - p53-related protein kinase (TP53RK, also known as PRPK) is an upstream kinase
      that phosphorylates (serine residue Ser15) and mediates p53 activity. Here we
      show that TP53RK confers poor prognosis in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, and,
      conversely, that TP53RK knockdown inhibits p53 phosphorylation and triggers MM
      cell apoptosis, associated with downregulation of c-Myc and E2F-1-mediated
      upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bim. We further demonstrate that TP53RK
      downregulation also triggers growth inhibition in p53-deficient and p53-mutant MM
      cell lines and identify novel downstream targets of TP53RK including
      ribonucleotide reductase-1, telomerase reverse transcriptase, and cyclin
      dependent kinase inhibitor 2C. Our previous studies showed that immunomodulatory
      drugs (IMiDs) downregulate p21 and trigger apoptosis in wild-type-p53 MM.1S
      cells, Importantly, we demonstrate by pull-down, nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy, differential scanning fluorimetry, and isothermal titration
      calorimetry that IMiDs bind and inhibit TP53RK, with biologic sequelae similar to
      TP53RK knockdown. Our studies therefore demonstrate that either genetic or
      pharmacological inhibition of TP53RK triggers MM cell apoptosis via both p53-Myc
      axis-dependent and axis-independent pathways, validating TP53RK as a novel
      therapeutic target in patients with poor-prognosis MM.

PMID- 28082446
TI  - Elevated mean platelet volume is associated with poor outcome after mechanical
      thrombectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated mean platelet volume (MPV), indicating higher platelet
      activity, could be a predictor of prognosis in patients with acute ischemic
      stroke receiving medical therapy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship
      between MPV and functional outcome in patients with acute anterior circulation
      stroke 3 months after undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). METHODS: A total
      of 153 consecutive patients with acute stroke following MT, in two separate
      stroke centers, were enrolled between May 2013 and March 2016. MPV was measured
      on admission. Subjects were divided into two groups according to average MPV
      level. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. MPV was also
      incorporated into the Houston IA Therapy (HIAT) score, which was developed as a
      scoring system to predict poor prognosis, and the prediction capability was
      compared with the HIAT score alone. RESULTS: The average MPV was 10.4 fL.
      Patients with high MPV had a significantly lower rate of functional independence
      (28.9% vs 57.1%, p=0.000). After multivariable analysis, elevated MPV remained an
      independent predictor of unfavorable outcome (OR=3.93, 95% CI 1.73 to 8.94,
      p=0.001). When the MPV cut-off value was set at 10.4 fL using the receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, MPV >=10.4 fL predicted unfavorable
      outcome with 62.1% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity, respectively. Addition of
      MPV to the HIAT score did not improve predictive power compared with the HIAT
      score system alone by a comparison of the areas under the two ROC curves (0.70 vs
      0.62, p=0.174). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated MPV is an independent predictor of poor
      outcome in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke undergoing MT at 3
      months.

PMID- 28082447
TI  - A pilot study and novel angiographic classification for superior sagittal sinus
      stenting in patients with non-thrombotic intracranial venous occlusive disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Safety and efficacy of superior sagittal sinus (SSS) stenting for non
      thrombotic intracranial venous occlusive disease (VOD) is unknown. The aim of
      this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate outcomes after SSS stenting.
      METHODS: We evaluated an institutional database to identify patients who
      underwent SSS stenting. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed and a
      novel angiographic classification of the SSS was proposed. RESULTS: We identified
      19 patients; 42% developed SSS stenosis after transverse sinus stenting. Pre
      stent maximum mean venous pressure (MVP) in the SSS of 16.2 mm Hg decreased to
      13.1 mm Hg after stenting (p=0.037). Preoperative trans-stenosis pressure
      gradient of 4.2 mm Hg decreased to 1.5 mm Hg after stenting (p<0.001). No
      intraprocedural complication or junctional SSS stenosis distal to the stent
      construct was noted. Improvement in headache, tinnitus, and visual obscurations
      was reported by 66.7%, 63.6%, and 50% of affected patients, respectively, at mean
      follow-up of 5.2 months. We divided the SSS into four anatomically equal
      segments, numbered S1-S4, from the torcula to frontal pole. SSS stenosis
      typically occurs in the S1 segment, and the anterior extent of SSS stents was
      deployed at the S1-S2 junction in all but one case. CONCLUSIONS: SSS stenting is
      reasonably safe, may improve clinical symptoms, and significantly reduces maximum
      MVP and trans-stenosis pressure gradients in patients with VOD with SSS stenosis.
      The S1 segment is most commonly stenotic, and minimum pressure gradients for
      symptomatic SSS stenosis may be lower than for transverse or sigmoid stenosis.
      Additional studies and follow-up are necessary to better elucidate appropriate
      clinical indications and long-term efficacy of SSS stenting.

PMID- 28082448
TI  - Congenital anomaly of the posterior arch of the atlas: a rare risk factor for
      posterior circulation stroke.
AB  - We report an extremely rare case involving a posterior arch anomaly of the atlas,
      causing a vertebral artery dissection (VAD) induced posterior circulation stroke.
      A 16-year-old girl was admitted to hospital because of new onset dizziness. VAD
      related multiple infarction in the posterior circulation was revealed. The
      congenital posterior arch anomaly of the atlas, along with instability of the
      atlantoaxial joint, were discovered accidentally during follow-up. This is the
      first case of ischemic stroke related to atlantal posterior arch aplasia and
      atlantoaxial instability. Although rare, it reminds us that investigation of the
      craniovertebral junction should be considered when stroke occurs in young
      patients.

PMID- 28082449
TI  - A novel protective role for activating transcription factor 3 in the cardiac
      response to metabolic stress.

PMID- 28082450
TI  - A landscape of circular RNA expression in the human heart.
AB  - Aims: Circular RNA (circRNA) is a newly validated class of single-stranded RNA,
      ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues and possessing key functions
      including acting as microRNA sponges and as transcriptional regulators by binding
      to RNA-binding proteins. While independent studies confirm the expression of
      circRNA in various tissue types, genome-wide circRNA expression in the heart has
      yet to be described in detail. Methods and results: We performed deep RNA
      sequencing on ribosomal-depleted RNA isolated from 12 human hearts, 25 mouse
      hearts and across a 28-day differentiation time-course of human embryonic stem
      cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Using purpose-designed bioinformatics tools, we
      uncovered a total of 15 318 and 3017 cardiac circRNA within human and mouse,
      respectively. Their abundance generally correlates with the abundance of their
      cognate linear RNA, but selected circRNAs exist at disproportionately higher
      abundance. Top highly expressed circRNA corresponded to key cardiac genes
      including Titin (TTN), RYR2, and DMD. The most abundant cardiac-expressed circRNA
      is a cytoplasmic localized single-exon circSLC8A1-1. The longest human transcript
      TTN alone generates up to 415 different exonic circRNA isoforms, the majority
      (83%) of which originates from the I-band domain. Finally, we confirmed the
      expression of selected cardiac circRNA by RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing and single
      molecule RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization. Conclusions: Our data provide a
      detailed circRNA expression landscape in hearts. There is a high-abundance of
      specific cardiac-expressed circRNA. These findings open up a new avenue for
      future investigation into this emerging class of RNA.

PMID- 28082451
TI  - The neuronal transcription factor NPAS4 is a strong inducer of sprouting
      angiogenesis and tip cell formation.
AB  - RATIONALE: Regarding branching morphogenesis, neurogenesis and angiogenesis share
      common principle mechanisms and make use of the same molecules. Therefore, the
      investigation of neuronal molecules involved in vascular morphogenesis provides
      new possibilities for pro-angiogenic approaches in cardiovascular diseases.
      OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the role of the neuronal transcription
      factor NPAS4 in angiogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate that the
      neuronal transcription factor NPAS4 is expressed in endothelial cells of
      different origin using reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis. To
      investigate how NPAS4 affects endothelial cell function, NPAS4 was overexpressed
      by plasmid transfection or depleted from human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs) by specific siRNAs. In vitro HUVEC sprouting assays showed that
      sprouting and branching of endothelial cells was enhanced by NPAS4
      overexpression. Consistently, silencing of NPAS4 resulted in reduced HUVEC
      sprouting and branching. Mechanistically, we identified as target gene vascular
      endothelial adhesion molecule VE-cadherin to be involved in the pro-angiogenic
      function of NPAS4. In endothelial cell mosaic spheroid sprouting assays, NPAS4
      was involved in tip cell formation. In vivo experiments in mouse and zebrafish
      confirmed our in vitro findings. NPAS4-deficient mice displayed reduced ingrowth
      of endothelial cells in the Matrigel plug assay. Consistent with a regulatory
      role of NPAS4 in endothelial cell function silencing of NPAS4 in zebrafish by
      specific morpholinos resulted in perturbed intersegmental vessels growth.
      CONCLUSIONS: NPAS4 is expressed in endothelial cells, regulates VE-cadherin
      expression and regulates sprouting angiogenesis.

PMID- 28082452
TI  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate signalling-a key player in the pathogenesis of
      Angiotensin II-induced hypertension.
AB  - AIMS: Hypertension is a complex condition involving functional and structural
      alterations of the microvasculature and an activation of the immune system. T
      lymphocytes play a crucial role during the development of hypertension in
      experimental models, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Lymphocyte
      egress from lymph nodes is controlled by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a natural
      lipid mediator regulating immune cell and vascular function in health and
      disease. We therefore investigated the involvement of S1P signalling in the
      pathogenesis of hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: Angiotensin-II (AngII)
      treatment resulted in high blood pressure (BP) associated to increased plasma S1P
      and circulating T-cell counts. T-cell egress from lymph nodes was found to be a
      critical initial step for the onset of hypertension as fingolimod, a S1P-receptor
      agonist sequestering lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and inducing lymphopenia,
      blunted BP responses to AngII. Furthermore, activity of S1P-generating enzyme
      type 2 (SphK2) in haematopoietic cells critically contributed to AngII-induced
      lymphocyte mobilization from the lymph nodes as SphK2-/- mice and mice where
      SphK2 was ablated only in the haematopoietic system presented an accumulation of
      T-cells in mesenteric lymph nodes and a blunted BP response. In addition,
      deregulation of vascular SphK2 expression associated to a thrombo-inflammatory
      phenotype of the microvasculature, and to functional alterations of small
      resistance arteries. CONCLUSION: The presented results point to a critical
      involvement of S1P and its signalling axis in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
      Specifically, SphK2 evolves as key player in immune cell trafficking and vascular
      dysfunction contributing to the development of overt hypertension.

PMID- 28082453
TI  - ATF3 expression in cardiomyocytes preserves homeostasis in the heart and controls
      peripheral glucose tolerance.
AB  - AIMS: Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) trigger a harmful stress-induced cardiac
      remodeling process known as cardiomyopathy. These diseases represent a serious
      and widespread health problem in the Western world; however the underlying
      molecular basis is not clear. ATF3 is an 'immediate early' gene whose expression
      is highly and transiently induced in response to multiple stressors such as
      metabolic, oxidative, endoplasmic reticulum and inflammation, stressors that are
      involved in T2D cardiomyopathy. The role of ATF3 in diabetic cardiomyopathy is
      currently unknown. Our research has aimed to study the effect of ATF3 expression
      on cardiomyocytes, heart function and glucose homeostasis in an obesity-induced
      T2D mouse model. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used wild type mice (WT) as well as
      mutant mice with a cardiac-specific ATF3 deficiency (ATF3-cKO). Mice were fed a
      high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. HFD induced high ATF3 expression in
      cardiomyocytes. Mice were examined for cardiac remodeling processes and the
      diabetic state was assessed. HFD-fed ATF3-cKO mice exhibited severe cardiac
      fibrosis, higher levels of heart hypertrophic markers, increased inflammation and
      worse cardiac function, as compared to WT mice. Interestingly, HFD-fed ATF3-cKO
      mice display increased hyperglycemia and reduced glucose tolerance, despite
      higher blood insulin levels, as compared to HFD-fed WT mice. Elevated levels of
      the cardiac inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFalpha leading to impaired insulin
      signalling may partially explain the peripheral glucose intolerance. CONCLUSIONS:
      Cardiac ATF3 has a protective role in dampening the HFD-induced cardiac
      remodeling processes. ATF3 exerts both local and systemic effects related to T2D
      induced cardiomyopathy. This study provides a strong relationship between heart
      remodeling processes and blood glucose homeostasis.

PMID- 28082454
TI  - Modifying head nurse messages during daily conversations as leverage for safety
      climate improvement: a randomised field experiment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent literature reviews lament the paucity of high-quality
      intervention studies designed to test safety culture improvement in hospitals.
      The current study adapts an empirically supported strategy developed for
      manufacturing companies by focusing on patient care and safety messages head
      nurses communicate during daily conversations with nurses. METHODS: The study was
      designed as randomised control trial coupled with before-after measurement of
      outcome variables. We randomly assigned 445 nurses working in 27 inpatient
      departments in a midsize hospital in Israel to experimental and control groups.
      Ten randomly chosen nurses in both groups filled a brief questionnaire referring
      to last conversation with head nurse. One month later, head nurses in the
      experimental group received individual feedback, comparing individual with mean
      hospital scores, coupled with self-set goals for the following feedback session.
      Head nurses in the control group received no feedback, except for a summary
      report by the end of intervention. RESULTS: Patient care messages increased by
      16% and professional development messages by 12%, accompanied by 17% decline in
      nurse-blaming messages in the experimental group, remaining unchanged in the
      control group. Such changes led to statistically significant increase in patient
      care behaviours (17%), safety climate (13%), teamwork (9%) and supervisory
      leadership quality (18%). Rule-compliance messages and workaround behaviours
      remained unchanged in experimental and control departments. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data support the utility of our intervention strategy for improving patient
      safety climate and resultant caring behaviours in healthcare organisations. The
      fact that our intervention used easy-to-deliver feedback requiring only two
      sessions minimised its organisational costs.

PMID- 28082456
TI  - Obesity-Associated Alterations in Glucose Metabolism Are Reversed by Chronic
      Bilateral Stimulation of the Abdominal Vagus Nerve.
AB  - Acute vagal stimulation modifies glucose and insulin metabolism, but the effect
      of chronic bilateral vagal stimulation is not known. Our aim was to quantify the
      changes in whole-body and organ-specific insulin sensitivities 12 weeks after
      permanent, bilateral, vagal stimulation performed at the abdominal level in adult
      mini-pigs. In 15 adult mini-pigs, stimulating electrodes were placed around the
      dorsal and ventral vagi using laparoscopy and connected to a dual-channel
      stimulator placed subcutaneously. Animals were divided into three groups based on
      stimulation and body weight (i.e., lean nonstimulated, obese nonstimulated, and
      obese stimulated). Twelve weeks after surgery, glucose uptake and insulin
      sensitivity were measured using positron emission tomography during an
      isoglycemic clamp. Mean whole-body insulin sensitivity was lower by 34% (P <
      0.01) and the hepatic glucose uptake rate was lower by 33% (P < 0.01) in obese
      nonstimulated mini-pigs but was no different in obese-stimulated compared with
      lean mini-pigs. An improvement in skeletal glucose uptake rate was also observed
      in obese-stimulated compared with obese-nonstimulated groups (P < 0.01). Vagal
      stimulation was associated with increased glucose metabolism in the cingulate and
      prefrontal brain areas. We conclude that chronic vagal stimulation improves
      insulin sensitivity substantially in diet-induced obesity by both peripheral and
      central mechanisms.

PMID- 28082455
TI  - Modeling gene-wise dependencies improves the identification of drug response
      biomarkers in cancer studies.
AB  - Motivation: In recent years, vast advances in biomedical technologies and
      comprehensive sequencing have revealed the genomic landscape of common forms of
      human cancer in unprecedented detail. The broad heterogeneity of the disease
      calls for rapid development of personalized therapies. Translating the readily
      available genomic data into useful knowledge that can be applied in the clinic
      remains a challenge. Computational methods are needed to aid these efforts by
      robustly analyzing genome-scale data from distinct experimental platforms for
      prioritization of targets and treatments. Results: We propose a novel,
      biologically motivated, Bayesian multitask approach, which explicitly models gene
      centric dependencies across multiple and distinct genomic platforms. We introduce
      a gene-wise prior and present a fully Bayesian formulation of a group factor
      analysis model. In supervised prediction applications, our multitask approach
      leverages similarities in response profiles of groups of drugs that are more
      likely to be related to true biological signal, which leads to more robust
      performance and improved generalization ability. We evaluate the performance of
      our method on molecularly characterized collections of cell lines profiled
      against two compound panels, namely the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and the
      Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal. We demonstrate that accounting for the gene
      centric dependencies enables leveraging information from multi-omic input data
      and improves prediction and feature selection performance. We further demonstrate
      the applicability of our method in an unsupervised dimensionality reduction
      application by inferring genes essential to tumorigenesis in the pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma patient cohorts from The Cancer
      Genome Atlas. Availability and Implementation: : The code for this work is
      available at https://github.com/olganikolova/gbgfa. Contact: : nikolova@ohsu.edu
      or margolin@ohsu.edu. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available
      at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28082457
TI  - Neu5Gc and alpha1-3 GAL Xenoantigen Knockout Does Not Affect Glycemia Homeostasis
      and Insulin Secretion in Pigs.
AB  - Xenocell therapy from neonate or adult pig pancreatic islets is one of the most
      promising alternatives to allograft in type 1 diabetes for addressing organ
      shortage. In humans, however, natural and elicited antibodies specific for pig
      xenoantigens, alpha-(1,3)-galactose (GAL) and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc),
      are likely to significantly contribute to xenoislet rejection. We obtained double
      knockout (DKO) pigs lacking GAL and Neu5Gc. Because Neu5Gc-/- mice exhibit
      glycemic dysregulations and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunctions, we evaluated islet
      function and glucose metabolism regulation in DKO pigs. Isolation of islets from
      neonate piglets yielded identical islet equivalent quantities to quantities
      obtained from control wild-type pigs. In contrast to wild-type islets, DKO islets
      did not induce anti-Neu5Gc antibody when grafted in cytidine monophosphate-N
      acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase KO mice and exhibited in vitro normal insulin
      secretion stimulated by glucose and theophylline. Adult DKO pancreata showed no
      histological abnormalities, and immunostaining of insulin and glucagon was
      similar to that from wild-type pancreata. Blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, the
      insulin-to-glucagon ratio, and HOMA-insulin resistance in fasted adult DKO pigs
      and blood glucose and C-peptide changes after intravenous glucose or insulin
      administration were similar to wild-type pigs. This first evaluation of glucose
      homeostasis in DKO pigs for two major xenoantigens paves the way to their use in
      (pre)clinical studies.

PMID- 28082459
TI  - Deletion of CD1d in Adipocytes Aggravates Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Insulin
      Resistance in Obesity.
AB  - Adipose tissue inflammation is an important factor in obesity that promotes
      insulin resistance. Among various cell types in adipose tissue, immune cells
      actively regulate inflammatory responses and affect whole-body energy metabolism.
      In particular, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells contribute to mitigating
      dysregulation of systemic energy homeostasis by counteracting obesity-induced
      inflammation in adipose tissue. However, the molecular mechanisms by which
      adipose iNKT cells become activated and mediate anti-inflammatory roles in obese
      adipose tissue have not been thoroughly understood yet. In the current study, we
      demonstrate that adipocyte CD1d plays a key role in the stimulation of adipose
      iNKT cells, leading to anti-inflammatory responses in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed
      mice. Accordingly, adipocyte-specific CD1d-knockout (CD1dADKO) mice showed
      reduced numbers of iNKT cells in adipose tissues and decreased responses to alpha
      galactosylceramide-induced iNKT cell activation. Additionally, HFD-fed CD1dADKO
      mice revealed reduced interleukin-4 expression in adipose iNKT cells and
      aggravated adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. Collectively,
      these data suggest that adipocytes could selectively stimulate adipose iNKT cells
      to mediate anti-inflammatory responses and attenuate excess proinflammatory
      responses in obese adipose tissue.

PMID- 28082460
TI  - First Evidence of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae)
      Feeding From Mesophyll of Eucalyptus Leaves.
AB  - The bronze bug, Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellape, 2006
      (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae) originally restricted to Australia, is an
      important emerging pest of Eucalyptus plantations in the Southern Hemisphere. It
      feeds on mature leaves, causing the loss of photosynthetic surface area and
      defoliation and, according to some studies, even tree death. In this work,
      feeding activities of T. peregrinus on Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn leaves and
      its primary food resources were identified. In cross sections of leaves, solid
      salivary deposits on epidermal cells and in the vicinity of stomata cells were
      detected. In subepidermal cells of the palisade parenchyma near the stylet
      penetration point, disorganization and removal of chloroplasts were also
      observed. The presence of chlorophyll in guts of adults and nymphs was analyzed
      using spectrophotometry and confocal laser scanning to obtain in situ fluorescent
      spectra. Both spectra showed chlorophyll absorbance peaks. In addition, the
      presence of chlorophyll in guts of T. peregrinus using fluorescence microscopy
      was identified. These results provide the first evidence that T. peregrinus feeds
      from the palisade parenchyma (chlorenchyma) of Eucalyptus leaves.

PMID- 28082458
TI  - Developmental Role of Macrophage Cannabinoid-1 Receptor Signaling in Type 2
      Diabetes.
AB  - Islet inflammation promotes beta-cell loss and type 2 diabetes (T2D), a process
      replicated in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats in which beta-cell loss has been
      linked to cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R)-induced proinflammatory signaling in
      macrophages infiltrating pancreatic islets. Here, we analyzed CB1R signaling in
      macrophages and its developmental role in T2D. ZDF rats with global deletion of
      CB1R are protected from beta-cell loss, hyperglycemia, and nephropathy that are
      present in ZDF littermates. Adoptive transfer of CB1R-/- bone marrow to ZDF rats
      also prevents beta-cell loss and hyperglycemia but not nephropathy. ZDF islets
      contain elevated levels of CB1R, interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha,
      the chemokine CCL2, and interferon regulatory factor-5 (IRF5), a marker of
      inflammatory macrophage polarization. In primary cultured rodent and human
      macrophages, CB1R activation increased Irf5 expression, whereas knockdown of Irf5
      blunted CB1R-induced secretion of inflammatory cytokines without affecting CCL2
      expression, which was p38MAPKalpha dependent. Macrophage-specific in vivo
      knockdown of Irf5 protected ZDF rats from beta-cell loss and hyperglycemia. Thus,
      IRF5 is a crucial downstream mediator of diabetogenic CB1R signaling in
      macrophages and a potential therapeutic target.

PMID- 28082461
TI  - Temporal and Directional Patterns of Nymphal Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera:
      Pentatomidae) Movement on the Trunk of Selected Wild and Fruit Tree Hosts in the
      Mid-Atlantic Region.
AB  - Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive and polyphagous
      herbivore that has been problematic in Mid-Atlantic fruit orchards, many of which
      are adjacent to woodlands containing its wild hosts. Our tree census in woodlands
      bordering 15 Mid-Atlantic apple orchards revealed 47 species of deciduous trees
      and shrubs, 76.6% of which were recorded hosts of H. halys. Tree of heaven was
      most common and abundant overall. Halyomorpha halys nymphs have a substantial
      walking dispersal capacity, and their fitness is enhanced by feeding on multiple
      hosts. Directional and temporal patterns of nymphal H. halys movement on selected
      wild hosts and apple and peach trees at the orchard-woodland interface were
      monitored in 2014 and 2015 using passive traps to capture nymphs walking up and
      down tree trunks. Weekly captures from mid-May to late September or mid-October
      were compared among hosts across both seasons. Despite higher total nymphal
      captures in 2014 than 2015, the seasonal trends for both years were similar and
      indicated bivoltine H. halys populations. In both years, more nymphs were
      intercepted while walking up than down and captures of upward- and downward
      walking nymphs varied significantly among the hosts. All instars were captured,
      but captures of second instars predominated. Captures reflected seasonal changes
      in instar distribution and consisted predominantly of younger and older nymphs,
      early and later in the season, respectively. Results are discussed in relation to
      host and seasonal effects on the movement of nymphs at the orchard-woodland
      interface, and the implications for H. halys management.

PMID- 28082463
TI  - The Ubiquitous Existence of MicroRNA in Body Fluids.

PMID- 28082464
TI  - Conversion after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: the CORONARY trial
      experience.
AB  - Objectives: Emergent and late conversions form OFF-to-ON pump coronary artery
      bypass grafting (CABG) have been associated with worse outcomes, however, it
      remains unclear as to which risk factors are associated with conversion and how
      to prevent them. Methods: Among 4718 patients who randomly underwent off- or on
      pump CABG, the incidence of off-pump to on-pump cross-over, or 'OFF-to-ON
      conversion', was 7.9% (186/2356). The primary outcome was a composite of death,
      stroke, myocardial infarction, or new renal failure requiring dialysis. We
      assessed the risk factors and outcomes of converted patients. Results: Emergent
      OFF-to-ON conversions, defined as conversions for hypotension or ischaemia, were
      required for 3.2% of patients ( n  = 75), while most elective conversions were
      due to small or intramuscular coronaries ( n  = 83). OFF-to-ON converted patients
      required increased surgery time, blood transfusions, intensive care unit stay,
      and presented a higher incidence at 1 year of the composite outcome compared with
      non-converted off-pump patients (all P < 0.01), especially if the conversion was
      emergent. Conversely, elective conversions outcomes were no different compared
      with non-converted off-pump patients ( P  = 0.35). Independent predictors of
      emergent conversions included higher heart rate or chronic atrial fibrillation,
      urgent surgery, more grafts planned and surgeon experience with off-pump CABG.
      Conclusions: Emergent OFF-to-ON conversion is associated with worse outcomes
      compared with elective conversion or no conversion. In the presence of risk
      factors for emergent conversion, an early and elective conversion approach is a
      judicious strategy.

PMID- 28082465
TI  - Pacing induced recurrent ventricular fibrillation following cardiac surgery.

PMID- 28082466
TI  - Can total bronchopleural fistulas from complete stump dehiscence be
      endoscopically treated?
AB  - Objectives: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is an uncommon complication following a
      lung resection to address various conditions. BPFs are associated with high
      morbidity and mortality rates. This study evaluated the endoscopic treatment of
      'total' BPFs using the Occlutech-Figulla(r) cardiac device at a single centre.
      Methods: We selected nine patients with chronic and complete BPFs. Under direct
      bronchoscopic visualization, the BPFs were treated using the Occlutech-Figulla
      device. The patients were followed up for 12 months to determine the treatment
      level and complications. Results: The procedure had a favourable outcome in three
      patients, resulting in complete fistula closure. Two patients had partial closure
      and showed improvements in their clinical conditions. In two other cases, closure
      of the bronchial stump was unsuccessful using this method. Two patients died from
      causes unrelated to the procedure or the device. During the follow-up period, no
      complications related to infection or device-related injuries were reported.
      Conclusions: In patients without clinical conditions that require surgical
      treatment, the Occlutech-Figulla cardiac device can be a safe and effective
      method for the endoscopic treatment of large BPFs resulting from complete
      dehiscence of a bronchial stump. No severe events were reported.

PMID- 28082467
TI  - Dilated cardiomyopathy associated with elephant trunk in Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
AB  - A 14-year-old boy presented to our institution with a diagnosis of acute type A
      dissection. He was diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and underwent aortic valve
      sparing repair at the age of 9 years. Emergency total arch repair with elephant
      trunk (ET) was performed successfully; echocardiogram before discharge showed
      normal left ventricular function and size. However, he was readmitted 1 month
      after discharge with significant left ventricular dysfunction and dilatation. The
      small folded ET caused a pressure gradient between the upper and lower body,
      which might deteriorate left ventricular function. Urgent balloon arterioplasty
      was performed to unfold the ET graft, resulting in no improvement of left
      ventricular function. ET removal and descending aorta replacement with an 18-mm
      graft was performed eventually. Left ventricular function and brain natriuretic
      peptide gradually improved after approximately 2 years of follow-up.

PMID- 28082468
TI  - Is experience the best teacher?

PMID- 28082469
TI  - Acquired Von Willebrand syndrome in patients on long-term support with HeartMate
      II.
AB  - Objectives: Impaired binding of Von Willebrand factor (VWF) to platelets and to
      collagen due to acquired Von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is associated with
      support from a ventricular assist device (VAD) and can contribute to bleeding
      tendencies in patients with VADs. The onset of AVWS has been shown to occur
      immediately after VAD implantation. Our aim was to determine long-term data on
      AVWS in VAD patients. Methods: We analysed 278 data sets of 74 patients on
      HeartMate II (HMII) support for 3-80 months after implantation (11.2 +/- 12.1,
      median 6.3 months.). Ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo), collagen binding
      capacity (VWF:CB), VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and the ratios of VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag and
      VWF:CB/VWF:Ag were determined. Further, the presence of high molecular weight
      (HMW) multimers of VWF was investigated. Results: Abnormally low values of
      VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag and VWF:CB/VWF:Ag were found in 69% and 97% of blood samples,
      respectively. Only ten of 181 multimer analyses showed a normal pattern, and HMW
      multimers were present in both specimens in only one of the 74 patients. No
      significant changes in these parameters were observed over time. The
      VWF:CB/VWF:Ag ratio correlated with the multimer patterns, whereas the
      VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratio seemed to be less sensitive for AVWS. Conclusions: Our data
      indicate that AVWS is a typical phenomenon in patients with VAD support and that
      there are no time-dependent changes in these parameters apparent in most patients
      on long-term support with HMII.

PMID- 28082470
TI  - Refraining from smoking shortly before lobectomy has no influence on the risk of
      pulmonary complications: a case-control study on a matched population.
AB  - Objectives: Whether or not smoking increases the risk of postoperative pulmonary
      complications (PPCs) in lung resection patients remains controversial. The
      objective of this study was to evaluate whether active smoking at the time of
      surgery increases the risk of PPCs compared to abstention shortly before the
      procedure. Methods: We conducted a case-control study on 378 patients who
      underwent non-extended lobectomy in our institution. Cases were active smokers at
      the time of surgery, and controls were patients who quit smoking at any time up
      to 16 weeks before surgery. All patients received the same perioperative care,
      including chest physiotherapy. The occurrence of PPCs was the considered outcome.
      PPCs were defined as pneumonia (American Thoracic Society criteria, 2004) or
      atelectasis requiring bronchoscopy. Cases and controls were matched according to
      age, body mass index, forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration
      (FEV1%), FEV1/forced vital capacity, type of approach and diagnosis of non-small
      cell lung cancer. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval
      (CI) for PPCs. Results: The overall prevalence of PPCs was 4.7% (18/378); 5.3%
      (13 out of 244) in the active smokers group and 3.7% (5 out of 134) in the ex
      smokers group. After matching, two sets of 134 patients each were compared. The
      prevalence was 4.5% (6/134) in active and 3.7% (5/134) in ex-smokers (OR 1.21 95%
      CI: 0.29-5.13, P  =   0.76). Conclusions: In this population of patients strictly
      matched according to risk criteria for PPCs, smoking at the time of surgery was
      not identified as a risk variable. Therefore, the practice of postponing surgery
      until tobacco abstention has been achieved does not seem to be justified.

PMID- 28082471
TI  - Profiling inflammation and tissue injury markers in perfusate and bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid during human ex vivo lung perfusion.
AB  - Objectives: Availability of donor lungs suitable for transplant falls short of
      current demand and contributes to waiting list mortality. Ex vivo lung perfusion
      (EVLP) offers the opportunity to objectively assess and recondition organs
      unsuitable for immediate transplant. Identifying robust biomarkers that can
      stratify donor lungs during EVLP to use or non-use or for specific interventions
      could further improve its clinical impact. Methods: In this pilot study, 16
      consecutive donor lungs unsuitable for immediate transplant were assessed by
      EVLP. Key inflammatory mediators and tissue injury markers were measured in
      serial perfusate samples collected hourly and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
      (BALF) collected before and after EVLP. Levels were compared between donor lungs
      that met criteria for transplant and those that did not. Results: Seven of the 16
      donor lungs (44%) improved during EVLP and were transplanted with uniformly good
      outcomes. Tissue and vascular injury markers lactate dehydrogenase, HMGB-1 and
      Syndecan-1 were significantly lower in perfusate from transplanted lungs. A model
      combining IL-1beta and IL-8 concentrations in perfusate could predict final EVLP
      outcome after 2 h assessment. In addition, perfusate IL-1beta concentrations
      showed an inverse correlation to recipient oxygenation 24 h post-transplant.
      Conclusions: This study confirms the feasibility of using inflammation and tissue
      injury markers in perfusate and BALF to identify donor lungs most likely to
      improve for successful transplant during clinical EVLP. These results support
      examining this issue in a larger study.

PMID- 28082472
TI  - Long-term experience with the E-vita Open hybrid graft in complex thoracic aortic
      disease?.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The E-vita Open hybrid stent graft is intended to achieve one-stage
      treatment of the proximal and distal thoracic aorta down to the mid-thoracic
      level in cases of acute (AAD) or chronic (CAD) type I aortic dissection and
      complex thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). We report our long-term results up to 10
      year experience. METHODS: From February 2005 until March 2015, 178 consecutive
      patients (mean age 59 +/- 11 years) underwent surgery using the E-vita Open
      hybrid graft for AAD ( n  = 96), CAD ( n  = 43) or TAA ( n  = 39). Pre-, intra-
      and postoperative variables, influential procedural improvements and follow-up
      data including aortic remodelling analyses are presented. RESULTS: Overall 30-day
      mortality was 10%, 10% for AAD, 7% for CAD and 13% for TAA. Univariable analysis
      identified low left ventricular ejection fraction, peripheral arterial disease,
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severely compromised haemodynamics as
      risk factors for in-hospital death. Logistic regression analysis defined
      compromised haemodynamics and duration of cardiopulmonary bypass as significant.
      After 7 years, estimated survival was 55% for AAD, 74% for CAD and 73% for TAA
      patients. Freedom from aorta-related late death was 94%, 91% in AAD, 100% in CAD
      and 97% in TAA. Positive or stable aortic remodelling down to the stent graft end
      was achieved in 92% AAD, 82% in CAD and full aneurysmal exclusion in 88%. Further
      downstream, negative remodelling was observed in 27% of the AAD, 41% of the CAD
      and 22% of the TAA patients. Freedom from endovascular intervention downstream
      was 96% in AAD, 75% in CAD and 74% in TAA patients. Freedom from thoraco
      abdominal surgery was 97%, 65% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The E-vita
      Open hybrid stent graft renders durable long-term performance without any
      proximal endoleakage or graft failure over time and represents the ideal landing
      or docking zone for either thoracic endovascular thoracic repair or thoraco
      abdominal surgery, if required. No reinterventions were necessary down to the end
      of the stent graft, proving that the disease is overcome along the hybrid graft
      down to mid-thoracic level.

PMID- 28082473
TI  - Poor preoperative patient-reported quality of life is associated with
      complications following pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer.
AB  - Objectives: To assess whether quality of life (QOL) was associated with
      cardiopulmonary complications following pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer.
      Methods: Retrospective analysis of 200 consecutive patients who had pulmonary
      lobectomy for lung cancer (September 2014-October 2015). QOL was assessed by the
      self-administration of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of
      Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire within 2 weeks before the operation. The individual
      QOL scales were tested for a possible association with cardiopulmonary
      complications along with other objective baseline and surgical parameters by
      univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: Forty-three patients (21.5%)
      developed postoperative cardiopulmonary complications; 4 of them died within 30
      days (2%). Univariable analysis showed that, compared to patients without
      complications, those with complications reported a lower global health status
      (GHS) [59.1; standard deviation (SD) 27.2 vs 69.6; SD 20.6, P  =   0.02], were
      older (71.2; SD 8.4 vs 67.7; SD 9.4, P  =   0.03), had lower values of forced
      expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (83.9; SD 27.2 vs 91.4; SD 20.9), P  =  
      0.06) and carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) (67.9; SD 20.9 vs 74.2;
      SD 17.6, P  =   0.02) and higher performance score (0.76; SD 0.63 vs 0.53; SD
      0.64, P  =   0.02). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that factors
      independently associated with cardiopulmonary complications were age [odds ratio
      (OR) 1.04, 95% CI 1.0-1.09, P  =   0.02] and patient-reported GHS [OR 0.98, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.96-0.99, P  =   0.006], whereas other objective
      parameters (i.e. FEV1, DLCO) were not. The best cut-off value for GHS to
      discriminate patients with complications after surgery was 50 (c-index 0.65, 95%
      CI 0.58-0.72). Conclusions: A poor GHS perceived by the patient was associated
      with postoperative cardiopulmonary morbidity. Patient perceptions and values
      should be included in the risk stratification process to tailor cancer treatment.

PMID- 28082474
TI  - Perventricular device closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect:
      effectiveness of symmetric and asymmetric occluders.
AB  - Objectives: To assess safety and effectiveness of symmetric and asymmetric
      occluders in perventricular device closure without cardiopulmonary bypass of
      perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSDs). Methods: The present
      retrospective study enrolled 581 patients who underwent perventricular device
      closure of pmVSDs under transoesophageal echocardiography guidance from May 2011
      to April 2016, and outpatient electrocardiography and transthoracic
      echocardiography assessments at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and yearly thereafter.
      Results: The overall success rate of device implantation was 92.6% (43 surgical
      conversions immediately). Between patients receiving symmetric ( n  = 353) and
      asymmetric ( n  = 185) occluders, there were no significant differences in age,
      weight and defect diameter distributions; however, both before discharge and at
      mean 28.6 +/- 21.2 (range, 1-60)-month follow-up, the symmetric group had lower
      rates of trivial residual shunt (5.7% vs 11.4%, P  = 0.018; and 0.8% vs 5.9%, P 
      = 0.001) and bundle branch block (0.8% vs 5.4%, P  = 0.002; and 0.6% vs 3.8%, P 
      = 0.009); and at follow-up, the asymmetric group had lower residual shunt (47.6%
      vs 85.0%, P  = 0.020) and similar branch block (30.0% vs 33.3%, P  = 1.000)
      disappearance rates. There were no severe complications, i.e. aortic
      regurgitation, malignant arrhythmias, haemolysis or device dislocation.
      Conclusions: Perventricular device closure of pmVSDs appears safe and effective
      with symmetric and asymmetric occluders. However, the lower residual shunt
      disappearance and higher branch block incidence rates for asymmetric occluders
      would favour more proactive conversion to surgical repair immediately when
      residual shunt is present intraoperatively.

PMID- 28082475
TI  - Locoregional recurrence after segmentectomy for clinical-T1aN0M0 radiologically
      solid non-small-cell lung carcinoma.
AB  - Objectives: We aimed to identify the clinicopathological features of loco
      regional recurrence after segmentectomy for clinical-T1aN0M0 radiologically
      invasive non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Methods: Between 2008 and 2014,
      353 patients underwent pulmonary lobectomy or segmentectomy with nodal dissection
      for clinical-T1aN0M0 radiologically invasive NSCLC showing 0.5 <= consolidation
      tumour ratio (CTR)<=1.0 on thin-section computed tomography (CT). Radiological
      invasive NSCLC was divided into two groups, i.e. part-solid (0.5 <= CTR < 1.0)
      and pure-solid (CTR = 1.0). Significant prognostic factors for oncological
      outcomes were evaluated by multivariate analysis. Results: Lobectomy was
      performed in 270 (76.5%) patients and segmentectomy in 83 (23.5%). Locoregional
      recurrence-free survival (LRFS) of clinical-T1a radiologically invasive NSCLC on
      the whole showed no significant differences between the lobectomy and
      segmentectomy arms (3-year LRFS, 93.0 vs 90.1%, P  = 0.2725). In contrast, the
      multivariate analysis revealed that radiologically pure-solid appearance and
      tumour size were significant predictors of loco-regional recurrence ( P  =
      0.0106, 0.0408). Among 212 clinical-T1a radiologically pure-solid NSCLCs,
      frequency of loco-regional recurrence was high in the segmentectomy arm (20.7%)
      compared with that of lobectomy arm (8.2%). Furthermore, segmentectomy and larger
      tumour size were independent significant clinical factors of loco-regional
      recurrence based on the multivariate analysis ( P  = 0.0292, 0.0402). The 3-year
      LRFS of the segmentectomy arm was significantly worse than that of the lobectomy
      arm in the c-T1a disease (82.2 vs 90.6%, P  = 0.0488) provided the tumour showed
      a pure-solid appearance. Conclusions: Even in cases of small-sized lung
      carcinoma, segmentectomy should be applied with great caution especially for a
      radiological pure-solid NSCLC on thin-section CT due to their high incidence of
      loco-regional recurrence.

PMID- 28082476
TI  - Need for Examination of Broader Range of Risks When Predicting the Effects of New
      Tobacco Products.

PMID- 28082477
TI  - Developing Consistent and Transparent Models of E-cigarette Use: Reply to Glantz
      and Soneji et al.

PMID- 28082482
TI  - Genome Sequence of Phytomonas francai, a Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Latex
      Parasite.
AB  - Here, we report the genome sequence of the cassava (Manihot esculenta) latex
      parasite Phytomonas francai P. francai infection is linked with the yield-loss
      disease "chochamento de raizes" (empty roots) in the Unha variety of cassava, a
      disease characterized by poor root development and chlorosis of the leaves.

PMID- 28082483
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas sobria Strain 08005, Isolated from Sick Rana
      catesbeiana.
AB  - Aeromonas sobria is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and ubiquitous bacterium. We
      present here the draft genome sequence of A. sobria strain 08005, isolated from
      an infected bullfrog. It is composed of 66 contigs totaling 4,678,951 bp,
      contains 4,252 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), four rRNAs, and 88 tRNA sequences,
      and shows the presence of various putative virulence-related genes.

PMID- 28082484
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Micromonospora sp. Strain WMMB235, a Marine Ascidian
      Associated Bacterium.
AB  - Micromonospora sp. strain WMMB235 was isolated in 2011 off the coast of the
      Florida Keys, USA, from a marine ascidian as part of an ongoing drug discovery
      project. Analysis of the ~7.1-Mb genome provides insight into this strain's
      biosynthetic potential, means of regulation, and response to coculturing
      conditions.

PMID- 28082485
TI  - Whole-Genome Sequence of Streptococcus parauberis Strain SP-llh, Isolated from
      Cows with Mastitis in Western China.
AB  - Streptococcus parauberis strain SP-llh was isolated from cows with mastitis in
      western China in 2015. The 2,522,235-bp genome sequence consists of 46 large
      contigs in 14 scaffolds and contains 2,620 predicted protein-coding genes, with a
      G+C content of 35.3%.

PMID- 28082486
TI  - Whole-Genome Sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis TB282 and TB284, a
      Widespread and a Unique Strain, Respectively, Identified in a Previous Study of
      Tuberculosis Transmission in Central Los Angeles, California, USA.
AB  - We report here the genome sequences of two Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical
      isolates previously identified in central Los Angeles, CA, in the 1990s using a
      PacBio platform. Isolate TB282 represents a large-cluster strain that caused 27%
      of the tuberculosis cases, while TB284 represents a strain that caused disease in
      only one patient.

PMID- 28082487
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Lleida Bat Lyssavirus.
AB  - All lyssaviruses (family Rhabdoviridae) cause the disease rabies, an acute
      progressive encephalitis for which, once symptoms occur, there is no effective
      cure. Using next-generation sequencing, the full-genome sequence for a novel
      lyssavirus, Lleida bat lyssavirus (LLEBV), from the original brain of a common
      bent-winged bat has been confirmed.

PMID- 28082488
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Mumps Virus Isolated from Karnataka State, India.
AB  - We report the first whole-genome sequence of mumps virus isolated from a two-year
      old girl with bilateral parotitis from a Chikkahallivana village in the Davangere
      district of Karnataka State, India. The genome of the Davangere mumps isolate was
      15,384 bp in length and identical to previously published mumps virus (MuV)
      genomes from India. BLAST results show 99.1% identity with previously sequenced
      genotype C viruses isolated from the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar
      Pradesh.

PMID- 28082489
TI  - First Complete Genome Sequence of Papaya ringspot virus-W Isolated from a Gourd
      in the United States.
AB  - In the United States, the Papaya ringspot virus was first reported from papaya in
      Florida in 1949. Here, we determined the first complete genome sequence (10,302
      nucleotides) of a Papaya ringspot virus-W isolate, which was collected from a
      commercial field of gourd in Tulsa, OK.

PMID- 28082490
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting Pseudomonas punonensis Strain
      D1-6 Isolated from the Desert Plant Erodium hirtum in Jordan.
AB  - Pseudomonas punonensis strain D1-6 was isolated from roots of the desert plant
      Erodium hirtum, near the Dead Sea in Jordan. The genome of strain D1-6 reveals
      several key plant growth-promoting and herbicide-resistance genes, indicating a
      possible specialized role for this endophyte.

PMID- 28082491
TI  - Genome Sequence of Uric Acid-Fermenting Eubacterium angustum DSM 1989T (MK-1).
AB  - Eubacterium angustum DSM 1989T (MK-1) is a strictly anaerobic and uric acid-,
      xanthine-, and guanine-fermenting organism isolated from sewage sludge. The draft
      genome consists of one circular chromosome (2.4 Mb) and harbors 2,397 predicted
      protein-encoding genes.

PMID- 28082492
TI  - Metagenomic Analysis of Cucumber RNA from East Timor Reveals an Aphid lethal
      paralysis virus Genome.
AB  - We present here the first complete genomic Aphid lethal paralysis virus (ALPV)
      sequence isolated from cucumber plant RNA from East Timor. We compare it with two
      complete ALPV genome sequences from China, and one each from Israel, South
      Africa, and the United States. It most closely resembled the Chinese isolate LGH
      genome.

PMID- 28082493
TI  - Sequence of Reston Virus Isolate AZ-1435, an Ebolavirus Isolate Obtained during
      the 1989-1990 Reston Virus Epizootic in the United States.
AB  - Reston virus (RESTV) was discovered in 1989-1990 during three connected
      epizootics of highly lethal viral hemorrhagic fever among captive macaques in
      primate housing facilities in the United States and Philippines. Currently, only
      one RESTV isolate from that outbreak (named Pennsylvania) has been sequenced.
      Here, we report the sequence of a second isolate, Reston virus/M.fascicularis
      tc/USA/1990/Philippines89-AZ1435.

PMID- 28082494
TI  - Metagenome Sequencing of Prokaryotic Microbiota Collected from Rivers in the
      Upper Amazon Basin.
AB  - Tropical freshwater environments, like rivers, are important reservoirs of
      microbial life. This study employed metagenomic sequencing to survey prokaryotic
      microbiota in the Solimoes, Purus, and Urucu Rivers of the Amazon Basin in
      Brazil. We report a rich and diverse microbial community.

PMID- 28082495
TI  - Genome Sequence of Christensenella minuta DSM 22607T.
AB  - Obesity influences and is influenced by the human gut microbiome. Here, we
      present the genome of Christensenella minuta, a highly heritable bacterial
      species which has been found to be strongly associated with obesity through an
      unknown biological mechanism. This novel genome provides a valuable resource for
      future obesity therapeutic studies.

PMID- 28082496
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel WU Polyomavirus Isolate from Arkansas, USA,
      Associated with Acute Respiratory Infection.
AB  - We report here the complete genome sequence of a WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) isolate,
      also known as human polyomavirus 4, collected in 2016 from a patient in Arkansas
      with an acute respiratory infection. Isolate hPyV4/USA/AR001/2016 has a double
      stranded DNA genome of 5,229 bp in length.

PMID- 28082497
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus iniae UEL-Si1, Isolated in Diseased
      Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Northern Parana, Southern Brazil.
AB  - The Streptococcus iniae UEL-Si1 strain was isolated from diseased Nile tilapia
      within the Paranapanema River Basin, Northern Parana, Brazil. This is an emerging
      infectious disease agent of fish from Brazil, and sequencing of the complete
      genome is fundamental to understanding aspects relative to pathogenesis,
      infection, epidemiology, and immunity.

PMID- 28082498
TI  - Whole-Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Serotype O157:H7 Strain PA20.
AB  - Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7 strain PA20 is a Pennsylvania Department of
      Health clinical isolate. It has been used to study biofilm formation in O157:H7
      clinical isolates, where the high incidence of prophage insertions in the mlrA
      transcription factor disrupts traditional csgD biofilm regulation. Here, we
      report the complete PA20 genome sequence.

PMID- 28082499
TI  - Draft Genome Sequences of 15 Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Recovered from Raw
      Milk and Associated Milk Filters from Victoria, Australia.
AB  - This study describes draft whole genomes of 15 Staphylococcus aureus isolates
      from dairy farms located in Victoria, Australia. Two novel sequence types (ST3183
      and ST3184) were identified among these isolates.

PMID- 28082500
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Spiroplasma sp. TU-14.
AB  - Spiroplasma sp. TU-14 was isolated from a contaminated sample of Entomoplasma
      lucivorax PIPN-2T obtained from the International Organization for Mycoplasmology
      collection. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this bacterium to
      facilitate the investigation of its biology and the comparative genomics among
      Spiroplasma spp.

PMID- 28082502
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of an Anicemycin Producer, Streptomyces sp. TP-A0648.
AB  - We report the draft genome sequence of Streptomyces sp. TP-A0648 isolated from a
      leaf of Aucuba japonica This strain produces a new tumor cell growth inhibitor
      designated anicemycin. The genome harbors at least 12 biosynthetic gene clusters
      for polyketides and nonribosomal peptides, suggesting the potential to produce
      diverse secondary metabolites.

PMID- 28082503
TI  - Metaviromes of Extracellular Soil Viruses along a Namib Desert Aridity Gradient.
AB  - The Namib Desert in southwest Africa is hyperarid and composed of distinct
      microbial communities affected by a longitudinal aridity gradient. Here, we
      report four soil metaviromes from the Namib Desert, assessed using deep
      sequencing of metavirome libraries prepared from DNA extracted from gravel plain
      surface soils.

PMID- 28082501
TI  - Genome Sequence of Porphyromonas gingivalis Strain 381.
AB  - Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with both oral and systemic diseases.
      Strain-specific P. gingivalis invasion phenotypes do not reliably predict disease
      presentation during in vivo studies. Here, we present the genome sequence of 381,
      a common laboratory strain, with a single contig of 2,378,872 bp and a G+C
      content of 48.36%.

PMID- 28082504
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain Hex1T Isolated from Soils
      Contaminated with Used Lubricating Oil in Argentina.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa Hex1T was isolated from soils contaminated with used
      lubricating oil from a garage in Cordoba, Argentina. This strain is capable of
      utilizing this pollutant as the sole carbon and energy source. Here, we present
      the 6.9-Mb draft genome sequence of Hex1T, which contains many heavy metal
      resistance genes.

PMID- 28082505
TI  - Annotation of Fusarium graminearum (PH-1) Version 5.0.
AB  - Fusarium graminearum floral infections are a major risk to the global supply of
      safe cereal grains. We report updates to the PH-1 reference genome and
      significant improvements to the annotation. Changes include introduction of
      legacy annotation identifiers, new gene models, secretome and effectorP
      predictions, and inclusion of extensive untranslated region (UTR) annotations.

PMID- 28082506
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of JVAP01T, the Type Strain of the Novel Species
      Acinetobacter dijkshoorniae.
AB  - Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the type strain of Acinetobacter
      dijkshoorniae, a novel human pathogen within the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
      Acinetobacter baumannii (ACB) complex. Strain JVAP01T has an estimated genome
      size of 3.9 Mb, exhibits a 38.8% G+C content, and carries a plasmid with the
      blaNDM-1 carbapenemase gene.

PMID- 28082507
TI  - Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus sunkii Strain CG_D.
AB  - Lactobacillus sunkii CG_D is a rod-shaped, Gram-positive, and heterofermentative
      lactic acid bacterium. The draft genome of L. sunkii strain CG_D comprises
      2,794,637 bp with an average G+C content of 42.03%. The genome harbors 2,662
      predicted protein-encoding, and 71 RNA genes.

PMID- 28082508
TI  - Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis Strain CG_E.
AB  - Enterococcus faecalis CG_E is a Gram-positive, lactic acid-producing coccus. The
      draft genome of E. faecalis strain CG_E comprises 2,969,881 bp and exhibits a G+C
      content of 37.34%. The genome encodes 2,848 predicted protein-encoding and 97 RNA
      genes.

PMID- 28082509
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Flavobacterium succinicans Strain DD5b.
AB  - We present the first 3.315-Mbp assembled draft genome sequence of Flavobacterium
      succinicans strain DD5b. This bacterium is a phosphite-assimilating
      representative of the genus Flavobacterium isolated from guts of the zooplankton
      Daphnia magna.

PMID- 28082510
TI  - Discharge of surplus phloem water may be required for normal grape ripening.
AB  - At the onset of ripening, some fleshy fruits shift the dominant water import
      pathway from the xylem to the phloem, but the cause for the decline in xylem
      inflow remains obscure. This study found that xylem-mobile dye movement into
      grape berries decreased despite transient increases in berry growth and
      transpiration during early ripening, whereas outward dye movement continued
      unless the roots were pressurized. Modeling berry vascular flows using
      measurements of pedicel phloem sap sugar concentration, berry growth, solute
      accumulation, and transpiration showed that a fraction of phloem-derived water
      was used for berry growth and transpiration; the surplus was recirculated via the
      xylem. Changing phloem sap sugar concentration to a much higher published value
      led to model simulations predicting xylem inflow or backflow depending on the
      developmental stage and genotype. Mathematically preventing net xylem flow
      resulted in large variations in phloem sap sugar concentration in pedicels
      serving neighboring berries on the same fruit cluster. Moreover, restricting
      water discharge via the xylem and/or across the skin impaired berry solute
      accumulation and color change. Collectively, these results indicate that
      discharge of surplus phloem water via berry transpiration and/or xylem backflow
      may be necessary to facilitate normal grape ripening.

PMID- 28082512
TI  - Mathematical model of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma: disease, treatment, cure or
      relapse of a virtual cohort of patients.
AB  - T lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is a rare type of lymphoma with a good prognosis
      with a remission rate of 85%. Patients can be completely cured or can relapse
      during or after a 2-year treatment. Relapses usually occur early after the
      remission of the acute phase. The median time of relapse is equal to 1 year,
      after the occurrence of complete remission (range 0.2-5.9 years) (Uyttebroeck et
      al., 2008). It can be assumed that patients may be treated longer than necessary
      with undue toxicity.The aim of our model was to investigate whether the duration
      of the maintenance therapy could be reduced without increasing the risk of
      relapses and to determine the minimum treatment duration that could be tested in
      a future clinical trial.We developed a mathematical model of virtual patients
      with T-LBL in order to obtain a proportion of virtual relapses close to the one
      observed in the real population of patients from the EuroLB database. Our
      simulations reproduced a 2-year follow-up required to study the onset of the
      disease, the treatment of the acute phase and the maintenance treatment phase.

PMID- 28082513
TI  - The Glutamate Model of Schizophrenia: It's All About Signal Muscarinic
      Connections.

PMID- 28082511
TI  - Glycerol-3-Phosphate Acyltransferase 3 (OsGPAT3) is required for anther
      development and male fertility in rice.
AB  - Lipid molecules are key structural components of plant male reproductive organs,
      such as the anther and pollen. Although advances have been made in the
      understanding of acyl lipids in plant reproduction, the metabolic pathways of
      other lipid compounds, particularly glycerolipids, are not fully understood. Here
      we report that an endoplasmic reticulum-localized enzyme, Glycerol-3-Phosphate
      Acyltransferase 3 (OsGPAT3), plays an indispensable role in anther development
      and pollen formation in rice. OsGPAT3 is preferentially expressed in the tapetum
      and microspores of the anther. Compared with wild-type plants, the osgpat3 mutant
      displays smaller, pale yellow anthers with defective anther cuticle, degenerated
      pollen with defective exine, and abnormal tapetum development and degeneration.
      Anthers of the osgpat3 mutant have dramatic reductions of all aliphatic lipid
      contents. The defective cuticle and pollen phenotype coincide well with the down
      regulation of sets of genes involved in lipid metabolism and regulation of anther
      development. Taking these findings together, this work reveals the indispensable
      role of a monocot-specific glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase in male
      reproduction in rice.

PMID- 28082514
TI  - Engineered Context-Sensitive Agonism: Tissue-Selective Drug Signaling through a G
      Protein-Coupled Receptor.
AB  - Drug discovery strives for selective ligands to achieve targeted modulation of
      tissue function. Here we introduce engineered context-sensitive agonism as a
      postreceptor mechanism for tissue-selective drug action through a G protein
      coupled receptor. Acetylcholine M2-receptor activation is known to mediate, among
      other actions, potentially dangerous slowing of the heart rate. This unwanted
      side effect is one of the main reasons that limit clinical application of
      muscarinic agonists. Herein we show that dualsteric (orthosteric/allosteric)
      agonists induce less cardiac depression ex vivo and in vivo than conventional
      full agonists. Exploration of the underlying mechanism in living cells employing
      cellular dynamic mass redistribution identified context-sensitive agonism of
      these dualsteric agonists. They translate elevation of intracellular cAMP into a
      switch from full to partial agonism. Designed context-sensitive agonism opens an
      avenue toward postreceptor pharmacologic selectivity, which even works in target
      tissues operated by the same subtype of pharmacologic receptor.

PMID- 28082515
TI  - Impact of Cystinosin Glycosylation on Protein Stability by Differential Dynamic
      Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino Acids in Cell Culture (SILAC).
AB  - Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized
      by intralysosomal accumulation of cystine. The causative gene for cystinosis is
      CTNS, which encodes the protein cystinosin, a lysosomal proton-driven cystine
      transporter. Over 100 mutations have been reported, leading to varying disease
      severity, often in correlation with residual cystinosin activity as a transporter
      and with maintenance of its protein-protein interactions. In this study, we focus
      on the DeltaITILELP mutation, the only mutation reported that sometimes leads to
      severe forms, inconsistent with its residual transported activity. DeltaITILELP
      is a deletion that eliminates a consensus site on N66, one of the protein's seven
      glycosylation sites. Our hypothesis was that the DeltaITILELP mutant is less
      stable and undergoes faster degradation. Our dynamic stable isotope labeling by
      amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) study clearly showed that wild-type
      cystinosin is very stable, whereas DeltaITILELP is degraded three times more
      rapidly. Additional lysosome inhibition experiments confirmed DeltaITILELP
      instability and showed that the degradation was mainly lysosomal. We observed
      that in the lysosome, DeltaITILELP is still capable of interacting with the V
      ATPase complex and some members of the mTOR pathway, similar to the wild-type
      protein. Intriguingly, our interactomic and immunofluorescence studies showed
      that DeltaITILELP is partially retained at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We
      proposed that the DeltaITILELP mutation causes protein misfolding, ER retention
      and inability to be processed in the Golgi apparatus, and we demonstrated that
      DeltaITILELP carries high-mannose glycans on all six of its remaining
      glycosylation sites. We found that the high turnover of DeltaITILELP, because of
      its immature glycosylation state in combination with low transport activity,
      might be responsible for the phenotype observed in some patients.

PMID- 28082516
TI  - HMGB1-induced autophagy: a new pathway to maintain Treg function during chronic
      hepatitis B virus infection.
AB  - High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein, as one of the well-known damage
      associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs), is enriched in chronic hepatitis
      B virus (HBV) infection and has a context-dependent role in autophagy, a highly
      conserved self-digestive process in response to environmental stress. Recent
      mouse studies indicate that autophagy is highly active in regulatory T (Treg)
      cells. In the present study, we evaluated spontaneous and induced autophagy of
      peripheral Treg cells from 98 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), by
      measuring levels of lipidated form of microtubule-associated light chain 3 (LC3
      II, marker for closed autophagosomes) and observing autophagic vacuoles (AV) with
      transmission electron microscope. No significant difference was found in
      spontaneous autophagy of either Treg or CD4+ naive cells when comparing CHB
      patients with healthy subjects, apart from CHB-Treg showed significantly higher
      autophagic activity after activation by anti-CD3-CD28 beads. Besides, incubation
      of CHB-Treg cells with CHB-serum greatly maintained their autophagic behaviour,
      which could be significantly diminished by blocking HMGB1 with the neutralizing
      antibody. Further, we characterized time- and dose-dependent effects by
      recombinant HMGB1 protein on autophagy of CHB-Treg cells. We also documented a
      significant up-regulation of HMGB1 and its receptors [toll-like receptor (TLR4),
      receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE)] in both peripheral and intra
      hepatic microenvironments of CHB patients. Moreover, the RAGE-extracellular
      regulated protein kinases (ERK) axis and rapamycin-sensitive components of
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways were demonstrated in vitro to be
      involved in HMGB1-induced autophagy of Treg cells. Additionally, HMGB1-induced
      autophagy could maintain cell survival and functional stability of CHB-Treg
      cells. Our findings could open new perspectives in developing therapeutic
      strategies to activate specific anti-HBV immunity by diminishing Treg autophagy.

PMID- 28082517
TI  - SEXUAL STERILITY is Essential for Both Male and Female Gametogenesis in Tomato.
AB  - Gametogenesis is a key step in the production of ovules or pollen in higher
      plants. The molecular aspects of gametogenesis are well characterized in the
      model plant Arabidopsis; however, little information is known in tomato, which is
      a model plant for fleshy fruit development. In this study, we characterized a
      tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) gamma-ray mutant, sexual sterility (Slses), that
      exhibited both male and female sterility. Morphological analysis revealed that
      the Slses mutant forms incomplete ovules and wilted anthers devoid of pollen
      grains at the anthesis stage. Genetic and next-generation sequencing analyses
      revealed that the Slses mutant carried a 13 bp deletion within the first exon of
      a homolog of SPOROCYTELESS/NOZZLE (SPL/NZZ), which plays an important role in
      gametogenesis in Arabidopsis. Complementation analysis in which the complete
      SlSES genomic region was introduced into the Slses mutant fully restored normal
      phenotypes, demonstrating that Solyc07g063670 is responsible for the Slses
      mutation. SlSES probably act as a transcriptional repressor because of an EAR
      motif at the C-terminal region. Gene expression levels of WUSCHEL (SlWUS) and
      INNER NO OUTER (SlINO), both of which are required for ovule development, were
      dramatically reduced in the early stages of pistil development in the Slses
      mutant, suggesting a positive regulatory role for SlSES in the transcription of
      gametogenesis genes and differences in the regulation of INO (SlINO) and
      integument development by SPL/NZZ (SLSES) between Arabidopsis and tomato. Taken
      together, our results indicate that SlSES is a novel tomato gametogenesis gene
      essential for both male and female gametogenesis.

PMID- 28082518
TI  - Vancomycin-Associated Cast Nephropathy.
AB  - Vancomycin is a widely prescribed antibiotic, but the exact nature of vancomycin
      associated nephrotoxicity is unclear, in particular when considering the frequent
      coadministration of aminoglycosides. We describe here the initial case of a 56
      year-old woman with normal renal function developing unexplained ARF without
      hypovolemia after administration of vancomycin without coadministration of
      aminoglycosides. Studying the patient's renal biopsy specimen, we ascertained
      that obstructive tubular casts composed of noncrystal nanospheric vancomycin
      aggregates entangled with uromodulin explained the vancomycin-associated ARF. We
      developed in parallel a new immunohistologic staining technique to detect
      vancomycin in renal tissue and confirmed retrospectively that deleterious
      vancomycin-associated casts existed in eight additional patients with acute
      tubular necrosis in the absence of hypovolemia. Concomitant high vancomycin
      trough plasma levels had been observed in each patient. We also reproduced
      experimentally the toxic and obstructive nature of vancomycin-associated cast
      nephropathy in mice, which we detected using different in vivo imaging
      techniques. In conclusion, the interaction of uromodulin with nanospheric
      vancomycin aggregates represents a new mode of tubular cast formation, revealing
      the hitherto unsuspected mechanism of vancomycin-associated renal injury.

PMID- 28082519
TI  - Effects of Ferric Citrate in Patients with Nondialysis-Dependent CKD and Iron
      Deficiency Anemia.
AB  - Iron deficiency anemia is common and consequential in nondialysis-dependent CKD
      (NDD-CKD). Efficacy and tolerability of conventional oral iron supplements are
      mixed; intravenous iron administration associates with finite but important
      risks. We conducted a randomized double-blind clinical trial in adults with NDD
      CKD and iron deficiency anemia to compare the safety and efficacy of oral ferric
      citrate (n=117) and placebo (n=115). The primary end point was the proportion of
      patients who achieved a >=1.0 g/dl increase in hemoglobin at any time during a 16
      week randomized period. Patients who completed the 16-week period could also
      participate in an 8-week open-label extension period. Significantly more patients
      randomized to ferric citrate achieved the primary end point (61 [52.1%] versus 22
      [19.1%] with placebo; P<0.001). All secondary end points reached statistical
      significance in the ferric citrate group, including the mean relative change in
      hemoglobin (0.84 g/dl; 95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 1.10 g/dl; P<0.001) and
      the proportion of patients who achieved a sustained increase in hemoglobin
      (>=0.75 g/dl over any 4-week period during the randomized trial; 57 [48.7%]
      versus 17 [14.8%] with placebo; P<0.001). Rates of serious adverse events were
      similar in the ferric citrate (12.0%) and placebo groups (11.2%).
      Gastrointestinal disorders were the most common adverse events, with diarrhea
      reported in 24 (20.5%) and 19 (16.4%) and constipation in 22 (18.8%) and 15
      (12.9%) patients treated with ferric citrate and placebo, respectively. Overall,
      in patients with NDD-CKD, we found oral ferric citrate to be a safe and
      efficacious treatment for iron deficiency anemia.

PMID- 28082522
TI  - Correction for An mDia1-INF2 formin activation cascade facilitated by IQGAP1
      regulates stable microtubules in migrating cells.

PMID- 28082520
TI  - The secretory pathway at 50: a golden anniversary for some momentous grains of
      silver.
AB  - The secretory pathway along which newly synthesized secretory and membrane
      proteins traffic through the cell was revealed in two articles published 50 years
      ago. This discovery was the culmination of decades of effort to unite the power
      of biochemical and morphological methodologies in order to elucidate the dynamic
      nature of the cell's biosynthetic machinery. The secretory pathway remains a
      central paradigm of modern cell biology. Its elucidation 50 years ago inspired
      tremendous multidisciplinary and on-going efforts to understand the machinery
      that makes it run, the adaptations that permit it to serve the needs of
      specialized cell types, and the pathological consequences that arise when it is
      perturbed.

PMID- 28082521
TI  - Trafficking to the primary cilium membrane.
AB  - The primary cilium has been found to be associated with a number of cellular
      signaling pathways, such as vertebrate hedgehog signaling, and implicated in the
      pathogenesis of diseases affecting multiple organs, including the neural tube,
      kidney, and brain. The primary cilium is the site where a subset of the cell's
      membrane proteins is enriched. However, pathways that target and concentrate
      membrane proteins in cilia are not well understood. Processes determining the
      level of proteins in the ciliary membrane include entry into the compartment,
      removal, and retention by diffusion barriers such as the transition zone.
      Proteins that are concentrated in the ciliary membrane are also localized to
      other cellular sites. Thus it is critical to determine the particular role for
      ciliary compartmentalization in sensory reception and signaling pathways. Here we
      provide a brief overview of our current understanding of compartmentalization of
      proteins in the ciliary membrane and the dynamics of trafficking into and out of
      the cilium. We also discuss major unanswered questions regarding the role that
      defects in ciliary compartmentalization might play in disease pathogenesis.
      Understanding the trafficking mechanisms that underlie the role of ciliary
      compartmentalization in signaling might provide unique approaches for
      intervention in progressive ciliopathies.

PMID- 28082523
TI  - Predictors of Cold and Pressure Pain Tolerance in Healthy South African Adults.
AB  - Background: Studies on relationships between sex, ethnicity, and pain have
      largely emanated from the United States and Europe. We compared cold (CPT) and
      pressure pain tolerance (PPT) in male and female South Africans of African and
      European ancestry and assessed whether psychosocial factors (including pain
      beliefs) predicted differences in pain tolerance. Methods: We recruited 106 (62
      female) students of African ancestry and 106 (55 female) of European ancestry and
      subjected them to a cold-pressor test and pressure algometry. Socioeconomic
      status (SES), pain catastrophizing, depression, anxiety, and pain beliefs were
      assessed as predictors of pain tolerance. Results: CPT was lower in students of
      African compared with European ancestry (for both sexes), and PPT was lower in
      female than male students (for both ethnicities). Females were very accepting of
      men expressing pain and males less so. Males of African ancestry were least
      accepting but still tolerant. Multivariate analysis identified African ancestry,
      and particularly being a female of African ancestry, as strong predictors of
      lower CPT. Anxiety was a weak predict or of CPT. Sex was the only strong
      predictor of PPT on multivariate analysis (PPT females < males), and
      catastrophizing was a weak predictor. Female sex and African ancestry were strong
      predictors of acceptance of expression of pain in males. SES was a weak predictor
      of the Appropriate Pain Behavior Questionnaire-Malescore. Conclusions: Despite
      different cultural and social backgrounds from US and European cohorts, we saw
      similar patterns of sex and ethnic differences in CPT and PPT in an African
      cohort. Traditional psychosocial predictors of pain sensitivity predicted
      variation in the outcome variables but were not strong predictors.

PMID- 28082524
TI  - Rates and Correlates of Pain Specialty Clinic Use Nationally in the Veterans
      Health Administration.
AB  - Objective: Chronic pain management is a growing focus of attention, in part
      because of concern over excessive use of opioids for treatment of chronic
      noncancer pain. In the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), pain specialty
      clinics have been established to address the needs of patients with challenging
      pain issues. The current study identified characteristics of such patients in a
      national sample of VHA service users in fiscal year 2012. Design: Bivariate
      analyses compared patients diagnosed with pain who visited a pain specialty
      clinic with those who did not on sociodemographic characteristics, medical, pain,
      and psychiatric diagnoses, health service use, and opioid and psychotropic drug
      use. Logistic regression identified variables that independently differentiated
      pain clinic users from nonusers. Results: Altogether, 122,240 of 2,025,765
      patients with pain diagnoses (5.79%) attended pain specialty clinics. Pain clinic
      users had higher rates of muscle spasms, neuralgia, neuritis, radiculitis, and
      fibromyalgia, as well as major depression and personality disorders. Further, a
      fibromyalgia diagnosis was the strongest independent correlate of pain clinic
      attendance, along with the number of medical-surgical clinic visits. Veterans
      attending a pain clinic also received more opioids than those not attending (10.4
      vs 6.7 prescriptions, respectively), but there were no substantial differences in
      other factors. Conclusions: Patients attending pain specialty clinics have more
      difficult-to-treat pain conditions and comorbid psychiatric disorders that are
      independent of major medical diagnoses, use more outpatient services, and receive
      a greater number of opioid prescriptions. These data support the inclusion of
      mental health care in the specialized treatment of chronic pain.

PMID- 28082526
TI  - Is the Pain Medicine Community Reluctant to Discuss Limb Amputation in Patients
      with Intractable Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

PMID- 28082525
TI  - Are We Speaking the Same Language? Finding Theoretical Coherence and Precision in
      "Mindfulness-Based Mechanisms" in Chronic Pain.
AB  - Objective: Over the past 50 years, the field of chronic pain has witnessed an
      evolution of psychological approaches with some notable success. Some of this
      evolution has included "mindfulness-based interventions" (MBIs), now regarded as
      having encouraging partial support for their effectiveness. However, several
      theoretical challenges remain that may inhibit the progress of MBIs. These
      challenges include a lack of clarity surrounding the mindfulness construct
      itself, the proliferation of purported underlying mechanisms arising from
      different theories, and limited evidence for the mechanisms through which MBIs
      work. The current conceptual review provides a critique of existing theoretical
      models of mindfulness that have been applied to understanding and treating
      chronic pain. Design: A conceptual narrative review was conducted. Setting:
      Treatment programs for people with chronic pain. Patients: Individuals with any
      type of chronic pain. Interventions: MBIs for chronic pain. Outcome Measures:
      Mindfulness-based mechanisms explored in relation to several domains of
      functioning. Results and Conclusions: Based on this assessment, a summary of
      available evidence for a particular contextual behavioral theory of "mindfulness"
      psychological flexibility-is outlined. Findings show the need for further
      integration of existing mindfulness constructs to better guide development and
      evaluation of mindfulness-based treatment methods in the future.

PMID- 28082527
TI  - Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Severe Heart Failure: An International
      Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation Center Collaboration Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) radiofrequency ablation has been
      associated with reduced VT recurrence and mortality, although it is typically not
      considered among New York Heart Association class IV (NYHA IV) heart failure
      patients. We compared characteristics and VT radiofrequency ablation outcomes of
      those with and without NYHA IV in the International VT Ablation Center
      Collaboration. METHODS AND RESULTS: NYHA II-IV patients undergoing VT
      radiofrequency ablation at 12 international centers were included. Clinical
      variables, VT recurrence, and mortality were analyzed by NYHA IV status using
      Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. There were significant
      differences between NYHA IV (n=111) and NYHA II and III (n=1254) patients: NYHA
      IV had lower left ventricular ejection fraction; more had diabetes mellitus,
      kidney disease, cardiac resynchronization implantable cardioverter-defibrillator,
      and VT storm despite greater antiarrhythmic drug use (P<0.01). NYHA IV subjects
      required more hemodynamic support, were inducible for more and slower VTs, and
      were less likely to undergo final programmed stimulation. There was no
      significant difference in acute complications. In-hospital deaths, recurrent VT,
      and 1-year mortality were higher in the NYHA IV group, in the context of greater
      baseline comorbidities. Importantly, NYHA IV patients without recurrent VT had
      similar survival compared with NYHA II and III patients with recurrent VT (68%
      versus 73%). Early VT recurrence (<=30 days) was significantly associated with
      mortality, especially in NYHA IV patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite greater baseline
      comorbidities, VT radiofrequency ablation can be safely performed among NYHA IV
      patients. Early VT recurrence is significantly associated with subsequent
      mortality regardless of NYHA status. Elimination of recurrent VT in NYHA IV
      patients may reduce mortality to a level comparable to NYHA II and III with
      arrhythmia recurrence.

PMID- 28082528
TI  - Right Ventricular Structure and Function Are Associated With Incident Atrial
      Fibrillation: MESA-RV Study (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis-Right
      Ventricle).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) morphology has been associated with drivers of
      atrial fibrillation (AF) risk, including left ventricular and pulmonary
      pathology, systemic inflammation, and neurohormonal activation. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the association between RV morphology and risk of
      incident AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We interpreted cardiac magnetic resonance
      imaging in 4204 participants free of clinical cardiovascular disease in the MESA
      (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). Incident AF was determined using
      hospital discharge records, study electrocardiograms, and Medicare claims data.
      The study sample (n=3819) was 61+/-10 years old and 47% male with 47.2%
      current/former smokers. After adjustment for demographics and clinical factors,
      including incident heart failure, higher RV ejection fraction (hazard ratio, 1.16
      per SD; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.32; P=0.02) and greater RV mass (hazard
      ratio, 1.25 per SD; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.44; P=0.002) were
      significantly associated with incident AF. After additional adjustment for the
      respective left ventricular parameter, higher RV ejection fraction remained
      significantly associated with incident AF (hazard ratio, 1.15 per SD; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.01-1.32; P=0.04), whereas the association was attenuated
      for RV mass (hazard ratio, 1.16 per SD; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.35;
      P=0.07). In a subset of patients with available spirometry (n=2540), higher RV
      ejection fraction and mass remained significantly associated with incident AF
      after additional adjustment for lung function (P=0.02 for both). CONCLUSIONS:
      Higher RV ejection fraction and greater RV mass were associated with an increased
      risk of AF in a multiethnic population free of clinical cardiovascular disease at
      baseline.

PMID- 28082530
TI  - The use of pretest probability increases the value of high-resolution CT in
      diagnosing usual interstitial pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that non-definitive patterns on high
      resolution CT (HRCT) scan provide sufficient diagnostic specificity to forgo
      surgical lung biopsy in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The
      objective of this study was to determine test characteristics of non-definitive
      HRCT patterns for identifying histopathological usual interstitial pneumonia
      (UIP). METHODS: Patients with biopsy-proven interstitial lung disease (ILD) and
      non-definitive HRCT scans were identified from two academic ILD centres. Test
      characteristics for HRCT patterns as predictors of UIP on surgical lung biopsy
      were derived and validated in independent cohorts. RESULTS: In the derivation
      cohort, 64/385 (17%) had possible UIP pattern on HRCT; 321/385 (83%) had
      inconsistent with UIP pattern. 113/385 (29%) patients had histopathological UIP
      pattern in the derivation cohort. Possible UIP pattern had a specificity of 91.2%
      (95% CI 87.2% to 94.3%) and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 62.5% (95% CI
      49.5% to 74.3%) for UIP pattern on surgical lung biopsy. The addition of age, sex
      and total traction bronchiectasis score improved the PPV. Inconsistent with UIP
      pattern demonstrated poor PPV (22.7%, 95% CI 18.3% to 27.7%). HRCT pattern
      specificity was nearly identical in the validation cohort (92.7%, 95% CI 82.4% to
      98.0%). The substantially higher prevalence of UIP pattern in the validation
      cohort improved the PPV of HRCT patterns. CONCLUSIONS: A possible UIP pattern on
      HRCT has high specificity for UIP on surgical lung biopsy, but PPV is highly
      dependent on underlying prevalence. Adding clinical and radiographic features to
      possible UIP pattern on HRCT may provide sufficient probability of
      histopathological UIP across prevalence ranges to change clinical decision
      making.

PMID- 28082529
TI  - Analysis of nocturnal actigraphic sleep measures in patients with COPD and their
      association with daytime physical activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are common in patients with chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) with a considerable negative impact on their quality of
      life. However, factors associated with measures of sleep in daily life have not
      been investigated before nor has the association between sleep and the ability to
      engage in physical activity on a day-to-day basis been studied. AIMS: To provide
      insight into the relationship between actigraphic sleep measures and disease
      severity, exertional dyspnoea, gender and parts of the week; and to investigate
      the association between sleep measures and next day physical activity. METHODS:
      Data were analysed from 932 patients with COPD (66% male, 66.4+/-8.3 years, FEV1%
      predicted=50.8+/-20.5). Participants had sleep and physical activity continuously
      monitored using a multisensor activity monitor for a median of 6 days. Linear
      mixed effects models were applied to investigate the factors associated with
      sleep impairment and the association between nocturnal sleep and patients'
      subsequent daytime physical activity. RESULTS: Actigraphic estimates of sleep
      impairment were greater in patients with worse airflow limitation and worse
      exertional dyspnoea. Patients with better sleep measures (ie, non-fragmented
      sleep, sleeping bouts >=225 min, sleep efficiency >=91% and time spent awake
      after sleep onset <57 min) spent significantly more time in light (p<0.01) and
      moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      relationship between measures of sleep in patients with COPD and the amount of
      activity they undertake during the waking day. Identifying groups with specific
      sleep characteristics may be useful information when designing physical activity
      enhancing interventions.

PMID- 28082532
TI  - Combining theory and experiment in electrocatalysis: Insights into materials
      design.
AB  - Electrocatalysis plays a central role in clean energy conversion, enabling a
      number of sustainable processes for future technologies. This review discusses
      design strategies for state-of-the-art heterogeneous electrocatalysts and
      associated materials for several different electrochemical transformations
      involving water, hydrogen, and oxygen, using theory as a means to rationalize
      catalyst performance. By examining the common principles that govern catalysis
      for different electrochemical reactions, we describe a systematic framework that
      clarifies trends in catalyzing these reactions, serving as a guide to new
      catalyst development while highlighting key gaps that need to be addressed. We
      conclude by extending this framework to emerging clean energy reactions such as
      hydrogen peroxide production, carbon dioxide reduction, and nitrogen reduction,
      where the development of improved catalysts could allow for the sustainable
      production of a broad range of fuels and chemicals.

PMID- 28082533
TI  - Erratum for the Letter "Response to 'Forest value: More than commercial'" by C.
      B. Barrett, M. Zhou, P. B. Reich, T. W. Crowther, J. Liang.

PMID- 28082531
TI  - Aspirin reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary inflammation in human models
      of ARDS.
AB  - RATIONALE: Platelets play an active role in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (ARDS). Animal and observational studies have shown aspirin's
      antiplatelet and immunomodulatory effects may be beneficial in ARDS. OBJECTIVE:
      To test the hypothesis that aspirin reduces inflammation in clinically relevant
      human models that recapitulate pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in the
      development of ARDS. METHODS: Healthy volunteers were randomised to receive
      placebo or aspirin 75  or 1200 mg (1:1:1) for seven days prior to
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhalation, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      allocation-concealed study. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed 6 hours
      after inhaling 50 ug of LPS. The primary outcome measure was BAL IL-8. Secondary
      outcome measures included markers of alveolar inflammation (BAL neutrophils,
      cytokines, neutrophil proteases), alveolar epithelial cell injury, systemic
      inflammation (neutrophils and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP)) and platelet
      activation (thromboxane B2, TXB2). Human lungs, perfused and ventilated ex vivo
      (EVLP) were randomised to placebo or 24 mg aspirin and injured with LPS. BAL was
      carried out 4 hours later. Inflammation was assessed by BAL differential cell
      counts and histological changes. RESULTS: In the healthy volunteer (n=33) model,
      data for the aspirin groups were combined. Aspirin did not reduce BAL IL-8.
      However, aspirin reduced pulmonary neutrophilia and tissue damaging neutrophil
      proteases (Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-8/-9), reduced BAL concentrations of
      tumour necrosis factor alpha and reduced systemic and pulmonary TXB2. There was
      no difference between high-dose and low-dose aspirin. In the EVLP model, aspirin
      reduced BAL neutrophilia and alveolar injury as measured by histological damage.
      CONCLUSIONS: These are the first prospective human data indicating that aspirin
      inhibits pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation, at both low and high doses. Further
      clinical studies are indicated to assess the role of aspirin in the prevention
      and treatment of ARDS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01659307 Results.

PMID- 28082534
TI  - Strong peak in Tc of Sr2RuO4 under uniaxial pressure.
AB  - Sr2RuO4 is an unconventional superconductor that has attracted widespread study
      because of its high purity and the possibility that its superconducting order
      parameter has odd parity. We study the dependence of its superconductivity on
      anisotropic strain. Applying uniaxial pressures of up to ~1 gigapascals along a
      <100> direction (a axis) of the crystal lattice results in the transition
      temperature (Tc) increasing from 1.5 kelvin in the unstrained material to 3.4
      kelvin at compression by ~0.6%, and then falling steeply. Calculations give
      evidence that the observed maximum Tc occurs at or near a Lifshitz transition
      when the Fermi level passes through a Van Hove singularity, and open the
      possibility that the highly strained, Tc = 3.4 K Sr2RuO4 has an even-parity,
      rather than an odd-parity, order parameter.

PMID- 28082536
TI  - News at a glance.

PMID- 28082535
TI  - Global clean energy in 2017.

PMID- 28082537
TI  - Expedition probes ocean trench's deepest secrets.

PMID- 28082539
TI  - NASA missions aim at asteroid oddballs.

PMID- 28082538
TI  - Jilted again, Venus scientists pine for their neglected planet.

PMID- 28082540
TI  - Pioneering study images activity in fetal brains.

PMID- 28082541
TI  - Life-saving diphtheria drug is running out.

PMID- 28082542
TI  - Observations hint at a new recipe for giant black holes.

PMID- 28082543
TI  - Birds don't need exercise to stay fit for epic flights.

PMID- 28082544
TI  - Fateful imprints.

PMID- 28082545
TI  - A matter of tree longevity.

PMID- 28082546
TI  - Multiple mechanisms for memory replay?

PMID- 28082547
TI  - Putting the squeeze on superconductivity.

PMID- 28082548
TI  - Belowground drivers of plant diversity.

PMID- 28082549
TI  - Electron diffraction and the hydrogen atom.

PMID- 28082550
TI  - Life in the age of the algorithm.

PMID- 28082551
TI  - Travels through time.

PMID- 28082552
TI  - Europe's biodiversity avoids fatal setback.

PMID- 28082553
TI  - Pipelines imperil Canada's ecosystem.

PMID- 28082554
TI  - Comment on "Ribose and related sugars from ultraviolet irradiation of
      interstellar ice analogs".
AB  - Meinert et al (Reports, 8 April 2016, p. 208) reported the formation of prebiotic
      molecules, including ribose, in an interstellar ice analog experiment. We show
      that if their experimental procedure is accurately described, much or most of
      their products may have been formed during their analysis process, not in the
      parent ice.

PMID- 28082555
TI  - Response to Comment on "Ribose and related sugars from ultraviolet irradiation of
      interstellar ice analogs".
AB  - We detected ribose and related sugars in the organic residues of simulated
      interstellar ices using multidimensional gas chromatography. Kawai questions the
      formation of sugar compounds in the ices and suggests that they arise from a
      classical formose reaction during sample workup for analysis. We disagree with
      this hypothesis and present additional data to argue that Kawai's criticism does
      not apply.

PMID- 28082556
TI  - A big, bug science party.

PMID- 28082557
TI  - Are you aware how well you remember?

PMID- 28082558
TI  - Designing proteins with cavities.

PMID- 28082559
TI  - Initiating an antitumor attack.

PMID- 28082561
TI  - Inducing strong coupling.

PMID- 28082560
TI  - Poised for the second step of splicing.

PMID- 28082562
TI  - Phages build themselves a wall.

PMID- 28082563
TI  - Prions enter another domain of life.

PMID- 28082564
TI  - Channeling pain through GPCRs.

PMID- 28082565
TI  - Better living through water-splitting.

PMID- 28082567
TI  - Squeezing out the oddness.

PMID- 28082566
TI  - A machine for building ribosomes.

PMID- 28082568
TI  - A cyclic catalyst to pair up sugars.

PMID- 28082570
TI  - Redox metabolite role in biofilms.

PMID- 28082569
TI  - Pin the tail on the hydrogens.

PMID- 28082571
TI  - Soil biota and plant diversity.

PMID- 28082572
TI  - How to get to place B.

PMID- 28082573
TI  - Parallel computation in memory-making.

PMID- 28082575
TI  - More light on dopamine receptors.

PMID- 28082574
TI  - Faster tree growth is no panacea.

PMID- 28082576
TI  - TAMpering with tumors.

PMID- 28082578
TI  - Effects of drought on tree performance.

PMID- 28082577
TI  - Three strands ironed closely together.

PMID- 28082579
TI  - Observing peculiar vortices.

PMID- 28082580
TI  - Fast point-of-care detection of biomarkers.

PMID- 28082581
TI  - Cancer and nerves: A tuf(t) partnership.

PMID- 28082582
TI  - Did Phaethon father the Geminids?

PMID- 28082584
TI  - Speedy sperm.

PMID- 28082583
TI  - Gut communities form a history of connection.

PMID- 28082585
TI  - Braiding a molecular knot with eight crossings.
AB  - Knots may ultimately prove just as versatile and useful at the nanoscale as at
      the macroscale. However, the lack of synthetic routes to all but the simplest
      molecular knots currently prevents systematic investigation of the influence of
      knotting at the molecular level. We found that it is possible to assemble four
      building blocks into three braided ligand strands. Octahedral iron(II) ions
      control the relative positions of the three strands at each crossing point in a
      circular triple helicate, while structural constraints on the ligands determine
      the braiding connections. This approach enables two-step assembly of a molecular
      819 knot featuring eight nonalternating crossings in a 192-atom closed loop ~20
      nanometers in length. The resolved metal-free 819 knot enantiomers have
      pronounced features in their circular dichroism spectra resulting solely from
      topological chirality.

PMID- 28082586
TI  - Macrocyclic bis-thioureas catalyze stereospecific glycosylation reactions.
AB  - Carbohydrates are involved in nearly all aspects of biochemistry, but their
      complex chemical structures present long-standing practical challenges to their
      synthesis. In particular, stereochemical outcomes in glycosylation reactions are
      highly dependent on the steric and electronic properties of coupling partners;
      thus, carbohydrate synthesis is not easily predictable. Here we report the
      discovery of a macrocyclic bis-thiourea derivative that catalyzes stereospecific
      invertive substitution pathways of glycosyl chlorides. The utility of the
      catalyst is demonstrated in the synthesis of trans-1,2-, cis-1,2-, and 2-deoxy
      beta-glycosides. Mechanistic studies are consistent with a cooperative mechanism
      in which an electrophile and a nucleophile are simultaneously activated to effect
      a stereospecific substitution reaction.

PMID- 28082587
TI  - Hydrogen positions in single nanocrystals revealed by electron diffraction.
AB  - The localization of hydrogen atoms is an essential part of crystal structure
      analysis, but it is difficult because of their small scattering power. We report
      the direct localization of hydrogen atoms in nanocrystalline materials, achieved
      using the recently developed approach of dynamical refinement of precession
      electron diffraction tomography data. We used this method to locate hydrogen
      atoms in both an organic (paracetamol) and an inorganic (framework cobalt
      aluminophosphate) material. The results demonstrate that the technique can
      reliably reveal fine structural details, including the positions of hydrogen
      atoms in single crystals with micro- to nanosized dimensions.

PMID- 28082589
TI  - Vectorial representation of spatial goals in the hippocampus of bats.
AB  - To navigate, animals need to represent not only their own position and
      orientation, but also the location of their goal. Neural representations of an
      animal's own position and orientation have been extensively studied. However, it
      is unknown how navigational goals are encoded in the brain. We recorded from
      hippocampal CA1 neurons of bats flying in complex trajectories toward a spatial
      goal. We discovered a subpopulation of neurons with angular tuning to the goal
      direction. Many of these neurons were tuned to an occluded goal, suggesting that
      goal-direction representation is memory-based. We also found cells that encoded
      the distance to the goal, often in conjunction with goal direction. The goal
      direction and goal-distance signals make up a vectorial representation of spatial
      goals, suggesting a previously unrecognized neuronal mechanism for goal-directed
      navigation.

PMID- 28082588
TI  - Plant-soil feedback and the maintenance of diversity in Mediterranean-climate
      shrublands.
AB  - Soil biota influence plant performance through plant-soil feedback, but it is
      unclear whether the strength of such feedback depends on plant traits and whether
      plant-soil feedback drives local plant diversity. We grew 16 co-occurring plant
      species with contrasting nutrient-acquisition strategies from hyperdiverse
      Australian shrublands and exposed them to soil biota from under their own or
      other plant species. Plant responses to soil biota varied according to their
      nutrient-acquisition strategy, including positive feedback for ectomycorrhizal
      plants and negative feedback for nitrogen-fixing and nonmycorrhizal plants.
      Simulations revealed that such strategy-dependent feedback is sufficient to
      maintain the high taxonomic and functional diversity characterizing these
      Mediterranean-climate shrublands. Our study identifies nutrient-acquisition
      strategy as a key trait explaining how different plant responses to soil biota
      promote local plant diversity.

PMID- 28082590
TI  - Plant-soil feedbacks and mycorrhizal type influence temperate forest population
      dynamics.
AB  - Feedback with soil biota is an important determinant of terrestrial plant
      diversity. However, the factors regulating plant-soil feedback, which varies from
      positive to negative among plant species, remain uncertain. In a large-scale
      study involving 55 species and 550 populations of North American trees, the type
      of mycorrhizal association explained much of the variation in plant-soil
      feedbacks. In soil collected beneath conspecifics, arbuscular mycorrhizal trees
      experienced negative feedback, whereas ectomycorrhizal trees displayed positive
      feedback. Additionally, arbuscular mycorrhizal trees exhibited strong conspecific
      inhibition at multiple spatial scales, whereas ectomycorrhizal trees exhibited
      conspecific facilitation locally and less severe conspecific inhibition
      regionally. These results suggest that mycorrhizal type, through effects on plant
      soil feedbacks, could be an important contributor to population regulation and
      community structure in temperate forests.

PMID- 28082591
TI  - Superficial layers of the medial entorhinal cortex replay independently of the
      hippocampus.
AB  - The hippocampus is thought to initiate systems-wide mnemonic processes through
      the reactivation of previously acquired spatial and episodic memory traces, which
      can recruit the entorhinal cortex as a first stage of memory redistribution to
      other brain areas. Hippocampal reactivation occurs during sharp wave-ripples, in
      which synchronous network firing encodes sequences of places. We investigated the
      coordination of this replay by recording assembly activity simultaneously in the
      CA1 region of the hippocampus and superficial layers of the medial entorhinal
      cortex. We found that entorhinal cell assemblies can replay trajectories
      independently of the hippocampus and sharp wave-ripples. This suggests that the
      hippocampus is not the sole initiator of spatial and episodic memory trace
      reactivation. Memory systems involved in these processes may include
      nonhierarchical, parallel components.

PMID- 28082592
TI  - Causal neural network of metamemory for retrospection in primates.
AB  - We know how confidently we know: Metacognitive self-monitoring of memory states,
      so-called "metamemory," enables strategic and efficient information collection
      based on past experiences. However, it is unknown how metamemory is implemented
      in the brain. We explored causal neural mechanism of metamemory in macaque
      monkeys performing metacognitive confidence judgments on memory. By whole-brain
      searches via functional magnetic resonance imaging, we discovered a neural
      correlate of metamemory for temporally remote events in prefrontal area 9 (or
      9/46d), along with that for recent events within area 6. Reversible inactivation
      of each of these identified loci induced doubly dissociated selective impairments
      in metacognitive judgment performance on remote or recent memory, without
      impairing recognition performance itself. The findings reveal that parallel
      metamemory streams supervise recognition networks for remote and recent memory,
      without contributing to recognition itself.

PMID- 28082593
TI  - Assembly of a nucleus-like structure during viral replication in bacteria.
AB  - We observed the assembly of a nucleus-like structure in bacteria during viral
      infection. Using fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography, we showed
      that Pseudomonas chlororaphis phage 201phi2-1 assembled a compartment that
      separated viral DNA from the cytoplasm. The phage compartment was centered by a
      bipolar tubulin-based spindle, and it segregated phage and bacterial proteins
      according to function. Proteins involved in DNA replication and transcription
      localized inside the compartment, whereas proteins involved in translation and
      nucleotide synthesis localized outside. Later during infection, viral capsids
      assembled on the cytoplasmic membrane and moved to the surface of the compartment
      for DNA packaging. Ultimately, viral particles were released from the compartment
      and the cell lysed. These results demonstrate that phages have evolved a
      specialized structure to compartmentalize viral replication.

PMID- 28082594
TI  - A bacterial global regulator forms a prion.
AB  - Prions are self-propagating protein aggregates that act as protein-based elements
      of inheritance in fungi. Although prevalent in eukaryotes, prions have not been
      identified in bacteria. Here we found that a bacterial protein, transcription
      terminator Rho of Clostridium botulinum (Cb-Rho), could form a prion. We
      identified a candidate prion-forming domain (cPrD) in Cb-Rho and showed that it
      conferred amyloidogenicity on Cb-Rho and could functionally replace the PrD of a
      yeast prion-forming protein. Furthermore, its cPrD enabled Cb-Rho to access
      alternative conformations in Escherichia coli-a soluble form that terminated
      transcription efficiently and an aggregated, self-propagating prion form that was
      functionally compromised. The prion form caused genome-wide changes in the
      transcriptome. Thus, Cb-Rho functions as a protein-based element of inheritance
      in bacteria, suggesting that the emergence of prions predates the evolutionary
      split between eukaryotes and bacteria.

PMID- 28082597
TI  - Choosing the hard road.

PMID- 28082595
TI  - Principles for designing proteins with cavities formed by curved beta sheets.
AB  - Active sites and ligand-binding cavities in native proteins are often formed by
      curved beta sheets, and the ability to control beta-sheet curvature would allow
      design of binding proteins with cavities customized to specific ligands. Toward
      this end, we investigated the mechanisms controlling beta-sheet curvature by
      studying the geometry of beta sheets in naturally occurring protein structures
      and folding simulations. The principles emerging from this analysis were used to
      design, de novo, a series of proteins with curved beta sheets topped with alpha
      helices. Nuclear magnetic resonance and crystal structures of the designs closely
      match the computational models, showing that beta-sheet curvature can be
      controlled with atomic-level accuracy. Our approach enables the design of
      proteins with cavities and provides a route to custom design ligand-binding and
      catalytic sites.

PMID- 28082598
TI  - Prenatal Exposure to DEHP Induces Premature Reproductive Senescence in Male Mice.
AB  - Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most commonly used phthalate, and it is
      an endocrine-disrupting chemical. This study tested a hypothesis that prenatal
      exposure to DEHP lays the foundation for premature gonadal dysfunction and
      subsequent reproductive senescence in male mice. Pregnant female CD-1 mice were
      orally dosed with vehicle control (tocopherol-stripped corn oil) or with 20
      MUg/kg/day, 200 MUg/kg/day, 500 mg/kg/day, or 750 mg/kg/day of DEHP from
      gestational day 11 to birth. Overall, the prenatal DEHP exposure did not cause
      any overt physical health problems in male offspring, as no significant
      differences in their body nor gonadal weight were seen up to the age of 23
      months. However, an age- and dose-dependent gonadal dysfunction was observed. As
      early as 7 months of age, the 750 mg/kg/day group of mice exhibited significantly
      reduced fertility. At 19 months of age, 86% of the 750 mg/kg/day mice became
      infertile, whereas only 25% of the control mice were infertile. At this age, all
      of the DEHP-exposed mice had lower serum testosterone levels, higher serum
      estradiol levels, and higher LH levels compared with control mice. Histological
      evaluations showed that mice prenatally exposed to DEHP displayed a wide array of
      gonadal and epididymal abnormalities such as increased germ cell apoptosis,
      degenerative seminiferous tubules, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and
      teratozoospermia in comparison to age-matching control mice. In summary, this
      study shows that prenatal exposure to DEHP induces premature reproductive
      senescence in male mice.

PMID- 28082599
TI  - Hsp90 and Physiological Stress Are Linked to Autonomous Transposon Mobility and
      Heritable Genetic Change in Nematodes.
AB  - Transposable elements (TEs) have been recognized as potentially powerful drivers
      of genomic evolutionary change, but factors affecting their mobility and
      regulation remain poorly understood. Chaperones such as Hsp90 buffer
      environmental perturbations by regulating protein conformation, but are also part
      of the PIWI-interacting RNA pathway, which regulates genomic instability arising
      from mobile TEs in the germline. Stress-induced mutagenesis from TE movement
      could thus arise from functional trade-offs in the dual roles of Hsp90. We
      examined the functional constraints of Hsp90 and its role as a regulator of TE
      mobility by exposing nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans and Caenorhabditis
      briggsae) to environmental stress, with and without RNAi-induced silencing of
      Hsp90. TE excision frequency increased with environmental stress intensity at
      multiple loci in several strains of each species. These effects were compounded
      by RNAi-induced knockdown of Hsp90. Mutation frequencies at the unc-22 marker
      gene in the offspring of animals exposed to environmental stress and Hsp90 RNAi
      mirrored excision frequency in response to these treatments. Our results support
      a role for Hsp90 in the suppression of TE mobility, and demonstrate that that the
      Hsp90 regulatory pathway can be overwhelmed with moderate environmental stress.
      By compromising genomic stability in germline cells, environmentally induced
      mutations arising from TE mobility and insertion can have permanent and heritable
      effects on both the phenotype and the genotype of subsequent generations.

PMID- 28082600
TI  - Evolution of Chaperonin Gene Duplication in Stigonematalean Cyanobacteria
      (Subsection V).
AB  - Chaperonins promote protein folding and are known to play a role in the
      maintenance of cellular stability under stress conditions. The group I bacterial
      chaperonin complex comprises GroEL, that forms a barrel-like oligomer, and GroES
      that forms the lid. In most eubacteria the GroES/GroEL chaperonin is encoded by a
      single-copy bicistronic operon, whereas in cyanobacteria up to three groES/groEL
      paralogs have been documented. Here we study the evolution and functional
      diversification of chaperonin paralogs in the heterocystous, multi-seriate
      filament forming cyanobacterium Chlorogloeopsis fritschii PCC 6912. The genome of
      C. fritschii encodes two groES/groEL operons (groESL1, groESL1.2) and a
      monocistronic groEL gene (groEL2). A phylogenetic reconstruction reveals that the
      groEL2 duplication is as ancient as cyanobacteria, whereas the groESL1.2
      duplication occurred at the ancestor of heterocystous cyanobacteria. A comparison
      of the groEL paralogs transcription levels under different growth conditions
      shows that they have adapted distinct transcriptional regulation. Our results
      reveal that groEL1 and groEL1.2 are upregulated during diazotrophic conditions
      and the localization of their promoter activity points towards a role in
      heterocyst differentiation. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction assays
      suggest that paralogs encoded in the two operons assemble into hybrid complexes.
      The monocistronic encoded GroEL2 is not forming oligomers nor does it interact
      with the co-chaperonins. Interaction between GroES1.2 and GroEL1.2 could not be
      documented, suggesting that the groESL1.2 operon does not encode a functional
      chaperonin complex. Functional complementation experiments in Escherichia coli
      show that only GroES1/GroEL1 and GroES1/GroEL1.2 can substitute the native
      operon. In summary, the evolutionary consequences of chaperonin duplication in
      cyanobacteria include the retention of groESL1 as a housekeeping gene,
      subfunctionalization of groESL1.2 and neofunctionalization of the monocistronic
      groEL2 paralog.

PMID- 28082601
TI  - Genomic Characterization of the Evolutionary Potential of the Sea Urchin
      Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis Facing Ocean Acidification.
AB  - Ocean acidification (OA) is increasing due to anthropogenic CO2 emissions and
      poses a threat to marine species and communities worldwide. To better project the
      effects of acidification on organisms' health and persistence, an understanding
      is needed of the 1) mechanisms underlying developmental and physiological
      tolerance and 2) potential populations have for rapid evolutionary adaptation.
      This is especially challenging in nonmodel species where targeted assays of
      metabolism and stress physiology may not be available or economical for large
      scale assessments of genetic constraints. We used mRNA sequencing and a
      quantitative genetics breeding design to study mechanisms underlying genetic
      variability and tolerance to decreased seawater pH (-0.4 pH units) in larvae of
      the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. We used a gene ontology-based
      approach to integrate expression profiles into indirect measures of cellular and
      biochemical traits underlying variation in larval performance (i.e., growth
      rates). Molecular responses to OA were complex, involving changes to several
      functions such as growth rates, cell division, metabolism, and immune activities.
      Surprisingly, the magnitude of pH effects on molecular traits tended to be small
      relative to variation attributable to segregating functional genetic variation in
      this species. We discuss how the application of transcriptomics and quantitative
      genetics approaches across diverse species can enrich our understanding of the
      biological impacts of climate change.

PMID- 28082602
TI  - A SNP-Enabled Assessment of Genetic Diversity, Evolutionary Relationships and the
      Identification of Candidate Genes in Chrysanthemum.
AB  - Varieties of the economically important ornamental species chrysanthemum have
      been bred to fit a number of market niches, but the genetic basis and
      evolutionary relationships among various cultivated types are poorly understood.
      Here, a DNA marker-based analysis of 199 chrysanthemum entries representing each
      of the five cultivated types is presented. A set of >90,000 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with a minor allele frequency of at least 5% was
      defined, and used to perform a phylogenetic analysis which corresponded well with
      the phenotypic classification. The analysis revealed that the small-flowered
      types, spray cut chrysanthemum (SCC) and potted and ground chrysanthemum (PGC),
      are more closely related to the wild progenitor species (WC) than are the large
      flowered ones, disbud cut chrysanthemum (DCC) and traditional chrysanthemum (TC);
      and the PGC type was closest. Some 550 genetic regions appeared to have
      experienced selection in the separation of potted and ground-cover types from
      disbud cut types, and that between potted and ground-cover types from traditional
      types. A genome-wide association analysis revealed that seven SNPs lying within
      six genes were predictive of three important traits (ray floret type, cultivated
      type and flower shape), but no association with flower color was detected. The
      study has provided a number of novel insights into evolutionary relationships,
      the population structure and the genetic basis of some key ornamental traits.

PMID- 28082603
TI  - Analysis of Three Sugarcane Homo/Homeologous Regions Suggests Independent
      Polyploidization Events of Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum.
AB  - Whole genome duplication has played an important role in plant evolution and
      diversification. Sugarcane is an important crop with a complex hybrid polyploid
      genome, for which the process of adaptation to polyploidy is still poorly
      understood. In order to improve our knowledge about sugarcane genome evolution
      and the homo/homeologous gene expression balance, we sequenced and analyzed 27
      BACs (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) of sugarcane R570 cultivar, containing the
      putative single-copy genes LFY (seven haplotypes), PHYC (four haplotypes), and
      TOR (seven haplotypes). Comparative genomic approaches showed that these
      sugarcane loci presented a high degree of conservation of gene content and
      collinearity (synteny) with sorghum and rice orthologous regions, but were
      invaded by transposable elements (TE). All the homo/homeologous haplotypes of
      LFY, PHYC, and TOR are likely to be functional, because they are all under
      purifying selection (dN/dS ? 1). However, they were found to participate in a
      nonequivalently manner to the overall expression of the corresponding gene. SNPs,
      indels, and amino acid substitutions allowed inferring the S. officinarum or S.
      spontaneum origin of the TOR haplotypes, which further led to the estimation that
      these two sugarcane ancestral species diverged between 2.5 and 3.5 Ma. In
      addition, analysis of shared TE insertions in TOR haplotypes suggested that two
      autopolyploidization may have occurred in the lineage that gave rise to S.
      officinarum, after its divergence from S. spontaneum.

PMID- 28082604
TI  - Landscape of Fluid Sets of Hairpin-Derived 21-/24-nt-Long Small RNAs at Seed Set
      Uncovers Special Epigenetic Features in Picea glauca.
AB  - Conifers' exceptionally large genome (20-30 Gb) is scattered with 60%
      retrotransposon (RT) components and we have little knowledge on their origin and
      evolutionary implications. RTs may impede the expression of flanking genes and
      provide sources of the formation of novel small RNA (sRNAs) populations to
      constrain events of transposon (TE) proliferation/transposition. Here we show a
      declining expression of 24-nt-long sRNAs and low expression levels of their key
      processing gene, pgRTL2 (RNASE THREE LIKE 2) at seed set in Picea glauca. The
      sRNAs in 24-nt size class are significantly less enriched in type and read number
      than 21-nt sRNAs and have not been documented in other species. The architecture
      of MIR loci generating highly expressed 24-/21-nt sRNAs is featured by long
      terminal repeat-retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) in families of Ty3/Gypsy and Ty1/Copia
      elements. This implies that the production of sRNAs may be predominantly
      originated from TE fragments on chromosomes. Furthermore, a large proportion of
      highly expressed 24-nt sRNAs does not have predictable targets against unique
      genes in Picea, suggestive of their potential pathway in DNA methylation
      modifications on, for instance, TEs. Additionally, the classification of
      computationally predicted sRNAs suggests that 24-nt sRNA targets may bear
      particular functions in metabolic processes while 21-nt sRNAs target genes
      involved in many different biological processes. This study, therefore, directs
      our attention to a possible extrapolation that lacking of 24-nt sRNAs at the late
      conifer seed developmental phase may result in less constraints in TE activities,
      thus contributing to the massive expansion of genome size.

PMID- 28082605
TI  - Molecular Evolution of piggyBac Superfamily: From Selfishness to Domestication.
AB  - The piggyBac transposable element was originally isolated from the cabbage looper
      moth, Trichoplusia ni, in the 1980s. Despite its early discovery and specificity
      compared to the other Class II elements, the diversity and evolution of this
      superfamily have been only partially analyzed. Two main types of elements can be
      distinguished: the piggyBac-like elements (PBLE) with terminal inverted repeats,
      untranslated region, and an open reading frame encoding a transposase, and the
      piggyBac-derived sequences (PGBD), containing a sequence derived from a piggyBac
      transposase, and which correspond to domesticated elements. To define the
      distribution, their structural diversity and phylogenetic relationships, analyses
      were conducted using known PBLE and PGBD sequences to scan databases. From this
      data mining, numerous new sequences were characterized (50 for PBLE and 396 for
      PGBD). Structural analyses suggest that four groups of PBLE can be defined
      according to the presence/absence of sub-terminal repeats. The transposase is
      characterized by highly variable catalytic domain and C-terminal region. There is
      no relationship between the structural groups and the phylogeny of these PBLE
      elements. The PGBD are clearly structured into nine main groups. A new group of
      domesticated elements is suspected in Neopterygii and the remaining eight
      previously described elements have been investigated in more detail. In all
      cases, these sequences are no longer transposable elements, the catalytic domain
      of the ancestral transposase is not always conserved, but they are under strong
      purifying selection. The phylogeny of both PBLE and PGBD suggests multiple and
      independent domestication events of PGBD from different PBLE ancestors.

PMID- 28082606
TI  - Support for Lungfish as the Closest Relative of Tetrapods by Using Slowly
      Evolving Ray-Finned Fish as the Outgroup.
AB  - In a previous analysis of the phylogenetic relationships of coelacanths,
      lungfishes and tetrapods, using cartilaginous fish (CF) as the outgroup, the
      sister relationship of lungfishes and tetrapods was constructed with high
      statistical support. However, using as the outgroup ray-finned fish (RF), which
      are more taxonomically closely related to the three lineages than CF, the sister
      relationship of coelacanths and tetrapods was most often constructed depending on
      the methods and the data sets, but the statistical support was generally low
      except in the cases in which the data set including a small number of species was
      analyzed. In this study, instead of the fast evolving ray-finned fish, teleost
      fish (TF), in the previous data sets, by using two slowly evolving RF, gar and
      bowfin, as the outgroup, we showed that the sister relationship of lungfishes and
      tetrapods was reconstructed with high statistical support. In our analysis the
      evolutionary rates of gar and bowfin were similar to each other and one third to
      one half of TF. The difference of the amino acid frequencies of the two species
      with other lineages was larger than those of TF. This study provides a strong
      support for lungfishes as the closest relative of tetrapods and indicates the
      importance of using an appropriate outgroup with small divergence in phylogenetic
      construction.

PMID- 28082607
TI  - Proteome Evolution of Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Alvinellid Polychaetes Supports
      the Ancestry of Thermophily and Subsequent Adaptation to Cold in Some Lineages.
AB  - Temperature, perhaps more than any other environmental factor, is likely to
      influence the evolution of all organisms. It is also a very interesting factor to
      understand how genomes are shaped by selection over evolutionary timescales, as
      it potentially affects the whole genome. Among thermophilic prokaryotes,
      temperature affects both codon usage and protein composition to increase the
      stability of the transcriptional/translational machinery, and the resulting
      proteins need to be functional at high temperatures. Among eukaryotes less is
      known about genome evolution, and the tube-dwelling worms of the family
      Alvinellidae represent an excellent opportunity to test hypotheses about the
      emergence of thermophily in ectothermic metazoans. The Alvinellidae are a group
      of worms that experience varying thermal regimes, presumably having evolved into
      these niches over evolutionary times. Here we analyzed 423 putative orthologous
      loci derived from 6 alvinellid species including the thermophilic Alvinella
      pompejana and Paralvinella sulfincola. This comparative approach allowed us to
      assess amino acid composition, codon usage, divergence, direction of residue
      changes and the strength of selection along the alvinellid phylogeny, and to
      design a new eukaryotic thermophilic criterion based on significant differences
      in the residue composition of proteins. Contrary to expectations, the alvinellid
      ancestor of all present-day species seems to have been thermophilic, a trait
      subsequently maintained by purifying selection in lineages that still inhabit
      higher temperature environments. In contrast, lineages currently living in colder
      habitats likely evolved under selective relaxation, with some degree of positive
      selection for low-temperature adaptation at the protein level.

PMID- 28082610
TI  - The Social Life of Abortion Law: on Personal and Political Pedagogy.
AB  - The current contribution seeks to start a conversation around our pedagogical
      practice in respect of abortion law. Centralising the traditional portrayal of
      abortion law within the medical law curriculum, this essay highlights the
      privileging of a very particular storyline about abortion. Exploring the terrain
      in evaluating medical law methodologies, this essay highlights the illusion of
      'balance', 'objectivity', and 'neutrality' that emerges from current pedagogy in
      light of how abortion law is framed and in particular what is excluded: women's
      own voices. Focusing on a number of 'exclusions' and 'silences' and noting how
      closely these mirror dominant discourse in the public sphere, this essay
      highlights the irony of a curriculum that reflects, rather than challenges, these
      discursive gaps. Arguing that the setting of a curriculum is inevitably
      political, ambitions for delivering a programme around abortion that is
      'neutral', 'objective', or 'balanced' are dismissed. Instead, highlighting the
      problems of what is currently excluded, how materials are ordered, and the tacit
      hierarchies that lend legitimacy and authority to a particular way of 'knowing'
      abortion, this essay argues for a new curriculum and a new storyline-one which is
      supported by prior learning in feminist legal scholarship and a medical law
      curriculum in which the social, historical, geographical, and above all, personal
      is ever-present and central.

PMID- 28082609
TI  - Variation in the Intensity of Selection on Codon Bias over Time Causes
      Contrasting Patterns of Base Composition Evolution in Drosophila.
AB  - Four-fold degenerate coding sites form a major component of the genome, and are
      often used to make inferences about selection and demography, so that
      understanding their evolution is important. Despite previous efforts, many
      questions regarding the causes of base composition changes at these sites in
      Drosophila remain unanswered. To shed further light on this issue, we obtained a
      new whole-genome polymorphism data set from D. simulans. We analyzed samples from
      the putatively ancestral range of D. simulans, as well as an existing
      polymorphism data set from an African population of D. melanogaster. By using D.
      yakuba as an outgroup, we found clear evidence for selection on 4-fold sites
      along both lineages over a substantial period, with the intensity of selection
      increasing with GC content. Based on an explicit model of base composition
      evolution, we suggest that the observed AT-biased substitution pattern in both
      lineages is probably due to an ancestral reduction in selection intensity, and is
      unlikely to be the result of an increase in mutational bias towards AT alone. By
      using two polymorphism-based methods for estimating selection coefficients over
      different timescales, we show that the selection intensity on codon usage has
      been rather stable in D. simulans in the recent past, but the long-term estimates
      in D. melanogaster are much higher than the short-term ones, indicating a
      continuing decline in selection intensity, to such an extent that the short-term
      estimates suggest that selection is only active in the most GC-rich parts of the
      genome. Finally, we provide evidence for complex evolutionary patterns in the
      putatively neutral short introns, which cannot be explained by the standard GC
      biased gene conversion model. These results reveal a dynamic picture of base
      composition evolution.

PMID- 28082608
TI  - The Conservation of the Germline Multipotency Program, from Sponges to
      Vertebrates: A Stepping Stone to Understanding the Somatic and Germline Origins.
AB  - The germline definition in metazoans was first based on few bilaterian models. As
      a result, gene function interpretations were often based on phenotypes observed
      in those models and led to the definition of a set of genes, considered as
      specific of the germline, named the "germline core". However, some of these genes
      were shown to also be involved in somatic stem cells, thus leading to the notion
      of germline multipotency program (GMP). Because Porifera and Ctenophora are
      currently the best candidates to be the sister-group to all other animals, the
      comparative analysis of gene contents and functions between these phyla, Cnidaria
      and Bilateria is expected to provide clues on early animal evolution and on the
      links between somatic and germ lineages. Our present bioinformatic analyses at
      the metazoan scale show that a set of 18 GMP genes was already present in the
      last common ancestor of metazoans and indicate more precisely the evolution of
      some of them in the animal lineage. The expression patterns and levels of 11 of
      these genes in the homoscleromorph sponge Oscarella lobularis show that they are
      expressed throughout their life cycle, in pluri/multipotent progenitors, during
      gametogenesis, embryogenesis and during wound healing. This new study in a
      nonbilaterian species reinforces the hypothesis of an ancestral multipotency
      program.

PMID- 28082611
TI  - Protecting Patients from their Bad Decisions: Rebalancing Rights, Relationships,
      and Risk.
AB  - Patients have a right to autonomy that encompasses making medical decisions that
      others consider 'bad'. The ambits of this right in law and clinical practice are
      explored in this article, which describes an expansion of welfare protections
      across different aspects of medical law and explores their justifications and
      implications. In England and Wales, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 sets out
      protections for those who fall within its definition of incapacity. Those who
      retain capacity are ostensibly free to make decisions others consider unwise. But
      the decisions of those with borderline capacity; those whose decisions conflict
      with the public interest in protecting the patient from harm; and those
      considered 'vulnerable' are, in circumstances explored in this article,
      susceptible to override. The article explores the effects of these developments
      on the relationship between patients' autonomy rights and clinicians'
      responsibilities.

PMID- 28082612
TI  - Development of a vortex generator to perturb fish locomotion.
AB  - Knowledge about the stiffness of fish fins, and whether stiffness is modulated
      during swimming, is important for understanding the mechanics of a fin's force
      production. However, the mechanical properties of fins have not been studied
      during natural swimming, in part because of a lack of instrumentation. To remedy
      this, a vortex generator was developed that produces traveling vortices of
      adjustable strength which can be used to perturb the fins of swimming fish.
      Experiments were conducted to understand how the generator's settings affected
      the resulting vortex rings. A variety of vortices (14-32 mm diameter traveling at
      371-2155 mm s-1) were produced that elicited adequate responses from the fish
      fins to help us to understand the fin's mechanical properties at various swimming
      speeds (0-350 mm s-1).

PMID- 28082613
TI  - A novel technique for the precise measurement of CO2 production rate in small
      aquatic organisms as validated on aeshnid dragonfly nymphs.
AB  - The present study describes and validates a novel yet simple system for
      simultaneous in vivo measurements of rates of aquatic CO2 production (MCO2 ) and
      oxygen consumption (MO2 ), thus allowing the calculation of respiratory exchange
      ratios (RER). Diffusion of CO2 from the aquatic phase into a gas phase, across a
      hollow fibre membrane, enabled aquatic MCO2  measurements with a high-precision
      infrared gas CO2 analyser. MO2  was measured with a PO2  optode using a stop-flow
      approach. Injections of known amounts of CO2 into the apparatus yielded accurate
      and highly reproducible measurements of CO2 content (R2=0.997, P<0.001). The
      viability of in vivo measurements was demonstrated on aquatic dragonfly nymphs
      (Aeshnidae; wet mass 2.17 mg-1.46 g, n=15) and the apparatus produced precise
      MCO2  (R2=0.967, P<0.001) and MO2  (R2=0.957, P<0.001) measurements; average RER
      was 0.73+/-0.06. The described system is scalable, offering great potential for
      the study of a wide range of aquatic species, including fish.

PMID- 28082614
TI  - Archerfish use their shooting technique to produce adaptive underwater jets.
AB  - Archerfish are renowned for dislodging aerial prey using well-aimed shots of
      water. Recently it has been shown that these fish can shape their aerial jets by
      adjusting the dynamics of their mouth opening and closing. This allows the fish
      to adjust their jet to target distance so that they can forcefully hit prey over
      considerable distances. Here, we suggest that archerfish use the same technique
      to also actively control jets under water. Fired from close range, the underwater
      jets are powerful enough to lift up buried food particles, which the fish then
      can pick up. We trained fish so that we could monitor their mouth opening and
      closing maneuvers during underwater shooting and compare them with those employed
      in aerial shooting. Our analysis suggests that the fish use the same dynamic
      mechanism to produce aerial and underwater jets and that they employ the same
      basic technique to adjust their jets in both conditions. When food is buried in
      substrate that consists of large particles, the fish use a brief pulse, but they
      use a longer one when the substrate is more fine-grained. These findings extend
      the notion that archerfish can flexibly shape their jets to be appropriate in
      different contexts and suggest that archerfish shooting might have been shaped
      both by constraints in aerial and underwater shooting.

PMID- 28082615
TI  - Temperature and photoperiod as environmental cues affect body mass and
      thermoregulation in Chinese bulbuls, Pycnonotus sinensis.
AB  - Seasonal changes in temperature and photoperiod are important environmental cues
      used by small birds to adjust their body mass (Mb) and thermogenesis. However,
      the relative importance of these cues with respect to seasonal adjustments in Mb
      and thermogenesis is difficult to distinguish. In particular, the effects of
      temperature and photoperiod on energy metabolism and thermoregulation are not
      well known in many passerines. To address this problem, we measured the effects
      of temperature and photoperiod on Mb, energy intake, resting metabolic rate
      (RMR), organ mass and physiological and biochemical markers of metabolic activity
      in the Chinese bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis). Groups of Chinese bulbuls were
      acclimated in a laboratory to the following conditions: (1) warm and long
      photoperiod, (2) warm and short photoperiod, (3) cold and long photoperiod, and
      (4) cold and short photoperiod, for 4 weeks. The results indicate that Chinese
      bulbuls exhibit adaptive physiological regulation when exposed to different
      temperatures and photoperiods. Mb, RMR, gross energy intake and digestible energy
      intake were higher in cold-acclimated than in warm-acclimated bulbuls, and in the
      short photoperiod than in the long photoperiod. The resultant flexibility in
      energy intake and RMR allows Chinese bulbuls exposed to different temperatures
      and photoperiods to adjust their energy balance and thermogenesis accordingly.
      Cold-acclimated birds had heightened state-4 respiration and cytochrome c oxidase
      activity in their liver and muscle tissue compared with warm-acclimated birds
      indicating the cellular mechanisms underlying their adaptive thermogenesis.
      Temperature appears to be a primary cue for adjusting energy budget and
      thermogenic ability in Chinese bulbuls; photoperiod appears to intensify
      temperature-induced changes in energy metabolism and thermoregulation.

PMID- 28082616
TI  - Economic thermoregulatory response explains mismatch between thermal physiology
      and behaviour in newts.
AB  - Temperature is an important factor determining distribution and abundance of
      organisms. Predicting the impact of warming climate on ectotherm populations
      requires information about species' thermal requirements, i.e. their so-called
      'thermal niche'. The characterization of thermal niche remains a complicated
      task. We compared the applicability of two indirect approaches, based on reaction
      norm (aerobic scope curve) and optimality (preferred body temperature) concepts,
      for indirect estimation of thermal niche while using newts, Ichthyosaura
      alpestris, as a study system. If the two approaches are linked, then digesting
      newts should keep their body temperatures close to values maximizing aerobic
      scope for digestion. After feeding, newts maintained their body temperatures
      within a narrower range than did hungry individuals. The range of preferred body
      temperatures was well below the temperature maximizing aerobic scope for
      digestion. Optimal temperatures for factorial aerobic scope fell within the
      preferred body temperature range of digesting individuals. We conclude that
      digesting newts prefer body temperatures that are optimal for the maximum aerobic
      performance but relative to the maintenance costs. What might be termed the
      'economic' thermoregulatory response explains the mismatch between thermal
      physiology and behaviour in this system.

PMID- 28082617
TI  - Appropriate rearing density in domesticated zebrafish to avoid masculinization:
      links with the stress response.
AB  - The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a well-established experimental model in
      many research fields but the loss of the primary sex-determining region during
      the process of domestication renders laboratory strains of zebrafish susceptible
      to the effects of environmental factors on sex ratios. Further, an essential
      husbandry aspect - the optimal rearing density to avoid stress-induced
      masculinization - is not known. We carried out two experiments: the first
      focusing on the effects of density on survival, growth and sex ratio by rearing
      zebrafish at different initial densities (9, 19, 37 and 74 fish per litre) for 3
      months (6-90 days post-fertilization, dpf), and the second focusing on the
      effects of cortisol during the sex differentiation period (15-45 dpf) for
      zebrafish reared at low density. The results showed an increase in the number of
      males in groups subjected to the two highest initial rearing densities; we also
      observed a reduction of survival and growth in a density-dependent manner.
      Furthermore, zebrafish treated with cortisol during the sex differentiation
      period showed a complete masculinization of the population; treatment with the
      cortisol synthesis inhibitor metyrapone negated the effects of exogenous
      cortisol. Our results indicate that the process of sex differentiation in
      domesticated zebrafish can be perturbed by elevated stocking density and that
      this effect is likely to be mediated by an increase in cortisol through the
      stress response. However, the underlying mechanism needs further study.

PMID- 28082618
TI  - Metabolic plasticity for subcutaneous fat accumulation in a long-distance
      migratory bird traced by 2H2O.
AB  - The migrant black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa) traditionally used natural
      wetlands in the Iberian Peninsula to prepare for migratory flights by feeding
      mainly in estuaries. In recent decades, this species has become increasingly
      dependent on rice fields, thereby relying on a plant-based diet for fuelling.
      Dietary fatty acids (FA) seem to be determinant to the composition of accumulated
      subcutaneous fat in migratory birds. It is still unclear whether metabolic
      plasticity allows for modification and/or synthesis of FA, contributing to a
      lipid profile that enables a successful migratory performance. Deuterated water
      was administered to captive black-tailed godwits submitted to two diets (fly
      larvae versus rice) and the incorporation of deuterium (2H) into subcutaneous
      triglycerides was analyzed by NMR. A recently developed localized biopsy method
      for sampling subcutaneous fat was employed with later successful release of all
      birds into the wild. The average chemical structure reflected mostly a mixture of
      saturated and monounsaturated 16- and 18-carbon FA, a profile frequently found in
      migrant birds. Significantly higher levels of polyunsaturated FA, as well as
      detectable levels of n-3 FA, were observed in fly-larvae-fed birds. Excess 2H
      enrichments in FA revealed significantly higher rates of fractional de novo
      lipogenesis and FA desaturation capacity in rice-fed birds. This novel and non
      lethal tracer method revealed the capacity of this species to alter its lipid
      metabolism to compensate for a poorer dietary lipid contribution. Because of its
      versatility, adapting this method to other scenarios and/or other migratory
      species is considered feasible and cost-effective.

PMID- 28082619
TI  - Functional morphology of tegmina-based stridulation in the relict species
      Cyphoderris monstrosa (Orthoptera: Ensifera: Prophalangopsidae).
AB  - Male grigs, bush crickets and crickets produce mating calls by tegminal
      stridulation: the scraping together of modified forewings functioning as sound
      generators. Bush crickets (Tettigoniidae) and crickets (Gryllinae) diverged some
      240 million years ago, with each lineage developing unique characteristics in
      wing morphology and the associated mechanics of stridulation. The grigs
      (Prophalangopsidae), a relict lineage more closely related to bush crickets than
      to crickets, are believed to retain plesiomorphic features of wing morphology.
      The wing cells widely involved in sound production, such as the harp and mirror,
      are comparatively small, poorly delimited and/or partially filled with cross
      veins. Such morphology is similarly observed in the earliest stridulating
      ensiferans, for which stridulatory mechanics remains poorly understood. The
      grigs, therefore, are of major importance to investigate the early evolutionary
      stages of tegminal stridulation, a critical innovation in the evolution of the
      Orthoptera. The aim of this study is to appreciate the degree of specialization
      on grig forewings, through identification of sound radiating areas and their
      properties. For well-grounded comparisons, homologies in wing venation (and
      associated areas) of grigs and bush crickets are re-evaluated. Then, using direct
      evidence, this study confirms the mirror cell, in association with two other
      areas (termed 'neck' and 'pre-mirror'), as the acoustic resonator in the grig
      Cyphoderris monstrosa Despite the use of largely symmetrical resonators, as found
      in field crickets, analogous features of stridulatory mechanics are observed
      between C. monstrosa and bush crickets. Both morphology and function in grigs
      represents transitional stages between unspecialized forewings and derived
      conditions observed in modern species.

PMID- 28082620
TI  - Long-term persistence and adherence on urate-lowering treatment can be maintained
      in primary care-5-year follow-up of a proof-of-concept study.
AB  - Objectives: To evaluate the persistence and adherence on urate-lowering treatment
      (ULT) in primary care 5 years after an initial nurse-led treatment of gout.
      Methods: One hundred gout patients initiated on up-titrated ULT between March and
      July 2010 were sent a questionnaire that elicited information on current ULT,
      reasons for discontinuation of ULT if applicable, medication adherence and
      generic and disease-specific quality-of-life measures in 2015. They were invited
      for one visit at which height and weight were measured and blood was collected
      for serum uric acid measurement. Results: Seventy-five patients, mean age 68.13
      years ( s . d . 10.07) and disease duration 19.44 years ( s . d . 13), returned
      completed questionnaires. The 5-year persistence on ULT was 90.7% (95% CI 81.4,
      91.6) and 85.3% of responders self-reported taking ULT ?6 days/week. Of the 65
      patients who attended the study visit, the mean serum uric acid was 292.8 MUmol/l
      ( s . d . 97.2). Conclusion: An initial treatment that includes individualized
      patient education and involvement in treatment decisions results in excellent
      adherence and persistence on ULT >4 years after the responsibility of treatment
      is taken over by the patient's general practitioner, suggesting that this model
      of gout management should be widely adopted.

PMID- 28082621
TI  - CCR5Delta32 and the genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in admixed
      populations: a multicentre study.

PMID- 28082622
TI  - Myositis-associated usual interstitial pneumonia has a better survival than
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - Objective: To compare the survival outcomes between myositis-associated usual
      interstitial pneumonia (MA-UIP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF-UIP).
      Methods: Adult MA-UIP and IPF-UIP patients were identified using CTD and IPF
      registries. The MA-UIP cohort included myositis or anti-synthetase syndrome
      patients with interstitial lung disease while manifesting UIP on high-resolution
      CT chest and/or a lung biopsy revealing UIP histology. IPF subjects met American
      Thoracic Society criteria and similarly had UIP histopathology. Kaplan-Meier
      survival curves compared cumulative and pulmonary event-free survival (event =
      transplant or death) between (i) all MA-UIP and IPF-UIP subjects, (ii) MA-UIP
      with biopsy proven UIP (n = 25) vs IPF-UIP subjects matched for age, gender and
      baseline forced vital capacity (+/-10%). Cox proportional hazards ratios compared
      the survival controlling for co-variates. Results: Eighty-one IPF-UIP and 43 MA
      UIP subjects were identified. The median cumulative and event-free survival time
      in IPF vs MA-UIP was 5.25/1.8 years vs 16.2/10.8 years, respectively. Cumulative
      and event-free survival was significantly worse in IPF-UIP vs MA-UIP [hazards
      ratio of IPF-UIP was 2.9 (95% CI: 1.5, 5.6) and 5.0 (95% CI: 2.8, 8.7) (P <
      0.001), respectively]. IPF-UIP event-free survival (but not cumulative) remained
      significantly worse than MA-UIP with a hazards ratio of 6.4 (95% CI: 3.0, 13.8)
      after controlling for age at interstitial lung disease diagnosis, gender,
      ethnicity and baseline forced vital capacity%. Respiratory failure was the most
      common cause of death in both groups. A sub-analysis of 25 biopsy-proven MA-UIP
      subjects showed similar results. Conclusion: MA-UIP patients demonstrated a
      significant survival advantage over a matched IPF cohort, suggesting that despite
      similar histological and radiographic findings at presentation, the prognosis of
      MA-UIP is superior to that of IPF-UIP.

PMID- 28082623
TI  - Comment on Qu et al. 2016.

PMID- 28082624
TI  - Response to Dr. Robertson's Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 28082625
TI  - Limited Evidence for Rickettsia felis as a Cause of Zoonotic Flea-Borne
      Rickettsiosis in Southern California.
AB  - Over 90% of human flea-borne rickettsioses cases in California are reported from
      suburban communities of Los Angeles and Orange counties and are presumed to be
      associated with either Rickettsia typhi or Rickettsia felis infection.
      Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche) is considered the principal vector for both
      rickettsiae, and R. felis has largely replaced R. typhi as the presumptive
      etiologic agent based on the widespread incidence of R. felis in cat flea
      populations. However, with no evidence to confirm R. felis as the cause of human
      illness in southern California, coupled with recent findings that showed R. felis
      to be widespread in cat fleas statewide, we propose that this hypothesis should
      be reconsidered. Evidence of only limited numbers of R. typhi-infected cat fleas
      in the environment may indicate a very rare infection and explain why so few
      cases of flea-borne rickettsioses are reported each year in southern California
      relative to the population.

PMID- 28082626
TI  - How Zoophilic Japanese Encephalitis Vector Mosquitoes Feed on Humans.
AB  - Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the most frequent cause of mosquito-borne
      encephalitis in Asian countries. Several culicine species are potential vectors.
      The primary JEV vectors feed mainly on cows (a dead-end host for JEV), pigs (an
      amplifying host), and, occasionally, humans (a dead-end host). It is essential to
      determine blood-feeding patterns to understand the transmission cycle of the
      disease. Here we review blood-feeding characteristics of the primary JEV vectors
      Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex vishnui, and Culex gelidus based on experimental
      works and field surveys conducted in Asian countries. Several studies showed that
      these JEV vectors have an innate preference for cows; however, the former two
      species often showed higher rates of blood-feeding on pigs than on cows, probably
      because pigs are more abundant than cows. On the other hand, the latter species
      Cx. gelidus fed mostly on cows. Thus, the first two species showed higher
      plasticity to compromise host availability than the last. By reviewing the
      available articles and based on our relevant studies, it may be deduced that JEV
      transmission cannot be reduced by zooprophylaxis. We emphasize the need of
      keeping cows away from the human residences to dampen the human risk of JEV.
      These primary JEV vector species exhibit pre-biting resting. The adaptive
      significance of this behavior remains to be unexplored, but it may have a
      function to avoid defensive attack of host animals. Application of recent
      quantitative analysis of gene expression in this phase may enable us to come up
      with novel vector control strategies.

PMID- 28082628
TI  - Comparison of Intrinsic Rate of Different House Fly Densities in a Simulated
      Condition: A Prediction for House Fly Population and Control Threshold.
AB  - Determining the control threshold for a pest is common prior to initiating a pest
      control program; however, previous studies related to the house fly control
      threshold for a poultry farm are insufficient for determining such a threshold.
      This study aimed to predict the population changes of house fly population by
      comparing the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) for different house fly densities
      in a simulated system. This study first defined the knee points of a known
      population growth curve as a control threshold by comparing the rm of five
      densities of house flies in a simulated condition. Later, to understand the
      interactions between the larval and adult populations, the correlation between
      larval and adult capacity rate (rc) was studied. The rm values of 300- and 500
      fly densities were significantly higher compared with the rm values at densities
      of 50 and 100 flies. This result indicated their representative indices as
      candidates for a control threshold. The rc of larval and adult populations were
      negatively correlated with densities of fewer than 300 flies; this implicated
      adult populations with fewer than 300 flies as declining while the larval
      population was growing; therefore, control approaches should focus on the
      immature stages. The results in the present study suggest a control threshold for
      house fly populations. Future works should focus on calibrating the threshold
      indices in field conditions.

PMID- 28082627
TI  - Chemotaxonomic Profile and Intraspecific Variation in the Blow Fly of Forensic
      Interest Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae).
AB  - Necrophagous insects such as blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are considered
      crucial in forensic entomology. Identification at species level and determination
      of larval stage are the basis for estimation of postmortem interval (PMI). Insect
      evidence can also be used in the determination of crime scenes, since body
      displacement is common. The aim of this study was to determine the chemotaxonomic
      profile and intraspecific variability of the forensically important blow fly
      Chrysomya megacephala (F. 1794). Adults were collected in the municipalities of
      Dourados-MS (Brazil) and Rio Claro-SP (Brazil), and then transferred to the
      laboratory for oviposition and development of the immature stages. Chemical
      analysis of cuticular compounds was performed by gas chromatography. Cuticular
      chemical profiles varied significantly between the two populations, as well as
      between developmental stages, supporting the use of these compounds as a
      complementary tool to help identify the species and its stages, along with
      geographical variability. This could greatly accelerate forensic investigations,
      eliminating the need to allow the fly larvae to develop until adult stage in
      order to confirm the species identity and sample origin.

PMID- 28082629
TI  - Volume of Larvae Is the Most Important Single Predictor of Mass Temperatures in
      the Forensically Important Calliphorid, Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera:
      Calliphoridae).
AB  - Calliphorid species form larval aggregations that are capable of generating heat
      above ambient temperature. We wanted to determine the relationship between
      volume, number of larvae, and different combinations of instars on larval mass
      heat generation. We compared different numbers of Chrysomya megacephala (F.)
      larvae (40, 100, 250, 600, and 2,000), and different combinations of instars
      (~50/50 first and second instars, 100% second instars, ~50/50 second and third
      instars, and 100% third instars) at two different ambient temperatures (20 and 30
      degrees C). We compared 13 candidate multiple regression models that were fitted
      to the data; the models were then scored and ranked with Akaike information
      criterion and Bayesian information criterion. The results indicate that although
      instar, age, treatment temperature, elapsed time, and number of larvae in a mass
      were significant, larval volume was the best predictor of larval mass
      temperatures. The volume of a larval mass may need to be taken into consideration
      for determination of a postmortem interval.

PMID- 28082630
TI  - Spatial Distribution of Phlebotomine Sand Fly Species (Diptera: Psychodidae) in
      Qom Province, Central Iran.
AB  - Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is transmitted to humans by phlebotomine
      sand fly bites. ZCL is a major health problem in Iran, where basic knowledge gaps
      about sand fly species diversity persist in some ZCL-endemic areas. This paper
      describes the richness and spatial distribution of sand fly species, collected
      with sticky traps, in Qom province, a ZCL-endemic area in central Iran, where
      sand fly fauna has been poorly studied. Collected species were mapped on urban
      and rural digital maps based on a scale of 1/50,000. All analyses were undertaken
      with rural- and urban-level precision, i.e., rural and urban levels were our
      basic units of analysis. After identifying the sand flies, high-risk foci were
      determined. For spatial analysis of vector species population, the entomological
      sampling sites were geo-referenced using GPS. Arc GIS 9.3 software was used to
      determine the foci with leishmaniasis vector species. Following the analyses, two
      genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia) and 14 species were identified. Based on
      the mapping and sand fly dispersion analysis, the rural districts were
      categorized into three groups-infection reported, without infection, and no
      report. Based on Geographical Information System analyses, Kahak and Markazi
      districts were identified as high-risk foci with leishmaniasis vector species.
      These findings can act as a help guide to direct active control measures to the
      identified high-risk foci and, eventually, lead to reduction in incidence of the
      disease.

PMID- 28082631
TI  - Chromosome Painting in Triatomine Insects Reveals Shared Sequences Between X
      Chromosomes and Autosomes.
AB  - In order to provide a broad picture on the origin and evolution of holocentric X
      chromosomes in heteropteran species, we prepared a sex chromosome painting probe
      by microdissection of the X1 and X2 chromosomes from a kissing bug Mepraia
      spinolai (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae). Fluorescence in situ hybridization
      on four species of the Triatomini having different amounts of autosomal
      heterochromatin and sex chromosome systems show that the Xs probe hybridizes on
      the euchromatin, located both on autosomes and X chromosomes. The heterochromatic
      Y chromosome and autosomal heterochromatic regions always appear free of
      hybridization signals. The hybridization results of the Xs probe on Rhodnius
      prolixus (Rhodniini) is completely different to that observed in Triatomini
      species. The hybridization signals are small and scattered on all euchromatin,
      without specific regions including the X chromosome. These results are in
      accordance with previous data obtained by genomic in situ hybridization and
      fluorescent banding, suggesting a clear differentiation in the repeat sequence
      composition of both sex chromosomes between Triatomini and Rhodniini tribes.
      These results also support that each sex chromosome in Triatomini has evolved
      independently from different autosomal pairs of a common ancestor, as described
      in other insect orders.

PMID- 28082632
TI  - Taxonomic Revision of Lipoptilocnema (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), With Notes on
      Natural History and Forensic Importance of Its Species.
AB  - Lipoptilocnema Townsend is a small genus of Neotropical Sarcophaginae with a
      distinctive genitalic morphology. This genus is revised based on the examination
      of the type series and large numbers of specimens of the seven previously known
      species, plus three new ones herein described, one from Argentina (L. delfinado
      Mulieri and Mello-Patiu, sp. nov.), and two from Brazil (L. savana Mulieri and
      Mello-Patiu, sp. nov. and L. tibanae Mulieri and Mello-Patiu, sp. nov.). All
      species are described or redescribed and illustrated. Distribution maps and a key
      for male identification are provided. The taxonomic position of this genus is
      reviewed and the interpretation of phallic structures is discussed. Notes on the
      natural history of Lipoptilocnema species are provided, and their potential
      importance as PMI indicators is highlighted, including the first record of
      Lipoptilocnema reared from a dead human body.

PMID- 28082633
TI  - A New Species of Sand Fly, Psathyromyia elizabethdorvalae sp. n. (Diptera:
      Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), From Brazil.
AB  - A new species of phlebotomine sand fly, Psathyromyia elizabethdorvalae sp. n.
      Brilhante, Sabio & Galati from Xapuri, Acre state, Brazil, is described, with
      illustrations of male and female adults.

PMID- 28082635
TI  - Simulium maleewongae, a New Species of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) (Diptera:
      Simuliidae) From Thailand.
AB  - Simulium (Gomphostilbia) maleewongae sp. nov. is described based on the adult
      males and females, their pupal exuviae, and larvae from Thailand. This new
      species is placed in the Simulium gombakense species-group of Simulium
      (Gomphostilbia). It is characterized by the female cibarium with a cup-like
      appendage, male ventral plate deeply depressed ventromedially, pupal gill
      composed of an inflated structure and eight slender filaments, cone-shaped pupal
      terminal hooks, and cocoon with an anterodorsal projection. Taxonomic notes are
      given to separate this new species from 10 other species of the same species
      group known from China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, and Vietnam. Keys to
      identify all 11 species of the S. gombakense species-group are provided for
      females, males, pupae, and larvae.

PMID- 28082634
TI  - Description of Blankaartia shatrovi n. sp. (Acari: Trombiculidae) From Brazil.
AB  - The chigger mite genus Blankaartia includes 28 known species, of which 10 are
      distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. These species preferentially
      parasitize birds, but occasionally they can also be found on rodents, bats, and
      reptiles, showing low host selectivity. In the present study, we report the
      presence of this genus in Brazil for the first time, including the first report
      of Blankaartia sinnamaryi (Floch and Fauran) and the description of a new species
      of Blankaartia collected from birds (Order Passeriformes).

PMID- 28082636
TI  - Photoperiod Differences in Sand Fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) Species Richness and
      Abundance in Caves in Minas Gerais State, Brazil.
AB  - Caves are unique habitats that are inhabited by a diverse and singular biota.
      Among these inhabitants are sand flies, which are of great epidemiological
      interest in the Neotropical region because they are vectors of Leishmania The
      period of activity of these insects is usually crepuscular and nocturnal, but
      there are reports of diurnal activity of sand flies in caves. Thus, the aim of
      this study was to evaluate the periodicity of daily activity of sand flies in
      cave environments in the municipality of Pains, Minas Gerais. Sand flies were
      collected with light traps, which were operated for 5 consecutive days in the
      rainy season and in the dry season. Samples were collected every 12 h and
      separated between photophase and scotophase periods. In total, 1,777 sand flies
      of 23 species were collected. The most abundant species was Lutzomyia renei
      (Martins, Falcao, and Silva) (44%), followed by Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and
      Neiva) (15%), Evandromyia edwardsi (Mangabeira) (11%), and Micropygomyia
      quinquefer (Costa Lima) (6%). The richness and abundance of total sand flies and
      the abundance of male and female sand flies in the aphotic zone of the caves did
      not differ between the photophase and scotophase, but differed between
      photoperiods at the entrance and at sites surrounding the caves. From our study
      of the daily activity of these insects in this ecotope, it will be possible to
      know which period of the day is of greatest risk of exposure of vertebrates who
      visit or live in these environments, including the human population.

PMID- 28082637
TI  - Egg Hatching and Survival of Immature Stages of Aedes aegypti (Diptera:
      Culicidae) Under Natural Temperature Conditions During the Cold Season in Buenos
      Aires, Argentina.
AB  - In temperate regions, the seasonal dynamics of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera:
      Culicidae) is mainly influenced by temperature. It is assumed that, during the
      winter season, the population remains as eggs and that the development and
      population growth of surviving eggs begin during the following spring. The aim of
      the current study was to assess egg hatching of Ae. aegypti during the winter in
      Buenos Aires city (Argentina), and analyze the survival of immature stages. The
      experiments consisted of immersing eggs and studying the development of immature
      stages of cohorts from June and September under natural temperature conditions.
      The proportion of hatched eggs was compared between weeks of immersion and
      related to environmental variables. Survival was compared among cohorts and the
      development rate was related to the mean temperature during development. The
      results showed that, with few exceptions, egg hatching was over 45% during the
      winter period. The proportion of hatched eggs was positively associated with
      immersion temperature, pre-immersion temperature and photoperiod. The immature
      stages completed the development during the cold season, with a trend toward
      increased survival of late-hatching cohorts. Survival was 30% at 13.2  degrees C
      and above 90% at 20  degrees C, whereas the development time at low temperatures
      was 49.4 d at 13.2  degrees C and 17.7 d at 20  degrees C. The high hatching and
      survival compared with other studies suggest that the local population might be
      adapting to winter conditions. The anticipated emergence of adults would be
      adaptive if they are able to reproduce successfully in the early spring.

PMID- 28082638
TI  - Nycthemeral Rhythm of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Craggy Region,
      Transitioning Between the Wetland and the Plateau, Brazil.
AB  - Recording the nycthemeral rhythm of sand flies allows the evaluation of the daily
      activity in different ecotypes, the period of greatest activity, and their degree
      of anthropophily. We investigated the fauna and the rhythm of sand fly activity
      in an ecotourism region in Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) state, Brazil. Sand flies were
      captured monthly, using a Shannon trap for 24 h periods between July 2012 and
      June 2014. We collected 1,815 sand flies, in which Lutzomyia whitmani (=Nyssomyia
      whitmani, sensu Galati) and Lutzomyia longipalpis were the most abundant species
      during the dry season, with activity from 5 p.m.-7 a.m. and 6 p.m.-5 a.m.,
      respectively. Both species require particular attention as vectors of Leishmania
      (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in several regions of
      Brazil, including MS. However, Lutzomyia dispar was more anthropophilic, and was
      most active between January and March, from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Lutzomyia
      misionensis (=Pintomyia misionensis, sensu Galati) was present throughout both
      years, active from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. Other species were active from 5 p.m. to 6
      a.m. Due to intense tourism in the months that coincide with a high number of
      vectors for leishmaniases in Piraputanga, it is essential to determine vector
      monitoring strategies in the area by investigating sand fly rhythm while not
      neglecting other periods of the year when the insects are present.

PMID- 28082639
TI  - Host-Seeking Phenology of Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) Nymphs in
      Northwestern California in Relation to Calendar Week, Woodland Type, and Weather
      Conditions.
AB  - Local knowledge of when humans are at elevated risk for exposure to tick vectors
      of human disease agents is required both for the effective use of personal
      protection measures to avoid tick bites and for implementation of control
      measures to suppress host-seeking ticks. Here, we used previously published data
      on the seasonal density of host-seeking Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls nymphs,
      the primary vectors of Lyme disease spirochetes in the far western USA, collected
      across a broad habitat and climate gradient in northwestern California to
      identify predictors of periods of time within the year when questing nymphal
      density is elevated. Models based on calendar week alone performed similarly to
      models based on calendar week and woodland type, or meteorological variables. The
      most suitable model for a given application will depend on user objectives,
      timescale of interest, and the geographic extent of predictions. Our models
      sought not only to identify when seasonal host-seeking activity commences, but
      also when it diminishes to low levels. Overall, we report a roughly 5-7 month
      period in Mendocino County during which host-seeking nymphal densities exceed a
      low threshold value.

PMID- 28082640
TI  - Amblyomma auricularium (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in Florida: New Hosts and Distribution
      Records.
AB  - Previous published evidence for the occurrence of an exotic armadillo tick,
      Amblyomma auricularium (Conil), in Florida is scant, but we found it is fully
      established and integrated into the state's tick fauna. We collected 11,192
      specimens of this tick from naturalized nine-banded armadillos, Dasypus
      novemcinctus L., and 14 other species of wild native mammals and birds in
      Florida, while sampling statewide during 2004 through 2007. In all, we document
      its specific presence only in 14 contiguous South Florida counties. Moreover, we
      report the first collections of A. auricularium from the Virginia opossum
      (Didelphis virginiana Kerr), common raccoon [Procyon lotor (L.)], cotton
      deermouse [Peromyscus gossypinus (Le Conte)], gray fox [Urocyon cinereoargenteus
      (Schreber)], eastern spotted skunk [Spilogale putorius (L.)], and white-tailed
      deer [Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmerman)]. For the first time on birds, we report
      the collection of this tick from the broad-winged hawk [Buteo platypterus
      (Vieillot)], northern cardinal [Cardinalis cardinalis (L.)], Carolina wren
      [Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham)], gray catbird [Dumetella carolinensis (L.)],
      and yellow-rumped warbler [Setophaga coronata (L.)]. In addition, we report
      unattached A. auricularium collected from humans for the first time, and
      additional new collections from domestic dogs, Canis lupus familiaris L.

PMID- 28082641
TI  - Development of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae Under Different
      Laboratory Conditions.
AB  - Critical to successful application of the sterile insect technique against Aedes
      albopictus (Skuse) is the development of an efficient and standardized rearing
      protocol to be employed in the mass production system. In this study, several
      life history traits of Ae. albopictus were analyzed to identify upper and lower
      thresholds of larval density and diet concentration. Survival to pupation, time
      to pupation, and sex ratio were evaluated under a range of larval densities (0.5
      5 larvae/ml) and food levels (0.05-1.6 mg/larva/d) using two larval diets (one
      locally developed; one developed by the FAO/IAEA). The larvae reared at 28 
      degrees C, at a density of 2 larvae/ml and receiving a food dose equal to 0.6
      mg/larva/d of a diet consisting of 50% tuna meal, 50% bovine liver powder (the
      FAO/IAEA diet), and, as an additive, 0.2 g of Vitamin Mix per 100 ml of diet
      solution, developed in 5 d and had 90% survival to the pupal stage. With this
      rearing regime male pupae production 24 h after the onset of pupation was the
      highest; these pupae were ~94% male.

PMID- 28082642
TI  - Evaluation of Clove Oil, Icaridin, and Transfluthrin for Spatial Repellent
      Effects in Three Tests Systems Against the Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - One essential oil (clove oil), one skin repellent (icaridin), and one insecticide
      (transfluthrin) were tested for spatial repellent effects against non-blood-fed
      female Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes. The compounds were tested in acetone
      dilution series using a Y-olfactometer, a double cage system, and a double room
      system. All compounds exhibited spatial repellent effects at certain
      concentrations. Clove oil required relative high dosages to cause high effects (Y
      olfactometer 6 mg, double cage 60 mg, and double room 1,200 mg). The dosages to
      achieve comparable results with icaridin were lower (Y-olfactometer and double
      cage 1 mg, and double room 150 mg). For transfluthrin, the equivalent dosages
      were lower again (Y-olfactometer 0.003 mg, double cage 0.03 mg, and double room
      0.1 mg). Furthermore, these results reveal a correlation between the size of the
      test system and the effective dosage. Averaged for the three compounds, the
      quantity for the double room was 21-fold higher than for the double cage, which
      required again a 9-fold higher dosage than the Y-olfactometer. An establishment
      of a screening cascade is discussed starting with the Y-olfactometer (high
      throughput rate), followed by the double cage system and ending with the double
      room system as the most nearest to practical conditions. Furthermore, the testing
      of existing repellent products to validate the double room test, the role of
      sublethal dosages concerning insecticides including possible upcoming of
      resistance after exposure, the delayed action and impact on blood feeding and
      oviposition are exemplified.

PMID- 28082643
TI  - Toxicity and Larvicidal Activity of Podophyllum-Based Lignans Against Aedes
      aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is a mosquito species that has adapted to
      urban environments and is the main vector of dengue viruses. Because of the
      increasing incidence of dengue, a more environmentally acceptable insecticide
      needs to be found. Natural products have been and continue to be an important
      source of leading compounds that can be modified in order to develop new drugs.
      The lignan family of natural products includes compounds with a diverse spectrum
      of biological activity. Podophyllotoxin and its related lignans represent an
      exciting class of natural products that can be targeted at different types of
      biological activity and are therefore worth exploring further. This study had the
      aim of evaluating the larvicidal activity of an ethanolic extract from the
      rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum hexandrum (PM-3) and its isolated lignans,
      podophyllotoxone (1) and desoxypodophyllotoxin (2), on the larvae of the mosquito
      vector Ae. aegypti. The PM-3 extract and the compounds (1) and (2) were dissolved
      in a mixture of acetone and dimethylsulfoxide at final concentrations of 1, 10,
      30, 50, 100, and 200 MUg/ml. After dilution, the solutions were applied (MUg/ml)
      to the larvae-rearing medium. Overall, the ethanolic extract from the rhizomes
      and roots of P. hexandrum and the compounds (1) and (2) showed larvicidal
      activity against the larvae of Ae. aegypti According to the results from this
      study, it can be concluded that podophyllotoxone (1) and desoxypodophyllotoxin
      (2) exhibited significant toxicity toward Ae. aegypti larvae.

PMID- 28082644
TI  - Ovicidal Efficacy of Abametapir Against Eggs of Human Head and Body Lice
      (Anoplura: Pediculidae).
AB  - Studies were undertaken to determine the ovicidal efficacy of 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'
      bipyridyl (abametapir) against eggs of both human head and body lice. Head lice
      eggs of different ages (0-2, 3-5, and 6-8-d-old eggs) were exposed to varying
      concentrations of abametapir in isopropanol and concentration-dependent response
      relationships established based on egg hatch. One hundred percent of all
      abametapir-treated eggs failed to hatch at the 0.74 and 0.55% concentrations,
      whereas 100% of 6-8-d-old head louse eggs failed to hatch only at the 0.74%
      concentration. The LC50 value for abametapir varied, depending on the age of the
      head lice eggs, from ~0.10% recorded for 0-2-d-old eggs and increasing to ~0.15%
      for 6-8-d-old eggs. Abametapir was also evaluated once formulated into a lotion
      referred to as Xeglyze (0.74% abametapir) and serial dilutions made. Ovicidal
      efficacies were determined against head lice eggs 0-8-d-old. Results indicated
      100% ovicidal activity at the 0.74, 0.55, 0.37, and 0.18% concentrations.
      Additional studies undertaken using body lice eggs also demonstrated that
      abametapir was 100% ovicidal against eggs of all ages when evaluated at a
      concentration of 0.37 and 0.55%. Given that ovicidal activity is a critical
      component of any effective treatment regime for louse control, the data presented
      in this study clearly demonstrate the ability of abametapir to inhibit hatching
      of both head and body louse eggs as assessed in vitro.

PMID- 28082645
TI  - Selected Insecticide Delivery Devices for Management of Horn Flies (Haematobia
      irritans) (Diptera: Muscidae) on Beef Cattle.
AB  - The horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the most
      important pests of the beef cattle industry. Horn fly adults are blood feeders
      that remain in constant contact with cattle, providing management opportunities
      via insecticide-impregnated ear tags. Controlling horn flies in the United States
      is time consuming and costly, but failure to implement management can lead to
      weight loss and decreased weight gain of calves and yearlings. In the past
      decade, new chemical combinations have been impregnated into ear tags for pest
      management. The objectives of this project were to 1) evaluate the efficacy of
      ear tags against horn fly populations and 2) determine if reduced fly density
      results in economic return. During 2013, data were compiled by insecticide class;
      treated cows averaged fly reductions of 198 (s = 38.91; n = 3) for macrocyclic
      lactone treatments, 175 (s = 62.74; n = 4) for pyrethroid treatments, and 174 (s
      = 35.28; n = 8) for organophosphate treatments compared with untreated animals
      (214; s = 50.38; n = 9). During 2014, mean fly reductions were 187 (s = 14.15; n
      = 4) for macrocyclic lactone, 147 (s = 61.41; n = 13) for pyrethroid, and 143 (s
      = 77.16; n = 8) for organophosphate treatments relative to the untreated (200; s
      = 99.83; n = 14). A novel technology, the VetGun application system, tested in
      2014, resulted in fly reductions (121 +/-, n = 4), but means were not
      statistically significant from the control (200; s = 99.83; n = 14). Treatment of
      cattle with ear tags significantly reduced horn fly numbers compared with
      untreated cattle.

PMID- 28082646
TI  - Excito-Repellency of Citrus hystrix DC Leaf and Peel Essential Oils Against Aedes
      aegypti and Anopheles minimus (Diptera: Culicidae), Vectors of Human Pathogens.
AB  - The essential oils of kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) at four different
      concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0% v/v) were studied for their repellency,
      excitation, and knockdown properties against laboratory strains of Aedes aegypti
      (L.) and Anopheles minimus Theobald using an excito-repellency test system. Both
      contact and noncontact escape responses to leaf- and peel-derived kaffir lime
      oils were observed. Comparing unadjusted escape responses for An. minimus, leaf
      oil had strong combined irritant and repellent activity responses at 1-5%
      concentrations (90.0-96.4% escape) and the strongest spatial repellent activity
      at 1% and 2% (85.9% and 87.2% escape, respectively). The peel oil exhibited good
      excitation with repellency at concentrations of 2.5% (89.8% escape) and 5%
      (96.28% escape), while concentrations 1-5% showed more moderate repellent
      activity against An. minimus. For Ae. aegypti, 2.5% leaf oil produced the
      greatest response for both contact (56.1% escape) and noncontact (63.3% escape)
      trials, while 2.5% produced the strongest response among all concentrations of
      peel oil, with 46.5% escape. However, after adjusting the contact trial escape (a
      measure of combined excitation and repellency), the estimated escape due to
      contact alone was a much weaker response than spatial repellency for both
      species. Knockdown responses above 50% were only observed in Ae. aegypti exposed
      to 5% leaf oil. Kaffir lime oils were more active against An. minimus than Ae.
      aegypti mosquitoes. There were statistically significant differences between leaf
      (more active) and peel oils at each concentration against An. minimus in contact
      and noncontact trials, except at the highest (5%) concentration.

PMID- 28082647
TI  - Molecular Detection of Leishmania DNA in Wild-Caught Phlebotomine Sand Flies
      (Diptera: Psychodidae) From a Cave in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
AB  - Leishmania spp. are distributed throughout the world, and different species are
      associated with varying degrees of disease severity. In Brazil, Leishmania
      transmission involves several species of phlebotomine sand flies that are closely
      associated with different parasites and reservoirs, and thereby giving rise to
      different transmission cycles. Infection occurs during the bloodmeals of sand
      flies obtained from a variety of wild and domestic animals, and sometimes from
      humans. The present study focused on detection of Leishmania DNA in phlebotomine
      sand flies from a cave in the state of Minas Gerais. Detection of Leishmania in
      female sand flies was performed with ITS1 PCR-RFLP (internal transcribed spacer
      1) using HaeIII enzyme and genetic sequencing for SSUrRNA target. The survey of
      Leishmania DNA was carried out on 232 pools and the parasite DNA was detected in
      four: one pool of Lutzomyia cavernicola (Costa Lima, 1932), infected with Le.
      infantum (ITS1 PCR-RFLP), two pools of Evandromyia sallesi (Galvao & Coutinho,
      1939), both infected with Leishmania braziliensis complex (SSUrRNA genetic
      sequencing analysis), and one pool of Sciopemyia sordellii (Shannon & Del Ponte,
      1927), infected with subgenus Leishmania (SSUrRNA genetic sequencing analysis).
      The present study identified the species for Leishmania DNA detected in four
      pools of sand flies, all of which were captured inside the cave. These results
      represent the first molecular detection of Lu cavernicola with Le infantum DNA,
      Sc sordellii with subgenus Leishmania DNA, and Ev sallesi with Leishmania
      braziliensis complex DNA. The infection rate in females captured for this study
      was 0.17%.

PMID- 28082648
TI  - Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Longevity and Differential Emergence of Dengue
      Fever in Two Cities in Sonora, Mexico.
AB  - Dengue virus, primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquito, has
      rapidly expanded in geographic extent over the past several decades. In some
      areas, however, dengue fever has not emerged despite established Ae. aegypti
      populations. The reasons for this are unclear and have sometimes been attributed
      to socio-economic differences. In 2013 we compared Ae. aegypti adult density and
      population age structure between two cities in Sonora, Mexico: Hermosillo, which
      has regular seasonal dengue virus transmission, and Nogales, which has minimal
      transmission. Larval and pupal abundance was greater in Nogales, and adult
      density was only higher in Hermosillo during September. Population age structure,
      however, was consistently older in Hermosillo. This difference in longevity may
      have been one factor that limited dengue virus transmission in Nogales in 2013,
      as a smaller proportion of Ae. aegypti females survived past the extrinsic
      incubation period.

PMID- 28082649
TI  - Molecular and Parasitological Survey of Ovine Piroplasmosis, Including the First
      Report of Theileria annulata (Apicomplexa: Theileridae) in Sheep and Goats from
      Turkey.
AB  - Blood and tick samples were collected from 333 apparently healthy sheep and 257
      goats as well as 10 sheep exhibiting clinical signs of babesiosis in Adana,
      Gaziantep, and Adiyaman Provinces in southern Turkey. Fully engorged female ticks
      were selected and maintained in an incubator until they oviposited. The tick
      carcasses and their egg masses were examined. Piroplasms compatible with Babesia
      spp. and Theileria spp. were observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic small
      ruminants. Genomic DNA isolates from blood of ovine, tick samples, and egg masses
      were screened for piroplasms by utilizing 18S rRNA polymerase chain reaction and
      reverse line blotting (RLB) assays. Parasitemia ranged from 0.01% to 5.6% of
      erythrocytes in clinical cases. RLB showed positivity in 239 (40.5%) of the
      sampled apparently healthy sheep and goats and revealed the presence of three
      Theileria and one Babesia species. Theileria ovis was the most prevalent (35.4%),
      followed by Babesia ovis (5.4%), Theileria annulata (3.9%), and Theileria sp. MK
      (0.3%). Thirty-two small ruminants infected with T. ovis were also infected with
      B. ovis One animal infected with T. ovis was also infected with Theileria sp. MK.
      Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma
      excavatum, Haemaphysalis parva, and Hyalomma anatolicum Egg masses of two female
      R. bursa carcasses were infected with B. ovis This is the first report of
      theileriosis caused by T. annulata in sheep and goats in Turkey.

PMID- 28082650
TI  - Comparison of Adult Mosquito Black-Light and Light-Emitting Diode Traps at Three
      Cowsheds Located in Malaria-Endemic Areas of the Republic of Korea.
AB  - Adult mosquito surveillance and field trials evaluated selected commercially
      available ultraviolet black-light (BL) and light-emitting diode (LED) traps at
      three sites where vivax malaria is endemic from May to October 2015 in
      northwestern Republic of Korea. Collections totaled 283,929 adult mosquitoes
      (280,355 [98.74%] females and 3,574 [1.26%] males) comprising 17 species
      (including six members of the Anopheles Hyrcanus Group) belonging to six genera.
      The four most predominant female species collected were Aedes vexans nipponii
      (Theobald) (83.84%), followed by Anopheles Hyrcanus Group (13.66%), Culex pipiens
      Group (1.67%), and Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles (0.54%). Overall, LED traps
      (188,125) collected significantly more female mosquitoes compared with BL traps
      (92,230; P = 0.0001, P < 0.05). Results from these field evaluations
      significantly enhance vector and disease surveillance efforts, especially for the
      primary vectors of malaria (Anopheles Hyrcanus Group) and Japanese encephalitis
      (Cx. tritaeniorhynchus).

PMID- 28082651
TI  - Aspects on the Ecology of Phlebotomine Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) From
      Guarai, State of Tocantins, Brazil, Endemic Area for American Cutaneous
      Leishmaniasis.
AB  - In Brazil, American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) ecology involves a diversity of
      Leishmania species transmitted by different sand fly species. Workers involved in
      agricultural activities are those mainly affected by ACL in some regions from
      Tocantins State (TO), Brazil, where the disease can be established in new
      settlements. The objective of this study was to examine the seasonal and hourly
      frequency of sand fly species, focusing on the potential vectors of ACL, in a
      settlement in Guarai (TO), an ACL transmission area. Sand flies were captured in
      forested area close to Pedra Branca Agricultural Project settlement, from March
      2006 until December 2007, using Shannon trap. Monthly captures were made from
      06:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 24-h captures were done twice per semester, from
      06:00 a.m. to 06:00 a.m. A total of 10,089 specimens from 30 species were
      identified. Psychodopygus complexus Mangabeira, Psychodopygus llanosmartinsi
      Fraiha & Ward, and Nyssomyia antunesi Coutinho were the most abundant species.
      Nyssomyia antunesi was more frequent during the dry period, whereas Ps. complexus
      and Ps. llanosmartinsi had high frequencies during the rainy season.
      Precipitation was positively correlated with Ps. complexus and Ps. llanosmartinsi
      abundance, and negatively correlated with Ny. antunesi During 24-h captures, the
      majority of specimens were captured during the night followed by a decrease at
      dawn. The behavior and previous finding of natural infection by Leishmania
      (Viannia) braziliensis of Ps. complexus led us to the conclusion that this
      species can be a potential vector of L. (V.) braziliensis during the rainy season
      in Guarai.

PMID- 28082652
TI  - Attractive Toxic Sugar Bait (ATSB) Mixed With Pyriproxyfen for Control of Larval
      Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Through Fecal Deposits of Adult Mosquitoes.
AB  - Studies were conducted to determine if pyriproxyfen, an insect growth regulator
      (IGR) added to attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSBs) and ingested by adult Aedes
      albopictus (Skuse), could be fecally disseminated into water to inhibit emergence
      of mosquitoes (EI). Experimental treatments consisted of four dilutions of
      pyriproxyfen (0.5, 1, 5, and 10 ppb) in ATSB, with attractive sugar bait (ASB)
      serving as the negative control. To ensure no tarsal transfer of the IGR, the
      experimental treatments were dispensed in collagen sausages. Mosquito excrement
      was collected on card stock at the bottom of the mosquito cages at 1, 4, 6, and 8
      h during the study. There were no differences between the EI times at which the
      fecal cards were collected (F19,88 = 1.8, P = 0.1592). The highest dilution of
      pyriproxyfen in ATSB (10 ppb) inhibited mosquito emergence in the most amounts
      (57%), as compared with the EI of other pyriproxyfen dilutions: 0.5 ppb = 42%, 1
      ppb = 34%, and 5 ppb = 46% (F19,88 = 1.8, P = 0.1592). This study demonstrates
      that pyriproxyfen can be fecally disseminated into water and control larvae
      through adult mosquito ingestion and excretion of pyriproxyfen in ASB.

PMID- 28082654
TI  - Presence of Borrelia turdi and Borrelia valaisiana (Spirochaetales:
      Spirochaetaceae) in Ticks Removed From Birds in the North of Spain, 2009-2011.
AB  - The genus Borrelia includes species responsible for severe human diseases such as
      Lyme disease. Birds are involved in their epidemiology as dispersers of infected
      ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and as reservoirs or amplifiers of the bacterium.
      Herein, the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) Johnson, Schmid,
      Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner in 336 ticks collected from birds in the north of
      Spain from 2009 to 2011 was investigated. Nucleic acid extracts from 174 Ixodes
      frontalis (Panzer), 108 Haemaphysalis punctata Canestrini & Fanzango, 34 Hyalomma
      marginatum Koch, 17 Ixodes ricinus (L.), and 3 Ixodes spp. were screened for the
      presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. by PCR. Borrelia turdi was detected in 22 I.
      frontalis, 2 H. punctata, and 2 I. ricinus Additionally, 1 I. frontalis and 1 H.
      punctata were found to be infected with the human pathogen Borrelia valaisiana
      Moreover, 3 I. frontalis showed coinfection with both Borrelia species. This
      study corroborates the presence of B. turdi and B. valaisiana in ticks from birds
      in the north of Spain. The presence of these bacteria in larval specimens could
      suggest the role of birds as their reservoirs, or the occurrence of the cofeeding
      phenomenon. In addition, the detection of B. turdi and B. valaisiana in H.
      punctata and I. frontalis ticks, respectively, is reported for the first time.

PMID- 28082653
TI  - Comparison of Vector Efficiency of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) From the
      Northeast and Upper Midwest of the United States for the Lyme Disease Spirochete
      Borrelia mayonii.
AB  - Borrelia mayonii, a recently recognized species within the Borrelia burgdorferi
      sensu lato complex, has been detected in host-seeking Ixodes scapularis Say ticks
      and found to be associated with Lyme disease in the Upper Midwest. This
      spirochete has, to date, not been documented from the Northeast, but we
      previously demonstrated that I. scapularis ticks originating from Connecticut are
      capable of serving as a vector of B. mayonii In this follow-up study, we compared
      the vector efficiency for B. mayonii (strain MN14-1420) of I. scapularis ticks
      originating from Minnesota in the Upper Midwest and Connecticut in the Northeast.
      CD-1 outbred white mice previously infected with B. mayonii via tick bite were
      exposed to simultaneous feeding by Minnesota and Connecticut larvae contained
      within separate feeding capsules. We found no difference in the ability of
      Minnesota and Connecticut larvae to acquire B. mayonii from infected mice and
      pass spirochetes to the nymphal stage (overall nymphal infection rates of 11.6
      and 13.3%, respectively). Moreover, the efficiency of transmission of B. mayonii
      by single infected nymphs was similar for the Minnesota and Connecticut ticks (33
      and 44%, respectively). We conclude that the examined I. scapularis ticks from
      the Upper Midwest and Northeast did not differ in their efficiency as vectors for
      B. mayonii.

PMID- 28082655
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28082656
TI  - Retraction.

PMID- 28082661
TI  - RHDV2 overcoming RHDV immunity in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in
      Australia.

PMID- 28082662
TI  - Sustained effect of couples' HIV counselling and testing on risk reduction among
      Zambian HIV serodiscordant couples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present temporal trends in self-reported and biological markers of
      unprotected sex and sex with concurrent partners in discordant couples receiving
      couples' voluntary HIV counselling and testing (CVCT). METHODS: Heterosexual
      Zambian HIV-serodiscordant couples were enrolled into longitudinal follow-up in
      an open cohort (1994-2012). Multivariable Anderson-Gill models explored
      predictors of self-report and biological indicators of unprotected sex within
      (including sperm on a vaginal swab, incident pregnancy or incident linked HIV
      infection) and outside (including self-report, STI and unlinked HIV infection)
      the union. Measures of secular trends in baseline measures were also examined.
      RESULTS: At enrolment of 3049 couples, men were 35 years old on average, women
      were 29 years, and couples had been together for an average of 7 years. M+F-
      couples reported an average of 16.6 unprotected sex acts in the 3 months prior to
      enrolment (pre-CVCT), dropping to 5.3 in the >0-3 month interval, and 2.0 in >6
      month intervals (p-trend <0.001). Corresponding values for M-F+ couples were 22.4
      unprotected sex acts in the 3 months prior enrolment, dropping to 5.2 in the >0-3
      month interval, and 3.1 in >6 month intervals (p-trend <0.001). Significant
      reductions in self-report and biological markers of outside partners were also
      noted. Predictors of unprotected sex between study partners after CVCT included
      prevalent pregnancy (adjusted HR, aHR=1.6-1.9); HIV+ men being circumcised
      (aHR=1.2); and HIV- women reporting sex with outside partners (aHR=1.3), alcohol
      (aHR=1.2), injectable (aHR=1.4) or oral (aHR=1.4) contraception use. Fertility
      intentions were also predictive of unprotected sex (aHR=1.2-1.4). Secular trends
      indicated steady declines in reported outside partners and STIs. CONCLUSION:
      Reductions in self-reported unprotected sex after CVCT were substantial and
      sustained. Reinforced risk-reduction counselling in pregnant couples, couples
      desiring children and couples with HIV- women having outside partners or using
      alcohol or injectable or oral contraception are indicated.

PMID- 28082663
TI  - Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Burkitt Lymphomas in Pediatric
      Patients from Two Defined Socioeconomic Regions in Mexico.
AB  - We analyzed clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Burkitt lymphoma (BL)
      in two defined socioeconomic regions in Mexico: high socioeconomic region (HSER;
      with two political jurisdictions) and low socioeconomic region (LSER; with three
      jurisdictions). Of the 63 cases registered in the Childhood Cancer Registry (1996
      2013), 45 (71.4%) were from HSER and 18 (28.6%) from LSER. The incidence was
      higher in the LSER (3.1 vs. 1.4 cases per million children/year). The sporadic
      form and Stages III/IV predominated in both regions. Only one post-renal
      transplant (HSER) was found. The male/female ratio was higher in the LSER (5.0
      vs. 1.4). The peak incidence was in the 1-4 age group for LSER, and in the 5-9
      age group for HSER. This difference in the sporadic BL by socioeconomic regions
      may be related to different exposure factors.

PMID- 28082664
TI  - Prevalence of Hypertension in Nigerian Children and Adolescents: A Systematic
      Review and Trend Analysis of Data from the Past Four Decades.
AB  - Despite four decades of research, there is no systematic review and trend
      analysis on paediatric (pre)hypertension in Nigeria. This article reviewed data
      from cross-sectional studies on the subject. From the initial 9334 articles
      identified, 30 studies that met the inclusion criteria were systematically
      reviewed. Data from studies that defined hypertension as blood pressure (BP)
      greater than the 95th percentile for age, height and sex gave a prevalence of
      8.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6-28.2%] for prehypertension and 5.1% (95%
      CI: 2.9-8.6%) for hypertension. For studies that defined hypertension as BP
      greater than 2 SD points from the mean of the population, the prevalence of
      hypertension was found to be 4.0% (95% CI: 2.8-5.7%). A significant negative
      trend (Z = -0.89; alpha < 0.01) with small magnitude (Q = -0.019; 95% CI: -0.070
      to 0.028) was found for hypertension in the reviewed population. The prevalence
      of (pre)hypertension in Nigerian children and adolescents is moderate but has
      slightly declined over time.

PMID- 28082665
TI  - Chronic Pruritus in an 18-Month-Old Male Infant Due to Anicteric Cholestasis.
AB  - An 18-month-old male infant was referred to us with pruritus from 6 months of
      age. He was being managed as atopic eczema with emollients and antihistamines
      without any response to treatment. On examination, he was found to have extensive
      scratch marks, mild hepatomegaly and no icterus. Blood investigations were
      suggestive of anicteric cholestatic liver disease. Liver biopsy was suggestive of
      progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3. He showed symptomatic
      improvement after starting ursodeoxycholic acid and fat-soluble vitamins and is
      under follow up.

PMID- 28082666
TI  - Isoniazid Preventive Therapy among Children Living with Tuberculosis Patients: Is
      It Working? A Mixed-Method Study from Bhopal, India.
AB  - Objective: We assessed uptake of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) among child
      contacts of smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) patients and its implementation
      challenges from healthcare providers' and parents' perspectives in Bhopal, India.
      Methods: A mixed-method study design: quantitative phase (review of programme
      records and house-to-house survey of smear-positive TB patients) followed by
      qualitative phase (interviews of healthcare providers and parents). Results: Of
      59 child contacts (<6 years) of 129 index patients, 51 were contacted. Among
      them, 19 of 51 (37%) were screened for TB and one had TB. Only 11 of 50 (22%)
      children were started and 10 of 50 (20%) completed IPT. Content analysis of
      interviews revealed lack of awareness, risk perception among parents, cumbersome
      screening process, isoniazid stock-outs, inadequate knowledge among healthcare
      providers and poor programmatic monitoring as main barriers to IPT
      implementation. Conclusion: National TB programme should counsel parents, train
      healthcare providers, simplify screening procedures, ensure regular drug supply
      and introduce an indicator to strengthen monitoring and uptake of IPT.

PMID- 28082667
TI  - Weight-for-Height Z Score and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference as Predictors of
      Mortality in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition.
AB  - Background: Mortality associated with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) could be
      reduced by screening malnourished children for those most vulnerable to death. We
      compared the weight-for-height Z score (WHZ) and mid-upper arm circumference
      (MUAC) as predictors of mortality in children with SAM. Methods: We conducted a
      retrospective study spanning over 8 years, using records of children aged 6-59
      months, hospitalized for SAM and discharged alive or who died during
      hospitalization. Results: Area under the curve was greater for MUAC [0.809 (95%
      CI, 0.709-0.911, p = 0.001)] than WHZ [0.649 (95% CI, 0.524-0.774, p = 0.032)].
      MUAC predicted death better [sensitivity: 95.5%, specificity: 25.0%, positive
      likelihood ratio (PLR): 1.27, negative likelihood ratio (NLR): 0.18] than WHZ
      (sensitivity: 86.4%, specificity: 21.4%, PLR: 1.10, NLR: 0.64). Best MUAC and WHZ
      cut-offs for predicting death (10.3 cm and -4, respectively) were most accurate
      in infants aged <12 months, the former being more accurate. Conclusion: MUAC
      predicts death better than WHZ in children with SAM.

PMID- 28082668
TI  - BE-FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time): Reducing the Proportion of
      Strokes Missed Using the FAST Mnemonic.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The FAST algorithm (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) helps
      identify persons having an acute stroke. We determined the proportion of patients
      with acute ischemic stroke not captured by FAST and evaluated a revised mnemonic.
      METHODS: Records of all patients admitted to the University of Kentucky Stroke
      Center between January and December 2014 with a discharge International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code for acute
      ischemic stroke were reviewed. Those misclassified, having missing National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale data, or were comatose or intubated were
      excluded. Presenting symptoms, demographics, and examination findings based on
      the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale data were abstracted. RESULTS: Of
      858 consecutive records identified, 736 met inclusion criteria; 14.1% did not
      have any FAST symptoms at presentation. Of these, 42% had gait imbalance or leg
      weakness, 40% visual symptoms, and 70% either symptom. With their addition, the
      proportion of stroke patients not identified was reduced to 4.4% (P<0.0001). In a
      sensitivity analysis, if face weakness, arm weakness, or speech impairment on
      admission examination were considered in addition to a history of FAST symptoms,
      the proportion missed was reduced to 9.9% (P=0.0010). The proportion of stroke
      patients not identified was also reduced (2.6%) with the addition of a history of
      gait imbalance/leg weakness or visual symptoms (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Of
      patients with ischemic stroke with deficits potentially amenable to acute
      intervention, 14% are not identified using FAST. The inclusion of gait/leg and
      visual symptoms leads to a reduction in missed strokes. If validated in a
      prospective study, a revision of public educational programs may be warranted.

PMID- 28082669
TI  - Stroke as the Initial Manifestation of Atrial Fibrillation: The Framingham Heart
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To prevent strokes that may occur as the first
      manifestation of atrial fibrillation (AF), screening programs have been proposed
      to identify patients with undiagnosed AF who may be eligible for treatment with
      anticoagulation. However, the frequency with which patients with AF present with
      stroke as the initial manifestation of the arrhythmia is unknown. METHODS: We
      estimated the frequency with which AF may present as a stroke in 1809 community
      based Framingham Heart Study participants with first-detected AF and without
      previous strokes, by tabulating the frequencies of strokes occurring on the same
      day, within 30 days before, 90 days before, and 365 days before first-detected
      AF. Using previously reported AF incidence rates, we estimated the incidence of
      strokes that may represent the initial manifestation of AF. RESULTS: We observed
      87 strokes that occurred <=1 year before AF detection, corresponding to 1.7% on
      the same day, 3.4% within 30 days before, 3.7% within 90 days before, and 4.8%
      <=1 year before AF detection. We estimated that strokes may present as the
      initial manifestation of AF at a rate of 2 to 5 per 10 000 person-years, in both
      men and women. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that stroke is an uncommon but
      measureable presenting feature of AF. Our data imply that emphasizing cost
      effectiveness of population-wide AF-screening efforts will be important given the
      relative infrequency with which stroke represents the initial manifestation of
      AF.

PMID- 28082670
TI  - New Insight Into the Pathogenesis of Cerebral Small-Vessel Diseases.

PMID- 28082671
TI  - Telemedicine Can Replace the Neurologist on a Mobile Stroke Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The BEST-MSU study (Benefits of Stroke Treatment
      Delivered Using a Mobile Stroke Unit) is a comparative effectiveness trial in
      patients randomized to mobile stroke unit or standard management. A substudy
      tested interrater agreement for tissue-type plasminogen activator eligibility
      between a telemedicine vascular neurologist and onboard vascular neurologist.
      METHODS: On scene, both the telemedicine vascular neurologist and onboard
      vascular neurologist independently evaluated the patient, documenting their
      tissue-type plasminogen activator treatment decision, National Institutes of
      Health Stroke Scale score, and computed tomographic interpretation. Agreement was
      determined using Cohen kappa statistic. Telemedicine-related technical failures
      that impeded remote assessment were recorded. RESULTS: Simultaneous and
      independent telemedicine vascular neurologist and onboard vascular neurologist
      assessment was attempted in 174 patients. In 4 patients (2%), the telemedicine
      vascular neurologist could not make a decision because of technical problems. The
      telemedicine vascular neurologist agreed with the onboard vascular neurologist on
      88% of evaluations (kappa=0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Remote telemedicine vascular
      neurologist assessment is reliable and accurate, supporting either telemedicine
      vascular neurologist or onboard vascular neurologist assessment on our mobile
      stroke unit. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
      Unique identifier: NCT02190500.

PMID- 28082672
TI  - NF-kappaB Signaling Activation Induced by Chloroquine Requires Autophagosome, p62
      Protein, and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) Signaling and Promotes Tumor Cell
      Resistance.
AB  - Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is a catabolic cellular self-eating process
      by which unwanted organelles or proteins are delivered to lysosomes for
      degradation through autophagosomes. Although the role of autophagy in cancer has
      been shown to be context-dependent, the role of autophagy in tumor cell survival
      has attracted great interest in targeting autophagy for cancer therapy. One
      family of potential autophagy blockers is the quinoline-derived antimalarial
      family, including chloroquine (CQ). However, the molecular basis for tumor cell
      response to CQ remains poorly understood. We show here that in both squamous cell
      carcinoma cells and melanoma tumor cells, CQ induced NF-kappaB activation and the
      expression of its target genes HIF-1alpha, IL-8, BCL-2, and BCL-XL through the
      accumulation of autophagosomes, p62, and JNK signaling. The activation of NF
      kappaB further increased p62 gene expression. Either genetic knockdown of p62 or
      inhibition of NF-kappaB sensitized tumor cells to CQ, resulting in increased
      apoptotic cell death following treatment. Our findings provide new molecular
      insights into the CQ response in tumor cells and CQ resistance in cancer therapy.
      These findings may facilitate development of improved therapeutic strategies by
      targeting the p62/NF-kappaB pathway.

PMID- 28082673
TI  - Omecamtiv Mecarbil Enhances the Duty Ratio of Human beta-Cardiac Myosin Resulting
      in Increased Calcium Sensitivity and Slowed Force Development in Cardiac Muscle.
AB  - The small molecule drug omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) specifically targets cardiac
      muscle myosin and is known to enhance cardiac muscle performance, yet its impact
      on human cardiac myosin motor function is unclear. We expressed and purified
      human beta-cardiac myosin subfragment 1 (M2beta-S1) containing a C-terminal Avi
      tag. We demonstrate that the maximum actin-activated ATPase activity of M2beta-S1
      is slowed more than 4-fold in the presence of OM, whereas the actin concentration
      required for half-maximal ATPase was reduced dramatically (30-fold). We find OM
      does not change the overall actin affinity. Transient kinetic experiments suggest
      that there are two kinetic pathways in the presence of OM. The dominant pathway
      results in a slow transition between actomyosin.ADP states and increases the time
      myosin is strongly bound to actin. However, OM also traps a population of myosin
      heads in a weak actin affinity state with slow product release. We demonstrate
      that OM can reduce the actin sliding velocity more than 100-fold in the in vitro
      motility assay. The ionic strength dependence of in vitro motility suggests the
      inhibition may be at least partially due to drag forces from weakly attached
      myosin heads. OM causes an increase in duty ratio examined in the motility assay.
      Experiments with permeabilized human myocardium demonstrate that OM increases
      calcium sensitivity and slows force development (ktr) in a concentration
      dependent manner, whereas the maximally activated force is unchanged. We propose
      that OM increases the myosin duty ratio, which results in enhanced calcium
      sensitivity but slower force development in human myocardium.

PMID- 28082674
TI  - Cdx2 Regulates Gene Expression through Recruitment of Brg1-associated Switch
      Sucrose Non-fermentable (SWI-SNF) Chromatin Remodeling Activity.
AB  - The packaging of genomic DNA into nucleosomes creates a barrier to transcription
      that can be relieved through ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling via complexes
      such as the switch-sucrose non-fermentable (SWI-SNF) chromatin remodeling
      complex. The SWI-SNF complex remodels chromatin via conformational or positional
      changes of nucleosomes, thereby altering the access of transcriptional machinery
      to target genes. The SWI-SNF complex has limited ability to bind to sequence
      specific elements, and, therefore, its recruitment to target loci is believed to
      require interaction with DNA-associated transcription factors. The Cdx family of
      homeodomain transcript ion factors (Cdx1, Cdx2, and Cdx4) are essential for a
      number of developmental programs in the mouse. Cdx1 and Cdx2 also regulate
      intestinal homeostasis throughout life. Although a number of Cdx target genes
      have been identified, the basis by which Cdx members impact their transcription
      is poorly understood. We have found that Cdx members interact with the SWI-SNF
      complex and make direct contact with Brg1, a catalytic member of SWI-SNF. Both
      Cdx2 and Brg1 co-occupy a number of Cdx target genes, and both factors are
      necessary for transcriptional regulation of such targets. Finally, Cdx2 and Brg1
      occupancy occurs coincident with chromatin remodeling at some of these loci.
      Taken together, our findings suggest that Cdx transcription factors regulate
      target gene expression, in part, through recruitment of Brg1-associated SWI-SNF
      chromatin remodeling activity.

PMID- 28082675
TI  - A Single Point Mutation Resulting in Cadherin Mislocalization Underpins
      Resistance against Bacillus thuringiensis Toxin in Cotton Bollworm.
AB  - Transgenic plants that produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystalline (Cry)
      toxins are cultivated worldwide to control insect pests. Resistance to B.
      thuringiensis toxins threatens this technology, and although different resistance
      mechanisms have been identified, some have not been completely elucidated. To
      gain new insights into these mechanisms, we performed multiple back-crossing from
      a 3000-fold Cry1Ac-resistant BtR strain from cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa
      armigera), isolating a 516-fold Cry1Ac-resistant strain (96CAD). Cry1Ac
      resistance in 96CAD was tightly linked to a mutant cadherin allele (mHaCad) that
      contained 35 amino acid substitutions compared with HaCad from a susceptible
      strain (96S). We observed significantly reduced levels of the mHaCad protein on
      the surface of the midgut epithelium in 96CAD as compared with 96S. Expression of
      both cadherin alleles from 96CAD and 96S in insect cells and immunofluorescence
      localization in insect midgut tissue sections showed that the HaCAD protein from
      96S localizes on the cell membrane, whereas the mutant 96CAD-mHaCad was retained
      in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Mapping of the mutations identified a D172G
      substitution mainly responsible for cadherin mislocalization. Our finding of a
      mutation affecting membrane receptor trafficking represents an unusual and
      previously unrecognized B. thuringiensis resistance mechanism.

PMID- 28082676
TI  - Binding of Nitric Oxide in CDGSH-type [2Fe-2S] Clusters of the Human
      Mitochondrial Protein Miner2.
AB  - Iron-sulfur proteins are among the primary targets of nitric oxide in cells.
      Previous studies have shown that iron-sulfur clusters hosted by cysteine residues
      in proteins are readily disrupted by nitric oxide forming a protein-bound
      dinitrosyl iron complex, thiolate-bridged di-iron tetranitrosyl complex, or
      octanitrosyl cluster. Here we report that human mitochondrial protein Miner2 [2Fe
      2S] clusters can bind nitric oxide without disruption of the clusters. Miner2 is
      a member of a new CDGSH iron-sulfur protein family that also includes two
      mitochondrial proteins: the type II diabetes-related mitoNEET and the Wolfram
      syndrome 2-linked Miner1. Miner2 contains two CDGSH motifs, and each CDGSH motif
      hosts a [2Fe-2S] cluster via three cysteine and one histidine residues. Binding
      of nitric oxide in the reduced Miner2 [2Fe-2S] clusters produces a major
      absorption peak at 422 nm without releasing iron or sulfide from the clusters.
      The EPR measurements and mass spectrometry analyses further reveal that nitric
      oxide binds to the reduced [2Fe-2S] clusters in Miner2, with each cluster binding
      one nitric oxide. Although the [2Fe-2S] cluster in purified human mitoNEET and
      Miner1 fails to bind nitric oxide, a single mutation of Asp-96 to Val in mitoNEET
      or Asp-123 to Val in Miner1 facilitates nitric oxide binding in the [2Fe-2S]
      cluster, indicating that a subtle change of protein structure may switch mitoNEET
      and Miner1 to bind nitric oxide. The results suggest that binding of nitric oxide
      in the CDGSH-type [2Fe-2S] clusters in mitochondrial protein Miner2 may represent
      a new nitric oxide signaling mode in cells.

PMID- 28082677
TI  - The Pseudouridine Synthase RPUSD4 Is an Essential Component of Mitochondrial RNA
      Granules.
AB  - Mitochondrial gene expression is a fundamental process that is largely dependent
      on nuclear-encoded proteins. Several steps of mitochondrial RNA processing and
      maturation, including RNA post-transcriptional modification, appear to be
      spatially organized into distinct foci, which we have previously termed
      mitochondrial RNA granules (MRGs). Although an increasing number of proteins have
      been localized to MRGs, a comprehensive analysis of the proteome of these
      structures is still lacking. Here, we have applied a microscopy-based approach
      that has allowed us to identify novel components of the MRG proteome. Among
      these, we have focused our attention on RPUSD4, an uncharacterized mitochondrial
      putative pseudouridine synthase. We show that RPUSD4 depletion leads to a severe
      reduction of the steady-state level of the 16S mitochondrial (mt) rRNA with
      defects in the biogenesis of the mitoribosome large subunit and consequently in
      mitochondrial translation. We report that RPUSD4 binds 16S mt-rRNA, mt-tRNAMet,
      and mt-tRNAPhe, and we demonstrate that it is responsible for pseudouridylation
      of the latter. These data provide new insights into the relevance of RNA
      pseudouridylation in mitochondrial gene expression.

PMID- 28082678
TI  - The Activating C-type Lectin-like Receptor NKp65 Signals through a Hemi
      immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Activation Motif (hemITAM) and Spleen Tyrosine
      Kinase (Syk).
AB  - NKp65 is an activating human C-type lectin-like receptor (CTLR) triggering
      cellular cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion upon high-affinity interaction with
      the cognate CTLR keratinocyte-associated C-type lectin (KACL) selectively
      expressed by human keratinocytes. Previously, we demonstrated that NKp65-mediated
      cellular cytotoxicity depends on tyrosine 7, located in a cytoplasmic sequence
      motif of NKp65 resembling a hemi-immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif
      (hemITAM). HemITAMs have been reported for a few activating myeloid-specific
      CTLRs, including Dectin-1 and CLEC-2, and consist of a single tyrosine signaling
      unit preceded by a triacidic motif. Upon receptor engagement, the hemITAM
      undergoes phosphotyrosinylation and specifically recruits spleen tyrosine kinase
      (Syk), initiating cellular activation. In this study, we addressed the
      functionality of the putative hemITAM of NKp65. We show that NKp65 forms
      homodimers and is phosphorylated at the hemITAM-embedded tyrosine 7 upon
      engagement by antibodies or KACL homodimers. HemITAM phosphotyrosinylation
      initiates a signaling pathway involving and depending on Syk, leading to cellular
      activation and natural killer (NK) cell degranulation. However, although NKp65
      utilizes Syk for NK cell activation, a physical association of Syk with the NKp65
      hemITAM could not be detected, unlike shown previously for the hemITAM of myeloid
      CTLR. Failure of NKp65 to recruit Syk is not due to an alteration of the
      triacidic motif, which rather affects the efficiency of hemITAM
      phosphotyrosinylation. In summary, NKp65 utilizes a hemITAM-like motif for
      cellular activation that requires Syk, although Syk appears not to be recruited
      to NKp65.

PMID- 28082679
TI  - Vesicular Polyamine Transporter Mediates Vesicular Storage and Release of
      Polyamine from Mast Cells.
AB  - Mast cells are secretory cells that play an important role in host defense by
      discharging various intragranular contents, such as histamine and serotonin, upon
      stimulation of Fc receptors. The granules also contain spermine and spermidine,
      which can act as modulators of mast cell function, although the mechanism
      underlying vesicular storage remains unknown. Vesicular polyamine transporter
      (VPAT), the fourth member of the SLC18 transporter family, is an active
      transporter responsible for vesicular storage of spermine and spermidine in
      neurons. In the present study, we investigated whether VPAT functions in mast
      cells. RT-PCR and Western blotting indicated VPAT expression in murine bone
      marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that
      VPAT is colocalized with VAMP3 but not with histamine, serotonin, cathepsin D,
      VAMP2, or VAMP7. Membrane vesicles from BMMCs accumulated spermidine upon the
      addition of ATP in a reserpine- and bafilomycin A1-sensitive manner. BMMCs
      secreted spermine and spermidine upon the addition of either antigen or A23187 in
      the presence of Ca2+, and the antigen-mediated release, which was shown to be
      temperature-dependent and sensitive to bafilomycin A1 and tetanus toxin, was
      significantly suppressed by VPAT gene RNA interference. Under these conditions,
      expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 was unaffected, but antigen
      dependent histamine release was significantly suppressed, which was recovered by
      the addition of 1 mm spermine. These results strongly suggest that VPAT is
      expressed and is responsible for vesicular storage of spermine and spermidine in
      novel secretory granules that differ from histamine- and serotonin-containing
      granules and is involved in vesicular release of these polyamines from mast
      cells.

PMID- 28082681
TI  - A Positive Amplification Mechanism Involving a Kinase and Replication Initiation
      Factor Helps Assemble the Replication Fork Helicase.
AB  - The assembly of the replication fork helicase during S phase is key to the
      initiation of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells. One step in this assembly in
      budding yeast is the association of Cdc45 with the Mcm2-7 heterohexameric ATPase,
      and a second step is the assembly of the tetrameric GINS (GG-Ichi-Nii-San)
      complex with Mcm2-7. Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK) and S-phase cyclin-dependent
      kinase (S-CDK) are two S phase-specific kinases that phosphorylate replication
      proteins during S phase, and Dpb11, Sld2, Sld3, Pol epsilon, and Mcm10 are
      factors that are also required for replication initiation. However, the exact
      roles of these initiation factors in assembly of the replication fork helicase
      remain unclear. We show here that Dpb11 stimulates DDK phosphorylation of the
      minichromosome maintenance complex protein Mcm4 alone and also of the Mcm2-7
      complex and the dsDNA-loaded Mcm2-7 complex. We further demonstrate that Dpb11
      can directly recruit DDK to Mcm4. A DDK phosphomimetic mutant of Mcm4 bound Dpb11
      with substantially higher affinity than wild-type Mcm4, suggesting a mechanism to
      recruit Dpb11 to DDK-phosphorylated Mcm2-7. Furthermore, dsDNA-loaded Mcm2-7
      harboring the DDK phosphomimetic Mcm4 mutant bound GINS in the presence of Dpb11,
      suggesting a mechanism for how GINS is recruited to Mcm2-7. We isolated a mutant
      of Dpb11 that is specifically defective for binding to Mcm4. This mutant, when
      expressed in budding yeast, diminished cell growth and DNA replication,
      substantially decreased Mcm4 phosphorylation, and decreased association of GINS
      with replication origins. We conclude that Dpb11 functions with DDK and Mcm4 in a
      positive amplification mechanism to trigger the assembly of the replication fork
      helicase.

PMID- 28082682
TI  - TBP-like Protein (TLP) Disrupts the p53-MDM2 Interaction and Induces Long-lasting
      p53 Activation.
AB  - Stress-induced activation of p53 is an essential cellular response to prevent
      aberrant cell proliferation and cancer development. The ubiquitin ligase MDM2
      promotes p53 degradation and limits the duration of p53 activation. It remains
      unclear, however, how p53 persistently escapes MDM2-mediated negative control for
      making appropriate cell fate decisions. Here we report that TBP-like protein
      (TLP), a member of the TBP family, is a new regulatory factor for the p53-MDM2
      interplay and thus for p53 activation. We found that TLP acts to stabilize p53
      protein to ensure long-lasting p53 activation, leading to potentiation of p53
      induced apoptosis and senescence after genotoxic stress. Mechanistically, TLP
      interferes with MDM2 binding and ubiquitination of p53. Moreover, single cell
      imaging analysis shows that TLP depletion accelerates MDM2-mediated nuclear
      export of p53. We further show that a cervical cancer-derived TLP mutant has less
      p53 binding ability and lacks a proliferation-repressive function. Our findings
      uncover a role of TLP as a competitive MDM2 blocker, proposing a novel mechanism
      by which p53 escapes the p53-MDM2 negative feedback loop to modulate cell fate
      decisions.

PMID- 28082680
TI  - Structural Determinants of the Gain-of-Function Phenotype of Human Leukemia
      associated Mutant CBL Oncogene.
AB  - Mutations of the tyrosine kinase-directed ubiquitin ligase CBL cause myeloid
      leukemias, but the molecular determinants of the dominant leukemogenic activity
      of mutant CBL oncogenes are unclear. Here, we first define a gain-of-function
      attribute of the most common leukemia-associated CBL mutant, Y371H, by
      demonstrating its ability to increase proliferation of hematopoietic
      stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) derived from CBL-null and CBL/CBL-B-null mice.
      Next, we express second-site point/deletion mutants of CBL-Y371H in CBL/CBL-B
      null HSPCs or the cytokine-dependent human leukemic cell line TF-1 to show that
      individual or combined Tyr -> Phe mutations of established phosphotyrosine
      residues (Tyr-700, Tyr-731, and Tyr-774) had little impact on the activity of the
      CBL-Y371H mutant in HSPCs, and the triple Tyr -> Phe mutant was only modestly
      impaired in TF-1 cells. In contrast, intact tyrosine kinase-binding (TKB) domain
      and proline-rich region (PRR) were critical in both cell models. PRR deletion
      reduced the stem cell factor (SCF)-induced hyper-phosphorylation of the CBL-Y371H
      mutant and the c-KIT receptor and eliminated the sustained p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT
      induction by SCF. GST fusion protein pulldowns followed by phospho-specific
      antibody array analysis identified distinct CBL TKB domains or PRR-binding
      proteins that are phosphorylated in CBL-Y371H-expressing TF-1 cells. Our results
      support a model of mutant CBL gain-of-function in which mutant CBL proteins
      effectively compete with the remaining wild type CBL-B and juxtapose TKB domain
      associated PTKs with PRR-associated signaling proteins to hyper-activate
      signaling downstream of hematopoietic growth factor receptors. Elucidation of
      mutant CBL domains required for leukemogenesis should facilitate targeted therapy
      approaches for patients with mutant CBL-driven leukemias.

PMID- 28082683
TI  - Autoinhibition of the Nuclease ARTEMIS Is Mediated by a Physical Interaction
      between Its Catalytic and C-terminal Domains.
AB  - The nuclease ARTEMIS is essential for the development of B and T lymphocytes. It
      is required for opening DNA hairpins generated during antigen receptor gene
      assembly from variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) subgenic elements
      (V(D)J recombination). As a member of the non-homologous end-joining pathway, it
      is also involved in repairing a subset of pathological DNA double strand breaks.
      Loss of ARTEMIS function therefore results in radiosensitive severe combined
      immunodeficiency (RS-SCID). The hairpin opening activity is dependent on the DNA
      dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), which can bind to and
      phosphorylate ARTEMIS. The ARTEMIS C terminus is dispensable for cellular V(D)J
      recombination and in vitro nuclease assays with C-terminally truncated ARTEMIS
      showing DNA-PKcs-independent hairpin opening activity. Therefore, it has been
      postulated that ARTEMIS is regulated via autoinhibition by its C terminus. To
      obtain evidence for the autoinhibition model, we performed co-immunoprecipitation
      experiments with combinations of ARTEMIS mutants. We show that an N-terminal
      fragment comprising the catalytic domain can interact both with itself and with a
      C-terminal fragment. Amino acid exchanges N456A+S457A+E458Q in the C terminus of
      full-length ARTEMIS resulted in unmasking of the N terminus and in increased
      ARTEMIS activity in cellular V(D)J recombination assays. Mutations in ARTEMIS
      deficient patients impaired the interaction with the C terminus and also affected
      protein stability. The interaction between the N- and C-terminal domains was not
      DNA-PKcs-dependent, and phosphomimetic mutations in the C-terminal domain did not
      result in unmasking of the catalytic domain. Our experiments provide strong
      evidence that a physical interaction between the C-terminal and catalytic domains
      mediates ARTEMIS autoinhibition.

PMID- 28082687
TI  - Advice for backyard poultry keepers as further case of HPAI confirmed.

PMID- 28082691
TI  - Time to #DoSomethingForNothing in 2017?

PMID- 28082684
TI  - Absence of IQGAP1 Protein Leads to Insulin Resistance.
AB  - Insulin binds to the insulin receptor (IR) and induces tyrosine phosphorylation
      of the receptor and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), leading to activation
      of the PKB/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways. IQGAP1 is a scaffold protein that interacts
      with multiple binding partners and integrates diverse signaling cascades. Here we
      show that IQGAP1 associates with both IR and IRS-1 and influences insulin action.
      In vitro analysis with pure proteins revealed that the IQ region of IQGAP1 binds
      directly to the intracellular domain of IR. Similarly, the phosphotyrosine
      binding domain of IRS-1 mediates a direct interaction with the C-terminal tail of
      IQGAP1. Consistent with these observations, both IR and IRS-1 co
      immunoprecipitated with IQGAP1 from cells. Investigation of the functional
      effects of the interactions revealed that in the absence of IQGAP1, insulin
      stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, as well as the association of
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with IRS-1, were significantly decreased.
      Importantly, loss of IQGAP1 results in impaired insulin signaling and glucose
      homeostasis in vivo Collectively, these data reveal that IQGAP1 is a scaffold for
      IR and IRS-1 and implicate IQGAP1 as a participant in insulin signaling.

PMID- 28082694
TI  - Do dogs bite without warning, or should we see it coming?
AB  - When dog bites occur, many owners will report the incident as being 'out of
      character' for the dog and as happening 'out of the blue'. But do dogs provide
      warning signs before biting and should owners and vets be able to see it coming?
      This question was explored in a session during the London Vet Show. Laura Honey
      reports.

PMID- 28082698
TI  - Disease surveillance in England and Wales, December 2016.
AB  - Current and emerging issues: avian influenza and Schmallenberg virusHighlights
      from the scanning surveillance networkUpdate on international disease
      threatsCongenital tremor associated with atypical porcine pestivirus These are
      among matters discussed in the Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA's) disease
      surveillance report for December 2016.

PMID- 28082699
TI  - Congenital tremor associated with atypical porcine pestivirus.
AB  - This article has been prepared by Susanna Williamson and colleagues from the Pig
      Expert Group at the APHA.

PMID- 28082700
TI  - Managing the spread of canine leishmaniosis in Europe.

PMID- 28082706
TI  - Blood cholesterol concentrations in dairy calves.

PMID- 28082712
TI  - My week: Francesco Cian.
AB  - Francesco Cian is a veterinary clinical pathologist and co-manager at BattLab, a
      veterinary diagnostic laboratory based in Coventry.

PMID- 28082713
TI  - Third-year student diary.
AB  - Rosie Perrett enjoyed Christmas, especially her Secret Santa gift, which was
      inspired by her enjoyment of Planet Earth II. When she returns to Liverpool vet
      school, she will be getting to grips with pathology.

PMID- 28082714
TI  - Association of Rapid Care Process Implementation on Reperfusion Times Across
      Multiple ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Networks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Mission: Lifeline STEMI Systems Accelerator program, implemented
      in 16 US metropolitan regions, resulted in more patients receiving timely
      reperfusion. We assessed whether implementing key care processes was associated
      with system performance improvement. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hospitals (n=167 with
      23 498 ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients) were surveyed before
      (March 2012) and after (July 2014) program intervention. Data were merged with
      patient-level clinical data over the same period. For reperfusion, hospitals were
      grouped by whether a specific process of care was implemented, preexisting, or
      never implemented. Uptake of 4 key care processes increased after intervention:
      prehospital catheterization laboratory activation (62%-91%; P<0.001), single call
      transfer protocol from an outside facility (45%-70%; P<0.001), and emergency
      department bypass for emergency medical services direct presenters (48%-59%;
      P=0.002) and transfers (56%-79%; P=0.001). There were significant differences in
      median first medical contact-to-device times among groups implementing
      prehospital activation (88 minutes implementers versus 89 minutes preexisting
      versus 98 minutes nonimplementers; P<0.001 for comparisons). Similarly, patients
      treated at hospitals implementing single call transfer protocols had shorter
      median first medical contact-to-device times (112 versus 128 versus 152 minutes;
      P<0.001). Emergency department bypass was also associated with shorter median
      first medical contact-to-device times for emergency medical services direct
      presenters (84 versus 88 versus 94 minutes; P<0.001) and transfers (123 versus
      127 versus 167 minutes; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Accelerator program increased
      uptake of key care processes, which were associated with improved system
      performance. These findings support efforts to implement regional ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction networks focused on prehospital catheterization
      laboratory activation, single call transfer protocols, and emergency department
      bypass.

PMID- 28082715
TI  - Modest Improvement of Reperfusion Times Across Multiple ST-Segment-Elevation
      Myocardial Infarction Networks With Rapid Care Process Implementation but no
      Effect on Mortality.

PMID- 28082716
TI  - Three Pectin Methylesterase Inhibitors Protect Cell Wall Integrity for
      Arabidopsis Immunity to Botrytis.
AB  - Infection by necrotrophs is a complex process that starts with the breakdown of
      the cell wall (CW) matrix initiated by CW-degrading enzymes and results in an
      extensive tissue maceration. Plants exploit induced defense mechanisms based on
      biochemical modification of the CW components to protect themselves from
      enzymatic degradation. The pectin matrix is the main CW target of Botrytis
      cinerea, and pectin methylesterification status is strongly altered in response
      to infection. The methylesterification of pectin is controlled mainly by pectin
      methylesterases (PMEs), whose activity is posttranscriptionally regulated by
      endogenous protein inhibitors (PMEIs). Here, AtPMEI10, AtPMEI11, and AtPMEI12 are
      identified as functional PMEIs induced in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana)
      during B. cinerea infection. AtPMEI expression is strictly regulated by jasmonic
      acid and ethylene signaling, while only AtPMEI11 expression is controlled by PME
      related damage-associated molecular patterns, such as oligogalacturonides and
      methanol. The decrease of pectin methylesterification during infection is higher
      and the immunity to B. cinerea is compromised in pmei10, pmei11, and pmei12
      mutants with respect to the control plants. A higher stimulation of the fungal
      oxalic acid biosynthetic pathway also can contribute to the higher susceptibility
      of pmei mutants. The lack of PMEI expression does not affect hemicellulose
      strengthening, callose deposition, and the synthesis of structural defense
      proteins, proposed as CW-remodeling mechanisms exploited by Arabidopsis to resist
      CW degradation upon B. cinerea infection. We show that PME activity and pectin
      methylesterification are dynamically modulated by PMEIs during B. cinerea
      infection. Our findings point to AtPMEI10, AtPMEI11, and AtPMEI12 as mediators of
      CW integrity maintenance in plant immunity.

PMID- 28082717
TI  - Jasmonate Regulates Plant Responses to Postsubmergence Reoxygenation through
      Transcriptional Activation of Antioxidant Synthesis.
AB  - Submergence induces hypoxia in plants; exposure to oxygen following submergence,
      termed reoxygenation, produces a burst of reactive oxygen species. The mechanisms
      of hypoxia sensing and signaling in plants have been well studied, but how plants
      respond to reoxygenation remains unclear. Here, we show that reoxygenation in
      Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) involves rapid accumulation of jasmonates
      (JAs) and increased transcript levels of JA biosynthesis genes. Application of
      exogenous methyl jasmonate improved tolerance to reoxygenation in wild-type
      Arabidopsis; also, mutants deficient in JA biosynthesis and signaling were very
      sensitive to reoxygenation. Moreover, overexpression of the transcription factor
      gene MYC2 enhanced tolerance to posthypoxic stress, and myc2 knockout mutants
      showed increased sensitivity to reoxygenation, indicating that MYC2 functions as
      a key regulator in the JA-mediated reoxygenation response. MYC2 transcriptionally
      activates members of the VITAMIN C DEFECTIVE (VTC) and GLUTATHIONE SYNTHETASE
      (GSH) gene families, which encode rate-limiting enzymes in the ascorbate and
      glutathione synthesis pathways. Overexpression of VTC1 and GSH1 in the myc2-2
      mutant suppressed the posthypoxic hypersensitive phenotype. The JA-inducible
      accumulation of antioxidants may alleviate oxidative damage caused by
      reoxygenation, improving plant survival after submergence. Taken together, our
      findings demonstrate that JA signaling interacts with the antioxidant pathway to
      regulate reoxygenation responses in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 28082720
TI  - Enzymatic kinetics of the quinol peroxidase of an aggressive periodontopathic
      bacterium.
AB  - Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an oral pathogen for aggressive
      periodontitis, and encodes a triheme c-containing membrane-bound enzyme, quinol
      peroxidase (QPO) that catalyzes peroxidase activity using quinol in the
      respiratory chain. In the previous work, we have characterized recombinant QPO
      purified from the membrane fraction of Escherichia coli harboring a plasmid
      containing QPO gene. Irreversible inactivation of QPO by high concentration of
      H2O2 exhibited pseudo-first order kinetics. Analysis of initial-rate kinetics of
      QPO may suggest that enzyme catalytic mechanism is explained by a Ping Pong Bi Bi
      system rather than sequential systems. In addition, the redox reactions of
      cytochrome c in the presence of several values of [Q1H2]/[Q1] were at
      equilibrium, and only about 2/3 of the cytochrome c of QPO is reduced at high
      ratios of [Q1H2]/[Q1]. These results indicated that one of the three heme c
      moieties of QPO is maintained in an oxidized form even at increased ratios of
      [Q1H2]/[Q1], suggesting that QPO is reduced in the absence of H2O2 and only two
      of the three heme c moieties are reduced in the presence of high concentration of
      the Q1H2. Product inhibition of QPO accorded with our theoretical model for the
      reaction mechanism. Considered together, the enzymatic kinetics data for QPO
      confirm the Ping Pong Bi Bi system.

PMID- 28082718
TI  - Analysis of Exocyst Subunit EXO70 Family Reveals Distinct Membrane Polar Domains
      in Tobacco Pollen Tubes.
AB  - The vesicle-tethering complex exocyst is one of the crucial cell polarity
      regulators. The EXO70 subunit is required for the targeting of the complex and is
      represented by many isoforms in angiosperm plant cells. This diversity could be
      partly responsible for the establishment and maintenance of membrane domains with
      different composition. To address this hypothesis, we employed the growing pollen
      tube, a well-established cell polarity model system, and performed large-scale
      expression, localization, and functional analysis of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
      EXO70 isoforms. Various isoforms localized to different regions of the pollen
      tube plasma membrane, apical vesicle-rich inverted cone region, nucleus, and
      cytoplasm. The overexpression of major pollen-expressed EXO70 isoforms resulted
      in growth arrest and characteristic phenotypic deviations of tip swelling and
      apical invaginations. NtEXO70A1a and NtEXO70B1 occupied two distinct and mutually
      exclusive plasma membrane domains. Both isoforms partly colocalized with the
      exocyst subunit NtSEC3a at the plasma membrane, possibly forming different
      exocyst complex subpopulations. NtEXO70A1a localized to the small area previously
      characterized as the site of exocytosis in the tobacco pollen tube, while
      NtEXO70B1 surprisingly colocalized with the zone of clathrin-mediated
      endocytosis. Both NtEXO70A1a and NtEXO70B1 colocalized to different degrees with
      markers for the anionic signaling phospholipids phosphatidylinositol 4,5
      bisphosphate and phosphatidic acid. In contrast, members of the EXO70 C class,
      which are specifically expressed in tip-growing cells, exhibited exocytosis
      related functional effects in pollen tubes despite the absence of apparent plasma
      membrane localization. Taken together, our data support the existence of multiple
      membrane-trafficking domains regulated by different EXO70-containing exocyst
      complexes within a single cell.

PMID- 28082719
TI  - Heteroblastic Development of Transfer Cells Is Controlled by the microRNA
      miR156/SPL Module.
AB  - We report that wall ingrowth deposition in phloem parenchyma (PP) transfer cells
      (TCs) in leaf veins of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) represents a novel
      trait of heteroblasty. Development of PP TCs involves extensive deposition of
      wall ingrowths adjacent to cells of the sieve element/companion cell complex.
      These PP TCs potentially facilitate phloem loading by enhancing efflux of
      symplasmic Suc for subsequent active uptake into cells of the sieve
      element/companion cell complex. PP TCs with extensive wall ingrowths are
      ubiquitous in mature cotyledons and juvenile leaves, but dramatically less so in
      mature adult leaves, an observation consistent with PP TC development reflecting
      vegetative phase change (VPC) in Arabidopsis. Consistent with this conclusion,
      the abundance of PP TCs with extensive wall ingrowths varied across rosette
      development in three ecotypes displaying differing durations of juvenile phase,
      and extensive deposition of wall ingrowths was observed in rejuvenated leaves
      following prolonged defoliation. PP TC development across juvenile, transition,
      and adult leaves correlated positively with levels of miR156, a major regulator
      of VPC in plants, and corresponding changes in wall ingrowth deposition were
      observed when miR156 was overexpressed or its activity suppressed by target
      mimicry. Analysis of plants carrying miR156-resistant forms of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER
      BINDING PROTEIN LIKE (SPL) genes showed that wall ingrowth deposition was
      increased in SPL9-group but not SPL3-group genes, indicating that SPL9-group
      genes may function as negative regulators of wall ingrowth deposition in PP TCs.
      Collectively, our results point to wall ingrowth deposition in PP TCs being under
      control of the genetic program regulating VPC.

PMID- 28082721
TI  - Roles of the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and rho signalling in mechanosensing and
      mechanotransduction.
AB  - All cells sense and respond to various mechanical forces in and mechanical
      properties of their environment. To respond appropriately, cells must be able to
      sense the location, direction, strength and duration of these forces. Recent
      progress in mechanobiology has provided a better understanding of the mechanisms
      of mechanoresponses underlying many cellular and developmental processes. Various
      roles of mechanoresponses in development and tissue homeostasis have been
      elucidated, and many molecules involved in mechanotransduction have been
      identified. However, the whole picture of the functions and molecular mechanisms
      of mechanotransduction remains to be understood. Recently, novel mechanisms for
      sensing and transducing mechanical stresses via the cytoskeleton, cell-substrate
      and cell-cell adhesions and related proteins have been identified. In this
      review, we outline the roles of the cytoskeleton, cell-substrate and cell-cell
      adhesions, and related proteins in mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. We
      also describe the roles and regulation of Rho-family GTPases in mechanoresponses.

PMID- 28082722
TI  - Inactivation of the PBRM1 tumor suppressor gene amplifies the HIF-response in VHL
      /- clear cell renal carcinoma.
AB  - Most clear cell renal carcinomas (ccRCCs) are initiated by somatic inactivation
      of the VHL tumor suppressor gene. The VHL gene product, pVHL, is the substrate
      recognition unit of an ubiquitin ligase that targets the HIF transcription factor
      for proteasomal degradation; inappropriate expression of HIF target genes drives
      renal carcinogenesis. Loss of pVHL is not sufficient, however, to cause ccRCC.
      Additional cooperating genetic events, including intragenic mutations and copy
      number alterations, are required. Common examples of the former are loss-of
      function mutations of the PBRM1 and BAP1 tumor suppressor genes, which occur in a
      mutually exclusive manner in ccRCC and define biologically distinct subsets of
      ccRCC. PBRM1 encodes the Polybromo- and BRG1-associated factors-containing
      complex (PBAF) chromatin remodeling complex component BRG1-associated factor 180
      (BAF180). Here we identified ccRCC lines whose ability to proliferate in vitro
      and in vivo is sensitive to wild-type BAF180, but not a tumor-associated BAF180
      mutant. Biochemical and functional studies linked growth suppression by BAF180 to
      its ability to form a canonical PBAF complex containing BRG1 that dampens the HIF
      transcriptional signature.

PMID- 28082723
TI  - Presenilin-1 mutations and Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 28082724
TI  - Unplanned ecological engineering.

PMID- 28082725
TI  - Tumor suppression by p53 involves inhibiting an enabler, FGF13.

PMID- 28082727
TI  - Correction: A novel small molecule agent displays potent anti-myeloma activity by
      inhibiting the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway.

PMID- 28082728
TI  - Correction: Infiltrating mast cells enhance prostate cancer invasion via altering
      LncRNA-HOTAIR/PRC2-androgen receptor (AR)-MMP9 signals and increased
      stem/progenitor cell population.

PMID- 28082726
TI  - Multi-modality imaging to assess metabolic response to dichloroacetate treatment
      in tumor models.
AB  - Reverting glycolytic metabolism is an attractive strategy for cancer therapy as
      upregulated glycolysis is a hallmark in various cancers. Dichloroacetate (DCA),
      long used to treat lactic acidosis in various pathologies, has emerged as a
      promising anti-cancer drug. By inhibiting the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, DCA
      reactivates the mitochondrial function and decreases the glycolytic flux in tumor
      cells resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. We recently documented that
      DCA was able to induce a metabolic switch preferentially in glycolytic cancer
      cells, leading to a more oxidative phenotype and decreasing proliferation, while
      oxidative cells remained less sensitive to DCA treatment. To evaluate the
      relevance of this observation in vivo, the aim of the present study was to
      characterize the effect of DCA in glycolytic MDA-MB-231 tumors and in oxidative
      SiHa tumors using advanced pharmacodynamic metabolic biomarkers. Oxygen
      consumption, studied by 17O magnetic resonance spectroscopy, glucose uptake,
      evaluated by 18F-FDG PET and pyruvate transformation into lactate, measured using
      hyperpolarized 13C-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, were monitored before and 24
      hours after DCA treatment in tumor bearing mice. In both tumor models, no clear
      metabolic shift was observed. Surprisingly, all these imaging parameters concur
      to the conclusion that both glycolytic tumors and oxidative tumors presented a
      similar response to DCA. These results highlight a major discordance in metabolic
      cancer cell bioenergetics between in vitro and in vivo setups, indicating
      critical role of the local microenvironment in tumor metabolic behaviors.

PMID- 28082729
TI  - Correction: Infiltrated pre-adipocytes increase prostate cancer metastasis via
      modulation of the miR-301a/androgen receptor (AR)/TGF-beta1/Smad/MMP9 signals.

PMID- 28082730
TI  - A proximal retarding field analyzer for scanning probe energy loss spectroscopy.
AB  - A compact proximal retarding field analyzer for scanning probe energy loss
      spectroscopy measurements is described. Using the scanning tunneling microscope
      (STM) tip as a field emission (FE) electron source in conjunction with this
      analyzer, which is placed at a glancing angle to the surface plane, FE sample
      current and electron reflectivity imaging may be performed simultaneously. This
      is demonstrated in measurements of Ag nanostructures prepared on graphite by
      electron-beam lithography, where a material contrast of 13% is observed, with a
      lateral resolution of 25 nm, between the silver and graphite in electron
      reflectivity images. Topological contrast mechanisms such as edge enhancement and
      shadowing are also observed, giving rise to additional features in the electron
      reflectivity images. The same instrument configuration has been used to measure
      electron energy loss spectra on bare graphite, where the zero loss peak, pi band
      plasmon loss peak and secondary electron peaks are observed. Using this simple
      and compact analyzer an STM, with sufficient open access to the tip-sample
      junction, may easily be augmented to provide simultaneous elemental and
      topographic mapping, supplementing STM image measurements with FE sample current
      and electron reflectivity images, as well as electron energy loss spectroscopy
      measurements, in the same instrument.

PMID- 28082731
TI  - Conversion efficiency of an energy harvester based on resonant tunneling through
      quantum dots with heat leakage.
AB  - We study the conversion efficiency of an energy harvester based on resonant
      tunneling through quantum dots with heat leakage. Heat leakage current from a hot
      electrode to a cold electrode is taken into account in the analysis of the
      harvester operation. Modeling of electrical output indicates that a maximum heat
      leakage current is not negligible because it is larger than that of the heat
      current harvested into electrical power. A reduction of heat leakage is required
      in this energy harvester in order to obtain efficient heat-to-electrical
      conversion. Multiple energy levels of a quantum dot can increase the output power
      of the harvester. Heavily doped colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are a
      possible candidate for a quantum-dot monolayer in the energy harvester to reduce
      heat leakage, scaling down device size, and increasing electrical output via
      multiple discrete energy levels.

PMID- 28082732
TI  - Electrocardiograms: diagnostic problems and clinical interpretations.

PMID- 28082733
TI  - A Case of Chronic Total Occlusion of the Left Anterior Descending Artery
      Successfully Treated with Side Branch Technique Using the Soutenir CV.
AB  - BACKGROUND Success rates for treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO) have
      dramatically improved in recent years with the development of new CTO guidewires
      and development of new techniques such as the retrograde approach. In the
      antegrade approach, a guidewire is occasionally passed through a side branch
      despite successful wire crossing of the CTO lesion. In order to pass a wire
      through the main artery, there are a few side branch techniques such as a reverse
      wire technique. CASE REPORT A 54-year-old man with symptoms of heart failure was
      admitted to our hospital. Coronary angiography showed CTO of the proximal left
      anterior descending artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention with an antegrade
      approach was started. We succeeded in passing the wire through a side branch but
      not the main artery. Unfortunately, a reverse wire technique failed in this case.
      Next, the wire passed through a side branch was exchanged with the Soutenir CV,
      and a retrograde approach was started. The wire crossing from retrograde was
      entwined around the Soutenir CV. After that, the retrograde wire was snared and
      guided to the antegrade guiding catheter, which resulted in successful wiring
      into the main artery easily. CONCLUSIONS The side branch technique using the
      Soutenir CV may be an effective strategy in some cases.

PMID- 28082734
TI  - Environmental Enrichment Improves Spatial Learning and Memory in Vascular
      Dementia Rats with Activation of Wnt/beta-Catenin Signal Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND Environmental enrichment (EE) has a beneficial effect on some
      neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether
      environmental enrichment could improve the spatial learning and memory in rats
      with vascular dementia (VaD) and the mechanism underpinning it. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS Bilateral common carotid occlusion (2-vessel occlusion [2VO]) was used to
      develop the animal model of vascular dementia. Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD)
      rats were used in the experiment and were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham
      group, 2VO group, sham+EE group, and 2VO+EE group (n=19/group). The 2VO group and
      2VO+EE group underwent bilateral common carotid occlusion. Two different housing
      conditions were used in this experiment: standard environment (SE) and enriched
      environment (EE). Rats in the sham group and 2VO group were put into SE cages for
      4 weeks, while rats in the sham+EE group and 2VO+EE group were put in EE cages
      for 4 weeks. The Morris water maze and Y-maze were used to assess spatial
      learning and memory. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL. The damage of neurons in
      the hippocampus was assessed by Nissl staining. The level of wnt pathway proteins
      were detected by Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the 2VO group, the rats in
      the 2VO+EE group had better behavioral performance, fewer apoptotic neurons, and
      more surviving neurons. Western blot analysis showed that the levels of wnt
      pathway proteins were higher in 2VO+EE rats than in the 2VO group. CONCLUSIONS
      Environmental enrichment can improve the spatial learning and memory in rats with
      vascular dementia, and the mechanism may be related to activation of the wnt/beta
      catenin signal pathway.

PMID- 28082735
TI  - Hydrogenation of iron in the early stage of Earth's evolution.
AB  - Density of the Earth's core is lower than that of pure iron and the light
      element(s) in the core is a long-standing problem. Hydrogen is the most abundant
      element in the solar system and thus one of the important candidates. However,
      the dissolution process of hydrogen into iron remained unclear. Here we carry out
      high-pressure and high-temperature in situ neutron diffraction experiments and
      clarify that when the mixture of iron and hydrous minerals are heated, iron is
      hydrogenized soon after the hydrous mineral is dehydrated. This implies that
      early in the Earth's evolution, as the accumulated primordial material became
      hotter, the dissolution of hydrogen into iron occurred before any other materials
      melted. This suggests that hydrogen is likely the first light element dissolved
      into iron during the Earth's evolution and it may affect the behaviour of the
      other light elements in the later processes.

PMID- 28082736
TI  - Expeditious diastereoselective synthesis of elaborated ketones via remote Csp3-H
      functionalization.
AB  - The quest for selective C-H functionalization reactions, able to provide new
      strategic opportunities for the rapid assembly of molecular complexity,
      represents a major focus of the chemical community. Examples of non-directed,
      remote Csp3-H activation to forge complex carbon frameworks remain scarce due to
      the kinetic stability and thus intrinsic challenge associated to the chemo-,
      regio- and stereoselective functionalization of aliphatic C-H bonds. Here we
      describe a radical-mediated, directing-group-free regioselective 1,5-hydrogen
      transfer of unactivated Csp3-H bonds followed by a second Csp2-H
      functionalization to produce, with exquisite stereoselectivity, a variety of
      elaborated fused ketones. This study demonstrates that aliphatic acids can be
      strategically harnessed as 1,2-diradical synthons and that secondary aliphatic C
      H bonds can be engaged in stereoselective C-C bond-forming reactions,
      highlighting the potential of this protocol for target-oriented natural product
      and pharmaceutical synthesis.

PMID- 28082737
TI  - Phosphoproteomic analysis reveals hyperactivation of mTOR/STAT3 and
      LCK/Calcineurin axes in pediatric early T-cell precursor ALL.

PMID- 28082738
TI  - Heterogeneity in mantle carbon content from CO2-undersaturated basalts.
AB  - The amount of carbon present in Earth's mantle affects the dynamics of melting,
      volcanic eruption style and the evolution of Earth's atmosphere via planetary
      outgassing. Mantle carbon concentrations are difficult to quantify because most
      magmas are strongly degassed upon eruption. Here we report undegassed carbon
      concentrations from a new set of olivine-hosted melt inclusions from the Mid
      Atlantic Ridge. We use the correlations of CO2 with trace elements to define an
      average carbon abundance for the upper mantle. Our results indicate that the
      upper mantle carbon content is highly heterogeneous, varying by almost two orders
      of magnitude globally, with the potential to produce large geographic variations
      in melt fraction below the volatile-free solidus. Such heterogeneity will
      manifest as variations in the depths at which melt becomes interconnected and
      detectable, the CO2 fluxes at mid-ocean ridges, the depth of the lithosphere
      asthenosphere boundary, and mantle conductivity.

PMID- 28082739
TI  - Resilient cooperators stabilize long-run cooperation in the finitely repeated
      Prisoner's Dilemma.
AB  - Learning in finitely repeated games of cooperation remains poorly understood in
      part because their dynamics play out over a timescale exceeding that of
      traditional lab experiments. Here, we report results of a virtual lab experiment
      in which 94 subjects play up to 400 ten-round games of Prisoner's Dilemma over
      the course of twenty consecutive weekdays. Consistent with previous work, the
      typical round of first defection moves earlier for several days; however, this
      unravelling process stabilizes after roughly one week. Analysing individual
      strategies, we find that approximately 40% of players behave as resilient
      cooperators who avoid unravelling even at significant cost to themselves.
      Finally, using a standard learning model we predict that a sufficiently large
      minority of resilient cooperators can permanently stabilize unravelling among a
      majority of rational players. These results shed hopeful light on the long-term
      dynamics of cooperation, and demonstrate the importance of long-run experiments.

PMID- 28082740
TI  - Epigenetic regulation and chromatin remodeling in learning and memory.
AB  - Understanding the underlying mechanisms of memory formation and maintenance has
      been a major goal in the field of neuroscience. Memory formation and maintenance
      are tightly controlled complex processes. Among the various processes occurring
      at different levels, gene expression regulation is especially crucial for proper
      memory processing, as some genes need to be activated while some genes must be
      suppressed. Epigenetic regulation of the genome involves processes such as DNA
      methylation and histone post-translational modifications. These processes edit
      genomic properties or the interactions between the genome and histone cores. They
      then induce structural changes in the chromatin and lead to transcriptional
      changes of different genes. Recent studies have focused on the concept of
      chromatin remodeling, which consists of 3D structural changes in chromatin in
      relation to gene regulation, and is an important process in learning and memory.
      In this review, we will introduce three major epigenetic processes involved in
      memory regulation: DNA methylation, histone methylation and histone acetylation.
      We will also discuss general mechanisms of long-term memory storage and relate
      the epigenetic control of learning and memory to chromatin remodeling. Finally,
      we will discuss how epigenetic mechanisms can contribute to the pathologies of
      neurological disorders and cause memory-related symptoms.

PMID- 28082741
TI  - Bioinformatic identification of prognostic signature defined by copy number
      alteration and expression of CCNE1 in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
AB  - Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients frequently fail to respond to
      treatment and experience disease progression because of their clinical and
      biological diversity. In this study, we identify a prognostic molecular signature
      for predicting the heterogeneity of NMIBC by using an integrative analysis of
      copy number and gene expression data. We analyzed the copy number and gene
      expression profiles of 404 patients with bladder cancer obtained from The Cancer
      Genome Atlas (TCGA) consortium. Of the 14 molecules with significant copy number
      alterations that were previously reported, 13 were significantly correlated with
      copy number and expression changes. Prognostic gene sets based on the 13 genes
      were developed, and their prognostic values were verified in three independent
      patient cohorts (n=501). Among them, a signature of CCNE1 and its coexpressed
      genes was significantly associated with disease progression and validated in the
      independent cohorts. The CCNE1 signature was an independent risk factor based on
      the result of a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio=6.849, 95% confidence
      interval=1.613-29.092, P=0.009). Finally, gene network and upstream regulator
      analyses revealed that NMIBC progression is potentially mediated by CCND1-CCNE1
      SP1 pathways. The prognostic molecular signature defined by copy number and
      expression changes of CCNE1 suggests a novel diagnostic tool for predicting the
      likelihood of NMIBC progression.

PMID- 28082742
TI  - Gene-metabolite network analysis in different nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      phenotypes.
AB  - We sought to identify common key regulators and build a gene-metabolite network
      in different nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) phenotypes. We used a high
      fat diet (HFD), a methionine-choline-deficient diet (MCDD) and streptozocin (STZ)
      to establish nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
      and NAFL+type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rat models, respectively.
      Transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses were performed in rat livers and serum.
      A functional network-based regulation model was constructed using Cytoscape with
      information derived from transcriptomics and metabolomics. The results revealed
      that 96 genes, 17 liver metabolites and 4 serum metabolites consistently changed
      in different NAFLD phenotypes (>2-fold, P<0.05). Gene-metabolite network analysis
      identified ccl2 and jun as hubs with the largest connections to other genes,
      which were mainly involved in tumor necrosis factor, P53, nuclear factor-kappa B,
      chemokine, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor and Toll-like receptor
      signaling pathways. The specifically regulated genes and metabolites in different
      NAFLD phenotypes constructed their own networks, which were mainly involved in
      the lipid and fatty acid metabolism in HFD models, the inflammatory and immune
      response in MCDD models, and the AMPK signaling pathway and response to insulin
      in HFD+STZ models. Our study identified networks showing the general and specific
      characteristics in different NAFLD phenotypes, complementing the genetic and
      metabolic features in NAFLD with hepatic and extra-hepatic manifestations.

PMID- 28082744
TI  - Strategies for delivering value from digital technology transformation.

PMID- 28082745
TI  - The SCCHN drug market.

PMID- 28082743
TI  - Adipose stem cell-derived nanovesicles inhibit emphysema primarily via an FGF2
      dependent pathway.
AB  - Cell therapy using stem cells has produced therapeutic benefits in animal models
      of COPD. Secretory mediators are proposed as one mechanism for stem cell effects
      because very few stem cells engraft after injection into recipient animals.
      Recently, nanovesicles that overcome the disadvantages of natural exosomes have
      been generated artificially from cells. We generated artificial nanovesicles from
      adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) using sequential penetration through
      polycarbonate membranes. ASC-derived artificial nanovesicles displayed a 100 nm
      sized spherical shape similar to ASC-derived natural exosomes and expressed both
      exosomal and stem cell markers. The proliferation rate of lung epithelial cells
      was increased in cells treated with ASC-derived artificial nanovesicles compared
      with cells treated with ASC-derived natural exosomes. The lower dose of ASC
      derived artificial nanovesicles had similar regenerative capacity compared with a
      higher dose of ASCs and ASC-derived natural exosomes. In addition, FGF2 levels in
      the lungs of mice treated with ASC-derived artificial nanovesicles were
      increased. The uptake of ASC-derived artificial nanovesicles was inhibited by
      heparin, which is a competitive inhibitor of heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is
      associated with FGF2 signaling. Taken together, the data indicate that lower
      doses of ASC-derived artificial nanovesicles may have beneficial effects similar
      to higher doses of ASCs or ASC-derived natural exosomes in an animal model with
      emphysema, suggesting that artificial nanovesicles may have economic advantages
      that warrant future clinical studies.

PMID- 28082746
TI  - Signature of type-II Weyl semimetal phase in MoTe2.
AB  - Topological Weyl semimetal (TWS), a new state of quantum matter, has sparked
      enormous research interest recently. Possessing unique Weyl fermions in the bulk
      and Fermi arcs on the surface, TWSs offer a rare platform for realizing many
      exotic physical phenomena. TWSs can be classified into type-I that respect
      Lorentz symmetry and type-II that do not. Here, we directly visualize the
      electronic structure of MoTe2, a recently proposed type-II TWS. Using angle
      resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we unravel the unique surface Fermi
      arcs, in good agreement with our ab initio calculations that have nontrivial
      topological nature. Our work not only leads to new understandings of the unusual
      properties discovered in this family of compounds, but also allows for the
      further exploration of exotic properties and practical applications of type-II
      TWSs, as well as the interplay between superconductivity (MoTe2 was discovered to
      be superconducting recently) and their topological order.

PMID- 28082748
TI  - Correction to 117th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Colleges of
      Pharmacy, Anaheim, California, July 23-27, 2016.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.5688/ajpe805S2.].

PMID- 28082749
TI  - Parenthood and Happiness: Effects of Work-Family Reconciliation Policies in 22
      OECD Countries.
AB  - The recent proliferation of studies examining cross-national variation in the
      association between parenthood and happiness reveal accumulating evidence of
      lower levels of happiness among parents than nonparents in most advanced
      industrialized societies. Conceptualizing parenting as a stressor buffered by
      institutional support, we hypothesize that parental status differences in
      happiness are smaller in countries providing more resources and support to
      families. Our analyses of the European Social Surveys (ESS) and International
      Social Survey Programme (ISSP) reveal considerable variation in the parenthood
      gap in happiness across countries, with the U.S. showing the largest disadvantage
      of parenthood. We also find that more generous family policies, particularly paid
      time off and childcare subsidies, are associated with smaller disparities in
      happiness between parents and non-parents. Moreover, the policies that augment
      parental happiness do not reduce the happiness of nonparents. Our results shed
      light on macro-level causes of emotional processes, with important implications
      for public policy.

PMID- 28082747
TI  - A RuBisCO-mediated carbon metabolic pathway in methanogenic archaea.
AB  - Two enzymes are considered to be unique to the photosynthetic Calvin-Benson
      cycle: ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), responsible for
      CO2 fixation, and phosphoribulokinase (PRK). Some archaea possess bona fide
      RuBisCOs, despite not being photosynthetic organisms, but are thought to lack
      PRK. Here we demonstrate the existence in methanogenic archaea of a carbon
      metabolic pathway involving RuBisCO and PRK, which we term 'reductive hexulose
      phosphate' (RHP) pathway. These archaea possess both RuBisCO and a catalytically
      active PRK whose crystal structure resembles that of photosynthetic bacterial
      PRK. Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometric analysis of metabolites reveals
      that the RHP pathway, which differs from the Calvin-Benson cycle only in a few
      steps, is active in vivo. Our work highlights evolutionary and functional links
      between RuBisCO-mediated carbon metabolic pathways in methanogenic archaea and
      photosynthetic organisms. Whether the RHP pathway allows for autotrophy (that is,
      growth exclusively with CO2 as carbon source) remains unknown.

PMID- 28082750
TI  - Equity Dynamics in the Perceived Fairness of Infant Care.
AB  - How is the perceived fairness of infant care affected by spouses' relative
      contributions to it as well as to other domains of their relationship?
      Longitudinal data on 178 couples expecting the birth of their first child were
      collected over a period spanning approximately the first year of the child's
      life. Overall, wives were more likely than husbands to see infant care as fair to
      the wife. Net of fathers' contributions to infant care, spouses were more likely
      to see infant care as fair to wives the more the father worked in paid labor and
      did housework and the more wives benefited in the sexual relationship. Fathers'
      contributions to infant care had a stronger effect on fairness when the child was
      a son. The findings are consistent with equity predictions, in that fathers'
      compensatory contributions to other domains of marriage counterbalance an unequal
      workload in the arena of family work.

PMID- 28082751
TI  - Local dispersal of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici from isolated source
      lesions.
AB  - Understanding how disease foci arise from single source lesions has not been well
      studied. Here, single wheat leaves were inoculated with Puccinia striiformis f.
      sp. tritici urediniospores, and all wheat leaves within two intersecting 0.3 *
      3.0 m transects were sampled in eight replicates over three years. The lesions
      observed on each of the top three leaves on plants within 1.5 m from the source
      lesion were three-dimensionally mapped. The total number of lesions within a 1.5
      m radius was estimated by dividing the number of lesions observed within each
      0.025 m-wide annulus by the fraction of the annulus sampled. The estimated total
      number of lesions produced within 1.5 m of a single source lesion ranged from 27
      to 776, with a mean of 288 lesions. Eighty percent of the lesions were recorded
      within 0.69 m of the source infection. The proportion of total lesions observed
      at a given distance from the source was fitted well by the Lomax and Weibull
      distributions, reflecting the large proportion of lesions arising close to the
      source, and when fitted to an inverse-power distribution had a slope (b) of 2.5.
      There were more lesions produced on leaves higher in the canopy than on lower
      leaves, with more lesions being detected above than below the point of
      inoculation. Simultaneous measurement of lesion gradients and spore dispersal in
      the final year of the study suggests that this pattern is due to greater
      susceptibility of upper leaves, rather than increased dispersal to upper leaves.

PMID- 28082752
TI  - Rural Agricultural Change and Individual Out-migration.

PMID- 28082753
TI  - PRODUCTION AND ECONOMIC OPTIMIZATION OF DIETARY PROTEIN AND CARBOHYDRATE IN THE
      CULTURE OF JUVENILE SEA URCHIN Lytechinus variegatus.
AB  - Juvenile Lytechinus variegatus (ca. 3.95+/- 0.54 g) were fed one of 10 formulated
      diets with different protein (ranging from 11- 43%) and carbohydrate (12 or 18%;
      brackets determined from previous studies) levels. Urchins (n= 16 per treatment)
      were fed a daily sub-satiation ration equivalent to 2.0% of average body weight
      for 10 weeks. Our objective was (1) to create predictive models of growth,
      production and efficiency outcomes and (2) to generate economic analysis models
      in relation to these dietary outcomes for juvenile L. variegatus held in culture.
      At dietary protein levels below ca. 30%, models for most growth and production
      outcomes predicted increased rates of growth and production among urchins fed
      diets containing 18% dietary carbohydrate levels as compared to urchins fed diets
      containing 12% dietary carbohydrate. For most outcomes, growth and production was
      predicted to increase with increasing level of dietary protein up to ca. 30%,
      after which, no further increase in growth and production were predicted.
      Likewise, dry matter production efficiency was predicted to increase with
      increasing protein level up to ca. 30%, with urchins fed diets with 18%
      carbohydrate exhibiting greater efficiency than those fed diets with 12%
      carbohydrate. The energetic cost of dry matter production was optimal at protein
      levels less than those required for maximal weight gain and gonad production,
      suggesting an increased energetic cost (decreased energy efficiency) is required
      to increase gonad production relative to somatic growth. Economic analysis models
      predict when cost of feed ingredients are low, the lowest cost per gram of wet
      weight gain will occur at 18% dietary carbohydrate and ca. 25- 30% dietary
      protein. In contrast, lowest cost per gram of wet weight gain will occur at 12%
      dietary carbohydrate and ca. 35- 40% dietary protein when feed ingredient costs
      are high or average. For both 18 and 12% levels of dietary carbohydrate, cost per
      gram of wet weight gain is predicted to be maximized at low dietary protein
      levels, regardless of feed ingredient costs. These models will compare dietary
      requirements and growth outcomes in relation to economic costs and provide
      insight for future commercialization of sea urchin aquaculture.

PMID- 28082754
TI  - Race, Adolescent Binge Drinking, and the Context of Neighborhood Exposure.
AB  - Drawing on theories of social structure and normative exposure, we examine how
      the neighborhood context of socioeconomic advantage and racial composition
      affects race/ethnic differences in youth binge drinking. Using data from Waves 1
      and 2 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, logistic
      regressions reveal significant racial differences, with whites having higher odds
      of binge drinking than other groups. We also find that neighborhood advantage and
      racial composition have moderating effects on binge drinking; black youths' odds
      of binge drinking are significantly lower than whites' odds in highly advantaged
      neighborhoods, and Hispanics living in racially integrated neighborhoods have
      significantly lower odds of binge drinking than Hispanics living in white
      neighborhoods.

PMID- 28082755
TI  - The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy of Adolescent Social Expectations.
AB  - Adolescents' negative social expectations of their peers were examined as long
      term predictors of problematic self-reported social functioning. Early adolescent
      negative expectations were hypothesized to predict risk-averse functioning in
      late adolescence that would ultimately contribute to confirmation of those
      expectations. Utilizing observational data and friend- and self-reports from a
      community sample of 184 adolescents followed from ages 13 to 25, adolescents with
      more negative expectations were found to have become increasingly submissive with
      friends over time and were rated as less romantically appealing by late
      adolescence (after controlling for baseline levels of these variables, baseline
      friend-rated social competence and self-reported depressive symptoms). In turn,
      submissiveness and romantic appeal predicted problematic self-reported social
      functioning well into adulthood and mediated the relationship between adolescent
      negative expectations and problematic self-reported adult social functioning.
      These findings support the possibility of a self-fulfilling social process
      unfolding from early adolescence to adulthood.

PMID- 28082756
TI  - Executive Function as a Mediator Between SES and Academic Achievement Throughout
      Childhood.
AB  - Childhood socioeconomic status (SES), as measured by parental education and
      family income, is highly predictive of academic achievement, but little is known
      about how specific cognitive systems shape SES disparities in achievement
      outcomes. This study investigated the extent to which executive function (EF)
      mediated associations between parental education and family income and changes in
      reading and math achievement in a sample of 336 children between the ages of 6
      and 15 years from the NIH MRI Study of Normal Brain Development. Verbal memory
      was simultaneously modeled as a comparison candidate mediator. SES predicted
      significant changes in reading and math achievement over a two-year time period.
      Furthermore, executive function, but not verbal memory, was found to partially
      mediate the relationship between SES variables and change in math achievement.
      Collectively, these results suggest that executive function may be an important
      link between childhood SES and academic achievement.

PMID- 28082757
TI  - Diversity and taxonomy of Chaetomium and chaetomium-like fungi from indoor
      environments.
AB  - During a study of indoor fungi, 145 isolates belonging to Chaetomiaceae were
      cultured from air, swab and dust samples from 19 countries. Based on the
      phylogenetic analyses of DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second largest subunit
      (rpb2), beta-tubulin (tub2), ITS and 28S large subunit (LSU) nrDNA sequences,
      together with morphological comparisons with related genera and species, 30
      indoor taxa are recognised, of which 22 represent known species, seven are
      described as new, and one remains to be identified to species level. In our
      collection, 69 % of the indoor isolates with six species cluster with members of
      the Chaetomium globosum species complex, representing Chaetomium sensu stricto.
      The other indoor species fall into nine lineages that are separated from each
      other with several known chaetomiaceous genera occurring among them. No generic
      names are available for five of those lineages, and the following new genera are
      introduced here: Amesia with three indoor species, Arcopilus with one indoor
      species, Collariella with four indoor species, Dichotomopilus with seven indoor
      species and Ovatospora with two indoor species. The generic concept of
      Botryotrichum is expanded to include Emilmuelleria and the chaetomium-like
      species B. muromum (= Ch. murorum) in which two indoor species are included. The
      generic concept of Subramaniula is expanded to include several chaetomium-like
      taxa as well as one indoor species. Humicola is recognised as a distinct genus
      including two indoor taxa. According to this study, Ch. globosum is the most
      abundant Chaetomiaceae indoor species (74/145), followed by Ch. cochliodes
      (17/145), Ch. elatum (6/145) and B. piluliferum (5/145). The morphological
      diversity of indoor Chaetomiaceae as well as the morphological characteristics of
      the new genera are described and illustrated. This taxonomic study redefines the
      generic concept of Chaetomium and provides new insight into the phylogenetic
      relationships among different genera within Chaetomiaceae.

PMID- 28082759
TI  - The forgotten Calonectria collection: Pouring old wine into new bags.
AB  - The genus Calonectria with its Cylindrocladium asexual morphs has been subject to
      several taxonomic revisions in the past. These have resulted in the recognition
      of 116 species, of which all but two species (C. hederae and C. pyrochroa) are
      supported by ex-type cultures and supplemented with DNA barcodes. The present
      study is based on a large collection of unidentified Calonectria isolates that
      have been collected over a period of 20 years from various substrates worldwide,
      which has remained unstudied in the basement of the CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity
      Centre. Employing a polyphasic approach, the identities of these isolates were
      resolved and shown to represent many new phylogenetic species. Of these, 24 are
      newly described, while C. uniseptata is reinstated at species level. We now
      recognise 141 species that include some of the most important plant pathogens
      globally.

PMID- 28082761
TI  - Marital Adjustment and Psychological Distress in Japan.
AB  - This study was conducted to examine the association between marital adjustment
      and psychological distress in a large, probability sample of married adults in
      Japan (N = 710) from the Midlife Development in Japan (MIDJA) study. Results
      indicate that positive and negative dimensions of marital adjustment were
      significantly associated with dimensional and categorical measures of
      psychological distress. Furthermore, the associations between marital adjustment
      and psychological distress remained significant when statistically controlling
      for neuroticism, quality of friend and family relationships, and demographic
      variables. These results demonstrate that the well-established association
      between marital adjustment and psychological distress found in European-American
      countries is also found in Japan. Findings support continued research on marital
      functioning and psychological distress in East Asian countries.

PMID- 28082760
TI  - Aspergillus is monophyletic: Evidence from multiple gene phylogenies and
      extrolites profiles.
AB  - Aspergillus is one of the economically most important fungal genera. Recently,
      the ICN adopted the single name nomenclature which has forced mycologists to
      choose one name for fungi (e.g. Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, etc.).
      Previously two proposals for the single name nomenclature in Aspergillus were
      presented: one attributes the name "Aspergillus" to clades comprising seven
      different teleomorphic names, by supporting the monophyly of this genus; the
      other proposes that Aspergillus is a non-monophyletic genus, by preserving the
      Aspergillus name only to species belonging to subgenus Circumdati and maintaining
      the sexual names in the other clades. The aim of our study was to test the
      monophyly of Aspergilli by two independent phylogenetic analyses using a
      multilocus phylogenetic approach. One test was run on the publicly available
      coding regions of six genes (RPB1, RPB2, Tsr1, Cct8, BenA, CaM), using 96 species
      of Penicillium, Aspergillus and related taxa. Bayesian (MrBayes) and Ultrafast
      Maximum Likelihood (IQ-Tree) and Rapid Maximum Likelihood (RaxML) analyses gave
      the same conclusion highly supporting the monophyly of Aspergillus. The other
      analyses were also performed by using publicly available data of the coding
      sequences of nine loci (18S rRNA, 5,8S rRNA, 28S rRNA (D1-D2), RPB1, RPB2, CaM,
      BenA, Tsr1, Cct8) of 204 different species. Both Bayesian (MrBayes) and Maximum
      Likelihood (RAxML) trees obtained by this second round of independent analyses
      strongly supported the monophyly of the genus Aspergillus. The stability test
      also confirmed the robustness of the results obtained. In conclusion, statistical
      analyses have rejected the hypothesis that the Aspergilli are non-monophyletic,
      and provided robust arguments that the genus is monophyletic and clearly
      separated from the monophyletic genus Penicillium. There is no phylogenetic
      evidence to split Aspergillus into several genera and the name Aspergillus can be
      used for all the species belonging to Aspergillus i.e. the clade comprising the
      subgenera Aspergillus, Circumdati, Fumigati, Nidulantes, section Cremei and
      certain species which were formerly part of the genera Phialosimplex and
      Polypaecilum. Section Cremei and the clade containing Polypaecilum and
      Phialosimplex are proposed as new subgenera of Aspergillus. The phylogenetic
      analysis also clearly shows that Aspergillus clavatoflavus and A. zonatus do not
      belong to the genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus clavatoflavus is therefore
      transferred to a new genus Aspergillago as Aspergillago clavatoflavus and A.
      zonatus was transferred to Penicilliopsis as P. zonata. The subgenera of
      Aspergillus share similar extrolite profiles indicating that the genus is one
      large genus from a chemotaxonomical point of view. Morphological and
      ecophysiological characteristics of the species also strongly indicate that
      Aspergillus is a polythetic class in phenotypic characters.

PMID- 28082762
TI  - Lognormal Distributions and Geometric Averages of Symmetric Positive Definite
      Matrices.
AB  - This article gives a formal definition of a lognormal family of probability
      distributions on the set of symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices, seen as a
      matrix-variate extension of the univariate lognormal family of distributions. Two
      forms of this distribution are obtained as the large sample limiting distribution
      via the central limit theorem of two types of geometric averages of i.i.d. SPD
      matrices: the log-Euclidean average and the canonical geometric average. These
      averages correspond to two different geometries imposed on the set of SPD
      matrices. The limiting distributions of these averages are used to provide large
      sample confidence regions and two-sample tests for the corresponding population
      means. The methods are illustrated on a voxelwise analysis of diffusion tensor
      imaging data, permitting a comparison between the various average types from the
      point of view of their sampling variability.

PMID- 28082763
TI  - Trophic ecology of introduced populations of Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis)
      in the Cook Inlet Basin, Alaska.
AB  - Introduced non-native fishes have the potential to substantially alter aquatic
      ecology in the introduced range through competition and predation. The Alaska
      blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) is a freshwater fish endemic to Chukotka and Alaska
      north of the Alaska Range (Beringia); the species was introduced outside of its
      native range to the Cook Inlet Basin of Alaska in the 1950s, where it has since
      become widespread. Here we characterize the diet of Alaska blackfish at three
      Cook Inlet Basin sites, including a lake, a stream, and a wetland. We analyze
      stomach plus esophageal contents to assess potential impacts on native species
      via competition or predation. Alaska blackfish in the Cook Inlet Basin consume a
      wide range of prey, with major prey consisting of epiphytic/benthic dipteran
      larvae, gastropods, and ostracods. Diets of the introduced populations of Alaska
      blackfish are similar in composition to those of native juvenile salmonids and
      stickleback. Thus, Alaska blackfish may affect native fish populations via
      competition. Fish ranked third in prey importance for both lake and stream
      blackfish diets but were of minor importance for wetland blackfish.

PMID- 28082758
TI  - The good, the bad and the tasty: The many roles of mushrooms.
AB  - Fungi are often inconspicuous in nature and this means it is all too easy to
      overlook their importance. Often referred to as the "Forgotten Kingdom", fungi
      are key components of life on this planet. The phylum Basidiomycota, considered
      to contain the most complex and evolutionarily advanced members of this Kingdom,
      includes some of the most iconic fungal species such as the gilled mushrooms,
      puffballs and bracket fungi. Basidiomycetes inhabit a wide range of ecological
      niches, carrying out vital ecosystem roles, particularly in carbon cycling and as
      symbiotic partners with a range of other organisms. Specifically in the context
      of human use, the basidiomycetes are a highly valuable food source and are
      increasingly medicinally important. In this review, seven main categories, or
      'roles', for basidiomycetes have been suggested by the authors: as model species,
      edible species, toxic species, medicinal basidiomycetes, symbionts, decomposers
      and pathogens, and two species have been chosen as representatives of each
      category. Although this is in no way an exhaustive discussion of the importance
      of basidiomycetes, this review aims to give a broad overview of the importance of
      these organisms, exploring the various ways they can be exploited to the benefit
      of human society.

PMID- 28082764
TI  - Learning metathesis: Evidence for syllable structure constraints.
AB  - One of the major questions in the cognitive science of language is whether the
      perceptual and phonological motivations for the rules and patterns that govern
      the sounds of language are a part of the psychological reality of grammatical
      representations. This question is particularly important in the study of
      phonological patterns - systematic constraints on the representation of sounds,
      because phonological patterns tend to be grounded in phonetic constraints. This
      paper focuses on phonological metathesis, which occurs when two adjacent sounds
      switch positions (e.g., cast pronounced as cats ). While many cases of
      phonological metathesis appear to be motivated by constraints on syllable
      structure, it is possible that these metathesis patterns are merely artifacts of
      historical change, and do not represent the linguistic knowledge of the speaker
      (Blevins & Garrett, 1998). Participants who were exposed to a metathesis pattern
      that can be explained in terms of structural or perceptual improvement were less
      likely to generalize to metathesis patterns that did not show the same
      improvements. These results support a substantively biased theory in which
      phonological patterns are encoded in terms of structurally motivated constraints.

PMID- 28082765
TI  - Individual differences in the bilingual brain: The role of language background
      and DRD2 genotype in verbal and non-verbal cognitive control.
AB  - Bilingual language control may involve cognitive control, including inhibition
      and switching. These types of control have been previously associated with neural
      activity in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the anterior cingulate cortex
      (ACC). In previous studies, the DRD2 gene, related to dopamine availability in
      the striatum, has been found to play a role in neural activity during cognitive
      control tasks, with carriers of the gene's A1 allele showing different patterns
      of activity in inferior frontal regions during cognitive control tasks than non
      carriers. The current study sought to extend these findings to the domain of
      bilingual language control. Forty-nine Spanish-English bilinguals participated in
      this study by providing DNA samples through saliva, completing background
      questionnaires, and performing a language production task (picture-naming), a non
      verbal inhibition task (Simon task), and a non-verbal switching task (shape-color
      task) in the fMRI scanner. The fMRI data were analyzed to determine whether
      variation in the genetic background or bilingual language background predicts
      neural activity in the IFG and ACC during these three tasks. Results indicate
      that genetic and language background variables predicted neural activity in the
      IFG during English picture naming. Variation in only the genetic background
      predicted neural activity in the ACC during the shape-color switching task;
      variation in only the language background predicted neural activity in the ACC
      and IFG during the Simon task. These results suggest that variation in the DRD2
      gene should not be ignored when drawing conclusions about bilingual verbal and
      non-verbal cognitive control.

PMID- 28082767
TI  - Presidential Address at 42nd Annual Conference of the Indian Association of
      Pediatric Surgeons (IAPSCON 2016) Agra September 29-October 2, 2016.

PMID- 28082766
TI  - Vestibular Migraine: Clinical Challenges and Opportunities for
      Multidisciplinarity.
AB  - Migraine and vertigo are two very prevalent conditions in general population. The
      coexistence of both in the same subject is a significant clinical challenge,
      since it is not always possible to understand whether they are causally related
      or associated by chance, requiring different diagnostic and therapeutic
      approaches. In this review we analyze and summarize the actual knowledge about
      vestibular migraine (VM), focusing on the new concepts proposed by the
      International Classification of Headache Disorders 3-beta and by the Barany
      Society and also addressing the former concepts, which are still present in
      clinical practice. We conclude that clinical studies using a multidisciplinary
      approach are crucial in this field, since different specialists observe the same
      pathology with different eyes. Clinical presentation of VM is variable in what
      concerns vestibular symptoms temporal relation with migraine headache, as well as
      in their accompanying manifestations. Biomarkers, either genomics or functional,
      and molecular imaging techniques will be helpful to clarify many aspects of the
      complexity of this entity, helping to define to what extent can VM be considered
      a separate and independent clinical entity.

PMID- 28082768
TI  - Association of Levels of Serum Inhibin B and Follicle-stimulating Hormone with
      Testicular Vascularity, Volume, and Echotexture in Children with Undescended
      Testes.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of our study was to assess the association between reproductive
      hormones (inhibin B [inh B], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]) with testicular
      volume, echogenicity, and blood flow (resistive index [RI]) in children with
      undescended testis (UDT). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective study of 1
      year study duration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 patients (16 unilateral
      and 17 bilateral) UDTs aged 5-12 years with palpable UDT were included in the
      study. Morning fasting blood samples were taken for estimation of serum inh B and
      FSH as well as inh B/FSH ratio. Testicular ultrasound was done to compute
      testicular volume, testicular echogenicity, and testicular vascularity in terms
      of RI. RESULTS: The mean age of patients enrolled in the study was 8.29 years for
      unilateral UDT and 7.97 years in bilateral UDT and it was comparable. The study
      groups were further subdivided into two age-wise subgroups school goers (5-8
      years) and prepubertal (9-12 years). The values of inh B, FSH, and inh B/FSH
      ratios as well as mean testicular volume were comparable between both groups and
      subgroups. Overall mean testicular volume had a positive correlation with FSH,
      inh B, and inh B/FSH, but statistical significance was reached only for inh B (P
      < 0.001) in children with both unilateral and bilateral UDT. Apart from five
      patients with hypoechogenicity within the testis, all remaining testes were of
      homogenous echotexture with no instances of irregular echogenicity or tumor.
      Children with RI >0.6 were separately studied. The incidence of high RI (>0.6)
      was also comparable in unilateral or bilateral disease. These subjects had
      unfavorable biochemical parameters in terms of low inh B levels and high FSH
      levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings hint to the fact that palpable UDT forms a
      homogenous group, whether unilateral or bilateral, whereas impalpable testes may
      form a separate category and need further studies to substantiate this
      hypothesis.

PMID- 28082769
TI  - Pediatric Penile and Glans Anthropometry Nomograms: An Aid in Hypospadias
      Management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish pediatric penile and glans anthropometry nomograms. This
      may be used as a reference model for penile assessment while managing
      hypospadias. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2012 and September 2013, 263
      boys of varying ages (0-16 years) were included in the study. Those with genetic,
      endocrine disorders, having genital anomaly, undescended testis, neonates, and
      infants with a nonretractile prepuce, with multiple congenital anomalies and
      refusal to take part in the study were excluded. Evaluated outcome variables were
      stretched penile length, glans circumference (GC) at coronal sulcus, glans
      diameter at coronal sulcus (Gdcl), mid glans diameter, and ventral glans length.
      Glans ratios were generated by dividing Gdcl by GC. Data were expressed as mean,
      median, and standard deviation. Correlation between age and variables was
      evaluated using nonparametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS:
      The patients were divided in six age groups, namely 0-1 (n = 61), 1-3 (n = 37), 3
      5 (n = 36), 5-7 (n = 36), 7-12 (n = 45), and >12 years (n = 48). Gdcl was the
      maximum transverse glans diameter and based on it small glans size varied widely
      from 8.9 to 35.04 mm for various age groups. Although glans anthropometry showed
      age-related changes, glans ratio remained relatively constant between 0.49 and
      0.53 (mean: 0.5 +/- 0.051, r = 0.29). All the variables except glans ratio showed
      a significant positive correlation with age (r = 0.954-0.98, P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: Penile anthropometry nomograms provide a reference model for
      hypospadias. This may aid in (a) objective preoperative assessment of glans size
      (b) patient selection for preoperative hormonal stimulation (c) provides a
      yardstick for postoperative cosmesis.

PMID- 28082770
TI  - Assessment of Nutritional Status of Patients of Congenital Pouch Colon Following
      Definitive Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the nutritional status in 31 patients of congenital pouch
      colon (CPC) who had undergone definitive surgery and closure of a protective
      stoma, if any, at least 1 year earlier and were below 14 years age. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The clinical history, demographic details, anthropometric measurements,
      and results of hematological and biochemical tests were recorded. In addition to
      collective data, analysis was also performed after grouping by age, subtype of
      CPC (Types I/II and Types III/IV CPC), and in Types I/II CPC patients, by whether
      the colonic pouch had been completely excised or else a segment preserved by
      tubular colorraphy (TC). RESULTS: Severe fecal incontinence (FI) was common
      (64.52%). Anthropometry showed a significant malnutrition in 53.85-95.45%
      patients, especially stunting which was most prevalent in the 0-5 years age
      group. Serum Vitamin B12, folate, and Vitamin D were lower than normal in 38.71%,
      22.58%, and 74.19% patients, respectively, without statistically significant
      difference among the various groups studied. Patients with Types I/II CPC had a
      statistically significant higher incidence of anemia, low serum ferritin, and
      severe FI than patients with Types III/IV CPC. Patients with Types I/II CPC,
      managed by excision of the colonic pouch, had a higher incidence of severe FI,
      wasting, and thinness than those undergoing TC. CONCLUSIONS: On follow-up of the
      patients of CPC, anthropometry shows a high incidence of malnutrition, especially
      stunting in the 0-5 years age-group. There is an adequate adaptation of fluid
      electrolyte homeostasis. Although Types I/II CPC patients have a significantly
      higher incidence of anemia and severe FI than Types III/IV CPC patients, long
      term anthropometric parameters are similar. In Types I/II CPC, preservation of
      the colonic pouch by TC offers long-term benefit.

PMID- 28082771
TI  - Quality of Life of Indian Pediatric Surgeons: Results of a Survey (of Indian
      Association of Pediatric Surgeons Members).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Much is debated on the quality of life of pediatric surgeons
      practicing in India, all based on anecdotal and personal experiences. There is no
      systematic study on this. This study addresses this and attempts to glean a
      clearer picture of the life as a pediatric surgeon in India. METHODOLOGY: This
      questionnaire-based study was administered via an online survey to all Indian
      Association of Pediatric Surgeons members. The responses were anonymous and
      investigators blinded. Data were collated and analyzed using STAT11.1. RESULTS: A
      total of 173 pediatric surgeons responded. Eighty-six percent were men. About
      73.7% of the surgeons were between 31 and 50 years of age. Almost 63.4% practiced
      in urban areas, whereas 36% in other smaller towns. About 0.6% reported that
      their practice was rural. Almost 26.4% were in private/solo practices, whereas
      53.4% were in institution-based practice. Almost 80% felt that they were
      adequately trained while starting their practice. About 78% are professionally
      satisfied with their work. Only 44.5% of surgeons felt that they were compensated
      adequately financially. Reading was the favorite pass time. Almost 40% of the
      surgeons felt that they were either overweight or obese. About 41% of the
      surgeons exercise more than 3 times a week. Only 11.4% smoke, whereas 36% drink.
      Fifty-three percent of surgeons felt that their personal savings were adequate.
      Seventy-six percent use Facebook. Sixty-eight percent were satisfied with their
      quality of life. Age was significantly associated with professional satisfaction,
      financial satisfaction, and quality of life and all improve as one's age
      progresses. None were affected with one's gender, type of practice, and the place
      of practice. Age, weight, exercise, and one's savings significantly affected ones
      quality of life. CONCLUSION: This is the first study which objectively highlights
      that most surgeons are happy professionally and financially in due course of time
      and demolishes the common belief that pediatric surgeons are unsatisfied. It also
      acts as a point of reference and encouragement to newer aspirants in pediatric
      surgery.

PMID- 28082772
TI  - Progressive Perineal Urethroplasty for Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction
      Defect in Prepubertal Children: The Outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urethroplasty in pediatric patients is a challenging task. In this
      study, we have tried to assess the complexity and evaluate the outcome of
      progressive perineal anastomotic urethroplasty in prepubertal children. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Retrospective data of all the prepubertal children who underwent
      progressive perineal urethroplasty between March 2009 and April 2014 were
      analyzed. Patients were evaluated with history, examination, essential laboratory
      investigations, retrograde urethrogram, and voiding cystourethrogram. Before
      subjecting the patients for definitive surgery, antegrade and retrograde
      endoscopic assessment was done. The surgery was performed by the transperineal
      route with the help of *2.5 magnification. Patients were followed up with
      uroflowmetry for every 3 months in the 1st year and for every 6 months in the
      subsequent years. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 7.3 (range 5-11) years.
      Mean urethral distraction defect was 1.7 (range 1-2.5) cm. All the patients were
      successfully managed by the perineal approach. Crural separation was performed in
      all the patients while additional inferior pubectomy was required in six
      patients. Mean operating time was 298 (range 180-400) min. Mean blood loss was
      174 (range 100-500) ml. One patient had the left calf hematoma in the immediate
      postoperative period. Seven out of nine (77.7%) patients had successful
      urethroplasty. Two patients had failed urethroplasty who were successfully
      managed by redo-urethroplasty. Transient incontinence was observed in one
      patient. Erectile function could not be assessed in these patients. CONCLUSION:
      This study shows the feasibility of progressive perineal urethroplasty by the
      perineal route in prepubertal children. An endoscopic assessment should be
      performed before the definitive surgery. Use of loupe helps in performing better
      anastomosis and hence yielding a better result.

PMID- 28082773
TI  - Determination of Normal Anal Position Index Using a Modified Technique in Turkish
      Neonates.
AB  - AIM: This study was aimed to determine the normal position of the anus using the
      anal position index (API) in an attempt to develop a more sensitive method for
      measuring API. To investigate API in a wide range of neonates, both term and
      preterm infants were included in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: API
      was determined by measuring the anus-fourchette (FA) and anus-coccyx (AC)
      distance in female neonates and the anus-scrotum and AC distance in male
      neonates. API is defined as the ratio of the FA (scrotum) distance to the AC
      distance. A digital caliper was used for all measurements. The FA or scrotum and
      coccyx-fourchette or -scrotum distances were measured using digital calipers.
      RESULTS: A total of 267 neonates (females, 143; males 124) were included in this
      study. Of these, 36 were borderline premature infants (birth at 35-37 weeks
      gestation) and 231 were term infants (birth at 38-42 weeks gestation). The mean
      API was 1.06 +/- 0.04 in female and 0.90 +/- 0.08 in male neonates. When
      premature infants were analyzed separately, the mean API was 1.12 +/- 0.08 in
      female and 0.99 +/- 0.09 in male neonates. No significant difference in API
      values was observed between term and preterm neonates (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      API values that differ from the previous studies were identified in the present
      study. We believe our modified method allows for more accurate measurements of
      the API in newborns. According to our method, the anus should be considered as
      anteriorly located if API is <1 in female and < 0.9 in male neonates. In
      addition, the present study is the first to measure API using digital calipers.
      Digital calipers were found to be convenient and are useful in determining the
      API with high accuracy (to within 0.01 cm).

PMID- 28082774
TI  - Epidemiology of Pediatric Trauma and its Pattern in Urban India: A Tertiary Care
      Hospital-Based Experience.
AB  - AIM: To assess the epidemiology, pattern, and outcome of trauma in pediatric
      population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1148 pediatric patients below 15
      years of age presenting in the emergency department of our hospital were studied
      over a period of 3 years. The patients were categorized into four age groups of
      <1 year, 1-5 years, 6-10 years, and 11-15 years. The data were compared regarding
      mode of trauma, type of injury, place of injury among different age groups and
      both sexes. RESULTS: The majority of the pediatric trauma cases were seen in
      males 69.86%, (n = 802) and females comprised only 30.13% (n = 346). Road traffic
      accident (RTA) was the most common mode of trauma in male children, i.e. 59.47%
      (n = 477) followed by fall injuries, i.e. 29.42% (n = 236). In females, fall was
      the most common mode of trauma, i.e. 52.31% (n = 181) followed by RTA (36.70%, n
      = 127). Fall injuries occurred mostly at homes. Among RTA, hit by vehicle on road
      while playing was most common followed by passenger accidents on two wheelers,
      followed by hit by vehicle while walking to school. Among fall, fall while
      playing at home was the most common. Out of total 1148 patients, 304 (26.48%)
      comprised the polytrauma cases (involvement of more than two organ systems),
      followed by abdominal/pelvic trauma (20.99%, n = 241), followed by head/face
      trauma (19.86%, n = 228). Out of total 1148 patients admitted over a period of 36
      months, 64 died (5.57%). 75 (6.5%) patients had some kind of residual deformity
      or disability. CONCLUSION: The high incidence of pediatric trauma on roads and
      falls indicate the need for more supervision during playing and identification of
      specific risk factors for these injuries in our setting. This study shows that
      these epidemiological parameters could be a useful tool to identify burden and
      research priorities for specific type of injuries. A comprehensive trauma
      registry in our set up seems to be important for formulating policies to reduce
      pediatric trauma burden.

PMID- 28082775
TI  - Male Gender Assignment of a Child with Aphallia and Associated Complex Urological
      Anomaly.
AB  - A 2-year-old male child presented to us with aphallia. At birth, he was passing
      urine from the anus and had undergone emergency colostomy and pyelostomy for
      urinary sepsis at 1 week of life. After a complete evaluation, the child
      underwent perineal urethrostomy and scrotal phalloplasty followed by buccal
      mucosal tube urethroplasty in the second stage, which was completed before the
      child started schooling.

PMID- 28082776
TI  - Protean Presentations of Parathyroid Adenoma in Childhood.
AB  - Parathyroid adenoma is a rare disease which is known to present with protean
      manifestations, leading to misdiagnosis in the initial stage of the disease. It
      is known to pose a diagnostic dilemma to the clinician, in which a high index of
      suspicion alone often leads to a proper diagnosis and timely management. We
      encountered two such cases who presented to us with varied presentation, in which
      nuclear scintigraphy along with intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay played a
      major role in diagnosis and management.

PMID- 28082777
TI  - Extensive Chest Wall Tissue Loss and its Management by Vertical Rectus Abdominis
      Myocutaneous Flap.
AB  - Extensive electric burn around the chest in children is rare and this type of
      injury always poses a great challenge for its management. A 12-year-old male
      child with extensive electric burn of the chest wall was admitted to hospital. It
      was a neglected case of 9 days old burn; the young boy was in critical condition
      having systemic features of toxemia with widespread necrosis of the skin,
      subcutaneous tissues, and muscles along with exposed bones (ribs and sternum)
      with the risk of impending rupture of pleura through the exposed intercostal
      spaces. After initial resuscitation, a thorough debridement of all necrotic
      tissues was done. Thereafter, a superiorly based vertical rectus abdominis
      myocutaneous flap was harvested to cover the exposed bones and intercostal
      spaces. The remaining raw areas were skin grafted. The child made an excellent
      recovery with good outcome.

PMID- 28082778
TI  - Tessier 30 Facial Cleft with Duplication of Tongue.
AB  - A case of midline cleft of the lower lip, mandible, and the neck with complete
      duplication of the tongue repaired at neonatal period is reported here. Median
      cleft of the lower lip, mandible, and bifid tongue with ankyloglossia is reported
      in the literature, but cleft of the neck with complete duplication of the tongue
      as a part of the Tessier 30 cleft is very rare. We could not find such report in
      the available English literature.

PMID- 28082779
TI  - Laparoscopic Treatment of Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: A Rare Cause of
      Chronic Severe Abdominal Pain.
AB  - Median arcuate ligament syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by chronic
      postprandial abdominal pain and weight loss caused by compression on celiac
      artery. A 17-year-old girl with chronic severe abdominal pain and weight loss was
      referred to our clinic. Other causes of chronic abdominal pain were investigated
      and excluded. The compression on celiac artery was detected on Doppler ultrasound
      and diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography angiography. The patient
      underwent laparoscopic release of median arcuate ligament. There were no
      intraoperative complications; however, partial pain response was observed
      postoperatively that necessitated para-spinal ganglion blockage. The patient is
      symptom-free in 1-year follow-up period.

PMID- 28082780
TI  - Intrauterine Arrow Injury.
AB  - Injury of a pregnant lady risks both mother and fetus. Various modes of injuries
      are possible. But arrow injury is not usually heard of in today's world. We have
      reported a male child delivered with a cut injury on the face. It was caused by a
      penetrating arrow hitting his mother in her lower abdomen at term. The injury of
      the baby was repaired successfully.

PMID- 28082781
TI  - Obstructive Jaundice Caused by Hepatic Torsion in an Infant with Congenital
      Diaphragmatic Hernia.
AB  - Right sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia may cause biliary obstruction. We
      present a 2 months female infant who had respiratory distress and persistent
      jaundice since birth. Investigations suggested direct hyperbilirubinemia, right
      sided diaphragmatic hernia with liver herniation in the thorax, and intra- and
      extrahepatic biliary dilatation. Laparotomy showed herniation of liver in the
      chest with hepatic torsion of about 180 degrees  causing obstruction of bile
      ducts. Liver torsion was corrected and liver relocated in the abdomen. An
      operative cholangiogram confirmed free passage of contrast to the intestine after
      correction of hepatic torsion. Repair of the diaphragmatic hernia was performed.
      Only skin closure was performed leaving a ventral hernia to avoid abdominal
      compartment syndrome. Postoperatively, the baby was kept on ventilator for 2 days
      and then extubated. She showed rapid recovery and was discharged in a stable
      condition. The ventral hernia was repaired at the age of 6 months. Her total
      bilirubin levels dropped gradually from 12.50 mg/dl into its normal values within
      3 months.

PMID- 28082782
TI  - Torsion of Accessory Hepatic Lobe.
AB  - An accessory hepatic lobe is a rare congenital anomaly that can undergo torsion
      and present as an acute surgical emergency. A 5-year-old child admitted as acute
      abdomen, on laparotomy found to have torsion of accessory lobe of liver, is being
      reported.

PMID- 28082783
TI  - Primary Pulmonary Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Child.
AB  - A 9-year-old female presented with fever, cough, and hemoptysis for a week. The
      chest skiagram and contrast-enhanced computerized tomography delineated a well
      defined solid lesion localized to the superior segment of the right lower lobe
      with features of a congenital pulmonary airway malformation. The lesion was
      surgically managed with a segmentectomy and histopathology confirmed a contained
      pulmonary rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). No other primary site of origin was evident,
      and a final diagnosis of "primary" pulmonary RMS was made. She received adjuvant
      chemotherapy and was disease free after 6 years of surveillance. The unique
      clinicoradiological features of the case are discussed and the sparse literature
      is reviewed.

PMID- 28082785
TI  - Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy.

PMID- 28082784
TI  - Fetal Cyst Reveling Retroperitoneal Enteric Duplication.
AB  - Retroperitoneum is a very uncommon site of enteric duplication (ED). We report a
      new case of retroperitoneal ED cyst suspected in utero. Prenatal ultrasound
      showed an abdominal cystic mass. Noncommunicating retroperitoneal ED cyst
      measuring 70 mm * 30 mm was resected. Histopathologic examination confirmed the
      diagnosis.

PMID- 28082786
TI  - Use of WhatsApp in Pediatric Surgery Division of General Surgery Department: Is
      it Worthwhile?

PMID- 28082787
TI  - Pancreatoblastoma Masquerading as a Retroperitoneal Germ Cell Tumor.

PMID- 28082788
TI  - Exploration of Phytochemicals Found in Terminalia sp. and their Antiretroviral
      Activities.
AB  - The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects cells of the immune system and
      destroys their function. Approximately, 2 million people die every year from HIV
      as reported by the World Health Organization. HIV/AIDS is difficult to treat as
      the virus continuously develops resistance to drugs being developed. Approach is
      now turning toward natural products for the development of anti-HIV drugs.
      Although HIV/AIDS is not a new disease, but research based on plant-derived
      products is still under clinical trials. Experimentally, it has been proven that
      plants have the potential for HIV treatment. The process involves identification
      of the active ingredients responsible for the reported anti-HIV activities,
      testing of the extract, and development of appropriate bioassays. Further
      development would require optimization of the formulation and manufacturing in
      compliance with preclinical safety and efficacy testing. The most challenging
      task for the natural product scientists is to separate these highly complex
      extracts containing several compounds into its individual components that are
      biologically active. Recently developed direct binding assay with mass
      spectrometry (MS) technology (viz., real-time time-of-flight-MS) is helpful in
      this respect but needs extensive optimization. At present, we have compiled all
      the information for the various phytochemicals present in Terminalia catappa
      having anti-HIV properties. These include tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins,
      cyanidin, and flavonoids. Further, we have also discussed their pharmacological
      as well as pharmacokinetics studies.

PMID- 28082789
TI  - Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid.
AB  - Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by
      unstable molecules such as free radicals. Flavonoids are phenolic substances
      widely found in fruits and vegetables. The previous studies showed that the
      ingestion of flavonoids reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic
      disorders, and certain types of cancer. These effects are due to the
      physiological activity of flavonoids in the reduction of oxidative stress,
      inhibiting low-density lipoproteins oxidation and platelet aggregation, and
      acting as vasodilators in blood vessels. Free radicals are constantly generated
      resulting in extensive damage to tissues leading to various disease conditions
      such as cancer, Alzheimer's, renal diseases, cardiac abnormalities, etc.,
      Medicinal plants with antioxidant properties play a vital functions in exhibiting
      beneficial effects and employed as an alternative source of medicine to mitigate
      the disease associated with oxidative stress. Flavonoids have existed over one
      billion years and possess wide spectrum of biological activities that might be
      able to influence processes which are dysregulated in a disease. Quercetin, a
      plant pigment is a potent antioxidant flavonoid and more specifically a flavonol,
      found mostly in onions, grapes, berries, cherries, broccoli, and citrus fruits.
      It is a versatile antioxidant known to possess protective abilities against
      tissue injury induced by various drug toxicities.

PMID- 28082791
TI  - The Unexplored Anticaries Potential of Shiitake Mushroom.
AB  - Keeping an eye the escalating costs of dental services, the treatment cost of the
      consequences of dental caries can be reduced to manageable proportions by
      preventive measures aimed at decreasing the prevalence. One such measure is by
      increasing the consumption of caries preventive foods. Recently, there has been
      an upsurge of interest in mushrooms not only as a healthy food but also as a
      caries preventive food. The most common type of mushroom, Lentinula edodes also
      called as shiitake, is studied in-depth for its oral health benefits. The
      cultivation of shiitake dates way back to 1100 A.D. during the rule of Sung
      dynasty which is replaced by more modern and efficient sawdust substrate log
      cultures lately. Shiitake mushroom extract can be isolated in various forms such
      as freeze dried, oil, and ethyl acetate extracts. Various biologically active
      compounds such as erythritol, copalic acid, adenosine, carvacrol, and many more
      are responsible for this mushroom's antimicrobial activity. Anticariogenicity can
      be attributed to the induction of the detachment of cariogenic microorganisms
      from hydroxyapatite, changes in cell surface hydrophobicity, bactericidal
      activity, and disruption of signal transduction in Streptococcus mutans as proved
      through various in vivo and in vitro studies. Apart from these benefits, it has
      tremendous potential to be used as an antioxidant, anticancer, antigingivitis,
      antifungal, and antiviral agent. The one and only known adverse reaction due to
      shiitake mushroom consumption is the eruption of pruritic erythematous papules
      termed as shiitake dermatitis. This review highlights the unexplored anticaries
      potential of one such useful bioactive metabolite-shiitake mushroom.

PMID- 28082790
TI  - Anticancer Alkaloids from Trees: Development into Drugs.
AB  - Trees have made an enormous phytochemical contribution in anticancer drugs'
      development more than any other life form. The contributions include alkaloids
      that are biosynthesized in various ways and yield. Lead alkaloids isolated from
      the trees are taxol and camptothecins that currently have annual sales in billion
      dollars. Other important alkaloids isolated from these life forms include
      rohitukine, harringtonine, acronycine, thalicarpine, usambarensine, ellipticine,
      and matrines. Studies on their mechanism of action and target on the DNA and
      protein of cancerous cells aided the development of potent hemisynthesized
      congeners. The molecules and their congeners passed/are passing a long period of
      historical development before approved as antineoplastic drugs for cancer
      chemotherapy. Some of them did not find the application as anticancer drugs due
      to ineffectiveness in clinical trials; others are generating research interest in
      the antineoplastic activity at the present and have reached clinical trial
      stages. Potentials in antineoplastic molecules from trees are high and are hoped
      to be commensurate with cancer types afflicting human society in the future.

PMID- 28082792
TI  - Review of Neuro-nutrition Used as Anti-Alzheimer Plant, Spinach, Spinacia
      oleracea.
AB  - Neuro-nutrition is the nutrition needed to achieve health brain and
      neurocognitive function. Diets rich in antioxidants, vitamins, flavonoids, and
      polyphenolic compounds will help suppress the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
      Spinacia oleracea (Family: Amaranthaceae) commonly known as spinach or Buai Leng
      (in Thai), one of the traditional medicinal plants with high in those mention
      nutrients. The micronutrients in spinach include a range of vitamins and
      minerals, which can prevent deficiency diseases and are essential for normal
      physiological function. Its phytochemicals are carotenoids, flavonoids, and
      phenolic compounds, which can prevent chronic health problems, as well as other
      diseases associated with aging. The objective of this article was to conduct a
      review on various ethnomedicinal uses of the spinach and its influences on the
      pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease based on a literature review.

PMID- 28082793
TI  - An Updated Review on the Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Clinical Trials of
      Salacia oblonga.
AB  - Salacia oblonga (S. oblonga), a perennial herb, has been used for thousands of
      years in ayurvedic medicine and is closely associated with prevention, treatment,
      and cure of various human ailments such as obesity and diabetes. A vast and wide
      range of chemical compounds such as polyphenols, friedelane-type triterpenes,
      norfriedelane-type triterpenes, eudesmane-type sesquiterpenes including various
      glycosides had been isolated from this plant. This review is aimed to survey the
      literature covering the phytochemistry and pharmacology of S. oblonga and to
      review the scientific data including active components and their multi-targeted
      mechanisms of action against various metabolic syndromes. We also included
      clinical trials related to this plant in this review. The overview would assist
      researchers to gather scientific information related to S. oblonga in future.

PMID- 28082794
TI  - An Updated Review on Phytochemical Properties of "Golden Dewdrop" Duranta erecta.
AB  - Duranta erecta (family: Verbenaceae) commonly referred to golden dewdrop, pigeon
      berry, angel whisper, or skyflower is one of the traditional medicinal plants. It
      has been shown to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticide properties.
      Its phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics,
      saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids are reported as the basis of its
      efficacious therapeutic properties. The other important constituents which
      contribute to the remedial properties are durantol, pectolinaringenin,
      repennoside, repenins, and scutellarein. Published information on the
      phytochemical property of D. erecta was gathered by the use of different database
      platforms, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SciFinder, and
      Scopus, that provided an up-to-date review on its importance.

PMID- 28082795
TI  - Anticancer Activity of Key Lime, Citrus aurantifolia.
AB  - Citrus aurantifolia (family: Rutaceae) is mainly used in daily consumption, in
      many cultural cuisines, and in juice production. It is widely used because of its
      antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-hypertensive, anti
      inflammation, anti-lipidemia, and antioxidant properties; moreover, it can
      protect heart, liver, bone, and prevent urinary diseases. Its secondary
      metabolites are alkaloids, carotenoids, coumarins, essential oils, flavonoids,
      phenolic acids, and triterpenoids. The other important constituents are apigenin,
      hesperetin, kaempferol, limonoids, quercetin, naringenin, nobiletin, and rutin,
      all of these contribute to its remedial properties. The scientific searching
      platforms were used for publications from 1990 to present. The abstracts and
      titles were screened, and the full-text articles were selected. The present
      review is up-to-date of the phytochemical property of C. aurantifolia to provide
      a reference for further study.

PMID- 28082796
TI  - A Complete Profile on Blind-your-eye Mangrove Excoecaria Agallocha L.
      (Euphorbiaceae): Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Aspects.
AB  - Traditional system of medicine consists of large number of plants with various
      medicinal and pharmacological importances. This article provides a comprehensive
      review of the complete profile of an important mangrove plant Excoecaria
      agallocha L. (Euphorbiaceae) and elaborately describing the ethnobotany,
      phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties. It is used traditionally in the
      treatment of various diseases such as epilepsy, ulcers, leprosy, rheumatism, and
      paralysis. The latex obtained from the bark is poisonous in nature and may cause
      temporary blindness, thus it is also known as the blind-your-eye mangrove plant.
      Many phytoconstituents were isolated from the plant, which were mainly
      diterpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, sterols, and few other compounds. The
      plant also showed many pharmacological activities such as antioxidant,
      antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcer, anticancer, antireverse
      transcriptase, antihistamine-release, antifilarial, DNA damage protective,
      antidiabetic, and antitumor protecting activities. Hence, this review could help
      guide researchers anticipating to undertake further investigations in these
      directions.

PMID- 28082797
TI  - Review Ergogenic Effect of Long Jack, Eurycoma Longifolia.
AB  - Eurycoma longifolia (family: Simaroubaceae) is commonly distributed in the
      Southeast Asia and Indo-China. In particular, the aqueous extract and decoction
      of its root are a well-known folk medicine which enhances sexuality, fertility,
      and antiaging. Furthermore, it has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory,
      antimalarial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Its common phytochemical
      components include alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, and
      triterpenes. This plant is rich in various quassinoids including eurycolactone,
      eurycomalactone, eurycomanol, eurycomanone, and eurycomaoside all of which has
      been reported to contribute to its remedial properties including increased muscle
      strength, endurance in cycling time, and reduced anxiety and stress. Based on
      established literature on the health benefits of E. longifolia, this review
      article has attempted to compile E. longifolia to be one of the choices of
      ergogenic plants.

PMID- 28082798
TI  - Is Myrtol(r) Standardized a New Alternative toward Antibiotics?
AB  - GeloMyrtol(r) and GeloMyrtol(r) forte, also known as Myrtol(r) standardized, is
      an herbal medical product (phytomedicine) obtained by a multistep distillation
      procedure from essential oils. The major biological marker of in vivo and ex vivo
      activity of Myrtol(r) standardized is the monoterpenes, d-limonene, 1,8-cineole,
      and alpha-pinene. Myrtol(r) standardized is estimated to have antioxidative, anti
      inflammatory, and antibacterial potential while many studies confirmed its
      secretolytic and bronchospasmolytic effects. As such, the medication is proposed
      to be initiated in several acute and chronic infections of the upper and lower
      airway system as acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, acute and chronic bronchitis,
      and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This review intends to give an insight
      into several prescription indications of Myrtol(r) standardized, all involved
      mechanisms, and potential advantages toward antibiotic therapy, especially in
      cases when bacterial infection is uncertain.

PMID- 28082799
TI  - Retraction: Oleandrin: A Cardiac Glycosides with Potent Cytotoxicity.
AB  - [This retracts the article on p. 131 in vol. 7, PMID: 24347921.].

PMID- 28082800
TI  - Protons pump inhibitor treatment and lower gastrointestinal bleeding: Balancing
      risks and benefits.
AB  - Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) represent a milestone in the treatment of acid
      related diseases, and are the mainstay in preventing upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding in high-risk patients treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) or low-dose aspirin. However, this beneficial effect does not extend to
      the lower gastrointestinal tract. PPIs do not prevent NSAID or aspirin-associated
      lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGB). PPIs may increase both small bowel injury
      related to NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin treatment and the risk of LGB. Recent
      studies suggested that altering intestinal microbiota by PPIs may be involved in
      the pathogenesis of NSAID-enteropathy. An increase in LGB hospitalization rates
      may occur more frequently in older patients with more comorbidities and are
      associated with high hospital resource utilization, longer hospitalization, and
      increased mortality. Preventive strategies for NSAID and aspirin-associated
      gastrointestinal bleeding should be directed toward preventing both upper and
      lower gastrointestinal damage. Future research should be directed toward
      identifying patients at low-risk for gastrointestinal events associated with the
      use of NSAIDs or aspirin to avoid inappropriate PPI prescribing. Alternatively,
      the efficacy of new pharmacologic strategies should be evaluated in high-risk
      groups, with the aim of reducing the risk of both upper and lower
      gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients.

PMID- 28082801
TI  - Does pressure cause liver cirrhosis? The sinusoidal pressure hypothesis.
AB  - Independent of their etiology, all chronic liver diseases ultimately lead to
      liver cirrhosis, which is a major health problem worldwide. The underlying
      molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood and no efficient treatment
      strategies are available. This paper introduces the sinusoidal pressure
      hypothesis (SPH), which identifies an elevated sinusoidal pressure (SP) as cause
      of fibrosis. SPH has been mainly derived from recent studies on liver stiffness.
      So far, pressure changes have been exclusively seen as a consequence of
      cirrhosis. According to the SPH, however, an elevated SP is the major upstream
      event that initiates fibrosis via biomechanic signaling by stretching of
      perisinusoidal cells such as hepatic stellate cells or fibroblasts (SPH part I:
      initiation). Fibrosis progression is determined by the degree and time of
      elevated SP. The SPH predicts that the degree of extracellular matrix eventually
      matches SP with critical thresholds > 12 mmHg and > 4 wk. Elevated arterial flow
      and final arterialization of the cirrhotic liver represents the self-perpetuating
      key event exposing the low-pressure-organ to pathologically high pressures (SPH
      part II: perpetuation). It also defines the "point of no return" where fibrosis
      progression becomes irreversible. The SPH is able to explain the macroscopic
      changes of cirrhotic livers and the uniform fibrotic response to various
      etiologies. It also opens up new views on the role of fat and disease mechanisms
      in other organs. The novel concept will hopefully stimulate the search for new
      treatment strategies.

PMID- 28082802
TI  - Updated therapeutic outcome for patients with periampullary and pancreatic cancer
      related to recent translational research.
AB  - Chemotherapy with improved effect in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer
      has recently been established, launching a new era for patients with this very
      aggressive disease. FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel are different
      regimens, both capable of stabilizing the disease, thus increasing the number of
      patients who can reach second line and even third line of treatment.
      Concurrently, new windows of opportunity open for nutritional support and other
      therapeutic interventions, improving quality of life. Also pancreatic surgery has
      changed significantly during the latest years. Extended operations, including
      vascular/multivisceral resections are frequently performed in specialized
      centers, pushing borders of resectability. Potentially curative treatment
      including neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy is offered new patient groups.
      Translational research is the basis for the essential understanding of the
      ongoing development. Even thou biomarkers for clinical management of patients
      with periampullary tumors have almost been lacking, biomarker driven trials are
      now in progress. New insight is constantly made available for clinicians; one
      recent example is selection of patients for gemcitabine treatment based on the
      expression level of the human equilibrium nucleoside transporter 1. An example of
      new diagnostic tools is identification of early pancreatic cancer patients by a
      three-biomarker panel in urine: The proteins lymphatic vessel endothelial
      hyaluronan receptor 1, regenerating gene 1 alpha and translation elongation
      factor 1 alpha. Requirement of treatment guideline revisions is intensifying, as
      combined chemotherapy regimens result in unexpected advantages. The European
      Study Group for Pancreatic Cancer 4 trial outcome is an illustration: Addition of
      capecitabine in the adjuvant setting improved overall survival more than expected
      from the effect in advanced disease. Rapid implementation of new treatment
      options is mandatory when progress finally extends to patients with this serious
      disease.

PMID- 28082804
TI  - Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland (chief cell-predominant type): A
      review of endoscopic and clinicopathological features.
AB  - Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland (chief cell-predominant type, GA-FG
      CCP) is a rare variant of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and has been
      proposed to be a novel disease entity. GA-FG-CCP originates from the gastric
      mucosa of the fundic gland region without chronic gastritis or intestinal
      metaplasia. The majority of GA-FG-CCPs exhibit either a submucosal tumor-like
      superficial elevated shape or a flat shape on macroscopic examination. Narrow
      band imaging with endoscopic magnification may reveal a regular or an irregular
      microvascular pattern, depending on the degree of tumor exposure to the mucosal
      surface. Pathological analysis of GA-FG-CCPs is characterized by a high frequency
      of submucosal invasion, rare occurrences of lymphatic and venous invasion, and
      low-grade malignancy. Detection of diffuse positivity for pepsinogen-I by
      immunohistochemistry is specific for GA-FG-CCP. Careful endoscopic examination
      and detailed pathological evaluation are essential for early and accurate
      diagnosis of GA-FG-CCP. Nearly all GA-FG-CCPs are treated by endoscopic resection
      due to their small tumor size and low risk of recurrence or metastasis.

PMID- 28082803
TI  - Liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells: Etiology, pathological hallmarks and
      therapeutic targets.
AB  - Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing process aimed at maintaining organ
      integrity, and presents as the critical pre-stage of liver cirrhosis, which will
      eventually progress to hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of liver
      transplantation. Fibrosis generally results from chronic hepatic injury caused by
      various factors, mainly viral infection, schistosomiasis, and alcoholism;
      however, the exact pathological mechanisms are still unknown. Although numerous
      drugs have been shown to have antifibrotic activity in vitro and in animal
      models, none of these drugs have been shown to be efficacious in the clinic.
      Importantly, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in the initiation,
      progression, and regression of liver fibrosis by secreting fibrogenic factors
      that encourage portal fibrocytes, fibroblasts, and bone marrow-derived
      myofibroblasts to produce collagen and thereby propagate fibrosis. These cells
      are subject to intricate cross-talk with adjacent cells, resulting in scarring
      and subsequent liver damage. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms
      of liver fibrosis and their relationships with HSCs is essential for the
      discovery of new therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review outlines the role
      of HSCs in liver fibrosis and details novel strategies to suppress HSC activity,
      thereby providing new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.

PMID- 28082805
TI  - Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae or boulardii yeasts on acute stress induced
      intestinal dysmotility.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) and
      Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) yeasts to reverse or to treat acute stress
      related intestinal dysmotility. METHODS: Adult Swiss Webster mice were stressed
      for 1 h in a wire-mesh restraint to induce symptoms of intestinal dysmotility and
      were subsequently killed by cervical dislocation. Jejunal and colon tissue were
      excised and placed within a tissue perfusion bath in which S. cerevisiae, S.
      boulardii, or their supernatants were administered into the lumen. Video
      recordings of contractility and gut diameter changes were converted to
      spatiotemporal maps and the velocity, frequency, and amplitude of propagating
      contractile clusters (PCC) were measured. Motility pre- and post-treatment was
      compared between stressed animals and unstressed controls. RESULTS: S. boulardii
      and S. cerevisiae helped to mediate the effects of stress on the small and large
      intestine. Restraint stress reduced jejunal transit velocity (mm/s) from 2.635 +/
      0.316 to 1.644 +/- 0.238, P < 0.001 and jejunal transit frequency (Hz) from
      0.032 +/- 0.008 to 0.016 +/- 0.005, P < 0.001. Restraint stress increased colonic
      transit velocity (mm/s) from 0.864 +/- 0.183 to 1.432 +/- 0.329, P < 0.001 and
      frequency to a lesser degree. Luminal application of S. boulardii helped to
      restore jejunal and colonic velocity towards the unstressed controls; 1.833 +/-
      0.688 to 2.627 +/- 0.664, P < 0.001 and 1.516 +/- 0.263 to 1.036 +/- 0.21, P <
      0.001, respectively. S. cerevisiae also had therapeutic effects on the stressed
      gut, but was most apparent in the jejunum. S. cerevisiae increased PCC velocity
      in the stressed jejunum from 1.763 +/- 0.397 to 2.017 +/- 0.48, P = 0.0031 and
      PCC frequency from 0.016 +/- 0.009 to 0.027 +/- 0.007, P < 0.001. S. cerevisiae
      decreased colon PCC velocity from 1.647 +/- 0.187 to 1.038 +/- 0.222, P < 0.001.
      Addition of S. boulardii or S. cerevisiae supernatants also helped to restore
      motility to unstressed values in similar capacity. CONCLUSION: There is a
      potential therapeutic role for S. cerevisiae and S. boulardii yeasts and their
      supernatants in the treatment of acute stress-related gut dysmotility.

PMID- 28082806
TI  - Effects of asymmetric dimethylarginine on renal arteries in portal hypertension
      and cirrhosis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effects of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in renal
      arteries from portal hypertensive and cirrhotic rats. METHODS: Rat renal arteries
      from Sham (n = 15), pre-hepatic portal hypertension (PPVL; n = 15) and bile duct
      ligation and excision-induced cirrhosis (BDL; n = 15) were precontracted with
      norepinephrine, and additional contractions were induced with ADMA (10-6-10-3
      mol/L), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Concentration
      response curves to acetylcholine (1 * 10-9-3 * 10-6 mol/L) were determined in
      precontracted renal artery segments with norepinephrine in the absence and in the
      presence of ADMA. Kidneys were collected to determine the protein expression and
      activity of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), an enzyme that
      catabolizes ADMA. RESULTS: In renal arteries precontracted with norepinephrine,
      ADMA caused endothelium-dependent contractions. The pD2 values to ADMA were
      similar in the Sham and PPVL groups (4.20 +/- 0.08 and 4.11 +/- 0.09, P > 0.05,
      respectively), but were lower than those of the BDL group (4.79 +/- 0.16, P <
      0.05). Acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation that did not
      differ, in terms of pD2 and maximal relaxation, among the 3 groups studied.
      Treatment with ADMA (3 * 10-4 mol/L) inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation
      in the 3 groups, but the inhibition was higher (P < 0.05) in the BDL group
      compared with that for the Sham and PPVL groups. The mRNA and protein expression
      of DDAH-1 were similar in kidneys from the three groups. Conversely, DDAH-2
      expression was increased (P < 0.05) in PPVL and further enhanced (P < 0.05) in
      the BDL group. However, renal DDAH activity was significantly decreased in the
      BDL group. CONCLUSION: Cirrhosis increased the inhibitory effect of ADMA on basal
      and induced-release of NO in renal arteries, and decreased DDAH activity in the
      kidney.

PMID- 28082807
TI  - Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of norovirus gastroenteritis among
      hospitalized children in Lebanon.
AB  - AIM: To assess the burden of norovirus (NoV) and to determine the diversity of
      circulating strains among hospitalized children in Lebanon. METHODS: Stool
      samples were collected from children presenting with acute gastroenteritis to six
      major hospitals in Lebanon. A total of 739 eligible stool samples, testing
      negative for diarrhea caused by rotavirus as a possible viral pathogen, were
      collected between January 2011 and June 2013. A standardized questionnaire
      including demographic, epidemiological and clinical observations was used at the
      time of hospitalization of children presenting with diarrhea. Viral RNA was
      extracted from stool samples followed by reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction and nucleotide sequencing of a fragment of the viral protein 1 capsid
      gene. Multiple sequence alignments were carried out and phylogenetic trees were
      constructed using the MEGA 6 software. RESULTS: Overall, 11.2% of stool samples
      collected from children aged < 5 years tested positive for NoV genogroups I (GI)
      and II (GII). GII accounted for 10.6% of the gastroenteritis cases with only five
      samples being positive for GI (0.7%). The majority of hospitalized children
      showed symptoms of diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting and fever. Upon sequencing of
      positive samples and based on their clustering in the phylogenetic tree, 4/5 of
      GI gastroenteritis cases were designated GI.3 and one case as GI.4. GII.4 was
      predominantly detected in stool of our study participants (68%). We report a JB
      15/KOR/2008 GII.4 Apeldoorn 2008-like variant strain circulating in 2011; this
      strain was replaced between 2012 and 2013 by a variant sharing homology with the
      Sydney/NSW0514/2012/AUS GII.4 Sydney 2012 and Sydney 2012/FRA GII.4 strains. We
      also report the co-circulation of non-GII.4 genotypes among hospitalized
      children. Our data show that NoV gastroenteritis can occur throughout the year
      with the highest number of cases detected during the hot months. CONCLUSION: The
      majority of NoV-associated viral gastroenteritis cases among our participants are
      attributable to GII.4, which is compatible with results reported worldwide.

PMID- 28082808
TI  - Helicobacter pylori inhibits the cleavage of TRAF1 via a CagA-dependent
      mechanism.
AB  - AIM: To study the impact on cleavage of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated
      factor 1 (TRAF1) regulated by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). METHODS: Cleavage
      of TRAF1 was detected by western blotting in the human gastric cancer cell line
      AGS following treatment with an apoptosis inducer. Cleavage of TRAF1 mediated by
      caspase was examined in vitro using specific caspase inhibitors. The effect of
      the COOH-terminal TRAF1 fragment on gastric cell apoptosis during H. pylori
      infection was measured using flow cytometry. The impact of H. pylori infection on
      TRAF1 cleavage was detected in the presence of apoptosis inducer. The roles of H.
      pylori virulence factors that may regulate TRAF1 cleavage were analyzed using
      isogenic cagA-, vacA- and cagE-null mutants. RESULTS: TRAF1 was found to be
      cleaved in AGS cells treated with the apoptosis inducer, and caspase-8 was the
      major caspase involved in the cleavage of TRAF1. The COOH-terminal TRAF1 fragment
      significantly induced cell apoptosis (P < 0.05) as well as promoted H. pylori
      induced cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). H. pylori infection was found to significantly
      inhibit the cleavage of TRAF1 and to inhibit the activation of caspase-8 in the
      presence of the apoptosis inducer at specific infection times and different
      cell/bacteria ratios. We also found that the effects of cagE- and cagA-null
      mutants on the inhibition of TRAF1 cleavage and activation of caspase-8 were
      significantly attenuated, compared with wild-type H. pylori, in the presence of
      the apoptosis inducer, showing that the virulence factor CagA was mainly involved
      in the inhibition of TRAF1 cleavage. CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection
      significantly inhibits the cleavage of TRAF1 via a CagA-dependent mechanism,
      which would increase the relative amounts of full-length TRAF1 and exert an
      antiapoptotic effect on H. pylori-infected cells.

PMID- 28082809
TI  - Repair of a common bile duct defect with a decellularized ureteral graft.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of repairing a common bile duct defect with a
      decellularized ureteral graft in a porcine model. METHODS: Eighteen pigs were
      randomly divided into three groups. An approximately 1 cm segment of the common
      bile duct was excised from all the pigs. The defect was repaired using a 2 cm
      long decellularized ureteral graft over a T-tube (T-tube group, n = 6) or a
      silicone stent (stent group, n = 6). Six pigs underwent bile duct reconstruction
      with a graft alone (stentless group). The surviving animals were euthanized at 3
      mo. Specimens of the common bile ducts were obtained for histological analysis.
      RESULTS: The animals in the T-tube and stent groups survived until sacrifice. The
      blood test results were normal in both groups. The histology results showed a
      biliary epithelial layer covering the neo-bile duct. In contrast, all the animals
      in the stentless group died due to biliary peritonitis and cholangitis within two
      months post-surgery. Neither biliary epithelial cells nor accessory glands were
      observed at the graft sites in the stentless group. CONCLUSION: Repair of a
      common bile duct defect with a decellularized ureteral graft appears to be
      feasible. A T-tube or intraluminal stent was necessary to reduce postoperative
      complications.

PMID- 28082810
TI  - Regulating effect of TongXie-YaoFang on colonic epithelial secretion via Cl- and
      HCO3- channel.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the pharmacological effect of TongXie-YaoFang (TXYF) formula,
      a Chinese herbal formula, on Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D
      IBS) rats. METHODS: In a neonatal maternal separation plus restraint stress (NMS
      + RS) model of D-IBS, male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two
      groups (NMS + RS group and TXYF-formula group) with no handlings were used as
      controls (NH group). Starting from postnatal day 60, rats in TXYF-formula group
      were administered TXYF-formula (4.92 g/100 g bodyweight) orally twice a day for
      14 consecutive days while NH group and NMS + RS group were given distilled water.
      Using short-circuit current technology, we observed 5-HT-induced changes of
      current across ion channels, such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance
      regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel, epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), Ca2+-dependent Cl-
      channel (CACC), Na+-K+-2Cl- co-transporter (NKCC), and Na+-HCO3- co-transporter
      (NBC), in the colonic epithelium of three groups after exposure to drugs and
      specific blockers with a Power Lab System (AD Instruments International).
      RESULTS: Under basal conditions, the changes of short-circuit current (?Isc,
      uA/cm2) induced by 5-HT were similar in NH group and TXYF-formula group, and both
      higher than NMS + RS group (70.86 uA/cm2 +/- 12.32 uA/cm2, 67.67 uA/cm2 +/- 11.68
      uA/cm2vs 38.8 uA/cm2 +/- 7.25 uA/cm2, P < 0.01, respectively). When CACC was
      blocked by 4,4'-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, 5-HT-induced ?Isc
      was smaller in NMS + RS group than in NH group and TXYF-formula group,
      respectively (48.41 uA/cm2 +/- 13.15 uA/cm2vs 74.62 uA/cm2 +/- 10.73 uA/cm2,
      69.22 uA/cm2 +/- 11.7 uA/cm2, P < 0.05, respectively). The similar result could
      be obtained when ENaC was blocked by Amiloride (44.69 uA/cm2 +/- 12.58 uA/cm2vs
      62.05 uA/cm2 +/- 11.26 uA/cm2, 62.11 uA/cm2 +/- 12.01 uA/cm2, P < 0.05,
      respectively). However, when CFTR Cl- channel was blocked by 1,1-dimethyl
      piperidinium chloride (DPC), 5-HT-induced ?Isc did not significantly differ in
      three groups (42.28 uA/cm2 +/- 10.61 uA/cm2vs 51.48 uA/cm2 +/- 6.56 uA/cm2vs
      47.75 uA/cm2 +/- 7.99 uA/cm2, P > 0.05, respectively). The similar results could
      also be obtained in three groups when NBC and NKCC were respectively blocked by
      their blockers. CONCLUSION: TXYF-formula can regulate the Cl- and HCO3- secretion
      of colonic mucosa via CFTR Cl- channel, Cl-/HCO3- exchanger, NBC and NKCC co
      transporters.

PMID- 28082812
TI  - Clinical significance of mesenteric panniculitis-like abnormalities on abdominal
      computerized tomography in patients with malignant neoplasms.
AB  - AIM: To clarify the association of malignancy with mesenteric panniculitis-like
      changes on computed tomography (CT). METHODS: All abdominal CT scans performed at
      NorthShore University HealthSystem showing mesenteric panniculitis from January
      2005 to August 2010 were identified in the Radnet (RadNet Corporation, Los
      Angeles, CA) database. Patients with a new or known diagnosis of a malignancy
      were included for this analysis. Longitudinal clinical histories were obtained
      from electronic medical records. RESULTS: In total, 147794 abdominal CT scans
      were performed during the study period. Three hundred and fifty-nine patients had
      mesenteric panniculitis (MP)-like abnormalities on their abdominal CT. Of these
      patients, 81 patients (22.6%) had a known history of cancer at the time of their
      CT scan. Nineteen (5.3%) had a new diagnosis of cancer in concurrence with their
      CT, but the majority of these (14/19, 74%) were undergoing CT as part of a
      malignancy evaluation. Lymphomas were the most common cancers associated with MP
      like findings on CT (36 cases, 36%), with follicular lymphoma being the most
      frequent subtype (17/36). A variety of solid tumors, most commonly prostate (7)
      and renal cell cancers (6) also were seen. CT follow up was obtained in 56
      patients. Findings in the mesentery were unchanged in 45 (80%), worsened in 6
      (11%), and improved in 5 patients (9%). Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
      performed in 44 patients only showed a positive uptake in the mesenteric mass in
      2 patients (5%). CONCLUSION: A new diagnosis of cancer is uncommon in patients
      with CT findings suggestive of MP. MP-like mesenteric abnormalities on CT
      generally remain stable in patients with associated malignancies. PET scanning is
      not recommended in the evaluation of patients with mesenteric panniculitis-like
      findings on CT.

PMID- 28082811
TI  - Risk stratification for malignant progression in Barrett's esophagus: Gender,
      age, duration and year of surveillance.
AB  - AIM: To clarify risk based upon segment length, diagnostic histological findings,
      patient age and year of surveillance, duration of surveillance and gender.
      METHODS: Patients registered with the United Kingdom Barrett's Oesophagus
      Registry from 9 United Kingdom centers were included. The outcome measures were
      (1) development of all grades of dysplasia; (2) development of high-grade of
      dysplasia or adenocarcinoma; and (3) development of adenocarcinoma. Prevalent
      cases and subjects with < 1 year of follow-up were excluded. The covariates
      examined were segment length, previous biopsy findings, age at surveillance,
      duration of surveillance, year of surveillance and gender. RESULTS: One thousand
      and one hundred thirty six patients were included (total 6474 patient-years).
      Fifty-four patients developed adenocarcinoma (0.83% per annum), 70 developed high
      grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma (1.1% per annum) and 190 developed any grade of
      dysplasia (3.5% per annum). High grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma increased
      with age and duration of surveillance. The risk of low-grade dysplasia
      development was not dependent on age at surveillance. Segment length and previous
      biopsy findings were also significant factors for development of dysplasia and
      adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: The risk of development of low-grade dysplasia is
      independent of age at surveillance, but high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma
      were more commonly found at older age. Segment length and previous biopsy
      findings are also markers of risk. This study did not demonstrate stabilisation
      of the metaplastic segment with prolonged surveillance.

PMID- 28082813
TI  - Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Rescue treatment with a modified
      cyanoacrylate.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a modified cyanoacrylate [N-butyl-2
      cyanoacrylate associated with methacryloxysulfolane (NBCA + MS)] to treat non
      variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NV-UGIB). METHODS: In our retrospective
      study we took into account 579 out of 1177 patients receiving endoscopic
      treatment for NV-UGIB admitted to our institution from 2008 to 2015; the
      remaining 598 patients were treated with other treatments. Initial hemostasis was
      not achieved in 45 of 579 patients; early rebleeding occurred in 12 of 579
      patients. Thirty-three patients were treated with modified cyanoacrylate: 27
      patients had duodenal, gastric or anastomotic ulcers, 3 had post-mucosectomy
      bleeding, 2 had Dieulafoy's lesions, and 1 had duodenal diverticular bleeding.
      RESULTS: Of the 45 patients treated endoscopically without initial hemostasis or
      with early rebleeding, 33 (76.7%) were treated with modified cyanoacrylate glue,
      16 (37.2%) underwent surgery, and 3 (7.0%) were treated with selective
      transarterial embolization. The mean age of patients treated with NBCA + MS (23
      males and 10 females) was 74.5 years. Modified cyanoacrylate was used in 24
      patients during the first endoscopy and in 9 patients experiencing rebleeding.
      Overall, hemostasis was achieved in 26 of 33 patients (78.8%): 19 out of 24
      (79.2%) during the first endoscopy and in 7 out of 9 (77.8%) among early
      rebleeders. Two patients (22.2%) not responding to cyanoacrylate treatment were
      treated with surgery or transarterial embolization. One patient had early
      rebleeding after treatment with cyanoacrylate. No late rebleeding during the
      follow-up or complications related to the glue injection were recorded.
      CONCLUSION: Modified cyanoacrylate solved definitively NV-UGIB after failure of
      conventional treatment. Some reported life-threatening adverse events with other
      formulations, advise to use it as last option.

PMID- 28082814
TI  - Assessment of disease activity by fecal immunochemical test in ulcerative
      colitis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of quantitative fecal immunochemical test (FIT) as
      biomarker of disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Between
      February 2013 and November 2014, a total of 82 FIT results, obtained in
      conjunction with colonoscopies, were retrospectivelyevaluated for 63 patients
      with UC. The efficacy of FIT for evaluation of disease activity was compared to
      colonoscopic findings. Quantitative fecal blood with automated equipment examined
      from collected feces. Endoscopic disease severity were assessed using the Mayo
      endoscopic subscore (MES) classification. The extent of disease were classified
      by proctitis (E1), left sided colitis (E2), and extensive colitis (E3). Clinical
      activity were subgrouped by remission or active. RESULTS: All of 21 patients with
      MES 0 had negative FIT (< 7 ng/mL), but 22 patients with MES 2 or 3 had a mean
      FIT of > 134.89 ng/mL. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value
      (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of negative FIT about mucosal
      healing were 73.33%, 81.82%, 91.49%, 51.43% and 73.17%, respectively. The
      sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of predictive value of positive
      FIT (cutoff value > 100 ng/mL) about active disease status were 45.45%, 93.33%,
      71.43%, 82.35% and 26.83%, respectively. Among patients with clinical remission,
      FIT was negative in 31 (81.6%) of 38 cases, with a mean fecal hemoglobin
      concentration of 6.12 ng/mL (range, negative to 80.9 ng/mL) for this group of
      patients. Among patients with clinical active disease, FIT was negative in 16
      (36.4%) out of 44 cases, with a mean fecal hemoglobin concentration > 167.4 ng/mL
      for this group of patients. FIT was positively correlated with endoscopic
      activity (r = 0.626, P < 0.01) and clinical activity (r = 0.496, P < 0.01). But,
      FIT did not correlate with the extent of disease (r = -0.047, P = 0.676).
      CONCLUSION: Quantitative FIT can be a non-invasive and effective biomarker for
      evaluation of clinical and endoscopic activity in UC, but not predict the extent
      of disease.

PMID- 28082815
TI  - Capsule endoscopy and single-balloon enteroscopy in small bowel diseases:
      Competing or complementary?
AB  - AIM: To evaluate diagnostic yields of capsule endoscopy (CE) and/or single
      balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in patients with suspected small bowel diseases.
      METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 700 patients with suspected small bowel
      diseases from September 2010 to March 2016. CE, SBE, or SBE with prior CE was
      performed in 401, 353, and 47 patients, respectively. Data from clinical and
      endoscopy records were collected for analysis. Indications, procedure times,
      diagnostic yields, and complications were summarized and evaluated. RESULTS: The
      overall diagnostic yield for the CE group was 57.6%. The diagnostic yield of CE
      in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) was significantly
      greater than that in patients with no bleeding (70.5% vs 43.8%, P < 0.01). The
      overall diagnostic yield of SBE was 69.7%. There was no difference in the
      diagnostic yield of SBE between patients with OGIB and those with no bleeding
      (72.5% vs 68.9%, P = 0.534). Forty-seven patients underwent CE prior to SBE.
      Among them, the diagnostic yield of SBE with positive findings on prior CE was
      93.3%. In addition, SBE detected two cases with superficial ulcer and erosive
      lesions in the small bowel, which were missed by CE. However, one case with
      lymphoma and two with Crohn's disease were not confirmed by SBE. The rate of
      capsule retention was 2.0%. There were no significant complications during or
      after SBE examinations. CONCLUSION: SBE is a safe and effective technique for
      diagnosing small bowel diseases. SBE with prior CE seemed to improve the
      diagnostic yield of small bowel diseases.

PMID- 28082816
TI  - Irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity improves equally with probiotic and
      placebo.
AB  - AIM: To determine the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM on irritable
      bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: In this
      randomized triple-blind trial, adult IBS volunteers who were recruited according
      to Rome III criteria received 109 or 1010 colony-forming units of NCFM or placebo
      daily for 12 wk. IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS), which constituted the
      primary outcome, and secondary outcomes, including individual IBS symptoms, IBS
      related QoL questionnaire, anxiety and depression, defecation frequency, and
      stool consistency, were assessed at baseline at the end of the 8-wk run-in
      period, after 4 and 12 wk of intervention, and after a 4-wk washout. RESULTS: A
      total of 340 of 391 randomized volunteers completed the trial. IBS-SSS improved
      over 12 wk of treatment in all treatment groups, decreasing by a mean +/- SD of
      44.0 +/- 80.2, 50.8 +/- 82.4, and 48.3 +/- 72.2 in the placebo, active low-dose,
      and active high-dose groups, respectively. Similarly, secondary outcomes did not
      differ between treatment groups. However, in a post hoc analysis of volunteers
      with moderate to severe abdominal pain at baseline (VAS > 35/100), the treatment
      significantly reduced the sensation of abdominal pain. Pain scores fell by 20.8
      +/- 22.8, 29.4 +/- 17.9, and 31.2 +/- 21.9 in the placebo, active low-dose, and
      active high-dose groups, respectively (P value for placebo vs combined active
      doses = 0.0460). CONCLUSION: NCFM alleviates moderate to severe abdominal pain,
      consistent with earlier observations of this strain mitigating visceral pain
      through increased analgesic receptor expression.

PMID- 28082817
TI  - Prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk factors among the general
      population and osteoarthritis patients.
AB  - AIM: To assess the prevalence of possible risk factors of upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding (UGIB) and their age-group specific trend among the general population
      and osteoarthritis patients. METHODS: We utilized data from the National Health
      Insurance Service that included claims data and results of the national health
      check-up program. Comorbid conditions (peptic ulcer, diabetes, liver disease,
      chronic renal failure, and gastroesophageal reflux disease), concomitant drugs
      (aspirin, clopidogrel, cilostazol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
      steroid, anticoagulants, and SSRI), personal habits (smoking, and alcohol
      consumption) were considered as possible UGIB risk factors. We randomly imputed
      the prevalence of infection in the data considering the age-specific prevalence
      of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Korea. The prevalence of various
      UGIB risk factors and the age-group specific trend of the prevalence were
      identified. Prevalence was compared between osteoarthritis patients and others.
      RESULTS: A total of 801926 subjects (93855 osteoarthritis patients) aged 20 and
      above were included. The prevalence of individual and concurrent multiple risk
      factors became higher as the age increased. The prevalence of each comorbid
      condition and concomitant drug were higher in osteoarthritis patients. Thirty
      five point zero two percent of the overall population and 68.50% of
      osteoarthritis patients had at least one or more risk factors of UGIB. The
      prevalence of individual and concurrent multiple risk factors in younger age
      groups were also substantial. Furthermore, when personal habits (smoking, and
      alcohol consumption) and H. pylori infection were included, the prevalence of
      concurrent multiple risk factors increased greatly even in younger age groups.
      CONCLUSION: Prevalence of UGIB risk factors was high in elderly population, but
      was also considerable in younger population. Patient with osteoarthritis was at
      higher UGIB risk than those without osteoarthritis. Physicians should consider
      individualized risk assessment regardless of age when prescribing drugs or
      performing procedures that may increase the risk of UGIB, and take necessary
      measures to reduce modifiable risk factors such as H. pylori eradication or
      lifestyle counseling.

PMID- 28082818
TI  - Variable outcome in infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease in an Asian
      cohort.
AB  - AIM: Infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IO-IBD) with the onset of
      disease before 12 mo of age, is a different disease entity from childhood IBD. We
      aimed to describe the clinical features, outcome and role of mutation in
      interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-10 receptors (IL-10R) in Asian children
      with IO-IBD. METHODS: All cases of IO-IBD, defined as onset of disease before 12
      mo of age, seen at University Malaya Medical Center, Malaysia were reviewed. We
      performed mutational analysis for IL10 and IL10R genes in patients with
      presenting clinical features of Crohn's disease (CD). RESULTS: Six [13%; CD = 3,
      ulcerative colitis (UC) = 2, IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) = 1] of the 48 children (CD
      = 25; UC = 23) with IBD have IO-IBD. At final review [median (range) duration of
      follow-up: 6.5 (3.0-20) years], three patients were in remission without
      immunosuppression [one each for post-colostomy (IBD-U), after standard
      immunosuppression (CD), and after total colectomy (UC)]. Three patients were on
      immunosuppression: one (UC) was in remission while two (both CD) had persistent
      disease. As compared with later-onset disease, IO-IBD were more likely to present
      with bloody diarrhea (100% vs 55%, P = 0.039) but were similar in terms of an
      associated autoimmune liver disease (0% vs 19%, P = 0.31), requiring biologics
      therapy (50% vs 36%, P = 0.40), surgery (50% vs 29%, P = 0.27), or achieving
      remission (50% vs 64%, P = 0.40). No mutations in either IL10 or IL10R in the
      three patients with CD and the only patient with IBD-U were identified.
      CONCLUSION: The clinical features of IO-IBD in this Asian cohort of children who
      were negative for IL-10 or IL-10R mutations were variable. As compared to
      childhood IBD with onset of disease after 12 mo of age, IO-IBD achieved remission
      at a similar rate.

PMID- 28082819
TI  - Risk factors of admission for acute colonic diverticulitis in a population-based
      cohort study: The North Trondelag Health Study, Norway.
AB  - AIM: To assess risk factors of hospital admission for acute colonic
      diverticulitis. METHODS: The study was conducted as part of the second wave of
      the population-based North Trondelag Health Study (HUNT2), performed in North
      Trondelag County, Norway, 1995 to 1997. The study consisted of 42570 participants
      (65.1% from HUNT2) who were followed up from 1998 to 2012. Of these, 22436
      (52.7%) were females. The cases were defined as those 358 participants admitted
      with acute colonic diverticulitis during follow-up. The remaining participants
      were used as controls. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses was
      used for each sex separately after multiple imputation to calculate HR. RESULTS:
      Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that increasing age increased the
      risk of admission for acute colonic diverticulitis: Comparing with ages < 50
      years, females with age 50-70 years had HR = 3.42, P < 0.001 and age > 70 years,
      HR = 6.19, P < 0.001. In males the corresponding values were HR = 1.85, P = 0.004
      and 2.56, P < 0.001. In patients with obesity (body mass index >= 30) the HR =
      2.06, P < 0.001 in females and HR = 2.58, P < 0.001 in males. In females, present
      (HR = 2.11, P < 0.001) or previous (HR = 1.65, P = 0.007) cigarette smoking
      increased the risk of admission. In males, breathlessness (HR = 2.57, P < 0.001)
      and living in rural areas (HR = 1.74, P = 0.007) increased the risk. Level of
      education, physical activity, constipation and type of bread eaten showed no
      association with admission for acute colonic diverticulitis. CONCLUSION: The risk
      of hospital admission for acute colonic diverticulitis increased with increasing
      age, in obese individuals, in ever cigarette smoking females and in males living
      in rural areas.

PMID- 28082820
TI  - Effects of premedication with Pronase for endoscopic ultrasound of the stomach: A
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - AIM: To analyze the effects of premedication with Pronase for endoscopic
      ultrasound (EUS) examination of the stomach. METHODS: This was a prospective,
      randomized and controlled clinical study. All patients were randomly assigned to
      either the Pronase group or placebo group. The pretreatment solution was a mixed
      solution of 20000 U of Pronase and 60 mL sodium bicarbonate solution in the
      Pronase group, while an equal amount of sodium bicarbonate solution was
      administered to the placebo group. All operators, image evaluators and
      experimental recorders in EUS did not participate in the preparation and
      allocation of pretreatment solution. Two blinded investigators assessed the
      obscurity scores for the EUS images according to the size of artifacts (including
      ultrasound images of the gastric cavity and the gastric wall). Differences in
      imaging quality, the duration of examination and the usage of physiological
      saline during the examination process between the Pronase group and the control
      group were compared. RESULTS: No differences existed in patient demographics
      between the two groups. For the gastric cavity, the Pronase group had
      significantly lower mean obscurity scores than the placebo group (1.0476 +/- 0.77
      vs 1.6129 +/- 0.96, respectively, P = 0.000). The mean obscurity scores for the
      gastric mucosal surface were significantly lower in the Pronase group than the
      placebo group (1.2063 +/- 0.90 vs 1.7581 +/- 0.84, respectively, P = 0.001). The
      average EUS procedure duration for the Pronase group was 11.60 +/- 3.32 min,
      which was significantly shorter than that of the placebo group (13.13 +/- 3.81
      min, P = 0.007). Less saline was used in the Pronase group than the placebo
      group, and the difference was significant (417.94 +/- 121.38 mL vs 467.42 +/-
      104.52 mL, respectively, P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The group that had Pronase
      premedication prior to the EUS examination had clearer images than the placebo
      group. With Pronase premedication, the examination time was shorter, and the
      amount of saline used during the EUS examination was less.

PMID- 28082822
TI  - Measuring The Influence of Pearlite Dissolution on the Transient Dynamic Strength
      of Rapidly-Heated Plain Carbon Steels.
AB  - Carbon steels containing ferrite-pearlite microstructures weaken dramatically
      when pearlite dissolves into austenite on heating. The kinetics of this phase
      transformation, while fast, can play a role during dynamic, high temperature
      manufacturing processes, including high speed machining, when the time scale of
      this transformation is on the order of the manufacturing process itself. In such
      a regime, the mechanical strength of carbon steel can become time-dependent. The
      present work uses a rapidly-heated, high strain rate mechanical test to study the
      effect of temperature and time on the amount of pearlite dissolved and on the
      resulting transient effect on dynamic strength of a low and a high carbon
      (eutectoid) steel. Measurements indicate that the transient effect occurs for
      heating times less than about three seconds. The 1075 steel loses about twice the
      strength compared to the 1018 steel (85 MPa to 45 MPa) owing to its higher
      initial pearlite volume fraction. Pearlite dissolution is confirmed by
      metallographic examination of tested samples. Despite the different starting
      pearlite fractions, the kinetics of dissolution are comparable for the two
      steels, owing to the similarity in their initial pearlite morphology.

PMID- 28082821
TI  - Efficiency of olaparib in colorectal cancer patients with an alteration of the
      homologous repair protein.
AB  - Precision medicine is defined by the administration of drugs based on the tumor's
      particular genetic characteristics. It is developing quickly in the field of
      cancer therapy. For example, KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genetic testing demonstrates its
      efficiency for precision medicine in colorectal cancer (CRC). Besides for these
      well-known mutations, the purpose of performing larger genetic testing in this
      pathology is unknown. Recent reports have shown that using the poly ADP ribose
      polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib in patients with homologous repair enzyme
      deficiency gave positive clinical results in breast, ovarian and prostate
      cancers. We have reported here the cases of 2 patients with multi-treated
      metastatic CRC who underwent somatic and constitutional exome analyses. The
      analyses revealed a loss of function mutation in a homologous repair enzyme
      resulting in the loss of heterozygosity for both patients (Check2 for the first
      patient and RAD51C for the second one). Both patients were treated with off-label
      usage of olaparib. While the first patient showed clinical benefit, reduction of
      carcinoembryonic antigen tumor marker and radiologic response, the second patient
      quickly presented a progression of the tumor. Additional genetic analyses
      revealed a frameshift truncating mutation of the TP53BP1 gene in the patient who
      progressed. Interestingly, deficiency in TP53BP1 was previously described to
      confer resistance to olaparib in mice breast cancer models. Our findings suggest
      that exome analysis may be a helpful tool to highlight targetable mutations in
      CRC and that olaparib may be efficient in patients with a homologous repair
      deficiency.

PMID- 28082823
TI  - Atlas-Based Ventricular Shape Analysis for Understanding Congenital Heart
      Disease.
AB  - Congenital heart disease is associated with abnormal ventricular shape that can
      affect wall mechanics and may be predictive of long-term adverse outcomes. Atlas
      based parametric shape analysis was used to analyze ventricular geometries of
      eight adolescent or adult single-ventricle CHD patients with tricuspid atresia
      and Fontans. These patients were compared with an "atlas" of non-congenital
      asymptomatic volunteers, resulting in a set of z-scores which quantify deviations
      from the control population distribution on a patient-by-patient basis. We
      examined the potential of these scores to: (1) quantify abnormalities of
      ventricular geometry in single ventricle physiologies relative to the normal
      population; (2) comprehensively quantify wall motion in CHD patients; and (3)
      identify possible relationships between ventricular shape and wall motion that
      may reflect underlying functional defects or remodeling in CHD patients. CHD
      ventricular geometries at end-diastole and end-systole were individually compared
      with statistical shape properties of an asymptomatic population from the Cardiac
      Atlas Project. Shape analysis-derived model properties, and myocardial wall
      motions between end-diastole and end-systole, were compared with physician
      observations of clinical functional parameters. Relationships between altered
      shape and altered function were evaluated via correlations between atlas-based
      shape and wall motion scores. Atlas-based shape analysis identified a diverse set
      of specific quantifiable abnormalities in ventricular geometry or myocardial wall
      motion in all subjects. Moreover, this initial cohort displayed significant
      relationships between specific shape abnormalities such as increased ventricular
      sphericity and functional defects in myocardial deformation, such as decreased
      long-axis wall motion. These findings suggest that atlas-based ventricular shape
      analysis may be a useful new tool in the management of patients with CHD who are
      at risk of impaired ventricular wall mechanics and chamber remodeling.

PMID- 28082824
TI  - Anticorrosive influence of Acetobacter aceti biofilms on carbon steel.
AB  - Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of carbon steel infrastructure is an
      emerging environmental and cost issue for the ethanol fuel industry, yet its
      examination lacks rigorous quantification of microbiological parameters that
      could reveal effective intervention strategies. To quantitatively characterize
      the effect of cell concentration on MIC of carbon steel, numbers of bacteria
      exposed to test coupons were systematically controlled to span four orders of
      magnitude throughout a seven-day test. The bacterium studied, Acetobacter aceti,
      has been found in ethanol fuel environments, and can convert ethanol to the
      corrosive species acetic acid. A. aceti biofilms formed during the test were
      qualitatively evaluated with fluorescence microscopy, and steel surfaces were
      characterized by scanning electron microscopy. During exposure, biofilms
      developed more quickly, and test reactor pH decreased at a faster rate, when cell
      exposure was higher. Resulting corrosion rates, however, were inversely
      proportional to cell exposure, indicating that A. aceti biofilms are able to
      protect carbon steel surfaces from corrosion. This is a novel demonstration of
      corrosion inhibition by an acid-producing bacterium that occurs naturally in
      corrosive environments. Mitigation techniques for MIC that harness the power of
      microbial communities have the potential to be scalable, inexpensive, and green
      solutions to industrial problems.

PMID- 28082825
TI  - Bayesian Variable Selection on Model Spaces Constrained by Heredity Conditions.
AB  - This paper investigates Bayesian variable selection when there is a hierarchical
      dependence structure on the inclusion of predictors in the model. In particular,
      we study the type of dependence found in polynomial response surfaces of orders
      two and higher, whose model spaces are required to satisfy weak or strong
      heredity conditions. These conditions restrict the inclusion of higher-order
      terms depending upon the inclusion of lower-order parent terms. We develop
      classes of priors on the model space, investigate their theoretical and finite
      sample properties, and provide a Metropolis-Hastings algorithm for searching the
      space of models. The tools proposed allow fast and thorough exploration of model
      spaces that account for hierarchical polynomial structure in the predictors and
      provide control of the inclusion of false positives in high posterior probability
      models.

PMID- 28082826
TI  - Parent-Child Aggression Risk in Expectant Mothers and Fathers: A Multimethod
      Theoretical Approach.
AB  - The current investigation evaluated whether cognitive processes characteristic of
      the Social Information Processing model predicted parent-child aggression (PCA)
      risk independent of personal vulnerabilities and resiliencies. This study
      utilized a multimethod approach, including analog tasks, with a diverse sample of
      203 primiparous expectant mothers and 151 of their partners. Factors considered
      in this study included PCA approval attitudes, empathy, reactivity, negative
      child attributions, compliance expectations, and knowledge of non-physical
      discipline alternatives; additionally, vulnerabilities included psychopathology
      symptoms, domestic violence victimization, and substance use, whereas
      resiliencies included perceived social support, partner relationship
      satisfaction, and coping efficacy. For both mothers and fathers, findings
      supported the role of greater approval of PCA attitudes, lower empathy, more
      overreactivity, more negative attributions, and higher compliance expectations in
      relation to elevated risk of PCA. Moreover, personal vulnerabilities and
      resiliencies related to PCA risk for mothers; however, fathers and mothers
      differed on the nature of these relationships with respect to vulnerabilities as
      well as aspects of empathy and PCA approval attitudes. Findings provide evidence
      for commonalities in many of the factors investigated between mothers and fathers
      with some notable distinctions. Results are discussed in terms of how findings
      could inform prevention programs.

PMID- 28082827
TI  - Impaired fear recognition and social anxiety symptoms in adolescence.
AB  - This study represents the first examination of adolescent anxiety in relation to
      peer emotion recognition, rather than adult emotion recognition. Additionally, we
      examine potential mechanisms for the development of Social Anxiety in females.
      Facial emotion recognition (FER) is important for accurate social cognition,
      which is impaired in individuals with various disorders, including anxiety
      disorders. Social anxiety often onsets during adolescence, is observed more
      commonly in females, and is often associated with FER difficulties. Given the
      importance of peer interaction during adolescence, and some evidence that FER may
      differ as a function of the stimuli (adolescent or adult faces), we sought to
      study FER in relation to social anxiety symptoms using stimuli portraying
      adolescent faces. Male and female adolescents (N=64) completed an online survey
      in which they rated 257 child and adolescent emotional faces and completed a self
      report measure of social anxiety symptoms. We examined differences in emotion
      recognition (e.g., fear, anger, sadness) between individuals with high and low
      levels of social anxiety symptoms. Adolescents with high social anxiety symptoms
      were more likely to have problems correctly identifying fearful expressions
      (90.55% accuracy) compared to adolescents with low social anxiety symptoms
      (96.00% accuracy; t = 2.375, p = .021, d = 0.594), and this effect was observed
      exclusively in female adolescents. The observed sex difference in accurate
      identification of fearful faces in relation to social anxiety could suggest a
      potential mechanism for social anxiety development in adolescent females.

PMID- 28082829
TI  - Proactive Parent Engagement in Public Schools: Using a Brief Strengths and Needs
      Assessment in a Multiple-Gating Risk Management Strategy.
AB  - This study examined the viability of a brief, parent-reported strengths and needs
      assessment as the first step in a multiple-gating approach to proactive positive
      behavior support for families. The Positive Family Support-Strengths and Needs
      Assessment (PFS-SaNA) was designed to collaboratively engage parents early in the
      school year in a home-school coordinated Positive Family Support (PFS) system. In
      this study, we evaluated the reliability and validity of the PFS-SaNA in the
      context of public middle schools. Findings suggest that the 14-item,
      unidimensional PFS-SaNA shows convergent validity with teacher ratings of risk.
      It can be easily and cost-effectively used by school personnel when parents
      register their children for school at the beginning of each school year.

PMID- 28082828
TI  - Pharmacotherapy for Substance Use Disorders in Youths.
AB  - Despite recent advances in psychosocial treatments targeting adolescent substance
      use disorders (SUD), effect sizes generally remain small to modest, and few
      treatment-enrolled youth achieve sustained abstinence. Among adults, SUD-targeted
      pharmacotherapies have emerged as viable options to complement psychosocial
      treatments and enhance outcomes. Developmental differences exist in
      pharmacodynamics and treatment-response, and comparatively little research has
      focused on SUD-targeted pharmacotherapies for youth. This article provides a
      review and synthesis of relevant published clinical trials focusing on youth SUDs
      and co-occurring/comorbid psychiatric and substance use disorders. It offers
      recommendations for clinical practice and further research based on the limited
      findings to date.

PMID- 28082830
TI  - Numerical Simulation of the Freeze-Thaw Behavior of Mortar Containing Deicing
      Salt Solution.
AB  - This paper presents a one-dimensional finite difference model that is developed
      to describe the freeze-thaw behavior of an air-entrained mortar containing
      deicing salt solution. A phenomenological model is used to predict the
      temperature and the heat flow for mortar specimens during cooling and heating.
      Phase transformations associated with the freezing/melting of water/ice or
      transition of the eutectic solution from liquid to solid are included in this
      phenomenological model. The lever rule is used to calculate the quantity of
      solution that undergoes the phase transformation, thereby simulating the energy
      released/absorbed during phase transformation. Undercooling and pore size effects
      are considered in the numerical model. To investigate the effect of pore size
      distribution, this distribution is considered using the Gibbs-Thomson equation in
      a saturated mortar specimen. For an air-entrained mortar, the impact of
      considering pore size (and curvature) on freezing was relatively insignificant;
      however the impact of pore size is much more significant during melting. The
      fluid inside pores smaller than 5 nm (i.e., gel pores) has a relatively small
      contribution in the macroscopic freeze-thaw behavior of mortar specimens within
      the temperature range used in this study (i.e., +24  degrees C to -35  degrees
      C), and can therefore be neglected for the macroscopic freeze-thaw simulations. A
      heat sink term is utilized to simulate the heat dissipation during phase
      transformations. Data from experiments performed using a low-temperature
      longitudinal guarded comparative calorimeter (LGCC) on mortar specimens fully
      saturated with various concentration NaCl solutions or partially saturated with
      water is compared to the numerical results and a promising agreement is generally
      obtained.

PMID- 28082832
TI  - Asymmetric Dearomatization/Cyclization Enables Access to Polycyclic Chemotypes.
AB  - Enantioenriched, polycyclic compounds were obtained from a simple
      acylphloroglucinol scaffold. Highly enantioselective dearomatization was
      accomplished using a Trost ligand-palladium(0) complex. A computational DFT model
      was developed to rationalize observed enantioselectivities and revealed a key
      reactant-ligand hydrogen bonding interaction. Dearomatized products were used in
      visible light-mediated photocycloadditions and oxidative free radical
      cyclizations to obtain novel polycyclic chemotypes including
      tricyclo[4.3.1.01,4]decan-10-ones, bicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-ones and highly
      substituted cycloheptanones.

PMID- 28082831
TI  - A Positive Psychology Intervention for Patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome:
      Treatment Development and Proof-of-Concept Trial.
AB  - Positive psychological constructs are associated with superior outcomes in
      cardiac patients, but there has been minimal study of positive psychology (PP)
      interventions in this population. Our objective was to describe the intervention
      development and pilot testing of an 8-week phone-based PP intervention for
      patients following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Initial intervention
      development and single-arm proof-of-concept trial, plus comparison of the PP
      intervention to a subsequently-recruited treatment as usual (TAU) cohort. PP
      development utilized existing literature, expert input, and qualitative interview
      data in ACS patients. In the proof-of-concept trial, the primary outcomes were
      feasibility and acceptability, measured by rates of exercise completion and
      participant ratings of exercise ease/utility. Secondary outcomes were pre-post
      changes in psychological outcomes and TAU comparisons, measured using effect
      sizes (Cohen's d). The PP intervention and treatment manual were successfully
      created. In the proof-of-concept trial, 17/23 PP participants (74 %) completed at
      least 5 of 8 exercises. Participants rated the ease (M = 7.4/10; SD = 2.1) and
      utility (M = 8.1/10, SD = 1.6) of PP exercises highly. There were moderate pre
      post improvements (ds = .46-.69) in positive affect, anxiety, and depression, but
      minimal effects on dispositional optimism (d = .08). Compared to TAU participants
      (n = 22), PP participants demonstrated greater improvements in positive affect,
      anxiety, and depression (ds = . 47-.71), but not optimism. A PP intervention was
      feasible, well-accepted, and associated with improvements in most psychological
      measures among cardiac patients. These results provide support for a larger trial
      focusing on behavioral outcomes.

PMID- 28082833
TI  - Success in School for Justice-Involved Girls: Do Specific Aspects of
      Developmental Immaturity Matter?
AB  - Developmental immaturity (DI) may help explain some of the variability in aspects
      of academic achievement among girls in the juvenile justice system, a population
      with high rates of truancy, dropout, and school failure. This study examined the
      relationships among the decision making and independent functioning components of
      DI, verbal intelligence, and academic achievement within this population. Using
      data from 60 girls in residential juvenile justice facilities, multiple
      regression analyses indicated that verbal IQ moderated the relationship between
      the DI construct of decision making and academic achievement. Self-reported
      school attendance and number of previous arrests did not significantly mediate
      the relationship between DI and academic achievement. These results may indicate
      that the decision-making factor of DI may be particularly important, and, if
      results are replicated, future intervention efforts could focus more on improving
      this skill within this juvenile justice population. Additionally, the overall
      importance of the full DI construct is an important area of future study.

PMID- 28082834
TI  - Give Me a Hand: Adult Involvement During Object Exploration Affects Object
      Individuation in Infancy.
AB  - The development of object individuation, a fundamental ability that supports
      identification and discrimination of objects across discrete encounters, has been
      examined extensively by researchers. There are significant advancements in
      infants' ability to individuate objects during the first year-and-a-half.
      Experimental work has established a timeline of object individuation abilities
      and revealed some mechanisms underlying this ability, however, the influence of
      adult assistance during object exploration has not yet been explored. The current
      study investigates the effect of adult involvement during object exploration on
      infants' object individuation abilities. In Experiment 1a and 1b, we examined 9.5
      month-old infants' colour-based object individuation following adult-assisted
      multisensory object exploration. Two components of adult interaction were of
      particular interest: facilitation of object manipulation (grasping, rotating, and
      attention-getting behaviours) and social engagement (smiling, pointing, attention
      getting verbalizations, and object-directed gaze). Experiment 2a and 2b assessed
      these components with 4.5-month-olds to examine their impact across development.
      The results showed that after adult-guided object exploration, both 9.5- and 4.5
      month-old infants successfully individuated previously undifferentiated objects.
      Results of Experiments 1b and 2b provide implications for the mechanisms
      underlying the scaffolding influence of adult interaction during infant
      behaviours.

PMID- 28082835
TI  - Mothers' and Fathers' Reports of their Supportive Responses to their Children's
      Negative Emotions over Time.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Parents' emotion socialization practices are thought to be moderately
      stable over time; however, a partner's socialization practices could initiate
      change. DESIGN: We examined mothers' and fathers' reports of their supportive
      responses to their children's negative emotions when the target child was 7 years
      old and again at age 10. We tested a dyadic, longitudinal path model with 111
      mother-father pairs. RESULTS: Significant actor and partner effects emerged.
      Parents' age 7 responses predicted their own age 10 responses and their partners'
      later responses. CONCLUSIONS: Parents' reported responses to children's negative
      emotions during middle childhood are predicted by their own earlier responses and
      by their partners' responses.

PMID- 28082836
TI  - Incorporating Human-like Walking Variability in an HZD-Based Bipedal Model.
AB  - Predictive simulations of human walking could be used to investigate a wide range
      of questions. Promising moderately complex models have been developed using the
      robotics control technique hybrid zero dynamics (HZD). Existing simulations of
      human walking only consider the mean motion, so they cannot be used to
      investigate fall risk, which is correlated with variability. This work determines
      how to incorporate human-like variability into an HZD-based healthy human model
      to generate a more realistic gait. The key challenge is determining how to
      combine the existing mathematical description of variability with the dynamic
      model so that the biped is still able to walk without falling. To do so, the
      commanded motion is augmented with a sinusoidal variability function and a
      polynomial correction function. The variability function captures the variation
      in joint angles while the correction function prevents the variability function
      from growing uncontrollably. The necessity of the correction function and the
      improvements with a reduction of stance ankle variability are demonstrated via
      simulations. The variability in temporal measures is shown to be similar to
      experimental values.

PMID- 28082837
TI  - Trends in the Treatment of Dupuytren Disease in the United States Between 2007
      and 2014.
AB  - Background: Dupuytren disease is a common fibroproliferative disorder. Multiple
      procedural treatment options are available, with Collagenase Clostridium
      Histolyticum (CCH) injection being introduced in 2010. The purpose of this study
      was to investigate trends in the treatment of Dupuytren disease in the United
      States between 2007 and 2014. Methods: The PearlDiver Humana database was queried
      using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and
      Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for patients with Dupuytren disease
      that received percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA), fasciotomy, fasciectomy,
      and CCH injection. Patients were filtered by age, number of comorbidities, and
      gender. Change in composition of treatments over time was analyzed for each
      demographic group between 2007 and 2014. Results: Patients presenting to clinic
      for Dupuytren disease increased from 1118 to 3280, with unchanging treatment
      percentage of 41. Percent fasciotomies and fasciectomies decreased from 5% to 3%
      and 33% to 21%, while CCH injection increased to 11% by 2012 to 2014. Percent
      fasciotomies decreased (P < .05) in younger healthier (age <65, 0-1
      comorbidities) and older less healthy (age 65-74, 4+ comorbidities) populations.
      Percent fasciectomies decreased significantly in nearly all age and comorbidity
      groups, but by greater amounts in patients with 2+ comorbidities with increasing
      age. Percent CCH injections increased in all groups, at rates similar to the
      losses seen in open procedures. Conclusions: CCH injections have risen to
      substantial levels, with corresponding decreases in the percentage of patients
      receiving fasciotomies and fasciectomies. Patient age, comorbidities, and gender
      appear to have influence on the treatment chosen, likely due to their effects on
      surgical risk and the importance of timely return to activity.

PMID- 28082839
TI  - Long-Term Outcomes of Scaphoid Malunion.
AB  - Background: The optimal treatment of patients with a scaphoid malunion remains
      controversial. The long-term outcomes of operative and nonoperative management
      have not been established. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the
      outcomes of all scaphoid malunions treated at single institution over a 30-year
      period. This included patients who underwent corrective osteotomy, salvage
      procedures (ie, dorsal cheilectomy, radial styloidectomy, and scaphoidectomy with
      midcarpal fusion), and those who refused operative intervention. The Mayo Wrist
      Score was determined at the time of surgical evaluation. Patient-Rated Wrist
      Evaluation (PRWE) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH)
      surveys were sent to all patients for long-term follow-up. Results: Seventeen
      patients had follow-up at a mean 21.4 years (range, 12-30 years). The mean
      initial lateral intrascaphoid angle was 58 degrees . Of the 17 patients, 11
      proceeded with surgery and 6 opted for nonoperative management. A corrective
      osteotomy was performed in 4 patients. Of the remaining 7 surgical patients, 5
      patients underwent procedures such as cheilectomy and radial styloidectomy,
      whereas 2 patients had a scaphoidectomy with midcarpal fusion. The final mean
      PRWE and QuickDASH scores for corrective osteotomy, salvage procedures, and
      nonoperative treatment were 23 and 6, 18 and 10, and 33 and 22, respectively.
      Conclusion: Long-term outcomes were similar between operative and nonoperative
      management.

PMID- 28082838
TI  - Hand Surgery and Fluoroscopic Eye Radiation Dosage: A Prospective Pilot
      Comparison of Large Versus Mini C-Arm Fluoroscopy Use.
AB  - Background: The purpose of this study is to (1) perform a prospective pilot
      comparison of the impact of large versus mini C-arm fluoroscopy on resultant eye
      radiation exposure and (2) test the hypothesis that the use of either modality
      during routine hand surgery does not exceed the current recommended limits to
      critical eye radiation dosage. Methods: Over a 12-month period, eye radiation
      exposure was prospectively measured by a board-certified hand surgeon using both
      large and mini C-arm fluoroscopy. For each modality, accumulated eye radiation
      dosage was measured monthly, while fluoroscopic radiation output was recorded,
      including total exposure time and dose rate. Results: A total of 58 cases were
      recorded using large C-arm and 25 cases using mini C-arm. Between the 2 groups,
      there was not a significant difference with total exposure time (P = .88) and
      average dose rate per case (P = .10). With the use of either modality, average
      monthly eye radiation exposure fell within the undetectable range (<30 mrem),
      significantly less than the current recommended limit of critical eye radiation
      (167 mrem/month). Conclusions: The impact of various fluoroscopic sources on eye
      radiation exposure remains relatively unexplored. In this study, the minimal
      detectable eye radiation dosages observed in both groups were reliably
      consistent. Our findings suggest that accumulated eye radiation dosage, from the
      use of either fluoroscopic modality, does not approach previously reported levels
      of critical radiation loads.

PMID- 28082840
TI  - A Survey of the Use of Ultrasound by Upper Extremity Surgeons.
AB  - Background: Ultrasound is a versatile imaging modality that can be used by upper
      extremity surgeons for diagnostic purposes and guided injections. The perceptions
      of ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment among upper extremity surgeons and its
      barriers for adoption have not been formally surveyed. The purpose of this study
      is to determine the current usage of musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnostic
      purposes and guided injections by upper extremity surgeons and their reasons for
      using it or not using it in practice. Methods: A 22-question survey was
      distributed to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). The survey
      questions consisted of respondent characteristic questions and questions
      pertaining to the use of ultrasound. Chi-square analysis was performed to assess
      for a difference in ultrasound usage across respondent characteristics. Results:
      Three hundred four (43%) answered that they have an ultrasound machine in their
      office; Fifty-one percent (362) of the respondents use ultrasound for diagnostic
      purposes. Fifty-five (8%) of the survey respondents use ultrasound to diagnose
      carpal tunnel syndrome; 168 (23.5%) respondents reported that they use ultrasound
      for guided injections. There was a statistically significant difference between
      access to an ultrasound machine in the office by practice setting and use of
      ultrasound for diagnostic purposes by practice setting. Conclusions: The use of
      ultrasound by upper extremity surgeons is split for diagnostic purposes, with
      fewer surgeons using ultrasound to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and guided
      injections. Ultrasound machine availability and the use of ultrasound for
      diagnosis appear to be influenced by practice setting.

PMID- 28082841
TI  - Prospective Evaluation of Opioid Consumption Following Carpal Tunnel Release
      Surgery.
AB  - Background: Postoperative pain management and opioid consumption following carpal
      tunnel release (CTR) surgery may be influenced by many variables. To understand
      factors affecting opioid consumption, a prospective study was undertaken with the
      hypothesis that CTR performed under local anesthesia (wide awake local anesthesia
      with no tourniquet [WALANT]) would result in increased opioid consumption
      postoperatively compared with cases performed under sedation. Methods: All
      patients undergoing open CTR surgery were consecutively enrolled over a 6-month
      period. Information collected included patient demographics, surgical technique,
      amount and type of narcotic prescribed, number of pills taken, and type of
      anesthesia. Results: 277 patients were enrolled (56% women, 44% men). On average,
      21 pills were prescribed, and 4.3 pills (median = 2) were consumed. There was no
      difference in consumption between patients who received WALANT (78 cases) versus
      (198 cases) sedation (4.9 vs 3.9 pills, respectively) (P = .22). There was no
      difference in opioid consumption based on insurance type (P = .47) or type of
      narcotic (P = .85). However, more men consumed no opioids (47%) compared with
      women (36%) (P < .05) and older patients consumed less than younger patients (P <
      .05). Conclusions: Opioid consumption following CTR is more influenced by age and
      gender, and less influenced by anesthesia type, insurance type, or the type of
      opioid prescribed. Many more opioids were prescribed than needed, on an average
      of 5:1. Many patients, particularly older patients, do not require any opioid
      analgesia after CTR.

PMID- 28082842
TI  - A Clinical Scoring System for Distinguishing Patients With Coincident Cubital
      Tunnel Syndrome Among Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
AB  - Background: Coincident carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes present a diagnostic
      challenge, exacerbated by the limitations of nerve conduction study (NCS) for
      confirming cubital tunnel syndrome. This study develops a diagnostic scoring
      system, the Koh-Benhaim (KB) score, to identify patients with coincident
      compression neuropathies. Methods: A retrospective review of 515 patients was
      performed from patients surgically treated for carpal and/or cubital tunnel
      release. These patients were divided as patients with isolated carpal tunnel
      syndrome (n = 337) or coincident carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes (n = 178),
      then characterized according to demographics, medical history, physical
      examination, and NCS results. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression
      identified predictors of coincident neuropathy. A clinical score was constructed
      by integerizing regression coefficients of predictive factors. Receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for each iteration of the score.
      Sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values were
      calculated to identify the best cutoff value. Results: Decreased intrinsic muscle
      strength, decreased ulnar sensation, positive elbow flexion test, positive
      cubital tunnel Tinel's sign, and abnormal NCS result were selected. The cutoff
      value for high risk of coincident compression was 3 points: positive predictive
      value, 82.9% and specificity, 93.4%. Model performance was very good-ROC area
      under the curve of 0.917. Conclusions: A KB score of 3 or greater represents high
      risk of coincident cubital tunnel compression. The variables involved are
      routinely used to assess the cubital tunnel, and all component factors of the KB
      score were of equivalent clinical weight in assessing patients with potential
      coincident compression neuropathy.

PMID- 28082843
TI  - Brachial Plexus Blockade Causes Subclinical Neuropathy: A Prospective
      Observational Study.
AB  - Background: The objective of this study is to determine subclinical changes in
      hand sensation after brachial plexus blocks used for hand surgery procedures. We
      used Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing to detect these changes. We
      hypothesized that patients undergoing brachial plexus nerve blocks would have
      postoperative subclinical neuropathy detected by monofilament testing when
      compared with controls. Methods: In total, 115 hand surgery adult patients were
      prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients undergoing nerve-related
      procedures were excluded as well as any patients with preoperative clinically
      apparent nerve deficits. Eighty-four patients underwent brachial plexus blockade
      preoperatively, and 31 patients underwent general anesthesia (GA). Semmes
      Weinstein monofilament testing of the hand was performed preoperatively on both
      the operative and nonoperative extremities and postoperatively at a mean of 11
      days on both hands. Preoperative and postoperative monofilament testing scores
      were compared between the block hand and the nonoperated hand of the same
      patient, as well as between the block hands and the GA-operated hands. Results:
      There were no recorded clinically relevant neurologic complications in the block
      group or GA group. A statistically significant decrease in sensation in
      postoperative testing in the operated block hand compared with the nonoperated
      hand was noted. When comparing the operated block hand with the operated GA hand,
      there was a decrease in postoperative sensation in the operated block hand that
      did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Brachial plexus blockade
      causes subtle subclinical decreases in sensibility at short-term follow-up,
      without any clinically relevant manifestations.

PMID- 28082844
TI  - A Preliminary Assessment of the Utility of Large-Caliber Processed Nerve
      Allografts for the Repair of Upper Extremity Nerve Injuries.
AB  - Background: Cabled sensory nerve autografts are the historical gold standard for
      overcoming gaps in larger diameter nerves as repair utilizing large-diameter
      autograft risks central graft necrosis. Commercially available processed nerve
      allograft (PNA) is available in diameters up to 5 mm but represents an acellular
      3-dimensional matrix as opposed to viable tissue. The purpose of this study is to
      specifically evaluate whether similar concerns regarding the use of large-caliber
      PNA are warranted. Methods: The RANGER Registry is an active database designed to
      collect injury, repair, safety, and outcomes data for PNAs (Avance(r) Nerve
      Graft; AxoGen, Inc, Alachua, Florida) according to an institutional review board
      approved protocol. The database was queried for patients presenting with large
      caliber nerve allograft repairs in the upper extremity. Identified patients
      reporting quantitative outcomes with a minimum of 9-month follow-up were included
      in the data set. Results: The large-caliber PNA subgroup included 13 patients
      with 15 injuries. The mean +/- SD age was 36 +/- 22 years. Large-caliber single
      stranded repairs included twelve 4- to 5-mm-diameter grafts. Large-caliber cabled
      repairs included the combined use of 3- to 4-mm and 4- to 5-mm-diameter nerve
      allografts in 3 repairs. The mean nerve gap was 33 +/- 10 mm with a mean follow
      up time of 13 months. Available quantitative data reported meaningful recovery of
      sensory and motor function in 67% and 85% of the repairs, respectively.
      Conclusion: Although based on a small subset of patients, PNAs of up to 5 mm in
      diameter appear capable of supporting successful nerve regeneration.

PMID- 28082845
TI  - Frequency of Incidental Median Thenar Motor Nerve Branch Visualization During
      Mini-Open and Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.
AB  - Background: Clinical studies using extensile approaches for carpal tunnel release
      (CTR) report a fairly high incidence of thenar motor branch (TMB) variants. As
      mini-open and endoscopic CTRs have become commonplace, the likelihood of
      encountering one of these variants in current practice is unknown. The purpose of
      the present study was to assess prospectively the frequency with which TMB
      variants are encountered during routine surgery. Methods: All patients who
      underwent a primary CTR between August 2014 and April 2015 by 11 hand fellowship
      trained, orthopedic surgeons were prospectively evaluated. All surgeons performed
      releases in their usual technique and notified the lead investigator of any
      median nerve variations encountered. A total of 890 primary CTRs in 795 patients
      were performed during the study period. Results: Four TMBs seen were
      transligamentous variants (4/890 of procedures = 0.45%; 4/795 of patients =
      0.50%). Three were identified during open CTR, and 1 during endoscopic CTR. In 2
      cases, the transligamentous TMB originated from the volar aspect of the median
      nerve and penetrated the midportion of the transverse carpal ligament. One TMB
      originated from the volar and ulnar aspect of the median nerve. One TMB
      originated from the ulnar aspect of the median nerve proximal to the carpal
      tunnel. There were no cases of TMB injury during the course of the study.
      Conclusions: TMB variations are encountered infrequently during routine CTR. The
      most commonly encountered variant during routine mini-open or endoscopic CTR in
      our study was a transligamentous branch.

PMID- 28082846
TI  - Muscle Atrophy at Presentation of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Demographics and
      Duration of Symptoms.
AB  - Background: The purpose of this study is to describe the demographics and
      duration of symptoms of patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who present with
      muscle atrophy. Methods: We identified 146 patients who presented to the hand
      surgery clinic at a single institution over a 5-year period with an initial
      diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome based on history and physical examination.
      Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to determine if there was a
      difference in demographic data, physical examination findings, and duration of
      symptoms in patients who presented with muscle atrophy from those with sensory
      complaints alone. Results: A total of 17/146 (11.6%) of patients presented with
      muscle atrophy, all of which were men. In all, 17.2% of men presented with
      atrophy. Age by itself was not a predictor of presentation with atrophy; however,
      younger patients with atrophy presented with significantly shorter duration of
      symptoms. Patients under the age of 29 years presenting with muscle atrophy on
      average had symptoms for 2.4 months compared with 16.2 months of symptoms for
      those over 55 years of age. Conclusions: Men with cubital tunnel syndrome are
      more likely to present with muscle atrophy than women. Age is not necessarily a
      predictor of presentation with atrophy. There is a subset population of younger
      patients who presents with extremely short duration of symptoms that rapidly
      develops muscle atrophy.

PMID- 28082847
TI  - Optimized Repopulation of Tendon Hydrogel: Synergistic Effects of Growth Factor
      Combinations and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.
AB  - Background: Tendon-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel has been shown to
      augment tendon healing in vivo. We hypothesized that reseeding of the gel with
      adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) could further assist repopulation of the gel
      and that combinations of growth factors (GFs) would improve the survival of these
      cells after reseeding. Methods: A tendon-specific ECM solution was supplemented
      with varying concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin
      like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB).
      Gels were then seeded with ASCs transfected with a green fluorescent
      protein/luciferin construct. Cell proliferation was determined using the MTT
      assay and histology, and GF and ASC augmented gels were injected into the back of
      Sprague Dawley rats. Bioluminescence of seeded gels was continuously followed
      after reseeding, and cell counts were performed after the gels were explanted at
      14 days. Results: Synergistic effects of the GFs were seen, and an optimal
      combination was determined to be 10 ng/mL bFGF, 100 ng/mL IGF-1, and 100 ng/mL
      PDGF-BB (2.8-fold increase; P < .05). In vivo bioluminescence showed an improved
      initial survival of cells in gels supplemented with the optimal concentration of
      GF compared with the control group (10.6-fold increase at 8 days; P < .05). Cell
      counts of explants showed a dramatic endogenous repopulation of gels supplemented
      by GF + ASCs compared with both gels with GF but no ASCs (7.6-fold increase) and
      gels with ASCs but no GF (1.6-fold increase). Conclusion: Synergistic effects of
      GFs can be used to improve cellular proliferation of ASCs seeded to a tendon ECM
      gel. Reseeding with ASCs stimulates endogenous repopulation of the gel in vivo
      and may be used to further augment tendon healing.

PMID- 28082848
TI  - Biomechanical and Dimensional Measurements of the Pulvertaft Weave Versus the Cow
      Hitch Technique.
AB  - Background: In this study, biomechanical strength and bulkiness of the cow-hitch
      technique and Pulvertaft weave were compared. Our goal was to investigate whether
      the cow hitch can withstand equal strength in comparison with the Pulvertaft and
      to see if there is a difference in bulk, which could enhance gliding function and
      reduce friction and adhesion formation. Methods: Sheep tendons were used to
      perform 10 cow-hitch and 10 Pulvertaft repairs. Tensile strength was obtained
      with a cyclic loading tensile testing machine and tendon width and height
      measurements were obtained through digital analysis by photographs of the
      repairs. Results: The cow hitch showed significantly better ultimate strength and
      had less bulk. There was no statistical difference in displacement, defined as
      gain in total length of the tendon. Conclusions: The results in this study show
      that the cow hitch outperforms the Pulvertaft weave in both ultimate strength and
      bulk.

PMID- 28082849
TI  - Biceps to Triceps Transfer in Tetraplegic Patients: Our Experience and Review of
      the Literature.
AB  - Background: Management and indications for surgery in the tetraplegic patient are
      highly complex because of the substantial functional deficits that they present
      and their effect on their daily activity. Our purpose was to evaluate the
      functional outcome in tetraplegic patients who underwent biceps-to-triceps
      transfer surgery according to Zancolli's modified technique. Methods: This is a
      retrospective study of 6 biceps-to-triceps transfers using Zancolli's modified
      technique in 4 patients. Mean follow-up was 45 months. We evaluated each
      patient's DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score before surgery
      and 12 months later. Results: In the 6 arms that underwent surgery, full and
      active elbow extension against gravity at 12 months after surgery was achieved.
      The mean DASH score was 73.2 preoperatively and 20.8 twelve months
      postoperatively. One complication occurred. One patient reported loss of elbow
      flexion preventing thigh lift for transfers. This was resolved with a program of
      rehabilitation and specific muscle strengthening Conclusions: Zancolli's modified
      technique is simple and effective, with few complications, whereby we can provide
      more autonomy for the tetraplegic patient.

PMID- 28082850
TI  - The Lateral Proximal Phalanx Flap for Contractures and Soft Tissue Defects in the
      Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: An Anatomical and Clinical Study.
AB  - Background: The management of contractures and soft tissue defects in the
      proximal interphalangeal (PIP) finger joint remains a challenge. We report a
      transposition flap from the lateral skin of the proximal phalanx that is based on
      perforating branches of the digital arteries and can be used safely for both
      palmar and dorsal cover defects. Methods: We first completed an anatomic study,
      dissecting 20 fingers in fresh cadavers with arterial injections and made the new
      flap in patients with dorsal or palmar defects in PIP joints. Results: In
      cadavers, we can reveal 4 constant branches from each digital artery in the
      proximal phalanx, with the more distal just in the PIP joint constituting the
      flap pedicle. Between February 2010 and February 2015, we designed 33 flaps in 29
      patients, 7 for dorsal and 26 for palmar defects, with no instances of flap
      necrosis and 4 distal epidermolysis. The patients were between 4 and 69 years
      with no major complications, and all of the skin defects in the PIP joint were
      resolved satisfactorily without any relevant sequelae at the donor site.
      Conclusions: This flap procedure is an easy, reliable, versatile, and safe
      technique, and could be an important tool for the management of difficult skin
      defects and contractures at the PIP joint level.

PMID- 28082851
TI  - Comments on the article "Non-Surgical Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A
      Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials".

PMID- 28082852
TI  - Pediatric Trigger Finger due to Osteochondroma: A Report of Two Cases.
AB  - Background: The trigger finger is characterized by the painful blocking of finger
      flexor tendons of the hand, while crossing the A1 pulley. It is a rare disease in
      children and, when present, is usually located in the thumb, and does not have
      any defined cause. Methods: We report 2 pediatric trigger finger cases affecting
      the long digits of the hand that were caused by an osteochondroma located at the
      proximal phalanx. Both children held the diagnosis of juvenile multiple
      osteochondromatosis. They had presented at the initial visit with a painful
      finger blocking. Surgical approach was decided with wide regional exposure, as
      compared with the trigger finger traditional surgical techniques, with the
      opening of the A1 pulley and the initial portion of the A2 pulley, along with
      bone tumor resection. Results: Patients evolved uneventfully, and recovered the
      affected finger motion. Conclusion: It is important to highlight that pediatric
      trigger finger is a distinct ailment from the adult trigger finger, and also in
      children is important to differentiate whenever the disease either affects the
      thumb or the long fingers. A secondary cause shall be sought whenever the long
      fingers are affected by a trigger finger.

PMID- 28082853
TI  - Gouty Tenosynovitis of the Distal Biceps Tendon Insertion Complicated by Partial
      Rupture: First Case and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Background: Given the appreciable prevalence of gout, gout-induced tendon
      ruptures in the upper extremity are extremely rare. Although these events have
      been reported only 5 times in the literature, all in patients with a risk factor
      for or history of gout, they have conspicuously never been diagnosed in the
      shoulder or elbow. Methods: A 45-year-old, right-hand-dominant man with a history
      of gout presented with pain in his right anterior elbow and weakness in his
      forearm after a trivial injury. Results: Here, we report the first case of gouty
      tenosynovitis of the distal biceps tendon insertion complicated by partial
      rupture, a composite diagnosis supported by both intraoperative and histological
      observations. Conclusions: In patients who are clinically diagnosed with biceps
      tendon rupture and have a history of gout, it is important to consider the
      possibility of a gout-related pathological manifestation causing or simulating
      tendon rupture.

PMID- 28082854
TI  - Iatrogenic Injury to the Median Nerve During Palmaris Longus Harvest: An Overview
      of Safe Harvesting Techniques.
AB  - Background: A rare and disastrous complication of harvesting a tendon graft is
      the misidentification of the median nerve for the palmaris longus. Methods: The
      authors report a referred case in which the median nerve was harvested as a free
      tendon graft. Results: Few reports of this complication are found in the
      literature despite the frequency of palmaris longus tendon grafting and the
      proximity of the palmaris tendon to the median nerve. Given the obvious
      medicolegal implications, the true incidence of this complication is difficult to
      assess. Discussion: Safe harvesting of the palmaris longus mandates a thorough
      understanding of the relevant anatomy, in particular the proper differentiation
      between nerve and tendon and recognition of when the palmaris longus tendon is
      absent. Techniques to facilitate proper identification of the palmaris longus are
      outlined.

PMID- 28082855
TI  - Morel-Lavallee Lesion in the Upper Extremity.
AB  - Background: The Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) is a closed internal degloving injury
      that results from shearing of the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the
      underlying fascia. Disruption of the perforating blood vessels and lymphatics
      results in a lesion filled with serosanguinous fluid and necrotized fat. MLLs are
      most commonly described in association with pelvic and lower extremity trauma,
      and there are limited reports of these lesions in other locations. Methods: This
      case report describes a 58-year-old male referred from his primary care physician
      with a soft tissue mass in the upper arm. Careful history discovered prior trauma
      with extensive bruising and MRI revealed a large encapsulated mass consistent
      with MLL. Results: An open debridement with excision of pseudocapsule was
      performed. Meticulous closure over a drain was performed and the patient healed
      without complication or recurrence. Intra-operative cultures were negative and
      pathology was consistent with MLL. Conclusion: MLL should always be considered in
      the setting of previous trauma regardless the location. In the chronic setting an
      open approach with excision of pseudocapsule can have an acceptable result.

PMID- 28082856
TI  - Chemical diversity and pharmacological significance of the secondary metabolites
      of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.).
AB  - Nutmeg is a valued kitchen spice that has been used for centuries all over the
      world. In addition to its use in flavoring foods and beverages, nutmeg has been
      used in traditional remedies for stomach and kidney disorders. The antioxidant,
      antimicrobial and central nervous system effects of nutmeg have also been
      reported in literature. Nutmeg is a rich source of fixed and essential oil,
      triterpenes, and various types of phenolic compounds. Many of the secondary
      metabolites of nutmeg exhibit biological activities that may support its use in
      traditional medicine. This article provides an overview of the chemistry of
      secondary metabolites isolated from nutmeg kernel and mace including common
      methods for analysis of extracts and pure compounds as well as recent approaches
      towards total synthesis of some of the major constituents. A summary of the most
      significant pharmacological investigations of potential drug leads isolated from
      nutmeg and reported in the last decade is also included.

PMID- 28082857
TI  - Mind the Noise When Identifying Computational Models of Cognition from Brain
      Activity.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze how measurement error affects the validity
      of modeling studies in computational neuroscience. A synthetic validity test was
      created using simulated P300 event-related potentials as an example. The model
      space comprised four computational models of single-trial P300 amplitude
      fluctuations which differed in terms of complexity and dependency. The single
      trial fluctuation of simulated P300 amplitudes was computed on the basis of one
      of the models, at various levels of measurement error and at various numbers of
      data points. Bayesian model selection was performed based on exceedance
      probabilities. At very low numbers of data points, the least complex model
      generally outperformed the data-generating model. Invalid model identification
      also occurred at low levels of data quality and under low numbers of data points
      if the winning model's predictors were closely correlated with the predictors
      from the data-generating model. Given sufficient data quality and numbers of data
      points, the data-generating model could be correctly identified, even against
      models which were very similar to the data-generating model. Thus, a number of
      variables affects the validity of computational modeling studies, and data
      quality and numbers of data points are among the main factors relevant to the
      issue. Further, the nature of the model space (i.e., model complexity, model
      dependency) should not be neglected. This study provided quantitative results
      which show the importance of ensuring the validity of computational modeling via
      adequately prepared studies. The accomplishment of synthetic validity tests is
      recommended for future applications. Beyond that, we propose to render the
      demonstration of sufficient validity via adequate simulations mandatory to
      computational modeling studies.

PMID- 28082859
TI  - Comparison of Local Information Indices Applied in Resting State Functional Brain
      Network Connectivity Prediction.
AB  - Anatomical distance has been widely used to predict functional connectivity
      because of the potential relationship between structural connectivity and
      functional connectivity. The basic implicit assumption of this method is
      "distance penalization." But studies have shown that one-parameter model
      (anatomical distance) cannot account for the small-worldness, modularity, and
      degree distribution of normal human brain functional networks. Two local
      information indices-common neighbor (CN) and preferential attachment index (PA),
      are introduced into the prediction model as another parameter to emulate many key
      topological of brain functional networks in the previous study. In addition to
      these two indices, many other local information indices can be chosen for
      investigation. Different indices evaluate local similarity from different
      perspectives. Currently, we still have no idea about how to select local
      information indices to achieve higher predicted accuracy of functional
      connectivity. Here, seven local information indices are chosen, including CN, hub
      depressed index (HDI), hub promoted index (HPI), Leicht-Holme-Newman index (LHN
      I), Sorensen index (SI), PA, and resource allocation index (RA). Statistical
      analyses were performed on eight network topological properties to evaluate the
      predictions. Analysis shows that different prediction models have different
      performances in terms of simulating topological properties and most of the
      predicted network properties are close to the real data. There are four
      topological properties whose average relative error is less than 5%, including
      characteristic path length, clustering coefficient, global efficiency, and local
      efficiency. CN model shows the most accurate predictions. Statistical analysis
      reveals that five properties within the CN-predicted network do not differ
      significantly from the real data (P > 0.05, false-discovery rate method corrected
      for seven comparisons). PA model shows the worst prediction performance which was
      first applied in models of growth networks. Our results suggest that PA is not
      suitable for predicting connectivity in a small-world network. Furthermore, in
      order to evaluate the predictions rapidly, prediction power was proposed as an
      evaluation metric. The current study compares the predictions of functional
      connectivity with seven local information indices and provides a reference of
      method selection for construction of prediction models.

PMID- 28082860
TI  - Evaluating the Influence of Spatial Resampling for Motion Correction in Resting
      State Functional MRI.
AB  - Head motion is one of major concerns in current resting-state functional MRI
      studies. Image realignment including motion estimation and spatial resampling is
      often applied to achieve rigid-body motion correction. While the accurate
      estimation of motion parameters has been addressed in most studies, spatial
      resampling could also produce spurious variance, and lead to unexpected errors on
      the amplitude of BOLD signal. In this study, two simulation experiments were
      designed to characterize these variance related with spatial resampling. The
      fluctuation amplitude of spurious variance was first investigated using a set of
      simulated images with estimated motion parameters from a real dataset, and
      regions more likely to be affected by spatial resampling were found around the
      peripheral regions of the cortex. The other simulation was designed with three
      typical types of motion parameters to represent different extents of motion. It
      was found that areas with significant correlation between spurious variance and
      head motion scattered all over the brain and varied greatly from one motion type
      to another. In the last part of this study, four popular motion regression
      approaches were applied respectively and their performance in reducing spurious
      variance was compared. Among them, Friston 24 and Voxel-specific 12 model
      (Friston et al., 1996), were found to have the best outcomes. By separating
      related effects during fMRI analysis, this study provides a better understanding
      of the characteristics of spatial resampling and the interpretation of motion
      BOLD relationship.

PMID- 28082861
TI  - Stochastic Resonance Controlled Upregulation of Internal Noise after Hearing Loss
      as a Putative Cause of Tinnitus-Related Neuronal Hyperactivity.
AB  - Subjective tinnitus is generally assumed to be a consequence of hearing loss. In
      animal studies it has been demonstrated that acoustic trauma induced cochlear
      damage can lead to behavioral signs of tinnitus. In addition it was shown that
      noise trauma may lead to deafferentation of cochlear inner hair cells (IHC) even
      in the absence of elevated hearing thresholds, and it seems conceivable that such
      hidden hearing loss may be sufficient to cause tinnitus. Numerous studies have
      indicated that tinnitus is correlated with pathologically increased spontaneous
      firing rates and hyperactivity of neurons along the auditory pathway. It has been
      proposed that this hyperactivity is the consequence of a mechanism aiming to
      compensate for reduced input to the auditory system by increasing central
      neuronal gain, a mechanism referred to as homeostatic plasticity (HP), thereby
      maintaining mean firing rates over longer timescales for stabilization of
      neuronal processing. Here we propose an alternative, new interpretation of
      tinnitus-related development of neuronal hyperactivity in terms of information
      theory. In particular, we suggest that stochastic resonance (SR) plays a key role
      in both short- and long-term plasticity within the auditory system and that SR is
      the primary cause of neuronal hyperactivity and tinnitus. We argue that following
      hearing loss, SR serves to lift signals above the increased neuronal thresholds,
      thereby partly compensating for the hearing loss. In our model, the increased
      amount of internal noise-which is crucial for SR to work-corresponds to neuronal
      hyperactivity which subsequently causes neuronal plasticity along the auditory
      pathway and finally may lead to the development of a phantom percept, i.e.,
      subjective tinnitus. We demonstrate the plausibility of our hypothesis using a
      computational model and provide exemplary findings in human patients that are
      consistent with that model. Finally we discuss the observed asymmetry in human
      tinnitus pitch distribution as a consequence of asymmetry of the distribution of
      auditory nerve type I fibers along the cochlea in the context of our model.

PMID- 28082858
TI  - Enhancing Nervous System Recovery through Neurobiologics, Neural Interface
      Training, and Neurorehabilitation.
AB  - After an initial period of recovery, human neurological injury has long been
      thought to be static. In order to improve quality of life for those suffering
      from stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury, researchers have been
      working to restore the nervous system and reduce neurological deficits through a
      number of mechanisms. For example, neurobiologists have been identifying and
      manipulating components of the intra- and extracellular milieu to alter the
      regenerative potential of neurons, neuro-engineers have been producing brain
      machine and neural interfaces that circumvent lesions to restore functionality,
      and neurorehabilitation experts have been developing new ways to revitalize the
      nervous system even in chronic disease. While each of these areas holds promise,
      their individual paths to clinical relevance remain difficult. Nonetheless, these
      methods are now able to synergistically enhance recovery of native motor function
      to levels which were previously believed to be impossible. Furthermore, such
      recovery can even persist after training, and for the first time there is
      evidence of functional axonal regrowth and rewiring in the central nervous system
      of animal models. To attain this type of regeneration, rehabilitation paradigms
      that pair cortically-based intent with activation of affected circuits and
      positive neurofeedback appear to be required-a phenomenon which raises new and
      far reaching questions about the underlying relationship between conscious action
      and neural repair. For this reason, we argue that multi-modal therapy will be
      necessary to facilitate a truly robust recovery, and that the success of
      investigational microscopic techniques may depend on their integration into
      macroscopic frameworks that include task-based neurorehabilitation. We further
      identify critical components of future neural repair strategies and explore the
      most updated knowledge, progress, and challenges in the fields of cellular
      neuronal repair, neural interfacing, and neurorehabilitation, all with the goal
      of better understanding neurological injury and how to improve recovery.

PMID- 28082862
TI  - The Pursuit of Chronically Reliable Neural Interfaces: A Materials Perspective.
AB  - Brain-computer interfaces represent one of the most astonishing technologies in
      our era. However, the grand challenge of chronic instability and limited
      throughput of the electrode-tissue interface has significantly hindered the
      further development and ultimate deployment of such exciting technologies. A
      multidisciplinary research workforce has been called upon to respond to this
      engineering need. In this paper, I briefly review this multidisciplinary pursuit
      of chronically reliable neural interfaces from a materials perspective by
      analyzing the problem, abstracting the engineering principles, and summarizing
      the corresponding engineering strategies. I further draw my future perspectives
      by extending the proposed engineering principles.

PMID- 28082863
TI  - Menstrual Cycle Phase Modulates Auditory-Motor Integration for Vocal Pitch
      Regulation.
AB  - In adult females, previous work has demonstrated that changes in auditory
      function and vocal motor behaviors may accompany changes in gonadal steroids.
      Less is known, however, about the influence of gonadal steroids on auditory-motor
      integration for voice control in humans. The present event-related potential
      (ERP) study sought to examine the interaction between gonadal steroids and
      auditory feedback-based vocal pitch regulation across the menstrual cycle.
      Participants produced sustained vowels while hearing their voice unexpectedly
      pitch-shifted during the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases of the
      menstrual cycle. Measurement of vocal and cortical responses to pitch feedback
      perturbations and assessment of estradiol and progesterone levels were performed
      in all three phases. The behavioral results showed that the menstrual phase (when
      estradiol levels are low) as associated with larger magnitudes of vocal responses
      than the follicular and luteal phases (when estradiol levels are high).
      Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between the magnitudes
      of vocal responses and estradiol levels. At the cortical level, ERP P2 responses
      were smaller during the luteal phase (when progesterone levels were high) than
      the menstrual and follicular phases (when progesterone levels were low). These
      findings show neurobehavioral evidence for the modulation of auditory-motor
      integration for vocal pitch regulation across the menstrual cycle, and provide
      important insights into the neural mechanisms and functional outcomes of gonadal
      steroids' influence on speech motor control in adult women.

PMID- 28082864
TI  - Vsx1 Transiently Defines an Early Intermediate V2 Interneuron Precursor
      Compartment in the Mouse Developing Spinal Cord.
AB  - Spinal ventral interneurons regulate the activity of motor neurons, thereby
      controlling motor activities. Interneurons arise during embryonic development
      from distinct progenitor domains distributed orderly along the dorso-ventral axis
      of the neural tube. A single ventral progenitor population named p2 generates at
      least five V2 interneuron subsets. Whether the diversification of V2 precursors
      into multiple subsets occurs within the p2 progenitor domain or involves a later
      compartment of early-born V2 interneurons remains unsolved. Here, we provide
      evidence that the p2 domain produces an intermediate V2 precursor compartment
      characterized by the transient expression of the transcriptional repressor Vsx1.
      These cells display an original repertoire of cellular markers distinct from that
      of any V2 interneuron population. They have exited the cell cycle but have not
      initiated neuronal differentiation. They coexpress Vsx1 and Foxn4, suggesting
      that they can generate the known V2 interneuron populations as well as possible
      additional V2 subsets. Unlike V2 interneurons, the generation of Vsx1-positive
      precursors does not depend on the Notch signaling pathway but expression of Vsx1
      in these cells requires Pax6. Hence, the p2 progenitor domain generates an
      intermediate V2 precursor compartment, characterized by the presence of the
      transcriptional repressor Vsx1, that contributes to V2 interneuron development.

PMID- 28082865
TI  - Habit Formation after Random Interval Training Is Associated with Increased
      Adenosine A2A Receptor and Dopamine D2 Receptor Heterodimers in the Striatum.
AB  - Striatal adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) modulate striatal synaptic plasticity
      and instrumental learning, possibly by functional interaction with the dopamine
      D2 receptors (D2Rs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors 5 (mGluR5) through
      receptor-receptor heterodimers, but in vivo evidence for these interactions is
      lacking. Using in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA), we studied the subregional
      distribution of the A2AR-D2R and A2AR-mGluR5 heterodimer complexes in the
      striatum and their adaptive changes over the random interval and random ratio
      training of instrumental learning. After confirming the specificity of the PLA
      detection of the A2AR-D2R heterodimers with the A2AR knockout and D2R knockout
      mice, we detected a heterogeneous distribution of the A2AR-D2R heterodimer
      complexes in the striatum, being more abundant in the dorsolateral than the
      dorsomedial striatum. Importantly, habit formation after the random interval
      training was associated with the increased formation of the A2AR-D2R heterodimer
      complexes, with prominant increase in the dorsomedial striatum. Conversely, goal
      directed behavior after the random ratio schedule was not associated with the
      adaptive change in the A2AR-D2R heterodimer complexes. In contrast to the A2AR
      D2R heterodimers, the A2AR-mGluR5 heterodimers showed neither subregional
      variation in the striatum nor adaptive changes over either the random ratio (RR)
      or random interval (RI) training of instrumental learning. These findings suggest
      that development of habit formation is associated with increased formation of the
      A2AR-D2R heterodimer protein complexes which may lead to reduced dependence on
      D2R signaling in the striatum.

PMID- 28082866
TI  - Changes in C57BL6 Mouse Hippocampal Transcriptome Induced by Hypergravity Mimic
      Acute Corticosterone-Induced Stress.
AB  - Centrifugation is a widely used procedure to study the impact of altered gravity
      on Earth, as observed during spaceflights, allowing us to understand how a long
      term physical constraint can condition the mammalian physiology. It is known that
      mice, placed in classical cages and maintained during 21 days in a centrifuge at
      3G gravity level, undergo physiological adaptations due to hypergravity, and/or
      stress. Indeed, an increase of corticosterone levels has been previously measured
      in the plasma of 3G-exposed mice. Corticosterone is known to modify neuronal
      activity during memory processes. Although learning and memory performances
      cannot be assessed during the centrifugation, literature largely described a
      large panel of proteins (channels, second messengers, transcription factors,
      structural proteins) which expressions are modified during memory processing.
      Thus, we used the Illumina technology to compare the whole hippocampal
      transcriptome of three groups of C57Bl6/J mice, in order to gain insights into
      the effects of hypergravity on cerebral functions. Namely, a group of 21 days 3G
      centrifuged mice was compared to (1) a group subjected to an acute corticosterone
      injection, (2) a group receiving a transdermal chronic administration of
      corticosterone during 21 days, and (3) aged mice because aging could be
      characterized by a decrease of hippocampus functions and memory impairment. Our
      results suggest that hypergravity stress induced by corticosterone administration
      and aging modulate the expression of genes in the hippocampus. However, the
      modulations of the transcriptome observed in these conditions are not identical.
      Hypergravity affects per-se the hippocampus transcriptome and probably modifies
      its activity. Hypergravity induced changes in hippocampal transcriptome were more
      similar to acute injection than chronic diffusion of corticosterone or aging.

PMID- 28082867
TI  - The Role of the Carboxyl-Terminal Sequence of Tau and MAP2 in the Pathogenesis of
      Dementia.
AB  - Dementia includes several diseases characterized by acquired and irreversible
      brain dysfunctions that interfere with daily life. According to the etiology,
      dementia can be induced by poisoning or metabolic disorders, and other cases of
      dementia have a clear pathogenesis. However, half of neurodegenerative diseases
      have an unclear pathogenesis and etiology. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Lewy body
      dementia and frontal-temporal dementia are the three most common types of
      dementia. These neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the appearance of
      the following specific protein inclusions: amyloid beta and tau in AD; alpha
      synuclein in Lewy body dementia; and tau, TDP-43, or FUS in frontal-temporal
      dementia. Thus far, studies on the pathogenesis of dementia mainly focus aberrant
      inclusions formed by the aforementioned proteins. As a historically heavily
      studied protein tau is likely to be associated with the pathogenesis of several
      neurodegenerative diseases that cause dementia. The role of tau in
      neurodegeneration has been unknown for many years. However, both pathological and
      genetic analyses have helped tau become gradually recognized as an important
      factor in the pathogenesis of tauopathy. Currently, especially in the field of
      AD, tau is attracting more attention and is being considered a potential target
      for drug development. In this review article, previously discovered biochemical
      and pathological features of tau are highlighted, and current opinions regarding
      the neurotoxicity of tau are summarized. Additionally, we introduce key amino
      acid sequences responsible for tau neurotoxicity from our studies using
      transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. Finally, a new hypothesis regarding the roles
      of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and tau in the pathogenesis of
      tauopathy is discussed.

PMID- 28082868
TI  - Neuromuscular Junction Impairment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Reassessing
      the Role of Acetylcholinesterase.
AB  - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a highly debilitating disease caused by
      progressive degeneration of motorneurons (MNs). Due to the wide variety of genes
      and mutations identified in ALS, a highly varied etiology could ultimately
      converge to produce similar clinical symptoms. A major hypothesis in ALS research
      is the "distal axonopathy" with pathological changes occurring at the
      neuromuscular junction (NMJ), at very early stages of the disease, prior to MNs
      degeneration and onset of clinical symptoms. The NMJ is a highly specialized
      cholinergic synapse, allowing signaling between muscle and nerve necessary for
      skeletal muscle function. This nerve-muscle contact is characterized by the
      clustering of the collagen-tailed form of acetylcholinesterase (ColQ-AChE),
      together with other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and specific key
      molecules in the NMJ formation. Interestingly, in addition to their cholinergic
      role AChE is thought to play several "non-classical" roles that do not require
      catalytic function, most prominent among these is the facilitation of neurite
      growth, NMJ formation and survival. In all this context, abnormalities of AChE
      content have been found in plasma of ALS patients, in which AChE changes may
      reflect the neuromuscular disruption. We review these findings and particularly
      the evidences of changes of AChE at neuromuscular synapse in the pre-symptomatic
      stages of ALS.

PMID- 28082869
TI  - Proteostasis and Diseases of the Motor Unit.
AB  - The accumulation in neurons of aberrant protein species, the pathological
      hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, results from a global impairment of
      key cellular processes governing protein synthesis/degradation and repair
      mechanisms, also known as the proteostasis network (PN). The growing number of
      connections between dysfunction of this intricate network of pathways and
      diseases of the motor unit, where both motor neurons and muscle are primarily
      affected, has provided momentum to investigate the muscle- and motor neuron
      specific response to physiological and pathological stressors and to explore the
      therapeutic opportunities that manipulation of this process may offer.
      Furthermore, these diseases offer an unparalleled opportunity to deepen our
      understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the intertissue communication
      and transfer of signals of proteostasis. The most compelling aspect of these
      investigations is their immediate potential for therapeutic impact: targeting
      muscle to stem degeneration of the motor unit would represent a dramatic paradigm
      therapeutic shift for treating these devastating diseases. Here we will review
      the current state of the art of the research on the alterations of the PN in
      diseases of the motor unit and its potential to result in effective treatments
      for these devastating neuromuscular disorders.

PMID- 28082870
TI  - FUS Mislocalization and Vulnerability to DNA Damage in ALS Patients Derived
      hiPSCs and Aging Motoneurons.
AB  - Mutations within the FUS gene (Fused in Sarcoma) are known to cause Amyotrophic
      Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower
      motoneurons. The FUS gene codes for a multifunctional RNA/DNA-binding protein
      that is primarily localized in the nucleus and is involved in cellular processes
      such as splicing, translation, mRNA transport and DNA damage response. In this
      study, we analyzed pathophysiological alterations associated with ALS related FUS
      mutations (mFUS) in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and hiPSC
      derived motoneurons. To that end, we compared cells carrying a mild or severe
      mFUS in physiological- and/or stress conditions as well as after induced DNA
      damage. Following hyperosmolar stress or irradiation, mFUS hiPS cells recruited
      significantly more cytoplasmatic FUS into stress granules accompanied by impaired
      DNA-damage repair. In motoneurons wild-type FUS was localized in the nucleus but
      also deposited as small punctae within neurites. In motoneurons expressing mFUS
      the protein was additionally detected in the cytoplasm and a significantly
      increased number of large, densely packed FUS positive stress granules were seen
      along neurites. The amount of FUS mislocalization correlated positively with both
      the onset of the human disease (the earlier the onset the higher the FUS
      mislocalization) and the maturation status of the motoneurons. Moreover, even in
      non-stressed post-mitotic mFUS motoneurons clear signs of DNA-damage could be
      detected. In summary, we found that the susceptibility to cell stress was higher
      in mFUS hiPSCs and hiPSC derived motoneurons than in controls and the degree of
      FUS mislocalization correlated well with the clinical severity of the underlying
      ALS related mFUS. The accumulation of DNA damage and the cellular response to DNA
      damage stressors was more pronounced in post-mitotic mFUS motoneurons than in
      dividing hiPSCs suggesting that mFUS motoneurons accumulate foci of DNA damage,
      which in turn might be directly linked to neurodegeneration.

PMID- 28082872
TI  - Reboxetine Improves Auditory Attention and Increases Norepinephrine Levels in the
      Auditory Cortex of Chronically Stressed Rats.
AB  - Chronic stress impairs auditory attention in rats and monoamines regulate
      neurotransmission in the primary auditory cortex (A1), a brain area that
      modulates auditory attention. In this context, we hypothesized that
      norepinephrine (NE) levels in A1 correlate with the auditory attention
      performance of chronically stressed rats. The first objective of this research
      was to evaluate whether chronic stress affects monoamines levels in A1. Male
      Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to chronic stress (restraint stress) and
      monoamines levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatographer (HPLC)
      electrochemical detection. Chronically stressed rats had lower levels of NE in A1
      than did controls, while chronic stress did not affect serotonin (5-HT) and
      dopamine (DA) levels. The second aim was to determine the effects of reboxetine
      (a selective inhibitor of NE reuptake) on auditory attention and NE levels in A1.
      Rats were trained to discriminate between two tones of different frequencies in a
      two-alternative choice task (2-ACT), a behavioral paradigm to study auditory
      attention in rats. Trained animals that reached a performance of >=80% correct
      trials in the 2-ACT were randomly assigned to control and stress experimental
      groups. To analyze the effects of chronic stress on the auditory task, trained
      rats of both groups were subjected to 50 2-ACT trials 1 day before and 1 day
      after of the chronic stress period. A difference score (DS) was determined by
      subtracting the number of correct trials after the chronic stress protocol from
      those before. An unexpected result was that vehicle-treated control rats and
      vehicle-treated chronically stressed rats had similar performances in the
      attentional task, suggesting that repeated injections with vehicle were stressful
      for control animals and deteriorated their auditory attention. In this regard,
      both auditory attention and NE levels in A1 were higher in chronically stressed
      rats treated with reboxetine than in vehicle-treated animals. These results
      indicate that NE has a key role in A1 and attention of stressed rats during tone
      discrimination.

PMID- 28082871
TI  - Sevoflurane Alters Spatiotemporal Functional Connectivity Motifs That Link
      Resting-State Networks during Wakefulness.
AB  - Background: The spatiotemporal patterns of correlated neural activity during the
      transition from wakefulness to general anesthesia have not been fully
      characterized. Correlation analysis of blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD)
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows segmentation of the brain
      into resting-state networks (RSNs), with functional connectivity referring to the
      covarying activity that suggests shared functional specialization. We quantified
      the persistence of these correlations following the induction of general
      anesthesia in healthy volunteers and assessed for a dynamic nature over time.
      Methods: We analyzed human fMRI data acquired at 0 and 1.2% vol sevoflurane. The
      covariance in the correlated activity among different brain regions was
      calculated over time using bounded Kalman filtering. These time series were then
      clustered into eight orthogonal motifs using a K-means algorithm, where the
      structure of correlated activity throughout the brain at any time is the weighted
      sum of all motifs. Results: Across time scales and under anesthesia, the
      reorganization of interactions between RSNs is related to the strength of dynamic
      connections between member pairs. The covariance of correlated activity between
      RSNs persists compared to that linking individual member pairs of different RSNs.
      Conclusions: Accounting for the spatiotemporal structure of correlated BOLD
      signals, anesthetic-induced loss of consciousness is mainly associated with the
      disruption of motifs with intermediate strength within and between members of
      different RSNs. In contrast, motifs with higher strength of connections,
      predominantly with regions-pairs from within-RSN interactions, are conserved
      among states of wakefulness and sevoflurane general anesthesia.

PMID- 28082873
TI  - Interhemispheric Connections between the Primary Visual Cortical Areas via the
      Anterior Commissure in Human Callosal Agenesis.
AB  - Aim: In humans, images in the median plane of the head either fall on both nasal
      hemi-retinas or on both temporal hemi-retinas. Interhemispheric connections allow
      cortical cells to have receptive fields on opposite sides. The major
      interhemispheric connection, the corpus callosum, is implicated in central
      stereopsis and disparity detection in front of the fixation plane. Yet
      individuals with agenesis of the corpus callosum may show normal stereopsis and
      disparity vergence. We set out to study a possible interhemispheric connection
      between primary visual cortical areas via the anterior commissure to explain this
      inconsistency because of the major role of these cortical areas in elaborating 3D
      visual perception. Methods: MRI, DTI and tractography of the brain of a 53-year
      old man with complete callosal agenesis and normal binocular single vision was
      undertaken. Tractography seed points were placed in both the right and the left
      V1 and V2. Nine individuals with both an intact corpus callosum and normal
      binocularity served as controls. Results: Interhemispheric tracts through the
      anterior commissure linking both V1 and V2 visual cortical areas bilaterally were
      indeed shown in the subject with callosal agenesis. All other individuals showed
      interhemispheric visual connections through the corpus callosum only. Conclusion:
      Callosal agenesis may result in anomalous interhemispheric connections of the
      primary visual areas via the anterior commissure. It is proposed here that these
      connections form as alternative to the normal callosal pathway and may
      participate in binocularity.

PMID- 28082875
TI  - Differential Functionality of Right and Left Parietal Activity in Controlling a
      Motor Vehicle.
AB  - Driving a motor vehicle is an inherently complex task that requires robust
      control to avoid catastrophic accidents. Drivers must maintain their vehicle in
      the middle of the travel lane to avoid high speed collisions with other traffic.
      Interestingly, while a vehicle's lane deviation (LD) is critical, studies have
      demonstrated that heading error (HE) is one of the primary variables drivers use
      to determine a steering response, which directly controls the position of the
      vehicle in the lane. In this study, we examined how the brain represents the
      dichotomy between control/response parameters (heading, reaction time (RT), and
      steering wheel corrections) and task-critical parameters (LD). Specifically, we
      examined electroencephalography (EEG) alpha band power (8-13 Hz) from estimated
      sources in right and left parietal regions, and related this activity to four
      metrics of driving performance. Our results demonstrate differential task
      involvement between the two hemispheres: right parietal activity was most closely
      related to LD, whereas left parietal activity was most closely related to HE, RT
      and steering responses. Furthermore, HE, RT and steering wheel corrections
      increased over the duration of the experiment while LD did not. Collectively, our
      results suggest that the brain uses differential monitoring and control
      strategies in the right and left parietal regions to control a motor vehicle. Our
      results suggest that the regulation of this control changes over time while
      maintaining critical task performance. These results are interpreted in two
      complementary theoretical frameworks: the uncontrolled manifold and compensatory
      control theories. The central tenet of these frameworks permits performance
      variability in parameters (i.e., HE, RT and steering) so far as it does not
      interfere with critical task execution (i.e., LD). Our results extend the
      existing research by demonstrating potential neural substrates for this
      phenomenon which may serve as potential targets for brain-computer interfaces
      that predict poor driving performance.

PMID- 28082874
TI  - Cortico-Striatal-Thalamic Loop Circuits of the Salience Network: A Central
      Pathway in Psychiatric Disease and Treatment.
AB  - The salience network (SN) plays a central role in cognitive control by
      integrating sensory input to guide attention, attend to motivationally salient
      stimuli and recruit appropriate functional brain-behavior networks to modulate
      behavior. Mounting evidence suggests that disturbances in SN function underlie
      abnormalities in cognitive control and may be a common etiology underlying many
      psychiatric disorders. Such functional and anatomical abnormalities have been
      recently apparent in studies and meta-analyses of psychiatric illness using
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM).
      Of particular importance, abnormal structure and function in major cortical nodes
      of the SN, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and anterior insula (AI),
      have been observed as a common neurobiological substrate across a broad spectrum
      of psychiatric disorders. In addition to cortical nodes of the SN, the network's
      associated subcortical structures, including the dorsal striatum, mediodorsal
      thalamus and dopaminergic brainstem nuclei, comprise a discrete regulatory loop
      circuit. The SN's cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loop increasingly appears to
      be central to mechanisms of cognitive control, as well as to a broad spectrum of
      psychiatric illnesses and their available treatments. Functional imbalances
      within the SN loop appear to impair cognitive control, and specifically may
      impair self-regulation of cognition, behavior and emotion, thereby leading to
      symptoms of psychiatric illness. Furthermore, treating such psychiatric illnesses
      using invasive or non-invasive brain stimulation techniques appears to modulate
      SN cortical-subcortical loop integrity, and these effects may be central to the
      therapeutic mechanisms of brain stimulation treatments in many psychiatric
      illnesses. Here, we review clinical and experimental evidence for abnormalities
      in SN cortico-striatal-thalamic loop circuits in major depression, substance use
      disorders (SUD), anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and eating disorders (ED). We
      also review emergent therapeutic evidence that novel invasive and non-invasive
      brain stimulation treatments may exert therapeutic effects by normalizing
      abnormalities in the SN loop, thereby restoring the capacity for cognitive
      control. Finally, we consider a series of promising directions for future
      investigations on the role of SN cortico-striatal-thalamic loop circuits in the
      pathophysiology and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 28082876
TI  - Rehabilitation Approaches in Macular Degeneration Patients.
AB  - Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a visual disease that affects elderly
      population. It entails a progressive loss of central vision whose consequences
      are dramatic for the patient's quality of life. Current rehabilitation programs
      are restricted to technical aids based on visual devices. They only temporarily
      improve specific visual functions such as reading skills. Considering the rapid
      increase of the aging population worldwide, it is crucial to intensify clinical
      research on AMD in order to develop simple and efficient methods that improve the
      patient's visual performances in many different contexts. One very promising
      approach to face this challenge is based on perceptual learning (PL). Through
      intensive practice, PL can induce neural plasticity in sensory cortices and
      result in long-lasting enhancements for various perceptual tasks in both normal
      and visually impaired populations. A growing number of studies showed how
      appropriate PL protocols improve visual functions in visual disorders, namely
      amblyopia, presbyopia or myopia. In order to successfully apply these approaches
      to more severe conditions such as AMD, numerous challenges have to be overcome.
      Indeed, the overall elderly age of patients and the reduced cortical surface that
      is devoted to peripheral vision potentially limit neural plasticity in this
      population. In addition, ocular fixation becomes much less stable because
      patients have to rely on peripheral fixation spots outside the scotoma whose size
      keeps on evolving. The aim of this review article is to discuss the recent
      literature on this topic and to offer a unified approach for developing new
      rehabilitation programs of AMD using PL. We argue that with an appropriate
      experimental and training protocol that is adapted to each patient needs, PL can
      offer fascinating opportunities for the development of simple, non-expensive
      rehabilitation approaches a large spectrum of visual functions in AMD patients.

PMID- 28082877
TI  - Individual Differences in the Attribution of Incentive Salience to a Pavlovian
      Alcohol Cue.
AB  - Individual differences exist in the attribution of incentive salience to
      conditioned stimuli associated with food. Here, we investigated whether
      individual differences also manifested with a Pavlovian alcohol conditioned
      stimulus (CS). We compiled data from five experiments that used a Pavlovian
      autoshaping paradigm and tests of conditioned reinforcement. In all experiments,
      male, Long-Evans rats with unrestricted access to food and water were acclimated
      to 15% ethanol. Next, rats received Pavlovian autoshaping training, in which a 10
      s presentation of a retractable lever served as the CS and 0.2 mL of 15% ethanol
      served as the unconditioned stimulus (US). Finally, rats underwent conditioned
      reinforcement tests in which nose-pokes to an active aperture led to brief
      presentations of the lever-CS, but nose-pokes to an inactive aperture had no
      consequence. Rats were categorized as sign-trackers, goal-trackers and
      intermediates based on a response bias score that reflected their tendencies to
      sign-track or goal-track at different times during training. We found that
      distinct groups of rats either consistently interacted with the lever-CS ("sign
      trackers") or routinely approached the port during the lever-CS ("goal-trackers")
      across a majority of the training sessions. However, some individuals ("shifted
      sign-trackers") with an early tendency to goal-track later shifted to comparable
      asymptotic levels of sign-tracking as the group identified as sign-trackers. The
      lever-CS functioned as a conditioned reinforcer for sign-trackers and shifted
      sign-trackers, but not for goal-trackers. These results provide evidence of
      robust individual differences in the extent to which a Pavlovian alcohol cue
      gains incentive salience and functions as a conditioned reinforcer.

PMID- 28082879
TI  - Editorial: Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Economic Games.

PMID- 28082878
TI  - Long-Term Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Undernutrition on Cannabinoid Receptor
      Related Behaviors: Sex and Tissue-Specific Alterations in the mRNA Expression of
      Cannabinoid Receptors and Lipid Metabolic Regulators.
AB  - Maternal malnutrition causes long-lasting alterations in feeding behavior and
      energy homeostasis in offspring. It is still unknown whether both, the
      endocannabinoid (eCB) machinery and the lipid metabolism are implicated in long
      term adaptive responses to fetal reprogramming caused by maternal undernutrition.
      We investigated the long-term effects of maternal exposure to a 20% standard diet
      restriction during preconceptional and gestational periods on the metabolically
      relevant tissues hypothalamus, liver, and perirenal fat (PAT) of male and female
      offspring at adulthood. The adult male offspring from calorie-restricted dams (RC
      males) exhibited a differential response to the CB1 antagonist AM251 in a
      chocolate preference test as well as increased body weight, perirenal adiposity,
      and plasma levels of triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, bilirubin, and leptin. The gene
      expression of the cannabinoid receptors Cnr1 and Cnr2 was increased in RC male
      hypothalamus, but a down-expression of most eCBs-metabolizing enzymes (Faah,
      Daglalpha, Daglbeta, Mgll) and several key regulators of fatty-acid beta
      oxidation (Cpt1b, Acox1), mitochondrial respiration (Cox4i1), and lipid flux
      (Ppargamma) was found in their PAT. The female offspring from calorie-restricted
      dams exhibited higher plasma levels of LDL and glucose as well as a reduction in
      chocolate and caloric intake at post-weaning periods in the feeding tests. Their
      liver showed a decreased gene expression of Cnr1, Pparalpha, Ppargamma, the eCBs
      degrading enzymes Faah and Mgll, the de novo lipogenic enzymes Acaca and Fasn,
      and the liver-specific cholesterol biosynthesis regulators Insig1 and Hmgcr. Our
      results suggest that the long-lasting adaptive responses to maternal caloric
      restriction affected cannabinoid-regulated mechanisms involved in feeding
      behavior, adipose beta-oxidation, and hepatic lipid and cholesterol biosynthesis
      in a sex-dependent manner.

PMID- 28082880
TI  - Attachment Representations and Brain Asymmetry during the Processing of
      Autobiographical Emotional Memories in Late Adolescence.
AB  - Frontal and parietal asymmetries have repeatedly been shown to be related to
      specific functional mechanisms involved in emotion regulation. From a
      developmental perspective, attachment representations based on experiences with
      the caregiver are theorized to serve regulatory functions and influence how
      individuals deal with emotionally challenging situations throughout the life
      span. This study aimed to investigate neural substrates of emotion regulation by
      assessing state- and trait dependent EEG asymmetries in secure, insecure
      dismissing and insecure-preoccupied subjects. The sample consisted of 40 late
      adolescents. The Adult Attachment Interview was administered and they were asked
      to report upon personally highly salient emotional memories related to anger,
      happiness and sadness. EEG was recorded at rest and during the retrieval of each
      of these emotional memories, and frontal and parietal hemispheric asymmetry were
      analyzed. We found attachment representations to differentially affect both the
      frontal and parietal organization of hemispheric asymmetry at rest and (for
      parietal region only) during the retrieval of emotional memories. During rest,
      insecure-dismissing subjects showed an elevated right-frontal brain activity and
      a reduced right-parietal brain activity. We interpret this finding in light of a
      disposition to use withdrawal strategies and low trait arousal in insecure
      dismissing subjects. Emotional memory retrieval did not affect frontal asymmetry.
      However, both insecure groups showed an increase in right-sided parietal activity
      indicating increased arousal during the emotional task as compared to the resting
      state suggesting that their emotion regulation capability was especially
      challenged by the retrieval of emotional memories while securely attached
      subjects maintained a state of moderate arousal. The specific neurophysiological
      pattern of insecure-dismissing subjects is discussed with regard to a
      vulnerability to affective disorders.

PMID- 28082881
TI  - Association between Attention and Heart Rate Fluctuations in Pathological
      Worriers.
AB  - Recent data suggests that several psychopathological conditions are associated
      with alterations in the variability of behavioral and physiological responses.
      Pathological worry, defined as the cognitive representation of a potential
      threat, has been associated with reduced variability of heart beat oscillations
      (i.e., decreased heart rate variability; HRV) and lapses of attention indexed by
      reaction times (RTs). Clinical populations with attention deficit show RTs
      oscillation around 0.05 and 0.01 Hz when performing a sustained attention task.
      We tested the hypothesis that people who are prone to worry do it in a
      predictable oscillating pattern revealed through recurrent lapses in attention
      and concomitant oscillating HRV. Sixty healthy young adults (50% women) were
      recruited: 30 exceeded the clinical cut-off on the Penn State Worry Questionnaire
      (PSWQ; High-Worry, HW); the remaining 30 constituted the Low-Worry (LW) group.
      After a diagnostic assessment, participants performed two 15-min sustained
      attention tasks, interspersed by a standardized worry-induction procedure. RTs,
      HRV and moods were assessed. The analyses of the frequency spectrum showed that
      the HW group presents a significant higher and constant peak of RTs oscillation
      around 0.01 Hz (period 100 s) after the induction of worry, in comparison with
      their baseline and with the LW group that was not responsive to the induction
      procedure. Physiologically, the induction significantly reduced high-frequency
      HRV and such reduction was associated with levels of self-reported worry. Results
      are coherent with the oscillatory nature of the default mode network (DMN) and
      further confirm an association between cognitive rigidity and autonomic nervous
      system inflexibility.

PMID- 28082883
TI  - Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairments Show Less Driving Errors after a
      Multiple Sessions Simulator Training Program but Do Not Exhibit Long Term
      Retention.
AB  - The driving performance of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is
      suboptimal when compared to healthy older adults. It is expected that the driving
      will worsen with the progression of the cognitive decline and thus, whether or
      not these individuals should continue to drive is a matter of debate. The aim of
      the study was to provide support to the claim that individuals with MCI can
      benefit from a training program and improve their overall driving performance in
      a driving simulator. Fifteen older drivers with MCI participated in five training
      sessions in a simulator (over a 21-day period) and in a 6-month recall session.
      During training, they received automated auditory feedback on their performance
      when an error was noted about various maneuvers known to be suboptimal in MCI
      individuals (for instance, weaving, omitting to indicate a lane change, to verify
      a blind spot, or to engage in a visual search before crossing an intersection).
      The number of errors was compiled for eight different maneuvers for all sessions.
      For the initial five sessions, a gradual and significant decrease in the number
      of errors was observed, indicating learning and safer driving. The level of
      performance, however, was not maintained at the 6-month recall session.
      Nevertheless, the initial learning observed opens up possibilities to undertake
      more regular interventions to maintain driving skills and safe driving in MCI
      individuals.

PMID- 28082882
TI  - Dominance of the Unaffected Hemisphere Motor Network and Its Role in the Behavior
      of Chronic Stroke Survivors.
AB  - Balance of motor network activity between the two brain hemispheres after stroke
      is crucial for functional recovery. Several studies have extensively studied the
      role of the affected brain hemisphere to better understand changes in motor
      network activity following stroke. Very few studies have examined the role of the
      unaffected brain hemisphere and confirmed the test-retest reliability of
      connectivity measures on unaffected hemisphere. We recorded blood oxygenation
      level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals from nine
      stroke survivors with hemiparesis of the left or right hand. Participants
      performed a motor execution task with affected hand, unaffected hand, and both
      hands simultaneously. Participants returned for a repeat fMRI scan 1 week later.
      Using dynamic causal modeling (DCM), we evaluated effective connectivity among
      three motor areas: the primary motor area (M1), the premotor cortex (PMC) and the
      supplementary motor area for the affected and unaffected hemispheres separately.
      Five participants' manual motor ability was assessed by Fugl-Meyer Motor
      Assessment scores and root-mean square error of participants' tracking ability
      during a robot-assisted game. We found (i) that the task performance with the
      affected hand resulted in strengthening of the connectivity pattern for
      unaffected hemisphere, (ii) an identical network of the unaffected hemisphere
      when participants performed the task with their unaffected hand, and (iii) the
      pattern of directional connectivity observed in the affected hemisphere was
      identical for tasks using the affected hand only or both hands. Furthermore,
      paired t-test comparison found no significant differences in connectivity
      strength for any path when compared with one-week follow-up. Brain-behavior
      linear correlation analysis showed that the connectivity patterns in the
      unaffected hemisphere more accurately reflected the behavioral conditions than
      the connectivity patterns in the affected hemisphere. Above findings enrich our
      knowledge of unaffected brain hemisphere following stroke, which further
      strengthens our neurobiological understanding of stroke-affected brain and can
      help to effectively identify and apply stroke-treatments.

PMID- 28082884
TI  - Interaction between Perceived Action and Music Sequences in the Left Prefrontal
      Area.
AB  - Observing another person's piano play and listening to a melody interact with the
      observer's execution of piano play. This interaction is thought to occur because
      the execution of musical-action and the perception of both musical-action and
      musical-sound share a common representation in which the frontoparietal network
      is involved. However, it is unclear whether the perceptions of observed piano
      play and listened musical sound use a common neural resource. The present study
      used near-infrared spectroscopy to determine whether the interaction between the
      perception of musical-action and musical-sound sequences appear in the left
      prefrontal area. Measurements were obtained while participants watched videos
      that featured hands playing familiar melodies on a piano keyboard. Hand movements
      were paired with either a congruent or an incongruent melody. Two groups of
      participants (nine well-trained and nine less-trained) were instructed to
      identify the melody according to hand movements and to ignore the accompanying
      auditory track. Increased cortical activation was detected in the well-trained
      participants when hand movements were paired with incongruent melodies.
      Therefore, an interference effect was detected regarding the processing of action
      and sound sequences, indicating that musical-action sequences may be perceived
      with a representation that is also used for the perception of musical-sound
      sequences. However, in less-trained participants, such a contrast was not
      detected between conditions despite both groups featuring comparable key-touch
      reading abilities. Therefore, the current results imply that the left prefrontal
      area is involved in translating temporally structured sequences between domains.
      Additionally, expertise may be a crucial factor underlying this translation.

PMID- 28082885
TI  - A Supervoxel-Based Method for Groupwise Whole Brain Parcellation with Resting
      State fMRI Data.
AB  - Node definition is a very important issue in human brain network analysis and
      functional connectivity studies. Typically, the atlases generated from meta
      analysis, random criteria, and structural criteria are utilized as nodes in
      related applications. However, these atlases are not originally designed for such
      purposes and may not be suitable. In this study, we combined normalized cut
      (Ncut) and a supervoxel method called simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC)
      to parcellate whole brain resting-state fMRI data in order to generate
      appropriate brain atlases. Specifically, Ncut was employed to extract features
      from connectivity matrices, and then SLIC was applied on the extracted features
      to generate parcellations. To obtain group level parcellations, two approaches
      named mean SLIC and two-level SLIC were proposed. The cluster number varied in a
      wide range in order to generate parcellations with multiple granularities. The
      two SLIC approaches were compared with three state-of-the-art approaches under
      different evaluation metrics, which include spatial contiguity, functional
      homogeneity, and reproducibility. Both the group-to-group reproducibility and the
      group-to-subject reproducibility were evaluated in our study. The experimental
      results showed that the proposed approaches obtained relatively good overall
      clustering performances in different conditions that included different weighting
      functions, different sparsifying schemes, and several confounding factors.
      Therefore, the generated atlases are appropriate to be utilized as nodes for
      network analysis. The generated atlases and major source codes of this study have
      been made publicly available at http://www.nitrc.org/projects/slic/.

PMID- 28082886
TI  - Mapping the Parameter Space of tDCS and Cognitive Control via Manipulation of
      Current Polarity and Intensity.
AB  - In the cognitive domain, enormous variation in methodological approach prompts
      questions about the generalizability of behavioral findings obtained from studies
      of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). To determine the impact of
      common variations in approach, we systematically manipulated two key stimulation
      parameters-current polarity and intensity-and assessed their impact on a task of
      inhibitory control (the Eriksen Flanker). Ninety participants were randomly
      assigned to one of nine experimental groups: three stimulation conditions (anode,
      sham, cathode) crossed with three intensity levels (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mA). As
      participants performed the Flanker task, stimulation was applied over left
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; electrode montage: F3-RSO). The behavioral
      impact of these manipulations was examined using mixed effects linear regression.
      Results indicate a significant effect of stimulation condition (current polarity)
      on the magnitude of the interference effect during the Flanker; however, this
      effect was specific to the comparison between anodal and sham stimulation.
      Inhibitory control was therefore improved by anodal stimulation over the DLPFC.
      In the present experimental context, no reliable effect of stimulation intensity
      was observed, and we found no evidence that inhibitory control was impeded by
      cathodal stimulation. Continued exploration of the stimulation parameter space,
      particularly with more robustly powered sample sizes, is essential to
      facilitating cross-study comparison and ultimately working toward a reliable
      model of tDCS effects.

PMID- 28082887
TI  - Comparison of Three Non-Invasive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Methods for
      Increasing Cortical Excitability.
AB  - Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a representative non-invasive
      brain stimulation method (NIBS). tDCS increases cortical excitability not only in
      healthy individuals, but also in stroke patients where it contributes to motor
      function improvement. Recently, two additional types of transcranial electrical
      stimulation (tES) methods have been introduced that may also prove beneficial for
      stimulating cortical excitability; these are transcranial random noise
      stimulation (tRNS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).
      However, comparison of tDCS with tRNS and tACS, in terms of efficacy in cortical
      excitability alteration, has not been reported thus far. We compared the efficacy
      of the three different tES methods for increasing cortical excitability using the
      same subject population and same current intensity. Fifteen healthy subjects
      participated in this study. Similar stimulation patterns (1.0 mA and 10 min) were
      used for the three conditions of stimulation (tDCS, tRNS, and tACS). Cortical
      excitability was explored via single-pulse TMS elicited motor evoked potentials
      (MEPs). Compared with pre-measurements, MEPs significantly increased with tDCS,
      tACS, and tRNS (p < 0.05). Compared with sham measurements, significant increases
      in MEPs were also observed with tRNS and tACS (p < 0.05), but not with tDCS. In
      addition, a significant correlation of the mean stimulation effect was observed
      between tRNS and tACS (p = 0.019, r = 0.598). tRNS induced a significant increase
      in MEP compared with the Pre or Sham at all time points. tRNS resulted in the
      largest significant increase in MEPs. These findings suggest that tRNS is the
      most effective tES method and should be considered as part of a treatment plan
      for improving motor function in stroke patients.

PMID- 28082888
TI  - Nonlinear Origin of SSVEP Spectra-A Combined Experimental and Modeling Study.
AB  - Steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) are steady state oscillatory
      potentials elicited in the electroencephalogram (EEG) by flicker stimulation. The
      frequency of these responses maches the frequency of the stimulation and of its
      harmonics and subharmonics. In this study, we investigated the origin of the
      harmonic and subharmonic components of SSVEPs, which are not well understood. We
      applied both sine and square wave visual stimulation at 5 and 15 Hz to human
      subjects and analyzed the properties of the fundamental responses and
      harmonically related components. In order to interpret the results, we used the
      well-established neural mass model that consists of interacting populations of
      excitatory and inhibitory cortical neurons. In our study, this model provided a
      simple explanation for the origin of SSVEP spectra, and showed that their
      harmonic and subharmonic components are a natural consequence of the nonlinear
      properties of neuronal populations and the resonant properties of the modeled
      network. The model also predicted multiples of subharmonic responses, which were
      subsequently confirmed using experimental data.

PMID- 28082889
TI  - Representational Distance Learning for Deep Neural Networks.
AB  - Deep neural networks (DNNs) provide useful models of visual representational
      transformations. We present a method that enables a DNN (student) to learn from
      the internal representational spaces of a reference model (teacher), which could
      be another DNN or, in the future, a biological brain. Representational spaces of
      the student and the teacher are characterized by representational distance
      matrices (RDMs). We propose representational distance learning (RDL), a
      stochastic gradient descent method that drives the RDMs of the student to
      approximate the RDMs of the teacher. We demonstrate that RDL is competitive with
      other transfer learning techniques for two publicly available benchmark computer
      vision datasets (MNIST and CIFAR-100), while allowing for architectural
      differences between student and teacher. By pulling the student's RDMs toward
      those of the teacher, RDL significantly improved visual classification
      performance when compared to baseline networks that did not use transfer
      learning. In the future, RDL may enable combined supervised training of deep
      neural networks using task constraints (e.g., images and category labels) and
      constraints from brain-activity measurements, so as to build models that
      replicate the internal representational spaces of biological brains.

PMID- 28082890
TI  - Bursting Neurons in the Hippocampal Formation Encode Features of LFP Rhythms.
AB  - Burst spike patterns are common in regions of the hippocampal formation such as
      the subiculum and medial entorhinal cortex (MEC). Neurons in these areas are
      immersed in extracellular electrical potential fluctuations often recorded as the
      local field potential (LFP). LFP rhythms within different frequency bands are
      linked to different behavioral states. For example, delta rhythms are often
      associated with slow-wave sleep, inactivity and anesthesia; whereas theta rhythms
      are prominent during awake exploratory behavior and REM sleep. Recent evidence
      suggests that bursting neurons in the hippocampal formation can encode LFP
      features. We explored this hypothesis using a two-compartment model of a bursting
      pyramidal neuron driven by time-varying input signals containing spectral peaks
      at either delta or theta rhythms. The model predicted a neural code in which
      bursts represented the instantaneous value, phase, slope and amplitude of the
      driving signal both in their timing and size (spike number). To verify whether
      this code is employed in vivo, we examined electrophysiological recordings from
      the subiculum of anesthetized rats and the MEC of a behaving rat containing
      prevalent delta or theta rhythms, respectively. In both areas, we found bursting
      cells that encoded information about the instantaneous voltage, phase, slope
      and/or amplitude of the dominant LFP rhythm with essentially the same neural code
      as the simulated neurons. A fraction of the cells encoded part of the information
      in burst size, in agreement with model predictions. These results provide in-vivo
      evidence that the output of bursting neurons in the mammalian brain is tuned to
      features of the LFP.

PMID- 28082891
TI  - On the Phase Relationship between Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons in
      Oscillation.
AB  - Characteristic phase shifts between discharges of pyramidal cells and
      interneurons in oscillation have been widely observed in experiments, and they
      have been suggested to play important roles in neural computation. Previous
      studies mainly explored two independent mechanisms to generate neural
      oscillation, one is based on the interaction loop between pyramidal cells and
      interneurons, referred to as the E-I loop, and the other is based on the
      interaction loop between interneurons, referred to as the I-I loop. In the
      present study, we consider neural networks consisting of both the E-I and I-I
      loops, and the network oscillation can operate under either E-I loop dominating
      mode or I-I loop dominating mode, depending on the network structure, and
      neuronal connection patterns. We found that the phase shift between pyramidal
      cells and interneurons displays different characteristics in different
      oscillation modes, and its amplitude varies with the network parameters. We
      expect that this study helps us to understand the structural characteristics of
      neural circuits underlying various oscillation behaviors observed in experiments.

PMID- 28082892
TI  - Neurons in Primate Visual Cortex Alternate between Responses to Multiple Stimuli
      in Their Receptive Field.
AB  - A fundamental question concerning representation of the visual world in our brain
      is how a cortical cell responds when presented with more than a single stimulus.
      We find supportive evidence that most cells presented with a pair of stimuli
      respond predominantly to one stimulus at a time, rather than a weighted average
      response. Traditionally, the firing rate is assumed to be a weighted average of
      the firing rates to the individual stimuli (response-averaging model) (Bundesen
      et al., 2005). Here, we also evaluate a probability-mixing model (Bundesen et
      al., 2005), where neurons temporally multiplex the responses to the individual
      stimuli. This provides a mechanism by which the representational identity of
      multiple stimuli in complex visual scenes can be maintained despite the large
      receptive fields in higher extrastriate visual cortex in primates. We compare the
      two models through analysis of data from single cells in the middle temporal
      visual area (MT) of rhesus monkeys when presented with two separate stimuli
      inside their receptive field with attention directed to one of the two stimuli or
      outside the receptive field. The spike trains were modeled by stochastic point
      processes, including memory effects of past spikes and attentional effects, and
      statistical model selection between the two models was performed by information
      theoretic measures as well as the predictive accuracy of the models. As an
      auxiliary measure, we also tested for uni- or multimodality in interspike
      interval distributions, and performed a correlation analysis of simultaneously
      recorded pairs of neurons, to evaluate population behavior.

PMID- 28082893
TI  - Editorial: Modeling of Visual Cognition, Body Sense, Motor Control and Their
      Integrations.

PMID- 28082895
TI  - Editorial: Muscle-Tendon-Innervation Unit: Degeneration and Aging
      Pathophysiological and Regeneration Mechanisms.

PMID- 28082894
TI  - Aerobic Activity in the Healthy Elderly Is Associated with Larger Plasticity in
      Memory Related Brain Structures and Lower Systemic Inflammation.
AB  - Cognitive abilities decline over the time course of our life, a process, which
      may be mediated by brain atrophy and enhanced inflammatory processes. Lifestyle
      factors, such as regular physical activities have been shown to counteract those
      noxious processes and are assumed to delay or possibly even prevent pathological
      states, such as dementing disorders. Whereas the impact of lifestyle and
      immunological factors and their interactions on cognitive aging have been
      frequently studied, their effects on neural parameters as brain activation and
      functional connectivity are less well studied. Therefore, we investigated 32
      healthy elderly individuals (60.4 +/- 5.0 SD; range 52-71 years) with low or high
      level of self-reported aerobic physical activity at the time of testing. A higher
      compared to a lower level in aerobic physical activity was associated with an
      increased encoding related functional connectivity in an episodic memory network
      comprising mPFC, thalamus, hippocampus precuneus, and insula. Moreover, encoding
      related functional connectivity of this network was associated with decreased
      systemic inflammation, as measured by systemic levels of interleukin 6.

PMID- 28082896
TI  - Effect of Aging on Motor Inhibition during Action Preparation under Sensory
      Conflict.
AB  - Motor behaviors often require refraining from selecting options that may be part
      of the repertoire of natural response tendencies but that are in conflict with
      ongoing goals. The presence of sensory conflict has a behavioral cost but the
      latter can be attenuated in contexts where control processes are recruited
      because conflict is expected in advance, producing a behavioral gain compared to
      contexts where conflict occurs in a less predictable way. In the present study,
      we investigated the corticospinal correlates of these behavioral effects (both
      conflict-driven cost and context-related gain). To do so, we measured motor
      evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over
      the primary motor cortex (M1) of young and healthy older adults performing the
      Eriksen Flanker Task. Subjects performed button-presses according to a central
      arrow, flanked by irrelevant arrows pointing in the same (congruent trial) or
      opposite direction (incongruent trial). Conflict expectation was manipulated by
      changing the probability of congruent and incongruent trials in a given block. It
      was either high (mostly incongruent blocks, MIB, 80% incongruent trials) or low
      (mostly congruent blocks, MCB, 80% congruent). The MEP data indicate that the
      conflict-driven behavioral cost is associated with a strong increase in
      inappropriate motor activity regardless of the age of individuals, as revealed by
      larger MEPs in the non-responding muscle in incongruent than in congruent trials.
      However, this aberrant facilitation disappeared in both groups of subjects when
      conflict could be anticipated (i.e., in the MIBs) compared to when it occurred in
      a less predictably way (MCBs), probably allowing the behavioral gain observed in
      both the young and the older individuals. Hence, the ability to overcome and
      anticipate conflict was surprisingly preserved in the older adults. Nevertheless,
      some control processes are likely to evolve with age because the behavioral gain
      observed in the MIB context was associated with an attenuated suppression of MEPs
      at the time of the imperative signal (i.e., before conflict is actually detected)
      in older individuals, suggesting altered motor inhibition, compared to young
      individuals. In addition, the behavioral analysis suggests that young and older
      adults rely on different strategies to cope with conflict, including a change in
      speed-accuracy tradeoff.

PMID- 28082897
TI  - The Role of Neuropeptide Y mRNA Expression Level in Distinguishing Different
      Types of Depression.
AB  - Previous studies demonstrate that the protein of neuropeptide Y (NPY) is abnormal
      in depression patients, but the changes of NPY in different types of depression
      are unclear. This study was aimed to examine protein and mRNA expression levels
      of NPY in 159 cases with four groups including post-stroke depression (PSD)
      group, stroke without depression (Non-PSD) group, major depressive disorder (MDD)
      group and normal control (NC) group. The protein and gene expression analysis
      were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction-based methods. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA),
      chi-square tests and nonparametric test were used to evaluate general
      characteristics, clinical and biological materials. In order to explore the role
      of NPY in different types of depression, the partial correlations, binary
      logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      were calculated for PSD and MDD groups. There are significant differences of NPY
      protein (Fdf(3) = 5.167, P = 0.002) and mRNA expression levels ([Formula: see
      text] = 20.541, P < 0.001) among four groups. Bonferroni multiple comparisons
      found that the NPY protein was significantly decreased in PSD (FBonferroni = 
      7.133, P = 0.002) and Non-PSD group (FBonferroni = -5.612, P = 0.018) compared
      with NC group. However, contrasted with MDD group, the mRNA expression was
      increased in PSD and Non-PSD group by nonparametric test (all P < 0.05). In
      binary logistic analyses, NPY mRNA expression was independent predictors of PSD
      (odds ratio: 1.452, 95% CI, 1.081-1.951, P = 0.013). The ROC curve showed NPY
      mRNA had a general prognostic accuracy (area under the curve: 0.766, 95% CI,
      0.656-0.876, P < 0.001). This is the first study to explore the distinguishing
      function of NPY in different types of depression. It will provide help in the
      identification of different subtypes of depression.

PMID- 28082898
TI  - Comparison of Different Risk Classification Systems in 558 Patients with
      Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors after R0-Resection.
AB  - Background: Due to adjuvant treatment concepts for patients with R0-resected
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a reproducible and reliable risk
      classification system proved of utmost importance for optimal treatment of
      patients and prediction of prognosis. The aim of this study was to reevaluate the
      impact of five widely-applied and well-established GIST risk classification
      systems (i.e., scores by Fletcher, Miettinen, Huang, Joensuu, and TNM
      classification) on a series of 558 GIST patients with long-term follow-up after
      R0 resection. Methods: Tumor size, mitotic count and site were used in variable
      combination to predict high- and low risk patients by the use of the five risk
      classification models. For survival analyses disease-specific survival, disease
      free survival and overall-survival were investigated. Patients with initial
      metastatic disease or incompletely resectable tumors were excluded. Results: All
      GIST classification models distinguished well between patients with high-risk and
      low-risk tumors and none of the five risk systems was superior to predict patient
      outcome. The models showed significant heterogeneity. There was no significant
      difference between the different risk-groups regarding overall-survival.
      Subdivision of GIST patients with very low- and low-risk appeared to be
      negligible. Conclusions: Currently applied GIST risk classification systems are
      comparable to predict high- or low-risk patients with initial non-metastatic and
      completely resected GIST. However, the heterogeneity of the high-risk group and
      the absence of differences in overall survival indicate the need for more precise
      tumor- and patient-related criteria for better stratification of GIST and
      identification of patients who would benefit best from adjuvant tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor therapy.

PMID- 28082899
TI  - BNN27, a 17-Spiroepoxy Steroid Derivative, Interacts With and Activates p75
      Neurotrophin Receptor, Rescuing Cerebellar Granule Neurons from Apoptosis.
AB  - Neurotrophin receptors mediate a plethora of signals affecting neuronal survival.
      The p75 pan-neurotrophin receptor controls neuronal cell fate after its selective
      activation by immature and mature isoforms of all neurotrophins. It also exerts
      pleiotropic effects interacting with a variety of ligands in different neuronal
      or non-neuronal cells. In the present study, we explored the biophysical and
      functional interactions of a blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeable, C17-spiroepoxy
      steroid derivative, BNN27, with p75NTR receptor. BNN27 was recently shown to bind
      to NGF high-affinity receptor, TrkA. We now tested the p75NTR-mediated effects of
      BNN27 in mouse Cerebellar Granule Neurons (CGNs), expressing p75NTR, but not TrkA
      receptors. Our findings show that BNN27 physically interacts with p75NTR
      receptors in specific amino-residues of its extracellular domain, inducing the
      recruitment of p75NTR receptor to its effector protein RIP2 and the simultaneous
      release of RhoGDI in primary neuronal cells. Activation of the p75NTR receptor by
      BNN27 reverses serum deprivation-induced apoptosis of CGNs resulting in the
      decrease of the phosphorylation of pro-apoptotic JNK kinase and of the cleavage
      of Caspase-3, effects completely abolished in CGNs, isolated from p75NTR null
      mice. In conclusion, BNN27 represents a lead molecule for the development of
      novel p75NTR ligands, controlling specific p75NTR-mediated signaling of neuronal
      cell fate, with potential applications in therapeutics of neurodegenerative
      diseases and brain trauma.

PMID- 28082900
TI  - Blockade of Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptors Suppresses Behavioral Sensitization and
      Naloxone-Precipitated Withdrawal Symptoms in Morphine-Treated Mice.
AB  - : The increasing prescription of opioids is fueling an epidemic of addiction and
      overdose deaths. Morphine is a highly addictive drug characterized by a high
      relapse rate - even after a long period of abstinence. Serotonin (5-HT)
      neurotransmission participates in the development of morphine dependence, as well
      as the expression of morphine withdrawal. In this study, we examined the effect
      of blockade of 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2ARs) on morphine-induced behavioral
      sensitization and withdrawal in male mice. 5-HT2AR antagonist MDL 11,939 (0.5
      mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed acute morphine (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.)-induced increase in
      locomotor activity. Mice received morphine (10 mg/kg, s.c.) twice a day for 3
      days and then drug treatment was suspended for 5 days. On day 9, a challenge dose
      of morphine (10 mg/kg) was administered to induce the expression of behavioral
      sensitization. MDL 11,939 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) pretreatment suppressed the
      expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Another cohort of mice
      received increasing doses of morphine over a 7-day period to induce morphine
      dependence. MDL 11,939 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented naloxone-precipitated
      withdrawal in morphine-dependent mice on day 7. Moreover, chronic morphine
      treatment increased 5-HT2AR protein level and decreased the phosphorylation of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinases in the prefrontal cortex. Together, these
      results by the first time demonstrate that 5-HT2ARs modulate opioid dependence
      and blockade of 5-HT2AR may represent a novel strategy for the treatment of
      morphine use disorders. HIGHLIGHTS: (i)Blockade of 5-HT2A receptors suppresses
      the expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization.(ii)Blockade of 5
      HT2A receptors suppresses naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in morphine-treated
      mice.(iii)Chronic morphine exposure induces an increase in 5-HT2A receptor
      protein level and a decrease in ERK protein phosphorylation in prefrontal cortex.

PMID- 28082901
TI  - Sustained Contraction in Vascular Smooth Muscle by Activation of L-type Ca2+
      Channels Does Not Involve Ca2+ Sensitization or Caldesmon.
AB  - Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) is unique in its ability to maintain an intrinsic
      level of contractile force, known as tone. Vascular tone is believed to arise
      from the constitutive activity of membrane-bound L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCC).
      This study used a pharmacological agonist of LTCC, Bay K8644, to elicit a
      sustained, sub-maximal contraction in VSM that mimics tone. Downstream signaling
      was investigated in order to determine what molecules are responsible for tone.
      Medial strips of swine carotid artery were stimulated with 100 nM Bay K8644 to
      induce a sustained level of force. Force and phosphorylation levels of myosin
      light chain (MLC), MAP kinase, MYPT1, CPI-17, and caldesmon were measured during
      Bay K8644 stimulation in the presence and absence of nifedipine, ML-7, U0126,
      bisindolylmaleimide (Bis), and H-1152. Nifedipine and ML-7 inhibited force and
      MLC phosphorylation in response to Bay K8644. Inhibition of Rho kinase (H-1152)
      but not PKC (Bis) inhibited Bay K8644 induced force. U0126 significantly
      increased Bay K8644-dependent force with no effect on MLC phosphorylation.
      Neither CPI-17 nor caldesmon phosphorylation were increased during the
      maintenance of sustained force. Our results suggest that force due to the influx
      of calcium through LTCCs is partially MLC phosphorylation-dependent but does not
      involve PKC or caldesmon. Interestingly, inhibition of MLC kinase (MLCK) and PKC
      significantly increased MAP kinase phosphorylation suggesting that MLCK and PKC
      may directly or indirectly inhibit MAP kinase activity during prolonged
      contractions induced by Bay K8544.

PMID- 28082902
TI  - Optimized Cocktail Phenotyping Study Protocol Using Physiological Based
      Pharmacokinetic Modeling and In silico Assessment of Metabolic Drug-Drug
      Interactions Involving Modafinil.
AB  - In vivo cocktail pathway phenotyping (ICPP) is routinely used to assess the
      metabolic drug-drug interaction (mDDI) potential of new drug candidates (NDC)
      during drug development. However, there are a number of potential limitations to
      this approach and the use of validated drug cocktails and study protocols is
      essential. Typically ICPP mDDI studies assess only the impact of interactions
      following multiple postulated perpetrator doses and hence the emphasis in terms
      of validation of these studies has been ensuring that there are no interactions
      between probe substrates. Studies assessing the comparative impact of single and
      multiple doses of the postulated perpetrator have the potential to provide richer
      information regarding both the clinical impact and mechanism of mDDIs. Using
      modafinil as a model compound, we sought to develop an optimized ICPP mDDI study
      protocol to evaluate the potential magnitude and clinical relevance of mDDIs
      using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling approach.

PMID- 28082903
TI  - Identification of Febuxostat as a New Strong ABCG2 Inhibitor: Potential
      Applications and Risks in Clinical Situations.
AB  - ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) is a plasma membrane protein that
      regulates the pharmacokinetics of a variety of drugs and serum uric acid (SUA)
      levels in humans. Despite the pharmacological and physiological importance of
      this transporter, there is no clinically available drug that modulates ABCG2
      function. Therefore, to identify such drugs, we investigated the effect of drugs
      that affect SUA levels on ABCG2 function. This strategy was based on the
      hypothesis that the changes of SUA levels might caused by interaction with ABCG2
      since it is a physiologically important urate transporter. The results of the in
      vitro screening showed that 10 of 25 drugs investigated strongly inhibited the
      urate transport activity of ABCG2. Moreover, febuxostat was revealed to be the
      most promising candidate of all the potential ABCG2 inhibitors based on its
      potent inhibition at clinical concentrations; the half-maximal inhibitory
      concentration of febuxostat was lower than its maximum plasma unbound
      concentrations reported. Indeed, our in vivo study demonstrated that orally
      administered febuxostat inhibited the intestinal Abcg2 and, thereby, increased
      the intestinal absorption of an ABCG2 substrate sulfasalazine in wild-type mice,
      but not in Abcg2 knockout mice. These results suggest that febuxostat might
      inhibit human ABCG2 at a clinical dose. Furthermore, the results of this study
      lead to a proposed new application of febuxostat for enhancing the
      bioavailability of ABCG2 substrate drugs, named febuxostat-boosted therapy, and
      also imply the potential risk of adverse effects by drug-drug interactions that
      could occur between febuxostat and ABCG2 substrate drugs.

PMID- 28082904
TI  - Effect of Different Formulations of Magnesium Chloride Used As Anesthetic Agents
      on the Performance of the Isolated Heart of Octopus vulgaris.
AB  - Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is commonly used as a general anesthetic in
      cephalopods, but its physiological effects including those at cardiac level are
      not well-characterized. We used an in vitro isolated perfused systemic heart
      preparation from the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris, to investigate: (a) if in
      vivo exposure to MgCl2 formulations had an effect on cardiac function in vitro
      and, if so, could this impact recovery and (b) direct effects of MgCl2
      formulations on cardiac function. In vitro hearts removed from animals exposed in
      vivo to 3.5% MgCl2 in sea water (20 min) or to a mixture of MgCl2+ ethanol
      (1.12/1%; 20 min) showed cardiac function (heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac
      output) comparable to hearts removed from animals killed under hypothermia.
      However, 3.5% MgCl2 (1:1, sea water: distilled water, 20 min) produced a
      significant impairment of the Frank-Starling response as did 45 min exposure to
      the MgCl2+ ethanol mixture. Perfusion of the isolated heart with MgCl2+/- ethanol
      formulations produced a concentration-related bradycardia (and arrest), a
      decreased stroke volume and cardiac output indicating a direct effect on the
      heart. The cardiac effects of MgCl2 are discussed in relation to the involvement
      of magnesium, sodium, chloride, and calcium ions, exposure time and osmolality of
      the formulations and the implications for the use of various formulations of
      MgCl2 as anesthetics in octopus. Overall, provided that the in vivo exposure to
      3.5% MgCl2 in sea water or to a mixture of MgCl2+ ethanol is limited to ~20 min,
      residual effects on cardiac function are unlikely to impact post-anesthetic
      recovery.

PMID- 28082905
TI  - Treatment of Acidified Blood Using Reduced Osmolarity Mixed-Base Solutions.
AB  - We hypothesize that reduced osmolarity mixed-base (ROMB) solutions can
      potentially serve as customizable treatments for acidoses, going beyond standard
      solutions in clinical use, such as 1.0 M sodium bicarbonate. Through in silico
      quantitative modeling, by treating acidified canine blood using ROMB solutions,
      and by performing blood-gas and optical microscopy measurements in vitro, we
      demonstrate that ROMB solutions having a high proportion of a strong base, such
      as disodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide, can be effective in reducing carbon
      dioxide pressure PCO2 while raising pH and bicarbonate ion concentration without
      causing significant osmotic damage to red blood cells, which can occur during
      rapid administration of hypertonic solutions of weak bases. These results suggest
      that a ROMB solution, which is composed mostly of a strong base, could be
      administered in a safe and effective manner, when compared to a hypertonic
      solution of sodium bicarbonate. Because of the reduced osmolarity and the
      customizable content of strong base in ROMB solutions, this approach differs from
      prior approaches involving hypertonic solutions that only considered a single
      molar ratio of strong to weak base. Our calculations and measurements suggest
      that custom-tailored ROMB solutions merit consideration as potentially
      efficacious treatments for specific types of acidosis, particularly acute
      metabolic acidosis and acute respiratory acidosis.

PMID- 28082906
TI  - Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Insulitis in Human Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an auto-immune disease characterized by the selective
      destruction of the insulin secreting beta cells in the pancreas during an
      inflammatory phase known as insulitis. Patients with T1D are typically dependent
      on the administration of externally provided insulin in order to manage blood
      glucose levels. Whilst technological developments have significantly improved
      both the life expectancy and quality of life of these patients, an understanding
      of the mechanisms of the disease remains elusive. Animal models, such as the NOD
      mouse model, have been widely used to probe the process of insulitis, but there
      exist very few data from humans studied at disease onset. In this manuscript, we
      employ data from human pancreases collected close to the onset of T1D and propose
      a spatio-temporal computational model for the progression of insulitis in human
      T1D, with particular focus on the mechanisms underlying the development of
      insulitis in pancreatic islets. This framework allows us to investigate how the
      time-course of insulitis progression is affected by altering key parameters, such
      as the number of the CD20+ B cells present in the inflammatory infiltrate, which
      has recently been proposed to influence the aggressiveness of the disease.
      Through the analysis of repeated simulations of our stochastic model, which track
      the number of beta cells within an islet, we find that increased numbers of B
      cells in the peri-islet space lead to faster destruction of the beta cells. We
      also find that the balance between the degradation and repair of the basement
      membrane surrounding the islet is a critical component in governing the overall
      destruction rate of the beta cells and their remaining number. Our model provides
      a framework for continued and improved spatio-temporal modeling of human T1D.

PMID- 28082907
TI  - High-Intensity Exercise in Hypoxia: Is Increased Reliance on Anaerobic Metabolism
      Important?

PMID- 28082908
TI  - Exogenous Cortisol Administration; Effects on Risk Taking Behavior, Exercise
      Performance, and Physiological and Neurophysiological Responses.
AB  - Rationale: Exogenous cortisol is a modulator of behavior related to increased
      motivated decision making (Putman et al., 2010), where risky choices yield
      potentially big reward. Making risk based judgments has been shown to be
      important to athletes in optimizing pacing during endurance events (Renfree et
      al., 2014; Micklewright et al., 2015). Objectives: Therefore, the aims of this
      study were to examine the effect of 50 mg exogenous cortisol on
      neurophysiological responses and risk taking behavior in nine healthy men.
      Further to this, to examine the effect of exogenous cortisol on exercise
      performance. Methods: Using a double blind counterbalanced design, cyclists
      completed a placebo (PLA), and a cortisol (COR) trial (50 mg cortisol), with drug
      ingestion at 0 min. Each trial consisted of a rest period from 0 to 60 min,
      followed by a risk taking behavior task, a 30 min time trial (TT) with 5 * 30 s
      sprints at the following time intervals; 5, 11, 17, 23, and 29 min. Salivary
      cortisol (SaCOR), Electroencephalography (EEG) and Near Infrared Spectroscopy
      (NIRs) were measured at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min post-ingestion. Glucose and
      lactate samples were taken at 0 and 60 min post-ingestion. During exercise, power
      output (PO), heart rate (HR), EEG, and NIRS were measured. SaCOR was measured 10
      min post-exercise. Results: Cortisol increased risk taking behavior from baseline
      testing. This was in line with significant neurophysiological changes at rest and
      during exercise. At rest, SaCOR levels were higher (P < 0.01) in COR compared to
      PLA (29.7 +/- 22.7 and 3.27 +/- 0.7 nmol/l, respectively). At 60 min alpha slow
      EEG response was higher in COR than PLA in the PFC (5.5 +/- 6.4 vs. -0.02 +/-
      8.7% change; P < 0.01). During the TT there was no difference in total km,
      average power or average sprint power, although Peak power (PP) achieved was
      lower in COR than PLA (465.3 +/- 83.4 and 499.8 +/- 104.3; P < 0.05) and cerebral
      oxygenation was lower in COR (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study to
      examine the effect of exogenous cortisol on exercise performance. These results
      are in line with previous research showing altered risk taking behavior following
      exogenous cortisol, however the altered behavior did not translate into changes
      in exercise performance.

PMID- 28082909
TI  - Training Intensity Distribution and Changes in Performance and Physiology of a
      2nd Place Finisher Team of the Race across America Over a 6 Month Preparation
      Period.
AB  - Aim: To monitor the training intensity distribution (TID) and the development of
      physiological and performance parameters. Methods: During their preparation
      period for the RAAM, 4 athletes (plus 1 additional backup racer) performed 3
      testing sessions; one before, one after 3, and one after 6 months of training.
      VO2max, maximal rate of lactate accumulation (dLa/dtmax), critical power, power
      output at lactate minimum (MLSSP), peak and mean power output during a sprint
      test, heart rate recovery, isometric strength, jumping height, and body
      composition were determined. All training sessions were recorded with a power
      meter. The endurance TID was analyzed based on the time in zone approach,
      according to a classical 3-zone model, including all power data of training
      sessions, and a power specific 3-zone model, where time with power output below
      50% of MLSSP was not considered. Results: The TID using the classical 3-zone
      model reflected a pyramidal TID (zone 1: 63 +/- 16, zone 2: 28 +/- 13 and zone 3:
      9 +/- 4%). The power specific 3-zone model resulted in a threshold-based TID
      (zone 1: 48 +/- 13, zone 2: 39 +/- 10, zone 3: 13 +/- 4%). VO2max increased by
      7.1 +/- 5.3% (P = 0.06). dLa/dtmax decreased by 16.3 +/- 8.1% (P = 0.03). Power
      output at lactate minimum and critical power increased by 10.3 +/- 4.1 and 16.8
      +/- 6.2% (P = 0.01), respectively. No changes were found for strength parameters
      and jumps. Conclusion: The present study underlines that a threshold oriented TID
      results in only moderate increases in physiological parameters. The amount of
      training below 50% of MLSSp (~28% of total training time) is remarkably high.
      Researchers, trainers, and athletes should pay attention to the different ways of
      interpreting training power data, to gain realistic insights into the TID and the
      corresponding improvements in performance and physiological parameters.

PMID- 28082910
TI  - Acute Effects of Different Exercise Protocols on the Circulating Vascular
      microRNAs -16, -21, and -126 in Trained Subjects.
AB  - Aim: mircoRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression, are
      stably secreted into the blood and circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) may play an
      important role in cell-cell communication. Furthermore, c-miRNAs might serve as
      novel biomarkers of the current vascular cell status. Here, we examined how the
      levels of three vascular c-miRNAs (c-miR-16, c-miR-21, c-miR-126) are acutely
      affected by different exercise intensities and volumes. Methods: 12 subjects
      performed 3 different endurance exercise protocols: 1. High-Volume Training (HVT;
      130 min at 55% peak power output (PPO); 2. High-Intensity Training (HIT; 4 * 4
      min at 95% PPO); 3. Sprint-Interval Training (SIT; 4 * 30 s all-out). c-miRNAs
      were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR with TaqMan probes at time
      points pre, 0', 30', 60', and 180' after each intervention. The expression of miR
      126 and miR-21 was analyzed in vitro, in human coronary artery endothelial cells,
      human THP-1 monocytes, human platelets, human endothelial microparticles (EMPs)
      and human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). To investigate the transfer of
      miRNAs via EMPs, VSMCs were incubated with EMPs. Results: HVT and SIT revealed
      large increases on c-miR-21 [1.9-fold by HVT (cohen's d = 0.85); 1.5-fold by SIT
      (cohen's d = 0.85)] and c-miR-126 [2.2-fold by SIT (cohen's d = 1.06); 1.9-fold
      by HVT (cohen's d = 0.85)] post-exercise compared to pre-values, while HIT
      revealed only small to moderate changes on c-miRs-21 (cohen's d = -0.28) and c
      miR-126 (cohen's d = 0.53). c-miR-16 was only slightly affected by SIT (1.4-fold;
      cohen's d = 0.57), HVT (1.3-fold; cohen's d = 0.61) or HIT (1.1-fold; cohen's d =
      0.2). Further in vitro experiments revealed that miR-126 and miR-21 are mainly of
      endothelial origin. Importantly, under conditions of endothelial apoptosis, miR
      126 and miR-21 are packed from endothelial cells into endothelial microparticles,
      which were shown to transfer miR-126 into target vascular smooth muscle cells.
      Conclusion: Taken together, we found that HVT and SIT are associated with the
      release of endothelial miRNAs into the circulation, which can function as
      intercellular communication devices regulating vascular biology.

PMID- 28082911
TI  - Personalized Prediction of Proliferation Rates and Metabolic Liabilities in
      Cancer Biopsies.
AB  - Cancer is a heterogeneous disease and its genetic and metabolic mechanism may
      manifest differently in each patient. This creates a demand for studies that can
      characterize phenotypic traits of cancer on a per-sample basis. Combining two
      large data sets, the NCI60 cancer cell line panel, and The Cancer Genome Atlas,
      we used a linear interaction model to predict proliferation rates for more than
      12,000 cancer samples across 33 different cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas.
      The predicted proliferation rates are associated with patient survival and cancer
      stage and show a strong heterogeneity in proliferative capacity within and across
      different cancer panels. We also show how the obtained proliferation rates can be
      incorporated into genome-scale metabolic reconstructions to obtain the metabolic
      fluxes for more than 3000 cancer samples that identified specific metabolic
      liabilities for nine cancer panels. Here we found that affected pathways
      coincided with the literature, with pentose phosphate pathway, retinol, and
      branched-chain amino acid metabolism being the most panel-specific alterations
      and fatty acid metabolism and ROS detoxification showing homogeneous metabolic
      activities across all cancer panels. The presented strategy has potential
      applications in personalized medicine since it can leverage gene expression
      signatures for cell line based prediction of additional metabolic properties
      which might help in constraining personalized metabolic models and improve the
      identification of metabolic alterations in cancer for individual patients.

PMID- 28082912
TI  - The Rate of Concentration Change and How It Determines the Resolving Power of
      Olfactory Receptor Neurons.
AB  - The response characteristics of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) and their
      corollary, the differential sensitivity and the resolving power, are fundamental
      to understand olfactory coding and the information extracted from a fluctuating
      olfactory signal. Previous work has focused on the temporal resolution of odor
      pulses presented for very brief periods at varying concentrations. The time
      course of the odor pulses as a stimulus parameter has not been considered. The
      present study investigated the precision of the ON and OFF ORNs on the antennae
      of the cockroach to discriminate increments and decrements of continuously rising
      and falling odor concentrations. Stimulation consisted of ramp-like upward and
      downward concentration changes in a trapezoid fashion. By varying ramp steepness,
      we examined the effect of the rate of concentration change. Both ORNs were
      clearly dependent on continuously rising and falling odor concentrations. As the
      rate of upward and downward concentration changes increases, differential
      sensitivity improves. Since the scatter of responses around the stimulus-response
      functions also increases, the resolving power for concentration increments and
      decrements deteriorates. Thus, the slower the rate of concentration change, the
      higher the precision in differentiating small concentration changes. Intuitively,
      the inverse relationship between the rate of concentration change and the
      resolving power is not surprising because accuracy requires time. A high degree
      of precision at slow concentration rates enables the cockroach to use information
      about the onset and offset slopes of odor pulses in addition to the pulse height
      to encode the spatial-temporal structure of turbulent odor plumes.

PMID- 28082913
TI  - TGR5, Not Only a Metabolic Regulator.
AB  - G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor, Gpbar1 (TGR5), is a member of G-protein
      coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. High levels of TGR5 mRNA were detected in
      several tissues such as small intestine, stomach, liver, lung, especially in
      placenta and spleen. TGR5 is not only the receptor for bile acids, but also the
      receptor for multiple selective synthetic agonists such as 6alpha-ethyl-23(S)
      methyl-cholic acid (6-EMCA, INT-777) and a series of 4-benzofuranyloxynicotinamde
      derivatives to regulate different signaling pathways such as nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB), AKT, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). TGR5,
      as a metabolic regulator, is involved in energy homeostasis, bile acid
      homeostasis, as well as glucose metabolism. More recently, our group and others
      have extended the functions of TGR5 to more than metabolic regulation, which
      include inflammatory response, cancer and liver regeneration. These findings
      highlight TGR5 as a potential drug target for different diseases. This review
      summarizes the basic information of TGR5 and its new functions.

PMID- 28082914
TI  - Heart Rate and Cardiovascular Responses to Commercial Flights: Relationships with
      Physical Fitness.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the influence of physical fitness on cardiac
      autonomic control in passengers prior to, during and following commercial
      flights. Twenty-two, physically active men (36.4 +/- 6.4 years) undertook
      assessments of physical fitness followed by recordings of 24-h heart rate (HR),
      heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure (BP) on a Control (no flight)
      and Experimental (flight) day. Recordings were analyzed using a two-way analysis
      of variance for repeated measures with relationships between variables examined
      via Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients. Compared to the Control day,
      24-h HR was significantly greater (>7%) and HRV measures (5-39%) significantly
      lower on the Experimental day. During the 1-h flight, HR (24%), and BP (6%) were
      increased while measures of HRV (26-45%) were reduced. Absolute values of HRV
      during the Experimental day and relative changes in HRV measures (Control
      Experimental) were significantly correlated with measures of aerobic fitness (r =
      0.43 to 0.51; -0.53 to -0.52) and body composition (r = -0.63 to -0.43; 0.48
      0.61). The current results demonstrated that short-term commercial flying
      significantly altered cardiovascular function including the reduction of
      parasympathetic modulations. Further, greater physical fitness and lower body fat
      composition were associated with greater cardiac autonomic control for passengers
      during flights. Enhanced physical fitness and leaner body composition may enable
      passengers to cope better with the cardiovascular stress and high allostatic load
      associated with air travel for enhanced passenger well-being.

PMID- 28082915
TI  - Is Maximum Food Intake in Endotherms Constrained by Net or Factorial Aerobic
      Scope? Lessons from the Leaf-Eared Mouse.
AB  - Food availability varies substantially throughout animals' lifespans, thus the
      ability to profit from high food levels may directly influence animal fitness.
      Studies exploring the link between basal metabolic rate (BMR), growth,
      reproduction, and other fitness traits have shown varying relationships in terms
      of both magnitude and direction. The diversity of results has led to the
      hypothesis that these relationships are modulated by environmental conditions
      (e.g., food availability), suggesting that the fitness consequences of a given
      BMR may be context-dependent. In turn, there is indirect evidence that
      individuals with an increased capacity for aerobic work also have a high capacity
      for acquiring energy from food. Surprisingly, very few studies have explored the
      correlation between maximum rates of energy acquisition and BMR in endotherms,
      and to the best of our knowledge, none have attempted to elucidate relationships
      between the former and aerobic capacity [e.g., maximum metabolic rate (MMR),
      aerobic scope (Factorial aerobic scope, FAS; Net aerobic scope, NAS)]. In this
      study, we measured BMR, MMR, maximum food intake (recorded under low ambient
      temperature and ad libitum food conditions; MFI), and estimated aerobic scope in
      the leaf-eared mouse (Phyllotis darwini). We, then, examined correlations among
      these variables to determine whether metabolic rates and aerobic scope are
      functionally correlated, and whether an increased aerobic capacity is related to
      a higher MFI. We found that aerobic capacity measured as NAS is positively
      correlated with MFI in endotherms, but with neither FAS nor BMR. Therefore, it
      appears plausible that the capacity for assimilating energy under conditions of
      abundant resources is determined adaptively by NAS, as animals with higher NAS
      would be promoted by selection. In theory, FAS is an invariant measurement of the
      extreme capacity for energy turnover in relation to resting expenditure, whereas
      NAS represents the maximum capacity for simultaneous aerobic processes above
      maintenance levels. Accordingly, in our study, FAS and NAS represent different
      biological variables; FAS, in contrast to NAS, may not constrain food intake. The
      explanations for these differences are discussed in biological and mathematical
      terms; further, we encourage the use of NAS rather than FAS when analyzing the
      aerobic capacity of animals.

PMID- 28082916
TI  - Electrophysiological Characteristics of the LQT2 Syndrome Mutation KCNH2-G572S
      and Regulation by Accessory Protein KCNE2.
AB  - Mutations in hERG cause long QT syndrome type 2 which is characterized by a
      prolonged QT interval on electrocardiogram and predisposition to life-threatening
      ventricular tachyarrhythmia, syncope, and sudden death. hERG-G572S induces
      trafficking defects of hERG channel protein from Golgi to the plasma membrane and
      results in a dominant negative suppression of hERG current density. As an
      accessory beta subunit, KCNE2 promotes hERG migration from Golgi to cellular
      membrane. In this study, we investigated the rescue effect of KCNE2 in a G572S
      mutation of hERG. Transfection was performed into HEK293 cells. Patch clamp
      technique, western blotting analyses and confocal microscopic examination were
      used. Results showed that KCNE2 had a significantly enhanced effect on G572S
      mutation current. The increase of current was largest at KCNH2:KCNE2 of 1:3.
      Confocal images showed co-expressing G572S and KCNE2 could cause a substantial up
      regulated membrane protein (155 kDa) expression. Expression of membrane protein
      accumulated markedly with increasing ratio of KCNH2:KCNE2. G572S defective mutant
      could be restored by both KCNE2 and lower temperature (27 degrees C), which
      suggested that the lower temperature could be the favorable circumstances for the
      rescue function of KCNE2. In this study, we successfully set up "the action
      potential" on the HEK 293 cells by genetically engineered to express Kir2.1,
      Nav1.5, and Kv11.1, wherein on reaching over an excitation threshold by current
      injection. The results suggested that KCNE2 could shorten action potential
      duration which was prolonged by G572S. These findings described
      electrophysiological characteristics of the LQT2 syndrome mutation KCNH2-G572S
      and regulation by accessory protein KCNE2, and provided a clue about LQT2 and
      relative rescue mechanism.

PMID- 28082917
TI  - Transfer Function Analysis of the Longitudinal Motion of the Common Carotid
      Artery Wall.
AB  - The longitudinal motion of the carotid wall is a potential new measure of
      arterial stiffness. Despite the over decade long research on the subject, the
      driving force and the specific longitudinal kinetics of the carotid wall has
      remained unclear. In this study, a transfer function analysis with 20 healthy
      subjects is presented to derive how the energy from the blood pressure moves the
      innermost arterial wall longitudinally and how the kinetic energy is then
      transferred to the outermost arterial layer. The power spectrums display that the
      main kinetic energy of the longitudinal motion is on band 0-3 Hz with a peak on
      the 1.1 Hz frequency. There is a large variation among the individuals, how the
      energy from the blood pressure transfers into the longitudinal motion of the
      arterial wall since the main direction of the longitudinal motion varies
      individually and because early arterial stiffening potentially has an effect on
      the time characteristics of the energy transfer. The energy transfer from the
      innermost to the outermost wall layer is more straightforward: on average, a 17%
      of the longitudinal amplitude is lost and an 18.9 ms delay is visible on the 1.0
      Hz frequency.

PMID- 28082918
TI  - Spectroscopic and Mechanical Properties of a New Generation of Bulk Fill
      Composites.
AB  - Objectives: The aims of this study were to in vitro evaluate the degree of
      conversion and the microhardness properties of five bulk fill resin composites;
      in addition, the performance of two curing lamps, used for composites
      polymerization, was also analyzed. Materials and Methods: The following five
      resin-based bulk fill composites were tested: SureFil SDR(r), Fill Up!TM,
      FiltekTM, SonicFillTM, and SonicFill2TM. Samples of 4 mm in thickness were
      prepared using Teflon molds filled in one increment and light-polymerized using
      two LED power units. Ten samples for each composite were cured using Elipar S10
      and 10 using Demi Ultra. Additional samples of SonicFill2, (3 and 5 mm-thick)
      were also tested. The degree of conversion (DC) was determined by Raman
      spectroscopy, while the Vickers microhardness (VMH) was evaluated using a
      microhardness tester. The experimental evaluation was carried out on top and
      bottom sides, immediately after curing (t0), and, on bottom, after 24 h (t24).
      Two-ways analysis of variance was applied to evaluate DC and VMH-values. In all
      analyses, the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: All bulk fill
      resin composites recorded satisfactory DCs on top and bottom sides. At t0, the
      top of SDR and SonicFill2 showed the highest DCs-values (85.56 +/- 9.52 and 85.47
      +/- 1.90, respectively), when cured using Elipar S10; using Demi Ultra,
      SonicFill2 showed the highest DCs-values (90.53 +/- 2.18). At t0, the highest DCs
      values of bottom sides were recorded by SDR (84.64 +/- 11.68), when cured using
      Elipar S10, and Filtek (81.52 +/- 4.14), using Demi Ultra. On top sides, Demi
      Ultra lamp showed significant higher DCs compared to the Elipar S10 (p < 0.05).
      SonicFill2 reached suitable DCs also on bottom of 5 mm-thick samples. At t0, VMH
      values ranged between 24.4 and 69.18 for Elipar S10, and between 26.5 and 67.3
      for Demi Ultra. Using both lamps, the lowest VMH-values were shown by SDR, while
      the highest values by SonicFill2. At t24, all DC and VMH values significantly
      increased. Conclusions: Differences in DC and VMH among materials are suggested
      to be material and curing lamp dependent. Even at t0, the three high viscosity
      bulk composites showed higher VMH than the flowable or dual curing composites.

PMID- 28082919
TI  - QRS Fragmentation Patterns Representing Myocardial Scar Need to Be Separated from
      Benign Normal Variants: Hypotheses and Proposal for Morphology based
      Classification.
AB  - The presence of a fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) in two contiguous leads of a
      standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been shown to be an indicator of
      myocardial scar in multiple different populations of cardiac patients. QRS
      fragmentation is also a predictor of adverse prognosis in acute myocardial
      infarction, coronary artery disease, and ischemic cardiomyopathy and a prognostic
      tool in structural heart diseases. An increased risk of sudden cardiac death
      associated with fQRS has been documented in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
      and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, fQRS is also frequently observed in
      apparently healthy subjects. Thus, a more detailed classification of different
      QRS fragmentations is needed to identify the pathological fragmentation patterns
      and refine the role of fQRS as a risk marker of adverse cardiac events and sudden
      cardiac death. In most studies fQRS has been defined by the presence of an
      additional R wave (R'), or notching in the nadir of the S wave, or the presence
      of >1 R' in two contiguous leads corresponding to a major coronary territory.
      However, this approach does not discriminate between minor and major
      fragmentations and the location of the fQRS is also neglected. In addition to
      this, the method is susceptible to large interobserver variability. We suppose
      that some fQRS subtypes result from conduction delays in the His-Purkinje system,
      which is a benign finding and thus can weaken the prognostic values of fQRS. The
      classification of fQRSs to subtypes with unambiguous definitions is needed to
      overcome the interobserver variability related issues and to separate fQRSs
      caused by myocardial scarring from benign normal variants. In this paper, we
      review the anatomic correlates of fQRS and the current knowledge of prognostic
      significance of fQRS. We also propose a detailed fQRS classification for research
      purposes which can later be simplified after the truly pathological morphologies
      have been identified. The research material of our study consist of 15,245 ECGs
      from the random general population and approximately six thousands (n = 6,241)
      ECGs from subjects with a known cardiac disease.

PMID- 28082920
TI  - Tissue Specific Impacts of a Ketogenic Diet on Mitochondrial Dynamics in the
      BTBRT+tf/j Mouse.
AB  - The ketogenic diet (KD) has been utilized as a dietary therapeutic for nearly a
      century. One experimental model particularly responsive to the KD is the
      BTBRT+tf/j (BTBR) mouse, which displays phenotypic characteristics of autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD) and insulin resistance. Recently, the study of impaired
      mitochondrial function has become a focal point of research investigating the
      pathophysiology of ASD. As highly dynamic organelles, mitochondria undergo
      constant fluctuations in morphology, biogenesis, and quality control in order to
      maintain cellular homeostasis. An important modifier of mitochondrial dynamics is
      energy availability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the impact
      of a KD on mitochondrial dynamics in the liver and brain (prefrontal cortex) of
      the BTBR mouse model of ASD. Juvenile male C57Bl/6 (B6) and BTBR mice were age
      matched to 5 weeks of age before being fed standard chow (CD, 13% kcal fat) or a
      KD (75% kcal fat) for 10-14 days. Analysis of brain tissue identified differences
      in mitochondrial gene expression but no correlation with protein levels. Unlike
      in the brain, KD led to decreased levels of mitochondrial proteins in the liver,
      despite increased gene expression. Consistent with decreased mitochondrial
      proteins, we also observed decreased mtDNA for all mice on the KD, demonstrating
      that the KD reduces the total amount of mitochondria in the liver. In order to
      explain the discrepancy between protein levels and gene expression, we
      investigated whether mitochondrial turnover via mitophagy was increased. To this
      end, we examined expression levels of the mitophagy regulator BNIP3
      (BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kd-interacting protein 3). BNIP3 gene and protein
      expression were significantly elevated in liver of KD animals (p < 0.05),
      indicating the potential activation of mitophagy. Therefore, consumption of a KD
      exerts highly tissue-specific effects, ultimately increasing mitochondrial
      turnover in the liver, while gene and protein expression in the brain remaining
      tightly regulated.

PMID- 28082921
TI  - Social Phobia Is Associated with Delayed Onset of Chickenpox, Measles, and Mumps
      Infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evidence showing that infectious diseases in childhood play an
      important role in the etiopathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and other mental
      disorders is growing. The aim of this study was to explore the timing of common
      childhood diseases in early-onset anxiety disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      analyzed data from PsyCoLaus, a large Swiss Population Cohort Study (N = 3720).
      In this study, we regressed overanxious disorder, separation anxiety disorder,
      social phobia, and specific phobias on the age of onset of several childhood
      diseases, always adjusting for the other anxiety disorders listed above and for
      sex. RESULTS: The timing of viral childhood diseases (chickenpox, measles, and
      mumps) was consistently delayed in social phobia, notably both in men and women.
      We found no evidence for a reversed sequence of onset of phobia symptoms before
      that of the infections included. CONCLUSION: Social phobia was the only early
      anxiety disorder to show an association with a delayed onset of common viral
      childhood diseases.

PMID- 28082922
TI  - The Contributions of Memory and Vocabulary to Non-Verbal Ability Scores in
      Adolescents with Intellectual Disability.
AB  - It is usually assumed that performance on non-verbal intelligence tests reflects
      visual cognitive processing and that aspects of working memory (WM) will be
      involved. However, the unique contribution of memory to non-verbal scores is not
      clear, nor is the unique contribution of vocabulary. Thus, we aimed to
      investigate these contributions. Non-verbal test scores for 17 individuals with
      intellectual disability (ID) and 39 children with typical development (TD) of
      similar mental age were compared to determine the unique contribution of visual
      and verbal short-term memory (STM) and WM and the additional variance contributed
      by vocabulary scores. No significant group differences were found in the non
      verbal test scores or receptive vocabulary scores, but there was a significant
      difference in expressive vocabulary. Regression analyses indicate that for the TD
      group STM and WM (both visual and verbal) contributed similar variance to the non
      verbal scores. For the ID group, visual STM and verbal WM contributed most of the
      variance to the non-verbal test scores. The addition of vocabulary scores to the
      model contributed greater variance for both groups. More unique variance was
      contributed by vocabulary than memory for the TD group, whereas for the ID group
      memory contributed more than vocabulary. Visual and auditory memory and
      vocabulary contributed significantly to solving visual non-verbal problems for
      both the TD group and the ID group. However, for each group, there were different
      weightings of these variables. Our findings indicate that for individuals with
      TD, vocabulary is the major factor in solving non-verbal problems, not memory,
      whereas for adolescents with ID, visual STM, and verbal WM are more influential
      than vocabulary, suggesting different pathways to achieve solutions to non-verbal
      problems.

PMID- 28082924
TI  - Perceived Organizational Support for Enhancing Welfare at Work: A Regression Tree
      Model.
AB  - When trying to examine outcomes such as welfare and well-being, research tends to
      focus on main effects and take into account limited numbers of variables at a
      time. There are a number of techniques that may help address this problem. For
      example, many statistical packages available in R provide easy-to-use methods of
      modeling complicated analysis such as classification and tree regression (i.e.,
      recursive partitioning). The present research illustrates the value of recursive
      partitioning in the prediction of perceived organizational support in a sample of
      more than 6000 Italian bankers. Utilizing the tree function party package in R,
      we estimated a regression tree model predicting perceived organizational support
      from a multitude of job characteristics including job demand, lack of job
      control, lack of supervisor support, training, etc. The resulting model appears
      particularly helpful in pointing out several interactions in the prediction of
      perceived organizational support. In particular, training is the dominant factor.
      Another dimension that seems to influence organizational support is reporting
      (perceived communication about safety and stress concerns). Results are discussed
      from a theoretical and methodological point of view.

PMID- 28082923
TI  - Therapeutic Perspective on Tardive Syndrome with Special Reference to Deep Brain
      Stimulation.
AB  - Tardive syndrome (TDS) is a potentially permanent and irreversible hyperkinetic
      movement disorder caused by exposure to dopamine receptor blocking agents.
      Guidelines published by the American Academy of Neurology recommend
      pharmacological first-line treatment for TDS with clonazepam (level B), ginkgo
      biloba (level B), amantadine (level C), and tetrabenazine (level C). Recently, a
      class II study provided level C evidence for use of deep brain stimulation (DBS)
      of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in patients with TDS. Although the precise
      pathogenesis of TDS remains to be elucidated, the beneficial effects of GPi-DBS
      in patients with TDS suggest that the disease may be a basal ganglia disorder. In
      addition to recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of TDS, this
      article introduces the current use of DBS in the treatment of medically
      intractable TDS.

PMID- 28082925
TI  - Semantically Transparent and Opaque Compounds in German Noun-Phrase Production:
      Evidence for Morphemes in Speaking.
AB  - This study examines the lexical representation and processing of noun-noun
      compounds and their grammatical gender during speech production in German, a
      language that codes for grammatical gender (masculine, feminine, and neuter).
      Using a picture-word interference paradigm, participants produced determiner
      compound noun phrases in response to pictures, while ignoring written distractor
      words. Compound targets were either semantically transparent (e.g., birdhouse) or
      opaque (e.g., hotdog), and their constituent nouns either had the same or a
      different gender (internal gender match). Effects of gender-congruent but
      otherwise unrelated distractor nouns, and of two morphologically related
      distractors corresponding to the first or second constituent were assessed
      relative to a completely unrelated, gender-incongruent distractor baseline. Both
      constituent distractors strongly facilitated compound naming, and these effects
      were independent of the targets' semantic transparency. This supports retrieval
      of constituent morphemes for semantically transparent and opaque compounds during
      speech production. Furthermore, gender congruency between compounds and
      distractors did not speed up naming in general, but interacted with gender match
      of the compounds' constituent nouns, and their semantic transparency. A
      significant gender-congruency effect was obtained with semantically transparent
      compounds, consisting of two constituent nouns of the same gender, only. In
      principle, this pattern is compatible with a multiple lemma representation
      account for semantically transparent, but not for opaque compounds. The data also
      fit with a more parsimonious, holistic representation for all compounds at the
      lemma level, when differences in co-activation patterns for semantically
      transparent and opaque compounds are considered.

PMID- 28082926
TI  - Bridge Over Troubled Water: Perspective Connections between Coping and Play in
      Children.
AB  - We propose that children's play and coping strategies are connected. However,
      this connection has often been overlooked in the literature. To prove our
      hypothesis, the principal developmental functions of play are reviewed and
      compared with the different stages of the coping process. Our results show that
      coping and play are essential elements in child development, and indicate the
      presence of several overlapping areas where play and coping intersect. In spite
      of this, their interrelationship has seldom been examined. We explore the
      possible reasons for this omission with reference to the different natures of
      play and coping constructs, and also to the definitive psychometric and cognitive
      characteristics of most common coping measurement instruments. We conclude by
      proposing that play should be considered an elective form of coping in most
      aspects of children's lives. We also propose that methods to measure coping in
      children should be improved and a more analogical approach should be adopted
      toward play to enable accurate recognition of coping.

PMID- 28082928
TI  - Can Contraries Prompt Intuition in Insight Problem Solving?
AB  - This paper aims to test whether the use of contraries can facilitate spatial
      problem solving. Specifically, we examined whether a training session which
      included explicit guidance on thinking in contraries would improve problem
      solving abilities. In our study, the participants in the experimental condition
      were exposed to a brief training session before being presented with seven visuo
      spatial problems to solve. During training it was suggested that it would help
      them to find the solution to the problems if they systematically transformed the
      spatial features of each problem into their contraries. Their performance was
      compared to that of a control group (who had no training). Two participation
      conditions were considered: small groups and individuals. Higher success rates
      were found in the groups exposed to training as compared to the individuals (in
      both the training and no training conditions), even though the time required to
      find a solution was longer. In general, participants made more attempts (i.e.,
      drawings) when participating in groups than individually. The number of drawings
      done while the participants were trying to solve the problems did not increase
      after training. In order to explore if the quality (if not the number) of
      drawings was modified, we sampled one problem out of the seven we had used in the
      experiment (the "pigs in a pen" problem) and examined the drawings in detail.
      Differences between the training and no training conditions emerged in terms of
      properties focused on and transformed in the drawings. Based on these results, in
      the final discussion possible explanations are suggested as to why training had
      positive effects specifically in the group condition.

PMID- 28082927
TI  - Cerebral versus Ocular Visual Impairment: The Impact on Developmental
      Neuroplasticity.
AB  - Cortical/cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is clinically defined as significant
      visual dysfunction caused by injury to visual pathways and structures occurring
      during early perinatal development. Depending on the location and extent of
      damage, children with CVI often present with a myriad of visual deficits
      including decreased visual acuity and impaired visual field function. Most
      striking, however, are impairments in visual processing and attention which have
      a significant impact on learning, development, and independence. Within the
      educational arena, current evidence suggests that strategies designed for
      individuals with ocular visual impairment are not effective in the case of CVI.
      We propose that this variance may be related to differences in compensatory
      neuroplasticity related to the type of visual impairment, as well as underlying
      alterations in brain structural connectivity. We discuss the etiology and nature
      of visual impairments related to CVI, and how advanced neuroimaging techniques
      (i.e., diffusion-based imaging) may help uncover differences between ocular and
      cerebral causes of visual dysfunction. Revealing these differences may help in
      developing future strategies for the education and rehabilitation of individuals
      living with visual impairment.

PMID- 28082929
TI  - Practical Person-Fit Assessment with the Linear FA Model: New Developments and a
      Comparative Study.
AB  - Linear factor analysis (FA) is, possibly, the most widely used model in
      psychometric applications based on graded-response or more continuous items.
      However, in these applications consistency at the individual level (person fit)
      is virtually never assessed. The aim of the present study is to propose a simple
      and workable approach to routinely assess person fit in FA-based studies. To do
      so, we first consider five potentially appropriate indices, of which one is a new
      proposal and the other is a modification of an existing index. Next, the
      effectiveness of these indices is assessed by using (a) a thorough simulation
      study that attempts to mimic realistic conditions, and (b) an illustrative
      example based on real data. Results suggest that the mean-squared lico index and
      the personal correlation work well in conjunction and can function effectively
      for detecting different types of inconsistency. Finally future directions and
      lines of research are discussed.

PMID- 28082930
TI  - The Testing Effect and Far Transfer: The Role of Exposure to Key Information.
AB  - Butler (2010: Experiment 3) showed that retrieval practice enhanced transfer to a
      new knowledge domain compared to rereading. The first experiment of the present
      study was a direct replication of Butler's third experiment. Participants studied
      text passages and then either reread them three times or went through three
      cycles of cued recall questions (i.e., retrieval practice) with feedback. As in
      Butler's (2010) experiment, an advantage of retrieval practice on the final far
      transfer test emerged after 1 week. Additionally, we observed an advantage of
      retrieval practice on the final test administered after 5 min. However, these
      advantages might have been due to participants in the retrieval practice
      condition receiving focused exposure to the key information (i.e., the feedback)
      that was needed to answer the final test questions. We therefore conducted a
      second experiment in which we included the retrieval practice condition and the
      reread condition from our first experiment, as well as a new reread-plus
      statements condition. In the reread-plus-statements condition, participants
      received focused exposure to the key information after they had reread a text. As
      in Experiment 1, we found a large effect on far transfer when retrieval practice
      was compared to rereading. However, this effect was substantially reduced when
      retrieval practice was compared to the reread-plus-statements condition. Taken
      together, the results of the present experiments demonstrate that Butler's (2010)
      testing effect in far transfer is robust. Moreover, focused exposure to key
      information appears to be a significant factor in this far transfer testing
      effect.

PMID- 28082931
TI  - Pain Interference Mediates the Relationship between Pain and Functioning in
      Pediatric Chronic Pain.
AB  - Pediatric chronic pain is a major health problem commonly associated with
      impaired functioning. There is a great need for more knowledge regarding the
      complex interplay between demographic variables such as age and gender, pain, and
      functioning in pediatric chronic pain. Objective: The objective of the study was
      to investigate if; (1) pediatric chronic pain patients with high and low levels
      of functioning differ in demographic variables, pain, and pain interference; (2)
      explore the mediating function of pain interference in the relationship between
      pain and functioning (i.e., depression and functional disability). Method: The
      study includes a consecutive sample of children and adolescents referred to a
      tertiary pain clinic due to chronic pain (n = 163). Cross-sectional data was
      analyzed to investigate the interrelationships between variables. Analyses of
      indirect effects were used to assess the impact of pain interference on the
      relation between pain and depression. Results: Findings illustrate high levels of
      depression, school absence and pain interference in this sample. Furthermore,
      pain interference mediated the relationship between pain and depression.
      Conclusion: Thus, this study adds to the growing support of findings suggesting
      that functioning and pain interference should be routinely assessed in pediatric
      chronic pain and a central target in treatment. Particularly, these findings
      imply a need for interventions specifically aimed at improved functioning for
      patients with chronic debilitating pain.

PMID- 28082932
TI  - American Sign Language Syntax and Analogical Reasoning Skills Are Influenced by
      Early Acquisition and Age of Entry to Signing Schools for the Deaf.
AB  - Failing to acquire language in early childhood because of language deprivation is
      a rare and exceptional event, except in one population. Deaf children who grow up
      without access to indirect language through listening, speech-reading, or sign
      language experience language deprivation. Studies of Deaf adults have revealed
      that late acquisition of sign language is associated with lasting deficits.
      However, much remains unknown about language deprivation in Deaf children,
      allowing myths and misunderstandings regarding sign language to flourish. To fill
      this gap, we examined signing ability in a large naturalistic sample of Deaf
      children attending schools for the Deaf where American Sign Language (ASL) is
      used by peers and teachers. Ability in ASL was measured using a syntactic
      judgment test and language-based analogical reasoning test, which are two sub
      tests of the ASL Assessment Inventory. The influence of two age-related variables
      were examined: whether or not ASL was acquired from birth in the home from one or
      more Deaf parents, and the age of entry to the school for the Deaf. Note that for
      non-native signers, this latter variable is often the age of first systematic
      exposure to ASL. Both of these types of age-dependent language experiences
      influenced subsequent signing ability. Scores on the two tasks declined with
      increasing age of school entry. The influence of age of starting school was not
      linear. Test scores were generally lower for Deaf children who entered the school
      of assessment after the age of 12. The positive influence of signing from birth
      was found for students at all ages tested (7;6-18;5 years old) and for children
      of all age-of-entry groupings. Our results reflect a continuum of outcomes which
      show that experience with language is a continuous variable that is sensitive to
      maturational age.

PMID- 28082933
TI  - Exploring Changes in Valued Action in the Presence of Chronic Debilitating Pain
      in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Youth - A Single-Subject Design Study.
AB  - Objective: The objective of the study was to improve the understanding of
      processes of change in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for youth with chronic
      debilitating pain by exploring the relation between individual change patterns in
      pain intensity and valued activities. Method: A single-subject design across
      three adolescents suffering from longstanding debilitating pain was utilized.
      Pain intensity and participation in valued activities were rated daily. Visual
      analysis of the graphed data was performed to evaluate the effects of the
      intervention, and the relationship between pain intensity and values-based
      activity. Results: The graphed data illustrated that pain levels did not decrease
      from the baseline period to the follow-up period. In contrast, compared to
      baseline ratings values oriented behaviors increased from the start of treatment
      to the follow-up period. Conclusion: Results illustrate that increases in values
      based behavior may occur without corresponding decreases in pain, and warrant
      further research on change processes in ACT for youth suffering from chronic
      pain.

PMID- 28082934
TI  - Risk Factors for School Dropout in a Sample of Juvenile Offenders.
AB  - Backgrounds: The high rates of school dropout worldwide and their relevance
      highlight the need for a close study of its causes and consequences. Literature
      has suggested that school dropout might be explained by multiple causes at
      different levels (individual, family, school, and neighborhood). The aim of the
      current study is to examine the relation between individual (defiant attitude,
      irresponsibility, alcohol abuse, and illegal drugs use), family (educational
      figure absent and parental monitoring), school factors (truancy and school
      conflict) and school dropout. Method: Judicial files of all juvenile offenders
      (218 males and 46 females) with a judicial penal measure in Asturias (Spain) in
      the year 2012 were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were
      performed to estimate the relationships between school dropout and individual,
      family and school variables. Results: As for the individual characteristics,
      results showed that school dropouts were more irresponsible than non-dropouts.
      Also they had higher rates of illegal drug use and alcohol abuse. Moreover, lack
      of parental monitoring emerged as a key predictive factor of school dropout,
      beyond the type of family structure in terms of the presence of both or only one
      educational figure. Finally, school factors did not show a significant
      relationship to school dropout. Conclusions: These findings indicate that school
      dropout is a multidimensional process. School and family policies that emphasize
      the role of parental monitoring and prevent alcohol and substance abuse are
      recommended.

PMID- 28082935
TI  - Web-Based Psychoeducation Program for Caregivers of First-Episode of Psychosis:
      An Experience of Chinese Population in Hong Kong.
AB  - Caregivers of patients with first-episode psychosis are often with little
      knowledge about the illness and experience more burden of care. Psychoeducation
      to caregivers has shown to be effective in improving outcomes of patients and
      possibly reduce stress of the caregivers. This has been recommended as one of the
      key psychosocial interventions for specific early intervention for psychosis
      service. However, the accessibility of the service, high case load of the health
      care professionals and self-stigma of caregivers are often the barriers of
      implementation of these programs in the real world. Incorporating the convenience
      of information access via internet and the concept of self-management approach,
      an interactive internet-based self-help psychoeducation program (iPEP)
      (www.ipep.hk) for the caregivers of patients with psychosis was established
      targeting the caregivers of patients with psychosis at early stage in Hong Kong.
      It provides a comprehensive online resource center in both written and video
      format on knowledge about psychosis, skills of care, and information of local
      resources. It also has a forum facilitate information exchange between healthcare
      professionals and the caregivers, allowing for self-management. Over 800
      caregivers have joined the program as members. The evaluation of the subset of
      the members/users of the iPEP suggested that the iPEP program has been well
      received and appreciated by the caregivers of patients with first episode
      psychosis locally. It can potentially serve as a platform for future development
      of specific manual-based psychoeducation program for caregivers targeting at the
      needs of different groups.

PMID- 28082936
TI  - The Information and Communication Technology User Role: Implications for the Work
      Role and Inter-Role Spillover.
AB  - Management and organization research has traditionally focused on employees' work
      role and the interface between their work and family roles. We suggest that
      persons assume a third role in modern society that is relevant to work and
      organizations, namely the Information and Communication Technology User (ICTU)
      role. Based on role theory and boundary theory, we develop propositions about the
      characteristics of this role, as well as how ICTU role characteristics are
      related to boundary spanning activity, inter-role spillover with the work role,
      and work role performance. To this end, we first conceptualize the ICTU role and
      its associations with work and family roles. We then apply identity theory and
      boundary management theory to advance our understanding of how the ICTU role is
      related to criteria that are important to individuals and to organizations,
      namely self-selection into certain types of work roles and positive and negative
      inter-role spillover. The implications of this role for theory, research, and
      practice in management and organizations are discussed.

PMID- 28082937
TI  - It Pays to Go Off-Track: Practicing with Error-Augmenting Haptic Feedback
      Facilitates Learning of a Curve-Tracing Task.
AB  - Researchers in the domain of haptic training are now entering the long-standing
      debate regarding whether or not it is best to learn a skill by experiencing
      errors. Haptic training paradigms provide fertile ground for exploring how
      various theories about feedback, errors and physical guidance intersect during
      motor learning. Our objective was to determine how error minimizing, error
      augmenting and no haptic feedback while learning a self-paced curve-tracing task
      impact performance on delayed (1 day) retention and transfer tests, which
      indicate learning. We assessed performance using movement time and tracing error
      to calculate a measure of overall performance - the speed accuracy cost function.
      Our results showed that despite exhibiting the worst performance during skill
      acquisition, the error augmentation group had significantly better accuracy (but
      not overall performance) than the error minimization group on delayed retention
      and transfer tests. The control group's performance fell between that of the two
      experimental groups but was not significantly different from either on the
      delayed retention test. We propose that the nature of the task (requiring online
      feedback to guide performance) coupled with the error augmentation group's
      frequent off-target experience and rich experience of error-correction promoted
      information processing related to error-detection and error-correction that are
      essential for motor learning.

PMID- 28082938
TI  - School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised: Factorial Invariance and Latent Means
      Differences across Gender and Age in Spanish Children.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the factorial invariance and latent means
      differences of the Spanish version of the School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised
      for Children (SRAS-R-C) in a sample of 1,078 students (50.8% boys) aged 8-11
      years (M = 9.63, SD = 1.12). The results revealed that the proposed model in this
      study, with a structure of 18 items divided into four factors (Negative
      Affective, Social Aversion and/or Evaluation, To Pursue Attention and Tangible
      Reinforcements), was the best-fit model with a tetra-factorial structure,
      remaining invariant across gender and age. Analysis of latent means differences
      indicated that boys and 11-year-old students scored highest on the Tangible
      Reinforcements subscale compared with their 8- and 9-year-old peers. On the
      contrary, for the subscales of Social Aversion and/or Evaluation and to Pursue
      Attention, the differences were significant and higher in younger age groups
      compared to 11-year-olds. Appropriate indexes of reliability were obtained for
      SRAS-R-C subscales (0.70, 0.79, 0.87, and 0.72). Finally, the founded correlation
      coefficients of scores of the SRAS-R-C revealed a predictable pattern between
      school refusal and positive/negative affect and optimism/pessimism.

PMID- 28082939
TI  - Dynamics of Social Interaction: Kinematic Analysis of a Joint Action.
AB  - Non-verbal social interaction between humans requires accurate understanding of
      the others' actions. The cognitivist approach suggests that successful
      interaction depends on the creation of a shared representation of the task, where
      the pairing of perceptive and motor systems of partners allows inclusion of the
      other's goal into the overarching representation. Activity of the Mirror Neurons
      System (MNS) is thought to be a crucial mechanism linking two individuals during
      a joint action through action observation. The construction of a shared
      representation of an interaction (i.e., joint action) depends upon sensorimotor
      cognitive processes that modulate the ability to adapt in time and space. We
      attempted to detect individuals' behavioral/kinematic change resulting in a
      global amelioration of performance for both subjects when a common representation
      of the action is built using a repetitive joint action. We asked pairs of
      subjects to carry out a simple task where one puts a base in the middle of a
      table and the other places a parallelepiped fitting into the base, the crucial
      manipulation being that participants switched roles during the experiment. We
      aimed to show that a full comprehension of a joint action is not an automatic
      process. We found that, before switching the interactional role, the participant
      initially placing the base orientated it in a way that led to an uncomfortable
      action for participants placing the parallelepiped. However, after switching
      roles, the action's kinematics by the participant who places the base changed in
      order to facilitate the action of the other. More precisely, our data shows
      significant modulation of the base angle in order to ease the completion of the
      joint action, highlighting the fact that a shared knowledge of the complete
      action facilitates the generation of a common representation. This evidence
      suggests the ability to establish an efficient shared representation of a joint
      action benefits from physically taking our partner's perspective because simply
      observing the actions of others may not be enough.

PMID- 28082940
TI  - Culture and Unmerited Authorship Credit: Who Wants It and Why?
AB  - Unmerited authorship is a practice common to many countries around the world, but
      are there systematic cultural differences in the practice? We tested whether
      scientists from collectivistic countries are more likely to add unmerited
      coauthors than scientists from individualistic countries. We analyzed archival
      data from top scientific journals (Study 1) and found that national collectivism
      predicted the number of authors, which might suggest more unmerited authors.
      Next, we found that collectivistic scientists were more likely to add unmerited
      coauthors than individualistic scientists, both between cultures (Studies 2-3)
      and within cultures (Study 4). Finally, we found that priming people with
      collectivistic self-construal primes made them more likely to endorse
      questionable authorship attitudes (Study 5). These findings show that culture
      collectivism is related to unmerited authorship.

PMID- 28082941
TI  - A Bayesian Framework for False Belief Reasoning in Children: A Rational
      Integration of Theory-Theory and Simulation Theory.
AB  - Two apparently contrasting theories have been proposed to account for the
      development of children's theory of mind (ToM): theory-theory and simulation
      theory. We present a Bayesian framework that rationally integrates both theories
      for false belief reasoning. This framework exploits two internal models for
      predicting the belief states of others: one of self and one of others. These
      internal models are responsible for simulation-based and theory-based reasoning,
      respectively. The framework further takes into account empirical studies of a
      developmental ToM scale (e.g., Wellman and Liu, 2004): developmental progressions
      of various mental state understandings leading up to false belief understanding.
      By representing the internal models and their interactions as a causal Bayesian
      network, we formalize the model of children's false belief reasoning as
      probabilistic computations on the Bayesian network. This model probabilistically
      weighs and combines the two internal models and predicts children's false belief
      ability as a multiplicative effect of their early-developed abilities to
      understand the mental concepts of diverse beliefs and knowledge access.
      Specifically, the model predicts that children's proportion of correct responses
      on a false belief task can be closely approximated as the product of their
      proportions correct on the diverse belief and knowledge access tasks. To validate
      this prediction, we illustrate that our model provides good fits to a variety of
      ToM scale data for preschool children. We discuss the implications and extensions
      of our model for a deeper understanding of developmental progressions of
      children's ToM abilities.

PMID- 28082942
TI  - Replication Requires Psychological Rather than Statistical Hypotheses: The Case
      of Eye Movements Enhancing Word Recollection.
AB  - Can an experiment be replicated in a mechanical fashion without considering the
      processes underlying the initial results? Here I will consider a non-replication
      of Saccade Induced Retrieval Enhancement (SIRE) and argue that it results from
      focusing on statistical instead of on substantive process hypotheses.
      Particularly the theoretical integration of SIRE with Eye-Movement
      Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, provides clues about when the
      memory enhancement should occur. A relatively large memory enhancement effect in
      participants with a consistent (i.e., extreme right or left) handedness should be
      observed, (a) when explicitly instructed to retrieve and imagine the memories
      during the eye manipulation, and (b) for emotionally negative material. A finer
      theoretical analysis may thus well explain the contrast between the original SIRE
      studies and the non-replication. Also the findings from preregistered
      confirmatory research (i.e., focusing solely on statistical hypotheses) should be
      considered preliminary, representing shifts on a gradual scale of evidence, and
      awaiting interpretation in terms of theoretical hypotheses. Stronger, but still
      not definitive, conclusions can better be postponed until after multi-study meta
      analyses with theoretically motivated moderator variables have been performed.

PMID- 28082944
TI  - Verbal Synchrony and Action Dynamics in Large Groups.
AB  - While synchronized movement has been shown to increase liking and feelings of
      togetherness between people, we investigated whether collective speaking in time
      would change the way that larger groups played a video game together.
      Anthropologists have speculated that the function of interpersonal coordination
      in dance, chants, and singing is not just to produce warm, affiliative feelings,
      but also to improve group action. The group that chants and dances together hunts
      well together. Direct evidence for this is sparse, as research so far has mainly
      studied pairs, the effects of coordinated physical movement, and measured
      cooperation and affiliative decisions. In our experiment, large groups of people
      were given response handsets to play a computer game together, in which only
      joint coordinative efforts lead to success. Before playing, the synchrony of
      their verbal behavior was manipulated. After the game, we measured group members'
      affiliation toward their group, their performance on a memory task, and the way
      in which they played the group action task. We found that verbal synchrony in
      large groups produced affiliation, enhanced memory performance, and increased
      group members' coordinative efforts. Our evidence suggests that the effects of
      synchrony are stable across modalities, can be generalized to larger groups and
      have consequences for action coordination.

PMID- 28082943
TI  - Three Ways That Non-associative Knowledge May Affect Associative Learning
      Processes.
AB  - Associative learning theories offer one account of the way animals and humans
      assess the relationship between events and adapt their behavior according to
      resulting expectations. They assume knowledge about event relations is
      represented in associative networks, which consist of mental representations of
      cues and outcomes and the associative links that connect them. However, in human
      causal and contingency learning, many researchers have found that variance in
      standard learning effects is controlled by "non-associative" factors that are not
      easily captured by associative models. This has given rise to accounts of
      learning based on higher-order cognitive processes, some of which reject
      altogether the notion that humans learn in the manner described by associative
      networks. Despite the renewed focus on this debate in recent years, few efforts
      have been made to consider how the operations of associative networks and other
      cognitive operations could potentially interact in the course of learning. This
      paper thus explores possible ways in which non-associative knowledge may affect
      associative learning processes: (1) via changes to stimulus representations, (2)
      via changes to the translation of the associative expectation into behavior (3)
      via a shared source of expectation of the outcome that is sensitive to both the
      strength of associative retrieval and evaluation from non-associative influences.

PMID- 28082945
TI  - Trustworthy Tricksters: Violating a Negative Social Expectation Affects Source
      Memory and Person Perception When Fear of Exploitation Is High.
AB  - People who are high in victim-sensitivity-a personality trait characterized by a
      strong fear of being exploited by others-are more likely to attend to social cues
      associated with untrustworthiness rather than to cues associated with
      trustworthiness compared with people who are low in victim-sensitivity. But how
      do these people react when an initial expectation regarding a target's
      trustworthiness turns out to be false? Results from two studies show that victim
      sensitive compared with victim-insensitive individuals show enhanced source
      memory and greater change in person perception for negatively labeled targets
      that violated rather than confirmed negative expectations (the "trustworthy
      trickster"). These findings are in line with recent theorizing on schema
      inconsistency and expectancy violation effects in social cognition and with
      research on the different facets of justice sensitivity in personality
      psychology.

PMID- 28082946
TI  - Distress and Psychosocial Needs in Patients Accessing a Cancer Day Surgery
      Division: Implications for Clinical Decision Making.
AB  - : Introduction: The Distress Thermometer (DT) was built and validated for
      screening cancer patients for distress, as suggested by the National
      Comprehensive Cancer Network. The current work was designed to measure the rates
      of distress in a sample of patients being hospitalized in a multidisciplinary
      outpatient surgery clinic. OBJECTIVE: To measure the rates of distress in a
      sample of patients referring to a multidisciplinary day surgery division in a
      comprehensive cancer center based in Northern Italy. Methods: A total of 177
      patients were asked to fill in the (DT) before surgery. Results: Out of 177
      patients, 154 (87%) patients completed the DT. While 13% of the patients
      indicated a total absence of distress, more than half of the sample declared a
      moderate or high distress. A total of 55% of patients presented at least three
      difficulties in the Problem List Checklist. Distress was not correlated with age
      or other medical and clinical variables. Number of emotional problems was the
      best predictor of distress at admission (beta = 0.655, p = 0.000). Conclusion:
      Screening for distress in a day surgery multidisciplinary oncology division is
      feasible and a relevant percentage of patients can be identified as clinically
      distressed. Outcomes also highlight the impact of age and precise physical and
      psycho-social signs as prognostic indicators of clinically significant distress.
      Measurement of distress and associated problems list represent the preliminary
      endpoint toward adequate recommendations that contribute to taking care of
      distress in cancer patients in cost-effective clinical setting.

PMID- 28082948
TI  - Thyrotropin Stimulates Differentiation Not Proliferation of Normal Human
      Thyrocytes in Culture.
AB  - Although TSH has been suggested to be a proliferative agent for thyrocytes, the
      effect of TSH on human thyroid cells remains controversial. In particular, most
      of the reported studies relied primarily on changes in DNA synthesis but have not
      included measurement of the number of cells. We argue that only a direct count of
      cell number, demonstrating classical exponential expansion, serves as a valid
      measurement of proliferation. Thus, although some data support TSH as a
      proliferative agent, most do not provide conclusive evidence. To generate
      conclusive evidence with regard to a proliferative effect of TSH in human
      thyrocytes, we performed various experiments using primary cultures of human
      thyrocytes. In contrast to previous reports, TSH [+/-insulin-like growth factor 1
      (IGF-1)] did not induce proliferation of thyrocytes under a variety of different
      conditions. However, TSH/IGF-1 cotreatment did upregulate thyroid-specific gene
      expression including thyroglobulin (TG) and TSHR in a manner consistent with
      cellular differentiation. Evidence for a proliferative effect of TSH has been
      used to inform the American Thyroid Association's guidelines for the management
      of thyroid cancer patients, which include TSH suppression. While these
      recommendations are admittedly based on low- to moderate-quality evidence, TSH
      suppression is still widely used. We present data that question the consensus
      view that TSH promotes proliferation of human thyrocytes (upon which the American
      Thyroid Association's guidelines are based) and suggest that additional studies,
      including randomized controlled trials, are warranted to address this important
      clinical question.

PMID- 28082947
TI  - Understanding the Relationship between Trauma Exposure and Depression among
      Adolescents after Earthquake: The Roles of Fear and Resilience.
AB  - Middle school students (N = 1435) were assessed 18 months after the Wenchuan
      earthquake using measures of trauma exposure, fear, resilience, and depression,
      to examine the effects of fear and resilience on the relationship between trauma
      exposure and depression. Fear mediated the relationship between trauma exposure
      and depression, whereas resilience moderated the relationship between fear and
      depression. These findings suggest that trauma exposure has a direct positive
      impact on depression, but also indirectly affects depression through fear.
      Moreover, fear positively predicted depression under conditions of low
      resilience, whereas this effect was not significant when resilience was high.
      These results are discussed in terms of their implications for adolescents after
      trauma.

PMID- 28082950
TI  - Expanding the Repertoire of Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing Metallo-beta-Lactamases by
      Functional Metagenomic Analysis of Soil Microbiota.
AB  - Carbapenemases are bacterial enzymes that hydrolyze carbapenems, a group of last
      resort beta-lactam antibiotics used for treatment of severe bacterial infections.
      They belong to three beta-lactamase classes based amino acid sequence (A, B, and
      D). The aim of this study was to elucidate occurrence, diversity and
      functionality of carbapenemase-encoding genes in soil microbiota by functional
      metagenomics. Ten plasmid libraries were generated by cloning metagenomic DNA
      from agricultural (n = 6) and grassland (n = 4) soil into Escherichia coli. The
      libraries were cultured on amoxicillin-containing agar and up to 100 colonies per
      library were screened for carbapenemase production by CarbaNP test. Presumptive
      carbapenemases were characterized with regard to DNA sequence, minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) of beta-lactams, and imipenem hydrolysis. Nine distinct class
      B carbapenemases, also known as metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs), were identified
      in six soil samples, including two subclass B1 (GRD23-1 and SPN79-1) and seven
      subclass B3 (CRD3-1, PEDO-1, GRD33-1, ESP-2, ALG6-1, ALG11-1, and DHT2-1). Except
      PEDO-1 and ESP-2, these enzymes were distantly related to any previously
      described MBLs (33 to 59% identity). RAIphy analysis indicated that six enzymes
      (CRD3-1, GRD23-1, DHT2-1, SPN79-1, ALG6-1, and ALG11-1) originated from
      Proteobacteria, two (PEDO-1 and ESP-2) from Bacteroidetes and one (GRD33-1) from
      Gemmatimonadetes. All MBLs detected in soil microbiota were functional when
      expressed in E. coli, resulting in detectable imipenem-hydrolyzing activity and
      significantly increased MICs of clinically relevant beta-lactams. Interestingly,
      the MBLs yielded by functional metagenomics generally differed from those
      detected in the same soil samples by antibiotic selective culture, showing that
      the two approaches targeted different subpopulations in soil microbiota.

PMID- 28082951
TI  - Isotopic Analysis of Sporocarp Protein and Structural Material Improves
      Resolution of Fungal Carbon Sources.
AB  - Fungal acquisition of resources is difficult to assess in the field. To determine
      whether fungi received carbon from recent plant photosynthate, litter or soil
      derived organic (C:N bonded) nitrogen, we examined differences in delta13C among
      bulk tissue, structural carbon, and protein extracts of sporocarps of three
      fungal types: saprotrophic fungi, fungi with hydrophobic ectomycorrhizae, or
      fungi with hydrophilic ectomycorrhizae. Sporocarps were collected from
      experimental plots of the Duke Free-air CO2 enrichment experiment during and
      after CO2 enrichment. The differential 13C labeling of ecosystem pools in CO2
      enrichment experiments was tracked into fungi and provided novel insights into
      organic nitrogen use. Specifically, sporocarp delta13C as well as delta15N of
      protein and structural material indicated that fungi with hydrophobic
      ectomycorrhizae used soil-derived organic nitrogen sources for protein carbon,
      fungi with hydrophilic ectomycorrhizae used recent plant photosynthates for
      protein carbon and both fungal groups used photosynthates for structural carbon.
      Saprotrophic fungi depended on litter produced during fumigation for both protein
      and structural material.

PMID- 28082949
TI  - GnIH Control of Feeding and Reproductive Behaviors.
AB  - In 2000, Tsutsui and colleagues discovered a neuropeptide gonadotropin-inhibitory
      hormone (GnIH) that inhibits gonadotropin release in birds. Subsequently,
      extensive studies during the last 15 years have demonstrated that GnIH is a key
      neurohormone that regulates reproduction in vertebrates, acting in the brain and
      on the pituitary to modulate reproduction and reproductive behavior. On the other
      hand, deprivation of food and other metabolic challenges inhibit the reproductive
      axis as well as sexual motivation. Interestingly, recent studies have further
      indicated that GnIH controls feeding behavior in vertebrates, such as in birds
      and mammals. This review summarizes the discovery of GnIH and its conservation in
      vertebrates and the neuroendocrine control of feeding behavior and reproductive
      behavior by GnIH.

PMID- 28082952
TI  - Evolution of Variable Number Tandem Repeats and Its Relationship with Genomic
      Diversity in Salmonella Typhimurium.
AB  - Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is the most common Salmonella serovar
      causing human infections in Australia and many other countries. A total of 12,112
      S. Typhimurium isolates from New South Wales were analyzed by multi-locus
      variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) using five VNTRs from
      2007 to 2014. We found that mid ranges of repeat units of 8-14 in VNTR locus
      STTR5, 6-13 in STTR6, and 9-12 in STTR10 were always predominant in the
      population (>50%). In vitro passaging experiments using MLVA type carrying
      extreme length alleles found that the majority of long length alleles mutated to
      short ones and short length alleles mutated to longer ones. Both data suggest
      directional mutability of VNTRs toward mid-range repeats. Sequencing of 28
      isolates from a newly emerged MLVA type and its five single locus variants
      revealed that single nucleotide variation between isolates with up to two MLVA
      differences ranged from 0 to 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However,
      there was no relationship between SNP and VNTR differences. A population genetic
      model of the joint distribution of VNTRs and SNPs variations was used to estimate
      the mutation rates of the two markers, yielding a ratio of 1 VNTR change to 6.9
      SNP changes. When only one VNTR repeat difference was considered, the majority of
      pairwise SNP difference between isolates were 4 SNPs or fewer. Based on this
      observation and our previous findings of SNP differences of outbreak isolates, we
      suggest that investigation of S. Typhimurium community outbreaks should include
      cases of 1 repeat difference to increase sensitivity. This study offers new
      insights into the short-term VNTR evolution of S. Typhimurium and its application
      for epidemiological typing.

PMID- 28082953
TI  - Bioinformatic Analyses of Unique (Orphan) Core Genes of the Genus
      Acidithiobacillus: Functional Inferences and Use As Molecular Probes for Genomic
      and Metagenomic/Transcriptomic Interrogation.
AB  - Using phylogenomic and gene compositional analyses, five highly conserved gene
      families have been detected in the core genome of the phylogenetically coherent
      genus Acidithiobacillus of the class Acidithiobacillia. These core gene families
      are absent in the closest extant genus Thermithiobacillus tepidarius that
      subtends the Acidithiobacillus genus and roots the deepest in this class. The
      predicted proteins encoded by these core gene families are not detected by a
      BLAST search in the NCBI non-redundant database of more than 90 million proteins
      using a relaxed cut-off of 1.0e-5. None of the five families has a clear
      functional prediction. However, bioinformatic scrutiny, using pI prediction,
      motif/domain searches, cellular location predictions, genomic context analyses,
      and chromosome topology studies together with previously published transcriptomic
      and proteomic data, suggests that some may have functions associated with
      membrane remodeling during cell division perhaps in response to pH stress.
      Despite the high level of amino acid sequence conservation within each family,
      there is sufficient nucleotide variation of the respective genes to permit the
      use of the DNA sequences to distinguish different species of Acidithiobacillus,
      making them useful additions to the armamentarium of tools for phylogenetic
      analysis. Since the protein families are unique to the Acidithiobacillus genus,
      they can also be leveraged as probes to detect the genus in environmental
      metagenomes and metatranscriptomes, including industrial biomining operations,
      and acid mine drainage (AMD).

PMID- 28082954
TI  - Commentary: Changes in Bacillus Spore Small Molecules, rRNA, Germination, and
      Outgrowth after Extended Sublethal Exposure to Various Temperatures: Evidence
      that Protein Synthesis Is Not Essential for Spore Germination.

PMID- 28082955
TI  - Eradication of Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms on Human Dentin.
AB  - Objectives: This work assesses different methods to interfere with Enterococcus
      faecalis biofilms formed on human dentin slabs. Methods: First, methods are
      presented that select for small molecule inhibitors of biofilm targets using
      multi-well polystyrene biofilm plates. Next, we establish methodologies to study
      and interfere with biofilm formation on a medically relevant model, whereby
      biofilms are grown on human root dentin slabs. Results: Non-conventional D-amino
      acid (D-Leucine) can efficiently disperse biofilms formed on dentin slabs without
      disturbing planktonic growth. Cation chelators interfere with biofilm formation
      on dentin slabs and polystyrene surfaces, and modestly impact planktonic growth.
      Strikingly, sodium hypochlorite, the treatment conventionally used to
      decontaminate infected root canal systems, was extremely toxic to planktonic
      bacteria, but did not eradicate biofilm cells. Instead, it induced a viable but
      non-culturable state in biofilm cells when grown on dentin slabs. Conclusion:
      Sodium hypochlorite may contribute to bacterial persistence. A combination of the
      methods described here can greatly contribute to the development of biofilm
      inhibitors and therapies to treat Enterococcus faecalis infections formed in the
      root canal system.

PMID- 28082956
TI  - Genome Analysis of Two Pseudonocardia Phylotypes Associated with Acromyrmex
      Leafcutter Ants Reveals Their Biosynthetic Potential.
AB  - The attine ants of South and Central America are ancient farmers, having evolved
      a symbiosis with a fungal food crop >50 million years ago. The most
      evolutionarily derived attines are the Atta and Acromyrmex leafcutter ants, which
      harvest fresh leaves to feed their fungus. Acromyrmex and many other attines
      vertically transmit a mutualistic strain of Pseudonocardia and use antifungal
      compounds made by these bacteria to protect their fungal partner against co
      evolved fungal pathogens of the genus Escovopsis. Pseudonocardia mutualists
      associated with the attines Apterostigma dentigerum and Trachymyrmex cornetzi
      make novel cyclic depsipeptide compounds called gerumycins, while a mutualist
      strain isolated from derived Acromyrmex octospinosus makes an unusual polyene
      antifungal called nystatin P1. The novelty of these antimicrobials suggests there
      is merit in exploring secondary metabolites of Pseudonocardia on a genome-wide
      scale. Here, we report a genomic analysis of the Pseudonocardia phylotypes Ps1
      and Ps2 that are consistently associated with Acromyrmex ants collected in
      Gamboa, Panama. These were previously distinguished solely on the basis of 16S
      rRNA gene sequencing but genome sequencing of five Ps1 and five Ps2 strains
      revealed that the phylotypes are distinct species and each encodes between 11 and
      15 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). There are signature
      BGCs for Ps1 and Ps2 strains and some that are conserved in both. Ps1 strains all
      contain BGCs encoding nystatin P1-like antifungals, while the Ps2 strains encode
      novel nystatin-like molecules. Strains show variations in the arrangement of
      these BGCs that resemble those seen in gerumycin gene clusters. Genome analyses
      and invasion assays support our hypothesis that vertically transmitted Ps1 and
      Ps2 strains have antibacterial activity that could help shape the cuticular
      microbiome. Thus, our work defines the Pseudonocardia species associated with
      Acromyrmex ants and supports the hypothesis that Pseudonocardia species could
      provide a valuable source of new antimicrobials.

PMID- 28082957
TI  - Carbon Availability Modifies Temperature Responses of Heterotrophic Microbial
      Respiration, Carbon Uptake Affinity, and Stable Carbon Isotope Discrimination.
AB  - Microbial transformations of organic carbon (OC) generate a large flux of CO2
      into the atmosphere and influence the C balance of terrestrial and aquatic
      ecosystems. Yet, inherent heterogeneity in natural environments precludes direct
      quantification of multiple microbial C fluxes that underlie CO2 production. Here
      we used a continuous flow bioreactor coupled with a stable C isotope analyzer to
      determine the effects of temperature and C availability (cellobiose
      concentration) on C fluxes and 13C discrimination of a microbial population
      growing at steady-state in a homogeneous, well-mixed environment. We estimated C
      uptake affinity and C use efficiency (CUE) to characterize the physiological
      responses of microbes to changing environmental conditions. Temperature increased
      biomass-C specific respiration rate and C uptake affinity at lower C
      availability, but did not influence those parameters at higher C availability.
      CUE decreased non-linearly with increasing temperature. The non-linear, negative
      relationship between CUE and temperature was more pronounced under lower C
      availability than under relatively high C availability. We observed stable
      isotope fractionation between C substrate and microbial biomass C (7~120/00
      depletion), and between microbial biomass and respired CO2 (4~100/00 depletion).
      Microbial discrimination against 13C-containing cellobiose during C uptake was
      influenced by temperature and C availability, while discrimination during
      respiration was only influenced by C availability. Shifts in C uptake affinity
      with temperature and C availability may have modified uptake-induced 13C
      fractionation. By stressing the importance of C availability on temperature
      responses of microbial C fluxes, C uptake affinity, CUE, and isotopic
      fractionation, this study contributes to a fundamental understanding of C flow
      through microbes. This will help guide parameterization of microbial responses to
      varying temperature and C availability within Earth-system models.

PMID- 28082958
TI  - Use of Random T-DNA Mutagenesis in Identification of Gene UvPRO1, A Regulator of
      Conidiation, Stress Response, and Virulence in Ustilaginoidea virens.
AB  - False smut of rice, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens (Cooke) Takahashi
      (teleomorph: Villosiclava virens), is one of the most important diseases
      affecting rice worldwide. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation was
      used to identify functional genes in U. virens. In this study, we selected a
      single-copy insertion mutant T133 with deficiency in producing conidia by
      screening the T-DNA insertion mutant library of U. virens. The UvPRO1-deletion
      mutant was successfully obtained after cloning the targeted gene by analysis of
      the T-DNA insert site of mutant T133. Further research showed that the UvPRO1
      mutant was reduced in growth rate and could not produce conidia in PSB medium,
      while sensitivities to sodium dodecyl sulfate, Congo red, and hyperosmotic stress
      increased. Moreover, the UvPRO1 deletion mutant hyphae could extend along the
      surface of spikelets at 1-3 dpi, but mycelia became shriveled and completely lost
      the ability to infect spikelets at 4 dpi. The relative expression level of UvPRO1
      at 8 dpi was more than twice as high as that at 1-2 dpi. These results suggest
      that UvPRO1 plays a critical role in hyphal growth and conidiation, as well as in
      stress response and pathogenesis. These findings provide a novel mode of action
      for the PRO1 protein in fungi and improve the understanding of the function of
      UvPRO1 in the life cycle of U. virens.

PMID- 28082959
TI  - Editorial: Emerging Approaches for Typing, Detection, Characterization, and
      Traceback of Escherichia coli.

PMID- 28082961
TI  - Generation of Germ-Free Ciona intestinalis for Studies of Gut-Microbe
      Interactions.
AB  - Microbes associate with animal hosts, often providing shelter in a nutrient-rich
      environment. The gut, however, can be a harsh environment with members of the
      microbiome settling in distinct niches resulting in more stable, adherent
      biofilms. These diverse communities can provide orders of magnitude more gene
      products than the host genome; selection and maintenance of a functionally
      relevant and useful microbiome is now recognized to be an essential component of
      homeostasis. Germ-free (GF) model systems allow dissection of host-microbe
      interactions in a simple and direct way where each member of the symbiosis can be
      studied in isolation. In addition, because immune defenses in the gut are often
      naive in GF animals, host immune recognition and responses during the process of
      colonization can be studied. Ciona intestinalis, a basal chordate, is a well
      characterized developmental model system and holds promise for addressing some of
      these important questions. With transparent juveniles, Ciona can be exposed to
      distinct bacterial isolates by inoculating GF artificial seawater; concentrated
      bacteria can subsequently be visualized in vivo if fluorescent stains are
      utilized. Rearing GF Ciona is a first step in untangling the complex dialogue
      between bacteria and innate immunity during colonization.

PMID- 28082960
TI  - In vitro Determination of Extracellular Proteins from Xylella fastidiosa.
AB  - The phytopathogen Xylella fastidiosa causes economic losses in important
      agricultural crops. Xylem vessel occlusion caused by biofilm formation is the
      major mechanism underlying the pathogenicity of distinct strains of X.
      fastidiosa. Here, we provide a detailed in vitro characterization of the
      extracellular proteins of X. fastidiosa. Based on the results, we performed a
      comparison with a strain J1a12, which cannot induce citrus variegated chlorosis
      symptoms when inoculated into citrus plants. We then extend this approach to
      analyze the extracellular proteins of X. fastidiosa in media supplemented with
      calcium. We verified increases in extracellular proteins concomitant with the
      days of growth and, consequently, biofilm development (3-30 days). Outer membrane
      vesicles carrying toxins were identified beginning at 10 days of growth in the
      9a5c strain. In addition, a decrease in extracellular proteins in media
      supplemented with calcium was observed in both strains. Using mass spectrometry,
      71 different proteins were identified during 30 days of X. fastidiosa biofilm
      development, including proteases, quorum-sensing proteins, biofilm formation
      proteins, hypothetical proteins, phage-related proteins, chaperones, toxins,
      antitoxins, and extracellular vesicle membrane components.

PMID- 28082962
TI  - Effect of Different Lignocellulosic Diets on Bacterial Microbiota and Hydrolytic
      Enzyme Activities in the Gut of the Cotton Boll Weevil (Anthonomus grandis).
AB  - Cotton boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis, are omnivorous coleopteran that can feed
      on diets with different compositions, including recalcitrant lignocellulosic
      materials. We characterized the changes in the prokaryotic community structure
      and the hydrolytic activities of A. grandis larvae fed on different
      lignocellulosic diets. A. grandis larvae were fed on three different artificial
      diets: cottonseed meal (CM), Napier grass (NG) and corn stover (CS). Total DNA
      was extracted from the gut samples for amplification and sequencing of the V3-V4
      hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes
      dominated the gut microbiota followed by Actinobacteria, Spirochaetes and a small
      number of unclassified phyla in CM and NG microbiomes. In the CS feeding group,
      members of Spirochaetes were the most prevalent, followed by Proteobacteria and
      Firmicutes. Bray-Curtis distances showed that the samples from the CS community
      were clearly separated from those samples of the CM and NG diets. Gut extracts
      from all three diets exhibited endoglucanase, xylanase, beta-glucosidase and
      pectinase activities. These activities were significantly affected by pH and
      temperature across different diets. We observed that the larvae reared on a CM
      showed significantly higher activities than larvae reared on NG and CS. We
      demonstrated that the intestinal bacterial community structure varies depending
      on diet composition. Diets with more variable and complex compositions, such as
      CS, showed higher bacterial diversity and richness than the two other diets. In
      spite of the detected changes in composition and diversity, we identified a core
      microbiome shared between the three different lignocellulosic diets. These
      results suggest that feeding with diets of different lignocellulosic composition
      could be a viable strategy to discover variants of hemicellulose and cellulose
      breakdown systems.

PMID- 28082963
TI  - Sub-optimal Specificity of Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining for Quick
      Identification of Tuberculous Meningitis.
AB  - Background: Microbiological confirmation of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains
      problematic. We assessed the diagnostic performance of a modified Ziehl-Neelsen
      (MZN) staining method that showed promise in earlier studies. Methods: Patients
      evaluated for TBM in Shaanxi province, China, were prospectively enrolled from
      May, 2011 to April, 2013. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were evaluated
      using the Xpert MTB/RIF(r) assay, MZN staining, and standard biochemical and
      microbiological tests, together with detailed clinical and radiological
      assessment. Results: Among 316 patients included in the study, 38 had definite
      TBM, 66 probable TBM, 163 possible TBM and 49 "no TBM," using consensus uniform
      research case definition criteria. Comparing "definite or probable TBM" to "no
      TBM" MZN staining had higher sensitivity than Xpert MTB/RIF(r) (88.5 vs. 36.5%),
      but greatly reduced specificity (71.4 vs. 100.0%); 14/49 (28.6%) cases with "no
      TBM" tested positive on MZN. Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture was performed in
      104/179 (58.1%) of MZN positive samples; 12.5% (13/104) were positive. Using
      Xpert MTB/RIF(r) as the reference standard, MZN had a sensitivity of 92.1% (95%
      CI 79.2-97.3) and specificity of 71.4% (95% CI 57.6-82.2). Conclusion: Xpert
      MTB/RIF(r) offered a rapid and specific TBM diagnosis, but sensitivity was poor.
      MZN was mainly hampered by false positives. Strategies to enhance the sensitivity
      of Xpert MTB/RIF(r) or improve the diagnostic accuracy of MZN should be explored.

PMID- 28082964
TI  - Mycobacterium kansasii Subtype I Is Associated With Clarithromycin Resistance in
      China.
AB  - Mycobacterium kansasii is the second most common cause of slowly growing non
      tuberculous mycobacteria diseases in China. The aim of the present study was to
      analyze M. kansasii subtypes isolated from patients in China, and to explore the
      antimicrobial susceptibility of the differentiation among these diverse subtypes.
      A total of 78 M. kansasii strains from 16 provinces of China were enrolled in
      this study. Amikacin (AMK) was the most highly active against M. kansasii
      strains, and only 4 isolates (5.1%) exhibited in vitro resistance to AMK. The
      percentage of levofloxacin (LFX) resistant strains among the 78 M. kansasii
      isolates was 39.7% (31/78), which was significantly higher than that of
      moxifloxacin (16.7%, P = 0.001) and gatifloxacin (19.2%, P = 0.005). By using PCR
      restriction fragment analysis of the hsp65 gene (PRA), all the isolates were
      classified as four different subtypes. Of these four subtypes, M. kansasii
      subtype I was the most frequent genotype in China, accounting for 71.8% (56/78)
      of M. kansasii isolates. Resistance to clarithromycin (CLA) was noted in 26.8%
      (15/56) of subtype I isolates, which was significant higher than that of other
      subtypes (4.5%, P = 0.031). DNA sequencing revealed that the presence of
      mutations in 23S rRNA was associated with 56.2% (9/16) of CLA-resistant M.
      kansasii isolates. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that AMK is the most
      active agent against M. kansasii in vitro, while the high proportion of CLA
      resistance is noted in M. kansasii isolates. In addition, the predominant subtype
      I is associated with CLA resistance in China.

PMID- 28082965
TI  - Whole-genome Sequencing for Surveillance of Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases in
      Ontario, Canada: Rapid Prediction of Genotype, Antibiotic Resistance and
      Characterization of Emerging Serotype 22F.
AB  - Background: Molecular typing is essential for inferring genetic relatedness
      between bacterial pathogens. In this study, we applied whole genome sequencing
      (WGS) for rapid prediction of sequence type and antibiotic resistance for
      invasive pneumococcal isolates. Methods: 240 isolates from adults (>=50 years
      old) in Ontario, Canada during 2009 to 2013 were subjected to WGS. Sequence type,
      antibiotic susceptibility and resistance were predicted directly from short
      reads. Emerging non-vaccine serotype 22F was further characterized by WGS.
      Results: Sequence type was successfully determined for 98.3% of isolates. The
      overall sensitivity and specificity for antibiotic resistance prediction were 95
      and 100% respectively, compared to standard susceptibility testing methods. WGS
      based phylogeny divided emerging 22F (ST433) strains into two distinct clades:
      clade A harboring a 23 kb-prophage and anti-phage PhD/Doc system and clade B with
      virulence-related proteases. Five isolates in clade A developed macrolide
      resistance via 5.1 kb mega element recombination (encoding mefE and msrD), while
      one isolate in clade B displayed quinolone resistance via a gyrA mutation.
      Conclusions: WGS is valuable for routine surveillance of pneumococcal clinical
      isolates and facilitates prediction of genotype and antibiotic resistance. The
      emergence of 22F in Ontario in the post-vaccine era and evidence of evolution and
      divergence of the 22F population warrants heightened pneumococcal molecular
      surveillance.

PMID- 28082966
TI  - Iron Uptake Analysis in a Set of Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas putida.
AB  - Pseudomonas putida strains are frequent inhabitants of soil and aquatic niches
      and they are occasionally isolated from hospital environments. As the available
      iron sources in human tissues, edaphic, and aquatic niches are different, we have
      analyzed iron-uptake related genes in different P. putida strains that were
      isolated from all these environments. We found that these isolates can be grouped
      into different clades according to the genetics of siderophore biosynthesis and
      recycling. The pyoverdine locus of the six P. putida clinical isolates that have
      so far been completely sequenced, are not closely related; three strains (P.
      putida HB13667, HB3267, and NBRC14164T) are grouped in Clade I and the other
      three in Clade II, suggesting possible different origins and evolution. In one
      clinical strain, P. putida HB4184, the production of siderophores is induced
      under high osmolarity conditions. The pyoverdine locus in this strain is closely
      related to that of strain P. putida HB001 which was isolated from sandy shore
      soil of the Yellow Sea in Korean marine sand, suggesting their possible origin,
      and evolution. The acquisition of two unique TonB-dependent transporters for
      xenosiderophore acquisition, similar to those existing in the opportunistic
      pathogen P. aeruginosa PAO, is an interesting adaptation trait of the clinical
      strain P. putida H8234 that may confer adaptive advantages under low iron
      availability conditions.

PMID- 28082967
TI  - Stable and Variable Parts of Microbial Community in Siberian Deep Subsurface
      Thermal Aquifer System Revealed in a Long-Term Monitoring Study.
AB  - The goal of this work was to study the diversity of microorganisms inhabiting a
      deep subsurface aquifer system in order to understand their functional roles and
      interspecies relations formed in the course of buried organic matter degradation.
      A microbial community of a deep subsurface thermal aquifer in the Tomsk Region,
      Western Siberia was monitored over the course of 5 years via a 2.7 km deep
      borehole 3P, drilled down to a Palaeozoic basement. The borehole water discharges
      with a temperature of ca. 50 degrees C. Its chemical composition varies, but it
      steadily contains acetate, propionate, and traces of hydrocarbons and gives rise
      to microbial mats along the surface flow. Community analysis by PCR-DGGE 16S rRNA
      genes profiling, repeatedly performed within 5 years, revealed several dominating
      phylotypes consistently found in the borehole water, and highly variable
      diversity of prokaryotes, brought to the surface with the borehole outflow. The
      major planktonic components of the microbial community were Desulfovirgula
      thermocuniculi and Methanothermobacter spp. The composition of the minor part of
      the community was unstable, and molecular analysis did not reveal any regularity
      in its variations, except some predominance of uncultured Firmicutes. Batch
      cultures with complex organic substrates inoculated with water samples were set
      in order to enrich prokaryotes from the variable part of the community. PCR-DGGE
      analysis of these enrichments yielded uncultured Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, and
      Ignavibacteriae. A continuous-flow microaerophilic enrichment culture with a
      water sample amended with acetate contained Hydrogenophilus thermoluteolus, which
      was previously detected in the microbial mat developing at the outflow of the
      borehole. Cultivation results allowed us to assume that variable components of
      the 3P well community are hydrolytic organotrophs, degrading buried biopolymers,
      while the constant planktonic components of the community degrade dissolved
      fermentation products to methane and CO2, possibly via interspecies hydrogen
      transfer. Occasional washout of minor community components capable of oxygen
      respiration leads to the development of microbial mats at the outflow of the
      borehole where residual dissolved fermentation products are aerobically oxidized.
      Long-term community analysis with the combination of molecular and cultivation
      techniques allowed us to characterize stable and variable parts of the community
      and propose their environmental roles.

PMID- 28082968
TI  - Early Recovery of Salmonella from Food Using a 6-Hour Non-selective Pre
      enrichment and Reformulation of Tetrathionate Broth.
AB  - Culture based methods are commonly employed to detect pathogens in food and
      environmental samples. These methods are time consuming and complex, requiring
      multiple non-selective and selective enrichment broths, and usually take at least
      1 week to recover and identify pathogens. Improving pathogen detection in foods
      is a primary goal for regulatory agencies and industry. Salmonella detection in
      food relies on a series of culture steps in broth formulations optimized to
      resuscitate Salmonella and reduce the abundance of competitive bacteria. Examples
      of non-selective pre-enrichment broths used to isolate Salmonella from food
      include Lactose, Universal Pre-enrichment, BPW, and Trypticase Soy broths.
      Tetrathionate (TT) and Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) broths are employed after a 24
      h non-selective enrichment to select for Salmonella and hamper the growth of
      competitive bacteria. In this study, we tested a new formulation of TT broth that
      lacks brilliant green dye and has lower levels of TT . We employed this TT broth
      formulation in conjunction with a 6-h non-selective pre-enrichment period and
      determined that Salmonella recovery was possible one day earlier than standard
      food culture methods. We tested the shortened culture method in different non
      selective enrichment broths, enumerated Salmonella in the non-selective
      enrichments, and used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the proportional
      abundances of Salmonella in the TT and RV selective enrichments. Together these
      data revealed that a 6-h non-selective pre-enrichment reduces the levels of
      competitive bacteria inoculated into the selective TT and RV broths, enabling the
      recovery of Salmonella 1 day earlier than standard culture enrichment methods.

PMID- 28082970
TI  - The Campylobacter jejuni Oxidative Stress Regulator RrpB Is Associated with a
      Genomic Hypervariable Region and Altered Oxidative Stress Resistance.
AB  - Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne diarrhoeal
      disease worldwide. Despite the microaerophilic nature of the bacterium, C. jejuni
      can survive the atmospheric oxygen conditions in the environment. Bacteria that
      can survive either within a host or in the environment like C. jejuni require
      variable responses to survive the stresses associated with exposure to different
      levels of reactive oxygen species. The MarR-type transcriptional regulators RrpA
      and RrpB have recently been shown to play a role in controlling both the C.
      jejuni oxidative and aerobic stress responses. Analysis of 3,746 C. jejuni and
      486 C. coli genome sequences showed that whilst rrpA is present in over 99% of C.
      jejuni strains, the presence of rrpB is restricted and appears to correlate with
      specific MLST clonal complexes (predominantly ST-21 and ST-61). C. coli strains
      in contrast lack both rrpA and rrpB. In C. jejuni rrpB+ strains, the rrpB gene is
      located within a variable genomic region containing the IF subtype of the type I
      Restriction-Modification (hsd) system, whilst this variable genomic region in C.
      jejuni rrpB- strains contains the IAB subtype hsd system and not the rrpB gene.
      C. jejuni rrpB- strains exhibit greater resistance to peroxide and aerobic stress
      than C. jejuni rrpB+ strains. Inactivation of rrpA resulted in increased
      sensitivity to peroxide stress in rrpB+ strains, but not in rrpB- strains.
      Mutation of rrpA resulted in reduced killing of Galleria mellonella larvae and
      enhanced biofilm formation independent of rrpB status. The oxidative and aerobic
      stress responses of rrpB- and rrpB+ strains suggest adaptation of C. jejuni
      within different hosts and niches that can be linked to specific MLST clonal
      complexes.

PMID- 28082969
TI  - Mechanisms Underlying T Cell Immunosenescence: Aging and Cytomegalovirus
      Infection.
AB  - The ability of the human immune system to protect against infectious disease
      declines with age and efficacy of vaccination reduces significantly in the
      elderly. Aging of the immune system, also termed as immunosenescence, involves
      many changes in human T cell immunity that is characterized by a loss in naive T
      cell population and an increase in highly differentiated CD28- memory T cell
      subset. There is extensive data showing that latent persistent human
      cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is also associated with age-related immune
      dysfunction in the T cells, which might enhance immunosenescence. Understanding
      the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related and HCMV-related immunosenescence
      is critical for the development of effective age-targeted vaccines and
      immunotherapies. In this review, we will address the role of both aging and HCMV
      infection that contribute to the T cell senescence and discuss the potential
      molecular mechanisms in aged T cells.

PMID- 28082971
TI  - Tracking the Evolution of Polymerase Genes of Influenza A Viruses during
      Interspecies Transmission between Avian and Swine Hosts.
AB  - Human influenza pandemics have historically been caused by reassortant influenza
      A viruses using genes from human and avian viruses. This genetic reassortment
      between human and avian viruses has been known to occur in swine during viral
      circulation, as swine are capable of circulating both avian and human viruses.
      Therefore, avian-to-swine transmission of viruses plays an important role in the
      emergence of new pandemic strains. The amino acids at several positions on PB2,
      PB1, and PA are known to determine the host range of influenza A viruses. In this
      paper, we track viral transmission between avian and swine to investigate the
      evolution on polymerase genes associated with their hosts. We traced viral
      transmissions between avian and swine hosts by using nucleotide sequences of
      avian viruses and swine viruses registered in the NCBI GenBank. Using BLAST and
      the reciprocal best hits technique, we found 32, 33, and 30 pairs of avian and
      swine nucleotide sequences that may be associated with avian-to-swine
      transmissions for PB2, PB1, and PA genes, respectively. Then, we examined the
      amino acid substitutions involved in these sporadic transmissions. On average,
      avian-to-swine transmission pairs had 5.47, 3.73, and 5.13 amino acid
      substitutions on PB2, PB1, and PA, respectively. However, amino acid
      substitutions were distributed over the positions, and few positions showed
      common substitutions in the multiple transmission events. Statistical tests on
      the number of repeated amino acid substitutions suggested that no specific
      positions on PB2 and PA may be required for avian viruses to infect swine. We
      also found that avian viruses that transmitted to swine tend to process I478V
      substitutions on PB2 before interspecies transmission events. Furthermore, most
      mutations occurred after the interspecies transmissions, possibly due to
      selective viral adaptation to swine.

PMID- 28082972
TI  - Bovine Adenovirus-3 pVIII Suppresses Cap-Dependent mRNA Translation Possibly by
      Interfering with the Recruitment of DDX3 and Translation Initiation Factors to
      the mRNA Cap.
AB  - Earlier, targeting of DDX3 by few viral proteins has defined its role in mRNA
      transport and induction of interferon production. This study was conducted to
      investigate the function of bovine adenovirus (BAdV)-3 pVIII during virus
      infection. Here, we provided evidence regarding involvement of DDX3 in cap
      dependent cellular mRNA translation and demonstrated that targeting of DDX3 by
      adenovirus protein VIII interfered with cap-dependent mRNA translation function
      of DDX3 in virus infected cells. Adenovirus late protein pVIII interacted with
      DDX3 in transfected and BAdV-3 infected cells. pVIII inhibited capped mRNA
      translation in vitro and in vivo by limiting the amount of DDX3 and eIF3.
      Diminished amount of DDX3 and eIFs including eIF3, eIF4E, eIF4G, and PABP were
      present in cap binding complex in BAdV-3 infected or pVIII transfected cells with
      no trace of pVIII in cap binding complex. The total amount of eIFs appeared
      similar in uninfected or infected cells as BAdV-3 did not appear to degrade eIFs.
      The co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicated the absence of direct
      interaction between pVIII and eIF3, eIF4E, or PABP. These data indicate that
      interaction of pVIII with DDX3 interferes with the binding of eIF3, eIF4E and
      PABP to the 5' Cap. We conclude that DDX3 promotes cap-dependent cellular mRNA
      translation and BAdV-3 pVIII inhibits translation of capped cellular mRNA
      possibly by interfering with the recruitment of eIFs to the capped cellular mRNA.

PMID- 28082974
TI  - Persistent Persister Misperceptions.
AB  - Persister cells survive antibiotic treatment due to their lack of metabolism,
      rather than through genetic change, as shown via four seminal experiments
      conducted by the discoverers of the phenotype (Hobby et al., 1942; Bigger, 1944).
      Unfortunately, over seven decades of persister cell research, the literature has
      been populated by misperceptions that do not withstand scrutiny. This opinion
      piece examines some of those misunderstandings in the literature with the hope
      that by shining some light on these inaccuracies, the field may be advanced and
      subsequent manuscripts may be reviewed more critically.

PMID- 28082973
TI  - An Overview of Trypanosoma brucei Infections: An Intense Host-Parasite
      Interaction.
AB  - Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and T. brucei gambiense, the causative agents of
      Human African Trypanosomiasis, are transmitted by tsetse flies. Within the
      vector, the parasite undergoes through transformations that prepares it to infect
      the human host. Sequentially these developmental stages are the replicative
      procyclic (in which the parasite surface is covered by procyclins) and trypo
      epimastigote forms, as well as the non-replicative, infective, metacyclic form
      that develops in the vector salivary glands. As a pre-adaptation to their life in
      humans, metacyclic parasites begin to express and be densely covered by the
      Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG). Once the metacyclic form invades the human
      host the parasite develops into the bloodstream form. Herein the VSG triggers a
      humoral immune response. To avoid this humoral response, and essential for
      survival while in the bloodstream, the parasite changes its cover periodically
      and sheds into the surroundings the expressed VSG, thus evading the consequences
      of the immune system activation. Additionally, tools comparable to quorum sensing
      are used by the parasite for the successful parasite transmission from human to
      insect. On the other hand, the human host promotes clearance of the parasite
      triggering innate and adaptive immune responses and stimulating cytokine and
      chemokine secretion. All in all, the host-parasite interaction is extremely
      active and leads to responses that need multiple control sites to develop
      appropriately.

PMID- 28082975
TI  - The Importance of an In-depth Study of Immunoglobulin Gene Rearrangements When
      Ascertaining the Clonal Relationship between Concomitant Chronic Lymphocytic
      Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM) are hematological
      disorders that occur at different stages of B-cell development. It has been shown
      that CLL B-cells can differentiate into plasma cells in vitro and in vivo. CLL is
      the most frequent adult leukemia in the western world. It is a heterogeneous
      disease, characterized by clonal proliferation and the accumulation of mature
      CD5+ B lymphocytes (1). MM is a clonal plasma cell malignancy that accounts for
      more than 10% of all hematologic cancers (2). Although secondary cancers
      [particularly solid tumors (3-5)] can occur with CLL and MM, the concomitant
      occurrence of these two disorders in the same patient is rare [for a review of
      the few reported cases, see Ref. (6)]. The clonal relationship between these
      diseases has not always been clarified but is important in terms of understanding
      the pathogenesis and optimizing treatment. The clonal relationship between CLL
      and MM can be evaluated by (i) analyzing immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain and
      light chain (Ig kappa light chain and Ig lambda light chain) gene rearrangement,
      (ii) identifying and comparing somatic mutations, and (iii) studying chromosomic
      aberrations. Nevertheless, Ig rearrangements must always be interpreted in the
      light of specific phenomena such as allelic exclusion, B-cell receptor (BCR)
      revision (VH and DH gene replacement), BCR editing, and somatic mutations-events
      that were not considered in previous studies. These issues can be addressed by
      sequencing the rearranged Ig genes from sorted populations and interpreting the
      generated data. In the present study, we evaluated the putative clonal
      relationship between the two diseases by combining DNA copy number analysis with
      an assessment of Ig gene rearrangements [clonality assessment, V(D)J sequencing,
      and somatic hypermutation analysis] in highly enriched CD19+ CD5+ (CLL) and CD38+
      CD138+ (MM) cell populations. Array comparative genomic hybridization data
      suggested a possible phylogenic progression from CLL to MM. Moreover, V(D)J
      sequencing indicated that both CLL and MM cells used the same VH and JH genes but
      different DH genes. However, in-depth analysis and interpretation of Ig gene
      rearrangements ultimately suggested that the two diseases had distinct clonal
      origins.

PMID- 28082978
TI  - Editorial: HSPs-Ambiguous Mediators of Immunity.

PMID- 28082976
TI  - The Wnt Blows: On the Functional Role of Wnt Signaling in Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis Infection and Beyond.
AB  - In recent years, it has become apparent that the Wnt signaling pathway, known for
      its essential functions in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, exerts
      immunomodulatory functions during inflammation and infection. Most functional
      studies indicate that Wnt5a exerts pro-inflammatory functions on its cellular
      targets, which include various types of immune and non-immune cells. Wnt5a
      expression has also been linked to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory
      diseases. Activation of beta-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling, e.g., by Wnt3a, has
      however been shown to limit inflammation by interfering with the nuclear factor
      kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-kappaB) pathway. This review
      focuses on the regulation of Wnt5a, Wnt3a, and the recently identified Wnt6 and
      their functional role in bacterial infections with a primary focus on pulmonary
      tuberculosis, a leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

PMID- 28082977
TI  - Differential Modulation of IgT and IgM upon Parasitic, Bacterial, Viral, and
      Dietary Challenges in a Perciform Fish.
AB  - Three different immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes can be found in teleost fish, IgM,
      IgD, and the teleost-specific IgT. IgM is considered to have a systemic activity,
      and IgT is attributed a mucosal role, similar to mammalian IgA. In this study,
      the complete sequence of gilthead sea bream IgM and IgT in their membrane (m) and
      soluble (s) forms are described for the first time in a perciform fish. Their
      constitutive gene expression is analyzed in different tissues, and their
      regulation upon viral, bacterial, parasitic, mucosal vaccination and dietary
      challenges are studied. GCB IgM and IgT have the prototypical structure when
      compared to other fish Igs. The constitutive expression of sIgM was the highest
      overall in all tissues, whereas mIgT expression was highest in mucosal tissues,
      such as gills and intestine. IgM and IgT were differentially regulated upon
      infection. IgT was highly upregulated locally upon infection with the intestinal
      parasite Enteromyxum leei or systemically after Nodavirus infection. Long-term
      intestinal parasitic infections increased the serum titer of both isotypes.
      Mucosal vaccination against Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida finely
      regulated the Ig response inducing a systemic increase of IgM titers in serum and
      a local IgT response in skin mucus when animals were exposed to the pathogen by
      bath challenge. Interestingly, plant-based diets inhibit IgT upregulation upon
      intestinal parasitic challenge, which was related to a worse disease outcome. All
      these results corroborate the mucosal role of IgT and emphasize the importance of
      a finely tuned regulation of Ig isotypes upon infection, which could be of
      special interest in vaccination studies.

PMID- 28082979
TI  - Nasal Immunization Confers High Avidity Neutralizing Antibody Response and
      Immunity to Primary and Recurrent Genital Herpes in Guinea Pigs.
AB  - Genital herpes is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections in
      both the developing and developed world. Following infection, individuals
      experience life-long latency associated with sporadic ulcerative outbreaks.
      Despite many efforts, no vaccine has yet been licensed for human use. Herein, we
      demonstrated that nasal immunization with an adjuvanted HSV-2 gD envelope protein
      mounts significant protection to primary infection as well as the establishment
      of latency and recurrent genital herpes in guinea pigs. Nasal immunization was
      shown to elicit specific T cell proliferative and IFN-gamma responses as well as
      systemic and vaginal gD-specific IgG antibody (Ab) responses. Furthermore,
      systemic IgG Abs displayed potent HSV-2 neutralizing properties and high avidity.
      By employing a competitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis combined with
      a battery of known gD-specific neutralizing monoclonal Abs (MAbs), we showed that
      nasal immunization generated IgG Abs directed to two major discontinuous
      neutralizing epitopes of gD. These results highlight the potential of nasal
      immunization with an adjuvanted HSV-2 envelope protein for induction of
      protective immunity to primary and recurrent genital herpes.

PMID- 28082980
TI  - A Universal Influenza Vaccine Can Lead to Disease Exacerbation or Viral Control
      Depending on Delivery Strategies.
AB  - The development of influenza A virus (IAV) vaccines, which elicits cross-strain
      immunity against seasonal and pandemic viruses is a major public health goal. As
      pigs are susceptible to human, avian, and swine-adapted IAV, they would be key
      targets of so called universal IAV vaccines, for reducing both the zoonotic risk
      and the economic burden in the swine industry. They also are relevant preclinical
      models. However, vaccination with conserved IAV antigens (AGs) in pigs was
      reported to elicit disease exacerbation. In this study, we assessed whether
      delivery strategies, i.e., dendritic cell (DC) targeting by the intradermal (ID)
      or intramuscular (IM) routes, impact on the outcome of the vaccination with three
      conserved IAV AGs (M2e, NP, and HA2) in pigs. The AGs were addressed to CD11c by
      non-covalent binding to biotinylated anti-CD11c monoclonal antibody. The CD11c
      targeted AGs given by the ID route exacerbated disease. Conversely, CD11c
      targeted NP injected by the IM route promoted T cell response compared to non
      targeted NP. Furthermore, the conserved IAV AGs injected by the IM route,
      independently of DC targeting, induced both a reduction of viral shedding and a
      broader IgG response as compared to the ID route. Our findings highlight in a
      relevant animal species that the route of vaccine delivery impacts on the
      protection induced by conserved IAV AGs and on vaccine adverse effects. Finally,
      our results indicate that HA2 stands as the most promising conserved IAV AG for
      universal vaccine development.

PMID- 28082981
TI  - Lymphoid Neogenesis and Tertiary Lymphoid Organs in Transplanted Organs.
AB  - The progressive organization of immune effectors into functional ectopic lymphoid
      structures, named tertiary lymphoid organs (TLO), has been observed in many
      conditions in which target antigens fail to be eliminated by the immune system.
      Not surprisingly, TLO have been recurrently identified in chronically rejected
      allografts. Although significant progress has been made over the last decades in
      understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in TLO development (a process
      named lymphoid neogenesis), the role of intragraft TLO (if any) in chronic
      rejection remains elusive. The prevailing dogma is that TLO contribute to graft
      rejection by generating and propagating local humoral and cellular alloimmune
      responses. However, TLO have been recently observed in long-term accepting
      allografts, suggesting that they might also be able to regulate alloimmune
      responses. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how TLO are
      induced and propose a unified model in which TLO can play deleterious or
      regulatory roles and therefore actively modulate the kinetics of chronic
      rejection.

PMID- 28082983
TI  - T Cell Maturation Stage Prior to and During GMP Processing Informs on CAR T Cell
      Expansion in Patients.
AB  - Autologous T cells were genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen
      receptor (CAR) directed toward carboxy-anhydrase-IX (CAIX) and used to treat
      patients with CAIX-positive metastatic renal cell carcinoma. In this study, we
      questioned whether the T cell maturation stage in the pre-infusion product
      affected CAIX CAR expression and function in vitro as well as in vivo CAR T cell
      numbers and expansion. During the 14 days expansion of CAR T cells prior to
      administration, we observed shifts from a predominant CD4 to a CD8 T cell
      phenotype and from a significant fraction of naive to central effector T cells.
      Surface expression of the CAR was equally distributed among different T cell
      subsets and T cell maturation stages. During T cell culture days 14-18 (which
      covered patient treatment days 1-5), T cells demonstrated a decline in CAR
      expression level per cell irrespective of T cell maturation stage, although the
      proportion of CAR-positive T cells and CAR-mediated T cell effector functions
      remained similar for both CD4 and CD8 T cell populations. Notably, patients with
      a higher fraction of naive CD8 T cells at baseline (prior to genetic
      modification) or central effector CD8 T cells at 2 weeks of CAR T cell culture
      demonstrated a higher fold expansion and absolute numbers of circulating CAR T
      cells at 1 month after start of therapy. We conclude that the T cell maturation
      stage prior to and during CAR T cell expansion culture is related to in vivo CAR
      T cell expansion.

PMID- 28082982
TI  - C1q Deficiency and Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
AB  - C1q deficiency is a rare immunodeficiency, which is strongly associated with the
      development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A mutation in one of the C1q
      genes can either lead to complete deficiency or to low C1q levels with C1q
      polypeptide in the form of low-molecular weight (LMW) C1q. Patients with C1q
      deficiency mainly present with cutaneous and renal involvement. Although less
      frequent, neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement has also been reported in 20% of the
      C1q-deficient patients. This involvement appears to be absent in other
      deficiencies of early components of the complement classical pathway (CP)
      (C1r/C1s, C2, or C4 deficiencies). We describe a new case with C1q deficiency
      with a homozygous G34R mutation in C1qC-producing LMW-C1q presenting with a
      severe SLE flare with NP involvement. The serum of this patient contained very
      low levels of a LMW variant of C1q polypeptides. Cell lysates contained the three
      chains of C1q, but no intact C1q was detected, consistent with the hypothesis of
      the existence of a LMW-C1q. Furthermore, we provide a literature overview of NP
      SLE in C1q deficiency and hypothesize about the potential role of C1q in the
      pathogenesis of NP involvement in these patients. The onset of NP-SLE in C1q
      deficient individuals is more severe when compared with complement competent NP
      SLE patients. An important number of cases present with seizures and the most
      frequent findings in neuroimaging are changes in basal ganglia and cerebral
      vasculitis. A defective CP, because of non-functional C1q, does not protect
      against NP involvement in SLE. The absence of C1q and, subsequently, some of its
      biological functions may be associated with more severe NP-SLE.

PMID- 28082985
TI  - Local Treatment with Lactate Prevents Intestinal Inflammation in the TNBS-Induced
      Colitis Model.
AB  - Lactate has long been considered as a metabolic by-product of cells. Recently,
      this view has been changed by the observation that lactate can act as a signaling
      molecule and regulates critical functions of the immune system. We previously
      identified lactate as the component responsible for the modulation of innate
      immune epithelial response of fermented milk supernatants in vitro. We have also
      shown that lactate downregulates proinflammatory responses of macrophages and
      dendritic cells. So far, in vivo effects of lactate on intestinal inflammation
      have not been reported. We evaluated the effect of intrarectal administration of
      lactate in a murine model of colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic
      acid (TNBS). The increase in lactate concentration in colon promoted protective
      effects against TNBS-induced colitis preventing histopathological damage, as well
      as bacterial translocation and rise of IL-6 levels in serum. Using intestinal
      epithelial reporter cells, we found that flagellin treatment induced reporter
      gene expression, which was abrogated by lactate treatment as well as by
      glycolysis inhibitors. Furthermore, lactate treatment modulated glucose uptake,
      indicating that high levels of extracellular lactate can impair metabolic
      reprograming induced by proinflammatory activation. These results suggest that
      lactate could be a potential beneficial microbiota metabolite and may constitute
      an overlooked effector with modulatory properties.

PMID- 28082984
TI  - The Fab Fragment of a Human Anti-Siglec-9 Monoclonal Antibody Suppresses LPS
      Induced Inflammatory Responses in Human Macrophages.
AB  - Sepsis is a major cause of death for hospitalized patients and is characterized
      by massive overreaction of immune responses to invading pathogens which is
      mediated by cytokines. For decades, there has been no effective treatment for
      sepsis. Sialic acid-binding, Ig-like lectin-9 (Siglec-9), is an immunomodulatory
      receptor expressed primarily on hematopoietic cells which is involved in various
      aspects of inflammatory responses and is a potential target for treatment of
      sepsis. The aim of the present study was to develop a human anti-Siglec-9 Fab
      fragment, which was named hS9-Fab03 and investigate its immune activity in human
      macrophages. We began by constructing the hS9-Fab03 prokaryotic expression vector
      from human antibody library and phage display. Then, we utilized a multitude of
      assays, including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, affinity, and kinetics assay
      to evaluate the binding affinity and specificity of hS9-Fab03. Results
      demonstrated that hS9-Fab03 specifically bind to Siglec-9 antigen with high
      affinity, and pretreatment with hS9-Fab03 could attenuate lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS)-induced TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-8, and IFN-beta production in human
      PBMC-derived macrophages, but slightly increased IL-10 production in an early
      time point. We also observed similar results in human THP-1-differentiated
      macrophages. Collectively, we prepared the hS9-Fab03 with efficient activity for
      blocking LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines production in human macrophages.
      These results indicated that ligation of Siglec-9 with hS9-Fab03 might be a novel
      anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategy for sepsis.

PMID- 28082987
TI  - Editorial: HLA-G-Mediated Immune Tolerance: Past and New Outlooks.

PMID- 28082986
TI  - Type I Interferons in Bacterial Infections: A Balancing Act.
AB  - Defense against bacterial infections requires activation of the immune response
      as well as timely reestablishment of tissue and immune homeostasis. Instauration
      of homeostasis is critical for tissue regeneration, wound healing, and host
      recovery. Recent studies revealed that severe infectious diseases frequently
      result from failures in homeostatic processes rather than from inefficient
      pathogen eradication. Type I interferons (IFN) appear to play a key role in such
      processes. Remarkably, the involvement of type I IFNs in the regulation of immune
      and tissue homeostasis upon bacterial insult may have beneficial or detrimental
      consequences for the host. The reasons for such ambivalent function of type I
      IFNs are not understood. The disparate effects of type I IFNs on bacterial
      infections are in marked contrast to their well-established protective roles in
      most viral infections. In this review, we will focus on type I IFN effector
      mechanisms which balance processes involved in immune and tissue homeostasis
      during specific bacterial infections and highlight the most important missing
      links in our understanding of type I IFN functions.

PMID- 28082988
TI  - Investigating Factors Associated with Thymic Regeneration after Chemotherapy in
      Patients with Lymphoma.
AB  - The factors involved in thymus regeneration after chemotherapy has not been
      sufficiently explored. This study was aimed to identify the clinical
      characteristics and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene (IL7R) encoding
      IL-7Ralpha associated with thymus renewal after chemotherapy in Chinese Han
      individuals with lymphoma. The dynamics of thymic activity in 134 adults with
      Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and B cell lymphoma from baseline to 12 months post
      chemotherapy were analyzed by assessing thymic structural changes using serial
      computed tomography scans and correlating these with measurements of thymic
      output by concurrent analysis of single-joint T-cell receptor excision circles
      (sjTREC) and CD31+ recent thymic emigrants (RTE) in peripheral blood. The
      association of clinical variables and IL7R polymorphisms with the occurrence of
      rebound thymic hyperplasia (TH) and the recovery of thymic output following
      chemotherapy were evaluated. Thymic regeneration was observed, with the evidence
      that TH occurred in 38/134 (28.4%) cases, and thymic output, assessed by CD31+
      RTE numbers and sjTREC content, recovered to baseline levels within 1 year after
      the end of therapy. The frequencies of the T allele and TT + GT genotype of
      rs7718919 located in the promoter of IL7R were significantly higher in patients
      with TH compared with those without TH (P = 0.031 and 0.027, respectively). In
      contrast, no significant difference was found between two groups with respect to
      the distribution of allele and genotype frequencies of rs6897932. By general
      linear models repeated-measure analysis, rs7718919 and rs6897932 were determined
      to exert no significant effects on the recovery of thymic output after therapy.
      Univariate analysis revealed host age under 30, the diagnosis of HL, baseline
      thymic index and CD31+ RTE counts, and rs7718919 genotype as potential predictors
      for TH after chemotherapy (P < 0.05); after multivariate adjustment, only host
      age was independently associated with the occurrence of TH (odds ratios = 4.710,
      95% confidence intervals: 1.727-12.845, P = 0.002). These findings indicate that
      patient age is an independent predictor for thymic regrowth after chemotherapy,
      which should promote awareness among physicians to make a timely diagnosis of TH
      in young adults and help physicians to prioritize intervention strategies for
      thymus rejuvenation in this population.

PMID- 28082989
TI  - Neuroimmune Interface in the Comorbidity between Alcohol Use Disorder and Major
      Depression.
AB  - Bidirectional communication links operate between the brain and the body.
      Afferent immune-to-brain signals are capable of inducing changes in mood and
      behavior. Chronic heavy alcohol drinking, typical of alcohol use disorder (AUD),
      is one such factor that provokes an immune response in the periphery that, by
      means of circulatory cytokines and other neuroimmune mediators, ultimately causes
      alterations in the brain function. Alcohol can also directly impact the immune
      functions of microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system
      (CNS). Several lines of research have established the contribution of specific
      inflammatory mediators in the development and progression of depressive illness.
      Much of the available evidence in this field stems from cross-sectional data on
      the immune interactions between isolated AUD and major depression (MD). Given
      their heterogeneity as disease entities with overlapping symptoms and shared
      neuroimmune correlates, it is no surprise that systemic and CNS inflammation
      could be a critical determinant of the frequent comorbidity between AUD and MD.
      This review presents a summary and analysis of the extant literature on
      neuroimmune interface in the AUD-MD comorbidity.

PMID- 28082990
TI  - Human NK Cell Subsets in Pregnancy and Disease: Toward a New Biological
      Complexity.
AB  - In humans, NK cells are mainly identified by the surface expression levels of
      CD56 and CD16, which differentiate between five functionally different NK cell
      subsets. However, nowadays NK cells are considered as a more heterogeneous
      population formed by various subsets differing in function, surface phenotype,
      and anatomic localization. In human CMV- and hantaviruses-infected subjects, an
      increased frequency of a NKG2A-CD57+NKG2C+ NK cell subset has been observed,
      while the phenotype of the NK cell subpopulation associated with cancer may vary
      according to the specific kind of tumor and its anatomical location. The healthy
      human lymph nodes contain mainly the CD56bright NK cell subset while in melanoma
      metastatic lymph nodes the CD56dimCD57+KIR+CCR7+ NK cell subpopulation prevails.
      The five NK cell subpopulations are found in breast cancer patients, where they
      differ for expression pattern of chemokine receptors, maturation stage,
      functional capabilities. In pregnancy, uterine NK cells show a prevalence of the
      CD56brightCD16- NK cell compartment, whose activity is influenced by KIRs
      repertoire. This NK cell subset's super specialization could be explained by (i)
      the expansion of single mature CD56dim clones, (ii) the recruitment and
      maturation of CD56bright NK cells through specific stimuli, and (iii) the in situ
      development of tumor-resident NK cells from tissue-resident CD56bright NK cells
      independently of the circulating NK cell compartment. This new and unexpected
      biological feature of the NK cell compartment could be an important source of new
      biomarkers to improve patients' diagnosis.

PMID- 28082991
TI  - Editorial: Immune Cells in the Mucosa.

PMID- 28082993
TI  - COTIP: Cotton TILLING Platform, a Resource for Plant Improvement and Reverse
      Genetic Studies.
AB  - Cotton is cultivated worldwide for its white fiber, of which around 90% is
      tetraploid upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) carrying both A and D genome.
      Since centuries, yield increasing efforts for the cotton crop by conventional
      breeding approaches have caused an extensive erosion of natural genetic
      variability. Mutation based improvement strategies provide an effective way of
      creating new allelic variations. Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes
      (TILLING) provides a mutation based reverse genetic strategy to create and
      evaluate induced genetic variability at DNA level. Here, we report development
      and testing of TILLING populations of allotetraploid cotton (G. hirsutum) for
      functional genomic studies and mutation based enrichment of cotton genetic
      resources. Seed of two cotton cultivars "PB-899 and PB-900" were mutagenized with
      0.3 and 0.2% (v/v) ethyl methanesulfonate, respectively. The phenotyping of M1
      and M2 populations presented numerous mutants regarding the branching pattern,
      leaf morphology, disease resistance, photosynthetic lesions and flower sterility.
      Molecular screening for point mutations was performed by TILLING PCR aided CEL1
      mismatch cleavage. To estimate the mutation frequency in the mutant genomes, five
      gene classes were TILLed in 8000 M2 plants of each var. "PB-899" and "PB-900."
      These include actin (GhACT), Pectin Methyl Esterase (GhPME), sucrose synthase
      (GhSUS), resistance gene analog, and defense response gene (DRGs). The var. PB
      899 was harboring 47% higher mutation induction rate than PB-900. The highest
      rate of mutation frequency was identified for NAC-TF5 (EU706348) of DRGs class,
      ranging from 1/58 kb in PB-899 to 1/105 kb in PB-900. The mutation screening
      assay revealed the presence of significant proportion of induced mutations in
      cotton TILLING populations such as 1/153 kb and 1/326 kb in var. "PB-899" and "PB
      900," respectively. The establishment of a cotton TILLING platform (COTIP) and
      data obtained from the resource TILLING population suggest its effectiveness in
      widening the genetic bases of cotton for improvement and utilizing it for
      subsequent reverse genetic studies of various genes.

PMID- 28082992
TI  - CD4 T Follicular Helper and Regulatory Cell Dynamics and Function in HIV
      Infection.
AB  - T follicular helper cells (TFH) are a specialized subset of CD4 T cells that
      reside in B cell follicles and promote B cell maturation into plasma cells and
      long-lived memory B cells. During chronic infection prior to the development of
      AIDS, HIV-1 (HIV) replication is largely concentrated in TFH. Paradoxically, TFH
      numbers are increased in early and midstages of disease, thereby promoting HIV
      replication and disease progression. Despite increased TFH numbers, numerous
      defects in humoral immunity are detected in HIV-infected individuals, including
      dysregulation of B cell maturation, impaired somatic hypermutation, and low
      quality of antibody production despite hypergammaglobulinemia. Clinically, these
      defects are manifested by increased vulnerability to bacterial infections and
      impaired vaccine responses, neither of which is fully reversed by antiretroviral
      therapy (ART). Deficits in TFH function, including reduced HIV-specific IL-21
      production and low levels of co-stimulatory receptor expression, have been linked
      to these immune impairments. Impairments in TFH likely contribute as well to the
      ability of HIV to persist and evade humoral immunity, particularly the inability
      to develop broadly neutralizing antibodies. In addition to direct infection of
      TFH, other mechanisms that have been linked to TFH deficits in HIV infection
      include upregulation of PD-L1 on germinal center B cells and augmented follicular
      regulatory T cell responses. Challenges to development of strategies to enhance
      TFH function in HIV infection include lack of an established phenotype for memory
      TFH as well as limited understanding of the relationship between peripheral TFH
      and lymphoid tissue TFH. Interventions to augment TFH function in HIV-infected
      individuals could enhance immune reconstitution during ART and potentially
      augment cure strategies.

PMID- 28082994
TI  - Annual Cambial Rhythm in Pinus halepensis and Pinus sylvestris as Indicator for
      Climate Adaptation.
AB  - To understand better the adaptation strategies of intra-annual radial growth in
      Pinus halepensis and Pinus sylvestris to local environmental conditions, we
      examined the seasonal rhythm of cambial activity and cell differentiation at
      tissue and cellular levels. Two contrasting sites differing in temperature and
      amount of precipitation were selected for each species, one typical for their
      growth and the other represented border climatic conditions, where the two
      species coexisted. Mature P. halepensis trees from Mediterranean (Spain) and sub
      Mediterranean (Slovenia) sites, and P. sylvestris from sub-Mediterranean
      (Slovenia) and temperate (Slovenia) sites were selected. Repeated sampling was
      performed throughout the year and samples were prepared for examination with
      light and transmission electron microscopes. We hypothesized that cambial rhythm
      in trees growing at the sub-Mediterranean site where the two species co-exist
      will be similar as at typical sites for their growth. Cambium in P. halepensis at
      the Mediterranean site was active throughout the year and was never truly
      dormant, whereas at the sub-Mediterranean site it appeared to be dormant during
      the winter months. In contrast, cambium in P. sylvestris was clearly dormant at
      both sub-Mediterranean and temperate sites, although the dormant period seemed to
      be significantly longer at the temperate site. Thus, the hypothesis was only
      partly confirmed. Different cambial and cell differentiation rhythms of the two
      species at the site where both species co-exist and typical sites for their
      growth indicate their high but different adaptation strategies in terms of
      adjustment of radial growth to environmental heterogeneity, crucial for long-term
      tree performance and survival.

PMID- 28082995
TI  - Bcl-2?21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO Inhibit Death of Wheat Microspores.
AB  - Microspore cell death and low green plant production efficiency are an integral
      obstacle in the development of doubled haploid production in wheat. The aim of
      the current study was to determine the effect of anti-apoptotic recombinant human
      B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2?21) and caspase-3-inhibitor (Ac-DEVD-CHO) in microspore
      cell death in bread wheat cultivars AC Fielder and AC Andrew. Induction medium
      containing Bcl-2?21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO yielded a significantly higher number of
      viable microspores, embryo-like structures and total green plants in wheat
      cultivars AC Fielder and AC Andrew. Total peroxidase activity was lower in Bcl
      2?21 treated microspore cultures at 96 h of treatment compared to control and Ac
      DEVD-CHO. Electron paramagnetic resonance study of total microspore protein
      showed a different scavenging activity for Bcl-2?21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO. Bcl-2?21
      scavenged approximately 50% hydroxyl radical (HO*) formed, whereas Ac-DEVD-CHO
      scavenged approximately 20% of HO*. Conversely, reduced caspase-3-like activities
      were detected in the presence of Bcl-2?21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO, supporting the
      involvement of Bcl-2?21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO in increasing microspore viability by
      reducing oxidative stress and caspase-3-like activity. Our results indicate that
      Bcl-2?21 and Ac-DEVD-CHO protects cells from cell death following different
      pathways. Bcl-2?21 prevents cell damage by detoxifying HO* and suppressing
      caspase-3-like activity, while Ac-DEVD-CHO inhibits the cell death pathways by
      modulating caspase-like activity.

PMID- 28082996
TI  - Major Contribution of Flowering Time and Vegetative Growth to Plant Production in
      Common Bean As Deduced from a Comparative Genetic Mapping.
AB  - Determinacy growth habit and accelerated flowering traits were selected during or
      after domestication in common bean. Both processes affect several presumed
      adaptive traits such as the rate of plant production. There is a close
      association between flowering initiation and vegetative growth; however,
      interactions among these two crucial developmental processes and their genetic
      bases remain unexplored. In this study, with the aim to establish the genetic
      relationships between these complex processes, a multi-environment quantitative
      trait locus (QTL) mapping approach was performed in two recombinant inbred line
      populations derived from inter-gene pool crosses between determinate and
      indeterminate genotypes. Additive and epistatic QTLs were found to regulate
      flowering time, vegetative growth, and rate of plant production. Moreover, the
      pleiotropic patterns of the identified QTLs evidenced that regions controlling
      time to flowering traits, directly or indirectly, are also involved in the
      regulation of plant production traits. Further QTL analysis highlighted one QTL,
      on the lower arm of the linkage group Pv01, harboring the Phvul.001G189200 gene,
      homologous to the Arabidopsis thaliana TERMINAL FLOWER1 (TFL1) gene, which
      explained up to 32% of phenotypic variation for time to flowering, 66% for
      vegetative growth, and 19% for rate of plant production. This finding was
      consistent with previous results, which have also suggested Phvul.001G189200
      (PvTFL1y) as a candidate gene for determinacy locus. The information here
      reported can also be applied in breeding programs seeking to optimize key
      agronomic traits, such as time to flowering, plant height and an improved
      reproductive biomass, pods, and seed size, as well as yield.

PMID- 28082997
TI  - Detection of Invertebrate Suppressive Soils, and Identification of a Possible
      Biological Control Agent for Meloidogyne Nematodes Using High Resolution
      Rhizosphere Microbial Community Analysis.
AB  - White clover (Trifolium repens) is the key legume component of New Zealand
      pastoral agriculture due to the high quality feed and nitrogen inputs it
      provides. Invertebrate pests constrain white clover growth and this study
      investigated rhizosphere-associated fungal controls for two of these pests and
      attempts to disentangle the underpinning mechanisms. The degree of
      suppressiveness of 10 soils, in a latitudinal gradient down New Zealand, to added
      Meloidogyne hapla and Costelytra zealandica scarab larvae was measured in
      untreated soil. Most of the soils showed no suppressive activity against these
      pests but two showed activity against M. hapla and two against C. zealandica.
      Rhizosphere fungi responsible for pest suppressive responses were elucidated via
      next-generation sequencing. In the M. hapla-suppressive soils nematode-trapping
      Orbiliomycetes fungi were present in significantly greater abundance than non
      suppressive soils and their abundance increased further with addition of M.
      hapla. A comparison of plant growth and the rhizosphere fungal community between
      untreated and irradiated soil was carried out on 5 of the 10 soils using Pyronota
      as the scarab larvae. Soil irradiation either: reduced (by 60-70%); increased
      (16*) or made no difference to white clover growth across the five soils tested,
      illustrating the range of microbial impacts on plant production. In one of the M.
      hapla suppressive soils irradiation resulted in a significant increase in
      nematode galling suggesting that Orbiliomycetes fungi were indeed responsible for
      the suppressive effect. Lack of consistent changes in soil macronutrients and pH
      post-irradiation suggest these were not responsible for plant or invertebrate
      responses. The use of next generation sequencing in controlled pot trials has
      allowed identification of a potential biological control organism and
      bioindicator for M. hapla suppression.

PMID- 28082998
TI  - Production of Reactive Oxygen Species by Photosystem II as a Response to Light
      and Temperature Stress.
AB  - The effect of various abiotic stresses on photosynthetic apparatus is inevitably
      associated with formation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this
      review, recent progress on ROS production by photosystem II (PSII) as a response
      to high light and high temperature is overviewed. Under high light, ROS
      production is unavoidably associated with energy transfer and electron transport
      in PSII. Singlet oxygen is produced by the energy transfer form triplet
      chlorophyll to molecular oxygen formed by the intersystem crossing from singlet
      chlorophyll in the PSII antennae complex or the recombination of the charge
      separated radical pair in the PSII reaction center. Apart to triplet chlorophyll,
      triplet carbonyl formed by lipid peroxidation transfers energy to molecular
      oxygen forming singlet oxygen. On the PSII electron acceptor side, electron
      leakage to molecular oxygen forms superoxide anion radical which dismutes to
      hydrogen peroxide which is reduced by the non-heme iron to hydroxyl radical. On
      the PSII electron donor side, incomplete water oxidation forms hydrogen peroxide
      which is reduced by manganese to hydroxyl radical. Under high temperature, dark
      production of singlet oxygen results from lipid peroxidation initiated by
      lipoxygenase, whereas incomplete water oxidation forms hydrogen peroxide which is
      reduced by manganese to hydroxyl radical. The understanding of molecular basis
      for ROS production by PSII provides new insight into how plants survive under
      adverse environmental conditions.

PMID- 28082999
TI  - Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP): Emergence As an Alternative
      Technology for Herbal Medicine Identification.
AB  - Correct identification of medicinal plant ingredients is essential for their safe
      use and for the regulation of herbal drug supply chain. Loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification (LAMP) is a recently developed approach to identify herbal medicine
      species. This novel molecular biology technique enables timely and accurate
      testing, especially in settings where infrastructures to support polymerase chain
      reaction facilities are lacking. Studies that used this method have altered our
      view on the extent and complexity of herbal medicine identification. In this
      review, we give an introduction into LAMP analysis, covers the basic principles
      and important aspects in the development of LAMP analysis method. Then we
      presented a critical review of the application of LAMP-based methods in detecting
      and identifying raw medicinal plant materials and their processed products. We
      also provide a practical standard operating procedure (SOP) for the utilization
      of the LAMP protocol in herbal authentication, and consider the prospects of LAMP
      technology in the future developments of herbal medicine identification and the
      challenges associated with its application.

PMID- 28083000
TI  - The Promoter of AtUSP Is Co-regulated by Phytohormones and Abiotic Stresses in
      Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Universal stress proteins (USPs) are known to be expressed in response to various
      abiotic stresses in a wide variety of organisms, such as bacteria,
      archaebacteria, protists, algae, fungi, plants, and animals. However, in plants,
      biological function of most of the USPs still remains obscure. In the present
      study, Arabidopsis USP gene (AtUSP) showed induction in response to abscisic acid
      (ABA) and various abiotic stresses viz. heat, dehydration, salt, osmotic, and
      cold stresses. Additionally, in silico analysis of AtUSP promoter identified
      several cis-elements responsive to phytohormones and abiotic stresses such as
      ABRE, ERE, DRE, and HSE, etc. To functionally validate the AtUSP promoter, the
      1115 bp region of promoter was characterized under phytohormone and abiotic
      stress treatments. Deletion analysis of promoter was carried out by cloning the
      full length promoter (D0) and its three 5' deletion derivatives, D1 (964 bp), D2
      (660 bp), and D3 (503 bp) upstream of the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene,
      which were then stably transformed in Arabidopsis plants. The AtUSP promoter (D0)
      showed minimal activity under non-stress conditions which was enhanced in
      response to phytohormone treatments (ABA and ACC) and abiotic stresses such as
      dehydration, heat, cold, salt, and osmotic stresses. The seedlings harboring D1
      and D2 deletion fragments showed constitutive GUS expression even under control
      condition with increased activity almost under all the treatments. However, D3
      seedlings exhibited complete loss of activity under control condition with
      induction under ACC treatment, dehydration, heat, oxidative, salt, and osmotic
      stresses. Thus, present study clearly showed that AtUSP promoter is highly
      inducible by phytohormones and multiple abiotic stresses and it can be exploited
      as stress inducible promoter to generate multi-stress tolerant crops with minimal
      effects on their other important traits.

PMID- 28083002
TI  - Differential Responses of Arctic Vegetation to Nutrient Enrichment by Plankton-
      and Fish-Eating Colonial Seabirds in Spitsbergen.
AB  - The role of seabirds as sea-land biovectors of nutrients is well documented.
      However, no studies have examined whether and how colonial seabirds that differ
      in diet may influence terrestrial vegetation. Therefore, the purpose of the study
      was to describe and compare plant communities located in the vicinity of the two
      most common types of seabird colonies in Arctic, occupied by piscivorous or
      planktivorous species. Within 46 plots arranged in four transects in the vicinity
      of planktivorous (little auk, Alle alle) and piscivorous colonies (mixed colony
      of Brunnich's guillemot, Uria lomvia, and black-legged kittiwake, Rissa
      tridactyla) we measured the following: guano deposition, physical and chemical
      characteristics of soil, total nitrogen and its stable isotope signatures in soil
      and plants, ground vegetation cover of vascular plants and mosses, and the
      occurrence of lichens, algae and cyanobacteria. Using LINKTREE analysis, we
      distinguished five plant communities, which reflected declining influence along a
      birds fertilization gradient measured as guano deposition. SIMPROOF test revealed
      that these communities differed significantly in species composition, with the
      differences related to total soil nitrogen content and delta15N, distinctive
      levels of phosphates, potassium and nitrates, and physical soil properties, i.e.,
      pH, conductivity and moisture. The communities were also clearly distinguished by
      distance from the bird colony. The two colony types promoted development of
      specific plant communities: the immediate vicinity of the planktivorous colony
      characterized by a Deschampsia alpina-Cerastium arcticum community while under
      the piscivorous colony a Cochlearia groenlandica-Poa alpina community was
      present. Despite the similar size of the colonies and similar magnitude of guano
      input, differences between ornithogenic communities were connected mostly to
      phosphate content in the soil. Our results show that the guano input from
      seabirds which have different diets can affect High Arctic vegetation in specific
      and more complex ways than previously realized.

PMID- 28083001
TI  - Global Scale Transcriptional Profiling of Two Contrasting Barley Genotypes
      Exposed to Moderate Drought Conditions: Contribution of Leaves and Crowns to
      Water Shortage Coping Strategies.
AB  - Drought is a serious threat for sustainable agriculture. Barley represents a
      species well adapted to environmental stresses including drought. To elucidate
      the adaptive mechanism of barley on transcriptional level we evaluated
      transcriptomic changes of two contrasting barley cultivars upon drought using the
      microarray technique on the level of leaves and crowns. Using bioinformatic
      tools, differentially expressed genes in treated vs. non-treated plants were
      identified. Both genotypes revealed tissue dehydration under drought conditions
      as shown at water saturation deficit and osmotic potential data; however,
      dehydration was more severe in Amulet than in drought-resistant Tadmor under the
      same ambient conditions. Performed analysis showed that Amulet enhanced
      expression of genes related to active plant growth and development, while Tadmor
      regarding the stimulated genes revealed conservative, water saving strategy.
      Common reactions of both genotypes and tissues included an induction of genes
      encoding several stress-responsive signaling proteins, transcription factors as
      well as effector genes encoding proteins directly involved in stress acclimation.
      In leaf, tolerant cultivar effectively stimulated mainly the expression of genes
      encoding proteins and enzymes involved in protein folding, sulfur metabolism, ROS
      detoxification or lipid biosynthesis and transport. The crown specific reaction
      of tolerant cultivar was an enhanced expression of genes encoding proteins and
      enzymes involved in cell wall lignification, ABRE-dependent abscisic acid (ABA)
      signaling, nucleosome remodeling, along with genes for numerous jasmonate induced
      proteins.

PMID- 28083003
TI  - Phytochrome B Negatively Affects Cold Tolerance by Regulating OsDREB1 Gene
      Expression through Phytochrome Interacting Factor-Like Protein OsPIL16 in Rice.
AB  - Cross talk between light signaling and cold signaling has been elucidated in the
      model plant Arabidopsis and tomato, but little is known about their relationship
      in rice. Here, we report that phytochrome B (phyB) mutants exhibit improved cold
      tolerance compared with wild type (WT) rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Nipponbare). The
      phyB mutants had a lower electrolyte leakage index and malondialdehyde
      concentration than the WT, suggesting that they had greater cell membrane
      integrity and less lipid peroxidation. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the
      expression levels of dehydration-responsive element binding protein 1 (OsDREB1)
      family genes, which functions in the cold stress response in rice, were increased
      in the phyB mutant under normal and cold stress conditions. PIFs are central
      players in phytochrome-mediated light signaling networks. To explore the
      relationship between rice PIFs and OsDREB1 gene expression, we produced
      overexpression lines of rice PIF genes. OsDREB1 family genes were up-regulated in
      OsPIL16-overexpression lines, which had improved cold tolerance relative to the
      WT. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR assay revealed that OsPIL16 can
      bind to the N-box region of OsDREB1B promoter. Expression pattern analyses
      revealed that OsPIL16 transcripts were induced by cold stress and was
      significantly higher in the phyB mutant than in the WT. Moreover, yeast two
      hybrid assay showed that OsPIL16 can bind to rice PHYB. Based on these results,
      we propose that phyB deficiency positively regulates OsDREB1 expression through
      OsPIL16 to enhance cell membrane integrity and to reduce the malondialdehyde
      concentration, resulting in the improved cold tolerance of the phyB mutants.

PMID- 28083005
TI  - Varying Response of the Concentration and Yield of Soybean Seed Mineral Elements,
      Carbohydrates, Organic Acids, Amino Acids, Protein, and Oil to Phosphorus
      Starvation and CO2 Enrichment.
AB  - A detailed investigation of the concentration (e.g., mg g-1 seed) and total yield
      (e.g., g plant-1) of seed mineral elements and metabolic profile under phosphorus
      (P) starvation at ambient (aCO2) and elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) in soybean is
      limited. Soybean plants were grown in a controlled environment at either
      sufficient (0.50 mM P, control) or deficient (0.10 and 0.01 mM, P-stress) levels
      of P under aCO2 and eCO2 (400 and 800 MUmol mol-1, respectively). Both the
      concentration and yield of 36 out of 38 seed components responded to P treatment
      and on average 25 and 11 components increased and decreased, respectively, in
      response to P starvation. Concentrations of carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, sugar
      alcohols), organic acids (e.g., succinate, glycerate) and amino acids increased
      while oil, and several minerals declined under P deficiency. However, the yield
      of the majority of seed components declined except several amino acids (e.g.,
      phenylalanine, serine) under P deficiency. The concentration-based relationship
      between seed protein and oil was negative (r2 = 0.96), whereas yield-based
      relationship was positive (r2 = 0.99) across treatments. The CO2 treatment also
      altered the concentration of 28 out of 38 seed components, of which 23 showed
      decreasing (e.g., sucrose, glucose, citrate, aconitate, several minerals, and
      amino acids) while C, iron, Mn, glycerate, and oil showed increasing trends at
      eCO2. Despite a decreased concentration, yields of the majority of seed
      components were increased in response to eCO2, which was attributable to the
      increased seed production especially near sufficient P nutrition. The P * CO2
      interactions for the concentration of amino acids and the yield of several
      components were due to the lack of their response to eCO2 under control or the
      severe P starvation, respectively. Thus, P deficiency primarily reduced the
      concentration of oil and mineral elements but enhanced a majority of other
      components. However, seed components yield consistently declined under P
      starvation except for several amino acids. The study highlighted a P nutritional
      status dependent response of soybean seed components to eCO2 suggesting the
      requirement of an adequate P supply to obtain the beneficial effects of eCO2 on
      the overall yield of various seed components.

PMID- 28083004
TI  - Tomato SlERF.A1, SlERF.B4, SlERF.C3 and SlERF.A3, Members of B3 Group of ERF
      Family, Are Required for Resistance to Botrytis cinerea.
AB  - The Ethylene-Responsive Factors (ERFs) comprise a large family of transcriptional
      factors that play critical roles in plant immunity. Gray mold disease caused by
      Botrytis cinerea, a typical necrotrophic fungal pathogen, is the serious disease
      that threatens tomato production worldwide. However, littler is known about the
      molecular mechanism regulating the immunity to B. cinerea in tomato. In the
      present study, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS)-based functional analyses of
      18 members of B3 group (also called Group IX) in tomato ERF family were performed
      to identify putative ERFs that are involved in disease resistance against B.
      cinerea. VIGS-based silencing of either SlERF.B1 or SlERF.C2 had lethal effect
      while silencing of SlERF.A3 (Pit4) significantly suppressed vegetative growth of
      tomato plants. Importantly, silencing of SlERF.A1, SlERF.A3, SlERF.B4, or
      SlERF.C3 resulted in increased susceptibility to B. cinerea, attenuated the B.
      cinerea-induced expression of jasmonic acid/ethylene-mediated signaling
      responsive defense genes and promoted the B. cinerea-induced H2O2 accumulation.
      However, silencing of SlERF.A3 also decreased the resistance against Pseudomonas
      syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 but silencing of SlERF.A1, SlERF.B4 or SlERF.C3
      did not affect the resistance to this bacterial pathogen. Expression of SlERF.A1,
      SlERF.A3, SlERF.B4, or SlERF.C3 was induced by B. cinerea and by defense
      signaling hormones such as salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, and 1
      aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (an ethylene precursor). SlERF.A1, SlERF.B4,
      SlERF.C3, and SlERF.A3 proteins were found to localize in nucleus of cells and
      possess transactivation activity in yeasts. These data suggest that SlERF.A1,
      SlERF.B4, and SlERF.C3, three previously uncharacterized ERFs in B3 group, and
      SlERF.A3, a previously identified ERF with function in immunity to Pst DC3000,
      play important roles in resistance against B. cinerea in tomato.

PMID- 28083006
TI  - Diaphorina citri Induces Huanglongbing-Infected Citrus Plant Volatiles to Repel
      and Reduce the Performance of Propylaea japonica.
AB  - Transmission of plant pathogens through insect vectors is a complex biological
      process involving interactions between the host plants, insects, and pathogens.
      Simultaneous impact of the insect damage and pathogenic bacteria in infected host
      plants induce volatiles that modify not only the behavior of its insect vector
      but also of their natural enemies, such as parasitoid wasps. Therefore, it is
      essential to understand how insects such as the predator ladybird beetle responds
      to volatiles emitted from a host plant and how the disease transmission alters
      the interactions between predators, vector, pathogens, and plants. In this study,
      we investigated the response of Propylaea japonica to volatiles from citrus
      plants damaged by Diaphorina citri and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus through
      olfactometer bioassays. Synthetic chemical blends were also used to determine the
      active compounds in the plant volatile. The results showed that volatiles emitted
      by healthy plants attracted more P. japonica than other treatments, due to the
      presence of high quantities of D-limonene and beta-ocimene, and the lack of
      methyl salicylate. When using synthetic chemicals in the olfactory tests, we
      found that D-limonene attracted P. japonica while methyl salicylate repelled the
      predator. However, beta-ocimene attracted the insects at lower concentrations but
      repelled them at higher concentrations. These results indicate that P. japonica
      could not efficiently search for its host by using volatile cues emitted from
      psyllids- and Las bacteria-infected citrus plants.

PMID- 28083007
TI  - Bensulfuron-Methyl Treatment of Soil Affects the Infestation of Whitefly, Aphid,
      and Tobacco Mosaic Virus on Nicotiana tabacum.
AB  - Bensulfuron-methyl (BSM) is widely used in paddy soil for weed control. BSM
      residue in the soil has been known to inhibit the growth of sensitive crop
      plants. However, it is unknown whether BSM residue can affect the agrosystem in
      general. In this study, we have found significant effects of BSM on the
      infestation of Bemisia tabaci, Myzus persicae, and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in
      Nicotiana tabacum. The soil was treated with BSM before the pest inoculation. The
      herbicide-treated tobaccos showed resistance to B. tabaci, but this resistance
      could not be detected until 15-day post-infestation when smaller number of adults
      B. tabaci appeared. In M. persicae assay, the longevity of all development stages
      of insects, and the fecundity of insects were not significantly affected when
      feeding on BSM-treated plants. In TMV assay, the BSM treatment also reduced virus
      induced lesions in early infection time. However, the titer of TMV in BSM treated
      plants increased greatly over time and was over 40-fold higher than the mock
      infected control plants after 20 days. Further studies showed that BSM treatment
      increased both jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) levels in tobacco, as
      well as the expression of target genes in the JA and SA signaling pathways, such
      as NtWIPK, NtPR1a, and NtPAL. NtPR1a and NtPAL were initially suppressed after
      virus-inoculation, while NtRDR1 and NtRDR6, which play a key role in fighting
      virus infection, only showed up- or were down-regulated 20 days post virus
      inoculation. Taken together, our results suggested that BSM residue in the soil
      may affect the metabolism of important phytohormones such as JA and SA in
      sensitive plants and consequently affect the plant immune response against
      infections such as whitefly, aphids, and viruses.

PMID- 28083008
TI  - Comparative Transcriptomics Atlases Reveals Different Gene Expression Pattern
      Related to Fusarium Wilt Disease Resistance and Susceptibility in Two Vernicia
      Species.
AB  - Vernicia fordii (tung oil tree) is a promising industrial crop. Unfortunately,
      the devastating Fusarium wilt disease has caused its great losses, while its
      sister species (Vernicia montana) is remarkably resistant to this pathogen.
      However, the genetic mechanisms underlying this difference remain largely
      unknown. We here generated comparative transcriptomic atlases for different
      stages of Fusarium oxysporum infected Vernicia root. The transcriptomes of V.
      fordii and V. montana were assembled de novo and contained 258,430 and 245,240
      non-redundant transcripts with N50 values of 1776 and 2452, respectively. A total
      of 44,310 pairs of putative one-to-one orthologous genes were identified in
      Vernicia species. Overall, the vast majority of orthologous genes shared a
      remarkably similar expression mode. The expression patterns of a small set of
      genes were further validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, 157
      unigenes whose expression significantly correlated between the two species were
      defined, and gene set enrichment analysis indicated roles in increased defense
      response and in jasmonic and salicylic acid signaling responses during pathogen
      attack. Co-expression network analysis further identified the 17 hub unigenes,
      such as the serine/threonine protein kinase D6PK, leucine-rich repeat receptor
      like kinase (LRR-RLK), and EREBP transcription factor, which play essential roles
      in plant pathogen resistance. Intriguingly, the expression of most hub genes
      differed significantly between V. montana and V. fordii. Based on our results, we
      propose a model to describe the major molecular reactions that underlie the
      defense responses of resistant V. montana to F. oxysporum. These data represent a
      crucial step toward breeding more pathogen-resistant V. fordii.

PMID- 28083009
TI  - Increased Sucrose in the Hypocotyls of Radish Sprouts Contributes to Nitrogen
      Deficiency-Induced Anthocyanin Accumulation.
AB  - Effects of nitrogen (N) deficiency and sucrose (Suc) addition on regulation of
      anthocyanin biosynthesis and their relationship were investigated in this study.
      Radish sprouts subjected to N deficiency had 50% higher anthocyanin accumulation
      than when grown in Hoagland solution (a nutrient medium with all macronutrients).
      The contents of endogenous soluble sugars (Suc, fructose, and glucose) in the
      hypocotyls were also markedly increased by N limitation, with Suc showing the
      highest increase. Inhibition of carbohydrate biosynthesis by addition of 3-(3,4
      dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) also eliminated N deficiency-induced
      anthocyanin accumulation. The latter was further supported by the expression of
      anthocyanin biosynthesis related genes and decreased activities of nitrate
      reductase in the presence of Suc. Together our results indicate that N deficiency
      induced anthocyanin accumulation was, at least partly, dependent on the increase
      of the soluble sugar, especially Suc. This work is the first comprehensive study
      on relationship between N deficiency and sugar content on anthocyanin
      accumulation in the hypocotyls of radish sprouts.

PMID- 28083010
TI  - Molecular Cloning and Functional Analysis of a Na+-Insensitive K+ Transporter of
      Capsicum chinense Jacq.
AB  - High-affinity K+ (HAK) transporters are encoded by a large family of genes and
      are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. These HAK-type transporters participate in
      low- and high-affinity potassium (K+) uptake and are crucial for the maintenance
      of K+ homeostasis under hostile conditions. In this study, the full-length cDNA
      of CcHAK1 gene was isolated from roots of the habanero pepper (Capsicum
      chinense). CcHAK1 expression was positively regulated by K+ starvation in roots
      and was not inhibited in the presence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis placed the
      CcHAK1 transporter in group I of the HAK K+ transporters, showing that it is
      closely related to Capsicum annuum CaHAK1 and Solanum lycopersicum LeHAK5.
      Characterization of the protein in a yeast mutant deficient in high-affinity K+
      uptake (WDelta3) suggested that CcHAK1 function is associated with high-affinity
      K+ uptake, with Km and Vmax for Rb of 50 MUM and 0.52 nmol mg-1 min-1,
      respectively. K+ uptake in yeast expressing the CcHAK1 transporter was inhibited
      by millimolar concentrations of the cations ammonium ([Formula: see text]) and
      cesium (Cs+) but not by sodium (Na+). The results presented in this study suggest
      that the CcHAK1 transporter may contribute to the maintenance of K+ homeostasis
      in root cells in C. chinense plants undergoing K+-deficiency and salt stress.

PMID- 28083011
TI  - Non-destructive Phenotyping of Lettuce Plants in Early Stages of Development with
      Optical Sensors.
AB  - Rapid development of plants is important for the production of 'baby-leaf'
      lettuce that is harvested when plants reach the four- to eight-leaf stage of
      growth. However, environmental factors, such as high or low temperature, or
      elevated concentrations of salt, inhibit lettuce growth. Therefore, non
      destructive evaluations of plants can provide valuable information to breeders
      and growers. The objective of the present study was to test the feasibility of
      using non-destructive phenotyping with optical sensors for the evaluations of
      lettuce plants in early stages of development. We performed the series of
      experiments to determine if hyperspectral imaging and chlorophyll fluorescence
      imaging can determine phenotypic changes manifested on lettuce plants subjected
      to the extreme temperature and salinity stress treatments. Our results indicate
      that top view optical sensors alone can accurately determine plant size to
      approximately 7 g fresh weight. Hyperspectral imaging analysis was able to detect
      changes in the total chlorophyll (RCC) and anthocyanin (RAC) content, while
      chlorophyll fluorescence imaging revealed photoinhibition and reduction of plant
      growth caused by the extreme growing temperatures (3 and 39 degrees C) and
      salinity (100 mM NaCl). Though no significant correlation was found between Fv/Fm
      and decrease in plant growth due to stress when comparisons were made across
      multiple accessions, our results indicate that lettuce plants have a high
      adaptability to both low (3 degrees C) and high (39 degrees C) temperatures, with
      no permanent damage to photosynthetic apparatus and fast recovery of plants after
      moving them to the optimal (21 degrees C) temperature. We have also detected a
      strong relationship between visual rating of the green- and red-leaf color
      intensity and RCC and RAC, respectively. Differences in RAC among accessions
      suggest that the selection for intense red color may be easier to perform at
      somewhat lower than the optimal temperature. This study serves as a proof of
      concept that optical sensors can be successfully used as tools for breeders when
      evaluating young lettuce plants. Moreover, we were able to identify the locus for
      light green leaf color (qLG4), and position this locus on the molecular linkage
      map of lettuce, which shows that these techniques have sufficient resolution to
      be used in a genetic context in lettuce.

PMID- 28083012
TI  - Phylogenomics and Plastome Evolution of Tropical Forest Grasses (Leptaspis,
      Streptochaeta: Poaceae).
AB  - Studies of complete plastomes have proven informative for our understanding of
      the molecular evolution and phylogenomics of grasses. In this study, a plastome
      phylogenomic analysis sampled species from lineages of deeply diverging grasses
      including Streptochaeta spicata (Anomochlooideae), Leptaspis banksii, and L.
      zeylanica (both Pharoideae). Plastomes from next generation sequences for three
      species were assembled by de novo methods. The unambiguously aligned coding and
      non-coding sequences of the entire plastomes were aligned with those from 43
      other grasses and the outgroup Joinvillea ascendens. Outgroup sampling of grasses
      has previously posed a challenge for plastome phylogenomic studies because of
      major rearrangements of the plastome. Here, over 81,000 bases of homologous
      sequence were aligned for phylogenomic and divergence estimation analyses. Rare
      genomic changes, including persistently long psiycf1 and psiycf2 loci, the loss
      of the rpoC1 intron, and a 21 base tandem repeat insert in the coding sequence
      for rps19 defined branch points in the grass phylogeny. Marked differences were
      seen in the topologies inferred from the complete plastome and two gene matrices,
      and mean maximum likelihood support values for the former were 10% higher. In the
      full plastome phylogenomic analyses, the two species of Anomochlooideae were
      monophyletic. Leptaspis and Pharus were found to be reciprocally monophyletic,
      with the estimated divergence of two Leptaspis species preceding those of Pharus
      by over 14 Ma, consistent with historical biogeography. Our estimates for deep
      divergences among grasses were older than previous such estimates, likely
      influenced by more complete taxonomic and molecular sampling and the use of
      recently available or previously unused fossil calibration points.

PMID- 28083013
TI  - OsSGL, a Novel DUF1645 Domain-Containing Protein, Confers Enhanced Drought
      Tolerance in Transgenic Rice and Arabidopsis.
AB  - Drought is a major environmental factor that limits plant growth and crop
      productivity. Genetic engineering is an effective approach to improve drought
      tolerance in various crops, including rice (Oryza sativa). Functional
      characterization of relevant genes is a prerequisite when identifying candidates
      for such improvements. We investigated OsSGL (Oryza sativa Stress tolerance and
      Grain Length), a novel DUF1645 domain-containing protein from rice. OsSGL was up
      regulated by multiple stresses and localized to the nucleus. Transgenic plants
      over-expressing or hetero-expressing OsSGL conferred significantly improved
      drought tolerance in transgenic rice and Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively. The
      overexpressing plants accumulated higher levels of proline and soluble sugars but
      lower malondialdehyde (MDA) contents under osmotic stress. Our RNA-sequencing
      data demonstrated that several stress-responsive genes were significantly altered
      in transgenic rice plants. We unexpectedly observed that those overexpressing
      rice plants also had extensive root systems, perhaps due to the altered
      transcript levels of auxin- and cytokinin-associated genes. These results suggest
      that the mechanism by which OsSGL confers enhanced drought tolerance is due to
      the modulated expression of stress-responsive genes, higher accumulations of
      osmolytes, and enlarged root systems.

PMID- 28083014
TI  - Genotyping-by-Sequencing Uncovers the Introgression Alien Segments Associated
      with Sclerotinia Basal Stalk Rot Resistance from Wild Species-I. Helianthus
      argophyllus and H. petiolaris.
AB  - Basal stalk rot (BSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a devastating
      disease in sunflower worldwide. The progress of breeding for Sclerotinia BSR
      resistance has been hampered due to the lack of effective sources of resistance
      for cultivated sunflower. Our objective was to transfer BSR resistance from wild
      annual Helianthus species into cultivated sunflower and identify the introgressed
      alien segments associated with BSR resistance using a genotyping-by-sequencing
      (GBS) approach. The initial crosses were made between the nuclear male sterile HA
      89 with the BSR resistant plants selected from wild Helianthus argophyllus and H.
      petiolaris populations in 2009. The selected resistant F1 plants were backcrossed
      to HA 458 and HA 89, respectively. Early generation evaluations of BSR resistance
      were conducted in the greenhouse, while the BC2F3 and subsequent generations were
      evaluated in the inoculated field nurseries. Eight introgression lines; six from
      H. argophyllus (H.arg 1 to H.arg 6), and two from H. petiolaris (H.pet 1 and
      H.pet 2), were selected. These lines consistently showed high levels of BSR
      resistance across seven environments from 2012 to 2015 in North Dakota and
      Minnesota, USA. The mean BSR disease incidence (DI) for H.arg 1 to H.arg 6, H.pet
      1, and H.pet 2 was 3.0, 3.2, 0.8, 7.2, 7.7, 1.9, 2.5, and 4.4%, compared to a
      mean DI of 36.1% for Cargill 270 (susceptible hybrid), 31.0% for HA 89 (recurrent
      parent), 19.5% for HA 441 (resistant inbred), and 11.6% for Croplan 305
      (resistant hybrid). Genotyping of the highly BSR resistant introgression lines
      using GBS revealed the presence of the H. argophyllus segments in linkage groups
      (LGs) 3, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the sunflower genome, and the H. petiolaris segments
      only in LG8. The shared polymorphic SNP loci in the introgression lines were
      detected in LGs 8, 9, 10, and 11, indicating the common introgression regions
      potentially associated with BSR resistance. Additionally, a downy mildew
      resistance gene, Pl17 , derived from one of the parents, HA 458, was integrated
      into five introgression lines. Germplasms combining resistance to Sclerotinia BSR
      and downy mildew represent a valuable genetic source for sunflower breeding to
      combat these two destructive diseases.

PMID- 28083015
TI  - Comparison of Multiple Methods for Determination of FCGR3A/B Genomic Copy Numbers
      in HapMap Asian Populations with Two Public Databases.
AB  - Low FCGR3 copy numbers (CNs) has been associated with susceptibility to several
      systemic autoimmune diseases. However, inconsistent associations were reported
      and errors caused by shaky methods were suggested to be the major causes. In
      large scale case control association studies, robust copy number determination
      method is thus warranted, which was the main focus of the current study. In the
      present study, FCGR3 CNs of 90 HapMap Asians were firstly checked using four
      assays including paralog ratio test combined with restriction enzyme digest
      variant ratio (PRT-REDVR), real-time quantitative (qPCR) using TaqMan assay, real
      time qPCR using SYBR Green dye and short tenden repeat (STR). To improve the
      comparison precision reproductively, the results were compared with those from
      recently released sequencing data from 1000 genomes project as well as whole
      genome tiling BAC array data. The tendencies of inconsistent samples by these
      methods were also characterized. Refined in-home TaqMan qPCR assay showed the
      highest correlation with array-CGH results (r = 0.726, p < 0.001) and the highest
      concordant rate with 1000 genome sequencing data (FCGR3A 91.76%, FCGR3B 85.88%,
      and FCGR3 81.18%). For samples with copy number variations, comprehensive
      analysis of multiple methods was required in order to improve detection accuracy.
      All these method were prone to detect copy number to be higher than that from
      direct sequencing. All the four PCR based CN determination methods (qPCR using
      TaqMan probes or SYBR Green, PRT, STR) were prone to higher estimation errors and
      thus may lead to artificial associations in large-scale case-control association
      studies. But different to previous reports, we observed that properly refined
      TaqMan qPCR assay was not inferior to or even more accurate than PRT when using
      sequencing data as the reference.

PMID- 28083016
TI  - Genomic Selection in the Era of Next Generation Sequencing for Complex Traits in
      Plant Breeding.
AB  - Genomic selection (GS) is a promising approach exploiting molecular genetic
      markers to design novel breeding programs and to develop new markers-based models
      for genetic evaluation. In plant breeding, it provides opportunities to increase
      genetic gain of complex traits per unit time and cost. The cost-benefit balance
      was an important consideration for GS to work in crop plants. Availability of
      genome-wide high-throughput, cost-effective and flexible markers, having low
      ascertainment bias, suitable for large population size as well for both model and
      non-model crop species with or without the reference genome sequence was the most
      important factor for its successful and effective implementation in crop species.
      These factors were the major limitations to earlier marker systems viz., SSR and
      array-based, and was unimaginable before the availability of next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) technologies which have provided novel SNP genotyping platforms
      especially the genotyping by sequencing. These marker technologies have changed
      the entire scenario of marker applications and made the use of GS a routine work
      for crop improvement in both model and non-model crop species. The NGS-based
      genotyping have increased genomic-estimated breeding value prediction accuracies
      over other established marker platform in cereals and other crop species, and
      made the dream of GS true in crop breeding. But to harness the true benefits from
      GS, these marker technologies will be combined with high-throughput phenotyping
      for achieving the valuable genetic gain from complex traits. Moreover, the
      continuous decline in sequencing cost will make the WGS feasible and cost
      effective for GS in near future. Till that time matures the targeted sequencing
      seems to be more cost-effective option for large scale marker discovery and GS,
      particularly in case of large and un-decoded genomes.

PMID- 28083018
TI  - Causes of short stature in Pakistani children found at an Endocrine Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Short stature is defined as height below 3rd centile.
      Causes of short stature can range from familial, endocrine disorders, chronic
      diseases to chromosomal disorders. Most common cause in literature being
      idiopathic short stature. Early detection and management of remedial disorders
      like malnutrition and vitamin D deficiency, Endocrine disorders like growth
      hormone deficiency & hypothyroidism can lead to attainment of expected height.
      Pakistani data shows idiopathic short stature as the most common cause of short
      stature. Our study aimed at detecting causes of short stature in
      children/adolescents at an Endocrine referral center. METHODS: A retrospective
      study was conducted at WILCARE Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism,
      Lahore on 70 well-nourished children/adolescents. The patients had been evaluated
      clinically, biochemically and radiologically as needed. Biochemical testing
      included hormonal testing as well to detect endocrine causes. Data was entered
      and analyzed in SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: Leading cause of short stature in our
      population was Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency seen in 48 out of 70 (69%)
      patients. Second most common endocrine abnormality seen in these patients was
      Vitamin D deficiency [44 out of 70 patients (63%)]. Primary hypothyroidism; pan
      hypopituitarism & adrenal insufficiency were other endocrine causes. The weight
      for age was below 3rd percentile in 57 (81%) patients, with no association with
      other major causes. CONCLUSION: Growth hormone and Vitamin D deficiency
      constitute one of the major causes of short stature among well-nourished children
      with short stature in Pakistan.

PMID- 28083019
TI  - Clinical values of the early detection of serum procalcitonin, C-reactive protein
      and white blood cells for neonates with infectious diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discuss application values of serum procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive
      protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC) count in early diagnosis and treatment
      of neonatal bacterial infectious diseases. METHODS: Clinical data of one hundred
      and thirty-six newborns with infectious diseases who were admitted into the
      hospital were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into bacterial
      infection group (N=70) and non-bacterial infection group (N=66). Additionally,
      sixty-six healthy newborns who underwent physical examination in our hospital in
      the same period were selected as controls. Subjects in the three groups were all
      detected for serum PCT, CRP and WBC levels. RESULTS: The levels of PCT, CRP and
      WBC in the bacterial infection group were much higher than those of the non
      bacterial infection group and the healthy control group, and the differences had
      statistical significance (P<0.05). The positive rates of PCT, CRP and WBC of the
      bacterial infection group were higher than those of the non-bacterial infection
      group (P<0.05); the specificity and sensitivity of the PCT level were obviously
      higher than those of the CRP and WBC levels in diagnosing bacterial infectious
      diseases (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum PCR, CRP and WBC levels are of high
      diagnostic values to neonatal infectious diseases. Compared to WBC and CRP, PCT
      is more sensitive index in the diagnosis of neonatal infectious diseases.

PMID- 28083017
TI  - Distribution of Hydrogenases in Cyanobacteria: A Phylum-Wide Genomic Survey.
AB  - Microbial Molecular hydrogen (H2) cycling plays an important role in several
      ecological niches. Hydrogenases (H2ases), enzymes involved in H2 metabolism, are
      of great interest for investigating microbial communities, and producing BioH2.
      To obtain an overall picture of the genetic ability of Cyanobacteria to produce
      H2ases, we conducted a phylum wide analysis of the distribution of the genes
      encoding these enzymes in 130 cyanobacterial genomes. The concomitant presence of
      the H2ase and genes involved in the maturation process, and that of well
      conserved catalytic sites in the enzymes were the three minimal criteria used to
      classify a strain as being able to produce a functional H2ase. The [NiFe] H2ases
      were found to be the only enzymes present in this phylum. Fifty-five strains were
      found to be potentially able produce the bidirectional Hox enzyme and 33 to
      produce the uptake (Hup) enzyme. H2 metabolism in Cyanobacteria has a broad
      ecological distribution, since only the genomes of strains collected from the
      open ocean do not possess hox genes. In addition, the presence of H2ase was found
      to increase in the late branching clades of the phylogenetic tree of the species.
      Surprisingly, five cyanobacterial genomes were found to possess homologs of
      oxygen tolerant H2ases belonging to groups 1, 3b, and 3d. Overall, these data
      show that H2ases are widely distributed, and are therefore probably of great
      functional importance in Cyanobacteria. The present finding that homologs to
      oxygen-tolerant H2ases are present in this phylum opens new perspectives for
      applying the process of photosynthesis in the field of H2 production.

PMID- 28083020
TI  - Analysis of liver function test abnormalities in kidney transplant recipients: 7
      year experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Immunosuppressive drugs, antimicrobial agents and infectious
      complications may cause liver function test abnormalities (LFTA) in kidney
      transplant recipients (KTR). The objectives of this study were to identify the
      outcome of (LFTA). To identify the risk factors affecting development and
      severity of hepatotoxicity in KTR. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the
      medical records of KTR. Hepatotoxicity attacks were defined as impairment in
      liver function tests that was responsive to drug dose reduction or
      discontinuation, or treatment of specific causes such as infectious
      complications. RESULTS: One hundred-fifty-six episodes of hepatotoxicity occurred
      in 107 patients in 281 KTR, with an incidence of 38%. Patients with
      hepatotoxicity episodes had a high total mortality rate, higher incidence of
      positive pre-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM test, higher creatinine values
      during the first month post-transplant, underwent additional acute rejection
      episodes, and received fewer cyclosporin A based ID. Only positive CMV IgM
      testing was identified as a significant independent risk factor for
      hepatotoxicity in our multiple analysis. Mycophenolatemofetil (MMF) related
      hepatotoxicity was the most common cause of drug related LFTA. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with LFTA can have significant complications. Pre-transplant positive
      CMV IgM tests predispose transplant recipients to the development of LFTA during
      the post-transplant period. MMF can be a serious hepatotoxic drug.

PMID- 28083021
TI  - Use of Aspirin and Statin as primary prevention for cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether recommendations for the use of Statins and
      Aspirin as primary prevention in diabetic patients are correctly implemented at
      our institution. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between
      February 2014 and April 2014 at the General Practice Department of King Abdulaziz
      University Hospital. Three hundred twelve patients were included in the study.
      Data were collected from the electronic patient medical records for the
      characteristics of the patients, existing co-morbidities, and results of
      laboratory investigations. Descriptive statistics were performed for all
      variables. RESULTS: Of 312 patients, aspirin was indicated for 17.0% but it was
      not prescribed. It was both indicated and prescribed in 36.2% of the cases.
      Statin treatment was indicated in 27.2% of the patients but it was not
      prescribed, while in 63.1% of cases it was indicated and prescribed. CONCLUSION:
      The proportion of patients who achieved treatment targets at our institution is
      greater than that reported by other studies, albeit treatment targets are not
      being met in a significant number of cases.

PMID- 28083022
TI  - Depression, anxiety and stress among female patients of infertility; A case
      control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Infertility, in many ways, is a very distressing condition that can
      have its impact on social and marital life of a couple. Depression, anxiety and
      stress associated with infertility may affect treatment and outcomes for such
      couples. The purpose of this study was to find out prevalence of depression,
      anxiety and stress among females suffering from infertility. METHODS: One hundred
      females suffering from infertility as study subjects and 100 females accompanying
      them as controls were randomly selected from infertility clinic at Arif Memorial
      Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Females with diagnosed mental health issues
      and those from couples having male factor infertility were not included.
      Validated Urdu version of Depression, anxiety, stress scale (DASS) was used for
      assessment of depression, anxiety and stress scores. Results from both groups
      were compared and independent sample t-test was used to analyze the results.
      RESULTS: There was high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among
      females suffering from infertility compared to females in control group (p <
      0.05). Level of education did not appear to have any positive effect on these
      scores. Similarly, results did not appear to change when occupations of infertile
      females were used for stratified analysis. CONCLUSION: Depression, anxiety and
      stress are very common among females suffering from infertility. Healthcare
      professionals should consider psychological counseling, and psychiatric help if
      required, when they offer fertility treatment for such females.

PMID- 28083023
TI  - Clinical characteristics and epidermal barrier function of papulopustular
      rosacea: A comparison study with acne vulgaris.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and epidermal barrier
      function of papulopustular rosacea by comparing with acne vulgaris. METHODS: Four
      hundred and sixty-three papulopustular rosacea patients and four hundred and
      twelve acne vulgaris patients were selected for the study in Xiangya Hospital of
      Central South University from March 2015 to May 2016. They were analyzed for
      major facial lesions, self-conscious symptoms and epidermal barrier function.
      RESULTS: Erythema, burning, dryness and itching presented in papulopustular
      rosacea patients were significantly higher than that in acne vulgaris patients
      (P<0.001). The clinical scores of erythema, burning, dryness and itching in
      papulopustular rosacea patients were significantly higher than those in acne
      vulgaris patients (P<0.001). The water content of the stratum cornuem and skin
      surface lipid level were both significantly lower in papulopustular rosacea
      patients than that of the acne vulgaris patients (P<0.001) and healthy subjects
      (P<0.001); Water content of the stratum cornuem and skin surface lipid level were
      higher in acne vulgaris patients in comparison with that of healthy subjects
      (P>0.05, P<0.001; respectively). Transepidermal water loss was significantly
      higher in papulopustular rosacea patients than that of acne vulgaris patients and
      healthy subjects (P<0.001); transepidermal water loss was lower in skin of acne
      vulgaris patients than that of healthy subjects (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Erythema,
      burning, dryness and itching are the characteristics of papulopustular rosacea,
      which makes it different from acne vulgaris. The epidermal barrier function was
      damaged in papulopustular rosacea patients while not impaired in that of acne
      vulgaris patients.

PMID- 28083024
TI  - Comparison of serum lipid profile in Type-2 Diabetics with and without
      retinopathy in Pakistani population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare serum cholesterol, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations
      between type-2 Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with retinopathy and without
      retinopathy and to study association between various modifiable risk factors of
      Diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS: The study included 300 patients with type 2
      DM; 140 of them were without DR (Group-I) and 160 were with DR (Group-II). Serum
      total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG levels were determined. SPSS 17.0 for
      windows was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Overall, mean age of study
      population was 48.86 +/- 5.62 years. Subjects with DR were older (P < 0.018), had
      higher fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.01) and higher HbA1c (P <0.01)
      concentrations compared with those without DR. Analysis of serum cholesterol, LDL
      C, HDL-C and TG among subgroups of patients with no DR, with NPDR and PDR showed
      statistically significant difference (p <0.01). There was strong positive
      correlation of severity of DR with BSF, HbA1c, serum LDL-C, total cholesterol and
      TG. CONCLUSION: The serum cholesterol, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations were
      found to be significantly deranged in patients with DR as compared to those
      without DR.

PMID- 28083025
TI  - Can anemia predict perinatal outcomes in different stages of pregnancy?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of anemia on perinatal outcomes as preterm
      delivery (PTD) and low birth weight (LBW) in the different stages of pregnancy.
      METHODS: Medical records of 39,587 Turkish pregnant women who delivered between
      January 2011 and September 2014 were reviewed. Anemia during pregnancy was
      defined as hemoglobin (Hb)< 11 g/dl, low birth weight was defined as birth weight
      <2500 gr and PTD was defined as <37 weeks. The pregnant women were divided into
      three groups (Hb<10 gr/dl, Hb 10-11 gr/dl, Hb>11 gr/dl). Perinatal outcomes were
      compared between these anemic and non-anemic groups. RESULTS: The anemia
      prevalence in our study was 25.1%. In the first and second trimester of Hb<10g/dl
      group LBW ratio was significantly higher (respectively 13.5%, 9.8%, p=0.03;
      22.7%, 14.7%, p=0.01). In the second and third trimesters of Hb<10 g/dl group PTD
      ratio was significantly higher (respectively 29.1%, 19%, p=0.00; 17.7%, 15.4%
      p=0.02). In the first trimester Hb<10 g/dl group cesarean section rate was
      significantly higher (respectively 65.2%, 57.6%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: LBW
      infants and preterm birth rate was higher in Hb <10 gr/dl group than non-anemic
      in the first, second and third trimester. Hb <10 gr/dl group had higher cesarean
      rate in first trimester. The mean birth weight was significantly lower in anemic
      pregnant women in the second trimester. Preterm birth and cesarean section rate,
      in the group of anemic throughout pregnancy was higher than those of non-anemic
      in the whole pregnancy period.

PMID- 28083026
TI  - Frequency of early remodeling of left ventricle and its comparison between
      patients with stroke volume >=97 Ml versus patients with stroke volume <97 Ml
      after aortic valve replacement for severe aortic regurgitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of early remodeling in patients of severe
      aortic regurgitation after aortic valve replacement and to see the incidence of
      early remodeling in patients with stroke volume >97 ml versus < 97 ml before
      aortic valve replacement. METHOD: This was a prospective comparative study
      conducted from August 2013 to December 2014 in a tertiary care hospital. Fifty
      seven (57) patients of isolated chronic aortic regurgitation were included in
      this study. SPSS v23 was used for data analysis. Independent sample t-test was
      used for analysis of continuous variables and chi-square test for qualitative
      variables. RESULTS: Out of fifty seven patients, early remodeling occurred in 34
      (59.64%) patients after surgery. The mean pre-operative stroke volume of patient
      in whom remodeling occurred was 110.3+9.66 ml while mean pre-operative stroke
      volume of patients who did not undergo remodeling was 86.65+7.63 ml. There were
      28 (82.4%) patients with stroke volume >97 ml in whom Remodeling occurred where
      as in patients with stroke volume <97 ml remodeling occurred only in 6 (17.6%)
      patients (p value 0.004). There was no in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: There
      is an association between stroke volume and early LV remodeling after Aortic
      valve replacement. Stroke volume >97 ml is a good predictor of early LV
      remodeling.

PMID- 28083027
TI  - Relationship of coping ways and anxiety with Pregnancy Specific-stress.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore whether coping strategies and general anxiety are
      associated with pregnancy-specific stress (PSS) and how much of variance of PSS
      is explained with these variables. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted
      at two teaching hospitals between November 2013 and December 2015. Total 190
      pregnant women (60 women at 6-13-weeks of gestation, 60 at 13-26 weeks, and 70 at
      27-40 weeks of gestation) completed the study. The participants completed three
      questionnaires including; Pregnancy experience scale (PES-41), Ways of Coping
      Questionnaire (WCQ), and State-Trait anxiety inventory (SATI). Pearson
      coefficients and analysis of regression was done to assess the correlations
      between variables. RESULTS: Pregnant women who experienced higher mean level of
      pregnancy specific-stress had significantly higher mean level of occult anxiety,
      overt anxiety, and total anxiety than women who did not experience PSS. Although
      there was a positive and significant relationship between intensity of hassles
      and uplifts and ways of coping, the correlation between PSS and ways of coping
      was not significant. The results of analysis regression showed that general
      anxiety during pregnancy predicted 25% of the variance of PSS (F=4.480,
      beta=0.159). Also, ways of coping predicted 38% of the variance in pregnancy
      Hassles (F=7.033, beta=0.194). CONCLUSION: The ways of coping predicted the
      variance of pregnancy hassles, but does not evaluate pregnancy specific-stress.
      To think about PSS in terms of general anxiety may help to clarify past findings
      and to guide future research and interventions.

PMID- 28083028
TI  - 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, a potential role player in the development of thyroid
      disorders in schizophrenics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to assess the role of vitamin-D, in the
      development of autoimmune thyroid dysfunction in newly diagnosed schizophrenics.
      METHODS: For the present study 100 patients and 100 controls were screened out
      and studied for their thyroid antibodies, GSH, homocysteine, NOS and vitamin D
      levels by appropriate protocols to assess the underlying mechanism involved in
      the schizophrenics susceptible to autoimmune thyroid diseases. RESULTS: The
      results of the present study depicted that in schizophrenics, levels of cytokines
      like IL-6 (7.98+/-0.67 pg/ml), TNF-alpha, (40.76+/-6.98 pg/ml), homocysteine
      (16.98+/-1.09 umol/L), Tg-Ab (30.93+/-3.87 IU/L), TPO-Ab (10.33+/-1.78 IU/L) and
      TSHr-Ab (3.76+/-0.055 IU/L) increased whereas, those of Vit-D (12.76+/-0.99
      pmol/L), NOS (5.99+/-0.87 IU/L), GSH (4.48+/-.965 ug/dl) and NO (16.87+/-3.98
      ng/ml) were decreased in the patients as compared to healthy control subjects.
      CONCLUSION: Vitamin-D in schizophrenia is involved in augmentation of
      hyperhomocysteinemia, inflammation, oxidative stress and thyroid antibodies,
      thereby playing a significant role not only in induction of schizophrenic
      symptoms but may also result in autoimmune thyroid diseases. Thus, earlier
      detection and rectification of its levels are helpful to limit the miseries of
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 28083029
TI  - A prospective randomized comparison of early embryo cleavage kinetics between two
      media culture systems.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether early embryo cleavage kinetics were affected by
      type of culture media. METHODS: In this prospective sibling-split study, 620
      oocytes from 37 patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Cook group and
      Vitrolife group. Oocytes/embryos in Cook group, would be cultured with Cook
      sequential culture medium, while oocytes/embryos in Vitrolife group, would be
      cultured with Vitrolife sequential culture medium. Time-lapse imaging technology
      was used to calculate exact timing of early embryo cleavage events which included
      time to 2PN breakdown, cleavage to 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- cell and the time duration in
      the 2-,3-cell stage. Then these timing of early embryo cleavage events were
      compared between Cook group and Vitrolife group. Moreover, fertilization rate,
      cleavage rate, high quality embryo rate, usable blastocyst rate, pregnancy rate
      and implantation rate of these two groups were also analyzed. RESULTS: The
      results showed there were no differences in all timing of early embryo cleavage
      events between the two groups. In addition, the two groups were similar in
      fertilization rate (Cook 71.0% vs. Vitrolife 71.3%, P>0.05), cleavage rate (Cook
      98.1% vs. Vitrolife 98.2%, P>0.05), high quality embryo rate (Cook 52.1% vs.
      Vitrolife 52.7%, P>0.05), usable blastocyst rate (Cook 29.7% vs. Vitrolife 28.0%,
      P>0.05), pregnancy rate (Cook 46.7% VS. Vitrolife 50.0%, P>0.05) and implantation
      rate (Cook 30.3% VS. Vitrolife 29.0%, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Morphokinetics used
      for embryo selection are not affected by the two different culture media.

PMID- 28083030
TI  - KCNQ1 rs2237895 polymorphism is associated with Gestational Diabetes in Pakistani
      Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Genetic studies on gestational diabetes (GDM) are
      relatively scarce; moreover, limited data is available for KCNQ1 polymorphism in
      Pakistani pregnant women. We aimed to determine the frequency of KCNQ1 rs2237895
      in GDM and normal pregnant controls and its association with GDM-related
      phenotypes. METHODS: A total of 637 pregnant females (429 controls and 208 cases)
      in their second trimester were classified according to the International
      Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study criteria in this study. Their
      blood samples were genotyped for KCNQ1 SNP rs2237895 using PCR-RFLP method and
      sequencing. Fasting and two hour-post glucose load blood levels, serum HbA1c,
      insulin, and anthropometric assessment was performed.: Pearson's Chi Square test,
      Mann- Whitney U test, and regression analyses were performed. A p-value of <0.05
      was considered significant. RESULTS: The variant genotyped was in Hardy-Weinberg
      equilibrium (p>0.05). The rs2237895 showed an association with GDM (OR 2.281;
      1.388-3.746: p <0.001) and remained significant after multiple adjustments for
      age and body mass index (OR 2.068; 1.430-2.997: p=0.005). The C allele showed
      positive association with insulin level, and HOMA-IR in study subjects.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies that KCNQ1 rs2237895 polymorphisms might be
      associated with risk of GDM in Pakistani population and that it is related to
      higher glucose levels and insulin resistance. Further large scale studies are
      required to consolidate on the functional aspect of this polymorphism.

PMID- 28083031
TI  - Outcome after surgical repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the operative results of 55 cases of partial anomalous
      pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC). METHODS: This retrospective case series of
      55 cases of PAPVC operated from January 2011 to June 2016 at CPE Institute of
      cardiology, Multan. Baseline characteristics of patients, their operative
      findings and results were retrieved from the hospital record. RESULTS: Operation
      for PAPVC was performed in 55 patients. Patient's age varied from 3-28 years
      (mean 12.56+/-7.49), their weight was 9-62 kg mean (25.61+/-16.28). There were
      41(74.5%) males and 14(25.5%) females. 49(89.0%) patients had right sided PAPVC
      associated with ASD moreover 3(5.4%) cases had right pulmonary vein draining into
      right atrium. While there was only one case having left sided PAPVC (1.8%) and
      two cases (3.6%) of bilateral PAPVC (4%). Reassuringly, there was not a single
      mortality. However, one patient developed junctional rhythum, which was
      successfully controlled on amiodarone. SVC obstruction having 6mmHg gradient was
      observed in one case however patient is doing well and is on follow up since 9
      months. CONCLUSION: Surgical correction of PAPVC generally carries highly
      reproducible results with low morbidity.

PMID- 28083032
TI  - Similarities and variances in perception of professionalism among Saudi and
      Egyptian Medical Students.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Professionalism has a number of culturally specific
      elements, therefore, it is imperative to identify areas of congruence and
      variations in the behaviors in which professionalism is understood in different
      countries. This study aimed to explore and compare the recommendation of
      sanctions by medical students of College of Medicine, King Saud University (KSU),
      Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and students from three medical colleges in Egypt. METHODS:
      The responses were recorded using an anonymous, self-administered survey " Dundee
      Polyprofessionalism Inventory I: Academic Integrity". In the study 750 medical
      students of College of Medicine, KSU, Riyadh were invited and a questionnaire was
      electronically sent. They rated the importance of professionalism lapses by
      choosing from a hierarchical menu of sanctions for first time lapses with no
      justifying circumstances. These responses were compared with published data from
      219 students from three medical schools in Egypt. RESULTS: We found variance for
      23 (76.66%) behaviors such as "physically assaulting a university employee or
      student" and "plagiarizing work from a fellow student or publications/internet".
      We also found similarities for 7 (23.33%) behaviors including "lack of
      punctuality for classes" and drinking alcohol over lunch and interviewing a
      patient in the afternoon", when comparing the median recommended sanctions from
      medical students in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. CONCLUSION: There are more variances
      than congruence regarding perceptions of professionalism between the two cohorts.
      The students at KSU were also found to recommend the sanction of "ignore" for a
      behavior, a response, which otherwise was absent from Egyptian cohort.

PMID- 28083033
TI  - Vildagliptin ameliorates biochemical, metabolic and fatty changes associated with
      non alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Vildagliptin in non-alcoholic, fatty liver
      disease patients with dyslipidemia. METHODS: A randomized placebo controlled
      trial was conducted at outpatient clinic of Medical Unit-I of Sheikh Zayed
      Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, in which fifty eight patients of NAFLD
      with dyslipidemia were divided in to two, case and control groups. The case group
      was given tablet Vildagliptin 50mg twice a day for twelve weeks and control group
      was given placebo in same way. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile,
      liver enzymes and ultrasound finding of fatty liver were assayed before and after
      treatment. RESULTS: After 12 weeks treatment of vildagliptin there was
      significant improvement in following parameters. Body weight and BMI decreased
      significantly from 88 +/- 11 to79 +/- 12 kg (p0.036) and 30+/-4to 27+/-5 kg/m2 (p
      0.005) respectively. Notable reduction in the value of TC, TG and LDL-C (TC:252+/
      24 to 220+/-20mg/dl (p 0.031); TG: 190+/-24 to115+/-22 mg/dl (p 0.005); LDL-C
      160+/-15 to 145+/-13mg/dl (p 0.004). HDL-C level increased significantly from
      29+/-5to45+/-4 mg/dl (p 0.001). There was remarkable reduction in
      aminotransferases level (ALT: 78+/- 17 to 48+/-14IU/L (p 0.036). AST: 63.3+/-13
      to41+/-11IU/L (p 0.002). There was overall 65.5% improvement in fatty liver
      grading on ultrasound with vildagliptin while non significant effects were seen
      in placebo group in all of the above parameters. CONCLUSION: Vildagliptin
      exhibited beneficial effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Non-diabetic
      patients with dyslipidemia.

PMID- 28083034
TI  - Increased heart rate on first day in Intensive Care Unit is associated with
      increased mortality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of maximum HR during the first day of
      intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality. METHODS: Data of 850 patients over 45
      years of age, who were hospitalized in ICU, was retrospectively analyzed. They
      were divided into two groups; Group-I, patients with maximum HR<100/min Group-II,
      patients with maximum HR>=100/min on first day. The groups were compared
      regarding age, sex, use of beta-blockers, use of inotropic and vasopressor drugs,
      hemodynamic parameters, anemia, mechanical ventilation, length of hospitalization
      (ICU and total), mortality (ICU and total), and CHARLSON & APACHE-II scores.
      RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 63+/-12 years and 86% were after non
      cardiac surgery. Maximum HR was 83+/-11 in Group-I and 115+/-14/min in Group-II
      (p=0.002). Group-II patients had more frequent vasopressor and inotropic drugs
      usage, (p<0.001), anemia, mechanical ventilation (p<0.005), higher CHARLSON &
      APACHE-II scores, stayed longer in ICU and hospital, and had higher ICU and
      hospital mortality compared to group-I (p<0.05). APACHE-II scores and maximum
      HR<100/min were independent variables predicting ICU mortality in multivariate
      logistic regression analysis whereas usage of beta-blockers was not. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study showed that maximum HR less than100/minute during the first day of ICU
      is associated with decreased mortality in Intensive Care Unit.

PMID- 28083036
TI  - Clinical value of color doppler ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis of umbilical
      cord entry abnormity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical value of prenatal diagnosis of umbilical cord
      entry abnormity (UCEA) by means of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS). METHODS:
      Clinical data of sixty-four cases with confirmed umbilical cord entry abnormity
      were reviewed and the specific UCEA conditions and the outcomes of perinatal
      infants were analyzed. RESULTS: Detection rates of marginal umbilical cord entry
      abnormity and velamentous umbilical cord entry abnormity by means of CDUS at
      second trimester were 94.1% and 93.8% respecdtively much higher than 80.0% and
      68.8% which were those of third trimester. Discrepancy had statistical
      significance (P<0.05). True positive rate of prenatal diagnosis of UCEA by means
      of CDUS was 85.9% (55/64), and false negative rate was 14.1% (9/64). Among sixty
      four patients with UCEA, seventeen patients (26.6%) underwent selective caesarean
      delivery; twenty-six patients (35.9%) underwent emergency caesarean delivery and
      twenty-four patients (37.5%) had normal delivery. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis
      of UCEA by means of CDUS is intuitive and accurate. It provides an evidence for
      determination of the best time to diagnose UCEA, and also offers a proper advice
      for pregnant women about delivery mode to ensure the fetus survival rate, which
      is clinically valuable.

PMID- 28083035
TI  - Chemotherapy alone or combined chemotherapy and involved field radiotherapy in
      favorable risk early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma-a 10 years experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of patients with early-stage (stage I-II)
      favorable risk classical Hodgkin lymphoma treated with chemotherapy alone or
      combined modality treatment (CMT) utilizing chemotherapy and involved field
      radiotherapy. METHODS: This retrospective study was done at Department of Medical
      oncology, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Lahore,
      Pakistan from January 2004 to December 2013. RESULTS: There were 101 patients,
      with male predominance (71.3%). Mean age was 34 years. Sixty three (62.4%)
      patients received CMT and 38 (37.6%) patients had chemotherapy alone. Ninety
      eight percent patients had ABVD chemotherapy. Dose of radiotherapy ranged from 20
      to 36 gray. Difference between baseline characteristics and major toxicities
      among the two groups was insignificant. Patients treated with CMT had better
      overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone: 100% versus 91% at five years
      and 96% versus 81% at 10 years, respectively (p=0.03). Progression free survival
      was also better with CMT against chemotherapy alone at five years (98% versus
      81%) and 10 years (82% versus 71%) (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Favorable risk classical
      Hodgkin lymphoma patients had better overall survival and progression free
      survival when treated with CMT against chemotherapy alone.

PMID- 28083037
TI  - Adipokine Serum visfatin level in pregnancy induced hypertension and
      uncomplicated pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy is the significant
      disease that badly affects the maternal and fetal prognosis and lead to higher
      mortality and morbidity in the prenatal period. Visfatin, potentially a new
      adipokine has emerged having high contribution in pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
      The objective of the study was to find the level of Visfatin in pregnancy induced
      hypertension and normal pregnant women. METHODS: This study was carried out in
      tertiary care hospitals, Peshawar from March-October 2014. A total of 234
      pregnant women (gestational age >20 weeks) were included in the study with
      distribution as Preeclampsia (PE=86), Eclampsia (E=74) and control (N=74). Blood
      was taken for measuring Visfatin level by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
      (ELISA) technique. SPSS version 19 was used for statistical analysis. Student's t
      test was performed to evaluate the mean differences in patients and control.
      RESULTS: Serum level of visfatin was significantly higher in pregnancy induced
      hypertension when compared with control (P value<0.001).: Comparisons of mean
      value of visfatin with age group of 21-40 years, body mass index (BMI), primary
      parous and parity 2-4, gestational age of >36 weeks and both systolic and
      diastolic blood pressure were highly significant in pregnancy induced
      hypertension when compared with control (p value<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pregnancy
      induced hypertensive women showed increased level of serum Visfatin than normal
      pregnant women.

PMID- 28083038
TI  - Analyzing musculoskeletal system discomforts and risk factors in computer-using
      office workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the prevalence of work-related computer-user
      musculoskeletal discomforts, personal and computer-related risk factors. METHODS:
      A cross-sectional survey on 395 office workers was made between July-September
      2015. Musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors were evaluated for participants'
      demographics and job attributes on the 21-item questionnaire and the Turkish
      Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants reported
      musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck (67.85%), back (66.33%), lower back
      (59.49%), right shoulder (45.32%) and left shoulder (43.54%) during the past week
      and work interference was 33.6%, 28.5%, 30.6%, 31.3% and 31.9%, respectively.
      Musculoskeletal discomfort risks were being male, increasing daily computer
      usage, feeling computer-usage discomfort, hours working at desk and having
      knowledge about ergonomic exercises. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal symptoms are
      common in Turkish office workers and indicated the need for more attention to
      musculoskeletal disorders and designing effective preventive interventions.

PMID- 28083039
TI  - Effects of Vitamin D supplementation on physical activity of patients with Heart
      Failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To see the role of Vitamin D supplementation on physical status of
      patients suffering from Congestive Heart Failure (dilated cardiomyopathy).
      METHODS: In this nonrandomized clinical trial, Forty three Patients with dilated
      cardiomyopathy who were not showing any significant improvements in physical
      performance on optimal treatment of heart failure were included. Vitamin D
      (200,000 IU) supplementation on weekly basis for a period of 12 weeks was added
      to heart failure treatment. And its effect was seen on 6 minutes' walk distance
      and Pro-BNP levels. SPSS version 19 was used for data analysis. Dependent sample
      t-test was used to see the significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on pre
      intervention vitamin D levels, 6MWD and Pro-BNP. Taking p-value <0.05 as
      significant. RESULTS: On clinical assessment most of the patients were in NYHA
      class II (65%), the percentages of NYHA Class I, III and IV was 19%, 9% and 7%
      respectively. The baseline mean vitamin D level of the study group was 16.59+/
      3.54ng/ml and it raised to 31.97+/-3.64ng/ml after 12 weeks of supplementation
      with vitamin D, p value<0.0005. The mean distance travelled by the study group
      before the intervention was 806+/-380ft while it increased to 945+/-393ft after
      the intervention, p value of 0.008. The mean of pro-BNP level of the study group
      before the intervention was 1024+/-635 while it improved to 159+/-80 after the
      intervention with a significant p value<0.0005. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D
      supplementation decreases the severity of HF as reflected by reduction in serum
      pro-BNP levels and significant increase in six minutes' walk distance.

PMID- 28083040
TI  - Effects of letrozole in combination with low-dose intramuscular injection of
      human menopausal gonadotropin on ovulation and pregnancy of 156 patients with
      polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of letrozole (LE) in combination with low-dose
      intramuscular injection of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) on the ovulation
      induction and pregnancy of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
      METHODS: A total of 156 patients with PCOS infertility were randomly divided into
      an LE group, a clomiphene citrate (CC) group and an LE + HMG group (n= 52). LE
      and CC were orally taken according to the prescribed dosage on the 3rd-5th days
      of menstruation respectively, and 75 IU HMG was given through intramuscular
      injection. The ovulation induction parameters and pregnancy outcomes were
      observed. RESULTS: The number of ovulation cycle of LE + HMG group was
      significantly higher than that of LE group (chi2=8.451, P<0.001). After injection
      of human chorionic gonadotropin, both endometrial thickness and number of mature
      follicles of LE + HMG group were significantly higher than those of other two
      groups (P<0.001), and the daily estradiol (E2) level was also higher (q=4.531,
      P<0.05). The pregnancy rate of LE + HMG group was 55.7%, which exceeded those of
      other two groups (compared to LE group, chi2=4.012, P<0.05). In LE + HMG group,
      the average medication cycle of clinically pregnant patients was (2.9 +/- 0.3)
      weeks, which was significantly shorter than those of CC and LE groups (F=17.241,
      P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The regimen using LE in combination with low-dose
      intramuscular injection of HMG has satisfactory therapeutic effects on ovulation
      induction, short medication cycle and high clinical pregnancy rate, which is
      promising for treating patients with PCOS infertility.

PMID- 28083041
TI  - Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak following Posterior Cranial Fossa Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid leakage remains a significant cause of morbidity
      following posterior fossa surgery, and its treatment remains a difficult problem.
      The aim of the study was to propose a treatment algorithm for its management.
      METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted on 147 patients who
      underwent elective posterior fossa surgery for a variety of diseases . Patients
      with post operative CSF leakage had either been treated initially with
      conservative measures including re-suturing of the wound, with CSF lumbar
      drainage to be employed in case the CSF leakage didn't stop, or the initial
      intervention was the institution of CSF lumbar drainage simultaneously with
      conservative measures. VP (ventriculo-peritoneal) shunt was done in patients with
      gross hydrocephalus on postoperative CT brain. RESULTS: There were 25 (17%) cases
      of CSF leakage, including 24 incisional CSF leaks and one case of CSF otorrhea.
      In eight patients with incisional CSF leakage treated initially with conservative
      measures including re-suturing of the wound, CSF leakage stopped in only two
      cases. CSF lumbar drainage instituted later on in six cases with persistent
      leakage stopped the CSF leakage. In fourteen patients managed initially with re
      suturing of the wound and concomitant CSF lumbar drainage, CSF leakage settled in
      all the cases. Two patients with gross hydrocephalus on post operative CT were
      managed successfully with VP shunt. Re-suturing of the wound with concomitant CSF
      lumbar drainage was found to be significantly associated (p=0.003) with the
      stoppage of CSF leakage, and the settlement of meningitis (p= 0.014). CONCLUSION:
      Incisional CSF leaks after posterior fossa surgery should be managed with re
      suturing of the wound and concomitant CSF lumbar drainage, instead of an initial
      trial of conservative therapy alone.

PMID- 28083042
TI  - Reducing computed tomography radiation dose in diagnosing pulmonary embolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography angiography plays a major role in
      the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Radiation dose associated with it is a major
      concern; therefore it is important to optimize protocols and techniques to ensure
      minimum radiation dose. METHODS: The study compares two protocols i. Conventional
      Timing Bolus CT protocol and Delayed Timing Bolus protocol used to assist
      suspected pulmonary embolism patients. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the
      average effective dose (39%) was noticed when using the delayed timing bolus
      protocol. CONCLUSION: Delayed timing bolus protocol has a good impact on
      radiation dose without affecting the value of the computed tomography angiography
      study.

PMID- 28083043
TI  - Hypocalcemia in jaundiced neonates receiving phototherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of hypocalcemia in term neonates with
      jaundice receiving phototherapy. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study
      conducted at Neonatal intensive care unit, National Institute of Child Health,
      Karachi from 1st January 2014 to 30th December 2014. A total of 123 term neonates
      with jaundice of either gender managed by phototherapy were enrolled in the
      study. Gestational age was assessed through modified Ballard scoring. Duration of
      phototherapy was recorded. A sample of 3 ml of blood was sent to the laboratory
      for serum calcium level before initiating phototherapy and after 24 hours of
      continued phototherapy. All the data were recorded in the preformed proforma.
      Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19. P value <0.05 was taken as significant.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the neonates was 8.35+/-6.74 days. Mean gestational age
      at the time of birth was 39.08+/-1.37 weeks. Mean duration of jaundice was 2.4+/
      1.20 days. Mean duration of phototherapy was 1.74+/-0.98 days. Serum calcium
      level before and after 24 hours of initiating phototherapy was 8.73+/-0.68 mg/dl
      and 7.47+/-0.82mg/dl respectively Frequency of hypocalcemia in term jaundiced
      neonates receiving phototherapy were observed in 22.76% (28/123). CONCLUSIONS:
      The frequency of hypocalcemia is significant in the jaundiced neonates treated
      with phototherapy. One needs to be vigilant in dealing neonates in this context
      while serial monitoring for hypocalcemia and its complications should be
      considered in institutional policy and research priority.

PMID- 28083044
TI  - Serum C-reactive protein level in COPD patients stratified according to GOLD 2011
      grading classification.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung
      Disease (GOLD) 2011 grading classification has been used to evaluate the severity
      of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, little is
      known about the relationship between the systemic inflammation and this
      classification. We aimed to study the relationship between serum CRP and the
      components of the GOLD 2011 grading classification. METHODS: C-reactive protein
      (CRP) levels were measured in 391 clinically stable COPD patients and in 50
      controls from June 2, 2015 to October 31, 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital
      of Xiamen University. The association between CRP levels and the components of
      the GOLD 2011 grading classification were assessed. RESULTS: Correlation was
      found with the following variables: GOLD 2011 group (0.240), age (0.227), pack
      year (0.136), forced expiratory volume in one second % predicted (FEV1%; -0.267),
      forced vital capacity % predicted (-0.210), number of acute exacerbations in the
      past year (0.265), number of hospitalized exacerbations in the past year (0.165),
      British medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (0.121), COPD assessment test
      score (CAT, 0.233). Using multivariate analysis, FEV1% and CAT score manifested
      the strongest negative association with CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: CRP levels
      differ in COPD patients among groups A-D based on GOLD 2011 grading
      classification. CRP levels are associated with several important clinical
      variables, of which FEV1% and CAT score manifested the strongest negative
      correlation.

PMID- 28083045
TI  - Exploring the usefulness of interviewers' training before and after Multiple Mini
      Interviews (MMI) for undergraduate medical students' selection: Was it really
      helpful?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the change in interviewers' perception of Multiple Mini
      Interviews (MMI) after MMI training and after actual MMI experience. METHODS: Six
      sessions were conducted during two weeks (October 26, 2015- to November 6, 2015)
      to a total of 87 faculty members. The evaluation dealt with 13 items
      questionnaire for representation of assessors' perception on 5 point rating
      scale. Assessors rated their perceptions to complete an anonymised questionnaire
      about rationale behind MMI, the process of MMI, and the use of scoring criteria
      (rubrics). In addition, assessors were also asked to rate their level of
      satisfaction on MMI process after training and after interviews. Wilcoxon Signed
      Ranks Test (two-tailed) was used to compare participant's pre- and post-interview
      ratings. RESULTS: With 81.6% response rate, the positive views of assessors about
      the MMI selection process and the use of scoring criteria (Rubric) to assess the
      candidate are not altered after experiencing a MMI selection day (p> 0.001).
      Assessors (87%) would prefer to be involved in the process of MMI in future.
      CONCLUSION: The outstanding consistency of assessors' ratings before and after
      interview concluded that MMI training sessions were helpful in improving
      knowledge and skills about MMI process and candidates' assessment criteria
      (rubrics).

PMID- 28083046
TI  - The effects of serum leptin levels on thrombocyte aggregation in peritoneal
      dialysis patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Serum leptin levels of chronic kidney disease patients have been
      detected higher than normal population. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effects of serum leptin levels on thrombocyte aggregation in peritoneal
      dialysis patients. METHODS: Fourty three peritoneal dialysis patients were
      included in the study. Thrombocyte aggregation was calculated from the whole
      blood subsequently the effects of different concentrations of human recombinant
      leptin on thrombocyte aggregations were investigated. Four test cells were used
      for this process. While leptin was not added into the first test cell, increasing
      amounts of leptin was added into the second, third and fourth test cells to
      attain the concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml respectively. RESULTS:
      Thrombocyte aggregation was inhibited by recombinant leptin in peritoneal
      dialysis patients. Thrombocyte aggregation mean values were found statistically
      significantly higher in first test cell when compared to leptin groups in
      peritoneal dialysis patients. For leptin groups we could not find any
      statistically significant differences for thrombocyte aggregation mean values
      between any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Further studies with larger number of
      peritoneal dialysis patients are required to prove the action of leptin on
      thrombocyte aggregation.

PMID- 28083047
TI  - A way forward for teaching and learning of Physiology: Students' perception of
      the effectiveness of teaching methodologies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the perception of medical students on the usefulness of the
      interactive lectures, case-based lectures, and structured interactive sessions
      (SIS) in teaching and learning of Physiology. METHODS: A cross-sectional study
      was carried out from January to December 2012 at Bahria University Medical &
      Dental College, Karachi, which had qualitative and quantitative aspects, assessed
      by self- reported questionnaire and focused group discussion (FGD). The
      questionnaire was distributed to 100 medical students after completion of first
      year of teaching of MBBS Physiology. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.
      Differences were considered significant at p-values <0.05 after application of
      Friedman test. Responses of FGD were analyzed. RESULTS: All the teaching
      methodologies helped in understanding of precise learning objectives. The
      comprehension of structure and functions with understanding of difficult concepts
      was made best possible by SIS (p=0.04, p<0.01). SIS enabled adult learning, self
      directed learning, peer learning and critical reasoning more than the other
      teaching strategies (p< 0.01). CONCLUSION: SIS involved students who used
      reasoning skills and power of discussion in a group to comprehend difficult
      concepts for better understanding of Physiology as compared to interactive and
      case-based lectures.

PMID- 28083048
TI  - Fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with Zirconia filler
      containing composite core material and fiber posts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth
      with a novel Zirconia (Zr) nano-particle filler containing bulk fill resin
      composite. METHODS: Forty-five freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were
      endodontically treated using conventional step back preparation and warm lateral
      condensation filling. Post space preparation was performed using drills
      compatible for fiber posts (Rely X Fiber Post) on all teeth (n=45), and posts
      were cemented using self etch resin cement (Rely X Unicem). Samples were equally
      divided into three groups (n=15) based on the type of core materials, ZirconCore
      (ZC) MulticCore Flow (MC) and Luxacore Dual (LC). All specimens were mounted in
      acrylic resin and loads were applied (Universal testing machine) at 130 degrees 
      to the long axis of teeth, at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure. The
      loads and the site at which the failures occurred were recorded. Data obtained
      was tabulated and analyzed using a statistical program. The means and standard
      deviations were compared using ANOVA and Multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: The
      lowest and highest failure loads were shown by groups LC (18.741+/-3.02) and MC
      (25.16+/-3.30) respectively. Group LC (18.741+/-3.02) showed significantly lower
      failure loads compared to groups ZC (23.02+/-4.21) and MC (25.16+/-3.30)
      (p<0.01). However groups ZC (23.02+/-4.21) and MC (25.16+/-3.30) showed
      comparable failure loads (p=0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Fracture resistance of
      endodontically treated teeth restored with Zr filler containing bulk fill
      composite cores was comparable to teeth restored with conventional Zr free bulk
      fill composites. Zr filled bulk fill composites are recommended for restoration
      of endodontically treated teeth as they show comparable fracture resistance to
      conventional composite materials with less catastrophic failures.

PMID- 28083049
TI  - Urdu translation of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression: Results of a
      validation study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a standardized validated version of the Hamilton Rating
      Scale for Depression (HAM-D) in Urdu. METHODS: After translation of the HAM-D
      into the Urdu language following standard guidelines, the final Urdu version (HAM
      D-U) was administered to 160 depressed outpatients. Inter-item correlation was
      assessed by calculating Cronbach alpha. Correlation between HAM-D-U scores at
      baseline and after a 2-week interval was evaluated for test-retest reliability.
      Moreover, scores of two clinicians on HAM-D-U were compared for inter-rater
      reliability. For establishing concurrent validity, scores of HAM-D-U and BDI-U
      were compared by using Spearman correlation coefficient. The study was conducted
      at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from May to December 2014. RESULTS: The Cronbach alpha
      for HAM-D-U was 0.71. Composite scores for HAM-D-U at baseline and after a 2-week
      interval were also highly correlated with each other (Spearman correlation
      coefficient 0.83, p-value < 0.01) indicating good test-retest reliability.
      Composite scores for HAM-D-U and BDI-U were positively correlated with each other
      (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.85, p < 0.01) indicating good concurrent
      validity. Scores of two clinicians for HAM-D-U were also positively correlated
      (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.82, p-value < 0.01) indicated good inter
      rater reliability. CONCLUSION: The HAM-D-U is a valid and reliable instrument for
      the assessment of Depression. It shows good inter-rater and test-retest
      reliability. The HAM-D-U can be a tool either for clinical management or
      research.

PMID- 28083050
TI  - The role of serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels in predicting
      spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive
      protein (CRP) in predicting spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients
      with advanced liver cirrhosis. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with advanced
      liver cirrhosis were enrolled for this study, which included 40 cases with SBP
      and 48 cases with CNNA. Bacterial cultures, ascitic fluid (AF) leukocyte, C
      reactive protein (CRP) and serum PCT measurements were carried out prior to the
      use of antibiotics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to
      evaluate the diagnostic performance of procalcitonin levels. RESULTS: Serum PCT
      levels in advanced liver cirrhotic patients with SBP were significantly higher
      than those with CNNA. We used PCT 0.78 ng/mL as optimal cutoff value to diagnose
      SBP, for which the sensitivity and specificity was 77.5% and 60.4%. The area
      under the curve (AUC) was 0.706 (95% confidence interval: 0.576-0.798). The PCT
      level was significantly correlated with the AF WBC count (rs=0.404, P<0.01).
      However, there was no significant difference between SBP and CNNA patients in
      serum CRP levels. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, serum PCT levels seem to
      provide an early diagnostic accuracy in advanced liver cirrhotic patients with
      SBP.

PMID- 28083051
TI  - Students' views of mentoring at Bahria University Medical and Dental College.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the mentoring program on a subset of Pakistani medical
      students in a private medical college. METHOD: Total students targeted were 300
      MBBS students of 1st Year (group B), 2nd Year (group C) and 3rd Year (group D),
      of these 256 students filled the self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire
      was based on Likert Scale. The statements in the questionnaire are designed in a
      positive manner so that if the students agree to them the level of satisfaction
      with the mentoring program was considered significantly good. Open-ended
      questionnaires were also given so as to have a clearer concept of the students'
      perception. This study is a mixed method study catering to both quantitative and
      qualitative domains. RESULTS: The overall results reported that the junior
      students of group B and group C showed higher satisfaction in being mentored as
      compared group D (p-value=0.001). All three groups were compared with each other
      to check the response of every statement by applying Tukey's test. Analysis of
      the result showed that majority of the students considered mentoring program a
      beneficial tool for their academic and non-academic lives. The students of all
      three years have reported that the mentor is mostly available and helps to
      reconcile internal conflicts. They also confirmed that their mentor keeps records
      but most of the students have reported that communication via email is limited.
      CONCLUSION: Majority of students of Bahria University Medical and Dental College
      are able to carry on with their academic and non-academic routine due to the
      presence of mentoring. The medical students appreciated the presence of a mentor
      during thick and thin; they have also accepted that it is due to the presence of
      this guide that they are able to continue with their difficult studies in these
      difficult times.

PMID- 28083052
TI  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura - analysis of clinical features, laboratory
      characteristics and therapeutic outcome of 24 patients treated at a Tertiary Care
      Center in Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening
      disease. The primary aim was overall response rate (ORR) assessment in the
      treated patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included 24 patients treated
      during 2006-2015. TTP patients with microangiopathic hemolysis (MAHA) and
      thrombocytopenia were included. We analyzed clinical features, laboratory
      characteristics and treatment outcomes of 24 TTP patients treated at our tertiary
      care center (KFMC). RESULTS: Twenty-four TTP patients (18 females; 6 males) had a
      mean age of 33.5+/-13.9 years; 22(91%) had neurologic features, 7(29%) fever,
      10(42%) renal impairment; 4(20.83%) cardiac manifestations; 22(91.7%) had triad
      with additional neurologic abnormalities; only 2(8.2%) had pentad of TTP.
      Majority (54.16%) had idiopathic TTP. All patients received therapeutic plasma
      exchange (TPE); 23(95.8%) received adjunctive corticosteroids and 13(54.2%)
      received rituximab either due to refractoriness to TPE on ~day7, or earlier.
      Twenty-one out of 24 (87.5%) achieved complete remission (CR) without any
      subsequent relapse. At 22 months (median, range 1-113), 20 patients (83.3%) are
      alive at the time of report. Three patients died during acute episode because of
      sever disease or delayed treatment and one died in CR. CONCLUSION: TPE, steroids
      and or rituximab was very effective in preventing high risk of mortality and
      achieving durable CR in 87.5% of patients. More awareness is needed for early
      diagnosis and early referral to centers with appropriate tertiary care
      facilities..

PMID- 28083053
TI  - Effective role of lady health workers in immunization of children in Pakistan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of Lady Health Worker's role with
      immunization of children in Pakistan. METHODS: Secondary analysis was conducted
      on data obtained from Pakistan's Demographic and Health Survey. Children who did
      not receive all doses of vaccines were considered incompletely immunized or vice
      versa. The association between determinants was assessed by simple and
      multivariable binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The mothers and fathers had a
      mean age of 32.7 (SD+8.6) years and 37.9 (SD +10.1) years, respectively. Age of
      mother greater than 35 (OR=0.93; 95% CI:0.70-1.25); born in Baluchistan
      (OR=3.47,95% CI:2.21-5.49); rural area dwellers (OR=2.04; 95% CI:1.65-2.51);
      female gender (OR=1.06; 95% CI:0.87-1.29); birth order (of last born child)
      greater than 7 (OR=2.21, 95% CI:1.60-3.06); delivered at home (OR=2.20, 95%
      CI:1.76-2.74); long distance to health care facility (OR=2.66, 95% CI:2.16-3.28);
      and no LHW visit in last 12 months (OR=1.91, CI:1.48-2.47) were significantly
      associated with incomplete immunization in bivariate analysis. In final model of
      multinomial regression analysis the absence of visit by LHW in last 12 months was
      the most significant factor when all risk factors were analyzed in last model.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study has concluded that visit of LHW in last 12 months was
      significantly associated with immunization.

PMID- 28083054
TI  - Does periodic lung screening of films meets standards?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the workers' periodic chest x-ray screening
      techniques in accordance with the quality standards is the responsibility of
      physicians. Evaluation of differences of interpretations by physicians in
      different levels of education and the importance of standardization of
      interpretation. METHODS: Previously taken chest radiographs of 400 workers who
      are working in a factory producing the glass run channels were evaluated
      according to technical and quality standards by three observers (pulmonologist,
      radiologist, pulmonologist assistant). There was a perfect concordance between
      radiologist and pulmonologist for the underpenetrated films. Whereas there was
      perfect concordance between pulmonologist and pulmonologist assistant for over
      penetrated films. RESULTS: Pulmonologist (52%) has interpreted the dose of the
      films as regular more than other observers (radiologist; 44.3%, pulmonologist
      assistant; 30.4%). The frequency of interpretation of the films as taken in
      inspiratory phase by the pulmonologist (81.7%) was less than other observers
      (radiologist; 92.1%, pulmonologist assistant; 92.6%). The rate of the
      pulmonologist (53.5%) was higher than the other observers (radiologist; 44.6%,
      pulmonologist assistant; 41.8%) for the assessment of the positioning of the
      patients as symmetrical. Pulmonologist assistant (15.3%) was the one who most
      commonly reported the parenchymal findings (radiologist; 2.2%, pulmonologist;
      12.9%). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to reorganize the technical standards and
      exposure procedures for improving the quality of the chest radiographs. The
      reappraisal of all interpreters and continuous training of technicians is
      required.

PMID- 28083055
TI  - Detection of AmpC beta-lactamase producing bacteria isolated in neonatal sepsis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and
      antimicrobial profile of AmpC beta-lactamase producing bacteria. METHODS: The
      study was conducted at The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health
      Lahore, Pakistan, during September 2011 to June 2012. A total number of 1,914
      blood samples of suspected neonatal septicemia were processed. Isolates were
      identified using Gram's staining, API 20E and API 20NE tests. Gram negative
      isolates were screened for AmpC beta-lactamase production against ceftazidime,
      cefotaxime and cefoxitin resistance and confirmed by inhibitor based method.
      RESULTS: Total number of 54 (8.49%) Gram positive and 582 (91.5%) Gram negative
      bacteria were identified. Among Gram negative isolates 141 (22%) were AmpC
      producers and found to be 100% resistant to co-amoxiclav, cefoxitin, ceftazidime,
      cefotaxime, cefuroxime, cefixime, ceftriaxone, cefpodoxime, gentamicin, amikacin
      and aztreonam. Less resistance was observed against cefepime (30.4%), sulbactam
      cefoperazone (24.8%), piperacillin-tazobactam (10.6%), ciprofloxacin (20.5%) and
      meropenem (2.1%). All the isolates were found sensitive to imipenem. The patients
      harbored AmpC beta-lactamases were on various interventions in which intravenous
      line was noted among (51.1%), naso-gastric tube (37.6%), ambu bag (8.5%),
      endotracheal tube (3.5%), ventilator (2.1%) and surgery (0.7%). CONCLUSION:
      Extensive use of invasive procedures and third generation cephalosporins should
      be restricted to avoid the emergence of AmpC beta-lactamases in neonates.

PMID- 28083056
TI  - Early nasogastric feeding versus parenteral nutrition in severe acute
      pancreatitis: A retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of early nasogastric enteral
      nutrition (EN) with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in patients with severe
      acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: From July 2008 to July 2014,185 patients with
      SAP admitted to our centre were enrolled in this retrospective study. They were
      divided into EN group (n=89) and TPN group (n=96) based on the nutrition support
      modes. Patients in EN group received nasogastric EN support, while patients in
      TPN group received TPN support within 72 hours of disease onset. The medical
      records were reviewed and clinical factors were retrospectively analyzed.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics
      between two groups. EN group had significantly lower incidence of pancreatic
      infections (P=0.0333) and extrapancreatic infections (P=0.0431). Significantly
      shorter hospital stay (P=0.0355) and intensive-care stay (P=0.0313) were found in
      EN group. TPN group was found to have significantly greater incidence of multiple
      organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (P=0.0338) and mortality (P=0.0382). Moreover,
      the incidence of hyperglycemia was significantly higher in TPN group (P=0.0454).
      CONCLUSIONS: Early nasogastric EN was feasible and significantly decreased the
      incidence of infectious complications as well as the frequency of MODS and
      mortality caused by SAP.

PMID- 28083057
TI  - Effects of Diet and Metformin on placental morphology in Gestational Diabetes
      Mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of diet control and Metformin on placental
      morphology in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: After written
      informed consent 62 GDMs were enrolled. According to WHO criteria, 30 cases of
      GDMs with blood sugar level <130 mg/dl, were assigned Group B (2000-2500Kcal/day
      and 30 minute walk thrice weekly were kept on diet control and 32 cases of GDM
      with blood sugar level >130 mg/dl, assigned Group C were kept on diet with tablet
      Metformin,(500mg TDS) Finally 25 normal pregnant females were kept in Group A as
      control. After delivery placentae were preserved and evaluated for morphology.
      RESULTS: Heavy placentae with abundant villous immaturity, chorangiosis and
      syncytial knots in group B and fibrinoid necrosis and calcification in group C
      were seen. In group B versus A placental and cord width while in Group C versus A
      only cord width in gross morphology showed significant results. In group B versus
      A villous immaturity, chorangiosis, infarction and syncytial knots in light
      microscopy were present; similarly in B versus C placental width, chorangiosis
      and syncytial knots showed significant results, while in C versus A results were
      non-significant. CONCLUSION: Metformin produced beneficial effects on placental
      morphology being comparable to normal control in contrast to diet group.

PMID- 28083058
TI  - Frequency of obesity and comorbidities in medical students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of obesity disorders and their co
      morbidities in medical students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was
      conducted in Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Ar'ar, Saudi
      Arabia. All medical students who consented to participate were included in the
      study. Their relevant information was recorded on a structured proforma. Weight
      and height of the participants were measured using calibrated manual weighing
      scale and Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The obtained results were
      interpreted according to classification of body weight disorders. The
      participants who turned out to be over-weight and obese were further assessed for
      hypertension, diabetes mellitus and gallstones. The collected data was analyzed
      using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. RESULTS: A
      total of 405 students participated in study, age range was 19-25 years. Male were
      169 (41.7%) and female students were 236(58.3%). Family history of obesity was
      present in 34.3%. Out of 405 students, 126 were having BMI between 25 and 45.6,
      among them 34(8.4%) students were obese and 88 (21.7%) were overweight. Sixty two
      (15.3%) among them were male and 64 (15.8%) female. Fourteen (11.1%) were
      hypertensive and 9(7.1%) were having gall stones. CONCLUSION: The frequency of
      obesity among medical students was 8.4%. Increasing frequency of obesity
      associated with unhealthy life style needs to be controlled at national level to
      raise a healthy generation and to reduce burden on health economy.

PMID- 28083059
TI  - Comparison of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients having pseudo
      exfoliation syndrome with healthy adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients
      having pseudo exfoliation (PXF) with normal age matched controls using spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: This was a case control
      study conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO) Rawalpindi from
      12 June 2013 to 12 January 2014. Seventy eyes (Group A - 35 patients with PXF and
      Group B - 35 healthy age matched subjects) of more than 40 years of age were
      included in the study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with Goldmann
      applanation tonometer (GAT) and peripapillary RNFL thickness was measured in four
      quadrants with SD-OCT (Topcon 3D OCT-1000 Mark II) in all subjects. Data was
      analyzed using the SPSS version 14. RESULTS: Mean age of group A (PXF patients)
      was 65.63 +/- 8.47 years and of group B (Healthy subjects) was 64.31 +/- 6.51
      years (p = 0.470). Both groups were gender matched with male preponderance (p =
      0.673). Mean IOP in each group was 13.80 +/- 2.59 mm Hg, and 13.49 +/- 2.07 mm Hg
      respectively (p= 0.578). Mean average peripapillary RNFL thickness was 77.46 +/-
      12.17 um in group A and 83.96 +/- 10.58 um in group B. Statistically significant
      differences were detected between two groups for mean average RNFL thickness (p=
      0.020) and mean RNFL thickness in inferior quadrant (p=0.014). CONCLUSION: PXF
      patients with normal IOP and visual fields have thin RNFL as compared to healthy
      age matched controls. Therefore routine assessment and follow up of PXF patients
      with OCT may help in early diagnosis of PXF glaucoma.

PMID- 28083060
TI  - Assessment of Risk Factors of Obesity and Diet on Breast Cancer in Ankara,
      Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors of obesity and diet on breast cancer in
      Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: A case-controlled study was carried out on newly
      diagnosed 40 breast cancer patients [patient group (PC)] and 40 volunteer
      individuals [control group (CG)] with no diagnosis of cancer and history of
      cancer in the family with similar characteristics to the age and gender-matched
      patient group between March and July 2016. All the individuals were administered
      a questionnaire by face-to-face interview method. RESULTS: The mean menarche age,
      age at first birth and menopause age were 13.0+/-1.17, 22.6+/-3.78 and 44.33+/
      2.39 years in PG and 12.3+/-0.95, 21.6+/-2.99, 46.71+/-2.41 years in CG,
      respectively. The mean BMI values were determined as 28.1+/-6.75 kg/m2 in PG and
      30.1+/-6.18 kg/m2 in CG (p>0.05). It was determined that intake of vitamin C and
      fiber decreases the risk of breast cancer. Also, eating quickly and smoking were
      risk factors for breast cancer (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that
      there are relationships between menarche age, menopause age, and age at first
      birth, eating quickly, smoking and breast cancer. Conversely, there are
      significant negative relationships between dietary fiber, vitamin C intake and
      breast cancer. As a result, it can be said that there is a link between breast
      cancer and lifestyle factors and a reduction in the risk of developing breast
      cancer can be achieved through changes in diet, one of the lifestyle factors.

PMID- 28083061
TI  - Etiology and severity of various forms of ocular war injuries in patients
      presenting at an Army Hospital in Pakistan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the etiology and severity of various forms of ocular war
      injuries in patients presenting at an Army Hospital in Pakistan. METHODS: This
      cross sectional study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Combined
      Military Hospital, Peshawar over four years period from June 2012 through March
      2016, Two hundred ten consecutive soldiers who presented with ocular war injuries
      were included for analysis after taking written informed consent. A predesigned
      proforma was used to record patient's demographic details along with the cause,
      side, type and severity of injury, ocular trauma score was also recorded at
      presentation. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 29.34+/-5.35 years. All
      of them were males. Left side was more frequently involved (n=126, 60.0%) and the
      most frequent underlying cause was IED blast injury (n=114, 54.3%). Closed globe
      injuries were more frequent and were recorded in 120 (57.1%) patients. Upon
      assigning Ocular Trauma Score, Grade-V (28.6%) injuries were the most frequent
      followed by Grade-I (25.7%), Grade III (25.7%), Grade II (11.4%) and Grade IV
      (8.6%). When stratified for the type of injury, OTS Grade I injuries were highest
      (60.0%) among patients with open globe injuries, hence poorer prognosis, while
      OTS Grade V injuries were highest (50.0%) among patients with closed globe
      injuries (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: IED blast injuries are most frequently
      encountered ocular war injuries often involving soldiers in the age group 20-30
      years. These open globe injuries had worst clinical presentation to begin with
      and poorer prognosis than closed globe injuries.

PMID- 28083062
TI  - Correlation between bone marrow dose volumes and acute hematological toxicity in
      postoperative gynecological cancer patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the association between radiation dose volume and acute
      hematological toxicity (HT) in postoperative gynecological cancer patients
      receiving whole pelvic radiotherapy (RT) or intensity-modulated RT (IMRT), a
      principal component regression model was used to calculate HT. METHODS: Women
      (n=100) receiving with or without chemotherapy RT were retrospectively analyzed,
      52 of whom received chemotherapy (paclitaxel and nedaplatin). The pelvis and
      lumbar vertebrae, defined as the prolong-pelvic bone marrow, were divided into
      the (1) combined ilium, ischium and pubis and the (2) lumbar vertebrae and the
      sacrum. The V5-V40 of subsides was calculated. The complete blood counts were
      recorded weekly. The principal component analysis was performed on volumes which
      generated the principal components (PCs), followed by using a logistic regression
      model. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients presented with grade 2-3 HT during RT.
      Chemotherapy increased the incidence of HT compared with RT alone (70.21% vs.
      29.79%; p=0.001). Fifty-three patients with persistent HT developed more serious
      HT at an earlier stage of RT. The chemotherapy cycles and three PCs associated
      with grade 2-3 HT was identified to form the resulting principal logistic
      regression model. CONCLUSION: A new method to calculate the NTCP was achieved by
      PCs logistic regression.

PMID- 28083063
TI  - Prognostic factors of recurrence and neck metastasis in oral carcinomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of tumor size, proximity to midline and invasion
      depth of oral cancer of the tongue (TC) on neck metastasis and recurrence.
      METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, was conducted through a chart
      review of the 11 male and 9 female patients who underwent surgeries with the
      diagnosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma and at least one side neck
      dissection. We wanted to assess effects of tumor size, proximity to midline, and
      invasion depth of TC, according to the surgical specimens and pre-operative
      magnetic resonance imaging, on neck metastasis and recurrence between 2007 and
      2014. The study was conducted in a training hospital-based otorhinolaryngology
      clinic. Statistical analyses were performed to determine possible relationship
      between such tumor features and tumor recurrence and neck metastasis. RESULTS:
      Statistically significant relationship were detected between recurrence and the
      proximity of tumor to midline (p=0.031) and between invasion depth and neck
      metastasis (p=0.017). No relationship was found between tumor size and recurrence
      and neck metastasis (p=0.721 and p=0.827, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Parameters
      like invasion depth and tumor proximity to midline might provide useful
      information about prognosis and may help to determine a treatment schedule in
      patients suffering fdrom cancer of the tongue. The present TNM classification
      might not be sufficient to provide enough information to determine prognosis and
      staging adequately in these patients.

PMID- 28083064
TI  - Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of mothers on acute respiratory infection in
      children under five years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of mothers on ARI (Acute
      Respiratory Tract Infection) in children less than five years of age. METHODS:
      This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Darul
      Sehat hospital from 1st December 2014 to 28th February 2015. Mothers(n=335) who
      were local residents, had at least one child below the age of five years and
      coming to the hospital for any medical problem along with accompanying women were
      included. Foreign mothers and/or those having difficulty in perceiving questions
      were excluded. Language used in the Questionnaire was English which was
      translated to Urdu for better understanding. Questionnaire was interviewer
      administered. Researchers and two house physicians took part in questioning the
      mothers. RESULTS: Total 335 children were studied. Out of 335 children 228(68%)
      had ARI. Mean age of the children was 20 months +/-17 SD while mean Birth weight
      was 2.7 kg +/- 1.8 SD. The most common symptom perceived was cough (n=303, 40%),
      mostly worsening during winter season (n=255,87%), commonest aggravating factor
      was dust (n=174,81%), most common complication was Pneumonia (n=135, 83%), and
      most mothers opted for medical practitioner (n=268,89%) for treatment. Self
      medication was practiced by 192(58%) and paracetamol was frequently used
      medication (n=117,42%). CONCLUSION: The study reveals good knowledge of mothers
      on ARI symptoms, worsening environmental conditions, aggravating factors and
      complications. Their attitude towards ARI was appropriate with early consultation
      with qualified medical practitioner. Better literacy rate, has a positive
      influence on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of mothers.

PMID- 28083065
TI  - Publish or Perish mantra in the medical field: A systematic review of the
      reasons, consequences and remedies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Generally, academic promotions, job retention, job mobility, and
      professional development of a medical faculty members are judged primarily by the
      growth in publication outputs. Universities and research institutions are more
      likely to recruit and promote those academics carrying voluminous resumes with
      larger number of published articles. This review elaborates the causes and
      consequences of the pressure to publish and the ways and means to cope with this
      paradigm. METHODS: In 2015, database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, LISTA
      (EBSCO), Medline and Oxford University Library were searched for the English
      language full-text articles published during 2000-2015, by using MeSH terms
      "pressure to publish", "urge to publish", "research ethics", "plagiarism",
      "article retraction", "medical field". This search was further refined by
      selecting the articles in terms of relevancy and contents. RESULTS: This research
      showed that some universities offer generous grants to researchers with a high h
      index and with more publications in elite journals, which promise an enhanced
      prospect of citations and elevation in the scientific rankings of the funding
      institutions. This generates an involuntary obsession to publish with the primary
      intention to obtain promotions, high scientific rankings, and improved job
      security. This compelling pressure to publish results in widespread publication
      of non-significant research with a high index of plagiarism that eventually leads
      to an increased frequency of retractions. CONCLUSION: Research centers and
      academic institutions have an obligation to train their academics in sound
      scientific writing and to apprise them of the publication ethics and the grave
      consequences of plagiarism and research misconduct.

PMID- 28083066
TI  - Prognostic significance of B7-H3 expression in patients with colorectal cancer: A
      meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The co-stimulatory molecule B7-H3 plays an important role in prognosis
      of several malignancies. However, its prognostic value in clinic in patient with
      colorectal cancer (CRC) is still controversial. This meta-analysis evaluated the
      relationship between B7-H3 expression and the outcomes of CRC patients. METHODS:
      PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang database were searched for the
      studies on the relationship between the expression of B7-H3 and prognosis of CRC
      patients. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) analysis with 95% confidence interval (95%
      CIs) for lymph node metastasis, 24-month overall survival and 72-month overall
      survival were performed mainly using Review Manager 5.0. RESULTS: Six articles
      including 1,202 total CRC cases were included for the meta-analysis. Pooled
      analysis with fixed-effects model showed that B7-H3 expression had no
      relationship with lymphatic metastasis in CRC patients (Fixed-effects, OR= 1.18;
      95 % CI:0.87-1.61, P=0.28). However, B7-H3 expression was associated with 24
      month overall survival (Fixed-effects, OR=0.48, 95% CI:0.32-0.74, P<0.001) and 72
      month overall survival (Fixed-effects, OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43-0.85, P< 0.01) in
      CRC patients. CONCLUSION: The co-stimulatory molecule B7-H3 expression is
      negatively associated with lymph node metastasis in CRC. However, B7-H3 detection
      might be a feasible and effective means to predict the prognosis in CRC patients.

PMID- 28083067
TI  - Clinical Analysis of Five Cases of AIDS-related Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Secondary malignancy is a major life-threatening complication facing
      patients afflicted with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study
      aimed to retrospectively review clinical features and treatment course of five
      patients with AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma (A-NHL) in Jilin Tumor
      Hospital. METHODS: Five A-NHL patients were retrospectively and consecutively
      hospitalized at our oncological unit between January 2012 and June 2014. All
      patients received pre-emptive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and
      chemotherapy, and were subsequently followed up at the outpatient clinic. All
      five patients were male, aged 27-53 years, and afflicted with A-NHL involving
      upper jaw, right inguinal region, right-side gingiva, mediastinum, or right-side
      neck. Histology showed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 3) or plasmablastic
      lymphoma (n = 2). RESULTS: Two patients achieved complete remission after HAART
      and chemotherapy, whereas other three patients required a second-line treatment,
      with two achieving stable disease and one dying within a follow-up period of 0.5
      2 years. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study showed that A-NHL is a
      disease often diagnosed in the middle-to-late stages, with diverse clinical
      manifestations and short overall survival. In the cases reviewed in this study,
      HAART in combination with standard dose or high-dose chemotherapy, HAART and
      molecular targeted chemotherapy was administered, and these treatments proved to
      be effective for improving the prognosis of these patients. Moreover, the CD4+
      cell count was important for determining the prognosis of patients.

PMID- 28083068
TI  - Unusual presentation; seeding of tumor after biopsy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular cancer is one of the most common and fatal cancer tumor worldwide.
      However, the obtained results are questionable in terms of medical treatment of
      hepatocellular cancer. The muscle, soft tissue and cutaneous metastases of
      hepatocellular cancer, for instance, are rare and may result from interventional
      procedures. Seeding of tumor along the biopsy needle upon percutaneous biopsy is
      a very rare phenomenon. We report a very rare case of a 79 -year- old man, known
      to be hepatitis C virus carrier with a metastatic tumor in abdominal wall caused
      by seeding of tumor after three years following a percutaneous biopsy procedure.
      Even years later, after a biopsy procedure for diagnostic purposes and may be
      soft tissue metastases. This complication is a very rare condition that should
      not be ignored but can be observed. The biopsy requirement should be questioned
      closely and avoided unnecessary biopsy procedures.

PMID- 28083069
TI  - Oral Hemorrhage in a 3-year-old Boy Caused by Self-Mutilating Behavior.
AB  - A 3-year-old boy referred for persistent tongue bleeding was diagnosed with a
      rare self-mutilating disease that had also affected his lip and fingers. He
      underwent multiple odontectomy and partial glossectomy and continues to undergo
      behavior therapy and on-demand splints and restraints. He has stopped self-biting
      and has gained appetite and weight. Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome can cause significant
      morbidity including self-inflicted oral hemorrhage and emergent measures are not
      easily decided. The long-term management of its neurobehavioral symptoms is
      problematic and multidisciplinary, and health providers remain challenged to find
      the best treatment, prolong lifespan and improve quality of life within their
      respective contexts.

PMID- 28083071
TI  - "Gauze Technique" in the Treatment of the Fungus Ball of the Maxillary Sinus: A
      Technique as Simple as It Is Effective.
AB  - Fungus ball of maxillary sinus generally affects immunocompetent and nonatopic
      subjects. Although endoscopic removal is the current gold standard treatment,
      removal is at times difficult due to an accumulation of fungal elements in the
      anterior ad inferior recesses. Aim. To present our experience of maxillary fungus
      ball treated by the "gauze technique" that avoids these removal difficulties.
      Materials and Methods. A retrospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study of
      25 patients affected by maxillary fungus ball was carried out: 19 were treated by
      the "gauze technique" and 6 were treated without "gauze technique." Results. A
      comparison was made between the two groups for surgery procedure time, length of
      hospitalization, time from surgery to nasal unpacking, complications, and
      postsurgical patient satisfaction. The only statistically significant difference
      observed was a shorter surgical procedure time (p < 0.05) for the "gauze
      technique." Conclusions. The data obtained in this study demonstrated that the
      "gauze technique" is a safe, simple, and quick technique, able to reduce surgery
      procedure time whilst providing excellent functional outcomes and patient
      satisfaction.

PMID- 28083072
TI  - The avian influenza H9N2 at avian-human interface: A possible risk for the future
      pandemics.
AB  - The avian influenza subtype H9N2 is considered a low pathogenic virus which is
      endemic in domestic poultry of a majority of Asian countries. Many reports of
      seropositivity in occupationally poultry-exposed workers and a number of
      confirmed human infections with an H9N2 subtype of avian influenza have been
      documented up to now. Recently, the human infections with both H7N9 and H10N8
      viruses highlighted that H9N2 has a great potential for taking a part in the
      emergence of new human-infecting viruses. This review aimed at discussing the
      great potential of H9N2 virus which is circulating at avian-human interface, for
      cross-species transmission, contribution in the production of new reassortants
      and emergence of new pandemic subtypes. An intensified surveillance is needed for
      controlling the future risks which would be created by H9N2 circulation at avian
      human interfaces.

PMID- 28083070
TI  - Biologics for Targeting Inflammatory Cytokines, Clinical Uses, and Limitations.
AB  - Proinflammatory cytokines are potent mediators of numerous biological processes
      and are tightly regulated in the body. Chronic uncontrolled levels of such
      cytokines can initiate and derive many pathologies, including incidences of
      autoimmunity and cancer. Therefore, therapies that regulate the activity of
      inflammatory cytokines, either by supplementation of anti-inflammatory
      recombinant cytokines or by neutralizing them by using blocking antibodies, have
      been extensively used over the past decades. Over the past few years, new
      innovative biological agents for blocking and regulating cytokine activities have
      emerged. Here, we review some of the most recent approaches of cytokine
      targeting, focusing on anti-TNF antibodies or recombinant TNF decoy receptor,
      recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and anti-IL-1 antibodies, anti-IL-6
      receptor antibodies, and TH17 targeting antibodies. We discuss their effects as
      biologic drugs, as evaluated in numerous clinical trials, and highlight their
      therapeutic potential as well as emphasize their inherent limitations and
      clinical risks. We suggest that while systemic blocking of proinflammatory
      cytokines using biological agents can ameliorate disease pathogenesis and
      progression, it may also abrogate the hosts defense against infections. Moreover,
      we outline the rational need to develop new therapies, which block inflammatory
      cytokines only at sites of inflammation, while enabling their function
      systemically.

PMID- 28083073
TI  - Experience Sampling of Positive Affect in Adolescents with Autism: Feasibility
      and Preliminary Findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Experience sampling is a powerful method for obtaining ecologically
      valid data from research participants in real-world contexts. Given the urgent
      need for innovative and sensitive outcome measures in autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD) research, the present study sought to examine the feasibility of using
      experience sampling of positive affect and behavior in adolescents with ASD.
      METHOD: Nineteen high functioning adolescents with ASD and 20 sex and age matched
      controls completed smartphone- and Qualtrics(r) -based experience sampling of
      positive affect and behavior six times over four days. RESULTS: Adherence was
      excellent: adolescents with ASD completed 85% of the assessments, compared to 93%
      in controls, and response rates were not impacted by age or IQ. Groups did not
      differ in positive affect overall or as a function of activities, nor did groups
      differ in the proportion of assessments completed during social or nonsocial
      activities. However, groups did differ in the proportion of assessments completed
      during preferred activities. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that smartphone- and
      Qualtrics(r) -based experience sampling with high functioning adolescents with
      ASD is feasible and captures real-world behaviors that would not be possible
      using laboratory-based measures.

PMID- 28083074
TI  - Zoosporic parasites infecting marine diatoms - A black box that needs to be
      opened.
AB  - Living organisms in aquatic ecosystems are almost constantly confronted by
      pathogens. Nevertheless, very little is known about diseases of marine diatoms,
      the main primary producers of the oceans. Only a few examples of marine diatoms
      infected by zoosporic parasites are published, yet these studies suggest that
      diseases may have significant impacts on the ecology of individual diatom hosts
      and the composition of communities at both the producer and consumer trophic
      levels of food webs. Here we summarize available ecological and morphological
      data on chytrids, aphelids, stramenopiles (including oomycetes, labyrinthuloids,
      and hyphochytrids), parasitic dinoflagellates, cercozoans and phytomyxids, all of
      which are known zoosporic parasites of marine diatoms. Difficulties in
      identification of host and pathogen species and possible effects of environmental
      parameters on the prevalence of zoosporic parasites are discussed. Based on
      published data, we conclude that zoosporic parasites are much more abundant in
      marine ecosystems than the available literature reports, and that, at present,
      both the diversity and the prevalence of such pathogens are underestimated.

PMID- 28083075
TI  - Biorheology of platelet activation in the bloodstream distal to thrombus
      formation.
AB  - Thrombus growth at the site of vascular injury is mediated by the sequential
      events of platelet recruitment, activation and aggregation concomitant with the
      initiation of the coagulation cascade, resulting in local thrombin generation and
      fibrin formation. While the biorheology of a localized thrombus formation has
      been well studied, it is unclear whether local sites of thrombin generation
      propagate platelet activation within the bloodstream. In order to study the
      physical biology of platelet activation downstream of sites of thrombus
      formation, we developed a platform to measure platelet activation and
      microaggregate formation in the bloodstream. Our results show that thrombi formed
      on collagen and tissue factor promote activation and aggregation of platelets in
      the bloodstream in a convection-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of
      the coagulation factors (F) X, XI or thrombin dramatically reduced the degree of
      distal platelet activation and microaggregate formation in the bloodstream
      without affecting the degree of local platelet deposition and aggregation on a
      surface of immobilized collagen. Herein we describe the development and an
      example of the utility of a platform to study platelet activation and
      microaggregate formation in the bloodstream (convection-limited regime) relative
      to the local site of thrombus formation.

PMID- 28083076
TI  - Facets of Mindfulness Mediate the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and
      Smoking Behavior.
AB  - The relationship between cigarette smoking and depressive symptoms is well
      established. Dispositional mindfulness has been associated with lower depressive
      symptoms, lower smoking dependence, and higher odds of smoking cessation. Given
      that mindfulness is multi-faceted, the current study examined which facets of
      mindfulness might mediate the relationship between depressive symptoms and
      smoking behavior. Participants (n = 72) completed the Smoking Consequences
      Questionnaire (SCQ), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD),
      and Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS; subscales-Observe, Describe,
      Acting with Awareness, Accepting without Judgment), and indicated number of
      cigarettes smoked per day (CPD). Simple mediation models (followed by multiple
      mediation when more than one facet was significant) tested whether mindfulness
      facets mediated the relationship between CESD and smoking behavior (CPD and SCQ
      subscales). Results indicated that 1) lower depressive symptoms were associated
      with higher Accepting without Judgment, which was related to lower Negative
      Reinforcement expectancies, 2) lower depressive symptoms were associated with
      increased Describe, which was associated with greater perceived Negative
      Consequences, 3) lower depressive symptoms were associated with higher Accepting
      without Judgment, which was associated with lower Negative Consequences
      expectancies, and 4) higher depressive symptoms were associated with higher
      scores on Observe, which related to both greater Positive Reinforcement and
      Negative Consequences expectancies. Greater Accepting without Judgment and
      Describe aspects of mindfulness may serve as protective factors in the
      relationship of depressive symptoms and smoking.

PMID- 28083077
TI  - Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and
      Elemental Carbon in Bakersfield, California.
AB  - Despite increasing evidence that airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)
      exposures contribute to adverse health outcomes for sensitive populations,
      limited data are available on short-term intraurban spatial distributions for use
      in epidemiologic research. Exposure assessments for airborne PAHs are uncommon
      because air sampling for PAHs is a labor-, equipment-, and time-intensive task.
      To address this gap we measured wintertime PAH concentrations during 2010-2011 in
      Bakersfield, California, USA, a major city in the Southern San Joaquin Valley.
      Specifically, 58 96-hour integrated PAH samples were collected during 4 time
      periods at 14 locations from November 2010 to January 2011; duplicates were
      collected at two sites. We also collected elemental carbon (EC) at the same 14
      sites and analyzed the two time periods with the highest ambient PAH pollution.
      We used linear regression models to quantify the relationship between potential
      spatial and temporal predictors of PAH concentrations. We found that wintertime
      PAH concentrations in Bakersfield, CA, are best predicted by meteorological
      variables and traffic proximity. Our model explains a moderate amount of the
      variability in the data (R2=0.58), likely reflecting the major sources of PAHs in
      Bakersfield. We also observed that PAH concentrations were more spatially
      variable than EC concentrations. Comparing our data to historical monitoring data
      at one location in Bakersfield showed that the relatively low PAH concentrations
      during the 2010-2011 winter in Bakersfield is part of a long-term trend in
      decreasing PAH concentrations.

PMID- 28083078
TI  - A Summary of a Cochrane Review: Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for the
      treatment of cancer.

PMID- 28083079
TI  - Inkjet printed silver electrodes on macroporous paper for a paper-based
      isoelectric focusing device.
AB  - We demonstrate a combined printing process utilizing inkjet printing of silver
      electrodes and solid-ink technology for printing hydrophobic wax barriers for
      fabricating paper microfluidic devices with integrated electrodes. Optimized
      printing parameters are given for achieving conducting silver lines on the top of
      macroporous chromatography paper down to 250 MUm-300 MUm resolution. Electrical
      characterization and wicking experiments demonstrate that the printed silver
      patterns are simultaneously conductive and porous enough to allow reliable
      capillary wicking across the electrodes. The combined wax and silver printing
      method is used for fabrication of paper microfluidic isoelectric focusing devices
      for separation and concentration of proteins.

PMID- 28083080
TI  - Chronic Oral Capsaicin Exposure During Development Leads to Adult Rats with
      Reduced Taste Bud Volumes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cross-sensory interaction between gustatory and trigeminal nerves
      occurs in the anterior tongue. Surgical manipulations have demonstrated that the
      strength of this relationship varies across development. Capsaicin is a
      neurotoxin that affects fibers of the somatosensory lingual nerve surrounding
      taste buds, but not fibers of the gustatory chorda tympani nerve which synapse
      with taste receptor cells. Since capsaicin is commonly consumed by many species,
      including humans, experimental use of this neurotoxin provides a naturalistic
      perturbation of the lingual trigeminal system. Neonatal or adults rats consumed
      oral capsaicin for 40 days and we examined the cross-sensory effect on the
      morphology of taste buds across development. METHODS: Rats received moderate
      doses of oral capsaicin, with chronic treatments occurring either before or after
      taste system maturation. Tongue morphology was examined either 2 or 50 days after
      treatment cessation. Edema, which has been previously suggested as a cause of
      changes in capsaicin-related gustatory function, was also assessed. RESULTS:
      Reductions in taste bud volume occurred 50 days, but not 2 days post-treatment
      for rats treated as neonates. Adult rats at either time post-treatment were
      unaffected. Edema was not found to occur with the 5 ppm concentration of
      capsaicin we used. CONCLUSIONS: Results further elucidate the cooperative
      relationship between these discrete sensory systems and highlight the
      developmentally mediated aspect of this interaction. IMPLICATIONS: Chronic
      exposure to even moderate levels of noxious stimuli during development has the
      ability to impact the orosensory environment, and these changes may not be
      evident until long after exposure has ceased.

PMID- 28083082
TI  - Restructuring of the vascular bed in response to hemodynamic disturbances in
      portal hypertension.
AB  - In recent years, defined progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms
      of hemodynamic disturbances occurring in liver cirrhosis, which are based on
      portal hypertension. In addition to pathophysiological disorders related to
      endothelial dysfunction, it was revealed: There is the restructuring of the
      vasculature, which includes vascular remodeling and angiogenesis. In spite of the
      fact that these changes are the compensatory-adaptive response to the
      deteriorating conditions of blood circulation, taken together, they contribute to
      the development and progression of portal hypertension causing severe
      complications such as bleeding from esophageal varices. Disruption of systemic
      and organ hemodynamics and the formation of portosystemic collaterals in portal
      hypertension commence with neovascularization and splanchnic vasodilation due to
      the hypoxia of the small intestine mucosa. In this regard, the goal of
      comprehensive treatment may be to influence on the chemokines, proinflammatory
      cytokines, and angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, placental
      growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor and others) that lead to the
      development of these disorders. This review is to describe the mechanisms of
      restructuring of the vascular bed in response to hemodynamic disturbances in
      portal hypertension. Development of pathogenetic methods, which allow correcting
      portal hypertension, will improve the efficiency of conservative therapy aimed at
      prevention and treatment of its inherent complications.

PMID- 28083083
TI  - Fractionation of gamma-glutamyltransferase in patients with nonalcoholic fatty
      liver disease and alcoholic liver disease.
AB  - AIM: To assess how serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) fractions vary in
      patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD). METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 14 patients with biopsy-proven
      alcoholic liver diseases and 9 patients with biopsy proven non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease. In addition to these biopsy-proven cases, 16 obese (body mass
      index > 25) patients without any history of alcohol consumption but with a fatty
      liver on ultrasound examination and with elevated GGT were included for an
      additional analysis. Serum GGT fractionation was conducted by high-performance
      gel filtration liquid chromatography and was separated into the four fractions,
      big-GGT, medium-GGT, small-GGT (s-GGT), and free-GGT (f-GGT). RESULTS: The
      results were expressed as a ratio of each fraction including the total GGT (t
      GGT). The s-GGT/t-GGT ratios were lowest for the control group and highest for
      the ALD group. The differences between the control and NAFLD groups and also
      between the NAFLD and ALD groups were statistically significant. In contrast, the
      f-GGT/t-GGT ratios were highest in the control group and lowest in the ALD group,
      with the differences being statistically significant. As a result, the s-GGT/f
      GGT ratios were markedly increased in the NAFLD group as compared with the
      control group. The increase of the s-GGT/t-GGT ratios, the decrease of the f
      GGT/t-GGT ratios, and the increase of s-GGT/F-GGT ratios as compared with the
      control group subjects were also found in obese patients with clinically
      diagnosed fatty change of the liver. CONCLUSION: Serum GGT fractionation by high
      performance gel filtration liquid chromatography is potentially useful for the
      differential diagnosis of ALD and NAFLD.

PMID- 28083081
TI  - Biliary atresia: Where do we stand now?
AB  - The pathway from clinical suspicion to establishing the diagnosis of biliary
      atresia in a child with jaundice is a daunting task. However, investigations
      available help to point towards the correct diagnosis in reasonable time frame.
      Imaging by Sonography has identified several parameters which can be of utility
      in the diagnostic work up. Comparison of Sonography with imaging by Nuclear
      medicine can bring out the significant differences and also help in appropriate
      imaging. The battery of Biochemical tests, available currently, enable better
      understanding of the line-up of investigations in a given child with neonatal
      cholestasis. Management protocols enable standardized care with optimal outcome.
      The place of surgical management in biliary atresia is undisputed, although Kasai
      procedure and primary liver transplantation have been pitted against each other.
      This article functions as a platform to bring forth the various dimensions of
      biliary atresia.

PMID- 28083084
TI  - Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis prevalence in pre-transplant patients and its
      effect on survival and graft loss post-transplant.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in
      pre-transplant patients and its effect on post transplant mortality and graft
      failure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patient records
      from the organ procurement and transplant network data set. Patients were
      identified by the presence of SBP pre-transplant. Univariate post-transplant
      survival models were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier technique and
      multivariate models were constructed using the Cox proportional hazards model.
      Variables that affected post-transplant graft survival were identified in the SBP
      population. RESULTS: Forty-seven thousand eight hundred and eighty patient
      records were included in the analysis for both groups, and 1966 (4.11%) patients
      were identified in the data set as having pre-transplant SBP. Patients that had
      pre-transplant SBP had higher rates of graft loss from recurrent hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) (3.6% vs 2.0%, P < 0.0001), infections leading to graft loss (1.9% vs
      1.3%, P = 0.02), primary non-function (4.3% vs 3.0%, P < 0.0001) and chronic
      rejection (1.1% vs 0.7%, P = 0.04). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a
      statistically significant difference in all-cause survival in patients with a
      history of SBP vs those without (P < 0.0001). Pre-transplant history of SBP was
      independently predictive of mortality due to recurrent HCV (HR = 1.11, 95%CI:
      1.02-1.21, P < 0.017) after liver transplantation. CONCLUSION: HCV patients prior
      to the advent of directing acting anti-viral agents had a higher incidence of pre
      transplant SBP than other patients on the liver transplant wait list. SBP history
      pre-transplant resulted in a higher rate of graft loss due to recurrent HCV
      infection and chronic rejection.

PMID- 28083085
TI  - Prevalence of significant liver disease in human immunodeficiency virus-infected
      patients exposed to Didanosine: A cross sectional study.
AB  - AIM: To identify significant liver disease [including nodular regenerative
      hyperplasia (NRH)] in asymptomatic Didanosine (DDI) exposed human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients. METHODS: Patients without known
      liver disease and with > 6 mo previous DDI use had liver stiffness assessed by
      transient elastography (TE). Those with alanine transaminase (ALT) above upper
      limit normal and/or TE > 7.65 kPa underwent ultrasound scan (U/S). Patients with:
      (1) abnormal U/S; or (2) elevated ALT plus TE > 7.65 kPa; or (3) TE > 9.4 kPa
      were offered trans-jugular liver biopsy (TJLB) with hepatic venous pressure
      gradient (HVPG) assessment. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were recruited, median
      age 50 years (range 31-70), 81% male and 70% men who have sex with men. Ninety
      five percent with VL < 50 copies on antiretroviral therapy with median CD4 count
      639 IU/L. Median DDI exposure was 3.4 years (range 0.5-14.6). Eighty-one had a
      valid TE readings (interquartile range/score ratio < 0.3): 71 (88%) < 7.65 kPa, 6
      (7%) 7.65-9.4 kPa and 4 (6%) > 9.4 kPa. Seventeen (17%) met criteria for TJLB, of
      whom 12 accepted. All had HVPG < 6 mmHg. Commonest histological findings were
      steatosis (n = 6), normal architecture (n = 4) and NRH (n = 2), giving a
      prevalence of previously undiagnosed NRH of 2% (95%CI: 0.55%, 7.0%). CONCLUSION:
      A screening strategy based on TE, liver enzymes and U/S scan found a low
      prevalence of previously undiagnosed NRH in DDI exposed, asymptomatic HIV
      positive patients. Patients were more likely to have steatosis highlighting the
      increased risk of multifactorial liver disease in this population.

PMID- 28083086
TI  - Enzyme pattern of biliary colic: A counterintuitive picture.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of serial biochemical blood tests in the
      diagnosis of biliary colic. METHODS: Files were reviewed of 1039 patients who
      were admitted to the Share'e Zedek Medical Center emergency department between
      the years 2012-2013, and received the coding of acute biliary disease. Of these,
      the first 100 cases were selected that met the following criteria: (1) a
      diagnosis of biliary colic or symptomatic cholelithiasis; (2) at least two
      biochemical blood tests performed; and (3) 18 years of age or older. Patients
      with other acute biliary diseases were excluded. The biochemical profile of the
      patients was analyzed as were their clinical and radiological findings. RESULTS:
      Three-quarters of the patients were women, whose average age of 37 years was
      younger than the average of the men, at 50 years. According to their histories,
      47% of the patients had previously known cholelithiasis. Pain in either the right
      upper quadrant or the epigastrium was the presenting symptom in 93% cases. The
      greatest change in serum biochemical results was seen during the first day of the
      patients' admissions. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showed the highest initial
      rise above the reference range, followed by aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
      gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) - all
      these increases were statistically significant (P < 0.05). AST showed the
      sharpest decline followed by bilirubin and ALT. GGT and ALKP did not fall. A
      sharp rise and fall in liver enzymes, especially during the first day, most
      prominently in AST and ALT, was seen in 70% percent of cases. In 65% of cases
      trans-abdominal sonography did not give diagnostic findings. CONCLUSION: Serial
      serum liver enzyme measurements are helpful in the initial diagnosis of acute
      biliary colic.

PMID- 28083087
TI  - Isolated bilateral Tapia's syndrome after liver transplantation: A case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - AIM: To describe one case of bilateral Tapia's syndrome in a liver transplanted
      patient and to review the literature. METHODS: We report a case of bilateral
      Tapia's syndrome in a 50-year-old man with a history of human immunodeficiency
      virus and hepatitis C virus child. A liver cirrhosis and a bi-nodular
      hepatocellular carcinoma, who underwent liver transplantation after general
      anesthesia under orotracheal intubation. Uneventful extubation was performed in
      the intensive care unit during the following hours. On postoperative day (POD) 3,
      he required urgent re-laparotomy due to perihepatic hematoma complicated with
      respiratory gram negative bacilli infection. On POD 13, patient was extubated,
      but required immediate re-intubation due to severe respiratory failure. At the
      following day a third weaning failure occurred, requiring the performance of a
      percutaneous tracheostomy. Five days later, the patient was taken off mechanical
      ventilation and severe dysphagia, sialorrea and aphonia revealed. A computerized
      tomography and a magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck excluded central
      nervous injury. A stroboscopy showed bilateral paralysis of vocal cords and
      tongue and a diagnosis of bilateral Tapia's syndrome was performed. With
      conservative management, including a prompt establishment of a speech and
      swallowing rehabilitation program, the patient achieved full recovery within four
      months after liver transplantation. We carried out MEDLINE search for the term
      Tapia's syndrome. The inclusion criteria had no restriction by language or year
      but must provide sufficient available data to exclude duplicity. We described the
      clinical evolution of the patients, focusing on author, year of publication, age,
      sex, preceding problem, history of endotracheal intubation, unilateral or
      bilateral presentation, diagnostic procedures, type of treatment, follow-up, and
      outcome. RESULTS: Several authors mentioned the existence of around 70 cases,
      however only 54 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. We found only five published
      studies of bilateral Tapia's syndrome. However this is the first case reported in
      the literature in a liver transplanted patient. Most patients were male and young
      and the majority of cases appeared as a complication of airway manipulation after
      any type of surgery, closely related to the positioning of the head during the
      procedure. The diagnosis was founded on a rapid suspicion, a complete head and
      neck neurological examination and a computed tomography and or a magnetic
      resonance imaging of the brain and neck to establish the origin of central or
      peripheral type of Tapia's syndrome and also the nature of the lesion, ischemia,
      abscess formation, tumor or hemorrhage. Apart from corticosteroids and anti-
      inflammatory therapy, the key of the treatment was an intensive and
      multidisciplinary speech and swallowing rehabilitation. Most studies have
      emphasized that the recovery is usually completed within four to six months.
      CONCLUSION: Tapia's syndrome is almost always a transient complication after
      airway manipulation. Although bilateral Tapia's syndrome after general anesthesia
      is exceptionally rare, this complication should be recognized in patients
      reporting respiratory obstruction with complete dysphagia and dysarthria after
      prolonged intubation. Both anesthesiologists and surgeons should be aware of the
      importance of its preventing measurements, prompt diagnosis and intensive speech
      and swallowing rehabilitation program.

PMID- 28083088
TI  - Dust evolution, a global view I. Nanoparticles, nascence, nitrogen and natural
      selection ... joining the dots.
AB  - The role and importance of nanoparticles for interstellar chemistry and beyond is
      explored within the framework of The Heterogeneous dust Evolution Model for
      Interstellar Solids (THEMIS), focusing on their active surface chemistry, the
      effects of nitrogen doping and the natural selection of interesting nanoparticle
      sub-structures. Nanoparticle-driven chemistry, and in particular the role of
      intrinsic epoxide-type structures, could provide a viable route to the observed
      gas phase OH in tenuous interstellar clouds en route to becoming molecular
      clouds. The aromatic-rich moieties present in asphaltenes probably provide a
      viable model for the structures present within aromatic-rich interstellar
      carbonaceous grains. The observed doping of such nanoparticle structures with
      nitrogen, if also prevalent in interstellar dust, could perhaps have important
      and observable consequences for surface chemistry and the formation of precursor
      pre-biotic species.

PMID- 28083089
TI  - Dust evolution, a global view: II. Top-down branching, nanoparticle fragmentation
      and the mystery of the diffuse interstellar band carriers.
AB  - The origin of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs), one of the longest-standing
      mysteries of the interstellar medium (ISM), is explored within the framework of
      The Heterogeneous dust Evolution Model for Interstellar Solids (THEMIS). The
      likely nature of the DIB carriers and their evolution is here explored within the
      framework of the structures and sub-structures inherent to doped hydrogenated
      amorphous carbon grains in the ISM. Based on the natural aromatic-rich moieties
      (asphaltenes) recovered from coal and oil, the likely structure of their
      interstellar analogues is investigated within the context of the diffuse band
      problem. It is here proposed that the top-down evolution of interstellar
      carbonaceous grains, and, in particular, a-C(:H) nanoparticles, is at the heart
      of the formation and evolution of the DIB carriers and their associations with
      small molecules and radicals, such as C2, C3, CH and CN. It is most probable that
      the DIBs are carried by dehydrogenated, ionized, hetero-cyclic, olefinic and
      aromatic-rich moieties that form an integral part of the contiguous structure of
      hetero-atom-doped hydrogenated amorphous carbon nanoparticles and their daughter
      fragmentation products. Within this framework, it is proposed that polyene
      structures in all their variants could be viable DIB carrier candidates.

PMID- 28083090
TI  - Dust evolution, a global view: III. Core/mantle grains, organic nano-globules,
      comets and surface chemistry.
AB  - Within the framework of The Heterogeneous dust Evolution Model for Interstellar
      Solids (THEMIS), this work explores the surface processes and chemistry relating
      to core/mantle interstellar and cometary grain structures and their influence on
      the nature of these fascinating particles. It appears that a realistic
      consideration of the nature and chemical reactivity of interstellar grain
      surfaces could self-consistently and within a coherent framework explain: the
      anomalous oxygen depletion, the nature of the CO dark gas, the formation of
      'polar ice' mantles, the red wing on the 3 MUm water ice band, the basis for the
      O-rich chemistry observed in hot cores, the origin of organic nano-globules and
      the 3.2 MUm 'carbonyl' absorption band observed in comet reflectance spectra. It
      is proposed that the reaction of gas phase species with carbonaceous a-C(:H)
      grain surfaces in the interstellar medium, in particular the incorporation of
      atomic oxygen into grain surfaces in epoxide functional groups, is the key to
      explaining these observations. Thus, the chemistry of cosmic dust is much more
      intimately related with that of the interstellar gas than has previously been
      considered. The current models for interstellar gas and dust chemistry will
      therefore most likely need to be fundamentally modified to include these new
      grain surface processes.

PMID- 28083091
TI  - Language as a coordination tool evolves slowly.
AB  - Social living ultimately depends on coordination between group members, and
      communication is necessary to make this possible. We suggest that this might have
      been the key selection pressure acting on the evolution of language in humans and
      use a behavioural coordination model to explore the impact of communication
      efficiency on social group coordination. We show that when language production is
      expensive but there is an individual benefit to the efficiency with which
      individuals coordinate their behaviour, the evolution of efficient communication
      is selected for. Contrary to some views of language evolution, the speed of
      evolution is necessarily slow because there is no advantage in some individuals
      evolving communication abilities that much exceed those of the community at
      large. However, once a threshold competence has been achieved, evolution of
      higher order language skills may indeed be precipitate.

PMID- 28083092
TI  - Age-related environmental gradients influence invertebrate distribution in the
      Prince Charles Mountains, East Antarctica.
AB  - The potential impact of environmental change on terrestrial Antarctic ecosystems
      can be explored by inspecting biodiversity patterns across large-scale gradients.
      Unfortunately, morphology-based surveys of Antarctic invertebrates are time
      consuming and limited by the cryptic nature of many taxa. We used biodiversity
      information derived from high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to elucidate the
      relationship between soil properties and invertebrate biodiversity in the Prince
      Charles Mountains, East Antarctica. Across 136 analysed soil samples collected
      from Mount Menzies, Mawson Escarpment and Lake Terrasovoje, we found invertebrate
      distribution in the Prince Charles Mountains significantly influenced by soil
      salinity and/or sulfur content. Phyla Tardigrada and Arachnida occurred
      predominantly in low-salinity substrates with abundant nutrients, whereas
      Bdelloidea (Rotifera) and Chromadorea (Nematoda) were more common in highly
      saline substrates. A significant correlation between invertebrate occurrence,
      soil salinity and time since deglaciation indicates that terrain age indirectly
      influences Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity, with more recently deglaciated
      areas supporting greater diversity. Our study demonstrates the value of HTS
      metabarcoding to investigate environmental constraints on inconspicuous soil
      biodiversity across large spatial scales.

PMID- 28083093
TI  - Intraspecific variation in body size does not alter the effects of mesopredators
      on prey.
AB  - As humans continue to alter the species composition and size structure of marine
      food webs, it is critical to understand size-dependent effects of predators on
      prey. Yet, how shifts in predator body size mediate the effect of predators is
      understudied in tropical marine ecosystems, where anthropogenic harvest has
      indirectly increased the density and size of small-bodied predators. Here, we
      combine field surveys and a laboratory feeding experiment in coral reef fish
      communities to show that small and large predators of the same species can have
      similar effects. Specifically, surveys show that the presence of a small predator
      (Paracirrhites arcatus) was correlated with lower chances of prey fish presence,
      but these correlations were independent of predator size. Experimental trials
      corroborated the size-independent effect of the predator; attack rates were
      indistinguishable between small and large predators, suggesting relatively even
      effects of hawkfish in various size classes on the same type of prey. Our results
      indicate that the effects of small predators on coral reefs can be size
      independent, suggesting that variation in predator size-structure alone may not
      always affect the functional role of these predators.

PMID- 28083094
TI  - Accurate recapture identification for genetic mark-recapture studies with error
      tolerant likelihood-based match calling and sample clustering.
AB  - Error-tolerant likelihood-based match calling presents a promising technique to
      accurately identify recapture events in genetic mark-recapture studies by
      combining probabilities of latent genotypes and probabilities of observed
      genotypes, which may contain genotyping errors. Combined with clustering
      algorithms to group samples into sets of recaptures based upon pairwise match
      calls, these tools can be used to reconstruct accurate capture histories for mark
      recapture modelling. Here, we assess the performance of a recently introduced
      error-tolerant likelihood-based match-calling model and sample clustering
      algorithm for genetic mark-recapture studies. We assessed both biallelic (i.e.
      single nucleotide polymorphisms; SNP) and multiallelic (i.e. microsatellite;
      MSAT) markers using a combination of simulation analyses and case study data on
      Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and fishers (Pekania pennanti). A
      novel two-stage clustering approach is demonstrated for genetic mark-recapture
      applications. First, repeat captures within a sampling occasion are identified.
      Subsequently, recaptures across sampling occasions are identified. The likelihood
      based matching protocol performed well in simulation trials, demonstrating
      utility for use in a wide range of genetic mark-recapture studies. Moderately
      sized SNP (64+) and MSAT (10-15) panels produced accurate match calls for
      recaptures and accurate non-match calls for samples from closely related
      individuals in the face of low to moderate genotyping error. Furthermore,
      matching performance remained stable or increased as the number of genetic
      markers increased, genotyping error notwithstanding.

PMID- 28083095
TI  - Knowing your neighbourhood: local ecology and personal experience predict
      neighbourhood perceptions in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
AB  - Evolutionary theory predicts that humans should adjust their life-history
      strategies in response to local ecological threats and opportunities in order to
      maximize their reproductive success. Cues representing threats to individuals'
      lives and health in modern, Western societies may come in the form of local ages
      at death, morbidity rate and crime rate in their local area, whereas the adult
      sex ratio represents a measure of the competition for reproductive partners.
      These characteristics are believed to have a strong influence over a wide range
      of behaviours, but whether they are accurately perceived has not been robustly
      tested. Here, we investigate whether perceptions of four neighbourhood
      characteristics are accurate across eight neighbourhoods in Belfast, Northern
      Ireland. We find that median age at death and morbidity rates are accurately
      perceived, whereas adult sex ratios and crime rates are not. We suggest that both
      neighbourhood characteristics and personal experiences contribute to the
      formation of perceptions. This should be considered by researchers looking for
      associations between area-level factors.

PMID- 28083096
TI  - Sperm allocation in relation to female size in a semelparous salmonid.
AB  - To maximize reproductive success, males have to adaptively tailor their sperm
      expenditure in relation to the quality of potential mates because they require
      time to replenish their sperm supply for subsequent mating opportunities.
      Therefore, in mating contexts where males must choose among females in a short
      period of time, as is the case with semelparous species (which die after one
      intensely competitive short duration breeding season), selection on sperm
      allocation can be expected to be a powerful selective agent that shapes the male
      reproductive success. We quantitatively investigated sperm allocation patterns in
      chum salmon in relation to perceived female quality by developing a novel method
      for determining the amount of sperm allocated per ejaculate during spawning
      bouts. We examined the relationship between sperm expenditure and the body size
      of paired females (a proxy of egg number and egg quality) in the absence of male
      male competition in an experimental channel. The estimated amount of sperm
      released per spawning event was positively correlated with the size of paired
      females. However, the number of spawning events a female participated in, which
      reduces the number of eggs she spawns in each subsequent bout, did not affect
      this relationship. These results provide support for predictions arising from the
      sperm allocation hypothesis, male salmon do economize their sperm expenditure in
      accordance with paired female body size as predicted for their first spawning
      event, but males overestimate or are unable to assess the quality of females
      beyond size and provide more sperm than they should in theory when paired with a
      female that spawned previously. Overall, the observed sperm allocation pattern in
      chum salmon appears to be adapted to maximize reproductive success assuming
      female size is an honest indicator of quality, although temporal changes in a
      female's quality during a reproductive season should be considered when examining
      sperm allocation strategies.

PMID- 28083097
TI  - Calcium interacts with temperature to influence Daphnia movement rates.
AB  - Predicting the ecological responses to climate change is particularly
      challenging, because organisms might be affected simultaneously by the
      synergistic effects of multiple environmental stressors. Global warming is often
      accompanied by declining calcium concentration in many freshwater ecosystems.
      Although there is growing evidence that these changes in water chemistry and
      thermal conditions can influence ecosystem dynamics, little information is
      currently available about how these synergistic environmental stressors could
      influence the behaviour of aquatic organisms. Here, we tested whether the
      combined effects of calcium and temperature affect movement parameters (average
      speed, mean turning frequency and mean-squared displacement) of the planktonic
      Daphnia magna, using a full factorial design and exposing Daphnia individuals to
      a range of realistic levels of temperature and calcium concentration. We found
      that movement increased with both temperature and calcium concentration, but
      temperature effects became considerably weaker when individuals were exposed to
      calcium levels close to survival limits documented for several Daphnia species,
      signalling a strong interaction effect. These results support the notion that
      changes in water chemistry might have as strong an effect as projected changes in
      temperature on movement rates of Daphnia, suggesting that even sublethal levels
      of calcium decline could have a considerable impact on the dynamics of freshwater
      ecosystems.

PMID- 28083098
TI  - Halloysite nanotube-based electrospun ceramic nanofibre mat: a novel support for
      zeolite membranes.
AB  - Some key parameters of supports such as porosity, pore shape and size are of
      great importance for fabrication and performance of zeolite membranes. In this
      study, we fabricated millimetre-thick, self-standing electrospun ceramic
      nanofibre mats and employed them as a novel support for zeolite membranes. The
      nanofibre mats were prepared by electrospinning a halloysite nanotubes/polyvinyl
      pyrrolidone composite followed by a programmed sintering process. The interwoven
      nanofibre mats possess up to 80% porosity, narrow pore size distribution, low
      pore tortuosity and highly interconnected pore structure. Compared with the
      commercial alpha-Al2O3 supports prepared by powder compaction and sintering, the
      halloysite nanotube-based mats (HNMs) show higher flux, better adsorption of
      zeolite seeds, adhesion of zeolite membranes and lower Al leaching. Four types of
      zeolite membranes supported on HNMs have been successfully synthesized with
      either in situ crystallization or a secondary growth method, demonstrating good
      universality of HNMs for supporting zeolite membranes.

PMID- 28083099
TI  - Invasive mutualisms between a plant pathogen and insect vectors in the Middle
      East and Brazil.
AB  - Complex multi-trophic interactions in vectorborne diseases limit our
      understanding and ability to predict outbreaks. Arthropod-vectored pathogens are
      especially problematic, with the potential for novel interspecific interactions
      during invasions. Variations and novelties in plant-arthropod-pathogen
      triumvirates present significant threats to global food security. We examined
      aspects of a phytoplasma pathogen of citrus across two continents. 'Candidatus
      Phytoplasma aurantifolia' causes Witches' Broom Disease of Lime (WBDL) and has
      devastated citrus production in the Middle East. A variant of this phytoplasma
      currently displays asymptomatic or 'silent' infections in Brazil. We first
      studied vector capacity and fitness impacts of the pathogen on its vectors. The
      potential for co-occurring weed species to act as pathogen reservoirs was
      analysed and key transmission periods in the year were also studied. We
      demonstrate that two invasive hemipteran insects-Diaphorina citri and Hishimonus
      phycitis-can vector the phytoplasma. Feeding on phytoplasma-infected hosts
      greatly increased reproduction of its invasive vector D. citri both in Oman and
      Brazil; suggesting that increased fitness of invasive insect vectors thereby
      further increases the pathogen's capacity to spread. Based on our findings, this
      is a robust system for studying the effects of invasions on vectorborne diseases
      and highlights concerns about its spread to warmer, drier regions of Brazil.

PMID- 28083100
TI  - Automatic prediction of tumour malignancy in breast cancer with fractal
      dimension.
AB  - Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer today in women. The
      main avenue of diagnosis is through manual examination of histopathology tissue
      slides. Such a process is often subjective and error-ridden, suffering from both
      inter- and intraobserver variability. Our objective is to develop an automatic
      algorithm for analysing histopathology slides free of human subjectivity. Here,
      we calculate the fractal dimension of images of numerous breast cancer slides, at
      magnifications of 40*, 100*, 200* and 400*. Using machine learning, specifically,
      the support vector machine (SVM) method, the F1 score for classification accuracy
      of the 40* slides was found to be 0.979. Multiclass classification on the 40*
      slides yielded an accuracy of 0.556. A reduction of the size and scope of the SVM
      training set gave an average F1 score of 0.964. Taken together, these results
      show great promise in the use of fractal dimension to predict tumour malignancy.

PMID- 28083101
TI  - Food provisioning increases the risk of injury in a long-lived marine top
      predator.
AB  - Food provisioning of wildlife is a major concern for management and conservation
      agencies worldwide because it encourages unnatural behaviours in wild animals and
      increases each individual's risk for injury and death. Here we investigate the
      contributing factors and potential fitness consequences of a recent increase in
      the frequency of human interactions with common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops
      truncatus) in Sarasota Bay, Florida. A rising proportion of the local long-term
      resident dolphin community is becoming conditioned to human interactions through
      direct and indirect food provisioning. We investigate variables that are
      affecting conditioning and if the presence of human-induced injuries is higher
      for conditioned versus unconditioned dolphins. Using the most comprehensive long
      term dataset available for a free-ranging bottlenose dolphin population (more
      than 45 years; more than 32 000 dolphin group sightings; more than 1100
      individuals), we found that the association with already conditioned animals
      strongly affected the probability of dolphins becoming conditioned to human
      interactions, confirming earlier findings that conditioning is partly a learned
      behaviour. More importantly, we found that conditioned dolphins were more likely
      to be injured by human interactions when compared with unconditioned animals.
      This is alarming, as conditioning could lead to a decrease in survival, which
      could have population-level consequences. We did not find a significant
      relationship between human exposure or natural prey availability and the
      probability of dolphins becoming conditioned. This could be due to low sample
      size or insufficient spatio-temporal resolution in the available data. Our
      findings show that wildlife provisioning may lead to a decrease in survival,
      which could ultimately affect population dynamics.

PMID- 28083103
TI  - Convergence between a mosquito-eating predator's natural diet and its prey-choice
      behaviour.
AB  - On the basis of 1115 records of Evarcha culicivora feeding in the field, we can
      characterize this East African jumping spider (Salticidae) as being distinctively
      stenophagic. We can also, on the basis of laboratory prey-choice experiments,
      characterize E. culicivora as having a specialized prey-classification system and
      a hierarchy of innate preferences for various categories of mosquitoes and other
      arthropods. Prey from the field belonged to 10 arthropod orders, but 94.5% of the
      prey records were dipterans. Mosquitoes were the dominant prey (80.2% of the
      records), with the majority (82.9%) of the mosquitoes being females, and
      thereafter midges were the most common prey (9.2% of the records). Preference
      profiles that were determined from experiments showed strong convergence with
      natural diet in some, but not all, instances. In experiments, E. culicivora
      adults appeared to distinguish between six prey categories and juveniles between
      seven, with blood-carrying anopheline female mosquitoes being ranked highest in
      preference. For adults, this was followed by blood-carrying culicine female
      mosquitoes and then anopheline female mosquitoes not carrying blood, but these
      two preferences were reversed for juveniles. Moreover, for juveniles, but not for
      adults, anopheline male mosquitoes seem to be a distinct prey category ranked in
      preference after blood-carrying culicine females and, for both adults and
      juveniles, preference for midges is evident when the alternatives are not
      mosquitoes. These findings illustrate the importance of going beyond simply
      specifying preferred prey categories when characterizing predators as
      'specialized' and a need to make clear conceptual distinctions between a
      predator's natural diet, the prey categories that are relevant to the predator,
      and the predator's prey-choicebehaviour.

PMID- 28083102
TI  - Effects of cell-cycle-dependent expression on random fluctuations in protein
      levels.
AB  - Expression of many genes varies as a cell transitions through different cell
      cycle stages. How coupling between stochastic expression and cell cycle impacts
      cell-to-cell variability (noise) in the level of protein is not well understood.
      We analyse a model where a stable protein is synthesized in random bursts, and
      the frequency with which bursts occur varies within the cell cycle. Formulae
      quantifying the extent of fluctuations in the protein copy number are derived and
      decomposed into components arising from the cell cycle and stochastic processes.
      The latter stochastic component represents contributions from bursty expression
      and errors incurred during partitioning of molecules between daughter cells.
      These formulae reveal an interesting trade-off: cell-cycle dependencies that
      amplify the noise contribution from bursty expression also attenuate the
      contribution from partitioning errors. We investigate the existence of optimum
      strategies for coupling expression to the cell cycle that minimize the stochastic
      component. Intriguingly, results show that a zero production rate throughout the
      cell cycle, with expression only occurring just before cell division, minimizes
      noise from bursty expression for a fixed mean protein level. By contrast, the
      optimal strategy in the case of partitioning errors is to make the protein just
      after cell division. We provide examples of regulatory proteins that are
      expressed only towards the end of the cell cycle, and argue that such strategies
      enhance robustness of cell-cycle decisions to the intrinsic stochasticity of gene
      expression.

PMID- 28083104
TI  - Influence of environmental parameters on movements and habitat utilization of
      humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Madagascar breeding ground.
AB  - Assessing the movement patterns and key habitat features of breeding humpback
      whales is a prerequisite for the conservation management of this philopatric
      species. To investigate the interactions between humpback whale movements and
      environmental conditions off Madagascar, we deployed 25 satellite tags in the
      northeast and southwest coast of Madagascar. For each recorded position, we
      collated estimates of environmental variables and computed two behavioural
      metrics: behavioural state of 'transiting' (consistent/directional) versus
      'localized' (variable/non-directional), and active swimming speed (i.e. speed
      relative to the current). On coastal habitats (i.e. bathymetry < 200 m and in
      adjacent areas), females showed localized behaviour in deep waters (191 +/- 20 m)
      and at large distances (14 +/- 0.6 km) from shore, suggesting that their breeding
      habitat extends beyond the shallowest waters available close to the coastline.
      Males' active swimming speed decreased in shallow waters, but environmental
      parameters did not influence their likelihood to exhibit localized movements,
      which was probably dominated by social factors instead. In oceanic habitats, both
      males and females showed localized behaviours in shallow waters and favoured high
      chlorophyll-a concentrations. Active swimming speed accounts for a large
      proportion of observed movement speed; however, breeding humpback whales probably
      exploit prevailing ocean currents to maximize displacement. This study provides
      evidence that coastal areas, generally subject to strong human pressure, remain
      the core habitat of humpback whales off Madagascar. Our results expand the
      knowledge of humpback whale habitat use in oceanic habitat and response to
      variability of environmental factors such as oceanic current and chlorophyll
      level.

PMID- 28083105
TI  - Endocranial volume is heritable and is associated with longevity and fitness in a
      wild mammal.
AB  - Research on relative brain size in mammals suggests that increases in brain size
      may generate benefits to survival and costs to fecundity: comparative studies of
      mammals have shown that interspecific differences in relative brain size are
      positively correlated with longevity and negatively with fecundity. However, as
      yet, no studies of mammals have investigated whether similar relationships exist
      within species, nor whether individual differences in brain size within a wild
      population are heritable. Here we show that, in a wild population of red deer
      (Cervus elaphus), relative endocranial volume was heritable (h2 = 63%; 95%
      credible intervals (CI) = 50-76%). In females, it was positively correlated with
      longevity and lifetime reproductive success, though there was no evidence that it
      was associated with fecundity. In males, endocranial volume was not related to
      longevity, lifetime breeding success or fecundity.

PMID- 28083106
TI  - A finite-element approach to evaluating the size effects of complex
      nanostructures.
AB  - The size effects that reveal the dramatic changes of mechanical behaviour at
      nanoscales have traditionally been analysed for regular beam systems. Here, the
      method of using finite-element analysis is explored with the intention of
      evaluating the size effects for complex nanostructures. The surface elasticity
      theory and generalized Young-Laplace equation are integrated into a beam element
      to account for the size effects in classical Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam
      theories. Computational results match well with the theoretical predictions on
      the size effect for a cantilever beam and a cubic unit cell containing 24
      horizontal/vertical ligaments. For a simply supported nanowire, it is found that
      the results are very close to the experimental data. With the assumption that
      nanoporous gold is composed of many randomly connected beams, for the first time,
      the size effect of such a complex structure is numerically determined.

PMID- 28083107
TI  - Next Gen Pop Gen: implementing a high-throughput approach to population genetics
      in boarfish (Capros aper).
AB  - The recently developed approach for microsatellite genotyping by sequencing (GBS)
      using individual combinatorial barcoding was further improved and used to assess
      the genetic population structure of boarfish (Capros aper) across the species'
      range. Microsatellite loci were developed de novo and genotyped by next
      generation sequencing. Genetic analyses of the samples indicated that boarfish
      can be subdivided into at least seven biological units (populations) across the
      species' range. Furthermore, the recent apparent increase in abundance in the
      northeast Atlantic is better explained by demographic changes within this area
      than by influx from southern or insular populations. This study clearly shows
      that the microsatellite GBS approach is a generic, cost-effective, rapid and
      powerful method suitable for full-scale population genetic studies-a crucial
      element for assessment, sustainable management and conservation of valuable
      biological resources.

PMID- 28083108
TI  - It is lonely at the front: contrasting evolutionary trajectories in male and
      female invaders.
AB  - Invasive species often exhibit rapid evolutionary changes, and can provide
      powerful insights into the selective forces shaping phenotypic traits that
      influence dispersal rates and/or sexual interactions. Invasions also may modify
      sexual dimorphism. We measured relative lengths of forelimbs and hindlimbs of
      more than 3000 field-caught adult cane toads (Rhinella marina) from 67 sites in
      Hawai'i and Australia (1-80 years post-colonization), along with 489 captive-bred
      individuals from multiple Australian sites raised in a 'common garden' (to
      examine heritability and reduce environmental influences on morphology). As cane
      toads spread from east to west across Australia, the ancestral condition (long
      limbs, especially in males) was modified. Limb length relative to body size was
      first reduced (perhaps owing to natural selection on locomotor ability), but then
      increased again (perhaps owing to spatial sorting) in the invasion vanguard. In
      contrast, the sex disparity in relative limb length has progressively decreased
      during the toads' Australian invasion. Offspring reared in a common environment
      exhibited similar geographical divergences in morphology as did wild-caught
      animals, suggesting a genetic basis to the changes. Limb dimensions showed
      significant heritability (2-17%), consistent with the possibility of an evolved
      response. Cane toad populations thus have undergone a major shift in sexual
      dimorphism in relative limb lengths during their brief (81 years) spread through
      tropical Australia.

PMID- 28083109
TI  - Thermally moderated firefly activity is delayed by precipitation extremes.
AB  - The timing of events in the life history of temperate insects is most typically
      primarily cued by one of two drivers: photoperiod or temperature accumulation
      over the growing season. However, an insect's phenology can also be moderated by
      other drivers like rainfall or the phenology of its host plants. When multiple
      drivers of phenology interact, there is greater potential for phenological
      asynchronies to arise between an organism and those with which it interacts. We
      examined the phenological patterns of a highly seasonal group of fireflies
      (Photinus spp., predominantly P. pyralis) over a 12-year period (2004-2015)
      across 10 plant communities to determine whether interacting drivers could
      explain the variability observed in the adult flight activity density (i.e.
      mating season) of this species. We found that temperature accumulation was the
      primary driver of phenology, with activity peaks usually occurring at a
      temperature accumulation of approximately 800 degree days (base 10 degrees C);
      however, our model found this peak varied by nearly 180 degree-day units among
      years. This variation could be explained by a quadratic relationship with the
      accumulation of precipitation in the growing season; in years with either high or
      low precipitation extremes at our study site, flight activity was delayed. More
      fireflies were captured in general in herbaceous plant communities with minimal
      soil disturbance (alfalfa and no-till field crop rotations), but only weak
      interactions occurred between within-season responses to climatic variables and
      plant community. The interaction we observed between temperature and
      precipitation accumulation suggests that, although climate warming has the
      potential to disrupt phenology of many organisms, changes to regional
      precipitation patterns can magnify these disruptions.

PMID- 28083110
TI  - An approximate solution for a penny-shaped hydraulic fracture that accounts for
      fracture toughness, fluid viscosity and leak-off.
AB  - This paper develops a closed-form approximate solution for a penny-shaped
      hydraulic fracture whose behaviour is determined by an interplay of three
      competing physical processes that are associated with fluid viscosity, fracture
      toughness and fluid leak-off. The primary assumption that permits one to
      construct the solution is that the fracture behaviour is mainly determined by the
      three-process multiscale tip asymptotics and the global fluid volume balance.
      First, the developed approximation is compared with the existing solutions for
      all limiting regimes of propagation. Then, a solution map, which indicates
      applicability regions of the limiting solutions, is constructed. It is also shown
      that the constructed approximation accurately captures the scaling that is
      associated with the transition from any one limiting solution to another. The
      developed approximation is tested against a reference numerical solution, showing
      that accuracy of the fracture width and radius predictions lie within a fraction
      of a per cent for a wide range of parameters. As a result, the constructed
      approximation provides a rapid solution for a penny-shaped hydraulic fracture,
      which can be used for quick fracture design calculations or as a reference
      solution to evaluate accuracy of various hydraulic fracture simulators.

PMID- 28083111
TI  - Strategic adjustment of parental care in tree swallows: life-history trade-offs
      and the role of glucocorticoids.
AB  - Life-history theory predicts that optimal strategies of parental investment will
      depend on ecological and social factors, such as current brood value and
      offspring need. Parental care strategies are also likely to be mediated in part
      by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and glucocorticoid hormones. Here, we
      present an experiment in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), a biparental
      songbird with wide geographical distribution, asking whether parental care is
      strategically adjusted in response to signals of offspring need and brood value
      and if so, whether glucocorticoids are involved in these adjustments. Using an
      automated playback system, we carried out playbacks of nestling begging calls
      specifically to females in two populations differing in their brood value: a
      northern population in Ontario, Canada (relatively higher brood value) and a
      southern population in North Carolina, USA (relatively lower brood value). We
      quantified female offspring provisioning rates before and during playbacks and
      plasma corticosterone levels (cort) once during late incubation and once
      immediately after playbacks. Females in both populations increased feeding rates
      temporarily during the first 2 h of playback but the increase was not sustained
      for the entire duration of playback (6 h). Cort levels from samples at the end of
      the playback did not differ between control females and females that received
      playbacks. However, females that had higher increases in cort between the
      incubation and nestling period had greater fledging success. These results
      suggest that females are able to strategically respond to offspring need,
      although the role of glucocorticoids in this strategic adjustment remains
      unclear.

PMID- 28083112
TI  - Clap-and-fling mechanism in a hovering insect-like two-winged flapping-wing micro
      air vehicle.
AB  - This study used numerical and experimental approaches to investigate the role
      played by the clap-and-fling mechanism in enhancing force generation in hovering
      insect-like two-winged flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FW-MAV). The flapping
      mechanism was designed to symmetrically flap wings at a high flapping amplitude
      of approximately 192 degrees . The clap-and-fling mechanisms were thereby
      implemented at both dorsal and ventral stroke reversals. A computational fluid
      dynamic (CFD) model was constructed based on three-dimensional wing kinematics to
      estimate the force generation, which was validated by the measured forces using a
      6-axis load cell. The computed forces proved that the CFD model provided
      reasonable estimation with differences less than 8%, when compared with the
      measured forces. The measurement indicated that the clap and flings at both the
      stroke reversals augmented the average vertical force by 16.2% when compared with
      the force without the clap-and-fling effect. In the CFD simulation, the clap and
      flings enhanced the vertical force by 11.5% and horizontal drag force by 18.4%.
      The observations indicated that both the fling and the clap contributed to the
      augmented vertical force by 62.6% and 37.4%, respectively, and to the augmented
      horizontal drag force by 71.7% and 28.3%, respectively. The flow structures
      suggested that a strong downwash was expelled from the opening gap between the
      trailing edges during the fling as well as the clap at each stroke reversal. In
      addition to the fling phases, the influx of air into the low-pressure region
      between the wings from the leading edges also significantly contributed to
      augmentation of the vertical force. The study conducted for high Reynolds numbers
      also confirmed that the effect of the clap and fling was insignificant when the
      minimum distance between the two wings exceeded 1.2c (c = wing chord). Thus, the
      clap and flings were successfully implemented in the FW-MAV, and there was a
      significant improvement in the vertical force.

PMID- 28083113
TI  - Paradigm shifts and the interplay between state, business and civil sectors.
AB  - The recent rise of the civil sector as a main player of socio-political actions,
      next to public and private sectors, has largely increased the complexity
      underlying the interplay between different sectors of our society. From urban
      planning to global governance, analysis of these complex interactions requires
      new mathematical and computational approaches. Here, we develop a novel
      framework, grounded on evolutionary game theory, to envisage situations in which
      each of these sectors is confronted with the dilemma of deciding between
      maintaining a status quo scenario or shifting towards a new paradigm. We consider
      multisector conflicts regarding environmentally friendly policies as an example
      of application, but the framework developed here has a considerably broader
      scope. We show that the public sector is crucial in initiating the shift, and
      determine explicitly under which conditions the civil sector-reflecting the
      emergent reality of civil society organizations playing an active role in modern
      societies-may influence the decision-making processes accruing to other sectors,
      while fostering new routes towards a paradigm shift of the society as a whole.
      Our results are shown to be robust to a wide variety of assumptions and model
      parametrizations.

PMID- 28083114
TI  - Gait control in a soft robot by sensing interactions with the environment using
      self-deformation.
AB  - All animals use mechanosensors to help them move in complex and changing
      environments. With few exceptions, these sensors are embedded in soft tissues
      that deform in normal use such that sensory feedback results from the interaction
      of an animal with its environment. Useful information about the environment is
      expected to be embedded in the mechanical responses of the tissues during
      movements. To explore how such sensory information can be used to control
      movements, we have developed a soft-bodied crawling robot inspired by a highly
      tractable animal model, the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta. This robot uses
      deformations of its body to detect changes in friction force on a substrate. This
      information is used to provide local sensory feedback for coupled oscillators
      that control the robot's locomotion. The validity of the control strategy is
      demonstrated with both simulation and a highly deformable three-dimensionally
      printed soft robot. The results show that very simple oscillators are able to
      generate propagating waves and crawling/inching locomotion through the interplay
      of deformation in different body parts in a fully decentralized manner.
      Additionally, we confirmed numerically and experimentally that the gait pattern
      can switch depending on the surface contact points. These results are expected to
      help in the design of adaptable, robust locomotion control systems for soft
      robots and also suggest testable hypotheses about how soft animals use sensory
      feedback.

PMID- 28083115
TI  - Morbillivirus-associated unusual mortality event in South Australian bottlenose
      dolphins is largest reported for the Southern Hemisphere.
AB  - Cases of morbillivirus have been recorded in the Southern Hemisphere but have not
      been linked to significant marine mammal mortality. Post-mortems were conducted
      on 58 carcasses (44 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, two common bottlenose
      dolphins, 12 short-beaked common dolphins) from South Australia during 2005-2013,
      including an unusual mortality event (UME) in St Vincent Gulf Bioregion (SVG)
      during 2013. Diagnostic pathology, circumstance of death, body condition, age and
      stomach contents were documented for Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. At least
      50 dolphins died during the UME, 41 were Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and
      most were young. The UME lasted about seven months and had two peaks, the first
      being the largest. Effect on the population is unknown. Diagnostic testing for
      morbillivirus was conducted on 57 carcasses, with evidence for infection in all
      species during 2011-2013. All tested UME bottlenose dolphins were positive for
      cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV), and the pathology included interstitial pneumonia,
      lymphoid depletion and syncytia. Concurrent pathologies, including lung parasite
      and fungal infections, and severe cutaneous bruising were observed in many
      dolphins. The event coincided with elevated water temperatures, a diatom bloom
      and significant fish die-offs. We conclude that the cause for the UME was
      multifactorial and that CeMV was a major contributor.

PMID- 28083116
TI  - Evolving interactions between diazotrophic cyanobacterium and phage mediate
      nitrogen release and host competitive ability.
AB  - Interactions between nitrogen-fixing (i.e. diazotrophic) cyanobacteria and their
      viruses, cyanophages, can have large-scale ecosystem effects. These effects are
      mediated by temporal alterations in nutrient availability in aquatic systems
      owing to the release of nitrogen and carbon sources from cells lysed by phages,
      as well as by ecologically important changes in the diversity and fitness of
      cyanobacterial populations that evolve in the presence of phages. However,
      ecological and evolutionary feedbacks between phages and nitrogen-fixing
      cyanobacteria are still relative poorly understood. Here, we used an experimental
      evolution approach to test the effect of interactions between a common
      filamentous, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium (Nodularia sp.) and its phage on
      cellular nitrogen release and host properties. Ecological, community-level
      effects of phage-mediated nitrogen release were tested with a phytoplankton
      bioassay. We found that cyanobacterial nitrogen release increased significantly
      as a result of viral lysis, which was associated with enhanced growth of
      phytoplankton species in cell-free filtrates compared with phage-resistant host
      controls in which lysis and subsequent nutrient release did not occur after phage
      exposure. We also observed an ecologically important change among phage-evolved
      cyanobacteria with phage-resistant phenotypes, a short-filamentous morphotype
      with reduced buoyancy compared with the ancestral long-filamentous morphotype.
      Reduced buoyancy might decrease the ability of these morphotypes to compete for
      light compared with longer, more buoyant filaments. Together, these findings
      demonstrate the potential of cyanobacteria-phage interactions to affect ecosystem
      biogeochemical cycles and planktonic community dynamics.

PMID- 28083117
TI  - Does the stress response predict the ability of wild birds to adjust to short
      term captivity? A study of the rock pigeon (Columbia livia).
AB  - Although the transfer of wild animals to captivity is crucial for conservation
      purposes, this process is often challenging because some species or individuals
      do not adjust well to captive conditions. Chronic stress has been identified as a
      major concern for animals held on long-term captivity. Surprisingly, the first
      hours or days of captivity have been relatively overlooked. However, they are
      certainly very stressful, because individuals are being transferred to a totally
      novel and confined environment. To ensure the success of conservation programmes,
      it appears crucial to better understand the proximate causes of interspecific and
      interindividual variability in the sensitivity to these first hours of captivity.
      In that respect, the study of stress hormones is relevant, because the hormonal
      stress response may help to assess whether specific individuals or species
      adjust, or not, to such captive conditions ('the stress response-adjustment to
      captivity hypothesis'). We tested this hypothesis in rock pigeons by measuring
      their corticosterone stress response and their ability to adjust to short-term
      captivity (body mass loss and circulating corticosterone levels after a day of
      captivity). We showed that an increased corticosterone stress response is
      associated with a lower ability to adjust to short-term captivity (i.e. higher
      body mass loss and circulating corticosterone levels). Our study suggests,
      therefore, that a low physiological sensitivity to stress may be beneficial for
      adjusting to captivity. Future studies should now explore whether the stress
      response can be useful to predict the ability of individuals from different
      populations or species to not only adjust to short-term but also long-term
      captivity.

PMID- 28083118
TI  - Correction to 'Evolutionary diversification of retinoic acid receptor ligand
      binding pocket structure by molecular tinkering'.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1098/rsos.150484.].

PMID- 28083119
TI  - Correction to 'Hypoxia increases the risk of egg predation in a nest-guarding
      fish'.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160326.].

PMID- 28083120
TI  - On balance: lifestyle, mental health and wellbeing.
AB  - Given the supremacy of the biomedical model in defining our understanding and
      treatment of a wide range of physcial and psychological disorders, it is perhaps
      curious that simultaneously, scientists, clinicians, governments and patients
      routinely employ the concepts of "lifestyle" and "balance" to try to explain the
      causes of bodily disease and psychological disorder. Concurrently, the health
      advantages that are assumed to be inherent in a "balanced life" have been
      exploited by a rapidly expanding consumer market in "wellbeing"-by companies and
      individuals promoting food supplements, "wearable fitness", diet trends and the
      self-help material. Exploring the tension between the biomedical doctrine and the
      parallel preoccupation with balance and lifestyle has provided the impetus for
      this special issue. Emerging originally from papers presented at an
      interdisciplinary conference held at the University of Exeter in June 2015, and
      augmented by two further comment pieces, the collection of articles aims to
      explore the ways in which changing notions of "balance" have been used to
      understand the causes of mental illness; to rationalise new approaches to its
      treatment; and to validate advice relating to balance in work and family life.

PMID- 28083121
TI  - Crystal structure of N-(7-di-bromo-methyl-5-methyl-1,8-naphthyridin-2
      yl)benzamide-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (1/1).
AB  - The title compound, C17H13Br2N3O.C4H5NO2, is a co-crystal of N-(7-di-bromo-methyl
      5-methyl-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)benzamide and pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (succinimide).
      The benzamide mol-ecule exhibits pseudo-mirror symmetry, with an r.m.s. deviation
      of the non-H atoms of 0.09 A (except for the two Br atoms). The angle between the
      least-squares planes of the two mol-ecules is 26.2 (2) degrees . In the crystal,
      the two mol-ecules are mutually linked by N-H?O and N-H?N hydrogen bonds. The
      packing is consolidated by C-H?(O,N) hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking inter
      actions.

PMID- 28083122
TI  - Crystal structure of bis-{MU-(E)-2-[(2-oxido-phenyl-imino)-meth-yl]quinolin-8
      olato-kappa4O,N,N',O'}bis-[di-butyl-tin(IV)].
AB  - Condensation of 8-hy-droxy-quinoline-2-carbaldehyde with 2-amino-phenol gave the
      (E)-2-[(2-hy-droxy-phenyl-imino)-meth-yl]quinolin-8-ol derivative that reacted
      with di-n-butyl-tin oxide with release of H2O to yield the chelate title complex,
      [Sn2(C4H9)4(C16H10N2O2)2]. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group
      P-1, with two independent centrosymmetric dimers in the unit cell. Each features
      a typical pincer-type structure where the dianionic ligand is tetra-dentate,
      coordinating to the central tin atom through both phenolate oxygen atoms, as well
      as through the quinoline and imine N atoms. Each metal atom adopts a distorted
      penta-gonal-bipyramidal SnC2N2O3 coordination arising from the N,N',O,O'-tetra
      dentate deprotonated Schiff base, one bridging phenolate O atom of the
      neighbouring ligand and two butyl groups in the axial sites.

PMID- 28083123
TI  - Disorder of the dimeric TCNQ-TCNQ unit in the crystal structure of
      [Ni(bpy)3]2(TCNQ-TCNQ)(TCNQ)2.6H2O (TCNQ is 7,7,8,8-tetra-cyano-quinodi-methane).
AB  - Crystallization from an aqueous methanol system composed of Ni(NO3)2, 2,2'
      bipyridine (bpy) and LiTCNQ (TCNQ is 7,7,8,8-tetra-cyano-quinodi-methane) in a
      1:3:2 molar ratio yielded single crystals of bis-[tris-(2,2'-bi-pyridine
      kappa2N,N')nickel(II)] bis-(7,7,8,8-tetra-cyano-quinodi-methane radical anion)
      bi[7,7,8,8-tetra-cyano-quino-dimethanide] hexa-hydrate,
      [Ni(C10H8N2)3]2(C24H8N8)(C12H4N4)2.6H2O or [Ni(bpy)3]2(TCNQ-TCNQ)(TCNQ)2.6H2O.
      The crystal structure comprises [Ni(bpy)3]2+ complex cations, two centrosymmetric
      crystallographically independent TCNQ .- anion radicals with pi-stacked exo
      groups, and an additional dimeric TCNQ-TCNQ unit which comprises 75.3 (9)% of a
      sigma-dimerized (TCNQ-TCNQ)2- dianion and 24.7 (9)% of two TCNQ.- anion radicals
      with tightly pi-stacked exo groups. The title complex represents the first
      example of an NiII complex containing a sigma-dimerized (TCNQ-TCNQ)2- dianion.
      Disordered solvent water mol-ecules present in the crystal structure participate
      in hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.

PMID- 28083124
TI  - Crystal structure of (6E,20E)-3,24-di-fluoro-13,14,28,29-tetra-hydro-5H,22H-tetra
      benzo[e,j,p,u][1,4,12,15]tetra-oxa-cyclo-docosine-5,22-dione.
AB  - The conformation of the title compound, C34H26F2O6, is cone-shaped, partially
      determined by intra-molecular C-H?O short contacts. The benzene rings at the top
      of the cone are inclined to one another by 73.10 (7) degrees , while the benzene
      rings at the bottom of the cone are inclined to one another by 35.49 (8) degrees
      . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H?O and C-H?F hydrogen bonds,
      forming a three-dimensional supra-molecular structure. There are also C-H?pi
      contacts present within the framework structure.

PMID- 28083125
TI  - Crystal structure of {(S)-1-phenyl-N,N-bis-[(pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]ethanamine
      kappa3N,N',N''}bis-(thio-cyanato-kappaN)zinc from synchrotron data.
AB  - The title ZnII complex, [Zn(NCS)2(C20H21N3)], has been characterized by
      synchrotron single-crystal diffraction and FT-IR spectroscopy. The central ZnII
      ion has a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry, with three N atoms of
      the chiral (S) 1-phenyl-N,N-bis-[(pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]ethanamine (S-ppme) ligand
      and one N atom of a thio-cyanate anion in the equatorial plane, and one N atom of
      another thio-cyanate anion at the apical position. The average Zn-N S-ppme and Zn
      NNCS bond lengths are 2.183 (2) and 1.986 (2) A, respectively. In the crystal,
      inter-molecular C-H?S hydrogen bonds and a face-to-face pi-pi inter-action
      [centroid-centroid distance = 3.482 (1) A] link the mol-ecules and give rise to a
      supra-molecular sheet structure parallel to the ac plane.

PMID- 28083126
TI  - Crystal structures of (E)-4-[1-(2-carbamo-thio-yl-hydrazinyl-idene)eth-yl]phenyl
      acetate and (E)-4-[1-(2-carbamo-thio-ylhydrazinyl-idene)eth-yl]phenyl benzoate.
AB  - In the title compounds, C11H13N3O2S, (I), and C16H15N3O2S, (II), the thio
      semicarbazone group adopts an extended conformation. The acetate ester (I)
      crystallizes with two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. In the
      benzoate ester (II), the planes of the two aryl rings are inclined to one another
      by 46.70 (7) degrees . In both compounds, there is a short intra-molecular N-H?N
      contact present, forming an S(5) ring motif. In the crystals of both compounds,
      mol-ecules are linked via pairs of N-H?S hydrogen bonds, forming dimers with
      R22(8) ring motifs. The dimers are linked by N-H?S and N-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      forming slabs parallel to (01-1). In (I), there are N-H?pi and C-H?pi inter
      actions present within the slabs, while in (II), there are only N-H?pi inter
      actions present.

PMID- 28083127
TI  - Crystal structure of bis-(MU-N-hy-droxy-picolin-amid-ato)bis-[bis-(N-hy-droxy
      picolinamide)-sodium].
AB  - The title compound, [Na2(C6H5N2O2)2(C6H6N2O2)4], is a centrosymmetric
      coordination dimer based on the sodium(I) salt of N-hy-droxy-picolinamide. The
      mol-ecule has an {Na2O6(MU-O)2} core with two bridging carbonyl O atoms and two
      hydroxamate O atoms of two mono-deprotonated residues of N-hy-droxy-picolinamide,
      while two neutral N-hy-droxy-picolinamide mol-ecules are coordinated in a
      monodentate manner to each sodium ion via the carbonyl O atoms [the Na-O
      distances range from 2.3044 (2) to 2.3716 (2) A]. The penta-coordinated sodium
      ion exhibits a distorted trigonal-pyramidal coordination polyhedron. In the
      crystal, the coordination dimers are linked into chains along the c axis via N
      H?O and N-H?N hydrogen bonds; the chains are linked into a two-dimensional
      framework parallel to (100) via weak C-H?O and pi-pi stacking inter-actions.

PMID- 28083128
TI  - Crystal structure of bis-{N'-[(E)-4-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene]pyridine-4
      carbohydrazide-kappaN1}di-iodidocadmium methanol disolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Cd(C13H11IN3O2)2].2CH3OH, which crystallizes with Z = 4
      in the space group Pbcn, the CdII atom is located on a twofold rotation axis and
      coordinated by two I- anions and two N atoms from the pyridine rings of the two
      N'-[(E)-4-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene]pyridine-4-carbohydrazide ligands. The geometry
      around the CdII atom is distorted tetra-hedral, with bond angles in the range
      94.92 (11)-124.29 (2) degrees . The iodide anions undergo inter-molecular
      hydrogen-bonding contacts with the C-H groups of the organic ligands of an
      adjacent complex mol-ecule, generating a chain structure along the b axis.
      Furthermore, an extensive series of O-H?O, N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter
      actions involving both the complex mol-ecules and the ethanol solvate mol-ecules
      generate a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 28083129
TI  - Crystal structure of (perchlorato-kappaO)(1,4,7,10-tetra-aza-cyclo-dodecane
      kappa4N)copper(II) perchlorate.
AB  - The crystal structure of the title salt, [Cu(ClO4)(C8H20N4)]ClO4, is reported.
      The CuII ion exhibits a square-pyramidal geometry and is coordinated by the four
      N atoms of the neutral 1,4,7,10-tetra-aza-cyclo-dodecane (cyclen) ligand and an O
      atom from one perchlorate anion, with the second perchlorate ion hydrogen-bonded
      to one of the amine N atoms of the cyclen ligand. Additional N-H?O hydrogen bonds
      between the amine H atoms and the coordinating and non-coordinating perchlorate
      groups create a three-dimensional network structure. Crystals were grown from a
      concentrated methanol solution at ambient temperature, resulting in no co
      crystallization of solvent.

PMID- 28083130
TI  - Synthesis and crystal structure of N-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-5,7-dimethyl-1,2,4
      triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-amine.
AB  - The title compound, C13H12ClN5, was synthesized by the cyclization of 1-(4,6-di
      methyl-pyrimidin-2-yl)-4-phenyl-thio-semicarbazide in the presence of Ni(NO3)2.
      The mol-ecular structure of the compound is essentially planar. In the crystal,
      mol-ecules form dimers via pairs of N-H?N hydrogen bonds between the H atom of
      the exocyclic amino group and the N atom at the 4-position of the triazole ring.
      The resulting dimers are packed into layers which are connected by pi-stacking
      inter-actions between the aromatic systems of the pyrimidine and benzene nuclei,
      and between the triazole cores.

PMID- 28083131
TI  - Crystal structure of (E)-9-({[4-(di-ethyl-amino)-phen-yl]imino}-meth-yl)-2,3,6,7
      tetra-hydro-1H,5H-pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-8-ol.
AB  - The title compound, C23H29N3O, was synthesized from the condensation reaction of
      8-hy-droxy-julolidine-9-carbaldehyde and N,N-diethyl-p-phenyl-enedi-amine. The hy
      droxy group forms a intra-molecular hydrogen bond to the imine N atom and
      generates an S(6) ring motif. The conformation about the C=N bond is E, and the
      aromatic ring of the julolidine moiety is inclined to the benzene ring by 3.74
      (14) degrees . One of the fused non-aromatic rings of the julolidine moiety
      adopts an envelope conformation and the other has a screw-boat conformation. In
      the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H?pi inter-actions involving the aromatic
      julolidine ring, forming slabs parallel to the bc plane. The tricyclic fragment
      of the julolidine ring and the azomethine C=N bond are disordered over two sets
      of sites with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.773 (3):0.227 (3).

PMID- 28083132
TI  - Crystal structure of chlorido-[1-(4-nitro-phen-yl)thio-urea-kappaS]bis-(tri
      phenyl-phosphane-kappaP)copper(I).
AB  - The mononuclear mixed-ligand title complex, [CuCl(C7H7N3O2S)(C18H15P)2], displays
      a distorted tetra-hedral coordination sphere around the CuI atom, with two P
      atoms from two tri-phenyl-phosphane mol-ecules, one terminal S atom from a 1-(4
      nitro-phen-yl)thio-urea mol-ecule and a chloride ion as ligands. An intra
      molecular N-H?Cl hydrogen bond stabilizes the mol-ecular conformation [graph-set
      motif R22(6)]. In the crystal, further N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds connect individual
      mol-ecules into zigzag chains parallel to [001]. The chains are linked by weak C
      H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 28083133
TI  - Crystal structure of 2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl 4-chloro-benzoate and Hirshfeld
      surface analysis.
AB  - In the title compound, C16H9ClO4 the dihedral angle between the coumarin ring
      system [maximum deviation = 0.023 (1) A] and the benzene ring is 73.95 (8)
      degrees . In the crystal, pi-pi inter-actions link the dimers into a three
      dimensional framework. A quantum chemical calculation is in generally good
      agreement with the observed structure, although the calculated dihedral angle
      between the ring systems (85.7%) is somewhat larger than the observed value
      [73.95 (8) degrees ]. Hirshfeld surface analysis has been used to confirm and qu
      antify the supra-molecular inter-actions.

PMID- 28083134
TI  - Crystal structure of meso-di-MU-chlorido-bis-[bis-(2,2'-bi-pyridine)-cadmium] bis
      (1,1,3,3-tetra-cyano-2-ethoxy-propenide) 0.81-hydrate.
AB  - The hydrated title salt, [Cd2Cl2(C10H8N2)4](C9H5N4O)2.0.81H2O, was obtained from
      the hydro-thermal reaction between 2,2'-bi-pyridine, cadmium(II) chloride and
      potassium 1,1,3,3-tetra-cyano-2-eth-oxy-propenide. The binuclear cation lies
      across a centre of inversion in the space group P21/c, with the other components
      in general positions. The cation has approximate, but non-crystallographic 2/m
      symmetry and each of the CdII atoms is a stereogenic centre, one having the Delta
      configuration and the other the Lambda configuration. In the anion, one of the
      C(CN)2 units is disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies 0.75
      (2) and 0.25 (2). The cations are linked by two independent C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds
      to form a sheet of R22(14) and R42(24) rings.

PMID- 28083135
TI  - Crystal structure of catena-poly[[bis-(N-acethyl-thio-morpholine
      kappaS)copper(I)]-MU-iodido].
AB  - The reaction of copper(I) iodide with N-acetyl-thio-morpholine (L, C6H11NOS) in
      aceto-nitrile results in a coordination polymer with composition [CuI(L)2] n .
      The CuI atom is coordinated by two S atoms and two I atoms, adopting a distorted
      tetra-hedral environment. The MU2-bridging mode of the I atoms gives rise to
      chains extending parallel to [010]. C-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions between
      the chains lead to a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 28083136
TI  - Crystal structure of 4-(4b,8a-di-hydro-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-1-yl)-7-methyl-2H
      chromen-2-one.
AB  - The title compound, C21H14N2O2, was prepared by Pictet-Spengler cyclization of
      tryptamine and 4-formyl coumarin. In the mol-ecule, the dihedral angle between
      the mean planes of the coumarin and beta-carboline ring systems is 63.8 (2)
      degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via N-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming
      chains along the b-axis direction. Within the chains, there are a number of
      offset pi-pi inter-actions present [shortest inter-centroid distance = 3.457 (2)
      A].

PMID- 28083137
TI  - Crystal structure of 1-[2-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]propan
      2-ol.
AB  - The title compound, C24H21ClN2O, crystallizes with two unique mol-ecules in the
      asymmetric unit. In each mol-ecule, the central imidazole ring is substituted at
      the 2-, 4- and 5-positions by benzene rings. The 2-substituted ring carries a Cl
      atom at the 4-position. One of the imidazole N atoms in each mol-ecule has a
      propan-2-ol substituent. In the crystal, a series of O-H?N, C-H?O and C-H?Cl
      hydrogen bonds, augmented by several C-H?pi(ring) inter-actions, generate a three
      dimensional network of mol-ecules stacked along the a-axis direction.

PMID- 28083138
TI  - Crystal structures of bis-[(9S,13S,14S)-3-meth-oxy-17-methyl-morphinanium] tetra
      chlorido-cobaltate and tetra-chlorido-cuprate.
AB  - (9S,13S,14S)-3-Meth-oxy-17-methyl-morphinan (dextromethorphan) forms two
      isostructural salts with (a) tetra-chlorido-cobaltate, namely bis-[(9S,13S,14S)-3
      meth-oxy-17-methyl-morphinanium] tetra-chlorido-cobaltate, (C18H26NO)2[CoCl4],
      and (b) tetra-chlorido-cuprate, namely bis-[(9S,13S,14S)-3-meth-oxy-17-methyl
      morphinanium] tetra-chlorido-cuprate, (C18H26NO)2[CuCl4]. The distorted tetra
      hedral anions are located on twofold rotational axes. The dextromethorphan cation
      can be described as being composed of two ring systems, a tetra-hydro-naphthalene
      system A+B and a deca-hydro-isoquinolinium subunit C+D, that are nearly
      perpendicular to one another: the angle between mean planes of the A+B and C+D
      moieties is 78.8 (1) degrees  for (a) and 79.0 (1) degrees  for (b). Two symmetry
      related cations of protonated dextromethorphan are connected to the tetra
      chlorido-cobaltate (or tetra-chlorido-cuprate) anions via strong N-H?Cl hydrogen
      bonds, forming neutral ion associates. These associates are packed in the (001)
      plane with no strong attractive bonding between them. Both compounds are
      attractive crystalline forms for unambiguous identification of the
      dextromethorphan and, presumably, of its optical isomer, levomethorphan.

PMID- 28083139
TI  - Crystal structure of MU-carbonyl-1:2kappa2C:C-carbonyl-1kappaC-(1eta5-cyclo-penta
      dien-yl)iodido-2kappaI-[MU-2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethene-1,1-diyl
      1kappaC1:2kappa2N,C1]ironpalladium(Fe-Pd) benzene monosolvate.
AB  - The reaction of Cp(CO)2FeI with 2-ethynyl-pyridine under Sonogashira conditions
      [5% PdCl2(PPh3)2, 10% CuI, THF-NEt3 (2:1)] afforded the title binuclear MU
      pyridyl-vinyl-idene FePd complex (FePd1) as a benzene solvate,
      [FePd(C5H5)(C7H5N)I(CO)2].C6H6, in a very low yield rather than the expected iron
      o-pyridyl-ethynyl complex Cp(CO)2Fe-C=C-(2-C5H4N). The Fe and Pd atoms in FePd1
      are bridged by carbonyl and pyridyl-vinyl-idene ligands, the pyridyl N atom being
      bonded to the palladium atom. The use of equimolar amounts of PdCl2 increases the
      yield of FePd1 to 12%. The reaction pathway leading to FePd1 is proposed.

PMID- 28083140
TI  - Crystal structure of bis-[cis-(1,4,8,11-tetra-aza-cyclo-tetra-deca-ne
      kappa4N)bis(thio-cyanato-kappaN)chrom-ium(III)] dichromate monohydrate from
      synchrotron X-ray diffraction data.
AB  - The structure of the complex salt, cis-[Cr(NCS)2(cyclam)]2[Cr2O7].H2O (cyclam =
      1,4,8,11-tetra-aza-cyclo-tetra-decane, C10H24N4), has been determined from
      synchrotron data. The asymmetric unit comprises of one [Cr(NCS)2(cyclam)]+
      cation, one half of a Cr2O72- anion (completed by inversion symmetry) and one
      half of a water mol-ecule (completed by twofold rotation symmetry). The CrIII ion
      is coordinated by the four cyclam N atoms and by two N atoms of cis-arranged thio
      cyanate anions, displaying a distorted octa-hedral coordination sphere. The Cr
      N(cyclam) bond lengths are in the range 2.080 (2) to 2.097 (2) A while the
      average Cr-N(NCS) bond length is 1.985 (4) A. The macrocyclic cyclam moiety
      adopts the cis-V conformation. The bridging O atom of the dichromate anion is
      disordered around an inversion centre, leading to a bending of the Cr-O-Cr
      bridging angle [157.7 (3) degrees ]; the anion has a staggered conformation. The
      crystal structure is stabilized by inter-molecular hydrogen bonds involving the
      cyclam N-H groups and water O-H groups as donor groups, and the O atoms of the
      Cr2O72- anion and water mol-ecules as acceptor groups, giving rise to a three
      dimensional network.

PMID- 28083141
TI  - Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces as tools for the construction of a
      herringbone pattern in the crystal structure of hexane-1,6-diaminium hexane-1,6
      diyl bis-(hydrogen phospho-nate).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title salt, [H3N(CH2)6NH3][(HO)O2P(CH2)6PO2(OH)],
      consists of one half of a hexane-1,6-diaminium dication and one half of a hexane
      1,6-diyl bis-(hydrogen phospho-nate) dianion. Both are located around different
      centres of inversion (Wyckoff sites: 2a and 2d) of the space group P21/c. The
      shape of the hexane-1,6-diaminium cation is best described as a double hook. Both
      aminium groups as well as the two attached CH2 groups are turned out from the
      plane of the central four C atoms. In contrast, all six C atoms of the dianion
      are almost in a plane. The hydrogen phospho-nate (-PO3H) groups of the anions and
      the aminium groups of the cations form two-dimensional O-H? and O-H?N hydrogen
      bonded networks parallel to the ac plane, built up from ten-membered and twelve
      membered ring motifs with graph-set descriptors R33(10) and R54(12),
      respectively. These networks are linked by the alkyl-ene chains of the anions and
      cations. The resulting three-dimensional network shows a herringbone pattern,
      which resembles the parent structures 1,6-di-amino-hexane and hexane-1,6-di
      phospho-nic acid.

PMID- 28083142
TI  - Crystal structure and absolute configuration of (3aR,3'aR,7aS,7'aS)-2,2,2',2'
      tetra-methyl-3a,6,7,7a,3'a,6',7',7'a-octa-hydro-4,4'-bi[1,3-benzodioxol-yl],
      obtained from a Pd-catalyzed homocoupling reaction.
AB  - The absolute configuration, i.e. (3aR,3'aR,7aS,7'aS), of the title compound,
      C18H26O4, synthesized via a palladium-catalyzed homocoupling reaction, was
      determined on the basis of the synthetic pathway and was confirmed by X-ray
      diffraction. The homocoupled mol-ecule is formed by two chemically identical
      moieties built up from two five- and six-membered fused rings. The supra
      molecular assembly is controlled mainly by C-H?O inter-actions that lead to the
      formation of hydrogen-bonded chains of mol-ecules along the [001] direction,
      while weak dipolar inter-actions and van der Waals forces hold the chains
      together in the crystal structure.

PMID- 28083143
TI  - Crystal structure of (2R*,3aR*)-2-phenyl-sulfonyl-2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexa-hydro-pyrrolo
      [1,2-b]isoxazole.
AB  - The title compound, C12H15NO3S, was prepared by 1,3-dipolar cyclo-addition of 3,4
      di-hydro-2H-pyrrole 1-oxide and phenyl vinyl sulfone. In the mol-ecule, both
      fused five-membered rings display a twisted conformation. In the crystal, C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link neighbouring mol-ecules, forming chains running parallel to
      the b axis.

PMID- 28083144
TI  - Crystal structure of a rare trigonal bipyramidal titanium(IV) coordination
      complex: tri-chlorido-(3,3'-di-tert-butyl-2'-hy-droxy-5,5',6,6'-tetra-methyl-1,1'
      biphenyl-2-olato-kappaO2)(tetra-hydro-furan-kappaO)-titanium(IV).
AB  - The title compound, [Ti(C24H33O2)Cl3(C4H8O)], is a rare example of a trigonal
      bipyramidal titanium coordination complex with three chloride and two oxygen
      donor ligands. The asymmetric unit contains two independent mol-ecules having
      essentially the same conformation. The mol-ecules feature the titanium(IV) metal
      cation complexed with three chloride ligands, a tetra-hydro-furan mol-ecule, and
      one oxygen atom from the resolved ligand precursor (R)-(+)-5,5',6,6'-tetra-methyl
      3,3'-di-t-butyl-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diol, where the remaining phenolic hydrogen
      atom engages in inter-molecular O-H?Cl hydrogen bonding. In one mol-ecule, the
      THF ligand is disordered over two orientations with refined site occupancies of
      0.50 (3).

PMID- 28083145
TI  - Crystal structure of dirubidium hydrogen citrate from laboratory X-ray powder
      diffraction data and DFT comparison.
AB  - The crystal structure of dirubidium hydrogen citrate, 2Rb+.HC6H5O72-, has been
      solved and refined using laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized
      using density functional techniques. The un-ionized carb-oxy-lic acid group forms
      helical chains of very strong hydrogen bonds (O?O ~ 2.42 A) along the b axis. The
      hy-droxy group participates in a chain of intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen
      bonds along the c axis. These hydrogen bonds result in corrugated hydrogen-bonded
      layers in the bc plane. The Rb+ cations are six-coordinate, and share edges and
      corners to form layers in the ab plane. The inter-layer contacts are composed of
      the hydro-phobic methyl-ene groups.

PMID- 28083146
TI  - The minimotif synthesis hypothesis for the origin of life.
AB  - Several theories for the origin of life have gained widespread acceptance, led by
      primordial soup, chemical evolution, metabolism first, and the RNA world.
      However, while new and existing theories often address a key step, there is less
      focus on a comprehensive abiogenic continuum leading to the last universal common
      ancestor. Herein, I present the "minimotif synthesis" hypothesis unifying select
      origin of life theories with new and revised steps. The hypothesis is based on
      first principles, on the concept of selection over long time scales, and on a
      stepwise progression toward complexity. The major steps are the thermodynamically
      driven origination of extant molecular specificity emerging from primordial soup
      leading to the rise of peptide catalysts, and a cyclic feed-forward catalytic
      diversification of compound and peptides in the primordial soup. This is followed
      by degenerate, semi-partially conservative peptide replication to pass on
      catalytic knowledge to progeny protocells. At some point during this progression,
      the emergence of RNA and selection could drive the separation of catalytic and
      genetic functions, allowing peptides and proteins to permeate the catalytic
      space, and RNA to encode higher fidelity information transfer. Translation may
      have emerged from RNA template driven organization and successive ligation of
      activated amino acids as a predecessor to translation.

PMID- 28083148
TI  - Effects of Exercise Training under Hyperbaric Oxygen on Oxidative Stress Markers
      and Endurance Performance in Young Soccer Players: A Pilot Study.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of three weeks of
      hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) training on oxidative stress markers and endurance
      performance in young soccer players. Participants (18.6 +/- 1.6 years) were
      randomized into hyperbaric-hyperoxic (HH) training (n = 6) and normobaric
      normoxic (NN) training (n = 6) groups. Immediately before and after the 5th,
      10th, and 15th training sessions, plasma oxidative stress markers (lipid
      hydroperoxides and uric acid), plasma antioxidant capacity (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8
      tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid [TROLOX]), arterial blood gases, acid-base
      balance, bases excess (BE), and blood lactate analyses were performed. Before and
      after intervention, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and peak power output (PPO)
      were determined. Neither HH nor NN experienced significant changes on oxidative
      stress markers or antioxidant capacity during intervention. VO2max and PPO were
      improved (moderate effect size) after HH training. The results suggest that HBO2
      endurance training does not increase oxidative stress markers and improves
      endurance performance in young soccer players. Our findings warrant future
      investigation to corroborate that HBO2 endurance training could be a potential
      training approach for highly competitive young soccer players.

PMID- 28083149
TI  - Attitudes Regarding Participation in a Diabetes Screening Test among an Assyrian
      Immigrant Population in Sweden.
AB  - Immigrants from the Middle East have higher prevalence and incidence of type 2
      diabetes (T2D) compared with native Swedes. The aim of the study was to describe
      and understand health beliefs in relation to T2D as well as attitudes regarding
      participation in a screening process in a local group of Assyrian immigrants
      living in Sweden. A qualitative and quantitative method was chosen in which 43
      individuals participated in a health check-up and 13 agreed to be interviewed.
      Interviews were conducted, anthropometric measurements and blood tests were
      collected, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. In total, 13 of the
      43 participants were diagnosed with impaired glucose metabolism, 4 of these 13
      had TD2. The interviewed participants perceived that screening was an opportunity
      to discover more about their health and to care for themselves and their
      families. Nevertheless, they were not necessarily committed to taking action as a
      consequence of the screening. Instead, they professed that their health was not
      solely in their own hands and that they felt safe that God would provide for
      them. Assyrians' background and religion affect their health beliefs and
      willingness to participate in screening for TD2.

PMID- 28083150
TI  - Serum Endocan Levels Associated with Hypertension and Loss of Renal Function in
      Pediatric Patients after Two Years from Renal Transplant.
AB  - Endocan is an important biomarker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction
      that increases in association with several chronic diseases. Few published data
      have described the role of endocan in pediatric renal transplant (RT) patients.
      We evaluated the endocan concentrations in 62 children who underwent renal
      transplantation and assessed their relationships with the patients' blood
      pressure and loss of renal function. The endocan levels were significantly
      elevated in the pediatric RT patients who had hypertension and a loss of renal
      function. We determined positive correlations between the endocan concentrations
      and the hemodynamic variables (systolic blood pressure: r = 0.416; P = 0.001;
      pulse pressure: r = 0.412; P = 0.003). The endocan levels were inversely
      correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.388; P = 0.003).
      An endocan cutoff concentration of 7.0 ng/mL identified pediatric RT patients who
      had hypertension and a loss of renal function with 100% sensitivity and 75%
      specificity. In conclusion, the endocan concentrations were significantly
      elevated in pediatric RT patients who had both hypertension and a loss of renal
      function. The correlations between the endocan levels and the hemodynamic
      variables and the markers of renal function strengthen the hypothesis that it is
      an important marker of cardiorenal risk.

PMID- 28083151
TI  - Treatment of Light Chain Deposition Disease Using Bortezomib-Based Regimen
      Followed by Thalidomide-Based Regimen in a Saudi Male.
AB  - Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a rare illness with, as yet, no clear
      evidence-based guidelines for its treatment. To the best of our knowledge, LCDD
      has not been previously reported from Saudi Arabia. We present in this report, a
      38-year-old Saudi male who presented with clinical features suggestive of
      hypertensive nephropathy but kidney biopsy later revealed the diagnosis of LCDD.
      His serum creatinine at presentation was 297 MUmol/L which came down to 194
      MUmol/L on treatment with Bortezomib, Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone. His 24
      hour protein excretion at presentation was 6 g/L which also came down to less
      than 1 g/day. He was later placed on Cyclophosphamide, Thalidomide, and
      Dexamethasone regimen because of persistent high titres of serum free light
      chains. He went into remission with undetectable serum free light chains and
      remained so for three years at the time of writing this report. We conclude that
      LCDD, though rare, does occur in Saudi population. The treatment of LCDD is
      challenging but the use of Bortezomib, a proteosome inhibitor, is promising.
      However, suboptimal response may require further treatment with other therapeutic
      options such as chemotherapy with alkylating agents or high-dose Melphalan with
      autologous stem cell transplant.

PMID- 28083152
TI  - Giant Anterior Chest Wall Basal Cell Carcinoma: An Approach to Palliative
      Reconstruction.
AB  - Anterior chest wall giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is a rare skin malignancy
      that requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach. This case report
      demonstrates the challenges of anterior chest wall GBCC reconstruction for the
      purpose of palliative therapy in a 72-year-old female. Surgical resection of the
      lesion included the manubrium and upper four ribs. The defect was closed with
      bilateral pectoral advancement flaps, FlexHD, and pedicled VRAM. The palliative
      nature of this case made hybrid reconstruction more appropriate than rigid
      sternal reconstruction. In advanced metastatic cancers, the ultimate goals should
      be to avoid risk for infection and provide adequate coverage for the defect.

PMID- 28083147
TI  - Role of Eukaryotic Initiation Factors during Cellular Stress and Cancer
      Progression.
AB  - Protein synthesis can be segmented into distinct phases comprising mRNA
      translation initiation, elongation, and termination. Translation initiation is a
      highly regulated and rate-limiting step of protein synthesis that requires more
      than 12 eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs). Extensive evidence shows that the
      transcriptome and corresponding proteome do not invariably correlate with each
      other in a variety of contexts. In particular, translation of mRNAs specific to
      angiogenesis, tumor development, and apoptosis is altered during physiological
      and pathophysiological stress conditions. In cancer cells, the expression and
      functions of eIFs are hampered, resulting in the inhibition of global translation
      and enhancement of translation of subsets of mRNAs by alternative mechanisms. A
      precise understanding of mechanisms involving eukaryotic initiation factors
      leading to differential protein expression can help us to design better
      strategies to diagnose and treat cancer. The high spatial and temporal resolution
      of translation control can have an immediate effect on the microenvironment of
      the cell in comparison with changes in transcription. The dysregulation of mRNA
      translation mechanisms is increasingly being exploited as a target to treat
      cancer. In this review, we will focus on this context by describing both
      canonical and noncanonical roles of eIFs, which alter mRNA translation.

PMID- 28083153
TI  - A Retroperitoneal Isolated Enteric Duplication Cyst Mimicking a Teratoma: A Case
      Report and Literature Review.
AB  - Enteric duplication cysts lacking anatomic association with the gastrointestinal
      tract are called isolated enteric duplication cysts (IEDCs). We present an
      atypical case of a retroperitoneal IEDC with a tortuous tubular complex shape
      that enfolded the surrounding retroperitoneal fat and mimicked a retroperitoneal
      teratoma. Multiplanar reconstruction images should be used to evaluate such a
      lesion correctly. A tortuous tubular complex shape could be a key finding to
      differentiate from other retroperitoneal cysts.

PMID- 28083154
TI  - Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life for Caregivers of Alzheimer's
      Disease Patients.
AB  - Background. Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia is a chronic neurodegenerative
      disorder that results in total cognitive impairment and functional decline.
      Family members are the most usual caregivers worldwide, resulting in a subsequent
      degradation of their quality of life. Methods. During November 2013-March 2014 in
      Athens, Greece, 155 AD patients' family caregivers' Health-Related Quality of
      Life and existence of depressive symptomatology were assessed. Results. A strong
      negative correlation between the dimensions of HRQoL and the scores of the
      depression scale was revealed. AD patients' caregivers have a lower HRQoL almost
      in all dimensions compared to the Greek urban general population. The caregivers'
      social role, the existence of emotional problems, and their mental health status
      led to this result. Furthermore significantly important differences in
      caregivers' total HRQoL and depressive symptomatology were indicated in relation
      to their gender, hypertension existence, patient care frequency, cohabitation
      with the patient, disease aggravation, and economic status. Conclusions. Caring
      for relatives with AD strongly correlates with negative caregivers' HRQoL scores
      and adversely affects their depressive symptomatology. This negative correlation
      is enhanced in the later stages of the disease, in greater frequency of care,
      through living with a patient, in poor financial status, and with the existence
      of a chronic illness.

PMID- 28083155
TI  - Impact of Auxins on Vegetative Propagation through Stem Cuttings of Couroupita
      guianensis Aubl.: A Conservation Approach.
AB  - The present study explores the potential of exogenous auxins in the development
      of adventitious shoots and roots from shoot cuttings of Couroupita guianensis
      (Nagalingam), a threatened tree. Experiments were conducted to assess the effect
      of various concentrations of auxins on shoot and root morphological traits of
      stem cuttings in the greenhouse. Amongst the auxins tested, significant effects
      on number of shoot buds' induction and their growth were observed with alpha
      Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) treated nodal cuttings. Cent percentage of the stem
      cuttings of C. guianensis were rooted and shoots were induced when pretreated
      with 400 mg L-1 NAA for 5 min. Maximum 79% of stem cuttings responded to
      pretreatment of 300 mg L-1indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for 5 min, and 75% of stem
      cuttings induced shoots with 400 mg L-1indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Presence of at
      least 5 nodes on stem cuttings was found to be prerequisite for root and shoot
      induction. About 92% of plants were survived under natural soil conditions raised
      from the stem cuttings. This is the first report of vegetative propagation of C.
      guianensis through stem cuttings which could be used for conservation strategy
      and sustainable utilization of this threatened medicinal tree.

PMID- 28083157
TI  - Is Better Patient Safety Associated with Less Malpractice Activity?: Evidence
      from California.
AB  - In principle, efforts to improve patient safety, if they are successful, should
      lead to reductions in claims of medical malpractice. In practice, however, this
      has not yet been systematically demonstrated to be so. The authors examined the
      relationship between safety outcomes in hospitals and malpractice claiming
      against providers, using administrative data and measures for California from
      2001 to 2005. They found that decreases in the county-level frequency of adverse
      safety outcomes were positively and significantly associated with decreases in
      the volume of malpractice claims, as captured by records from four of the largest
      malpractice insurers in the state. This result suggests that policy options that
      improve patient safety may offer a new avenue for reducing malpractice pressure
      on physicians, at the same time that they improve clinical outcomes.

PMID- 28083156
TI  - Primary Care Providers Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Related to Hepatitis C
      Screening and Treatment in the Oral Direct Acting Antiviral Agents Era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are over 3 million Americans infected with hepatitis C virus
      (HCV). Despite recent advances in HCV treatment, a major barrier to care remains
      a limited number of treaters. HCV therapy provision by primary care providers
      (PCPs) could expand access by increasing the pool of HCV treating clinicians.
      OBJECTIVE: To characterize current HCV care practices, willingness and self
      efficacy of PCPs to become HCV treaters. DESIGN PARTICIPANTS AND MAIN MEASURES:
      Two hundred and seventy one PCPs were identified from community clinics
      affiliated with a large academic center and 4 large federally qualified health
      centers in Baltimore, MD. An internet-based survey was administered to assess
      provider demographics, clinical practice site and willingness to provide HCV
      care. Factors associated with willingness to provide HCV care were examined using
      odds ratios (OR). KEY RESULTS: Among 129 (48%) PCPs who responded, the majority
      (70%) had an MD/DO degree and were white (60%). Only a few PCPs, 12 (10%), had
      treated at least 1 patient for HCV in the prior year. Although only 22% agreed
      that HCV treatment should be provided by PCPs, 84% were interested in more HCV
      training. Willingness to provide treatment was strongly linked to having a high
      proportion of HCV-infected patients (>20% versus <20%; OR 3.9; 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.5-10) and availability of other services at the primary care site
      including HIV treatment (OR 6.5; 95% CI 2.5-16.5), substance abuse treatment (OR
      3.3; 95% CI 1.3-8.4) and mental health services (OR 4.9; 95% CI 2.0-12.1).
      CONCLUSION: These data suggest that efforts to expand HCV medical provider
      capacity will be most impactful if they initially focus HCV training on PCPs with
      a high prevalence of HCV among their patients and existing systems to support HCV
      care.

PMID- 28083158
TI  - The War Within: Preventing Suicide in the U.S. Military.
AB  - Since late 2001, U.S. military forces have been engaged in conflicts around the
      globe, most notably in Iraq and Afghanistan. These conflicts have exacted a
      substantial toll on soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen, and this toll goes
      beyond the well-publicized casualty figures. It extends to the stress that
      repetitive deployments can have on the individual servicemember and his or her
      family. This stress can manifest itself in different ways-increased divorce
      rates, spouse and child abuse, mental distress, substance abuse-but one of the
      most troubling manifestations is suicide, which is increasing across the U.S.
      Department of Defense (DoD). The increase in suicides among members of the
      military has raised concern among policymakers, military leaders, and the
      population at large. While DoD and the military services have had a number of
      efforts under way to deal with the increase in suicides among their members, the
      Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs asked RAND to review the
      current evidence detailing suicide epidemiology in the military, identify "state
      of-the-art" suicide-prevention programs, describe and catalog suicide-prevention
      activities in DoD and across each service, and recommend ways to ensure that the
      activities in DoD and across each service reflect state-of-the-art prevention
      science.

PMID- 28083159
TI  - Payment Reform: Analysis of Models and Performance Measurement Implications.
AB  - Insurers and purchasers of health care in the United States are on the verge of
      potentially revolutionary changes in the approaches they use to pay for health
      care. Recently, purchasers and insurers have been experimenting with payment
      approaches that include incentives to improve quality and reduce the use of
      unnecessary and costly services. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
      of 2010 is likely to accelerate payment reform based on performance measurement.
      This article provides details of the results of a technical report that
      catalogues nearly 100 implemented and proposed payment reform programs,
      classifies each of these programs into one of 11 payment reform models, and
      identifies the performance measurement needs associated with each model. A
      synthesis of the results suggests near-term priorities for performance measure
      development and identifies pertinent challenges related to the use of performance
      measures as a basis for payment reform. The report is also intended to create a
      shared framework for analysis of future performance measurement opportunities.
      This report is intended for the many stakeholders tasked with outlining a
      national quality strategy in the wake of health care reform legislation.

PMID- 28083160
TI  - International Variation in the Usage of Medicines: A Review of the Literature.
AB  - This article describes a review of the published and grey literature on
      international variation in the use of medicines in six areas (osteoporosis,
      atypical anti-psychotics, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular
      disease/lipid-regulating drugs (statins), and hepatitis C). We identify three
      broad groups of determinants of international variation in medicines use: (1)
      Macro- or system level factors: Differences in reimbursement policies, and the
      role of health technology assessment, were highlighted as a likely driving force
      of international variation in almost all areas of medicines use reviewed. A
      related aspect is patient co-payment, which is likely to play an important role
      in the United States in particular. The extent to which cost-sharing policies
      impact on overall use of medicines in international comparison remains unclear.
      (2) Service organisation and delivery: Differences in access to specialists are a
      likely driver of international variation in areas such as atypical anti
      psychotics, dementia, and rheumatic arthritis, with for example access to and
      availability of relevant specialists identified as acting as a crucial bottleneck
      for accessing treatment for dementia and rheumatoid arthritis. (3) Clinical
      practice: Studies highlighted the role of variation in the use and ascertainment
      methods for mental disorders; differences in the use of clinical or practice
      guidelines; differences in prescribing patterns; and reluctance among clinicians
      in some countries to take up newer medicines. Each of these factors is likely to
      play a role in explaining international variation in medicines use, but their
      relative importance will vary depending on the disease area in question and the
      system context.

PMID- 28083161
TI  - The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in HIV Prevention and Care in Central
      America.
AB  - Faith-based organizations (FBOs) have historically played an important role in
      delivering health and social services in developing countries; however, little
      research has been done on their role in HIV prevention and care, particularly in
      Latin America. This article summarizes a study that describes FBO involvement in
      HIV/AIDS in three Central American countries hard hit by this epidemic: Belize,
      Guatemala, and Honduras. Summarizing the results of key informant and stakeholder
      interviews with health and FBO leaders and site visits to FBO-sponsored HIV/AIDS
      clinics, hospices, programs, and other activities, the authors describe the range
      of FBO activities and assess the advantages of FBO involvement in addressing
      HIV/AIDS, such as churches' diverse presence and extensive reach, and the
      challenges to such involvement, such as the unwillingness of some FBOs to discuss
      condom use and their lack of experience in evaluating the impact of programs. The
      authors conclude with a discussion of possible ways that FBOs can address the HIV
      epidemic, both independently and in collaboration with other organizations, such
      as government ministries of health.

PMID- 28083162
TI  - Building Community Resilience to Disasters: A Way Forward to Enhance National
      Health Security.
AB  - Community resilience, or the sustained ability of a community to withstand and
      recover from adversity, has become a key policy issue at federal, state, and
      local levels, including in the National Health Security Strategy. Because
      resources are limited in the wake of an emergency, it is increasingly recognized
      that resilience is critical to a community's ability to reduce long recovery
      periods after an emergency. This article shares details of a report that provides
      a roadmap for federal, state, and local leaders who are developing plans to
      enhance community resilience for health security threats and describes options
      for building community resilience in key areas. Based on findings from a
      literature review and a series of community and regional focus groups, the
      authors provide a definition of community resilience in the context of national
      health security and a set of eight levers and five core components for building
      resilience. They then describe suggested activities that communities are pursuing
      and may want to strengthen for community resilience, and they identify challenges
      to implementation.

PMID- 28083163
TI  - Disease Management Evaluation: A Comprehensive Review of Current State of the
      Art.
AB  - Many countries across Europe and elsewhere have been experimenting with various
      structured approaches to manage patients with chronic illness as a way to improve
      quality of care, reduce costs and lead to better population health outcomes in
      the long run. Despite a body of studies of disease management interventions,
      uncertainty about the effects of these remains not least because current guidance
      on evaluation methods and metrics require further development to enhance
      scientific rigour while also being practical in routine operations. This article
      provides details from a report that reviews the academic and grey literature to
      help advance the task of improving the science of assessing disease management
      initiatives in Europe. Challenges identified are methodological, analytical and
      conceptual in nature, with a key issue being the establishment of the
      counterfactual. An array of sophisticated statistical techniques and analytical
      frameworks can assist in the construction of a sound comparison strategy when a
      randomised controlled trial is not possible. Issues to consider include: a clear
      framework of the mechanisms of action and expected effects of disease management;
      an understanding of the characteristics of disease management (scope, content,
      dose, context), and of the intervention and target populations (disease type,
      severity, case-mix); a period of observation over multiple years; and a logical
      link between performance measures and the intervention's aims and underlying
      theory of behaviour change.

PMID- 28083164
TI  - Developing Military Health Care Leaders: Insights from the Military, Civilian,
      and Government Sectors.
AB  - The U.S. Department of Defense has highlighted the importance of preparing health
      care leaders to succeed in joint, performance-based environments. The current
      wartime environment, rising health care costs, and an increased focus on joint
      operations have led to recommendations for Military Health System (MHS)
      transformation. Part of that transformation will involve improving the
      identification and development of potential MHS leaders. An examination of how
      candidates are identified for leadership positions, the training and education
      opportunities offered to them, and the competencies they are expected to achieve
      revealed both a range of approaches and several commonalities in the military,
      civilian, and government sectors. A conceptual framework guided a series of
      interviews with senior health care executives from a wide range of organizations
      and military health care leaders from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as a
      case study of the leader development approaches used by the Veterans Health
      Administration. Several themes emerged in terms of how leaders are developed in
      each sector, including the importance of mentoring, career counseling, 360-degree
      feedback, self-development, and formal education and training programs. Lessons
      learned in the civilian and government sectors hold importance for transforming
      the way in which MHS identifies and develops health care officers with high
      leadership potential for senior executive positions.

PMID- 28083165
TI  - Chronic Kidney Disease-A Quiet Revolution in Nephrology: Six Case Studies.
AB  - This article describes a study that examines changes in nephrology as it evolves
      from a focus on end-stage renal disease (ESRD) to the treatment of earlier stages
      of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Once patients reach ESRD, treatments are limited
      to kidney transplantation and dialysis. However, the progression of earlier
      stages of CKD can be slowed, halted, or reversed when treated. Data from 15
      clinics focusing on CKD were examined, with the focus on six case studies.
      Clinics are still establishing best-practice models, and reimbursement remains a
      challenge. Recommendations also include widespread education for primary care
      physicians on how to interpret levels of kidney function and on referral of
      patients with decreased kidney function to nephrologists before ESRD is reached.

PMID- 28083166
TI  - Feasibility and Design Options for a Potential Entity to Research the Comparative
      Effectiveness of Medical Treatments.
AB  - In 2008, the Massachusetts state legislature mandated an examination of the
      feasibility of the state's participation in establishing a comparative
      effectiveness center (CEC) and requested recommendations for the entity's design.
      "Comparative effectiveness" research involves the direct comparative assessment
      of the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of health care interventions and
      strategies. The center's findings would guide purchasing and payment decisions
      related to medical procedures, devices, drugs, and biologics by public- and
      private-sector organizations. The state has several options in terms of its
      approach to comparative effectiveness research. It could establish an interstate
      CEC that synthesizes existing findings for regional decisionmakers, it could
      establish an interstate CEC that supports new research, it could join an existing
      CEC, it could join the Drug Effectiveness Review Project and the Medicare
      Evidence-Based Decisions Project and also establish a regional center, or it
      could elect not to establish a CEC at all. An exploration of the options and the
      types of research that could be sponsored reveals that all of the options are
      potentially feasible, but the legislature's decision with regard to design must
      consider the level of prioritization of comparative effectiveness research
      relative to other approaches to improving health care quality and reducing
      spending growth.

PMID- 28083167
TI  - How Health Systems Make Available Information on Service Providers: Experience in
      Seven Countries.
AB  - This article provides details on a report that reviews and discusses information
      systems reporting on the quality or performance of providers of healthcare
      ("quality information systems") in seven countries: Denmark, England, Germany,
      Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. Data collection involves a
      review of the published and grey literature and is complemented by information
      provided by key informants in the selected countries using a detailed
      questionnaire. Quality information systems typically address a number of
      audiences, including patients (or respectively the general public before
      receiving services and becoming patients), commissioners, purchasers and
      regulators. We observe that as the policy context for quality reporting in
      countries varies, so also does the nature and scope of quality information
      systems within and between countries. Systems often pursue multiple aims and
      objectives, which typically are (a) to support patient choice (b) to influence
      provider behaviour to enhance the quality of care (c) to strengthen transparency
      of the provider-commissioner relationship and the healthcare system as a whole
      and (d) to hold healthcare providers and commissioners to account for the quality
      of care they provide and the purchasing decisions they make. We emphasise that
      the main users of information systems are the providers themselves as the
      publication of information provides an incentive for improving the quality of
      care. Finally, based on the evidence reviewed, we identify a number of
      considerations for the design of successful quality information systems, such as
      the clear definition of objectives, ensuring users' accessibility and stakeholder
      involvement, as well as the need to provide valid, reliable and consistent data.

PMID- 28083168
TI  - Views from the Homefront: The Experiences of Youth and Spouses from Military
      Families.
AB  - As the United States continues deployments of service members to support
      operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is increasingly important to understand
      the effects of this military involvement, not only on service members but also on
      the health and well-being of their spouses and youth. This article shares
      highlights from a study that examined the functioning of a sample of youth in
      military families who applied to a free camp for children of military personnel
      and to specifically assess how these youth are coping with parental deployment.
      It addresses the general well-being of military youth during and after parental
      deployment, with attention to their emotional, social, and academic functioning.
      It also examines the challenges that their nondeployed caregivers face. The study
      included quantitative and qualitative components: three waves of phone surveys
      with youth and nondeployed caregivers, and in-depth interviews with a subsample
      of caregivers. The researchers found that children and caregivers who had applied
      to attend the camp confronted significant challenges to their emotional well
      being and functioning. Four factors in particular-(1) caregiver emotional well
      being, (2) more cumulative months of deployment, (3) National Guard or Reserve
      status, and (4) quality of caregiver-youth communication-were strongly associated
      with greater youth or caregiver difficulties.

PMID- 28083169
TI  - Assessing the Impacts of Revising the Tobacco Products Directive: Study to
      Support a DG SANCO Impact Assessment.
AB  - Tobacco use is one of the largest avoidable causes of morbidity and premature
      death in the EU. Whilst smoking prevalence in the EU has been declining over the
      past 30 years, smoking has remained more prevalent among men than women in the EU
      27, with some of the new Member States reporting the widest gaps between male and
      female smokers. For young smokers (13 to 15 years old) this situation is somewhat
      reversed, with slightly more girls than boys smoking. Against this background,
      the European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection
      (DG SANCO) considered a revision of the Tobacco Products Directive 2001/37/EC
      across five general areas: scope of the directive, labelling requirements,
      registration and market control fees, ingredients, and sales arrangements. More
      specifically, the types of policy options under consideration included (but were
      not limited to): an increase of warning label sizes on the back of packaging to
      100%, a restriction for the display of products at retail outlets and an
      introduction of additional measurement method for TNCO (the modified ISO method)
      with maximum limits set accordingly. DG SANCO commissioned RAND Europe to provide
      support in assessing the potential health, macroeconomic, and compliance cost and
      administrative burden impacts of revising the Tobacco Products Directive. In
      addition to assessing impacts, the study provides an up-to-date overview of the
      evidence and basis for current tobacco product regulation that may be of interest
      to a wider audience interested in tobacco control policies.

PMID- 28083170
TI  - A Needs Assessment of New York State Veterans: Final Report to the New York State
      Health Foundation.
AB  - Mental health disorders and other types of impairments resulting from deployment
      experiences are beginning to emerge, but fundamental gaps remain in our knowledge
      about the needs of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the services
      available to meet those needs, and the experiences of veterans who have tried to
      use these services. This article highlights the findings of a study focused
      directly on the veterans living in New York state. The study included veterans
      who currently use U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services as well as
      those who do not; and it looked at needs across a broad range of domains. The
      authors collected information and advice from a series of qualitative interviews
      with veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
      residing in New York, as well as their family members. In addition, they
      conducted a quantitative assessment of the needs of veterans and their spouses
      from a sample that is broadly representative of OEF/OIF veterans in New York
      state. Finally, they conducted a review the services currently available in New
      York state for veterans. The study found substantially elevated rates of post
      traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression among veterans. It also
      found that both VA and non-VA services are critically important for addressing
      veterans' needs, and that the health care systems that serve veterans are
      extremely complicated. Addressing veterans' mental health needs will require a
      multipronged approach: reducing barriers to seeking treatment; improving the
      sustainment of, or adherence to, treatment; and improving the quality of the
      services being delivered. Finally, veterans have other serious needs besides
      mental health care and would benefit from a broad range of services.

PMID- 28083171
TI  - A Prototype Interactive Mapping Tool to Target Low Health Literacy in Missouri.
AB  - An estimated 36 percent of American adults have health literacy levels rated at
      "basic or below," indicating that they have difficulty obtaining, processing, and
      understanding basic health information and services. To help healthcare
      decisionmakers in Missouri identify neighborhood-level "hotspots" of suboptimal
      health or healthcare that may be due to low health literacy, RAND developed a
      prototype interactive web-based mapping tool. This builds on earlier RAND work to
      develop a predictive model of health literacy and estimate levels of health
      literacy in small geographic areas (e.g., census tracts). The interactive mapping
      tool allows stakeholders to select the level of geography (e.g., census tract,
      county), obtain information for and map specific regions of interest, select the
      characteristics to be mapped (i.e., estimates of community-level health literacy,
      health outcomes and care quality, neighborhood sociodemographic characteristics,
      and neighborhood health services data), and generate tables and reports on the
      regions and characteristics of interest. Housed on a dedicated RAND website
      (http://www.rand.org/health/projects/missouri-health-literacy.html), the mapping
      tool makes it possible for a range of stakeholders, from health plans to
      community organizations, to access and use the tool to help address healthcare
      disparities in their communities.

PMID- 28083172
TI  - Project Retrosight: Understanding the Returns from Cardiovascular and Stroke
      Research: The Policy Report.
AB  - This project explores the impacts arising from cardiovascular and stroke research
      funded 15-20 years ago and attempts to draw out aspects of the research,
      researcher or environment that are associated with high or low impact. The
      project is a case study-based review of 29 cardiovascular and stroke research
      grants, funded in Australia, Canada and UK between 1989 and 1993. The case
      studies focused on the individual grants but considered the development of the
      investigators and ideas involved in the research projects from initiation to the
      present day. Grants were selected through a stratified random selection approach
      that aimed to include both high- and low-impact grants. The key messages are as
      follows: 1) The cases reveal that a large and diverse range of impacts arose from
      the 29 grants studied. 2) There are variations between the impacts derived from
      basic biomedical and clinical research. 3) There is no correlation between
      knowledge production and wider impacts 4) The majority of economic impacts
      identified come from a minority of projects. 5) We identified factors that appear
      to be associated with high and low impact. This article presents the key
      observations of the study and an overview of the methods involved. It has been
      written for funders of biomedical and health research and health services, health
      researchers, and policy makers in those fields. It will also be of interest to
      those involved in research and impact evaluation.

PMID- 28083173
TI  - Building Bridges: Lessons from a Pittsburgh Partnership to Strengthen Systems of
      Care for Maternal Depression.
AB  - Between January 2007 and June 2010, members of the Allegheny County Maternal and
      Child Health Care Collaborative designed, implemented, and evaluated the
      Allegheny County Maternal Depression Initiative, a local system-change effort
      focused on increasing identification, referrals, and engagement in treatment as
      needed and appropriate for women at high risk for maternal depression. The
      collaborative was successful in improving key organizational and clinical
      processes related to the achievement of its aims. This article describes how and
      why the initiative was created, the processes through which it was implemented
      and evaluated, and the results and lessons learned. It concludes with
      recommendations in four areas for practice and policy change designed to expand
      and sustain the initiative's achievements: improve identification of maternal
      depression, enhance access to available resources and services, increase
      engagement in behavioral health treatment, and improve overall system
      performance.

PMID- 28083174
TI  - Navigating the Road to Recovery: Assessment of the Coordination, Communication,
      and Financing of the Disaster Case Management Pilot in Louisiana.
AB  - In 2009, individuals heavily affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were still
      in need of social services. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
      provided funding to the Louisiana Recovery Authority to implement the Disaster
      Case Management Pilot (DCMP) in order to help people still living in FEMA
      temporary housing units in April 2009 move to permanent and secure housing and
      access services. Despite concerted effort by participating agencies, the
      implementation of the DCMP was fraught with challenges. As a result, the pilot
      could not be implemented as intended, leaving the needs of many clients not fully
      met. This article shares details of a study that documents some of the key
      challenges in coordination, communication, and financing of the program and
      offers recommendations for future state and FEMA implementation of disaster case
      management. In light of these challenges, the authors recommend that federal and
      state governments review the systems used to identify and locate residents in
      need of disaster case management; these systems performed poorly in the DCMP,
      making it difficult to appropriately plan services. The stop and start of
      recovery initiatives led to serious discontinuities in client recovery, so the
      authors also recommend that federal and state governments consider a single,
      longer-term recovery initiative that seamlessly acknowledges the stages of human
      recovery. Improvements in how federal and state governments identify and locate
      affected residents, consider needs and vulnerabilities in planning, and ensure
      continuity of services are critical to ensure high-quality disaster case
      management.

PMID- 28083175
TI  - The Impact of the Coverage-Related Provisions of the Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act on Insurance Coverage and State Health Care Expenditures in
      California: An Analysis from RAND COMPARE.
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) contains substantial new
      requirements aimed at increasing rates of health insurance coverage. Because many
      of these provisions impose additional costs on the states, officials need
      reliable estimates of the likely impact of the ACA in their state. To demonstrate
      the usefulness of modeling for state-level decisionmaking, RAND undertook a
      preliminary analysis of the impact of the ACA on five states-California,
      Connecticut, Illinois, Montana, and Texas-using the RAND COMPARE microsimulation
      model. For California, the model predicts that, in 2016 (the year that all of the
      provisions in the ACA related to coverage expansion will be fully implemented),
      the uninsured rate in California will fall to 4 percent; without the law, it
      would remain at 20 percent. The model projects that total state government
      spending on health care will be 7 percent higher for the combined 2011-2020
      period because of the ACA.

PMID- 28083176
TI  - Promoting Psychological Resilience in the U.S. Military.
AB  - As U.S. service members deploy for extended periods on a repeated basis, their
      ability to cope with the stress of deployment may be challenged. A growing number
      of programs and strategies provided by the military and civilian sectors are
      available to encourage and support psychological resilience to stress for service
      members and families. Though previous research from the field of psychology
      delineating the factors that foster psychological resilience is available, there
      has been no assessment of whether and how well the current military resilience
      programs are addressing these factors in their activities. Further, little is
      known about the effectiveness of these programs on developing resilience. To
      assist the Department of Defense in understanding methodologies that could be
      useful in promoting resilience among service members and their families, the
      research team conducted a focused literature review to identify evidence-informed
      factors for promoting psychological resilience. The team also reviewed a subset
      of military resilience programs to determine the extent to which they included
      those evidence-informed factors. This article describes the context, approach,
      and findings from these research activities.

PMID- 28083177
TI  - Source Materials for the Healthy Communities Toolkit: A Resource Guide for
      Community and Faith-Based Organizations.
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act places significant emphasis on the
      role of community-based health promotion initiatives; within this focus,
      community and faith-based organizations (CFBOs) are seen as critical partners for
      improving community well-being. This article describes a report that provides the
      content for a toolkit that will prepare community and faith-based organizations
      to take advantage of opportunities presented in the Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act and engage faith and community leaders in promoting health in
      their communities. This includes key facts and figures about health topics,
      handouts for community groups, and web links for resources and other information
      in the following areas: healthcare reform; community health centers and
      development of the community health workforce; promotion of healthy families;
      mental health; violence and trauma; prevention of teen and unintended pregnancy
      and HIV/AIDS; and chronic disease prevention. The report also includes
      recommendations for testing the content of the toolkit with communities and
      considerations for its implementation.

PMID- 28083178
TI  - Recovery Under the Medicare Secondary Payer Act: Impact of Reporting Thresholds.
AB  - Effective January 1, 2012, Medicare will require insurers and self-insured
      companies to report settlements, awards, and judgments that involve a Medicare
      beneficiary to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In the first
      year of the law's implementation, claims resolved for less than $5,000 will be
      exempt from the reporting requirement. In the second year, the threshold for
      reporting will fall to $2,000 and then $600. In the third year, all claims will
      have to be reported regardless of payment size. As a first step toward informing
      the policy debate about the costs of compliance, the amounts likely to be
      available for recovery under the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Act, and the
      effects of different thresholds on these quantities, the researchers analyzed the
      effects of the eventual phaseout of the $5,000 threshold. The results of the
      analysis suggest that collecting on low-value claims provides Medicare with
      relatively little revenue and that such claims represent a substantial fraction
      of the reporting burden.

PMID- 28083179
TI  - A Prize Worth Paying?: Non-Standard Ways to Support and Reward Excellence in
      Health Research and Development in the UK NHS.
AB  - This article describes a study scoping the issues involved in considering the
      merits of using prizes to support the objectives of the Department of Health
      Research and Development Directorate (DH R&D). The paper concludes that there is
      indeed merit in developing incentives to support excellence in health research in
      addition to "standard" performance management and routine inspection. These could
      act either to reinforce the signals created by standard metrics (for example,
      awards recognising the best performers as measured by standard metrics) or they
      could "fill the gaps" to encourage behaviour not influenced by conventional
      incentives. This would create an ecosystem to more effectively link reward with
      motivation, which could deliver benefits for patients and the health care system
      more widely. Prizes, it is argued, should play a more significant role in the UK
      health R&D system than in the past, but it is not suggested that they replace
      existing systems to support high-quality research and development.

PMID- 28083180
TI  - How Is Deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan Affecting U.S. Service Members and
      Their Families?: An Overview of Early RAND Research on the Topic.
AB  - The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, which have extended over the past decade,
      have put America's all-volunteer force to its most severe test since its
      inception in 1973. In this environment of ongoing demand for battle-ready
      soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, there is concern about the effects and
      consequences of prolonged stress on the force as a whole and on individual
      service members and their families. The well-being of troops and the people close
      to them is an issue of much importance, both because it affects military
      readiness and the ability of the U.S. armed forces to carry out their mission and
      because the nation is committed to acting on its appreciation of the sacrifices
      made by military families. To devise policies effective for facilitating the well
      being of this community, there must first be a comprehensive understanding of the
      myriad issues and consequences that service members and their families may face
      because of deployment. Yet for much of the 2000s, this understanding was largely
      lacking. Recognizing the need for analysis, RAND launched a program of research
      around 2005, its goal being to investigate this topic and, where possible, offer
      policymakers informed recommendations. This article introduces this body of work
      still being added to today-through descriptions of six of RAND's earliest studies
      on various aspects of the topic. It calls attention to the pressing policy
      questions; summarizes the key findings, insights into the issues, and policy
      implications; and, where applicable, lays out recommendations.

PMID- 28083181
TI  - Employer Self-Insurance Decisions and the Implications of the Patient Protection
      and Affordable Care Act as Modified by the Health Care and Education
      Reconciliation Act of 2010 (ACA).
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as amended by the Health Care and
      Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (ACA) changes the regulatory environment
      within which health insurance policies on the small-group market are bought and
      sold. New regulations include rate bands that limit premium price variation, risk
      adjustment policies that will transfer funds from low-actuarial-risk to high
      actuarial-risk plans, and requirements that plans include "essential health
      benefits." While the new regulations will be applied to all non-grandfathered
      fully insured policies purchased by businesses with 100 or fewer workers, self
      insured plans are exempt from these regulations. As a result, some firms may have
      a stronger incentive to offer self-insured plans after the ACA takes full effect.
      In this article we identify factors that influence employers' decisions to self
      insure and estimate how the ACA will influence self-insurance rates. We also
      consider the implications of higher self-insurance rates for adverse selection in
      the non-self-insured small-group market and whether enrollees in self-insured
      plans receive different benefits than enrollees in fully-insured plans. Results
      are based on data analysis, literature review, findings from discussions with
      stakeholders, and microsimulation analysis using the COMPARE model. Overall, we
      find little evidence that self-insured plans differ systematically from fully
      insured plans in terms of benefit generosity, price, or claims denial rates.
      Stakeholders expressed significant concern about adverse selection in the health
      insurance exchanges due to regulatory exemptions for self-insured plans. However,
      our microsimulation analysis predicts a sizable increase in self-insurance only
      if comprehensive stop-loss policies become widely available after the ACA takes
      full effect and the expected cost of self-insuring with stop-loss is comparable
      to the cost of being fully insured in a market without rating regulations.

PMID- 28083182
TI  - Establishing a Research and Evaluation Capability for the Joint Medical Education
      and Training Campus.
AB  - In calling for the transformation of military medical education and training, the
      2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended relocating basic and
      specialty enlisted medical training to a single site to take advantage of
      economies of scale and the opportunity for joint training. As a result, a joint
      medical education and training campus (METC) has been established at Fort Sam
      Houston, Texas. Two of METC's primary long-term goals are to become a high
      performing learning organization and to seek accreditation as a community
      college. Such goals require a clear model of organizational improvement with well
      defined metrics for measuring its performance and using research and evaluation
      to assess and improve that performance. Lessons learned from a review of
      practices at institutions with similar missions-such as community colleges,
      corporate universities, the UK's Defence Medical Education and Training Agency,
      and other federal agencies, such as the Veterans Health Administration-establish
      a clear need for an office of institutional research to help METC attain its
      organizational goals. They also provide useful recommendations regarding the METC
      office's structure, scope, and governance.

PMID- 28083183
TI  - Healthcare Technology Co-Operatives: Filling a Niche in the English R&D
      Landscape.
AB  - The Department of Health (England) commissioned this evaluation of the pilot
      Health Technology Cooperatives (HTCs), which are part of its research
      infrastructure. Its purpose is to explore how this initiative has affected
      relationships between clinical, industrial and academic partners; how the HTCs
      fit into the current health innovation landscape; and the alignment of HTC
      activities to the goals set out in the NIHR strategy. Since the HTC scheme was
      intended to focus on medical devices, this review investigated how medical device
      development is being pursued by other similar entities in England, Australia and
      the USA. The key question was whether the institutional relationships initiated
      by the HTCs are contributing to the health research system in England and if this
      scheme is the most effective way of pursuing these relationships. This review had
      no specific theory or hypothesis to test, so information was gathered so as to
      allow key conclusions to be drawn and linked to existing theories. This review
      used documented evidence from the institutions involved as well as interviews.
      The pilot HTCs have shown that there are different, but equally legitimate,
      management approaches to the clinician-industry-patient relationship. These
      different approaches are reflections both of the disease field and the host
      institution culture. Neither HTC has concluded how best to sustain activities in
      the long term, particularly core management facilities such as supporting initial
      meetings with potential partners and early development of technologies from non
      commercial sources. Recommendations focused on how best to support core HTC
      activities in the future.

PMID- 28083184
TI  - The Impact of the Coverage-Related Provisions of the Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act on Insurance Coverage and State Health Care Expenditures in
      Connecticut: An Analysis from RAND COMPARE.
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) contains substantial new
      requirements aimed at increasing rates of health insurance coverage. Because many
      of these provisions impose additional costs on the states, officials need
      reliable estimates of the likely impact of the ACA in their state. To demonstrate
      the usefulness of modeling for state-level decisionmaking, RAND undertook a
      preliminary analysis of the impact of the ACA on five states-California,
      Connecticut, Illinois, Montana, and Texas-using the RAND COMPARE microsimulation
      model. For Connecticut, the model predicts that, in 2016 (the year that all of
      the provisions in the ACA related to coverage expansion will be fully
      implemented), the uninsured rate in Connecticut will fall to 5 percent; without
      the law, it would remain at 11 percent. The model projects that total state
      government spending on health care will be 10 percent lower for the combined 2011
      2020 period than it would be without the ACA, mostly because of federal subsidies
      for residents who would have been covered by Connecticut's state-run health
      insurance program (State-Administered General Assistance).

PMID- 28083185
TI  - The Impact of the Coverage-Related Provisions of the Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act on Insurance Coverage and State Health Care Expenditures in
      Montana: An Analysis from RAND COMPARE.
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) contains substantial new
      requirements aimed at increasing rates of health insurance coverage. Because many
      of these provisions impose additional costs on the states, officials need
      reliable estimates of the likely impact of the ACA in their state. To demonstrate
      the usefulness of modeling for state-level decisionmaking, RAND undertook a
      preliminary analysis of the impact of the ACA on five states-California,
      Connecticut, Illinois, Montana, and Texas-using the RAND COMPARE microsimulation
      model. For Montana, the model predicts that, in 2016 (the year that all of the
      provisions in the ACA related to coverage expansion will be fully implemented),
      the uninsured rate in Montana will fall to 3 percent; without the law, it would
      remain at 18 percent. The model projects that total state government spending on
      health care will be 3 percent higher for the combined 2011-2020 period because of
      the ACA.

PMID- 28083186
TI  - The Impact of the Coverage-Related Provisions of the Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act on Insurance Coverage and State Health Care Expenditures in
      Texas: An Analysis from RAND COMPARE.
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) contains substantial new
      requirements aimed at increasing rates of health insurance coverage. Because many
      of these provisions impose additional costs on the states, officials need
      reliable estimates of the likely impact of the ACA in their state. To demonstrate
      the usefulness of modeling for state-level decisionmaking, RAND undertook a
      preliminary analysis of the impact of the ACA on five states-California,
      Connecticut, Illinois, Montana, and Texas-using the RAND COMPARE microsimulation
      model. For Texas, the model predicts that, in 2016 (the year that all of the
      provisions in the ACA related to coverage expansion will be fully implemented),
      the uninsured rate in Texas will fall to 6 percent; without the law, it would
      remain at 28 percent, the highest in the nation. The model projects that total
      state government spending on health care will be 10 percent higher for the
      combined 2011-2020 period because of the ACA.

PMID- 28083187
TI  - The Impact of the Coverage-Related Provisions of the Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act on Insurance Coverage and State Health Care Expenditures in
      Illinois: An Analysis from RAND COMPARE.
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) contains substantial new
      requirements aimed at increasing rates of health insurance coverage. Because many
      of these provisions impose additional costs on the states, officials need
      reliable estimates of the likely impact of the ACA in their state. To demonstrate
      the usefulness of modeling for state-level decisionmaking, RAND undertook a
      preliminary analysis of the impact of the ACA on five states-California,
      Connecticut, Illinois, Montana, and Texas-using the RAND COMPARE microsimulation
      model. For Illinois, the model predicts that, in 2016 (the year that all of the
      provisions in the ACA related to coverage expansion will be fully implemented),
      the uninsured rate in Illinois will fall to 3 percent; without the law, it would
      remain near 15 percent. The model projects that total state government spending
      on health care will be 10 percent higher for the combined 2011-2020 period
      because of the ACA.

PMID- 28083188
TI  - Improving Access to Medicines for Non-Communicable Diseases in the Developing
      World.
AB  - Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for the majority of global morbidity
      and mortality and are increasingly affecting developing countries whose under
      resourced health care systems also have to handle a high burden of infectious
      disease. To counter the global devastation caused by NCDs, the United Nations
      General Assembly decided to "set a new global agenda" and convened a high-level
      meeting on NCDs in September 2011. In connection with this meeting, the authors
      of this article took a first step toward developing a policy research agenda for
      improving access to NCD medicines in developing countries, a step that the
      research-based pharmaceutical industry, in particular, can carry forward as part
      of broader global efforts to combat NCD. The authors provide a framework for
      understanding the obstacles to access for NCD medicines, review specific issues
      to be confronted within each obstacle in the developing world, identify promising
      ideas for improving access to NCD medicines, and point to several highly
      promising areas for the research-based pharmaceutical industry to focus on as it
      develops its NCD policy research program in close collaboration with other key
      stakeholders.

PMID- 28083189
TI  - The Role of Consumer-Controlled Personal Health Management Systems in the
      Evolution of Employer-Based Health Care Benefits.
AB  - The passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has piqued
      employers' interest in new benefit designs because it includes numerous
      provisions that favor cost-reducing strategies, such as workplace wellness
      programs, value-based insurance design (VBID), and consumer-directed health plans
      (CDHPs). Consumer-controlled personal health management systems (HMSs) are a
      class of tools that provide encouragement, data, and decision support to
      individuals. Their functionalities fall into the following three categories:
      health information management, promotion of wellness and healthy lifestyles, and
      decision support. In this study, we review the evidence for many of the possible
      components of an HMS, including personal health records, web-based health risk
      assessments, integrated remote monitoring data, personalized health education and
      messaging, nutrition solutions and physical activity monitoring, diabetes
      management solutions, medication reminders, vaccination and preventive-care
      applications, integrated incentive programs, social-networking tools, comparative
      data on price and value of providers, telehealth consultations, virtual coaching,
      and an integrated nurse hotline. The value of the HMS will be borne out as
      employers begin to adopt and implement these emerging technologies, enabling
      further assessment as their benefits and costs become better understood.

PMID- 28083190
TI  - National Evaluation of Safe Start Promising Approaches.
AB  - Safe Start Promising Approaches (SSPA) is the second phase of a community-based
      initiative focused on developing and fielding interventions to prevent and reduce
      the impact of children's exposure to violence (CEV). This article shares the
      results of SSPA, which was intended to implement and evaluate promising and
      evidence-based programs in community settings. Fifteen program sites across the
      country were selected to implement a range of interventions for helping children
      and families cope with the effects of CEV. The settings, populations served,
      intervention types, types of violence addressed, community partners, and program
      goals differed across the 15 sites.

PMID- 28083191
TI  - Medical Care Provided Under California's Workers' Compensation Program: Effects
      of the Reforms and Additional Opportunities to Improve the Quality and Efficiency
      of Care.
AB  - Since 2004, significant changes have been made to the California workers'
      compensation (WC) system. The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers'
      Compensation (CHSWC) asked the RAND Corporation to examine the impact that these
      changes have on the medical care provided to injured workers. This study
      synthesizes findings from interviews and available information regarding the
      implementation of the changes affecting WC medical care and identifies areas in
      which additional changes might increase the quality and efficiency of care
      delivered under the WC system. To improve incentives for efficiently providing
      medically appropriate care, California should revise its fee schedule allowances
      for services provided by hospitals to inpatients, freestanding ambulatory surgery
      centers, and physicians, create nonmonetary incentives for providing medically
      appropriate care in the medical provider network (MPN) context through more
      selective contracting with providers and reducing medical review requirements for
      high-performing physicians; reduce incentives for inappropriate prescribing
      practices by curtailing in-office physician dispensing; and implement pharmacy
      benefit network regulations. To increase accountability for performance,
      California should revise the MPN certification process to place accountability
      for meeting MPN standards on the entity contracting with the physician network;
      strengthen Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) authorities to provide
      intermediate sanctions for failure to comply with MPN requirements; and modify
      the Labor Code to remove payers and MPNs from the definition of individually
      identifiable data so that performance on key measures can be publicly available.
      To facilitate monitoring and oversight, California should provide DWC with more
      flexibility to add needed data elements to medical data reporting and provide
      penalties for a claim administrator failing to comply with the data-reporting
      requirements; require that medical cost-containment expenses be reported by
      category of cost; compile information on the types of medical services that are
      subject to UR denials and expedited hearings; and expand ongoing monitoring of
      system performance. Finally, to increase administrative efficiency, California
      should use an external medical review organization to review medical-necessity
      determinations, and it should explore best practices of other WC programs and
      health programs in carrying out medical cost-containment activities.

PMID- 28083192
TI  - Assessing the Performance of Military Treatment Facilities.
AB  - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has increasingly confronted financial,
      managerial, and operational challenges in sustaining health benefits for service
      members and their families: For example, medical costs are projected to increase
      to 12 percent of DoD's total budget in 2015, from a level of 8 percent in 2007.
      To address these challenges, DoD is working to transform business practices
      within the Military Health System. As part of this effort, DoD has considered
      setting targets for health care utilization in its military treatment facilities
      (MTFs) and rewarding or penalizing MTFs according to their performance. In this
      article, the authors discuss the potential and limitations of using MTF
      utilization and costs as measures of MTF leaders' performance. Nicosia, Wynn, and
      Romley report the findings of (1) their qualitative review of performance
      assessment in the nonmilitary health care sector and (2) their quantitative
      analysis of how MTF utilization and cost metrics are limited by random variation
      in the data, and how MTF size and resource-intensive catastrophic cases affect
      this variation.

PMID- 28083193
TI  - Policy Options for Addressing Medicare Payment Differentials Across Ambulatory
      Settings.
AB  - Under Medicare, many health care services can be provided in a range of
      ambulatory settings, and improvements in technology and delivery mean that many
      services no longer require an inpatient hospital stay. Medicare's payment for
      physician work and malpractice liability expenses is the same regardless of where
      a service is provided. However, payment differentials exist between settings for
      the facility-related components of care, such as nursing and other staff
      salaries, equipment, buildings, and supplies. A three-phase RAND study examined
      the available data on various procedure costs and payment differentials and the
      bundling or packaging of services offered to Medicare beneficiaries in physician
      offices, ambulatory surgical centers, and hospital outpatient departments.
      Building on exploratory analyses conducted in the first two phases of the study,
      this article documents findings from the third phase, which sought to identify
      options for modifying Medicare payment policies to improve the value of services
      and address the differential in the amount that Medicare pays for similar
      facility-related services in various settings. The findings confirm that payments
      tend to be highest for services provided in hospitals, but they also indicate
      that payment differentials generally exceed cost differentials and vary by
      procedure. The proposed policy options offer solutions to standardize these
      differentials and potentially reduce Medicare spending.

PMID- 28083194
TI  - RAND/UCLA Quality-of-Care Measures for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Tools for
      Assessing Quality of Care and Appropriateness of Surgery.
AB  - Claims relating to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are common in workers'
      compensation systems. Given that the human and economic costs related to CTS are
      considerable, healthcare organizations must be able to offer high-quality care to
      people affected by this condition. The study on which this article is based is a
      step toward improving care for CTS. It has produced two unique tools for
      institutions to use, one for assessing the quality of care received by a
      population of patients who have or may have CTS, and the other for identifying
      the appropriateness of surgery for individual patients. Tools that assist in
      measuring quality of care are fundamental to efforts to improve healthcare
      quality. Tools that assess the appropriateness of surgery ensure that people who
      need surgery receive it and, conversely, that people are not subjected to
      inappropriate operations. Applied in this way, these two tools are likely to
      improve clinical circumstances and economic outcomes for people with CTS.
      Together, they can be useful to provider organizations, medical groups, medical
      certification boards, and other associated decisionmakers attempting to assess,
      monitor, and provide appropriate care for people with CTS.

PMID- 28083195
TI  - Evaluation of RxNorm in Ambulatory Electronic Prescribing.
AB  - Drug prescriptions need to accurately identify the medications that prescribers
      intend for pharmacists to dispense. However, the set of computer-interpretable
      identifiers currently used in electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) does not
      support the specific needs of the prescribers and pharmacists who conduct e
      prescribing transactions. RxNorm, a drug nomenclature from the National Library
      of Medicine, assigns a rigorously derived, centrally maintained, and publicly
      available unique identifier to each clinically distinct drug. It therefore has
      the potential to greatly improve drug identification in e-prescribing
      transactions. Through laboratory research and pilot testing, the authors
      evaluated RxNorm's potential to improve how medications are represented in e
      prescribing transactions. They found that RxNorm is highly complete for
      prescription drugs used in ambulatory practice that are within its scope and that
      it offers substantial efficiency and parsimony gains for communicating health
      plan formulary information to prescribers. The errors that arose during use were
      of low clinical significance. In live pilot testing, RxNorm identifiers were
      successfully added to prescription transactions sent between participating
      prescribers and pharmacies, and the pharmacies were able to use this information
      to check for dispensing errors or to disambiguate prescriptions. The authors
      found that RxNorm appears to provide drug identifiers that more accurately
      reflect the prescriber's intent than the drug identifier set currently used.

PMID- 28083196
TI  - Policy Implications of the Use of Retail Clinics.
AB  - Retail clinics, located within larger retail stores, treat a limited number of
      acute conditions and offer a small set of preventive services. Although there are
      nearly 1,200 such clinics in the United States, a great deal about their
      utilization, relationships with other parts of the health care system, and
      quality of care remains unknown. The federal government has taken only limited
      action regarding retail clinics, and little evidence exists about the potential
      costs and benefits of integrating retail clinics into federal programs and
      initiatives. Through a literature review, semistructured interviews, and a panel
      of experts, the authors show that retail clinics have established a niche in the
      health care system based on their convenience and customer service. Levels of
      patient satisfaction and of the quality and appropriateness of care appear
      comparable to those of other provider types. However, we know little about the
      effects of retail clinic use on preventive services, care coordination, and care
      continuity. As clinics begin to expand into other areas of care, including
      chronic disease management, and as the number of patients with insurance
      increases and the shortage of primary care physicians continues, answering
      outstanding questions about retail clinics' role in the health care system will
      become even more important. These changes will create new opportunities for
      health policy to influence both how retail clinics function and the ways in which
      their care is integrated with that of other providers.

PMID- 28083197
TI  - The Effect of the Assessment of Recruit Motivation and Strength (ARMS) Program on
      Army Accessions and Attrition.
AB  - The fraction of American youth meeting U.S. Army enlistment standards for weight
      and body fat has decreased markedly over the past three decades. In response to
      this adverse trend, in 2005, the Army allowed six Military Entrance Processing
      Stations (MEPS) to grant an enlistment waiver to applicants who exceeded weight
      and body fat standards as long as they passed a physical endurance, motivation,
      and strength test known as the Assessment of Recruit Motivation and Strength
      (ARMS) test. The test was developed by Army medical scientists who believed that
      it complements existing physical tests used to identify potential enlistees who
      would and would not fare well in the military. The Army implemented ARMS at eight
      additional MEPS in February 2006 and then at the remaining 51 MEPS in April 2006.
      The authors find that ARMS increased male and female accessions of overweight
      applicants in the six ARMS study sites by 35 and 62 percent, respectively,
      between 2004 and 2005. They also report that this substantial increase in
      overweight accessions had no effect on 6- and 18-month attrition rates. Given the
      low cost of implementing the program, the authors conclude that ARMS is a highly
      cost-effective means of screening overweight applicants for military service.

PMID- 28083198
TI  - Evaluation of DG SANCO Data Management Practices.
AB  - The European Commission Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General (DG
      SANCO) commissioned RAND Europe to provide support in developing a comprehensive
      data strategy for DG SANCO that meets the needs of increasingly evidence-based
      policymaking in the future. This work builds on previous work by RAND Europe
      conducted for DG SANCO, mapping out international good practice of data
      management. The work described in this study had two aims: to assess the current
      data management practices within DG SANCO that relate to the four specific issues
      identified by DG SANCO: data needs, DG SANCO data sources, key partnerships on
      data, and data quality; and to develop, on the basis of this review,
      recommendations for improving DG SANCO's current data management and the
      definition of DG SANCO's Good Practice Model for Data Strategy. This article
      presents the findings of RAND Europe's analysis.

PMID- 28083199
TI  - Establishing State Health Insurance Exchanges: Implications for Health Insurance
      Enrollment, Spending, and Small Businesses.
AB  - The RAND Corporation's Comprehensive Assessment of Reform Efforts microsimulation
      model was used to analyze the effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable
      Care Act (PPACA) on employers and enrollees in employer-sponsored health
      insurance, with a focus on small businesses and businesses offering coverage
      through health insurance exchanges. Outcomes assessed include the proportion of
      nonelderly Americans with insurance coverage, the number of employers offering
      health insurance, premium prices, total employer spending, and total government
      spending relative to what would have been observed without the policy change. The
      microsimulation predicts that PPACA will increase insurance offer rates among
      small businesses from 53 to 77 percent for firms with ten or fewer workers, from
      71 to 90 percent for firms with 11 to 25 workers, and from 90 percent to nearly
      100 percent for firms with 26 to 100 workers. Simultaneously, the uninsurance
      rate in the United States would fall from 19 to 6 percent of the nonelderly
      population. The increase in employer offer rates is driven by workers' demand for
      insurance, which increases due to an individual mandate requiring all people to
      obtain insurance policies. Employer penalties incentivizing businesses to offer
      coverage do not have a meaningful impact on outcomes. The model further predicts
      that approximately 60 percent of businesses will offer coverage through the
      health insurance exchanges after the reform. Under baseline assumptions, a total
      of 68 million people will enroll in the exchanges, of whom 35 million will
      receive exchange-based coverage from an employer.

PMID- 28083200
TI  - Require Individuals to Obtain Coverage.
AB  - This article explores how requiring individuals to obtain health insurance (an
      individual mandate) would affect health system performance along nine dimensions.
      An individual mandate would increase the number of people with coverage by 9 to
      34 million, depending on the policy's design. Newly insured individuals would
      have improved patient experience and increased life expectancy. There is little
      evidence about how an individual mandate would affect waste; it would have no
      effect on spending, consumer financial risk, the reliability of receiving
      recommended care, or system capacity. Implementing an individual mandate would be
      challenging because it is difficult to determine compliance and enforce penalties
      for noncompliance.

PMID- 28083201
TI  - Require Employers to Offer Coverage.
AB  - This article explores how requiring employers to offer health insurance (an
      employer mandate) would affect health system performance along nine dimensions.
      An employer mandate would increase the number of people with coverage by 1.8 to
      3.4 million; the newly insured would have better health, as measured by life
      expectancy. No studies directly analyze how an employer mandate would affect
      patient experience; it would have no effect on spending, consumer financial risk,
      waste, the reliability of receiving recommended care, or system capacity. An
      employer mandate would be moderately challenging to implement primarily because
      of the need to monitor and enforce compliance.

PMID- 28083202
TI  - Increase the Use of "Bundled" Payment Approaches.
AB  - This article explores how increased use of bundled payment approaches would
      affect health system performance along seven dimensions. Bundled payment
      approaches have the potential to reduce spending, consumer financial risk, and
      waste. Evidence is mixed regarding how these approaches would affect health.
      There is no good evidence about the effects of bundled payments on reliability of
      care or patient experience. Bundled payment approaches are not applicable to
      coverage or health system capacity. Implementing bundled payment approaches would
      require fundamental changes in the way that health care providers bill and are
      paid for services.

PMID- 28083203
TI  - Grandfathering in the Small Group Market Under the Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act: Effects on Offer Rates, Premiums, and Coverage.
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), signed into law by
      President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, will introduce new health insurance
      options for many Americans. While PPACA will alter the health insurance options
      available to many people, one of the goals of the law is to enable Americans to
      keep the coverage they currently have if they choose to do so. In an effort to
      ensure that current coverage options do not change, PPACA exempts existing health
      insurance plans from certain regulations, a policy known as "grandfathering."
      Newly offered plans, including plans available through state health insurance
      exchanges, are not eligible for grandfathering. This paper uses the Comprehensive
      Assessment of Reform Efforts (COMPARE) microsimulation model to analyze the
      effects that grandfathering in the small group market will have on outcomes,
      including the percentage of small firms (with 100 or fewer workers) offering
      coverage, premium prices in the grandfathered market and in the exchanges, the
      total number of people enrolled in health insurance coverage, and the number of
      people enrolled in exchange-based health insurance plans. Results suggest that,
      while grandfathering may lead to slightly higher exchange premiums,
      grandfathering is also associated with higher employer-sponsored insurance
      enrollment and lower government spending. Therefore, grandfathering may be an
      effective policy if the goal is to maximize the number of people enrolled in
      employment-based coverage.

PMID- 28083204
TI  - Modify Federal Tax Code to Create Incentives for Individuals to Obtain Coverage.
AB  - This article explores how a refundable tax credit to offset the cost of health
      insurance premiums would affect health system performance along nine dimensions.
      A refundable tax credit would produce a slight gain in health as measured by life
      expectancy; 2.3 to 10 million people would become newly insured under this policy
      change. It is uncertain how the policy would affect waste or patient experience.
      Refundable tax credits would have no discernable effect on total health care
      spending, overall consumer financial risk, reliability of care, or health system
      capacity. Implementing refundable tax credits would be relatively easy.

PMID- 28083205
TI  - An Analysis of the Labor Markets for Anesthesiology.
AB  - The roughly 40,000 anesthesiologists (ANs) and anesthesiology residents and
      39,000 licensed certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and student CRNAs
      in the United States provide most anesthesiology services. Shortages in this
      critical area of health care can lead to problems in the provision of health
      services. The authors' surveys of ANs, CRNAs, and anesthesiology directors
      included questions about employer types, work hours, earnings, types of
      anesthesia provision, and technology adoption and preferences. They found a great
      deal of heterogeneity in work arrangements, clear urban/rural differences in the
      labor markets for anesthesiology, and even more-pronounced regional differences.
      In addition to the survey, demand-based and econometric analyses were conducted.
      The authors conclude that shortage of ANs and CRNAs is highly likely at the
      national level, with the survey approach providing hints of such a shortage and
      the economic analysis providing stronger confirmation. Finally, the authors
      examine the evolution of AN and CRNA labor markets up to 2020 under various
      scenarios.

PMID- 28083206
TI  - Enhancing Public Health Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs Populations: A
      Toolkit for State and Local Planning and Response.
AB  - Experiences from recent emergencies, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, have
      shown that current emergency preparedness plans are inadequate to address the
      unique issues of special needs populations. This article shares details about a
      toolkit meant to assist state and local public health agencies improve their
      emergency preparedness activities. It distills the most relevant strategies,
      practices, and resources from a variety of sources, including peer-reviewed
      research, government reports, the trade literature, and public health leaders, to
      identify priority populations and critical strategies. The contents include
      potential strategies for addressing special needs, summaries of promising
      practices implemented in communities across the country, information on how to
      select one or more practices that will work in a specific community, information
      on how to determine whether a practice is working, and a Web-based Geographic
      Information Systems (GIS) tool to identify and enumerate those with special needs
      in communities across the United States. Used together, the toolkit and the GIS
      tool are intended to provide a comprehensive resource to enable public health
      planners to account for special needs populations in their emergency preparedness
      efforts.

PMID- 28083207
TI  - Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Use by Adults in the U.S.: A Snapshot from the End of
      the 2009-2010 Vaccination Season.
AB  - In March 2010, the RAND Corporation surveyed a nationally representative sample
      of noninstitutionalized adults age 18 and over (n=4,040) to collect data on the
      receipt of seasonal influenza vaccine in the United States. This overview of the
      survey results will inform public health officials and other stakeholders about
      seasonal influenza vaccination of adults shortly following the end of the
      vaccination season. The information on flu vaccine uptake among population groups
      should be of interest to those working to increase uptake among different
      segments of the population, including those specifically recommended for the
      vaccine by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to the Centers
      for Disease Control and Prevention. Survey findings indicate that during the 2009
      2010 vaccination season, 39 percent of all U.S. adults were vaccinated against
      seasonal influenza, 45 percent of adults specifically recommended for vaccination
      were vaccinated, and 48 percent of vaccinated adults received the vaccine at a
      doctor's office or medical clinic.

PMID- 28083208
TI  - Living Longer in Mexico: Income Security and Health.
AB  - This analysis of aging and income security in Mexico establishes that the older
      population in Mexico is increasing quickly and that this population is especially
      vulnerable to poverty. Mexican citizens are living longer and overall have
      experienced an improvement in the quality of life compared to that of prior
      generations. However, this study demonstrates that social improvements are not
      affecting the daily lives of all persons equally. The authors attempt to uncover
      and highlight those differences. One of the primary challenges facing Mexico is a
      growing older population. The demographic transition in Mexico combined with the
      lack of formal sources of income in retirement place many older persons in a
      state of financial insecurity. The information contained in this study and the
      proposed policy research areas are intended to enlarge the portfolio of options
      for older Mexicans. The authors analyze wealth and sources of income during
      retirement, the relationship between health and wealth, urban and rural
      disparities, and the impact of migration spells to the United States on wealth
      accumulation and health insurance in Mexico.

PMID- 28083209
TI  - Value for Money in Donor HIV Funding.
AB  - Countries with the highest burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease
      are heavily reliant on donor funding from such sources as the U.S. President's
      Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
      Tuberculosis and Malaria for their HIV programs. In recent years, commitments
      from these organizations have flattened while demand for HIV/AIDS care continues
      to rise. To meet the continued need for more HIV services in developing
      countries, existing resources need to be better leveraged, i.e., to provide
      improved value for the money. This article examines options for improving value
      for money in HIV funding by using a case study that focuses on the two largest
      funders, PEPFAR and the Global Fund, with funding for antiretroviral therapy
      (ART) as its leading example. The authors' assessment of available input and
      output data suggests that current spending allocations across direct and indirect
      services are not based on increasing value for money. The authors recommend that
      expenditure data for PEPFAR be made available to the public in a transparent
      fashion on an annual basis in a usable format and that the Global Fund make its
      data accessible for each program funded. They find that program output indicators
      to track indirect services are incomplete and need to be further developed. The
      trade-off between providing current services and providing future ones needs to
      be stated clearly, and funding decisions made accordingly. Finally, given
      projections that funding for HIV will likely not increase, particularly for low
      income countries facing the highest HIV burden, an explicit emphasis on improving
      value for money by finding ways to better leverage existing monies is imperative.

PMID- 28083210
TI  - An Evaluation of the Use of Performance Measures in Health Care.
AB  - The National Quality Forum (NQF), a private, nonprofit membership organization
      committed to improving health care quality performance measurement and reporting,
      was awarded a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
      (HHS) to establish a portfolio of quality and efficiency measures. The portfolio
      of measures would allow the federal government to examine how and whether health
      care spending is achieving the best results for patients and taxpayers. As part
      of the scope of work under the HHS contract, NQF was required to conduct an
      independent evaluation of the uses of NQF-endorsed measures for the purposes of
      accountability (e.g., public reporting, payment, accreditation, certification)
      and quality improvement. In September 2010, NQF entered into a contract with the
      RAND Corporation for RAND to serve as the independent evaluator. This article
      presents the results of the evaluation study. It describes how performance
      measures are being used by a wide array of organizations and the types of
      measures being used for different purposes, summarizes key barriers and
      facilitators to the use of measures, and identifies opportunities for easing the
      use of performance measures moving forward.

PMID- 28083211
TI  - Challenges to Value-Enhancing Innovation in Health Care Delivery: Commonalities
      and Contrasts with Innovation in Drugs and Devices.
AB  - Limiting the growth of health care costs while improving population health is
      perhaps the most important and difficult challenge facing U.S. health
      policymakers. The role of innovation in advancing these social goals is
      controversial, with many seeing innovation as a major cause of cost growth and
      many others viewing innovation as crucial for improving the quality of care and
      health outcomes. The authors argue that mitigating the tension between improving
      health and controlling costs requires more-nuanced perspectives on innovation.
      More specifically, they argue that policymakers should carefully distinguish
      between innovative activities that are worth their social costs and activities
      that are not worth their social costs and try to encourage the former and
      discourage the latter. The article considers innovation in drugs, devices, and
      methods of delivering health care, with particular attention to delivery.

PMID- 28083212
TI  - Policy Options for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Application in
      Healthcare; a Prospective View: Final Report (D5).
AB  - This article reviews the state of play of European markets and applications of
      Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in healthcare in Europe. Based
      on the current situation the study presents three scenarios for 2020, to describe
      futures in which the technology and health care sectors develop in different
      ways. The scenarios were discussed in expert workshops to derive issues that need
      to be addressed by future policies of the European Union and other stakeholders.
      The market assessment is based on a review of literature and an analysis of
      proprietary market data. The information on the state of RFID applications in
      Health in Europe summarises the results of a literature review, an online Delphi
      survey, expert interviews and seven cases studies in Europe and the US. The
      policy analysis is based on the outcomes of a scenario gaming workshop with
      experts from academia, industry, healthcare providers, policymakers and
      representatives of patient organisations.

PMID- 28083213
TI  - International Benchmarking of Healthcare Quality: A Review of the Literature.
AB  - There is growing interest in the systematic assessment and international
      benchmarking of quality of care provided in different healthcare systems, and
      major work is under way to support this process through the development and
      validation of quality indicators that can be used internationally. Recognising
      that cross-national data comparison remains a challenge, there is now a
      considerable body of data that allow for comparisons of healthcare quality in
      selected areas of care. The study includes a description of existing indicators
      that could be used to compare healthcare quality in different countries, along
      with a discussion of specific problems in making comparisons at this level of
      detail. This is illustrated with case studies of two measures widely used for
      international comparisons: avoidable mortality and cancer survival. These show
      both the potential power of cross-national comparisons and some of the
      difficulties in drawing valid interpretations from the data. The study focuses on
      the three quality domains identified as important by the NHS Next Stage Review
      High Quality Care for All, namely effectiveness of care, patient safety and
      patient experience. It is however important to recognise that access is an
      important additional component of quality which may be a key determinant of
      differences in outcome between different countries. Thus comparing quality across
      countries is only a first step to then assess the causes underlying those
      differences and determining what actions may be appropriate to take to improve
      health outcomes.

PMID- 28083214
TI  - Funding Intensive Care - Approaches in Systems Using Diagnosis-Related Groups.
AB  - This article summarizes a review of approaches to funding intensive care in
      health systems that use activity-based payment mechanisms based on diagnosis
      related groups (DRGs) to reimburse hospital care in Australia (Victoria),
      Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United States (Medicare).
      The study aims to inform the current debate about options for funding intensive
      care services for adults, children and newborns in England. Mechanisms of funding
      intensive care services tend to fall into three broad categories: (1) those that
      fund intensive care through DRGs as part of one episode of hospital care only (US
      Medicare, Germany, selected regions in Sweden and Italy; (2) those that use DRGs
      in combination with co-payments (Victoria, France); and (3) those that exclude
      intensive care from DRG funding and use an alternative form of payment, for
      example global budgets (Spain) or per diems (South Australia). The review
      suggests that there is no obvious example of "best practice" or dominant approach
      used by a majority of systems. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages,
      particularly in relation to the financial risk involved in providing intensive
      care. While the risk of underfunding intensive care may be highest in systems
      that apply DRGs to the entire episode of hospital care, including intensive care,
      concerns about potential underfunding were voiced in all systems reviewed here.
      Arrangements for additional funding in the form of co-payments or surcharges may
      reduce the risk of underfunding. However, these approaches also face the
      difficulty of determining the appropriate level of (additional) payment and
      balancing the incentive effect arising from higher payment.

PMID- 28083215
TI  - Programs Addressing Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Among U.S.
      Military Servicemembers and Their Families.
AB  - Over the last decade, U.S. military forces have been engaged in extended
      conflicts that are characterized by increased operational tempo, most notably in
      Iraq and Afghanistan. While most military personnel cope well across the
      deployment cycle, many will experience difficulties handling stress at some
      point; will face psychological health challenges, such as post-traumatic stress
      disorder or major depression; or will be affected by the short- and long-term
      psychological and cognitive consequences of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Over
      the past several years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented numerous
      programs that address various components of psychological health along the
      resilience, prevention, and treatment continuum and focus on a variety of
      clinical and nonclinical concerns. This article provides detail from an
      evaluation of 211 programs currently sponsored or funded by DoD to address
      psychological health and TBI, along with descriptions of how programs relate to
      other available resources and care settings. It also provides recommendations for
      clarifying the role of programs, examining gaps in routine service delivery that
      could be filled by programs, and reducing implementation barriers. Barriers
      include inadequate funding and resources, concerns about the stigma associated
      with receiving psychological health services, and inability to have
      servicemembers spend adequate time in programs. The authors found that there is
      significant duplication of effort, both within and across branches of service. As
      each program develops its methods independently, it is difficult to determine
      which approaches work and which are ineffective. Recommendations include
      strategic planning, centralized coordination, and information-sharing across
      branches of service, combined with rigorous evaluation. Programs should be
      evaluated and tracked in a database, and evidence-based interventions should be
      used to support program efforts.

PMID- 28083216
TI  - Tackling Problem Drug Use.
AB  - The National Audit Office (NAO) is conducting a value-for-money study on the UK
      Government's 2008 drug strategy, Drugs: Protecting Families and Communities ("the
      Strategy"). The NAO study, Tackling Problem Drug Use, focuses in particular on
      local delivery authorities' capacity and capability to effectively tackle problem
      drug use (PDU) through delivery of local services. To inform the NAO's value-for
      money study, RAND Europe performed a literature review on problem drug use and
      reviewed the evidence base, both literature and data, underpinning the Strategy.
      One of the key findings is that the narrower focus in the UK on most significant
      harms may be useful, but also carries risks and drawbacks. In addition, we find
      that the Strategy draws on robust evidence in the area of drug treatment and drug
      related crime; however, other topics would benefit from further context or
      detail, and in places it is difficult to relate the evidence base to implications
      for intervention and delivery of services.

PMID- 28083217
TI  - The European Alcohol and Health Forum: First Monitoring Progress Report.
AB  - The European Alcohol and Health Forum was launched in June 2007 following the
      adoption by the European Commission in October 2006 of the EU strategy to reduce
      alcohol-related harm. It began as a stakeholder platform of 50 founding members
      from production and sales organisations, media and advertising organisations,
      NGOs that work to limit alcohol-related harm, research organisations,
      professional bodies and others. Membership of the Forum is voluntary and members
      are expected to commit formally and publicly to concrete actions to reduce
      alcohol-related harm. These concrete actions are referred to as "commitments."
      Each commitment must be put in writing in a standardised commitment form, which
      also includes monitoring information. Such information includes details of the
      objectives of the commitments, resources allocated to them and outputs produced,
      as well as dissemination of the results of the commitments alongside other
      information.

PMID- 28083218
TI  - Bibliometrics as a Tool for Supporting Prospective R&D Decision-Making in the
      Health Sciences: Strengths, Weaknesses and Options for Future Development.
AB  - Bibliometric analysis is an increasingly important part of a broader "toolbox" of
      evaluation methods available to research and development (R&D) policymakers to
      support decision-making. In the US, UK and Australia, for example, there is
      evidence of gradual convergence over the past ten years towards a model of
      university research assessment and ranking incorporating the use of bibliometric
      measures. In Britain, the Department of Health (England) has shown growing
      interest in using bibliometric analysis to support prospective R&D decision
      making, and has engaged RAND Europe's expertise in this area through a number of
      exercises since 2005. These range from the macro-level selection of potentially
      high impact institutions, to micro-level selection of high impact individuals for
      the National Institute for Health Research's faculty of researchers. The aim of
      this study is to create an accessible, "beginner's guide" to bibliometric theory
      and application in the area of health R&D decision-making. The study also aims to
      identify future directions and possible next steps in this area, based on RAND
      Europe's work with the Department of Health to date. It is targeted at a range of
      audiences, and will be of interest to health and biomedical researchers, as well
      as R&D decision-makers in the UK and elsewhere. The study was completed with
      funding support from RAND Europe's Health R&D Policy Research Unit with the
      Department of Health.

PMID- 28083219
TI  - Changing the Translational Research Landscape: A Review of the Impacts of
      Biomedical Research Units in England.
AB  - This article describes a review of the Biomedical Research Units (BRU) scheme,
      undertaken for the Department of Health. This review was a perceptions audit of
      senior executives involved in the scheme, and explored what impact they felt the
      scheme is having on the translational research landscape. More specifically, we
      investigated whether and how institutional relationships between NHS and academic
      partners, industry and other health research system players are changing because
      of the scheme; how the scheme is helping build critical mass in specific priority
      disease areas; and the effects of any changes on efforts to deliver the broader
      goals set out in Best Research for Best Health. The views presented are those of
      study informants only. The information obtained through our interviews suggests
      that the BRU scheme is significantly helping shape the health research system to
      pursue translational research and innovation, with the clear goal of realising
      patient benefit. The BRUs are already contributing to observable changes in
      institutional relationships between the NHS and academic partners: trusts and
      medical schools are collaborating more closely than in the past, have signed up
      to the same vision of translational research from bench to bedside, and are
      managing and governing targeted research resources more professionally and
      transparently than in the past. There is also a stronger emphasis on engaging
      industry and more strategic thinking about strengthening regional and national
      collaboration with other hospital trusts, PCTs, research organisations, networks
      and development agencies. The scheme is also transforming capacity building in
      the health research system. This includes (i) developing and modernising
      facilities and equipment for translation; (ii) building a critical mass of human
      resources through recruitment and training, as well as improving retention of
      existing expertise; and (iii) helping ensure a steady flow of funds needed to
      sustain research activity and accelerate movement through the innovation
      pipeline. A number of centres are also trying to recreate the BRU model in new
      disease areas, with their own resources.

PMID- 28083220
TI  - Enabling Long-Term Access to Scientific, Technical and Medical Data Collections.
AB  - In recent decades, online access to large, high quality data collections has led
      to a new, deeper level of sharing and analysis, potentially accelerating and
      improving the quality of scientific research. These online datasets are becoming
      imperative at all stages of the research process, particularly in scientific,
      technical and medical (STM) disciplines. Since libraries have a traditional
      responsibility to guarantee the availability of the output of scholarly research,
      they have a potentially important role to play in facilitating long-term access
      to these resources. Yet, the role of a national library in the realm of STM data
      remains unclear. This article presents the results of a scoping study that
      addresses the potential role of the British Library (BL) in facilitating access
      to relevant datasets in the biosciences and environmental science. The aim of
      this study is to assist the BL in developing an appropriate strategy that would
      enable it to establish a role for itself in the intake, curation, archiving, and
      preservation of STM reference datasets, in order to provide access to these
      datasets for research purposes. The focus of this study is to explore a range of
      alternative strategies for the BL, which might be different for different types
      of databases or for data supporting different research fields or disciplines.

PMID- 28083221
TI  - In Search of the Holy Grail: Understanding Research Success.
AB  - This article considers the continuing challenges facing research funders when
      trying to allocate research money. It focuses on the area of research policy in
      mental health research funding, with a particular emphasis on funding for
      schizophrenia research, and provides an overview of research policy in the last
      20-25 years. It then goes on to consider what approaches funders could take to
      build an evidence base to support future decisions about funding.

PMID- 28083222
TI  - Strengthening Research Portfolio Evaluation at the Medical Research Council:
      Developing a Survey for the Collection of Information About Research Outputs.
AB  - The Medical Research Council (MRC) wished to better understand the wider impact
      of MRC research output on society and the economy. The MRC wanted to compare the
      strengths of different types of funding and areas of research and identify the
      good news stories and successes it can learn from. As an initial step in this
      process RAND Europe: (1) examined the range of output and outcome information MRC
      already collected; and (2) used that analysis to suggest how data collection
      could be improved. This article outlines the approach taken to the second part of
      this exercise and focuses on the development of a new survey instrument to
      support the MRC's data collection approach. Readers should bear in mind that some
      later stages of survey development and implementation were conducted exclusively
      by the MRC and are not reported here.

PMID- 28083223
TI  - Ease Medicaid/SCHIP Eligibility Rules.
AB  - This article explores how expanding Medicaid/State Children's Health Insurance
      Program (SCHIP) eligibility would affect health system performance along nine
      dimensions. Expansion would substantially reduce consumer financial risk for
      those newly insured and would increase coverage by 6 to 26 percent. Expanded
      coverage should improve the health of some groups, as measured by life
      expectancy. The effect of Medicaid/SCHIP expansion on waste or patient experience
      is uncertain. Expansion would have no discernible effect on overall health care
      spending but would increase government spending. Expansion is unlikely to affect
      the reliability of care or health system capacity. Expanding Medicaid/SCHIP
      eligibility would be relatively simple because the administrative infrastructure
      already exists.

PMID- 28083224
TI  - The Effect of the Affordable Care Act on Enrollment and Premiums, With and
      Without the Individual Mandate.
AB  - This article describes the results of an analysis using RAND's COMPARE
      (Comprehensive Assessment of Reform Efforts) microsimulation model to predict the
      effects of a possible Supreme Court decision invalidating the individual mandate
      provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 while keeping
      the other parts of the law intact. The authors predict the effects of such a
      decision on health insurance coverage overall and for subgroups based on income.
      They also estimate where people will obtain insurance in scenarios with and
      without the mandate and how the elimination of the individual mandate will affect
      insurance premiums. The analysis predicted that, if the individual mandate were
      to be eliminated: (1) 12.5 million people who would have otherwise signed up for
      coverage will be uninsured. (2) Premium prices in the non-group market will
      increase by 2.4 percent. (3) Total government spending will increase modestly,
      from $394 billion to $404 billion in 2016. (4) The amount of government spending
      per newly insured individual will more than double, from $3,659 to $7,468. The
      study estimates a smaller effect on premiums than comparable studies because the
      RAND team uses a method that accounts for the difference in the age composition
      of enrollees with and without the mandate.

PMID- 28083225
TI  - Physician Cost Profiling-Reliability and Risk of Misclassification: Detailed
      Methodology and Sensitivity Analyses.
AB  - This article describes the methods and sensitivity analyses used by the authors
      in an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Purchasers are
      experimenting with a variety of approaches to control health care costs,
      including limiting network contracts to lower-cost physicians and offering
      patients differential copayments to encourage them to visit "high-performance"
      (i.e., higher-quality, lower-cost) physicians. These approaches require a method
      for analyzing physicians' costs and a classification system for determining which
      physicians have lower relative costs. There has been little analysis of the
      reliability of such methods. Reliability is determined by three factors: the
      number of observations, the variation between physicians in their use of
      resources, and random variation in the scores. A study of claims data from four
      Massachusetts health plans demonstrates that, according to the current methods of
      physician cost profiling, the majority of physicians did not have cost profiles
      that met common reliability thresholds and, importantly, reliability varied
      significantly by specialty. Low reliability results in a substantial chance that
      a given physician will be misclassified as lower-cost when he or she is not, or
      vice versa. Such findings raise concerns about the use of cost profiling tools
      and the utility of their results. It also explains the relationship between
      reliability measurement and misclassification for physician quality and cost
      measures in health care. It provides details and a practical method to calculate
      reliability and misclassification from the data typically available to health
      plans. This article builds on other RAND work on reliability and
      misclassification and has two main goals. First, it can serve as a tutorial for
      measuring reliability and misclassification. Second, it will describe the
      likelihood of misclassification in a situation not addressed in our prior work in
      which physicians are categorized using statistical testing. For any newly
      proposed system, the methods presented here should enable an evaluator to
      calculate the reliabilities and, consequently, the misclassification
      probabilities. It is our hope that knowing these misclassification probabilities
      will increase transparency about profiling methods and stimulate an informed
      debate about the costs and benefits of alternative profiling systems.

PMID- 28083226
TI  - An Outcome Evaluation of the Success for Kids Program.
AB  - This article presents results from a multisite, quantitative evaluation of the
      international Success for Kids (SFK) after-school program. The program seeks to
      build resilience in children by teaching them to access inner resources and build
      positive connections with others. The SFK program is unlike most after-school
      programs both in its focus on spiritual development and in its emphasis on
      outcomes related to resilience rather than academics. The authors found that the
      program had beneficial effects on adaptive skills, behavioral problems,
      overexternalization of problems, and school problems, and the effects persisted
      at 12-week follow-up. Interestingly, the program positively affected school
      related outcomes, even though SFK is not an academic intervention. Specifically,
      it improved reported study skills and reduced reported learning problems and
      attention problems. Overall, a major strength of the program appears to be its
      careful attention to uniformity of program delivery-in particular, its
      standardized curriculum, use of experienced teachers, and formal teacher-training
      program.

PMID- 28083227
TI  - Toward a Culture of Consequences: Performance-Based Accountability Systems for
      Public Services.
AB  - Performance-based accountability systems (PBASs), which link incentives to
      measured performance as a means of improving services to the public, have gained
      popularity. While PBASs can vary widely across sectors, they share three main
      components: goals, incentives, and measures. Research suggests that PBASs
      influence provider behaviors, but little is known about PBAS effectiveness at
      achieving performance goals or about government and agency experiences. This
      study examines nine PBASs that are drawn from five sectors: child care,
      education, health care, public health emergency preparedness, and transportation.
      In the right circumstances, a PBAS can be an effective strategy for improving
      service delivery. Optimum circumstances include having a widely shared goal,
      unambiguous observable measures, meaningful incentives for those with control
      over the relevant inputs and processes, few competing interests, and adequate
      resources to design, implement, and operate the PBAS. However, these conditions
      are rarely fully realized, so it is difficult to design and implement PBASs that
      are uniformly effective. PBASs represent a promising policy option for improving
      the quality of service-delivery activities in many contexts. The evidence
      supports continued experimentation with and adoption of this approach in
      appropriate circumstances. Even so, PBAS design and its prospects for success
      depend on the context in which it will operate. Also, ongoing system evaluation
      and monitoring are integral components of a PBAS; they inform refinements that
      improve system functioning over time. Empirical evidence of the effects of
      performance-based public management is scarce. This article also describes a
      framework used to evaluate a PBAS. Such a system identifies individuals or
      organizations that must change their behavior for the performance of an activity
      to improve, chooses an implicit or explicit incentive structure to motivate these
      organizations or individuals to change, and then chooses performance measures
      tailored to inform the incentive structure appropriately. The study focused on
      systems in the child care, education, health care, public health emergency
      preparedness, and transportation sectors, mainly in the United States. Analysts
      could use this framework to seek empirical information in other sectors and other
      parts of the world. Additional empirical information could help refine existing
      PBASs and, more broadly, improve decisions on where to initiate new PBASs, how to
      implement them, and then how to design, manage, and refine them over time.

PMID- 28083228
TI  - Funding and Performance on Clinical Guidelines: The Cases of Dementia and Chronic
      Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - In September 2009, the United Kingdom (UK) Medical Research Council, the Wellcome
      Trust and the Department of Health (England) commissioned RAND Europe to
      investigate the characteristics of research cited in two UK clinical guidelines:
      Dementia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The exploratory work
      is part of an overall drive among funders to understand better how research
      reaches policy and practice. The objectives of our exploratory study were to
      understand the following questions.What are the characteristics of publications
      cited in these clinical guidelines?On those papers with a UK affiliation, who
      funded the research cited in these clinical guidelines?

PMID- 28083229
TI  - National Evaluation of Safe Start Promising Approaches: Assessing Program
      Implementation.
AB  - Children's exposure to violence (CEV)-including direct child maltreatment,
      witnessing domestic violence, and witnessing community and school violence-can
      have serious consequences, including a variety of psychiatric disorders and
      behavioral problems, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and
      anxiety. Fortunately, research has shown that interventions for CEV can
      substantially improve children's chances of future social and psychological well
      being. Safe Start Promising Approaches (SSPA) was the second phase of a planned
      four-phase initiative focusing on preventing and reducing the impact of CEV,
      sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and
      Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). OJJDP selected 15 program sites across the
      country that proposed a range of intervention approaches, focused on multiple
      types of violence, included variations in ages and age-appropriate practices, and
      would be implemented in different settings. Each site participated in a national
      evaluation, conducted by the RAND Corporation. The evaluation design involved
      three components: a process evaluation, an evaluation of training, and an
      outcomes evaluation. This article presents the results of the first two
      evaluations. It describes the program and community settings, interventions, and
      implementations of the 15 SSPA programs for the first two years of implementation
      (through March 2009), as well as the training evaluation results.

PMID- 28083230
TI  - National Evaluation of the DH Integrated Care Pilots.
AB  - This article provides detail on the final output of a two-year, real-time
      evaluation of the Department of Health (DH) integrated care pilots (ICPs). It is
      intended to provide information about the evaluation activities conducted, the
      data collected and the analyses completed, in addition to evaluators' conclusions
      about the processes and outcomes seen within the pilot period. It will be of
      interest to the DH and other policymakers, staff involved in supporting the
      implementation of the pilots, and other organisations looking to develop similar
      initiatives designed to integrate care.

PMID- 28083231
TI  - The National Institute for Health Research Leadership Programme: An Evaluation of
      Programme Progress and Delivery.
AB  - RAND Europe evaluated the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
      Leadership Programme in an effort to help the English Department of Health
      consider the extent to which the programme has helped to foster NIHR's aims,
      extract lessons for the future, and develop plans for the next phase of the
      leadership programme. Successful delivery of high-quality health research
      requires not only an effective research base, but also a system of leadership
      supporting it. However, research leaders are not often given the opportunity, nor
      do they have the time, to attend formal leadership or management training
      programmes. This is unfortunate because research has shown that leadership
      training can have a hugely beneficial effect on an organisation. Therefore, the
      evaluation has a particular interest in understanding the role of the programme
      as a science policy intervention and will use its expertise in science policy
      analysis to consider this element alongside other, more traditional, measures of
      evaluation.

PMID- 28083232
TI  - Preventing Emergency Readmissions to Hospital: A Scoping Review.
AB  - This article reviews the evidence and potential for use of "emergency
      readmissions within 28 days of discharge from hospital" as an indicator within
      the NHS Outcomes Framework. It draws on a rapid review of systematic reviews,
      complemented by a synopsis of work in four countries designed to better
      understand current patterns of readmissions and the interpretation of observed
      patterns. Reviewed studies suggest that between 5 percent and 59 percent of
      readmissions may be avoidable. Studies are highly heterogeneous, but based on the
      evidence reviewed, about 15 percent up to 20 percent may be considered reasonable
      although previous authors have advised against producing a benchmark figure for
      the percentage of readmissions that can be avoided. The majority of published
      studies focus on clinical factors associated with readmission. Studies are needed
      of NHS organisational factors which are associated with readmission or might be
      altered to prevent readmission. The introduction of new performance indicators
      always has the potential to produce gaming. Observers from the USA cite
      experience which suggests hospitals might increase income by admitting less
      serious cases, thus simultaneously increasing their income and reducing their
      rate of readmission. There is also the possibility that there may be some shift
      in coding of admissions between "emergency" and "elective" depending on the
      incentives. If hospitals are performance managed on the basis of readmission
      rates, it would be reasonable to expect that some behaviour of this type would
      occur.

PMID- 28083233
TI  - Priorities for Investments in Children and Families in Caddo and Bossier
      Parishes: Application of a Unique Framework for Identifying Priorities.
AB  - In Louisiana, the Community Foundation of Shreveport-Bossier pools funds from
      sources in Caddo and Bossier Parishes, manages the funds, and allocates the
      funding within the two-parish region. (The City of Shreveport is in Caddo Parish;
      the city of Bossier City is in Bossier Parish.) In 2008, the foundation selected
      education, health, and poverty as priority areas for its investments in children
      and families, and it asked the RAND Corporation to assist the community in
      identifying priority strategies within these three focus areas. RAND researchers
      developed a unique framework based on the intersection of needs, assets, and best
      practices. Applying this framework to the Shreveport-Bossier community, they
      identified health care providers, public school teachers, and Barksdale Air Force
      Base as strong assets that can help the community address three high-need areas:
      infant health, child maltreatment, and educational attainment. The "Needs-Assets
      Best Practices" framework developed to assist the Shreveport-Bossier community
      can be applied in many other settings; this article can be viewed as a case study
      of the application of the framework.

PMID- 28083234
TI  - Sustainable Development in the National Health Service (NHS): The Views and
      Values of NHS Leaders.
AB  - This article presents National Health Service (NHS) leaders' views of priorities
      and approaches regarding sustainable development in the NHS. It was produced in
      close collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK) NHS Sustainable Development Unit
      (SDU), and it represents the first systematic picture of leadership views in the
      NHS. It also provides a commentary on ways forward. Analysis draws on results of
      a survey of 172 leaders of NHS organisations (primarily chief executives), 12
      follow-up interviews, interviews with the SDU, and additional data and literature
      searches. A major conclusion is that almost all leaders consider sustainable
      development to be important for the NHS and that a focus on sustainability can
      most likely be aligned with delivering other corporate goals. Aligned incentives
      at all organisational levels and support for diversity are considered necessary
      to achieve sustainability, as well as relevant performance metrics. The main
      barrier is organisational culture.

PMID- 28083235
TI  - Toolkit for Adapting Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools
      (CBITS) or Supporting Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET) for Implementation with
      Youth in Foster Care.
AB  - Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) was developed for
      use by school-based mental health professionals for any student with symptoms of
      distress following exposure to trauma. Supporting Students Exposed to Trauma
      (SSET) was adapted from CBITS for use by any school personnel with the time and
      interest to work with students affected by trauma. The purpose of this toolkit is
      to assist school-based mental health professionals, school personnel, and child
      welfare social workers in adapting these interventions for use with youth aged 10
      15 who are in foster care. The authors note that delivering a school-based mental
      health program to youth in foster care has many challenges, including
      collaboration between the child welfare and education systems, confidentiality
      and information sharing policies regarding youth in foster care, and
      identification of these youth. The toolkit was designed to help understand these
      challenges and provide strategies for addressing them.

PMID- 28083236
TI  - Behavioral Health in the District of Columbia: Assessing Need and Evaluating the
      Public System of Care.
AB  - This article shares findings from a study of the public behavioral health care
      system in the District of Columbia, including the prevalence of mental health
      disorders and substance use, the organization and financing of public behavioral
      health services, utilization of public behavioral health services, and priorities
      for improvement. The authors' analyses found that prevalence of mental health
      conditions resembles patterns nationally, among both adults and youth. Substance
      use disorders are more prevalent among adults and comparatively lower for the
      youth population, compared to national patterns. Potentially 60 percent of adults
      and 72 percent of adolescents enrolled in Medicaid managed care may have unmet
      need for depression services. Based on claims data, 45 percent of children and 41
      percent of adults enrolled in Mental Health Rehabilitation Services programs have
      gaps in care that exceed six months during a 12-month period. Participants in
      focus groups and stakeholder interviews highlighted such challenges as gaps in
      care and difficulties in coordination of care for particular populations and
      services. High-level priorities include reducing unmet need for public mental
      health care, tracking and coordinating care, improving the availability and
      accessibility of substance use treatment services, and upgrading the data
      infrastructure.

PMID- 28083237
TI  - A Blueprint for Improving the Promotion and Delivery of Adult Vaccination in the
      United States.
AB  - Vaccine-preventable disease continues to take a heavy toll on adults despite the
      widespread availability of effective vaccines. This article identifies where
      efforts to improve the delivery of adult vaccination have stalled and recommends
      targeted strategies that are supported by available evidence and build on
      existing infrastructure. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of the
      published literature on adult immunization, a stakeholder workshop, and follow-up
      interviews with meeting participants and additional experts. They also partnered
      with an organization represented at the workshop to conduct a telephone survey of
      adults to learn about the relationship between influenza vaccination and beliefs
      about the safety of influenza vaccine. Findings include that office-based
      providers remain the primary source of vaccination, though a substantial
      proportion of physicians who treat adults appear not to vaccinate at all and
      adult vaccination is infrequently discussed at health care encounters. Adult
      practices also lack a strong business case to offer vaccination, as it entails
      substantial fixed costs. In addition, achieving substantial increases in adult
      vaccination will require persuading large numbers of individuals disinclined to
      be vaccinated. Vaccination stakeholders need to engage in a collaborative fashion
      to promote adult vaccination and the integration of advice about vaccination into
      routine office-based practice. Recommendations include strengthening evidence
      surrounding practice gaps and the economic value of promoting vaccination in
      office-based settings, improving guidance to providers about vaccinating adults,
      and formalizing procedures for referring patients to complementary vaccinators.

PMID- 28083238
TI  - An Evaluation of the California Injury and Illness Prevention Program.
AB  - The Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) requirement has been the most
      frequently cited standard in California workplace health and safety inspections
      almost every year since it became effective in July 1991. Every workplace safety
      inspection must assess compliance with the IIPP. This article presents the
      results of an evaluation of the IIPP's effects on worker injuries in California
      and should inform policy both in California and in the federal Occupational
      Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program, which has made the adoption of a
      similar national requirement a top priority. Using data from the Workers'
      Compensation Information System, OSHA Data Initiative statistics, and Workers'
      Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California reports on medical and
      indemnity claims from single-establishment firms, the evaluation team analyzed
      the impact of citations for violations of the IIPP on safety performance by (1)
      using the number of citations as a measure of effectiveness and (2) assessing the
      number of establishments that were cited for noncompliance and then came into
      compliance. They found that enforcement of the IIPP appears to prevent injuries
      only when inspectors cite firms for violations of specific subsections of that
      standard. Eighty percent of the citations of the IIPP by the California Division
      of Occupational Safety and Health program are for only a different section, the
      one that requires employers to have a written IIPP. The specific subsections
      refer to the provisions that mandate surveying and fixing hazards, investigating
      the causes of injuries, and training employees to work safely. Because about 25
      percent of all inspections cite the IIPP, citations of the specific subsections
      occur in about 5 percent of all inspections. In those inspections, the total
      recordable injury rate falls by more than 20 percent in the two years following
      the inspection.

PMID- 28083239
TI  - Analysis of the Cities Readiness Initiative.
AB  - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Cities Readiness
      Initiative (CRI) provides funding, program guidance, and technical assistance to
      improve communities' ability to rapidly provide life-saving medications in
      response to a large-scale bioterrorist attack, naturally occurring disease
      outbreak, or other public health emergency. Focusing on both capacities and
      operational capabilities, the authors examine (1) the current status of
      communities' operational capability to meet CRI program goals related to
      delivering medical countermeasures within 48 hours of a federal decision to
      deploy assets and (2) whether there is evidence that CRI has improved
      communities' capability to meet the 48-hour goal. Analysis shows that, overall,
      state capacity appears to be strong; CRI appears to have improved state capacity,
      but the data are not conclusive. Performance across Metropolitan Statistical
      Areas varies considerably, as does performance in particular functional areas.
      The authors also note that testing of operational capabilities has not been
      conducted at a large enough scale to measure readiness for the 48-hour scenario,
      recommending that jurisdictions be required to conduct drills at a larger scale.
      Other proposed recommendations include improving CDC feedback to jurisdictions,
      attempting to leverage assessments of non-CRI sites as a comparison group, and
      assessing program cost-effectiveness.

PMID- 28083240
TI  - The Modified Kalman Filter Macro: User's Guide.
AB  - The Modified Kalman Filter approach for pooling information across time and
      across outcomes is shown to improve accuracy in national estimates of health
      outcomes, including cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, especially in small
      racial/ethnic subgroups. The developed SAS macro models true health states in
      each subgroup assuming a linear time evolution and an autoregressive deviation
      around such trend. The macro provides multiple options for users.

PMID- 28083241
TI  - Letter from the Editor.

PMID- 28083242
TI  - The Economics of Air Force Medical Service Readiness.
AB  - The prime mission of the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS), like those of the
      medical departments of its sister services, is to provide medical care during
      wartime. AFMS currently runs three successful in-theater hospitals that treat
      severely injured or wounded U.S. personnel from all four services. But this
      wartime mission depends on capabilities built at home, as critical-care
      specialists maintain their technical proficiency, as much as peacetime
      opportunities allow, by meeting health-care needs of Department of Defense
      beneficiaries at home. These patients have ranged from young, healthy active-duty
      personnel to aging retirees, historically presenting a broad range of injuries
      and illnesses for treatment. However, between the demands of deployments creating
      gaps in staff at home and changes in care plans, some beneficiaries now seek care
      in the civilian sector. In addition, several AFMS hospitals stateside have been
      closed, converted to clinics, or combined with those of other services for
      various reasons. All is problematic for two reasons: First, inpatient workloads
      in particular represent the best opportunities for critical care providers to
      prepare for their wartime missions. AFMS will need to increase these
      opportunities, perhaps working with other services, the Department of Veterans
      Affairs, or civilian hospitals. Second, AFMS's funding depends, in part, on the
      workload performed, but current measurement methods do not necessarily do a good
      job of accounting for the work AFMS practitioners accomplish outside their home
      stations. Some imminent changes may help resolve this situation, but AFMS should
      pursue opportunities to create additional workload for its medical personnel and
      to increase its budgets.

PMID- 28083243
TI  - New Equipping Strategies for Combat Support Hospitals.
AB  - The U.S. Army uses Combat Support Hospitals (CSHs)-mobile, deployable hospitals
      housed in tents and expandable containers-to provide surgical and trauma care
      close to combat action. CSHs typically operate as hospitals only when deployed,
      and deployments occur only once every three to five years under the Army's
      rotational cycle. When not deployed, CSHs keep a partial set of equipment at home
      station for training or possible local emergency medical missions, while the
      remainder of the unit's equipment is in long-term storage at a site in the high
      desert of Northern California. This strategy of providing equipment for CSHs has
      created maintenance and obsolescence challenges. Nondeployed CSHs have old,
      poorly maintained equipment that is seldom or never used. Further, the Army has
      not programmed sufficient funds to keep all its CSH sets technologically current;
      in practice, deploying units do not deploy with their own equipment, but instead
      receive new medical equipment when deploying or take ownership of existing,
      upgraded equipment that is already deployed. RAND Arroyo Center researchers
      developed a new equipping strategy for the Army's CSHs, proposing three options
      for home station equipment sets: an "Expanded" design that provides more surgical
      and trauma capability and capacity; an "Enhanced" design that provides roughly
      the same amount of equipment but improved medical capabilities; and a "Lean"
      design that provides only enough equipment for some individual and team training.
      The research team also proposed changing the equipping strategy of deploying CSHs
      to eliminate much of the unit-owned equipment now residing in long-term storage.
      Deploying units would instead draw on a shared pool of up-to-date and well
      maintained equipment. The proposed strategy would reduce total equipment costs
      from $1 billion to less than $700 million, leaving the Army with sufficient funds
      to continually upgrade and maintain both home-station and shared equipment.

PMID- 28083244
TI  - Harnessing Full Value from the DoD Serum Repository and the Defense Medical
      Surveillance System.
AB  - The Army manages the Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR) of over 43
      million serum samples and the associated Defense Medical Surveillance System
      (DMSS) database that links individual service member characteristics to these
      biological samples. The main mission and use of these resources has been for
      military health surveillance. The Army turned to RAND Arroyo Center to
      systematically examine current requirements and capabilities of the DoDSR and
      DMSS, identify gaps, and suggest strategies to improve their ability to meet
      current and potential future military health needs, including surveillance,
      outbreak investigation, research, and clinical support, particularly as these
      relate to influenza and other infectious disease threats. The research drew
      information from written documents and interviews with military and civilian
      experts. The study identified a number of opportunities to improve the
      management, content, and use of the serum repository and associated database.
      There were six main recommendations: (1) clarify and communicate the missions of
      the DoDSR and DMSS both within and beyond the Department of Defense; (2) empower,
      structure, and resource the organizational oversight of DoDSR and DMSS so that
      they can fulfill the full range of their missions; (3) create an integrative data
      plan for comprehensive health surveillance; (4) enhance the utility of specimens;
      (5) plan for the next repository facility; and (6) raise awareness of and expand
      access to DoDSR and DMSS.

PMID- 28083245
TI  - Assessment of the USCENTCOM Medical Distribution Structure.
AB  - This study examined whether there might be a medical supply and distribution
      structure for U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) that would maintain or improve
      performance while reducing costs. The authors evaluated the likely performance
      and cost implications of the range of possibilities, considering both the medical
      and nonmedical logistics structures, for providing medical supplies to support
      medical activities in USCENTCOM. They found that three options would preserve or
      improve performance while either lowering or not increasing costs. Additionally,
      they considered how the value of these solutions would likely change with future
      shifts in USCENTCOM operations.

PMID- 28083247
TI  - An Analysis of the Populations of the Air Force's Medical and Professional
      Officer Corps.
AB  - Since the advent of the all-volunteer force, one of the foremost personnel
      challenges of the U.S. Air Force has been recruiting and retaining an adequate
      number of medical and professional officers in the Air Force's seven medical and
      professional officer corps: the Biomedical Sciences Corps (BSC), the Chaplain
      Corps, the Dental Corps, the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps (attorneys), the
      Medical Corps (physicians), the Medical Service Corps (MSC), and the Nurse Corps.
      For each of these corps, there are highly similar jobs in the private sector, so
      attracting and retaining these corps' officers is a constant challenge. This
      article analyzes all seven Air Force medical and professional officer corps and
      their relative statuses with regard to end strengths, accession levels, promotion
      flow, and attrition since the late 1970s. The authors find that recent accession
      and retention trends have been most adverse in the Air Force's Nurse Corps, while
      the MSC and the JAG Corps appear to have the most stable populations.

PMID- 28083246
TI  - Bridging the Gap: Developing a Tool to Support Local Civilian and Military
      Disaster Preparedness.
AB  - U.S. policymakers have stepped up systematic disaster preparedness efforts
      sharply since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including the creation
      of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a plethora of federal
      initiatives. Against a backdrop of natural disasters that occur each year in the
      United States and heightened concern about pandemic influenza, there is an
      emerging national consensus that the best path is an all-hazards approach to
      disaster preparedness planning and that effective local planning is critical.
      Military installations and their civilian counterparts-local government and local
      health-care providers, especially the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-can
      strengthen local-level disaster preparedness planning. This is an interim report
      for the first phase of a larger study aiming to develop a planning support tool
      for local military and civilian planners. It describes current policies and
      programs-especially those with nationwide application-for domestic emergency
      preparedness, risk analysis, and capabilities-based planning. It also describes
      results from interviews with local military and civilian planners at five
      selected sites to help understand how local preparedness planning currently
      operates and identify the needs of local planners. Collectively, these form the
      basis for a proposed tool, for which the framework is described in this article.
      The next phase of the study will include development and field testing of a proof
      of-concept prototype of the tool.

PMID- 28083248
TI  - Medical Readiness of the Reserve Component.
AB  - The reserve components (RCs) of the U.S. military must ensure that reservists are
      not only properly equipped and trained, but also medically ready to serve.
      Medical readiness means that service members are free from health-related
      conditions, including dental conditions, that could limit their ability to carry
      out their duties. Medically ready reservists require less medical and dental
      support in theater and fewer medical evacuations from theater, both of which save
      money and free assets for other purposes. This article identifies existing
      medical readiness requirements, quantifies the current status of RC medical
      readiness, identifies obstacles to achieving compliance, and suggests options for
      improving medical readiness in a cost-effective manner. The authors find that
      time and expense are the major barriers to the RCs achieving their overall goals
      for medical readiness. Recommendations include standardizing medical readiness
      criteria across services, improving data reporting and archiving processes,
      providing incentives to individuals and units to achieve medical readiness, and
      continuing to extend TRICARE coverage to reservists prior to deployment.

PMID- 28083249
TI  - Healthcare Coverage and Disability Evaluation for Reserve Component Personnel:
      Research for the 11th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation.
AB  - Because Reserve Component (RC) members have been increasingly used in an
      operational capacity, among the policy issues being addressed by the 11th
      Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC) is compensation and benefits
      for the National Guard and Reserve. As part of the review, RAND was asked to
      analyze healthcare coverage and disability benefits for RC members, including
      participation in the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) program, the potential effects
      of national health reform on coverage rates, and disability evaluation outcomes
      for RC members. This article summarizes the results of RAND's analysis. The
      author finds that 30 percent of RC members lack health insurance to cover care
      for non-service-related conditions. The TRS program offers the option of
      purchasing health insurance through the military on terms that are superior to
      typical employer benefits. Although program participation has increased, it
      remains low and TRS does not appear to be effectively targeting those most likely
      to be uninsured. TRS premiums are also lower than the premiums for the new
      options that will be available under health reform and the same as the penalty
      for not being insured. So health reform is likely to increase TRS enrollment.
      Finally, previously deployed RC members are referred to the Disability Evaluation
      System at a much lower rate than Active Component (AC) members, even for
      deployment-related conditions, but those who are referred receive dispositions
      (and thus benefits) similar to those for AC members. These findings suggest that
      the Department of Defense may want to consider ways to better coordinate TRS with
      other insurance options that will be available to RC members and that the
      identification of RC members who experience health consequences from deployment
      leading to disability merits further investigation.

PMID- 28083250
TI  - Improving Joint Expeditionary Medical Planning Tools Based on a Patient Flow
      Approach.
AB  - The U.S. military's current concept of operations for expeditionary medical care
      emphasizes quickly moving patients to a series of successively more sophisticated
      medical facilities that provide the patients with the care necessary to treat
      their injury or condition. Balancing the deployment of treatment and evacuation
      resources is therefore necessary to ensure that the right mix of resources is
      available in a timely fashion. The authors propose a planning concept that, by
      promoting patient flow rate as the common unit of measurement, will help
      integrate medical planning across treatment and evacuation functions, across the
      increasing levels of care, and across the different military services. The
      primary medical planning tool approved for use by combatant commands for
      developing their operational plans-the Joint Medical Analysis Tool (JMAT)-already
      operates in a manner consistent with this concept. However, modifications and
      enhancements to JMAT are necessary to ensure that the concept can be fully
      implemented.

PMID- 28083251
TI  - Understanding and Reducing Off-Duty Vehicle Crashes Among Military Personnel.
AB  - The authors review traffic safety in the United States, with specific reference
      to military personnel, focusing on safety interventions and attempts to change
      driver behavior and decisions. Overall, driving has become safer over the last 20
      years: A variety of factors seem to have contributed to this increased safety
      better vehicle safety features, better road safety features, decreases in teenage
      drunk driving, more seat belt use, and at least recently, fewer vehicle miles
      traveled. In contrast, motorcycle riding, a topic of particular interest to the
      military, is becoming more dangerous. The main difference between the military
      and civilian population is the proportion of military crash fatalities on
      motorcycles-the U.S. rate is currently about 15 percent of fatalities, while in
      some military branches the rate is on average 35-40 percent. This review shows
      that the following safety interventions tend to help in the reduction of vehicle
      crashes and that some in particular may be useful in the military setting: (1)
      better enforcement of underage drinking laws and continuation of alcohol
      deglamorization campaigns (Department of Defense regulations exist, but underage
      drinking seems to be relatively common); (2) high-visibility enforcement
      techniques for sobriety checkpoints; (3) high-visibility enforcement techniques
      for seat belt use; (4) adoption of a lower blood alcohol concentration level
      (such as 0.05) for motorcyclists, since the evidence shows that motorcyclists'
      ability to drive safely begins declining at lower levels than those for car
      drivers; (5) screening-perhaps as part of military medical assessment-and brief
      intervention with a trained counselor for at-risk drinkers, since they are at
      higher risk for drinking and driving; (6) media campaigns that are paired with
      community activities that also emphasize driver safety, such as workshops or
      fairs and with enforcement of driving regulations, and targeted at the drivers at
      highest risk (men in their teens and early 20s); (7) requirements that
      motorcyclists be licensed and own their vehicles.

PMID- 28083252
TI  - A Prototype Knowledge-Sharing Service for Clinical Decision Support Artifacts.
AB  - This article, by researchers from Partners HealthCare and the RAND Corporation,
      primarily describes the work associated with Task 4.8 of the Advancing Clinical
      Decision Support (ACDS) effort, a project intended to accelerate the effective
      use of computer-based clinical decision support (CDS) interventions to facilitate
      evidence-based clinical practice and the meaningful use of health information
      technology. The key objectives of Task 4.8 were to develop CDS artifacts for at
      least 20 interventions of different types, targeted toward guidelines and
      clinical conditions called for in the 2011 meaningful use criteria, and to
      disseminate the tools, content, and materials through a knowledge-sharing service
      (KSS) that could potentially be deployed on a national scale. The ACDS
      interventions or artifacts were built utilizing the extensible markup language
      (XML) schema developed by the Clinical Decision Support Consortium (CDSC) project
      and were published on the CDSC portal (http://cdsportal.partners.org/), which
      functions as the ACDS KSS. While the original CDSC Level 3 XML schema adequately
      supported the development of the ACDS artifacts, the authors worked with the CDSC
      team to expand the schema to support additional intervention types (order sets,
      documentation templates, infobuttons, relevant data display, and value sets).
      Twenty-two CDS artifacts and 16 value sets were developed that cover the five CDS
      intervention types. Three custom style sheets were developed to render the XML
      files in human-readable form. The authors recommend investment in the
      foundational building blocks for shareable CDS, such as dictionaries and value
      sets, as these will be essential. The CDS content on the portal will need to be
      expanded and maintained in order for it to remain a viable resource for CDS
      implementers.

PMID- 28083253
TI  - The Impact of Health Care Reform on Workers' Compensation Medical Care: Evidence
      from Massachusetts.
AB  - Although it is widely recognized that health care reform has the potential to
      affect the volume and cost of medical care received through the workers'
      compensation (WC) system, to date there is little empirical evidence of this
      effect. This study used the experience of Massachusetts, which implemented a
      health care reform package with several provisions similar to those in the
      Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, to empirically estimate how
      health reform impacts WC hospital care. It was found that WC billing frequency
      for both emergency room visits and inpatient hospitalizations fell by 5 to 10
      percent as a result of reform, but that billed charges and treatment volume were
      not measurably affected. These impacts were observable among patients with more
      costly injuries and persisted even after various approaches were used to account
      for the effects of the economic downturn that began at the end of 2007. While
      many outstanding questions about the impacts of health reform on WC remain, this
      early quantitative, empirical evidence suggests that reform may reduce medical
      costs borne by the WC system.

PMID- 28083254
TI  - Medicines as a Service: A New Commercial Model for Big Pharma in the
      Postblockbuster World.
AB  - The past decade has not been kind to large pharmaceutical companies. Their share
      prices have been lagging the market after many years of outperforming it. Many
      had to undergo painful restructuring and workforce reductions because their
      traditional blockbuster model is becoming extinct. More and more top-selling
      drugs are being replaced by cheap generics, and developing new drugs is more
      difficult because fewer opportunities exist and more-costly research and
      development (R&D) productivity has declined. Although this diagnosis is not
      disputed, the best course of treatment is not clear. Companies have tried to stop
      the bleeding with the help of mergers and reorganizations and infused new blood
      by acquiring biotech companies or their innovative products or by diversifying
      into products other than prescription drugs. In this article, the authors propose
      that the pharmaceutical industry can reconfigure its considerable resources to
      develop innovative and meaningful business models that are based on services that
      improve access and adherence to prescription drugs for chronic conditions. They
      argue that such innovation beyond drug development is consistent with the core
      capabilities of large pharmaceutical companies and has the potential to achieve
      profit levels similar to those of its traditional models. Their argument is based
      on the fact that, although effective medicines for most chronic conditions exist,
      access and adherence to medicines is far from what would be needed to achieve
      full treatment efficacy. Therefore, value can be created by getting and keeping
      more patients on their drugs, and innovative business models would allow
      pharmaceutical companies to capture that value.

PMID- 28083255
TI  - Measuring Health System Progress in Reducing Mortality from Noncommunicable
      Diseases.
AB  - Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) place a heavy burden on developing countries,
      whose relatively recent adoption of Western-style health behaviors and lifestyle
      choices has led to increased prevalence of risk factors for NCDs over the past
      decade. NCDs are compounding the burden of infectious disease on health systems
      in those countries. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched
      several risk reduction initiatives. WHO is drafting a monitoring framework and
      voluntary targets as the basis for a consultation process with member states.
      However, the indicators and targets that a global consultation process will
      produce will inevitably provide high-level, aggregated information, such as
      progress toward reducing premature NCD mortality. Regional and national
      decisionmakers and planners, on the other hand, will need more proximal and
      granular information to track progress toward high-level goals and will be
      constrained by the resources and demands in their respective jurisdictions. The
      relative importance of different risk factors and manifest NCDs differs across
      countries, and so do health systems' capabilities and resources. Thus, national
      and regional decisionmakers will need: (1) a comprehensive set of indicators to
      guide on-the-ground prioritization decisions and track progress toward high-level
      targets and (2) actionable data to predict the impact of changes in proximal
      indicators on high-level targets. As a first step, this article outlines a
      roadmap toward a comprehensive system for national and regional decisionmakers to
      (1) track progress toward the key WHO goal of reducing NCD mortality by 25
      percent by 2025 and (2) prioritize resources and interventions to achieve that
      goal.

PMID- 28083256
TI  - Assessment of the implementation of the EU Drugs Strategy 2005-2012 and its
      Action Plans.
AB  - Illicit drug use continues to be an important public health and safety concern in
      Europe. Production, trafficking and dealing in illicit drugs constitute important
      criminal justice challenges in themselves, and are associated with other criminal
      activities. The 2005-2012 EU Drugs Strategy (as with previous strategies) was
      developed to complement and add value to national strategies and approaches while
      respecting the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality set out in the EU
      Treaties. The main rationale for its development was that while drugs problems
      vary across Member States, and are experienced at the local and national level,
      they are "a global issue that needs to be addressed in a transnational context."
      RAND Europe undertook an independent evaluation of the current Strategy and its
      Action Plans, addressing four research objectives: (1) to assess barriers and
      facilitators to the implementation of objectives and priorities at EU and Member
      State level, (2) to assess the relevance and influence of the Strategy with
      respect to national drugs policy and legislation, (3) to assess possible impact
      on the drugs situation in the EU, and (4) to identify key aspects and
      recommendations for future EU Drugs Strategies.

PMID- 28083257
TI  - Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Management: A Review of the Evidence to Inform the
      Development of Quality Indicators.
AB  - This article aims to inform the development of quality indicators for
      postmenopausal osteoporosis management through (a) assessing the evidence for
      screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis and related risk factors, and for
      prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures; (b)
      describing current practice for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis in Europe;
      and (c) highlighting existing gaps in the evidence base and management practices
      in Europe. Analyses involved a comprehensive review of reviews regarding the
      screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis and related risk factors and the
      prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures.
      While this identified a well-developed evidence base on the effects of selected
      treatments on clinical outcomes of postmenopausal osteoporosis and associated
      fractures, and on the usefulness of selected simple risk factor assessment tools
      to identify postmenopausal women who would benefit from further diagnostic
      assessment, uncertainties remain regarding for example the optimal use of
      pharmacological interventions for preventive purposes and the effectiveness of
      population-based screening. We also carried out case study reviews of current
      practices for managing postmenopausal osteoporosis in England, France, Germany
      and Spain. We identify a need for the establishment of routine monitoring systems
      to enable better understanding of contemporary patterns and trends and identify
      care gaps in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis and associated
      fractures. Such analyses are crucial to inform targeted strategies and policies
      to effectively address the burden of osteoporosis and associated fractures, which
      is sizable and set to increase across Europe. We set out considerations as a
      starting point for the further development of quality measures for postmenopausal
      osteoporosis in Europe.

PMID- 28083258
TI  - Further Study on the Affordability of Alcoholic Beverages in the EU: A Focus on
      Excise Duty Pass-Through, On- and Off-Trade Sales, Price Promotions and Statutory
      Regulations.
AB  - Policies related to alcohol pricing, promotion and discounts provide
      opportunities to address harms associated with alcohol misuse. However, there are
      important gaps in information and knowledge about the regulations in place across
      parts of Europe and their impacts on consumer prices and locations of purchase.
      Using market data, we explored the overall scale and trend of price promotions
      and discounts in the off-premise (e.g. supermarket) and on-premise (e.g.
      restaurants, pubs) across five EU Member States. To better understand the factors
      that may influence sales in the on- vs. off-premises, we performed regression
      analysis for four EU Member States with relevant data. This found that increases
      in broadband penetration and population density were associated with relatively
      higher levels of off-premise alcohol purchases and that increases in income were
      associated with relatively higher levels of on-premise purchases of alcohol.
      There was no statistically significant relationship for female higher education.
      We further used time-series methods, drawing on data for Ireland, Latvia,
      Slovenia and Finland, to estimate the impact of changes in excise duty on price
      ("pass-through"). This showed that a ?1 increase in excise duty increased beer
      prices by ?0.50-?2.50 in the off-premise, and increased spirits prices by ?0.70
      ?1.40 in the off-premise. These findings suggest that, depending on the price
      sensitivity of consumers and other strategies employed by suppliers (e.g.
      advertising), changes in excise duty may be an effective instrument to reduce
      harmful alcohol consumption.

PMID- 28083259
TI  - Letter from the Editor.

PMID- 28083260
TI  - Evaluation of the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Program: Progress During 2008 and
      2009.
AB  - The Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act, a referendum passed by Arkansans in the
      November 2000 election, invests Arkansas' share of the tobacco Master Settlement
      Agreement funds in seven health-related programs. RAND was contracted to perform
      a comprehensive evaluation of the progress of the seven programs in fulfilling
      their missions, as well as the effects of the programs on smoking and other
      health-related outcomes. This article discusses the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement
      Commission's activities and its responses to recommendations by RAND in the
      earlier evaluation reports and documents continued activity and progress by the
      seven funded programs for 2008 and 2009. The article evaluates the progress of
      each of the funded programs, including assessing progress in achieving
      programmatic goals and tracking the programs' activities and indicators. It also
      updates trends in outcome measures developed to monitor the effects of the funded
      programs on smoking and other health-related outcomes. Finally, it provides both
      program-specific and statewide recommendations for future program activities and
      funding, including ongoing strategic planning, developing evaluation measures,
      collaboration with other programs, and sustaining funding and growth.

PMID- 28083261
TI  - The U.S. Drug Policy Landscape: Insights and Opportunities for Improving the
      View.
AB  - Discussions about reducing the harms associated with drug use and antidrug
      policies are often politicized, infused with questionable data, and unproductive.
      This article provides an overview of a nonpartisan primer that should be of
      interest to those who are new to the field of drug policy, as well as those who
      have been working in the trenches. It begins with an overview of problems and
      policies related to illegal drugs in the United States, including the nonmedical
      use of prescription drugs. It then discusses the efficacy of U.S. drug policies
      and programs, including long-standing issues that deserve additional attention.
      Next, the article lists the major funders of research and analysis in the area
      and describes their priorities. By highlighting the issues that receive most of
      the funding, this discussion identifies where gaps remain. Comparing these needs,
      old and new, to the current funding patterns suggests eight opportunities to
      improve understanding of drug problems and drug policies in the United States:
      (1) sponsor young scholars and strengthen the infrastructure of the field, (2)
      accelerate the diffusion of good ideas and reliable information to
      decisionmakers, (3) replicate and evaluate cutting-edge programs in an expedited
      fashion, (4) support nonpartisan research on marijuana policy, (5) investigate
      ways to reduce drug-related violence in Mexico and Central America, (6) improve
      understanding of the markets for diverted pharmaceuticals, (7) help build and
      sustain comprehensive community prevention efforts, and (8) develop more sensible
      sentencing policies that reduce the excessive levels of incarceration for drug
      offenses and address the extreme racial disparities.

PMID- 28083262
TI  - Nurse Practitioners and Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: An Analysis of
      Supply and Demand.
AB  - Use of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services is projected to grow between
      10 and 20 percent from 2006 to 2020. This growth is driven largely by changes in
      the racial/ethnic make-up of the population of women of reproductive age and an
      increase in the number of people with insurance coverage because of new health
      care legislation. Trends in supply and demand for SRH services, particularly for
      low-income individuals, suggest demand will outstrip supply in the next decade.
      Nurse Practitioners (NPs) with a women's health focus are key providers of SRH
      care in Title X-funded clinics, which deliver a significant proportion of U.S.
      family planning and SRH services to low-income populations. This article looks at
      why numbers of women's health NPs (WHNPs) have been declining, and are projected
      to continue to decline, despite significant growth in total numbers of NPs.
      Barriers to increasing the supply of NPs competent in SRH care-such as reduced
      funding for WHNP training, increased funding for primary care and geriatric NP
      training, and a shrinking proportion of WHNPs choosing to work in public health,
      clinics, and family planning-are identified. From the standpoint that the
      evolution of the health care delivery system may serve as an opportunity to
      optimize the delivery of SRH services in the United States, a comprehensive set
      of options spanning education, federal and state regulations, and emerging models
      of care delivery are explored to reverse this trend of too few WHNPs,
      particularly for servicing Title X facilities and their patients.

PMID- 28083263
TI  - The Frequency, Severity, and Economic Consequences of Musculoskeletal Injuries to
      Firefighters in California.
AB  - The most common work-related injuries among firefighters are musculoskeletal
      disorders (MSDs). The strict physical demands of the job and limited modified
      work opportunities suggest that MSDs are potentially more disruptive and costly
      to firefighters than to others. The importance of understanding the frequency and
      severity of firefighter MSDs has become heightened due to changes to the
      California workers' compensation landscape since 2004, including the reduction of
      permanent-disability ratings that occurred due to the adoption of a new
      disability rating system and new rules for apportioning disability with respect
      to job-related causation, the adoption of treatment guidelines to provide
      utilization review in workers' compensation medical care, and the imposition of
      caps on the number of times injured workers can be reimbursed for use of
      chiropractic care and physical therapy. Each of these could have a potentially
      disadvantageous and disproportionate impact on firefighters with MSDs. This
      article describes the average frequency and severity of work-related MSDs
      experienced by California firefighters; examines the impact of work-related MSDs
      on the firefighters' earnings and employment several years after injury;
      evaluates the reforms' impact on the ratings of firefighters with permanently
      disabling MSDs; and assesses whether reforms to the medical delivery system
      affected the employment outcomes of firefighters with MSDs.

PMID- 28083264
TI  - Extending U.S. Medicare to Mexico: Why It's Important to Consider and What Can Be
      Done.
AB  - There is a lack of hard data on the exact number of Medicare-eligible retirees
      residing in Mexico, but it is at least in the tens of thousands and is certainly
      rising as the baby boom generation reaches retirement. Because Medicare does not
      cover health services received outside the United States, these retirees must
      travel to the United States for health care or purchase alternative coverage for
      health services received in Mexico. There are several arguments for extending
      Medicare to Mexico-that is, allowing Medicare-eligible beneficiaries to receive
      their Medicare benefits in Mexico. Medicare-eligible retirees living in Mexico
      would certainly benefit, and Mexico might benefit from improved quality of care
      and an expanded health economy. Moreover, American taxpayers might benefit from a
      reduced total cost of Medicare: To the extent that extending Medicare to Mexico
      induces Medicare beneficiaries to substitute higher-cost U.S. health care
      services with lower-cost Mexican services, overall Medicare expenditures might be
      reduced. The authors outline four options for how this policy change might be
      implemented and describe a conceptual model that could be used to assess the
      effects of each option.

PMID- 28083265
TI  - The Impact of Air Quality on Hospital Spending.
AB  - Air pollution is harmful to human health, but little is known about the costs of
      pollution-related health care. If such care imposes a significant burden on
      insurance companies and employers, they would have substantial stakes in
      improving air quality. Reduced medical spending could also benefit public
      programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. This study estimated the amount of
      medical spending by private health insurers and public purchasers, such as
      Medicare, that is related to air pollution. Specifically, the authors determined
      how much failing to meet air quality standards cost various purchasers of
      hospital care in California over 2005-2007. The results indicate that substantial
      reductions in hospital spending can be achieved through reductions in air
      pollution.

PMID- 28083266
TI  - Negotiation Strategies for Antiretroviral Drug Purchasers in the United States.
AB  - Antiretroviral treatment has transformed HIV from a death sentence to a chronic
      condition, allowing people with HIV to live longer and healthier lives. However,
      they face significant barriers to accessing and affording life-saving-but
      expensive-antiretroviral (ARV) medications. These barriers are particularly
      severe for low-income patients, and they disproportionately affect racial and
      ethnic minorities. High ARV prices create pressure for government insurers to
      contain costs either by rationing care or by restricting eligibility for public
      programs. Limited funding, coupled with a growing demand for HIV care and
      treatment, is likely to make programmatic decisions about who is covered become
      more difficult over time. Therefore, it is important to identify options for
      reducing the cost of providing ARVs to allow more people to receive treatment.
      This study examines a variety of options for negotiating lower ARV procurement
      costs in U.S. markets. A case-study approach is used to assess options that
      different stakeholders could use in negotiating ARV price discounts with drug
      manufacturers given the regulatory and market constraints that exist in the
      United States.

PMID- 28083267
TI  - Evaluating the Reliability of Emergency Response Systems for Large-Scale Incident
      Operations.
AB  - The ability to measure emergency preparedness-to predict the likely performance
      of emergency response systems in future events-is critical for policy analysis in
      homeland security. Yet it remains difficult to know how prepared a response
      system is to deal with large-scale incidents, whether it be a natural disaster,
      terrorist attack, or industrial or transportation accident. This research draws
      on the fields of systems analysis and engineering to apply the concept of system
      reliability to the evaluation of emergency response systems. The authors describe
      a method for modeling an emergency response system; identifying how individual
      parts of the system might fail; and assessing the likelihood of each failure and
      the severity of its effects on the overall response effort. The authors walk the
      reader through two applications of this method: a simplified example in which
      responders must deliver medical treatment to a certain number of people in a
      specified time window, and a more complex scenario involving the release of
      chlorine gas. The authors also describe an exploratory analysis in which they
      parsed a set of after-action reports describing real-world incidents, to
      demonstrate how this method can be used to quantitatively analyze data on past
      response performance. The authors conclude with a discussion of how this method
      of measuring emergency response system reliability could inform policy discussion
      of emergency preparedness, how system reliability might be improved, and the
      costs of doing so.

PMID- 28083268
TI  - Is Military Disability Compensation Adequate to Offset Civilian Earnings Losses
      from Service-Connected Disabilities?
AB  - The Departments of Defense and Veterans' Affairs (DoD and VA) pay about $35
      billion in disability compensation to about 3.2 million veterans each year. Their
      disabilities range from battlefield injuries to health conditions like diabetes
      and asthma. This research examines the adequacy of disability compensation to
      offset the reduction in civilian earnings opportunities that are associated with
      service-connected disabilities (SCDs). The authors focus on cohorts of veterans
      who left active military service between fiscal year (FY) 1993 and FY 2004. They
      track these veterans' civilian earnings and labor force participation for up to
      12 years, from 1994 through 2005, compare the labor-market success of veterans
      with and without SCDs, and recommend changes to disability compensation.

PMID- 28083269
TI  - Health and Economic Outcomes in the Alumni of the Wounded Warrior Project.
AB  - : Since 2002, the not-for-profit Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has sought to
      offer support for and raise public awareness of those injured during service on
      or after September 11, 2001. WWP gives members (alumni) access to programs that
      ensure that wounded warriors are well-adjusted in mind, spirit, and body and that
      they are economically empowered. Here the authors report a detailed analysis of
      how individuals with different marital statuses, genders, pay grades, and
      employment statuses were meeting these goals and how outcomes of its alumni
      compared with the outcomes of other veteran and nonveteran U.S. POPULATIONS: The
      organization's decisionmakers can use the information from this report to
      determine the degree to which strategic objectives are met for each subgroup and
      to set new goals and the means by which the organization and its alumni and may
      reach those goals.

PMID- 28083270
TI  - Assessing Operation Purple: A Program Evaluation of a Summer Camp for Military
      Youth.
AB  - Parental military deployments pose a host of challenges for child and family well
      being. Military family support programs have proliferated since the start of the
      wars in Afghanistan and Iraq a decade ago to address these emotional, social, and
      academic issues, but there has been little evaluation of whether these programs
      are meeting their key objectives. To help fill this gap, a RAND study team
      explored the curriculum, themes, and outcomes of Operation Purple, a free
      weeklong summer camp program for youth with a deployed parent. Using a quasi
      experimental approach, the study incorporated youth and parent survey data (from
      both camp attendees and a control group of non-attendees) and camp after-action
      reports and visitor observation logs to determine whether there were differences
      between attendees and non-attendees in the four camp theme areas: comfort and
      skill in communicating about feelings, understanding and appreciation of military
      life, sense of service/stewardship, and outdoor education. The study also sought
      to determine how and to what extent the program's curriculum was implemented by
      participating camps in the summer of 2011. Despite limitations in the data (e.g.,
      a non-random study sample, some variation in curriculum implementation across
      camps), the study found some positive effects from camp participation,
      particularly in communicating about feelings, as well as valuable youth and
      parent perspectives about camp, reflected in responses to open-ended questions.
      As such, it helps lay the groundwork for future investigation of similar support
      programs for military youth and their families.

PMID- 28083271
TI  - Building Partner Health Capacity with U.S. Military Forces: Enhancing AFSOC
      Health Engagement Missions.
AB  - The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has developed an approach
      to planning for, assessing, and enhancing the effectiveness of missions to build
      partner capacity in health. These missions are systematic, long-term efforts to
      enhance the ability of governments in developing states that are important to
      U.S. interests to deliver essential medical, dental, and veterinary services to
      vulnerable populations. Helping to improve local public health and providing
      health services is expected to support the extension of good governance and
      counter insurgent and terrorist infiltration, recruitment, and exploitation.
      AFSOC believes that its health assets can be more effectively and systematically
      used by combatant commanders in achieving their theater security cooperation
      objectives, in conjunction with other organizations. This article documents the
      results of three research tasks undertaken to assist AFSOC in executing its
      mission: (1) placing health security in the context of U.S. strategy and security
      cooperation efforts; (2) drawing lessons from outside organizations on ways U.S.
      military forces can maximize their effectiveness in helping build partner health
      capacity; (3) developing a framework for planning and executing partner health
      capacity missions. Key findings are presented, along with recommendations for
      maximizing the effectiveness of efforts to build partner health capacity.

PMID- 28083272
TI  - Letter from the Editor.

PMID- 28083273
TI  - Evaluating the Impact of Prevention and Early Intervention Activities on the
      Mental Health of California's Population.
AB  - In 2004, California voters passed the Mental Health Services Act, which was
      intended to transform California's community mental health system from a crisis
      driven system to one that included a focus on prevention and wellness. The vision
      was that prevention and early intervention (PEI) services comprised the first
      step in a continuum of services designed to identify early symptoms and prevent
      mental illness from becoming severe and disabling. Twenty percent of the act's
      funding was dedicated to PEI services. The act identified seven negative outcomes
      that PEI programs were intended to reduce: suicide, mental health-related
      incarcerations, school failure, unemployment, prolonged suffering, homelessness,
      and removal of children from the home. The Mental Health Services Oversight and
      Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) coordinated with the California Mental Health
      Services Authority (CalMHSA), an independent administrative and fiscal
      intergovernmental agency, to seek development of a statewide framework for
      evaluating and monitoring the short- and long-term impact of PEI funding on the
      population. CalMHSA selected the RAND Corporation to develop a framework for the
      statewide evaluation. This article describes the approach, the data sources, and
      the frameworks developed: an overall approach framework and outcome-specific
      frameworks.

PMID- 28083274
TI  - Interventions to Prevent Suicide: A Literature Review to Guide Evaluation of
      California's Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention Initiative.
AB  - To help inform the evaluation design for CalMHSA's suicide prevention (SP) and
      early intervention initiatives, a review of program evaluation literature was
      done to assess program effectiveness and identify previously used evaluation
      methodologies. Using evidence from the literature review, the authors provide an
      overview of the epidemiology of suicides and of non-fatal self-inflicted injuries
      in California and present a framework for evaluating SP programs, including
      candidate evaluation measures. The review identified three methodological
      considerations that can inform the evaluation of SP programs: (1) identifying
      whether a SP program was effective at reducing suicide deaths is challenging
      because suicide is such a rare event; (2) SP programs may have differential
      effects on population subgroups, because suicide rates differ by age, race, and
      sex; and (3) SP programs may show immediate reductions in suicide attempts but
      their long-term effects are uncertain. The review also identified two critical
      gaps in the literature. First, SP evaluation research explores the effects of
      programs on such outcomes as reduced access to lethal means, provision of care,
      and crisis response; however, we need to learn more about how these programs
      influence suicide rates. Second, more research must address the differential
      effectiveness of SP programs for population subgroups vulnerable to suicide.

PMID- 28083275
TI  - Interventions to Reduce Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination: A Literature
      Review to Guide Evaluation of California's Mental Health Prevention and Early
      Intervention Initiative.
AB  - A number of programs aim to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with
      mental illness, and they can include a variety of components such as training,
      education, media campaigns, and contact with people with mental illness. Stigma
      and discrimination reduction activities are evaluated in this article, using
      evidence from an extensive literature review. Specific areas reviewed include
      relevant theories of stigma and prejudice reduction, what is and is not known
      about the effectiveness of various approaches to reducing the stigma of mental
      illness, the kinds of methodologies previously used in evaluating these
      approaches, and the methodologies that should be employed in the future. The
      authors also introduce a conceptual model of mental health stigma reduction based
      on a variety of existing theories and evidence.

PMID- 28083276
TI  - Interventions to Improve Student Mental Health: A Literature Review to Guide
      Evaluation of California's Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention
      Initiative.
AB  - The authors review data on the prevalence of youth mental health disorders and
      schools' use of student mental health (SMH) programs. They also describe the role
      of schools in addressing SMH concerns and outline a conceptual model for guiding
      evaluation of SMH programs. Finally, they touch on issues related to evaluation
      of cross-system collaborations that can influence students' access to resources
      and services and then review some of the challenges associated with evaluating
      SMH programs. They determine that SMH programs can be effective and can improve
      staff, faculty, and student knowledge of mental health problems; provide skills
      for identifying and referring students with mental health and social and
      emotional difficulties; and change attitudes toward mental health problems.

PMID- 28083277
TI  - Dissemination and Adoption of Comparative Effectiveness Research Findings When
      Findings Challenge Current Practices.
AB  - Insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of medical treatments has been
      identified as a key source of inefficiency in the U.S. healthcare system.
      Variation in the use of diagnostic tests and treatments for patients with similar
      symptoms or conditions has been attributed to clinical uncertainty, since the
      published scientific evidence base does not provide adequate information to
      determine which treatments are most effective for patients with specific clinical
      needs. The federal government has made a dramatic investment in comparative
      effectiveness research (CER), with the expectation that CER will influence
      clinical practice and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. To do this,
      CER must provide information that supports fundamental changes in healthcare
      delivery and informs the choice of diagnostic and treatment strategies. This
      article summarizes findings from a qualitative analysis of the factors that
      impede the translation of CER into clinical practice and those that facilitate
      it. A case-study methodology is used to explore the extent to which these factors
      led to changes in clinical practice following five recent key CER studies. The
      enabling factors and barriers to translation for each study are discussed, the
      root causes for the failure of translation common to the studies are synthesized,
      and policy options that may optimize the impact of future CER-particularly CER
      funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009-are proposed.

PMID- 28083278
TI  - Monitoring Cancer Outcomes Across the Continuum: Data Synthesis and Analysis for
      the District of Columbia.
AB  - This article synthesizes and analyzes available data regarding cancer-related
      outcomes among District of Columbia residents, highlighting key findings and data
      gaps across the continuum of cancer prevention, treatment, and outcomes and
      noting variability across subgroups of District residents. Data sources used in
      this report include the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the National
      Cancer Database, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National
      Cancer Institute Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database,
      and the American Community Survey. The findings reveal disparities in cancer
      related outcomes between black and white District residents across the continuum.
      First, black District residents are more likely than white residents to be
      uninsured. Lack of insurance is associated with lower rates of routine cancer
      screening among asymptomatic patients and may delay care for patients
      experiencing early symptoms of cancer. In addition, the rate of smoking is
      significantly higher, and the rate of exercise is significantly lower, among
      black District residents than among white residents, placing black residents at
      higher risk of the most common cancers. Limitations in general access to health
      care, in primary and secondary prevention, and in access to cancer-related
      treatment all likely contribute to dramatically higher cancer incidence and
      mortality among black residents of the District than among white residents.

PMID- 28083280
TI  - Letter from the Editor.

PMID- 28083279
TI  - A Review of the U.S. Workplace Wellness Market.
AB  - This article describes the current state of workplace wellness programs in the
      United States, including typical program components; assesses current uptake
      among U.S. employers; reviews the evidence for program impact; and evaluates the
      current use and the impact of incentives to promote employee engagement. Wellness
      programs have become very common, as 92 percent of employers with 200 or more
      employees reported offering them in 2009. Survey data indicate that the most
      frequently targeted behaviors are exercise (addressed by 63 percent of employers
      with programs), smoking (60 percent), and weight loss (53 percent). In spite of
      widespread availability, the actual participation of employees in such programs
      remains limited. A 2010 survey suggests that typically less than 20 percent of
      eligible employees participate in wellness interventions. At this time, it is
      difficult to definitively assess the impact of workplace wellness on health
      outcomes and cost. While employer sponsors are mostly satisfied with the results,
      more than half stated in a recent survey that they did not know their program's
      return on investment. The peer-reviewed literature, while predominately positive,
      covers only a tiny percentage of the universe of programs. Evaluating such
      complex interventions is difficult and poses substantial methodological
      challenges that can invalidate findings. The use of incentives, such as cash,
      cash equivalents, and variances in health plan costs, to promote employee
      engagement, while increasingly popular, remains poorly understood. Future
      research should focus on finding out which wellness approaches deliver which
      results under which conditions to give much-needed guidance on best practices.

PMID- 28083281
TI  - The Economic Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Arkansas.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will increase coverage through the expansion of
      Medicaid and the creation of a Health Insurance Exchange with subsidies. RAND
      researchers analyzed the ACA's economic impact on the state of Arkansas and found
      that by 2016, about 400,000 people will be newly insured, net federal payments to
      the state will amount to $430 million annually, and the total gross domestic
      product will see a net increase of $550 million.

PMID- 28083282
TI  - Exploring the Addition of Physician Identifiers to the California Hospital
      Discharge Data Set.
AB  - To advance consideration of whether California should collect and release
      physician-identified data, RAND conducted a study to explore issues associated
      with requiring the inclusion of physician identifiers in the California hospital
      discharge data set and the potential use of physician-identified data by the
      state and/or release to others. RAND researchers conducted interviews with a
      broad set of California stakeholders, reviewed the legal and regulatory authority
      of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development to collect and release
      physician identifiers, and interviewed representatives from other states to
      understand any issues encountered by the states in their collection and use of
      physician-identified data. The authors found that physician-identified data could
      be useful to a variety of stakeholders. Of the 48 states that have hospital
      discharge reporting programs, all but California collect physician identifiers
      and do so without substantial burden to hospitals. States vary in their release
      policies, but those who do release the data have not reported problems.
      California stakeholders expressed concerns related to who would have access to
      the data, how the data would be analyzed, and how consumers would interpret the
      information, which should be carefully considered in efforts to advance the
      collection of physician identifiers in the California hospital discharge data.

PMID- 28083283
TI  - Military Caregivers: Cornerstones of Support for Our Nation's Wounded, Ill, and
      Injured Veterans.
AB  - Military caregivers are an essential part of our nation's ability to care for
      returning wounded warriors. Far too often, their own needs are neglected. The
      RAND Corporation and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation collaborated on a first,
      exploratory phase of a larger research effort regarding this demographic and its
      needs. The research explores what is known about the number and characteristics
      of military caregivers, describes the roles and functions they perform, and
      highlights the effect of caregiving on their own well-being. Most existing
      literature on family caregivers is heavily focused on an older population caring
      for persons with chronic conditions or dementia. By comparison, research on
      military caregivers is scant, and there are notable differences that make this
      population unique: Military caregivers are spouses with young children, parents
      with full- and part-time jobs, and sometimes even young children helping shoulder
      some of the burden. Government services available to this population are in their
      infancy; community service organizations offer diverse services but they are
      generally uncoordinated. This article lays the groundwork to inform policy and
      program development relative to the unique needs of military caregivers.

PMID- 28083284
TI  - Exploring the Association Between Military Base Neighborhood Characteristics and
      Soldiers' and Airmen's Outcomes.
AB  - Current extended military engagements in foreign nations have taken their toll on
      U.S. service members and their families. As a result, the services have made
      renewed commitments to support the needs of these families of military personnel.
      Quality-of-life and family programs across the services continue to grow. But no
      service has applied neighborhood theory and methods to better understand these
      military issues. Installations, and the communities where they are located, vary
      in terms of the quality of life they provide inhabitants. Similarly, the families
      who live in these communities and who are assigned to these installations vary in
      terms of their needs. A one-size-fits-all approach to base resource allocation
      and the provision of services may not be the most effective in fostering health
      and well-being among service members and their families. Thus, the services may
      want to use this approach as part of their efforts to identify gaps in support to
      service members and families so that they can make the necessary adjustments and
      better compensate where communities are lacking. This article explores the
      applicability of neighborhood theory and social indicators research to
      understanding the quality of life in and around military bases. It also
      highlights gaps in neighborhood study methodology that need to be addressed in
      future research. Finally, it outlines how a more in-depth neighborhood analysis
      of military installations could be conducted.

PMID- 28083285
TI  - Regulatory Cultures and Research Governance.
AB  - This research is intended to help improve understanding of health research
      governance in the UK by exploring the regulatory practices and cultures in other
      countries and sectors. It is a comparative study of the practice of those who are
      subject to regulatory requirements in the health research, medical drugs,
      environmental and financial sectors. The research is informed by a review of a
      small subset of literature which is particularly relevant to this question, and
      focuses on different elements of regulation and regulatory governance for each of
      the different sectors.

PMID- 28083286
TI  - Hepatitis C: A Projection of the Healthcare and Economic Burden in the UK.
AB  - Work presented in this article sought to assess the healthcare and economic
      burden of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United Kingdom. It used a
      cohort simulation model to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection in the UK,
      including the number of persons who live with HCV infection at different disease
      stages, and the number of deaths that can be attributed to HCV infection through
      to 2035. It further assessed the healthcare and societal costs that are
      associated with HCV infection under different scenarios of diagnosis and
      treatment rates.

PMID- 28083287
TI  - Cataract Blindness and Simulation-Based Training for Cataract Surgeons: An
      Assessment of the HelpMeSee Approach.
AB  - Cataracts account for about half of all cases of blindness worldwide, with the
      vast majority in developing countries, where blindness and visual impairment can
      reduce life expectancy and economic productivity. Most of these cases can be
      cured by quick, inexpensive surgical procedures, but a shortage of trained
      surgeons makes it unlikely that the need for such surgeries-estimated to reach 32
      million cases globally by 2020-can be met under current practices. HelpMeSee Inc.
      (HMS) is developing an approach to surgery training and delivery that includes
      use of high-fidelity simulator technology and associated curricula for high
      volume training, development of a system of independent private practitioners,
      and training where necessary of individuals without medical degrees. RAND
      researchers determined that the program has the potential to scale up surgical
      capacity rapidly and that under optimistic assumptions, the HMS program could
      largely close the backlog of surgical cases in the four major regions studied,
      resulting in 21 million cases of cataract-caused visual impairment in 2030,
      compared with 134 million cases under the status quo. The program also promises
      to have large impacts on health and productivity, and the estimated costs per
      year of disability averted suggest that the intervention would be highly cost
      effective in each of the regions researched. However, a number of significant
      challenges need to be met, particularly in the areas of outreach, remote
      monitoring of independent practitioners (especially non-doctors), and public and
      legal acceptance of non-doctors as surgeons. It is important to carefully pilot
      and monitor the approach before fully scaling up.

PMID- 28083288
TI  - Building the Future: Summary of Four Studies to Develop the Private Sector,
      Education, Health Care, and Data for Decisionmaking for the Kurdistan Region -
      Iraq (with Arabic-language version).
AB  - In 2010, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) asked the RAND Corporation to
      undertake four studies aimed at improving the economic and social development of
      the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. RAND's work was intended to help the KRG expand
      access to high-quality education and health care, increase private-sector
      development and employment for the expanding labor force, and design a data
      collection system to support high-priority policies. The studies were carried out
      over the year beginning February 2010. The RAND teams worked closely with the
      Ministries of Planning, Education, and Health to develop targeted solutions to
      the critical issues faced by the KRG. This article summarizes the health care
      study. It is intended to provide a high-level overview of the approaches,
      followed by the studies, key findings, and major recommendations.

PMID- 28083289
TI  - Analysis of Research and Education Indicators to Support Designation of Academic
      Health Science Centres in England.
AB  - In April 2013, the Department of Health (DH) announced an open competition to
      designate Academic Health Science Centres (AHSCs) in England. To support the
      current competition, the DH commissioned RAND Europe to compile and analyse
      various types of publicly available data and quality assessments in the domains
      of medical research and health education. This article presents the results of
      this analysis in the form of summary "tables of excellence," focusing on medical
      schools/academic partners likely to seek AHSC status. A detailed bibliometric
      analysis of health-related research publications has also been carried out and is
      presented. In addition, the article provides an overview of the publicly
      available data and outlines the significant caveats to using the data to produce
      education and research rankings for institutions. Given the various caveats and
      the requirements to balance two domains of activity (research and education), the
      ranking methodology presented in this article can be used in an "advisory"
      capacity to provide a general indication of the quality of the candidate AHSC
      institutions. The analysis is intended to assist potential applicants in deciding
      whether to submit a pre-qualifying questionnaire as part of the procurement
      process, and subsequently to inform the deliberations of the selection panel for
      the AHSCs.

PMID- 28083290
TI  - The Evolving Role of Emergency Departments in the United States.
AB  - The research described in this article was performed to develop a more complete
      picture of how hospital emergency departments (EDs) contribute to the U.S. health
      care system, which is currently evolving in response to economic, clinical, and
      political pressures. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, it
      explores the evolving role that EDs and the personnel who staff them play in
      evaluating and managing complex and high-acuity patients, serving as the key
      decisionmaker for roughly half of all inpatient hospital admissions, and serving
      as "the safety net of the safety net" for patients who cannot get care elsewhere.
      The report also examines the role that EDs may soon play in either contributing
      to or helping to control the rising costs of health care.

PMID- 28083291
TI  - Oral Health in the District of Columbia: Parental and Provider Perspectives.
AB  - Research suggests that there are significant barriers to oral health care for
      many children in Washington, D.C. This article assesses the perspectives of
      Washington, D.C., stakeholders, including parents and providers, about the oral
      health of children, particularly those insured by Medicaid. The authors present
      qualitative data from focus groups with parents and providers, from an oral
      health forum with primary care medical and oral health clinicians and
      representatives from the D.C. government, and from a provider survey. The
      opinions captured here provide a snapshot of the challenges to improving access
      to oral care for D.C. children and suggest recommendations for doing so.

PMID- 28083292
TI  - The Economic Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Pennsylvania.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act is a substantial reform of the U.S. health care insurance
      system. Using the RAND COMPARE model, researchers assessed the act's potential
      economic effects on Pennsylvania, factoring in an optional expansion of Medicaid,
      and found the state would enjoy significant net benefits. With or without the
      expansion of Medicaid, the act will increase insurance coverage to hundreds of
      thousands of Pennsylvanians, but the COMPARE model estimates that the expansion
      of Medicaid eligibility would cover an additional 350,000 people and bring more
      than $2 billion in federal spending into the state annually than if the state did
      not expand. Should the state expand Medicaid, the additional spending will add
      more than $3 billion a year to the state's GDP and support 35,000 jobs. But
      Medicaid expansion is not without cost for the state; the estimated cumulative
      effect on Pennsylvania's Medicaid spending will be $180 million higher with the
      expansion than without between 2014 and 2020. Substantial reductions in
      uncompensated care costs for hospitals are possible even without expansion, but
      savings to hospitals for uncompensated care funding are even larger with the
      Medicaid expansion, amounting to $550 million or more each year.

PMID- 28083293
TI  - Pharmaceutical Pricing: The Use of External Reference Pricing.
AB  - External reference pricing, or international price comparison, is a common
      strategy to control prices of pharmaceuticals that are protected by intellectual
      property rights and benefit from a legal monopoly (in-patent drugs). In the UK
      negotiations are under way that seek to define new arrangements for the pricing
      of branded (new) medicines from 2014. The pharmaceutical market in the UK only
      accounts for a small proportion of global sales; however, UK prices are important
      as many countries reference their prices against those in the UK. This article
      seeks to contribute to our understanding of approaches to pharmaceutical pricing
      in high-income countries and the role of reference pricing as a means to
      determining pharmaceutical prices. Reviewing experiences in Canada, France,
      Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, we find high variability of external
      reference pricing across different settings and of the relative importance of
      this approach in comparison with other pricing strategies. There was also
      considerable variation in the terminology and practices used, and understanding
      the complexities of countries included in reference baskets for external pricing
      requires considerable semantic clarification. There was considerable overlap
      between countries that cross-reference, and it remains challenging to estimate
      the direct, immediate impact on external reference baskets. This review suggests
      that the international impact of pricing changes in the UK is likely to be
      minimal or indirect, largely because of the diverse ways in which reference
      pricing is implemented in the countries examined.

PMID- 28083294
TI  - Workplace Wellness Programs Study: Final Report.
AB  - This article investigates the characteristics of workplace wellness programs,
      their prevalence, their impact on employee health and medical cost, facilitators
      of their success, and the role of incentives in such programs. The authors employ
      four data collection and analysis streams: a review of the scientific and trade
      literature, a national survey of employers, a longitudinal analysis of medical
      claims and wellness program data from a sample of employers, and five case
      studies of existing wellness programs in a diverse set of employers to gauge the
      effectiveness of wellness programs and employees' and employers' experiences.

PMID- 28083295
TI  - An Assessment of the Army's Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation and
      Reconditioning Program.
AB  - In 2009, U.S. Special Operations Command provided U.S. Army Special Operations
      Command with funds to establish the Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid
      Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) program, an investment reflecting
      "truth number 1" of special operations forces: "Humans are more important than
      hardware." The goals of THOR3 are to increase the physical and mental
      capabilities of Army special forces, help these soldiers recover more rapidly
      from injuries sustained in combat or training, and help them stay healthy and
      able to contribute longer. The program differs from other Army fitness programs
      in several important ways, including its holistic approach to improving physical
      and mental performance, its focus on individual and unit needs, and its reliance
      on a professional staff of program coordinators, strength and conditioning
      coaches, physical therapists, dietitians, and cognitive enhancement specialists
      to deliver training and rehabilitation services that are on par with those
      provided to professional sports teams. U.S. Army Special Operations Command asked
      RAND Arroyo Center to determine whether THOR3 is effectively utilizing the
      resources provided and to identify opportunities for improvement in the program's
      planning and implementation, staffing (including hiring and retention), leader
      development and education, facility and equipment requirements, and ability to
      support participating personnel.

PMID- 28083296
TI  - Patient Privacy, Consent, and Identity Management in Health Information Exchange:
      Issues for the Military Health System.
AB  - The Military Health System (MHS) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
      have been among the nation's leaders in health information technology (IT),
      including the development of health IT systems and electronic health records that
      summarize patients' care from multiple providers. Health IT interoperability
      within MHS and across MHS partners, including VHA, is one of ten goals in the
      current MHS Strategic Plan. As a step toward achieving improved interoperability,
      the MHS is seeking to develop a research roadmap to better coordinate health IT
      research efforts, address IT capability gaps, and reduce programmatic risk for
      its enterprise projects. This article contributes to that effort by identifying
      gaps in research, policy, and practice involving patient privacy, consent, and
      identity management that need to be addressed to bring about improved quality and
      efficiency of care through health information exchange. Major challenges include
      (1) designing a meaningful patient consent procedure, (2) recording patients'
      consent preferences and designing procedures to implement restrictions on
      disclosures of protected health information, and (3) advancing knowledge
      regarding the best technical approaches to performing patient identity matches
      and how best to monitor results over time. Using a sociotechnical framework, this
      article suggests steps for overcoming these challenges and topics for future
      research.

PMID- 28083297
TI  - CMS Innovation Center Health Care Innovation Awards: Evaluation Plan.
AB  - The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation within the Centers for Medicare &
      Medicaid Services (CMS) has funded 108 Health Care Innovation Awards, funded
      through the Affordable Care Act, for applicants who proposed compelling new
      models of service delivery or payment improvements that promise to deliver better
      health, better health care, and lower costs through improved quality of care for
      Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollees. CMS is
      also interested in learning how new models would affect subpopulations of
      beneficiaries (e.g., those eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and complex
      patients) who have unique characteristics or health care needs that could be
      related to poor outcomes. In addition, the initiative seeks to identify new
      models of workforce development and deployment, as well as models that can be
      rapidly deployed and have the promise of sustainability. This article describes a
      strategy for evaluating the results. The goal for the evaluation design process
      is to create standardized approaches for answering key questions that can be
      customized to similar groups of awardees and that allow for rapid and comparable
      assessment across awardees. The evaluation plan envisions that data collection
      and analysis will be carried out on three levels: at the level of the individual
      awardee, at the level of the awardee grouping, and as a summary evaluation that
      includes all awardees. Key dimensions for the evaluation framework include
      implementation effectiveness, program effectiveness, workforce issues, impact on
      priority populations, and context. The ultimate goal is to identify strategies
      that can be employed widely to lower cost while improving care.

PMID- 28083298
TI  - The Role and Importance of the 'D' in PTSD.
AB  - Recently, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) board of trustees voted on
      changes to the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
      Disorders (DSM). Among the decisions was one to retain the word "disorder" in the
      term "posttraumatic stress disorder." U.S. Army leadership initially requested a
      change in terminology, stating that the word "disorder" is stigmatizing and that
      removing it would encourage more individuals suffering from symptoms to access
      care. Although the APA has issued its ruling, the term "posttraumatic stress" is
      being used informally by some individuals within military communities. It is
      unclear whether informal use of the term will continue, or whether military
      leaders will continue to advocate future changes to the DSM. RAND explored the
      rationales for not changing the diagnostic terminology, and to the extent
      possible, anticipated what the effects of widespread informal use of new
      terminology might be.

PMID- 28083299
TI  - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Earnings of Military Reservists.
AB  - This study investigates the effects of having symptoms of post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) on the labor market earnings of reservists in the years following
      deployment. Data on more than 315,000 reservists returning from deployments
      between 2003 and 2006, combined with longitudinal labor market earnings data,
      indicate that reservists who have symptoms of PTSD do earn substantially less
      than those who do not experience PTSD, but much of that gap in earnings was
      apparent prior to deployment. This suggests that characteristics of individuals
      reporting symptoms of PTSD that typically are not controlled for in empirical
      studies are responsible for much of the observed difference in earnings.
      Controlling for such characteristics, the study finds that reservists reporting
      symptoms of PTSD on average earn up to 6 percent less than they would have earned
      if they had not had such symptoms in the first four years following deployment.
      These lower earnings are attributable to higher military separation rates, a
      concomitant decline in military earnings, and no compensating increase in
      civilian labor market earnings.

PMID- 28083300
TI  - The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Care Coordination Program:
      Assessment of Program Structure, Activities, and Implementation.
AB  - Improvised explosive devices have been used extensively against U.S. forces
      during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and have been one
      of the leading causes of death. Injuries among survivors often include traumatic
      brain injuries (TBIs). Those recovering from TBIs often find they must coordinate
      services across multiple systems of care to meet all their medical and
      psychological health needs. This task is difficult even for those without the
      cognitive challenges associated with TBI and may prove overwhelming or even
      impossible, particularly during periods of transition from inpatient to
      outpatient services or from active duty to veteran status, for example. Although
      case management and care coordination are readily available for those who have
      experienced a severe TBI, fewer resources are available for those with
      symptomatic mild and moderate TBI. This article focuses on a program designed to
      facilitate care coordination for individuals with mild and moderate TBI, the
      Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Care Coordination Program. It summarizes
      RAND's assessment of the program's structure, activities, and implementation. To
      address the goals above, the authors conducted semistructured interviews in
      person with program administrators and via telephone with regional care
      coordinators. The subsequent analysis identified innovative practices, continuing
      challenges, and lessons learned. The recommendations provided here suggest
      strategies for meeting these challenges while maintaining the benefits possible
      through this novel approach to care.

PMID- 28083301
TI  - The Affordable Care Act and Health Insurance Markets: Simulating the Effects of
      Regulation.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act changes the rating regulations governing the nongroup and
      small group markets while simultaneously encouraging enrollment through a
      combination of subsidies, tax credits, and tax penalties. In this study, the
      authors estimate the effects of the Affordable Care Act on health insurance
      enrollment and premiums for ten states (Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota,
      New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas) and for
      the nation overall, with a focus on outcomes in the nongroup and small group
      markets. The authors also consider the implications of two decisions confronting
      states: whether to expand their Medicaid programs to cover all adults with
      incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty level and whether to merge or
      combine their small group and nongroup risk pools. The authors conclude that the
      Affordable Care Act will lead to an increase in insurance coverage and higher
      enrollment in the nongroup market. However, data limitations and uncertainties
      about insurer behavior make estimates uncertain, particularly when considering
      outcomes for the nongroup market. They find that the law has little effect on
      small group premiums and find large variation in the effects for nongroup
      premiums across states. The analysis suggests that comparisons of average
      premiums with and without the Affordable Care Act may overstate the potential for
      premium increases.

PMID- 28083302
TI  - Delaying the Employer Mandate: Small Change in the Short Term, Big Cost in the
      Long Run.
AB  - In July 2013, the Obama administration announced a one-year delay in enforcement
      of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) penalty on large employers that do not offer
      affordable health insurance coverage. To help policymakers understand the
      implications of this decision, RAND analysts employed the COMPARE microsimulation
      model to gauge the impact of the one-year delay of the so-called employer
      mandate. They found that the delay will not have a large impact on insurance
      coverage: Because relatively few firms and employees are affected, only 300,000
      fewer people, or 0.2% of the population, will have access to insurance from their
      employer, and nearly all of these will get insurance from another source.
      However, a one-year delay in implementation of the mandate will result in $11
      billion dollars less in federal inflows from employer penalties for that year. A
      full repeal of the employer mandate would cause revenue to fall by $149 billion
      over the next ten years (10% of the ACA's spending offsets), providing
      substantially less money to pay for other components of the law. The bottom line:
      The one-year delay in the employer mandate will have relatively few consequences,
      primarily resulting in a relatively small one-year drop in revenue; however, a
      complete elimination of the mandate would have a large cumulative net cost,
      potentially removing a nontrivial revenue source that in turn funds the coverage
      provisions in the ACA.

PMID- 28083303
TI  - Does It Cost More to Train Residents or to Replace Them?: A Look at the Costs and
      Benefits of Operating Graduate Medical Education Programs.
AB  - The policy issue underlying this study is whether Medicare support for graduate
      medical education (GME) should be restructured to differentiate between programs
      that are less costly or are self-sustaining and those that are more costly to the
      sponsoring institution and its educational partners. The authors used available
      literature, interviews with individuals involved in operating GME programs, and
      analysis of administrative data to explore how the financial impact of operating
      residency training programs might differ by specialty. The study does not
      quantify the variation in financial impact, but it provides a framework for
      examining both the costs and benefits of operating GME programs to the sponsoring
      institution and its educational partners. It also identifies the major factors
      that are likely to affect financial performance and influence program offerings
      and size. Marginal financial impacts are more likely to influence sponsor
      decisions on changes in GME program size and offerings and help explain why GME
      program expansions are occurring without additional Medicare funding. If the
      hospital has service needs, there is a marginal benefit to adding a resident,
      particularly in the more-lucrative specialty and subspecialty programs, before
      considering the additional benefits of any Medicare GME-related revenues.

PMID- 28083304
TI  - Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust Fellowships in
      Clinical Leadership Programme: An Evaluation.
AB  - Leadership is seen to be central to improving the quality of healthcare and
      existing research suggests that absence of leadership is related to poor quality
      and safety performance. Leadership training might therefore provide an important
      means through which to promote quality improvement and, more widely, performance
      within the healthcare environment. This article presents an evaluation of the
      Fellowships in Clinical Leadership Programme, which combines leadership training
      and quality improvement initiatives with the placement of temporary external
      clinical champions in Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS
      Trust. We assessed impacts of the Programme on individual and organisational
      change, alongside core enablers and barriers for Programme success. Analyses drew
      on the principles of a theory-of-change-led realist evaluation, using logic
      modelling to specify the underlying causal mechanisms of the Programme. Data
      collection involved a stakeholder workshop, online questionnaires of programme
      participants, senior managers and support staff (n=114), and follow-up in-depth
      semi-structured interviews with a subsample of survey participants (n=15). We
      observed that the Programme had notable impacts at individual and organisational
      levels. Examples of individual impact included enhanced communication and
      negotiation skills or increased confidence as a result of multi-modal leadership
      training. At the organisational level, participants reported indications of
      behaviour change among staff, with evidence of spill-over effects to non
      participants towards a greater focus on patient-centred care. Our findings
      suggest that there is potential for combined leadership training and quality
      improvement programmes to contribute to strengthening a culture of care quality
      in healthcare organisations. Our study provides useful insights into strategies
      seeking to achieve sustainable improvement in NHS organisations.

PMID- 28083305
TI  - District of Columbia Community Health Needs Assessment.
AB  - The District of Columbia Healthy Communities Collaborative (DCHCC) represents a
      unique collaboration among D.C.-area hospitals and federally qualified health
      centers. In response to its community commitment and Affordable Care Act
      requirements, DCHCC set forth to conduct a community health needs assessment
      (CHNA) that can guide decisions about where and how to allocate resources and
      implement appropriate health interventions for the population it serves. The CHNA
      described in this article includes analysis of existing demographic, health
      status, and hospital service use data, as well as hospital and emergency
      department discharge data. The analysis of this quantitative data is complemented
      by an analysis of current stakeholder perspectives regarding health needs, as
      well as health policy and investment priorities. This CHNA demonstrates the
      persistence of many issues identified in prior CHNAs: asthma, obesity, mental
      health, and sexual health. Despite high insurance rates, health care services are
      not evenly distributed by ward, creating significant challenges to access. There
      is a need to expand these services, as well as improve care coordination between
      health and social services to help residents navigate the system and obtain the
      services they need. In addition to these intervention pathways by priority health
      condition, we identified emerging issues that require further investigation,
      including declines in coronary atherosclerosis discharges and a spike in stress
      related diagnoses (headaches and back pain) and associated alcohol-related
      issues. This may be related to a host of factors, including economic downturn and
      demographic transitions in the District.

PMID- 28083306
TI  - Factors Affecting Physician Professional Satisfaction and Their Implications for
      Patient Care, Health Systems, and Health Policy.
AB  - The American Medical Association asked RAND Health to characterize the factors
      that affect physician professional satisfaction. RAND researchers sought to
      identify high-priority determinants of professional satisfaction by gathering
      data from 30 physician practices in six states, using a combination of surveys
      and semistructured interviews. This article presents the results of the
      subsequent analysis.

PMID- 28083307
TI  - Development of a Framework to Estimate the Cost of Opioid Dependence.
AB  - Opioid dependence imposes a range of costs on individuals, families, communities
      and society, and understanding these costs is important to inform policy and
      decision making in this area, especially when budgets for services to address
      challenges such as substance misuse are under pressure. This article sets out the
      findings of a targeted review of the harms of opioid dependence, and an
      assessment of existing estimates of the costs of opioid dependence. A proposed
      framework for developing new, more comprehensive estimates of the costs of opioid
      dependence is outlined.

PMID- 28083308
TI  - Effects of the Affordable Care Act on Consumer Health Care Spending and Risk of
      Catastrophic Health Costs.
AB  - This study examines the likely effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on
      average annual consumer health care spending and the risk of catastrophic medical
      costs for the United States overall and in two large states that have decided not
      to expand their Medicaid programs (Texas and Florida). The ACA will have varied
      impacts on individuals' and families' spending on health care, depending on
      income level and on estimated 2016 insurance status without the ACA. The authors
      find that average out-of-pocket spending is expected to decrease for all groups
      considered in the analysis, although decreases in out-of-pocket spending will be
      largest for those who would otherwise be uninsured. People who would otherwise be
      uninsured who transition to the individual market under the ACA will have higher
      total health care spending on average after implementation of the ACA because
      they will now incur the cost of health insurance premiums. The authors also find
      that risk of catastrophic health care spending will decrease for individuals of
      all income levels for the insurance transitions considered; decreases will be
      greatest for those at the lowest income levels. Case studies found that in Texas
      and Florida, Medicaid expansion would substantially reduce out-of-pocket and
      total health care spending for those with incomes below 100 percent of the
      federal poverty level, compared with a scenario in which the ACA is implemented
      without Medicaid expansion. Expansion would reduce the risk of high medical
      spending for those covered under Medicaid who would remain uninsured without
      expansion.

PMID- 28083309
TI  - Medical Fitness and Resilience: A Review of Relevant Constructs, Measures, and
      Links to Well-Being.
AB  - This study is one of a series designed to support Air Force leaders in promoting
      resilience among its Airmen, civilian employees, and Air Force family members. It
      examines the relationship between medical fitness and resilience, using key
      constructs found in the scientific literature, which address preventive care, the
      presence and management of injuries and chronic conditions, and facilitators and
      barriers to access of appropriate health care. Supporting or increasing the
      levels of the key measures of medical fitness identified in this study may
      facilitate resilience and can protect Airmen, civilian employees, and Air Force
      families from the negative effects of stress. The study also reviews
      interventions designed to promote those constructs, focusing generally on
      preventive care as one of the most promising ways to reduce the prevalence and
      burden associated with medical conditions and injuries.

PMID- 28083310
TI  - Out of the Shadows: The Health and Well-Being of Private Contractors Working in
      Conflict Environments.
AB  - Over the past decade, private contractors have been deployed extensively around
      the globe. In addition to supporting U.S. and allied forces in Iraq and
      Afghanistan, contractors have assisted foreign governments, nongovernmental
      organizations, and private businesses by providing a wide range of services,
      including base support and maintenance, logistical support, transportation,
      intelligence, communications, construction, and security. At the height of the
      conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, contractors outnumbered U.S. troops deployed
      to both theaters. Although these contractors are not supposed to engage in
      offensive combat, they may nonetheless be exposed to many of the stressors that
      are known to have physical and mental health implications for military personnel.
      RAND conducted an online survey of a sample of contractors who had deployed on
      contract to a theater of conflict at least once between early 2011 and early
      2013. The survey collected demographic and employment information, along with
      details about respondents' deployment experience (including level of preparation
      for deployment, combat exposure, and living conditions), mental health (including
      probable posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and alcohol misuse), physical
      health, and access to and use of health care. The goal was to describe the
      contractors' health and well-being and to explore differences across the sample
      by such factors as country of citizenship, job specialty, and length and
      frequency of contract deployment. The findings provide a foundation for future
      studies of contractor populations and serve to inform policy decisions affecting
      contractors, including efforts to reduce barriers to mental health treatment for
      this population.

PMID- 28083311
TI  - Physical Fitness and Resilience: A Review of Relevant Constructs, Measures, and
      Links to Well-Being.
AB  - This study is one of a series designed to support Air Force leaders in promoting
      resilience among its Airmen, civilian employees, and Air Force family members. It
      examines the relationship between physical fitness and resilience, using key
      constructs found in the scientific literature that address work-related physical
      fitness and health-related physical fitness. Supporting or increasing the levels
      of physical fitness identified in this study may facilitate resilience and can
      protect Airmen, civilian employees, and Air Force families from the negative
      effects of stress. The study also reviews interventions designed to promote
      physical fitness applicable at the individual, unit, family, and community
      levels.

PMID- 28083312
TI  - Social Fitness and Resilience: A Review of Relevant Constructs, Measures, and
      Links to Well-Being.
AB  - This study is one of a series designed to support Air Force leadership in
      promoting resilience among Airmen, its civilian employees, and Air Force family
      members. One key component to resilience is social fitness, or the combined
      resources a person gets from his or her social world. This concept encompasses
      the availability and maintenance of social relationships, and the ability to
      utilize those ties to manage stressors and successfully perform tasks. Social
      fitness resources are the aspects of those relationships that strengthen a
      person's ability to withstand and rebound from challenges and even grow from
      them. U.S. Airmen and their families face several unique challenges that can
      strain the strength and accessibility of these resources, particularly geographic
      movement. This study identifies several scales and indexes used in social science
      research to measure three primary social fitness resources, emotional support,
      instrumental support, and informational support, and proposes that interventions
      aimed at increasing the quantity and quality of social support should focus on
      (1) sociodemographic characteristics and dispositional traits; (2) dynamics that
      strengthen social groups, support networks, and teams; (3) practices that improve
      social skills and promote more frequent and constructive interactions; and (4)
      activities that reduce conflict and group division. Particular attention is given
      to interventions that utilize cyber or virtual communities as an effective means
      of increasing social connectedness and social support among U.S. Airmen and their
      families.

PMID- 28083313
TI  - Spiritual Fitness and Resilience: A Review of Relevant Constructs, Measures, and
      Links to Well-Being.
AB  - This study is one of a series designed to support Air Force leaders in promoting
      resilience among its Airmen, civilian employees, and Air Force families. It
      examines the relationship between spiritual fitness and resilience, using key
      constructs found in the scientific literature: a spiritual worldview, personal
      religious or spiritual practices, support from a spiritual community, and
      spiritual coping. The literature shows that possessing a sense of meaning and
      purpose in life is strongly positively related to quality of life and improved
      health and functioning. The authors find that diverse types of spiritual
      interventions are linked to improved resilience and well-being. These
      interventions focus mainly on the individual, but some address the military unit,
      the family, and the community.

PMID- 28083314
TI  - Toward Integrated DoD Biosurveillance: Assessment and Opportunities.
AB  - In the context of the 2012 National Strategy for Biosurveillance, the Office of
      Management and Budget (OMB) asked the Department of Defense (DoD) to review its
      biosurveillance programs, prioritize missions and desired outcomes, evaluate how
      DoD programs contribute to these, and assess the appropriateness and stability of
      the department's funding system for biosurveillance. DoD sought external analytic
      support through the RAND Arroyo Center. In response to the questions posed by OMB
      request, this study finds the following: (1) Current DoD biosurveillance supports
      three strategic missions. Based mostly on existing statute, the highest-priority
      mission is force health protection, followed by biological weapons defense and
      global health security. (2) Guidance issued by the White House on June 27, 2013,
      specified priorities for planning fiscal year 2015 budgets; it includes an
      explicit global health security priority, which strengthens the case for this as
      a key DoD biosurveillance strategic mission. (3) DoD biosurveillance also
      supports four desired outcomes: early warning and early detection, situational
      awareness, better decision making at all levels, and forecast of impacts. (4)
      Programs and measures that address priority missions-force health protection in
      particular-and desired outcomes should be prioritized over those that do not do
      so. (5) More near-real-time analysis and better internal and external integration
      could enhance the performance and value of the biosurveillance enterprise. (6)
      Improvements are needed in key enablers, including explicit doctrine/policy,
      efficient organization and governance, and increased staffing and improved
      facilities for the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC). (7) AFHSC has
      requested additional funding to fully implement its current responsibilities
      under the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding between the Assistant Secretaries of
      Defense for Health Affairs and for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense
      Programs. Additional responsibilities for coordinating the entire DoD
      biosurveillance enterprise would need concomitant resourcing. (8) There is not a
      single, unified funding system for the DoD biosurveillance enterprise; the
      multiple current funding systems would likely benefit from an organizing
      mechanism with the authority to manage and control funds to meet enterprise
      goals. Interim guidance issued by the Deputy Secretary of Defense on June 13,
      2013, is significant because it is the first policy to explicitly address
      biosurveillance; it adopts the definition from the National Strategy for
      Biosurveillance, calls for development of a DoD Directive for biosurveillance,
      and specifies tasks for DoD's implementation of the Strategy.

PMID- 28083315
TI  - Regulating Quality and Safety of Health and Social Care: International
      Experiences.
AB  - This study is concerned with "standards of quality and safety" within health and
      social care systems. Care standards are intended to support efforts in
      maintaining and improving the quality of care; they have been developed across
      countries, although the ways in which they are implemented and applied differs
      between nations. Taking a range of six countries, we review the regulatory
      mechanisms that have been implemented to ensure that essential standards of care
      are applied and are being adhered to, and consider the range of policy
      instruments used to encourage and ensure continuous quality improvement. We
      report on Australia, England, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. The
      study is intended to inform policy thinking for the Department of Health and
      others in developing the regulation of safety and quality of health and social
      care in England. It was prepared as part of the project "An 'On-call' Facility
      for International Healthcare Comparisons" funded by the Department of Health in
      England through its Policy Research Programme.

PMID- 28083316
TI  - Evaluating the "Keep Your Health Plan Fix": Implications for the Affordable Care
      Act Compared to Legislative Alternatives.
AB  - President Obama's promise that Americans could keep their existing health care
      plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has received increased scrutiny in the
      wake of millions of Americans having their plans cancelled. These cancellations
      primarily occurred in the individual or nongroup market, where individuals
      purchase health care plans directly from an insurer instead of through an
      employer. Many such plans do not meet the minimum coverage requirements of the
      ACA, leading insurers to send plan-cancellation notices to their enrollees. This
      study describes a comparative analysis of three proposals to remedy the
      situation: one by the White House, another by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), and a
      third by Representative Fred Upton (R-MI). The proposals are evaluated based on
      their potential impact on the ACA-compliant market and the cost and coverage of
      health insurance. The possibility of each proposal causing a "death spiral," in
      which rising premiums and decreasing enrollment undermine the viability of the
      ACA-compliant market, is also addressed. The authors find that the three
      proposals vary from slight to moderate impact on ACA premiums, enrollment, and
      federal spending, but none of them would result in the unraveling of the ACA
      compliant market.

PMID- 28083317
TI  - Redirecting Innovation in U.S. Health Care: Options to Decrease Spending and
      Increase Value.
AB  - New medical technologies are a leading driver of U.S. health care spending. This
      article identifies promising policy options to change which medical technologies
      are created, with two related policy goals: (1) Reduce total health care spending
      with the smallest possible loss of health benefits, and (2) ensure that new
      medical products that increase spending are accompanied by health benefits that
      are worth the spending increases. The analysis synthesized information from peer
      reviewed and other literature, a panel of technical advisors convened for the
      project, and 50 one-on-one expert interviews. The authors also conducted case
      studies of eight medical products. The following features of the U.S. health care
      environment tend to increase spending without also conferring major health
      benefits: lack of basic scientific knowledge about some disease processes, costs
      and risks of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, limited rewards
      for medical products that could lower spending, treatment creep, and the medical
      arms race. The authors identified ten policy options that would help advance the
      two policy goals. Five would do so by reducing the costs and/or risks of
      invention and obtaining FDA approval: (1) Enable more creativity in funding basic
      science, (2) offer prizes for inventions, (3) buy out patents, (4) establish a
      public-interest investment fund, and (5) expedite FDA reviews and approvals. The
      other five options would do so by increasing market rewards for products: (1)
      Reform Medicare payment policies, (2) reform Medicare coverage policies, (3)
      coordinate FDA approval and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services coverage
      processes, (4) increase demand for technologies that decrease spending, and (5)
      produce more and more-timely technology assessments.

PMID- 28083318
TI  - Small Ideas for Saving Big Health Care Dollars.
AB  - A focused review of recent RAND Health research identified small ideas that could
      save the U.S. health care system $13 to $22 billion per year, in the aggregate,
      if successfully implemented. In the substituting lower-cost treatments category,
      ideas are to reduce use of anesthesia providers in routine gastroenterology
      procedures for low-risk patients, change payment policy for emergency transport,
      increase use of lower-cost antibiotics for treatment of acute otitis media, shift
      care from emergency departments to retail clinics when appropriate, eliminate co
      payments for higher-risk patients taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, increase use
      of $4 generic drugs, and reduce Medicare Part D use of brand-name prescription
      drugs by patients with diabetes. In the patient safety category, ideas are to
      prevent three types of health care-associated infections: (1) central line
      associated bloodstream infections, (2) ventilator-associated pneumonia, and (3)
      catheter-associated urinary tract infections; use preoperative and anesthesia
      checklists to prevent operative and postoperative events; prevent in-facility
      pressure ulcers; use ultrasound guidance for central line placement; and prevent
      recurrent falls. Small ideas do not require systemic change; thus, they may be
      both more feasible to operationalize and less likely to encounter stiff political
      and organizational resistance.

PMID- 28083319
TI  - Mapping Gender Differences in Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Care: A Pilot
      Assessment of LDL Cholesterol Testing Rates in a California Health Plan.
AB  - Despite improvements over recent decades in care for cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      and diabetes, which is a major CVD risk factor, evidence suggests that the care
      women receive-and their health outcomes-continue to lag behind those of men, even
      for routine care, such as monitoring and control of cholesterol. Awareness of and
      action to address gender gaps in women's CVD care are limited, in part, because
      quality of care is not routinely measured and reported by gender. This pilot
      project describes and maps gender differences in CVD and diabetes care using data
      from a large health plan. The study aims to identify gender gaps in care in
      California and, where they are found, to increase awareness of potential gender
      disparities and begin to inform approaches to address gaps in care. The study
      assesses gender differences in one key aspect of routine CVD care and related
      prevention among patients with diabetes: low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
      cholesterol screening. The results from this study are intended to provide the
      basis for further work to learn and document what it will take to rapidly spread
      mapping approaches that prove to be helpful in understanding and addressing
      disparities in health and health care, particularly with regard to improving
      women's health outcomes. Key findings include that men had higher rates of LDL
      screening than did women in both the CVD and diabetes populations. These gaps
      varied by age and insurance type. In addition, mapping gender gaps revealed
      larger gaps at local levels than were apparent at the state or regional level.

PMID- 28083320
TI  - Psychological Fitness and Resilience: A Review of Relevant Constructs, Measures,
      and Links to Well-Being.
AB  - This study is one of a series designed to support Air Force leaders in promoting
      resilience among its Airmen, civilian employees, and Air Force family members. It
      examines the relationship between psychological fitness and resilience, using key
      constructs found in the scientific literature that address self-regulation,
      positive affect, perceived control, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and optimism.
      Supporting or increasing the levels of the key measures of psychological fitness
      identified in this study may facilitate resilience and can protect Airmen,
      civilian employees, and Air Force families from the negative effects of stress.
      The study also reviews construct measures, well-being, and resilience outcomes as
      well as interventions designed to promote the psychological fitness constructs.

PMID- 28083321
TI  - Evaluation of the California Mental Health Services Authority's Prevention and
      Early Intervention Initiatives: Executive Summary and Commentary.
AB  - In 2004, California voters passed Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act
      (MHSA), which includes a mandate that the state provide prevention and early
      intervention (PEI) services and education for people who experience mental
      illness in the state of California. The California Mental Health Services
      Authority (CalMHSA), a coalition of California counties formed to provide
      economic and administrative support to mental health service delivery, formed the
      Statewide PEI Implementation Program based on extensive recommendations from a
      large number of stakeholders statewide. The Statewide PEI program is made up of
      three strategic initiatives: (1) reduction of stigma and discrimination towards
      those with mental illness, (2) prevention of suicide, and (3) improvement in
      student mental health. This article provides a summary and commentary on a more
      detailed interim RAND evaluation of the CalMHSA Statewide PEI Program.

PMID- 28083322
TI  - Mental Health Retrosight: Understanding the Returns From Research (Lessons From
      Schizophrenia): Policy Report.
AB  - This study examines the impacts arising from neuroscience and mental health
      research going back 20-25 years, and identifies attributes of the research,
      researchers or research setting that are associated with translation into patient
      benefit, in the particular case of schizophrenia. The study combined two methods:
      forward-tracing case studies to examine where scientific advances of 20 years ago
      have led to impact today; and backward-tracing perspectives to identify the
      research antecedents of today's interventions in schizophrenia. These research
      and impact trails are followed principally in Canada, the UK and the USA. The
      headline findings are as follows: The case studies and perspectives support the
      view that mental health research has led to a diverse and beneficial range of
      academic, health, social and economic impacts over the 20 years since the
      research was undertaken.Clinical research has had a larger impact on patient care
      than basic research has over the 20 years since the research was undertaken.Those
      involved in mental health research who work across boundaries are associated with
      wider health and social benefits.Committed individuals, motivated by patient
      need, who effectively champion research agendas and/or translation into practice
      are key in driving the development and implementation of interventions.This study
      provides an overview of the methods and presents the full set of findings, with
      the policy provocations they raise, and an emerging research agenda. It has been
      written for funders of biomedical and health research and health services, health
      researchers, and policymakers in those fields. It will also be of interest to
      those involved in research and impact evaluation.

PMID- 28083323
TI  - Psychological Wellbeing and Work: Improving Service Provision and Outcomes.
AB  - This study explores proposals to improve employment and health outcomes for
      people with common mental health problems and makes a number of recommendations.
      These include: using evidence-based models to provide services that combine
      employment and mental health support; increasing integration between existing
      treatment and employment services to improve outcomes in both areas; applying
      evidence-based models in new ways or a using combination of approaches; and
      providing timely access to coordinated treatment and employment support for a
      greater number of people with common mental health problems.

PMID- 28083324
TI  - The Development and Application of the RAND Program Classification Tool.
AB  - As a result of extended military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan during the
      past decade, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented numerous
      programs to support servicemembers and family members who experience difficulty
      handling stress, face mental health challenges, or are affected by a traumatic
      brain injury (TBI). As these efforts have proliferated, it has become more
      challenging to monitor these programs and to avoid duplication. To support DoD in
      this area, RAND compiled a comprehensive catalog of DoD-funded programs that
      address psychological health and TBI. In creating the catalog of programs, RAND
      recognized the need to consistently describe and compare multiple programs
      according to a set of core program characteristics, driven largely by the lack of
      a single, clear, widely accepted operational definition of what constitutes a
      program. To do this, RAND developed the RAND Program Classification Tool (R-PCT)
      to allow users to describe and compare programs, particularly those related to
      psychological health and TBI, along eight key dimensions that that define a
      program. The tool consists of a set of questions and responses for consistently
      describing various aspects of programs, along with detailed guidance regarding
      how to select the appropriate responses. The purpose of this article is to
      describe the R-PCT, to help potential users understand how it was developed, and
      to explain how the tool can be used.

PMID- 28083325
TI  - The RAND Online Measure Repository for Evaluating Psychological Health and
      Traumatic Brain Injury Programs.
AB  - Since 2001, U.S. military forces have been engaged in extended conflicts in Iraq
      and Afghanistan. While most military personnel cope well across the deployment
      cycle, the operational tempo may raise the risk of mental health problems, such
      as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression, and consequences
      from traumatic brain injury (TBI). To support servicemembers and their families
      as they cope with these challenges, the U.S. Department of Defense has
      implemented numerous programs addressing biological, social, spiritual, and
      holistic influences on psychological health along the resilience, prevention, and
      treatment continuum that focus on a variety of clinical and nonclinical concerns.
      As these efforts have proliferated, evaluating their effectiveness has become
      increasingly important. To support the design and implementation of program
      evaluation, RAND developed the RAND Online Measure Repository (ROMR) which
      indexes and describes measures related to psychological health and TBI. The ROMR
      is a publicly accessible, online, searchable database containing 171 measures
      related to psychological health and TBI. This article describes the rationale for
      developing the ROMR, the content included in the ROMR, and its potential in both
      civilian and military populations. The ROMR includes information about measure
      domains, psychometrics, number of items, and costs, which can inform the
      selection of measures for program evaluations. Included measures address domains
      of primary importance to psychological health (PTSD, depression, anxiety,
      suicidal ideation, and resiliency) and TBI (cognition, executive functioning, and
      memory). Also identified are measures relevant to military units, such as unit
      cohesion and force readiness.

PMID- 28083326
TI  - A Systematic Process to Facilitate Evidence-Informed Decisionmaking Regarding
      Program Expansion.
AB  - While the Department of Defense supports more than 200 psychological health and
      traumatic brain injury programs, it lacks an approach and process to
      systematically develop, track, and assess the performance of this portfolio of
      programs. Further, there is not yet a uniform approach to decisionmaking around
      program support and expansion of particularly promising, evidence-based programs.
      This lack of centralized oversight may result in the proliferation of untested
      programs that are developed without an evidence base; an inefficient use of
      resources; and added cost and administrative inefficiencies. RAND researchers
      developed a potential model and tools to support a centralized, systematic, and
      ongoing process to help in making decisions around continued program support, and
      by which expansion can be facilitated. This study includes two tools. The first
      is a Program Abstraction Form, which collects relevant background information
      from programs and asks explicitly about program effectiveness and the design of
      the program evaluation used to assess program effectiveness, as a poor evaluation
      design may lead to incorrect conclusions about the effectiveness of the program.
      The second is the RAND Program Expansion Tool, which provides a standardized
      summary of the quality and outcome of a program evaluation. The focus of these
      tools is on decisionmaking around program expansion, and does not preclude or
      address initial funding decisions of particularly promising new programs that may
      not yet have a solid evidence base.

PMID- 28083327
TI  - A Program Manager's Guide for Program Improvement in Ongoing Psychological Health
      and Traumatic Brain Injury Programs.
AB  - Between 2001 and 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense has implemented numerous
      programs to support service members and their families in coping with the
      stressors from a decade of the longstanding conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
      These programs, which address both psychological health and traumatic brain
      injury (TBI), number in the hundreds and vary in their size, scope, and target
      population. To ensure that resources are wisely invested and maximize the
      benefits of such programs, RAND developed a tool to help assess program
      performance, consider options for improvement, implement solutions, then assess
      whether the changes worked, with the intention of helping those responsible for
      managing or implementing programs to conduct assessments of how well the program
      is performing and to implement solutions for improving performance. Specifically,
      the tool is intended to provide practical guidance in program improvement and
      continuous quality improvement for all programs.

PMID- 28083328
TI  - Development and Pilot Test of the RAND Suicide Prevention Program Evaluation
      Toolkit.
AB  - Evaluations are critical for assessing the impact of U.S. Department of Defense
      investments in suicide prevention and can be used as the basis for decisions
      about whether to sustain or scale up existing efforts. The Defense Centers of
      Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury asked RAND to draw
      from the scientific literature and create a toolkit to guide future evaluations
      of suicide prevention programs. The resulting toolkit is designed to help program
      staff determine whether their programs produce beneficial effects and,
      ultimately, to guide the responsible allocation of scarce resources. This article
      summarizes the three complementary methods used to develop the RAND Suicide
      Prevention Program Evaluation Toolkit: an examination of the peer-reviewed
      evaluation literature and clinical trials, a review of other evaluation toolkits,
      and feedback from staff responsible for implementing suicide prevention programs
      in the Department of Defense. It is intended to serve as both a companion and
      supplement to the toolkit and offers additional background on its development and
      testing.

PMID- 28083329
TI  - Health and Economic Outcomes in the Alumni of the Wounded Warrior Project: 2010
      2012.
AB  - The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has developed programs to help care for injured
      service members and veterans. In order to assess the mental, physical, and
      economic health of its member population, as well as to gain an understanding of
      WWP participation, WWP is engaged in a five-year survey effort. The RAND
      Corporation was asked to analyze the first three survey waves in order to take a
      more in-depth look at survey responses to explore whether outcomes differ across
      various subsets of WWP's database of members and, where possible, compare the
      experiences and outcomes of alumni with those of other ill and injured
      populations. This study describes specifically how WWP alumni who responded to
      the surveys are faring in domains related to mental health and resiliency,
      physical health, and employment and finances. The study finds that WWP goals are
      being met across a wide range of outcomes of interest but that individuals who
      have never been married, who are male, who are employed, and who are in higher
      ranks enjoy better mental health outcomes. On the other hand, women and those in
      junior ranks report more favorably on their physical health. Finally, married
      respondents and officers are more likely to have higher levels of education, be
      employed, and own homes. These outcomes enable WWP to target its programming and
      messaging to the alumni in need of support in these areas.

PMID- 28083330
TI  - The Future of Health Care in the Kurdistan Region - Iraq: Toward an Effective,
      High-Quality System with an Emphasis on Primary Care.
AB  - At the request of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), RAND researchers
      undertook a yearlong analysis of the health care system in the Kurdistan Region
      of Iraq, with a focus on primary care. RAND staff reviewed available literature
      on the Kurdistan Region and information relevant to primary care; interviewed a
      wide range of policy leaders, health practitioners, patients, and government
      officials to gather information and understand their priorities; collected and
      studied all available data related to health resources, services, and conditions;
      and projected future supply and demand for health services in the Kurdistan
      Region; and laid out the health financing challenges and questions. In this
      volume, the authors describe the strengths of the health care system in the
      Kurdistan Region as well as the challenges it faces. The authors suggest that a
      primary care-oriented health care system could help the KRG address many of these
      challenges. The authors discuss how such a system might be implemented and
      financed, and they make recommendations for better utilizing resources to improve
      the quality, access, effectiveness, and efficiency of primary care.

PMID- 28083331
TI  - Improving Dementia Long-Term Care: A Policy Blueprint.
AB  - In 2010, 15 percent of Americans older than age 70 had dementia, and the number
      of new dementia cases among those 65 and older is expected to double by the year
      2050. As the baby boomer generation ages, many older adults will require dementia
      related long-term services and supports (LTSS). This blueprint is the only
      national document to date that engages local, state, and national stakeholders to
      specifically focus on policy options at the intersection of dementia and LTSS.
      The authors undertook five major tasks that resulted in a prioritized list of
      policy options and research directions to help decisionmakers improve the
      dementia LTSS delivery system, workforce, and financing. These were to (1)
      identify weaknesses in the LTSS system that may be particularly severe for
      persons with dementia; (2) review national and state strategies addressing
      dementia or LTSS policy; (3) identify policy options from the perspective of a
      diverse group of stakeholders; (4) evaluate the policy options; and (5)
      prioritize policy options by impact and feasibility. Stakeholders identified 38
      policy options. RAND researchers independently evaluated these options against
      prespecified criteria, settling on 25 priority options. These policy options can
      be summarized into five objectives for the dementia LTSS system: (1) increase
      public awareness of dementia to reduce stigma and promote earlier detection; (2)
      improve access to and use of LTSS; (3) promote high-quality, person- and
      caregiver-centered care; (4) provide better support for family caregivers of
      people with dementia; and (5) reduce the burden of dementia LTSS costs on
      individuals and families. This policy blueprint provides a foundation upon which
      to build consensus among a larger set of stakeholders to set priorities and the
      sequencing of policy recommendations.

PMID- 28083332
TI  - Substance Use Treatment and Reentry (STAR) Program: Final Evaluation Report.
AB  - Substance use disorders are common among juvenile justice populations, and few
      resources exist to address this problem as young offenders transition into the
      community upon release. To address this need, in October 2010, the Substance
      Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance
      Abuse Treatment (CSAT), awarded three-year grants to community-based
      organizations to expand and/or enhance substance abuse treatment and recovery and
      reentry services to sentenced offenders returning to the community. Homeboy
      Industries, Inc., in collaboration with Behavioral Health Services, Inc., and the
      RAND Corporation, was awarded a grant to serve up to 220 16- to 25-year-olds
      recently released from juvenile detention to receive substance use treatment and
      recovery services at Homeboy Industries in downtown Los Angeles. This study
      represents the evaluation of that Substance Use Treatment and Reentry (STAR)
      Program. Ninety-four percent of the proposed population was enrolled into the
      program. Ninety percent of participants received at least one substance use
      treatment session, and 73 percent successfully completed the five-session
      treatment in six months. Analysis of the client outcome data following
      participation showed improvements or stability over time in housing and social
      connectedness. Over 70 percent of participants who completed a 12-month interview
      reported continued employment, and self-reported arrests were below 15 percent.
      Abstinence rates did not change much throughout the project (about 30 percent);
      however, those reporting use at intake showed reductions in use over time. These
      findings reveal a continued need among the population for substance use treatment
      and recovery support.

PMID- 28083333
TI  - Ambulatory Surgical Services Provided Under California Workers' Compensation: An
      Assessment of the Feasibility and Advisability of Expanding Coverage.
AB  - The California Department of Industrial Relations asked RAND to examine the
      feasibility and appropriateness of including procedures that are typically
      performed only in an inpatient setting on the workers' compensation Official
      Medical Fee Schedule for ambulatory surgical center facility fees. The authors
      used interviews, literature review, and data analysis to assemble information on
      the requirements applicable to ASCs, assess how the criteria that Medicare uses
      to assess whether procedures can be safely performed in an outpatient setting
      apply to the workers' compensation patient population, and to examine alternative
      methods for establishing fee schedule amounts. The study focused on 23 high
      volume workers' compensation inpatient procedures with relatively short average
      lengths of stay. The study finds that most ASCs that are currently eligible for
      facility fees are equipped to provide services that do not require a one-night
      stay. However, the data analyses and literature review did not provide strong
      support for adding any procedures to the fee schedule with the possible exception
      of procedures related to cervical spinal fusions. Other than instrumentation used
      in conjunction with spinal fusions, relatively few of the study procedures are
      being performed in an ambulatory setting on either WC or privately insured
      patients ages 18-64. The literature suggests that two-level anterior cervical
      fusions and the use of instrumentation for one- or two-level fusions can be
      performed safely on an outpatient basis but does not include evidenced-based
      selection criteria to suggest which patients are appropriate candidates for
      having the procedures in an outpatient setting.

PMID- 28083334
TI  - Final Report: Evaluation of Tools and Metrics to Support Employer Selection of
      Health Plans.
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) places strong emphasis on
      quality of care as a means to improve outcomes for Americans and promote the
      financial sustainability of our health care system. Included in the ACA are new
      disclosure requirements that require health plans to provide a summary of
      benefits and coverage that accurately describes the benefits under the plan or
      coverage. These requirements are intended to support employers' procurement of
      high-value health coverage for their employees. This study attempts to help
      employers understand the structural differences between health plans and the
      performance dimensions along which plans can differ, as well as to educate
      employers about available tools that can be used to evaluate plan options. The
      study also discusses the extent to which these and other tools or resources are
      used by employers to inform choices between health plans.

PMID- 28083335
TI  - How Will the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Affect Liability
      Insurance Costs?
AB  - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will greatly expand private
      coverage and Medicaid while making major changes to payment rates and the health
      care delivery system. These changes will affect traditional health insurers,
      individuals, and government payers. In addition, a considerable amount of health
      care is paid for directly by or is indirectly paid for via legal settlements
      after the care occurs, by liability insurers. This study identifies potential
      mechanisms through which the ACA might affect claim costs for several major types
      of liability coverage, especially auto insurance, workers' compensation coverage,
      and medical malpractice. The authors discuss the conceptual basis for each
      mechanism, review existing scholarly evidence regarding its importance, and,
      where possible, develop rough estimates of the size and direction of expected
      impacts as of 2016. They examine how each mechanism might operate across
      different liability lines and discuss how variation across states in legal rules,
      demographics, and other factors might moderate each mechanism's operation.
      Overall, expected short-term effects of the ACA appear likely to be small
      relative to aggregate liability insurer payouts in the markets in question.
      However, under reasonable assumptions, some mechanisms can generate potential
      cost changes as high as 5 percent or more in particular states and insurance
      lines. The authors also discuss longer-run changes that could be fostered by the
      ACA that might exert more significant effects on insurance claim costs, including
      shifts in tort law, changes in physician supply, new pricing approaches under the
      accountable care organization model, and changes in population health.

PMID- 28083336
TI  - Implementing a Resource-Based Relative Value Scale Fee Schedule for Physician
      Services: An Assessment of Policy Options for the California Workers'
      Compensation Program.
AB  - A RAND study used 2011 medical data to examine the impact of implementing a
      resource-based relative value scale to pay for physician services under the
      California workers' compensation system. Current allowances under the Official
      Medical Fee Schedule are approximately 116 percent of Medicare-allowed amounts
      and, by law, will transition to 120 percent of Medicare over four years. Using
      Medicare policies to establish the fee-schedule amounts, aggregate allowances are
      estimated to decrease for four types of service by the end of the transition in
      2017: anesthesia (-16.5 percent), surgery (-19.9 percent), radiology (-16.5
      percent), and pathology (-29.0 percent). Aggregate allowances for evaluation and
      management visits are estimated to increase by 39.5 percent. Allowances for
      services classified as "medicine" in the Current Procedural Terminology codebook
      will increase by 17.3 percent. In the aggregate, across all services, allowances
      are projected to increase 11.9 percent. Because most specialties furnish
      different types of services, the impacts by specialty are generally less than the
      impacts by type of service.

PMID- 28083337
TI  - California K-12 Schools and Communities Collaborate to Support Student Mental
      Health.
AB  - This article evaluates the development, quality, and effectiveness of
      collaboration activities among California K-12 Student Mental Health program
      partners.

PMID- 28083338
TI  - Findings from the School-Based Theatrical Performance Walk In Our Shoes.
AB  - This article examines the effects of a school-based theatrical performance, Walk
      In Our Shoes, designed to educate youth about and reduce stigma and
      discrimination toward mental illness.

PMID- 28083339
TI  - Racial and Ethnic Differences in Exposure to Suicide Prevention Messaging,
      Confidence in One's Ability to Intervene with Someone at Risk, and Resource
      Preferences.
AB  - This article assesses differences in racial and ethnic groups' exposure to
      suicide prevention messaging, preferences for suicide crisis services, and
      confidence in their ability to intervene with persons at risk of suicide.

PMID- 28083340
TI  - Where Would California Adults Prefer to Get Help If They Were Feeling Suicidal?
AB  - This article assesses the types of resources, ranging from face-to-face
      interactions with mental health professionals to texting a crisis line, that
      adults in California prefer to utilize for suicidal thoughts or feelings.

PMID- 28083341
TI  - An Evaluation of the Implementation and Perceived Utility of the Airman
      Resilience Training Program.
AB  - Since 2001, the U.S. Military has been functioning at an operational tempo that
      is historically high for the all-volunteer force in which service members are
      deploying for extended periods on a repeated basis. Even with the drawdown of
      troops from Iraq in 2011, some service members are returning from deployment
      experiencing difficulties handling stress, mental health problems, or deficits
      caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In response to these challenges, the
      U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented numerous programs to support
      service members and their families in these areas. In 2009, the Assistant
      Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs asked the RAND National Defense Research
      Institute to develop a comprehensive catalog of existing programs sponsored or
      funded by DoD to support psychological health and care for TBI, to create tools
      to support ongoing assessment and evaluation of the DoD portfolio of programs,
      and to conduct evaluations of a subset of these programs. This article describes
      RAND's assessment of an Air Force program, Airman Resilience Training (ART),
      which is a psychoeducational program designed to improve airmen's reactions to
      stress during and after deployment and to increase the use of mental health
      services when needed. ART was initiated in November 2010, replacing a previous
      program named Landing Gear, which had been in place since April 2008. The RAND
      study took place from August 2011 through November 2011. This study will be of
      particular interest to officials within the Air Force who are responsible for the
      psychological health and well-being of airmen, as well as to others within the
      military who are developing programs for service members to help them cope with
      stress while in combat situations and after returning from deployment.

PMID- 28083342
TI  - Health and Economic Outcomes Among the Alumni of the Wounded Warrior Project:
      2013.
AB  - The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) offers support and raises public awareness of
      service members who have experienced physical or mental health conditions
      associated with their service on or after September 11, 2001. In this study, the
      authors use WWP's 2013 survey of its members (alumni) to understand the physical,
      mental, and economic challenges that Wounded Warriors face. The researchers find
      that at least half of alumni reported dealing with mental health conditions such
      as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, and many of these alumni
      reported difficulties or delays in seeking mental health care, or not doing so at
      all. Alcohol misuse also poses a problem. A large proportion of alumni are
      overweight or obese, conditions that negatively affect their daily lives,
      exercise routines, and overall health. Almost half of alumni are not working, and
      there is low participation in veteran-specific employment and education programs.
      This information can be used to better understand the needs of WWP alumni and the
      ways that WWP can serve and support this constituency.

PMID- 28083343
TI  - Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregivers - Executive Summary.
AB  - While much has been written about the role of caregiving for the elderly and
      chronically ill and for children with special needs, little is known about
      "military caregivers"-the population of those who care for wounded, ill, and
      injured military personnel and veterans. These caregivers play an essential role
      in caring for injured or wounded service members and veterans. This enables those
      for whom they are caring to live better quality lives, and can result in faster
      and improved rehabilitation and recovery. Yet playing this role can impose a
      substantial physical, emotional, and financial toll on caregivers. This article
      distills a longer report, Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregivers, which
      describes the results of a study designed to describe the magnitude of military
      caregiving in the United States today, as well as to identify gaps in the array
      of programs, policies, and initiatives designed to support military caregivers.
      Improving military caregivers' well-being and ensuring their continued ability to
      provide care will require multifaceted approaches to reducing the current burdens
      caregiving may impose, and bolstering their ability to serve as caregivers more
      effectively. Given the systematic differences among military caregiver groups, it
      is also important that tailored approaches meet the unique needs and
      characteristics of post-9/11 caregivers.

PMID- 28083344
TI  - Health and Healthcare: Assessing the Real World Data Policy Landscape in Europe.
AB  - Real-world data (RWD) is an umbrella term for different types of data that are
      not collected in conventional randomised controlled trials. RWD in the healthcare
      sector comes from various sources and includes patient data, data from
      clinicians, hospital data, data from payers and social data. There are already
      examples of ways in which research has contributed to the provision, construction
      and capture of RWD to improve health outcomes. However, to maximise the potential
      of these new pools of data in the healthcare sector, stakeholders need to
      identify pathways and processes which will allow them to efficiently access and
      use RWD in order to achieve better research outcomes and improved healthcare
      delivery. Current efforts to improve access to RWD and facilitate its use take
      place in a context of resource scarcity. Based on a literature review, case
      studies, a small set of interviews of experts from public and private
      organisations and a scenario based workshop, the study outlined possible
      strategies to illustrate how RWD standards development could facilitate RWD-based
      research. By investigating the current forms and uses of RWD in Europe, this
      study has highlighted their significant potential for assessing the (short- or
      long-term) impact of different drugs or medical treatments and for informing and
      improving healthcare service delivery. Although the potential of RWD use seems
      quite clear, this research reveals barriers that restrict further development
      towards its full exploitation: the absence of common standards for defining the
      content and quality of RWD, methodological barriers that may limit the potential
      benefits of RWD analysis, governance issues underlying the absence of standards
      for collaboration between stakeholders, and privacy concerns and binding data
      protection legislation which can be seen to restrict access and use of data.

PMID- 28083345
TI  - Investigating Time Lags and Attribution in the Translation of Cancer Research: A
      Case Study Approach.
AB  - In 2012, RAND Europe and the Health Economics Research Group (Brunel University)
      were commissioned by the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, the National
      Institute for Health Research and the Academy of Medical Science to conduct a
      study of the returns to the public/charitable investment in cancer-related
      research. This study built on previous work published in the 2008 "What's it
      worth?" report that estimated the economic returns to medical research in terms
      of spillover benefits and health gain. The 2008 study was extensively quoted and
      cited as a clear justification for the economic importance of medical research
      and appears to have played a role in achieving the protection of the medical
      science budget in the recent public expenditure cuts. This cancer study used a
      similar approach to that used in the previous study, but with some methodological
      developments. One of the methodological developments was the inclusion of case
      studies to examine the validity and variability of the estimates on elapsed time
      between funding and health gains, and the amount of health gains that can be
      attributed to UK research. This study provides the full text of the five case
      studies conducted as well as some discussion of observations emerging across the
      case study set.

PMID- 28083346
TI  - Supporting the Development of a New Health R&D Strategy: A Rapid Review of
      International Theory and Practice for Norway's HelseOmsorg21.
AB  - The HelseOmsorg21 initiative was set up by the Ministry of Health and Care
      Services to develop a new research and innovation strategy for health and care
      services in Norway. The HelseOmsorg21 Strategy Group, through the Research
      Council of Norway which is providing the secretariat for the strategy
      development, asked RAND Europe to support the strategic review process. RAND
      Europe's role was to conduct a series of rapid evidence reviews around the
      recommendations arising from the five working groups that comprise the
      initiative. The reviews were conducted around networks and collaboration, data
      linkage and exchange, culture, values and leadership, and incentives for
      innovation, while capacity building was a recurrent theme throughout. This study
      presents the rapid evidence reviews, summarising relevant literature and
      highlighting international examples of particularly relevant or innovative
      approaches. The issues and ideas identified around each theme are then pulled
      together in a suggested conceptual representation of the Norwegian health and
      care research system.

PMID- 28083348
TI  - International Variation in Drug Usage: An Exploratory Analysis of the "Causes" of
      Variation.
AB  - This article explores the range of possible causes that might explain observed
      international variations in the usage of medicines for selected disease areas:
      dementia, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes and hepatitis C. Commissioned by the UK
      Department of Health, through its Policy Research Programme, it complements a
      quantitative analysis of medicines uptake carried out by the Office for Health
      Economics (OHE) of medicines uptake across 16 classes of medicines in 13 high
      income countries in 2012/13. Both studies build on an earlier study led by
      Professor Sir Mike Richards (UK) into the extent and causes of international
      variations in drug usage, published in 2010. Drawing on a rapid evidence
      assessment, we explore, for each of the five disease areas, epidemiological
      factors such as the disease burden and aspects of health system and service
      organisation that were shown to have a direct or indirect impact on drug usage,
      such as reimbursement mechanisms, access to diagnosis and treatment more broadly.
      We also provide a summary overview of key features of the health systems and of
      the principles of drug assessment or approval processes across the countries
      included in the OHE analysis. We find that a range of factors are likely to play
      a role in explaining international variation in medicines use, but their relative
      importance will vary depending on the disease area in question and the system
      context. Any given level of use of a given medicine in one country is likely
      determined by a set of factors the combination and the relative weight of which
      will be different in another country.

PMID- 28083347
TI  - Measuring Success in Health Care Value-Based Purchasing Programs: Findings from
      an Environmental Scan, Literature Review, and Expert Panel Discussions.
AB  - Value-based purchasing (VBP) refers to a broad set of performance-based payment
      strategies that link financial incentives to health care providers' performance
      on a set of defined measures in an effort to achieve better value. The U.S.
      Department of Health and Human Services is advancing the implementation of VBP
      across an array of health care settings in the Medicare program in response to
      requirements in the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and
      policymakers are grappling with many decisions about how best to design and
      implement VBP programs so that they are successful in achieving stated goals.
      This article summarizes the current state of knowledge about VBP based on a
      review of the published literature, a review of publicly available documentation
      from VBP programs, and discussions with an expert panel composed of VBP program
      sponsors, health care providers and health systems, and academic researchers with
      VBP evaluation expertise. Three types of VBP models were the focus of the review:
      (1) pay-for-performance programs, (2) accountable care organizations, and (3)
      bundled payment programs. The authors report on VBP program goals and what
      constitutes success; the evidence on the impact of these programs; factors that
      characterize high- and low-performing providers in VBP programs; the measures,
      incentive structures, and benchmarks used by VBP programs; evidence on spillover
      effects and unintended consequences; and gaps in the knowledge base.

PMID- 28083349
TI  - Barriers to Enrollment in Health Coverage in Colorado.
AB  - As part of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Colorado has expanded
      Medicaid and also now operates its own health insurance exchange for individuals
      (called Connect for Health Colorado). As of early 2014, more than 300,000
      Coloradans have newly enrolled in Medicaid or health insurance through Connect
      for Health Colorado, but there also continues to be a diverse mix of individuals
      in Colorado who remain eligible for but not enrolled in either private insurance
      or Medicaid. The Colorado Health Foundation commissioned the RAND Corporation to
      conduct a study to better understand why these individuals are not enrolled in
      health insurance coverage and to develop recommendations for how Colorado can
      strengthen its outreach and enrollment efforts during the next open enrollment
      period, which starts in November 2014. RAND conducted focus groups with uninsured
      and newly insured individuals across the state and interviews with local
      stakeholders responsible for enrollment efforts in their regions. The authors
      identified 11 commonly cited barriers, as well as several that were specific to
      certain regions or populations (such as young adults and seasonal workers).
      Collectively, these barriers point to a set of four priority recommendations that
      stakeholders in Colorado may wish to consider: (1) Support and expand localized
      outreach and tailored messaging; (2) Strengthen marketing and messaging to be
      clear, focused on health benefits of insurance (rather than politics and
      mandates), and actionable; (3) Improve the clarity and transparency of insurance
      and health care costs and enrollment procedures; and (4) Revisit the two-stage
      enrollment process and improve Connect for Health Colorado website navigation and
      technical support.

PMID- 28083350
TI  - Quantitative Evaluation of the Impact of the Healthy Communities Initiative in
      Cincinnati.
AB  - Metropolitan Cincinnati residents have traditionally had among the highest health
      care costs in the United States, yet little evidence exists that residents are
      getting their money's worth, especially in terms of preventive and primary care.
      Recently, large employers, health plans, and health care providers in the
      Cincinnati area joined with community organizations in an effort to improve
      health care and population health, as well as reduce health care costs by
      focusing on five priority areas: coordinated primary care, health information
      exchange, quality improvement, public reporting and consumer engagement, and
      payment innovations. Spearheaded by General Electric (GE) Cincinnati, the
      resulting Healthy Communities Initiative in Cincinnati was implemented in 2009.
      In 2012, GE asked RAND Health Advisory Services to assess progress over the first
      three years of the initiative. Overall, the findings were largely inconclusive
      because of a concomitant marketwide shift to high-deductible health policies
      (which are known to have profound effects on care-seeking behavior) and the early
      stage of the intervention. However, there were some encouraging signs that better
      care coordination bears fruit, such as less illness-related work loss and fewer
      avoidable hospital admissions and readmissions. These early impacts suggest that
      the initiative may succeed in improving care, lowering cost, and improving health
      status if given sufficient time.

PMID- 28083351
TI  - Assessing Alternative Modifications to the Affordable Care Act: Impact on
      Individual Market Premiums and Insurance Coverage.
AB  - The goals of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are to enable all legal U.S. residents
      to have access to affordable health insurance and to prevent sicker individuals
      (such as those with preexisting conditions) from being priced out of the market.
      The ACA also instituted several policies to stabilize premiums and to encourage
      enrollment among healthy individuals of all ages. The law's tax credits and cost
      sharing subsidies offer a "carrot" that may encourage enrollment among some young
      and healthy individuals who would otherwise remain uninsured, while the
      individual mandate acts as a "stick" by imposing penalties on individuals who
      choose not to enroll. In this article, the authors use the COMPARE
      microsimulation model, an analytic tool that uses economic theory and data to
      predict the effects of health policy reforms, to estimate how eliminating the
      ACA's individual mandate, eliminating the law's tax credits, and combined
      scenarios that change these and other provisions of the act might affect 2015
      individual market premiums and overall insurance coverage. Underlying these
      estimates is a COMPARE-based analysis of how premiums and insurance coverage
      outcomes depend on young adults' propensity to enroll in insurance coverage. The
      authors find that eliminating the ACA's tax credits and eliminating the
      individual mandate both increase premiums and reduce enrollment on the individual
      market. They also find that these key features of the ACA help to protect against
      adverse selection and stabilize the market by encouraging healthy people to
      enroll and, in the case of the tax credit, shielding subsidized enrollees from
      premium increases. Further, they find that individual market premiums are only
      modestly sensitive to young adults' propensity to enroll in insurance coverage,
      and ensuring market stability does not require that young adults make up a
      particular share of enrollees.

PMID- 28083352
TI  - The Health Risks of Bathing in Recreational Waters: A Rapid Evidence Assessment
      of Water Quality and Gastrointestinal Illness.
AB  - The European Bathing Directive (2006/7/EC) stipulates water quality standards for
      recreational bathing waters based on specified limits of faecal indicator
      organisms (FIOs). Presence of FIOs above the limits is considered to be
      indicative of poor water quality and to present a risk to bathers' health. The
      European Bathing Directive (2006) is to be reviewed in 2020. We conducted a rapid
      evidence assessment on recreational bathing waters and gastrointestinal illness
      (GI) to identify the extent of the literature published since the previous review
      period in 2003 and to determine whether there is any new evidence which may
      indicate that a revision to the Directive would be justified. Overall, 21 papers
      (from 16 studies), including two RCTs, met the inclusion criteria; 12 were
      conducted in marine waters and four were conducted in freshwater. Considerable
      heterogeneity existed between study protocols and the majority had significant
      methodological limitations, including self-selection and misclassification
      biases. Moreover, there was limited variation in water quality among studies,
      providing a limited evidence base on which to assess the classification
      standards. Overall, there appears to be a consistent significant relationship
      between faecal indicator organisms and GI in freshwater, but not marine water
      studies. Given the apparent lack of relationship between GI and water quality, it
      is unclear whether the boundaries of the Bathing Waters Directive are supported
      by studies published in the post-2003 period. We suggest that more
      epidemiological evidence is needed to disprove or confirm the original work that
      was used to derive these boundaries for marine waters.

PMID- 28083353
TI  - Targeting Alcohol Misuse: A Promising Strategy for Reducing Military Sexual
      Assaults?
AB  - On the 2012 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey on Active Duty Service Members,
      23 percent of female and 4 percent of male service members indicated that they
      had experienced a completed or attempted sexual assault during their military
      service. In addition, official numbers show no decline in sexual assaults,
      despite the implementation of sexual assault prevention programs across the U.S.
      Department of Defense (DoD). Alcohol misuse is also a problem in the military:
      One-third of active-duty service members reported binge drinking, a rate that
      compares unfavorably with that of their civilian counterparts. DoD has invested
      considerable resources in universal sexual assault prevention programs and social
      media campaigns, but evaluation results are not yet available, and the
      effectiveness of these programs is unclear. Research on civilian populations
      particularly college students, who share some characteristics with junior
      enlisted personnel-could provide insights for DoD. For example, the research
      indicates a connection between alcohol and aggression, including sexual
      aggression. Alcohol can also have a range of effects on the risk of victimization
      from a reduced awareness of risk indicators to incapacitation or unconsciousness.
      An extensive review of the existing research provides some guidance for how DoD
      can implement and evaluate efforts to reduce alcohol misuse as part of a larger
      strategy to reduce the incidence of sexual assault among members of the armed
      forces.

PMID- 28083354
TI  - Population Health Management and the Second Golden Age of Arab Medicine:
      Promoting Health, Localizing Knowledge Industries, and Diversifying Economies in
      the GCC Countries.
AB  - Over the past half-century, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries-Bahrain,
      Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates-have experienced
      rapid economic growth and, with it, dramatic lifestyle changes. Low levels of
      physical activity and calorie-dense diets have led to an increase in the
      prevalence of chronic disease, most prominently diabetes. After having
      successfully controlled communicable diseases and made advanced acute care
      accessible locally, the GCC countries now face the challenge of orienting their
      health care systems toward prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. In this
      study, Dr. Mattke and his colleagues argue that this challenge presents GCC
      countries with a historic opportunity to reestablish the thought leadership role
      that Arab medicine had in the Islamic Golden Age. They propose that GCC countries
      could apply their considerable wealth to design and implement innovative health
      care systems based on population health management principles and sophisticated
      health information technology. Taking this path would not only improve prevention
      and management of chronic disease in the GCC countries but also contribute to the
      diversification of their economies and localization of knowledge industries.

PMID- 28083355
TI  - Best Practice: Medical Training From an International Perspective.
AB  - This study seeks to help inform the further development of medical education and
      training for primary care in Germany. It explores approaches to medical education
      and training in a small number of high-income countries and how these seek to
      address shortages of doctors practising in primary or ambulatory care through
      reforming their education and training systems. It does so by means of an
      exploratory analysis of the experiences of three countries: England, France and
      the Netherlands, with Germany included for comparison. Data collection involved a
      review of the published and grey literature, using a structured template,
      complemented by information provided by key informants in the selected countries.
      The study sets out the general context within which the medical education and
      training systems in the four countries operate, and describe the education and
      training pathways for general practice for each. We highlight options for medical
      education and training in Germany that arise from this study by placing our
      observations in the context of ongoing reform activity. This study will be of
      relevance for decisionmakers and practitioners concerned with ensuring a medical
      workforce that is prepared for the demands in a changing healthcare environment.

PMID- 28083356
TI  - The DNP by 2015: A Study of the Institutional, Political, and Professional Issues
      that Facilitate or Impede Establishing a Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing
      Practice Program.
AB  - In 2004, members of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) voted
      to endorse a position statement identifying the doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
      degree as the most appropriate degree for advanced-practice registered nurses
      (APRNs) to enter practice. At the same time, AACN members voted to approve the
      position that all master's programs that educate APRNs to enter practice should
      transition to the DNP by 2015. While the number of DNP programs for APRNs has
      grown significantly and steadily over this period, at this time, not all nursing
      schools have made this transition. To better understand why, the AACN contracted
      with RAND to investigate schools' progress toward this goal and the factors that
      facilitate or impede this transition. This article describes the results of a
      mixed-method RAND study undertaken between October 2013 and April 2014 that
      sought to understand schools' program offerings to prepare APRNs to enter
      practice and the reasons for those offerings, as well as the barriers or
      facilitators to nursing schools' full adoption of the DNP.

PMID- 28083357
TI  - Medicare Imaging Demonstration Final Evaluation: Report to Congress.
AB  - Increasing use of advanced medical imaging is often cited as a key driver of cost
      growth in medical spending. In 2011, the Medicare Imaging Demonstration from the
      Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began testing whether exposing ordering
      clinicians to appropriateness guidelines for advanced imaging would reduce
      ordering inappropriate images. The evaluation examined trends in advanced
      diagnostic imaging utilization starting January 1, 2009-more than two years
      before the beginning of the demonstration-to November 30, 2013-two months after
      the close of the demonstration. Small changes in ordering patterns were noted,
      but decision support systems were unable to assign appropriateness ratings to
      many orders, thus limiting the potential effectiveness of decision support. Many
      opportunities to refine decision support systems have been identified.

PMID- 28083358
TI  - Development of a Model for the Validation of Work Relative Value Units for the
      Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
AB  - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses the resource-based
      relative value scale to pay physicians and other practitioners for professional
      services. The work values measure the relative levels of professional time and
      intensity (physical effort, skills, and stress) associated with providing
      services. CMS asked RAND to develop a model to validate the work values using
      external data sources. RAND's goal was to test the feasibility of using external
      data and regression analysis to create prediction models to validate work values.
      Data availability limited the models to surgical procedures and selected medical
      procedures typically performed in an operating room. Key findings from the study
      include the following: RAND estimates of intra-service time using external data
      are typically shorter than the current CMS estimates. Model assumptions about how
      shorter intra-service times affect procedure intensity have implications for the
      work estimates. RAND estimates for work on average were similar to current work
      values if shorter intra-service time is assumed to increase procedure intensity
      and were on average up to 10 percent lower than current work values if shorter
      intra-service time is assumed to not impact on procedure intensity. The RAND
      estimates could be used for two key applications: CMS could flag codes as
      potentially misvalued if the RAND estimates are notably different from the
      current CMS values. CMS could also use the RAND estimates as an independent
      estimate of the work values. In some cases, further review will identify a
      clinical rationale for why a code is valued differently than the RAND model
      predictions.

PMID- 28083359
TI  - The Economic Incidence of Health Care Spending in Vermont.
AB  - In 2015, Vermont legislators may consider financing plans to implement Act 48, a
      law that aims to provide universal health care coverage to all Vermont residents
      starting in 2017. In this analysis, we estimate the economic incidence of
      payments for health care by Vermont residents and the value of health care
      benefits received by Vermont residents in 2012 and 2017, without the
      implementation of Act 48 reforms. The goal of the analysis was to understand how
      health care is currently paid for in Vermont, and to provide a baseline for
      understanding the possible effects of Act 48. We use data from the 2012 Vermont
      Household Health Interview Survey, the Vermont Health Care Uniform Evaluation and
      Reporting System, and administrative data on taxes to estimate payments in 2012.
      We then project these estimates forward to 2017, using the RAND COMPARE
      microsimulation to account for how health care coverage in Vermont will change as
      a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). We find that most Vermont residents
      receive more in health benefits than they pay for directly or through taxes.
      While lower-income individuals, on average, pay less than higher-income
      individuals, there is considerable variation across individuals in the level of
      payment for health care. Much of the current variation stems from the fractured
      nature of the health system, with some individuals receiving coverage through
      employers, some through the Exchange (i.e., the health insurance marketplace
      created by the ACA), and some through other sources. As Vermont considers health
      care reform, legislators may wish to consider options to reduce the degree of
      variation in payments made by individuals with similar income levels.

PMID- 28083360
TI  - The Effect of Eliminating the Affordable Care Act's Tax Credits in Federally
      Facilitated Marketplaces.
AB  - In this study, RAND Corporation researchers assess the expected change in
      enrollment and premiums in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)
      compliant individual market in federally facilitated marketplace (FFM) states if
      the U.S. Supreme Court decides to eliminate subsidies in FFM states. The analysis
      used the Comprehensive Assessment of Reform Efforts (COMPARE) microsimulation
      model, an economic model developed by RAND researchers, to assess the impact of
      proposed health reforms. The authors found that enrollment in the ACA-compliant
      individual market, including plans sold in the marketplaces and those sold
      outside of the marketplaces that comply with ACA regulations, would decline by
      9.6 million, or 70 percent, in FFM states if subsidies were eliminated. They also
      found that unsubsidized premiums in the ACA-compliant individual market would
      increase 47 percent in FFM states. This corresponds to a $1,610 annual increase
      for a 40-year-old nonsmoker purchasing a silver plan.

PMID- 28083361
TI  - Effects of Health Care Payment Models on Physician Practice in the United States.
AB  - The project reported here, sponsored by the American Medical Association (AMA),
      aimed to describe the effects that alternative health care payment models (i.e.,
      models other than fee-for-service payment) have on physicians and physician
      practices in the United States. These payment models included capitation, episode
      based and bundled payment, shared savings, pay for performance, and retainer
      based practice. Accountable care organizations and medical homes, which are two
      recently expanding practice and organizational models that frequently participate
      in one or more of these alternative payment models, were also included. Project
      findings are intended to help guide efforts by the AMA and other stakeholders to
      make improvements to current and future alternative payment programs and help
      physician practices succeed in these new payment models-i.e., to help practices
      simultaneously improve patient care, preserve or enhance physician professional
      satisfaction, satisfy multiple external stakeholders, and maintain economic
      viability as businesses. The article provides both findings and recommendations.

PMID- 28083362
TI  - Home Health Care for California's Injured Workers: Options for Implementing a Fee
      Schedule.
AB  - The California Department of Industrial Relations/Division of Worker's
      Compensation asked RAND to provide technical assistance in developing a fee
      schedule for home health services provided to injured workers. The fee schedule
      needs to address the full spectrum of home health services ranging from skilled
      nursing and therapy services to unskilled personal care or chore services that
      may be provided by family members. RAND researchers consulted with stakeholders
      in the California workers' compensation system to outline issues the fee schedule
      should address, reviewed home health fee schedules used by other payers, and
      conducted interviews with WC administrators from other jurisdictions to elicit
      their experiences. California stakeholders identified unskilled attendant
      services as most problematic in determining need and payment rates, particularly
      services furnished by family members. RAND researchers concentrated on fee
      schedule options that would result in a single fee schedule covering the full
      range of home health care services furnished to injured workers and made three
      sets of recommendations. The first set pertains to obtaining additional
      information that would highlight the policy issues likely to occur with the
      implementation of the fee schedule and alternatives for assessing an injured
      worker's home health care needs. Another approach conforms most closely with the
      Labor Code requirements. It would integrate the fee schedules used by Medicare,
      In-Home Health Supportive Services, and the federal Office of Workers'
      Compensation. The third approach would base the home health fee schedule on rules
      used by the federal Office of Workers' Compensation.

PMID- 28083363
TI  - Specialty Payment Model Opportunities and Assessment: Gastroenterology and
      Cardiology Model Design Report.
AB  - Gastroenterology and cardiology services are common and costly among Medicare
      beneficiaries. Episode-based payment, which aims to create incentives for high
      quality, low-cost care, has been identified as a promising alternative payment
      model. This article describes research related to the design of episode-based
      payment models for ambulatory gastroenterology and cardiology services for
      possible testing by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the
      Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The authors analyzed Medicare
      claims data to describe the frequency and characteristics of gastroenterology and
      cardiology index procedures, the practices that delivered index procedures, and
      the patients that received index procedures. The results of these analyses can
      help inform CMS decisions about the definition of episodes in an episode-based
      payment model; payment adjustments for service setting, multiple procedures, or
      other factors; and eligibility for the payment model.

PMID- 28083364
TI  - Specialty Payment Model Opportunities and Assessment: Oncology Model Design
      Report.
AB  - This article describes research related to the design of a payment model for
      specialty oncology services for possible testing by the Center for Medicare and
      Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Cancer
      is a common and costly condition. Episode-based payment, which aims to create
      incentives for high-quality, low-cost care, has been identified as a promising
      alternative payment model for oncology care. Episode-based payment systems can
      provide flexibility to health care providers to select among the most effective
      and efficient treatment alternatives, including activities that are not currently
      reimbursed under Medicare payment policies. However, the model design also needs
      to ensure that high-quality care is delivered and that beneficial treatments are
      not withheld from patients. CMS asked MITRE and RAND to conduct analyses to
      inform design decisions related to an episode-based oncology model for Medicare
      beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. In particular, this
      study focuses on analyses of Medicare claims data related to the definition of
      the initiation of an episode of chemotherapy, patterns of spending during and
      surrounding episodes of chemotherapy, and attribution of episodes of chemotherapy
      to physician practices. We found that the time between the primary cancer
      diagnosis and chemotherapy initiation varied widely across patients, ranging from
      one day to over seven years, with a median of 2.4 months. The average level of
      total monthly payments varied considerably across cancers, with the highest
      spending peak of $9,972 for lymphoma, and peaks of $3,109 for breast cancer and
      $2,135 for prostate cancer.

PMID- 28083365
TI  - Specialty Payment Model Opportunities and Assessment: Oncology Simulation Report.
AB  - This article describes the results of a simulation analysis of a payment model
      for specialty oncology services that is being developed for possible testing by
      the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare &
      Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS asked MITRE and RAND to conduct simulation analyses
      to preview some of the possible impacts of the payment model and to inform design
      decisions related to the model. The simulation analysis used an episode-level
      dataset based on Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims for historical oncology
      episodes provided to Medicare FFS beneficiaries in 2010. Under the proposed
      model, participating practices would continue to receive FFS payments, would also
      receive per-beneficiary per-month care management payments for episodes lasting
      up to six months, and would be eligible for performance-based payments based on
      per-episode spending for attributed episodes relative to a per-episode spending
      target. The simulation offers several insights into the proposed payment model
      for oncology: (1) The care management payments used in the simulation analysis
      $960 total per six-month episode-represent only 4 percent of projected average
      total spending per episode (around $27,000 in 2016), but they are large relative
      to the FFS revenues of participating oncology practices, which are projected to
      be around $2,000 per oncology episode. By themselves, the care management
      payments would increase physician practices' Medicare revenues by roughly 50
      percent on average. This represents a substantial new outlay for the Medicare
      program and a substantial new source of revenues for oncology practices. (2) For
      the Medicare program to break even, participating oncology practices would have
      to reduce utilization and intensity by roughly 4 percent. (3) The break-even
      point can be reduced if the care management payments are reduced or if the
      performance-based payments are reduced.

PMID- 28083366
TI  - California College and University Collaborations: Facilitators, Challenges, and
      Impact on Student Mental Health.
AB  - This article reports on an evaluation of student mental health collaboration
      activities among California higher education systems, community agencies, and
      county mental health.

PMID- 28083367
TI  - California K-12 and Community Collaborations: Facilitators, Challenges, and
      Impact on Student Mental Health.
AB  - This article reports on an evaluation of student mental health collaboration
      activities among California K-12 school districts, counties, and regions.

PMID- 28083368
TI  - Evaluation of California's Statewide Mental Health Prevention and Early
      Intervention Programs: Summary of Key Year 2 Findings.
AB  - This article summarizes key findings from the second year of an evaluation of the
      California Mental Health Services Authority's statewide prevention and early
      intervention programs.

PMID- 28083370
TI  - Mental Health Trainings in California's Higher Education System Are Associated
      with Increased Confidence and Likelihood to Intervene with and Refer Students.
AB  - This article reports on an evaluation of California mental health trainings
      offered to staff and students in California's higher education system.

PMID- 28083369
TI  - Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention: A Theoretical Model and Review of the
      Empirical Literature.
AB  - In recent years, the rising rate of suicides by military personnel has generated
      concern among policymakers, military leaders, and the public at large. Based on a
      recommendation from an earlier RAND report on preventing suicide among military
      personnel, this study reviews the literature on gatekeeper models of suicide
      prevention to better understand what is known about the effectiveness of
      gatekeepers and gatekeeper training. The study presents a theoretical model
      describing how gatekeeper training may influence individual knowledge, beliefs,
      and attitudes that may, in turn, result in intervention behaviors. It then
      reviews the evidence supporting each of the relationships presented in this
      model, and concludes with recommendations for advancing research in this field.

PMID- 28083371
TI  - Mental Health Trainings in California's K-12 System Are Associated with Increased
      Confidence and Likelihood to Intervene with and Refer Students.
AB  - This article reports on an evaluation of California mental health trainings
      offered to staff in California's K-12 system.

PMID- 28083372
TI  - Reviewing the Evidence Base for Mental Health First Aid: Is There Support for Its
      Use with Key Target Populations in California?
AB  - This article reviews the current state of evidence for Mental Health First Aid's
      effectiveness in key target populations, to help the California Mental Health
      Services Authority's planning for future prevention and early intervention
      activities.

PMID- 28083373
TI  - A Review of Research on Problematic Internet Use and Well-Being: With
      Recommendations for the U.S. Air Force.
AB  - This article reviews the scientific literature on the epidemiology, prevention,
      and treatment of problematic Internet use (PIU) with the goal of informing Air
      Force policies aimed at mitigating PIU's negative impact on operations and the
      mental health of Airmen. The study is motivated by a recent RAND study estimating
      that 6 percent of Airmen have PIU. Individuals with PIU, similar to people with
      substance addictions, suffer from excessive and compulsive online activities,
      symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal, and functional impairment. PIU is also
      strongly associated with other mental health problems including major depression.
      However, at present there is no single accepted definition of PIU, and no up-to
      date estimates of the prevalence of PIU in the general U.S. population are
      available. A range of prevention and treatment approaches have been developed,
      but none has been rigorously tested in clinical trials. Prevention programs rely
      on workplace Internet policies and strategies to help individuals self-regulate
      their Internet use. Treatment approaches that have proven feasible and acceptable
      to patients with PIU include adaptations of cognitive-behavioral therapy, an
      evidence-based treatment for depression and anxiety, to the specific symptoms of
      PIU. Based on our findings, we recommend: (1) increasing awareness of PIU among
      organizational leadership and mental health professionals, (2) incorporating
      content related to PIU into existing trainings related to mental health, (3)
      providing support for self-regulation of Internet use on the job by incorporating
      PIU management principles into Internet use policies, and (4) continuing
      monitoring of the emerging scientific literature on PIU.

PMID- 28083374
TI  - Access to Behavioral Health Care for Geographically Remote Service Members and
      Dependents in the U.S.
AB  - With many service members now returning to the United States from the recent
      conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, concern over adequate access to behavioral
      health care (treatment for mental, behavioral, or addictive disorders) has risen.
      Yet data remain very sparse regarding how many service members (and their
      dependents) reside in locations remote from behavioral health providers, as well
      as the resulting effect on their access to and utilization of care. Little is
      also known about the effectiveness of existing policies and other efforts to
      improve access to services among this population. To help fill these gaps, a team
      of RAND researchers conducted a geospatial analysis using TRICARE and other data,
      finding that roughly 300,000 military service members and 1 million dependents
      are geographically distant from behavioral health care, and an analysis of claims
      data indicated that remoteness is associated with lower use of specialty
      behavioral health care. A review of existing policies and programs discovered
      guidelines for access to care, but no systematic monitoring of adherence to those
      guidelines, limiting their value. RAND researchers recommend implementing a
      geospatial data portal and monitoring system to track access to care in the
      military population and mark progress toward improvements in access to care. In
      addition, the RAND team highlighted two promising pathways for improving access
      to care among remote military populations: telehealth and collaborative care that
      integrates primary care with specialty behavioral care.

PMID- 28083375
TI  - Behavioral Fitness and Resilience: A Review of Relevant Constructs, Measures, and
      Links to Well-Being.
AB  - This study is one of a series designed to support Air Force leaders in promoting
      resilience among its Airmen, civilian employees, and Air Force family members. It
      examines the relationship between behavioral fitness and resilience, using key
      constructs found in the scientific literature that relate to sleep, alcohol use,
      and tobacco use. Supporting or increasing the levels of the key measures of
      behavioral fitness identified in this study may facilitate resilience and can
      protect Airmen, civilian employees, and Air Force families from the negative
      effects of conduct, routines, and habits that are detrimental to fitness. The
      study also reviews behavioral fitness construct measures and resilience outcomes
      as well as interventions designed to promote behavioral fitness.

PMID- 28083376
TI  - Pre-Deployment Stress, Mental Health, and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Marines.
AB  - The Marine Corps Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) program is
      designed to provide mental health support to marines by embedding mental health
      personnel within Marine Corps units and increasing the capability of officers and
      senior noncommissioned officers to improve the early recognition and intervention
      of marines exhibiting signs of stress. The Defense Centers of Excellence for
      Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury have asked RAND to evaluate the
      OSCAR program. As part of this evaluation, RAND conducted a large survey of
      marines who were preparing for a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in 2010 or
      2011. This article describes the methods and findings from this survey. The
      results are among the first to shed light on the pre-deployment mental health
      status of marines, as well as the social resources they draw on when coping with
      stress and their attitudes about seeking help for stress-related problems. The
      2,620 marines in the survey sample had high rates of positive screens for current
      major depressive disorder (12.5 percent) and high-risk drinking (25.7 percent)
      and reported having experienced more potentially traumatic events over their
      lifetime than adult males in the general population. Marines in the sample also
      reported relying on peers for support with stress and perceiving moderate levels
      of support from the Marine Corps for addressing stress problems.

PMID- 28083377
TI  - From Coverage to Care: Strengthening and Facilitating Consumer Connections to the
      Health System.
AB  - To date, most Affordable Care Act implementation efforts have focused on getting
      individuals enrolled in health insurance coverage; indeed, millions of Americans,
      many of whom had never been insured, have since obtained health coverage, either
      through the health insurance marketplaces or through expanded Medicaid
      eligibility, if available in their state. Yet reducing the number of uninsured is
      only part of the law's goal. It also aims to improve population health and lower
      health care costs. Less attention has been paid to confirming that the newly
      insured obtain appropriate health care and maintain long-term relationships with
      their health care providers, which are critical steps to help achieve these
      latter goals. This article describes lessons learned from conversations with a
      variety of stakeholders in the health care industry. These conversations covered
      the gamut of steps consumers must undergo to become fully engaged with their
      health care, from applying for coverage and selecting a plan to finding a
      provider, accessing care, and engaging in care over time. In each phase of the
      process, consumers must take specific actions and overcome new challenges.
      Stakeholder efforts to help consumers often focus on just one of these phases, at
      the expense of the bigger picture, and often occur in isolation, with little
      coordination across stakeholder groups. Thinking more strategically and
      holistically can help provide the "connective tissue" that can help prevent
      consumers from becoming disengaged and falling through the system's cracks.

PMID- 28083378
TI  - The future of anticoagulation management in atrial fibrillation in Europe: An
      assessment of today's challenges with recommendations for the future.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, affecting
      approximately 1-2 per cent of the population worldwide. Those who suffer from AF
      have a five times higher risk of stroke. AF prevalence increases with age and it
      affects roughly 18 per cent of the population over 85. Consequently, as
      populations age, AF is becoming an increasingly significant public health issue.
      Over recent years there have been developments in treatment and management
      options, both for treating the arrhythmia directly, and assessing and reducing
      the risk of AF-related stroke, but there is a need to ensure that available
      knowledge is applied optimally to benefit patients so that opportunities to
      prevent AF-related stroke are not missed. The aims of this project were to assess
      the current landscape and explore the direction of future developments in AF
      management in Europe, with a focus on the use of anticoagulants in the prevention
      of AF-related stroke. Through rapid evidence assessment, key informant
      interviews, PESTLE analysis and the development and exploration of future
      scenarios, we have developed sets of shorter- and longer-term recommendations for
      improving AF-related patient outcomes. The short-term recommendations are: i)
      improve AF awareness among the public and policymakers; ii) support education
      about AF management for healthcare professionals and patients; and iii) maintain
      engagement in AF-related research across the health services.

PMID- 28083379
TI  - Improving Care for Chronic Conditions: Current Practices and Future Trends in
      Health Plan Programs.
AB  - The need for better management of chronic conditions is urgent. About 141 million
      people in the United States were living with one or more chronic conditions in
      2010, and this number is projected to increase to 171 million by 2030. To address
      this challenge, many health plans have piloted and rolled out innovative
      approaches to improving care for their members with chronic conditions. This
      article documents the current range of chronic care management services,
      identifies best practices and industry trends, and examines factors in the plans'
      operating environment that limit their ability to optimize chronic care programs.
      The authors conducted telephone surveys with a representative sample of health
      plans and made in-depth case studies of six plans. All plans in the sample
      provide a wide range of products and services around chronic care, including
      wellness/lifestyle management programs for healthy members, disease management
      for members with common chronic conditions, and case management for high-risk
      members regardless of their underlying condition. Health plans view these
      programs as a "win-win" situation and believe that they improve care for their
      most vulnerable members and reduce cost of coverage. Plans are making their
      existing programs more patient-centric and are integrating disease and case
      management, and sometimes lifestyle management and behavioral health, into a
      consolidated chronic care management program, believing that this will increase
      patient engagement and prevent duplication of services and missed opportunities.

PMID- 28083380
TI  - The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme: A Review of Progress and
      Contributions to Innovation in Healthcare Technologies.
AB  - The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Invention for Innovation (i4i)
      programme supports the development of innovative medical technologies for patient
      benefit. The i4i product development stream involves collaborative projects
      between at least two partners from academia, the NHS and industry. Medical
      technology innovators apply for funding for one to three years, through a peer
      review-based process that includes presentation to a selection panel. The funding
      and business advice provided by i4i support the development of early-stage
      innovations, generally at proof of concept and prototype stages. Since its
      inception the product development stream has identified and supported 170
      projects, led by 146 principal investigators (PIs). RAND Europe evaluated the
      programme, with the aim of identifying its outputs and impacts and examining the
      factors influencing performance. The evaluation findings should help inform the
      future of the programme. The evaluation used a multi-method approach, including a
      focused review of background information from i4i, scoping interviews with key
      informants, a survey of programme participants and case studies of projects
      representing diverse technologies and health needs.

PMID- 28083381
TI  - Paths to Sustainability for Innovative Delivery System Programs.
AB  - Innovative health care delivery organizations are developing programs that aim to
      improve quality and demonstrate reductions in unnecessary use of acute care and
      costs. RAND researchers sought to identify paths to sustainability for these
      innovative care delivery programs. Using a sample of health plans and ACOs in
      Massachusetts, researchers sought to identify the methods in use to reimburse new
      care delivery models, criteria that health plans use to determine eligibility for
      these models, and criteria that accountable care organizations apply for their
      investments in delivery innovations. Researchers identified a highly uncertain
      environment for the sustainability of care delivery innovations despite a high
      degree of interest in these programs. Dynamics in the current environment suggest
      that innovation will likely be concentrated in health care delivery systems that
      are able to manage financial risk and that have experience and capacity in
      delivery innovation. For providers seeking to innovate, the central challenge
      will be building the capacity to manage financial risk in global payment
      arrangements and to support improvements in care. This will be particularly
      challenging for smaller organizations. Payers interested in innovation should
      seek ways to provide support and build the capacity of smaller and less
      experienced providers so that they, too, can innovate and improve how they
      provide care.

PMID- 28083382
TI  - Insurance Transitions Following the First ACA Open Enrollment Period.
AB  - While most of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA's) coverage-related provisions took
      effect in January 2014, there is limited information on insurance transitions
      that occurred in the period before and after these changes became operational. In
      Insurance Transitions Following the First ACA Open Enrollment Period, the authors
      examine insurance transitions between September 2013 and November 2014 using
      longitudinal data from the RAND Health Reform Opinion Study, a part of the RAND
      American Life Panel (ALP). The ALP includes 2,953 respondents-ages 18 to 64, in a
      population-based sample-who were approached to participate in this data
      collection. Out of the 2,953 individuals, 2,329 (79 percent) responded in
      September 2013, and 1,972 (67 percent) responded in November 2014; 1,636 (55
      percent) responded in both months, and 1,628 (55 percent) provided clear
      information about their source of insurance. The authors report the type of
      coverage people had before the law's major provisions took effect (September
      2013) and at the end of the Marketplace enrollment year (November 2014). They
      estimate that 20.4 million nonelderly adults became newly insured and 7.4 million
      lost coverage, for a net increase of 12.9 million between September 2013 and
      November 2014. Among those previously uninsured, most (7.5 million) enrolled in
      Medicaid, followed by employer plans (7.3 million), the Marketplaces (3.1
      million), and other insurance sources. Among those losing coverage, most (3.4
      million) lost employer coverage, with the remaining insurance losses spread
      across a variety of coverage sources. The authors estimate that 7.6 million
      people enrolled in Marketplace plans; this includes the 3.1 million people who
      became newly insured in Marketplace plans and another 4.5 million people who
      transitioned to Marketplace plans from another coverage source. The majority of
      those insured at baseline (81 percent) experienced no change in source of
      coverage during the study period, suggesting that disruption from the law has
      been limited. The majority of Americans continue to be enrolled in employer
      coverage, and more gained coverage in employer plans than through the ACA's
      Marketplaces. These findings suggest that the ACA is expanding coverage through a
      variety of insurance sources, perhaps because the individual mandate is
      encouraging people to take up insurance offers that they might otherwise have
      declined.

PMID- 28083383
TI  - Workplace Wellness Programs: Services Offered, Participation, and Incentives.
AB  - This article leverages existing data on wellness programs to explore patterns of
      wellness program availability, employers' use of incentives, and program
      participation and utilization among employees. Researchers used two sets of data
      for this project: The first included data from the 2012 RAND Employer Survey,
      which used a nationally representative sample of U.S. employers that had detailed
      information on wellness program offerings, program uptake, incentive use, and
      employer characteristics. These data were used to answer questions on program
      availability, configuration, uptake, and incentive use. The second dataset
      included health care claims and wellness program information for a large
      employer. These data were analyzed to predict program participation and changes
      in utilization and health. The findings underscore the increasing prevalence of
      worksite wellness programs. About four-fifths of all U.S. employers with more
      than 1,000 employees are estimated to offer such programs. For those larger
      employers, program offerings cover a range of screening activities, interventions
      to encourage healthy lifestyles, and support for employees with manifest chronic
      conditions. Smaller employers, especially those with fewer than 100 employees,
      appear more reserved in their implementation of wellness programs. The use of
      financial incentives appears to increase employee participation in wellness
      programs, but only modestly. Employee participation in lifestyle management
      aspects of workplace wellness programs does not reduce healthcare utilization or
      cost regardless of whether we focus on higher-risk employees or those who are
      more engaged in the program.

PMID- 28083384
TI  - Adults Newly Exposed to "Know the Signs" Campaign Report Greater Gains in
      Confidence to Intervene with Those Who Might Be at Risk for Suicide Than Those
      Unexposed to the Campaign.
AB  - Presents results of a one-year follow-up to a survey on "Know the Signs," a
      California mass media suicide prevention campaign, and examines the effect of
      campaign exposure on respondents' confidence to intervene with someone at risk
      for suicide.

PMID- 28083385
TI  - Analysis of the Benefits and Costs of CalMHSA's Investment in Applied Suicide
      Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
AB  - Estimates the possible reductions in suicide attempts resulting from investment
      in ASIST and estimates the financial return to Californians from reduced medical
      costs associated with suicide attempts and increased earnings from each life
      saved.

PMID- 28083386
TI  - Changes in Mental Illness Stigma in California During the Statewide Stigma and
      Discrimination Reduction Initiative.
AB  - Presents results of a one-year follow-up to the 2014 California Statewide Survey,
      which was developed to track attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to mental
      illness. This article focuses on items measuring stigma.

PMID- 28083387
TI  - Stigma, Discrimination, and Well-Being Among California Adults Experiencing
      Mental Health Challenges.
AB  - Presents results of the 2014 California Well-Being Survey, which tracks mental
      illness stigma and discrimination, well-being, and exposure to prevention and
      early intervention activities among Californians experiencing psychological
      distress.

PMID- 28083388
TI  - Care Transitions to and from the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE)
      for Service Members with Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been one of the leading causes of death
      and injury among U.S. troops. Those who survive an IED blast or other injuries
      may be left with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and attendant or co-occurring
      psychological symptoms. In response to the need for specialized services for
      these populations, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) established the National
      Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2010. The NICoE's
      success in fulfilling its mission is impacted by its relationships with home
      station providers, patients, and their families. The RAND Corporation was asked
      to evaluate these relationships and provide recommendations for strengthening the
      NICoE's efforts to communicate with these groups to improve patients' TBI care.
      Through surveys, site visits, and interviews with NICoE staff, home station
      providers, service members who have received care at the NICoE, and the families
      of these patients, RAND's evaluation examined the interactions between the NICoE
      and the providers responsible for referring patients and implementing treatment
      plans.

PMID- 28083389
TI  - Evaluating the Implementation of the Re-Engineering Systems of Primary Care
      Treatment in the Military (RESPECT-Mil).
AB  - A RAND team conducted an independent implementation evaluation of the Re
      Engineering Systems of Primary Care Treatment in the Military (RESPECT-Mil)
      Program, a system of care designed to screen, assess, and treat posttraumatic
      stress disorder and depression among active duty service members in the Army's
      primary care settings. Evaluating the Implementation of the Re-Engineering
      Systems of Primary Care Treatment in the Military (RESPECT-Mil) presents the
      results from RAND's assessment of the implementation of RESPECT-Mil in military
      treatment facilities and makes recommendations to improve the delivery of mental
      health care in these settings. Analyses were based on existing program data used
      to monitor fidelity to RESPECT-Mil across the Army's primary care clinics, as
      well as discussions with key stakeholders. During the time of the evaluation,
      efforts were under way to implement the Patient Centered Medical Home, and
      uncertainties remained about the implications for the RESPECT-Mil program.
      Consideration of this transition was made in designing the evaluation and
      applying its findings more broadly to the implementation of collaborative care
      within military primary care settings.

PMID- 28083390
TI  - Evaluation of the Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) Program.
AB  - The Marine Corps Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) program embeds
      mental health personnel within Marine Corps units and extends their reach by
      training officers and noncommissioned officers to recognize Marines showing signs
      of stress and intervene early. RAND Corporation researchers conducted an outcome
      evaluation of the OSCAR program that included four components: (1) a quasi
      experimental study that compared Marines in OSCAR-trained and non-OSCAR-trained
      battalions on a wide array of stress-related outcomes before and after
      deployment, (2) a longitudinal pre- and postdeployment survey of perceptions of
      OSCAR among Marines who attended OSCAR training, (3) focus groups with Marines,
      and (4) semistructured interviews with commanding officers of battalions that had
      received OSCAR training. Results indicated that, after the authors adjust for a
      wide array of baseline characteristics and deployment experiences, Marines in
      OSCAR-trained battalions were more likely than those in non-OSCAR-trained
      battalions to report having sought help with stress problems from a peer, leader,
      or corpsman-behavior that is consistent with OSCAR goals. In addition, Marines
      considered OSCAR a valuable tool for enhancing combat and operational stress
      response and recovery efforts in the Marine Corps. However, this evaluation did
      not find evidence that OSCAR affected the key mental health outcomes it was
      designed to address. Thus, the results of this evaluation do not support the
      continuation of OSCAR in its current form. Based on lessons learned about OSCAR
      from this evaluation, other research, and best practices for program improvement
      and implementation, recommendations for improving combat and operational stress
      training in the Marine Corps are offered.

PMID- 28083391
TI  - Faith-Based Organizations and Veteran Reintegration: Enriching the Web of
      Support.
AB  - Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are an important community-based resource for
      veterans as they readjust to civilian life. Through interviews with both national
      level and smaller, local FBOs, the authors sought to understand better the
      current and potential roles for FBOs in veteran reintegration. Interviewees
      suggested that veterans may look to FBOs for support because they offer privacy
      and confidentiality, two features that may be especially critical when a
      potential stigma is involved. Some FBOs have also developed a reputation as safe
      places for veterans, providing supportive, judgment-free environments. FBOs not
      only help veterans with spiritual matters but address diverse areas of veteran
      health and wellness, including vocation, education, financial and legal
      stability, shelter, access to goods and services, mental health, access to health
      care, physical health, family, and social networks. In some cases, the support is
      offered to veterans directly; in other instances, the support is indirect, via
      training individuals to help veterans or educating the public about them. In the
      process of providing support, FBOs interact with varied organizations, including
      government entities, private nonprofits, and one another, for training, outreach,
      referrals, information exchange, obtaining donations, and collaboration. Yet
      challenges exist, including insufficient connections with chaplains working in
      different settings and others in the web of support, resource and capacity
      constraints, lack of awareness of experience with veterans, issues related to
      religious philosophy or orientation, and characteristics of veterans themselves.
      To move forward, the authors offer recommendations for policymakers,
      organizations that interact with FBOs, and FBOs themselves to help FBOs engage
      fully in the web of reintegration support.

PMID- 28083393
TI  - Navigating the Road to Reintegration: Status and Continuing Support of the U.S.
      Air Force's Wounded Warriors.
AB  - The U.S. Air Force, wanting to gain greater insight into the well-being of its
      members who have sustained mental or physical injuries in combat or combat
      related situations, including their quality of life and the challenges they will
      confront in their reintegration following separation or retirement, asked the
      RAND Corporation for assistance in gauging the current status of the Air Force's
      wounded warriors, including their use of and satisfaction with Air Force programs
      designed to serve them. This article presents the baseline findings from a
      longitudinal analysis of enrollees in the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2)
      program who were receiving benefits or undergoing evaluation to receive benefits,
      the majority of whom had a primary administrative diagnosis of post-traumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD). A high proportion of the Airmen in the sample screened
      positive for PTSD (roughly 78 percent) and major depressive disorder (MDD)
      (roughly 75 percent); 69 percent screened positive for both. Although more than
      90 percent of those in the sample who screened positive for PTSD or MDD were
      receiving treatment, about half indicated that there was at least one instance
      during the past year in which they desired mental health treatment but did not
      receive it. Participants reported concerns about stigma, confidentiality, and the
      quality of available treatment as barriers to receiving mental health care,
      though the current data do not link these concerns to a particular treatment
      setting. About 10 percent of Airmen reported a financial situation that could be
      considered as living in poverty based on U.S. Department of Health and Human
      Services' poverty guidelines. Similarly, close to 15 percent of those in the
      labor force could be considered unemployed. Reserve and National Guard Airmen
      evidenced heightened challenges across examined domains. Respondents were overall
      satisfied with the services they received from the AFW2 and Air Force Recovery
      Care Coordinator programs.

PMID- 28083392
TI  - Measuring the Quality of Care for Psychological Health Conditions in the Military
      Health System: Candidate Quality Measures for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and
      Major Depressive Disorder.
AB  - In recent years, the number of U.S. service members treated for psychological
      health conditions has increased substantially. In particular, at least two
      psychological health conditions-posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major
      depressive disorder (MDD)-have become more common, with prevalence estimates up
      to 20 percent for PTSD and 37 percent for MDD. Delivering quality care to service
      members with these conditions is a high-priority goal for the military health
      system (MHS). Meeting this goal requires understanding the extent to which the
      care the MHS provides is consistent with evidence-based clinical practice
      guidelines and its own standards for quality. To better understand these issues,
      RAND Corporation researchers developed a framework to identify and classify a set
      of measures for monitoring the quality of care provided by the MHS for PTSD and
      MDD. The goal of this project was to identify, develop, and describe a set of
      candidate quality measures to assess care for PTSD and MDD. To accomplish this
      goal, the authors performed two tasks: (1) developed a conceptual framework for
      assessing the quality of care for psychological health conditions and (2)
      identified a candidate set of measures for monitoring, assessing, and improving
      the quality of care for PTSD and MDD. This article describes their research
      approach and the candidate measure sets for PTSD and MDD that they identified.
      The current task did not include implementation planning but provides the
      foundation for future RAND work to pilot a subset of these measures.

PMID- 28083394
TI  - Public-Private Partnerships for Providing Behavioral Health Care to Veterans and
      Their Families: What Do We Know, What Do We Need to Learn, and What Do We Need to
      Do?
AB  - American veterans and their family members struggle with behavioral health
      problems, yet few engage in treatment to address these problems. Barriers to care
      include trouble accessing treatment and limited communication between civilian
      and military health care systems, which treat veterans and their family members
      separately. Even though the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is making efforts
      to address barriers to care, more work is needed to effectively serve veterans
      and their families. Public-private partnerships have been discussed as a
      potential solution and could include collaborations between a public agency, such
      as the VA, and a private organization, such as a veteran service organization,
      private industry, or private hospital. Despite the call for such partnerships,
      not much is known about what a public-private partnership would entail for
      addressing behavioral health concerns for veterans and their families. The health
      care literature is sparse in this area, and published examples and
      recommendations are limited. Thus, the authors wrote this article to inform the
      creation of public-private partnerships to better serve veterans and their
      families. The article outlines nine key components for public-private
      partnerships addressing veteran behavioral health care. These components are
      supported by qualitative interview data from five successful public-private
      partnerships that serve veterans and their families. This study will assist
      policymakers in the VA and other federal agencies in developing and fostering
      public-private partnerships to address the behavioral health care needs of
      veterans and their families. The article also discusses next steps for research
      and policymaking efforts with regard to these partnerships.

PMID- 28083396
TI  - Suicide Postvention in the Department of Defense: Evidence, Policies and
      Procedures, and Perspectives of Loss Survivors.
AB  - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has been struggling with increasing rates of
      suicide among military personnel for the past decade. As DoD continues to
      implement new programs and examine its policies in an effort to prevent military
      personnel from taking their own lives, it is important to assess its current
      responses to suicide and to identify opportunities to enhance these programs and
      policies. Unfortunately, there is little scientific evidence on how best to
      respond to suicides, how to ensure that surveillance activities are managed
      appropriately and that loss survivors are given sufficient support to grieve, how
      additional suicides can be prevented, and how to honor and respect the decedent
      and his or her loved ones. At the same time, there are many resource guides
      intended to provide recommendations for organizations (mostly schools) in
      responding to suicides. A review of the existing scientific evidence on
      postvention (responses to prevent additional suicides in the aftermath of a
      suicide) and guidance for other types of organizations provides potential
      insights for DoD, however. Complemented by the perspectives of those most
      intimately touched by military suicide-the family and friends of those who have
      died-these sources may help DoD formulate its guidance in a practical and
      sensitive way.

PMID- 28083397
TI  - Methodology of the RAND Health Reform Opinion Study.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act has already and will continue to lead to significant
      changes in health insurance coverage. Understanding insurance transitions is
      critical to evaluating the success of the reform and to identifying opportunities
      for improvement. The RAND Health Reform Opinion Study uses the American Life
      Panel to study transitions in health insurance enrollment from 2013 through 2015.
      Methodology of the RAND Health Reform Opinion Study provides a description of the
      methodology the authors use to track health insurance choices between November
      2014 and December 2015.

PMID- 28083395
TI  - Sleep in the Military: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among U.S. Servicemembers.
AB  - Sleep disturbances are a common reaction to stress and are linked to a host of
      physical and mental health problems. Given the unprecedented demands placed on
      U.S. military forces since 2001, there has been growing concern about the
      prevalence and consequences of sleep problems for servicemembers. Sleep problems
      often follow a chronic course, persisting long after servicemembers return home
      from combat deployments, with consequences for their reintegration and the
      readiness and resiliency of the force. Therefore, it is critical to understand
      the role of sleep problems in servicemembers' health and functioning and the
      policies and programs available to promote healthy sleep. This study provides the
      first comprehensive review of sleep-related policies and programs across the U.S.
      Department of Defense (DoD), along with a set of actionable recommendations for
      DoD, commanders, researchers, and medical professionals who treat U.S.
      servicemembers. The two-year multimethod study also examined the rates and
      correlates of sleep problems among post-deployed servicemembers, finding negative
      effects on mental health, daytime impairment, and perceived operational
      readiness. The research reviewed evidence-based interventions to treat sleep
      disturbances among servicemembers and veterans and exposed several individual-
      and system-level barriers to achieving healthy sleep. Implementing evidence-based
      treatments is just one step toward improving sleep across the force; as the
      research recommendations highlight, it is equally important that policies and
      programs also focus on preventing sleep problems and their consequences.

PMID- 28083398
TI  - Leadership as a Health Research Policy Intervention: An Evaluation of the NIHR
      Leadership Programme (Phase 2).
AB  - In early 2012, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) leadership
      programme was re-commissioned for a further three years following an evaluation
      by RAND Europe. During this new phase of the programme, we conducted a real-time
      evaluation, the aim of which was to allow for reflection on and adjustment of the
      programme on an on-going basis as events unfold. This approach also allowed for
      participants on the programme to contribute to and positively engage in the
      evaluation. The study aimed to understand the outputs and impacts from the
      programme, and to test the underlying assumptions behind the NIHR Leadership
      Programme as a science policy intervention. Evidence on outputs and impacts of
      the programme were collected around the motivations and expectations of
      participants, programme design and individual-, institutional- and system-level
      impacts.

PMID- 28083400
TI  - The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative's Capacity Building Activities in East
      Africa: Evaluating Progress and Impacts in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
AB  - The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is one of a number of Product
      Development Partnerships created to bridge the gap between scientific and
      technological potential and the needs of low income populations in low and middle
      income countries. Specifically IAVI is focused on creating a preventative vaccine
      for HIV/AIDS. Whilst the remit of IAVI is to create new science, technology and
      products, its work necessarily involves a wide range of stakeholders and
      different constituencies in industrially developing and developed countries. Its
      capacity building activities relate to strengthening the ability to conduct
      clinical trials and are broad based, spanning scientific and technological
      capacity through to organisational, advocacy and broader development
      capabilities. The aim of this study was to deepen IAVI's understanding of how it
      contributes to capacity building activities in East Africa (Uganda, Kenya and
      Rwanda), spanning scientific and technological capacity through to
      organisational, advocacy and broader development capabilities. IAVI's mission to
      develop an HIV vaccine has become increasingly connected to wider health systems
      strengthening, through its clinical research activities in East Africa. Since it
      began its operations in the region, IAVI has made a significant contribution to
      training interventions to support scientific excellence and good clinical
      practice and invested in infrastructure and laboratories at Clinical Research
      Centres in East Africa. Although clear challenges still exist with ensuring
      sustained investment, accessing marginalized populations and demonstrating
      progress in capacity building, the experiences of IAVI to date suggest that
      substantial progress is being made towards wider health systems strengthening in
      the region.

PMID- 28083399
TI  - Antimicrobial Stewardship: The Effectiveness of Educational Interventions to
      Change Risk-Related Behaviours in the General Population: A Systematic Review.
AB  - RAND Europe undertook a systematic review of the evidence of effectiveness and
      cost effectiveness on changing the public's risk related behaviour pertaining to
      antimicrobial use to inform the development of a NICE public health guideline
      aimed at delaying antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The review considered
      educational interventions targeting individuals, communities or the general
      public delivered via any mode. Specifically, it aimed to address: 1. Which
      educational interventions are effective and cost-effective in changing the
      public's behaviour to ensure they only ask for antimicrobials when appropriate
      and use them correctly? 2. Which educational interventions are effective and cost
      effective in changing the public's behaviour to prevent infection and reduce the
      spread of antimicrobial resistance? Overall, 60 studies met the inclusion
      criteria; 29 related to research question 1, and 36 related to research question
      2 (five studies were applicable to both). The key findings are summarised in
      "Evidence Statements" in accordance with NICE guidelines. Evidence Statements
      provide a high level overview of the key features of the evidence including: the
      number of studies, the quality of evidence, and the direction of the estimated
      effect followed by a brief summary of each of the supporting studies. Studies are
      grouped into Evidence Statements by setting and intervention.

PMID- 28083401
TI  - CalMHSA Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Online Resources: Highlights from an
      Evaluation of Web Analytic Data.
AB  - Reports on an evaluation of online resources developed by the California Mental
      Health Services Authority's stigma and discrimination reduction initiative
      program partners and provides an overview of these resources and the use of
      partner websites.

PMID- 28083402
TI  - Effects of Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Trainings Conducted Under the
      California Mental Health Services Authority: An Evaluation of Disability Rights
      California and Mental Health America of California Trainings.
AB  - Describes the methods and results of a RAND evaluation of stigma and
      discrimination reduction trainings delivered by two program partners, Disability
      Rights California and Mental Health America of California.

PMID- 28083403
TI  - Effects of Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Trainings Conducted Under the
      California Mental Health Services Authority: An Evaluation of NAMI's Ending the
      Silence.
AB  - This article evaluates the short-term outcomes of students attending the National
      Alliance on Mental Illness' Ending the Silence presentations, delivered across
      three high schools in a Northern California school district.

PMID- 28083404
TI  - The Mental Health Association of San Francisco Partner Organizations Meet Their
      Goals in Stigma Reduction Efforts: Results of a Qualitative Evaluation of the
      Technical Assistance Process.
AB  - This article describes the results of RAND's evaluation of the San Francisco
      based Center for Dignity, Recovery, and Empowerment's technical assistance
      program for stigma-reduction programs through interviews with community-partner
      participants.

PMID- 28083405
TI  - RAND's Silent Monitoring Protocol for Assessing Suicide Crisis Line Call Content
      and Quality.
AB  - This article describes the methods for developing and testing a silent monitoring
      protocol for California suicide crisis call centers to evaluate call content and
      quality, document staff strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for further
      training.

PMID- 28083406
TI  - Student Mental Health in California's K-12 Schools: School Principal Reports of
      Common Problems and Activities to Address Them.
AB  - Reports results of a survey of K-12 principals to take inventory of student
      mental health and wellness needs and the types of programs schools are most often
      implementing to help students in California's public schools.

PMID- 28083407
TI  - Airman and Family Resilience: Lessons from the Scientific Literature.
AB  - This final overarching study in a series documents research and recommendations
      RAND offered to the Air Force to help strengthen the development of a new office
      responsible for monitoring and promoting resilience among Air Force Airmen,
      civilian employees, and Air Force families. Efforts to boost resilience have
      become an important military response to suicide and other markers of distress
      and poor health. The study reviews the concepts and measures of resilience,
      resilience factors, hardiness and flourishing. It describes how resilience and
      the military's Total Force Fitness concepts are related. The study brings
      together highlights from the eight companion studies on each Total Force Fitness
      domain and characterizes types of Air Force data that could be used to track
      resilience.

PMID- 28083408
TI  - Behavioral Health and Service Use Among Civilian Wives of Service Members and
      Veterans: Evidence from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health.
AB  - In recent years, policymakers and members of the media have raised concerns
      regarding access to behavioral health care for service members and veterans of
      the U.S. military and their families. Particular concern has been raised
      regarding the availability and accessibility of care to individuals covered by
      the U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System and the Veterans Health
      Administration. In this study, researchers analyzed the National Study of Drug
      Use and Health to examine utilization of behavioral health care among current or
      former wives of service members and veterans who are covered by either TRICARE or
      CHAMP-VA. Three findings of interest emerged from the analysis. First, relative
      to the comparison group, military wives were more likely to receive behavioral
      health services, but this pattern was exclusively due to use of prescription
      psychiatric medications. No difference was found for specialty behavioral health
      treatment. Second, residing in rural areas was negatively associated with
      behavioral health care service use for both groups. Third, contrary to
      expectations, military wives who live more than 30 minutes from a military
      treatment facility were more likely than military wives who lived closer to
      receive prescription psychiatric mediations but not other types of behavioral
      health services.

PMID- 28083409
TI  - Family Resilience in the Military: Definitions, Models, and Policies.
AB  - Military life presents a variety of challenges to military families, including
      frequent separations and relocations as well as the risks that service members
      face during deployment; however, many families successfully navigate these
      challenges. Despite a recent emphasis on family resilience, the U.S. Department
      of Defense (DoD) does not have a standard and universally accepted definition of
      family resilience. A standard definition is a necessary for DoD to more
      effectively assess its efforts to sustain and improve family resilience. RAND
      authors reviewed the literature on family resilience and, in this study,
      recommend a definition that could be used DoD-wide. The authors also reviewed DoD
      policies related to family resilience, reviewed models that describe family
      resilience and identified key family resilience factors, and developed several
      recommendations for how family-resilience programs and policies could be managed
      across DoD.

PMID- 28083410
TI  - SimCoach Evaluation: A Virtual Human Intervention to Encourage Service-Member
      Help-Seeking for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression.
AB  - This article describes RAND Corporation researchers' assessment of SimCoach, a
      computer program featuring a virtual human that speaks and gestures in a video
      game-like interface, designed to encourage service members, especially those with
      signs or symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, to seek
      help to improve their psychological health. The assessment included a formative
      component assessing SimCoach's design, development, and implementation approaches
      and a summative component assessing outcomes among participants in a user
      experience survey and a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Results of the
      formative evaluation identified both strengths and opportunities for improvement.
      For example, although SimCoach development processes were well-aligned with best
      practices for software engineering, SimCoach content development and evaluation
      processes could have been more tightly coupled to best practices in psychological
      health. The summative evaluation RCT did not show any SimCoach-related benefit in
      intent to seek help compared with that of control users not exposed to any
      intervention. However, secondary outcomes indicated that SimCoach users had
      satisfying experiences without distress. If SimCoach development is continued,
      greater attention to clinical processes and outcomes is needed so that the
      program can have its intended impact on help-seeking for PTSD and depression.

PMID- 28083411
TI  - A Methodological Critique of the ProPublica Surgeon Scorecard.
AB  - On July 14, 2015, ProPublica published its Surgeon Scorecard, which displays
      "Adjusted Complication Rates" for individual, named surgeons for eight surgical
      procedures performed in hospitals. Public reports of provider performance have
      the potential to improve the quality of health care that patients receive. A
      valid performance report can drive quality improvement and usefully inform
      patients' choices of providers. However, performance reports with poor validity
      and reliability are potentially damaging to all involved. This article critiques
      the methods underlying the Scorecard and identifies opportunities for
      improvement. Until these opportunities are addressed, the authors advise users of
      the Scorecard-most notably, patients who might be choosing their surgeons-not to
      consider the Scorecard a valid or reliable predictor of the health outcomes any
      individual surgeon is likely to provide. The authors hope that this
      methodological critique will contribute to the development of more-valid and more
      reliable performance reports in the future.

PMID- 28083412
TI  - Improving Hospital Efficiency Through Data-Driven Management: A Case Study of
      Health First, Florida.
AB  - This article presents a case study of how one health system-Health First, in
      Brevard County, Florida-addressed resource challenges by using Lean thinking
      enabled by information technology. Examining Health First provides an opportunity
      to learn about how one hospital system addressed these challenges by making
      fundamental changes in their operations, in advance of the shift toward
      accountable care. Three years after Health First embarked on an effort to
      streamline patient flow and improve throughput, adult transfers within the system
      have increased by more than 300 percent and emergency department times between
      admission and inpatient bed occupancy decreased by 37 percent.

PMID- 28083413
TI  - Alternatives to the ACA's Affordability Firewall.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to increase health insurance coverage
      while limiting the disruption to individuals with existing sources of insurance
      coverage, particularly those with employer-sponsored insurance (ESI). To limit
      disruption to those with coverage, the ACA implements the employer mandate, which
      requires firms with more than 50 employees to offer health insurance or face
      penalties, and the individual "affordability firewall," which limits subsidies to
      individuals lacking access to alternative sources of coverage that are
      "affordable." This article examines the policy impacts of the affordability
      firewall and investigates two potential modifications. Option 1, which is the
      "entire family" scenario, involves allowing an exception to the firewall for
      anyone in a family where the family ESI premium contribution exceeds 9.5 percent
      of the worker's household income. In Option 2, the "dependents only" scenario,
      only dependents (and not the worker) become eligible for Marketplace subsidies
      when the ESI premium contribution exceeds 9.5 percent of the worker's household
      income. Relative to the ACA, RAND researchers estimate that nongroup enrollment
      will increase by 4.1 million for Option 1 and by 1.4 million for Option 2.
      However, the number without insurance only declines by 1.5 million in Option 1
      and 0.7 million in Option 2. The difference between the increase in nongroup
      enrollment and the decrease in uninsurance is primarily due to ESI crowd-out,
      which is more pronounced for Option 1. Researchers also estimated that about 1.3
      million families who have ESI and unsubsidized nongroup coverage under current
      ACA policy would receive Marketplace subsidies under the alternative
      affordability firewall scenarios. For these families, health insurance coverage
      would become substantially more affordable; these families' risk of spending at
      least 20 percent of income on health care would drop by more than two thirds. We
      additionally estimated that federal spending will increase by $8.9 billion and
      $3.9 billion for Options 1 and 2, respectively, relative to the ACA.

PMID- 28083414
TI  - Harnessing Private-Sector Innovation to Improve Health Insurance Exchanges.
AB  - Overhauling the individual health insurance market-including through the creation
      of health insurance exchanges-was a key component of the Patient Protection and
      Affordable Care Act's multidimensional approach to addressing the long-standing
      problem of the uninsured in the United States. Despite succeeding in enrolling
      millions of Americans, the exchanges still face several challenges, including
      poor consumer experience, high operational and development costs, and incomplete
      market penetration. In light of these challenges, analysts considered a different
      model for the exchanges-privately facilitated exchanges-which could address these
      challenges and deepen the Affordable Care Act's impact. In this model, the
      government retains control over sovereign exchange functions but allows the
      private sector to assume responsibility for more-peripheral exchange functions,
      such as developing and sustaining exchange websites. Although private-sector
      entities have already undertaken exchange-related functions on a limited basis,
      privately facilitated exchanges could conceivably relieve the government of its
      responsibility for front-end website operations and consumer decision-support
      functions entirely. A shift to privately facilitated exchanges could improve the
      consumer experience, increase enrollment, and lower costs for state and federal
      governments. A move to such a model requires, nonetheless, managing its risks,
      such as reduced consumer protection, increased consumer confusion, and the
      possible lack of a viable revenue base for privately facilitated exchanges,
      especially in less populous states. On net, the benefits are large enough and the
      risks sufficiently manageable to seriously consider such a shift. This paper
      provides background information and more detail on the analysts' assessment.

PMID- 28083415
TI  - Returns on Research Funded Under the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
      Programme: Economic Analysis and Case Studies.
AB  - The Department of Health (England) requested that RAND Europe conduct an economic
      analysis of the impact of the HTA Programme. This article describes the results
      of that work, which consisted of analysis of the potential economic benefits of a
      sample of HTA funded studies and comparison to programme costs, supplemented by a
      set of short case studies exploring the impacts of the HTA Programme on policy
      and practice. Based on our analysis, if 12 per cent of the potential net benefit
      of implementing the findings of this sample of 10 studies for one year was
      realised, it would cover the cost of the HTA Programme from 1993 to 2012. Drawing
      on the case studies and the economic analysis, we have also made a number of
      observations that could help ensure that the HTA Programme maximises the
      likelihood of findings being adopted.

PMID- 28083416
TI  - Evaluating the Impact of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) on Fatigue and the
      Implications for Driver Safety.
AB  - Driver fatigue is a significant contributor to motor vehicle accidents and
      fatalities, although the exact share of those events attributable to fatigue is
      still uncertain. In 2013, accidents involving heavy trucks killed more than 3,944
      people in the United States, with over 80 percent of those killed not in the
      truck. Numerous factors contribute to driver fatigue among commercial drivers,
      including shiftwork schedules; high prevalence of alcohol and substance use;
      extended hours; comorbid medical conditions, such as pain; and high prevalence of
      sleep disorders. Many of these factors have been studied extensively in the
      trucking industry. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is another potential factor that
      may contribute to driver fatigue, but it has received little attention. Beginning
      in January 2015, Bose Corporation and AIG commissioned the RAND Corporation to
      study the link between WBV and driver fatigue. This article summarizes the
      findings from RAND's systematic review of the literature on WBV and fatigue as
      well as considers appropriate study designs and methodology that will inform new
      areas of research focused on improving the safety of truckers and those who share
      the road with them. The literature review identified 24 studies examining the
      impact of WBV on fatigue or sleepiness. The majority of studies (n = 18) found a
      significant association between WBV and fatigue or sleepiness; however, there are
      several limitations of the existing literature that preclude definitive
      conclusions regarding the impact of WBV on these outcomes. This research
      concludes with recommendations for future studies to strengthen the evidence
      base.

PMID- 28083417
TI  - Acupuncture for Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent condition associated with
      significant burden in terms of reduced quality of life, lower productivity,
      increased prevalence of other conditions and increased health care costs. We
      conducted a systematic review and qualitative summary of randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) that assessed the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the
      treatment of MDD. We searched the databases PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of
      Science, Embase, CDSR, CENTRAL, clinicaltrials.gov, DARE, and PILOTS for English
      language RCTs published through January 2015. Two independent reviewers screened
      the identified literature against inclusion and exclusion criteria, abstracted
      study level data, and assessed the risk of bias and methodological quality of
      included studies. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Eighteen
      studies met inclusion criteria. Eleven assessed acupuncture as monotherapy, seven
      as adjunct depression treatment. Intervention approaches and comparators varied.
      Evidence on the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of acupuncture to
      treat MDD for the outcomes depression improvement, measured as scale score
      differences and the number of responders, is very weak. Acupuncture may be
      superior to waitlist (low quality of evidence) but findings for effect estimates
      compared to other comparators are inconclusive. Few studies reported on patients
      achieving remission. The effect of acupuncture on relapse rates could not be
      determined. Too few studies assessed quality of life to estimate treatment
      effects. Reported adverse events were typically mild in nature, but the
      assessment lacked rigor and studies were not designed to detect rare events.

PMID- 28083418
TI  - Effects of Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Programs Conducted Under the
      California Mental Health Services Authority: An Evaluation of Runyon Saltzman
      Einhorn, Inc., Documentary Screening Events.
AB  - Describes the methods and results of a RAND evaluation of stigma and
      discrimination reduction efforts by Runyon Saltzman Einhorn, Inc., involving
      screenings of a documentary film called "A New State of Mind: Ending the Stigma
      of Mental Illness."

PMID- 28083419
TI  - Effects of Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Trainings Conducted Under the
      California Mental Health Services Authority: An Evaluation of the National
      Alliance on Mental Illness Adult Programs.
AB  - This study evaluated three National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) programs
      aimed at reducing mental illness stigma and discrimination among adult audiences.

PMID- 28083420
TI  - Effects of the Integrated Behavioral Health Project's Efforts to Promote
      Integrated Care Under Funding from the California Mental Health Services
      Authority.
AB  - Describes the methods and results of a RAND evaluation of the Integrated
      Behavioral Health Project's efforts to promote the integration of mental and
      physical health care among various health care stakeholders in California.

PMID- 28083421
TI  - Payoffs for California College Students and Taxpayers from Investing in Student
      Mental Health.
AB  - Reports results of a survey to assess the impact of CalMHSA's investments in
      mental health programs at California public colleges and estimates the return on
      investment in terms of student use of treatment, graduation rates, and lifetime
      earnings.

PMID- 28083422
TI  - St. John's Wort for Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review.
AB  - RAND researchers conducted a systematic review that synthesized evidence from
      randomized controlled trials of St. John's wort (SJW)-used adjunctively or as
      monotherapy-to provide estimates of its efficacy and safety in treating adults
      with major depressive disorder. Outcomes of interest included changes in
      depressive symptomatology, quality of life, and adverse effects. Efficacy meta
      analyses used the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method for random-effects models.
      Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment,
      Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. In total, 35 studies met inclusion
      criteria. There is moderate evidence, due to unexplained heterogeneity between
      studies, that depression improvement based on the number of treatment responders
      and depression scale scores favors SJW over placebo, and results are comparable
      to antidepressants. The existing evidence is based on studies testing SJW as
      monotherapy; there is a lack of evidence for SJW given as adjunct therapy to
      standard antidepressant therapy. We found no systematic difference between SJW
      extracts, but head-to-head trials are missing; LI 160 (0.3% hypericin, 1-4%
      hyperforin) was the extract with the greatest number of studies. Only two trials
      assessed quality of life. SJW adverse events reported in included trials were
      comparable to placebo, and were fewer compared with antidepressant medication;
      however, adverse event assessments were limited, and thus we have limited
      confidence in this conclusion.

PMID- 28083423
TI  - Current and Projected Characteristics and Unique Health Care Needs of the Patient
      Population Served by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
AB  - The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 addressed the need
      for access to timely, high-quality health care for veterans. Section 201 of the
      legislation called for an independent assessment of various aspects of veterans'
      health care. The RAND Corporation was tasked with an assessment of the current
      and projected demographics and health care needs of patients served by the
      Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The number of U.S. veterans will continue to
      decline over the next decade, and the demographic mix and geographic locations of
      these veterans will change. While the number of veterans using VA health care has
      increased over time, demand will level off in the coming years. Veterans have
      more favorable economic circumstances than non-veterans, but they are also older
      and more likely to be diagnosed with many health conditions. Not all veterans are
      eligible for or use VA health care. Whether and to what extent an eligible
      veteran uses VA health care depends on a number of factors, including access to
      other sources of health care. Veterans who rely on VA health care are older and
      less healthy than veterans who do not, and the prevalence of costly conditions in
      this population is projected to increase. Potential changes to VA policy and the
      context for VA health care, including effects of the Affordable Care Act, could
      affect demand. Analysis of a range of data sources provided insight into how the
      veteran population is likely to change in the next decade.

PMID- 28083424
TI  - Resources and Capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to Provide
      Timely and Accessible Care to Veterans.
AB  - The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 addressed the need
      for access to timely, high-quality health care for veterans. Section 201 of the
      legislation called for an independent assessment of various aspects of veterans'
      health care. The RAND Corporation was tasked with an assessment of the Department
      of Veterans Affairs (VA) current and projected health care capabilities and
      resources. An examination of data from a variety of sources, along with a survey
      of VA medical facility leaders, revealed the breadth and depth of VA resources
      and capabilities: fiscal resources, workforce and human resources, physical
      infrastructure, interorganizational relationships, and information resources. The
      assessment identified barriers to the effective use of these resources and
      capabilities. Analysis of data on access to VA care and the quality of that care
      showed that almost all veterans live within 40 miles of a VA health facility, but
      fewer have access to VA specialty care. Veterans usually receive care within 14
      days of their desired appointment date, but wait times vary considerably across
      VA facilities. VA has long played a national leadership role in measuring the
      quality of health care. The assessment showed that VA health care quality was as
      good or better on most measures compared with other health systems, but quality
      performance lagged at some VA facilities. VA will require more resources and
      capabilities to meet a projected increase in veterans' demand for VA care over
      the next five years. Options for increasing capacity include accelerated hiring,
      full nurse practice authority, and expanded use of telehealth.

PMID- 28083425
TI  - Authorities and Mechanisms for Purchased Care at the Department of Veterans
      Affairs.
AB  - The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 addressed the need
      for access to timely, high-quality health care for veterans. Section 201 of the
      legislation called for an independent assessment of various aspects of veterans'
      health care. The RAND Corporation was tasked with an assessment of the
      authorities and mechanisms by which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays
      for health care services from non-VA providers. Purchased care accounted for 10
      percent, or around $5.6 billion, of VA's health care budget in fiscal year 2014,
      and the amount of care purchased from outside VA is growing rapidly. VA purchases
      non-VA care through an array of programs, each with different payment processes
      and eligibility requirements for veterans and outside providers. A review and
      analysis of statutes, regulations, legislation, and literature on VA purchased
      care, along with interviews with expert stakeholders, a survey of VA medical
      facilities, and an evaluation of local-level policy documents revealed that VA's
      purchased care system is complex and decentralized. Inconsistencies in
      procedures, unclear goals, and a lack of cohesive strategy for purchased care
      could have ramifications for veterans' access to care. Adding to the complexity
      of VA's purchased care system is a lack of systematic data collection on access
      to and quality of care provided through VA's purchased care programs. The
      analysis also explored concepts of "episodes of care" and their implications for
      purchased care by VA.

PMID- 28083426
TI  - Assessing the Quality and Value of Psychological Health Care in Civilian Health
      Plans: Lessons and Implications for the Military Health System.
AB  - The Military Health System (MHS) strives to provide high-quality care and improve
      outcomes for individuals with psychological health conditions. Over the last
      decade, the MHS has provided care to a growing number of individuals with
      psychological health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, little is known about the extent to
      which the MHS delivers care that is consistent with evidence-based clinical
      practice guidelines or if it is achieving positive outcomes for its service
      members. To better understand these issues, the Defense Centers of Excellence for
      Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) asked the RAND Corporation
      to describe civilian health plansa; approaches to systematically measuring the
      quality of psychological health care delivered by providers in their networks.
      This work was part of a larger effort by RAND to develop a framework and identify
      a set of measures for monitoring the quality of care provided by the MHS for
      psychological health conditions.

PMID- 28083427
TI  - Information and Communication Technologies in Behavioral Health: A Literature
      Review with Recommendations for the Air Force.
AB  - The dramatic evolution in information and communication technologies (ICTs)
      online and on smartphones has led to rapid innovations in behavioral health care.
      To assist the U.S. Air Force in developing a strategy for use of ICTs, the
      authors reviewed the scientific literature on their use to prevent and treat
      behavioral health conditions, such as major depression, posttraumatic stress
      disorder, and alcohol misuse. There is currently little scientific evidence
      supporting additional investment in ICT-based psychosocial programs for
      resilience or prevention of posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, or
      anxiety. Instead, preventive interventions might prioritize problems of alcohol
      misuse and intimate partner violence. ICT applications that play a role in the
      treatment process may be used for patient education and activation, to improve
      decisionmaking by clinicians, to provide a therapy, to improve adherence to
      treatment, or to maintain treatment gains over time. However, partly due to the
      rapid pace of development of the technology, there is little or no evidence in
      the literature regarding the efficacy of the most recently developed types of
      ICTs, in particular those using smartphones. Despite the lack of solid research
      evidence to date, ICTs hold promise in addressing the challenges of mental health
      care. One promising avenue is development of reliable methods for patient
      clinician communication between therapy sessions; another is Internet-based
      cognitive behavioral therapy. The authors recommend that the Air Force should
      take an incremental approach to adopting the use of ICTs-one that involves a
      program of measurement-based implementation and process and outcome monitoring
      rather than urgent dissemination.

PMID- 28083428
TI  - Strategic Analysis of the 2014 Wounded Warrior Project Annual Alumni Survey: A
      Way Forward.
AB  - Wounded Warrior Project(r) (WWP) provides support and raises public awareness for
      service members and veterans who incurred physical or mental injury, illness, or
      wound coincident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001, as
      well as their families and caregivers. Through WWP, members (Alumni) have access
      to programs that support four main areas of recovery-engagement, mind, body, and
      economic empowerment. Using 2014 WWP Annual Alumni Survey data, RAND researchers
      offer a detailed analysis of how Alumni of different genders, races and
      ethnicities, military service histories, and service-related health conditions
      fare in terms of mental health, physical health, and economic well-being. The
      study also offers recommendations for the organization's decisionmakers to
      consider in setting goals and creating programs to support WWP Alumni.

PMID- 28083429
TI  - Access to Dental Providers in Pennsylvania: Exploration of the County-Level
      Distribution of Dental Providers and Populations in 2013.
AB  - Ensuring access to dental care, particularly for children, is a significant
      policy concern in the United States. Many factors affect access on both the
      provider and patient sides. This study examines an important factor in the
      ability to access dental care: the distribution and availability of dental health
      providers. The authors assess providers across the counties of Pennsylvania,
      primarily using data from the 2013 Survey of Dentists and Dental Hygienists
      administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. To identify possible
      dental provider shortages in Pennsylvania counties, the authors assessed ten
      indicators of access to dental providers. They find significant variation in the
      indicators across Pennsylvania counties.

PMID- 28083430
TI  - Developing a Strategic Program for Chilean Health Information Technology:
      Environmental Scan and Key Informant Interviews.
AB  - As part of an effort to assist Chile in developing a strategic program to foster
      the development of the health information technology (health IT) sector over the
      next five to ten years, this study assesses the current state of health IT
      adoption and implementation in Chile, as well as the challenges and opportunities
      facing the sector over the coming years. The authors conducted an environmental
      scan and ten key informant interviews and found that there are a number of
      successful health IT projects and strategies for further development currently
      underway in Chile, but that the successful projects are generally localized
      within specific health care providers and lack integration. These and other
      challenges suggest significant potential for the Ministry of Economy and other
      stakeholders to take specific actions designed to encourage further development
      of the health IT sector in Chile over the coming years. The next phase of this
      effort will use the results from this study to develop a roadmap for the Ministry
      of Economy to encourage health IT development in Chile over the short, medium,
      and long terms.

PMID- 28083431
TI  - Employer, Insurer, and Industry Perspectives on Patient-Centered Comparative
      Effectiveness Research: Final Report.
AB  - The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent,
      nonprofit, nongovernmental organization authorized under the Affordable Care Act
      of 2010 and funded by Congress to help close the gaps in research needed to
      improve key health outcomes. To do this, PCORI identifies critical research
      questions, funds patient-centered comparative effectiveness research (CER), and
      strives to disseminate the results in ways that stakeholders, including patients,
      providers, health insurance purchasers, payers, and industry, will find useful.
      PCORI commissioned RAND and the National Pharmaceutical Council to conduct an
      independent study of the health-related decisions, information needs,
      understanding and use of CER, and opportunities for involvement of these three
      stakeholder communities in CER. RAND conducted ten telephone and Web-enabled
      focus groups involving representatives from all three communities. This article
      describes the key themes emerging from those discussions and presents
      implications for PCORI's work.

PMID- 28083432
TI  - Response to ProPublica's Rebuttal of Our Critique of the Surgeon Scorecard.
AB  - In the summer of 2015, ProPublica published its Surgeon Scorecard, which displays
      "Adjusted Complication Rates" for individual, named surgeons for eight surgical
      procedures performed in hospitals. Public reports of provider performance have
      the potential to improve the quality of health care that patients receive. A
      valid performance report can drive quality improvement and usefully inform
      patients' choices of providers. However, performance reports with poor validity
      and reliability are potentially damaging to all involved. In September 2015, RAND
      released a critique of the Scorecard authored by a group of health policy
      researchers from RAND and other institutions, and on October 7, 2015 ProPublica
      published a rebuttal of our critique. In this follow-on Perspective, we revisit
      the main points in our initial critique, summarize ProPublica's rebuttal, explain
      why this rebuttal fails to address our methodological concerns, provide
      suggestions on how to validate and improve the Scorecard, and explain why we
      continue to advise potential users of the Scorecard, as it is currently
      constructed, not to consider it a valid or reliable predictor of the health
      outcomes any individual surgeon is likely to provide.

PMID- 28083433
TI  - Treatment for Dementia: Learning from Breakthroughs for Other Conditions.
AB  - The past few decades have seen a number of medical breakthroughs that enabled the
      effective treatment of a range of conditions, transforming them from fatal into
      manageable ones. Examples include certain cancers and HIV. Conversely, progress
      on dementia has been limited. There are currently no treatments that will cure or
      even alter the progressive course of dementia, despite ongoing research
      investigating new therapies and care options. The UK Department of Health is
      interested in the potential to learn from other disease areas to better
      understand the particular social, economic, political, legislative and scientific
      contexts that have contributed to accelerating progress and breakthroughs in
      treatment. Such learning could helpfully inform dementia research and innovation
      efforts, and help identify levers for supportive policy development. This project
      analysed breakthroughs in the treatment of four selected conditions of ill health
      and seeks to identify potentially transferable lessons for the dementia context.
      Using evidence review and key informant interviews we sought to identify the
      series of "events" that eventually led to a given breakthrough, and the key
      milestones in the process that have helped improve understanding and potential
      for treatment. We also aimed to capture the temporal and causal relationships
      between "notable" events looking at a variety of factors implicated in the
      breakthrough pathway. The focus of this work was on political, economic, social,
      scientific and technological, and legal, regulatory and environmental factors.

PMID- 28083434
TI  - A 'DECISIVE' Approach to Research Funding: Lessons from Three Retrosight Studies.
AB  - The Retrosight approach consists of looking at research that was conducted in the
      past and, using Payback case studies, tracing that research through to the
      present day to understand both the extent to which the research has had impacts,
      within academia and more widely, and how these impacts came about. RAND Europe
      has conducted three studies based on this approach in different research fields:
      arthritis research, cardiovascular research and mental health research. Each drew
      out a set of observations and recommendations for policymakers and research
      funders in those research fields. By reviewing and comparing the findings of the
      three studies, we have identified eight lessons which combine to provide a
      "DECISIVE" approach to biomedical and health research funding: Different skills:
      Fund researchers with more than just research skills-individuals are key when it
      comes to translation of research into wider impact. Engaged: Support your
      researchers to engage with non-academic stakeholders to help their work have a
      wider impact. Clinical: For greater impact on patient care within 10-20 years,
      fund clinical rather than basic research. Impact on society: If you want to have
      a wider impact, don't just fund for academic excellence. Size: Bigger isn't
      necessarily better when it comes to the size of a research grant. International:
      For high academic impact, fund researchers who collaborate internationally and
      support them to do so. Variety: Simple metrics will only capture some of the
      impact of your research. Expectations: Most broader social and economic impact
      will come from just a few projects.

PMID- 28083435
TI  - Evaluating the Role and Contribution of Innovation to Health and Wealth in the
      UK: A Review of Innovation, Health and Wealth: Phase 1 Final Report.
AB  - The Department of Health's Innovation, Health and Wealth (IHW) strategy aimed to
      introduce a more strategic approach to the spread of innovation across the NHS.
      This study represents the first phase of a three-year evaluation and aims to map
      progress towards the IHW strategy and its component actions. This evaluation used
      a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods: document review, key
      informant interviews and stakeholder survey. This study also forms the basis for
      selecting case studies for phase two of the evaluation. Our findings from the
      interviews and survey suggest broad stakeholder support for the overarching
      ambitions of the IHW strategy. However, we found variable progress towards the
      overarching objectives of the eight IHW themes and an ambiguous relationship
      between many of the themes' objectives and their actions. It was difficult to
      assess progress on IHW's actions as commitment to the actions, implementation
      guidance and expected outcomes of the actions were not clearly articulated. The
      Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) and the Small Business Research
      Initiative (SBRI) were reported to be working well, which may be attributed to
      their clear structures of accountability and earmarked budgets. However, survey
      respondents and interviewees raised concerns that budgetary pressures may limit
      the impact of both AHSNs and the SBRI. The main challenges identified for ongoing
      action were the resources available for their implementation (e.g. Medtech
      Briefings), lack of awareness of the initiative (e.g. the NICE Implementation
      Collaborative) and the design of the actions (e.g. the Innovation Scorecard, web
      portal and High Impact Innovations).

PMID- 28083436
TI  - Galvanising the NHS to Adopt Innovation: The Feasibility and Practicality of
      Recommendations from the Interim Report of the Accelerated Access Review.
AB  - The Department of Health and the Wellcome Trust, in co-operation with NHS
      England, asked RAND Europe to conduct a limited consultation with key
      stakeholders about the practicality of measures and incentives proposed as part
      of the NHS Accelerated Access Review (AAR), which aims to assess the pathways for
      the development, assessment, and adoption of innovative medicines and medical
      technology. Through a focused engagement exercise with key healthcare
      stakeholders this project explored the implications of selected interim AAR
      propositions and feasibility of implementation for key actors, in primary and
      secondary care as well as commissioners and academia. Specifically, the project
      investigated the feasibility of implementation of three specific propositions
      including: a new earmarked fund to encourage AHSNs and other key innovation
      actors to re-design systems to embrace innovation; mobilising the influence of
      clinical system leaders to champion change; and encouraging secondary care
      organisations to take on "innovation champion" roles linked to financial
      incentives and a new emphasis on accountable care organisations. Data was
      collected on the feasibility of the three AAR propositions from a workshop with
      AHSN CEOs and Commercial Directors and interviews with senior NHS staff in three
      AHSN regions (South West, University College London Partners, and North East,
      North Cumbria). The study concludes with reflections on the feasibility of each
      recommendation and identifies factors expected to facilitate or challenge their
      implementation, as well as considering the wider cross cutting issues that may
      influence the adoption and diffusion of innovation in the NHS.

PMID- 28083437
TI  - Medical Device Innovation in the Era of the Affordable Care Act: The End of Sexy.
AB  - In this article, the authors explore why medical device innovation has
      traditionally been geared so thoroughly toward improving performance, with little
      regard to cost. They argue that the changing incentives in the health care sector
      and the move to value-based payment models, accelerated by the implementation of
      the Affordable Care Act, will force device manufacturers to redirect investments
      from the spectacular toward the prudent, which they dub "the end of sexy." The
      authors explore consequences for manufacturers, investors, and policymakers.

PMID- 28083438
TI  - Evaluation of CalMHSA Student Mental Health Online Resources.
AB  - Analysis of visitors to CalMHSA-funded student mental health websites shows that
      visitors at educational institutions comprised the largest audience segment and
      promotional campaigns likely increased traffic.

PMID- 28083439
TI  - Mapping the Global Mental Health Research Funding System.
AB  - This study maps the global funding of mental health research between 2009 and
      2014. It builds from the bottom up a picture of who the major funders are, what
      kinds of research they support and how their strategies relate to one another. It
      uses the funding acknowledgements on journal papers as a starting point for this.
      The study also looks to the future, considering some of the areas of focus,
      challenges and opportunities which may shape the field in the coming few years.

PMID- 28083440
TI  - Balancing Demand and Supply for Veterans' Health Care: A Summary of Three RAND
      Assessments Conducted Under the Veterans Choice Act.
AB  - In response to concerns that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has faced
      about veterans' access to care and the quality of care delivered, Congress
      enacted the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 ("Veterans
      Choice Act") in August 2014. The law was passed to help address access issues by
      expanding the criteria through which veterans can seek care from civilian
      providers. In addition, the law called for a series of independent assessments of
      the VA health care system across a broad array of topics related to the delivery
      of health care services to veterans in VA-owned and -operated facilities, as well
      as those under contract to VA. RAND conducted three of these assessments: Veteran
      demographics and health care needs (A), VA health care capabilities (B), and VA
      authorities and mechanisms for purchasing care (C). This article summarizes the
      findings of our assessments and includes recommendations from the reports for
      improving the match between veterans' needs and VA's capabilities, including VA's
      ability to purchase necessary care from the private sector.

PMID- 28083441
TI  - Can Access to Data Prevent Army Suicides?: Identifying Optimal Response
      Strategies for Army Leaders.
AB  - Over the past decade, the U.S. Army has invested significant resources in its
      efforts to prevent suicide and respond to a well-documented increase in suicides
      among active-duty soldiers. Among the efforts under way is a program to develop
      an information system that provides leaders with data on individual- and unit
      level suicide risk factors and could serve as the basis for prevention and
      intervention activities. One shortfall of this approach is the lack of guidance
      on how Army leaders should interpret and use this information. To address this
      gap, RAND Arroyo Center convened a group of experts to reach consensus on
      recommended actions for leaders who are informed that an individual soldier
      exhibits a risk factor for suicide or that their unit exhibits an atypically high
      prevalence of suicide risk factors or a concerning trend of suicidality. The
      experts generally agreed that information on suicide risk indicators could be
      useful to unit leaders if they also received guidance on appropriate actions from
      behavioral health providers-and central to any response is the need to keep
      information about individual soldiers confidential. At the unit level, data on
      atypically high-risk behaviors should prompt a "root cause" analysis to discern
      whether the heightened prevalence is a reflection of actual behaviors or can be
      explained by other factors. The experts concluded that unit-level suicide trend
      data have limited utility for leader action because suicide is a relatively rare
      event and because individuals assigned to a unit change over time. The results of
      the exercise led to several recommendations on the use of data in response
      planning for Army leaders and directions for future research.

PMID- 28083442
TI  - Quality of Care for PTSD and Depression in the Military Health System: Phase I
      Report.
AB  - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) strives to maintain a physically and
      psychologically healthy, mission-ready force, and the care provided by the
      Military Health System (MHS) is critical to meeting this goal. Given the rates of
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among U.S. service members,
      attention has been directed to ensuring the quality and availability of programs
      and services targeting these and other psychological health (PH) conditions.
      Understanding the current quality of care for PTSD and depression is an important
      step toward improving care across the MHS. To help determine whether service
      members with PTSD or depression are receiving evidence-based care and whether
      there are disparities in care quality by branch of service, geographic region,
      and service member characteristics (e.g., gender, age, pay grade, race/ethnicity,
      deployment history), DoD's Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health
      and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) asked the RAND Corporation to conduct a review
      of the administrative data of service members diagnosed with PTSD or depression
      and to recommend areas on which the MHS could focus its efforts to continuously
      improve the quality of care provided to all service members. This study
      characterizes care for service members seen by MHS for diagnoses of PTSD and/or
      depression and finds that while the MHS performs well in ensuring outpatient
      follow-up following psychiatric hospitalization, providing sufficient
      psychotherapy and medication management needs to be improved. Further, quality of
      care for PTSD and depression varied by service branch, TRICARE region, and
      service member characteristics, suggesting the need to ensure that all service
      members receive high-quality care.

PMID- 28083443
TI  - Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Veterans in the Metro Detroit Area.
AB  - Supporting the mental health needs of veterans is a national priority. Over the
      past decade, there have been several studies describing the needs of the veteran
      population, particularly those who served in the post-9/11 era, calling for
      improved access to high-quality mental health services. In response, the federal
      government has expanded funding and services to meet increasing demand. At the
      same time, there has also been a proliferation of nongovernmental support to
      improve services for veterans in local communities. Often, in an attempt to
      deploy resources quickly, new programs and services are implemented without a
      full understanding of the specific needs of the population. This article
      discusses findings and recommendations from a study designed to gather
      information on the mental health-related needs facing veterans in the Detroit
      metropolitan area to identify gaps in the support landscape and inform future
      investments for community-level resources to fill the identified gaps.

PMID- 28083444
TI  - When Race/Ethnicity Data Are Lacking: Using Advanced Indirect Estimation Methods
      to Measure Disparities.
AB  - A key aim of U.S. health care reforms is to ensure equitable care while improving
      quality for all Americans. Limited race/ethnicity data in health care records
      hamper efforts to meet this goal. Despite improvements in access and quality,
      gaps persist, particularly among persons belonging to racial/ethnic minority and
      low-income groups. This study describes the use of indirect estimation methods to
      produce probabilistic estimates of racial/ethnic populations to monitor health
      care utilization and improvement. One method described, called Bayesian Indirect
      Surname Geocoding, uses a person's Census surname and the racial/ethnic
      composition of their neighborhood to produce a set of probabilities that a given
      person belongs to one of a set of mutually exclusive racial/ethnic groups.
      Advances in methods for estimating race/ethnicity are enabling health plans and
      other health care organizations to overcome a long-standing barrier to routine
      monitoring and actions to reduce disparities in care. Though these new estimation
      methods are promising, practical knowledge and guidance on how to most
      effectively apply newly available race/ethnicity data to address disparities can
      be greatly extended.

PMID- 28083445
TI  - Development of Absorbable, Antibiotic-Eluting Sutures for Ophthalmic Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate an antibiotic-eluting suture for ophthalmic
      surgery. METHODS: Wet electrospinning was used to manufacture sutures composed of
      poly(L-lactide), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and levofloxacin. Size, morphology,
      and mechanical strength were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy and
      tensile strength, respectively. In vitro drug release was quantified using high
      performance liquid chromatography. In vitro suture activity against
      Staphylococcus epidermidis was investigated through bacterial inhibition studies.
      Biocompatibility was determined via histological analysis of tissue sections
      surrounding sutures implanted into Sprague-Dawley rat corneas. RESULTS: Sutures
      manufactured via wet electrospinning were 45.1 +/- 7.7 MUm in diameter and 0.099
      +/- 0.007 newtons (N) in breaking strength. The antibiotic release profile
      demonstrated a burst followed by sustained release for greater than 60 days.
      Increasing PEG in the polymer formulation, from 1% to 4% by weight, improved drug
      release without negatively affecting tensile strength. Sutures maintained a
      bacterial zone of inhibition for at least 1 week in vitro and elicited an in vivo
      tissue reaction comparable to a nylon suture. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for
      local, postoperative delivery of antibiotics following ophthalmic procedures. Wet
      electrospinning provides a suitable platform for the development of sutures that
      meet size requirements for ophthalmic surgery and are capable of sustained drug
      release; however, tensile strength must be improved prior to clinical use.
      TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: No antibiotic-eluting suture exists for ophthalmic
      surgery. A biocompatible, high strength suture capable of sustained antibiotic
      release could prevent ocular infection and preclude compliance issues with
      topical eye drops.

PMID- 28083446
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 4 in vol. 5.].

PMID- 28083447
TI  - Sex Differences in Virtual Network Characteristics and Sexual Risk Behavior among
      Emerging Adults.
AB  - Emerging adults (EAs)ages 18 to 24 account for a large proportion of all sexually
      transmitted infections (STIs), HIV infections, and unintended pregnancies in the
      United States. Given the increased influence of online media on decision-making,
      we examined how EA online networks were associated with sexual risk behaviors. We
      used egocentric network data collected from EAs aged 18 to 24 years old across
      the United States (N=1,687) to examine how online norms (e.g., acceptance of HIV
      infections, other STIs, and pregnancy) and network characteristics (i.e., network
      size and density; ties' closeness, race, age, and sex similarities) were
      associated with participants' unprotected vaginal intercourse (UVI) in the last
      30 days. Findings suggested that in male EAs, there was a strong association
      between sexual norms, structural characteristics, and sexual risk behavior
      compared to females. Researchers and practitioners may wish to address online
      peer norms and EAs' online network composition when developing online sexual risk
      prevention tools.

PMID- 28083448
TI  - A network analysis of developmental change in ADHD symptom structure from
      preschool to adulthood.
AB  - Although there is substantial support for the validity of the diagnosis of ADHD,
      there is considerable disagreement about how to best capture developmental
      changes in the expression of ADHD symptomatology. The current paper examines the
      associations among the 18 individual ADHD symptoms using a novel network analysis
      approach, from preschool to adulthood. The 1,420 participants were grouped into
      four age brackets: Preschool (age 3-6, n = 109), childhood (age 6-12, n = 548),
      adolescence (age 13-17, n = 357), and young adulthood (age 18-36, n = 406). All
      participants completed a multi-stage, multi-informant diagnostic process, and
      self and informant symptom ratings were obtained. Network analysis indicated ADHD
      symptom structure became more differentiated over development. Two symptoms Often
      easily distracted and Difficulty sustaining attention appeared as central, or
      core, symptoms across all age groups. Thus, a small number of core symptoms may
      warrant extra weighting in future diagnostic systems.

PMID- 28083449
TI  - Acute Abdominal Aorta Thrombosis and Ischemic Rhabdomyolysis Secondary to Severe
      Alcohol Intoxication.
AB  - Acute alcohol intoxication is a common cause of emergency visits worldwide.
      Although moderate alcohol consumption is protective against coronary artery
      disease, binge drinking is associated with adverse cardiovascular and
      neurological outcomes and may even cause sudden death. Although, few past
      accounts of venous thrombosis with alcohol binge drinking are available, arterial
      thrombosis with the condition has never been reported in the literature. We
      present the unusual case of a young Afghan male, who presented to us with
      painful, tender and swollen legs three days after a heavy alcohol binge on a
      Saturday night. He was diagnosed as a case of acute limb ischemia secondary to
      massive abdominal aorta and bilateral femoral artery thrombosis. He also had
      acute renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis. Cardiac workup revealed new
      onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a large thrombus in the left ventricular
      cavity. His blood ethanol level was high. He was treated by a multidisciplinary
      team; urgent surgical thrombectomy for thrombotic complications, intravenous
      fluid hydration and later renal replacement therapy for acute renal failure. To
      the best of our knowledge, such a constellation of clinical features in
      association with severe acute alcohol intoxication has not been reported in the
      literature. We believe, the procoagulant nature of high blood ethanol levels and
      the onset of atrial fibrillation after the heavy alcohol binge, known as the
      holiday heart syndrome, precipitated the thrombotic events leading to
      rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. Through this case, we conclude that a
      very heavy alcohol binge may cause thrombotic occlusion of the abdominal aorta
      and femoral arteries resulting in ischemic rhabdomyolysis and acute renal
      failure. A high index of suspicion must be kept, especially for a patient
      presenting with tender, swollen lower limbs and acute renal failure after an
      alcohol binge.

PMID- 28083450
TI  - Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder Complicated by Polymyositis, Sjogren's Syndrome,
      Pleural Effusion and Pericarditis.
AB  - We report a case of a 24-year-old female with a history of asthma and
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). She presented to the emergency room with
      severe chest pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath following an upper
      respiratory tract infection. The patient reported that she had a cough and runny
      nose one week prior to this presentation, followed by a sudden sharp pain in the
      center of the chest 8/10 in intensity on the visual analog scale and pleuritic in
      nature, which aggravated by deep breathing and lying down flat. It was relieved
      by sitting up straight and did not radiate to her left arm or jaw. Computed
      tomography (CT) scan of the chest, posteroanterior and lateral views, showed a
      mild left pleural effusion with adjacent left basilar atelectasis/infiltrate. CT
      angiography of the chest with axial contrast showed mild left pleural effusion as
      well as a small pericardial effusion with bilateral lower lobe interstitial
      infiltrates. There was no evidence of pulmonary embolism. Electrocardiogram (EKG)
      showed no apparent ST segment elevation or depression that would be consistent
      with pericarditis, or acute ischemia or infarct. There was non-specific T wave
      abnormality. The patient was prescribed prednisone on a tapering dose. On follow
      up visit, her condition significantly improved.

PMID- 28083451
TI  - IgG4-Related Hypophysitis: Case Report and Literature Review.
AB  - IgG4-related hypophysitis is a rare, inflammatory process of the pituitary that
      mimics more commonly seen pituitary tumors. We report a case of IgG4-related
      hypophysitis in a 16-year-old female with diabetes insipidus who was found to
      have IgG4-related hypophysitis based on tissue diagnosis. This entity has not
      been previously described in a pediatric patient. Recognition of certain
      inflammatory processes of the pituitary may lead to alternative means of
      diagnosis and medical management without a biopsy.

PMID- 28083452
TI  - A Non-invasive 24 Hours Stabilization of Duodenal Ulcer Perforation by a
      Combination Regimen.
AB  - Surgical repair of perforated gastroduodenal ulcer has been extensively practiced
      in emergency clinical situations. Non-invasive conservation treatment is
      regaining the attention towards management of such ulcers. We report the case of
      a 50-year-old male smoker who presented in the emergency unit with acute
      generalized abdominal pain and guarding in the epigastric and right upper
      quadrant region. He is a known regular user of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for more than 10 years for his osteoarthiritis and
      myalgias. A differential diagnosis of gastritis and duodenal perforation was made
      owing to the symptoms and long usage of NSAIDs. He was managed with an
      intravenous proton pump inhibitor and intravenous antibiotics. This therapy lead
      to stabilization of the clinical symptoms as well as laboratory and imaging
      studies.

PMID- 28083453
TI  - A Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Angiography Techniques for the Evaluation of
      Intracranial Aneurysms Treated With Stent-assisted Coil Embolization.
AB  - AIM: To identify the effective magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique to
      monitor intracranial aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Retrospective analysis of various MRA techniques was performed in 42
      patients. Three neuroradiologists independently compared non-contrast time of
      flight (ncTOF) MRA of the head, contrast-enhanced time of flight (cTOF) MRA of
      the head and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRA (CEMRA) of the head and neck or of the
      head. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was available for comparison in 32
      cases. Inter-rater agreement (kappa statistic) was assessed. RESULTS: Artifactual
      in-stent severe stenosis or flow gap was identified by ncTOF MRA in 23 of 42
      cases (55%) and by cTOF MRA in 23 of 38 cases (60%). DSA excluded in-stent
      stenosis or occlusion in all 32 cases. No difference was noted between ncTOF and
      cTOF in the demonstration of neck remnants or residual aneurysms in three cases
      each. CEMRA of the head and neck or of the head was rated superior to ncTOF and
      cTOF MRA by all three investigators in seven out of eight cases. In one case, all
      three techniques demonstrated signifcant artifacts due to double stent placement
      during coiling. The kappa statistic revealed 0.8 agreement between investigators.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the assessment of stent-assisted coiling of intracranial
      aneurysm, both ncTOF and cTOF MRA show similar results. CEMRA tends to show
      better flow signals in stent and residual aneurysm.

PMID- 28083454
TI  - Treatment of Angio-Seal(r) Vascular Closure Device-Induced Acute Femoral Artery
      Occlusion with SilverHawk(r) Directional Atherectomy.
AB  - Vascular closure devices provide a safe and cost-effective method to achieve
      rapid hemostasis and early ambulation after angiographic procedures. Rarely, they
      can result in arterial injury with resultant stenosis or acute arterial closure
      requiring open surgical intervention. We report an Angio-Seal(r) vascular closure
      device-induced acute arterial closure successfully treated percutaneously with
      the SilverHawk(r) plaque excision system. This report discusses the possible
      mechanisms of Angio-Seal(r) induced arterial occlusion and various percutaneous
      options for treatment.

PMID- 28083455
TI  - Multicenter Study of Pin Site Infections and Skin Complications Following Pinning
      of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow
      fractures in pediatric patients. Surgical fixation using pins is the primary
      treatment for displaced fractures. Pin site infections may follow supracondylar
      humerus fracture fixation; the previously reported incidence rate in the
      literature is 2.34%, but there is significant variability in reported incidence
      rates of pin site infection. This study aims to define the incidence rate and
      determine pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors that may contribute to pin site
      infection following operative reduction, pinning, and casting. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart analysis was performed over a one-year period on patients
      that developed pin site infection. A cast care form was added to Nemours'
      electronic medical records (EMR) system (Epic Systems Corp., Verona, WI) to
      identify pin site infections for retrospective review. The cast care form noted
      any inflamed or infected pins. Patients with inflamed or infected pin sites
      underwent a detailed chart review. Preoperative antibiotic use, number and size
      of pins used, method of postoperative immobilization, pin dressings, whether
      postoperative immobilization was changed prior to pin removal, and length of time
      pins were in place was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 369 patients underwent
      operative reduction, pinning, and casting. Three patients developed a pin site
      infection. The pin site infection incidence rate was 3/369=0.81%. Descriptive
      statistics were reported for the three patients that developed pin site
      infections and three patients that developed pin site complications. CONCLUSION:
      Pin site infection development is low. Factors that may contribute to the
      development of pin site infection include preoperative antibiotic use, length of
      time pins are left in, and changing the cast prior to pin removal.

PMID- 28083456
TI  - Myxedema Ascites: A Rare Presentation of Uncontrolled Hypothyroidism.
AB  - Less than four percent of patients with hypothyroidism develop ascites. Ascites
      as the presenting feature of hypothyroidism is uncommon, hence diagnosis is often
      delayed. Once it is diagnosed, treatment of hypothyroidism leads to quick
      clinical improvement in ascites. We report a case of a female patient who
      presented with ascites secondary to severe hypothyroidism and discuss the
      diagnostic characteristics of the ascitic fluid in myxedema ascites on the basis
      of literature review.

PMID- 28083457
TI  - Novel and Conservative Approaches Towards Effective Management of Plantar
      Fasciitis.
AB  - We assessed the effectiveness of the different treatments for plantar fasciitis
      (PF) based on the changes in functional outcomes. A systematic literature search
      was carried out and studies from 2010 to 2016 were included in this review. The
      databases from Google Scholar, PubMed and Cochrane were used for the various
      treatment modalities of plantar fasciitis. The objectives measured included
      visual analog scale (VAS), Roles and Maudsley scale, foot function index (FFI),
      plantar fascia thickness and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)
      ankle-hind foot scale as the tools to predict the improvement in symptoms of pain
      and discomfort. Eight randomized controlled trails that met the selection
      criteria were included in this review. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
      (ESWL) with botulinum toxin type A, corticosteroid injections, autologous whole
      blood and plasma treatment, novel treatments like cryopreserved human amniotic
      membrane, effect of placebo, platelet rich plasma injections and corticosteroid
      injections, physiotherapy and high strength training were analyzed. All the
      treatment modalities applied did lead to the reduction in pain scores, but for
      long term management autologous condition plasma and platelet rich plasma are the
      preferred treatment options. Impact of physiotherapy and high strength training
      is equivalent to corticosteroid injections and hence is suited for patients
      avoiding invasive forms of treatment.

PMID- 28083458
TI  - Bilateral Breast Irradiation Using Hybrid Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (h
      VMAT) Technique: A Planning Case Report.
AB  - The purpose of this planning case report is to share the perceived dosimetric
      benefits of innovative hybrid volumetric modulated arc therapy (h-VMAT) for
      bilateral breast cancer radiotherapy in two patients with synchronous bilateral
      breast cancer. Two patients with early bilateral breast cancer after breast
      conservation surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were planned for bilateral breast
      radiotherapy. On the planning computed tomography (CT) dataset, bilateral breast
      planning treatment volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OARs) were delineated using
      standard guidelines. Using the same structure set, volumetric modulated arc
      therapy (VMAT) and h-VMAT plans were generated and compared dosimetrically. The h
      VMAT showed comparable target coverage, conformity and homogeneity while sparing
      of both lungs and heart were better. The dose to heart was reduced with h-VMAT,
      with a V25Gy and V5Gy of 3.2 & 22.3% for h-VMAT versus 11.6 & 84.9% for the VMAT
      plan. Similarly, the dose to the total lung was better in h-VMAT with a V20Gy and
      V5Gy of 12.1 & 46.2 versus 19.9 & 83.3% for VMAT. Overall the results indicate a
      better sparing of lung and heart at low doses with h-VMAT. Long-term clinical
      follow-up will give us more insight about the dosimetric benefits of these
      innovative techniques.

PMID- 28083459
TI  - A Case of Koch's Spine Treated with Modified Transpedicular Vertebral Curettage
      and Posterior Fixation: A Novel Technique.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by acid-fast
      mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli. Spinal involvement occurs in less than one
      percent of TB. Spinal TB (Pott's disease) accounts for 50% of skeletal TB. Though
      it most commonly affects the thoracolumbar junction, it can occur at any level of
      the spine. Early diagnosis and treatment is mandatory in order to avoid
      neurological complications and spinal deformity. We report a case of a young
      female with tuberculosis of D12-L1 who was treated with posterior decompression
      using a modified transpedicular approach and posterior instrumentation with a
      successful outcome.

PMID- 28083460
TI  - First Reported Case of 'Epidermal Nevus Syndrome' with a Triad of Central Nervous
      System Deformities.
AB  - Epidermal nevus syndrome (ENS) is a term used to describe the occurrence of an
      epidermal nevus in association with other extra-cutaneous developmental
      anomalies, most commonly involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. The
      nevus is classified on the basis of the main component which may be
      keratinocytic, sebaceous, follicular, apocrine, or eccrine. Most patients who
      present with ENS is at the time of birth, though some become apparent later in
      life. This case describes a young female who presented with seizures and
      cognitive impairment along with a linear epidermal nevus on the midline of her
      face. The presence of the nevus prompted brain imaging which showed cortical
      dysplasia, multiple hamartomas in the temporal lobe, thalamus, and
      periventricular regions along with cerebellar atrophy and Dandy-Walker variant.
      To our knowledge, this is the first case in which three different types of brain
      lesions were found in the same patient.

PMID- 28083461
TI  - Instillation Therapy for the Treatment of Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Case Study.
AB  - A 57-year-old obese female with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus type I presented
      to the emergency department (ED) with the main complaint of worsening pain and
      redness in her right groin and inguinal regions. In the ED, a CT scan confirmed
      the likely presence of necrotizing fasciitis in the right groin and thigh. She
      was also found to be febrile and septic on admission. She was urgently taken to
      the OR for extensive debridement then admitted to the ICU for medical
      stabilization. She was subsequently taken back for serial debridements, and a
      negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi-d) Veraflo device was
      placed once the wound was successfully debrided down to viable tissue. This is a
      case study on the wound progression of this patient.

PMID- 28083462
TI  - Hydration Status as a Predictor of High-altitude Mountaineering Performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydration status is a controversial determinant of athletic
      performance. This relationship has not been examined with mountaineering
      performance. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of mountaineers
      who attempted to climb Denali in Alaska. Participants' urine specific gravity
      (SG), and ultrasound measurements of the inferior vena cava size and
      collapsibility index (IVC-CI) were measured at rest prior to ascent. Upon
      descent, climbers reported maximum elevation gained for determination of summit
      success. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one participants enrolled in the study. Data
      were collected on 111 participants (92% response rate); of those, 105 (87%) had
      complete hydration data. Fifty-seven percent of study participants were found to
      be dehydrated by IVC-CI on ultrasound, and 55% by urine SG. No significant
      association was found with summit success and quantitative measurements of
      hydration: IVC-CI (50.4% +/- 15.6 vs. 52.9% +/- 15.4, p = 0.91), IVC size (0.96
      cm +/- 0.3 vs. 0.99 cm +/- 0.3, p = 0.81), and average SG (1.02 +/- 0.008 vs.
      1.02 +/- 0.008, p = 0.87). Categorical measurements of urine SG found 24% more
      successful summiters were hydrated at 14 Camp, but this was not found to be
      statistically significant (p = 0.56). Summit success was associated with greater
      water-carrying capacity on univariate analysis only: 2.3 L, 95% confidence
      interval (2.1 - 2.5) vs. 2.1 L, 95% confidence interval (2 - 2.2); p < 0.01.
      CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular dehydration was found in approximately half of
      technical high-altitude mountaineers. Hydration status was not significantly
      associated with summit success, but increased water-carrying capacity may be an
      easy and inexpensive educational intervention to improve performance.

PMID- 28083463
TI  - Magnetic Resonance-Guided Laser-Induced Thermal Therapy for Recurrent Brain
      Metastases in the Motor Strip After Stereotactic Radiosurgery.
AB  - The authors report a challenging case of a brain metastasis located in the motor
      cortex, which was not responsive to radiosurgery. Use of a novel technique,
      magnetic resonance-guided laser-induced thermotherapy (MRgLITT), resulted in the
      complete obliteration of the lesion without adverse effects or evidence of tumor
      recurrence at follow-up. This case illustrates that MRgLITT may provide a viable
      alternative for patients with brain metastases refractory to radiosurgery or in
      deep locations, where both stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and surgical resection
      may be ineffective.

PMID- 28083464
TI  - The Use of NPWT-i Technology in Complex Surgical Wounds.
AB  - Advanced wound management of complex surgical wounds remains a significant
      challenge as more patients are being hospitalized with infected wounds. Reducing
      recurrent infections and promoting granulation tissue formation is essential to
      overall wound healing. Wounds with acute infection and critical colonization
      require advanced multimodal approaches including systemic antibiotics, surgical
      debridement, and primary wound care. The goal in surgical wound management is to
      optimize clinical outcomes such as time to wound closure and functional recovery.
      A review of current literature suggests that negative pressure wound therapy with
      instillation (NPWT-i) is a viable adjunct therapy in the management of infected
      wounds especially in patients with medical comorbidities. The aim of this case
      series is to highlight the ability of NPWT-i as adjunct to prepare the wound bed
      for closure on infected surgical wounds that would normally require multiple
      operations to obtain source control.

PMID- 28083465
TI  - Emergence Delirium With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Military Veterans.
AB  - The clinical characteristics of emergence delirium (ED) associated with post
      traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military veterans encompass transient
      agitation, restlessness, disorientation, and violent verbal and physical
      behaviors due to re-experiencing of PTSD-related incidents. Two cases of ED after
      general anesthesia associated with PTSD are presented. Different anesthesia
      methods were applied for the two cases. A traditional medical approach appeared
      not to prevent the incidence of ED. In the second case, dexmedetomidine infusion
      along with verbal coaching was effective in preventing ED for a veteran known to
      have "wild wake-ups" with prior anesthetics. Further clinical studies in
      effectively utilizing dexmedetomidine in this population with PTSD at high risk
      for ED are warranted.

PMID- 28083466
TI  - Evaluation of an Ecologically Valid Group Intervention to Address Sleep Health in
      Families of Children With Allergic Diseases.
AB  - Sleep issues in children with allergic diseases may be a result of illness
      related factors (e.g., itching, wheezing) and/or poor sleep habits due to
      disrupted routines and parental permissiveness. However, the ability of parents
      to attend a multi-session sleep intervention may be limited. Thus we examined the
      validity of a one-time sleep health group intervention for parents of children
      with allergic diseases. Ninety-three parents of children who were admitted to a
      two-week intensive day hospital treatment program completed measures of child
      sleep habits (Children's Report of Sleep Patterns), parent sleep habits (Sleep
      Hygiene Inventory), parent sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and
      parental insomnia symptoms (Insomnia Severity Index) before the group
      intervention and one-month after program discharge; 54 parents attended the sleep
      health group. Sleep habits and sleep quality improved for both parents and
      children at the one-month follow-up. However, improvements were seen regardless
      of group attendance. Potential reasons for the lack of difference between those
      who did and did not participate in group are presented, and implications of this
      study for pediatric psychologist in practice are discussed.

PMID- 28083467
TI  - Diagnosis and Management of Congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss.
AB  - Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder in the USA. The diagnosis of
      congenital hearing loss starts with newborn hearing screening, which is best
      performed with auditory brainstem evoked responses in order to avoid the risk of
      missing auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. A careful history and physical
      exam can occasionally help reveal the etiology for congenital hearing loss.
      Imaging studies, either CT temporal bones or MRI of the internal auditory canals
      without gadolinium, and genetic testing, in particular for connexin 26, connexin
      30, and Pendred syndrome, are the most useful diagnostic tests. Management of
      congenital hearing loss involves early fitting of amplification. Early cochlear
      implantation, preferably before 2 years of age, should be strongly considered for
      children with bilateral severe hearing loss.

PMID- 28083468
TI  - Increased body weight affects academic performance in university students.
AB  - For K-12 students, obesity has been linked to student educational achievements.
      The study objective was to determine whether academic performance in university
      students is correlated with BMI. Students from two consecutive academic years
      (Jan-May 2013 and Jan-May 2014) were given an optional class survey in May, as
      extra credit. Of the 452 students that completed the survey, 204 females and 75
      males (N = 279; 73% female and 27% male) consented to participate in the study.
      The number of correct answers to problem-solving questions (PSQs) and the overall
      final grade for the class were compared to the calculated BMI using linear
      regression with a Pearson's R correlation and unpaired t-tests. BMI was
      significantly negatively correlated with student's final grades (P = 0.001
      Pearson's r = - 0.190) and PSQs were positively correlated with final grades (P <
      0.001; Pearson's r = 0.357). Our findings show a correlation between healthy body
      weight and improved academic performance. Further, the data suggest that future
      research in the area of body weight, diet, and exercise and any correlations of
      these with academic performance in college students are warranted.

PMID- 28083469
TI  - Leisure-time, occupational, household physical activity and insulin resistance
      (HOMAIR) in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) national study of adults.
AB  - Physical activity is a critical cornerstone of successful diabetes prevention and
      management. Current U.S. physical activity guidelines do not differentiate among
      physical activity for leisure, work, or other purposes, effectively implying that
      physical activity in any domain confers the same health benefits. It is currently
      unknown whether physical activity performed in different domains (leisure-time
      physical activity = LTPA, occupational physical activity = OPA, and household
      physical activity = HPA) is associated with insulin resistance. The associations
      between LTPA, OPA, HPA, and insulin resistance (indexed by homeostatic model
      assessment of insulin resistance = HOMAIR) were determined in the MIDUS (Midlife
      in the U.S.; 1995-2006) national study (N = 1229, ages 34-84). Not meeting
      physical activity guidelines with LTPA was associated with a 34% higher HOMAIR
      among participants with diabetes, 42% higher HOMAIR among participants with
      prediabetes, and 17% higher HOMAIR among participants with normal
      glucoregulation. These associations were slightly attenuated but remained
      significant after further adjusting for obesity status, education, smoking, and
      alcohol intake. There was no evidence that engaging in OPA or HPA was
      significantly associated with HOMAIR. These results confirm the health-promoting
      role of LTPA and suggest that LTPA may provide unique glucoregulatory benefits,
      as opposed to HPA and OPA. Physical activity domain is an important dimension
      that potentially belongs in the guidelines, similarly to intensity, frequency,
      duration, and type.

PMID- 28083470
TI  - Analysis of the Surface, Secreted, and Intracellular Proteome of
      Propionibacterium acnes.
AB  - Propionibacterium acnes , plays an important role in acne vulgaris and other
      diseases. However, understanding of the exact mechanisms of P. acnes pathogenesis
      is limited. Few studies have investigated its proteome, which is essential for
      vaccine development. Here, we comprehensively investigate the proteome of P.
      acnes strain ATCC 6919, including secreted, cell wall, membrane, and cytosolic
      fractions in three types of growth media. A total of 531 proteins were quantified
      using an Orbitrap mass spectrometer and bioinformatically categorized for
      localization and function. Several, including PPA1939, a highly expressed surface
      and secreted protein, were identified as potential vaccine candidates.

PMID- 28083471
TI  - Communicating Fistula Between Colocutan and Nephrocutan With Renal Stones and
      Renal Replacement Lipomatosis. A Case Report.
AB  - Colocutaneous fistula with nephrocutaneous fistula is a rare condition. Renal
      replacement lipomatosis is the result of the atrophy and destruction of renal
      parenchyma. We report a 60-year-old male with intermittent drainage mucus and
      fluid from ulcer of his right lumbar region. Renal ultrasound and plain abdominal
      X-ray revealed a chronic parenchymal disease with stone of the right kidney.
      Fistulography showed a fistula tract connecting the skin and the right
      pelvicalyceal system and the colon. Computerized tomography demonstrated a renal
      calculus with a massive fatty proliferation. The patient was planned for right
      nephrectomy and excision of the sinus tract.

PMID- 28083472
TI  - Renal Pseudoaneurysm Mimicking Local Cancer Recurrence After Partial Nephrectomy.
AB  - The development of an iatrogenic vascular lesion, such a renal pseudoaneurysm or
      arteriovenous fistula, is a rare complication of partial nephrectomy. These
      lesions should be considered in patients presenting with an enhancing mass in the
      resection bed shortly following partial nephrectomy. Early timing following
      surgery, large relative size, and the presence of recurrent hematuria suggest the
      diagnosis of an iatrogenic vascular lesion. Duplex ultrasound is a useful non
      invasive imaging modality for differentiating these lesions from a local tumor
      recurrence.

PMID- 28083473
TI  - Tuberculous Granuloma in the Scrotal Skin After Intravesical Bacillus Calmette
      Guerin Therapy for Bladder Cancer: A Case Report.
AB  - Rare cases of tuberculous urinary tract or genital infection caused by
      intravesical Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) instillation therapy
      have been reported. We encountered a patient with tuberculous granuloma in the
      scrotal skin after intravesical BCG therapy for bladder cancer. There was
      evidence of infection in the scrotal skin, but not in the epididymis. To the best
      of our knowledge, this is the first report of tuberculous granuloma in the
      scrotal skin without epididymitis after intravesical BCG therapy. In our case,
      lower urinary tract symptoms such as the terminal dribbling of urine appear to
      support the theory of direct BCG inoculation.

PMID- 28083474
TI  - Metastatic Prostate Cancer Diagnosed by Bone Marrow Aspiration in an Elderly Man
      Not Undergoing PSA Screening.
AB  - Prostate cancer screening by PSA testing remains controversial, particularly in
      the elderly. Practice guidelines from most clinical societies suggest
      discontinuing PSA screening at age 70 while the USPSTF recommends against
      screening at any age. Recent reports have demonstrated an increased incidence of
      metastatic prostate cancer, with men aged 75 or older accounting for roughly half
      of those newly diagnosed at an incurable stage. We herein describe the case of an
      elderly gentleman with no history of prostate cancer screening who presented with
      anorexia and back pain of unclear etiology. Evaluation with bone marrow
      aspiration revealed a diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer.

PMID- 28083475
TI  - Urinary Retention as the Only Symptom of Retained Surgical Sponge (Gossypiboma),
      29 Years After Cesarean Procedure.
AB  - A 68 year old lady presented to urology department suffering from acute urinary
      retention. The U/S revealed hydronephrosis in left kidney and a mass at the left
      side of the small pelvis which pushed forward the uterus and the bladder. The CT
      scan confirmed a mixed (solid and cystic) mass, with diameter of 12 cm with
      interpretation of the left ovary. The patient underwent laparotomy and the mass
      was excised after a difficult dissection due to severe adhesion with the bowel.
      The well-capsulated mass was a retained surgical sponge. The patient had
      undergone cesarean procedure 29 years ago.

PMID- 28083476
TI  - Efficacy of Everolimus for Treating Renal Angiomyolipoma with Inferior Vena Cava
      Thrombus Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis: A Case Report.
AB  - Here we report a case of 57-year-old woman with renal angiomyolipoma associated
      with tuberous sclerosis complex involving inferior vena cava thrombus. We could
      perform less invasive nephrectomy with thrombectomy because everolimus
      administration reduced the inferior vena cava thrombus. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first report the use of everolimus before performing
      surgery to treat renal angiomyolipoma with inferior vena cava thrombus.

PMID- 28083477
TI  - Clinical Treatment of Penile Fibrosis After Penoscrotal Lymphedema.
AB  - Genital lymphedema in men can affect the penis and/or scrotum, causing deformity
      and causing sexual limitations, social isolation, poor quality of life and
      recurrent subcutaneous infections due to difficulties in hygiene. There are few
      studies in the literature emphasizing the treatment of penile fibrosis after
      penoscrotal lymphedema. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of
      penile fibrosis treated using a new compression method.

PMID- 28083478
TI  - Transitional Bladder Cell Carcinoma Spreading to the Skin.
AB  - Cutaneous metastases from bladder malignancies are rare. We report the case of a
      74 year old man who underwent cysto-prostatectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for a
      pT3b N+ bladder transitional cell carcinoma. Four months later, he presented with
      skin disseminated pigmented lesions. Skin biopsy confirmed cutaneous metastasis
      from urothelial carcinoma.

PMID- 28083479
TI  - Successful Preservation of the Bladder in a Case of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic
      Tumor with the Diagnostic Efficacy of ALK/p80 Immunohistochemistry and FISH
      Analysis: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare benign entity of unclear etiology.
      It can present with histological features that include a mixture of spindle
      cells, myofibroblasts and inflammatory cells. Positive immunohistochemical
      staining for ALK/p80 is often observed, and this marker has been considered
      diagnostically effective. Despite having these histological features, a previous
      case was incorrectly diagnosed as malignant disease and was treated with
      extensive surgical resection. Here we present a case of inflammatory
      myofibroblastic tumor in the bladder, diagnosed in part based on
      immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of ALK/p80.
      The patient was successfully treated with bladder-preserving partial cystectomy.

PMID- 28083480
TI  - Urinary Tract Infection Caused by Citrobacter koseri in a Patient With Spina
      Bifida, an Ileal Conduit and Renal Caluli Progressing to Peri-nephric Abscess and
      Empyema.
AB  - Urological problems are common in spina bifida and are often treated with urinary
      diversions. Spina bifida and ileal conduits put patients at increased risk for
      ascending urinary tract infections. Here we present a novel case of a Citrobacter
      koseri urinary tract infection complicated by a perinephric abscess with pleural
      extension. To our knowledge, no case of an ascending C. koseri UTI progressing to
      peri-nephric abscess and empyema by direct extension exists in the literature.

PMID- 28083481
TI  - Robot-assisted Partial Cystectomy for Treatment of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic
      Tumor of the Bladder.
AB  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors rarely occur in the urinary bladder. These
      masses follow an indolent course, but due to their histologic similarities to
      more malignant types of bladder masses, they must be differentiated with
      immunohistochemical staining. Once diagnosed, the mainstay of treatment for these
      masses is surgical resection. Due to advancements in robotic surgery, new
      surgical techniques can be employed to treat these masses with fewer
      perioperative complications. We report a case of inflammatory myofibroblastic
      tumor of the urinary bladder in a 29-year-old male treated with robot-assisted
      partial cystectomy.

PMID- 28083482
TI  - Novel Management of Anastomotic Disruption and Persistent Hematuria Following
      Robotic Prostatectomy: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Vesicourethral anastomosis leaks are not uncommon following radical
      prostatectomy. We present a case of a 59-year-old male who presented to our ED
      with hematuria, abdominal pain, and clot retention 17 days after a robotic
      assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. A 50% vesicourethral disruption was
      ultimately managed endoscopically and with hemostatic agents. At 9-month follow
      up he is fully continent with normal erectile function. Vesicourethral leaks can
      typically be managed conservatively with gentle traction and prolonged
      catheterization. Persistent hematuria can complicate management, and hemostatic
      agents may allow for completely endoscopic management with minimal morbidity as
      seen in this case.

PMID- 28083483
TI  - Paratesticular Leiomyosarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Paratesticular sarcomas are rare. Most cases reported in the literature are
      depending on retrospective analysis of case reports, small series, literature
      reviews, and expert opinion and they show different outcomes depending on several
      variables. The majority indicate that this may be an indolent tumor with a
      potential for cure if treated early. We present a case of a 58 year old man with
      a history of painless enlargement of the right testis. The ultrasound showed an
      extratesticular lesion and a right excisional of the mass was performed. The
      pathological examination revealed a leiomyosarcoma, and was then completed with a
      right radical inguinal orchiectomy. A review of the literature regarding
      paratesticular sarcomas presentation, diagnosis and treatment is presented in
      this article.

PMID- 28083484
TI  - Metastatic Melanoma to the Bladder: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - A 49-year-old Caucasian woman presented to the dermatology clinic for follow-up
      of malignant melanoma with a complaint of painless gross hematuria. Two years
      prior she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma from a skin lesion on her left
      flank treated with wide excision, negative axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy,
      and adjuvant radiotherapy. Subsequently, she had no evidence of disease until
      urologic evaluation of her hematuria revealed two lesions in her bladder and
      cytopathology demonstrated findings consistent with malignant melanoma. We review
      literature on melanoma metastatic to the bladder and discuss the potential role
      of metastasectomy and other treatment strategies in such rare cases.

PMID- 28083485
TI  - Chronic Colovesical Fistula Leading to Chronic Urinary Tract Infection Resulting
      in End-Stage Renal Disease in a Chronic Granulomatous Disease Patient.
AB  - A 46-year old man with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) being
      followed at the National Institute of Health with uncontrolled CGD colitis who
      developed chronic colovesical fistula, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
      Despite aggressive medical management of symptoms with immunomodulators and
      antibiotic prophylaxis, the chronic colovesical fistula led to chronic
      pyelonephritis, recurrent urinary tract infections, persistent air in the
      collecting system and bladder, and post-renal obstruction resulting in renal
      failure. Patient is now hemodialysis dependent and required diverting loop
      ileostomy placement. This report highlights multiple potential etiologies of
      rising serum creatinine in patients with CGD.

PMID- 28083486
TI  - Metastatic Mucinous Adenocarcinoma and Carcinoid Tumor Arising From a Mature
      Cystic Teratoma of a Horseshoe Kidney.
AB  - Concurrent primary carcinoid tumor and primary mucinous adenocarcinoma arising
      within a mature cystic teratoma of a horseshoe kidney is a rare event and has
      been reported once in the literature. We present the first case where this tumor
      subtype has metastasized to lymph nodes. Treatment included open partial
      nephrectomy, lymph node dissection, and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide
      and capecitabine. Due to the rare combination of tumor histologies, it is
      unlikely that this cohort will ever be able to be adequately studied to determine
      a standard of care. Thus extrapolation of treatment methods of similar tumors
      will continue to guide treatment.

PMID- 28083487
TI  - JNS Turns Five; Toddler No More.

PMID- 28083488
TI  - Atropine: A Cure for Persistent Post Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy Emesis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atropine has been used as a successful primary medical treatment for
      hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Several authors have reported a higher rate of
      incomplete pyloromyotomy with the laparoscopic approach compared to open. In this
      study, we evaluated the use of atropine as a medical treatment for infants with
      emesis persisting greater than 48 hours after a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of infants
      receiving a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy between November 1998 and November 2012.
      Infants with emesis that persisted beyond 48 hours postoperatively were given
      0.01mg/kg of oral atropine 10 minutes prior to feeding. Infants remained
      inpatient until they tolerated two consecutive feedings without emesis. RESULTS:
      965 patients underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy; 816 (84.6%) male and 149
      (15.4%) female. Twenty-four (2.5%) received oral atropine. The mean length of
      stay for patients who received atropine was 5.6 +/- 2.6 days, an average of 3
      additional days. They were discharged home with a one-month supply of oral
      atropine. Follow up evaluation did not reveal any complications from receiving
      atropine. The median follow up was 21 days. None returned to the operating room
      for incomplete pyloromyotomy. There were 17 (1.8%) operative complications in our
      series; 9 mucosal perforations, 2 duodenal perforations, and 6 conversions to
      open for equipment failure or poor exposure. There were 4 (0.4%) post-operative
      complications: 2 episodes of apnea requiring reintubation and 2 incisional
      hernias that required a second operation. There were no deaths. CONCLUSION: Oral
      atropine is a viable treatment for persistent emesis after a pyloromyotomy and
      reduces the need for a second operation due to incomplete pyloromyotomy.

PMID- 28083489
TI  - Management of Complex Ovarian Cysts in Newborns - Our Experience.
AB  - AIMS: To analyse the clinical presentation, clinicopathological correlation and
      management of complex ovarian cysts in newborn and infants. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Over a period of 6 years (2009-2015), 25 newborns who were diagnosed to
      have ovarian cyst on antenatal ultrasound, were followed up. We collected data in
      the form of clinical features, radiological findings, pathology and mode of
      treatment. RESULTS: Of the 25 fetuses who were diagnosed to have ovarian cysts,
      fourteen (56%) underwent spontaneous regression by 6-8 months. Eight were
      operated in newborn period while 3 were operated in early infancy. Seven had
      ovarian cyst on right side, 4 had on left side. Eight babies underwent
      laparoscopy while 3 underwent laparotomy. Histopathology showed varied features
      of hemorrhagic cyst with necrosis and calcification, serous cystadenoma with
      hemorrhage, benign serous cyst with hemorrhage and simple serous cyst. Post
      operative recovery was uneventful in all. CONCLUSION: All the ovarian cysts
      detected antenatally in female fetuses need close follow-up after birth. Since
      spontaneous regression is known, only complex or larger cysts need surgical
      intervention, preferably by laparoscopy. Majority of the complex cysts show
      atrophic ovarian tissue hence end up in oophorectomy but simple cysts can be
      removed preserving normal ovarian tissue whenever possible.

PMID- 28083490
TI  - Ileostomy Complications in Infants less than 1500 grams - Frequent but
      Manageable.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In very low birth weight infants abdominal emergency surgery may
      result in ileostomy formation. We observed a frequent stoma complications in
      these patients. This retrospective analysis put light on ileostomy-related
      problems and complications in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In a seven-year retrospective chart review (2008 - 2014) infants with
      ileostomy formation weighing less than 1500 grams at time of operation were
      identified and reviewed. Data analysis included demographic data, complications
      and short term outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included. Ileostomy was
      formed for spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) (n=17), meconium obstruction
      of prematurity (MOP) (n=6), midgut volvulus (MV) (n=5), necrotizing enterocolitis
      (NEC) (n=1) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) (n=1). Three patients died before
      ileostomy reversal was considered. In seven patients planned ileostomy reversal
      was done. Twenty infants had stoma related complications (stoma prolapse,
      prestomal obstruction, stoma retraction, high output stoma, peristomal skin
      excoriation, and stomal ischemia). Complications did not correlate with
      underlying diseases. Stomal complications necessitated earlier stoma reversal
      (mean 62 days). Postoperative complications after stoma reversal occurred in
      three children (wound dehiscence, adhesion ileus, anastomotic stricture).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although ileostomy related complications are frequent in very low
      birth weight infants, mortality is low. Morbidity is manageable.

PMID- 28083491
TI  - Gastrointestinal Duplication Presenting as Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction: An
      Experience of 15 Years at Tertiary Care Centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) duplications are one of the rare
      congenital anomalies and can occur in any portion of the gastrointestinal tract
      but are more commonly encountered in small intestine. The duplication cysts cause
      symptoms like abdominal mass and intestinal obstruction requiring surgery or may
      remain asymptomatic. We are reporting our 15 years' experience duplication cysts
      presenting in neonates. METHODS: It is a retrospective study undertaken in the
      department of pediatric surgery between 2001 and 2015 for GIT duplications in
      neonates. Patients were analyzed for their antenatal diagnosis, age, sex,
      clinical diagnosis, investigatory approach, operative management and surgical
      outcomes. RESULTS: Total number of neonates, diagnosed with gastrointestinal
      duplication in the last 15 years, was 17. Male to female ratio was 3.3:1. The
      most common location was found to be the ileum occurring in 71% of cases. Apart
      from ileum, 2 cases of duodenal and 1 case each of gastric, colonic and cecal
      duplication cyst were encountered. Majority cases presented with sub-acute
      intestinal obstruction and were managed successfully by resection and end to end
      anastomosis. Associated gut atresia was found in 4 cases while 1 case was found
      to be associated with perforation of gut. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal tract
      duplications often present with typical symptoms of gastrointestinal tract
      obstruction. Early diagnosis and management is required to prevent postoperative
      morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 28083492
TI  - Abdominal Plain Radiograph in Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction.
AB  - A comprehensive all-inclusive resource on plain radiograph in neonatal intestinal
      obstruction is presented. This is an attempt to develop a protocol and to regain
      expertise in evaluating a plain radiograph that most often yields more than
      enough clues to diagnose and to decide a plan of action.

PMID- 28083493
TI  - Is there a Place for Prebiotics in the Management of Neonatal Inguinal Hernia? A
      Preliminary Study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the place of prebiotics in the
      management of neonatal inguinal hernia. Boys with a diagnosis of unilateral non
      complicated inguinal hernia, aged less than 40 days, were prospectively followed
      from January 2012 to December 2014. Clinical and psychiatric data and outcomes
      were collected before and after prebiotics (Primalac AC) administration. Ninety
      eight patients were included. There were 75 inguinal hernias and 23 inguino
      scrotal hernias. Before prebiotics administration 72.2% of infants had abdominal
      distention and 98% had colic. After prebiotics, abdominal distention and colic
      regressed in 85.2% and 73.2% of patients, respectively. Hernias disappeared
      clinically in 66.3% of cases. The factors associated with the disappearance of
      hernias were the type of the hernia (p<0.001), colic (p<0.001), and abdominal
      distention (p<0.001). Prebiotics would be a new adjunct in the management of
      neonatal inguinal hernia. They decrease colic and abdominal distention, which
      seems helpful to prevent strangulation and probably get spontaneous resolution of
      small hernias.

PMID- 28083494
TI  - Newborn with Gastroschisis associated with Limb Anomalies.
AB  - Gastroschisis is often found together with other extra intestinal conditions such
      as limb, spine, cardiac, central nervous system and genitourinary abnormalities.
      There are reports of its association with young maternal age. The cases presented
      here highlight the association of gastroschisis with limbs anomalies and young
      maternal age.

PMID- 28083495
TI  - New Variant of Esophageal Atresia.
AB  - Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) associated with distal
      congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a well-known entity. We encountered three
      patients of EA/TEF associated with long and unusual CES.

PMID- 28083496
TI  - Neonatal Sleeve Gastrectomy for Multiple Gastric Perforations: A Case Report.
AB  - Neonatal gastric perforation (NGP) may be spontaneous, secondary to necrotizing
      enterocolitis (NEC), or due to distal obstruction. A 27-week old premature male
      newborn presented with pneumoperitoneum. A single perforation of stomach was
      found at surgery. Primary repair and gastrostomy were performed. On fifth
      postoperative day, pneumoperitoneum was again detected. At reoperation, multiple
      gastric perforations of the greater curvature were found. Sleeve gastrectomy was
      performed. The patient responded well to the treatment.

PMID- 28083497
TI  - Priapism in the Newborn: Shall We Intervene?
AB  - Idiopathic neonatal priapism is rarely published. We report the case of a newborn
      presenting with priapism on the first day of life and reviewed the published data
      on the management and the follow up of this condition.

PMID- 28083498
TI  - Congenital Syngnathia; Turmoils and Tragedy.
AB  - Congenital syngnathia is an extremely rare condition with no standardized
      treatment. We hereby report a case highlighting the difficulties faced in its
      management and the postoperative complications.

PMID- 28083499
TI  - Intussusception in Premature Baby: Unusual Cause of Bowel Obstruction and
      Perforation.
AB  - Intussusception in a premature baby is a rare condition. We report a male preterm
      infant, who developed abdominal distension and abdominal wall erythema. He was
      operated with suspicion of NEC but an ileo-ileal intussusception and intestinal
      perforation were encountered at operation.

PMID- 28083500
TI  - Ineffective Ventilation in A Neonate with A Large Pre-Carinal Tracheoesophageal
      Fistula and Bilateral Pneumonitis-Microcuff Endotracheal Tube to Our Rescue!
AB  - Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is one of the most common congenital anomaly
      requiring surgical correction in neonatal period. The important goal of airway
      management is to avoid excessive gastric distension and ensure adequate
      ventilation prior to surgical ligation of the fistula. If a large fistula is
      present close to carina, excessive loss of delivered tidal volume may lead to
      ineffective ventilation. In addition, gastric distension elevates diaphragm and
      diminishes the lung compliance. If lung compliance is already impaired due to pre
      existing lung pathology, situation becomes much more demanding. We report the
      successful airway management of a patient with large precarinal fistula and
      bilateral pneumonitis using the novel Microcuff tube. The unique design of
      microcuff makes it suitable to be used for this purpose. To the best of our
      knowledge, the use of microcuff ETT for perioperative airway management in case
      of a large precarinal fistula in a neonate with respiratory pathology has not
      been reported in the past.

PMID- 28083501
TI  - Congenital Giant Dysplastic Kidney Presenting as Respiratory Distress: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is the most common form of renal cystic
      disease in children and is one of the most common causes of abdominal mass in
      infancy. Here in we are reporting a rare case of a large MCKD that caused
      respiratory compromise and the infant presented with respiratory distress.

PMID- 28083502
TI  - Chylous Ascites in a Newborn with Gastroschisis. Case Report.
AB  - Chylous ascites is a rare disease, only two cases associated with gastroschisis
      have been published. We report a case treated conservatively with total
      parenteral nutrition (TPN) and octreotide. We reviewed the literature about
      management options for the chylous ascites.

PMID- 28083503
TI  - Mesenteric Cyst in Association with Type-II Jejunoileal Atresia.
AB  - A rare case of type-II jejunoileal atresia with mesenteric cyst in a neonate is
      being reported here with a brief review of literature.

PMID- 28083504
TI  - In-Utero Limb Amputation.

PMID- 28083505
TI  - Gollop-Wolfgang Complex.

PMID- 28083506
TI  - Riga Fede Disease.

PMID- 28083507
TI  - Giant Macrocystic Lymphatic Malformation in a Neonate.

PMID- 28083508
TI  - Giant Choledochal Cyst in A Neonate.

PMID- 28083509
TI  - A Rare Case of Split Notochord Syndrome.

PMID- 28083510
TI  - Malpositioned Central Line in A Neonate Presenting as Superficial Abdominal
      Abscess.

PMID- 28083511
TI  - A Retrospective Cohort Study of Total Colonic Aganglionosis: Is the Appendix a
      Reliable Diagnostic Tool?

PMID- 28083512
TI  - Targeting Phospholipid Metabolism in Cancer.
AB  - All cancers tested so far display abnormal choline and ethanolamine phospholipid
      metabolism, which has been detected with numerous magnetic resonance spectroscopy
      (MRS) approaches in cells, animal models of cancer, as well as the tumors of
      cancer patients. Since the discovery of this metabolic hallmark of cancer, many
      studies have been performed to elucidate the molecular origins of deregulated
      choline metabolism, to identify targets for cancer treatment, and to develop MRS
      approaches that detect choline and ethanolamine compounds for clinical use in
      diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Several enzymes in choline, and recently also
      ethanolamine, phospholipid metabolism have been identified, and their evaluation
      has shown that they are involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Several
      already established enzymes as well as a number of emerging enzymes in
      phospholipid metabolism can be used as treatment targets for anticancer therapy,
      either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic approaches. This
      review summarizes the current knowledge of established and relatively novel
      targets in phospholipid metabolism of cancer, covering choline kinase alpha,
      phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D1, phosphatidylcholine-specific
      phospholipase C, sphingomyelinases, choline transporters,
      glycerophosphodiesterases, phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, and
      ethanolamine kinase. These enzymes are discussed in terms of their roles in
      oncogenic transformation, tumor progression, and crucial cancer cell properties
      such as fast proliferation, migration, and invasion. Their potential as treatment
      targets are evaluated based on the current literature.

PMID- 28083514
TI  - Reduced Innate Immune Response to a Staphylococcus aureus Small Colony Variant
      Compared to Its Wild-Type Parent Strain.
AB  - Background:Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) small colony variants (SCVs) can
      survive within the host intracellular milieu and are associated with chronic
      relapsing infections. However, it is unknown whether host invasion rates and
      immune responses differ between SCVs and their wild-type counterparts. This study
      used a stable S. aureus SCV (WCH-SK2SCV) developed from a clinical isolate (WCH
      SK2WT) in inflammation-relevant conditions. Intracellular infection rates as well
      as host immune responses to WCH-SK2WT and WCH-SK2SCV infections were
      investigated. Method: NuLi-1 cells were infected with either WCH-SK2WT or WCH
      SK2SCV, and the intracellular infection rate was determined over time. mRNA
      expression of cells infected with each strain intra- and extra-cellularly was
      analyzed using a microfluidic qPCR array to generate an expression profile of
      thirty-nine genes involved in the host immune response. Results: No difference
      was found in the intracellular infection rate between WCH-SK2WT and WCH-SK2SCV.
      Whereas, extracellular infection induced a robust pro-inflammatory response,
      intracellular infection elicited a modest response. Intracellular WCH-SK2WT
      infection induced mRNA expression of TLR2, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL6,
      and IL12) and tissue remodeling factors (MMP9). In contrast, intracellular WCH
      SK2SCV infection induced up regulation of only TLR2. Conclusions: Whereas, host
      intracellular infection rates of WCH-SK2SCV and WCH-SK2WT were similar, WCH
      SK2SCV intracellular infection induced a less widespread up regulation of pro
      inflammatory and tissue remodeling factors in comparison to intracellular WCH
      SK2WT infection. These findings support the current view that SCVs are able to
      evade host immune detection to allow their own survival.

PMID- 28083513
TI  - Dissecting the Biology of Menstrual Cycle-Associated Breast Cancer Risk.
AB  - Fluctuations in circulating estrogen and progesterone across the menstrual cycle
      lead to increased breast cancer susceptibility in women; however, the biological
      basis for this increased risk is not well understood. Estrogen and progesterone
      have important roles in normal mammary gland development, where they direct
      dynamic interactions among the hormonally regulated mammary epithelial, stromal,
      and immune cell compartments. The continuous fluctuations of estrogen and
      progesterone over a woman's reproductive lifetime affect the turnover of mammary
      epithelium, stem cells, and the extracellular matrix, as well as regulate the
      phenotype and function of mammary stromal and immune cells, including macrophages
      and regulatory T cells. Collectively, these events may result in genome
      instability, increase the chance of random genetic mutations, dampen immune
      surveillance, and promote tolerance in the mammary gland, and thereby increase
      the risk of breast cancer initiation. This article reviews the current status of
      our understanding of the molecular and the cellular changes that occur in the
      mammary gland across the menstrual cycle and how continuous menstrual cycling may
      increase breast cancer susceptibility in women.

PMID- 28083515
TI  - Genome-Wide Transcriptional and Post-transcriptional Regulation of Innate Immune
      and Defense Responses of Bovine Mammary Gland to Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is problematic for lactating mammals and public
      health. Understanding of mechanisms by which the hosts respond to severe invasion
      of S. aureus remains elusive. In this study, the genome-wide expression of mRNAs
      and miRNAs in bovine mammary gland cells were interrogated at 24 h after intra
      mammary infection (IMI) with high or low concentrations of S. aureus. Compared to
      the negative control quarters, 194 highly-confident responsive genes were
      identified in the quarters with high concentration (109 cfu/mL) of S. aureus,
      which were predominantly implicated in pathways and biological processes
      pertaining to innate immune system, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor
      interaction and inflammatory response. In contrast, only 21 highly-confident
      genes were significantly differentially expressed in face of low concentration
      (106 cfu/mL) of S. aureus, which slightly perturbed the cell signaling and
      invoked corresponding responses like vasoconstriction, indicating limited
      perturbations and immunological evading. Additionally, the significant up
      regulations of bta-mir-223 and bta-mir-21-3p were observed in the quarters
      infected by high concentration of S. aureus. Network analysis suggested that the
      two miRNAs' pivotal roles in defending hosts against bacterial infection probably
      through inhibiting CXCL14 and KIT. The significant down-regulation of CXCL14 was
      also observed in bovine mammary epithelial cells at 24 h post-infection of S.
      aureus (108 cfu/mL) in vitro. Integrated analysis with QTL database further
      suggested 28 genes (e.g., CXCL14, KIT, and SLC4A11) as candidates of bovine
      mastitis. This study first systematically revealed transcriptional and post
      transcriptional responses of bovine mammary gland cells to invading S. aureus in
      a dosage-dependent pattern, and highlighted a complicated responsive mechanism in
      a network of miRNA-gene-pathway interplay.

PMID- 28083516
TI  - Antimicrobial Peptides: An Emerging Category of Therapeutic Agents.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides, are short and
      generally positively charged peptides found in a wide variety of life forms from
      microorganisms to humans. Most AMPs have the ability to kill microbial pathogens
      directly, whereas others act indirectly by modulating the host defense systems.
      Against a background of rapidly increasing resistance development to conventional
      antibiotics all over the world, efforts to bring AMPs into clinical use are
      accelerating. Several AMPs are currently being evaluated in clinical trials as
      novel anti-infectives, but also as new pharmacological agents to modulate the
      immune response, promote wound healing, and prevent post-surgical adhesions. In
      this review, we provide an overview of the biological role, classification, and
      mode of action of AMPs, discuss the opportunities and challenges to develop these
      peptides for clinical applications, and review the innovative formulation
      strategies for application of AMPs.

PMID- 28083517
TI  - Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein-1c Regulates Inflammasome Activation in
      Gingival Fibroblasts Infected with High-Glucose-Treated Porphyromonas gingivalis.
AB  - Background:Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major bacterial species implicated in
      the progression of periodontal disease, which is recognized as a common
      complication of diabetes. The interleukin (IL)-1beta, processed by the NLR family
      pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, has been identified as a target
      for pathogenic infection of the inflammatory response. However, the effect of P.
      gingivalis in a high-glucose situation in the modulation of inflammasome
      activation in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) is not well-understood.
      Methods:P. gingivalis strain CCUG25226 was used to study the mechanisms
      underlying the regulation of HGF NLRP3 expression by the infection of high
      glucose-treated P. gingivalis (HGPg). Results: HGF infection with HGPg increases
      the expression of IL-1beta and NLRP3. We further demonstrated that the
      upregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c by
      activation of the Akt and p70S6K pathways is critical for HGPg-induced NLRP3
      expression. We showed that the inhibition of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) blocks the Akt
      and p70S6K-mediated SREBP-1c, NLRP3, and IL-1beta expression. The effect of HGPg
      on HGF signaling and NLRP3 expression is mediated by beta1 integrin. In addition,
      gingival tissues from diabetic patients with periodontal disease exhibited higher
      NLRP3 and SREBP-1c expression. Conclusions: Our findings identify the molecular
      pathways underlying HGPg-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome expression in HGFs,
      providing insight into the effect of P. gingivalis invasion in HGFs.

PMID- 28083518
TI  - Identification of Aeromonas hydrophila Genes Preferentially Expressed after
      Phagocytosis by Tetrahymena and Involvement of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductases.
AB  - Free-living protozoa affect the survival and virulence evolution of pathogens in
      the environment. In this study, we explored the fate of Aeromonas hydrophila when
      co-cultured with the bacteriovorous ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila and
      investigated bacterial gene expression associated with the co-culture. Virulent
      A. hydrophila strains were found to have ability to evade digestion in the
      vacuoles of this protozoan. In A. hydrophila, a total of 116 genes were
      identified as up-regulated following co-culture with T. thermophila by selective
      capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) and comparative dot-blot analysis. A
      large proportion of these genes (42/116) play a role in metabolism, and some of
      the genes have previously been characterized as required for bacterial survival
      and replication within macrophages. Then, we inactivated the genes encoding
      methionine sulfoxide reductases, msrA, and msrB, in A. hydrophila. Compared to
      the wild-type, the mutants DeltamsrA and DeltamsrAB displayed significantly
      reduced resistance to predation by T. thermophila, and 50% lethal dose (LD50)
      determinations in zebrafish demonstrated that both mutants were highly
      attenuated. This study forms a solid foundation for the study of mechanisms and
      implications of bacterial defenses.

PMID- 28083519
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus Lpl Lipoproteins Delay G2/M Phase Transition in HeLa Cells.
AB  - The cell cycle is an ordered set of events, leading to cell growth and division
      into two daughter cells. The eukaryotic cell cycle consists of interphase (G1, S,
      and G2 phases), followed by the mitotic phase and G0 phase. Many bacterial
      pathogens secrete cyclomodulins that interfere with the host cell cycle. In
      Staphylococcus aureus four cyclomodulins have been described so far that all
      represent toxins and are secreted into the culture supernatant. Here we show that
      the membrane-anchored lipoprotein-like proteins (Lpl), encoded on a genomic
      island called nuSaalpha, interact with the cell cycle of HeLa cells. By comparing
      wild type and lpl deletion mutant it turned out that the lpl cluster is causative
      for the G2/M phase transition delay and also contributes to increased invasion
      frequency. The lipoprotein Lpl1, a representative of the lpl cluster, also caused
      G2/M phase transition delay. Interestingly, the lipid modification, which is
      essential for TLR2 signaling and activation of the immune system, is not
      necessary for cyclomodulin activity. Unlike the other staphylococcal
      cyclomodulins Lpl1 shows no cytotoxicity even at high concentrations. As all Lpl
      proteins are highly conserved there might be a common function that is
      accentuated by their multiplicity in a tandem gene cluster. The cell surface
      localized Lpls' suggests a correlation between G2/M phase transition delay and
      host cell invasion.

PMID- 28083521
TI  - Participatory Action Research in the Field of Neonatal Intensive Care: Developing
      an Intervention to Meet the Fathers' Needs. A Case Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) health care professionals
      typically give most of their attention to the infants and the mothers while many
      fathers feel uncertain and have an unmet need for support and guidance. This
      paper describes and discusses participatory action research (PAR) as a method to
      improve NICUs' service for fathers. Our goal is to develop a father-friendly NICU
      where both the needs of fathers and mothers are met using an approach based on
      PAR that involves fathers, mothers, interdisciplinary healthcare professionals,
      and managers. DESIGN AND METHODS: This PAR process was carried out from August
      2011 to July 2013 and included participant observations, semi-structured
      interviews, multi sequential interviews, workshops, focus groups, group
      discussion, and a seminar. The theoretical framework of validity described by
      Herr and Anderson's three criteria; process-, democratic-, and catalytic validity
      were used to discuss this PAR. RESULTS: Twelve fathers, 11 mothers, 48 health
      professionals and managers participated in the PAR process. The collaboration
      ensured the engagement for viable and constructive local changes to be used in
      designing the concept of the father friendly NICU. CONCLUSIONS: This paper
      contributed new knowledge of how PAR can be used to ensure that participants
      engaged in the field are involved in the entire process; consequently, this will
      ensure that the changes are feasible and sustainable.

PMID- 28083520
TI  - Prevalence of Diabetes in the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) and the Middle East
      Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Over the past two decades a number of severe acute respiratory infection
      outbreaks such as the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) and the Middle East respiratory
      syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have emerged and presented a considerable global
      public health threat. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that diabetic subjects are
      more susceptible to these conditions. However, the prevalence of diabetes in H1N1
      and MERS-CoV has not been systematically described. The aim of this study is to
      conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published reports documenting
      the prevalence of diabetes in H1N1 and MERS-CoV and compare its frequency in the
      two viral conditions. Meta-analysis for the proportions of subjects with diabetes
      was carried out in 29 studies for H1N1 (n=92,948) and 9 for MERS-CoV (n=308).
      Average age of H1N1 patients (36.2+/-6.0 years) was significantly younger than
      that of subjects with MERS-CoV (54.3+/-7.4 years, P<0.05). Compared to MERS-CoV
      patients, subjects with H1N1 exhibited 3-fold lower frequency of cardiovascular
      diseases and 2- and 4-fold higher prevalence of obesity and immunosuppression,
      respectively. The overall prevalence of diabetes in H1N1 was 14.6% (95% CI: 12.3
      17.0%; P<0.001), a 3.6-fold lower than in MERS-CoV (54.4%; 95% CI: 29.4-79.5;
      P<0.001). The prevalence of diabetes among H1N1 cases from Asia and North America
      was ~two-fold higher than those from South America and Europe. The prevalence of
      diabetes in MERS-CoV cases is higher than in H1N1. Regional comparisons suggest
      that an etiologic role of diabetes in MERS-CoV may exist distinctive from that in
      H1N1.

PMID- 28083522
TI  - Monitoring Polypharmacy in Healthcare Systems Through a Multi-Setting Survey:
      Should We Put More Attention on Long Term Care Facilities?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is a main issue of patient safety in all healthcare
      settings (i.e. increase adverse drug reactions and incidence of drug-drug
      interactions, etc.). The main object of the study was to evaluate the prevalence
      of polypharmacy and the appropriateness of drugs prescriptions in the regional
      health system (RHS) of Friuli Venezia-Giulia Region, Italy. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      We carried out a point prevalence study in May 2014; 1582 patients >=65 years
      were included from: 14 acute hospitals, 46 Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) and
      42 general practitioners' (GPs) clinics. Data analysis included the evaluation of
      potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) taking Beers criteria as a
      reference. RESULTS: Patients in therapy with 10 drugs or more were 13.5%: 15.2%
      in hospitals, 9.7% in GPs' clinics and 15.6% in LTCFs. According to Beers
      criteria we identified 1152 PIPs that involved globally almost half of patients
      (46.0%): 41.9% in hospitals, 59.6% in LTCFs and 37.0% in GP's clinics. The 53.9%
      of patients received at least one mainly kidney excreted drug; for these patients
      the evaluation of serum creatinine was overall present in the 87.7% (747/852):
      96.4% in hospital ones, 87.5% in GPs' clinics and 77.8% in LTCFs. LTCFs residents
      were significantly (P<0.05) more exposed to PIPs and less monitored for the renal
      function. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable estimation of the phenomenon in all the main
      healthcare settings is a necessary prerequisite to set tailored policies for
      facing polypharmacy within a RHS; the results showed the necessity to put a
      special attention on LTCFs.

PMID- 28083524
TI  - Are Food Labels Effective as a Means of Health Prevention?
AB  - Chronic diseases related to unbalanced and unhealthy eating habits have
      definitely become one of the major issues of modern age, not only in western
      countries but also in those ones where rapid economic growth has increased global
      prosperity levels. In order to avoid medical systems to collapse under excessive
      costs, International and Public Organizations strongly support health policies
      that aim to make people shift towards wholesome dietary patterns, also
      encouraging the use of food-labels to choose healthier products. To evaluate the
      consumers' knowledge and perception about food-labels a brief questionnaire was
      developed and shared on Facebook between January-March 2016. Most of the
      participants were young adults with higher education. They declared to do their
      shopping at least once a week, reading the food-labels quite often. Despite owing
      limited knowledge in basic nutrition principles and food-labelling they were
      generally able to recognize healthier products looking over their nutritional
      fact tables. Anyway, on average, what they care the most about the products they
      purchase is the global quality level rather than the nutritional values. In order
      to induce the whole population to use food label as an effective self-protection
      tool, more efforts should be done to improve their knowledge on nutrition
      fundamentals and basics about food labelling, because that would make them able
      to take safer and more conscious choices as regards their own health.

PMID- 28083523
TI  - Intentional and Unintentional Medication Non-Adherence in Hypertension: The Role
      of Health Literacy, Empowerment and Medication Beliefs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication non-adherence is a major public health issue, creating
      obstacles to effective treatment of hypertension. Examining the underlying
      factors of deliberate and non-deliberate non-adherence is crucial to address this
      problem. Thus, the goal of the present study is to assess the socio-demographic,
      clinical and psychological determinants of intentional and unintentional non
      adherence. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between
      March, 2015 and April, 2016. The sample consisted of hypertension patients
      holding at least one medical prescription (N=109). Measurements assessed
      patients' medication adherence, health literacy, empowerment, self-efficacy,
      medication beliefs, and patients' acceptance of their doctor's advice, socio
      demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Patients who occasionally
      engaged in either intentional or unintentional non-adherence reported to have
      lower adherence selfefficacy, higher medication concern beliefs, lower
      meaningfulness scores and were less likely to accept the doctor's treatment
      recommendations. Patients who occasionally engaged in unintentional nonadherence
      were younger and had experienced more side effects compared to completely
      adherent patients. Adherence self-efficacy was a mediator of the effect of health
      literacy on patients' medication adherence and acceptance of the doctor's advice
      was a covariate. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the research implications, health
      literacy and adherence self-efficacy should be assessed simultaneously when
      investigating the factors of non-adherence. Regarding the practical implications,
      adherence could be increased if physicians i) doublecheck whether their patients
      accept the treatment advice given and ii) if they address patients' concerns
      about medications. These steps could be especially important for patients
      characterized with lower self-efficacy, as they are more likely to engage in
      occasional nonadherence.

PMID- 28083525
TI  - Occurrence and Control of Genotoxins in Drinking Water: A Monitoring Proposal.
AB  - Many studies have shown the presence of numerous organic genotoxins and
      carcinogens in drinking water. These toxic substances derive not only from
      pollution, but also from the disinfection treatments, particularly when water is
      obtained from surface sources and then chlorinated. Most of the chlorinated
      compounds in drinking water are nonvolatile and are difficult to characterize.
      Thus, it has been proposed to study such complex mixtures using short-term
      genotoxicity tests predictive of carcinogenic activity. Mutagenicity of water
      before and after disinfection has mainly been studied by the Salmonella/microsome
      (Ames test); in vitro genotoxicity tests have also been performed in yeasts and
      mammalian cells; in situ monitoring of genotoxins has also been performed using
      complete organisms such as aquatic animals or plants (in vivo). The combination
      of bioassay data together with results of chemical analyses would give us a more
      firm basis for the assessment of human health risks related to the consumption of
      drinking water. Tests with different genetic end-points complement each other
      with regard to sensitivity toward environmental genotoxins and are useful in
      detecting low genotoxicity levels which are expected in drinking water samples.

PMID- 28083526
TI  - Intestinal Bacterial Colonization in the First 2 Weeks of Life of Nigerian
      Neonates Using Standard Culture Methods.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The pattern and timing of development of intestinal microflora in
      Nigerian infants have been scarcely researched. This study was carried out to
      investigate the bacteria flora in the rectum of healthy neonates in Ibadan,
      Nigeria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this hospital-based longitudinal study, rectal
      swabs of 70 neonates were taken within 6-12 h of birth (day 1) and subsequently
      on days 3, 9, and 14. Information collected included maternal sociodemographic
      characteristics, antibiotic use for the neonates, and type of feeding during the
      first 14 days of life. Identification and speciation of gram-negative isolates
      were done using the Analytical Profile Index 20E(r) and 20NE(r) as appropriate.
      Gram-positive bacteria were identified biochemically using the catalase and
      coagulase tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square
      at p = 0.05. RESULTS: Majority (92.9%) of the neonates were delivered vaginally
      with a median gestational age of 38 weeks (range = 34-42). On the first day of
      life, Escherichia coli was isolated more frequently from the rectal swabs of
      preterm (50.0%) than term (23.1%) neonates (p = 0.031). On day 3 of life,
      coagulase-negative staphylococcus was the most frequently isolated bacteria from
      the rectal swabs of nonasphyxiated (64.4%) compared with asphyxiated (27.3%)
      neonates' rectal swabs (p = 0.042). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently
      isolated bacteria from the rectal swabs of nonexclusively breastfed (66.7%) than
      exclusively breastfed (21.3%) neonates on day 14 (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION:
      Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the predominant isolates from the
      rectum of Nigerian neonates, and these isolates were influenced by breastfeeding
      and mild-moderate asphyxia. In all, bacterial diversity in the rectum increased
      as the neonates got older.

PMID- 28083528
TI  - Managers' Compensation in a Mixed Ownership Industry: Evidence from Nursing
      Homes.
AB  - An extensive literature is devoted to differences between for-profit and non
      profit health-care providers' prices, utilization, and quality. Less is known
      about for-profit and non-profit managers' compensation and its relationship with
      financial and quality performance. The aim of this study is to examine whether
      for-profit and non-profit nursing homes place differential weights on financial
      and quality performance in determining managers' compensation. Using a unique 8
      year dataset on Ohio nursing homes, fixed-effect regression models of managers'
      compensation include financial and quality performance as well as other
      explanatory variables concerning firm and market characteristics and manager
      qualifications. Among for-profit nursing homes, compensation of owner-managers
      and non-owner managers are compared. Compensation of for-profit managers is
      significantly positively associated with profit margin and return-on-assets,
      while compensation of non-profit managers does not exhibit any consistent
      relationship with financial measures. Compensation of neither for-profit nor non
      profit managers is significantly related to quality measures. Nursing home size
      and managers' years of experience are the only consistent determinants of
      compensation. Owner-managers earn significantly higher compensation than non
      owner managers and their compensation is less related to nursing home
      performance. Finding that home size and experience are strong determinants of
      compensation, and the association with ownership and financial performance for
      for-profit nursing homes are as expected. The insignificant relationship between
      compensation and quality performance is potentially troublesome.

PMID- 28083529
TI  - Editorial: Public Mental Health Policy, Mental Health Promotion, and
      Interventions Which Focus on the Social Determinants of Mental Health.

PMID- 28083527
TI  - Mechanotransduction as an Adaptation to Gravity.
AB  - Gravity has played a critical role in the development of terrestrial life. A key
      event in evolution has been the development of mechanisms to sense and transduce
      gravitational force into biological signals. The objective of this manuscript is
      to review how living organisms on Earth use mechanotransduction as an adaptation
      to gravity. Certain cells have evolved specialized structures, such as otoliths
      in hair cells of the inner ear and statoliths in plants, to respond directly to
      the force of gravity. By conducting studies in the reduced gravity of spaceflight
      (microgravity) or simulating microgravity in the laboratory, we have gained
      insights into how gravity might have changed life on Earth. We review how
      microgravity affects prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells at the cellular and
      molecular levels. Genomic studies in yeast have identified changes in genes
      involved in budding, cell polarity, and cell separation regulated by Ras, PI3K,
      and TOR signaling pathways. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis of late pregnant
      rats have revealed that microgravity affects genes that regulate circadian
      clocks, activate mechanotransduction pathways, and induce changes in immune
      response, metabolism, and cells proliferation. Importantly, these studies
      identified genes that modify chromatin structure and methylation, suggesting that
      long-term adaptation to gravity may be mediated by epigenetic modifications.
      Given that gravity represents a modification in mechanical stresses encounter by
      the cells, the tensegrity model of cytoskeletal architecture provides an
      excellent paradigm to explain how changes in the balance of forces, which are
      transmitted across transmembrane receptors and cytoskeleton, can influence
      intracellular signaling pathways and gene expression.

PMID- 28083531
TI  - Pulse Shape and Timing Dependence on the Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity
      Response of Ion-Conducting Memristors as Synapses.
AB  - Ion-conducting memristors comprised of the layered materials Ge2Se3/SnSe/Ag are
      promising candidates for neuromorphic computing applications. Here, the spike
      timing dependent plasticity (STDP) application is demonstrated for the first time
      with a single memristor type operating as a synapse over a timescale of 10 orders
      of magnitude, from nanoseconds through seconds. This large dynamic range allows
      the memristors to be useful in applications that require slow biological times,
      as well as fast times such as needed in neuromorphic computing, thus allowing
      multiple functions in one design for one memristor type-a "one size fits all"
      approach. This work also investigated the effects of varying the spike pulse
      shapes on the STDP response of the memristors. These results showed that small
      changes in the pre- and postsynaptic pulse shape can have a significant impact on
      the STDP. These results may provide circuit designers with insights into how
      pulse shape affects the actual memristor STDP response and aid them in the design
      of neuromorphic circuits and systems that can take advantage of certain features
      in the memristor STDP response that are programmable via the pre- and
      postsynaptic pulse shapes. In addition, the energy requirement per memristor is
      approximated based on the pulse shape and timing responses. The energy
      requirement estimated per memristor operating on slower biological timescales
      (milliseconds to seconds) is larger (nanojoules range), as expected, than the
      faster (nanoseconds) operating times (~0.1 pJ in some cases). Lastly, the
      memristors responded in a similar manner under normal STDP conditions (pre- and
      post-spikes applied to opposite memristor terminals) as they did to the case
      where a waveform corresponding to the difference between pre- and post-spikes was
      applied to only one electrode, with the other electrode held at ground potential.
      By applying the difference signal to only one terminal, testing of the memristor
      in various applications can be achieved with a simplified test set-up, and thus
      be easier to accomplish in most laboratories.

PMID- 28083530
TI  - Toward Multiscale Models of Cyanobacterial Growth: A Modular Approach.
AB  - Oxygenic photosynthesis dominates global primary productivity ever since its
      evolution more than three billion years ago. While many aspects of phototrophic
      growth are well understood, it remains a considerable challenge to elucidate the
      manifold dependencies and interconnections between the diverse cellular processes
      that together facilitate the synthesis of new cells. Phototrophic growth involves
      the coordinated action of several layers of cellular functioning, ranging from
      the photosynthetic light reactions and the electron transport chain, to carbon
      concentrating mechanisms and the assimilation of inorganic carbon. It requires
      the synthesis of new building blocks by cellular metabolism, protection against
      excessive light, as well as diurnal regulation by a circadian clock and the
      orchestration of gene expression and cell division. Computational modeling allows
      us to quantitatively describe these cellular functions and processes relevant for
      phototrophic growth. As yet, however, computational models are mostly confined to
      the inner workings of individual cellular processes, rather than describing the
      manifold interactions between them in the context of a living cell. Using
      cyanobacteria as model organisms, this contribution seeks to summarize existing
      computational models that are relevant to describe phototrophic growth and seeks
      to outline their interactions and dependencies. Our ultimate aim is to understand
      cellular functioning and growth as the outcome of a coordinated operation of
      diverse yet interconnected cellular processes.

PMID- 28083532
TI  - CD24: A Rheostat That Modulates Cell Surface Receptor Signaling of Diverse
      Receptors.

PMID- 28083533
TI  - Inactivation of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling and Polydactyly in Limbs of Hereditary
      Multiple Malformation, a Novel Type of Talpid Mutant.
AB  - Hereditary Multiple Malformation (HMM) is a naturally occurring, autosomal
      recessive, homozygous lethal mutation found in Japanese quail. Homozygote embryos
      (hmm-/-) show polydactyly similar to talpid2 and talpid3 mutants. Here we
      characterize the molecular profile of the hmm-/- limb bud and identify the
      cellular mechanisms that cause its polydactyly. The hmm-/- limb bud shows a
      severe lack of sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, and the autopod has 4 to 11
      unidentifiable digits with syn-, poly-, and brachydactyly. The Zone of Polarizing
      Activity (ZPA) of the hmm-/- limb bud does not show polarizing activity
      regardless of the presence of SHH protein, indicating that either the secretion
      pathway of SHH is defective or the SHH protein is dysfunctional. Furthermore,
      mesenchymal cells in the hmm-/- limb bud do not respond to ZPA transplanted from
      the normal limb bud, suggesting that signal transduction downstream of SHH is
      also defective. Since primary cilia are present in the hmm-/- limb bud, the
      causal gene must be different from talpid2 and talpid3. In the hmm-/- limb bud, a
      high amount of GLI3A protein is expressed and GLI3 protein is localized to the
      nucleus. Our results suggest that the regulatory mechanism of GLI3 is
      disorganized in the hmm-/- limb bud.

PMID- 28083534
TI  - The Efficacy of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Keloid Treatment: A Systematic Review
      and Meta-analysis.
AB  - Keloid is a cutaneous dermal outgrowth resulting from uncontrolled deposition of
      collagen and glycosaminoglycan around the wound. The uncontrolled and persistent
      growth of keloids scar will result in cosmetic disfigurement, functional
      impairment, and affect the quality of life. Triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) is
      traditionally employed in treating keloid scars. In this study, we aim to
      evaluate the effectiveness of TAC and compare it with other common therapy
      employed in keloid treatment. Only randomized controlled trial (RCT) and
      controlled trial were included. Inverse variance risk ratio, weighted mean
      difference, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to
      evaluate the effect of intervention. Meta-analysis indicated that TAC treatment
      significantly reduced the size of keloid compared to untreated control. Reduction
      in size was statistically different in favor of TAC compared to silicone gel
      sheet. Significant difference in favor of TAC was observed compared with
      verapamil in term of vascularity and scar pliability. TAC treatment was more
      effective in reducing scar thickness in comparison with cryotherapy. However, the
      current meta-analysis has several limitations. Only a limited number of trials
      with the same comparison are available. Most trials recruited a small number of
      patients and used inconsistent outcome assessment. Most trials did not provide
      detail information on allocation concealment and blinding. Therefore, further
      evaluation in multi-center RCTs with consistent comparisons and outcome
      measurements are warrant to reach a consensus on the selection between TAC and
      different treatment modalities.

PMID- 28083535
TI  - Sundowning in Dementia: Clinical Relevance, Pathophysiological Determinants, and
      Therapeutic Approaches.
AB  - Sundowning means the emergence or worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in
      the late afternoon or early evening. This syndrome has been recognized since a
      long time in the field of dementing illnesses and is well known among most of
      health-care providers involved in the assistance of people with dementia. Indeed,
      it represents a common manifestation among persons with dementia and is
      associated with several adverse outcomes (such as institutionalization, faster
      cognitive worsening, and greater caregiver burden). Its occurrence and phenotypic
      characteristics may be influenced by diverse neurobiological, psychosocial, and
      environmental determinants. Moreover, it may pose diagnostic challenges in
      relation to other common causes of behavioral disruptions. Beside these
      considerations, this phenomenon has so far drawn limited clinical and scientific
      interest compared to other specific NPS occurring in dementias, as indicated by
      the lack of commonly agreed definitions, specific screening/assessment tools, and
      robust estimates on its prevalence. Accordingly, no randomized controlled trial
      specifically investigating the effectiveness of pharmacological and non
      pharmacological strategies in managing this condition among demented patients has
      been yet conducted. In the present narrative review, we present and discuss
      available evidence concerning sundowning occurring in people with dementia. A
      special focus is given to its definitions, pathophysiological determinants, and
      clinical relevance, as well as to the clinical and therapeutic approaches
      required for its management in the daily practice.

PMID- 28083536
TI  - Conformational Rigidity within Plasticity Promotes Differential Target
      Recognition of Nerve Growth Factor.
AB  - Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), the prototype of the neurotrophin family, is essential
      for maintenance and growth of different neuronal populations. The X-ray crystal
      structure of NGF has been known since the early '90s and shows a beta-sandwich
      fold with extensive loops that are involved in the interaction with its binding
      partners. Understanding the dynamical properties of these loops is thus important
      for molecular recognition. We present here a combined solution NMR/molecular
      dynamics study which addresses the question of whether and how much the long
      loops of NGF are flexible and describes the N-terminal intrinsic conformational
      tendency of the unbound NGF molecule. NMR titration experiments allowed
      identification of a previously undetected epitope of the anti-NGF antagonist
      antibody alphaD11 which will be of crucial importance for future drug lead
      discovery. The present study thus recapitulates all the available structural
      information and unveils the conformational versatility of the relatively rigid
      NGF loops upon functional ligand binding.

PMID- 28083538
TI  - Educational Possibilities of Keeping Goats in Elementary Schools in Japan.
AB  - Many Japanese elementary schools keep small animals for educational purposes, and
      the effects and challenges have been investigated. Although goats are medium
      sized animals that are familiar to Japanese, few practical studies have been
      conducted on keeping goats in schools. This study investigated the effects and
      challenges of keeping goats in elementary schools and discussed its educational
      possibilities. A semi-structured interview survey was conducted with 11 personnel
      that were responsible for keeping goats in 6 elementary schools in urban areas.
      They described benefits, problems, and tips related to keeping goats. Participant
      observation was also conducted on daily human-goat interactions in these schools.
      The results indicated that children in all six grades were able to care for
      goats. Goats were used for various school subjects and activities. As a result of
      keeping goats, children developed affection for them, attitude of respect for
      living things, greater sense of responsibility, and enhanced interpersonal
      interactional skills. Stronger ties between the schools and parents and community
      were developed through cooperation in goat-keeping. Some anxieties existed about
      the risk of injury to children when interacting with goats. Other challenges
      included the burden of taking care of the goats on holidays and insufficient
      knowledge about treatment in case of their illness or injury. The results
      suggested similarities to the benefits and challenges associated with keeping
      small animals in elementary schools, although the responsibility and the burden
      on the schools were greater for keeping goats than small animals because of their
      larger size and the need for children to consider the goats' inner state and to
      cooperate with others when providing care. At the same time, goats greatly
      stimulated interest, cooperation, and empathy in children. Goats can expand
      educational opportunities and bring about many positive effects on child
      development.

PMID- 28083537
TI  - Comparative Normal Mode Analysis of the Dynamics of DENV and ZIKV Capsids.
AB  - Key steps in the life cycle of a virus, such as the fusion event as the virus
      infects a host cell and its maturation process, relate to an intricate interplay
      between the structure and the dynamics of its constituent proteins, especially
      those that define its capsid, much akin to an envelope that protects its genomic
      material. We present a comprehensive, comparative analysis of such interplay for
      the capsids of two viruses from the flaviviridae family, Dengue (DENV) and Zika
      (ZIKV). We use for that purpose our own software suite, DD-NMA, which is based on
      normal mode analysis. We describe the elements of DD-NMA that are relevant to the
      analysis of large systems, such as virus capsids. In particular, we introduce our
      implementation of simplified elastic networks and justify their parametrization.
      Using DD-NMA, we illustrate the importance of packing interactions within the
      virus capsids on the dynamics of the E proteins of DENV and ZIKV. We identify
      differences between the computed atomic fluctuations of the E proteins in DENV
      and ZIKV and relate those differences to changes observed in their high
      resolution structures. We conclude with a discussion on additional analyses that
      are needed to fully characterize the dynamics of the two viruses.

PMID- 28083539
TI  - Antiproliferative Effects of Oxytocin and Desmopressin on Canine Mammary Cancer
      Cells.
AB  - Neoplasms of the mammary gland represent the most frequent tumor type in the
      female dog, and according to the histologic criteria, approximately 50% of them
      are malignant. In the most aggressive cases of mammary cancer, surgery is not
      enough to warrant a favorable outcome, and adjuvant therapies are needed to
      improve the patient's overall survival. The aim of the present study was to
      evaluate the effects of two peptides on proliferation of a canine mammary cancer
      cell line derived from a simple carcinoma. The cell line CMT-U27 was grown in 96
      well plates, at two cell densities (4 * 103 and 8 * 103 cells/well). Cultures
      were treated with oxytocin (OT) or desmopressin at five concentrations (10, 50,
      100, 500, and 1000 nM). After 72 h of incubation, cell proliferation was
      determined by the MTT assay. Results showed that with 4 * 103 cells/well, OT at
      50, 500, and 1000 nM was growth inhibitory for the cells, being statistically
      significant at 1000 nM. On the contrary, no antiproliferative effect was observed
      with 10 or 100 nM. At 8 * 103 cells/well, OT showed a significant
      antiproliferative effect only with the highest concentration (1000 nM).
      Desmopressin at 4 * 103 cells/well decreased cell viability at concentrations of
      50, 100, 500, and 1000 nM (statistically significant with the highest
      concentration), while no effect was observed with 10 nM. With 8 * 103 cells/well,
      this peptide reduced cell growth at 100, 500, and 1000 nM. In conclusion, we
      suggest that these peptides may be potential and promising compounds for the
      treatment of dogs with simple carcinomas of the mammary gland. In vivo studies
      are required to confirm this hypothesis.

PMID- 28083540
TI  - Identification of Alternative Variants and Insertion of the Novel Polymorphic
      AluYl17 in TSEN54 Gene during Primate Evolution.
AB  - TSEN54 encodes a subunit of the tRNA-splicing endonuclease complex, which
      catalyzes the identification and cleavage of introns from precursor tRNAs.
      Previously, we identified an AluSx-derived alternative transcript in TSEN54 of
      cynomolgus monkey. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
      amplification and TSEN54 sequence analysis of primate and human samples
      identified five novel alternative transcripts, including the AluSx exonized
      transcript. Additionally, we performed comparative expression analysis via RT
      qPCR in various cynomolgus, rhesus monkey, and human tissues. RT-qPCR
      amplification revealed differential expression patterns. Furthermore, genomic PCR
      amplification and sequencing of primate and human DNA samples revealed that AluSx
      elements were integrated in human and all of the primate samples tested.
      Intriguingly, in langur genomic DNA, an additional AluY element was inserted into
      AluSx of intron eight of TSEN54. The new AluY element showed polymorphic
      insertion. Using standardized nomenclature for Alu repeats, the polymorphic AluY
      of the langur TSEN54 was designated as being of the AluYl17 subfamily. Our
      results suggest that integration of the AluSx element in TSEN54 contributed to
      diversity in transcripts and induced lineage- or species-specific evolutionary
      events such as alternative splicing and polymorphic insertion during primate
      evolution.

PMID- 28083541
TI  - Localized holes and delocalized electrons in photoexcited inorganic perovskites:
      Watching each atomic actor by picosecond X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
AB  - We report on an element-selective study of the fate of charge carriers in
      photoexcited inorganic CsPbBr3 and CsPb(ClBr)3 perovskite nanocrystals in toluene
      solutions using time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy with 80 ps time
      resolution. Probing the Br K-edge, the Pb L3-edge, and the Cs L2-edge, we find
      that holes in the valence band are localized at Br atoms, forming small polarons,
      while electrons appear as delocalized in the conduction band. No signature of
      either electronic or structural changes is observed at the Cs L2-edge. The
      results at the Br and Pb edges suggest the existence of a weakly localized
      exciton, while the absence of signatures at the Cs edge indicates that the Cs+
      cation plays no role in the charge transport, at least beyond 80 ps. This first,
      time-resolved element-specific study of perovskites helps understand the rather
      modest charge carrier mobilities in these materials.

PMID- 28083543
TI  - A general method for baseline-removal in ultrafast electron powder diffraction
      data using the dual-tree complex wavelet transform.
AB  - The general problem of background subtraction in ultrafast electron powder
      diffraction (UEPD) is presented with a focus on the diffraction patterns obtained
      from materials of moderately complex structure which contain many overlapping
      peaks and effectively no scattering vector regions that can be considered
      exclusively background. We compare the performance of background subtraction
      algorithms based on discrete and dual-tree complex (DTCWT) wavelet transforms
      when applied to simulated UEPD data on the M1-R phase transition in VO2 with a
      time-varying background. We find that the DTCWT approach is capable of extracting
      intensities that are accurate to better than 2% across the whole range of
      scattering vector simulated, effectively independent of delay time. A Python
      package is available.

PMID- 28083542
TI  - Structural enzymology using X-ray free electron lasers.
AB  - Mix-and-inject serial crystallography (MISC) is a technique designed to image
      enzyme catalyzed reactions in which small protein crystals are mixed with a
      substrate just prior to being probed by an X-ray pulse. This approach offers
      several advantages over flow cell studies. It provides (i) room temperature
      structures at near atomic resolution, (ii) time resolution ranging from
      microseconds to seconds, and (iii) convenient reaction initiation. It outruns
      radiation damage by using femtosecond X-ray pulses allowing damage and chemistry
      to be separated. Here, we demonstrate that MISC is feasible at an X-ray free
      electron laser by studying the reaction of M. tuberculosis beta-lactamase
      microcrystals with ceftriaxone antibiotic solution. Electron density maps of the
      apo-beta-lactamase and of the ceftriaxone bound form were obtained at 2.8 A and
      2.4 A resolution, respectively. These results pave the way to study cyclic and
      non-cyclic reactions and represent a new field of time-resolved structural
      dynamics for numerous substrate-triggered biological reactions.

PMID- 28083544
TI  - Adolescents' Internalizing Symptoms as Predictors of the Content of Their
      Facebook Communication and Responses Received from Peers.
AB  - This research examined how adolescents' internalizing symptoms, such as
      depression, anxiety, and loneliness, relate to the content of their Facebook
      communication and the responses they receive from peers on Facebook. Participants
      (n = 125, 56 female, age 18) reported on their internalizing symptoms in the
      summer following 12th grade, and downloaded an application to their Facebook
      account that stored the content of all of their Facebook communication to secure,
      online archive. Two months of participants' status updates and comments and
      peers' comments were coded for content. Relations between internalizing symptoms
      and Facebook communication differed for girls and boys. For girls, internalizing
      symptoms predicted several types of Facebook content: negative affect, somatic
      complaints and eliciting support. In contrast, internalizing symptoms were not
      related to boys' Facebook posts. Relations between internalizing symptoms and
      peers' responses on Facebook also differed by gender. For girls, internalizing
      symptoms positively predicted receiving more peer comments expressing negative
      affect, and peer responses offering support. For boys, internalizing symptoms did
      not predict any of the measured peer responses. These findings suggest that girls
      prone to internalizing symptoms use Facebook in ways that appear similar to co
      rumination, by expressing problems to friends and receive possibly reinforcing
      feedback in return.

PMID- 28083545
TI  - Youth-Targeted E-cigarette Marketing in the US.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this project was to explore the extent to which e
      cigarette advertisements use youth-appealing content. METHODS: A sample of e
      cigarette video ads (N = 154) were coded by 3 independent coders using the
      content appealing to youth (CAY) index, which measures over 40 youth-appealing
      features. To calculate a total CAY score for each ad, scores were normalized and
      summed such that a higher score represented the presence of more youth-appealing
      elements. RESULTS: All ads included some youth-appealing content, with frequent
      use of emotional appeals, including happiness (68%), friendship (41%), sex (24%),
      and success (24%). Over half featured animation. However, product appeals, known
      to be disliked by youth, were also prevalent. Eighty-seven percent used a direct
      appeal to e-cigarettes' value over tobacco cigarettes; 66% mentioned product
      composition; and 40% mentioned health. CONCLUSIONS: Given the unregulated context
      in the US, e-cigarette marketing currently contains many features that may be
      particularly appealing to youth.

PMID- 28083546
TI  - Special Issue on Global Health Disparities Focus on Cancer.
AB  - Haeok Lee, PhD, RN, FAAN who is a Korean-American nurse scientist, received her
      doctor al degree from the Nursing Physiology Department, College of Nursing,
      University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in 1993, and her post doctor al
      training from College of Medicine, UCSF. Dr. Lee worked at Case Western Reserve
      University and University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She has worked at
      the UMass Boston since 2008. Dr. Lee has established a long-term commitment to
      minority health, especially Asian American Pacific Islanders, as a community
      leader, community health educator, and community researcher, and all these
      services have become a foundation for her community-based participatory research.
      Dr. Lee's research addresses current health problems framed in the context of
      social, political, and economic settings, and her studies have improved racial
      and ethnic data and developed national health policies to address health
      disparities in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and liver cancer among
      minorities. Dr. Lee's research, which is noteworthy for its theoretical base, is
      clearly filling the gap. Especially, Dr. Lee's research is beginning to have a
      favorable impact on national and international health policies and continuing
      education programs directed toward the global elimination of cervical and liver
      cancer-related health disparities in underserved and understudied populations.

PMID- 28083547
TI  - Independent Clinical Research May Alleviate Disparities in Cancer Treatment.
AB  - Disparities in cancer care are a reality of the modern world. Unfortunately,
      current clinical research is in the hands of for-profit pharmaceutical companies
      and of researchers from the developed world. Problems specific to cancer care in
      developing countries and among deprivileged populations are ignored. Independent
      clinical research can offer new valuable knowledge and identify affordable and
      cost-effective treatments. As such, research not depending on commercial sponsors
      should become one of the important avenues to alleviate the problem of cancer
      disparities.

PMID- 28083548
TI  - Global Perspectives on Cancer Health Disparities: Impact, Utility, and
      Implications for Cancer Nursing.
AB  - This paper examines cancer health disparities and contributing factors at
      national, regional, and international levels. The authors all live in different
      countries and regions with different health-care systems and practices. Despite
      the shared cancer nursing perspective, each country or global region approaches
      cancer disparities differently. With globalization the world is becoming smaller,
      and in turn becoming interconnected and interdependent. This article focuses on
      cancer health disparities and global cancer nursing, exemplifying these concepts
      about the impact and implications of person-centered care.

PMID- 28083549
TI  - Correlates of Hepatitis B Virus-related Stigmatization Experienced by Asians: A
      Scoping Review of Literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although remarkable progress in the pharmacological components of the
      prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and liver cancer has been
      achieved, HBV-related stigma is recognized as a major barrier to HBV management.
      The purpose of this Revised Social Network Model (rSNM)-guided review was to
      examine the existing research literature about HBV-related stigma among Asians
      and Asian immigrants residing in other countries. METHODS: A scoping review of
      literature was conducted to determine the depth and breadth of literature.
      Totally, 21 publications were identified. The review findings were linked with
      the concepts of rSNM to demonstrate how individual factors and sociocultural
      contexts shape and affect the experience of HBV-related stigma. RESULTS: Most
      studies were quantitative cross-sectional surveys or qualitative methods research
      that had been conducted among Chinese in China and in the USA. The three concepts
      in rSNM that have been identified as important to stigma experience are
      individual factors, sociocultural factors, and health behaviors. The major
      factors of most studies were on knowledge and attitudes toward HBV; only three
      studies focused on stigma as the primary purpose of the research. Few studies
      focused on the measurement of stigma, conceptual aspects of stigma, or
      interventions to alleviate the experience of being stigmatized. CONCLUSIONS: The
      scoping review revealed the existing depth and breadth of literature about HBV
      related stigma. Gaps in the literature include lack of research address group
      specific HBV-related stigma instruments and linkages between stigma and stigma
      related factors.

PMID- 28083550
TI  - Health Disparity and Cancer Health Disparity in China.
AB  - China is one of the largest and most populated countries in the world. It has
      undergone rapid economic growth in recent years. However, the development is not
      equitable, and the distribution of wealth significantly varies among the regions
      in China. Geographical and socioeconomic inequalities, together with the lack of
      an equitable national social support system, cause the high variance of health
      outcomes among the regions. Furthermore, the fast growth of the economy has
      evoked many environmental challenges and puts much pressure on the population.
      The severe environmental deterioration, especially of the atmosphere and water
      bodies, has affected the health of the people living in China. As a result,
      cancer has become a major public health issue, and an alarming increase in
      incidence and mortality has been reported. However, cancer incidence and
      mortality vary in different areas in China. Cancer and cancer treatment
      disparities have existed for years. This article will discuss the existing health
      and cancer disparities associated with the risk factors and how these disparities
      are managed in China.

PMID- 28083551
TI  - Knowledge and Attitudes toward HIV, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus
      Infection among Health-care Workers in Malawi.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The highest prevalence of HIV infection occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa
      and hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence are the
      second highest in Sub-Saharan Africa including Malawi. Health-care workers (HCWs)
      play an important role in the prevention of, response to, and management of these
      infectious diseases. There is, however, no published research about the level of
      knowledge and attitudes toward HIV, HBV, and HCV infection among Malawian HCWs.
      The purpose of this study was to explore and determine the knowledge of and
      attitudes toward HIV, HBV, and HCV among a targeted population of Malawian HCWs.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based participatory research with 194 HCWs
      was completed employing health survey method. The project was a collaborative
      effort between nursing faculties in the USA and Malawian. A one-way analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) with the Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons was used
      to assess the differences in knowledge and attitude among three subgroups of
      HCWs. RESULTS: Of 194 of Malawian HCWs surveyed, 41% were support staff, 37% were
      nursing students, and 22% were health-care professionals. Both health-care
      professionals and support staff had high knowledge scores related to HIV/AIDS,
      and their attitudes were mainly positive. However, a series of one-way ANOVAs
      revealed significant differences in knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDs, HBV,
      and HCV among HCWs (P < 0.01). The majority had less knowledge about HBV and HCV
      and more negative attitudes toward hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights
      the ongoing need for reducing negative attitudes toward HIV, HBV, and HCV; and
      providing health education among HCWs, especially focusing on HBV and HCV
      prevention. The findings of the research project can be used to develop
      interventions addressing low HBV- and HCV-related knowledge and attitudes.

PMID- 28083552
TI  - How Quality of Oncology Care and Services be Improved through Leadership and
      Collaborations: Cross-clusters CQI Program in Hong Kong.

PMID- 28083553
TI  - Venous Access Devices: Clinical Rounds.
AB  - Nursing management of venous access devices (VADs) requires knowledge of current
      evidence, as well as knowledge of when evidence is limited. Do you know which
      practices we do based on evidence and those that we do based on institutional
      history or preference? This article will present complex VAD infection and
      occlusion complications and some of the controversies associated with them.
      Important strategies for identifying these complications, troubleshooting, and
      evaluating the evidence related to lack of blood return, malposition, infection,
      access and maintenance protocols, and scope of practice issues are presented.

PMID- 28083554
TI  - Genotoxic Monitoring of Nurses Handling Cytotoxic Drugs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several biomarkers may be used to detect harmful exposure and
      individual susceptibility to cancer. Monitoring of biomarkers related to exposure
      may have a significant effect on early detection of cell transformation, thereby
      aiding the primary prevention of various chronic and malignant diseases. Nurses
      who handle cytotoxic drugs are exposed to carcinogenic agents, which have the
      potential to interrupt the cell cycle and to induce chromosomal aberrations. The
      presence of high chromosomal aberrations indicates the need for intervention even
      when exposure to these carcinogens is low. METHODS: Nationally representative
      samples of 552 nurses were investigated by a follow-up monitoring system. The
      measured biomarkers were clinical laboratory routine tests, completed with
      genotoxicological (chromosome aberrations [CAs] and sister chromatid exchanges
      [SCEs]) and immunotoxicological monitoring (ratio of lymphocyte subpopulations
      and lymphocyte activation markers) measured on peripheral blood lymphocytes.
      Results were compared to the data of 140 healthy, age-matched controls. RESULTS:
      In nurses exposed to cytostatics, we observed a significantly increased frequency
      of CAs and SCEs compared with those in the controls. Cytostatic drug exposure
      also manifested itself in an increased frequency of helper T lymphocytes.
      Genotoxicological and immunotoxicological changes, as well as negative health
      effects (i.e., iron deficiency, anemia, and thyroid diseases), increased among
      cytostatic exposed subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results raised concerns about the
      protection of nursing staff from chemical carcinogens in the working environment.

PMID- 28083555
TI  - Impact of Symptom Clusters on Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients from Japan
      with Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identify symptom clusters based on symptoms experienced by patients
      with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), and examine the relationship
      between the symptom clusters and impairment in everyday life and quality of life
      (QOL). METHODS: Using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, 9 symptom items and
      the QOL Questionnaire (QLQ-C-30) evaluation apparatus from the European
      Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, we evaluated symptom severity,
      interference in daily life, and QOL. Factor analysis and multiple regression
      analysis techniques were used. RESULTS: Sixty patients with advanced NSCLCs seen
      in pulmonary medicine departments were included in the study. The average age of
      patients was 64.33 (standard deviation = 11.40). Thirty-six were male and 24 were
      female. Three symptom clusters were identified as fatigue/anorexia cluster (dry
      mouth, altered the sense of taste, drowsiness, fatigue/tiredness, and lack of
      appetite), pain cluster (anxiety, sadness, and pain), numbness cluster (numbness,
      leg weakness, and distress). The pain cluster had the strongest influence
      (adjusted R2 = 0.355) on daily life (emotions) while the numbness cluster most
      strongly affected walking. The fatigue/anorexia cluster explained 22.7% of role
      function variance. This symptom clustering may be unique among patients with
      advanced NSCLCs. CONCLUSIONS: Each of these clusters affected QOL and everyday
      life with varying degrees of influence. In clinical screening assessments,
      focusing on symptom clusters could provide tailored management strategies for
      patients with advanced NSCLCs. These care strategies may improve outcomes
      specifically for advanced NSCLCs patients.

PMID- 28083556
TI  - Development of Booklet on Male Sexual Dysfunction, its Measures and Assessing its
      Impact on Knowledge of Patients with Urological Cancers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Urological cancer and its surgeries have great impact on male
      sexuality which could have physical or emotional consequences. In India, speaking
      openly about the sexual matter is a taboo and an aspect considered forbidden.
      Therefore, the aim of the present study is to develop an information booklet
      about male sexual dysfunction and assess its impact on knowledge of patients with
      urological cancers. METHODS: Information booklet was developed after literature
      review, and its content validity was established. Reliability of the
      questionnaire was 0.95. A randomized control trail using pre- and post-test
      design was used for 30 male urological cancer patients and was assigned to
      experimental group (15) who received information booklet and control group (15)
      who received standard treatment. Subjects in the experimental group were provided
      with opinionnaire during posttest. Data were analyzed using descriptive and
      inferential statistics. RESULTS: In experimental group, 40% of the subjects were
      <= 40 years, whereas 27% in the control group (P = 0.699). The pre- and post-mean
      difference score was significantly higher in experimental group (mean difference 
      5) than control group (mean difference - 0.4). All subjects (100%) opined that
      the information booklet was useful, adequate, self-explanatory, sequential, and
      clear. CONCLUSIONS: Information in the booklet will help subjects to understand
      the common sexual problems after urological surgeries and help them to cope with
      the problems, thereby improving their quality of life.

PMID- 28083557
TI  - Nutritional Issues and Self-care Measures Adopted by Cancer Patients Attending a
      University Hospital in Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of cancer patients
      and the self-care measures they adopted as a response to nutritional problems.
      METHODS: This descriptive study included seventy cancer patients staying in the
      oncology and internal disease clinics of a university hospital in Turkey. Data
      were collected using a questionnaire with 29 questions. RESULTS: The mean age of
      participants was 40.2 +/- 1.82 years. Approximately, 62.9% of the patients ate
      only half of the meals offered to them, 65.7% experienced weight loss, and 45.7%
      had difficulty eating their meals on their own. Moreover, 47.1% of the patients
      received nutritional support and nutritional problems were observed in 71.4% of
      the patients; 80% were unable to eat hospital food, 54.3% had an eating disorder
      related to a special diet, 30% suffered from loss of appetite, 27% had nausea,
      and 14.3% had difficulty swallowing. Furthermore, 48.5% of patients responded
      that they ate home-cooked food or ordered food from outside when questioned about
      the self-care measures taken to avoid the aforementioned nutritional problems.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most of the cancer patients had serious nutritional problems and ate
      home-cooked food and used nutritional supplements to overcome these problems.
      Oncology nurses are responsible for evaluating the nutritional status of cancer
      patients and eliminating nutritional problems.

PMID- 28083558
TI  - Erratum to Happy Birthday: We are Two Years Old.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 211 in vol. 3, PMID: 27981161.].

PMID- 28083559
TI  - Culture and Consumer Behavior: The Role of Horizontal and Vertical Cultural
      Factors.
AB  - We examine the influence of culture on consumer behavior with a particular focus
      on horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism. Cultures vary in their
      propensity to emphasize hierarchy, a distinction captured by examining
      horizontal/vertical cultural orientations or contexts. These cultural factors
      pattern personal values and goals, power concepts, and normative expectations
      applied to the exercise of power. We review implications for how consumers
      respond to brands in the marketplace, service providers, and each others' needs.

PMID- 28083560
TI  - Altered Sensory Code Drives Juvenile-to-Adult Behavioral Maturation in
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Adults perform better than juveniles in food-seeking tasks. Using the nematode
      Caenorhabditis elegans to probe the neural mechanisms underlying behavioral
      maturation, we found that adults and juveniles require different combinations of
      sensory neurons to generate age-specific food-seeking behavior. We first show
      that adults and juveniles differ in their response to and preference for food
      associated odors, and we analyze genetic mutants to map the neuronal circuits
      required for those behavioral responses. We developed a novel device to trap
      juveniles and record their neuronal activity. Activity measurements revealed that
      adult and juvenile AWA sensory neurons respond to the addition of diacetyl
      stimulus, whereas AWB, ASK, and AWC sensory neurons encode its removal
      specifically in adults. Further, we show that reducing neurotransmission from the
      additional AWB, ASK, and AWC sensory neurons transforms odor preferences from an
      adult to a juvenile-like state. We also show that AWB and ASK neurons drive
      behavioral changes exclusively in adults, providing more evidence that age
      specific circuits drive age-specific behavior. Collectively, our results show
      that an odor-evoked sensory code is modified during the juvenile-to-adult
      transition in animal development to drive age-appropriate behavior. We suggest
      that this altered sensory code specifically enables adults to extract additional
      stimulus features and generate robust behavior.

PMID- 28083562
TI  - Beyond the Dichotomy: Modernizing Stigma Categorization.
AB  - Even though our knowledge of the cause of disease and disability has grown,
      stigma still exists. Weiner, Perry, and Magnusson's seminal study on attributions
      of stigma has been cited over 500 times since its publication in 1988. The
      current research sought to replicate and expand this literature in two studies.
      We used the 10 stigmas from the original study and we added six more
      (representing common psychological and physical stigmas). In the first study, we
      examined the classification of stigmas using cluster analysis. We found that
      instead of dichotomizing stigmas into either psychological or physical,
      attributions of controllability and stability together resulted in four distinct
      clusters. Although these were mostly consistent with past literature, the fourth
      cluster included both psychological and physical stigmas and was rated as
      moderately controllable and moderately stable. In the second study, we examined
      how information about responsibility shifts causal attributions, emotional
      responses, and helping behaviors. Information that an individual was responsible
      for their stigma led to greater attributions of controllability, less positive
      emotions, and less help compared to information that an individual was not
      responsible. More interestingly, the no-information control condition was similar
      to the responsibility information condition for stigmas that fell into the
      controllable clusters whereas the control condition was similar to the not
      responsible information condition for stigmas that fell into the uncontrollable
      clusters. While parsimony is valued, the psychological/physical dichotomy is not
      nuanced enough to fully capture the variation in stigmas, which in turn has
      implications for future research on stigma reduction.

PMID- 28083563
TI  - The Quantitative Imaging Network in Precision Medicine.
AB  - Precision medicine is a healthcare model that seeks to incorporate a wealth of
      patient information to identify and classify disease progression and to provide
      tailored therapeutic solutions for individual patients. Interventions are based
      on knowledge of molecular and mechanistic causes, pathogenesis and pathology of
      disease. Individual characteristics of the patients are then used to select
      appropriate healthcare options. Imaging is playing an increasingly important role
      in identifying relevant characteristics that help to stratify patients for
      different interventions. However, lack of standards, limitations in image
      processing interoperability, and errors in data collection can limit the
      applicability of imaging in clinical decision support. Quantitative imaging is
      the attempt to extract reliable, numerical information from images to eliminate
      qualitative judgments and errors for providing accurate measures of tumor
      response to therapy or for predicting future response. This issue of Tomography
      reports quantitative imaging developments made by several members of the National
      Cancer Institute Quantitative Imaging Network, a program dedicated to the
      promotion of quantitative imaging methods for clinical decision support.

PMID- 28083561
TI  - Medial Preoptic Regulation of the Ventral Tegmental Area Related to the Control
      of Sociosexual Behaviors.
AB  - During sociosexual encounters, different brain mechanisms interact to orchestrate
      information about the salience of external stimuli along with the current
      physiological and environmental conditions in order to process these in an
      optimal manner. One candidate neural system involves the potential interplay
      between the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) and mesolimbic reward circuitry. We
      present here evidence indicating that projections originating from the POM play a
      modulatory role on the mesolimbic reward circuitry related to male sexual
      behavior in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). First, we used an asymmetrical
      inactivation strategy where POM and ventral tegmental area (VTA) were
      unilaterally inactivated via the GABAA agonist muscimol, either in an ipsilateral
      or contralateral fashion. Ipsilateral injections of muscimol had negligible
      effects on both appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors. In contrast,
      contralateral injections significantly impaired appetitive sexual behaviors but
      had no clear effect on consummatory sexual behaviors. Next, we labeled cells
      projecting from the POM to the VTA by stereotaxic injection into VTA of the
      retrograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine (BDA). Two weeks later, brains from
      males who had been allowed to interact freely with a female (15 min) or kept as
      controls were collected and fixed for double immunohistochemical labeling of BDA
      and the immediate early gene Fos. More retrogradely labeled BDA cells in POM
      expressed Fos after sociosexual interactions than in control conditions. Overall,
      these findings provide novel evidence for the interplay between POM and VTA in
      the modulation of appetitive but not consummatory sexual behaviors. Schematic
      representation of the putative role of the projection from the medial POM to the
      VTA in the regulation of appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors. Unilateral
      inactivation of POM and VTA on (1) ipsilateral sides has negligible effects on
      both aspects of sexual behaviors, whereas (2) contralateral inactivation disrupts
      appetitive sexual behaviors.

PMID- 28083564
TI  - Direct Heme Uptake by Phytoplankton-Associated Roseobacter Bacteria.
AB  - Iron is an essential micronutrient and can limit the growth of both marine
      phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacterioplankton. In this study, we investigated
      the molecular basis of heme transport, an organic iron acquisition pathway, in
      phytoplankton-associated Roseobacter bacteria and explored the potential role of
      bacterial heme uptake in the marine environment. We searched 153 Roseobacter
      genomes and found that nearly half contained putative complete heme transport
      systems with nearly the same synteny. We also examined a publicly available
      coculture transcriptome and found that Roseobacter strain Sulfitobacter sp.
      strain SA11 strongly downregulated a putative heme transport gene cluster during
      mutualistic growth with a marine diatom, suggesting that the regulation of heme
      transport might be influenced by host cues. We generated a mutant of
      phytoplankton-associated Roseobacter strain Ruegeria sp. strain TM1040 by
      insertionally inactivating its homolog of the TonB-dependent heme transporter
      hmuR and confirmed the role of this gene in the uptake of heme and hemoproteins.
      We performed competition experiments between iron-limited wild-type and mutant
      TM1040 strains and found that the wild type maintains a growth advantage when
      competing with the mutant for iron compounds derived solely from lysed diatom
      cells. Heme transport systems were largely absent from public marine metagenomes
      and metatranscriptomes, suggesting that marine bacteria with the potential for
      heme transport likely have small standing populations in the free-living
      bacterioplankton. Heme transport is likely a useful strategy for phytoplankton
      associated bacteria because it provides direct access to components of the host
      intracellular iron pool after lysis. IMPORTANCE Ecosystem productivity in large
      regions of the surface ocean is fueled by iron that has been microbially
      regenerated from biomass. Currently, the specific microbes and molecules that
      mediate the transfer of recycled iron between microbial trophic levels remain
      largely unknown. We characterized a marine bacterial heme transporter and
      verified its role in acquiring heme, an abundant iron-containing enzyme cofactor.
      We present evidence that after host cell lysis, phytoplankton-associated bacteria
      directly extract heme and hemoproteins from algal cellular debris in order to
      fulfill their iron requirements and that the regulation of this process may be
      modulated by host cues. Direct heme transport, in contrast to multistep
      extracellular processing of hemoproteins, may allow certain phytoplankton
      associated bacteria to rapidly extract iron from decaying phytoplankton, thus
      efficiently recycling cellular iron into the wider microbial loop.

PMID- 28083566
TI  - Within- and Between-Session Changes in Neural Activity During Emotion Processing
      in Unipolar and Bipolar Depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar depression (UD) can be difficult
      to distinguish clinically, particularly during episodes of depression. In this
      study we test for differences between BD, UD, and healthy control (HC) adults
      regarding within- and between-session changes in BOLD response during implicit
      emotional processing. METHODS: During fMRI, HC adults (N=19) and depressed adults
      with UD (N=19) and BD (N=16) performed an implicit emotion-processing task. Each
      participant was scanned twice, separated by 6-months, resulting in 108 scans.
      BOLD response and linear change in BOLD response were examined within and between
      sessions. RESULTS: We observed within-session linear decreases in BOLD signal
      (irrespective of group, condition, or session) in the left amygdala, a right
      sided temporo-parietal region, and a right-sided fronto-insular region.
      Furthermore, we observed group differences in within-session BOLD signal change
      (p<0.05, FWE corrected) in a left-sided striatal-insular-thalamic region.
      Individuals with BD demonstrated a linear decrease in BOLD signal compared to HC
      (p<0.008, FWE corrected) across this region and compared to UD in the posterior
      insula portion of the region (p<0.008, FWE corrected). Finally, we observed main
      effects of emotional valence in bilateral visuo-spatial processing regions as
      well as in the left and right amygdala. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with BD
      demonstrated linear attenuation of BOLD response to emotional stimuli within left
      sided striatal-insular-thalamic regions. Individuals with BD may either have
      experienced abnormal habituation in this region or disengaged quickly from
      processing the emotional stimuli, despite comparable task performance. This
      pattern may represent an underlying pathophysiological process associated with BD
      that differs from UD.

PMID- 28083565
TI  - The Disrupted Connectivity Hypothesis of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Time for the
      Next Phase in Research.
AB  - During the past decade, the disrupted connectivity theory has generated
      considerable interest as a pathophysiological model for autism spectrum disorders
      (ASD). This theory postulates that deficiencies in the way the brain coordinates
      and synchronizes activity amongst different regions may account for the clinical
      symptoms of ASD. This review critically examines the current structural and
      functional connectivity data in ASD and evaluates unresolved assumptions and gaps
      in knowledge that limit the interpretation of these data. Collectively, studies
      very often show group alterations in what are thought of as measures of cerebral
      connectivity, though the patterns of findings vary considerably. We argue that
      there are three principle needs in this research agenda. First, further basic
      research is needed to understand the links between measures commonly used (DTI,
      fMRI, EEG) and other (histological, computational) levels of analysis. Second,
      speculated causes of inconsistencies in the literature (age, clinical
      heterogeneity) demand studies that directly evaluate these interpretations.
      Finally, the field needs well-specified mechanistic models of altered cerebral
      communication in ASD whose predictions can be tested on multiple levels of
      analyses.

PMID- 28083567
TI  - Deep Voting: A Robust Approach Toward Nucleus Localization in Microscopy Images.
AB  - Robust and accurate nuclei localization in microscopy image can provide crucial
      clues for accurate computer-aid diagnosis. In this paper, we propose a
      convolutional neural network (CNN) based hough voting method to localize nucleus
      centroids with heavy cluttering and morphologic variations in microscopy images.
      Our method, which we name as deep voting, mainly consists of two steps. (1) Given
      an input image, our method assigns each local patch several pairs of voting
      offset vectors which indicate the positions it votes to, and the corresponding
      voting confidence (used to weight each votes), our model can be viewed as an
      implicit hough-voting codebook. (2) We collect the weighted votes from all the
      testing patches and compute the final voting density map in a way similar to
      Parzen-window estimation. The final nucleus positions are identified by searching
      the local maxima of the density map. Our method only requires a few annotation
      efforts (just one click near the nucleus center). Experiment results on
      Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) microscopy images proves the proposed method to be
      state-of-the-art.

PMID- 28083568
TI  - A Hybrid Multishape Learning Framework for Longitudinal Prediction of Cortical
      Surfaces and Fiber Tracts Using Neonatal Data.
AB  - Dramatic changes of the human brain during the first year of postnatal
      development are poorly understood due to their multifold complexity. In this
      paper, we present the first attempt to jointly predict, using neonatal data, the
      dynamic growth pattern of brain cortical surfaces (collection of 3D triangular
      faces) and fiber tracts (collection of 3D lines). These two entities are modeled
      jointly as a multishape (a set of interlinked shapes). We propose a hybrid
      learning-based multishape prediction framework that captures both the
      diffeomorphic evolution of the cortical surfaces and the non-diffeomorphic growth
      of fiber tracts. In particular, we learn a set of geometric and dynamic cortical
      features and fiber connectivity features that characterize the relationships
      between cortical surfaces and fibers at different timepoints (0, 3, 6, and 9
      months of age). Given a new neonatal multishape at 0 month of age, we
      hierarchically predict, at 3, 6 and 9 months, the postnatal cortical surfaces
      vertex-by-vertex along with fibers connected to adjacent faces to these vertices.
      This is achieved using a new fiber-to-face metric that quantifies the similarity
      between multishapes. For validation, we propose several evaluation metrics to
      thoroughly assess the performance of our framework. The results confirm that our
      framework yields good prediction accuracy of complex neonatal multishape
      development within a few seconds.

PMID- 28083569
TI  - Riemannian Metric Optimization for Connectivity-driven Surface Mapping.
AB  - With the advance of human connectome research, there are great interests in
      computing diffeomorphic maps of brain surfaces with rich connectivity features.
      In this paper, we propose a novel framework for connectivity-driven surface
      mapping based on Riemannian metric optimization on surfaces (RMOS) in the Laplace
      Beltrami (LB) embedding space. The mathematical foundation of our method is that
      we can use the pullback metric to define an isometry between surfaces for an
      arbitrary diffeomorphism, which in turn results in identical LB embeddings from
      the two surfaces. For connectivity-driven surface mapping, our goal is to compute
      a diffeomorphism that can match a set of connectivity features defined over
      anatomical surfaces. The proposed RMOS approach achieves this goal by iteratively
      optimizing the Riemannian metric on surfaces to match the connectivity features
      in the LB embedding space. At the core of our framework is an optimization
      approach that converts the cost function of connectivity features into a distance
      measure in the LB embedding space, and optimizes it using gradients of the LB
      eigen-system with respect to the Riemannian metric. We demonstrate our method on
      the mapping of thalamic surfaces according to connectivity to ten cortical
      regions, which we compute with the multi-shell diffusion imaging data from the
      Human Connectome Project (HCP). Comparisons with a state-of-the-art method show
      that the RMOS method can more effectively match anatomical features and detect
      thalamic atrophy due to normal aging.

PMID- 28083571
TI  - Gaussian fluctuations of spatially inhomogeneous polymers.
AB  - Inhomogeneous polymers, such as partially cofilin-bound actin filaments, play an
      important role in various natural and biotechnological systems. At finite
      temperatures, inhomogeneous polymers exhibit non-trivial thermal fluctuations.
      More broadly, these are relatively simple examples of fluctuations in spatially
      inhomogeneous systems, which are less understood compared to their homogeneous
      counterparts. Here we develop a statistical theory of torsional, extensional and
      bending Gaussian fluctuations of inhomogeneous polymers (chains), where the
      inhomogeneity is an inclusion of variable size and stiffness, using both
      continuum and discrete approaches. First, we analytically calculate the complete
      eigenvalue and eigenmode spectra within a continuum field theory. In particular,
      we show that the wavenumber inside and outside of the inclusion is nearly linear
      in the eigenvalue index, with a nontrivial coefficient. Second, we solve the
      corresponding discrete problem and highlight fundamental differences between the
      continuum and discrete spectra. In particular, we demonstrate that above a
      certain wavenumber the discrete spectrum changes qualitatively and discrete
      evanescent eigenmodes, which do not have continuum counterparts, emerge. The
      implications of these differences are explored by calculating fluctuation-induced
      forces associated with free-energy variations with either the inclusion
      properties (e.g. inhomogeneity formed by adsorbing molecules) or with an external
      geometric constraint. The former, which is the fluctuation-induced contribution
      to the adsorbing molecule binding force, is shown to be affected by short
      wavelengths and thus cannot be calculated using the continuum approach. The
      latter, on the other hand, is shown to be dominated by long wavelength shape
      fluctuations and hence is properly described by the continuum theory.

PMID- 28083570
TI  - Pancreas Segmentation in MRI using Graph-Based Decision Fusion on Convolutional
      Neural Networks.
AB  - Automated pancreas segmentation in medical images is a prerequisite for many
      clinical applications, such as diabetes inspection, pancreatic cancer diagnosis,
      and surgical planing. In this paper, we formulate pancreas segmentation in
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans as a graph based decision fusion process
      combined with deep convolutional neural networks (CNN). Our approach conducts
      pancreatic detection and boundary segmentation with two types of CNN models
      respectively: 1) the tissue detection step to differentiate pancreas and non
      pancreas tissue with spatial intensity context; 2) the boundary detection step to
      allocate the semantic boundaries of pancreas. Both detection results of the two
      networks are fused together as the initialization of a conditional random field
      (CRF) framework to obtain the final segmentation output. Our approach achieves
      the mean dice similarity coefficient (DSC) 76.1% with the standard deviation of
      8.7% in a dataset containing 78 abdominal MRI scans. The proposed algorithm
      achieves the best results compared with other state of the arts.

PMID- 28083572
TI  - Exciton valley dynamics in monolayer WSe2 probed by the two-color ultrafast Kerr
      rotation.
AB  - The newly developed two-dimensional layered materials provide a perfect platform
      for valley-spintronics exploration. To determine the prospect of utilizing the
      valley degree of freedom, it is of great importance to directly detect and
      understand the valley dynamics in these materials. Here, the exciton valley
      dynamics in monolayer WSe2 is investigated by the two-color pump-probe magneto
      optical Kerr technique. By tuning the probe photon energy in resonance with the
      free excitons and trions, the valley relaxation time of different excitonic
      states in monolayer WSe2 is determined. Valley relaxation time of the free
      exciton in monolayer WSe2 is confirmed to be several picoseconds. A slow valley
      polarization relaxation process is observed to be associated with the trions,
      showing that the valley lifetime for trions is one order of magnitude longer than
      that of free excitons. This finding suggests that trion can be a good candidate
      for valleytronics applications.

PMID- 28083573
TI  - Water vapour effects on secondary organic aerosol formation in isoprene
      ozonolysis.
AB  - Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from isoprene ozonolysis was
      investigated using a Teflon bag reactor under dry and humid conditions. Both the
      number and volume concentrations of SOA were found to be decreased by the
      addition of water vapour. Gas- and particle-phase product analyses with a
      negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometer show that oligomers composed
      of stabilized Criegee intermediates as the chain units contribute to the SOA
      formation and that water vapour inhibits stabilized Criegee intermediates from
      forming the oligomers, resulting in the suppression of SOA formation.
      Additionally, it is suggested that a portion of stabilized Criegee intermediates
      other than CH2OO have low reactivity toward H2O, and thus can be involved in the
      oligomer and SOA formation even under humid conditions. Volatility estimation
      predicts that the oligomers containing even one or two stabilized Criegee
      intermediates can be partitioned into the aerosol phase.

PMID- 28083574
TI  - Shock wave studies of the pyrolysis of fluorocarbon oxygenates. I. The thermal
      dissociation of C3F6O and CF3COF.
AB  - The thermal decomposition of hexafluoropropylene oxide, C3F6O, to perfluoroacetyl
      fluoride, CF3COF, and CF2 has been studied in shock waves highly diluted in Ar
      between 630 and 1000 K. The measured rate constant k1 = 1.1 * 1014 exp(-162(+/-4)
      kJ mol-1/RT) s-1 agrees well with literature data and modelling results. Using
      the reaction as a precursor, equimolar mixtures of CF3COF and CF2 were further
      heated. Combining experimental observations with theoretical modelling (on the
      CBS-QB3 and G4MP2 ab initio composite levels), CF3COF is shown to dissociate on
      two channels, either leading to CF2 + COF2 or to CF3 + FCO. By monitoring the CF2
      signals, the branching ratio was determined between 1400 and 1900 K. The high
      pressure rate constants for the two channels were obtained from theoretical
      modelling as k5,infinity(CF3COF -> CF2 + COF2) = 7.1 * 1014 exp(-320 kJ mol-1/RT)
      s-1 and k6,infinity(CF3COF -> CF3 + FCO) = 3.9 * 1015 exp(-355 kJ mol-1/RT) s-1.
      The experimental results obtained at [Ar] ~ 5 * 10-6 mol cm-3 were consistent
      with modelling results, showing that the reaction is in the falloff range of the
      unimolecular dissociation. The mechanism of secondary reactions following CF3COF
      dissociation has been analysed as well.

PMID- 28083575
TI  - Slow magnetic relaxation in a mononuclear 8-coordinate Fe(ii) complex.
AB  - The synthesis and structure of an 8-coordinate Fe(ii) compound [FeII(L1)2](ClO4)2
      (1) with a [FeN4O4] core are reported. 1 exhibits uni-axial anisotropy for which
      a slow magnetic relaxation is observed under 1.4 kOe dc field. It is the first
      example of an 8-coordinate Fe(ii) complex exhibiting field-induced single
      molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour.

PMID- 28083576
TI  - Two-liquid wetting properties as a surface polarity probe for hydrophobic
      coatings.
AB  - A model for the spreading of a non-polar liquid on a surface within a polar
      medium is described theoretically, according to Fowkes, Good and Girifalco
      approximations on interfacial tension. We demonstrate both theoretically and
      experimentally that surface polarity measurements using the contact angle of two
      immiscible liquids minimize drastically the measurement error. The present method
      has been successfully applied to various substrates of variable polarity and
      overall surface energy. We also demonstrate that this method allows a direct
      measurement of surface sensitivity to pH.

PMID- 28083577
TI  - Bright metal coatings from sustainable electrolytes: the effect of molecular
      additives on electrodeposition of nickel from a deep eutectic solvent.
AB  - Organic and inorganic additives are often added to nickel electroplating
      solutions to improve surface finish, reduce roughness and promote uniform surface
      morphology of the coatings. Such additives are usually small molecules and often
      referred to as brighteners or levellers. However, there have been limited
      investigations into the effect of such additives on electrodeposition from ionic
      liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Here we study the effect of four
      additives on electrolytic nickel plating from an ethyleneglycol based DES; these
      are nicotinic acid (NA), methylnicotinate (MN), 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH) and
      boric acid (BA). The additives show limited influence on the bulk Ni(ii)
      speciation but have significant influence on the electrochemical behaviour of Ni
      deposition. Small concentrations (ca. 15 mM) of NA and MN show inhibition of
      Ni(ii) reduction whereas high concentrations of DMH and BA are required for a
      modest difference in behaviour from the additive free system. NA and MN also show
      that they significantly alter the nucleation and growth mechanism when compared
      to the additive free system and those with DMH and BA. Each of the additive
      systems had the effect of producing brighter and flatter bulk electrodeposits
      with increased coating hardness but XRD shows that NA and MN direct crystal
      growth to the [111] orientation whereas DMH and BA direct crystal growth to the
      [220] orientation.

PMID- 28083578
TI  - Electrocatalysis for the oxygen evolution reaction: recent development and future
      perspectives.
AB  - There is still an ongoing effort to search for sustainable, clean and highly
      efficient energy generation to satisfy the energy needs of modern society. Among
      various advanced technologies, electrocatalysis for the oxygen evolution reaction
      (OER) plays a key role and numerous new electrocatalysts have been developed to
      improve the efficiency of gas evolution. Along the way, enormous effort has been
      devoted to finding high-performance electrocatalysts, which has also stimulated
      the invention of new techniques to investigate the properties of materials or the
      fundamental mechanism of the OER. This accumulated knowledge not only establishes
      the foundation of the mechanism of the OER, but also points out the important
      criteria for a good electrocatalyst based on a variety of studies. Even though it
      may be difficult to include all cases, the aim of this review is to inspect the
      current progress and offer a comprehensive insight toward the OER. This review
      begins with examining the theoretical principles of electrode kinetics and some
      measurement criteria for achieving a fair evaluation among the catalysts. The
      second part of this review acquaints some materials for performing OER activity,
      in which the metal oxide materials build the basis of OER mechanism while non
      oxide materials exhibit greatly promising performance toward overall water
      splitting. Attention of this review is also paid to in situ approaches to
      electrocatalytic behavior during OER, and this information is crucial and can
      provide efficient strategies to design perfect electrocatalysts for OER. Finally,
      the OER mechanism from the perspective of both recent experimental and
      theoretical investigations is discussed, as well as probable strategies for
      improving OER performance with regards to future developments.

PMID- 28083579
TI  - Metal complexes with oxygen-functionalized NHC ligands: synthesis and
      applications.
AB  - Ligand design has met with considerable success with both categories of hybrid
      ligands, which are characterized by chemically different donor groups, and of N
      heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). Their spectacular development and diversity are
      attracting worldwide interest and offers almost unlimited diversity and potential
      in e.g. coordination/organometallic main group and transition metal chemistry,
      catalysis, medicinal chemistry and materials science. This review aims at
      providing a comprehensive update on a specific class of ligands that has enjoyed
      much attention in the past few years, at the intersection between the two
      categories mentioned above, that of hybrid NHC ligands in which the functionality
      associated with the carbene donor is of the oxygen-donor type. For each type of
      oxygen-donor present in such chelating (Section 1) or bridging (Section 2) hybrid
      ligands, we will examine the synthesis, structures and reactivity of their metal
      complexes and their applications, with a special focus on homogeneous catalysis
      (Section 3). Thus, hydrogenation, C-H bond activation, C-C, C-N, C-O bond
      formation, hydrolysis of silanes, oligomerization, polymerization, metathesis,
      hydrosilylation, C-C bond cleavage, acceptorless dehydrogenation,
      dehalogenation/hydrogen transfer, oxidation and reduction reactions will be
      successively presented in a tabular manner, to facilitate an overview and a rapid
      identification of the relevant publications describing which metals associated
      with a given oxygen functionality are most suitable. The literature coverage
      includes the year 2015.

PMID- 28083580
TI  - Facile synthesis of N-acyl 2-aminobenzothiazoles by NHC-catalyzed direct
      oxidative amidation of aldehydes.
AB  - A mild, general, and high yielding synthesis of N-acyl 2-aminobenzothiazoles has
      been demonstrated by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-organocatalyzed direct
      amidation of aldehydes with 2-aminobenzothiazoles proceeding via acyl azolium
      intermediates. The carbene generated from the triazolium salt under oxidative
      conditions was the key for the success of this reaction. The method was
      subsequently applied to the synthesis of various biologically important N-acyl 2
      aminobenzothiazoles.

PMID- 28083581
TI  - Thermal annealing behaviour and gel to crystal transition of a low molecular
      weight hydrogelator.
AB  - The thermal annealing behaviour of an electrolyte-triggered calixarene
      hydrogelator is found to depend strongly on the specific metal chloride used.
      While the lithium chloride gel showed typical gel-sol transitions as a function
      of temperature, the magnesium chloride gel was found to repeatedly strengthen
      with heat-cool cycles. Structural investigations using small-angle neutron
      scattering, and scanning probe microscopy, suggest that the annealing behaviour
      is associated with a change in morphology of the fibrous structures supporting
      the gel. On prolonged standing at room temperature, the magnesium chloride gel
      underwent a gel-crystal transition, with the collapsing gel accompanied by the
      deposition of crystals of a magnesium complex of the proline-functionalised
      calix[4]arene gelator.

PMID- 28083582
TI  - Influence of NO and (NO)2 adsorption on the properties of Fe-N4 porphyrin-like
      graphene sheets.
AB  - Detection of NO in biological systems and removing or reducing NO for environment
      protection is paramount. Herein, we investigate the influence of NO and (NO)2
      adsorption on the properties of Fe-N4 porphyrin-like graphene (G-Fe-N4) sheets
      using periodic DFT calculations with the dispersion correction. The results show
      that NO can be converted into N2O through adsorbed (NO)2 with a total energy
      barrier of 0.92 eV. The adsorption of N2O and of two NO on O/G-Fe-N4 sheets can
      proceed through (N2)gas + (O2)ads and (N2O)gas + (O2)ads, respectively. Both
      paths have a rate-determining step with a high (~1.80 eV) energy barrier.
      Nevertheless, the formation of (O2)ads on the G-Fe-N4 can be regarded as an
      oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) precursor. Detailed analyses of the electronic
      properties of the various systems involved in this reaction reveal the increased
      spin filter characteristics for some structures. Hence, the obtained spin filter
      parameters of the NO@G-Fe-N4 and (NO)2@G-Fe-N4 structures are 72.53% and 47.96%,
      respectively. Also, it is found that the adsorption of NO gas molecules induces
      different energy antiresonant dips not found in G-Fe-N4, which are induced by
      quasi-bound states related to the adsorbate and Fe-N4 defect.

PMID- 28083583
TI  - Kinetic analysis of overlapping multistep thermal decomposition comprising
      exothermic and endothermic processes: thermolysis of ammonium dinitramide.
AB  - This study focused on kinetic modeling of a specific type of multistep
      heterogeneous reaction comprising exothermic and endothermic reaction steps, as
      exemplified by the practical kinetic analysis of the experimental kinetic curves
      for the thermal decomposition of molten ammonium dinitramide (ADN). It is known
      that the thermal decomposition of ADN occurs as a consecutive two step mass-loss
      process comprising the decomposition of ADN and subsequent
      evaporation/decomposition of in situ generated ammonium nitrate. These reaction
      steps provide exothermic and endothermic contributions, respectively, to the
      overall thermal effect. The overall reaction process was deconvoluted into two
      reaction steps using simultaneously recorded thermogravimetry and differential
      scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) curves by considering the different physical
      meanings of the kinetic data derived from TG and DSC by P value analysis. The
      kinetic data thus separated into exothermic and endothermic reaction steps were
      kinetically characterized using kinetic computation methods including
      isoconversional method, combined kinetic analysis, and master plot method. The
      overall kinetic behavior was reproduced as the sum of the kinetic equations for
      each reaction step considering the contributions to the rate data derived from TG
      and DSC. During reproduction of the kinetic behavior, the kinetic parameters and
      contributions of each reaction step were optimized using kinetic deconvolution
      analysis. As a result, the thermal decomposition of ADN was successfully modeled
      as partially overlapping exothermic and endothermic reaction steps. The logic of
      the kinetic modeling was critically examined, and the practical usefulness of
      phenomenological modeling for the thermal decomposition of ADN was illustrated to
      demonstrate the validity of the methodology and its applicability to similar
      complex reaction processes.

PMID- 28083584
TI  - Influence of metal coordination and co-ligands on the magnetic properties of 1D
      Co(NCS)2 coordination polymers.
AB  - Two new transition metal thiocyanate coordination polymers with the composition
      [Co(NCS)2(4-vinylpyridine)2]n (1) and [Co(NCS)2(4-benzoylpyridine)2]n (2) were
      synthesized and their crystal structures were determined. In both compounds the
      Co cations are octahedrally coordinated by two trans-coordinating 4-vinyl- or 4
      benzoylpyridine co-ligands and four MU-1,3-bridging thiocyanato anions and linked
      into chains by the anionic ligands. While in 1 the N and the S atoms of the
      thiocyanate anions are also in trans-configuration, in 2 they are in cis
      configuration. A detailed magnetic study showed that the intra-chain
      ferromagnetic coupling is slightly stronger for 2 than for 1, and that the chains
      in both compounds are weekly antiferromagnetically coupled. Both compounds show a
      long range magnetic ordering transition at Tc = 3.9 K for 1 and Tc = 3.7 K for 2,
      which is confirmed by specific heat measurements. They also show a metamagnetic
      transition at a critical field of 450 Oe (1) and 350 Oe (2), respectively. Below
      Tc1 and 2 exhibit magnetic relaxations resembling relaxations of single chains.
      The exchange constants obtained from magnetic and specific heat data are in good
      accordance with those obtained from constrained DFT calculations carried out on
      isolated model systems. The ab initio calculations allowed us to find the
      principal directions of anisotropy.

PMID- 28083585
TI  - Metal ion mediated electron transfer at dye-semiconductor interfaces.
AB  - Here we demonstrate that the incorporation of Cu2+ linking ions into self
      assembled bilayer films significantly perturbs the electron transfer rate at dye
      semiconductor interfaces. Despite near unity quenching of the excited state of
      the dye by the Cu2+ ions, a charge separated state with slowed recombination is
      observed.

PMID- 28083586
TI  - Shock wave studies of the pyrolysis of fluorocarbon oxygenates. II. The thermal
      dissociation of C4F8O.
AB  - The thermal decomposition of octafluorooxalane, C4F8O, to C2F4 + CF2 + COF2 has
      been studied in shock waves highly diluted in Ar between 1300 and 2200 K. The
      primary dissociation was shown to be followed by secondary dissociation of C2F4
      and dimerization of CF2. The primary dissociation was found to be in its falloff
      range and falloff curves were constructed. The limiting low and high pressure
      rate constants were estimated and compared with modelling results. Quantum
      chemical calculations identified possible reaction pathways, either leading
      directly to the final products of the reaction or passing through an open-chain
      CF2CF2CF2 intermediate which dissociates in a second step.

PMID- 28083587
TI  - Thermal transport across nanoparticle-fluid interfaces: the interplay of
      interfacial curvature and nanoparticle-fluid interactions.
AB  - We investigate the general dependence of the thermal transport across
      nanoparticle-fluid interfaces using molecular dynamics computations. We show that
      the thermal conductance depends strongly both on the wetting characteristics of
      the nanoparticle-fluid interface and on the nanoparticle size. Strong
      nanoparticle-fluid interactions, leading to full wetting states in the host
      fluid, result in high thermal conductances and efficient interfacial transport of
      heat. Weak interactions result in partial drying or full drying states, and low
      thermal conductances. The variation of the thermal conductance with particle size
      is found to depend on the fluid-nanoparticle interactions. Strong interactions
      coupled with large interfacial curvatures lead to optimum interfacial heat
      transport. This complex dependence can be modelled using an equation that
      includes the interfacial curvature as a parameter. In this way, we rationalise
      the existing experimental and computer simulation results and show that the
      thermal transport across nanoscale interfaces is determined by the correlations
      of both interfacial curvature and nanoparticle-fluid interactions.

PMID- 28083588
TI  - Halogen bonding versus hydrogen bonding induced 2D self-assembled nanostructures
      at the liquid-solid interface revealed by STM.
AB  - We design a bifunctional molecule (5-bromo-2-hexadecyloxy-benzoic acid, 5-BHBA)
      with a bromine atom and a carboxyl group and its two-dimensional self-assembly is
      experimentally and theoretically investigated by using scanning tunneling
      microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The
      supramolecular self-organization of 5-BHBA in two different solvents (1-octanoic
      acid and n-hexadecane) at the liquid-solid interface at different solution
      concentrations is obviously different due to the cooperative and competitive
      intermolecular halogen and hydrogen bonds. Three kinds of nanoarchitectures
      composed of dimers, trimers and tetramers are formed at the 1-octanoic
      acid/graphite interface based on -COOHHOOC-, triangular C[double bond, length as
      m-dash]OBrH-C, -BrO(H), BrBr, and OH interactions. Furthermore, by using n
      hexadecane as the solvent, two kinds of self-assembled linear patterns can be
      observed due to the coadsorption, in which the dimers are formed by
      intermolecular -COOHHOOC- hydrogen bonds. The molecule-solvent and solvent
      solvent van der Waals force and intermolecular hydrogen bonds dominate the
      formation of coadsorbed patterns. We propose that the cooperative and competitive
      halogen and hydrogen bonds are related to the polarity of the solvent and the
      type of molecule-solvent interaction. The intermolecular binding energy of
      different dimers and their stability are supported by theoretical calculations.
      The result provides a new and innovative insight to induce the 2D self-assembled
      nanostructures by halogen and hydrogen bonds at the liquid-solid interface.

PMID- 28083589
TI  - Polarization loss in the organic ferroelectric trialkylbenzene-1,3,5
      tricarboxamide (BTA).
AB  - We investigate the polarization loss in the archetypical molecular organic
      ferroelectric trialkylbenzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA). We prove that the
      polarization loss is due to thermally activated R-relaxation, which is a
      collective reversal of the amide dipole moments in ferroelectric domains. By
      applying a weak electrostatic field both the polarization loss and the R
      relaxation are suppressed, leading to an enhancement of the retention time by at
      least several orders of magnitude. Alternative loss mechanisms are discussed and
      ruled out. By operating the thin-film devices slightly above the crystalline to
      liquid crystalline phase transition temperature the retention time of one
      compound becomes more than 12 hours even in absence of supportive bias, which is
      among the longest reported so far for organic ferroelectric materials.

PMID- 28083590
TI  - Liberation of three dihydrogens from two ethene molecules as mediated by the
      tantalum nitride anion cluster Ta3N2- at room temperature.
AB  - The reactivity of gas-phase cluster anions Ta3N2- with C2H4 under thermal
      collision conditions was studied by mass spectrometry in conjunction with density
      functional theory calculations. The full dehydrogenation of the C2H4 molecule was
      observed, with the formation of two dihydrogen molecules. Interestingly, the two
      carbon atoms originating from the first C2H4 molecule are used to construct
      another cluster Ta3N2C2-, which can activate one more C2H4 releasing one H2
      molecule. Therefore, three dihydrogen molecules are liberated from two ethene
      molecules in the overall reaction. The full dehydrogenation of C2H4 by gas-phase
      anions as well as the structure and reactivity of M-N-C (M: transition metal)
      cluster is reported for the first time. The properties of Ta3N2- and Ta3N2C2-
      elucidated herein are of use in providing fundamental information that is
      necessary to tailor the design of new and effective catalysts by applying the
      related materials.

PMID- 28083591
TI  - Structural evolution of reduced GeOx nanoparticles.
AB  - GeOx nanoparticles (NPs) are of growing interest in lithium storage and
      optoelectronics. GeOx NPs prepared by chemical reduction, exposed to air or
      retained under N2, then annealed under H2 at various temperatures are studied
      herein using soft X-ray spectroscopy. We find that fresh and air-exposed GeOx NPs
      evolve rather differently under annealing. The fresh GeOx NPs start as a very
      amorphous heterogeneous mixture of GeOx and Ge, and during annealing both the
      valence band and conduction band edges evolve. In contrast, the air-exposed GeOx
      NPs initially contain quartz-phase GeO2, and during annealing only the conduction
      band edge evolves due to increased oxygen vacancies forming unoccupied defect
      states (the valence band does not change until annealing at high temperture, at
      which point almost all of the GeO2 is removed). These findings suggest a
      preparation and annealing strategy that could be used to tailor GeOx NPs for
      their intended use in lithium storage or optoelectronic applications.

PMID- 28083593
TI  - Phase behavior of active Brownian disks, spheres, and dimers.
AB  - In this paper we provide high precision estimates of the phase diagram of active
      Brownian particles. We extract coexisting densities from simulations of phase
      separated states in an elongated box (slab geometry) which minimizes finite-size
      effects and allows for precise determination of points on the binodal lines.
      Using this method, we study the influence of both shape and dimensionality on the
      two-phase region. Active spheres and dimers of active particles are compared to
      the known phase diagram of active Brownian disks. In the case of dimers, both
      correlated and uncorrelated propulsion of the two beads are studied. The
      influence of correlations is discussed through a simple mapping.

PMID- 28083592
TI  - Single, Janus, and Cerberus emulsions from the vibrational emulsification of oils
      with significant mutual solubility.
AB  - Single, Janus, and Cerberus emulsions are prepared in one system consisting of
      three oils: silicone (SO), fluorocarbon (FO) and ethoxylated trimethylolpropane
      triacrylate (ETPTA) with mutual solubility. An aqueous solution of Pluronic F127,
      which is an poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide) co-polymer of average
      composition EO97PO68EO97, was employed as the continuous phase. The three
      dimensional phase diagram of the oils was determined, and different oil
      compositions within the various regions of the phase diagram were emulsified by
      one-step vortex mixing with an F127 aqueous solution. The result showed single,
      Janus, and Cerberus emulsions within the different regions of the phase diagram;
      i.e. the emulsions reflected the equilibrium system. The topology of the Cerberus
      droplets is to an overwhelming extent linear-singlet and exclusively lobe order
      of EF/FO/SF. Since the results indicate a significant effect of the equilibrium
      interfacial tensions on the drop topology, thermodynamic calculations were made
      using the experimentally determined interfacial tensions. The results, as
      expected, show that the Cerberus emulsions are thermodynamically preferred over
      separate drops of the individual oils. In addition, the calculations demonstrate
      that the order of lobes within a drop is thermodynamically favored.

PMID- 28083594
TI  - Pyrene based D-pi-A architectures: synthesis, density functional theory,
      photophysics and electron transfer dynamics.
AB  - Pyrene derivatives show immense potential as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar
      cells (DSCs). Therefore, this work focuses on the impact of pi-spacers on the
      photophysical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of pyrene based D-pi-A
      dyes, since the insertion of pi-spacers is one of the doable strategies to
      improve the light harvesting properties of the dye. In this respect, three new
      pyrene based D-pi-A dyes have been synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C NMR,
      and elemental analyses and EI-MS spectrometry. The selected pi-spacers are
      benzene, thiophene and furan. Compared with a benzene spacer, the introduction of
      a heterocyclic ring spacer reduces the band gap of the dye and brings about the
      broadening of the absorption spectra to the longer wavelength region through
      intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT). Combined experimental and theoretical
      studies were performed to investigate the ICT process involved in the pyrene
      derivatives. The profound solvatochromism with increased nonradiative rate
      constants (knr) has been construed in terms of ICT from the pyrene core to
      rhodanine-3-acetic acid via conjugated pi-spacers. Electrochemical data also
      reveal that the HOMO and LUMO energy levels are fine-tuned by incorporating
      different pi-spacers between pyrene and rhodanine-3-acetic acid. On the basis of
      the optimized DSC test conditions, the best performance was found for PBRA, in
      which a benzene group is the conjugated pi-spacer. The divergence in the
      photovoltaic behaviors of these dyes was further explicated by femtosecond
      fluorescence and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

PMID- 28083596
TI  - Cytochrome P450 2U1, a very peculiar member of the human P450s family.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 2U1 (CYP2U1) exhibits several distinctive characteristics among
      the 57 human CYPs, such as its presence in almost all living organisms with a
      highly conserved sequence, its particular gene organization with only five exons,
      its major location in thymus and brain, and its protein sequence involving an
      unusually long N-terminal region containing 8 proline residues and an insert of
      about 20 amino acids containing 5 arginine residues after the transmembrane
      helix. Few substrates, including fatty acids, N-arachidonoylserotonin (AS), and
      some drugs, have been reported so far. However, its biological roles remain
      largely unknown, even though CYP2U1 mutations have been involved in some
      pathological situations, such as complicated forms of hereditary spastic
      paraplegia. These data together with its ability to hydroxylate some fatty acids
      and AS suggest its possible role in lipid metabolism.

PMID- 28083595
TI  - Mitochondrial dynamics as regulators of cancer biology.
AB  - Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that supply energy required to drive key
      cellular processes, such as survival, proliferation, and migration. Critical to
      all of these processes are changes in mitochondrial architecture, a mechanical
      mechanism encompassing both fusion and fragmentation (fission) of the
      mitochondrial network. Changes to mitochondrial shape, size, and localization
      occur in a regulated manner to maintain energy and metabolic homeostasis, while
      deregulation of mitochondrial dynamics is associated with the onset of metabolic
      dysfunction and disease. In cancers, oncogenic signals that drive excessive
      proliferation, increase intracellular stress, and limit nutrient supply are all
      able to alter the bioenergetic and biosynthetic requirements of cancer cells.
      Consequently, mitochondrial function and shape rapidly adapt to these hostile
      conditions to support cancer cell proliferation and evade activation of cell
      death programs. In this review, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms
      governing mitochondrial dynamics and integrate recent insights into how changes
      in mitochondrial shape affect cellular migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and
      opportunities for the development of novel targeted cancer therapies.

PMID- 28083597
TI  - [Psoriatic arthritis : Overview of drug therapy options and administration
      characteristics].
AB  - Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the musculoskeletal
      system with association to skin psoriasis and is characterized by variable
      clinical symptoms with very heterogeneous degrees of disease suffering for
      patients. Clinical manifestations essentially include alterations to the skin and
      nails, peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis and/or spinal involvement.
      This variability necessitates an individualized therapy of patients with
      different therapy targets. Apart from international guidelines no therapy
      recommendations are available in Germany for treatment of psoriatic arthritis.
      For this reason this article summarizes the established points, characteristics
      and aspects to be considered in the therapy of psoriatic arthritis in Germany,
      taking the various main forms of the disease into consideration.

PMID- 28083598
TI  - [Drug treatment of dementia].
AB  - The number of patients with dementia continues to increase worldwide, mainly due
      to the demographic developments. Early diagnosis and individualized therapy
      offers the chance of healing in secondary dementias. The therapy of the more
      common primary neurodegenerative forms is able to improve the course of the
      disease. As part of a multimodal management the therapy of dementias includes
      pharmacological treatment, nondrug treatment strategies, and psychosocial
      interventions. The treatment is administered depending on dementia form and
      stage. Antidementive medication and differentiated pharmacological therapy of
      frequent mental and behavioral symptoms corresponding to current guidelines
      contribute decisively to stabilize quality of life and activities of daily
      living, delaying the progression, and thus improving the care situation of
      patients and caregivers.

PMID- 28083599
TI  - [PCSK9 inhibitors : Current clinical relevance].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypercholesterolemias are known risk factors for cardiovascular
      diseases. Although statins have reduced the cardiovascular morbidity and
      mortality and further therapeutic measures are available, treatment goals are
      often not achieved. In cases of very high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
      cholesterol or of intolerability, the established therapies are often not
      sufficiently effective or cannot be used in adequate doses. For these high-risk
      patients further treatment options are required. OBJECTIVES: The current clinical
      relevance of the new substance class of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin
      type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors for the treatment of hypercholesterolemias is presented
      on the basis of the available data and the German regulations. CURRENT DATA: The
      two PCSK9 inhibitors, evolocumab and alirocumab, were approved in 2015. Data from
      many different patient groups are available for both substances. The significant
      reduction of LDL cholesterol of 50-60% and the very good tolerability and safety
      profile (at placebo level) are shown for both substances. The PCSK9 inhibitors
      are not as effective only in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The first
      long-term data and one imaging study raise hope that the endpoint trials will
      show the expected reduction in cardiovascular events. Long-term trials have to
      show the long-term safety. In Germany it is legally regulated which patients can
      be treated by PCSK9 inhibitors and these prerequisites are largely in accordance
      with clinical practice. CONCLUSION: The body of evidence is rapidly increasing
      thereby facilitating the decision making when PCSK9 inhibitors could be used. The
      PCSK9 inhibitors will considerably improve the options for optimal treatment of
      high-risk patients.

PMID- 28083600
TI  - [Radiotherapeutic management of lymphatic fistulas : An effective but disregarded
      therapy option].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymphatic fistulas and lymphoceles are known complications after
      vascular surgery of the groin and after extended surgical interventions in the
      pelvic region. Unfortunately, conservative standard therapies are not always
      successful. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy and related side
      effects of percutaneous low-dose irradiation in patients with lymphorrhea and
      definition of its importance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Current presentation of
      previously published case series, reviews and guidelines. RESULTS: The use of low
      dose irradiation therapy with single doses of 0.3-0.5 Gy leads to a cessation of
      the lymphatic flow in a high percentage of patients when standard therapies do
      not show a sufficient effect. With cessation of lymphorrhea irradiation should be
      terminated. Acute side effects have not been reported and the risk of tumor
      induction is almost negligible. CONCLUSION: Low-dose irradiation is an effective
      and very well-tolerated therapeutic alternative in the treatment of lymphatic
      fistulas and lymphorrhea when conservative therapies are unsuccessful.

PMID- 28083601
TI  - [Intraoperative pitfalls and complications in defecation disorders and rectal
      prolapse].
AB  - BACKGROUND: No generally accepted gold standard exists for the operative therapy
      of rectal prolapse in its variety of manifestations. Existing evidence suggests
      that an individualized choice of procedure provides the best result for each
      single patient. Knowledge of possible pitfalls and intraoperative management of
      complications in frequently applied procedures are important prerequisites for
      reliable treatment of affected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A consecutive
      series of 233 patients (June 2011-May 2016) with individualized choice of
      operative procedure in patients with rectal prolapse and rectocele based on an
      algorithm for a clinical treatment pathway and stapled hemorrhoidopexy were
      included. Intraoperative pitfalls and complications and their management (iPCM)
      were prospectively documented and analyzed. RESULTS: The iPCM could be classified
      into three different categories: group I: iPCM was immediately noted and
      intraoperatively treated with no impact on the further clinical course (n = 20),
      group II: iPCM was successfully treated conservatively within a short time after
      the procedure (n = 9) and group III: iPCM required surgical revision (n = 5).
      CONCLUSION: Individualized treatment of rectal prolapse and rectocele requires a
      broad spectrum of methods in specialized coloproctology units. A clinical
      treatment pathway facilitates the optimal choice of procedure. Overall the
      complication rates during surgical treatment of transanal rectal prolapse are
      low; however, available operative procedures hold specific risks and knowledge of
      these risks helps to avoid them. Once complications occur, measures demonstrated
      in this study lead to normal clinical courses in the majority of cases.

PMID- 28083603
TI  - Genetic Structure of the Armenian Population.
AB  - Located at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, the Armenian Highland
      served as a transition corridor for major waves of prehistoric and historic
      migrations. The genetic history of Armenians as an indigenous population of the
      region attracts keen scientific interest to resolve the puzzle of ancient Middle
      Eastern populations' expansion and the spread of Indo-European languages. Here,
      we review the current state of studies on the genetic structure of both modern
      and ancient inhabitants of the Armenian Highland and outline further steps to be
      fulfilled in this regard.

PMID- 28083602
TI  - [Isolated limb perfusion for liposarcoma : Histopathological response and
      subgroup analysis after TNF melphalan-based ILP].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and melphalan-based isolated limb
      perfusion (TM-ILP) is one of the most effective treatment modalities for
      unresectable soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities. Liposarcomas (LS) are
      a large and heterogeneous subgroup of STS with different biological behavior and
      prognoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate LS and the different subentities
      with respect to their responsiveness towards TM-ILP. METHODS: We matched our ILP
      database with our pathology database to identify patients who received TM-ILP due
      to STS followed by resection of the residual tumor. We identified 126 patients
      who matched these inclusion criteria. In this patient group we identified 24
      patients with a LS. Histopathological regression was assessed from all resection
      specimens and was compared between groups: LS vs. non-LS and for myxoid and non
      myxoid LS subgroups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the
      overall tumor regression comparing non-LS (median 95%, mean 77%) and LS (median
      90%, mean 74%). For the subgroup analysis, a higher grade of regression after TM
      ILP was found in myxoid-LS (median 95%, mean 79% +/- 31.5) compared to the non
      myxoid LS (median 75%, mean 72% +/- 24.6). Atypical lipomatous tumors (ALT) were
      less responsive to TM-ILP treatment (median 40%, mean 40%). CONCLUSION: The
      histopathological response of LS toward TM-ILP is equally good compared to non
      lipomatous STS. Myxoid LS seem to have a tendency towards a better response to TM
      ILP compared to non-myxoid LS and ALT showed the lowest response rate in the
      liposarcoma subgroup. Furthermore, we found that TM-ILP seems to facilitate
      successful R0 resection. Due to the low number of cases in the subgroups we
      advocate further research on this topic.

PMID- 28083604
TI  - The Frequency of CCR5del32 Mutation in Populations of Russians, Tatars and
      Bashkirs of Chelyabinsk Region, Russia.
AB  - The distribution of genetic variants associated with natural resistance to viral
      infections can vary among human ethnic groups due to evolutionary factors,
      defining the different epidemiologic background of world populations. The
      polymorphisms, defining the natural resistance to HIV-infection and the rate of
      progression up to AIDS, are very important since epidemic is still on rise. We
      have studied the distribution of allele and genotype frequencies of CCR5delta32
      mutation in major populations inhabiting Chelyabinsk region of the Russian
      Federation. Genetic survey included the population of 509 potential blood marrow
      donors: Russians (N = 300), Bashkirs (N = 118) and Tatars (N = 91). The
      genotyping assay was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real
      time PCR). The genotypes were defined by melting curve analysis. The CCR5delta32
      allele and CCR5delta32/delta32 genotype are presented in population of Russians
      in Chelyabinsk region with the frequencies of F x  = 10.83% and P x  = 1.67, for
      the CCR5delta32 allele and its homozygosity, respectively. In populations of
      Bashkirs and Tatars CCR5delta32 allele and CCR5delta32/delta32 genotype are
      presented at lower frequencies of F x  = 6.36%/P x  = 0.85 and F x  = 7.14%/P x 
      = 1.10, respectively. These data are consistent with the theory of northern
      origin of the CCR5delta32 mutation.

PMID- 28083605
TI  - Genetic Factors of Diabetes.
AB  - Monogenic diabetes is a rare genetic type of diabetes caused by pancreatic beta
      cells dysfunction. All subtypes of monogenic diabetes are recognized in the
      pediatric population. They include maturity onset diabetes of the young,
      permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus and rare syndromic forms of diabetes. An
      early and proper diagnosis allows to implement an optimal treatment, leads to
      improved metabolic control and amelioration of related disabilities as well as
      increases the quality of life of the patients.

PMID- 28083606
TI  - The Influence of HLA and KIR Genes on Malignant Melanoma Development and
      Progression.
AB  - Many studies have described the role of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors
      (KIRs) and their cognate human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands in the
      immune protection against melanoma, but the effect of these markers on intra
      individual variations in tumor development and progression has remained less
      clear. We performed KIR, HLA, and KIR/ligand analysis in 283 patients with
      malignant melanoma in order to evaluate their integrated influence on disease
      stage and progression. The patients were grouped according to AJCC staging,
      histological type of the primary tumor, progression, and survival rate. Analysis
      of HLA class I alleles revealed positive association of HLA-C*14 (Pc = 0.026, OR
      = 5.99) and negative association of HLA-C*02 (Pc = 0.026, OR = 0.43) with the
      disease. Decreased frequency of KIR2DS5 was observed in patients with rapid
      progression, as compared to those with slow progression. KIR BB genotype was
      prevalent in patients with metastasis (p = 0.004, OR = 0.025). KIR AA genotype
      was nearly twice as frequent in rapidly progressive cases, but without
      statistical relevance (p = 0.055, OR = 2.6). Significantly increased frequency of
      KIR2DL2 in the presence of C1 ligand (strong inhibition) was found in patients
      with AJCC III and IV, as compared to individuals with AJCC I stage (p = 0.045, OR
      = 1.93). In summary, our data imply that KIR/ligand gene content in patients
      could modulate the disease course towards unfavorable tumor behavior.

PMID- 28083607
TI  - The Expression of Toll-Like Receptors in Patients with B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic
      Leukemia.
AB  - B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) presents with progressive
      accumulation of monoclonal B cells in the peripheral blood, bone marrow and
      lymphoid organs. B-CLL is characterized by heterogeneous clinical outcome. The
      expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their association with other
      prognostic factors in B-CLL patients remain unclear. The aim of our study was to
      evaluate the expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 genes and their significance as
      biological markers in patients with B-CLL. Sixty patients with newly diagnosed B
      CLL were evaluated. The healthy control group included 20 age-matched
      individuals. Using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR, the mRNA expression of
      genes TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 was measured. TLR4 gene expression was lower in B-CLL
      patients as compared to the control group and TLR2 gene expression was higher in
      B-CLL patients than in healthy individuals. TLR9 gene expression was higher in
      the control group than in patients with B-CLL. TLR4 mRNA expression was lower in
      patients with advanced-stage CLL (Rai stages III and IV) than in patients with
      early stage disease (Rai stages 0-II). TLR2 gene expression was higher in
      patients with advanced-stage CLL (Rai stages III and IV) than in patients with
      early stage disease (Rai stages 0-II; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that TLRs
      could become potential biological markers for the clinical outcome in patients
      with B-CLL.

PMID- 28083608
TI  - Soluble BAFF Cytokine Levels and Antibody-Mediated Rejection of the Kidney
      Allograft.
AB  - The B-cell activating factor (BAFF) cytokine has important functions for the
      survival and maturation of B lymphocytes, which implies that this cytokine might
      play a role in the development of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after kidney
      transplantation. In our study, we compared the concentrations of the soluble BAFF
      cytokine in kidney graft recipients with AMR and patients without rejection with
      the goal of testing the hypothesis whether BAFF level measurement might be useful
      as a diagnostic marker of AMR. The study included a cohort of 19 high-risk
      patients with diagnosed AMR and 17 control patients free of rejection. BAFF was
      measured in all patients before transplantation, during the rejection episodes,
      and three months after transplantation in patients free of rejection using the
      Luminex technique. Before transplantation, the serum concentrations of BAFF in
      patients with AMR and kidney recipients without rejection did not significantly
      differ. After transplantation, however, BAFF levels were significantly lower in
      patients with AMR and also in patients with concurrent humoral and cellular
      rejection compared with patients without rejection (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01,
      respectively). No correlation was found between BAFF and the production of donor
      specific antibodies (DSA) before and after transplantation. Patients experiencing
      AMR and simultaneous cellular and AMR had significantly lower concentrations of
      BAFF in comparison with patients free of rejection.

PMID- 28083609
TI  - An Association Between Functional Polymorphisms of the Interleukin 1 Gene Complex
      and Schizophrenia Using Transmission Disequilibrium Test.
AB  - IL1 gene complex has been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. To assess
      whether IL1 gene complex is associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia in
      Polish population we conducted family-based study. Functional polymorphisms from
      IL1A (rs1800587, rs17561, rs11677416), IL1B (rs1143634, rs1143643, rs16944,
      rs4848306, rs1143623, rs1143633, rs1143627) and IL1RN (rs419598, rs315952,
      rs9005, rs4251961) genes were genotyped in 143 trio with schizophrenia.
      Statistical analysis was performed using transmission disequilibrium test. We
      have found a trend toward an association of rs1143627, rs16944, rs1143623 in IL1B
      gene with the risk of schizophrenia. Our results show a protective effect of
      allele T of rs4251961 in IL1RN against schizophrenia. We also performed haplotype
      analysis of IL1 gene complex and found a trend toward an association with
      schizophrenia of GAGG haplotype (rs1143627, rs16944, rs1143623, rs4848306) in
      IL1B gene, haplotypes: TG (rs315952, rs9005) and TT (rs4251961, rs419598) in
      IL1RN. Haplotype CT (rs4251961, rs419598) in IL1RN was found to be associated
      with schizophrenia. After correction for multiple testing associations did not
      reach significance level. Our results might support theory that polymorphisms of
      interleukin 1 complex genes (rs1143627, rs16944, rs1143623, rs4848306 in IL1B
      gene and rs4251961, rs419598, rs315952, rs9005 in IL1RN gene) are involved in the
      pathogenesis of schizophrenia, however, none of the results reach significance
      level after correction for multiple testing.

PMID- 28083610
TI  - Characterization of Three CYP2C19 Gene Variants by MassARRAY and Point of Care
      Techniques: Experience from a Czech Centre.
AB  - Distribution of cytochrome P450 2C19 enzyme gene (CYP2C19) variants affecting
      metabolism of clopidogrel was determined in 526 Czech patients after percutaneous
      coronary intervention using MassARRAY genotyping and compared to distribution in
      other populations of European descent. Fifty-three (10%) patients underwent
      parallel determination of CYP2C19 genotypes from buccal swabs by a point of care
      technique with 100% concordance to the main genotyping platform. Observed CYP2C19
      genotypes were related to clopidogrel metabolism phenotypes and discussed in
      population context. Hereby, presented methodologies provide accurate CYP2C19
      genotyping results in a relatively short time of one up to 12 h and may,
      therefore, find the relevant place in the field of genotype-guided antiplatelet
      therapy.

PMID- 28083611
TI  - Distribution of HLA-DQB1 in Czech Patients with Central Hypersomnias.
AB  - The aim of our study was to analyze the distribution of HLA-DQB1 in Czech
      patients with central hypersomnias and differences between diagnostic groups of
      narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), type 2 (NT2), idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) and no central
      hypersomnia subjects (no-CH). Statistical analysis of DQB1 genotyping was
      performed on the cohort of 716 patients (375 men, 341 women) with reported
      excessive daytime sleepiness. DQB1*06:02 allele was present in 94% of the NT1
      patients. The decrease of DQB1*06:03 allele was also confirmed. No other DQB1*06
      allele nor any other DQB1 allele group was differently distributed in the NT1. In
      the cohort of NT2 patients DQB1*06:02 allele was present in 43%. Allele group
      DQB*05 was detected with a significantly higher frequency in this diagnostic
      unit. Any differences in presence of DQB1*05 alleles in NT2 patients were not
      reported so far. The cohort of patients with IH did not show any difference in
      allele distribution of DQB1 alleles/allele groups comparing to healthy controls.
      DQB1*06:02 allele was significantly increased in the no hypersomnia group. No
      other DQB1 allele/allele group had any difference in distribution in patients
      comparing to healthy controls. The different distribution of DQB1*06:02 and other
      DQB1 alleles/allele groups was detected in analyzed diagnostic groups. These
      results indicate that DQB1 contributes to the genetic predisposition to NT1, NT2,
      IH and no-CH in different manners.

PMID- 28083612
TI  - Transplantology: Challenges for Today.
AB  - Clinical transplantology in Poland had its 50th anniversary this year. With the
      early and long results comparable to the best achieved in the world leading
      centers, we face old and completely new challenges for this medical speciality.
      Main and growing challenge is insufficient number of available organs. With less
      than 15 donors/mln population/year Poland stay in the lower row of European
      countries in this measurement of transplant activity. Donation system is not
      efficient enough and we lose a big number of potential donors still. Living
      donation (with the exception for the fragments of the liver) remains low despite
      of different initiatives made so far on the national and local levels. Donation
      after cardiac death is possible from the point of Polish juridical regulations,
      but since last 3 years had not showed real impact on country donation rates (only
      three procedures done). Methods of tissue typing remain slow and cause relatively
      long times of cold ischemia for kidney programs. Second main challenge is chronic
      rejection causing loss of organs in the long-term follow-up and no efficient
      treatment employed. The emerging possibility of tolerance induction despite of
      plenty of new protocols proposition in the publications does not show up a
      clinical everyday practice in work. The same is with xenotransplantation
      promises; even we were informed recently that till 2030 such genetically modified
      porcine organs will be available. The next challenge is production of organs and
      tissues from own recipients cells installed on the different scaffolds or 3D
      printed. Other challenge is the personnel working in this field. We observe like
      in the other European countries lack of new candidates for work in this field
      together with serious problems of nursing staff, being a catastrophic perspective
      in country medical service in general, not only in transplant centers. The last
      but not least challenge is financial side of transplant programs.

PMID- 28083614
TI  - Significance of Polymorphism and Expression of miR-146a and NFkB1 Genetic
      Variants in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) has been shown to play an important role in the
      regulation of inflammatory innate immune responses, and found to be
      differentially expressed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Through NF-kappaB pathway,
      this molecule is able to stimulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such
      as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-17. It has been also suggested that single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA sequences may alter miRNA expression and
      that miR-146a rs2910164 SNP may contribute to RA development. These observations
      prompted us to analyze the potential associations between the miR-146a-3p
      (rs2910164, G > C) and NFkB1 (rs28362491, ins/del ATTG) polymorphisms and miR
      146a-5p expression in patients' sera in relation to clinical outcome of the
      treatment as well as predisposition to RA. Genotyping was performed in 111
      patients and 130 healthy individuals while 16 controls and 13 RA patients (before
      and after three months of therapy with TNF-alpha inhibitors (TNFi)) were studied
      for the circulating miR-146a-5p serum expression level. Patients carrying the
      NFkB1 ins/ins genotype were characterized by worse response to TNFi treatment (p
      = 0.023). In patients, before TNFi therapy, expression levels of miR-146a-5p were
      less (0.422 +/- 0.171) as compared to those detected after three months of
      treatment (1.809 +/- 0.658, p = 0.033) and observed for healthy controls (5.302
      +/- 2.112, p = 0.048). Moreover, patients with higher circulating miR-146a-5p
      levels after three months of TNFi administration were more frequently carrying
      the rs2910164-C allele (p = 0.032). These results support the hypothesis that miR
      146a might be involved in pathogenesis of RA and imply that miR-146a-3p
      polymorphism may be associated with miR-146a-5p levels in serum after anti-TNF
      alpha treatment.

PMID- 28083613
TI  - Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the ERAP1 Gene and Risk of NSCLC: A Comparison
      of Genetically Distant Populations, Chinese and Caucasian.
AB  - An effective cytotoxic immune response to neoplastic cells requires efficient
      presentation of antigenic peptides to T lymphocytes by HLA class I (HLA-I)
      molecules. The HLA-I-bound peptide repertoire depends on antigen-processing
      machinery molecules. Aminopeptidase residing in endoplasmic reticulum 1 (ERAP1)
      trims peptides to the optimal length for HLA-I binding. Single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ERAP1 gene result in changes in aminopeptidase
      activity and specificity. This may affect susceptibility to cancer. However, non
      small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) has not been studied in this respect. We
      compared genotype and haplotype frequencies of four coding, nonsynonymous ERAP1
      SNPs, rs26653G > C, rs26618T > C, rs30187C > T, and rs27044C > G, in NSCLC
      occurring in two genetically distant populations, Chinese and Poles. We found
      associations of all four SNPs with NSCLC in Chinese but not in Poles. The
      differences in ERAP1-NSCLC associations might be explained by highly significant
      differences in SNP genotype frequencies between Chinese and Poles (except for
      rs26618). In accordance with this, the most frequent ERAP1 haplotypes were
      distributed differently in cases versus controls in Chinese, but not in Poles.
      Our findings add to the differences between Orientals and Caucasians in genetics
      of disease susceptibility.

PMID- 28083615
TI  - Functional Polymorphism in the Interleukin 6 (IL6) Gene with Respect to
      Depression Induced in the Course of Interferon-alpha and Ribavirin Treatment in
      Chronic Hepatitis Patients.
AB  - Interleukin (IL)-6 is a multifactorial cytokine known to be increased in patients
      with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and to be predictive of depression incidence. The
      aim of the study was to explore the association between IL6 gene C-174G
      polymorphism and depressive symptom severity in the longitudinal study design
      following the course of pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment in CHC patients.
      In our study, we included 62 CHC subjects. They were assessed using present state
      examination, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Montgomery Asberg Depression
      Rating Scale (MADRS) at weeks 0, 3, 5, 9, 13, 24 and 24 weeks after the end of
      treatment. The risk of depression was associated with higher baseline MADRS score
      and BDI score. Interestingly, when stratified by IL6 C-174G polymorphism, higher
      baseline depressive symptom severity measured by MADRS and BDI predicted higher
      risk of depression in the course of antiviral treatment only in high IL-6
      producers-G allele carriers (patients with GG and CG genotypes) (p = 0.004, p =
      0.00008, respectively). There is interaction between severity of baseline
      depressive symptoms at the beginning of antiviral therapy and IL6 gene C-174G
      polymorphism leading to increased risk for the development of depressive episode
      in CHC patients in the course of antiviral treatment.

PMID- 28083616
TI  - ERAP1 and ERAP2 Gene Variations Influence the Risk of Psoriatic Arthritis in
      Romanian Population.
AB  - Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that belongs to the
      group of spondyloarthritis (SpA). It was found that single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) of endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase (ERAP1 and ERAP2)
      genes influence the risk of ankylosing spondylitis, the most common form of SpA
      and the risk of psoriasis. Our purpose was to investigate the possible
      association of ERAP1 and ERAP2 gene SNPs with psoriatic arthritis susceptibility
      in Romanian population. Subsequent analyses included patients' subgroups
      according to HLA-B27 status. Psoriatic arthritis patients (N = 98) and random
      healthy controls (N = 139) were genotyped for ERAP1/2 genes SNPs rs30187,
      rs27044, rs2910686, and rs2248374 by TaqMan Allelic Discrimination Assays. An
      additional control group (N = 108; 100% HLA-B27 positive) was used for subsequent
      analyses. The results showed the association of rs2248374 SNP of ERAP2 gene with
      the risk of PsA, especially for HLA-B27 negative disease (p = 0.02; OR 1.59).
      ERAP2 haplotype GT (rs2248374/rs2910686) was significantly under-represented in
      PsA patients than in controls (43 vs. 55%; p = 0.02). The analysis of ERAP1 SNPs
      in HLA-B27 positive controls and PsA subgroup showed strong evidence of
      association for rs30187 (p = 0.005; OR 2.73) and for CC rs30187/rs27044 haplotype
      (47% in patients vs. 70.5% in controls; p = 0.006). In conclusion, we found a
      significant association of ERAP2 with PsA and HLA-B27 negative PsA, while ERAP1
      association was restricted only to HLA-B27 positive disease. To our knowledge,
      this is the first study that investigated ERAP2 polymorphisms in relation to PsA
      susceptibility.

PMID- 28083617
TI  - Profile of Inflammation-Associated Proteins in Early Post-Transplant Samples of
      Patients After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: a Preliminary
      Study.
AB  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is used as a curative
      treatment in severe hematological and immunological disorders. Despite clear
      improvement of the aHSCT outcome, substantial proportion of patients still
      suffers from severe complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).
      The aim of this study was, therefore, to identify inflammation-associated
      molecules deregulated in the early serum samples of the patients after aHSCT and
      nominate markers associated with particular aHSCT parameters/complications. Serum
      concentrations of 92 inflammation-associated proteins were measured in samples
      obtained from 80 aHSCT patients 14 days after transplantation and from 23 healthy
      control subjects by a novel sensitive proximity extension assay technology using
      Proseek Multiplex Inflammation I kit. Serum profiles of inflammatory proteins in
      patients after aHSCT were substantially different from those observed in control
      subjects and related to underlying disease status before transplantation.
      Particularly, the difference between aHSCT patients and controls reached
      significance level for 57 analytes (40 upregulated, 17 downregulated in aHSCT
      patients). The concentration of several markers was associated with the level of
      donor/recipient HLA match (TGF-alpha: p corr = 0.025, HGF: p corr = 0.036) and
      with complete donor chimerism at day +30 after allografting (DNER: p corr =
      0.042). None of the markers was significantly associated with acute and chronic
      GvHD after correction. More than half of investigated proteins significantly
      differed between the samples from aHSCT patients and healthy control subjects as
      a consequence of the "cytokine storm" after aHSCT. Comparisons of patient's
      subgroups based on specific biological/clinical parameters revealed much less
      evident differences; nevertheless, we nominated several markers associated with
      the level of donor/recipient HLA match and post-transplant chimerism.

PMID- 28083618
TI  - Cereblon and IRF4 Variants Affect Risk and Response to Treatment in Multiple
      Myeloma.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma-cell malignancy derived from an early precursor
      of the B-cell lineage characterised by bone-marrow infiltration, lytic bone
      lesions, and the presence of a monoclonal protein in serum and/or urine.
      Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a critical transcriptional regulator in
      B-cell development and function that is required during immune response for
      lymphocyte activation and the generation of immunoglobulin-secreting plasma
      cells. Immunomodulatory drugs, derivatives of thalidomide, are commonly used in
      therapy against MM. They are known to target a protein called cereblon (CRBN);
      however, the exact mechanism remains unknown. The present study aimed to assess
      the association of two (rs12203592 and rs872071) polymorphisms within the IRF4
      gene and two (rs711613 and rs1045433) in the CRBN gene with MM susceptibility,
      progression, and response to treatment. For this purpose, 144 MM patients and 126
      healthy individuals were genotyped for the IRF4 and CRBN alleles. The presence of
      the IRF4 (rs872071) G allele was more frequently detected in patients than
      healthy individuals (OR 1.78; P = 0.034), and this relationship was especially
      pronounced in women (OR 2.83; P = 0.012). The CRBN (rs711613) A allele-carriers
      were better responders to the treatment (P = 0.012), in particular to thalidomide
      including therapy (P = 0.023). These results underline the prognostic
      significance of the IRF4 and CRBN polymorphisms in patients with MM.

PMID- 28083619
TI  - Determination of HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 Allele and Haplotype Frequencies in the
      Croatian Population Based on a Family Study.
AB  - In the present study, HLA allele and haplotype frequencies among Croatian
      families were investigated to evaluate valuable information about HLA genotypes
      and to compare them with data from the Croatian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
      (CBMDR). A total of 350 families which have been typed for the purpose of HSCT
      were included. All individuals were tested using PCR-SSO or PCR-SSP methods for
      HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 alleles. The HLA-A-B-DRB1 haplotypes were determined by
      segregation and directly counted. A total of 30 HLA-A, 54 HLA-B, and 38 HLA-DRB1
      alleles and 716 different HLA-A-B-DRB1 haplotypes were identified. Of these, the
      three most frequent alleles at HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 loci, respectively, were
      A*02:01 (30.39%), A*11:01 (13.37%), A*24:02 (10.91%); B*51:01 (12.48%), B*18:01
      (8.35%), B*08:01 (8.06%); DRB1*03:01 (11.20%), DRB1*01:01 (9.84%), DRB1*16:01
      (9.63%). The following HLA alleles were detected only once: A*02:09, A*24:03,
      A*24:04, A*24:07; B*07:04, B*15:07, B*15:08, B*39:04, B*39:10, B*39:24, B*40:04;
      DRB1*08:03, DRB1*11:06, DRB1*13:32, DRB1*14:05. Five most frequent haplotypes
      were: A*01:01-B*08:01-DRB1*03:01 (5.34%), A*02:01-B*18:01-DRB1*11:04 (1.57%),
      A*02:01-B*27:02-DRB1*16:01 (1.50%), A*02:01-B*27:05-DRB1*01:01 (1.42%) and
      A*02:01-B*44:02:01G-DRB1*16:01 (1.28%). The haplotype frequencies based on the
      family study were compared with the frequencies from CBMDR, and similar results
      were obtained for all except for the HLA-A*26:01-B*38:01-DRB1*04:02 haplotype. A
      significantly higher frequency (P = 0.0017) of this haplotype was observed among
      family individuals. Nine haplotypes were unique and data about their frequencies
      do not exist in current databases. The data obtained in this study could be
      useful for anthropology, transplantation and disease association studies.

PMID- 28083620
TI  - Apportioning Blame: Autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells in Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most studied archetypal organ-specific
      autoimmune diseases. Although many clinical, epidemiological, and pathological
      characteristics have been described, there are still important issues which need
      to be resolved as these will have a major impact on the development of future
      antigen-specific immunotherapies. An important question relates to T lymphocytes
      in the development of the disease, in particular their role in the destruction of
      insulin-producing beta cells. Since the discovery that certain class II
      histocompatibility complex molecules (HLA) are linked to the development of T1D,
      much research has focused on CD4+ helper T lymphocytes; however, recent studies
      highlight class I HLA molecules as an independent risk factor; hence, research
      into the role played by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes has gained momentum. In this
      review, we summarize recent studies clarifying the role played by both sets of
      autoreactive T lymphocytes in T1D, discuss the targets recognized by these cells
      and their phenotype in T1D patients. Finally, we will examine the possible
      generation of regulatory CD8+ T lymphocytes upon different immuno-intervention
      strategies.

PMID- 28083621
TI  - Mutation c.256_257delAA in RAG1 Gene in Polish Children with Severe Combined
      Immunodeficiency: Diversity of Clinical Manifestations.
AB  - Mutations in RAG1 gene may result in different types of severe combined
      immunodeficiencies. In this study, we compare clinical symptoms and laboratory
      findings in four children with identical mutation in RAG1 gene. All of analyzed
      patients presented symptoms of severe combined immunodeficiencies associated or
      not with Omenn syndrome (OS) features. In our patients two different types of
      variants in RAG1 gene were detected. The first of the mutation was the deletion
      of AA dinucleotide at position c.256_257 (p.Lys86ValfsTer33), the second gene
      variant was substitution c.2867T>C (p.Ile956Thr). In Patient 1 we detected that
      compound heterozygous mutations involved both of the mentioned variants. Whereas,
      in Patients 2, 3 and 4, we confirmed the presence of the dinucleotide deletion
      but in a homozygous state. In all described patients, sequence analysis of RAG2
      gene did not reveal any nucleotide changes. Our data show that mutation
      c.256_257delAA in RAG1 gene seems to occur quite frequently in the polish
      patients with severe combined immunodeficiency and may result in classical OS as
      well as in severe combined immunodeficiency without clinical and laboratory
      features of OS when occurred in homozygous state. The same mutation but in
      heterozygous state, in combination with other mutation in RAG1 gene, may result
      in incomplete OS.

PMID- 28083622
TI  - Aspiration thrombectomy in clinical routine interventional stroke treatment : Is
      this the end of the stent retriever era?
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study was the technical evaluation of a first pass
      approach of primary thrombus aspiration (AST) in patients with emergency large
      intracerebral vessel occlusions (ELVO) under routine clinical conditions.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected procedural and clinical data of 104 patients
      who underwent mechanical thrombectomy due to ELVO between June 2014 and January
      2016 with intentional first-line thrombus aspiration. Procedures were conducted
      due to occlusions of the distal internal carotid artery, middle cerebral artery,
      anterior cerebral artery, basilar artery and posterior cerebral artery and were
      performed with the patient under either conscious sedation or general anesthesia.
      If the AST technique failed completely or to some extent, stent retriever-based
      thrombectomy (SRT) was performed. RESULTS: As a stand-alone method AST was
      successful in achieving TICI (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction) score 2b or 3
      results in 29 cases (27.8%). After additional use of SRT successful
      recanalization was achieved in a total of 95 cases (91.3%, p = 0.048). If AST was
      performed exclusively, median procedure time until TICI 2b/3 was 15 min, in cases
      of combined procedures 35 min (p = 0.001). Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after
      thrombectomy appeared only if additional SRT was performed (12.0%) and not in
      cases of AST maneuvers alone (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: When used as a first pass
      attempt AST is a fast and safe approach for patients suffering from stroke due to
      ELVO. Nonetheless, early conversion to SRT is needed in most cases and leads to
      overall excellent procedural results with low complication rates.

PMID- 28083624
TI  - [Perioperative management of patients on NOACs].
AB  - Regarding thromboembolic events, non-vitamin K antagonists, so-called new oral
      anticoagulative agents (NOACs), have widely enlarged prophylaxis and therapy. In
      contrast to vitamin K antagonists they can be administered in a definite dose and
      do not need any regular control of coagulation parameters. Thus being simple in
      handling, these drugs have become enormously attractive for both patient and
      physician.In spite of all their advantages NOACs have to be considered carefully.
      They have a significant disadvantage: the plasma concentration is not detectable
      by a simple blood test, nor is there any antidote available. As a consequence the
      bleeding risk remains unknown.In this review we focus on two different settings
      in routine surgical work: the preoperative management of patients undergoing
      elective surgery differs significantly from that needed in urgent surgery.

PMID- 28083623
TI  - Sulforaphane promotes ER stress, autophagy, and cell death: implications for
      cataract surgery.
AB  - : Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) commonly develops following cataract
      surgery and is a wound-healing response that can ultimately lead to secondary
      visual loss. Improved management of this problem is required. The isothiocyanate,
      sulforaphane (SFN), is reported to exert cytoprotective and cytotoxic actions,
      and the latter may be exploited to treat/prevent PCO. SFN concentrations of 10
      MUM and above significantly impaired wound-healing in a human lens capsular bag
      model. A similar pattern of response was also seen with a human lens cell line,
      FHL124. SFN treatment promoted increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
      stress genes, which also corresponded with protein expression. Evidence of
      autophagy was observed in response to SFN as determined by increased microtubule
      associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II levels and detection of
      autophagic vesicles. This response was disrupted by established autophagy
      inhibitors chloroquine and 3-MA. SFN was found to promote MAPK signaling, and
      inhibition of ERK activation using U0126 prevented SFN-induced LC3-II elevation
      and vesicle formation. SFN also significantly increased levels of reactive oxygen
      species. Taken together, our findings suggest that SFN is capable of reducing
      lens cell growth and viability and thus could serve as a putative therapeutic
      agent for PCO. KEY MESSAGE: SFN reduces lens epithelial cell growth, migration,
      and viability. SFN can promote ER stress and autophagy in lens cells. SFN
      promotes MAPK signaling, and inhibition of MEK can suppress SFN-induced
      autophagy. ER stress and autophagy in lens cells are likely promoted by ROS
      production. SFN may help prevent posterior capsule opacification after cataract
      surgery.

PMID- 28083626
TI  - [Urine sample during and after biliary obstruction in cholangitis].

PMID- 28083625
TI  - [Monitoring of NOAC].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Monitoring non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) is
      usually not necessary; however, in some patients it may prove beneficial.
      OBJECTIVES: Patient subgroups who may profit from monitoring were identified, and
      methods of monitoring (including assessment of which coagulation parameters are
      affected by NOAC) are described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the PubMed
      database for each of the search terms, "NOAC", "DOAC", "rivaroxaban",
      "dabigatran", and "apixaban", in combination with one of the terms, "monitoring",
      "measurement", "measuring", or "assessment". The results were compiled and
      reviewed. RESULTS: Monitoring is most advantageous in emergency cases with severe
      bleeding where drug activity needs to be assessed. It can also help in deciding
      for or against lysis therapy after acute stroke in patients taking NOAC.
      Furthermore, it can also identify compliance problems and help in planning
      periprocedural management. There are quantitative measurement methods which
      measure plasma concentrations exactly and qualitative methods which only allow
      for a rough estimate or a general confirmation of drug activity. Recommended
      quantitative measurement methods are diluted thrombin time for dabigatran, and
      anti-factor Xa activity (calibrated) for rivaroxaban and apixaban. CONCLUSIONS:
      Several patient subgroups may profit from monitoring of NOAC plasma
      concentration. One should, however, take several issues into consideration before
      measurements, such as the objective of each individual measurement, possible
      consequences (e. g., dose adjustment), and which measurement method to pick.

PMID- 28083627
TI  - [Triceps tendon rupture : Double-row repair and overview of alternative
      techniques].
AB  - Triceps tendon rupture is a rare injury. While partial tendon ruptures can be
      treated non-operatively, complete ruptures are an indication for surgical
      treatment in order to restore strength and a full range of motion. Although many
      different methods have been published, there is no consensus on the optimal
      surgical technique.We report the case of a patient who suffered from a complete
      triceps rupture after a fall. The injury was treated by open reduction and
      refixation of the tendon using the double-row technique. The following article
      describes the technique and highlights its advantages and disadvantages in
      comparison to other procedures.

PMID- 28083628
TI  - [Basic research in traumatology and its contribution to routine operation].
AB  - Basic research in traumatology supports the clinical outcome of patients in
      trauma care and tries to find science-based solutions for clinical problems.
      Furthermore, institutions for basic research in traumatology usually offer
      training in different skills, such as how to write a scientific paper, or
      practice in microsurgery or intubation. Two examples of clinically significant
      research topics are presented.

PMID- 28083629
TI  - [Salmonella osteomyelitis - a rare differential diagnosis of bone tumors].
AB  - This case describes a rare salmonella infection suspected to be an osseous
      lymphoma. A 27-year-old female presented herself with painful swelling of her
      knee, with prednisolone-treated Crohn's disease as her only pre-existing
      condition. Salmonella species group C were detected in the osseous material
      derived from an extraction. The disease was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone,
      oral cotrimoxazole as well as multiple debridements. The working diagnosis should
      thus always be questioned and bone pain in patients who are immunosuppressed
      should be further investigated.

PMID- 28083630
TI  - [Teaching medical students informed consent].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Teaching competencies in communication are important
      for medical education, but implementation in the surgical curriculum is still
      deficient. Communication during informed consent is one main issue. The aim of
      the study was to implement a reproducible teaching module for informed consent,
      which closely represents reality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the existing practical
      surgical course we implemented a module for practising communication during
      surgical informed consent with the help of standardized patients and feedback
      rounds. The outcome was assessed during a clinical examination and the students
      evaluated the module. RESULTS: The module was evaluated by the students
      positively and deemed helpful for their later work as a doctor. The outcome at
      clinical examination was 63% (mean) for content and structure of the informed
      consent and 92% for competency in communication. CONCLUSION: For improving the
      quality of informed consent, teaching competencies in communication during
      informed consent should be implemented in the curriculum of medical studies, but
      legal and content-based aspects should not be ignored.

PMID- 28083631
TI  - [The complicated course of a femoral shaft fracture in childhood].
AB  - We report a difficult healing process after a femoral shaft fracture in
      childhood. We present surgical correction options of femoral shortening due to
      pseudarthrosis after elastic stable intramedullary nailing. First, we tried to
      establish distraction using an external fixator, followed by plate
      osteosynthesis. After material failure of plate osteosynthesis, we treated the
      refracture with intramedullary nailing, after which bone healing occurred.

PMID- 28083632
TI  - Do horses with poor welfare show 'pessimistic' cognitive biases?
AB  - This field study tested the hypothesis that domestic horses living under
      putatively challenging-to-welfare conditions (for example involving social,
      spatial, feeding constraints) would present signs of poor welfare and co
      occurring pessimistic judgement biases. Our subjects were 34 horses who had been
      housed for over 3 years in either restricted riding school situations (e.g. kept
      in single boxes, with limited roughage, ridden by inexperienced riders; N = 25)
      or under more naturalistic conditions (e.g. access to free-range, kept in stable
      social groups, leisure riding; N = 9). The horses' welfare was assessed by
      recording health-related, behavioural and postural indicators. Additionally,
      after learning a location task to discriminate a bucket containing either edible
      food ('positive' location) or unpalatable food ('negative' location), the horses
      were presented with a bucket located near the positive position, near the
      negative position and halfway between the positive and negative positions to
      assess their judgement biases. The riding school horses displayed the highest
      levels of behavioural and health-related problems and a pessimistic judgment
      bias, whereas the horses living under more naturalistic conditions displayed
      indications of good welfare and an optimistic bias. Moreover, pessimistic bias
      data strongly correlated with poor welfare data. This suggests that a lowered
      mood impacts a non-human species' perception of its environment and highlights
      cognitive biases as an appropriate tool to assess the impact of chronic living
      conditions on horse welfare.

PMID- 28083633
TI  - [Systematic errors in clinical studies : A comprehensive survey].
AB  - Systematic errors and related phenomena represent an intrinsic challenge to the
      quality of clinical research. As a consequence even otherwise methodologically
      demanding studies may produce results that systematically differ from the true
      values. Systematic errors relating to investigative medicine are divided into six
      groups according to their affiliation with the consecutive chronological sections
      of the study. Bias can occur in preliminary literature research in the field,
      specifying the study design and selecting the study sample, measuring exposure
      and outcome, analyzing the data, interpreting the analyses and publishing the
      results. The most important systematic errors that concern diagnostic and
      interventional studies are created by access to the data of previous tests,
      calculated study design, preselection of the participants, comparison with non
      contemporaneous controls, antedating the time of diagnosis and overdiagnosis of
      slowly progressive forms of diseases examined. Checking the measured values often
      leads to a mosaic of several biases with one being more or less dominant. Even by
      exercising due care in the preparation and performance of the study, the majority
      of distortions cannot be eliminated but only diminished. It is essential to
      consider each detected bias as a potential full or partial argument in support of
      an observed correlation. The control of systematic errors and related phenomena
      is both a significant element of the discussion of the study report and a key
      element for assessment of its scientific value.

PMID- 28083634
TI  - Tau interactome mapping based identification of Otub1 as Tau deubiquitinase
      involved in accumulation of pathological Tau forms in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Dysregulated proteostasis is a key feature of a variety of neurodegenerative
      disorders. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), progression of symptoms closely
      correlates with spatiotemporal progression of Tau aggregation, with "early"
      oligomeric Tau forms rather than mature neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) considered
      to be pathogenetic culprits. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) controls
      degradation of soluble normal and abnormally folded cytosolic proteins. The UPS
      is affected in AD and is identified by genomewide association study (GWAS) as a
      risk pathway for AD. The UPS is determined by balanced regulation of
      ubiquitination and deubiquitination. In this work, we performed isobaric tags for
      relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based Tau interactome mapping to gain
      unbiased insight into Tau pathophysiology and to identify novel Tau-directed
      therapeutic targets. Focusing on Tau deubiquitination, we here identify Otub1 as
      a Tau-deubiquitinating enzyme. Otub1 directly affected Lys48-linked Tau
      deubiquitination, impairing Tau degradation, dependent on its catalytically
      active cysteine, but independent of its noncanonical pathway modulated by its N
      terminal domain in primary neurons. Otub1 strongly increased AT8-positive Tau and
      oligomeric Tau forms and increased Tau-seeded Tau aggregation in primary neurons.
      Finally, we demonstrated that expression of Otub1 but not its catalytically
      inactive form induced pathological Tau forms after 2 months in Tau transgenic
      mice in vivo, including AT8-positive Tau and oligomeric Tau forms. Taken
      together, we here identified Otub1 as a Tau deubiquitinase in vitro and in vivo,
      involved in formation of pathological Tau forms, including small soluble
      oligomeric forms. Otub1 and particularly Otub1 inhibitors, currently under
      development for cancer therapies, may therefore yield interesting novel
      therapeutic avenues for Tauopathies and AD.

PMID- 28083636
TI  - Content Validity of a Short Calcium Intake List to Estimate Daily Dietary Calcium
      Intake of Patients with Osteoporosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Calcium supplements are prescribed for prevention of osteoporotic
      fractures, but there is controversy whether excess of calcium intake is
      associated with cardiovascular events. While an accurate estimation of dietary
      calcium intake is a prerequisite to prescribe the adequate amount of
      supplementation, the most adequate tools for estimating intake are time
      consuming. The aim of this study is to validate a short calcium intake list
      (SCaIL) that is feasible in daily clinical practice. METHODS: Based on the food
      groups contributing most to daily dietary calcium intake and portion sizes
      determined in an earlier study, a three-item, 1-min SCaIL was designed. As a
      reference method, an extensive dietary history (DH) with specific focus on
      calcium-rich foods and extra attention for portion sizes was performed.
      Beforehand, a difference of >=250 mg calcium between both methods was considered
      clinically relevant. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients with either primary (n = 40) or
      secondary (n = 26) osteoporosis were included. On average, the SCaIL showed a
      small and clinically non-relevant difference in calcium intake with the DH: 24 +/
      350 mg/day (1146 +/- 440 vs. 1170 +/- 485 mg, respectively; p = 0.568).
      Sensitivity and specificity of the SCaIL, compared to the DH, were 73 and 80%,
      respectively. However, in 50% of the individuals, a clinically relevant
      difference of >=250 mg calcium was observed between both methods, while in 17%
      this was even >=500 mg. CONCLUSIONS: The SCaIL is a quick and easy questionnaire
      to estimate dietary calcium intake at a group level, but is not sufficiently
      reliable for use in individual patients. Remarkably, the mean dietary calcium
      intake estimated by the DH of 1170 mg/day indicates that a large proportion of
      osteoporosis patients might not even need calcium supplementation, although more
      data are needed to confirm this finding.

PMID- 28083635
TI  - Inflammation and N-formyl peptide receptors mediate the angiogenic activity of
      human vitreous humour in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Angiogenesis and inflammation characterise proliferative
      diabetic retinopathy (PDR), a major complication of diabetes mellitus. However,
      the impact of inflammation on the pathogenesis of PDR neovascularisation has not
      been elucidated. Here, we assessed the capacity of PDR vitreous fluid to induce
      pro-angiogenic/proinflammatory responses in endothelium and the contribution of
      the inflammation-related pattern recognition N-formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) in
      mediating these responses. METHODS: Pooled and individual pars plana vitrectomy
      derived PDR vitreous fluid ('PDR vitreous') samples were assessed in endothelial
      cell proliferation, motility, sprouting and morphogenesis assays, and for the
      capacity to induce proinflammatory transcription factor activation, reactive
      oxygen species production, intercellular junction disruption and leucocyte
      adhesion molecule upregulation in these cells. In vivo, the pro
      angiogenic/proinflammatory activity of PDR vitreous was tested in murine Matrigel
      plug and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. Finally, the FPR
      inhibitors Boc-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe (Boc-FLFLF) and Ac-L-Arg-Aib-L-Arg-L
      Calpha(Me)Phe-NH2 tetrapeptide (UPARANT) were evaluated for their capacity to
      affect the biological responses elicited by PDR vitreous. RESULTS: PDR vitreous
      activates a pro-angiogenic/proinflammatory phenotype in endothelial cells.
      Accordingly, PDR vitreous triggers a potent angiogenic/inflammatory response in
      vivo. Notably, the different capacity of individual PDR vitreous samples to
      induce neovessel formation in the CAM correlates with their ability to recruit
      infiltrating CD45+ cells. Finally, the FPR inhibitor Boc-FLFLF and the novel FPR
      antagonist UPARANT inhibit neovessel formation and inflammatory responses
      triggered by PDR vitreous in the CAM assay. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: This
      study provides evidence that inflammation mediates the angiogenic activity of PDR
      vitreous and paves the way for the development of FPR-targeting anti
      inflammatory/anti-angiogenic approaches for PDR therapy.

PMID- 28083637
TI  - Restoring independency with an osteochondral graft of the navicular for coronoid
      process reconstruction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The coronoid is a crucial element for elbow stability. In case of
      posttraumatic instability or reduced range of motion, a complex reconstruction
      might be necessary. CASE: We present the case of a polytraumatized patient with
      complex upper extremity injury and initial poor outcome. Subluxation after
      initial surgery was treated by sublime tubercle reconstruction with a
      corticocancellous iliac crest graft. Due to massive ossification, the elbow
      remained stiff and the paraplegic patient was unable to use a manually propelled
      wheelchair. After arthrolysis, the unstable elbow was treated with an
      osteocartilaginous graft from the navicular of the foot as well as ulnar and
      radial collateral ligamentoplasties. At the time of follow-up, the patient had a
      stable joint and was able to independently perform activities of daily living.
      CONCLUSION: An autologous navicular graft seems to be an excellent option for our
      paraplegic patient as the shape matches the sublime tubercle of the ulna.

PMID- 28083638
TI  - A New Deep-Sea Suctorian-Nematode Epibiosis (Loricophrya-Tricoma) from the Blanes
      Submarine Canyon (NW Mediterranean).
AB  - During a pluri-disciplinary study carried out within the frame of the Spanish
      research project DOS MARES, multicore samples were collected along the Blanes
      submarine canyon and its adjacent open slope to study the structure and dynamics
      of the meiofaunal organisms, mainly nematodes. Among the 5808 nematode
      individuals identified, only 190 of them belonged to the genus Tricoma
      (Desmoscolecidae), and only two harboured epibiont suctorian ciliates. The three
      specimens were located near the tail of the basibionts. A careful examination of
      the ciliates revealed that they were suctorians, which are here described as a
      new species of Loricophrya, namely L. mediterranea sp. nov. The new species is
      characterized by having a conical, slightly elongated lorica, narrowing towards
      posterior end; an anterior end inward curved, surrounding the lorica opening; a
      body placed near the lorica opening, occupying 1/3 of the lorica length, 4-8
      capitate tentacles, and a peripheral, oval to sausage-shaped macronucleus. Our
      findings represent the first known report of an association with a deep-sea
      species of Tricoma, and the first record in the Mediterranean Sea, for a species
      of Loricophrya. The significance of the relationships between suctorian ciliates
      and their host in extreme environments such as deep-sea submarine canyons is
      discussed.

PMID- 28083639
TI  - Traumatic extracranial vasculopathies.

PMID- 28083640
TI  - Primary angiitis of the central nervous system in a 7-month-old infant.

PMID- 28083642
TI  - ?

PMID- 28083641
TI  - Notomelia and related neural tube defects in a baby born in Niger: case report
      and literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Notomelia associated with neural tube defects are rare diseases.
      CASE REPORT: A baby was born in Niger with multiple congenital embryonic
      malformations on the posterior midline. The most rostral malformation was an
      accessory limb (polymelia) at the level of the lumbar vertebrae composed of two
      long bones, a foot and three toes. Accessory male genitalia were present at the
      base of this malformed accessory limb which had no apparent motor or sensory
      innervation. The second malformation was a sacral vestigial appendage with an
      adjacent dermal sinus opening onto the posterior midline and extending internally
      to the dura through a defect of the vertebral arches. From the published
      literature and this particular case, we conclude that notomelia is a rare
      clinical sequela of a neural tube defect (NTD) and is correctly classified as a
      dysraphic appendage. CONCLUSION: The recent occurrence of three similar cases in
      the same ethnic group from Niger, three from consanguineous parents, suggests
      that genetic factors are likely to contribute significantly to the genesis of
      this syndrome, consistent with a recent report that mutation of the bovine NHLRC2
      gene resulting in a V311A substitution at a highly conserved locus in the NHLRC2
      protein is, when homozygous, causally associated with several forms of polymelia
      including notomelia, with heteropagus conjoined twinning and with other NTD
      related embryonic malformations. Detailed genome-wide studies of children with
      dysraphic appendages are indicated.

PMID- 28083643
TI  - ?

PMID- 28083644
TI  - Evaluation of deep gray matter volume, cortical thickness and white matter
      integrity in patients with typical absence epilepsy: a study using voxelwise
      based techniques.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cortical thickness
      and the volume of deep gray matter structures, measured from 3D T1-weighted
      gradient echo imaging, and white matter integrity, by diffusion tensor imaging
      (DTI) in patients with typical absence epilepsy (AE). METHODS: Patients (n = 19)
      with typical childhood AE and juvenile AE, currently taking antiepileptic
      medication, were compared with control subjects (n = 19), matched for gender and
      age. 3D T1 magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo-weighted imaging and DTI
      along 30 noncolinear directions were performed using a 1.5-T MR scanner.
      FreeSurfer was used to perform cortical volumetric reconstruction and
      segmentation of deep gray matter structures. For tract-based spatial statistics
      analysis of DTI, a white matter skeleton was created, along with a permutation
      based inference with 5000 permutations. A threshold of p < 0.05 was used to
      identify abnormalities in fractional anisotropy (FA). The mean, radial, and axial
      diffusivities were also projected onto the mean FA skeleton. RESULTS: Patients
      with AE presented decreased FA and increased mean diffusivity and radial
      diffusivity values in the genu and the body of the corpus callosum and right
      anterior corona radiata, as well as decreased axial diffusivity in the left
      posterior thalamic radiation, inferior cerebellar peduncle, right cerebral
      peduncle, and right corticospinal tract. However, there were no significant
      differences in cortical thickness or deep gray matter structure volumes between
      patients with AE and controls. CONCLUSION: Abnormalities found in white matter
      integrity may help to better understand the pathophysiology of AE and optimize
      diagnosis and treatment strategies.

PMID- 28083645
TI  - Extrahepatic Arteries Originating from Hepatic Arteries: Analysis Using CT During
      Hepatic Arteriography and Visualization on Digital Subtraction Angiography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and site of origin of extrahepatic
      arteries originating from hepatic arteries on early phase CT during hepatic
      arteriography (CTHA) was accessed. Visualization of these elements on digital
      subtraction hepatic angiography (DSHA) was assessed using CTHA images as a gold
      standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 943 patients (mean age 66.9 +/- 10.3
      years; male/female, 619/324) underwent CTHA and DSHA. The prevalence and site of
      origin of extrahepatic arteries were accessed using CTHA and visualized using
      DSHA. RESULTS: In 924 (98.0%) patients, a total of 1555 extrahepatic branches,
      representing eight types, were found to originate from hepatic arteries on CTHA.
      CTHA indicated the following extrahepatic branch prevalence rates: right gastric
      artery, 890 (94.4%); falciform artery, 386 (40.9%); accessory left gastric
      artery, 161 (17.1%); left inferior phrenic artery (IPA), 43 (4.6%); posterior
      superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, 33 (3.5%); dorsal pancreatic artery, 26
      (2.8%); duodenal artery, 12 (1.3%); and right IPA, 4 (0.4%). In addition, 383
      patients (40.6%) had at least one undetectable branch on DSHA. The sensitivity,
      specificity, and accuracy of visualization on DSHA were as follows: RGA, 80.0,
      86.8, and 80.4%; falciform artery, 53.9, 97.7, and 80.0%; accessory LGA, 64.6,
      98.6, and 92.3%; left IPA, 76.7, 99.8, and 98.7%; PSPDA, 100, 99.7, and 99.9%;
      dorsal pancreatic artery, 57.7, 100, and 98.8%; duodenal artery, 8.3, 99.9, and
      98.7%; and right IPA, 0, 100, and 99.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Extrahepatic
      arteries originating from hepatic arteries were frequently identified on CTHA
      images. These arteries were frequently overlooked on DSHA.

PMID- 28083647
TI  - Phenytoin: 80 years young, from epilepsy to breast cancer, a remarkable molecule
      with multiple modes of action.
AB  - In 1908 phenytoin (5,5-diphenylhydantoin) was first synthesized as a barbiturate
      derivative in Germany by professor Heinrich Biltz (1865-1943) and subsequently
      resynthesized by an American chemist of the pharmaceutical company Parke-Davis in
      1923 in Detroit. Screening phenytoin did not reveal comparable sedative side
      effects as barbiturates and, thus, Parke-Davis discarded this compound as a
      useful drug. In 1936, phenytoin's anticonvulsive properties were identified via a
      new animal model for convulsive disorders, developed by Putnam and Merritt, who
      also evaluated its clinical value in a number of patients in the period 1937
      1940. For many diseases, mechanism of action of phenytoin remains obscure. The
      voltage-gated sodium channel was and is generally regarded as the main target to
      explain phenytoin's activity as an anticonvulsant and an anti-arrhythmic drug.
      This target, however, does not explain many of the other clinical properties of
      phenytoin. We will explore a number of original articles on phenytoin published
      in its 80 years history and give extra attention to the various hypothesis and
      experiments done to elucidate its mechanisms of action. Phenytoin has been
      explored in over 100 different disorders; the last two promising indications
      tested in the clinic are breast cancer and optic neuritis. Most probably, there
      are multiple targets active for these various disorders, and the insight into
      which targets are relevant is still very incomplete. It is remarkable that many
      pharmacological studies tested one dose only, mostly 50 or 100 MUM, doses which
      most probably are higher than the non-plasma bound phenytoin plasma levels
      obtained during treatment.

PMID- 28083648
TI  - Single-center comparison of multiple chemotherapy regimens for concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy in unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To date, the best chemotherapy regimen to combine with concurrent
      radiotherapy in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer remains undetermined. We
      compared the survival outcomes and toxicities in patients who were treated with
      etoposide-cisplatin (EP), paclitaxel-carboplatin (PC), or vinblastine-cisplatin
      (VP) in one large cancer referral center. METHODS: We enrolled patients who
      received concurrent chemoradiotherapy at our university-affiliated hospital
      between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013. Demographic and clinical
      characteristics were identified. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall
      survival (OS) between the different treatment groups were compared using Kaplan
      Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Treatment-related
      toxicities were also compared. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were treated with
      EP (31.8%), PC (32.7%) or VP (35.5%). Treatment with VP was significantly
      superior to PC, both in terms of median PFS [29.2 vs. 10.5 months; hazard ratio
      (HR) 0.43; 95% CI 0.21-0.85; p = 0.01] and in terms of median OS [40.7 vs. 17.8
      months; (HR) 0.42; (0.21-0.84); p = 0.01]. However, there was no survival
      difference between EP and either one of the other regimens, but there was
      significantly more toxicities reported with the use of EP (73.5%) compared to PC
      (44.7%) or VP (37.1%); (p = 0.001). The most frequent non-hematologic toxicities
      for the entire cohort were esophagitis (28%), fatigue (22.4%), pneumonitis (14%),
      and nephrotoxicity (9.3%). CONCLUSION: Although the present study is limited by
      its small cohort and its retrospective nature, the results suggest that VP might
      be superior to PC and is less toxic than EP.

PMID- 28083646
TI  - Potential importance of B cells in aging and aging-associated neurodegenerative
      diseases.
AB  - Our understanding of B cells as merely antibody producers is slowly changing.
      Alone or in concert with antibody, they control outcomes of seemingly different
      diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
      While their role in activation of effector immune cells is beneficial in cancer
      but bad in autoimmune diseases, their immunosuppressive and regulatory subsets
      (Bregs) inhibit autoimmune and anticancer responses. These pathogenic and
      suppressive functions are not static and appear to be regulated by the nature and
      strength of inflammation. Although aging increases inflammation and changes the
      composition and function of B cells, surprisingly, little is known whether the
      change affects aging-associated neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). Here, by analyzing B cells in cancer and autoimmune and
      neuroinflammatory diseases, we elucidate their potential importance in AD and
      other aging-associated neuroinflammatory diseases.

PMID- 28083651
TI  - Cyanobacteria: photosynthetic factories combining biodiversity, radiation
      resistance, and genetics to facilitate drug discovery.
AB  - Cyanobacteria are ancient, abundant, and widely diverse photosynthetic
      prokaryotes, which are viewed as promising cell factories for the ecologically
      responsible production of chemicals. Natural cyanobacteria synthesize a vast
      array of biologically active (secondary) metabolites with great potential for
      human health, while a few genetic models can be engineered for the (low level)
      production of biofuels. Recently, genome sequencing and mining has revealed that
      natural cyanobacteria have the capacity to produce many more secondary
      metabolites than have been characterized. The corresponding panoply of enzymes
      (polyketide synthases and non-ribosomal peptide synthases) of interest for
      synthetic biology can still be increased through gene manipulations with the
      tools available for the few genetically manipulable strains. In this review, we
      propose to exploit the metabolic diversity and radiation resistance of
      cyanobacteria, and when required the genetics of model strains, for the
      production and radioactive (14C) labeling of bioactive products, in order to
      facilitate the screening for new drugs.

PMID- 28083649
TI  - Reassessment of GLUT7 and GLUT9 as Putative Fructose and Glucose Transporters.
AB  - Although increased dietary fructose consumption is associated with metabolic
      impairments, the mechanisms and regulation of intestinal fructose absorption are
      poorly understood. GLUT5 is considered to be the main intestinal fructose
      transporter. Other GLUT family members, such as GLUT7 and GLUT9 are also
      expressed in the intestine and were shown to transport fructose and glucose. A
      conserved isoleucine-containing motif (NXI) was proposed to be essential for
      fructose transport capacity of GLUT7 and GLUT9 but also of GLUT2 and GLUT5. In
      assessing whether human GLUT2, GLUT5, GLUT7, and GLUT9 are indeed fructose
      transporters, we expressed these proteins in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Stably
      transfected NIH-3T3 fibroblasts were used as second expression system. In proving
      the role of the NXI motif, variants p.I322V of GLUT2 and p.I296V of GLUT5 were
      tested as well. Sugar transport was measured by radiotracer flux assays or by
      metabolomics analysis of cell extracts by GC-MS. Fructose and glucose uptakes by
      GLUT7 were not increased in both expression systems. In search for the
      physiological substrate of GLUT7, cells overexpressing the protein were exposed
      to various metabolite mixtures, but we failed to identify a substrate. Although
      urate transport by GLUT9 could be shown, neither fructose nor glucose transport
      was detectable. Fructose uptake was decreased by the GLUT2 p.I322V variant, but
      remained unaffected in the p.I296V GLUT5 variant. Thus, our work does not find
      evidence that GLUT7 or GLUT9 transport fructose or glucose or that the isoleucine
      residue determines fructose specificity. Rather, the physiological substrate of
      GLUT7 awaits to be discovered.

PMID- 28083650
TI  - Association between N-desethylamiodarone/amiodarone ratio and amiodarone-induced
      thyroid dysfunction.
AB  - PURPOSE: We used a retrospective data mining approach to explore the association
      between serum amiodarone (AMD) and N-desethylamiodarone (DEA) concentrations and
      thyroid-related hormone levels. METHODS: Laboratory data sets from January 2012
      to April 2016 were extracted from the computerized hospital information system
      database at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center (NCVC). Data sets
      that contained serum AMD and DEA concentrations and thyroid function tests,
      including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free
      triiodothyronine (FT3), were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1831 clinical
      laboratory data sets from 330 patients were analyzed. Data sets were classified
      into five groups (euthyroidism, hyperthyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism,
      hypothyroidism, and subclinical hypothyroidism) based on the definition of
      thyroid function in our hospital. Most abnormal levels of thyroid hormones were
      observed within the therapeutic range of serum AMD and DEA concentrations. The
      mean DEA/AMD ratio in the hyperthyroidism group was significantly higher than
      that in the euthyroidism group (0.95 +/- 0.42 vs. 0.87 +/- 0.28, p = 0.0209), and
      the mean DEA/AMD ratio in the hypothyroidism group was significantly lower than
      that in the euthyroidism group (0.77 +/- 0.26 vs. 0.87 +/- 0.28, p = 0.0038). The
      suppressed TSH group (0.98 +/- 0.41 vs. 0.87 +/- 0.28, p < 0.001) and the
      elevated FT4 level group (0.90 +/- 0.33 vs. 0.84 +/- 0.27, p = 0.0037) showed
      significantly higher DEA/AMD ratios compared with normal level groups. The
      elevated TSH group showed a significantly lower DEA/AMD ratio compared with the
      normal group (0.81 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.87 +/- 0.28, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: High and
      low DEA/AMD ratios were associated with AMD-induced hyperthyroidism and
      hypothyroidism, respectively. The DEA/AMD ratio may be a predictive marker for
      AMD-induced thyroid dysfunction.

PMID- 28083652
TI  - Improved eicosapentaenoic acid production in Pythium splendens RBB-5 based on
      metabolic regulation analysis.
AB  - Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid for human
      beings. At present, the production of commercially available long-chain
      polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly from wild-caught ocean fish, is struggling to
      meet the increasing demand for EPA. Production of EPA by microorganisms may be an
      alternative, effective and economical method. The oleaginous fungus Pythium
      splendens RBB-5 is a potential source of EPA, and thanks to the simple culture
      conditions required, high yields can be achieved in a facile manner. In the
      study, lipid metabolomics was performed in an attempt to enhance EPA biosynthesis
      in Pythium splendens. Synthetic, metabolic regulation and gene expression
      analyses were conducted to clarify the mechanism of EPA biosynthesis, and guide
      optimization of EPA production. The results showed that the Delta6 desaturase
      pathway is the main EPA biosynthetic route in this organism, and ?6, ?12 and
      Delta17 desaturases are the rate-limiting enzymes. All the three desaturase genes
      were separately introduced into the parent strain to increase the flow of fatty
      acids into the Delta6 desaturase pathway. Enhanced expression of these key
      enzymes, in combination with improved regulation of metabolism, resulted in a
      maximum yield of 1.43 g/L in the D12 transgenic strain, which represents a
      tenfold increase over the parent strain before optimization. This is the higher
      EPA production yield yet reported for a microbial system. Our findings may allow
      the production of EPA at an industrial scale, and the strategy employed could be
      used to increase the production of EPA or other lipids in oleaginous
      microorganisms.

PMID- 28083654
TI  - Vorstand und Ausschuss der OGIM mit 1. Janner 2017.

PMID- 28083653
TI  - Developmental and ultrastructural characters of the pollen grains and tapetum in
      species of Nymphaea subgenus Hydrocallis.
AB  - Variations in pollen characters and tapetum behavior were recently acknowledged
      in the early-divergent family Nymphaeaceae and even within the genus Nymphaea,
      which probably is not monophyletic; some traits such as infratectum and tapetum
      type are also a matter of different interpretations. In this study, developmental
      characters of the pollen grains and tapetum in Nymphaea subgenus Hydrocallis are
      provided for the first time. Observations were made in N. amazonum, N.
      gardneriana, and N. prolifera using light, scanning, and transmission electron
      microscopy. Tapetum is of the secretory type and produces orbicules. At
      microspore and pollen grain stages, the distal and proximal walls differ
      considerably. This result supports the operculate condition of the aperture in
      Hydrocallis, and such aperture might be plesiomorphic for Nymphaeoideae. The
      infratectum is intermediate, composed of inter-columellae granular elements,
      robust columellae consisting of agglomerated granules, complete columellae, and
      fused columellae. Narrow microchannels are present and persist until the mature
      pollen grain stage. The membranous granular layer is often present in the pollen
      grains of Nymphaeaceae. In N. gardneriana, this layer is most probably a
      component of the intine because it is lost after acetolysis. Orbicules in the
      Nymphaeaceae are characterized as spherical or subspherical, with a smooth
      sporopolleninic wall that surrounds an electron-lucent core and with individual
      orbicules that usually merge to give irregular aggregations. The aperture, pollen
      wall ultrastructure, and the tapetum of the studied species are discussed in an
      evolutionary and systematic context, and these characters are also compared with
      those of other angiosperm lineages.

PMID- 28083656
TI  - Syntheses and CO2 reduction activities of pi-expanded/extended iron porphyrin
      complexes.
AB  - The construction of molecular catalysts that are active toward CO2 reduction is
      of great significance for designing sustainable energy conversion systems. In
      this study, we aimed to develop catalysts for CO2 reduction by introducing
      aromatic substituents to the meso-positions of iron porphyrin complexes. Three
      novel iron porphyrin complexes with pi-expanded substituents (5,10,15,20
      tetrakis(pyren-1-yl)porphyrinato iron(III) chloride (Fe-Py)), pi-extended
      substituents (5,10,15,20-tetrakis((1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl)porphyrinato iron(III)
      chloride (Fe-PPh)) and pi-expanded and extended substituents (5,10,15,20
      tetrakis(4-(pyren-1-yl)phenyl)porphyrinato iron(III) chloride (Fe-PPy)) were
      successfully synthesized, and their physical properties were investigated by UV
      vis absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements under Ar in
      comparison with an iron complex with a basic framework, 5,10,15,20
      tetrakis(phenyl)porphyrinato iron(III) chloride (Fe-Ph). Moreover, the catalytic
      activity of the complexes was studied by electrochemical measurements under CO2,
      and it is found that the complex with the pi-expanded substituents exhibits the
      highest activity among these complexes.

PMID- 28083657
TI  - Peripheral blood CD4+/CD25+ regulatory T cells in alcoholic patients with
      Strongyloides stercoralis infection.
AB  - An increased number of regulatory T (Treg) cells has been reported in patients
      with HTLV-1 and Strongyloides stercoralis co-infection, suggesting the
      contribution of these cells to worm survival. As Strongyloides infections have
      been found to be highly prevalent in chronic alcoholics, we investigated the
      effect of abusive ethanol ingestion on the induction of Treg cells in alcoholic
      patients with Strongyloides infection. Treg cells were assessed by flow cytometry
      in the peripheral blood of 12 healthy non-alcoholic (control) and 14 alcoholic
      patients (alcoholic) without Strongyloides infection and five non-alcoholics
      (controlSs) and five chronic alcoholics (alcoholSs) with Strongyloides infection.
      The results showed significantly higher frequencies of Treg cells in the
      alcoholic, controlSs and alcoholSs group patients than in the control group
      patients. However, the frequencies of Treg cells did not differ between the
      alcoholSs and controlSs groups. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that
      ethanol consumption induced an increase in the number of circulating Treg cells
      in chronic alcoholics in this study but was unable to potentiate the induction of
      these cells in alcoholics with Strongyloides infection.

PMID- 28083655
TI  - Photostable and photoswitching fluorescent dyes for super-resolution imaging.
AB  - Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy is a recently developed imaging tool for
      biological researches. Several methods have been developed for detection of
      fluorescence signals from molecules in a subdiffraction-limited area, breaking
      the diffraction limit of the conventional optical microscopies and allowing
      visualization of detailed macromolecular structures in cells. As objectives are
      exposed to intense laser in the optical systems, fluorophores for super
      resolution microscopy must be tolerated even under severe light irradiation
      conditions. The fluorophores must also be photoactivatable and photoswitchable
      for single-molecule localization-based super-resolution microscopy, because the
      number of active fluorophores must be controlled by light irradiation. This has
      led to growing interest in these properties in the development of fluorophores.
      In this mini-review, we focus on the development of photostable and
      photoswitching fluorescent dyes for super-resolution microscopy. We introduce
      recent efforts, including improvement of fluorophore photostability and control
      of photoswitching behaviors of fluorophores based on photochemical and
      photophysical processes. Understanding and manipulation of chemical reactions in
      excited fluorophores can develop highly photostable and efficiently
      photoswitchable fluorophores that are suitable for super-resolution imaging
      applications.

PMID- 28083658
TI  - Left atrial phasic function and heart rate variability in asymptomatic diabetic
      patients.
AB  - AIMS: We evaluated left atrial (LA) phasic function and heart rate variability
      (HRV) in asymptomatic diabetic patients, and the relationship between HRV indices
      and LA phasic function assessed by volumes and speckle tracking imaging. METHOD:
      This cross-sectional study included 55 asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes
      and 50 healthy controls without cardiovascular risk factors. All study subjects
      underwent laboratory analyses, complete two-dimensional echocardiography
      examination (2DE) and 24-h Holter monitoring. RESULTS: Maximum, minimum LA and
      pre-A LA volumes and volume indexes are significantly higher in diabetic
      patients. Total and passive LA emptying fractions (EF), representing the LA
      reservoir and conduit function, are significantly lower in diabetic subjects.
      Active LA EF, the parameter of the LA booster pump function, is compensatory
      increased in diabetic patients. Similar results were obtained by 2DE strain
      analysis. Cardiac autonomic function, assessed by HRV, is significantly
      deteriorated in diabetic patients. Time and frequency-domain HRV measures are
      significantly lower in diabetic subjects than in controls. HbA1c, LV mass index
      and HRV are associated with total LA EF and longitudinal LA strain independently
      of age, body mass index and LV diastolic function in the whole study population.
      CONCLUSIONS: LA phasic function and cardiac autonomic nervous system assessed by
      HRV are impacted by diabetes. HbA1c and HRV are independently associated with LA
      reservoir function evaluated by volumetric and strain methods in the whole study
      population. This study emphasizes the importance of determination of LA function
      and HRV as important markers of preclinical cardiac damage and autonomic function
      impairment in diabetic patients.

PMID- 28083659
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of demarcation of undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer
      after Helicobacter pylori eradication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication is
      beneficial when demarcating undifferentiated-type early gastric cancers (UD-type
      EGCs). This study aimed to determine whether H. pylori eradication is beneficial,
      and also when benefits become detectable. METHODS: Sixty lesions that were
      detected as a <=20-mm lesion without metastasis or ulceration on routine
      examination, diagnosed as UD-type EGC on biopsy, and treated with endoscopic
      submucosal dissection between January 2010 and January 2015 were studied.
      Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) was performed to demarcate
      the lesions. The most oral and most anal sites were marked. After endoscopic
      therapy, the markings were compared with the pathological examination results to
      calculate accurate diagnosis rates, which were compared between 27 patients with
      H. pylori eradication and 33 patients without. Mean intercrypt distance ratio and
      inflammatory cell infiltration were also compared, as were seven patients who
      underwent the procedure 1 month after H. pylori eradication and 20 patients who
      underwent the procedure more than 1 month after H. pylori eradication. RESULTS:
      Accurate diagnosis rates were 92.2% with eradication and 60.6% without. Mean
      intercrypt distance ratios were 1.95 and 1.59, respectively. Neutrophil
      infiltration was mild in the eradication group. Significant differences were
      observed in each parameter (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed
      between the 1-month eradication and >1-month eradication subgroups in terms of
      accurate diagnosis rate, mean intercrypt distance ratio, or histological grade of
      any item. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that H. pylori eradication therapy
      aids the accurate delineation of UD-type EGC in ME-NBI.

PMID- 28083660
TI  - Life history plasticity does not confer resilience to environmental change in the
      mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum).
AB  - Plasticity in life history strategies can be advantageous for species that occupy
      spatially or temporally variable environments. We examined how phenotypic
      plasticity influences responses of the mole salamander, Ambystoma talpoideum, to
      disturbance events at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (SMNWR), FL, USA
      from 2009 to 2014. We observed periods of extensive drought early in the study,
      in contrast to high rainfall and expansive flooding events in later years.
      Flooding facilitated colonization of predatory fishes to isolated wetlands across
      the refuge. We employed multistate occupancy models to determine how this natural
      experiment influenced the occurrence of aquatic larvae and paedomorphic adults
      and what implications this may have for the population. We found that, in terms
      of occurrence, responses to environmental variation differed between larvae and
      paedomorphs, but plasticity (i.e. the ability to metamorphose rather than remain
      in aquatic environment) was not sufficient to buffer populations from declining
      as a result of environmental perturbations. Drought and fish presence negatively
      influenced occurrence dynamics of larval and paedomorphic mole salamanders and,
      consequently, contributed to observed short-term declines of this species.
      Overall occurrence of larval salamanders decreased from 0.611 in 2009 to 0.075 in
      2014 and paedomorph occurrence decreased from 0.311 in 2009 to 0.121 in 2014.
      Although variation in selection pressures has likely maintained this polyphenism
      previously, our results suggest that continued changes in environmental
      variability and the persistence of fish in isolated wetlands could lead to a loss
      of paedomorphosis in the SMNWR population and, ultimately, impact regional
      persistence in the future.

PMID- 28083661
TI  - Error analysis in newborn screening: can quotients support the absolute values?
AB  - Newborn screening is performed using modern tandem mass spectrometry, which can
      simultaneously detect a variety of analytes, including several amino acids and
      fatty acids. Tandem mass spectrometry measures the diagnostic parameters as
      absolute concentrations and produces fragments which are used as markers of
      specific substances. Several prominent quotients can also be derived, which are
      quotients of two absolute measured concentrations. In this study, we determined
      the precision of both the absolute concentrations and the derived quotients.
      First, the measurement error of the absolute concentrations and the measurement
      error of the ratios were practically determined. Then, the Gaussian theory of
      error calculation was used. Finally, these errors were compared with one another.
      The practical analytical accuracies of the quotients were significantly higher
      (e.g., coefficient of variation (CV) = 5.1% for the phenylalanine to tyrosine
      (Phe/Tyr) quotient and CV = 5.6% for the Fisher quotient) than the accuracies of
      the absolute measured concentrations (mean CVs = 12%). According to our results,
      the ratios are analytically correct and, from an analytical point of view, can
      support the absolute values in finding the correct diagnosis.

PMID- 28083662
TI  - Metabolic profiling of human plasma and urine in chronic kidney disease by
      hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry: a pilot study.
AB  - A typical characteristic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the progressive loss
      in renal function over a period of months or years with the concomitant
      accumulation of uremic retention solutes in the body. Known biomarkers for the
      kidney deterioration, such as serum creatinine or urinary albumin, do not allow
      effective early detection of CKD, which is essential towards disease management.
      In this work, a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass
      spectrometric (HILIC-TOF MS) platform was optimized allowing the search for novel
      uremic retention solutes and/or biomarkers of CKD. The HILIC-ESI-MS approach was
      used for the comparison of urine and plasma samples from CKD patients at stage 3
      (n = 20), at stage 5 not yet receiving dialysis (n = 20) and from healthy
      controls (n = 20). Quality control samples were used to control and ensure the
      validity of the metabolomics approach. Subsequently the data were treated with
      the XCMS software for multivariate statistical analysis. In this way,
      differentiation could be achieved between the measured metabolite profile of the
      CKD patients versus the healthy controls. The approach allowed the elucidation of
      a number of metabolites that showed a significant up- and downregulation
      throughout the different stages of CKD. These compounds are cinnamoylglycine,
      glycoursodeoxycholic acid, 2-hydroxyethane sulfonate, and pregnenolone sulfate of
      which the identity was unambiguously confirmed via the use of authentic
      standards. The latter three are newly identified uremic retention solutes.

PMID- 28083663
TI  - A metaproteomic approach dissecting major bacterial functions in the rhizosphere
      of plants living in serpentine soil.
AB  - A metaproteomic approach, based on liquid chromatography-high resolution mass
      spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis, was followed to map the major bacterial
      metabolic functions associated with the rhizosphere of metal-tolerant and metal
      hyperaccumulator plants, growing in a serpentine soil naturally contaminated by
      heavy metals such as Ni, Co and Cr. In particular, an "in-house" bacterial
      protein database was built based on the genera recognised by 16S rDNA profiling,
      then it was used for protein identification from LC-MS data. The combination of
      the information arising from three different extraction protocols, applied to
      each soil sample, permitted the identification of almost 800 proteins,
      corresponding to functions assigned to proper Gene Ontology categories. Mainly
      proteins involved in response to stimulus or in transport of metals and nutrients
      revealed variability of bacteria responses to microenvironment conditions. As for
      taxonomy, Phyllobacterium, Microbacterium oxidans, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans,
      Stenotrophomonas rhizophila and Bacillus methylotrophicus bacterial species were
      more represented in the rhizosphere samples of the metal-tolerant Biscutella
      laevigata and of the Ni hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens with respect to
      bulk soil. Combining 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing and metaproteomic analysis,
      we get insights into microbial community functions and their interaction with
      plants colonising the stressful environment of serpentine soils.

PMID- 28083664
TI  - Improved single-step enrichment methods of cross-linked products for protein
      structure analysis and protein interaction mapping.
AB  - Chemical cross-linking/mass spectrometry (MS) is gradually developing into a
      routine method to investigate protein conformation and to decipher protein
      interaction networks. To increase identification rates of the frequently low
      abundant cross-linked products in LC/MS/MS experiments, fast and reliable sample
      preparation protocols are indispensable. We present simplified solid phase
      extraction methods using C18/SCX StageTips and mixed-mode OASIS MCX cartridges
      for a single-step enrichment of cross-linked products prior to LC/MS/MS analysis.
      Our improved protocols result in 3.5 to 4.6 times higher numbers of cross-link
      identifications for the model protein bovine serum albumin compared to non
      processed samples.

PMID- 28083665
TI  - The prevalence of osteoporosis and the rate of bone loss in Korean adults: the
      Chungju metabolic disease cohort (CMC) study.
AB  - : Because the rate of bone loss is an important risk factor for fracture, we
      studied longitudinal changes in bone mineral density (BMD). Although the BMD of
      the hip decreased over time, spine BMD remained largely stable or increased.
      Therefore, spine BMD may not be appropriate for assessing BMD change.
      INTRODUCTION: The rate of age-dependent bone loss has been shown to be an
      important risk factor for fracture. However, longitudinal rates of BMD loss in
      Korea have not yet been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate
      longitudinal changes in BMD in Korea. METHODS: This cohort study was performed in
      a population of individuals 40 years of age or older living in the rural area of
      Chungju City, Korea. A second BMD examination was conducted approximately 4 years
      after a baseline examination. A total of 3755 of the 6007 subjects completed the
      follow-up visit, corresponding to a follow-up rate of 62.51%. RESULTS: The age
      standardized osteoporosis prevalence was 12.81% in males and 44.35% in females.
      In males, the average annual BMD loss at the total hip increased from -0.25% per
      year in their 40s to -1.12% per year in their 80s. In females, the average annual
      BMD loss at the total hip increased from -0.69% per year in their 40s to -1.51%
      per year in their 80s. However, the average annual percentage change in spine BMD
      in females increased from -0.91% per year in their 40s to +1.39% per year in
      their 80s. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of subjects had osteoporosis, even
      though we standardized the prevalence of osteoporosis. In total hip, the mean BMD
      was decreased during the follow-up period; in addition, the annual percentage
      loss increased with age. However, spine BMD remained approximately stable or
      increased over time and therefore may not be appropriate for assessing BMD
      change.

PMID- 28083666
TI  - The relationship between vitamin D status and muscle strength in young healthy
      adults from sunny climate countries currently living in the northeast of
      Scotland.
AB  - : The current study examined the relationship between vitamin D status and muscle
      strength in young healthy adults: residents (>6 months) and newcomers (0-3
      months), originally from sunny climate countries but currently living in the
      northeast of Scotland. Our longitudinal data found a positive, albeit small,
      relationship between vitamin D status and knee extensor isometric strength.
      INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D has been suggested to play a role in muscle health and
      function, but studies so far have been primarily in older populations for falls
      prevention and subsequent risk of fractures. METHODS: Vitamin D status was
      assessed in a healthy young adults from sunny climate countries (n = 71, aged 19
      42 years) with 56% seen within 3 months of arriving in Aberdeen [newcomers;
      median (range) time living in the UK = 2 months (9-105 days)] and the remainder
      resident for >6 months [residents; 23 months (6-121 months)]. Participants
      attended visits every 3 months for 15 months. At each visit, fasted blood samples
      were collected for analysis of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid
      hormone (PTH), carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX) and N-terminal
      propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP). Maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) were
      performed for grip strength (both arms) and for maximal isometric strength of the
      knee extensors (right knee). RESULTS: There were small seasonal variations in
      25(OH)D concentrations within the newcomers and residents, but no seasonal
      variation in bone turnover markers. There was a positive, albeit small,
      association between 25(OH)D and knee extensor maximal isometric strength. Mixed
      modelling predicted that for each 1 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D, peak torque would
      increase by 1 Nm (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that vitamin D may
      be important for muscle health in young adults migrating from sunnier climates to
      high latitudes, yet the potential effect is small.

PMID- 28083667
TI  - Use of proton pump inhibitors and mortality after hip fracture in a nationwide
      study.
AB  - : We analyzed the association of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with mortality
      after osteoporosis-related hip fracture in Austria. PPIs were associated with
      reduced 90-day mortality but elevated mortality after half a year when initiated
      pre-fracture. Inpatients and discharged patients on PPIs showed lowered in
      hospital and 90-day mortality, respectively. INTRODUCTION: We herein investigated
      use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and mortality among hip fracture patients in
      a nationwide study in Austria. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, data
      on use of PPIs were obtained from 31,668 Austrian patients >=50 years with a hip
      fracture between July 2008 and December 2010. All-cause mortality in patients
      without anti-osteoporotic drug treatment who had received their first recorded
      PPI prescription in the study period either before or after fracture was compared
      with hip fracture patients on neither PPIs nor anti-osteoporotic medication using
      logistic and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: With PPI use, 90-day mortality was
      significantly reduced, both at initiation before (OR 0.66; p < 0.0001) and after
      hip fracture (OR 0.23; p < 0.0001). 90-day mortality was also reduced when PPIs
      were prescribed not until after discharge from the last recorded hip fracture
      related hospital stay (OR 0.49; p < 0.0001) except for patients aged <70 years.
      In a sub-cohort of patients beginning PPIs during hospital stay, in-hospital
      mortality (0.2%) was substantially reduced relative to matched control patients
      (3.5%) (p < 0.0001). Longer-term mortality significantly increased after half a
      year post-fracture only among those who started PPI prescription before fracture.
      CONCLUSIONS: PPI use during and after hospital stay due to hip fracture is
      associated with a considerable decrease in mortality. These findings could have
      implications for hip fracture treatment.

PMID- 28083668
TI  - Long-term effect of aromatase inhibitors on bone microarchitecture and
      macroarchitecture in non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women with breast cancer.
AB  - : In non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women with breast cancer, aromatase
      inhibitors (AIs) negatively affected bone mineral density (BMD), lumbar spine
      trabecular bone score (TBS) as a bone microarchitecture index, and hip geometry
      as a bone macroarchitecture index. INTRODUCTION: AIs increase the risk of
      fracture in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the long
      term skeletal effects of AIs in postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective longitudinal observational study in non
      osteoporotic patients with breast cancer who were treated with AIs for >=3 years
      (T-score >-2.5). Patients with previous anti-osteoporosis treatment or those who
      were given bisphosphonate during AI treatment were excluded from the analysis. We
      serially assessed BMD, lumbar spine TBS, and hip geometry using dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry. RESULTS: BMD significantly decreased from baseline to 5 years at
      the lumbar spine (-6.15%), femur neck (-7.12%), and total hip (-6.35%). Lumbar
      spine TBS also significantly decreased from baseline to 5 years (-2.12%); this
      change remained significant after adjusting for lumbar spine BMD. The annual loss
      of lumbar spine BMD and TBS slowed after 3 and 1 year of treatment, respectively,
      although there was a relatively constant loss of BMD at the femur neck and total
      hip for up to 4 years. The cross-sectional area, cross-sectional moment of
      inertia, minimal neck width, femur strength index, and section modulus
      significantly decreased, although the buckling ratio increased over the treatment
      period (all P < 0.001); these changes were independent of total hip BMD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Long-term adjuvant AI treatment negatively influenced bone quality
      in addition to BMD in patients with breast cancer. This study suggests that early
      monitoring and management are needed in non-osteoporotic patients with breast
      cancer who are starting AIs.

PMID- 28083669
TI  - Use of antipsychotics increases the risk of fracture: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - : Our systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies indicated that
      the use of antipsychotics was associated with a nearly 1.5-fold increase in the
      risk of fracture. First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) appeared to carry a
      higher risk of fracture than second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs).
      INTRODUCTION: The risk of fractures associated with the use of antipsychotic
      medications has inconsistent evidence between different drug classes. A
      systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate whether there is an
      association between the use of antipsychotic drugs and fractures. METHODS:
      Searches were conducted through the PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify
      observational studies that had reported a quantitative estimate of the
      association between use of antipsychotics and fractures. The summary risk was
      derived from random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: The search yielded 19
      observational studies (n = 544,811 participants) with 80,835 fracture cases.
      Compared with nonuse, use of FGAs was associated with a significantly higher risk
      for hip fractures (OR 1.67, 95% CI, 1.45-1.93), and use of second generation
      antipsychotics (SGAs) was associated with an attenuated but still significant
      risk for hip fractures (OR 1.33, 95% CI, 1.11-1.58). The risk of fractures
      associated with individual classes of antipsychotic users was heterogeneous, and
      odds ratios ranged from 1.24 to 2.01. Chlorpromazine was associated with the
      highest risk (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.43-2.83), while Risperidone was associated with
      the lowest risk of fracture (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.95-1.83). CONCLUSIONS: FGA users
      were at a higher risk of hip fracture than SGA users. Both FGAs and SGAs were
      associated with an increased risk of fractures, especially among the older
      population. Therefore, the benefit of the off-label use of antipsychotics in
      elderly patients should be weighed against any risks for fracture.

PMID- 28083670
TI  - Results and outcome predictors after open release of complete ankylosis of the
      elbow caused by heterotopic ossification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) may lead to complete elbow ankylosis,
      resulting in severe disability. The prognostic factors that may be valuable in
      guiding treatment of this condition have not yet been evaluated. The goals of
      this study were to describe the outcomes of open release for ankylosed elbow
      caused by HO and to analyse factors associated with clinical outcomes. METHOD:
      This retrospective study assessed 41 patients with ankylosed elbows treated by
      open release surgery. We report final clinical outcomes and analyses of the
      association between outcomes and clinical variables. RESULTS: Mean patient age
      was 36.4 years; follow-up was 36.1 months. Mean arc of motion increased from 0 to
      112 degrees  post-operatively, mean pronation from 34 to 52 degrees , supination
      from a mean of 51 to 76 degrees , and Mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS)
      from 42.8 to 84.2. Eight patients experienced recurrence, two of whom underwent a
      second operation: one for elbow instability and one for revision surgery. Linear
      regression analysis demonstrated that initial injury type (p = 0.020), articular
      surface damage (p = 0.001), coma iduringthe initial injury (p = 0.001) and
      concomitant radial head replacement (p = 0.029) were independent factors
      affecting the final MEPS. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory outcomes were achieved,
      indicating that open release is effective for ankylosed elbows. Our findings
      demonstrated that initial injury type, articular surface damage, coma and radial
      head replacement are outcome predictors affecting final outcomes.

PMID- 28083671
TI  - Role of platelet gel embedded within gelatin scaffold on healing of
      experimentally induced critical-sized radial bone defects in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated the role of human platelet gel (PG) embedded within
      gelatin (Gel) scaffold on healing of critical-sized radial bone defects in rats.
      METHODS: Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five equal
      groups. In each animal, critical-sized 5-mm bone defects were created in the
      radial bones of both forelimbs (n = 10/group). The defects were then either left
      untreated or filled with autograft, Gel, PG or Gel-PG. Before euthanasia, the
      healing defects were evaluated radiologically and clinically. The animals were
      euthanized after eight weeks and their radial bones evaluated by radiography,
      computed tomography (CT) scan, histology, biomechanical testing and
      ultrastructural evaluations. RESULTS: PG implantation significantly increased
      cellular differentiation, osteoblastic proliferation and consequently new bone
      formation so that those defects treated with PG showed superior structural and
      biomechanical properties to the Gel and PG-Gel-treated defects. The PG-treated
      defects had radiological, morphological and mechanical properties closely
      comparable with those of the autograft group. In contrast, in the PG-Gel group,
      Gel significantly reduced the beneficial effects of PG on bone healing.
      CONCLUSIONS: Human PG had beneficial effects on bone regeneration, while
      combination of PG and Gel had no remarkable beneficial effect. Therefore, PG when
      used alone can be regarded as a promising osteoinductive and osteoconductive
      option in bone tissue engineering applications.

PMID- 28083673
TI  - Erratum to: Abstracts : XXXI International Congress of the IAP and 28th Congress
      of the ESP.

PMID- 28083672
TI  - Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique for displaced midshaft
      clavicular fracture using the clavicle reductor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to introduce a self-designed clavicle reductor and to
      test the effectivity of a alternative minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis
      technique (MIPO) for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures (DMCFs) with the
      application of our self-designed clavicle reductor. METHOD: From October 2012 to
      February 2013, 27 male patients who suffered with unilateral displaced midshaft
      clavicular fracture (DMCFs) were included into our study. Patients were treated
      by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique with the application
      of our self-designed clavicle reductor and followed up regularly. Constant-Murley
      score was employed to test the functional outcomes at one year's follow up.
      RESULT: The average follow-up time for the 27 patients was 15.8 months (range, 13
      18 months). The average age of all patients was 32.6 (range, 21 to 48). According
      to OTC system, 12 cases were simple fractures (15-B1), ten cases were wedge
      fractures (15-B2) and five cases were comminuted fractures (15-B3). With the
      application of the clavicle reductor, minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis
      technique can be performed without any barrier in all of the 27 cases. Operative
      duration was 48.1 minutes (range, 35-65 minutes) and average fluoroscopy time was
      12.8 seconds (range, from 7 to 22 seconds). All of the 27 cases healed from four
      to six months post-operatively. The average Constant-Murley-score of the 27
      patients was 92.7 +/- 5.88 (range, 80 to 100). No complications were noted.
      CONCLUSION: The self-designed clavicle reductor can effectively pave the way for
      the application of MIPO technique in the treatment of DMCFs. MIPO technique with
      locking reconstruction plate is a feasible and worthwhile alternative for
      displaced midshaft clavicular fractures (DMCFs).

PMID- 28083674
TI  - Clinical practices among healthcare professionals concerning neonatal jaundice
      and pale stools.
AB  - : Jaundice and pale stools are major indicators of neonatal liver disease.
      Prognosis depends on timely diagnosis and management. We evaluated the clinical
      practices among healthcare professionals concerning jaundiced newborns and their
      ability to recognize pale stools. We supplied a questionnaire and a panel with
      eight photographs of stools, both locally validated, to physicians and nurses of
      the National Healthcare Service. Analysis was conducted according to professional
      status, specialization and years of experience of professionals and level of
      healthcare. Questionnaires were administered to 266 participants (100 physicians,
      166 nurses). The decision to send patients to medical observation depended on the
      intensity of jaundice for a significant percentage of nurses. Concerning
      jaundiced newborns breastfed and otherwise healthy, 28.9% of physicians would
      never request a conjugated bilirubin assay, and only 43.3% would request it after
      14 days old; for those with other signs/symptoms of disease, only 69.1% of
      physicians would request it immediately. Multiple linear regression analysis
      identified specialization as an independent variable significantly associated
      with the ability to recognize pale stools. CONCLUSION: A significant percentage
      of healthcare professionals assumed clinical practices that preclude the timely
      recognition of cholestasis/pale stools, reinforcing the idea of educational
      needs. Specialization, rather than years of experience of professionals, was
      associated with better skills and practices. What is Known: * Neonatal
      cholestasis is a condition with some rare underlying entities having high
      mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis is crucial to improve prognosis. Yet,
      many cases remain late recognized and referred. * Studies evaluating the ability
      of healthcare professionals to recognize neonatal cholestasis are scarce. What is
      New: * In this study, a significant percentage of professionals assumed clinical
      practices that preclude timely recognition of neonatal cholestasis and pale
      stools, reinforcing the idea of educational needs. * Specialization of
      professionals was associated with better skills and practices.

PMID- 28083676
TI  - In Memory of Athina Markou (1961-2016): Obituary.

PMID- 28083675
TI  - Assessment of a glycine uptake inhibitor in animal models of effort-related
      choice behavior: implications for motivational dysfunctions.
AB  - RATIONALE: Motivated behavior can be characterized by a substantial exertion of
      effort, and organisms often make effort-related decisions based upon analyses of
      work-related response costs and reinforcement preference. Moreover, alterations
      in effort-based choice can be seen in people with major depression and
      schizophrenia. Effort-related decision making is studied using tasks offering
      choices between high effort options leading to highly valued reinforces vs low
      effort/low reward options. Interference with dopamine (DA) transmission by
      administration of the DA D2 family antagonist haloperidol biases behavior towards
      the lower effort option that can be obtained with minimal work, and previous
      research has shown that DA interacts with other transmitters, including adenosine
      and GABA, to regulate effort-based choice. OBJECTIVES: The present studies
      focused upon the ability of the glycine transport inhibitor bitopertin to
      attenuate haloperidol-induced shifts in effort-related choice behavior. METHODS:
      Effort-based choice in rats was assessed using the concurrent fixed ratio (FR)
      5/chow feeding choice task and the T-maze barrier choice procedure. RESULTS:
      Haloperidol shifted effort-based choice, biasing animals towards the low effort
      option in each task. Co-administration of bitopertin (1.0-10.0 mg/kg)
      significantly attenuated haloperidol-induced shifts in choice behavior, but the
      same doses of bitopertin had no effect when administered alone. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results indicated that elevation of extracellular glycine via inhibition of
      glycine uptake was able to reverse the effects of D2 antagonism. Increases in
      extracellular glycine, possibly through actions on the glycine allosteric site on
      the NMDA receptor, may be a useful strategy for treating motivational
      dysfunctions in humans.

PMID- 28083677
TI  - Results and complications of percutaneous pelvic osteotomy and intertrochanteric
      varus shortening osteotomy in 54 consecutively operated GMFCS level IV and V
      cerebral palsy patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: This retrospective study evaluated mid-to-long-term outcome of a
      minimally invasive percutaneous pelvic osteotomy (PPO) approach combined with
      varus derotational shortening osteotomy (VDRSO) and soft tissue release in
      children with severe CP. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all
      patients presenting with a diagnosis of CP with hip subluxation or dislocation
      treated surgically by simultaneous soft tissue release, VDRSO, and PPO between
      2002 and 2015. Eligible patients included those with a diagnosis of spastic
      quadriplegia or CP GMFCS level IV or V with unilateral or bilateral hip
      subluxation or dislocation and surgical treatment of the deformity by
      simultaneous soft tissue release, VDRSO and PPO. All anterior-posterior (AP)
      radiographs of the pelvis were reviewed and Reimers migration percentage (MP) and
      acetabular angle (AA) were measured. RESULTS: In total, 54 children and
      adolescents (34 boys, 20 girls) with CP GMFCS level IV and V were treated during
      study period: 38 (70.4%) classified GMFCS level IV and 16 (29.6%) classified
      GMFCS level V. A total of 64 consecutive hips underwent simultaneous PPO
      associated with VDRSO. Overall, at the time of chart and radiograph review, mean
      age was 9.1 +/- 3.3 years (range 4-16.5) and mean follow-up was 43.9 +/- 19.5
      months (range 3-72). Mean migration percentage improved from 66.8 +/- 19.8%
      (range 33-100) preoperatively to 8.1 +/- 16.5% (range 0-70) at last follow-up.
      Mean acetabular angle improved from 32.7 degrees  +/- 7.1 degrees  (range 20-50)
      preoperatively to 14 degrees  +/- 6.7 degrees  (range 0-27) at last follow-up.
      Only one case of bone graft dislodgment was observed. We did not observe any
      cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. All operated hips were pain free
      at the time of last follow-up. CONCLUSION: PPO through a less invasive surgical
      approach offers a valuable alternative to standard techniques as it gives similar
      outcome but with less muscle stripping and less time in surgery. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 28083678
TI  - Intraocular use of acid violet 17 at a concentration of 1.5 mg/ml is not safe.

PMID- 28083679
TI  - The effects of pleiotrophin in proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of pleiotrophin
      (PTN) in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) both in vitro and in vivo.
      METHODS: Immunofluorescence was used to observe the PTN expression in periretinal
      membrane samples from patients with PVR and controls. ARPE-19 cells were exposed
      to TGF-beta1. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the ARPE-19 cells
      was confirmed by observed morphological changes and the increased expression of
      alpha-SMA and fibronectin at both the mRNA and protein levels. We used specific
      small interfering (si)RNA to knock down the expression of PTN. The subsequent
      effects of PTN inhibition were assessed with regard to the EMT, migration,
      proliferation, cytoskeletal arrangement, TGF-beta signaling, PTN signaling,
      integral tight junction protein expression (e.g., claudin-1 and occludin), and
      p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK levels. Additionally, a PVR rat model was established by
      the intravitreal injection of ARPE-19 cells transfected with PTN-siRNA and was
      evaluated accordingly. RESULTS: PTN was highly expressed in PVR membranes
      compared to controls. PTN knockdown attenuated the TGF-beta1-induced migration,
      proliferation, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and expression of EMT markers such as
      alpha-SMA and fibronectin in the ARPE-19 cells, and these effects may have been
      mediated through p38 MAPK signaling pathway activation. PTN silencing inhibited
      the up-regulation of claudin-1 and occludin stimulated by TGF-beta1, and PTN
      knockdown inhibited the proliferative aspects of severe PVR in vivo. CONCLUSIONS:
      PTN is involved in the process of EMT induced by TGF-beta1 in human ARPE-19 cells
      in vitro, and PTN knockdown attenuated the progression of experimental PVR in
      vivo. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of PVR.

PMID- 28083680
TI  - Hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy vs. open esophagectomy: a matched case
      analysis in 120 patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: In esophageal surgery, total minimally invasive techniques compete with
      hybrid and robot-assisted procedures. The benefit of the individual techniques
      for the patient remains vague. At our institution, the hybrid minimally invasive
      laparoscopic-thoracotomic esophagectomy (HMIE) has been routinely applied since
      2013. We conducted this retrospective study to analyze the perioperative outcome.
      METHODS: Since 2013, 60 patients were operated in HMIE technique for esophageal
      cancer. Each of these patients was paired according to the criteria of gender,
      BMI, age, tumor histology, pulmonary preexisting conditions, and a history of
      smoking with a patient treated by open esophagectomy (OE). Perioperative
      parameters were extracted from our prospectively maintained database and compared
      among the groups. RESULTS: The HMIE and OE groups were homogeneous in terms of
      patient- and tumor-related data. There was no difference in lymph nodes harvested
      (22 vs. 20, p = 0.459) and R0-resection rate (95 vs. 93%, p = 0.500). The
      operation time for the HMIE was significantly shorter (329 vs. 407 min, p <
      0.001). There was no difference between the groups with respect to surgical
      complications (37 vs. 37%, p = 0.575), but the patients undergoing hybrid
      technique showed more delayed gastric emptying (23 vs. 10%, p = 0.042). Pulmonary
      morbidity was significantly reduced after HMIE (20 vs. 42%, p = 0.009). This
      affected both the occurrence of pneumonia and pleural effusions. The difference
      in the overall complication rate was not significant (50 vs. 60%, p = 0.179), but
      life-threatening complications (Clavien/Dindo 4/5) were less frequent (2 vs. 12%,
      p = 0.031). Overall, there was significantly less need for transfusion after HMIE
      (18 vs. 50%, p < 0.001), and hospital (and IMC) stay was significantly shorter
      (14 (6) vs. 18 (7) days, p = 0.002 (0.003)). The multivariate analysis confirms
      the surgical procedure as an independent risk factor for the development of
      pulmonary complications (OR 3.2, p = 0.011). Furthermore, preexisting pulmonary
      conditions were identified as a risk factor (OR 3.6, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Our
      retrospective analysis shows that reduction of postoperative pulmonary morbidity,
      perioperative blood loss, and shortening of hospital stay can be achieved by
      HMIE. The procedure is safe, and the rate of surgical complications and
      oncological radicality is comparable to the conventional procedure.

PMID- 28083681
TI  - [Treatment of acetabular defects with the trabecular metal revision system].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The results after acetabular component revision are very
      heterogeneous, irrespective of the use of established or new components. This
      could be due to a lack of treatment standards for new revision components. The
      Trabecular MetalTM (TM) revision system, through its modularity, allows for an
      individual intraoperative reconstruction of the acetabular defect with a single
      implant system. It was the aim of this study to investigate the results of
      acetabular revision with the TMT system taking into consideration the utilized
      components and the acetabular defect. METHODS: A total of 200 consecutive
      isolated revisions of the acetabular component from 2010 until 2012 were
      retrospectively analyzed from our institutional database. Of the 200 cases, 114
      revisions were performed with a combination of different TMT components (wedge
      and cup, cup and cage). Aseptic cup failure and revision for any reason were the
      defined endpoints of this study. The acetabular defects were graded according to
      the Paprosky classification. RESULTS: The average patient age was 63.6 +/- 14.8
      years (range 32-85 years) and the average follow-up was 5.3 +/- 0.7 years. The
      overall revision rate, independent of the utilized components, was 4.4% and the
      revision rate for aseptic failure of the acetabular component was 2.6%. The
      revision rate for aseptic loosening for Paprosky type I and II defects was 0% and
      Paprosky type III and IV defects was 12%. CONCLUSIONS: The modular TMT system
      shows low revision rates. The modularity of the system allows for a safe and
      intraoperative adaptation to the individual acetabular defect without the need
      for extensive preoperative imaging or custom-made implants.

PMID- 28083682
TI  - [Revision arthroplasty of the hip : Direct anterior approach].
AB  - The direct anterior approach to the hip allows good exposure of acetabulum and
      periacetabular bones. For simple acetabular revisions it can be chosen to be
      small (minimally invasive); in the case of extensive periacetabular bone loss
      exposure of the entire ilium cranial of the acetabulum may be achieved, and the
      pubic bone as well as inner-pelvic structures adjacent to the acetabulum can be
      exposed. The internerval plane of the approach between muscles innervated by the
      femoral nerve and the gluteal nerves allows exposure of the ilium without
      endangering the nerve supply of gluteal muscles.

PMID- 28083684
TI  - [Mission (im)possible : Setting up a neurological center 12,000 km away with
      telemedicine].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Specialized neurological treatment decreases the mortality and
      morbidity of stroke patients. In many regions of the world an extensive coverage
      is not available. The cooperation between the Krankenhaus Nordwest (KHNW,
      Frankfurt, Germany) and the Government of Brunei Darussalam describes the set-up
      process of a specialized neurological center, including stroke unit, science and
      rehabilitation center. AIM: The aim of this project called to teach to treat - to
      treat to teach was to set up a center of excellence in neurology in Brunei
      Darussalam over a distance of 12,000 km. Treatment options were elucidated by
      teaching and taught by case examples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The construction of
      the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Center (BNSRC) began in July
      2010. To overcome the large distance between the department of neurology and
      neuroradiology at the KHNW and the BNSRC, a telemedical network was established.
      We provided daily teleteaching for all professions involved in patient care as
      well as 24/7 availability of teleneurological services from Germany to support
      the local team on site. RESULTS: In the BNSRC unit over 1000 patients with
      ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and all the various acute neurological conditions
      were treated from July 2010 until July 2016 as inpatients and over 5000 were
      treated as outpatients. Since 2010, a total of 52 patients with stroke were
      treated by thrombolysis within the thrombolytic window and 81 hemicraniectomies
      were performed. CONCLUSION: The project has shown that it is possible to convey
      specialized neurological knowledge over large distances to provide significant
      benefits for patients and caregivers.

PMID- 28083683
TI  - [Partial exchange in total hip arthroplasty : What can we combine?]
AB  - BACKGROUND: In case of hip revision arthroplasty, one component (cup/stem) is
      often well fixed and does not need to be exchanged. The newly implanted component
      needs to be compatible with the well-fixed implant. The combination of implants
      from different companies leads to "mix and match" or even mismatch between the
      implants. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: The objective of this work was to describe
      possible combinations including their specifications that need to be considered
      in partial exchange of hip prostheses. For this purpose the literature, surgical
      techniques of companies and judgements concerning this topic were analysed and
      our own results and experiences were included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Partial
      revision arthroplasty can be challenging and needs to be planned in detail. In
      case of isolated cup or inlay revision with exchange of a modular head the cone
      of the stem needs to be identified. A ceramic head may be used in revision with a
      titanium sleeve even from a different company as long as they are compatible.
      Patients however need to give their informed consent for this mix and match
      procedure. This procedure is done frequently and good study results support this,
      however from a juristic point of view a definite recommendation cannot be given.
      If the inlay of a cup is replaced, the original inlay should be used. If this is
      not available anymore, it can be manufactured as a special product in many cases.
      If this is also not possible, an inlay can also be cemented into a well-fixed
      cup. Biomechanical and clinical studies support this off-label technique. In case
      of an isolated exchange of the stem with a ceramic inlay that is retained in a
      well-fixed cup, the revision stem and ceramic head need to be from the same
      company as the cup. In case of ceramic fracture, a ceramic head with a titanium
      sleeve should be combined with a PE or ceramic inlay, a metal head or inlay
      should never be used.

PMID- 28083685
TI  - [Telemedicine: Comprehensive coverage and quality - Not a contradiction :
      Practical experience from the stroke network with telemedicine in northern
      Bavaria (STENO)].
AB  - Telemedicine is widely used in the field of stroke treatment. Following the
      pioneering and implementation phase, the quality of the whole stroke treatment
      process needs to be ensured in telemedically connected hospitals. This is
      particular important for telestroke hospitals without neurological expertise and
      can be achieved by integrating telemedicine into the stroke unit concept and
      stroke networks. The Stroke Network with Telemedicine in Northern Bavaria (STENO)
      provides an example of how quality management can be practically implemented. The
      implementation of STENO has established a network-wide quality management system
      which has been certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 since 2011.

PMID- 28083686
TI  - [Telescience : Feasibility studies, definition and a fair answer to the
      scientific brain drain].
AB  - BACKGROUND: What is telescience? Is it feasible to transfer academic information
      with the help of telematics to educate and teach young scientists over large
      distances? The term telescience has so far not been defined but covers a variety
      of possibilities, which could be successfully implemented worldwide. This article
      gives examples and highlights the feasibility analysis of telescience. METHODS:
      We have carried out feasibility analyses for neurological functional diagnostics,
      an epidemiological cross-sectional study as well as a laboratory study for
      detection of thrombocyte function during dengue fever with the help of
      telemedicine. The basis for all these projects was a telemedical transcontinental
      cooperation over a distance of 12,000 km. RESULTS: All performed studies
      demonstrated the feasibility. With the help of telematics the laboratory
      techniques, planning, conduction and interpretation of results as well as
      publication skills can be transferred. DISCUSSION: Telescience is feasible. Our
      studies showed that telescience is a very promising option to transfer knowledge,
      which will help to enable professional expertise to be transferred directly to
      the region/country without a brain drain. All too often young motivated
      scientists are enticed to move to well-known institutions, which involves the
      danger of a brain drain. Brain drain can be avoided in favor of local
      implementation of scientific projects. Our results illustrate that it is feasible
      to educate and guide scientists with the help of telematics infrastructures.

PMID- 28083687
TI  - [The career of the psychiatrist Dietfried Muller-Hegemann (1910-1989) : Example
      of a politically motivated rise and fall in the German Democratic Republic].
AB  - Dietfried Muller-Hegemann was one of the prominent figures in East German
      psychiatry and psychotherapy of the 1950s and 1960s. Having been a communist
      prior to 1933, a resistance fighter during the National Socialist regime and
      having gone through political training during his exile in Soviet Russia, he
      proved to be a committed member of the new ruling SED socialist party in Eastern
      Germany. As such both governmental and party organs regarded him as a promising
      and reliable party member to be supported and implemented as executive staff
      within the new, socialist scientific system. Also, due to the fact that he
      supported the Pavlovian school of thought for modern psychiatry, Muller-Hegemann
      was installed as the new head of the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry at
      Leipzig University by the state secretary for higher education, notably against
      the clear opposition of the university medical faculty. Soon thereafter however
      Muller-Hegemann fell from favor due to the fact that he supported views that did
      not follow the strict ideological guidelines, e. g. with regard to the emergence
      of fascism. Moreover, he strongly opposed the separation of neurology from
      psychiatry as ruled by the ministry. An attempt in 1963 by junior party members
      and ministerial staff to remove him from office failed, but still managed to make
      Muller-Hegemann resign from his Leipzig post and take over that of director of
      the Griesinger hospital for the mentally ill in East Berlin. In May 1971, after
      new conflicts with party officials, he did not return from a business trip to
      Essen in West Germany. This study does not review the scientific and medical
      merits of Muller-Hegemann, but concentrates on how his career as a leading
      psychiatrist was manipulated, both supported and sabotaged, and ideologically
      controlled by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) system. His development is
      documented proof that party officials did not tolerate opposition, neither in
      ideological nor in professional questions, even if the opponent was a committed
      Marxist. The example of his career shows that political and ideological dissent
      soon melted into personal animosity and drives, as a result of which Muller
      Hegemann's promising career as professor in Leipzig was terminated.

PMID- 28083688
TI  - [Idiopathic intracranial hypertension].
AB  - This review describes the clinical findings as well as thes diagnostic and
      therapeutic options for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor
      cerebri). Furthermore, the pathophysiological concepts are discussed. Idiopathic
      intracranial hypertension is characterized by signs and symptoms of raised
      intracranial pressure with no established pathogenesis. Common symptoms include
      headaches, visual loss and pulsatile tinnitus. Treatment has two major goals: the
      alleviation of headaches and the preservation of vision. Weight loss and
      acetazolamide are the cornerstones in the treatment of the disorder. Drainage of
      cerebrospinal fluid, optic nerve sheath fenestration and stent angioplasty of a
      sinus stenosis can be employed in severe cases.

PMID- 28083689
TI  - Neural correlates of the popular music phenomenon: evidence from functional MRI
      and PET imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Music can induce different emotions. However, its neural mechanism
      remains unknown. The aim of this study was to use functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) and position emission tomography (PET) imaging for mapping of
      neural changes under the most popular music in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Blood
      oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI and monoamine receptor PET imaging with 11C-N
      methylspiperone (11C-NMSP) were conducted under the popular music Gangnam Style
      and light music A Comme Amour in healthy subjects. PET and fMRI images were
      analyzed by using the Statistical Parametric Mapping software (SPM). RESULTS:
      Significantly increased fMRI BOLD signals were found in the bilateral superior
      temporal cortices, left cerebellum, left putamen and right thalamus cortex.
      Monoamine receptor availability was increased significantly in the left superior
      temporal gyrus and left putamen, but decreased in the bilateral superior
      occipital cortices under the Gangnam Style compared with the light music
      condition. Significant positive correlation was found between 11C-NMSP binding
      and fMRI BOLD signals in the left temporal cortex. Furthermore, increased 11C
      NMSP binding in the left putamen was positively correlated with the mood arousal
      level score under the Gangnam Style condition. CONCLUSION: Popular music Gangnam
      Style can arouse pleasure experience and strong emotional response. The left
      putamen is positively correlated with the mood arousal level score under the
      Gangnam Style condition. Our results revealed characteristic patterns of brain
      activity associated with Gangnam Style, and may also provide more general
      insights into the music-induced emotional processing.

PMID- 28083690
TI  - The 68Ga/177Lu theragnostic concept in PSMA targeting of castration-resistant
      prostate cancer: correlation of SUVmax values and absorbed dose estimates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A targeted theragnostic approach based on increased expression of
      prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on PC cells is an attractive treatment
      option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
      METHODS: Ten consecutive mCRPC patients were selected for 177Lu-PSMA617 therapy
      on the basis of PSMA-targeted 68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC PET/CT diagnosis showing
      extensive and progressive tumour load. Following dosimetry along with the first
      therapy cycle restaging (68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC and 18F-NaF PET/CT) was performed
      after 2 and 3 therapy cycles (each 6.1 +/- 0.3 GBq, range 5.4-6.5 GBq) given
      intravenously over 30 minutes, 9 +/- 1 weeks apart. PET/CT scans were compared to
      177Lu-PSMA617 24-hour whole-body scans and contrast-enhanced dual-phase CT.
      Detailed comparison of SUVmax values and absorbed tumour doses was performed.
      RESULTS: 177Lu-PSMA617 dosimetry indicated high tumour doses for skeletal (3.4 +/
      1.9 Gy/GBq; range 1.1-7.2 Gy/GBq), lymph node (2.6 +/- 0.4 Gy/GBq; range 2.3-2.9
      Gy/GBq) as well as liver (2.4 +/- 0.8 Gy/GBq; range 1.7-3.3 Gy/GBq) metastases
      whereas the dose for tissues/organs was acceptable in all patients for an
      intention-to-treat activity of 18 +/- 0.3 GBq. Three patients showed partial
      remission, three mixed response, one stable and three progressive disease.
      Decreased 177Lu-PSMA617 and 68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC uptake (mean SUVmax values 20.2
      before and 15.0 after 2 cycles and 11.5 after 3 cycles, p < 0.05) was found in
      41/54 skeletal lesions, 12/13 lymph node metastases, 3/5 visceral metastases and
      4/4 primary PC lesions. CONCLUSION: Due to substantial individual variance,
      dosimetry is mandatory for a patient-specific approach following 177Lu-PSMA617
      therapy. Higher activities and/or shorter treatment intervals should be applied
      in a larger prospective study.

PMID- 28083691
TI  - Personalized medicine: a new option for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging in
      the third millennium.

PMID- 28083692
TI  - Correlation of ultra-low dose chest CT findings with physiologic measures of
      asbestosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The correlation between ultra low dose computed tomography (ULDCT)
      detected parenchymal lung changes and pulmonary function abnormalities is not
      well described. This study aimed to determine the relationship between ULDCT
      detected interstitial lung disease (ILD) and measures of pulmonary function in an
      asbestos-exposed population. METHODS: Two thoracic radiologists independently
      categorised prone ULDCT scans from 143 participants for ILD appearances as absent
      (score 0), probable (1) or definite (2) without knowledge of asbestos exposure or
      lung function. Pulmonary function measures included spirometry and diffusing
      capacity to carbon monoxide (DLCO). RESULTS: Participants were 92% male with a
      median age of 73.0 years. CT dose index volume was between 0.6 and 1.8 mGy.
      Probable or definite ILD was reported in 63 (44.1%) participants. Inter-observer
      agreement was good (k = 0.613, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant
      correlation between the ILD score and both forced expiratory volume in 1 second
      (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = -0.17, p = 0.04 and r = -0.20, p =
      0.02). There was a strong correlation between ILD score and DLCO (r = -0.34, p <
      0.0001). CONCLUSION: Changes consistent with ILD on ULDCT correlate well with
      corresponding reductions in gas transfer, similar to standard CT. In asbestos
      exposed populations, ULDCT may be adequate to detect radiological changes
      consistent with asbestosis. KEY POINTS: * Interobserver agreement for the ILD
      score using prone ULDCT is good. * Prone ULDCT appearances of ILD correlate with
      changes in spirometric observations. * Prone ULDCT appearances of ILD correlate
      strongly with changes in gas transfer. * Prone ULDCT may provide sufficient
      radiological evidence to inform the diagnosis of asbestosis.

PMID- 28083693
TI  - Management for BI-RADS category 3 lesions detected in preoperative breast MR
      imaging of breast cancer patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate characteristics of and determine
      appropriate follow-up recommendations for BI-RADS category 3 lesions detected in
      preoperative MRI of breast cancer patients. METHODS: BI-RADS category 3
      assessments were identified from the breast MRI database for 5,110 consecutive
      breast cancer patients who had undergone preoperative MRI and surgery. Patient
      and lesion characteristics, malignancy rate, and interval between lesion
      detection and cancer diagnosis were analysed. Histopathological results or
      imaging at or after 2-year follow-up were used as reference standards. RESULTS:
      Of the 626 lesions, morphological features included a single focus in 26.5% (n =
      166), multiple foci in 47.1% (n = 295), mass in 21.7% (n = 136) and non-mass
      enhancement in 4.6% (n = 29). Cancer was found in 0.8% (5/626) at a median
      interval of 50 months (range, 29-66 months). Malignancy rate according to
      morphological feature was: 1.8% (3/166) in a single focus, 0.7% (1/136) in mass
      and 3.4% (1/29) in non-mass enhancement. All detected cancers were stage 0 or IA.
      CONCLUSIONS: Annual follow-up might be adequate for BI-RADS category 3 lesions
      detected at preoperative MRI because of the 0.8% (5/626) malignancy rate, long
      interval between lesion detection and cancer diagnosis, and early stage of
      diagnosed cancers. KEY POINTS: * BI-RADS category 3 lesions on preoperative MRI
      had 0.8% malignancy rate. * All cancer diagnoses from BI-RADS 3 occurred after 24
      month follow-up. * Annual follow-up might be adequate for BI-RADS 3 detected on
      preoperative MRI.

PMID- 28083694
TI  - Liver stiffness measurements with supersonic shear wave elastography in the
      diagnosis of biliary atresia: a comparative study with grey-scale US.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To prospectively assess the diagnostic performance of supersonic
      shear wave elastography (SSWE) in identifying biliary atresia (BA) among infants
      with conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia by comparing this approach with grey-scale
      ultrasonography (US). METHODS: Forty infants were analysed as the control group
      to determine normal liver stiffness values. The use of SSWE values for
      identifying BA was investigated in 172 infants suspected of having BA, and
      results were compared with the results obtained by grey-scale US. The Mann
      Whitney U test, unpaired t-test, Spearman correlation and linear regression were
      also performed. RESULTS: The success rates of SSWE measurements in the control
      and study group were 100% (40/40) and 96.4% (244/253), respectively. Age, direct
      bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin all significantly correlated with SSWE in the
      liver (all P < 0.001). Linear regression showed that age had a greater effect on
      SSWE values than direct or indirect bilirubin. The diagnostic performance of
      liver stiffness values in identifying BA was lower than that of grey-scale US
      (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.790 vs 0.893, P
      < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SSWE is feasible and valuable in differentiating BA from
      non-BA. However, its diagnostic performance does not exceed that of grey-scale
      US. KEY POINTS: * SSWE could be successfully performed in an infant population. *
      For infants, the liver stiffness will increase as age increases. * SSWE is
      potentially useful in assessing infants suspected of biliary atresia. * SSWE is
      inferior to grey-scale US in identifying biliary atresia.

PMID- 28083695
TI  - Serial assessment of pulmonary lesion volume by computed tomography allows
      survival prediction in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serial chest CT is the standard of care to establish treatment
      success in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Data are lacking how response
      should be defined. METHODS: Digital CT images from a clinical trial on treatment
      of IPA were re-evaluated and compared with available biomarkers. Total volume of
      pneumonia was added up after manual measurement of each lesion, followed by
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: One-hundred and ninety CT scans and 309 follow-up
      datasets from 40 patients were available for analysis. Thirty-one were
      neutropenic. Baseline galactomannan (OR 4.06, 95%CI: 1.08-15.31) and lesion
      volume (OR 3.14, 95%CI: 0.73-13.52) were predictive of death. Lesion volume at d7
      and trend between d7 and d14 were strong predictors of death (OR 20.01, 95%CI:
      1.42-282.00 and OR 15.97, 95%CI: 1.62-157.32) and treatment being rated as
      unsuccessful (OR 4.75, 95%CI: 0.94-24.05 and OR 40.69, 95%CI: 2.55-649.03), which
      was confirmed by a Cox proportional hazards model using time-dependent
      covariates. CONCLUSION: Any increase in CT lesion volume between day 7 and day 14
      was a sensitive marker of a lethal outcome (>50%), supporting a CT rescan each
      one and 2 weeks after initial detection of IPA. The predictive value exceeded all
      other biomarkers. Further CT follow-up after response at day 14 was of low
      additional value. KEY POINTS: * CT evaluation offers good prediction of outcome
      for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. * Predictive capability exceeds
      galactomannan, blood counts, and lesion count. * Any progression between day 7
      and day 14 constitutes a high-risk scenario.

PMID- 28083696
TI  - Gadolinium deposition in the brain: association with various GBCAs using a
      generalized additive model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between the number of administrations
      of various gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and increased T1 signal
      intensity in the globus pallidus (GP) and dentate nucleus (DN). METHODS: This
      retrospective study included 122 patients who underwent double-dose GBCA-enhanced
      magnetic resonance imaging. Two radiologists calculated GP-to-thalamus (TH)
      signal intensity ratio, DN-to-pons signal intensity ratio and relative change
      (Rchange) between the baseline and final examinations. Interobserver agreement
      was evaluated. The relationships between Rchange and several factors, including
      number of each GBCA administrations, were analysed using a generalized additive
      model. RESULTS: Six patients (4.9%) received linear GBCAs (mean 20.8 number of
      administration; range 15-30), 44 patients (36.1%) received macrocyclic GBCAs
      (mean 26.1; range 14-51) and 72 patients (59.0%) received both types of GBCAs
      (mean 31.5; range 12-65). Interobserver agreement was almost perfect (0.99; 95%
      CI: 0.99-0.99). Rchange (DN:pons) was associated with gadodiamide (p = 0.006) and
      gadopentetate dimeglumine (p < 0.001), but not with other GBCAs. Rchange (GP:TH)
      was not associated with GBCA administration. CONCLUSIONS: Previous administration
      of linear agents gadoiamide and gadopentetate dimeglumine is associated with
      increased T1 signal intensity in the DN, whereas macrocyclic GBCAs do not show an
      association. KEY POINTS: * Certain linear GBCAs are associated with T1 signal
      change in the dentate nucleus. * The signal change is related to the
      administration number of certain linear GBCAs. * Difference in signal change may
      reflect differences in stability of agents.

PMID- 28083697
TI  - Practical use of visual medial temporal lobe atrophy cut-off scores in
      Alzheimer's disease: Validation in a large memory clinic population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide age-specific medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) cut-off
      scores for routine clinical practice as marker for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      METHODS: Patients with AD (n = 832, mean age 81.8 years) were compared with
      patients with subjective cognitive impairment (n = 333, mean age 71.8 years) in a
      large single-centre memory clinic. Mean of right and left MTA scores was
      determined with visual rating (Scheltens scale) using CT (0, no atrophy to 4,
      severe atrophy). Relationships between age and MTA scores were analysed with
      regression analysis. For various MTA cut-off scores, decade-specific sensitivity
      and specificity and area under the curve (AUC) values, computed with receiver
      operator characteristic curves, were determined. RESULTS: MTA strongly increased
      with age in both groups to a similar degree. Optimal MTA cut-off values for the
      age ranges <65, 65-74, 75-84 and >=85 were: >=1.0, >=1.5, >= 2.0 and >=2.0.
      Corresponding values of sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 86.4%; 73.7%
      and 84.6%; 73.7% and 76.2%; and 84.0% and 62.5%. CONCLUSION: From this large
      unique memory clinic cohort we suggest decade-specific MTA cut-off scores for
      clinical use. After age 85 years, however, the practical usefulness of the MTA
      cut-off is limited. KEY POINTS: * We suggest decade-specific MTA cut-off scores
      for AD. * MTA cut-off after the age of 85 years has limited use. * CT is feasible
      and accurate for visual MTA rating.

PMID- 28083698
TI  - Emergency assessment of patients with acute abdominal pain using low-dose CT with
      iterative reconstruction: a comparative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine if radiation dose delivered by contrast-enhanced CT
      (CECT) for acute abdominal pain can be reduced to the dose administered in
      abdominal radiography (<2.5 mSv) using low-dose CT (LDCT) with iterative
      reconstruction algorithms. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-one consecutive
      patients requiring CECT for acute abdominal pain were included, and their body
      mass index (BMI) was calculated. CECT was immediately followed by LDCT. LDCT
      series was processed using 1) 40% iterative reconstruction algorithm blended with
      filtered back projection (LDCT-IR-FBP) and 2) model-based iterative
      reconstruction algorithm (LDCT-MBIR). LDCT-IR-FBP and LDCT-MBIR images were
      reviewed independently by two board-certified radiologists (Raters 1 and 2).
      RESULTS: Abdominal pathology was revealed on CECT in 120 (79%) patients. In those
      with BMI <30, accuracies for correct diagnosis by Rater 1 with LDCT-IR-FBP and
      LDCT-MBIR, when compared to CECT, were 95.4% (104/109) and 99% (108/109),
      respectively, and 92.7% (101/109) and 100% (109/109) for Rater 2. In patients
      with BMI >=30, accuracies with LDCT-IR-FBP and LDCT-MBIR were 88.1% (37/42) and
      90.5% (38/42) for Rater 1 and 78.6% (33/42) and 92.9% (39/42) for Rater 2.
      CONCLUSIONS: The radiation dose delivered by CT to non-obese patients with acute
      abdominal pain can be safely reduced to levels close to standard radiography
      using LDCT-MBIR. KEY POINTS: * LDCT-MBIR (<2.5 mSv) can be used to assess acute
      abdominal pain. * LDCT-MBIR (<2.5 mSv) cannot safely assess acute abdominal pain
      in obese patients. * LDCT-IR-FBP (<2.5 mSv) cannot safely assess patients with
      acute abdominal pain.

PMID- 28083699
TI  - Extremely high intracellular concentration of glucose-6-phosphate and NAD(H) in
      Deinococcus radiodurans.
AB  - Deinococcus radiodurans is highly resistant to ionizing radiation and UV
      radiation, and oxidative stress caused by such radiations. NADP(H) seems to be
      important for this resistance (Slade and Radman, Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 75:133
      191; Slade, Radman, Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 75:133-191, 2011), but the mechanism
      underlying the generation of NADP(H) or NAD(H) in D. radiodurans has not fully
      been addressed. Intracellular concentrations of NAD+, NADH, NADP+, and NADPH in
      D. radiodurans are also not determined yet. We found that cell extracts of D.
      radiodurans catalyzed reduction of NAD(P)+ in vitro, indicating that D.
      radiodurans cells contain both enzymes and a high concentration of substrates for
      this activity. The enzyme and the substrate were attributed to glucose-6
      phosphate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate of which intracellular
      concentration was extremely high. Unexpectedly, the intracellular concentration
      of NAD(H) was also much greater than that of NADP(H), suggesting some significant
      roles of NADH. These unusual features of this bacterium would shed light on a new
      aspect of physiology of this bacterium.

PMID- 28083700
TI  - MRI usage in a pediatric emergency department: an analysis of usage and usage
      trends over 5 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) usage has anecdotally increased due
      to the principles of ALARA and the desire to Image Gently. Aside from a single
      abstract in the emergency medicine literature, pediatric emergency department MRI
      usage has not been described. OBJECIVE: Our objective was to determine whether
      MRI use is indeed increasing at a high-volume urban pediatric emergency
      department with 24/7 MRI availability. Also, we sought to determine which exams,
      time periods and demographics influenced the trend. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Institutional Review Board exemption was obtained. Emergency department patient
      visit and exam data were obtained from the hospital database for the 2011-2015
      time period. MRI usage data were normalized using emergency department patient
      visit data to determine usage rates. The z-test was used to compare MRI use by
      gender. The chi-square test was used to test for trends in MRI usage during the
      study period and in patient age. MRI usage for each hour and each weekday were
      tabulated to determine peak and trough usage times. RESULTS: MRI usage rate per
      emergency department patient visit was 0.36%. Headache, pain and rule-out
      appendicitis were the most common indications for neuroradiology, musculoskeletal
      and trunk exams, respectively. Usage in female patients was significantly greater
      than in males (0.42% vs. 0.29%, respectively, P<0.001). Usage significantly
      increased during the 5-year period (P<0.001). Use significantly increased from
      age 3 to 17 (0.011% to 1.1%, respectively, P<0.001). Sixty percent of exams were
      performed after-hours, the highest volume during the 10 p.m. hour and lowest
      between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. MRI use was highest on Thursdays and lowest on Sundays
      (MRI on 0.45% and 0.22% of patients, respectively). CONCLUSION: MRI use in
      children increased during the study period, most notably in females, on weekdays
      and after-hours.

PMID- 28083701
TI  - Disorders of fatty acid oxidation and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney
      disease-different clinical entities and comparable perinatal renal abnormalities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differential diagnosis of prenatally detected hyperechogenic and
      enlarged kidneys can be challenging as there is a broad phenotypic overlap
      between several rare genetic and non-genetic disorders. Metabolic diseases are
      among the rarest underlying disorders, but they demand particular attention as
      their prognosis and postnatal management differ from those of other diseases.
      METHODS: We report two cases of cystic, hyperechogenic and enlarged kidneys
      detected on prenatal ultrasound images, resulting in the suspected diagnosis of
      autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Postnatal clinical course
      and work-up, however, revealed early, neonatal forms of disorders of fatty acid
      oxidation (DFAO) in both cases, namely, glutaric acidemia type II, based on
      identification of the novel, homozygous splice-site mutation c.1117-2A > G in the
      ETFDH gene, in one case and carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency in the
      other case. RESULTS: Review of pre- and postnatal sonographic findings resulted
      in the identification of some important differences that might help to
      differentiate DFAO from ARPKD. In DFAO, kidneys are enlarged to a milder degree
      than in ARPKD, and the cysts are located ubiquitously, including also in the
      cortex and the subcapsular area. Interestingly, recent studies have pointed to a
      switch in metabolic homeostasis, referred to as the Warburg effect (aerobic
      glycolysis), as one of the underlying mechanisms of cell proliferation and cyst
      formation in cystic kidney disease. DFAO are characterized by the inhibition of
      oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in aerobic glycolysis, and thus they do
      resemble the Warburg effect. We therefore speculate that this inhibition might be
      one of the pathomechanisms of renal hyperproliferation and cyst formation in DFAO
      analogous to the reported findings in ARPKD. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal forms of DFAO
      can be differentially diagnosed in neonates with cystic or hyperechogenic kidneys
      and necessitate immediate biochemical work-up to provide early metabolic
      management.

PMID- 28083702
TI  - Increased urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in very-low-birth
      weight infants with oliguria and normal serum creatinine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In infants, oliguria is defined as a urine output of <1.5 mL/kg/h.
      The aim of our study was to assess the impact of oliguria on urinary neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and serum cystatin C (CysC) levels in very
      low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs) with a normal serum creatinine (Cr) level.
      METHODS: Fifty-seven VLBWIs were enrolled in the study. Urinary NGAL, serum CysC
      and Cr levels and urinary NGAL/Cr ratios were measured. Infants with Apgar scores
      of >5 at 5 min and/or a serum Cr level of >1.5 mg/dL or those treated for patent
      ductus arteriosus were excluded. In case of antibiotic treatment, blood and urine
      samples were collected at >=48 h after discontinuation of antibiotic treatment.
      RESULTS: There was a significant difference in gestational age between infants
      with oliguric episodes during hospitalization and those without, but not in birth
      weight, perinatal or postnatal factors. Gestational age was negatively correlated
      with urinary NGAL and serum CysC levels and urinary NGAL/Cr ratio (p < 0.05),
      whereas postnatal age was negatively correlated with serum Cr level and urinary
      NGAL/Cr ratio (p < 0.05). Of the 117 urine and blood samples collected, 25
      (21.4%) were obtained from neonates with oliguric episodes. After adjusting for
      gestational age and postnatal age, comparison of samples collected in infants
      with and without oliguric episodes revealed significant differences in the mean
      level of urinary NGAL and in the urinary NGAL/Cr ratio, but not in mean serum
      CysC or serum Cr levels. The urinary NGAL level [area under the curve (AUC)
      0.886, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.814-0.937] and urinary NGAL/Cr ratio (AUC
      0.853, 95% CI 0.775-0.911) showed significantly greater discrimination for
      oliguria than serum CysC (AUC 0.610, 95% CI: 0.515-0.699) or serum Cr (AUC 0.747,
      95%CI 0.659-0.823) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary NGAL level and urinary NGAL/Cr
      ratio were more sensitive markers for the presence of oliguria in VLBWIs with
      normal serum Cr levels than serum CysC level.

PMID- 28083703
TI  - Effect of soil moisture on root-associated fungal communities of Erica dominans
      in Drakensberg mountains in South Africa.
AB  - Ericoid mycorrhiza represents a key adaptation of the Ericaceae plants to
      facilitate their establishment in harsh conditions. The Ericaceae are a large
      family of flowering plants, with global distribution. However, our current
      knowledge about the ericoid mycorrhizal fungal diversity and ecology largely
      relates to the Northern Hemisphere. Our study focused on the assembly of root
      associated fungal (RAF) communities of Erica dominans in two types of
      microhabitats of contrasting moisture along an elevation gradient in Drakensberg
      mountains in South Africa. RAF communities were determined by 454-sequencing of
      the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. The majority of
      RAF showed affinity to the orders Helotiales, Pezizales, and Pleosporales.
      Microhabitat type as well as elevation had significant but weak effect on RAF
      community composition. We identified two putative ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, the
      ecological niches of which were differentiated between the studied microhabitats.
      Our study also provides one of the first comprehensive data about RAF communities
      of Ericaceae on African continent and shows the occurrence of the most studied
      ericoid mycorrhizal fungus Pezoloma ericae (belonging to P. ericae aggregate) in
      roots of Ericaceae host plant in Africa.

PMID- 28083704
TI  - MDM2 gene polymorphisms and risk of classic Kaposi's sarcoma among Iranian
      patients.
AB  - A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of MDM2 (SNP309T>G,
      rs2279744) has been shown to increase the expression of the MDM2 protein in
      various cancer types. However, only one study has analyzed the role of the MDM2
      polymorphism in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). The association of MDM2
      SNP309 with classic KS risk was evaluated in 79 Iranian patients with classic KS
      and 123 healthy controls. The MDM2 SNP309 was genotyped using PCR and restriction
      fragment length polymorphism methods. No significant correlation was found
      between the SNP309 polymorphism in MDM2 promoter and classic KS risk. There was
      no significant correlation between gender and disease stage. However, a
      significant association was found between SNP309 GG genotype and younger age
      (<=50 years) (odds ratio 9.5, 95% confidence intervals 1.5-60, p = 0.03). Our
      findings support no major role for the MDM2 SNP309 in KS development although it
      might influence the clinical outcome of KS in younger patients.

PMID- 28083705
TI  - Oral appliance therapy versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure in
      obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial on psychological
      distress.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized placebo-controlled trail was to compare
      the effects of an objectively titrated mandibular advancement device (MAD) with
      those of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and an intraoral
      placebo device on symptoms of psychological distress in OSA patients. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In a parallel design, 64 mild/moderate OSA patients (52.0 +/- 9.6
      years) were randomly assigned to an objectively titrated MAD, nCPAP, or an
      intraoral placebo appliance. All patients filled out the Symptom Checklist-90
      Revised twice: one before treatment and one after 6 months of treatment. The
      Symptom Checklist-90-Revised is a multidimensional symptom inventory designed to
      measure symptomatic psychological distress over the past week. Linear mixed model
      analyses were performed to study differences between the therapy groups for the
      different dimensions of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised over time. RESULTS: The
      MAD group showed significant improvements over time in the dimensions
      "somatization," "insufficiency of thinking and acting," "agoraphobia," "anxiety,"
      "sleeping problems," and "global severity index" (F = 4.14-16.73, P = 0.048
      0.000). These improvements in symptoms of psychological distress were, however,
      not significantly different from those observed in the nCPAP and placebo groups
      (P = 0.374-0.953). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference between MAD,
      nCPAP, and an intraoral placebo appliance in their beneficial effects on symptoms
      of psychological distress. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The improvement in psychological
      distress symptoms in mild/moderate OSA patients under MAD or nCPAP treatment may
      be explained by a placebo effect.

PMID- 28083706
TI  - Gao et al. (2016): Change of urinary cadmium and renal tubular protein in female
      works after cessation of cadmium exposure : Response to the Letter to the Editor
      by Kawada (2016).

PMID- 28083708
TI  - ?

PMID- 28083707
TI  - Effect of repeated forearm muscle cooling on the adaptation of skeletal muscle
      metabolism in humans.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the effect of repeated cooling of forearm muscle
      on adaptation in skeletal muscle metabolism. It is hypothesized that repeated
      decreases of muscle temperature would increase the oxygen consumption in
      hypothermic skeletal muscle. Sixteen healthy males participated in this study.
      Their right forearm muscles were locally cooled to 25  degrees C by cooling pads
      attached to the skin. This local cooling was repeated eight times on separate
      days for eight participants (experimental group), whereas eight controls received
      no cold exposure. To evaluate adaptation in skeletal muscle metabolism, a local
      cooling test was conducted before and after the repeated cooling period. Change
      in oxy-hemoglobin content in the flexor digitorum at rest and during a 25-s
      isometric handgrip (10% maximal voluntary construction) was measured using near
      infrared spectroscopy at every 2  degrees C reduction in forearm muscle
      temperature. The arterial blood flow was occluded for 15 s by upper arm cuff
      inflation at rest and during the isometric handgrip. The oxygen consumption in
      the flexor digitorum muscle was evaluated by a slope of the oxy-hemoglobin change
      during the arterial occlusion. In the experimental group, resting oxygen
      consumption in skeletal muscle did not show any difference between pre- and post
      intervention, whereas muscle oxygen consumption during the isometric handgrip was
      significantly higher in post-intervention than in pre-test from thermoneutral
      baseline to 31  degrees C muscle temperature (P < 0.05). This result indicated
      that repeated local muscle cooling might facilitate oxidative metabolism in the
      skeletal muscle. In summary, skeletal muscle metabolism during submaximal
      isometric handgrip was facilitated after repeated local muscle cooling.

PMID- 28083709
TI  - Tissue and cell-type co-expression networks of transcription factors and wood
      component genes in Populus trichocarpa.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: Co-expression networks based on transcriptomes of Populus
      trichocarpa major tissues and specific cell types suggest redundant control of
      cell wall component biosynthetic genes by transcription factors in wood
      formation. We analyzed the transcriptomes of five tissues (xylem, phloem, shoot,
      leaf, and root) and two wood forming cell types (fiber and vessel) of Populus
      trichocarpa to assemble gene co-expression subnetworks associated with wood
      formation. We identified 165 transcription factors (TFs) that showed xylem-,
      fiber-, and vessel-specific expression. Of these 165 TFs, 101 co-expressed
      (correlation coefficient, r > 0.7) with the 45 secondary cell wall cellulose,
      hemicellulose, and lignin biosynthetic genes. Each cell wall component gene co
      expressed on average with 34 TFs, suggesting redundant control of the cell wall
      component gene expression. Co-expression analysis showed that the 101 TFs and the
      45 cell wall component genes each has two distinct groups (groups 1 and 2), based
      on their co-expression patterns. The group 1 TFs (44 members) are predominantly
      xylem and fiber specific, and are all highly positively co-expressed with the
      group 1 cell wall component genes (30 members), suggesting their roles as major
      wood formation regulators. Group 1 TFs include a lateral organ boundary domain
      gene (LBD) that has the highest number of positively correlated cell wall
      component genes (36) and TFs (47). The group 2 TFs have 57 members, including 14
      vessel-specific TFs, and are generally less correlated with the cell wall
      component genes. An exception is a vessel-specific basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)
      gene that negatively correlates with 20 cell wall component genes, and may
      function as a key transcriptional suppressor. The co-expression networks revealed
      here suggest a well-structured transcriptional homeostasis for cell wall
      component biosynthesis during wood formation.

PMID- 28083710
TI  - Is 3-years duration of adjuvant imatinib mesylate treatment sufficient for
      patients with high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumor? A study based on long
      term follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) has changed
      significantly since the use of imatinib mesylate (IM). However, the appropriate
      duration of receiving adjuvant IM for patients with high-risk GIST who underwent
      R0 resection is still controversial. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2014,
      234 patients who underwent R0 resection and were treated with adjuvant imatinib
      at our institution were identified from a prospectively collected database. The
      effect of the medication duration on the long-term outcomes was analyzed.
      RESULTS: In this study, 140 cases were male and 94 cases were female, and the
      mean age was 57.5 +/- 11.4 years. The most common site was the stomach (103
      cases, 44%), followed by the small intestine (81 cases, 34.6%). The 5 year
      recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate in the whole
      groups were 76.2 and 83.4%, respectively. The patient's prognosis was improved
      due to the prolongation of the time of receiving the imatinib treatment (P <
      0.05). According to the results of the risk stratification analysis, the outcomes
      of the moderate-risk patients who received IM adjuvant therapy for 1-year group,
      1-3 years group and more than 3 years group showed improvement, but the
      difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, in the high
      risk patients, the RFS rates of the 1-year group, 1-3-years group, 3-5-years
      group and more than 5 years group were 36.5, 68.7, 71.2 and 90.8%, respectively,
      and the OS rates were 36.7, 76.6, 84.0 and 97.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). In
      addition, linear regression analysis showed that the long-term outcomes of
      patients with high-risk GIST significantly improved due to prolonged adjuvant IM
      treatment durations (P < 0.05). The RFS rate of patients receiving IM for more
      than 5 years was significantly better than those receiving it for less than 5
      years. Multivariate COX regression analysis in the patients with high-risk GIST
      showed that tumor located in small intestine was an independent risk factor,
      while receiving IM treatment was an independent protective factor for prognosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The long-term outcomes of patients with high risk GIST improved due
      to the prolongation of the IM treatment. To reduce the recurrence and improve the
      long-term survival, we suggest that patients with high-risk GIST receive imatinib
      treatment for at least 5 years.

PMID- 28083711
TI  - No influence of BCR-ABL1 transcript types e13a2 and e14a2 on long-term survival:
      results in 1494 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib.
AB  - PURPOSE: The genomic break on the major breakpoint cluster region of chromosome
      22 results in two BCR-ABL1 transcripts of different sizes, e14a2 and e13a2.
      Favorable survival probabilities of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
      in combination with too small patient samples may yet have obstructed the
      observation of differences in overall survival of patients according to
      transcript type. To overcome potential power problems, overall survival (OS)
      probabilities and probabilities of CML-related death were analyzed in 1494
      patients randomized to first-line imatinib treatment. METHODS: OS probabilities
      and probabilities of dying of CML were compared using the log-rank or Gray test
      whichever was appropriate. Both tests were stratified for the EUTOS long-term
      survival score. RESULTS: Between the groups with a single transcript, neither OS
      probabilities (stratified log-rank test: p = 0.106) nor probabilities of CML
      related death were significantly different (stratified Gray test: p = 0.256).
      Regarding OS, the Cox hazard ratio (HR) of transcript type e13a2 (n = 565) to
      type e14a2 (n = 738) was 1.332 (95% CI 0.940-1.887). Considering probabilities of
      leukemia-related death, the corresponding subdistribution HR resulted in 1.284
      (95% CI 0.758-2.176). Outcome did not change if patients with both transcripts (n
      = 191) were added to the 738 with type e14a2 only. CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic
      association of transcript type and long-term survival outcome was weak and
      without clinical relevance. However, earlier reported differences in the rate and
      the depth of molecular response could be relevant for the chance of successfully
      discontinuing TKI treatment. The effect of transcript type on molecular relapse
      after discontinuation is unknown, yet.

PMID- 28083712
TI  - Pelvic floor morphometry: a predictor of success of pelvic floor muscle training
      for women with stress and mixed urinary incontinence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to determine if pelvic
      floor muscle (PFM) morphometry at baseline, as measured by MRI, can predict
      response to PFM training in women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence (UI).
      METHODS: This study was a prospective quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test
      cohort study of women with UI, aged 60 years and older. All participants
      completed a baseline assessment of UI severity and impact, using the 72-h bladder
      diary and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire. They underwent a pelvic MRI
      examination to assess the PFM anatomy. Women then participated in a 12-week PFM
      training program. Finally, they attended a post intervention assessment of UI
      severity and impact. The association between morphometry and PFM training
      response was assessed by univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: The urethro-vesical
      junction height at rest, as measured by MRI before treatment, was associated with
      response to PFM training both on univariate (p <= 0.005) and multivariate
      analyses (p = 0.007). The area under the ROC curve was 0.82 (95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 0.67-0.96). Using a cut-off point of 11.4 mm, participants'
      response to PFM training was predicted with a sensitivity of 77% and a
      specificity of 83%. Incontinent women with a urethro-vesical junction height
      above this threshold were 35% more likely to respond to PFM training (OR 1.35;
      95% CI: 1.08-1.67). CONCLUSION: In older women with UI, a urethro-vesical
      junction height at rest of at least 11.4 mm appears to be predictive of PFM
      training response.

PMID- 28083713
TI  - Is levator hiatus distension associated with peripheral ligamentous laxity during
      pregnancy?
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The impact of pregnancy on pelvic floor disorders
      remains poorly understood. During pregnancy, an increase in ligamentous laxity
      and pelvic organ mobility is often reported. Our main objective was to
      investigate a possible association between peripheral ligamentous laxity and
      levator hiatus (LH) distension during pregnancy. METHODS: This was a prospective
      longitudinal study of 26 pregnant women followed up from the first to the third
      trimester. We collected the following information: occurrence of pelvic organ
      prolapse (POP) symptoms (score higher than 0 for the POP section of the Pelvic
      Floor Distress Inventory 20 questions score), 4D perineal ultrasound scan results
      with LH distension assessment and measurement of metacarpophalangeal joint
      mobility (MCP laxity). The association between MCP laxity and LH distension was
      estimated by mixed multilevel linear regression. The associations between MCP
      laxity and categorical parameters were estimated in a multivariate analysis using
      a generalized estimating equation model. RESULTS: MCP laxity and LH distension
      were correlated with a correlation coefficient of 0.26 (p = 0.02), and 6.8% of
      the LH distension variance was explained by MCP laxity. In the multivariate
      analysis, MCP laxity was associated with POP symptoms with an odds ratio at 1.05
      (95% CI 1.01-1.11) for an increase of 1 degrees  in MCP laxity. CONCLUSION: LH
      distension and peripheral ligamentous laxity are significantly associated during
      pregnancy. However, the relationship is weak, and the results need to be
      confirmed in larger populations and with more specific techniques such as
      elastography to directly assess the elastic properties of the pelvic floor
      muscles.

PMID- 28083714
TI  - Effectiveness of BTX-A and neuromodulation in treating OAB with or without
      detrusor overactivity: a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Patients with refractory overactive bladder (OAB)
      pose a therapeutic challenge. Guidelines such as those from the National
      Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommend invasive treatments such as
      botulinum toxin-A ((BTX-A), sacral neural stimulation (SNS) etc. only if there is
      detrusor overactivity (DO) on urodynamics. METHODS: Our aim was to systematically
      evaluate evidence based on the presence or absence of DO in relation to
      differences in effectiveness and complications related to invasive treatment in
      patients with refractory OAB. We carried out a systematic search of Cochrane,
      MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, meta-Register of Controlled Trials (mRCT),
      CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases from inception until April 2016. Abstracts
      presented at IUGA, ICS and EAU conferences (until April 2016) were included and
      journals that were hand searched. RESULTS: We found five studies (two prospective
      cohort studies and subgroup analyses of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      and one cohort study for BTX-A, one multicenter prospective cohort study for
      percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and three (one RCT and two cohort
      studies) for SNS. The outcomes in patients without (n = 77) or with (n = 135) DO
      were similar in the context of urodynamic findings, bladder diaries, quality of
      life (QoL) questionnaires, etc. when treated with BTX-A [odds ratio (OR) 1.52,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40-5.77] or SNS (50 patients without and 81 with
      DO; OR1.37, CI 0.76-2.48). Outcomes for PTNS (based on a single study) seem to be
      better in patients without DO. CONCLUSION: The limited evidence suggests that
      urodynamic diagnosis of DO does not alter patient reported outcomes for invasive
      treatments such as BTX-A and SNS. Noninferiority RCTs powered to evaluate the
      role of DO in predicting treatment response are required.

PMID- 28083715
TI  - Characterization of LuxI and LuxR Protein Homologs of N-Acylhomoserine Lactone
      Dependent Quorum Sensing System in Pseudoalteromonas sp. 520P1.
AB  - Pseudoalteromonas sp. 520P1 (hereafter referred to as strain 520P1) produces N
      acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), which serve as signaling molecules in Gram
      negative bacterial quorum sensing. In a previous genomic analysis of the 5.25-Mb
      genome of strain 520P1, we detected the presence of at least one homolog of the
      AHL synthase gene (luxI) and five homologs of the transcriptional regulator
      protein gene (luxR). The LuxI homolog of strain 520P1 (PalI) contained the
      conserved amino acid motifs shared by all the LuxI family proteins of the
      different species examined here. The palI gene expressed in Escherichia coli
      produced two types of AHLs. In the thin-layer chromatography analysis, these AHLs
      showed identical mobility to the AHLs produced by strain 520P1. The five LuxR
      homologs of strain 520P1 (PalR1-PalR5) shared only 17-34% amino acid sequence
      identity, although higher identities were observed in the C-terminal DNA-binding
      domain. Among the five PalRs, only PalR5 displayed close homology with LuxR
      family proteins from other Pseudoalteromonas strains. Notably, the palR3 and palI
      genes were located close together and only 1021 bases apart in the genome. No
      cognate luxI homolog associated with the four other palR genes was detected.
      These characteristics of PalI and the PalRs suggest that AHL autoinducers
      generated by the PalI enzyme might regulate cellular metabolism in cooperation
      with five transcriptional regulator PalRs, each of which is presumed to play a
      distinctive role in bacterial signaling.

PMID- 28083717
TI  - Physiology of the Vc-NhaP paralogous group of cation-proton antiporters in Vibrio
      cholerae.
AB  - The genome of Vibrio cholerae encodes three cation-proton antiporters of NhaP
      type, Vc-NhaP1, 2, and 3. To examine physiological roles of Vc-NhaP antiporters,
      triple DeltanhaP1DeltanhaP2DeltanhaP3 and single DeltanhaP3 deletion mutants of
      V. cholerae were constructed and characterized. Vc-NhaP3 was, for the first time,
      cloned and biochemically characterized. Activity measurements on the inside-out
      membrane vesicle experimental model defined Vc-NhaP3 as a potassium-specific
      cation-proton antiporter. While elimination of functional Vc-NhaP3 resulted in
      only minor growth defect in potassium-rich medium at pH 6.0, the triple Vc-NhaP
      mutant demonstrated severe growth defects at both low and high [K+] at pH 6.0 and
      failed to grow at high [K+] in mildly alkaline (pH 8.0 and 8.5) media, as well.
      Expressed from a plasmid, neither of the Vc-NhaP paralogues was able to
      complement the severe potassium-sensitive phenotype of the triple deletion mutant
      completely. Vc-NhaP1 provided much better complementation at acidic pH compared
      to Vc-NhaP2, despite the fact that Vc-NhaP2 showed much higher antiport activity
      in sub-bacterial vesicles. In mildly alkaline pH only Vc-NhaP2 complemented the
      potassium-sensitive phenotype of the triple deletion mutant. Taken together,
      these data suggest that in vivo all three isoforms operate in concert,
      contributing to K+ resistance of V. cholerae. We suggest that the Vc-NhaP
      paralogue group might play a role in passing gastric acid barrier by ingested V.
      cholerae cells.

PMID- 28083716
TI  - Manganese supplementation increases adiponectin and lowers ICAM-1 and creatinine
      blood levels in Zucker type 2 diabetic rats, and downregulates ICAM-1 by
      upregulating adiponectin multimerization protein (DsbA-L) in endothelial cells.
AB  - Blood and tissue levels of manganese (Mn) are lower in type 2 diabetic and
      atherosclerosis patients compared with healthy subjects. Adiponectin has anti
      diabetic and anti-atherogenic properties. Impairment in Disulfide bond A-like
      protein (DsbA-L) is associated with low adiponectin levels and diabetes. This
      study investigates the hypothesis that the beneficial effects of Mn
      supplementation are mediated by adiponectin and DsbA-L. At 6 weeks of age, Male
      Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF) were randomly divided into two groups: diabetic
      controls and Mn-supplemented diabetic rats. Each rat was supplemented with Mn
      (D+Mn, 16 mg/kg BW) or water (placebo, D+P) daily for 7 weeks by oral gavage. For
      cell culture studies, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) or 3T3L1
      adipocytes were pretreated with Mn (0-10 uM MnCl2) for 24 h, followed by high
      glucose (HG, 25 mM) or normal glucose (5 mM) exposure for another 24 h. Mn
      supplementation resulted in higher adiponectin (p = 0.01), and lower ICAM-1 (p =
      0.04) and lower creatinine (p = 0.04) blood levels compared to those in control
      ZDF rats. Mn-supplemented rats also caused reduced oxidative stress (ROS) and
      NADPH oxidase, and higher DsbA-L expression in the liver (p = 0.03) of ZDF rats
      compared to those in livers of control rats; however, Fe levels in liver were
      lower but not significant (p = 0.08). Similarly, treatment with high glucose (25
      mM) caused a decrease in DsbA-L, which was prevented by Mn supplementation in
      HUVEC and adipocytes. Mechanistic studies with DsbA-L siRNA showed that the
      beneficial effects of Mn supplementation on ROS, NOX4, and ICAM-1 expression were
      abolished in DsbA-L knock-down HUVEC. These studies demonstrate that DsbA-L
      linked adiponectin mediates the beneficial effects observed with Mn
      supplementation and provides evidence for a novel mechanism by which Mn
      supplementation can increase adiponectin and reduce the biomarkers of endothelial
      dysfunction in diabetes.

PMID- 28083719
TI  - A critical assessment of the association between postnatal toxoplasmosis and
      epilepsy in immune-competent patients.
AB  - While postnatal toxoplasmosis in immune-competent patients is generally
      considered a self-limiting and mild illness, it has been associated with a
      variety of more severe clinical manifestations. The causal relation with some
      manifestations, e.g. myocarditis, has been microbiologically proven, but this is
      not unequivocally so for other reported associations, such as with epilepsy. We
      aimed to systematically assess causality between postnatal toxoplasmosis and
      epilepsy in immune-competent patients. A literature search was performed. The
      Bradford Hill criteria for causality were used to score selected articles for
      each component of causality. Using an arbitrary but defined scoring system, the
      maximal score was 15 points (13 for case reports). Of 704 articles, five case
      reports or series and five case-control studies were selected. The strongest
      evidence for a causal relation was provided by two case reports and one case
      control study, with a maximal causality score of, respectively, 9/13, 10/13 and
      10/15. The remaining studies had a median causality score of 7 (range 5-9). No
      selection bias was identified, but 6/10 studies contained potential confounders
      (it was unsure whether the infection was pre- or postnatal acquired, or
      immunodeficiency was not specifically excluded). Based on the evaluation of the
      available literature, although scanty and of limited quality, a causal
      relationship between postnatal toxoplasmosis and epilepsy seems possible. More
      definite proof requires further research, e.g. by performing Toxoplasma serology
      in all de novo epilepsy cases.

PMID- 28083718
TI  - Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin is effective in the treatment of
      recurrent hepatitis C virus infection post-liver transplant.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Recurrent hepatitis C virus infection is a challenging
      complication post-liver transplant. Current guidelines recommend the combination
      of ribavirin and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 12 weeks for the treatment of
      recurrent HCV genotype 1 post-liver transplant. Data are limited on the use of
      ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the use of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin for the treatment of recurrent
      hepatitis C virus post-liver transplant. METHODS: This is a retrospective study
      of liver transplant patients who received ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin
      for the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus in our liver center from 2014 to
      2016. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were enrolled of which 70% were male, 88%
      Caucasian, age 60 +/- 7 years, 15% cirrhotic, and 45% treatment-experienced with
      recurrent hepatitis C virus infection genotype 1 post-liver transplant. Treatment
      duration varied from 8 to 24 weeks. There were no serious adverse events and no
      discontinuation of treatment. A total of 71% of patients had undetectable serum
      hepatitis C virus at 4 weeks. However, irrespective of treatment duration, 100%
      of patients had undetectable serum hepatitis C virus at the end of treatment and
      100% of patients achieved sustained viral response at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION:
      Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin is an effective treatment of recurrent
      hepatitis C virus infection post-liver transplant. The entire group achieved
      sustained viral response at 12 weeks irrespective of the length of treatment. The
      combination of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was well tolerated without serious adverse
      effects or discontinuation.

PMID- 28083720
TI  - Effects of Acute Stress on Decision Making.
AB  - The study examined the effects of a social stressor (Trier Social Stress Test) on
      24 male and 32 female college students' affective and physiological reactivity
      and their subsequent performance on a decision-making task (Iowa Gambling Task).
      The 56 participants were randomly assigned to a social stressor or a control
      condition. Compared to controls, participants in the stress condition responded
      with higher heart rates and skin conductance responses, reported more negative
      affect, and on the decision-making task made less advantageous choices. An
      exploratory regression analysis revealed that among men higher levels of heart
      rate were positively correlated with riskier choices on the Iowa Gambling Task,
      whereas for women this relationship was curvilinear. Exploratory correlational
      analyses showed that lower levels of skin conductance within the stress condition
      were associated with greater levels of substance use and gambling. The results
      suggest that the presence of a stressor may generally result in failure to attend
      to the full range of possible consequences of a decision. The relationship
      pattern between the degree of stress responding and successful decision making
      may be different for men and women.

PMID- 28083721
TI  - Caspase dependent and independent mechanisms of apoptosis across gestation in a
      sheep model of placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction.
AB  - Increased placental apoptosis is a hallmark of intrauterine growth restricted
      (IUGR). Several molecules have been shown to be involved in the control of
      apoptosis during this disease. Our objective was to determine the expression of
      Bcl2, Bax, phospho XIAP, AIF, caspase 3 and 9, and telomerase activity across
      gestation in an ovine hyperthermia-induced model of IUGR. Pregnant sheep were
      placed in hyperthermic (HT) conditions to induce IUGR along with age-matched
      controls. Placental tissues were collected at 55 (early), 95 (mid-gestation) and
      130 (near-term) days of gestational age (dGA) to determine the expression of
      apoptotic molecules during the development of IUGR. Compared to the control
      placenta, IGUR pregnancies showed: significantly reduced placental Bcl2 in early
      gestation (55 dGA) with a significant increase observed at mid gestation (95
      dGA); decreased placental pXIAP at both mid and near term gestational days (95
      and 130 dGA); placental AIF increased only at 55 dGA (early gestation); active
      caspase 3 increased at both mid and near term gestational days (95 and 130 dGA);
      caspase 9 only increased at mid gestation (95 dGA) and decreased Telomerase
      activity near term. Placental apoptosis, mediated in part by the apoptosis
      related molecule, participates in the development of IUGR. Findings from this
      study suggest a caspase-independent apoptotic pathway during early gestation and
      caspase-dependent apoptosis at mid and near term gestation. The data also
      implicate decreased activation of XIAP as a plausible factor involved in the
      control of placental apoptosis during IUGR.

PMID- 28083722
TI  - Will cancer cells be defeated by sodium bicarbonate?

PMID- 28083723
TI  - Genetic and Environmental Sources of Implicit and Explicit Self-Esteem and
      Affect: Results from a Genetically Sensitive Multi-group Design.
AB  - In today's world, researchers frequently utilize indirect measures of implicit
      (i.e., automatic, spontaneous) evaluations. The results of several studies have
      supported the usefulness of these measures in predicting behavior, as compared to
      utilizing direct measures of explicit (i.e., purposeful, deliberate) evaluations.
      A current, under-debate issue concerns the origin of these implicit evaluations.
      The present genetically sensitive multi-group study analyzed data from 223 twin
      pairs and 222 biological core families to estimate possible genetic and
      environmental sources of individual differences in implicit and explicit self
      esteem and affect. The results show that implicit self-esteem and affect maintain
      a substantial genetic basis, but demonstrate little influence from the shared
      environment by siblings (e.g., shared familial socialization in childhood). A
      bivariate analysis found that implicit and explicit evaluations of the same
      construct share a common genetic core which aligns with the motivation and
      opportunity as determinants (MODE) model.

PMID- 28083724
TI  - Negotiating Discourses of Shame, Secrecy, and Silence: Migrant and Refugee
      Women's Experiences of Sexual Embodiment.
AB  - In Australia and Canada, the sexual health needs of migrant and refugee women
      have been of increasing concern, because of their underutilization of sexual
      health services and higher rate of sexual health problems. Previous research on
      migrant women's sexual health has focused on their higher risk of difficulties,
      or barriers to service use, rather than their construction or understanding of
      sexuality and sexual health, which may influence service use and outcomes.
      Further, few studies of migrant and refugee women pay attention to the
      overlapping role of culture, gender, class, and ethnicity in women's
      understanding of sexual health. This qualitative study used an intersectional
      framework to explore experiences and constructions of sexual embodiment among 169
      migrant and refugee women recently resettled in Sydney, Australia and Vancouver,
      Canada, from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, India,
      and South America, utilizing a combination of individual interviews and focus
      groups. Across all of the cultural groups, participants described a discourse of
      shame, associated with silence and secrecy, as the dominant cultural and
      religious construction of women's sexual embodiment. This was evident in
      constructions of menarche and menstruation, the embodied experience that
      signifies the transformation of a girl into a sexual woman; constructions of
      sexuality, including sexual knowledge and communication, premarital virginity,
      sexual pain, desire, and consent; and absence of agency in fertility control and
      sexual health. Women were not passive in relation to a discourse of sexual shame;
      a number demonstrated active resistance and negotiation in order to achieve a
      degree of sexual agency, yet also maintain cultural and religious identity.
      Identifying migrant and refugee women's experiences and constructions of sexual
      embodiment are essential for understanding sexual subjectivity, and provision of
      culturally safe sexual health information in order to improve well-being and
      facilitate sexual agency.

PMID- 28083725
TI  - Return of the JITAI: Applying a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention Framework to
      the Development of m-Health Solutions for Addictive Behaviors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lapses are strong indicators of later relapse among individuals with
      addictive disorders, and thus are an important intervention target. However,
      lapse behavior has proven resistant to change due to the complex interplay of
      lapse triggers that are present in everyday life. It could be possible to prevent
      lapses before they occur by using m-Health solutions to deliver interventions in
      real-time. METHOD: Just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) is an intervention
      design framework that could be delivered via mobile app to facilitate in-the
      moment monitoring of triggers for lapsing, and deliver personalized coping
      strategies to the user to prevent lapses from occurring. An organized framework
      is key for successful development of a JITAI. RESULTS: Nahum-Shani and colleagues
      (2014) set forth six core elements of a JITAI and guidelines for designing each:
      distal outcomes, proximal outcomes, tailoring variables, decision points,
      decision rules, and intervention options. The primary aim of this paper is to
      illustrate the use of this framework as it pertains to developing a JITAI that
      targets lapse behavior among individuals following a weight control diet.
      CONCLUSION: We will detail our approach to various decision points during the
      development phases, report on preliminary findings where applicable, identify
      problems that arose during development, and provide recommendations for
      researchers who are currently undertaking their own JITAI development efforts.
      Issues such as missing data, the rarity of lapses, advantages/disadvantages of
      machine learning, and user engagement are discussed.

PMID- 28083726
TI  - Developmental Patterns of Adolescent Marijuana and Alcohol Use and Their Joint
      Association with Sexual Risk Behavior and Outcomes in Young Adulthood.
AB  - Urban populations disproportionately experience poor sexual outcomes, including
      high rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. However, the
      contribution of substance use across adolescence to poor sexual outcomes in young
      adulthood has not been investigated in depth, despite offering opportunities for
      more targeted prevention. This study aimed to estimate joint trajectories of
      adolescent alcohol and marijuana use to determine if they relate differently to
      four sexual outcomes: multiple sexual partners, sex without a condom, teenage
      pregnancy, and contraction of a sexually transmitted infection in young adulthood
      (by age 25). Data came from a longitudinal study of urban youth followed from age
      6 to age 25, with annual assessments during adolescence and young adulthood (n =
      608). The sample showed high levels of sexual risk, with young adults on average
      having sex without a condom once in the past month, 28.5% having multiple sexual
      partners in the past month, one quarter having contracted a sexually transmitted
      infection, and over 60% of the women being pregnant as a teenager and 36% of the
      men having gotten a partner pregnant. Applying longitudinal latent profile
      analysis to estimate joint trajectories of alcohol and marijuana use from grades
      8-12, we identified four classes representing high dual use, moderate alcohol
      use, moderate alcohol use with increasing marijuana use, and non-use. Class
      membership differently predicted all four outcomes investigated with high dual
      users having the highest level of teenage pregnancy and the increasing marijuana
      trajectory having the highest risk of engaging with multiple sexual partners in
      the past month. Results suggest implications for both sexual risk and substance
      use prevention for urban youth.

PMID- 28083727
TI  - The Impact of Introducing Centering Pregnancy in a Community Health Setting: A
      Qualitative Study of Experiences and Perspectives of Health Center Clinical and
      Support Staff.
AB  - Objectives Introducing new programming into an existing setting may be
      challenging. Understanding how staff and clinicians who are not directly involved
      in program delivery view the program can help support program implementation.
      This study aimed to understand how peripheral staff and clinicians perceived a
      newly implemented Centering Pregnancy group prenatal care program in a community
      based health center and its impact on clinic operations. Methods Semi-structured
      interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 staff members at a
      community-based health center. The interview guide covered topics such as
      perceptions of Centering Pregnancy and how the program impacted their work. An
      interpretive description approach was used to analyze the interview data. A
      coding framework was developed iteratively and all interview data were analyzed
      independently by multiple researchers. Results Staff had overall positive
      perceptions of Centering Pregnancy, but the level of understanding about the
      program varied widely. Most respondents viewed the Centering Pregnancy program as
      separate from other programs offered by the clinic, which created both
      opportunities and challenges. Opportunities included increased cross-referrals
      between established services and Centering Pregnancy. Challenges included a lack
      of communication about responsibilities of staff in relation to Centering
      Pregnancy patients. Impact on staff and overall clinic operations was perceived
      to be minimal to moderate, and most tensions related to roles and expectations
      were resolved. Conclusions for Practice Clear communication regarding fit within
      clinic structures and processes and expectations of staff in relation to the
      program was critical to the integration of Centering Pregnancy program into an
      established health center.

PMID- 28083728
TI  - Challenges and Progress in Building a Comprehensive Statewide System for Fetal
      Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Prevention in Hawai'i.
AB  - Introduction Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) has been a maternal and
      child public health concern in Hawai'i for over the past decade. Methods A
      historical assessment of FASD related activities was conducted to map the
      challenges and progress made in building a comprehensive statewide system for
      FASD prevention and intervention in an island state. Results Progress has
      primarily been reflected in increasing the number of individuals receiving FASD
      education and training, as well as some initiatives in public awareness. The
      creation of a State FASD Coordinator position was significant in catalyzing
      support for FASD initiatives and extending collaborative networks with national
      experts/teams, community-based organizations, and other local agencies to
      leverage resources in a time of economic strain. Major challenges and barriers
      included loss of the FASD Coordinator position, reliance on external resources
      and lack of local capacity for training and education integration into existing
      practice systems, and inadequate surveillance infrastructure. Discussion Lack of
      funding and resources were a common factor overall, and impeded the development
      of a state strategic plan which was needed to guide overall efforts and policies
      into a more coordinated system to reduce and prevent FASDs in Hawai'i.

PMID- 28083729
TI  - Higher Pre-pregnancy BMI and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain are Risk Factors
      for Rapid Weight Gain in Infants.
AB  - Objective To describe the effects of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI)
      and gestational weight gain (GWG) on infant anthropometrics at birth and 3 months
      and infant growth rates between birth and 3 months. Methods Body weight prior to
      and during pregnancy and infant weight and length at birth and 3 months were
      collected from 600 mother-infant pairs. Adherence to GWG was based on IOM
      recommendations. Age and sex specific z-scores were calculated for infant weight
      and length at birth and 3 months. Rapid postnatal growth was defined as a
      difference of >0.67 in weight-for-age z-score between birth and 3 months.
      Relationships between maternal and infant characteristics were analysed using
      multilinear regression. Results Most women (65%) had a normal pre-pregnancy BMI
      and 57% gained above GWG recommendations. Infants were 39.3 +/- 1.2 weeks and
      3431 +/- 447.9 g at birth. At 3 months postpartum 60% were exclusively breast fed
      while 38% received breast milk and formula. Having a pre-pregnancy BMI >25 kg/m2
      was associated with higher z-scores for birth weight and weight-for-age at 3
      months. Gaining above recommendations was associated with higher z-scores for
      birth weight, weight-for-age and BMI. Infants who experienced rapid postnatal
      growth had higher odds of being born to women who gained above recommendations.
      Conclusion for Practice Excessive GWG is associated with higher birth weight and
      rapid weight gain in infants. Interventions that optimize GWG should explore
      effects on total and rates of early infant growth.

PMID- 28083731
TI  - Prenatal Predictors of Maternal Attachment and Their Association with Postpartum
      Depressive Symptoms in Mexican Women at Risk of Depression.
AB  - Objectives Although maternal attachment is an important predictor of infant
      developmental outcomes, little is known about its pre- and postnatal predictors.
      The purpose of this secondary data analysis is to assess several risk factors for
      maternal attachment at 6 months postpartum in a sample of Mexican women at risk
      of depression. The predictors included were prenatal depressive symptoms,
      pregnancy intendedness, partner relationship, social support, maternal history of
      childhood sexual abuse, and postpartum depressive symptoms. Methods A total of
      156 pregnant women seeking antenatal care at three health centers were selected
      because they displayed depressive symptoms (CES-D >= 16) or had previously
      suffered depression. Women were interviewed during pregnancy and at 6 months
      postpartum. A step-wise multivariate logistic regression was conducted to
      evaluate the pre- and postpartum risk factors for postpartum depression related
      to low maternal attachment. Results Pre- and postpartum depressive symptoms
      increased the risk of low maternal attachment by factors of 3.00 and 3.97,
      respectively, compared with women who did not present these symptoms; low level
      of adjustment with the partner increased the risk by a factor of 3.11, low social
      support by a factor of 2.90, and CSA by a factor of 2.77. Conclusions for
      practice Prevention programs during pregnancy to reduce depressive symptoms
      should strengthen strategies to promote maternal attachment by improving partner
      relations and increasing social support. However, evidence shows that such
      programs alone are insufficient, so direct interventions should also be
      implemented. Women with a history of childhood sexual abuse should be given
      additional attention during prenatal care.

PMID- 28083730
TI  - Sleep Trajectories Among Pregnant Women and the Impact on Outcomes: A Population
      Based Cohort Study.
AB  - Objectives Sleep problems and deprivation are common during pregnancy,
      particularly in the third trimester. Previous studies are mostly descriptive or
      focused on specific clinical groups and late pregnancy. We aimed to identify
      sleep duration trajectories during the pregnancy period, their associated
      factors, and impact on pregnancy and birth outcomes. Methods We studied 200 women
      from a mother-child cohort recruited in 2009-2011 from the French general
      population. We used semi-parametric models to analyze data collected through
      questionnaires. Results We detected three sleep duration trajectories during
      pregnancy: short-decreasing (<6.5h/night, 10.8% of the sample), medium-decreasing
      (6.5-8h/night, 57.6%), and long-increasing (>8h/night, 31.6%) trajectories.
      Factors associated with the short-decreasing trajectory relative to the medium
      decreasing trajectory were older age (odds-ratio/year = 1.13 [95%Confidence
      Interval 1.00-1.29]) and working > 28 weeks of gestational age (odds-ratio = 0.30
      [0.10-0.90]). Sleep duration during pregnancy in this trajectory group was
      modified by insomniac symptoms (regression coefficient/trimester = -0.74
      [Standard-Error 0.12]) and naps (regression coefficient/trimester = 0.58 [0.25]).
      Restless legs syndrome was the only factor associated with the long-increasing
      trajectory and decreased sleep duration (regression coefficient/trimester = -0.88
      [0.25]). Assisted delivery (i.e. cesarean section and/or instrumental delivery)
      and post-partum depression were more frequent among women with the short
      decreasing and long-increasing trajectories whereas cesarean section alone was
      more prevalent among those with the short-decreasing trajectory. Proportion of
      premature births was higher in the short-decreasing trajectory group. Birth
      weight-z-score was lower in the long-increasing trajectory group. Conclusion We
      identified sleep trajectories among pregnant women with specific risk factors
      that could affect both pregnancy and birth outcomes. Taking these into
      consideration could improve both maternal and child health.

PMID- 28083732
TI  - Association Between Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Sleep Quantity in
      Pregnant Women.
AB  - Introduction To determine the association of fruit and vegetable consumption with
      overall sleep duration among pregnant women. Methods Data from the 2011 and 2012
      Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used. All women (n =
      2951) of childbearing age (18-44 years) who were pregnant and responded to all
      fruit and vegetable consumption and sleep duration questions were included.
      Covariates included age, race, education level, exercise, and marital status.
      Data were analyzed using linear and ordinal logistic regression. Results Total
      daily fruit and vegetable consumption was not associated with sleep duration
      among pregnant women, controlling for confounders [beta = -0.03, (-0.07, 0.00)].
      Orange and green vegetable consumption were both inversely associated with sleep
      duration [beta = -0.19, (-0.38, -0.01) and beta = -0.20, (-0.33, -0.08)
      respectively]. Ordinal logistic regression found that the odds of meeting or
      exceeding sleep time recommendations increased slightly with each unit increase
      in total fruit and vegetable consumption [OR = 1.05 (1.003, 1.092)] and for every
      unit increase in fruit consumption [OR = 1.12 (1.038, 1.208)]. Women who
      exercised within the past 30 days reported approximately 20 min of additional
      sleep compared to those who did not [beta = 0.32 (0.16, 0.49)]. Age, employment
      status, and marital status were also independently associated with sleep
      duration. Discussion Sleep duration in pregnant women was associated with
      exercise and other demographic factors, but only mildly associated with fruit and
      vegetable consumption. Future research should investigate the effects of
      additional factors including sleep quality, gestational age, family status and
      other medications as potential confounders.

PMID- 28083733
TI  - Smartphone-based colorimetric ELISA implementation for determination of women's
      reproductive steroid hormone profiles.
AB  - Biologists frequently collect and analyze biospecimens in naturalistic (i.e.,
      field) conditions to ascertain information regarding the physiological status of
      their study participants. Generally, field-collected biospecimens need to be
      stored frozen in the field and then transported frozen to laboratory facilities
      where traditional biomarker assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
      (ELISAs), are conducted. As proper storage and transport of frozen specimens is
      often logistically difficult and expensive, particularly in nonurban field
      settings, methods that reduce the need for specimen storage and transport would
      benefit field-research dependent disciplines such as biology, ecology and
      epidemiology. One limiting factor to running assays in the field is the use of
      large and expensive equipment to visualize and quantify the assays, such as
      microplate readers. Here, we describe an implementation of colorimetric ELISA
      visualization and quantification using two novel and portable imaging
      instrumentation systems and data processing techniques for the determination of
      women's reproductive steroid hormone profiles. Using the light absorbance and
      transmittance properties of the chemical compounds that make up the hormone
      assay, we were able to estimate unknown hormone concentrations using a smartphone
      system and a webcam system. These estimates were comparable to those from a
      standard laboratory multiple reader (smartphone: accuracy = 82.20%, R 2 > 0.910;
      webcam: accuracy = 87.59%, R 2 > 0.942). This line of applied research, in the
      long run, is expected to provide necessary information for examining the extent
      to which reproductive function varies within and between populations and how it
      is influenced by psychosocial, energetic and environmental challenges. Our
      validation of these novel, portable visualization and quantification systems
      allows for the eventual development of a compact and economical closed system
      which can be used to quantify biomarker concentrations in remote areas.

PMID- 28083734
TI  - Effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on the expression of ubiquitin
      ligases, protein synthesis pathways and contractile function in extensor
      digitorum longus (EDL) of fed and fasting rats.
AB  - Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), a leucine metabolite, enhances the gain
      of skeletal muscle mass by increasing protein synthesis or attenuating protein
      degradation or both. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of HMB
      on molecular factors controlling skeletal muscle protein synthesis and
      degradation, as well as muscle contractile function, in fed and fasted
      conditions. Wistar rats were supplied daily with HMB (320 mg/kg body weight
      diluted in NaCl-0.9%) or vehicle only (control) by gavage for 28 days. After this
      period, some of the animals were subjected to a 24-h fasting, while others
      remained in the fed condition. The EDL muscle was then removed, weighed and used
      to evaluate the genes and proteins involved in protein synthesis (AKT/4E-BP1/S6)
      and degradation (Fbxo32 and Trim63). A sub-set of rats were used to measure in
      vivo muscle contractile function. HMB supplementation increased AKT
      phosphorylation during fasting (three-fold). In the fed condition, no differences
      were detected in atrogenes expression between control and HMB supplemented group;
      however, HMB supplementation did attenuate the fasting-induced increase in their
      expression levels. Fasting animals receiving HMB showed improved sustained
      tetanic contraction times (one-fold) and an increased muscle to tibia length
      ratio (1.3-fold), without any cross-sectional area changes. These results suggest
      that HMB supplementation under fasting conditions increases AKT phosphorylation
      and attenuates the increased of atrogenes expression, followed by a functional
      improvement and gain of skeletal muscle weight, suggesting that HMB protects
      skeletal muscle against the deleterious effects of fasting.

PMID- 28083735
TI  - Toxicological effects of aflatoxin B1 on the earthworm Eisenia fetida as
      determined in a contact paper test.
AB  - In this study, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxicity toward the earthworm Eisenia fetida
      (Savigny 1826) was evaluated in contact paper test systems containing distilled
      water and ethanol or 20 to 400 MUg/ml of AFB1 over 72 h of exposure. The results
      indicated that AFB1 could induce significant damage to earthworms (coiling,
      curling, excessive mucus secretion, clitellum swelling) at greater than 75
      MUg/ml. Moreover, AFB1 had harmful effects on E. fetida (degenerative changes
      such as bulging of the clitella regions) at levels higher than 150 MUg/ml. The
      calculated LD50 was 168.5 MUg/ml. These findings confirm that E. fetida and
      standardized methods based on this organism (OECD 207 1984) are applicable and
      useful in mycotoxin related toxicity studies.

PMID- 28083736
TI  - Curcuma longa as additive in the diet for Astyanax aff. bimaculatus.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of turmeric (Curcuma
      longa) as additive in the diet for Astyanax aff. bimaculatus. Fish (0.83 +/- 0.04
      g) were fed, for 60 days, with six diets containing 0.0, 20.0, 40.0, 60.0, 80.0,
      and 100.0 g turmeric kg-1 feed. There was an increasing linear effect of turmeric
      on the thickness of the muscular layer, and height and width of the folds of the
      intestine. In the liver, a quadratic effect was observed of turmeric on the
      percentage of hepatocyte cytoplasm and a decreasing linear effect on the
      percentage of sinusoid capillaries. A quadratic effect was also observed of
      turmeric on the liver glycogen. There was no effect of turmeric on the
      antioxidant activity in the liver, carcass composition or productive performance
      of the fish. Thus, we concluded that Curcuma longa has trophic effects on the
      epithelium and the muscular layer of the intestine of A. aff. bimaculatus.
      Additionally, low levels of Curcuma longa cause increased deposition of liver
      glycogen and high levels cause reduction.

PMID- 28083737
TI  - Histologic grade and peritoneal cytology as prognostic factors in type 1
      endometrial cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prognostic clinicopathological factors for type 1 endometrial cancer
      are unknown and the purpose of the current study was to determine the independent
      prognostic variables for type 1 endometrial cancer. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective study of 168 patients with type 1 endometrial cancer primarily
      treated with comprehensive staging surgery. The median follow-up time was 68 (12
      100) months. Independent risk factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall
      survival (OS) were determined using multivariate Cox regression models. Sub-group
      analysis of stage I was also performed. We also assessed the patterns of failure
      among patients with recurrences and investigated the associations with the
      prognostic variables determined by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Twenty
      patients (11.9%) had recurrence and 13 patients (7.7%) died of the disease
      overall. Multivariate analysis revealed that grade 2 (G2) histology (p = 0.008)
      and positive peritoneal cytology (p = 0.001) predicted the recurrent event in
      type 1 endometrial cancer. G2 histology (p = 0.007) and positive peritoneal
      cytology (p = 0.003) were also found to be independent risk factors for tumor
      related deaths. Among stage I patients, G2 histology and positive peritoneal
      cytology were also independent prognostic variables for DFS and OS. Patients with
      G2 histology and/or positive peritoneal cytology were more likely to have
      recurrence at distant sites. CONCLUSIONS: G2 histology and positive peritoneal
      cytology were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS in type 1 endometrial
      cancer.

PMID- 28083738
TI  - Differences in the accumulation and tissue distribution of Pb, Cd, and Cu in
      Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) exposed to single, binary, and
      ternary metal mixtures.
AB  - Heavy metals often accumulate in complex mixtures in the environment and are
      currently a source of concern in many marine ecosystems. Pb, Cd, and Cu are
      regarded as priority hazardous metals due to their great persistence,
      bioaccumulation, and toxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate
      the tissue accumulation and distribution of these heavy metals in Mediterranean
      mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) exposed to binary and ternary mixtures of
      metals as opposed to only single exposures. Heavy metal concentrations in the
      digestive gland, gills, and the other soft tissues were determined by inductively
      coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and the distribution of
      each metal was analyzed according to compartments. The concentrations of Pb, Cd,
      and Cu increased significantly in the group exposed to the ternary mixture;
      however, there was no common response pattern to exposure in single and binary
      mixtures. Above all, the metals concentrated in the digestive gland, although the
      percentages of each element varied between compartments and varied between
      tissues according to the treatment.

PMID- 28083739
TI  - Bioconcentration pattern and induced apoptosis of bisphenol A in zebrafish
      embryos at environmentally relevant concentrations.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting chemical that is
      ubiquitously present in the environment. In the present study, 4-h post
      fertilization (hpf) zebrafish embryos were exposed to various environmentally
      relevant concentrations of BPA (0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 MUg/L) until 72 and 168
      hpf, and the accumulation pattern of BPA and its potential to induce toxicity
      through apoptosis were determined. Compared to BPA concentrations in larvae at
      168 hpf, BPA concentrations in embryos exposed until 72 hpf were at relatively
      higher levels (p < 0.05) with higher bioconcentration factor (BCF) values. The
      nonlinear fitting analysis indicated that the BCF values of BPA in fish
      embryos/larvae were significantly correlated to the log10-transformed BPA
      exposure concentrations in water in an inverse concentration-dependent manner.
      Fish accumulated more BPA as the exposure concentrations increased; however,
      their accumulation capacity of BPA declined and tended to be saturated in the
      high exposure groups of BPA. Moreover, caspase-3 activity was significantly
      induced upon BPA exposure at 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 MUg/L BPA at 72 hpf, and also at
      10 and 100 MUg/L BPA at 168 hpf. Correspondingly, exposure to 10 and 100 MUg/L of
      BPA significantly increased the DNA fragmentation in the extracted DNA at 168 hpf
      as determined by DNA ladder analysis. In addition, the expression patterns of
      four genes related to apoptosis including caspase-3, bax, p53, and c-jun were
      significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) in fish embryos/larvae upon BPA exposure at
      72 and 168 hpf. Our results revealed that low and environmentally relevant
      concentrations of BPA could be significantly accumulated in zebrafish and induced
      apoptosis with involvement of the regulation of caspase-3 and other apoptosis
      related genes.

PMID- 28083740
TI  - The impact of energy, agriculture, macroeconomic and human-induced indicators on
      environmental pollution: evidence from Ghana.
AB  - In this study, the impact of energy, agriculture, macroeconomic and human-induced
      indicators on environmental pollution from 1971 to 2011 is investigated using the
      statistically inspired modification of partial least squares (SIMPLS) regression
      model. There was evidence of a linear relationship between energy, agriculture,
      macroeconomic and human-induced indicators and carbon dioxide emissions. Evidence
      from the SIMPLS regression shows that a 1% increase in crop production index will
      reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 0.71%. Economic growth increased by 1% will
      reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 0.46%, which means that an increase in Ghana's
      economic growth may lead to a reduction in environmental pollution. The increase
      in electricity production from hydroelectric sources by 1% will reduce carbon
      dioxide emissions by 0.30%; thus, increasing renewable energy sources in Ghana's
      energy portfolio will help mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. Increasing enteric
      emissions by 1% will increase carbon dioxide emissions by 4.22%, and a 1%
      increase in the nitrogen content of manure management will increase carbon
      dioxide emissions by 6.69%. The SIMPLS regression forecasting exhibited a 5% MAPE
      from the prediction of carbon dioxide emissions.

PMID- 28083741
TI  - Stem and crown growth of Japanese larch and its hybrid F1 grown in two soils and
      exposed to two free-air O3 regimes.
AB  - Ozone (O3) pollution and soil infertility may negatively affect boreal forests
      across the Northern Hemisphere. Impacts to economically and ecologically
      important larches (Larix sp., Pinacaeae) are particularly concerning. Using a
      free air O3 enrichment (FACE) system, we investigated the effect of 2-year
      elevated O3 exposure (~66 nmol mol-1) on Japanese larch (L. kaempferi) and its
      hybrid larch F1 (L. gmelinii var. japonica * L. kaempferi) planted directly into
      either fertile brown forest soil (BF) or BF mixed with infertile volcanic ash
      soil (VA). Overall, photosynthetic pigmentation and the growth performance of the
      stem and crown were reduced in both taxa exposed to elevated O3. Furthermore,
      hybrid larch, in both O3 treatments, performed better than Japanese larch. This
      finding contradicts findings of prior experiments with potential experimental
      artifacts of O3 exposure facilities and root restrictions. Elevated O3 also
      disproportionately inhibited stem diameter growth and caused an imbalance in
      chlorophylls a/b and chlorophyll/carotenoid ratios. Hybrid and Japanese larches
      grown in BF and VA had a significantly lower drop of stem diameter over the run
      of stem height (from base to top) when exposed to elevated O3, compared to
      ambient O3. This finding indicates altered stem shape under elevated O3. Among 11
      response variables, there were no significant interactions between O3 treatment
      and taxa. There was also no significant interaction of soil condition and taxa,
      suggesting that the two larches shared a similar response to O3 and soil type.
      Understanding the performance of hybrid larch in relation to its parent species
      has ramifications for breeding success in a soil-degraded and O3-polluted
      environment.

PMID- 28083742
TI  - The endophytic bacterium Serratia sp. PW7 degrades pyrene in wheat.
AB  - This research was conducted to isolate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading
      (PAH-degrading) endophytic bacteria and investigate their potential in protecting
      plants against PAH contamination. Pyrene-degrading endophytic bacteria were
      isolated from plants grown in PAH-contaminated soil. Among these endophytic
      bacteria, strain PW7 (Serratia sp.) isolated from Plantago asiatica was selected
      to investigate the suppression of pyrene accumulation in Triticum aestivum L. In
      the in vitro tests, strain PW7 degraded 51.2% of the pyrene in the media within
      14 days. The optimal biodegradation conditions were pH 7.0, 30  degrees C, and MS
      medium supplemented with additional glucose, maltose, sucrose, and peptones. In
      the in vivo tests, strain PW7 successfully colonized the roots and shoots of
      inoculated (E+) wheat plants, and its colonization decreased pyrene accumulation
      and pyrene transportation from roots to shoots. Remarkably, the concentration of
      pyrene in shoots decreased much more than that in roots, suggesting that strain
      PW7 has the potential for protecting wheat against pyrene contamination and
      mitigating the threat of pyrene to human health via food consumption.

PMID- 28083743
TI  - Synergistic effect of aluminum and ionizing radiation upon ultrastructure,
      oxidative stress and apoptotic alterations in Paneth cells of rat intestine.
AB  - Environmental and occupational exposure to aluminum along with ionizing radiation
      results in serious health problems. This study was planned to investigate the
      impact of oxidative stress provoked by exposure to ionizing radiation with
      aluminum administration upon cellular ultra structure and apoptotic changes in
      Paneth cells of rat small intestine . Animals received daily aluminum chloride by
      gastric gavage at a dose 0.5 mg/Kg BW for 4 weeks. Whole body gamma irradiation
      was applied at a dose 2 Gy/week up to 8 Gy. Ileum malondialdehyde, advanced
      oxidative protein products, protein carbonyl and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were
      assessed as biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and inflammation
      respectively along with superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione
      peroxidase activities as enzymatic antioxidants. Moreover, analyses of cell cycle
      division and apoptotic changes were evaluated by flow cytometry. Intestinal
      cellular ultra structure was investigated using transmission electron
      microscope.Oxidative and inflammatory stresses assessment in the ileum of rats
      revealed that aluminum and ionizing radiation exposures exhibited a significant
      effect upon the increase in oxidative stress biomarkers along with the
      inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor-alpha accompanied by a significant
      decreases in the antioxidant enzyme activities. Flow cytometric analyses showed
      significant alterations in the percentage of cells during cell cycle division
      phases along with significant increase in apoptotic cells. Ultra structurally,
      intestinal cellular alterations with marked injury in Paneth cells at the sites
      of bacterial translocation in the crypt of lumens were recorded. The results of
      this study have clearly showed that aluminum and ionizing radiation exposures
      induced apoptosis with oxidative and inflammatory disturbance in the Paneth cells
      of rat intestine, which appeared to play a major role in the pathogenesis of
      cellular damage. Furthermore, the interaction of these two intestinal toxic
      routes was found to be synergistic.

PMID- 28083744
TI  - Relay cropping as a sustainable approach: problems and opportunities for
      sustainable crop production.
AB  - Climate change, soil degradation, and depletion of natural resources are becoming
      the most prominent challenges for crop productivity and environmental
      sustainability in modern agriculture. In the scenario of conventional farming
      system, limited chances are available to cope with these issues. Relay cropping
      is a method of multiple cropping where one crop is seeded into standing second
      crop well before harvesting of second crop. Relay cropping may solve a number of
      conflicts such as inefficient use of available resources, controversies in sowing
      time, fertilizer application, and soil degradation. Relay cropping is a complex
      suite of different resource-efficient technologies, which possesses the
      capability to improve soil quality, to increase net return, to increase land
      equivalent ratio, and to control the weeds and pest infestation. The current
      review emphasized relay cropping as a tool for crop diversification and
      environmental sustainability with special focus on soil. Briefly, benefits,
      constraints, and opportunities of relay cropping keeping the goals of higher crop
      productivity and sustainability have also been discussed in this review. The
      research and knowledge gap in relay cropping was also highlighted in order to
      guide the further studies in future.

PMID- 28083745
TI  - Personal exposure to PM2.5 associated with heavy metals in four travel modes of
      Tianjin during the summer season.
AB  - Personal exposure to PM2.5 associated with heavy metals were investigated at and
      around the same road by cycling, walking, taxi and bus in Tianjin, China. One
      trip on each mode was undertaken during 4 h of both morning and evening peak
      hours. Results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare mean
      concentrations of PM2.5 and each metal measured by four modes, the enrichment
      level of heavy metals in four modes and the carcinogenic, non-carcinogenic risk
      and probabilistic estimation of health risks of metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb).
      Arithmetic means of PM2.5 personal exposure were 323.66, 313.37, 214.84 and
      160.71 MUg/m3 for cycling, walking, bus and taxi, which resulted from the
      difference of source (vehicle exhaust and road dust) of exposure to PM2.5. Na has
      the highest concentration, followed by Al, Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cu and Cr.
      The higher Na concentrations were observed in Tianjin in light of its major sea
      salt influence. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn in four modes followed
      different orders, while other metals have no significant difference between four
      modes. Enrichment factors of metals in PM2.5 showed that some metals are
      enriched, ranging from contaminated to extremely contaminated, for example, Ni,
      Cu, Zn, Pb, Na and Cr. Others are barely enriched such as Ca, K, Mg and Fe. It
      illustrated the former is mainly effected by anthropogenic activates and the
      source of latter comes from crust. From the results of non-carcinogenic and
      carcinogenic risks of metals, the intake of metals with inhalation for 4 h by
      four modes did not pose a significant potential chronic-toxic risk and was an
      acceptable or tolerable risk at present. But uncertainty analysis of health risks
      showed there were 4.05 and 6.87% probability that make carcinogenic risk values
      to exceed 10-4 when male choose walking/cycling to work. Commuters' rush hour
      exposures were significantly influenced by mode of transport. We suggest that
      future work should focus on further research between heavy metals in PM2.5
      exposure and its specific epidemiology effects.

PMID- 28083746
TI  - Low-cost magnetic herbal biochar: characterization and application for antibiotic
      removal.
AB  - Magnetic biochar (M-BC) was derived from herbal medicine waste, Astragalus
      membranaceus residue, and was used as an adsorbent for ciprofloxacin removal from
      aqueous solutions. The M-BC was characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface
      area analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction
      analysis, hysteresis loops, scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive
      spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The BET surface area
      increased from 4.40 to 203.70 m2/g after pyrolysis/magnetic modification. Batch
      experiments were performed at different dosages, initial concentrations, contact
      times, and solution pHs. Adsorption performances were evaluated using Langmuir
      and Freundlich isotherm models, and the results indicated that the Langmuir model
      appropriately described the adsorption process. The kinetic data were better
      fitted by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum ciprofloxacin removal
      was observed at pH 6 (adsorption capacity of 68.9 +/- 3.23 mg/g). Studies
      demonstrated that magnetically modified biochar might be an attractive, cost
      effective, and easily separated adsorbent for contaminated water. Graphical
      abstract.

PMID- 28083747
TI  - Erratum to: Effect of the pollution level on the functional bacterial groups
      aiming at degrading bisphenol A and nonylphenol in natural biofilms of an urban
      river.

PMID- 28083748
TI  - Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of zinc. Zinc-dependent NF-kappaB
      signaling.
AB  - Zinc is a nutritionally fundamental trace element, essential to the structure and
      function of numerous macromolecules, including enzymes regulating cellular
      processes and cellular signaling pathways. The mineral modulates immune response
      and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Zinc retards oxidative
      processes on a long-term basis by inducing the expression of metallothioneins.
      These metal-binding cysteine-rich proteins are responsible for maintaining zinc
      related cell homeostasis and act as potent electrophilic scavengers and
      cytoprotective agents. Furthermore, zinc increases the activation of antioxidant
      proteins and enzymes, such as glutathione and catalase. On the other hand, zinc
      exerts its antioxidant effect via two acute mechanisms, one of which is the
      stabilization of protein sulfhydryls against oxidation. The second mechanism
      consists in antagonizing transition metal-catalyzed reactions. Zinc can exchange
      redox active metals, such as copper and iron, in certain binding sites and
      attenuate cellular site-specific oxidative injury. Studies have demonstrated that
      physiological reconstitution of zinc restrains immune activation, whereas zinc
      deficiency, in the setting of severe infection, provokes a systemic increase in
      NF-kappaB activation. In vitro studies have shown that zinc decreases NF-kappaB
      activation and its target genes, such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, and increases
      the gene expression of A20 and PPAR-alpha, the two zinc finger proteins with anti
      inflammatory properties. Alternative NF-kappaB inhibitory mechanism is initiated
      by the inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, whereas another
      presumed mechanism consists in inhibition of IkappaB kinase in response to
      infection by zinc ions that have been imported into cells by ZIP8.

PMID- 28083749
TI  - Micromolar Levels of Sodium Fluoride Promote Osteoblast Differentiation Through
      Runx2 Signaling.
AB  - Bone remodeling is a vital physiological process of healthy bone tissue in
      humans. Imbalances in this vital process lead to pathological conditions,
      including periodontal diseases. In this study, we characterized the effects of
      micromolar levels of NaF on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of
      MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. NaF significantly enhanced the proliferation,
      alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells.
      Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression of mRNAs
      encoding runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Osterix, Osteopontin and
      Osteocalcin was up-regulated in NaF-treated MC3T3-E1 cells compared with
      untreated controls. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Runx2 and Osterix
      were inhibited by Runx2 siRNA but were re-activated by treatment with NaF.
      Furthermore, in vivo evidence indicated that NaF protects against Porphyromonas
      gingivalis-induced periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss in a P.
      gingivalis-challenged experimental periodontitis animal model. These data suggest
      that NaF promotes the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through the
      Runx2/Osterix pathway and may be effective for the treatment of bone-related
      disorders.

PMID- 28083750
TI  - Shame, Blame, and Status Incongruity: Health and Stigma in Rural Brazil and the
      Urban United Arab Emirates.
AB  - Stigma is a powerful determinant of physical and mental health around the world,
      a perennial public health concern that is particularly resistant to change. This
      article builds from sociologist Erving Goffman's classic conception of stigma as
      a unitary social phenomenon to explore the stigma attached to two seemingly
      dissimilar conditions: food insecurity in rural Brazil, and obesity in the urban
      United Arab Emirates. Our analyses underscore that both conditions are
      stigmatized because they represent a departure from a deeply-held social norm,
      and in both cases, self-stigma plays an important role. Furthermore, in both
      cases, the stigma associated with food insecurity and obesity is likely at least
      as harmful to personal wellbeing as are the biological consequences of these
      conditions. Finally, evidence increasingly links obesity and food insecurity
      causally. Our analyses suggest that these forms of stigma transcend individuals
      and are largely structural in their origins, and therefore that they are most
      likely to be improved through structural change.

PMID- 28083751
TI  - Clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of vulvovaginitis in girls: a
      current approach and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginitis is the most common cause of gynecological complaints
      in children and young girls. Some of the factors which cause vulvovaginitis
      include hypoestrogenism, the anatomical proximity of rectum and delicate vulvar
      skin and vaginal mucosa. DATA SOURCES: We made a literature search with Pubmed,
      Medline and Cochrane database from January 2002 to May 2015 in English language
      using the key words vulvovaginitis, children, clinical, diagnosis and treatment.
      RESULTS: Vulvovaginitis in girls is usually caused by non-specific factors and
      hygiene measures, bioyoghurt and avoidance of chemical irritants are generally
      useful. Weight control if necessary and prevention of voiding dysfunction are
      effective. Vaginal flora is important in girls and results should be interpreted
      with clinical features to decide whether an isolated microorganism is part of the
      normal microflora or is the cause of symptomatic vulvovaginitis. Specific
      treatment is generally considered in case of a detected pathogen microorganism.
      Isolation of a sexually transmitted organism requires further investigation.
      Persistent disease may not always indicate a foreign body but it must be taken
      into account. Girls and parents are encouraged psychologically in all steps of
      evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Probiotics, nanotechnology and petroleum
      jelly are other important treatment options used in vulvovaginitis. CONCLUSIONS:
      In this review, we present current approach to the presentation and management of
      vulvovaginitis in childhood. This disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation in
      all steps of diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 28083752
TI  - Can Multistate Modeling of Local Recurrence, Distant Metastasis, and Death
      Improve the Prediction of Outcome in Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcomas?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exploration of the complex relationship between prognostic indicators
      such as tumor grade and size and clinical outcomes such as local recurrence and
      distant metastasis in patients with cancer is crucial to guide treatment
      decisions. However, in patients with soft tissue sarcoma, there are many gaps in
      our understanding of this relationship. Multistate analysis may help us in
      gaining a comprehensive understanding of risk factor-outcome relationships in
      soft tissue sarcoma, because this methodology can integrate multiple risk factors
      and clinical endpoints into a single statistical model. To our knowledge, no
      study of this kind has been performed before in patients with soft tissue
      sarcoma. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We implemented a multistate model of localized soft
      tissue sarcoma to statistically evaluate the relationship among baseline risk
      factors, recurrence, and death in patients with localized soft tissue sarcoma
      undergoing curative surgery. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2015, our center treated
      539 patients for localized soft tissue sarcoma with surgery as curative intent.
      Of those, 96 patients (18%) were not included in this single-center retrospective
      study owing to missing baseline histopathology data (n = 3), not yet observed
      followup (n = 80), or because a neoadjuvant treatment approach in the presence of
      synchronous distant metastasis was used (n = 13), leaving 443 patients (82%) for
      the current analysis, of which 40 were lost to followup during the first year
      after surgery. All patients had tumors of the stages I to III according to the
      American Joint Committee on Cancer Stages. The median age of the patients was 62
      years (range, 16-96 years), and 217 patients (49%) were female. Three hundred
      forty-six patients (78%) had tumors of high grade (Grades 2 and 3), and 310 (70%)
      tumors were greater than 5 cm in maximum diameter. Patients who had died during
      the first year of followup were included in this analysis. Median followup for
      the 443 study patients was 6 years, with 84%, 52%, and 23% of patients being
      followed for more than 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The 15-year cumulative
      incidences of local recurrence, distant metastasis, and death from any cause,
      using a competing risk analysis, were 16% (95% CI, 11%-22%), 21% (95% CI, 17%
      26%), and 55% (95% CI, 44%-67%), respectively. Wide resection with a margin of 1
      mm was the preferred treatment for all patients, except for those with Grade 1
      liposarcoma where a marginal resection was considered adequate. Multistate models
      were implemented with the mstate library in R. RESULTS: In multistate analysis,
      patients who experienced a local recurrence were more likely to have distant
      metastasis develop (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.4; 95% CI, 4.3-16.5; p < 0.001), and to
      die (HR = 3.4; 95% CI, 2.1-5.6; p < 0.001). The occurrence of distant metastasis
      was associated with a strong increase in the risk of death (HR = 12.6; 95% CI,
      8.7-18.3; p < 0.001). Distant metastasis occurring after a long tumor-free
      interval was not associated with a more-favorable prognosis with respect to
      mortality than distant metastasis occurring early after surgery (estimated
      relative decrease in the adverse effect of distant metastasis on mortality for 1
      year delay in the occurrence of distant metastasis = 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7-1.1; p =
      0.28). High-grade histology (Grades 2 and 3) was associated with a higher risk of
      overall recurrence (defined as a composite of local recurrence and distant
      metastasis, HR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.8-7.8; p = 0.0003) and a higher risk of death
      after recurrence developed (HR = 4.4; 95% CI, 1.1-18.2; p = 0.04). Finally, the
      multistate model predicted distinct outcome patterns depending on baseline
      covariates and how long a patient has remained free from recurrence after
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with localized soft tissue sarcoma undergoing
      resection, the occurrence of local recurrence and distant metastasis contributes
      to a dramatically impaired long-term survival outcome. Local recurrences are a
      substantial risk factor for distant metastasis. Multistate modeling is a very
      powerful approach for analysis of sarcoma cohorts, and may be used in the future
      to obtain highly personalized, dynamic predictions of outcomes in patients with
      localized soft tissue sarcoma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

PMID- 28083753
TI  - Definitional Differences of 'Outpatient' Versus 'Inpatient' THA and TKA Can
      Affect Study Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been great interest in performing outpatient THA and TKA.
      Studies have compared such procedures done as outpatients versus inpatients.
      However, stated "outpatient" status as defined by large national databases such
      as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) may not be a
      consistent entity, and the actual lengths of stay of those patients categorized
      as outpatients in NSQIP have not been specifically ascertained and may in fact
      include some patients who are "observed" for one or more nights. Current
      regulations in the United States allow these "observed" patients to stay more
      than one night at the hospital under observation status despite being coded as
      outpatients. Determining the degree to which this is the case, and what, exactly,
      "outpatient" means in the NSQIP, may influence the way clinicians read studies
      from that source and the way hospital systems and policymakers use those data.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purposes of this study were (1) to utilize the NSQIP
      database to characterize the differences in definition of "inpatient" and
      "outpatient" (stated status versus actual length of stay [LOS], measured in days)
      for THA and TKA; and (2) to study the effect of defining populations using
      different definitions. METHODS: Patients who underwent THA and TKA in the 2005 to
      2014 NSQIP database were identified. Outpatient procedures were defined as either
      hospital LOS = 0 days in NSQIP or being termed "outpatient" by the hospital. The
      actual hospital LOS of "outpatients" was characterized. "Outpatients" were
      considered to have stayed overnight if they had a LOS of 1 day or longer. The
      effects of the different definitions on 30-day outcomes were evaluated using
      multivariate analysis while controlling for potential confounding factors.
      RESULTS: Of 72,651 patients undergoing THA, 529 were identified as "outpatients"
      but only 63 of these (12%) had a LOS = 0. Of 117,454 patients undergoing TKA, 890
      were identified as "outpatients" but only 95 of these (11%) had a LOS = 0. After
      controlling for potential confounding factors such as gender, body mass index,
      functional status before surgery, comorbidities, and smoking status, we found
      "inpatient" THA to be associated with increased risk of any adverse event
      (relative risk, 2.643, p = 0.002), serious adverse event (relative risk, 2.455, p
      = 0.011), and readmission (relative risk, 2.775, p = 0.010) compared with
      "outpatient" THA. However, for the same procedure and controlling for the same
      factors, patients who had LOS > 0 were not associated with any increased risk
      compared with patients who had LOS = 0. A similar trend was also found in the TKA
      cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Future THA, TKA, or other investigations on this topic
      should consistently quantify the term "outpatient" because different definitions,
      stated status or actual LOS, may lead to different assignments of risk factors
      for postoperative complications. Accurate data regarding risk factors for
      complications after total joint arthroplasty are crucial for efforts to reduce
      length of hospital stay and minimize complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III,
      therapeutic study.

PMID- 28083754
TI  - CORR Insights(r): Phosphatidylcholine Coatings Deliver Local Antimicrobials and
      Reduce Infection in a Murine Model: A Preliminary Study.

PMID- 28083756
TI  - The oncology day hospital in Spain: an updated analysis of Spanish Society of
      Medical Oncology (SEOM) looking forward.

PMID- 28083755
TI  - High Risk of Readmission in Octogenarians Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As life expectancy increases, more elderly patients with end-stage
      hip arthritis are electing to undergo primary THA. Octogenarians undergoing THA
      have more comorbidities than younger patients, but this is not reflected in risk
      adjustment models for bundled care programs. The burden of care associated with
      THA in octogenarians has not been well characterized, and doing so may help these
      value-based programs make adjustments so that this vulnerable patient population
      does not risk losing access under accountable care models. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES:
      The purpose of this study was to describe care use, comorbidities, and
      complications among octogenarians undergoing primary THA. METHODS: Five percent
      of the Medicare national administrative claims data was queried to identify
      patients diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis between January 1, 1998, and December
      31, 2013. Patients who underwent primary THA were identified and followed
      longitudinally during the study period using their unique, encrypted Medicare
      beneficiary identifiers. We compared risk factors and complications between the
      octogenarian group versus those aged 65 to 69 years. Multivariate Cox regression
      was used to evaluate the effect of patient/hospital factors on risk of revision,
      periprosthetic joint infection, dislocation, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and
      mortality. Patient factors in the model included age, sex, race, region,
      socioeconomic status, and health status based on Charlson comorbidity score 12
      months before replacement surgery. RESULTS: There were 11,960 THAs in the
      octogenarians in 1998, which increased to 21,620 in 2013, an 81% increase during
      this study period. Octogenarians were more likely to have a Charlson score of 3
      or higher than those patients aged 65 to 69 years (30% versus 17%, odds ratio
      [OR] 2.07 [1.98-2.20]; p < 0.001), and they were more likely to have coronary
      artery disease or congestive heart failure (47% versus 29%, OR 2.16 [2.06-2.26];
      p < 0.001). The octogenarian group had a greater risk of dislocation (+12%, p =
      0.01), VTE (+14%, p < 0.001), and mortality (+150%, p < 0.001) compared with the
      younger age cohort. A total of 21% of the octogenarians were readmitted after
      surgery compared with 12% for patients in the younger group (OR=1.64, 95%
      confidence interval 1.54-1.75; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Because octogenarians are
      at increased risk of dislocation, VTE, medical complications, and mortality after
      THA, value-based care models that penalize hospitals for readmissions and
      complications may inadvertently result in loss of access to care for this group
      of patients as a result of the financial makeup of these bundled care models.
      Value-based care models were developed to improve care and decrease healthcare
      costs but may have unintended consequences in the octogenarian with higher
      complication and readmission risks. Financial losses may lead to institutions
      from withdrawing from the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement program. To try
      to prevent this from happening to this vulnerable patient population, bundled
      care programs should evolve and be modified to allow for risk stratification in
      the overall payment formula to account for increased age and comorbid conditions
      to ensure continued successful participation in the program among all the
      stakeholders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

PMID- 28083757
TI  - Finding Biomass Degrading Enzymes Through an Activity-Correlated Quantitative
      Proteomics Platform (ACPP).
AB  - The microbial secretome, known as a pool of biomass (i.e., plant-based materials)
      degrading enzymes, can be utilized to discover industrial enzyme candidates for
      biofuel production. Proteomics approaches have been applied to discover novel
      enzyme candidates through comparing protein expression profiles with enzyme
      activity of the whole secretome under different growth conditions. However, the
      activity measurement of each enzyme candidate is needed for confident "active"
      enzyme assignments, which remains to be elucidated. To address this challenge, we
      have developed an Activity-Correlated Quantitative Proteomics Platform (ACPP)
      that systematically correlates protein-level enzymatic activity patterns and
      protein elution profiles using a label-free quantitative proteomics approach. The
      ACPP optimized a high performance anion exchange separation for efficiently
      fractionating complex protein samples while preserving enzymatic activities. The
      detected enzymatic activity patterns in sequential fractions using microplate
      based assays were cross-correlated with protein elution profiles using a
      customized pattern-matching algorithm with a correlation R-score. The ACPP has
      been successfully applied to the identification of two types of "active" biomass
      degrading enzymes (i.e., starch hydrolysis enzymes and cellulose hydrolysis
      enzymes) from Aspergillus niger secretome in a multiplexed fashion. By
      determining protein elution profiles of 156 proteins in A. niger secretome, we
      confidently identified the 1,4-alpha-glucosidase as the major "active" starch
      hydrolysis enzyme (R = 0.96) and the endoglucanase as the major "active"
      cellulose hydrolysis enzyme (R = 0.97). The results demonstrated that the ACPP
      facilitated the discovery of bioactive enzymes from complex protein samples in a
      high-throughput, multiplexing, and untargeted fashion. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 28083758
TI  - Spontaneous Mass and Charge Losses from Single Multi-Megadalton Ions Studied by
      Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Spontaneous mass and charge losses from individual multi-megadalton ions have
      been observed with charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) by trapping single
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsids for 3 s. Gradual increases in the oscillation
      frequency of single ions in the ion trap are attributed mainly to mass loss
      (probably solvent, water, and/or salt). The total mass lost during the 3 s
      trapping period peaks at around 20 kDa for 4 MDa HBV T = 4 capsids. Discrete
      frequency drops punctuate the gradual increases in the oscillation frequencies.
      The drops are attributed to a sudden loss of charge. In most cases a single
      positive charge is lost along with some mass (on average around 1000 Da). Charge
      loss occurs for over 40% of the trapped ions. It usually occurs near the
      beginning of the trapping event, and it occurs preferentially in regions of the
      trap with strong electric fields, indicating that external electric fields
      promote charge loss. This process may contribute to the decrease in m/z
      resolution that often occurs with megadalton ions. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 28083759
TI  - Effect of hand volume and other anthropometric measurements on carpal tunnel
      syndrome.
AB  - Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), majority of cases are considered to be idiopathic,
      is the most commonly encountered peripheral neuropathy causing disability. We
      asserted that thick and big hands may more prone to idiopathic CTS (ICTS) than
      others. The study included 165 subjects admitted to our electrophysiology lab
      with pre-diagnosis of CTS between May 2014 and April 2015. Eighty-five of the
      subjects were diagnosed as ICTS. The parameters analyzed were: age, gender,
      occupation, BMI, hand dominance, grade of ICTS, wrist circumference,
      proximal/distal width of palm, hand/palm length, hand volume and palm
      length/proximal palm width. Female gender was significantly higher in both
      groups. The mean age of study group was 44.02 +/- 9.11 years, and control group
      was 41.25 +/- 9.94 years. BMI, wrist circumference and hand volume were
      significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.05). However, palm
      length/prox.palm width ratio was higher in the control group (p = 0.00). There
      were also significant differences among CTS groups in terms of age (p = 0.001).
      Mean age was higher in severe CTS group. Female gender, older age and high BMI
      are risk factors for ICTS. Higher hand volume, wrist circumference and lower palm
      length/prox. palm width ratio can also be anthropometric risk factors. Large hand
      volumes, big and coarse hands are more prone to ICTS.

PMID- 28083760
TI  - A case of thalamo-mesencephalon infarct presenting as transient global amnesia:
      do we overlook the diagnosis?

PMID- 28083761
TI  - Migraine as a risk factor for young patients with ischemic stroke: a case-control
      study.
AB  - Studies have suggested a possible association of migraine and increased risk of
      ischemic stroke in young adults, particularly in smokers and in women who use
      oral contraceptive drugs. We aimed to analyze the association between migraine
      and ischemic stroke in young population in a hospital-based cohort. We included
      202 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of ischemic stroke who were between
      15 and 50 years and age- and gender-matched 250 volunteers with no history of
      stroke. All participants were interviewed using a questionnaire for migraine.
      Localization of ischemic lesion was classified as anterior and posterior
      circulation according to neuroimaging findings. The cause of ischemic lesion and
      all risk factors were recorded. Undetermined etiology was the most frequent
      (43.1%) and the most common determined cause was cardioembolism (22.3%) in young
      stroke patients. Frequency of migraine was 30.2% among patients with stroke
      whereas 16.8% of healthy subjects had migraine (p = 0.001). Migraine with aura
      was significantly more common among patients with stroke compared to healthy
      subjects (18.3 vs 4.4%; p = 0.000) whereas the frequency of migraine without aura
      was similar in both groups (11.9 vs 12.4%). Using logistic regression, migraine
      with aura was shown to be an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in young
      population (p = 0.000) and separate analysis for gender demonstrated that it was
      only a risk factor for women (p = 0.009) but not for men (p = 0.107). Migraine
      with aura was found to be more common in ischemic stroke in young patients. It
      was an independent risk factor in women.

PMID- 28083762
TI  - Protein sequence-similarity search acceleration using a heuristic algorithm with
      a sensitive matrix.
AB  - Protein database search for public databases is a fundamental step in the target
      selection of proteins in structural and functional genomics and also for
      inferring protein structure, function, and evolution. Most database search
      methods employ amino acid substitution matrices to score amino acid pairs. The
      choice of substitution matrix strongly affects homology detection performance. We
      earlier proposed a substitution matrix named MIQS that was optimized for distant
      protein homology search. Herein we further evaluate MIQS in combination with
      LAST, a heuristic and fast database search tool with a tunable sensitivity
      parameter m, where larger m denotes higher sensitivity. Results show that MIQS
      substantially improves the homology detection and alignment quality performance
      of LAST across diverse m parameters. Against a protein database consisting of
      approximately 15 million sequences, LAST with m = 105 achieves better homology
      detection performance than BLASTP, and completes the search 20 times faster.
      Compared to the most sensitive existing methods being used today, CS-BLAST and
      SSEARCH, LAST with MIQS and m = 106 shows comparable homology detection
      performance at 2.0 and 3.9 times greater speed, respectively. Results demonstrate
      that MIQS-powered LAST is a time-efficient method for sensitive and accurate
      homology search.

PMID- 28083763
TI  - Suicide Risk Assessment by Residents: Deficiencies of Documentation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to assess the documentation of suicide risk
      assessments performed by psychiatry residents in a psychiatric emergency service
      (PES) and to identify differences in documentation between previously used paper
      charts and a new electronic medical record (EMR) system based on the Columbia
      Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)-risk assessment version. METHODS: This
      study is a retrospective chart review of psychiatric evaluations performed by
      psychiatry residents during a 1-year period in the PES of a large, urban,
      academic medical center. The sample was selected by a systematic random sampling
      technique from a total of 3931 evaluations performed on adult patients during the
      study period. The suicide risk assessments were evaluated using data regarding
      demographics, process indicators identified from the C-SSRS, and diagnoses.
      RESULTS: A total of 300 charts were reviewed. Only 91% of the evaluations
      contained documentation of suicidal ideations (either admitted or denied); 5
      other variables were documented in more than 50% of the evaluations: treatment
      status (95.3%), presence/absence of previous suicide attempts (84.6%), recent
      event-denies (56%), history of recent negative events (55%), and suicidal
      behavior-denies (53%). Additionally, 2 risk factors and 3 protective factors were
      documented in over 25% of the evaluations. CONCLUSION: Documentation was
      deficient in multiple areas, with even the presence/absence of suicidal ideations
      not being documented in all evaluations. Use of an EMR with built-in "clickable"
      options selectively improved documentation especially regarding risk and
      protective factors adapted from the C-SSRS. Emphasis on documentation of
      assessments is paramount while training residents in suicide risk assessment.

PMID- 28083764
TI  - Treatment of HCV in renal transplant patients with peginterferon and ribavirin:
      long-term follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to the observation of an increased viremia among patients
      with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who undergo renal transplantation,
      fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity have been noted to worsen comparing pre-
      and post-renal transplantation liver biopsies in some of these patients. Apart
      from the reported reduced patient and allograft survival rates, post-transplant
      diabetes mellitus, de novo glomerulonephritis, and an increased overall risk of
      infection have been observed. However, antiviral therapy for HCV is generally
      considered contraindicated among patients with solid organ transplants, with the
      main worry being the risk of acute rejection in relation to the use of
      interferon. We reported the long-term outcome of four renal transplant patients
      with chronic HCV infection who received peginterferon-based therapy. METHODS: We
      collected the long-term follow-up data of four patients who completed the therapy
      with peginterferon in combination with ribavirin. Two of them had renal
      impairment at baseline. RESULTS: With treatment, they had a significant
      improvement in terms of serum liver transaminase level, and two patients achieved
      the early virological response and the other two rapid virological response. All
      four patients achieved sustained virological response, with neither HCV flare up
      nor renal dysfunction during follow-up for a mean duration of 74.3 months after
      therapy. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that sustained HCV virological
      response may be achieved without allograft dysfunction, in selected renal
      transplant patients using a peginterferon-based therapy.

PMID- 28083765
TI  - An introduction to CKD-MBD research: restart for the future.

PMID- 28083766
TI  - Role of IL-13 Genetic Variants in Signalling of Asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways characterised by
      intermittent airway narrowing and airflow obstruction. The aim of this study was
      to examine the association of IL-13 Arg 130 Gln (A/G) and -1112C/T cytokine gene
      polymorphisms and to know the secretion of IL-13 cytokine levels and the
      interactions between the IL-13 130A/G and IL-13Ralpha1/IL-4Ralpha complex
      cytokine genes. The study population comprised of atopic and non-atopic asthma
      patients and healthy controls (HC) (N = 120). Single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). IL-13
      cytokine serum levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),
      and homology modelling of IL-13 A/G cytokine gene was performed through in silico
      analysis. In IL-13 130A/G cytokine gene AG, GG genotypes (p < 0.0042, OR = 2.87,
      CI 1.46-5.65; OR = 1.92, CI 1.06-3.48) were found to be significant in atopic
      asthma patients vs HC. The mean IL-13 serum cytokine levels were found to be
      significantly high in atopic (38.48 +/- 36.54) and non-atopic (36.05 +/- 34.54)
      asthma patients whereas total serum IgE levels were significantly high at p <
      0.0001 in atopic and low in non-atopic asthma patients at p < 0.003 compared to
      HC. In silico analysis indicated that residue IL-13 130 with charge modifying
      variants was crucial in ligand-receptor interactions. IL-13 cytokine serum levels
      were significantly high in atopic and non-atopic asthma patients compared to HC.
      The GG genotype of IL-13 130A/G cytokine gene might be involved in the induced
      production of total IgE and IL-13 cytokine serum levels suggesting IL-13 may be
      important in the signalling of asthma.

PMID- 28083767
TI  - A green one-pot three-component cascade reaction: the synthesis of 2-amino-5,8
      dihydro-3H-pyrido[2,3-D]pyrimidin-4-ones in aqueous medium.
AB  - A one-pot three-component cascade reaction for the green synthesis of a new class
      of 2-amino-5,8-dihydro-3H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones was developed from the
      condensation of aromatic aldehydes with 2,6-diaminopyrimidin-4(3H)-one and
      acetophenone derivatives or various cyclic ketones in the presence of a catalytic
      amount of sodium carbonate in a mixture of water and ethanol at 60  [Formula: see
      text]. This reaction led to the construction of two carbon-carbon bonds and one
      carbon-nitrogen bond in a single synthetic step.

PMID- 28083768
TI  - Invasive fungal tracheobronchitis in mechanically ventilated critically ill
      patients: underlying conditions, diagnosis, and outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal tracheobronchitis (IFT) is a severe form of pulmonary
      fungal infection that is not limited to immunocompromised patients. Although
      respiratory failure is a crucial predictor of death, information regarding IFT in
      critically ill patients is limited. METHODS: In this retrospective, multicenter,
      observational study, we enrolled adults diagnosed as having IFT who had been
      admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2007 and December 2015. Their
      demographics, clinical imaging data, bronchoscopic and histopathological
      findings, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: This study included 31 patients
      who had been diagnosed as having IFT, comprising 24 men and 7 women with a mean
      age of 64.7 +/- 13.7 years. All patients developed respiratory failure and
      received mechanical ventilation before diagnosis. Eighteen (58.1%) patients had
      diabetes mellitus, and 12 (38.7%) had chronic lung disease. Four (12.9%) patients
      had hematologic disease, and none of the patients had neutropenia. Twenty-five
      (80.6%) patients were diagnosed as having proven IFT, and the remaining patients
      had probable IFT. Aspergillus spp. (61.3%) were the most common pathogenic
      species, followed by Mucorales (25.8%) and Candida spp. (6.5%). The diagnoses in
      six (19.4%) patients were confirmed only through bronchial biopsy and
      histopathological examination, whereas their cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage
      fluid were negative for fungi. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 93.5%.
      CONCLUSIONS: IFT in critically ill patients results in a high mortality rate.
      Diabetes mellitus is the most prevalent underlying disease, followed by chronic
      lung disease. In addition to Aspergillus spp., Mucorales is another crucial
      pathogenic species. Bronchial lesion biopsy is the key diagnostic strategy.

PMID- 28083769
TI  - Identification of Caveolin-1 as an Invasion-Associated Gene in Liver Cancer Cells
      Using Dendron-Coated DNA Microarrays.
AB  - The conventional gene expression profiling approaches have been replaced with DNA
      microarrays with exhibiting a powerful high-throughput capacity. Most solid
      surfaces of DNA microarrays contain such a high area density of functional groups
      to immobilize capture DNAs to the surface that the hybridization of capture DNAs
      with cDNA can be hindered, resulting in low intensity and reproducibility. Since
      our previous works showed that the 9-acid dendron was able to increase the
      hybridization efficiency, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of 9-acid
      dendron-coated glass slides as an advanced microarray platform for gene
      expression profiling. The 9-acid dendron-coated DNA microarray could reproducibly
      obtain the expression levels of 2800 human cancer-associated genes in the two
      liver cancer lines: Hep3B and SK-Hep1. Among the differentially expressed genes,
      Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) was identified as the most highly up-regulated gene in
      invasive SK-Hep1 in comparison to non-motile Hep3B. The overexpression of Cav-1
      in Hep3B promoted the cell invasion, whereas its knockdown in SK-Hep1 suppressed
      the invasive feature, which confirms that the overexpression of Cav-1 is closely
      associated with cell invasion of liver carcinoma. Collectively, the 9-acid
      dendron-coated surface could successfully detect the transcript levels of cells,
      demonstrating its feasible potential to identify the candidate genes for further
      functional studies or diagnosis of diseases.

PMID- 28083770
TI  - Structure Characterization and Lead Detoxification Effect of Carboxymethylated
      Melanin Derived from Lachnum Sp.
AB  - In the present study, an intracellular melanin, named LIM205, was separated from
      Lachnum YM205 mycelia and was purified on a Sephadex G-15 column. The molecular
      weight of LIM205 was determined as 522 Da, and its molecular formula was
      speculated as C28H14N2O7S. The possible chemical structure of LIM205 was
      determined according to the results of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), 1H
      NMR, 13C NMR, and pyrolysis/GC-MS analysis. With the aim to increase its water
      solubility, its carboxymethylated derivative, named CLIM205, was formed by the
      substitution of hydrogen atoms in LIM205 with one, two, and three
      carboxymethylate groups. FT-IR, UV, and ESI-MS analysis demonstrated that the
      carboxymethylate groups were conjugated onto LIM205. The lead detoxification
      activities of LIM205 and CLIM205 had also been investigated. In vivo test showed
      that both LIM205 and CLIM205 reduced the tissue lead concentration, enhanced lead
      excretion, and reversed lead-induced alterations in superoxide dismutase (SOD),
      glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in
      mice, with CLIM205 showed better efficacy. The study indicates that LIM205 and
      CLIM205 have significant lead detoxification effect which will contribute to
      solve related problems.

PMID- 28083771
TI  - Sorting Carbon Nanotubes.
AB  - Sorting of single-wall carbon nanotubes by their electronic and atomic structures
      in liquid phases is reviewed in this chapter. We first introduce the sorting
      problem, and then provide an overview of several sorting methodologies, following
      roughly the chronological order of their development over the past 15 years or
      so. Major methods discussed include ion-exchange chromatography, density-gradient
      ultracentrifugation, selective extraction in organic solvents, gel
      chromatography, and aqueous two-phase extraction. A main focus of the review is
      on the common mechanisms underlining all sorting processes. We propose that
      differences in solvation among different nanotube species are the ultimate
      driving force of sorting, and we corroborate this proposal by presenting analysis
      on how the differences are realized in electronic-structure-based sorting and
      atomic-structure-based sorting. In the end, we offer some suggestions on future
      directions that may grow out of carbon nanotube sorting. In particular, the
      prospect of expanding the function of DNA/carbon nanotube hybrid to control inter
      particle interactions both inside and outside the nanotube is discussed.

PMID- 28083772
TI  - Pupillary correlates of covert shifts of attention during working memory
      maintenance.
AB  - The pupillary light reflex (PLR) was used to track covert shifts of attention to
      items maintained in visual working memory (VWM). In three experiments,
      participants performed a change detection task in which rectangles appeared on
      either side of fixation and at test participants indicated if the cued rectangle
      changed its orientation. Prior to presentation or during the delay, participants
      were cued to the light or dark side of the screen. When cued to the light side,
      the pupil constricted, and when cued to the dark side, the pupil dilated,
      suggesting that the PLR tracked covert shifts of attention. Similar covert shifts
      of attention were seen when the target stimuli remained onscreen and during a
      blank delay period, suggesting similar effects for attention to perceptual
      stimuli and attention to stimuli maintained in VWM. Furthermore, similar effects
      were demonstrated when participants were pre-cued or retro-cued to the
      prioritized location, suggesting that shifts of covert attention can occur both
      before and after target presentation. These results are consistent with prior
      research, suggesting an important role of covert shifts of attention during VWM
      maintenance and that the PLR can be used to track these covert shifts of
      attention.

PMID- 28083773
TI  - Assessment of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase
      (EROD) induction in sediment extracts from New Zealand urban estuaries.
AB  - Sediments represent a major sink for contaminants resulting from industrial and
      agricultural activities - especially lipophilic substances. This study
      exclusively used in vitro methodologies to characterize specific toxicity effects
      of contaminants in sediment extracts from two urban New Zealand estuaries.
      Sediment extracts were prepared and tested for a range of biological endpoints.
      The micronucleus and comet assays in V79 cells were used to assess genotoxicity.
      Induction of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase in piscine RTL-W1 cells was
      determined to estimate dioxin-like toxicity. Cytotoxic potentials were analyzed
      by neutral red uptake and MTT reduction. There was evidence of strong dioxin-like
      toxicity and moderate cytotoxicity. Genotoxicity was distinct in the micronucleus
      assay, but low in the comet assay. The results indicate the presence of chemicals
      in the sediments with the potential to pose a risk through multiple mechanisms of
      toxicity, the identities and amounts of which will be disclosed in a parallel
      study alongside with in vivo toxicity data.

PMID- 28083774
TI  - Does seed size and surface anatomy play role in combating phytotoxicity of
      nanoparticles?
AB  - Rapid utilization of nano-based products will inevitably release nanoparticles
      into the environment with unidentified consequences. Plants, being an integral
      part of ecosystem play a vital role in the incorporation of nanoparticles in food
      chain and thus, need to be critically assessed. The present study assesses the
      comparative phytotoxicity of nanoparticle, bulk and ionic forms of zinc at
      different concentrations on selected plant species with varying seed size and
      surface anatomy. ZnO nanoparticles were chosen in view of their wide spread use
      in cosmetics and health care products, which allow their direct release in the
      environment. The impact on germination rate, shoot & root length and vigour index
      were evaluated. A concentration dependent inhibition of seed germination as well
      as seedling length was observed in all the tested plants. Due to the presence of
      thick cuticle on testa and root, pearl millet (xerophytic plant) was found to be
      relatively less sensitive to ZnO nanoparticles as compared to wheat and tomato
      (mesophytic plants) with normal cuticle layer. No correlation was observed
      between nanoparticles toxicity and seed size. The results indicated that
      variations in surface anatomy of seeds play a crucial role in determining the
      phytotoxicity of nanoparticles. The present findings significantly contribute to
      assess potential consequences of nanoparticle release in environment particularly
      with major emphasis on plant systems. It is the first report which suggests that
      variations observed in phytotoxicity of nanoparticles is mainly due to the
      predominant differences in size and surface anatomy of tested plant seeds and
      root architecture. Effect of various concentrations of nano ZnO, bulk ZnO and
      zinc sulphate on the growth of pearl millet (A), tomato (B) and wheat (C)
      seedlings.

PMID- 28083775
TI  - The effect of sediment characteristics on bioturbation-mediated transfer of lead,
      in freshwater laboratory microcosms with Lumbriculus variegatus.
AB  - While it has been well established that sediment bioturbators can affect the fate
      of metals in aquatic systems and that the fate of metals there can depend on
      sediment characteristics, the interaction between these influences is not well
      known. The present study therefore investigated whether the influence of a
      sediment bioturbator on the fate of metals is affected by sediment
      characteristics. This was investigated using two laboratory microcosm experiments
      with lead-contaminated sediment and the oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus. The
      first experiment used sediment collected from five Toledo Bend reservoir sites
      that differed in sediment characteristics, and analyses looked at the influence
      of sediment organic matter, sediment silt/clay content, sediment pH, and pore
      water pH. In the second experiment, organic matter and silt/clay content of
      Toledo Bend reservoir sediment were varied experimentally using alpha-cellulose
      and clay, and Pb transfer to the water column and bioaccumulation were again
      quantified. Both experiments were conducted with sediment spiked with Pb to a
      concentration of 100 ug/g, at an oligochaete density of 6279 ind./m2. In the
      first experiment, the Pb concentrations in the water column and those in the
      worms at the end of the 14-day experiment differed among sediment-collection
      sites. Silt/clay content and sediment pH were the two most important variables
      influencing Pb transfer from sediment to the water column. A multiple regression
      model with these variables explained 58% of the variability in this lead
      transfer. For Pb accumulation by the worms, sediment organic matter and pore
      water pH were the two most important variables. This regression model explained
      85% of the variability in tissue Pb levels. In the second experiment, where the
      individual effects of the organic matter and silt/clay content on Pb transport
      and distribution were assessed, the use of sediment with more organic matter
      resulted in a reduction in both the Pb transfer to the water column and the
      accumulation in worms. The increase in the sediment's silt/clay content resulted
      in a reduction in Pb bioaccumulation only. Overall, the results of the present
      study demonstrate that sediment pH, pore-water pH, organic matter, and silt/clay
      content influence the bioturbation-mediated transfer and the environmental
      distribution of Pb.

PMID- 28083776
TI  - Serum progesterone trend after day of transfer predicts live birth in fresh IVF
      cycles.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our objective was to determine if a change in serum P4 from day of
      transfer (defined as day 19) to day 28 could predict live birth outcome in
      patients undergoing IVF. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of
      fresh IVF cycles from 2010 to 2013 at a single center. Primary outcomes include
      raw and percent change in serum P4, live birth rate, missed abortion, and
      biochemical pregnancies. RESULTS: Our results showed an association between live
      birth rate and percent change in P4. Patients with a 10% or greater drop in serum
      P4 from day 19 to day 28 had a lower live birth rate, at 26 versus 63%.
      Interestingly, both groups had "normal" serum P4 levels on day 19, but patients
      with a 10% or greater drop had lower P4 levels than their counterparts. There was
      no association between percent P4 change and spontaneous abortion or biochemical
      pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that percent drop in
      serum P4 from day of transfer to day 28 is associated with decreased rates of
      live birth and ongoing pregnancy in fresh IVF cycles, even despite "high or
      normal" P4 levels on day of transfer.

PMID- 28083777
TI  - Working Memory Impairments in Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: The Roles of
      Anxiety and Stress Physiology.
AB  - Stress and anxiety have a negative impact on working memory systems by competing
      for executive resources and attention. Broad memory deficits, anxiety, and
      elevated stress have been reported in individuals with chromosome 22q11.2
      deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). We investigated anxiety and physiological stress
      reactivity in relation to visuospatial working memory impairments in 20 children
      with 22q11.2DS and 32 typically developing (TD) children ages 7 to 16. Children
      with 22q11.2DS demonstrated poorer working memory, reduced post-stress
      respiratory sinus arrhythmia recovery, and overall increased levels of cortisol
      in comparison to TD children. Anxiety, but not physiological stress responsivity,
      mediated the relationship between 22q11.2DS diagnosis and visuospatial working
      memory impairment. Findings indicate that anxiety exacerbates impaired working
      memory in children with 22q11.2DS.

PMID- 28083778
TI  - Linguistic and Non-Linguistic Semantic Processing in Individuals with Autism
      Spectrum Disorders: An ERP Study.
AB  - Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience difficulties with
      language, particularly higher-level functions like semantic integration. Yet some
      studies indicate that semantic processing of non-linguistic stimuli is not
      impaired, suggesting a language-specific deficit in semantic processing. Using a
      semantic priming task, we compared event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to
      lexico-semantic processing (written words) and visuo-semantic processing
      (pictures) in adults with ASD and adults with typical development (TD). The ASD
      group showed successful lexico-semantic and visuo-semantic processing, indicated
      by similar N400 effects between groups for word and picture stimuli. However,
      differences in N400 latency and topography in word conditions suggested different
      lexico-semantic processing mechanisms: an expectancy-based strategy for the TD
      group but a controlled post-lexical integration strategy for the ASD group.

PMID- 28083779
TI  - Do Handwriting Difficulties Correlate with Core Symptomology, Motor Proficiency
      and Attentional Behaviours?
AB  - Handwriting is commonly identified as an area of weakness in children with autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD), but precise deficits have not been fully characterised.
      Boys with ASD (n = 23) and matched controls (n = 20) aged 8-12 years completed a
      simple, digitised task to objectively assess handwriting performance using
      advanced descriptive measures. Moderate to large associations were identified
      between handwriting performance and attention, ASD symptoms and motor
      proficiency. The ASD group demonstrated significantly less smooth movements and
      significantly greater sizing variability and peak velocity relative to controls.
      These findings provide a clearer indication of the specific nature of handwriting
      impairments in children with ASD, and suggest a relationship with core clinical
      symptom severity, attention and motor behaviours.

PMID- 28083780
TI  - What Difference Does It Make? Implicit, Explicit and Complex Social Cognition in
      Autism Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - We tested social cognition abilities of adolescents with autism spectrum
      disorders (ASD) and neurotypically developed peers (NTD). A multi-faceted test
      battery including facial emotion categorization (FEC), classical false belief
      tasks (FBT), and complex social cognition (SC), yielded significantly lower
      accuracy rates for FEC and complex SC tasks in ASD, but no significant
      differences in performance concerning FBT. A significant correlation between age
      and performance in a FEC task and in a complex task was found only in ASD. We
      propose that dynamic and/or fragmented FEC tasks can elicit deficits in implicit
      processing of facial emotion more efficiently. The difficulties of ASD in solving
      complex SC tasks can be ascribed to deficits in the acquisition and application
      of social schemata.

PMID- 28083781
TI  - Dietary fatty acids influence the growth and fatty acid composition of the yellow
      mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).
AB  - Fat is the second most abundant component of the nutrient composition of the
      mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) that represents also an
      interesting source of PUFA, especially n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, involved in
      prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the possibility of
      modifying the fat content and the FA composition of yellow mealworms through
      feeding and how this would be influenced by developmental stages, pupal sex, and
      generation with the future aim of applying this coleopteran as a diet supplement
      for human health. Growth rate and cumulative mortality percentage on the
      different feeding substrates were also evaluated to select the optimal conditions
      for a mass-raising of this insect species. Despite the different fat content in
      the six different breeding substrates used, T. molitor larvae and pupae contained
      a constant fat percentage (>34% in larvae and >30% in pupae). A similar total fat
      content was found comparing larvae and male and female pupae of the second
      generation to those of the first generation. On the contrary, FA composition
      differed both in larvae and pupae reared on the different feeding substrates.
      However, the exemplars reared on the diets based on 100% bread and 100% oat flour
      showed SFA, PUFA percentages, and an n-6/n-3 ratio more suitable for human
      consumption; the diet based on beer yeast, wheat flour, and oat flour resulted in
      a contemporary diet that most satisfied the balance between a fat composition of
      high quality and favorable growth conditions.

PMID- 28083782
TI  - Current issues in postmortem imaging of perinatal and forensic childhood deaths.
AB  - Perinatal autopsy practice is undergoing a state of change with the introduction
      of evidence-based cross-sectional imaging, driven primarily by parental choice.
      In particular, the introduction of post mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR)
      has helped to advance less-invasive perinatal autopsy in the United Kingdom (UK)
      and Europe. However, there are limitations to PMMR and other imaging techniques
      which need to be overcome, particularly with regard to imaging very small
      fetuses. Imaging is also now increasingly used to investigate particular deaths
      in childhood, such as suspected non-accidental injury (NAI) and sudden unexpected
      death in infancy (SUDI). Here we focus on current topical developments the field,
      with particular emphasis on the application of imaging to perinatal autopsy, and
      pediatric forensic deaths. Different imaging modalities and their relative
      advantages and disadvantages are discussed, together with other benefits of more
      advanced cross-sectional imaging which currently lie in the research domain.
      Whilst variations in local imaging service provision and need may determine
      different practice patterns, and access to machines and professionals with
      appropriate expertise and experience to correctly interpret the findings may
      limit current practices, we propose that gold standard perinatal and pediatric
      autopsy services would include complete PMMR imaging prior to autopsy, with PMCT
      in suspicious childhood deaths. This approach would provide maximal diagnostic
      yield to the pathologist, forensic investigator and most importantly, the
      parents.

PMID- 28083783
TI  - Flower structure and developmental stages of the capitulum of Smallanthus
      sonchifolius (Asteraceae): reproductive implications.
AB  - Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius, Asteraceae) is an ancient andean crop that has
      numerous dietary and medicinal properties. Morphological and anatomical features
      and developmental changes of the capitulum were studied. A ray floret is a
      pistillate, female flower, while a disc floret is a staminate male flower, and
      the former opens before the latter, being pseudanthium protogynous. The capitulum
      presents interesting attributes for pollinators such as flower structure,
      nectaries and pollenkitt. Gynoecial nectaries were found on undeveloped ovary in
      the disc floret, but not in the ray floret. Glandular trichomes were observed on
      the abaxial epidermis of corolla in the ray floret, but not in the disc floret.
      Capitulum development was divided into eight stages. Stigma receptivity varied
      with these stages. Pollen viability was low (15%). In accordance with low
      viability, pollen grains exhibit diverse sizes and shapes, reduction in length of
      spines, and abnormal protoplasm. Examination of ovary development in the ray
      floret showed that a mature ovule was formed, but fertilization did not occur. In
      advanced developmental stages, the capitulum showed proliferation of the
      endothelium, degeneration of the embryo sac, and all harvested cypselae had
      aborted seeds. Problems found in pollen viability and aborted cypselae could be
      the result of a history of vegetative propagation in the domestication process.

PMID- 28083785
TI  - Erratum to: Association Between Statin Use and Bell's Palsy: A Population-Based
      Study.

PMID- 28083784
TI  - Understanding Parkinson's Disease through the Use of Cell Reprogramming.
AB  - Recent progress in the field of somatic cell reprogramming offers exciting new
      possibilities for the study and treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD).
      Reprogramming technology offers the ability to untangle the diverse contributing
      risk factors for PD, such as ageing, genetics and environmental toxins. In order
      to gain novel insights into such a complex disease, cell-based models of PD
      should represent, as closely as possible, aged human dopaminergic neurons of the
      substantia nigra. However, the generation of high yields of functionally mature,
      authentic ventral midbrain dopamine (vmDA) neurons has not been easy to achieve.
      Furthermore, ensuring cells represent aged rather than embryonic neurons has
      presented a significant challenge. To date, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells
      have received much attention for modelling PD. Nonetheless, direct reprogramming
      strategies (either to a neuronal or neural stem/progenitor fate) represent a
      valid alternative that are yet to be extensively explored. Direct reprogramming
      is faster and more efficient than iPS cell reprogramming, and appears to conserve
      age-related markers. At present, however, protocols aiming to derive authentic,
      mature vmDA neurons by direct reprogramming of adult human somatic cells are
      sorely lacking. This review will discuss the strategies that have been employed
      to generate vmDA neurons and their potential for the study and treatment of PD.

PMID- 28083787
TI  - Two cases of serious rhabdomyolysis during linezolid treatment.
AB  - Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic with activity against gram-positive
      organisms, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). To
      the best of our knowledge, there are only two case reports on rhabdomyolysis in
      patients treated with linezolid. Here, we describe two cases of serious
      rhabdomyolysis: one in a patient with septic community-acquired (CA)-MRSA
      pneumonia and a second case in a patient with suspected catheter-related blood
      stream infection.

PMID- 28083786
TI  - Effects of the functional HOTAIR rs920778 and rs12826786 genetic variants in
      glioma susceptibility and patient prognosis.
AB  - Abnormal expression of the long non-coding RNA HOX transcript antisense
      intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is oncogenic in several human cancers, including gliomas.
      The HOTAIR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs920778 (C > T) and rs12826786
      (C > T) present in the intronic enhancer and promoter regions of HOTAIR,
      respectively, are associated with expression, cancer susceptibility, and patient
      prognosis in some tumor types. However, the relevance of these HOTAIR SNPs has
      not been studied in glioma. Here, we report a case-control study comprising 177
      Portuguese glioma patients and 199 cancer-free controls. All subjects were
      genotyped by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). No
      statistically significant differences were found in the genotype or allele
      distributions of either rs920778 or rs12826786 between glioma patients and
      controls, suggesting these SNPs are not associated with glioma risk. No
      significant associations were found between rs920778 variants and HOTAIR
      expression levels, while rs12826786 CT genotype was associated with increased
      intratumoral HOTAIR RNA levels when compared to TT genotype (p-value = 0.04).
      Univariate (Log-rank) and multivariate (Cox proportional) analyses showed both
      rs920778 CT and rs12826786 CT genotypes were significantly associated with longer
      overall survival of WHO grade III anaplastic oligodendroglioma patients. Our
      results suggest that HOTAIR SNPs rs920778 and rs12826786 do not play a
      significant role in glioma susceptibility, but may be important prognostic
      factors in anaplastic oligodendroglioma patients. Future studies are warranted to
      validate and expand these findings, and to further dissect the importance of
      these SNPs in glioma.

PMID- 28083788
TI  - Erratum to: HIV and Aging Research in Women: An Overview.

PMID- 28083790
TI  - Role of the Orexin/Hypocretin System in Stress-Related Psychiatric Disorders.
AB  - Orexins (hypocretins) are critically involved in coordinating appropriate
      physiological and behavioral responses to aversive and threatening stimuli. Acute
      stressors engage orexin neurons via direct projections from stress-sensitive
      brain regions. Orexin neurons, in turn, facilitate adaptive behavior via
      reciprocal connections as well as via direct projections to the hypophysiotropic
      neurons that coordinate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to
      stress. Consequently, hyperactivity of the orexin system is associated with
      increased motivated arousal and anxiety, and is emerging as a key feature of
      panic disorder. Accordingly, there has been significant interest in the
      therapeutic potential of pharmacological agents that antagonize orexin signaling
      at their receptors for the treatment of anxiety disorders. In contrast, disorders
      characterized by inappropriately low levels of motivated arousal, such as
      depression, generally appear to be associated with hypoactivity of the orexin
      system. This includes narcolepsy with cataplexy, a disorder characterized by the
      progressive loss of orexin neurons and increased rates of moderate/severe
      depression symptomology. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of both
      clinical and preclinical evidence highlighting the role of orexin signaling in
      stress reactivity, as well as how perturbations to this system can result in
      dysregulated behavioral phenotypes.

PMID- 28083789
TI  - Co-Expression of Putative Cancer Stem Cell Markers CD44 and CD133 in Prostate
      Carcinomas.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the main players of prostate tumorigenesis thus;
      characterization of CSCs can pave the way for understanding the early detection,
      drug resistance, metastasis and relapse. The current study was conducted to
      evaluate the expression level and clinical significance of the potential CSC
      markers CD44 and CD133 in a series of prostate tissues. One hundred and forty
      eight prostate tissues composed of prostate cancer (PCa), high-grade prostatic
      intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) were
      immunostained for the putative CSC markers CD44 and CD133. Subsequently, the
      correlation between the expression of these markers and the clinicopathological
      variables was examined. A higher level of CD44 expression was observed in 42% of
      PCa, 57% of HGPIN, and 42% BPH tissues. In the case of CD133 expression PCa,
      HGPIN, and BPH samples demonstrated high immunoreactivity in 46%, 43%, and 42% of
      cells, respectively. Statistical analysis showed an inverse significant
      correlation between CD44 expression with Gleason score of PCa (P = 0.02), while
      no significant correlation was observed between CD133 expression and
      clinicopathological parameters. A significant reciprocal correlation was observed
      between the expression of two putative CSC markers CD44 and CD133 in PCa
      specimens while not indicating clinical significance. Further clinical
      investigation is required to consider these markers as targets of new therapeutic
      strategies for PCa.

PMID- 28083791
TI  - Vertex stability and topological transitions in vertex models of foams and
      epithelia.
AB  - In computer simulations of dry foams and of epithelial tissues, vertex models are
      often used to describe the shape and motion of individual cells. Although these
      models have been widely adopted, relatively little is known about their basic
      theoretical properties. For example, while fourfold vertices in real foams are
      always unstable, it remains unclear whether a simplified vertex model description
      has the same behavior. Here, we study vertex stability and the dynamics of T1
      topological transitions in vertex models. We show that, when all edges have the
      same tension, stationary fourfold vertices in these models do indeed always break
      up. In contrast, when tensions are allowed to depend on edge orientation,
      fourfold vertices can become stable, as is observed in some biological systems.
      More generally, our formulation of vertex stability leads to an improved
      treatment of T1 transitions in simulations and paves the way for studies of more
      biologically realistic models that couple topological transitions to the dynamics
      of regulatory proteins.

PMID- 28083792
TI  - Three-body potential for simulating bond swaps in molecular dynamics.
AB  - Novel soft matter materials join the resistance of a permanent mesh of strong
      inter-particle bonds with the self-healing and restructuring properties allowed
      by bond-swapping processes. Theoretical and numerical studies of the dynamics of
      coarse-grained models of covalent adaptable networks and vitrimers require
      effective algorithms for modelling the corresponding evolution of the network
      topology. Here I propose a simple trick for performing molecular dynamics
      simulations of bond-swapping network systems with particle-level description. The
      method is based on the addition of a computationally non-expensive three-body
      repulsive potential that encodes for the single-bond per particle condition and
      establishes a flat potential energy surface for the bond swap.

PMID- 28083793
TI  - Role and significance of wetting pressures during droplet impact on structured
      superhydrophobic surfaces.
AB  - The impact dynamics and spreading behavior of droplets impinging on structured
      superhydrophobic surfaces are dependent on both the droplet initial conditions
      and the surface texture. The equivalence of wetting and dewetting pressures is
      classically known to be a critical factor in determining the state of a droplet
      during the contact and spreading phases. The present study extensively examines
      the underlying physics behind this pressure balance during the impact process and
      its direct role in determining the wetting process. Extensive three-dimensional
      simulations employing droplet impact on a structured superhydrophobic surface has
      been performed to reveal the intricacies of the interactivities of the fluid with
      the microstructure. Insight onto the acute role of wetting pressures and the
      implications of the same on determining the wetting dynamics, with internal
      fluidics of the droplet during the impact process, has been discussed. The
      phenomenon of state transition from the Cassie-Baxter to the Wenzel up on impact
      is also investigated and the intricate flow mechanics at play within the posts
      has been presented. Knowledge of pressure distribution and internal flow
      structures within the droplet during its interaction with the surface at
      different instances of time reveals the root mechanism behind the impalement of
      the droplet to a fully wetting state. Analysis of the internal pressure and flow
      distribution also presents necessary justification for the existence of a
      partially impaled state. The time evolution of spread for different scenarios is
      in agreement with experimental results and the article provides insight onto the
      role of wetting pressure in determining fluidic interactions on such surfaces.

PMID- 28083794
TI  - A Case Report of Widespread Majocchi's Granuloma in a Patient with Systemic Lupus
      Erythematosus.
AB  - Majocchi's granuloma is an intracutaneous or subcutaneous granulomatous
      inflammation caused by invasion of dermatophytic fungus, especially Trichophyton
      rubrum. This type of lesion is misdiagnosed frequently without proper auxiliary
      examination. Here, we report a case of widespread Majocchi's granuloma caused by
      T. rubrum in a 35-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus for 9 years.
      The patient was initially misdiagnosed as SLE-associated skin lesions, which
      delayed her treatment and resulted in severe multiple disseminated lesions. After
      confirmed as Majocchi's granuloma, the patient was cured after 11-month treatment
      with terbinafine.

PMID- 28083795
TI  - Characterization and toxicity of hospital wastewaters in Turkey.
AB  - The aim of the study was to present first preliminary characterization of Turkish
      hospital wastewaters, their environmental risk, and a method for toxicity
      assessment. The hospital wastewater samples were collected from two of the
      largest medical faculty hospitals and a training and research hospital in
      Istanbul, Turkey. The samples from the selected hospitals were taken as grab
      samples on March 2014. Overall, 55 substances including pharmaceuticals and their
      metabolites, pesticides, and corrosion inhibitors were analyzed in all hospital
      wastewaters. Analysis of toxicity and the antibiotic resistance bacteria were
      investigated in addition to the chemical analysis in the wastewater of one
      hospital. Hazard quotients (HQs) and toxic units (TUs) were calculated as basis
      of the environmental risk assessment. Fourteen pharmaceuticals in hospital
      wastewater (HWW) were classified as "high risk" with HQ > 10. HQHWW values higher
      than 100 were determined for five antibiotics and one analgesic, namely,
      ofloxacin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, sulfapyridine, trimethoprim, and
      diclofenac. Ofloxacin with an HQHWW of 9090 was observed to be the most hazardous
      compound. HQ and TU values of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent
      dropped significantly due to dilution in the sewer. Further elimination by
      biological degradation or adsorption was observed only in some cases. However,
      the decreased HQWWTPeffluent values do not the change environmental load
      significantly. Therefore, advanced treatment processes should be applied to
      remove the persistent compounds. In combination with the results on antibiotic
      resistance, we would prefer on-site treatment of hospital wastewater.
      Toxicological assessment was performed using cytotoxic and mutagenic screening
      tests. The results of the Ames assay showed that the native hospital wastewaters
      had strongly mutagenic activity with a <=10-fold increase relative to negative
      controls. The mutagenic potentials of the samples were generally concentration
      and metabolic activation dependent. Multiple antibiotic resistances were
      demonstrated with the tested isolates to ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, and
      ceftazidime. This study demonstrates that the hospital wastewaters in Istanbul
      exhibit strong environmental and toxicological risks, as well as high multiple
      drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics.

PMID- 28083797
TI  - Population Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model of Oral Fludrocortisone and
      Intravenous Hydrocortisone in Healthy Volunteers.
AB  - This study aimed at describing the pharmacokinetics and the concentration-effect
      relationships of fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone on urinary sodium/potassium
      excretion in healthy volunteers. This was a placebo-controlled, randomized,
      double blind, crossover study, of oral fludrocortisone and intravenous
      hydrocortisone, given alone or in combination, in 12 healthy male volunteers.
      Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling was used to describe the pharmacokinetics and
      pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships on urinary sodium/potassium ratio
      for each drug. A one-compartment model was used to describe fludrocortisone and
      hydrocortisone pharmacokinetics. Mean plasma half-life was 1.40 h (95%CI
      [0.80;2.10]) for fludrocortisone and 2.10 h (95%CI [1.78;2.40]) for
      hydrocortisone. Clearance was 40.8 L/h (95%CI [33.6;48]) for fludrocortisone and
      30 L/h (95%CI [25.3;34.7]) for hydrocortisone. An indirect response model was
      used to describe effects on urinary sodium/potassium ratio. Fludrocortisone
      plasma concentrations showed a wider inter-individual dispersion than
      hydrocortisone plasma concentrations. Urinary sodium/potassium ratio variability
      was also higher with fludrocortisone as compared to hydrocortisone. The plasma
      concentration of drug producing 50% of maximal inhibition of urinary
      sodium/potassium (IC50) was about 200 times lower for fludrocortisone (0.08
      MUg/L, 95%CI [0.035;0.125]) than for hydrocortisone (16.7 MUg/L, 95%CI
      [10.5;22.9]). Simulations showed that a 4-time per day administration regimen
      allow to achieve steady fludrocortisone plasma concentrations with stable
      decrease in urinary sodium/potassium ratio after the second administration of
      fludrocortisone. Fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone have short and similar plasma
      elimination half-lives in healthy subjects. Fludrocortisone plasma concentrations
      and effect on urinary sodium/potassium ratio had a higher inter-individual
      variability as compared to hydrocortisone. The administration regimen of
      fludrocortisone should be reconsidered.

PMID- 28083796
TI  - Approaches to Mitigate the Unwanted Immunogenicity of Therapeutic Proteins during
      Drug Development.
AB  - All biotherapeutics have the potential to induce an immune response. This
      immunological response is complex and, in addition to antibody formation,
      involves T cell activation and innate immune responses that could contribute to
      adverse effects. Integrated immunogenicity data analysis is crucial to
      understanding the possible clinical consequences of anti-drug antibody (ADA)
      responses. Because patient- and product-related factors can influence the
      immunogenicity of a therapeutic protein, a risk-based approach is recommended and
      followed by most drug developers to provide insight over the potential harm of
      unwanted ADA responses. This paper examines mitigation strategies currently
      implemented and novel under investigation approaches used by drug developers. The
      review describes immunomodulatory regimens used in the clinic to mitigate
      deleterious ADA responses to replacement therapies for deficiency syndromes, such
      as hemophilia A and B, and high risk classical infantile Pompe patients (e.g.,
      cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, rituximab); novel in silico and in vitro
      prediction tools used to select candidates based on their immunogenicity
      potential (e.g., anti-CD52 antibody primary sequence and IFN beta-1a
      formulation); in vitro generation of tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells (APCs)
      to reduce ADA responses to factor VIII and IX in murine models of hemophilia; and
      selection of novel delivery systems to reduce in vivo ADA responses to highly
      immunogenic biotherapeutics (e.g., asparaginase). We conclude that mitigation
      strategies should be considered early in development for biotherapeutics based on
      our knowledge of existing clinical data for biotherapeutics and the immune
      response involved in the generation of these ADAs.

PMID- 28083798
TI  - Reliability of orthostatic beat-to-beat blood pressure tests: implications for
      population and clinical studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the test-retest reliability of orthostatic beat-to-beat
      blood pressure responses to active standing and related clinical definitions of
      orthostatic hypotension. METHODS: A random sample of community-dwelling older
      adults from the pan-European Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe,
      Ireland underwent a health assessment that mimicked that of the Irish
      Longitudinal Study on Ageing. An active stand test was performed using continuous
      blood pressure measurements. Participants attended a repeat assessment 4-12 weeks
      after the initial measurement. A mixed-effects regression model estimated the
      reliability and minimum detectable change while controlling for fixed observer
      and time of day effects. RESULTS: A total of 125 individuals underwent repeat
      assessment (mean age 66.2 +/- 7.5 years; 55.6% female). Mean time between visits
      was 84.3 +/- 23.3 days. There was no significant mean difference in heart rate or
      blood pressure recovery variables between the first and repeat assessments.
      Minimum detectable change was noted for changes from resting values in systolic
      blood pressure (26.4 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (13.7 mmHg) at 110 s and
      for changes in heart rate (10.9 bpm) from resting values at 30 s after standing.
      Intra-class correlation values ranged from 0.47 for nadir values to 0.80 for
      heart rate and systolic blood pressure values measured 110 s after standing.
      CONCLUSION: Continuous orthostatic beat-to-beat blood pressure and related
      clinical definitions show low to moderate reliability and substantial natural
      variation over a 4-12-week period. Understanding variation in measures is
      essential for study design or estimating the effects of orthostatic hypotension,
      while clinically it can be used when evaluating longer term treatment effects.

PMID- 28083799
TI  - Flow of essential elements in subcellular fractions during oxidative stress.
AB  - Essential trace elements are commonly found in altered concentrations in the
      brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies in trace metal
      determination and quantification are conducted in tissue, cell culture or whole
      brain. In the present investigation, we determined by ICP-MS Fe, Cu, Zn, Ca, Se,
      Co, Cr, Mg, and Mn in organelles (mitochondria, nuclei) and whole motor neuron
      cell cultured in vitro. We performed experiments using two ways to access
      oxidative stress: cell treatments with H2O2 or Abeta-42 peptide in its oligomeric
      form. Both treatments caused accumulation of markers of oxidative stress, such as
      oxidized proteins and lipids, and alteration in DNA. Regarding trace elements,
      cells treated with H2O2 showed higher levels of Zn and lower levels of Ca in
      nuclei when compared to control cells with no oxidative treatments. On the other
      hand, cells treated with Abeta-42 peptide in its oligomeric form showed higher
      levels of Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn in nuclei when compared to control cells. These
      differences showed that metal flux in cell organelles during an intrinsic
      external oxidative condition (H2O2 treatment) are different from an intrinsic
      external neurodegenerative treatment.

PMID- 28083800
TI  - Assessing disparities in colorectal cancer mortality by socioeconomic status
      using new tools: health disparities calculator and socioeconomic quintiles.
AB  - PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer mortality rates dropped by half in the past three
      decades, but these gains were accompanied by striking differences in colorectal
      cancer mortality by socioeconomic status (SES). Our research objective is to
      examine disparities in colorectal cancer mortality by SES, using a scientifically
      rigorous and reproducible approach with publicly available online tools, HD*Calc
      and NCI SES Quintiles. METHODS: All reported colorectal cancer deaths in the
      United States from 1980 to 2010 were categorized into NCI SES quintiles and
      assessed at the county level. Joinpoint was used to test for significant changes
      in trends. Absolute and relative concentration indices (CI) were computed with
      HD*Calc to graph change in disparity over time. RESULTS: Disparities by SES
      significantly declined until 1993-1995, and then increased until 2010, due to a
      mortality drop in populations living in high SES areas that exceeded the
      mortality drop in lower SES areas. HD*Calc results were consistent for both
      absolute and relative concentration indices. Inequality aversion parameter
      weights of 2, 4, 6 and 8 were compared to explore how much colorectal cancer
      mortality was concentrated in the poorest quintile compared to the richest
      quintile. Weights larger than 4 did not increase the slope of the disparities
      trend. CONCLUSIONS: There is consistent evidence for a significant crossover in
      colorectal cancer disparity from 1980 to 2010. Trends in disparity can be
      accurately and readily summarized using the HD*Calc tool. The disparity trend,
      combined with published information on the timing of screening and treatment
      uptake, is concordant with the idea that introduction of medical screening and
      treatment leads to lower uptake in lower compared to higher SES populations and
      that differential uptake yields disparity in population mortality.

PMID- 28083803
TI  - Reducing Out-of-Pocket Costs to Coordinate Prescription Medication Benefit Design
      with Chronic Disease Outreach and Clinical Care.

PMID- 28083801
TI  - Unravelling the Lesser Known Facets of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertension is an important risk factor in various
      pathologies. Despite enormous advancements in health sciences, the number of
      hypertensive individuals is increasing worldwide. The complex interplay between
      genetic and epigenetic factors seems to be a promising pathway to exploring the
      pathophysiology of hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS: Various single gene and genome
      wide association studies have generated huge but non-reproducible data that
      highlights the role of some additional but as yet unidentified factor(s) in
      disease outcome. Dietary pattern and epigenetic mechanism (mainly DNA
      methylation) have shown a profound effect on blood pressure regulation.
      Angiotensin II and its receptors are known to play an important role in
      maintaining blood pressure; hence, a larger section of antihypertensive drugs
      targets the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Angiotensin II type 1 receptor
      (AT1R), besides maintaining blood pressure, also has a role in cancer
      progression. Besides other pathways, RAS still remains the main player in blood
      pressure regulation. Additionally, AT1R has recently emerged as a molecule with
      diverse roles ranging from physiologic to cancer progression.

PMID- 28083804
TI  - Improved surgical procedure using intraoperative navigation for the implantation
      of the SPG microstimulator in patients with chronic cluster headache.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The ATI SPG microstimulator is designed to be fixed on the
      posterior maxilla, with the integrated lead extending into the pterygopalatine
      fossa to electrically stimulate the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) as a treatment
      for cluster headache. Preoperative surgical planning to ensure the placement of
      the microstimulator in close proximity (within 5 mm) to the SPG is critical for
      treatment efficacy. The aim of this study was to improve the surgical procedure
      by navigating the initial dissection prior to implantation using a passive
      optical navigation system and to match the post-operative CBCT images with the
      preoperative treatment plan to verify the accuracy of the intraoperative
      placement of the microstimulator. METHODS: Custom methods and software were used
      that result in a 3D rotatable digitally reconstructed fluoroscopic image
      illustrating the patient-specific placement with the ATI SPG microstimulator.
      Those software tools were preoperatively integrated with the planning software of
      the navigation system to be used intraoperatively for navigated placement.
      Intraoperatively, the SPG microstimulator was implanted by completing the initial
      dissection with CT navigation, while the final position of the stimulator was
      verified by 3D CBCT. Those reconstructed images were then immediately matched
      with the preoperative CT scans with the digitally inserted SPG microstimulator.
      This method allowed for visual comparison of both CT scans and verified correct
      positioning of the SPG microstimulator. RESULTS: Twenty-four surgeries were
      performed using this new method of CT navigated assistance during SPG
      microstimulator implantation. Those results were compared to results of 21
      patients previously implanted without the assistance of CT navigation. Using CT
      navigation during the initial dissection, an average distance reduction of 1.2 mm
      between the target point and electrode tip of the SPG microstimulator was
      achieved. Using the navigation software for navigated implantation and matching
      the preoperative planned scans with those performed post-operatively, the average
      distance was 2.17 mm with navigation, compared to 3.37 mm in the 28 surgeries
      without navigation. CONCLUSION: Results from this new procedure showed a
      significant reduction (p = 0.009) in the average distance from the SPG
      microstimulator to the desired target point. Therefore, a distinct improvement
      could be achieved in positioning of the SPG microstimulator through the use of
      intraoperative navigation during the initial dissection and by post-operative
      matching of pre- and post-operatively performed CBCT scans.

PMID- 28083805
TI  - Early Minocycline and Late FK506 Treatment Improves Survival and Alleviates
      Neuroinflammation, Neurodegeneration, and Behavioral Deficits in Prion-Infected
      Hamsters.
AB  - Prion infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are characterized by initial
      reactive gliosis followed by overt neuronal death. Gliosis is likely to be caused
      initially by the deposition of misfolded, proteinase K-resistant, isoforms
      (termed PrPSc) of the normal cellular prion protein (PrPc) in the brain.
      Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines released by PrPSc-activated glia and
      stressed neurons may also contribute directly or indirectly to the disease
      development by enhancing gliosis and inducing neurotoxicity. Recent studies have
      illustrated that early neuroinflammation activates nuclear factor of activated T
      cells (NFAT) in the calcineurin signaling cascade, resulting in nuclear
      translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) to promote apoptosis. Hence,
      useful therapeutic approaches to slow down the course of prion disease
      development should control early inflammatory responses to suppress NFAT
      signaling. Here we used a hamster model of prion diseases to test, for the first
      time, the neuroprotective and NFAT-suppressive effect of a second-generation
      semisynthetic tetracycline derivative, minocycline, versus a calcineurin
      inhibitor, FK506, with known NFAT suppressive activity. Our results indicate that
      prolonged treatment with minocycline, starting from the presymptomatic stage of
      prion disease was more effective than FK506 given either during the
      presymptomatic or symptomatic stage of prion disease. Specifically, minocycline
      treatment reduced the expression of the astrocyte activation marker glial
      fibrillary acidic protein and of the microglial activation marker ionized calcium
      binding adapter molecule-1, subsequently reducing the level of proinflammatory
      cytokines interleukin 1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. We further found
      that minocycline and FK506 treatment inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase
      p38 phosphorylation and NF-kappaB nuclear translocation in a caspase-dependent
      manner, and enhanced phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response
      element-binding protein and phosphorylated Bcl2-associated death promoter levels
      to reduce cognitive impairment and apoptosis. Taken together, our results
      indicate that minocycline is a better choice for prolonged use in prion diseases
      and encourage its further clinical development as a possible treatment for this
      disease.

PMID- 28083807
TI  - Redox-Switchable New Phthalocyanines Containing Hydrazono-Thiazole-Carboxylate
      Fragments: Synthesis, Electrochemical, Spectroelectrochemical and
      Electrocolorimetric Investigation.
AB  - New phthalonitrile compound with Schiff base, carbothioamide and thiazole
      moieties as substituents and its corresponding metal-free and
      metallophthalocyanines (Zn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Cu(II)) were synthesized and
      characterized for the first time. The solubilities of these novel phthalocyanines
      were high in organic solvents. The redox properties of the compounds have been
      researched by cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, controlled-potential
      coulometry and in situ spectroelectrochemistry in dimethylsulfoxide. The
      compounds displayed metal and/or phthalocyanine ring-based, generally reversible
      or quasi-reversible reduction and oxidation processes. The effect of aggregation
      on the redox behavior of these complexes was also discussed. In general,
      decreased intensity and broadening in the main Q absorption band and the
      appearance of a new blue-shifted band confirmed the presence of H-type aggregates
      in the solutions of the complexes 4, 6 and 8 in DMSO/TBAP. The color changes
      associated with the redox processes and electrogenerated anionic and cationic
      redox species were also recorded with in situ electrocolorimetric measurements.
      In situ UV-vis spectral and associated color changes monitored during the
      reduction processes of the complexes suggested their applicability in the fields
      of the electrochemical technologies.

PMID- 28083806
TI  - New Directions in Anti-Angiogenic Therapy for Glioblastoma.
AB  - Anti-angiogenic therapy has become an important component in the treatment of
      many solid tumors given the importance of adequate blood supply for tumor growth
      and metastasis. Despite promising preclinical data and early clinical trials,
      anti-angiogenic agents have failed to show a survival benefit in randomized
      controlled trials of patients with glioblastoma. In particular, agents targeting
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appear to prolong progression free
      survival, possibly improve quality of life, and decrease steroid usage, yet the
      trials to date have demonstrated no extension of overall survival. In order to
      improve duration of response and convey a survival benefit, additional research
      is still needed to explore alternative pro-angiogenic pathways, mechanisms of
      resistance, combination strategies, and biomarkers to predict therapeutic
      response.

PMID- 28083808
TI  - Heat Acclimation of Bifidobacterium longum and Proteomic Changes Behind It.
AB  - Bifidobacterium is an important probiotic bacterium and extensively applied to
      functional food. Its survival is strongly affected by the heat-shock process
      during manufacture. Acclimation is thought to be able to enhance
      Bifidobacterium's resistance to heat stress; however, so far little is known
      about the protein expression changes underlying the adaptation process. In this
      study, the appropriate acclimation temperature for Bifidobacterium longum was
      determined as 43  degrees C, and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis-based
      proteomic analysis was performed to reveal the protein changes in expression
      levels behind heat acclimation. Twenty proteins displayed significantly
      expression changes after heat acclimation, including general stress response
      proteins, metabolic enzymes, components of ABC transporters, transcriptional
      regulators, and hypothetical proteins. Two important chaperones GroEL and IbpA
      were found to be induced during heat acclimation, implying that they might play
      key roles in the heat resistance of acclimation. Although many further studies
      are needed to explore the complex mechanisms, this study enhances the
      understanding of protein changes underlying the heat acclimation of
      Bifidobacterium and provides important molecular clues for its future research.

PMID- 28083809
TI  - Effects of Dietary Bacillus licheniformis on Gut Physical Barrier, Immunity, and
      Reproductive Hormones of Laying Hens.
AB  - Previous study showed that dietary Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis)
      administration contributes to the improvement of laying performance and egg
      quality in laying hens. In this study, we aimed to further evaluate its
      underlying mechanisms. Three hundred sixty Hy-Line Variety W-36 hens (28 weeks of
      age) were randomized into four groups, each group with six replications (n = 15).
      The control group received the basal diet and the treatment groups received the
      same basal diets supplemented with 0.01, 0.03, and 0.06% B. licheniformis powder
      (2 * 1010 cfu/g) for an 8-week trial. The results demonstrate that B.
      licheniformis significantly enhance the intestinal barrier functions via
      decreasing gut permeability, promoting mucin-2 transcription, and regulating
      inflammatory cytokines. The systemic immunity of layers in B. licheniformis
      treatment groups is improved through modulating the specific and non-specific
      immunity. In addition, gene expressions of hormone receptors, including estrogen
      receptor alpha, estrogen receptor beta, and follicle-stimulating hormone
      receptor, are also regulated by B. licheniformis. Meanwhile, compared with the
      control, B. licheniformis significantly increase gonadotropin-releasing hormone
      level, but markedly reduce ghrelin and inhibin secretions. Overall, our data
      suggest that dietary inclusion of B. licheniformis can improve the intestinal
      barrier function and systemic immunity and regulate reproductive hormone
      secretions, which contribute to better laying performance and egg quality of
      hens.

PMID- 28083811
TI  - Abstracts from HSG 2016: Discovering Our Future, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the
      Huntington Study Group (HSG).

PMID- 28083812
TI  - Effect of Dendrobium officinale on D-galactose-induced aging mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of Dendrobium officinale (DO) on D-galactose
      induced aging mice. METHODS: Aging mice was induced by D-galactose at 0.125 g/kg
      for 10 weeks through subcutaneous injection except for the negative control
      group. After 10 days, according to complete random design, the aging modeling
      mice were randomized into 4 groups: aging control group (10 ML.kg-1.d-1) of
      distilled water), positive control group (vitamin B6 and ganodema lucidum tablets
      with a dose of 1 tablet/kg), DO-1 treatment group (DO juice with a dose of 1
      g/kg), DO-2 treatment group (DO Polysaccharide with a dose of 0.32 g/kg), 14 mice
      in each group. All the animals were orally medicated daily for 9 weeks. Cognitive
      function assessment was performed using the maze test and step-down test. At the
      end of experiment, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH
      Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels in the serum, the SOD, GSH-Px
      and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the cerebrum, the SOD and catalase (CAT) levels
      in the liver, the SOD and NO levels in the heart, and the SOD level in the
      kidney, were determined using commercial kits. The spleen, liver, heart, cerebrum
      and kidney were excised for histological study. RESULTS: Compared to aging
      control group, DO shortened the time of passing through the maze and prolong the
      step-down latency of aging mice (P <0.05 or P<0.01). DO markedly up-regulated
      serum levels of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC, and restored SOD levels in the heart,
      liver, kidney and cerebrum to normal status (P<0.05 or P<0.01). DO at the dose of
      1 g/kg also signififi cantly improved the degree of spleen lesions (P<0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: DO had marked anti-aging effect on D-galactose-induced model of
      aging. The underlying mechanism could be related to modulation on antioxidation
      system and immune system. The results indicated that DO could potentially be used
      as natural drugs or functional foods for preventing aging.

PMID- 28083810
TI  - Comparative microarray analyses of mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate impacts on fat
      cell bioenergetics and adipokine network.
AB  - Cellular accumulation of mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) has been recently
      demonstrated to disturb fat cell energy metabolism; however, the underlying
      mechanism remained unclear. The study aimed to determine how MEHP influenced fat
      cell transcriptome and how the changes might contribute to bioenergetics. Because
      of the pivotal role of PPARgamma in energy metabolism of fat cells, comparative
      microarray analysis of gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with both
      MEHP and rosiglitazone was performed. Pathway enrichment analysis and gene
      ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that both treatments caused up
      regulation of genes involved in PPAR signaling/energy metabolism-related pathways
      and down-regulation of genes related to adipokine/inflammation signals.
      MEHP/rosiglitazone-treated adipocytes exhibited increased levels of lipolysis,
      glucose uptake, and glycolysis; the gene expression profiles provided molecular
      basis for the functional changes. Moreover, MEHP was shown to induce nuclear
      translocation and activation of PPARgamma. The similarity in gene expression and
      functional changes in response to MEHP and rosiglitazone suggested that MEHP
      influenced bioenergetics and adipokine network mainly via PPARgamma. Importantly,
      adipokine levels in C57BL/6J mice with di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
      treatments provided in vivo evidence for microarray results. On the basis of
      correlation between gene expression and functional assays, possible involvements
      of genes in bioenergetics of MEHP-treated adipocytes were proposed.

PMID- 28083813
TI  - Serum Calcium Concentration in Ethylene Glycol Poisoning.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of ethylene glycol intoxication can be challenging.
      Definitive testing for ethylene glycol is not readily available and clinical
      decisions are often based on clinical suspicion and the results of more readily
      available tests. One of these findings is hypocalcemia, presumable through
      complexation with the ethylene glycol metabolite oxalate. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective review of all patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital between
      2005 and 2013 with laboratory confirmed ethylene glycol intoxication. Serum
      calcium on presentation was compared to blood gas pH on presentation as well as
      presentation serum bicarbonate. RESULTS: We did not find any relationship between
      calcium and serum pH either by linear regression or when dichotomized by pH >= or
      <7.3. We did observe an inverse relationship between serum calcium and
      bicarbonate. CONCLUSIONS: Hypocalcemia is not commonly observed following
      ethylene glycol poisoning, even in acidotic patients.

PMID- 28083814
TI  - Use of fictional medical television in health sciences education: a systematic
      review.
AB  - While medical television programs are popular among health profession trainees,
      it is not clear to what extent these programs affect their knowledge,
      perceptions, and/or behaviors. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of
      research evaluating associations between program exposure and outcomes. We
      conducted systematic literature searches in Pubmed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO.
      Selected studies were required to be scholarly research, involve exposure to
      fictionalized medical television programming by health professional students, and
      assess associations between exposure and outcomes. Studies were classified
      according to quality and factors related to population, exposure, and outcomes.
      Of 3541 studies identified, 13 met selection criteria. Six studies involved
      undergraduate medical students, one involved nursing students, two involved both
      medical and nursing students, two involved medical residents, one involved
      medical students, residents and attending physicians, and one involved graduate
      epidemiology students. Mean study quality according to the MERSQI was 8.27. The
      most commonly assessed television programs were ER and Grey's Anatomy (six each).
      Five studies assessed regular viewing habits, and found that fictional medical
      programs are popular among students and that students recall health topics from
      episodes. The eight studies that assessed the association with outcomes when
      using clips as educational tools reported high satisfaction and increased
      knowledge of the presented health topics. While relatively few published studies
      have explored influences of fictional medical television on health professional
      students, those conducted suggest that students often view these television
      programs independently and that integration of this programming into medical
      education is feasible and acceptable.

PMID- 28083815
TI  - Optimizing the Use of Linaclotide in Patients with Constipation-Predominant
      Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Expert Consensus Report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder
      characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain in association with
      defecation or a change in bowel habits. A predominant disorder of bowel habits,
      IBS is classified into three main subtypes: constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C),
      diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and IBS alternating between constipation and
      diarrhea (IBS-M). Linaclotide is a first-in-class, oral, once-daily guanylate
      cyclase-C receptor agonist (GC-CA) that is licensed for the symptomatic treatment
      of moderate-to-severe IBS-C in adults. This review aims to facilitate and
      optimize clinical practices, establishing common guidelines to monitor patients
      with IBS-C that are treated with linaclotide. METHODS: A group of experts in
      functional digestive disorders was convened to review the efficacy and safety of
      linaclotide and to develop an updated consensus report for the treatment of
      patients with IBS-C. A search was performed for English, French and Spanish
      language articles in PubMed. On the basis of the articles identified, an initial
      document was drafted addressing different issues frequently raised by general
      practitioners and GI specialists that are related to the prescription, efficacy
      and safety of linaclotide. This document was then reviewed and modified by the
      expert panel until a final text was agreed upon and validated. RESULTS: Based on
      the evidence, the panel addressed the following recommendations: (1) Linaclotide
      is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe IBS-C in adults; (2) it is
      recommended that patients take linaclotide continuously and not sporadically; (3)
      patients should be warned about the risk of diarrhea and given choices concerning
      how to deal with this possible side effect; (4) the absence of tachyphylaxis or
      potential risks implies that linaclotide treatment can be maintained for long
      periods of time. CONCLUSIONS: This document seeks to lay down a set of
      recommendations and to identify key issues that may be useful for the clinical
      management of IBS-C patients treated with linaclotide.

PMID- 28083816
TI  - HAP1 Is Required for Endocytosis and Signalling of BDNF and Its Receptors in
      Neurons.
AB  - When BDNF binds to its receptors, TrkB and p75NTR, the BDNF-receptor complex is
      endocytosed and trafficked to the cell body for downstream signal transduction,
      which plays a critical role in neuronal functions. Huntingtin-associated protein
      1 (HAP1) is involved in trafficking of vesicles intracellularly and also
      interacts with several membrane proteins including TrkB. Although it has been
      known that HAP1 has functions in vesicular trafficking and receptor
      stabilisation, it is not yet established whether HAP1 has a role in BDNF and its
      receptor endocytosis. In the present study, we found that HAP1 is in an
      interacting complex with p75NTR, TrkB and BDNF, especially newly endocytosed
      BDNF. BDNF and TrkB internalisation is abolished in HAP1 knock-out (KO) cortical
      neurons. TrkB downstream signalling pathways such as ERK, Akt and PLCgamma-1 are
      also impaired in HAP1 KO cortical neurons upon BDNF stimulation. Proliferation of
      cerebellar granule cells is also impaired in cell culture and cerebellum of HAP1
      KO mice. Our findings suggest that HAP1 may play a key role in BDNF and its
      receptor endocytosis and may promote neuronal survival and proliferation.

PMID- 28083817
TI  - Carnosic Acid Induces Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Paraquat-Treated SH-SY5Y Cells
      Through a Mechanism Involving a Crosstalk Between the Nrf2/HO-1 Axis and NF
      kappaB.
AB  - Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic diterpene obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis
      L. and has demonstrated cytoprotective properties in several experimental models.
      CA exerts antioxidant effects by upregulating the transcription factor nuclear
      factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which controls the expression of
      antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)
      expression is modulated by Nrf2 and has been demonstrated as part of the
      mechanism underlying the CA-induced cytoprotection. Nonetheless, it remains to be
      studied whether and how HO-1 would mediate CA-elicited anti-inflammatory effects.
      Therefore, we have investigated here whether and how CA would prevent paraquat
      (PQ)-induced inflammation-related alterations in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y
      cells. SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated for 12 h with CA at 1 MUM before exposure to
      PQ for further 24 h. CA suppressed the PQ-induced alterations on the levels of
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) through a mechanism involving the activation of the
      Nrf2/HO-1 axis. Furthermore, we observed a crosstalk between the Nrf2/HO-1
      signaling pathway and the activation of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)
      transcription factor, since administration of ZnPP IX (specific inhibitor of HO
      1) or Nrf2 knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished the anti
      inflammatory effects induced by CA. Moreover, administration of SN50 (specific
      inhibitor of NF-kappaB) inhibited the PQ-induced inflammation-related effects in
      SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, CA exerted anti-inflammatory effects in SH-SY5Y cells
      through an Nrf2/HO-1 axis-dependent manner associated with downregulation of NF
      kappaB.

PMID- 28083818
TI  - Ferulic Acid Improves Cognitive Skills Through the Activation of the Heme
      Oxygenase System in the Rat.
AB  - Over the last years, many studies reported on the antioxidant effects of ferulic
      acid (FA) in preclinical models of dementia through the activation of the heme
      oxygenase/biliverdin reductase (HO/BVR) system. However, only a few studies
      evaluated whether FA could improve neurological function under milder conditions,
      such as psychological stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      effects of FA (150 mg/kg intraperitoneal route) on cognitive function in male
      Wistar rats exposed to emotional arousal. Animals were randomly assigned to two
      experimental groups, namely not habituated or habituated to the experimental
      context, and the novel object recognition test was used to evaluate their
      cognitive performance. The administration of FA significantly increased long-term
      retention memory in not habituated rats. Ferulic acid increased the expression of
      HO-1 in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of not habituated rats only, whereas
      HO-2 resulted differently modulated in these cognitive brain areas. No
      significant effects on either HO-1 or HO-2 or BVR were observed in the cerebellum
      of both habituated and not habituated rats. Ferulic acid activated the stress
      axis in not habituated rats, as shown by the increase in hypothalamic
      corticotrophin-releasing hormone levels. Pre-treatment with Sn-protoporphyrin-IX
      [0.25 MUmol/kg, intracerebroventricular route (i.c.v.)], a well-known inhibitor
      of HO activity through which carbon monoxide (CO) and biliverdin (BV) are
      generated, abolished the FA-induced improvement of cognitive performance only in
      not habituated rats, suggesting a role for HO-derived by-products. The CO-donor
      tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) (30 nmol/kg i.c.v.) mimicked the FA-related
      improvement of cognitive skills only in not habituated rats, whereas BV did not
      have any effect in any group. In conclusion, these results set the stage for
      subsequent studies on the neuropharmacological action of FA under conditions of
      psychological stress.

PMID- 28083819
TI  - Abnormal Expression of MicroRNAs Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in
      Rat Hippocampal Tissues.
AB  - Previous research has demonstrated that the behaviors observed in chronic
      unpredictable mild stressed (CUMS) rats are similar to the symptoms of depressed
      patients and that the abnormal expression of cerebral microRNAs is associated
      with depressive disorder. However, little is known regarding the expression
      profile of microRNAs induced by CUMS. In this study, we aimed to examine the
      hippocampal microRNA expression profile in CUMS rats. Forty adolescent male
      Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal and model groups. The rats
      in the model group were stimulated daily with randomly applied mild stressors
      from among 14 different mild stressors. The stressors were changed every day and
      were applied for 35 consecutive days. On the 28th and 35th days after treatment,
      the weights, physical condition, sucrose preference, and open-field test scores
      of the rats of the two groups were evaluated. Successful induction of CUMS was
      considered if the differences of the above metrics between the two groups were
      statistically significant on the 28th and 35th days after treatment. Cerebral
      sucrose metabolism images of rats were obtained by 18F-FDG PET/CT. The rats were
      euthanized under anesthesia, and hippocampal tissues were collected for
      hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. In addition, the samples were used for microRNA
      array chip and qRT-PCR analysis. The target genes of different microRNAs were
      predicted using bioinformatic analysis, and the functions and signal pathways of
      these target genes were investigated by GO and KEGG analyses. Sixteen rats
      exhibited successful induction of CUMS. Cerebral 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging showed
      that the glucose metabolism rate of CUMS rats were significantly lower than
      normal rats in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC, p = 0.022),
      the retrosplenial agranular area (RSA, p = 0.002), the second sensory cortex (S2,
      p = 0.028), the first auditory cortex (Au1, p = 0.012), the primary somatosensory
      cortex, barrel field (SIBF, p = 0.001), and the ventral posteromedial nucleus
      (VPM) of the right thalamus (p = 0.048). HE staining showed that hippocampal
      pyramidal cells CUMS rats were thinner, disordered, and exhibited irregular
      shapes, with many pyknotic cells. The microarray chip and qRT-PCR analysis
      revealed that five microRNAs were significantly up-regulated [miR-382-3p (p =
      0.026), miR-183-5p (p = 0.018), miR-3573-5p (p = 0.042), miR-202-3p (p = 0.016),
      miR-493-3p (p = 0.009)], and only miR-370-3p was significantly down-regulated (p
      = 0.036). miRNA target gene prediction and functional annotation analysis showed
      significant enrichment in several GO terms and pathways associated with
      depression. Our findings provide supportive evidence for the abnormal expression
      of multiple CUMS-induced hippocampal microRNAs in rats as well as the involvement
      of these microRNAs in depressive disorder.

PMID- 28083820
TI  - Recurrence outcomes after omission of postoperative radiotherapy following breast
      conserving surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: a multicenter,
      retrospective study in Korea (KROG 16-02).
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the loco-regional recurrence (LRR) rate after breast
      conserving surgery without postoperative radiotherapy (RT) for ductal carcinoma
      in situ (DCIS) of the breast. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2010, 311 DCIS patients
      from 9 institutions were analyzed retrospectively. The median age was 47 (range,
      20-82). The median tumor size was 7 mm (range, 0.01-76). Margin width was <1 cm
      in 85 patients (27.3%), and nuclear grade was high in 37 patients (11.9%). Two
      hundred and three patients (65.3%) received tamoxifen. RESULTS: With a median
      follow-up of 74 months (range, 5-189), there were 11 local recurrences (invasive
      carcinoma in 6 and DCIS in 5) and 1 regional recurrence. The 7-year LRR rate was
      3.8%. On univariate analysis, age and margin width were significant risk factors
      influencing LRR (p = 0.017 and 0.014, respectively). When age and margin width
      were combined among 211 patients whose margin width were available, the 7-year
      LRR rates were as follows (p < 0.001): (1) 0% in patients with age >50 years and
      any margin width status (n = 64), (2) 1.2% in age <=50 years and margin width >=1
      cm (n = 93), (3) 13.1% in age <=50 years and margin width <1 cm (n = 54).
      CONCLUSIONS: The LRR rate was very low in selected DCIS patients treated with
      breast-conserving surgery without postoperative RT. However, adjuvant RT should
      be considered for those with age <=50 years and margin width <1 cm.

PMID- 28083821
TI  - Surgical treatment of secondary lymphedema of the upper limb by stepped
      microsurgical lymphaticovenous anastomoses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The incidence of lymphedema following treatment for breast cancer
      ranges between 10 and 50% after complete axillary dissection and gives rise to
      severe functional discomfort in patients. Results of lymphaticovenous anastomoses
      (LVA) in surgical treatment of lymphedema appear to be favorable. However, the
      available literature on this topic is scarce, often with short follow-up times.
      The aim of this study is to analyze the results of LVA on 31 patients and to
      review the existing literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study comprised 31
      female patients presenting lymphedema of the upper limb following treatment for
      breast cancer for which surgical treatment was given by microsurgery consisting
      of three stepped LVA performed in an outpatient setting. RESULTS: The post-LVA
      arm circumference was measured at three levels (wrist, forearm, and arm) in 31
      female patients. Mean follow-up time was 12.8 months. Reduction in the
      circumference was 22.5, 21.32, and 30.2%, respectively, in the wrist, forearm,
      and arm. Functional improvement was observed in the majority (84%) of patients
      ranging from moderate to substantial. Only 2 patients had no result. The only
      patients to experience recurrence were those with a high level of lymphedema.
      CONCLUSION: The review of the current literature and the present study revealed
      modest results in terms of decreased excess volume, although a major improvement
      in function points to LVA as a useful technique in this indication. Progress in
      imaging techniques has enhanced the results achieved with this procedure,
      although further studies on recurrence rates are needed with a follow-up greater
      than 1 year.

PMID- 28083822
TI  - Diagnostic performance of tomosynthesis and breast ultrasonography in women with
      dense breasts: a prospective comparison study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performances of tomosynthesis and
      ultrasonography as adjunctives to digital mammography in women with dense
      breasts. METHODS: A total of 778 women with dense breasts underwent digital
      mammography with tomosynthesis and ultrasonography for screening and diagnostic
      purposes. The findings of tomosynthesis and ultrasonography were evaluated
      independently. The primary endpoint was overall diagnostic accuracy determined by
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Secondary endpoints
      included sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. RESULTS: Of the 778
      participants, 698 women (140 breast cancers) were included in the analysis. Based
      on the AUC findings, the non-inferiority of tomosynthesis to ultrasonography was
      established in the overall group as well as in all subgroups except for that
      comprising women with extremely dense breast composition. There were no
      significant differences in AUC between tomosynthesis and ultrasonography among
      asymptomatic participants and participants who underwent imaging for screening
      (0.912 vs. 0.934 [P = 0.403] and 0.987 vs. 0.950 [P = 0.270], respectively).
      Tomosynthesis exhibited lower sensitivity (91.4 vs. 96.4%; P = 0.039), and higher
      specificity (83.9 vs. 70.4%; P < 0.001) and positive predictive value (58.7 vs.
      45.0%; P < 0.001) than ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Tomosynthesis exhibits
      comparable performance to ultrasonography as an adjunct to mammography for
      diagnosis of breast cancer, except among women with extremely dense breasts.

PMID- 28083823
TI  - Fluoride: changes in knowledge and prescription habits of paediatricians for 11
      years in Brittany, France.
AB  - AIMS: To assess via a questionnaire the changes in knowledge and prescription
      habits for systemic fluoride of physicians at maternal and infant protection
      centres (MIP) and paediatricians in private practice (PPP) in the Brittany region
      between 2003 and 2014. METHODS: In both 2003 and 2014, the same seven-question
      survey was mailed to PPP (110 in 2003 and 101 in 2014) and MIP (61 in 2003 and 71
      in 2014). An eighth question was added in 2014 about French guidelines published
      in 2008 (AFSSAPS guidelines). RESULTS: The overall response rate was
      significantly higher in 2003 (69.0%) than in 2014 (54.7%). In 2014 systemic
      fluoride was still considered an effective means of caries prevention (79.8% vs.
      98.7% in 2003) and systematic prescription of fluoride supplements was less
      common (39.4 vs. 87.0% in 2003). When prescribed, systemic fluoride was given
      after the first 6 months of a child's life in 2014 (79.8%) instead of within the
      first month of life (73.5%) in 2003. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatricians and MIP
      physicians in Brittany were significantly less prone to routinely prescribe
      systemic fluoride in 2014. Certain sources of fluoride were still not well known
      in 2014. Collaboration and information sharing between dentists and physicians is
      necessary.

PMID- 28083824
TI  - Impact of food craving and calorie intake on body mass index (BMI) changes during
      an 18-month behavioral weight loss trial.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore relations between food craving, caloric
      intake, and body mass index (BMI) changes over the course of an 18-month weight
      loss trial. Two-hundred two obese adults (mean BMI = 34.9 kg/m2; mean age = 51.30
      years, 92.2% White; 57.8% female) who participated in a behavioral weight loss
      trial completed measures of food craving, caloric intake, and BMI at baseline, 6
      and 18 months. From baseline to 6 months, higher initial food cravings were
      associated with more gradual and less steep reductions in BMI. Additionally, the
      relation between changes in food craving and BMI changes varied by levels of
      change in caloric intake, such that BMI change and change in food cravings were
      positively associated at low levels of change in caloric intake, but were
      unrelated at average and high levels of change in caloric intake. Similarly, from
      baseline to 6 months and from 6 to 18 months, the relation between changes in
      food craving and BMI changes also varied by initial levels of caloric intake.
      Explicit clinical targeting of food craving management may be beneficial for
      individuals beginning weight loss programs, especially for those who report
      higher levels of food craving at baseline. Baseline caloric intake and change in
      calorie intake over time may serve as moderators of the relation between food
      cravings and BMI.

PMID- 28083825
TI  - Radiosynthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of [18F]F-DPA, A Novel
      Pyrazolo[1,5a]pyrimidine Acetamide TSPO Radioligand, in Healthy Sprague Dawley
      Rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Many neurological conditions result in the overexpression of the
      translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), today recognized as a biomarker for
      microglial activation and neuroinflammation imaging. The pyrazolo[1,5
      a]pyrimidine acetamides are a particularly attractive class of TSPO-specific
      ligands, prompting the development of several positron emission tomography (PET)
      radiotracers. This includes F-DPA, a recently reported fluorinated ligand (K i =
      1.7 nM), wherein the fluorine atom is directly linked to the phenyl moiety
      without the presence of an alkyl or alkoxy spacer chain. Reported here is the
      preparation of [18F]F-DPA using [18F]Selectfluor bis(triflate) and the
      preliminary evaluation of [18F]F-DPA in healthy rats. Its metabolic profile and
      biodistribution in rats are compared with that of [18F]DPA-714, a closely related
      structure. PROCEDURES: [18F]F-DPA was synthesized by electrophilic fluorination
      using [18F]Selectfluor bis(triflate), [18F]DPA-714 was synthesized by
      conventional nucleophilic fluorination. The biodistribution of both radiotracers
      was compared in Sprague Dawley rats. Radiometabolites of both radiotracers in
      plasma and brain homogenates were analyzed by radioTLC. RESULTS: The
      radiochemical yield of [18F]F-DPA was 15 +/- 3 % and the specific activity was
      7.8 +/- 0.4 GBq/MUmol. The radiochemical purity exceeded 99 %. The in vivo time
      activity curves of [18F]F-DPA demonstrate rapid entry into the brain and a
      concentration equilibrium at 20-30 min after injection. The metabolic profiles at
      90 min after radiotracer injection in the plasma show that unchanged [18F]F-DPA
      and [18F]DPA-714 account for 28.3 +/- 6.4 and 11.1 +/- 2.6 % of the remaining
      radioactivity, respectively. In the brain, unchanged [18F]F-DPA accounts for 93.5
      +/- 2.8 % of the radioactivity; whereas for [18F]DPA-714, this value is 53.6 +/-
      1.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: [18F]Selectfluor bis(triflate) was successfully used to label
      F-DPA with fluorine-18. The labeling position on the aromatic moiety imparts a
      higher stability compared to [18F]DPA-714 with regard to in vivo metabolism.
      [18F]F-DPA is a promising new radiotracer and warrants further investigation in
      animal models of disease.

PMID- 28083826
TI  - Development of a Reference Image Collection Library for Histopathology Image
      Processing, Analysis and Decision Support Systems Research.
AB  - Histopathology image processing, analysis and computer-aided diagnosis have been
      shown as effective assisting tools towards reliable and intra-/inter-observer
      invariant decisions in traditional pathology. Especially for cancer patients,
      decisions need to be as accurate as possible in order to increase the probability
      of optimal treatment planning. In this study, we propose a new image collection
      library (HICL-Histology Image Collection Library) comprising 3831 histological
      images of three different diseases, for fostering research in histopathology
      image processing, analysis and computer-aided diagnosis. Raw data comprised 93,
      116 and 55 cases of brain, breast and laryngeal cancer respectively collected
      from the archives of the University Hospital of Patras, Greece. The 3831 images
      were generated from the most representative regions of the pathology, specified
      by an experienced histopathologist. The HICL Image Collection is free for access
      under an academic license at http://medisp.bme.teiath.gr/hicl/ . Potential
      exploitations of the proposed library may span over a board spectrum, such as in
      image processing to improve visualization, in segmentation for nuclei detection,
      in decision support systems for second opinion consultations, in statistical
      analysis for investigation of potential correlations between clinical annotations
      and imaging findings and, generally, in fostering research on histopathology
      image processing and analysis. To the best of our knowledge, the HICL constitutes
      the first attempt towards creation of a reference image collection library in the
      field of traditional histopathology, publicly and freely available to the
      scientific community.

PMID- 28083827
TI  - Detection and Labeling of Vertebrae in MR Images Using Deep Learning with
      Clinical Annotations as Training Data.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of using clinically
      provided spine label annotations stored in a single institution image archive as
      training data for deep learning-based vertebral detection and labeling pipelines.
      Lumbar and cervical magnetic resonance imaging cases with annotated spine labels
      were identified and exported from an image archive. Two separate pipelines were
      configured and trained for lumbar and cervical cases respectively, using the same
      setup with convolutional neural networks for detection and parts-based graphical
      models to label the vertebrae. The detection sensitivity, precision and accuracy
      rates ranged between 99.1-99.8, 99.6-100, and 98.8-99.8% respectively, the
      average localization error ranges were 1.18-1.24 and 2.38-2.60 mm for cervical
      and lumbar cases respectively, and with a labeling accuracy of 96.0-97.0%. Failed
      labeling results typically involved failed S1 detections or missed vertebrae that
      were not fully visible on the image. These results show that clinically annotated
      image data from one image archive is sufficient to train a deep learning-based
      pipeline for accurate detection and labeling of MR images depicting the spine.
      Further, these results support using deep learning to assist radiologists in
      their work by providing highly accurate labels that only require rapid
      confirmation.

PMID- 28083828
TI  - Educational Material for 3D Visualization of Spine Procedures: Methods for
      Creation and Dissemination.
AB  - Spine anatomy can be difficult to master and is essential for performing spine
      procedures. We sought to utilize the rapidly expanding field of 3D technology to
      create freely available, interactive educational materials for spine procedures.
      Our secondary goal was to convey lessons learned about 3D modeling and printing.
      This project involved two parallel processes: the creation of 3D-printed physical
      models and interactive digital models. We segmented illustrative CT studies of
      the lumbar and cervical spine to create 3D models and then printed them using a
      consumer 3D printer and a professional 3D printing service. We also included
      downloadable versions of the models in an interactive eBook and platform
      independent web viewer. We then provided these educational materials to residents
      with a pretest and posttest to assess efficacy. The "Spine Procedures in 3D"
      eBook has been downloaded 71 times as of October 5, 2016. All models used in the
      book are available for download and printing. Regarding test results, the mean
      exam score improved from 70 to 86%, with the most dramatic improvement seen in
      the least experienced trainees. Participants reported increased confidence in
      performing lumbar punctures after exposure to the material. We demonstrate the
      value of 3D models, both digital and printed, in learning spine procedures.
      Moreover, 3D printing and modeling is a rapidly expanding field with a large
      potential role for radiologists. We have detailed our process for creating and
      sharing 3D educational materials in the hopes of motivating and enabling similar
      projects.

PMID- 28083829
TI  - Inpatient Complexity in Radiology-a Practical Application of the Case Mix Index
      Metric.
AB  - With ongoing healthcare payment reforms in the USA, radiology is moving from its
      current state of a revenue generating department to a new reality of a cost
      center. Under bundled payment methods, radiology does not get reimbursed for each
      and every inpatient procedure, but rather, the hospital gets reimbursed for the
      entire hospital stay under an applicable diagnosis-related group code. The
      hospital case mix index (CMI) metric, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and
      Medicaid Services, has a significant impact on how much hospitals get reimbursed
      for an inpatient stay. Oftentimes, patients with the highest disease acuity are
      treated in tertiary care radiology departments. Therefore, the average hospital
      CMI based on the entire inpatient population may not be adequate to determine
      department-level resource utilization, such as the number of technologists and
      nurses, as case length and staffing intensity gets quite high for sicker
      patients. In this study, we determine CMI for the overall radiology department in
      a tertiary care setting based on inpatients undergoing radiology procedures.
      Between April and September 2015, CMI for radiology was 1.93. With an average of
      2.81, interventional neuroradiology had the highest CMI out of the ten radiology
      sections. CMI was consistently higher across seven of the radiology sections than
      the average hospital CMI of 1.81. Our results suggest that inpatients undergoing
      radiology procedures were on average more complex in this hospital setting during
      the time period considered. This finding is relevant for accurate calculation of
      labor analytics and other predictive resource utilization tools.

PMID- 28083830
TI  - Comparative efficiency of exercise stress testing with and without stress-only
      myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with low-risk chest pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare major adverse cardiac event (MACE), downstream resource
      utilization, and direct cost of care for low-risk chest pain patients observed in
      the clinical decision unit (CDU) with exercise treadmill testing (ETT) and with
      stress-only myocardial perfusion imaging (sMPI). BACKGROUND: CDUs are poised to
      increase efficiency and resource utilization. However, the optimal testing
      strategy that would assure favorable outcomes while decreasing cost is not
      defined. METHODS: 1016 subjects from 2 locations were propensity score-matched
      (PSM) by age, gender, pre-test likelihood, Duke treadmill score, and test
      results. Outcomes were length of stay >24 hours, MACE (acute coronary syndrome,
      revascularization, cardiac death), downstream resource use (admission for chest
      pain, repeat testing, angiography), and mean direct cost per patient. RESULTS:
      PSM yielded 680 patients (340 matches). 98% of all tests were normal. 96.6% of
      patients were discharged from the CDU within 24 hours but twice as many exceeded
      24 hours in the sMPI group. There were no cardiac deaths. MACE rate was 1.47% at
      72 hours and 1% at 1 year. Downstream resource use was 4.82% at 72 hours, and
      7.69% at 1 year. The sMPI group was event-free longer than the ETT group
      reflecting less repeat testing. The mean direct cost was 30% higher for sMPI
      ($3168.70) vs. ETT ($2226.96). CONCLUSION: Low-risk chest pain patients in the
      observation unit had low MACE rate, not different for ETT vs. sMPI. The majority
      of ETT and sMPI tests were normal. The sMPI reduced additional testing, but
      resulted in greater expense and longer stay.

PMID- 28083831
TI  - Left ventricular eccentricity index measured with SPECT myocardial perfusion
      imaging: An additional parameter of adverse cardiac remodeling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single-photon emission computed-tomography (SPECT) allows the
      quantification of LV eccentricity index (EI), a measure of cardiac remodeling. We
      sought to evaluate the feasibility of EI measurement with SPECT myocardial
      perfusion imaging and its interactions with relevant LV functional and structural
      parameters. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four-hundred and fifty-six patients underwent
      myocardial perfusion imaging on a Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT) camera. The summed
      rest, stress, and difference scores were calculated. From rest images, the LV end
      diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic volumes, ejection fraction (EF), and peak
      filling rate (PFR) were calculated. In every patient, the EI, ranging from 0
      (sphere) to 1 (line), was computed using a dedicated software (QGS/QPS; Cedars
      Sinai Medical Center). Three-hundred and thirty-eight/456 (74%) patients showed a
      normal EF (>50%), while 26% had LV systolic dysfunction. The EI was computed from
      CZT images with excellent reproducibility (interclass correlation coefficient:
      0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99). More impaired EI values correlated with the presence of
      a more abnormal LV perfusion (P < .001), function (EF and PFR, P < .001), and
      structure (EDV, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, higher EDV (P < .001) and
      depressed EF (P = .014) values were independent predictors of abnormal EI.
      CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of LV eccentricity is feasible on gated CZT images.
      Abnormal EI associates with significant cardiac structural and functional
      abnormalities.

PMID- 28083832
TI  - Identification of Key Beliefs Explaining Male Circumcision Motivation Among
      Adolescent Boys in Zimbabwe: Targets for Behavior Change Communication.
AB  - Male circumcision (MC) significantly reduces HIV acquisition among men, leading
      WHO/UNAIDS to recommend high HIV and low MC prevalence countries circumcise 80%
      of adolescents and men age 15-49. Despite significant investment to increase MC
      capacity only 27% of the goal has been achieved in Zimbabwe. To increase
      adoption, research to create evidence-based messages is greatly needed. The
      Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) was used to investigate factors affecting MC
      motivation among adolescents. Based on qualitative elicitation study results a
      survey was designed and administered to a representative sample of 802 adolescent
      boys aged 13-17 in two urban and two rural areas in Zimbabwe. Multiple regression
      analysis found all six IBM constructs (2 attitude, 2 social influence, 2 personal
      agency) significantly explained MC intention (R2 = 0.55). Stepwise regression
      analysis of beliefs underlying each IBM belief-based construct found 9
      behavioral, 6 injunctive norm, 2 descriptive norm, 5 efficacy, and 8 control
      beliefs significantly explained MC intention. A final stepwise regression of all
      the significant IBM construct beliefs identified 12 key beliefs best explaining
      intention. Similar analyses were carried out with subgroups of adolescents by
      urban-rural and age. Different sets of behavioral, normative, efficacy, and
      control beliefs were significant for each sub-group. This study demonstrates the
      application of theory-driven research to identify evidence-based targets for the
      design of effective MC messages for interventions to increase adolescents'
      motivation. Incorporating these findings into communication campaigns is likely
      to improve demand for MC.

PMID- 28083833
TI  - Integrating HIV Prevention and Relationship Education for Young Same-Sex Male
      Couples: A Pilot Trial of the 2GETHER Intervention.
AB  - Young men who have sex with men are at high risk for HIV, and most new HIV
      infections occur in serious relationships. This pilot study assessed the
      feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the 2GETHER couples-based
      HIV prevention and relationship education intervention for young same-sex male
      couples. We enrolled 57 young male couples (N = 114) into a four-session hybrid
      group and individual intervention. We assessed acceptability via post-session
      surveys and exit interviews, and we examined preliminary efficacy at a two week
      posttest. The vast majority of participants (93%) reported exclusively positive
      impressions of 2GETHER, and all components received high mean ratings. We
      observed decreases in HIV risk behavior, increases in information, motivation and
      behavioral skills related to HIV prevention, and improvement in relationship
      investment between pretest and posttest. Integrating relationship education and
      sexual health programming may be an effective way to reduce HIV transmissions in
      young male couples.

PMID- 28083834
TI  - Generation and characterization of a potentially applicable Vero cell line
      constitutively expressing the Schmallenberg virus nucleocapsid protein.
AB  - Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a Culicoides-transmitted orthobunyavirus that poses
      a threat to susceptible livestock species such as cattle, sheep and goats. The
      nucleocapsid (N) protein of SBV is an ideal diagnostic antigen for the detection
      of viral infection. In this study, a stable Vero cell line, Vero-EGFP-SBV-N,
      constitutively expressing the SBV-N protein was established using a lentivirus
      system combined with puromycin selection. This cell line spontaneously emitted
      green fluorescent signals distributed throughout the cytoplasm, in which the
      expression of SBV-N fusion protein was confirmed by western blot analysis. The
      expression of SBV-N protein in Vero-EGFP-SBV-N cells was stable for more than
      fifty passages without puromycin pressure. The SBV-N fusion protein contained
      both an N-terminal enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) tag and a C-terminal
      hexa-histidine (6 * His) tag, by which the N protein was successfully purified
      using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The cell line was further demonstrated to
      be reactive with SBV antisera and an anti-SBV monoclonal antibody in indirect
      immunofluorescence assays. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the Vero
      EGFP-SBV-N cell line has potential for application in the serological diagnosis
      of SBV infection.

PMID- 28083835
TI  - Which Abdominal Symptoms are Associated with Clinical Events in a Population
      Unaware of Their Gallstones? a Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High rates of persistent symptoms are found following cholecystectomy
      in patients with gallstones. The aim of this population based cohort study was to
      determine which symptoms were associated with the development of clinical
      gallstone events in a population unaware of their gallstones. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Three random population samples from Copenhagen (N = 6037) were examined
      with ultrasound during 1982-1994. Participants were not informed about gallstone
      status. Abdominal symptoms were assessed at baseline through a questionnaire.
      Follow-up for clinical events was performed through central registers until 2011.
      Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Participants
      unaware of their gallstones (N = 595) were followed for median 17.5 years. A
      total of 16.6% participants developed clinical events. Both uncomplicated and
      complicated events were associated with high pain intensity at baseline.
      Complicated events were also associated with pain at night. Uncomplicated events
      were associated with pain localized in the epigastrium, of longer duration, and
      in need of pain medication. No associations were identified for dyspepsia or
      irritable bowel syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: In a population of unaware gallstone
      carriers, it was possible to identify abdominal symptoms associated with later
      clinical detection of the gallstones. These finding may contribute to a better
      selection of patients for surgery.

PMID- 28083836
TI  - Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Colectomy Improves Perioperative Outcomes Without
      Increasing Operative Time Compared to the Open Approach: a National Analysis of
      8791 Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) is often used in
      procedures too complex for completely minimally invasive approaches. However,
      there are concerns for whether this hybrid approach abrogates perioperative
      benefits of the completely minimally invasive technique. METHODS: We queried the
      2012-2013 National Surgery Quality Improvement Program for adults undergoing
      elective HALS or open colectomy (OC). After propensity matching, short-term
      outcomes were compared. Subset analysis was performed for segmental resections.
      Multivariate analysis was used to determine predictors of utilizing either
      approach. RESULTS: This query included 8791 patients (OC 2707, HALS 6084).
      Predictors of HALS included male sex (OR 1.17, p = 0.006), increasing BMI (OR
      1.01, p = 0.02), benign indication (OR 1.48, p < 0.001), and total abdominal
      colectomy (OR 10.39, p < 0.001). Younger age, black race, ASA class >=3,
      inflammatory bowel disease, and low pelvic anastomosis were predictive of OC (all
      p < 0.05). HALS demonstrated reduced overall complications (p < 0.001), wound
      complications (p < 0.001), anastomotic leak (p = 0.014), transfusion (p < 0.001),
      postoperative ileus (p < 0.001), length of stay (p < 0.001), and readmission (p <
      0.001) without increased operative time. For segmental resection, HALS
      demonstrated reduced overall complications, wound complications, respiratory
      complications, postoperative ileus, anastomotic leak, transfusion, length of
      stay, and readmissions (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to OC, HALS
      demonstrates improved perioperative outcomes without increased operative time.

PMID- 28083837
TI  - Kinetic Changes in Liver Parenchyma After Preoperative Chemotherapy for Patients
      with Colorectal Liver Metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total liver volume (TLV) empirically changes after aggressive
      preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (CLM). However, the
      actual degree of changes in normal liver parenchyma and its clinical relevance
      remain unclear. METHODS: Morphometric data of 110 patients who underwent initial
      hepatectomy after preoperative chemotherapy were reviewed. TLVs before and after
      chemotherapy were measured using a computer-based volumetry software and their
      relevance to clinical factors was investigated. RESULTS: More than 10% of
      decrease in TLV was observed in 42 (38.2%) patients, and more than 10% of
      increase was observed in 11 (10.0%) patients. Change in TLV was within 10% in the
      remaining 57 (51.8%) patients. Indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG
      R15) value was significantly higher in patients with TLV decrease more than 10%
      (13.4 vs. 9.3 vs. 8.5%; p = 0.004). Steatosis in the underlying liver was
      significantly frequent in patients with TLV increase more than 10% (p < 0.001).
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that more than 10% of
      shrinkage in TLV after chemotherapy was independently associated with ICG-R15
      >15% (odds ratio 8.8; p = 0.0001). Tendency of correlation was confirmed in the
      kinetic changes in TLV and ICG-R15 during chemotherapy even though there was no
      statistical significance (r = -0.33, p = 0.080). CONCLUSION: Perichemotherapy
      kinetic changes in TLV may predict histopathologic changes or changes in hepatic
      functional reserve in the underlying liver. More than 10% of shrinkage in TLV is
      associated with impaired hepatic functional reserve, and it can be a new
      supplemental finding in the prediction of surgical risk of major hepatectomy for
      CLM.

PMID- 28083838
TI  - Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios can Predict Treatment
      Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy in Esophageal Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We hypothesized that serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to
      lymphocyte ratios may predict pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy in esophageal cancer patients. The ability to predict favorable
      treatment response to therapy may aid in determining optimal treatment regimens.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective esophageal disease
      registry was conducted. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was defined as the pre
      chemoradiotherapy serum neutrophil count divided by lymphocyte count. Platelet-to
      lymphocyte ratio was similarly defined. Logistic regression was applied to
      analyze these ratios and their effect on pathologic complete response. A Cox
      proportional-hazards model was used to analyze survival. RESULTS: Sixty patients
      were included. Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte
      ratio were both negative predictors of pathologic complete response (odds ratio:
      0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.37-0.89, P = 0.037 and odds ratio: 0.91; 95%
      confidence interval: 0.82-0.98, P = 0.028, respectively). Only platelet-to
      lymphocyte ratio was predictive of decreased overall survival (hazard ratio:
      1.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.94-1.16, P = 0.40). CONCLUSION: Elevated
      neutrophil and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios were significant predictors of a
      poor treatment response to neoadjuvant therapy. Only elevated platelet-to
      lymphocyte ratio was predictive of worse overall survival. Neutrophil-to
      lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios may offer a simple serum test to
      assess the likelihood of a pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant therapy
      in esophageal cancer.

PMID- 28083839
TI  - Chronic Gastrointestinal Dysmotility and Pain Following Total Pancreatectomy with
      Islet Autotransplantation for Chronic Pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence and impact of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility
      following total pancreactectomy with islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) for
      chronic pancreatitis is not known. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of all
      patients who underwent TP-IAT at our institution from August 2011 to November
      2015 was undertaken. The GCSI (Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index), PAGI-SYM
      (Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index),
      PAC-SYM (Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms), Bristol stool chart, 12
      item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and visual analog scale for pain were
      administered >=4 weeks following TP-IAT. KEY RESULTS: The prevalence of any
      dysmotility symptoms in patients who completed the survey (33/45, 73%) post-TP
      IAT was 45%. Post-TP-IAT, the mean reduction in opioid dosing was 77.6 oral
      morphine equivalents (OMEs) (95% CI 32.1-123.0, p = 0.002) with 42% of patients
      requiring no opioids. There was significant negative correlation between
      dysmotility scores and SF-12 physical scores (r = -0.46, p = 0.008, 95% CI -0.70
      to -0.13). Self-reported abdominal pain had significant negative correlation with
      both physical and mental SF-12 scores (r = -0.67, p < 0.001, 95% CI -0.83 to 
      0.41 and r = -0.39, p = 0.03, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.04). There was no correlation
      between gastrointestinal dysmotility and self-reported pain. CONCLUSIONS AND
      INFERENCES: Symptoms of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility and chronic
      abdominal pain are common post-TP-IAT and will need to be better recognized and
      differentiated to improve the management of these patients.

PMID- 28083840
TI  - Effect of Age (over 75 Years) on Postoperative Complications and Survival in
      Patients Undergoing Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thanks to technical advancement in surgery for hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC), hepatic resection (HR) for elderly HCC patients has become
      safer. However, elderly patients may have shorter long-term survival after
      surgery if compared with younger patients because of their expected life span.
      The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and safety after
      HR in HCC patients aged >75 years (older) compared with HCC patients aged <75
      years (younger). METHOD: One hundred sixty-eight patients who underwent HR for
      HCC from 1998 to 2015 in our Center were analyzed using a prospective database.
      Complications, disease-free survival rates, and cumulative survival rates were
      compared between the two groups. RESULTS: During the immediate postoperative
      period, no differences were found about liver-related complications, hospital
      stay and 90-day mortality. However, older patients had more complications in
      class II or higher (Clavien classification) (p = 0.017). Although disease-free
      survival in both groups was similar (p = 0.099), overall survival was worse in
      the elderly group (p = 0.024). On multivariate analysis, only age >=75 years was
      significantly related to overall survival. CONCLUSION: If elderly patients with
      liver cirrhosis and HCC are appropriately selected and evaluated, they might have
      favorable prognoses after HR.

PMID- 28083841
TI  - Emergent Colectomy Is Independently Associated with Decreased Long-Term Overall
      Survival in Colon Cancer Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term overall
      survival (OS) of colon cancer patients who underwent emergent resection versus
      patients who were resected electively. METHODS: The 2006-2012 National Cancer
      Data Base was queried for colon cancer patients who underwent surgical resection.
      Emergent resection was defined as resection within 24 h of diagnosis. A mixed
      effects logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of emergent resection
      on 30- and 90-day mortality. A propensity score-matched mixed-effects Cox
      proportional-hazards model was used to estimate the effect of emergent resection
      on 5-year OS. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen thousand one hundred seventy-four
      patients met inclusion criteria, 30% of the cohort had an emergent resection.
      After controlling for patient and hospital factors, pathological stage, lymph
      node yield, margin status, and adjuvant chemotherapy, emergent resection was
      associated with increased odds of 30-day mortality (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.60,
      1.78) and hazard of death at 5 years (HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.15) compared to
      elective resections. CONCLUSION: Emergent resection for colon cancer is
      independently associated with poor short-term outcomes and decreased 5-year OS
      compared to elective resection. With 30% of cases in this study emergent, these
      findings underlie the importance of adherence to colon cancer screening
      guidelines to limit the need for emergent resections.

PMID- 28083843
TI  - MicroRNA-19b Expression in Human Biliary Atresia Specimens and Its Role in BA
      Related Fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Biliary atresia (BA) is a pediatric liver disease with
      unknown underlying etiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a family of small
      noncoding RNAs. Among them, miR-19b has been suggested to function in the
      diseased liver. We therefore decided to investigate its potential role in BA.
      METHODS: We used infant-derived specimens to analyze miR-19b expression in a
      tissue- and cell-specific fashion, predicted interaction with genes, and finally
      performed a functional study in vitro. RESULTS: Patients with BA showed
      significantly lower miR-19b level in liver compared with controls, and pediatric
      end-stage liver disease (PELD) score was inversely correlated with miR-19b level.
      In vitro, miR-19b was significantly downregulated in activated hepatic stellate
      cells (HSCs) and exerted inhibitory effects on HSC activation, as confirmed by
      decreased alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and type I collagen expression.
      Moreover, one mRNA target gene (TGFbetaR2) was identified. Computational
      prediction of miR-19b binding to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of TGFbetaR2
      was validated by luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, miR-19b mimic negatively
      regulated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling components, as
      demonstrated by decreased drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3
      (SMAD3) expression and blocking of TGF-beta-induced expression of a1(I) and a2(I)
      procollagen miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that miR-19b may be involved
      in BA-related fibrosis.

PMID- 28083842
TI  - Effect of Vonoprazan, a Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker, on the 13C-Urea
      Breath Test in Helicobacter pylori-Positive Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Vonoprazan (VPZ) is a new oral potassium-competitive acid
      blocker that has recently become available. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effects of VPZ on the urease activity of H. pylori as measured by
      the 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients
      (26 men, 34 women; mean age 53.2 +/- 13.6 years) who were diagnosed as H. pylori
      positive were recruited. The patients were randomly allocated to three treatment
      groups: lansoprazole (LPZ) 30 mg (n = 20), VPZ 20 mg (n = 20) once daily for 3
      weeks, or the control group (n = 20). The 13C-UBT was carried out at baseline and
      after 3 weeks of treatment, and the baseline and after treatment results then
      compared. Delta13C0/00 >= 2.50/00 was considered H. pylori-positive. RESULTS:
      Four patients failed to complete the medication and were omitted from the
      analysis; data from the LPZ group (n = 18), VPZ group (n = 18), and control group
      (n = 20) were analyzed. The control group showed no significant change in 13C-UBT
      data between baseline and the completion of 3-week treatment (baseline: 26.6 +/-
      23.00/00, completion: 21.1 +/- 13.10/00). The 13C-UBT data at week 3 were
      significantly decreased in both the VPZ group (baseline: 32.8 +/- 22.70/00,
      completion: 7.6 +/- 9.20/00, p = 0.0002) and the LPZ group (baseline: 41.8 +/-
      33.40/00; completion: 9.6 +/- 8.80/00, p = 0.0006) compared to baseline.
      CONCLUSIONS: VPZ treatment reduced the value of UBT, warning that UBT for
      patients with VPZ treatment should be evaluated carefully.

PMID- 28083844
TI  - Attention and processing speed performance in multiple sclerosis is mostly
      related to thalamic volume.
AB  - Cognitive impairment (CI), mainly involving attention and processing speed (A
      PS), is a common and disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). Symbol Digit
      Modalities Test (SDMT) is one of the more sensitive and reliable tests to assess
      A-PS deficits in MS. Structural MRI correlates of A-PS in MS still need to be
      clarified. This study aimed to investigate, in a large group of MS patients, the
      relationship between regional gray matter (GM) atrophy and SDMT performance. 125
      relapsing remitting MS patients and 52 healthy controls (HC) underwent a 3 T-MRI
      protocol including high-resolution 3D-T1 imaging. All subjects underwent a
      neurological evaluation and SDMT. A Voxel Based Morphometry analysis was
      performed to assess: 1) correlations between regional GM volume and SDMT
      performance in MS patients; 2) regional differences in GM volume between MS
      patients and HC. Thalamic, putamen and cerebellar volumes were also calculated
      using FIRST tool from the FMRIB Software Library. A linear regression analysis
      was performed to assess the contribution of each one of these structures to A-PS
      performance. A significant negative correlation was found between regional GM
      volume and SDMT score at the level of the thalamus, cerebellum, putamen, and
      occipital cortex in MS patients. Thalamus, cerebellum and putamen also showed
      significant GM atrophy in MS patients compared to HC. Thalamic atrophy is also an
      independent and additional contributor to A-PS deficits in MS patients. These
      findings support the role of thalamus as the most relevant GM structure
      subtending A-PS performance in MS, as measured by SDMT.

PMID- 28083845
TI  - Breast cancer genetic counseling among Dutch patients from Turkish and Moroccan
      descent: participation determinants and perspectives of patients and healthcare
      professionals.
AB  - Lower participation rates in cancer genetic counseling are observed among
      different ethnic minorities. The goal of our study is to gain insight into
      determinants of Turkish and Moroccan patients' participation in breast cancer
      genetic counseling and DNA testing, from the point of view of healthcare
      professionals and patients. Questionnaire-based telephone interviews about
      awareness, perceptions, and reasons for (non-) participation in cancer genetic
      counseling were conducted with 78 Dutch breast cancer patients from Turkish and
      Moroccan descent. The interviews were held in Arabic, Berber, Turkish, or Dutch
      by bilingual research assistants. Additionally, 14 breast cancer patients
      participated in one of two focus group meetings, and two focus groups were held
      with 11 healthcare professionals. SPSS and QSR Nvivo were used to examine the
      quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Half of the total group of
      patients (N = 78) and 79% of patients eligible for genetic counseling and testing
      (N = 33) were aware of the possibility of genetic counseling. The most important
      determinants for nonparticipation in genetic counseling were experienced
      difficulties in patient-doctor communication, cultural factors (e.g., social
      norms), limited health literacy, limited knowledge of the family cancer history,
      and anxiety about cancer. Religious beliefs and knowing personal and family
      members' breast cancer risks were motives to obtain genetic counseling. Despite
      the fact that our study showed that Moroccan and Turkish women reported several
      personal motives to obtain genetic counseling and testing (GCT), patients and
      healthcare professionals experience significant language and health literacy
      difficulties, which make it harder to fully access health care such as genetic
      counseling and testing.

PMID- 28083846
TI  - Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in Australian Adolescents: Should It Be
      Done?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are very few studies on laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
      (LAGB) in obese adolescents with follow up for more than 36 months, let alone
      good prospective data beyond 24 months in Australian adolescents. We aimed to
      evaluate medium term (>36 months) safety and efficacy of LAGB in adolescents with
      severe obesity. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study (March 2009-December
      2015) in one tertiary referral hospital including obese adolescents (14-18 years)
      with a body mass index (BMI) >40 (or >=35 with comorbidities) who consented to
      have LAGB. Exclusion criteria were syndromal causes of obesity, depression and
      oesophageal motility disorders. Main outcome measures include change in weight
      and BMI at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months post LAGB; postoperative complications;
      and admissions. RESULTS: Twenty-one adolescents (median [interquartile range
      (IQR)] 17.4 [16.5-17.7] years, 9 males, mean +/- SD BMI 47.3 +/- 8.4 kg/m2) had a
      median follow up of 45.5 [32-50] months post LAGB. Follow up data were available
      for 16 adolescents. Weight and BMI improved significantly at all follow up times
      (all p < 0.01). The median maximum BMI loss was 10 [7.1-14.7] kg/m2. There were
      four minor early complications. Seven bands were removed due to weight loss
      failure/regain (two had also obstructive symptoms). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown in
      the longest prospective LAGB postoperative follow up study of Australian
      adolescents that LAGB improves BMI in the majority of adolescents without
      significant comorbidities. LAGB is still a reasonable option to be considered as
      a temporary procedure to manage severe obesity during adolescence.

PMID- 28083847
TI  - Influence of Ivabradine on the Anticonvulsant Action of Four Classical
      Antiepileptic Drugs Against Maximal Electroshock-Induced Seizures in Mice.
AB  - Although the role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN)
      channels in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission is still unclear, it
      is postulated that the HCN channels may be involved in seizure activity. The aim
      of this study was to assess the effects of ivabradine (an HCN channel inhibitor)
      on the protective action of four classical antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine,
      phenobarbital, phenytoin and valproate) against maximal electroshock-induced
      seizures in mice. Tonic seizures (maximal electroconvulsions) were evoked in
      adult male albino Swiss mice by an electric current (sine-wave, 25 mA, 0.2 s
      stimulus duration) delivered via auricular electrodes. Acute adverse-effect
      profiles of the combinations of ivabradine with classical antiepileptic drugs
      were measured in mice along with total brain antiepileptic drug concentrations.
      Results indicate that ivabradine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the
      anticonvulsant activity of valproate and considerably reduced that of phenytoin
      in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model. Ivabradine (10 mg/kg)
      had no impact on the anticonvulsant potency of carbamazepine and phenobarbital in
      the maximal electroshock-induced seizure test in mice. Ivabradine (10 mg/kg)
      significantly diminished total brain concentration of phenytoin and had no effect
      on total brain valproate concentration in mice. In conclusion, the enhanced
      anticonvulsant action of valproate by ivabradine in the mouse maximal
      electroshock-induced seizure model was pharmacodynamic in nature. A special
      attention is required when combining ivabradine with phenytoin due to a
      pharmacokinetic interaction and reduction of the anticonvulsant action of
      phenytoin in mice. The combinations of ivabradine with carbamazepine and
      phenobarbital were neutral from a preclinical viewpoint.

PMID- 28083849
TI  - Erythropoietin Rescues Primary Rat Cortical Neurons by Altering the Nrf2:Bach1
      Ratio: Roles of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2.
AB  - While inhalation anesthetics are indispensable, and generally considered safe and
      effective, there is growing concern about the selective neurotoxicity of these
      agents, especially sevoflurane. Erythropoetin (EPO)-induced protection against
      sevoflurane-induced neuronal death is an effective intervention, but the
      underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Extracellular signal-related kinases
      (Erk) 1/2 plays a pivotal role in cell growth and proliferation. Alteration of
      the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/BTB-to-CNC homology 1
      (Bach1) ratio by Erk1/2 ameliorates the oxidative stress which occurs in human
      macrophages. Primary cortical neuron cultures exposed to sevoflurane were
      assessed for Nrf2, Bach1, total Erk1/2, and phosphorylated Erk1/2 with the
      following: 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide;
      propidium iodide uptake; lactate dehydrogenase; malondialdehyde (MDA); superoxide
      dismutase (SOD); and Western blot. Sevoflurane exposure increased cell death,
      injury, and MDA (n = 9, P < 0.05), but decreased cell viability and the
      Nrf2:Bach1 ratio (n = 9, P < 0.05) and down-regulated SOD (n = 9, P < 0.05),
      while EPO partially rescued the neurotoxicity induced by sevoflurane (n = 9, P <
      0.05). Inhibition of Erk1/2 phosphorylation via PD98059 reversed the protective
      effect of EPO (n = 9, P < 0.05). Thus, protection of EPO markedly attenuated
      death of neurons exposed to sevoflurane by altering the Nrf2:Bach1 ratio mediated
      by phosphorylation and activation of Erk1/2.

PMID- 28083848
TI  - Effect of Physical and Social Components of Enriched Environment on Astrocytes
      Proliferation in Rats After Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.
AB  - Treatment of enriched environment (EE) exerts neuroprotective effect in cerebral
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, how the component of EE contributes
      to the functional recovery after brain ischemia remains unclear. Here we examined
      the effect of physical and social components of EE on poststroke astrocytes
      proliferation using an animal model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)
      followed by reperfusion. Rats were divided into five groups: physical enrichment
      group (PE), social enrichment group (SE), physical and social enrichment group
      (PSE), ischemia + standard group (IS) and sham-operated + standard group (SS). In
      a set of behavioral tests, we demonstrated that animals in the enriched groups
      exhibited improved functional outcomes compared with those in standard group.
      Reduced infarct volume was only observed in PSE and PE groups. Double
      immunofluorescent labeling and western blot analysis revealed that rats in PSE
      and PE groups showed significantly more proliferated astrocytes and higher
      expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the periinfarct
      cortex, compared with those in SE group. Astrocytes proliferation and BDNF
      expression were significantly correlated with functional outcomes. Collectively,
      this study suggests that physical activity is a more important component of EE
      regarding the effect on astrocytes proliferation and BDNF expression, which may
      contribute to the improved neurological function of stroke animals.

PMID- 28083850
TI  - Glycogen Supercompensation in the Rat Brain After Acute Hypoglycemia is
      Independent of Glucose Levels During Recovery.
AB  - Patients with diabetes display a progressive decay in the physiological counter
      regulatory response to hypoglycemia, resulting in hypoglycemia unawareness. The
      mechanism through which the brain adapts to hypoglycemia may involve brain
      glycogen. We tested the hypothesis that brain glycogen supercompensation
      following hypoglycemia depends on blood glucose levels during recovery. Conscious
      rats were submitted to hypoglycemia of 2 mmol/L for 90 min and allowed to recover
      at different glycemia, controlled by means of i.v. glucose infusion. Brain
      glycogen concentration was elevated above control levels after 24 h of recovery
      in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum. This glycogen supercompensation was
      independent of blood glucose levels in the post-hypoglycemia period. In the
      absence of a preceding hypoglycemia insult, brain glycogen concentrations were
      unaltered after 24 h under hyperglycemia. In the hypothalamus, which controls
      peripheral glucose homeostasis, glycogen levels were unaltered. Overall, we
      conclude that post-hypoglycemia glycogen supercompensation occurs in several
      brain areas and its magnitude is independent of plasma glucose levels. By
      supporting brain metabolism during recurrent hypoglycemia periods, glycogen may
      have a role in the development of hypoglycemia unawareness.

PMID- 28083851
TI  - The influence of the dose calculation resolution of VMAT plans on the calculated
      dose for eye lens and optic pathway.
AB  - To investigate the effect of dose calculation grid on calculated dose-volumetric
      parameters for eye lenses and optic pathways. A total of 30 patients treated
      using the volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique, were retrospectively
      selected. For each patient, dose distributions were calculated with calculation
      grids ranging from 1 to 5 mm at 1 mm intervals. Identical structures were used
      for VMAT planning. The changes in dose-volumetric parameters according to the
      size of the calculation grid were investigated. Compared to dose calculation with
      1 mm grid, the maximum doses to the eye lens with calculation grids of 2, 3, 4
      and 5 mm increased by 0.2 +/- 0.2 Gy, 0.5 +/- 0.5 Gy, 0.9 +/- 0.8 Gy and 1.7 +/-
      1.5 Gy on average, respectively. The Spearman's correlation coefficient between
      dose gradients near structures vs. the differences between the calculated doses
      with 1 mm grid and those with 5 mm grid, were 0.380 (p < 0.001). For the accurate
      calculation of dose distributions, as well as efficiency, using a grid size of 2
      mm appears to be the most appropriate choice.

PMID- 28083852
TI  - DNA sensors to assess the effect of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 gene polymorphisms on
      warfarin dose requirement in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation.
AB  - The optimal dose of warfarin depends on polymorphisms in the VKORC1 (the vitamin
      K epoxide reductase complex subunit (1) and CYP2C9 (cytochrome P450 2C9) genes.
      To minimize the risk of adverse reactions, warfarin dosages should be adjusted
      according to results from rapid and simple monitoring methods. However, there are
      few pharmacogenetic-guided warfarin dosing algorithms that are based on large
      cohorts from the Chinese population, especially patients with atrial
      fibrillation. This study aimed to validate a pharmacogenetic-guided warfarin
      dosing algorithm based on results from a new rapid electrochemical detection
      method used in a multicenter study. Three SNPs (CYP2C9 *2, *3 and VKORC1 c.-1639G
      > A) were genotyped by electrochemical detection using a sandwich-type format
      that included a 3' short thiol capture probe and a 5' ferrocene-labeled signal
      probe. A total of 1285 samples from four clinical hospitals were evaluated.
      Concordance rates between the results from the electrochemical DNA biosensor and
      the sequencing test were 99.8%. The results for gene distribution showed that
      most Chinese patients had higher warfarin susceptibility because mutant-type and
      heterozygotes were present in the majority of subjects (99.4%) at locus c.-1639G
      > A. When the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium algorithm was
      used to estimate therapeutic dosages for 362 patients with AF and the values were
      compared with their actual dosages, the results revealed that 56.9% were similar
      to actual dosages (within the 20% range). A novel electrochemical detection
      method of CYP2C9 *2, *3and VKORC1 c.-1639G > A alleles was evaluated. The
      warfarin dosing algorithm based on data gathered from a large patient cohort can
      facilitate the reasonable and effective use of warfarin in Chinese patients with
      AF.

PMID- 28083853
TI  - Design, synthesis and pharmacological analysis of 5-[4'-(substituted-methyl)[1,1'
      biphenyl]-2-yl]-1H-tetrazoles.
AB  - In the present paper 5-[4'-({4-[(4-aryloxy)methyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1
      yl}methyl)[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl]-1H-tetrazoles (5a-g) and [2'-(1H-tetrazol-5
      yl)[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl-substituted-1-carbodithioates (11h-q) have been
      designed and synthesized. These compounds were subjected to docking (against AT1
      receptor protein enzyme in complex with Lisinopril), in vitro angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibition, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory screening
      (through egg albumin denaturation inhibition and red blood cell membrane
      stabilization assay) and finally anti-fungal activity analyses. Some of the
      compounds have shown significant pharmacological properties.

PMID- 28083854
TI  - Analysis of prognostic value of complete response by PET-CT and further
      stratification by clinical and biological markers in DLBCL patients.
AB  - Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is performed as the
      standard method for response assessment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
      patients. However, a substantial proportion of patients experience relapse even
      if they have achieved complete response (CR) defined by PET-CT. We validated the
      prognostic value of CR by PET-CT and applied the National Comprehensive Cancer
      Network-International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) and cell of origin (COO) to
      patients with CR by PET-CT to evaluate their additional predictive ability for
      survival outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed DLBCL patients who were treated
      with R-CHOP or an R-CHOP-like regimen and who achieved CR by PET-CT or CT only. A
      total of 185 patients were analyzed: 114 patients achieved CR by PET-CT and 71
      patients by CT only. Patients with CR by PET-CT had significantly better overall
      survival (OS) than those with CR by CT (5-year OS, 87.5 vs. 62.4%, P = 0.003).
      Patients with high risk according to the NCCN-IPI had a dismal outcome despite
      achieving CR by PET-CT (5-year OS, 61.8%). In contrast, low-, low-intermediate-,
      and high-intermediate-risk patients had excellent outcomes (5-year OS, 100, 89.7,
      and 93.5%, respectively). Among patients with CR by PET-CT, patients with
      germinal center B cell (GCB) DLBCL (n = 40) had significantly better survival
      than those with non-GCB DLBCL (n = 57) (5-year OS, 96.9 vs. 75.5%, P = 0.039). We
      demonstrated that CR by PET-CT was a better predictor of survival outcomes than
      CR by CT only. The NCCN-IPI and COO subtypes could identify a subpopulation of
      poor-risk patients among those who achieved CR by PET-CT.

PMID- 28083855
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea risk and leukocyte telomere length in African Americans
      from the MH-GRID study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Shorter telomere length and obstructive sleep apnea are associated with
      increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which are both considered
      leading causes of age-related diseases. Different forms of sleep disordered
      breathing have been linked to telomere length although their relationship remains
      uncertain. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between the
      risk of obstructive sleep apnea and telomere length in African Americans.
      METHODS: The analysis included 184 women and 122 men aged 30-55 years from the
      Morehouse School of Medicine Study. Relative TL (T/S ratio) was measured from
      peripheral blood leukocytes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction. The Berlin questionnaire was used for OSA risk assessments.
      Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the associations
      between OSA risk and LTL. RESULTS: We observed that LTL varied by OSA risk in
      women (0.532 +/- 0.006 vs. 0.569 +/- 0.008) (p = 0.04). Multiple linear
      regression analysis confirmed that women at higher risk for OSA presented shorter
      LTL compared to those at lower risk, independent of age, income, education,
      obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and hypertension. These differences were
      not observed in men. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that OSA risk may
      contribute to the acceleration of cellular aging processes through telomere
      shortening.

PMID- 28083856
TI  - Micafungin: A Review in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of Invasive Candida
      Infections in Paediatric Patients.
AB  - Intravenous micafungin (Mycamine(r); Funguard(r)), an echinocandin, is approved
      in the EU for the treatment of invasive candidiasis in children (including
      neonates) and adolescents (<16 years of age) and as prophylaxis against Candida
      infections in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
      or who are expected to have neutropenia for >=10 days. This narrative review
      focuses on the use of micafungin in paediatric indications approved in the EU,
      which may vary from those approved elsewhere in the world. Micafungin has a broad
      spectrum of in vitro activity against clinically relevant isolates of Candida
      spp. (including fluconazole-resistant Candida glabrata isolates), a low
      propensity for emergence of resistant isolates and a convenient once-daily
      regimen. In paediatric substudies and a small multinational, phase 3 trial in
      neonates with proven invasive candidiasis, intravenous micafungin was effective
      and generally well tolerated in the treatment of candidaemia and other types of
      invasive candidiasis and as prophylaxis against fungal infections in patients
      undergoing HSCT. Hence, micafungin remains an important option for the
      prophylaxis and treatment of invasive Candida infections in paediatric and adult
      patients.

PMID- 28083857
TI  - Structural and congenital heart disease interventions: the role of three
      dimensional printing.
AB  - Advances in catheter-based interventions in structural and congenital heart
      disease have mandated an increased demand for three-dimensional (3D)
      visualisation of complex cardiac anatomy. Despite progress in 3D imaging
      modalities, the pre- and periprocedural visualisation of spatial anatomy is
      relegated to two-dimensional flat screen representations. 3D printing is an
      evolving technology based on the concept of additive manufacturing, where
      computerised digital surface renders are converted into physical models. Printed
      models replicate complex structures in tangible forms that cardiovascular
      physicians and surgeons can use for education, preprocedural planning and device
      testing. In this review we discuss the different steps of the 3D printing
      process, which include image acquisition, segmentation, printing methods and
      materials. We also examine the expanded applications of 3D printing in the
      catheter-based treatment of adult patients with structural and congenital heart
      disease while highlighting the current limitations of this technology in terms of
      segmentation, model accuracy and dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, we provide
      information on the resources needed to establish a hospital-based 3D printing
      laboratory.

PMID- 28083858
TI  - Effect of View, Scan Orientation and Analysis Volume on Digital Tomosynthesis
      (DTS) Based Textural Analysis of Bone.
AB  - Digital tomosynthesis (DTS) derived textural parameters of human vertebral
      cancellous bone have been previously correlated to the finite element (FE)
      stiffness and 3D microstructure. The objective of this study was to optimize
      scanning configuration and use of multiple image slices in the analysis, so that
      FE stiffness prediction using DTS could be maximized. Forty vertebrae (T6, T8,
      T11, and L3) from ten cadavers (63-90 years) were scanned using microCT to obtain
      trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and FE stiffness. The vertebrae were then
      scanned using DTS anteroposteriorly (AP) and laterally (LM) while aligned axially
      (0 degrees ), transversely (90 degrees ) or obliquely (23 degrees ) to the
      superior-inferior axis of the vertebrae. From the serial DTS images, fractal
      dimension (FD), mean intercept length (MIL) and line fraction deviation (LFD)
      parameters were obtained from a 2D-single mid-stack location and 3D-multi-image
      stack. The DTS derived textural parameters were then correlated with FE stiffness
      using linear regression models within each scanning orientation. 3D-multi-image
      stack models obtained from Transverse-LM scanning orientation (90 degrees ) were
      most explanatory regardless of accounting for the effects of BV/TV. Therefore,
      DTS scanning perpendicular to the axis of the spine in an LM view is the
      preferred configuration for prediction of vertebral cancellous bone stiffness.

PMID- 28083859
TI  - An unusual complication of ureterorenoscopy: a liver abscess.

PMID- 28083860
TI  - Prostate cancer outcomes and delays in care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the survival effect of treatment delays from the time of
      confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer to first treatment in an Australian
      population. METHODS: Three thousand one hundred and forty patients were
      identified from the South Australian Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcomes
      Collaborative database for analysis. Selected patients had dates recorded for
      both diagnosis and treatment. We examined the effect of treatment delay (the time
      from diagnosis to date of first treatment) on survival using Cox and competing
      risks regression and compared quartiles of delay across the cohort. Adjustment
      was made for age, PSA levels, treatment modality and Gleason score. Outcomes
      included overall survival (OS) and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM).
      RESULTS: Quartiles of delay were as follows (days)-Q1: 35, Q2: 86, Q3: 138.0, Q4:
      264. Shorter delays were associated with hormonal treatment, high Gleason score
      and high PSA values. Measuring PCSM with Q2 as reference, age-adjusted
      associations were-Q1: sHR 4.37 (2.75-6.94), Q3: sHR 1.29 (0.73-2.28), Q4: sHR
      1.55 (0.91-2.63). After additional adjustment for treatment type, Gleason score
      and PSA, Q1 remained at increased risk [sHR 2.46 (1.10-5.54)]. A similar trend
      was observed for OS. In analysis stratified by Gleason score, delays were not
      significantly associated with OS. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with shorter
      delay in treatment include high Gleason score, high PSA and hormonal treatment.
      After adjustment for these variables, increased delays were not associated with
      OS or PCSM in this cohort. The nonlinear association of delay with risk may
      explain conflicting reports in the literature.

PMID- 28083861
TI  - Multimodal imaging analyses of hyperreflective dot-like lesions in acute
      syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retrospective review of one acute syphilitic posterior placoid
      chorioretinitis (ASPPC) case with serological evidence of syphilis who had ocular
      signs and symptoms not attributable to other diseases. Enface and spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomographySD-OCT were analyzed at the time of presentation and
      at 1-month visit following initiation of treatment. The study patient underwent
      standard treatment for neurosyphilis. RESULTS: Ophthalmic examination and imaging
      studies were consistent with the diagnosis of ASPPC. The patient age was 33 year
      old and the baseline visual acuity was 20/400 and 20/80 in the right and left
      eyes, respectively. At presentation, SD-OCT scans showed disruption and loss of
      the ellipsoid zone (EZ), small nodular elevations on retinal pigment epithelium
      (RPE) and punctate hyperreflectivity in the choroid. Enface OCT at the level of
      RPE and EZ demonstrated multiple hyperreflective dot-like lesions simmetrically
      distributed within the macular area. These dot-like lesions corresponded to the
      small nodular elevations on RPE and to disruption/loss of EZ observed with SD
      OCT. One month after neurosyphilis therapy, the visual acuity improved and the
      outer retinal changes partially reversed in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: We report the
      outer retinal findings and its correlation using both en-face and SD-OCT in a
      patient with ASPPC. En-face OCT imaging provides a more precise outer retinal
      layers analyses allowing a better understanding of the ASPPC pathophysiology.

PMID- 28083862
TI  - Pathogenicity assessment of wild-type and mouse-adapted influenza A(H1N1) pdm09
      viruses in comparison with highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) virus.
AB  - Here we compare the results of pathological and virological examinations of mice
      experimentally infected with either wild-type or mouse-adapted pandemic A(H1N1)
      pdm09 viruses and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus A(H5N1). Mice
      were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 6, and 10 post infection or whenever morbidity was
      severe enough to justify euthanasia. Morbidity rates were calculated on the basis
      of clinical signs (weight loss, poor hair coat, hunched posture and paresis);
      virus-induced disease was characterised by the histopathology of lung; virus
      dissemination was determined by virus isolation on organ samples of lung, brain,
      liver, kidney and spleen. All mice infected with mouse-adapted A(H1N1) pdm09 died
      in the course of the experiment, whereas 20% of animals survived the infection
      with A(H5N1). Echinocyte formation changed the rheological properties of blood in
      animals infected with either mouse-adapted A(H1N1) pdm09 or A(H5N1). To sum up,
      the adaptation of pandemic A(H1N1) pdm09 virus can confer an enhanced virulence
      similar to or even exceeding that of HPAI A(H5N1) virus.

PMID- 28083863
TI  - Treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection in Lombardia: a report
      by the Lombardia Hepatitis Network.
AB  - The arrival of potent directly acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of
      chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was a challenge for the regional health
      system of the Lombardia Region. Lombardia represents roughly 8% of the Italian
      territory but includes nearly 16% of the Italian population. In 2014, nearly
      37,600 HCV patients were routinely followed-up in liver centers across the
      region; nearly 16,000 were classified as having advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis
      (Metavir F3-F4). The creation of a regional network was necessary to ensure
      uniformity in treatment access and treatment management. The first database
      analysis of the Lombardia Hepatitis Network was conducted in January 2016, and
      included data on 2432 patients who had received treatment from December 2014 to
      December 2015. The most prevalent HCV genotypes were HCV-1 found in 63% and HCV-3
      found in 17%. Overall 90.4% patients achieved an SVR, SVR rates were 92.9% in HCV
      1, 89.3% in HCV-2, 81.1% in HCV-3 and 88.9% in HCV-4.

PMID- 28083864
TI  - The HCV Sicily Network: a web-based model for the management of HCV chronic liver
      diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies report that in Sicily reside about 30,000
      citizens with a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis due to HCV. The availability of
      direct antiviral action (DAA) is a real therapeutic breakthrough, but the high
      cost of the therapeutic regimes limits their use and forced the National Health
      System to establish clinical priority for the treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The HCV Sicily Network is a web-based model of best medical practice, which was
      designed to improve the management and the treatment of HCV chronic hepatitis and
      cirrhosis. The network includes 41 centers and 84 gastroenterologists or
      infectivologists connected by a web platform that recorder the diagnosis and the
      clinic priority for the therapy. RESULTS: From March 2015 to September 2016,
      9,965 patients (57% male, mean age 61 years, 34% with age over 70 years) have
      been recorded in the web platform, 3,319 patients completed the treatment, and
      1,754 completed the 12 weeks of follow-up. The Sustained Virological Response
      (SVR) was achieved in 1,541 patients (87.8%), while 136 patients (7.7%) 77
      patients (4.5%) experienced a virological relapse during the 12 weeks of follow
      up. CONCLUSIONS: The HCV Sicily Network is an excellent system for the Regional
      Department of Health that can have a real estimation of patients that received an
      efficacy, but high-cost therapy.

PMID- 28083865
TI  - HCV - Estimation of the number of diagnosed patients eligible to the new anti-HCV
      therapies in Italy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present research wants to take a picture of the current
      epidemiological scenario regarding HCV infection in Italy. Studies used to
      estimate HCV burden of illness in Italy were so far local and performed a number
      of years ago, not mirroring the state of the art. EpaC wanted to provide a real
      number of diagnosed patients, eligible to new anti-HCV therapies. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: EpaC is the most important Italian NGO for hepatopathic patients. A
      number of sources were cross-checked. Starting from all regional data regarding
      HCV-related exemptions, a correction/integration was performed with online
      questionnaire to associated patients (from which we derived patients cured and
      also other/no exemptions); survey to all prescribing centers in Italy (from which
      we derived the percentage of ineligible patients); prevalence of particular
      subpopulations was also collected (prisoners and HIV/HCV coinfected);
      calculations of new diagnosed, dead and cured patients in 2015. Excluded patients
      were illegal immigrants and active drug addicts (subpopulations currently rarely
      cured). RESULTS: A total of 221,549 patients were derived from regional
      exemptions databases and the mean national prevalence was 0.364%. Adding patients
      without exemptions/other exemptions, total was 308,624. We deducted the yearly
      deaths, cured and not eligible patients and, last, integrated with coinfected and
      prisoner special groups. Prevalence was also estimated at regional level,
      highlighting a reduction of the typical North-to-South prevalence gradient.
      Applying the above-mentioned corrections/integrations, total diagnosed and
      eligible HCV patients in Italy who can be immediately cured are supposed to range
      163,148-187,756. CONCLUSIONS: This is a research aimed at filling an informative
      gap able to provide useful actual information in terms of HCV patients real-life
      management and future resource allocation. These data may be considered the basis
      for policy- and decision-makers to plan and manage patients ready to be cured.
      The research does not provide information on patients not yet diagnosed.

PMID- 28083866
TI  - HCV - Treatment ratio and governance footprints: analysis of regional
      differentiation in Italy.
AB  - Due to the strongly fragmented reality of HCV treatment in the various Regions of
      Italy, effectiveness of access to treatment is difficult to gather. The aim of
      this paper was to analyze regional differences in healthcare governance models
      regarding HCV, in order to understand the ability of each Region to give access
      to HCV diagnosed patients. The analysis was performed by comparing treatment
      ratios (TR) across all Regions (treated patients/diagnosed patients).
      Furthermore, the study provides insight to regional regulatory environment and to
      all HCV treatments entering the market in each Region. Sicily has the highest TR
      value (73%), whereas Friuli Venezia Giulia has the lowest (5%). Overall, Regions
      where a technical document on HCV clinical pathways has been implemented, result
      in a higher number of treated patients.

PMID- 28083867
TI  - The healthcare service in Italy: regional variability.
AB  - The Italian health system is highly decentralized, with most administrative and
      organizational powers governed by Regions and rather limited powers at national
      level. The state has full control over the definition of the core benefit package
      (LEA) but there is evidence that the actual provision of these services varies
      greatly across Regions.

PMID- 28083868
TI  - Motor impairment in children born preterm: assessment with the Movement ABC-2.

PMID- 28083871
TI  - An exploratory study using framework analysis to investigate health-seeking
      behaviour in patients with psoriasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory skin disorder, with negative
      effects on employment, relationships and social function, frequently causing
      reduced quality of life. People with psoriasis often present to secondary care
      late into their condition but the reasons for this are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To
      examine the patient pathway, health-seeking behaviour and drivers for referral to
      secondary care in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: Sixteen patients with mild-to
      severe psoriasis, newly referred to secondary care participated in a semi
      structured interview. Scripts were analysed by a thematic framework. RESULTS: The
      median duration of time living with psoriasis was 15 years at referral. Drivers
      of secondary care referral included rapid deterioration or extremis, development
      of comorbidities, knowledge of treatment options, and influence of partners and
      friends. Reasons for late presentation to secondary care include familial
      experience of psoriasis, lack of follow-up after the initiation of treatments,
      beliefs that psoriasis is incurable and must be tolerated, and that psoriasis is
      not life threatening and therefore not worthy of medical help and difficulty in
      obtaining a secondary care referral. A common pathway from seeking help at
      psoriasis onset, evolving into the development of delayed health seeking later in
      the pathway, was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the causes of delay in
      presentation to secondary care and effective treatment ascertains key areas to
      target. Health seeking early in the disease pathway provides a 'window of
      opportunity' for intervention, which may enable people with psoriasis to obtain
      early, effective treatment and achieve their full life potential.

PMID- 28083870
TI  - The ethnic profile of patients with birthmarks reveals interaction of germline
      and postzygotic genetics.

PMID- 28083872
TI  - A space-time skew-t model for threshold exceedances.
AB  - To assess the compliance of air quality regulations, the Environmental Protection
      Agency (EPA) must know if a site exceeds a pre-specified level. In the case of
      ozone, the level for compliance is fixed at 75 parts per billion, which is high,
      but not extreme at all locations. We present a new space-time model for threshold
      exceedances based on the skew-t process. Our method incorporates a random
      partition to permit long-distance asymptotic independence while allowing for
      sites that are near one another to be asymptotically dependent, and we
      incorporate thresholding to allow the tails of the data to speak for themselves.
      We also introduce a transformed AR(1) time-series to allow for temporal
      dependence. Finally, our model allows for high-dimensional Bayesian inference
      that is comparable in computation time to traditional geostatistical methods for
      large data sets. We apply our method to an ozone analysis for July 2005, and find
      that our model improves over both Gaussian and max-stable methods in terms of
      predicting exceedances of a high level.

PMID- 28083869
TI  - Bayesian genome- and epigenome-wide association studies with gene level
      dependence.
AB  - High-throughput genetic and epigenetic data are often screened for associations
      with an observed phenotype. For example, one may wish to test hundreds of
      thousands of genetic variants, or DNA methylation sites, for an association with
      disease status. These genomic variables can naturally be grouped by the gene they
      encode, among other criteria. However, standard practice in such applications is
      independent screening with a universal correction for multiplicity. We propose a
      Bayesian approach in which the prior probability of an association for a given
      genomic variable depends on its gene, and the gene-specific probabilities are
      modeled nonparametrically. This hierarchical model allows for appropriate gene
      and genome-wide multiplicity adjustments, and can be incorporated into a variety
      of Bayesian association screening methodologies with negligible increase in
      computational complexity. We describe an application to screening for differences
      in DNA methylation between lower grade glioma and glioblastoma multiforme tumor
      samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Software is available via the package
      BayesianScreening for R: github.com/lockEF/BayesianScreening.

PMID- 28083873
TI  - Follow-up assessment of problem-based learning in dental alveolar surgery
      education: a pilot trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited information exists on the effects of an oral and
      maxillofacial surgery integrated problem-based learning (PBL) course for dental
      undergraduates and the performance of these students after graduation. Therefore,
      we designed a PBL-implemented course with integrated dental alveolar surgery to
      evaluate its effects on the preparedness of graduates for clinical practice,
      their lifelong learning habits and their ability to collaborate, compared with
      the results of traditional courses. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial was
      performed with 90 undergraduate students. The undergraduates were asked to
      perform a theoretical examination and to complete a clinical case analysis at the
      end of the course. Three years later, a follow-up survey was administered via a
      telephone interview and a questionnaire that measured self-perceived and
      supervisor-rated preparedness for clinical practice related to professional
      knowledge of dental alveolar surgery, lifelong learning habits, attitude and
      collaboration ability. All results were analysed using one-way analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) and a t-test. RESULTS: At the 3-year post-graduation time point,
      both PBL graduates and their supervisors rated their preparation for clinical
      practice as higher than those who received traditional lecture-based courses. In
      addition, the respondents in the PBL group believed that they were more likely
      than their counterparts in the traditional group to consult with professionals
      and other health-care staff members. No significant between-group differences
      were observed in the graduates' habits or lifelong learning attitudes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The PBL mode of teaching integrated dental alveolar surgery may
      improve preparedness for clinical practice and help undergraduates to develop the
      desire to collaborate.

PMID- 28083874
TI  - Barriers to oral health across selected European countries and the USA.
AB  - In this review we consider oral-health access among older adults within and
      between the USA and various European countries with regard to possible primary
      financial and modifiable secondary non-financial factors. For older adults, the
      likelihood of using dental services has been associated, in the health
      literature, with a multiplicity of factors. These factors are traditionally
      classified into predisposing, enabling and need categories, and can be further
      classified into modifiable and non-modifiable subcategories. This raises the
      question of which single factor or group of factors has the most influence in
      keeping older adults from seeking care, and how these influences might differ
      between the USA and various other (European) countries. As it turns out, there is
      variation in the magnitude of effects across certain measurable potential
      barriers, but generally it takes a combination of characteristics associated with
      non-use to have a substantial impact.

PMID- 28083875
TI  - The role of oncoplastic breast reduction in the conservative management of breast
      cancer: Complications, survival, and quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Reduction Mammaplasty (RM) in breast cancer allows
      mammary remodeling after wide excisions. We aimed to analyze the complications,
      survival, and quality of life after RM. METHODS: Retrospective study of women who
      underwent a surgical intervention for breast cancer between 2000 and 2016.
      Patients were divided into two groups: RM and tumorectomy. Postoperative
      complications, survival and quality of life were assessed using the Breast-Q
      questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 801 patients were evaluated, with a mean
      follow up of 84 months. RM patients experienced a longer operating time and
      hospital stay, and a higher proportion of tissue necrosis compared to tumorectomy
      patients (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed regarding rate of
      re-excision or rate of mastectomy, but the recurrence rate at 10 years was higher
      for RM patients (P < 0.03). Patients who underwent RM reported optimal
      satisfaction with the breast and a good quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: RM is a
      useful approach in breast cancer surgery, with a low rate of re-excision and
      mastectomy. Overall survival at 10 years is similar to that associated with
      tumorectomy, though with a higher rate of local recurrence. Patient satisfaction
      and quality of life appears to be good one year after radiotherapy.

PMID- 28083876
TI  - Dynamic changes in absolute immature platelet count suggest the presence of a
      coexisting immune process in the setting of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated the usefulness of absolute immature
      platelet counts (A-IPCs) in the management and diagnostic algorithm of thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Specifically a threefold increase in A-IPC from
      baseline may be diagnostic of TTP. Here, A-IPC was used to understand a
      coexisting immune dysregulation complicating TTP treatment. CASE REPORT: A 17
      year-old previously healthy female was admitted with altered mental status,
      petechiae, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and schistocytes on peripheral smear. Daily
      therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and corticosteroids were started for suspected
      TTP supported by ADAMTS13 activity of less than 5%, inhibitor more than 8, and
      more than threefold A-IPC increase from baseline post-TPE initiation. Despite
      daily TPE, the patient had significant and unexpected decreases in platelet (PLT)
      counts and A-IPCs during her hospital course. After each PLT count decline,
      response to TPE and immunosuppression led to increasingly prolonged count
      recovery with subsequent episodes. Decreases in both PLTs and A-IPCs indicated
      that both mature and immature PLTs were being cleared from circulation. Recovery
      occurred once A-IPC dynamics indicated restored negative feedback in relation to
      PLT count. CONCLUSION: Serial monitoring of A-IPC dynamics was indicative of
      coexisting processes in the setting of ADAMTS13 deficiency. Uncoupling of the
      expected A-IPC and PLT count seen in TTP suggested the presence of such an immune
      process in addition to TTP with high ADAMTS13 inhibitor. Monitoring of A-IPC is a
      clinically valuable, rapid, and noninvasive thrombopoietic measurement when TTP
      is suspected.

PMID- 28083877
TI  - Proximal onycholysis as a complication of hand, foot, and mouth disease.

PMID- 28083878
TI  - The B6 -vitamer Pyridoxal is a Sensitizer of UVA-induced Genotoxic Stress in
      Human Primary Keratinocytes and Reconstructed Epidermis.
AB  - UVA-driven photooxidative stress in human skin may originate from excitation of
      specific endogenous chromophores acting as photosensitizers. Previously, we have
      demonstrated that 3-hydroxypyridine-derived chromophores including B6 -vitamers
      (pyridoxine, pyridoxamine and pyridoxal) are endogenous photosensitizers that
      enhance UVA-induced photooxidative stress in human skin cells. Here, we report
      that the B6 -vitamer pyridoxal is a sensitizer of genotoxic stress in human adult
      primary keratinocytes (HEKa) and reconstructed epidermis. Comparative array
      analysis indicated that exposure to the combined action of pyridoxal and UVA
      caused upregulation of heat shock (HSPA6, HSPA1A, HSPA1L, HSPA2), redox (GSTM3,
      EGR1, MT2A, HMOX1, SOD1) and genotoxic (GADD45A, DDIT3, CDKN1A) stress response
      gene expression. Together with potentiation of UVA-induced photooxidative stress
      and glutathione depletion, induction of HEKa cell death occurred only in response
      to the combined action of pyridoxal and UVA. In addition to activational
      phosphorylation indicative of genotoxic stress [p53 (Ser15) and gamma-H2AX
      (Ser139)], comet analysis indicated the formation of Fpg-sensitive oxidative DNA
      lesions, observable only after combined exposure to pyridoxal and UVA. In human
      reconstructed epidermis, pyridoxal preincubation followed by UVA exposure caused
      genomic oxidative base damage, procaspase 3 cleavage and TUNEL positivity,
      consistent with UVA-driven photooxidative damage that may be relevant to human
      skin exposed to high concentrations of B6 -vitamers.

PMID- 28083879
TI  - Health Services Utilization in Older Adults with Dementia Receiving Care
      Coordination: The MIND at Home Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of a novel dementia care coordination program
      on health services utilization. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: A total of 303
      community-dwelling adults aged >=70 with a cognitive disorder in Baltimore,
      Maryland (2008-2011). STUDY DESIGN: Single-blind RCT evaluating efficacy of an 18
      month care coordination intervention delivered through community-based
      nonclinical care coordinators, supported by an interdisciplinary clinical team.
      DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Study partners reported acute care/inpatient,
      outpatient, and home- and community-based service utilization at baseline, 9, and
      18 months. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: From baseline to 18 months, there were no
      significant group differences in acute care/inpatient or total outpatient
      services use, although intervention participants had significantly increased
      outpatient dementia/mental health visits from 9 to 18 months (p = .04) relative
      to controls. Home and community-based support service use significantly increased
      from baseline to 18 months in the intervention compared to control (p = .005).
      CONCLUSIONS: While this dementia care coordination program did not impact acute
      care/inpatient services utilization, it increased use of dementia-related
      outpatient medical care and nonmedical supportive community services, a
      combination that may have helped participants remain at home longer. Future care
      model modifications that emphasize delirium, falls prevention, and behavior
      management may be needed to influence inpatient service use.

PMID- 28083881
TI  - The use of sonoelastography to assess the recovery of stiffness after equine
      superficial digital flexor tendon injuries: A preliminary prospective
      longitudinal study of the healing process.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective assessment of the mechanical properties of the
      superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) could provide useful information for the
      rehabilitation of horses with SDFT injuries. Assessment of strain ratio (the
      strain of a standard reference divided by that of lesions) is a quantitative
      method in sonoelastography for evaluating tissue stiffness in vivo. As yet, no
      longitudinal studies have used strain ratio to evaluate the progression of
      stiffness in SDFT injuries. OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that strain ratio
      can evaluate the recovery of stiffness during the healing of SDFT injuries. STUDY
      DESIGN: Prospective and longitudinal study with observer-blinded evaluation.
      METHODS: Ultrasonography, including sonoelastography, was performed in seven
      Thoroughbred horses with naturally occurring SDFT injuries at five time points:
      within 20 days of the injury, and at 2, 3, 6 and 9 months after the injury.
      Blinded sonoelastographic images were independently evaluated by two
      veterinarians to assess interobserver agreement. The recovery of stiffness and
      echogenicity in lesions were evaluated using the strain ratio and grey-scale
      ratio (echogenicity of lesions divided by that of the surrounding area),
      respectively. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was assessed as 'almost perfect'.
      Strain ratios were significantly higher at 9 months after injury than at the
      other time points (all P<0.05). Strain ratios at 6 months after injury were
      significantly higher than those at earlier time points (P<0.05). Grey-scale
      ratios within 20 days of injury were significantly lower than those at the other
      time points (all P<0.05). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Validations of SDFT status were
      evaluated only by recovery of the echogenicity in lesions and not by
      histopathological examination. CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies are needed
      to validate the relationships between injured SDFT status and sonoelastographic
      findings, this preliminary study shows that strain ratio may provide a means to
      monitor the recovery of stiffness in lesions during rehabilitation, even when the
      grey-scale ratio remains unchanged from a few months after SDFT injury. The
      Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting Information.

PMID- 28083880
TI  - Oral health-related quality-of-life scores differ by socioeconomic status and
      caries experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (i) Quantify the relative association between child dental caries
      experience and maternal-reported child oral health-related quality of life
      (OHRQoL); (ii) examine whether that association differed according to family
      socioeconomic status (SES); and (iii) explore whether absolute OHRQoL varied by
      family SES at similar levels of child caries experience. METHODS: This study was
      a cross-sectional analysis of children in southern Brazil (n=456, mean age: 38
      months) participating in an existing health centre-based intervention study.
      OHRQoL impact was quantified as mean score on the Brazilian Early Childhood Oral
      Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) and compared over categories of caries experience
      (dmft: 0, dmft: 1-4, dmft: >=5). Adjusted ECOHIS ratios between caries categories
      were calculated using regression modelling, overall and within socioeconomic
      strata defined by maternal education, social class and household income. RESULTS:
      Caries prevalence (dmft >0) was 39.7%, mean ECOHIS score was 2.0 (SD: 3.5), and
      44.3% of mothers reported OHRQoL impact (ECOHIS score >0). Increasing child
      caries experience was associated with worsening child and family quality of life:
      ECOHIS scores were 3.0 times greater (95% CI: 2.0, 4.4) for children with dmft
      >=5 vs dmft=0, a pattern that persisted regardless of family socioeconomic status
      (P for interaction: all >0.3). However, adjusted for dental status and
      sociodemographic characteristics, mean ECOHIS scores were lower when reported by
      mothers of less educational attainment (ratio: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 1.0), lower
      social class (ratio: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 1.0) or in lower income households (ratio:
      0.8; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.3). CONCLUSION: Dental caries was associated with negative
      child and family experiences and lower OHRQoL across all social groups; yet,
      families facing greater disadvantage may report lesser quality-of-life impact at
      the same level of disease experience. Thus, subjective quality-of-life measures
      may differ under varying social contexts, with possible implications for service
      utilization, evaluating oral health interventions, or quantifying disease
      morbidity in low-SES groups.

PMID- 28083882
TI  - Reflectance confocal microscopy for the characterization of primary cutaneous
      amyloidosis: a pilot study.

PMID- 28083883
TI  - A Comparison of Dose Metrics to Predict Local Tumor Control for Photofrin
      mediated Photodynamic Therapy.
AB  - This preclinical study examines light fluence, photodynamic therapy (PDT) dose
      and "apparent reacted singlet oxygen," [1 O2 ]rx , to predict local control rate
      (LCR) for Photofrin-mediated PDT of radiation-induced fibrosarcoma (RIF) tumors.
      Mice bearing RIF tumors were treated with in-air fluences (50-250 J cm-2 ) and in
      air fluence rates (50-150 mW cm-2 ) at Photofrin dosages of 5 and 15 mg kg-1 and
      a drug-light interval of 24 h using a 630-nm, 1-cm-diameter collimated laser. A
      macroscopic model was used to calculate [1 O2 ]rx and PDT dose based on in vivo
      explicit dosimetry of the drug concentration, light fluence and tissue optical
      properties. PDT dose and [1 O2 ]rx were defined as a temporal integral of drug
      concentration and fluence rate, and singlet oxygen concentration consumed divided
      by the singlet oxygen lifetime, respectively. LCR was stratified for different
      dose metrics for 74 mice (66 + 8 control). Complete tumor control at 14 days was
      observed for [1 O2 ]rx >= 1.1 mm or PDT dose >=1200 MUm J cm-2 but cannot be
      predicted with fluence alone. LCR increases with increasing [1 O2 ]rx and PDT
      dose but is not well correlated with fluence. Comparing dosimetric quantities, [1
      O2 ]rx outperformed both PDT dose and fluence in predicting tumor response and
      correlating with LCR.

PMID- 28083885
TI  - Preparation of diclofenac-imprinted polymer beads for selective molecular
      separation in water.
AB  - Molecular imprinting technique is an attractive strategy to prepare materials for
      target recognition and rapid separation. In this work, a new type of diclofenac
      (DFC)-imprinted polymer beads was synthesized by Pickering emulsion
      polymerization using 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate as the functional
      monomer. The selectivity and capacity of the molecularly imprinted polymers
      (MIPs) were investigated in aqueous solution. Equilibrium binding results show
      that the MIPs have a high selectivity to bind DFC in a wide range of pH values.
      Moreover, in liquid chromatography experiment, the imprinted polymer beads were
      packed into column to investigate the binding selectivity under nonequilibrium
      conditions. The retention time of DFC on the MIP column is significantly longer
      than its structural analogues. Also, retention of DFC on the MIP column was
      significantly longer than on the nonimprinted polymer column under aqueous
      condition. As the new MIP beads can be used to achieve direct separation of DFC
      from water, the synthetic method and the affinity beads developed in this work
      opened new possibilities for removing toxic chemicals from environmental and
      drinking water.

PMID- 28083884
TI  - Disabled-1 dorsal horn spinal cord neurons co-express Lmx1b and function in
      nociceptive circuits.
AB  - The Reelin-signaling pathway is essential for correct neuronal positioning within
      the central nervous system. Mutant mice with a deletion of Reelin, its
      lipoprotein receptors, or its intracellular adaptor protein Disabled-1 (Dab1),
      exhibit nociceptive abnormalities: thermal (heat) hyperalgesia and reduced
      mechanical sensitivity. To determine dorsal horn alterations associated with
      these nociceptive abnormalities, we first characterized the correctly positioned
      Dab1 neurons in wild-type and mispositioned neurons in Reelin-signaling pathway
      mutant lumbar spinal cord. Using immunofluorescence, we found that 70% of the
      numerous Dab1 neurons in Reln+/+ laminae I-II and 67% of those in the lateral
      reticulated area and lateral spinal nucleus (LSN) co-express the LIM-homeobox
      transcription factor 1 beta (Lmx1b), an excitatory glutamatergic neuron marker.
      Evidence of Dab1- and Dab1-Lmx1b neuronal positioning errors was found within the
      isolectin B4 terminal region of Reln-/- lamina IIinner and in the lateral
      reticulated area and LSN, where about 50% of the Dab1-Lmx1b neurons are missing.
      Importantly, Dab1-Lmx1b neurons in laminae I-II and the lateral reticulated area
      express Fos after noxious thermal or mechanical stimulation and thus participate
      in these circuits. In another pain relevant locus - the lateral cervical nucleus
      (LCN), we also found about a 50% loss of Dab1-Lmx1b neurons in Reln-/- mice. We
      suggest that extensively mispositioned Dab1 projection neurons in the lateral
      reticulated area, LSN, and LCN and the more subtle positioning errors of Dab1
      interneurons in laminae I-II contribute to the abnormalities in pain responses
      found in Reelin-signaling pathway mutants.

PMID- 28083886
TI  - Incidence and risk estimate of drug-induced agranulocytosis in Hong Kong Chinese.
      A population-based case-control study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Drug-induced agranulocytosis is a rare but life-threatening adverse drug
      reaction. Its epidemiology in Chinese is largely unknown. This study aimed to
      estimate the incidence, mortality, and risk of the drugs associated with
      agranulocytosis in Hong Kong Chinese. METHODS: A population-based case-control
      study was conducted using the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System, a
      database managed by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Patients with drug-induced
      agranulocytosis from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2013 were identified. World
      Health Organization causality assessment was used to evaluate the possible drug
      aetiology of each case. Odd ratios (ORs) of the drug exposure were calculated
      using exact conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 155 cases of
      drug-induced agranulocytosis were identified. Mean age was 51.4 years, and 95
      cases were female. Incidence rate was estimated to be 2.2 cases per million
      person-years, and the all-cause mortality of patients with drug-induced
      agranulocytosis was 3.9%. Among the cases, the most common associated drug groups
      were antithyroid drugs (41.9%), antimicrobials (20%), anticonvulsants (10.3%),
      and antipsychotics (6.5%). Carbimazole had the highest risk of agranulocytosis
      (adjusted OR 416.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 51.5-3372.9) with an incidence
      of 9.2 (95%CI 6.9-12.1) per 10 000 users and 3.6 (95%CI 2.7-4.8) per 10 000 user
      years. Other drugs with significant risk included cephalosporins, clozapine,
      penicillins, phenytoin, and propyl thiouracil. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and
      mortality in Hong Kong Chinese were relatively low compared to Caucasians.
      Antithyroid drugs were the most common implicated drug class, and carbimazole had
      the highest risk of agranulocytosis. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28083887
TI  - Stability of the Gross Motor Function Classification System in children and
      adolescents with cerebral palsy: a retrospective cohort registry study.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the stability and to determine factors that affect change in
      the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) in a sample from the total
      population with cerebral palsy (CP) in two regions of Sweden. METHOD:
      Retrospective cohort registry study based on the follow-up programme for CP.
      Children with CP and a minimum of two GMFCS ratings were included. Subtype, sex,
      ages at GMFCS ratings, time between ratings, number of ratings, assessor change,
      and birth cohort were analysed in relation to initial GMFCS levels, with
      descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Ninety-three per
      cent (n=736) of children with CP born between 1990 and 2007 were included,
      resulting in 7922 assessments between 1995 and 2014. Fifty-six per cent of the
      children received the same GMFCS rating at all assessments, with a median of 11
      individual GMFCS ratings (range 2-21) and a median of three different assessors
      (range 1-10). Changes were often transient; downward change (higher performance)
      was more likely in GMFCS levels II and III than in the other levels. The
      probability of upward change (lower performance) was lowest in unilateral spastic
      CP. INTERPRETATION: The results support the stability of the GMFCS shown
      previously and add new information on the properties of the classification.

PMID- 28083888
TI  - Rechargeable or Nonrechargeable Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystonia: A Cost
      Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Deep brain stimulation of the internal Globus Pallidus (GPi DBS)
      delivered by an implantable neurostimulator (INS) is an established, effective,
      and safe treatment option for patients with medically refractory primary
      dystonia. Compared to other DBS targets, the battery life of the INS is
      substantially shorter due to the higher energy demands required to penetrate the
      GPi resulting in faster battery depletion and more frequent hospitalizations for
      INS replacement. We, therefore, performed a cost analysis to compare a
      rechargeable DBS system, Activa(r)RC, with nonrechargeable systems, from the
      perspective of the French public health insurer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To
      estimate the cost of INS replacement in the nonrechargeable cohort, and costs
      potentially avoided in the hypothetical Activa(r) RC cohort, the medical records
      of patients who had undergone GPi DBS with a nonrechargeable INS between 1996 and
      2010 at a center in France were accessed. Replacement rates were estimated for up
      to nine years. RESULTS: With Activa(r) RC, a total of 315 hospitalizations for
      replacement procedures would have been avoided over nine years compared with a
      nonrechargeable INS, resulting in a discounted mean direct medical cost per
      patient over nine years of ?50,119 with a nonrechargeable INS and ?33,306 with
      Activa(r) RC, a reduction of 34%. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of a rechargeable
      instead of a nonrechargeable INS for eligible patients with dystonia may provide
      substantial savings to the public health insurer in France.

PMID- 28083889
TI  - A prospective clinical assessment of anatomic variability of the submental
      vascularized lymph node flap.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) flap has become a
      popular choice for the treatment of lymphedema. Despite its favorable
      characteristics, anatomic variability exists, making the harvest of this flap
      challenging. Knowledge and characterization of anatomic variability can aid the
      surgeon in safe and effective flap harvest. METHODS: A prospective analysis of
      all patients who underwent VSLN flap transfer for lymphedema was performed.
      Demographics, operative details, and post-operative recovery were analyzed for
      included patients. Intraoperative videography and detailed anatomic drawings of
      each case were reviewed to accurately account for anatomic variability and
      details. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were identified during the study period.
      Arteriovenous anatomic variability (A1-A2 and V1-V4) existed, with most patients
      having the artery and vein present superior to the submandibular gland (A1V1;
      31%), with other combinations occurring less frequently. Flap harvest time was
      found to be significantly increased with an intraglandular arterial course (P <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The VSLN flap can be safely and effectively harvested with
      knowledge of arteriovenous anatomic variability. Most commonly, the artery and
      vein travel together superior to the submandibular gland, but other variations
      exist, which may add time to surgical flap harvest and increased need for
      dissection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:43-47. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28083890
TI  - Amhezole, A Novel Fungal Secondary Metabolite from Aspergillus terreus for
      Treatment of Microbial Mouth Infection.
AB  - Bio-guided fractionation of Aspergillus terreus extract leads to isolation of a
      novel terpenoidal secondary metabolite. The isolated compound and the total
      alcoholic extract of Aspergillus terreus showed a remarkable activity against
      microbial mouth infections; namely, Candida albicans, Lactobacillus acidophilus,
      Streptococcus gordonii, and S. mutan. Moreover, the Minimum Inhibitory
      Concentration of the isolated compound was determined and showed low values. The
      combination of each of the alcoholic extract of A. terreus and the isolated
      compound Coe-Comfort tissue conditioner inhibited the growth of Candida albicans
      at concentrations of 500 and 7.81 ug/mL, respectively, Lactobacillus acidophilus
      at concentrations of 250 and 7.81 ug/mL, respectively, Streptococcus gordonii at
      concentrations of 1000 and 62.50 ug/mL, respectively, and S. mutans at
      concentrations of 1000 and 125 ug/mL, respectively. The oral dosing of the
      extract and the isolated compound did not show any significant effect on the
      activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspirate aminotransferase, and the levels
      of blood urea and serum creatinine. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28083891
TI  - Functional activation independently contributes to naming ability and relates to
      lesion site in post-stroke aphasia.
AB  - Language network reorganization in aphasia may depend on the degree of damage in
      critical language areas, making it difficult to determine how reorganization
      impacts performance. Prior studies on remapping of function in aphasia have not
      accounted for the location of the lesion relative to critical language areas.
      They rectified this problem by using a multimodal approach, combining
      multivariate lesion-symptom mapping and fMRI in chronic aphasia to understand the
      independent contributions to naming performance of the lesion and the activity in
      both hemispheres. Activity was examined during two stages of naming: covert
      retrieval, and overt articulation. Regions of interest were drawn based on over-
      and under-activation, and in areas where activity had a bivariate relationship
      with naming. Regressions then tested whether activation of these regions
      predicted naming ability, while controlling for lesion size and damage in
      critical left hemisphere naming areas, as determined by lesion-symptom mapping.
      Engagement of the right superior temporal sulcus (STS) and disengagement of the
      left dorsal pars opercularis (dPOp) during overt naming was associated with
      better than predicted naming performance. Lesions in the left STS prevented right
      STS engagement and resulted in persistent left dPOp activation. In summary,
      changes in activity during overt articulation independently relate to naming
      outcomes, controlling for stroke severity. Successful remapping relates to
      network disruptions that depend on the location of the lesion in the left
      hemisphere. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2051-2066, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28083892
TI  - Evidence of regulatory myeloid dendritic cells and circulating inflammatory
      epidermal dendritic cells-like modulated by Toll-like receptors 2 and 7/8 in
      adults with atopic dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUD: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease
      characterized by intense pruritus and xerosis. Dendritic cells (DC) play an
      essential role in tissue inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD) skin, especially
      the inflammatory epidermal dendritic cells (IDEC), a particular subset of myeloid
      dendritic cells (mDC). The aim of the present study was to assess the phenotype
      and function of mDC and circulating IDEC-like in peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMC) of adults with AD. METHODS: We selected 21 AD patients and 21 non-AD
      controls, age and gender matched. Expressions of FcepsilonRI, CD36, TNF, IFN-
      gamma, and IL-10 in mDC were analyzed by flow cytometry under various stimuli,
      such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), TLR2 (Pam3CSK4), TLR4 (LPS), and
      TLR7/8 (CL097) agonists. RESULTS: The most prominent findings in AD patients
      were: (i) enhanced frequency of IL-10 under TLR4 (LPS), and decreased frequency
      of IFN-gamma and TNF under TLR2 (Pam3CSK4) and 7/8 (CL097) stimulation in classic
      mDC; (ii) elevation of circulating IDEC-like frequency with TLR2 (Pam3CSK4)
      stimuli, augmented frequency of IFN-gamma in nonstimulated condition, and of IL
      10 under TLR7/8 (CL097) stimuli in IDEC-like population. CONCLUSIONS: In AD
      individuals, classic mDC showed an immunomodulatory profile, favoring tolerance
      in a combined action with IDEC-like, and inducing Th1 polarization. Our findings
      indicate a potential role of IDEC-like in the maintenance of inflammation in
      atopic dermatitis patients; moreover, IDEC-like may exert a regulatory impact on
      T cells of AD individuals through IL-10, often induced by agonist mimicking
      single stranded RNA virus.

PMID- 28083893
TI  - Malocclusion traits and oral health-related quality of life in Finnish adults.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the association of increased overjet,
      cross-bite/scissor-bite and increased overbite/open bite with oral health-related
      quality of life (OHRQoL) among Finnish adults using nationally representative
      data. METHODS: Part of the data from the Health 2000 Survey, Finland, was used in
      this study. A total of 4711 people were included, representing adults aged >=30
      years. The outcome variable was OHRQoL severity which was measured using the 14
      item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Three malocclusion traits (increased
      overjet, cross-bite/scissor-bite and increased overbite/open bite) were used as
      explanatory variables. Age group, marital status, education level, income,
      employment status, having at least one decayed tooth or periodontal pocket >=6
      mm, the number of contacting pairs of teeth, denture status and self-reported
      general health status were controlled for. A series of multivariable zero
      Inflated Poisson (ZIP) models were used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRR)
      for the nonzero scores and odds ratios (OR) of having no event. RESULTS: The
      weighted prevalence of increased overjet was 8.4%, while it was 23.6% for cross
      bite/scissor-bite and 6.7% for increased overbite/open bite. The mean (SE) OHIP
      14 (OHRQoL severity) was 2.8 (0.92); the mean score was highest in the pain
      domain and lowest in the physical and social disability domains. The mean OHIP-14
      score was higher in people with increased overjet but not significantly different
      in people with cross-bite/scissor-bite or with increased overbite/open bite. In
      multivariate ZIP models, people with increased overjet had a 10% higher OHIP-14
      score than people with normal overjet. Increased overjet was associated only with
      the physical disability domain. Cross-bite/scissor-bite was associated only with
      the social disability domain, and psychological disability was associated with
      increased overbite/open bite. CONCLUSION: People with increased overjet had
      significantly poorer OHRQoL than people with normal overjet in a nationally
      representative population of Finnish adults >=30 years. Other malocclusion traits
      were not associated with OHRQoL. However, all three malocclusion traits were
      associated with either physical or psychological or social disability domains of
      the OHRQoL.

PMID- 28083894
TI  - The amino acid transporter SLC36A4 regulates the amino acid pool in retinal
      pigmented epithelial cells and mediates the mechanistic target of rapamycin,
      complex 1 signaling.
AB  - The dry (nonneovascular) form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a
      leading cause of blindness in the elderly, has few, if any, treatment options at
      present. It is characterized by early accumulation of cellular waste products in
      the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE); rejuvenating impaired lysosome function
      in RPE is a well-justified target for treatment. It is now clear that amino acids
      and vacuolar-type H+ -ATPase (V-ATPase) regulate the mechanistic target of
      rapamycin, complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in lysosomes. Here, we provide evidence
      for the first time that the amino acid transporter SLC36A4/proton-dependent amino
      acid transporter (PAT4) regulates the amino acid pool in the lysosomes of RPE. In
      Cryba1 (gene encoding betaA3/A1-crystallin) KO (knockout) mice, where PAT4 and
      amino acid levels are increased in the RPE, the transcription factors EB (TFEB)
      and E3 (TFE3) are retained in the cytoplasm, even after 24 h of fasting.
      Consequently, genes in the coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation
      (CLEAR) network are not activated, and lysosomal function remains low. As these
      mice age, expression of RPE65 and lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), two
      vital visual cycle proteins, decreases in the RPE. A defective visual cycle would
      possibly slow down the regeneration of new photoreceptor outer segments (POS).
      Further, photoreceptor degeneration also becomes obvious during aging,
      reminiscent of human dry AMD disease. Electron microscopy shows basal laminar
      deposits in Bruch's membrane, a hallmark of development of AMD. For dry AMD
      patients, targeting PAT4/V-ATPase in the lysosomes of RPE cells may be an
      effective means of preventing or delaying disease progression.

PMID- 28083895
TI  - Surface-based vertexwise analysis of morphometry and microstructural integrity
      for white matter tracts in diffusion tensor imaging: With application to the
      corpus callosum in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - In this article, we present a unified statistical pipeline for analyzing the
      white matter (WM) tracts morphometry and microstructural integrity, both globally
      and locally within the same WM tract, from diffusion tensor imaging. Morphometry
      is quantified globally by the volumetric measurement and locally by the
      vertexwise surface areas. Meanwhile, microstructural integrity is quantified
      globally by the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and trace values within the
      specific WM tract and locally by the FA and trace values defined at each vertex
      of its bounding surface. The proposed pipeline consists of four steps: (1) fully
      automated segmentation of WM tracts in a multi-contrast multi-atlas framework;
      (2) generation of the smooth surface representations for the WM tracts of
      interest; (3) common template surface generation on which the localized
      morphometric and microstructural statistics are defined and a variety of
      statistical analyses can be conducted; (4) multiple comparison correction to
      determine the significance of the statistical analysis results. Detailed herein,
      this pipeline has been applied to the corpus callosum in Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      with significantly decreased FA values and increased trace values, both globally
      and locally, being detected in patients with AD when compared to normal aging
      populations. A subdivision of the corpus callosum in both hemispheres revealed
      that the AD pathology primarily affects the body and splenium of the corpus
      callosum. Validation analyses and two multiple comparison correction strategies
      are provided. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1875-1893, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28083896
TI  - Loss of protohaem IX farnesyltransferase in mature dentate granule cells impairs
      short-term facilitation at mossy fibre to CA3 pyramidal cell synapses.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Neurodegenerative disorders can exhibit dysfunctional mitochondrial
      respiratory chain complex IV activity. Conditional deletion of cytochrome c
      oxidase, the terminal enzyme in the respiratory electron transport chain of
      mitochondria, from hippocampal dentate granule cells in mice does not affect low
      frequency dentate to CA3 glutamatergic synaptic transmission. High-frequency
      dentate to CA3 glutamatergic synaptic transmission and feedforward inhibition are
      significantly attenuated in cytochrome c oxidase-deficient mice. Intact
      presynaptic mitochondrial function is critical for the short-term dynamics of
      mossy fibre to CA3 synaptic function. ABSTRACT: Neurodegenerative disorders are
      characterized by peripheral and central symptoms including cognitive impairments
      which have been associated with reduced mitochondrial function, in particular
      mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV or cytochrome c oxidase activity. In
      the present study we conditionally removed a key component of complex IV,
      protohaem IX farnesyltransferase encoded by the COX10 gene, in granule cells of
      the adult dentate gyrus. Utilizing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from
      morphologically identified CA3 pyramidal cells from control and complex IV
      deficient mice, we found that reduced mitochondrial function did not result in
      overt deficits in basal glutamatergic synaptic transmission at the mossy-fibre
      synapse because the amplitude, input-output relationship and 50 ms paired-pulse
      facilitation were unchanged following COX10 removal from dentate granule cells.
      However, trains of stimuli given at high frequency (> 20 Hz) resulted in dramatic
      reductions in short-term facilitation and, at the highest frequencies (> 50 Hz),
      also reduced paired-pulse facilitation, suggesting a requirement for adequate
      mitochondrial function to maintain glutamate release during physiologically
      relevant activity patterns. Interestingly, local inhibition was reduced,
      suggesting the effect observed was not restricted to synapses with CA3 pyramidal
      cells via large mossy-fibre boutons, but rather to all synapses formed by dentate
      granule cells. Therefore, presynaptic mitochondrial function is critical for the
      short-term dynamics of synapse function, which may contribute to the cognitive
      deficits observed in pathological mitochondrial dysfunction.

PMID- 28083897
TI  - Objective measurements of skin surface roughness after microdermabrasion
      treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is to present a new methodology for
      assessment of skin topology using a three-dimensional image (3D). METHODS: The
      measurement of the skin surface roughness is based on 3D scanning of silicone
      replicas by chromatic aberration length technique in a contactless manner, i.e.
      by a polychromatic light beam. Analysis of the skin surface reprints was
      performed using Talymap, Gold version. Results were analysed by fractal geometry,
      which allows to evaluate changes of the skin surface before and after application
      of cosmetics and instrumental cosmetological techniques. The methodology was
      applied for objective assessment of the effects of diamond microdermabrasion on
      the skin surface roughness. Measurements were performed on 23 volunteers in the
      age group of 31-67 years. RESULTS: Based on the results of skin surface scanning
      after the treatment with diamond microdermabrasion it may be concluded that
      inequalities of the skin surface are reduced immediately after exfoliation.
      However, this effect mostly diminishes within 14 days after treatment. The entire
      study ultimately suggests that the instrumental method used only leads to
      improvement of the skin surface immediately after its application. Thermo vision
      images of the skin surface temperature were obtained during the application of
      the abrasive method. The experimental results showed that the skin is rather
      cooled than heated by the treatment. CONCLUSION: This study is focused on the
      development of a methodology for objective measurement of changes in treated skin
      relief using 3D scanning. The results are evaluated using fractal dimension. The
      output may also include also an enlarged model of the skin surface made by 3D
      printer, which can serve for illustrative communication with the client.

PMID- 28083898
TI  - Engineering the production of conjugated fatty acids in Arabidopsis thaliana
      leaves.
AB  - The seeds of many nondomesticated plant species synthesize oils containing high
      amounts of a single unusual fatty acid, many of which have potential usage in
      industry. Despite the identification of enzymes for unusual oxidized fatty acid
      synthesis, the production of these fatty acids in engineered seeds remains low
      and is often hampered by their inefficient exclusion from phospholipids. Recent
      studies have established the feasibility of increasing triacylglycerol content in
      plant leaves, which provides a novel approach for increasing energy density of
      biomass crops. Here, we determined whether the fatty acid composition of leaf oil
      could be engineered to accumulate unusual fatty acids. Eleostearic acid (ESA) is
      a conjugated fatty acid produced in seeds of the tung tree (Vernicia fordii) and
      has both industrial and nutritional end-uses. Arabidopsis thaliana lines with
      elevated leaf oil were first generated by transforming wild-type, cgi-58 or pxa1
      mutants (the latter two of which contain mutations disrupting fatty acid
      breakdown) with the diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT1 or DGAT2) and/or
      oleosin genes from tung. High-leaf-oil plant lines were then transformed with
      tung FADX, which encodes the fatty acid desaturase/conjugase responsible for ESA
      synthesis. Analysis of lipids in leaves revealed that ESA was efficiently
      excluded from phospholipids, and co-expression of tung FADX and DGAT2 promoted a
      synergistic increase in leaf oil content and ESA accumulation. Taken together,
      these results provide a new approach for increasing leaf oil content that is
      coupled with accumulation of unusual fatty acids. Implications for production of
      biofuels, bioproducts, and plant-pest interactions are discussed.

PMID- 28083899
TI  - Canaloplasty with Stegmann Canal Expander for primary open-angle glaucoma: two
      year clinical results.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine longer-term postsurgical safety and efficacy of a new
      expander for Schlemm's canal. METHODS: In a non-comparative, prospective study,
      42 White patients with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)
      underwent primary canaloplasty with >2-year follow-up. The bleb-independent
      procedure comprised catheter-assisted canaloplasty and implantation of two
      Stegmann Canal Expanders to maintain trabecular distension and canal patency over
      180 degrees . Intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication use and
      complications were assessed. RESULTS: Mean IOP was 26.8 +/- 5.6 mmHg presurgery,
      12.8 +/- 1.5 mmHg at 6 months, 13.2 +/- 1.2 mmHg at 12 months and 13.3 +/- 2.5
      mmHg at 24 months (p < 0.001). Rate of complete success, defined as IOP <=21,
      <=18 and <=16 mmHg and a >= 30% IOP reduction, was 85% (95% CI: 0.76-0.95), 85%
      (0.76-0.95) and 82% (0.70-0.96) at 12 months and 83% (0.73-0.94), 80% (0.70-0.92)
      and 80% (0.70-0.92) at 24 months. Preoperative factors were not significant
      predictors of <=16 mmHg IOP reduction: IOP (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.44
      1.04; p = 0.08), mean visual defect (1.06; 0.90-1.20; p = 0.47), number of
      medications (0.59; 0.17-2.14; p = 0.42) and age (0.96; 0.87-1.13; p = 0.41).
      Number of medications dropped from 2.8 +/- 0.4 presurgery to 0.2 +/- 0.5
      postsurgery (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 0.19
      +/- SD 0.21 (range: 0-1.6), and logMAR was similar to 0.23 +/- 0.16 (range: 0
      1.6; p = 0.42) after a mean follow-up of 27.4 months. Complications included
      peripheral Descemet's membrane detachment (7.2%) and trimming of the expander
      (4.7%) during surgery, and transient microhyphaema (23.8%) and IOP elevation
      (7.2%) postsurgery. CONCLUSION: Canaloplasty with the Stegmann Canal Expander was
      a safe and effective procedure to reduce IOP in White patients with moderate to
      advanced POAG.

PMID- 28083900
TI  - Penile amebiasis mimicking penile squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID- 28083901
TI  - Combining randomized and non-randomized evidence in network meta-analysis.
AB  - Non-randomized studies aim to reveal whether or not interventions are effective
      in real-life clinical practice, and there is a growing interest in including such
      evidence in the decision-making process. We evaluate existing methodologies and
      present new approaches to using non-randomized evidence in a network meta
      analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) when the aim is to assess
      relative treatment effects. We first discuss how to assess compatibility between
      the two types of evidence. We then present and compare an array of alternative
      methods that allow the inclusion of non-randomized studies in a network meta
      analysis of RCTs: the naive data synthesis, the design-adjusted synthesis, the
      use of non-randomized evidence as prior information and the use of three-level
      hierarchical models. We apply some of the methods in two previously published
      clinical examples comparing percutaneous interventions for the treatment of
      coronary in-stent restenosis and antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia.
      We discuss in depth the advantages and limitations of each method, and we
      conclude that the inclusion of real-world evidence from non-randomized studies
      has the potential to corroborate findings from RCTs, increase precision and
      enhance the decision-making process. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28083903
TI  - Editor's Note.

PMID- 28083902
TI  - Liver imaging reporting and data system category 4 observations in MRI: Risk
      factors predicting upgrade to category 5.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify demographic and imaging features in magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) that are associated with upgrade of Liver Imaging Reporting and
      Data System (LI-RADS) category 4 (LR-4) observations to category 5 (LR-5), and to
      assess their effects on risk of upgrade and time to upgrade. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for this retrospective,
      dual-institution Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
      compliant study. Radiologists reviewed 1.5T and 3T MRI examinations for 181 LR-4
      observations in 139 patients, as well as follow-up computed tomography (CT) and
      MRI examinations and treatment. A stepwise multivariate Cox proportional hazards
      model analysis was performed to identify predictive risk factors for upgrade to
      LR-5, including patient demographics and LI-RADS imaging features. Overall
      cumulative risk of upgrade was calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. The
      cumulative risks were compared in the presence/absence of significant predictive
      risk factors using the log-rank test. RESULTS: The independent significant
      predictive risk factors in the 56 LR-4 observations that upgraded to LR-5 were
      mild-moderate T2 hyperintensity (P < 0.001; hazard ratio = 1.84), growth (P <
      0.001; hazard ratio = 3.71), and hepatitis C infection (P = 0.02; hazard ratio =
      1.69). The overall 6-month cumulative risk of upgrade was 32.7%. The 6-month
      cumulative risk rate was significantly higher in the presence of T2
      hyperintensity (P = 0.03; 48.1% vs. 25.4%). CONCLUSION: For LR-4 observations,
      mild-moderate T2 hyperintensity, threshold growth, and hepatitis C infection are
      associated with significantly higher risk of upgrade to LR-5. Although mild
      moderate T2 hyperintensity was the most useful risk factor for predicting
      upgrade, actual risk level was only mildly elevated, and the risk of upgrade
      associated with LR-4 observations is similar across subtypes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 5 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:783-792.

PMID- 28083904
TI  - Exposure to subthreshold dose of UVR-B induces apoptosis in the lens epithelial
      cells and does not in the lens cortical fibre cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate in which part of the lens in
      vivo exposure to subthreshold dose of UVR-B radiation induces apoptosis. METHODS:
      Twenty 6-week-old female albino Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to subthreshold
      dose (1 kJ/m2 ) of UVR-B unilaterally and killed at 120 hr after exposure. Lenses
      were enucleated and dissected on three regions: the lens epithelium, the cortex
      and the nucleus. The lens nucleus then was removed. Apoptosis markers p53 and
      caspase 3 were used to study apoptosis in the lens regions. qRT-PCR and Western
      blot were utilized to analyse the lenses. RESULTS: TP53 and CASP3 mRNA
      expressions are increased in exposed lenses, both in the lens epithelium and in
      the cortex regions, in relation to non-exposed lenses. Expression of p53 protein
      is increased in exposed lens epithelium in relation to non-exposed lens
      epithelium. Caspase 3 protein is expressed in exposed lens epithelial cells,
      while it is not expressed in non-exposed lens epithelial cells. p53 and caspase 3
      proteins are not expressed in either exposed nor non-exposed lens fibre cells.
      CONCLUSION: Exposure to UVR-B increases mRNA transcription of apoptosis marker
      p53 in vivo in both regions of the lens and of apoptosis marker caspase 3 in the
      lens cortex. Exposure to UVR-B increases p53 and caspase 3 proteins expression
      just in the lens epithelium. In vivo exposure to subthreshold dose of UVR-B
      induces apoptosis in the lens epithelial cells and does not in the lens fibre
      cells.

PMID- 28083905
TI  - Can parents provide hand function training for their child with cerebral palsy?

PMID- 28083906
TI  - Diverging lesion and connectivity patterns influence early and late swallowing
      recovery after hemispheric stroke.
AB  - Knowledge about the recovery of oral intake after hemispheric stroke is important
      to guide therapeutic decisions, including the administration of enteral tube
      feeding and the choice of the appropriate feeding route. They aimed to determine
      the localization and connectivity of lesions in impaired recovery versus
      recovered swallowing after initially dysphagic stroke. Sixty-two acute ischemic
      hemispheric stroke patients with impaired oral intake were included in a
      prospective observational cohort study. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping and
      probabilistic tractography were used to determine the association of lesion
      location and connectivity with impaired recovery of oral intake >=7 days
      (indication for early tube feeding) and >=4 weeks (indication for percutaneous
      endoscopic gastrostomy feeding) after stroke. Two distinct patterns influencing
      recovery of swallowing were recognized. Firstly, impaired recovery of oral intake
      after >=7 days was significantly associated with lesions of the superior corona
      radiata (65% of statistical map, P < 0.05). The affected fibers were connected
      with the thalamus, primary motor, and supplemental motor areas and the basal
      ganglia. Secondly, impaired recovery of oral intake after >=4 weeks significantly
      correlated with lesions of the anterior insula (54% of statistical map, P <
      0.05), which was connected to adjacent operculo-insular areas of deglutition.
      These findings indicate that early swallowing recovery is influenced by white
      matter lesions disrupting thalamic and corticobulbar projection fibers. Late
      recovery is determined by specific cortical lesions affecting association fibers.
      This knowledge may help clinicians to identify patients at risk of prolonged
      swallowing problems that would benefit from enteral tube feeding. Hum Brain Mapp
      38:2165-2176, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28083907
TI  - Pectoral nerve blocks are useful for axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy in
      malignant tumors on the upper extremities.

PMID- 28083908
TI  - Latitude as a co-driver of human gut microbial diversity?
AB  - The human gut microbial diversity has been reported to be lower in industrialized
      populations as compared to non-industrialized ones. Since it is also reduced in
      individuals with some metabolic and inflammatory diseases as compared to healthy
      ones, this "loss" of diversity in industrialized populations is currently
      considered to be a public health issue. However, little is known on the
      mechanisms that are causing this pattern. Is it due to differences in diet,
      sanitation, medication, host genetics, and/or other unidentified factors? In this
      review, we propose that part of this decrease in diversity is driven by latitude,
      as all studied industrialized countries are in higher latitudes than non
      industrialized ones, and latitude is known to correlate with species diversity.
      Reanalyzing available data, we find that part of the gut microbial diversity is
      significantly correlated with latitude, which might therefore exacerbate the
      effect of lifestyle. Intriguingly, the observation of a higher diversity in
      industrialized countries has not been replicated in other human microbiomes.

PMID- 28083909
TI  - Increased PLEKHO1 within osteoblasts suppresses Smad-dependent BMP signaling to
      inhibit bone formation during aging.
AB  - Emerging evidence indicates that the dysregulation of protein ubiquitination
      plays a crucial role in aging-associated diseases. Smad-dependent canonical BMP
      signaling pathway is indispensable for osteoblastic bone formation, which could
      be disrupted by the ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of
      Smad1/5, the key molecules for BMP signaling transduction. However, whether the
      dysregulation of Smad1/5 ubiquitination and disrupted BMP signaling pathway is
      responsible for the age-related bone formation reduction is still underexplored.
      Pleckstrin homology domain-containing family O member 1 (PLEKHO1) is a previously
      identified ubiquitination-related molecule that could specifically target the
      linker region between the WW domains of Smurf1 to promote the ubiquitination of
      Smad1/5. Here, we found an age-related increase in the expression of PLEKHO1 in
      bone specimens from either fractured patients or aging rodents, which was
      associated with the age-related reduction in Smad-dependent BMP signaling and
      bone formation. By genetic approach, we demonstrated that loss of Plekho1 in
      osteoblasts could promote the Smad-dependent BMP signaling and alleviated the age
      related bone formation reduction. In addition, osteoblast-specific Smad1
      overexpression had beneficial effect on bone formation during aging, which could
      be counteracted after overexpressing Plekho1 within osteoblasts. By
      pharmacological approach, we showed that osteoblast-targeted Plekho1 siRNA
      treatment could enhance Smad-dependent BMP signaling and promote bone formation
      in aging rodents. Taken together, it suggests that the increased PLEKHO1 could
      suppress Smad-dependent BMP signaling to inhibit bone formation during aging,
      indicating the translational potential of targeting PLEKHO1 in osteoblast as a
      novel bone anabolic strategy for reversing established osteoporosis during aging.

PMID- 28083910
TI  - Post-mastectomy radiation therapy and overall survival after neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) after neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy (NAC) and mastectomy is unclear, especially in patients that have
      post-treatment tumor negative axillary nodes (ypN0). METHODS: The National Cancer
      Data Base was used to identify women that had PMRT after NAC and mastectomy for
      clinically node positive (cN1-2) disease from 2004 to 2008. Median follow-up time
      was 69 months. RESULTS: 8,321 patients were included for analysis, and 6140
      (65.6%) had cN1 disease and 2181 (23.3%) had cN2 disease. On adjusted survival
      analysis, PMRT was associated with an overall survival (OS) benefit in both
      patients with cN1 (5-yr OS 75.8% vs. 71.9%, P < 0.01) and cN2 (5-yr OS 69.2% vs.
      58.6%, P < 0.01) disease. In the subgroup of patients that were ypN0 after NAC,
      there was no significant survival difference (P > 0.11) for PMRT compared to
      those patients who were not ypN0, except for patients with hormone-receptor
      negative tumors, who had improved OS with PMRT (HR 0.65, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      PMRT is associated with improved OS in patients with cN1 and cN2 disease after
      NAC and mastectomy. However, in the subgroup of patients that were ypN0 after
      NAC, PMRT improved OS for hormone-receptor negative patients but not hormone
      receptor positive patients.

PMID- 28083911
TI  - Degradation of methomyl by the combination of Aminobacter sp. MDW-2 and Afipia
      sp. MDW-3.
AB  - : Methomyl (S-methyl N-(methylcarbamoyloxy) thioacetimidate) is a kind of oxime
      carbamate insecticide. It is considered to be extremely toxic to nontarget
      organism. To date, no pure culture or consortium has been reported to have the
      ability to degrade methomyl completely. In this study, a methomyl-degrading
      enrichment E1 was obtained by using the sludge from the wastewater-treating
      system of a pesticide manufacturer as the original inoculant. Two bacterial
      strains named MDW-2 and MDW-3 were isolated from this enrichment, and they were
      preliminarily identified as Aminobacter sp. and Afipia sp. respectively. Strains
      MDW-2 and MDW-3 could coexist and degrade 50 mg l-1 methomyl completely within 3
      days by the cooperative metabolism. Methomyl was first converted to methomyl
      oxime and methylcarbamic acid by strain MDW-2, and the latter could be used as
      the carbon source for the growth of strain MDW-2. But methomyl oxime could not be
      sequentially degraded by strain MDW-2. However, it could be degraded and used as
      the carbon source by strain MDW-3. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This
      study presents a bacterial combination of Aminobacter sp. MDW-2 and Afipia sp.
      MDW-3, which could degrade methomyl completely by biochemical cooperation. This
      study also proposes the biodegradation pathway of methomyl for the first time and
      highlights the application potential of a bacterial combination in the
      remediation of methomyl-contaminated environments.

PMID- 28083912
TI  - Targeting stroma in pancreatic cancer: Promises and failures of targeted
      therapies.
AB  - Desmoplasia or abundant fibrotic stroma is a typical property of most
      malignancies, which has a great effect on tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and
      resistance to therapy. The activated stroma cells comprises several cell types
      including endothelial cells, nerve cells, inflammatory/macrophages cells,
      stellate cells, and extracellular matrix. In other word, the interactions of
      cancer-stroma modulate tumorigenesis, therapy resistance, and poor delivery of
      drugs. Therefore, targeting the tumor stroma in combination with conventional
      chemotherapeutic agents could provide a promising approach in the treatment of
      pancreatic cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge about pancreatic
      stellate cells, targeting stroma compartments with particular emphasis on
      preclinical, and clinical trials on targeting of stroma as an option in
      pancreatic cancer treatment.

PMID- 28083914
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione and 1,3,4
      oxadiazole-2-thione as antimycobacterial agents.
AB  - Resistance among dormant mycobacteria leading to multidrug-resistant and
      extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis is one of the major threats. Hence, a
      series of 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione and 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione derivatives (4a
      5c) have been synthesized and screened for their antitubercular activity against
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (H37Ra). The triazolethiones 4b and 4v showed
      high antitubercular activity (both MIC and IC50 ) against the dormant H37Ra by in
      vitro and ex vivo. They were shown to have more specificity toward mycobacteria
      than other Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. The cytotoxicity
      was almost insignificant up to 100 MUg/ml against THP-1, A549, and PANC-1 human
      cancer cell lines, and solubility was high in aqueous solution, indicating the
      potential of developing these compounds further as novel therapeutics against
      tuberculosis infection.

PMID- 28083913
TI  - Gadolinium-based contrast agents: A comprehensive risk assessment.
AB  - : Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been used in magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) since the 1980s and are now administered in up to 35% of all MRI
      examinations. While GBCAs were initially felt to carry minimal risk, the
      subsequent identification of GBCAs as the key etiologic factor in the development
      of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) has raised concerns about the broader
      health impacts of gadolinium exposure. Clinicians, radiologists, and patients
      should be aware of the most up-to-date data pertaining to the risks of GBCA
      administration. Specific issues covered in this review article include immediate
      adverse reactions; pregnancy and lactation; and gadolinium deposition and
      toxicity, with a special focus on NSF. Practice recommendations based on the
      presented data, as well as current professional society guidelines, are provided
      for each section. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 5 J. MAGN.
      RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:338-353.

PMID- 28083915
TI  - Effect of postprocedural full-dose infusion of bivalirudin on acute stent
      thrombosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention: Outcomes in a large real-world population.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prolonged full-dose bivalirudin
      infusion in real-world population with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI). BACKGROUND: Subgroup data as well as meta-analysis from randomized
      clinical trials have shown the potency of postprocedural full-dose infusion (1.75
      mg/kg/h) of bivalirudin on attenuating acute stent thrombosis (ST) after primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: In this multicenter
      retrospective observational study, 2047 consecutive STEMI patients treated with
      bivalirudin during primary PCI were enrolled in 65 Chinese centers between July
      2013 and May 2016. The primary outcome was acute ST defined as ARC
      definite/probable within 24 hours after the index procedure, and the secondary
      endpoints included total ST, major adverse cardiac or cerebral events (MACCE,
      defined as death, reinfarction, stroke, and target vessel revascularization), and
      any bleeding at 30 days. RESULTS: Among 2047 STEMI patients, 1123 (54.9%) were
      treated with postprocedural bivalirudin full-dose infusion (median 120 minutes)
      while the other 924 (45.1%) received low-dose (0.25 mg/kg/h) or null
      postprocedural infusion. A total of three acute ST (0.3%) occurred in STEMI
      patients with none or low-dose prolonged infusion of bivalirudin, but none was
      observed in those treated with post-PCI full-dose infusion (0.3% vs 0.0%,
      P=.092). Outcomes on MACCE (2.1% vs 2.7%, P=.402) and total bleeding (2.1% vs
      1.4%, P=.217) at 30 days showed no significant difference between the two groups,
      and no subacute ST was observed. CONCLUSION: Post-PCI full-dose bivalirudin
      infusion is safe and has a trend to protect against acute ST in STEMI patients
      undergoing primary PCI in real-world settings.

PMID- 28083917
TI  - Target-based Anemia Management with Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (Risks and
      Benefits Relearned) and Iron (Still More to Learn).
AB  - The FDA first licensed erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) for use in
      patients with ESRD in 1989. Hemoglobin targets for treatment with ESAs were
      established at the outset on the basis of descriptive pre-ESA literature and
      Phase I-III data in patients with ESRD. Postrelease literature in ESA-treated
      patients accumulating over time initially supported improvement in indices of
      both cardiovascular and other organ function as well as quality of life with
      therapy. Recommended treatment targets for hemoglobin would evolve further in the
      United States from four iterations of evidence- and opinion-based practice
      guidelines appearing between 1997 and 2007. Several randomized, controlled trials
      published from 1998 to 2009 examined normalization and near-normalization of
      hemoglobin in patients with both ESRD and CKD; they raised fundamental questions
      as to the safety of robust correction of anemia. These findings, taken together
      with subsequent actions of the FDA in ESA labeling and CMS's quality expectations
      for hemoglobin in payment for dialysis treatments, would result in a
      comprehensive reassessment of the hemoglobin targets in ESA therapy. A marked
      decrease in both national ESA utilization and hemoglobin attainment has ensued as
      a result. This discussion addresses the history of the striking changes in
      enthusiasm for hemoglobin-targeted anemia therapy from 1989 to the present, and
      similarly examines the evolution of ferritin-targeted iron administration, which
      has followed different-and markedly slower-historical development.

PMID- 28083918
TI  - Mentoring: what matters most?

PMID- 28083919
TI  - New approach for studying mobile genes using metagenomic analysis.

PMID- 28083916
TI  - Acetylated tau in Alzheimer's disease: An instigator of synaptic dysfunction
      underlying memory loss: Increased levels of acetylated tau blocks the
      postsynaptic signaling required for plasticity and promotes memory deficits
      associated with tauopathy.
AB  - Pathogenesis in tauopathies involves the accumulation of tau in the brain and
      progressive synapse loss accompanied by cognitive decline. Pathological tau is
      found at synapses, and it promotes synaptic dysfunction and memory deficits. The
      specific role of toxic tau in disrupting the molecular networks that regulate
      synaptic strength has been elusive. A novel mechanistic link between tau toxicity
      and synaptic plasticity involves the acetylation of two lysines on tau, K274, and
      K281, which are associated with dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We propose
      that an increase in tau acetylated on these lysines blocks the expression of long
      term potentiation at hippocampal synapses leading to impaired memory in AD.
      Acetylated tau could inhibit the activity-dependent recruitment of postsynaptic
      AMPA-type glutamate receptors required for plasticity by interfering with the
      postsynaptic localization of KIBRA, a memory-associated protein. Strategies that
      reduce the acetylation of tau may lead to effective treatments for cognitive
      decline in AD.

PMID- 28083920
TI  - Introduction to the Issue on Computational Models of Memory: Selected Papers From
      the International Conference on Cognitive Modeling.

PMID- 28083921
TI  - Unstable bodyweight and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis.
AB  - AIMS/INTRODUCTION: The present meta-analysis aimed to clarify the association of
      unstable bodyweight with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, an association
      that has been controversial among longitudinal studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An
      electronic literature search using EMBASE and MEDLINE was followed up to 31
      August 2016. The relative risks (RRs) of type 2 diabetes mellitus in individuals
      with unstable bodyweight were pooled using the inverse variance method. RESULTS:
      Eight studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. The median duration of
      measurements of weight change and follow-up years for ascertaining type 2
      diabetes mellitus were 13.5 and 9.4 years, respectively. The pooled RR for the
      least vs most stable category was 1.33 (95% confidence interval 1.12-1.57).
      Between-study heterogeneity was statistically significant (P = 0.048). Whether
      type 2 diabetes mellitus was ascertained by blood testing explained 66.0% of the
      variance in the logarithm of RR (P = 0.02). In three studies in which blood
      testing was carried out, type 2 diabetes mellitus risk was not significant (RR
      1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.91-1.25). Furthermore, publication bias that
      inflated type 2 diabetes mellitus risk was statistically detected by Egger's test
      (P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Unstable bodyweight might be modestly associated with
      the elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus; although serious biases, such as
      diagnostic suspicion bias and publication bias, made it difficult to assess this
      association.

PMID- 28083922
TI  - Neoagarotetraose protects mice against intense exercise-induced fatigue damage by
      modulating gut microbial composition and function.
AB  - SCOPE: Exhaustive exercise stress has emerged as an important health issue, and
      gastrointestinal problems are a common concern during intense exercise. In this
      study, we investigated the potential antifatigue effects of neoagarotetraose
      (NAT) in mice under intense exercise stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Exhaustive
      exercise stress significantly weakened several physiological and physical
      parameters of the mice, including decreased food intake, reduced body weight, and
      impaired integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Our data showed that a
      16-day NAT treatment resulted in a profound change in microbiome composition,
      which subsequently led to widespread shifts in the functional potential of the
      gut microbiome. Furthermore, NAT administration significantly increased the fecal
      concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Together,
      our findings suggest that NAT may protect mice against intense exercise-induced
      fatigue and provide insights into the mechanisms of NAT as a potential prebiotic.

PMID- 28083923
TI  - Comments regarding "Hair regrowth during chemotherapy after scalp cooling
      technique".

PMID- 28083924
TI  - Differential association between affect and somatic symptoms at the between- and
      within-individual level.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The established between-subjects associations between affect and
      somatic symptoms have often been interpreted as indicating a causal effect of
      affect on somatic symptoms, but it is doubtful whether this is valid. In this
      study, we evaluate the association between positive affect (PA), negative affect
      (NA), and somatic symptoms at both the between- and within-subject level. DESIGN
      AND METHODS: Diary data were collected in the context of an online study called
      'HowNutsAreTheDutch'. Participants filled out an online questionnaire, three
      times a day for 30 consecutive days. A mixed linear model was used to test the
      contemporaneous and lagged associations between affect and somatic symptoms.
      RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-six participants (481 females, median age 39.6
      years [range 18.1-71.4]) were included with a total number of 28,264 completed
      questionnaires. At the between-subjects level, a positive association between NA
      and somatic symptoms was found (B = .60, p < .001), whereas the negative
      association between PA and somatic symptoms was much smaller (B = -.14, p =
      .062). At the within-subject level, PA (B = -.33, p < .001) was more strongly
      associated with somatic symptoms than NA (B = .13, p < .001). The lagged analyses
      showed a negative association between previous-day PA and somatic symptoms (B = 
      .05, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that NA is more important for
      differences in symptom levels between subjects, whereas PA is more important for
      variations in symptom levels within subjects. Moreover, our results suggest that
      an increase in PA is followed by a decrease in somatic symptoms after 24 hr,
      which suggests a causal effect. Statement of contribution What is already known
      on this subject? Affect and somatic processes are closely linked. Cross-sectional
      studies show, for example, that people with higher levels of negative affect tend
      to report more somatic symptoms. Findings between individuals, though, might
      camouflage processes at within-individual level, and it might not always be
      possible to translate findings at the population level to the individual.
      However, diary studies are upcoming and show more about processes on individual
      level. What does this study add? Highlights the difference between processes at
      the within-individual and the between-individual level. Shows the importance of
      positive affect at individual level in relation to somatic symptoms. Shows the
      benefits of the use of new techniques in diary studies.

PMID- 28083925
TI  - Controlled gas exchange in whole lung bioreactors.
AB  - In cellular, tissue-level or whole organ bioreactors, the level of dissolved
      oxygen is one of the most important factors requiring control. Hypoxic
      environments may lead to cellular apoptosis, while hyperoxic environments may
      lead to cellular damage or dedifferentiation, both resulting in loss of overall
      tissue function. This manuscript describes the creation, characterization and
      validation of a bioreactor system that can control oxygen delivery based on real
      time metabolic demand of cultured whole lung tissue. A mathematical model
      describing and predicting gas exchange within the tunable bioreactor system is
      developed. In addition, the inherent gas exchange properties of the bioreactor
      and the inherent oxygen consumption rates of native rat lungs are determined,
      thereby providing a quantitative relationship between system parameters and
      levels of dissolved oxygen. Finally, the mathematical model is validated during
      whole lung culture under a range of system parameters. The system presented here
      provides a quantitative relationship between the concentration of dissolved
      oxygen, tissue oxygen consumption rates, and controllable system parameters that
      introduce gasses into the bioreactor. This relationship not only enables the
      maintenance of constant levels of dissolved oxygen throughout a culture period
      during which cells are replicating, but also provides noninvasive and real-time
      estimation of the metabolic and proliferative states of native or engineered lung
      tissue simply through dissolved oxygen measurements. Copyright (c) 2017 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28083926
TI  - The place and willingness of professional tattooists for melanoma screening.

PMID- 28083927
TI  - Program changes are effective and cost-effective in increasing the amount of oil
      used in preparing corn soy blend porridge for treatment of moderate acute
      malnutrition in Malawi.
AB  - Corn Soy Blend (CSB) porridge is commonly prepared with oil for treatment of
      moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). A recent review recommended that 30 g of oil
      be used with 100 g of CSB to increase energy density and micronutrient
      absorption. This study assessed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of
      program changes aimed at achieving that target oil:CSB ratio in prepared
      porridge. Caregivers of children in MAM supplementary feeding programs were
      assigned to three groups: a control group received monthly rations of 1 L oil, 8
      kg CSB in bulk, and social and behavior change communication (SBCC); intervention
      groups received 2.6 L oil, 8 kg CSB provided either in bulk (Group 1) or four 2
      kg packages with printed messages (Group 2), and enhanced SBCC emphasizing the
      target oil:CSB ratio. Compared to the control, both intervention groups had
      higher mean added oil per 100 g CSB (18 g, p < 0.01, and 13 g, p= 0.04, higher in
      groups 1 and 2, respectively), and greater odds of meeting or exceeding the
      target ratio (28.4, p< 0.01, and 12.7, p= 0.02, in groups 1 and 2, respectively).
      Cost per caregiver reaching the target ratio was most favorable in Group 1 ($391
      in Group 1, $527 in Group 2, and $1,666 in the control). Enhanced SBCC combined
      with increased oil ration resulted in increased use of oil in CSB porridge in a
      supplementary feeding program. Modified packaging did not improve effectiveness.
      However, both interventions were more cost-effective than standard programming.

PMID- 28083929
TI  - The risk predictive values of UK-PBC and GLOBE scoring system in Chinese patients
      with primary biliary cholangitis: the additional effect of anti-gp210.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adequate risk stratification is critical for the management of the
      patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The UK-PBC and GLOBE scoring
      systems for prognosis of PBC have been proposed recently, but have not been
      validated in Asian population. AIM: To validate the UK-PBC and GLOBE scoring
      systems in Chinese patients for prognosis of PBC. To clarify the role of anti
      gp210 as a biomarker, and to investigate whether anti-gp210 could affect the
      prognostic values of UK-PBC and GLOBE scoring systems. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analysed 276 patients with PBC evaluated between September 2004
      and May 2016, including 133 anti-gp210+ and 143 anti-gp210- patients. RESULTS:
      The 5-year adverse outcome-free survivals of anti-gp210+ vs. anti-gp210- patients
      were 70% and 85%, respectively (P = 0.005). Cirrhosis (P = 0.001), albumin level
      <=40 g/L (P = 0.011) and platelet count <=153 * 109 (P < 0.001) had a
      superimposition effect on anti-gp210 antibody as a risk factor. Furthermore, long
      term prognoses were evaluated using the UK-PBC and GLOBE scores. For UK-PBC
      scoring system, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC)
      was 0.924 for all patients with PBC (n = 223), 0.940 for anti-gp210+ patients (n
      = 110) and 0.888 for anti-gp210- patients (n = 113). For GLOBE scoring system,
      the area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.901 for all patients
      with PBC (n = 223), 0.924 for anti-gp210+ patients (n = 110) and 0.848 for anti
      gp210- patients (n = 113). UK-PBC score >0.0578 (P < 0.001, HR: 32.736, 95% CI:
      11.368-94.267) and GLOBE score <0.850 (P < 0.001, HR: 18.763, 95% CI: 7.968
      44.180) were associated with poorer outcomes in the whole cohort. CONCLUSIONS:
      The UK-PBC and GLOBE scoring systems were good 5-year prognostic predictors in
      Chinese patients with PBC, especially in anti-gp210+ patients. As a biomarker,
      anti-gp210 antibody was associated with a more severe cholestatic manifestation
      and a worse long-term prognosis. The anti-gp210 antibody could be added to
      further optimise the UK-PBC and GLOBE scoring systems.

PMID- 28083928
TI  - Effect of reproductive ageing on pregnant mouse uterus and cervix.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Older pregnant women have a greater risk of operative delivery, still
      birth and post-term induction. This suggests that maternal age can influence the
      timing of birth and processes of parturition. We have found that increasing
      maternal age in C57BL/6J mice is associated with prolongation of gestation and
      length of labour. Older pregnant mice also had delayed progesterone withdrawal
      and impaired myometrial function. Uterine ageing and labour dysfunction should be
      investigated further in older primigravid women. ABSTRACT: Advanced maternal age
      (>=35 years) is associated with increased rates of operative delivery, stillbirth
      and post-term labour induction. The physiological causes remain uncertain,
      although impaired myometrial function has been implicated. To investigate the
      hypothesis that maternal age directly influences successful parturition, we
      assessed the timing of birth and fetal outcome in pregnant C57BL/6J mice at 3
      months (young) and 5 months (intermediate) vs. 8 months (older) of age using
      infrared video recording. Serum progesterone profiles, myometrium and cervix
      function, and mitochondrial electron transport chain complex enzymatic activities
      were also examined. Older pregnant mice had a longer mean gestation and labour
      duration (P < 0.001), as well as reduced litter size (P < 0.01) vs. 3-month-old
      mice. Older mice did not exhibit the same decline in serum progesterone
      concentrations as younger mice. Cervical tissues from older mice were more
      distensible than younger mice (P < 0.05). Oxytocin receptor and connexin-43 mRNA
      expression were reduced in the myometrium from 8-month-old vs. 3-month-old mice
      (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively) in tandem with more frequent but shorter
      duration spontaneous myometrial contractions (P < 0.05) and an attenuated
      contractile response to oxytocin. Myometrial mitochondrial copy number was
      reduced in older mice, although there were no age-induced changes to the
      enzymatic activities of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes. In
      conclusion, 8-month-old mice provide a useful model of reproductive ageing. The
      present study has identified potential causes of labour dysfunction amenable to
      investigation in older primigravid women.

PMID- 28083930
TI  - Functional and structural characterization of four mouse monoclonal antibodies to
      complement C3 with potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
AB  - C3 is the central component of the complement system. Upon activation, C3
      sequentially generates various proteolytic fragments, C3a, C3b, iC3b, C3dg, each
      of them exposing novel surfaces, which are sites of interaction with other
      proteins. C3 and its fragments are therapeutic targets and markers of complement
      activation. We report the structural and functional characterization of four
      monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) generated by immunizing C3-deficient mice with a
      mixture of human C3b, iC3b and C3dg fragments, and discuss their potential
      applications. This collection includes three mAbs interacting with native C3 and
      inhibiting AP complement activation; two of them by blocking the cleavage of C3
      by the AP C3-converase and one by impeding formation of the AP C3-convertase. The
      interaction sites of these mAbs in the target molecules were determined by
      resolving the structures of Fab fragments bound to C3b and/or iC3b using electron
      microscopy. A fourth mAb specifically recognizes the iC3b, C3dg, and C3d
      fragments. It binds to an evolutionary-conserved neoepitope generated after C3b
      cleavage by FI, detecting iC3b/C3dg deposition over opsonized surfaces by flow
      cytometry and immunohistochemistry in human and other species. Because well
      characterized anti-complement mAbs are uncommon, the mAbs reported here may offer
      interesting therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities.

PMID- 28083931
TI  - Radiation exposure to female plastic surgeons of childbearing age during reverse
      lymphatic mapping.

PMID- 28083932
TI  - Randomised clinical trial of comparing effects of acupuncture and varicocelectomy
      on sperm parameters in infertile varicocele patients.

PMID- 28083933
TI  - "Breastfeeding" but not at the breast: Mothers' descriptions of providing pumped
      human milk to their infants via other containers and caregivers.
AB  - As pumping has become more prevalent among American women, pumped human milk (HM)
      is on the rise in their infants' diets in place of some or all feeding at the
      breast. We aimed to fill a gap in knowledge about mothers' motivations, practices
      and perceptions related to pumping, and about mothers' and other caregivers'
      motivations, practices, and perceptions related to feeding pumped HM. Results
      related to providing pumped HM are reported here, and results related to pumping
      are reported elsewhere. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews among a
      diverse sample of mothers whose infants were fed pumped HM (n = 20), following
      each up to 1 year postpartum. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with
      Atlas.ti. Nearly all mothers felt bottles were necessary to meet infant HM
      feeding goals. Nearly all pumped HM was fed by other caregivers because mothers
      typically preferred and prioritized feeding at the breast for convenience and
      maintaining their milk supply. Infants were bottle-fed HM for several reasons
      that changed over time, such as mother's absence, latch difficulty, or desire to
      share the burden and bonding of feeding. Feeding practices differed between feeds
      from bottles versus at the breast; some infants were bottle-fed on schedules but
      fed at the breast on demand. Mothers' methods for storing, transporting, and
      preparing HM varied substantially and included practices associated with loss of
      nutrients and microbial contamination. Mothers' reasons for bottle-feeding HM may
      affect how much their infants are bottle-fed. Consumption of pumped HM may not
      provide the same benefits to infants as feeding at the breast. These findings
      highlight important avenues for future research into the relationships between
      bottle-feeding HM and infant health, growth, and developmental outcomes.

PMID- 28083934
TI  - Roughness preserving filter design to remove spatial noise from stereoscopic skin
      images for stable haptic rendering.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: A problem in skin rendering with haptic feedback is the
      reconstruction of accurate 3D skin surfaces from stereo skin images to be used
      for touch interactions. This problem also encompasses the issue of how to
      accurately remove haptic spatial noise caused by the construction of disparity
      maps from stereo skin images, while minimizing the loss of the original skin
      roughness for cloning real tough textures without errors. Since the haptic device
      is very sensitive to high frequencies, even small amounts of noise can cause
      serious system errors including mechanical oscillations and unexpected exerting
      forces. Therefore, there is a need to develop a noise removal algorithm that
      preserves haptic roughness. METHODS: A new algorithm for a roughness preserving
      filter (RPF) that adaptively removes spatial noise, is proposed. The algorithm
      uses the disparity control parameter (lambda) and noise control parameter (k),
      obtained from singular value decomposition of a disparity map. The parameter k
      determines the amount of noise to be removed, and the optimum value of k is
      automatically chosen based on a threshold of gradient angles of roughness (Ra ).
      RESULTS: The RPF algorithm was implemented and verified with three real skin
      images. Evaluation criteria include preserved roughness quality and removed
      noise. Mean squared error (MSE), peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), and objective
      roughness measures Ra and Rq were used for evaluation, and the results were
      compared against a median filter. The results show that the proposed RPF
      algorithm is a promising technology for removing noise and retaining maximized
      roughness, which guarantees stable haptic rendering for skin roughness.
      CONCLUSION: The proposed RPF is a promising technology because it allows for any
      stereo image to be filtered without the risk of losing the original roughness. In
      addition, the algorithm runs automatically for any given stereo skin image with
      relation to the disparity parameter lambda, and the roughness parameters Ra or Rq
      are given priority. Although this method has been optimized by graph-cut
      disparity map building, it can be extended to other disparity map building
      methods because the parameter k is determined by actual roughness Ra data that
      can be obtained by simple measurement.

PMID- 28083935
TI  - Propacetamol poses a potential harm of adverse hypotension in male and older
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Researchers recently suggested intravenous paracetamol as a potential
      cause of hypotension. We aimed to investigate risk factors of paracetamol- and
      propacetamol-associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Korean individuals.
      METHODS: All adverse hypotension cases, regardless of suspected drug, and all
      ADRs associated with paracetamol and propacetamol use were collected from the
      Korea Adverse Event Reporting System database between 2011 and 2014. The
      seriousness, causality, and type of ADR were classified. RESULTS: Of 4,771 cases
      of adverse hypotension, 403 (8.4%) were reported to be related to propacetamol.
      This was comparable to the rate of hypotension associated with fentanyl (454,
      9.5%), the major suspected drug of hypotension. Paracetamol-associated
      hypotension accounted for merely 1.2% (55 cases) of all hypotension cases. Among
      ADRs associated with propacetamol use, hypotension was the most common (37.1%),
      whereas cutaneous reactions were the primary paracetamol-associated ADR.
      Propacetamol/paracetamol-associated hypotension was frequently recorded in older
      patients (>=54 years) (53.9 +/- 25.8 vs. 42.8 +/- 21.7, P < 0.001) and taking
      more concomitant drugs (1.9 +/- 5.0 vs. 1.1 +/- 3.2, P < 0.001). Also, compared
      with other ADRs associated by propacetamol/paracetamol, hypotension was more
      commonly assessed as a serious outcome (27.3% vs. 11.4%, P < 0.001). Regarding
      concomitant medications, the risk for hypotension associated with propacetamol
      was significantly increased in patients simultaneously taking antibacterials
      (J01), cold preparations (R05), drugs for acid related disorders (A02), blood
      substitutes (B05), or antithrombotics (B01). CONCLUSIONS: Propacetamol was found
      to be a major suspected drug of pharmacologically associated hypotension in
      Korea. Older and male patients taking medications in combination with
      propacetamol/paracetamol should undergo monitoring of their blood pressure.
      Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28083936
TI  - ADHD medications and cardiovascular adverse events in children and adolescents:
      cross-national comparison of risk communication in drug labeling.
AB  - PURPOSE: Regulators approve written medical information for healthcare
      professionals and consumers, but the consistency of these sources has not been
      studied. We investigated the consistency of information regarding four
      cardiovascular risks of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
      medications approved in four countries. METHODS: Professional and consumer
      product labeling for five ADHD medications approved in Australia, Canada, the UK,
      and the USA were obtained in March/April 2016. Language describing the
      relationship between medication and elevated blood pressure and/or heart rate,
      myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death was extracted verbatim and
      classified into one of four categories based on the described relationship
      between medication and adverse event: "confirmed," "unconfirmed," "mixed," and
      "not mentioned." We judged the consistency of messages delivered to healthcare
      professionals and consumers as either "consistent" or "inconsistent." RESULTS: We
      obtained 20 healthcare professional labels and 20 corresponding consumer labels
      for the five ADHD medications registered in all four countries. Not all
      professional and consumer labeling contained language regarding all four adverse
      events. Of the 80 theoretically evaluable drug-risk pairs, 38 (48%) were not
      evaluable because of absence of mention of the adverse event in the consumer
      label. For the remaining 42, the potential causal relationship was expressed
      consistently in professional and consumer labeling in 25 (60%) cases. The
      cardiovascular risk profile was not described consistently across all four
      countries for any of the five drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Product labeling provides
      healthcare professionals and consumers with inconsistent messages regarding the
      potential causal relationship between stimulant use and specific cardiovascular
      risks in children and adolescents. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28083937
TI  - Type 1 diabetes pathogenesis is modulated by spontaneous autoimmune responses to
      endogenous retrovirus antigens in NOD mice.
AB  - Secreted microvesicles (MVs) are potent inflammatory triggers that stimulate
      autoreactive B and T cells, causing Type 1 Diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD)
      mice. Proteomic analysis of purified MVs released from islet cells detected the
      presence of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) antigens, including Env and Gag sequences
      similar to the well-characterized murine leukemia retroviruses. This raises the
      possibility that ERV antigens may be expressed in the pancreatic islets via MV
      secretion. Using virus-like particles produced by co-expressing ERV Env and Gag
      antigens, and a recombinant gp70 Env protein, we demonstrated that NOD but not
      diabetes-resistant mice developed anti-Env autoantibodies that increase in titer
      as disease progresses. A lentiviral-based RNA interference knockdown of Gag
      revealed that Gag contributes to the MV-induced T-cell response, whose
      diabetogenic function can be demonstrated via cell-transfer into immune-deficient
      mice. Finally, we observed that Gag and Env are expressed in NOD islet-derived
      primary mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, MSCs derived from the islets of
      diabetes-resistant mice do not express the antigens. Taken together, abnormal ERV
      activation and secretion of MVs may induce anti-retroviral responses to trigger
      autoimmunity.

PMID- 28083938
TI  - Yeast's balancing act between ethanol and glycerol production in low-alcohol
      wines.
AB  - Alcohol is fundamental to the character of wine, yet too much can put a wine off
      balance. A wine is regarded to be well balanced if its alcoholic strength,
      acidity, sweetness, fruitiness and tannin structure complement each other so that
      no single component dominates on the palate. Balancing a wine's positive fruit
      flavours with the optimal absolute and relative concentration of alcohol can be
      surprisingly difficult. Over the past three decades, consumers have increasingly
      demanded wine with richer and riper fruit flavour profiles. In response, grape
      and wine producers have extended harvest times to increase grape maturity and
      enhance the degree of fruit flavours and colour intensity. However, a higher
      degree of grape maturity results in increased grape sugar concentration, which in
      turn results in wines with elevated alcohol concentration. On average, the
      alcohol strength of red wines from many warm wine-producing regions globally rose
      by about 2% (v/v) during this period. Notwithstanding that many of these 'full
      bodied, fruit-forward' wines are well balanced and sought after, there is also a
      significant consumer market segment that seeks lighter styles with less ethanol
      derived 'hotness' on the palate. Consumer-focussed wine producers are developing
      and implementing several strategies in the vineyard and winery to reduce the
      alcohol concentration in wines produced from well-ripened grapes. In this
      context, Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeasts have proven to be a pivotal
      strategy to reduce ethanol formation during the fermentation of grape musts with
      high sugar content (> 240 g l-1 ). One of the approaches has been to develop 'low
      alcohol' yeast strains which work by redirecting their carbon metabolism away
      from ethanol production to other metabolites, such as glycerol. This article
      reviews the current challenges of producing glycerol at the expense of ethanol.
      It also casts new light on yeast strain development programmes which, bolstered
      by synthetic genomics, could potentially overcome these challenges.

PMID- 28083940
TI  - Personalized Medicine in Europe.

PMID- 28083939
TI  - Linear nonpalpable purpura in a young male: a unique presentation of leukemia
      cutis in T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia.

PMID- 28083941
TI  - Influence of the microbiota on host physiology - moving beyond the gut.

PMID- 28083942
TI  - Decoding host-microbiota communication in the gut - now we're flying!

PMID- 28083944
TI  - Progress in the biology and analysis of short chain fatty acids.

PMID- 28083943
TI  - Insights into the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis: interleukin-13 modulates
      STAT6 and p38 MAPK activity in the colon epithelial sodium channel.

PMID- 28083945
TI  - Associations between pathologic tumor features and preadjuvant therapy cognitive
      performance in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
AB  - Intertumor heterogeneity has been proposed as a potential mechanism to account
      for variability in cognitive performance in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
      The purpose of this study was to explore associations between variation in
      pathologic tumor features (PTFs) and variability in preadjuvant therapy cognitive
      performance in postmenopausal women newly diagnosed with early-stage breast
      cancer. Participants (N = 329) completed a comprehensive battery of
      neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive performance after primary surgery
      but prior to initiation of adjuvant anastrozole+/-chemotherapy. PTF data were
      abstracted from medical records. Robust multiple linear regression models were
      fit to estimate associations between individual PTFs and the cognitive function
      composite domain scores. All models controlled for age, estimated intelligence,
      and levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety, fatigue, and pain. Diagnosis of a
      HER2-positive tumor contributed to poorer verbal (b = -0.287, P = 0.018), visual
      (b = -0.270, P = 0.001), and visual working (b = -0.490, P < 0.001) memory
      performance compared to diagnosis of a HER2-negative tumor. Similarly, as HER2
      immunohistochemistry classification score increased, verbal (b = -0.072, P =
      0.093), visual (b = -0.081, P = 0.003), and visual working (b = -0.170, P <
      0.001) memory performance score decreased. Associations with performance were
      also noted between location, focality/centricity, hormone receptor expression,
      cellular proliferation (i.e., Ki67), and Oncotype DX(r) Breast Cancer Assay
      Recurrence Score(r) .) Our results suggest that certain PTFs related to more
      aggressive tumor phenotypes or inferior breast cancer prognosis may be implicated
      in poorer preadjuvant therapy cognitive performance. Follow-up studies that
      include a cognitive assessment before primary surgery should be conducted to
      further delineate the role of intertumor heterogeneity on cognitive performance.

PMID- 28083946
TI  - Expiratory muscle strength training evaluated with simultaneous high-resolution
      manometry and electromyography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine feasibility of a simultaneous high-resolution pharyngeal
      manometry (HRM) and electromyography (EMG) experimental paradigm to detect
      swallowing-related patterns of palatal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal muscle activity
      during expiratory training. STUDY DESIGN: Technical report. METHODS: Simultaneous
      HRM, surface submental, and intramuscular EMG were acquired in two healthy
      participants during five tasks: 10-cc water swallow, maximum expiratory pressure
      (MEP) testing, and expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) at three pressure
      levels (sham, 50%, and 75% MEP). RESULTS: Experimental conditions were feasible.
      Velopharyngeal closing pressure, palate EMG activity, and pharyngeal EMG activity
      increased as expiratory load increased. In contrast, thyroarytenoid EMG activity
      was low during the expiratory task, consistent with glottic opening during
      exhalation. Submental EMG patterns were more variable during expiratory tasks.
      Intraluminal air pressures recorded with HRM were correlated with measured
      expiratory pressures and target valve-opening pressures of the EMST device.
      CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a simultaneous HRM/EMG/EMST paradigm may be used
      to detect previously unquantified swallowing-related muscle activity during EMST,
      particularly in the palate and pharynx. Our approach and initial findings will be
      helpful to guide future hypothesis-driven studies and may enable investigators to
      evaluate other muscle groups active during these tasks. Defining mechanisms of
      action is a critical next step toward refining therapeutic algorithms using EMST
      and other targeted treatments for populations with dysphagia and airway
      disorders. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:797-804, 2017.

PMID- 28083947
TI  - Cross-sectional study of fetal long-bone length in an Iranian population at 17-25
      weeks of gestation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To construct improved reference charts for fetal long bones in an
      Iranian setting and to compare them with previous studies. METHODS: The present
      prospective cross-sectional study included singleton fetuses assessed by
      ultrasonography at 17-25 weeks of gestation at the Comprehensive Medical Genetics
      Center, Shahid Soltani, Shiraz, Iran between May 1, 2012, and February 28, 2014.
      Exclusion criteria included conditions that could affect fetal growth. Fetal long
      bones (femur, humerus, tibia, fibula, ulna, and radius) were measured with
      ultrasonography and biometric charts were produced. Regression models were fitted
      to estimate bone lengths. The models produced were compared with those from
      previous studies in other populations. RESULTS: There were 660 singleton fetuses
      included and 660 femur, 633 humerus, 512 tibia, 498 fibula, 505 ulna, and 498
      radius biometric measurements were recorded. The models generated to predict the
      length of the tibia, fibula, ulna, and radius from the length of the femur and
      humerus demonstrated a high goodness of fit when the predicted lengths were
      plotted against the actual lengths. Comparisons of mean lengths with previous
      studies suggested that long-bone length was affected by maternal ethnicity.
      CONCLUSION: The equations generated could be used to predict long-bone length in
      an Iranian population and ethnicity should be considered when using fetal long
      bone length as a prenatal diagnostic tool.

PMID- 28083948
TI  - Gain of CD26 expression on the malignant T-cells in relapsed erythrodermic
      leukemic mycosis fungoides.
AB  - Loss of CD26 surface expression on the circulating malignant T-cell is the most
      widely accepted diagnostic marker in patients with leukemic cutaneous T-cell
      lymphoma (CTCL). CTCL cases with reemergence of CD7 and/or CD26 surface
      expression are unusual and of uncertain prognosis. We report the case of an
      erythrodermic leukemic mycosis fungoides patient who had achieved temporary
      remission after several months on multimodality immunotherapy and extracorporeal
      photopheresis, but who relapsed with aggressive disease phenotypically
      characterized by CD4+ T-cells with high CD26 expression. Polymerase chain
      reaction studies and high-throughput sequencing analyses from peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells at presentation and relapse consistently showed an identical
      clonal T-cell receptor suggesting evolution of her original malignant clone which
      lacked CD26 expression. Interestingly, quantitative expression of the sialomucin,
      CD164, mirrored her clinical picture, thus favoring its reliability as a novel
      biomarker in CTCL.

PMID- 28083949
TI  - Big biology meets microclimatology: defining thermal niches of ectotherms at
      landscape scales for conservation planning.
AB  - Temperature profoundly affects ecology, a fact ever more evident as the ability
      to measure thermal environments increases and global changes alter these
      environments. The spatial structure of thermalscapes is especially relevant to
      the distribution and abundance of ectothermic organisms, but the ability to
      describe biothermal relationships at extents and grains relevant to conservation
      planning has been limited by small or sparse data sets. Here, we combine a large
      occurrence database of >23 000 aquatic species surveys with stream microclimate
      scenarios supported by an equally large temperature database for a 149 000-km
      mountain stream network to describe thermal relationships for 14 fish and
      amphibian species. Species occurrence probabilities peaked across a wide range of
      temperatures (7.0-18.8 degrees C) but distinct warm- or cold-edge distribution
      boundaries were apparent for all species and represented environments where
      populations may be most sensitive to thermal changes. Warm-edge boundary
      temperatures for a native species of conservation concern were used with
      geospatial data sets and a habitat occupancy model to highlight subsets of the
      network where conservation measures could benefit local populations by
      maintaining cool temperatures. Linking that strategic approach to local estimates
      of habitat impairment remains a key challenge but is also an opportunity to build
      relationships and develop synergies between the research, management, and
      regulatory communities. As with any data mining or species distribution modeling
      exercise, care is required in analysis and interpretation of results, but the use
      of large biological data sets with accurate microclimate scenarios can provide
      valuable information about the thermal ecology of many ectotherms and a spatially
      explicit way of guiding conservation investments.

PMID- 28083950
TI  - Is it safe to use N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of bilateral ectropion on
      collodion baby?

PMID- 28083951
TI  - Enantioselectivity in the Metabolism of Cyclophosphamide in Patients With
      Multiple or Systemic Sclerosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the enantioselective pharmacokinetics of
      cyclophosphamide and its metabolites 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide and
      carboxyethylphosphoramide mustard in patients with systemic or multiple
      sclerosis. Patients with systemic sclerosis (n = 10) or multiple sclerosis (n =
      10), genotyped for the allelic variants of CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 and of the
      CYP2B6 G516T polymorphism, were treated with 50 mg cyclophosphamide/kg daily for
      4 days. Serial blood samples were collected up to 24 hours after administration
      of the last cyclophosphamide dose. Cyclophosphamide, 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide,
      and carboxyethylphosphoramide enantiomers were analyzed in plasma samples using
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled to chiral column Chiralcel
      OD-R or Chiralpak AD-RH. Cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL- 12p70, IL
      17, TNF-alpha, and INT-delta in the plasma samples collected before
      cyclophosphamide infusion were analyzed by Milliplex MAP human
      cytokine/chemokine. Pharmacokinetic parameters showed higher plasma
      concentrations of (S)-(-)-cyclophosphamide (AUC 215.0 vs 186.2 MUg.h/mL for
      multiple sclerosis patients and 219.1 vs 179.2 MUg.h/mL for systemic sclerosis
      patients) and (R)-4-hydroxycyclophosphamide (AUC 5.6 vs 3.7 MUg.h/mL for multiple
      sclerosis patients and 6.3 vs 5.6 MUg.h/mL for systemic sclerosis patients) when
      compared to their enantiomers in both groups of patients, whereas the
      pharmacokinetics of the carboxyethylphosphoramide metabolite was not
      enantioselective. Cytokines' plasma concentrations were similar between multiple
      and systemic sclerosis groups. The pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide is
      enantioselective in patients with systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, with
      higher plasma concentrations of the (S)-(-)-cyclophosphamide enantiomer due to
      the preferential formation of the (R)-4-hydroxycyclophosphamide metabolite.

PMID- 28083952
TI  - Family-oriented services in pediatric rehabilitation: a scoping review and
      framework to promote parent and family wellness.
AB  - Family-oriented services are not as common as one would expect, given the
      widespread endorsement of family-centred care, the role of parents in supporting
      optimal child outcomes, and legislation and literature indicating that parent
      outcomes are important in their own right. There are no published service
      delivery frameworks describing the scope of services that could be delivered to
      promote parent and family wellness. A scoping review was conducted to identify
      types of family-oriented services for parents of children with physical
      disabilities and/or intellectual impairments. This information was then
      synthesized into a conceptual framework of services to inform service selection
      and design. A scoping review of the recent literature was performed to capture
      descriptions of services targeting parents/families of children with physical
      disabilities and/or intellectual impairments, published in a six-year period
      (2009 to 2014). Six databases were searched and 557 retrieved articles were
      screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty six relevant articles
      were identified. Based on descriptions of services in these articles, along with
      seminal articles describing the nature of desirable services, we propose a needs
      based and capacity-enhancing framework outlining a continuum of family-oriented
      services for parents of children with disabilities. The framework includes six
      types of services to meet parent/family needs, organized as a continuum from
      fundamental information/education services, to those supporting parents to
      deliver services to meet their child's needs, to a variety of services addressing
      parents' own needs (support groups, psychosocial services and service
      coordination). The framework provides pediatric rehabilitation service
      organizations with a way to consider different possible family-oriented services.
      Implications include the particular importance of providing information
      resources, support groups and psychosocial services to meet parents' needs,
      enhance capacity and promote family wellness. There is also an opportunity to
      provide composite parent-child services to address the needs of both parents and
      children.

PMID- 28083953
TI  - Anatomical distribution and outcome of surgical excision of fibrokeratoma - a
      clinical analysis of 124 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibrokeratoma is a benign, cutaneous, fibrous tumor usually occurring
      on the digits. There is little data about their occurrence on nondigital areas
      and their surgical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: We sought to retrospectively
      characterize the distribution and surgical outcome of fibrokeratoma. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the clinical information of patients with a
      histopathological diagnosis of fibrokeratoma, including age, gender, lesion site,
      number of lesions, symptoms and signs, history of trauma, and any recurrence.
      RESULTS: We identified 124 patients diagnosed with fibrokeratoma in a 13-year
      period. The mean age was 42 years. There was a male predilection (2 : 1), and all
      lesions were solitary. Twenty patients (16%) had symptoms, and 13 patients (10%)
      had a history of trauma. Thirty patients (24%) had lesions on nondigital areas,
      including the upper and lower extremities and buttocks. The overall recurrence
      rate was 4% (five cases). Among them, three recurrent lesions were located on the
      periungual area of the toe. Nine patients (7%) had giant fibrokeratoma (>1 cm)
      but none recurred. CONCLUSION: Although most fibrokeratomas appeared on the
      digits, a certain number of cases (24%) were located on nondigital areas. The
      periungual area of the toe was the most common local recurrent site.

PMID- 28083954
TI  - Donating blood on a regular basis appears to reduce blood pressure, but
      appearances can be deceiving.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported a relationship between blood donation
      and decreased risk for cardiovascular events, and it has been proposed that this
      may be due to a lowering of blood pressure among hypertensive individuals who
      donate on a regular basis. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: With the use of a
      retrospective longitudinal analysis, predonation blood pressure readings were
      examined across consecutive whole blood donations for New York Blood Center
      donors. With blood pressure levels recorded at the first, second, third, and
      fourth donations, the sample was divided into three subgroups including high
      (>=140 mmHg), intermediate (>100 and <40 mmHg), and low (<=100 mmHg) systolic
      blood pressure (SBP). In addition, a computational approach was used to estimate
      regression to the mean effects for donors with high SBP or high diastolic blood
      pressure (DBP) at their first, second, or third donation. RESULTS: Visual
      examination of SBP and DBP patterns across donations revealed that, on average,
      donors with extreme values at one donation had relatively normal values at the
      other donations. Further, comparison of computed expected versus observed blood
      pressure decreases supported the notion of a subsequent regression to the mean
      among donors with elevated SBP or DBP at Donation 1, 2, or 3. CONCLUSION: Among
      individuals who are hypertensive at initial donation, reductions in blood
      pressure at subsequent donations appear to result from regression to the mean as
      opposed to a salutary physiologic process.

PMID- 28083955
TI  - Cryptococcus laurentii diarrhea post hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
AB  - We report the recent isolation of Cryptococcus laurentii from the feces of a
      patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell
      transplant (HSCT). The organism was identified using microscopic morphology,
      cultural characteristics, and biochemical tests including sugar assimilation.
      Minimum inhibitory concentration of various antifungals was determined by
      microbroth dilution method. The recovery of pure culture of C. laurentii from
      stool culture, and the patient's response to treatment with voriconazole support
      its potential etiological role. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first
      case of diarrhea caused by C. laurentii in an HSCT recipient.

PMID- 28083956
TI  - Introduction to E. Pichon Riviere's 'The link and the theory of the three Ds
      (depositant, depositary and deposited): Role and status' by E. Pichon Riviere.

PMID- 28083957
TI  - Synthesis and Oxidation of a Paddlewheel-Shaped Rhodium/Antimony Complex
      Featuring Pyridine-2-Thiolate Ligands.
AB  - The paddlewheel-shaped complex [Sb(MU-pyS)4 Rh]2 (1) (pyS- = 2-S-C5 H4 N- ) was
      synthesized from [Rh(pyS)(cod)]2 (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) and Sb(pyS)3 . Upon
      oxidation with ONMe3 , the complex [(MU-O)Sb(MU-pyS)3 Rh(kappa2 -pyS)]2 (2) is
      formed. Both 1 and 2 form dimers and feature short Rh-Sb bonds and bridging pyS
      ligands. 121 Sb Mossbauer spectro- scopy and computational studies were employed
      to elucidate the Rh-Sb bonding in 1 and 2. Both covalent (Rh-Sb, X-type Sb
      ligand) and dative (Rh->Sb, Z-type; Rh<-Sb L-type Sb ligand) interactions have to
      be considered for the description of their bonding situations.

PMID- 28083958
TI  - Methods for the detection and serum depletion of porcine galectin-3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating galectin-3 (Gal-3) is elevated in systemic inflammatory
      disorders, fibrotic diseases, and in cancers. Gal-3 is a promising cancer target
      where it promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis, as well as in renal, pulmonary,
      hepatic, and cardiovascular diseases, because of its role as a driver of fibrotic
      remodeling. This reports goal was to establish methods for the detection and
      removal of porcine Gal-3 that will enable further studies of the therapeutic
      potential of Gal-3 depletion by apheresis in porcine disease models. The long
      term aim is to develop a safe, effective method of removing Gal-3 via apheresis
      as a standalone therapeutic tool and as an adjuvant to other therapies. METHODS:
      Purified recombinant porcine Gal-3 was prepared and used as the standard for
      development of a porcine Gal-3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      Different affinity column matrices that incorporated either a rat IgG2a anti-Gal
      3 monoclonal antibody or carbohydrate ligand were assessed for depletion of Gal-3
      from porcine serum. RESULTS: A porcine Gal-3 ELISA with a linear range from 0.3
      to 20 ng/mL was able to detect native porcine Gal-3 in both fetal (~150-200
      ng/mL) and juvenile (~5-15 ng/mL) porcine serum samples. Use of an anti-Gal-3
      monoclonal antibody affinity column depleted Gal-3 from porcine serum to at least
      313 pg/mL, the limit of ELISA detection. CONCLUSIONS: Methods have been developed
      for the detection and depletion of porcine Gal-3. These methods will be used to
      study the specific effects of Gal-3 depletion via apheresis in porcine models of
      disease.

PMID- 28083959
TI  - The hippocampus facilitates integration within a symbolic field.
AB  - This paper attempts to elaborate a fundamental brain mechanism involved in the
      creation and maintenance of symbolic fields of thought. It will integrate
      theories of psychic spaces as explored by Donald Winnicott and Wilfred Bion with
      the neuroscientific examinations of those with bilateral hippocampal injury to
      show how evidence from both disciplines sheds important light on this aspect of
      mind. Possibly originating as a way of maintaining an oriented, first person
      psychic map, this capacity allows individuals a dynamic narrative access to a
      realm of layered elements and their connections. If the proposed hypothesis is
      correct, the hippocampus facilitates the integration of this symbolic field of
      mind, where narrative forms of thinking, creativity, memory, and dreaming are
      intertwined. Without the hippocampus, there is an inability to engage many
      typical forms of thought itself. Also, noting the ways these individuals are not
      impaired supports theories about other faculties of mind, providing insight into
      their possible roles within human thought. The evidence of different systems
      working in conjunction with the symbolic field provides tantalizing clues about
      these fundamental mechanisms of brain and mind that are normally seamlessly
      integrated, and hints at future areas of clinical and laboratory research, both
      within neuroscience and psychoanalysis.

PMID- 28083960
TI  - Quality-of-life perception by Parkinson's disease patients and caregivers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The quality-of-life (QoL) perception by Parkinson's disease (PD)
      patients and their caregivers (CG) has not been studied in depth. OBJECTIVE: To
      examine patient/proxy agreements on the PD QoL Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the Scale
      of Quality of Life of Care-Givers (SQLC) and the Multidimensional Caregiver
      Strain Index (MCSI). METHODS: Patients with PD and their CG completed the above
      mentioned questionnaires about themselves and each other. The intraclass
      correlations between their scores (paired t test) were compared. RESULTS: Twelve
      patient-CG pairs were studied. Agreements for QoL items were strong and
      comparable for the total scores of the PDQ-39, SQLC and MCSI questionnaires
      (75.4% +/- 14%; 78.1% +/- 14.1% and 78.2% +/- 14.3%, respectively). Agreements
      ranged from moderate to strong (0.57-0.88, P<=.05) for the patients' physical
      condition (PDQ-39 items 3, 5, 6, 8, 12-15, 23, 24, 35), mental concentration
      (item 31) and depression (item 17). Disagreements were apparent in 20%-25% of the
      pairs and were particularly significant for PDQ-39 items #33 and #25
      (embarrassment of patients in public and distressing dreams or hallucinations),
      in which the CG gave higher scores than the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Agreements
      between patients with PD and CG were generally good for most, but not all, of the
      PDQ-39, SQLC and MCSI domains.

PMID- 28083961
TI  - Disruption of comA homolog in Ralstonia solanacearum does not impair its
      twitching motility.
AB  - Ralstonia solanacearum is an important phyto-pathogenic bacterium. The bacterium
      exhibits type IV pili meditated twitching motility that has been implicated in
      the process of natural transformation in it. A comA gene homolog, alike in
      several other naturally competent bacteria, has been already reported in this
      bacterium. However, there are no report of direct link between comA and twitching
      motility during the natural transformation process in this pathogen. In order to
      figure out any connection between comA and twitching motility, we created an
      insertion mutation in comA gene homolog of R. solanacearum F1C1 strain. As
      anticipated, the insertion mutant (CBRS01 strain) was inefficient for natural
      transformation. CBRS01 strain was found to be proficient for twitching motility
      alike the wild-type F1C1. This is interesting since recent findings of Salzer et
      al. (2016;Environ Microbiol;18:65-74) showed deficiency of twitching motility due
      to comEC gene (comA homolog) mutation in another naturally competent Gram
      negative bacterium Thermus thermophilus. Additionally, we also found CBRS01
      strain to be proficient for extracellular cellulase activity and virulence on
      tomato seedlings. Our findings in this work indicate that an R. solanacearum
      strain inefficient in undergoing natural transformation can, however, be
      proficient in exhibiting twitching motility.

PMID- 28083962
TI  - Case report of fatal post-coital bleeding with systemic bleeding diathesis.

PMID- 28083963
TI  - Differences in anatomical connections across distinct areas in the rodent
      prefrontal cortex.
AB  - Prefrontal cortex (PFC) network structure is implicated in a number of complex
      higher-order functions and with a range of neurological disorders. It is
      therefore vital to our understanding of PFC function to gain an understanding of
      its underlying anatomical connectivity. Here, we injected Fluoro-Gold and Fluoro
      Ruby into the same sites throughout rat PFC. Tracer injections were applied to
      two coronal levels within the PFC (anterior +4.7 mm to bregma and posterior +3.7
      mm to bregma). Within each coronal level, tracers were deposited at sites
      separated by approximately 1 mm and located parallel to the medial and orbital
      surface of the cortex. We found that both Fluoro-Gold and Fluoro-Ruby injections
      produced prominent labelling in temporal and sensory-motor cortex. Fluoro-Gold
      produced retrograde labelling and Fluoro-Ruby largely produced anterograde
      labelling. Analysis of the location of these connections within temporal and
      sensory-motor cortex revealed a consistent topology (as the sequence of
      injections was followed mediolaterally along the orbital surface of each coronal
      level). At the anterior coronal level, injections produced a similar topology to
      that seen in central PFC in earlier studies from our laboratory (i.e. comparing
      equivalently located injections employing the same tracer), this was particularly
      prominent within temporal cortex. However, at the posterior coronal level this
      pattern of connections differed significantly, revealing higher levels of
      reciprocity, in both temporal cortex and sensory-motor cortex. Our findings
      indicate changes in the relative organization of connections arising from
      posterior in comparison to anterior regions of PFC, which may provide a basis to
      determine how complex processes are organized.

PMID- 28083964
TI  - Stimulation of neurotrophic factors and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines
      by exogenous application of triiodothyronine in the rat model of ischemic stroke.
AB  - There is a positive relation between decreases of triiodothyronine (T3) amounts
      and severity of stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of
      exogenous T3 application on levels of neurogenesis markers in the subventricular
      zone. Cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in male
      Wistar rats. There were 4 experimental groups: sham, ischemic, vehicle, and
      treatment. Rats were injected with T3 (25 MUg/kg, IV injection) at 24 hours after
      ischemia. Animals were sacrificed at day 7 after ischemia. There were high levels
      of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nestin, and Sox2 expressions in gene and
      protein levels in the T3 treatment group (P <= .05 vs ischemic group). Treatment
      group showed high levels of sera T3 and thyroxine (T4) but low levels of
      thyrotropin (TSH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 (P <= .05 vs
      ischemic group) at day 4 after ischemia induction. Findings of this study
      revealed the effectiveness of exogenous T3 application in the improvement of
      neurogenesis possibly via regulation of proinflammatory cytokines.

PMID- 28083965
TI  - Mechanistic insight into nuclear receptor-mediated regulation of bile acid
      metabolism and lipid homeostasis by grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE).
AB  - Dietary procyanidins have emerged as important bioactive components that regulate
      various metabolic pathways to maintain homeostasis. Grape seed procyanidin
      extract (GSPE), in particular, has demonstrated regulatory effects on bile acid
      and lipid metabolism in vivo. While numerous studies in rodent models have shown
      the potent hypolipidemic action of grape seed extracts, human studies have shown
      inconsistent results. This review will focus on the molecular mechanisms
      underlying the hypolipidemic actions of GSPE identified to date, specifically
      highlighting the effects exerted via nuclear receptors. Such evidence may provide
      avenues for future research in human subjects with GSPE as a therapeutic
      treatment for the prevention and amelioration of the metabolic syndrome and
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 28083966
TI  - Small animal models to understand pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and use of stem
      cell in cartilage regeneration.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common diseases, which affect the correct
      functionality of synovial joints and is characterized by articular cartilage
      degradation. Limitation in the treatment of OA is mostly due to the very limited
      regenerative characteristic of articular cartilage once is damaged. Small animal
      models are of particular importance for mechanistic analysis to understand the
      processes that affect cartilage degradation. Combination of joint injury
      techniques with the use of stem cells has been shown to be an important tool for
      understanding the processes of cartilage degradation and regeneration.
      Implementation of stem cells and small animal models are important tools to help
      researchers to find a solution that could ameliorate and prevent the symptoms of
      OA.

PMID- 28083968
TI  - First case of neonatal diabetes with KCNJ11 Q52R mutation successfully switched
      from insulin to sulphonylurea treatment.
AB  - In this report, we present the first known case of intermediate developmental
      delay, epilepsy and permanent neonatal diabetes (DEND) syndrome caused by a Q52R
      mutation in the KCNJ11 gene who was successfully switched (at age 1.3 years) to
      sulphonylurea monotherapy, namely glibenclamide. The most recent evaluation,
      after 2 years, showed a glycated hemoglobin level of 6.0% (42 mmol/mol). This
      mutation is so severe that none of the previously reported four cases were able
      to switch from insulin to sulphonylurea monotherapy. The Q52R mutation seems to
      have a chance of positive response to glibenclamide administered every 3-6 h
      instead of the classical 8-12 h, in doses around or above 2.5 mg/kg/day.

PMID- 28083967
TI  - Strain uses gap junctions to reverse stimulation of osteoblast proliferation by
      osteocytes.
AB  - Identifying mechanisms by which cells of the osteoblastic lineage communicate in
      vivo is complicated by the mineralised matrix that encases osteocytes, and thus,
      vital mechanoadaptive processes used to achieve load-bearing integrity remain
      unresolved. We have used the coculture of immunomagnetically purified osteocytes
      and primary osteoblasts from both embryonic chick long bone and calvariae to
      examine these mechanisms. We exploited the fact that purified osteocytes are
      postmitotic to examine both their effect on proliferation of primary osteoblasts
      and the role of gap junctions in such communication. We found that chick long
      bone osteocytes significantly increased basal proliferation of primary
      osteoblasts derived from an identical source (tibiotarsi). Using a gap junction
      inhibitor, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, we also demonstrated that this osteocyte
      related increase in osteoblast proliferation was not reliant on functional gap
      junctions. In contrast, osteocytes purified from calvarial bone failed to modify
      basal proliferation of primary osteoblast, but long bone osteocytes preserved
      their proproliferative action upon calvarial-derived primary osteoblasts. We also
      showed that coincubated purified osteocytes exerted a marked inhibitory action on
      mechanical strain-related increases in proliferation of primary osteoblasts and
      that this action was abrogated in the presence of a gap junction inhibitor. These
      data reveal regulatory differences between purified osteocytes derived from
      functionally distinct bones and provide evidence for 2 mechanisms by which
      purified osteocytes communicate with primary osteoblasts to coordinate their
      activity.

PMID- 28083969
TI  - Predictors and Clinical Outcomes of Transient Responders to Cardiac
      Resynchronization Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) changes at 6 months and
      clinical status are useful for assessing responses to cardiac resynchronization
      therapy (CRT). Regression of the LVESV following CRT has not been described
      beyond 6 months. This study aimed to assess the proportion, predictors, and
      clinical outcomes of responders whose LVESVs had regressed. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed 104 consecutive CRT patients. A responder was defined as
      a patient with a relative reduction in the LVESV >=15% at 6 months after CRT.
      Fifty-six responders participated in this study. A transient responder was
      defined as a responder without a relative reduction in the LVESV >=15% at 2 years
      after CRT or who died of cardiac events during the 24-month follow-up period.
      RESULTS: Of the 56 responders, 16 (29%) were transient responders. Multivariable
      logistic regression analysis showed that chronic atrial fibrillation (odds ratio
      [OR] = 19.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.93, 190], P = 0.012) and amiodarone
      usage (OR = 60.9, 95% CI [4.18, 886], P = 0.003) were independent predictors of
      transient responses. Hospitalizations for heart failure were significantly higher
      among the transient responders than among the lasting responders during a mean
      follow-up period of 7.6 years (log-rank P < 0.001), and all-cause mortality
      tended to be higher among the transient responders (log-rank P = 0.093).
      CONCLUSIONS: One-third of the responders were transient responders at 2 years
      after CRT, and their long-term prognoses were poor. Careful attention should be
      paid to maintain the reduction in LVESV especially in patients with chronic AF.

PMID- 28083970
TI  - Molecular subtypes of colorectal cancers determined by PCR-based analysis.
AB  - Tumor tissue consists of a heterogeneous cell population. The allelic imbalance
      (AI) ratio, determined in isolated tumor glands, is a good index of tumor
      heterogeneity. However, associations of the patterns of AI and microsatellite
      instability (MSI) development, observed in most cases of colorectal cancer (CRC),
      with tumor progression have not been reported previously. In this study, we
      examined whether CRC genetic profiles stratified by a combination of the AI ratio
      and MSI facilitate categorization of CRC, and whether these genetic profiles are
      associated with specific molecular alterations in CRC. A crypt isolation method
      was used to isolate DNA from tumors and normal glands obtained from 147 sporadic
      CRCs. AI and MSI statuses were determined using PCR-based microsatellite analysis
      and stratified based on AI ratio and MSI status. DNA methylation status (high
      methylation, intermediate methylation and low methylation status and mutations in
      KRAS, BRAF, and TP53 were examined. In addition, mucin markers were
      immunostained. Based on this analysis, four subgroups were categorized. Subgroup
      1 was characterized by a high MSI status and BRAF mutation; subgroup 2 was
      closely associated with a high AI ratio, which accumulated during the early
      phases of colorectal carcinogenesis, and TP53 mutation; subgroup 3 was associated
      with a low AI ratio, seen during the later phases of colorectal carcinogenesis,
      and KRAS mutation; and subgroup 4 was defined as a minor subgroup. These results
      confirmed that classification of distinct molecular profiles provides important
      insights into colorectal carcinogenesis.

PMID- 28083971
TI  - Lipoblastoma in children: Review of 12 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lipoblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of infancy and early
      childhood. Symptoms vary depending on localization, and signs of compression of
      adjacent organs may be seen. METHODS: A total of 12 children with pathologically
      proven lipoblastoma from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed retrospectively for their
      clinical features, treatment and follow up. RESULTS: There were seven boys and
      five girls between 7.5 months and 7.5 years of age. The most common symptom was
      painless rapid-growing mass. The tumors were located in the neck, the abdomen,
      the groin, pelvis, axilla, glutea, labium majus, thigh and trunk. The largest
      tumor was in a retroperitoneal location and was 13 * 10 cm in size. Complete
      resection was performed in 10 patients. All of these patients were followed
      without any evidence of recurrence. Subtotal excision was performed in two
      patients. At a median follow up of 38 months (range, 1.8 months-10 years), all
      patients were disease free. CONCLUSIONS: Lipoblastoma should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of rapidly growing mass in patients <3 years of age. Total
      excision is the treatment of choice with preservation of vital organs. The
      prognosis is excellent despite large tumor size and local invasion. Recurrence
      rate is high in incompletely resected tumors. Regular follow up is important for
      early detection of recurrence.

PMID- 28083973
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28083972
TI  - Renal safety of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, in
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - The incidence of renal-related adverse events (AEs) with canagliflozin in
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from a pooled population of patients in 7
      active- and placebo-controlled trials (N = 5598) and in a 104-week study vs
      glimepiride (N = 1450) was low and similar in canagliflozin and non-canagliflozin
      groups. In the study vs glimepiride, canagliflozin was associated with an initial
      acute decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) that attenuated
      over time, while eGFR declined progressively over 104 weeks with glimepiride. The
      incidence of renal-related AEs with canagliflozin was generally stable over time,
      while the incidence with glimepiride increased over 104 weeks. In the present
      analysis, based on postmarketing reports from the US Food and Drug Administration
      Adverse Event Reporting System, a potential signal was identified for acute
      kidney injury with all approved sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2)
      inhibitors (ie, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin). The early onset
      of acute kidney injury events with SGLT2 inhibitors in postmarketing reports
      probably reflects the acute changes in eGFR attibutable to the known renal
      haemodynamic effects of SGLT2 inhibition.

PMID- 28083974
TI  - Parental knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward children with atopic
      dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Successful control of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children depends on
      parents' knowledge on the disease and attitude toward ill child, but there is a
      lack studies exploring parental knowledge, attitude, and behaviors. The aim of
      this study was to investigate parents' knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward
      AD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinic of
      Dermatovenereology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, between February 2015
      and March 2016. Parents of children with AD were invited to complete the
      questionnaire, which was comprised of five parts: parental sociodemographic
      characteristics, demographic and clinical characteristics of children, knowledge,
      attitude, and behavior. To assess factors associated with a higher knowledge
      level on AD, stronger positive attitude, and more supportive behavior, we
      performed two multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: The average parental
      knowledge score was 9.5 +/- 1.9 out of 12. The level of knowledge did not
      correlate with parental conviction that they were well-informed on AD (rho = 
      0.121; P = 0.319). Older (beta = 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00-0.16, P
      = 0.040), married/partnered parents (beta = -2.14, 95% CI -3.55 to 0.72, P =
      0.004), and those who have had AD themselves were more likely to be more
      knowledgeable on AD. Older (beta = 0.18, 95% CI 0.01-0.34, P = 0.036) and
      employed (beta = 3.99, 95% CI 1.59-6.38, P = 0.002) parents had stronger positive
      attitudes toward their children with AD. More supportive behavior of parents of
      children with AD was associated with being older (beta = 0.24, 95% CI 0.04-0.45,
      P = 0.020) and less educated (beta = -0.76, 95% CI -1.24 to 0.28, P = 0.003).
      CONCLUSION: The importance of understanding AD and accounting for attitudes by
      family members is obvious for successful control of the disease.

PMID- 28083975
TI  - Hay fever, asthma, and eczema and early infectious diseases among children in
      Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the hygiene (or "old friends") hypothesis in a high
      infectious disease (ID) environment, rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. METHODS: Among
      a cross-sectional sample of 2- to 7-year-old children, we collected physician
      diagnosed hay fever, asthma, and eczema, history of hospitalization, family size,
      and household environment information via questionnaire; performed active and
      passive surveillance for ID; and, evaluated total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and
      biomarkers of inflammation in dried blood spot specimens. We used regression
      models to describe patterns in allergic diseases. RESULTS: Complete information
      was available for 280 children: 12.5% had been diagnosed with hay fever; 18.9%
      with eczema; 2.1% with asthma. There was a positive association between hay fever
      and eczema diagnoses (pi2 : 4.07; P = 0.044); total IgE was positively associated
      with eczema (beta: 0.24; P = 0.100) and allergic diseases together (beta: 0.26; P
      = 0.042). ID were common: the incidence of any ID diagnosis was 28 per 100
      children per month. Hay fever was inversely associated with household animals
      (OR: 0.27; P = 0.006), and positively associated with earth housing materials
      (OR: 1.93; P = 0.079) and hospitalization in infancy with an ID (3.16; P =
      0.066); patterns were similar when allergic disease outcomes were considered
      together. Few associations between these predictors and eczema or asthma alone
      were apparent. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic diseases were common among children in
      Kilimanjaro. The inverse association between household animals and allergy is
      consistent with the hygiene/old friends hypothesis; however, positive
      associations between allergic diseases and earth housing materials and early
      hospitalization with ID bear further explanation.

PMID- 28083976
TI  - Serial in-office laser treatment of vocal fold leukoplakia: Disease control and
      voice outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although vocal fold (VF) leukoplakia is commonly treated with in
      office laser, there is no data on its long-term effectiveness. This study
      hypothesizes that VF leukoplakia treated by serial in-office laser results in
      long-term disease control with maintenance of voice and minimal morbidity. STUDY
      DESIGN: Retrospective review (2008-2015). METHODS: Forty-six patients with VF
      leukoplakia treated by in-office KTP (potassium titanyl phosphate) or PDL (pulsed
      dye laser) were included. Median follow-up from final laser treatment was 19.6
      months. Main outcomes included: 1) rate of disease control, 2) percentage of
      disease regression using ImageJ analysis. Secondary outcomes included vocal
      assessment using the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). RESULTS: Patients
      underwent a median of 2 (range: 1-6) in-office laser treatments. Time between
      treatments was median 7.6 months. After final treatment, 19 patients (41.3%) had
      no disease; two patients (4.3%) progressed to invasive cancer; overall disease
      regression was median 77.1% (P < 0.001); and VHI-10 score decreased by median 5
      (P = 0.037). Thirty-one patients (67.4%) were responders (controlled with in
      office treatment only); failures were 13 patients (28.3%) who required operative
      intervention and two patients (4%) who underwent radiation. Compared to
      responders, failures demonstrated significantly shorter duration between
      treatments (median 2.3 vs. 8.9 months, P = 0.038) and significantly less
      regression (median 49.3% vs. 100%, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Serial outpatient KTP
      or PDL treatment of VF leukoplakia is effective for disease control with minimal
      morbidity and preservation of voice quality. We suggest that patients requiring
      repeated in-office treatment every 6 months may benefit from earlier operative
      intervention; other factors associated with in-office success remain unclear.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1644-1651, 2017.

PMID- 28083977
TI  - Nephrectomy-induced reduced renal function and the health-related quality of life
      of living kidney donors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the health impact of nephrectomy on living kidney donors
      (LKDs) by comparing the health-related quality of life (HrQOL) scores measured by
      Short Form-36 (SF36) between those with and without postdonation renal function
      impairment (PRFI). METHODS: Eighty-two LKDs (47 females, mean age=50.2+/-11.2
      years) were prospectively recruited to participate in a SF-36 HrQOL survey. Chart
      review, individual baseline, and postoperative renal function (eGFR) was
      determined using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. PRFI was
      defined as eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or proteinuria. Mean SF-36 domain scores were
      compared between those with and without PRFI. RESULTS: After a median follow-up
      of 5.7 years, the prevalence of postdonation comorbidities was 29.3% (n=24) PRFI,
      25.6% (n=21) hypertension, 6.1% (n=5) diabetes, and 3.7% (n=3) heart disease, and
      no LKDs developed end-stage renal disease. Mean eGFR before and after donor
      nephrectomy was 95.5+/-23.4 and 71.0+/-17.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P<.01). Mean SF-36
      scores of LKDs were not significantly different between those with and without
      PRFI in all the domains (all P>.05). Similarly, the proportion of LKDs with PRFI
      did not differ significantly between the patients with SF-36 domain scores above
      and below the published reference values. CONCLUSION: Nephrectomy-induced PRFI
      may not have a significant impact on the HrQOL of the LKD population with a low
      proportion of other major comorbidities such as diabetes and ischemic heart
      disease.

PMID- 28083979
TI  - Regular mailing of personalized feedback reports improves glycemic control in
      diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 28083978
TI  - Factors enhancing the migration and the homing of mesenchymal stem cells in
      experimentally induced cardiotoxicity in rats.
AB  - Doxorubicin is an effective anti-neoplastic drug but its use is limited by its
      cardiotoxicity. Administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the
      management of cardiotoxicity was with poor myocardial homing capacity. With the
      aim of developing novel techniques to improve the migration of MSCs, we tested
      whether valproate and electric fields (EFs) direct the migration of MSCs towards
      the damaged myocardium. The study included five groups of female albino rats. The
      first group included 10 healthy rats as normal control group. The remaining 40
      female rats received doxorubicin for induction of acute cardiotoxicity. Four rats
      were sacrificed for histopathological confirmation of cardiotoxicity. The
      remaining rats were equally divided into subsequent four groups. The second group
      included nine rats that did not receive further treatment (positive control
      group). The third group included nine rats which received intravenous bone marrow
      derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) after cardiotoxicity induction. The
      fourth group included nine rats which received BM-MSCs plus sodium valporate
      after cardiotoxicity induction. The fifth group included nine rats which received
      BM-MSCs plus sodium valporate after cardiotoxicity induction and were exposed to
      an electrical stimulation (ES). Blood samples were taken from all groups at the
      end of the study to estimate creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), aspartate transaminase
      (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Heart tissues from all rats were used for
      RNA extraction for assessment of sry gene expression. Homing was tested by PKH26
      fluorescence in myocardial tissue sections and by sry gene expression. The best
      biochemical and histopathological improvement in cardiotoxicity was demonstrated
      in group 5 (rats that received ES and valporate with MSCs). We concluded that EFs
      and sodium valproate enhance homing ability of MSCs towards the damaged
      myocardium in doxorubicin induced carditoxicity model. (c) 2017 IUBMB Life,
      69(3):162-169, 2017.

PMID- 28083980
TI  - Increased availability of paracetamol in Sweden and incidence of paracetamol
      poisoning: using laboratory data to increase validity of a population-based
      registry study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To estimate the incidence trend and outcome of paracetamol poisoning, in
      relation to increased availability of paracetamol from non-pharmacy outlets in
      2009. METHOD: Patients' serum paracetamol results over 14 years (2000-2013) from
      20 (out of 21) regions in Sweden were linked to national registers of hospital
      care, cause of death, and prescriptions. Paracetamol poisonings were defined by
      serum paracetamol levels, hospital diagnoses, or cause of death. The change in
      incidence of poisonings following increased availability of paracetamol was
      analysed by using segmental regression of time series. RESULTS: Of the 12 068
      paracetamol poisonings, 85% were classified as intentional self-harm. Following
      increased availability from non-pharmacy outlets, there was a 40.5% increase in
      the incidence of paracetamol poisoning, from 11.5/100 000 in 2009 to 16.2/100 000
      in 2013. Regression analyses indicated a change in the trend (p < 0.0001) but not
      an immediate jump in the incidence (p = 0.5991) following the increased
      availability. Adjusting for trends in hospital episodes for self-harm, suicides,
      and the sales volume of paracetamol did not influence the result. All-cause
      mortality at 30 days (3.2%) did not change over time. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence
      of paracetamol poisoning in Sweden has increased since 2009, contrasting the
      decreased incidence in the period of 2007-2009. The change in trend was
      temporally associated with the introduction of availability of paracetamol from
      non-pharmacy outlets but did not appear to be related to sales volume of
      paracetamol or general trends in self-harm or suicides. (c) 2017 Commonwealth of
      Australia. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28083981
TI  - The statistics of the vestibular input experienced during natural self-motion
      differ between rodents and primates.
AB  - KEY POINTS: In order to understand how the brain's coding strategies are adapted
      to the statistics of the sensory stimuli experienced during everyday life, the
      use of animal models is essential. Mice and non-human primates have become common
      models for furthering our knowledge of the neuronal coding of natural stimuli,
      but differences in their natural environments and behavioural repertoire may
      impact optimal coding strategies. Here we investigated the structure and
      statistics of the vestibular input experienced by mice versus non-human primates
      during natural behaviours, and found important differences. Our data establish
      that the structure and statistics of natural signals in non-human primates more
      closely resemble those observed previously in humans, suggesting similar coding
      strategies for incoming vestibular input. These results help us understand how
      the effects of active sensing and biomechanics will differentially shape the
      statistics of vestibular stimuli across species, and have important implications
      for sensory coding in other systems. ABSTRACT: It is widely believed that sensory
      systems are adapted to the statistical structure of natural stimuli, thereby
      optimizing coding. Recent evidence suggests that this is also the case for the
      vestibular system, which senses self-motion and in turn contributes to essential
      brain functions ranging from the most automatic reflexes to spatial perception
      and motor coordination. However, little is known about the statistics of self
      motion stimuli actually experienced by freely moving animals in their natural
      environments. Accordingly, here we examined the natural self-motion signals
      experienced by mice and monkeys: two species commonly used to study vestibular
      neural coding. First, we found that probability distributions for all six
      dimensions of motion (three rotations, three translations) in both species
      deviated from normality due to long tails. Interestingly, the power spectra of
      natural rotational stimuli displayed similar structure for both species and were
      not well fitted by power laws. This result contrasts with reports that the
      natural spectra of other sensory modalities (i.e. vision, auditory and tactile)
      instead show a power-law relationship with frequency, which indicates scale
      invariance. Analysis of natural translational stimuli revealed important species
      differences as power spectra deviated from scale invariance for monkeys but not
      for mice. By comparing our results to previously published data for humans, we
      found the statistical structure of natural self-motion stimuli in monkeys and
      humans more closely resemble one another. Our results thus predict that, overall,
      neural coding strategies used by vestibular pathways to encode natural self
      motion stimuli are fundamentally different in rodents and primates.

PMID- 28083982
TI  - Novel reuterin-related compounds suppress odour by periodontopathic bacteria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Halitosis is caused by volatile sulphur compounds including methyl
      mercaptan (CH3 SH) in the oral cavity and is a serious problem that limits
      interpersonal social communication. The aim of study was to evaluate the effects
      of reuterin-related compounds (RRCs) on halitosis-related periodontopathic
      bacteria in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RRC-01, RRC-02 and RRC-03 (32 and 64
      MUg ml-1 ) in culture media containing Fusobacterium nucleatum JCM8523 and
      Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC33277 were used. The effects of RRCs on CH3 SH
      production and detectable odour by F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis were examined
      by CH3 SH production assay and organoleptic test, respectively. The number of
      bacterial cells was also measured using an ATP assay. In P. gingivalis treated
      with RRCs, the expression of mgl gene, which is responsible for CH3 SH
      production, was examined by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: CH3 SH production and the score of
      detectable odour from F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis culture media containing
      RRCs were significantly lower than that without RRCs (P < 0.05). The expression
      of mgl gene in P. gingivalis was significantly downregulated by RRC-01 (P <
      0.01), but not by RRC-02 or RRC-03. CONCLUSIONS: RRCs are potent oral care
      products for preventing halitosis via reducing CH3 SH production.

PMID- 28083983
TI  - Local and landscape drivers of predation services in urban gardens.
AB  - In agroecosystems, local and landscape features, as well as natural enemy
      abundance and richness, are significant predictors of predation services that may
      result in biological control of pests. Despite the increasing importance of urban
      gardening for provisioning of food to urban populations, most urban gardeners
      suffer from high pest problems, and have little knowledge about how to manage
      their plots to increase biological control services. We examined the influence of
      local, garden scale (i.e., herbaceous and arboreal vegetation abundance and
      diversity, ground cover) and landscape (i.e., landscape diversity and surrounding
      land use types) characteristics on predation services provided by naturally
      occurring predators in 19 urban gardens in the California central coast. We
      introduced sentinel pests (moth eggs and larvae and pea aphids) onto greenhouse
      raised plants taken to gardens and assigned to open or bagged (predator
      exclosure) treatments. We found high predation rates with between 40% and 90% of
      prey items removed in open treatments. Predation services varied with local and
      landscape factors, but significant predictors differed by prey species. Predation
      of eggs and aphids increased with vegetation complexity in gardens, but larvae
      predation declined with vegetation complexity. Smaller gardens experienced higher
      predation services, likely due to increases in predator abundance in smaller
      gardens. Several ground cover features influenced predation services. In contrast
      to patterns in rural agricultural landscapes, predation on aphids declined with
      increases in landscape diversity. In sum, we report the relationships between
      several local management factors, as well as landscape surroundings, and
      implications for garden management.

PMID- 28083984
TI  - Whole genome sequencing analysis of lung adenocarcinoma in Xuanwei, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lung cancer mortality rate in Xuanwei city is among the highest
      in China and adenocarcinoma is the major histological type. Lung cancer has been
      associated with exposure to indoor smoky coal emissions that contain high levels
      of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; however, the pathogenesis of lung cancer has
      not yet been fully elucidated. METHODS: We performed whole genome sequencing with
      lung adenocarcinoma and corresponding non-tumor tissue to explore the genomic
      features of Xuanwei lung cancer. We used the Molecule Annotation System to
      determine and plot alterations in genes and signaling pathways. RESULTS: A total
      of 3 428 060 and 3 416 989 single nucleotide variants were detected in tumor and
      normal genomes, respectively. After comparison of these two genomes, 977 high
      confidence somatic single nucleotide variants were identified. We observed a
      remarkably high proportion of C.G-A.T transversions. HECTD4, RCBTB2, KLF15, and
      CACNA1C may be cancer-related genes. Nine copy number variations increased in
      chromosome 5 and one in chromosome 7. The novel junctions were detected via
      clustered discordant paired ends and 1955 structural variants were discovered.
      Among these, we found 44 novel chromosome structural variations. In addition,
      EGFR and CACNA1C in the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway were
      mutated or amplified in lung adenocarcinoma tumor tissue. CONCLUSION: We obtained
      a comprehensive view of somatic alterations of Xuanwei lung adenocarcinoma. These
      findings provide insight into the genomic landscape in order to further learn
      about the progress and development of Xuanwei lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 28083985
TI  - HLA-G regulatory polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to HCV
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is able to bypass the immune system
      modulating innate and adaptive immune response and blocking T helper 1 (Th1) cell
      production. Because the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecule has
      immunomodulatory properties inhibiting the function and production of natural
      killer and cytotoxic lymphocyte T cells, as well as promoting shift from Th1
      toward Th2 response, we hypothesized its involvement in susceptibility to HCV
      infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Considering that HLA-G mRNA expression has been
      reported to be under genetic control, an association study was conducted
      analyzing 800 base pairs upstream the ATG at the 5'upstream regulator region
      (URR) and 850 base pairs from ATG to exon 3 and the 3'untranslated region (UTR)
      of HLA-G gene in Italian HCV-positive patients and uninfected controls. RESULTS:
      Four 5'URR polymorphisms (-725C>G>T, -509C>G, -400G>A and -398G>A), 7
      polymorphisms at coding region (+15G>A, +36G>A, +243G>A, insC506, 531G>C, delA615
      and 685G>A), the +644G>T polymorphism, and 1 haplotype (TTGTTCCIGAC) showed
      different frequency distributions between HCV patients and uninfected controls.
      CONCLUSION: The results from our study suggest a possible involvement of HLA-G in
      the risk modulation toward HCV infection.

PMID- 28083987
TI  - VWF collagen (types III and VI)-binding defects in a cohort of type 2M VWD
      patients - a strategy for improvement of a challenging diagnosis.

PMID- 28083986
TI  - The PacC transcription factor regulates secondary metabolite production and
      stress response, but has only minor effects on virulence in the insect pathogenic
      fungus Beauveria bassiana.
AB  - The PacC transcription factor is an important component of the fungal ambient pH
      responsive regulatory system. Loss of pacC in the insect pathogenic fungus
      Beauveria bassiana resulted in an alkaline pH-dependent decrease in growth and pH
      dependent increased susceptibility to osmotic (salt, sorbitol) stress and SDS.
      Extreme susceptibility to Congo Red was noted irrespective of pH, and DeltaBbpacC
      conidia showed subtle increases in UV susceptibility. The DeltaBbPacC mutant
      showed a reduced ability to acidify media during growth due to failure to produce
      oxalic acid. The DeltaBbPacC mutant also did not produce the insecticidal
      compound dipicolinic acid, however, production of a yellow-colored compound was
      noted. The compound, named bassianolone B, was purified and its structure
      determined. Despite defects in growth, stress resistance, and
      oxalate/insecticidal compound production, only a small decrease in virulence was
      seen for the DeltaBbpacC strain in topical insect bioassays using larvae from the
      greater waxmoth, Galleria mellonella or adults of the beetle, Tenebrio molitor.
      However, slightly more pronounced decreases were seen in virulence via
      intrahemcoel injection assays (G. mellonella) and in assays using T. molitor
      larvae. These data suggest important roles for BbpacC in mediating growth at
      alkaline pH, regulating secondary metabolite production, and in targeting
      specific insect stages.

PMID- 28083988
TI  - Breaking the Gordian Knot in the Structural Chemistry of Polyoxometalates:
      Copper(II)-Oxo/Hydroxo Clusters.
AB  - This Concept article provides insights into the molecular design and construction
      aspects of polyoxocuprates (POCus), an emerging class of polyoxometalate (POM)
      like architectures featuring low-to-high nuclearity copper(II)-oxo/hydroxo
      skeletons. POCus have been identified to adopt the structural principles of
      classical POMs consisting of early transition metals. Their potential to afford
      motifs of the noble-metal-based POMs is exploited. "Cross-structural topological
      transformation" is introduced to generalize skeletal relationships between POCus
      and POMs. The study opens up strategies toward the brand-new structural chemistry
      of POCus with relevance to homogeneous photocatalysis, medicinal chemistry,
      molecular magnetism, and quantum computing.

PMID- 28083989
TI  - Final NIH Policy on the Use of a Single Institutional Review Board for Multisite
      Research.

PMID- 28083991
TI  - Reporting Characteristics and Quality of Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture
      Analgesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evaluating the clinical efficacy of acupuncture analgesia with
      systematic reviews (SRs) has attracted wide interest. OBJECTIVE: To collect a
      sample of published SRs on acupuncture analgesia in PubMed and examine them in
      terms of reporting characteristics and quality. METHODS: A search in PubMed was
      performed in January 2016. All SRs on acupuncture analgesia were included. To
      assess the quality of the SRs, AMSTAR tool and PRISMA Statements were used.
      RESULTS: One hundred and nine SRs were included in our analysis, the yearly
      number of publications ranging from 1 in 1997 to 15 in 2015. Only 17% of these
      publications were Cochrane Systematic Reviews, and 94% were published in Science
      Citation Index journals. The United Kingdom was the country with the higher
      number of publications. Low back pain, headache, cancer pain, and labor pain were
      the most reported diseases or phenotypes. Nearly 73% of these SRs conducted a
      meta-analysis, 58% revealed positive results, 53% used RevMan software to analyze
      data, and 44% used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for quality assessment. Only a
      few SRs assessed the likelihood of publication bias, reported details about the
      protocol and the registration information, and performed additional analyses.
      CONCLUSIONS: The quantity and the quality of SRs regarding acupuncture analgesia
      have been promoted in recent years. More effort should be expended on the
      assessment of publication bias, the provision of detailed information about the
      protocol and the registration process, and the implementation of additional
      analyses to improve the validity of the SRs.

PMID- 28083990
TI  - BKV-specific T cells in the treatment of severe refractory haemorrhagic cystitis
      after HLA-haploidentical haematopoietic cell transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Haemorrhagic cystitis caused by BK virus (BKV) is a known
      complication of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and is
      relatively common following HLA-haploidentical transplantation. Adoptive
      immunotransfer of virus-specific T cells from the donor is a promising
      therapeutic approach, although production of these cells is challenging,
      particularly when dealing with low-frequency T cells such as BKV-specific T
      cells. CASE REPORT: Here, we present a patient who, following haploidentical HCT,
      developed severe BKV haemorrhagic cystitis, resistant to standard therapy. He
      responded well to adoptive transfer of donor cells enriched in BKV-specific T
      cells using the new second-generation CliniMACS Prodigy and the Cytokine Capture
      System from Miltenyi Biotec. Treatment led to full resolution of both the
      symptoms and viraemia without unwanted complications. CONCLUSION: Our
      observations suggest that use of products enriched with BKV-specific T cells
      generated using this system is safe and efficient in HLA-haploidentical HCT where
      BKV cystitis can be a serious complication.

PMID- 28083992
TI  - Peptide-functionalized starPEG/heparin hydrogels direct mitogenicity, cell
      morphology and cartilage matrix distribution in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Cell-based tissue engineering is a promising approach for treating cartilage
      lesions, but available strategies still provide a distinct composition of the
      extracellular matrix and an inferior mechanical property compared to native
      cartilage. To achieve fully functional tissue replacement more rationally
      designed biomaterials may be needed, introducing bioactive molecules which
      modulate cell behavior and guide tissue regeneration. This study aimed at
      exploring the impact of cell-instructive, adhesion-binding (GCWGGRGDSP called
      RGD) and collagen-binding (CKLER/CWYRGRL) peptides, incorporated in a tunable,
      matrixmetalloprotease (MMP)-responsive multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol)
      (starPEG)/heparin hydrogel on cartilage regeneration parameters in vitro and in
      vivo. MMP-responsive-starPEG-conjugates with cysteine termini and heparin
      maleimide, optionally pre-functionalized with RGD, CKLER, CWYRGRL or control
      peptides, were cross-linked by Michael type addition to embed and grow
      mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) or chondrocytes. While starPEG/heparin-hydrogel
      strongly supported chondrogenesis of MSC according to COL2A1, BGN and ACAN
      induction, MMP-degradability enhanced cell viability and proliferation. RGD
      modification of the gels promoted cell spreading with intense cell network
      formation without negative effects on chondrogenesis. However, CKLER and CWYRGRL
      were unable to enhance the collagen content of constructs. RGD-modification
      allowed more even collagen type II distribution by chondrocytes throughout the
      MMP-responsive constructs, especially in vivo. Collectively, peptide-instruction
      via heparin-enriched MMP-degradable starPEG allowed adjustment of self-renewal,
      cell morphology and cartilage matrix distribution in order to guide MSC and
      chondrocyte-based cartilage regeneration towards an improved outcome. Copyright
      (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28083993
TI  - Algae through the looking glass.
AB  - Microalgae are one of the most suitable subjects for testing the potentiality of
      light microscopy and image analysis, because of the size of single cells, their
      endogenous chromaticity, and their metabolic and physiological characteristics.
      Microscope observations and image analysis can use microalgal cells from lab
      cultures or collected from water bodies as model to investigate metabolic
      processes, behavior/reaction of cells under chemical or photic stimuli, and
      dynamics of population in the natural environment in response to changing
      conditions. In this paper we will describe the original microscope we set up
      together with the image processing techniques we improved to deal with these
      topics. Our system detects and recognizes in-focus cells, extracts their
      features, measures cell concentration in multi-algal samples, reconstructs
      swimming cell tracks, monitors metabolic processes, and measure absorption and
      fluorescent spectra of subcellular compartments. It can be used as digital
      microscopy station for algal cell biology and behavioral studies, and field
      analysis applications.

PMID- 28083994
TI  - On paranoid parents.

PMID- 28083996
TI  - Pulmonary lesion characterization using diffusion weighted imaging: Attention
      should be paid to patient inclusion criteria and scanning parameters.

PMID- 28083995
TI  - BEX3 contributes to cisplatin chemoresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) can develop cisplatin-resistant phenotype.
      Research has revealed that enriched in cancer stem cell population is involved in
      developing cisplatin-resistant phenotype. CD271 is a candidate stem cell maker in
      head and neck cancers. The CD receptor does not possess any enzymatic property.
      Signal transduction function of CD271 is mediated by the cellular receptor
      associated protein. Our data showed that Brain-expressed X-linked 3 (BEX3), a
      CD271 receptor-associated protein, was overexpressed in NPC. BEX3 overexpression
      was a unique event in cancer developed in the head and neck regions, especially
      NPC. BEX3 expression was inducible by cisplatin in NPC. In cisplatin-resistant
      NPC xenograft, treatment with nontoxic level of cisplatin led to a remarkable
      increase in BEX3 level. High BEX3 expression was accompanied with high octamer
      binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) expression in cisplatin-resistant NPC. To
      confirm the inducing role of BEX3 on OCT4 expression, we knockdown BEX3 using
      siRNA and compared the expression of OCT4 with mock transfectants. Suppressing
      BEX3 transcripts led to a significant reduction in OCT4. In addition, targeting
      BEX3 using shRNA could increase the sensitivity of NPC cells to cisplatin. In
      summary, our results indicated a unique functional role of BEX3 in mediating the
      sensitivity of NPC cells to cisplatin. Targeting or blocking BEX3 activity might
      be useful in reversing the cisplatin-resistant phenotype in NPC.

PMID- 28083997
TI  - Dysregulation of cell-cell interactions in brain arteriovenous malformations: A
      quantitative proteomic study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Detailed and exact mechanisms underlying brain arteriovenous
      malformations (bAVM) are still clinically confusing. Understanding the
      quantitative changes in proteins and signaling pathways would provide useful
      information for clinicians to understand the formation and development of bAVM,
      guiding individualized treatment strategies. This study was performed to
      establish a large human bAVM proteome database using tandem mass tag labeling and
      to detect changes of protein expression and pathways in human bAVM. EXPERIMENTAL
      DESIGN: This study used quantitative 6-plex tandem mass tag labeling to profile
      protein changes in bAVM lesions. Integrated bioinformatics analysis was used to
      classify and identify the altered proteins and relating signaling pathways.
      Western blot analyzes were used to validate the proteomic data. RESULTS: Our work
      established the first human bAVM proteome databases to date. A total of 1264
      proteins were identified, and the expression of 316 proteins was significantly
      differentially expressed, with 249 upregulated proteins. Bioinformatics analysis
      demonstrated that the altered proteins had close functional correlations,
      including integrin cell surface interactions, extracellular matrix organization,
      and smooth muscle contraction. Three signaling pathways (focal adhesions, tight
      junctions, and gap junctions), which represent an important arena of cell-cell
      interactions, were found to be activated in bAVM. The proteomics data are
      available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003289. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Cell-cell interactions, including focal adhesions, tight junctions,
      and gap junctions, were significantly influenced in human bAVM. Understanding the
      molecular mechanisms that underlie bAVM would provide useful information for the
      development of future therapeutic approaches, guiding possible precise and
      individual treatment strategies.

PMID- 28083998
TI  - Late surgical correction of hypospadias increases the risk of complications: a
      series of 501 consecutive patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of hypospadias surgery according to age and
      to determine if some complications are age-related. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This
      retrospective study was based on 722 boys with hypospadias undergoing primary
      repair. A total of 501 boys underwent urethroplasty and were included in the
      study. Complications requiring an additional procedure (stenosis, fistula,
      dehiscence, relapse of curvature, urethrocele) were included in the analysis, as
      well as healing problems, infections, haematomas and detrusor-sphincter
      dyssynergy. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Hypospadias was
      anterior in 63.1%, mid-penile in 20.5%, posterior in 8.4% and scrotal in 7.9% of
      the boys. The median (range) age was 4 (1-16) years. The overall rates of re
      intervention and complications were 22.8% and 36.2%, respectively. Age >2 years
      was a significant predictor of complications (P = 0.002, odds ratio 1.98 [95%
      confidence interval 1.26-3.13]). Some periods of time appeared to be associated
      with a specific complication: dyssynergy was more common between the ages of 24
      and 36 months (12.5 vs 3.6%; P = 0.01) and healing problems were more common in
      boys aged >13 years (1.5 vs 28.5%; P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Delayed surgery may be
      detrimental for patients. Factors related to age may influence the rate of
      complications. After the age of 2 years, urethral surgery may interfere with the
      normal toilet-training process. During puberty, endogenous testosterone may alter
      healing. Even if no specific data exist for severe hypospadias, it may be prudent
      to continue to advocate early surgery in patients with disorders of sex
      development.

PMID- 28083999
TI  - Determinants of Patient Satisfaction in a Private Practice Pain Management
      Clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction is used to measure physician performance in
      hospital and governmental practice settings. There is limited understanding about
      factors affecting satisfaction in a chronic pain management setting for patients
      prescribed chronic opioids. OBJECTIVE: To identify the determinants of patient
      satisfaction and correlation with recommended outcome measures in a private
      practice pain management clinic. METHODS: We performed a 4-week quality
      assessment survey to define the determinants of patient satisfaction among pain
      management patients who were prescribed opioids. The data obtained from the
      survey were analyzed with descriptive and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS:
      Overall provider satisfaction was 96% and clinic satisfaction was 94% for a
      chronic pain population prescribed opioids for over 1 year. There was no
      correlation between provider satisfaction and functional outcomes. Only "level of
      stress" correlated with positive clinic satisfaction. The remainder of the
      functional outcomes were not correlated with satisfaction. "Listened to you
      carefully about your questions and concerns," "Treated you with courtesy and
      respect," and "Helped you with your problem" were found to be significant
      predictors of provider satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a
      patient's perception of a provider's engagement and concern more heavily impacts
      perceived satisfaction than the patient's progress. A patient's perception of his
      or her clinic experience is heavily influenced by the attentiveness and
      coordination of the entire clinic care team. Staff attentiveness and coordination
      may affect a patient's level of stress. Adherence to current opioid prescription
      guidelines did not appear to have an overall negative effect on patient
      satisfaction.

PMID- 28084000
TI  - Injectable chitosan-platelet-rich plasma implants to promote tissue regeneration:
      in vitro properties, in vivo residence, degradation, cell recruitment and
      vascularization.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop freeze-dried chitosan formulations that
      can be solubilized in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to form injectable implants for
      tissue repair. A systematic approach to adjust formulation parameters, including
      chitosan number average molar mass (Mn ), chitosan concentration and
      lyoprotectant concentration, was undertaken to identify compositions that would
      rapidly (< 1 min) and completely solubilize in PRP, would have paste-like
      handling properties upon solubilization and coagulate rapidly (< 5 min) to form
      solid chitosan-PRP hybrid implants that are stable and homogenous. Freeze-dried
      cakes containing calcium chloride, as well as distinct chitosan Mn , chitosan
      concentration and lyoprotectant concentration, were prepared. PRP was used to
      solubilize the freeze-dried cakes and assess in vitro and in vivo performance,
      the latter as dorsal subcutaneous injections into New Zealand White rabbits.
      Freeze-dried polymer formulations containing low and medium chitosan Mn and
      concentrations were rapidly and completely solubilized in PRP. The paste-like
      chitosan-PRP mixtures coagulated quickly to form solid chitosan-PRP hybrids,
      which retracted much less than PRP-only controls. Homogeneous dispersion of
      chitosan within the hybrid clots was strongly dependent on chitosan Mn , and
      occurred only with medium Mn chitosan. Chitosan-PRP hybrid clots were resident
      subcutaneously in vivo until at least 2 weeks while PRP controls were quickly
      degraded in one day. Compared to PRP alone, chitosan-PRP hybrids had much greater
      capacity to induce local cell recruitment accompanied by angiogenesis, suggesting
      a strong potential for their use in regenerative medicine. Copyright (c) 2017
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28084001
TI  - No Evidence for Association of beta-Defensin Genomic Copy Number with HIV
      Susceptibility, HIV Load during Clinical Latency, or Progression to AIDS.
AB  - Common single-nucleotide variation in the host accounts for 25% of the
      variability in the plasma levels of HIV during the clinical latency stage (viral
      load set point). However, the role of rare variants and copy number variants
      remains relatively unexplored. Previous work has suggested copy number variation
      of a cluster of beta-defensin genes affects HIV load in treatment-naive sub
      Saharan Africans and rate of response to antiretroviral treatment. Here we
      analyse a total of 1827 individuals from two cohorts of HIV-infected individuals
      from Europe and sub-Saharan Africa to investigate the role of beta-defensin copy
      number variation on HIV load at set point. We find no evidence for association of
      copy number with viral load. We also compare distribution of beta-defensin copy
      number between European cases and controls and find no differences, arguing
      against a role of beta-defensin copy number in HIV acquisition. Taken together,
      our data argue against an effect of copy number variation of the beta-defensin
      region in the spontaneous control of HIV infection.

PMID- 28084002
TI  - Identification of potential protein quality markers in pathogen inactivated and
      gamma-irradiated red cell concentrates.
AB  - PURPOSE: Post-collection manipulations (PCMs) aim to increase blood product
      safety. However, PCMs improve safety at a cost to quality, causing elevated
      hemolysis. As hemolysis is linked to red blood cell membrane integrity, a
      quantitative proteomics approach was employed to assess membrane proteome
      alterations induced by PCMs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Three ABO-matched whole blood
      (WB) units were pooled-and-split into three identical units. One WB unit was
      treated with riboflavin/ultraviolet illumination prior to red cell concentrate
      (RCC) production (RCCWB* ). Two WB units were produced into RCC; one was gamma
      irradiated (RCCgamma ) and the other was left untreated as control (RCCO ). In
      vitro quality parameters were measured during storage. Membrane protein profiles
      of RCCO , RCCgamma , and RCCWB* were assessed on selected hemoglobin-depleted
      membrane fractions using a quantitative proteomics approach based on iTRAQ.
      RESULTS: Quantitative proteomic analysis identified 100 proteins at the membrane,
      with seven unique proteins exhibiting significant changes in RCCWB* at day 28 of
      storage. Membrane peroxiredoxin-2, catalase, and proteasome levels demonstrated
      robust negative correlation with percentage hemolysis. CONCLUSION: Overall, the
      in vitro parameters and alterations of membrane protein profiles indicated that
      pathogen inactivation treatment impacts RCC quality more severely than gamma
      irradiation and that it may induce damage through a predominately oxidative
      mechanism.

PMID- 28084003
TI  - Comparison between the short-term outcomes of bevacizumab and ziv-aflibercept in
      the treatment of primary diabetic macular oedema.

PMID- 28084004
TI  - Body fat composition in hidradenitis suppurativa: a hospital-based cross
      sectional study.

PMID- 28084006
TI  - Genetic and phenotypic intraspecific variability of non-Saccharomyces yeasts
      populations from La Rioja winegrowing region (Spain).
AB  - AIMS: To determine the intraspecific genetic diversity within five non
      Saccharomyces yeast species and the diversity in phenotypic characteristic
      related to their technological properties. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-one non
      Saccharomyces yeasts isolated from different fermentations and facilities of the
      DOCa Rioja (Spain) belonging to five different wine species (Torulaspora
      delbrueckii, Lachancea thermotolerans, Metschnikowia pulcherrima,
      Zygosaccharomyces bailii and Williopsis pratensis) were subjected to clonal
      characterization by RAPD-PCR, which evidenced wide diversity between them. They
      were also submitted to a screening for some oenological traits related to the
      improvement of the aroma of the wine and yeast development in musts. Strains
      within the same species showed different enzyme activities, tolerated different
      levels of SO2 and possessed different killer phenotypes. These characteristics
      made them adjust better or worse to specific vinification processes or wine
      quality criteria. CONCLUSIONS: A significant genetic and phenotypic variation
      within the non-Saccharomyces species studied was found, which makes necessary to
      carry out a selection process in each one. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:
      Williopsis pratensis, a species that has not been thoroughly explored, may
      deserve further consideration for oenological applications. Due to the wide range
      of variation within species, the strains adaptation to the SO2 levels in musts
      has to be taken into account in selection processes.

PMID- 28084005
TI  - Oral mucous membrane pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris-a retrospective two-center
      cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Few studies have compared oral mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) and
      pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Descriptive analysis of oral features, extent of extra
      oral involvement, and management outcomes were performed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      Patients with PV and MMP, the latter with exclusive oral involvement at first
      presentation, were included. RESULTS: There were 26 MMP (46%) and 31 PV (54%)
      patients. Desquamative gingivitis was evident in 84% of MMP cases compared to 28%
      of PV cases (P < 0.05). Non-gingival lesions were noted in 6% of MMP cases
      compared to 55% of PV cases (P < 0.01). Management of MMP consisted of only
      topical corticosteroids in 88% of cases while 12% of cases required concomitant
      systemic therapy. All PV cases (100%) required systemic therapy. No patients with
      MMP developed scarring or ocular lesions, and one patient (4%) developed
      cutaneous lesions. Five PV cases (16%) had oral cavity involvement only with
      three (60%) developing pharyngeal involvement and two (40%) developing cutaneous
      lesions on follow-up. CONCLUSION: Oral MMP presents primarily as desquamative
      gingivitis, infrequently involving extragingival sites, and is highly amenable to
      topical therapy, while PV is a systemic mucocutaneous disease with extensive non
      gingival oral lesions that almost always requires systemic therapy.

PMID- 28084007
TI  - Are Australian medical students being taught to teach?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current global trend of growth in medical training is increasing
      the demand for the teaching and supervision of medical students and junior
      doctors. If well trained and supported, junior doctors and medical students
      represent an important teaching resource. Unfortunately, there is limited
      evidence available on whether Australian medical students are equipped with
      teaching skills. This study aimed to gain insight into the type and amount of
      teaching-skills training and peer-to-peer teaching present in Australian medical
      schools. METHODS: A survey of Australian medical schools was conducted between
      May and December 2014. An online 22-item questionnaire was sent to all 19
      Australian medical schools. RESULTS: The response rate to the questionnaire was
      100 per cent. Eleven Australian medical schools reported offering a teaching
      skills programme, of which five were described as compulsory formal programmes.
      Eight schools did not offer such a programme, citing time restraints and other
      subjects taking higher priority. Formal peer-to-peer teaching opportunities were
      described by 17 schools, with 13 offering this electively. Two schools reported
      that they did not offer such opportunities because of time restraints, the belief
      that the quality of expert teaching is superior and because of a lack of
      staffing. The demand for the teaching and supervision of medical students and
      junior doctors is increasing CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increasing number of
      medical students and subsequently junior doctors in Australia, a minority of
      Australian medical schools report including a formal, compulsory teaching-skills
      programme. These results may imply a lost opportunity to use the positive effects
      of teaching-skills programmes, and are in line with studies from other countries.

PMID- 28084008
TI  - Pulsed xenon flash treatment inactivates bacteria in apheresis platelet
      concentrates while preserving in vitro quality and functionality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulsed xenon (Xe) flash without any photoreactive compounds has been
      shown to inactivate a type of bacteria spiked into platelet (PLT) suspension in
      plasma, but enhanced the PLT storage lesion (PSL). Predicting reduction of PSL
      with increasing bactericidal ability, pulsed Xe flash was filtered through a band
      stop filter, which excluded ultraviolet (UV)A, UVB, and visible light. STUDY
      DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis PLT concentrates (PCs) inoculated with bacteria
      were irradiated with filtered Xe flash (fXe treatment). For in vitro functional
      quality assessment, PLT aggregation and thrombin generation together with other
      assays that monitor the PSL were investigated. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus and
      Streptococcus dysgalactiae could be inactivated without regrowth during 6 days of
      storage. PC variables, such as PLT count, concentrations of soluble CD40 ligand,
      and ratio of aggregated PLTs, were not significantly different between fXe
      treated and untreated PCs after 6 days of storage, while PAC-1 binding increased
      in the fXe-treated PLTs. Responsiveness of fXe-treated PLTs to ADP was maintained
      over a 6-day storage period as shown by the up regulation of P-selectin
      expression and induction of both integrin alphaIIbbeta3 conformational change and
      PLT aggregation. The fXe-treated PLTs showed a sustained aggregation curve in
      response to ADP, whereas untreated PLTs transiently aggregated and then
      subsequently dissociated. Thrombin-generating kinetics of fXe-treated PLTs via
      PLT membrane surface were equivalent to those of untreated PLTs. CONCLUSIONS: The
      fXe treatment inactivated bacteria in apheresis PCs in plasma without additional
      chemical compounds. The fXe-treated PCs retained acceptable in vitro properties
      of PC quality and PLT functionality.

PMID- 28084009
TI  - Aspirin for acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tension-type headache (TTH) affects about 1 person in 5 worldwide. It
      is divided into infrequent episodic TTH (fewer than one headache per month),
      frequent episodic TTH (two to 14 headache days per month), and chronic TTH (15
      headache days per month or more). Aspirin is one of a number of analgesics
      suggested for acute treatment of episodic TTH. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy
      and safety of aspirin for acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache (TTH)
      in adults compared with placebo or any active comparator. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE,
      Embase, and the Oxford Pain Relief Database from inception to September 2016, and
      also reference lists of relevant published studies and reviews. We sought
      unpublished studies by asking personal contacts and searching online clinical
      trial registers and manufacturers' websites. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included
      randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (parallel-group or cross
      over) using oral aspirin for symptomatic relief of an acute episode of TTH.
      Studies had to be prospective, with participants aged 18 years or over, and
      include at least 10 participants per treatment arm. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted
      data. For various outcomes (predominantly those recommended by the International
      Headache Society (IHS)), we calculated the risk ratio (RR) and number needed to
      treat for one additional beneficial outcome (NNT), one additional harmful outcome
      (NNH), or to prevent one event (NNTp) for oral aspirin compared to placebo or an
      active intervention.We assessed the evidence using GRADE and created a 'Summary
      of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS: We included five studies enrolling adults with
      frequent episodic TTH; 1812 participants took medication, of which 767 were
      included in comparisons of aspirin 1000 mg with placebo, and 405 in comparisons
      of aspirin 500 mg or 650 mg with placebo. Not all of these participants provided
      data for outcomes of interest in this review. Four studies specified using IHS
      diagnostic criteria; one predated commonly recognised criteria, but described
      comparable characteristics and excluded migraine. All participants treated
      headaches of at least moderate pain intensity.None of the included studies were
      at low risk of bias across all domains considered, although for most studies and
      domains this was likely to be due to inadequate reporting rather than poor
      methods. We judged one study to be at high risk of bias due to small size.There
      were no data for aspirin at any dose for the IHS preferred outcome of being pain
      free at two hours, or for being pain free at any other time, and only one study
      provided data equivalent to having no or mild pain at two hours (very low quality
      evidence). Use of rescue medication was lower with aspirin 1000 mg than with
      placebo (2 studies, 397 participants); 14% of participants used rescue medication
      with aspirin 1000 mg compared with 31% with placebo (NNTp 6.0, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 4.1 to 12) (low quality evidence). Two studies (397 participants)
      reported a Patient Global Evaluation at the end of the study; we combined the top
      two categories for both studies to determine the number of participants who were
      'satisfied' with treatment. Aspirin 1000 mg produced more satisfied participants
      (55%) than did placebo (37%) (NNT 5.7, 95% CI 3.7 to 12) (very low quality
      evidence).Adverse events were not different between aspirin 1000 mg and placebo
      (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.8 to 1.5), or aspirin 500 mg or 650 mg and placebo (RR 1.3, 95%
      CI 0.8 to 2.0) (low quality evidence). Studies reported no serious adverse
      events.The quality of the evidence using GRADE comparing aspirin doses between
      500 mg and 1000 mg with placebo was low or very low. Evidence was downgraded
      because of the small number of studies and events, and because the most important
      measures of efficacy were not reported.There were insufficient data to compare
      aspirin with any active comparator (paracetamol alone, paracetamol plus codeine,
      peppermint oil, or metamizole) at any of the doses tested. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      A single dose of aspirin between 500 mg and 1000 mg provided some benefit in
      terms of less frequent use of rescue medication and more participants satisfied
      with treatment compared with placebo in adults with frequent episodic TTH who
      have an acute headache of moderate or severe intensity. There was no difference
      between a single dose of aspirin and placebo for the number of people
      experiencing adverse events. The amount and quality of the evidence was very
      limited and should be interpreted with caution.

PMID- 28084010
TI  - Effect of the degree of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused
      ultrasound ablation of uterine fibroid tissue on 6-month volume reduction.

PMID- 28084011
TI  - Sorafenib analogue SC-60 induces apoptosis through the SHP-1/STAT3 pathway and
      enhances docetaxel cytotoxicity in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
AB  - Recurrent triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) needs new therapeutic targets. Src
      homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) can act as a tumor
      suppressor by dephosphorylating oncogenic kinases. One major target of SHP-1 is
      STAT3, which is highly activated in TNBC. In this study, we tested a sorafenib
      analogue SC-60, which lacks angiokinase inhibition activity, but acts as a SHP-1
      agonist, in TNBC cells. SC-60 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis by
      dephosphorylating STAT3 in both a dose- and time-dependent manner in TNBC cells
      (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and HCC1937). By contrast, ectopic expression of STAT3
      rescued the anticancer effect induced by SC-60. SC-60 also increased the SHP-1
      activity, but this effect was inhibited when the N-SH2 domain (DN1) was deleted
      or with SHP-1 point mutation (D61A), implying that SHP-1 is the major target of
      SC-60 in TNBC. The use of SC-60 in combination with docetaxel synergized the
      anticancer effect induced by SC-60 through the SHP-1/STAT3 pathway in TNBC cells.
      Importantly, SC-60 also displayed a significant antitumor effect in an MDA-MB-468
      xenograft model by modulating the SHP-1/STAT3 axis, indicating the anticancer
      potential of SC-60 in TNBC treatment. Targeting SHP-1/p-STAT3 and the potential
      combination of SHP-1 agonist with chemotherapeutic docetaxel is a feasible
      therapeutic strategy for TNBC.

PMID- 28084012
TI  - UVA Light-mediated Ascorbate Oxidation in Human Lenses.
AB  - Whether ascorbate oxidation is promoted by UVA light in human lenses and whether
      this process is influenced by age and GSH levels are not known. In this study, we
      used paired lenses from human donors. One lens of each pair was exposed to UVA
      light, whereas the other lens was kept in the dark for the same period of time as
      the control. Using LC-MS/MS analyses, we found that older lenses (41-73 years)
      were more susceptible to UVA-induced ascorbate oxidation than younger lenses (18
      40 years). Approximately 36% of the ascorbate (relative to control) was oxidized
      in older lenses compared to ~16% in younger lenses. Furthermore, lenses with
      higher levels of GSH were less susceptible to UVA-induced ascorbate oxidation
      compared to those with lower levels, and this effect was not dependent on age.
      The oxidation of ascorbate led to elevated levels of reactive alpha-dicarbonyl
      compounds. In summary, our study showed that UVA light exposure leads to
      ascorbate oxidation in human lenses and that such oxidation is more pronounced in
      aged lenses and is inversely related to GSH levels. Our findings suggest that UVA
      light exposure could lead to protein aggregation through ascorbate oxidation in
      human lenses.

PMID- 28084013
TI  - The Role of SNAP in Home Food Availability and Dietary Intake among WIC
      Participants Facing Unstable Housing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little nutrition research has been conducted among families with
      unstable housing. The objective of this study was to examine the role of food
      stamps (i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; SNAP) in home food
      availability and dietary intake among WIC families who experienced unstable
      housing. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Cross-sectional study among vulnerable families. Low
      income, multiethnic families with children participating in WIC (n = 54).
      MEASURES: Dietary intake was assessed with 24-hr recalls. Home food availability
      was assessed with an adapted home food inventory for low-income, multiethnic
      families. Validation results from adapted home food inventory for these families
      are also reported. RESULTS: SNAP households had more foods than non-SNAP
      households; few significant associations were observed between food availability
      and child dietary intake. CONCLUSIONS: With few exceptions, the home food
      environment was not related to children's dietary intake among these vulnerable
      families. More research is needed on food access for families facing unstable
      housing.

PMID- 28084014
TI  - Primary and Secondary Stroke Prevention Using Left Atrial Appendage Closure with
      Watchman Devices in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Single Center Experience from
      Mainland China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased stroke risk
      resulting from cardiac embolism of the left atrial appendage (LAA). Stroke tends
      to recur in NVAF patients. Yet safety and feasibility of secondary stroke
      preventions with LAA closure (LAAC) have not been assessed in detail. This
      retrospective study was designed to compare the feasibility and safety of LAAC in
      primary and secondary stroke preventions, in a real-world setting of Chinese
      patients. METHODS: From 2014 to 2015, non-valvular AF patients with CHA2DS2-VASc
      >=1 were selected for percutaneous LAAC operations. Outcome observations of
      primary and secondary stroke preventions with Watchman devices were analyzed and
      compared. RESULTS: Overall, 122 patients were included. LAAC with Watchman
      devices were attempted in 115 patients, of whom 68 were for primary stroke
      prevention and 47 were for secondary prevention. Both the CHA2DS2-VASc score and
      the HASBLED score were significantly higher in the secondary prevention group
      (4.09 +/- 1.06 vs. 1.93 +/- 1.09 for CHA2DS2-VASc and 1.83 +/- 1.03 vs. 1.26 +/-
      0.87 for HASBLED, P < 0.01). In both groups LAAC were achieved with high
      successful rate (98.53% in the primary prevention group and 100% in the secondary
      prevention group, P > 0.05) and low complication rates. The stroke rates were at
      a low level in both groups (1.47% in primary prevention group vs. 2.13% in
      secondary prevention group, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our initial single-center
      experience, percutaneous LAA closure was a feasible and safe procedure for both
      primary and secondary stroke preventions in Chinese patients with nonvalvular AF.

PMID- 28084016
TI  - Digital mucous cyst: surgical closure technique based on self-grafting using skin
      overlying the lesion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Digital mucous cysts or myxoid cysts are relatively common, benign
      pseudocysts of the digits typically located at the distal interphalangeal joints
      or in the proximal nail fold. There are several therapeutic modalities for its
      treatment ranging from conservative to surgical procedures; however, there is no
      consensus about the best approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe a surgical
      technique based on the excision of the digital mucous cyst and reconstruction
      using a self-grafting from the overlying skin lesion. RESULTS: The use of the
      cyst's overlying skin as a partial cutaneous graft followed by a long-term
      Brown's dressing, in this case, provided a satisfactory functional and esthetic
      result. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is a new option for the reconstruction of
      digital mucous cyst defects that decreases the surgical time and avoids a graft
      removal of healthy skin and consequently a new scar.

PMID- 28084015
TI  - Plasma mannose level, a putative indicator of glycogenolysis, and glucose
      tolerance in Japanese individuals.
AB  - AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Mannose is a monosaccharide constituent of glycoproteins and
      glycolipids. Experiments in rats have shown previously that the plasma mannose
      level decreases after glucose load, but does not decrease in diabetic rats, and
      that hepatic glycogenolysis is a source of this plasma mannose; however, these
      results are not fully elucidated in humans. Plasma mannose levels before/after
      glucose loading in humans with various degrees of glucose intolerance were
      examined to analyze their association with clinical factors. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was carried out in Japanese
      individuals not taking diabetes medications. Participants were classified into
      normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose metabolism and diabetes mellitus
      groups. Insulinogenic index as an index of insulin secretion, and Matsuda Index
      as an index of insulin sensitivity were calculated. Mannose was assayed by the
      established method using high-performance liquid chromatography after labeling.
      RESULTS: After glucose load, the plasma mannose level decreased gradually in the
      normal glucose tolerance group, but did not decrease in the diabetes mellitus
      group. Plasma mannose changes during 120 min from baseline (M120 -M0 ) were
      significantly different among the three groups (normal glucose tolerance: -16.7
      +/- 1.7; impaired glucose metabolism: -9.0 +/- 1.9; diabetes mellitus: -1.4 +/-
      1.8 MUmol/L [n = 25 in each group], P < 0.0001). Plasma glucose 120 min after
      glucose loading (R2  = 0.412) or loge -insulinogenic index, loge -Matsuda Index
      and age (R2  = 0.230) were determinants of M120 -M0 in multiple regression
      analyses. CONCLUSIONS: We clarified the relationship between plasma mannose level
      and glucose tolerance in humans. The present results are compatible with those
      using rats, in which mannose derived from glycogenolysis plays an important role
      in the alteration of mannose levels after glucose loading.

PMID- 28084017
TI  - Estimation of the relatedness coefficients from biallelic markers, application in
      plant mating designs.
AB  - The problem of inferring the relatedness distribution between two individuals
      from biallelic marker data is considered. This problem can be cast as an
      estimation task in a mixture model: at each marker the latent variable is the
      relatedness state, and the observed variable is the genotype of the two
      individuals. In this model, only the prior proportions are unknown, and can be
      obtained via ML estimation using the EM algorithm. When the markers are biallelic
      and the data unphased, the identifiability of the model is known not to be
      guaranteed. In this article, model identifiability is investigated in the case of
      phased data generated from a crossing design, a classical situation in plant
      genetics. It is shown that identifiability can be guaranteed under some
      conditions on the crossing design. The adapted ML estimator is implemented in an
      R package called Relatedness. The performance of the ML estimator is evaluated
      and compared to that of the benchmark moment estimator, both on simulated and
      real data. Compared to its competitor, the ML estimator is shown to be more
      robust and to provide more realistic estimates.

PMID- 28084018
TI  - Ultrasound-responsive gene-activated matrices for osteogenic gene therapy using
      matrix-assisted sonoporation.
AB  - Gene-activated matrix (GAM)-based therapeutics for tissue regeneration are
      limited by efficacy, the lack of spatiotemporal control and availability of
      target cells, all of which impact negatively on their translation to the clinic.
      Here, an advanced ultrasound-responsive GAM is described containing target cells
      that facilitates matrix-assisted sonoporation (MAS) to induce osteogenic
      differentiation. Ultrasound-responsive GAMs consisting of fibrin/collagen hybrid
      matrices containing microbubbles, bone morphogenetic protein BMP2/7 coexpression
      plasmids together with C2C12 cells were treated with ultrasound either in vitro
      or following parenteral intramuscular implantation in vivo. Using direct
      measurement for alkaline phosphatase activity, von Kossa staining and
      immunohistochemical analysis for osteocalcin expression, MAS-stimulated
      osteogenic differentiation was confirmed in the GAMs in vitro 7 days after
      treatment with ultrasound. At day 30 post-treatment with ultrasound, ectopic
      osteogenic differentiation was confirmed in vivo using X-ray microcomputed
      tomography and histological analysis. Osteogenic differentiation was indicated by
      the presence of ectopic bone structures in all animals treated with MAS. In
      addition, bone volumes in this group were statistically greater than those in the
      control groups. This novel approach of incorporating a MAS capability into GAMs
      could be exploited to facilitate ex vivo gene transfer with subsequent surgical
      implantation or alternatively provide a minimally invasive means of stimulating
      in situ transgene delivery for osteoinductive gene-based therapies. Copyright (c)
      2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28084019
TI  - Is being a medical educator a lonely business? The essence of social support.
AB  - CONTEXT: Social support helps prevent burnout and promotes its positive opposite,
      work engagement. With higher work engagement performance increases. The context
      specific aspects of social support for medical educators, in their educator role,
      are unknown. To help facilitate social support our study describes the essential
      elements of social support and their meaning for medical educators. METHODS: We
      held interviews with medical educators purposefully sampled for diverse
      backgrounds and working circumstances and who spent a considerable amount of time
      on education. Both clinicians and basic scientists participated. The Pictor
      technique guided the interviews. Participants were invited to talk about the
      breadth of social support and elaborate on meaningful experiences. Template
      analysis was used for a descriptive phenomenological approach. RESULTS: Thirteen
      medical educators were interviewed. We identified four themes: (i) sources of
      support and their intent (e.g. a superior with the intent to stimulate personal
      growth); (ii) the materialisation of support (e.g. sought or offered); (iii) its
      manifestation (e.g. the act of providing protected time); and (iv) the
      overarching effect of social support, both in terms of practical effects and the
      meaning of support. We identified three sorts of meanings of social support for
      educators. Receiving support could lead to (i) feeling reassured and confident;
      (ii) feeling encouraged and determined and (iii) a sense of relatedness and
      acknowledgement of the educator role. CONCLUSION: Support for education comes
      from a wide range of sources because it is both sought and offered beyond the
      boundaries of the educational role. The resulting differences in support provided
      necessitate that educational leaders and policymakers consider the sources
      available to each educator, connecting educators where necessary. When
      facilitating or designing social support it is important that the need to feel
      reassured, encouraged or related is met.

PMID- 28084020
TI  - Successful treatment of type B insulin resistance with mixed connective tissue
      disease by pulse glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide.
AB  - Type B insulin resistance syndrome is a very rare condition caused by
      autoantibodies against the insulin receptor. We report the successful treatment
      of a patient with refractory type B insulin resistance with pulse glucocorticoids
      and cyclophosphamide. The medical record of a patient with type B insulin
      resistance was reviewed. A 36-year-old Chinese woman presented with menopause,
      weight loss and refractory hyperglycemia for 3 months, which could not be
      controlled by up to 972 of insulin units per day. Mixed connective tissue disease
      was diagnosed with high titers of antinuclear antibody, ribonucleoprotein
      antibody and interstitial lung disease. Type B insulin resistance was diagnosed
      with positive immunoprecipitation assay of anti-insulin-receptor antibodies in
      serum. We started one cycle of pulse methylprednisolone (1,000 mg/day for 3 days)
      then tapered to prednisone 1 mg/kg/day, and cyclophosphamide 0.4 g/week was added
      on. Three weeks after pulse glucocorticoid therapy, fasting glucose returned to
      4.4 mmol/L. Fasting insulin decreased from 647.27 to 12.95 uIU/mL 6 weeks later.
      The patient had gained 15 kg during 20 months of uneventful following up, and
      glycated hemoglobin decreased from 10.1 to 5.1%.In this patient with type B
      insulin resistance, a combination of pulse glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide
      was successful in inducing a complete remission. Close cooperation between
      endocrinologists and rheumatologists will ensure an individualized regimen for
      this rare condition.

PMID- 28084021
TI  - Concurrent external and intraluminal vacuum-assisted closure in head and neck
      necrotizing fasciitis.

PMID- 28084022
TI  - Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: clinical characteristics, etiologic
      associations, treatments, and outcomes in a series of 28 patients at Mayo Clinic,
      1996-2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare skin
      condition typically caused by medications. The objective of this study was to
      examine the clinical features, causes, and outcomes of AGEP at a sole tertiary
      care center. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with AGEP (European
      Study of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions score of >= 5) seen at Mayo Clinic
      (Rochester, MN, USA) between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2013, was
      conducted. RESULTS: Of 28 patients (mean age at onset: 56 years), 17 (61%) were
      women. The development of AGEP was attributed to medications in 25 patients
      (89%), with clindamycin the most common culprit (six patients). Three patients
      (11%) had mucous membrane involvement, and 21 (75%) showed systemic involvement.
      Ten patients (36%) received systemic corticosteroids for treatment of AGEP. Skin
      findings resolved within 15 days in 26 patients (93%) (mean time to resolution:
      7.6 days). In three patients (11%), generalized skin eruptions or dermatitis
      developed weeks to months after the resolution of AGEP. Twenty-four patients
      (86%) had a personal history of drug reactions before the development of AGEP.
      CONCLUSIONS: A previous history of drug reactions and clindamycin causation were
      more common in the present cohort than in prior reports. A small subset of
      patients experienced new-onset non-AGEP skin eruptions within a few months of the
      resolution of AGEP.

PMID- 28084023
TI  - Crystal structure of a family 80 chitosanase from Mitsuaria chitosanitabida.
AB  - Chitosanases belong to glycoside hydrolase families 5, 7, 8, 46, 75 and 80 and
      hydrolyse glucosamine polymers produced by partial or full deacetylation of
      chitin. Herein, we determined the crystal structure of chitosanase from the beta
      proteobacterium, Mitsuaria chitosanitabida, (McChoA) at 1.75 A resolution; the
      first structure of a family 80 chitosanase. McChoA is a 34 kDa extracellular
      protein of 301 amino acids that fold into two (upper and lower) globular domains
      with an active site cleft between them. Key substrate-binding features are
      conserved with family 24 lysozymes and family 46 chitosanases. The distance
      between catalytic residues E41 and E61 (10.8 A) indicates an inverting type
      mechanism. Uniquely, three disulphide bridges and the C terminus might contribute
      to enzyme activity.

PMID- 28084024
TI  - Characterization of the cathelicidin cluster in the Japanese quail (Coturnix
      japonica).
AB  - The Japanese quail has several advantages as a low-fat meat bird with high
      immunity against diseases. Cathelicidins (CATHs) are antimicrobial peptides that
      play an important role in innate immunity. The aim of this study was to
      characterize the CATH cluster in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The
      Japanese quail CATH (CjCATH) cluster, contains four CATH genes, as in the
      chicken. The coding sequences of CjCATHs exhibited >85.3% identity to chicken
      CATHs. The predicted amino acid sequences of the four CjCATH genes contained the
      cathelin-like domain characteristic of CATH proteins. Polymorphisms were detected
      in the open reading frames (ORFs) of all CjCATH sequences. Two amino acid
      substitutions were observed in the antimicrobial region of the mature peptide of
      CjCATH2, and predicted to influence peptide function. CjCATH1 is expressed in
      lung, heart, bone marrow and bursa of Fabricius (BF). CjCATH2 is expressed in
      bone marrow. CjCATH3 is expressed in lung, heart, bone marrow, BF, tongue and
      duodenum. CjCATHB1 is expressed in bone marrow and BF. This study is the first to
      characterize CATH genes in the Japanese quail, and identifies novel antimicrobial
      peptide sequences belonging to the cathelicidin family, which may play a role in
      immunity in this species.

PMID- 28084026
TI  - Blood pressure is blood pressure is blood pressure: Or is it?

PMID- 28084025
TI  - Comparative pharmacokinetic study of the main components of cortex fraxini after
      oral administration in normal and hyperuricemic rats.
AB  - Cortex Fraxini is an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for the
      treatment of gout and hyperuricemia. An efficient and rapid ultra-performance
      liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for
      simultaneous quantitation of six coumarins (aesculin, fraxin, aesculetin,
      fraxetin, sopoletin and 7-hydroxycoumarin) in normal and hyperuricemic rats
      plasma after oral administration of Cortex Fraxini. The method could successfully
      be applied for pharmacokinetics studies. The pharmacokinetic behavior of six
      coumarins in normal and hyperuricemia rats plasma was determined. Results showed
      that, for some of analytes, the pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0-t , AUC0
      infinity , Cmax , Tmax and CL) were significantly different between normal and
      hyperuricemic rats. The different pharmacokinetic parameters might result from
      renal impairment or a change of metabolic enzymes in the pathological state. The
      pharmacokinetic study in pathological state could provide more useful information
      to guide the clinical use of traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

PMID- 28084027
TI  - Assessing factors associated with infertility using a couple-based approach.

PMID- 28084028
TI  - Clinical Study of the 3D-Master Color System among the Spanish Population.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study whether the shades of the 3D-Master System were grouped and
      represented in the chromatic space according to the three-color coordinates of
      value, chroma, and hue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary central incisor color
      was measured on tooth surfaces through the Easyshade Compact spectrophotometer
      using 1361 participants aged between 16 and 89. The natural (not bleached teeth)
      color of the middle thirds was registered in the 3D-Master System nomenclature
      and in the CIELCh system. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were
      applied. RESULTS: 75 colors of the 3D-Master System were found. The statistical
      analysis revealed the existence of 5 cluster groups. The centroid, the average of
      the 75 samples, in relation to lightness (L*) was 74.64, 22.87 for chroma (C*),
      and 88.85 for hue (h*). All of the clusters, except cluster 3, showed significant
      statistical differences with the centroid for the three-color coordinates (p
      <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that 75 shades in the
      3D-Master System were grouped into 5 clusters following coordinates L*, C*, and
      h* resulting from the dental spectrophotometer Vita Easyshade compact. The shades
      that composed each cluster did not belong to the same lightness color dimension
      groups. There was no special uniform chromatic distribution among the colors of
      the 3D-Master System.

PMID- 28084030
TI  - Use of a fluoride channel as a new selection marker for fission yeast plasmids
      and application to fast genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9.

PMID- 28084029
TI  - Bioluminescence Imaging of Spheroids for High-throughput Longitudinal Studies on
      3D Cell Culture Models.
AB  - Bioluminescent (BL) cell-based assays based on two-dimensional (2D) monolayer
      cell cultures represent well-established bioanalytical tools for preclinical
      screening of drugs. However, cells in 2D cultures do not often reflect the
      morphology and functionality of living organisms, thus limiting the predictive
      value of 2D cell-based assays. Conversely, 3D cell models have the capability to
      generate the extracellular matrix and restore cell-to-cell communications; thus,
      they are the most suitable model to mimic in vivo physiology. In this work, we
      developed a nondestructive real-time BL imaging assay of spheroids for
      longitudinal studies on 3D cell models. A high-throughput BL 3D cell-based assay
      in micropatterned 96-well plate format is reported. The assay performance was
      assessed using the transcriptional regulation of nuclear factor K beta response
      element in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. We compared concentration
      response curves for tumor necrosis factor-alpha with those obtained using
      conventional 2D cell cultures. One of the main advantages of this approach is the
      nonlysing nature of the assay, which allows for repetitive measurements on the
      same sample. The assay can be implemented in any laboratory equipped with basic
      cell culture facilities and paves the way to the development of new 3D
      bioluminescent cell-based assays.

PMID- 28084031
TI  - Direct and Autocatalytic Reductive Elimination from Gold Complexes ([(Ph3
      P)Au(Ar)(CF3 )(X)], X=F, Cl, Br, I): The Key Role of Halide Ligands.
AB  - Kinetic and thermodynamic preferences for the reductive elimination of Caryl -CF3
      , Caryl -X, Caryl -P, and CF3 -X bonds and competitive phosphine dissociation
      from a series of AuIII complexes [(Ph3 P)Au(Ar)(CF3 )(X)] (1 X ; Ar=4-Me-C6 H4 ;
      X=F, Cl, Br, I) are studied computationally. Kinetically, the most favorable
      pathways were found to consist of an initial phosphine dissociation from complex
      1 X , which furnished the respective three-coordinate AuIII complexes [Au(Ar)(CF3
      )(X)] (2 X ). The computed enthalpy barriers for various reductive elimination
      reactions from complex 2 X by a direct (or uncatalyzed) mechanism showed that
      Caryl -CF3 bond formation was the most favorable fate for any X group. When the
      direct elimination was compared with an autocatalytic mechanism that proceeded
      through the formation of a mixed-valent binuclear AuIII -AuI intermediate, the
      preference for the formation of a Caryl -CF3 bond is dependent on the nature of
      the bridging halide atom and follows the order F>Cl>Br>I. Concomitantly, the
      selectivity for the formation of Caryl -X bonds for various X atoms follows the
      opposite trend. The preference for the direct and autocatalytic processes is
      controlled entirely by the nature of the halide ligand. The predicted mechanisms
      and product selectivity trends for various halides show excellent agreement with
      recent experimental observation. The selectivity of various reductive elimination
      pathways was rationalized by using molecular orbital theory and distortion
      interaction model analyses. Attractive interactions between the AuI complex and
      complex 2X were found to reduce the activation barrier for Caryl -X elimination
      and critically control the selectivity of the product formation.

PMID- 28084033
TI  - Low performing students have insightfulness when they reflect-in-action.
AB  - CONTEXT: Measuring appropriateness of certainty of responses in a progress test
      using descriptors authentic to practice as reflection-in-action builds on
      existing theories of self-monitoring. Clinicians making decisions require the
      ability to accurately self-monitor, including certainty of being correct.
      Inappropriate certainty could lead to medical error. Self-assessment and
      certainty of assessment performance have been measured in a variety of ways.
      Previous work has shown that those with less experience are less accurate in self
      assessment, but such studies looked at self-assessment using methods less
      authentic to clinical practice. This study investigates how correctness varies
      with certainty, allowing for experience and performance. METHODS: Students in
      Years 2-5 were certain of their responses to two iterations of a progress test
      during one calendar year. Analyses compared correctness for certainty of
      response, test number, student year cohort and performance level, defined by
      criterion scores. RESULTS: The odds of a correct response increased with student
      certainty for all subsets allowing for year group and ability, including student
      subsets with less experience and subsets in lower-performance groups. CONCLUSION:
      Unlike previous work showing poorer accuracy of self-assessment for those with
      less experience or ability, we postulate that our finding of similar increases in
      correctness with increasing certainty even in the less experienced and lower
      performance groups, relates to certainty descriptors being worded in a way that
      is authentic to clinical practice, and in turn related to reflection-in-action.

PMID- 28084032
TI  - Cocatalyst-Free Hybrid Ionic Liquid (IL)-Based Porous Materials for Efficient
      Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates through a Cooperative Activation Pathway.
AB  - Cocatalyst-free ionic liquid (IL)-based porous polymers (Px -Vy -OHz R)
      functionalized with an intermolecular hydroxyl group were prepared by means of
      radical copolymerization of 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide, (4
      vinylphenyl)methanol (VBzOH), and divinylbenzene (DVB) under solvothermal
      conditions. As the ratio of 4-vinylphenylmethanol in the initial mixture
      increased, the content of the hydroxyl groups in the polymer increased from 3.35
      to 5.35 mmol g-1 and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of the polymer
      decreased sharply from 365 to 2.5 m2  g-1 . In the carbonation of CO2 and
      epoxides, the turnover frequency (TOF) of Px -Vy -OHz R increased gradually from
      25 to 67 h-1 as the OH ratio increased irrespective of the sharp decrease in BET
      surface area, which suggests the existence of a cooperative activation effect
      between OH and ILs. To obtain a high OH content while still maintaining a high
      BET surface area, hybrid porous materials (SBA-[Vx OHy ]R-n) were prepared by
      means of copolymerization of 1-ethyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide and 4
      vinylphenylmethanol in the mesopores of SBA-15. SBA-[Vx OHy ]R-n was more active
      than its polymer counterpart (TOF: 188 versus 71 h-1 ) in the cycloaddition of
      CO2 with propyl oxide owing to the combined effect of the high BET surface area
      and the high OH content. The hybridization of mesoporous materials with polymers
      represents an efficient strategy for the preparation of high-performance solid
      catalysts for chemical transformations.

PMID- 28084034
TI  - Prediction of liver volume - a population-based approach to meta-analysis of
      paediatric, adult and geriatric populations - an update.
AB  - Liver volume is a critical scaling factor for predicting drug clearance in
      physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling and for both donor/recipient
      graft size estimation in liver transplantation. The accurate and precise
      estimation of liver volume is therefore essential. The objective here was to
      extend an existing meta-analysis using a non-linear mixed effects modelling
      approach for the estimation of liver volume to other race groups and paediatric
      and geriatric populations. Interrogation of the PubMed(r) database was undertaken
      using a text string query to ensure as objective a retrieval of liver volume data
      for the modelling exercise as possible. Missing body size parameters were
      estimated using simulations from the Simcyp Simulator V13R1 for an age and
      ethnically appropriate population. Non-linear mixed effect modelling was
      undertaken in Phoenix 1.3 (Certara) utilizing backward deletion and forward
      inclusion of covariates from fully parameterized models. Existing liver volume
      models based on body surface area (BSA) and body weight and height were
      implemented for comparison. The extension of a structural model using a BSA
      equation and incorporating the Japanese race and age as covariates and exponents
      on LV0 (thetaBaseline ) and body surface area (thetaBSA ), respectively,
      delivered a comparatively low objective function value. Bootstrapping of the
      original dataset revealed that the confidence intervals (2.5-97.5%) for the
      fitted (theta) parameter estimates were bounded by the bootstrapped estimates of
      the same. In conclusion, extension and re-parameterization of the existing
      Johnson model adequately describes changes in liver volume using the body surface
      area in all investigated populations. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28084035
TI  - Conservative approach to rectosigmoid endometriosis: a cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the risk of surgery after
      initial conservative treatment of rectosigmoid endometriosis in relation to
      demographic data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on the tertiary
      endometriosis referral unit, Aarhus University Hospital. Medical records, from
      patients seen from January 2009 onwards with a diagnosis of rectosigmoid
      endometriosis and more than 6 months' follow up were audited. Demographic data,
      results of magnetic resonance imaging and time to secondary surgery for
      rectosigmoid endometriosis were registered. RESULTS: Data on 238 patients
      diagnosed with rectosigmoid endometriosis were included. In all, 78 (32.8%)
      patients had primary surgery, 27 (11.3%) had secondary surgery and 133 (55.9%)
      continued conservative treatment throughout the observation period. Patients who
      underwent primary or secondary surgery were younger than patients continuing
      conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In a tertiary referral center where about
      half of patients with rectosigmoid endometriosis were scheduled for conservative
      treatment, more than 80% of these avoided surgery.

PMID- 28084036
TI  - EDITORIAL: ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF 2016 REVIEWERS AND EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS.

PMID- 28084037
TI  - EDITORIAL: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW RADIATION REPORTING GUIDELINES.

PMID- 28084038
TI  - Response of vascular pigment epithelium detachment due to age-related macular
      degeneration to monthly treatment with ranibizumab: the prospective, multicentre
      RECOVER study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the effects of monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections in
      patients with vascularized pigment epithelium detachment (vPED) secondary to age
      related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: A total of 40 patients were
      prospectively observed and treated monthly with 0.5 mg ranibizumab injections
      (ClinicalTrials.gov Ident. NCT00976222). Inclusion criterion was a treatment
      naive vPED lesion with a minimum height of >=200 MUm. Best-corrected visual
      acuity (BCVA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were
      evaluated at all visits. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green
      angiography were performed at baseline and quarterly. Lesions were differentiated
      between serous vascular PED (svPED, group A, 29 patients) and fibrovascular PED
      (fPED, group B, 11 patients). Primary outcome was the effectivity of continuous
      monthly treatment during a 12-month period as measured in change in BCVA.
      Secondary outcomes were change in PED height and PED greatest linear diameter
      (GLD). Further secondary outcomes were the presence of subretinal fluid and
      prognostic markers of an impending retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear: PED
      lesion height and diameter, ratio of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) size to
      PED size, hyperreflective lines in near-infrared images, microrips and subretinal
      cleft. RESULTS: Mean BCVA was 56.9 +/- 11.5 letters (A: 55.4 +/- 10.8; B: 59.1 +/
      13.4) at baseline and 55.1 +/- 15.9 (A: 53.7 +/- 17.0; B: 58.9 +/- 12.7) at 12
      month follow-up. Excluding the RPE tear patients, the svPED group showed an
      increase in BCVA from 56.1 +/- 10.3 at baseline to 62.4 +/- 10.2 at 12-month
      follow-up (p = 0.048). Best-corrected visual acuity in patient who developed a
      RPE tear was 55.8 +/- 12.5 at baseline and 37.1 +/- 14.9 at 12-month follow-up.
      The mean change in PED height was -242.1 MUm +/- 285.5 (A: -427.3 MUm +/- 299.7;
      B: -51.6 MUm +/- 99.5). The mean decrease in PED GLD was -471.8 MUm +/- 727.6 (A:
      -738.9 MUm +/- 788.2; B: -10.4 MUm +/- 185.6). In group A, 10 patients developed
      a RPE tear (25%) after a mean of 3.6 injections. No tear was documented in group
      B. Lesion height, ratio of CNV size to PED size and presence of hyperreflective
      lines differed significantly between patients with and without RPE tear
      development. CONCLUSION: Serous vascular PED lesions showed an improvement
      regarding BCVA and morphologic characteristics unless an RPE tear occurred. In
      fPED lesions, a functional and morphological stabilization was observed. Monthly
      ranibizumab injections are an effective treatment regarding the resorption of
      subretinal fluid in vPED due to AMD. Patients should be screened for the presence
      of morphologic risk factors for RPE tear development before and during treatment.

PMID- 28084039
TI  - Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of Ziziphus jujuba Mills.
AB  - Ziziphus jujuba Mills, 'annab' in Iran, 'ber' in India or 'pomme sourette' in
      France, is a species whose fruit (known warmly as 'the fruits of life' in China)
      has been consumed for centuries for its nutritional value. The food industry used
      it as a food additive and flavoring. The dry seeds, the crude leaves and the stem
      bark are still used in ethnopharmacology to treat digestive disorders and gastric
      ulcers as antitussive, laxative and hypotensive drugs; even now, it is used in
      China to treat children who suffer from typhoid fever, furuncle and ecthyma. In
      Taiwan, the dry seeds for the variety spinosa (Suan Zao Ren) are the second most
      commonly prescribed and used phytomedicine for insomnia. Its popularity and
      production have increased worldwide in recent years, especially in Europe. The
      European Pharmacopoeia Commission has been unable to elaborate upon the EP
      monograph on Ziziphi spinosae semen as was planned. The EMA has not made its
      recommendations yet. Is it still a gap in the scientific knowledge? Or is
      difficult for traditional Chinese medicinal herbs to fulfill the style and
      quality parameters that are required? Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28084040
TI  - Type I and Type II Photosensitized Oxidation Reactions: Guidelines and
      Mechanistic Pathways.
AB  - Here, 10 guidelines are presented for a standardized definition of type I and
      type II photosensitized oxidation reactions. Because of varied notions of
      reactions mediated by photosensitizers, a checklist of recommendations is
      provided for their definitions. Type I and type II photoreactions are oxygen
      dependent and involve unstable species such as the initial formation of radical
      cation or neutral radicals from the substrates and/or singlet oxygen (1 O21 ?g )
      by energy transfer to molecular oxygen. In addition, superoxide anion radical
      (O2.-) can be generated by a charge-transfer reaction involving O2 or more likely
      indirectly as the result of O2 -mediated oxidation of the radical anion of type I
      photosensitizers. In subsequent reactions, O2.- may add and/or reduce a few
      highly oxidizing radicals that arise from the deprotonation of the radical
      cations of key biological targets. O2.- can also undergo dismutation into H2 O2 ,
      the precursor of the highly reactive hydroxyl radical (.OH) that may induce
      delayed oxidation reactions in cells. In the second part, several examples of
      type I and type II photosensitized oxidation reactions are provided to illustrate
      the complexity and the diversity of the degradation pathways of mostly relevant
      biomolecules upon one-electron oxidation and singlet oxygen reactions.

PMID- 28084041
TI  - Salvage therapy for children with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome
      positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era, outcomes after salvage
      therapy for relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remain unclear. PROCEDURE: The clinical courses of
      19 patients with relapse (n = 13) or induction failure (n = 6) in the Japanese
      Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group Ph+ ALL04 study were retrospectively
      reviewed. RESULTS: Fifteen male and four female patients had a median age of 8
      (range 4-15) years at relapse or induction failure. Patients received imatinib in
      combination with hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin,
      and dexamethasone (hyper-CVAD) and methotrexate and cytarabine (MTX/Ara-C) (n =
      9), imatinib in combination with other chemotherapy (n = 5), chemotherapy without
      imatinib (n = 2), imatinib alone (n = 2), or no additional chemotherapy (n = 1).
      Two patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) without
      achieving complete remission (CR) and died of leukemia. The remaining 17 patients
      achieved CR with salvage therapies and underwent HSCT whilst in CR: 10 patients
      remain alive in CR, five died of transplantation-related complications, and two
      died of relapse. In six of seven patients with available data on minimal residual
      disease (MRD), imatinib in combination with the first course of hyper-CVAD was
      more effective in achieving a favorable MRD response compared with the Ph+ ALL04
      induction regimen. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that cross-resistance to
      imatinib failed to develop after conventional chemotherapy. Imatinib in
      combination with chemotherapy including hyper-CVAD+MTX/Ara-C was effective and
      safe for relapsed or refractory Ph+ ALL patients who received frontline therapy
      without imatinib.

PMID- 28084042
TI  - Differentiation between optic disc drusen and optic disc oedema using fundus
      photography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a funduscopic sign that can be used to differentiate between
      optic disc drusen (ODD) and optic disc oedema (ODE). METHODS: A total of 73 eyes
      from 73 consecutive subjects with disc margin blurring who had been evaluated
      using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were included. Final
      diagnosis was made by SD-OCT; ODD was defined by direct visualization of ODD,
      while ODE was defined by documentation of retinal nerve fibre layer oedema (nasal
      retinal nerve fibre layer thickness >78.0 MUm). Peripapillary retina was selected
      as a two-disc-diameter-sized square image from the fundus photograph. Using
      MATLAB software, colour photographs were converted to indexed image of eight
      colours. Presence of a smooth contour strip between the nasal disc margin and
      juxtapapillary retina was defined as a halo. Whether the halo could predict the
      ODD was analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The halo sign was detected in 45 eyes
      (100%) with ODD including one eye with both ODD and ODE. No eyes with ODE alone
      showed the halo sign. The halo sign implied the presence of ODD (Cohen's kappa =
      1.000, p < 0.001) and the absence of ODE (Cohen's kappa = 0.971, p < 0.001). The
      halo sign showed a good interobserver reliability [ICC (2, 1) = 0.944, 95%
      confidence interval 0.912-0.964]. SD-OCT images showed that halos represented
      retinal elevations above ODD. CONCLUSIONS: In the patients with blurred disc
      margin, the presence of a halo strongly suggested underlying ODD rather than ODE.

PMID- 28084043
TI  - Emergent climate and CO2 sensitivities of net primary productivity in ecosystem
      models do not agree with empirical data in temperate forests of eastern North
      America.
AB  - Ecosystem models show divergent responses of the terrestrial carbon cycle to
      global change over the next century. Individual model evaluation and multimodel
      comparisons with data have largely focused on individual processes at subannual
      to decadal scales. Thus far, data-based evaluations of emergent ecosystem
      responses to climate and CO2 at multidecadal and centennial timescales have been
      rare. We compared the sensitivity of net primary productivity (NPP) to
      temperature, precipitation, and CO2 in ten ecosystem models with the
      sensitivities found in tree-ring reconstructions of NPP and raw ring-width series
      at six temperate forest sites. These model-data comparisons were evaluated at
      three temporal extents to determine whether the rapid, directional changes in
      temperature and CO2 in the recent past skew our observed responses to multiple
      drivers of change. All models tested here were more sensitive to low growing
      season precipitation than tree-ring NPP and ring widths in the past 30 years,
      although some model precipitation responses were more consistent with tree rings
      when evaluated over a full century. Similarly, all models had negative or no
      response to warm-growing season temperatures, while tree-ring data showed
      consistently positive effects of temperature. Although precipitation responses
      were least consistent among models, differences among models to CO2 drive
      divergence and ensemble uncertainty in relative change in NPP over the past
      century. Changes in forest composition within models had no effect on climate or
      CO2 sensitivity. Fire in model simulations reduced model sensitivity to climate
      and CO2 , but only over the course of multiple centuries. Formal evaluation of
      emergent model behavior at multidecadal and multicentennial timescales is
      essential to reconciling model projections with observed ecosystem responses to
      past climate change. Future evaluation should focus on improved representation of
      disturbance and biomass change as well as the feedbacks with moisture balance and
      CO2 in individual models.

PMID- 28084045
TI  - Tapentadol for Cancer Pain Management: A Narrative Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pain is one of the most common symptoms in patients
      with cancer. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent literature
      regarding tapentadol use in oncology patients and moderate or severe pain.
      DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT: We have conducted a review of the literature using
      PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for all manuscripts
      published between 2008 and 2016, using the key words "tapentadol," "cancer,"
      "pain," "tumor," and "malignant." RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion
      criteria (four randomized clinical trials and five prospective cohort studies).
      The scope of the literature was diverse, with 15 instruments used to measure
      different aspects of pain (intensity, health status, quality of life,
      psychometric and well-being, perception of change, and neuropathic pain). All
      these studies concluded that tapentadol is seemingly a well-tolerated and
      efficacious agent for moderate-severe cancer pain, with few typically mild
      adverse reactions. However, the most significant detected weaknesses of research
      were that (1) existing studies do not clearly show a superiority of tapentadol
      with respect to previous generation opioids, (2) low-to-moderate sample sizes
      prevent obtaining robust conclusions about effectiveness, (3) there was an
      absence of noninferiority trials comparing tapentadol vs. fentanyl or oxycodone
      naloxone, and (4) there was scarce generalizability of prospective observational
      studies. CONCLUSION: Tapentadol is seemingly an effective, well-tolerated
      alternative for moderate or severe cancer pain. Most prospective cohort studies
      have relatively small samples, are restricted to few research centers, and lack
      detailed subgroup information. More experience is required to draw valid
      generalizable conclusions.

PMID- 28084044
TI  - Bi-layer silk fibroin grafts support functional tissue regeneration in a porcine
      model of onlay esophagoplasty.
AB  - Partial circumferential, full thickness defects of the esophagus can occur as a
      result of organ perforation or tumour resection, or during surgical
      reconstruction of strictured segments. Complications associated with autologous
      tissue flaps conventionally utilized for defect repair necessitate the
      development of new graft options. In this study, bi-layer silk fibroin (BLSF)
      scaffolds were investigated for their potential to support functional restoration
      of partial circumferential defects in a porcine model of esophageal repair. Onlay
      thoracic esophagoplasty with BLSF matrices (~3 x 1.5 cm) was performed in adult
      swine (N = 6) for 3 months of implantation. All animals receiving BLSF grafts
      survived with no complications and were capable of solid food consumption.
      Radiographic esophagrams revealed preservation of organ continuity with no
      evidence of contrast extravasation or strictures. Fluoroscopic analysis
      demonstrated peristaltic contractions. Ex vivo tissue bath studies displayed
      contractile responses to carbachol, electric field stimulation, and KCl while
      isoproterenol produced tissue relaxation. Histological and immunohistochemical
      evaluations of neotissues showed a stratified, squamous epithelium, a muscularis
      mucosa composed of smooth muscle bundles, and a muscularis externa organized into
      circular and longitudinal layers, with a mix of striated skeletal muscle
      fascicles interspersed with smooth muscle. De novo innervation and
      vascularization were observed throughout the graft sites and consisted of
      synaptophysin-positive neuronal boutons and vessels lined with CD31-positive
      endothelial cells. The results of this study demonstrate that BLSF scaffolds can
      facilitate constructive remodeling of partial circumferential, full thickness
      esophageal defects in a large animal model. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 28084046
TI  - The role of hypertension in retinal blood flow alterations in open-angle glaucoma
      patients.

PMID- 28084047
TI  - Response to: Why fat suits do not advance the scientific study of weight stigma.

PMID- 28084049
TI  - Towards more systematic and better theorised research on simulations.

PMID- 28084050
TI  - Evaluating evaluations: an ouroboros for medical education.

PMID- 28084051
TI  - Supervisor expertise to optimise learner : preceptor ratios.

PMID- 28084052
TI  - Contexts, concepts and cognition: principles for the transfer of basic science
      knowledge.
AB  - CONTEXT: Transfer of basic science aids novices in the development of clinical
      reasoning. The literature suggests that although transfer is often difficult for
      novices, it can be optimised by two complementary strategies: (i) focusing
      learners on conceptual knowledge of basic science or (ii) exposing learners to
      multiple contexts in which the basic science concepts may apply. The relative
      efficacy of each strategy as well as the mechanisms that facilitate transfer are
      unknown. In two sequential experiments, we compared both strategies and explored
      mechanistic changes in how learners address new transfer problems. METHODS:
      Experiment 1 was a 2 * 3 design in which participants were randomised to learn
      three physiology concepts with or without emphasis on the conceptual structure of
      basic science via illustrative analogies and by means of one, two or three
      contexts during practice (operationalised as organ systems). Transfer of these
      concepts to explain pathologies in familiar organ systems (near transfer) and
      unfamiliar organ systems (far transfer) was evaluated during immediate and
      delayed testing. Experiment 2 examined whether exposure to conceptual analogies
      and multiple contexts changed how learners classified new problems. RESULTS:
      Experiment 1 showed that increasing context variation significantly improved far
      transfer performance but there was no difference between two and three contexts
      during practice. Similarly, the increased conceptual analogies led to higher
      performance for far transfer. Both interventions had independent but additive
      effects on overall performance. Experiment 2 showed that such analogies and
      context variation caused learners to shift to using structural characteristics to
      classify new problems even when there was superficial similarity to previous
      examples. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding problems based on conceptual structural
      characteristics is necessary for successful transfer. Transfer of basic science
      can be optimised by using multiple strategies that collectively emphasise
      conceptual structure. This means teaching must focus on conserved basic science
      knowledge and de-emphasise superficial features.

PMID- 28084053
TI  - Six fallacies that hinder development of the medical humanities in medical
      education.

PMID- 28084055
TI  - Small Molecule Activation with N,NR-MIC Platinum Complexes.
AB  - The reaction of platinum complex trans-[1] bearing an N,NEt-imidazolide ligand
      with bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) or bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane
      (dchpe) yields the dinuclear MIC complexes [2]I2 or the mononuclear MIC complex
      [3]I, respectively. Whereas dinuclear [2]I2 does not react with elemental
      hydrogen, the mononuclear complex [3]I splits elemental hydrogen under mild
      reaction conditions with formation of hydride complex [4]I and N-ethylimidazole.
      Dinuclear complex [3]I activates CS2 with formation of complex [5]I featuring the
      CS2 molecule bound through the carbon atom to the MIC nitrogen atom and one
      sulfur atom coordinating to the platinum center.

PMID- 28084056
TI  - Genetic Influences of OPRM1, OPRD1 and COMT on Morphine Analgesia in a Multi
      Modal, Multi-Tissue Human Experimental Pain Model.
AB  - Human studies on experimentally induced pain are of value to elucidate the
      genetic influence on morphine analgesia under controlled conditions. The aim of
      this study was to investigate whether genetic variants of mu-, kappa- and delta
      opioid receptor genes (OPRM1, OPRK1 and OPRD1) and catechol-O-methyltransferase
      gene (COMT) are associated with the morphine analgesia. The study was a
      randomized, double-blind, two-way, crossover, single-dose study conducted in 40
      healthy participants, where morphine was compared with placebo. Pain was induced
      by contact heat, muscle pressure, bone pressure, rectal stimulations (mechanical,
      electrical and thermal) and cold pressor test (immersion of the hand into ice
      water). Sixteen genetic polymorphisms of four candidate genes were explored.
      Variability in morphine analgesia to contact heat stimulation was associated with
      COMT rs4680 (p = 0.04), and rectal thermal stimulation was associated with OPRM1
      rs9479757 (p = 0.03). Moreover, in males, variability in morphine analgesia to
      rectal thermal stimulation was associated with OPRD1 polymorphisms: rs2234918 (p
      = 0.01) and rs533123 (p = 0.046). The study was explorative and hypothesis
      generating due to the relatively small study size. However, results suggest that
      genetic variants in the COMT and OPRM1 irrespective of gender, and OPRD1 in males
      may contribute to the variability in morphine analgesia in experimental pain
      models.

PMID- 28084057
TI  - Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Implants in Osteotome Sinus Floor Elevation
      with and without Grafting: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To systematically appraise the clinical and radiological outcomes after
      osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) with or without grafting in the published
      dental literature. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted using PubMed, Web
      of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial to identify
      studies after OSFE from January 1, 1994 to August 30, 2015. The primary outcome
      was the implant survival rates after OSFE with and without grafting materials.
      RESULTS: After search and evaluation of the literature according to the inclusion
      criteria, 7 studies were included in the review. The random-effect model meta
      analysis based on 463 implants in patients without grafting and 415 implants in
      patients with grafting showed that the risk ratio difference of survival rates
      was 1.010 (95%CI 0.910, 1.120), which did not reach statistical significance (p =
      0.99). The membrane perforation rates ranged from 0% to 10.80%. No significant
      difference of crestal bone loss was reported between graft and nongraft groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on currently available evidence, OSFE techniques with and
      without grafting were both predictable in the short term. In addition, survival
      rates of dental implants in OSFE with or without grafting did not show any
      significant difference in the short term.

PMID- 28084058
TI  - Selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha modulator K-877
      efficiently activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha
      pathway and improves lipid metabolism in mice.
AB  - AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha)
      is a therapeutic target for hyperlipidemia. K-877 is a new selective PPARalpha
      modulator (SPPARMalpha) that activates PPARalpha transcriptional activity. The
      aim of the present study was to assess the effects of K-877 on lipid metabolism
      in vitro and in vivo compared with those of classical PPARalpha agonists.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: To compare the effects of K-877 on PPARalpha
      transcriptional activity with those of the classical PPARalpha agonists Wy14643
      (Wy) and fenofibrate (Feno), the cell-based PPARalpha transactivation luciferase
      assay was carried out. WT and Ppara-/- mice were fed with a moderate-fat (MF)
      diet for 6 days, and methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks
      containing Feno or K-877. RESULTS: In luciferase assays, K-877 activated
      PPARalpha transcriptional activity more efficiently than the classical PPARalpha
      agonists Feno and Wy. After being fed MF diet containing 0.001% K-877 or 0.2%
      Feno for 6 days, mice in the K-877 group showed significant increases in the
      expression of Ppara and its target genes, leading to marked reductions in plasma
      triglyceride levels compared with those observed in Feno-treated animals. These K
      877 effects were blunted in Ppara-/- mice, confirming that K-877 activates
      PPARalpha. In further experiments, K-877 (0.00025%) and Feno (0.1%) equally
      improved the pathology of MCD diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,
      with increased expression of hepatic fatty acid oxidation genes. CONCLUSIONS: The
      present data show that K-877 is an attractive PPARalpha-modulating drug and can
      efficiently reduce plasma triglyceride levels, thereby alleviating the
      dysregulation of lipid metabolism.

PMID- 28084059
TI  - Robot-assisted retinal vein cannulation in an in vivo porcine retinal vein
      occlusion model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of robot-assisted retinal vein cannulation
      for retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: Prospective experimental study performed in
      in vivo porcine eyes. A standard three port pars plana vitrectomy was followed by
      laser-induced branch retinal vein occlusion. Consequently, a retinal vein
      cannulation with the help of a surgical robot and a microneedle was performed.
      Complete success was defined as a stable intravenous position of the needle tip
      confirmed by blood washout for at least 3 min. Secondary outcomes were the
      occurrence of intra-operative complications and technical failures. RESULTS:
      Cannulation was successful in 15 of 18 eyes with a complete success rate
      (duration of infusion of more than 3 min) of 73% after exclusion of two eyes from
      analysis due to failure in establishing a blood clot. There were no technical
      failures regarding the robotic device. The intravessel injections of ocriplasmin
      in two of two eyes led to a clot dissolution. In a subset of five eyes, a second
      cannulation attempt at the border of the optic disc resulted in a stable
      intravessel position and infusion during 362 (+/-138) seconds. CONCLUSION: Robot
      assisted retinal vein cannulation with prolonged infusion time is technically
      feasible. Human experiments are required to analyse the clinical benefit of this
      new therapy.

PMID- 28084061
TI  - A comparison of two comorbidity indices for predicting inpatient rehabilitation
      outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comorbid conditions are important in health care. The best
      comorbidity index for predicting the impact of comorbidities on rehabilitation
      outcomes has not been determined. AIM: Compare the associations of comorbidity
      measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the Cumulative Index
      Rating Scale (CIRS) with key rehabilitation outcomes. Aim was to determine
      whether either of these comorbidity indices helped explain the variation in key
      rehabilitation outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective open-cohort study. SETTING:
      Inpatient rehabilitation ward, Melbourne, Australia. POPULATION: Adults admitted
      for inpatient rehabilitation (N.=280). METHODS: The main outcomes were
      demographic (e.g. age, gender, discharge destination) and clinical outcomes
      (reason for rehabilitation, length of stay, LOS, Functional Independence Measure,
      CCI and CIRS). A series of regression analyses were performed to determine the
      influence of comorbidity on three dependent variables: 1) LOS in rehabilitation;
      2) the change in Functional Independence Measure-motor score between
      rehabilitation discharge and admission; 3) the discharge destination (home vs.
      other). RESULTS: The mean age was 57.7 years, there were slightly more females
      (51%), most (95%) patients previously lived at home with family or other
      relatives (63%). The most common reason for rehabilitation was orthopedic or
      other conditions (52%) and most (80%) people were discharged home. The median LOS
      was 27 days. There were 100 (35.7%) patients who had no comorbidity recorded
      using the CCI, 112 (40.0%) had one comorbidity and 26 (9.3%) who had three or
      more. All patients had at least one comorbidity recorded with the CIRS, and 264
      (94.3%) had 3 or more comorbidities. There was little or no difference between
      the CCI or CIRS in terms of their ability to explain the variance in LOS
      (adjusted R2=0.38 with and without comorbidities), change in disability during
      rehabilitation (adjusted R2=0.31-0.33 with and without comorbidities) or the
      discharge destination (AUC=0.72 without comorbidities; 0.73-0.74 with
      comorbidities) beyond that accounted for by demographic and clinical information.
      CONCLUSIONS: Neither the CIRS nor the CCI in our patient sample provide
      additional information that explains the impact of comorbidities on key
      rehabilitation outcomes. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Further research is
      needed to determine the most appropriate measure of comorbidity of relevance to
      inpatient rehabilitation outcomes.

PMID- 28084060
TI  - What do spinal cord injury patients think of their improvement? A study of the
      minimal clinically important difference of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure
      III.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) is a scale of
      independence in the activities of daily life, specifically designed for spinal
      cord injury subjects. AIM: The aim of this study was to calculate the minimal
      clinically important difference (MCID) of the SCIM III according to distribution
      and anchor based approach. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Four Spinal Cord
      Units in Italy. POPULATION: Patients with acute/subacute spinal cord
      injury/lesion. METHODS: The scores of the total SCIM and of the four subscale was
      recorded at admission and discharge. Clinical significance was calculated
      according to anchor based methodology using a global rating of change
      questionnaire. The accuracy of MCID values in predicting a judgment of small
      improvement by the patients has been assessed by means of the area under the
      receiving operating curves (aROC). RESULTS: Total SCIM MCID values varied from 12
      for patients with complete tetraplegia to 45.3 for those with incomplete thoracic
      lesions. The MCID of self-care varied from 3.3 to 8.5 and from 10 to 18 for
      respiration and sphincter management, depending on the level and severity of the
      lesion. With regard to mobility (room and toilet), the MCID varied from 1 to 3
      and from 2.5 to 7.26 for mobility (indoors and outdoors). The aROC was between
      good and excellent for all these values. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide
      benchmarks for clinicians and researchers to interpret whether patients' change
      score on the SCIM III can be interpreted as true or clinically meaningful and to
      make clinical judgments about the patients' progress. CLINICAL REHABILITATION
      IMPACT: Our data could be useful for both clinicians and researchers. At the
      beginning of rehabilitation clinicians may have an idea of the minimal
      improvement of the patient (based on his neurological status) that could have an
      impact on patient's life. At the end of rehabilitation process, it is possible to
      control if the patient achieved an improvement that is true and significant.
      Researchers could also use these criteria to evaluate the clinical significance
      of an intervention by calculating the number of subjects in the treatment and
      control groups (or in two different treatment groups) who achieved a change
      calculated as the natural recovery plus the MCID.

PMID- 28084062
TI  - Body composition influenced by progressive elastic band resistance exercise of
      sarcopenic obesity elderly women: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia involves age-related decreases in muscle strength and
      muscle mass, leading to frailty and disability in elderly people. When combined
      with obesity, it is defined as sarcopenic obesity (SO), which can result in more
      functional limitations and metabolic disorders than either disorder alone. AIM:
      The aim of this study was to investigate body composition changes after elastic
      band resistance training in elderly women with SO. DESIGN: Randomized single
      blinded (assessor blinded) controlled pilot trial. SETTING: Academic medical
      center. POPULATION: Thirty-five elderly (>60 years old) women with SO. METHODS:
      This pilot randomized controlled trial focused on elderly women with SO. The
      study group underwent progressive elastic band resistance training for 12 weeks
      (3 times per week). The control group received only a 40-minute lesson about the
      exercise concept. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed before and after
      intervention to evaluate body composition. Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed
      rank tests were used to analyze the differences within and between these groups.
      RESULTS: In total, 35 elderly women with SO were enrolled and divided into study
      (N.=18) and control groups (N.=17). No difference was observed in age,
      biochemical parameters, or Body Mass Index between both groups. After the
      intervention, the fat proportion of body composition in the right upper extremity
      (P=0.03), left upper extremity (P=0.04), total fat (P=0.035), and fat percentage
      (P=0.012) had decreased, and bone mineral density (BMD) (P=0.026), T-score
      (P=0.028), and Z-score (P=0.021) had increased in the study group. Besides,
      statistical difference was observed in outcome measurements of right upper
      extremity (P=0.013), total fat (P=0.023), and fat percentage (P=0.012) between
      the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that progressive elastic band
      resistance exercise can reduce fat mass and increase BMD in elderly women with
      SO, and that this exercise program is feasible for this demographic. Additional
      studies with larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods should be
      conducted. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Twelve weeks of progressive elastic
      band resistance exercise program is safe and effective for SO elder women.

PMID- 28084063
TI  - Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change of two simplified 3-point
      balance measures in patients with stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 3-point Berg Balance Scale (BBS-3P) and 3-point Postural
      Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS-3P) were simplified from the BBS and
      PASS to overcome the complex scoring systems. The BBS-3P and PASS-3P were more
      feasible in busy clinical practice and showed similarly sound validity and
      responsiveness to the original measures. However, the reliability of the BBS-3P
      and PASS-3P is unknown limiting their utility and the interpretability of scores.
      AIM: We aimed to examine the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable
      change (MDC) of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P in patients with stroke. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional study. SETTING: The rehabilitation departments of a medical center and
      a community hospital. POPULATION: A total of 51 chronic stroke patients (64.7%
      male). METHODS: Both balance measures were administered twice 7 days apart. The
      test-retest reliability of both the BBS-3P and PASS-3P were examined by
      intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The MDC and its percentage over the
      total score (MDC%) of each measure was calculated for examining the random
      measurement errors. RESULTS: The ICC values of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P were 0.99
      and 0.97, respectively. The MDC% (MDC) of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P were 9.1% (5.1
      points) and 8.4% (3.0 points), respectively, indicating that both measures had
      small and acceptable random measurement errors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed
      that both the BBS-3P and the PASS-3P had good test-retest reliability, with small
      and acceptable random measurement error. These two simplified 3-level balance
      measures can provide reliable results over time. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT:
      Our findings support the repeated administration of the BBS-3P and PASS-3P to
      monitor the balance of patients with stroke. The MDC values can help clinicians
      and researchers interpret the change scores more precisely.

PMID- 28084064
TI  - Feasibility and safety of early lower limb robot-assisted training in sub-acute
      stroke patients: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: So far, the development of robotic devices for the early lower limb
      mobilization in the sub-acute phase after stroke has received limited attention.
      AIM: To explore the feasibility of a newly robotic-stationary gait training in
      sub-acute stroke patients. To report the training effects on lower limb function
      and muscle activation. DESIGN: A pilot study. SETTING: Rehabilitation ward.
      POPULATION: Two sub-acute stroke inpatients and ten age-matched healthy controls
      were enrolled. Healthy controls served as normative data. METHODS: Patients
      underwent 10 robot-assisted training sessions (20 minutes, 5 days/week) in
      alternating stepping movements (500 repetitions/session) on a hospital bed in
      addition to conventional rehabilitation. Feasibility outcome measures were
      compliance, physiotherapist time, and responses to self-report questionnaires.
      Efficacy outcomes were bilateral lower limb muscle activation pattern as measured
      by surface electromyography (sEMG), Motricity Index (MI), Medical Research
      Council (MRC) grade, and Ashworth Scale (AS) scores before and after training.
      RESULTS: No adverse events occurred. No significant differences in sEMG activity
      between patients and healthy controls were observed. Post-training improvement in
      MI and MRC scores, but no significant changes in AS scores, were recorded. Post
      treatment sEMG analysis of muscle activation patterns showed a significant delay
      in rectus femoris offset (P=0.02) and prolonged duration of biceps femoris
      (P=0.04) compared to pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS: The robot-assisted training with
      our device was feasible and safe. It induced physiological muscle activations
      pattern in both stroke patients and healthy controls. Full-scale studies are
      needed to explore its potential role in post-stroke recovery. CLINICAL
      REHABILITATION IMPACT: This robotic device may enrich early rehabilitation in
      subacute stroke patients by inducing physiological muscle activation patterns.
      Future studies are warranted to evaluate its effects on promoting restorative
      mechanisms involved in lower limb recovery after stroke.

PMID- 28084065
TI  - Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, 30 November - 1 December 2016.

PMID- 28084070
TI  - Carrier Step-by-Step Transport Initiated by Precise Defect Distribution
      Engineering for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation.
AB  - Semiconductor photocatalysts have been widely used for solar-to-hydrogen
      conversion; however, efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation still remains a
      challenge. To improve the photocatalytic activity, the critical step is the
      transport of photogenerated carriers from bulk to surface. Here, we report the
      carrier step-by-step transport (CST) for semiconductor photocatalysts through
      precise defect engineering. In CST, carriers can fast transport from bulk to
      shallow traps in the defective subsurface first, and then transfer to the surface
      active acceptors. The key challenge of initiating CST lies in fine controlling
      defect distribution in semiconductor photocatalysts to introduce the special band
      matching between the crystalline bulk and defect-controllable surface, moderate
      bridgelike shallow traps induced by subsurface defects, and abundant surface
      active sites induced by surface defects. In our proof-of-concept demonstration,
      the CST was introduced into typical semiconductor TiO2 assisted by the fluorine
      assisted kinetic hydrolysis method, and the designed TiO2 can exhibit the state
      of-the-art photocatalytic hydrogen generation rate among anatase TiO2 up to 13.21
      mmol h-1 g-1, which is 120 times enhanced compared with crystalline anatase TiO2
      under sunlight. The CST initiated by precise defect distribution engineering
      provides a new sight on greatly improving photocatalytic hydrogen generation
      performance of semiconductor catalysts.

PMID- 28084071
TI  - Highly Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of Bi/Bi2S3 Nanocomposites.
AB  - Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) has been of high interest for thermoelectric applications
      due to the high abundance of sulfur on Earth. However, the low electrical
      conductivity of pristine Bi2S3 results in a low figure of merit (ZT). In this
      work, Bi2S3@Bi core-shell nanowires with different Bi shell thicknesses were
      prepared by a hydrothermal method. The core-shell nanowires were densified to
      Bi/Bi2S3 nanocomposite by spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the structure of the
      nanowire was maintained as the nanocomposite due to rapid SPS processing and low
      sintering temperature. The thermoelectric properties of bulk samples were
      investigated. The electrical conductivity of a bulk sample after sintering at 673
      K for 5 min using Bi2S3@Bi nanowire powders prepared by treating Bi2S3 nanowires
      in a hydrazine solution for 3 h is 3 orders of magnitude greater than that of a
      pristine Bi2S3 sample. The nanocomposite possessed the highest ZT value of 0.36
      at 623 K. This represents a new strategy for densifying core-shell powders to
      enhance their thermoelectric properties.

PMID- 28084072
TI  - Reactions of Lithiated Diphosphanes R2P-P(SiMe3)Li (R = tBu and iPr) with
      [MeNacnacTiCl2.THF] and [MeNacnacTiCl3]. Formation and Structure of TitaniumIII
      and TitaniumIV beta-Diketiminato Complexes Bearing the Side-on
      Phosphanylphosphido and Phosphanylphosphinidene Functionalities.
AB  - beta-Diketiminate complexes of TiIII-containing phosphanylphosphido ligands
      [MeNacnacTi(Cl){eta2-P(SiMe3)-PR2}] (MeNacnac- = [Ar]NC(Me)CHC(Me)N[Ar]; Ar = 2,6
      iPr2C6H3) were prepared by reactions of [MeNacnacTiCl2.THF] with lithium
      derivatives of diphosphanes R2P-P(SiMe3)Li (R = tBu, iPr) in toluene solutions.
      Surprisingly, reactions of [MeNacnacTiCl2.THF] with R2P-P(SiMe3)Li in THF
      solutions led to TiIV complexes containing phosphanylphosphinidene ligands
      [MeNacnacTi(Cl)(eta2-P-PtBu2)] via an autoredox path involving a migration of a
      nitrene NAr from the Nacnac skeleton to the Ti centers. Solid-state structures of
      [MeNacnacTi(Cl){eta2-P(SiMe3)-PtBu2}] (1a) and [MeNacnacTi(Cl)(eta2-P-PtBu2)]
      (two isomers 2a1, 2a2) together with [MeNacnacTi(Cl){eta2-P(SiMe3)-PiPr2}] (1b)
      and [MeNacnacTi(Cl)(eta2-P-PiPr2)] (2b) were established by the single-crystal X
      ray diffraction and display clearly side-on geometry of the (Me3Si)P-PR2 and P
      PR2 moieties in the solid state. Phosphanylphosphinidene complexes
      [MeNacnacTi(Cl)(eta2-P-PR2)] indicate that the 31P NMR resonances of
      phosphinidene P atoms appear at a very low field in solution and in the solid
      state.

PMID- 28084073
TI  - Biobased and Sustainable Alternative Route to Long-Chain Cellulose Esters.
AB  - Fatty acid cellulose esters (FACEs), which have been identified recently as
      sustainable film materials, are conventionally synthesized by the use of the
      reaction with acyl chloride/anhydride pyridine in the presence of LiCl/N,N
      dimethylacetamide. In this study, we have developed a new synthetic route to
      FACEs using a vinyl ester of long chain fatty acid, which is an excellent
      biobased and highly reactive reagent, for the functionalization of cellulose. The
      developed method involves the synthesis of the long aliphatic fatty acid vinyl
      ester via a transition-metal-catalyzed transvinylation reaction between vinyl
      acetate and the fatty acid, followed by its subsequent reaction with cellulose to
      yield FACEs. In this work, we have used vinyl oleate as a model precursor to
      introduce the fatty acid chain to cellulose. The covalent grafting of the fatty
      acid chain to the free hydroxyl groups of cellulose was achieved through
      potassium carbonate (K2CO3)-catalyzed transesterification of vinyl oleate in the
      presence of N-methyl pyrrolidone as solvent with low toxicity. Successful
      functionalization of cellulose was confirmed by FTIR, 13C CP-MAS NMR, X-ray
      diffraction, and the thermogravimetric analysis. The results obtained showed that
      the functionalization efficiency of the cellulose increased with higher
      temperature and prolonged reaction times. The strategy proposed in the present
      work is an important step onward in terms of sustainability because the long
      chain vinyl ester can be synthesized from a renewable and biobased source, and
      the toxic and corrosive chemicals commonly employed for cellulose esterification
      are avoided.

PMID- 28084074
TI  - Isoindolinones via Copper-Catalyzed Intramolecular Benzylic C-H Sulfamidation.
AB  - 2-Benzyl-N-tosylbenzamides and related substrates undergo copper-catalyzed
      intramolecular sulfamidation at the benzylic methylene to give N-arylsuflonyl-1
      arylisoindolinones, which can be N-deprotected using samarium iodide to generate
      the free 1-arylisoindolinones. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the
      rate-determining step is not C-H bond cleavage but are instead consistent with
      slow oxidation of a copper pi-arene intermediate.

PMID- 28084075
TI  - A Two-Dimensional Polymer Synthesized through Topochemical [2 + 2]-Cycloaddition
      on the Multigram Scale.
AB  - The single-crystal-to-single-crystal (scsc) synthesis of a 2D polymer based on
      photochemically triggered [2 + 2]-cycloaddition is reported. Both monomer and
      polymer single crystals are analyzed by X-ray diffraction, which is the first
      case of a scsc two-dimensional polymerization based on this cycloaddition and the
      third ever case for a scsc synthesis of a 2D polymer. The product crystals at
      quantitative conversion are wet-exfoliated under mild conditions and afford
      countless features that are single and double layers as judged by their AFM
      heights of hAFM ~ 1.2 +/- 0.5 and 2.2 +/- 0.5 nm, respectively. The X-ray
      structure-based molecular weight of the 2D polymers and their degree of
      polymerization per MUm2 are M = 360 MDa and Pn = 464 900, respectively. The sheet
      size is on the order of 5 * 5 MUm2.

PMID- 28084076
TI  - Partitioning of Alkali Metal Salts and Boric Acid from Aqueous Phase into the
      Polyamide Active Layers of Reverse Osmosis Membranes.
AB  - The partition coefficient of solutes into the polyamide active layer of reverse
      osmosis (RO) membranes is one of the three membrane properties (together with
      solute diffusion coefficient and active layer thickness) that determine solute
      permeation. However, no well-established method exists to measure solute
      partition coefficients into polyamide active layers. Further, the few studies
      that measured partition coefficients for inorganic salts report values
      significantly higher than one (~3-8), which is contrary to expectations from
      Donnan theory and the observed high rejection of salts. As such, we developed a
      benchtop method to determine solute partition coefficients into the polyamide
      active layers of RO membranes. The method uses a quartz crystal microbalance
      (QCM) to measure the change in the mass of the active layer caused by the uptake
      of the partitioned solutes. The method was evaluated using several inorganic
      salts (alkali metal salts of chloride) and a weak acid of common concern in water
      desalination (boric acid). All partition coefficients were found to be lower than
      1, in general agreement with expectations from Donnan theory. Results reported in
      this study advance the fundamental understanding of contaminant transport through
      RO membranes, and can be used in future studies to decouple the contributions of
      contaminant partitioning and diffusion to contaminant permeation.

PMID- 28084077
TI  - Growing Up on an Appalachian Farm: A Centenarian Perspective.
AB  - Background Research on centenarians to date has focused on areas with a high
      population of centenarians. However, there is limited literature on centenarians'
      perspectives about growing up on farms from the heartland of Appalachia in
      Eastern Tennessee. Purpose This qualitative descriptive study was designed to
      characterize the role of a farming childhood by exploring the viewpoints of
      community-dwelling centenarians who grew up on farms in south central Appalachia.
      Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used with a convenience sample ( n =
      16). Cognitive status was determined with the Short Portable Mental Status
      Questionnaire. Demographic data were collected. Interviews were transcribed and
      analyzed with the Neuendorf method of content analysis. Results Main emerging
      themes were the farm, the family, and the environment. Conclusion The farm was at
      the center of these centenarians' childhood, influencing their family, community
      relations, and social interactions, which provided lessons that they utilized
      throughout their long lives.

PMID- 28084078
TI  - Association of GWAS Top Genes With Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease in Colombian
      Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The association of variants in CLU, CR1, PICALM, BIN1, ABCA7, and CD33
      genes with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) was evaluated and confirmed
      through genome-wide association study. However, it is unknown whether these
      associations can be replicated in admixed populations. METHODS: The association
      of 14 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in those genes was evaluated in 280 LOAD
      cases and 357 controls from the Colombian population. RESULTS: In a multivariate
      analysis using age, gender, APOE?4 status, and admixture covariates, significant
      associations were obtained ( P < .05) for variants in BIN1 (rs744373, odds ratio
      [OR]: 1.42), CLU (rs11136000, OR: 0.66), PICALM (rs541458, OR: 0.69), ABCA7
      (rs3764650, OR: 1.7), and CD33 (rs3865444, OR: 1.12). Likewise, a significant
      interaction effect was observed between CLU and CR1 variants with APOE.
      CONCLUSION: This study replicated the associations previously reported in
      populations of European ancestry and shows that APOE variants have a regulatory
      role on the effect that variants in other loci have on LOAD, reflecting the
      importance of gene-gene interactions in the etiology of neurodegenerative
      diseases.

PMID- 28084079
TI  - Fast assessment and management of chest pain patients without ST-elevation in the
      pre-hospital gateway (FamouS Triage): ruling out a myocardial infarction at home
      with the modified HEART score.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first study of the FamouS Triage project investigates the
      feasibility of ruling out a myocardial infarction in pre-hospital chest pain
      patients without electrocardiographic ST-segment elevation by using the modified
      HEART score at the patient's home, incorporating only a single highly sensitive
      troponin T measurement. METHODS: A venous blood sample was drawn in the ambulance
      from 1127 consecutive chest pain patients for measurement of the pre-hospital
      highly sensitive troponin T levels, in order to establish a pre-hospital HEART
      score (i.e. the modified HEART score) and evaluate the possibility of triage at
      the patient's home. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of a major adverse
      cardiac event (MACE) i.e. acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary
      intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting or death within 30 days after
      initial presentation. RESULTS: Two hundred and six patients (18%) developed a
      MACE during 30 days of follow-up. Thirty-six per cent of the patients ( n=403)
      had a low modified HEART score (0-3 points) and none of them developed a MACE
      during follow-up. Forty-four per cent of the patients ( n=494) had an
      intermediate modified HEART score (4-6 points) and 18% of them developed a MACE.
      Twenty per cent of the patients ( n=230) had a high modified HEART score (7-10
      points) of which 52% developed a MACE during follow-up. CONCLUSION: It seems
      feasible to rule out a myocardial infarction at home in chest pain patients
      without ST-segment elevation by using the modified HEART score. TRIAL ID:
      NTR4205. Dutch Trial Register [ http://www.trialregister.nl ]: trial number 4205.

PMID- 28084081
TI  - Unusual Mucus Impaction in an Adolescent Patient With Severe Asthma.

PMID- 28084080
TI  - Visual encoding, consolidation, and retrieval in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:
      executive function as a mediator, and predictor of performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to illustrate the variation of non-executive
      cognitive processes, i.e. visual memory, considering executive dysfunction in
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: Patients with ALS (n = 203), and
      matched healthy controls (n = 117) completed a battery of neuropsychological
      tests. Sub-stratification was based on whether cognitive assessment detected no
      cognitive abnormalities (NCA: n = 117), multiple executive cognitive deficits
      (ALS-Exec; n = 56), or a comorbid frontotemporal dementia process (ALS-FTD; n =
      30). The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT) was the main dependent
      variable for visual memory in this study. RESULTS: Patients and controls
      significantly differed on the Copy trial (p < 0.0001: omega2 = 0.317) immediate
      recall (p < 0.0001: omega2 = 0.272) and delayed recall (p < 0.0001: omega2 =
      0.308) of the ROCFT. Sub-stratification based on executive dysfunction revealed
      an association with greater executive dysfunction and lower ROCFT performance.
      Regression analysis predicted that premorbid IQ, executive function, and
      demographics predict performance on the ROCFT delayed recall trial (R2 = 0.833).
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings illustrate that patients without executive
      dysfunction do not show visual memory impairments within this cohort; that
      patients with executive dysfunction have poorer performance on visual memory
      tasks; and that the severity of executive dysfunction, as per cognitive
      categorisation, is related to increased visual memory impairment as tested with
      the ROCFT.

PMID- 28084082
TI  - An Infant With Tachypnea.

PMID- 28084083
TI  - Off-pump grafting does not reduce postoperative pulmonary dysfunction.
AB  - Objectives Pulmonary dysfunction is a recognized postoperative complication that
      may be linked to use of cardiopulmonary bypass. The off-pump technique of
      coronary artery bypass aims to avoid some of the complications that may be
      related to cardiopulmonary bypass. In this study, we compared the influence of on
      pump or off-pump coronary artery bypass on pulmonary gas exchange following
      routine surgery. Methods Fifty patients (mean age 60.4 +/- 8.4 years) with no
      preexisting lung disease and good left ventricular function undergoing primary
      coronary artery bypass grafting were prospectively randomized to undergo surgery
      with or without cardiopulmonary bypass. Alveolar/arterial oxygen pressure
      gradients were calculated prior to induction of anesthesia while the patients
      were breathing room air, and repeated postoperatively during mechanical
      ventilation and after extubation while inspiring 3 specific fractions of oxygen.
      Results Baseline preoperative arterial blood gases and alveolar/arterial oxygen
      pressure gradients were similar in both groups. At both postoperative stages, the
      partial pressure of arterial oxygen and alveolar/arterial oxygen pressure
      gradients increased with increasing fraction of inspired oxygen, but there were
      no statistically significant differences between patients who underwent surgery
      with or without cardiopulmonary bypass, either during ventilation or after
      extubation. Conclusions Off-pump surgery is not associated with superior
      pulmonary gas exchange in the early postoperative period following routine
      coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with good left ventricular function
      and no preexisting lung disease.

PMID- 28084084
TI  - The existence of renal dysfunction in diabetics undergoing coronary artery
      bypass.

PMID- 28084086
TI  - Toddler With Hemoptysis.

PMID- 28084085
TI  - Bridge to transplant or recovery in cardiogenic shock in a developing country.
AB  - Background Durable mechanical support devices are prohibitively expensive in our
      health system and may be unsuitable for critically ill patients. CentriMag is an
      alternative bridge to transplantation or recovery. Methods We retrospectively
      reviewed 28 patients (23 males) aged 13-60 years who received CentriMag support.
      The etiology was ischemic in 13 (46%), dilated cardiomyopathy in 8 (29%), and
      others in 7 (25%). All patients were in Interagency Registry for Mechanically
      Assisted Circulatory Support class I, and 27 (96%) had multiorgan failure; 2 (7%)
      were post-cardiotomy and 12 (43%) had a previous cardiac arrest (mean arrest time
      21 +/- 17 min). Results Thirty-day post-implant survival was 79% (22 patients).
      Twenty (71%) patients were successfully bridged to transplantation or recovery.
      The mean support time was 40 days; 12 (43%) patients had >4-weeks' support
      (longest was 292 days). Eight (29%) patients died on support. Complications
      included bleeding in 10 (36%) cases, immediate stroke in 4 (14%), and dialysis in
      8 (29%). There was no stroke during subsequent support. Eighteen (64%) patients
      underwent transplantation, and 17 of them were discharged. Two (7%) patients
      recovered and were discharged. Two-year survival was 62% +/- 10%. Mean follow-up
      was 21 months (total follow-up 579 months). Two (7%) patients died during follow
      up. All survivors were in New York Heart Association class I. Conclusions
      CentriMag is useful for medium-term support for cardiogenic shock in a developing
      country. Support for >4 weeks is feasible. The stroke rate is low during support.
      The major drawback is prolonged intensive care unit stay.

PMID- 28084087
TI  - In Vivo Effect of a 5-HT7 Receptor Agonist on 5-HT Neurons and GABA Interneurons
      in the Dorsal Raphe Nuclei of Sham and PD Rats.
AB  - The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) neurotransmission is severely affected
      by the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Here, we report the
      effects of the systemic administration of the 5-HT7 receptor agonist AS-19. In
      sham rats, the mean response of the 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus
      (DRN) to systemic AS-19 was excitatory and the mean response of the gamma
      aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons was inhibitory. In Parkinson disease (PD)
      rats, the same dose did not affect the 5-HT neurons and only high doses (640
      MUg/kg intravenous) were able to the increase GABA interneuron activity. These
      results indicate that DRN 5-HT neurons and GABA interneurons are regulated by the
      activation of 5-HT7 receptors and that the degeneration of the nigrostriatal
      pathway leads to decreased responses of these neurons to AS-19, which in turn
      suggests that the 5-HT7 receptors on 5-HT neurons and GABA interneurons in PD
      rats are dysfunctional and downregulated.

PMID- 28084088
TI  - The IJA system for systematic reviews: "the whys and hows"<sup/>.

PMID- 28084089
TI  - Metabolic changes in rat serum after administration of suberoylanilide hydroxamic
      acid and discriminated by SVM.
AB  - Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) exerts marked anticancer effects via
      promotion of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and prevention of oncogene expression.
      In this study, serum metabolomics and artificial intelligence recognition were
      used to investigate SAHA toxicity. Forty rats (220 +/- 20 g) were randomly
      divided into control and three SAHA groups (low, medium, and high); the
      experimental groups were treated with 12.3, 24.5, or 49.0 mg kg-1 SAHA once a day
      via intragastric administration. After 7 days, blood samples from the four groups
      were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and
      pathological changes in the liver were examined using microscopy. The results
      showed that increased levels of urea, oleic acid, and glutaconic acid were the
      most significant indicators of toxicity. Octadecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid,
      glycerol, propanoic acid, and uric acid levels were lower in the high SAHA group.
      Microscopic observation revealed no obvious damage to the liver. Based on these
      data, a support vector machine (SVM) discrimination model was established that
      recognized the metabolic changes in the three SAHA groups and the control group
      with 100% accuracy. In conclusion, the main toxicity caused by SAHA was due to
      excessive metabolism of saturated fatty acids, which could be recognized by an
      SVM model.

PMID- 28084091
TI  - CORRIGENDUM to Projected age- and sex-specific prevalence of cardiovascular
      diseases in Western Australian adults from 2005-2045.

PMID- 28084090
TI  - Protective effects of salidroside against isoflurane-induced cognitive impairment
      in rats.
AB  - Postoperative cognitive dysfunction, which is associated with a wide range of
      cognitive functions including working memory, long-term memory, information
      processing, attention, and cognitive flexibility, is a major clinical issue in
      geriatric surgical patients. The aim of the current study was to determine the
      protective role and possible mechanisms of salidroside against isoflurane-induced
      cognitive impairment. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups
      and were treated with or without salidroside before isoflurane exposure. Open
      field and fear conditioning tests were conducted to evaluate the cognitive
      function of the rats. Moreover, the hippocampus tissues were obtained for
      biochemical analysis. The results showed that the isoflurane anesthesia decreased
      the freezing time to context significantly at 48 h after the isoflurane exposure
      in the fear conditioning test. Salidroside could ameliorate isoflurane-induced
      cognitive dysfunction. Further analysis demonstrated salidroside markedly
      suppressed the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta.
      Moreover, salidroside reversed the decreased activity of choline
      acetyltransferase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and content of
      acetylcholine, as well as the increased activity of acetylcholine esterase and
      content of malondialdehyde in hippocampal tissue of isoflurane-exposed rats.
      According to the results, we concluded that that salidroside has a protective
      effect against isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting excessive
      inflammatory responses, decreasing oxidative stress, and regulating the
      cholinergic system.

PMID- 28084092
TI  - Mortality and extent of coronary artery disease in 2776 patients with type 1
      diabetes undergoing coronary angiography: A nationwide study.
AB  - Background In a modern perspective there is limited information on mortality by
      affected coronary vessels assessed by coronary angiography in patients with type
      1 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to characterise distribution of
      coronary artery disease and impact on long-term mortality in patients with type 1
      diabetes undergoing coronary angiography. Design The design of this research was
      a nationwide population-based cohort study. Methods Individuals ( n = 2776) with
      type 1 diabetes undergoing coronary angiography 2001-2013 included in the Swedish
      National Diabetes Registry and Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty
      Registry were followed for mortality until 31 December 2013 (mean 7.1 years). In
      79% the indication was stable or acute coronary artery disease. Coronary artery
      disease was categorised into normal (21%), one- (23%), two- (18%), three- (29%)
      and left main-vessel disease (8%). Results Mean age was 57 years and 58% were
      male. Mean diabetes duration was 35 years, glycated haemoglobin was 67 mmol/mol
      and 44% had normal or one-vessel disease. In multivariate Cox proportional
      analyses hazard ratio for mortality compared with normal findings was 1.09 (95%
      confidence interval 0.80-1.48) for one, 1.43 (1.05-1.94) for two, 1.47 (1.10
      1.96) for three and 1.90 (1.35-2.68) for left main-vessel disease. Renal failure
      2.29 (1.77-2.96) and previous heart failure 1.76 (1.46-2.13) were highly
      associated with mortality. Standard mortality ratio the first year was 5.55 (4.65
      6.56) and decreased to 2.80 (2.18-3.54) after five years. Conclusions In patients
      with type 1 diabetes referred for coronary angiography mortality is influenced by
      numbers of affected coronary vessels. The overall mortality rate was higher
      compared with the general population. These results support early intensive
      prevention of coronary artery disease in this population.

PMID- 28084093
TI  - Time and temperature affect glycolysis in blood samples regardless of fluoride
      based preservatives: a potential underestimation of diabetes.
AB  - Background The inhibition of glycolysis prior to glucose measurement is an
      important consideration when interpreting glucose tolerance tests. This is
      particularly important in gestational diabetes mellitus where prompt diagnosis
      and treatment is essential. A study was planned to investigate the effect of
      preservatives and temperature on glycolysis. Methods Blood samples for glucose
      were obtained from consented females. Lithium heparin and fluoride-EDTA samples
      transported rapidly in ice slurry to the laboratory were analysed for glucose
      concentration and then held either in ice slurry or at room temperature for
      varying time intervals. Paired fluoride-citrate samples were received at room
      temperature and held at room temperature, with analysis at similar time
      intervals. Results No significant difference was noted between mean glucose
      concentrations when comparing different sample types received in ice slurry. The
      mean glucose concentrations decreased significantly for both sets of samples when
      held at room temperature (0.4 mmol/L) and in ice slurry (0.2 mmol/L). A review of
      patient glucose tolerance tests reported in our hospital indicated that 17.8%
      exceeded the recommended diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus.
      It was predicted that if the results of fasting samples were revised to reflect
      the effect of glycolysis at room temperature, the adjusted diagnostic rate could
      increase to 35.3%. Conclusion Preanalytical handling of blood samples for glucose
      analysis is vital. Fluoride-EDTA is an imperfect antiglycolytic, even when the
      samples are transported and analysed rapidly provides such optimal conditions.
      The use of fluoride-citrate tubes may offer a viable alternative in the diagnosis
      of diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 28084094
TI  - Existence of a squamous cell carcinoma antigen-immunoglobulin complex causes a
      deviation between squamous cell carcinoma antigen concentrations determined using
      two different immunoassays: first report of squamous cell carcinoma antigen
      coupling with immunoglobulin A.
AB  - Background Squamous cell carcinoma antigen is used as a tumour marker and is
      routinely measured in clinical laboratories. We validated two different
      immunoassays and found three cases in which the squamous cell carcinoma antigen
      concentrations deviated greatly between the two immunoassays. Here, we aimed to
      elucidate the mechanisms responsible for these deviations. Methods The squamous
      cell carcinoma antigen concentrations were determined using the ARCHITECT SCC
      (CLIA method) and the ST AIA-PACK SCC (FEIA method). We performed polyethylene
      glycol precipitation and size exclusion chromatography to assess the molecular
      weight and spike recovery and absorption tests to examine the presence of an
      autoantibody. Results Both methods exhibited good performances for the
      measurement of squamous cell carcinoma antigen, although a correlation test
      showed large differences in the squamous cell carcinoma antigen concentrations
      measured using the two methods in three cases. The results of polyethylene glycol
      treatment and size exclusion chromatography indicated the existence of a large
      molecular weight squamous cell carcinoma antigen in these three cases. The spike
      recovery tests suggested the possible presence of an autoantibody against
      squamous cell carcinoma antigen. Moreover, the absorption test revealed that
      large squamous cell carcinoma antigen complexes were formed by the association of
      squamous cell carcinoma antigen with IgG in two cases and with both IgG and IgA
      in one case. Conclusions This study describes the existence of large molecular
      weight squamous cell carcinoma antigen that has complexed with immunoglobulin in
      the serum samples. The reason for the deviations between the two immunoassays
      might be due to differences of their reactivities against the squamous cell
      carcinoma antigen immune complexes with their autoantibody. To our knowledge,
      this is the first report to describe the coupling of squamous cell carcinoma
      antigen with IgA.

PMID- 28084096
TI  - Marital Status and Persons With Dementia in Assisted Living.
AB  - Despite the prevalence of dementia among residents in assisted living (AL), few
      researchers have focused on the length of stay (LOS) in AL among this population.
      Little is known about the factors that may contribute to LOS in these settings,
      particularly for residents with dementia. In the current study, a sub-set of AL
      residents with dementia (n = 112) was utilized to examine whether marital status
      was associated with LOS in AL as this has received sparse attention in previous
      research despite studies suggesting that marital status influences LOS in other
      health-care and long-term care settings. The Andersen-Newman behavioral model was
      used as a conceptual framework for the basis of this study of LOS, marital
      status, and dementia in AL. We hypothesized that persons with dementia who were
      married would have longer LOS than unmarried persons with dementia in AL. Cox
      regression was used to examine the association between marital status and LOS in
      AL of residents with dementia and whether activities of daily living were related
      to discharge from AL settings among married and unmarried residents with
      dementia. Main effects for marital status and the interaction between marital
      status and mobility with LOS were examined. Study findings provide information
      related to the psychosocial needs of AL residents with dementia and offer
      implications for assessing the on-going needs of vulnerable AL residents.

PMID- 28084097
TI  - The Reality of Recovery in Personality Disorder, By Heather Castillo.

PMID- 28084099
TI  - Motivational Interviewing: a Guide for Medical Trainees.

PMID- 28084098
TI  - MTNR1A and MTNR1B gene polymorphisms in women with gestational diabetes.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance detected during
      pregnancy. The MTNR1B gene is the genetic locus associated with type 2 diabetes,
      that may affect insulin secretion and pancreatic glucose sensing. In this study,
      we examined the association between MTNR1A (rs2119882) and MTNR1B (rs10830963,
      rs4753426) gene polymorphisms and the risk of GDM. According to the results of
      their oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the women were divided into two groups:
      204 pregnant women with GDM and 207 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance
      (NGT). There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of
      MTNR1A rs2119882 and MTNR1B rs4753426 genotypes and alleles between women with
      GDM and healthy pregnant women. With regard to the MTNR1B rs10830963
      polymorphism, we observed a statistically significant prevalence of GG and CG
      genotypes and the G allele among pregnant women with GDM (GG + CG vs CC, OR 1.50,
      95% CI 1.02-2.22, p = 0.04; G vs C, OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.07-1.90, p = 0.016). In a
      multivariate logistic regression analysis, a higher number of MTNR1B rs10830963 G
      alleles was an independent significant predictor of a higher risk of GDM. The
      results of our study indicate that MTNR1B rs10830963 polymorphism is associated
      with GDM susceptibility, and women with a higher number of G alleles have an
      increased risk of GDM development.

PMID- 28084100
TI  - Intervention research: Appraising study designs, interpreting findings and
      creating research in clinical practice.
AB  - Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are increasingly required to read, interpret
      and create evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions. This requires a
      good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different intervention
      study designs. This paper aims to take readers through a range of designs
      commonly used in speech-language pathology, working from those with the least to
      most experimental control, with a particular focus on how the more robust designs
      avoid some of the limitations of weaker designs. It then discusses the factors
      other than research design which need to be considered when deciding whether or
      not to implement an intervention in clinical practice. The final section offers
      some tips and advice on carrying out research in clinical practice, with the hope
      that more SLPs will become actively involved in creating intervention research.

PMID- 28084101
TI  - Retrograde venography during balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration
      of gastric varices.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in thrombosis in
      gastric varices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen patients were studied who
      underwent balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) for
      gastric varices with a gastrorenal shunt. The B-RTO catheter was retained
      overnight in all patients. Balloon-occluded retrograde venography (B-RTV) was
      performed to evaluate the degree of thrombus formation. This evaluation was done
      twice during the overnight B-RTO procedure: A few hours after the procedure and
      on the following day. Investigated were the degree of thrombus formation observed
      by the first and second B-RTV, change in the degree of thrombus between the first
      and second B-RTV, and whether and how much sclerosing agent was administered on
      the second day. RESULTS: The first B-RTV showed entire or partial enhancement of
      the gastric varix in seven (50%) cases and complete or almost complete lack of
      enhancement in the remaining seven cases. In four of the former seven cases, the
      second B-RTV showed entire or partial enhancement of the gastric varix, and the
      sclerosing agent was added. However, in the remaining ten cases, enhancement was
      almost or completely lacking. CONCLUSION: When complete thrombosis is shown on B
      RTV obtained a few hours after B-RTO, the addition of a sclerotic agent would be
      unnecessary.

PMID- 28084102
TI  - Relationship between caregiving burden and depression in caregivers of
      individuals with intellectual disabilities in Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IWID) need intensive long
      term care. Consequently, caregivers experience not only economic burdens but also
      tension, depression, insecurity, etc. AIM: This study aimed to provide basic data
      and materials for preparing policy alternatives to improve caregiver quality of
      life of by examining relationships between IWID caregiving burden and depression.
      METHODS: This study involved secondary analysis of data from the 2011 Survey on
      the Actual Conditions of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, conducted
      by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea. Effects of caregivers'
      characteristics, caregiving time and cost, and perceptions of time and cost, on
      depression were analyzed. RESULTS: All components of caregiving burden and
      depression were significantly higher in the 1st grade, designating the most
      severe disabilities. Overall, caregiving burden tended to be higher in female
      caregivers, the unemployed, parents, co-residents, and people with health
      problems. Caregivers' characteristics such as spouse relationship, having health
      problems, and perception of caregiving time and cost were associated with
      depression. CONCLUSION: Caregiving burden and depression vary depending on the
      characteristics of IWID and their caregivers. Services for decreasing caregiving
      burden may be optimized by focusing on these characteristics.

PMID- 28084103
TI  - Mental health problems among survivors in hard-hit areas of the 5.12 Wenchuan and
      4.20 Lushan earthquakes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Earthquake exposure has often been associated with psychological
      distress. However, little is known about the cumulative effect of exposure to two
      earthquakes on psychological distress and in particular, the effect on the
      development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression
      disorders. AIMS: This study explored the effect of exposure on mental health
      outcomes after a first earthquake and again after a second earthquake. METHODS: A
      population-based mental health survey using self-report questionnaires was
      conducted on 278 people in the hard-hit areas of Lushan and Baoxing Counties 13
      16 months after the Wenchuan earthquake (Sample 1). 191 of these respondents were
      evaluated again 8-9 months after the Lushan earthquake (Sample 2), which struck
      almost 5 years after the Wenchuan earthquake. RESULTS: In Sample 1, the
      prevalence rates for PTSD, anxiety and depression disorders were 44.53, 54.25 and
      51.82%, respectively, and in Sample 2 the corresponding rates were 27.27, 38.63
      and 36.93%. Females, the middle-aged, those of Tibetan nationality, and people
      who reported fear during the earthquake were at an increased risk of experiencing
      post-traumatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of PTSD, anxiety and
      depression disorders decreased from Sample 1 to Sample 2, the cumulative effect
      of exposure to two earthquakes on mental health problems was serious in the hard
      hit areas. Therefore, it is important that psychological counseling be provided
      for earthquake victims, and especially those exposed to multiple earthquakes.

PMID- 28084105
TI  - Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture: Rethinking the clinical pathway for autism
      spectrum disorder and challenging the status quo.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typically diagnosed between 2 and 5 years of
      age, which is currently thought to be the earliest that the behavioural symptoms
      are able to be identified without ambiguity. A significant problem with this
      relatively "late" age of diagnosis is that by the time a child has been
      identified and diagnosed with ASD, many of the best opportunities for therapies
      to capitalise upon brain plasticity very early in development are not realised.
      This paper provides an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of the current
      clinical pathway that places primacy on a diagnostic assessment for triggering
      the commencement of therapy. The paper then presents an alternative clinical
      pathway - the identification and provision of therapy to infants at risk of ASD -
      and provides a critical review of current evidence supporting this model. The aim
      of the paper is to outline a vision for the future of early identification and
      intervention of individuals with ASD, and the research goals that need to be
      addressed to achieve this vision.

PMID- 28084106
TI  - Severe antiphospholipid antibody syndrome - response to plasmapheresis and
      rituximab.
AB  - Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease
      characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis, recurrent abortions and
      detection of antiphospholipid antibodies. In fulminant cases, involvement of
      multiple organs can lead to significant morbidity and even fatal outcomes, so
      that a rapid, interdisciplinary treatment is needed. Here, we describe the case
      of a 39-year-old woman with a severe hard-to-treat APS with arterial occlusion
      and progressive skin necrosis, who was successfully treated with a combination
      therapy with plasmapheresis and rituximab. The treatment led to complete
      remission of the skin lesions for over a year. Clinical response correlated with
      a long-lasting reduction of antiphospholipid antibodies and B-cell depletion.
      This case demonstrates the use of antiphospholipid antibodies for monitoring APS
      activity and shows that this severe vascular disease requires rigorous
      therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 28084107
TI  - The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving dabigatran etexilate:
      a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence on the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated
      with dabigatran etexilate (DE) is contrasting. We performed a meta-analysis of
      literature to address this issue. METHODS AND RESULTS: Studies on GI bleeding
      risk in patients receiving DE or vitamin-K antagonists (VKA) were systematically
      searched. Twenty-three studies (26 datasets) showed no difference in the GI
      bleeding risk between the 250,871 patients treated with DE and the 460,386
      receiving VKA (OR: 1.052, 95% CI: 0.815, 1.359). Similar results were obtained
      when pooling together adjusted ORs/HRs, obtained by means of multivariate
      analysis (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.914, 1.222). Compared with VKA, DE use was
      associated with a significantly lower risk of upper GI (OR: 0.742, 95% CI: 0.569,
      0.968), but not of lower GI bleedings (OR: 1.208, 95% CI: 0.902, 1.619).
      Furthermore, no significant difference in the GI bleeding risk was found when
      data on DE 110 mg and DE 150 mg twice-daily were separately compared with VKA.
      CONCLUSIONS: No difference in GI bleeding risk was found between DE and VKA.
      These results were confirmed for both dosages of DE and when specifically
      analyzing lower GI bleeding. In contrast, the risk of upper GI bleeding was lower
      with DE than with VKA. KEY MESSAGES No difference in the risk of gastrointestinal
      (GI) bleeding can be found between dabigatran etexilate (DE) and vitamin K
      antagonists (VKA). These results are confirmed for both dosages of DE. The risk
      of upper GI bleeding is lower with DE than with VKA.

PMID- 28084108
TI  - Enhanced hepatic insulin signaling in the livers of high altitude native rats
      under basal conditions and in the livers of low altitude native rats under
      insulin stimulation: a mechanistic study.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate the role of the liver in lowering fasting
      blood glucose levels (FBG) in rats native to high (HA) and low altitude (LA)
      areas. As compared with LA natives, besides the improved insulin and glucose
      tolerance, HA native rats had lower FBG, at least mediated by inhibition of
      hepatic gluconeogenesis and activation of glycogen synthesis. An effect that is
      mediated by the enhancement of hepatic insulin signaling mediated by the
      decreased phosphorylation of TSC induced inhibition of mTOR function. Such effect
      was independent of activation of AMPK nor stabilization of HIF1alpha, but most
      probably due to oxidative stress induced REDD1 expression. However, under insulin
      stimulation, and in spite of the less activated mTOR function in HA native rats,
      LA native rats had higher glycogen content and reduced levels of gluconeogenic
      enzymes with a more enhanced insulin signaling, mainly due to higher levels of p
      IRS1 (tyr612).

PMID- 28084109
TI  - How to treat recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer: the economic issue in
      real-world practice.

PMID- 28084110
TI  - A novel method for electronic measurement and recording of surgical drain output.
AB  - Surgical drains are used to collect and measure fluids (e.g. serous fluid, lymph,
      blood, etc.). The volume of fluid in the container is measured using graded
      markings on the container and then recorded manually on a "drain chart" allowing
      for manual rate calculations. This method is dependant on regularly checking the
      volume of the drain and recording the value accurately; unfortunately, this is
      often not feasible due to staffing levels and time constraints. This results in
      inaccurate "drain charts" making clinical decisions based on these figures
      unreliable. Often the lack of confidence in these measurements leads to delayed
      drain removal with consequent increased infection risks and potential delayed
      discharge. Accurate digital measurement of drain content would have a significant
      impact on clinical care. This paper describes a digital technology to measure
      volume, making use of a positive terminal at the lowest point of the vessel and
      negative (sensor) terminals placed at accurate intervals along an axis of the
      vessel. A proof-of-concept prototype was developed using commercially available
      electronic components to test the feasibility of a technology for electronic
      measurement and recording of surgical drain content. In a simulated environment,
      the proposed technology was shown to be effective and accurate. The proposed
      electronic drain has a number of advantages over currently used devices in saving
      time and easing pressure on nursing staff, reduce disturbance of patients, and
      allows for preset alarms.

PMID- 28084111
TI  - Day hospital treatment for people with severe mental illness according to users'
      perspectives: what helps and what hinders recovery?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scarce information is available about how users experience treatment
      at mental health day hospitals, particularly in South America. AIMS: To explore
      users' perspectives about elements of day hospital treatment that facilitate or
      hinder the recovery process in a mental health facility in Buenos Aires,
      Argentina. METHODS: Semi-structured individual interviews (n = 8) and focus
      groups (n = 4) were carried out with a convenience sample of users of a mental
      health day hospital program based on a formulation, testing and redevelopment of
      propositions approach. Results were analyzed through grounded theory techniques.
      RESULTS: Categories indicating recovery were: starting to do things, being able
      to see themselves from a new perspective, mood improvement and changes in
      interpersonal relationships. Aspects facilitating recovery were: activities
      organized by the facility, the group approach, the care provided by facility
      workers and the physical environment. Hindering aspects were: heterogeneity of
      users in terms of age, severity, diagnosis and being underestimated by staff.
      CONCLUSIONS: Being active again was considered to be the main recovery indicator
      in this cultural context and participating in activities led by skilled
      facilitators was the most beneficial factor of the program according to the
      users.

PMID- 28084112
TI  - Changes in semantic fluency across childhood: Normative data from Australian
      English speakers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Verbal fluency tests are often used as part of an assessment battery to
      investigate children's lexical knowledge as well as executive function skills. To
      date, however, issues surrounding consistency of measurement cloud comparisons
      across studies, with the developmental performance of Australian-English speaking
      children also currently lacking. This study tracked verbal fluency development as
      measured by two semantic fluency tasks that included coding of fluency,
      clustering and switching type responses. METHOD: Participants included 355
      typically developing Australian-English speaking children (4-10 years) and 46
      young adults. Total fluency was determined by the number of words produced for
      each category (Animals or Food), minus repetitions and rule violations. Semantic
      clusters (words generated within a subcategory) were coded while switches between
      single words or subcategories were differentiated and coded as either hard or
      cluster switches. RESULT: Fluency showed consistent improvement over age. Cluster
      Switches and Hard Switches showed some evidence of a plateau in performance
      relative to fluency, but in opposite direction. Other measures showed no strong
      trends over age. Results were similar for both semantic categories. CONCLUSION:
      Our results highlight the rich information available within a semantic fluency
      task and the importance of differentiating hard and cluster switches in
      paediatric samples.

PMID- 28084113
TI  - Risk factors leading to mucoperiosteal flap necrosis after primary palatoplasty
      in patents with cleft palate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have been published reporting risk factors for flap
      necrosis after primary palatoplasty in patients with cleft palate. This
      complication is rare, and the event is a disaster for both the patient and the
      surgeon. This study was performed to explore the associations between different
      risk factors and the development of flap necrosis after primary palatoplasty in
      patients with cleft palate. METHODS: This is a case-control study. A 20 years
      retrospective analysis (1994-2015) of patients with nonsyndromic cleft palate was
      identified from medical records and screening day registries). Demographical and
      risk factor data were collected using a patient's report, including information
      about age at surgery, gender, cleft palate type, and degree of severity. Odds
      ratios and 95% confident intervals were derived from logistic regression
      analysis. RESULTS: All cases with diagnoses of flap necrosis after primary
      palatoplasty were included in the study (48 patients) and 156 controls were
      considered. In multivariate analysis, female sex, age (older than 15 years),
      cleft type (bilateral and incomplete), and severe cleft palate index were
      associated with significantly increased risk for flap necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings suggest that female sex, older age, cleft type (bilateral and
      incomplete), and severe cleft palatal index may be associated with the
      development of flap necrosis after primary palatoplasty in patients with cleft
      palate.

PMID- 28084114
TI  - Results of a 5-year contraceptive trial in parous and nulliparous women with a
      new LNG-IUS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report on the contraceptive performance and continuation of a new T
      shaped LNG-IUS, releasing 20 MUg of levonorgestrel/day, in both parous and
      nulliparous nulliparous women after 5 years of use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An
      observational prospective contraceptive study conducted in parous and nulliparous
      women up to 48 years of age. RESULTS: The study was conducted in a sample size of
      356 women of whom 67.1% were parous and 32.9% were nulliparous with mean age of
      35.1 (range 15-48). The total cumulative observation period was 27 269 woman
      months. Only one accidental pregnancy was observed and two expulsions were
      reported with no partial expulsions. There were 12.7% medical removals for
      abnormal bleeding, pain and other medical reasons, mostly not related to the use
      of the LNG-IUS, and 13.3% removals in women wishing to become pregnant. The
      discontinuation rate at 5 years amounts to 25.7% including women with pregnancy
      wish, who used the LNG-IUS for an average of 44 months. There were no serious
      adverse events (e.g. perforation, pelvic inflammatory disease). CONCLUSION: The
      LNG-IUS used in this study is highly effective and well tolerated resulting in a
      high continuation of use. The only two expulsions that occurred during the study
      is remarkable. The ease and safety of insertion together with optimal retention
      is considered an advance in intrauterine contraceptive device technology.

PMID- 28084115
TI  - Insomnia and PTSD one month after wildfires: evidence for an independent role of
      the "fear of imminent death".
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The relationship of insomnia with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
      (PTSD) one month after wildfires and more specifically with the experience of
      'fear of imminent death' were investigated. METHODS: Ninety-two randomly chosen
      victims of wildfires in the Greek province of Ilia, were assessed through a
      specifically designed semi-structured psychiatric interview comprising of
      questionnaires and scales to measure psychopathology, as well as psychosocial and
      environmental parameters. PTSD was set according to ICD-10 research diagnostic
      criteria, while insomnia was assessed with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS).
      RESULTS: The presence of insomnia was identified in 63.0% of the victims. 46.7%
      of the participants were diagnosed with PTSD in the first post-disaster month,
      while 51.1% of the total sample experienced 'fear of imminent death'. The
      majority of sleep complaints were significantly more frequent in subjects with
      PTSD. Female gender, PTSD, older age, and 'fear of imminent death' were
      independently associated with insomnia. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present
      study indicate that the diagnosis of insomnia, as well as, certain specific
      insomnia complaints were more frequent in female victims of wildfires who have
      experienced 'fear of imminent death' and have developed PTSD.

PMID- 28084116
TI  - Does personality influence job acquisition and tenure in people with severe
      mental illness enrolled in supported employment programs?
AB  - BACKGROUND: When employment difficulties in people with severe mental illness
      (SMI) occur, it could be partly linked to issues not specific to SMI, such as
      personality traits or problems. Despite the fact that personality has a marked
      influence on almost every aspect of work behavior, it has scarcely been
      investigated in the context of employment for people with SMI. AIMS: We aimed to
      evaluate if personality was more predictive than clinical variables of different
      competitive work outcomes, namely acquisition of competitive employment, delay to
      acquisition and job tenure. METHOD: A sample of 82 people with a SMI enrolled in
      supported employment programs (SEP) was recruited and asked to complete various
      questionnaires and interviews. Statistical analyses included logistic regressions
      and survival analyses (Cox regressions). RESULTS: Prior employment, personality
      problems and negative symptoms are significantly related to acquisition of a
      competitive employment and to delay to acquisition whereas the conscientiousness
      personality trait was predictive of job tenure. CONCLUSION: Our results point out
      the relevance of personality traits and problems as predictors of work outcomes
      in people with SMI registered in SEP. Future studies should recruit larger
      samples and also investigate these links with other factors related to work
      outcomes.

PMID- 28084118
TI  - The Wiley handbook of art therapy, edited by David E. Gussak and Marcia L. Rosal.

PMID- 28084117
TI  - Making sound waves: selected papers from the 2016 annual conference of the
      National Hearing Conservation Association.

PMID- 28084119
TI  - Quantitative assessment of the effects of 6 months of adapted physical activity
      on gait in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to quantitatively assess the effect of 6
      months of supervised adapted physical activity (APA i.e. physical activity
      designed for people with special needs) on spatio-temporal and kinematic
      parameters of gait in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). METHODS: Twenty-two
      pwMS with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores ranging from 1.5 to 5.5 were
      randomly assigned either to the intervention group (APA, n = 11) or the control
      group (CG, n = 11). The former underwent 6 months of APA consisting of 3 weekly
      60-min sessions of aerobic and strength training, while CG participants were
      engaged in no structured PA program. Gait patterns were analyzed before and after
      the training using three-dimensional gait analysis by calculating spatio-temporal
      parameters and concise indexes of gait kinematics (Gait Profile Score - GPS and
      Gait Variable Score - GVS) as well as dynamic Range of Motion (ROM) of hip, knee,
      and ankle joints. RESULTS: The training originated significant improvements in
      stride length, gait speed and cadence in the APA group, while GPS and GVS scores
      remained practically unchanged. A trend of improvement was also observed as
      regard the dynamic ROM of hip, knee, and ankle joints. No significant changes
      were observed in the CG for any of the parameters considered. CONCLUSIONS: The
      quantitative analysis of gait supplied mixed evidence about the actual impact of
      6 months of APA on pwMS. Although some improvements have been observed, the
      substantial constancy of kinematic patterns of gait suggests that the full
      transferability of the administered training on the ambulation function may
      require more specific exercises. Implications for rehabilitation Adapted Physical
      Activity (APA) is effective in improving spatio-temporal parameters of gait, but
      not kinematics, in people with multiple sclerosis. Dynamic range of motion during
      gait is increased after APA. The full transferability of APA on the ambulation
      function may require specific exercises rather than generic lower limbs
      strength/flexibility training.

PMID- 28084120
TI  - Inflammatory arthritis and systemic bone loss are attenuated by gastrointestinal
      helminth parasites.
AB  - Infections with different helminth species have been observed to ameliorate a
      variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. Herein, we show that the natural murine
      helminth species, Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hp) is capable of attenuating
      disease severity in two different inflammatory arthritis models. Furthermore, we
      show that excretory-secretory (ES) products from Hp directly suppress osteoclast
      differentiation in vitro. Taken together, these results demonstrate that helminth
      infections can dampen autoimmune diseases and highlight a previously unrecognized
      and important role for ES products, by directly impacting on bone destruction.

PMID- 28084121
TI  - Predictors of emotional exhaustion, disengagement and burnout among improving
      access to psychological therapies (IAPT) practitioners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among mental health staff, burnout has been associated with
      undesirable outcomes, such as physical and mental ill-health, high levels of
      staff turnover and poorer patient care. AIMS: To estimate the prevalence and
      predictors of burnout amongst Improving Access to Psychological Therapist (IAPT)
      practitioners. METHODS: IAPT practitioners (N = 201) completed an on-line survey
      measuring time spent per week on different types of work related activity. These
      were investigated as predictors of burnout (measured using the Oldenburg Burnout
      Inventory). RESULTS: The prevalence of burnout was 68.6% (95% confidence interval
      (CI) 58.8-77.3%) among psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWP) and 50.0% (95%
      CI 39.6-60.4%) among high intensity (HI) therapists. Among PWPs hours of overtime
      predicted higher odds of burnout and hours of clinical supervision predicted
      lower odds of burnout. The odds of burnout increased with telephone hours of
      patient contact among PWPs who had worked in the service for two or more years.
      None of the job characteristics significantly predicted burnout among HI
      therapists. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a high prevalence of burnout among
      IAPT practitioners. Strategies to reduce burnout among PWPs involving reductions
      in workload, particularly telephone contact and increases in clinical supervision
      need to be evaluated.

PMID- 28084123
TI  - Benedict J. Marafino (1947-2011).

PMID- 28084122
TI  - Plasma endothelin-1 levels in patients with resistant hypertension: effects of
      renal sympathetic denervation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Resistant arterial hypertension (RHT) is defined as poor controlled
      blood pressure (BP) despite optimal doses of three or more antihypertensive
      agents, including a diuretic. In the development of RHT, hyperactivity of
      sympathetic (SNS) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (SRAA) systems are involved,
      and SNS is a potent stimulator of vasoactive endothelin-1 (ET-1) peptide. Renal
      sympathetic denervation (RSD) through disrupting renal afferent and efferent
      nerves attenuates SNS activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out pilot study
      investigating the effect of RSD on BP and plasma ET-1 levels in consecutive 9 RHT
      patients (7 male and 2 female, mean age of 56 +/- 13.3). RESULTS: After 12 months
      of the RSD, we observed a significant reduction of BP office, 24-h ambulatory BP
      monitoring (ABPM) (p < 0.05, respectively), and "non-dipping" pattern (from 55%
      to 35%) (p < 0.05). Moreover, RSD significantly decreased plasma ET-1 levels in
      both renal artery (at right from 21.8 +/- 4.1 to 16.8 +/- 2.9 pg/ml; p = 0.004;
      at left from 22.1 +/- 3.7 to 18.9 +/- 3.3 pg/ml; p = 0.02). We observed positive
      correlations between plasma renal arteries ET-1 levels and systolic BP values at
      ABPM [Global-SBP (r = 0.58; p < 0.01), Diurnal-SBP (r = 0.51; p < 0.03) and
      Nocturnal-SBP (r = 0.58; p < 0.01), respectively]. DISCUSSION: Our data confirmed
      the positive effects of RSD on BP values in patients with RHT, and showed a
      possible physio-pathological role of ET-1. KEY MESSAGES RSD is associated to a
      significant reduction of plasma ET-1 levels, representing an useful tool into
      reduction of BP in RHT patients.

PMID- 28084125
TI  - Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanol and aqueous extracts from
      Urtica urens.
AB  - CONTEXT: Urtica urens L. (Urticaceae) is an important and commonly used plant for
      its medicinal and pharmacological properties. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the
      antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the leaves of Urtica urens in ethanol
      (EtOH) and water (WA) solvents, employing standard analytical methods. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Polyphenol, flavonoid and tannin content of Urtica urens leaves were
      determined, after their extraction, using EtOH (70%) and WA extracts as well as
      the antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, beta-carotene and FRAP) and the antibacterial (via
      the method of dilution tests) activities of EtOH and WA extracts. RESULTS: The
      70% EtOH of Urtica urens showed the highest values of total phenolic (31.41 mg
      GAE/g DW), flavonoids (6.81 mg quercetin/g DW), tannin (8.29 mg GAE/g DW) and
      TEAC (560 mmol Trolox/g DW), compared to the WA. The results of DPPH for EtOH
      (95.56%) were higher than that of WA (64.56%) at a concentration of 40 mg/L. The
      extracts displayed a FRAP 106.23 for EtOH and 30.55 MUmol Fe(II)/g DW for WA. The
      results clearly indicated that EtOH was the strongest radical scavenger (IC50 =
      245.65 +/- 10.2 MUg/mL). Ethanol was the most effective with minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) < 250 MUg/mL. WA has no antibacterial activity. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSION: The results indicate that leaves of Urtica urens could be used as
      natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

PMID- 28084126
TI  - Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and Clinical Impairment
      Assessment (CIA): clinical norms and functional impairment in male and female
      adults with eating disorders.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the current study was to collect clinical normative data for the
      Clinical Impairment Assessment questionnaire (CIA) and the Eating Disorder
      Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) from adult patients with eating disorders
      (EDs). This study also examined unique contributions of eating disorder (ED)
      symptoms on levels of ED-related impairment. METHODS: A sample of 667 patients,
      620 females and 47 males, was recruited from six specialist centres across
      Norway. The majority of the sample (40.3%) was diagnosed with eating disorder not
      otherwise specified (EDNOS), 34.5% had bulimia nervosa (BN), and 25.2% were
      diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN). RESULTS: There were significant differences
      for global EDE-Q and CIA scores between females and males. In the female sample,
      significant differences were found on several EDE-Q sub-scales between the AN and
      BN group, and between the AN and EDNOS group. No significant differences were
      found between the diagnostic groups on the CIA. In the male sample, no
      significant differences were found between diagnostic groups on the EDE-Q or CIA.
      A multiple regression analysis revealed that 46.8% of the variance in impairment
      as measured by the CIA was accounted for by ED symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Body mass
      index, Eating Concern, Shape/Weight Concern, and binge eating served as
      significant, unique predictors of impairment. The results from the present study
      contribute to the interpretation of EDE-Q and CIA scores in ED samples.

PMID- 28084129
TI  - Order Form (August 2013).

PMID- 28084127
TI  - Vincristine and E-viniferine-loaded PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticles: pharmaceutical
      characteristics, cellular uptake and cytotoxicity.
AB  - The objective of this study was to prepare the E-viniferine and vincristine
      loaded PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticle and to investigate advantages of these
      formulations on the cytotoxicity of HepG2 cells. Prepared nanoparticle has shown
      a homogeneous distribution with 113 +/- 0.43 nm particle size and 0.323 +/- 0.01
      polydispersity index. Zeta potential was determined as -35.03 +/- 1.0 mV. The
      drug-loading percentages were 6.01 +/- 0.23 and 2.01 +/- 0.07 for E-viniferine
      and vincristine, respectively. The cellular uptake efficiency of coumarin-6
      loaded nanoparticles was increased up to 87.8% after 4 h. Nanoparticles loaded
      with high concentrations of both drugs showed a cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cells,
      having the percentage of cell viability of between 43.23% and 47.37%.
      Unfortunately, the percentage of apoptotic cells after treated with drugs-loaded
      nanaoparticles (10.93%) was similar to free forms of drugs (12.1%) that might be
      due to low E-viniferine release in biological pH at 24 h.

PMID- 28084130
TI  - Membership Renewal.

PMID- 28084131
TI  - Association News from the ILCA Board of Directors.

PMID- 28084132
TI  - Independent Study Module for Lactation Consultants.

PMID- 28084133
TI  - Use of geriatric assessment and screening tools of frailty in elderly patients
      with prostate cancer. Review.
AB  - The management of prostate cancer in the elderly is a major public health concern
      in most countries. Currently, most prostate cancers are diagnosed in elderly
      males. The elderly population is very heterogeneous. Thus, the current challenge
      is to identify better those individuals for whom specific screening tools and a
      Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) would be beneficial. On the basis of the
      recommendations of the Prostate Cancer Working Group in the International Society
      of Geriatric Oncology, older patients with prostate cancer should be managed
      according to their individual health status and not by their age. CGA is the best
      tool for determining the health status of an older patient. In this article, we
      sought to assemble all available evidence on the models of CGA and the prevalence
      of geriatric conditions in older patients with prostate cancer. We also discuss
      the feasibility of the most used screening tools in elderly patients, that is,
      the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) and G-8 as screening tools in this group
      of patients.

PMID- 28084134
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the Young Person's Clinical
      Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (YP-CORE) questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increasing need exists for suitable measures to evaluate treatment
      outcome in adolescents. YP-CORE is a pan-theoretical brief questionnaire
      developed for this purpose, but it lacks studies in different cultures or
      languages. AIMS: To explore the acceptability, factor structure, reliability,
      validity, and sensitivity to change of the Finnish translation of YP-CORE.
      METHODS: The study was conducted at the Department of Adolescent Psychiatry,
      Helsinki University Central Hospital. A Finnish translation was prepared by a
      team of professionals and adolescents. A clinical sample of 104 patients was
      asked to complete the form together with BDI-21 and BAI, and 92 of them filled
      the forms again after a 3-month treatment. Analysis included acceptability,
      confirmatory factor analysis, internal and test-re-test reliability, concurrent
      validity, influence of gender and age, and criteria for reliable change. RESULTS:
      YP-CORE was well accepted, and the rate of missing values was low. Internal
      consistency (alpha = 0.83-.92) and test-re-test reliability were good (r = 0.69),
      and the results of CFA supported a one-factor model. YP-CORE showed good
      concurrent validity against two widely used symptom-specific measures (r = 0.62
      0.87). Gender had a moderately strong effect on the scores (d = 0.67), but the
      effect of age was not as evident. The measure was sensitive to change, showing a
      larger effect size (d = 0.55) than in the BDI-21 and BAI (d = 0.31-0.50).
      CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the translation of YP-CORE into Finnish has
      been successful, the YP-CORE has good psychometric properties, and the measure
      could be taken into wider use in clinical settings for outcome measurement in
      adolescents.

PMID- 28084135
TI  - Calcium gluconate as cross-linker improves survival and shelf life of
      encapsulated and dried Metarhizium brunneum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the
      application as biological control agents.
AB  - Calcium chloride (CC) is the most common cross-linker for the encapsulation of
      biocontrol microorganisms in alginate beads. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate if calcium gluconate (CG) can replace CC as cross-linker and at the same
      time improve viability after drying and rehydration, hygroscopic properties,
      shelf life and nutrient supply. Hence, the biocontrol fungi Metarhizium brunneum
      and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were encapsulated in Ca-alginate beads supplemented
      with starch. Beads were dried and maximum survival was found in beads cross
      linked with CG. Beads prepared with CG showed lower hygroscopic properties, but a
      higher shelf life for encapsulated fungi. Moreover, we demonstrated that
      gluconate has a nutritive effect on encapsulated fungi, leading to increased
      mycelium growth of M. brunneum and to enhanced CO2 release from beads containing
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The application of CG as cross-linker will pave the way
      towards increasing drying survival and shelf life of various, especially drying
      sensitive microbes.

PMID- 28084136
TI  - Evidence-based cross validation for acoustic power transmission for a novel
      treatment system.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The novel Trans-Fusimo Treatment System (TTS) is designed to
      control Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) therapy to ablate
      liver tumours under respiratory motion. It is crucial to deliver the acoustic
      power within tolerance limits for effective liver tumour treatment via MRgFUS.
      Before application in a clinical setting, evidence of reproducibility and
      reliability is a must for safe practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TTS software
      delivers the acoustic power via ExAblate-2100 Conformal Bone System (CBS)
      transducer. A built-in quality assurance application was developed to measure the
      force values, using a novel protocol to measure the efficiency for the electrical
      power values of 100 and 150W for 6s of sonication. This procedure was repeated 30
      times by two independent users against the clinically approved ExAblate-2100 CBS
      for cross-validation. RESULTS: Both systems proved to deliver the power within
      the accepted efficiency levels (70-90%). Two sample t-tests were used to assess
      the differences in force values between the ExAblate-2100 CBS and the TTS (p >
      0.05). Bland-Altman plots were used to demonstrate the limits of agreement
      between the two systems falling within the 10% limits of agreement. Two sample t
      tests indicated that TTS does not have user dependency (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      The TTS software proved to deliver the acoustic power without exceeding the
      safety levels. Results provide evidence as a part of ISO13485 regulations for CE
      marking purposes. The developed methodology could be utilised as a part of
      quality assurance system in clinical settings; when the TTS is used in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28084137
TI  - Preservation of deep-layer fat of lateral zones prevents postoperative seroma
      after TRAM-flap harvesting for breast reconstruction: a retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study elucidates whether or not preserving fat tissues
      deeper than the Scarpa's fascia in zone 3 and zone 4 reduces postoperative fluid
      collection after harvesting the transverse rectus-abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap.
      METHODS: Thirty-one patients for whom breast reconstruction with free TRAM flaps
      had been performed were included in the study. Fat tissues deeper than the
      Scarpa's fascia in zone 3 and zone 4 were addressed in two ways. With 17
      patients, these tissues were preserved on the abdominal wall; with 14 patients,
      these fat tissues were harvested as part of the TRAM flap. The former and latter
      groups were named the Preservation Group and Non-Preservation Group,
      respectively. Drainage tubes were placed at the donor site until daily drainage
      became less than 20 ml, at which time the tubes were removed. The total amount of
      postoperative fluid drained from the donor site and the days required before tube
      removal were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total volume of
      drained fluid was significantly greater for the Non-Preservation Group (444 +/-
      48.2 ml) than for the Preservation Group (230 +/- 21.9 ml); the period before
      removal of drainage tubes was significantly longer for the Non-Preservation Group
      (12.4 +/- 0.84 days) than for the Preservation Group (7.6 +/- 0.55 days).
      CONCLUSION: Preservation of deep-fat tissues in zone 3 and zone 4 reduces
      postoperative fluid exuded from the donor site, and enables earlier removal of
      drainage tubes. For cases where optimal breast shape can be achieved without
      these fat tissues, the fat tissues should be preserved.

PMID- 28084138
TI  - Intraoperative vasopressors and thrombotic complications in free flap breast
      reconstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to critically examine intraoperative
      vasopressor usage as it relates to free flap perfusion and its effect on
      perioperative complications in autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort study was performed involving all free autologous breast
      reconstructions at a single institution over a 5 year period. Data collection
      focused on perioperative care, specifically fluid administration, urine output
      (UOP), use of vasopressors, and case duration. Outcomes included major
      intraoperative and postoperative complications. Patients who received
      intraoperative vasopressors were compared to all patients who did not. The use,
      type, and timing of the vasopressor agent were assessed with standard statistical
      analyses and regression modelling. RESULTS: Six hundred and eighty-two patients
      reconstructed with 1039 flaps were included. Of these, 475 (69.6%) patients
      received vasopressors. The vasopressor cohort was older (p = 0.001), with higher
      rates of hypertension (p = 0.02). They had a greater number of hypotensive
      episodes (2.3 vs 0.8, p < 0.0001) and received a greater volume of fluid (4653.0
      vs 4291.7 ml, p = 0.004). Examining complications, no increase in intraoperative
      thrombotic events (arterial or venous) or flap loss was noted with vasopressor
      administration. A higher rate of minor complications was, however, noted (53.1%
      vs 43.0%, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the use of
      intraoperative vasopressor agents in the anaesthetic care of free flap breast
      reconstruction patients is common, but likely does not impact thrombotic events
      or flap loss. Minor complications may, however, be more common in these patients.

PMID- 28084139
TI  - A high frequency missense SULT1B1 allelic variant (L145V) selectively expressed
      in African descendants exhibits altered kinetic properties.
AB  - 1. Human cytosolic sulfotransferase 1B1 (SULT1B1) sulfates small phenolic
      compounds and bioactivates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. To date, no SULT1B1
      allelic variants have been well-characterized. 2. While cloning SULT1B1 from
      human endometrial specimens, an allelic variant resulting in valine instead of
      leucine at the 145th amino acid position (L145V) was detected. NCBI reported this
      alteration as the highest frequency SULT1B1 allelic variant. 3. L145V frequency
      comprised 9% of 37 mixed-population human patients and was specific to African
      Americans with an allelic frequency of 25%. Structurally, replacement of leucine
      with valine potentially destabilizes a conserved helix (alpha8) that forms the
      "floor" of both the substrate and PAPS binding domains. This destabilization
      results in altered kinetic properties including a four-fold decrease in affinity
      for PAP (3', 5'-diphosphoadenosine). Kms for 3'-phosphoadenosine- 5'
      phosphosulfate (PAPS) are similar; however, maximal turnover rate of the variant
      isoform (0.86 pmol/(min*MUg)) is slower than wild-type (WT) SULT1B1 (1.26
      pmol/(min*MUg)). The L145V variant also displays altered kinetics toward small
      phenolic substrates, including a diminished p-nitrophenol Km and increased
      susceptibility to 1-naphthol substrate inhibition. 4. No significant correlation
      between genotype and prostate or colorectal cancer was observed in patients;
      however, the variant isoform could underlie specific pathologies in sub-Saharan
      African carriers.

PMID- 28084140
TI  - The impact of cancer survivorship care plans on patient and health care provider
      outcomes: a current perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To help the growing number of cancer survivors deal with the
      challenges of cancer survivorship, survivorship care plans (SCPs) were
      recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2006. The SCP is a formal
      document that contains both a tailored treatment summary and a follow-up care
      plan. Since the IOM recommendation 10 years ago, the implementation in daily
      clinical practice is minimal. Several studies have investigated the effects of
      SCPs on patient-reported outcomes and oncology and primary care providers (PCPs),
      but the quantity and quality of these studies are limited. RESULTS: The first
      four randomized trials comparing SCP delivery with usual care failed to show a
      positive effect on satisfaction with information provision, satisfaction with
      care, distress or quality of life. SCPs did improve the amount of information
      provided and communication of PCPs with medical specialists and patients. A
      recent small trial that changed the focus from SCP as primarily an information
      delivery intervention to a behavioral intervention did observe positive effects
      on self-reported health, lower social role limitations and a trend towards
      greater self-efficacy. Gaps in knowledge about SCPs include uncertainty about
      content and length of the SCP; whether it should be delivered online or on paper;
      the timing and frequency of delivery; which health care provide should deliver
      SCP care. Finally, cost-effectiveness of SCP interventions has received limited
      attention. CONCLUSION: Currently, there is not enough evidence to warrant large
      scale implementation of SCPs, or to abandon SCPs altogether. Emphasis on the SCP
      process and survivor engagement, supporting self-management may be an important
      way forward in SCP delivery. Whether this is beneficial and cost-effective on the
      long term and among different groups of cancer survivors needs further
      investigation.

PMID- 28084141
TI  - Routine clinical application of virtual reality in abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The advantages of 3D reconstruction, immersive virtual reality (VR)
      and 3D printing in abdominal surgery have been enunciated for many years, but
      still today their application in routine clinical practice is almost nil. We
      investigate their feasibility, user appreciation and clinical impact. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Fifteen patients undergoing pancreatic, hepatic or renal surgery
      were studied realizing a 3D reconstruction of target anatomy. Then, an immersive
      VR environment was developed to import 3D models, and some details of the 3D
      scene were printed. All the phases of our workflow employed open-source software
      and low-cost hardware, easily implementable by other surgical services. A
      qualitative evaluation of the three approaches was performed by 20 surgeons, who
      filled in a specific questionnaire regarding a clinical case for each organ
      considered. RESULTS: Preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative guidance
      was feasible for all patients included in the study. The vast majority of
      surgeons interviewed scored their quality and usefulness as very good.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite extra time, costs and efforts necessary to implement these
      systems, the benefits shown by the analysis of questionnaires recommend to invest
      more resources to train physicians to adopt these technologies routinely, even if
      further and larger studies are still mandatory.

PMID- 28084142
TI  - The role of sex steroid hormones in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains a
      mystery to scientists; estrogen/androgen imbalance in aged men has been
      implicated. METHODS: Thirty (30) apparently healthy men and newly diagnosed BPH
      patients were recruited from the Ghana Police Hospital. Lower urinary tract
      syndrome (LUTS) and prostate volume were assessed via the prostate symptom score
      sheet (IPSS) and abdominopelvic scan, respectively. Laboratory assays for total
      prostate specific antigen (tPSA) and hormones [androstenedione (AED),
      testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstanedioladiol (3alpha-adiol),
      androstanediol (3beta-diol), estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2)] were performed via
      ELISA techniques. Non-parametric analyses were employed. p < 0.05 was considered
      significant. RESULTS: AED was significantly higher in controls compared to the
      BPH patients. AKRIC2 (3alpha-diol/DHT) was significantly higher in the BPH group
      (p < 0.001) whiles AKRIC1 (3beta-diol/DHT) was significantly lower. Estradiol was
      significantly higher in BPH (p= 0.029). Age correlated negatively with T, while a
      negative correlation was observed between TIPSS and 3beta-diol and AKRIC1. Also,
      prostate volume correlated negatively with fT.tPSA correlated positively with E2
      and aromatase activity (E2/T) and negatively with fT. On multiple linear
      regression, DHT and 3beta-diol remained independent predictors for TIPSS and fT
      for tPSA. CONCLUSION: Estrogens and androstanediols seem to play a role in BPH
      development.

PMID- 28084143
TI  - A portable surgical navigation device to display resection planes for bone tumor
      surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Surgical navigation has been used in musculoskeletal tumor surgical
      procedures to improve the precision of tumor resection. Despite the favorable
      attributes of navigation-assisted surgery, conventional systems do not display
      the resection margin in real time, and preoperative manual input is required. In
      addition, navigation systems are often expensive and complex, and this has
      limited their widespread use. In this study, we propose an augmented reality
      surgical navigation system that uses a tablet personal computer with no external
      tracking system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We realized a real-time safety margin
      display based on three-dimensional dilation. The resection plane induced by the
      safety margin is updated in real time according to the direction of sawing. The
      minimum separation between the saw and the resection plane is also calculated and
      displayed. The surgeon can resect bone tumors accurately by referring to the
      resection plane and the minimum separation updated in real time. RESULTS: The
      effectiveness of the system was demonstrated with experiments on pig pelvises.
      When the desired resection margin was 10 mm, the measured resection margin was
      9.85 +/- 1.02 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method exhibits sufficient accuracy
      and convenience for use in bone tumor resection. It also has favorable practical
      applicability due to its low cost and portability.

PMID- 28084144
TI  - Investigation and improvement of a novel double-working-electrode electrochemical
      system for organic matter treatment from high-salinity wastewater.
AB  - The novel double-working-electrode electrochemical system with air diffusion
      cathode (ADC) and Ti/SnO2-Sb anode (TSSA) has shown higher efficiency and lower
      energy consumption for the degradation of organic pollutant from high-salinity
      wastewater, compared to the traditional single anode system. To further
      investigate and improve this system, in this work, firstly the effect of vital
      factors of the double-working-electrode electrochemical system including initial
      methyl orange (MO) concentration, NaCl concentration and initial pH value of
      organic solution were investigated, using MO as the targeted organic pollutant,
      carbon black ADC (CBAC) as cathode and stainless steel mesh electrode (SSME) as
      control. Besides, for the further improvement of removal performance, a novel
      home-made activated carbon-ADC (ACAC) was studied as cathode with the same
      investigation process. The results showed that, in the experiments studying the
      effect of both initial MO and NaCl concentrations, the removal performance was in
      the order of TSSA-ACAC > TSSA-CBAC > TSSA-SSME in all conditions of initial MO
      and NaCl concentrations. However, with the pH value reduced from 6.0 to 3.0, the
      performances of three systems turned to be much closer to each other. Besides,
      ACAC played a synergistic role in MO removal by greatly improving the MO removal
      performance and enhancing its adaptability to the reactor parametric variation.
      ACAC created a weak acidic environment for accelerating the indirect electro
      oxidation of MO on TSSA. The MO degradation pathways in the three systems were
      the same but the TSSA-ACAC system gave a higher degradation kinetics order.

PMID- 28084145
TI  - Multimodal ultrasonographic algorithm in the differentiation of submandibular
      masses.
AB  - CONCLUSION: The multimodal diagnostic algorithm is a simple diagnostic tool in
      the pre-operative assessment of submandibular masses that enables one-stage
      surgical concepts. BACKGROUND: The pre-operative assessment of submandibular
      masses is of major clinical impact. This study assesses the diagnostic utility of
      a newly introduced diagnostic algorithm in the differentiation of submandibular
      masses based on epidemiological and B-mode ultrasonographic data. METHODS: One
      hundred and eighty-eight patients with submandibular triangle masses were
      included. Epidemiological and ultrasonographic data of 128 consecutively included
      patients were assessed and structured in a multimodal algorithm. The diagnostic
      algorithm was prospectively validated in a further 60 patients. RESULTS: Single
      epidemiological and ultrasonographic data do not reliably predict the lesional
      entity. The multimodal diagnostic algorithm achieved a diagnostic
      sensitivity/specificity of 100%/100% in sialolithiasis, 44%/100% in benign
      submandibular gland diseases (BSD), 94%/96% in nodal lymphoma/unspecific
      lymphadenitis, and 91%/84% in carcinomas. Reduced sensitivity in BSD or
      specificity in carcinomas increased after intra-operative fresh frozen section in
      patients suspected for BSD.

PMID- 28084146
TI  - Lip carcinoma: clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and outcome: a series
      of 108 cases from Denmark.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lip carcinomas are among the most common malignant tumours of the head
      and neck region but reports on the course and outcome of this disease are mainly
      based on Mediterranean, South American, and Oceanian populations. The aim of the
      study was to describe the treatment and outcome of patients with lip carcinoma at
      a Danish department of plastic surgery. METHOD: We conducted a single institution
      retrospective cohort study including patients with primary cancer of the lips
      including squamous cell (SCC), basal cell (BCC), and basosquamous carcinomas
      (BSC) in a 5-year period. RESULTS: We included 108 consecutive patients. Median
      age was 72 years (range 28 -98) and 58% were male. Seventy patients (65%) were
      diagnosed with SCC, 36 (33%) BCC, and 2 (2%) BSC. The majority of lesions were
      stage T1 (84%) and T2 (11%). An unexpected total of 35 (32%) patients experienced
      wound healing problems; whereof 19 (54%) classified as mild (not demanding
      treatment), 10 (29%) as moderate (non-functional surgical corrections or medical
      treatment of infection needed) and 6 (17%) experienced severe dehiscence
      (requiring surgical intervention for functional improvement). Total defect size
      >=20 mm and full thickness excision was directly correlated to the risk of early
      postoperative complications (p-value: 0.03 and 0.04). Three patients (2/36 with
      BCC; 6% and 1/70 with SCC; 1%) developed local recurrence and five patients with
      SCC (5/70; 7%) developed regional lymph node metastases. One patient (1%) died
      from metastatic SCC. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that lip carcinoma is
      associated with a risk of recurrence and mortality. However, the risk of wound
      complications is notable compared to other series.

PMID- 28084147
TI  - Early weight loss predicts the reduction of obesity in men with erectile
      dysfunction and hypogonadism undergoing long-term testosterone replacement
      therapy.
AB  - We and others have previously shown that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
      results in sustained weight loss in the majority of middle-aged hypogonadal men.
      Previously, however, a small proportion failed to lose at least 5% of their
      baseline weight. The reason for this is not yet understood. In the present study,
      we sought to identify early indicators that may predict successful long-term
      weight loss, defined as a reduction of at least 5% of total body weight relative
      to baseline weight (T0), in men with hypogonadism undergoing TRT. Eight
      parameters measured were assessed as potential predictors of sustained weight
      loss: loss of 3% or more of baseline weight after 1 year of TU treatment, severe
      hypogonadism, BMI, waist circumference, International Prostate Symptom Score
      (IPSS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), age and use of vardenafil. Among the eight
      measured parameters, three factors were significantly associated with sustained
      weight loss over the entire period of TU treatment: (1) a loss of 3% of the
      baseline body weight after 1 year of TRT; (2) baseline BMI over 30; and (3) a
      waist circumference >102 cm. Age was not a predictor of weight loss.

PMID- 28084149
TI  - CORLAS group photo 2016.

PMID- 28084148
TI  - Does Body Mass Index Predict Premature Cardiomyopathy Onset for Duchenne Muscular
      Dystrophy?
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy leads to cardiomyopathy. The objective of this study
      was to estimate the association of body mass index with cardiomyopathy onset.
      Cardiomyopathy was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction <55% or left
      ventricular fractional shortening <28%. Overall, 48% met the criteria for
      cardiomyopathy. We were unable to demonstrate an association between body mass
      index Z score and age of cardiomyopathy onset (hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence
      interval 0.57-1.11, P = .17) after adjusting for covariates. Duration of
      corticosteroid use ( P = .01), but not loss of ambulatory ability ( P = .47), was
      associated with age of cardiomyopathy onset. We were unable to detect a
      significant difference in median body mass index Z scores in corticosteroid
      treated boys compared with corticosteroid-naive boys (1.11, 95% confidence
      interval 0.25-1.95, vs 1.05, 95% confidence interval 0.01-1.86, P = .69). No
      association was detected between the body mass index Z scores of Duchenne
      muscular dystrophy subjects and age of cardiomyopathy onset.

PMID- 28084150
TI  - Progressive strength training to prevent LYmphoedema in the first year after
      breast CAncer - the LYCA feasibility study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymphoedema is a common late effect after breast cancer (BC) that has
      no effective cure once chronic. Accumulating evidence supports progressive
      strength training (PRT) as a safe exercise modality in relation to the onset and
      exacerbation of lymphoedema. In the 'preventive intervention against LYmphoedema
      after breast CAncer' (LYCA) feasibility study we examined the feasibility of a
      program of PRT in the first year after BC to inform a planned randomised
      controlled trial (RCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: LYCA was a one-group prospective
      pilot trial inviting women operated with axillary lymph node dissection for
      unilateral primary BC. Participants exercised three times a week for 50 weeks (20
      weeks supervised followed by 30 weeks home-based exercise). The program ensured
      slow individualised progression during the exercise program. The primary outcome
      was feasibility measured by eligibility and recruitment rates, as well as
      questionnaire-assessed satisfaction and adherence to exercise. Furthermore, we
      assessed arm interlimb volume difference by water displacement, muscle strength
      by dynamic and isometric muscle testing and range of movement in the shoulder by
      goniometry. RESULTS: In August 2015, eight of 11 eligible patients accepted
      participation. Two of them dropped out early due to other health issues. The
      remaining six participants had high exercise adherence through the supervised
      period, but only three maintained this through the home exercise period. Program
      satisfaction was high and no serious adverse events from testing or exercising
      were reported. One participant presented with lymphoedema at 50-week follow-up.
      Muscle strength markedly increased with supervised exercise, but was not fully
      maintained through the home exercise period. Range of shoulder movement was not
      negatively affected by the program. CONCLUSION: Recruitment, testing, and
      exercise in LYCA was safe and feasible. At the 50-week follow-up, there was one
      case of lymphoedema. The LYCA program will be further tested in a full-scale RCT.

PMID- 28084151
TI  - Study of behavioural disorders in children with primary enuresis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enuresis results in behavioural disorder in children. This study
      investigated the behavioural disorders in children possessing primary enuresis.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 100 children with primary
      enuresis were referred to children's hospital Khorramabad; the census method was
      used in this study. Data were collected using a short screening instrument for
      enuresis psychological problems, the reliability and validity of which have been
      confirmed in previous studies. First, a questionnaire was used to assess academic
      failure, anxiety, behavioural disorders, sleep, and psychological disorders.
      Results obtained were compared in terms of gender and age. Statistical analyses
      using inferential and descriptive statistics including Chi-square and Fisher test
      were employed. RESULTS: The average age of children was 8.46 years. Sixty-six per
      cent of participants were male and the rest of them were female. Ninety per cent
      of subjects were between the age range of 1-9 years, and 10% were over 10 years
      old. Forty-three per cent of children suffered from anxiety disorders and 34% had
      sleep disorders, 4% also suffered from academic failure. Among behavioural
      disorders, hyperactivity and restlessness were the most common disorders, and
      they were significantly higher in nine boys. Headache, obsessive, and sleep
      disorders were more common in children above 10. There was a significant
      correlation between eating disorders, headache, sleep disorders, and strange
      movements in males, while feelings of sadness were more common in females.
      CONCLUSION: Social personality development in children with enuresis can be
      improved by informing parents of enuresis.

PMID- 28084152
TI  - Southern Pediatric Neurology Society Annual Meeting.

PMID- 28084153
TI  - Case-control study of risk factors for suicide attempts in Isfahan, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suicide is an important, preventable, public health problem
      worldwide, caused by the interaction of numerous environmental, biological and
      psychosocial factors. AIMS: This study aimed to identify the factors associated
      with suicidal attempts in Isfahan, Iran, in 2015. METHODS: In this case-control
      study, 175 cases who committed suicide and were admitted to emergency services
      were compared with 175 controls selected among outpatients from the same hospital
      without any history of suicide attempt. Demographic, psychosocial, personality
      traits, religiosity, coping skills, stressful life events, socioeconomic status
      and psychiatric distress were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic
      regression was used to identify independent risk factors for suicide. RESULTS:
      Marital status, education, socioeconomic status, psychological distress,
      perceived social support, stress coping strategies, personality, religious
      beliefs, stress life events and general health condition were significantly
      different between groups. The regression analysis revealed that perceived social
      support (odds ratio (OR) = 0.962, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94-0.984),
      religious beliefs (OR = 0.923, 95% CI: 0.867-0.984) and stressful life event (OR
      = 1.524, 95% CI: 1.251-1.856) were significantly associated with suicide
      attempts. CONCLUSION: Our finding showed that religious beliefs, perceived social
      support and stressful life events are the main factors associated with suicide
      attempts. So, positive strategies such as improvements in life skills to control
      stressful life events, religiosity and perceived social support can be used to
      control suicide attempts.

PMID- 28084154
TI  - The impact of a TV report in schizophrenia stigma reduction: A quasi-experimental
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stigma is a major problem in schizophrenia, and the most effective
      way to reduce it is to provide information. But literature lacks studies
      evaluating long-term efficacy of mass communication. AIMS: This is a pilot study
      to assess if a brief intervention (TV report) may have long-term effects. METHOD:
      Assessing stigma scores from subjects before and after seeing a vignette.
      RESULTS: We found that the social distance and restriction to patients not only
      fell after a brief intervention but also kept lower after 1 and 3 months.
      CONCLUSION: We conclude that even brief intervention may create persistent impact
      in reducing discrimination.

PMID- 28084155
TI  - Three-year postoperative outcomes between MIS and conventional TLIF in1-segment
      lumbar disc herniation.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the long-term clinical and radiological
      outcomes between minimally invasive (MIS) and conventional transforaminal lumbar
      interbody fusion (TLIF) in treating one-segment lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred and six patients treated by MIS-TLIF (50 cases)
      or conventional TLIF (56 cases) were included. Perioperative results were
      evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared preoperatively and postoperatively.
      Radiologic parameters were based on a comparison of preoperative and three-year
      postoperative lumbar lordosis, segmental lordosis, sacral slope, the cross
      sectional area of the paraspinal muscle and fusion rates. RESULTS: MIS TILF had
      significantly less blood, shorter operation time, mean return to work time and
      lower intramuscular pressure compared with the conventional group during the
      operation. VAS scores for lower back pain and ODI in MIS-TLIF were significantly
      decreased. The mean cross-sectional area of the paraspinal muscle was
      significantly decreased after surgery in the conventional TLIF group and no
      significant intragroup differences were established in the MIS-TLIF group. No
      significant differences were found in fusion rate, lumbar lordosis, segmental
      lordosis and sacral slope. CONCLUSIONS: Both MIS and conventional TLIF were
      beneficial for patients with LDH. However, MIS-TLIF manifests a great improvement
      in perioperative outcomes, low back pain, disability and preventing paraspinal
      muscle atrophy during the follow-up period observation.

PMID- 28084157
TI  - Cholesterol-lowering drugs: science and marketing.
AB  - Long-term use of statin therapy is essential to obtain clinical benefits, but
      adherence is often suboptimal and some patients are also reported to fail because
      of 'statin resistance'. The identification of PCSK9 as a key factor in the LDL
      clearance pathway has led to the development of new monoclonal antibodies. Here
      we critically review the economic evaluations published in Europe and focused on
      statins. We searched the PubMed database to select the studies published from
      July 2006 to June 2016 and finally selected 19 articles. Overall, the majority of
      studies were conducted from a third-party payer's viewpoint and recurred to
      modelling. Most studies were sponsored by industry and funding seemed to play a
      pivotal role in the study design. Patients resistant to LDL-C level reduction
      were considered only in a few studies. The place in therapy of the new class of
      biologic should be considered a kind of 'third line' for cholesterol-lowering,
      after patients have failed with restricted dietary regimens and then with current
      drug therapies. Otherwise they could result in hardly sustainable expenses even
      for developed countries.

PMID- 28084158
TI  - Atrial fibrillation in beta thalassemia major: how to perform effective screening
      and early detection.

PMID- 28084159
TI  - Tailoring the properties of a zero-valent iron-based composite by
      mechanochemistry for nitrophenols degradation in wastewaters.
AB  - Zero-valent iron (ZVI) is a valuable material for environmental remediation,
      because of its safeness, large availability, and inexpensiveness. Moreover, its
      reactivity can be improved by addition of (nano-) particles of other elements
      such as noble metals. However, common preparation methods for this kind of iron
      based composites involve wet precipitation of noble metal salt precursors, so
      they are often expensive and not green. Mechanochemical procedures can provide a
      solvent-free alternative, even at a large scale. The present study demonstrates
      that it is possible to tailor functional properties of ZVI-based materials,
      utilizing high-energy ball milling. All main preparation parameters are
      investigated and discussed. Specifically, a copper-carbon-iron ternary composite
      was prepared for fast degradation of 4-nitrophenol (utilized as model pollutant)
      to 4-aminophenol and other phenolic compounds. Copper and carbon are purposely
      chosen to insert specific properties to the composite: Copper acts as efficient
      nano-cathode that enhances electron transfer from iron to 4-nitrophenol, while
      carbon protects the iron surface from fast oxidation in open air. In this way,
      the reactive material can rapidly reduce high concentration of nitrophenols in
      water, it does not require acid washing to be activated, and can be stored in
      open air for one week without any significant activity loss.

PMID- 28084160
TI  - Population segmentation: an approach to reducing childhood obesity inequalities.
AB  - AIMS: The aims of this study are threefold: (1) to investigate the relationship
      between socio-economic status (inequality) and childhood obesity prevalence
      within Birmingham local authority, (2) to identify any change in childhood
      obesity prevalence between deprivation quintiles and (3) to analyse
      individualised Birmingham National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) data using
      a population segmentation tool to better inform obesity prevention strategies.
      METHODS: Data from the NCMP for Birmingham (2010/2011 and 2014/2015) were
      analysed using the deprivation scores from the Income Domain Affecting Children
      Index (IDACI 2010). The percentage of children with excess weight was calculated
      for each local deprivation quintile. Population segmentation was carried out
      using the Experian's Mosaic Public Sector 6 (MPS6) segmentation tool. RESULTS:
      Childhood obesity levels have remained static at the national and Birmingham
      level. For Year 6 pupils, obesity levels have increased in the most deprived
      deprivation quintiles for boys and girls. The most affluent quintile shows a
      decreasing trend of obesity prevalence for boys and girls in both year groups.
      For the middle quintiles, the results show fluctuating trends. CONCLUSION: This
      research highlighted the link in Birmingham between obesity and socio-economic
      factors with the gap increasing between deprivation quintiles. Obesity is a
      complex problem that cannot simply be addressed through targeting most deprived
      populations, rather through a range of effective interventions tailored for the
      various population segments that reside within communities. Using population
      segmentation enables a more nuanced understanding of the potential barriers and
      levers within populations on their readiness for change. The segmentation of
      childhood obesity data will allow utilisation of social marketing methodology
      that will facilitate identification of suitable methods for interventions and
      motivate individuals to sustain behavioural change. Sequentially, it will also
      inform policy makers to commission the most appropriate interventions.

PMID- 28084161
TI  - A Message From the Editor-in-Chief.

PMID- 28084165
TI  - Tyramine and beta-phenylethylamine, from fermented food products, as agonists for
      the human trace amine-associated receptor 1 (hTAAR1) in the stomach.
AB  - The aromatic amines tyramine and beta-phenylethylamine are abundant in fermented
      foods. Recently, a family of human trace amine-associated receptors (hTAARs) was
      discovered that responds to these compounds. This study examined the expression
      of hTAAR genes in five human organs. Among them, the stomach expressed hTAAR1 and
      hTAAR9. Interestingly, more hTAAR1 was expressed in the pylorus than in the other
      stomach regions. The CRE-SEAP reporter assay revealed that only hTAAR1 functioned
      as a Gs-coupled receptor in response to tyramine and beta-phenylethylamine
      stimulation. The beta-phenylethylamine-mediated hTAAR1 activity could be
      potentiated using 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. These data suggest that tyramine
      and beta-phenylethylamine in fermented foods act at hTAAR1 as agonists in the
      pylorus of stomach.

PMID- 28084166
TI  - Implementing medical revalidation in the United Kingdom: Findings about
      organisational changes and impacts from a survey of Responsible Officers.
AB  - Objective To describe the implementation of medical revalidation in healthcare
      organisations in the United Kingdom and to examine reported changes and impacts
      on the quality of care. Design A cross-sectional online survey gathering both
      quantitative and qualitative data about structures and processes for medical
      revalidation and wider quality management in the organisations which employ or
      contract with doctors (termed 'designated bodies') from the senior doctor in each
      organisation with statutory responsibility for medical revalidation (termed the
      'Responsible Officer'). Setting United Kingdom Participants Responsible Officers
      in designated bodies in the United Kingdom. Five hundred and ninety-five survey
      invitations were sent and 374 completed surveys were returned (63%). Main outcome
      measures The role of Responsible Officers, the development of organisational
      mechanisms for quality assurance or improvement, decision-making on revalidation
      recommendations, impact of revalidation and mechanisms for quality assurance or
      improvement on clinical practice and suggested improvements to revalidation
      arrangements. Results Responsible Officers report that revalidation has had some
      impacts on the way medical performance is assured and improved, particularly
      strengthening appraisal and oversight of quality within organisations and having
      some impact on clinical practice. They suggest changes to make revalidation less
      'one size fits all' and more responsive to individual, organisational and
      professional contexts. Conclusions Revalidation appears primarily to have
      improved systems for quality improvement and the management of poor performance
      to date. There is more to be done to ensure it produces wider benefits,
      particularly in relation to doctors who already perform well.

PMID- 28084167
TI  - The definition of stroke.

PMID- 28084168
TI  - Forthcoming events.

PMID- 28084171
TI  - What can clinicians learn from therapeutic studies about the treatment of acute
      oral methotrexate poisoning?
AB  - CONTEXT: Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-folate drug that has been utilized in both
      malignant and chronic inflammatory conditions. Doctors are often concerned with a
      potential adverse outcome when managing patients with acute oral MTX poisoning
      given its potential for serious adverse reactions at therapeutic doses. However,
      there is surprisingly little data from acute poisoning cases and more data from
      the therapeutic use of high-dose MTX. OBJECTIVES: To review pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacological properties of MTX and systematically review series of acute MTX
      poisonings and therapeutic studies on high-dose MTX that provide pharmacokinetic
      or clinical data. METHODS: An Embase (1974-October 2016) and Medline (1946
      October 2016) search was performed by combining "MTX" and "overdose/poison" or
      "MTX" and "toxicity" or "MTX" and "high-dose MTX" or "MTX" and "bioavailability"
      or "pharmacokinetics"; 25, 135, 109 and 365 articles were found, respectively,
      after duplicates were removed. There were 15 papers that provided clinical data
      on acute ingestion and toxicity that occurred with low-dose administration.
      Eighteen papers were on high-dose MTX (>1 g per m2 body surface area) used as a
      single chemotherapy agent which provided pharmacokinetic or clinical data on MTX
      toxicity. Thirty papers were reviewed to determine the toxic dose,
      pharmacokinetics, risk factors, clinical symptoms and management of acute MTX
      toxicity. Given the limited acute poisoning data, a retrospective audit was
      performed through the consultant records of the New South Wales Poisons
      Information Centre from April 2004 to July 2015 to examine the clinical syndrome
      and toxicity of acute oral MTX poisoning. Pharmacokinetics: Reduced MTX
      bioavailability is a result of saturable absorption. Although maximal
      bioavailable absorption occurs at a dose of ~15 mg m-2, splitting the dose
      increases bioavailability. MTX clearance is proportional to renal function. Acute
      toxicity: Oncologists prescribe doses up to 12 g m-2 of MTX. Patients treated
      with an intravenous dose of MTX <1g m-2 do not require folinic acid rescue. MTX
      toxicity correlates better with duration and extent of exposure than peak serum
      concentration. Acute oral poisoning: Acute oral MTX poisoning in 177 patients did
      not report any severe toxicity. In the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre
      audit data (2004-2015), 51 cases of acute MTX poisoning were reported, of which
      15 were accidental paediatric ingestions. The median reported paediatric
      ingestion was 50 mg (IQR: 10-100; range: 10-150) with a median age of 2 years
      (IQR: 2-2; range: 1-4). Of the 36 patients with acute deliberate MTX poisoning,
      median age and dose were 47 years (IQR: 31-62; range: 10-85) and 325 mg (IQR: 85
      500; range: 40-1000), respectively. Of the 19 patients who had serum MTX
      concentrations measured, all were significantly below the concentrations used in
      oncology and the folinic acid rescue nomogram line and no patient reported
      adverse sequelae. Management of acute oral poisoning: Due to the low
      bioavailability of MTX, treatment is not necessary for single ingestions. Oral
      folinic acid may be used to lower the bioavailability further with large
      ingestions >1 g m-2. Oral followed by intravenous folinic acid may be used in
      patients with staggered ingestion >36 h or patients with acute overdose and renal
      impairment (eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2). CONCLUSIONS: As a consequence of saturable
      absorption MTXs bioavailability is so low that neither accidental paediatric MTX
      ingestion nor acute deliberate MTX overdose causes toxicity. An acute oral
      overdose will not provide a bioavailable dose even close to 1 g m-2 of parenteral
      MTX. Hence, no treatment is required in acute ingestion unless the patient has
      renal failure or staggered ingestion. There is also no need to monitor MTX
      concentrations in acute oral MTX poisoning.

PMID- 28084172
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28084173
TI  - Characterization of chicken interferon-inducible transmembrane protein-10.
AB  - Interferon-inducible transmembrane protein (IFITM) family proteins are antivirus
      factors. In the present study, we examined the expression pattern of chicken
      IFITM10 using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In
      adult chickens, IFITM10 levels were markedly lower than those of IFITM3, which
      exhibits antivirus activity. On the other hand, IFITM10 was expressed in levels
      similar to those of IFITM3 in embryonic organs. Primordial germ cells in 2.5-d
      embryos expressed high levels of IFITM10, which gradually decreased with time.
      The interferon-alpha stimulation of embryonic fibroblast cells did not enhance
      the expression of IFITM10. The forced expression of IFITM10 slightly inhibited
      the infectivity of the VSV-G-pseudotyped lentiviral vector. Furthermore, cell
      fusion was inhibited by IFITM10 when HeLa cells transfected with the VSV-G
      expression vector were treated with low pH buffer. Although it remains unclear
      whether IFITM10 inhibits viral infections under physiological conditions, these
      results suggest that chicken IFITM10 exhibits antivirus activity.

PMID- 28084174
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28084175
TI  - Antidiabetic drug use and prostate cancer risk in the Finnish Randomized Study of
      Screening for Prostate Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diabetic men have lowered overall prostate cancer (PCa) risk, while
      their risk of high-grade disease may be elevated. The antidiabetic drug metformin
      may reduce the risk. This study evaluated PCa incidence among users of metformin
      and other antidiabetic drugs in the Finnish Randomized Study of Screening for
      Prostate Cancer (FinRSPC). METHODS: The study population (78,615 men) was linked
      to the national prescription database. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) for PCa were estimated using Cox regression, with medication use
      as a time-dependent variable. The effect of diabetes was estimated by comparing
      antidiabetic drug users to non-users, while drug-specific effects were evaluated
      within antidiabetic drug users. Analyses were performed in both study arms of
      FinRSPC. RESULTS: Compared to non-users, men using antidiabetic drugs had lowered
      overall PCa risk (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.92), and this association was not
      affected by PCa screening. However, the risk of metastatic PCa was increased (HR
      1.44, 95% CI 1.09-1.91). Among antidiabetic drug users, metformin decreased
      overall PCa risk (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.95) in a dose-dependent manner. When
      stratified by FinRSPC study arm, the risk reduction was observed only in the
      screening arm. Sulphonylureas increased the risk of metastatic PCa (HR 2.04, 95%
      CI 1.11-3.77). Use of thiazoledenediones or insulin was not associated with PCa
      risk. CONCLUSION: Among antidiabetic drug users, metformin lowered the overall
      PCa risk, while the risk of metastatic disease was elevated in sulphonylurea
      users. As sulphonylureas stimulate insulin secretion, the results suggest that
      hyperinsulinemia may be a risk factor for PCa.

PMID- 28084176
TI  - Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in middle
      aged women.
AB  - Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) has been recently linked with high plasma leptin
      levels. Our objective was to study if obese women, who have higher leptin levels,
      could have a higher frequency of MSP. We studied 6079 Latin-American women, 40-59
      years old. Their epidemiological data were recorded and the Menopause Rating
      Scale (MRS), Golberg Anxiety and Depression Scale and Insomnia Scale were
      applied. MSP was defined as a score >=2 on MRS11. Women with MSP were slightly
      older, had fewer years of schooling and were more sedentary. They also complained
      of more severe menopausal symptoms (29.2% versus. 4.4%, p < 0.0001). Furthermore,
      they had a higher abdominal perimeter (87.2 +/- 12.0 cm versus 84.6 +/- 11.6 cm,
      p < 0.0001) and a higher prevalence of obesity (23.1% versus 15.2%, p < 0.0001).
      Compared to normal weight women, those with low body weight (IMC <18.5) showed a
      lower risk of MSP (OR 0.71; 95%CI, 0.42-1.17), overweight women had a higher risk
      (OR 1.64; 95%CI, 1.44-1.87) and obese women the highest risk (OR 2.06; 95%CI,
      1.76-2.40). Logistic regression analysis showed that obesity is independently
      associated to MSP (OR 1.34; 95%CI, 1.16-1.55). We conclude that obesity is one
      identifiable risk factor for MSP in middle-aged women.

PMID- 28084178
TI  - Collegium Oto-Rhino-Laryngologicum Amicitiae Sacrum.

PMID- 28084177
TI  - Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation reduces sympathetic preponderance in
      patients with tinnitus.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) might offer a targeted,
      patient-friendly, and low-cost therapeutic tool for tinnitus patients with
      sympathovagal imbalance. OBJECTIVES: Conventionally, VNS has been performed to
      treat severe epilepsy and depression with an electrode implanted to the cervical
      trunk of vagus nerve. This study investigated the acute effects of tVNS on
      autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance, which often occurs in patients with
      tinnitus-triggered stress. METHODS: This study retrospectively analysed records
      of 97 patients who had undergone ANS function testing by heart rate variability
      (HRV) measurement immediately before and after a 15-60 min tVNS stimulation.
      RESULTS: The pre-treatment HRV recording showed sympathetic preponderance/reduced
      parasympathetic activity in about three quarters (73%) of patients. Active tVNS
      significantly increased variability of R-R intervals in 75% of patients and HRV
      age was decreased in 70% of patients. Either the variability of R-R intervals was
      increased or the HRV age decreased in 90% of the patients. These results indicate
      that tVNS can induce a shift in ANS function from sympathetic preponderance
      towards parasympathetic predominance. tVNS caused no major morbidity, and heart
      rate monitoring during the tVNS treatment showed no cardiac or circulatory
      effects (e.g. bradycardia) in any of the patients.

PMID- 28084179
TI  - PKCalpha promotes local advancement via its dual roles in nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma.
AB  - CONCLUSION: In patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), PKCalpha is linked
      to local advancement and plays dual roles in tumorigenesis. Moreover, positive
      PKCalpha is associated with 2-year overall survival of NPC. OBJECTIVE: This study
      seeks to investigate the role of PKCalpha to identify different sub-types in NPC.
      METHODS: PKCalpha expression levels were detected in a collection of NPC samples.
      CT and MRI scans of the corresponding patients were used to assess adjacent
      tissue invasion and lymph node metastasis. The correlation of tumour invasion and
      PKCalpha levels was evaluated by statistical analysis. The correlation between
      expression level of PKCalpha and 2-year overall survival was analysed by the
      Kaplan-Meier curves. Moreover, a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression
      analysis was used to identify the independent prognostic factors for NPC.
      RESULTS: PKCalpha is linked to the invasion of adjacent tissues, especially in
      the skull base. However, down-regulation of PKCalpha is a risk factor for
      regional lymph node metastasis. The 2-year overall survival of the PKCalpha
      negative group is better than that of the PKCalpha positive group (PKCalpha
      negative group 100%, PKCalpha positive group 88.5%, p = 0.034). Based on the
      multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, age was identified as a
      risk factor.

PMID- 28084180
TI  - Processing Information After a Child's Cancer Diagnosis-How Parents Learn.
AB  - Parents of a child newly diagnosed with cancer must receive an extensive amount
      of information before their child's initial hospital discharge; however, little
      is known about best practices for providing this education. An interpretive
      descriptive study design was used to describe actual and preferred educational
      content, timing, and methods among parents of children newly diagnosed with
      cancer prior to their child's first hospital discharge. Twenty parents of
      children diagnosed with various malignancies participated in individual
      interviews 2 to 12 months after their child's diagnosis. Data were analyzed using
      constant comparative analysis. Education delivery occurred in a telling manner at
      diagnosis transitioning to a reciprocal process of teaching during the inpatient
      stay, then primarily back to telling immediately before discharge. Parents
      expressed a variety of preferred learning styles but noted that their preferences
      were rarely assessed by health care providers. Multiple factors influenced
      parents' ability to process educational information received during their child's
      initial hospitalization. Findings suggest that nursing practices should include
      assessing for influencing factors, providing anticipatory guidance, and
      incorporating parents' preferred learning style into the educational plan.

PMID- 28084181
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Conte, T., & Cantrell, M. A. (2016). From chemo to college: The college
      experience of childhood cancer survivors. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing,
      33(5), 329-338. doi: 10.1177/1043454215604816.

PMID- 28084182
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Mahon, P., Holsti, L., Siden, H., Strahlendorf, C., Turnham, L, & Giaschi, D.
      (2015). Using colors to assess pain in toddlers: Validation of "the Rainbow Pain
      Scale"-A proof-of-principle study. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 32(1),
      40-46. doi: 10.1177/1043454214555197.

PMID- 28084184
TI  - The Miriam Labbok New Investigator Award.

PMID- 28084183
TI  - Research and Project Abstracts Presented at the 2016 ILCA Conference.

PMID- 28084187
TI  - Association News from the ILCA Board of Directors.

PMID- 28084186
TI  - Changes in Pasteurized Donor Human Milk during Refrigeration.

PMID- 28084188
TI  - [Formula: see text]Associations among parent-child relationships and cognitive
      and language outcomes in a clinical sample of preschool children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine associations among parent-child relationship
      characteristics and child cognitive and language outcomes. METHODS: Preschool
      children (n = 72) with early neurological insult completed assessments of
      cognitive and language functioning and participated in a parent-child semi
      structured interaction. RESULTS: Quality of the parent-child relationship
      accounted for a significant amount of unique variance (12%) in predicting
      children's overall cognitive and language functioning. Impact of neurological
      insult was a significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver-child interactions
      that are harmonious and reciprocal as evidenced by affective and/or verbal
      exchanges support children's cognitive and language development. Observations of
      interactions can guide providers in facilitating child- and family-centered
      interventions.

PMID- 28084191
TI  - Application of Multivariate Classification Protocols in Research Focusing on
      Food, Environmental Samples, and Wastewater Technological Processes.
AB  - Analysis and quantification of multiple analytes in complex samples originating
      from food and environmental matrixes generate large data sets that can be
      difficult to analyze and interpret. Multivariate analysis and related computation
      protocols provide an effective platform and enable such problems to be dealt
      with. This review illustrates the effective application of chemometrics protocols
      used to improve quantification techniques and the interpretation of raw data from
      complex samples.

PMID- 28084190
TI  - Depression at Treatment Initiation Predicts HIV Antiretroviral Adherence in
      Uganda.
AB  - We examined the relationship between depression (symptom type, diagnostic
      severity, and change over time) and adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART)
      with data from 3 longitudinal studies (N = 1021) of patients starting ART in
      Uganda. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess depressive symptoms
      (total score; somatic and cognitive subscales) and categorize severity level. At
      baseline, 9% had major depression and 30% had minor depression; 82% were adherent
      (reported no missed ART doses in the past 7 days) at month 6 and 85% at month 12.
      Controlling for demographic and medical covariates, multivariate random-effects
      logistic regression models revealed that change in depression was not related to
      adherence; however, baseline total depression symptoms and cognitive symptoms in
      particular as well as major and minor depression were significant predictors of
      adherence. These findings highlight the need for early identification and
      aggressive treatment of depression to optimize ART adherence.

PMID- 28084189
TI  - Impact of Unplanned Care Interruption on CD4 Response Early After ART Initiation
      in a Nigerian Cohort.
AB  - The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of unplanned care interruption
      (UCI) among adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2009 to 2011 in a
      Nigerian clinic. The authors used repeated measures regression to model the
      impact of UCI on CD4 count upon return to care and rate of CD4 change on ART.
      Among 2496 patients, 83% had 0, 15% had 1, and 2% had >=2 UCIs. Mean baseline CD4
      for those with 0, 1, or >=2 UCIs was 228/cells/mm3, 355/cells/mm3, and
      392/cells/mm3 ( P < .0001), respectively. The UCI was associated with a 62 CD4
      cells/mm3 decrease (95% confidence interval [CI]: -78 to -45) at next
      measurement. In months 1 to 6 on ART, patients with 0 UCI gained 10 cells/uL/mo
      (95% CI: 7-4). Those with 1 and >=2 UCIs lost 2 and 5 cells/uL/mo (95% CI: -18 to
      13 and -26 to 16). Patients with UCI did not recover from early CD4 losses
      associated with UCI. Preventing UCI is critical to maximize benefits of ART.

PMID- 28084192
TI  - The Immune Interaction between HIV-1 Infection and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - The modulation of tuberculosis (TB)-induced immunopathology caused by human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 coinfection remains incompletely understood but
      underlies the change seen in the natural history, presentation, and prognosis of
      TB in such patients. The deleterious combination of these two pathogens has been
      dubbed a "deadly syndemic," with each favoring the replication of the other and
      thereby contributing to accelerated disease morbidity and mortality. HIV-1 is the
      best-recognized risk factor for the development of active TB and accounts for 13%
      of cases globally. The advent of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has
      considerably mitigated this risk. Rapid roll-out of ART globally and the recent
      recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) to initiate ART for
      everyone living with HIV at any CD4 cell count should lead to further reductions
      in HIV-1-associated TB incidence because susceptibility to TB is inversely
      proportional to CD4 count. However, it is important to note that even after
      successful ART, patients with HIV-1 are still at increased risk for TB. Indeed,
      in settings of high TB incidence, the occurrence of TB often remains the first
      presentation of, and thereby the entry into, HIV care. As advantageous as ART
      induced immune recovery is, it may also give rise to immunopathology, especially
      in the lower-CD4-count strata in the form of the immune reconstitution
      inflammatory syndrome. TB-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome will
      continue to impact the HIV-TB syndemic.

PMID- 28084193
TI  - Type I Protein Secretion-Deceptively Simple yet with a Wide Range of Mechanistic
      Variability across the Family.
AB  - A very large type I polypeptide begins to reel out from a ribosome; minutes
      later, the still unidentifiable polypeptide, largely lacking secondary structure,
      is now in some cases a thousand or more residues longer. Synthesis of the final
      hundred C-terminal residues commences. This includes the identity code, the
      secretion signal within the last 50 amino acids, designed to dock with a waiting
      ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter. What happens next is the subject of this
      review, with the main, but not the only focus on hemolysin HlyA, an RTX protein
      toxin secreted by the type I system. Transport substrates range from small
      peptides to giant proteins produced by many pathogens. These molecules, without
      detectable cellular chaperones, overcome enormous barriers, crossing two
      membranes before final folding on the cell surface, involving a unique
      autocatalytic process.Unfolded HlyA is extruded posttranslationally, C-terminal
      first. The transenvelope "tunnel" is formed by HlyB (ABC transporter), HlyD
      (membrane fusion protein) straddling the inner membrane and periplasm and TolC
      (outer membrane). We present a new evaluation of the C-terminal secretion code,
      and the structure function of HlyD and HlyB at the heart of this nanomachine.
      Surprisingly, key details of the secretion mechanism are remarkably variable in
      the many type I secretion system subtypes. These include alternative folding
      processes, an apparently distinctive secretion code for each type I subfamily,
      and alternative forms of the ABC transporter; most remarkably, the ABC protein
      probably transports peptides or polypeptides by quite different mechanisms.
      Finally, we suggest a putative structure for the Hly-translocon, HlyB, the
      multijointed HlyD, and the TolC exit.

PMID- 28084194
TI  - Evaluation of Method-Specific Extraction Variability for the Measurement of Fatty
      Acids in a Candidate Infant/Adult Nutritional Formula Reference Material.
AB  - To address community needs, the National Institute of Standards and Technology
      has developed a candidate Standard Reference Material (SRM) for infant/adult
      nutritional formula based on milk and whey protein concentrates with isolated soy
      protein called SRM 1869 Infant/Adult Nutritional Formula. One major component of
      this candidate SRM is the fatty acid content. In this study, multiple extraction
      techniques were evaluated to quantify the fatty acids in this new material.
      Extraction methods that were based on lipid extraction followed by
      transesterification resulted in lower mass fraction values for all fatty acids
      than the values measured by methods utilizing in situ transesterification
      followed by fatty acid methyl ester extraction (ISTE). An ISTE method, based on
      the identified optimal parameters, was used to determine the fatty acid content
      of the new infant/adult nutritional formula reference material.

PMID- 28084195
TI  - Intravital Imaging of Myeloid Cells: Inflammatory Migration and Resident
      Patrolling.
AB  - Myeloid cell recruitment to sites of infection and injury started out as a simple
      model that has been referred to as the universal concept of leukocyte
      recruitment. However, as we gain more insight into the different mechanisms, it
      is becoming clear that each organ and perhaps even each cell has its own unique
      mechanism of recruitment. Moreover, as the ability to visualize specific cell
      types in specific organs becomes more accessible, it is also becoming clear that
      there are resident populations of leukocytes, some within the tissues and others
      attached to the vasculature of tissues, the latter poised to affect the local
      environment. In this review, we will first highlight the imaging approaches that
      have allowed us to gain spectacular insight into locale and function of specific
      cell types, and then we will discuss what we have learned from this approach as
      far as myeloid cells are concerned. We will also highlight some of the gaps in
      our knowledge, which exist almost certainly because of the challenges of being
      able to visualize certain compartments of the body.

PMID- 28084196
TI  - Age-Associated Differences in Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells of Mice.
AB  - Establishing the appropriate yet minimal number of control mice for experiments
      is a critical step in experimental design. Thisdecision is particularly important
      regarding the study of the hematopoietic system over time, given various age
      associated changes in murine hematopoietic cell populations. Here we used flow
      cytometry to serially monitor the frequencies of hematopoietic stem cells, common
      lymphoid progenitor cells, and common myeloid progenitor cells and RT-PCR assays
      to study the levels of Ly6a(Sca1), Slamf1, Ikzf1, and Cebpa-4 genes that control
      the hematopoietic process-in wildtype male and female mice with a B6SJL genetic
      background. These analyses revealed many differences, both at the cellular and
      mRNA levels, between immature and mature mice at various developmental stages. In
      conclusion, although it is necessary to minimize the number of mice possible
      insofar as possible to reduce animal use and meet animal welfare requirements,
      the numerous differences shown by our findings highlight the need to establish
      controls for every time point selected for the study of the hematopoietic system
      cells. This need is especially crucial when comparing immature and mature stages
      of mouse development.

PMID- 28084197
TI  - Macrophages in Endocrine Glands, with Emphasis on Pancreatic Islets.
AB  - We review here the macrophages found in endocrine tissues, placing emphasis on
      those residing in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. The islets represent
      the endocrine organ where macrophages have been examined in great detail and
      where our own studies and experience have been directed.

PMID- 28084198
TI  - Determination of Organophosphorous Pesticides in Environmental Water Samples
      Using Surface-Engineered C18 Functionalized Silica-Coated Core-Shell Magnetic
      Nanoparticles-Based Extraction Coupled with GC-MS/MS Analysis.
AB  - The present paper depicts a novel method based on magnetic SPE (MSPE) for the
      determination of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) such as phorate, malathion,
      and chlorpyrifos in environmental water samples. In this study, C18
      functionalized silica-coated core-shell iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)
      were used as a surface-engineered magnetic sorbent for the selective extraction
      of pesticides from aqueous samples, followed by GC-MS and GC-tandem MS analysis
      for confirmative determination of the analytes. Various important method
      parameters, including quantity of MNP adsorbent, volume of sample, effective time
      for extraction, nature of the desorbing solvent, and pH of the aqueous sample,
      were investigated and optimized to obtain maximum method performance. Under the
      optimized instrumental analysis conditions, good linearity (r2 value >=0.994) was
      achieved at the concentration range of 0.5-500 MUg/L. Recoveries were in the
      range of 79.2-96.3 and 80.4-97.5% in selective-ion monitoring and multiple
      reaction monitoring (MRM) modes, respectively, at the spiking concentrations of
      1, 5, and 10 MUg/L. MRM mode showed better sensitivity, selectivity, and low
      level detection (0.5 MUg/L) of analytes. The novel MSPE method is a simple,
      cheap, rapid, and eco-friendly method for the determination of OPs in
      environmental water samples.

PMID- 28084199
TI  - Epidemiology and Host Factors.
AB  - In 2014, WHO reported approximately 9.6 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) in
      the world, more than half of which are contributed by developing countries in
      Asia and Africa. Lack of modern diagnostic tools, underreporting of the new cases
      and underutilization of directly observed therapy (DOT) remain a concern in
      developing countries. Transient resurgence of TB during the HIV epidemic has
      subsided and the annual decline has resumed in developed countries including the
      USA. In 2014 though, the rate of decline has slowed down resulting in leveling of
      TB incidence in the USA. In developed countries like the USA, the incidence of TB
      remains high in those with certain risk factors for TB. This group includes
      immunocompromised patients, particularly those with positive HIV infection.
      Others at high risk include those with diabetes, cancer, those taking
      immunosuppressive drugs, and those with other medical conditions that reduce host
      immunity. If we look at age and ethnicity, elderly patients are at higher risk of
      developing TB. African-American, foreign-born, and homeless populations are also
      at higher risk of developing tuberculosis. Virulence of the mycobacteria, and
      immunological and genetically mediated factors are also mentioned, but these
      topics are not the primary goal of this article. This review, thus discusses the
      epidemiology, host factors, and those at high risk for developing active TB. A
      brief review of the current trends in drug resistance of mycobacteria is also
      presented.

PMID- 28084201
TI  - Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis.
AB  - Gastrointestinal tuberculosis (TB) is a fascinating disease which can be observed
      both in the clinical context of active pulmonary disease and as a primary
      infection with no pulmonary involvement. It represents a significant clinical
      challenge because of the resurgence of TB as well as the diagnostic challenges it
      poses. A high clinical suspicion remains the most powerful tool in an era of
      medicine when reliance on diagnostic technology increases. Antimicrobial therapy
      is the mainstay of therapy, but surgical and endoscopic interventions are
      frequently required for intestinal TB. Gastrointestinal TB is truly the "great
      mimic" and continues to require the astute clinical acumen of skillful clinicians
      to diagnose and treat.

PMID- 28084200
TI  - Innate Immune Responses to Bladder Infection.
AB  - Urinary tract infections are one of the most frequent bacterial infections of
      mankind. In spite of this frequency, the study of the immune system in the
      urinary tract has not attracted much attention. This could, in part, be
      attributable to the widespread use of antibiotics and similar antimicrobial
      agents, which for many decades have been both highly effective and relatively
      inexpensive to administer. In light of the emergence of multidrug-resistant
      bacteria among urinary tract infection isolates, interest in understanding the
      immune system in the urinary tract has grown. Several recent studies have
      revealed the existence of a powerful and highly coordinated innate immune system
      in the urinary tract designed to rapidly clear infecting pathogens; however, it
      also evokes harmful side effects.

PMID- 28084202
TI  - Mycobacterium bovis and Other Uncommon Members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      Complex.
AB  - Since its discovery by Theobald Smith, Mycobacterium bovis has been a human
      pathogen closely related to animal disease. At present, M. bovis tuberculosis is
      still a problem of importance in many countries and is considered the main cause
      of zoonotic tuberculosis throughout the world. Recent development of molecular
      epidemiological tools has helped us to improve our knowledge about transmission
      patterns of this organism, which causes a disease indistinguishable from that
      caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Diagnosis and treatment of this
      mycobacterium are similar to those for conventional tuberculosis, with the
      important exceptions of constitutive resistance to pyrazinamide and the fact that
      multidrug-resistant and extremely drug-resistant M. bovis strains have been
      described. Among other members of this complex, Mycobacterium africanum is the
      cause of many cases of tuberculosis in West Africa and can be found in other
      areas mainly in association with immigration. M. bovis BCG is the currently
      available vaccine for tuberculosis, but it can cause disease in some patients.
      Other members of the M. tuberculosis complex are mainly animal pathogens with
      only exceptional cases of human disease, and there are even some strains, like
      "Mycobacterium canettii," which is a rare human pathogen that could have an
      important role in the knowledge of the evolution of tuberculosis in the history.

PMID- 28084203
TI  - Tuberculous Otomastoiditis.
AB  - Tuberculous otitis media and mastoiditis, or tuberculous otomastoiditis, is a
      rare but well-described infectious process occasionally affecting individuals in
      the United States but more frequently seen in countries where tuberculosis is
      endemic. Infection may be primary and occur through mucus aspirated through the
      Eustachian tube. Alternatively, organisms may secondarily infect the nasopharynx
      when expectorated from the lungs and, less frequently, may be hematogenously
      spread. Chronic otorrhea and hearing loss are common symptoms, and extensive
      perforation of the tympanic membranes and facial nerve paralysis are routinely
      described. Diagnosis is made by direct culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
      although more recently, molecular techniques have been used. Successful treatment
      of tuberculous otomastoiditis routinely involves surgical intervention combined
      with prolonged antituberculosis therapy.

PMID- 28084205
TI  - Tuberculous Lymphadenitis and Parotitis.
AB  - Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of
      disseminated tuberculosis (TB). It is considered to be the local manifestation of
      the systemic disease that has disseminated to local lymph nodes, but a high index
      of suspicion is needed for the diagnosis, because there are several infectious
      and noninfectious diseases that can mimic the same clinical picture. In recent
      years, different diagnostic methods have been introduced, including fine-needle
      aspiration cytology, which has emerged as a simple outpatient diagnostic
      procedure that replaced the complete excisional node biopsy, and a number of
      molecular methods which have greatly improved diagnostic accuracy. This chapter
      covers the most actual knowledge in terms of epidemiology, clinical
      manifestations, pathogenesis, and treatment and emphasizes current trends in
      diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis. TB parotid gland involvement is extremely
      rare, even in countries in which TB is endemic. Because of the clinical
      similarity, parotid malignancy and other forms of parotid inflammatory disease
      always take priority over the rarely encountered TB parotitis when it comes to
      differential diagnosis. As a result, clinicians often fail to make a timely
      diagnosis of TB parotitis when facing a patient with a slowly growing parotid
      lump. This chapter highlights the most important features of this uncommon
      disease.

PMID- 28084207
TI  - Tuberculosis and Pregnancy-Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Considerations.
AB  - The issue of tuberculosis during pregnancy is not simply a historical inquiry but
      rather an increasingly familiar clinical problem facing industrial nations as
      well as the developing countries of the world. This review focuses on the
      maternal aspects of tuberculous infection, as well as transmission to the fetus
      and newborn.

PMID- 28084206
TI  - Diabetes and Tuberculosis.
AB  - The increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in countries where
      tuberculosis (TB) is also endemic has led to the reemerging importance of DM as a
      risk factor for TB. DM causes a 3-fold increase in TB risk and a 2-fold increase
      in adverse TB treatment outcomes. Given the sheer numbers of DM patients
      worldwide, there are now more TB patients with TB-DM comorbidity than TB-HIV
      coinfection. There is an urgent need to implement strategies for TB prevention
      and control among the millions of DM patients exposed to Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis. This chapter summarizes the current epidemiological, clinical, and
      immunological knowledge on TB and DM and their clinical and public health
      implications. These include the underlying mechanisms for TB risk in DM patients
      and their clinical and sociodemographic characteristics that distinguish them
      from TB patients without DM. TB-DM comorbidity is posing a new challenge for
      integrating the short-term care for TB with the long-term care for DM,
      particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

PMID- 28084208
TI  - Biologic Agents and Tuberculosis.
AB  - Treatment with biologic agents, in particular tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF
      alpha) inhibitors, is associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB), and
      screening and treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI) in patients undergoing
      such treatment is therefore indicated. The risk of TB associated with different
      biologics varies significantly, with the highest relative risks, 29.3 and 18.6,
      associated with adalimumab and infliximab, respectively. The risk of TB with
      newer TNF-alpha inhibitors and other biologics appears to be lower. Performance
      of LTBI screening tests is affected by immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and
      immunosuppressive therapy in patients due to commence TNF-alpha inhibitor
      treatment. Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) have a higher specificity than
      the tuberculin skin test (TST) in patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)
      vaccination and have probably a better sensitivity than TST in immunosuppressed
      patients. LTBI screening programs prior to commencement of anti-TNF-alpha
      treatment significantly reduce the incidence of TB, but the optimal screening
      algorithm, in particular the question of whether a combination of IGRA and TST or
      a single test only should be used, is a matter of ongoing debate. Use of TST in
      combination with IGRA is justified to increase sensitivity. Repeat testing for
      LTBI should be limited to patients at increased risk of TB. If TB develops during
      anti-TNF-alpha treatment, it is more likely to be disseminated and extrapulmonary
      than are other TB cases. Discontinuation of anti-TNF-alpha treatment in patients
      diagnosed with TB is associated with an increased risk of immune reconstitution
      inflammatory syndrome, which is probably best managed by reintroduction of anti
      TNF-alpha treatment.

PMID- 28084209
TI  - The Role of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Mycobacterial Infections.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of infectious death. Nontuberculous
      mycobacteria (NTM) cause a wide variety of difficult-to-treat infections in
      various human hosts. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) remains a standard
      clinical technique that uses plasma drug concentrations to determine dose. The
      reason to do this is simple: drug exposure (that is, the free drug area under the
      plasma concentration-time curve) relative to the MIC and not the dose per se
      largely determines the outcome of the infections. TDM provides objective
      information that clinician can use to make informed dosing decisions. The normal
      plasma concentration ranges provide reasonable guidance for initial target
      concentrations. Clinicians then combine concentration data with knowledge about
      the patients, in order to decide how aggressive to be with dosing. With sicker
      patients, who are closer to a poor outcome, one may be willing to accept an
      increased risk of potential toxicity in order to secure patient survival. In the
      clinic, time and resources are limited, so typically only two samples are
      collected postdose. The 2-h postdose concentrations approach the peak for most TB
      and NTM drugs. A 6-h sample allows the clinician to distinguish between delayed
      absorption and malabsorption, because patients with the latter need higher doses
      in order to gain the benefit associated with standard doses. Plasma
      concentrations do not account for all of the variability in patient responses to
      TB or NTM treatment, and concentrations cannot guarantee patient outcomes.
      However, combined with clinical and bacteriological data, TDM can be a decisive
      tool, allowing clinicians to look inside of their patients and adjust doses based
      on objective data. Knowing the dose, rather than guessing at the dose, is the
      path to shorter and more successful treatment regimens.

PMID- 28084210
TI  - Hematologic Complications of Tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) affects the production and life span of all hematologic
      cellular components. In addition, plasma coagulation factors may be affected,
      resulting in sometimes life-threatening complications. Iron, folate, and vitamin
      B12 metabolism is derailed. The pharmacological agents used for TB therapy may
      also cause hematologic changes. There are some uncommon manifestations of TB in
      nontuberculous hematologic patients. There have been some exciting developments
      in the field of imaging to screen for TB, TB pathophysiology at the cellular
      level, and our understanding of immune response in TB. Advances have been made in
      pharmacologic therapeutic options, including discovery of new drugs in the fight
      against drug-resistant TB, bearing in mind their hematologic effects. This
      chapter reviews and updates known hematologic effects of TB and its therapy and
      some lesser known effects of TB in patients with nontuberculous hematologic
      conditions.

PMID- 28084211
TI  - Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria.
AB  - Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) compose approximately one-half of the
      currently validated mycobacterial species and are divided into six major groups,
      including the Mycobacterium fortuitum group, M. chelonae/M. abscessus complex, M.
      smegmatis group, M. mucogenicum group, M. mageritense/M. wolinskyi, and the
      pigmented RGM. This review discusses each group and highlights the major types of
      infections associated with each group. Additionally, phenotypic and molecular
      laboratory identification methods, including gene sequencing, mass spectrometry,
      and the newly emerging whole-genome sequencing, are detailed, along with a
      discussion of the current antimicrobial susceptibility methods and patterns of
      the most common pathogenic species.

PMID- 28084212
TI  - Toll-Like Receptor Signaling and Its Inducible Proteins.
AB  - Studies that bridge innate immunity and various diseases are making rapid
      advances. Macrophages and dendritic cells play a leading role in innate immunity,
      using pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to sense both pathogen invasion and
      danger signals. Among these PRRs, the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a central
      role in the immune response by recognizing not only pathogen-associated molecular
      patterns from bacteria and viruses but also damage-associated molecular patterns
      from dying or injured cells. These TLR family molecules facilitate not only the
      elimination of pathogens but also the development of various disorders, including
      arteriosclerosis, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. TLRs activate signaling
      pathways that result in the production of cytokines, chemokines, and various
      inducible molecules associated with the immune response. Although most components
      of the innate immune signaling pathways, such as the TLR family and its
      downstream signaling, have been identified, the physiological roles of many TLR
      signal-inducible proteins remain unclear. Recent studies have shown that some TLR
      inducible proteins are critical in the immune response and the development of
      various disorders. In this review, we focus on the TLR signaling pathways and the
      roles of some TLR-inducible proteins.

PMID- 28084214
TI  - Novel real-time PCR-based patho- and phylotyping of potentially zoonotic avian
      influenza A subtype H5 viruses at risk of incursion into Europe in 2017.

PMID- 28084213
TI  - The Minimal Unit of Infection: Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Macrophage.
AB  - The interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its host cell is highly
      complex and extremely intimate. Were it not for the disease, one might regard
      this interaction at the cellular level as an almost symbiotic one. The metabolic
      activity and physiology of both cells are shaped by this coexistence. We believe
      that where this appreciation has greatest significance is in the field of drug
      discovery. Evolution rewards efficiency, and recent data from many groups
      discussed in this review indicate that M. tuberculosis has evolved to utilize the
      environmental cues within its host to control large genetic programs or regulons.
      But these regulons may represent chinks in the bacterium's armor because they
      include off-target effects, such as the constraint of the metabolic plasticity of
      M. tuberculosis. A prime example is how the presence of cholesterol within the
      host cell appears to limit the ability of M. tuberculosis to fully utilize or
      assimilate other carbon sources. And that is the reason for the title of this
      review. We believe firmly that, to understand the physiology of M. tuberculosis
      and to identify new drug targets, it is imperative that the bacterium be
      interrogated within the context of its host cell. The constraints induced by the
      environmental cues present within the host cell need to be preserved and
      exploited. The M. tuberculosis-infected macrophage truly is the "minimal unit of
      infection."

PMID- 28084215
TI  - Dialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Failure and Angioplasty: Intimal Hyperplasia and
      Other Causes of Access Failure.
AB  - The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred hemodialysis access type because
      it has better patency rates and fewer complications than other access types.
      However, primary failure remains a common problem impeding AVF maturation and
      adding to patients' morbidity and mortality. Juxta-anastomotic (or inflow)
      stenosis is the most common reason leading to primary failure, and percutaneous
      transluminal angioplasty continues to be the gold-standard treatment with
      excellent success rates. Intimal hyperplasia (IH) has been traditionally blamed
      as the main pathophysiologic culprit, but new evidence raises doubts regarding
      the contribution of IH alone to primary failure. We report a 64-year-old man with
      a 2-stage brachiobasilic AVF that was complicated by failure 4 months after
      creation. An angiogram showed multiple juxta-anastomotic and midfistula stenotic
      lesions. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was successful in assisting
      maturation and subsequently cannulating the AVF for hemodialysis treatment. We
      failed to identify the underlying cause of stenosis because biopsy specimens from
      fistula tissue obtained at the time of transposition revealed no occlusive IH.
      This case emphasizes the need for additional research on factors contributing to
      AVF failure besides IH and highlights the need for more therapeutic options to
      reduce AVF failure rate.

PMID- 28084218
TI  - Nucleation and growth of single layer graphene on electrodeposited Cu by cold
      wall chemical vapor deposition.
AB  - The nucleation density and average size of graphene crystallites grown using cold
      wall chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on 4 MUm thick Cu films electrodeposited on
      W substrates can be tuned by varying growth parameters. Growth at a fixed
      substrate temperature of 1000  degrees C and total pressure of 700 Torr using Ar,
      H2 and CH4 mixtures enabled the contribution of total flow rate, CH4:H2 ratio and
      dilution of the CH4/H2 mixture by Ar to be identified. The largest variation in
      nucleation density was obtained by varying the CH4:H2 ratio. The observed
      morphological changes are analogous to those that would be expected if the
      deposition rate were varied at fixed substrate temperature for physical
      deposition using thermal evaporation. The graphene crystallite boundary
      morphology progresses from irregular/jagged through convex hexagonal to regular
      hexagonal as the effective C deposition rate decreases. This observation suggests
      that edge diffusion of C atoms along the crystallite boundaries, in addition to
      H2 etching, may contribute to shape evolution of the graphene crystallites. These
      results demonstrate that graphene grown using cold wall CVD follows a nucleation
      and growth mechanism similar to hot wall CVD. As a consequence, the vast
      knowledge base relevant to hot wall CVD may be exploited for graphene synthesis
      by the industrially preferable cold wall method.

PMID- 28084217
TI  - Neuromorphic meets neuromechanics, part I: the methodology and implementation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: One goal of neuromorphic engineering is to create 'realistic' robotic
      systems that interact with the physical world by adopting neuromechanical
      principles from biology. Critical to this is the methodology to implement the
      spinal circuitry responsible for the behavior of afferented muscles. At its core,
      muscle afferentation is the closed-loop behavior arising from the interactions
      among populations of muscle spindle afferents, alpha and gamma motoneurons, and
      muscle fibers to enable useful behaviors. APPROACH: We used programmable very-
      large-scale-circuit (VLSI) hardware to implement simple models of spiking
      neurons, skeletal muscles, muscle spindle proprioceptors, alpha-motoneuron
      recruitment, gamma motoneuron control of spindle sensitivity, and the
      monosynaptic circuitry connecting them. This multi-scale system of populations of
      spiking neurons emulated the physiological properties of a pair of antagonistic
      afferented mammalian muscles (each simulated by 1024 alpha- and gamma
      motoneurones) acting on a joint via long tendons. MAIN RESULTS: This integrated
      system was able to maintain a joint angle, and reproduced stretch reflex
      responses even when driving the nonlinear biomechanics of an actual cadaveric
      finger. Moreover, this system allowed us to explore numerous values and
      combinations of gamma-static and gamma-dynamic gains when driving a robotic
      finger, some of which replicated some human pathological conditions. Lastly, we
      explored the behavioral consequences of adopting three alternative models of
      isometric muscle force production. We found that the dynamic responses to rate
      coded spike trains produce force ramps that can be very sensitive to tendon
      elasticity, especially at high force output. SIGNIFICANCE: Our methodology
      produced, to our knowledge, the first example of an autonomous, multi-scale,
      neuromorphic, neuromechanical system capable of creating realistic reflex
      behavior in cadaveric fingers. This research platform allows us to explore the
      mechanisms behind healthy and pathological sensorimotor function in the physical
      world by building them from first principles, and it is a precursor to
      neuromorphic robotic systems.

PMID- 28084216
TI  - DNA Damage Signaling Instructs Polyploid Macrophage Fate in Granulomas.
AB  - Granulomas are immune cell aggregates formed in response to persistent
      inflammatory stimuli. Granuloma macrophage subsets are diverse and carry varying
      copy numbers of their genomic information. The molecular programs that control
      the differentiation of such macrophage populations in response to a chronic
      stimulus, though critical for disease outcome, have not been defined. Here, we
      delineate a macrophage differentiation pathway by which a persistent Toll-like
      receptor (TLR) 2 signal instructs polyploid macrophage fate by inducing
      replication stress and activating the DNA damage response. Polyploid granuloma
      resident macrophages formed via modified cell divisions and mitotic defects and
      not, as previously thought, by cell-to-cell fusion. TLR2 signaling promoted
      macrophage polyploidy and suppressed genomic instability by regulating Myc and
      ATR. We propose that, in the presence of persistent inflammatory stimuli,
      pathways previously linked to oncogene-initiated carcinogenesis instruct a long
      lived granuloma-resident macrophage differentiation program that regulates
      granulomatous tissue remodeling.

PMID- 28084219
TI  - Flow separation on flapping and rotating profiles with spanwise gradients.
AB  - The growth of leading-edge vortices (LEV) on analogous flapping and rotating
      profiles has been investigated experimentally. Three time-varying cases were
      considered: a two-dimensional reference case with a spanwise-uniform angle-of
      attack variation alpha; a case with increasing alpha towards the profile tip
      (similar to flapping flyers); and a case with increasing alpha towards the
      profile root (similar to rotor blades experiencing an axial gust). It has been
      shown that the time-varying spanwise angle-of-attack gradient produces a
      vorticity gradient, which, in combination with spanwise flow, results in a
      redistribution of circulation along the profile. Specifically, when replicating
      the angle-of-attack gradient characteristic of a rotor experiencing an axial
      gust, the spanwise-vorticity gradient is aligned such that circulation increases
      within the measurement domain. This in turn increases the local LEV growth rate,
      which is suggestive of force augmentation on the blade. Reversing the relative
      alignment of the spanwise-vorticity gradient and spanwise flow, thereby
      replicating that arrangement found in a flapping flyer, was found to reduce local
      circulation. From this, we can conclude that spanwise flow can be arranged to
      vary LEV growth to prolong lift augmentation and reduce the unsteadiness of
      cyclic loads.

PMID- 28084220
TI  - Motions of leaves and stems, from growth to potential use.
AB  - The study on aerial plant organs (leaves and stems) motions is reviewed. The
      history of observations and studies is put in the perspective of the ideas
      surrounding them, leading to a presentation of the current classification of
      these motions. After showing the shortcomings of such a classification, we
      present, following an idea of Darwin's, the various movements in a renewed and
      observation-based perspective of the plant development. With this perspective,
      the different movements fit together logically, and in particular we point out
      that the mature reversible movements, such as the sensitive or circadian
      movements, are just partial regressions of the developmental ones.

PMID- 28084221
TI  - Enhancement of output performance through post-poling technique on BaTiO3/PDMS
      based triboelectric nanogenerator.
AB  - In the modern era, the invention of new energy sources is important in order to
      make advances possible in electronic media. A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)
      is considered to be strong design that converts mechanical power into electrical
      power, using organic (polymer) or inorganic (lead, ceramic etc) materials to
      initiate the triboelectrification process, followed by charge separation. In this
      study, a lead-free BaTiO3/PDMS-Al-based TENG was fabricated by mixing tetragonal
      ferroelectric BaTiO3 nanocrystals in a PDMS matrix to make a composite for a
      working electrode film. It is worth noting that a new post- poling process has
      been introduced to align the dipole structures in the BaTiO3 nanocrystals, and to
      attain a high electron density on the surface of the working electrode film. The
      output was recorded up to 375 V and 6 MUA of close circuit voltage and short
      circuit current, respectively, at a current density of 0.3 MUA cm-2 and an
      effective power equal to 2.25 mW at a load resistance of 100 MOmega, and is four
      times higher than a PDMS-Al-based TENG. This study also reveals the hidden locks
      that will enable other inorganic materials with a dipole structure to enhance
      their output using the post-poling technique. The TENG has a vast field of
      applications due to its stability, the flexibility of its thin films and its
      biocompatibility. It is also an aid for exploring new TENG devices with enhanced
      output performance.

PMID- 28084222
TI  - Symmetric transparent and flexible supercapacitor based on bio-inspired graphene
      wrapped Fe2O3 nanowire networks.
AB  - Transition metal oxides with high specific capacitance materials are ideal for a
      new generation of high-performance transparent supercapacitors but are rarely
      reported. Commonly, the synthesis of the required nanostructured materials is a
      crucial step required to achieve the transparency of the device. In this study, a
      Fe2O3 nanowire network transparent film is developed simply through air-solution
      interface reactions and wrapped in graphene shells for use as transparent
      electrodes. The Fe2O3 nanowire networks surrounded by the graphene layer exhibit
      an effective encapsulation structure, providing rapid three-dimensional electron
      and ion transport pathways. The specific areal capacitance (3.3 mF cm-2 at a scan
      rate of 10 mV s-1) was greatly improved, which is at least one hundred times
      higher than that for transparent devices based on planar chemical vapor
      deposition graphene. Furthermore, the films have a power density of 191.3 W cm-3,
      which is higher than that of electrolytic capacitors, an energy density of 8 mWh
      cm-3, which is comparable to that of lithium thin-film batteries, and superior
      cycling stability.

PMID- 28084223
TI  - Role of limited hydrogen and flow interval on the growth of single crystal to
      continuous graphene by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition.
AB  - A method for defect-free large crystallite graphene growth remains unknown
      despite much research effort. In this work, we discuss the role of flow duration
      of H2 gas for the production of graphene as per requirement and production at a
      minimum flow rate considering the safety issue of hydrogen utilization. The
      copper substrate used for growth was treated for different time intervals (0 to
      35 min) in H2 flow prior to growth. Structural and chemical changes occurring in
      the copper substrate surface were probed by grazing incidence x-ray diffraction
      and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results were correlated with the Raman
      spectroscopy data, which can quantify the quality of graphene. With increasing H2
      flow interval, secondary nucleation sites were observed and growth favored few
      layer graphene structures. The surface-adsorbed oxygen molecules and its
      conversion to an OH terminated surface with increasing hydrogen flow interval was
      found to be a key factor in enhancing nucleation density. The Stranski-Krastanov
      type of nucleation was observed for samples grown with different time intervals
      of H2 treatment, except 5 min of H2 flow prior to growth for which the Volmer
      Weber type of growth favored monolayer graphene crystallite growth.

PMID- 28084224
TI  - Films fabricated from partially fluorinated graphene suspension: structural,
      electronic properties and negative differential resistance.
AB  - The band structure and electric properties of films created from a partially
      fluorinated graphene suspension are analyzed in this paper. As may be inferred
      from the structural study, graphene islands (quantum dots) are formed in these
      films. Various types of negative differential resistance (NDR) and a step-like
      increase in the current are found for films created from the fluorinated graphene
      suspension. NDR resulting from the formation of the potential barrier system in
      the film and corresponding to the theoretical prediction is observed for a
      relatively low fluorination degree. The origin of the NDR varies with an increase
      in the fluorination degree of the suspension. The observation of NDR in the
      fluorinated films widens the range of application of such films, including as
      active device layers fabricated using 2D printed technologies on rigid and
      flexible substrates.

PMID- 28084225
TI  - Evolution of hollow nanostructures in hybrid Ce1-x Cu x O2 under droplet
      confinement leading to synergetic effects on the physical properties.
AB  - The paper discusses a successful strategy for tuning the hollow, porous or even
      solid morphologies of pure and Cu2+-doped CeO2 nanostructures. The reaction of
      nanodroplets at the interface in miniemulsions is significantly affected by the
      concentration of dopants. The growth mechanism is both reaction- as well as
      diffusion-controlled, which finally determines the particular morphology. With a
      varying degree of dopant concentration and quantum confinement, the concentration
      of Ce3+ available on the surface of the nano-droplets and -particles is found to
      change quite appreciably. This immediately leads to modulation in the physical
      properties, such as ferromagnetism or absorption. The significant red shift in
      the absorption spectra and associated broadband visible photoluminescence opens
      newer applications for the present material in visible optoelectronic devices.

PMID- 28084226
TI  - The cover page.

PMID- 28084227
TI  - Clinicopathological conference: A strong educational tool.

PMID- 28084228
TI  - Two patriarchs of Indian Neurosciences: Professor Baldev Singh and Professor
      Jacob Chandy.

PMID- 28084229
TI  - An early description of monomelic amyotrophy: An excerpt from the diaries of Dr.
      Charles I Smith (1830-1880) in Bangalore, Southern India.
AB  - An early description of paralysis confined to an upper limb can be found in the
      casebook of Dr. Charles I Smith, who was a doctor in Bangalore in the 19th
      century. The historical and clinical aspects, as well as the current importance
      of this entity are described briefly.

PMID- 28084230
TI  - The death wish and motor neuron disease! The chameleons and new research
      optimism.

PMID- 28084231
TI  - Death wish in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PMID- 28084232
TI  - Sonothrombolysis in acute large vessel ischemic stroke.

PMID- 28084233
TI  - Sonothrombolysis: An effective adjunct to intravenous tissue plasminogen
      activator therapy in acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 28084234
TI  - Association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms and risk
      of ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis.
AB  - Previously published studies that have examined whether the three polymorphisms,
      G894T, T786C, and 4b/a in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene, are
      associated with ischemic stroke (IS) have reported conflicting results. Thus, we
      performed a meta-analysis to examine the potential association between these
      three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the eNOS gene and IS risk. A
      literature search was carried out for eligible candidate gene studies published
      before August 05, 2015 in the PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. The
      following combinations of main keywords were used in our study: ('endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase') or ('eNOS') and ('G894T, 4b/a, and T786C') and
      ('polymorphism') or ('polymorphisms') and ('Ischemic Stroke' or 'IS') and
      ('Cerebral Infarction' or 'CI') and ('genetic polymorphism' or 'single nucleotide
      polymorphisms' or 'SNP'). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) were estimated by using fixed or random effects model. Meta-regression
      analysis was used to investigate the potential sources of heterogeneity. Begg's
      funnel plots were used to explore the publication bias, and heterogeneity was
      assessed by I2 test. Twenty seven case-control studies involving 6733 cases and
      7305 controls were analyzed in our meta-analysis. Significant association was
      observed for G894T (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.28; P< 0.001) and 4b/a (OR =
      1.25; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.39; P < 0.001) whereas a non-significant association was
      observed for T786C (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.26; P =0.109) eNOS gene
      polymorphisms and IS. Our meta-analysis establishes that the G894T and 4b/a
      polymorphisms of eNOS gene are significantly associated with the risk of IS.
      However, a non-significant association was found between T786C polymorphism of
      the eNOS gene and IS risk. Further prospective large epidemiological studies need
      to be done to confirm these findings.

PMID- 28084235
TI  - A systematic review of pipeline embolization device for giant intracranial
      aneurysms.
AB  - The experience with respect to the treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms with
      flow-diversion devices is limited. The aim of the present systematic review was
      to evaluate the effect of the pipeline embolization device (PED) on giant
      intracranial aneurysms. Eligible related articles were identified by searching
      the PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, ScienceDirect, and OVID databases using
      "giant aneurysm" and "pipeline" as the search items. The date of the last search
      was November 20, 2015. This systematic review adopted the Preferred Reporting
      Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. In a total of 9
      eligible studies with 200 patients and 215 aneurysms, 40 (18.6%) giant (aneurysm
      diameter >25mm) intracranial aneurysms treated with PED were analyzed. During a 6
      to 34 month follow-up, complete occlusion was achieved in 23 (57.5%) cases. Seven
      patients (17.5%) developed intracranial hemorrhage, 5 developed ischemic attack
      (12.5%), and 13 (32.5%) developed a mass effect after PED treatment. The
      complication rate was 77.8% in PED for giant vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms.
      The cumulative mortality rate for giant paraclinoid carotid artery and middle
      cerebral artery aneurysms was 13.3% and increased up to 50% for giant
      vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms. The complete obliteration rate of PED for giant
      intracranial aneurysms was approximately 60%. Mass effect is the most mechanism
      of complications. Complication and mortality rates associated with PED for giant
      vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms are still extremely high.

PMID- 28084236
TI  - Intensive care unit models: Do you want them to be open or closed? A critical
      review.
AB  - Intensive care is a specialized branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis,
      management, and follow up of critically ill or critically injured patients. It
      requires input from other branches of medicine on various issues. A critical care
      specialist has expertise in managing such patients round the clock. Based on his
      freedom to take decisions in the intensive care unit (ICU), different types of
      ICUs - open, closed, or semi-closed - have been defined. There is no doubt that
      all critical patients should be evaluated by an intensivist. Therefore, it is
      argued that a closed ICU model would be the ideal model. However, this may not
      always be feasible and other models may be more useful in resource-limited
      countries. In this review, we compare the different formats of ICU functioning
      and their suitability in different hospitals.

PMID- 28084237
TI  - An insight into death wish among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in
      India using "Wish-to-Die Questionnaire".
AB  - AIMS: In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), death wish is expressed in a
      varying proportion of patients in different countries. In this first study from
      India, influence of belief system of religion/spirituality and attitude towards
      death, widely prevalent in the country, in decision making, was evaluated.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty ALS patients were assessed using 'Wish-to-Die
      Questionnaire' (WDQ) developed to reflect seven domains, namely
      religion/spirituality, belief in karma, meaning of life, hope, family support,
      financial support and death wish. Functional impairment, depression, hopelessness
      and suicidal ideation were assessed by ALS Functional Rating Scale, Beck's
      Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale and The Scale of Suicidal Ideation,
      respectively. RESULTS: On WDQ, all the 20 patients had belief in
      religion/spirituality, had hope and family support. Nineteen patients (95%)
      believed in karma, 16 (80%) still found life meaningful and 15 (75%) had
      financial support. Six patients (30%) had mild to moderate depression;
      hopelessness was present in 6 (30%) and suicidal ideation was present in one
      (5%). The 5 (25%) patients who expressed death wish did not significantly differ
      from others in 6 domains (religion/spirituality, belief in karma, meaning of
      life, hope, family support, financial support) of WDQ. The main reason in 3
      patients who expressed death wish was lack of financial support. The fourth
      patient could not find meaning of life after the onset of illness, and the fifth
      wished to end his life since he had satisfactorily fulfilled all his
      responsibilities. CONCLUSION: Smaller proportion of patients of ALS expressed
      death wish in India compared to the Western countries. This may be attributed to
      belief in religion/spirituality and karma, having meaning of life and family
      support. As this is the first report from India, useful information may be
      obtained if similar studies are done on a larger sample.

PMID- 28084238
TI  - Sonothrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke - Break on through to the other side.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) infusion combined
      with transcranial low-frequency ultrasound waves targeted on the occluded
      arterial segment (sonothrombolysis) can increase recanalization in large artery
      acute ischemic stroke (LA-AIS). AIMS: To evaluate the benefits of
      sonothrombolysis in LA-AIS. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: An open-labeled observational
      study done in a quaternary care teaching hospital. METHODOLOGY: Patients with LA
      AIS within the window period (<4.5 h) with no contraindications for IV
      recombinant tPA were sonothrombolysed. Recanalization was monitored and graded
      using the transcranial Doppler thrombolysis in brain ischemia (TIBI) flow
      criteria and also by time of flight magnetic resonance angiography using a
      modified thrombolysis in myocardial infarction score. Parenchymal changes were
      assessed using computed tomography (CT) or diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta
      Stroke Programme Early CT Score. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
      (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used to assess the outcome. RESULTS:
      Eighteen patients underwent sonothrombolysis and the mean onset to needle time
      was 138 min (range 65-256). TIBI residual flow grade of >=2 was seen in 15 of 18
      patients (83%). Immediate dramatic improvement (NIHSS score <=3 points or
      improvement by >=10 points) was seen in 6 of 18 patients (30%) and in 9 of 18
      patients (50%) within the next 24 h. Two patients (one with TIBI 0, another with
      re-occlusion) underwent mechanical thrombectomy post-sonothrombolysis.
      Symptomatic hemorrhage occurred in 5.5% of the patients. At 6 months, 2 of 18
      patients (11%) died and 10 of 16 patients (63%) achieved mRS <=2. CONCLUSIONS:
      Sonothrombolysis appears to be a safe way to augment the effect of tPA without
      increasing the door to needle time with the added advantage of observing flow
      through the occluded artery in real time.

PMID- 28084239
TI  - Robotic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis with or without thymoma-surgical and
      neurological outcomes.
AB  - : Context (Background): We report our experience with robotic thymectomy in
      patients with myasthenia gravis (MG)and provide data on the surgical results and
      neurologic outcomes, as per the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA)
      recommendations for MG clinical research standards. OBJECTIVE: The study aims at
      reporting the surgical and neurological outcomes of patients of Myasthenia gravis
      treated by robotic thymectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective data was
      collected from 71 patients with myasthenia gravis (in the age range 15-67 years)
      with or without thymoma, who had completed a minimum follow up of one year. All
      patients were treated with robotic radical thymectomy. The clinical
      classification, status of preoperative and postoperative therapy, evaluation of
      post-interventional clinical status, and descriptions of morbidity/mortality were
      done as per the MGFA recommendations. Univariate and multivariate analysis was
      done to assess the factors associated with achievement of complete stable
      remission(CSR). RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were included in this study.
      Twenty-one out of 71 patients (29.6%) with myasthenia gravis had thymoma. At the
      last follow up, 70 patients were alive. No evidence of tumour recurrence was
      found in patients with thymoma. The overall CSR rate was 38% with the median time
      to CSR of 17.5 months (range 11-48 months). The CSR rate for patient of MG with
      thymoma was 19 % (n=4/21). Factor found to be significantly predicting CSR were
      young age, lesser severity of MG and non-thymomatous histology. CONCLUSIONS:
      Robotic thymectomy is a technically feasible and safe operation with a low
      morbidity and short hospitalization. It is associated with good neurological long
      term results in terms of both CSR and clinical improvement.

PMID- 28084240
TI  - Neurological manifestations of HIV-AIDS at a tertiary care institute in North
      Eastern India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nervous system is among the most frequent and serious targets of
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The infection usually occurs in
      patients with profound immunosuppression. In 10 - 20% of the patients, the
      presence of a neurological disease is the first manifestation of symptomatic HIV
      infection. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the wide prevalence of neurological
      manifestations in HIV, there is no study examining the clinical manifestations of
      this disease in the resource- limited communities from north-eastern parts of
      India. To characterize the neurological involvement in patients with HIV
      infection at a tertiary care institute in northeast India, we studied various
      neurological presentations of HIV. SETTING AND DESIGN: This was a retrospective
      observational study done at a tertiary care institute in northeast India over a
      period of 6 years from August 2008 to September 2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      total of 91 HIV seropositive patients of both genders, aged >18 years, showing
      clinical evidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, and admitted in a
      tertiary care institute were included. Their clinical manifestations, laboratory
      investigations, and imaging were studied. RESULT: Tuberculous meningitis was the
      most common presentation as secondary CNS illness (43.9%), followed by
      cryptococcal meningitis (14.2%) and cerebrovascular accidents (5.49%).
      Furthermore, 6.59% had neurosyphilis, 6.59% had acquired immune deficiency
      syndrome (AIDS) - associated dementia, and peripheral neuropathy occurred in
      16.4% of the patients. Headache was the most common neurological symptom seen in
      25% of the patients. Seizures were noted in 25% of the pateints. CD4 was
      significantly low in most of the patients with progressive multifocal
      leukoencephalopathy, HIV associated encephalopathy (HAD) and cryptococcal
      meningitis compared with other neurological manifestations. CD4 counts in
      tuberculous meningitis and HAD were 110.3/MUl and 95/MUl, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: CNS tuberculosis was the most common secondary infection seen in HIV
      patients followed by cryptococcal meningitis. A high index of clinical suspicion
      of neurological involvement in HIV patients helps in the early diagnosis and
      early institution of specific treatment, which in turn decreases the morbidity
      and mortality considerably.

PMID- 28084241
TI  - The "11 O'clock Heel First" technique for microvascular end-to-side anastomosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The heel of a microvascular end-to-side anastomosis is a common site
      for technical imperfections. We describe a simple technique to overcome this
      challenge. The aim of the technique is to insert all the sutures in an inside-to
      outside manner at the heel area on the donor side of the anastomosis. This
      technique has first been tested in a laboratory setting and then was further
      elaborated in a clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty
      adult albino Wistar rats of both genders were randomized into the following two
      groups: (A) Control, 48 rats, representing approximately 40% of the total sample,
      underwent the usual two anchoring stitch technique; (B) Study group, 72 rats,
      representing approximately 60% of the total sample, underwent the technique
      described. Patency was confirmed both clinically and by the use of fluorescein
      angiography. Rat weight, diameter of both the donor and recipient vessels, type
      of anastomosis (arterio-arterial or arterio-venous) and angiographic findings
      were used as variables. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.
      RESULTS: The proposed technique had increased patency rates as compared to the
      standard technique, which was statistically significant (P = 0.021). However,
      there was no difference between the patency rates of arterio-arterial and arterio
      venous atastomoses. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique is useful for perfecting
      the heel area of a microvascular end-to-side anastomosis in both laboratory and
      clinical settings.

PMID- 28084242
TI  - The quest to revascularize brain in ischemic stroke.

PMID- 28084243
TI  - Multimodal intraoperative neuromonitoring in scoliosis surgery: A two-year
      prospective analysis in a single centre.
AB  - AIM: The present study is a prospective analysis of neuromonitoring
      [somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) and transcranial motor evoked potentials
      (TcMEP)] in consecutive scoliosis surgeries done at a tertiary care spine centre.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective analysis was performed on 52 consecutive
      patients undergoing scoliosis correction from 2013 to 2015. SSEPs were obtained
      by stimulating the median and tibial nerves with stimulus intensity level 20-25
      mA. TcMEPs were recorded bilaterally from abductor pollicis brevis, biceps, and
      deltoid for the upper limb, and from tibialis anterior, quadriceps,
      gastrocnemius, and abductor hallucis for the lower limb. Stimulation was given in
      the form of a high voltage (300-400 V) stimulus. An "alert" was defined as
      reduction in the amplitude of at least 50% for SSEP and at least 65% for TcMEP
      compared to the baseline recordings and an increase in the latency by more than
      10%. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 14.6 years (7-33 years). Thirty
      nine of the patients were females and 13 were males. Baseline values in
      neuromuscular scoliosis were low compared to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
      (AIS). There were no false negative incidents. False positive cases were due to
      low blood pressure and malfunctioning of the leads. CONCLUSION: Use of upper limb
      leads could help in identifying malposition or malfunctioning of leads to
      eliminate false positive results. Combined multimodal intraoperative monitoring
      helps in increasing the safety in scoliosis corrective surgeries with a high
      sensitivity and specificity. Baseline values in neuromuscular scoliosis patients
      are possibly lower than idiopathic scoliosis patients. Intraoperative variations
      must be interpreted with caution.

PMID- 28084244
TI  - Multimodal intraoperative neuromonitoring during surgery for correction of spinal
      deformity: Standard of care or luxury?

PMID- 28084245
TI  - Predictive validity of disability rating scale in determining functional outcome
      in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are discharged
      when they have still not recovered completely. Many such patients are not
      available for follow up. AIMS: We conducted this study to determine whether the
      condition at discharge from acute care setting, as assessed with disability
      rating scale (DRS), correlates with functional outcome at follow up. SETTINGS AND
      DESIGN: This study was conducted at a Neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) of
      a tertiary care referral center. This was a prospective observational study.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients admitted to ICU with a diagnosis of severe TBI
      were enrolled for the study. On the day of discharge, all patients underwent DRS
      assessment. A final assessment was performed using Glasgow outcome scale extended
      (GOSE) at 6 months after discharge from the hospital. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The
      correlation between the DRS scores at the time of discharge with DRS scores and
      GOSE categories at 6 months after discharge was determined using Spearman's rho
      correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 88 patients were recruited for the
      study. The correlation coefficient of DRS at discharge for DRS at 6 months was
      0.536 and for GOSE was -0.553. The area under the curve of DRS score at discharge
      for predicting unfavorable outcome and mortality at 6 months was 0.770 and 0.820,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The predictive validity of DRS is fair to good in
      determining GOSE at follow-up. Pending availability of a more accurate outcome
      assessment tool, DRS at discharge can be used as a surrogate outcome for GOSE at
      follow up.

PMID- 28084246
TI  - Outcome prediction in traumatic brain injury: Is it a "Holy Grail?"

PMID- 28084247
TI  - Segmental polymethylmethacrylate-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation for
      lumbar spondylolisthesis in patients with osteoporosis - A case series and review
      of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Instrumentation in patients with osteoporosis is challenging. Bone
      cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation is a new procedure for
      fixation in osteoporotic bone. Very few studies related to this procedure are
      published in literature. AIMS: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome
      of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation in
      patients with spondylolisthesis having significant osteoporosis. SETTINGS AND
      DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational, single centre study. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: All the patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis with
      symptomatic neural compression, managed surgically with PMMA-augmented
      fenestrated pedicle screws, were included in the study. Patients were evaluated
      preoperatively and postoperatively by means of Oswestry disability index (ODI),
      visual analog score (VAS); and, radiologically by plain radiography and computed
      tomography. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Wilcoxon nonparametric test for paired samples
      with a level of significance of 0.05 was performed. RESULTS: A total of 25
      patients of spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis (average T score of -3.0) were
      included in the study. The average age at presentation was 56.5 years. Females
      predominated with a female:male ratio of 3.16:1.Most of the patients had
      spondylolisthesis at the L4/L5 level followed by the L5/SI level. All the
      patients underwent spinal fusion with instrumentation and bone cement (PMMA)
      augmentation through fenestrated cannulated pedicle screws. Preoperative and
      postoperative functional assessment done with VAS and ODI showed statistically
      significant improvement. All the patients had an evidence of bone fusion at
      follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fenestrated pedicle screw fixation with bone cement
      augmentation in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis provided
      effective and lasting screw purchase.

PMID- 28084248
TI  - Spinal surgery in patients with significant osteoporosis: The therapeutic
      advances and research perspectives.

PMID- 28084250
TI  - Neuromodulation in Tourette's syndrome.

PMID- 28084251
TI  - Diagnostic dilemma-dengue or Japanese encephalitis?
AB  - Dengue and Japanese encephalitis (JE) are arboviral diseases that are common in
      the tropical countries. JE virus is a classical neurotropic virus. The dengue
      virus, however, is usually not considered to be neurotropic, even though in
      recent years, reports of direct central nervous system involvement in dengue has
      been described. Here, we report a case wherein the patient had magnetic resonance
      imaging evidence of bilateral thalamic and brainstem involvement with positive
      serologies for both dengue and JE. We also discuss the diagnostic challenge in
      these cases.

PMID- 28084249
TI  - "I swear, I can't stop it!" - A case of severe Tourette's syndrome treated with
      deep brain stimulation of anteromedial globus pallidus interna.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder
      characterized by the presence of multiple motor and vocal tics. Here, we report
      the case of a young man with severe TS refractory to multiple medications who
      underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS), which was successful in substantially
      ameliorating his tics. To our knowledge, this is the first such report from India
      and South Asia. CASE REPORT: An 18-year-old right-handed male patient was
      diagnosed with TS at the age of 10 years. He had facial and ocular tics. He was
      also hitting his fist against his chest and shouting obscenities. The
      manifestations would be present in every waking hour with a maximum tic free
      interval of 15-20 minutes. They would often result in self-injury or damage to
      objects. He would have frequent crying spells, anger outbursts, and death wishes.
      As tics became highly conspicuous and socially inappropriate, he dropped out of
      school and remained almost completely house-bound for the preceding year. On
      evaluation, he scored 96 (46 on tic-severity subscale and 50 on impairment
      subscale) of a maximum of 100 on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. (YGTSS).
      MANAGEMENT: After failure of multiple combinations of medicines, repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation, and behavioural therapies, he successfully
      underwent DBS to bilateral anteromedial globus pallidus interna. CONCLUSION: Tic
      severity reduced substantially post-surgery, with the YGTSS score improving by
      more than 72%. These improvements were sustained on follow-up visits with the
      patient successfully returning to join college. To our knowledge, this is the
      first such report from India and South Asia.

PMID- 28084252
TI  - Dual infection with Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever: Issues with
      diagnosis.

PMID- 28084253
TI  - Coexistent intracerebral metastatic melanoma and meningioma.
AB  - Coexistence of multifocal neural crest tumors, namely meningioma, melanoma, and
      nerve sheath tumors, is termed as neurocristopathy. Neurofibromatosis is the
      commonest form of neurocristopathy. We report a rare case of frontal lobe
      metastatic melanoma coexistent with a parietal lobe meningioma, in the absence of
      any stigmata of neurofibromatosis.

PMID- 28084255
TI  - Histological spectrum of oligodendroglial tumors: Only a subset shows 1p/19q
      codeletion.

PMID- 28084254
TI  - Histological spectrum of oligodendroglial tumors: Only a subset shows 1p/19q
      codeletion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canonical oligodendroglial tumors (ODGs) are characterized
      genetically by chromosomes 1p/19q codeletion. AIMS: This study was essentially
      aimed at the detection of frequency of 1p/19q codeletion in the different
      histological spectrum of ODG tumors in a large cohort of Indian patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the ODG tumors evaluated for 1p/19q by fluorescence in
      situ hybridization (FISH) during 2009-2015 were correlated with histology,
      immunohistochemical expression for p53 protein and clinical features. RESULTS: A
      total of 676 cases included both pediatric (n = 18) and adult (n = 658) patients.
      Histologically, 346 pure ODGs [oligodendroglioma (OD) and anaplastic
      oligodendroglioma (AOD)] and 330 mixed ODGs [oligoastrocytomas (OA), anaplastic
      oligoastrocytomas (AOA) and glioblastoma with oligodendroglioma component (GBM
      O)] were included. 1p/19q co-deletion was noted in 69% (60/87), 55.9% (145/259),
      18.2% (18/99), 10.5% (18/172), and in 5.1% (3/59) cases of OD, AOD, OA, AOA, and
      GBM-O, respectively. In the pediatric age-group, 1p/19q codeletion was seen in
      25% (2/8) of pure ODGs and in 10% (1/10) of mixed ODGs. In adults, it was
      observed in 60% (203/338) cases of pure ODGs and in 11.9% (38/320) cases of mixed
      ODGs. In adults, pure ODG histology (P = 0.00), frontal location (P = 0.004),
      calcification [in pure ODGs] (P = 0.03), and lack of p53 protein overexpression
      (P = 0.00) showed significant statistical correlation with 1p/19q codeletion.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study is unique in being one of the largest on ODGs for 1p/19q
      co-deletion including both pediatric and adult age groups of Indian patients. The
      results showed co-deletion in 60% of adult ODGs and 25% of pediatric pure ODGs.
      This reemphasizes the occurrence of 1p/19q codeletion, even though rare, in the
      pediatric age group.

PMID- 28084256
TI  - How to recognize and treat metabolic encephalopathy in Neurology intensive care
      unit.
AB  - Metabolic encephalopathy (ME) represents a syndrome of temporary or permanent
      disturbance of brain functions that occurs in different diseases and varies in
      clinical presentation. It can be manifested in a range from very mild mental
      disorders to deep coma and death. Clinically, it is characterized by a variety of
      psychiatric and neurological symptoms and signs. The most common causes of ME
      are: hypoxia, ischemia, systemic diseases and toxic agents. ME is the most
      frequent in elderly people who have previously been exhausted by chronic
      illnesses and prolonged stay in bed. ME is a very common complication in patients
      treated in intensive care units. Treatment and prognosis of the disease are
      varied and depend on aetiology, as well as on the type and severity of clinical
      presentation. Mortality of patients with septic encephalopathy ranges from 16
      65%, while the one-year survival of patients with encephalopathy and liver
      cirrhosis is less than 50%.

PMID- 28084257
TI  - A novel nasoseptal flap harvesting technique in revision expanded endoscopic
      transsphenoidal approaches.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the technique of harvesting the nasoseptal flap (NSF) in
      revision-expanded endoscopic approaches (EEA). STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively
      analyzed four cases of endoscopic skull base reconstruction (ESBR) following
      revision EEA done for pituitary adenoma recurrence. The presence of an intact
      mucoperiosteum between the nasal septum and the roof of the choana as judged on a
      preoperative endoscopic and radiological assessment was considered to be
      sufficient for the presence of a viable pedicle. By strategic placement of the
      incisions, the entire bilateral posterior nasal septal mucoperiosteum was raised
      in the NSF containing the remnant vascular pedicle. ESBR was performed with
      multilayer grafting of the dural defect, and the NSF was placed onto the bony
      margins of the defect. RESULTS: All patients had successful skull base
      reconstruction with the NSF raised by this technique as none of them developed
      postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak. CONCLUSION: Though the number of patients
      in this study is small, we would like to present the concept of harvesting the
      NSF in revision surgery, wherein neither measuring the surface area of the
      pedicle nor the acoustic Doppler assessment of the pedicle is required.

PMID- 28084258
TI  - History of Neurosurgery at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and
      Research, Chandigarh.
AB  - The Department of Neurosurgery started functioning at the Postgraduate Institute
      of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh in 1962 with the joining of Dr.
      Gulati. The department provides neurosurgical services primarily to the people of
      Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir as well as the
      neighbouring areas of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The
      infrastructure and subspecialties have been developed over the last 5 decades by
      the dedicated and tireless efforts of the faculty and residents. We attempt to
      chronicle the contributions of those who have served the department in the past.

PMID- 28084259
TI  - A summary of some of the recently published, seminal papers in neuroscience.

PMID- 28084260
TI  - Ipilimumab-induced hypophysitis and ileocolitis: Serial pituitary MRI findings.

PMID- 28084261
TI  - Dural venous sinus thrombosis following intravitreal bevacizumab.

PMID- 28084262
TI  - Proximal ulnar artery thrombosis after cysticidal therapy: A rare complication of
      neurocysticercosis.

PMID- 28084263
TI  - Refractory status dystonicus in ataxia telangiectasia.

PMID- 28084264
TI  - Drug-induced Parkinsonism on the rise: Beware of levosulpiride and its
      combinations with proton pump inhibitors.

PMID- 28084265
TI  - "Hot-cross bun" and "inverse trident sign' in neurosarcoidosis: An important
      finding.

PMID- 28084266
TI  - Multiple Acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: Uncommon yet treatable disorder.

PMID- 28084267
TI  - Guillain-Barre syndrome: A rare manifestation of Hansen's disease.

PMID- 28084268
TI  - Novel SCN8A mutation in a girl with refractory seizures and autistic features.

PMID- 28084269
TI  - Newly described additional sites of extrapontine myelinolysis along with typical
      pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis.

PMID- 28084270
TI  - Trunk proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation influences pulmonary function and
      respiratory muscle strength in a patient with pontine bleed.

PMID- 28084271
TI  - Bartter's syndrome: A rare cause of seizures and quadriparesis.

PMID- 28084272
TI  - Chronic encephalopathy with ataxia, myoclonus, and auditory neuropathy: A case of
      bismuth poisoning.

PMID- 28084273
TI  - An unusual cause of bilateral tongue wasting and weakness.

PMID- 28084274
TI  - Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity after symptomatic hypoglycemia.

PMID- 28084275
TI  - Reversal of angiographic findings of moyamoya syndrome after congenital cyanotic
      heart disease repair.

PMID- 28084276
TI  - Intracranial fibrous xanthoma mimicking a falcine meningioma.

PMID- 28084277
TI  - Treatment challenges in neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy following aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PMID- 28084278
TI  - Unilateral moyamoya disease with co-existing arteriovenous malformation.

PMID- 28084279
TI  - A rare association of dysphagia and cervical compressive myelopathy in diffuse
      idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

PMID- 28084280
TI  - Recurrent meningitis with unusually delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak detected by
      magnetic resonance cisternography.

PMID- 28084281
TI  - Extraventricular neurocytoma: An uncommon tumor in a young boy. A review of
      literature.

PMID- 28084282
TI  - "Stroke by pencil": A friend turned fiend.

PMID- 28084283
TI  - Unusual presentation of an intracranial hemangiopericytoma as a cystic
      intraparenchymal mass lesion closely mimicking a glioma.

PMID- 28084284
TI  - A case of traumatic C2-3 listhesis without pars fracture: Insights from this
      possible variant of hangman's fracture.

PMID- 28084285
TI  - Surgical considerations for intramedullary conus medullaris metastatic tumors
      with origin from primary lung lesions: A review of the literature.

PMID- 28084286
TI  - Spinal dysraphism with tripedus: A child with three legs.

PMID- 28084287
TI  - Intradural sacral mature teratoma associated with a low-lying conus.

PMID- 28084288
TI  - Incidentally detected bilateral petrous apex cephaloceles: CT and MRI features.

PMID- 28084289
TI  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after high-dose cytarabine in acute
      myelogenous leukemia.

PMID- 28084290
TI  - Unilateral lateral rectus cysticercosis presenting as Duane retraction syndrome
      type IIb.

PMID- 28084291
TI  - Choroid plexus involvement in Rosai-Dorfman disease.

PMID- 28084292
TI  - Type 1 neurofibromatosis with intracanalicular rib head dislocation.

PMID- 28084293
TI  - Early-onset pure absence epilepsy with eyebrow myoclonia.

PMID- 28084294
TI  - Traumatic retropharyngeal pseudomeningocele following C5-C6 subluxation.

PMID- 28084295
TI  - "Going home the same day" - Is day care neurosurgery a measure of surgical skill
      and technical advancement?

PMID- 28084296
TI  - Author's Reply: Resurgence of day care surgery in Neurosurgery.

PMID- 28084297
TI  - Concern and utilization of smart phone based telemedical health-care in allied
      neurological speciality: Real health-care model of future India.

PMID- 28084298
TI  - Author's Reply: Smartphone-based telemedical healthcare: The HP telestroke model.

PMID- 28084300
TI  - Facile synthesis, microstructure and photophysical properties of core-shell
      nanostructured (SiCN)/BN nanocomposites.
AB  - Increasing structural complexity at nanoscale can permit superior control over
      photophysical properties in the precursor-derived semiconductors. We demonstrate
      here the synthesis of silicon carbonitride (SiCN)/boron nitride (BN)
      nanocomposites via a polymer precursor route wherein the cobalt polyamine
      complexes used as the catalyst, exhibiting novel composite structures and
      photophysical properties. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy
      (HRTEM) analysis shows that the diameters of SiCN-BN core-shell nanocomposites
      and BN shells are 50-400 nm and 5-25 nm, respectively. BN nanosheets (BNNSs) are
      also observed with an average sheet size of 5-15 nm. The photophysical properties
      of these nanocomposites are characterized using the UV-Vis and photoluminescence
      (PL) analyses. The as-produced composites have emission behavior including an
      emission lifetime of 2.5 ns (+/-20 ps) longer observed in BN doped SiCN than that
      seen for SiC nanoparticles. Our results suggest that the SiCN/BN nanocomposites
      act as semiconductor displaying superior width photoluminescence at wavelengths
      spanning the visible to near-infrared (NIR) spectral range (400-700 nm), owing to
      the heterojunction of the interface between the SiC(N) nanowire core and the BN
      nanosheet shell.

PMID- 28084299
TI  - Contractile forces at tricellular contacts modulate epithelial organization and
      monolayer integrity.
AB  - Monolayered epithelia are composed of tight cell assemblies that ensure polarized
      exchanges. EpCAM, an unconventional epithelial-specific cell adhesion molecule,
      is assumed to modulate epithelial morphogenesis in animal models, but little is
      known regarding its cellular functions. Inspired by the characterization of
      cellular defects in a rare EpCAM-related human intestinal disease, we find that
      the absence of EpCAM in enterocytes results in an aberrant apical domain. In the
      course of this pathological state, apical translocation towards tricellular
      contacts (TCs) occurs with striking tight junction belt displacement. These
      unusual cell organization and intestinal tissue defects are driven by the loss of
      actomyosin network homoeostasis and contractile activity clustering at TCs, yet
      is reversed by myosin-II inhibitor treatment. This study reveals that adequate
      distribution of cortical tension is crucial for individual cell organization, but
      also for epithelial monolayer maintenance. Our data suggest that EpCAM modulation
      protects against epithelial dysplasia and stabilizes human tissue architecture.

PMID- 28084301
TI  - Glutamate Water Gates in the Ion Binding Pocket of Na+ Bound Na+, K+-ATPase.
AB  - The dynamically changing protonation states of the six acidic amino acid residues
      in the ion binding pocket of the Na+, K+ -ATPase (NKA) during the ion transport
      cycle are proposed to drive ion binding, release and possibly determine Na+ or K+
      selectivity. We use molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT)
      simulations to determine the protonation scheme of the Na+ bound conformation of
      NKA. MD simulations of all possible protonation schemes show that the bound Na+
      ions are most stably bound when three or four protons reside in the binding
      sites, and that Glu954 in site III is always protonated. Glutamic acid residues
      in the three binding sites act as water gates, and their deprotonation triggers
      water entry to the binding sites. From DFT calculations of Na+ binding energies,
      we conclude that three protons in the binding site are needed to effectively bind
      Na+ from water and four are needed to release them in the next step. Protonation
      of Asp926 in site III will induce Na+ release, and Glu327, Glu954 and Glu779 are
      all likely to be protonated in the Na+ bound occluded conformation. Our data
      provides key insights into the role of protons in the Na+ binding and release
      mechanism of NKA.

PMID- 28084302
TI  - K48-linked KLF4 ubiquitination by E3 ligase Mule controls T-cell proliferation
      and cell cycle progression.
AB  - T-cell proliferation is regulated by ubiquitination but the underlying molecular
      mechanism remains obscure. Here we report that Lys-48-linked ubiquitination of
      the transcription factor KLF4 mediated by the E3 ligase Mule promotes T-cell
      entry into S phase. Mule is elevated in T cells upon TCR engagement, and Mule
      deficiency in T cells blocks proliferation because KLF4 accumulates and drives
      upregulation of its transcriptional targets E2F2 and the cyclin-dependent kinase
      inhibitors p21 and p27. T-cell-specific Mule knockout (TMKO) mice develop
      exacerbated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), show impaired
      generation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells with reduced cytokine production, and
      fail to clear LCMV infections. Thus, Mule-mediated ubiquitination of the novel
      substrate KLF4 regulates T-cell proliferation, autoimmunity and antiviral immune
      responses in vivo.

PMID- 28084304
TI  - Significantly improved photovoltaic performance in polymer bulk heterojunction
      solar cells with graphene oxide /PEDOT:PSS double decked hole transport layer.
AB  - This work demonstrates the high performance graphene oxide (GO)/PEDOT:PSS doubled
      decked hole transport layer (HTL) in the PCDTBT:PC71BM based bulk heterojunction
      organic photovoltaic device. The devices were tested on merits of their power
      conversion efficiency (PCE), reproducibility, stability and further compared with
      the devices with individual GO or PEDOT:PSS HTLs. Solar cells employing
      GO/PEDOT:PSS HTL yielded a PCE of 4.28% as compared to either of individual GO or
      PEDOT:PSS HTLs where they demonstrated PCEs of 2.77 and 3.57%, respectively. In
      case of single GO HTL, an inhomogeneous coating of ITO caused the poor
      performance whereas PEDOT:PSS is known to be hygroscopic and acidic which upon
      direct contact with ITO reduced the device performance. The improvement in the
      photovoltaic performance is mainly ascribed to the increased charge carriers
      mobility, short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, and decreased
      series resistance. The well matched work function of GO and PEDOT:PSS is likely
      to facilitate the charge transportation and an overall reduction in the series
      resistance. Moreover, GO could effectively block the electrons due to its large
      band-gap of ~3.6 eV, leading to an increased shunt resistance. In addition, we
      also observed the improvement in the reproducibility and stability.

PMID- 28084303
TI  - Soluble Uric Acid Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome.
AB  - Uric acid is a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), released from ischemic
      tissues and dying cells which, when crystalized, is able to activate the NLRP3
      inflammasome. Soluble uric acid (sUA) is found in high concentrations in the
      serum of great apes, and even higher in some diseases, before the appearance of
      crystals. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether uric acid, in
      the soluble form, could also activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and induce the
      production of IL-1beta. We monitored ROS, mitochondrial area and respiratory
      parameters from macrophages following sUA stimulus. We observed that sUA is
      released in a hypoxic environment and is able to induce IL-1beta release. This
      process is followed by production of mitochondrial ROS, ASC speck formation and
      caspase-1 activation. Nlrp3-/- macrophages presented a protected redox state,
      increased maximum and reserve oxygen consumption ratio (OCR) and higher VDAC
      protein levels when compared to WT and Myd88-/- cells. Using a disease model
      characterized by increased sUA levels, we observed a correlation between sUA,
      inflammasome activation and fibrosis. These findings suggest sUA activates the
      NLRP3 inflammasome. We propose that future therapeutic strategies for renal
      fibrosis should include strategies that block sUA or inhibit its recognition by
      phagocytes.

PMID- 28084306
TI  - In vivo response of AZ31 alloy as biliary stents: a 6 months evaluation in
      rabbits.
AB  - Mg-based metallic materials have been making continuing progress as vascular
      stents. However, the research of Mg-based materials as non-vascular stents is
      still at its primary stage. AZ31 stents hereby were implanted into the common
      bile duct of rabbits for 6 months. The results revealed an existence of 93.82 +/-
      1.36% and 30.89 +/- 2.46% of the original volume after 1 and 3 month,
      respectively. Whole blood tests indicated an inflammation decreasing to normal
      level after 3 month implantation. A benign host response was observed via H&E
      staining. Nonuniform corrosion at the two ends of the stents was observed and
      considered the results of flow or local inflammation. Moreover, the application
      of Mg-based materials for different stenting treatment were reviewed and
      compared. Esophagus was hypothesized most destructive, whilst blood vessel and
      bile duct considered similar and less destructive. Trachea and nasal cavity were
      thought to be mildest.

PMID- 28084305
TI  - Very Early Colorectal Anastomotic Leakage within 5 Post-operative Days: a More
      Severe Subtype Needs Relaparatomy.
AB  - Early anastomotic leakage (AL), usually defined as leakage within 30 post
      operative days, represents a severe entity. However, mounting evidence has
      indicated that majorities of leakage occur within one week after surgery, making
      late AL rarity. Here we analyzed 101 consecutive colorectal AL, all of which
      occurred within 30 post-operative days, during Jan 2013 and Dec 2015 in cancer
      hospital of Fudan University. AL occurring within 5 post-operative days was
      defined as very early AL (vE-AL). We evaluated risk factors of vE-AL compared
      with non-vEAL and correlated with post-leakage peritonitis and need of
      relaparatomy. We found that AL occurred at median time of 7 days after surgery.
      23 cases were vE-AL. Reconstruction of post-peritoneum for mid-low rectal
      carcinoma significantly reduced incidence of vE-AL compared with non-vE-AL (p =
      0.042). Patients with vE-AL was associated with presence of peritonitis (p =
      0.031), the latter significantly correlated with increased re-operation rate (p =
      6.8E-13). Besides, patients with vE-AL trended to correlate with increased re
      operation rate after leakage (p = 0.088). In concludsion, vE-AL occurring within
      5 post-operative days represents a severe subtype associated with general
      peritonitis and need of relaparatomy.

PMID- 28084307
TI  - Regulation of sleep plasticity by a thermo-sensitive circuit in Drosophila.
AB  - Sleep is a highly conserved and essential behaviour in many species, including
      the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In the wild, sensory signalling encoding
      environmental information must be integrated with sleep drive to ensure that
      sleep is not initiated during detrimental conditions. However, the molecular and
      circuit mechanisms by which sleep timing is modulated by the environment are
      unclear. Here we introduce a novel behavioural paradigm to study this issue. We
      show that in male fruit flies, onset of the daytime siesta is delayed by ambient
      temperatures above 29  degrees C. We term this effect Prolonged Morning
      Wakefulness (PMW). We show that signalling through the TrpA1 thermo-sensor is
      required for PMW, and that TrpA1 specifically impacts siesta onset, but not night
      sleep onset, in response to elevated temperatures. We identify two critical TrpA1
      expressing circuits and show that both contact DN1p clock neurons, the output of
      which is also required for PMW. Finally, we identify the circadian blue-light
      photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME as a molecular regulator of PMW, and propose a model
      in which the Drosophila nervous system integrates information encoding
      temperature, light, and time to dynamically control when sleep is initiated. Our
      results provide a platform to investigate how environmental inputs co-ordinately
      regulate sleep plasticity.

PMID- 28084308
TI  - Hole Transport in A-form DNA/RNA Hybrid Duplexes.
AB  - DNA/RNA hybrid duplexes are prevalent in many cellular functions and are an
      attractive target form for electrochemical biosensing and electric nanodevice.
      However the electronic conductivities of DNA/RNA hybrid duplex remain relatively
      unexplored and limited further technological applications. Here cyclopropyl
      modified deoxyribose- and ribose-adenosines were developed to explore hole
      transport (HT) in both DNA duplex and DNA/RNA hybrids by probing the transient
      hole occupancies on adenine tracts. HT yields through both B-form and A-form
      double helixes displayed similar shallow distance dependence, although the HT
      yields of DNA/RNA hybrid duplexes were lower than those of DNA duplexes. The lack
      of oscillatory periods and direction dependence in HT through both helixes
      implied efficient hole propagation can be achieved via the hole delocalization
      and coherent HT over adenine tracts, regardless of the structural variations.

PMID- 28084309
TI  - A label-retaining but unipotent cell population resides in biliary compartment of
      mammalian liver.
AB  - Cells with slow proliferation kinetics that retain the nuclear label over long
      time periods-the label-retaining cells (LRCs)-represent multipotent stem cells in
      a number of adult tissues. Since the identity of liver LRCs (LLRCs) had remained
      elusive we utilized a genetic approach to reveal LLRCs in normal non-injured
      livers and characterized their regenerative properties in vivo and in culture. We
      found that LLRCs were located in biliary vessels and participated in the
      regeneration of biliary but not hepatocyte injury. In culture experiments the
      sorted LLRCs displayed an enhanced self-renewal capacity but a unipotent biliary
      differentiation potential. Transcriptome analysis revealed a unique set of
      tumorigenesis- and nervous system-related genes upregulated in LLRCs when
      compared to non-LRC cholangiocytes. We conclude that the LLRCs established during
      the normal morphogenesis of the liver do not represent a multipotent primitive
      somatic stem cell population but act as unipotent biliary progenitor cells.

PMID- 28084310
TI  - Continental drift and plateau uplift control origination and evolution of Asian
      and Australian monsoons.
AB  - Evolutions of Asian and Australian monsoons have important significance for
      understanding the past global change but are still a controversial subject. Here,
      we explore systematically the effects of plate movement and plateau uplift on the
      formation and evolution of the Asian and Australian monsoons by numerical
      simulations based on land-sea distributions and topographic conditions for five
      typical geological periods during the Cenozoic. Our results suggest that the
      timings and causes of formation of the monsoons in South Asia, East Asia and
      northern Australia are different. The Indian Subcontinent, which was located in
      the tropical Southern Hemisphere in the Paleocene, was influenced by the austral
      monsoon system simulated at that time. Once it moved to the tropical Northern
      Hemisphere in the Eocene, the South Asian monsoon established and remained
      persistently thereafter. However, the monsoons of East Asia and northern
      Australia did not appear until the Miocene. The establishment of the simulated
      low-latitude South Asian (northern Australian) monsoon appeared to have strongly
      depended on the location of mainland India (Australia), associated with northward
      plate motion, without much relation to the plateau uplift. On the contrary, the
      establishment of the mid-latitude East Asian monsoon was mainly controlled by the
      uplift of Tibetan plateau.

PMID- 28084311
TI  - A Case-control Study on Risk Factors for Severe Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.
AB  - The objective of this study was to identify potential risk factors for severe
      hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). In this case-control study, 459 severe HFMD
      patients and 246 mild HFMD patients from Guangdong province and Henan province,
      China were included. Data comprising demographic characteristics, clinical
      symptoms and signs, laboratory findings and other factors were collected.
      Univariate analysis revealed 30 factors associated with severe cases. Further
      multivariate analysis indicated four independent risk factors: fatigue (p < 0.01,
      odd ratio [OR] = 204.7), the use of glucocorticoids (p = 0.03, OR = 10.44), the
      use of dehydrant drugs (p < 0.01, OR = 73.7) and maculopapular rash (p < 0.01, OR
      = 84.4); and one independent protective factor: herpes or ulcers in mouth (p =
      0.01, OR = 0.02). However, more systematic research and validation are needed to
      understand the underlying risk factors for severe HFMD.

PMID- 28084313
TI  - Substrate-dependent electronic structure and film formation of MAPbI3
      perovskites.
AB  - We present investigations on the interface formation between the hybrid
      perovskite MAPbI3 and various substrates, covering a wide range of work
      functions. The perovskite films are incrementally evaporated in situ while the
      electronic structure is evaluated using photoelectron spectroscopy. Our results
      show that there is an induction period in the growth of the perovskite during
      which volatile compounds are formed, catalyzed by the substrate. The duration of
      the induction period depends strongly on the nature of the substrate material,
      and it can take up to 20-30 nm of formal precursor deposition before the surface
      is passivated and the perovskite film starts forming. The stoichiometry of the 2
      3 nm thin passivation layer deviates from the expected perovskite stoichiometry,
      being rich in decomposition products of the organic cation. During the regular
      growth of the perovskite, our measurements show a deviation from the commonly
      assumed flat band condition, i.e., dipole formation and band bending dominate the
      interface. Overall, the nature of the substrate not only changes the energetic
      alignment of the perovskite, it can introduce gap states and influence the film
      formation and morphology. The possible impact on device performance is discussed.

PMID- 28084312
TI  - Perturbed CD8+ T cell TIGIT/CD226/PVR axis despite early initiation of
      antiretroviral treatment in HIV infected individuals.
AB  - HIV-specific CD8+ T cells demonstrate an exhausted phenotype associated with
      increased expression of inhibitory receptors, decreased functional capacity, and
      a skewed transcriptional profile, which are only partially restored by
      antiretroviral treatment (ART). Expression levels of the inhibitory receptor, T
      cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), the co-stimulatory receptor CD226
      and their ligand PVR are altered in viral infections and cancer. However, the
      extent to which the TIGIT/CD226/PVR-axis is affected by HIV-infection has not
      been characterized. Here, we report that TIGIT expression increased over time
      despite early initiation of ART. HIV-specific CD8+ T cells were almost
      exclusively TIGIT+, had an inverse expression of the transcription factors T-bet
      and Eomes and co-expressed PD-1, CD160 and 2B4. HIV-specific TIGIThi cells were
      negatively correlated with polyfunctionality and displayed a diminished
      expression of CD226. Furthermore, expression of PVR was increased on CD4+ T
      cells, especially T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, in HIV-infected lymph nodes.
      These results depict a skewing of the TIGIT/CD226 axis from CD226 co-stimulation
      towards TIGIT-mediated inhibition of CD8+ T cells, despite early ART. These
      findings highlight the importance of the TIGIT/CD226/PVR axis as an immune
      checkpoint barrier that could hinder future "cure" strategies requiring potent
      HIV-specific CD8+ T cells.

PMID- 28084314
TI  - Topological frustration of artificial spin ice.
AB  - Frustrated systems, typically characterized by competing interactions that cannot
      all be simultaneously satisfied, display rich behaviours not found elsewhere in
      nature. Artificial spin ice takes a materials-by-design approach to studying
      frustration, where lithographically patterned bar magnets mimic the frustrated
      interactions in real materials but are also amenable to direct characterization.
      Here, we introduce controlled topological defects into square artificial spin ice
      lattices in the form of lattice edge dislocations and directly observe the
      resulting spin configurations. We find the presence of a topological defect
      produces extended frustration within the system caused by a domain wall with
      indeterminate configuration. Away from the dislocation, the magnets are locally
      unfrustrated, but frustration of the lattice persists due to its topology. Our
      results demonstrate the non-trivial nature of topological defects in a new
      context, with implications for many real systems in which a typical density of
      dislocations could fully frustrate a canonically unfrustrated system.

PMID- 28084315
TI  - A minimal length rigid helical peptide motif allows rational design of modular
      surfactants.
AB  - Extensive work has been invested in the design of bio-inspired peptide
      emulsifiers. Yet, none of the formulated surfactants were based on the
      utilization of the robust conformation and self-assembly tendencies presented by
      the hydrophobins, which exhibited highest surface activity among all known
      proteins. Here we show that a minimalist design scheme could be employed to
      fabricate rigid helical peptides to mimic the rigid conformation and the helical
      amphipathic organization. These designer building blocks, containing natural non
      coded alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), form superhelical assemblies as confirmed
      by crystallography and microscopy. The peptide sequence is amenable to structural
      modularity and provides the highest stable emulsions reported so far for peptide
      and protein emulsifiers. Moreover, we establish the ability of short peptides to
      perform the dual functions of emulsifiers and thickeners, a feature that
      typically requires synergistic effects of surfactants and polysaccharides. This
      work provides a different paradigm for the molecular engineering of
      bioemulsifiers.

PMID- 28084316
TI  - TNFalpha drives pulmonary arterial hypertension by suppressing the BMP type-II
      receptor and altering NOTCH signalling.
AB  - Heterozygous germ-line mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein type-II
      receptor (BMPR-II) gene underlie heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension
      (HPAH). Although inflammation promotes PAH, the mechanisms by which inflammation
      and BMPR-II dysfunction conspire to cause disease remain unknown. Here we
      identify that tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) selectively reduces BMPR-II
      transcription and mediates post-translational BMPR-II cleavage via the sheddases,
      ADAM10 and ADAM17 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). TNFalpha
      mediated suppression of BMPR-II subverts BMP signalling, leading to BMP6-mediated
      PASMC proliferation via preferential activation of an ALK2/ACTR-IIA signalling
      axis. Furthermore, TNFalpha, via SRC family kinases, increases pro-proliferative
      NOTCH2 signalling in HPAH PASMCs with reduced BMPR-II expression. We confirm this
      signalling switch in rodent models of PAH and demonstrate that anti-TNFalpha
      immunotherapy reverses disease progression, restoring normal BMP/NOTCH
      signalling. Collectively, these findings identify mechanisms by which BMP and
      TNFalpha signalling contribute to disease, and suggest a tractable approach for
      therapeutic intervention in PAH.

PMID- 28084317
TI  - Therapeutic vaccination based on side population cells transduced by the
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor gene elicits potent antitumor
      immunity.
AB  - Among cancer immunotherapies, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
      (GM-CSF) gene-transduced tumor cell vaccine (GVAX) therapies appear promising and
      have been shown to be safe and effective in multiple clinical trials. However,
      the antitumor efficacies of GVAX therapy alone are in some cases limited. Here we
      showed that GVAX therapy targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) substantially
      suppressed tumor development in syngeneic immunocompetent mice recapitulating
      normal immune systems. CSCs were isolated as side population (SP) cells from 4T1
      murine breast carcinoma cell line and transduced with GM-CSF gene delivered by
      non-transmissible Sendai virus (4T1-SP/GM). Impaired tumorigenicity of
      subcutaneously injected 4T1-SP/GM depended on CD8+ T cells in concert with CD4+ T
      cells and natural killer cells. Mice therapeutically vaccinated with irradiated
      4T1-SP/GM cells had markedly suppressed tumor development of subcutaneously
      transplanted 4T1-SP cells compared with those treated with irradiated cells of
      non-transduced 4T1-SP cells or non-SP (4T1-NSP/GM) cells. Tumor suppression was
      accompanied by the robust accumulation of mature dendritic cells at vaccination
      sites and T-helper type 1-skewed systemic cellular immunity. Our results
      suggested that CSC cell-based GVAX immunotherapy might be clinically useful for
      inducing potent tumor-specific antitumor immunity.

PMID- 28084318
TI  - Apoptosis-inducing and antiproliferative effect by inhibition of miR-182-5p
      through the regulation of CASP9 expression in human breast cancer.
AB  - Recent advances in molecular medicine and gene therapy have offered new effective
      achievements in the treatment of cancers. One of the molecular research lines for
      the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is the use of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are
      single-stranded noncoding RNAs. miRNAs are involved in the post-transcriptional
      regulation of gene expression and have a role in the growth, differentiation,
      cell death and cancer development. One of the miRNAs that showed upregulation in
      breast cancer is miR-182-5p. Oncogenic features of miR-182-5p in some cancers
      were confirmed. In the present study, blockage of miR-182-5p was performed in
      human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) using locked nucleic acid (LNA)-anti-miR.
      MTT (3-[4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and
      annexin/propidium iodide staining at different time points after LNA-anti-miR-182
      5p transfection were accomplished. Our results showed that miR-182-5p inhibition
      can reduce the viability of MCF-7 cells because of apoptosis induction, probably
      through the upregulation of CASP9. A western blot analysis revealed that the
      expression of CASP9 protein is associated with miR-182-5p inhibition. The CASP9
      protein acts as an initiator caspase of apoptosis in the mitochondrial cell death
      pathway. Our results can be used in translational medicine for future
      investigation in breast cancer and approach treatment based on antisense therapy.

PMID- 28084319
TI  - Tumor-associated immune factors are associated with recurrence and metastasis in
      non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Dynamic interaction between tumor cells and the microenvironment is critical for
      tumorigenesis, and cancer immunosurveillance plays an important role in the tumor
      evolution. In some tumors (such as esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer and
      colorectal cancer), studies have shown that the number of tumor-infiltrating
      lymphocytes (TILs) has a significant relationship with the prognosis, but there
      is little research on the prognosis of TILs and non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) has been performed. Therefore, it is necessary to discover the
      relationship between the TILs and cytokines with NSCLC prognosis and metastasis
      in patients. Tumor samples were carefully examined for tissue preservation and
      complete follow-up. A total of 107 tumor samples from NSCLC patients with radical
      surgical resection were enrolled for the analysis. All samples were subjected to
      immunohistochemistry for detection of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD28, forkhead box protein
      P3 (Foxp3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4, cyclooxygenase2 (COX-2),
      transforming growth factor beta 1, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6,
      interleukin-10, interleukin-12 receptor and hypoxia inducible factor 1a (HIF-1a).
      The number, function and location of the targets were analyzed to determine their
      correlation with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).
      Immunhistochemical results from 107 samples indicated that the FoxP3+ regulatory
      TIL (HR=1.336, P=0.031), IL-2 (HR=0.595, P=0.007) and HIF-1a (HR=1.510, P=0.002)
      levels in tumor cells closely correlated with DFS in a COX analysis model. FoxP3+
      regulatory TILs (HR=1.566, P=0.002) significantly correlated with OS and tumor
      node metastasis staging. The patients were divided into two groups due to the
      coexpression pattern of the IL-2, FoxP3+ and HIF-1a. The high-risk group had an
      overall worse survival than those at low risk. We confirmed that Foxp3 expression
      in lymphocyte and IL-2 expression in tumor cells were associated with recurrence
      or transfer. Furthermore, we also observed that HIF-1a expression significantly
      correlated with DFS and OS.

PMID- 28084323
TI  - Movement disorders in 2016: Progress in Parkinson disease and other movement
      disorders.

PMID- 28084321
TI  - Soluble ectodomain CD163 and extracellular vesicle-associated CD163 are two
      differently regulated forms of 'soluble CD163' in plasma.
AB  - CD163 is the macrophage receptor for uptake of hemoglobin-haptoglobin complexes.
      The human receptor can be shed from the macrophage surface owing to a cleavage
      site for the inflammation-inducible TACE/ADAM17 enzyme. Accordingly, plasma
      'soluble CD163' (sCD163) has become a biomarker for macrophage activity and
      inflammation. The present study disclosed that 10% of sCD163 in healthy persons
      is actually extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated CD163 not being cleaved and
      shed. Endotoxin injection of human volunteers caused a selective increase in the
      ectodomain CD163, while septic patients exhibited high levels of both soluble
      ectodomain CD163 and extracellular vesicle (EV) CD163, the latter representing up
      60% of total plasma CD163. A poor prognosis of septic patients measured as the
      sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score correlated with the increase in
      membrane-associated CD163. Our results show that soluble ectodomain CD163 and EV
      CD163 in plasma are part of separate macrophage response in the context of
      systemic inflammation. While that soluble ectodomain CD163 is released during the
      acute systemic inflammatory response, this is not the case for EV CD163 that
      instead may be released during a later phase of the inflammatory response. A
      separate measurement of the two forms of CD163 constituting 'soluble CD163' in
      plasma may therefore add to the diagnostic and prognostic value.

PMID- 28084322
TI  - Temperature shapes coral-algal symbiosis in the South China Sea.
AB  - With the increase in sea surface temperature (SST), scleractinian corals are
      exposed to bleaching threats but may possess certain flexibilities in terms of
      their associations with symbiotic algae. Previous studies have shown a close
      symbiosis between coral the and Symbiodinium; however, the spatial variation of
      the symbiosis and the attribution underlying are not well understood. In the
      present study, we examined coral-algal symbiosis in Galaxea fascicularis and
      Montipora spp. from three biogeographic regions across ~10 degrees  of latitude
      in the South China Sea. Analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) indicated a highly
      flexible coral-algal symbiosis in both G. fascicularis and Montipora spp. and
      canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that temperature explained 83.2%
      and 60.1% of the explanatory subclade variations in G. fascicularis and Montipora
      spp., respectively, which suggested that temperature was the main environmental
      factor contributing to the diversity of Symbiodinium across the three regions.
      The geographic specificity of the Symbiodinium phylogeny was identified,
      revealing possible environmental selection across the three regions. These
      results suggest that scleractinian corals may have the ability to regulate
      Symbiodinium community structures under different temperatures and thus be able
      to adapt to gradual climate change.

PMID- 28084320
TI  - Structural basis for the recognition and degradation of host TRIM proteins by
      Salmonella effector SopA.
AB  - The hallmark of Salmonella Typhimurium infection is an acute intestinal
      inflammatory response, which is mediated through the action of secreted bacterial
      effector proteins. The pro-inflammatory Salmonella effector SopA is a HECT-like
      E3 ligase, which was previously proposed to activate host RING ligases TRIM56 and
      TRIM65. Here we elucidate an inhibitory mechanism of TRIM56 and TRIM65 targeting
      by SopA. We present the crystal structure of SopA in complex with the RING domain
      of human TRIM56, revealing the atomic details of their interaction and the basis
      for SopA selectivity towards TRIM56 and TRIM65. Structure-guided biochemical
      analysis shows that SopA inhibits TRIM56 E3 ligase activity by occluding the E2
      interacting surface of TRIM56. We further demonstrate that SopA ubiquitinates
      TRIM56 and TRIM65, resulting in their proteasomal degradation during infection.
      Our results provide the basis for how a bacterial HECT ligase blocks host RING
      ligases and exemplifies the multivalent power of bacterial effectors during
      infection.

PMID- 28084324
TI  - CNS Infections in 2016: 2016, the year of Zika virus.

PMID- 28084325
TI  - Alzheimer disease: Soluble TREM2 in CSF sheds light on microglial activation in
      AD.

PMID- 28084326
TI  - Alzheimer disease in 2016: Putting AD treatments and biomarkers to the test.

PMID- 28084328
TI  - Painting a specific chromosome with CRISPR/Cas9 for live-cell imaging.

PMID- 28084327
TI  - Treatment decisions in multiple sclerosis - insights from real-world
      observational studies.
AB  - The complexity of multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment means that doctors and
      decision-makers need the best available evidence to make the best decisions for
      patient care. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are accepted as the gold
      standard for assessing the efficacy and safety of any new drug, but conclusions
      of these trials do not always aid in daily decision-making processes. Indeed,
      RCTs are usually conducted in ideal conditions, so can measure efficacy only in
      restricted and unrepresentative populations. In the past decade, a growing number
      of MS databases and registries have started to produce long-term outcome data
      from large cohorts of patients with MS treated with disease-modifying therapies
      in real-world settings. Such observational studies are addressing issues that are
      otherwise difficult or impossible to study. In this Review, we focus on the most
      recently published observational studies designed to identify predictors of poor
      outcome and treatment response or failure, and to evaluate the relative and long
      term effectiveness of currently used MS treatments. We also outline the
      statistical approaches that are most commonly used to reduce bias and limitations
      in these studies, and the challenges associated with the use of 'big MS data' to
      facilitate the implementation of personalized medicine in MS.

PMID- 28084330
TI  - CRISPR control of virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and their
      associated genes (cas) are essential components of an adaptive immune system that
      protects bacteria and archaea from viral infection. Now a recent paper published
      in Cell Research suggests that the Type I-F immune system in Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa may also be involved in post-transcriptional regulation of virulence.

PMID- 28084329
TI  - SPSB1-mediated HnRNP A1 ubiquitylation regulates alternative splicing and cell
      migration in EGF signaling.
AB  - Extracellular signals have been shown to impact on alternative pre-mRNA splicing;
      however, the molecular mechanisms and biological significance of signal-induced
      splicing regulation remain largely unknown. Here, we report that epidermal growth
      factor (EGF) induces splicing changes through ubiquitylation of a well-known
      splicing regulator, hnRNP A1. EGF signaling upregulates an E3 ubiquitin (Ub)
      ligase adaptor, SPRY domain-containing SOCS box protein 1 (SPSB1), which recruits
      Elongin B/C-Cullin complexes to conjugate lysine 29-linked polyUb chains onto
      hnRNP A1. Importantly, SPSB1 and ubiquitylation of hnRNP A1 have a critical role
      in EGF-driven cell migration. Mechanistically, EGF-induced ubiquitylation of
      hnRNP A1 together with the activation of SR protein kinases (SRPKs) results in
      the upregulation of a Rac1 splicing isoform, Rac1b, to promote cell motility.
      These findings unravel a novel crosstalk between protein ubiquitylation and
      alternative splicing in EGF/EGF receptor signaling, and identify a new
      EGF/SPSB1/hnRNP A1/Rac1 axis in modulating cell migration, which may have
      important implications for cancer treatment.

PMID- 28084331
TI  - Cryo-EM structure of Nma111p, a unique HtrA protease composed of two protease
      domains and four PDZ domains.

PMID- 28084332
TI  - Macrophagic CD146 promotes foam cell formation and retention during
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - The persistence of cholesterol-engorged macrophages (foam cells) in the artery
      wall fuels the development of atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism that
      regulates the formation of macrophage foam cells and impedes their emigration out
      of inflamed plaques is still elusive. Here, we report that adhesion receptor
      CD146 controls the formation of macrophage foam cells and their retention within
      the plaque during atherosclerosis exacerbation. CD146 is expressed on the
      macrophages in human and mouse atheroma and can be upregulated by oxidized low
      density lipoprotein (oxLDL). CD146 triggers macrophage activation by driving the
      internalization of scavenger receptor CD36 during lipid uptake. In response to
      oxLDL, macrophages show reduced migratory capacity toward chemokines CCL19 and
      CCL21; this capacity can be restored by blocking CD146. Genetic deletion of
      macrophagic CD146 or targeting of CD146 with an antibody result in much less
      complex plaques in high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice by causing lipid-loaded
      macrophages to leave plaques. Collectively, our findings identify CD146 as a
      novel retention signal that traps macrophages within the artery wall, and a
      promising therapeutic target in atherosclerosis treatment.

PMID- 28084333
TI  - Male breast cancer precursor lesions: analysis of the EORTC 10085/TBCRC/BIG/NABCG
      International Male Breast Cancer Program.
AB  - In men, data regarding breast cancer carcinogenesis are limited. The aim of our
      study was to describe the presence of precursor lesions adjacent to invasive male
      breast cancer, in order to increase our understanding of carcinogenesis in these
      patients. Central pathology review was performed for 1328 male breast cancer
      patients, registered in the retrospective joint analysis of the International
      Male Breast Cancer Program, which included the presence and type of breast cancer
      precursor lesions. In a subset, invasive breast cancer was compared with the
      adjacent precursor lesion by immunohistochemistry (n=83) or targeted next
      generation sequencing (n=7). Additionally, we correlated the presence of ductal
      carcinoma in situ with outcome. A substantial proportion (46.2%) of patients with
      invasive breast cancer also had an adjacent precursor lesion, mainly ductal
      carcinoma in situ (97.9%). The presence of lobular carcinoma in situ and columnar
      cell-like lesions were very low (<1%). In the subset of invasive breast cancer
      cases with adjacent ductal carcinoma in situ (n=83), a complete concordance was
      observed between the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 status of
      both components. Next generation sequencing on a subset of cases with invasive
      breast cancer and adjacent ductal carcinoma in situ (n=4) showed identical
      genomic aberrations, including PIK3CA, GATA3, TP53, and MAP2K4 mutations. Next
      generation sequencing on a subset of cases with invasive breast cancer and an
      adjacent columnar cell-like lesion showed genomic concordance in two out of three
      patients. A multivariate Cox model for survival showed a trend that the presence
      of ductal carcinoma in situ was associated with a better overall survival, in
      particular in the Luminal B HER2+ subgroup. In conclusion, ductal carcinoma in
      situ is the most commonly observed precursor lesion in male breast cancer and its
      presence seems to be associated with a better outcome, in particular in Luminal B
      HER2+ cases. The rate of lobular carcinoma in situ and columnar cell-like lesions
      adjacent to male breast cancer is very low, but our findings support the role of
      columnar cell-like lesions as a precursor of male breast cancer.

PMID- 28084334
TI  - Langerhans cell histiocytosis associated with lymphoma: an incidental finding
      that is not associated with BRAF or MAP2K1 mutations.
AB  - Langerhans cell histiocytosis is characterized by a localized or systemic
      proliferation of Langerhans cells. BRAF mutations have been reported in 40-70% of
      cases and MAP2K1 mutations have been found in BRAF-negative cases, supporting
      that Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a true neoplasm, at least in mutated cases.
      In a small subset of patients, Langerhans cell histiocytosis is detected
      incidentally in a biopsy involved by lymphoma. These lesions are usually minute
      and rarely have been assessed for mutations. We assessed for BRAF and MAP2K1
      mutations in seven cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis detected incidentally
      in biopsies involved by lymphoma. We performed immunohistochemical analysis for
      phosphorylated (p)-ERK. There were four men and three women (median age, 54
      years; range, 28-84). The biopsies included lymph nodes (n=6) and chest wall
      (n=1). The lymphomas included five classical Hodgkin lymphoma, one mantle cell
      lymphoma, and one angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. All cases were negative for
      BRAF V600E and MAP2K1 mutations. Nevertheless, three of seven cases showed ERK
      activation as shown by expression of p-ERK. We performed mutation analysis using
      a panel of 134 commonly mutated genes (including BRAF and MAP2K1) by next
      generation sequencing on three cases, including two cases positive for p-ERK by
      immunohistochemistry. No mutations were detected in any of the three cases
      assessed. Six patients received therapy appropriate for their lymphoma. With a
      median follow-up of 21 months (range, 6-89), no patients developed disseminated
      or recurrent Langerhans cell histiocytosis. We conclude that lymphoma-associated
      Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a clinically benign process that is not
      associated with BRAF V600E or MAP2K1 mutations and, as suggested by others, the
      designation Langerhans cell hyperplasia may be more appropriate. Nevertheless,
      the expression of p-ERK in three cases suggests that the RAS-RAF-MAP2K-ERK
      pathway is activated, perhaps by non-mutational mechanisms induced by the
      presence of lymphoma or lymphoma-microenvironment interactions.

PMID- 28084335
TI  - HHV8-related lymphoid proliferations: a broad spectrum of lesions from reactive
      lymphoid hyperplasia to overt lymphoma.
AB  - Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)-associated lymphoid proliferations are uncommon and
      poorly characterized disorders mainly affecting immunosuppressed patients,
      especially with HIV infection. They encompass different diseases with overlapping
      features that complicate their classification. In addition, the role of HHV8 in
      reactive lymphoid hyperplasia is not well known. To analyze the
      clinicopathological spectrum of these lesions, we have reviewed 66 biopsies of 61
      patients with HHV8 infection. All cases were also investigated for Epstein-Barr
      virus (EBV) and HIV infection. We identified 13 (20%) cases of HHV8-related
      reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, 2 (3%) HHV8 plasmablastic proliferations of the
      splenic red pulp, 28 (42%) multicentric Castleman disease, 6 (9%) germinotropic
      lymphoproliferative disorders, and 17 (26%) HHV8-related lymphomas. As expected,
      the pathologic subtype was predictive of overall survival (P<0.05). Forty-seven
      of our cases were HIV positive (77%). In addition to the classical presentation
      of the different entities, we identified novel and overlapping features. Reactive
      HHV8 proliferations were frequently associated with systemic symptoms but never
      progressed to overt HHV8-positive lymphoma. Two cases had a plasmablastic
      proliferation limited to spleen. Eight cases of multicentric Castleman disease
      had a previously unrecognized presentation shortly after the diagnosis of HIV
      infection, six cases had cavity effusions, and three showed plasmablast enriched
      proliferations. One germinotropic lymphoproliferative disorder was EBV negative
      and three occurred in HIV-positive patients, who had distinctive clinical and
      morphological features. Two of the HHV8-related lymphomas did not fulfill the
      criteria for previously recognized entities. All these findings expand the
      clinical and pathological spectrum of HHV8-related lymphoid proliferations, which
      is broader than current recognized.

PMID- 28084336
TI  - Giant cell tumor of soft tissue is genetically distinct from its bone
      counterpart.
AB  - Giant cell tumors of bone are locally aggressive bone neoplasms with a
      predilection for young adults. Histologically, they are composed of histiocytoid
      to spindled mononuclear cells, admixed with numerous large osteoclastic giant
      cells. Giant cell tumors of soft tissue are rare tumors that bear striking
      histological resemblance to giant cell tumors of bone and might be regarded as a
      soft tissue analog thereof. Point mutations of the H3F3A gene (coding for a
      histone H3.3 protein) at the Gly34 codon, mostly G34W resulting from a GGG>TGG
      nucleotide change, have recently been identified in a vast majority of giant cell
      tumors of bone. To delineate the possible pathogenic linkage between both tumor
      types, we analyzed the H3F3A genotypes in a series of 15 giant cell tumors of
      soft tissue by Sanger sequencing and found no mutation in any case. We then
      sequenced cognate histone H3 genes with an identical nucleotide sequence ('GGG')
      at the codon Gly34, including the H3F3B, H3F3C, HIST2H3A, HIST2H3C, and HIST2H3D
      genes, and no somatic mutation was detected. These results reveal that giant cell
      tumors of soft tissue are probably genetically distinct from their bone
      counterparts and suggest that they might be pathogenically unrelated. Given the
      prominence of non-neoplastic cells in these tumors and the limitations of the
      current study, however, analyses using more sensitive techniques might be
      required to solve the issue.

PMID- 28084337
TI  - Tumoral PD-L1 expression in desmoplastic melanoma is associated with depth of
      invasion, tumor-infiltrating CD8 cytotoxic lymphocytes and the mixed
      cytomorphological variant.
AB  - Recently, patients with metastatic desmoplastic melanoma (DM) have been shown to
      respond more favorably to anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy than other melanoma subtypes.
      Given this, we evaluated PD-L1/2 expression in primary DM samples and correlated
      these with subtype, CD8+ lymphocyte status, histopathological prognosticators,
      and select genetic alterations. Eighty-six (36 mixed DM, 50 pure DM) archival
      annotated samples met inclusion criteria and were immunohistochemically
      semiquantitatively evaluated. Per established criteria, for PD-L1/L2, cases with
      ?5% tumoral expression, and for CD8, cases with a predominantly peri/intratumoral
      CD8+ infiltrate were scored positive. Univariate analysis (chi-square and
      Wilcoxon) identified potential confounders and a nested case-control study was
      accomplished using multiple logistic regression. For PD-L1, 49% of cases were
      positive and 71% of cases with thickness >4 mm were positive; PD-L1 expression
      differed by median depth (3.29 mm, interquartile range=3.58 mm for PD-L1
      positives vs 1.75 mm, interquartile range=2.04 mm for PD-L1 negatives, P=0.0002)
      and was linearly associated with increasing depth of invasion (P=0.0003). PD-L1
      positive cases were more likely to display CD8+ lymphocytes (60 vs 28%
      P=0.0047).The presence of CD8+ lymphocytes correlated significantly with depth of
      invasion >1 mm (P=0.022). On multivariate analysis, PD-L1 was 6.14 * more likely
      to be expressed in mixed DM than pure DM (P=0.0131), CD8+ staining was 6.22 *
      more likely in PD-L1 positive cases than in PD-L1 negative (P=0.0118), and tumor
      depth was associated with greater odds of PD-L1 expression (OR=1.61, P=0.0181).
      PD-L2 expression was observed in 48% of cases but did not correlate with any
      variables. Correlation of tumoral PD-L1 with increased depth and CD8+ lymphocytes
      implicates the tumoral immune microenvironment with advancing disease in DM.
      Enhanced tumoral PD-L1 expression in the mixed cytomorphological variant provides
      an insight into the differential pathogenesis of the subtypes and suggests that
      these patients are likely better candidates for anti-PD/PD-L1 therapy.

PMID- 28084338
TI  - P-cadherin: a useful biomarker for axillary-based breast cancer decisions in the
      clinical practice.
AB  - Axillary lymph node metastases represent the most powerful breast cancer
      prognostic factor, dictating disease staging and clinical therapeutic decisions.
      Nonetheless, breast cancer patients with positive lymph nodes still exhibit a
      heterogeneous behavior regarding disease progression. Stem-like subpopulations of
      cancer cells show high migratory and metastatic capacity, thus we hypothesize
      that breast cancer stem cell markers evaluation in metastasized lymph nodes could
      provide a more accurate prediction of patient's prognosis. Therefore, the
      expression profile of P-cadherin, CD44, and CD49f, which have been already
      associated to stem cell properties in breast cancer, has been evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry in a series of 135 primary tumors and matched axillary lymph
      node metastases from 135 breast cancer patients. Taking in consideration the
      expression of the stem cell markers only in axillary nodes, P-cadherin was the
      only biomarker significantly associated with poor disease-free and overall
      patient's survival. Moreover, although a concordant expression between primary
      tumors and matched lymph nodes has been found in the majority of the cases, a
      small but significant percentage displayed divergent expression (18.2-26.2%).
      Remarkably, although CD44 and CD49f changes between primary tumors and lymph node
      metastasis did not impact survival, the cases that were positive for P-cadherin
      in lymph node metastases being negative in the primary tumor, presented the worst
      disease-free and overall survival of the whole series. Accordingly, negative
      cases for this marker in the lymph nodes with positive expression in the matched
      breast carcinoma demonstrated a better prognosis, which overlapped with tumors
      that were negative in both sites. P-cadherin and CD49f gain of expression was
      mainly found in triple-negative carcinomas. Our results indicate for the first
      time that the evaluation of P-cadherin expression in lymph node metastases is an
      important predictor of disease outcome, being a putative valuable marker for
      axillary-based breast cancer decisions in the clinical practice.

PMID- 28084339
TI  - Recurrent IDH2 R172X mutations in sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma.
AB  - Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy.
      Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma has long been considered a diagnosis of
      exclusion; to date, the molecular pathogenetic basis for sinonasal
      undifferentiated carcinoma is unknown. To identify potential oncogenic drivers in
      sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, targeted next-generation sequencing of 300
      cancer-related genes was performed on 11 cases of sinonasal undifferentiated
      carcinoma. We identified IDH2 R172X mutations in 55% of sinonasal
      undifferentiated carcinomas including R172S, R172T, and R172M. Multispecific
      mutant IDH1/2 immunohistochemistry was performed and identified mutant-specific
      protein expression in all cases with available tissue: 3/3 sinonasal
      undifferentiated carcinomas with R172 mutations were positive and 4/4 wild-type
      cases were negative. Review of sequencing data for our institutional head and
      neck cohorts (n=412) confirmed the absence of IDH-activating mutations in other
      tumor types. Alterations in the IDH2-wild-type sinonasal undifferentiated
      carcinomas included SMARCA4 loss-of-function with confirmed loss of
      immunohistochemical expression, NOTCH1 gain-of-function, and TET2 loss-of
      function. We demonstrate that the majority of histologically defined sinonasal
      undifferentiated carcinomas are characterized by IDH2 R172X mutations and
      overexpression of mutant protein. IDH2 R172X mutations are specific to sinonasal
      undifferentiated carcinoma among carcinomas of the head and neck, confirming this
      tumor type as a distinct clinicopathologic entity. These findings have
      significant implications for diagnosis and therapy with IDH inhibitors for
      patients with this rare and poorly understood tumor.

PMID- 28084340
TI  - Claudin-4 expression distinguishes SWI/SNF complex-deficient undifferentiated
      carcinomas from sarcomas.
AB  - Inactivation of SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose non-fermentable) chromatin remodeling
      complex subunits is a feature shared by select carcinomas and sarcomas with
      epithelioid morphology and variable keratin expression, making the distinction
      between carcinoma and sarcoma challenging in some cases. The tight junction
      associated protein claudin-4 is a marker of epithelial differentiation that is
      expressed in nearly all carcinomas. Claudin-4 expression has been reported in the
      glandular component of biphasic synovial sarcoma but has not been systematically
      evaluated in other sarcoma types. In this study we assessed claudin-4 expression
      in SWI/SNF complex-deficient neoplasms showing loss of SMARCB1 (INI1), SMARCA4
      (BRG1), or ARID1A and other sarcomas with epithelioid morphology.
      Immunohistochemistry for claudin-4 was performed on 130 neoplasms, including 90
      soft tissue tumors with epithelioid morphology and/or SMARCB1 deficiency (20
      epithelioid sarcomas (10 conventional, 10 proximal-type); 10 epithelioid
      angiosarcomas; 10 epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas; 15 epithelioid malignant
      peripheral nerve sheath tumors; 10 malignant rhabdoid tumors; 15 myoepithelial
      carcinomas; 10 biphasic synovial sarcomas), 10 ovarian clear cell carcinomas, 10
      ovarian small cell carcinomas of hypercalcemic type, and 20 SWI/SNF complex
      deficient undifferentiated carcinomas (14 SMARCB1 deficient and 6 SMARCA4
      deficient, including rhabdoid carcinomas of various sites and sinonasal
      carcinomas). Membranous expression of claudin-4 (>=5% of cells) was observed in
      all biphasic synovial sarcomas (epithelial component only), all ovarian clear
      cell carcinomas, and 16 (80%) SWI/SNF complex-deficient undifferentiated
      carcinomas. All other soft tissue tumors were negative for claudin-4, with the
      exception of two myoepithelial carcinomas and one malignant rhabdoid tumor.
      Interestingly, none of the ovarian small cell carcinomas of hypercalcemic type
      expressed claudin-4. In summary, expression of claudin-4 is highly specific for
      true epithelial differentiation and may be useful to distinguish SWI/SNF complex
      deficient undifferentiated carcinomas from sarcomas with epithelioid morphology.
      The lack of claudin-4 expression in ovarian small cell carcinomas of
      hypercalcemic type suggests that these tumors may be better regarded as sarcomas
      rather than carcinomas.

PMID- 28084341
TI  - #InSituPathologists: how the #USCAP2015 meeting went viral on Twitter and founded
      the social media movement for the United States and Canadian Academy of
      Pathology.
AB  - Professional medical conferences over the past five years have seen an enormous
      increase in the use of Twitter in real-time, also known as "live-tweeting". At
      the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) 2015 annual meeting,
      24 attendees (the authors) volunteered to participate in a live-tweet group, the
      #InSituPathologists. This group, along with other attendees, kept the world
      updated via Twitter about the happenings at the annual meeting. There were 6,524
      #USCAP2015 tweets made by 662 individual Twitter users; these generated 5,869,323
      unique impressions (potential tweet-views) over a 13-day time span encompassing
      the dates of the annual meeting. Herein we document the successful implementation
      of the first official USCAP annual meeting live-tweet group, including the
      pros/cons of live-tweeting and other experiences of the original
      #InSituPathologists group members. No prior peer-reviewed publications to our
      knowledge have described in depth the use of an organized group to "live-tweet" a
      pathology meeting. We believe our group to be the first of its kind in the field
      of pathology.

PMID- 28084342
TI  - Concurrent fine needle aspirations and core needle biopsies: a comparative study
      of substrates for next-generation sequencing in solid organ malignancies.
AB  - Minimally invasive procedures, such as fine needle aspiration and core needle
      biopsy, are commonly used for the diagnosis in solid organ malignancies. In the
      era of targeted therapy, it is crucial for molecular testing to be performed on
      these limited volume specimens. Although several recent studies have demonstrated
      the utility of small biopsy specimens for molecular testing, there remains debate
      as to whether core needle biopsy specimens are more reliable than fine needle
      aspiration for molecular studies. In this study, we reviewed concurrently
      acquired fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy samples (n=24), and
      compared overall cellularity, tumor fraction, and the results of next-generation
      sequencing. All somatic mutations detected in core needle biopsy samples were
      also detected in fine needle aspiration samples. The estimated tumor fraction was
      significantly higher in fine needle aspiration smears than core needle biopsy
      samples (P=0.003), whereas the overall DNA yield from smears was significantly
      lower than that obtained from the core needle biopsy specimens (P=0.01). The
      normalized average amplicon coverage for the genes analyzed was significantly
      higher in cytology smears than paired core needle biopsy samples, with lower
      numbers of failed amplicons and higher overall mutation allelic frequencies seen
      in the former. We further evaluated 100 malignant fine needle aspiration and core
      needle biopsy samples, acquired concurrently, for overall cellularity and tumor
      fraction. Overall cellularity and tumor fraction of fine needle aspiration
      samples was significantly higher than concurrently acquired core needle biopsy
      samples (P<0.001). In conclusion, we show that fine needle aspiration samples
      frequently provide better cellularity, higher tumor fraction, and superior
      sequencing metrics than concurrently acquired core needle biopsy samples.
      Cytologic specimens, therefore, should be better integrated into routine
      molecular diagnostics workflow to maximize limited tissues for clinically
      relevant genomic testing.

PMID- 28084343
TI  - Recurrent GNAQ mutations in anastomosing hemangiomas.
AB  - Anastomosing hemangiomas are recently described benign vascular lesions that
      occur chiefly in the genitourinary tract and paravertebral soft tissues. Owing to
      their rarity and unusual cytoarchitectural features, anastomosing hemangiomas are
      frequently confused with low-grade angiosarcomas. The specific genetic
      alterations underlying these lesions are currently unknown. We performed capture
      based next-generation DNA sequencing analysis on 13 anastomosing hemangiomas and
      identified frequent somatic mutations in the heterotrimeric G-protein alpha
      subunit, GNAQ. Nine of 13 cases (69%) harbored a somatic mutation at GNAQ codon
      209, a known hotspot that is commonly mutated in uveal melanoma and blue nevi, as
      well as various congenital vascular proliferations. No other pathogenic or likely
      pathogenic mutations were identified in these genetically simple lesions. The
      finding of a recurrent driver mutation in the G-protein signal transduction
      pathway provides strong evidence that anastomosing hemangiomas are indeed clonal
      vascular neoplasms.

PMID- 28084344
TI  - MCM2: An alternative to Ki-67 for measuring breast cancer cell proliferation.
AB  - Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease comprising a diversity of tumor subtypes
      that manifest themselves in a wide variety of clinical, pathological, and
      molecular features. One important subset, luminal breast cancers, comprises two
      clinically distinct subtypes luminal A and B each of them endowed with its own
      genetic program of differentiation and proliferation. Luminal breast cancers were
      operationally defined as follows: Luminal A: ER+, PR+, HER2-, Ki-67<14% and
      Luminal B: ER+ and/or PR+, HER2-,Ki-67>=14% or, alternatively ER+ and/or PR+,
      HER2+, any Ki-67. There is currently a need for a clinically robust and validated
      immunohistochemical assay that can help distinguish between luminal A and B
      breast cancer. MCM2 is a family member of the minichromosome maintenance protein
      complex whose role in DNA replication and cell proliferation is firmly
      established. As MCM2 appears to be an attractive alternative to Ki-67, we sought
      to study the expression of MCM2 and Ki-67 in different histological grades and
      molecular subtypes of breast cancer focusing primarily on ER-positive tumors.
      MCM2 and Ki-67 mRNA expression were studied using in silico analysis of available
      DNA microarray and RNA-sequencing data of human breast cancer. We next used
      immunohistochemistry to evaluate protein expression of MCM2 and Ki-67 on tissue
      microarrays of invasive breast carcinoma. We found that MCM2 and Ki-67 are highly
      expressed in breast tumors of high histological grades, comprising clinically
      aggressive tumors such as triple-negative, HER2-positive and luminal B subtypes.
      MCM2 expression was detected at higher levels than that of Ki-67 in normal breast
      tissues and in breast cancers. The bimodal distribution of MCM2 scores in
      ER+/HER2- breast tumors led to the identification of two distinct subgroups with
      different relapse-free survival rates. In conclusion, MCM2 expression can help
      sorting out two clinically important subsets of luminal breast cancer whose
      treatment and clinical outcomes are likely to diverge.

PMID- 28084345
TI  - Synaptophysin-Ki67 double stain: a novel technique that improves interobserver
      agreement in the grading of well-differentiated gastrointestinal neuroendocrine
      tumors.
AB  - A common problem in the assessment of Ki67 proliferative index in well
      differentiated gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors is distinguishing tumor
      from non-tumor. This is because background stromal lymphocytes, entrapped non
      neoplastic glands, and the delicate vascular network characteristic of
      neuroendocrine tumors frequently contain a subset of proliferating cells.
      Furthermore, in small biopsies, crush and cautery artifact can alter the
      morphologic appearance of tumor cells, making the Ki67 proliferative index more
      difficult to assess. To address these issues, we developed a synaptophysin-Ki67
      double stain using a commercially available immunohistochemistry kit, allowing
      simultaneous visualization of tumor and proliferating nuclei. To test this
      method, three gastrointestinal pathologists individually graded 50
      gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors first using synaptophysin-Ki67 double
      stained slides and then, after a washout period, using Ki67-only stained slides
      (along with routine hematoxylin- and eosin-stained slides). Interobserver
      agreement on Ki67 proliferative index was moderate using the Ki67-only stained
      slides (intraclass correlation 0.51, 95% confidence interval: 0.35-0.66) and
      improved using the synaptophysin-Ki67 double stain (intraclass correlation 0.79,
      95% confidence interval: 0.69-0.86). Similarly, interobserver agreement on tumor
      grade was fair with Ki67-only stained slides (kappa=0.39, P<0.001) and improved
      with the double stain (kappa=0.58, P<0.001). Analysis of individual pathologists'
      scores revealed that fewer total number of tumor cells counted correlated with
      higher grade designation and appeared to contribute to grade discordance. In
      tumors cited as particularly challenging to assess by the pathologists, three of
      four tumors were grade discordant with the Ki67-only stain, whereas all four
      tumors were grade concordant with the synaptophysin-Ki67 stain. The synaptophysin
      Ki67 double stain is the first technique to address specifically the
      histomorphologic challenges of evaluating Ki67 proliferative index in well
      differentiated gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Although further
      validation is needed, this study provides evidence that the synaptophysin-Ki67
      double stain can improve interobserver agreement.

PMID- 28084346
TI  - Fear of fluoride.
AB  - Discusses how dental and medical scares have resulted in a "culture of fear"
      which has damaged patients and dentists. Forty years of pessimism have created a
      demoralised and risk-averse society. The reality of a steadily improving world
      demands a new attitude of rational optimism and a healthy scepticism about new
      scares.

PMID- 28084350
TI  - Can motivations for studying dentistry inform us about gender and BME differences
      in dental academic careers?
AB  - There are various motivators that prompt people to study dentistry but there is
      evidence that the salience of each varies according to gender and black and
      minority ethnic (BME) group. Given the current focus on inequality within the
      science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM) academic
      disciplines where dentistry sits, it is important to understand the relevance of
      different motivators to different social groups if inequality is to be overcome.
      We carried out a survey of dental students from 11 out of the 18 dental schools
      in the UK to find out what prompted them to study dentistry. Our findings showed
      that most people make a personal choice to study dentistry and follow a patient
      focused career while the prospect of an academic career was important for less
      than half of our sample. Differences according to gender and BME group were
      apparent but did not follow these trends. In order to continue to improve the
      diversity within dental academia dental schools should consider the different
      preferences of the workforce and work to broaden its potential.

PMID- 28084355
TI  - Regulation: Bureaucratic behemoth.

PMID- 28084356
TI  - All about acid.
AB  - Interarch comparison of intraoral pH and temperature: a pilot study.

PMID- 28084352
TI  - Gastrointestinal diseases and their oro-dental manifestations: Part 2: Ulcerative
      colitis.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis is a rather common inflammatory bowel disease, especially in
      the industrialised world. A limited number of studies have reported the
      prevalence of oral signs and symptoms in these patients, and widely varying
      prevalence rates have been reported ranging from 2 to 34%. Pyostomatitis vegetans
      is the most pathognomonic oral sign but also other abnormalities as oral
      ulcerations, caries and periodontitis are more often seen in patients with
      ulcerative colitis. In this review we describe the oral manifestations of
      ulcerative colitis and their potential dental implications.

PMID- 28084357
TI  - The interdisciplinary management of hypodontia patients in the UK: a national
      service evaluation.
AB  - Objective To examine the distribution of interdisciplinary clinics for hypodontia
      patients in the UK and to assess the provision of orthodontic-restorative care
      for hypodontia patients in units where this service is and is not
      available.Design Prospective, online-questionnaire.Setting Hospital orthodontic
      departments in the UK.Participants In total, consultants from 92 orthodontic
      departments completed the questionnaire.Methods Orthodontic consultants were
      asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the provision of orthodontic
      restorative care for hypodontia patients in their units.Results Overall, 100% of
      teaching hospitals and 51% of district general hospitals (DGHs) that responded
      have an interdisciplinary clinic for hypodontia patients. In 51% of units, the
      majority of patients assessed on the interdisciplinary clinic undergo their
      restorative care at the same secondary care unit. In 59% of units where an
      interdisciplinary clinic is not available most of the restorative care for
      hypodontia patients is provided by the GDP, whilst in 38% of units a specialist
      restorative dentist in another secondary care unit provides most of the
      restorative care.Conclusions The provision of an interdisciplinary clinic for
      hypodontia patients varies amongst hospital units throughout the UK. The
      provision of orthodontic-restorative care for hypodontia patients also varies
      between these units.

PMID- 28084358
TI  - Brian Morrison Tweedie.

PMID- 28084359
TI  - Motivating motivation.
AB  - Motivational interviewing in general dental practice: A review of the evidence.

PMID- 28084361
TI  - Athiel Lushington King.

PMID- 28084363
TI  - The rise and fall of malpractice payments in the US.
AB  - Trends in US malpractice payments in dentistry compared to other health
      professions - dentistry payments increase, others fall.

PMID- 28084364
TI  - Smoking cessation: The role of e-cigarettes.

PMID- 28084369
TI  - New toolkit lets dentists build on antibiotic prescribing success.

PMID- 28084370
TI  - Referrals: Apicectomy.

PMID- 28084371
TI  - Impacted canines.

PMID- 28084373
TI  - Antimicrobial resistance: Refresh your memory.

PMID- 28084374
TI  - Agreed; but if...?

PMID- 28084376
TI  - Empowerment in a model of outreach undergraduate dental education.
AB  - Aim To undertake a quantitative and qualitative examination into what aspects of
      the students' experience in outreach at University of Portsmouth Dental Academy
      (UPDA) are encouraging their empowerment as autonomous practitioners, ready to
      graduate as 'safe beginners'.Methods The study was devised as part of the
      educational service evaluation of outreach education at the UPDA. For the two
      most recent cohorts of 160 students (2014-16) an additional domain was added
      specifically investigating the students' sense of how their experience of
      outreach at the UPDA has impacted on their development to be ready for
      independent practice (safe beginner). The questionnaire was completed anonymously
      in their last week of attendance just before graduation.Results A 91% response
      rate for the questionnaire was achieved. To the question about 'being given an
      opportunity to become an independent dentist', 83% of the respondents strongly
      agreed. Two themes with seven subthemes were identified from the free text
      responses. The two themes were 'self-actualisation: developing self-awareness and
      self-confidence' and 'delivery of care as a dentist'.Conclusion Within the
      limitations of this educational evaluation, students enjoyed the increase of
      autonomy they gained during the year-long placement and felt that the clinical
      teachers empowered, encouraged and supported them to develop as autonomous dental
      practitioners and as 'safe beginners', to deliver holistic care in the National
      Health Service.

PMID- 28084377
TI  - OMFS: Fortitude and dedication.

PMID- 28084378
TI  - Work begins on state of the art new facility.

PMID- 28084380
TI  - Enormous support for mouth cancer message.

PMID- 28084382
TI  - A paediatric DCT's life: 'I love the challenge of dealing with worried children'.

PMID- 28084383
TI  - Trends in US malpractice payments in dentistry compared to other health
      professions - dentistry payments increase, others fall.
AB  - Background Little is known about trends in the number of malpractice payments
      made against dentists and other health professionals. Knowledge of these trends
      will inform the work of our professional organisations.Methods The National
      Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) in the United States was utilised. Data about
      malpractice payments against dentists, hygienists, nurses, optometrists,
      pharmacists, physicians (DO and MD), physicians' assistants, podiatrists,
      psychologists, therapists and counsellors during 2004-14 were studied. Variables
      include type of healthcare provider, year malpractice payment was made and range
      of payment amount.Results In 2004 there were 17,532 malpractice payments against
      the studied health professions. In 2014 there were 11,650. In 2004, the number of
      malpractice payments against dentists represented 10.3% of all payments and in
      2014 it represented 13.4%. Number of malpractice payments against dentists in
      2012-2014 increased from 1,388 to 1,555.Conclusions There is an upward pressure
      on the number of dental malpractice payments over the last 3 years. Concurrently,
      there is a downward pressure on the number of combined non-dentist healthcare
      professional malpractice payments.

PMID- 28084386
TI  - Multidisciplinary management: Inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 28084385
TI  - Anaesthesia: LA in pregnancy.

PMID- 28084388
TI  - Periodontal evaluation of crown-root fractured teeth following modified crown
      lengthening surgery.
AB  - Objectives To evaluate long-term outcomes of modified crown lengthening
      procedures for crown-root fractured teeth, and to analyse factors that affect the
      periodontal health of the treated teeth.Methods The present study retrospectively
      analysed data from 22 patients (13 males and 9 females) who had presented with
      crown-root fractured teeth and received modified crown lengthening procedures
      combined with crown restoration for >=13 months. In total, 26 crown-root
      fractured teeth were treated and examined for plaque index, probing depth,
      bleeding index, bleeding on probing, mobility and the crown margin location. The
      contralateral tooth and ipsilateral teeth mesial and distal to the treated tooth
      were used as controls. Data were assessed descriptively or analysed statistically
      with Mann-Whitney-U test at alpha=0.05.Results Recorded periodontal indices
      revealed stable periodontal status in 25 of 26 treated teeth with the mean values
      for aesthetic and functional VAS scores at 9.5. A negative correlation was
      observed between the subgingival crown margin location and the bleeding
      index.Conclusions The modified crown lengthening procedure is a feasible and
      minimally invasive therapeutic option for management of crown-root fractured
      cases.

PMID- 28084389
TI  - Case report: long term lingual arch - preventable iatrogenic damage.
AB  - Lingual arches are fixed space maintainers utilised for the preservation of
      leeway space in cases of mild mandibular crowding. They are normally bonded using
      glass-ionomer cement applied to the internal surface of molar bands. As with any
      fixed appliance/retainer, if molar bands are not sufficiently monitored they have
      the potential to pose a significant threat to an individual's dental health.
      Unconventionally, in our example a lingual arch was used as a long-term fixed
      retainer with harmful consequence to one of the banded first permanent molars. A
      general understanding of molar bands and fixed retainers is important for
      patients' general dental health by the prevention of discrete caries progression.

PMID- 28084390
TI  - Safe intrapulpal anaesthesia.

PMID- 28084391
TI  - BDA AGMs.

PMID- 28084392
TI  - Event report: Success for mouth cancer charity in Dundee.

PMID- 28084394
TI  - No longer 'written off' - times have changed for the BBV-infected dental
      professional.
AB  - There is a recognised potential risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses
      (BBVs) from infected healthcare workers to patients during exposure prone
      procedures (EPPs). The restrictions placed on performance of EPPs by infected
      clinicians in the UK have had a particularly significant impact on dentists
      because of the exposure-prone nature of most dental procedures and the
      difficulties in identifying alternative career pathways in the profession that do
      not involve EPPs. More recently, the significant positive impact of antiviral
      drugs on viral load, together with a re-categorisation of EPPs in dentistry have
      resulted in evolution of the guidance with a consequent significant improvement
      to the career prospects of dentists infected with BBVs. This paper provides an
      update for practitioners on the progress that has been made and outlines the
      current position with respect to practice restrictions.

PMID- 28084395
TI  - Integrin beta4 promotes cell invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      through the modulation of Slug expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Integrin beta4 (ITGB4) is a transmembrane receptor involved in tumorigenesis and
      the invasiveness of many cancers. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC), one of the most prevalent human cancers worldwide, remains unclear. Here,
      we examined the involvement of ITGB4 in HCC and explored the underlying
      mechanisms. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analyses of tissues from 82
      patients with HCC and four HCC cell lines showed higher ITGB4 levels in tumor
      than in adjacent non-tumor tissues and in HCC than in normal hepatic cells.
      Silencing of ITGB4 repressed cell proliferation, colony forming ability and cell
      invasiveness, whereas ectopic expression of ITGB4 promoted the proliferation and
      invasion of HCC cells and induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in
      parallel with the upregulation of Slug, as shown by transwell assays, WB and
      immunocytochemistry. Knockdown of Slug reduced cell viability inhibited invasion
      and reversed the effects of ITBG4 overexpression on promoting EMT, and AKT/Sox2
      Nanog may also be involved. In a xenograft tumor model induced by injection of
      ITGB4-overexpressing cells into nude mice, ITGB4 promoted tumor growth and
      metastasis to the lungs. Taken together, our results indicate that ITGB4 plays a
      tumorigenic and pro-metastatic role mediated by Slug and suggest IGTB4 could be a
      prognostic indicator or a therapeutic target in patients with HCC.

PMID- 28084396
TI  - Structural basis of the interaction between the putative adhesion-involved and
      iron-regulated FrpD and FrpC proteins of Neisseria meningitidis.
AB  - The iron-regulated protein FrpD from Neisseria meningitidis is an outer membrane
      lipoprotein that interacts with very high affinity (Kd ~ 0.2 nM) with the N
      terminal domain of FrpC, a Type I-secreted protein from the Repeat in ToXin (RTX)
      protein family. In the presence of Ca2+, FrpC undergoes Ca2+ -dependent protein
      trans-splicing that includes an autocatalytic cleavage of the Asp414-Pro415
      peptide bond and formation of an Asp414-Lys isopeptide bond. Here, we report the
      high-resolution structure of FrpD and describe the structure-function
      relationships underlying the interaction between FrpD and FrpC1-414. We
      identified FrpD residues involved in FrpC1-414 binding, which enabled
      localization of FrpD within the low-resolution SAXS model of the FrpD-FrpC1-414
      complex. Moreover, the trans-splicing activity of FrpC resulted in covalent
      linkage of the FrpC1-414 fragment to plasma membrane proteins of epithelial cells
      in vitro, suggesting that formation of the FrpD-FrpC1-414 complex may be involved
      in the interaction of meningococci with the host cell surface.

PMID- 28084397
TI  - Altered Pathway Analyzer: A gene expression dataset analysis tool for
      identification and prioritization of differentially regulated and network rewired
      pathways.
AB  - Gene connection rewiring is an essential feature of gene network dynamics. Apart
      from its normal functional role, it may also lead to dysregulated functional
      states by disturbing pathway homeostasis. Very few computational tools measure
      rewiring within gene co-expression and its corresponding regulatory networks in
      order to identify and prioritize altered pathways which may or may not be
      differentially regulated. We have developed Altered Pathway Analyzer (APA), a
      microarray dataset analysis tool for identification and prioritization of altered
      pathways, including those which are differentially regulated by TFs, by
      quantifying rewired sub-network topology. Moreover, APA also helps in re
      prioritization of APA shortlisted altered pathways enriched with context-specific
      genes. We performed APA analysis of simulated datasets and p53 status NCI-60 cell
      line microarray data to demonstrate potential of APA for identification of
      several case-specific altered pathways. APA analysis reveals several altered
      pathways not detected by other tools evaluated by us. APA analysis of unrelated
      prostate cancer datasets identifies sample-specific as well as conserved altered
      biological processes, mainly associated with lipid metabolism, cellular
      differentiation and proliferation. APA is designed as a cross platform tool which
      may be transparently customized to perform pathway analysis in different gene
      expression datasets. APA is freely available at http://bioinfo.icgeb.res.in/APA.

PMID- 28084398
TI  - Highly Stable Glassy Carbon Interfaces for Long-Term Neural Stimulation and Low
      Noise Recording of Brain Activity.
AB  - We report on the superior electrochemical properties, in-vivo performance and
      long term stability under electrical stimulation of a new electrode material
      fabricated from lithographically patterned glassy carbon. For a direct comparison
      with conventional metal electrodes, similar ultra-flexible, micro
      electrocorticography (MU-ECoG) arrays with platinum (Pt) or glassy carbon (GC)
      electrodes were manufactured. The GC microelectrodes have more than 70% wider
      electrochemical window and 70% higher CTC (charge transfer capacity) than Pt
      microelectrodes of similar geometry. Moreover, we demonstrate that the GC
      microelectrodes can withstand at least 5 million pulses at 0.45 mC/cm2 charge
      density with less than 7.5% impedance change, while the Pt microelectrodes
      delaminated after 1 million pulses. Additionally, poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) was selectively
      electrodeposited on both sets of devices to specifically reduce their impedances
      for smaller diameters (<60 MUm). We observed that PEDOT-PSS adhered significantly
      better to GC than Pt, and allowed drastic reduction of electrode size while
      maintaining same amount of delivered current. The electrode arrays
      biocompatibility was demonstrated through in-vitro cell viability experiments,
      while acute in vivo characterization was performed in rats and showed that GC
      microelectrode arrays recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) with an
      almost twice SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) when compared to the Pt ones.

PMID- 28084399
TI  - The short-term effects of air pollutants on respiratory disease mortality in
      Wuhan, China: comparison of time-series and case-crossover analyses.
AB  - Few studies have compared different methods when exploring the short-term effects
      of air pollutants on respiratory disease mortality in Wuhan, China. This study
      assesses the association between air pollutants and respiratory disease mortality
      with both time-series and time-stratified-case-crossover designs. The generalized
      additive model (GAM) and the conditional logistic regression model were used to
      assess the short-term effects of air pollutants on respiratory disease mortality.
      Stratified analyses were performed by age, sex, and diseases. A 10 MUg/m3
      increment in SO2 level was associated with an increase in relative risk for all
      respiratory disease mortality of 2.4% and 1.9% in the case-crossover and time
      series analyses in single pollutant models, respectively. Strong evidence of an
      association between NO2 and daily respiratory disease mortality among men or
      people older than 65 years was found in the case-crossover study. There was a
      positive association between air pollutants and respiratory disease mortality in
      Wuhan, China. Both time-series and case-crossover analyses consistently reveal
      the association between three air pollutants and respiratory disease mortality.
      The estimates of association between air pollution and respiratory disease
      mortality from the case-crossover analysis displayed greater variation than that
      from the time-series analysis.

PMID- 28084401
TI  - Polarization Enhanced Charge Transfer: Dual-Band GaN-Based Plasmonic
      Photodetector.
AB  - Here, we report a dual-band plasmonic photodetector based on Ga-polar gallium
      nitride (GaN) for highly sensitive detection of UV and green light. We discover
      that decoration of Au nanoparticles (NPs) drastically increases the photoelectric
      responsivities by more than 50 times in comparition to the blank GaN
      photodetector. The observed behaviors are attributed to polarization enhanced
      charge transfer of optically excited hot electrons from Au NPs to GaN driven by
      the strong spontaneous polarization field of Ga-polar GaN. Moreover, defect
      ionization promoted by localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) is also
      discussed. This novel type of photodetector may shed light on the design and
      fabrication of photoelectric devices based on polar semiconductors and
      microstructural defects.

PMID- 28084400
TI  - Rattlesnakes are extremely fast and variable when striking at kangaroo rats in
      nature: Three-dimensional high-speed kinematics at night.
AB  - Predation plays a central role in the lives of most organisms. Predators must
      find and subdue prey to survive and reproduce, whereas prey must avoid predators
      to do the same. The resultant antagonistic coevolution often leads to extreme
      adaptations in both parties. Few examples capture the imagination like a rapid
      strike from a venomous snake. However, almost nothing is known about strike
      performance of viperid snakes under natural conditions. We obtained high-speed
      (500 fps) three-dimensional video in the field (at night using infrared lights)
      of Mohave rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus) attempting to capture Merriam's
      kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami). Strikes occurred from a range of distances
      (4.6 to 20.6 cm), and rattlesnake performance was highly variable. Missed capture
      attempts resulted from both rapid escape maneuvers and poor strike accuracy.
      Maximum velocity and acceleration of some rattlesnake strikes fell within the
      range of reported laboratory values, but some far exceeded most observations.
      Thus, quantifying rapid predator-prey interactions in the wild will propel our
      understanding of animal performance.

PMID- 28084402
TI  - SMIM1 variants rs1175550 and rs143702418 independently modulate Vel blood group
      antigen expression.
AB  - The Vel blood group antigen is expressed on the red blood cells of most
      individuals. Recently, we described that homozygosity for inactivating mutations
      in SMIM1 defines the rare Vel-negative phenotype. Still, Vel-positive individuals
      show great variability in Vel antigen expression, creating a risk for Vel blood
      typing errors and transfusion reactions. We fine-mapped the regulatory region
      located in SMIM1 intron 2 in Swedish blood donors, and observed a strong
      correlation between expression and rs1175550 as well as with a previously
      unreported tri-nucleotide insertion (rs143702418; C > CGCA). While the two
      variants are tightly linked in Caucasians, we separated their effects in African
      Americans, and found that rs1175550G and to a lesser extent rs143702418C
      independently increase SMIM1 and Vel antigen expression. Gel shift and luciferase
      assays indicate that both variants are transcriptionally active, and we
      identified binding of the transcription factor TAL1 as a potential mediator of
      the increased expression associated with rs1175550G. Our results provide insight
      into the regulatory logic of Vel antigen expression, and extend the set of
      markers for genetic Vel blood group typing.

PMID- 28084403
TI  - CIGS thin-film solar module processing: case of high-speed laser scribing.
AB  - In this paper, we investigate the laser processing of the CIGS thin-film solar
      cells in the case of the high-speed regime. The modern ultra-short pulsed laser
      was used exhibiting the pulse repetition rate of 1 MHz. Two main P3 scribing
      approaches were investigated - ablation of the full layer stack to expose the
      molybdenum back-contact, and removal of the front-contact only. The scribe
      quality was evaluated by SEM together with EDS spectrometer followed by
      electrical measurements. We also modelled the electrical behavior of a device at
      the mini-module scale taking into account the laser-induced damage. We
      demonstrated, that high-speed process at high laser pulse repetition rate induced
      thermal damage to the cell. However, the top-contact layer lift-off processing
      enabled us to reach 1.7 m/s scribing speed with a minimal device degradation.
      Also, we demonstrated the P3 processing in the ultra-high speed regime, where the
      scribing speed of 50 m/s was obtained. Finally, selected laser processes were
      tested in the case of mini-module scribing. Overall, we conclude, that the top
      contact layer lift-off processing is the only reliable solution for high-speed P3
      laser scribing, which can be implemented in the future terawatt-scale
      photovoltaic production facilities.

PMID- 28084404
TI  - Pesticide-mediated interspecific competition between local and invasive thrips
      pests.
AB  - Competitive interactions between species can be mitigated or even reversed in the
      presence of anthropogenic influences. The thrips species Frankliniella
      occidentalis and Thrips tabaci are highly invasive and damaging agricultural
      pests throughout the world. Where the species co-occur, one species tends to
      eventually predominate over the other. Avermectin and beta-cypermethrin are
      commonly used insecticides to manage thrips in China, and laboratory bioassays
      demonstrated that F. occidentalis is significantly less susceptible than T.
      tabaci to these insecticides. In laboratory cage trials in which both species
      were exposed to insecticide treated cabbage plants, F. occidentalis became the
      predominant species. In contrast, T. tabaci completely displaced F. occidentalis
      on plants that were not treated with insecticides. In field trials, the species
      co-existed on cabbage before insecticide treatments began, but with T. tabaci
      being the predominant species. Following application of avermectin or beta
      cypermethrin, F. occidentalis became the predominant species, while in plots not
      treated with insecticides, T. tabaci remained the predominant species. These
      results indicate that T. tabaci is an intrinsically superior competitor to F.
      occidentalis, but its competitive advantage can be counteracted through
      differential susceptibilities of the species to insecticides. These results
      further demonstrate the importance of external factors, such as insecticide
      applications, in mediating the outcome of interspecific interactions and produce
      rapid unanticipated shifts in the demographics of pest complexes.

PMID- 28084405
TI  - Multiple quasicrystal approximants with the same lattice parameters in Al-Cr-Fe
      Si alloys.
AB  - By means of atomic-resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission
      electron microscopy, we found three types of giant approximants of decagonal
      quasicrystal in Al-Cr-Fe-Si alloys, where each type contains several structural
      variants possessing the same lattice parameters but different crystal structures.
      The projected structures of these approximants along the pseudo-tenfold direction
      were described using substructural blocks. Furthermore, the structural
      relationship and the plane crystallographic groups in the (a, c) plan of these
      structural variants was also discussed. The diversity of quasicrystal
      approximants with the same lattice parameters was shown to be closely related to
      the variety of shield-like tiles and their tiling patterns.

PMID- 28084406
TI  - In vitro gastrointestinal digestion promotes the protective effect of blackberry
      extract against acrylamide-induced oxidative stress.
AB  - Acrylamide (AA)-induced toxicity has been associated with accumulation of
      excessive reactive oxygen species. The present study was therefore undertaken to
      investigate the protective effect of blackberry digests produced after (BBD) in
      vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion against AA-induced oxidative damage. The
      results indicated that the BBD (0.5 mg/mL) pretreatment significantly suppressed
      AA-induced intracellular ROS generation (56.6 +/- 2.9% of AA treatment),
      mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decrease (297 +/- 18% of AA treatment) and
      glutathione (GSH) depletion (307 +/- 23% of AA treatment), thereby ameliorating
      cytotoxicity. Furthermore, LC/MS/MS analysis identified eight phenolic compounds
      with high contents in BBD, including ellagic acid, ellagic acid pentoside,
      ellagic acid glucuronoside, methyl-ellagic acid pentoside, methyl-ellagic acid
      glucuronoside, cyanidin glucoside, gallic acid and galloyl esters, as primary
      active compounds responsible for antioxidant action. Collectively, our study
      uncovered that the protective effect of blackberry was reserved after
      gastrointestinal digestion in combating exogenous pollutant-induced oxidative
      stress.

PMID- 28084407
TI  - Combining Chemical Profiling and Network Analysis to Investigate the Pharmacology
      of Complex Prescriptions in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
AB  - We present a paradigm, combining chemical profiling, absorbed components
      detection in plasma and network analysis, for investigating the pharmacology of
      combination drugs and complex formulae. On the one hand, the composition of the
      formula is investigated comprehensively via mass spectrometry analysis, followed
      by pharmacological studies of the fractions as well as the plasma concentration
      testing for the ingredients. On the other hand, both the candidate target
      proteins and the effective ingredients of the formula are predicted via analyzing
      the corresponding networks. The most probable active compounds can then be
      identified by combining the experimental results with the network analysis. In
      order to illustrate the performance of the paradigm, we apply it to the Danggui
      Jianzhong formula (DJF) from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and predict 4
      probably active ingredients, 3 of which are verified experimentally to display
      anti-platelet activity, i.e., (Z)-Ligustilide, Licochalcone A and
      Pentagalloylglucose. Moreover, the 3-compound formulae composed of these 3
      chemicals show better anti-platelet activity than DJF. In addition, the paradigm
      predicts the association between these 3 compounds and COX-1, and our
      experimental validation further shows that such association comes from the
      inhibitory effects of the compounds on the activity of COX-1.

PMID- 28084408
TI  - Germanium Sub-Microspheres Synthesized by Picosecond Pulsed Laser Melting in
      Liquids: Educt Size Effects.
AB  - Pulsed laser melting in liquid (PLML) has emerged as a facile approach to
      synthesize submicron spheres (SMSs) for various applications. Typically lasers
      with long pulse durations in the nanosecond regime are used. However, recent
      findings show that during melting the energy absorbed by the particle will be
      dissipated promptly after laser-matter interaction following the temperature
      decrease within tens of nanoseconds and hence limiting the efficiency of longer
      pulse widths. Here, the feasibility to utilize a picosecond laser to synthesize
      Ge SMSs (200~1000 nm in diameter) is demonstrated by irradiating polydisperse Ge
      powders in water and isopropanol. Through analyzing the educt size dependent SMSs
      formation mechanism, we find that Ge powders (200~1000 nm) are directly
      transformed into SMSs during PLML via reshaping, while comparatively larger
      powders (1000~2000 nm) are split into daughter SMSs via liquid droplet bisection.
      Furthermore, the contribution of powders larger than 2000 nm and smaller than 200
      nm to form SMSs is discussed. This work shows that compared to nanosecond lasers,
      picosecond lasers are also suitable to produce SMSs if the pulse duration is
      longer than the material electron-phonon coupling period to allow thermal
      relaxation.

PMID- 28084409
TI  - A Conditional Knockout Mouse Model Reveals a Critical Role of PKD1 in Osteoblast
      Differentiation and Bone Development.
AB  - The protein kinase D family of serine/threonine kinases, particularly PKD1, has
      been implicated in the regulation of a complex array of fundamental biological
      processes. However, its function and mechanism underlying PKD1-mediated the bone
      development and osteoblast differentiation are not fully understood. Here we
      demonstrate that loss of PKD1 function led to impaired bone development and
      osteoblast differentiation through STAT3 and p38 MAPK signaling using in vitro
      and in vivo bone-specific conditional PKD1-knockout (PKD1-KO) mice models. These
      mice developed markedly craniofacial dysplasia, scapula dysplasia, long bone
      length shortage and body weight decrease compared with wild-type littermates.
      Moreover, deletion of PKD1 in vivo reduced trabecular development and activity of
      osteoblast development, confirmed by Micro-CT and histological staining as well
      as expression of osteoblastic marker (OPN, Runx2 and OSX). Mechanistically, loss
      of PKD1 mediated the downregulation of osteoblast markers and impaired osteoblast
      differentiation through STAT3 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Taken together,
      these results demonstrated that PKD1 contributes to the osteoblast
      differentiation and bone development via elevation of osteoblast markers through
      activation of STAT3 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

PMID- 28084411
TI  - Ciproxifan, a histamine H3 receptor antagonist, reversibly inhibits monoamine
      oxidase A and B.
AB  - Ciproxifan is a well-investigated histamine H3 receptor (H3R) inverse
      agonist/antagonist, showing an exclusively high species-specific affinity at
      rodent compared to human H3R. It is well studied as reference compound for H3R in
      rodent models for neurological diseases connected with neurotransmitter
      dysregulation, e.g. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or Alzheimer's
      disease. In a screening for potential monoamine oxidase A and B inhibition
      ciproxifan showed efficacy on both enzyme isoforms. Further characterization of
      ciproxifan revealed IC50 values in a micromolar concentration range for human and
      rat monoamine oxidases with slight preference for monoamine oxidase B in both
      species. The inhibition by ciproxifan was reversible for both human isoforms.
      Regarding inhibitory potency of ciproxifan on rat brain MAO, these findings
      should be considered, when using high doses in rat models for neurological
      diseases. As the H3R and monoamine oxidases are all capable of affecting
      neurotransmitter modulation in brain, we consider dual targeting ligands as
      interesting approach for treatment of neurological disorders. Since ciproxifan
      shows only moderate activity at human targets, further investigations in animals
      are not of primary interest. On the other hand, it may serve as starting point
      for the development of dual targeting ligands.

PMID- 28084410
TI  - Non-interacting proteins may resemble interacting proteins: prevalence and
      implications.
AB  - The vast majority of proteins do not form functional interactions in
      physiological conditions. We have considered several sets of protein pairs from
      S. cerevisiae with no functional interaction reported, denoted as non-interacting
      pairs, and compared their 3D structures to available experimental complexes. We
      identified some non-interacting pairs with significant structural similarity with
      experimental complexes, indicating that, even though they do not form functional
      interactions, they have compatible structures. We estimate that up to 8.7% of non
      interacting protein pairs could have compatible structures. This number of
      interactions exceeds the number of functional interactions (around 0.2% of the
      total interactions) by a factor 40. Network analysis suggests that the
      interactions formed by non-interacting pairs with compatible structures could be
      particularly hazardous to the protein-protein interaction network. From a
      structural point of view, these interactions display no aberrant structural
      characteristics, and are even predicted as relatively stable and enriched in
      potential physical interactors, suggesting a major role of regulation to prevent
      them.

PMID- 28084412
TI  - Genome-wide DNA methylation profile in mungbean.
AB  - DNA methylation on cytosine residues is known to affect gene expression and is
      potentially responsible for the phenotypic variations among different crop
      cultivars. Here, we present the whole-genome DNA methylation profiles and assess
      the potential effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for two mungbean
      cultivars, Sunhwanogdu (VC1973A) and Kyunggijaerae#5 (V2984). By measuring the
      DNA methylation levels in leaf tissue with the bisulfite sequencing (BSseq)
      approach, we show both the frequencies of the various types of DNA methylation
      and the distribution of weighted gene methylation levels. SNPs that cause
      nucleotide changes from/to CHH - where C is cytosine and H is any other
      nucleotide - were found to affect DNA methylation status in VC1973A and V2984. In
      order to better understand the correlation between gene expression and DNA
      methylation levels, we surveyed gene expression in leaf tissues of VC1973A and
      V2984 using RNAseq. Transcript expressions of paralogous genes were controlled by
      DNA methylation within the VC1973A genome. Moreover, genes that were
      differentially expressed between the two cultivars showed distinct DNA
      methylation patterns. Our mungbean genome-wide methylation profiles will be
      valuable resources for understanding the phenotypic variations between different
      cultivars, as well as for molecular breeding.

PMID- 28084413
TI  - Electrophoresis of polar fluorescent tracers through the nerve sheath labels
      neuronal populations for anatomical and functional imaging.
AB  - The delivery of tracers into populations of neurons is essential to visualize
      their anatomy and analyze their function. In some model systems genetically
      targeted expression of fluorescent proteins is the method of choice; however,
      these genetic tools are not available for most organisms and alternative labeling
      methods are very limited. Here we describe a new method for neuronal labelling by
      electrophoretic dye delivery from a suction electrode directly through the
      neuronal sheath of nerves and ganglia in insects. Polar tracer molecules were
      delivered into the locust auditory nerve without destroying its function,
      simultaneously staining peripheral sensory structures and central axonal
      projections. Local neuron populations could be labelled directly through the
      surface of the brain, and in-vivo optical imaging of sound-evoked activity was
      achieved through the electrophoretic delivery of calcium indicators. The method
      provides a new tool for studying how stimuli are processed in peripheral and
      central sensory pathways and is a significant advance for the study of nervous
      systems in non-model organisms.

PMID- 28084414
TI  - Increased Renal Clearance of Rocuronium Compensates for Chronic Loss of Bile
      Excretion, via upregulation of Oatp2.
AB  - Requirement for rocuronium upon surgery changes only minimally in patients with
      end-stage liver diseases. Our study consisted of both human and rat studies to
      explore the reason. The reduction rate of rocuronium infusion required to
      maintain neuromuscular blockade during the anhepatic phase (relative to
      paleohepatic phase) was examined in 16 children with congenital biliary atresia
      receiving orthotopic liver transplantation. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
      of rocuronium were studied based on BDL rats. The role of increased Oatp2 and
      decrease Oatp1 expressions in renal compensation were explored. The reduction of
      rocuronium requirements significantly decreased in obstructively jaundiced
      children (24 +/- 9 vs. 39 +/- 11%). TOF50 in BDL rats was increased by functional
      removal of the kidneys but not the liver, and the percentage of rocuronium
      excretion through urine increased (20.3 +/- 6.9 vs. 8.6 +/- 1.8%), while that
      decreased through bile in 28d-BDL compared with control group. However, this
      enhanced renal secretion for rocuronium was eliminated by Oatp2 knock-down,
      rather than Oatp1 overexpression (28-d BDL vs. Oatp1-ShRNA or Oatp2-ShRNA, 20.3
      +/- 6.9 vs. 17.0 +/- 6.6 or 9.3 +/- 3.2%). Upon chronic/sub-chronic loss of bile
      excretion, rocuronium clearance via the kidneys is enhanced, by Oatp2 up
      regulation.

PMID- 28084415
TI  - Lessons from temporal and spatial patterns in global use of N and P fertilizer on
      cropland.
AB  - In recent decades farmers in high-income countries and China and India have built
      up a large reserve of residual soil P in cropland. This reserve can now be used
      by crops, and in high-income countries the use of mineral P fertilizer has
      recently been decreasing with even negative soil P budgets in Europe. In contrast
      to P, much of N surpluses are emitted to the environment via air and water and
      large quantities of N are transported in aquifers with long travel times (decades
      and longer). N fertilizer use in high-income countries has not been decreasing in
      recent years; increasing N use efficiency and utilization of accumulated residual
      soil P allowed continued increases in crop yields. However, there are ecological
      risks associated with the legacy of excessive nutrient mobilization in the 1970s
      and 1980s. Landscapes have a memory for N and P; N concentrations in many rivers
      do not respond to increased agricultural N use efficiency, and European water
      quality is threatened by rapidly increasing N:P ratios. Developing countries can
      avoid such problems by integrated management of N, P and other nutrients
      accounting for residual soil P, while avoiding legacies associated with the type
      of past or continuing mismanagement of high-income countries, China and India.

PMID- 28084416
TI  - Shift of fleshy fruited species along elevation: temperature, canopy coverage,
      phylogeny and origin.
AB  - Plant communities differ in their fruit type spectra, especially in the
      proportions of fleshy and non-fleshy fruit types. However, which abiotic and
      biotic factors drive this variability along elevation gradient and what drives
      the evolution of fruit type diversity still are puzzling. We analyzed the
      variations in proportions and richness of fleshy-fruited species and their
      correlations to various abiotic and biotic variables along elevation gradients in
      three mountains in the Beijing region, northeast China. Fleshy-fruited species,
      which are characterized by high fruit water contents, were found in great
      proportion and richness at relatively low elevations, where soil water content is
      low compared to high elevations. High temperatures in low elevations increase
      water availability for plants. Plants that grow in the shaded low-elevation thick
      canopy forests are less exposed to evapotranspiration and thus possess water
      surpluses that can be invested in fleshy fruits. Such an investment in fleshy
      fruits is beneficial for these species because it makes the fruits more
      attractive to frugivores that act as seed dispersers in the close-canopied
      environments, where dispersion by wind is less effective. A hypothesis is
      proposed that plant internal water surpluses are the prerequisite conditions that
      permit evolution of fleshy fruits to occur.

PMID- 28084417
TI  - Repair of osteochondral defects with in vitro engineered cartilage based on
      autologous bone marrow stromal cells in a swine model.
AB  - Functional reconstruction of large osteochondral defects is always a major
      challenge in articular surgery. Some studies have reported the feasibility of
      repairing articular osteochondral defects using bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs)
      and biodegradable scaffolds. However, no significant breakthroughs have been
      achieved in clinical translation due to the instability of in vivo cartilage
      regeneration based on direct cell-scaffold construct implantation. To overcome
      the disadvantages of direct cell-scaffold construct implantation, the current
      study proposed an in vitro cartilage regeneration strategy, providing relatively
      mature cartilage-like tissue with superior mechanical properties. Our strategy
      involved in vitro cartilage engineering, repair of osteochondral defects, and
      evaluation of in vivo repair efficacy. The results demonstrated that BMSC
      engineered cartilage in vitro (BEC-vitro) presented a time-depended maturation
      process. The implantation of BEC-vitro alone could successfully realize tissue
      specific repair of osteochondral defects with both cartilage and subchondral
      bone. Furthermore, the maturity level of BEC-vitro had significant influence on
      the repaired results. These results indicated that in vitro cartilage
      regeneration using BMSCs is a promising strategy for functional reconstruction of
      osteochondral defect, thus promoting the clinical translation of cartilage
      regeneration techniques incorporating BMSCs.

PMID- 28084418
TI  - Inference of immune cell composition on the expression profiles of mouse tissue.
AB  - Mice are some of the widely used experimental animal models for studying human
      diseases. Defining the compositions of immune cell populations in various tissues
      from experimental mouse models is critical to understanding the involvement of
      immune responses in various physiological and patho-physiological conditions.
      However, non-lymphoid tissues are normally composed of vast and diverse cellular
      components, which make it difficult to quantify the relative proportions of
      immune cell types. Here we report the development of a computational algorithm,
      ImmuCC, to infer the relative compositions of 25 immune cell types in mouse
      tissues using microarray-based mRNA expression data. The ImmuCC algorithm showed
      good performance and robustness in many simulated datasets. Remarkable
      concordances were observed when ImmuCC was used on three public datasets, one
      including enriched immune cells, one with normal single positive T cells, and one
      with leukemia cell samples. To validate the performance of ImmuCC objectively,
      thorough cross-comparison of ImmuCC predicted compositions and flow cytometry
      results was done with in-house generated datasets collected from four distinct
      mouse lymphoid tissues and three different types of tumor tissues. The good
      correlation and biologically meaningful results demonstrate the broad utility of
      ImmuCC for assessing immune cell composition in diverse mouse tissues under
      various conditions.

PMID- 28084420
TI  - Electronic Excitation Dynamics in Liquid Water under Proton Irradiation.
AB  - Molecular behaviour of liquid water under proton irradiation is of great
      importance to a number of technological and medical applications. The highly
      energetic proton generates a time-varying field that is highly localized and
      heterogeneous at the molecular scale, and massive electronic excitations are
      produced as a result of the field-matter interaction. Using first-principles
      quantum dynamics simulations, we reveal details of how electrons are dynamically
      excited through non-equilibrium energy transfer from highly energetic protons in
      liquid water on the atto/femto-second time scale. Water molecules along the path
      of the energetic proton undergo ionization at individual molecular level, and the
      excitation primarily derives from lone pair electrons on the oxygen atom of water
      molecules. A reduced charge state on the energetic proton in the condensed phase
      of water results in the strongly suppressed electronic response when compared to
      water molecules in the gas phase. These molecular-level findings provide
      important insights into understanding the water radiolysis process under proton
      irradiation.

PMID- 28084421
TI  - Diamond formation in the deep lower mantle: a high-pressure reaction of MgCO3 and
      SiO2.
AB  - Diamond is an evidence for carbon existing in the deep Earth. Some diamonds are
      considered to have originated at various depth ranges from the mantle transition
      zone to the lower mantle. These diamonds are expected to carry significant
      information about the deep Earth. Here, we determined the phase relations in the
      MgCO3-SiO2 system up to 152 GPa and 3,100 K using a double sided laser-heated
      diamond anvil cell combined with in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. MgCO3
      transforms from magnesite to the high-pressure polymorph of MgCO3, phase II,
      above 80 GPa. A reaction between MgCO3 phase II and SiO2 (CaCl2-type SiO2 or
      seifertite) to form diamond and MgSiO3 (bridgmanite or post-perovsktite) was
      identified in the deep lower mantle conditions. These observations suggested that
      the reaction of the MgCO3 phase II with SiO2 causes formation of super-deep
      diamond in cold slabs descending into the deep lower mantle.

PMID- 28084419
TI  - LPS promotes Th2 dependent sensitisation leading to anaphylaxis in a Pru p 3
      mouse model.
AB  - Pru p 3 is the major peach allergen in the Mediterranean area. It frequently
      elicits severe reactions, limiting its study in humans, raising the need for
      animal models to investigate the immunological mechanisms involved. However, no
      anaphylaxis model exists for Pru p 3. We aimed to develop a model of peach
      anaphylaxis by sensitising mice with Pru p 3 in combination with
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an adjuvant. Four groups of mice were sensitised
      intranasally: untreated; treated with Pru p 3; treated with LPS; treated with Pru
      p 3 + LPS. After sensitisation mice were intraperitoneally challenged with Pru p
      3 and in vivo and in vitro parameters were evaluated. Only mice in the Pru p 3 +
      LPS group showed anaphylaxis symptoms, including a decrease in temperature.
      Determination of in vitro parameters showed a Th2 response with an increase of
      Pru p 3-specific IgE and IgG1. Moreover, at the cellular level, we found
      increased levels of IgE and IgG1 secreting Pru p 3-specific cells and a
      proliferative CD4+ T-cell response. These results demonstrate that Pru p 3
      specific anaphylaxis can be generated after nasal sensitisation to Pru p 3 in
      combination with LPS. This is a promising model for evaluating food allergy
      immunotherapies.

PMID- 28084422
TI  - Targeting pathogen metabolism without collateral damage to the host.
AB  - The development of drugs that can inactivate disease-causing cells (e.g. cancer
      cells or parasites) without causing collateral damage to healthy or to host cells
      is complicated by the fact that many proteins are very similar between organisms.
      Nevertheless, due to subtle, quantitative differences between the biochemical
      reaction networks of target cell and host, a drug can limit the flux of the same
      essential process in one organism more than in another. We identified precise
      criteria for this 'network-based' drug selectivity, which can serve as an
      alternative or additive to structural differences. We combined computational and
      experimental approaches to compare energy metabolism in the causative agent of
      sleeping sickness, Trypanosoma brucei, with that of human erythrocytes, and
      identified glucose transport and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as the
      most selective antiparasitic targets. Computational predictions were validated
      experimentally in a novel parasite-erythrocytes co-culture system. Glucose
      transport inhibitors killed trypanosomes without killing erythrocytes, neurons or
      liver cells.

PMID- 28084423
TI  - Single PA mutation as a high yield determinant of avian influenza vaccines.
AB  - Human infection with an avian influenza virus persists. To prepare for a
      potential outbreak of avian influenza, we constructed a candidate vaccine virus
      (CVV) containing hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of a H5N1 virus
      and evaluated its antigenic stability after serial passaging in embryonated
      chicken eggs. The passaged CVV harbored the four amino acid mutations (R136K in
      PB2; E31K in PA; A172T in HA; and R80Q in M2) without changing its antigenicity,
      compared with the parental CVV. Notably, the passaged CVV exhibited much greater
      replication property both in eggs and in Madin-Darby canine kidney and Vero
      cells. Of the four mutations, the PA E31K showed the greatest effect on the
      replication property of reverse genetically-rescued viruses. In a further
      luciferase reporter, mini-replicon assay, the PA mutation appeared to affect the
      replication property by increasing viral polymerase activity. When applied to
      different avian influenza CVVs (H7N9 and H9N2 subtypes), the PA E31K mutation
      resulted in the increases of viral replication in the Vero cell again. Taken all
      together, our results suggest the PA E31K mutation as a single, substantial
      growth determinant of avian influenza CVVs and for the establishment of a high
      yield avian influenza vaccine backbone.

PMID- 28084424
TI  - FcRgamma-dependent immune activation initiates astrogliosis during the
      asymptomatic phase of Sandhoff disease model mice.
AB  - Sandhoff disease (SD) is caused by the loss of beta-hexosaminidase (Hex)
      enzymatic activity in lysosomes resulting from Hexb mutations. In SD patients,
      the Hex substrate GM2 ganglioside accumulates abnormally in neuronal cells,
      resulting in neuronal loss, microglial activation, and astrogliosis. Hexb-/-
      mice, which manifest a phenotype similar to SD, serve as animal models for
      examining the pathophysiology of SD. Hexb-/- mice reach ~8 weeks without obvious
      neurological defects; however, trembling begins at 12 weeks and is accompanied by
      startle reactions and increased limb tone. These symptoms gradually become severe
      by 16-18 weeks. Immune reactions caused by autoantibodies have been recently
      associated with the pathology of SD. The inhibition of immune activation may
      represent a novel therapeutic target for SD. Herein, SD mice (Hexb-/-) were
      crossed to mice lacking an activating immune receptor (FcRgamma-/-) to elucidate
      the potential relationship between immune responses activated through SD
      autoantibodies and astrogliosis. Microglial activation and astrogliosis were
      observed in cortices of Hexb-/- mice during the asymptomatic phase, and were
      inhibited in Hexb-/- FcRgamma-/- mice. Moreover, early astrogliosis and impaired
      motor coordination in Hexb-/- mice could be ameliorated by immunosuppressants,
      such as FTY720. Our findings demonstrate the importance of early treatment and
      the therapeutic effectiveness of immunosuppression in SD.

PMID- 28084426
TI  - Multimodality MRI assessment of grey and white matter injury and blood-brain
      barrier disruption after intracerebral haemorrhage in mice.
AB  - In this study, we examined injury progression after intracerebral haemorrhage
      (ICH) induced by collagenase in mice using a preclinical 11.7 Tesla MRI system.
      On T2-weighted MRI, lesion and striatal volumes were increased on day 3 and then
      decreased from days 7 to 28. On day 3, with an increase in striatal water
      content, vasogenic oedema in the perihaematomal region presented as increased T2
      and increased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) signal. With a synchronous
      change in T2 and ADC signals, microglial activation peaked on day 3 in the same
      region and decreased over time. Iron deposition appeared on day 3 around the
      haematoma border but did not change synchronously with ADC signals. Vascular
      permeability measured by Evans blue extravasation on days 1, 3, and 7 correlated
      with the T1-gadolinium results, both of which peaked on day 3. On diffusion
      tensor imaging, white matter injury was prominent in the corpus callosum and
      internal capsule on day 3 and then partially recovered over time. Our results
      indicate that the evolution of grey/white matter injury and blood-brain barrier
      disruption after ICH can be assessed with multimodal MRI, and that perihaematomal
      vasogenic oedema might be attributable to microglial activation, iron deposition,
      and blood-brain barrier breakdown.

PMID- 28084427
TI  - Strain Gradient Modulated Exciton Evolution and Emission in ZnO Fibers.
AB  - One-dimensional semiconductor can undergo large deformation including stretching
      and bending. This homogeneous strain and strain gradient are an easy and
      effective way to tune the light emission properties and the performance of piezo
      phototronic devices. Here, we report that with large strain gradients from 2.1
      3.5% MUm-1, free-exciton emission was intensified, and the free-exciton
      interaction (FXI) emission became a prominent FXI-band at the tensile side of the
      ZnO fiber. These led to an asymmetric variation in energy and intensity along the
      cross-section as well as a redshift of the total near-band-edge (NBE) emission.
      This evolution of the exciton emission was directly demonstrated using spatially
      resolved CL spectrometry combined with an in situ tensile-bending approach at
      liquid nitrogen temperature for individual fibers and nanowires. A distinctive
      mechanism of the evolution of exciton emission is proposed: the enhancement of
      the free-exciton-related emission is attributed to the aggregated free excitons
      and their interaction in the narrow bandgap in the presence of high bandgap
      gradients and a transverse piezoelectric field. These results might facilitate
      new approaches for energy conversion and sensing applications via strained
      nanowires and fibers.

PMID- 28084425
TI  - White to beige conversion in PDE3B KO adipose tissue through activation of AMPK
      signaling and mitochondrial function.
AB  - Understanding mechanisms by which a population of beige adipocytes is increased
      in white adipose tissue (WAT) reflects a potential strategy in the fight against
      obesity and diabetes. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is very important in
      the development of the beige phenotype and activation of its thermogenic program.
      To study effects of cyclic nucleotides on energy homeostatic mechanisms, mice
      were generated by targeted inactivation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 3b
      (Pde3b) gene, which encodes PDE3B, an enzyme that catalyzes hydrolysis of cAMP
      and cGMP and is highly expressed in tissues that regulate energy homeostasis,
      including adipose tissue, liver, and pancreas. In epididymal white adipose tissue
      (eWAT) of PDE3B KO mice on a SvJ129 background, cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and
      AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways are activated, resulting
      in "browning" phenotype, with a smaller increases in body weight under high-fat
      diet, smaller fat deposits, increased beta-oxidation of fatty acids (FAO) and
      oxygen consumption. Results reported here suggest that PDE3B and/or its
      downstream signaling partners might be important regulators of energy metabolism
      in adipose tissue, and potential therapeutic targets for treating obesity,
      diabetes and their associated metabolic disorders.

PMID- 28084428
TI  - Molecular phylogeny of a novel human adenovirus type 8 strain causing a
      prolonged, multi-state keratoconjunctivitis epidemic in Germany.
AB  - The German infectious disease surveillance system revealed an increase of
      epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) from an average of 320 cases/year (2001 to
      2010) up to 2146 and 1986 cases in 2012 and 2013, respectively. From November
      2011 until December 2013 (epidemic period) 85% of typed isolates were human
      adenovirus type 8 (HAdV-D8), whereas only low level circulation (19%) of HAdV-D8
      was observed outside the epidemic period. In order to investigate whether a novel
      monophyletic HAdV-D8 strain prevailed during the epidemic period, complete
      genomic sequences of 23 HAdV-D8 isolates were generated by deep sequencing and
      analyzed phylogenetically. For comparison, eight HAdV-D8 isolates from outside
      the epidemic period were sequenced. HAdV-D8 isolates of the epidemic period had a
      very high sequence identity of at least 99.9% and formed a monophyletic cluster
      with two subclusters. A single outlier was closely related to HAdV-D8 strains
      isolated prior to the epidemic period. Circulation of the epidemic strain was
      detected as early as 2010 but not after the epidemic period in 2014. In
      conclusion, molecular phylogeny of complete genomic sequences proved a
      monophyletic HAdV-D8 epidemic. However, co-circulation of other HAdV types as
      well as better reporting may have contributed to the huge increase of reported
      cases.

PMID- 28084429
TI  - The Effect of a Transcranial Channel as a Skull/Brain Interface in High
      Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation-A Computational Study.
AB  - A transcranial channel is an interface between the skull and brain; it consists
      of a biocompatible and highly conductive material that helps convey the current
      induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the target area.
      However, it has been proposed only conceptually, and there has been no concrete
      study of its efficacy. In this work, we conducted a computational investigation
      of this conceptual transcranial model with high-definition tDCS, inducing
      focalized neuromodulation to determine whether inclusion of a transcranial
      channel performs effectively. To do so, we constructed an anatomically realistic
      head model and compartmental pyramidal neuronal models. We analyzed membrane
      polarization by extracellular stimulation and found that the inclusion of a
      transcranial channel induced polarization at the target area 11 times greater
      than conventional HD-tDCS without the transcranial channel. Furthermore, the
      stimulation effect of the transcranial channel persisted up to approximately 80%,
      even when the stimulus electrodes were displaced approximately 5 mm from the
      target area. We investigated the efficacy of the transcranial channel and found
      that greatly improved stimulation intensity and focality may be achieved. Thus,
      the use of these channels may be promising for clinical treatment.

PMID- 28084430
TI  - Optogenetic Control of Heart Rhythm by Selective Stimulation of Cardiomyocytes
      Derived from Pnmt+ Cells in Murine Heart.
AB  - In the present study, channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) was specifically introduced into
      murine cells expressing the Phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase (Pnmt) gene,
      which encodes for the enzyme responsible for conversion of noradrenaline to
      adrenaline. The new murine model enabled the identification of a distinctive
      class of Pnmt-expressing neuroendocrine cells and their descendants (i.e. Pnmt+
      cell derived cells) within the heart. Here, we show that Pnmt+ cells
      predominantly localized to the left side of the adult heart. Remarkably, many of
      the Pnmt+ cells in the left atrium and ventricle appeared to be working
      cardiomyocytes based on their morphological appearance and functional properties.
      These Pnmt+ cell derived cardiomyocytes (PdCMs) are similar to conventional
      myocytes in morphological, electrical and contractile properties. By stimulating
      PdCMs selectively with blue light, we were able to control cardiac rhythm in the
      whole heart, isolated tissue preparations and single cardiomyocytes. Our new
      murine model effectively demonstrates functional dissection of cardiomyocyte
      subpopulations using optogenetics, and opens new frontiers of exploration into
      their physiological roles in normal heart function as well as their potential
      application for selective cardiac repair and regeneration strategies.

PMID- 28084431
TI  - Effects of individual micronutrients on blood pressure in patients with type 2
      diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
AB  - To investigate the effects of micronutrients on blood pressure (BP) in patients
      with type 2 diabetes through a systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized
      clinical trials (RCTs) of the effects of individual micronutrients on BP in
      patients with type 2 diabetes were searched in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and
      Clinical Trials.gov databases through April 2016. From the 28,164 studies, 11
      RCTs (13 interventions, 723 patients, 54% males) with 3 to 52 weeks of follow-up
      were classified according to the type of micronutrient intervention: sodium (n =
      1), vitamin C (n = 2), vitamin D (n = 7), and magnesium (n = 1). The available
      data enabled us to perform meta-analyses of vitamins C and D. Vitamin C reduced
      diastolic BP [WMD -2.88 mmHg (95%CI -5.31, -0.46; P = 0.020)] but not systolic BP
      [WMD -3.93 mmHg (95%CI -14.78, 6.92; P = 0.478)]. Vitamin D caused a reduction of
      4.56 mmHg (WMD; 95%CI -7.65, -1.47; P = 0.004) for systolic BP and 2.44 mm Hg
      (WMD; 95%CI -3.49, -1.39; P < 0.001) for diastolic BP. In conclusion, vitamin D
      and possibly vitamin C have beneficial effects on BP in patients with type 2
      diabetes. These interventions might represent a novel approach to the treatment
      of hypertension in these patients.

PMID- 28084433
TI  - Effect of crystal plane orientation on tribochemical removal of monocrystalline
      silicon.
AB  - The effect of crystal plane orientation on tribochemical removal of
      monocrystalline silicon was investigated using an atomic force microscope.
      Experimental results indicated that the tribochemical removal of silicon by SiO2
      microsphere presented strong crystallography-induced anisotropy. Further analysis
      suggested that such anisotropic tribochemical removal of silicon was not
      dependent on the crystallography-dependent surface mechanical properties (i.e.,
      hardness and elastic modulus), but was mainly attributed to various atomic planar
      density and interplanar spacing in different crystal planes. Phenomenological
      results speculated that higher density of silicon atom could promote the
      formation of Si-O-Si bonds between the SiO2 microsphere and silicon substrate,
      resulting in more severe tribochemical material removal. Larger interplanar
      spacing with smaller energy barrier facilitated the rupture of the Si-Si network
      with the help of mechanical shearing stress, which caused more serious wear of
      the silicon surface. The results may help understand the material removal
      mechanism of silicon and provide useful knowledge for chemical mechanical
      polishing.

PMID- 28084432
TI  - Population genomic insights into variation and evolution of Xanthomonas oryzae
      pv. oryzae.
AB  - Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae ( Xoo) is a serious pathogen of rice causing
      bacterial leaf blight disease. Resistant varieties and breeding programs are
      being hampered by the emergence of highly virulent strains. Herein we report
      population based whole genome sequencing and analysis of 100 Xoo strains from
      India. Phylogenomic analysis revealed the clustering of Xoo strains from India
      along with other Asian strains, distinct from African and US Xo strains. The
      Indian Xoo population consists of a major clonal lineage and four minor but
      highly diverse lineages. Interestingly, the variant alleles, gene clusters and
      highly pathogenic strains are primarily restricted to minor lineages L-II to L-V
      and in particularly to lineage L-III. We could also find the association of an
      expanded CRISPR cassette and a highly variant LPS gene cluster with the dominant
      lineage. Molecular dating revealed that the major lineage, L-I is youngest and of
      recent origin compared to remaining minor lineages that seems to have originated
      much earlier in the past. Further, we were also able to identify core effector
      genes that may be helpful in efforts towards building durable resistance against
      this pathogen.

PMID- 28084434
TI  - Impact and Origin of Interface States in MOS Capacitor with Monolayer MoS2 and
      HfO2 High-k Dielectric.
AB  - Two-dimensional layered semiconductors such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) at the
      quantum limit are promising material for nanoelectronics and optoelectronics
      applications. Understanding the interface properties between the atomically thin
      MoS2 channel and gate dielectric is fundamentally important for enhancing the
      carrier transport properties. Here, we investigate the frequency dispersion
      mechanism in a metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor (MOSCAP) with a monolayer MoS2
      and an ultra-thin HfO2 high-k gate dielectric. We show that the existence of
      sulfur vacancies at the MoS2-HfO2 interface is responsible for the generation of
      interface states with a density (Dit) reaching ~7.03 * 1011 cm-2 eV-1. This is
      evidenced by a deficit S:Mo ratio of ~1.96 using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      (XPS) analysis, which deviates from its ideal stoichiometric value. First
      principles calculations within the density-functional theory framework further
      confirms the presence of trap states due to sulfur deficiency, which exist within
      the MoS2 bandgap. This corroborates to a voltage-dependent frequency dispersion
      of ~11.5% at weak accumulation which decreases monotonically to ~9.0% at strong
      accumulation as the Fermi level moves away from the mid-gap trap states. Further
      reduction in Dit could be achieved by thermally diffusing S atoms to the MoS2
      HfO2 interface to annihilate the vacancies. This work provides an insight into
      the interface properties for enabling the development of MoS2 devices with
      carrier transport enhancement.

PMID- 28084436
TI  - Stress barriers controlling lateral migration of magma revealed by seismic
      tomography.
AB  - Understanding how monogenetic volcanic systems work requires full comprehension
      of the local and regional stresses that govern magma migration inside them and
      why/how they seem to change from one eruption to another. During the 2011-2012 El
      Hierro eruption (Canary Islands) the characteristics of unrest, including a
      continuous change in the location of seismicity, made the location of the future
      vent unpredictable, so short term hazard assessment was highly imprecise. A 3D P
      wave velocity model is obtained using arrival times of the earthquakes occurred
      during that pre-eruptive unrest and several latter post-eruptive seismic crises
      not related to further eruptions. This model reveals the rheological and
      structural complexity of the interior of El Hierro volcanic island. It shows a
      number of stress barriers corresponding to regional tectonic structures and
      blocked pathways from previous eruptions, which controlled ascent and lateral
      migration of magma and, together with the existence of N-S regional compression,
      reduced its options to find a suitable path to reach the surface and erupt.

PMID- 28084435
TI  - Comparative proteomic analysis of liver antioxidant mechanisms in Megalobrama
      amblycephala stimulated with dietary emodin.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a toxicological endpoint that correlates with the nutrition
      status of fish through cellular damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. In order to
      understand the antioxidant mechanism induced by dietary emodin in Megalobrama
      amblycephala liver, a comparative proteomic analysis was performed to investigate
      the proteome alteration under emodin administration. 27 altered protein spots
      were separated under 30 mg kg-1 emodin stimulation based on 2-DE, and were all
      successfully identified using MALDI-TOF/TOF, representing 17 unique proteins.
      These proteins were functionally classified into antioxidant, metabolism,
      cytoskeleton, chaperone, signal transduction and cofactor groups. Network
      interaction and Gene Ontology annotation indicated 10 unique proteins were
      closely related to antioxidation and directly regulated by each other. Compared
      with the control group, administration of 30 mg kg-1 emodin significantly
      increased the antioxidant-related mRNA expressions of GPx1, GSTm and HSP70, but
      decreased the mRNA expressions of GAPDH and Sord, which was consistent with the
      protein expression. Nevertheless, Pgk1 and Aldh8a1 were up- and down-regulated,
      and ALDOB was down- and up-regulated at the mRNA and protein levels,
      respectively. These results revealed that the altered proteins enhanced
      antioxidation via complex regulatory mechanisms, and 30 mg kg-1 emodin was a
      suitable immunostimulant for M. amblycephala.

PMID- 28084437
TI  - Observation of spin-polarized photoconductivity in (Ga,Mn)As/GaAs heterojunction
      without magnetic field.
AB  - In the absent of magnetic field, we have observed the anisotropic spin
      polarization degree of photoconduction (SPD-PC) in (Ga,Mn)As/GaAs heterojunction.
      We think three kinds of mechanisms contribute to the magnetic related signal, (i)
      (Ga,Mn)As self-producing due to the valence band polarization, (ii) unequal
      intensity of left and right circularly polarized light reaching to GaAs layer to
      excite unequal spin polarized carriers in GaAs layer, and (iii) (Ga,Mn)As as the
      spin filter layer for spin transport from GaAs to (Ga,Mn)As. Different from the
      previous experiments, the influence coming from the Zeeman splitting induced by
      an external magnetic field can be avoided here. While temperature dependence
      experiment indicates that the SPD-PC is mixed with the magnetic uncorrelated
      signals, which may come from current induced spin polarization.

PMID- 28084438
TI  - Quantitative Fluorescence Quenching on Antibody-conjugated Graphene Oxide as a
      Platform for Protein Sensing.
AB  - We created an immunosensing platform for the detection of proteins in a buffer
      solution. Our sensing platform relies on graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets
      conjugated with antibodies to provide quantitative binding sites for analyte
      proteins. When analyte proteins and standard fluorescein-labelled proteins are
      competing for the binding sites, the assay exhibits quantitative fluorescence
      quenching by GO for the fluorescein-labelled proteins as determined by the
      analyte protein concentration. Because of this mechanism, measured fluorescence
      intensity from unquenched fluorescein-labelled protein was shown to increase with
      an increasing analyte protein concentration. As an alternative to the
      conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), our method does not
      require an enzyme-linked second antibody for protein recognition and the enzyme
      for optical signal measurement. Thus, it is beneficial with its low cost and
      fewer systematic errors caused by the series of antigen-antibody recognition
      steps in ELISA. Immune globulin G (IgG) was introduced as a model protein to test
      our method and our results showed that the limit of detection for IgG was 4.67
      pmol mL-1 in the buffer solution. This sensing mechanism could be developed into
      a promising biosensor for the detection of proteins, which would broaden the
      spectrum of GO applications in both analytical biochemistry and clinical
      diagnosis.

PMID- 28084440
TI  - Common risk variants for colorectal cancer: an evaluation of associations with
      age at cancer onset.
AB  - Common genetic risk variants for colorectal cancer (CRC) have been identified at
      approximately 40 loci by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We investigated
      the association of these risk variants by age at onset of CRC using case-only and
      case-control analysis. A total of 1,962 CRC cases and 2,668 controls from two
      independent case-control studies conducted by Korea's National Cancer Center were
      included in this study. We genotyped 33 GWAS-identified single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CRC risk. The risk allele in SNP rs704017,
      located at 10q22.3 in the ZMIZ1-AS1 gene, was consistently less frequent among
      CRC patients aged <50 years than among CRC patients aged >=50 years in the case
      only analysis (odds ratio (OR) = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.66-0.92,
      P = 2.7 * 10-3, in an additive model), although this did not surpass the
      threshold for multiple testing. The direction of associations between rs704017
      and CRC risk differed by age group in the combined case-control analysis (<50
      years: OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.60-0.98, P = 0.03 and >=50 years: OR = 1.13, 95% CI
      = 0.98-1.29, P = 0.09, in a dominant model); the p-values for heterogeneity
      (Pheterogeneity = 7.5 * 10-3) and for interaction were statistically significant
      (Pinteraction = 7.8 * 10-3, in the dominant model). Our results suggest that the
      CRC susceptibility SNP rs704017 has a hereditary effect on onset age of CRC.

PMID- 28084439
TI  - De novo AML exhibits greater microenvironment dysregulation compared to AML with
      myelodysplasia-related changes.
AB  - The interaction between the bone marrow microenvironment and malignant
      hematopoietic cells can result in the protection of leukemia cells from
      chemotherapy in both myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML). We, herein, characterized the changes in cytokine expression and the
      function of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in patients with MDS, AML with
      myelodysplasia-related changes (MRC), a well-recognized clinical subtype of
      secondary AML, and de novo AML. We observed a significant inhibitory effect of
      MDS-MSC on T lymphocyte proliferation and no significant differences in any of
      the cytokines tested. AML-MSC inhibited T-cell proliferation only at a very low
      MSC/T cell ratio. When compared to the control, AML-MRCderived MSC presented a
      significant increase in IL6 expression, whereas de novo AML MSC presented a
      significant increase in the expression levels of VEGFA, CXCL12, RPGE2, IDO,
      IL1beta, IL6 and IL32, followed by a decrease in IL10 expression. Furthermore,
      data indicate that IL-32 regulates stromal cell proliferation, has a chemotactic
      potential and participates in stromal cell crosstalk with leukemia cells, which
      could result in chemoresistance. Our results suggest that the differences between
      AML-MRC and de novo AML also extend into the leukemic stem cell niche and that IL
      32 can participate in the regulation of the bone marrow cytokine milieu.

PMID- 28084441
TI  - Heterogeneous patterns of DNA methylation-based field effects in histologically
      normal prostate tissue from cancer patients.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis is based on histological evaluation of prostate
      needle biopsies, which have high false negative rates. Here, we investigated if
      cancer-associated epigenetic field effects in histologically normal prostate
      tissue may be used to increase sensitivity for PC. We focused on nine genes
      (AOX1, CCDC181 (C1orf114), GABRE, GAS6, HAPLN3, KLF8, MOB3B, SLC18A2, and GSTP1)
      known to be hypermethylated in PC. Using quantitative methylation-specific PCR,
      we analysed 66 malignant and 134 non-malignant tissue samples from 107 patients,
      who underwent ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (67 patients had at least one
      cancer-positive biopsy, 40 had exclusively cancer-negative biopsies).
      Hypermethylation was detectable for all genes in malignant needle biopsy samples
      (AUC: 0.80 to 0.98), confirming previous findings in prostatectomy specimens.
      Furthermore, we identified a four-gene methylation signature
      (AOX1xGSTP1xHAPLN3xSLC18A2) that distinguished histologically non-malignant
      biopsies from patients with vs. without PC in other biopsies (AUC = 0.65;
      sensitivity = 30.8%; specificity = 100%). This signature was validated in an
      independent patient set (59 PC, 36 adjacent non-malignant, and 9 normal prostate
      tissue samples) analysed on Illumina 450 K methylation arrays (AUC = 0.70;
      sensitivity = 40.6%; specificity = 100%). Our results suggest that a novel four
      gene signature may be used to increase sensitivity for PC diagnosis through
      detection of epigenetic field effects in histologically non-malignant prostate
      tissue samples.

PMID- 28084442
TI  - P-HYDROXYPHENYLPYRUVATE DIOXYGENASE from Medicago sativa is involved in vitamin E
      biosynthesis and abscisic acid-mediated seed germination.
AB  - P-HYDROXYPHENYLPYRUVATE DIOXYGENASE (HPPD) is the first committed enzyme involved
      in the biosynthesis of vitamin E, and is characterized by catalyzing the
      conversion of p-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate (HPP) to homogentisic acid (HGA). Here, an
      HPPD gene was cloned from Medicago sativa L. and designated MsHPPD, which was
      expressed at high levels in alfalfa leaves. PEG 6000 (polyethylene glycol), NaCl,
      abscisic acid and salicylic acid were shown to significantly induce MsHPPD
      expression, especially in the cotyledons and root tissues. Overexpression of
      MsHPPD was found to significantly increase the level of beta-tocotrienol and the
      total vitamin E content in Arabidopsis seeds. Furthermore, these transgenic
      Arabidopsis seeds exhibited an accelerated germination time, compared with wild
      type seeds under normal conditions, as well as under NaCl and ABA treatments.
      Meanwhile, the expression level of several genes associated with ABA biosynthesis
      (NCED3, NCED5 and NCED9) and the ABA signaling pathway (RAB18, ABI3 and ABI5)
      were significantly down-regulated in MsHPPD-overexpressing transgenic lines, as
      well as the total free ABA content. Taken together, these results demonstrate
      that MsHPPD functions not only in the vitamin E biosynthetic pathway, but also
      plays a critical role in seed germination via affecting ABA biosynthesis and
      signaling.

PMID- 28084444
TI  - Transparent EuTiO3 films: a possible two-dimensional magneto-optical device.
AB  - The magneto-optical activity of high quality transparent thin films of insulating
      EuTiO3 (ETO) deposited on a thin SrTiO3 (STO) substrate, both being non-magnetic
      materials, are demonstrated to be a versatile tool for light modulation. The
      operating temperature is close to room temperature and allows for multiple device
      engineering. By using small magnetic fields birefringence of the samples can be
      switched off and on. Similarly, rotation of the sample in the field can modify
      its birefringence Deltan. In addition, Deltan can be increased by a factor of 4
      in very modest fields with simultaneously enhancing the operating temperature by
      almost 100 K.

PMID- 28084443
TI  - DOPAL derived alpha-synuclein oligomers impair synaptic vesicles physiological
      function.
AB  - Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of
      dopaminergic neurons and by accumulation of alpha-synuclein (aS) aggregates in
      the surviving neurons. The dopamine catabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde
      (DOPAL) is a highly reactive and toxic molecule that leads to aS oligomerization
      by covalent modifications to lysine residues. Here we show that DOPAL-induced aS
      oligomer formation in neurons is associated with damage of synaptic vesicles, and
      with alterations in the synaptic vesicles pools. To investigate the molecular
      mechanism that leads to synaptic impairment, we first aimed to characterize the
      biochemical and biophysical properties of the aS-DOPAL oligomers; heterogeneous
      ensembles of macromolecules able to permeabilise cholesterol-containing lipid
      membranes. aS-DOPAL oligomers can induce dopamine leak in an in vitro model of
      synaptic vesicles and in cellular models. The dopamine released, after conversion
      to DOPAL in the cytoplasm, could trigger a noxious cycle that further fuels the
      formation of aS-DOPAL oligomers, inducing neurodegeneration.

PMID- 28084446
TI  - A New Insight of Graphene oxide-Fe(III) Complex Photochemical Behaviors under
      Visible Light Irradiation.
AB  - Graphene oxide (GO) contains not only aromatic carbon lattice but also carboxyl
      groups which enhanced the aqueous solubility of GO. To study the transformation
      of GO nanosheets in natural environments, GO aqueous dispersion was mixed with
      Fe3+ ions to form photoactive complex. Under visible light irradiation, Fe(III)
      of the complex would be reduced to Fe(II) which could subsequently reduce highly
      toxic Cr(VI) to Cr3+. The electron of the reduction was contributed by the
      decarboxylation of carboxyl groups on GO and iron was acting as a catalyst during
      the photoreduction. On the other hand, the consumption of carboxyl groups may
      convert GO to rGO which are tend to aggregate since the decreased electrostatic
      repulsion and the increased pi-pi attraction. The formed Cr3+ may be
      electrostatically adsorbed by the rGO sheets and simultaneously precipitated with
      the aggregated rGO sheets, resulting the effective removal of chromium and GO
      nanosheets from the aqueous environment. This study may shed a light on
      understanding the environmental transformation of GO and guide the treatment of
      Cr(VI).

PMID- 28084445
TI  - TFEB-mediated increase in peripheral lysosomes regulates store-operated calcium
      entry.
AB  - Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles mainly involved in catabolic processes.
      In addition, lysosomes can expel their contents outside of the cell via lysosomal
      exocytosis. Some of the key steps involved in these important cellular processes,
      such as vesicular fusion and trafficking, require calcium (Ca2+) signaling.
      Recent data show that lysosomal functions are transcriptionally regulated by
      transcription factor EB (TFEB) through the induction of genes involved in
      lysosomal biogenesis and exocytosis. Given these observations, we investigated
      the roles of TFEB and lysosomes in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. We studied the
      effect of transient modulation of TFEB expression in HeLa cells by measuring the
      cytosolic Ca2+ response after capacitative Ca2+ entry activation and Ca2+
      dynamics in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and directly in lysosomes. Our
      observations show that transient TFEB overexpression significantly reduces
      cytosolic Ca2+ levels under a capacitative influx model and ER re-uptake of
      calcium, increasing the lysosomal Ca2+ buffering capacity. Moreover, lysosomal
      destruction or damage abolishes these TFEB-dependent effects in both the cytosol
      and ER. These results suggest a possible Ca2+ buffering role for lysosomes and
      shed new light on lysosomal functions during intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis.

PMID- 28084447
TI  - High response speed microfluidic ice valves with enhanced thermal conductivity
      and a movable refrigeration source.
AB  - Due to their ease of fabrication, facile use and low cost, ice valves have great
      potential for use in microfluidic platforms. For this to be possible, a rapid
      response speed is key and hence there is still much scope for improvement in
      current ice valve technology. Therefore, in this study, an ice valve with
      enhanced thermal conductivity and a movable refrigeration source has been
      developed. An embedded aluminium cylinder is used to dramatically enhance the
      heat conduction performance of the microfluidic platform and a movable
      thermoelectric unit eliminates the thermal inertia, resulting in a faster cooling
      process. The proposed ice valve achieves very short closing times (0.37 s at 10
      MUL/min) and also operates at high flow rates (1150 MUL/min). Furthermore, the
      response time of the valve decreased by a factor of 8 when compared to current
      state of the art technology.

PMID- 28084448
TI  - Selective and Catalyst-free Oxidation of D-Glucose to D-Glucuronic acid induced
      by High-Frequency Ultrasound.
AB  - This systematic experimental investigation reveals that high-frequency ultrasound
      irradiation (550 kHz) induced oxidation of D-glucose to glucuronic acid in
      excellent yield without assistance of any (bio)catalyst. Oxidation is induced
      thanks to the in situ production of radical species in water. Experiments show
      that the dissolved gases play an important role in governing the nature of
      generated radical species and thus the selectivity for glucuronic acid.
      Importantly, this process yields glucuronic acid instead of glucuronate salt
      typically obtained via conventional (bio)catalyst routes, which is of huge
      interest in respect of downstream processing. Investigations using disaccharides
      revealed that radicals generated by high frequency ultrasound were also capable
      of promoting tandem hydrolysis/oxidation reactions.

PMID- 28084449
TI  - Population Structure Analysis of Bull Genomes of European and Western Ancestry.
AB  - Since domestication, population bottlenecks, breed formation, and selective
      breeding have radically shaped the genealogy and genetics of Bos taurus. In turn,
      characterization of population structure among diverse bull (males of Bos taurus)
      genomes enables detailed assessment of genetic resources and origins. By
      analyzing 432 unrelated bull genomes from 13 breeds and 16 countries, we
      demonstrate genetic diversity and structural complexity among the
      European/Western cattle population. Importantly, we relaxed a strong assumption
      of discrete or admixed population, by adapting latent variable models for
      individual-specific allele frequencies that directly capture a wide range of
      complex structure from genome-wide genotypes. As measured by magnitude of
      differentiation, selection pressure on SNPs within genes is substantially greater
      than that on intergenic regions. Additionally, broad regions of chromosome 6
      harboring largest genetic differentiation suggest positive selection underlying
      population structure. We carried out gene set analysis using SNP annotations to
      identify enriched functional categories such as energy-related processes and
      multiple development stages. Our population structure analysis of bull genomes
      can support genetic management strategies that capture structural complexity and
      promote sustainable genetic breadth.

PMID- 28084450
TI  - Bleaching drives collapse in reef carbonate budgets and reef growth potential on
      southern Maldives reefs.
AB  - Sea-surface temperature (SST) warming events, which are projected to increase in
      frequency and intensity with climate change, represent major threats to coral
      reefs. How these events impact reef carbonate budgets, and thus the capacity of
      reefs to sustain vertical growth under rising sea levels, remains poorly
      quantified. Here we quantify the magnitude of changes that followed the ENSO
      induced SST warming that affected the Indian Ocean region in mid-2016. Resultant
      coral bleaching caused an average 75% reduction in coral cover (present mean
      6.2%). Most critically we report major declines in shallow fore-reef carbonate
      budgets, these shifting from strongly net positive (mean 5.92 G, where G = kg
      CaCO3 m-2 yr-1) to strongly net negative (mean -2.96 G). These changes have
      driven major reductions in reef growth potential, which have declined from an
      average 4.2 to -0.4 mm yr-1. Thus these shallow fore-reef habitats are now in a
      phase of net erosion. Based on past bleaching recovery trajectories, and
      predicted increases in bleaching frequency, we predict a prolonged period of
      suppressed budget and reef growth states. This will limit reef capacity to track
      IPCC projections of sea-level rise, thus limiting the natural breakwater capacity
      of these reefs and threatening reef island stability.

PMID- 28084451
TI  - Optimization-based design of a heat flux concentrator.
AB  - To gain control over the diffusive heat flux in a given domain, one needs to
      engineer a thermal metamaterial with a specific distribution of the generally
      anisotropic thermal conductivity throughout the domain. Until now, the
      appropriate conductivity distribution was usually determined using transformation
      thermodynamics. By this way, only a few particular cases of heat flux control in
      simple domains having simple boundary conditions were studied. Thermal
      metamaterials based on optimization algorithm provides superior properties
      compared to those using the previous methods. As a more general approach, we
      propose to define the heat control problem as an optimization problem where we
      minimize the error in guiding the heat flux in a given way, taking as design
      variables the parameters that define the variable microstructure of the
      metamaterial. In the present study we numerically demonstrate the ability to
      manipulate heat flux by designing a device to concentrate the thermal energy to
      its center without disturbing the temperature profile outside it.

PMID- 28084452
TI  - A 'Landscape physiology' approach for assessing bee health highlights the
      benefits of floral landscape enrichment and semi-natural habitats.
AB  - Understanding how anthropogenic landscape alteration affects populations of
      ecologically- and economically-important insect pollinators has never been more
      pressing. In this context, the assessment of landscape quality typically relies
      on spatial distribution studies, but, whether habitat-restoration techniques
      actually improve the health of targeted pollinator populations remains obscure.
      This gap could be filled by a comprehensive understanding of how gradients of
      landscape quality influence pollinator physiology. We therefore used this
      approach for honey bees (Apis mellifera) to test whether landscape patterns can
      shape bee health. We focused on the pre-wintering period since abnormally high
      winter colony losses have often been observed. By exposing colonies to different
      landscapes, enriched in melliferous catch crops and surrounded by semi-natural
      habitats, we found that bee physiology (i.e. fat body mass and level of
      vitellogenin) was significantly improved by the presence of flowering catch
      crops. Catch crop presence was associated with a significant increase in pollen
      diet diversity. The influence of semi-natural habitats on bee health was even
      stronger. Vitellogenin level was in turn significantly linked to higher
      overwintering survival. Therefore, our experimental study, combining landscape
      ecology and bee physiology, offers an exciting proof-of-concept for directly
      identifying stressful or suitable landscapes and promoting efficient pollinator
      conservation.

PMID- 28084453
TI  - Wide-gamut plasmonic color filters using a complementary design method.
AB  - Plasmonic color filters (PCFs) can acquire primary colors from non-polarized
      incident light through a two-dimensional arrangement of subwavelength holes.
      However, owing to the geometry of the 2D array, unintended secondary transmitted
      peaks derived from the higher-order modes of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
      lead to color cross-talk with the primary peaks. Herein, we propose a
      complementary design method for generating high-purity red, green, and blue
      (R/G/B) by combining the G/B filters of hole-arrays with the R filters of dot
      arrays. Metallic dot-array filters, wherein the wavelength band under 575 nm was
      effectively blocked by the induction of peak broadening, operated as optical high
      pass filters exhibiting pure red, and consequently widen the color gamut of PCFs
      by 30% without loss of luminance and color tunability. This harmonious
      combination promises to yield competitiveness for a next-generation color filter
      by enhancing the color reproducibility of plasmonic nanostructures.

PMID- 28084454
TI  - Significantly enhanced osteoblast response to nano-grained pure tantalum.
AB  - Tantalum (Ta) metal is receiving increasing interest as biomaterial for load
      bearing orthopedic applications and the synthetic properties of Ta can be
      tailored by altering its grain structures. This study evaluates the capability of
      sliding friction treatment (SFT) technique to modulate the comprehensive
      performances of pure Ta. Specifically, novel nanocrystalline (NC) surface with
      extremely small grains (average grain size of <=20 nm) was fabricated on
      conventional coarse-grained (CG) Ta by SFT. It shows that NC surface possessed
      higher surface hydrophilicity and enhanced corrosion resistance than CG surface.
      Additionally, the NC surface adsorbed a notably higher percentage of protein as
      compared to CG surface. The in vitro results indicated that in the initial
      culture stages (up to 24 h), the NC surface exhibited considerably enhanced
      osteoblast adherence and spreading, consistent with demonstrated superior
      hydrophilicity on NC surface. Furthermore, within the 14 days culture period, NC
      Ta surface exhibited a remarkable enhancement in osteoblast cell proliferation,
      maturation and mineralization as compared to CG surface. Ultimately, the improved
      osteoblast functions together with the good mechanical and anti-corrosion
      properties render the SFT-processed Ta a promising alternative for the load
      bearing bone implant applications.

PMID- 28084455
TI  - Spectral responses of gravel beaches to tidal signals.
AB  - Tides have been recognized as a major driving forcing affecting coastal aquifer
      system, and deterministic modeling has been very effective in elucidating
      mechanisms caused by tides. However, such modeling does not lend itself to
      capture embedded information in the signal, and rather focuses on the primary
      processes. Here, using yearlong data sets measured at beaches in Alaska Prince
      William Sound, we performed spectral and correlation analyses to identify
      temporal behavior of pore-water pressure, temperature and salinity. We found that
      the response of the beach system was characterized by fluctuations of embedded
      diurnal, semidiurnal, terdiurnal and quarterdiurnal tidal components.
      Hydrodynamic dispersion of salinity and temperature, and the thermal conductivity
      greatly affected pore water signals. Spectral analyses revealed a faster
      dissipation of the semi-diurnal component with respect to the diurnal components.
      Correlation functions showed that salinity had a relatively short memory of the
      tidal signal when inland freshwater recharge was large. In contrast, the
      signature of the tidal signal on pore-water temperature persisted for longer
      times, up to a week. We also found that heterogeneity greatly affected beach
      response. The response varied from a simple linear mapping in the frequency
      domain to complete modulation and masking of the input frequencies.

PMID- 28084456
TI  - Synergy of Lewis and Bronsted acids on catalytic hydrothermal decomposition of
      carbohydrates and corncob acid hydrolysis residues to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
AB  - 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an important platform molecule in the synthesis
      of various chemicals and materials. Herein, we reported a simple and effective
      dehydration of glucose-based carbohydrates to HMF in a biphasic system containing
      cyclopentyl methyl ether as the organic phase and AlCl3 with minute amounts of
      HCl as co-catalysts. The results showed that the mixed catalysts had a positive
      synergistic catalytic effect on glucose conversion to HMF compared with single
      AlCl3 or HCl catalyst. For glucose, the highest HMF yield of 54.5% was achieved
      at 175  degrees C for 20 min. More importantly, the optimal catalytic system was
      so efficient that it achieved one of the highest reported yields of HMF (30.5%)
      directly from corncob acid hydrolysis residues. Thus, the catalytic system can
      become a promising route for effective utilization of biomass in future
      biorefineries.

PMID- 28084457
TI  - Atmospheric footprint of the recent warming slowdown.
AB  - Growing body of literature has developed to detect the role of ocean heat uptake
      and transport in the recent warming slowdown between 1998-2013; however, the
      atmospheric footprint of the slowdown in dynamical and physical processes remains
      unclear. Here, we divided recent decades into the recent hiatus period and the
      preceding warming period (1983-1998) to investigate the atmospheric footprint. We
      use a process-resolving analysis method to quantify the contributions of
      different processes to the total temperature changes. We show that the increasing
      rate of global mean tropospheric temperature was also reduced during the hiatus
      period. The decomposed trends due to physical processes, including surface
      albedo, water vapour, cloud, surface turbulent fluxes and atmospheric dynamics,
      reversed the patterns between the two periods. The changes in atmospheric heat
      transport are coupled with changes in the surface latent heat flux across the
      lower troposphere (below approximately 800 hPa) and with cloud-related processes
      in the upper troposphere (above approximately 600 hPa) and were underpinned by
      strengthening/weakening Hadley Circulation and Walker Circulation during the
      warming/hiatus period. This dynamical coupling experienced a phase transition
      between the two periods, reminding us of the importance of understanding the
      atmospheric footprint, which constitutes an essential part of internal climate
      variability.

PMID- 28084459
TI  - Can zinc aluminate-titania composite be an alternative for alumina as
      microelectronic substrate?
AB  - Alumina, thanks to its superior thermal and dielectric properties, has been the
      leading substrate over several decades, for power and microelectronics circuits.
      However, alumina lacks thermal stability since its temperature coefficient of
      resonant frequency (tauf) is far from zero (-60 ppmK-1). The present paper
      explores the potentiality of a ceramic composite 0.83ZnAl2O4-0.17TiO2 (in moles,
      abbreviated as ZAT) substrates for electronic applications over other
      commercially-used alumina-based substrates and synthesized using a non-aqueous
      tape casting method. The present substrate has tauf of + 3.9 ppmK-1 and is a
      valuable addition to the group of thermo-stable substrates. The ZAT substrate
      shows a high thermal conductivity of 31.3 Wm-1K-1 (thermal conductivity of
      alumina is about 24.5 Wm-1K-1), along with promising mechanical, electrical and
      microwave dielectric properties comparable to that of alumina-based commercial
      substrates. Furthermore, the newly-developed substrate material shows
      exceptionally good thermal stability of dielectric constant, which cannot be met
      with any of the alumina-based HTCC substrates.

PMID- 28084458
TI  - Targeting the miR-200c/LIN28B axis in acquired EGFR-TKI resistance non-small cell
      lung cancer cells harboring EMT features.
AB  - MicroRNA (miR)-200 family members (miR-200s) are frequently silenced in advanced
      cancer and have been implicated in the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT). We previously reported that miR-200s were silenced through
      promoter methylation in acquired EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistant
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells harboring EMT features. In this study,
      we examined the functional role of miR-200s in NSCLC cells and investigated a
      novel approach to overcoming acquired EGFR-TKI resistance. In the analysis of
      NSCLC cell lines, each of the miR-200s expression-silenced cell lines showed
      promoter methylation. Significant correlations between miR-200c silencing and
      several oncogenic pathway alterations, including EMT-changes and LIN28B
      overexpression, were observed in the database analysis. In addition, EGFR-wild
      type cell lines had lower miR-200s expression levels than EGFR-mutant cell lines.
      The introduction of miR-200c using pre-miR-200c caused LIN28B suppression in
      cells with acquired EGFR-TKI resistance that harbored EMT features.
      Interestingly, both the introduction of miR-200c and the knockdown of LIN28B
      produced an antitumor effect in acquired EGFR-TKI resistance cells, whereas these
      manipulations were not effective in parental cells. The miR-200c/LIN28B axis
      plays an important role in cells with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI that harbor
      EMT features and might be a useful therapeutic target for overcoming resistance.

PMID- 28084460
TI  - Transcript profile analysis reveals important roles of jasmonic acid signalling
      pathway in the response of sweet potato to salt stress.
AB  - Sweet potato is an important food and bio-energy crop, and investigating the
      mechanisms underlying salt tolerance will provide information for salt-tolerant
      breeding of this crop. Here, the root transcriptomes of the salt-sensitive
      variety Lizixiang and the salt-tolerant line ND98 were compared to identify the
      genes and pathways involved in salt stress responses. In total, 8,744 and 10,413
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Lizixiang and ND98, respectively, were
      involved in salt responses. A lower DNA methylation level was detected in ND98
      than in Lizixiang. In both genotypes, the DEGs, which function in phytohormone
      synthesis and signalling and ion homeostasis, may underlie the different degrees
      of salt tolerance. Significant up-regulations of the genes involved in the
      jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signalling pathways and ion transport, more
      accumulation of JA, a higher degree of stomatal closure and a lower level of Na+
      were found in ND98 compared to Lizixiang. This is the first report on
      transcriptome responses to salt tolerance in sweet potato. These results reveal
      that the JA signalling pathway plays important roles in the response of sweet
      potato to salt stress. This study provides insights into the mechanisms and genes
      involved in the salt tolerance of sweet potato.

PMID- 28084462
TI  - Corrigendum: Dynamics of plant DNA replication based on PCNA visualization.

PMID- 28084461
TI  - Dengue virus compartmentalization during antibody-enhanced infection.
AB  - Secondary infection with a heterologous dengue virus (DENV) serotype increases
      the risk of severe dengue, through a process termed antibody-dependent
      enhancement (ADE). During ADE, DENV is opsonized with non- or sub-neutralizing
      antibody levels that augment entry into monocytes and dendritic cells through Fc
      gamma receptors (FcgammaRs). We previously reported that co-ligation of leukocyte
      immunoglobulin-like receptor-B1 (LILRB1) by antibody-opsonized DENV led to
      recruitment of SH2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to dephosphorylate
      spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and reduce interferon stimulated gene induction.
      Here, we show that LILRB1 also signals through SHP-1 to attenuate the otherwise
      rapid acidification for lysosomal enzyme activation following FcgammaR-mediated
      uptake of DENV. Reduced or slower trafficking of antibody-opsonized DENV to lytic
      phagolysosomal compartments, demonstrates how co-ligation of LILRB1 also permits
      DENV to overcome a cell-autonomous immune response, enhancing intracellular
      survival of DENV. Our findings provide insights on how antiviral drugs that
      modify phagosome acidification should be used for viruses such as DENV.

PMID- 28084463
TI  - Sialic Acid-Responsive Polymeric Interface Material: From Molecular Recognition
      to Macroscopic Property Switching.
AB  - Biological systems that utilize multiple weak non-covalent interactions and
      hierarchical assemblies to achieve various bio-functions bring much inspiration
      for the design of artificial biomaterials. However, it remains a big challenge to
      correlate underlying biomolecule interactions with macroscopic level of
      materials, for example, recognizing such weak interaction, further transforming
      it into regulating material's macroscopic property and contributing to some new
      bio-applications. Here we designed a novel smart polymer based on polyacrylamide
      (PAM) grafted with lactose units (PAM-g-lactose0.11), and reported carbohydrate
      carbohydrate interaction (CCI)-promoted macroscopic properties switching on this
      smart polymer surface. Detailed investigations indicated that the binding of
      sialic acid molecules with the grafted lactose units via the CCIs induced
      conformational transformation of the polymer chains, further resulted in
      remarkable and reversible switching in surface topography, wettability and
      stiffness. With these excellent recognition and response capacities towards
      sialic acid, the PAM-g-lactose0.11 further facilitated good selectivity, strong
      anti-interference and high adsorption capacity in the capture of sialylated
      glycopeptides (important biomarkers for cancers). This work provides some
      enlightenment for the development of biointerface materials with tunable
      property, as well as high-performance glycopeptide enrichment materials.

PMID- 28084465
TI  - Inter-Layer Coupling Induced Valence Band Edge Shift in Mono- to Few-Layer MoS2.
AB  - Recent progress in the synthesis of monolayer MoS2, a two-dimensional direct band
      gap semiconductor, is paving new pathways toward atomically thin electronics.
      Despite the large amount of literature, fundamental gaps remain in understanding
      electronic properties at the nanoscale. Here, we report a study of highly
      crystalline islands of MoS2 grown via a refined chemical vapor deposition
      synthesis technique. Using high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy and
      spectroscopy (STM/STS), photoemission electron microscopy/spectroscopy (PEEM) and
      MU-ARPES we investigate the electronic properties of MoS2 as a function of the
      number of layers at the nanoscale and show in-depth how the band gap is affected
      by a shift of the valence band edge as a function of the layer number. Green's
      function based electronic structure calculations were carried out in order to
      shed light on the mechanism underlying the observed bandgap reduction with
      increasing thickness, and the role of the interfacial Sulphur atoms is clarified.
      Our study, which gives new insight into the variation of electronic properties of
      MoS2 films with thickness bears directly on junction properties of MoS2, and thus
      impacts electronics application of MoS2.

PMID- 28084466
TI  - Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering Imaging of Two-Dimensional Tungsten Disulfide with
      Optimized Tip Fabrication Process.
AB  - We successfully achieve the tip-enhanced nano Raman scattering images of a
      tungsten disulfide monolayer with optimizing a fabrication method of gold nanotip
      by controlling the concentration of etchant in an electrochemical etching
      process. By applying a square-wave voltage supplied from an arbitrary waveform
      generator to a gold wire, which is immersed in a hydrochloric acid solution
      diluted with ethanol at various ratios, we find that both the conical angle and
      radius of curvature of the tip apex can be varied by changing the ratio of
      hydrochloric acid and ethanol. We also suggest a model to explain the origin of
      these variations in the tip shape. From the systematic study, we find an optimal
      condition for achieving the yield of ~60% with the radius of ~34 nm and the cone
      angle of ~35 degrees . Using representative tips fabricated under the optimal
      etching condition, we demonstrate the tip-enhanced Raman scattering experiment of
      tungsten disulfide monolayer grown by a chemical vapor deposition method with a
      spatial resolution of ~40 nm and a Raman enhancement factor of ~4,760.

PMID- 28084464
TI  - Proteoliposomal formulations of an HIV-1 gp41-based miniprotein elicit a lipid
      dependent immunodominant response overlapping the 2F5 binding motif.
AB  - The HIV-1 gp41 Membrane Proximal External Region (MPER) is recognized by broadly
      neutralizing antibodies and represents a promising vaccine target. However, MPER
      immunogenicity and antibody activity are influenced by membrane lipids. To
      evaluate lipid modulation of MPER immunogenicity, we generated a 1-Palmitoyl-2
      oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC)-based proteoliposome collection containing
      combinations of phosphatidylserine (PS), GM3 ganglioside, cholesterol (CHOL),
      sphingomyelin (SM) and the TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA). A
      recombinant gp41-derived miniprotein (gp41-MinTT) exposing the MPER and a tetanus
      toxoid (TT) peptide that favors MHC-II presentation, was successfully
      incorporated into lipid mixtures (>85%). Immunization of mice with soluble gp41
      MinTT exclusively induced responses against the TT peptide, while POPC
      proteoliposomes generated potent anti-gp41 IgG responses using lower protein
      doses. The combined addition of PS and GM3 or CHOL/SM to POPC liposomes greatly
      increased gp41 immunogenicity, which was further enhanced by the addition of
      MPLA. Responses generated by all proteoliposomes targeted the N-terminal moiety
      of MPER overlapping the 2F5 neutralizing epitope. Our data show that lipids
      impact both, the epitope targeted and the magnitude of the response to membrane
      dependent antigens, helping to improve MPER-based lipid carriers. Moreover, the
      identification of immunodominant epitopes allows for the redesign of immunogens
      targeting MPER neutralizing determinants.

PMID- 28084467
TI  - Optimum Leaf Removal Increases Nitrogen Accumulation in Kernels of Maize Grown at
      High Density.
AB  - Increasing plant density is one of the main approaches of achieving higher yields
      for modern maize crop. However, there exists leaf redundancy for high-density
      maize, and leaves of the upper canopy shade more competent leaves at the middle
      strata. In a two-year field experiments, Jinhai5, a semi-compact corn cultivar,
      was grown at a density of 105,000 plants ha-1 grown until 3 days after silking
      (3DAS), when plants were subjected to removal of the uppermost two leaves (S2),
      four leaves (S4) or six leaves (S6), with no leaf removal as control (S0). We
      evaluated the effects of leaf removal on N remobilization, photosynthetic
      capacity of the remaining leaves for N uptake, and N accumulation in kernels. Our
      present results concluded that, under high plant density, excising the uppermost
      two leaves promoted N remobilization from vegetative organs to kernels and
      enhanced photosynthetic capacity for N uptake, leading to an increased N
      accumulation in kernels (19.6% higher than control). However, four or six
      uppermost leaves removal reduced N remobilization from stem and photosynthesis
      for poor N uptake, resulting in 37.5 and 50.2% significantly reduced N
      accumulation in kernels, respectively.

PMID- 28084468
TI  - Etanercept-Synthesising Mesenchymal Stem Cells Efficiently Ameliorate Collagen
      Induced Arthritis.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have multiple properties including anti
      inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in various disease models and clinical
      treatments. These beneficial effects, however, are sometimes inconsistent and
      unpredictable. For wider and proper application, scientists sought to improve MSC
      functions by engineering. We aimed to invent a novel method to produce synthetic
      biological drugs from engineered MSCs. We investigated the anti-arthritic effect
      of engineered MSCs in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Biologics such as
      etanercept are the most successful drugs used in anti-cytokine therapy. Biologics
      are made of protein components, and thus can be theoretically produced from cells
      including MSCs. MSCs were transfected with recombinant minicircles encoding
      etanercept (trade name, Enbrel), which is a tumour necrosis factor alpha blocker
      currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. We confirmed minicircle expression
      in MSCs in vitro based on GFP. Etanercept production was verified from the
      conditioned media. We confirmed that self-reproduced etanercept was biologically
      active in vitro. Arthritis subsided more efficiently in CIA mice injected with
      mcTNFR2MSCs than in those injected with conventional MSCs or etanercept only.
      Although this novel strategy is in a very early conceptual stage, it seems to
      represent a potential alternative method for the delivery of biologics and
      engineering MSCs.

PMID- 28084469
TI  - Improvement of Uveal and Capsular Biocompatibility of Hydrophobic Acrylic
      Intraocular Lens by Surface Grafting with 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl
      Phosphorylcholine-Methacrylic Acid Copolymer.
AB  - Biocompatibility of intraocular lens (IOL) is critical to vision reconstruction
      after cataract surgery. Foldable hydrophobic acrylic IOL is vulnerable to the
      adhesion of extracellular matrix proteins and cells, leading to increased
      incidence of postoperative inflammation and capsule opacification. To increase
      IOL biocompatibility, we synthesized a hydrophilic copolymer P(MPC-MAA) and
      grafted the copolymer onto the surface of IOL through air plasma treatment. X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and static water contact
      angle were used to characterize chemical changes, topography and hydrophilicity
      of the IOL surface, respectively. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation
      (QCM-D) showed that P(MPC-MAA) modified IOLs were resistant to protein
      adsorption. Moreover, P(MPC-MAA) modification inhibited adhesion and
      proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in vitro. To analyze uveal and
      capsular biocompatibility in vivo, we implanted the P(MPC-MAA) modified IOLs into
      rabbits after phacoemulsification. P(MPC-MAA) modification significantly reduced
      postoperative inflammation and anterior capsule opacification (ACO), and did not
      affect posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Collectively, our study suggests
      that surface modification by P(MPC-MAA) can significantly improve uveal and
      capsular biocompatibility of hydrophobic acrylic IOL, which could potentially
      benefit patients with blood-aqueous barrier damage.

PMID- 28084470
TI  - A Nitric Oxide-Donating Statin Decreases Portal Pressure with a Better Toxicity
      Profile than Conventional Statins in Cirrhotic Rats.
AB  - Statins present many beneficial effects in chronic liver disease, but concerns
      about safety exist. We evaluated the hepatic effects of a nitric oxide-releasing
      atorvastatin (NCX 6560) compared to conventional statins. Simvastatin,
      atorvastatin and NCX 6560 were evaluated in four-week bile duct-ligated rats
      (BDL) simulating decompensated cirrhosis and in thirteen-week carbon
      tetrachloride (CCl4) intoxicated rats, a model of early cirrhosis. In the BDL
      model, simvastatin treated rats showed high mortality and the remaining animals
      presented muscular and hepatic toxicity. At equivalent doses, NCX 6560 eliminated
      hepatic toxicity and reduced muscular toxicity (60-74%) caused by atorvastatin in
      the more advanced BDL model; toxicity was minimal in the CCl4 model. Atorvastatin
      and NCX 6560 similarly reduced portal pressure without changing systemic
      hemodynamics in both models. Atorvastatin and NCX 6560 caused a mild decrease in
      liver fibrosis and inflammation and a significant increase in intrahepatic cyclic
      guanosine monophosphate. NCX 6560 induced a higher intrahepatic vasoprotective
      profile (activated endothelial nitric oxide synthase and decreased
      platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1), especially in the CCl4 model,
      suggesting a higher benefit in early cirrhosis. In conclusion, NCX 6560 improves
      the liver profile and portal hypertension of cirrhotic rats similarly to
      conventional statins, but with a much better safety profile.

PMID- 28084471
TI  - Fluorescence assay of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase that may become a cancer
      biomarker.
AB  - We developed an assay method for measuring dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH)
      activity in cultured HeLa cells and fibroblasts, and in stage III stomach cancer
      and adjacent normal tissues from the same patient. The assay comprised enzymatic
      reaction of DHODH with a large amount of dihydroorotic acid substrate, followed
      by fluorescence (FL) detection specific for orotic acid using the 4
      trifluoromethyl-benzamidoxime fluorogenic reagent. The DHODH activities in the
      biologically complex samples were readily measured by the assay method. Our data
      indicate significantly higher DHODH activity in HeLa cells (340 +/- 25.9 pmol/105
      cells/h) than in normal fibroblasts (54.1 +/- 7.40 pmol/105 cells/h), and in
      malignant tumour tissue (1.10 +/- 0.19 nmol/mg total proteins/h) than in adjacent
      normal tissue (0.24 +/- 0.11 nmol/mg total proteins/h). This is the first report
      that DHODH activity may be a diagnostic biomarker for cancer.

PMID- 28084473
TI  - Response to: Comment on "Invisible Victims: Delayed Onset Depression among Adults
      with Same-Sex Parents".

PMID- 28084472
TI  - Diabetes mellitus and the risk of total knee replacement among Chinese in
      Singapore, the Singapore Chinese Health Study.
AB  - Association between diabetes mellitus (diabetes) and risk of knee osteoarthritis
      (KOA) is confounded by high body mass index (BMI), a strong risk factor for both
      conditions. We evaluated the association between diabetes and incidence of total
      knee replacement (TKR) due to severe KOA in the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a
      prospective cohort of 63,257 Chinese men and women, aged 45-74 years at
      recruitment in 1993-1998, and re-interviewed in 1999-2004. Height, weight,
      lifestyle factors and history of diabetes were obtained through in-person
      interviews at recruitment and re-interview. Incident cases of TKR were identified
      via record linkage with nationwide hospital discharge database. Subjects
      with/without prevalent diabetes had comparable BMI (24.0 kg/m2 versus 23.0
      kg/m2). After an average of 14-years, 1,973 subjects had TKR attributable to KOA.
      Compared to subjects without diabetes, hazard ratio (HR) of TKR for subjects with
      diabetes was 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52-0.75] after controlling for
      BMI and other risk factors. An inverse association was also observed between
      incident diabetes at re-interview and subsequent risk of TKR (HR = 0.74; 95% CI =
      0.58-0.94). The inverse diabetes-TKR risk association was similar by gender and
      across three categories of BMI. Our study does not support diabetes as a risk
      factor of KOA.

PMID- 28084474
TI  - Increased solubility and fiber spinning of graphenide dispersions aided by crown
      ethers.
AB  - Graphenide solutions in NMP have been prepared by dispersing potassium
      intercalated graphite with the assistance of 18-crown-6. The highest graphenide
      solubility achieved is 1.5 mg mL-1. Graphenide solutions have been applied to
      spin graphene/SWCNT hybrid fibers.

PMID- 28084475
TI  - Harnessing ester bond chemistry for protein ligation.
AB  - The hydrolysis potential of ester bonds in covalently cross-linking proteins is
      captured in our novel protein ligation technology. This new type of "molecular
      superglue" based on the spontaneously-formed Thr-Gln ester bonds found in cell
      surface adhesins, affords a unique mechanism to both rationally assemble and
      disassemble complex protein nanomaterials.

PMID- 28084476
TI  - A conjugate Lewis base-Bronsted acid catalyst for the sulfenylation of nitrogen
      containing heterocycles under mild conditions.
AB  - Catalysts that contain a thiourea tethered to a carboxylic acid were found to
      affect the sulfenylation of indoles and other N-heterocycles on the hour time
      scale at room temperature. The mild nature of these conditions allowed for the
      incorporation of diverse functionalities into more complex heterocycles.

PMID- 28084477
TI  - Pick up, move and release of nanoparticles utilizing co-non-solvency of PNIPAM
      brushes.
AB  - A critical complication in handling nanoparticles is the formation of large
      aggregates when particles are dried e.g. when they need to be transferred from
      one liquid to another. The particles in these aggregates need to disperse into
      the destined liquid medium, which has been proven difficult due to the relatively
      large interfacial interaction forces between nanoparticles. We present a simple
      method to capture, move and release nanoparticles without the formation of large
      aggregates. To do so, we employ the co-non-solvency effect of poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) brushes in water-ethanol mixtures. In pure water or
      ethanol, the densely end-anchored macromolecules in the PNIPAM brush stretch and
      absorb the solvent. We show that under these conditions, the adherence between
      the PNIPAM brush and a silicon oxide, gold, polystyrene or poly(methyl
      methacrylate) colloid attached to an atomic force microscopy cantilever is low.
      In contrast, when the PNIPAM brushes are in a collapsed state in a 30-70 vol%
      ethanol-water mixture, the adhesion between the brush and the different counter
      surfaces is high. For potential application, we demonstrate that this difference
      in adhesion can be utilized to pick up, move and release 900 silicon oxide
      nanoparticles of diameter 80 nm using only 10 * 10 MUm2 PNIPAM brush.

PMID- 28084478
TI  - Phase angle encoded upconversion luminescent nanocrystals for multiplexing
      applications.
AB  - Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are increasingly used as
      luminescent candidates in multiplexing applications due to their excellent
      optical properties. In the past, several encoding identities have been proposed
      for UCNPs, including emission colour, intensity ratio between different emission
      bands, colour spatial distribution, and luminescence lifetime. In this paper, a
      new optical encoding dimension for upconversion nanomaterials is developed by
      exploring their luminescence kinetics, i.e., the phase angle of upconversion
      luminescence in response to a harmonic-wave excitation. Our theoretical
      derivation shows that the phase angle is governed jointly by the rise and decay
      times, characterizing the upconversion luminescence kinetics. Experimentally, a
      full set of methods are developed to manage the upconversion luminescence
      kinetics, through which the rise and decay times can be manipulated dependently
      or independently. Furthermore, a large phase-angle space is achieved in which
      tens of unique codes can potentially be generated in the same colour channel. Our
      work greatly extends the multiplexing capacity of UCNPs, and offers new
      opportunities for their applications in a wide range such as microarray assays,
      bioimaging, anti-counterfeiting, deep tissue multiplexing labelling/detection and
      high-density data storage. In addition, the development of this luminescence
      kinetics-based optical encoding strategy is also instructive for developing
      multiplexing techniques using other cascade luminescent systems that inherently
      lack multi-spectral channels, such as triplet-triplet annihilation molecule
      pairs.

PMID- 28084479
TI  - Chemical modification improves the stability of the DNA aptamer GBI-10 and its
      affinity towards tenascin-C.
AB  - Aptamers are useful tools in molecular imaging due to their numerous attractive
      properties, such as excellent affinity and selectivity to diverse types of target
      molecules and biocompatibility. We carried out structure-activity relationship
      studies with the tenascin-C (TN-C) binding aptamer GBI-10, which is a promising
      candidate in tumor imaging. To increase the tumor targeting ability and nuclease
      resistance under physiological conditions, systematic modifications of GBI-10
      with single and multiple 2'-deoxyinosine (2'-dI) or d-/l-isonucleoside (d-/l
      isoNA) were performed. Results indicated that sector 3 of the proposed secondary
      structure is the most important region for specific binding with TN-C. By
      correlating the affinity of eighty-four GBI-10 derivatives with their predicted
      secondary structure by Zuker Mfold, we first validated the preferred secondary
      structure at 37  degrees C. We found that d-/l-isoNA modified GBI-10 derivatives
      exhibited improved affinity to the target as well as plasma stability. Affinity
      measurement and confocal imaging analysis highlighted one potent compound:
      4AL/26TL/32TL, which possessed a significantly increased targeting ability to
      tumor cells. These results revealed the types of modified nucleotides, and the
      position and number of substituents in GBI-10 that were critical to the TN-C
      binding ability. Stabilized TN-C-binding DNA aptamers were prepared and they
      could be further developed for tumor imaging. Our strategy to introduce 2'-dI and
      d-/l-isoNA modifications after the selection process is likely to be generally
      applicable to improve the in vivo stability of aptamers without compromising
      their binding ability.

PMID- 28084480
TI  - A cell-permeable and triazole-forming fluorescent probe for glycoconjugate
      imaging in live cells.
AB  - A new fluorescence-forming probe, coumOCT, designed by fusing cyclooctyne with a
      coumarin fluorophore was successfully used for the imaging of azido
      glycoconjugates in living HeLa cells. This probe is cell-permeable and generates
      fluorescence after triazole formation, thus minimizing the background signal and
      enabling the real-time intracellular imaging of glycoconjugate trafficking.

PMID- 28084481
TI  - Heparin triggered dose dependent multi-color emission switching in water: a
      convenient protocol for heparinase I estimation in real-life biological fluids.
AB  - Oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) based bis-pyridinium derivatives show 'ratiometric'
      detection of heparin in water. For the first time, we present a dose-dependent,
      multi-color emission switching in the presence of heparin. The reversible self
      assembly of probes with heparin as the stimulus is also exploited for the
      screening of heparinase I enzyme.

PMID- 28084482
TI  - Programmed dissociation of dimer and trimer origami structures by aptamer-ligand
      complexes.
AB  - Dimer- and trimer-origami frames are bridged by duplexes that include caged,
      sequence-specific, anti-ATP and/or anti-cocaine aptamer sequences. The programmed
      dissociation of the origami dimers or trimers in the presence of ATP and/or
      cocaine ligands is demonstrated. The processes are followed by AFM imaging and by
      electrophoretic experiments.

PMID- 28084483
TI  - Fluorescence enhancement of oligodeoxynucleotides modified with green fluorescent
      protein chromophore mimics upon triplex formation.
AB  - Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based molecular-rotor chromophores were attached
      to the 5-positions of deoxyuridines, and subsequently, incorporated into the
      middle positions of oligodeoxynucleotides. These oligonucleotides were designed
      to form triplex DNA in order to encapsulate the GFP chromophores, mimicking GFP
      structures. Upon triplex formation, the embedded GFP chromophores exhibited
      fluorescence enhancement, suggesting the potential application of these
      fluorescent probes for the detection of nucleic acids.

PMID- 28084484
TI  - Singlet fission in pancake-bonded systems.
AB  - We theoretically investigate the potential of pancake-bonded systems for
      efficient singlet fission by examining phenalenyl radical dimer and tetramer
      models. In the dimer model, we propose an efficient way to satisfy the excitation
      energy level matching required for singlet fission by tuning the diradical
      character by changing the intermolecular distance. In the tetramer model,
      electronic couplings required for both singlet fission and charge mobility are
      found to be maximized simultaneously in the face-to-face configuration, which is
      usually known to be difficult to achieve due to a trade-off relationship between
      them in conventional pi-conjugated molecules like pentacene. In addition, on the
      basis of the quasi-degenerate second-order perturbation analysis, we obtain a
      simplified and more efficient crystal-structure design guideline that pancake
      bonded systems cause highly-active singlet fission.

PMID- 28084485
TI  - Molecular polypyridine-based metal complexes as catalysts for the reduction of
      CO2.
AB  - Polypyridyl transition metal complexes represent one of the more thoroughly
      studied classes of molecular catalysts towards CO2 reduction to date. Initial
      reports in the 1980s began with an emphasis on 2nd and 3rd row late transition
      metals, but more recently the focus has shifted towards earlier metals and base
      metals. Polypyridyl platforms have proven quite versatile and amenable to
      studying various parameters that govern product distribution for CO2 reduction.
      However, open questions remain regarding the key mechanistic steps that govern
      product selectivity and efficiency. Polypyridyl complexes have also been
      immobilized through a variety of methods to afford active catalytic materials for
      CO2 reductions. While still an emerging field, materials incorporating molecular
      catalysts represent a promising strategy for electrochemical and
      photoelectrochemical devices capable of CO2 reduction. In general, this class of
      compounds remains the most promising for the continued development of molecular
      systems for CO2 reduction and an inspiration for the design of related non
      polypyridyl catalysts.

PMID- 28084486
TI  - Selective sensing of ethylene and glucose using carbon-nanotube-based sensors: an
      ab initio investigation.
AB  - Functionalized carbon nanotubes have great potential for nanoscale sensing
      applications, yet many aspects of their sensing mechanisms are not understood.
      Here, two paradigmatic sensor configurations for detection of biologically
      important molecules are investigated through ab initio calculations: a non
      covalently functionalized nanotube for glucose detection and a covalently
      functionalized nanotube for ethylene detection. Glucose and ethylene control key
      life processes of humans and plants, respectively, despite of their structural
      and chemical simplicity. The sensors' electrical conductance and transmission
      coefficients are evaluated at the full density-functional theory level via the
      non-equilibrium Green's function method. We also investigate the effects of the
      density of the receptors, the band gaps of the nanotubes, the source-drain
      voltages, and the atomic modification of the receptor on detection sensitivities.
      A clear atomistic picture emerges about the mechanisms involved in glucose and
      ethylene sensing. While semiconducting nanotubes exhibit good sensitivities in
      both cases, the current through metallic nanotubes is only weakly affected by
      analyte attachment. These quantitative results could guide the design of improved
      sensors.

PMID- 28084487
TI  - Probing the triplet correlation function in liquid water by experiments and
      molecular simulations.
AB  - Despite very significant developments in scattering experiments like X-ray and
      neutron diffraction, it has been challenging to elucidate the nature of
      tetrahedral molecular configurations in liquid water. A key question is whether
      the pair correlation functions, which can be obtained from scattering
      experiments, are sufficient to describe the tetrahedral ordering of water
      molecules. In our previous study (Dhabal et al., J. Chem. Phys., 2014, 141,
      174504), using data-sets generated from reverse Monte Carlo and molecular
      dynamics simulations, we showed that the triplet correlation functions contain
      important information on the tetrahedrality of water in the liquid state. In the
      present study, X-ray scattering experiments and molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations are used to link the isothermal pressure derivative of the structure
      factor with the triplet correlation functions for water. Triplet functions are
      determined for water up to 3.3 kbar at 298 K to display the effect of pressure on
      the water structure. The results suggest that triplet functions (H[combining
      tilde](q)) obtained using a rigid-body TIP4P/2005 water model are consistent with
      the experimental results. The triplet functions obtained in experiment as well as
      in simulations evince that in the case of tetrahedral liquids, exertion of higher
      pressure leads to a better agreement with the Kirkwood superposition
      approximation (KSA). We further validate this observation using the triplet
      correlation functions (g(3)(r,s,t)) calculated directly from simulation
      trajectory, revealing that both H[combining tilde](q) in q-space and g(3)(r,s,t)
      in real-space contain similar information on the tetrahedrality of liquids. This
      study demonstrates that the structure factor, even though it has only pair
      correlation information of the liquid structure, can shed light on three-body
      correlations in liquid water through its isothermal pressure derivative term.

PMID- 28084488
TI  - Kinetic enantioselectivity of a protonated bis(diamido)-bridged basket
      resorcin[4]arene towards alanine peptides.
AB  - Efficient enantiodiscrimination of some alanine-containing di- and tri-peptides
      by using chiral protonated bis(diamido)-bridged basket resorcin[4]arenes depends
      on several factors, including the basicity of the amino acid residues at the C-
      and N-termini of the peptide.

PMID- 28084489
TI  - Renewable-emodin-based wearable supercapacitors.
AB  - With the increasing dependency of human life on wearable electronics, the
      development of corresponding energy-storage devices is being insensitively
      pursued. Considering the special usage locations of wearable energy-storage
      devices, the safety and non-toxicity of electrode materials adopted should be of
      concern. In this work, a novel all-solid-state wearable supercapacitor based on
      the renewable-biomolecule emodin, naturally derivable from traditional Chinese
      herbal rhubarb or Polygonum cuspidatum, was successfully fabricated. Such
      supercapacitors exhibited excellent charge storage and rate capability with great
      flexibility and could be integrated into wearable electronics. As a proof of
      concept, a strap-shaped supercapacitor was fabricated, and it was capable of
      powering an electronic watch. Our work will promote the development of safe
      wearable electronics.

PMID- 28084490
TI  - On the nature of the electronic effect of multiple hydroxyl groups in the 6
      membered ring - the effects are additive but steric hindrance plays a role too.
AB  - Research during the last two decades has shown a remarkable directional component
      of the substituent effects of hydroxy groups, which has a profound effect on the
      properties of hydroxylated compounds such as carbohydrates. While the
      epimerisation of a single hydroxyl function is well studied the consequence of
      multiple epimerisations is more speculative. In this work the effect of three
      epimerisations was investigated. To this end epimeric 2-phenyl iminoxylitols that
      have a phenyl group as a conformational anchor and thus hydroxyl groups in the
      axial or equatorial position, respectively, were synthesized and their pKa and
      conformation were studied. The results show that the large difference in the
      electronic effect between the axial and equatorial hydroxyls is partially
      cancelled by counteracting steric hindrance from 1,3-diaxial interactions.
      Hydrogen bonding does not appear to play any role in the electronic influence of
      the hydroxyl groups.

PMID- 28084491
TI  - Fracture of a model cohesive granular material.
AB  - We study experimentally the fracture mechanisms of a model cohesive granular
      medium consisting of glass beads held together by solidified polymer bridges. The
      elastic response of this material can be controlled by changing the cross-linking
      of the polymer phase, for example. Here we show that its fracture toughness can
      be tuned over an order of magnitude by adjusting the stiffness and size of the
      polymer bridges. We extract a well-defined fracture energy from fracture testing
      under a range of material preparations. This energy is found to scale linearly
      with the cross-sectional area of the bridges. Finally, X-ray microcomputed
      tomography shows that crack propagation is driven by adhesive failure of about
      one polymer bridge per bead located at the interface, along with microcracks in
      the vicinity of the failure plane. Our findings provide insight into the fracture
      mechanisms of this model material, and the mechanical properties of disordered
      cohesive granular media in general.

PMID- 28084492
TI  - Chemoselective generation of acyl phosphates, acylium ion equivalents, from
      carboxylic acids and an organophosphate ester in the presence of a Bronsted acid.
AB  - We describe the chemoselective conversion of carboxylic acids to functional
      aromatic ketones promoted by a tailored organophosphate ester in the presence of
      a Bronsted acid. The protonated phosphate ester reacts with the carboxylic acid
      to form acyl phosphate, which reacts with benzenes to give aromatic ketones,
      probably through the acylium ion or its equivalent. The reaction time is short
      even at room temperature, and the reaction is compatible with various other
      functional groups, including amines, olefins, esters, amides and nitriles.

PMID- 28084493
TI  - Development of a BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for imaging pathological tau
      aggregates in live cells.
AB  - Neuronal accumulation of tau aggregates is a pathological hallmark in multiple
      neurodegenerative disorders, collectively called tauopathies. A tau aggregation
      sensor that can monitor abnormal tau aggregation in neurons would facilitate the
      study of tau aggregation processes and the discovery of tau aggregation blockers.
      Here, we describe a BODIPY-fluorescence sensor (BD-tau) that selectively responds
      to pathological tau aggregates in live cells.

PMID- 28084494
TI  - [Botox(r) treatments - still not reimbursed by insurance?]

PMID- 28084495
TI  - Midterm outcomes following anatomic-based popliteus tendon reconstructions.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to document subjective outcomes following
      anatomic-based reconstruction of the popliteus tendon when the popliteus tendon
      was the only injured posterolateral knee structure. It was hypothesized that
      popliteus tendon reconstruction would result in improved patient outcomes after
      surgery regardless of the concurrent ligamentous or intra articular pathology.
      METHODS: A consecutive series of 5 patients with a median age of 23 years (range,
      22-36 years) who underwent anatomic popliteus tendon reconstruction along with
      concomitant ligament reconstruction or meniscus repair (if needed) were included
      in this study. All patients completed pre-operative and post-operative subjective
      questionnaires, which included the Lysholm score to document function, the Tegner
      activity scale to document activity level, and a patient satisfaction with
      outcome question. RESULTS: All patients were available for a final follow-up at a
      median time of 2.8 years (range, 2-3.9 years) following the index surgery. Three
      patients had a combined popliteus tendon and posterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction. Two of the three PCL reconstructions were revision procedures.
      The Lysholm score improved to from 53 (range, 34-90) to 91 (range, 44-100) at
      post-operative follow-up. The median pre-operative Tegner activity scale improved
      from 3 (range, 0-9) to a median score of 4.8 (range, 2-7) at post-operative
      follow-up. The median patient satisfaction with outcome was 9 (range, 7-10). The
      dial test at 30 degrees  and 90 degrees  improved in all patients following
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic-based popliteus tendon reconstructions resulted in
      improved outcomes and a high patient satisfaction in patients with a complete
      tear of the popliteus tendon and symptomatic knee instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      IV, case series.

PMID- 28084497
TI  - [The skin and pregnancy].

PMID- 28084496
TI  - A quick and robust MHC typing method for free-ranging and captive primate
      species.
AB  - Gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of human and non
      human primates play a crucial role in adaptive immunity, and most of the relevant
      genes not only show a high degree of variability (polymorphism) but also copy
      number variation (CNV) is observed. Due to this diversity, MHC proteins influence
      the capability of individuals to cope with various pathogens. MHC and/or MHC
      linked gene products such as odorant receptor genes are thought to influence mate
      choice and reproductive success. Therefore, MHC typing of wild and captive
      primate populations is considered to be useful in conservation biology, which is,
      however, often hampered by the need of invasive and time-consuming methods. All
      intact Mhc-DRB genes in primates appear to possess a complex and highly divergent
      microsatellite, DRB-STR. A panel of 154 pedigreed olive baboons (Papio anubis)
      was examined for their DRB content by DRB-STR analysis of genomic DNA. Using the
      same methodology on DNA of feces samples, DRB variability of a silvery gibbon
      population (Hylobates moloch) (N = 24), an endangered species, could successfully
      be studied. In both species, length determination of the DRB-STR resulted in the
      definition of unique genotyping patterns that appeared to be specific for a
      certain chromosome. Moreover, the different STR lengths were shown to segregate
      with the allelic variation of the respective gene. The results obtained expand
      data gained previously on DRB-STR typing in macaques, great apes, and humans and
      strengthen the conclusion that this protocol is applicable in molecular ecology,
      conservation biology, and colony management, especially of endangered primate
      species.

PMID- 28084498
TI  - [Melasma : An update on the clinical picture, treatment, and prevention].
AB  - Melasma, also known as chloasma or mask of pregnancy, presents clinically as
      hyperpigmented skin areas, which develop mostly in the face as a consequence of
      increased synthesis of melanin. The established treatment options, including
      topically applied agents and the use of various laser systems, mostly result in
      improvement but not in complete remission of the lesions. Because of its
      significant impact on quality of life and the limited effectivity of available
      treatment options, the management of melasma is challenging for the treating
      physician. Although many risk factors, including pregnancy and UV exposure, have
      been identified, the pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. Avoiding solar or
      artificial UV exposure is of high importance both for the prevention of melasma
      and for the clinical outcome of existing lesions. In order to avoid vitamin D
      deficiency, oral vitamin D supplementation should be recommended. In this review,
      we give an update on clinical aspects, epidemiology, pathogenesis and therapy of
      melasma and give an outlook on future developments.

PMID- 28084499
TI  - [Telemedical prenotification in acute stroke treatment : Experiences from the
      Stroke Angel initiative from 2004 until the present].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Stroke Angel initiative investigates the implementation of
      telemedicine for improvement of preclinical communication between emergency
      medical services (EMS) and stroke units in cases of acute stroke. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Stroke Angel is a technical system for the telemedical prenotification
      of patients in cases of suspected stroke at a stroke unit by the EMS. Within the
      framework of an observational study, the team has been investigating the effects
      of the system on door-to-computed tomography (CT) and door-to-needle times as
      well as the lysis rate in the neighboring regions of Rhon-Grabfeld and Bad
      Kissingen since 2005. RESULTS: The system supports the acute treatment of
      neurological emergencies and functions as a catalyst for the interlinking of
      medical institutions in the region as well as for communication between emergency
      physicians/EMS and hospital physicians. The use of a computer-based data
      collection enables a continuous improvement process leading to an acceleration of
      internal clinical procedures and an increase of the lysis rate with the mortality
      rate staying constant. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine is applicable in the preclinical
      care of acute stroke and, thanks to the computer-based data collection, leads to
      an increase in process transparency, which helps to improve the internal clinical
      processes in and around a stroke unit.

PMID- 28084500
TI  - [Pros and cons of antipsychotic drugs in Prodromal stages of schizophrenia].

PMID- 28084501
TI  - [Acute renal failure in a 75-year-old woman with a high-output ileostoma].
AB  - We report on a 75-year old woman who presented with acute oliguric renal failure.
      The kidney biopsy revealed calcium oxalate depositions in the tubular lumen,
      caused by an overload of intravenous ascorbic acid (cumulative dose of 240 g).
      Due to a lack of specific therapeutic interventions, the patient remained
      dialysis-dependent. Iatrogenic causes of kidney failure play an important role in
      the pathogenesis of kidney diseases and should always be considered in patients
      with acute renal failure. Detailed evaluation of the patient history is often
      suggestive, while renal biopsy can establish the diagnosis.

PMID- 28084502
TI  - [Neurogenic dysphagia].
AB  - Approximately half of neurological and geriatric inpatients suffer from
      oropharyngeal dysphagia. This often leads to pneumonia, malnutrition and
      dehydration; however, the underlying dysphagia is frequently not diagnosed and
      treated. This is particularly the case for patients with so-called silent
      aspiration. Knowledge on the physiology of swallowing, including the central
      nervous system control of swallowing and the therapeutic options have achieved
      considerable progress in recent years. In particular, the increasing
      implementation of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has
      significantly contributed to this knowledge. It provides the ability to identify
      the individual pattern of oropharyngeal dysphagia leading to a suitable selection
      of therapeutic and compensatory strategies for individual patients. The various
      therapeutic options range from modification of the consistency of the diet, over
      diverse logopedic strategies and stimulation techniques up to interventional
      procedures.

PMID- 28084503
TI  - [Dementia and comorbid conditions].
AB  - Dementia belongs to the most frequently occurring problems among older patients.
      For most types of dementia no causal therapy is currently available. Comorbid
      somatic conditions in patients with dementia are the rule rather than the
      exception. These potentially modifiable conditions are of major interest and they
      can therefore play an important role. This includes the strict management of risk
      factors as well as the avoidance of drugs with delirogenic, anticholinergic and
      dementing side effects. Thus, treatment of delirium, hypertension, heart failure,
      anemia, diabetes is important to reduce the symptoms of dementia itself. Possible
      therapeutic treatment options are described.

PMID- 28084504
TI  - Quality of pediatric abdominal CT scans performed at a dedicated children's
      hospital and its referring institutions: a multifactorial evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients requiring transfer to a dedicated children's
      hospital from an outside institution may undergo CT imaging as part of their
      evaluation. Whether this imaging is performed prior to or after transfer has been
      shown to impact the radiation dose imparted to the patient. Other quality
      variables could also be affected by the pediatric experience and expertise of the
      scanning institution. OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in quality between
      abdominal CT scans and reports performed at a dedicated children's hospital, and
      those performed at referring institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty
      consecutive pediatric abdominal CT scans performed at outside institutions were
      matched (for age, gender and indication) with 50 CT scans performed at a
      dedicated freestanding children's hospital. We analyzed the scans for technical
      parameters, report findings, correlation with final clinical diagnosis, and
      clinical utility. Technical evaluation included use of intravenous and oral
      contrast agents, anatomical coverage, number of scan phases and size-specific
      dose estimate (SSDE) for each scan. Outside institution scans were re-reported
      when the child was admitted to the children's hospital; they were also re
      interpreted for this study by children's hospital radiologists who were provided
      with only the referral information given in the outside institution's report.
      Anonymized original outside institutional reports and children's hospital
      admission re-reports were analyzed by two emergency medicine physicians for ease
      of understanding, degree to which the clinical question was answered, and level
      of confidence in the report. RESULTS: Mean SSDE was lower (8.68) for children's
      hospital scans, as compared to outside institution scans (13.29, P = 0.03).
      Concordance with final clinical diagnosis was significantly lower for original
      outside institution reports (38/48, 79%) than for both the admission and study
      children's hospital reports (48/50, 96%; P = 0.005). Children's hospital
      admission reports were rated higher than outside institution reports for
      completeness, ease of understanding, answering of clinical question, and level of
      confidence of the report (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pediatric abdominal CT scans
      performed and interpreted at a dedicated children's hospital are associated with
      higher technical quality, lower radiation dose and a more clinically useful
      report than those performed at referring institutions.

PMID- 28084505
TI  - The Effects of Biochar and Intercropping on the Cd, Cr and Zn Speciation in Soils
      and Plant Uptake by Machilus pauhoi.
AB  - A greenhouse pot experiment with biochar (BC) applied at 0%, 1%, 4% and 8% (w/w)
      in monoculture and intercropping settings was used to investigate Cd, Cr and Zn
      speciation in contaminated soils, the growth of two different plant types, and
      the heavy metal concentrations within these plants. The results showed that BC
      application increased the soil pH, decreased the bioavailability of Cd, Cr and
      Zn, significantly increased the dry biomass of Cassia occidentalis and Machilus
      pauhoi shoots and slightly increased the root biomass. Both BC addition and
      intercropping decreased the Cd, Cr and Zn contents in the M. pauhoi shoots and
      roots, but the effect of BC addition was more significant than the effect of
      intercropping. The Cd, Cr and Zn uptake by M. pauhoi shoots was reduced by up to
      93.91%, 96.41% and 76.76%, respectively, when the concentration and
      bioavailability of Cd, Cr, and Zn were reduced by using the combination of
      intercropping and BC application. This treatment resulted in the greatest
      reduction efficiency, and resulted in a shoot biomass increase of M. pauhoi of up
      to 122.52% compared to the control (M. pauhoi monoculture). These results could
      be used as a reference for the promotion of M. pauhoi growth and the utilization
      of contaminated land.

PMID- 28084506
TI  - Distribution and Risk Assessment of Antibiotics in a Typical River in North China
      Plain.
AB  - We evaluated the occurrence and distribution of 12 antibiotics from the
      sulfonamide (SAs), fluoroquinolone (FQs) and tetracycline (TCs) groups in the
      Weihe River, North China. The total antibiotic concentrations in surface water,
      pore water, and sediment samples ranged from 11.1 to 173.1 ng/L, 5.8 to 103.9
      ng/L, and 9.5 to 153.4 MUg/kg, respectively. The values of the sediment-water
      partitioning coefficient in the Weihe River varied widely, from not detected to
      943, 2213, and 2405 L/kg for SAs, FQs, and TCs, respectively. The values of the
      partitioning coefficients between sediment and surface water were generally lower
      than those between sediment and pore water, which indicated ongoing inputs to the
      water. The risk assessment showed that there were relatively high ecological
      risks to aquatic algae in this area from sulfamethoxazole, norfloxacin,
      tetracycline, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin.

PMID- 28084507
TI  - Arsenic Environmental Threshold Surpass in Estuarine Sediments: Effects of
      Bioturbation.
AB  - We investigate the distributions of the metalloid arsenic (As) and metals iron
      (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in the sediments of two pristine areas of a biological
      reserve in the Patos Lagoon Estuary. This area is occupied by Spartina
      alterniflora and by Neohelice granulata crab colonies and low concentrations of
      As are expected. The bioturbation/bioirrigation of sediments by crabs and the
      roots of plants lead to the penetration of oxygen below the oxic/suboxix division
      and the subsequent precipitation of Fe-Mn hydroxides. Ferruginous incrustations
      and nodules along roots and crab channels propagate to depths of over 35 cm and
      sediment contains up to 33 mg kg- 1 of As. The metalloid distribution in
      sediments is strongly correlated with that of Fe but not with Mn. This study
      revealed that areas with biologically disturbed sediments could demonstrate
      contamination in As, which is not anthropogenic in origin.

PMID- 28084508
TI  - Determination of Traces of Pb, Cu and Cd in Seawater around Thane Creek by Anodic
      Stripping Voltammetry Method.
AB  - Trace metals (Pb, Cu and Cd) in seawater samples were pre-concentrated for the
      simultaneous quantitative determination using solvent extraction procedure in the
      presence of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) as complexing agent and
      methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) as organic phase and acid exchange back -
      extraction followed by its determination by Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping
      Voltammetry (DPASV). Concentrations of Pb, Cu and Cd vary from 3.0 to 9.44 ng/mL,
      12.7 to 28.6 ng/mL and 0.31 to 1.21 ng/mL respectively in seawater samples
      collected from different locations across Thane Creek area, Mumbai, India. Pb,
      Cu, Cd concentration were observed to be higher in the eastern side of the Thane
      Creek as it is covered by various industries.

PMID- 28084509
TI  - Preparation and characterization of carbon dot-decorated silica stationary phase
      in deep eutectic solvents for hydrophilic interaction chromatography.
AB  - In this paper, N-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were successfully decorated on the
      spherical porous silica surface in deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as a novel class
      of green solvents. The appropriate density and hydrophility of DESs guaranteed
      the fine dispersibility of silica particles and NCDs, resulting in a homogeneous
      and thin layer of NCDs immobilization. As compared with traditional organic
      solvents (DMF and THF), higher surface coverage was obtained in the medium of
      DES, proving its feasibility as a new kind of alternative solvent for hydrophilic
      nanomaterial-based surface modification of silica spheres. The resulting NCDs
      decorated silica particles (Sil-NCDs) were characterized in detail and packed
      into chromatographic columns to study their initial feasibility as adsorbent
      material for liquid chromatography. The resultant packing materials demonstrate a
      selective behavior for polar compounds in hydrophilic interaction liquid
      chromatography (HILIC) mode. This work gives a typical example of using carbon
      dots as stationary phase component, and such material is hopeful to be used in
      other research fields such as solid absorbents, recycling catalysts, and solid
      state electrochemistry etc. Graphical Abstract N-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were
      successfully coupled on the surface of porous silica spheres in a green strategy
      using deep eutectic solvents (DES) as media for HILIC.

PMID- 28084510
TI  - Optimization of sample treatment for the identification of anthraquinone dyes by
      surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - The study and characterization of old artifacts such as pigments requires the use
      of techniques that need a small amount of sample to perform the analysis because
      of the high value of these samples. In recent years, organic molecules such as
      anthraquinone dyes have been identified by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
      (SERS). However, different sample treatments must be applied to isolate the
      organic dye from the mordant, which produces great fluorescence in the Raman
      measurements. In this work, optimization of sample treatment for the SERS
      analysis of anthraquinone dyes was performed. Sample mass, the organic solvent,
      and its volume were optimized and different slide materials and excitation lasers
      were compared to choose the best conditions for the identification of the dyes.
      The optimization of sample treatment resulted in 5 mg of sample as the optimum
      amount. Further, two consecutive extractions with 0.5 mL of ethyl acetate was the
      best option for the extraction of the dye. A quartz slide was used instead of a
      glass slide to reduce background signal, and an excitation laser of 532 nm offers
      better results than one of 785 nm. The optimized method was applied to the
      characterization of the dyes used in Pompeian pink and purple lake pigments.
      Alizarin and purpurin anthraquinone dyes, obtained from madder lake, were
      identified as the organic colorants. The SERS results were confirmed by those
      obtained by means of UV-visible spectroscopy. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 28084511
TI  - A versatile ratiometric nanosensing approach for sensitive and accurate detection
      of Hg2+ and biological thiols based on new fluorescent carbon quantum dots.
AB  - Herein, we first reported a facile synthesis method for fabrication of highly
      photoluminescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) using sodium alginate as the carbon
      source and histidine as both the nitrogen source and functional monomer by one
      pot hydrothermal synthesis. The as-prepared CQDs gave a high quantum yield of
      32%. By employing the new CQDs and rhodamine B (RhB), we demonstrated a simple,
      facile, sensitive, and accurate ratiometric sensor for detection of Hg2+ and
      biological thiols. The photoluminescence of CQDs in the ratiometric sensor can be
      selectively and intensively suppressed by Hg2+ due to strong electrostatic
      interaction between the surface functional groups of the CQDs and Hg2+. When
      glutathione (GSH) was introduced into the "Turn Off" CQDs-RhB-Hg2+ sensing
      system, the fluorescence of the CQDs can be recovered rapidly due to the stronger
      affinity between thiol and Hg2+, while the fluorescence of the RhB remained
      constant in this sensing process. Based on the above principle, the ratiometric
      strategy for detecting Hg2+ and GSH can be achieved readily, and gives
      satisfactory limit of detections (LODs) of 30 and 20 nM for Hg2+ and GSH,
      respectively. The dual-emission fluorescent CQDs-RhB sensor does not need the
      complicated molecular design and the synthesis of dual-emission fluorophores.
      Meanwhile, the feasibility of the proposed method for analysis of water samples,
      food samples, and biological samples (plasma from mice oxidative stress study)
      was investigated. The developed ratiometric nanosensor is proven to be facile,
      with less sample consumption, rapid, lost cost, highly sensitive, and very
      selective for Hg2+ and biological thiol detection, which offers a new approach
      for environmental, food, and biological analysis. Graphical abstract Ratiometric
      nanosensing approach detection of Hg2+ and biological thiols.

PMID- 28084512
TI  - Design of experiments for amino acid extraction from tobacco leaves and their
      subsequent determination by capillary zone electrophoresis.
AB  - In this study, we optimized a method for the determination of free amino acids in
      Nicotiana tabacum leaves. Capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity
      detector was used for the separation of 20 proteinogenic amino acids in acidic
      background electrolyte. Subsequently, the conditions of extraction with HCl were
      optimized for the highest extraction yield of the amino acids because sample
      treatment of plant materials brings some specific challenges. Central composite
      face-centered design with fractional factorial design was used in order to
      evaluate the significance of selected factors (HCl volume, HCl concentration,
      sonication, shaking) on the extraction process. In addition, the composite design
      helped us to find the optimal values for each factor using the response surface
      method. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for the 20
      proteinogenic amino acids were found to be in the order of 10-5 and 10-4 mol l-1,
      respectively. Addition of acetonitrile to the sample was tested as a method
      commonly used to decrease limits of detection. Ambiguous results of this
      experiment pointed out some features of plant extract samples, which often
      required specific approaches. Suitability of the method for metabolomic studies
      was tested by analysis of a real sample, in which all amino acids, except for L
      methionine and L-cysteine, were successfully detected. The optimized extraction
      process together with the capillary electrophoresis method can be used for the
      determination of proteinogenic amino acids in plant materials. The resulting
      inexpensive, simple, and robust method is well suited for various metabolomic
      studies in plants. As such, the method represents a valuable tool for research
      and practical application in the fields of biology, biochemistry, and
      agriculture.

PMID- 28084513
TI  - Erratum to: Patient survey on Invisalign(r) treatment comparing the SmartTrack(r)
      material to the previously used aligner material.

PMID- 28084514
TI  - Dental Angle class asymmetry and temporomandibular disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an
      association between the presence of asymmetric molar or canine Angle classes on
      the two sides and the presence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants to the study were divided into two groups:
      TMD group (90 patients) or a control group (58 patients). In the TMD group,
      clinical assessment for TMD was performed according to the Diagnostic Criteria
      for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) guidelines by the same two trained
      examiners. In both groups, all subjects underwent an assessment of dental
      occlusion, focusing on the assessment of bilateral canine and molar Angle class
      relationship. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Institutional
      Review Board of the University of Padova, and each participant gave written
      consent to take part in the investigation. RESULTS: TMJ pain was diagnosed in 58,
      disk displacement in 96, arthrosis in 17, and muscle pain in 46 individuals.
      Molar Angle class was symmetrical in 86 individuals and asymmetrical in 62
      subjects. Molar Angle class was not correlated with any of the TMD diagnoses.
      Canine Angle class was correlated with TMJ arthrosis. Correlation values with the
      other TMD diagnoses were low and were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: It can be
      suggested that an association between dental Angle class asymmetry and TMDs does
      not exist and that the role of dental asymmetries as a factor correlated with the
      presence of TMD signs and symptoms is minimal.

PMID- 28084515
TI  - Soft tissue effects of three different Class II/1-camouflage treatment
      strategies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aim of this retrospective study was to compare soft tissue effects of
      Class II treatments with the forsus fatigue resistant device (FRD), the pendulum
      appliance, and the extraction of two maxillary premolars, all of which were
      combined with pre-adjusted fixed appliances. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sample of
      54 patients with Class II malocclusions was divided in three groups: group I
      patients (mean age = 15.91 years) were treated with the FRD concurrently used
      with fixed appliances; group II patients (mean age = 16.08 years) were treated
      with the pendulum appliance combined with a Nance and headgear followed by fixed
      appliances; and group III patients (mean age = 19.04 years) were treated with the
      extraction of two maxillary premolars with miniscrew anchorage. Soft tissue and
      dentoskeletal parameters were measured on pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment
      (T2) lateral cephalograms. The changes from T1 to T2 were compared between the
      groups using Kruskal-Wallis test, and treatment differences were evaluated with
      the Wilcoxon test at p < 0.05. RESULT: Soft tissue measurement changes related to
      the upper and lower lips were significantly greater in group II than in group III
      (p < 0.05). Upper incisor measurement changes were significantly different
      between groups II and III. Lower incisor measurement changes were significantly
      different between groups I and III and groups II and III (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Pendulum and extraction treatment groups showed significant differences in
      relation with the upper and lower lip positional changes, which were
      significantly greater in the pendulum group. Treatment time with the extraction
      treatment was statistically shorter than with the nonextraction protocols.

PMID- 28084516
TI  - Preoperative bevacizumab and surgery for colorectal liver metastases: a
      propensity score analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bevacizumab associated with conventional chemotherapy has become
      standard care in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, its
      impact on outcomes after liver resections (LRs) remains debated. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the impact of neoadjuvant bevacizumab-based chemotherapy
      (BBC) on postoperative outcomes of LR for colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) using
      a validated approach. METHODS: All patients who received neoadjuvant therapy for
      CLMs between January 2005 and May 2011 were included. Risk factors for major
      complications (Clavien >=3) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate
      analysis. Evaluation of BBC's impact on morbidity was conducted after a
      propensity score adjustment on factors identified to influence major
      complications (MCs). RESULTS: LR for CLMs after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was
      performed in 199 patients (127 men and 72 women). Major LR was performed on 111
      patients (55.78%), and MCs occurred in 41 cases (20.6%). After multivariate
      analyses, major LR (OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.29-6.85; P = 0.013) and combined resections
      of both the primary tumor and CLMs (OR 7.12; 95% CI: 2.6-20.5; P < 0.001) were
      independent predictive factors for MCs. After a propensity score matching, 56
      patients with a BBC regimen were compared to 112 patients without BBC. No
      difference in terms of biliary fistula occurrence (P = 0.94) or 90-day mortality
      (P = 0.66) was found. Both in the univariate and multivariate analyses, BBC was
      not associated with MCs (P = 0.95). CONCLUSION: The present study using
      propensity score matching demonstrated that BBC did not impair outcomes of LR for
      CLM.

PMID- 28084517
TI  - [Needs and quality of counseling in long-term care : User perspective on
      counseling services in Germany].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A wide range of counseling services with a variety of counseling
      purposes have been established in Germany to support care recipients and their
      relatives; however, there is a lack of quality criteria that are based on the
      counseling needs from the user's perspective. OBJECTIVE: To summarize empirical
      knowledge on counseling needs and quality of counseling services from the user
      perspective and identification of counseling-specific understanding of users.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the databases
      CareLit(r), LIVIVO and SpringerLink with additional online research via Google
      and MetaGer. Analysis of the literature and discussion on the state of research.
      RESULTS: A trustful relationship between counselor and user as well as the
      orientation to the user's individual situation are key elements of counseling
      that have been found helpful; however, a differentiated view of the diverse user
      groups and counseling purposes is lacking. CONCLUSION: In order to include the
      user's perspective in conceptual approaches for counseling and to define user
      generated quality criteria, further scientific research is needed regarding the
      counseling needs of different user groups. Consideration must be given to
      particular care situations that involve various counseling purposes. Particularly
      vulnerable groups need special support in working out their counseling needs.

PMID- 28084519
TI  - MUW Researcher of the Month Janner 2017.

PMID- 28084520
TI  - Women at medical conferences 2016 - still hitting their head at the glass
      ceiling.

PMID- 28084518
TI  - Prion disease: experimental models and reality.
AB  - The understanding of the pathogenesis and mechanisms of diseases requires a
      multidisciplinary approach, involving clinical observation, correlation to
      pathological processes, and modelling of disease mechanisms. It is an inherent
      challenge, and arguably impossible to generate model systems that can faithfully
      recapitulate all aspects of human disease. It is, therefore, important to be
      aware of the potentials and also the limitations of specific model systems. Model
      systems are usually designed to recapitulate only specific aspects of the
      disease, such as a pathological phenotype, a pathomechanism, or to test a
      hypothesis. Here, we evaluate and discuss model systems that were generated to
      understand clinical, pathological, genetic, biochemical, and epidemiological
      aspects of prion diseases. Whilst clinical research and studies on human tissue
      are an essential component of prion research, much of the understanding of the
      mechanisms governing transmission, replication, and toxicity comes from in vitro
      and in vivo studies. As with other neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein
      misfolding, the pathogenesis of prion disease is complex, full of conundra and
      contradictions. We will give here a historical overview of the use of models of
      prion disease, how they have evolved alongside the scientific questions, and how
      advancements in technologies have pushed the boundaries of our understanding of
      prion biology.

PMID- 28084521
TI  - Venous anastomosis in free flap reconstruction after radical neck dissection: is
      the external jugular vein a feasible option?
AB  - Free microvascular tissue transfer has become a reliable and wellestablished
      technique in reconstructive surgery. Success rates greater than 95% are
      constantly reported in the literature. End-to-end anastomosis to the external
      jugular vein (EJ) is supposed to be equally successful as anastomosis to the
      internal jugular vein (IJ) in patients treated with selective neck dissection. No
      data has been published so far when the IJ had to be resected during neck
      dissection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success rate and
      complications of end-to-end anastomosis to the EJ in cases of (modified) radical
      neck dissection with resected IJ. A retrospective mono-center cohort study was
      performed. All patients with end-to-end anastomosis to either the IJ or EJ-system
      were reviewed. 423 free-tissue transfers performed between 2009 and 2016 were
      included. The overall success rate was 97.0% with an anastomotic revision rate
      due to venous thrombosis of 12.3%. In patients when the IJ had to be resected and
      the venous anastomosis was performed at the ipsilateral side to the EJ (n = 53),
      overall flap loss was significantly higher (5/53; 9.4%). The revision rate in
      these cases was 22.6%. Success rate of anastomosis to the EJ when the ipsilateral
      IJ was still intact was 100% (n = 20). Success rate when the anastomosis was
      performed at the contralateral side was 100%. End-to-end anastomosis to the EJ in
      cases with resected IJ is more likely to result in free flap loss. Furthermore,
      it is associated with a higher revision rate. Therefore, in cases with resected
      IJ, we suggest to plan the operation beforehand with anastomosis at the
      contralateral side whenever possible.

PMID- 28084522
TI  - Downregulation of CITED2 contributes to TGFbeta-mediated senescence of tendon
      derived stem cells.
AB  - Tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells with potential
      applications in tendon and tendon-bone junction repair. However, cellular
      characteristics change during in vitro passaging. Therefore, elucidation of the
      molecular and cellular mechanisms of tendon aging will be essential for the
      development of TDSC-based therapies. The aim of this study is to investigate the
      effect of CITED2, a nuclear regulator and transforming growth factor beta2
      (TGFbeta2) on TDSC proliferation and senescence by comparing cells derived from
      Achilles tendon biopsies of young individuals (Y-TDSC) with those of older
      patients (O-TDSC). Our results showed that CITED2 mRNA and protein expression
      levels were significantly higher in Y-TDSCs than in O-TDSCs and O-TDSCs displayed
      decreased proliferation and increased senescence compared with Y-TDSCs.
      Furthermore, high levels of CITED2 protein expression in Y-TDSCs correlated with
      the downregulation of SP1 and p21 and the upregulation of MYC, potentially
      indicating the mechanism by which CITED2 upregulates TDSC proliferation. TGFbeta2
      was found to downregulate the expression of the CITED2 gene and knockdown of
      CITED2 abolished the effect of TGFbeta2 on TDSC proliferation and senescence.
      Thus, the downregulation of CITED2 contributes to TGFbeta-mediated senescence
      providing an insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute
      to tendon aging and degeneration. Our findings may aid the development of cell
      based therapies for tendon repair.

PMID- 28084524
TI  - Intraoperative nerve staining in nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy: a pilot
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of intraoperative nerve
      staining by modified leucomethylene blue (MLB). METHODS: Animal experiment was
      performed to assure whether the tissues dyed blue by MLB were nerves with
      microscopic examination. Ten patients with cervical cancer were performed by
      nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH) and nerve staining intraoperatively by
      MLB. The status of staining was recorded. The post-void residual urine volume
      after removing was measured by ultrasound. The time to post-void residual urine
      volume of less than 100 ml and the first defecation were recorded. RESULTS: In
      animal experiment, the tissues dyed blue obviously showed abundant nerve fibers
      by microscopic examination. The minor nerves were dyed blue clearly in NSRH. The
      time to post-void residual urine volume of less than 100 ml after removal of the
      urethral catheter was 10.3 (7-13) days by records. The time to the first
      defecation was 67.7 (60-82) h. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative nerve staining by MLB
      provided a new method for nerve location in NSRH. It was safe, effective and
      convenient.

PMID- 28084525
TI  - ?

PMID- 28084523
TI  - Comparative analysis of the mechanical signals in lung development and
      compensatory growth.
AB  - This review compares the manner in which physical stress imposed on the
      parenchyma, vasculature and thorax and the thoraco-pulmonary interactions, drive
      both developmental and compensatory lung growth. Re-initiation of anatomical lung
      growth in the mature lung is possible when the loss of functioning lung units
      renders the existing physiologic-structural reserves insufficient for maintaining
      adequate function and physical stress on the remaining units exceeds a critical
      threshold. The appropriate spatial and temporal mechanical interrelationships and
      the availability of intra-thoracic space, are crucial to growth initiation,
      follow-on remodeling and physiological outcome. While the endogenous potential
      for compensatory lung growth is retained and may be pharmacologically augmented,
      supra-optimal mechanical stimulation, unbalanced structural growth, or inadequate
      remodeling may limit functional gain. Finding ways to optimize the signal
      response relationships and resolve structure-function discrepancies are major
      challenges that must be overcome before the innate compensatory ability could be
      fully realized. Partial pneumonectomy reproducibly removes a known fraction of
      functioning lung units and remains the most robust model for examining the
      adaptive mechanisms, structure-function consequences and plasticity of the
      remaining functioning lung units capable of regeneration. Fundamental mechanical
      stimulus-response relationships established in the pneumonectomy model directly
      inform the exploration of effective approaches to maximize compensatory growth
      and function in chronic destructive lung diseases, transplantation and
      bioengineered lungs.

PMID- 28084526
TI  - [Gastric tumors and tumor precursors].
AB  - Gastric cancer is the fifth (men) and sixth (women) most common cause of cancer
      related death in Germany. Despite a declining incidence of distal gastric cancer,
      the prognosis remains dismal: the 5-year survival rate ranges between 35% for
      women and 31% for men. The majority are adenocarcinomas, which occur
      sporadically, familial or hereditary. Adenomas and intraepithelial neoplasms are
      considered as precursor lesions. Recently, whole genome sequencing and
      comprehensive molecular profiling described four molecular subtypes of gastric
      cancer: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive, microsatellite unstable, chromosomal
      unstable and genomically stable gastric cancer. Currently, only the TNM
      classification has stood the test of time for the assessment of patient
      prognosis. Neuroendocrine tumor types 1-3 and soft tissue tumors occur
      significantly less often in the stomach. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors and
      inflammatory fibroid polyps are among the more common soft tissue tumors of the
      stomach and show distinct phenotypes. This review gives an overview of the
      current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of gastric tumors.

PMID- 28084527
TI  - [Indications for p16/Ki-67 in cervical cytology].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry has been used for more than five
      years in cervical cytology to detect transforming HPV infections. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Based on findings in the study presented here and data in the
      literature, practically relevant indications for this test are to be determined.
      The clinical course of 1109 patients with varying primary cytology results and
      simultaneous immunocytochemistry is analyzed. Short-term observations considering
      currently present lesions and long-term follow-up evaluation aimed at the
      prognostic evaluation are studied separately and compared with the literature.
      RESULTS: The p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry effectiveness is described by the
      relative risk (RR) for the positive endpoint CIN2+. For short-term observations
      (n = 409) a RR of 3.79 (CI 95% 2.15 to 6.67) and for long-term follow-up (n =
      700) after an average 34.7 months a RR of 8.72 (CI 95% 5.77 to 13.17) was found.
      The highest RR of 6.32 (CI 95% 3.71 to 10.76) was determined for the group
      IIID1/LSIL, followed by 3.98 (95% CI 1.45 to 10.91) for the group III-p (ASC-H).
      DISCUSSION: Regardless of the study designs and significant differences of the
      resulting statistics in the literature, there is consensus concerning the
      significantly higher specificity and positive prediction of the p16/Ki-67
      immunocytochemistry compared to cytology or HPV DNA test results. Therefore,
      p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry is useful in cases of persistent group IIID1/LSIL
      and equivocal cytological findings (group III-p/ASC-H). Especially in the former
      group, the frequency of colposcopic examinations can be reduced. In this respect,
      adding p16/Ki-67 immunochemistry likely improves patient management. However, an
      indication for treatment solely based upon a positive immunocytochemical finding
      is unjustified.

PMID- 28084528
TI  - [Recommendations for treatment of fibromyalgia : Where will we stand in 10
      years?]
AB  - This article elucidates changes in the recommended diagnostics and therapy of
      fibromyalgia (FM). The recommendations from major internationally recognized
      guidelines are compared with the newest recommendations of the European League
      Against Rheumatism (EULAR) that in contrast to the guidelines surprisingly
      recommend physical exercise after patient education for all FM patients. The
      differences between the guidelines and the EULAR recommendations are critically
      discussed in particular because although the literature referred to in the
      guidelines was similar, the analysis led to different recommendations. Finally,
      we try to predict how patients will be treated 10 years from now, for which
      knowledge from the guidelines and the initial approaches that diagnosed
      heterogeneity in FM are included. Empirically based questions will drive
      mechanism-based approaches as opposed to simply reacting to symptoms, in order to
      meet the challenge of an individual, mechanism-oriented treatment.

PMID- 28084529
TI  - Comparison of macroscopic and microscopic (stereomicroscopy and scanning electron
      microscopy) features of bone lesions due to hatchet hacking trauma.
AB  - This experimental study examined the lesions produced by a hatchet on human bones
      (tibiae). A total of 30 lesions were produced and examined macroscopically (naked
      eye) and by stereomicroscopy. 13 of them were also analyzed using scanning
      electron microscopy. The general shape of the lesion, both edges, both walls, the
      kerf floor and the extremities were described. The length and maximum width of
      the lesions were also recorded. The microscopic analysis of the lesions led to
      the description of a sharp-blunt mechanism. Specific criteria were identified
      (lateral pushing back, fragmentation of the upraising, fossa dug laterally to the
      edge and vertical striae) enabling the forensic expert to conclude that a hacking
      instrument was used. These criteria are easily identifiable using scanning
      electron microscopy, but can also be observed with stereomicroscopy. Overall,
      lateral pushing back and vertical striae visible using stereomicroscopy and
      scanning electron microscopy signal the use of a hacking tool.

PMID- 28084530
TI  - Inducible defenses in Olympia oysters in response to an invasive predator.
AB  - The prey naivete hypothesis suggests that native prey may be vulnerable to
      introduced predators because they have not evolved appropriate defenses. However,
      recent evidence suggests that native prey sometimes exhibit induced defenses to
      introduced predators, as a result of rapid evolution or other processes. We
      examined whether Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) display inducible defenses in
      the presence of an invasive predator, the Atlantic oyster drill (Urosalpinx
      cinerea), and whether these responses vary among oyster populations from
      estuaries with and without this predator. We spawned oysters from six populations
      distributed among three estuaries in northern California, USA, and raised their
      offspring through two generations under common conditions to minimize effects of
      environmental history. We exposed second-generation oysters to cue treatments:
      drills eating oysters, drills eating barnacles, or control seawater. Oysters from
      all populations grew smaller shells when exposed to drill cues, and grew thicker
      and harder shells when those drills were eating oysters. Oysters exposed to
      drills eating other oysters were subsequently preyed upon at a slower rate.
      Although all oyster populations exhibited inducible defenses, oysters from the
      estuary with the greatest exposure to drills grew the smallest shells suggesting
      that oyster populations have evolved adaptive differences in the strength of
      their responses to predators. Our findings add to a growing body of literature
      that suggests that marine prey may be less likely to exhibit naivete in the face
      of invasive predators than prey in communities that are more isolated from native
      predators, such as many freshwater and terrestrial island ecosystems.

PMID- 28084531
TI  - Oncologists' negative attitudes towards expressing emotion over patient death and
      burnout.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between negative
      attitudes towards expressing emotion following patient death and burnout in
      oncologists and to explore oncologists' preferences for institutional
      interventions to deal with patient death. METHODS: The participants included a
      convenience sample of 177 oncologists from Israel and Canada. Oncologists
      completed a questionnaire package that included a sociodemographic survey, a
      burnout measure, a survey assessing negative attitudes towards expressing
      emotion, and a survey assessing desired interventions to cope with patient death.
      To examine the association between burnout and negative attitudes while
      controlling for the effect of sociodemographic variables, a hierarchical linear
      regression was computed. RESULTS: Higher burnout scores were related to higher
      negative attitudes towards perceived expressed emotion (partial r = .25, p < .01)
      of those who viewed this affect as a weakness and as a sign of unprofessionalism.
      Approximately half of the oncologists found each of the five categories of
      institutional interventions (pedagogical strategies, emotional support,
      group/peer support, taking time off, and research and training) helpful in coping
      with patient death. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that high burnout scores
      are associated with negative attitudes towards expressing emotion and that there
      is a wide variation in oncologist preferences in coping with patient death.
      Institutions should promote interventions that are varied and that focus on the
      needs of oncologists in order to reduce burnout. Interventions that legitimize
      expression of emotion about patient death may be useful. Another way to reduce
      stigma would be to require oncologists to "opt out" rather than "opt in" to
      accessing a selection of social and/or individual interventions.

PMID- 28084532
TI  - Evaluation of validity and reliability of the Persian version of the functional
      index of hand osteoarthritis.
AB  - The Functional index of hand osteoarthritis (FIHOA) is a commonly used patient
      reported outcome questionnaire designed to measure function in patients with hand
      osteoarthritis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity and
      reliability of the Persian version of the FIHOA. The Persian-translated version
      of FIHOA was administered to 72 native Persian-speaking patients in Iran with
      hand osteoarthritis. Thirty-six of the patients completed the questionnaire on
      two occasions 1 week apart. The physical component of the SF-36 and a numerical
      rating scale were used to evaluate the construct validity of the Persian version
      of FIHOA. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). Test-retest
      reliability for the total score was excellent (weighted kappa = 0.89, 95% CI 0.79
      0.94). A significant positive correlation between total FIHOA score and numerical
      rating scale (r = 0.70) and a significant negative correlation between total
      FIHOA score and the physical component scale of the SF-36 (r = -0.76) were
      observed. The Persian version of the FIHOA showed adequate validity and
      reliability to evaluate functional disability in Persian-speaking patients with
      hand osteoarthritis.

PMID- 28084533
TI  - CD4+CD28null T Cells are related to previous cytomegalovirus infection but not to
      accelerated atherosclerosis in ANCA-associated vasculitis.
AB  - Previous studies have suggested an increased risk for cardiovascular events in
      antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). We
      analyzed the presence of atherosclerotic damage in patients with AAV in relation
      to the presence of CD4+CD28null T cells and antibodies against cytomegalovirus
      (CMV) and human Heat-Shock Protein 60 (hHSP60). In this cross-sectional study,
      patients with inactive AAV were compared with healthy controls (HC). Carotid
      intima-media thickness (IMT) and aortic pulse-wave velocity (PWV) were measured.
      In addition, CD4+CD28null T cells, anti-CMV, and anti-hHSP60 levels were
      determined. Forty patients with AAV were included. Patients' spouses were
      recruited as HC (N = 38). CD4+CD28null T cells are present in patients with AAV
      in a higher percentage (median 3.1, range 0.01-85) than in HC (0.28, 0-36, P <
      0.0001). No significant difference in IMT (mm) between patients and controls was
      detected (mean 0.77 +/- standard deviation 0.15 and 0.73 +/- 0.11, respectively,
      P = 0.20). PWV standardized for MAP was increased in AAV patients (9.80 +/- 2.50
      m/s, compared to 8.72 +/- 1.68 in HC, P = 0.04). There was a strong association
      between a previous CMV infection and the presence and percentage of CD4+CD28null
      T cells (0.33 vs 13.8, P < 0.001). There was no relationship between CD4+CD28null
      T cells and/or a previous CMV infection and IMT or PWV. There was no relation
      between anti-hHSP60 and CD4+CD28null T cells. Increased PWV values suggest
      atherosclerotic damage in patients with AAV. Plaque size, as determined by IMT,
      did not differ. CD4+CD28null T cells are increased in AAV and related to the
      previous CMV infection.

PMID- 28084534
TI  - Outcome of anti-thymocyte immunoglobulin plus cyclosporine A for severe aplastic
      anaemia with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
AB  - The influence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the efficacy of
      intensive immunosuppressive treatment (IST) of severe aplastic anaemia (SAA)
      patients remains unclear. Previous reports on this topic have been mostly case
      reports or have had a relatively short follow-up. Eight SAA patients carrying
      chronic HBV infection and 24 matched patients without HBV at a ratio of 1:3 were
      included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were treated with anti
      thymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine A. Entecavir was or was not
      administered throughout the IST course to patients with positive or negative HBV
      DNA results, respectively. No evident HBV reactivation developed. The overall
      response was 87.5% by 12 months, and the recurrence rate was 12.5%. There were no
      significant differences in overall response, overall survival and event-free
      survival between groups. Entecavir can effectively prevent reactivation of HBV in
      SAA patients with positive HBV-DNA who received intensive IST. Regular
      surveillance may be sufficient for HBV-DNA negative patients who should receive
      antiviral drugs immediately when their HBV-DNA status changes from negative to
      positive. The prognosis of SAA patients with chronic HBV infection after
      intensive IST treatment is not worse than those without HBV infection.

PMID- 28084535
TI  - DNA methylation is dispensable for changes in global chromatin architecture but
      required for chromocentre formation in early stem cell differentiation.
AB  - Epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs), which are pluripotent cells isolated from early
      post-implantation mouse embryos (E5.5), show both similarities and differences
      compared to mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), isolated earlier from the inner
      cell mass (ICM) of the E3.5 embryo. Previously, we have observed that while
      chromatin is very dispersed in E3.5 ICM, compact chromatin domains and
      chromocentres appear in E5.5 epiblasts after embryo implantation. Given that the
      observed chromatin re-organization in E5.5 epiblasts coincides with an increase
      in DNA methylation, in this study, we aimed to examine the role of DNA
      methylation in chromatin re-organization during the in vitro conversion of ESCs
      to EpiSCs. The requirement for DNA methylation was determined by converting both
      wild-type and DNA methylation-deficient ESCs to EpiSCs, followed by structural
      analysis with electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI). We show that the chromatin re
      organization which occurs in vivo can be re-capitulated in vitro during the ESC
      to EpiSC conversion. Indeed, after 7 days in EpiSC media, compact chromatin
      domains begin to appear throughout the nuclear volume, creating a chromatin
      organization similar to E5 epiblasts and embryo-derived EpiSCs. Our data
      demonstrate that DNA methylation is dispensable for this global chromatin re
      organization but required for the compaction of pericentromeric chromatin into
      chromocentres.

PMID- 28084536
TI  - Role of the pedunculopontine nucleus in controlling gait and sleep in normal and
      parkinsonian monkeys.
AB  - Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop cardinal motor symptoms, including
      akinesia, rigidity, and tremor, that are alleviated by dopaminergic medication
      and/or subthalamic deep brain stimulation. Over the time course of the disease,
      gait and balance disorders worsen and become resistant to pharmacological and
      surgical treatments. These disorders generate debilitating motor symptoms leading
      to increased dependency, morbidity, and mortality. PD patients also experience
      sleep disturbance that raise the question of a common physiological basis. An
      extensive experimental and clinical body of work has highlighted the crucial role
      of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) in the control of gait and sleep, and its
      potential major role in PD. Here, we summarise our investigations in the monkey
      PPN in the normal and parkinsonian states. We first examined the anatomy and
      connectivity of the PPN and the cuneiform nucleus which both belong to the
      mesencephalic locomotor region. Second, we conducted experiments to demonstrate
      the specific effects of PPN cholinergic lesions on locomotion in the normal and
      parkinsonian monkey. Third, we aimed to understand how PPN cholinergic lesions
      impair sleep in parkinsonian monkeys. Our final goal was to develop a novel model
      of advanced PD with gait and sleep disorders. We believe that this monkey model,
      even if it does not attempt to reproduce the exact human disease with all its
      complexities, represents a good biomedical model to characterise locomotion and
      sleep in the context of PD.

PMID- 28084537
TI  - Effect of childhood general traumas on suicide attempt depends on TPH2 and ADARB1
      variants in psychiatric patients.
AB  - Suicidal behavior has been associated with a deficient serotonin
      neurotransmission which is likely a consequence of individual genetic
      architecture, exposure to environmental factors and interactions of those
      factors. We examined whether the interaction of child abuse, TPH2 (tryptophan
      hydroxylase 2) variant rs4290270, affecting alternative splicing and editing of
      TPH2 pre-mRNAs, and ADARB1 (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA B1) variants
      rs4819035 and rs9983925 may influence the risk for suicide attempt in psychiatric
      patients. TPH2 rs4290270 was genotyped in 165 suicide attempters and 188 suicide
      non-attempters diagnosed with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and
      schizophrenia. Genotyping data for ADARB1 variants were taken over from our
      previous study. Child abuse before the age of 18 years was assessed using the
      Early Trauma Inventory-Self Report. Generalized linear models and backward
      selection were applied to identify the main and interacting effects of
      environmental and genetic factors, including psychiatric diagnoses, patients'
      gender and age as covariates. Childhood general traumas were independently
      associated with suicide attempt. Two-way interaction between TPH2 rs4290270 and
      general traumas revealed that TT homozygotes with a history of general traumas
      had an increased risk for suicide attempt. Three-way interaction of general
      traumas, TPH2 rs4290270 and ADARB1 rs4819035 indicated that the highest
      predisposition to suicide attempt was observed in individuals who experienced
      general traumas and were TT homozygote for rs4290270 and TT homozygote for
      rs4819035. Our findings suggest that the risk for suicide attempt in psychiatric
      patients exposed to an adverse childhood environment may depend on TPH2 and
      ADARB1 variants.

PMID- 28084538
TI  - Mainstream partial nitritation-anammox in municipal wastewater treatment: status,
      bottlenecks, and further studies.
AB  - Driven by energy neutral/positive of wastewater treatment plants, significant
      efforts have been made on the research and development of mainstream partial
      nitritation and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) (PN/A) (deammonification)
      process since the early 2010s. To date, feasibility of mainstream PN/A process
      has been demonstrated and proven by experimental results at various scales
      although with the low loading rates and elevated nitrogen concentration in the
      effluent at low temperatures (15-10  degrees C). This review paper provides an
      overview of the current state of research and development of mainstream PN/A
      process and critically analyzes the bottlenecks for its full-scale application.
      The paper discusses the following: (i) the current status of research and
      development of mainstream PN/A process; (ii) the interactions among aerobic
      ammonium-oxidizing bacteria, aerobic nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, anammox
      bacteria, and heterotrophic bacteria; (iii) the suppression of aerobic nitrite
      oxidizing bacteria; (iv) process and bioreactors; and (v) suggested further
      studies including efficient and robust carbon concentrating pretreatment,
      deepening of understanding competition between autotrophic nitrogen-converting
      organisms, intensification of biofilm anammox activity, reactor design, and final
      polishing.

PMID- 28084539
TI  - McrA primers for the detection and quantification of the anaerobic archaeal
      methanotroph 'Candidatus Methanoperedens nitroreducens'.
AB  - The nitrogen and methane cycles are important biogeochemical processes. Recently,
      'Candidatus Methanoperedens nitroreducens,' archaea that catalyze nitrate
      dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM), were enriched, and their genomes
      were analyzed. Diagnostic molecular tools for the sensitive detection of
      'Candidatus M. nitroreducens' are not yet available. Here, we report the design
      of two novel mcrA primer combinations that specifically target the alpha sub-unit
      of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) gene of 'Candidatus M. nitroreducens'.
      The first primer pair produces a fragment of 186-bp that can be used to quantify
      'Candidatus M. nitroreducens' cells, whereas the second primer pair yields an
      1191-bp amplicon that is with sufficient length and well suited for more detailed
      phylogenetic analyses. Six different environmental samples were evaluated with
      the new qPCR primer pair, and the abundances were compared with those determined
      using primers for the 16S rRNA gene. The qPCR results indicated that the number
      of copies of the 'Candidatus M. nitroreducens' mcrA gene was highest in rice
      field soil, with 5.6 +/- 0.8 * 106 copies g-1 wet weight, whereas Indonesian
      river sediment had only 4.6 +/- 2.7 * 102 copies g-1 wet weight. In addition to
      freshwater environments, sequences were also detected in marine sediment of the
      North Sea, which contained approximately 2.5 +/- 0.7 * 104 copies g-1 wet weight.
      Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the amplified 1191-bp mcrA gene sequences
      from the different environments all clustered together with available genome
      sequences of mcrA from known 'Candidatus M. nitroreducens' archaea. Taken
      together, these results demonstrate the validity and utility of the new primers
      for the quantitative and sensitive detection of the mcrA gene sequences of these
      important nitrate-dependent AOM archaea. Furthermore, the newly obtained mcrA
      sequences will contribute to greater phylogenetic resolution of 'Candidatus M.
      nitroreducens' sequences, which have been only poorly captured by general
      methanogenic mcrA primers.

PMID- 28084540
TI  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) contributes to
      control of melanogenesis in B16 F10 melanoma cells.
AB  - Recent studies revealed the cooperation between peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and alpha-MSH signaling, which results in enhanced
      melanogenesis in melanocytes and melanoma cells. However, the agonists of
      PPARalpha, such as fenofibrate, exert depigmenting effect. Therefore, we aimed to
      check how the PPARalpha expression level affects the antimelanogenic activity of
      fenofibrate and whether PPARalpha modulates melanogenesis independently of its
      agonist. To answer these questions, we used three B16 F10-derived cell lines,
      which varied in the PPARalpha expression level and were developed by stable
      transfection with plasmids driving shRNA-based PPARalpha silencing or
      overexpression of PPARalpha-emerald GFP fusion protein. Melanin contents were
      assessed with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy along with color
      component image analysis-a novel approach to pigment content characteristics in
      melanoma cells. B16 F10 wt and Ctrl shRNA lines showed intermediate pigmentation,
      whereas the pigmentation of the B16 F10-derived cell lines was inversely
      correlated with the PPARalpha expression level. We observed that cells
      overexpressing PPARalpha were almost amelanotic and cells with reduced PPARalpha
      protein level were heavily melanized. Furthermore, fenofibrate down-regulated the
      melanogenic apparatus (MITF, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related proteins) in the
      cells with the regular PPARalpha expression level resulting in their visibly
      lower total melanin content in all the cell lines. From these observations, we
      conclude that fenofibrate works as a strong depigmenting agent, which acts
      independently of PPARalpha, but in an additive fashion. Our results also indicate
      that alterations in PGC-1a acetylation and expression level might contribute to
      the regulation of melanogenesis by PPARalpha and fenofibrate.

PMID- 28084541
TI  - Reply to: Need for improvements in reported cost-effectiveness of adalimumab in
      rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 28084542
TI  - Need for improvements in reported cost effectiveness of adalimumab in rheumatoid
      arthritis.

PMID- 28084543
TI  - [Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis].
AB  - Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a rare form of
      osteoporosis, which occurs in the last trimester or postpartum. So far 100 cases
      have been published. The leading symptoms are severe low back pain or less
      frequently hip pain. Many patients develop postpartum depression due to inability
      to care for the baby and vertebral fractures. The therapeutic decision has to be
      made individually but teriparatid and bisphosphonates seem to be the best option.
      We report the clinical course (16 years) of a 37-year-old patient with PLO, who
      suffered 6 vertebral fractures. There were severe physical limitations and mental
      problems caused by the disease. The patient was treated by multimodal therapy
      including physiotherapy and psychotherapy and bisphosphonates were given. The
      time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 5 months. No further
      fractures occurred in the following 16 years. The physical and mental condition
      significantly improved.

PMID- 28084544
TI  - Prospective comparison of dual-energy CT aortography using 70% reduced iodine
      dose versus single-energy CT aortography using standard iodine dose in the same
      patient.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) aortography using a
      70% reduced iodine dose to single-energy CT (SECT) aortography using a standard
      iodine dose in the same patient. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with a prior SECT
      aortography using standard iodine dose had DECT aortography using 70% reduced
      iodine dose. Section 120 kVp images were compared to DECT images reconstructed at
      both 50 and 77 keV. Reviewers measured image noise and attenuation in the aorta
      at eight locations from proximal to distal and subjectively scored vascular
      enhancement on a four-point scale. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to
      noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. The volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) for each
      exam was recorded. RESULTS: Mean iodine dose was 50 g for SECT and 15 g for DECT
      (70% reduction). Mean aortic attenuation was similar for section 120 kVp (350 +/-
      67 HU) and DECT 50 keV (338 +/- 57 HU, p = 0.547) but was lower at 77 keV (152 +/
      23 HU). Measured image noise was greatest at 50 keV (12 +/- 5 HU) and was lowest
      at 77 keV (7 +/- 2 HU, p > 0.001). There was no difference in SNR or CNR between
      120 kVp and 50 keV (p > 0.05). Mean subjective vascular enhancement scores for
      SECT were between good and excellent (3.33-3.69), and for DECT at 50 keV were
      between moderate and good (2.54-2.93, p < 0.0001). CTDIvol was 13.6 mGy for SECT
      and 13.1 mGy for DECT (p = 0.637). CONCLUSION: 70% Reduced iodine DECT
      aortography may result in similar aortic attenuation, CNR, SNR, and lower
      although acceptable subjective image scores when compared to standard iodine SECT
      aortography in the same patient.

PMID- 28084545
TI  - Cross-sectional imaging in refractory celiac disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify unique imaging findings of
      refractory celiac disease (RCD) including Type I RCD, Type II RCD versus healed
      celiac disease (CD). METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with known CD and
      refractory symptoms with cross-sectional imaging was performed. We included
      patients who underwent T cell receptor rearrangement or T-cell immunophenotyping
      studies on small bowel (SB) biopsies to classify patients into: healed CD, Type I
      RCD, or Type II RCD. GI radiologists performed a blinded review of the imaging
      studies. RESULTS: One-hundred eighteen patients (32 healed; 67 Type I RCD; 19
      Type II RCD) were included (mean age 53 +/- 6 years; 62% female). The presence of
      any fold pattern abnormality was more likely to be found in Type II and Type I
      RCD than healed CD (53% vs. 43% vs.16%; p = 0.009). Type II RCD patients were
      more likely than Type I RCD and healed CD to have imaging findings of ulcerative
      jejunitis (26% vs. 6% vs. 3%; p = 0.009), SB wall thickening (37% vs. 16% vs. 0%;
      p = 0.002) and SB dilation (26% vs. 7% vs. 6%; p = 0.04). Type II RCD
      demonstrated non-significant trends for decreased number of jejunal folds only,
      SB mass, mesenteric lymphadenopathy, localized peri-mural edema, and intramural
      duodenal edema. CONCLUSIONS: Fold pattern abnormalities, ulcerative jejunitis, SB
      wall thickening, and SB dilation are more likely to be identified in cross
      sectional imaging of RCD than healed CD. SB dilatation and ulcerative jejunitis
      are more likely to be found in Type II than Type I RCD.

PMID- 28084546
TI  - Spectral detector CT-derived virtual non-contrast images: comparison of
      attenuation values with unenhanced CT.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess virtual non-contrast (VNC) images obtained on a detection
      based spectral detector CT scanner and determine how attenuation on VNC images
      derived from various phases of enhanced CT compare to those obtained from true
      unenhanced images. METHODS: In this HIPAA compliant, IRB approved prospective
      multi-institutional study, 46 patients underwent pre- and post-contrast imaging
      on a prototype dual-layer spectral detector CT between October 2013 and November
      2015, yielding 84 unenhanced and VNC pairs (25 arterial, 39 portal
      venous/nephrographic, 20 urographic). Mean attenuation was measured by one of
      three readers in the liver, spleen, kidneys, psoas muscle, abdominal aorta, and
      subcutaneous fat. Equivalence testing was used to determine if the mean
      difference between unenhanced and VNC attenuation was less than 5, 10, or 15 HU.
      VNC image quality was assessed on a 5 point scale. RESULTS: Mean difference
      between unenhanced and VNC attenuation was <15 HU in 92.6%, <10 HU in 75.2%, and
      <5 HU in 44.4% of all measurements. Unenhanced and VNC attenuation were
      equivalent in all tissues except fat using a threshold of <10 HU difference (p <
      0.05). No significant variation was seen between phases. In fat, VNC
      overestimated the HU relative to unenhanced images. VNC image quality was rated
      as excellent or good in 84% of arterial phase and 85% of nephrographic phase
      cases, but only 40% of urographic phase. CONCLUSION: VNC images derived from
      novel dual layer spectral detector CT demonstrate attenuation values similar to
      unenhanced images in all tissues evaluated except for subcutaneous fat. Further
      study is needed to determine if attenuation thresholds currently used clinically
      for common pathology should be adjusted, particularly for lesions containing fat.

PMID- 28084547
TI  - Abdominal seeding of renal cell carcinoma: radiologic, pathologic, and prognostic
      features.
AB  - PURPOSE: We analyzed radiologic and histologic characteristics, and prognosis of
      abdominal seeding from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Consecutive 25
      patients with RCC and histologically or radiologically diagnosed abdominal
      seeding were analyzed. No patient had another type of malignancy. Histologic
      subtype, Fuhrman grade, sarcomatoid differentiation, and T-stage of primary
      tumors were assessed. Pre- or postoperative presentation of seeding was
      investigated. Median survival time and RCC-specific survival rates were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Of 25 patients, 15 (60%) died and 4 (16%) were hopelessly
      discharged (median follow-up time, 6 months; range 1-62 months). Histologic
      subtypes were clear cell (76%, 19/25), papillary (16%, 4/25), chromophobe (4%,
      1/25), and poorly differentiated (4%, 1/25). Fuhrman grades were 4 (48%, 12/25),
      3 (36%, 9/25), 2 (12%, 3/25), and unknown (4%, 1/25). T-stage of the four
      patients with grade 2 or unknown was 3a. Sarcomatoid differentiation and
      postoperative occurrence were found in 32% (8/25) and 80% (20/25), respectively.
      Median survival time was 13 months, and 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year RCC-specific
      survival rates were 51%, 41%, and 31%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Abdominal
      seeding may occur in various subtypes of RCC with high Fuhrman grade including
      sarcomatoid differentiation or high T-stage, and appears to be related to poor
      prognosis.

PMID- 28084548
TI  - Cytomegalovirus, inflammatory bowel disease, and anti-TNFalpha.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Anti-TNFalpha agents emerged in inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD) as an effective option in situations that, otherwise, would be
      refractory to medical therapy. Cytomegalovirus infection may present with a high
      spectrum of manifestations and lead to high morbidity and mortality. However, its
      clinical significance in IBD course remains unknown and data on its association
      with anti-TNFalpha are limited. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate cytomegalovirus
      (CMV) infection/disease in patients with IBD treated with anti-TNFalpha; if
      possible, possible risk factors associated with CMV infection/disease in IBD
      patients under anti-TNFalpha as well as the influence of CMV infection/disease in
      IBD course would be determined. METHODS: During three consecutive years, all IBD
      patients starting infliximab in our department were included. Cytomegalovirus
      status before anti-TNFalpha was evaluated. Data regarding IBD, therapeutic and
      IBD course after infliximab, were recorded. CMV analysis was performed with
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-cytomegalovirus in peripheral blood and
      colonoscopy with biopsies (histopathology/immunohistochemistry). RESULTS: We
      included 29 patients: female-83%; Crohn's disease-51.8%, ulcerative colitis
      44.8%, non-classified colitis-3.4%; 23 cytomegalovirus seropositive. Median
      follow-up: 19 months (3-36). During follow-up, 14 patients were under combination
      therapy with azathioprine and 5 did at least 1 cycle of corticosteroids. Twenty
      one patients responded to infliximab. We registered 8 exacerbations of IBD. Four
      patients discontinued infliximab: none had CMV infection. We documented 1 case of
      intestinal cytomegalovirus infection-detected in biopsies performed per protocol
      in an asymptomatic UC patient, who responded to valganciclovir without infliximab
      discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab, with/without immunosuppression, does
      not confer an increased risk of (re)activation of cytomegalovirus.
      Cytomegalovirus was not responsible neither for significant morbidity nor
      mortality in IBD.

PMID- 28084549
TI  - Sigmoid resection for diverticulitis is more difficult than for malignancies.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sigmoid resection for diverticulitis is usually the first procedure
      performed when starting the learning process for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
      The aim of this study is to evaluate the difficulty of laparoscopic sigmoid
      resection for diverticulitis in comparison to sigmoid malignancy in order to
      assess its role in the residents training program. METHODS: A cohort of patients
      was selected who suffered either from malignancy or recurrent diverticulitis in
      the sigmoid colon. Laparoscopic sigmoid resection was performed. The degree of
      difficulty was assessed by intraoperative complications and intraoperative
      technical challenges. Furthermore, take-overs from assistant to surgeon, surgeon
      to surgeon, and conversion were reported. RESULTS: A total of 224 patients were
      included, 119 (53.1%) men and 105 (46.9%) women. Patients suffering from
      diverticulitis had significantly less co-morbidities than those with
      malignancies. In the diverticulitis group, there were significantly more
      technical challenges. There was a higher rate in take-overs from residents (p =
      0.02) as well as surgeon to surgeon (p = 0.04). The rate of conversions was also
      significantly higher in the diverticulitis group (p = 0.03) when compared to the
      malignancy group. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of our study show that diverticulitis
      may not be the ideal condition to start the learning process for laparoscopic
      colorectal surgery.

PMID- 28084550
TI  - Symptomatic oral lesions may be associated with contact allergy to substances in
      oral hygiene products.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dental materials and oral hygiene products may be responsible for oral
      contact allergic reactions. We aimed to determine the occurrence of allergies in
      patients with symptomatic oral lichen planus (OLP), oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs)
      and stomatitis and investigate if patch testing could identify contact allergies
      to dental materials and oral hygiene products in these patients. METHODS: Forty
      nine patients (7 men, 42 women) aged 31 to 77 years (61 +/- 10.3 years) with
      symptomatic OLP, OLL or stomatitis and 29 healthy age- and gender-matched control
      subjects were included. They underwent an interview, clinical examination, oral
      mucosal biopsy and epicutan testing to the European baseline series, a toothpaste
      and dental material series. RESULTS: Nineteen patients had OLP, 19 OLL and
      11stomatitis. Oral burning/itching was the most common symptom (83.7%), and 65.3%
      patients had more than one symptom. Patients visited their dentist more often
      than the healthy subjects and had statistically higher DMF-T and DMF-S scores.
      Nineteen patients (38.8%) and 10 healthy control subjects (34.5%) had allergic
      contact reactions primarily to fragrance ingredients. No differences could be
      found between OLP, OLL, stomatitis and healthy controls with regard to allergic
      contact reactions. However, contact allergy to aroma substances differed
      significantly between the patients and the healthy control subjects (p = 0.02).
      This type of contact allergy was most common in patients with OLP and OLL (p =
      0.01). Avoidance cleared symptoms in all cases. CONCLUSION/CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Allergic reactions to aroma substances in oral hygiene products are common in
      patients with symptomatic OLP, OLL and stomatitis.

PMID- 28084553
TI  - Application of semiempirical electronic structure theory to compute the force
      generated by a single surface-mounted switchable rotaxane.
AB  - Herein we report a study of the switchable [3]rotaxane reported by Huang et al.
      (Appl Phys Lett 85(22):5391-5393, 1) that can be mounted to a surface to form a
      nanomechanical, linear, molecular motor. We demonstrate the application of
      semiempirical electronic structure theory to predict the average and
      instantaneous force generated by redox-induced ring shuttling. Detailed analysis
      of the geometric and electronic structure of the system reveals technical
      considerations essential to success of the approach. The force is found to be in
      the 100-200 pN range, consistent with published experimental estimates. Graphical
      Abstract A single surface-mounted switchable rotaxane.

PMID- 28084551
TI  - Oxygen activation by mononuclear nonheme iron dioxygenases involved in the
      degradation of aromatics.
AB  - Molecular oxygen is utilized in numerous metabolic pathways fundamental for life.
      Mononuclear nonheme iron-dependent oxygenase enzymes are well known for their
      involvement in some of these pathways, activating O2 so that oxygen atoms can be
      incorporated into their primary substrates. These reactions often initiate
      pathways that allow organisms to use stable organic molecules as sources of
      carbon and energy for growth. From the myriad of reactions in which these enzymes
      are involved, this perspective recounts the general mechanisms of aromatic
      dihydroxylation and oxidative ring cleavage, both of which are ubiquitous
      chemical reactions found in life-sustaining processes. The organic substrate
      provides all four electrons required for oxygen activation and insertion in the
      reactions mediated by extradiol and intradiol ring-cleaving catechol
      dioxygenases. In contrast, two of the electrons are provided by NADH in the cis
      dihydroxylation mechanism of Rieske dioxygenases. The catalytic nonheme Fe
      center, with the aid of active site residues, facilitates these electron
      transfers to O2 as key elements of the activation processes. This review
      discusses some general questions for the catalytic strategies of oxygen
      activation and insertion into aromatic compounds employed by mononuclear nonheme
      iron-dependent dioxygenases. These include: (1) how oxygen is activated, (2)
      whether there are common intermediates before oxygen transfer to the aromatic
      substrate, and (3) are these key intermediates unique to mononuclear nonheme iron
      dioxygenases?

PMID- 28084552
TI  - A method of expression for an oxygen-tolerant group III alcohol dehydrogenase
      from Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3.
AB  - NAD(P)-dependent group III alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs), well known as iron
      activated enzymes, generally lose their activities under aerobic conditions due
      to their oxygen-sensitivities. In this paper, we expressed an extremely
      thermostable group III ADH from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus
      horikoshii OT3 (PhADH) heterologously in Escherichia coli. When purified from a
      culture medium containing nickel, the recombinant PhADH (Ni-PhADH) contained 0.85
      +/- 0.01 g-atoms of nickel per subunit. Ni-PhADH retained high activity under
      aerobic conditions (9.80 U mg-1), while the enzyme expressed without adding
      nickel contained 0.46 +/- 0.01 g-atoms of iron per subunit and showed little
      activity (0.27 U mg-1). In the presence of oxygen, the activity of the Fe2+
      reconstituted PhADH prepared from the Ni-PhADH was gradually decreased, whereas
      the Ni2+-reconstituted PhADH maintained enzymatic activity. These results
      indicated that PhADH with bound nickel ion was stable in oxygen. The activity of
      the Ni2+-reconstituted PhADH prepared from the expression without adding nickel
      was significantly lower than that from the Ni-PhADH, suggesting that binding a
      nickel ion to PhADH in this expression system contributed to protecting against
      inactivation during the expression and purification processes. Unlike other
      thermophilic group III ADHs, Ni-PhADH showed high affinity for NAD(H) rather than
      NADP(H). Furthermore, it showed an unusually high k cat value toward aldehyde
      reduction. The activity of Ni-PhADH for butanal reduction was increased to 60.7 U
      mg-1 with increasing the temperature to 95  degrees C. These findings provide a
      new strategy to obtain oxygen-sensitive group III ADHs.

PMID- 28084554
TI  - Disentangling Neural Sources of the Motor Interference Effect in High Functioning
      Autism: An EEG-Study.
AB  - The role of imitation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is controversial.
      Researchers have argued that deficient control of self- and other-related motor
      representations (self-other distinction) might explain imitation difficulties. In
      a recent EEG study, we showed that control of imitation relies on high-level as
      well as on low-level cognitive processes. Here, we aimed to further our insights
      into control of imitation deficits in ASD. We focused on congruency effects in
      the P3 (high-level), the N190 and the readiness potential (RP; low-level). We
      predicted smaller congruency effects within the P3 in the ASD group. However, we
      found differences in the RP and not in the P3-component. Thus, high-level self
      other distinction centred on motor actions may be preserved in ASD, while
      impairments are reflected during motor preparation.

PMID- 28084555
TI  - An ESIPT-Based Fluorescent Probe for Hydrazine Detection in Aqueous Solution and
      its Application in Living Cells.
AB  - A new fluorescent probe based on "protection-deprotection" sequence and the
      excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) effect was designed and
      synthesized. The probe responds rapidly and high selectively toward hydrazine at
      room temperature, and exhibits a low detection limit of 0.016 MUM (0.512 ppb),
      which is well below the safety level (10 ppb) as regulated by EPA. Moreover, it
      can be applied for the imaging of hydrazine in living cells.

PMID- 28084556
TI  - Research on a New Micro-Volume Fluorescence Capillary Biosensor Assay for
      Sequentially Quantifying Pyruvate and Lactate.
AB  - It was studied that making conditions of a micro-volume fluorescence capillary
      biosensor for determining pyruvate (PA) and lactate (LA). The biosensor made
      under the optimized conditions could be used for sequential quantifications of LA
      in the range 0.10-1.2 mM and PA in 4-120 MUM, and its recovery for PA and LA was
      in a satisfactory range 97-106% for human serum samples, with detection limits of
      0.023 mM for LA (RSD < 1.89%, n = 11) and 0.87 MUM for PA (RSD < 1.70%, n = 11).
      The new assay possessed these advantages that the LDH immobilizing on capillary
      realized the reuse of expensive enzyme in fluorospectrophotometry, and the
      consumption of serum samples or chemical reagents decreased to 9 MUL in per
      assay, and the analytes no needed to preseparation, and it also are accurate and
      reliable. Consequently, the fluorescence capillary biosensor should have a good
      prospect in assaying PA and LA or LA/PA ratios for clinical medicines or biology
      field. The optimization conditions and parameters obtained in this study have
      also a certain guiding significance for the development of biochip based on glass
      substrate.

PMID- 28084557
TI  - Microstructural and Radioluminescence Characteristics of Nd3+ Doped Columbite
      Type SrNb2O6 Phosphor.
AB  - Undoped and different concentration Nd3+ doped SrNb2O6 powders with columbite
      structure were synthesized by molten salt process using a mixture of strontium
      nitrate and niobium (V) oxide and NaCl-KCl salt mixture as a flux under
      relatively low calcining temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis results
      indicated that SrNb2O6 phases found to be orthorhombic columbite single phase for
      undoped, 0.5 and 3 mol% Nd3+ doping concentrations. Phase composition of the
      powders was examined by SEM-EDS analyses. Radioluminescence properties of Nd3+
      doped samples from UV to near-IR spectral region were studied. The emissions
      increased with the doping concentration of up to 3 mol%, and then decreased due
      to concentration quenching effect. There is a sharp emission peak around 880 nm
      associated with 4F5/2 -> 4I9/2 transition in the Nd3+ ion between 300 and 1100
      nm. The broad emission band intensity was observed from 400 to 650 nm where the
      peak intensities increased by increasing Nd3+ doping concentration. All the
      measurements were taken under the room temperature.

PMID- 28084559
TI  - Apodized adaptive beamformer.
AB  - PURPOSE: A number of studies aimed at improvement of ultrasound image quality,
      such as spatial resolution and contrast, have been conducted. Apodization is
      known as an important factor that determines image quality. However, in the case
      of amplitude and phase estimation (APES) beamforming, a kind of adaptive
      beamformer that has been employed in medical ultrasound recently, only
      rectangular apodization has been used in the previous studies. In this study,
      apodization was employed in adaptive beamforming, and its effects on image
      quality were examined in phantom experiments. METHODS: We recently proposed a
      modified APES beamformer that reduces the computational complexity significantly
      using sub-aperture beamforming. In this study, the total receiving aperture was
      divided into four sub-apertures, and the APES beamforming was applied to the
      output from the four sub-apertures. Before the delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming in
      each sub-aperture, echoes received by individual transducer elements were
      apodized with rectangular, Gaussian, and two Hanning functions, where the
      apodization with two Hanning functions realized lateral modulation of the
      ultrasonic field. The lateral spatial resolution was evaluated by the full width
      at half maximum of an echo from a string phantom, and the image contrast was
      evaluated using a cyst phantom. RESULTS: The modified APES beamformer realized a
      significantly better spatial resolution of 0.38 mm than that of the conventional
      delay-and-sum beamformer (0.67 mm), even with rectangular apodization. Using
      Gaussian apodization, the spatial resolution was further improved to 0.34 mm, and
      contrast was also improved from 4.3 to 5.1 dB. Furthermore, an image obtained by
      the modified APES beamformer with apodization consisting of two Hanning functions
      was better "tagged" as compared with the conventional DAS beamformer with the
      same apodization. CONCLUSION: Apodization was shown to be effective in adaptive
      beamforming, and an image obtained by the adaptive beamformer with lateral
      modulation seemed to have potential for improvement of the accuracy in
      measurement of tissue lateral motion.

PMID- 28084558
TI  - PCSK9 in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is accompanied by a number of secondary
      metabolic dysregulations, such as lipid abnormalities, presenting with unique
      characteristics. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have
      been introduced as the new era in the management of dyslipidemia with promising
      results in groups with refractory lipid abnormalities. Increasing number of
      studies investigate the possible association of PCSK9 levels with kidney
      function, especially with nephrotic range proteinuria, as well as its role as a
      prognostic cardiovascular risk marker in CKD. In this review, we discuss the
      existing evidence for PCSK9 levels in patient groups with nephrotic syndrome, non
      dialysis CKD, end-stage renal disease and kidney transplantation. METHODS: Online
      research was conducted in MEDLINE database to identify articles investigating
      PCSK9 in all different aspects of CKD. References from relevant studies were
      screened for supplementary articles. RESULTS: Four cross-sectional studies, one
      secondary analysis, one publication from two independent cohort studies and one
      multicentre prospective cohort study assessed PCSK9 plasma levels in different
      subgroups of CKD patients. PCSK9 levels increase in nephrotic syndrome and have a
      positive correlation with proteinuria. In CKD patients, no correlation was found
      between PCSK9 levels and estimated GFR. Peritoneal dialysis patients have higher
      PCSK9 levels compared with hemodialysis and renal transplant patients as well as
      general population. CONCLUSION: Accumulative evidence focuses on the possible
      association of PCSK9 levels with kidney function. No data are available for the
      administration of PCSK9 inhibitors in CKD patients. Further research will
      optimize knowledge on the role of PCSK9 levels and PCSK9 inhibitors in CKD.

PMID- 28084561
TI  - Monitoring HIV-Related Laws and Policies: Lessons for AIDS and Global Health in
      Agenda 2030.
AB  - The National Commitments and Policy Instrument (NCPI) has been used to monitor
      AIDS-related laws and policies for over 10 years. What can be learnt from this
      process? Analyses draw on NCPI questionnaires, NCPI responses, the UNAIDS Law
      Database, survey data and responses to a 2014 survey on the NCPI. The NCPI
      provides the first and only systematic data on country self-reported national HIV
      laws and policies. High NCPI reporting rates and survey responses suggest the
      majority of countries consider the process relevant. Combined civil society and
      government engagement and reporting is integral to the NCPI. NCPI experience
      demonstrates its importance in describing the political and legal environment for
      the HIV response, for programmatic reviews and to stimulate dialogue among
      stakeholders, but there is a need for updating and in some instances to
      complement results with more objective quantitative data. We identify five areas
      that need to be updated in the next iteration of the NCPI and argue that the NCPI
      approach is relevant to participatory monitoring of targets in the health and
      other goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

PMID- 28084560
TI  - Nematode Root Herbivory in Tomato Increases Leaf Defenses and Reduces Leaf Miner
      Oviposition and Performance.
AB  - The outcome of plant-mediated interactions among herbivores from several feeding
      guilds has been studied intensively. However, our understanding on the effects of
      nematode root herbivory on leaf miner oviposition behavior and performance remain
      limited. In this study, we evaluated whether Meloidogyne incognita root herbivory
      affects Tuta absoluta oviposition preference on Solanum lycopersicum plants and
      the development of the resulting offspring. To investigate the M. incognita
      herbivory induced plant systemic responses that might explain the observed
      biological effects, we measured photosynthetic rates, leaf trypsin protease
      inhibitor activities, and analyzed the profile of volatiles emitted by the leaves
      of root-infested and non-infested plants. We found that T. absoluta females
      avoided laying eggs on the leaves of root-infested plants, and that root
      infestation negatively affected the pupation process of T. absoluta. These
      effects were accompanied by a strong suppression of leaf volatile emissions, a
      decrease in photosynthetic rates, and an increase in the activity of leaf trypsin
      protease inhibitors. Our study reveals that root attack by nematodes can shape
      leaf physiology, and thereby increases plant resistance.

PMID- 28084562
TI  - Immunostimulatory effect of dried bonito extract on mouse macrophage cell lines
      and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages.
AB  - Dried bonito is a preserved food used in Japan, which contains abundant flavor
      ingredients and functional substances. We focused on the immunostimulatory effect
      of dried bonito extract (DBE) on mouse macrophage-like J774.1 cells, RAW264.7
      cells, and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. DBE significantly stimulated the
      production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by
      both J774.1 cells and peritoneal macrophages by enhancing the cytokine gene
      expression levels. In addition, DBE stimulated nitric oxide production by
      enhancing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in RAW264.7 cells.
      DBE also increased the phagocytosis activity of J774.1 cells. Immunoblot analysis
      revealed that DBE has an immunostimulatory effect on macrophages through
      activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB
      cascades. TNF-alpha production enhanced by DBE was partially inhibited by
      treatment with TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242, whereas IL-6 production enhanced by DBE
      was almost inhibited. These results suggested that DBE is thought to strongly
      stimulate the TLR4 signaling pathway for macrophage activation, and its
      activation is also involved in other signaling. Finally, the phagocytosis
      activity of peritoneal macrophages from DBE-administered BALB/c mice increased
      significantly, suggesting that DBE has the potential to stimulate macrophage
      activity in vivo. In conclusion, these data indicated that DBE contributes to
      activating host defense against pathogens by activating innate immunity.

PMID- 28084563
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Tacrolimus Versus Cyclophosphamide for Primary Membranous
      Nephropathy: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to compare the efficacy
      and safety of tacrolimus with cyclophosphamide in primary membranous nephropathy
      (PMN) patients. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We conducted a
      literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (CCRCT). Any study that compared the efficacy or safety between
      tacrolimus and cyclophosphamide in the adult PMN patients was included. RESULTS:
      We included four randomized controlled trials and two prospective cohort studies
      with 389 PMN patients. The pooled results using the Dersimonian and Laird method
      showed that renal remission rates at the longest follow-up periods were not
      significantly different between the tacrolimus and cyclophosphamide groups
      (overall remission, six trials, n = 389, relative risk [RR] 0.994 [95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.768-1.286); complete remission, six trials, n = 389, RR 1.256
      [95% CI 0.733-2.150]). Further analyses found that tacrolimus was comparable with
      cyclophosphamide for inducing renal remission within 1 year but inferior to
      cyclophosphamide after 1-year follow-up. It should be noted that only two studies
      reported the outcomes after 1-year follow-up, which might be considered as weak
      evidence. The rates of relapse and the drop-outs due to adverse effects were not
      significantly different (relapse, six trials, n = 389, RR 2.244 [95% CI 0.892
      5.644]; drop-outs, six trials, n = 389, RR 1.330 [95% CI 0.412-4.291]). However,
      the cyclophosphamide group had a significantly higher risk of leukopenia than the
      tacrolimus group (four trials, n = 216, RR 0.203 [95% CI 0.045-0.916]), whereas
      the rates of tremor were significantly higher in the tacrolimus group than in the
      cyclophosphamide group (three trials, n = 202, RR 8.939 [95% CI 1.694-47.173]).
      LIMITATIONS: The quality and short follow-up durations of the studies limited the
      reliability of our conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus was comparable with
      cyclophosphamide for inducing renal remission of PMN patients within 1 year, but
      the long-term effects need to be investigated. The cyclophosphamide group had a
      significantly higher risk of leukopenia, whereas the tacrolimus group had
      significantly higher rates of tremor. These conclusions need to be further
      verified.

PMID- 28084564
TI  - Erratum to: Structural and functional analyses of human DDX41 DEAD domain.

PMID- 28084565
TI  - Acrolein Can Cause Cardiovascular Disease: A Review.
AB  - Acrolein is a highly reactive unsaturated aldehyde that is formed during the
      burning of gasoline and diesel fuels, cigarettes, woods and plastics. In
      addition, acrolein is generated during the cooking or frying of food with fats or
      oils. Acrolein is also used in the synthesis of many organic chemicals and as a
      biocide in agricultural and industrial water supply systems. The total emissions
      of acrolein in the United States from all sources are estimated to be 62,660
      tons/year. Acrolein is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a
      high-priority air and water toxicant. Acrolein can exert toxic effects following
      inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposures that are dose dependent.
      Cardiovascular tissues are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of
      acrolein based primarily on in vitro and in vivo studies. Acrolein can generate
      free oxygen radical stress in the heart, decrease endothelial nitric oxide
      synthase phosphorylation and nitric oxide formation, form cytoplasmic and nuclear
      protein adducts with myocyte and vascular endothelial cell proteins and cause
      vasospasm. In this manner, chronic exposure to acrolein can cause myocyte
      dysfunction, myocyte necrosis and apoptosis and ultimately lead to cardiomyopathy
      and cardiac failure. Epidemiological studies of acrolein exposure and toxicity
      should be developed and treatment strategies devised that prevent or
      significantly limit acrolein cardiovascular toxicity.

PMID- 28084566
TI  - Hyperthermia Severely Affects the Vascular Effects of MDMA and Metabolites in the
      Human Internal Mammary Artery In Vitro.
AB  - 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy") is a recreational drug used
      worldwide for its distinctive psychotropic effects. Although important
      cardiovascular effects, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, have
      also been described, the vascular effects of MDMA and metabolites and their
      correlation with hyperthermia (major side effect of MDMA) are not yet fully
      understood and have not been previously reported. This study aimed at evaluating
      the effects of MDMA and its main catechol metabolites, alpha-methyldopamine
      (alpha-MeDA), N-methyl-alpha-methyldopamine (N-Me-alpha-MeDA), 5-(glutathion-S
      yl)-alpha-methyldopamine [5-(GSH)-alpha-MeDA] and 5-(glutathion-S-yl)-N-methyl
      alpha-methyldopamine [5-(GSH)-N-Me-alpha-MeDA], on the 5-HT-dependent
      vasoactivity in normothermia (37  degrees C) and hyperthermia (40  degrees C) of
      the human internal mammary artery (IMA) in vitro. The results showed the ability
      of MDMA, alpha-MeDA and N-Me-alpha-MeDA to exert vasoconstriction of the IMA
      which was considerably higher in hyperthermic conditions (about fourfold for MDMA
      and alpha-MeDA and twofold for N-Me-alpha-MeDA). The results also showed that all
      the compounds may influence the 5-HT-mediated concentration-dependent response of
      IMA, as MDMA, alpha-MeDA and N-Me-alpha-MeDA behaved as partial agonists and 5
      (GSH)-alpha-MeDA and 5-(GSH)-N-Me-alpha-MeDA as antagonists. In conclusion, MDMA
      abuse may imply a higher cardiovascular risk associated both to MDMA and its
      metabolites that might be relevant in patients with underlying cardiovascular
      diseases, particularly in hyperthermia.

PMID- 28084567
TI  - [The Well-Being Measure - dementia: A validation study].
AB  - The Well-Being Measure - dementia is a digital observation instrument that
      assesses the well-being of persons with dementia on four domains of quality of
      life: Mental well-being, Physical well-being, Participation, and Living
      arrangements. Its goal is to assess the well-being of persons with dementia in an
      easy and positive way. Besides illness-related symptoms and problems, the
      instrument also assesses positive aspects of functioning. It visualizes the
      results and provides specific behavioural advice to the caregivers. The goal of
      the present article is to conduct a first psychometric analysis: factor
      structure, reliability (Cronbach's alpha), concurrent, and convergent
      validity.Observations were carried out among 168 persons with dementia in eleven
      different small-scale psychogeriatric wards. Five existing instruments were used
      among 63 persons to validate the Well-Being Measure-dementia: quality of life,
      neuropsychiatric symptoms, care dependency, depression, and agitation.The
      expected factor structure was found in each of the four domains. Coefficients
      were high on the expected factor and low on the other factor(s). The scale means
      were on the positive side, but showed an adequate range and variability.
      Reliability was satisfactory to good. The relation with existing scales was
      moderate to strong. The pattern of relations was consistent with the measurement
      intentions of the different existing instruments.The Well-Being Measure -
      dementia appears to be a valid and reliable scale. Further studies should assess
      its test-retest reliability, sensitivity to change and relation with the course
      of dementia. Current experience shows that the instrument is also useful in
      everyday practice.

PMID- 28084568
TI  - Technical characterization of dialysis fluid flow and mass transfer rate in
      dialyzers with various filtration coefficients using dimensionless correlation
      equation.
AB  - The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of filtration
      coefficient and internal filtration on dialysis fluid flow and mass transfer
      coefficient in dialyzers using dimensionless mass transfer correlation equations.
      Aqueous solution of vitamin B12 clearances were obtained for REXEED-15L as a low
      flux dialyzer, and APS-15EA and APS-15UA as high flux dialyzers. All the other
      design specifications were identical for these dialyzers except for filtration
      coefficient. The overall mass transfer coefficient was calculated, moreover, the
      exponents of Reynolds number (Re) and film mass transfer coefficient of the
      dialysis-side fluid (k D) for each flow rate were derived from the Wilson plot
      and dimensionless correlation equation. The exponents of Re were 0.4 for the low
      flux dialyzer whereas 0.5 for the high flux dialyzers. Dialysis fluid of the low
      flux dialyzer was close to laminar flow because of its low filtration
      coefficient. On the other hand, dialysis fluid of the high flux dialyzers was
      assumed to be orthogonal flow. Higher filtration coefficient was associated with
      higher k D influenced by mass transfer rate through diffusion and internal
      filtration. Higher filtration coefficient of dialyzers and internal filtration
      affect orthogonal flow of dialysis fluid.

PMID- 28084569
TI  - Specificity of Mechanisms of Memory Reconsolidation in Snails Trained for
      Rejection of Two Types of Food.
AB  - Specificity of behavioral and neuronal mechanisms of impairment of long-term
      memory reconsolidation was studied in edible snails trained for associative skill
      of rejection of two types of food: raw carrots (conditioned stimulus 1) and apple
      (conditioned stimulus 2). In 2 days after training, the snails received protein
      synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and a reminder (conditioned stimulus 1 or 2).
      In 3 and 14 days after cycloheximide/reminder, we observed the absence of
      aversive responses to the conditioned stimulus used as the reminder and preserved
      responses to the conditioned stimulus not used as the reminder. Moreover, we
      observed specific suppression of synaptic responses of command neurons of snail
      defensive behavior induced by the conditioned stimulus used as the reminder after
      cycloheximide injection and preserved synaptic responses of neurons to the other
      conditioned stimulus. It was hypothesized that protein synthesis-dependent
      synapse-specific plasticity of command neurons can be a mechanism of selective
      preservation of conditioned food aversion memory in snails.

PMID- 28084570
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of a radiolabeled bis-zinc(II)-cyclen complex as a
      potential probe for in vivo imaging of cell death.
AB  - The exposition of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the cell membrane is associated
      with most cell death programs (apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, mitotic
      catastrophe, etc.), which makes PS an attractive target for overall cell death
      imaging. To this end, zinc(II) macrocycle coordination complexes with cyclic
      polyamine units as low-molecular-weight annexin mimics have a selective affinity
      for biomembrane surfaces enriched with PS, and are therefore useful for detection
      of cell death. In the present study, a 11C-labeled zinc(II)-bis(cyclen) complex
      (11C-CyclenZn2) was prepared and evaluated as a new positron emission tomography
      (PET) probe for cell death imaging. 11C-CyclenZn2 was synthesized by methylation
      of its precursor, 4-methoxy-2,5-di-[10-methyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane
      1,4,7-tricarboxylic acid tri-tert-butyl ester] phenol (Boc-Cyclen2) with 11C
      methyl triflate as a prosthetic group in acetone, deprotection by hydrolysis in
      aqueous HCl solution, and chelation with zinc nitrate. The cell death imaging
      capability of 11C-CyclenZn2 was evaluated using in vitro cell uptake assays with
      camptothecin-treated PC-3 cells, biodistribution studies, and in vivo PET imaging
      in Kunming mice bearing S-180 fibrosarcoma. Starting from 11C-methyl triflate,
      the total preparation time for 11C-CyclenZn2 was ~40 min, with an uncorrected
      radiochemical yield of 12 +/- 3% (based on 11C-CH3OTf, n = 10), a radiochemical
      purity of greater than 95%, and the specific activity of 0.75-1.01 GBq/MUmol. The
      cell death binding specificity of 11C-CyclenZn2 was demonstrated by significantly
      different uptake rates in camptothecin-treated and control PC-3 cells in vitro.
      Inhibition experiments for 18F-radiofluorinated Annexin V binding to
      apoptotic/necrotic cells illustrated the necessity of zinc ions for zinc(II)
      bis(cyclen) complexation in binding cell death, and zinc(II)-bis(cyclen) complexe
      and Annexin V had not identical binding pattern with apoptosis/necrosis cells.
      Biodistribution studies of 11C-CyclenZn2 revealed a fast clearance from blood,
      low uptake rates in brain and muscle tissue, and high uptake rates in liver and
      kidney, which provide the main metabolic route. PET imaging using 11C-CyclenZn2
      revealed that cyclophosphamide-treated mice (CP-treated group) exhibited a
      significant increase of uptake rate in the tumor at 60 min postinjection,
      compared with control mice (Control group). The results indicate that the ability
      of 11C-CyclenZn2 to detect cell death is comparable to Annexin V, and it has
      potential as a PET tracer for noninvasive evaluation and monitoring of anti-tumor
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 28084571
TI  - Xanthine Oxidase Induces Foam Cell Formation through LOX-1 and NLRP3 Activation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Xanthine oxidase catalyzes the oxidation of xanthine to uric acid. This
      process generates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play an important
      role in atherogenesis. Recent studies show that LRR and PYD domains-containing
      protein 3 (NLRP3), a component of the inflammasome, may be involved in the
      formation of foam cells, a hallmark of atherosclerosis. This study was designed
      to study the role of various scavenger receptors and NLRP3 inflammasome in
      xanthine oxidase and uric acid-induced foam cell formation. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and THP-1 macrophages were treated
      with xanthine oxidase or uric acid. Xanthine oxidase treatment (of both VSMCs and
      THP-1 cells) resulted in foam cell formation in concert with generation of ROS
      and expression of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and oxidized low density
      lipoprotein (lectin-like) receptor 1 (LOX-1), but not of scavenger receptor A
      (SRA). Uric acid treatment resulted in foam cell formation, ROS generation and
      expression of CD36, but not of LOX-1 or SRA. Further, treatment of cells with
      xanthine oxidase, but not uric acid, activated NLRP3 and its downstream pro
      inflammatory signals- caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-18. Blockade of
      LOX-1 or NLRP3 inflammasome with specific siRNAs reduced xanthine oxidase-induced
      foam cell formation, ROS generation and activation of NLRP3 and downstream
      signals. CONCLUSIONS: Xanthine oxidase induces foam cell formation in large part
      through activation of LOX-1 - NLRP3 pathway in both VSMCs and THP-1 cells, but
      uric acid-induced foam cell formation is exclusively through CD36 pathway.
      Further, LOX-1 activation is upstream of NLRP3 activation. Graphical Abstract
      Steps in the formation of foam cells in response to xanthine oxidase and uric
      acid. Xanthine oxidase stimulates LOX-1 expression on the cell membrane of
      macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and increases generation of
      ROS, which activate NLRP3 inflammasome and downstream pro-inflammatory mediators
      such as Caspase-1, IL-1beta and IL-18. Xanthine oxidase also induces CD36
      expression. Activation of both LOX-1 and CD36 (LOX-1> > CD36) participates in the
      transformation of macrophages and VSMCs into foam cells. Uric acid formed from
      xanthine-xanthine oxidase interaction stimulates CD36 expression and triggers
      foam cell formation independent of NLRP3 activation.

PMID- 28084572
TI  - Clinical Implications of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 Expression on Tumor
      Cells and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer
      Patients Undergoing Surgery Plus Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There currently is only limited knowledge on the role of tumor
      specific immunity in cholangiocarcinoma. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the
      clinical implications of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) expression
      levels and CD4+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in extrahepatic
      bile duct (EHBD) cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry of CTLA-4,
      CD4, and CD8 was performed for 77 EHBD cancer patients undergoing surgery plus
      adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. CTLA-4 expression on tumor cells and TILs were
      assessed by using H-scores and the proportion of CTLA-4+ lymphocytes,
      respectively. RESULTS: With optimal cutoff values determined by a maximal chi
      square method with overall survival (OS) data, patients with CTLA-4 H-score >70
      and a proportion of CTLA-4+ TILs >0.15 showed higher mean density of CD8+ and
      CD4+ TILs, respectively (P = 0.025 for CD8+ and P = 0.055 for CD4+ TILs). The
      high CTLA-4 H-score level was associated with prolonged OS and disease-free
      interval (DFI) (P = 0.025 and 0.004, respectively). With differential levels of
      CTLA-4 H-score according to hilar and non-hilar locations (high rate 32 vs. 68%,
      respectively; P = 0.013), an exploratory subgroup analysis demonstrated that the
      associations between the CTLA-4 expression and OS and DFI were confined to hilar
      tumors (P = 0.003 and <0.001, respectively), but not to non-hilar ones (P = 0.613
      and 0.888, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a potential
      prognostic relevance of CTLA-4 expression in EHBD cancer. We suggest a
      differential survival impact of the CTLA-4 expression level according to
      different tumor locations.

PMID- 28084573
TI  - The Activities of Adhesion and Biofilm Formation by Candida tropicalis Clinical
      Isolates Display Significant Correlation with Its Multilocus Sequence Typing.
AB  - Adhesion and biofilm formation, which can occur on abiotic and biotic surfaces,
      are key components in Candida pathogenicity. The aims of this study were to infer
      about the C. tropicalis clinical isolates ability to adhere and form biofilm on
      abiotic and biotic surfaces and to correlate that with the multilocus sequence
      typing and other virulence factors. Adhesion and biofilm formation were measured
      in 68 C. tropicalis isolates from 3 hospitals in China on abiotic (polystyrene)
      and biotic (human urinary bladder epithelial cell) surfaces by crystal violet
      assay and 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfo-phenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5
      carboxanilide reduction assay. In our study, almost all C. tropicalis isolates
      could adhere and produce biofilm on abiotic and biotic surfaces in a strain
      dependent manner. The isolates from blood showed relatively lower adhesion and
      biofilm capacity on polystyrene surface, but had strong secreted aspartyl
      proteinase activity. Moreover, significant differences were found among MLST
      groups for adhesion and biofilm capacity. C. tropicalis in multilocus sequence
      typing group5 and group6 showed high adhesion and biofilm, while isolates in
      group1 exhibited low adhesion and biofilm formation. Overall, it is important to
      note that C. tropicalis isolates adhere to and produce biofilm on abiotic and
      biotic surfaces with strain specificity. These data will play an important role
      in subsequent research on the pathogenesis of C. tropicalis.

PMID- 28084574
TI  - Large-Scale Land Development, Fugitive Dust, and Increased Coccidioidomycosis
      Incidence in the Antelope Valley of California, 1999-2014.
AB  - Ongoing large-scale land development for renewable energy projects in the
      Antelope Valley, located in the Western Mojave Desert, has been blamed for
      increased fugitive dust emissions and coccidioidomycosis incidence among the
      general public in recent years. Soil samples were collected at six sites that
      were destined for solar farm construction and were analyzed for the presence of
      the soil-borne fungal pathogen Coccidioides immitis which is endemic to many
      areas of central and southern California. We used a modified culture-independent
      nested PCR approach to identify the pathogen in all soil samples and also
      compared the sampling sites in regard to soil physical and chemical parameters,
      degree of disturbance, and vegetation. Our results indicated the presence of C.
      immitis at four of the six sites, predominantly in non-disturbed soils of the
      Pond-Oban complex, which are characterized by an elevated pH and salt bush
      communities, but also in grassland characterized by different soil parameters and
      covered with native and non-native annuals. Overall, we were able to detect the
      pathogen in 40% of the soil samples (n = 42). Incidence of coccidioidomycosis in
      the Antelope Valley was positively correlated with land use and particulate
      matter in the air (PM10) (Pearson correlation coefficient >0.5). With the
      predicted population growth and ongoing large-scale disturbance of soil in the
      Antelope Valley in coming years, incidence of coccidioidomycosis will likely
      further increase if policy makers and land developers continue to ignore the risk
      of grading land without implementing long-term dust mitigation plans in
      Environmental Impact Reports.

PMID- 28084575
TI  - Ethical Concerns and Procedural Pathways for Patients Who are Incapacitated and
      Alone: Implications from a Qualitative Study for Advancing Ethical Practice.
AB  - Adults who are incapacitated and alone, having no surrogates, may be known as
      "unbefriended." Decision-making for these particularly vulnerable patients is a
      common and vexing concern for healthcare providers and hospital ethics
      committees. When all other avenues for resolving the need for surrogate decision
      making fail, patients who are incapacitated and alone may be referred for "public
      guardianship" or guardianship of last resort. While an appropriate mechanism in
      theory, these programs are often under-staffed and under-funded, laying the
      consequences of inadequacies on the healthcare system and the patient him or
      herself. We describe a qualitative study of professionals spanning clinical,
      court, and agency settings about the mechanisms for resolving surrogate consent
      for these patients and problems therein within the state of Massachusetts.
      Interviews found that all participants encountered adults who are incapacitated
      and without surrogates. Four approaches for addressing surrogate needs were: (1)
      work to restore capacity; (2) find previously unknown surrogates; (3) work with
      agencies to obtain surrogates; and (4) access the guardianship system. The use of
      guardianship was associated with procedural challenges and ethical concerns
      including delays in care, short term gains for long term costs, inabilities to
      meet a patient's values and preferences, conflicts of interest, and ethical
      discomfort among interviewees. Findings are discussed in the context of resources
      to restore capacity, identify previously unknown surrogates, and establish
      improved surrogate mechanisms for this vulnerable population.

PMID- 28084576
TI  - Transgenerational Transmission of Preterm Birth Risk: The Role of Race and
      Generational Socio-Economic Neighborhood Context.
AB  - Objectives We investigated associations of mothers' preterm birth (PTB) status
      with her infants' PTB risk. We also examined whether this relationship differs by
      mothers' race and generational socio-economic neighborhood context. Methods
      Participants were 6592 non-Hispanic (NH) white and NH black mother-infant pairs
      born in 2009-2011 and 1979-1998, respectively, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
      Birth records were used to determine gestational age at birth, PTB status (<37
      completed weeks of gestation), and PTB subgroups-late and early PTB (34-36 weeks
      and <34 completed weeks of gestation, respectively). Census data on tract racial
      composition and household income were used to characterize residential race and
      economic environment. Logistic regression models were used to calculate Odds
      Ratios (ORs), Relative Risk Ratios (RRR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
      Stratified analyses were conducted to assess effect modification. Results
      Overall, 8.21, 6.63 and 1.58% infants had PTB, LPTB, and EPTB, respectively.
      Maternal PTB status was associated with a 46% increase in infant PTB (95% CI:
      1.08-1.98), EPTB (95% CI: 0.80-2.69), and LPTB (95% CI: 1.04-2.04) risk. Maternal
      PTB-infant PTB associations, particularly maternal PTB-infant LPTB associations,
      were stronger among NH blacks, mothers in neighborhoods with a high percentage of
      NH black residents in both generations, or mothers who moved to neighborhoods
      with a higher percentage of NH black residents. Conclusions for Practice Race and
      generational socio-economic neighborhood context modify transgenerational
      transmission of PTB risk. These findings are important for identification of at
      risk populations and to inform future mechanistic studies.

PMID- 28084577
TI  - Prevalence and Perceptions of Electronic Cigarette Use during Pregnancy.
AB  - Objectives The current study is the first to assess pregnant women's perceptions
      of e-cigarettes and the prevalence of e-cigarette use during pregnancy, using a
      national sample of pregnant women (N = 445) recruited online. Methods An online
      survey was used to assess the prevalence and perceptions of e-cigarette use among
      pregnant women, including perceptions of e-cigarette safety. Results In our
      sample, 5.62% (n = 25) of women solely used tobacco cigarettes, 6.52% (n = 29)
      solely used e-cigarettes, 8.54% (n = 38) used both tobacco cigarettes and e
      cigarettes, and 79.33% (n = 353) used neither tobacco cigarettes nor e-cigarettes
      during their current pregnancy. Overall, 64.27% (n = 286) of participants viewed
      e-cigarettes as being safer than tobacco cigarettes. Having seen advertisements
      for e-cigarettes increased likelihood of viewing them as safer than tobacco
      cigarettes (OR [Odds Ratio] = 2.5, p < .01). Conclusions for Practice Taken
      together, findings from this study suggest that at least as many women use e
      cigarettes during pregnancy as tobacco cigarettes, that pregnant women view e
      cigarettes as being safer than tobacco cigarettes, and that these views may be
      influenced by exposure to e-cigarette advertisements.

PMID- 28084578
TI  - Influence of Experiences and Perceptions Related to Breastfeeding One's First
      Child on Breastfeeding Initiation of Second Child.
AB  - Introduction Multiparas tend to initiate breastfeeding less than primiparas.
      While mothers often repeat the feeding method used for their first child with
      their second child, the way in which experiences and maternal perceptions related
      to breastfeeding one's first child may influence breastfeeding initiation with a
      second child remain underexplored. The objective of this study was to investigate
      whether physiological or social experiences, and related psychological factors,
      reported at the end of breastfeeding one's first child influence breastfeeding
      initiation with a second child. Methods Data from 174 multiparas who participated
      in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, breastfed their first child, and
      completed the Year 6 Follow Up were analyzed using exact logistic regression.
      Results Mothers who reported experiencing trouble with the first baby's suck or
      latch had lower odds of initiating breastfeeding (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04-0.56) than
      those who did not report this experience, whereas mothers who agreed that
      breastfed children are less likely to become obese had greater odds of initiating
      breastfeeding with a second child (OR 11.49, 95% CI 1.56-513.18) than those who
      did not agree. Discussion Efforts to facilitate breastfeeding initiation among
      multiparas may consider mothers' previous experiences and beliefs associated with
      breastfeeding. Strategies to facilitate initiation may focus on addressing
      barriers mothers experienced while breastfeeding their first child and increasing
      awareness about how breastfeeding may prevent childhood obesity. Future research
      should explore how such approaches may impact breastfeeding outcomes with
      subsequent children.

PMID- 28084579
TI  - Who, What and Where (WWW) Problems in Scientific Communities.
AB  - The results of the National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gaokao, in
      Chinese) have a life-long effect on most Chinese by labeling them clever or not.
      Some of the following rules of the Gaokao enhance the damage, for example, the
      rule of Who, What and Where. In general, Who you are and What you have done are
      of secondary importance, but Where you graduated from, especially the college of
      first-record is the most important, but discriminatory criterion in the
      recruitment courses of most of scientific communities and social organizations in
      China.

PMID- 28084580
TI  - Vasculogenic Mimicry in Clinically Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas: a
      Histologic Study.
AB  - The term "vasculogenic mimicry" (VM) refers to the phenomenon in which vascular
      like channels, which are not lined by endothelial cells, are formed in tumors.
      Since its discovery in 1999, it has been observed in several tumor types and is
      proposed to provide blood perfusion to tumors in absence of co-apted or neo
      angiogenic blood vessels. Pituitary tumors are generally slow growing, benign
      adenomas which are less vascularized than the normal pituitary gland. To date, VM
      in pituitary adenomas has not been described. In this histological study, we
      assessed the presence of VM in a series of surgically resected clinically non
      functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) using CD34 and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)
      double staining. To identify VM, slides were assessed for the presence of CD34
      negative and PAS-positive channels indicating that they were not lined by
      endothelial cells. The histological staining pattern suggestive of VM was noted
      in 22/49 (44.9%) of the specimens studied. VM was observed in both recurring and
      non-recurring NFPAs. The incidence of VM present varied from case to case and
      within groups. There was no association between the presence of VM and gender,
      tumor size, Ki-67 index, recurrence or cavernous sinus invasion. VM was not noted
      in cases of non-tumorous pituitaries. Our findings suggest the existence of a
      complementary perfusion system in pituitary adenomas, implying potential clinical
      implications with respect to response to therapy and clinical course. Further
      research is warranted to confirm the presence of VM in pituitary adenomas to
      elucidate its clinical relevance in patients diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma.

PMID- 28084582
TI  - Releasing Effect of Individual Potential: Formation of Productive Collective and
      Children's Self-Transcendence in a Chinese School.
AB  - We describe the intricate relations between social demand structures and their
      role in facilitation of individual development of children and teachers in a
      Chinese classroom. The relationship of an individual to the immediate social
      group is further qualified by the inclusion in a collective which enables the
      participants to transform their individual self-structures through taking on
      social roles in everyday collective activities, which release further potential
      for their individual development. We describe that releasing effect in the case
      of an intervention program in a Chinese school for the children of rural migrants
      re-settled in a city, demonstrating gradually how the inter-individual
      competitive orientation promoted by autocratic teaching style becomes transformed
      into collective good oriented joint actions towards excellence in educational
      endeavors (Jiti). The productive nature of the Jiti makes an ecology with
      multiple nested and open systems, in which every group and student is producer
      and consumer of each other, and personal self-transcendence is actualized in the
      process. The releasing effect is demonstrated through observing the co-emergence
      of new forms of progressive conduct and new problems, presented in pupils'
      positive participation in activities. The description of the intervention in a
      Chinese school provides us with insight on how concrete social inclusion
      frameworks with the underpinning Chinese philosophy of "acting up to trends" can
      prevent the emergence of direct animosities and lead to new integration of self
      and society.

PMID- 28084581
TI  - Colon capsule endoscopy: toward the future.
AB  - Colon capsule endoscopy is a wireless and minimally invasive technique for
      visualization of the whole colon. With recent improvements of technical features
      in second-generation systems, a more important role for colon capsule endoscopy
      is rapidly emerging. Although several limitations and drawbacks are yet to be
      resolved, its usefulness as a tool for colorectal cancer screening and monitoring
      disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases has become more apparent with
      increased use. Further investigations, including multicenter trials, are required
      to evaluate the substantial role of the colon capsule in managing colorectal
      diseases.

PMID- 28084583
TI  - Brain metastasis in patients with metastatic breast cancer in the real world: a
      single-institution, retrospective review of 12-year follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: The data of 589 metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients in a single
      institution were reviewed to determine the outcomes of patients with brain
      metastasis (BM) and assess the efficacy of BM screening. METHODS: The patients
      with BM among the 589 MBC patients who underwent treatment at Shizuoka Cancer
      Center (Shizuoka, Japan) from 09/2002 to 03/2014 were retrospectively analyzed.
      RESULTS: During the study period, BM developed in 187 (31.7%) patients. The tumor
      subtypes were as follows: luminal (hormone receptor [HR]+, HER2-), 44.9%; luminal
      HER2 (HR+, HER2+), 14.9%; HER2 (HR-, HER2+), 21.3%; and triple-negative (TN),
      16.0%. BM was detected in 48.6% of the patients by screening MRI. While 137 of
      187 patients underwent local therapy, whole-brain irradiation was the most
      frequently applied therapy (63.5%). The median overall survival from the
      diagnosis of BM was as follows: luminal, 7.0 months (M); luminal-HER2, 13.3 M;
      HER2, 17.7 M; TN, 4.2 M. The HER2 status (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.58, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.38-0.88) and nonprogressive extracranial lesion(s) (HR: 0.45, 95%
      CI 0.29-0.71) were identified as prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis.
      When limited to HER2-overexpressed MBC patients, the multivariate analysis
      revealed that non-progressive extracranial lesion(s) (HR: 0.20, 95% CI 0.088
      0.47) and stereotactic irradiation (STI) as an initial treatment (HR: 0.18, 95%
      CI 0.061-0.56) were prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective review
      showed that early detection of BM by screening MRI, followed by STI, improved the
      prognosis of HER2-overexpressed MBC patients with BM. A further prospective
      randomized study is needed to confirm our findings.

PMID- 28084584
TI  - Waterborne outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in the South East of Ireland: weighing
      up the evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In late Spring 2012, 12 cases of cryptosporidiosis in a town in the
      South East of Ireland were notified to the regional Department of Public Health.
      AIM: The purpose of this paper is to describe the outbreak and the investigative
      process which led to the conclusion that the source was a public drinking water
      supply. METHODS: Outbreak and incident control teams were convened to investigate
      and control the outbreak. RESULTS: Eleven cases were speciated as Cryptosporidium
      parvum. GP60 analysis demonstrated that 10 were C. parvum IIaA20G3R1, indicating
      that the cases were linked. The public water supply was the only common risk
      factor identified. Increased water sampling identified Cryptosporidium
      muris/andersoni in the treated water at one of two water treatment plants (Water
      Treatment Plant, WTP A) for the supply, and on the network. C. parvum was
      subsequently identified in raw water from WTP A. CONCLUSIONS: The Health Service
      Executive (HSE) concluded that this outbreak was "probably associated with water"
      produced at WTP A based on (1) descriptive epidemiological evidence suggesting
      water-related illness and excluding other obvious explanations; and (2) water
      treatment failure at WTP A. WTP A was closed to facilitate an upgrade. No boil
      water notice was required as a supplementary supply was available. The upgrade
      was completed and the incident closed in 2013.

PMID- 28084585
TI  - Estimating the Cost of Illness of Giant Cell Arteritis in the United States.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic vasculitis affecting
      approximately 230,000 Americans. Limited data exist on the healthcare resource
      utilization and costs attributable to GCA. The objective of this study was to
      estimate the cost of illness in patients with GCA in the US. METHODS: A cohort of
      patients with a new GCA diagnosis was identified from a large US claims database
      between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012. Newly diagnosed GCA patients were
      defined by two claims with GCA (ICD-9 446.5) as one of the listed diagnoses
      during the study period and no GCA diagnosis in the 12 months prior. Subjects
      without a GCA diagnosis were matched 5:1 to cases. One-year healthcare costs were
      compared among cases and controls, adjusting for covariates using generalized
      linear models. RESULTS: A cohort of 1293 GCA patients and 6465 controls was
      identified. The mean age was 73 years, and 69% were females. Mean Charlson
      Comorbidity Index was 1.9 for GCA patients and 1.0 for controls. Mean 1-year cost
      for GCA patients was $34,065 [standard deviation (SD) $52,411], and mean 1-year
      cost for controls was $12,890 (SD $37,345). After multivariate adjustment, the
      difference in 1-year cost between GCA patients and controls was $16,431 (95% CI
      $13,821-$19,041). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GCA experience substantially higher
      healthcare costs in the first year following diagnosis compared to patients
      without GCA. These results add to the limited evidence available to inform
      researchers, clinicians, and policymakers on the cost burden of GCA in the US.
      FUNDING: Genentech Inc.

PMID- 28084586
TI  - Amelioration of high fat diet-induced nephropathy by cilostazol and rosuvastatin.
AB  - Multiple comorbidities of metabolic disorders are associated with facilitated
      chronic kidney disease progression. Anti-platelet cilostazol is used for the
      treatment of peripheral artery disease. In this study, we investigated the
      potential beneficial effects of cilostazol and rosuvastatin on metabolic disorder
      induced renal dysfunctions. C57BL/6 mice that received high fat diet (HFD) for 22
      weeks and a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg) developed albuminuria and
      had increased urinary cystatin C excretion, and cilostazol treatment (13 weeks)
      improved these markers. Histopathological changes, including glomerular mesangial
      expansion, tubular vacuolization, apoptosis, and lipid accumulation were
      ameliorated by cilostazol treatment. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis that was
      indicated by the increases in collagen and transforming growth factor-beta1
      subsided by cilostazol. Renoprotective effects were also observed in rosuvastatin
      treated mice, and combinatorial treatment with cilostazol and rosuvastatin
      demonstrated enhanced ameliorative effects in histopathological evaluations.
      Notably, repressed renal heme oxygenase-1 (Ho-1) level in HFD/STZ mice was
      restored in cilostazol group. Further, we demonstrated that cilostazol enhanced
      Nrf2/Ho-1 signaling in cultured proximal tubular epithelial cells. Collectively,
      these results suggest the potential advantageous use of cilostazol as an
      adjunctive therapy with statins for the amelioration of metabolic disorder
      associated renal injury.

PMID- 28084587
TI  - Milestone Weight Loss Goals (Weight Normalization and Remission of Obesity) after
      Gastric Bypass Surgery: Long-Term Results from the University of Michigan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rates of weight normalization and obesity remission after Roux-en-Y
      gastric bypass (GB) are unknown. This study evaluated weight loss, rates of
      achieving body mass index (BMI) <25 or 30 kg/m2, recidivism, and predictors of
      success following GB. METHODS: We retrospectively studied weight and BMI at
      baseline, 2 and 6 months, and annually at 1-7 years in 219 patients undergoing GB
      at the University of Michigan from January 2008 to November 2010. RESULTS: Follow
      up was excellent for a population traditionally associated with high attrition
      rates with data availability of 157/219, 145/219, 144/219, 134/219, 123/219,
      82/161, and 29/64 patients at 1-7 years, respectively. Mean baseline BMI was 47.0
      kg/m2. Weight normalization (BMI <25 kg/m2) occurred in 2.3-6.8% of patients.
      More importantly, 47% of patients achieved remission of obesity (BMI <30 kg/m2)
      at some time point and 24% (52/219) at the last observed time point. BMI <30
      kg/m2 was associated with a lower initial BMI and follow-up for more than 2
      years. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of weight normalization are low after GB; however, a
      large number of patients achieved BMI <30 kg/m2. While the percent total weight
      loss and excess weight loss are both quite high in the entire cohort and this is
      likely associated with significant health benefits, our results still underscore
      the need to address obesity with intensive clinical attention earlier in its
      course.

PMID- 28084588
TI  - Regulation of miR-34 Family in Neuronal Development.
AB  - Differentiation of neural stem cells (NSC's) to mature and functional neurons
      requires coordinated expression of mRNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) and regulatory
      proteins. Our earlier unbiased miRNA profiling studies have identified miR-200,
      miR-34 and miR-221/222 as maximally up-regulated miRNA families in
      differentiating PC12 cells and demonstrated the capability of miR-200 family in
      inducing neuronal differentiation (J. Neurochem, 2015, 133, 640-652). In present
      study, we have investigated role of miR-34 family in neuronal differentiation and
      identified P53 as mediator of nerve growth factor (NGF) induced miR-34a
      expression in differentiating PC12 cells. Our studies have shown that NGF induced
      miR-34a, arrests proliferating PC12 cells to G1 phase, which is pre-requisite for
      neuronal differentiation. Our studies have also shown that increased expression
      of miR-34a controls the P53 level in differentiated PC12 cells in feedback
      inhibition manner, which probably prevents differentiated cells from P53 induced
      apoptosis. Expression profiling of miR-34 family in different neuronal, non
      neuronal and developing cells have identified differentiated and aged brain cells
      as richest source of miR-34, which also indicates that higher expression of miR
      34 family helps in maintaining the mature neurons in non-proliferative stage. In
      conclusion, our studies have shown that miR-34 is brain enriched miRNA family,
      which up-regulates with neuronal maturation and brain ageing and co-operative
      regulation of P53 and miR-34a helps in neuronal differentiation by arresting
      cells in G1 phase.

PMID- 28084589
TI  - IL-17A Promotes Granulocyte Infiltration, Myelin Loss, Microglia Activation, and
      Behavioral Deficits During Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination.
AB  - Recent evidence suggests a pivotal role of the proinflammatory cytokine
      interleukin - 17A (IL-17) in demyelinating autoimmune diseases of the central
      nervous system (CNS) such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Nevertheless, it remains
      unclear if this cytokine exerts direct effects on CNS resident cells during MS or
      modulates the function of infiltrating immune cells towards a more detrimental
      phenotype. Here, we investigated the effects of locally produced IL-17 during
      experimental demyelination of the CNS using the cuprizone (CPZ) model in mice
      with (GF/IL17) or without transgenic production of IL-17 by astrocytes in the
      CNS. During early demyelination, GF/IL17 mice demonstrated enhanced activity and
      decreased anxiety-related behavior in the elevated plus maze suggesting a more
      severe disease course. Furthermore, in GF/IL17 mice, toxic demyelination was
      accelerated and synthesis of myelin proteins was reduced. Early demyelination was
      accompanied by an increased ratio of infiltrating granulocytes in GF/ILl17 mice.
      The presence of IL-17 during CPZ treatment increased the accumulation of
      activated microglia and sustained microglial proliferation during myelin loss.
      Taken together, our results argue for a detrimental role of IL-17 during
      demyelinating diseases.

PMID- 28084590
TI  - Effects of Hippocampal LIMK Inhibition on Memory Acquisition, Consolidation,
      Retrieval, Reconsolidation, and Extinction.
AB  - Long-lasting changes in dendritic spines provide a physical correlate for memory
      formation and persistence. LIM kinase (LIMK) plays a critical role in
      orchestrating dendritic actin dynamics during memory processing, since it is the
      convergent downstream target of both the Rac1/PAK and RhoA/ROCK pathways that in
      turn induce cofilin phosphorylation and prevent depolymerization of actin
      filaments. Here, using a potent LIMK inhibitor (BMS-5), we investigated the role
      of LIMK activity in the dorsal hippocampus during contextual fear memory in rats.
      We first found that post-training administration of BMS-5 impaired memory
      consolidation in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibiting LIMK before training also
      disrupted memory acquisition. We then demonstrated that hippocampal LIMK activity
      seems to be critical for memory retrieval and reconsolidation, since both
      processes were impaired by BMS-5 treatment. Contextual fear memory extinction,
      however, was not sensitive to the same treatment. In conclusion, our findings
      demonstrate that hippocampal LIMK activity plays an important role in memory
      acquisition, consolidation, retrieval, and reconsolidation during contextual fear
      conditioning.

PMID- 28084591
TI  - Carnosic Acid Suppresses the H2O2-Induced Mitochondria-Related Bioenergetics
      Disturbances and Redox Impairment in SH-SY5Y Cells: Role for Nrf2.
AB  - The phenolic diterpene carnosic acid (CA, C20H28O4) exerts antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-cancer effects in mammalian cells. CA
      activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), among other
      signaling pathways, and restores cell viability in several in vitro and in vivo
      experimental models. We have previously reported that CA affords mitochondrial
      protection against various chemical challenges. However, it was not clear yet
      whether CA would prevent chemically induced impairment of the tricarboxylic acid
      cycle (TCA) function in mammalian cells. In the present work, we found that a
      pretreatment of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with CA at 1 MUM for 12 h
      prevented the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced impairment of the TCA enzymes
      (aconitase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (alpha-KGDH), succinate
      dehydrogenase (SDH)) and abolished the inhibition of the complexes I and V and
      restored the levels of ATP by a mechanism associated with Nrf2. CA also exhibited
      antioxidant abilities by enhancing the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and
      decreasing the content oxidative stress markers (cellular 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine
      (8-oxo-dG), and mitochondrial malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, and 3
      nitrotyrosine). Silencing of Nrf2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abrogated the
      protective effects elicited by CA in mitochondria of SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, CA
      prevented the H2O2-triggered mitochondrial impairment by an Nrf2-dependent
      mechanism. The specific role of Nrf2 in ameliorating the function of TCA enzymes
      function needs further research.

PMID- 28084592
TI  - Maternal Hypermethioninemia Affects Neurons Number, Neurotrophins Levels, Energy
      Metabolism, and Na+,K+-ATPase Expression/Content in Brain of Rat Offspring.
AB  - In the current study, we verified the effects of maternal hypermethioninemia on
      the number of neurons, apoptosis, nerve growth factor, and brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor levels, energy metabolism parameters (succinate
      dehydrogenase, complex II, and cytochrome c oxidase), expression and
      immunocontent of Na+,K+-ATPase, edema formation, inflammatory markers (tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6), and mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide
      levels in the encephalon from the offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided
      into two groups: the first one received saline (control) and the second group
      received 2.68 MUmol methionine/g body weight by subcutaneous injections twice a
      day during gestation (approximately 21 days). After parturition, pups were killed
      at the 21st day of life for removal of encephalon. Neuronal staining (anti-NeuN)
      revealed a reduction in number of neurons, which was associated to decreased
      nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Maternal
      hypermethioninemia also reduced succinate dehydrogenase and complex II activities
      and increased expression and immunocontent of Na+,K+-ATPase alpha subunits. These
      results indicate that maternal hypermethioninemia may be a predisposing factor
      for damage to the brain during the intrauterine life.

PMID- 28084594
TI  - Caspase-Cleaved Tau Impairs Mitochondrial Dynamics in Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of aggregates of tau
      protein. Tau truncated by caspase-3 (D421) or tau hyperphosphorylated at
      Ser396/S404 might play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Mitochondria are dynamic
      organelles that modify their size and function through mitochondrial dynamics.
      Recent studies have shown that alterations of mitochondrial dynamics affect
      synaptic communication. Therefore, we studied the effects of pathological forms
      of tau on the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. We used primary cortical
      neurons from tau(-/-) knockout mice and immortalized cortical neurons (CN1.4)
      that were transfected with plasmids containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) or
      GFP with different tau forms: full-length (GFP-T4), truncated (GFP-T4C3),
      pseudophosphorylated (GFP-T42EC), or both truncated and pseudophosphorylated
      modifications of tau (GFP-T4C3-2EC). Cells expressing truncated tau showed
      fragmented mitochondria compared to cells that expressed full-length tau. These
      findings were corroborated using primary neurons from tau(-/-) knockout mice that
      expressed the truncated and both truncated and pseudophosphorylated forms of tau.
      Interestingly, mitochondrial fragmentation was accompanied by a significant
      reduction in levels of optic atrophy protein 1 (Opa1) in cells expressing the
      truncated form of tau. In addition, treatment with low concentrations of amyloid
      beta (Abeta) significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, cell
      viability, and mitochondrial length in cortical cells and primary neurons from
      tau(-/-) mice that express truncated tau. These results indicate that the
      presence of tau pathology impairs mitochondrial dynamics by reducing Opa1 levels,
      an event that could lead to mitochondrial impairment observed in AD.

PMID- 28084593
TI  - Pinocembrin Suppresses H2O2-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction by a Mechanism
      Dependent on the Nrf2/HO-1 Axis in SH-SY5Y Cells.
AB  - Mitochondria are susceptible to redox impairment, which has been associated with
      neurodegeneration. These organelles are both a source and target of reactive
      species. In that context, there is increasing interest in finding natural
      compounds that modulate mitochondrial function and mitochondria-related signaling
      in order to prevent or to treat diseases involving mitochondrial impairment.
      Herein, we investigated whether and how pinocembrin (PB) would prevent
      mitochondrial dysfunction elicited by the exposure of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y
      cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). PB (25 MUM) was administrated for 4 h before
      H2O2 treatment (300 MUM for 24 h). PB prevented H2O2-induced loss of cell
      viability mitochondrial depolarization in SH-SY5Y cells. PB also attenuated redox
      impairment in mitochondrial membranes. The production of superoxide anion radical
      (O2-*) and nitric oxide (NO*) was alleviated by PB in cells exposed to H2O2. PB
      suppressed the H2O2-induced inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle
      enzymes aconitase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and succinate
      dehydrogenase. Furthermore, PB induced anti-inflammatory effects by abolishing
      the H2O2-dependent activation of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and
      upregulation of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha). The PB-induced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are dependent on
      the heme oxygenate-1 (HO-1) enzyme and on the activation of the transcription
      factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), since HO-1 inhibition
      (with 0.5 MUM ZnPP IX) or Nrf2 silencing (with small interfering RNA (siRNA))
      abolished the effects of PB. Overall, PB afforded cytoprotection by the Nrf2/HO-1
      axis in H2O2-treated SH-SY5Y cells.

PMID- 28084595
TI  - Molecular Neuro-Pathomechanism of Neurocysticercosis: How Host Genetic Factors
      Influence Disease Susceptibility.
AB  - Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the most neglected tropical diseases among
      widely endemic neurological diseases. It is caused by cysticerci of Taenia
      solium. The clinical symptom for the outcome of infection and progression of
      disease is pleomorphic and its neuro-pathomechanism is still illusive.
      Identification of host genetic factors and their association with disease
      susceptibility is one of the most important areas of research towards
      personalized medicine in the era of omics. Several genes and their allelic
      variations had been identified to be associated with various neurological
      disorders; however, the information for parasitic diseases affecting the central
      nervous system is very limited. Both Th1 and Th2 arms of the immune system are
      reported to be active at different stages of T. solium infection in the brain.
      Recently, several papers had been published, where the role of host genetic
      makeup with NCC had been explored. Increased frequency of HLA-A28, HLA-B63, HLA
      B58, TLR 4 Asp299Gly, sICAM-1 gene K469E, GSTM1, and GSTT1 were found to be
      associated with increased risk of NCC occurrence, while HLA-DQW2 and HLA-A11 were
      shown to be providing protection from disease. In this review, we have summarized
      these findings and analyzed the influence of host genetic polymorphism on the
      susceptibility/resistance of host to NCC.

PMID- 28084597
TI  - Optimizing vermifilter depth by process performance collaborated with the
      evolutions of microbial characteristics during sewage sludge treatment.
AB  - The present study focuses on optimizing filter depth on sludge reduction in a
      four-stage vermifiltration during the course of treating excess sludge
      continuously. The results indicated that when the filter depth exceeded 75 cm,
      though the fourth stage can further advance the sludge reduction, its
      contribution for the total sludge reduction was lower than 10%, while the aerobic
      bacteria, especially the dominant bacteria (Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes),
      kept a high similarity as the filter depth varied. Furthermore, earthworm
      activities attributed to aerobic bacteria being preferentially selected in the
      system, positively supporting the organic decomposition. As far as economic cost
      and process performance are concerned, a 75-cm vermifilter was recommended to
      efficiently and economically achieve the required standard for sewage sludge
      reduction and stabilization.

PMID- 28084596
TI  - Current Clinical Applications and Next Steps for Cardiac Innervation Imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Autonomic innervation is crucial for regulating cardiac
      function. Sympathetic innervation imaging with 123I-mIBG and analogous PET
      tracers assesses disease in ways that differ from customary methods. This review
      describes practical use in various clinical scenarios, discusses recent
      guidelines, presents new data confirming risk stratification power, describes an
      ongoing prospective study, and looks forward to wider use in patient management.
      RECENT FINDINGS: ASNC 123I-mIBG guidelines are available, expanding on European
      guidelines. ADMIRE-HF patient follow-up increased to 2 years in ADMIRE HFX,
      demonstrating independent mortality risk reclassification. ADMIRE-HF findings
      were substantiated in a Japanese consortium study and in the PAREPET 11C-HED PET
      study. Exciting potential uses of adrenergic imaging are management of LVADs and
      VT ablation. CZT cameras provide advantages, but derived parameters differ from
      Anger camera values. Independent risk stratification utility of adrenergic
      imaging with 123I-mIBG and PET tracers is continuously being confirmed. An
      ongoing prospective randomized study promises to establish patient management
      utility. There is potential for wider use and improved images with newer cameras
      and PET.

PMID- 28084598
TI  - Amelioration of an acidic ultisol by straw-derived biochars combined with
      dicyandiamide under application of urea.
AB  - The rapid increase in agricultural pollution demands judicious use of inputs and
      outputs for sustainable crop production. Crop straws were pyrolyzed under oxygen
      limited conditions at 400  degrees C for 2 h to prepare peanut straw biochar
      (PB), canola straw biochar (CB), and wheat straw biochar (WB). Then, 300-g soils
      were incubated each with urea nitrogen (UN) and UN + biochars with or without
      dicyandiamide (DCD) for 60 days. During the incubations, soil acidification
      induced by urea was somewhat inhibited by biochars, but nitrification of
      hydrolyzed NH4+ produced much more acidity than the neutralization potential of
      the biochars. In single UN (200 mg/kg) treatment, soil pH decreased drastically
      and the final pH after incubation was lower than the control. Antagonistic to UN,
      all three biochars neutralized the soil acidity, which was consistent to their
      inherent alkalinity. DCD inhibited nitrification which was obvious throughout the
      incubations, as 30 mg/kg DCD + 200 mg/kg UN combined with 1  % PB, CB, and WB
      retained 0.94, 0.79, and 1.19 units higher pH, respectively, and significantly
      reduced exchangeable acidity over the treatments without DCD (P < 0.05). The
      treatments of UN + biochars with and without DCD had highly significant effects
      on soil pH, exchangeable Al3+, NH4+-N, (NO3-+NO2-)-N, and available P (P < 0.05).
      Amplified NH4+-N retentions at higher rates of PB referred increased negatively
      charged sites for nutrient adsorptions. Applied UN transformations varied among
      different treatments, and the maximum amounts of total mineral N recovered were
      218.3, 218.5, and 223.8 mg/kg in the presence of DCD by PB, CB, and WB, compared
      to 198.2, 201.6, and 205.2 mg/kg, respectively, in no DCD treatments. Urea
      induced severe soil acidification and even lowered the ameliorative effects of
      applied biochars. Thus, ammonium-based fertilizers must include nitrification
      inhibitor (DCD) and, if used in combination with biochars will offer a suitable
      choice to reduce the acidity, improve base saturation and fertility of soil for
      sustainable agriculture.

PMID- 28084599
TI  - Real-time PCR assays for the detection and quantification of carbapenemase genes
      (bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48) in environmental samples.
AB  - In this study, we have developed real-time PCR assays using SYBR Green chemistry
      to detect all known alleles of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48-like
      carbapenemase genes in water, sediment, and biofilm samples collected from
      hospital and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and rivers receiving
      chronic WWTP discharges. The amplification of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48
      DNA was linear over 7 log dilutions (R 2 between 0.995 and 0.997) and showing
      efficiencies ranging from 92.6% to 100.3%. The analytical sensitivity indicated
      that the reaction for bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48-like genes was able to
      detect 35, 16, and 19 copy numbers per assay, respectively. The three
      carbapenemase genes were detected in hospital effluents, whereas only the bla KPC
      and bla NDM genes were detected in biofilm and sediment samples collected from
      wastewater-impacted rivers. The detection of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48
      like genes in different matrices suggests that carbapenem-resistant bacteria
      occur in both planktonic and benthic habitats thus expanding the range of
      resistance reservoirs for last-resort antibiotics. We believe that these real
      time PCR assays would be a powerful tool for the rapid detection and
      quantification of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48-like genes in complex
      environmental samples.

PMID- 28084600
TI  - Effect of lantibiotic gallidermin against biogenic amine-producing faecal
      staphylococci from ostriches and pheasants.
AB  - In ostriches and pheasants, there is still limited information relating to
      staphylococci and their properties. Biogenic amines (BAs) are nitrogenous low
      molecular-weight substances with biological functions in animals, plants and
      microorganisms. In this study, we focused on BA production by targeted faecal
      staphylococci from ostriches and pheasants and their sensitivity to lantibiotic
      bacteriocin gallidermin. Gallidermin belongs in a group of polycyclic
      proteinaceous antimicrobial substances. Thirty-six faecal staphylococci (24
      strains from 140 ostriches, 12 from 60 pheasants) comprising different species
      were tested. Staphylococci from ostriches and pheasants did not produce
      tryptamine-TRYP, putrescine-PUT, cadaverine-CAD or histamine-HIS. Production of
      tyramine-TYM, phenylethylamine-PEA was high or very high (100-1000 mg/L).
      Production of spermine-SPM and spermidine-SPD by staphylococci was very low or
      low although in the case of staphylococci from pheasants medium production of SPM
      was found. Because of the risk posed by BAs for consumers, the control of BA
      producing bacteria is important from the points of view not only of safety
      assessment of food-producing animals but also of human health safety. The
      sensitivity to gallidermin in biogenic amine-producing staphylococci from
      ostriches and pheasants detected here is the most promising indication for
      further application of gallidermin for veterinary purposes. The novelty of our
      study lies in testing the ability of faecal staphylococci from ostriches and
      pheasants to produce BAs and in their treatment with gallidermin which has so far
      not been tested in this way.

PMID- 28084601
TI  - Digitized Hand Skateboard Based on IR-Camera for Upper Limb Rehabilitation.
AB  - Abnormal upper limb function seriously impacts a patient's daily life. After
      receiving emergency treatment patient should receive function-rebuilding and
      recovery training. The objective of this study is to integrate IR-camera, an
      infrared emitter, with a conventional passive hand skateboard training device for
      conventional upper limb training and the training process is comprehensively
      recorded and analyzed. Patients participating in the occupational therapy have a
      binding band attached to hand skateboard on the table to guide the patient in
      moving the hand skateboard along the designated path to train the patient's upper
      limbs. Six people with normal upper limb function participated in the stability
      test. The device repeatability and test results were verified acceptable. Eight
      patients with abnormal upper limb function (their upper limb function was damaged
      due to stroke, MMSE > =27) were trained for 4 weeks. The patient scores in
      finishing rate and finishing time showed significant improvement. The paired T
      test results (satisfy p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) between wk-1 and wk-2 are
      significant. The paired T test results (satisfy p < 0.01) between wk-1 and wk-4
      are extremely significant. The new IR-Camera system focuses continuously on the
      "Figure of eight" curve. The system is light weight and convenient for stroke in
      home use. The study applies IR-camera technology to the conventional hand
      skateboard for upper limb training. The experiments show that the hardware of the
      proposed device no longer delays in response and can result in obvious clinical
      advances. The proposed device is verified worthy of promotion.

PMID- 28084602
TI  - Identification of the Catalytic Residue of Rat Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase 9 by Site
      Directed Mutagenesis.
AB  - Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase 9 (ACAD 9) is the ninth member of ACADs involved in
      mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and possibly complex I assembly. Sequence
      alignment suggested that Glu389 of rat ACAD 9 was highly conserved and located
      near the active center and might act as an important base for the dehydrogenation
      reaction. The role of Glu389 in the catalytic reaction was investigated by site
      directed mutagenesis. Both wild-type and mutant ACAD 9 proteins were purified and
      their catalytic characterization was studied. When Glu389 was replaced by other
      residues, the enzyme activity could be lost to a large extent. Those results
      suggested that Glu389 could function as the catalytic base that abstracted the
      alpha-proton of the acyl-CoA substrate in a proposed catalytic mechanism.

PMID- 28084603
TI  - A synthesis of fused acenaphthopyrrolizines via the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition
      reaction of azomethine ylides with acetylenic esters.
AB  - An efficient synthesis of tetraalkyl 6a-hydroxy-3-alkyl-3H,6aH-acenaphtho[1,2-g]
      pyrrolizine-1,2,5,6-tetracarboxylates via the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction
      of azomethine ylides (generated in situ from [Formula: see text]-amino acids and
      acenaphthylene-1,2-dione) with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates is described. When
      glycine was used instead of alanine, phenylalanine, valine, or isoleucine,
      dialkyl (E)-1[Formula: see text]-(1,4-dialkoxy-1,4-dioxobut-2-en-2-yl)-2-oxo
      [Formula: see text],5[Formula: see text]-dihydro-2H-spiro [acenaphthylene
      1,2[Formula: see text]-pyrrole]-3[Formula: see text],4[Formula: see text]
      dicarboxylates were obtained. The steric effects of the [Formula: see text]-amino
      acids side chains may be responsible for their different behaviors.

PMID- 28084604
TI  - Laparoscopic Pancreatic Enucleation With End-to-End Pancreatic Duct
      Reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic enucleation for neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors has
      become a feasible technique, with a reported incidence of pancreatic fistula
      ranging from 13 to 29 %.1 - 3 This report describes the first successful case of
      laparoscopic pancreatic enucleation with resection of the main pancreatic duct
      followed by end-to-end anastomosis. METHODS: A 41-year-old woman was admitted to
      the authors' hospital for repeated syncope. Hypoglycemia also was noted. A
      contrast-enhanced computed tomography examination showed a highly enhanced tumor
      measuring 22 mm in diameter on the ventral side of the pancreatic body adjacent
      to the main pancreatic duct. The patient's blood insulin level was elevated, and
      her diagnosis was determined to be pancreatic insulinoma. Laparoscopic pancreatic
      enucleation was performed. Approximately 2 cm of the main pancreatic duct was
      segmentally resected, and a short stent (Silicone tube: Silastic, Dow Corning
      Corporation, Midland, MI) was inserted. The direct anastomosis of the main
      pancreatic duct was performed using four separate sutures with an absorbable
      monofilament (6-0 PDS). RESULTS: The operation time was 166 min, and the
      estimated blood loss was 100 mL. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the
      patient was discharged from hospital on postoperative day 7. The pathologic
      findings showed a well-differentiated insulinoma and a negative surgical margin.
      A computed tomography examination performed 1 month after the operation showed a
      successful anastomosis with a patent main pancreatic duct. CONCLUSIONS:
      Laparoscopic segmental resection of the main pancreatic duct and end-to-end
      anastomosis can be performed safely with the insertion of a short stent. This
      technique also can be used for a central pancreatectomy.

PMID- 28084605
TI  - Diet to the Rescue: Cessation of Pharmacotherapy After Initiation of Exclusive
      Enteral Nutrition (EEN) Followed by Strict and Liberalized Specific Carbohydrate
      Diet (SCD) in Crohn's Disease.

PMID- 28084606
TI  - Optimizing patient-reported outcome and risk factor reporting from cancer
      survivors: a randomized trial of four different survey methods among colorectal
      cancer survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to determine response rates and associated
      costs of different survey methods among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.
      METHODS: We assembled a cohort of 16,212 individuals diagnosed with CRC (2010
      2014) from six health plans, and randomly selected 4000 survivors to test survey
      response rates across four mixed-mode survey administration protocols (in English
      and Spanish): arm 1, mailed survey with phone follow-up; arm 2, interactive voice
      response (IVR) followed by mail; arm 3; email linked to web-based survey with
      mail follow-up; and arm 4, email linked to web-based survey followed by IVR.
      RESULTS: Our overall response rate was 50.2%. Arm 1 had the highest response rate
      (59.9%), followed by arm 3 (51.9%), arm 2 (51.2%), and arm 4 (37.9%). Response
      rates were higher among non-Hispanic whites in all arms than other racial/ethnic
      groups (p < 0.001), among English (51.5%) than Spanish speakers (36.4%) (p <
      0.001), and among higher (53.7%) than lower (41.4%) socioeconomic status (p <
      0.001). Survey arms were roughly comparable in cost, with a difference of only 8%
      of total costs between the most (arm 2) and least (arm 3) expensive arms.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mailed surveys followed by phone calls achieved the highest response
      rate; email invitations and online surveys cost less per response. Electronic
      methods, even among those with email availability, may miss important populations
      including Hispanics, non-English speakers, and those of lower socioeconomic
      status. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Our results demonstrate effective
      methods for capturing patient-reported outcomes, inform the relative
      benefits/disadvantages of the different methods, and identify future research
      directions.

PMID- 28084607
TI  - The role of social media use in improving cancer survivors' emotional well-being:
      a moderated mediation study.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the USA, levels of emotional well-being among cancer survivors remain
      low. Social media is recognized as important to improve their emotional well
      being. However, little is known about social mechanisms that underlie the impact
      of health-related social media in cancer care. This study proposed a moderated
      mediation model to signify a pathway linking social media use to emotional well
      being. METHODS: Four-hundred and fifty-nine cancer survivors identified through
      the 2013 US-based Health Information National Trends Survey were included for
      data analysis. First, structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the
      path from social media use to emotional well-being, mediated by patient
      activation. Second, hierarchical regression was performed to test the moderation
      effect of emotion management. Last, a normal theory-based approach was used to
      explore the final moderated mediation model. RESULTS: The effect of health
      related social media use on emotional well-being was completely mediated by
      patient activation. Also, emotion management positively moderated the effect of
      patient activation on emotional well-being. Last, emotion management positively
      moderated the mediation pathway from health-related social media use to patient
      activation, and finally, to emotional well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Health-related
      social media, by itself, is not sufficient to bring about improvement in cancer
      survivors' emotional well-being. Patient activation and emotion management play a
      significant role. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: In future interventions
      designed to improve cancer survivors' emotional health, health practitioners
      should not only encourage cancer survivors to use social media for health
      purposes, but also activate them in the course of care, and improve their emotion
      self-management skills.

PMID- 28084608
TI  - The Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activities of Infusions of Sambucus nigra
      L.
AB  - The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of teas prepared
      from twenty-four commercially available berries and flowers of Sambucus nigra L.
      in relation to their phenolic profile, as reflected by the most representative
      phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, ferulic, gallic and syringic
      acids); flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin and rutin); and total
      phenolic (TPC), phenolic acid (TAC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents. The infusions
      prepared from elderflowers contained more abundant phenolic compounds than the
      elderberry infusions. The TPC of these infusions ranged from 19.81 to 23.90 mg of
      gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight of sample (GAE/g DW) for elderberries and
      from 15.23 to 35.57 mg GAE/g DW for elderflowers, whereas the TFC ranged from
      2.60 to 4.49 mg of rutin equivalents/g dry weight of sample (RUTE/g DW) in
      elderberry infusions and from 5.27 to 13.19 mg RUTE/g DW in elderflower
      infusions. Among the phenolic compounds quantified in this study, quercetin (2.07
      9.48 mg/g DW) and myricetin (1.17-9.62 mg/g DW) had the highest concentrations in
      the teas prepared from berries and flowers, respectively. Moreover, the
      antioxidant potential of elder infusions assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays
      revealed that the teas prepared from flowers had higher mean DPPH and FRAP
      activities than the teas prepared from berries. Therefore, elder beverages could
      be important dietary sources of natural antioxidants that contribute to the
      prevention of diseases caused by oxidative stress.

PMID- 28084609
TI  - The mobile RNAs, StBEL11 and StBEL29, suppress growth of tubers in potato.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: We demonstrate that RNAs of StBEL11 and StBEL29 are phloem-mobile
      and function antagonistically to the growth-promoting characteristics of StBEL5
      in potato. Both these RNAs appear to inhibit tuber growth by repressing the
      activity of target genes of StBEL5 in potato. Moreover, upstream sequence driving
      GUS expression in transgenic potato lines demonstrated that both StBEL11 and -29
      promoter activity is robust in leaf veins, petioles, stems, and vascular tissues
      and induced by short days in leaves and stolons. Steady-state levels of their
      mRNAs were also enhanced by short-day conditions in selective organs. There are
      thirteen functional BEL1-like genes in potato that encode for a family of
      transcription factors (TF) ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. These BEL1 TFs work
      in tandem with KNOTTED1-types to regulate the expression of numerous target genes
      involved in hormone metabolism and growth processes. One of the StBELs, StBEL5,
      functions as a long-distance mRNA signal that is transcribed in leaves and moves
      into roots and stolons to stimulate growth. The two most closely related StBELs
      to StBEL5 are StBEL11 and -29. Together these three genes make up more than 70%
      of all StBEL transcripts present throughout the potato plant. They share a number
      of common features, suggesting they may be co-functional in tuber development.
      Upstream sequence driving GUS expression in transgenic potato lines demonstrated
      that both StBEL11 and -29 promoter activity is robust in leaf veins, petioles,
      stems, and vascular tissues and induced by short-days in leaves and stolons.
      Steady-state levels of their mRNAs were also enhanced by short-day conditions in
      specific organs. Using a transgenic approach and heterografting experiments, we
      show that both these StBELs inhibit growth in correlation with the long distance
      transport of their mRNAs from leaves to roots and stolons, whereas suppression
      lines of these two RNAs exhibited enhanced tuber yields. In summary, our results
      indicate that the RNAs of StBEL11 and StBEL29 are phloem-mobile and function
      antagonistically to the growth-promoting characteristics of StBEL5. Both these
      RNAs appear to inhibit growth in tubers by repressing the activity of target
      genes of StBEL5.

PMID- 28084610
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-Related Hypophysitis.
AB  - We report two different cases of IgG4-related hypophysitis. In the first case, a
      pituitary lesion was accompanied by lymphocytic meningitis possibly mimicking
      tuberculous meningitis. The second case was unassociated with involvement of
      other organs. No histologic differences were noted between the two cases
      indicating that the morphologic features of the hypophysial lesion do not depend
      on the presence of other lesions. The pathogenesis of IgG4 hypophysitis is not
      known, and further study is necessary to explore the cause, progression, and
      influencing factors of this disease.

PMID- 28084612
TI  - An experimental phantom study of the effect of gadolinium-based MR contrast
      agents on PET attenuation coefficients and PET quantification in PET-MR imaging:
      application to cardiac studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simultaneous cardiac perfusion studies are an increasing trend in PET
      MR imaging. During dynamic PET imaging, the introduction of gadolinium-based MR
      contrast agents (GBCA) at high concentrations during a dual injection of GBCA and
      PET radiotracer may cause increased attenuation effects of the PET signal, and
      thus errors in quantification of PET images. We thus aimed to calculate the
      change in linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of a mixture of PET radiotracer
      and increasing concentrations of GBCA in solution and furthermore, to investigate
      if this change in LAC produced a measurable effect on the image-based PET
      activity concentration when attenuation corrected by three different AC
      strategies. FINDINGS: We performed simultaneous PET-MR imaging of a phantom in a
      static scenario using a fixed activity of 40 MBq [18 F]-NaF, water, and an
      increasing GBCA concentration from 0 to 66 mM (based on an assumed maximum
      possible concentration of GBCA in the left ventricle in a clinical study). This
      simulated a range of clinical concentrations of GBCA. We investigated two methods
      to calculate the LAC of the solution mixture at 511 keV: (1) a mathematical
      mixture rule and (2) CT imaging of each concentration step and subsequent
      conversion to LAC at 511 keV. This comparison showed that the ranges of LAC
      produced by both methods are equivalent with an increase in LAC of the mixed
      solution of approximately 2% over the range of 0-66 mM. We then employed three
      different attenuation correction methods to the PET data: (1) each PET scan at a
      specific millimolar concentration of GBCA corrected by its corresponding CT scan,
      (2) each PET scan corrected by a CT scan with no GBCA present (i.e., at 0 mM
      GBCA), and (3) a manually generated attenuation map, whereby all CT voxels in the
      phantom at 0 mM were replaced by LAC = 0.1 cm-1. All attenuation correction
      methods (1-3) were accurate to the true measured activity concentration within
      5%, and there were no trends in image-based activity concentrations upon
      increasing the GBCA concentration of the solution. CONCLUSION: The presence of
      high GBCA concentration (representing a worst-case scenario in dynamic cardiac
      studies) in solution with PET radiotracer produces a minimal effect on
      attenuation-corrected PET quantification.

PMID- 28084611
TI  - Effect of Probiotic Bacillus Coagulans and Lactobacillus Plantarum on Alleviation
      of Mercury Toxicity in Rat.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of probiotics
      (Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus coagulans) against mercury-induced toxicity
      using a rat model. Mercury (Hg) is a widespread heavy metal and was shown to be
      associated with various diseases. Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were
      randomly divided into six groups (control, mercury-only, each probiotic-only, and
      mercury plus each probiotic group). Hg-treated groups received 10 ppm mercuric
      chloride, and probiotic groups were administrated 1 * 109 CFU of probiotics daily
      for 48 days. Levels of mercury were determined using cold vapor technique, and
      some biochemical factors (list like glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), creatinine, urea, bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), and
      aspartate transaminase (AST)) were measured to evaluate changes in oxidative
      stress. Oral administration of either probiotic was found to provide significant
      protection against mercury toxicity by decreasing the mercury level in the liver
      and kidney and preventing alterations in the levels of GPx and SOD. Probiotic
      treatment generated marked reduction in the levels of creatinine, urea,
      bilirubin, ALT, and AST indicating the positive influence of the probiotics on
      the adverse effects of Hg in the body.

PMID- 28084613
TI  - Supramolecular Gel-Templated In Situ Synthesis and Assembly of CdS Quantum Dots
      Gels.
AB  - Although many studies have attempted to develop strategies for spontaneously
      organizing nanoparticles (NPs) into three-dimensional (3D) geometries, it remains
      a fascinating challenge. In this study, a method for in situ synthesis and self
      assembly of a CdS quantum dots (QDs) gel using a Cd supramolecular gel as a
      scaffold was demonstrated. During the QDs formation process, the Cd ions that
      constituted the Cd gels served as the precursors of the CdS QDs, and the oleic
      acid (OA) that ligated with the Cd in the supramolecular gels was capped on the
      surface of the CdS QDs in the form of carboxylate. The OA-stabilized CdS QDs were
      in situ synthesized in the entangled self-assembled fibrillar networks (SAFIN) of
      the Cd gels through reactions between the gelator and H2S. As a result, the QDs
      exactly replicated the framework of the SAFIN in the CdS QD gels instead of
      simply assembling along the SAFIN of the supramolecular gels. Moreover, the CdS
      QDs showed extraordinary sensitivity in the fluorescence detection of IO4-
      anions. The facile one-step method developed here is a new approach to assembling
      nanostructured materials into 3D architectures and has general implications for
      the design of low molecular mass gelators to bring desired functionality to the
      developed supramolecular gels.

PMID- 28084614
TI  - Nasogastric tube insertion in anaesthetized patients: a comprehensive review.
AB  - Nasogastric tubes (NGT) still remain the easiest and the best way for
      gastrointestinal tract access. There are various indications for the insertion of
      a nasogastric tube in anaesthetized and critically ill patients. Although many
      techniques have been introduced to facilitate nasogastric tube insertion using
      anatomic landmarks and a group of devices, there is no consensus on a standard
      method. Moreover, there are different methods for the assessment of the correct
      placement of a nasogastric tube. In addition to these challenges in insertion and
      assessment methods, there are varieties of major life-threatening and minor
      complications to be addressed. Thus, selecting the most appropriate approach
      requires enough knowledge in this area, considering patient condition and
      clinical factors, as well as the practitioners' sufficient education and
      experience, along with skill in performance. This is a comprehensive review of
      the literature evidence on different methods for nasogastric tube insertion, on
      the assessment of correct placement and the evaluation of complications, in
      addition to an approach to the effect of education on the quality of routine
      practice and patients' outcome. &nbsp.

PMID- 28084616
TI  - Piperacillin-tazobactam-induced linear IgA bullous dermatosis presenting
      clinically as Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap.
AB  - Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a subepidermal autoimmune bullous disease
      characterized by linear IgA deposition at the basement membrane zone, which is
      visualized by direct immunofluorescence. Patients with LABD typically present
      with widespread vesicles and bullae; however, this is not necessarily the case,
      as the clinical presentation of this disease is heterogeneous. LABD clinically
      presenting as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
      is an infrequent, yet well-described phenomenon. Most cases of LABD are
      idiopathic, but some cases are drug-induced. Multiple drugs have been implicated
      in the development of LABD. We report a case of piperacillin-tazobactam-induced
      LABD presenting clinically as SJS/TEN overlap. This is the first reported case of
      a strong causal association between piperacillin-tazobactam and the development
      of LABD.

PMID- 28084617
TI  - ADAMTS-4 in central nervous system pathologies.
AB  - ADAMTS-4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs type 4)
      is a metalloproteinase specialized in the degradation of chondroitin sulfate
      proteoglycans, contributing to cartilage breakdown during arthritis. In this
      review, we first focus on the modifications of ADAMTS-4 expression during CNS
      physiological and pathological conditions, including chronic diseases and
      injuries. Then, we discuss the contributions of ADAMTS-4 to mechanisms mediating
      neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration during spinal cord
      injury, ischemic stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
      Here, we provide an overview of ADAMTS-4 functions and effects in the CNS, and we
      discuss directions for future studies and treatments. Overall, this review
      highlights that ADAMTS-4 is a unique multifaceted metalloproteinase which
      influences various CNS disease pathophysiologies. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 28084618
TI  - Drugs in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease: The Major Trends.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a chronic and progressive
      neurodegenerative process resulting from the intracellular and extracellular
      accumulation of fibrillary proteins: beta-amyloid and hyperphosphorylated Tau.
      Overaccumulation of these aggregates leads to synaptic dysfunction and subsequent
      neuronal loss. The precise molecular mechanisms of AD are still not fully
      understood but it is clear that AD is a multifactorial disorder and that advanced
      age is the main risk factor. Over the last decade, more than 50 drug candidates
      have successfully passed phase II clinical trials, but none has passed phase III.
      Here, we summarize data on current "anti-Alzheimer's" agents currently in
      clinical trials based on findings available in the Thomson Reuters "Integrity"
      database, on the public website www.clinicaltrials.gov, and on database of the
      website Alzforum.org. As a result, it was possible to outline some major trends
      in AD drug discovery: (i) the development of compounds acting on the main stages
      of the pathogenesis of the disease (the so-called "disease-modifying agents") -
      these drugs could potentially slow the development of structural and functional
      abnormalities in the central nervous system providing sustainable improvements of
      cognitive functions, which persist even after drug withdrawal; (ii) focused
      design of multitargeted drugs acting on multiple molecular targets involved in
      the pathogenesis of the disease; (3) finally, the repositioning of old drugs for
      new (anti-Alzheimer's) application offers a very attractive approach to
      facilitate the completion of clinical trials.

PMID- 28084619
TI  - Life, death and rebirth of avirulence effectors in a fungal pathogen of Brassica
      crops, Leptosphaeria maculans.
AB  - Contents 526 I. 526 II. 527 III. 527 IV. 529 V. 529 VI. 530 VII. 530 531
      References 531 SUMMARY: In agricultural systems, major (R) genes for resistance
      in plants exert strong selection pressure on cognate/corresponding avirulence
      effector genes of phytopathogens. However, a complex interplay often exists
      between trade-offs linked to effector function and the need to escape R gene
      recognition. Here, using the Leptosphaeria maculans-oilseed rape pathosystem we
      review evolution of effectors submitted to multiple resistance gene selection.
      Characteristics of this pathosystem include a crop in which resistance genes have
      been deployed intensively resulting in 'boom and bust' cycles; a fungal pathogen
      with a high adaptive potential in which seven avirulence genes are cloned and for
      which population surveys have been coupled with molecular analysis of events
      responsible for virulence. The mode of evolution of avirulence genes, all located
      in dispensable parts of the 'two-speed' genome, is a highly dynamic gene-specific
      process. In some instances, avirulence genes are readily deleted under selection.
      However, others, even when located in the most plastic genome regions, undergo
      only limited point mutations or their avirulence phenotype is 'camouflaged' by
      another avirulence gene. Thus, while hundreds of effector genes are present, some
      effectors are likely to have an important and nonredundant function, suggesting
      functional redundancy and dispensability of effectors might not be the rule.

PMID- 28084620
TI  - The long-term neuropsychological features of basal ganglia encephalitis.

PMID- 28084621
TI  - State of the art in microRNA as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Early diagnostic is one of the most important steps in cancer therapy which helps
      to design and choose a better therapeutic approach. The finding of biomarkers in
      various levels including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics levels could
      provide better treatment for various cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      (CLL). The CLL is the one of main lymphoid malignancies which is specified by
      aggregation of mature B lymphocytes. Among different biomarkers (e.g., CD38,
      chromosomes abnormalities, ZAP-70, TP53, and microRNA [miRNA]), miRNAs have
      appeared as new diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in patients with the CLL
      disease. Multiple lines of evidence indicated that deregulation of miRNAs could
      be associated with pathological events which are present in the CLL. These
      molecules have an effect on a variety of targets such as Bcl2, c-fos, c-Myc,
      TP53, TCL1, and STAT3 which play critical roles in the CLL pathogenesis. It has
      been shown that expression of miRNAs could lead to the activation of B cells and
      B cell antigen receptor (BCR). Moreover, exosomes containing miRNAs are one of
      the other molecules which could contribute to BCR stimulation and progression of
      CLL cells. Hence, miRNAs and exosomes released from CLL cells could be used as
      potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for CLL. This critical review
      focuses on a very important aspect of CLL based on biomarker discovery covers the
      pros and cons of using miRNAs as important diagnostics and therapeutics
      biomarkers for this deadly disease.

PMID- 28084622
TI  - Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device-Related Infection and Extraction Trends in
      the U.S.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implantation of cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) has surged
      lately. This resulted in a rise in cardiac device-related infections (CDI) and
      inevitably, lead extractions. We examined the recent national trend in the
      incidence of CIED infections and lead extractions in hospitalized patients and
      associated mortality. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the
      years 2003-2011 we identified patients diagnosed with a CDI-associated infection
      as determined by discharge ICD-9 diagnostic codes. We examined the trend of
      device-related infections overall and in different subgroups. We studied
      mortality associated with device infections, lead extractions, associated costs,
      and length of stay. RESULTS: There is a significant increase in the number of
      hospitalizations due to CDI from 5,308 in the year 2003 to 9,948 in 2011. Males
      (68%), Caucasians (77%), and age group 65-84 years (56.4%) accounted for majority
      of CDI. The mortality associated with CDI was 4.5 %, and was worse in higher age
      groups (2.5% in 18-44 years compared to 5.3% in 85+ years, P < 0.001). Average
      length of stay was unchanged over the years remaining at 13.6 days; however, mean
      hospitalization charges increased from $91,348 in 2003 to $173,211 in 2011 (P <
      0.001). Among all lead extraction procedures, the percentage of patients
      undergoing lead extraction secondary to CDI also increased from 2003 (59.1%) to
      2011 (76.7%), P-value < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare burden associated with CDI
      infections and associated lead extractions has significantly increased in the
      recent years. Despite an increase in cost associated with CIED infections,
      mortality remains the same, and is higher in older patients.

PMID- 28084623
TI  - The effect of foraging and ontogeny on the prevalence and intensity of the
      invasive parasite Anguillicola crassus in the European eel Anguilla anguilla.
AB  - Infection patterns of the invasive Anguillicola crassus nematode were
      investigated in a population of the European eel Anguilla anguilla where parasite
      invasion is very recent, Loch Lomond, Scotland. Intensity levels of the parasite
      were associated with differences in fish ontogeny and trophic ecology. Although
      eels foraged on both fish and invertebrates, individuals which were smaller and
      fed on invertebrates (>70% contribution to diet) were found to contain a greater
      number of swim bladder parasites compared to larger eel with a predominance of
      fish (>60% contribution) in their diet. Within affected fish, a significant
      negative relationship was found between fish length and parasite intensity, with
      smaller individuals having higher parasite intensity than larger individuals.
      This study indicates that food intake and infection risk are linked in this
      recently infected host-parasite system. From a management perspective increasing
      our understanding of how infection intensity and repeated exposure is linked to
      resource use in an ecosystem is important for the future management of this
      endangered species in Europe.

PMID- 28084624
TI  - First-line combination therapy versus first-line monotherapy for primary
      hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Starting with one drug and starting with a combination of two drugs
      are strategies suggested in clinical guidelines as initial treatment of
      hypertension. The recommendations are not based on evidence about clinically
      relevant outcomes. Some antihypertensive combinations have been shown to be
      harmful. The actual harm-to-benefit balance of each strategy is unknown.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine if there are differences in clinical outcomes between
      monotherapy and combination therapy as initial treatment for primary
      hypertension. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Hypertension Group Specialised
      Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2016,
      Issue 2), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, Current
      Controlled Trials, and the World Health Organization International Clinical
      Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) up to February 2016. We searched in clinical
      studies repositories of pharmaceutical companies, reviews of combination drugs in
      Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency, and lists of
      references in reviews and clinical practice guidelines. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomized, double-blind trials with at least 12 months' follow-up in adults with
      primary hypertension (systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure 140/90
      mmHg or higher, or 130/80 mmHg or higher if participants had diabetes), which
      compared combination of two first-line antihypertensive drug with monotherapy as
      initial treatment. Trials had to include at least 50 participants per group and
      report mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular events or serious
      adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected
      trials for inclusion, evaluated the risk of bias and entered the data. Primary
      outcomes were mortality, serious adverse events, cardiovascular events and
      cardiovascular mortality. Secondary outcomes were withdrawals due to drug-related
      adverse effects, reaching blood pressure control (as defined in each trial) and
      blood pressure change from baseline. Analyses were based on the intention-to
      treat principle. We summarized data on dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios with
      95% confidence intervals. MAIN RESULTS: We found three studies in which a
      subgroup of participants met our inclusion criteria. None of the studies focused
      solely on people initiating antihypertensive treatment so we asked investigators
      for data for this subgroup (monotherapy: 335 participants; combination therapy:
      233 participants). They included outpatients, and mostly European and white
      people. Two trials included only people with type 2 diabetes, whereas the other
      trial excluded people treated with diabetes, hypocholesterolaemia or
      cardiovascular drugs. The follow-up was 12 months in two trials and 36 months in
      one trial. Certainty of evidence was very low due to the serious imprecision, and
      for using a subgroup not defined in advance. Confidence intervals were extremely
      wide for all important outcomes and included both appreciable harm and benefit.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The numbers of included participants and, hence the number
      of events, were too small to draw any conclusion about the relative efficacy of
      monotherapy versus combination therapy as initial treatment for primary
      hypertension. There is a need for large clinical trials that address the question
      and report clinically relevant endpoints.

PMID- 28084625
TI  - Efficacy of peripheral lidocaine application (neural therapy) in the treatment of
      neurogenic detrusor overactivity in multiple sclerosis patients.
AB  - AIMS: Many agents and treatments are used in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor
      overactivity (NDO) in MS patients, but no study has been conducted on the use of
      peripheric lidocaine (neural therapy-NT) on MS patients. We evaluated the effects
      of local administration of lidocaine on NDO in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.
      METHODS: For each patient local anesthetic lidocaine was injected at each
      session. Sessions were held once a week for 5 weeks. At each session, Th 10-L1,
      urogenital segment intradermal injections, Frankenhauser, and sacral epidural
      injections were given. The patients had clinical and urodynamic assessment 1
      month before and 3, 9, and 12 months after NT. In addition, multiple sclerosis
      quality of life inventory (MSQL-54) and bladder control scale (BLCS) was
      performed for patients. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were included in the study
      (8 males, 20 females). The patients' average age was 31.7 +/- 8.1 years. The
      injection therapy significantly improved volume at first involuntary bladder
      contraction (FCV), maximal detrusor pression during filling (P det. max.),
      maximal cystometric bladder capacity (MCC) after 3 months. Also, the MSQL-54 and
      BLCS scores were improved with treatment. However, these improvements reached a
      maximum 3 months after treatment, but from the 9 month a regression was seen in
      the parameters, and after 12 months the findings were seen to be slightly above
      their basal levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that NDO treatment in MS
      patients could be an effective treatment which is easy and has very few side
      effects, and is cost effective.

PMID- 28084626
TI  - His-Bundle Pacing for Identifying Optimal Ablation Sites in Patients Undergoing
      Atrioventricular Junction Ablation: Teaching an Old Dog a New Trick.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular (AV) junction (AVJ) ablation is conventionally
      performed by localizing the His-bundle electrogram (HBE). Identification of HBE
      in the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) can be difficult, and can make this
      simple procedure challenging. In this study, we describe our experience with an
      alternative approach to localize optimal ablation sites using His-bundle pacing
      (HBP). METHODS: Between 1/1/2014 and 12/31/2015, we performed 13 AVJ ablations
      using the standard electrogram-guided approach and 11 ablations using HBP. All
      cases utilized a long femoral guiding sheath and an 8-mm-tip electrode
      radiofrequency (RF) energy ablation catheter. Pacing was performed at high output
      (10 mA at 2 ms) to initially achieve right bundle branch capture. The catheter
      was withdrawn until a narrow QRS morphology and increased stim-to-QRS time were
      observed. HBP was confirmed when paced and native QRS were identical in
      morphology. RF energy was applied at the site of HBP capture until AV block was
      observed. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of patients in each arm were not
      significantly different. Compared with the standard approach, HBP was associated
      with trends toward lower RF applications (3 vs. 2, P = 0.16) and shorter mean RF
      time (208 seconds vs. 128 seconds, P = 0.19). CONCLUSION: HBP is an effective
      technique to identify optimal ablation sites during AVJ ablation and may shorten
      procedure time. HBP can be used to identify the AV node during AF without
      recording the His potential. Future studies with larger sample size are needed to
      better characterize the utility of this technique.

PMID- 28084627
TI  - Carvacrol after status epilepticus (SE) prevents recurrent SE, early seizures,
      cell death, and cognitive decline.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Carvacrol is a naturally occurring monoterpenic phenol that has been
      suggested to have an action at transient receptor potential cation subfamily M7
      (TRPM7) channels, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA receptors, and sodium channels,
      and has been shown to be antiinflammatory. Carvacrol is neuroprotective in models
      of cerebral ischemia in vivo and in vitro, probably through its action at TRPM7
      channels. We therefore aimed to determine the effect of carvacrol on status
      epilepticus (SE), chronic epilepsy, cell death, and post-SE cognitive decline.
      METHODS: We performed long-term, continuous wireless electroencephalography (EEG)
      monitoring in vivo in rats who underwent perforant path stimulation (PPS) to
      induce SE and were then randomized to treatment with carvacrol or saline. We also
      evaluated TRPM7 receptor expression and quantified seizure-induced cell death.
      The alternating T-maze paradigm was used to assess memory function. RESULTS:
      Immunostaining showed that TRPM7 channels are widely expressed in neurons within
      the hippocampus. We found that carvacrol inhibited recurrent SE and early
      seizures in vivo, but had no detectable effect in the hippocampus on paired-pulse
      inhibition or the fiber volley, indicating that it was not acting through sodium
      channel inhibition or GABA receptors. Although the development and severity of
      chronic epilepsy were not altered by carvacrol, cognitive decline was
      significantly improved in animals treated with carvacrol. In keeping with
      preserved memory functions in animals treated with carvacrol, carvacrol had a
      protective effect against SE-induced cell death in CA1 and hilus, the hippocampal
      regions most affected by cell loss in the PPS epilepsy model. SIGNIFICANCE:
      Carvacrol, a naturally occurring inhibitor of TRPM7 channels, is a novel,
      promising treatment to prevent early recurrence of SE, SE-related neuronal
      damage, and cognitive decline.

PMID- 28084628
TI  - Disseminated nocardiosis associated with the isolation of Nocardia nova in a
      longsnout seahorse Hippocampus reidi (Ginsburg).

PMID- 28084629
TI  - How Postpartum Women With Depressive Symptoms Manage Sleep Disruption and
      Fatigue.
AB  - Postpartum sleep and fatigue have bidirectional relationships with depressive
      symptoms and challenge women's everyday functioning. The everyday process of
      managing postpartum sleep and fatigue in the context of depressive symptoms
      remains unexplored. We conducted a grounded theory study with a sample of 19
      women who screened positive on the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSSTM)
      Short Form at 3 weeks postpartum. Women completed semi-structured in-home
      interviews and the full PDSS and Modified Fatigue Symptoms Checklist at 1, 3, and
      6 months postpartum. The sample was on average 27 years old, with 2.8 children,
      and 63% were African-American. They described a basic social process of Finding a
      Routine Together, during which women's experiences with their infants progressed
      from Retreating at month 1 toward Finding a New Normal at month 6. In their work
      to Find a Routine Together, mothers' patterns of change over time were
      continuous, gradual, or prolonged. Their progress was influenced by depressive
      symptoms, social support, work and daycare, stability in social circumstances,
      and underlying stressors. This study's findings suggest the need to allocate
      resources and tailor interventions to meet the needs of women who are most
      vulnerable to the health effects of ongoing persistent severe fatigue, disordered
      sleep, and sub-clinical and clinical levels of depressive symptoms. (c) 2017
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28084630
TI  - Validity of the Communication Function Classification System for use with
      preschool children with communication disorders.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate construct and predictive validity of the Communication Function
      Classification System (CFCS) for use with preschool children with a range of
      speech and language disorders. METHOD: Seventy-seven preschool children with
      speech and language disorders (50 males, 27 females; mean 2y 7mo, standard
      deviation [SD] 1y) participated in this cohort study. Preschool children had
      speech and language, language-only, or speech-only disorders. Together with
      parent input, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) completed the CFCS at time 1.
      Parents and SLPs then independently completed a validated change-detecting
      functional communication outcome measure, the Focus on the outcomes of
      Communication Under Six (FOCUS), three times: at assessment (time 1), at the
      start of treatment (time 2), and at the end of treatment (time 3). RESULTS: There
      was a significant negative correlation between CFCS classifications and FOCUS
      scores at all three measurement points for the ratings by both parents and SLPs
      (correlations ranged from -0.60 to -0.76). As expected, no correlations between
      CFCS classifications and FOCUS change scores were statistically significant.
      INTERPRETATION: This study provides evidence of construct and predictive validity
      of the CFCS, demonstrating its value as a discriminative tool for use with
      preschool children with a range of speech and language disorders.

PMID- 28084631
TI  - Differentiating the Effects of Familial Risk for Alcohol Dependence and Prenatal
      Exposure to Alcohol on Offspring Brain Morphology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Offspring with a family history of alcohol dependence (AD) have been
      shown to have altered structural and functional integrity of corticolimbic brain
      structures. Similarly, prenatal exposure to alcohol is associated with a variety
      of structural and functional brain changes. The goal of this study was to
      differentiate the brain gray matter volumetric differences associated with
      familial risk and prenatal exposure to alcohol among offspring while controlling
      for lifetime personal exposures to alcohol and drugs. METHODS: A total of 52 high
      risk (HR) offspring from maternal multiplex families with a high proportion of AD
      were studied along with 55 low-risk (LR) offspring. Voxel-based morphometric
      analysis was performed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM8) software using
      3T structural images from these offspring to identify gray matter volume
      differences associated with familial risk and prenatal exposure. RESULTS:
      Significant familial risk group differences were seen with HR males showing
      reduced volume of the left inferior temporal, left fusiform, and left and right
      insula regions relative to LR males, controlling for prenatal exposure to alcohol
      drugs and cigarettes. HR females showed a reduction in the right fusiform but
      also showed a reduction in volume in portions of the cerebellum (left crus I and
      left lobe 8). Prenatal alcohol exposure effects, assessed within the familial HR
      group, was associated with reduced right middle cingulum and left middle temporal
      volume. Even low exposure resulting from mothers drinking in amounts less than
      the median of those who drank (53 drinks or less over the course of the
      pregnancy) showed a reduction in volume in the right anterior cingulum and in the
      left cerebellum (lobes 4 and 5). CONCLUSIONS: Familial risk for AD and prenatal
      exposure to alcohol and other drugs show independent effects on brain morphology.

PMID- 28084632
TI  - Netrin-1 overexpression improves neurobehavioral outcomes and reduces infarct
      size via inhibition of the notch1 pathway following experimental stroke.
AB  - Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Administration of
      Netrin-1 during the peri-infarct period has been shown to decrease infarct size
      in rats; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. We addressed this question
      in the present study by inducing stroke in rats via middle cerebral artery
      occlusion (MCAO), and evaluating the effects of Netrin-1 treatment by
      neurobehavioral testing, immunocytochemistry, and western blotting. Netrin-1
      overexpression increased neurobehavioral test scores and reduced cerebral infarct
      volume following MCAO via inhibition of the Notch1 signaling pathway. These
      results demonstrate that early administration of Netrin-1 can is an effective
      therapeutic approach for improving outcome after stroke. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28084633
TI  - Shedding light on hematopoietic stem cells: formation, regulation, and
      utilization.

PMID- 28084634
TI  - Building a Values-Informed Mental Model for New Orleans Climate Risk Management.
AB  - Individuals use values to frame their beliefs and simplify their understanding
      when confronted with complex and uncertain situations. The high complexity and
      deep uncertainty involved in climate risk management (CRM) lead to individuals'
      values likely being coupled to and contributing to their understanding of
      specific climate risk factors and management strategies. Most mental model
      approaches, however, which are commonly used to inform our understanding of
      people's beliefs, ignore values. In response, we developed a "Values-informed
      Mental Model" research approach, or ViMM, to elicit individuals' values alongside
      their beliefs and determine which values people use to understand and assess
      specific climate risk factors and CRM strategies. Our results show that
      participants consistently used one of three values to frame their understanding
      of risk factors and CRM strategies in New Orleans: (1) fostering a healthy
      economy, wealth, and job creation, (2) protecting and promoting healthy
      ecosystems and biodiversity, and (3) preserving New Orleans' unique culture,
      traditions, and historically significant neighborhoods. While the first value
      frame is common in analyses of CRM strategies, the latter two are often ignored,
      despite their mirroring commonly accepted pillars of sustainability. Other values
      like distributive justice and fairness were prioritized differently depending on
      the risk factor or strategy being discussed. These results suggest that the ViMM
      method could be a critical first step in CRM decision-support processes and may
      encourage adoption of CRM strategies more in line with stakeholders' values.

PMID- 28084635
TI  - De novo SCN1A pathogenic variants in the GEFS+ spectrum: Not always a familial
      syndrome.
AB  - Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is a familial epilepsy
      syndrome characterized by heterogeneous phenotypes ranging from mild disorders
      such as febrile seizures to epileptic encephalopathies (EEs) such as Dravet
      syndrome (DS). Although DS often occurs with de novo SCN1A pathogenic variants,
      milder GEFS+ spectrum phenotypes are associated with inherited pathogenic
      variants. We identified seven cases with non-EE GEFS+ phenotypes and de novo
      SCN1A pathogenic variants, including a monozygotic twin pair. Febrile seizures
      plus (FS+) occurred in six patients, five of whom had additional seizure types.
      The remaining case had childhood-onset temporal lobe epilepsy without known
      febrile seizures. Although early development was normal in all individuals, three
      later had learning difficulties, and the twin girls had language impairment and
      working memory deficits. All cases had SCN1A missense pathogenic variants that
      were not found in either parent. One pathogenic variant had been reported
      previously in a case of DS, and the remainder were novel. Our finding of de novo
      pathogenic variants in mild phenotypes within the GEFS+ spectrum shows that mild
      GEFS+ is not always inherited. SCN1A screening should be considered in patients
      with GEFS+ phenotypes because identification of pathogenic variants will
      influence antiepileptic therapy, and prognostic and genetic counseling.

PMID- 28084637
TI  - Long-term compliance and results of intravesical botulinum toxin A injections in
      male patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intravesical injections with botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is an
      established treatment for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.
      However, most studies have evaluated the efficacy of this treatment in women and
      report short-term results. In this study, we evaluated the long-term compliance
      of BoNT-A in a heterogeneous group of male patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      is a retrospective, single-centre study. We evaluated all male patients who have
      been treated with BoNT-A from 2004 until 2010 in a large teaching hospital.
      Patients received 100-300 U of onabotulinum toxin-A in 20 intravescial
      injections. Some patients received dose adjustment with repeated injections.
      RESULTS: In total, 88 male patients were included. The mean follow-up was almost
      6 years (69 months). Of all patients, 22 (25%) continued BoNT-A treatment at last
      follow-up (success). Of the patients who discontinued treatment, 35 had
      insufficient effect and 27 had tolerability issues (eg, urinary retention, self
      catheterisation, voiding LUTS). Four patients abandoned treatment due to other
      reasons that were not related to BoNT-A. Of all patients, 24% had to use
      intermittent catheterisation (de novo) or indwelling catheters at some point
      during the follow-up. DISCUSSION: In this real-life, heterogeneous cohort of men,
      the long-term compliance with BoNT-A was 25%. Patients with neurogenic OAB
      symptoms appear to have the best results in our study with 36% of patients who
      were still on active treatment during last follow-up. Intravesical BoNT-A can be
      an effective treatment for men with OAB symptoms. In our study, only 25% of
      patients continued treatment during long-term follow-up. Larger, prospective
      trials are needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 28084636
TI  - Rubisco small subunits from the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas complement
      Rubisco-deficient mutants of Arabidopsis.
AB  - Introducing components of algal carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) into
      higher plant chloroplasts could increase photosynthetic productivity. A key
      component is the Rubisco-containing pyrenoid that is needed to minimise CO2 retro
      diffusion for CCM operating efficiency. Rubisco in Arabidopsis was re-engineered
      to incorporate sequence elements that are thought to be essential for recruitment
      of Rubisco to the pyrenoid, namely the algal Rubisco small subunit (SSU, encoded
      by rbcS) or only the surface-exposed algal SSU alpha-helices. Leaves of
      Arabidopsis rbcs mutants expressing 'pyrenoid-competent' chimeric Arabidopsis
      SSUs containing the SSU alpha-helices from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii can form
      hybrid Rubisco complexes with catalytic properties similar to those of native
      Rubisco, suggesting that the alpha-helices are catalytically neutral. The growth
      and photosynthetic performance of complemented Arabidopsis rbcs mutants producing
      near wild-type levels of the hybrid Rubisco were similar to those of wild-type
      controls. Arabidopsis rbcs mutants expressing a Chlamydomonas SSU differed from
      wild-type plants with respect to Rubisco catalysis, photosynthesis and growth.
      This confirms a role for the SSU in influencing Rubisco catalytic properties.

PMID- 28084638
TI  - Association analysis of KIT, MITF, and PAX3 variants with white markings in
      Spanish horses.
AB  - Several variants in the KIT, PAX3 and MITF genes have previously been associated
      with white markings in horses. In this study, we examined eight variants of these
      genes in 70 Menorca Purebred horses (PRMe, only black solid-coloured horses) and
      70 Spanish Purebred horses (PRE, different coat colour patterns) that were scored
      for the extent of white markings. A maximum-likelihood chi-square test, logistic
      regression model and ridge regression analyses showed that a missense mutation
      (p.Arg682His) in KIT was associated with white facial markings (P < 0.05) and
      with total white markings (P < 0.05) in PRMe horses. The relative contribution of
      this variant to white markings in PRMe horses was estimated at 47.6% (head) and
      43.4% (total score). In PRE horses, this variant was also associated with
      hindlimb scores (P < 0.05) with a relative contribution of 41.2%. The
      g.20147039C>T intronic variant located 29.9 kb downstream from the transcription
      start site of the MITF gene was associated with less white markings on forelimbs
      (P < 0.05) in PRMe horses, with a relative contribution of 63.9%, whereas in PRE
      horses this variant was associated with white facial markings (P < 0.05), with a
      relative contribution of 63.9%. No significant associations were found for PAX3
      variants in these breeds. These results show that KIT and MITF variants are
      involved in the white marking patterns of both PRMe and PRE horses, providing
      breeders with an opportunity to use genetic testing to aid in breeding for their
      desired level of white markings.

PMID- 28084639
TI  - Bursts of seizures in long-term recordings of human focal epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We report on temporally clustered seizures detected from continuous
      long-term ambulatory human electroencephalographic data. The objective was to
      investigate short-term seizure clustering, which we have termed bursting, and
      consider implications for patient care, seizure prediction, and evaluating
      therapies. METHODS: Chronic ambulatory intracranial electroencephalography (EEG)
      data collected for the purpose of seizure prediction were annotated to identify
      seizure events. A detection algorithm was used to identify bursts of events.
      Burst events were compared to nonburst events to evaluate event dispersion,
      duration and dynamics. RESULTS: Bursts of seizures were present in 6 of 15
      subjects, and detections were consistent over long-term monitoring (>2 years).
      Subjects with bursts of seizures had highly overdispersed seizure rates, compared
      to other subjects. There was a complicated relationship between bursts and
      clinical seizures, although bursts were associated with multimodal distributions
      of seizure duration, and poorer predictive outcomes. For three subjects, bursts
      demonstrated distinctive preictal dynamics compared to clinical seizures.
      SIGNIFICANCE: We have previously hypothesized that there are distinct physiologic
      pathways underlying short- and long-duration seizures. Herein we show that burst
      seizures fall almost exclusively within the short population of seizure
      durations; however, a short duration event was not sufficient to induce or imply
      bursting. We can therefore conclude that in addition to distinct mechanisms
      underlying seizure duration, there are separate factors regulating bursts of
      seizures. We show that bursts were a robust phenomenon in our patient cohort,
      which were consistent with overdispersed seizure rates, suggesting long-memory
      dynamics.

PMID- 28084641
TI  - Malformation risk of antiepileptic drug exposure during pregnancy in women with
      epilepsy: Results from a pregnancy registry in South India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Kerala Registry of Epilepsy and Pregnancy had been prospectively
      evaluating the reproductive issues of women with epilepsy since April 1998. This
      analysis aimed to estimate the relative risk of major congenital malformations
      (MCM) to the registrants. METHODS: All pregnancies with known outcome in this
      register until December 2013 were included. Malformation status was evaluated by
      antenatal ultrasonography, physical examination at birth, echocardiography, and
      abdomen ultrasonography at 3 months of age and a final review at 1 year of age.
      RESULTS: There were 1,688 fetuses (singlets 1,643, twins 21, and triplet 1)
      resulting in 1,622 live births. All were born to women of Asian origin living in
      South India. The MCM rate for all live births was 6.84% (95% confidence interval
      [CI] 5.71-8.18) and for all pregnancy outcomes including fetal loss was 7.11%
      (95% CI 5.98-8.44). The MCM rates (mean with 95% CI) for exposed group were 6.4%
      (5.03-8.03) for monotherapy and 9.9% (7.37-13.13) for polytherapy; internal
      control group (women with epilepsy [WWE] not on antiepileptic drugs [AEDs] in
      first trimester) 5.6% (3.34-9.11), external control group (women without epilepsy
      or AED exposure in first trimester) 3.45% (1.94-6.07). Valproate monotherapy
      group had a dose-dependent relative risk for MCM of 2.6 (95% CI 1.30-5.20)
      compared to the external control group. The preliminary data on MCM rate for the
      nine total clobazam monotherapy (22.2%; 95% CI 6.2-54.7) signals increased risk
      that needs further validation on larger sample size. There was no association
      between MCM rate and maternal socioeconomic status, epilepsy syndrome, or use of
      folic acid in first trimester. SIGNIFICANCE: This dataset from South India
      confirms the increased risk of MCM with exposure to AEDs, particularly
      polytherapy. A dose-dependent increased risk was observed with valproate. The
      increased risk associated with clobazam monotherapy is an important signal that
      needs to be confirmed in a larger sample.

PMID- 28084640
TI  - Diversity of immune cell types in multiple sclerosis and its animal model:
      Pathological and therapeutic implications.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central
      nervous system with an autoimmune attack on the components of the myelin sheath
      and axons. The etiology of the disease remains largely unknown, but it is
      commonly acknowledged that the development of MS probably results from the
      interaction of environmental factors in conjunction with a genetic
      predisposition. Current therapeutic approaches can only ameliorate the clinical
      symptoms or reduce the frequency of relapse in MS. Most drugs used in this
      disease broadly suppress the functions of immune effector cells, which can result
      in serious side effects. Thus, new therapeutic methods resulting in greater
      efficacy and lower toxicity are needed. Toward this end, cell-based therapies are
      of increasing interest in the treatment of MS. Several immunoregulatory cell
      types, including regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells, M2 macrophages,
      tolerogenic dendritic cells, and stem cells, have been developed as novel
      therapeutic tools for the treatment of MS. In this Review, we summarize studies
      on the application of these cell populations for the treatment of MS and its
      animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and call for further
      research on applications and mechanisms by which these cells act in the treatment
      of MS. (c) 2017 The Authors Journal of Neuroscience Research Published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28084644
TI  - Designer Drugs 2.0.
AB  - This "Designer Drugs 2.0" issue of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics focuses
      on novel psychoactive substances, primarily cannabinoids and cathinones, and the
      repurposing of established psychoactive compounds (e.g., modafinil, psilocybin,
      lysergic acid diethylamide, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) that
      simultaneously offer new pharmacotherapies and pose serious health problems.
      Novel psychoactive substances were initially used as potent tools to investigate
      endogenous neurotransmitter systems; for example, synthetic cannabinoids have
      much higher potency than Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol at the cannabinoid
      receptors. However, they are now being used illicitly as well as being tested for
      their efficacy in numerous clinical indications. Likewise, previously established
      psychoactive drugs are being repurposed as treatments for a wide variety of
      indications where currently approved medications are ineffective. This set of
      papers examines the arising problems associated with designer drugs (e.g.,
      adverse events, psychosis, rapid new synthesis, abuse liability testing, internet
      sales, scheduling) as well as the potential therapeutic promises in areas as
      diverse as cognition enhancement, exercise-mimetics, epilepsy, multiple
      sclerosis, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

PMID- 28084647
TI  - A novel model for testing the efficiency of removal of calcium hydroxide from
      complex root canal anatomies.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of several irrigation
      protocols in the removal of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2 ] from simulated internal
      root resorption cavities in a complex root canal anatomy model. The 20 degrees 
      to 35 degrees  curved mesiobuccal roots of 94 maxillary molars were sectioned
      longitudinally; internal resorption cavities were prepared in the apical third of
      the canal walls. Calcium hydroxide was placed into the cavities and the root
      halves reassembled. Four teeth were used as controls, and 90 teeth were randomly
      divided into six experimental groups (n = 15), according to the irrigation
      protocols used: syringe irrigation; H2 O2 (HP); Navitip FX; Vibringe-syringe;
      Vibringe-NaviTip FX; ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) using an
      ultrasonic K-file. In the HP group, 2.5% NaOCl and 3% H2 O2 were used, while 2.5%
      NaOCl and 17% EDTA were used in the remaining groups. Stereomicroscope images and
      radiographs were used to measure the remaining Ca(OH)2 . The model proved to be
      suitable for simulating complex anatomy. Positive correlation was found between
      stereomicroscope and radiographic analyses (P < 0.05). UAI removed significantly
      more Ca(OH)2 than the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). The HP group was the
      least efficient protocol (P < 0.05). It would appear that a reliable model has
      been developed that simulates complex root canal anatomy. Irrigant activation
      protocols enhanced Ca(OH)2 removal.

PMID- 28084648
TI  - Hypophosphatasia: Enzyme Replacement Therapy Brings New Opportunities and New
      Challenges.
AB  - Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is caused by loss-of-function mutation(s) of the gene that
      encodes the tissue-nonspecific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP).
      Autosomal inheritance (dominant or recessive) from among more than 300
      predominantly missense defects of TNSALP (ALPL) explains HPP's broad-ranging
      severity, the greatest of all skeletal diseases. In health, TNSALP is linked to
      cell surfaces and richly expressed in the skeleton and developing teeth. In
      HPP,TNSALP substrates accumulate extracellularly, including inorganic
      pyrophosphate (PPi), an inhibitor of mineralization. The PPi excess can cause
      tooth loss, rickets or osteomalacia, calcific arthropathies, and perhaps muscle
      weakness. Severely affected infants may seize from insufficient hydrolysis of
      pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the major extracellular vitamin B6 . Now,
      significant successes are documented for newborns, infants, and children severely
      affected by HPP given asfotase alfa, a hydroxyapatite-targeted recombinant
      TNSALP. Since fall 2015, this biologic is approved by regulatory agencies
      multinationally typically for pediatric-onset HPP. Safe and effective treatment
      is now possible for this last rickets to have a medical therapy, but a number of
      challenges involving diagnosis, understanding prognosis, and providing this
      treatment are reviewed herein. (c) 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral
      Research.

PMID- 28084646
TI  - Treatments for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP):
      an overview of systematic reviews.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a
      chronic progressive or relapsing and remitting disease that usually causes
      weakness and sensory loss. The symptoms are due to autoimmune inflammation of
      peripheral nerves. CIPD affects about 2 to 3 per 100,000 of the population. More
      than half of affected people cannot walk unaided when symptoms are at their
      worst. CIDP usually responds to treatments that reduce inflammation, but there is
      disagreement about which treatment is most effective. OBJECTIVES: To summarise
      the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) and non-Cochrane systematic
      reviews of any treatment for CIDP and to compare the effects of treatments.
      METHODS: We considered all systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials
      (RCTs) of any treatment for any form of CIDP. We reported their primary outcomes,
      giving priority to change in disability after 12 months.Two overview authors
      independently identified published systematic reviews for inclusion and collected
      data. We reported the quality of evidence using GRADE criteria. Two other review
      authors independently checked review selection, data extraction and quality
      assessments.On 31 October 2016, we searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic
      Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (in theCochrane
      Library), MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL Plus for systematic reviews of CIDP. We
      supplemented the RCTs in the existing CSRs by searching on the same date for RCTs
      of any treatment of CIDP (including treatment of fatigue or pain in CIDP), in the
      Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL
      Plus. MAIN RESULTS: Five CSRs met our inclusion criteria. We identified 23
      randomised trials, of which 15 had been included in these CSRs. We were unable to
      compare treatments as originally planned, because outcomes and outcome intervals
      differed. CorticosteroidsIt is uncertain whether daily oral prednisone improved
      impairment compared to no treatment because the quality of the evidence was very
      low (1 trial, 28 participants). According to moderate-quality evidence (1 trial,
      41 participants), six months' treatment with high-dose monthly oral dexamethasone
      did not improve disability more than daily oral prednisolone. Observational
      studies tell us that prolonged use of corticosteroids sometimes causes serious
      side-effects. Plasma exchangeAccording to moderate-quality evidence (2 trials, 59
      participants), twice-weekly plasma exchange produced more short-term improvement
      in disability than sham exchange. In the largest observational study, 3.9% of
      plasma exchange procedures had complications. Intravenous immunoglobulinAccording
      to high-quality evidence (5 trials, 269 participants), intravenous immunoglobulin
      (IVIg) produced more short-term improvement than placebo. Adverse events were
      more common with IVIg than placebo (high-quality evidence), but serious adverse
      events were not (moderate-quality evidence, 3 trials, 315 participants). One
      trial with 19 participants provided moderate-quality evidence of little or no
      difference in short-term improvement of impairment with plasma exchange in
      comparison to IVIg. There was little or no difference in short-term improvement
      of disability with IVIg in comparison to oral prednisolone (moderate-quality
      evidence; 1 trial, 29 participants) or intravenous methylprednisolone (high
      quality evidence; 1 trial, 45 participants). One unpublished randomised open
      trial with 35 participants found little or no difference in disability after
      three months of IVIg compared to oral prednisone; this trial has not yet been
      included in a CSR. We know from observational studies that serious adverse events
      related to IVIg do occur. Other immunomodulatory treatmentsIt is uncertain
      whether the addition of azathioprine (2 mg/kg) to prednisone improved impairment
      in comparison to prednisone alone, as the quality of the evidence is very low (1
      trial, 27 participants). Observational studies show that adverse effects truncate
      treatment in 10% of people.According to low-quality evidence (1 trial, 60
      participants), compared to placebo, methotrexate 15 mg/kg did not allow more
      participants to reduce corticosteroid or IVIg doses by 20%. Serious adverse
      events were no more common with methotrexate than with placebo, but observational
      studies show that methotrexate can cause teratogenicity, abnormal liver function,
      and pulmonary fibrosis.According to moderate-quality evidence (2 trials, 77
      participants), interferon beta-1a (IFN beta-1a) in comparison to placebo, did not
      allow more people to withdraw from IVIg. According to moderate-quality evidence,
      serious adverse events were no more common with IFN beta-1a than with placebo.We
      know of no other completed trials of immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory agents
      for CIDP. Other treatmentsWe identified no trials of treatments for fatigue or
      pain in CIDP. Adverse effectsNot all trials routinely collected adverse event
      data; when they did, the quality of evidence was variable. Adverse effects in the
      short, medium, and long term occur with all interventions. We are not able to
      make reliable comparisons of adverse events between the interventions included in
      CSRs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We cannot be certain based on available evidence
      whether daily oral prednisone improves impairment compared to no treatment.
      However, corticosteroids are commonly used, based on widespread availability, low
      cost, very low-quality evidence from observational studies, and clinical
      experience. The weakness of the evidence does not necessarily mean that
      corticosteroids are ineffective. High-dose monthly oral dexamethasone for six
      months is probably no more or less effective than daily oral prednisolone. Plasma
      exchange produces short-term improvement in impairment as determined by
      neurological examination, and probably produces short-term improvement in
      disability. IVIg produces more short-term improvement in disability than placebo
      and more adverse events, although serious side effects are probably no more
      common than with placebo. There is no clear difference in short-term improvement
      in impairment with IVIg when compared with intravenous methylprednisolone and
      probably no improvement when compared with either oral prednisolone or plasma
      exchange. According to observational studies, adverse events related to difficult
      venous access, use of citrate, and haemodynamic changes occur in 3% to17% of
      plasma exchange procedures.It is uncertain whether azathioprine is of benefit as
      the quality of evidence is very low. Methotrexate may not be of benefit and IFN
      beta-1a is probably not of benefit.We need further research to identify
      predictors of response to different treatments and to compare their long-term
      benefits, safety and cost-effectiveness. There is a need for more randomised
      trials of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents, routes of
      administration, and treatments for symptoms of CIDP.

PMID- 28084649
TI  - Effect of sweet potato vines on performance parameters and some carcass
      characteristics of rabbits.
AB  - Conventional feedstuffs in Brazil are expensive, which has led to the search for
      less conventional cheaper and locally available feedstuffs. Thus, this study was
      carried out to determine the dietary effect of dry sweet potato vines (SPV) on
      the performance and some carcass characteristics of rabbits. A total of twenty
      seven weaned White New Zealand rabbits (14 male and 13 female) 35 days old with
      an average initial weight of 755 g were allocated into three treatments. Nine
      rabbits were assigned to each treatment in a completely randomized design. Three
      diets were formulated to similar protein and energy levels: 0SPV - diet without
      inclusion of dry sweet potato vines; 10SPV - diet with 10% alfalfa hay replaced
      by dry sweet potato vines; and 15SPV - diet with 15% of alfalfa hay replaced by
      dry sweet potato vines. The experiment lasted for 49 days during which data for
      feed intake and body weight were recorded. The daily feed intake ranged from
      73.17 to 78.02 g; daily weight gain from 22.32 to 23.17 g; feed conversion ratio
      (FCR) from 3.16 to 3.49 and final live weight ranged from 1839.44 to 1880.55 g.
      None of the evaluated performance parameters as well as carcass weight, heart
      weight and percentages of fat and protein in meat were significantly affected by
      any of the tested dietary treatments. However, the liver weight was statistically
      lower in animals fed the diets containing 10% of SPV, mainly due to lower glucose
      content. Glycogen within the tissue, did not differ significantly among
      treatments. It was therefore concluded that up to 15% of SPV can successfully be
      included in the diet of rabbits as a cheaper replacement for alfalfa hay without
      adversely affecting performance.

PMID- 28084650
TI  - A Large Inversion Involving GNAS Exon A/B and All Exons Encoding Gsalpha Is
      Associated With Autosomal Dominant Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type Ib (PHP1B).
AB  - Pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib (PHP1B) is characterized primarily by resistance
      to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and thus hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, in most
      cases without evidence for Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). PHP1B is
      associated with epigenetic changes at one or several differentially-methylated
      regions (DMRs) within GNAS, which encodes the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory G
      protein (Gsalpha) and splice variants thereof. Heterozygous, maternally inherited
      STX16 or GNAS deletions leading to isolated loss-of-methylation (LOM) at exon A/B
      alone or at all maternal DMRs are the cause of autosomal dominant PHP1B (AD
      PHP1B). In this study, we analyzed three affected individuals, the female proband
      and her two sons. All three revealed isolated LOM at GNAS exon A/B, whereas the
      proband's healthy maternal grandmother and uncle showed normal methylation at
      this locus. Haplotype analysis was consistent with linkage to the STX16/GNAS
      region, yet no deletion could be identified. Whole-genome sequencing of one of
      the patients revealed a large heterozygous inversion (1,882,433 bp). The
      centromeric breakpoint of the inversion is located 7,225 bp downstream of GNAS
      exon XL, but its DMR showed no methylation abnormality, raising the possibility
      that the inversion disrupts a regulatory element required only for establishing
      or maintaining exon A/B methylation. Because our three patients presented
      phenotypes consistent with PHP1B, and not with PHP1A, the Gsalpha promoter is
      probably unaffected by the inversion. Our findings expand the spectrum of genetic
      mutations that lead to LOM at exon A/B alone and thus biallelic expression of the
      transcript derived from this alternative first GNAS exon. (c) 2017 American
      Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 28084651
TI  - Intra- and inter-network functional alterations in Parkinson's disease with mild
      cognitive impairment.
AB  - Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is prevalent in 15%-40% of Parkinson's disease
      (PD) patients at diagnosis. In this investigation, we study brain intra- and
      inter-network alterations in resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (rs-fMRI) in recently diagnosed PD patients and characterise them as either
      cognitive normal (PD-NC) or with MCI (PD-MCI). Patients were divided into two
      groups, PD-NC (N = 62) and PD-MCI (N = 37) and for comparison, healthy controls
      (HC, N = 30) were also included. Intra- and inter-network connectivity were
      investigated from participants' rs-fMRIs in 26 resting state networks (RSNs).
      Intra-network differences were found between both patient groups and HCs for
      networks associated with motor control (motor cortex), spatial attention and
      visual perception. When comparing both PD-NC and PD-MCI, intra-network
      alterations were found in RSNs related to attention, executive function and motor
      control (cerebellum). The inter-network analysis revealed a hyper-synchronisation
      between the basal ganglia network and the motor cortex in PD-NC compared with
      HCs. When both patient groups were compared, intra-network alterations in RSNs
      related to attention, motor control, visual perception and executive function
      were found. We also detected disease-driven negative synchronisations and
      synchronisation shifts from positive to negative and vice versa in both patient
      groups compared with HCs. The hyper-synchronisation between basal ganglia and
      motor cortical RSNs in PD and its synchronisation shift from negative to positive
      compared with HCs, suggest a compensatory response to basal dysfunction and
      altered basal-cortical motor control in the resting state brain of PD patients.
      Hum Brain Mapp 38:1702-1715, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28084652
TI  - Melt-Quenched Hybrid Glasses from Metal-Organic Frameworks.
AB  - While glasses formed by quenching the molten states of inorganic non-metallic,
      organic, and metallic species are known, those containing both inorganic and
      organic moieties are far less prevalent. Network materials consisting of
      inorganic nodes linked by organic ligands do however exist in the crystalline or
      amorphous domain. This large family of open framework compounds, called metal
      organic frameworks (MOFs) or coordination polymers, has been investigated
      intensively in the past two decades for a variety of applications, almost all of
      which stem from their high internal surface areas and chemical versatility.
      Recently, a selection of MOFs has been demonstrated to undergo melting and
      vitrification upon cooling. Here, these recent discoveries and the connections
      between the fields of MOF chemistry and glass science are summarized. Possible
      advantages and applications for MOF glasses produced by utilizing the tunable
      chemistry of the crystalline state are also highlighted.

PMID- 28084653
TI  - Predicting early symptomatic osteoarthritis in the human knee using machine
      learning classification of magnetic resonance images from the osteoarthritis
      initiative.
AB  - : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of a machine learning
      algorithm to classify in vivo magnetic resonance images (MRI) of human articular
      cartilage for development of osteoarthritis (OA). Sixty-eight subjects were
      selected from the osteoarthritis initiative (OAI) control and incidence cohorts.
      Progression to clinical OA was defined by the development of symptoms as
      quantified by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC)
      questionnaire 3 years after baseline evaluation. Multi-slice T2 -weighted knee
      images, obtained through the OAI, of these subjects were registered using a
      nonlinear image registration algorithm. T2 maps of cartilage from the central
      weight bearing slices of the medial femoral condyle were derived from the
      registered images using the multiple available echo times and were classified for
      "progression to symptomatic OA" using the machine learning tool, weighted
      neighbor distance using compound hierarchy of algorithms representing morphology
      (WND-CHRM). WND-CHRM classified the isolated T2 maps for the progression to
      symptomatic OA with 75% accuracy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Machine learning
      algorithms applied to T2 maps have the potential to provide important prognostic
      information for the development of OA. (c) 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society.
      Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2243-2250, 2017.

PMID- 28084654
TI  - Nanocomposites from Solution-Synthesized PbTe-BiSbTe Nanoheterostructure with
      Unity Figure of Merit at Low-Medium Temperatures (500-600 K).
AB  - A scalable, low-temperature solution process is used to synthesize precursor
      material for Pb-doped Bi0.7 Sb1.3 Te3 thermoelectric nanocomposites. The
      controllable Pb-doping leads to the increase in the optical bandgap, thus
      delaying the onset of bipolar conduction. Furthermore, the solution synthesis
      enables nanostructuring, which greatly reduces thermal conductivity. As a result,
      this material exhibits a zT = 1 over the 513-613 K range.

PMID- 28084655
TI  - Effects of local vanadium delivery on diabetic fracture healing.
AB  - This study evaluated the effect of local vanadyl acetylacetonate (VAC), an
      insulin mimetic agent, upon the early and late parameters of fracture healing in
      rats using a standard femur fracture model. Mechanical testing, and radiographic
      scoring were performed, as well as histomorphometry, including percent bone,
      percent cartilage, and osteoclast numbers. Fractures treated with local 1.5 mg/kg
      VAC possessed significantly increased mechanical properties compared to controls
      at 6 weeks post-fracture, including increased torque to failure (15%; p = 0.046),
      shear modulus (89%; p = 0.043), and shear stress (81%; p = 0.009). The
      radiographic scoring analysis showed increased cortical bridging at 4 weeks and 6
      weeks (119%; p = 0.036 and 209%; p = 0.002) in 1.5 mg/kg VAC treated groups.
      Histomorphometry of the fracture callus at days 10 and 14 showed increased
      percent cartilage (121%; p = 0.009 and 45%; p = 0.035) and percent mineralized
      tissue (66%; p = 0.035 and 58%; p = 0.006) with local VAC treated groups compared
      to control. Additionally, fewer osteoclasts were observed in the local VAC
      treated animals as compared to controls at day 14 (0.45% +/- 0.29% vs. 0.83% +/-
      0.36% of callus area; p = 0.032). The results suggest local administration of VAC
      acts to modulate osteoclast activity and increase percentage of early callus
      cartilage, ultimately enhancing mechanical properties comparably to non-diabetic
      animals treated with local VAC. (c) 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published
      by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2174-2180, 2017.

PMID- 28084656
TI  - Common and distinct brain networks underlying verbal and visual creativity.
AB  - Creativity is imperative to the progression of human civilization, prosperity,
      and well-being. Past creative researches tends to emphasize the default mode
      network (DMN) or the frontoparietal network (FPN) somewhat exclusively. However,
      little is known about how these networks interact to contribute to creativity and
      whether common or distinct brain networks are responsible for visual and verbal
      creativity. Here, we use functional connectivity analysis of resting-state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging data to investigate visual and verbal
      creativity-related regions and networks in 282 healthy subjects. We found that
      functional connectivity within the bilateral superior parietal cortex of the FPN
      was negatively associated with visual and verbal creativity. The strength of
      connectivity between the DMN and FPN was positively related to both creative
      domains. Visual creativity was negatively correlated with functional connectivity
      within the precuneus of the pDMN and right middle frontal gyrus of the FPN, and
      verbal creativity was negatively correlated with functional connectivity within
      the medial prefrontal cortex of the aDMN. Critically, the FPN mediated the
      relationship between the aDMN and verbal creativity, and it also mediated the
      relationship between the pDMN and visual creativity. Taken together, decreased
      within-network connectivity of the FPN and DMN may allow for flexible between
      network coupling in the highly creative brain. These findings provide indirect
      evidence for the cooperative role of the default and executive control networks
      in creativity, extending past research by revealing common and distinct brain
      systems underlying verbal and visual creative cognition. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2094
      2111, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28084658
TI  - Degradability and Clearance of Silicon, Organosilica, Silsesquioxane, Silica
      Mixed Oxide, and Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.
AB  - The biorelated degradability and clearance of siliceous nanomaterials have been
      questioned worldwide, since they are crucial prerequisites for the successful
      translation in clinics. Typically, the degradability and biocompatibility of
      mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been an ongoing discussion in
      research circles. The reason for such a concern is that approved pharmaceutical
      products must not accumulate in the human body, to prevent severe and
      unpredictable side-effects. Here, the biorelated degradability and clearance of
      silicon and silica nanoparticles (NPs) are comprehensively summarized. The
      influence of the size, morphology, surface area, pore size, and surface
      functional groups, to name a few, on the degradability of silicon and silica NPs
      is described. The noncovalent organic doping of silica and the covalent
      incorporation of either hydrolytically stable or redox- and enzymatically
      cleavable silsesquioxanes is then described for organosilica, bridged
      silsesquioxane (BS), and periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) NPs.
      Inorganically doped silica particles such as calcium-, iron-, manganese-, and
      zirconium-doped NPs, also have radically different hydrolytic stabilities. To
      conclude, the degradability and clearance timelines of various siliceous
      nanomaterials are compared and it is highlighted that researchers can select a
      specific nanomaterial in this large family according to the targeted applications
      and the required clearance kinetics.

PMID- 28084657
TI  - Femoral Neck External Size but not aBMD Predicts Structural and Mass Changes for
      Women Transitioning Through Menopause.
AB  - The impact of adult bone traits on changes in bone structure and mass during
      aging is not well understood. Having shown that intracortical remodeling
      correlates with external size of adult long bones led us to hypothesize that age
      related changes in bone traits also depend on external bone size. We analyzed hip
      dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry images acquired longitudinally over 14 years for
      198 midlife women transitioning through menopause. The 14-year change in bone
      mineral content (BMC, R2  = 0.03, p = 0.015) and bone area (R2  = 0.13, p =
      0.001), but not areal bone mineral density (aBMD, R2  = 0.00, p = 0.931)
      correlated negatively with baseline femoral neck external size, adjusted for body
      size using the residuals from a linear regression between baseline bone area and
      height. The dependence of the 14-year changes in BMC and bone area on baseline
      bone area remained significant after adjusting for race/ethnicity, postmenopausal
      hormone use, the 14-year change in weight, and baseline aBMD, weight, height, and
      age. Women were sorted into tertiles using the baseline bone area-height
      residuals. The 14-year change in BMC (p = 0.009) and bone area (p = 0.001) but
      not aBMD (p = 0.788) differed across the tertiles. This suggested that women
      showed similar changes in aBMD for different structural and biological reasons:
      women with narrow femoral necks showed smaller changes in BMC but greater
      increases in bone area compared to women with wide femoral necks who showed
      greater losses in BMC but without large compensatory increases in bone area. This
      finding is opposite to expectations that periosteal expansion acts to
      mechanically offset bone loss. Thus, changes in femoral neck structure and mass
      during menopause vary widely among women and are predicted by baseline external
      bone size but not aBMD. How these different structural and mass changes affect
      individual strength-decline trajectories remains to be determined. (c) 2017
      American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 28084659
TI  - Mixed-Linkage Glucan Oligosaccharides Produced by Automated Glycan Assembly Serve
      as Tools To Determine the Substrate Specificity of Lichenase.
AB  - The mixed-linkage (1->3),(1->4)-d-glucan (MLG) specific glycosyl hydrolase
      lichenase is an important biochemical tool for the structural characterization of
      MLGs. It holds potential for application in the brewery, animal feed, and biofuel
      industries. Several defined MLG oligosaccharides obtained by automated glycan
      assembly are used to analyze the substrate specificities of Bacillus subtilis
      lichenase. Two glucose building blocks (BBs), equipped with a temporary
      fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride (Fmoc) protecting group in the C-3 or C-4
      position, served to assemble different oligosaccharides by using an automated
      oligosaccharide synthesizer. Light-induced cleavage of the glycan products from
      the solid support followed by global deprotection provided seven MLG
      oligosaccharides of different length and connectivity. After incubation of the
      MLG oligosaccharides with lichenase, the digestion products were analyzed by HPLC
      MS. These digestion experiments provided insights into the enzyme's active site
      that is in line with other recent evidence suggesting that the substrate
      specificity of lichenases has to be reconsidered. These results demonstrate that
      synthetic MLG oligosaccharides are useful tools to analyze mixed-linkage beta
      glucanases.

PMID- 28084660
TI  - Parasympathectomy increases resting salivary secretion in normal and irradiated
      submandibular glands of rats.
AB  - Fluid and ion secretion from the submandibular gland (SMG) is mainly regulated by
      parasympathetic nerves. This study evaluated the effect of parasympathectomy on
      salivary secretion from normal and irradiated rat SMGs from 1 to 24 wk after
      denervation. Although stimulated salivary secretion was significantly lower in
      denervated SMGs compared with contralateral self-controls, the resting salivary
      flow rates were markedly higher in the denervated SMGs at 1, 12, and 24 wk after
      denervation. The levels of muscarinic acetylcholine M1 and M3 receptors, as well
      as of aquaporin 5, were up-regulated. Notably, although irradiated SMGs showed
      significantly lower resting and stimulated salivary secretion rates than non
      irradiated SMGs, the resting salivary secretion rates of the irradiated and
      denervated SMGs were markedly higher than seen in the irradiated self-control
      SMGs at 1, 12, and 24 wk after parasympathectomy, and were even higher than seen
      in the non-irradiated sham-operated rats. The expression of M1 and M3 receptors
      was similarly elevated. Taken together, our results suggest that parasympathetic
      denervation increases resting salivary secretion of both normal and irradiated
      SMGs. This approach might provide a potential modality for relieving radiation
      induced xerostomia, which is a common complication following treatment of head
      and neck cancer.

PMID- 28084661
TI  - Improved milk production through PG-PL system by provision of in-house shelter
      management in lactating Murrah buffaloes during winter season.
AB  - Comprehensive information on the role of beta-casein and plasminogen-plasmin (PG
      PL) system in milk secretion of Murrah buffaloes during winter season is lacking,
      although effects of cold stress can be ameliorated to an extent by altering
      microclimate at farm level. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the changes
      in productivity along with PG-PL system of milk, plasma hormones and metabolites
      of buffaloes during winter (December-January) season under two different
      management systems. Average minimum temperature and wind chill index during this
      season were 7.02 and 12.74  degrees C respectively. Buffaloes were divided in two
      groups of six animals each: control and treatment, where treatment group animals
      were placed in-house with floor bedding of paddy straw and the control group
      animals in loose housing system without straw bedding. Physiological responses
      were recorded, and milk and blood samples were collected at weekly intervals for
      six-week experimental period. Under in-house management system, buffaloes
      experienced better comfort by alleviating environmental stress as their
      physiological responses such as respiration rate and pulse rate were
      significantly reduced (p < 0.01) as compared to the control, which subsequently
      resulted higher milk yield by 9.92% (p < 0.05). Analysis of milk samples revealed
      higher concentration of plasminogen (10.6 vs. 8.05 MUg/ml; p < 0.01) and beta
      casein (p < 0.05), and lower plasmin level (0.299 vs. 0.321 MUg/ml; p < 0.05) in
      buffaloes under treatment group. It was also found that plasma cortisol, glucose
      and non-esterified fatty acids levels were higher (p < 0.01) in control group as
      compared to the treatment animals by 13.6%, 8.14% and 12.6% respectively.
      However, milk composition, growth hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine level
      in plasma were similar in both the groups. Hence, it may be concluded that
      provision of in-house shelter management with floor bedding of paddy straw during
      winter was effective to minimize environmental stress and improved milk
      production through manipulation of PG-PL system in buffaloes.

PMID- 28084662
TI  - Testimony Therapy With Ritual: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - Testimony therapy can provide low-cost, brief, simple, and culturally adaptable
      psychosocial services in low-income countries (Agger, Raghuvanshi, Khan, Polatin,
      & Laursen, 2009). Nonetheless, there have been no well-controlled studies of
      testimony therapy. We report the analyses of a randomized controlled trial
      designed to assess the effectiveness of testimony therapy plus a culturally
      adapted ceremony in reducing mental health symptoms among Khmer Rouge torture
      survivors from across Cambodia. Using multilevel modeling, we compared symptoms
      of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression between a treatment (n
      = 45) and a control group (n = 43) at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. We found
      that testimony therapy plus ceremony significantly reduced symptoms of
      posttraumatic stress disorder (d = 0.49), anxiety (d = 0.44), and depression (d =
      0.53).

PMID- 28084663
TI  - Comparison of apical centring ability between incisal-shifted access and
      traditional lingual access for maxillary anterior teeth.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the apical centring ability of incisal
      shifted access (ISA) with that of traditional lingual access (TLA). Fifteen three
      dimensional printed resin models were prepared from the computed tomography data
      for a human maxillary central incisor and divided into ISA (n = 7), TLA (n = 7)
      and control (n = 1) groups. After access preparation, these models were shaped to
      the working length using K-files up to #40, followed by step-back procedures. An
      apical portion of the model was removed at 0.5 mm coronal to the working length.
      Microscopic images of each cutting surface were taken to measure the preparation
      area and the distance of transportation. TLA created a larger preparation area
      than ISA (P < 0.05). The distance of transportation (mean +/- standard deviation)
      was 0.4 +/- 0.1 mm for ISA and 0.7 +/- 0.1 mm for TLA (P < 0.05). Access cavity
      preparation has a significant effect on apical centring ability. ISA is
      beneficial to maintaining apical configuration.

PMID- 28084664
TI  - Rome foundation Asian working team report: Real world treatment experience of
      Asian patients with functional bowel disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Information on real world treatment experiences of patients
      with functional bowel disorders is lacking from Asia. This study aimed to
      describe the medication exposure and treatment satisfaction of patients
      presenting to gastroenterology clinics across a sampling of Asian cities.
      METHODS: From March 2011 to October 2013, adult patients presenting to hospital
      based gastroenterology outpatient clinics in 11 cities across Asia, who fulfilled
      screening criteria for any functional gastrointestinal disorder, were asked to
      complete a validated culturally adapted translation of the Rome III diagnostic
      questionnaire, a checklist of medications received in the preceding 3 months and
      questions on treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 1376 patients (female
      755, male 621, 41.36 +/- 13.25 years) comprising irritable bowel (621, 45.1%),
      unspecified functional bowel disorder (372, 27.8%), functional constipation (202,
      14.7%), functional bloating (144, 10.5%), and functional diarrhea (56, 4.1%)
      completed the study. Of 1105 patients with a previous consultation, 509 (46.1%)
      were dissatisfied with their treatment, with ineffective treatment being the
      commonest reason. Satisfaction with previous consultation was lowest by diagnosis
      for functional constipation (29.2%), and the most bothersome symptom was
      straining (37.5%). Of 1046 patients who had taken medications for their
      gastrointestinal symptoms in the last 3 months, 793 (75.8%) had received two or
      more drugs. For irritable bowel syndrome patients, treatment with proton pump
      inhibitors and antispasmodics was recorded in 57% and 31%, with overlapping
      epigastric pain and heartburn predicting proton pump inhibitors use. CONCLUSIONS:
      More attention should be given to treatment gaps with regards to possible under
      treatment with antispasmodics in irritable bowel syndrome and to critically
      evaluating the efficacy of constipation management.

PMID- 28084665
TI  - Novel tRNA function in amino acid sensing of yeast Tor complex1.
AB  - TOR complex1 (TORC1), a master regulator of cell growth, is regulated by amino
      acids. Amino acids are fundamental nutrients, and 20 species of amino acids
      building proteins are not interchangeable with each other. Therefore, TORC1
      should sense each amino acid individually. Mammalian mTORC1 is controlled by Rag
      GTPases and their regulators. However, Rag factors are dispensable for amino acid
      sensing by TORC1 in the budding yeast, suggesting an alternative mechanism of
      TORC1 regulation. Here, genetic investigation discovered the involvement of
      (aminoacyl-)tRNA ((aa-)tRNA) in TORC1 regulation. Biochemical TORC1 assay also
      showed that tRNA directly inhibits TORC1 kinase activity. Reducing cellular tRNA
      molecule desensitizes TORC1 inactivation by nitrogen starvation in vivo. Based on
      these results, I propose a model of the TORC1 regulatory mechanism in which free
      tRNA released from protein synthesis under amino acid starvation inhibits TORC1
      activity. Therefore, TORC1 uses tRNA-mediated mechanism and Rag factors in
      parallel to sense intracellular amino acids.

PMID- 28084666
TI  - Comparison of intraoperative procedures for isolation of clinical grade stromal
      vascular fraction for regenerative purposes: a systematic review.
AB  - Intraoperative application of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose
      tissue requires a fast and efficient isolation procedure of adipose tissue. This
      review was performed to systematically assess and compare procedures currently
      used for the intraoperative isolation of cellular SVF (cSVF) and tissue SVF
      (tSVF) that still contain the extracellular matrix. Pubmed, EMBASE and the
      Cochrane central register of controlled trials databases were searched for
      studies that compare procedures for intraoperative isolation of SVF (searched 28
      September 2016). Outcomes of interest were cell yield, viability of cells,
      composition of SVF, duration, cost and procedure characteristics. Procedures were
      subdivided into procedures resulting in a cSVF or tSVF. Thirteen out of 3038
      studies, evaluating 18 intraoperative isolation procedures, were considered
      eligible. In general, cSVF and tSVF intraoperative isolation procedures had
      similar cell yield, cell viability and SVF composition compared to a
      nonintraoperative (i.e. culture laboratory-based collagenase protocol) control
      group within the same studies. The majority of intraoperative isolation
      procedures are less time consuming than nonintraoperative control groups,
      however. Intraoperative isolation procedures are less time-consuming than
      nonintraoperative control groups with similar cell yield, viability of cells and
      composition of SVF, and therefore more suitable for use in the clinic.
      Nevertheless, none of the intraoperative isolation procedures could be designated
      as the preferred procedure to isolate SVF. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 28084667
TI  - Task-Sharing Approaches to Improve Mental Health Care in Rural and Other Low
      Resource Settings: A Systematic Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rural areas persistently face a shortage of mental health specialists.
      Task shifting, or task sharing, is an approach in global mental health that may
      help address unmet mental health needs in rural and other low-resource areas.
      This review focuses on task-shifting approaches and highlights future directions
      for research in this area. METHODS: Systematic review on task sharing of mental
      health care in rural areas of high-income countries included: (1) PubMed, (2)
      gray literature for innovations not yet published in peer-reviewed journals, and
      (3) outreach to experts for additional articles. We included English language
      articles published before August 31, 2013, on interventions sharing mental health
      care tasks across a team in rural settings. We excluded literature: (1) from low-
      and middle-income countries, (2) involving direct transfer of care to another
      provider, and (3) describing clinical guidelines and shared decision-making
      tools. FINDINGS: The review identified approaches to task sharing focused mainly
      on community health workers and primary care providers. Technology was identified
      as a way to leverage mental health specialists to support care across settings
      both within primary care and out in the community. The review also highlighted
      how provider education, supervision, and partnerships with local communities can
      support task sharing. Challenges, such as confidentiality, are often not
      addressed in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Approaches to task sharing may improve
      reach and effectiveness of mental health care in rural and other low-resource
      settings, though important questions remain. We recommend promising research
      directions to address these questions.

PMID- 28084668
TI  - Humeral head circle-fit method greatly increases reliability and accuracy when
      measuring anterior-posterior radiographs of the proximal humerus.
AB  - Measurements made on routine A-P radiographs can predict strength/quality of the
      proximal humerus, as shown in terms of two easy-to-measure parameters: Cortical
      index (CI) and mean-combined cortical thickness (MCCT). Because of high
      variability inherent when using established methods to measure these parameters,
      we describe a new orientation system. Using digitized radiographs of 33 adult
      proximal humeri, five observers measured anatomical reference locations in
      accordance with: (i) Tingart et al. (2003) method, (ii) Mather et al. (2013)
      method, and (iii) our new humeral head Circle-Fit method (CFM). The Tingart and
      Mather methods measure CI and MCCT with respect to upper and lower edges of 20 mm
      tall rectangles fit to a proximal diaphyseal location where endosteal (Tingart)
      or periosteal (Mather) cortical margins become parallel. But high intra- and
      inter-observer variability occurs when placing the rectangles because of
      uncertainty in identifying cortical parallelism. With the CFM an adjustable
      circle is fit to the humeral head articular surface, which reliably and easily
      establishes a proximal metaphyseal landmark (M1) at the surgical neck. Distal
      locations are then designated at successive 10 mm increments below M1, including
      a second metaphyseal landmark (M2) followed by diaphyseal (D) locations (D1, D2
      ?D6). D1 corresponds most closely to the proximal edges of the rectangles used in
      the other methods. Results showed minimal inter-observer variations (mean error,
      1.5 +/- 1.1 mm) when the CFM is used to establish diaphyseal locations for making
      CI and MCCT measurements when compared to each of the other methods (mean error
      range, 10.7 +/- 5.9 to 13.3 +/- 6.7 mm) (p < 0.001). (c) 2017 Orthopaedic
      Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2313-2322,
      2017.

PMID- 28084669
TI  - Polymorphisms in T helper 1 proinflammatory cytokine genes and the risk of
      psoriasis in a South Indian Tamil cohort.

PMID- 28084670
TI  - Biological effects of new-generation dialkyl phosphinate flame retardants and
      their hydrolysates in BALB/C mice.
AB  - Aluminum methylcyclohexylphosphinate (AMHP), calcium methylcyclohexylphosphinate
      (CMHP), aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADEP), and aluminum methylethylphosphinate
      (AMEP) are organic dialkyl phosphinates (DPs) and emerging phosphorus-based flame
      retardants. The broad-spectrum DPs flame retardants occupy high-end industrial
      markets, but their ecologic risk has been reported rarely. By exposing male
      BALB/c mice to DPs and dialkyl phosphinic acids, we studied the toxic effects of
      these chemicals, and measured AMHP and methylcyclohexylphosphinic acid (MHPA) in
      blood and feces. We found that DPs and their main hydrolysates had mild toxicity
      in BALB/c mice. Exposure to 10 and 50 mg/kg/d of AMEP and ADEP caused mild
      hepatotoxicity in mice. Toxicity of CMHP was in the liver and kidneys. Toxicity
      of AMHP and its hydrolysate MHPA was low and affected the liver. These data
      suggest that AMHP has lower toxicity than the other DPs that we tested. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1578-1586, 2017.

PMID- 28084671
TI  - Functional mutations in spike glycoprotein of Zaire ebolavirus associated with an
      increase in infection efficiency.
AB  - Ebola virus (EBOV) is extremely virulent, and its glycoprotein is necessary for
      viral entry. EBOV may adapt to its new host humans during outbreaks by acquiring
      mutations especially in glycoprotein, which allows EBOV to spread more
      efficiently. To identify these evolutionary selected mutations and examine their
      effects on viral infectivity, we used experimental-phylogenetic-structural
      interdisciplinary approaches. In evolutionary analysis of all available Zaire
      ebolavirus glycoprotein sequences, we detected two codon sites under positive
      selection, which are located near/within the region critical for the host-viral
      membrane fusion, namely alanine-to-valine and threonine-to-isoleucine mutations
      at 82 (A82V) and 544 (T544I), respectively. The fine-scale transmission dynamics
      of EBOV Makona variants that caused the 2014-2015 outbreak showed that A82V
      mutant was fixed in the population, whereas T544I was not. Furthermore,
      pseudotype assays for the Makona glycoprotein showed that the A82V mutation
      caused a small increase in viral infectivity compared with the T544I mutation.
      These findings suggest that mutation fixation in EBOV glycoprotein may be
      associated with their increased infectivity levels; the mutant with a moderate
      increase in infectivity will fix. Our findings showed that a driving force for
      Ebola virus evolution via glycoprotein may be a balance between costs and
      benefits of its virulence.

PMID- 28084672
TI  - Suppressing Self-Discharge and Shuttle Effect of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries with V2
      O5 -Decorated Carbon Nanofiber Interlayer.
AB  - V2 O5 decorated carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are prepared and used as a
      multifunctional interlayer for a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery. V2 O5 anchored on
      CNFs can not only suppress the shuttle effect of polysulfide by the strong
      adsorption and redox reaction, but also work as a high-potential dam to restrain
      the self-discharge behavior in the battery. As a result, Li-S batteries with a
      high capacity and long cycling life can be stored and rested for a long time
      without obvious capacity fading.

PMID- 28084673
TI  - Applying the One Health Concept to Mycobacterial Research - Overcoming
      Parochialism.
AB  - Mycobacterial infections remain a public health problem. Historically important,
      globally ubiquitous and with a wide host range, we are still struggling to
      control mycobacterial infections in humans and animals. While previous reviews
      have focused on individual mycobacterial infections in either humans or animals,
      a comprehensive review of the zoonotic aspect of mycobacteria in the context of
      the One Health initiative is lacking. With the purpose of providing a concise and
      comprehensive resource, we have collated literature to address the zoonotic
      potential of different mycobacterial species and elaborate on the necessity for
      an inter-sectorial approach to attain a new vision to combat mycobacterial
      infections.

PMID- 28084674
TI  - Sodium chlorate, a major water disinfection byproduct, alters brush border
      membrane enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism and impairs antioxidant system of
      Wistar rat intestine.
AB  - Sodium chlorate (NaClO3 ) is a widely used nonselective herbicide. It is also
      generated as a by-product during disinfection of drinking water by chlorine
      dioxide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of NaClO3 on rat
      intestine. Adult male rats were randomly divided into five groups: control and
      remaining four groups were administered orally different doses of NaClO3 and
      sacrificed 24 h after the treatment. The administration of NaClO3 produced acute
      oxidative stress in the intestine, which manifested in the form of markedly
      enhanced malondialdehyde levels and carbonyl content and lowered total sulfhydryl
      groups and glutathione levels. The activities of several brush border membrane
      (BBM) enzymes were greatly reduced as compared to control. There were alterations
      in the activities of various enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and those
      involved in maintaining the antioxidant defense system. Histological studies
      support the biochemical results showing NaClO3 dose-dependent increase in tissue
      damage. Thus, the present study shows that oral administration of NaClO3
      decreases the activities of BBM enzymes, induces oxidative stress, alters
      metabolic pathways, and impairs the antioxidant system of rat intestine. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1607-1616, 2017.

PMID- 28084675
TI  - Transient juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia in the setting of PTPN11 mutation and
      Noonan syndrome with secondary development of monosomy 7.
AB  - Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare childhood neoplasm with poor
      prognosis except in the setting of Noonan syndrome, where prognosis is generally
      favorable. We present the case of a child with JMML in the setting of germline
      PTPN11 mutation and Noonan syndrome with suspected secondary development of
      monosomy 7 in the bone marrow. Diagnosed shortly after birth, she has been
      managed with active surveillance alone. Myeloblast percentages initially
      fluctuated; however, bone marrow biopsy at 4 years of age showed spontaneous
      remission despite persistence of the monosomy 7 clone, supporting a cautious
      approach in similar cases.

PMID- 28084676
TI  - Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of Triterpenoid Thiazoles Derived from
      Allobetulin, Methyl Betulonate, Methyl Oleanonate, and Oleanonic Acid.
AB  - A total of 41 new triterpenoids were prepared from allobetulone, methyl
      betulonate, methyl oleanonate, and oleanonic acid to study their influence on
      cancer cells. Each 3-oxotriterpene was brominated at C2 and substituted with
      thiocyanate; subsequent cyclization with the appropriate ammonium salts gave N
      substituted thiazoles. All compounds were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic
      activity on eight cancer cell lines and two non-cancer fibroblasts. 2
      Bromoallobetulone (2 b) methyl 2-bromobetulonate (3 b), 2-bromooleanonic acid (5
      b), and 2-thiocyanooleanonic acid (5 c) were best, with IC50 values less than 10
      MUm against CCRF-CEM cells (e.g., 3 b: IC50 =2.9 MUm) as well as 2'
      (diethylamino)olean-12(13)-eno[2,3-d]thiazole-28-oic acid (5 f, IC50 =9.7 MUm)
      and 2'-(N-methylpiperazino)olean-12(13)-eno[2,3-d]thiazole-28-oic acid (5 k, IC50
      =11.4 MUm). Compound 5 c leads to the accumulation of cells in the G2 phase of
      the cell cycle and inhibits RNA and DNA synthesis significantly at 1*IC50 . The
      G2 /M cell-cycle arrest probably corresponds to the inhibition of DNA/RNA
      synthesis, similar to the mechanism of action of actinomycin D. Compound 5 c is
      new, active, and nontoxic; it is therefore the most promising compound in this
      series for future drug development. Methyl 2-bromobetulonate (3 b) and methyl 2
      thiocyanometulonate (3 c) were found to inhibit nucleic acid synthesis only at
      5*IC50 . We assume that in 3 b and 3 c (unlike in 5 c), DNA/RNA inhibition is a
      nonspecific event, and an unknown primary cytotoxic target is activated at 1*IC50
      or lower concentration.

PMID- 28084677
TI  - Location, location, location: Does it matter for childhood cancer survivors
      considering pediatric vs. adult care settings?

PMID- 28084678
TI  - Lichen myxedematosus: a case series focusing on clinical features, disease
      associations, and management.

PMID- 28084679
TI  - Impacts of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies and antibody-mediated rejection on
      outcomes after intestinal transplantation in children.
AB  - AMR is a risk factor for graft failure after SBTx. We studied impact of DSAs and
      AMR in 22 children transplanted between 2008 and 2012 (11 isolated SBTx, 10 liver
      inclusive Tx, and one modified multivisceral Tx). Three patients never developed
      DSA, but DSAs were found in seven in the pre-Tx period and de novo post-Tx in 19
      children. Pathology revealed cellular rejection (15/19), with vascular changes
      and C4d+. Patients were treated with IV immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis, and
      steroids. Rescue therapy included antithymocyte globulins, rituximab, eculizumab,
      and bortezomib. Pathology and graft function normalized in 13 patients, graft
      loss occurred in two, and death in seven. At the end of the follow-up, 15
      children were alive (68%), 13 with functioning graft (59%). Prognosis factors for
      poor outcome after Tx were the presence of symptoms at AMR suspicion (P +.033).
      DSAs were often found following SBTx, mostly de novo. Resistant ACR or severe AMR
      is still difficult to differentiate, with a high need for immunosuppression in
      both. DSAs may precede development of severe disease and pathology features on
      the graft: relationship and correlation need to be better investigated with
      larger groups before and after Tx.

PMID- 28084680
TI  - Rapid and fulminant leptomeningeal spread following radiotherapy in diffuse
      intrinsic pontine glioma.
AB  - A 4-year-old male presented with rapid-onset cranial nerve palsy and ataxia.
      Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a pontine mass lesion with
      discordant conventional and advanced imaging. A stereotactic core biopsy revealed
      glioblastoma with immunostaining suggestive of histone H3K27M and TP53 mutation,
      consistent with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. MRI 3 months after radiotherapy
      revealed extensive new leptomeningeal metastatic disease involving both the supra
      and infratentorial brain, as well as the imaged portion of the spine. Tissue
      procured at the time of needle biopsy has undergone striking in vivo expansion as
      an orthotopic xenograft.

PMID- 28084681
TI  - Diabetes coaching for individuals with type 2 diabetes: A state-of-the-science
      review and rationale for a coaching model.
AB  - Diabetes coaching is emerging as an important role in self-management and care.
      The conceptualization of coaching, and how to implement and evaluate coaching has
      not been articulated in the literature. The aim of the study was to review the
      literature to: (i) identify the components of coaching using a validated
      framework, including the description of the role of technology; (ii) describe the
      implementation and evaluation measures for diabetes coaching; and (iii) propose a
      diabetes coaching model for future implementation. The EMBASE, MEDLINE,
      Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychINFO and
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from
      inception to January 2015. Two evaluators independently screened and extracted
      data from eligible studies for descriptions of coaching. Eight trials met the
      selection criteria, with no consistency in the core components of coaching.
      However, elements noted across all studies included goal setting, diabetes
      knowledge acquisition, individualized care, and frequent follow-up. Only two
      studies leveraged technology for coaching communication purposes. Diabetes
      coaching is an intervention that can support the ongoing and complex needs of
      patients; however, implementation and evaluation strategies are limited in the
      literature. A diabetes coaching model is presented, derived from components
      identified throughout the literature with direction for implementation and
      evaluation approaches, and optimal integration into the healthcare system.

PMID- 28084682
TI  - Exogenous transforming growth factor-beta1 enhances smooth muscle differentiation
      in embryonic mouse jejunal explants.
AB  - An ex vivo experimental strategy that replicates in vivo intestinal development
      would in theory provide an accessible setting with which to study normal and
      dysmorphic gut biology. The current authors recently described a system in which
      mouse embryonic jejunal segments were explanted onto semipermeable platforms and
      fed with chemically defined serum-free media. Over 3 days in organ culture,
      explants formed villi and they began to undergo spontaneous peristalsis. As
      defined in the current study, the wall of the explanted gut failed to form a
      robust longitudinal smooth muscle (SM) layer as it would do in vivo over the same
      time period. Given the role of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) in SM
      differentiation in other organs, it was hypothesized that exogenous TGFbeta1
      would enhance SM differentiation in these explants. In vivo, TGFbeta receptors I
      and II were both detected in embryonic longitudinal jejunal SM cells and, in
      organ culture, exogenous TGFbeta1 induced robust differentiation of longitudinal
      SM. Microarray profiling showed that TGFbeta1 increased SM specific transcripts
      in a dose dependent manner. TGFbeta1 proteins were detected in amniotic fluid at
      a time when the intestine was physiologically herniated. By analogy with the
      requirement for exogenous TGFbeta1 for SM differentiation in organ culture, the
      TGFbeta1 protein that was demonstrated to be present in the amniotic fluid may
      enhance intestinal development when it is physiologically herniated in early
      gestation. Future studies of embryonic intestinal cultures should include
      TGFbeta1 in the defined media to produce a more faithful model of in vivo muscle
      differentiation. Copyright (c) 2017 The Authors Journal of Tissue Engineering and
      Regenerative Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28084684
TI  - Secretome analysis to elucidate metalloprotease-dependent ectodomain shedding of
      glycoproteins during neuronal differentiation.
AB  - Many membrane proteins are subjected to limited proteolyses at their
      juxtamembrane regions, processes referred to as ectodomain shedding. Shedding
      ectodomains of membrane-bound ligands results in activation of downstream
      signaling pathways, whereas shedding those of cell adhesion molecules causes loss
      of cell-cell contacts. Secreted proteomics (secretomics) using high-resolution
      mass spectrometry would be strong tools for both comprehensive identification and
      quantitative measurement of membrane proteins that undergo ectodomain shedding.
      In this study, to elucidate the ectodomain shedding events that occur during
      neuronal differentiation, we establish a strategy for quantitative secretomics of
      glycoproteins released from differentiating neuroblastoma cells into culture
      medium with or without GM6001, a broad-spectrum metalloprotease inhibitor.
      Considering that most of transmembrane and secreted proteins are N-glycosylated,
      we include a process of N-glycosylated peptides enrichment as well as isotope
      tagging in our secretomics workflow. Our results show that differentiating N1E
      115 neurons secrete numerous glycosylated polypeptides in metalloprotease
      dependent manners. They are derived from cell adhesion molecules such as NCAM1,
      CADM1, L1CAM, various transporters and receptor proteins. These results show the
      landscape of ectodomain shedding and other secretory events in differentiating
      neurons and/or during axon elongation, which should help elucidate the mechanism
      of neurogenesis and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.

PMID- 28084683
TI  - Examination of high-antibiotic users in a multi-institutional cohort of chronic
      rhinosinusitis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to known concerns regarding antibiotic overuse, recent
      research indicates that excessive antibiotic use is associated with poorer long
      term health. Given that rhinosinusitis is the leading condition accounting for
      antibiotic prescriptions in the ambulatory setting, we aimed to evaluate
      characteristics associated with greater antibiotic use in chronic rhinosinusitis
      (CRS). METHODS: Adult CRS patients enrolled in a prospective, multi
      institutional, observational cohort study evaluating treatment outcomes were
      included in this analysis. Study participants were asked to report the number of
      days out of the previous 90 days that systemic antibiotics were taken for sinus
      disease. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, and measures of disease
      severity were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 561 patients from 4 institutions
      were included in the analysis, with mean antibiotic use of 17.4 +/- 22.4 out of
      the prior 90 days. No differences between antibiotic-use groups were found for
      objective measures of disease severity (computed tomography [CT], endoscopy,
      Brief Smell Identification Test [BSIT] scores), however, increased patient
      reported symptom burden (22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22],
      Rhinosinusitis Disability Index [RSDI]) was associated with more antibiotic use.
      Patients reporting the most antibiotic use were older (p = 0.004) but no ethnic
      or gender differences were seen. Comorbid diagnoses of allergy, asthma, diabetes,
      depression, or fibromyalgia were not associated with increased antibiotic use. In
      accordance with literature recommendations, CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)
      patients were less likely to have used antibiotics. Endoscopic sinus surgery
      (ESS) significantly decreased antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: Variability in
      antibiotic use in CRS appears to be driven by symptom burden, independent of
      objective measures of disease severity, patient demographics, and presence of
      comorbid disease. Clear guidelines are essential to define appropriate antibiotic
      use in CRS.

PMID- 28084685
TI  - Fungal spores and fruiting bodies in cervicovaginal smears: Contaminant or
      infection?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contaminants from various sources are curious findings in
      cervicovaginal smears and pose diagnostic challenges especially when they need to
      be distinguished from pathogens. Candidiasis is the most frequently encountered
      fungal infection but fungal contaminants are relatively common. Detection of
      fruiting bodies and spores of Aspergillus species is uncommon and may represent
      either a true infection or contamination. This study was undertaken to evaluate
      the presence of fungal spores, hyphae, and fruiting bodies in routine cervical
      smears and distinguish a true infection from contamination. METHODS: Conventional
      cervicovaginal smears collected from women were incidentally found to have fungal
      fruiting bodies and spores. All smears received in the Cytology Department during
      that one month were reviewed for the presence of these elements. RESULTS: Five
      out of the 120 smears, received from the outpatient department over a period of
      three consecutive days, showed evidence of fungal organisms. The patients were 28
      59 years of age. While four patients were asymptomatic, only one patient
      complained of minimal vaginal discharge. All were immunocompetent. Cervicovaginal
      smears were prepared as part of routine screening. Fungal fruiting bodies,
      branching hyphae and numerous spores were seen in otherwise normal smears.
      Culture of scrapings from the surface of the wooden spatulas grew Aspergillus
      niger. CONCLUSIONS: Contamination of Pap smears by fungus must be distinguished
      from true infection, the latter being supported by positive clinical findings and
      the presence of significant inflammation in the smears. Literature review was
      done to see the range of contaminants detected in Pap smears. Diagn. Cytopathol.
      2017;45:191-194. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28084686
TI  - Relationship between gustatory function and average number of taste buds per
      fungiform papilla measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy in humans.
AB  - The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the gustatory
      function and average number of taste buds per fungiform papilla (FP) in humans.
      Systemically healthy volunteers (n = 211), pre-operative patients with chronic
      otitis media (n = 79), and postoperative patients, with or without a chorda
      tympani nerve (CTN) severed during middle ear surgery (n = 63), were included.
      Confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed to observe fungiform taste buds
      because it allows many FP to be observed non-invasively in a short period of
      time. Taste buds in an average of 10 FP in the midlateral region of the tongue
      were counted. In total, 3,849 FP were observed in 353 subjects. The gustatory
      function was measured by electrogustometry (EGM). An inverse relationship was
      found between the gustatory function and average number of fungiform taste buds
      per papilla. The healthy volunteers showed a lower EGM threshold (better
      gustatory function) and had more taste buds than did the patients with otitis
      media, and the patients with otitis media showed a lower EGM threshold and had
      more taste buds than did postoperative patients, reflecting the severity of
      damage to the CTN. It was concluded that the confocal laser scanning microscope
      is a very useful tool for using to observe a large number of taste buds non
      invasively.

PMID- 28084689
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28084688
TI  - Enamel and dental anomalies in latent-transforming growth factor beta-binding
      protein 3 mutant mice.
AB  - Latent-transforming growth factor beta-binding protein 3 (LTBP-3) is important
      for craniofacial morphogenesis and hard tissue mineralization, as it is essential
      for activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). To investigate the
      role of LTBP-3 in tooth formation we performed micro-computed tomography (micro
      CT), histology, and scanning electron microscopy analyses of adult Ltbp3-/- mice.
      The Ltbp3-/- mutants presented with unique craniofacial malformations and
      reductions in enamel formation that began at the matrix formation stage.
      Organization of maturation-stage ameloblasts was severely disrupted. The lateral
      side of the incisor was affected most. Reduced enamel mineralization,
      modification of the enamel prism pattern, and enamel nodules were observed
      throughout the incisors, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Molar roots
      had internal irregular bulbous-like formations. The cementum thickness was
      reduced, and microscopic dentinal tubules showed minor nanostructural changes.
      Thus, LTBP-3 is required for ameloblast differentiation and for the formation of
      decussating enamel prisms, to prevent enamel nodule formation, and for proper
      root morphogenesis. Also, and consistent with the role of TGF-beta signaling
      during mineralization, almost all craniofacial bone components were affected in
      Ltbp3-/- mice, especially those involving the upper jaw and snout. This mouse
      model demonstrates phenotypic overlap with Verloes Bourguignon syndrome, also
      caused by mutation of LTBP3, which is hallmarked by craniofacial anomalies and
      amelogenesis imperfecta phenotypes.

PMID- 28084690
TI  - Cytologic features of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, WHO grade II. A comparative
      study with glioblastoma.
AB  - Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a WHO grade II astrocytic tumor of
      children and young adults. It is characterized by pleomorphic, atypical
      astrocytes. Atypia is so remarkable, that PXA can be easily misdiagnosed as
      malignant glioma. If confused with a high-grade glioma the neurosurgeon may not
      proceed with a complete resection. Therefore, a specific recognition during
      intraoperative consultation is particularly important. We describe four cases of
      PXA evaluated during intraoperative procedures. Findings were compared with those
      of 22 glioblastomas. PXA smears were moderately cellular and showed a variable
      population of pleomorphic cells and fibrillary fragments with vessels. Tumoral
      cells were of intermediate size with a less frequent population of large,
      atypical cells. Some showed bi/trinucleation with bizarre nuclei. In two cases,
      tumoral cells with microvacuolization resembling xanthic astrocytes were present.
      No necrosis, mitotic activity, phagocytic macrophages or apoptotic fragments were
      seen. Smears from glioblastoma were more cellular than those of PXA with numerous
      neoplastic cells, branching vessels and myxoid substance. Cellular atypia was
      evident and mitoses were seen in all cases. Most cases showed an abundant
      population of accompanying macrophages and cellular debris. Differences between
      PXA and glioblastoma were related to cell turnover rather than cytomorphologic
      features. Glioblastoma shows features of high cellular replication showing a
      dirty background with necrosis and phagocytic macrophages as well as mitotic
      figures and apoptosis. On the other hand, smears from PXA have a clean background
      with no necrosis, cellular fragments or relevant mitotic activity. Diagn.
      Cytopathol. 2017;45:339-344. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28084691
TI  - Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis mimicking fixed drug eruption.

PMID- 28084692
TI  - Near-Infrared Fluorescent Ag2 Se-Cetuximab Nanoprobes for Targeted Imaging and
      Therapy of Cancer.
AB  - Theranostic nanoprobes integrated with diagnostic imaging and therapy
      capabilities have shown great potential for highly effective tumor therapy by
      realizing imaging-guided drug delivery and tumor treatment. Developing novel high
      performance nanoprobes is an important basis for tumor theranostic application.
      Here, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent and low-biotoxicity Ag2 Se quantum dots
      (QDs) have been coupled with cetuximab, a clinical antiepidermal growth factor
      receptor antibody drug for tumor therapy, via a facile bioconjugation strategy to
      prepare multifunctional Ag2 Se-cetuximab nanoprobes. Compared with the Ag2 Se QDs
      alone, the Ag2 Se-cetuximab nanoprobes display faster and more enrichment at the
      site of orthotopic tongue cancer, and thus present better NIR fluorescence
      contrast between the tumor and the surrounding regions. At 24 h postinjection,
      the NIR fluorescence of Ag2 Se-cetuximab nanoprobes at the tumor site is still
      easily detectable, whereas no fluorescence is observed for the Ag2 Se QDs.
      Moreover, the Ag2 Se-cetuximab nanoprobes have also significantly inhibited the
      tumor growth and improved the survival rate of orthotopic tongue cancer-bearing
      nude mice from 0% to 57.1%. Taken together, the constructed multifunctional Ag2
      Se-cetuximab nanoprobes have achieved combined targeted imaging and therapy of
      orthotopic tongue cancer, which may greatly contribute to the development of
      nanotheranostics.

PMID- 28084693
TI  - Multifunctional Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Image-Guided Photodynamic
      and Photothermal Therapy.
AB  - A multifunctional theranostic platform based on conjugated polymer nanoparticles
      (CPNs) with tumor targeting, fluorescence detection, photodynamic therapy (PDT),
      and photothermal therapy (PTT) is developed for effective cancer imaging and
      therapy. Two conjugated polymers, poly[9,9-bis(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)
      ethyl)fluorenyldivinylene]-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole) with bright red
      emission and photosensitizing ability and poly[(4,4,9,9-tetrakis(4
      (octyloxy)phenyl)-4,9-dihydro-s-indacenol-dithiophene-2,7-diyl)-alt-co-4,9
      bis(thiophen-2-yl)-6,7-bis(4-(hexyloxy)phenyl)-thiadiazolo-quinoxaline] with
      strong near-infrared absorption and excellent photothermal conversion ability are
      co-loaded into one single CPN via encapsulation approach using lipid-polyethylene
      glycol as the matrix. The obtained co-loaded CPNs show sizes of around 30 nm with
      a high singlet oxygen quantum yield of 60.4% and an effective photothermal
      conversion efficiency of 47.6%. The CPN surface is further decorated with anti
      HER2 affibody, which bestows the resultant anti-HER2-CPNs superior selectivity
      toward tumor cells with HER2 overexpression both in vitro and in vivo. Under
      light irradiation, the PDT and PTT show synergistic therapeutic efficacy, which
      provides new opportunities for the development of multifunctional biocompatible
      organic materials in cancer therapy.

PMID- 28084694
TI  - The Formation of Calcified Nanospherites during Micropetrosis Represents a Unique
      Mineralization Mechanism in Aged Human Bone.
AB  - Osteocytes-the central regulators of bone remodeling-are enclosed in a network of
      microcavities (lacunae) and nanocanals (canaliculi) pervading the mineralized
      bone. In a hitherto obscure process related to aging and disease, local plugs in
      the lacuno-canalicular network disrupt cellular communication and impede bone
      homeostasis. By utilizing a suite of high-resolution imaging and physics-based
      techniques, it is shown here that the local plugs develop by accumulation and
      fusion of calcified nanospherites in lacunae and canaliculi (micropetrosis). Two
      distinctive nanospherites phenotypes are found to originate from different
      osteocytic elements. A substantial deviation in the spherites' composition in
      comparison to mineralized bone further suggests a mineralization process unlike
      regular bone mineralization. Clearly, mineralization of osteocyte lacunae
      qualifies as a strong marker for degrading bone material quality in skeletal
      aging. The understanding of micropetrosis may guide future therapeutics toward
      preserving osteocyte viability to maintain mechanical competence and fracture
      resistance of bone in elderly individuals.

PMID- 28084697
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28084695
TI  - In Vitro Gene Delivery with Large Porous Silicon Nanoparticles Fabricated Using
      Cost-Effective, Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching.
AB  - The cytocompatibility, cell membrane affinity, and plasmid DNA delivery from
      surface oxidized, metal-assisted stain-etched mesoporous silicon nanoscale
      particles (pSiNPs) to human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells is demonstrated,
      suggesting the possibility of using such material for targeted transfection and
      drug delivery.

PMID- 28084698
TI  - Mechanosensation across borders: fibroblasts inside a macroporous scaffold sense
      and respond to the mechanical environment beyond the scaffold walls.
AB  - In tissue defects, cells face distinct mechanical boundary conditions, but how
      this influences early stages of tissue regeneration remains largely unknown.
      Biomaterials are used to fill defects but also to provide specific mechanical or
      geometrical signals. However, they might at the same time shield mechanical
      information from surrounding tissues that is relevant for tissue
      functionalisation. This study investigated how fibroblasts in a soft macroporous
      biomaterial scaffold respond to distinct mechanical environments while they form
      microtissues. Different boundary stiffnesses counteracting scaffold contraction
      were provided via a newly developed in vitro setup. Online monitoring over 14
      days revealed 3.0 times lower microtissue contraction but 1.6 times higher
      contraction force for high vs. low stiffness. This difference was significant
      already after 48 h, a very early stage of microtissue growth. The microtissue's
      mechanical and geometrical adaptation indicated a collective cellular behaviour
      and mechanical communication across scaffold pore walls. Surprisingly, the
      stiffness of the environment influenced cell behaviour even inside macroporous
      scaffolds where direct cell-cell contacts are hindered. Mechanical communication
      between cells via traction forces is essential for tissue adaptation to the
      environment and should not be blocked by rigid biomaterials. Copyright (c) 2017
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28084700
TI  - The Cholesterol Dilemma: Treating the Risk or Treating to LDL-C Goal?

PMID- 28084703
TI  - Giant Cell Arteritis: Biopsy After Corticosteroid Initiation.

PMID- 28084704
TI  - Hyperlipidemia: Drugs for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Adults.
AB  - Guidelines from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association
      (ACC/AHA) and the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
      indicate that lipid-lowering drugs have benefit for primary and secondary
      prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events. The evidence
      is strongest for statins. ACC/AHA, NICE, and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
      (USPSTF) guidelines recommend statin therapy based on patients' risk of an ASCVD
      event, rather than treating to specific lipid levels. For patients with no
      previous ASCVD event, risk calculators should be used to determine the 10-year
      risk of ASCVD. The ACC/AHA guideline recommends starting moderate- to high
      intensity statins if the risk is 7.5% or greater, whereas the NICE and USPSTF
      guidelines recommend statins if the risk is 10% or greater. Patients with known
      ASCVD should receive high-intensity statins unless they fall into special
      categories (e.g., older age) or do not tolerate high-intensity statins, in which
      case moderate-intensity statins are appropriate. Liver transaminase levels should
      be checked before starting statins; guidelines vary on if and when to recheck
      them in the absence of symptoms. Lipid levels should be rechecked one to three
      months after starting statins, although guidelines differ on subsequent checks.
      Other lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., bile acid sequestrants, ezetimibe) can be
      considered if patients do not tolerate statins. Niacin should not be used. Some
      evidence supports adding ezetimibe to statin therapy in patients with acute
      coronary syndrome or chronic kidney disease. The role of proprotein convertase
      subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors is unclear, but initial studies suggest a
      decrease in the rate of acute ASCVD events in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

PMID- 28084706
TI  - Acute Otitis Media in Children.

PMID- 28084707
TI  - Taking Care of Disadvantaged Patients.

PMID- 28084708
TI  - Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis in Children.
AB  - Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young
      children, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of this
      infection. RSV is transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets either
      directly from an infected person or self-inoculation by contaminated secretions
      on surfaces. Patients with RSV bronchiolitis usually present with two to four
      days of upper respiratory tract symptoms such as fever, rhinorrhea, and
      congestion, followed by lower respiratory tract symptoms such as increasing
      cough, wheezing, and increased respiratory effort. In 2014, the American Academy
      of Pediatrics updated its clinical practice guideline for diagnosis and
      management of RSV bronchiolitis to minimize unnecessary diagnostic testing and
      interventions. Bronchiolitis remains a clinical diagnosis, and diagnostic testing
      is not routinely recommended. Treatment of RSV infection is mainly supportive,
      and modalities such as bronchodilators, epinephrine, corticosteroids, hypertonic
      saline, and antibiotics are generally not useful. Evidence supports using
      supplemental oxygen to maintain adequate oxygen saturation; however, continuous
      pulse oximetry is no longer required. The other mainstay of therapy is
      intravenous or nasogastric administration of fluids for infants who cannot
      maintain their hydration status with oral fluid intake. Educating parents on
      reducing the risk of infection is one of the most important things a physician
      can do to help prevent RSV infection, especially early in life. Children at risk
      of severe lower respiratory tract infection should receive immunoprophylaxis with
      palivizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, in up to five monthly doses.
      Prophylaxis guidelines are restricted to infants born before 29 weeks' gestation,
      infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity, and infants and children with
      hemodynamically significant heart disease.

PMID- 28084710
TI  - Neck Crepitus in a Runner.

PMID- 28084711
TI  - Statin Use for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults:
      Recommendation Statement.

PMID- 28084712
TI  - Umeclidinium (Incruse Ellipta) for COPD.

PMID- 28084714
TI  - Uterine Fibroids: Diagnosis and Treatment.
AB  - Uterine fibroids are common benign neoplasms, with a higher prevalence in older
      women and in those of African descent. Many are discovered incidentally on
      clinical examination or imaging in asymptomatic women. Fibroids can cause
      abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure, bowel dysfunction, urinary frequency
      and urgency, urinary retention, low back pain, constipation, and dyspareunia.
      Ultrasonography is the preferred initial imaging modality. Expectant management
      is recommended for asymptomatic patients because most fibroids decrease in size
      during menopause. Management should be tailored to the size and location of
      fibroids; the patient's age, symptoms, desire to maintain fertility, and access
      to treatment; and the experience of the physician. Medical therapy to reduce
      heavy menstrual bleeding includes hormonal contraceptives, tranexamic acid, and
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists or
      selective progesterone receptor modulators are an option for patients who need
      symptom relief preoperatively or who are approaching menopause. Surgical
      treatment includes hysterectomy, myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, and
      magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery.

PMID- 28084715
TI  - Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.

PMID- 28084716
TI  - Manipulation of Optoelectronic Properties and Band Structure Engineering of
      Ultrathin Te Nanowires by Chemical Adsorption.
AB  - Band structure engineering is a powerful technique both for the design of new
      semiconductor materials and for imparting new functionalities to existing ones.
      In this article, we present a novel and versatile technique to achieve this by
      surface adsorption on low dimensional systems. As a specific example, we
      demonstrate, through detailed experiments and ab initio simulations, the
      controlled modification of band structure in ultrathin Te nanowires due to NO2
      adsorption. Measurements of the temperature dependence of resistivity of single
      ultrathin Te nanowire field-effect transistor (FET) devices exposed to increasing
      amounts of NO2 reveal a gradual transition from a semiconducting to a metallic
      state. Gradual quenching of vibrational Raman modes of Te with increasing
      concentration of NO2 supports the appearance of a metallic state in NO2 adsorbed
      Te. Ab initio simulations attribute these observations to the appearance of
      midgap states in NO2 adsorbed Te nanowires. Our results provide fundamental
      insights into the effects of ambient on the electronic structures of low
      dimensional materials and can be exploited for designing novel chemical sensors.

PMID- 28084717
TI  - High-Efficiency Robust Free-Standing Composited Phosphor Films with 2D and 3D
      Nanostructures for High-Power Remote White LEDs.
AB  - This study demonstrated that combined free-standing quasi-amorphous/micropattern
      (QA/MP) composited resin film-assisted phosphor films enhanced the mechanical
      robustness, luminous efficacy, color rendering index (CRI), and special R9 of
      high-power remote warm white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs). Introducing QA/MP
      nanostructures into phosphor film resulted in high efficiency of remote warm
      WLEDs with low phosphor thickness (approximately 25 MUm) and reduced the
      correlated color temperature (CCT) from cold white light (approximately 5565 K)
      to warm white light (approximately 3178 K). The QA/MP composited phosphor films
      (CPFs) used for high-power remote WLEDs enhanced the CRI and special R9 and
      reduced the CCT. These results were attributed to that QA resin film reflected
      the blue light and re-emitted the added red emission. CIR (84), a natural warm
      white CCT (3178 K), and an acceptable luminous efficacy (102.5 lm/W) were
      achieved from the QA/MP CPFs of high-power remote WLEDs during operation at an
      input power of 10 W (current of 700 mA). The bending strength of QA/MP CPFs at
      approximately 112 N was significantly enhanced by 40% compared with that of flat
      CPFs. The QA/MP CPFs applied to high-power remote WLEDs exhibited good thermal
      and optical stability. QA/MP CPFs were also conducted to a reliability analysis
      (RA), in which temperature of 85  degrees C and relative humidity of 85% were
      applied for 3288 h. Lumen maintenance was degraded by 8% during RA test because
      the transmittance of trimethylolopropane ethoxylate triacrylate resins was
      degraded under high temperature. Overall, we implemented a reliable and
      inexpensive technology that can potentially reduce phosphor thickness, address
      the out-bin problems of defective WLEDs, and fabricate flat-panel lighting source
      with good lighting quality.

PMID- 28084718
TI  - Preparation and Properties of Bamboo Fiber/Nano-hydroxyapatite/Poly(lactic-co
      glycolic) Composite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering.
AB  - In this study, bamboo fiber was first designed to incorporate into nano
      hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co-glycolic) to obtain a new composite scaffold of
      bamboo fiber/nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co- glycolic) (BF/n-HA/PLGA) by
      freeze-drying method. The effect of their components and some factors consisting
      of different freeze temperatures, concentrations, and pore-forming agents on the
      porous morphology, porosity, and compressive properties of the scaffold were
      investigated by scanning electron microscope, modified liquid displacement
      method, and electromechanical universal testing machine. The results indicated
      that the 5% BF/30% n-HA/PLGA composite scaffold, prepared with 5% (w/v) high
      concentration and frozen at -20  degrees C without pore-forming agent, had the
      best ideal porous structure and porosity as well as compressive properties, which
      far exceed those of n-HA/PLGA composite scaffold. In addition, the in vitro
      simulated body fluids soaking and cell culture experiment showed the addition of
      BF into the scaffold accelerated the BF/n-HA/PLGA composite scaffolds degradation
      and exhibited good cytocompatibility, including attachment and proliferation. All
      the results of the study show that BF has improved the properties of n-HA/PLGA
      composite scaffolds and BF/n-HA/PLGA might have a great potential for bone tissue
      engineering scaffold.

PMID- 28084719
TI  - QD-Biopolymer-TSPP Assembly as Efficient BiFRET Sensor for Ratiometric and Visual
      Detection of Zinc Ion.
AB  - In this work, we report a new type of quantum dot (QD)-based fluorescence
      resonance energy transfer (FRET) assembly and its utility for sensing Zn2+ in
      different media. The assembly on the QD scaffold is via first coating of poly(dA)
      homopolymer/double-stranded DNA, followed by loading of meso-tetra(4
      sulfonatophenyl)porphine dihydrochloride (TSPP), both of which are electrostatic,
      offering the advantages of cost-efficiency and simplicity. More importantly, the
      biopolymer coating minimizes the interfacial thickness to be <=2 nm for QD-TSPP
      FRET, which results in improvements of up to 60-fold for single FRET efficiency
      and nearly 4-fold for total FRET efficiency of the QD-biopolymer-TSPP assemblies
      in comparison with silica-coating-based QD-TSPP assemblies. On the basis of Zn2+
      chelation-induced spectral modulation, dual-emission QD-poly(dA)-TSPP assemblies
      are developed as a ratiometric Zn2+ sensor with increased sensitivity and
      specificity. The sensor either in solution or on a paper substrate displays
      continuous color changes from yellow to bright green toward Zn2+, exhibiting
      excellent visualization capability. By utilizing the competitive displacement of
      Zn2+, the sensor is also demonstrated to have good reversibility. Furthermore,
      the sensor is successfully used to visualize exogenous Zn2+ in living cells.
      Together the QD-biopolymer-TSPP assembly provides an inexpensive, sensitive, and
      reliable sensing platform not only for on-site analytical applications but also
      for high-resolution cellular imaging.

PMID- 28084720
TI  - Porous Ga-In Bimetallic Oxide Nanofibers with Controllable Structures for
      Ultrasensitive and Selective Detection of Formaldehyde.
AB  - The design of appropriate composite materials with unique surface structures is
      an important strategy to achieve ideal chemical gas sensing. In this paper,
      efficient and selective detection of formaldehyde vapor has been realized by a
      gas sensor based on porous GaxIn2-xO3 nanofibers assembled by small building
      blocks. By tuning the Ga/In atomic ratios in the materials, crystallite phase,
      nanostructure, and band gap of as-obtained GaxIn2-xO3 nanofibers can be
      rationally altered. This further offers a good opportunity to optimize the gas
      sensing performances. In particular, the sensor based on porous Ga0.6In1.4O3
      nanofibers assembled by small nanoparticles (~4.6 nm) exhibits best sensing
      performances. Toward 100 ppm formaldehyde, its highest response (Ra/Rg = 52.4, at
      150  degrees C) is ~4 times higher than that of the pure In2O3 (Ra/Rg = 13.0, at
      200  degrees C). Meanwhile, it has superior ability to selectively detect
      formaldehyde against other interfering volatile organic compound gases. The
      significantly improved sensing performance makes the Ga0.6In1.4O3 sensor very
      promising for selective detection of formaldehyde.

PMID- 28084721
TI  - Dual Functionalities of Carbon Nanotube Films for Dendrite-Free and High Energy
      High Power Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.
AB  - As a promising Li-metal battery, Li-S battery has an ultrahigh theoretical energy
      density of 2600 Wh kg-1. However, most of the previous work has mainly focused on
      tackling the "polysulfide shuttle" originating from the S cathode, while the
      dendrite problem coming from the Li-metal anode has often been overlooked.
      Herein, to solve the issues arising from both the cathode and anode
      simultaneously, we propose a novel cell configuration for the first time by
      inserting CNT films on both sides of the separator in Li-S batteries, in which
      the cathode-side CNT film works as a shield to suppress the "polysulfide shuttle"
      and the anode-side CNT film acts as a powerful shield to prevent the Li dendrite
      growth. In the new cell configuration, the S/rGO cathode with a high S loading of
      about 4.0 mg cm-2 displays a high specific capacity (1336 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C),
      excellent rate ability (1070, 833, 656, and 444 mAh g-1 at 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 C,
      respectively), and sustainable cycling stability for 150 cycles with high
      Coulombic efficiency (>99%) at 1 C, while the Li metal anode displays an
      ultrasmooth surface. We believe this work will aid in developing other metal
      based (e.g., Na, K, Zn, and Al) batteries.

PMID- 28084722
TI  - Novel Triazole-Piperazine Hybrid Molecules Induce Apoptosis via Activation of the
      Mitochondrial Pathway and Exhibit Antitumor Efficacy in Osteosarcoma Xenograft
      Nude Mice Model.
AB  - Mitochondria impart a crucial role in the regulation of programmed cell death and
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, besides serving as a primary energy
      source. Mitochondria appeared as an important target for the therapy of cancer
      due to their significant contribution to cell survival and death. Here, we report
      the design and synthesis of a novel series of triazole-piperazine hybrids as
      potent anticancer agents. MCS-5 emerged as an excellent anticancer agent which
      showed better anticancer activity than the standard drug doxorubicin in in vitro
      and in vivo studies. MCS-5 displayed an IC50 value of 1.92 MUM and induced
      apoptosis in Cal72 (human osteosarcoma cell line) cells by targeting the
      mitochondrial pathway. This compound arrested the G2/M phase of the cell cycle
      and induced ROS production and mitochondrial potential collapse in Cal72 cells.
      MCS-5 displayed excellent anticancer activity in the Cal72 xenograft nude mice
      model, where it significantly reduced tumor progression, leading to enhanced life
      span in treated animals compared to control and doxorubicin treated animals
      without exerting noticeable toxicity. In addition, a 2DG optical probe guided
      study clearly evoked that MCS-5 remarkably reduced tumor metastasis in the Cal72
      xenograft nude mice model. These results indicate that MCS-5 appeared as a novel
      chemical entity which is endowed with excellent in vitro as well as in vivo
      anticancer activity and may contribute significantly to the management of cancer
      in the future.

PMID- 28084723
TI  - Distinct Chromic and Magnetic Properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks with a Redox
      Ligand.
AB  - An electron-deficient and potentially chromic ligand has been utilized to impart
      redox activity, photo- and hydrochromism, and solvotomagnetism to metal-organic
      frameworks (MOFs). A pair of MOFs were constructed from the flexible zwitterionic
      viologen-tethered tetracarboxylate linker N,N'-bis(3,5-dicarboxylatobenzyl)-4,4'
      bipyridinium (L2-): [Co3(L)(N3)4] (1) and [Mn2(L)(N3)2(H2O)2].3H2O (2). Both
      compounds show three-dimensional frameworks in which mixed azido- and carboxylato
      bridged chains are connected through the electron-deficient viologen moieties.
      The chain in 1 is built from alternating bis(azide) and (azide)bis(carboxylate)
      bridges, while that in 2 contains uniform (azide) (carboxylate) bridges. The MOFs
      shows the characteristic redox properties of the viologen moieties. The redox
      activity affords the MOFs with different chromic properties, owing to subtle
      differences in chemical environments. 1 shows reversible photochromism, which is
      related to the radical formation through photoinduced electron transfer from
      azide-carboxylate to viologen according to UV-vis, X-ray photoelectron, and
      electron spin resonance spectroscopy and DFT calculations. 2 is nonphotochromic
      for lack of appropriate pathways for electron transfer. Unexpectedly, 2 shows a
      novel type of solid-state hydrochromism. Upon the removal and reabsorption of
      water, the compound shows remarkable color change because of reversible electron
      transfer accompanying a reversible structural transformation. The radical
      mechanism is distinct from those for traditional hydrochromic inorganic and
      organic materials. Magnetic studies indicate ferro- and antiferromagnetic
      coupling in 1 and 2, respectively. What's more, 2 shows marked magnetic response
      to the removal of water molecules owing to the formation of radicals. The
      compound illustrates a unique material exhibiting dual responses (color and
      magnetism) to water.

PMID- 28084724
TI  - Is the Solid Electrolyte Interphase an Extra-Charge Reservoir in Li-Ion
      Batteries?
AB  - Advanced metal oxide electrodes in Li-ion batteries usually show reversible
      capacities exceeding the theoretically expected ones. Despite many studies and
      tentative interpretations, the origin of this extra-capacity is not assessed yet.
      Lithium storage can be increased through different chemical processes developing
      in the electrodes during charging cycles. The solid electrolyte interface (SEI),
      formed already during the first lithium uptake, is usually considered to be a
      passivation layer preventing the oxidation of the electrodes while not
      participating in the lithium storage process. In this work, we combine high
      resolution soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy with tunable probing depth and
      photoemission spectroscopy to obtain profiles of the surface evolution of a well
      known prototype conversion-alloying type mixed metal oxide (carbon coated
      ZnFe2O4) electrode. We show that a partially reversible layer of alkyl lithium
      carbonates is formed (~5-7 nm) at the SEI surface when reaching higher Li storage
      levels. This layer acts as a Li reservoir and seems to give a significant
      contribution to the extra-capacity of the electrodes. This result further extends
      the role of the SEI layer in the functionality of Li-ion batteries.

PMID- 28084725
TI  - Broadening of Distribution of Trap States in PbS Quantum Dot Field-Effect
      Transistors with High-k Dielectrics.
AB  - We perform a quantitative analysis of the trap density of states (trap DOS) in
      PbS quantum dot field-effect transistors (QD-FETs), which utilize several polymer
      gate insulators with a wide range of dielectric constants. With increasing gate
      dielectric constant, we observe increasing trap DOS close to the lowest
      unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the QDs. In addition, this increase is
      also consistently followed by broadening of the trap DOS. We rationalize that the
      increase and broadening of the spectral trap distribution originate from dipolar
      disorder as well as polaronic interactions, which are appearing at strong
      dielectric polarization. Interestingly, the increased polaron-induced traps do
      not show any negative effect on the charge carrier mobility in our QD devices at
      the highest applied gate voltage, giving the possibility to fabricate efficient
      low-voltage QD devices without suppressing carrier transport.

PMID- 28084726
TI  - High-Performance Electron Field Emitters and Microplasma Cathodes Based on
      Conductive Hybrid Granular Structured Diamond Materials.
AB  - High-performance diamond electron field emitters (EFEs) with extremely low turn
      on field (E0 = 1.72 V/MUm) and high current density (1.70 mA/cm2 at an applied
      field of 3.86 V/MUm) were successfully synthesized by using a modified two-step
      microwave plasma chemical deposition process. Such emitters possess EFE
      properties comparable with most of carbon- or semiconductor-based EFE materials,
      but with markedly better lifetime stability. The superb EFE behavior of these
      materials was achieved owing to the reduction in the diamond-to-Si interfacial
      resistance and the increase in the conductivity of the bulk diamond films (HBD
      400 V) via the applications of high bias voltage during the preparation of the
      ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) primary layer and the subsequent plasma post
      treatment (PPT) process, respectively. The superior EFE properties along with
      enhanced robustness of HBD-400 V films compared with the existing diamond-based
      EFE materials rendered these materials of greater potential for applications in
      high brightness display and multifunctional microplasma.

PMID- 28084727
TI  - Organophosphate Esters in Sediment of the Great Lakes.
AB  - This is the first study on organophosphate ester (OPEs) flame retardants and
      plasticizers in the sediment of the Great Lakes. Concentrations of 14 OPEs were
      measured in three sediment cores and 88 Ponar surface grabs collected from Lakes
      Ontario, Michigan, and Superior of North America. The sum of these OPEs
      (Sigma14OPEs) in Ponar grabs averaged 2.2, 4.7, and 16.6 ng g-1 dw in Lakes
      Superior, Michigan, and Ontario, respectively. Multiple linear regression
      analyses demonstrated statistically significant associations between logarithm
      concentrations of Sigma14OPEs as well as selected congeners in surface grab
      samples and sediment organic carbon content as well as a newly developed urban
      distance factor. Temporal trends observed in dated sediment cores from Lake
      Michigan demonstrated that the recent increase in depositional flux to sediment
      is dominated by chlorinated OPEs, particularly tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate
      (TCPP), which has a doubling time of about 20 years. Downward diffusion within
      sediment may have caused vertical fractionation of OPEs over time. Two relatively
      hydrophilic OPEs including TCPP had much higher concentrations in sediment than
      estimated based on equilibria between water and sediment organic carbon.
      Approximately a quarter (17 tonnes) of the estimated total OPE burden (63 tonnes)
      in Lake Michigan resides in sediment, which may act as a secondary source
      releasing OPEs to the water column for years to come.

PMID- 28084728
TI  - Cellulose Elementary Fibrils Assemble into Helical Bundles in S1 Layer of Spruce
      Tracheid Wall.
AB  - The ultrastructural organization of cellulose elementary fibrils (EFs) in wood
      cell wall is considered to be the prime factor regulating the material
      characteristics of wood in micro to macro levels and the conversion of
      delignified wood fibers into various products. Specifically, the complex assembly
      of EFs in wood cell wall limits its swellability, solubility, and reactivity, for
      example, in dissolution of cellulose for regeneration of textile fibers, fibril
      separation for the manufacture of nanocellulose, and enzymatic hydrolysis of
      cellulose into sugars for their subsequent fermentation to various products, like
      ethanol for future fossil fuels replacement. Here cryo-transmission electron
      tomography was applied on ultrathin spruce wood sections to reveal the EF
      assembly in S1 layer of the native cell wall. The resolution of these tomograms
      was then further enhanced by computational means. For the first time, cellulose
      in the intact cell wall was visualized to be assembled into helical bundles of
      several EFs, a structural feature that must have a significant impact on the
      swelling, accessibility, and solubility of woody biomass for its conversion into
      the aforementioned value added products.

PMID- 28084729
TI  - Super-Resolution Imaging and Plasmonics.
AB  - This review describes the growing partnership between super-resolution imaging
      and plasmonics, by describing the various ways in which the two topics mutually
      benefit one another to enhance our understanding of the nanoscale world. First,
      localization-based super-resolution imaging strategies, where molecules are
      modulated between emissive and nonemissive states and their emission localized,
      are applied to plasmonic nanoparticle substrates, revealing the hidden shape of
      the nanoparticles while also mapping local electromagnetic field enhancements and
      reactivity patterns on their surface. However, these results must be interpreted
      carefully due to localization errors induced by the interaction between metallic
      substrates and single fluorophores. Second, plasmonic nanoparticles are explored
      as image contrast agents for both superlocalization and super-resolution imaging,
      offering benefits such as high photostability, large signal-to-noise, and
      distance-dependent spectral features but presenting challenges for localizing
      individual nanoparticles within a diffraction-limited spot. Finally, the use of
      plasmon-tailored excitation fields to achieve subdiffraction-limited spatial
      resolution is discussed, using localized surface plasmons and surface plasmon
      polaritons to create confined excitation volumes or image magnification to
      enhance spatial resolution.

PMID- 28084730
TI  - Hexavalent Chromium Generation within Naturally Structured Soils and Sediments.
AB  - Chromium(VI) produced from the oxidation of indigenous Cr(III) minerals is
      increasingly being recognized as a threat to groundwater quality. A critical
      determinant of Cr(VI) generation within soils and sediments is the necessary
      interaction of two low-solubility phases-Cr(III) silicates or (hydr)oxides and
      Mn(III/IV) oxides-that lead to its production. Here we investigate the potential
      for Cr(III) oxidation by Mn oxides within fixed solid matrices common to soils
      and sediments. Artificial aggregates were constructed from Cr(OH)3- and
      Cr0.25Fe0.75(OH)3-coated quartz grains and either mixed with synthetic birnessite
      or inoculated with the Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterium Leptothrix cholodnii. In
      aggregates simulating low organic carbon environments, we observe Cr(VI)
      concentrations within advecting solutes at levels more than twenty-times the
      California drinking water standard. Chromium(VI) production is highly dependent
      on Cr-mineral solubility; increasing Fe-substitution (x = 0 to x = 0.75)
      decreases the solubility of the solid and concomitantly decreases total Cr(VI)
      generation by 37%. In environments with high organic carbon, reducing conditions
      within aggregate cores (microbially) generate sufficient Fe(II) to suppress
      Cr(VI) efflux. Our results illustrate Cr(VI) generation from reaction with Mn
      oxides within structured media simulating soils and sediments and provide insight
      into how fluctuating hydrologic and redox conditions impact coupled processes
      controlling Cr and Mn cycling.

PMID- 28084731
TI  - Luminescent CdSe Superstructures: A Nanocluster Superlattice and a Nanoporous
      Crystal.
AB  - Superstructures, combining nanoscopic constituents into micrometer-size
      assemblies, have a great potential for utilization of the size-dependent quantum
      confinement properties in multifunctional electronic and optoelectronic devices.
      Two diverse superstructures of nanoscopic CdSe were prepared using solvothermal
      conversion of the same cadmium selenophenolate precursor (Me4N)2[Cd(SePh)4]: the
      first is a superlattice of monodisperse [Cd54Se32(SePh)48(dmf)4]4- nanoclusters;
      the second is a unique porous CdSe crystal. Nanoclusters were crystallized as
      cubic crystals (<=0.5 mm in size) after solvothermal treatment at 200  degrees C
      in DMF. UV-vis absorption and PLE spectra of the reported nanoclusters are
      consistent with previously established trends for the known families of
      tetrahedral CdSe frameworks. In contrast to these, results of PL spectra are
      rather unexpected, as distinct room temperature emission is observed both in
      solution and in the solid state. The porous CdSe crystals were isolated as red
      hexagonal prisms (<=70 MUm in size) via solvothermal treatment under similar
      conditions but with the addition of an alkylammonium salt. The presence of a
      three-dimensional CdSe network having a coherent crystalline structure inside
      hexagonal prisms was concluded based on powder X-ray diffraction, selected area
      electron diffraction and electron microscopy imaging. Self-assembly via oriented
      attachment of crystalline nanoparticles is discussed as the most probable
      mechanism of formation.

PMID- 28084732
TI  - Novel Polyfluorinated Compounds Identified Using High Resolution Mass
      Spectrometry Downstream of Manufacturing Facilities near Decatur, Alabama.
AB  - Concern over persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity has led to international
      regulation and phase-outs of certain perfluorinated compounds and little is known
      about their replacement products. High resolution mass spectrometry was used to
      investigate the occurrence and identity of replacement fluorinated compounds in
      surface water and sediment of the Tennessee River near Decatur, Alabama. Analysis
      of legacy Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) revealed a marked increase
      in concentrations downstream of manufacturing facilities, with the most abundant
      compounds being perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS),
      and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as high as 220 ng L-1, 160 ng L-1, and 120 ng L
      1, respectively. A series of nine polyfluorinated carboxylic acids was
      discovered, each differing by CF2CH2. These acids are likely products or
      byproducts of a manufacturing process that uses 1,1-difluoroethene, which is
      registered to a manufacturing facility in the area. Two other predominant
      compounds discovered have structures consistent with perfluorobutanesulfonate and
      perfluoroheptanoic acid but have a single hydrogen substituted for a fluorine
      someplace in their structure. A polyfluoroalkyl sulfate with differing mixes of
      hydrogen and fluorine substitution was also observed. N-methyl perfluorobutane
      sulfonamidoacetic acid (MeFBSAA) was observed at high concentrations and several
      other perfluorobutane sulfonamido substances were present as well.

PMID- 28084733
TI  - Application of Ionic Liquids to Energy Storage and Conversion Materials and
      Devices.
AB  - Ionic liquids (ILs) are liquids consisting entirely of ions and can be further
      defined as molten salts having melting points lower than 100  degrees C. One of
      the most important research areas for IL utilization is undoubtedly their energy
      application, especially for energy storage and conversion materials and devices,
      because there is a continuously increasing demand for clean and sustainable
      energy. In this article, various application of ILs are reviewed by focusing on
      their use as electrolyte materials for Li/Na ion batteries, Li-sulfur batteries,
      Li-oxygen batteries, and nonhumidified fuel cells and as carbon precursors for
      electrode catalysts of fuel cells and electrode materials for batteries and
      supercapacitors. Due to their characteristic properties such as nonvolatility,
      high thermal stability, and high ionic conductivity, ILs appear to meet the
      rigorous demands/criteria of these various applications. However, for further
      development, specific applications for which these characteristic properties
      become unique (i.e., not easily achieved by other materials) must be explored.
      Thus, through strong demands for research and consideration of ILs unique
      properties, we will be able to identify indispensable applications for ILs.

PMID- 28084734
TI  - Macrocyclized Extended Peptides: Inhibiting the Substrate-Recognition Domain of
      Tankyrase.
AB  - We report a double-click macrocyclization approach for the design of constrained
      peptide inhibitors having non-helical or extended conformations. Our targets are
      the tankyrase proteins (TNKS), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) that regulate
      Wnt signaling by targeting Axin for degradation. TNKS are deregulated in many
      different cancer types, and inhibition of TNKS therefore represents an attractive
      therapeutic strategy. However, clinical development of TNKS-specific PARP
      catalytic inhibitors is challenging due to off-target effects and cellular
      toxicity. We instead targeted the substrate-recognition domain of TNKS, as it is
      unique among PARP family members. We employed a two-component strategy, allowing
      peptide and linker to be separately engineered and then assembled in a
      combinatorial fashion via click chemistry. Using the consensus substrate-peptide
      sequence as a starting point, we optimized the length and rigidity of the linker
      and its position along the peptide. Optimization was further guided by high
      resolution crystal structures of two of the macrocyclized peptides in complex
      with TNKS. This approach led to macrocyclized peptides with submicromolar
      affinities for TNKS and high proteolytic stability that are able to disrupt the
      interaction between TNKS and Axin substrate and to inhibit Wnt signaling in a
      dose-dependent manner. The peptides therefore represent a promising starting
      point for a new class of substrate-competitive inhibitors of TNKS with potential
      for suppressing Wnt signaling in cancer. Moreover, by demonstrating the
      application of the double-click macrocyclization approach to non-helical,
      extended, or irregularly structured peptides, we greatly extend its potential and
      scope, especially given the frequency with which such motifs mediate protein
      protein interactions.

PMID- 28084736
TI  - Study of the Impact of Polyanions on the Formation of Lipid Bilayers on Top of
      Polyelectrolyte Multilayers with Poly(allylamine hydrochloride) as the Top Layer.
AB  - The impact of polyanions on the formation of lipid bilayers on top of
      polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) as
      the top layer is studied for the deposition of vesicles of mixed lipid
      composition, 50:50 molar ratio of zwitterionic 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine (DOPC) and negatively charged 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l
      serine (DOPS). PEMs are assembled with polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), poly(acrylic
      acid) (PAA), and alginic acid sodium salt (Alg) as polyanions. The assembly of
      the vesicles on the PEMs is followed by means of the quartz crystal microbalance
      with dissipation. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements are
      applied to evaluate bilayer formation. Whereas a bilayer is formed on top of
      PAH/PSS multilayers, the vesicles are adsorbed on top of PAH/Alg and PAH/PAA
      multilayers, remaining unruptured or only partially fused. The influence of the
      surface composition of the PEM and of the bulk properties of the film are
      analyzed. The phosphate ions present in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) play a
      fundamental role in bilayer formation on top of PAH/PSS as they complex with PAH
      and render the surface potential close to zero. For PAH/PAA and PAH/Alg, PBS
      renders the surface negative. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the
      dibasic phosphate ions from PBS complex preferentially with PAH in PAH/PAA and
      PAH/Alg multilayers, whereas monobasic phosphates complex with PAH in PAH/PSS. An
      explanation for the absence of bilayer formation on PAH/PAA and PAH/Alg is given
      on the basis of the different affinities of phosphate ions for PAH in combination
      with the different polyanions.

PMID- 28084735
TI  - Real-Time Screening of Biocatalysts in Live Bacterial Colonies.
AB  - Screening of bacterial colonies to identify new biocatalytic activities is a
      widely adopted tool in biotechnology, but is constrained by the requirements for
      colorimetric or tag-based detection methods. Herein we report a label-free
      screening platform for biotransformations in live colonies using desorption
      electrospray ionization coupled with ion mobility mass spectrometry imaging (DiBT
      IMMS). The screening method is demonstrated for both ammonia lyases and P450
      monooxygenases expressed within live bacterial colonies and is shown to enable
      multiplexing of enzyme variants and substrate libraries simultaneously.

PMID- 28084737
TI  - Theoretical Study of Silicon Monoxide Reactions with Ammonia and Methane.
AB  - High-accuracy calculations were performed to study the mechanisms of the
      reactions between the diatomic silicon monoxide (SiO) with NH3 and CH4. These
      reactions are relevant to the SiO-related astrochemistry and atmospheric
      chemistry as well as the activation of the N-H and C-H bonds by the SiO triple
      bond. Energetic data used in the construction of potential energy surfaces
      describing the SiO + NH3/CH4 reactions were obtained at the coupled-cluster
      theory with extrapolation to the complete basis set limit (CCSD(T)/CBS) using
      DFT/B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ optimized geometries. Standard heats of formation of a
      series of small Si-molecules were predicted. Insertion of SiO into the N-H bond
      is exothermic with a small energy barrier of ~8 kcal/mol with respect to the SiO
      + NH3 reactants, whereas the C-H bond activation by SiO involves a higher energy
      barrier of 45 kcal/mol. Eight product channels are opened in the SiO + NH3
      reaction including dehydrations giving HNSi/HSiN and dehydrogenations. These
      reactions are endothermic by 16-119 kcal/mol (calculated at 298.15 K) with the
      CCSD(T)/CBS energy barriers of 21-128 kcal/mol. The most stable set of products,
      HNSi + H2O, was also the product of the reaction pathway having lowest energy
      barrier of 21 kcal/mol. Ten product channels of the SiO + CH4 reaction including
      decarbonylation, dehydration, dehydrogenation, and formation of Si + CH3OH are
      endothermic by 19-118 kcal/mol with the energy barriers in the range of 71-126
      kcal/mol. The formation of H2CSiO + H2O has the lowest energy barrier of 71
      kcal/mol, whereas the most stable set of products, SiH4 + CO, is formed via a
      higher energy barrier of 90 kcal/mol. Accordingly, while SiO can break the N-H
      bond of ammonia without the assistance of other molecules, it is not able to
      break the C-H bond of methane.

PMID- 28084738
TI  - Interactions in Water-Ionic Liquid Mixtures: Comparing Protic and Aprotic
      Systems.
AB  - The sensitivity of ionic liquids (ILs) to water affects their physical and
      chemical properties, even at relatively low concentrations, yet the structural
      thermodynamics of protic IL- (PIL-) water systems at low water concentrations
      still remains unclear. Using the rigorous Kirkwood-Buff theory of solutions,
      which can quantify the interactions between species in IL-water systems solely
      from thermodynamic data, we have shown the following: (1) Between analogous
      protic and aprotic ILs (AILs), the AIL cholinium
      bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Ch][NTf2]) shows stronger interactions with
      water at low water concentrations, with the analogous PIL N,N
      dimethylethanolammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([DMEtA][NTf2]) having
      stronger water-ion interactions at higher water contents, despite water-ion
      interactions weakening with increasing water content in both systems. (2) Water
      has little effect on the average ion-ion interactions in both protic and aprotic
      ILs, aside from the AIL [Ch][NTf2], which shows a strengthening of ion-ion
      interactions with increasing water content. (3) Self-association of water in both
      PIL-water systems leading to the presence of large aggregates of water in IL-rich
      compositions has been inferred. Water-water interactions in [DMEtA][NTf2] were
      found to be similar to those of dialkylimidazolium AILs, whereas these
      interactions were much larger in the PIL N,N-dimethylethanolammonium propionate
      ([DMEtA][Pr]), attributed to the change in anion-water interactions.

PMID- 28084739
TI  - Size-Dependent Optical Properties of Grana Inside Chloroplast of Plant Cells.
AB  - Well-packed thylakoids known as grana are one of the major functional sites for
      photosynthesis in algae and plants. Their highly ordered structures can be
      considered as a few hundred nanometer-sized particles having distinct scattering
      cross sections from other various macromolecular organizations inside plant
      cells. With this background we show that elastic light scattering imaging and
      microspectroscopy is an important tool for investigating structure and
      organization of grana inside a single chloroplast in plant cells. We have
      demonstrated this noninvasive method to identify the distribution of grana in
      intact fresh leaf of robust and rapidly growing Egaria densa, which is also known
      as Anachris and among the most popular aquarium plants. The scattering efficiency
      spectra of their individual grana fairly resemble cooperative absorption spectra
      of porphyrins and carotenoids. We found that the electronic structure of the
      stacked thylakoids shows granum size-dependence, indicating that size of grana is
      one of the critical parameters in the regulation of the photochemical functions
      in the thylakoid.

PMID- 28084740
TI  - Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots for Hole Extraction of Typical Planar Hybrid
      Perovskite Solar Cells.
AB  - Black phosphorus, famous as two-dimensional (2D) materials, shows such excellent
      properties for optoelectronic devices such as tunable direct band gap, extremely
      high hole mobility (300-1000 cm2/(V s)), and so forth. In this Letter, facile
      processed black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) were successfully applied to
      enhance hole extraction at the anode side of the typical p-i-n planar hybrid
      perovskite solar cells, which remarkably improved the performance of devices with
      photon conversion efficiency ramping up from 14.10 to 16.69%. Moreover, more
      detailed investigations by c-AFM, SKPM, SEM, hole-only devices, and photon
      physics measurements discover further the hole extraction effect and work
      mechanism of the BPQDs, such as nucleation assistance for the growth of large
      grain size perovskite crystals, fast hole extraction, more efficient hole
      transfer, and suppression of energy-loss recombination at the anode interface.
      This work definitely paves the way for discovering more and more 2D materials
      with high electronic properties to be used in photovoltaics and optoelectronics.

PMID- 28084741
TI  - Biofunctionalization of Plasmonic Nanoparticles with Short Peptides Monitored by
      SERS.
AB  - In order for plasmonic nanoparticles to be usable in biomedical applications
      their surface requires functionalization with biocompatible material. For this
      purpose short peptides, CFY, CFFY, CLY, were designed and replacement of the
      capping agent poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) on the surface of silver nanocubes by
      the peptides was investigated. The primary sequences of the peptides were
      designed such that they enable the covalent attachment to silver via the cysteine
      thiols, contain amino acids that can interact via hydrophobic interactions, and
      therefore are likely to form tightly packed films. Finally, the peptides
      contained UV-vis and SERS markers, allowing the dynamics of the biomolecule
      attachment to the nanoparticles to be monitored spectroscopically. The ligand
      exchange was observed for nanocubes suspended in solution and supported on a
      dielectric substrate. Formation of the peptide film around the nanocubes was
      confirmed by electron microscopy and SERS measurements. The film thickness was
      found to be 4-6 nm and independent of peptide solution concentration, suggesting
      multilayer formation. The surface density of these cysteine-containing peptides
      was found to be between 0.59 and 4.92 molecules per nm2.

PMID- 28084742
TI  - Pharmacophore-Based 3D-QSAR Analysis of Thienyl Chalcones as a New Class of Human
      MAO-B Inhibitors: Investigation of Combined Quantum Chemical and Molecular
      Dynamics Approach.
AB  - Selective monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors are imperative in the treatment
      of various neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we describe the pharmacophore
      generation and atom-based three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity
      relationship (3D-QSAR) analyses of previously reported thiophene-based hMAO-B
      inhibitors by our research group. The aim of this study was to identify the
      principal structural features that could potentially be responsible for the
      inhibitory activity of hMAO-B inhibitors. The best pharmacophore model generated
      was the four-point assay of AHRR.8. The pharmacophore model exhibited good
      correlation with its predictability of the statistically valid 3D-QSAR analyses.
      Density functional theory calculations were further employed on the lead molecule
      (2E)-1-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-3-[4-(dimethylamino) phenyl] prop-2-en-1-one (Tb5)
      to investigate the electrostatic potential surface and analyze the natural bond
      orbital toward the binding characteristics. Molecular dynamics simulations were
      performed to characterize the molecular level interactions and relative energies
      of the hMAO isoforms: hMAO-A and hMAO-B with three potent and selective hMAO-B
      inhibitors (Tb5, Tb6, and Tb9). The results of both continuous and accelerated
      molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate a distinct preference of the three
      ligands to bind to hMAO-B rather than hMAO-A.

PMID- 28084743
TI  - Azepinoindole Synthesis via a N-Bromosuccinimide-Induced Cycloisomerization of
      Enaminoester/Enaminone.
AB  - A protocol based on a newly developed N-bromosuccinimide (NBS)-induced
      cycloisomerization was described to prepare tricyclic azepino[4,5-b]indoles from
      simple beta-enaminoesters or beta-enaminones containing an indole unit. A
      mechanism involving a Pictet-Spengler cyclization, an aziridine ring formation,
      and a regioselective C-N bond cleavage was proposed to account for the medium
      sized ring formation and the migration of electron-withdrawing group (ester,
      ketone).

PMID- 28084745
TI  - First-Principles Free-Energy Barriers for Photoelectrochemical Surface Reactions:
      Proton Abstraction at TiO_{2}(110).
AB  - We explicitly calculate the free-energy barrier for the initial proton
      abstraction in the water splitting reaction at rutile TiO_{2}(110) through ab
      initio molecular dynamics. Combining solid-state embedding, an energy based
      reaction coordinate and state-of-the-art free-energy reconstruction techniques
      renders the calculation tractable at the hybrid density-functional theory level.
      The obtained free-energy barrier of approximately 0.2 eV, depending slightly on
      the orientation of the first acceptor water molecule, suggests a hindered
      reaction on the pristine rutile surface.

PMID- 28084744
TI  - Unusual Exciton-Phonon Interactions at van der Waals Engineered Interfaces.
AB  - Raman scattering is a ubiquitous phenomenon in light-matter interactions, which
      reveals a material's electronic, structural, and thermal properties. Controlling
      this process would enable new ways of studying and manipulating fundamental
      material properties. Here, we report a novel Raman scattering process at the
      interface between different van der Waals (vdW) materials as well as between a
      monolayer semiconductor and 3D crystalline substrates. We find that interfacing a
      WSe2 monolayer with materials such as SiO2, sapphire, and hexagonal boron nitride
      (hBN) enables Raman transitions with phonons that are either traditionally
      inactive or weak. This Raman scattering can be amplified by nearly 2 orders of
      magnitude when a foreign phonon mode is resonantly coupled to the A exciton in
      WSe2 directly or via an A1' optical phonon from WSe2. We further showed that the
      interfacial Raman scattering is distinct between hBN-encapsulated and hBN
      sandwiched WSe2 sample geometries. This cross-platform electron-phonon coupling,
      as well as the sensitivity of 2D excitons to their phononic environments, will
      prove important in the understanding and engineering of optoelectronic devices
      based on vdW heterostructures.

PMID- 28084746
TI  - Experimental Realization of a Thermal Squeezed State of Levitated Optomechanics.
AB  - We experimentally squeeze the thermal motional state of an optically levitated
      nanosphere by fast switching between two trapping frequencies. The measured phase
      space distribution of the center of mass of our particle shows the typical shape
      of a squeezed thermal state, from which we infer up to 2.7 dB of squeezing along
      one motional direction. In these experiments the average thermal occupancy is
      high and, even after squeezing, the motional state remains in the remit of
      classical statistical mechanics. Nevertheless, we argue that the manipulation
      scheme described here could be used to achieve squeezing in the quantum regime if
      preceded by cooling of the levitated mechanical oscillator. Additionally, a
      higher degree of squeezing could, in principle, be achieved by repeating the
      frequency-switching protocol multiple times.

PMID- 28084747
TI  - Weaving Knotted Vector Fields with Tunable Helicity.
AB  - We present a general construction of divergence-free knotted vector fields from
      complex scalar fields, whose closed field lines encode many kinds of knots and
      links, including torus knots, their cables, the figure-8 knot, and its
      generalizations. As finite-energy physical fields, they represent initial states
      for fields such as the magnetic field in a plasma, or the vorticity field in a
      fluid. We give a systematic procedure for calculating the vector potential,
      starting from complex scalar functions with knotted zero filaments, thus enabling
      an explicit computation of the helicity of these knotted fields. The construction
      can be used to generate isolated knotted flux tubes, filled by knots encoded in
      the lines of the vector field. Lastly, we give examples of manifestly knotted
      vector fields with vanishing helicity. Our results provide building blocks for
      analytical models and simulations alike.

PMID- 28084748
TI  - Tapered Glass-Fiber Microspike: High-Q Flexural Wave Resonator and Optically
      Driven Knudsen Pump.
AB  - Appropriately designed optomechanical devices are ideal for making ultra
      sensitive measurements. Here we report a fused-silica microspike that supports a
      flexural resonance with a quality factor greater than 100 000 at room temperature
      in vacuum. Fashioned by tapering single-mode fiber (SMF), it is designed so that
      the core-guided optical mode in the SMF evolves adiabatically into the
      fundamental mode of the air-glass waveguide at the tip. The very narrow
      mechanical linewidth (20 mHz) makes it possible to measure extremely small
      changes in resonant frequency. In a vacuum chamber at low pressure, the weak
      optical absorption of the glass is sufficient to create a temperature gradient
      along the microspike, which causes it to act as a microscopic Knudsen pump,
      driving a flow of gas molecules towards the tip where the temperature is highest.
      The result is a circulating molecular flow within the chamber. Momentum exchange
      between the vibrating microspike and the flowing molecules causes an additional
      restoring force that can be measured as a tiny shift in the resonant frequency.
      The effect is strongest when the mean free path of the gas molecules is
      comparable with the dimensions of the vacuum chamber. The system offers a novel
      means of monitoring the behavior of weakly absorbing optomechanical sensors
      operating in vacuum.

PMID- 28084749
TI  - Charge Transport by Superexchange in Molecular Host-Guest Systems.
AB  - Charge transport in disordered organic semiconductors is generally described as a
      result of incoherent hopping between localized states. In this work, we focus on
      multicomponent emissive host-guest layers as used in organic light-emitting
      diodes (OLEDs), and show using multiscale ab initio based modeling that charge
      transport can be significantly enhanced by the coherent process of molecular
      superexchange. Superexchange increases the rate of emitter-to-emitter hopping, in
      particular if the emitter molecules act as relatively deep trap states, and
      allows for percolation path formation in charge transport at low guest
      concentrations.

PMID- 28084750
TI  - Graphene Nanobubbles as Valley Filters and Beam Splitters.
AB  - The energy band structure of graphene has two inequivalent valleys at the K and
      K^{'} points of the Brillouin zone. The possibility to manipulate this valley
      degree of freedom defines the field of valleytronics, the valley analogue of
      spintronics. A key requirement for valleytronic devices is the ability to break
      the valley degeneracy by filtering and spatially splitting valleys to generate
      valley polarized currents. Here, we suggest a way to obtain valley polarization
      using strain-induced inhomogeneous pseudomagnetic fields (PMFs) that act
      oppositely on the two valleys. Notably, the suggested method does not involve
      external magnetic fields, or magnetic materials, unlike previous proposals. In
      our proposal the strain is due to experimentally feasible nanobubbles, whose
      associated PMFs lead to different real space trajectories for K and K^{'}
      electrons, thus allowing the two valleys to be addressed individually. In this
      way, graphene nanobubbles can be exploited in both valley filtering and valley
      splitting devices, and our simulations reveal that a number of different
      functionalities are possible depending on the deformation field.

PMID- 28084751
TI  - Detecting Rotational Superradiance in Fluid Laboratories.
AB  - Rotational superradiance was predicted theoretically decades ago, and is chiefly
      responsible for a number of important effects and phenomenology in black-hole
      physics. However, rotational superradiance has never been observed
      experimentally. Here, with the aim of probing superradiance in the lab, we
      investigate the behavior of sound and surface waves in fluids resting in a
      circular basin at the center of which a rotating cylinder is placed. We show that
      with a suitable choice for the material of the cylinder, surface and sound waves
      are amplified. Two types of instabilities are studied: one sets in whenever
      superradiant modes are confined near the rotating cylinder and the other, which
      does not rely on confinement, corresponds to a local excitation of the cylinder.
      Our findings are experimentally testable in existing fluid laboratories and,
      hence, offer experimental exploration and comparison of dynamical instabilities
      arising from rapidly rotating boundary layers in astrophysical as well as in
      fluid dynamical systems.

PMID- 28084752
TI  - Two-Step Phase Transition in SnSe and the Origins of its High Power Factor from
      First Principles.
AB  - The interest in improving the thermoelectric response of bulk materials has
      received a boost after it has been recognized that layered materials, in
      particular SnSe, show a very large thermoelectric figure of merit. This result
      has received great attention while it is now possible to conceive other similar
      materials or experimental methods to improve this value. Before we can now think
      of engineering this material it is important we understand the basic mechanism
      that explains this unusual behavior, where very low thermal conductivity and a
      high thermopower result from a delicate balance between the crystal and
      electronic structure. In this Letter, we present a complete temperature evolution
      of the Seebeck coefficient as the material undergoes a soft crystal
      transformation and its consequences on other properties within SnSe by means of
      first-principles calculations. Our results are able to explain the full range of
      considered experimental temperatures.

PMID- 28084753
TI  - Evaporation Spectrum of Black Holes from a Local Quantum Gravity Perspective.
AB  - We revisit the hypothesis of a possible line structure in the Hawking evaporation
      spectrum of black holes. Because of nonperturbative quantum gravity effects, this
      would take place arbitrarily far away from the Planck mass. We show, based on a
      speculative but consistent hypothesis, that this naive prediction might in fact
      hold in the specific context of loop quantum gravity. A small departure from the
      ideal case is expected for some low-spin transitions and could allow us to
      distinguish several quantum gravity models. We also show that the effect is not
      washed out by the dynamics of the process, by the existence of a mass spectrum up
      to a given width, or by the secondary component induced by the decay of neutral
      pions emitted during the time-integrated evaporation.

PMID- 28084754
TI  - Enhanced Nonadiabaticity in Vortex Cores due to the Emergent Hall Effect.
AB  - We present a combined theoretical and experimental study, investigating the
      origin of the enhanced nonadiabaticity of magnetic vortex cores. Scanning
      transmission x-ray microscopy is used to image the vortex core gyration
      dynamically to measure the nonadiabaticity with high precision, including a high
      confidence upper bound. We show theoretically, that the large nonadiabaticity
      parameter observed experimentally can be explained by the presence of local spin
      currents arising from a texture induced emergent Hall effect. This study
      demonstrates that the magnetic damping alpha and nonadiabaticity parameter beta
      are very sensitive to the topology of the magnetic textures, resulting in an
      enhanced ratio (beta/alpha>1) in magnetic vortex cores or Skyrmions.

PMID- 28084755
TI  - Wu and Gong Reply.

PMID- 28084756
TI  - Subcycle Optical Response Caused by a Terahertz Dressed State with Phase-Locked
      Wave Functions.
AB  - The coherent interaction of light with matter imprints the phase information of
      the light field on the wave function of the photon-dressed electronic state. A
      driving electric field, together with a stable phase that is associated with the
      optical probe pulses, enables the role of the dressed state in the optical
      response to be investigated. We observed optical absorption strengths modulated
      on a subcycle time scale in a GaAs quantum well in the presence of a multicycle
      terahertz driving pulse using a near-infrared probe pulse. The measurements were
      in good agreement with the analytical formula that accounts for the optical
      susceptibilities caused by the dressed state of the excitons, which indicates
      that the output probe intensity was coherently reshaped by the excitonic sideband
      emissions.

PMID- 28084757
TI  - Comment on "Clustering of Oxygen Vacancies at CeO_{2}(111): Critical Role of
      Hydroxyls".

PMID- 28084758
TI  - Generation and Evolution of Spin-, Valley-, and Layer-Polarized Excited Carriers
      in Inversion-Symmetric WSe_{2}.
AB  - We report the spin-selective optical excitation of carriers in inversion
      symmetric bulk samples of the transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) WSe_{2}.
      Employing time- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (trARPES) and
      complementary time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), we observe spin-,
      valley-, and layer-polarized excited state populations upon excitation with
      circularly polarized pump pulses, followed by ultrafast (<100  fs) scattering of
      carriers towards the global minimum of the conduction band. TDDFT reveals the
      character of the conduction band, into which electrons are initially excited, to
      be two-dimensional and localized within individual layers, whereas at the minimum
      of the conduction band, states have a three-dimensional character, facilitating
      interlayer charge transfer. These results establish the optical control of
      coupled spin-, valley-, and layer-polarized states in centrosymmetric materials
      with locally broken symmetries and suggest the suitability of TMDC multilayer and
      heterostructure materials for valleytronic and spintronic device concepts.

PMID- 28084759
TI  - Coherence Times of Bose-Einstein Condensates beyond the Shot-Noise Limit via
      Superfluid Shielding.
AB  - We demonstrate a new way to extend the coherence time of separated Bose-Einstein
      condensates that involves immersion into a superfluid bath. When both the system
      and the bath have similar scattering lengths, immersion in a superfluid bath
      cancels out inhomogeneous potentials either imposed by external fields or
      inherent in density fluctuations due to atomic shot noise. This effect, which we
      call superfluid shielding, allows for coherence lifetimes beyond the projection
      noise limit. We probe the coherence between separated condensates in different
      sites of an optical lattice by monitoring the contrast and decay of Bloch
      oscillations. Our technique demonstrates a new way that interactions can improve
      the performance of quantum devices.

PMID- 28084760
TI  - Colloidal Surfaces with Boundaries, Apex Boojums, and Nested Elastic Self
      Assembly of Nematic Colloids.
AB  - Self-assembly of colloidal particles is poised to become a powerful composite
      material fabrication technique, but remains challenged by a limited control over
      the ensuing structures. We develop a new breed of nematic colloids that are
      physical analogs of a mathematical surface with boundary, interacting with the
      molecular alignment field without inducing defects when flat. However, made from
      a thin nanofoil, they can be shaped to prompt formation of self-compensating
      defects that drive preprogramed elastic interactions mediated by the nematic
      host. To show this, we wrap the nanofoil on all triangular side faces of a
      pyramid, except its square base. The ensuing pyramidal cones induce point defects
      with fractional hedgehog charges of opposite signs, spontaneously align with
      respect to the far-field director to form elastic dipoles and nested assemblies
      with tunable spacing. Nanofoils shaped into octahedrons interact as elastic
      quadrupoles. Our findings may drive realization of low-symmetry colloidal phases.

PMID- 28084761
TI  - Suppression of Interference in Quantum Hall Mach-Zehnder Geometry by Upstream
      Neutral Modes.
AB  - Mach-Zehnder interferometry has been proposed as a probe for detecting the
      statistics of anyonic quasiparticles in fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states.
      Here, we focus on interferometers made of multimode edge states with upstream
      modes. We find that the interference visibility is suppressed due to downstream
      upstream mode entanglement; the latter serves as a "which path" detector to the
      downstream interfering trajectories. Our analysis tackles a concrete realization
      of a filling factor of nu=2/3, but its applicability goes beyond that specific
      case, and encompasses the recent observation of the ubiquitous emergence of
      upstream neutral modes in FQH states. The latter, according to our analysis, goes
      hand in hand with the failure to observe Mach-Zehnder anyonic interference in
      fractional states. We point out how charge-neutral mode disentanglement will
      resuscitate the interference signal.

PMID- 28084762
TI  - Hourglass Dispersion and Resonance of Magnetic Excitations in the Superconducting
      State of the Single-Layer Cuprate HgBa_{2}CuO_{4+delta} Near Optimal Doping.
AB  - We use neutron scattering to study magnetic excitations near the
      antiferromagnetic wave vector in the underdoped single-layer cuprate
      HgBa_{2}CuO_{4+delta} (superconducting transition temperature T_{c}~88  K,
      pseudogap temperature T^{*}~220  K). The response is distinctly enhanced below
      T^{*} and exhibits a Y-shaped dispersion in the pseudogap state, whereas the
      superconducting state features an X-shaped (hourglass) dispersion and a further
      resonancelike enhancement. A large spin gap of about 40 meV is observed in both
      states. This phenomenology is reminiscent of that exhibited by bilayer cuprates.
      The resonance spectral weight, irrespective of doping and compound, scales
      linearly with the putative binding energy of a spin exciton described by an
      itinerant-spin formalism.

PMID- 28084763
TI  - Kibble-Zurek Mechanism in the Self-Organization of a Cold Atomic Cloud.
AB  - When applying two counterpropagating laser beams to a cold cloud of rubidium
      atoms, we observe the spontaneous formation of intensity patterns associated with
      a spatial structuration of the atomic spins. We study the average number of
      defects in these patterns as a function of the sweep time employed to cross the
      instability threshold. We observe a power-law decrease of the number of defects
      with increasing sweep time, typical of the Kibble-Zurek mechanism. The measured
      exponent is consistent with the prediction for a supercritical bifurcation.

PMID- 28084764
TI  - Itinerant Conductance in Fuse-Antifuse Networks.
AB  - We report on a novel dynamic phase in electrical networks, in which current
      channels perpetually change in time. This occurs when the elementary units of the
      network are fuse-antifuse devices, namely, become insulators within a certain
      finite interval of local applied voltages. As a consequence, the macroscopic
      current exhibits temporal fluctuations which increase with system size. We
      determine the conditions under which this exotic situation appears by
      establishing a phase diagram as a function of the applied field and the size of
      the insulating window. Besides its obvious application as a versatile electronic
      device, due to its rich variety of behaviors, this network model provides a
      possible description for particle-laden flow through porous media leading to
      dynamical clogging and reopening of the local channels in the pore space.

PMID- 28084765
TI  - Superdiffusive Dispersals Impart the Geometry of Underlying Random Walks.
AB  - It is recognized now that a variety of real-life phenomena ranging from diffusion
      of cold atoms to the motion of humans exhibit dispersal faster than normal
      diffusion. Levy walks is a model that excelled in describing such superdiffusive
      behaviors albeit in one dimension. Here we show that, in contrast to standard
      random walks, the microscopic geometry of planar superdiffusive Levy walks is
      imprinted in the asymptotic distribution of the walkers. The geometry of the
      underlying walk can be inferred from trajectories of the walkers by calculating
      the analogue of the Pearson coefficient.

PMID- 28084767
TI  - Exploiting Vibrational Strong Coupling to Make an Optical Parametric Oscillator
      Out of a Raman Laser.
AB  - When the collective coupling of the rovibrational states in organic molecules and
      confined electromagnetic modes is sufficiently strong, the system enters into
      vibrational strong coupling, leading to the formation of hybrid light-matter
      quasiparticles. In this Letter, we demonstrate theoretically how this
      hybridization in combination with stimulated Raman scattering can be utilized to
      widen the capabilities of Raman laser devices. We explore the conditions under
      which the lasing threshold can be diminished and the system can be transformed
      into an optical parametric oscillator. Finally, we show how the dramatic
      reduction of the many final molecular states into two collective excitations can
      be used to create an all-optical switch with output in the midinfrared.

PMID- 28084766
TI  - Si Nanoribbons on Ag(110) Studied by Grazing-Incidence X-Ray Diffraction,
      Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, and Density-Functional Theory: Evidence of a
      Pentamer Chain Structure.
AB  - We report a combined grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXD), scanning
      tunneling microscopy (STM), and density-functional theory (DFT) study which
      clearly elucidates the atomic structure of the Si nanoribbons grown on the
      missing-row reconstructed Ag(110) surface. Our study allows us to discriminate
      between the theoretical models published in the literature, including the most
      stable atomic configurations and those based on a missing-row reconstructed
      Ag(110) surface. GIXD measurements unambiguously validate the pentamer model
      grown on the reconstructed surface, obtained from DFT. This pentamer atomistic
      model accurately matches the high-resolution STM images of the Si nanoribbons
      adsorbed on Ag(110). Our study closes the long-debated atomic structure of the Si
      nanoribbons grown on Ag(110) and definitively excludes a honeycomb structure
      similar to that of freestanding silicene.

PMID- 28084768
TI  - Dependence of the Spectrum of Shock-Accelerated Ions on the Dynamics at the Shock
      Crossing.
AB  - Diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) of ions occurs due to pitch-angle diffusion in
      the upstream and downstream regions of the shock and multiple crossing of the
      shock by these ions. The classical DSA theory implies continuity of the
      distribution at the shock transition and predicts a universal spectrum of
      accelerated particles, depending only on the ratio of the upstream and downstream
      fluid speeds. However, the ion dynamics at the shock front occurs within a
      collision-free region and is gyrophase dependent. The ions fluxes have to be
      continuous at the shock front. The matching conditions for the gyrophase-averaged
      distribution functions at the shock transition are formulated in terms of the
      transition and reflection probabilities. These probabilities depend on the shock
      angle and the magnetic compression as does the power spectrum of accelerated
      ions. Their spectral index is expressed in terms of the reflectivity. The
      spectrum is typically harder than the spectrum predicted by the classical DSA
      theory.

PMID- 28084770
TI  - Anionic Hydrogen Cluster Ions as a New Form of Condensed Hydrogen.
AB  - We report the first experimental observation of negatively charged hydrogen and
      deuterium cluster ions, H_{n}^{-} and D_{n}^{-}, where n>=5. These anions are
      formed by an electron addition to liquid helium nanodroplets doped with molecular
      hydrogen or deuterium. The ions are stable for at least the lifetime of the
      experiment, which is several tens of microseconds. Only anions with odd values of
      n are detected, and some specific ions show anomalously high abundances. The
      sizes of these "magic number" ions suggest an icosahedral framework of H_{2}
      (D_{2}) molecules in solvent shells around a central H^{-} (D^{-}) ion. The first
      three shells, which contain a total of 44 H_{2} or D_{2} molecules, appear to be
      solidlike, but thereafter a more liquidlike arrangement of the H_{2} (D_{2})
      molecules is adopted.

PMID- 28084769
TI  - Time-Resolved Imaging of Negative Differential Resistance on the Atomic Scale.
AB  - Negative differential resistance remains an attractive but elusive functionality,
      so far only finding niche applications. Atom scale entities have shown promising
      properties, but the viability of device fabrication requires a fuller
      understanding of electron dynamics than has been possible to date. Using an all
      electronic time-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy technique and a Green's
      function transport model, we study an isolated dangling bond on a hydrogen
      terminated silicon surface. A robust negative differential resistance feature is
      identified as a many body phenomenon related to occupation dependent electron
      capture by a single atomic level. We measure all the time constants involved in
      this process and present atomically resolved, nanosecond time scale images to
      simultaneously capture the spatial and temporal variation of the observed
      feature.

PMID- 28084771
TI  - Honeycomb-Lattice Heisenberg-Kitaev Model in a Magnetic Field: Spin Canting,
      Metamagnetism, and Vortex Crystals.
AB  - The Heisenberg-Kitaev model is a paradigmatic model to describe the magnetism in
      honeycomb-lattice Mott insulators with strong spin-orbit coupling, such as
      A_{2}IrO_{3} (A=Na, Li) and alpha-RuCl_{3}. Here, we study in detail the physics
      of the Heisenberg-Kitaev model in an external magnetic field. Using a combination
      of Monte Carlo simulations and spin-wave theory, we map out the classical phase
      diagram for different directions of the magnetic field. Broken SU(2) spin
      symmetry renders the magnetization process rather complex, with sequences of
      phases and metamagnetic transitions. In particular, we find various large-unit
      cell and multi-Q phases including a vortex-crystal phase for a field in the [111]
      direction. We also discuss quantum corrections in the high-field phase.

PMID- 28084772
TI  - Enhancement of the Superconducting Gap by Nesting in CaKFe_{4}As_{4}: A New High
      Temperature Superconductor.
AB  - We use high resolution angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy and density
      functional theory with measured crystal structure parameters to study the
      electronic properties of CaKFe_{4}As_{4}. In contrast to the related
      CaFe_{2}As_{2} compounds, CaKFe_{4}As_{4} has a high T_{c} of 35 K at
      stochiometric composition. This presents a unique opportunity to study the
      properties of high temperature superconductivity in the iron arsenides in the
      absence of doping or substitution. The Fermi surface consists of several hole and
      electron pockets that have a range of diameters. We find that the values of the
      superconducting gap are nearly isotropic (within the explored portions of the
      Brillouin zone), but are significantly different for each of the Fermi surface
      (FS) sheets. Most importantly, we find that the momentum dependence of the gap
      magnitude plotted across the entire Brillouin zone displays a strong deviation
      from the simple cos(k_{x})cos(k_{y}) functional form of the gap function,
      proposed by the scenario of Cooper pairing driven by a short range
      antiferromagnetic exchange interaction. Instead, the maximum value of the gap is
      observed on FS sheets that are closest to the ideal nesting condition, in
      contrast to previous observations in other ferropnictides. These results provide
      strong support for the multiband character of superconductivity in
      CaKFe_{4}As_{4}, in which Cooper pairing forms on the electron and the hole bands
      interacting via a dominant interband repulsive interaction, enhanced by band
      nesting.

PMID- 28084774
TI  - Search for the Effect of Massive Bodies on Atomic Spectra and Constraints on
      Yukawa-Type Interactions of Scalar Particles.
AB  - We propose a new method to search for hypothetical scalar particles that have
      feeble interactions with standard-model particles. In the presence of massive
      bodies, these interactions produce a nonzero Yukawa-type scalar-field magnitude.
      Using radio-frequency spectroscopy data of atomic dysprosium, as well as atomic
      clock spectroscopy data, we constrain the Yukawa-type interactions of a scalar
      field with the photon, electron, and nucleons for a range of scalar-particle
      masses corresponding to length scales >10  cm. In the limit as the scalar
      particle mass m_{phi}->0, our derived limits on the Yukawa-type interaction
      parameters are Lambda_{gamma}?8*10^{19}  GeV, Lambda_{e}?1.3*10^{19}  GeV, and
      Lambda_{N}?6*10^{20}  GeV. Our measurements also constrain combinations of
      interaction parameters, which cannot otherwise be probed with traditional
      anomalous-force measurements. We suggest further measurements to improve on the
      current level of sensitivity.

PMID- 28084775
TI  - Noncollinear Spin-Orbit Magnetic Fields in a Carbon Nanotube Double Quantum Dot.
AB  - We demonstrate experimentally that noncollinear intrinsic spin-orbit magnetic
      fields can be realized in a curved carbon nanotube two-segment device. Each
      segment, analyzed in the quantum dot regime, shows near fourfold degenerate shell
      structure allowing for identification of the spin-orbit coupling and the angle
      between the two segments. Furthermore, we determine the four unique spin
      directions of the quantum states for specific shells and magnetic fields. This
      class of quantum dot systems is particularly interesting when combined with
      induced superconducting correlations as it may facilitate unconventional
      superconductivity and detection of Cooper pair entanglement. Our device comprises
      the necessary elements.

PMID- 28084773
TI  - Slow Interatomic Coulombic Decay of Multiply Excited Neon Clusters.
AB  - Ne clusters (~5000  atoms) were resonantly excited (2p->3s) by intense free
      electron laser (FEL) radiation at FERMI. Such multiply excited clusters can decay
      nonradiatively via energy exchange between at least two neighboring excited
      atoms. Benefiting from the precise tunability and narrow bandwidth of seeded FEL
      radiation, specific sites of the Ne clusters were probed. We found that the
      relaxation of cluster surface atoms proceeds via a sequence of interatomic or
      intermolecular Coulombic decay (ICD) processes while ICD of bulk atoms is
      additionally affected by the surrounding excited medium via inelastic electron
      scattering. For both cases, cluster excitations relax to atomic states prior to
      ICD, showing that this kind of ICD is rather slow (picosecond range). Controlling
      the average number of excitations per cluster via the FEL intensity allows a
      coarse tuning of the ICD rate.

PMID- 28084776
TI  - Color-Kinematics Duality and Sudakov Form Factor at Five Loops for N=4
      Supersymmetric Yang-Mills Theory.
AB  - Using color-kinematics duality, we construct for the first time the full
      integrand of the five-loop Sudakov form factor in N=4 super-Yang-Mills theory,
      including nonplanar contributions. This result also provides a first
      manifestation of the color-kinematics duality at five loops. The integrand is
      explicitly ultraviolet finite when D<26/5, coincident with the known finiteness
      bound for amplitudes. If the double-copy method could be applied to the form
      factor, this would indicate an interesting ultraviolet finiteness bound for N=8
      supergravity at five loops. The result is also expected to provide an essential
      input for computing the five-loop nonplanar cusp anomalous dimension.

PMID- 28084777
TI  - Anomalous Lattice Dynamics of EuSi_{2} Nanoislands: Role of Interfaces Unveiled.
AB  - We report a systematic lattice dynamics study of EuSi_{2} films and nanoislands
      by in situ nuclear inelastic scattering on ^{151}Eu and ab initio theory. The Eu
      partial phonon density of states of the nanoislands exhibits anomalous excess of
      phonon states at low and high energies, not present in the bulk and at the
      EuSi_{2}(001) surface. We demonstrate that atomic vibrations along the island
      substrate interface give rise to phonon states both at low and high energies,
      while atomic vibrations across the island-island interface result in localized
      high-energy phonon modes.

PMID- 28084778
TI  - Resonator with Ultrahigh Length Stability as a Probe for Equivalence-Principle
      Violating Physics.
AB  - In order to investigate the long-term dimensional stability of matter, we have
      operated an optical resonator fabricated from crystalline silicon at 1.5 K
      continuously for over one year and repeatedly compared its resonance frequency
      f_{res} with the frequency of a GPS-monitored hydrogen maser. After allowing for
      an initial settling time, over a 163-day interval we found a mean fractional
      drift magnitude |f_{res}^{-1}df_{res}/dt|<1.4*10^{-20}/s. The resonator frequency
      is determined by the physical length and the speed of light and we measure it
      with respect to the atomic unit of time. Thus the bound rules out, to first
      order, a hypothetical differential effect of the Universe's expansion on rulers
      and atomic clocks. We also constrain a hypothetical violation of the principle of
      local position invariance for resonator-based clocks and derive bounds for the
      strength of space-time fluctuations.

PMID- 28084779
TI  - Shape Coexistence in ^{78}Ni as the Portal to the Fifth Island of Inversion.
AB  - Large-scale shell-model calculations predict that the region of deformation which
      comprises the heaviest chromium and iron isotopes at and beyond N=40 will merge
      with a new one at N=50 in an astonishing parallel to the N=20 and N=28 case in
      the neon and magnesium isotopes. We propose a valence space including the full pf
      shell for the protons and the full sdg shell for the neutrons, which represents a
      comeback of the the harmonic oscillator shells in the very neutron- rich regime.
      The onset of deformation is understood in the framework of the algebraic SU(3)
      like structures linked to quadrupole dominance. Our calculations preserve the
      doubly magic nature of the ground state of ^{78}Ni, which, however, exhibits a
      well-deformed prolate band at low excitation energy, providing a striking example
      of shape coexistence far from stability. This new IOI adds to the four well
      documented ones at N=8, 20, 28, and 40.

PMID- 28084780
TI  - Core Structure and Non-Abelian Reconnection of Defects in a Biaxial Nematic Spin
      2 Bose-Einstein Condensate.
AB  - We calculate the energetic structure of defect cores and propose controlled
      methods to imprint a nontrivially entangled vortex pair that undergoes non
      Abelian vortex reconnection in a biaxial nematic spin-2 condensate. For a
      singular vortex, we find three superfluid cores in addition to depletion of the
      condensate density. These exhibit order parameter symmetries that are different
      from the discrete symmetry of the biaxial nematic phase, forming an interface
      between the defect and the bulk superfluid. We provide a detailed analysis of
      phase mixing in the resulting vortex cores and find an instability dependent upon
      the orientation of the order parameter. We further show that the spin-2
      condensate is a promising system for observing spontaneous deformation of a point
      defect into an "Alice ring" that has so far avoided experimental detection.

PMID- 28084781
TI  - Soil trace element changes during a phytoremediation trial with willows in
      southern Quebec, Canada.
AB  - This study determined the changes in trace elements (TE) (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn)
      chemistry in the soils of a willow ("Fish Creek" - Salix purpurea, SV1 - Salix x
      dasyclados and SX67 - Salix miyabeana) plantation growing under a cold climate
      during a three-year trial. The soil HNO3-extractable and H2O-soluble TE
      concentrations and pools significantly decreased under most cultivars (Fish,
      SX67). Yet, TE changes showed inconsistent patterns and localized soil TE
      increases (Ni, Pb) were measured. Temporal changes in soil TE were also detected
      in control plots and sometimes exceeded changes in planted plots. Discrepancies
      existed between the amount of soil TE change and the amount of TE uptake by
      willows, except for Cd and Zn. Phytoremediation with willows could reduce soil Cd
      and Zn within a decadal timeframe indicating that they can be remediated by
      willows in moderately contaminated soils. However, the time needed to reduce soil
      As, Cu, Ni and Pb was too long to be efficient. We submit that soil leaching
      contributed to the TE decrease in controls and the TE discrepancies, and that the
      plantation could have secondary effects such as the accelerated leaching of soil
      TE.

PMID- 28084782
TI  - Effects of prenatal iron status on child neurodevelopment and behavior: A
      systematic review.
AB  - Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are the main worldwide nutritional
      disorders. A good level of prenatal iron is essential for the correct child
      neurodevelopment but this association has been poorly investigated. To gather the
      scientific evidence on the relation between prenatal iron status and child
      neurodevelopment. To emphasize the importance of personalize the dose and type of
      supplementation. Wide search strategy was performed in electronic databases for
      English language articles with no limitations as regards the language or date of
      publication. Additional studies were selected by hand search. The inclusion
      criteria were pregnant women without high-risk pregnancy and their children as
      study population and neurodevelopment as the main outcome. Six RCTs and 13
      observational studies were included. The majority concluded that deficit or
      excess iron during pregnancy injures the mental and psychomotor development of
      child. Other authors found no association of low iron level with troubles in
      neurodevelopment, recommended multi-micronutrients instead of iron alone and/or
      showed inconsistent results. Both iron deficiency as its excess are harmful for
      the child neurodevelopment. The prenatal iron supplementation should be adjusted
      for each woman, taking into account the iron stores, some genetic mutation and
      other health habits.

PMID- 28084783
TI  - Morphophysiological, ultrastructural, and nutritional changes induced by Cu
      toxicity in young Erythrina fusca plants.
AB  - Erythrina fusca is an important legume used for shade cover in cacao plantations
      in Brazil. Cacao plantations receive large quantities of copper (Cu)-containing
      agrochemicals, mainly for control of diseases. Therefore, Cu toxicity was
      investigated in seedlings grown in hydroponics with increasing concentrations of
      Cu (0.005-32 mg L-1) in a greenhouse. Ultrastructural analyses showed cell
      plasmolysis in the root cortical area and changes in thylakoid membranes at 8 mg
      Cu L-1 and higher. There were changes in epicuticular wax deposition on the leaf
      surface at the 16 and 32 mg Cu L-1 treatments. Leaf gas exchanges were highly
      affected 24 hours after application of treatments beginning at 8 mg Cu L-1 and
      higher Cu concentrations. Chemical analyses showed that Cu content in E. fusca
      roots increased as Cu concentration in the nutrient solution increased, whereas
      the shoot did not show significant changes. It is also observed that excess Cu
      interfered with Zn, Fe, Mn, Mg, K, P, and Ca content in the different E. fusca
      organs. Investigation of Cu toxicity symptoms focusing on morphophysiological,
      ultrastructural, gas exchange, and nutritional changes would be useful to
      alleviate Cu toxicity in E. fusca under field conditions, an important
      agroforestry species in cacao plantation.

PMID- 28084784
TI  - CYD-TDV dengue vaccine: systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy,
      immunogenicity and safety.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dengue virus (DENV) is a serious global health problem. CYD-TDC
      (Dengvaxia(r)) was the first vaccine to gain regulatory approval to try and
      address this problem. AIM: Summarize all available evidence on the
      immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of the CYD-TDV dengue vaccine. METHOD: Meta
      analysis and systematic review. RESULTS: The best and worst immunogenicity
      results were for DENV4 and DENV1, respectively. Vaccine efficacy of 60% was
      derived from studies with participants aged 2-16 years old, with DENV4 and DENV2
      presenting the best and worst results, respectively. Erythema and swelling were
      more frequent with CYD-TDV. No differences were detected for systemic adverse
      events. CONCLUSION: CYD-TDV showed moderate efficacy in children and adolescents.
      From the immunogenicity results in adults, we can expect satisfactory efficacy
      from vaccination in this population.

PMID- 28084785
TI  - Quantification of the force systems delivered by transpalatal arches activated in
      the six Burstone geometries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the force systems produced by transpalatal arches (TPAs)
      activated according to the six classes of geometries described by Burstone and
      Koenig. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty appliances were tested for first-order
      activations using a mechanical force testing system. The TPAs were first checked
      for passivity in sagittal, transverse, and vertical planes at the measuring
      machine. Then 10 appliances per group were activated using a millimeter template
      to obtain the six classes of geometries, and the activated appliances were
      inserted into lingual tubes of the Force System Identification machine that
      recorded the deactivation forces and moments delivered by both terminal ends of
      the TPAs. RESULTS: The overall force system with the actual values of forces and
      moments recorded by each type of activation was illustrated and compared with the
      mathematical model reported by Burstone and Koenig. Although a great consistency
      of the direction of forces and moments were observed, the theoretically feasible
      force systems could not be fully accomplished by the TPA activated for the six
      classes of geometries. CONCLUSION: The first-order activations of the TPA can
      deliver predictable force systems in respect to the direction of forces and
      moments attainable, but some unexpected forces and moments are also produced.
      Careful clinical monitoring is, therefore, strongly recommended when using this
      statically indeterminate system.

PMID- 28084786
TI  - Seafood allergen-induced hypersensitivity at the microbiota-mucosal site:
      Implications for prospective probiotic use in allergic response regulation.
AB  - Food allergy is a serious disease worldwide; it can significantly lower the
      standard of living of affected individuals and may be life-threatening. In
      particular, hypersensitivity to seafood has been increasing in recent years owing
      to rising consumption. The mucosal immune system plays a critical role in the
      onset of seafood allergy and other allergic diseases. Recently, experimental and
      clinical evidence has shown that probiotics significantly modulate immune
      responses and thus suppress allergic reactions. Therefore, in this review, we
      summarized the basic knowledge of seafood allergy, the mucosal immune system, and
      probiotic activities. We also reviewed the critical immune factors involved in
      allergic reactions, as well as the potential mechanism and the potential use of
      probiotics to ameliorate seafood allergy. The elucidation of these topics may
      help us to develop preventive and therapeutic approaches for seafood allergy and
      other immune disorders in the future.

PMID- 28084787
TI  - What can we do to refine the redundant data in LC-MS and GC-MS based
      metabolomics?

PMID- 28084788
TI  - Characteristics of Adults Who Used Mindfulness Meditation: United States, 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe estimates of the number and characteristics of persons
      who had used mindfulness meditation in the U.S. POPULATION:  DESIGN: Data from
      108,131 adults from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey were weighted to
      produce national estimates representative of the U.S. POPULATION: Persons who
      used mindfulness meditation were identified by their response to the question
      "During the past 12 months, did you use mindfulness meditation?" RESULTS: An
      estimated 2,029,720 adults had used mindfulness meditation. Compared with those
      who did not meditate, more meditators endorsed moderate exercise (79.6% vs.
      54.8%; p < 0.0001). More meditators had low-back and neck pain and headache
      (36.7% vs. 28.9 [p = 0.0002]; 26.4% vs. 14.7% [p<0.0001]; 19.1% vs. 12.1%
      [p<0.0001], respectively). More meditators reported being nervous or feeling sad
      at least a little of the time (60.4% vs. 37.8% and 34% vs. 23.5%, respectively;
      p<0.0001) and being frequently stressed (56.4% vs. 29.0%; p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Mindfulness meditation was used by an estimated 2,029,720 adults in the United
      States in 2012. More meditators than nonmeditators reported more pain and
      reported feeling nervous or sad and being stressed, suggesting a reason for using
      mindfulness meditation.

PMID- 28084789
TI  - Evaluation of immobilized hFMO3 on magnetic nanoparticles by capillary zone
      electrophoresis.
AB  - AIM: In this paper, we developed a method to immobilize human flavin-containing
      monooxygenase-3 (hFMO3) using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker onto amino
      functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. MATERIALS & METHODS: All the analyses were
      done using capillary electrophoresis coupled with a diode array detector using
      clozapine as a substrate. RESULTS: The apparent Km with clozapine as substrate
      and inhibition of hFMO3 by methimazole were explored for immobilized hFMO3 and
      were found to be comparable to literature values. The immobilized enzyme could be
      used three-times continuously at 37 degrees C with no loss in enzyme activity.
      CONCLUSION: A method to immobilize hFMO3 on magnetic nanoparticles has been
      described and evaluated in terms of enzyme activity, inhibition, pH stability and
      reusability.

PMID- 28084790
TI  - As Above, So Below: Tumbling Silos at the Harvard Osher Center's 2016 Integrative
      Medicine Network Forum.

PMID- 28084791
TI  - Evaluation of the potential killing performance of novel percussive and cervical
      dislocation tools in chicken cadavers.
AB  - 1. Four mechanical poultry killing devices; modified Armadillo (MARM), modified
      Rabbit Zinger (MZIN), modified pliers (MPLI) and a novel mechanical cervical
      dislocation (NMCD) gloved device, were assessed for their killing potential in
      the cadavers of euthanised birds. 2. A 4 * 4 * 4 factorial design (batch * device
      * bird type + age) was employed. Ten bird cadavers per bird type and age were
      tested with each of the 4 devices (N = 160 birds). All cadavers were examined
      post-mortem to establish the anatomical damage caused. 3. NMCD, MARM and MZIN
      demonstrated killing potential, as well as consistency in their anatomical
      effects. NMCD had the highest killing potential, with 100% of birds sustaining
      the required physical trauma to have caused rapid death. 4. The MPLI was
      inconsistent, and only performed optimally for 27.5% of birds. Severe crushing
      injury was seen in >50% of MPLI birds, suggesting that birds would die of
      asphyxia rather than cerebral ischaemia, a major welfare concern. As a result,
      the MPLI are not recommended as a humane on-farm killing device for chickens. 5.
      This experiment provides important data on the killing potential of untried novel
      percussive and mechanical cervical dislocation methods, informing future studies.

PMID- 28084792
TI  - Antitrichomonal activity of Peganum harmala alkaloid extract against
      trichomoniasis in pigeon (Columba livia domestica).
AB  - 1. This study was designed to evaluate the antitrichomonal effects of P. harmala
      alkaloid extract against T. gallinae, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as
      comparing it to that of metronidazole, conventional antitrichomonal medication
      and harmine and harmaline, the two alkaloids present in P. harmala. 2. T.
      gallinae were collected by the wet mount method from infected free-living
      pigeons. The in vitro assay was performed using multi-well plates containing test
      compounds in final concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50 or 100 MUg/ml. The in
      vivo assay was done on 60 experimentally infected pigeons dosed with
      metronidazole at 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) or alkaloids at 25 mg/kg BW. 3. The 24
      h minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of alkaloid extract was 15 ug/ml while
      that of metronidazole was 50 ug/ml. Harmine and harmaline revealed 24 h MIC of 30
      and 100 ug/ml, respectively. Treatment of infected pigeons with alkaloids led to
      a full recovery after 3 d but with metronidazole total eradication of
      trophozoites was not achieved. 4. In conclusion, data of the present study
      suggested P. harmala is a potent natural anti-trichomonal agent, effective
      against T. gallinae.

PMID- 28084793
TI  - Test-Retest Reproducibility of the Intrinsic Default Mode Network: Influence of
      Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Slice-Order Acquisition and Head-Motion
      Correction Methods.
AB  - Head motion is a known challenge in resting-state functional magnetic resonance
      imaging studies for biasing functional connectivity (FC) among distinct
      anatomical regions. These persist even with small motion, limiting comparisons of
      groups with different head-motion characteristics. This motivates an interest in
      the optimization of acquisition and correction strategies to minimize motion
      sensitivity. In this test-retest (TRT) study of healthy young volunteers (N =
      23), we investigate the effects of slice-order acquisitions (sequential or
      interleaved) and head-motion correction methods (volume- or slice-based) on the
      TRT reproducibility of intrinsic connectivity of the default mode network (DMN).
      We evaluated the TRT reproducibility of the entire DMN and each main node using
      the absolute percentage error, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the
      Jaccard coefficient. Regardless of slice-order acquisition, the slice-based
      motion correction method systematically estimated larger motion and returned
      significantly higher temporal signal-to-noise ratio. Although consistently
      extracted across all acquisition and motion correction approaches, DMN
      connectivity was sensitive to these choices. However, the TRT reproducibility of
      the whole DMN was stable and showed no sensitivity to the methods tested
      (absolute reproducibility ~7%, ICC = 0.47, and Jaccard = 40%). Percentage errors
      and ICCs were consistent across single nodes, but the Jaccard coefficients were
      not. The posterior cingulate was the most reproducible node (Jaccard = 52%),
      whereas the anterior cingulate was the least reproducible (Jaccard = 30%). Our
      study suggests that the slice-order and motion correction methods evaluated offer
      comparable sensitivity to detect DMN connectivity changes in a longitudinal study
      of individuals with low head-motion characteristics, but that controlling for the
      consistency in acquisition and correction protocols is important in cross
      sectional studies.

PMID- 28084794
TI  - Inductive expression of the NOD1 signalling pathway in chickens infected with
      Salmonella pullorum.
AB  - 1. The aim of this study was to describe the role of Nucleotide-binding
      oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1) receptor signalling in
      chicken. 2. Tissue-specific expression analysis of NOD1, receptor-interacting
      serine-threonine kinase 2 (RIPK2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and mitogen
      activated protein kinase 11 (MAPK11 or p38) by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT
      PCR) revealed their wide distribution in various organs and tissues. 3.
      Salmonella pullorum infection activated NOD1 receptor signalling in vivo and in
      vitro, resulting in significant induction of downstream signalling molecules
      RIPK2, NF-kappaB/p65, MAPK11/p38 and the effector molecules IL-1b and IL-8. 4.
      Activation of NOD1 by its agonist bacterial gamma-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic
      acid (iE-DAP) in HD11 cells induced the adapter molecular RIPK2 and activated the
      NF-kappaB/p65 and MAPK11/p38 pathways, resulting in an increase in IL-8 but not
      IL-1beta. Additionally, inhibition of NOD1 using NOD1-shRNA resulted in
      downregulation of RIPK2, MAPK11 and IL-8, while NF-kappaB/p65 and IL-1beta were
      unaltered. 5. These results highlight the important role of NOD1 receptors in
      eliciting the innate immune response following pathogenic invasion in chicken.

PMID- 28084795
TI  - Moderate physical activity promotes basal hepatic autophagy in diet-induced obese
      mice.
AB  - Obesity is a known risk factor for the development of hepatic disease; obesity
      induced fatty liver can lead to inflammation, steatosis, and cirrhosis and is
      associated with degeneration of the mitochondria. Lifestyle interventions such as
      physical activity may ameliorate this condition. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate regulation of mitochondrial and autophagy quality control in liver
      following Western diet-induced obesity and voluntary physical activity. Eight
      week-old C57BL/6J mice were fed a Western diet (WD) or normal chow (NC, control)
      for 4 weeks; afterwards, groups were divided into voluntary wheel running (VWR)
      or sedentary (SED) conditions for an additional 4 weeks. WD-SED animals had a
      median histology score of 2, whereas WD-VWR was not different from NC groups
      (median score 1). There was no difference in mRNA of inflammatory markers Il6 and
      Tnfa in WD animals. WD animals had 50% lower mitochondrial content (COX IV and
      Cytochrome C proteins), 50% lower Pgc1a mRNA content, and reduced content of
      mitochondrial fusion and fission markers. Markers of autophagy were increased in
      VWR animals, regardless of obesity, as measured by 50% greater LC3-II/I ratio and
      40% lower p62 protein content. BNIP3 protein content was 30% less in WD animals
      compared with NC animals, regardless of physical activity. Diet-induced obesity
      results in derangements in mitochondrial quality control that appear to occur
      prior to the onset of hepatic inflammation. Moderate physical activity appears to
      enhance basal autophagy in the liver; increased autophagy may provide protection
      from hepatic fat accumulation.

PMID- 28084797
TI  - Phosphate-assisted phytoremediation of arsenic by Brassica napus and Brassica
      juncea: Morphological and physiological response.
AB  - In this study, we examined the potential role of phosphate (P; 0, 50, 100 mg kg
      1) on growth, gas exchange attributes, and photosynthetic pigments of Brassica
      napus and Brassica juncea under arsenic (As) stress (0, 25, 50, 75 mg kg-1) in a
      pot experiment. Results revealed that phosphate supplementation (P100) to As
      stressed plants significantly increased shoot As concentration, dry biomass
      yield, and As uptake, in addition to the improved morphological and gas exchange
      attributes and photosynthetic pigments over P0. However, phosphate-assisted
      increase in As uptake was substantially (up to two times) greater for B. napus,
      notably due to higher shoot As concentration and dry biomass yield, compared to
      B. juncea at the P100 level. While phosphate addition in soil (P100) led to
      enhanced shoot As concentration in B. juncea, it reduced shoot dry biomass,
      primarily after 50 and 75 mg kg-1 As treatments. The translocation factor and
      bioconcentration factor values of B. napus were higher than B. juncea for all As
      levels in the presence of phosphate. This study demonstrates that phosphate
      supplementation has a potential to improve As phytoextraction efficiency,
      predominantly for B. napus, by minimizing As-induced damage to plant growth, as
      well as by improving the physiological and photosynthetic attributes.

PMID- 28084798
TI  - Antioxidant molecular targets of wheat bran fermented by white rot fungi and its
      potential modulation of antioxidative status in broiler chickens.
AB  - 1. The study focused on antioxidant molecular targets of wheat bran fermented by
      white rot fungi (WRF) in poultry. After solid-state fermentation of wheat bran by
      WRF for 12 d, scanning electron microscopy found that the lignocellulose
      structure showed degradation and fragmentation. 2. A total of 300 1-d-old
      broilers were evenly divided by gender and randomly allocated into the following
      treatments: (1) maize-soybean meal (control group), (2) 10% of wheat bran
      replacing maize (10% WB group) or (3) 10% of fermented wheat bran replacing maize
      (10% FWB group). 3. The results indicated that the antioxidant gene expression,
      such as haem oxygenase-1 and glutathione-S-transferase of chicken peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells, of the 10% FWB group was significantly higher than that
      of the control group at d 35. For genes of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      phosphate oxygenase 1 and reactive oxygen species modulator protein 1, the
      expression of the 10% FWB group was lower than that of the control group at d 21
      and 35. 4. In conclusion, wheat bran fermented by WRF could increase
      lignocellulolytic enzyme activities and the levels of active components that
      further regulate the expression of antioxidant molecular targets in poultry.

PMID- 28084796
TI  - Beyond Viral Neutralization.
AB  - It has been known for more than 30 years that HIV-1 infection drives a very
      potent B cell response resulting in the production of anti-HIV-1 antibodies
      targeting several viral proteins, particularly its envelope glycoproteins (Env).
      Env epitopes are exposed on the surfaces of viral particles and infected cells
      where they are targets of potentially protective antibodies. These antibodies can
      interdict infection by neutralization and there is strong evidence suggesting
      that Fc-mediated effector function can also contribute to protection. Current
      evidence suggests that Fc-mediated effector function plays a role in protection
      against infection by broadly neutralizing antibodies and it might be important
      for protection by non-neutralizing antibodies. Fc-mediated effector function
      includes diverse mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
      (ADCC), antibody-mediated complement activation, antibody-dependent cellular
      phagocytosis, antibody-dependent cell-mediated virus inhibition, antibody
      mediated trancytosis inhibition, and antibody-mediated virus opsonization. All
      these functions could be beneficial in fighting viral infections, including HIV
      1. In this perspective, we discuss the latest developments in ADCC research
      discussed at the HIVR4P satellite session on non-neutralizing antibodies, with
      emphasis on the mechanisms of ADCC resistance used by HIV-1, the structural basis
      of epitopes recognized by antibodies that mediate ADCC, natural killer-cell
      education and ADCC, and murine models to study ADCC against HIV-1.

PMID- 28084799
TI  - Examining Clinics for Children with Autism: The Autism Translating To Treatment
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Certain clinical providers specialize in providing complementary and
      integrative medicine (CIM) therapies for children with autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD). Because many of these providers and their patients/families have reported
      substantial improvement, the authors developed an online platform to carefully
      examine these clinical practices. The initial goal was to examine the feasibility
      of prospective data collection in this setting. The larger goals were to
      characterize the tests and treatments used in these clinics; examine associations
      between specific treatments, biomarkers, and improved outcomes; and identify
      promising treatments for future study. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING:
      Four CIM clinics specializing in treating children with ASD. PATIENTS: Children
      with ASD age 2-8 years. INTERVENTIONS: The study protocol provided no
      interventions, but all interventions provided by the CIM clinical providers were
      recorded. OUTCOME MEASURES: Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC); Social
      Responsiveness Scale (SRS); and instruments that assessed sensory sensitivity,
      language, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, pediatric quality of life, and
      caregiver strain. RESULTS: Fourteen children were enrolled (mean age, 4.4 years).
      Over 3 months, the total behavior score (ABC) decreased (improved) from 110.8 to
      103.8 (change, -7.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], -27.9 to 13.9), and the total
      social responsiveness score (SRS) decreased (improved) from 133.8 to 127.2
      (change, -6.6; 95% CI, -30.5 to 17.3), but these changes were not statistically
      significant. Similarly, caregiver strain and pediatric quality of life decreased
      (improved) but by a nonsignificant amount. More severe GI symptoms and more
      severe ASD symptoms were associated with lower quality of life (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Barriers to successful data collection were identified. Despite
      these challenges, this study could confirm interesting associations between data
      elements, highlighting the future value of similar systems for improving evidence
      based care in this population.

PMID- 28084800
TI  - The use of halophytic plants for salt phytoremediation in constructed wetlands.
AB  - This research studied the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) to reduce water
      salinity. For this purpose, three halophytic species of the Chenopodiaceae family
      (Salicornia europaea, Salsola crassa, and Bienertia cycloptera) that are
      resistant to saline conditions were planted in the CWs, and experiments were
      conducted at three different salinity levels [electrical conductivity (EC)~2, 6,
      10 dS/m]. EC and concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and
      chlorine (Cl) were measured before and after phytoremediation with a retention
      time of 1 week. The results suggested that these plants were able to grow well
      and complete their life cycles at all the salinity levels within this study.
      Moreover, these plants reduced the measured parameters to acceptable levels.
      Therefore, these plants can be considered good options for salt phytoremediation.

PMID- 28084801
TI  - A narrative for bioanalytical method development.

PMID- 28084802
TI  - Comparison of electrogenic glucose transport processes and permeability between
      proximal and distal jejunum of laying hens.
AB  - 1. The current objective was to assess (1) differences in mucosal transepithelial
      short-circuit current (Isc) and tissue conductance (GT), (2) the effect of a
      glucose stimulus and (3) epithelial paracellular permeability in the proximal and
      distal jejunum of laying hens. 2. Proximal and distal jejunal segments used in
      the Ussing chambers were collected at 9 +/- 0.5 and 73 +/- 3.4% (SEM) of jejunal
      length, respectively. The proximal jejunal mucosa showed a small negative Isc (
      1.3 uA/cm2), whereas the distal jejunum had a higher Isc (32.9 uA/cm2).
      Similarly, GT was 2.5-fold greater in the distal compared to the proximal
      jejunum. 3. Increased paracellular permeability in the distal jejunum was
      displayed as demonstrated by a 5-fold higher mucosal to serosal flux of
      fluorescein isothiocyanate and horseradish peroxidase, representing molecules of
      low and high molecular weight, respectively. 4. Addition of glucose to the
      mucosal side (5 mmol/l, final concentration in the chamber) to stimulate an
      absorptive effect caused 3-fold greater GT in the distal compared to the proximal
      jejunum. 5. In conclusion, the present results supported site-specific
      electrogenic transport processes for the jejunal mucosa of laying hens.
      Therefore, precise description of the jejunal site may contribute to an improved
      comparability of electrophysiological data.

PMID- 28084803
TI  - Growth and nutrient removal of three macrophytes in response to concentrations
      and ratios of N and P.
AB  - Wastewater from different sources shows great differences in concentrations and
      ratios of N and P. In order to choose suitable plant species to remove excess N
      and/or P from polluted waters, it is important to know the performances of these
      plants under different N and P concentrations. In this study, we investigated the
      growth and N and P removal rate of three macrophytes, Coix lacryma-jobi, Iris
      wilsonii, and Arundo donax under six N and P combination treatments. C. lacryma
      jobi preferred higher N and P concentrations (16 mg N L-1 and 3.2 mg P L-1), and
      increasing N supply could increase its P removal rate. I. wilsonii exhibited a
      growth preference at a combination of moderate N and P concentrations (8 mg N L-1
      and 0.8 mg P L-1). A. donax could grow well at all combinations of N and P and
      had significantly higher relative growth rate and N and P removal rates than the
      other two species. These results showed A. donax is a promising species to treat
      various polluted waters and the other two species can be used specifically to
      treat certain types of wastewater.

PMID- 28084804
TI  - Comparative effect of calcium and EDTA on arsenic uptake and physiological
      attributes of Pisum sativum.
AB  - In this study, we determined the effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
      and calcium (Ca) on arsenic (As) uptake and toxicity to Pisum sativum. Plants
      were treated with three levels of As (25, 125, and 250 uM) in the presence and
      absence of three levels of Ca (1, 5, and 10 mM) and EDTA (25, 125, and 250 uM).
      Exposure to As caused an overproduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in roots and
      leaves, which induced lipid peroxidation and decreased pigment contents.
      Application of both Ca and EDTA significantly reduced As accumulation by pea, Ca
      being more effective in reducing As accumulation. Both Ca and EDTA enhanced As
      induced H2O2 production, but reduced lipid peroxidation. In the case of pigment
      contents, EDTA significantly reduced pigment contents, whereas Ca significantly
      enhanced pigment contents compared to As alone. The effect of As treatment in the
      presence and absence of EDTA and Ca was more pronounced in younger leaves
      compared to older leaves. The effect of amendments varied greatly with their
      applied levels, as well as type and age of plant organs. Importantly, due to
      possible precipitation of Ca-As compounds, the soils with higher levels of Ca
      ions are likely to be less prone to food chain contamination.

PMID- 28084805
TI  - Assessment of health and welfare of Austrian laying hens at slaughter
      demonstrates influence of husbandry system and season.
AB  - 1. Selected health and welfare variables of laying hens from 79 flocks kept in
      alternative husbandry systems were assessed at the end of lay. 2. Investigations
      were carried out on 100 hens per flock at the slaughter line and recorded as part
      of a novel scoring system. In addition, post-mortem investigations as well as
      parasitological examinations were conducted on 10 birds from each flock. 3. Birds
      with access to free range had better plumage than birds kept in barn systems.
      Housing in aviaries was associated with a higher prevalence of foot pad lesions
      and keel bone deformations. In addition, poorer plumage, more and worse skin and
      foot pad lesions were documented in hens slaughtered during the winter months. 4.
      Oophoritis and/or salpingitis were the most prevalent pathomorphological changes
      observed. Intestinal parasites, especially Heterakis gallinarum and Ascaridia
      galli, were frequent. Hens kept indoors had fewer nematoda and cestoda than those
      from conventional and organic free range. 5. The slaughterhouse protocol allowed
      direct comparison of variables between flocks and specific problems to be
      identified in particular flocks. The results could be used to initiate detailed
      investigations into problematic issues on selected farms.

PMID- 28084806
TI  - Does coffee consumption alter plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations? A systematic
      review.
AB  - Coffee consumption alters plasma lipid and cholesterol concentrations, however,
      its effects on lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) have received little study. The aim of this
      PRISMA compliant systematic review was to examine the role of coffee on serum
      Lp(a). This study was prospectively registered (PROSPERO 2015:CRD42015032335).
      PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Central were searched from inception
      until 9th January 2016 to detect trials and epidemiological studies investigating
      the impact of coffee on serum Lp(a) concentrations in humans. We identified six
      relevant publications describing nine experimental trials of various designs.
      There were a total of 640 participants across all studies and experimental
      groups. In short-term controlled studies, consumption of coffee, or coffee
      diterpenes was associated with either a reduction in serum Lp(a) of <=11 mg/dL (6
      trials, 275 participants), or no effect (2 trials, 56 participants). Conversely,
      one cross-sectional study with 309 participants showed serum Lp(a) was elevated
      in chronic consumers of boiled coffee who had a median Lp(a) of 13.0 mg/dL (range
      0-130) compared with consumers of filtered coffee who had median Lp(a) 7.9 mg/dL
      (range 0-144). The effect of coffee on Lp(a) is complex and may follow a biphasic
      time-course. The type of coffee and the method of preparation appear to be
      important to determining the effect on Lp(a).

PMID- 28084807
TI  - Experiences of healthcare assistants working with clients with dementia in
      residential care homes.
AB  - The study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare assistants working with
      people with dementia in UK residential care homes. Eight participants completed
      semi-structured interviews which were analysed by interpretative phenomenological
      analysis. Data analysis revealed three main themes representing healthcare
      assistants' experiences: the importance of relationships, which referred to the
      importance of their relationships with clients, families and colleagues as well
      as their attachment to clients; something special about the role, which referred
      to their perception that their role was unique and rewarding as well as their
      personal commitment to the job; and the other side of caring, which referred to
      the more difficult aspects of their role, including managing emotions and
      conflicts within the caring role. The findings indicate that staff should be
      supported to build strong and supportive relationships within their role and have
      opportunities to explore their emotional reactions to reduce any adverse impact
      on care provision. It is possible that this could be facilitated through
      reflective practice groups or clinical supervision.

PMID- 28084808
TI  - Police officer competence in handling Alzheimer's cases: The roles of AD
      knowledge, beliefs, and exposure.
AB  - This study seeks to understand the level of police officer competence for
      providing assistance during interactions with patients of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD), and to reveal the roles their knowledge of AD, beliefs of AD, and previous
      exposure to patients with AD play in influencing these competence levels. Data
      were collected from police officers in two Phoenix metropolitan-area police
      departments through focus group discussions and survey. Four focus groups
      comprised of 27 police officers discussed their perceptions of AD and challenges
      of dealing with individuals with AD. Building on the findings from the focus
      groups, an online survey ( n = 228) examined police officer AD knowledge, as well
      as their experience and competence in the handling of AD cases. Police
      participants had fair knowledge of AD with an average 71.8% accuracy rate. More
      AD knowledge ( B = 0.29) and higher levels of education ( B = 0.85) were
      associated with higher levels of competence of recognizing AD-related behaviors.
      Low levels of discomfort interacting with AD patients ( B = -0.75) and having a
      family member of dementia ( B = 1.32) were related to higher levels of competence
      of reacting appropriately to an AD patient. The findings suggest that information
      about the best practices for dealing with community residents with AD needs to be
      made available to police officers. To ensure a dementia-friendly environment,
      aging service providers need to reach out to local law enforcement departments
      and provide training that promotes AD knowledge, decreases AD-related stigma, and
      increases competence of handing dementia cases in a way that fits the policing
      culture.

PMID- 28084809
TI  - Mitochondrial genome of the sweet potato hornworm, Agrius convolvuli
      (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), and comparison with other Lepidoptera species.
AB  - In the present study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome)
      of Agrius convolvuli (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) and compared it with previously
      sequenced mitogenomes of lepidopteran species. The mitogenome was a circular
      molecule, 15 349 base pairs (bp) long, containing 37 genes. The order and
      orientation of genes in the A. convolvuli mitogenome were similar to those in
      sequenced mitogenomes of other lepidopterans. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs)
      were initiated by ATN codons, except for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1
      (cox1) gene, which seemed to be initiated by the codon CGA, as observed in other
      lepidopterans. Three of the 13 PCGs had the incomplete termination codon T, while
      the remainder terminated with TAA. Additionally, the codon distributions of the
      13 PCGs revealed that Asn, Ile, Leu2, Lys, Phe, and Tyr were the most frequently
      used codon families. All transfer RNAs were folded into the expected cloverleaf
      structure except for tRNASer(AGN), which lacked a stable dihydrouridine arm. The
      length of the adenine (A) + thymine (T)-rich region was 331 bp. This region
      included the motif ATAGA followed by a 19-bp poly-T stretch and a microsatellite
      like (TA)8 element next to the motif ATTTA. Phylogenetic analyses (maximum
      likelihood and Bayesian methods) showed that A. convolvuli belongs to the family
      Sphingidae.

PMID- 28084810
TI  - Fluoroscopic-guided stent placement in failed tentative endoscopic approaches to
      malignant gastroduodenal obstructions.
AB  - Background Fluoroscopic or endoscopic placement of metallic stents is used as a
      safe, non-surgical, palliative treatment option for malignant gastroduodenal
      obstructions. However, endoscopic stent placement is not always feasible, due to
      the tight or tortuous stricture of the obstructed area and insufficient
      visualization of the stomach due to remnant food material. Purpose To assess the
      technical feasibility and clinical outcomes of fluoroscopic-guided stent
      placement in malignant gastroduodenal obstructions following the technical
      failure of endoscopic stent placement. Material and Methods In all, 19 patients
      (14 men, 5 women; age range, 36-85 years) were referred due to technical failures
      of tentative endoscopic stent placement. Indications were failure to pass the
      guide wire through the obstruction (n = 13), failure to reach the stricture
      lesion due to short endoscope (n = 5), and acute angulation of the stricture
      lesion (n = 1). Data were retrospectively collected regarding the technical and
      clinical success of the fluoroscopy, the dysphagia score before and after stent
      placement, and major complications and their management. Results Fluoroscopic
      stent placement was technically successful in 15/19 patients (79%). Failures were
      due to complete obstruction (n = 3) and acute angulation of the stricture lesion
      (n = 1). Clinical success was achieved in all 15 patients with successful stent
      placement. The dysphagia score significantly improved after stent placement ( P <
      0.001). Complications occurred in 4/15 patients (27%), including tumor overgrowth
      (n = 2), stent collapse (n = 1), and jaundice (n = 1). Conclusion Fluoroscopic
      stent placement in malignant gastroduodenal obstructions following a technical
      failure of endoscopic stent placement is technically feasible and has an
      acceptable clinical outcome.

PMID- 28084811
TI  - Power Doppler signal calibration in the finger joint between two models of
      ultrasound machine: a pilot study using a phantom and joints in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Background Despite the advantages of ultrasound (US) in the management of
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, power Doppler (PD) US may be highly dependent
      on the type of US machine used. Purpose To present a method to calibrate the PD
      signal of two models of US machines by use of a flow phantom and finger joints of
      patients with RA. Material and Methods For the phantom study, the PD signal count
      was measured in the flow phantom perfusing blood mimicking fluid at various
      injection rates and pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs). The quantitative PD
      index was calculated with ImageJ. For the clinical study, the second and third
      metacarpophalangeal joints of five consecutive patients with RA were examined.
      The quantitative PD index was measured at various PRFs by use of two models of
      machine (the same models as the phantom study). Results For the phantom and
      clinical studies, negative correlations were found between the PRF and the
      quantitative PD index when the flow velocity was constant and positive
      correlations between flow velocity and the quantitative PD index at constant PRF.
      There was a significant difference in the depiction performance of synovial blood
      flow between the two models, which can be calibrated by adjusting the PRF values
      derived from the phantom study in each model. Conclusion Signal calibration of
      pannus vascularity between US machines may be possible by adjusting the PRF value
      according to flow phantom data. Different US machines can thus provide equivalent
      examination results concerning the pannus vascularity.

PMID- 28084812
TI  - Impact of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt implantation on liver
      perfusion measured by volume perfusion CT.
AB  - Background Implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
      induces changes of liver perfusion. Purpose To determine the changes in arterial,
      portal venous, and total perfusion of the liver parenchyma induced by TIPS using
      the technique of volume perfusion computed tomography (VPCT) and compare results
      with invasively measured hepatic intravascular pressure values. Material and
      Methods VPCT quantification of liver perfusion was performed in 23 patients (mean
      age, 62.5 +/- 8.8 years) with portal hypertension in the pre-TIPS and post-TIPS
      setting, respectively. A commercially available software package was used for
      post-processing, enabling separate calculation of the dual (arterial [ALP] and
      portal venous [PVP]) blood supply and additionally of the hepatic perfusion index
      (HPI) (HPI = ALP/(ALP + PVP)*100%). Invasive pressure measurements were performed
      during the intervention, before and after TIPS placement. Liver function tests
      performed before and after the procedure were compared. Results Mean decrease of
      pressure gradient through TIPS was 13.3 mmHg. Mean normal values for ALP, PVP,
      and total perfusion (ALP + PVP) before TIPS were 15.9, 37.7, and 53.5 mL/100
      mL/min, respectively, mean HPI was 35.4%. After TIPS, ALP increased to a mean
      value of 37.7 mL/100 mL/min, PVP decreased (15.7 mL/100 mL/min, P < 0.05),
      whereas total perfusion remained unchanged (53.4 mL/100 mL/min, P = 0.97). HPI
      increased (71.9%; P < 0.05). No correlation between invasive pressure measurement
      and VPCT parameters was observed. After TIPS, liver function tests were found to
      worsen with a significant increase of bilirubin ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Following
      TIPS placement, ALP and HPI increased in all patients, whereas PVP markedly
      decreased. Interestingly, the magnitude of decrease in portosystemic pressure
      gradients was not found to correlate with VPCT parameters.

PMID- 28084813
TI  - MRI diagnosis of carpal boss and comparison with radiography.
AB  - Background A carpal boss is a potentially painful bony mass in the region of the
      second or third carpometacarpal joint. The combination of clinical examination
      and radiography is usually sufficient for the diagnosis. Purpose To determine
      whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the quadrangular joint
      can assist the diagnosis of persistent pain near a carpal boss. Material and
      Methods Fifty-seven patients with a carpal boss were retrospectively reviewed
      using MRI and conventional radiographs and compared to an asymptomatic control
      group. Results MRI demonstrated a variable morphology and a variety of bone and
      soft tissue abnormalities associated with carpal boss. Bone marrow edema around
      the quadrangular joint shows a significant correlation (Fisher's exact test: P <
      0.001) and a positive correlation (Pearson's test r = 0.632, significant at the
      0.01 level [two-tailed]) with a painful carpal boss. Conclusion MRI offers
      detailed examination of bone and soft tissue abnormalities associated with a
      carpal boss. Local bone marrow edema strongly correlates with a painful carpal
      boss.

PMID- 28084814
TI  - Feasibility of low-dose digital pulsed video-fluoroscopic swallow exams (VFSE):
      effects on radiation dose and image quality.
AB  - Background Fluoroscopy is a frequently used examination in clinical routine
      without appropriate research evaluation latest hardware and software equipment.
      Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of low-dose pulsed video-fluoroscopic
      swallowing exams (pVFSE) to reduce dose exposure in patients with swallowing
      disorders compared to high-resolution radiograph examinations (hrVFSE) serving as
      standard of reference. Material and Methods A phantom study (Alderson-Rando
      Phantom, 60 thermoluminescent dosimeters [TLD]) was performed for dose
      measurements. Acquisition parameters were as follows: (i) pVFSE: 76.7 kV, 57 mA,
      0.9 Cu mm, pulse rate/s 30; (ii) hrVFSE: 68.0 kV, 362 mA, 0.2 Cu mm, pictures
      30/s. The dose area product (DAP) indicated by the detector system and the
      radiation dose derived from the TLD measurements were analyzed. In a patient
      study, image quality was assessed qualitatively (5-point Likert scale, 5 =
      hrVFSE; two independent readers) and quantitatively (SNR) in 35 patients who
      subsequently underwent contrast-enhanced pVFSE and hrVFSE. Results Phantom
      measurements showed a dose reduction per picture of factor 25 for pVFSE versus
      hrVFSE images (0.0025 mGy versus 0.062 mGy). The DAP (uGym2) was 28.0 versus
      810.5 (pVFSE versus hrVFSE) for an average examination time of 30 s. Direct and
      scattered organ doses were significantly lower for pVFSE as compared to hrVFSE (
      P < 0.05). Image quality was rated 3.9 +/- 0.5 for pVFSE versus the hrVFSE
      standard; depiction of the contrast agent 4.8 +/- 0.3; noise 3.6 +/- 0.5 ( P <
      0.05); SNR calculations revealed a relative decreased of 43.9% for pVFSE as
      compared to hrVFSE. Conclusion Pulsed VFSE is feasible, providing diagnostic
      image quality at a significant dose reduction as compared to hrVFSE.

PMID- 28084815
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of diffusion restriction in intraductal papillary mucinous
      neoplasm of the pancreas in comparison with "high-risk stigmata" of the 2012
      international consensus guidelines for prediction of the malignancy and
      invasiveness.
AB  - Background It is debated whether diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted
      imaging (DWI), which is widely used for detection and characterization of various
      malignant tumors, is comparable with high-risk stigmata of 2012 international
      consensus guidelines (ICG) for diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous
      neoplasms (IPMNs). Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion
      restriction in IPMNs for prediction of malignancy and invasiveness in comparison
      with high-risk stigmata of 2012 ICG. Material and Methods This retrospective
      study was institutional review board approved and informed consent was waived. A
      total of 132 patients with surgically proven IPMNs (49 malignant, 83 benign) who
      underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic
      resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and DWI with a b-value of 0, 100, and
      800 s/mm2 using a 3.0 T MR system were included. Two radiologists independently
      evaluated imaging parameters of high-risk stigmata and worrisome features of 2012
      ICG and diffusion restriction in IPMNs. Univariate and multivariate logistic
      regression analyses and McNemar's test were used for statistical analysis.
      Results The presence of diffusion restriction in IPMNs was the only independent
      imaging parameter for prediction of malignancy (odds ratio [OR], 11.98; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 3.60-39.87; P < 0.001) and invasiveness (OR, 17.92; 95%
      CI, 3.91-82.03; P < 0.001) on multivariate analysis. The diagnostic accuracy and
      specificity of diffusion restriction were significantly improved compared to high
      risk stigmata of 2012 ICG to prediction of malignant ( P = 0.006 and P < 0.001,
      respectively) or invasive IPMNs ( P = 0.009 and P = 0.015, respectively).
      Conclusion The diffusion restriction in IPMNs could be considered as another high
      risk stigma of malignancy and predictor for invasiveness.

PMID- 28084816
TI  - Maternal Folate Intake during Pregnancy and Childhood Asthma.

PMID- 28084817
TI  - Bending the Twig Does the Tree Incline: Lung Function after Lower Respiratory
      Tract Illness in Infancy.

PMID- 28084818
TI  - Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PMID- 28084819
TI  - Can Bisphosphonates Prevent Vitamin K Antagonist Toxicity in Patients with
      Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

PMID- 28084820
TI  - When Rhythm Changes Cause the Blues: New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation during Sepsis.

PMID- 28084821
TI  - Spirituality, Palliative Care, and the Intensive Care Unit. A New Approach.

PMID- 28084823
TI  - Reply: The New Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Acute Exacerbations Document: One
      Step Ahead but Still Suspended in the Air.

PMID- 28084822
TI  - An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement: Current Challenges
      Facing Research and Therapeutic Advances in Airway Remodeling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Airway remodeling (AR) is a prominent feature of asthma and other
      obstructive lung diseases that is minimally affected by current treatments. The
      goals of this Official American Thoracic Society (ATS) Research Statement are to
      discuss the scientific, technological, economic, and regulatory issues that deter
      progress of AR research and development of therapeutics targeting AR and to
      propose approaches and solutions to these specific problems. This Statement is
      not intended to provide clinical practice recommendations on any disease in which
      AR is observed and/or plays a role. METHODS: An international multidisciplinary
      group from within academia, industry, and the National Institutes of Health, with
      expertise in multimodal approaches to the study of airway structure and function,
      pulmonary research and clinical practice in obstructive lung disease, and drug
      discovery platforms was invited to participate in one internet-based and one face
      to-face meeting to address the above-stated goals. Although the majority of the
      analysis related to AR was in asthma, AR in other diseases was also discussed and
      considered in the recommendations. A literature search of PubMed was performed to
      support conclusions. The search was not a systematic review of the evidence.
      RESULTS: Multiple conceptual, logistical, economic, and regulatory deterrents
      were identified that limit the performance of AR research and impede accelerated,
      intensive development of AR-focused therapeutics. Complementary solutions that
      leverage expertise of academia and industry were proposed to address them.
      CONCLUSIONS: To date, numerous factors related to the intrinsic difficulty in
      performing AR research, and economic forces that are disincentives for the
      pursuit of AR treatments, have thwarted the ability to understand AR pathology
      and mechanisms and to address it clinically. This ATS Research Statement
      identifies potential solutions for each of these factors and emphasizes the
      importance of educating the global research community as to the extent of the
      problem as a critical first step in developing effective strategies for: (1)
      increasing the extent and impact of AR research and (2) developing, testing, and
      ultimately improving drugs targeting AR.

PMID- 28084824
TI  - Lung Function in Children from Sub-Saharan Africa and the Global Lung Initiative
      2012 Reference Equations.

PMID- 28084825
TI  - Toward Predicting Individual Risk in Asthma Using Daily Home Monitoring of
      Resistance.

PMID- 28084826
TI  - The New Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Acute Exacerbations Document: One Step
      Ahead but Still Suspended in the Air.

PMID- 28084827
TI  - Reply: Can Bisphosphonates Prevent Vitamin K Antagonist Toxicity in Patients with
      Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

PMID- 28084828
TI  - What is Hemodialysis?

PMID- 28084829
TI  - Reply: Is a Trial of Vitamin K Antagonists and Bisphosphonates Possible in IPF?

PMID- 28084830
TI  - Simplification of a Septic Shock Endotyping Strategy for Clinical Application.

PMID- 28084831
TI  - Toward Precision Medicine of Symptom Control in Asthma.

PMID- 28084832
TI  - Shoulder pain in the Swiss spinal cord injury community: prevalence and
      associated factors.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of shoulder pain and to identify factors
      associated with shoulder pain in a nationwide survey of individuals living with
      spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland. METHODS: Data was collected through the
      2012 community survey of the Swiss SCI Cohort Study (SwiSCI) (N = 1549; age 52.3
      +/- 14.8; 29% female). Sociodemographic and socioeconomic circumstances, SCI
      characteristics, health conditions as well as mobility independence and sporting
      activities were evaluated as predictor variables. Analyses were adjusted for item
      non-response (using multiple imputation) and unit-nonresponse (using inverse
      probability weighting). RESULTS: The adjusted prevalence of shoulder pain was
      35.8% (95% CI: 33.4-38.3). Multivariable regression analysis revealed higher odds
      of shoulder pain in females as compared to males (odds ratio: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.44
      2.47), and when spasticity (1.36; 1.00-1.85) and contractures (2.47; 1.91-3.19)
      were apparent. Individuals with complete paraplegia (1.62; 1.13-2.32) or any
      tetraplegia (complete: 1.63; 1.01-2.62; incomplete: 1.82; 1.30-2.56) showed
      higher odds of shoulder pain compared to those with incomplete paraplegia.
      CONCLUSIONS: This survey revealed a high prevalence of shoulder pain. Sex, SCI
      severity, and specific health conditions were associated with having shoulder
      pain. Implications for rehabilitation Individuals with spinal cord injury have a
      high prevalence of shoulder pain. Females, individuals with complete paraplegia
      or any tetraplegia and individuals with contractures and spasticity should
      receive considerable attention in rehabilitation programmes due to their
      increased odds of having shoulder pain.

PMID- 28084833
TI  - Specific balance training included in an endurance-resistance exercise program
      improves postural balance in elderly patients undergoing haemodialysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 6 months of
      specific balance training included in endurance-resistance program on postural
      balance in haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: Forty-nine male patients
      undergoing HD were randomly assigned to an intervention group (balance training
      included in an endurance-resistance training, n = 26) or a control group
      (resistance-endurance training only, n = 23). Postural control was assessed using
      six clinical tests; Timed Up and Go test, Tinetti Mobility Test, Berg Balance
      Scale, Unipodal Stance test, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and Activities
      Balance Confidence scale. RESULTS: All balance measures increased significantly
      after the period of rehabilitation training in the intervention group. Only the
      Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and
      Activities Balance Confidence scores were improved in the control group. The
      ranges of change in these tests were greater in the balance training group.
      CONCLUSIONS: In HD patients, specific balance training included in a usual
      endurance-resistance training program improves static and dynamic balance better
      than endurance-resistance training only. Implications for rehabilitation
      Rehabilitation using exercise in haemodialysis patients improved global mobility
      and functional abilities. Specific balance training included in usual endurance
      resistance training program could lead to improved static and dynamic balance.

PMID- 28084834
TI  - The processes underpinning reductions in disability among people with chronic
      neck pain. A preliminary comparison between two distinct types of physiotherapy
      intervention.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish whether different processes underpin changes in disability
      in people with neck pain who underwent two types of active physiotherapy
      intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a sub-analysis of a
      randomized controlled trial assessing whether the addition of Interactive
      Behavioral Modification Therapy (a cognitively informed physiotherapy treatment)
      to a Progressive Neck Exercise Program improved outcome in patients with chronic
      neck pain. Regression analyses were performed to determine the extent to which
      demographics, changes in pain, and changes in certain cognitive factors were
      related to changes in disability. RESULTS: In the progressive neck exercise
      group, changes in levels of pain intensity were the only factor significantly
      related to change in disability, explaining 33% of the variance. In the
      interactive behavioral modification therapy group, changes in pain intensity, and
      catastrophizing together explained 54% of the variance in change in disability.
      Only changes in catastrophizing displayed a significant beta value in the final
      model. CONCLUSIONS: Different processes appear to underpin changes in disability
      in patients undergoing cognitively informed physiotherapy to those undergoing a
      primarily exercise-based approach. Implications for rehabilitation Certain
      cognitive factors are known to be related to levels of disability in patients
      with chronic neck pain Specifically targeting these factors results in more
      patients making a clinically meaningful reduction in disability Different
      processes appear to underpin reductions in disability when people with neck pain
      are treated with cognitively informed physiotherapy to when treated with exercise
      alone, which may account for why more patients improve when treated in this
      manner. Reductions in catastrophizing appear to be particularly important and
      efforts should be made to assess and treat catastrophic thoughts in people with
      chronic neck pain.

PMID- 28084835
TI  - Induction of p53 suppresses chronic myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the chromosomal translocation
      9;22, known as the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), which produces the BCR-ABL
      fusion tyrosine kinase. Although well-managed by BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs), treatment fails to eliminate Ph + primitive progenitors, and
      cessation of therapy frequently results in relapse. The p53 protein is an
      important regulator of cell cycle and apoptosis. The small molecules MI-219
      target the interaction between p53 and its negative regulator HDM2, leading to
      its stabilization and activation. We show that treatment with MI-219 reduced the
      number of CML cells in both in vitro and in vivo settings but not that of normal
      primitive progenitors, and activated different gene signatures in CML potentially
      explaining the differential impact of this agent on each population. Our data
      suggest that a p53-activating agent may be an effective approach in the
      management and potential operational cure of CML.

PMID- 28084836
TI  - Towards a short questionnaire for stepwise assessment of upper limb function,
      pain and stiffness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Duchenne muscular dystrophy can lead to upper extremity limitations,
      pain and stiffness. In a previous study, these domains have been investigated
      using extensive questionnaires, which are too time-consuming for clinical
      practice. This study aimed at gaining insight into the underlying dimensions of
      these questionnaires, and to construct a short questionnaire that can be used for
      clinical assessment. METHODS: Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the
      responses of 213 participants to a web-based survey to find the underlying
      dimensions in the Capabilities of Upper Extremity questionnaire, the ABILHAND
      questionnaire, and questionnaires regarding pain and stiffness. Based on these
      underlying dimensions, a stepwise approach was formulated. In addition, construct
      validity of the factors was investigated. RESULTS: In total, 14 factors were
      identified. All had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.89) and
      explained 80-88% of the variance of the original questionnaires. Construct
      validity was supported, because participants in the early ambulatory stage
      performed significantly better (p< 0.001) than participants in the late non
      ambulatory stage. CONCLUSION: The factors identified from the set of
      questionnaires provide a valid representation of upper extremity function, pain
      and stiffness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Based on the factor commonalities,
      the Upper Limb Short Questionnaire was formulated. Implications for
      Rehabilitation New insights into the underlying dimensions of upper extremity
      function, pain and stiffness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy are gained. Fourteen
      factors, with good internal consistency and construct validity, are identified
      regarding upper extremity function, pain and stiffness in Duchenne muscular
      dystrophy. Based on these factors, the Upper Limb Short Questionnaire is
      presented. The Upper Limb Short Questionnaire can be used as an identifier of arm
      hand limitations and the start of more thorough clinical investigation.

PMID- 28084837
TI  - A small variation in average particle size of PLGA nanoparticles prepared by
      nanoprecipitation leads to considerable change in nanoparticles' characteristics
      and efficacy of intracellular delivery.
AB  - In this study, it was aimed to investigate characteristics and intracellular
      delivery of two different-sized PLGA nanoparticles in ouzo region by considering
      number of nanoparticles. To determine the effect of formulation parameters on
      average particle size, Dil labeled nanoparticles were prepared using a three
      factor, two-level full factorial statistical experimental design. PLGA230 (230.8
      +/- 4.32 nm) and PLGA160 (157.9 +/- 6.16 nm) nanoparticles were obtained by
      altering polymer amount based on experimental design results and characterized.
      Same number of PLGA230 and PLGA160 nanoparticles per cell were applied onto
      HEK293 cells; then, cytotoxicity, uptake kinetics and mechanism were evaluated by
      flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. Also same weight of PLGA230 and
      PLGA160 nanoparticles were applied and cellular uptake of these nanoparticles was
      evaluated. It was found that PLGA230 nanoparticles had higher encapsulation
      efficiency and slower dye release compared to PLGA160 nanoparticles. When they
      were applied at same counts per cell, PLGA230 nanoparticles displayed faster and
      higher intracellular dye transfer than PLGA160 nanoparticles. On the other hand,
      PLGA160 appeared to be a more effective vehicle than PLGA230 when applied at the
      same weight concentration. It was also shown that for both nanoparticles, HEK293
      cells employed macropinocytic, caveolae- and clathrin-mediated endocytic
      pathways.

PMID- 28084838
TI  - Review e-health.

PMID- 28084839
TI  - An evaluation of an employment pilot to support forensic mental health service
      users into work and vocational activities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few employment programmes exist to support forensic service users
      with severe mental health problems and a criminal history. Little is known about
      how best to achieve this. The Employment and Social Inclusion Project (ESIP) was
      developed and piloted to support forensic service users into employment and
      vocational activities. AIMS: This pilot service evaluation aimed to assess the
      number of service users who secured employment/vocational activities and explored
      services users' and staff experiences. METHOD: Quantitative data were collected
      to record the characteristics of participating service users and how many secured
      employment and engaged in vocational activities. Eighteen qualitative interviews
      were conducted with service users and staff. RESULTS: Fifty-seven service users
      engaged with the project, most were men (93.0%) and previously employed (82.5%).
      Four service users (7.0%) secured paid competitive employment. Eight (14.0%)
      gained other paid employment. Tailored one-to-one support to increase skills and
      build confidence was an important feature of the project. Creation of a painting
      and decorating programme offered training and paid/flexible work. CONCLUSIONS:
      This exploratory project achieved some success in assisting forensic service
      users into paid employment. Further research to identify what works well for this
      important group will be of great value.

PMID- 28084840
TI  - Effect of directness of exposure and trauma type on Mental Health Literacy of
      PTSD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research has demonstrated that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
      is one of the most widely recognized mental disorders, but recognition is
      affected by trauma type. AIMS: The current study investigated the effect of
      direct versus indirect exposure to traumatic event and trauma types on Mental
      Health Literacy (MHL) of PTSD. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-three participants
      were asked to identify the mental health problem after presentation of an
      unlabeled vignette describing a character experiencing PTSD symptoms. The six
      vignettes described the same symptoms but differed in directness (direct/indirect
      exposure) and trauma type (rape, military combat or man-made disaster). It was
      hypothesized that (1) recognition rate would be higher in direct than indirect
      conditions, and (2) higher in military combat, followed by man-made disaster, and
      lowest in rape condition. RESULTS: Overall, correct recognition of PTSD was
      42.5%. Recognition in direct exposure vignettes was significantly higher than
      indirect, supporting the first hypothesis. The second hypothesis was only partly
      supported. While PTSD recognition in rape vignettes was significantly lower than
      the other two scenarios, no difference was found between combat and man-made
      disaster trauma types. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings implied under-recognition of
      PTSD, with lack of awareness of different causes of PTSD and of PTSD from
      indirect trauma exposure. The latter finding is important in the light of DSM-V
      revisions to diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

PMID- 28084841
TI  - Examining methods, messengers and behavioural theories to disseminate physical
      activity information to individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia: a scoping
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia are not active and
      lack the necessary knowledge and confidence to become and stay active. To develop
      effective physical activity promotion interventions, it is necessary to identify
      credible messengers and effective methods to disseminate physical activity
      information to this population. AIMS: The purpose of this scoping review was to
      identify and examine knowledge mobilization theories, messengers and methods used
      to disseminate physical activity information to individuals with a diagnosis of
      schizophrenia. METHOD: This scoping review followed the methodological framework
      proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. RESULTS: In total, 43 studies and 7 reviews
      identified multiple messengers and methods used to disseminate physical activity
      information to individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, but few attempts to
      structure information theoretically. Findings do not point to which messengers or
      methods are most effective or which theories should be used to construct
      information interventions. Studies show that physical activity information should
      be provided in an individualised manner from staff who could easily connect with
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Few researchers have addressed the physical activity
      information needs of individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Researchers
      need to examine and implement effective knowledge mobilization strategies for
      this population.

PMID- 28084842
TI  - Aiming for a healthier life: a qualitative content analysis of rehabilitation
      goals in patients with rheumatic diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore and describe rehabilitation goals of patients with rheumatic
      diseases during rehabilitation stays, and examine whether goal content changed
      from admission to discharge. METHOD: Fifty-two participants were recruited from
      six rehabilitation centers in Norway. Goals were formulated by the participants
      during semi-structured goal-setting conversations with health professionals
      trained in motivational interviewing. An inductive qualitative content analysis
      was conducted to classify and quantify the expressed goals. Changes in goal
      content from admission to discharge were calculated as percentage differences.
      Goal content was explored across demographic and contextual characteristics.
      RESULTS: A total of 779 rehabilitation goals were classified into 35 categories,
      within nine overarching dimensions. These goals varied and covered a wide range
      of topics. Most common at admission were goals concerning healthy lifestyle,
      followed by goals concerning symptoms, managing everyday life, adaptation,
      disease management, social life, and knowledge. At discharge, goals about
      knowledge and symptoms decreased considerably, and goals about healthy lifestyle
      and adaptation increased. The health profession involved and patient gender
      influenced goal content. CONCLUSIONS: The rehabilitation goals of the patients
      with rheumatic diseases were found to be wide-ranging, with healthy lifestyle as
      the most prominent focus. Goal content changed between admission to, and
      discharge from, rehabilitation stays. Implications for rehabilitation
      Rehabilitation goals set by patients with rheumatic diseases most frequently
      concern healthy lifestyle changes, yet span a wide range of topics. Patient goals
      vary by gender and are influenced by the profession of the health care worker
      involved in the goal-setting process. To meet the diversity of patient needs,
      health professionals need to be aware of their potential influence on the actual
      goal-setting task, which may limit the range of topics patients present when they
      are asked to set rehabilitation goals. The proposed framework for classifying
      goal content has the capacity to detect changes in goals occurring during the
      rehabilitation process, and may be used as a clinical tool during goal-setting
      conversations for this patient group.

PMID- 28084843
TI  - Perspectives of individuals with sub-acute spinal cord injury after personalized
      adapted locomotor training.
AB  - PURPOSE: Locomotor training after incomplete spinal cord injury can improve
      walking function, and cardiovascular and muscle health. Participants'
      perspectives about locomotor training, however, have not been extensively
      studied. This study describes the experiences of individuals with sub-acute
      incomplete spinal cord injury who completed personalized adapted locomotor
      training; a locomotor-focused rehabilitation tailored to individual goals.
      Specifically, we examined how participation in this training impacted their lives
      and what challenges they encountered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following inpatient
      rehabilitation, seven participants completed 74-197 h of personalized adapted
      locomotor training. Using conventional content analysis, themes were identified
      from post-training interviews. Trustworthiness was enhanced through analysis
      trials, verbatim quotes, and triangulation. RESULTS: Three themes emerged:
      motives for participating, perceived benefits, and perceived challenges. Beliefs
      that higher intensity leads to quicker recovery of prior function motivated
      participation. Physical and psychological health improvements, favorable training
      structure, and empowerment to self-manage their rehabilitation were perceived
      benefits. Neglect of other commitments, acquiring extra services to participate
      (e.g. accessible transportation), limited transferability to daily walking, and a
      rigid training structure were perceived challenges. Program recommendations were
      formed from the perceived challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Personalized adapted locomotor
      training was positively regarded by participants. Addressing the perceived
      challenges may improve the training experience. Implications for Rehabilitation
      Personalized adapted locomotor training (PALT) is a high-intensity locomotor
      therapy tailored to an individual's goals. The experiences of individuals with
      iSCI highlight the impact of PALT on physical and psychological well-being. PALT
      has the potential to improve physical functioning and facilitate transitions from
      inpatient rehabilitation to community living. Findings suggest the need for
      adaptation of PALT to suit the unique needs of each individual.

PMID- 28084844
TI  - Poison exposures in young Israeli military personnel: a National Poison Center
      Data analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: To characterize poison exposures in young Israeli military personnel as
      reported to the national poison center. METHODS: Retrospective poison center
      chart review over a 14-year period. Cases included were Israeli soldiers aged 18
      21 years, the compulsory military service age required by the Israeli law.
      RESULTS: 1770 records of poison exposures in young military personnel were
      identified. Most exposed individuals involved males (n = 1268, 71.6%). Main
      routes of exposure were ingestion (n = 854, 48.3%), inhalation (n = 328, 18.6%)
      and ocular (n = 211, 11.9%). Accidents or misuse (n = 712, 40.2%) were the most
      frequently reported circumstances, followed by suicide attempts (370, 20.9%), and
      bites and stings (161, 9.1%). More than half of the cases involved chemicals (n =
      939, 53.1%); hydrocarbons, gases and corrosives were the main causative agents.
      Pharmaceuticals (mainly analgesics) were involved in 519 (29.3%) cases, venomous
      animals (mainly scorpions, centipedes, and snakes) in 79 (4.5%). Clinical
      manifestations were reported in 666 (37.6%) cases, mostly gastrointestinal,
      neurologic, and respiratory. The vast majority of cases (1634, 92.3%) were
      asymptomatic or mildly affected; no fatalities were recorded. In 831 (46.9%)
      cases the clinical toxicologist recommended referral to an emergency department;
      ambulatory observation was recommended in 563 (31.8%) cases, and hospitalization
      in 86 (4.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that poison exposures among young
      soldiers involve mainly males, accidents, misuse and suicides, oral route and
      chemicals; most exposures were asymptomatic or with mild severity. Repeated
      evaluations of poison center data pertaining to military personnel is advised for
      identifying trends in poison exposure and characteristics in this particular
      population.

PMID- 28084845
TI  - A qualitative exploration of patient and family views and experiences of
      treatment decision-making in bipolar II disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment decision-making in bipolar II disorder (BPII) is
      challenging, yet the decision support needs of patients and family remain
      unknown. AIM: To explore patient and family perspectives of treatment decision
      making in BPII. METHOD: Semistructured, qualitative interviews were conducted
      with 28 patients with BPII-diagnosis and 13 family members with experience in
      treatment decision-making in the outpatient setting. Interviews were audiotaped,
      transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using framework methods.
      Participant demographics, clinical characteristics and preferences for patient
      decision-making involvement were assessed. RESULTS: Four inter-related themes
      emerged: (1) Attitudes and response to diagnosis and treatment; (2) Influences on
      decision-making; (3) The nature and flow of decision-making; (4) Decision support
      and challenges. Views differed according to patient involvement preferences, time
      since diagnosis and patients' current mood symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first known study to provide in-depth patient and family insights into the key
      factors influencing BPII treatment decision-making, and potential improvements
      and challenges to this process. Findings will inform the development of BPII
      treatment decision-making resources that better meet the informational and
      decision-support priorities of end users. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: This research
      was partly funded by a Postgraduate Research Grant awarded to the first author by
      the University of Sydney. No conflicts of interest declared.

PMID- 28084847
TI  - Prescribing exercise for prevention and treatment of gestational diabetes: review
      of suggested recommendations.
AB  - Exercise has been proved to be safe during pregnancy and to offer benefits for
      both mother and fetus; moreover, physical activity may represent a useful tool
      for gestational diabetes prevention and treatment. Therefore, all women in
      uncomplicated pregnancy should be encouraged to engage in physical activity as
      part of a healthy lifestyle. However, exercise in pregnancy needs a careful
      medical evaluation to exclude medical or obstetric contraindications to exercise,
      and an appropriate prescription considering frequency, intensity, type and
      duration of exercise, to carefully balance between potential benefits and
      potential harmful effects. Moreover, some precautions related to anatomical and
      functional adaptations observed during pregnancy should be taken into
      consideration. This review summarized the suggested recommendations for physical
      activity among pregnant women with focus on gestational diabetes.

PMID- 28084848
TI  - The intriguing role of soluble urokinase receptor in inflammatory diseases.
AB  - Inflammation is a key player in the development of an increasing amount of
      diseases. The soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a
      highly flexible molecule with intrinsic chemotactic properties. This glycoprotein
      has been evaluated as a biomarker of inflammation, immune activation, organ
      damage and clinical outcome in several pathologies, including cardiovascular
      disease, hepatitis, renal disorders and rheumatic pathologies. The use of this
      early warning inflammatory biomarker could potentially improve the prediction of
      the severity of these diseases and mortality. In the present paper, we describe
      the general characteristics of suPAR and its intriguing role as a biomarker in
      different inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 28084849
TI  - Successful peripheral blood stem cell mobilization with a cost-efficient single
      fixed-dose plerixafor schedule in poor mobilizers.
AB  - Plerixafor, although costly, is added to mobilizing chemotherapy and G-CSF to
      overcome poor stem cell mobilization. We demonstrate that it can be safely
      administered mostly once as a single dose in preemptive and rescue settings,
      leading to apheresis yields of >2 and >4*106 CD34 + cells/kg body weight (bw) in
      83% and 48%, respectively. Of note, 35/46 (76%) patients showed a substantial
      benefit with increased peripheral blood (PB) CD34 + cells prior to apheresis
      (8.84 vs. 1.72/MUl, p < .001), and 5-fold increased CD34 + cells collected per
      single apheresis (2.25 vs. 0.43 * 106 CD34+/kg bw, respectively, p < .001).
      Patients profiting most (76%) vs. less (24%) had >5 vs. <5/MUl PB CD34 + cells
      before plerixafor application, respectively, thus careful patient selection in
      the latter group is advised. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first
      report demonstrating that favorable apheresis results can be obtained using this
      cost-efficient, single fixed-dose plerixafor schedule.

PMID- 28084851
TI  - Effects of Ai Chi on balance, quality of life, functional mobility, and motor
      impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease<sup/>.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to investigate effects of Ai Chi on balance,
      functional mobility, health-related quality of life, and motor impairment in
      patients with Parkinson's disease. METHOD: This study was conducted as an open
      label randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN26292510) with repeated measures. Forty
      patients with Parkinson's disease stages 2 to 3 according to the Hoehn and Yahr
      Scale were randomly allocated to either an Ai Chi exercise group or a land-based
      exercise control group for 5 weeks. Balance was measured using the Biodex-3,1 and
      the Berg Balance Scale. Functional mobility was evaluated using the Timed Up and
      Go Test. Additionally, health-related quality of life and motor activity were
      assessed with the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 and the Unified
      Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III. RESULTS: Although patients in both groups
      showed significant improvement in all outcome variables, improvement of dynamic
      balance was significantly greater in the Ai Chi group (p < 0.001), Berg Balance
      Scale (p < 0.001), Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.002), Parkinson's Disease
      Questionnaire-39 (p < 0.001), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III (p <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that an Ai Chi exercise program improves
      balance, mobility, motor ability, and quality of life. In addition, Ai Chi
      exercise was more effective as an intervention than land-based exercise in
      patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. Implications for
      rehabilitation Ai Chi exercises (aquatic exercises) may help improve balance,
      functional mobility, health-related quality of life, and motor ability in
      patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease more efficiently than similar
      land-based exercises. Ai Chi exercises should be considered as a rehabilitation
      option for treatment of patients with mild or moderate Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 28084850
TI  - MicroRNAs and tRNA-derived fragments predict the transformation of
      myelodysplastic syndromes to acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic disorders of the elderly
      that carry an increased risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
      Since small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs), including microRNA (miRNAs), act as
      regulators of cellular differentiation, we hypothesized that changes to sRNAs
      might be implicated in the progression of MDS to AML. We conducted sRNA
      sequencing on three sets of patients: Group A (MDS patients who never progressed
      to AML); Group B (MDS patients who later progressed to an AML); and Group C (AML
      patients with myelodysplasia-related changes, including patients with a known
      preceding diagnosis of MDS). We identified five miRNAs that differentiated Groups
      A and B, independent of bone marrow blast percentage, including three members of
      the miR-181 family, as well as differential patterns of miRNA isoforms (isomiRs)
      and tDRs. Thus, we have identified sRNA biomarkers that predict MDS cases that
      are likely to progress to AML.

PMID- 28084852
TI  - Effects of digoxin on cell cycle, apoptosis and NF-kappaB pathway in Burkitt's
      lymphoma cells and animal model.
AB  - Digoxin has potential antitumor properties. This study investigated whether
      digoxin suppressed Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells. Raji and NAMALWA cells were
      exposed to digoxin, followed by assay of cell viability, apoptosis and cell
      cycle. Western blotting was used to analyze NF-kappaB activity. A xenograft model
      was established for therapeutic efficacy evaluation. Digoxin inhibited cell
      growth and resulted in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest (G0/G1 for Raji cells;
      G2/M for NAMALWA cells). Digoxin inhibited DNA synthesis and induced
      morphological apoptotic characteristics. Besides, digoxin inhibited NF-kappaB and
      TNF-alpha-stimulated NF-kappaB activity, and suppressed NF-kappaB initiating
      genes (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cyclin D1, and c-myc), however, increased p21cip1. Digoxin
      activated caspase-9/3. Furthermore, digoxin inhibited xenograft tumors growth and
      reduced Ki-67 and c-myc. Digoxin exerted antitumor effects on BL cells in vitro
      and in vivo might through regulating NF-kappaB and caspase pathway. These
      outcomes highlight the potential of digoxin as a therapeutic agent for BL.

PMID- 28084853
TI  - Talc pleurodesis allows long-term remission in HIV-unrelated Human Herpesvirus 8
      associated primary effusion lymphoma.

PMID- 28084854
TI  - Combined aphasia and apraxia of speech treatment (CAAST): Systematic replications
      in the development of a novel treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of a
      modified version of a newly developed therapy for aphasia and acquired apraxia of
      speech (AOS), Combined Aphasia and Apraxia of Speech Treatment (CAAST). METHOD:
      Four speakers with chronic AOS and aphasia received CAAST in the context of
      multiple baseline designs. Dependent variables included language measures (i.e.
      production of correct information units (CIUs)) and speech production measures
      (i.e. speech intelligibility and percent correct consonants (PCC) in sentence
      repetition). RESULT: Three of the participants demonstrated improved CIU
      production with treated picture sets and two also demonstrated generalization to
      untreated sets. All participants achieved substantially increased CIU production
      in an untrained discourse context. Speech intelligibility increased for three of
      the participants and increases in PCC were observed for all of the participants
      at two weeks post-treatment. However, PCC improvements were maintained for only
      two of the speakers at six weeks post-treatment. CONCLUSION: The revised CAAST
      protocol was associated with improved changes in speech and generalization across
      contexts in comparison to the previous iteration of CAAST. However, focus on
      sentence production in generalization practice may have been detrimental to CIU
      production for one participant.

PMID- 28084855
TI  - Occupational transdermal poisoning with synthetic cannabinoid cumyl-PINACA.
AB  - CONTEXT: Synthetic cannabinoids are getting more popular among young people and
      illicit manufacturers. We report a case series of occupational transdermal
      poisoning with synthetic cannabinoids. CASE DETAILS: Three customs inspectors got
      in contact with a sticky substance with their fingertips because they were not
      wearing protection gloves and the delivered package was damaged. Despite washing
      their hands with water, signs of synthetic cannabinoids intoxication started
      occurring half an hour after exposure. On arrival at the Emergency Department six
      hours later, they were somnolent, lethargic and confused. They showed signs of
      mydriasis, blurred vision, ataxia, weakness, numbness, tachycardia and one of
      them had orthostatic hypotension. Two days later, they were feeling much better
      and reported amnesia and slowed perception of time after exposure. Toxicology
      analysis by LC-MS/MS revealed synthetic cannabinoid cumyl-PINACA (SGT-24) in
      their blood samples taken on admission. cumyl-PINACA was also confirmed with NMR
      method in liquid samples seized at the airport. It was 98% pure substance with
      the purpose of being diluted and sold further in the drug market by drug dealer.
      DISCUSSION: This case series highlights the possible transdermal exposure to
      synthetic cannabinoids oil resulting in prolonged cannabinoid syndrome.

PMID- 28084856
TI  - Using decision trees to explore the association between the length of stay and
      potentially avoidable readmissions: A retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing concern that reduction in hospital length of stay
      (LOS) may raise the rate of hospital readmission. This study aims to identify the
      rate of avoidable 30-day readmission and find out the association between LOS and
      readmission. METHODS: All consecutive patient admissions to the internal medicine
      services (n = 5,273) at King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan between 1
      December 2012 and 31 December 2013 were analyzed. To identify avoidable
      readmissions, a validated computerized algorithm called SQLape was used. The
      multinomial logistic regression was firstly employed. Then, detailed analysis was
      performed using the Decision Trees (DTs) model, one of the most widely used data
      mining algorithms in Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS). RESULTS: The
      potentially avoidable 30-day readmission rate was 44%, and patients with longer
      LOS were more likely to be readmitted avoidably. However, LOS had a significant
      negative effect on unavoidable readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: The avoidable
      readmission rate is still highly unacceptable. Because LOS potentially increases
      the likelihood of avoidable readmission, it is still possible to achieve a
      shorter LOS without increasing the readmission rate. Moreover, the way the DT
      model classified patient subgroups of readmissions based on patient
      characteristics and LOS is applicable in real clinical decisions.

PMID- 28084857
TI  - Post-operative pain control after tonsillectomy: dexametasone vs tramadol.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Tramadol was found to be more effective than dexamethasone in post
      operative pain control, with long-lasting relief of pain. OBJECTIVE: This study
      aimed to compare the effects of pre-operative local injections of tramadol and
      dexamethasone on post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting in patients who
      underwent tonsillectomy. DESIGN: Sixty patients between 3-13 years of age who
      were planned for tonsillectomy were included in the study. Patients were divided
      into three groups. Group 1 was the control group. Patients in Group 2 received
      0.3 mg/kg Dexamethasone and Group 3 received 0.1 mg/kg Tramadol injection to the
      peritonsillary space just before the operation. Patients were evaluated for
      nausea, vomiting, and pain. RESULTS: When the control and the dexamethasone
      groups were compared; there were statistically significant differences in pain
      scores at post-operative 15 and 30 min, whereas there was no statistically
      significant difference in pain scores at other hours. When the control and
      tramadol groups were compared, there was a statistically significant difference
      in pain scores at all intervals. When tramadol and dexamethasone groups were
      compared, there was no statistically significant difference in pain scores at
      post-operative 15 and 30 min, 1 and 2 h, whereas there was a statistically
      significant difference in pain scores at post-operative 6 and 24 h.

PMID- 28084859
TI  - Radiotherapy-induced vaginal fibrosis in cervical cancer survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy report vaginal
      inelasticity and decreased lubrication that may affect their sexual health, but
      it is unknown which normal tissue reactions mediate these symptoms. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the morphology of the connective tissue of the
      vaginal wall in cervical cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We recruited 34 cervical cancer survivors treated with radiotherapy and
      37 age-matched controls. Via clinical examination the degree of vaginal atrophy
      and pelvic fibrosis were estimated. We collected vaginal biopsies, which
      underwent morphometric analysis focused on elastin and collagen. Additionally,
      radiation dose at biopsy site were calculated and correlated to the clinical and
      morphological findings. RESULTS: The survivors had marked morphological vaginal
      changes, most prominent in the survivors that had received the highest radiation
      dose at the biopsy site. Mucosal atrophy was observed in 91% and pelvic fibrosis
      in 97%. A shorter vagina was measured; 7.0 cm versus 10.3 cm in controls (p <
      0.001). The area fraction of elastin was greater in survivors; 10.0% (range 5.8
      12.9), compared with controls; 3.4% (range 1.8-5.8), p < 0.001. The survivors had
      signs of elastosis with thick aggregated elastin fibers irregularly scattered
      throughout the connective tissue, while the controls had elastin fibers in a thin
      sub-epithelial layer. The area fraction of high density collagen in the
      connective tissue was larger among the survivors (p < 0.001). The collagen with
      the highest density (fibrosis) was more common in the group of cancer survivors
      that had received external radiation. CONCLUSIONS: We found drastic differences
      in the vaginal wall between the irradiated cervical cancer survivors and the
      controls, indicating that radiotherapy-induced vaginal symptoms are mediated by
      connective tissue fibrosis and elastosis. Our results also support that patients
      treated with external radiation have the highest risk of developing vaginal
      fibrosis with impairment of their sexual health.

PMID- 28084858
TI  - Age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index as a prognostic factor of hypopharyngeal
      cancer treated with chemoradiation therapy.
AB  - CONCLUSION: The age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) was associated
      with overall survival, disease-specific survival, and non-cancer death in
      patients treated with chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for hypopharyngeal cancer
      (HPC). Further studies using other CRT regimens are required. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the impact of the ACCI on survival in patients with HPC. METHODS:
      This study reviewed 128 patients with HPC who received CRT between 2004-2012. The
      survival rates and the cumulative incidence of non-cancer death according to the
      ACCI were estimated. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the
      hazard ratio (HR) of the ACCI. RESULTS: The disease-specific survival rates at 3
      years for the low ACCI group, moderate group, and high group were 80.1%, 45.8%,
      and 54.8%, respectively (p = 0.007). The laryngectomy-free survival rates at 3
      years were 61%, 39.7%, and 37.1%, respectively (p = 0.137). The cumulative
      incidences of non-HPC death were 5% for the low/moderate ACCI group and 15.5% for
      the high ACCI group (p = 0.031). The HRs compared to the low ACCI group for
      overall survival, disease-specific survival, and laryngectomy-free survival were
      2.61 and 2.74, 2.55 and 2.27, and 1.75 and 1.97 in the moderate and high ACCI
      groups, respectively.

PMID- 28084860
TI  - Crude mortality and loss of life expectancy of patients diagnosed with urothelial
      carcinoma of the urinary bladder in Norway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Reports from cancer registries often lack clinically relevant
      information, which would be useful in estimating the prognosis of individual
      patients with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UCB). This article
      presents estimates of crude probabilities of death due to UCB and the expected
      loss of lifetime stratified for patient characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      In Norway, 10,332 patients were diagnosed with UCB between 2001 and 2010. The
      crude probabilities of death due to UCB were estimated, stratified by gender, age
      and T stage, using flexible parametric survival models. Based on these models,
      the loss in expectation of lifetime due to UCB was also estimated for the
      different strata. RESULTS: There is large variation in the estimated crude
      probabilities of death due to UCB (from 0.03 to 0.76 within 10 years since
      diagnosis) depending on age, gender and T stage. Furthermore, the expected loss
      of life expectancy is more than a decade for younger patients with muscle
      invasive UCB and between a few months and 5 years for nonmuscle-invasive UCB.
      CONCLUSIONS: The suggested framework leads to clinically relevant prognostic risk
      estimates for individual patients diagnosed with UCB and the consequence in terms
      of loss of lifetime expectation. The published probability tables can be used in
      clinical praxis for risk communication.

PMID- 28084861
TI  - Split-Belt Treadmill Walking Alters Lower Extremity Frontal Plane Mechanics.
AB  - Interventions that manipulate gait speed may also affect the control of frontal
      plane mechanics. Expanding the current knowledge of frontal plane adaptations
      during split-belt treadmill walking could advance our understanding of the
      influence of asymmetries in gait speed on frontal plane mechanics and provide
      insight into the breadth of adaptations required by split-belt walking (SBW).
      Thirteen young, healthy participants, free from lower extremity injury walked on
      a split-belt treadmill with belts moving simultaneously at different speeds. We
      examined frontal plane mechanics of the ankle, knee, and hip joints during SBW,
      as well as medio-lateral ground reaction forces (ML-GRF). We did not observe
      alterations in the frontal mechanics produced during early or late adaptation of
      SBW when compared to conditions where the belts moved together. We did observe
      that ML-GRF and hip moment impulse of the fast limb increased over time with
      adaptation to SBW. These results suggest this modality may provide a unique
      therapy for individuals with gait pathologies, impairments, or compensation(s).

PMID- 28084862
TI  - Visual outcome, endocrine function and tumor control after fractionated
      stereotactic radiation therapy of craniopharyngiomas in adults: findings in a
      prospective cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine visual outcome, endocrine
      function and tumor control in a prospective cohort of craniopharyngioma patients,
      treated with fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FSRT). MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Sixteen adult patients with craniopharyngiomas were eligible for
      analysis. They were treated with linear accelerator-based FSRT during 1999-2015.
      In all cases, diagnosis was confirmed by histological analysis. The prescription
      dose to the tumor was 54 Gy (median, range 48-54) in 1.8 or 2.0 Gy per fraction,
      and the maximum radiation dose to the optic nerves and chiasm was 54.2 Gy
      (median, range 48.6-60.0) for the cohort. Serial ophthalmological and endocrine
      evaluations and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed at regular
      intervals. Median follow-up was 3.3 years (range 1.1-14.1), 3.7 years (range 0.8
      15.2), and 3.6 years (range 0.7-13.1) for visual outcome, endocrine function, and
      tumor control, respectively. RESULTS: Visual acuity impairment was present in 10
      patients (62.5%) and visual field defects were present in 12 patients (75%)
      before FSRT. One patient developed radiation-induced optic neuropathy at seven
      years after FSRT. Thirteen of 16 patients (81.3%) had pituitary deficiency before
      FSRT, and did not develop further pituitary deficiency after FSRT. Mean tumor
      volume pre-FSRT was 2.72 cm3 (range 0.20-9.90) and post-FSRT 1.2 cm3 (range 0.00
      13.10). Tumor control rate was 81.3% at two, five, and 10 years after FSRT.
      CONCLUSIONS: FSRT was relatively safe in this prospective cohort of
      craniopharyngiomas, with only one case of radiation-induced optic neuropathy and
      no case of new endocrinopathy. Tumor control rate was acceptable.

PMID- 28084863
TI  - Load Accommodation Strategies and Movement Variability in Single-Leg Landing.
AB  - Our purpose was to examine changes in participant-specific single-leg landing
      strategies and intra-individual movement variability following alterations in
      mechanical task demands via external load and landing height. Nineteen healthy
      volunteers (15M, 4 F, age: 24.3 +/- 4.9 y, mass: 78.5 +/- 14.7 kg, height: 1.73
      +/- 0.08 m) were analyzed among 9 single-leg drop landing trials in each of 6
      experimental conditions (3 load and 2 landing height) computed as percentages of
      participant bodyweight (BW, BW + 12.5%, BW + 25%) and height (H12.5% & H25%).
      Lower-extremity sagittal joint angles and moments (hip, knee, and ankle),
      vertical ground reaction forces (GRFz), and electrical muscle activities (gluteus
      maximus, biceps femoris, vastus medialis, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis
      anterior muscles) were analyzed. Individual single-leg drop landing strategies
      were identified using landing impulse predictions and the Load Accommodation
      Strategies Model (James et al., 2014). Intra-individual movement variability was
      assessed from neuromechanical synergies extracted using single-case principal
      component analyses (PCA). Fewer contrasting single-leg landing strategies were
      identified among participants under greater mechanical task demands (p < .001)
      alongside lesser intra-individual movement variability (p < .001). These results
      reveal changes in movement control under greater mechanical task demands, which
      may have implications for understanding overuse injury mechanisms in landing.

PMID- 28084864
TI  - Inverse Dynamics Modeling of Paralympic Wheelchair Curling.
AB  - Paralympic wheelchair curling is an adapted version of Olympic curling played by
      individuals with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and
      lower extremity amputations. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there has
      been no experimental or computational research published regarding the
      biomechanics of wheelchair curling. Accordingly, the objective of the present
      research was to quantify the angular joint kinematics and dynamics of a
      Paralympic wheelchair curler throughout the delivery. The angular joint
      kinematics of the upper extremity were experimentally measured using an inertial
      measurement unit system; the translational kinematics of the curling stone were
      additionally evaluated with optical motion capture. The experimental kinematics
      were mathematically optimized to satisfy the kinematic constraints of a subject
      specific multibody biomechanical model. The optimized kinematics were
      subsequently used to compute the resultant joint moments via inverse dynamics
      analysis. The main biomechanical demands throughout the delivery (ie, in terms of
      both kinematic and dynamic variables) were about the hip and shoulder joints,
      followed sequentially by the elbow and wrist. The implications of these findings
      are discussed in relation to wheelchair curling delivery technique,
      musculoskeletal modeling, and forward dynamic simulations.

PMID- 28084865
TI  - High efficient anti-cancer drug delivery systems using tea polyphenols reduced
      and functionalized graphene oxide.
AB  - Targeted drug delivery is urgently needed for cancer therapy, and green synthesis
      is important for the biomedical use of drug delivery systems in the human body.
      In this work, we report two targeted delivery systems for anticancer drugs based
      on tea polyphenol functionalized and reduced graphene oxide (TPGs). The obtained
      TPGs demonstrated an efficient doxorubicin loading capacity as high as 3.430 *
      106 mg g-1 and 3.932 * 104 mg g-1, and exhibited pH-triggered release.
      Furthermore, the kinetic models, adsorption isotherms, and possible loading
      mechanisms were investigated in details. Compared to TPG1 and free doxorubicin,
      TPG2 is biocompatible to normal cells even at high concentrations and promotes
      tumor cells death by delivering the doxorubicin mainly to the nuclei. These
      results were confirmed using cell viability tests and confocal laser microscopy.
      Moreover, apoptosis tests showed that the mechanism of cancer cell death induced
      by TPG1 and TPG2 might follow the similar mechanisms. Taken together, these
      results demonstrate that TPGs provide a multifunctional drug delivery system with
      a greater loading capacity and pH-sensitive drug release for enhanced cancer
      therapy. The high drug payload capability and enhanced antitumor efficacy
      demonstrate that we developed systems are promising for various biomedical
      applications and cancer therapy.

PMID- 28084866
TI  - Population-based experience on primary central nervous system lymphoma 2000-2012:
      the incidence is increasing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) are rare lymphomas
      with a poor prognosis. Recently, an increased incidence has been reported. The
      present study is a population-based study of all patients with PCNSL in the
      Uppsala/Orebro region of middle Sweden. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients
      diagnosed with a PCNSL at Uppsala University Hospital 2000-2012 were identified.
      Altogether, 96 patients (50 women and 46 men) were included. The median age at
      diagnosis was 66 years (17-95). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant
      increase in age-standardized incidence during the study period, 30 patients were
      diagnosed in the first half and 66 in the second half of the period. No patient
      had an HIV-infection. Two patients had undergone kidney transplantation and were
      treated with immunosuppressive drugs. A high proportion of the patients, 29%, had
      a history of an autoimmune or inflammatory disease. The prognosis was poor with a
      median survival of only four months. In the 70 (73%) patients treated with
      curative intention the median survival was 12 months. Patients treated with high
      dose methotrexate, radiotherapy and/or temozolomide appeared to have a better
      survival. There was no improvement in survival during the study period or after
      the introduction of rituximab. There also was no difference in any of the
      analyzed variables that could explain the increased incidence. CONCLUSION: In
      this population-based study we could confirm the previously described increased
      incidence of PCNSL. The prognosis remains poor despite the inclusion of treatment
      with rituximab during the study period. A high proportion of the patients had a
      history of an autoimmune or inflammatory disease not previously described but
      there was no increase during the study period.

PMID- 28084867
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes in cancer survivorship.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are currently 33 million cancer survivors worldwide. With
      improvements in early cancer detection and treatments, patients are living longer
      - and it is well-recognized that many survivors develop short- and long-term
      physical, psychosocial and spiritual effects as a result of their diagnoses and
      treatments. There is increasing awareness of the importance of using patient
      reported outcomes (PROs) to accurately assess these effects in cancer survivors.
      Validated patient-reported outcome instruments: Traditionally, physicians have
      assessed the acute and late side effects of cancer treatments with standardized
      scales such as the CTCAE. However, multiple studies have demonstrated that PROs
      more accurately capture patient symptoms than physician assessment. In this
      article we describe frequently used, validated, general and cancer-specific PRO
      instruments that assess symptoms. We describe additional PRO instruments that
      assess unmet needs, interpersonal relationship issues, and psychosocial and
      financial problems. Published studies using these instruments have identified
      issues commonly faced by cancer survivors worldwide. Discussion and summary:
      While PROs are increasingly used in research, further efforts are needed to
      integrate PRO assessment into routine clinical care, so that timely and accurate
      assessments can translate into better management of issues - ultimately improving
      the lives of cancer survivors.

PMID- 28084868
TI  - Physiological and Biomechanical Responses to Prolonged Heavy Load Carriage During
      Level Treadmill Walking in Females.
AB  - Heavy load carriage has been identified as a main contributing factor to the high
      incidence of overuse injuries in soldiers. Peak vertical ground reaction force
      (VGRFMAX) and maximal vertical loading rates (VLRMAX) may increase during heavy
      prolonged load carriage with the development of muscular fatigue and reduced
      shock attenuation capabilities. The objectives of the current study were (1) to
      examine physiological and biomechanical changes that occur during a prolonged
      heavy load carriage task, and (2) to examine if this task induces neuromuscular
      fatigue and changes in muscle architecture. Eight inexperienced female
      participants walked on an instrumented treadmill carrying operational loads for
      60 minutes at 5.4 km.h-1. Oxygen consumption ( V  O 2 ), heart rate, rating of
      perceived exertion (RPE), trunk lean angle, and ground reaction forces were
      recorded continuously during task. Maximal force and in-vivo muscle architecture
      were assessed pre- and posttask. Significant increases were observed for VGRFMAX,
      VLRMAX, trunk lean angle, [Formula: see text], heart rate, and RPE during the
      task. Increased vastus lateralis fascicle length and decreased maximal force
      production were also observed posttask. Prolonged heavy load carriage, in an
      inexperienced population carrying operational loads, results in progressive
      increases in ground reaction force parameters that have been associated with
      overuse injury.

PMID- 28084869
TI  - Crossed cerebellar diaschisis in acute ischemic stroke: Impact on morphologic and
      functional outcome.
AB  - Crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) is the phenomenon of hypoperfusion and
      hypometabolism of the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere caused by dysfunction
      of the related supratentorial region. Our aim was to analyze its influence on
      morphologic and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Subjects with stroke
      caused by a large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation were selected from
      an initial cohort of 1644 consecutive patients who underwent multiparametric CT
      including whole-brain CT perfusion. Two experienced readers evaluated the
      posterior fossa in terms of CCD absence (CCD-) or presence (CCD+). A total of 156
      patients formed the study cohort with 102 patients (65.4%) categorized as CCD-
      and 54 (34.6%) as CCD+. In linear and logistic regression analyses, no
      significant association between CCD and final infarction volume (beta = -0.440, p
      = 0.972), discharge mRS <= 2 (OR = 1.897, p = 0.320), or 90-day mRS <= 2 (OR =
      0.531, p = 0.492) was detected. CCD+ patients had larger supratentorial cerebral
      blood flow deficits (median: 164 ml vs. 115 ml; p = 0.001) compared to CCD
      patients. Regarding complications, CCD was associated with a higher rate of
      parenchymal hematomas (OR = 4.793, p = 0.035). In conclusion, CCD is frequently
      encountered in acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion of the
      anterior circulation. CCD was associated with the occurrence of parenchymal
      hematoma in the ipsilateral cerebral infarction but did not prove to
      significantly influence patient outcome.

PMID- 28084870
TI  - Reliability of Achilles Tendon Moment Arm Measured In Vivo Using Freehand Three
      Dimensional Ultrasound.
AB  - This study investigated reliability of freehand three-dimensional ultrasound
      (3DUS) measurement of in vivo human Achilles tendon (AT) moment arm. Sixteen
      healthy adults were scanned on 2 separate occasions by a single investigator.
      3DUS scans were performed over the free AT, medial malleolus, and lateral
      malleolus with the ankle passively positioned in maximal dorsiflexion, mid
      dorsiflexion, neutral, mid plantar flexion and maximal plantar flexion. 3D
      reconstructions of the AT, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus were created
      from manual segmentation of the ultrasound images and used to geometrically
      determine the AT moment arm using both a straight (straight ATMA) and curved
      (curved ATMA) tendon line-of-action. Both methods were reliable within- and
      between-session (intra-class correlation coefficients > 0.92; coefficient of
      variation < 2.5 %) and revealed that AT moment arm increased by ~ 7 mm from
      maximal dorsiflexion (~ 41mm) to maximal plantar flexion (~ 48 mm). Failing to
      account for tendon curvature led to a small overestimation (< 2 mm) of AT moment
      arm that was most pronounced in ankle plantar flexion, but was less than the
      minimal detectable change of the method and could be disregarded.

PMID- 28084871
TI  - Airtraq laryngoscope: a solution for difficult laryngeal exposure in
      phonomicrosurgery.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Airtraq(r) laryngoscope can obviously improve laryngeal visualization
      and may provide a useful solution to treatment of patients with difficult
      laryngeal exposure (DLE) under a conventional suspension laryngoscope in
      phonomicrosurgery. OBJECTIVE: In phonomicrosurgery, otolaryngologists may
      inevitably encounter DLE. Attempts to improve laryngeal exposure have yielded
      important advances, but the prevalence of DLE yet remains persistent. To overcome
      this problem, this study applied the Airtraq(r) laryngoscope to perform
      phonomicrosurgery combined with a video system. The aim of this study is, thus,
      to explore the clinical usefulness of the Airtraq(r) laryngoscope in patients
      with DLE. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-eight cases who underwent
      phonomicrosurgery for benign lesions of vocal cord at this hospital were enrolled
      in this study, of which nine patients were confirmed to be DLE under direct
      suspension laryngoscope. These nine patients were treated by Airtraq(r)
      laryngoscope together with a video system. RESULTS: In comparison with the
      traditional suspension laryngoscope, exposure of larynx was remarkably improved
      by Airtraq(r) laryngoscope. Under the excellent laryngeal visualization provided
      by Airtraq(r), phonomicrosurgery was successfully accomplished for vocal fold
      lesions without any severe complications in all cases with DLE.

PMID- 28084872
TI  - Swallowing disorders among patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal
      hyperostosis.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a cause of
      swallowing disorders in elderly, and otolaryngologists should be aware of the
      disease on dealing with old patients complaining of dysphagia. The condition may
      be treated conservatively in most patients; however, surgical reduction of
      cervical osteophytes may be needed in severe cases. OBJECTIVE: Large cervical
      osteophytes may cause dysphagia; they compress the pharynx leading to mechanical
      impairment of swallowing. DISH is characterized by ossification of the anterior
      longitudinal spinal ligament with formation of osteophytes. The aim was to
      investigate swallowing disorders among patients with DISH. METHOD: The study
      included 139 patients with DISH. Their swallowing was evaluated using the eating
      assessment tool (EAT-10), and patients with swallowing disorders were subjected
      to fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), they received
      conservative treatment for 6 months. Patients were assessed again after treatment
      using the same measures that were employed before treatment. RESULTS: Twenty
      three patients (16.5%) demonstrated swallowing disorder, and FEES showed residues
      of food in the pharynx after swallow in all of them. Significant overall
      improvement after conservative treatment was achieved, with two patients resuming
      their normal regular diet. However, one patient demonstrated no improvement, and
      he needed surgical reduction of his large cervical osteophytes.

PMID- 28084873
TI  - Hypothermia revisited: Impact of ischaemic duration and between experiment
      variability.
AB  - To assess the true effect of novel therapies for ischaemic stroke, a positive
      control that can validate the experimental model and design is vital. Hypothermia
      may be a good candidate for such a positive control, given the convincing body of
      evidence from animal models of ischaemic stroke. Taking conditions under which
      substantial efficacy had been seen in a meta-analysis of hypothermia for focal
      ischaemia in animal models, we undertook three randomised and blinded studies
      examining the effect of hypothermia induced immediately following the onset of
      middle cerebral artery occlusion on infarct volume in rats (n = 15, 23, 264).
      Hypothermia to a depth of 33C and maintained for 130 min significantly reduced
      infarct volume compared to normothermia treatment (by 27-63%) and depended on
      ischaemic duration (F(3,244) = 21.242, p < 0.05). However, the protective effect
      varied across experiments with differences in both the size of the infarct
      observed in normothermic controls and the time to reach target temperature. Our
      results highlight the need for sample size and power calculations to take into
      account variations between individual experiments requiring induction of focal
      ischaemia.

PMID- 28084874
TI  - Human papillomavirus types 44, 52, 66 and 67 detected in a woman with squamous
      cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an accepted causative agent in cervical cancer of
      the uterus, penile cancer, anal cancer and oropharyngeal carcinomas, while its
      role in other cancers such as urinary bladder cancer is still much discussed.
      This report presents a patient with multiple HPV types in a squamous cell
      carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

PMID- 28084875
TI  - Reliability and Validity of Kinetic and Kinematic Parameters Determined With
      Force Plates Embedded Under a Soil-Filled Baseball Mound.
AB  - We developed a force measurement system in a soil-filled mound for measuring
      ground reaction forces (GRFs) acting on baseball pitchers and examined the
      reliability and validity of kinetic and kinematic parameters determined from the
      GRFs. Three soil-filled trays of dimensions that satisfied the official baseball
      rules were fixed onto 3 force platforms. Eight collegiate pitchers wearing
      baseball shoes with metal cleats were asked to throw 5 fastballs with maximum
      effort from the mound toward a catcher. The reliability of each parameter was
      determined for each subject as the coefficient of variation across the 5 pitches.
      The validity of the measurements was tested by comparing the outcomes either with
      the true values or the corresponding values computed from a motion capture
      system. The coefficients of variation in the repeated measurements of the peak
      forces ranged from 0.00 to 0.17, and were smaller for the pivot foot than the
      stride foot. The mean absolute errors in the impulses determined over the entire
      duration of pitching motion were 5.3 Ns, 1.9 Ns, and 8.2 Ns for the X-, Y-, and Z
      directions, respectively. These results suggest that the present method is
      reliable and valid for determining selected kinetic and kinematic parameters for
      analyzing pitching performance.

PMID- 28084876
TI  - Theoretical observation on diagnosis maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional
      vertigo.
AB  - CONCLUSION: To make a comprehensive analysis with a variety of diagnostic
      maneuvers is conducive to the correct diagnosis and classification of BPPV.
      OBJECTIVE: Based on the standard spatial coordinate-based semicircular canal
      model for theoretical observation on diagnostic maneuvers for benign paroxysmal
      positional vertigo (BPPV) to analyze the meaning and key point of each step of
      the maneuver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study started by building a standard
      model of semicircular canal with space orientation by segmentation of the inner
      ear done with the 3D Slicer software based on MRI scans, then gives a
      demonstration and observation of BPPV diagnostic maneuvers by using the model.
      RESULTS: The supine roll maneuver is mainly for diagnosis of lateral semicircular
      canal BPPV. The Modified Dix-Hallpike maneuver is more specific for the diagnosis
      of posterior semicircular canal BPPV. The side-lying bow maneuver designed here
      is theoretically suitable for diagnosis of anterior semicircular canal BPPV.

PMID- 28084877
TI  - Clostridium difficile and the Consequences of Progress.

PMID- 28084878
TI  - Impact of Payer Constraints on Access to Genetic Testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With increased demand for hereditary cancer genetic testing, some
      large national health-care insurance payers (LNHPs) have implemented policies to
      minimize inappropriate testing by mandating consultation with a geneticist or
      genetic counselor (GC). We hypothesized such a restriction would reduce access
      and appropriate testing. METHODS: Test cancellation rates (ie, tests ordered that
      did not result in a reported test result), mutation-positive rates, and
      turnaround times for comprehensive BRCA1/2 testing for a study LNHP that
      implemented a GC-mandate policy were determined over the 12 months before and
      after policy implementation (excluding a 4-month transition period). Cancellation
      rates were evaluated based on the reason for cancellation, National Comprehensive
      Cancer Network testing criteria, and self-identified ancestry. A control LNHP was
      evaluated over the same period for comparison. RESULTS: The study LNHP
      cancellation rate increased from 13.3% to 42.1% ( P < .001) after policy
      implementation. This increase was also observed when only individuals who met
      National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria for hereditary breast and ovarian
      cancer testing were considered (9.5% to 37.7%; P < .001). Cancellation rates
      increased after policy introduction for all ancestries; however, this was more
      pronounced among individuals of African or Latin American ancestry, for whom
      cancellation rates rose to 48.9% and 49.6%, respectively, compared with 33.9% for
      individuals of European ancestry. Over this same time period, control LNHP
      cancellation rates decreased or stayed the same for all subgroups. CONCLUSION:
      These findings demonstrate that a GC-mandate policy implemented by a LNHP
      substantially decreased access to appropriate genetic testing, disproportionately
      impacting minority populations without any evidence that inappropriate testing
      was decreased.

PMID- 28084879
TI  - American Society of Clinical Oncology Policy Brief: FDA's Regulation of
      Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Tobacco Products.

PMID- 28084880
TI  - Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea in the Oncology Patient.
AB  - Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea, resulting
      in significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Oncology
      patients are particularly at risk of this infection secondary to frequent
      exposure to known risk factors. In a population in which diarrhea is a common
      adverse effect of chemotherapeutic regimens, diagnosis can be challenging
      secondary to current limitations in testing to differentiate between colonization
      and active infection. Although several currently available antimicrobial
      therapies achieve resolution of symptoms in this population, further research is
      needed to determine which agent least affects the host intestinal microbiota,
      especially in times of neutropenia and mucosal barrier injury. The purpose of
      this article is to review the current literature on the epidemiology,
      pathogenesis, and management of C difficile-associated diarrhea in the oncology
      population.

PMID- 28084881
TI  - Addressing Opioid-Associated Constipation Using Quality Oncology Practice
      Initiative Scores and Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycles.
AB  - Using the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, an affiliate program of ASCO, we
      outlined opioid-associated constipation (OAC) as a subject in need of quality
      improvement (QI) in our fellowship program at the University of Arkansas for
      Medical Sciences and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. We initiated a
      fellow-led QI project to advance the quality of patient care and provide a
      valuable avenue for QI training of young physicians. Fellows organized meetings
      with all stakeholders, addressed the scope of the problem, and devised strategies
      for OAC management. Monthly meetings were organized using Plan-Do-Study-Act
      principles. Mandatory check boxes were inserted into our electronic medical
      record templates to remind all physicians to identify patients on opioid
      medications and assess and address OAC. Final chart audit and patient
      satisfaction surveys were performed 6 months after project initiation. Assessment
      of OAC improved from 52% at baseline to 92% ( P < .003). This improvement
      corresponded with high patient satisfaction scores, with 90% of surveyed patients
      reporting adequate management of their constipation. In this QI initiative, we
      showed that participation in ASCO's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative helps
      identify areas in need of QI, and such fellow-led QI projects can serve as models
      for QI training of young physicians.

PMID- 28084882
TI  - Mixed-Methods Study of the Impact of Chronic Patient Death on Oncologists'
      Personal and Professional Lives.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although some research has found that health care professionals
      experience grief when their patients die, within the oncology context, few
      studies have examined the impact of this loss on oncology personnel. Given the
      paucity of empirical studies on this topic, this research explored the impact of
      patient death on oncologists. Methods and Materials This study used a mixed
      methods design. The qualitative component used the grounded theory method of data
      collection and analysis. Twenty-two oncologists were recruited from three adult
      oncology centers. Purposive sampling was used to gain maximum variation in the
      sample. The quantitative component involved a convenience sample of 79
      oncologists recruited through oncologist collaborators. RESULTS: The qualitative
      study indicated that frequent patient death has both personal and professional
      impacts on oncologists. Personal impacts included changes to their personality,
      gaining of perspective on their lives, and a strain to their social
      relationships. Professional impacts included exhaustion and burnout, learning
      from each patient death, and decision making. The frequency analysis indicated
      that oncologists experienced both positive and negative impacts of patient death.
      A majority reported that exposure to patient death gave them a better perspective
      on life (78.5%) and motivated them to improve patient care (66.7%). Negative
      consequences included exhaustion (62%) and burnout (75.9%) as well as
      compartmentalization of feelings at work and at home (69.6%). CONCLUSION:
      Frequent patient death has an impact on oncologists' lives, some of which
      negatively affect the quality of life for oncologists, their families, and their
      patients.

PMID- 28084883
TI  - Phase II Trial on Extending the Maintenance Flushing Interval of Implanted Ports.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retrospective studies suggest that it may be safe to extend the
      maintenance flushing interval of implanted ports from once every month, as
      recommended by the manufacturer, to once every 3 months, but no prospective
      cohort studies have been done specifically assessing the safety and feasibility
      of this intervention. METHODS: This was a phase II study in oncologic patients
      who retained a functional port after completion of systemic chemotherapy.
      Patients enrolled in the study had their port flushed once every 3 months and
      were observed until completion of five scheduled flushes (one on enrollment and
      four additional flushes, one every 3 months) or development of any port-related
      complication, including infections, thrombosis, and occlusions. The primary end
      points were frequency of port-related complications and port failure requiring
      removal. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were enrolled in the study. The median
      follow-up time was 308 days, accounting for a total of 24,202 catheter-days.
      There were 10 port-related complications (11.49%; 95% CI, 4.85% to 18.14%). No
      infection or symptomatic thrombosis occurred. The mean time to port-related
      complication was 184 days. No patients developed port failure while on protocol,
      but on subsequent medical record review, four patients developed a complication
      that required port removal or port revision within 30 days of being removed from
      the trial (4.6%; 95% CI, 0.4% to 8.8%; 0.17/1,000 catheter-days). CONCLUSION:
      Extending the maintenance flushes of implanted ports in adult oncologic patients
      to once every 3 months is safe, effective, and likely to increase patient
      adherence and satisfaction while decreasing the associated cost.

PMID- 28084884
TI  - Risk Factors and Patterns of Potentially Avoidable Readmission in Patients With
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with cancer are particularly at risk for readmission within 30
      days after discharge. To identify the patients who might benefit from more
      intensive discharge interventions, we identified the risk factors associated with
      30-day potentially avoidable readmissions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We included all
      consecutive discharges from the oncology division of an academic tertiary medical
      center in Boston, Massachusetts, between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010.
      Potentially avoidable 30-day readmissions to the index hospital and two other
      hospitals within its network were identified. We performed a multivariable
      logistic regression in which the final model included variables found in
      bivariable testing to be significantly associated with the outcome. RESULTS:
      Among the 2,916 patients discharged during the study period, 1,086 (37.3%) were
      readmitted within 30 days. Of these, 341 (31.4% of all readmissions, 11.7% of all
      discharges) were identified as potentially avoidable. In the multivariable
      analysis, the following patient factors were associated with a significantly
      higher risk of a potentially avoidable readmission: total number of medications
      at discharge, liver disease, last sodium level, and last hemoglobin level before
      discharge. In addition, potentially avoidable readmissions occurred significantly
      earlier than unavoidable readmissions (median, 10 v 13 days; P < .001).
      CONCLUSION: Almost 40% of patients with cancer had a 30-day readmission, and
      almost one third of these were deemed potentially avoidable, and several risk
      factors for this were identified. Interventions at discharge may be prioritized
      to patients with these risk factors.

PMID- 28084885
TI  - Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations for Oncology Patients With Clostridium
      difficile Infection.

PMID- 28084886
TI  - Telecardiology and its settings of application: An update.
AB  - Among the wide range of medical specialties in which telemedicine has been
      successfully applied, cardiology can be considered as one of the most important
      fields of application. Through the transmission of clinical data and the
      electrocardiogram, telecardiology allows access to a real-time assessment
      (teleconsultation) without any need to travel for both patient and cardiologist.
      This review discusses the impact of telecardiology in different clinical settings
      of application. Pre-hospital telecardiology has proved to be useful either in the
      clinical management of remote patients with acute coronary syndrome or in
      supporting the decision-making process of general practitioners. In the setting
      of in-hospital telecardiology, most of the applications refer to real-time
      echocardiography transmissions between rural small hospitals and tertiary care
      centres, particularly for the diagnosis or exclusion of congenital heart disease
      in newborns. Finally, many trials show that post-hospital telecardiology improves
      outcomes and reduces re-admissions or outpatient contacts in patients with heart
      failure, arrhythmias or implantable devices.

PMID- 28084887
TI  - The video ocular counter-roll (vOCR): a clinical test to detect loss of otolith
      ocular function.
AB  - CONCLUSION: vOCR can detect loss of otolith-ocular function without specifying
      the side of vestibular loss. Since vOCR is measured with a simple head tilt
      maneuver, it can be potentially used as a bedside clinical test in combination
      with video head impulse test. OBJECTIVE: Video-oculography (VOG) goggles are
      being integrated into the bedside assessment of patients with vestibular
      disorders. Lacking, however, is a method to evaluate otolith function. This study
      validated a VOG test for loss of otolith function. METHODS: VOG was used to
      measure ocular counter-roll (vOCR) in 12 healthy controls, 14 patients with
      unilateral vestibular loss (UVL), and six patients with bilateral vestibular loss
      (BVL) with a static lateral head tilt of 30 degrees . The results were compared
      with vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), a widely-used laboratory test
      of otolith function. RESULTS: The average vOCR for healthy controls (4.6 degrees
      ) was significantly different from UVL (2.7 degrees ) and BVL (1.6 degrees )
      patients (p < 0.0001). The vOCR and VEMP measurements were correlated across
      subjects, especially the click and tap oVEMPs (click oVEMP R = 0.45, tap oVEMP R
      = 0.51; p < 0.0003). The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed
      that vOCR and VEMPs detected loss of otolith function equally well. The best
      threshold for vOCR to detect vestibular loss was at 3 degrees . The vOCR values
      from the side of vestibular loss and the healthy side were not different in UVL
      patients (2.53 degrees  vs 2.8 degrees ; p = 0.59).

PMID- 28084888
TI  - Growth rate of invasive ductal carcinomas from a screened 50-74-year-old
      population.
AB  - Objective As breast cancer growth rate is associated with menopause, most
      screening programmes target mainly women aged 50-74. We studied the association
      between age at diagnosis and growth rate in this screening-specific age range.
      Methods We used data from breast cancer patients diagnosed in the screening
      programme in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The data were restricted to the screening
      rounds when analogue mammography was used in both the screening and clinical
      setting. Growth rate expressed as tumour volume doubling time was based on
      increasing tumour size in longitudinal series of mammograms. Estimates were based
      on (a) tumours showing at least two measurable shadows, (b) tumours showing a
      shadow at detection only (left censored), and (c) tumours showing no growth
      (right-censored observation). All 293 tumours were consecutively diagnosed
      invasive ductal breast cancers in participants of the Nijmegen screening
      programme in the period 2000-2007. Results Depending on the assumptions made on
      tumour margins and mammographic density, the relation of volume doubling time
      with age non-significantly varies from a decrease of 3.3% to an increase of 1.4%
      for each year increase in age at diagnosis (all P-values >= 0.18). Applying left
      censoring on indistinct tumours, the geometric mean volume doubling time was 191
      days (95% confidence interval 158-230). Conclusion We found no significant change
      in growth rate with age in women diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer in
      the screening age range 50-74. This outcome does not support differential
      screening intervals by age based solely on breast cancer growth rate for this
      particular group.

PMID- 28084889
TI  - Predicting the effectiveness of the Finnish population-based colorectal cancer
      screening programme.
AB  - Objective Because colorectal cancer (CRC) has a long natural history, estimating
      the effectiveness of CRC screening programmes requires long-term follow-up. As an
      alternative, we here demonstrate the use of a temporal multi-state natural
      history model to predict the effectiveness of CRC screening. Methods In the
      Finnish population-based biennial CRC screening programme using faecal occult
      blood tests (FOBT), which was conducted in a randomised health services study, we
      estimated the pre-clinical incidence, the mean sojourn time (MST), and the
      sensitivity of FOBT using a Markov model to analyse data from 2004 to 2007. These
      estimates were applied to predict, through simulation, the effects of five rounds
      of screening on the relative rate of reducing advanced CRC with 6 years of follow
      up, and on the reduction in mortality with 10 years of follow-up, in a cohort of
      500,000 subjects aged 60 to 69. Results For localised and non-localised CRC,
      respectively, the MST was 2.06 and 1.36 years and the sensitivity estimates were
      65.12% and 73.70%. The predicted relative risk of non-localised CRC and death
      from CRC in the screened compared with the control population was 0.86 (95% CI:
      0.79-0.98) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85-1.02), respectively. Conclusion Based on the
      preliminary results of the Finnish CRC screening programme, our model predicted a
      9% reduction in CRC mortality and a 14% reduction in advanced CRC.

PMID- 28084890
TI  - Self-reported physical activity behavior of breast cancer survivors during and
      after adjuvant therapy: 12 months follow-up of two randomized exercise
      intervention trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise during and after breast cancer treatment has shown several
      health benefits. However, little is known about the courses, patterns, and
      determinants of physical activity of breast cancer patients, and the role of
      exercise interventions on their physical activity behavior in the long run.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Self-reported physical activity was assessed in 227 breast
      cancer survivors before, during, and three, six, and 12 months post-intervention
      within two randomized resistance exercise trials performed during adjuvant chemo-
      or radiotherapy, respectively, with similar designs. Multiple ordinal logistic
      regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of physical activity
      at these time points. RESULTS: While the intervention group exercised a median
      1.8 h/week during adjuvant therapy (interquartile range 1.4-2.5), 68% of controls
      did not engage in any exercise. At 12-months follow-up 32% of patients did not
      engage in any exercise irrespective of the intervention. Of the patients who
      cycled for transportation pre-diagnosis about half stopped cycling in the long
      term in both groups. In contrast, walking was maintained over time. Major
      determinants of low levels of exercise at 12-months follow-up were low pre
      diagnosis levels of exercise, lower education, being postmenopausal, and having
      breast problems or depressive symptoms. Further, the intervention appeared to
      influence the type of sports performed, with strength exercise being the most
      common type of exercise at follow-up in the exercise group, more frequently
      compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The exercise intervention effectively
      countervailed the decrease in physical activity during cancer therapy and boosted
      strength exercise in the months following the intervention, but in the longer
      term many survivors were insufficiently active. Breast cancer survivors may need
      continued motivation and practical support tailored to their individual
      characteristics and physical activity history to incorporate exercise in everyday
      routine in the long term.

PMID- 28084891
TI  - The Effect of Concussion or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury on School Grades,
      National Examination Scores, and School Attendance: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Concussion often results in symptoms, including difficulty concentrating,
      focusing, and remembering, that are typically managed with cognitive and physical
      rest. Often, the school environment is not conducive to cognitive rest and may
      lead to worsening or prolonged symptoms that can contribute to impaired academic
      performance. The objective of the review was to identify and summarize literature
      concerning the effects of concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on
      academic outcomes. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL were searched until June
      1, 2016. Studies must have been primary literature examining students enrolled in
      primary, secondary, or post-secondary education, have received a physician
      diagnosis of concussion or mTBI, and have post-injury academic outcomes assessed
      in numeric or alphabet grade/grade point average (GPA), school attendance
      records, or national examination scores. Data were extracted and checked by a
      second reviewer for accuracy and completeness. Nine studies were included. Among
      four studies that examined grades, one found a significant difference in pre- and
      post-grades only in the subject Afrikaans. Three examined national test scores
      and no significant differences were found between cases and controls. Four
      examined school absenteeism and found that students who developed post-concussion
      syndrome missed significantly more school days and took longer to return to
      school than students with extremity injuries. Although mTBI or concussion is
      associated with missed school, the results demonstrate minimal impact on school
      grades and national examination scores at a group level. Further research is
      needed to identify risk factors for impaired school functioning following mTBI
      and concussion in individual patients.

PMID- 28084892
TI  - Sick leave among parents of children with cancer - a national cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to psychological distress and an increased care burden, parents
      of children diagnosed with cancer may face a higher risk of sickness absence from
      work. The objective of this study was to examine the association of childhood
      cancer with parents' sick leave. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised 3626
      parents of 1899 children diagnosed with cancer in Sweden during 2004-2009, and a
      matched control group of parents (n = 34 874). Sick leave was measured as number
      of days with sickness benefit, retrieved from national registries. Logistic and
      negative binomial regression models were used to compare outcomes with parents
      from the control cohort. RESULTS: The risk of sick leave was statistically
      significantly higher up to six years following a child's cancer diagnosis. The
      increase in number of days with sickness benefit was most pronounced the year
      after diagnosis. Although mothers' sick leave prevalence was higher, the increase
      in risk relative to control parents was similar for mothers and fathers.
      Bereavement was associated with a heightened risk of sick leave, especially on
      the year of the child's death. CONCLUSIONS: Findings confirm that mothers and
      fathers of children diagnosed with cancer are at higher risk of sickness absence
      from work, with particularly pronounced risk among bereaved parents. Acquisition
      of further knowledge is warranted regarding possibilities and constraints of
      parents trying to combine their work life with caring for both their child and
      themselves.

PMID- 28084893
TI  - Strategies of successful and unsuccessful simulators coached to feign traumatic
      brain injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated strategies used by healthy adults coached
      to simulate traumatic brain injury (TBI) during neuropsychological evaluation.
      METHOD: Healthy adults (n = 58) were coached to simulate TBI while completing a
      test battery consisting of multiple performance validity tests (PVTs),
      neuropsychological tests, a self-report scale of functional independence, and a
      debriefing survey about strategies used to feign TBI. RESULTS: "Successful"
      simulators (n = 16) were classified as participants who failed 0 or 1 PVT and
      also scored as impaired on one or more neuropsychological index. "Unsuccessful"
      simulators (n = 42) failed >=2 PVTs or passed PVTs but did not score impaired on
      any neuropsychological index. Compared to unsuccessful simulators, successful
      simulators had significantly more years of education, higher estimated IQ, and
      were more likely to use information provided about TBI to employ a systematic
      pattern of performance that targeted specific tests rather than performing poorly
      across the entire test battery. CONCLUSION: Results contribute to a limited body
      of research investigating strategies utilized by individuals instructed to feign
      neurocognitive impairment. Findings signal the importance of developing
      additional embedded PVTs within standard cognitive tests to assess performance
      validity throughout a neuropsychological assessment. Future research should
      consider specifically targeting embedded measures in visual tests sensitive to
      slowed responding (e.g. response time).

PMID- 28084894
TI  - Donors FMO3 polymorphisms affect tacrolimus elimination in Chinese liver
      transplant patients.
AB  - AIM: Flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) variants were potentially involved in
      tacrolimus metabolism in kidney transplantion. The influences of FMO3 genotypes
      on tacrolimus elimination in Chinese liver transplant patients remained unclear.
      PATIENTS & METHODS: FMO3 SNPs and CYP3A5 rs776746 were analyzed in 110 Chinese
      patients. RESULTS: Donor FMO3 rs1800822 allele T and rs909530 allele T were
      associated with fast tacrolimus elimination. Combination of polymorphisms of
      donor FMO3 rs1800822 and rs909530 genotype impacted on tacrolimus elimination (p
      = 0.0221). The number of donor rs1800822 allele T and rs909530 allele T was
      confirmed to be an independent predictor of the tacrolimus concentration-to-dose
      ratios for weeks 2, 3 and 4 in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Donor's
      FMO3 polymorphisms might affect tacrolimus elimination.

PMID- 28084896
TI  - Addenda.

PMID- 28084895
TI  - Parents' Perceptions of Their Children as Overweight and Children's Weight
      Concerns and Weight Gain.
AB  - The global prevalence of childhood obesity is alarmingly high. Parents'
      identification of their children as overweight is thought to be an important
      prerequisite to tackling childhood obesity, but recent findings suggest that such
      parental identification is counterintuitively associated with increased weight
      gain during childhood. One possibility is that parental identification of their
      child as being overweight results in that child viewing his or her body size
      negatively and attempting to lose weight, which eventually results in weight
      gain. We used data from two longitudinal cohort studies to examine the relation
      between children's weight gain and their parents' identification of them as being
      overweight. Across both studies, children whose parents perceive them to be
      overweight are more likely to view their body size negatively and are more likely
      than their peers to be actively trying to lose weight. These child-reported
      outcomes explained part of the counterintuitive association between parents'
      perceptions of their children as being overweight and the children's subsequent
      weight. We propose that the stigma attached to being recognized and labeled as
      "overweight" may partly explain these findings.

PMID- 28084897
TI  - Modelling of human performance in complex systems with emphasis on nuclear power
      plant operations and probabilistic risk assessment.

PMID- 28084898
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28084899
TI  - Limited role of HLA DQ2/8 genotyping in diagnosing coeliac disease.
AB  - The European guidelines for diagnosing coeliac disease in children were revised
      in 2012. These recommend that in symptomatic children, a diagnosis of coeliac
      disease can be made without small-bowel biopsies provided their anti-tissue
      transglutaminase (anti-tTG) titre is >10 times of upper-limit-of-normal (>10*ULN)
      and anti-endomysial antibody is positive. In order to firm up the diagnosis in
      these children with very high anti-tTG titre, HLA-DQ2/DQ8 should be checked and
      be positive. Approximately 25-40% of white Caucasian population has HLA-DQ2/DQ8
      haplotype. However, only 0.1-1% of the population will develop coeliac disease.
      Therefore, HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing must not be done to 'screen' or 'diagnose'
      children with coeliac disease. Its use by paediatricians should be limited to
      children with anti-tTG>10*ULN, where the diagnosis of coeliac disease is being
      made on serology alone. A review of case referrals made to a tertiary paediatric
      gastroenterology centre in Southwest England demonstrated that HLA-DQ2/DQ8
      testing is being requested inappropriately both in primary and secondary care
      suggesting a poor understanding of its role in diagnosis of coeliac disease. This
      article aims to clarify the role of HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing for clinicians working in
      non-specialist settings.

PMID- 28084900
TI  - The reliability and validity of three questionnaires: The Student Satisfaction
      and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale, Simulation Design Scale, and Educational
      Practices Questionnaire.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to adapt the "Student Satisfaction and
      Self-Confidence in Learning Scale" (SCLS), "Simulation Design Scale" (SDS), and
      "Educational Practices Questionnaire" (EPQ) developed by Jeffries and Rizzolo
      into Turkish and establish the reliability and the validity of these translated
      scales. METHODS: A sample of 87 nursing students participated in this study.
      These scales were cross-culturally adapted through a process including
      translation, comparison with original version, back translation, and pretesting.
      Construct validity was evaluated by factor analysis, and criterion validity was
      evaluated using the Perceived Learning Scale, Patient Intervention Self
      confidence/Competency Scale, and Educational Belief Scale. FINDINGS: Cronbach's
      alpha values were found as 0.77-0.85 for SCLS, 0.73-0.86 for SDS, and 0.61-0.86
      for EPQ. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that the Turkish versions of
      all scales are validated and reliable measurement tools.

PMID- 28084901
TI  - Lower limbs venous kinetics and consequent impact on drainage direction.
AB  - Background Literature concerning the lower limbs physiological venous
      haemodynamics is still lacking of reference velocity values and consequent impact
      on drainage direction. Aim of the present study is to assess the flow velocities
      in the different venous compartments, evaluating the possible Venturi effect
      role, thus finding clues for the identification of the physical model governing
      the flow direction. Methods Thirty-six lower limbs underwent a velocity and
      diameters echo-color-Doppler assessment in several anatomical point of analysis
      along both the deep and superficial venous systems. The investigation protocol
      included and compared two different manoeuvres to elicit the flow: manual calf
      compression/relaxation (CR) and active foot dorsiflexion (AFD). Both peak
      systolic (PSV) and time average velocities (TAV) were measured. Results The
      different venous segments demonstrated an overlap among the velocity values and
      the anatomical subdivision of the deep and superficial compartments. At the CR,
      TAV was 34 +/- 12 cm/s in the deep venous system (N1), 15 +/- 7 cm/s in the
      saphenous system (N2), 5 +/- 2 cm/s in the saphenous tributaries (N3); PSV was 89
      +/- 35 cm/s in N1, 34 +/- 16 cm/s in N2, 11 +/- 4 cm/s in N3, p < 0.05. At the
      AFD, TAV was 33 +/- 13 cm/s in N1, 15 +/- 7 in N2, 9 +/- 5 in N3; PSV was 83 +/-
      35 in N1, 32 +/- 17 in N2, 15 +/- 4 in N3, p < 0.05. A diameter decrease was
      reported from N1 to N3 ( p < 0.05). Conclusion This investigation provides
      evidences of the velocity decrease from the deepest to the most superficial
      compartments. These data introduce the Venturi effect as potential factor in the
      flow aspiration from the tributary to the deeper veins. The reported data
      represent a first step towards an objective evaluation of the physic laws
      governing the drainage. These values can constitute the basis for further
      investigations in pathological and post-procedural scenarios.

PMID- 28084903
TI  - Genetic variants associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced
      cough: a genome-wide association study in a Swedish population.
AB  - AIM: We conducted a genome-wide association study on angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitor-induced cough and used our dataset to replicate candidate genes
      identified in previous studies. PATIENTS & METHODS: A total of 124 patients and
      1345 treated controls were genotyped using Illumina arrays. The genome-wide
      significance level was set to p < 5 * 10-8. RESULTS: We identified nearly genome
      wide significant associations in CLASP1, PDE11A, KCNMB2, TGFA, SLC38A6 and MMP16.
      The strongest association was with rs62151109 in CLASP1 (odds ratio: 3.97; p =
      9.44 * 10-8). All top hits except two were located in intronic or noncoding DNA
      regions. None of the candidate genes were significantly associated in our study.
      CONCLUSION: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced cough is potentially
      associated with genes that are independent of bradykinin pathways.

PMID- 28084904
TI  - Associated Information Increases Subjective Perception of Duration.
AB  - Our sense of time is prone to various biases. For instance, one factor that can
      dilate an event's perceived duration is the violation of predictions; when a
      series of repeated stimuli is interrupted by an unpredictable oddball. On the
      other hand, when the probability of a repetition itself is manipulated,
      predictable conditions can also increase estimated duration. This suggests that
      manipulations of expectations have different or even opposing effects on time
      perception. In previous studies, expectations were generated because stimuli were
      repeated or because the likelihood of a sequence or a repetition was varied. In
      the natural environment, however, expectations are often built via associative
      processes, for example, the context of a kitchen promotes the expectation of
      plates, appliances, and other associated objects. Here, we manipulated such
      association-based expectations by using oddballs that were either contextually
      associated or nonassociated with the standard items. We find that duration was
      more strongly overestimated for contextually associated oddballs. We reason that
      top-down attention is biased toward associated information, and thereby dilates
      subjective duration for associated oddballs. Based on this finding, we propose an
      interplay between top-down attention and predictive processing in the perception
      of time.

PMID- 28084905
TI  - Relative Contribution of Odour Intensity and Valence to Moral Decisions.
AB  - Meta-analytic evidence showed that the chemical senses affect moral decisions.
      However, how odours impact on morality is currently unclear. Through a set of
      three studies, we assess whether and how odour intensity biases moral choices
      (Study 1a), its psychophysiological responses (Study 1b), as well as the
      behavioural and psychophysiological effects of odour valence on moral choices
      (Study 2). Study 1a suggests that the presence of an odour plays a role in
      shaping moral choice. Study 1b reveals that of two iso-pleasant versions of the
      same neutral odour, only the one presented sub-threshold (vs. supra-threshold)
      favours deontological moral choices, those based on the principle of not harming
      others even when such harm provides benefits. As expected, this odour intensity
      effect is tracked by skin conductance responses, whereas no difference in cardiac
      activity - proxy for the valence dimension - is revealed. Study 2 suggests that
      the same neutral odour presented sub-threshold increases deontological choices
      even when compared to iso-intense ambiguous odour, perceived as pleasant or
      unpleasant by half of the participants, respectively. Skin conductance responses,
      as expected, track odour pleasantness, but cardiac activity fails to do so.
      Results are discussed in the context of mechanisms alternative to disgust
      induction underlying moral choices.

PMID- 28084906
TI  - Endoscopic endonasal approach to the ventral brainstem: anatomical feasibility
      and surgical limitations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Sporadic cases of endonasal intraaxial brainstem surgery have been
      reported in the recent literature. The authors endeavored to assess the
      feasibility and limitations of endonasal endoscopic surgery for approaching
      lesions in the ventral portion of the brainstem. METHODS Five human cadaveric
      heads were used to assess the anatomy and to record various measurements.
      Extended transsphenoidal and transclival approaches were performed. After
      exposing the brainstem, white matter dissection was attempted through this
      endoscopic window, and additional key measurements were taken. RESULTS The
      rostral exposure of the brainstem was limited by the sella. The lateral limits of
      the exposure were the intracavernous carotid arteries at the level of the sellar
      floor, the intrapetrous carotid arteries at the level of the petrous apex, and
      the inferior petrosal sinuses toward the basion. Caudal extension necessitated
      partial resection of the anterior C-1 arch and the odontoid process. The midline
      pons and medulla were exposed in all specimens. Trigeminal nerves were barely
      visible without the use of angled endoscopes. Access to the peritrigeminal safe
      zone for gaining entry into the brainstem is medially limited by the pyramidal
      tract, with a mean lateral pyramidal distance (LPD) of 4.8 +/- 0.8 mm. The mean
      interpyramidal distance was 3.6 +/- 0.5 mm, and it progressively decreased toward
      the pontomedullary junction. The corticospinal tracts (CSTs) coursed from deep to
      superficial in a craniocaudal direction. The small caliber of the medulla with
      very superficial CSTs left no room for a safe ventral dissection. The mean
      pontobasilar midline index averaged at 0.44 +/- 0.1. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic
      endonasal approaches are best suited for pontine intraaxial tumors when they are
      close to the midline and strictly anterior to the CST, or for exophytic lesions.
      Approaching the medulla is anatomically feasible, but the superficiality of the
      eloquent tracts and interposed nerves limit the safe entry zones. Pituitary
      transposition after sellar opening is necessary to access the mesencephalon.

PMID- 28084907
TI  - Academic impact and rankings of neuroendovascular fellowship programs across the
      United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Publication has become a major criterion of success in the competitive
      academic environment of neurosurgery. This is the first study that has used
      departmental h index-and e index-based matrices to assess the academic output of
      neuroendovascular, neurointerventional, and interventional radiology fellowship
      programs across the continental US. METHODS Fellowship program listings were
      identified from academic and organization websites. Details for 37 programs were
      available. Bibliometric data for these programs were gathered from the Thomson
      Reuters Web of Science database. Citations for each publication from the
      fellowship's parent department were screened, and the h and e indices were
      calculated from non-open-surgical, central nervous system vascular publications.
      Variables including "high-productivity" centers, fellowship-comprehensive stroke
      center affiliation, fellowship accreditation status, neuroendovascular h index, e
      index ( h index supplement), h10 index (publications during the last 10 years),
      and departmental faculty-based h indices were created and analyzed. RESULTS A
      positive correlation was seen between the neuroendovascular fellowship h index
      and corresponding h10 index (R = 0.885; p < 0.0001). The mean, median, and
      highest faculty-based h indices exhibited positive correlations with the
      neuroendovascular fellowship h index (R = 0.662, p < 0.0001; R = 0.617, p <
      0.0001; and R = 0.649, p < 0.0001, respectively). There was no significant
      difference (p = 0.824) in the median values for the fellowship h index based on
      comprehensive stroke center affiliation (30 of 37 programs had such affiliations)
      or accreditation (18 of 37 programs had accreditation) (p = 0.223). Based on the
      quartile analysis of the fellowship h index, 10 of 37 departments had an
      neuroendovascular h index of >= 54 ("high-productivity" centers); these centers
      had significantly more faculty (p = 0.013) and a significantly higher mean
      faculty h index (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The departmental h index and analysis
      of its publication topics can be used to calculate the h index of an associated
      subspecialty. The analysis was focused on the neuroendovascular specialty, and
      this methodology can be extended to other neurosurgical subspecialties.
      Individual faculty research interest is directly reflected in the research
      productivity of a department. High-productivity centers had significantly more
      faculty with significantly higher individual h indices. The current systems for
      neuroendovascular fellowship program accreditation do not have a meaningful
      impact on academic productivity.

PMID- 28084902
TI  - The Rotator Cuff Organ: Integrating Developmental Biology, Tissue Engineering,
      and Surgical Considerations to Treat Chronic Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.
AB  - The torn rotator cuff remains a persistent orthopedic challenge, with poor
      outcomes disproportionately associated with chronic, massive tears. Degenerative
      changes in the tissues that comprise the rotator cuff organ, including muscle,
      tendon, and bone, contribute to the poor healing capacity of chronic tears,
      resulting in poor function and an increased risk for repair failure. Tissue
      engineering strategies to augment rotator cuff repair have been developed in an
      effort to improve rotator cuff healing and have focused on three principal aims:
      (1) immediate mechanical augmentation of the surgical repair, (2) restoration of
      muscle quality and contractility, and (3) regeneration of native enthesis
      structure. Work in these areas will be reviewed in sequence, highlighting the
      relevant pathophysiology, developmental biology, and biomechanics, which must be
      considered when designing therapeutic applications. While the independent use of
      these strategies has shown promise, synergistic benefits may emerge from their
      combined application given the interdependence of the tissues that constitute the
      rotator cuff organ. Furthermore, controlled mobilization of augmented rotator
      cuff repairs during postoperative rehabilitation may provide mechanotransductive
      cues capable of guiding tissue regeneration and restoration of rotator cuff
      function. Present challenges and future possibilities will be identified, which
      if realized, may provide solutions to the vexing condition of chronic massive
      rotator cuff tears.

PMID- 28084908
TI  - A novel weighted scoring system for estimating the risk of rapid growth in
      untreated intracranial meningiomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Advances in neuroimaging techniques have led to the increased detection
      of asymptomatic intracranial meningiomas (IMs). Despite several studies on the
      natural history of IMs, a comprehensive evaluation method for estimating the
      growth potential of these tumors, based on the relative weight of each risk
      factor, has not been developed. The aim of this study was to develop a weighted
      scoring system that estimates the risk of rapid tumor growth to aid treatment
      decision making. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 232
      patients with presumed IM who had been prospectively followed up in the absence
      of treatment from 1997 to 2013. Tumor volume was measured by imaging at each
      follow-up visit, and the growth rate was determined by regression analysis.
      Predictors of rapid tumor growth (defined as >= 2 cm3/year) were identified using
      a logistic regression model; each factor was awarded a score based on its own
      coefficient value. The probability (P) of rapid tumor growth was estimated using
      the following formula:[Formula: see text] RESULTS Fifty-nine tumors (25.4%)
      showed rapid growth. Tumor size (OR per cm3 1.07, p = 0.000), absence of
      calcification (OR 3.87, p = 0.004), peritumoral edema (OR 2.74, p = 0.025), and
      hyperintense or isointense signal on T2-weighted MRI (OR 3.76, p = 0.049) were
      predictors of tumor growth rate. In the Asan Intracranial Meningioma Scoring
      System (AIMSS), tumor size was categorized into 3 groups of < 2.5 cm, >= 2.5 to <
      4.0 cm, and >= 4.0 cm in diameter and awarded a score of 0, 3, and 6,
      respectively; the parameters of calcification and peritumoral edema were
      categorized into 2 groups based on their presence or absence and given a score of
      0 or 2 and 1 or 0, respectively; and the signal on T2-weighted MRI was
      categorized into 2 groups of hypointense and hyperintense/isointense and given a
      score of 0 or 2, respectively. The risk of rapid tumor growth was estimated to be
      < 10% when the total score was 0-2, 10%-50% when the total score was 3-6, and >=
      50% when the total score was 7-11 (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, p =
      0.9958). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.86.
      CONCLUSIONS The authors suggest a weighted scoring system (AIMSS) that predicts
      the specific probability of rapid tumor growth for patients with untreated IM.
      This scoring system will aid treatment decision making in clinical settings by
      screening out patients at high risk for rapid tumor growth.

PMID- 28084909
TI  - Comparison of endovascular and microsurgical management of 208 basilar apex
      aneurysms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The deep and difficult-to-reach location of basilar apex aneurysms,
      along with their location near critical adjacent perforating arteries, has
      rendered the perception that microsurgical treatment of these aneurysms is risky.
      As a result, these aneurysms are considered more suitable for treatment by
      endovascular intervention. The authors attempt to compare the immediate and long
      term outcomes of microsurgery versus endovascular therapy for this aneurysm
      subtype. METHODS A prospectively maintained database of 208 consecutive patients
      treated for basilar apex aneurysms between 2000 and 2012 was reviewed. In this
      group, 161 patients underwent endovascular treatment and 47 were managed
      microsurgically. The corresponding records were analyzed for presenting
      characteristics, postoperative complications, discharge status, and Glasgow
      Outcome Scale (GOS) scores up to 1 year after treatment and compared using chi
      square and Student t-tests. RESULTS Among these 208 aneurysms, 116 (56%) were
      ruptured, including 92 (57%) and 24 (51%) of the endovascularly and
      microsurgically managed aneurysms, respectively. The average Hunt and Hess grade
      was 2.4 (2.4 in the endovascular group and 2.2 in the microsurgical group; p =
      0.472). Postoperative complications of cranial nerve deficits and hemiparesis
      were more common in patients treated microsurgically than endovascularly (55.3%
      vs 16.2%, p < 0.05; and 27.7% vs 10.6%, p < 0.05, respectively). However,
      aneurysm remnants and need for retreatment were more common in the endovascular
      than the microsurgical group (41.3% vs 2.3%, p < 0.05; and 10.6% vs 0.0%, p <
      0.05, respectively). Stent placement significantly reduced the need for
      retreatment. Rehemorrhage rates and average GOS score at discharge and 1 year
      after treatment were not statistically different between the two treatment
      groups. CONCLUSIONS Patients with basilar apex aneurysms were significantly more
      likely to be treated via endovascular management, but compared with those treated
      microsurgically, they had higher rates of recurrence and need for retreatment.
      The current study did not detect an overall difference in outcomes at discharge
      and 1 year after either treatment modality. Therefore, in a select group of
      patients, microsurgical treatment continues to play an important role.

PMID- 28084910
TI  - Early and late epilepsy surgery in focal epilepsies associated with long-term
      epilepsy-associated tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Epilepsy surgery is an effective means of treating focal epilepsy
      associated with long-term epilepsy-associated tumors. This study evaluated a
      large population of surgically treated patients with childhood onset of epilepsy
      and a histologically confirmed diagnosis of long-term epilepsy-associated tumors.
      The authors analyzed long-term seizure outcomes to establish whether the time of
      surgery and patients' ages were determinant factors. METHODS The authors
      separately investigated several presurgical, surgical, and postsurgical variables
      in patients operated on before (pediatric group) and at or after (adult group)
      the age of 18 years. Patients with < 24 months of postsurgical follow-up were
      excluded from the analysis. RESULTS The patients who underwent surgery before 18
      years of age showed better seizure outcomes than those after 18 years of age (80%
      vs 53.3% Engel Class Ia outcome, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis
      showed that the only variables significantly associated with seizure freedom were
      complete resection of the lesion, a shorter duration of epilepsy, and temporal
      lobe resection. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicate that pediatric
      patients are more responsive to epilepsy surgery and that a shorter duration of
      epilepsy, complete resection, and a temporal lobe localization are determinant
      factors for a positive seizure outcome.

PMID- 28084911
TI  - Anterior interhemispheric transsplenial approach to pineal region tumors:
      anatomical study and illustrative case.
AB  - Pineal region tumors are challenging to access because they are centrally located
      within the calvaria and surrounded by critical neurovascular structures. The goal
      of this work is to describe a new surgical trajectory, the anterior
      interhemispheric transsplenial approach, to the pineal region and falcotentorial
      junction area. To demonstrate this approach, the authors examined 7 adult
      formalin-fixed silicone-injected cadaveric heads and 2 fresh human brain
      specimens. One representative case of falcotentorial meningioma treated through
      an anterior interhemispheric transsplenial approach is also described. Among the
      interhemispheric approaches to the pineal region, the anterior interhemispheric
      transsplenial approach has several advantages. 1) There are few or no bridging
      veins at the level of the pericoronal suture. 2) The parietal and occipital lobes
      are not retracted, which reduces the chances of approach-related morbidity,
      especially in the dominant hemisphere. 3) The risk of damage to the deep venous
      structures is low because the tumor surface reached first is relatively vein
      free. 4) The internal cerebral veins can be manipulated and dissected away
      laterally through the anterior interhemispheric route but not via the posterior
      interhemispheric route. 5) Early control of medial posterior choroidal arteries
      is obtained. The anterior interhemispheric transsplenial approach provides a safe
      and effective surgical corridor for patients with supratentorial pineal region
      tumors that 1) extend superiorly, involve the splenium of the corpus callosum,
      and push the deep venous system in a posterosuperior or an anteroinferior
      direction; 2) are tentorial and displace the deep venous system inferiorly; or 3)
      originate from the splenium of the corpus callosum.

PMID- 28084912
TI  - External ventricular drain practice variations: results from a nationwide survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE While guidelines exist for many neurosurgical procedures, external
      ventricular drain (EVD) insertion has yet to be standardized. The goal of this
      study was to survey the neurosurgical community and determine the most frequent
      EVD insertion practices. The hypothesis was that there would be no standard
      practices identified for EVD insertion or methods to avoid EVD-associated
      infections. METHODS The American Association of Neurological Surgeons membership
      database was queried for all eligible neurosurgeons. A 16-question, multiple
      choice format survey was created and sent to 7217 recipients. The responses were
      collected electronically, and the descriptive results were tabulated. Data were
      analyzed using the chi-square test. RESULTS In total, 1143 respondents (15.8%)
      completed the survey, and 705 respondents (61.6%) reported tracking EVD
      infections at their institution. The most common self-reported infection rate
      ranged from 1% to 3% (56.1% of participants), and 19.7% of respondents reported a
      0% infection rate. In total, 451 respondents (42.7%) indicated that their
      institution utilizes a formal protocol for EVD placement. If a respondent's
      institution had a protocol, only 258 respondents (36.1%) always complied with the
      protocol. Protocol utilization for EVD insertion was significantly more frequent
      among residents, in academic/hybrid centers, in ICU settings, and if the
      institution tracked EVD-associated infection rates (p < 0.05). A self-reported 0%
      infection rate was significantly more commonly associated with a higher level of
      training (e.g., attending physicians), private center settings, a clinician
      performing 6 to 10 EVD insertions within the previous 12 months, and prophylactic
      continuous antibiotic utilization (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This survey
      demonstrated heterogeneity in the practices for EVD insertion. No standard
      practices have been proposed or adopted by the neurosurgical community for EVD
      insertion or complication avoidance. These results highlight the need for the
      nationwide standardization of technique and complication prevention measures.

PMID- 28084913
TI  - Letter to the Editor. Unilateral or bilateral drainage for chronic subdural
      hematoma.

PMID- 28084914
TI  - Characterizing and predicting the Nelson-Salassa syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Nelson-Salassa syndrome (NSS) is a rare consequence of bilateral
      adrenalectomy (ADX) for refractory hypercortisolism due to Cushing disease (CD).
      Although classically defined by rapid growth of a large, invasive,
      adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary tumor after bilateral ADX
      that causes cutaneous hyperpigmentation, visual disturbance, and high levels of
      ACTH, clinical experience suggests more variability. METHODS The authors
      conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients 18 years and older with a
      history of bilateral ADX for CD, adequate pituitary MRI, and at least 2 years of
      clinical follow-up. Statistical tests included Student's t-test, chi-square test,
      Fisher's exact test, multivariate analysis, and derived receiver operating
      characteristic curves. RESULTS Between 1956 and 2015, 302 patients underwent
      bilateral ADX for the treatment of hypercortisolism caused by CD; 88 had
      requisite imaging and follow-up (mean 16 years). Forty-seven patients (53%) had
      radiographic progression of pituitary disease and were diagnosed with NSS.
      Compared with patients who did not experience progression, those who developed
      NSS were significantly younger at the time of CD diagnosis (33 vs 44 years, p =
      0.007) and at the time of bilateral ADX (35 vs 49 years, p = 0.007), had larger
      tumors at the time of CD diagnosis (6 mm vs 1 mm, p = 0.03), and were more likely
      to have undergone external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT, 43% vs 12%, p = 0.005).
      Among NSS patients, the mean tumor growth was 7 mm/yr (SE 6 mm/yr); the median
      tumor growth was 3 mm/yr. Prevalence of pathognomonic symptoms was low; the
      classic triad occurred in 9%, while hyperpigmentation without visual field
      deficit was observed in 23%, and 68% remained asymptomatic despite radiographic
      disease progression. NSS required treatment in 14 patients (30%). CONCLUSIONS NSS
      is a prevalent sequela of CD after bilateral ADX and affects more than 50% of
      patients. However, although radiological evidence of NSS is common, it is most
      often clinically indolent, with only a small minority of patients developing the
      more aggressive disease phenotype characterized by clinically meaningful symptoms
      and indications for treatment. Young age at the time of CD diagnosis or treatment
      with bilateral ADX, large tumor size at CD diagnosis, and EBRT are associated
      with progression to NSS and may be markers of aggressiveness.

PMID- 28084915
TI  - Trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathy in large sporadic vestibular schwannomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, presentation, and
      treatment outcomes of trigeminal nerve-mediated symptoms secondary to large
      vestibular schwannomas (VSs) with trigeminal nerve contact. Specifically, the
      symptomatic results of pain, paresthesias, and numbness after microsurgical
      resection or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) were examined. METHODS The authors
      conducted a retrospective review of a database for concomitant diagnosis of
      trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or trigeminal neuropathy and VS between 1994 and 2014
      at a tertiary academic center. All patients with VS with TN or neuropathy were
      included, with the exception of those patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 and
      patients who elected observation. Patient demographic data, symptom evolution,
      and treatment outcomes were collected. Population data were summarized, and
      outcome comparisons between microsurgery and SRS were analyzed at last follow-up.
      RESULTS Sixty (2.2%) of 2771 total patients who had large VSs and either TN or
      neuropathy symptoms met inclusion criteria. The average age of trigeminal symptom
      onset was 53.6 years (range 24-79 years), the average age at VS diagnosis was
      54.4 years (range 25-79 years), and the average follow-up for the microsurgery
      and SRS groups was 30 and 59 months, respectively (range 3-132 months). Of these
      patients, 50 (83%) had facial numbness, 16 (27%) had TN pain, and 13 (22%) had
      paresthesias (i.e., burning or tingling). Subsequently, 50 (83%) patients
      underwent resection and 10 (17%) patients received SRS. Treatment of VS with SRS
      did not improve trigeminal symptoms in any patient. This included 2 subjects with
      unimproved facial numbness and 4 patients with worsened numbness. Similarly, SRS
      worsened TN pain and paresthesias in 5 patients and failed to improve pain in 2
      additional patients. The Barrow Neurological Institute neuralgia and hypesthesia
      scale scores were significantly worse for patients undergoing SRS compared with
      microsurgery. Resection alleviated facial numbness in 22 (50%) patients,
      paresthesias in 5 (42%) patients, and TN in 7 (70%) patients. In several
      patients, surgery was not successful in relieving facial numbness, which failed
      to improve in 17 (39%) cases and became worse in 5 (11%) cases. Also, surgery did
      not change the intensity of facial paresthesias or neuralgia in 6 (50%) and 3
      (25%) patients, respectively. Microsurgery exacerbated facial paresthesias in 1
      (8%) patient but, notably, did not aggravate TN in any patient. CONCLUSIONS
      Overall, resection of large VSs provided improved outcomes for patients with
      concomitant TN, facial paresthesia, and numbness compared with SRS. However,
      caution should be used when counseling surgical candidates because a number of
      patients did not experience improvement. This was especially true in patients
      with preoperative facial numbness and paresthesias, who frequently reported that
      these symptoms were unchanged following surgery.

PMID- 28084916
TI  - Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.
AB  - Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) syndrome is an increasingly
      recognized cause of vestibular and/or auditory symptoms in both adults and
      children. These symptoms are believed to result from the presence of a
      pathological mobile "third window" into the labyrinth due to deficiency in the
      osseous shell, leading to inadvertent hydroacoustic transmissions through the
      cochlea and labyrinth. The most common bony defect of the superior canal is found
      over the arcuate eminence, with rare cases involving the posteromedial limb of
      the superior canal associated with the superior petrosal sinus. Operative
      intervention is indicated for intractable or debilitating symptoms that persist
      despite conservative management and vestibular sedation. Surgical repair can be
      accomplished by reconstruction or plugging of the bony defect or reinforcement of
      the round window through a variety of operative approaches. The authors review
      the etiology, pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, surgical options, and
      outcomes in the treatment of this entity, with a focus on potential pitfalls that
      may be encountered during clinical management.

PMID- 28084917
TI  - Letter to the Editor. Mannitol for intraoperative brain relaxation.

PMID- 28084918
TI  - Don't get misdirected! Differences in overt and covert attentional inhibition
      between children and adults.
AB  - Previous research has revealed marked improvements in cognitive control between
      the age of 10 years and adulthood. The aim of the current study was to explore
      differences in attentional control between adults and children within a natural
      context, namely whilst they were watching a magic trick. We measured
      participants' eye movements whilst they watched a misdirection trick in which
      attentional misdirection was used to prevent observers from noticing a salient
      visual event. Half of our participants failed to detect this event even though it
      took place in full view. Children below the age of 10 were significantly less
      likely to notice the event than the adults and were also more reliably overtly
      misdirected (i.e., where they looked). Our results illustrate that within a more
      naturalistic context children are significantly more distracted than adults, and
      this distraction can have major implications on their visual awareness.

PMID- 28084919
TI  - The health belief model and factors associated with adherence to treatment
      recommendations for positional plagiocephaly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine factors associated with adherence to
      recommended treatment among pediatric patients with positional skull deformity by
      reviewing a single-institution experience (2007-2014) with the treatment of
      positional plagiocephaly. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted.
      Risk factors, treatment for positional head shape deformity, and parent-reported
      adherence were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess
      the impact of patient clinical and demographic characteristics on adherence.
      RESULTS A total of 991 patients under age 12 months were evaluated for positional
      skull deformity at the Texas Children's Hospital Cranial Deformity Clinic between
      2007 and 2014. According to an age- and risk factor-based treatment algorithm,
      patients were recommended for repositioning, physical therapy, or cranial
      orthosis therapy or crossover from repositioning/physical therapy into cranial
      orthosis therapy. The patients' average chronological age at presentation was 6.2
      months; 69.3% were male. The majority were white (40.7%) or Hispanic (32.6%);
      38.7% had commercial insurance and 37.9% had Medicaid. The most common initial
      recommended treatment was repositioning or physical therapy; 85.7% of patients
      were adherent to the initial recommended treatment. Univariate analysis showed
      differences in adherence rates among subgroups. Children's families with Medicaid
      were less likely to be adherent to treatment recommendations (adherence rate,
      80.2%). Families with commercial insurance were more likely to be adherent to the
      recommended treatment (89.6%). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that
      factors associated with parent-reported adherence to recommended treatment
      included primary insurance payer, diagnosis (plagiocephaly vs brachycephaly), and
      the nature of the recommended treatment. Families were less likely to be adherent
      if they had Medicaid, a child with a diagnosis of brachycephaly, or were
      initially recommended for cranial orthosis therapy than families with commercial
      insurance, a child with a diagnosis of plagiocephaly, or an initial
      recommendation for repositioning or physical therapy. Factors associated with
      treatment completion included corrected age, insurance, diagnosis, recommended
      treatment, and distance to provider from patient's residence. Patients with
      commercial insurance (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.10-2.02, p = 0.009), those diagnosed with
      both brachycephaly and plagiocephaly (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.31-3.90, p = 0.003),
      those recommended for treatment with cranial orthosis (OR 4.55, 95% CI = 3.24
      6.38, p < 0.001), and those living in proximity to the provider (OR 1.40, 95% CI
      1.00-1.96, p = 0.047) were more likely to complete treatment. CONCLUSIONS
      Insurance type, degree of head shape deformity, and types of recommended
      treatment appear to affect rates of adherence to recommended treatments for
      positional skull deformation.

PMID- 28084920
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Cranial vault remodeling.

PMID- 28084921
TI  - Factors influencing outcomes of the treatment of positional plagiocephaly in
      infants: a 7-year experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Following institution of the Back to Sleep Campaign, the incidence of
      sudden infant death syndrome decreased while the prevalence of positional skull
      deformation increased dramatically. The management of positional deformity is
      controversial, and treatment recommendations and outcomes reporting are variable.
      The authors reviewed their institutional experience (2008-2014) with the
      treatment of positional plagiocephaly to explore factors associated with measured
      improvement. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted with risk factors
      and treatment for positional head shape deformity recorded. Univariate and
      multivariate analyses were used to assess the impact of these variables on the
      change in measured oblique diagonal difference (ODD) on head shape surface
      scanning pre- and posttreatment. RESULTS A total of 991 infants aged less than 1
      year were evaluated for cranial positional deformity in a dedicated clinical
      program. The most common deformity was occipital plagiocephaly (69.5%), followed
      by occipital brachycephaly (18.4%) or a combination of both deformities (12.1%).
      Recommended treatment included repositioning (RP), physical therapy (PT) if
      indicated, or orthotic treatment with a customized cranial orthosis (CO)
      according to an age- and risk factor-dependent algorithm that the authors
      developed for this clinic. Of the 991 eligible patients, 884 returned for at
      least 1 follow-up appointment. A total of 552 patients were followed to
      completion of their treatment and had a full set of records for analysis: these
      patients had pre- and posttreatment 2D surface scanner evaluations. The average
      presenting age was 6.2 months (corrected for prematurity for treatment
      considerations). Of the 991 patients, 543 (54.8%) had RP or PT as first
      recommended treatment. Of these 543 patients, 137 (25.2%) transitioned to helmet
      therapy after the condition did not improve over 4-8 weeks. In the remaining
      cases, RP/PT had already failed before the patients were seen in this program,
      and the starting treatment recommendation was CO. At the end of treatment, the
      measured improvements in ODD were 36.7%, 33.5%, and 15.1% for patients receiving
      CO, RP/PT/CO, and RP/PT, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that sex, race,
      insurance, diagnosis, sleep position preference, torticollis history, and
      multiple gestation were not significantly associated with magnitude of ODD change
      during treatment. On multivariate analysis, corrected age at presentation and
      type of treatment received were significantly associated with magnitude of ODD
      change. Orthotic treatment corresponded with the largest ODD change, while the
      RP/PT group had the least change in ODD. Earlier age at presentation corresponded
      with larger ODD change. CONCLUSIONS Earlier age at presentation and type of
      treatment impact the degree of measured deformational head shape correction in
      positional plagiocephaly. This retrospective study suggests that treatment with a
      custom CO can result in more improvement in objective measurements of head shape.

PMID- 28084922
TI  - Initial experience with endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator in purely neuroendoscopic
      removal of intraventricular tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Neuroendoscopic removal of intraventricular tumors is difficult and
      time consuming because of the lack of an effective decompression system that can
      be used through the working channel of the endoscope. The authors report on the
      utilization of an endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator in the resection of
      intraventricular tumors. METHODS Twelve pediatric patients (10 male, 2 female),
      ages 1-15 years old, underwent surgery via a purely endoscopic approach using a
      Gaab rigid endoscope and endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator. Two patients presented
      with intraventricular metastases from high-grade tumors (medulloblastoma,
      atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor), 2 with subependymal giant cell astrocytomas
      (associated with tuberous sclerosis), 2 with low-grade intraparaventricular
      tumors, 4 with suprasellar tumors (2 craniopharyngiomas and 2 optic pathway
      gliomas), and 2 with pineal tumors (1 immature teratoma, 1 pineal anlage tumor).
      Hydrocephalus was present in 5 cases. In all patients, the endoscopic trajectory
      and ventricular access were guided by electromagnetic neuronavigation. Nine
      patients underwent surgery via a precoronal bur hole while supine. In 2 cases,
      surgery was performed through a frontal bur hole at the level of the hairline.
      One patient underwent surgery via a posterior parietal approach to the trigone
      while in a lateral position. The endoscopic technique consisted of visualization
      of the tumor, ventricular washing to dilate the ventricles and to control
      bleeding, obtaining a tumor specimen with biopsy forceps, and ultrasonic
      aspiration of the tumor. Bleeding was controlled with irrigation, monopolar
      coagulation, and a thulium laser. RESULTS In 7 cases, the resection was total or
      near total (more than 90% of lesion removed). In 5 cases, the resection was
      partial. Histological evaluation of the collected material (withdrawn using
      biopsy forceps and aspirated with an ultrasonic aspirator) was diagnostic in all
      cases. The duration of surgery ranged from 30 to 120 minutes. One case was
      complicated by subdural hygroma requiring a subduro-peritoneal shunt implant.
      CONCLUSIONS In this preliminary series, endoscopic ultrasonic aspiration proved
      to be a safe and reliable method for achieving extensive decompression or
      complete removal in the management of intra- and/or paraventricular lesions in
      pediatric patients.

PMID- 28084923
TI  - Enacted cultural critique: Examining everyday violence in Garo Hills.
AB  - This article is a critical ethnographic illustration of community psychology
      praxis as enacted cultural critique. Community psychology praxis involves
      cultural critique so as to challenge, subvert, resist, and transform
      disempowering cultural constructions. Although it is important to appreciate and
      attend to cultural norms, there are many contexts where existing norms serve to
      marginalize communities. Drawing from a youth participatory action research
      initiative in the Garo Hills region of Northeast India, we examine the
      implications of community psychology praxis as enacted cultural critique in the
      context of endemic ethnic conflict. Enacted cultural critique in such a context
      entails deliberate, self-conscious efforts to interpret or make sense of the
      existing cultural context and create new ones. This creative activity involves
      collectively imagining, saying, writing, sculpting, fashioning and/or building
      new ways of being in and understanding our shared world. Our approach is
      characterized by an explicit recognition of the political nature of cultural
      analysis, which represents a significant departure from traditional, apolitical
      understanding of culture. Using the lens of community psychology praxis also
      allows for a more agentive view of culture-one that acknowledges that individuals
      and communities (re)create and (re)write culture through practices of everyday
      life and social and political mobilization.

PMID- 28084924
TI  - Implementing a cultural competence training as a psychopolitical empowerment
      process.
AB  - The cultural competence training (CCT) of health care professionals represents a
      useful resource to face the challenges involved in health care assistance for
      multicultural populations. However, the traditional perspective has shown limited
      results, as it does not consider professionals in their contexts and avoids
      continuous assessment processes. In response to these limitations, we describe a
      model of CCT implemented by two professors of the Faculty of Nursing at the
      University of Seville in Spain as a psychopolitical empowerment process, and
      exemplified by the experience of the emergency nurses at the Virgen Macarena
      Hospital. This process adds the notion of power to traditional CCT and uses
      dialogic learning to: (a) state a mission and develop critical thinking; (b) take
      stock of the actions for change and increase the capacity of nurses to respond;
      and (c) motivate nurses to plan the future and take action. As a result,
      professionals become a learning community, able to develop a new professional
      identity and role, and can also implement actions for the transformation of
      health care settings.

PMID- 28084925
TI  - Effects of the community engagement of migrants on their well-being: The case of
      Moroccan leaders in southern Spain.
AB  - Community engagement of migrants has been identified as an important element in
      developing both individual well-being and cohesive multicultural receiving
      communities. Through 10 in-depth interviews, this study explores the profile of
      Moroccan migrant leaders in community organizations in the receiving context
      (south of Spain) and the reasons for which they engage. Moreover, it analyzes the
      relationship established between community engagement and their well-being. The
      results show that migrants commit for both intrinsic (e.g., support their
      compatriots) and extrinsic (e.g., increase their social connection) reasons.
      Their social action has a positive influence on their well-being because it
      activates the following paths: (1) improvement of bicultural competences; (2)
      development of social relationships with receiving members; (3) strengthening of
      social bonds with compatriots; (4) increase of abilities in dealing with unjust
      social conditions in the new environment; and (5) decrease of prejudice towards
      their own cultural group.

PMID- 28084926
TI  - Implicit knowledge, critical reflection, and social change.

PMID- 28084927
TI  - Participatory action research from an intercultural and critical perspective.
AB  - The critical community psychology approach to intercultural issues constitutes
      the theoretical framework for this research. The work has been carried out in the
      Campania region, in the South of Italy, by a group of University researchers in
      collaboration with representatives of associations, members of the local
      community, and Maghrebi immigrants who reside in the local area of San Marcellino
      (Caserta). This participatory action research (PAR) was aimed at acquiring
      knowledge about the mutual interactions between migrants and inhabitants who
      share the same local context. The results show the participants' and researchers'
      reflexivity as a main investigation tool that enriched the quality of research.
      The role of power profile in community analysis, the thorough definition of the
      trustworthiness of the researchers within the local context-as well as the use of
      nonasymmetrical power-based interactions between researchers and participants
      (think-tank sessions)-and focused interviews are discussed.

PMID- 28084928
TI  - Partnership working as liberation psychology: Forced labor among UK Chinese
      migrant workers.
AB  - In this article we seek to reflect critically on some recent research we have
      carried out, in collaboration with a Chinese welfare NGO, on the experience of
      forced labor among Chinese migrant workers in the UK. We will (a) locate briefly
      the wider political context of migrant work (both regular and irregular) in the
      UK; (b) explore how and why the actual research methods and process of the
      research deviated in practice from those that were planned; and

PMID- 28084929
TI  - Practicing ethnography in migration-related detention centers: A reflexive
      account.
AB  - Feminist scholars, as well as community psychologists, have advocated the role of
      reflexive engagement in the research process in order to challenge power
      relations. Moreover, the liberating potential of storytelling, especially when
      working with issues of diversity and marginalization, has been stressed. The
      purpose of this article is to reflect on an ethnographic work underway in the
      Identification and Expulsion Center-CIE of Ponte Galeria, Rome. How the
      researcher's identities, values, and experiences, alongside power and privilege,
      have influenced her positioning in the research setting and the relationships
      formed with the different setting members is the subject of discussion. In
      sharing the story of this work, the final intent is to contribute to the joint
      effort to foster a reflexive community psychology practice incorporating feminist
      goals and a dialogue about ethnography in community psychology.

PMID- 28084930
TI  - Erratum: Radiation exposure in spine surgery using an image-guided system based
      on intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography: analysis of 107 consecutive
      cases.

PMID- 28084931
TI  - Noninfectious prevertebral soft-tissue inflammation and hematoma eliciting
      swelling after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures are performed
      to treat patients with cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy. Dysphagia is a post
      ACDF complication. When it coincides with prevertebral space enlargement and
      inflammation, surgical site infection and pharyngoesophageal perforation must be
      considered. The association between dysphagia and prevertebral inflammation has
      not been reported. The authors investigated factors eliciting severe dysphagia
      and its relationship with prevertebral inflammation in patients who had undergone
      ACDF. MATERIALS The clinical data of 299 patients who underwent 307 ACDF
      procedures for cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy at Kushiro Kojinkai Memorial
      Hospital and Kushiro Neurosurgical Hospital between December 2007 and August 2014
      were reviewed. RESULTS After 7 ACDF procedures (2.3%), 7 patients suffered severe
      prolonged and/or delayed dysphagia and odynophagia that prevented ingestion. In
      all 7 patients the prevertebral space was enlarged. In 5 (1.6%) the symptom was
      thought to be associated with prevertebral soft-tissue edema; in all 5 an
      inflammatory response, hyperthermia, and an increase in the white blood cell
      count and in C-reactive protein level was observed. After 2 procedures (0.7%), we
      noted prevertebral hematoma without an inflammatory response. None of the
      patients who had undergone 307 ACDF procedures manifested pharyngoesophageal
      perforation or surgical site infection. CONCLUSIONS Severe dysphagia and
      odynophagia are post-ACDF complications. In most instances they are attributable
      to prevertebral soft-tissue edema accompanied by inflammatory responses such as
      fever and an increase in the white blood cell count and in C-reactive protein. In
      other cases these anomalies are elicited by hematoma not associated with
      inflammation.

PMID- 28084932
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Strategic use of cone-beam CT in modern spine surgery.

PMID- 28084934
TI  - Tribological concepts involved in slipping accident analysis.
AB  - According to tribology science, the friction force produced at the sliding
      interface between a rubber piece and an inflexible surface presents three main
      components: the first is due to molecular adhesion between the two bodies, it
      occurs at the regions of real contact; the second is a hysteresis component
      resulting from the periodic excitation of the bulk of the rubber by surface
      roughness; the third is due to effects of product shape. The shape of the
      elastomer product and the conditions in which the friction occurs (lubricant,
      roughness of the inflexible surface, etc.) determine the appearance of each one
      of these components and its importance. Experimentations made by the French
      national research and safety Institute (INRS) revealed adhesion and hysteresis
      components in the lubricated friction of an elastomer over a representative
      sample of industrial floor surfaces. Measurements have been made by means of a
      portable friction tester (PFT) assessing sliding resistance of floor coverings.
      The sliding movement takes place between a braked test wheel and the floor
      covering. The effect of product shape is insignificant as the wheel is covered
      with smooth elastomer. The friction force produced at the sliding interface
      between the elastomer and the floor covering has been evaluated on smooth and
      rough floors, and under different lubrication conditions (flooded with water,
      large, medium and small quantities of mineral oil). Several test wheels, with
      different and sometimes used rubber coverings, have been employed. The friction
      force is altered when the elastomer composition or the state of the elastomer
      that is covering the test wheel changes. The differences pointed out depend also
      on floor covering roughness and lubrication. The importance of either the
      adhesion or hysteresis components of the friction force in accordance with the
      composition and the state of the elastomer that is covering the test wheel, the
      lubricant amount, and the floor covering roughness enable the interpretation of
      these differences. Some experimental results are explained from the squeeze
      lubricant film process. This experimental study permits a better understanding of
      phenomena produced at the sliding interface between a rubber sole and a floor
      covering when a pedestrian slips. It also plays a great part in bringing the
      portable friction tester into operation in order to carry out a measurement
      campaign of slipping resistance of industrial floors.

PMID- 28084933
TI  - Clinical outcomes following resection of giant spinal schwannomas: a case series
      of 32 patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to review clinical outcomes following
      resection of giant spinal schwannomas. METHODS The authors conducted a
      retrospective review of a case series of patients with giant spinal schwannomas
      at a tertiary cancer hospital. RESULTS Thirty-two patients with giant spinal
      schwannomas underwent surgery between September 1998 and May 2013. Tumor size
      ranged from 2.5 cm to 14.6 cm with a median size of 5.8 cm. There were 9 females
      (28.1%) and 23 males (71.9%), and the median age was 47 years (range 23-83
      years). The median follow-up duration was 36.0 months (range 12.2-132.4 months).
      Three patients (9.4%) experienced recurrence and required further treatment. All
      recurrences developed following subtotal resection (STR) of cellular or melanotic
      schwannoma. There were 3 melanotic (9.4%) and 6 cellular (18.8%) schwannomas
      included in this study. Among these histological variants, a 33.3% recurrence
      rate was noted. In 1 case of melanotic schwannoma, malignant transformation
      occurred. No recurrence occurred following gross-total resection (GTR) or when a
      fibrous capsule remained due to its adherence to functional nerve roots.
      CONCLUSIONS Resection is the treatment of choice for symptomatic or growing giant
      schwannomas, frequently requiring anterior or combined approaches, with the goals
      of symptom relief and prevention of recurrence. In this series, tumors that
      underwent GTR, or where only capsule remained, did not recur. Only melanotic and
      cellular schwannomas that underwent STR recurred.

PMID- 28084935
TI  - Assessment of slipping resistance of footwear and floor surfaces. Influence of
      manufacture and utilization of the products.
AB  - The slipping resistance of footwear or floor surfaces is a characteristic which
      it is vital to be able to quantify. Work is being carried out at the
      International Standard Organization (ISO) and at the European Committee for
      Standardization (CEN) into the slip resistance of both work shoes and protective
      footwear, involving analysis of the latest developments in both the validity of
      measuring methods and the extent of the influence of certain experimental
      parameters on the slip resistance. Two industrial factors, independent of the
      measuring process but essential to the determination of the coefficient of
      friction of the models have been experimentally studied, namely the effect of the
      manufacture of the footwear or floor surfaces on the scattering of the specific
      coefficient of friction of a referenced model and the effect on the coefficient
      of friction of mechanical wear and tear on the soles as a result of their use
      respectively. Work into slipping on industrial floor surfaces is less advanced.
      Yet, problems raised call for the same approach than for problems linked to
      slipping resistance of footwear, and applications will be also at first related
      to standardized measurement conditions.

PMID- 28084936
TI  - The role of environmental factors in causing injury through falls in public
      places.
AB  - The physical and environmental factors leading to domestic falls in the elderly
      have been assessed in many published studies; only one includes some assessment
      of environmental factors causing the elderly to fall outside their homes
      (Consumer Safety Unit, 1986). Many patients of all ages attend Accident and
      Emergency Departments with injuries sustained through such falls. This
      prospective study was undertaken to determine the frequency with which uneven
      surface or inadequate lighting was thought by the patients to have contributed to
      falls in public places, and to survey injuries sustained. Two hundred and thirty
      seven consecutive patients attending the Accident and Emergency Department were
      entered into the study, information being obtained by patient questionnaire and
      from A&E records. An average of 7 patients were entered into the study each day.
      The ratio of women to men was 1.7 :1. Patients of both sexes were most commonly
      aged between 15 and 34 years, with a second peak in women over 55 years. Two
      thirds of falls occurred on pavements. Uneven surface underfoot or inadequate
      street lighting was implicated in over half the falls. Injuries were mostly
      sprains and bruises, but facial lacerations and upper limb fractures were also
      common. Sixty eight per cent of fractures occurred in women over 55 years of age.
      Medical follow up was required in 40% of all cases. Uneven paving and inadequate
      lighting in public places are potentially avoidable factors in causing falls
      which lead to appreciable morbidity in large numbers of young and elderly
      patients attending A&E Departments.

PMID- 28084937
TI  - Mechanisms of friction and assessment of slip resistance of new and used footwear
      soles on contaminated floors.
AB  - The great number of slipping accidents indicates that footwear providing good
      slip resistance must be rare. Slip resistance seems to be a purely physical
      phenomenon, however, more knowledge of the mechanisms of friction is needed to
      develop slip-resistant footwear and to ensure safer walking in slippery
      conditions. In the present study the influence of the normal wear of shoe heels
      and soles on their frictional properties was clarified. The slip resistance of
      three types of new and used safety shoes on four relatively slippery floor
      contaminant combinations, was assessed with a prototype apparatus, which
      simulates the movements of a human foot and the forces applied to the underfoot
      surface during an actual slip. The used shoes were collected from 27 workers in a
      shipbuilding company and classified by sight into four wear classes: Good,
      satisfactory, poor, and worn-out. The assessed shoe heels and soles were in
      general more slippery when new compared to used heels and soles. However,
      footwear must be discarded before the tread pattern is worn-out. Used
      microcellular polyurethane (PU) heels and soles gave a considerably higher
      coefficient of kinetic friction (MUk) on contaminated floors than used heels and
      soles made of compact nitrile (NR) and compact styrene rubber (SR). The heel
      slide coefficient of kinetic friction (MUkl) for used versus new shoes was on
      average 66% higher for PU (0.216 versus 0.130), 27% higher for SR (0.143 versus
      0.113), and 7% lower for NR (0.098 versus 0.105). The fundamental mechanisms of
      friction between shoe soles and contaminated floors were also discussed, and
      experiments with seven slabs of sole materials were carried out to assess contact
      pressure effects from the viewpoint of slipping. Slip resistance particularly
      seemed to depend on the squeeze film and the contact pressure effects between the
      soling materials and the floor. An increasing contact pressure dramatically
      reduced the MUk, thus indicating that the slip resistance varies considerably
      during the normal gait cycle. Hence, average friction readings are probably not
      at all decisive from the slip resistance point of view. An instantaneous
      coefficient of friction may be more relevant, because in walking the time
      available to achieve a sufficient coefficient of friction to avoid a slip is only
      a few tenths of a second.

PMID- 28084939
TI  - Editorial 4th International Conference on Slipping, Tripping, and Falling
      Accidents.

PMID- 28084938
TI  - Editorial Electronic display as a key technology for society.

PMID- 28084942
TI  - Accurate movement of two-probe components.
AB  - A two-probe task, simulating the location of an electronic component into its
      socket, was studied using a reciprocal tapping method. Movement time was measured
      as a function of the lateral and longitudinal target constraints as well as the
      separation (L) of the two probes. A linear increase in movement time with
      separation was found. A geometric model that postulated different effects of
      target height and width in different length zones was supported by multiple
      regressions within each zone. Results for the single probe version of this task
      were similar in pattern and magnitude to those of Hoffmann and Sheikh (1994).

PMID- 28084944
TI  - Detecting and eliminating slippery footwear.
AB  - A recently developed walking traction test has proved to be a reliable and rapid
      method of measuring coefficient of friction (c.o.f.) of floor surfaces and
      footwear, and is a suitable method for ranking the grip of footwear solings on
      slippery floors. This paper describes four new experiments in which footwear
      samples were ranked. The first experiment compared mean rank orders on water wet
      (wet) and oily surfaces of seven flat solings. Spearman's rank correlation
      coefficient rs was 0.893, P < 0.005. In the second experiment, five pairs of
      women's shoes were ranked on wet and oily surfaces. On the wet surfaces, three
      samples recorded maximum attainable c.o.f. but rank orders on two oily surfaces
      were identical, rs = 1.0, P < 0.01. In the third experiment, thirteen pairs of
      discarded footwear were ranked using three different test methods. The test
      surfaces were oily stainless steel plates cut from the same sheet. Rank orders of
      the three test methods were significantly similar. Kendall's coefficient of
      concordance w = 8.68, P < 0.001. In another experiment samples of commercially
      available footwear were issued to factory workers and recalled for c.o.f.
      measurements at intervals. Their rank orders on wet and oily surfaces were not
      statistically similar but when wet surface results obtained at 4 months, were
      compared with those at 10 months, rank orders were significant; rs = 0.994, P <
      0.01. Also on oily surfaces, rank orders of two measurements were significant, rs
      = 0.982, P <0.01. Although most experiments have revealed significant
      correlations between footwear samples on wet and oily surfaces there are examples
      where a soling performs well on wet surfaces but is at the lower end of rank
      order on oily surfaces. It is concluded that rank orders on wet, oily and icy
      surfaces should be calculated but also it is necessary to examine rank orders on
      each surface-lubricant combination, by comparing results obtained at intervals
      during the useful lives of the solings. In future, samples at the lower end of
      the rank orders of c.o.f. will be eliminated from the varieties available to
      workers.

PMID- 28084946
TI  - Measures to prevent portable ladder accidents in the construction industry.
AB  - Ladder accidents account for nearly 5% of all reported occupational accidents in
      the Swedish construction industry. Eighty-five ladder accident victims were
      interviewed to obtain detailed information about factors contributing to their
      accidents. Accidents were almost equally divided between straight ladders (N =
      39) and step- ladder (N = 33). The majority of accidents occurred while the
      victim was working from the ladder. Climbing up and, particularly, down straight
      ladders was associated with numerous accidents. For straight ladders, sliding at
      the base was the most common event preceding the injury. Low angle of inclination
      was a common contributing factor. For step-ladders, tipping sideways was the most
      common preceding event. Misstepping the final step while descending accounted for
      10% of all accidents. More than 90% of the victims fell from less than 4 m. The
      interviews provided detailed information which served as a basis for proposals
      for alternatives to portable ladders; a step-scaffold adjustable for work at
      levels up to 3 m and a portable scaffold for work at levels of 1-3 m. These
      alternatives are under development. In addition, proposals for improving the
      stability of current portable ladders are made.

PMID- 28084949
TI  - Effects of personality and task strength on performance in computerized tasks.
AB  - This study examines the effects of embedding human personality characteristics
      into the computer interface. Eighty university students were taught how to use
      HyperCard on the Macintosh computer in a 2 * 2 * 2 factorial design as follows:
      personality of the interface (extroverted/introverted), * subjects' personality
      (extroverted/introverted), * task strength (low and high). The results indicated
      that subjects do perceive computer software as having personalities similar to
      those of humans. A significant interaction existed between interface designs
      (extroverted vs. introverted) and user type (extroverted vs introverted people).
      Introverted users performed faster with introverted software interfaces than with
      the extroverted interfaces. There were no differences in the performance time of
      extroverted subjects between the two interfaces. The study results also indicated
      that task performance for extroverted and introverted subjects was not different
      for high task strength tasks but extroverted subjects performed significantly
      faster on low task strength than did the introverted subjects.

PMID- 28084950
TI  - An evaluation of the Circadian Type Questionnaire.
AB  - This study evaluates the psychometric properties and assesses the test-retest
      reliability and longer-term stability of scores on the Circadian Type
      Questionnaire (CTQ) of Folkard et al. (1979) in a sample of 445 students. The
      scales were found to lack internal consistency and the factor structure
      originally proposed was not replicated. Cultural variation in CTQ scores was
      suggested. Test-retest reliability, over three months in a subgroup of 36, was
      poor for the V and M scales. Longer-term stability, over nine months in a
      subgroup of 36 who were exposed to shiftwork, was better but significant
      decreases were found in rigidity of sleeping habits (Rs) and morningness (M)
      scores. A factor analysis suggested that the scales should be constructed
      differently; however, the properties of such scales were still not optimal. The
      CTQ has psychometric flaws and needs to be improved before it could be expected
      to reliably function as a predictive test of adaptation to shiftwork.

PMID- 28084951
TI  - Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy is an inherited
      cardiomyopathy characterised by ventricular arrhythmias and an increased risk of
      sudden cardiac death. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy
      diagnosis is based on criteria that take into account electrical and structural
      cardiac abnormalities, as well as mutation analysis. Appropriate pharmacological
      therapy and the prevention of sudden death with implantable defibrillators are
      important in the management of these patients. Exercise is considered an
      important environmental factor for the development and progression of the
      disease.

PMID- 28084952
TI  - Sudden cardiac arrest in patients following surgery for CHD.
AB  - The prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest after surgery for CHD is primarily
      related to the complexity of the congenital defect and the presence of residual
      defects, especially ventricular dysfunction. Among all causes of death in
      patients having CHD, about 19% lead to sudden mortality. The specific risk
      factors associated with the various congenital defects are poorly understood. The
      lone exception is tetralogy of Fallot, largely due to its high prevalence and the
      historically high post-operative survival rate. In tetralogy of Fallot,
      historical, haemodynamic, and electrical features contribute to risk, and
      electrophysiologic testing may be helpful, particularly to rule out risk. An
      implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is highly effective for secondary
      prevention in most forms of CHD, and future advances will improve its role in
      primary prevention.

PMID- 28084953
TI  - Discrimination of the "Athlete's Heart" from real disease by electrocardiogram
      and echocardiogram.
AB  - Chronic physical training has been shown to produce multiple changes in the
      heart, resulting in the athlete's heart phenotype. Some of the changes can make
      it difficult to discern athlete's heart from true cardiac disease, most notably
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Other diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy and
      arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy may be difficult to rule in or
      out. In this article, the physiological cardiac changes of chronic athletic
      training are reviewed. A methodological approach using electrocardiography and
      echocardiography to differentiate between athlete's heart and cardiac disease is
      proposed.

PMID- 28084954
TI  - How to develop a clinic for sudden cardiac arrest survivors and families of non
      survivors.
AB  - The investigation of the aetiology of sudden cardiac arrest or death in a young
      person combines features of a traditional clinical medical examination with those
      of forensic medicine. Nuances of the immediate peri-event history, when
      available, can be paramount. New genetic tools have greatly improved the yield of
      such investigations, but they must be carefully interpreted by genetic
      specialists. The approach to surviving patients, their family members, and to
      family members of non-survivors is best achieved in a structured programme that
      includes all appropriate specialists and support personnel. As an example, this
      may include all appropriate paediatric and internal medicine specialists, a
      geneticist, a genetic counsellor, a clinical psychologist, nurse specialist(s),
      and a programme coordinator. This family-centred strategy affords the patient, if
      surviving, and all family members the necessary emotional and medical support
      while at the same time providing the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 28084955
TI  - Sudden cardiac death in the young: the value of exercise testing.
AB  - Paediatric exercise stress testing has historically been used to assess the
      functional status of patients after repair of CHDs and to assess the efficacy of
      medical or device therapy in patients with arrhythmias. Exercise stress testing
      is one of very few hospital- or clinic-based tests that can assess the response
      of the cardiopulmonary system in an environment that simulates the body's
      response to vigorous play and competitive sport. Exercise stress testing is
      therefore a useful modality in the assessment of child and athletes at risk for
      sudden cardiac death. The author discusses some cardiovascular maladies that can
      cause sudden cardiac death by utilising case illustrations as a learning tool.

PMID- 28084956
TI  - Evaluating the survivor or the relatives of those who do not survive: the role of
      genetic testing.
AB  - The molecular millennium has bestowed clinicians and researchers with the
      essential tools to identify the underlying genetic substrates for thousands of
      genetic disorders, most of which are rare and follow Mendelian inheritance
      patterns. The genetic basis of potentially lethal and heritable cardiomyopathies
      and cardiac channelopathies has been identified and are now better understood.
      Genetic testing for several of these heritable conditions has made its transition
      from discovery through translation and have been commercially available clinical
      tests for over a decade. Now that clinical genetic testing is available more
      readily and delivers a disease-specific impact across the triad of medicine -
      diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic - it is important for the community of
      cardiologists to not only be familiar with the language of genomic medicine but
      to also be wiser users and even wiser interpreters of genetic testing so that
      wise decisions can be rendered for those patients and their families being
      evaluated with respect to the presence or absence of one of these potentially
      lethal yet highly treatable genetic disorders. The purpose of this review is to
      provide the reader with a foundational understanding of genetic testing in
      clinical cardiology. Here, we will present some benefits of genetic testing:
      indications for either post-mortem genetic testing for the major cardiomyopathies
      and channelopathies or pre-mortem genetic testing among the decedent's surviving
      relatives; the need for careful interpretation of genetic testing results; the
      importance of genetic counselling; and some points on the ethical and societal
      implications of genetic testing.

PMID- 28084957
TI  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common, inherited heart disease with a
      heterogeneous clinical presentation and natural history. Recently, advances in
      diagnosis and treatment options have been instrumental in decreasing the
      frequency of adverse clinical events; however, complete elimination of sudden
      cardiac death still remains an elusive gain. This article discusses several
      aspects of this condition in the young: epidemiology, clinical phenotypes, risk
      factors, prevention of sudden cardiac death, and risks of athletic participation.

PMID- 28084959
TI  - Sudden death due to aortic pathology.
AB  - Sudden death from aortic dissection of an ascending aortic aneurysm is an
      uncommon but important finding in all series of sudden death in young, apparently
      healthy athletes. Individuals at risk include those having any of a variety of
      conditions in which structural weakness of the ascending aorta predisposes to
      pathological dilation under prolonged periods of increased wall stress. These
      conditions include Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve,
      and the vascular form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Diagnostic criteria,
      surveillance strategies, medical management, and surgical indications are
      discussed. Finally, the current recommendations for sports participation are
      provided.

PMID- 28084958
TI  - Acquired and congenital coronary artery abnormalities.
AB  - Sudden unexpected cardiac deaths in approximately 20% of young athletes are due
      to acquired or congenital coronary artery abnormalities. Kawasaki disease is the
      leading cause for acquired coronary artery abnormalities, which can cause late
      coronary artery sequelae including aneurysms, stenosis, and thrombosis, leading
      to myocardial ischaemia and ventricular fibrillation. Patients with anomalous
      left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery can develop adequate collateral
      circulation from the right coronary artery in the newborn period, which remains
      asymptomatic only to manifest in adulthood with myocardial ischaemia, ventricular
      arrhythmias, and sudden death. Anomalous origin of coronary artery from the
      opposite sinus occurs in 0.7% of the young general population aged between 11 and
      15 years. If the anomalous coronary artery courses between the pulmonary artery
      and the aorta, sudden cardiac death may occur during or shortly after vigorous
      exercise, especially in patients where the anomalous left coronary artery
      originates from the right sinus of Valsalva. Symptomatic patients with evidence
      of ischaemia should have surgical correction. No treatment is needed for
      asymptomatic patients with an anomalous right coronary artery from the left sinus
      of Valsalva. At present, there is no consensus regarding how to manage
      asymptomatic patients with anomalous left coronary artery from the right sinus of
      Valsalva and interarterial course. Myocardial bridging is commonly observed in
      cardiac catheterisation and it rarely causes exercise-induced coronary syndrome
      or cardiac death. In symptomatic patients, refractory or beta-blocker treatment
      and surgical un-bridging may be considered.

PMID- 28084960
TI  - Sports participation in long QT syndrome.
AB  - Untreated congenital long QT syndrome may result in potentially lethal
      ventricular tachycardia. In the most common type, risk of such an event has been
      linked to exercise. This originally resulted in very restrictive guidelines for
      sports participation in affected individuals. Although the complex interactions
      of a specific genotype, modifying cofactors, and risk are only now being
      explored, scientific evidence based on clinical experience now suggests that in
      many instances such restrictive guidelines are unwarranted. In particular,
      patients with this condition who are compliant with beta-blocker therapy and who
      have never had symptoms during exertion are now enjoying the benefits of athletic
      activity.

PMID- 28084961
TI  - Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of catecholaminergic polymorphic
      ventricular tachycardia.
AB  - Since the sentinel description of exercise-triggered ventricular arrhythmias in
      21 children, our recognition and understanding of catecholaminergic polymorphic
      ventricular tachycardia has improved substantially. A variety of treatments are
      now available, but reaching a diagnosis before cardiac arrest remains a
      challenge. Most cases are related to variants in the gene encoding for ryanodine
      receptor-2 (RyR2), which mediates calcium-induced calcium release. Up to half of
      cases remain genetically elusive. The condition is presently incurable, but one
      basic intervention, the universal administration of beta-blockers, has improved
      survival. In the past, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) were
      frequently implanted, especially in those with a history of cardiac arrest.
      Treatment limitations include under-dosing and poor compliance with beta
      blockers, and potentially lethal ICD-related electrical storm. Newer therapies
      include flecainide and sympathetic ganglionectomy. Limited data have suggested
      that genotype may predict phenotype in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular
      tachycardia, including a higher risk of life-threatening cardiac events in
      subjects with variants in the C-terminus of ryanodine receptor-2 (RyR2). At
      present, international efforts are underway to better understand this condition
      through large prospective registries. The recent publication of gene therapy in
      an animal model of the recessive form of the disease highlights the importance of
      improving our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of the disease.

PMID- 28084962
TI  - Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: lessons learnt and lessons remaining.
AB  - The Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern refers to the electrocardiographic appearance
      in sinus rhythm, wherein an accessory atrioventricular pathway abbreviates the P
      R interval and causes a slurring of the QRS upslope - the "delta wave". It may be
      asymptomatic or it may be associated with orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia;
      however, rarely, even in children, it is associated with sudden death due to
      ventricular fibrillation resulting from a rapid response by the accessory pathway
      to atrial fibrillation, which itself seems to result from orthodromic
      reciprocating tachycardia. Historically, patients at risk for sudden death were
      characterised by the presence of symptoms and a shortest pre- excited R-R
      interval during induced atrial fibrillation <250 ms. Owing to the relatively high
      prevalence of asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern and availability of
      catheter ablation, there has been a need to identify risk among asymptomatic
      patients. Recent guidelines recommend invasive evaluation for such patients where
      pre-excitation clearly does not disappear during exercise testing. This strategy
      has a high negative predictive value only. The accuracy of this approach is under
      continued investigation, especially in light of other considerations: Patients
      having intermittent pre-excitation, once thought to be at minimal risk may not
      be, and the role of isoproterenol in risk assessment.

PMID- 28084963
TI  - The role of illicit drug use in sudden death in the young.
AB  - The recreational use of illicit drugs remains an enormous and growing problem
      throughout the United States of America and around the world. Cocaine is most
      frequently thought of when considering the cardiovascular toxicity of illicit
      drugs. The association of cocaine use with sudden death due to myocardial
      ischaemia and infarction is well recognised, and this risk appears to be
      amplified by concomitant cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Like cocaine,
      amphetamine and its derivatives lead to indirect stimulation of the autonomic
      nervous system through the release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in
      nerve terminals of the central and autonomic nervous systems. However,
      amphetamine lacks the ion channel-blocking properties of cocaine. Also similar to
      cocaine, coronary artery spasm may be induced in individuals with or without
      atherosclerotic disease and may lead to myocardial infarction. With the movement
      across the United States of America to legalise marijuana, or cannabis, for
      medicinal and recreational purposes, it is important to consider its potential
      deleterious effects. Marijuana has long been thought to have very few adverse
      effects with the exception of long-term dependence. There are, however, scattered
      reports of acute adverse events up to and including sudden death. These appear to
      be due to myocardial infarction. In conclusion, the incidence of sudden death
      associated with the use of these drugs varies from rare in the case of marijuana
      use to not infrequent with some drugs such as cocaine. It is important for care
      providers to recognise the potential for drug abuse when caring for a sudden
      cardiac arrest survivor.

PMID- 28084964
TI  - Screening the apparently healthy athlete for risk: a paradigm in transition.
AB  - It has largely been accepted that pre-participation screening for student
      athletes is necessary, but there is still no consensus on the most effective and
      efficient ways to accomplish this. Most clinical strategies are based on
      retrospective case series. By applying the European Society of Cardiology and
      Seattle criteria, electrocardiography appears to afford the lowest false-positive
      rate for identifying potentially dangerous cardiac abnormalities in athletes.
      Prospective, randomised trials may help determine the most effective primary
      prevention. Normative data for age, gender, and ethnicity for screening tools
      need to be formulated to further reduce false-positive results. Targeted advanced
      screening aimed at the highest risk groups may be the most beneficial and cost
      effective application of primary prevention.

PMID- 28084965
TI  - How to develop and execute a public health agenda: From grass roots to
      legislation.
AB  - Recent experiences with lay public cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of
      ambulatory external defibrillators have been demonstrated to improve survival
      from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from an abysmal 10% or less to as high as
      30%. Though rare, sudden cardiac arrest in presumably healthy young people have
      been highly publicised over the last 25 years and have motivated the institution
      of school- and community-based programmes that facilitate first-responder
      resuscitation, including defibrillation. These efforts often begin at a grass
      roots level (usually parent-inspired advocacy groups) and through collaborative
      activities involving the schools, local businesses, and local administrative
      agencies are now having a meaningful impact in selected communities. The current
      focus of these activities is on school- and sports venue-based ambulatory
      external defibrillator programmes and formal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      education in high schools. The extension of these programmes to the level of
      state mandates has been slower, and even when enacted, public funding has usually
      not been approved.

PMID- 28084966
TI  - Morbidities in the ultra-athlete and marathoner.
AB  - The cardiovascular benefits of habitual exercise are well documented. In the
      current era, more of the population is exceeding the recommendations for physical
      activity as the popularity of endurance events increases. Recent data have
      proposed a U-shaped relationship between exercise intensity and cardiovascular
      outcomes. Regular participation in endurance activities has been shown to result
      in structural and functional changes in the heart. This re-modelling may be the
      substrate for cardiac dysfunction or arrhythmias. The risk of sudden cardiac
      death may also be elevated; however, in most cases of sudden cardiac death, the
      cause can be linked to an underlying cardiac pathology where exercise acted as
      the trigger for a lethal arrhythmia. This article serves to review whether
      excessive exercise may result in harm in some athletes.

PMID- 28084967
TI  - A legal perspective on athlete screening and disqualification.
AB  - Physicians participate in the screening, routine medical supervision, and
      disqualification of student-athletes. In doing so, they should understand that
      eligibility/disqualification decisions inevitably have associated liability
      issues. It is the responsibility of physicians to take the lead role in the
      student-athlete medical assessment process to allow for optimum safety in sports
      programmes. The first duty of the physician is to protect the health and well
      being of the student-athlete. However, because there is potential liability
      associated with the screening/disqualification process, physicians are wise to
      develop sound and reasonable strategies that are in strict compliance with the
      standard of care. This article focusses on cardiac screening and disqualification
      for participation in sports.

PMID- 28084968
TI  - How pacemakers work and simple programming: a primer for the non
      electrophysiologist.
AB  - Paediatric pacemaker management is challenging because of the small patient size,
      complex cardiac anatomy, and unique programming considerations. Hardware
      placement options include epicardial and transvenous systems. When pacemaker
      malfunction is suspected, a systematic approach is required to determine whether
      there is malfunction in pacing, sensing, or no output due to hardware problem. In
      most cases, simple reprogramming may circumvent the problem and allow retention
      of the pacemaker system.

PMID- 28084969
TI  - Return to play in the athlete with cardiac disease: who decides and what is the
      protocol?
AB  - Improved public awareness and advances in medical diagnostics have resulted in
      the development of criteria to determine eligibility or disqualification for the
      athlete with cardiovascular abnormalities. Simultaneously, protocols have been
      developed for athletes with concussion or orthopaedic injuries to guide team
      physicians and consultants in return-to-play decisions. However, there are
      currently inadequate data to allow the development of such protocols for athletes
      with cardiovascular abnormalities who have undergone treatment. Further
      complicating the decision process is the designation of the team physician as the
      ultimate authority in making return-to-play decisions - where the team physician
      often is an employee of the team and supports the team's goal and players as well
      as the individual athlete. This review will discuss the ethical dilemma of the
      team physician and the role of the cardiovascular consultant. Following this,
      current data and practices regarding return to play will be discussed for the
      following conditions or diagnoses: following catheter ablation for
      supraventricular tachycardia; following pacemaker or implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator implantation; unexplained syncope; and the athlete with a genetic
      mutation in the absence of any phenotype of associated disease. These
      recommendations will undoubtedly continue to evolve and improve and should be
      considered at this time as a point of departure.

PMID- 28084970
TI  - How implantable cardioverter-defibrillators work and simple programming.
AB  - Following the sudden death of a friend in 1966, Dr Michel Mirowski began
      pioneering work on the first implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. By 1969 he
      had developed an experimental model and performed the first transvenous
      defibrillation. In 1970 he reported on the use of a "standby automatic
      defibrillator" that was tested successfully in dogs. He postulated that such a
      device "when adapted for clinical use, might be implanted temporarily or
      permanently in selected patients particularly prone to develop ventricular
      fibrillation and thus provide them with some degree of protection from sudden
      coronary death". In 1980 he reported on the first human implants of an
      "electronic device designed to monitor cardiac electrical activity, to recognise
      ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias ... and then to deliver
      corrective defibrillatory discharges". Through innovations in circuitry, battery,
      and capacitor technologies, the current implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is
      10 times smaller and exponentially more sophisticated than that first iteration.
      This article will review the inner workings of the implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator and outline several features that make it the wonder in technology
      that it has become.

PMID- 28084971
TI  - Athletic participation in the young patient with an implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator.
AB  - The decision of whether to allow a young patient with an implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator to continue to participate in sports is complex and multi
      factorial. The positive physical and psychosocial impact of sports participation
      must be weighed against the potential adverse events associated with implantable
      cardioverter-defibrillators. Arrhythmias appear to be more prevalent in athletes
      and occur more frequently during physical activity or competition/practice, but
      there is growing evidence that device therapy is effective in athletes across a
      wide range of competitive sports. Failure of a device to convert a life
      threatening arrhythmia, major injury from a shock, and increased lead failure
      have thus far not been reported in the prospective Implantable Cardioverter
      Defibrillator Sports Registry, but follow-up remains relatively short. Thoughtful
      consideration of disease state, arrhythmia risk, and the potential dangers of
      device therapy during the desired sports is imperative before allowing
      participation. Frank discussion with children and families regarding the
      possibility of shocks during sports, as well as at other times, is imperative.
      Ongoing and future studies will help guide these decisions.

PMID- 28084972
TI  - Implantable cardiac devices: the utility of remote monitoring in a paediatric and
      CHD population.
AB  - Remote monitoring in the modern era has improved outcomes for patients with
      cardiac implantable electronic devices. There are many advantages to remote
      monitoring, including improved quality of life for patients, decreased need for
      in-office interrogation, and secondary reduced costs. Patient safety and enhanced
      survival remain the most significant benefit. With most of the published
      literature on this topic being focussed on adults, paediatric outcomes continue
      to be defined. This is a review of the benefits of remote monitoring in
      paediatrics and in patients with CHD.

PMID- 28084973
TI  - Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for primary and secondary
      prevention: indications and outcomes.
AB  - Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators effectively reduce the rate of sudden
      cardiac death in children. Significant efforts have been made to better
      characterise the indications for their placement, and over the past two decades
      there has been a shift in their use from secondary to primary prevention. Primary
      prevention includes placement in patients thought to be at high risk of sudden
      cardiac death before the patient experiences any event. Secondary prevention
      includes placement after a high-risk event including sustained ventricular
      tachycardia or resuscitated cardiac arrest. Although liberal device implantation
      may be appealing even in patients having marginal indications, studies have shown
      high rates of adverse effects including inappropriate device discharges and the
      need for re-intervention because of hardware malfunction. The indications for
      placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, whether for primary or
      secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death, vary based on cardiac pathology.
      This review will assist the provider in understanding the risks and benefits of
      device implantation in order to enhance the shared decision-making capacity of
      patients, families, and providers.

PMID- 28084974
TI  - Behavioural and emotional implications of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
      in the young and in athletes.
AB  - Despite the life-saving capabilities of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators,
      they may have implications on behavioural and emotional well-being and have been
      shown to negatively affect patients' psychosocial functioning. Children and CHD
      patients with these devices are at higher risk for complications, and therefore
      may have higher risk of psychosocial dysfunction including depression, anxiety,
      and a decrease in overall quality of life. In addition, these patients may be
      restricted from activities, which may also contribute to psychosocial
      dysfunction. Recommendations published in 2015 support a more liberal approach to
      athletic participation in this patient population compared with previous
      guidelines. Approaches to limit psychosocial dysfunction include education,
      minimisation of shocks, and psychosocial therapy. Psychosocial dysfunction should
      be assessed at each clinic visit, and information regarding intervention should
      be provided to patients and their families as needed. Psychosocial dysfunction
      may be debilitating, and healthcare providers should facilitate and support
      normal psychosocial function by offering resources as needed.

PMID- 28084975
TI  - Looking forward: PACES Task Force on prevention of sudden cardiac death in the
      young: a comprehensive approach to a preventable problem.

PMID- 28084976
TI  - A rose by any other name is still a rose--but why a rose?

PMID- 28084977
TI  - What is the role of roflumilast in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

PMID- 28084978
TI  - Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma presenting as retinal hemorrhage.

PMID- 28084979
TI  - Erythematous patches with keratotic annular borders on the glans penis.

PMID- 28084980
TI  - Imaging suggestive, but symptoms atypical.

PMID- 28084981
TI  - A patient with altered mental status and an acid-base disturbance.

PMID- 28084982
TI  - Fall risk and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation in the elderly: A delicate
      balance.
AB  - Guidelines for managing atrial fibrillation recommend systemic anticoagulation
      for almost all patients age 65 and older, but in practice up to 50% of older
      patients do not receive maintenance anticoagulation therapy. The most common
      reason physicians cite for withholding anticoagulation in older patients with
      atrial fibrillation is a perception of a high risk of falling and associated
      bleeding, especially intracranial hemorrhage.

PMID- 28084983
TI  - Whether to anticoagulate: Toward a more reasoned approach.

PMID- 28084984
TI  - Parsimonious blood use and lower transfusion triggers: What is the evidence?
AB  - Evidence supports a parsimonious approach to blood use for managing anemia,
      contrasting with the long-standing practice of blood transfusion targeting
      arbitrary hemoglobin levels. Hemodilution studies have demonstrated that humans
      can tolerate anemia. The cumulative data have confirmed and validated the safety
      of a conservative approach to transfusion. This has translated into formal
      national guidelines for blood transfusion as well as patient safety and quality
      markers supporting blood management stewardship to minimize unnecessary use of
      blood products.

PMID- 28084985
TI  - Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Evaluation and medical management in primary care.
AB  - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of lower urinary tract
      symptoms in aging men, worsening their quality of life. Primary care physicians
      are uniquely positioned to screen for BPH, conduct a timely diagnostic workup,
      and if indicated, initiate medical therapy. A number of safe and effective
      medical treatments are available to alleviate symptoms, delay disease
      progression, and lessen the chance of needing surgery for BPH.

PMID- 28084986
TI  - Postexposure management of infectious diseases.
AB  - Anyone exposed to an infectious disease--whether a healthcare provider, patient,
      or contact of a patient--should be evaluated promptly and the source of the
      infection identified. A systematic response entails postexposure prophylactic
      therapy if available and indicated, infection control measures to prevent further
      transmission, counseling and educating those involved, and assessing those who
      may require work restriction or modification.

PMID- 28084987
TI  - Zika Virus Seroprevalence, French Polynesia, 2014-2015.
AB  - During 2013-2014, French Polynesia experienced an outbreak of Zika virus
      infection. Serosurveys conducted at the end of the outbreak and 18 months later
      showed lower than expected disease prevalence rates (49%) and
      asymptomatic:symptomatic case ratios (1:1) in the general population but
      significantly different prevalence rates (66%) and asymptomatic:symptomatic
      ratios (1:2) in schoolchildren.

PMID- 28084988
TI  - Screening for Food Insecurity in Six Veterans Administration Clinics for the
      Homeless, June-December 2015.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We assessed findings from a food-insecurity screening of a national
      sample of Veterans Administration clinics for homeless and formerly homeless
      veterans. METHODS: We reviewed results from initial screenings administered at 6
      Veterans Administration primary care clinics for the homeless and responses from
      clinic staff members interviewed about the screening program. RESULTS: A total of
      270 patients were screened. The average age was 53 years, and most were male
      (93.1%). Screening showed a high prevalence of food insecurity. Of the 270, 48.5%
      reported they experienced food insecurity in the previous 3 months, 55.0%
      reported averaging 2 meals a day, and 27.3% averaged 1 meal a day. Eighty-seven
      percent prepared their own meals, relying on food they bought (54.2%), help from
      friends and family (19.1%), and soup kitchens and food pantries (22%); 47.3%
      received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (food stamps).
      Additionally, of those who screened positive for food insecurity 19.8% had
      diabetes or prediabetes, and 43.5% reported hypoglycemia symptoms when without
      food. Clinic staff members responded positively to the screening program and
      described it as a good rapport builder with patients. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating
      screening for food insecurity among patients in clinical settings was well
      received by both patients and health care providers. Addressing these positive
      findings of food insecurity requires a multidisciplinary health care approach.

PMID- 28084989
TI  - Using School Staff Members to Implement a Childhood Obesity Prevention
      Intervention in Low-Income School Districts: the Massachusetts Childhood Obesity
      Research Demonstration (MA-CORD Project), 2012-2014.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although evidence-based interventions to prevent childhood obesity
      in school settings exist, few studies have identified factors that enhance school
      districts' capacity to undertake such efforts. We describe the implementation of
      a school-based intervention using classroom lessons based on existing "Eat Well
      and Keep Moving" and "Planet Health" behavior change interventions and schoolwide
      activities to target 5,144 children in 4th through 7th grade in 2 low-income
      school districts. METHODS: The intervention was part of the Massachusetts
      Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (MA-CORD) project, a multisector
      community-based intervention implemented from 2012 through 2014. Using mixed
      methods, we operationalized key implementation outcomes, including acceptability,
      adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, implementation fidelity, perceived
      implementation cost, reach, and sustainability. RESULTS: MA-CORD was adopted in 2
      school districts that were facing resource limitations and competing priorities.
      Although strong leadership support existed in both communities at baseline, one
      district's staff reported less schoolwide readiness and commitment. Consequently,
      fewer teachers reported engaging in training, teaching lessons, or planning to
      sustain the lessons after MA-CORD. Interviews showed that principal and
      superintendent turnover, statewide testing, and teacher burnout limited
      implementation; passionate wellness champions in schools appeared to offset
      implementation barriers. CONCLUSION: Future interventions should assess adoption
      readiness at both leadership and staff levels, offer curriculum training sessions
      during school hours, use school nurses or health teachers as wellness champions
      to support teachers, and offer incentives such as staff stipends or play
      equipment to encourage school participation and sustained intervention
      activities.

PMID- 28084990
TI  - High throughput in vivo functional validation of candidate congenital heart
      disease genes in Drosophila.
AB  - Genomic sequencing has implicated large numbers of genes and de novo mutations as
      potential disease risk factors. A high throughput in vivo model system is needed
      to validate gene associations with pathology. We developed a Drosophila-based
      functional system to screen candidate disease genes identified from Congenital
      Heart Disease (CHD) patients. 134 genes were tested in the Drosophila heart using
      RNAi-based gene silencing. Quantitative analyses of multiple cardiac phenotypes
      demonstrated essential structural, functional, and developmental roles for more
      than 70 genes, including a subgroup encoding histone H3K4 modifying proteins. We
      also demonstrated the use of Drosophila to evaluate cardiac phenotypes resulting
      from specific, patient-derived alleles of candidate disease genes. We describe
      the first high throughput in vivo validation system to screen candidate disease
      genes identified from patients. This approach has the potential to facilitate
      development of precision medicine approaches for CHD and other diseases
      associated with genetic factors.

PMID- 28084991
TI  - Reward-based training of recurrent neural networks for cognitive and value-based
      tasks.
AB  - Trained neural network models, which exhibit features of neural activity recorded
      from behaving animals, may provide insights into the circuit mechanisms of
      cognitive functions through systematic analysis of network activity and
      connectivity. However, in contrast to the graded error signals commonly used to
      train networks through supervised learning, animals learn from reward feedback on
      definite actions through reinforcement learning. Reward maximization is
      particularly relevant when optimal behavior depends on an animal's internal
      judgment of confidence or subjective preferences. Here, we implement reward-based
      training of recurrent neural networks in which a value network guides learning by
      using the activity of the decision network to predict future reward. We show that
      such models capture behavioral and electrophysiological findings from well-known
      experimental paradigms. Our work provides a unified framework for investigating
      diverse cognitive and value-based computations, and predicts a role for value
      representation that is essential for learning, but not executing, a task.

PMID- 28084993
TI  - Nomadic-colonial life strategies enable paradoxical survival and growth despite
      habitat destruction.
AB  - Organisms often exhibit behavioral or phenotypic diversity to improve population
      fitness in the face of environmental variability. When each behavior or phenotype
      is individually maladaptive, alternating between these losing strategies can
      counter-intuitively result in population persistence-an outcome similar to the
      Parrondo's paradox. Instead of the capital or history dependence that
      characterize traditional Parrondo games, most ecological models which exhibit
      such paradoxical behavior depend on the presence of exogenous environmental
      variation. Here we present a population model that exhibits Parrondo's paradox
      through capital and history-dependent dynamics. Two sub-populations comprise our
      model: nomads, who live independently without competition or cooperation, and
      colonists, who engage in competition, cooperation, and long-term habitat
      destruction. Nomads and colonists may alternate behaviors in response to changes
      in the colonial habitat. Even when nomadism and colonialism individually lead to
      extinction, switching between these strategies at the appropriate moments can
      paradoxically enable both population persistence and long-term growth.

PMID- 28084992
TI  - Framing of grid cells within and beyond navigation boundaries.
AB  - Grid cells represent an ideal candidate to investigate the allocentric
      determinants of the brain's cognitive map. Most studies of grid cells emphasized
      the roles of geometric boundaries within the navigational range of the animal.
      Behaviors such as novel route-taking between local environments indicate the
      presence of additional inputs from remote cues beyond the navigational borders.
      To investigate these influences, we recorded grid cells as rats explored an open
      field platform in a room with salient, remote cues. The platform was rotated or
      translated relative to the room frame of reference. Although the local, geometric
      frame of reference often exerted the strongest control over the grids, the remote
      cues demonstrated a consistent, sometimes dominant, countervailing influence.
      Thus, grid cells are controlled by both local geometric boundaries and remote
      spatial cues, consistent with prior studies of hippocampal place cells and
      providing a rich representational repertoire to support complex navigational (and
      perhaps mnemonic) processes.

PMID- 28084994
TI  - Flow environment and matrix structure interact to determine spatial competition
      in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
AB  - Bacteria often live in biofilms, which are microbial communities surrounded by a
      secreted extracellular matrix. Here, we demonstrate that hydrodynamic flow and
      matrix organization interact to shape competitive dynamics in Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa biofilms. Irrespective of initial frequency, in competition with
      matrix mutants, wild-type cells always increase in relative abundance in planar
      microfluidic devices under simple flow regimes. By contrast, in microenvironments
      with complex, irregular flow profiles - which are common in natural environments 
      wild-type matrix-producing and isogenic non-producing strains can coexist. This
      result stems from local obstruction of flow by wild-type matrix producers, which
      generates regions of near-zero shear that allow matrix mutants to locally
      accumulate. Our findings connect the evolutionary stability of matrix production
      with the hydrodynamics and spatial structure of the surrounding environment,
      providing a potential explanation for the variation in biofilm matrix secretion
      observed among bacteria in natural environments.

PMID- 28084995
TI  - Cochlear and Vestibular Effects of Combined Intratympanic Gentamicin and
      Dexamethasone.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an intratympanic
      gentamicin-dexamethasone combination on the inner ear. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty-six Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Group I (Control),
      group II (Intratympanic dexamethasone; ITD), group III (Intratympanic gentamicin;
      ITG), and group IV (Intratympanic gentamicin and dexamethasone; ITGD). On the
      first day after basal auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements, the ITG
      group received 0.03 mL of intratympanic gentamicin (26.7 mg/mL). Intratympanic
      injection of 0.06 mL of a solution containing 13.35 mg/mL gentamicin and 2 mg/mL
      dexamethasone was performed in the ITGD group. 0.03 mL of physiological
      intratympanic serum and dexamethasone (4 mg/mL) was applied in control and ITD
      groups, respectively. On the 7th day, ABR measurements were repeated and
      vestibular functions were evaluated. On the 21th day, ABR and vestibular tests
      were repeated, and the animals were sacrificed for histopathological
      investigation. RESULTS: The ITG group's hearing thresholds deteriorated in all
      frequencies. The ITGD group's hearing thresholds were significantly better than
      the ITG group, except at 8 kHz on the 7th day and in all frequencies at the 21th
      day measurements. The vestibular function scores of the ITG and ITGD groups were
      higher than the controls. Apoptotic changes were seen in cochlea, spiral
      ganglion, and vestibule of the ITG group. Cochlear and vestibular structures were
      well preserved in the ITGD group, similar to the controls. CONCLUSION: The ITGD
      combination led to a significant hearing preservation. Although in subjective
      vestibular tests, it seemed that vestibulotoxicity was present in both ITG and
      ITGD groups the histopathological investigations revealed no signs of
      vestibulotoxicity in the ITGD group in contrast to the ITG group. Further studies
      using a combination of different concentrations of gentamicin and dexamethasone
      are needed.

PMID- 28084996
TI  - Platelet-Rich Plasma Application for Acute Tympanic Membrane Perforations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the application of platelet-rich plasma
      (PRP) in the healing process of acute tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute TMPs were made in both the ears of 12 New Zealand
      rabbits. Plasma gel was applied at the right tympanic membrane (TM) of the same
      animal until the perforations were closed. The left TM was left untreated. On
      days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 21, 28, and 35, the TMs were monitored to check the
      closure of perforations. The days of perforation closure for the 2 groups were
      compared using the paired t-test. The animals were sacrificed 2 months after
      making the perforations. Seven histopathological parameters were reviewed by 2
      blinded pathologists: acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, edema in the
      lamina propria, congestion in the lamina propria, sclerosis, fibroblastic
      reaction, and an increase in the thickness of the squamous epithelial layer. The
      presence or absence of each histological parameter in both groups was compared
      using the Pearson Chi-square test. RESULTS: The average number of days for
      closure in the plasma gel group was 12 (range 8-18 days) and that in the control
      group was 17.7 (range 8-31 days). The difference was statistically significant
      (p=0.0145). There was no sclerosis or fibroblastic reaction in any of the
      specimens. No statistically significant difference was seen between the 2 groups
      with respect to acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, edema in the lamina
      propria, congestion in the lamina propria, and an increase in thickness of the
      squamous epithelial layer (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Platelet-rich plasma fastens TMP
      closure; in long term, the eventual outcome is both microscopically and
      macroscopically same for the control as well as study groups in a rabbit
      traumatic TMP model. We believe that this study will encourage the clinical use
      of PRP for acute TMPs and trigger clinical studies in this field.

PMID- 28084997
TI  - Audio-Vestibular Findings in Increased Intracranial Hypertension Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) can be manifested by
      audiological and vestibular complaints. The aim of the present study is to
      determine the audio-vestibular pathologies and their pathophysiologies in this
      syndrome by performing current audio-vestibular tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      study was performed prospectively on 40 individuals (20 IIH patients, 20 healthy
      volunteers). Pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, vestibular evoked myogenic
      potentials, and electronystagmography tests were performed in both groups and the
      results were compared. RESULTS: The mean age of both groups was found to be
      30.2+/-18.7. There were 11 females and 9 males in each group. The study group
      patients had significantly worse hearing levels. Pure tone averages were
      significantly higher in both ears of the study group (p<0.05). Ten patients (50%)
      in the study group and one healthy volunteer (5%) had pathologic ENG, possibly
      related to central pathologies (p=0.008). Eight patients (40%) and one (5%)
      control had variable abnormal VEMP records (p=0008). CONCLUSION: Many IIH
      patients initially visit otolaryngology clinics since cochlear and vestibular
      systems are frequently affected in this condition. Our test results suggest inner
      ear pathologies in these patients. Higher incidence of inferior vestibular nerve
      and/or saccule dysfunction is detected as a novelty. Increased intracranial
      pressure may affect the inner ear with similar mechanisms as in hydrops.

PMID- 28084998
TI  - Comparison of Long-Term Outcome of Intratympanic Dexamethasone Therapy between
      Acute Noise-Induced Tinnitus and Acute Idiopathic Tinnitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term outcomes of acute noise-induced tinnitus
      (ANT) and acute idiopathic tinnitus (AIT) to intratympanic dexamethasone (ITD)
      therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated for tinnitus occurring
      immediately after noise exposure comprised the ANT group (n=20) and patients
      treated for idiopathic tinnitus comprised the AIT group (n=39). All patients were
      treated with ITD within 3 months of the onset of tinnitus. Quantitative
      assessment of the improvement in tinnitus using questionnaires and changes in
      hearing thresholds were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Mean follow-up
      durations were 75.90+/-69.83 weeks in the ANT group and 93.41+/-101.43 weeks in
      the AIT group. Patients with ANT were younger in age than those with AIT (38.30+/
      18.28 vs. 53.56+/-14.08, p=0.00) and were predominately male (Male: Female, M:F
      13:7 vs. 13:26, p=0.02, respectively). The subjective tinnitus loudness, time of
      tinnitus awareness, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score improved in both
      groups, although the changes in these parameters were not significantly different
      between the groups. The cure and overall improvement rates of the ANT group were
      and 10.00% and 25.00%, respectively. The cure and overall improvement rates of
      the AIT groups were 25.64% and 35.90%, respectively and there were no significant
      differences between the two groups in terms of the cure and overall improvement
      rates (p=0.19 and 0.40, respectively). CONCLUSION: The long-term outcome in terms
      of control of tinnitus with ITD in the ANT group was similar to that in the AIT
      group. Thus, ITD injection may be a useful treatment option for acute tinnitus
      caused by noise trauma.

PMID- 28084999
TI  - Otogenic Intracranial Abscesses, Our Experience Over the Last Four Decades.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predisposing factors for otogenic intracranial
      abscesses, assess their changes over time, and analyze how they differ from those
      due to other causes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of all patients
      treated for otogenic intracranial abscesses, between 1970 and 2012 at a tertiary
      referral center, were retrospectively analyzed. The analysis included patient
      demographics, clinical characteristics, causative pathogens, treatments,
      outcomes, and comparisons of otogenic and non-otogenic intracranial abscesses.
      RESULTS: Of all intracranial abscesses, 11% (n=18) were otogenic. In the 1970s,
      otogenic infections were a common predisposing factor for intracranial abscess;
      but within our study period, the incidence of otogenic intracranial abscesses
      decreased. Most (94%) otogenic cases were due to chronic suppurative otitis media
      and 78% were associated with cholesteatoma. Most patients (94%) had ear symptoms.
      The most common presenting symptoms were discharge from the infected ear (50%),
      headache (39%), neurological symptoms (28%), and fever (17%). The most common
      pathogens belonged to Streptococcus spp. (33%), Gram-negative enteric bacteria
      (22%), and Bacteroides spp. (11%). Neurosurgery was performed on all patients,
      69% of which were prior to a later ear surgery. Surgery of the affected ear was
      performed on 14 patients (78%). A favorable recovery was typical (78%); however,
      one patient died. CONCLUSION: Otogenic intracranial abscesses were most commonly
      due to a chronic ear infection with cholesteatoma. Ear symptoms and Gram-negative
      enteric bacteria were more common among patients with otogenic than non-otogenic
      intracranial abscesses.

PMID- 28085000
TI  - Co-existence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Meniere's Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recent studies indicate interrelation of benign paroxysmal positional
      vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere's disease (MD). These two entities may have different
      clinical characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred thirty patients
      with BPPV evaluated between 2009-2015 were enrolled in the study. 351 patients
      who had no clear problem associated with BPPV (idiopathic) and 17 patients with
      MD were analyzed in detail. The age, sex, site of involvement, type of BPPV,
      symptom duration, and treatment outcome were compared. RESULTS: Meniere's disease
      + BPPV was more common in the female population (2/15; 7.5 v 127/224; 1.8,
      p<0.05). Comparative analysis of average age was not statistically significant
      (42.82+/-9.94 v. 40.29+/-1.65, p=0.601). There was no difference in right and
      left ear involvement between groups. Lateral canal involvement was more common in
      the BPPV + MD group (9/17; 53% v. 100/351; 28%, p<0.05). BPPV was ipsilateral to
      the ear with MD in 75% of patients and it was present before the diagnosis of
      BPPV in 82.3% of patients. Comparative analysis of cure rate between idiopathic
      BPPV and BPPV + MD after one session was significant (64.7% v 78%, p<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo associated with MD presented a
      divergent picture. It was more frequent in females. Lateral canal involvement was
      higher. Patients had MD before the development of BPPV and they had prolonged
      symptoms, which raised a question of diagnostic delay since these two problems
      were in the same ear in majority of patients. Finally, relief of symptoms
      required more attempts of repositioning maneuvers.

PMID- 28085001
TI  - "Canalolabyrinthine Schwannoma," A Rare Variant of Intralabyrinthine Schwannoma:
      A Case Report.
AB  - Canalolabyrinthine schwannoma is a rare subtype of neuroma. Only 1 case has been
      described in the literature. We report the clinical case of a 51-year-old
      Caucasian female with Meniere's disease-like symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging
      showed right VIII cranial nerve schwannoma that had different characteristics
      from the classical described types. The peculiar features of our case of
      intralabyrithine canalolabyrinthine schwannoma directed the surgeon and
      radiologist to tailored considerations for follow-up and therapy.

PMID- 28085003
TI  - Prevalence of sofosbuvir resistance-associated variants in Brazilian and
      worldwide NS5B sequences of genotype-1 HCV.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of natural polymorphisms associated with resistance to
      NS5B nucleoside/nucleotide (NI) sofosbuvir is distinct in different geographical
      regions. In Brazil, direct-acting anti-HCV therapy has recently changed with the
      introduction of interferon (IFN)-free regimens with sofosbuvir; however, the
      presence of resistant variants on clinical outcomes remains unknown. The aim of
      this study was to assess the natural polymorphisms associated with resistance to
      the NS5B NI sofosbuvir in Brazilian HCV-1 isolates and to compare it with that
      from other geographical regions. METHODS: Nucleotide sequencing of the HCV NS5B
      gene was performed in serum samples of 95 therapy-naive Brazilian patients
      infected with subtype 1a (n=43) and 1b (n=52). The sequences were analysed along
      with 1,525 NS5B sequences from North America, Europe and Asia retrieved from
      public HCV databases. RESULTS: In Brazilian HCV-1b patients who have never been
      exposed to a direct-acting anti-HCV drug, the C316N was detected in 15/52
      (28.85%) patients, of these, 2 (3.85%) had single C316N variant, while 13 (25%)
      presented the double L159F-C316N mutant. A lower rate of L159F-C316N variants was
      detected in North American (n=9/238; 3.78%, P<0.001), European (n=17/281; 6.05%,
      P<0.001) and Asian (n=2/173; 1.16%, P<0.001) isolates. No sofosbuvir resistance
      associated variants (RAVs) were identified in HCV-1a sequences. CONCLUSIONS:
      Resistant variants to sofosbuvir were found at different frequencies in worldwide
      HCV-1b sequences but not in HCV-1a sequences. The high frequency of double
      mutation L159F-C316N observed in Brazilian HCV-1b patients contrast with the
      lower rate observed in the three continents studied. The association of these
      findings and the clinical implications awaits further analysis.

PMID- 28085002
TI  - HCV intergenotype 2k/1b recombinant detected in a DAA-treated patient in Italy.
AB  - Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) combinations are potent and effective drugs
      currently recommended for treatment of chronic HCV infection. Difficult to treat
      genotypes are the most important predictors of treatment failure. We report a
      case of DAA treatment failure in an HCV-infected patient carrying a recombinant
      genotype 2k/1b. This strain, first isolated from a Russian patient in 2002, has
      now been observed for the first time in Italy.

PMID- 28085004
TI  - Nanoscale mapping of optical band gaps using monochromated electron energy loss
      spectroscopy.
AB  - Using monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy in a probe-corrected
      scanning transmission electron microscope we demonstrate band gap mapping in
      ZnO/ZnCdO thin films with a spatial resolution below 10 nm and spectral precision
      of 20 meV.

PMID- 28085006
TI  - Reconstructing the distributed force on an atomic force microscope cantilever.
AB  - A methodology is developed to reconstruct the force applied to an atomic force
      microscopy (AFM) cantilever given the shape in which it vibrates. This is
      accomplished by rewriting Bernoulli-Euler beam theory such that the force on the
      cantilever is approximated as a linear superposition of the theoretical
      cantilever eigenmodes. The weighting factors in this summation are calculated
      from the amplitude and phase measured along the length of the cantilever. The
      accuracy of the force reconstruction is shown to depend on the frequency at which
      the measurement is performed, the number of discrete points measured along the
      length of the cantilever, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the measured signal.
      In contrast to other AFM force reconstruction techniques, this method can
      reconstruct the distribution of force applied over the length of the AFM
      cantilever. However, this method performs poorly for localized forces applied to
      the cantilever, such as is typical of most tip-sample interaction forces. Proof
      of concept experiments are performed on an electrostatically excited cantilever
      and the expected force distribution is recovered. This force reconstruction
      technique offers previously unavailable insight into the distributed forces
      experienced by an AFM cantilever.

PMID- 28085005
TI  - Potential of human dental stem cells in repairing the complete transection of rat
      spinal cord.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The adult spinal cord of mammals contains a certain amount of neural
      precursor cells, but these endogenous cells have a limited capacity for
      replacement of lost cells after spinal cord injury. The exogenous stem cells
      transplantation has become a therapeutic strategy for spinal cord repairing
      because of their immunomodulatory and differentiation capacity. In addition,
      dental stem cells originating from the cranial neural crest might be candidate
      cell sources for neural engineering. APPROACH: Human dental follicle stem cells
      (DFSCs), stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) and dental pulp stem cells
      (DPSCs) were isolated and identified in vitro, then green GFP-labeled stem cells
      with pellets were transplanted into completely transected spinal cord. The
      functional recovery of rats and multiple neuro-regenerative mechanisms were
      explored. MAIN RESULTS: The dental stem cells, especially DFSCs, demonstrated the
      potential in repairing the completely transected spinal cord and promote
      functional recovery after injury. The major involved mechanisms were speculated
      below: First, dental stem cells inhibited the expression of interleukin-1beta to
      reduce the inflammatory response; second, they inhibited the expression of ras
      homolog gene family member A (RhoA) to promote neurite regeneration; third, they
      inhibited the sulfonylurea receptor1 (SUR-1) expression to reduce progressive
      hemorrhagic necrosis; lastly, parts of the transplanted cells survived and
      differentiated into mature neurons and oligodendrocytes but not astrocyte, which
      is beneficial for promoting axons growth. SIGNIFICANCE: Dental stem cells
      presented remarkable tissue regenerative capability after spinal cord injury
      through immunomodulatory, differentiation and protection capacity.

PMID- 28085007
TI  - Exfoliation of MoS2 and h-BN nanosheets by hydrolysis of LiBH4.
AB  - Efficient preparation of two-dimensional materials is still a great challenge.
      These materials possess unique electrical, optical, and thermal properties. In
      this study, few-layer MoS2 nanosheets and nanoflakes were exfoliated by the
      hydrolysis reaction of LiBH4. First, the layered MoS2 powder materials were mixed
      with LiBH4 to obtain a homogeneous powder mixture, and then the mixture was
      heated above the melting point of LiBH4 under 300  degrees C and 4 MPa H2 for 2
      h, during which the layered materials were curled by liquid LiBH4. In the
      subsequent hydrolysis of LiBH4, the layered materials were split into nanosheets
      by H2 gas generation. The obtained MoS2 nanosheets show almost uniform thickness
      of ~4 nm, with a width of 2-10 MUm and a yield of more than 1.5 wt.%. The
      effectiveness of this method has also been verified by the preparation of few
      layer h-BN. This work provides a new high-yield route to producing two
      dimensional materials.

PMID- 28085008
TI  - Inhibition of Src by microRNA-23b increases the cisplatin sensitivity of
      chondrosarcoma cells.
AB  - Chondrosarcomas are malignant cartilage-forming tumors from low-grade to high
      grade aggressive tumors characterized by metastasis. Cisplatin is an effective
      DNA-damaging anti-tumor agent for the treatment against a wide variety of solid
      tumors. However, chondrosarcomas are notorious for their resistance to
      conventional chemo- and radio- therapies. In this study, we report miR-23b acts
      as a tumor suppressor in chondrosarcoma. The expressions of miR-23b are down
      regulated in chondrosarcoma patient samples and cell lines compared with adjacent
      normal tissues and human primary chondrocytes. In addition, overexpression of miR
      23b suppresses chondrosarcoma cell proliferation. By comparison of the cisplatin
      resistant chondrosarcoma cells and parental cells, we observed miR-23b was
      significantly down regulated in cisplatin resistant cells. Moreover, we
      demonstrate here Src kinase is a direct target of miR-23b in chondrosarcoma
      cells. Overexpression of miR-23b suppresses Src-Akt pathway, leading to the
      sensitization of cisplatin resistant chondrosarcoma cells to cisplatin. This
      chemo-sensitivity effect by the miR-23b-mediated inhibition of Src-Akt pathway is
      verified with the restoration of Src kinase in miR-23b-overespressing
      chondrosarcoma cells, resulting in the acquirement of resistance to cisplatin. In
      summary, our study reveals a novel role of miR-23b in cisplatin resistance in
      chondrosarcoma and will contribute to the development of the microRNA-targeted
      anti-cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 28085009
TI  - Des-gamma carboxyprothrombin may not be a good biomarker for hepatocellular
      carcinoma in those chronically infected with hepatitis B virus with basal core
      promoter double mutations (T^{1762}, A^{1764}), a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The accuracy of des-gamma -carboxyprothrombin (DCP) in the detection
      of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in those infected hepatitis B virus (HBV) from
      cross-sectional or case-control studies is contradictory. OBJECTIVE: To resolve
      this contradiction using a prospective study. METHODS: Three hundred male
      individuals persistently infected with HBV were recruited from the Chinese cohort
      and followed up once per year from 2012 to 2015. Each subject was screened for
      HCC by measurements of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), lectin-bound alpha 
      fetoprotein (AFP-L3), DCP concentrations and ultrasonographic examinations.
      RESULTS: Nineteen HCC cases were identified. The area under receiver operating
      characteristic (AUROC) at first, second and third visit for AFP, AFP-L3 and DCP
      ranges from 0.710-0.897, 0.566-0.637 and 0.520-0.595, respectively. The rate of
      elevated DCP is not significantly different between the HCC cases and controls
      (52.6% vs. 47.4%) (P > 0.05). The incidence of HCC in subjects with elevated DCP
      is not significantly higher than that of those with normal DCP (9.5% vs. 4.6%) (P
      > 0.05). The AUROC of combinations of these biomarkers was higher than that of
      AFP alone at the first visit. However, it was reduced at the second visit. At the
      third visit, the AUROCs of AFP + DCP and AFP + AFP-L3 + DCP, but not that of AFP
      + AFP-L3, were higher than that of AFP alone. CONCLUSIONS: AFP but DCP or AFP-L3
      remains a valuable biomarker for HCC in those chronically infected with HBV. The
      combination with AFP-L3 and DCP may not increase the accuracy of AFP in
      differentiating HCC cases from controls, among those infected with HBV.

PMID- 28085010
TI  - Upregulated lncRNA-PCAT1 is closely related to clinical diagnosis of multiple
      myeloma as a predictive biomarker in serum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore serum PCAT-1 expression in
      multiple myeloma (MM) and examine the potential usefulness of this molecule as a
      biomarker for diagnosis in MM. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 60
      newly diagnosed untreated MM patients, and 48 healthy controls. Serum PCAT-1
      expression levels were detected by RT-qPCR. In addition, correlations between the
      relative expression of serum PCAT-1 and the concentrations of lactic acid
      dehydrogenase (LDH), beta2M, lambda light chain and kappa light chain were
      assessed. RESULTS: It was found that the relative expression of serum PCAT-1 in
      MM patients (81.02 +/- 136.9) was higher than that in healthy controls (3.17 +/-
      5.75) (U= 307.0, P< 0.0001) and was significantly correlated with beta2M
      concentration (r= 0.461, P= 0.0002), but not with LDH, kappa light and lambda
      light chain concentration (r= 0.061, P= 0.641; r= 0.007, P= 0.956; r=-0.090, P=
      0.499 respectively). Additionally, it was significantly correlated with different
      isotype of MM (H= 7.464, P= 0.024). The AUC of the ROC curve of serum PCAT-1 was
      0.892 (95% CI 0.833-0.950), which was higher than other markers. Combining PCAT-1
      and beta2M together, the sensitivity was highest compared with other markers
      alone, or combined. CONCLUSION: The expression levels of serum PCAT-1 in MM
      patients were significantly higher than that in healthy controls, suggesting that
      it may be useful in the auxiliary diagnosis of MM.

PMID- 28085011
TI  - Hydrogel microarray for detection of polymorphisms in the UGT1A1, DPYD, GSTP1 and
      ABCB1 genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improving the efficacy of anticancer therapy remains an urgent and
      very important task. Screening of the individual genetic metabolism of cancer
      patients allows for prescribing adequate medication in the correct dose as well
      as for decreasing side effects associated with drug toxicity. OBJECTIVE:
      Estimation of a microarray-based method for genotyping of the UGT1A1, DPYD,
      GSTP1, and ABCB1 metabolic regulation genes to evaluate for an increased risk of
      toxicity of anticancer drugs. METHODS: The microarray was used to conduct
      genotyping of specimens taken from 115 cancer patients and 31 healthy donors.
      RESULTS: A microarray-based method for identification of the rs8175347,
      rs3918290, rs1695, and rs1045642 polymorphisms in the corresponding UGT1A1, DPYD,
      GSTP1, and ABCB1 genes has been developed for genotyping. The results obtained
      were in full concordance with those obtained using control sequencing. The
      frequencies of the rs8175347, rs3918290, rs1695, and rs1045642 genetic variations
      were 0.38, 0, 0.35, and 0.56, respectively. CONCLUSION: The implementation of
      this biochip-based method in diagnostic practice should increase the overall
      survival and quality of life of cancer patients, decrease the length of their
      hospital stay, and reduce treatment costs.

PMID- 28085012
TI  - Decreased expression of LncRNA SRA1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical
      significance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is an extremely aggressive malignancy
      with poor prognosis and high fatality rates worldwide. Accumulating evidence
      indicated that novel biomarkers are required to get a better understanding of the
      biological mechanisms of HCC. SRA1, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), serves as a
      critical regulator in several cancers. However, the association between SRA1
      expression and tumorigenesis in HCC tissues remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: In the
      present study, we evaluated the expression of SRA1 in HCC and its clinical
      association. METHODS: The expression levels of SRA1 in 67 pairs of cancer tissues
      and adjacent normal tissues from HCC patients were detected using quantitative
      real-time PCR. Expression of SRA1 in HCC cell lines compared with normal human
      hepatocyte cell lines was also measured. Finally, the potential associations
      between its level in HCC tissues and the clinicopathological parameters were
      analyzed as well. RESULTS: The results indicated that the expression levels of
      SRA1 in HCC were remarkably decreased, compared with matched normal tissues (P<
      0.001). Levels of SRA1 in HCC cell lines were also significantly decreased than
      that in normal human hepatocyte cell line L-02. Additionally, the levels of SRA1
      were significantly associated with tumor size (P= 0.020) and serum GLU level (P=
      0.046). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted that SRA1 was downregulated in HCC
      and might serve as a tumor suppressor in HCC, which laid a solid foundation for
      future research.

PMID- 28085013
TI  - Expressions of miRNAs in papillary thyroid carcinoma and their associations with
      the clinical characteristics of PTC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The sensitivity and specificity of biomarkers which have been used in
      clinical practice for diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are low, it
      is essential to develop novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PTC.
      OBJECTIVE: To explore the expressions of miR-940, miR-15a, miR-16 and IL-23 in
      PTC tissues and plasma and their associations with the clinical characteristics
      of PTC. METHODS: We investigated the expressions of miR-940, miR-15a, miR-16 and
      IL-23 in plasma and thyroid tissues of PTC, nodular goiter and healthy people
      with qRT-PCR, and further analyzed the associations between their levels and the
      clinical characteristics of PTC. RESULTS: Level of IL-23 expression was higher
      while levels of miR-940, miR-15a and miR-16 expression in the PTC tissues were
      lower compared with the nodular goiter tissues and perineoplastic thyroid
      tissues. And the levels of miR-940, miR-15a, miR-16 and IL-23 expression in the
      PTC tissues were associated with some clinical characteristics of PTC, including
      bilateral tumor, multicentricity, extrallyroidal invasion, cervical lymph node
      metastasis, distant metastasis and clinical advanced stages (III/IV).
      CONCLUSIONS: Expressions of miR-940, miR-15a, miR-16 and IL-23 in PTC tissues
      might be useful biomarkers and promising targets in the diagnosis of papillary
      thyroid carcinoma.

PMID- 28085015
TI  - Over expression of galectin-3 associates with short-term poor prognosis in stage
      II colon cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over expression of galectin-3 (gal-3) has been associated with tumor
      invasion and distant metastases, but few reports investigated the relation
      between gal-3 expression and prognosis in stage II colon cancer. OBJECTIVE: We
      studied the expressions of gal-3, E-cadherin, and vimentin in stage II colon
      cancer to identify predictive factors of clinical outcome. METHODS: Clinical and
      laboratory data from 117 consecutive patients of stage II colon cancer during
      2008-2010 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Expressions of gal-3, E
      cadherin, and vimentin in tumor tissue were investigated by immunohistochemistry.
      Potential correlations between these markers and various clinicopathological
      parameters as well as clinical outcomes were studied. Human colon cancer cell
      line SW480 was used to test the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducing
      effects of gal-3 in vitro. RESULTS: High expression of tumoral gal-3 was
      associated with tumor size, poor differentiation and negatively related to low E
      cadherin expression. Compare with adjacent normal colon tissue, most tumor
      tissues strongly expressed gal-3 and vimentin, but had lower E-cadherin
      expression. Univariate analysis showed that expressions of gal-3 and vimentin in
      tumor were predictors of tumor recurrence and overall survival. Multivariate
      analysis revealed that tumoral gal-3 expression was the only independent
      predictor of both tumor recurrence and overall survival after resection. Cell
      experiments and western blotting showed exogenous gal-3 could induce SW480 cells
      become more aggressive and express more hallmarks of EMT. CONCLUSIONS: Galectin-3
      may be a useful marker for identification of poor prognosis in stage II colon
      cancer. Cell experiments and western blotting showed exogenous gal-3 could induce
      SW480 cells become more aggressive and express more hallmarks of EMT.

PMID- 28085016
TI  - Harnessing co-stimulatory TNF receptors for cancer immunotherapy: Current
      approaches and future opportunities.
AB  - Co-stimulatory tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) can sculpt the
      responsiveness of T cells recognizing tumor-associated antigens. For this reason,
      agonist antibodies targeting CD137, CD357, CD134 and CD27 have received
      considerable attention for their therapeutic utility in enhancing anti-tumor
      immune responses, particularly in combination with other immuno-modulatory
      antibodies targeting co-inhibitory pathways in T cells. The design of therapeutic
      antibodies that optimally engage and activate co-stimulatory TNFRs presents an
      important challenge of how to promote effective anti-tumor immunity while
      avoiding serious immune-related adverse events. Here we review our current
      understanding of the expression, signaling and structural features of CD137,
      CD357, CD134 and CD27, and how this may inform the design of pharmacologically
      active immuno-modulatory antibodies targeting these receptors. This includes the
      integration of our emerging knowledge of the role of Fcgamma receptors
      (FcgammaRs) in facilitating antibody-mediated receptor clustering and forward
      signaling, as well as promoting immune effector cell-mediated activities.
      Finally, we bring our current preclinical and clinical knowledge of co
      stimulatory TNFR antibodies into the context of opportunities for next generation
      molecules with improved pharmacologic properties.

PMID- 28085018
TI  - TFP5, a Peptide Inhibitor of Aberrant and Hyperactive Cdk5/p25, Attenuates
      Pathological Phenotypes and Restores Synaptic Function in CK-p25Tg Mice.
AB  - It has been reported that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5), a critical neuronal
      kinase, is hyperactivated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may be, in part,
      responsible for the hallmark pathology of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary
      tangles (NFTs). It has been proposed by several laboratories that hyperactive
      cdk5 results from the overexpression of p25 (a truncated fragment of p35, the
      normal cdk5 regulator), which, when complexed to cdk5, induces hyperactivity,
      hyperphosphorylated tau/NFTs, amyloid-beta plaques, and neuronal death. It has
      previously been shown that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of a modified
      truncated 24-aa peptide (TFP5), derived from the cdk5 activator p35, penetrated
      the blood-brain barrier and significantly rescued AD-like pathology in 5XFAD
      model mice. The principal pathology in the 5XFAD mutant, however, is extensive
      amyloid plaques; hence, as a proof of concept, we believe it is essential to
      demonstrate the peptide's efficacy in a mouse model expressing high levels of
      p25, such as the inducible CK-p25Tg model mouse that overexpresses p25 in CamKII
      positive neurons. Using a modified TFP5 treatment, here we show that peptide i.p.
      injections in these mice decrease cdk5 hyperactivity, tau, neurofilament-M/H
      hyperphosphorylation, and restore synaptic function and behavior (i.e., spatial
      working memory, motor deficit using Rota-rod). It is noteworthy that TFP5 does
      not inhibit endogenous cdk5/p35 activity, nor other cdks in vivo suggesting it
      might have no toxic side effects, and may serve as an excellent therapeutic
      candidate for neurodegenerative disorders expressing abnormally high brain levels
      of p25 and hyperactive cdk5.

PMID- 28085017
TI  - Curing tumor-bearing mice by shifting a Th2 to a Th1 anti-tumor response.
AB  - Over the past several years remarkable therapeutic responses have been obtained
      with immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), both in mice
      ?cite{10,18,20,48,54,61} and human cancer patients ?cite{1,3,14,28,30,39,80}.
      However, complete regressions and cures are infrequent and not predictable and
      some tumor types respond much worse than others. As an attempt to increase
      curability, we have investigated in mouse models the therapeutic efficacy of
      several mAb combinations, focusing on anti-PD-1/CTLA-4/CD137 and anti-PD-1/CTLA
      4/CD137/CD19, and we have also combined mAbs with the chemotherapeutic drug
      cisplatin. Our data demonstrate an important contribution of anti-CD19 mAb to
      therapeutic efficacy, they show that intratumoral delivery of the mAbs is
      therapeutically more effective than systemic delivery, and that there is synergy
      when the mAbs are combined with cisplatin. In an attempt to improve
      predictability, we developed an in vitro model that may also be employed to
      search for novel immunomodulatory agents and combinations. This article reviews
      our data and discusses what is known about the underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 28085019
TI  - The neglected value of health information technologies in universal health
      coverage in developing countries.

PMID- 28085020
TI  - Development of a mobile application of Breast Cancer e-Support program for women
      with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy experience a variety
      of physical and psychosocial symptoms, which have negative effect on women's
      quality of life and psychological well-being. Although M-health technologies
      provides innovative and easily accessible option to provide psychosocial support,
      mobile phone based interventions remain limited for these women in China.
      OBJECTIVE: To develop a new mobile application to offer information as well as
      social and emotional support to women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy
      to promote their self-efficacy and social support, thus improving symptom
      management strategies. METHODS: Basing on previous theoretical framework which
      incorporated Bandura's self-efficacy theory and the social exchange theory, a new
      mobile application, called Breast Cancer e-Support Program (BCS) was designed,
      with the content and functionality being validated by the expert panel and women
      with breast cancer. RESULTS: BCS App program has four modules: 1) Learning forum;
      2) Discussion forum; 3) Ask-the-Expert forum; and 4) Personal Stories forum. BCS
      program can be applied on both android mobile phones and iPhones to reach more
      women. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first of its kind developed in China for women
      with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A randomized controlled trial is
      undertaking to test the effectiveness of BCS program.

PMID- 28085021
TI  - Evaluation of the scattered radiations of lead and lead-free aprons in diagnostic
      radiology by MCNPX.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, because of high attenuation and lightweight,
      non-toxic, lead-free aprons (LFAs) have been replaced by lead aprons (LAs). Lots
      of studies declared that this fact was based on the interactions of diagnostic X
      ray with material such as the photoelectric effect (PE) and Compton scattering.
      These studies have demonstrated that in these types of aprons, due to the
      presence of different K-edge absorption, PE has a wide absorption in various
      metals with divers K-edges. The measurement geometry in most of these studies was
      narrow beam geometry, i.e. a collimated source and a collimated detector with a
      large source-detector distance. OBJECTIVE: The present study intended to evaluate
      the attenuation of radiology scattered radiations in LAs and LFAs in both narrow
      and broad beam geometries, which is a more realistic situation, in order to check
      whether or not the higher attenuation is valid. METHODS: In this study, a lead
      apron contains (Pb + EPV) and two non-lead compounds of (W + Sn + EPVC) with
      different weight percent (Wt%) were evaluated in the energy range of diagnostic
      radiology (100 kVp). The MCNPX code was applied to simulate broad - and narrow
      beam measurement geometries. The evaluations have been performed in three
      situations: 1st) the same density thickness of LA and LFAs 2nd) same line
      thickness of LA and LFAs 3rd) considering the thickness of LFAs which has the
      same attenuation with LAs i.e. lead equivalent thickness for LFAs in the narrow
      beam. Finally, the x-ray transmission ratio (I/I_0) of LAs and LFAs was compared
      in 100 kVp for three mentioned conditions. RESULTS: Our results indicated that
      LFAs had more radiation attenuation rather than LA in the 1st and 2nd conditions
      with both geometries. However, LFAs had lower attenuation in comparison to LAs in
      the 3rd condition with broad beam geometry. More importantly, the transmission
      ratio (I/I_0) of LFAs in the broad beam condition was more significant than LA.
      CONCLUSION: The scattered radiations produced by LFAs are more than LAs because
      of the production of characteristic radiations resulted from K-edge absorption in
      composited aprons. Consequently, the LFAs should be evaluated in both narrow and
      broad beam situation using the lead equivalent thickness of LFAs to make sure
      that the non-lead aprons do not increase the radiation dose of the user.

PMID- 28085022
TI  - A High Rate of Non-Compliance Confounds the Study of Whole Grains and Weight
      Maintenance in a Randomised Intervention Trial-The Case for Greater Use of
      Dietary Biomarkers in Nutrition Intervention Studies.
AB  - Observational studies consistently find an inverse relationship between whole
      grain intake and weight gain. We aimed to confirm this in an open-label
      researcher-blinded parallel design randomised trial. A total of 179
      overweight/obese women with a habitually low whole-grain intake (<16 g/day) were
      randomised to a weight maintenance diet with refined-grain (RG) or whole-grain
      (WG) foods (80 g/day) for 12 weeks after an initial weight loss program over 8
      weeks. Body weight and composition was assessed at baseline, after the initial
      weight loss, and after the 12-week dietary intervention. During the 12-week
      dietary intervention phase, there were no group differences in changes in body
      weight and total fat mass %, whereas abdominal fat mass tended to increase more
      during the dietary intervention phase in the WG compared to the RG group (0.7 (SD
      3.6) vs. -0.3 (SD 3.8) %; p = 0.052). Plasma alkylresorcinol concentrations,
      biomarkers of wholegrain wheat and rye intake, indicated poor compliance,
      particularly in the WG group, where >60% of participants had alkylresorcinol
      concentrations below 70 nmol/L, a concentration indicating low or no intake of
      whole-grain wheat. Further, weight regain was lower than expected in both
      intervention groups, further supporting a lack of compliance to the post-weight
      loss diet. The rate of compliance was too low to conclude any effect of whole
      grain on weight maintenance, and reinforces the need to use objective measures of
      compliance in nutrition intervention studies.

PMID- 28085023
TI  - Preparation of Antioxidant Peptides from Salmon Byproducts with Bacterial
      Extracellular Proteases.
AB  - Bacterial extracellular proteases from six strains of marine bacteria and seven
      strains of terrestrial bacteria were prepared through fermentation. Proteases
      were analyzed through substrate immersing zymography and used to hydrolyze the
      collagen and muscle proteins from a salmon skin byproduct, respectively. Collagen
      could be degraded much more easily than muscle protein, but it commonly showed
      weaker antioxidant capability. The hydrolysate of muscle proteins was prepared
      with crude enzymes from Pseudoalteromonas sp. SQN1 displayed the strongest
      activity of antioxidant in DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays (74.06% +/
      1.14% and 69.71% +/- 1.97%), but did not perform well in Fe2+ chelating assay.
      The antioxidant fractions were purified through ultrafiltration, cation exchange
      chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography gradually, and the final
      purified fraction U2-S2-I displayed strong activity of antioxidant in DPPH,
      hydroxyl radical scavenging assays (IC50 = 0.263 +/- 0.018 mg/mL and 0.512 +/-
      0.055 mg/mL), and oxygen radical absorption capability assay (1.960 +/- 0.381
      mmol.TE/g). The final purified fraction U2-S2-I possessed the capability to
      protect plasmid DNA against the damage of hydroxyl radical and its effect was
      similar to that of the original hydrolysis product. It indicated that U2-S2-I
      might be the major active fraction of the hydrolysate. This study proved that
      bacterial extracellular proteases could be utilized in hydrolysis of a salmon
      byproduct. Compared with collagen, muscle proteins was an ideal material used as
      an enzymatic substrate to prepare antioxidant peptides.

PMID- 28085024
TI  - Dragmacidin G, a Bioactive Bis-Indole Alkaloid from a Deep-Water Sponge of the
      Genus Spongosorites.
AB  - A deep-water sponge of the genus Spongosorites has yielded a bis-indole alkaloid
      which we have named dragmacidin G. Dragmacidin G was first reported by us in the
      patent literature and has recently been reported by Hitora et al. from a sponge
      of the genus Lipastrotheya. Dragmacidin G is the first in this series of
      compounds to have a pyrazine ring linking the two indole rings. It also has a
      rare N-(2-mercaptoethyl)-guanidine side chain. Dragmacidin G shows a broad
      spectrum of biological activity including inhibition of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Plasmodium falciparum, and a
      panel of pancreatic cancer cell lines.

PMID- 28085026
TI  - Structural Hypervariability of the Two Human Protein Kinase CK2 Catalytic Subunit
      Paralogs Revealed by Complex Structures with a Flavonol- and a Thieno[2,3
      d]pyrimidine-Based Inhibitor.
AB  - Protein kinase CK2 is associated with a number of human diseases, among them
      cancer, and is therefore a target for inhibitor development in industry and
      academia. Six crystal structures of either CK2alpha, the catalytic subunit of
      human protein kinase CK2, or its paralog CK2alpha' in complex with two ATP
      competitive inhibitors-based on either a flavonol or a thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine
      framework-are presented. The structures show examples for extreme structural
      deformations of the ATP-binding loop and its neighbourhood and of the hinge/helix
      alphaD region, i.e., of two zones of the broader ATP site environment. Thus, they
      supplement our picture of the conformational space available for CK2alpha and
      CK2alpha'. Further, they document the potential of synthetic ligands to trap
      unusual conformations of the enzymes and allow to envision a new generation of
      inhibitors that stabilize such conformations.

PMID- 28085027
TI  - Cancer Immunology with a Focus on Understudied Cancers as Targets for
      Immunotherapy.
AB  - n/a.

PMID- 28085032
TI  - Correction: Jessri, M.; et al. Assessing the Nutritional Quality of Diets of
      Canadian Adults Using the 2014 Health Canada Surveillance Tool Tier System.
      Nutrients 2015, 7, 5543.
AB  - Due to a mistake in the publication process, "NS" symbols are missing from Figure
      3 from this article [1].[...].

PMID- 28085031
TI  - Perceptions of E-Cigarettes among Black Youth in California.
AB  - Research suggests that Black youth are less likely to use e-cigarettes than their
      white counterparts, yet little is known as to why. We examined perceptions of e
      cigarettes among Black young adults (ages 18-25) to explore the meanings these
      youth ascribe to e-cigarettes and the role that identity plays in how these
      devices are viewed. Analysis of in-depth interviews with 36 Black smokers and non
      smokers in the San Francisco Bay Area suggests that Black youth perceive e
      cigarettes as serving distinct, yet overlapping roles: a utilitarian function, in
      that they are recognized as legitimate smoking cessation tools, and a social
      function, insofar as they serve to mark social identity, specifically a social
      identity from which our participants disassociated. Participants described e
      cigarette users in highly racialized and classed terms and generally expressed
      disinterest in using e-cigarettes, due in part perhaps to the fact that use of
      these devices would signal alignment with a middle class, hipster identity. This
      analysis is discussed within a highly charged political and public health debate
      about the benefits and harms associated with e-cigarette use.

PMID- 28085040
TI  - Impact of Menthol Smoking on Nicotine Dependence for Diverse Racial/Ethnic Groups
      of Daily Smokers.
AB  - Introduction: The aims of this study were to evaluate whether menthol smoking and
      race/ethnicity are associated with nicotine dependence in daily smokers. Methods:
      The study used two subsamples of U.S. daily smokers who responded to the 2010
      2011 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. The larger
      subsample consisted of 18,849 non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB),
      and Hispanic (HISP) smokers. The smaller subsample consisted of 1112 non-Hispanic
      American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN), non-Hispanic Asian (ASIAN), non-Hispanic
      Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (HPI), and non-Hispanic Multiracial (MULT) smokers.
      Results: For larger (smaller) groups the rates were 45% (33%) for heavy smoking
      (16+ cig/day), 59% (51%) for smoking within 30 min of awakening (Sw30), and 14%
      (14%) for night-smoking. Overall, the highest prevalence of menthol smoking
      corresponded to NHB and HPI (>=65%), followed by MULT and HISP (31%-37%), and
      then by AIAN, NHW, and ASIAN (22%-27%) smokers. For larger racial/ethnic groups,
      menthol smoking was negatively associated with heavy smoking, not associated with
      Sw30, and positively associated with night-smoking. For smaller groups, menthol
      smoking was not associated with any measure, but the rates of heavy smoking,
      Sw30, and night-smoking varied across the groups. Conclusions: The diverse
      associations between menthol smoking and nicotine dependence maybe due to
      distinction among the nicotine dependence measures, i.e., individually, each
      measure assesses a specific smoking behavior. Menthol smoking may be associated
      with promoting smoking behaviors.

PMID- 28085043
TI  - Stylus Tip Center Position Self-Calibration Based on Invariable Distances in
      Light-Pen Systems.
AB  - The light-pen coordinate measuring machine (LPCMM for short) is portable and
      flexible to measure features including invisible ones in-situ. Since different
      styluses are needed to measure different features and even during the process of
      measuring a single workpiece with complicated configurations, to improve the
      system measurement accuracy it is beneficial to calibrate the stylus tip center
      position after it is mounted to the light-pen before measurement in an industrial
      field. A novel and simple method aiming at self-calibrating the position of the
      tip center based on invariable distances is presented. The distinguishing feature
      of the proposed method is that the center position of the tip can be calibrated
      by using a kinematic seat with an inverted cone hole without any external
      reference and auxiliary devices. Calibration is based on that the distance
      between the tip center and that of any LED is invariable when the light-pen is
      swung smoothly with its spherical tip firmly touching the fixed cone seat. To
      ensure the repeatability of the algorithm some error constraint parameters are
      given. Based on invariable distances, the tip center position in the light-pen
      coordinate system can be obtained. Experiment results show that the self
      calibration method has the advantage of good repeatability, with standard
      deviations 0.027, 0.023 and 0.014 mm in U, V and W directions, respectively.
      Experimental results of measuring a circle and a gauge block indirectly
      demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed self-calibration method.

PMID- 28085044
TI  - Epipolar Resampling of Cross-Track Pushbroom Satellite Imagery Using the Rigorous
      Sensor Model.
AB  - Epipolar resampling aims to eliminate the vertical parallax of stereo images. Due
      to the dynamic nature of the exterior orientation parameters of linear pushbroom
      satellite imagery and the complexity of reconstructing the epipolar geometry
      using rigorous sensor models, so far, no epipolar resampling approach has been
      proposed based on these models. In this paper for the first time it is shown that
      the orientation of the instantaneous baseline (IB) of conjugate image points
      (CIPs) in the linear pushbroom satellite imagery can be modeled with high
      precision in terms of the rows- and the columns-number of CIPs. Taking advantage
      of this feature, a novel approach is then presented for epipolar resampling of
      cross-track linear pushbroom satellite imagery. The proposed method is based on
      the rigorous sensor model. As the instantaneous position of sensors remains
      fixed, the digital elevation model of the area of interest is not required in the
      resampling process. Experimental results obtained from two pairs of SPOT and one
      pair of RapidEye stereo imagery with different terrain conditions shows that the
      proposed epipolar resampling approach benefits from a superior accuracy, as the
      remained vertical parallaxes of all CIPs in the normalized images are close to
      zero.

PMID- 28085045
TI  - Influence of Varroa Mite (Varroa destructor) Management Practices on Insecticide
      Sensitivity in the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera).
AB  - Since Varroa mites may cause devastating losses of honey bees through direct
      feeding, transmitting diseases, and increasing pathogen susceptibility, chemical
      and mechanical practices commonly are used to reduce mite infestation. While
      miticide applications are typically the most consistent and efficacious Varroa
      mite management method, miticide-induced insecticide synergism in honey bees, and
      the evolution of resistance in Varroa mites are reasonable concerns. We treated
      colonies with the miticide amitraz (Apivar(r)), used IPM practices, or left some
      colonies untreated, and then measured the effect of different levels of mite
      infestations on the sensitivity of bees to phenothrin, amitraz, and clothianidin.
      Sensitivity to all insecticides varied throughout the year among and within
      treatment groups. Clothianidin sensitivity decreased with increasing mite levels,
      but no such correlation was seen with phenothrin or amitraz. These results show
      that insecticide sensitivity is dynamic throughout the 5 months test. In-hive
      amitraz treatment according to the labeled use did not synergize sensitivity to
      the pesticides tested and this should alleviate concern over potential
      synergistic effects. Since IPM practices were largely ineffective at reducing
      Varroa mite infestation, reliance on chemical methods of Varroa mite management
      is likely to continue. However, miticides must be used judiciously so the long
      term effectiveness of these compounds can be maximized. These data demonstrate
      the complex and dynamic variables that contribute to honey bee colony health. The
      results underscore the importance of controlling for as many of these variables
      as possible in order to accurately determine the effects of each of these factors
      as they act alone or in concert with others.

PMID- 28085046
TI  - Multibeam Interferometer Using a Photonic Crystal Fiber with Two Asymmetric Cores
      for Torsion, Strain and Temperature Sensing.
AB  - We present a fiber-optic multibeam Mach-Zehnder interferometer (m-MZI) for
      simultaneous multi-parameter measurement. The m-MZI is comprised of a section of
      photonic crystal fiber integrated with two independent cores of distinct
      construction and birefringence properties characterized for torsion, strain and
      temperature sensing. Due to the presence of small core geometry and use of a
      short fiber length, the sensing device demonstrates inter-modal interference in
      the small core alongside the dominant inter-core interference between the cores
      for each of the orthogonal polarizations. The output spectrum of the device is
      characterized by the three-beam interference model and is polarization-dependent.
      The two types of interferometers present in the fiber m-MZI exhibit distinct
      sensitivities to torsion, strain and temperature for different polarizations, and
      matrix coefficients allowing simultaneous measurement of the three sensing
      parameters are proposed in experiment.

PMID- 28085047
TI  - Optimization of Polymer-ECM Composite Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: Effect of
      Cells and Culture Conditions on Polymeric Nanofiber Mats.
AB  - The design of composite tissue scaffolds containing an extracellular matrix (ECM)
      and synthetic polymer fibers is a new approach to create bioactive scaffolds that
      can enhance cell function. Currently, studies investigating the effects of ECM
      deposition and decellularization on polymer degradation are still lacking, as are
      data on optimizing the stability of the ECM-containing composite scaffolds during
      prolonged cell culture. In this study, we develop fibrous scaffolds using three
      polymer compositions, representing slow (E0000), medium (E0500), and fast (E1000)
      degrading materials, to investigate the stability, degradation, and mechanics of
      the scaffolds during ECM deposition and decellularization, and during the
      complete cellularization-decell-recell cycle. We report data on percent molecular
      weight (% Mw) retention of polymeric fiber mats, changes in scaffold stiffness,
      ECM deposition, and the presence of fibronectin after decellularization. We
      concluded that the fast degrading E1000 (Mw retention <= 50% after 28 days) was
      not sufficiently stable to allow scaffold handling after 28 days in culture,
      while the slow degradation of E0000 (Mw retention >= 80% in 28 days) did not
      allow deposited ECM to replace the polymer support. The scaffolds made from
      medium degrading E0500 (Mw retention about 60% at 28 days) allowed the gradual
      replacement of the polymer network with cell-derived ECM while maintaining the
      polymer network support. Thus, polymers with an intermediate rate of degradation,
      maintaining good scaffold handling properties after 28 days in culture, seem best
      suited for creating ECM-polymer composite scaffolds.

PMID- 28085048
TI  - AR-Signaling in Human Malignancies: Prostate Cancer and Beyond.
AB  - In the 1940s Charles Huggins reported remarkable palliative benefits following
      surgical castration in men with advanced prostate cancer, and since then the
      androgen receptor (AR) has remained the main therapeutic target in this disease.
      Over the past couple of decades, our understanding of AR-signaling biology has
      dramatically improved, and it has become apparent that the AR can modulate a
      number of other well-described oncogenic signaling pathways. Not surprisingly,
      mounting preclinical and epidemiologic data now supports a role for AR-signaling
      in promoting the growth and progression of several cancers other than prostate,
      and early phase clinical trials have documented preliminary signs of efficacy
      when AR-signaling inhibitors are used in several of these malignancies. In this
      article, we provide an overview of the evidence supporting the use of AR-directed
      therapies in prostate as well as other cancers, with an emphasis on the rationale
      for targeting AR-signaling across tumor types.

PMID- 28085049
TI  - Wolbachia Affects Reproduction and Population Dynamics of the Coffee Berry Borer
      (Hypothenemus hampei): Implications for Biological Control.
AB  - Wolbachia are widely distributed endosymbiotic bacteria that influence the
      reproduction and fitness of their hosts. In recent years the manipulation of
      Wolbachia infection has been considered as a potential tool for biological
      control. The coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei, is the most
      devastating coffee pest worldwide. Wolbachia infection in the CBB has been
      reported, but until now the role of Wolbachia in CBB reproduction and fitness has
      not been tested. To address this issue we reared the CBB in artificial diets with
      and without tetracycline (0.1% w/v) for ten generations. Tetracycline reduced
      significantly the relative proportion of Wolbachia in the CBB microbiota from
      0.49% to 0.04%. This reduction affected CBB reproduction: females fed with
      tetracycline had significantly fewer progeny, lower fecundity, and fewer eggs per
      female. Tetracycline also reduced the population growth rate (lambda), net
      reproductive rate (R0), and mean generation time (T) in CBB; the reduction in
      population growth was mostly due to variation in fertility, according to life
      time response experiments (LTREs) analysis. Our results suggest that Wolbachia
      contribute to the reproductive success of the CBB and their manipulation
      represents a possible approach to CBB biocontrol mediated by microbiome
      management.

PMID- 28085050
TI  - Meta-Prediction of the Effect of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase
      Polymorphisms and Air Pollution on Alzheimer's Disease Risk.
AB  - Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant public health issue. AD has
      been linked with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism,
      but the findings have been inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-predictive
      analysis is to examine the associations between MTHFR polymorphisms and
      epigenetic factors, including air pollution, with AD risk using big data
      analytics approaches. Methods and Results: Forty-three studies (44 groups) were
      identified by searching various databases. MTHFR C677T TT and CT genotypes had
      significant associations with AD risk in all racial populations (RR = 1.13, p =
      0.0047; and RR = 1.12, p < 0.0001 respectively). Meta-predictive analysis showed
      significant increases of percentages of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with increased
      air pollution levels in both AD case group and control group (p = 0.0021-0.0457);
      with higher percentages of TT and CT genotypes in the AD case group than that in
      the control group with increased air pollution levels. Conclusions: The impact of
      MTHFR C677T polymorphism on susceptibility to AD was modified by level of air
      pollution. Future studies are needed to further examine the effects of gene
      environment interactions including air pollution on AD risk for world
      populations.

PMID- 28085051
TI  - Perioperative Search for Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients Undergoing Prostate
      Brachytherapy for Clinically Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer.
AB  - Despite the absence of local prostate cancer recurrence, some patients develop
      distant metastases after prostate brachytherapy. We evaluate whether prostate
      brachytherapy procedures have a potential risk for hematogenous spillage of
      prostate cancer cells. Fifty-nine patients who were undergoing high-dose-rate
      (HDR) or low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy participated in this prospective
      study. Thirty patients with high-risk or locally advanced cancer were treated
      with HDR brachytherapy after neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
      Twenty-nine patients with clinically localized cancer were treated with LDR
      brachytherapy without neoadjuvant ADT. Samples of peripheral blood were drawn in
      the operating room before insertion of needles (preoperative) and again
      immediately after the surgical manipulation (intraoperative). Blood samples of
      7.5 mL were analyzed for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using the CellSearch
      System. While no preoperative samples showed CTCs (0%), they were detected in
      intraoperative samples in 7 of the 59 patients (11.8%; preoperative vs.
      intraoperative, p = 0.012). Positive CTC status did not correlate with
      perioperative variables, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis,
      use of neoadjuvant ADT, type of brachytherapy, Gleason score, and biopsy positive
      core rate. We detected CTCs from samples immediately after the surgical
      manipulation. Further study is needed to evaluate whether those CTCs actually can
      survive and proliferate at distant sites.

PMID- 28085053
TI  - Socio-Environmental and Hematological Profile of Landfill Residents (Sao Jorge
      Landfill-Sao Paulo, Brazil).
AB  - We are experiencing an unprecedented urbanization process that, alongside
      physical, social and economic developments, has been having a significant impact
      on a population's health. Due to the increase in pollution, violence and poverty,
      our modern cities no longer ensure a good quality of life so they become
      unhealthy environments. This study aims to assess the effect of social,
      environmental and economic factors on the hematologic profile of residents of
      Santo Andre's landfill. In particular, we will assess the effect of social,
      economic, and environmental factors on current and potential disease markers
      obtained from hematological tests. The research method is the observational type,
      from a retrospective cohort, and by convenience sampling in Santo Andre in the
      Greater ABC (municipalities of Santo Andre, Sao Bernardo do Campo and Sao Caetano
      do Sul, southeast part of the Greater Sao Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil). The
      study determined a socio-environmental profile and the hematologic diseases
      screening related to a close location to the landfill. The disease manifests
      itself within a broad spectrum of symptoms that causes changes in blood count
      parameters. The objective of this work is to show that there is an association
      between social, environmental and economic factors and a variety of serious
      disease outcomes that may be detected from blood screening. A causal study of the
      effect of living near the landfill on these disease outcomes would be a very
      expensive and time-consuming study. This work we believe is sufficient for public
      health officials to consider policy and attempt remediation of the effects of
      living near a landfill.

PMID- 28085056
TI  - RnlB Antitoxin of the Escherichia coli RnlA-RnlB Toxin-Antitoxin Module Requires
      RNase HI for Inhibition of RnlA Toxin Activity.
AB  - The Escherichia coli RnlA-RnlB toxin-antitoxin system is related to the anti
      phage mechanism. Under normal growth conditions, an RnlA toxin with
      endoribonuclease activity is inhibited by binding of its cognate RnlB antitoxin.
      After bacteriophage T4 infection, RnlA is activated by the disappearance of RnlB,
      resulting in the rapid degradation of T4 mRNAs and consequently no T4 propagation
      when T4 dmd encoding a phage antitoxin against RnlA is defective. Intriguingly,
      E. coli RNase HI, which plays a key role in DNA replication, is required for the
      activation of RnlA and stimulates the RNA cleavage activity of RnlA. Here, we
      report an additional role of RNase HI in the regulation of RnlA-RnlB system. Both
      RNase HI and RnlB are associated with NRD (one of three domains of RnlA). The
      interaction between RnlB and NRD depends on RNase HI. Exogenous expression of
      RnlA in wild-type cells has no effect on cell growth because of endogenous RnlB
      and this inhibition of RnlA toxicity requires RNase HI and NRD. These results
      suggest that RNase HI recruits RnlB to RnlA through NRD for inhibiting RnlA
      toxicity and thus plays two contrary roles in the regulation of RnlA-RnlB system.

PMID- 28085054
TI  - Bioactive Nanocomposites for Tissue Repair and Regeneration: A Review.
AB  - This review presents scientific findings concerning the use of bioactive
      nanocomposites in the field of tissue repair and regeneration. Bioactivity is the
      ability of a material to incite a specific biological reaction, usually at the
      boundary of the material. Nanocomposites have been shown to be ideal bioactive
      materials due the many biological interfaces and structures operating at the
      nanoscale. This has resulted in many researchers investigating nanocomposites for
      use in bioapplications. Nanocomposites encompass a number of different
      structures, incorporating organic-inorganic, inorganic-inorganic and bioinorganic
      nanomaterials and based upon ceramic, metallic or polymeric materials. This
      enables a wide range of properties to be incorporated into nanocomposite
      materials, such as magnetic properties, MR imaging contrast or drug delivery, and
      even a combination of these properties. Much of the classical research was
      focused on bone regeneration, however, recent advances have enabled further use
      in soft tissue body sites too. Despite recent technological advances, more
      research is needed to further understand the long-term biocompatibility impact of
      the use of nanoparticles within the human body.

PMID- 28085060
TI  - Identification of the Ovine Keratin-Associated Protein 22-1 (KAP22-1) Gene and
      Its Effect on Wool Traits.
AB  - Keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are structural components of wool and hair
      fibers. To date, eight high glycine/tyrosine KAP (HGT-KAP) families have been
      identified in humans, but only three have been identified in sheep. In this
      study, the putative ovine homolog of the human KAP22-1 gene (KRTAP22-1) was
      amplified using primers designed based on a human KRTAP22-1 sequence. Polymerase
      chain reaction-single stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) was used to
      screen for variation in KRTAP22-1 in 390 Merino * Southdown-cross lambs and 75
      New Zealand (NZ) Romney sheep. Three PCR-SSCP banding patterns were detected and
      DNA sequencing revealed that the banding patterns represented three different
      nucleotide sequences (A-C). Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were
      identified in these sequences. Variant B was most common with a frequency of
      81.3% in NZ Romney sheep, while in the Merino * Southdown-cross lambs, A was more
      common with a frequency of 51.8%. The presence of B was found to be associated
      with increased wool yield and decreased mean fiber curvature (MFC). Sheep of
      genotype BB or AB had a higher wool yield than those of genotype AA. These
      results suggest that ovine KRTAP22-1 variation may be useful when developing
      breeding programs based on increasing wool yield, or decreasing wool curvature.

PMID- 28085057
TI  - Ethical Challenges in Infant Feeding Research.
AB  - Infants have a complex set of nutrient requirements to meet the demands of their
      high metabolic rate, growth, and immunological and cognitive development. Infant
      nutrition lays the foundation for health throughout life. While infant feeding
      research is essential, it must be conducted to the highest ethical standards. The
      objective of this paper is to discuss the implications of developments in infant
      nutrition for the ethics of infant feeding research and the implications for
      obtaining informed consent. A search was undertaken of the papers in the medical
      literature using the PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Proquest, and
      CINAHL databases. From a total of 9303 papers identified, the full text of 87
      articles that contained discussion of issues in consent in infant feeding trials
      were obtained and read and after further screening 42 papers were included in the
      results and discussion. Recent developments in infant nutrition of significance
      to ethics assessment include the improved survival of low birth weight infants,
      increasing evidence of the value of breastfeeding and evidence of the lifelong
      importance of infant feeding and development in the first 1000 days of life in
      chronic disease epidemiology. Informed consent is a difficult issue, but should
      always include information on the value of preserving breastfeeding options.
      Project monitoring should be cognisant of the long term implications of growth
      rates and early life nutrition.

PMID- 28085061
TI  - Origin DNA Melting-An Essential Process with Divergent Mechanisms.
AB  - Origin DNA melting is an essential process in the various domains of life. The
      replication fork helicase unwinds DNA ahead of the replication fork, providing
      single-stranded DNA templates for the replicative polymerases. The replication
      fork helicase is a ring shaped-assembly that unwinds DNA by a steric exclusion
      mechanism in most DNA replication systems. While one strand of DNA passes through
      the central channel of the helicase ring, the second DNA strand is excluded from
      the central channel. Thus, the origin, or initiation site for DNA replication,
      must melt during the initiation of DNA replication to allow for the helicase to
      surround a single-DNA strand. While this process is largely understood for
      bacteria and eukaryotic viruses, less is known about how origin DNA is melted at
      eukaryotic cellular origins. This review describes the current state of knowledge
      of how genomic DNA is melted at a replication origin in bacteria and eukaryotes.
      We propose that although the process of origin melting is essential for the
      various domains of life, the mechanism for origin melting may be quite different
      among the different DNA replication initiation systems.

PMID- 28085062
TI  - Radix isatidis Polysaccharides Inhibit Influenza a Virus and Influenza A Virus
      Induced Inflammation via Suppression of Host TLR3 Signaling In Vitro.
AB  - Influenza remains one of the major epidemic diseases worldwide, and rapid virus
      replication and collateral lung tissue damage caused by excessive pro
      inflammatory host immune cell responses lead to high mortality rates. Thus, novel
      therapeutic agents that control influenza A virus (IAV) propagation and attenuate
      excessive pro-inflammatory responses are needed. Polysaccharide extract from
      Radix isatidis, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, exerted potent anti-IAV
      activity against human seasonal influenza viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and avian
      influenza viruses (H6N2 and H9N2) in vitro. The polysaccharides also
      significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6) and
      chemokines (IP-10, MIG, and CCL-5) stimulated by A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) at a range of
      doses (7.5 mg/mL, 15 mg/mL, and 30 mg/mL); however, they were only effective
      against progeny virus at a high dose. Similar activity was detected against
      inflammation induced by avian influenza virus H9N2. The polysaccharides strongly
      inhibited the protein expression of TLR-3 induced by PR8, suggesting that they
      impair the upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors induced by IAV by inhibiting
      activation of the TLR-3 signaling pathway. The polysaccharide extract from Radix
      isatidis root therefore has the potential to be used as an adjunct to antiviral
      therapy for the treatment of IAV infection.

PMID- 28085063
TI  - Retinoic Acid Protects and Rescues the Development of Zebrafish Embryonic Retinal
      Photoreceptor Cells from Exposure to Paclobutrazol.
AB  - Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a widely used fungicide that shows toxicity to aquatic
      embryos, probably through rain-wash. Here, we specifically focus on its toxic
      effect on eye development in zebrafish, as well as the role of retinoic acid
      (RA), a metabolite of vitamin A that controls proliferation and differentiation
      of retinal photoreceptor cells, in this toxicity. Embryos were exposed to PBZ
      with or without RA from 2 to 72 h post-fertilization (hpf), and PBZ-treated
      embryos (2-72 hpf) were exposed to RA for additional hours until 120 hpf. Eye
      size and histology were examined. Expression levels of gnat1 (rod photoreceptor
      marker), gnat2 (cone photoreceptor marker), aldehyde dehydrogenases (encoding key
      enzymes for RA synthesis), and phospho-histone H3 (an M-phase marker) in the eyes
      of control and treated embryos were examined. PBZ exposure dramatically reduces
      photoreceptor proliferation, thus resulting in a thinning of the photoreceptor
      cell layer and leading to a small eye. Co-treatment of PBZ with RA, or post
      treatment of PBZ-treated embryos with RA, partially rescues photoreceptor cells,
      revealed by expression levels of marker proteins and by retinal cell
      proliferation. PBZ has strong embryonic toxicity to retinal photoreceptors,
      probably via suppressing the production of RA, with effects including impaired
      retinal cell division.

PMID- 28085064
TI  - Antidiabetic, Lipid Normalizing, and Nephroprotective Actions of the Strawberry:
      A Potent Supplementary Fruit.
AB  - The study was designed to assess the effect of different strawberry extracts on
      glucose levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress in nicotinamide
      streptozotocin (NIC-STZ) induced diabetic rats. The associated changes were
      evaluated through biochemical, molecular, and histological assays. Diabetes was
      induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ to albino Wistar rats after treatment
      with nicotinamide. Aqueous, hydroalcoholic, and alcoholic strawberry extracts
      were administrated orally to diabetic rats. Treatment of strawberry extracts
      improved lipid profile, liver function, and serum creatinine and led to a
      significant increase in antioxidant status in diabetic rats. Real-time PCR
      expression analysis of genes from the liver of animals treated with strawberry
      extracts exhibited downregulation of several fatty acid synthesis genes,
      transcription factors, such as Sterol regulatory Element Binding Transcription
      factor (SREBP) and Nuclear Factor-kappabeta (NF-kappabeta), and inflammatory
      markers, like Interleukin 6 (IL6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
      Strawberry extracts also upregulated liver Peroxisome Proliferator Activated
      Receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). Histological examination confirmed the
      nephroprotective and beta-cell regeneration/protection effects of strawberry
      extracts. The present study demonstrates several beneficial effects of strawberry
      extracts along with its probable mechanism of action.

PMID- 28085065
TI  - Characterization of the Micromorphology and Topochemistry of Poplar Wood during
      Mild Ionic Liquid Pretreatment for Improving Enzymatic Saccharification.
AB  - Ionic liquids (ILs) as designer solvents have been applied in biomass
      pretreatment to increase cellulose accessibility and therefore improve the
      enzymatic hydrolysis. We investigated the characterization of the micromorphology
      and the topochemistry of poplar wood during 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate
      pretreatment with mild conditions (90  degrees C for 20 and 40 min) by multiple
      microscopic techniques (FE-SEM, CLSM, and CRM). Chemical composition analysis,
      XRD, cellulase adsorption isotherm, and enzymatic hydrolysis were also performed
      to monitor the variation of substrate properties. Our results indicated that the
      biomass conversion was greatly enhanced (from 20.57% to 73.64%) due to the cell
      wall deconstruction and lignin dissolution (29.83% lignin was removed after
      incubation for 40 min), rather than the decrystallization or crystallinity
      transformation of substrates. The mild ILs pretreatment, with less energy input,
      can not only enhance enzymatic hydrolysis, but also provide a potential approach
      as the first step in improving the sequential pretreatment effectiveness in
      integrated methods. This study provides new insights on understanding the ILs
      pretreatment with low temperature and short duration, which is critical for
      developing individual and/or combined pretreatment technologies with reduced
      energy consumption.

PMID- 28085066
TI  - Mutation-Structure-Function Relationship Based Integrated Strategy Reveals the
      Potential Impact of Deleterious Missense Mutations in Autophagy Related Proteins
      on Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): A Comprehensive Informatics Approach.
AB  - Autophagy, an evolutionary conserved multifaceted lysosome-mediated bulk
      degradation system, plays a vital role in liver pathologies including
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Post-translational modifications (PTMs) and
      genetic variations in autophagy components have emerged as significant
      determinants of autophagy related proteins. Identification of a comprehensive
      spectrum of genetic variations and PTMs of autophagy related proteins and their
      impact at molecular level will greatly expand our understanding of autophagy
      based regulation. In this study, we attempted to identify high risk missense
      mutations that are highly damaging to the structure as well as function of
      autophagy related proteins including LC3A, LC3B, BECN1 and SCD1. Number of
      putative structural and functional residues, including several sites that undergo
      PTMs were also identified. In total, 16 high-risk SNPs in LC3A, 18 in LC3B, 40 in
      BECN1 and 43 in SCD1 were prioritized. Out of these, 2 in LC3A (K49A, K51A), 1 in
      LC3B (S92C), 6 in BECN1 (S113R, R292C, R292H, Y338C, S346Y, Y352H) and 6 in SCD1
      (Y41C, Y55D, R131W, R135Q, R135W, Y151C) coincide with potential PTM sites. Our
      integrated analysis found LC3B Y113C, BECN1 I403T, SCD1 R126S and SCD1 Y218C as
      highly deleterious HCC-associated mutations. This study is the first extensive in
      silico mutational analysis of the LC3A, LC3B, BECN1 and SCD1 proteins. We hope
      that the observed results will be a valuable resource for in-depth mechanistic
      insight into future investigations of pathological missense SNPs using an
      integrated computational platform.

PMID- 28085067
TI  - The Impact of Heat Waves on Occurrence and Severity of Construction Accidents.
AB  - The impact of heat stress on human health has been extensively studied.
      Similarly, researchers have investigated the impact of heat stress on workers'
      health and safety. However, very little work has been done on the impact of heat
      stress on occupational accidents and their severity, particularly in South
      Australian construction. Construction workers are at high risk of injury due to
      heat stress as they often work outdoors, undertake hard manual work, and are
      often project based and sub-contracted. Little is known on how heat waves could
      impact on construction accidents and their severity. In order to provide more
      evidence for the currently limited number of empirical investigations on the
      impact of heat stress on accidents, this study analysed 29,438 compensation
      claims reported during 2002-2013 within the construction industry of South
      Australia. Claims reported during 29 heat waves in Adelaide were compared with
      control periods to elicit differences in the number of accidents reported and
      their severity. The results revealed that worker characteristics, type of work,
      work environment, and agency of accident mainly govern the severity. It is
      recommended that the implementation of adequate preventative measures in small
      sized companies and civil engineering sites, targeting mainly old age workers
      could be a priority for Work, Health and Safety (WHS) policies.

PMID- 28085070
TI  - Zinc as a Signal to Stimulate Red Blood Cell Formation in Fish.
AB  - The common carp can tolerate extremely low oxygen levels. These fish store zinc
      in a specific zinc-binding protein presented in digestive tract tissues, and
      under low oxygen, the stored zinc is released and used as a signal to stimulate
      erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation). To determine whether the environmental
      supply of zinc to other fish species can serve as a signal to induce
      erythropoiesis as in the common carp, head kidney cells of four different fish
      species were cultured with supplemental ZnCl2. Zinc stimulated approximately a
      three-fold increase in immature red blood cells (RBCs) in one day. The
      stimulation of erythropoiesis by zinc was dose-dependent. ZnSO4 solution was
      injected into an experimental blood loss tilapia model. Blood analysis and
      microscopic observation of the blood cells indicated that, in vivo, the presence
      of additional zinc induced erythropoiesis in the bled tilapia. In the fish
      species studied, zinc could be used as a signal to stimulate erythropoiesis both
      in vitro and in vivo. The present report suggests a possible approach for the
      induction of red blood cell formation in animals through the supply of a certain
      level of zinc through either diet or injection.

PMID- 28085071
TI  - Evaluation of the Performance of the Distributed Phased-MIMO Sonar.
AB  - A broadband signal model is proposed for a distributed multiple-input multiple
      output (MIMO) sonar system consisting of two transmitters and a receiving linear
      array. Transmitters are widely separated to illuminate the different aspects of
      an extended target of interest. The beamforming technique is utilized at the
      reception ends for enhancement of weak target echoes. A MIMO detector is designed
      with the estimated target position parameters within the general likelihood rate
      test (GLRT) framework. For the high signal-to-noise ratio case, the detection
      performance of the MIMO system is better than that of the phased-array system in
      the numerical simulations and the tank experiments. The robustness of the
      distributed phased-MIMO sonar system is further demonstrated in localization of a
      target in at-lake experiments.

PMID- 28085069
TI  - Pathophysiology and the Monitoring Methods for Cardiac Arrest Associated Brain
      Injury.
AB  - Cardiac arrest (CA) is a well-known cause of global brain ischemia. After CA and
      subsequent loss of consciousness, oxygen tension starts to decline and leads to a
      series of cellular changes that will lead to cellular death, if not reversed
      immediately, with brain edema as a result. The electroencephalographic activity
      starts to change as well. Although increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is not a
      direct result of cardiac arrest, it can still occur due to hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy induced changes in brain tissue, and is a measure of brain edema
      after CA and ischemic brain injury. In this review, we will discuss the
      pathophysiology of brain edema after CA, some available techniques, and methods
      to monitor brain oxygen, electroencephalography (EEG), ICP (intracranial
      pressure), and microdialysis on its measurement of cerebral metabolism and its
      usefulness both in clinical practice and possible basic science research in
      development. With this review, we hope to gain knowledge of the more personalized
      information about patient status and specifics of their brain injury, and thus
      facilitating the physicians' decision making in terms of which treatments to
      pursue.

PMID- 28085072
TI  - Incidence and Simple Prediction Model of Hyperuricemia for Urban Han Chinese
      Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia (HUA) contributes to gout and many other diseases. Many
      hyperuricemia-related risk factors have been discovered, which provided the
      possibility for building the hyperuricemia prediction model. In this study we
      aimed to explore the incidence of hyperuricemia and develop hyperuricemia
      prediction models based on the routine biomarkers for both males and females in
      urban Han Chinese adults. METHODS: A cohort of 58,542 members of the urban
      population (34,980 males and 23,562 females) aged 20-80 years old, free of
      hyperuricemia at baseline examination, was followed up for a median 2.5 years.
      The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to develop gender-specific
      prediction models. Harrell's C-statistics was used to evaluate the discrimination
      ability of the models, and the 10-fold cross-validation was used to validate the
      models. RESULTS: In 7139 subjects (5585 males and 1554 females), hyperuricemia
      occurred during a median of 2.5 years of follow-up, leading to a total incidence
      density of 49.63/1000 person years (64.62/1000 person years for males and
      27.12/1000 person years for females). The predictors of hyperuricemia were age,
      body mass index (BMI) systolic blood pressure, serum uric acid for males, and
      BMI, systolic blood pressure, serum uric acid, triglycerides for females. The
      models' C statistics were 0.783 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.779-0.786) for
      males and 0.784 (95% CI, 0.778-0.789) for females. After 10-fold cross
      validation, the C statistics were still steady, with 0.782 for males and 0.783
      for females. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, gender-specific prediction models for
      hyperuricemia for urban Han Chinese adults were developed and performed well.

PMID- 28085073
TI  - Synthetic Strategies for Peroxide Ring Construction in Artemisinin.
AB  - The present review summarizes publications on the artemisinin peroxide fragment
      synthesis from 1983 to 2016. The data are classified according to the structures
      of a precursor used in the key peroxidation step of artemisinin peroxide cycle
      synthesis. The first part of the review comprises the construction of artemisinin
      peroxide fragment in total syntheses, in which peroxide artemisinin ring resulted
      from reactions of unsaturated keto derivatives with singlet oxygen or ozone. In
      the second part, the methods of artemisinin synthesis based on transformations of
      dihydroartemisinic acid are highlighted.

PMID- 28085074
TI  - The Impact of Efflux Pump Inhibitors on the Activity of Selected Non-Antibiotic
      Medicinal Products against Gram-Negative Bacteria.
AB  - The potential role of non-antibiotic medicinal products in the treatment of
      multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria has recently been investigated. It is
      highly likely that the presence of efflux pumps may be one of the reasons for the
      weak activity of non-antibiotics, as in the case of some non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), against Gram-negative rods. The activity of eight
      drugs of potential non-antibiotic activity, active substance standards, and
      relevant medicinal products were analysed with and without of efflux pump
      inhibitors against 180 strains of five Gram-negative rod species by minimum
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) value determination in the presence of 1 mM MgSO4.
      Furthermore, the influence of non-antibiotics on the susceptibility of clinical
      strains to quinolones with or without PAbetaN (Phe-Arg-beta-naphthylamide) was
      investigated. The impacts of PAbetaN on the susceptibility of bacteria to non
      antibiotics suggests that amitriptyline, alendronate, nicergoline, and
      ticlopidine are substrates of efflux pumps in Gram-negative rods.
      Amitriptyline/Amitriptylinum showed the highest direct antibacterial activity,
      with MICs ranging 100-800 mg/L against all studied species. Significant decreases
      in the MIC values of other active substances (acyclovir, atorvastatin, and
      famotidine) tested with pump inhibitors were not observed. The investigated non
      antibiotic medicinal products did not alter the MICs of quinolones in the absence
      and in the presence of PAbetaN to the studied clinical strains of five groups of
      species.

PMID- 28085075
TI  - Preclinical Study of Antineoplastic Sinoporphyrin Sodium-PDT via In Vitro and In
      Vivo Models.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) investigations have seen stable increases and the
      development of new photosensitizers is a heated topic. Sinoporphyrin sodium is a
      new photosensitizer isolated from Photofrin. This article evaluated its
      anticancer effects by clonogenic assays, MTT assays and xenograft experiments in
      comparison to Photofrin. The clonogenicity inhibition rates of sinoporphyrin
      sodium-PDT towards four human cancer cell lines ranged from 85.5% to 94.2% at 0.5
      MUg/mL under 630 nm irradiation of 30 mW/cm2 for 180 s. For MTT assays, the IC50
      ranges of Photofrin-PDT and sinoporphyrin sodium-PDT towards human cancer cells
      were 0.3 MUg/mL to 5.5 MUg/mL and 0.1 MUg/mL to 0.8 MUg/mL under the same
      irradiation conditions, respectively. The IC50 values of Photofrin-PDT and
      sinoporphyrin sodium-PDT towards human skin cells, HaCaT, were 10 MUg/mL and 1.0
      MUg/mL, respectively. Esophagus carcinoma and hepatoma xenograft models were
      established to evaluate the in vivo antineoplastic efficacy. A control group,
      Photofrin-PDT group (20 mg/kg) and sinoporphyrin sodium group at three doses, 0.5
      mg/kg, 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg, were set. Mice were injected with photosensitizers 24
      h before 60 J 630 nm laser irradiation. The tumor weight inhibition ratio of 2
      mg/kg sinoporphyrin sodium-PDT reached approximately 90%. Besides, the tumor
      growths were significantly slowed down by 2 mg/kg sinoporphyrin sodium-PDT, which
      was equivalent to 20 mg/kg Photofrin-PDT. In sum, sinoporphyrin sodium-PDT showed
      great anticancer efficacy and with a smaller dose compared with Photofrin.
      Further investigations are warranted.

PMID- 28085076
TI  - Antioxidant and Anti-Osteoporotic Activities of Aromatic Compounds and Sterols
      from Hericium erinaceum.
AB  - Hericium erinaceum, commonly called lion's mane mushroom, is a traditional edible
      mushroom widely used in culinary applications and herbal medicines in East Asian
      countries. In this study, a new sterol, cerevisterol 6-cinnamate (6), was
      isolated from the fruiting bodies of H. erinaceum together with five aromatic
      compounds 1-5 and five sterols 7-11. The chemical structures of these compounds
      were elucidated using chemical and physical methods and comparison of HRESIMS, 1D
      NMR (1H, 13C, and DEPT) and 2D-NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) spectra with
      previously reported data. The antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic activities of
      extracts and the isolated compounds 1-11 were investigated. All compounds
      exhibited peroxyl radical-scavenging capacity but only compounds 1, 3, and 4
      showed potent reducing capacity. Moreover, compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 showed
      moderate effects on cellular antioxidant activity and inhibited the receptor
      activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastic
      differentiation. These results suggested that H. erinaceum could be utilized in
      the development of natural antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic nutraceuticals and
      functional foods.

PMID- 28085077
TI  - 13C-NMR Spectral Data of Alkaloids Isolated from Psychotria Species (Rubiaceae).
AB  - The genus Psychotria (Rubiaceae) comprises more than 2000 species, mainly found
      in tropical and subtropical forests. Several studies have been conducted
      concerning their chemical compositions, showing that this genus is a potential
      source of alkaloids. At least 70 indole alkaloids have been identified from this
      genus so far. This review aimed to compile 13C-NMR data of alkaloids isolated
      from the genus Psychotria as well as describe the main spectral features of
      different skeletons.

PMID- 28085079
TI  - Synthetic Approaches to Mono- and Bicyclic Perortho-Esters with a Central 1,2,4
      Trioxane Ring as the Privileged Lead Structure in Antimalarial and Antitumor
      Active Peroxides and Clarification of the Peroxide Relevance.
AB  - The synthesis of 4-styryl-substituted 2,3,8-trioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes,
      peroxides with the core structure of the bioactive 1,2,4-trioxane ring, was
      conducted by a multistep route starting from the aryl methyl ketones 1a-1c.
      Condensation and reduction/oxidation delivered enals 4a-4c that were coupled with
      ethyl acetate and reduced to the 1,3-diol substrates 6a-6c. Highly
      diastereoselective photooxygenation delivered the hydroperoxides 7a-7c and
      subsequent PPTS (pyridinium-p-toluenesulfonic acid)-catalyzed peroxyacetalization
      with alkyl triorthoacetates gave the cyclic peroxides 8a-8e. These compounds in
      general show only moderate antimalarial activities. In order to extend the
      repertoire of cyclic peroxide structure, we aimed for the synthesis of spiro
      perorthocarbonates from orthoester condensation of beta-hydroxy hydroperoxide 9
      but could only realize the monocyclic perorthocarbonate 10. That the central
      peroxide moiety is the key structural motif in anticancer active GST (glutathione
      S-transferase)-inhibitors was elucidated by the synthesis of a 1,3-dioxane 15
      with a similar substitution pattern as the pharmacologically active peroxide 11
      via a singlet oxygen ene route from the homoallylic alcohol 12.

PMID- 28085080
TI  - Exosomes in Cancer Diagnostics.
AB  - Exosomes are endosome derived extracellular vesicles of 30-120 nm size ranges.
      Exosomes have been identified as mediators of cell-to-cell communication by
      transferring bioactive molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids into
      recipient cells. While exosomes are secreted by multiple cell types, cancer
      derived exosomes not only influence the invasive potentials of proximally located
      cells, but also affect distantly located tissues. Based on their ability to alter
      tumor microenvironment by regulating immunity, angiogenesis and metastasis, there
      has been growing interest in defining the clinical relevance of exosomes in
      cancers. In particular, exosomes are valuable sources for biomarkers due to
      selective cargo loading and resemblance to their parental cells. In this review,
      we summarize the recent findings to utilize exosomes as cancer biomarkers for
      early detection, diagnosis and therapy selection.

PMID- 28085081
TI  - On Connectivity of Wireless Sensor Networks with Directional Antennas.
AB  - In this paper, we investigate the network connectivity of wireless sensor
      networks with directional antennas. In particular, we establish a general
      framework to analyze the network connectivity while considering various antenna
      models and the channel randomness. Since existing directional antenna models have
      their pros and cons in the accuracy of reflecting realistic antennas and the
      computational complexity, we propose a new analytical directional antenna model
      called the iris model to balance the accuracy against the complexity. We conduct
      extensive simulations to evaluate the analytical framework. Our results show that
      our proposed analytical model on the network connectivity is accurate, and our
      iris antenna model can provide a better approximation to realistic directional
      antennas than other existing antenna models.

PMID- 28085083
TI  - Morphological Characteristics of Terminalia of the Wasp-Mimicking Fly, Stomorhina
      discolor (Fabricius).
AB  - Stomorhina discolor (Fabricius), a species of blow fly that mimics wasps, is
      distributed worldwide, but detailed information about characteristics of its
      adult terminalia is incomplete. To help fill this gap in the information, the
      morphology of adult stages of S. discolor was investigated using light microscopy
      and scanning electron microscopy. Observations using the light microscope
      revealed unique characteristics of the male genitalia that are markedly different
      from other blow fly species. More morphological detail, including observation of
      several sensilla (e.g., sensilla trichoid and sensilla basiconica) along the male
      terminalia and female ovipositor, was seen under the scanning electron
      microscope. These details can be taxonomically valuable for identifying males and
      females of S. discolor and may help address matters concerning copulation in this
      species.

PMID- 28085084
TI  - Efficient DV-HOP Localization for Wireless Cyber-Physical Social Sensing System:
      A Correntropy-Based Neural Network Learning Scheme.
AB  - Integrating wireless sensor network (WSN) into the emerging computing paradigm,
      e.g., cyber-physical social sensing (CPSS), has witnessed a growing interest, and
      WSN can serve as a social network while receiving more attention from the social
      computing research field. Then, the localization of sensor nodes has become an
      essential requirement for many applications over WSN. Meanwhile, the localization
      information of unknown nodes has strongly affected the performance of WSN. The
      received signal strength indication (RSSI) as a typical range-based algorithm for
      positioning sensor nodes in WSN could achieve accurate location with hardware
      saving, but is sensitive to environmental noises. Moreover, the original distance
      vector hop (DV-HOP) as an important range-free localization algorithm is simple,
      inexpensive and not related to the environment factors, but performs poorly when
      lacking anchor nodes. Motivated by these, various improved DV-HOP schemes with
      RSSI have been introduced, and we present a new neural network (NN)-based node
      localization scheme, named RHOP-ELM-RCC, through the use of DV-HOP, RSSI and a
      regularized correntropy criterion (RCC)-based extreme learning machine (ELM)
      algorithm (ELM-RCC). Firstly, the proposed scheme employs both RSSI and DV-HOP to
      evaluate the distances between nodes to enhance the accuracy of distance
      estimation at a reasonable cost. Then, with the help of ELM featured with a fast
      learning speed with a good generalization performance and minimal human
      intervention, a single hidden layer feedforward network (SLFN) on the basis of
      ELM-RCC is used to implement the optimization task for obtaining the location of
      unknown nodes. Since the RSSI may be influenced by the environmental noises and
      may bring estimation error, the RCC instead of the mean square error (MSE)
      estimation, which is sensitive to noises, is exploited in ELM. Hence, it may make
      the estimation more robust against outliers. Additionally, the least square
      estimation (LSE) in ELM is replaced by the half-quadratic optimization technique.
      Simulation results show that our proposed scheme outperforms other traditional
      localization schemes.

PMID- 28085082
TI  - Use of Saliva Biomarkers to Monitor Efficacy of Vitamin C in Exercise-Induced
      Oxidative Stress.
AB  - Saliva is easily obtainable for medical research and requires little effort or
      training for collection. Because saliva contains a variety of biological
      compounds, including vitamin C, malondialdehyde, amylase, and proteomes, it has
      been successfully used as a biospecimen for the reflection of health status. A
      popular topic of discussion in medical research is the potential association
      between oxidative stress and negative outcomes. Systemic biomarkers that
      represent oxidative stress can be found in saliva. It is unclear, however, if
      saliva is an accurate biospecimen as is blood and/or plasma. Exercise can induce
      oxidative stress, resulting in a trend of antioxidant supplementation to combat
      its assumed detriments. Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant supplement in the
      realm of sports and exercise. One potential avenue for evaluating exercise
      induced oxidative stress is through assessment of biomarkers like vitamin C and
      malondialdehyde in saliva. At present, limited research has been done in this
      area. The current state of research involving exercise-induced oxidative stress,
      salivary biomarkers, and vitamin C supplementation is reviewed in this article.

PMID- 28085085
TI  - Wearable Sensors for Remote Health Monitoring.
AB  - Life expectancy in most countries has been increasing continually over the
      several few decades thanks to significant improvements in medicine, public
      health, as well as personal and environmental hygiene. However, increased life
      expectancy combined with falling birth rates are expected to engender a large
      aging demographic in the near future that would impose significant  burdens on
      the socio-economic structure of these countries. Therefore, it is essential to
      develop cost-effective, easy-to-use systems for the sake of elderly healthcare
      and well-being. Remote health monitoring, based on non-invasive and wearable
      sensors, actuators and modern communication and information technologies offers
      an efficient and cost-effective solution that allows the elderly to continue to
      live in their comfortable home environment instead of expensive healthcare
      facilities. These systems will also allow healthcare personnel to monitor
      important physiological signs of their patients in real time, assess health
      conditions and provide feedback from distant facilities. In this paper, we have
      presented and compared several low-cost and non-invasive health and activity
      monitoring systems that were reported in recent years. A survey on textile-based
      sensors that can potentially be used in wearable systems is also presented.
      Finally, compatibility of several communication technologies as well as future
      perspectives and research challenges in remote monitoring systems will be
      discussed.

PMID- 28085087
TI  - Analysis of Ionospheric Scintillation Characteristics in Sub-Antarctica Region
      with GNSS Data at Macquarie Island.
AB  - Ionospheric scintillation has a great impact on radio propagation and electronic
      system performance, thus is extensively studied currently. The influence of
      scintillation on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is particularly
      evident, making GNSS an effective medium to study characteristics of
      scintillation. Ionospheric scintillation varies greatly in relation with temporal
      and spatial distribution. In this paper, both temporal and spatial
      characteristics of scintillation are investigated based on Macquarie Island's
      GNSS scintillation data collected from 2011 to 2015. Experiments demonstrate that
      occurrence rates of amplitude scintillation have a close relationship with solar
      activity, while phase scintillation is more likely to be generated by geomagnetic
      activity. In addition, scintillation distribution behaviors related to elevation
      and azimuth angles are statistically analyzed for both amplitude and phase
      scintillation. The proposed work is valuable for a deeper understanding of
      theoretical mechanisms of ionospheric scintillation in this region, and provides
      a reference for GNSS applications in certain regions around sub-Antarctica.

PMID- 28085088
TI  - Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based Immunoassay Technologies for Detection of
      Disease Biomarkers.
AB  - Detection of biomarkers is of vital importance in disease detection, management,
      and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. Extensive efforts have been devoted to
      the development of novel diagnostic methods that detect and quantify biomarkers
      with higher sensitivity and reliability, contributing to better disease diagnosis
      and prognosis. When it comes to such devastating diseases as cancer, these novel
      powerful methods allow for disease staging as well as detection of cancer at very
      early stages. Over the past decade, there have been some advances in the
      development of platforms for biomarker detection of diseases. The main focus has
      recently shifted to the development of simple and reliable diagnostic tests that
      are inexpensive, accurate, and can follow a patient's disease progression and
      therapy response. The individualized approach in biomarker detection has been
      also emphasized with detection of multiple biomarkers in body fluids such as
      blood and urine. This review article covers the developments in Surface-Enhanced
      Raman Scattering (SERS) and related technologies with the primary focus on
      immunoassays. Limitations and advantages of the SERS-based immunoassay platform
      are discussed. The article thoroughly describes all components of the SERS
      immunoassay and highlights the superior capabilities of SERS readout strategy
      such as high sensitivity and simultaneous detection of a multitude of biomarkers.
      Finally, it introduces recently developed strategies for in vivo biomarker
      detection using SERS.

PMID- 28085089
TI  - Sex Differences in Neuromuscular Fatigability of the Knee Extensors Post-Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the implications of optimizing strength training
      post-stroke, little is known about the differences in fatigability between men
      and women with chronic stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the sex
      differences in knee extensor muscle fatigability and potential mechanisms in
      individuals with stroke. METHODS: Eighteen participants (10 men, eight women)
      with chronic stroke (>=6 months) and 23 (12 men, 11 women) nonstroke controls
      participated in the study. Participants performed an intermittent isometric
      contraction task (6 s contraction, 3 s rest) at 30% of maximal voluntary
      contraction (MVC) torque until failure to maintain the target torque.
      Electromyography was used to determine muscle activation and contractile
      properties were assessed with electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscles.
      RESULTS: Individuals with stroke had a briefer task duration (greater
      fatigability) than nonstroke individuals (24.1 +/- 17 min vs. 34.9 +/- 16 min).
      Men were more fatigable than women for both nonstroke controls and individuals
      with stroke (17.9 +/- 9 min vs. 41.6 +/- 15 min). Individuals with stroke had
      less fatigue-related changes in muscle contractile properties and women with
      stroke differed in their muscle activation strategy during the fatiguing
      contractions. CONCLUSIONS: Men and women fatigue differently post-stroke and this
      may be due to the way they neurally activate muscle groups.

PMID- 28085090
TI  - Measurement of the Ecological Integrity of Cerrado Streams Using Biological
      Metrics and the Index of Habitat Integrity.
AB  - Generally, aquatic communities reflect the effects of anthropogenic changes such
      as deforestation or organic pollution. The Cerrado stands among the most
      threatened ecosystems by human activities in Brazil. In order to evaluate the
      ecological integrity of the streams in a preserved watershed in the Northern
      Cerrado biome corresponding to a mosaic of ecosystems in transition to the
      Amazonia biome in Brazil, biological metrics related to diversity, structure, and
      sensitivity of aquatic macroinvertebrates were calculated. Sampling included
      collections along stretches of 200 m of nine streams and measurements of abiotic
      variables (temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids,
      dissolved oxygen, and discharge) and the Index of Habitat Integrity (HII). The
      values of the abiotic variables and the HII indicated that most of the streams
      have good ecological integrity, due to high oxygen levels and low concentrations
      of dissolved solids and electric conductivity. Two streams showed altered HII
      scores mainly related to small dams for recreational and domestic use, use of
      Cerrado natural pasture for cattle raising, and spot deforestation in bathing
      areas. However, this finding is not reflected in the biological metrics that were
      used. Considering all nine streams, only two showed satisfactory ecological
      quality (measured by Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP), total richness,
      and EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) richness), only one of which
      had a low HII score. These results indicate that punctual measures of abiotic
      parameters do not reveal the long-term impacts of anthropic activities in these
      streams, including related fire management of pasture that annually alters the
      vegetation matrix and may act as a disturbance for the macroinvertebrate
      communities. Due to this, biomonitoring of low order streams in Cerrado
      ecosystems of the Northern Central Brazil by different biotic metrics and also
      physical attributes of the riparian zone such as HII is recommended for the
      monitoring and control of anthropic impacts on aquatic communities.

PMID- 28085091
TI  - Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists with Respect to the Risks of Blood-Borne
      Pathogens-A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland.
AB  - Background: To analyze dentists' knowledge of blood-borne infections, their
      attitudes towards infected patients, and to determine the frequency of the
      contact with infectious material; Methods: We surveyed 192 dentists using an
      anonymous questionnaire. Results: Only a quarter of dentists responded correctly
      to all questions. 96% of the examined dentists confirmed that they were more
      cautious during treatment of patients with HBV, HCV and HIV. 25% of all
      respondents refuse to help infected patients due to concerns about their own
      health. The dentists occasionally removed protective clothing to make it "easier"
      to perform specific procedures. The dentists experienced contact with infectious
      material most frequently by splashes onto the conjunctiva or as a result of
      superficial injuries. The risk of injury by a medical tool increased with the
      years of employment. Re-capping needles was associated with an increased risk of
      injury; Conclusions: Despite the widespread tolerance of people infected with
      blood-borne viruses and the well-proven low infection risk to medical personnel,
      dentists continue to be prejudiced and concerned about their own health and may
      refuse to treat infected patients. It may be assumed that the proportion of
      refusing treatment is even greater. This attitude should imply the implementation
      of training in the field of pathogen transmission and the real risk of infection.

PMID- 28085092
TI  - New Synthesis, Structure and Analgesic Properties of Methyl 1-R-4-Methyl-2,2
      Dioxo-1H-2lambda6,1-Benzothiazine-3-Carboxylates.
AB  - According to the principles of the methodology of bioisosteric replacements a
      series of methyl 1-R-4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2lambda6,1-benzothiazine-3
      carboxylates has been obtained as potential analgesics. In addition, a
      fundamentally new strategy for the synthesis of compounds of this chemical class
      involving the introduction of N-alkyl substituent at the final stage in 2,1
      benzothiazine nucleus already formed has been proposed. Using nuclear magnetic
      resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis it
      has been proven that in the DMSO/K2CO3 system the reaction of methyl 4-methyl-2,2
      dioxo-1H-2lambda6,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylate and alkyl halides leads to
      formation of N-substituted derivatives with good yields regardless of the
      structure of the alkylating agent. The peculiarities of NMR (1N and 13S) spectra
      of the compounds synthesized, their mass spectrometric behavior and the spatial
      structure are discussed. In N-benzyl derivative the ability to form a monosolvate
      with methanol has been found. According to the results of the pharmacological
      testing conducted on the model of the thermal tail-flick it has been determined
      that replacement of 4-ON-group in methyl 1-R-4-hydroxy-2,2-dioxo-1H-2lambda6,1
      benzothiazine-3-carboxylates for the methyl group is actually bioisosteric since
      all methyl 1-R-4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2lambda6,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylates
      synthesized demonstrated a statistically significant analgesic effect. The
      majority of the substances can inhibit the thermal pain response much more
      effective than piroxicam in the same dose. Under the same conditions as an
      analgesic the N-methyl-substituted analog exceeds not only piroxicam, but more
      active meloxicam as well. Therefore, it deserves in-depth biological studies on
      other experimental models.

PMID- 28085095
TI  - Erratum: Pan Y. et al. Cucumber Metallothionein-Like 2 (CsMTL2) Exhibits Metal
      Binding Properties. Genes 2016, 7, 106.
AB  - n/a.

PMID- 28085094
TI  - New Immunotherapy Strategies in Breast Cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Therapeutic
      treatments for breast cancer generally include surgery, chemotherapy,
      radiotherapy, endocrinotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. With the
      development of molecular biology, immunology and pharmacogenomics, immunotherapy
      becomes a promising new field in breast cancer therapies. In this review, we
      discussed recent progress in breast cancer immunotherapy, including cancer
      vaccines, bispecific antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Several
      additional immunotherapy modalities in early stages of development are also
      highlighted. It is believed that these new immunotherapeutic strategies will
      ultimately change the current status of breast cancer therapies.

PMID- 28085096
TI  - Assessment of the Sustainability of the Mediterranean Diet Combined with Organic
      Food Consumption: An Individual Behaviour Approach.
AB  - Mediterranean diets are promising sustainable food models and the organic food
      system may provide health and environmental benefits. Combining the two models
      could therefore be a favourable approach for food sustainability. The aim of this
      study was to draw up a comparative description of four diets differing in the
      level of organic foods consumption and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet,
      using multidisciplinary indicators to assess the sustainability of these diets.
      Four groups of participants were defined and compared, combining the proportion
      of organic food in their diet (Org versus Conv) and the adherence to the
      Mediterranean diet (Med versus NoMed). Conv-NoMed: Conventional consumers and non
      Mediterranean diet followers; Conv-Med: Conventional consumers and Mediterranean
      diet followers; Org-NoMed: Organic consumers and non-Mediterranean diet
      followers; Org-Med: Organic consumers and Mediterranean diet followers. The
      adherence to nutritional recommendations was higher among the Org-Med and Conv
      Med groups compared to the Conv-NoMed group (using the mPNNS-GS (modified
      Programme National nutrition sante guidelines score/13.5 points): 9.29 (95%
      confidence intervals (CI) = 9.23-9.36) and 9.30 (95% CI = 9.24-9.35) versus 8.19
      (95% CI = 8.17-8.22)) respectively. The mean plant/animal protein intake ratio
      was 1.38 (95% CI = 1.01-1.74) for the Org-Med group versus 0.44 (95% CI = 0.28
      0.60) for the Conv-NoMed group. The average cost of the diet of Org-Med
      participants was the highest: 11.43 ?/day (95% CI = 11.34-11.52). This study
      highlighted the importance of promoting the Mediterranean diet combined with
      organic food consumption for individual health and environmental aspects but
      challenges with regard to the cost remain.

PMID- 28085097
TI  - Adaptive Information Dissemination Control to Provide Diffdelay for the Internet
      of Things.
AB  - Applications running on the Internet of Things, such as the Wireless Sensor and
      Actuator Networks (WSANs) platform, generally have different quality of service
      (QoS) requirements. For urgent events, it is crucial that information be reported
      to the actuator quickly, and the communication cost is the second factor.
      However, for interesting events, communication costs, network lifetime and time
      all become important factors. In most situations, these different requirements
      cannot be satisfied simultaneously. In this paper, an adaptive communication
      control based on a differentiated delay (ACCDS) scheme is proposed to resolve
      this conflict. In an ACCDS, source nodes of events adaptively send various
      searching actuators routings (SARs) based on the degree of sensitivity to delay
      while maintaining the network lifetime. For a delay-sensitive event, the source
      node sends a large number of SARs to actuators to identify and inform the
      actuators in an extremely short time; thus, action can be taken quickly but at
      higher communication costs. For delay-insensitive events, the source node sends
      fewer SARs to reduce communication costs and improve network lifetime. Therefore,
      an ACCDS can meet the QoS requirements of different events using a differentiated
      delay framework. Theoretical analysis simulation results indicate that an ACCDS
      provides delay and communication costs and differentiated services; an ACCDS
      scheme can reduce the network delay by 11.111%-53.684% for a delay-sensitive
      event and reduce the communication costs by 5%-22.308% for interesting events,
      and reduce the network lifetime by about 28.713%.

PMID- 28085098
TI  - Health Benefits of Urban Allotment Gardening: Improved Physical and Psychological
      Well-Being and Social Integration.
AB  - With an ever-increasing urban population, promoting public health and well-being
      in towns and cities is a major challenge. Previous research has suggested that
      participating in allotment gardening delivers a wide range of health benefits.
      However, evidence from quantitative analyses is still scarce. Here, we quantify
      the effects, if any, of participating in allotment gardening on physical,
      psychological and social health. A questionnaire survey of 332 people was
      performed in Tokyo, Japan. We compared five self-reported health outcomes between
      allotment gardeners and non-gardener controls: perceived general health,
      subjective health complaints, body mass index (BMI), mental health and social
      cohesion. Accounting for socio-demographic and lifestyle variables, regression
      models revealed that allotment gardeners, compared to non-gardeners, reported
      better perceived general health, subjective health complaints, mental health and
      social cohesion. BMI did not differ between gardeners and non-gardeners. Neither
      frequency nor duration of gardening significantly influenced reported health
      outcomes. Our results highlight that regular gardening on allotment sites is
      associated with improved physical, psychological and social health. With the
      recent escalation in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and associated
      healthcare costs, this study has a major implication for policy, as it suggests
      that urban allotments have great potential for preventative healthcare.

PMID- 28085099
TI  - Natural Products and Inflammation.
AB  - n/a.

PMID- 28085100
TI  - Effects of Ambient Fine Particles PM2.5 on Human HaCaT Cells.
AB  - The current study was conducted to observe the effects of fine particulate matter
      (PM2.5) on human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) cells. The potential mechanism
      linking PM2.5 and skin was explored. HaCaT cells were cultured and then accessed
      in plate with PM2.5. Cell viability was tested by Cell Counting Kit-8. The mRNA
      and protein expression of Filaggrin, Loricrin, Involucrin, and Repetin were
      analyzed. The levels of Granulocyte-macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor, Thymic
      Stromal Lymphopoietin, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Interleukin-1alpha, and
      Interleukin-8 were detected in the supernatant of the HaCaT cell with enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay kits. Cell viability decreased with the increase in
      PM2.5. Compared with the control group, the protein expression of Filaggrin,
      Repetin, Involucrin, and Loricrin showed different expression patterns in PM2.5
      treatment groups. The level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Thymic Stromal
      Lymphopoietin, Interleukin-1alpha, and Interleukin-8 significantly increased in
      the cells treated with PM2.5. Ambient PM2.5 may increase the risk of eczema and
      other skin diseases. The relative mechanism may be associated with the impairment
      of the skin barrier and the elevation of inflammatory responses.

PMID- 28085101
TI  - Shp2 Inhibits Proliferation of Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer via
      Dephosphorylation of Stat3.
AB  - Shp2 (Src-homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2) was originally reported as
      an oncogene in kinds of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. However,
      recent studies indicated that Shp2 may act as tumor suppressors in several tumor
      types. We investigated the function of Shp2 in esophageal squamous cell cancer
      (ESCC). The expression level of Shp2 was analyzed in tumor tissues in comparison
      with adjacent normal tissues of ESCC patients by immunohistochemistry and Western
      blot. Shp2 was knocked down by Short hairpin RNA to evaluate its function in ESCC
      cell lines. The relationship between Shp2 and p-Stat3 (signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3) in human ESCC tissues was statistically examined. A
      significant low expression of Shp2 was found in ESCC tissues. Low expression of
      Shp2 was related to poorer overall survival in patients from The Cancer Genome
      Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Knockdown of Shp2 increased the growth of ESCC cell lines
      both in vivo and vitro. Activation of Stat3 (p-Stat3) was induced by Shp2
      depletion. Expression of p-Stat3 was negatively correlated with Shp2 expression
      in ESCC tissues. Furthermore, knockdown of Shp2 attenuated cisplatin-sensitivity
      of ESCC cells. Shp2 might suppress the proliferation of ESCC by dephosphorylation
      of p-Stat3 and represents a novel research field for targeted therapy.

PMID- 28085102
TI  - Impact of Dental Fluorosis, Socioeconomic Status and Self-Perception in
      Adolescents Exposed to a High Level of Fluoride in Water.
AB  - Objective: To identify adolescents' self-perception of dental fluorosis from two
      areas with different socioeconomic levels. Methods: A cross-sectional,
      descriptive study was conducted with 15-year-old youths by applying a
      questionnaire designed and validated to assess self-perceptions of dental
      fluorosis in two areas with different socioeconomic statuses (SESs). Fluorosis
      was clinically evaluated by applying the Thylstrup and Fejerkov (TF) index on the
      upper front teeth. Results: A total of 308 adolescents were included in the
      study. The medium-SES population, which was exposed to 2.5 ppm of fluoride in
      water, and the low-SES population, which was exposed to 5.1 ppm, presented the
      following levels of dental fluorosis: TF 2-3 (50%), TF 4-5 (45.6%) and TF 6-7
      (4.4%) for medium SES and TF 2-3 (12.3%), TF 4-5 (67.1%) and TF 67 (20.6%) for
      low SES. A significant association was found between self-perception and dental
      fluorosis in those with medium and low SESs (p < 0.05). The multiple regression
      model found differences between TF levels and self-perception, with a 6-7 TF
      level for concerns about color (OR = 1.6), smile (OR = 1.2) and appearance (OR =
      3.36). Conclusions: Self-perceptions of dental fluorosis affect adolescents such
      that adolescents with a medium SES have more negative perceptions than those with
      a low SES. Such perceptions increase as the TF index increases.

PMID- 28085103
TI  - A Cytotoxic and Anti-inflammatory Campesterol Derivative from Genetically
      Transformed Hairy Roots of Lopezia racemosa Cav. (Onagraceae).
AB  - The genetically transformed hairy root line LRT 7.31 obtained by infecting leaf
      explants of Lopezia racemosa Cav with the Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain
      ATCC15834/pTDT, was evaluated to identify the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic
      compounds reported previously for the wild plant. After several subcultures of
      the LRT 7.31 line, the bio-guided fractionation of the dichloromethane-methanol
      (1:1) extract obtained from dry biomass afforded a fraction that showed important
      in vivo anti-inflammatory, and in vitro cytotoxic activities. Chemical separation
      of the active fraction allowed us to identify the triterpenes ursolic (1) and
      oleanolic (2) acids, and (23R)-2alpha,3beta,23,28-tetrahydroxy-14,15
      dehydrocampesterol (3) as the anti-inflammatory principles of the active
      fraction. A new molecule 3 was characterized by spectroscopic analysis of its
      tetraacetate derivative 3a. This compound was not described in previous reports
      of callus cultures, in vitro germinated seedlings and wild plant extracts of
      whole L. racemosa plants. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities
      displayed by the fraction are associated to the presence of compounds 1-3. The
      present study reports the obtaining of the transformed hairy roots, the bioguided
      isolation of the new molecule 3, and its structure characterization.

PMID- 28085104
TI  - Mercury Exposure and Heart Diseases.
AB  - Environmental contamination has exposed humans to various metal agents, including
      mercury. It has been determined that mercury is not only harmful to the health of
      vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children, but is also toxic to
      ordinary adults in various ways. For many years, mercury was used in a wide
      variety of human activities. Nowadays, the exposure to this metal from both
      natural and artificial sources is significantly increasing. Recent studies
      suggest that chronic exposure, even to low concentration levels of mercury, can
      cause cardiovascular, reproductive, and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity,
      nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. Possible biological effects
      of mercury, including the relationship between mercury toxicity and diseases of
      the cardiovascular system, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and
      myocardial infarction, are being studied. As heart rhythm and function are under
      autonomic nervous system control, it has been hypothesized that the neurotoxic
      effects of mercury might also impact cardiac autonomic function. Mercury exposure
      could have a long-lasting effect on cardiac parasympathetic activity and some
      evidence has shown that mercury exposure might affect heart rate variability,
      particularly early exposures in children. The mechanism by which mercury produces
      toxic effects on the cardiovascular system is not fully elucidated, but this
      mechanism is believed to involve an increase in oxidative stress. The exposure to
      mercury increases the production of free radicals, potentially because of the
      role of mercury in the Fenton reaction and a reduction in the activity of
      antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase. In this review we report an
      overview on the toxicity of mercury and focus our attention on the toxic effects
      on the cardiovascular system.

PMID- 28085106
TI  - Effective Detection of Porcine Cytomegalovirus Using Non-Invasively Taken Samples
      from Piglets.
AB  - Shortage of human organs forced the development of xenotransplantation using
      cells, tissues, and organs from pigs. Xenotransplantation may be associated with
      the transmission of porcine zoonotic microorganisms, among them the porcine
      cytomegalovirus (PCMV). To prevent virus transmission, pigs have to be screened
      using sensitive methods. In order to perform regular follow-ups and further
      breeding of the animals, samples for testing should be collected by low-invasive
      or non-invasive methods. Sera, ear biopsies, as well as oral and anal swabs were
      collected from ten 10-day-old Aachen minipigs (AaMP) and tested for PCMV using
      sensitive nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as uniplex and duplex
      real-time PCR. Porcine cytomegalovirus DNA was detected most frequently in oral
      and anal swabs. Comparison of duplex and uniplex real-time PCR systems for PCMV
      detection demonstrated a lower sensitivity of duplex real-time PCR when the copy
      numbers of the target genes were low (less 200). Therefore, to increase the
      efficacy of PCMV detection in piglets, early testing of oral and anal swabs by
      uniplex real-time PCR is recommended.

PMID- 28085105
TI  - Demographic and Substance Use Factors Associated with Non-Violent Alcohol-Related
      Injuries among Patrons of Australian Night-Time Entertainment Districts.
AB  - This study examined the relationship between patron demographics, substance use,
      and experience of recent alcohol-related accidents and injuries that were not due
      to interpersonal violence in night-time entertainment districts. Cross-sectional
      interviews (n = 4016) were conducted around licensed venues in entertainment
      districts of five Australian cities. Demographic factors associated with non
      violent alcohol-related injuries were examined, including gender, age, and
      occupation. The association between substance use on the night of interview;
      blood alcohol concentration (BAC), pre-drinking, energy drink consumption, and
      illicit drug use; and experience of injury was also explored. Thirteen percent of
      participants reported an alcohol-related injury within the past three months.
      Respondents aged younger than 25 years were significantly more likely to report
      an alcohol-related injury. Further, a significant occupation effect was found
      indicating the rate of alcohol-related injury was lower in managers/professionals
      compared to non-office workers. The likelihood of prior alcohol-related injury
      significantly increased with BAC, and self-reported pre-drinking, energy drink,
      or illicit drug consumption on the night of interview. These findings provide an
      indication of the demographic and substance use-related associations with alcohol
      related injuries and, therefore, potential avenues of population-level policy
      intervention. Policy responses to alcohol-related harm must also account for an
      assessment and costing of non-violent injuries.

PMID- 28085107
TI  - A Low Power Low Phase Noise Oscillator for MICS Transceivers.
AB  - A low-power, low-phase-noise quadrature oscillator for Medical Implantable
      Communications Service (MICS) transceivers is presented. The proposed quadrature
      oscillator generates 349~689 MHz I/Q (In-phase and Quadrature) signals covering
      the MICS band. The oscillator is based on a differential pair with positive
      feedback. Each delay cell consists of a few transistors enabling lower voltage
      operation. Since the oscillator is very sensitive to disturbances in the supply
      voltage and ground, a self-bias circuit for isolating the voltage disturbance is
      proposed to achieve bias voltages which can track the disturbances from the
      supply and ground. The oscillation frequency, which is controlled by the bias
      voltages, is less sensitive to the supply and ground noise, and a low phase noise
      is achieved. The chip is fabricated in the UMC (United Microelectronics
      Corporation) 0.18 MUm CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) process; the
      core just occupies a 28.5 * 22 MUm2 area. The measured phase noise is -108.45
      dBc/Hz at a 1 MHz offset with a center frequency of 540 MHz. The gain of the
      oscillator is 0.309 MHz/mV with a control voltage from 0 V to 1.1 V. The circuit
      can work with a supply voltage as low as 1.2 V and the power consumption is only
      0.46 mW at a 1.8 V supply voltage.

PMID- 28085109
TI  - A Mechanism for Reliable Mobility Management for Internet of Things Using CoAP.
AB  - Under unreliable constrained wireless networks for Internet of Things (IoT)
      environments, the loss of the signaling message may frequently occur. Mobile
      Internet Protocol version 6 (MIPv6) and its variants do not consider this
      situation. Consequently, as a constrained device moves around different wireless
      networks, its Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity may be frequently disrupted and
      power can be drained rapidly. This can result in the loss of important sensing
      data or a large delay for time-critical IoT services such as healthcare
      monitoring and disaster management. This paper presents a reliable mobility
      management mechanism in Internet of Things environments with lossy low-power
      constrained device and network characteristics. The idea is to use the Internet
      Engineering Task Force (IETF) Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP)
      retransmission mechanism to achieve both reliability and simplicity for reliable
      IoT mobility management. Detailed architecture, algorithms, and message
      extensions for reliable mobility management are presented. Finally, performance
      is evaluated using both mathematical analysis and simulation.

PMID- 28085108
TI  - Treating the Synapse in Major Psychiatric Disorders: The Role of Postsynaptic
      Density Network in Dopamine-Glutamate Interplay and Psychopharmacologic Drugs
      Molecular Actions.
AB  - Dopamine-glutamate interplay dysfunctions have been suggested as
      pathophysiological key determinants of major psychotic disorders, above all
      schizophrenia and mood disorders. For the most part, synaptic interactions
      between dopamine and glutamate signaling pathways take part in the postsynaptic
      density, a specialized ultrastructure localized under the membrane of
      glutamatergic excitatory synapses. Multiple proteins, with the role of adaptors,
      regulators, effectors, and scaffolds compose the postsynaptic density network.
      They form structural and functional crossroads where multiple signals, starting
      at membrane receptors, are received, elaborated, integrated, and routed to
      appropriate nuclear targets. Moreover, transductional pathways belonging to
      different receptors may be functionally interconnected through postsynaptic
      density molecules. Several studies have demonstrated that psychopharmacologic
      drugs may differentially affect the expression and function of postsynaptic genes
      and proteins, depending upon the peculiar receptor profile of each compound.
      Thus, through postsynaptic network modulation, these drugs may induce dopamine
      glutamate synaptic remodeling, which is at the basis of their long-term
      physiologic effects. In this review, we will discuss the role of postsynaptic
      proteins in dopamine-glutamate signals integration, as well as the peculiar
      impact of different psychotropic drugs used in clinical practice on postsynaptic
      remodeling, thereby trying to point out the possible future molecular targets of
      "synapse-based" psychiatric therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 28085110
TI  - Ginsenoside Rg3 Improves Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in Rats via Suppression
      of Neuronal Apoptosis, Pro-Inflammatory Mediators, and Microglial Activation.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating medical conditions;
      however, currently, there are no effective pharmacological interventions for SCI.
      Ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3) is one of the protopanaxadiols that show anti
      inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective effects. The present study
      investigated the neuroprotective effect of GRg3 following SCI in rats. SCI was
      induced using a static compression model at vertebral thoracic level 10 for 5
      min. GRg3 was administrated orally at a dose of 10 or 30 mg/kg/day for 14 days
      after the SCI. GRg3 (30 mg/kg) treatment markedly improved behavioral motor
      functions, restored lesion size, preserved motor neurons in the spinal tissue,
      reduced Bax expression and number of TUNEL-positive cells, and suppressed mRNA
      expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha,
      interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6. GRg3 also attenuated the over-production of
      cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase after SCI. Moreover, GRg3
      markedly suppressed microglial activation in the spinal tissue. In conclusion,
      GRg3 treatment led to a remarkable recovery of motor function and a reduction in
      spinal tissue damage by suppressing neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory responses
      after SCI. These results suggest that GRg3 may be a potential therapeutic agent
      for the treatment of SCI.

PMID- 28085111
TI  - NHERF1 Enhances Cisplatin Sensitivity in Human Cervical Cancer Cells.
AB  - Cervical cancer is one of the most common female malignancies, and cisplatin
      based chemotherapy is routinely utilized in locally advanced cervical cancer
      patients. However, resistance has been the major limitation. In this study, we
      found that Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor 1 (NHERF1) was downregulated in
      cisplatin-resistant cells. Analysis based on a cervical cancer dataset from The
      Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) showed association of NHERF1 expression with disease
      free survival of patients received cisplatin treatment. NHERF1 overexpression
      inhibited proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant HeLa cells,
      whereas NHERF1 knockdown had inverse effects. While parental HeLa cells were more
      resistant to cisplatin after NHERF1 knockdown, NHERF1 overexpression in CaSki
      cells promoted cisplatin sensitivity. Overexpression and knockdown studies also
      showed that NHERF1 significantly inhibited AKT and extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase (ERK) signaling pathways in cisplatin-resistant cells. Taken together, our
      results provide the first evidence that NHERF1 can sensitize cisplatin-refractory
      cervical cancer cells. This study may help to increase understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance in tumors.

PMID- 28085112
TI  - Deep Eutectic Solvents as Novel and Effective Extraction Media for Quantitative
      Determination of Ochratoxin A in Wheat and Derived Products.
AB  - An unprecedented, environmentally friendly, and faster method for the
      determination of Ochratoxin A (OTA) (a mycotoxin produced by several species of
      Aspergillus and Penicillium and largely widespread in nature, in wheat and
      derived products) has, for the first time, been set up and validated using
      choline chloride (ChCl)-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) (e.g., ChCl/glycerol
      (1:2) and ChCl/ urea (1:2) up to 40% (w/w) water) as privileged, green, and
      biodegradable extraction solvents. This also reduces worker exposure to toxic
      chemicals. Results are comparable to those obtained using conventional, hazardous
      and volatile organic solvents (VOCs) typical of the standard and official
      methods. OTA recovery from spiked durum wheat samples, in particular, was to up
      to 89% versus 93% using the traditional acetonitrile-water mixture with a
      repeatability of the results (RSDr) of 7%. Compatibility of the DES mixture with
      the antibodies of the immunoaffinity column was excellent as it was able to
      retain up to 96% of the OTA. Recovery and repeatability for durum wheat, bread
      crumbs, and biscuits proved to be within the specifications required by the
      current European Commission (EC) regulation. Good results in terms of accuracy
      and precision were achieved with mean recoveries between 70% (durum wheat) and
      88% (bread crumbs) and an RSDr between 2% (biscuits) and 7% (bread).

PMID- 28085113
TI  - Comprehensive Quantitative Analysis of 32 Chemical Ingredients of a Chinese
      Patented Drug Sanhuang Tablet.
AB  - Sanhuang Tablet (SHT) is a Chinese patented drug commonly used for the treatment
      of inflammations of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. It
      contains a special medicinal composition including the single compound berberine
      hydrochloride, extracts of Scutellariae Radix and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, as well
      as the powder of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. Despite advances in analytical
      techniques, quantitative evaluation of a Chinese patented drug like SHT remains a
      challenge due to the complexity of its chemical profile. In this study, ultra
      high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to simultaneously quantify 29 non
      sugar small molecule components of SHT (11 flavonoids, two isoflavonoids, one
      flavanone, five anthraquinones, two dianthranones, five alkaloids, two organic
      acids and one stilbene). Three major saccharide components, namely fructose,
      glucose, and sucrose, were also quantitatively determined using high performance
      liquid chromatography-charged aerosol detector (HPLC-CAD) on an Asahipak NH2P-50
      4E amino column. The established methods were validated in terms of linearity,
      sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and stability, and then successfully applied to
      analyze 27 batches of commercial SHT products. A total of up to 57.61% (w/w) of
      SHT could be quantified, in which the contents of the determined non-saccharide
      small molecules varied from 5.91% to 16.83% (w/w) and three saccharides accounted
      for 4.41% to 48.05% (w/w). The results showed that the quality of the commercial
      products was inconsistent, and only four of those met Chinese Pharmacopoeia
      criteria.

PMID- 28085114
TI  - Hydrostatic Pressure Regulates MicroRNA Expression Levels in Osteoarthritic
      Chondrocyte Cultures via the Wnt/beta-Catenin Pathway.
AB  - Mechanical loading and hydrostatic pressure (HP) regulate chondrocytes'
      metabolism; however, how mechanical stimulation acts remain unclear. MicroRNAs
      (miRNAs) play an important role in cartilage homeostasis, mechanotransduction,
      and in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated the
      effects of a cyclic HP (1-5 MPa), in both normal and OA human chondrocytes, on
      the expression of miR-27a/b, miR-140, miR-146a/b, and miR-365, and of their
      target genes (MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, IGFBP-5, and HDAC-4). Furthermore, we assessed
      the possible involvement of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in response to HP.
      Chondrocytes were exposed to HP for 3h and the evaluations were performed
      immediately after pressurization, and following 12, 24, and 48 h. Total RNA was
      extracted and used for real-time PCR. beta-catenin was detected by Western
      blotting analysis and immunofluorescence. In OA chondrocytes, HP induced a
      significant increase (p < 0.01) of the expression levels of miR-27a/b, miR-140,
      and miR-146a, and a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of miR-365 at all analyzed
      time points. MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, and HDAC-4 were significantly downregulated
      following HP, while no significant modification was found for IGFBP-5. beta
      catenin levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in OA chondrocytes at
      basal conditions and significantly reduced (p < 0.01) by HP. Pressurization did
      not cause any significant modification in normal cells. In conclusion, in OA
      chondrocytes, HP restores the expression levels of some miRNAs, downregulates MMP
      13, ADAMTS-5, and HDAC-4, and modulates the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activation.

PMID- 28085115
TI  - Icaritin Reduces Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression via the Inhibition of
      STAT3 Signaling.
AB  - Icaritin, a traditional Chinese medicine, possesses antitumor activity. The
      current study aimed to investigate icaritin effect and potential mechanism on
      oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development. OSCC cells proliferation,
      apoptosis, and autophagy were analyzed after incubation with icaritin at
      different concentrations and incubation times. The expressions of proteins
      related to proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, as well as signal transducer
      and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signal network, were also evaluated by
      western blot. Furthermore, STAT3 was knocked down by siRNA transfection to
      determine STAT3 role in OSCC cell proliferation and apoptosis. An oral specific
      carcinogenesis mouse model was used to explore icaritin effect on OSCC in vivo.
      Icaritin significantly inhibited OSCC proliferation in vitro and reduced the
      expression of both the cell-cycle progression proteins cyclin A2 and cyclin D1.
      Besides, icaritin increased cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved poly-(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase expression leading to apoptosis, and it activated autophagy. Icaritin
      significantly inhibited the expression of phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner. In the in vivo experiment, the number of malignant tumors
      in the icaritin-treated group was significantly lower than the control. Overall,
      icaritin suppressed proliferation, promoted apoptosis and autophagy, and
      inhibited STAT3 signaling in OSCC in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, icaritin
      might be a potential therapeutic agent against OSCC development.

PMID- 28085116
TI  - Multiple Activities of Punica granatum Linne against Acne Vulgaris.
AB  - Acne is a common skin condition with sebum overproduction, hyperkeratosis,
      Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and Staphylococcus aureus, and inflammation.
      Punica granatum (pomegranate) is well-known for its anti-inflammatory effects;
      however, few studies have discussed the anti-acne effects of pomegranate. In this
      study, we found that pomegranate extract (PG-E) significantly reduced P. acnes
      induced edema in Wistar rat ears. Therefore, an evaluation platform using
      multiple pathogenic mechanisms of acne was established to explore the anti-acne
      effects of pomegranate. Results showed that PG-E inhibited bacterial growth and
      lipase activity. Through a bioguided-fractionation-isolation system, four
      hydrolysable tannins, punicalagin (1), punicalin (2), strictinin A (3), and
      granatin B (4), were isolated. Compounds 1 and 2 had greater anti-bacterial
      activities and anti-testosterone-induced HaCaT proliferative effects than the
      others. Compounds 1, 3, and 4 displayed lipase inhibitory effects. Compound 4
      decreased cyclooxygenase-2 expression and downregulated prostaglandin E2
      production in heat-killed P. acnes-treated RAW 246.7 cells. In conclusion, PG-E
      is abundant in hydrolysable tannins that display multiple anti-acne capacities,
      including anti-bacterial, anti-lipase, anti-keratinocyte proliferation, and anti
      inflammatory actions. Hence, PG-E has great potential in the application of anti
      acne and skin-care products, and punicalagin (1), the most effective component in
      PG-E, can be employed as a quality control marker.

PMID- 28085117
TI  - Enantioselective Effects of Metalaxyl Enantiomers on Breast Cancer Cells
      Metabolic Profiling Using HPLC-QTOF-Based Metabolomics.
AB  - In this study, an integrative high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with
      quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF) based metabolomics
      approach was performed to evaluate the enantioselective metabolic perturbations
      in MCF-7 cells after treatment with R-metalaxyl and S-metalaxyl, respectively.
      Untargeted metabolomics profile, multivariate pattern recognition, metabolites
      identification, and pathway analysis were determined after metalaxyl enantiomer
      exposure. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partitial least-squares
      discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) directly reflected the enantioselective metabolic
      perturbations induced by metalaxyl enantiomers. On the basis of multivariate
      statistical results, a total of 49 metabolites including carbohydrates, amino
      acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, organic acids, phospholipids, indoles,
      derivatives, etc. were found to be the most significantly changed metabolites and
      metabolic fluctuations caused by the same concentration of R-metalaxyl and S
      metalaxyl were enantioselective. Pathway analysis indicated that R-metalaxyl and
      S-metalaxyl mainly affected the 7 and 10 pathways in MCF-7 cells, respectively,
      implying the perturbed pathways induced by metalaxyl enantiomers were also
      enantioselective. Furthermore, the significantly perturbed metabolic pathways
      were highly related to energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid
      metabolism, and antioxidant defense. Such results provide more specific insights
      into the enantioselective metabolic effects of chiral pesticides in breast cancer
      progression, reveal the underlying mechanisms, and provide available data for the
      health risk assessments of chiral environmental pollutants at the molecular
      level.

PMID- 28085119
TI  - Transgenic Tobacco Expressing the TAT-Helicokinin I-CpTI Fusion Protein Show
      Increased Resistance and Toxicity to Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera:
      Noctuidae).
AB  - Insect kinins were shown to have diuretic activity, inhibit weight gain, and have
      antifeedant activity in insects. In order to study the potential of the TAT
      fusion approach to deliver diuretic peptides per os to pest insects, the HezK I
      peptide from Helicoverpa zea, as a representative of the kinin family, was
      selected. The fusion gene TAT-HezK I was designed and was used to transform
      tobacco plants. As a means to further improve the stability of TAT-HezK I, a
      fusion protein incorporating HezK I, transactivator of transcription (TAT), and
      the cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) was also designed. Finally, the toxicity of
      the different tobacco transgenic strains toward Helicoverpa armigera was
      compared. The results demonstrated that TAT-HezK I had high toxicity against
      insects via transgenic expression of the peptide in planta and intake through
      larval feeding. The toxicity of the fusion TAT-HezK I and CpTI was higher than
      the CpTI single gene in transgenic tobacco, and the fusion TAT-HezK I and CpTI
      further enhanced the stability and bioavailability of agents in oral
      administration. Our research helps in targeting new genes for improving herbivore
      tolerance in transgenic plant breeding.

PMID- 28085118
TI  - Ribosomal Proteins Control or Bypass p53 during Nucleolar Stress.
AB  - The nucleolus is the site of ribosome biogenesis, a complex process that requires
      the coordinate activity of all three RNA polymerases and hundreds of non
      ribosomal factors that participate in the maturation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and
      assembly of small and large subunits. Nevertheless, emerging studies have
      highlighted the fundamental role of the nucleolus in sensing a variety of
      cellular stress stimuli that target ribosome biogenesis. This condition is known
      as nucleolar stress and triggers several response pathways to maintain cell
      homeostasis, either p53-dependent or p53-independent. The mouse double minute
      (MDM2)-p53 stress signaling pathways are activated by multiple signals and are
      among the most important regulators of cellular homeostasis. In this review, we
      will focus on the role of ribosomal proteins in p53-dependent and p53-independent
      response to nucleolar stress considering novel identified regulators of these
      pathways. We describe, in particular, the role of ribosomal protein uL3 (rpL3) in
      p53-independent nucleolar stress signaling pathways.

PMID- 28085121
TI  - Maximalist vs. minimalist shoes: dose-effect response of elastic compression on
      muscular oscillations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to establish whether maximalist shoes
      engender fewer muscular oscillations than minimalist shoes and determine to what
      extent these shoes, when combined with elastic compression (EC), help reduce
      muscle oscillations. For that purpose, we tested the effects of various levels of
      compression on the muscular oscillations in maximalist and minimalist footwear.
      METHODS: Eleven volunteers executed 16 one-minute passages on a flat treadmill in
      a randomized order: maximalists or minimalists, walking (6 km/h) or running (10
      km/h), without EC (control condition [CON]) or with EC applying different
      pressures (9.6 mmHg, 14.5 mmHg and 20.4 mmHg). The muscular oscillations were
      measured on both thighs, on the rectus femoris and on the vastus medialis with
      tri-axial accelerometers. RESULTS: Muscular oscillations are lower in maximalist
      shoes than in minimalist shoes, for both walking to 6 km/h and running to 10 km/h
      (P<0.05). Oscillations are also reduced with EC (P<0.05). This decrease is most
      marked when the pressure exercised by the EC is increased. CONCLUSIONS: Increased
      compression with minimalist shoes reduces muscular oscillations as much as
      maximalist shoes, when combined with lower compression.

PMID- 28085122
TI  - Effect of 7-minute workout on weight and body composition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 7-minute workout composed of aerobic and resistance exercises is
      becoming a very popular workout. It targets individuals with time constrains and
      low motivation to commit to lengthy and extensive workout programs. The objective
      of the study is to investigate if the 7-minute workout has a 6 week effect on
      body weight and composition. METHODS: The training group (N.=29, age 18-30) did
      the 7-minute workout 7 days a week during 6 weeks while the control group (N.=29)
      did not perform the workout. Measurements such as height, weight, body mass
      index, circumferences (middle upper arm, hip, and waist), blood pressure, heart
      rate, hand grip, and bioelectrical impedance were collected and recorded at week
      1, 3 and 6. RESULTS: Mean BMI was 24.4kg/m2 at week 1, 24.01kg/m2 at week 3
      (P=0.003). Waist circumference decreased between week 1 and 3 (P=0.003) and week
      6 (P=0.01) by 4 cm on average. Hip circumference followed the same trend between
      week 1 and week 3 (P=-0.001). There was a decrease in fat mass and % fat mass
      between week 1, 3, and 6 (P=0.001). No changes were noted for mid-upper arm
      circumference or hand grip. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this research show that
      even a very short duration workout affect the nutritional status in normal weight
      individuals who did not change any of their eating habits. This implies that even
      in normal weight individuals who perform the 7-minute workout, improvement
      through a decrease in waist circumference can be achieved thus leading to a
      better cardio-protective nutritional status. The 7 minutes workout can be a great
      solution for people to get started and to plan on continuing exercising, as it is
      simple and of minimal constraints.

PMID- 28085123
TI  - Rates and risk factors of injury in CrossFitTM: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CrossFitTM is a strength and conditioning program that has gained
      widespread popularity since its inception approximately 15 years ago. However, at
      present little is known about the level of injury risk associated with this form
      of training. Movement competency, assessed using the Functional Movement ScreenTM
      (FMS), has been identified as a risk factor for injury in numerous athletic
      populations, but its role in CrossFit participants is currently unclear. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the level of injury risk associated with CrossFit
      training, and examine the influence of a number of potential risk factors
      (including movement competency). METHODS: A cohort of 117 CrossFit participants
      were followed prospectively for 12 weeks. Participants' characteristics, previous
      injury history and training experience were recorded at baseline, and an FMS
      assessment was conducted. RESULTS: The overall injury incidence rate was 2.10 per
      1000 training hours (90% confidence limits: 1.32-3.33). A multivariate Poisson
      regression model identified males (rate ratio [RR]: 4.44 *// 3.30, very likely
      harmful) and those with previous injuries (RR: 2.35 *// 2.37, likely harmful) as
      having a higher injury risk. Inferences relating to FMS variables were unclear in
      the multivariate model, although number of asymmetries was a clear risk factor in
      a univariate model (RR per two additional asymmetries: 2.62 *// 1.53, likely
      harmful). CONCLUSIONS: The injury incidence rate associated with CrossFit
      training was low, and comparable to other forms of recreational fitness
      activities. Previous injury and gender were identified as risk factors for
      injury, whilst the role of movement competency in this setting warrants further
      investigation.

PMID- 28085120
TI  - Astrovirus Diagnostics.
AB  - Various methods exist to detect an astrovirus infection. Current methods include
      electron microscopy (EM), cell culture, immunoassays, polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) and various other molecular approaches that can be applied in the context
      of diagnostic or in surveillance studies. With the advent of metagenomics, novel
      human astrovirus (HAstV) strains have been found in immunocompromised individuals
      in association with central nervous system (CNS) infections. This work reviews
      the past and current methods for astrovirus detection and their uses in both
      research laboratories and for medical diagnostic purposes.

PMID- 28085124
TI  - Remnant preservation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction versus standard
      techniques: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Preserving the remnant during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction is considered beneficial for graft healing, but it might increase
      the technical difficulties and complications. This study was to compare outcomes
      of using the technique of remnant preservation during the ACL reconstruction
      versus the standard procedure with the debridement of remnant. EVIDENCE
      ACQUISITION: We searched PubMed and EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for
      randomized controlled trials comparing the outcomes of ACL reconstruction both
      with and without remnant preservation. The risk of bias was assessed in
      accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was
      performed to compare results. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Six randomized controlled
      trials with 346 patients were included. Statistically significant differences in
      favor of using technique of remnant preservation were observed for Lysholm Score,
      arthrometer measurements, and tibial tunnel enlargement. There was no significant
      difference between remnant technique of preservation and the standard procedure
      with respect to the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) grade, IKDC
      score, Lachman Test, Pivot-shift Test, range of motion (ROM), and the incidence
      of the cyclops lesion. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis of randomized controlled
      trials showed that ACL reconstruction with technique of remnant preservation
      cannot provide superior clinical outcomes compared with the standard procedure.

PMID- 28085125
TI  - Evaluation of hydration status by urine, body mass variation and plasma
      parameters during an official half-marathon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to verify the agreement of urine, body mass
      variations and plasma parameters to determine the hydration status of 14 male
      runners (29+/-4 years and 54.3+/-5.5 mLO2/kg/min) in an official 21.1 km road
      race. METHODS: The mean dry-bulb temperature and air relative humidity during the
      road race were 25.1+/-2.1  degrees C and 54.7+/-2.2%, respectively. The volume of
      water ingested by the runners was monitored using marked volumetric plastic
      bottles provided at the hydration stations located at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.5,
      14.0, 16.0 and 18.5 km from the starting line. Hydration status was assessed
      using urine specific gravity (USG), urine osmolality (UOSM) and plasma osmolality
      (POSM). Furthermore, body mass variation (?BM) was assessed by comparing body
      mass (BM) immediately prior and after the race. Total sweat was estimated by ?BM,
      added water volume ingested and deducted blood volume collected. The sweat rate
      was calculated through total sweat and total exercise time. RESULTS: The mean
      water intake was 0.82+/-0.40 L, and the mean sweat rate and total sweating were
      1440.11+/-182.13 mL/h and 2.67+/-0.23 L. After the race, the BM reduced by 1.7+/
      0.4 kg. The ?BM was -2.41+/-0.47%, and the plasma volume variation was -9.79+/
      4.6% between pre- and post-running measurements. Despite the POSM increased post
      race compared to pre-race, the UOSM and USG did not change. No significant
      correlations were found between POSM variation with UOSM variation (r=-0.08;
      P=0.71), USG variation (r=-0.11; P=0.78) or ?BM (r=0.09; P=0.77). CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, this study shows that both ?BM and ?POSM indicated a hypohydration
      state after exercise even though the ?BM did not correlate significantly with
      ?POSM. These results demonstrate that ?BM is a practical method and can be
      sufficiently sensitive to evaluate the hydration state, but it should be utilized
      with caution.

PMID- 28085126
TI  - The effect of acute fatigue on countermovement jump performance in rugby union
      players during preseason.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A countermovement jump (CMJ) is routinely used in many sporting
      settings to provide a functional measure of neuromuscular fatigue. However, the
      variables that are most sensitive to fatigue remain somewhat unclear. The purpose
      of this study was to determine the acute changes in neuromuscular fatigue in
      rugby union players during a period of preseason training. METHODS: Nine male
      (age: 19.0+/-1.5 years) academy rugby union players performed five CMJ trials on
      three occasions, at baseline, 24 hours and 48 hours postbaseline. The fatiguing
      protocol consisted of multiple high-intensity training sessions commensurate with
      the period of preparation and the sport. A total of 14 CMJ variables were derived
      from the force-time curve. Meaningful differences in CMJ performance were
      examined using the magnitude of change (effect sizes; ES) compared to baseline.
      RESULTS: Most variables, 9 of the 14, showed substantial decreases at 24 hours
      postbaseline. Mean concentric power, peak velocity, jump height and force at zero
      velocity were impaired by the greatest magnitude (ES=-0.98 to -1.57). At 48 hours
      postbaseline, substantial increases in eccentric duration, concentric duration
      and total duration were first observed (ES=0.48 to 0.61). Concomitantly, peak
      power, peak velocity and jump height, recovered to baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS:
      During the late regeneration phase, neuromuscular fatigue can manifest itself as
      an altered movement strategy, rather than as a simple reduction in physical
      output such as jump height. Practitioners are therefore advised to incorporate a
      wide range of variables when trying to identify subtle changes in the bimodal
      recovery pattern associated with stretch-shortening cycle induced fatigue.

PMID- 28085127
TI  - High-intensity interval training and athletic performance in Taekwondo athletes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of high
      intensity interval training (HIIT) on athletic performance in Taekwondo athletes.
      METHODS: Thirty-three male and female collegiate Taekwondo athletes were randomly
      divided into a HIIT group (N.=16) or a high-intensity continuous running (HICR)
      group (N.=17). The HIIT group undertook training of high-intensity sprints
      interspersed with active rest periods whilst the HICR group participated in high
      intensity running for a continuous period. Both groups completed 11 sessions over
      4 weeks. Physique, body composition, Wingate anaerobic test and VO2max test were
      measured. The vertical jump test, agility T-test and sit-ups were used to assess
      physical fitness. Repeated measures ANCOVAs with sex as a covariate were applied
      and significant level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Following 11 sessions of
      training, significant improvements in anaerobic peak power (P<0.05), relative
      peak power (P<0.05), and mean power (P<0.05) were observed only in HIIT group
      compared to HICR group. A greater improvement of aerobic capacity was observed in
      HIIT group (8.8%) compared to the HICR group (1.7%). In relation to physical
      fitness, the HIIT group improved in the vertical jump while the HICR group did
      not change. Both the HIIT and HICR groups showed greater improvements in T-test
      and sit-ups during the intervention period. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the
      effectiveness of eleven sessions of HIIT in producing significant improvements in
      anaerobic capacity relevant to successful Taekwondo competition performance in
      collegiate Taekwondo athletes. This could inform the future planning of Taekwondo
      athletes' pre-competition training, specifically the influence of training
      intensity on anaerobic capacity.

PMID- 28085128
TI  - Shuttle swimming test in young water polo players: reliability, responsiveness
      and age-related value.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the applicability of a sport-specific test,
      the Shuttle Swim Test, in young water polo players to measure RSA. The aims were:
      to assess the reliability and to measure the responsiveness of the SST in young
      water polo athletes, and to provide age-related values of SST. METHODS: Three
      hundred thirty-three elite athletes (18.3+/-5.1 years) were involved in the
      study. Of these, 99 were young people under 13 (13.1+/-0.5 years) who also
      underwent measurements for reliability and responsiveness of the SST The
      following six measures was used to assess anthropometric characteristics of the
      sample: height, weight, chest circumference, hip circumference, waist
      circumference, and arm span. Two performance measures were performed on dry land:
      push up and chin up. RESULTS: Reliability and responsiveness were measured by
      comparing the average speed of two trials: SST1 was 1.48+/-0.13 m.s-1 and SST2
      1.47+/-.12 m.s-1. The SST showed good reliability in younger athletes (r=0.96).
      The Minimal Detectable Change is 0.06 m.s-1 (6 seconds of the total time) which
      corresponds to 3.6% of the average value measured, confirming the good
      responsiveness of the test. CONCLUSIONS: Coaches and researchers can use this
      value in the interpretation of the SST test results: changes below these values
      could be related to a measurement error. The various age-related values reported
      may help technicians to better interpret the performance of their athletes during
      competition.

PMID- 28085129
TI  - Leg stiffness, valgus knee motion, and Q-angle are associated with hypertrophic
      soft patella tendon and idiopathic knee pain in adolescent basketball players.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knee pain without knee degenerative symptoms is a common phenomenon
      among young basketball players. The aim of this study was to identify factors
      predisposing young basketball players to suffer from knee pain. METHODS: The
      study involved 20 male adolescent (14-15 years) basketball players who were
      divided into two equal groups based on knee pain symptoms. Legs torque was tested
      on an isokinetic dynamometer. The length, elongation and the cross-sectional area
      (CSA) of the patellar tendon were measured with ultrasonography. Quadriceps angle
      (Q-angle), knee valgus motion, and joint angular displacement in the sagittal
      plane were analyzed using video recording during countermovement jump. Ground
      reaction force was measured using a force platform. RESULTS: Knee pain (KP)
      participants had a significantly lower Q-angle (P=0.045) and lower maximum varus
      knee angle (P=0.035), and a greater knee inside displacement (P=0.039) during
      squat phase. In the KP group, the CSA at the top of the tendon was significantly
      greater than in the middle (P=0.006) and at the bottom (P=0.039). Absolute tendon
      stiffness (P=0.013) and Young's modulus (P=0.034) were significantly lower in the
      KP group compared with controls. Leg stiffness during landing was significantly
      greater in the control group (P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Leg stiffness, valgus knee
      motion, and Q-angle are associated with hypertrophic soft patella tendon and
      idiopathic knee pain in adolescent basketball players.

PMID- 28085130
TI  - Body composition and size in sprint athletes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to assess competitive sprinters'
      body size and composition and to determine their impact on performance. METHODS:
      Ninety-eight competitive male sprinters (100 m) participated in this cross
      sectional study. A series of measurements was directly taken and data on muscular
      strength and power tests were self-reported. Body composition was assessed by
      skinfold method and somatotype was calculated by the Heath-Carter anthropometric
      method. Sprinters were classified into three groups depending on their personal
      best time and comparisons were performed between the athletes in the top and in
      the bottom tertiles. Relationships between anthropometric traits and performance
      were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Top sprinters had
      significantly greater body mass index, relaxed and contracted upper arm girths,
      thigh and calf girths, fat free mass and fat free mass index, and lower
      ectomorphy than the lowest tertile. Strength and power were significantly higher.
      Personal best time was significantly correlated with several anthropometric
      traits and indices of lean body mass. CONCLUSIONS: Body size, composition and
      somatotype differ between performance levels in speed running. Being less
      ectomorphic, with a greater fat free mass and strength, can explain significant
      differences in sprinting performances. The results presented in this study
      provide a point of reference about sprinter characteristics, which can help
      coaches and sport scientists to improve sprinter performance.

PMID- 28085131
TI  - Differences in anthropometric characteristics in relation to throwing velocity
      and competitive level in professional male team handball: a tool for talent
      profiling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The primary aim of the study was to examine the anthropometric
      characteristics as well as throwing and sprinting performance of professional
      handball players classified by playing position and competition level. METHODS:
      21 male players (age: 25.2+/-5.1 years) from the first German handball league
      (FGL) and 34 male players (age: 26.1+/-4.1 years) from the third German handball
      league (TGL) were categorized as backs, pivots, wings and goalkeepers.
      Measurements included anthropometric data (height, mass and body mass index
      (BMI)), throwing and sprinting performance selected out of a complex handball
      test (HBCT), which was conducted twice (2 rounds). During the HBCT, the subjects
      performed two sprints (10, 20 m), two standing throws with run-up (ST) and four
      vertical jump throws (VJT) over a hurdle (20 cm) with and without precision for
      goal shot. RESULTS: The anthropometric data revealed a significantly (P=0.038 and
      eta2=0.079) shorter body height for TGL than for FGL players. In the cohort of
      first league athletes the pivots were the tallest (1.98+/-0.04 m), backs in the
      third league showed the maximum body height (1.90+/-0.05 m). Regarding body mass,
      pivots were the heaviest players independent from the league membership. The FGL
      players showed a significantly (P<0.05 and eta2>0.10) higher throwing velocity in
      all type of throws. Body height was significantly related to ST (r=0.53) and VJT
      (r=0.52) in the first round of HBCT but only for the FGL athletes. Throwing
      velocity was also correlated with BMI (r=-0.50) among the TGL players.
      CONCLUSIONS: Substantial differences of body characteristics, throwing and
      sprinting performance between playing positions and competitive levels underline
      the importance of a careful scouting and position-specific training for
      professional handball players.

PMID- 28085132
TI  - Peak versus mean propulsive power outputs: which is more closely related to jump
      squat performance?
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the predictive value of muscle power
      (peak power, mean power until the peak-velocity or mean propulsive power) in
      relation to the jump height achieved during the jump squat performed at different
      loads. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-four elite athletes performed jump squats
      against loads corresponding to 40%, 60%, and 80% of their respective body mass. A
      linear regression analysis was performed to establish the relationship between
      muscle power expressions and jump squat height. RESULTS: The coefficient of
      determination (R2) in the different linear regression models between muscle power
      related variables and jump squat height, for the different load ranges, varied
      from 0.50 to 0.57 (for absolute power values) and from 0.72 to 0.78 (for relative
      power values [W/kg]). The mean propulsive power presented similar capacity to
      predict the jump squat height as the peak power-related values. For all analyzed
      variables, this prediction power was increased when the absolute power values
      were normalized by the individuals' body mass. CONCLUSIONS: Selection of the
      values related to the mean propulsive phase to assess top-level athletes might be
      considered as an advantageous alternative, due to its adequacy to properly
      reflect the neuromuscular potential of the subjects in both ballistic and
      traditional exercises.

PMID- 28085134
TI  - 'Orbital volume restoration rate after orbital fracture'; a CT-based orbital
      volume measurement for evaluation of orbital wall reconstructive effect.
AB  - PurposeTo evaluate the effect of orbital reconstruction and factors related to
      the effect of orbital reconstruction by assessing of orbital volume using orbital
      computed tomography (CT) in cases of orbital wall fracture.MethodsIn this
      retrospective study, 68 patients with isolated blowout fractures were evaluated.
      The volumes of orbits and herniated orbital tissues were determined by CT scans
      using a three-dimensional reconstruction technique (the Eclipse Treatment
      Planning System). Orbital CT was performed preoperatively, immediately after
      surgery, and at final follow ups (minimum of 6 months). We evaluated the
      reconstructive effect of surgery making a new formula, 'orbital volume
      reconstruction rate' from orbital volume differences between fractured and
      contralateral orbits before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at final
      follow up.ResultsMean volume of fractured orbits before surgery was 23.01+/-2.60
      cm3 and that of contralateral orbits was 21.31+/-2.50 cm3 (P=0.005). Mean volume
      of the fractured orbits immediately after surgery was 21.29+/-2.42 cm3, and that
      of the contralateral orbits was 21.33+/-2.52 cm3 (P=0.921). Mean volume of
      fractured orbits at final follow up was 21.50+/-2.44 cm3, and that of
      contralateral orbits was 21.32+/-2.50 cm3 (P=0.668). The mean orbital volume
      reconstruction rate was 100.47% immediately after surgery and 99.17% at final
      follow up. No significant difference in orbital volume reconstruction rate was
      observed with respect to fracture site or orbital implant type. Patients that
      underwent operation within 14 days of trauma had a better reconstruction rate at
      final follow up than patients who underwent operation over 14 days after trauma
      (P=0.039).ConclusionComputer-based measurements of orbital fracture volume can be
      used to evaluate the reconstructive effect of orbital implants and provide useful
      quantitative information. Significant reduction of orbital volume is observed
      immediately after orbital wall reconstruction surgery and the reconstruction
      effect is maintained for more than minimum 6 months. Patients that undergo
      surgery within 14 days of trauma has better reconstruction rates at final follow
      up, which supports the need for early surgery.

PMID- 28085133
TI  - EspL is a bacterial cysteine protease effector that cleaves RHIM proteins to
      block necroptosis and inflammation.
AB  - Cell death signalling pathways contribute to tissue homeostasis and provide
      innate protection from infection. Adaptor proteins such as receptor-interacting
      serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), receptor-interacting serine/threonine
      protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-beta
      (TRIF) and Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1)/DNA-dependent activator of IFN
      regulatory factors (DAI) that contain receptor-interacting protein (RIP)
      homotypic interaction motifs (RHIM) play a key role in cell death and
      inflammatory signalling1-3. RHIM-dependent interactions help drive a caspase
      independent form of cell death termed necroptosis4,5. Here, we report that the
      bacterial pathogen enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) uses the type III
      secretion system (T3SS) effector EspL to degrade the RHIM-containing proteins
      RIPK1, RIPK3, TRIF and ZBP1/DAI during infection. This requires a previously
      unrecognized tripartite cysteine protease motif in EspL (Cys47, His131, Asp153)
      that cleaves within the RHIM of these proteins. Bacterial infection and/or
      ectopic expression of EspL leads to rapid inactivation of RIPK1, RIPK3, TRIF and
      ZBP1/DAI and inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), lipopolysaccharide or
      polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C))-induced necroptosis and inflammatory
      signalling. Furthermore, EPEC infection inhibits TNF-induced phosphorylation and
      plasma membrane localization of mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase
      (MLKL). In vivo, EspL cysteine protease activity contributes to persistent
      colonization of mice by the EPEC-like mouse pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. The
      activity of EspL defines a family of T3SS cysteine protease effectors found in a
      range of bacteria and reveals a mechanism by which gastrointestinal pathogens
      directly target RHIM-dependent inflammatory and necroptotic signalling pathways.

PMID- 28085135
TI  - Branch retinal vein occlusion: the importance of the topographical distribution
      of retinal vessels among risk factors.
AB  - PurposeTo investigate the role of the topographical distribution of temporal
      retinal vessels in anatomical predisposition to branch retinal vein occlusion
      (BRVO).Patients and methodsSixty patients with BRVO and 60 control subjects were
      included in this retrospective-observational study. The fundus images of the
      individuals were classified into four topographical vessel positions: P1, the
      superior and inferior temporal retinal veins were closer to the foveal center;
      P2, the superior and inferior temporal retinal arteries were closer to the foveal
      center; and P3 and P4, the superior temporal retinal vein and inferior temporal
      retinal artery were closer to the foveal center or vice versa. The groups were
      compared in terms of demographics and topographical vessel positions.ResultsThere
      were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age and gender
      (P>0.05). The topographical distribution of temporal retinal vessels among the
      BRVO and control eyes were significant (P<0.001). P1 was less common in BRVO eyes
      (5%) when compared with control eyes (33.3%); however, P2 was more common in BRVO
      eyes (46.7 vs 20%). There were no significant differences in terms of the
      distribution of P3 and P4 vessel positions in the BRVO and control groups
      (P>0.05). A logistic regression test revealed that the risk of BRVO increases 15
      fold in P2, 6-fold in P3, and 8-fold in P4 when compared with eyes having
      P1.ConclusionP1 eyes are less likely to be affected by BRVO. Therefore, the
      topographical distribution of retinal vessels can be assessed as a risk factor
      for BRVO.

PMID- 28085136
TI  - Protecting retinal ganglion cells.
AB  - Retinal ganglion cell degeneration underlies several conditions which give rise
      to significant visual compromise, including glaucoma, hereditary optic
      neuropathies, ischaemic optic neuropathies, and demyelinating disease. In this
      review, we discuss the emerging strategies for neuroprotection specifically in
      the context of glaucoma, including pharmacological neuroprotection, mesenchymal
      stem cells, and gene therapy approaches. We highlight potential pitfalls that
      need to be considered when developing these strategies and outline future
      directions, including the prospects for clinical trials.

PMID- 28085137
TI  - Biomarkers for glaucoma: from the lab to the clinic.
AB  - Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is often not
      diagnosed until many years after disease onset. Early and objective diagnostic
      measures are yet missing. Besides the main risk factor, an elevated intraocular
      pressure (IOP), age, sex, and ethnicity are known to affect disease progression
      and severity. Furthermore, oxidative stress, elevated glutamate concentrations,
      and an autoimmune component are considered possible risk factors. We could
      identify several potential proteomic biomarkers in glaucoma and examine distinct
      changes in the glaucomatous human retina proteome. Using an experimental
      autoimmune glaucoma animal (EAG) model we could demonstrate an IOP-independent
      loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), which is accompanied by antibody
      depositions and increased levels of microglia. In a different animal model we
      showed that intermittent IOP elevations provoke neurodegeneration in the optic
      nerve and the retina and elicit changes of IgG autoantibody reactivities. The
      correlation between neuronal damage and changes in autoantibody reactivity
      suggests that autoantibody profiling could be a useful biomarker for glaucoma. In
      vivo studies on neuroretinal cells and porcine retinal explants demonstrated a
      protective effect of antibodies (eg, anti-GFAP) on RGC, which seems to be the
      result of reduced stress levels in the retina. We conclude that the absence of
      some autoantibodies in glaucoma patients reflects a loss of the protective
      potential of natural autoimmunity and may thus encourage neurodegenerative
      processes. Concluding, autoantibody profiles resemble useful biomarkers for
      diagnosis, progression and severity of glaucoma. Future longitudinal studies will
      help to improve early detection and enable better monitoring of disease
      progression.

PMID- 28085138
TI  - Success rate of nurse-led everting sutures for involutional lower lid entropion.
AB  - PurposeTo evaluate safety and long-term recurrence rate of entropion in patients
      having everting sutures (ES) for involutional entropion by ophthalmic nurses in a
      real clinical setting.Patients and methodsRetrospective notes review of all
      patients who had an outpatient ES by our trained ophthalmic nurses over 2 year's
      time period. Outcome measures were complication and recurrence rates. Those with
      less than 3 years' recorded follow-up were contacted by paper
      questionnaire.Results90 lids of 82 patients analysed. Mean age was 78 (range 54
      97). In total, 82% had no entropion surgery before, whereas 13% had previous ES
      and 5% one or more other procedures. Questionnaires were sent to 38, with return
      rate of 81%. Recurrence rate was 21.1% after 36-60 months follow up from nurse
      performed ES, with mean time to recurrence of 15 months (SD 13 months). A total
      of 32% of patients died during the follow-up period. Mean time between the
      procedure and death is 20.5 months. When ES were repeated twice (11 patients),
      recurrence rate was still 20%. No patients had any complications.ConclusionES can
      be safely performed by ophthalmic nurses, with success rate comparable to the
      same technique performed by ophthalmologists.

PMID- 28085139
TI  - Efficacy of 0.2 MUg/day fluocinolone acetonide implant (ILUVIEN) in eyes with
      diabetic macular edema and prior vitrectomy.
AB  - PurposeLimited data are available on the efficacy of the 0.2 MUg/day fluocinolone
      acetonide (FAc) implant in eyes with prior vitrectomy. Here, we present a
      collection of 26 vitrectomized eyes treated with the 0.2 MUg/day FAc
      implant.MethodsRetrospective study involving six centers from four European
      countries analyzing the safety and efficacy data from patients (26 eyes from 25
      patients) with DME and a prior vitrectomy that had been treated with one 0.2
      MUg/day FAc implant.ResultsPrior intravitreal therapies included anti-VEGF (mean,
      3.8 injections) and steroids (mean, 1.9 injections). Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV)
      was performed in these eyes primarily for abnormalities of vitreoretinal
      interface, followed by proliferative diabetic retinopathy and vitreous
      hemorrhage. The 0.2 MUg/day FAc implant was injected 24.2 months, on average,
      after PPV and the mean duration of follow-up after injection was 255 days (range,
      90 to 759 days). The mean change in BCVA was +11.7 ETDRS letters (range, -19 to
      +40 letters; P<0.0004) and the mean change in central foveal thickness (CFT) was 
      233.5 MUm (range, -678 to 274 MUm; P<0.0001). The mean change in IOP from
      baseline at the last visit was +1.4 mm Hg (range, -9 to +8 mm Hg; P=0.0090).
      Eight eyes initiated or continued IOP lowering medications.ConclusionsThese data
      suggest the 0.2 MUg/day FAc implant is effective in vitrectomized patients with
      an acceptable safety profile. Further studies are still required to confirm the
      current findings and to assess the effect of the 0.2 MUg/day FAc implant over a
      longer period of follow-up.

PMID- 28085140
TI  - Nailfold capillary morphology in exfoliation syndrome.
AB  - PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate nailfold microvascular
      morphology in exfoliation syndrome with or without glaucoma (XFS/XFG) compared
      with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and control subjects using nailfold
      capillary videomicroscopy.Patients and methodsWe used a JH-1004 capillaroscope to
      perform nailfold capillary videomicroscopy on the fourth and fifth digit of the
      non-dominant hand. We enrolled 56 XFS/XFG patients, 87 POAG patients, and 75
      control subjects. Masked observers graded the videos for hemorrhages, avascular
      zones >=200 microns (MUm), and degree of microvascular tortuosity on a four-point
      subjective scale. Multivariable odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and P-for
      trends for assessing the relation between morphological changes and POAG or
      XFS/XFG were obtained from logistic regression analyses. We also assessed this
      relation with XFS/XFG compared with POAG in multivariable models.ResultsAfter
      adjusting for multiple covariates, nailfold hemorrhages, avascular zones >=200
      MUm, and higher degree of vascular tortuosity were more common in XFS/XFG vs
      controls (P-for trend <=0.0001) and in POAG vs controls (P-for trend <=0.01). For
      each 100 capillaries, the number of hemorrhages was similar (P-for trend=0.91)
      between XFS/XFG and POAG patients; however, there were more avascular zones per
      100 capillaries with borderline significance (P-for trend=0.04) in the XFS/XFG
      group. XFS/XFG patients had more tortuosity than POAG patients; specifically,
      having a tortuosity score >=1.5 was associated with a 4.4-fold increased odds of
      XFS/XFG (95% confidence interval: 1.5-13.3) relative to a tortuosity score <1.0
      (P-for trend=0.005).ConclusionA high degree of nailfold capillary tortuosity is a
      distinct non-ocular feature associated with XFS/XFG compared with either POAG or
      controls.

PMID- 28085141
TI  - Assessing retinal ganglion cell damage.
AB  - Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss is the hallmark of optic neuropathies, including
      glaucoma, where damage to RGC axons occurs at the level of the optic nerve head.
      In experimental glaucoma, damage is assessed at the axon level (in the retinal
      nerve fibre layer and optic nerve head) or at the soma level (in the retina). In
      clinical glaucoma where measurements are generally limited to non-invasive
      techniques, structural measurements of the retinal nerve fibre layer and optic
      nerve head, or functional measurements with perimetry provide surrogate estimates
      of RGC integrity. These surrogate measurements, while clinically useful, are
      several levels removed from estimating actual RGC loss. Advances in imaging,
      labelling techniques, and transgenic medicine are making enormous strides in
      experimental glaucoma, providing knowledge on the pathophysiology of glaucoma,
      its progression and testing new therapeutic avenues. Advances are also being made
      in functional imaging of RGCs. Future efforts will now be directed towards
      translating these advances to clinical care.

PMID- 28085142
TI  - Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland is frequently characterized by MYB
      rearrangement.
AB  - PurposeAdenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) represents ~10-15% of salivary neoplasms
      and almost universally exhibits a lethal clinical course. ACC is also known to
      occur in the lacrimal gland. ACC is characterized by its heterogeneous morphology
      and may demonstrate tubular, cribriform, and/or solid architectural patterns.
      Unfortunately, these histopathological features are not specific to ACC and can
      be seen in other salivary gland-type neoplasms, introducing a diagnostic dilemma.
      The discovery of fusion transcripts has revolutionized the diagnosis,
      surveillance, and treatment of epithelial malignancies. In several anatomic
      subsites ACC is frequently characterized by a fusion transcript involving genes
      MYB and NFIB; more specifically, t(6;9)(q22-23;p23-24). This study explores the
      incidence of MYB rearrangement in cases of lacrimal gland ACC using fluorescent
      in situ hybridization.Materials and methodsRetrospective clinical and
      histopathological review of 12 cases of lacrimal gland ACC seen at Mayo Clinic
      over a 25-year period (1990-2015) was performed. Demographic and clinical data
      were obtained from medical records. Surgical pathology archival material
      including H&E slides and immunostains was re-examined. Formalin-fixed paraffin
      embedded material was further evaluated using immunohistochemistry when
      appropriate. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using a MYB break-apart
      probe was applied to all histologically confirmed cases of ACC and benign
      salivary gland parenchyma.ResultsThe median patient age was 53.6 years (range 12
      64) and distributed equally by gender (six male and six female). Rearrangement of
      MYB was identified using FISH in seven cases (58%). Twenty-five sections of
      benign salivary gland parenchyma showed no evidence of MYB rearrangement. Primary
      surgical resection was most common treatment, and 78% of the patient received
      adjuvant radiation therapy. Median overall survival (OS) was 11 years.
      Rearrangement of MYB did not affect OS.ConclusionsIn summary, our results
      indicate that the MYB rearrangement defines a significant subset of lacrimal
      gland ACCs. Importantly, FISH for MYB rearrangement may be used as a diagnostic
      tool during pathological examination of lacrimal gland neoplasms. Our results
      showed no relationship between rearrangement status and clinical outcome. Lastly,
      the presence of t(6;9) in ACC may provide a platform for molecular-targeting
      strategies in the future.

PMID- 28085143
TI  - The clinical, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics and
      nomenclature of meibomian gland ductal cysts (intratarsal keratinous cysts) and
      eyelid steatocystomas.
AB  - PurposeMeibomian gland ductal cysts (MGDCs) and steatocystomas are epithelial
      lined, keratin-containing lesions of the eyelids. MDGCs are variably called
      tarsal keratinous cysts, intratarsal keratinous cysts of the meibomian glands,
      intratarsal inclusion cysts, epidermal cysts and epidermoid cysts. Both lesions
      are poorly described in the literature. We report a series of seven MGDC and
      steatocystomas, and examine their clinical, pathological and immunohistochemistry
      features and their management and outcomes.Patients and methodsA retrospective
      review of case notes and histopathology slides of all MGDCs and steatocystomas
      identified at one major histopathology service in South Australia between 2013
      and 2015.ResultsSeven cases were identified, with an average age of 64. The
      lesions range from 4 to 18 mm diameter and are firm, well-circumscribed and non
      tender, and sometimes the keratin-filled cyst protrudes visibly under the tarsal
      conjunctiva. Two cases were previously misdiagnosed as chalazia but recurred
      after incision and curettage. Histologically, these lesions are lined by squamous
      epithelium but lack a well-formed stratum granulosum and can be distinguished by
      their immunohistochemical staining characteristics. Complete excision, including
      a wedge of underlying tarsal plate for MDGCs, is curative for with a follow up of
      12-36 months.ConclusionsMGDCs and steatocystomas should be included in the
      differential of benign eyelid lesions. Diagnosing and differentiating these
      lesions from chalazia is important for determining the optimal management
      strategy.

PMID- 28085144
TI  - Surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy and risk factors for
      functional failure: a 10-year experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
      and the risk factors associated with functional failure. METHODS: We reviewed the
      medical records of 769 patients who underwent external DCR for primary lacrimal
      drainage obstruction between 2005 and 2014. Recorded data included intraoperative
      anatomical findings, postoperative diagnosis, and surgical outcomes. We performed
      univariate and multivariate analyses to identify risk factors for functional
      failure. RESULTS: Of the 769 cases, primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO)
      was diagnosed in 457 cases; common canalicular obstruction in 228 cases; and
      canalicular obstruction in 84 cases. Anatomical success was achieved in 98.8%
      (760/769) and functional success in 81.9% (630/769) of the cases. An analysis of
      760 anatomically successful DCRs showed that common canalicular obstruction
      (OR=1.752, P=0.014) and canalicular obstruction (OR=2.058, P=0.015) were
      independent risk factors for functional failure. In a subgroup analysis of
      patients with primary NLDO, patients with a small lacrimal sac had a
      significantly higher risk of functional failure (OR=2.500, P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS:
      The overall surgical outcomes of external DCR were favorable in this case series.
      Site of obstruction was an important risk factor for functional failure in cases
      with primary lacrimal drainage obstruction. A small lacrimal sac was also found
      to be a risk factor for functional failure in cases with primary NLDO.

PMID- 28085145
TI  - Ethnic variation in primary idiopathic macular hole surgery.
AB  - PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate the role of ethnicity on
      idiopathic macular holes (IMH) structure and surgical outcome. This was a
      retrospective review.Patients and methodsConsecutive patients undergoing primary
      IMH surgery at two surgical sites of Moorfields Eye Hospital (London, UK) between
      April 2012 and June 2013. The main outcome measure was post surgical anatomical
      closure of IMH.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty two primary IMH surgeries were
      undertaken. A standard procedure including pars plana vitrectomy, internal
      limiting membrane peeling, and gas tamponade was undertaken for all cases. 61.3%
      of patients were Caucasian, 21.2% were South Asian, and 16% were Afro-Caribbean.
      The mean minimum linear diameter (MLD) for our cohort was 434.6 mcm. Mean MLD was
      395.3 mcm in Caucasian patients, 490.0 mcm in South Asians (P=0.006), and 491.4
      mcm in Afro-Caribbeans (P=0.007). Regression analysis demonstrated that MLD and
      Afro-Caribbean ethnicity were independent significant risk factors for surgical
      failure (OR: 1.01, P<0.001 and OR: 5.73, P=0.008, respectively).ConclusionSouth
      Asian and Afro-Caribbean patients present with larger IMH than Caucasians. In
      addition to IMH diameter, Afro-Caribbean ethnicity is an independent risk factor
      for surgical failure.

PMID- 28085146
TI  - One size doesn't fit all: time to revisit patient-reported outcome measures
      (PROMs) in paediatric ophthalmology?
AB  - The purpose of this article is to summarise methodological challenges and
      opportunities in the development and application of patient reported outcome
      measures (PROMs) for the rare and complex population of children with visually
      impairing disorders. Following a literature review on development and application
      of PROMs in children in general, including those with disabilities and or/chronic
      condition, we identified and discuss here 5 key issues that are specific to
      children with visual impairment: (1) the conflation between theoretically
      distinct vision-related constructs and outcomes, (2) the importance of
      developmentally appropriate approaches to design and application of PROMs, (3)
      feasibility of standard questionnaire formats and administration for children
      with different levels of visual impairment, (4) feasibility and nature of self
      reporting by visually impaired children, and (5) epidemiological, statistical and
      ethical considerations. There is an established need for vision-specific age
      appropriate PROMs for use in paediatric ophthalmology, but there are significant
      practical and methodological challenges in developing and applying appropriate
      measures. Further understanding of the characteristics and needs of visually
      impaired children as questionnaire respondents is necessary for development of
      quality PROMs and their meaningful application in clinical practice and research.

PMID- 28085147
TI  - Seeing through their eyes: lived experiences of people with retinitis pigmentosa.
AB  - PurposeRetinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common retinal degeneration causing
      blindness. Although their clinical problems are amenable for the clinical
      diagnosis, their day-to-day problems for having to live with the disease are
      mostly unexplored. This study aims to explore and understand the issues and
      impact of people with RP on quality of life (QoL).MethodsA qualitative research
      methodology to facilitate the understanding of the experiences of people with RP
      was carried out. Data were collected through audio-recorded semi-structured
      interviews. Thematic analysis occurred through the process of line-by-line
      coding, aggregation, and theme development using the NVivo-10
      software.ResultsTwenty-three interviews were conducted (mean age=56 years;
      females, 14). We identified five major QoL themes: (1) struggle to perform
      important day-to-day tasks; (2) concerns about disease progression, disease
      outcome and personal safety; (3) facing a lot of emotional and psychological
      challenges; (4) experiencing a myriad of visual symptoms; and (5) adopting
      different strategies to cope and manage stressful circumstances. Difficulty in
      performing important day-to-day tasks was the most prominent QoL issue among
      these people. Their major concerns were going blind and uncertainties about their
      future. They face a lot of emotional and psychological challenges to adapt to the
      physiological stress associated with the progressive vision loss. However, they
      adopt several coping strategies to manage the stressful
      circumstances.ConclusionsPeople with RP experience a myriad of QoL issues.
      Despite all the hardship, they remain optimistic and learn to accept their eye
      condition and move on in life.

PMID- 28085148
TI  - Occurrence and severity of upper eyelid skin contracture in facial nerve palsy.

PMID- 28085149
TI  - ApoSOD1 lacking dismutase activity neuroprotects motor neurons exposed to beta
      methylamino-L-alanine through the Ca2+/Akt/ERK1/2 prosurvival pathway.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe human adult-onset
      neurodegenerative disease affecting lower and upper motor neurons. In >20% of
      cases, the familial form of ALS is caused by mutations in the gene encoding Cu,Zn
      superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Interestingly, administration of wild-type SOD1 to
      SOD1G93A transgenic rats ameliorates motor symptoms through an unknown mechanism.
      Here we investigated whether the neuroprotective effects of SOD1 are due to the
      Ca2+-dependent activation of such prosurvival signaling pathway and not to its
      catalytic activity. To this aim, we also examined the mechanism of
      neuroprotective action of ApoSOD1, the metal-depleted state of SOD1 that lacks
      dismutase activity, in differentiated motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells and in
      primary motor neurons exposed to the cycad neurotoxin beta-methylamino-L-alanine
      (L-BMAA). Preincubation of ApoSOD1 and SOD1, but not of human recombinant
      SOD1G93A, prevented cell death in motor neurons exposed to L-BMAA. Moreover,
      ApoSOD1 elicited ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in motor neurons through an early
      increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Accordingly, inhibition
      of ERK1/2 by siMEK1 and PD98059 counteracted ApoSOD1- and SOD1-induced
      neuroprotection. Similarly, transfection of the dominant-negative form of Akt in
      NSC-34 motor neurons and treatment with the selective PI3K inhibitor LY294002
      prevented ApoSOD1- and SOD1-mediated neuroprotective effects in L-BMAA-treated
      motor neurons. Furthermore, ApoSOD1 and SOD1 prevented the expression of the two
      markers of L-BMAA-induced ER stress GRP78 and caspase-12. Collectively, our data
      indicate that ApoSOD1, which is devoid of any catalytic dismutase activity,
      exerts a neuroprotective effect through an early activation of Ca2+/Akt/ERK1/2
      pro-survival pathway that, in turn, prevents ER stress in a neurotoxic model of
      ALS.

PMID- 28085150
TI  - Characterisation of mice lacking all functional isoforms of the pro-survival BCL
      2 family member A1 reveals minor defects in the haematopoietic compartment.
AB  - The pro-survival proteins of the BCL-2 family regulate the survival of all cells,
      and genetic deletion models for these proteins have revealed which specific BCL-2
      family member(s) is/are critical for the survival of particular cell types. A1 is
      a pro-survival BCL-2-like protein that is expressed predominantly in
      haematopoietic cells, and here we describe the characterisation of a novel mouse
      strain that lacks all three functional isoforms of A1 (A1-a, A1-b and A1-d).
      Surprisingly, complete loss of A1 caused only minor defects, with significant,
      although relatively small, decreases in gammadeltaTCR T cells, antigen
      experienced conventional as well as regulatory CD4 T cells and conventional
      dendritic cells (cDCs). When examining these cell types in tissue culture, only
      cDC survival was significantly impaired by the loss of A1. Therefore, A1 appears
      to be a surprisingly redundant pro-survival protein in the haematopoietic system
      and other tissues, suggesting that its targeting in cancer may be readily
      tolerated.

PMID- 28085151
TI  - The BCL-2 pro-survival protein A1 is dispensable for T cell homeostasis on viral
      infection.
AB  - The physiological role of the pro-survival BCL-2 family member A1 has been
      debated for a long time. Strong mRNA induction in T cells on T cell receptor
      (TCR)-engagement suggested a major role of A1 in the survival of activated T
      cells. However, the investigation of the physiological roles of A1 was
      complicated by the quadruplication of the A1 gene locus in mice, making A1 gene
      targeting very difficult. Here, we used the recently generated A1-/- mouse model
      to examine the role of A1 in T cell immunity. We confirmed rapid and strong
      induction of A1 protein in response to TCR/CD3 stimulation in CD4+ as well as
      CD8+ T cells. Surprisingly, on infection with the acute influenza HKx31 or the
      lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus docile strains mice lacking A1 did not show
      any impairment in the expansion, survival, or effector function of cytotoxic T
      cells. Furthermore, the ability of A1-/- mice to generate antigen-specific memory
      T cells or to provide adequate CD4-dependent help to B cells was not impaired.
      These results suggest functional redundancy of A1 with other pro-survival BCL-2
      family members in the control of T cell-dependent immune responses.

PMID- 28085152
TI  - RodA as the missing glycosyltransferase in Bacillus subtilis and antibiotic
      discovery for the peptidoglycan polymerase pathway.
AB  - The bacterial cell wall is a highly conserved essential component of most
      bacterial groups. It is the target for our most frequently used antibiotics and
      provides important small molecules that trigger powerful innate immune responses.
      The wall is composed of glycan strands crosslinked by short peptides. For many
      years, the penicillin-binding proteins were thought to be the key enzymes
      required for wall synthesis. RodA and possibly other proteins in the wider SEDS
      (shape, elongation, division and sporulation) family have now emerged as a
      previously unknown class of essential glycosyltranferase enzymes, which play key
      morphogenetic roles in bacterial cell wall synthesis. We provide evidence in
      support of this role and the discovery of small natural product molecules that
      probably target these enzymes. The SEDS proteins have exceptional potential as
      targets for new antibacterial therapeutic agents.

PMID- 28085153
TI  - An NPF transporter exports a central monoterpene indole alkaloid intermediate
      from the vacuole.
AB  - Plants sequester intermediates of metabolic pathways into different cellular
      compartments, but the mechanisms by which these molecules are transported remain
      poorly understood. Monoterpene indole alkaloids, a class of specialized
      metabolites that includes the anticancer agent vincristine, antimalarial quinine
      and neurotoxin strychnine, are synthesized in several different cellular
      locations. However, the transporters that control the movement of these
      biosynthetic intermediates within cellular compartments have not been discovered.
      Here we present the discovery of a tonoplast localized nitrate/peptide family
      (NPF) transporter from Catharanthus roseus, CrNPF2.9, that exports strictosidine,
      the central intermediate of this pathway, into the cytosol from the vacuole. This
      discovery highlights the role that intracellular localization plays in
      specialized metabolism, and sets the stage for understanding and controlling the
      central branch point of this pharmacologically important group of compounds.

PMID- 28085154
TI  - Genomic reconstruction of multiple lineages of uncultured benthic archaea
      suggests distinct biogeochemical roles and ecological niches.
AB  - Genomic bins belonging to multiple archaeal lineages were recovered from distinct
      redox regimes in sediments of the White Oak River estuary. The reconstructed
      archaeal genomes were identified as belonging to the rice cluster subgroups III
      and V (RC-III, RC-V), the Marine Benthic Group D (MBG-D), and a newly described
      archaeal class, the Theionarchaea. The metabolic capabilities of these uncultured
      archaea were inferred and indicated a common capability for extracellular protein
      degradation, supplemented by other pathways. The multiple genomic bins within the
      MBG-D archaea shared a nearly complete reductive acetyl-CoA pathway suggesting
      acetogenic capabilities. In contrast, the RC-III metabolism appeared centered on
      the degradation of detrital proteins and production of H2, whereas the RC-V
      archaea lacked capabilities for protein degradation and uptake, and appeared to
      be specialized on carbohydrate fermentation. The Theionarchaea appeared as
      complex metabolic hybrids; encoding a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle
      permitting carbon (acetyl-CoA) oxidation, together with a complete reductive
      acetyl-CoA pathway and sulfur reduction by a sulfhydrogenase. The differentiated
      inferred capabilities of these uncultured archaeal lineages indicated lineage
      specific linkages with the nitrogen, carbon and sulfur cycles. The predicted
      metabolisms of these archaea suggest preferences for distinct geochemical niches
      within the estuarine sedimentary environment.

PMID- 28085155
TI  - Shift in fungal communities and associated enzyme activities along an age
      gradient of managed Pinus sylvestris stands.
AB  - Forestry reshapes ecosystems with respect to tree age structure, soil properties
      and vegetation composition. These changes are likely to be paralleled by shifts
      in microbial community composition with potential feedbacks on ecosystem
      functioning. Here, we assessed fungal communities across a chronosequence of
      managed Pinus sylvestris stands and investigated correlations between taxonomic
      composition and extracellular enzyme activities. Not surprisingly, clear-cutting
      had a negative effect on ectomycorrhizal fungal abundance and diversity. In
      contrast, clear-cutting favoured proliferation of saprotrophic fungi correlated
      with enzymes involved in holocellulose decomposition. During stand development,
      the re-establishing ectomycorrhizal fungal community shifted in composition from
      dominance by Atheliaceae in younger stands to Cortinarius and Russula species in
      older stands. Late successional ectomycorrhizal taxa correlated with enzymes
      involved in mobilisation of nutrients from organic matter, indicating intensified
      nutrient limitation. Our results suggest that maintenance of functional diversity
      in the ectomycorrhizal fungal community may sustain long-term forest production
      by retaining a capacity for symbiosis-driven recycling of organic nutrient pools.

PMID- 28085156
TI  - Divergent functional isoforms drive niche specialisation for nutrient acquisition
      and use in rumen microbiome.
AB  - Many microbes in complex competitive environments share genes for acquiring and
      utilising nutrients, questioning whether niche specialisation exists and if so,
      how it is maintained. We investigated the genomic signatures of niche
      specialisation in the rumen microbiome, a highly competitive, anaerobic
      environment, with limited nutrient availability determined by the biomass
      consumed by the host. We generated individual metagenomic libraries from 14 cows
      fed an ad libitum diet of grass silage and calculated functional isoform
      diversity for each microbial gene identified. The animal replicates were used to
      calculate confidence intervals to test for differences in diversity of functional
      isoforms between microbes that may drive niche specialisation. We identified 153
      genes with significant differences in functional isoform diversity between the
      two most abundant bacterial genera in the rumen (Prevotella and Clostridium). We
      found Prevotella possesses a more diverse range of isoforms capable of degrading
      hemicellulose, whereas Clostridium for cellulose. Furthermore, significant
      differences were observed in key metabolic processes indicating that isoform
      diversity plays an important role in maintaining their niche specialisation. The
      methods presented represent a novel approach for untangling complex interactions
      between microorganisms in natural environments and have resulted in an expanded
      catalogue of gene targets central to rumen cellulosic biomass degradation.

PMID- 28085159
TI  - Efficient electrocatalytic O2 reduction at copper complexes grafted onto
      polyvinylimidazole coated carbon nanotubes.
AB  - A facile approach to prepare Cu complexes for an efficient oxygen reduction
      reaction (ORR) was developed. Copper complexes of 5-nitrophenanthroline were
      sandwiched between polyvinylimidazole layers wrapped on carbon nanotubes, which
      showed ORR activity comparable to a Pt/C catalyst in alkaline media.

PMID- 28085157
TI  - Temperature is a key factor in Micromonas-virus interactions.
AB  - The genus Micromonas comprises phytoplankton that show among the widest
      latitudinal distributions on Earth, and members of this genus are recurrently
      infected by prasinoviruses in contrasted thermal ecosystems. In this study, we
      assessed how temperature influences the interplay between the main genetic clades
      of this prominent microalga and their viruses. The growth of three Micromonas
      strains (Mic-A, Mic-B, Mic-C) and the stability of their respective lytic viruses
      (MicV-A, MicV-B, MicV-C) were measured over a thermal range of 4-32.5  degrees C.
      Similar growth temperature optima (Topt) were predicted for all three hosts but
      Mic-B exhibited a broader thermal tolerance than Mic-A and Mic-C, suggesting
      distinct thermoacclimation strategies. Similarly, the MicV-C virus displayed a
      remarkable thermal stability compared with MicV-A and MicV-B. Despite these
      divergences, infection dynamics showed that temperatures below Topt lengthened
      lytic cycle kinetics and reduced viral yield and, notably, that infection at
      temperatures above Topt did not usually result in cell lysis. Two mechanisms
      operated depending on the temperature and the biological system. Hosts either
      prevented the production of viral progeny or maintained their ability to produce
      virions with no apparent cell lysis, pointing to a possible switch in the viral
      life strategy. Hence, temperature changes critically affect the outcome of
      Micromonas infection and have implications for ocean biogeochemistry and
      evolution.

PMID- 28085158
TI  - New insights into marine group III Euryarchaeota, from dark to light.
AB  - Marine Euryarchaeota remain among the least understood major components of marine
      microbial communities. Marine group II Euryarchaeota (MG-II) are more abundant in
      surface waters (4-20% of the total prokaryotic community), whereas marine group
      III Euryarchaeota (MG-III) are generally considered low-abundance members of deep
      mesopelagic and bathypelagic communities. Using genome assembly from direct
      metagenome reads and metagenomic fosmid clones, we have identified six novel MG
      III genome sequence bins from the photic zone (Epi1-6) and two novel bins from
      deep-sea samples (Bathy1-2). Genome completeness in those genome bins varies from
      44% to 85%. Photic-zone MG-III bins corresponded to novel groups with no
      similarity, and significantly lower GC content, when compared with previously
      described deep-MG-III genome bins. As found in many other epipelagic
      microorganisms, photic-zone MG-III bins contained numerous photolyase and
      rhodopsin genes, as well as genes for peptide and lipid uptake and degradation,
      suggesting a photoheterotrophic lifestyle. Phylogenetic analysis of these
      photolyases and rhodopsins as well as their genomic context suggests that these
      genes are of bacterial origin, supporting the hypothesis of an MG-III ancestor
      that lived in the dark ocean. Epipelagic MG-III occur sporadically and in
      relatively small proportions in marine plankton, representing only up to 0.6% of
      the total microbial community reads in metagenomes. None of the reconstructed
      epipelagic MG-III genomes were present in metagenomes from aphotic zone depths or
      from high latitude regions. Most low-GC bins were highly enriched at the deep
      chlorophyll maximum zones, with the exception of Epi1, which appeared evenly
      distributed throughout the photic zone worldwide.

PMID- 28085160
TI  - Ferromagnetism in nitrogen-doped BaO: a self-interaction corrected DFT study.
AB  - The nature of isolated nitrogen-dopants in bulk BaO (N-BaO) and their magnetic
      interaction have been investigated by means of density functional theory
      calculations based on hybrid, self-interaction corrected functionals. A
      thermodynamic analysis shows that N is preferably incorporated into interstitial
      sites. Only at very high temperatures and under oxygen poor-conditions the
      formation of N dopants substitutional to O is preferred. The spin density is
      rather localized in both cases, as proven by the calculation of the hyperfine
      coupling constants of the electron spin with the nuclear spin of nitrogen. The
      magnetic interaction of two N defects in various configurations has been
      considered as a function of their distance. Different behaviors have been
      observed, depending on the position of the N defects and on the nature of the
      dominating magnetic mechanism. In any case, the computed Curie temperature is
      below room temperature, suggesting that RT ferromagnetism cannot be attained for
      this kind of doping in BaO. Finally, the interplay of oxygen vacancies with the N
      dopants has been studied. The inclusion of nitrogen has the effect of drastically
      reducing the cost to create oxygen vacancies. These in turn quench the magnetic
      moment of N-dopants, contributing to reducing the concentration of magnetic
      impurities.

PMID- 28085161
TI  - Dinuclear indium and thallium diyls: biscarbenoids or metal cluster?
AB  - Using bis(beta-diketiminate) ligands we were able to synthesize unprecedented
      indium and thallium biscarbenoids. For indium, a novel four-membered metallacycle
      is derived from intra- and intermolecular In-In interactions in the solid state,
      while for thallium only an intramolecular Tl2-pseudo-dimer is obtained.
      Computational studies revealed that the solid-state structures benefit
      significantly from dispersion stabilization.

PMID- 28085162
TI  - High-resolution sub-cellular imaging by correlative NanoSIMS and electron
      microscopy of amiodarone internalisation by lung macrophages as evidence for drug
      induced phospholipidosis.
AB  - Correlative NanoSIMS and EM imaging of amiodarone-treated macrophages shows the
      internalisation of the drug at a sub-cellular level and reveals its accumulation
      within the lysosomes, providing direct evidence for amiodarone-induced
      phospholipidosis. Chemical fixation using tannic acid effectively seals cellular
      membranes aiding intracellular retention of diffusible drugs.

PMID- 28085164
TI  - Photocatalytic ATRA reaction promoted by iodo-Bodipy and sodium ascorbate.
AB  - Using ascorbate as a sacrificial reductant, iodo-Bodipy dye 1b is able to promote
      the ATRA reaction between bromoderivatives and alkenes. This finding expands the
      possibility of using Bodipy dyes to promote photocatalytic reactions in efficient
      ways.

PMID- 28085163
TI  - PSMA-targeted contrast agents for intraoperative imaging of prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) can serve as a molecular cell surface
      target for the detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Near-infrared (NIR)
      fluorescence imaging enables highly sensitive, rapid, and non-radioactive imaging
      of PSMA, though specific targeting still remains a challenge because no optimized
      contrast agents exist.

PMID- 28085165
TI  - Nanostructure, hydrogen bonding and rheology in choline chloride deep eutectic
      solvents as a function of the hydrogen bond donor.
AB  - Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a mixture of a salt and a molecular hydrogen
      bond donor, which form a eutectic liquid with a depressed melting point. Quantum
      mechanical molecular dynamics (QM/MD) simulations have been used to probe the 1 :
      2 choline chloride-urea (ChCl : U), choline chloride-ethylene glycol (ChCl : EG)
      and choline chloride-glycerol (ChCl : Gly) DESs. DES nanostructure and
      interactions between the ions is used to rationalise differences in DES eutectic
      point temperatures and viscosity. Simulations show that the structure of the bulk
      hydrogen bond donor is largely preserved for hydroxyl based hydrogen bond donors
      (ChCl:Gly and ChCl:EG), resulting in a smaller melting point depression. By
      contrast, ChCl:U exhibits a well-established hydrogen bond network between the
      salt and hydrogen bond donor, leading to a larger melting point depression. This
      extensive hydrogen bond network in ChCl:U also leads to substantially higher
      viscosity, compared to ChCl:EG and ChCl:Gly. Of the two hydroxyl based DESs,
      ChCl:Gly also exhibits a higher viscosity than ChCl:EG. This is attributed to the
      over-saturation of hydrogen bond donor groups in the ChCl:Gly bulk, which leads
      to more extensive hydrogen bond donor self-interaction and hence higher cohesive
      forces within the bulk liquid.

PMID- 28085166
TI  - Correction: Double-emulsion drops with ultra-thin shells for capsule templates.
AB  - Correction for 'Double-emulsion drops with ultra-thin shells for capsule
      templates' by Shin-Hyun Kim et al., Lab Chip, 2011, 11, 3162-3166.

PMID- 28085167
TI  - Correction: Tuneable light-emitting carbon-dot/polymer flexible films prepared
      through one-pot synthesis.
AB  - Correction for 'Tuneable light-emitting carbon-dot/polymer flexible films
      prepared through one-pot synthesis' by Susanta Kumar Bhunia, et al., Nanoscale,
      2016, 8, 3400-3406.

PMID- 28085168
TI  - Ultrafast dynamics of the photo-excited hemes b and cn in the cytochrome b6f
      complex.
AB  - The dynamics of hemes b and cn within the cytochrome b6f complex are investigated
      by means of ultrafast broad-band transient absorption spectroscopy. On the one
      hand, the data reveal that, subsequent to visible light excitation, part of the b
      hemes undergoes pulse-limited photo-oxidation, with the liberated electron
      supposedly being transferred to one of the adjacent aromatic amino acids. Photo
      oxidation is followed by charge recombination in about 8.2 ps. Subsequent to
      charge recombination, heme b is promoted to a vibrationally excited ground state
      that relaxes in about 4.6 ps. On the other hand, heme cn undergoes ultrafast
      ground state recovery in about 140 fs. Interestingly, the data also show that, in
      contrast to previous beliefs, Chl a is involved in the photochemistry of hemes.
      Indeed, subsequent to heme excitation, Chl a bleaches and recovers to its ground
      state in 90 fs and 650 fs, respectively. Chl a bleaching allegedly corresponds to
      the formation of a short lived Chl a anion. Beyond the previously suggested
      structural role, this study provides unique evidence that Chl a is directly
      involved in the photochemistry of the hemes.

PMID- 28085169
TI  - Wrinkling of milk skin is mediated by evaporation.
AB  - Wrinkling of thin films and membranes can occur due to various mechanisms such as
      growth and/or mismatch between the mechanical properties of the film and
      substrate. However, the physical origins of dynamic wrinkling in soft membranes
      are still not fully understood. Here we use milk skin as a tractable experimental
      system to investigate the physics of wrinkle formation in a thin, poroelastic
      film. Upon heating milk, a micron-thick hydrogel of denatured proteins and fat
      globules forms at the air-water interface. Over time, we observe an increase in
      the total length of wrinkles. By confocal imaging and profilometry, we determine
      that the composition and thickness of the milk skin appears to be homogeneous
      over the length scale of the wrinkles, excluding differences in milk skin
      composition as a major contributor to wrinkling. To explain the physical origins
      of wrinkle growth, we describe theory that considers the milk skin as a thin,
      poroelastic film where pressure is generated by the evaporative-driven flow of
      solvent across the film; this imparts in-plane stresses in the milk skin, which
      cause wrinkling. Viscous effects can explain the time-dependent growth of
      wrinkles. Our theoretical predictions of the effects of relative humidity on the
      total length of wrinkles over time are consistent with our experimental results.
      Our findings provide insight into the physics of the common phenomenon of milk
      skin wrinkling, and identify hydration gradients as another physical mechanism
      that can drive morphological instabilities in soft matter.

PMID- 28085170
TI  - Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification: a case report of successful
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.
AB  - Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification is a rare cause of infantile ischemic
      cardiac failure with extremely poor prognosis. We present the first case report
      of successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and outcome in a child
      with idiopathic infantile arterial calcification (IIAC). This 6-week-old infant
      presented with cardiogenic shock and circulatory collapse. The patient underwent
      extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, allowing stabilization, diagnosis,
      and treatment with etidronate, followed by successful discharge to home.

PMID- 28085171
TI  - Assessment of the optimal operating parameters during extracorporeal CO2 removal
      with the Abylcap(r) system.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lung protective ventilation is recommended in patients with acute
      respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) needing mechanical ventilation. This can
      however be associated with hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis, such that
      extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) can be applied. The aim of this study was to
      derive optimal operating parameters for the ECCO2R Abylcap(r) system (Bellco,
      Italy). METHODS: We included 4 ARDS patients with a partial arterial oxygen
      tension over the fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) lower than 150 mmHg,
      receiving lung-protective ventilation and treated with the Abylcap(r) via a
      double lumen 13.5-Fr dialysis catheter in the femoral vein. Every 24 hours during
      5 consecutive days, blood was sampled at the Abylcap(r) inlet and outlet for
      different blood flows (QB:200-300-400 mL/min) with 100% O2 gas flow (QG) of 7
      L/min, and for different QG (QG: 0.5-1-1.5-3-6-8 L/min) with QB400 mL/min. CO2
      and O2 transfer remained constant over 5 days for a fixed QB. RESULTS: We found
      that, for a fixed QG of 7 L/min, CO2 transfer linearly and significantly
      increased with QB (i.e. from 58 +/- 8 to 98 +/- 16 mL/min for QB 200 to 400
      mL/min). For a fixed QB of 400 mL/min, CO2 transfer non-linearly increased with
      QG (i.e. from 39 +/- 9 to 98 +/- 16 mL/min for QG 0.5 to 8 L/min) reaching a
      plateau at QG of 6 L/min. CONCLUSIONS: Hence, when using the Abylcap(r) ECCO2R in
      the treatment of ARDS patients the O2 flow should be at least 6 L/min while QB
      should be set at its maximum.

PMID- 28085172
TI  - Development of the first adult respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      center in Croatia under emergency circumstances.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We report on the challenges of establishing a successful adult
      respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) center in a developing
      country like Croatia under emergency conditions. We further introduce measures
      that would improve the outcome of patients treated with ECMO for respiratory
      failure at the national level. METHODS: 100 consecutive adult patients treated
      with venovenous (VV) ECMO for acute respiratory failure were enrolled to the
      database prospectively from October 2009 until June 2016. A review of methodology
      in establishing an adult respiratory ECMO center is provided. RESULTS: 7 years
      after the establishment of the first respiratory ECMO center in Croatia the
      hospital mortality was 44% and ECMO procedure survival was 71%. With this data,
      our results are comparable to an average extracorporeal life support organization
      (ELSO) center. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that a successful adult
      respiratory ECMO center can be established under emergency conditions even in
      less developed countries like Croatia. Today Croatia's respiratory ECMO network
      is insufficiently organized and the Ministry of Health should provide a
      comprehensive, national, ECMO network strategy. Currently, and contrary to the
      opinion of the world's leading experts, any hospital in Croatia is allowed to
      perform the ECMO procedure without any control or validation. Only if health
      policy makers in Croatia reconsider this issue will we be able to provide the
      best care possible for respiratory ECMO patients at the national level.

PMID- 28085173
TI  - Impact of chlorhexidine gluconate intolerance on driveline infection during
      chronic HeartMate II left ventricular assist device support.
AB  - PURPOSE: Driveline exit site (DLES) management following left ventricular assist
      device implantation is important for preventing driveline infection (DLI). While
      chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is generally recommended for DLES antisepsis, CHG
      intolerance can develop, resulting in a need for alternative antiseptics. We
      reviewed our institutional experience with DLES antisepsis methods in HeartMate
      II patients, comparing outcomes of patients with and without CHG intolerance.
      METHODS: Between October 2011 and March 2016, 44 patients underwent primary
      HeartMate II implantation. CHG was used for DLES antisepsis and povidone-iodine
      (PVP-I) was used in patients with CHG intolerance. DLI was defined by Interagency
      Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) criteria.
      RESULTS: Of 44 patients, 37 (84%) received CHG and 7 (16%) received PVP-I
      antisepsis due to CHG intolerance. Five patients (11.4%) developed a DLI, with an
      event per patient-year rate of 0.07. Median length of support was 521 days
      (interquartile range 202-881 days). Characteristics were similar between patients
      with and without DLI. However, a larger proportion of patients with DLI had CHG
      intolerance compared to patients without DLI (60.0% vs. 10.3%, p:0.05). Causative
      organisms were Staphylococcus aureus in CHG-intolerant patients and
      Stenotrophomonas and Acinetobacter in CHG-tolerant patients. Kaplan-Meier method
      and log-rank test demonstrated decreased infection-free days in patients using
      PVP-I rather than CHG (p:0.01). CONCLUSIONS: While the etiology of DLI is
      multifactorial, CHG intolerance appears to be a risk factor. Our findings
      highlight the need for larger studies comparing the efficacy of antiseptics for
      DLES care, particularly for patients with CHG contraindications.

PMID- 28085174
TI  - Mannose receptor as a potential biomarker for gastric cancer: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mannose receptor is an immune adhesion molecule mainly expressed
      on the surface of antigen-presenting cells such as nonmature dendritic cells and
      macrophages. This study aimed to investigate mannose receptor expression and its
      predictive role in papillary gastric cancer patients. METHODS: The expression of
      the mannose receptor was measured in 120 samples of gastric cancer tissues and
      corresponding paracarcinoma tissues, by immunohistochemical and quantitative real
      time PCR analysis. The relationships between mannose receptor expression and
      clinicopathological features of gastric cancer patients were analyzed. RESULTS:
      The expression rate of the mannose receptor in gastric cancer cells was 45.8%
      (54/120), significantly higher than that in the paracarcinoma tissue (20.0%,
      36/120) (chi2 = 6.286, p = 0.012). High expression of the mannose receptor was
      closely related to tumor size, T stage, N stage and Union for International
      Cancer Control (UICC) stage of gastric cancer (p<0.05). A Kaplan-Meier survival
      model indicated that the survival of patients in the high-expression mannose
      receptor group was significantly shorter than in the low-expression mannose
      receptor group (p<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that high mannose
      receptor expression was an independent predictor for the prognosis of patients
      with gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS: High mannose receptor expression indicates poor
      prognosis for gastric cancer patients. The mannose receptor may be an important
      molecular marker for gastric cancer prognosis.

PMID- 28085175
TI  - Cathepsin K expression in castration-resistant prostate carcinoma: a
      therapeutical target for patients at risk for bone metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin K is involved in bone
      remodeling and is also expressed in the peritumoral stroma of carcinomas arising
      from different organs. A new generation of cathepsin K inhibitors blocking the
      RANKL/RANK pathway are being developed. We sought to investigate cathepsin K
      expression in a cohort of castration-resistant prostate carcinomas. METHODS:
      Sixteen cases of castration-resistant disease with at least 5 years of follow-up
      were selected from a cohort of 280 patients who underwent surgery. Cathepsin K
      was evaluated on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue microarrays with 5
      tissue spots per case. These were scored as high 2+ (>=30% of cells), low 1+
      (<30% of cells) or zero (absence), distinguishing tumor cells and peritumoral
      stroma cells. Low (1+) and absence (0) of scoring were interpreted as negative,
      and high (2+) as positive. RESULTS: The castration-resistant group was composed
      of 15 acinar adenocarcinomas and 1 neuroendocrine carcinoma, and all showed at
      least Gleason score 8 at prostatectomy. Two out of 16 cases (12%) scored positive
      for cathepsin K in tumor cells; and 5 of 16 cases (31%) scored positive in
      peritumoral stroma cells. The neuroendocrine and acinar subtypes of carcinoma
      with positive immunoexpression in neoplastic cells developed bone metastases
      after 4 and 5 years, respectively, and subsequently died. CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      affected by castration-resistant prostate carcinoma may be tested for cathepsin
      K, and a positive strong expression (2+) could be a useful predictive biomarker
      of response to targeted agents, aiding in the selection of patients eligible for
      these treatments.

PMID- 28085176
TI  - Integration between oncology and palliative care: a plan for the next decade?
AB  - With the groundbreaking work of three Milan professors-Bonadonna, Veronesi, and
      Ventafridda-in the 1980s as the starting point, this article aims to shed light
      on the potential benefits of a closer and more formal integration between
      oncology and palliative care. More specifically, we address why integration is
      needed, how to do it, and the potential benefits to the patients, families, and
      society. The costs for cancer care are increasing rapidly. Especially during the
      last year of life, some treatments are futile and expensive without proven
      benefit for patients in terms of prolonged survival with adequate quality of life
      (QoL). The latest WHO definition of palliative care supports an upstream
      introduction of palliative care. More recent studies indicate that such an early
      integration has the potential to improve the patients' QoL and reduce their
      symptom burden. Successful integration presupposes formal structures and explicit
      obligations on how and when to integrate. The Norwegian model for palliative care
      is presented. It covers the range of oncologic and palliative services from
      community health care via the local hospital to the tertiary hospital and rests
      on standardized care pathway as the key instrument to promote integration. Our
      present state of knowledge indicates that integration does not shorten life;
      perhaps even the opposite. Futile oncological treatment can be reduced and the
      QoL of patients and carers improved. We need more evidence on the potential
      effect upon costs, but present data indicate that integration does not increase
      them.

PMID- 28085177
TI  - Surgery of locally advanced and metastatic kidney cancer after tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors therapy: single institute experience.
AB  - PURPOSE:: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common tumor of the kidney.
      Considering the TNM classification of 2009, locally advanced and metastatic
      diseases are included in the groups stage III and IV. The surgical treatment of
      these tumors could be divided into 3 categories: (1) curative (nephrectomy and/or
      metastasectomy), (2) cytoreductive, and (3) palliative. Targeted agents showed
      impressive antitumor efficacy and prolongation of progression-free survival. The
      integration between target therapy and surgery in patients with locally advanced
      or metastatic RCC has sometimes facilitated surgery. We aimed to evaluate
      patients' response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and the feasibility
      of surgery after that and to observe complications related to surgery. METHODS::
      From February 2007 to September 2014 in the Istituto Tumori of Milan, IRCCS, we
      selected patients with locally advanced or metastatic diseases, treated with
      target therapy before surgery (which comprised nephrectomy or partial
      nephrectomy, cytoreductive surgery, and metastasectomy) and cryoablation.
      RESULTS:: We selected 33 patients who underwent surgery after TKI therapy. As for
      response to TKIs, 20 patients (60%) had stable disease, 9 patients (28%) had a
      partial response, and 4 patients (12%) had progressive disease. A total of 17
      patients (51%) presented complications directly or indirectly related to surgery
      and most of those were classified as grade II Clavien-Dindo score. CONCLUSIONS::
      The association between TKI and surgery seems to have no contraindications. Our
      dataset provides an example of how surgery after TKI is possible in locally
      advanced metastatic tumor and does not have an excessive rate of postoperative
      complications.

PMID- 28085178
TI  - Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular
      carcinoma after surgical resection.
AB  - AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The relationship between cancer and metabolism has recently
      been receiving attention. We investigated the prognostic influence of type 2
      diabetes mellitus in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with
      curative resection. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: The records of 58 patients who
      underwent curative resection for HCC pT1-2N0M0 between 2010 and 2014 were
      reviewed retrospectively. Fourteen patients (24.1%) had diabetes mellitus at
      diagnosis. Local control (LC) was defined as time to recurrence in the liver.
      RESULTS: The median follow-up was 23.3 months. Relapses occurred in 20 patients
      (34.5%) during the follow-up period; 17 of them developed intrahepatic
      recurrence, which was associated with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.013) and alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP) levels >500 ng/mL (p = 0.019). Overall relapses (n = 20) were
      related to T stage (p = 0.044), AFP level (p = 0.005), and diabetes (p = 0.044).
      The 3-year local control (intrahepatic control), disease-free survival, and
      overall survival rates were 56.7%, 50.5%, and 84.3%, respectively. LC was
      affected by diabetes mellitus (p = 0.046), Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging
      (p<0.001), Milan criteria for transplantation (p = 0.041), serosal invasion (p =
      0.032), and microvascular invasion (p = 0.043). Diabetes was also associated with
      reduced LC in the subgroup with hepatitis B-related HCC (n = 44, p = 0.028).
      CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus is correlated with intrahepatic HCC recurrence
      after surgery. Greater attention should be paid to managing patients with HCC and
      diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 28085179
TI  - Comparison of neoadjuvant vs concurrent/adjuvant androgen deprivation in men with
      high-risk prostate cancer receiving definitive radiation therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: It is unknown whether there is a benefit to starting androgen
      deprivation therapy (ADT) prior to rather than concurrently with definitive
      radiation therapy in men with high-risk prostate cancer. We studied the National
      Cancer Data Base to determine whether the timing of ADT impacts survival.
      METHODS: Men diagnosed with high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma who received
      external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to a dose of 70-81 Gy along with ADT from
      2004-2011 were included. Those who started ADT 42-90 days before EBRT were
      identified as having received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (N-HT) and those who
      received ADT from 14 days before their radiation until 84 days after the start of
      EBRT were categorized as receiving concurrent/adjuvant treatment (C-HT). We used
      the log-rank test to compare Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox
      regression to assess the impact of covariables on overall survival (OS). RESULTS:
      Among 11,491 included patients, those receiving N-HT were 1 year older (p<0.001)
      and more likely to have Gleason 8-10 disease (p = 0.01) and cT3-4 disease (p =
      0.002). Men receiving N-HT had a 5-year and median OS of 80.6% and 111.4 months,
      respectively, compared to 78.3% and 108.9 months, respectively, in those
      receiving C-HT (p = 0.03). This benefit remained significant on multivariable
      analysis (hazard ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.77-0.96, p = 0.008).
      Duration of ADT was not available to report. CONCLUSIONS: External beam radiation
      therapy with N-HT was associated with improved overall survival compared to C-HT.
      This study is hypothesis-generating and further studies are needed to best
      qualify the sequencing of hormone therapy with the duration of treatment.

PMID- 28085180
TI  - Log D versus HPLC derived hydrophobicity: The development of predictive tools to
      aid in the rational design of bioactive peptoids.
AB  - Hydrophobicity has proven to be an extremely useful parameter in small molecule
      drug discovery programmes given that it can be used as a predictive tool to
      enable rational design. For larger molecules, including peptoids, where folding
      is possible, the situation is more complicated and the average hydrophobicity (as
      determined by RP-HPLC retention time) may not always provide an effective
      predictive tool for rational design. Herein, we report the first ever application
      of partitioning experiments to determine the log D values for a series of
      peptoids. By comparing log D and average hydrophobicities we highlight the
      potential advantage of employing the former as a predictive tool in the rational
      design of biologically active peptoids.

PMID- 28085181
TI  - Selection of effects in Cox frailty models by regularization methods.
AB  - In all sorts of regression problems, it has become more and more important to
      deal with high-dimensional data with lots of potentially influential covariates.
      A possible solution is to apply estimation methods that aim at the detection of
      the relevant effect structure by using penalization methods. In this article, the
      effect structure in the Cox frailty model, which is the most widely used model
      that accounts for heterogeneity in survival data, is investigated. Since in
      survival models one has to account for possible variation of the effect strength
      over time the selection of the relevant features has to distinguish between
      several cases, covariates can have time-varying effects, time-constant effects,
      or be irrelevant. A penalization approach is proposed that is able to distinguish
      between these types of effects to obtain a sparse representation that includes
      the relevant effects in a proper form. It is shown in simulations that the method
      works well. The method is applied to model the time until pregnancy, illustrating
      that the complexity of the influence structure can be strongly reduced by using
      the proposed penalty approach.

PMID- 28085182
TI  - A study of over 35,000 women with breast cancer tested with a 25-gene panel of
      hereditary cancer genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As panel testing becomes more common in clinical practice, it is
      important to understand the prevalence and trends associated with the pathogenic
      variants (PVs) identified. This is especially true for genetically heterogeneous
      cancers, such as breast cancer (BC), in which PVs in different genes may be
      associated with various risks and cancer subtypes. The authors evaluated the
      outcomes of genetic testing among women who had a personal history of BC.
      METHODS: A total of 35,409 women with a single diagnosis of BC who underwent
      clinical genetic testing with a 25-gene panel were included in the current
      analysis. Women with multiple BCs and men with BC were excluded. The frequency
      and distribution of PVs were assessed for the overall cohort, among women with
      triple-negative BC (TNBC) (n = 4797), and by age at diagnosis. RESULTS: PVs were
      identified in 9.3% of women tested; 51.5% of PVs were identified in genes other
      than breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and BRCA2, including checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2)
      (11.7%), ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM; ATM serine/threonine kinase) (9.7%),
      and partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) (9.3%). The prevalence of PVs in
      BRCA1, PALB2, BRCA1-associated RING domain 1 (BARD1), BRCA1-interacting protein C
      terminal helicase 1 (BRIP1), and RAD51 paralog C (RAD51C) was statistically
      higher among women with TNBC. The PV rate was higher among women aged <40 years,
      lower among women aged >59 years, and relatively constant (8.5%-9.0%) among women
      who were diagnosed between ages 40 and 59 years. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      demonstrate that panel testing increased the number of women identified as
      carrying a PV in this cohort compared with BRCA testing alone. Furthermore, the
      proportion of women identified who carried a PV in this cohort did not decrease
      between ages 40 and 59 years. Cancer 2017;123:1721-1730. (c) 2017 American Cancer
      Society.

PMID- 28085183
TI  - Topical capsaicin (high concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This review is an update of 'Topical capsaicin (high concentration)
      for chronic neuropathic pain in adults' last updated in Issue 2, 2013. Topical
      creams with capsaicin are used to treat peripheral neuropathic pain. Following
      application to the skin, capsaicin causes enhanced sensitivity, followed by a
      period with reduced sensitivity and, after repeated applications, persistent
      desensitisation. High-concentration (8%) capsaicin patches were developed to
      increase the amount of capsaicin delivered; rapid delivery was thought to improve
      tolerability because cutaneous nociceptors are 'defunctionalised' quickly. The
      single application avoids noncompliance. Only the 8% patch formulation of
      capsaicin is available, with a capsaicin concentration about 100 times greater
      than conventional creams. High-concentration topical capsaicin is given as a
      single patch application to the affected part. It must be applied under highly
      controlled conditions, often following local anaesthetic, due to the initial
      intense burning sensation it causes. The benefits are expected to last for about
      12 weeks, when another application might be made. OBJECTIVES: To review the
      evidence from controlled trials on the efficacy and tolerability of topically
      applied, high-concentration (8%) capsaicin in chronic neuropathic pain in adults.
      SEARCH METHODS: For this update, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two
      clinical trials registries, and a pharmaceutical company's website to 10 June
      2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of
      at least 6 weeks' duration, using high-concentration (5% or more) topical
      capsaicin to treat neuropathic pain. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review
      authors independently searched for studies, extracted efficacy and adverse event
      data, and examined issues of study quality and potential bias. Where pooled
      analysis was possible, we used dichotomous data to calculate risk ratio and
      numbers needed to treat for one additional event, using standard methods.Efficacy
      outcomes reflecting long-duration pain relief after a single drug application
      were from the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) at specific points,
      usually 8 and 12 weeks. We also assessed average pain scores over weeks 2 to 8
      and 2 to 12 and the number of participants with pain intensity reduction of at
      least 30% or at least 50% over baseline, and information on adverse events and
      withdrawals.We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE and created a
      'Summary of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS: We included eight studies, involving
      2488 participants, two more studies and 415 more participants than the previous
      version of this review. Studies were of generally good methodological quality; we
      judged only one study at high risk of bias, due to small size. Two studies used a
      placebo control and six used 0.04% topical capsaicin as an 'active' placebo to
      help maintain blinding. Efficacy outcomes were inconsistently reported, resulting
      in analyses for most outcomes being based on less than complete data.For
      postherpetic neuralgia, we found four studies (1272 participants). At both 8 and
      12 weeks about 10% more participants reported themselves much or very much
      improved with high-concentration capsaicin than with 'active' placebo, with point
      estimates of numbers needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTs)
      of 8.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.3 to 26) with high-concentration capsaicin
      and 7.0 (95% CI 4.6 to 15) with 'active' placebo (2 studies, 571 participants;
      moderate quality evidence). More participants (about 10%) had average 2 to 8-week
      and 2 to 12-week pain intensity reductions over baseline of at least 30% and at
      least 50% with capsaicin than control, with NNT values between 10 and 12 (2 to 4
      studies, 571 to 1272 participants; very low quality evidence).For painful HIV
      neuropathy, we found two studies (801 participants). One study reported the
      proportion of participants who were much or very much improved at 12 weeks (27%
      with high-concentration capsaicin and 10% with 'active' placebo). For both
      studies, more participants (about 10%) had average 2 to 12-week pain intensity
      reductions over baseline of at least 30% with capsaicin than control, with an NNT
      of 11 (very low quality evidence).For peripheral diabetic neuropathy, we found
      one study (369 participants). It reported about 10% more participants who were
      much or very much improved at 8 and 12 weeks. One small study of 46 participants
      with persistent pain following inguinal herniorrhaphy did not show a difference
      between capsaicin and placebo for pain reduction (very low quality evidence).We
      downgraded the quality of the evidence for efficacy outcomes by one to three
      levels due to sparse data, imprecision, possible effects of imputation methods,
      and susceptibility to publication bias.Local adverse events were common, but not
      consistently reported. Serious adverse events were no more common with active
      treatment (3.5%) than control (3.2%). Adverse event withdrawals did not differ
      between groups, but lack of efficacy withdrawals were somewhat more common with
      control than active treatment, based on small numbers of events (six to eight
      studies, 21 to 67 events; moderate quality evidence, downgraded due to few
      events). No deaths were judged to be related to study medication. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: High-concentration topical capsaicin used to treat postherpetic
      neuralgia, HIV-neuropathy, and painful diabetic neuropathy generated more
      participants with moderate or substantial levels of pain relief than control
      treatment using a much lower concentration of capsaicin. These results should be
      interpreted with caution as the quality of the evidence was moderate or very low.
      The additional proportion who benefited over control was not large, but for those
      who did obtain high levels of pain relief, there were usually additional
      improvements in sleep, fatigue, depression, and quality of life. High
      concentration topical capsaicin is similar in its effects to other therapies for
      chronic pain.

PMID- 28085184
TI  - Comparative effectiveness of first-line radiofrequency ablation versus surgical
      resection and transplantation for patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Significant controversy exists as to which treatment modality is most
      effective for small, solitary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs): radiofrequency
      ablation (RFA), surgical resection (RXN), or transplantation (TXP). Size cutoff
      values ranging from 20 to 50 mm have been proposed to achieve complete ablation.
      The current study compares outcomes between RFA, RXN, and TXP as first-line
      therapy for patients with HCC tumors measuring as large as 50 mm. METHODS: The
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for patients
      with HCC tumors measuring up to 50 mm who were treated with RFA, RXN, or TXP
      between 2004 and 2013. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS)
      were examined in patients with tumors measuring <=20 mm, 21 to 30 mm, or 31 to 50
      mm. The impact of an increase in tumor size of only 5 mm beyond 30 mm was
      evaluated by also examining outcomes in patients with tumors measuring 31 to 35
      mm. RESULTS: Of 1894 cases, patients with HCC tumors measuring <=20 mm and 21 to
      30 mm demonstrated no difference in OS or DSS regardless of whether RFA and RXN
      was used. RFA was associated with a worse OS and DSS than TXP, whereas there was
      no difference in OS observed between RXN and TXP. In patients with tumors
      measuring 31 to 50 mm, OS and DSS were worse with RFA compared with RXN or TXP.
      Most important, the inferior DSS and OS noted with RFA were observed with only a
      5-mm increase in tumors measuring >30 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Although RFA frequently is
      used as first-line treatment of HCC tumors measuring as large as 50 mm, it is
      associated with worse results than RXN or TXP for tumors measuring >30 mm. To the
      best of the authors' knowledge, the results of the current study are the first to
      demonstrate that although RFA is an appropriate option for patients with HCC
      tumors measuring <=30 mm, its use for tumors even slightly larger than 30 mm is
      associated with inferior outcomes. Cancer 2017;123:1817-1827. (c) 2017 American
      Cancer Society.

PMID- 28085185
TI  - Reply to Management of hepatocellular carcinoma in thalassemia and importance of
      the human factor.

PMID- 28085186
TI  - The ability of Drosophila hybrids to locate food declines with parental
      divergence.
AB  - Hybrids are generally less fit than their parental species, and the mechanisms
      underlying their fitness reductions can manifest through different traits. For
      example, hybrids can have physiological, behavioral, or ecological defects, and
      these defects can generate reproductive isolation between their parental species.
      However, the rate that mechanisms of postzygotic isolation other than hybrid
      sterility and inviability evolve has remained largely uninvestigated, despite
      isolated studies showing that behavioral defects in hybrids are not only possible
      but might be widespread. Here, we study a fundamental animal behavior-the ability
      of individuals to find food-and test the rate at which it breaks down in hybrids.
      We measured the ability of hybrids from 94 pairs of Drosophila species to find
      food and show that this ability decreases with increasing genetic divergence
      between the parental species and that male hybrids are more strongly (and
      negatively) affected than females. Our findings quantify the rate that hybrid
      dysfunction evolves across the diverse radiation of Drosophila and highlights the
      need for future investigations of the genetic and neurological mechanisms that
      affect a hybrid's ability to find a suitable substrate on which to feed and
      breed.

PMID- 28085187
TI  - Digest: Climate effects on chipmunk cranial morphology.

PMID- 28085188
TI  - Racial disparities in treatment use for multiple myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent treatment advances have greatly improved the prognosis of
      patients with multiple myeloma. However, some of these newer, more effective
      treatments are intensive and expensive and their use remains low, particularly
      among black patients. METHODS: In the current study, the authors reviewed the use
      patterns of stem cell transplantation and bortezomib using the Surveillance,
      Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database. RESULTS: After
      controlling for overall health and potential access barriers, black patients were
      found to be 37% (P<.0001) less likely to undergo stem cell transplantation, and
      21% (P<.0001) less likely to be treated with bortezomib. Moreover, the authors
      found that the underuse of these treatments was associated with a 12% increase in
      the hazard ratio for death among black patients (P = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS:
      Eliminating health disparities, a current focus of US public policy, is highly
      complex, as illustrated by the results of the current study. In patients with
      multiple myeloma, treatment disparities are not completely explained by potential
      access barriers. Additional factors, such as structural barriers in the health
      care system and individual decision making among black and white patients, must
      be explored to fully explain the disparity. Cancer 2017;123:1590-1596. (c) 2017
      American Cancer Society.

PMID- 28085189
TI  - Digest: Splendid (continental) radiations.

PMID- 28085190
TI  - Digest: Beating pathogens at their own game.

PMID- 28085191
TI  - Developmental dynamics of ecomorphological convergence in a transcontinental
      lizard radiation.
AB  - Phenotypic convergence has confounded evolutionary biologists for centuries,
      explained as adaptations to shared selective pressures, or alternatively, the
      result of limited developmental pathways. We tested the relative roles of
      adaptation and constraint in generating convergent cranial morphologies across a
      large lizard radiation, the Lacertidae, whose members inhabit diverse
      environments throughout the Old World and display high amounts of homoplasy
      associated with ecological niche. Using 3D X-ray computed tomography, we
      quantified cranial shape variation associated with ontogeny, allometry, and
      ecology, covering all lacertid genera and one-third of species diversity.
      Landmark-based geometric morphometrics showed that cranial shape varied
      significantly among biomes, with substantial convergence among arid-dwelling
      lineages. Comparisons of species cranial growth trajectories between biomes
      revealed that allometric postdisplacement, as evidenced by decreased elevation of
      a constant ontogenetic slope, drives the convergent paedomorphic appearance of
      independent arid-dwelling forms. We hypothesize that observed heterochronic
      changes reflect temporal compression of ancestral life history in response to
      extreme environments, with associated phenotypes occurring as by-products of
      adaptive shifts in reproductive investment. Although allometry has long been
      considered a developmental constraint, our results demonstrate that allometric
      flexibility during early ontogeny produces convergent ecomorphologies over vast
      temporal and spatial scales, thus dramatically obscuring underlying phylogenetic
      signals.

PMID- 28085192
TI  - Macroevolutionary synthesis of flowering plant sexual systems.
AB  - Sexual system is a key determinant of genetic variation and reproductive success,
      affecting evolution within populations and within clades. Much research in plants
      has focused on evolutionary transitions away from the most common state of
      hermaphroditism and toward the rare state of dioecy (separate sexes). Rather than
      transitions predominantly toward greater sexual differentiation, however,
      evolution may proceed in the direction of lesser sexual differentiation. We
      analyzed the macroevolutionary dynamics of sexual system in angiosperm genera
      that contain both dioecious and nondioecious species. Our phylogenetic analyses
      encompass a total of 2145 species from 40 genera. Overall, we found little
      evidence that rates of sexual system transitions are greater in any direction.
      Counting the number of inferred state changes revealed a mild prevalence of
      transitions away from hermaphroditism and away from dioecy, toward states of
      intermediate sexual differentiation. We identify genera in which future studies
      of sexual system evolution might be especially productive, and we discuss how
      integrating genetic or population-level studies of sexual system could improve
      the power of phylogenetic comparative analyses. Our work adds to the evidence
      that different selective pressures and constraints act in different groups,
      helping maintain the variety of sexual systems observed among plants.

PMID- 28085193
TI  - Changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters following intravenous immunoglobulin
      treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gait impairment is a common presenting symptom in patients with
      chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). However, gait
      parameters have not previously been evaluated in detail as potential independent
      outcome measures. METHODS: We prospectively measured changes in spatiotemporal
      gait parameters of 20 patients with CIDP at baseline and following treatment with
      intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), using GAITRite(r) a computerized walkway
      system with embedded sensors. RESULTS: Overall, study patients showed significant
      improvements in gait velocity, cadence, stride length, double support time,
      stance phase, and swing phase following IVIG treatment. Mean changes in velocity,
      stance phase, and swing phase, exhibited the greatest statistical significance
      among the subgroup that exhibited clinically meaningful improvement in
      Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment disability score, Medical Research
      Council sum score, and grip strength. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of gait parameters,
      in particular velocity, step phase and swing phase, is a potentially sensitive
      outcome measure for evaluating treatment response in CIDP. Muscle Nerve 56: 732
      736, 2017.

PMID- 28085194
TI  - Case Mis-Conceptualization in Psychological Treatment: An Enduring Clinical
      Problem.
AB  - Case conceptualization, an integral component of mental health treatment, aims to
      facilitate therapeutic gains by formulating a clear picture of a client's
      psychological presentation. However, despite numerous attempts to improve this
      clinical activity, it remains unclear how well existing methods achieve their
      purported purpose. Case formulation is inconsistently defined in the literature
      and implemented in practice, with many methods varying in complexity, theoretical
      grounding, and empirical support. In addition, many of the methods demand a
      precise clinical acumen that is easily influenced by judgmental and inferential
      errors. These errors occur regardless of clinicians' level of training or amount
      of clinical experience. Overall, the lack of a consensus definition, a diversity
      of methods, and susceptibility of clinicians to errors are manifestations of the
      state of crisis in case conceptualization. This article, the 2nd in a series of 5
      on thematic mapping, argues the need for more reliable and valid models of case
      conceptualization.

PMID- 28085195
TI  - A Case Conceptualization Using Thematic Mapping.
AB  - This article, the last in a series of 5, presents a detailed case summary in
      which thematic mapping, a novel method of case conceptualization, was used to
      conceptualize an adult struggling with chronic depression. The case illustrates
      the process and therapeutic outcomes that resulted from the therapist's use of
      the 3-stage thematic mapping model: theme identification, theme interpretation,
      and theme intervention. The article also demonstrates how the case formulation
      guided the therapist in selecting therapeutic techniques that matched to the
      client's goals, needs, and interpersonal style. Overall, this article aims to
      demonstrate how thematic mapping utilizes transtheoretical and transdiagnostic
      approaches to create a case formulation that is client-centered, process
      oriented, and useful across a broad spectrum of training.

PMID- 28085196
TI  - Management of hepatocellular carcinoma in thalassemia and importance of the human
      factor.

PMID- 28085197
TI  - The Process of Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization.
AB  - This article, the 4th in a series of 5, introduces the 3-stage process of
      thematic mapping: theme identification, theme interpretation, and theme
      intervention. Theme identification is based on inductive reasoning, in which
      clinicians seek to discover and describe behavioral patterns in emotionally
      charged episodes. Theme interpretation subsequently initiates a process of
      deductive reasoning, wherein clinicians distill the generalized pattern into
      dominant and subthemes. Each theme is then labeled with a compelling metaphor
      that is representative of the theme interpretation. In the 3rd stage, theme
      intervention, clinicians seek to change the dysfunctional dominant and subthemes
      through collaboration with the clients. The process unfolds within 5 overarching
      parameters: a focus on comprehensiveness, simplification, maximal
      objectivity/impartial subjectivity, observation and inference, and an idiographic
      approach. Alternative models of case formulation are offered in comparison to
      thematic mapping.

PMID- 28085198
TI  - The Conceptual Framework of Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization.
AB  - This article, the 3rd in a series of 5, introduces the conceptual framework for
      thematic mapping, a novel approach to case conceptualization. The framework is
      transtheoretical in that it is not constrained by the tenets or concepts of any
      one therapeutic orientation and transdiagnostic in that it conceptualizes clients
      outside the constraints of diagnostic criteria. Thematic mapping comprises 4
      components: a definition, foundational principles, defining features, and core
      concepts. These components of the framework, deemed building blocks, are
      explained in this article. Like the foundation of any structure, the heuristic
      value of the method requires that the building blocks have integrity, coherence,
      and sound anchoring. We assert that the conceptual framework provides a solid
      foundation, making thematic mapping a potential asset in mental health treatment.

PMID- 28085199
TI  - Thematic Mapping in Case Conceptualization: An Introduction to the Special
      Section.
AB  - Case conceptualization is an essential clinical activity in which clinicians, in
      one form or another, gather and synthesize data about their clients in order to
      formulate clinical pictures and maximize therapeutic gains. However, a myriad of
      methods of case conceptualization that vary in complexity and theoretical bases
      currently reflects an almost complete lack of standardization in this most
      fundamental activity of mental health treatment. The lack of standardization in
      case conceptualization is especially daunting to trainees and clinicians who are
      early in their careers. This special section, comprising 5 articles, introduces
      thematic mapping, a transtheoretical and transdiagnostic method of case
      conceptualization. The method aims to overcome or minimize many of the problems
      inherent in current practice. In this first article, we provide a rationale for
      the special section and lay the groundwork for the subsequent four articles.
      Overall, we assert that thematic mapping holds promise as a systematic method of
      case conceptualization.

PMID- 28085200
TI  - "Are You Having Thoughts of Suicide?" Examining Experiences With Disclosing and
      Denying Suicidal Ideation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize individuals' prior experiences with being asked
      whether they are having thoughts of suicide and to understand factors that
      affected their response accuracy. METHOD: Undergraduates (N = 306) reporting a
      lifetime history of suicidal ideation completed a web-based survey about their
      experiences being probed about suicidal thoughts. RESULTS: Nearly two-thirds of
      participants (63.1%) reported having been previously asked whether they were
      having thoughts of suicide, with health care providers comprising the plurality
      of probers. Individuals reported the greatest accuracy of ideation disclosure to
      mental health professionals. Stigma-related concerns were the most common
      barriers to accurate disclosure of ideation, whereas wanting emotional support
      and the prober to understand them were cited as facilitators for accurately
      responding. CONCLUSION: A number of factors influence the accurate and inaccurate
      disclosure of suicidal ideation. Further research is needed to understand how to
      facilitate accurate disclosure of suicidal ideation across settings and
      populations.

PMID- 28085201
TI  - What do these scores mean? Presenting patient-reported outcomes data to patients
      and clinicians to improve interpretability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (eg, symptoms, functioning) can
      inform patient management. However, patients and clinicians often have difficulty
      interpreting score meaning. The authors tested approaches for presenting PRO data
      to improve interpretability. METHODS: This mixed-methods study included an
      Internet survey of cancer patients/survivors, oncology clinicians, and PRO
      researchers circulated via snowball sampling, plus individual in-person
      interviews. Clinical importance was conveyed using 3 approaches (presented in
      random order): normal score range shaded green, concerning scores circled in red,
      and red threshold lines indicating normal versus concerning scores. Versions also
      tested 2 approaches to score directionality: higher = more (better for function,
      worse for symptoms) and higher = better for both function and symptoms.
      Qualitative data from online comments and in-person interviews supplemented
      quantitative results on interpretation accuracy, clarity, and the "most useful"
      format. RESULTS: The survey included 1113 respondents: 627 survivors, 236
      clinicians, and 250 researchers, plus 10 patients and 10 clinicians who were
      purposively sampled interviewees. Interpretation accuracy ranged from 53% to
      100%. The formats in which higher = better were interpreted more accurately
      versus those in which higher = more (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.07-1.58) and were more likely to be rated "very"/"somewhat"
      clear (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.13-1.70) and "very" clear (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.18
      1.58). Red circle formats were interpreted more accurately than green-shaded
      formats when the first format presented (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.00-1.65). Threshold
      line formats were more likely to be rated "very" clear than green-shaded (OR,
      1.43; 95% CI, 1.19-1.71) and red-circled (OR, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.02-1.46) formats.
      Threshold lines were most often selected as "most useful." CONCLUSIONS: The
      current results support presenting PRO data with higher = better directionality
      and threshold lines indicating normal versus concerning scores. Cancer
      2017;123:1848-1859. (c) 2017 The Authors. Cancer published byWiley Periodicals,
      Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under
      the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License,
      which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is
      properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations
      aremade.

PMID- 28085202
TI  - A Prospective Examination of Perceived Burdensomeness and Thwarted Belongingness
      As Risk Factors for Suicide Ideation In Adult Outpatients Receiving Cognitive
      Behavioral Therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicidal behavior posits
      that 2 proximal, causal, and interactive risk factors must be present for someone
      to desire suicide: perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. The
      purpose of the present study was to evaluate the predictive power of these 2 risk
      factors in a prospective study. METHOD: A total of 231 adult outpatients (age:
      mean = 38.1, standard deviation = 12.3) undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy
      took part in a pretreatment and a midtreatment assessment after the 10th therapy
      session. RESULTS: Perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and the
      interaction between these 2 risk factors did not add incremental variance to the
      prediction of midtreatment suicide ideation after controlling for age, gender,
      depression, hopelessness, impulsivity, lifetime suicide attempts, and
      pretreatment suicide ideation. The best predictor of midtreatment suicide
      ideation was pretreatment suicide ideation. CONCLUSION: Results offer only
      limited support to the assumptions of the interpersonal theory of suicide.

PMID- 28085204
TI  - Exercise in myasthenia gravis: A feasibility study of aerobic and resistance
      training.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It has not been established whether progressive resistance training
      (PRT) and aerobic training (AT) are feasible and efficient in myasthenia gravis
      (MG). METHODS: Fifteen subjects with generalized MG (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation
      of America (MGFA) clinical classification II-IV) were randomly assigned to 20
      training sessions during 8 weeks of either PRT or AT. Feasibility was evaluated
      based on adherence, drop-out rate, adverse events, and Quantitative Myasthenia
      Gravis (QMG) score. RESULTS: Twelve subjects (MGFA II, n = 11; MGFA III, n=1)
      completed the intervention with a mean adherence of 95 % +/- 8. One dropout (PRT)
      could potentially be related to PRT. Both groups reported adverse events,
      including bulbar symptoms (n = 2) and increased fatigue (n = 3), but no change in
      QMG score was observed in either group. The PRT group showed increases in maximal
      strength and functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of moderate to high
      intensity AT and PRT were feasible for most patients with mild MG. Maximal
      strength and functional capacity increased in the PRT group. Muscle Nerve 56: 700
      709, 2017.

PMID- 28085205
TI  - NAFLD, Hepatotropic Viruses, and Cardiometabolic Risk.

PMID- 28085203
TI  - Extensive recent secondary contacts between four European white oak species.
AB  - Historical trajectories of tree species during the late Quaternary have been well
      reconstructed through genetic and palaeobotanical studies. However, many
      congeneric tree species are interfertile, and the timing and contribution of
      introgression to species divergence during their evolutionary history remains
      largely unknown. We quantified past and current gene flow events between four
      morphologically divergent oak species (Quercus petraea, Q. robur, Q. pyrenaica,
      Q. pubescens), by two independent inference methods: diffusion approximation to
      the joint frequency spectrum (?a?i) and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC).
      For each pair of species, alternative scenarios of speciation allowing gene flow
      over different timescales were evaluated. Analyses of 3524 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) randomly distributed in the genome, showed that these
      species evolved in complete isolation for most of their history, but recently
      came into secondary contact, probably facilitated by the most recent period of
      postglacial warming. We demonstrated that: there was sufficient genetic
      differentiation before secondary contact for the accumulation of barriers to gene
      flow; and current European white oak genomes are a mosaic of genes that have
      crossed species boundaries and genes impermeable to gene flow.

PMID- 28085206
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28085207
TI  - Serum creatine kinase isoenzymes and macroenzymes in dogs with different
      neurologic diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased serum activity of CK isoenzymes and macroenzymes, and in
      particular of the brain isoenzyme (CK-BB) has been reported in dogs with central
      nervous system (CNS) disorders. However, no studies on the possible differences
      in serum activities of CK iso- or macroenzymes (Macro-CK1 and Macro-CK2) in
      different neurologic diseases are available. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was
      to describe the electrophoretic distribution of CK iso- and macroenzymes in dogs
      with CNS disorders in order to assess whether this distribution depends on a
      specific neurologic disease. METHODS: This study was done on sera from 45 dogs
      with neurologic diseases (degenerative, n = 7; idiopathic epilepsy [IE], n = 14;
      inflammatory, n = 16; space occupying lesions [SOL], n = 8) and from 10
      clinically healthy dogs. The separation of serum CK isoenzymes and macroenzymes
      was performed using an automated electrophoretic method already validated in
      dogs. RESULTS: Compared with healthy dogs, dogs with CNS disorders had
      significantly higher total CK and CK-BB activities, and a significantly lower
      Macro-CK2 activity (P < .001). Comparison of pathologic subgroups and healthy
      dogs revealed significant differences (P < .01) in dogs with IE and inflammatory
      disorders for total CK activity, in all the subgroups for CK-BB (P < .01), and in
      dogs with IE and SOL for Macro-CK2 (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      study suggest that CK-BB is released by neurons damaged by inflammatory or
      degenerative conditions or due to compressive effects of SOL. However, the
      neurologic diseases cannot be differentiated based on CK-BB or Macro-CK2
      activities, unless further studies allow the definition of diagnostic thresholds.

PMID- 28085208
TI  - Evaluation of congress abstracts for improving publishing ethics.

PMID- 28085209
TI  - Augmenter of liver regeneration: A fundamental life protein.

PMID- 28085210
TI  - Disruption of amygdala-entorhinal-hippocampal network in late-life depression.
AB  - Episodic memory deficits are evident in late-life depression (LLD) and are
      associated with subtle synaptic and neurochemical changes in the medial temporal
      lobes (MTL). However, the particular mechanisms by which memory impairment occurs
      in LLD are currently unknown. We tested older adults with (DS+) and without (DS-)
      depressive symptoms using high-resolution fMRI that is capable of discerning
      signals in hippocampal subfields and amygdala nuclei. Scanning was conducted
      during performance of an emotional discrimination task used previously to examine
      the relationship between depressive symptoms and amygdala-mediated emotional
      modulation of hippocampal pattern separation in young adults. We found that
      hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG)/CA3 activity was reduced during correct
      discrimination of negative stimuli and increased during correct discrimination of
      neutral items in DS+ compared to DS- adults. The extent of the latter increase
      was correlated with symptom severity. Furthermore, DG/CA3 and basolateral
      amygdala (BLA) activity predicted discrimination performance on negative trials,
      a relationship that depended on symptom severity. The impact of the BLA on
      depressive symptom severity was mediated by the DG/CA3 during discrimination of
      neutral items, and by the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) during false
      recognition of positive items. These results shed light on a novel mechanistic
      account for amygdala-hippocampal network changes and concurrent alterations in
      emotional episodic memory in LLD. The BLA-LEC-DG/CA3 network, which comprises a
      key pathway by which emotion modulates memory, is specifically implicated in LLD.
      (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28085211
TI  - Evaluating kurtosis-based diffusion MRI tissue models for white matter with fiber
      ball imaging.
AB  - In order to quantify well-defined microstructural properties of brain tissue from
      diffusion MRI (dMRI) data, tissue models are typically employed that relate
      biological features, such as cell morphology and cell membrane permeability, to
      the diffusion dynamics. A variety of such models have been proposed for white
      matter, and their validation is a topic of active interest. In this paper, three
      different tissue models are tested by comparing their predictions for a specific
      microstructural parameter to a value measured independently with a recently
      proposed dMRI method known as fiber ball imaging (FBI). The three tissue models
      are all constructed with the diffusion and kurtosis tensors, and they are hence
      compatible with diffusional kurtosis imaging. Nevertheless, the models differ
      significantly in their details and predictions. For voxels with fractional
      anisotropies (FAs) exceeding 0.5, all three are reasonably consistent with FBI.
      However, for lower FA values, one of these, called the white matter tract
      integrity (WMTI) model, is found to be in much better accord with FBI than the
      other two, suggesting that the WMTI model has a broader range of applicability.

PMID- 28085212
TI  - Identification of a conserved gene signature associated with an exacerbated
      inflammatory environment in the hippocampus of aging rats.
AB  - There have been a few descriptive studies in aged rodents about transcriptome
      changes in the hippocampus, most of them in males. Here, we assessed the age
      changes in spatial memory performance and hippocampal morphology in female rats
      and compared those changes with changes in the hippocampal transcriptome. Old
      rats displayed significant deficits in spatial memory. In both age groups, hole
      exploration frequency showed a clear peak at hole 0 (escape hole), but the
      amplitude of the peak was significantly higher in the young than in the old
      animals. In the hippocampus, there was a dramatic reduction in neurogenesis,
      whereas reactive microglial infiltrates revealed an inflammatory hippocampal
      state in the senile rats. Hippocampal RNA-sequencing showed that 210 genes are
      differentially expressed in the senile rats, most of them being downregulated.
      Our RNA-Seq data showed that various genes involved in the immune response,
      including TYROBP, CD11b, C3, CD18, CD4, and CD74, are overexpressed in the
      hippocampus of aged female rats. Enrichment analysis showed that the pathways
      overrepresented in the senile rats matched those of an exacerbated inflammatory
      environment, reinforcing our morphologic findings. After correlating our results
      with public data of human and mouse hippocampal gene expression, we found an 11
      gene signature of overexpressed genes related to inflammatory processes that was
      conserved across species. We conclude that age-related hippocampal deficits in
      female rats share commonalities between human and rodents. Interestingly, the 11
      gene signature that we identified may represent a cluster of immune and
      regulatory genes that are deregulated in the hippocampus and possibly other brain
      regions during aging as well as in some neurodegenerative diseases and low-grade
      brain tumors. Our study further supports neuroinflammation as a promising target
      to treat cognitive dysfunction in old individuals and some brain tumors. (c) 2017
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28085213
TI  - Transarterial chemoembolization prior to liver transplantation for patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: A debate exists over whether using preoperative transarterial
      chemoembolization for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before liver
      transplantation. Numerous studies have been investigating on this, but there is
      still no unanimous conclusion about the effect of preoperative transarterial
      chemoembolization. We conducted the meta-analysis of all available studies to
      systematically evaluate the influence of preoperative transarterial
      chemoembolization on liver transplant. METHODS: A systematic search was performed
      by two authors (Si TF. and Guan RY.) through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and
      Science Citation Index Expanded, combined with Manual Retrieval and Cited
      Reference Search. The searching cut-off date was 2016/07/31, and all the data
      obtained were statistically analyzed using Review Manager version 5.1 software
      (Copenhagen, The Nordic Cochrane Center, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011)
      recommended by Cochrane Collaboration. RESULTS: The study showed that there was
      no difference between the experimental group and the control group on
      perioperative mortality (RR = 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.49-2.48], P
      = 0.82) or biliary complications (RR = 0.96, 95%CI = [0.66-1.39], P = 0.83).
      Preoperative transarterial chemoembolization had no obvious effect on improving
      overall survival (HR = 1.05, 95%CI = [0.65-1.72], P = 0. 83) but would result in
      a higher rate of vascular complications (RR = 2.01, 95%CI = [1.23-3.27], P =
      0.005) and a reduction of disease free survival (HR = 1.66, 95%CI = [1.02-2.70],
      P = 0.04). Subgroup analysis also revealed that patients from transarterial
      chemoembolization group in Asia had a much lower overall survival rate (HR =
      2.65, 95%CI = [1.49-4.71], P = 0.0009) compared with the control group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Considering the possible adverse impacts on liver transplantation
      and the variation in sensitivity to transarterial chemoembolization, clinicians
      should be more cautious when considering transarterial chemoembolization as the
      bridging therapy for patients in the waiting list.

PMID- 28085214
TI  - Morphological and functional changes in RAW264 macrophage-like cells in response
      to a hydrated layer of carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite.
AB  - Synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAp) is used clinically as a material for bone
      prostheses owing to its good bone-bonding ability; however, it does not
      contribute to bone remodeling. Carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite (CAp) has
      greater bioresorption capacity than HAp while having similar bone-bonding
      potential, and is therefore considered as a next promising material for bone
      prostheses. However, the effects of the CAp instability on inflammatory and
      immune responses are unknown in detail. Here, we show that the surface layer of
      CAp is more hydrated than that of HAp and induces changes in the shape and
      function of macrophage-like cells. HAp and CAp were synthesized by wet method and
      molded into disks. The carbonate content of CAp disks was 6.2% as determined by
      Fourier transform (FT) infrared spectral analysis. Diffuse reflectance infrared
      FT analysis confirmed that physisorbed water and surface hydroxyl groups (OH- )
      were increased whereas structural OH- was decreased on the CAp as compared to the
      HAp surface. The degree of hydroxylation in CAp was comparable to that in bone
      apatite structures, and the CAp surface exhibited greater hydrophilicity and
      solubility than HAp. We investigated immune responses to these materials by
      culturing RAW264 cells (macrophage precursors) on their surfaces. Cell spreading
      on the CAp disk was suppressed and the secretion level of inflammatory cytokines
      was reduced as compared to cells grown on HAp. These results indicate that the
      greater surface hydration of CAp surface can attenuate adverse inflammatory
      responses to implanted bone prostheses composed of this material. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1063-1070, 2017.

PMID- 28085215
TI  - Interactions of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiovascular progenitor cells
      with immobilized extracellular matrix proteins.
AB  - Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiovascular progenitor cells (hESC-CVPCs)
      hold great promise for cell-based therapies of heart diseases. However, little is
      known about their niche microenvironment and in particular the required
      extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Here we screened combinations of surface
      immobilized ECM proteins to identify substrates that support the attachment and
      survival of hESC-CVPCs. Covalent immobilization of ECM proteins laminin (Lm),
      fibronectin (Fn), collagen I (CI), collagen III (CIII), and collagen IV (CIV) in
      multiple combinations and concentrations was achieved by reductive amination on
      transparent acetaldehyde plasma polymer (AAPP) interlayer coatings. We identified
      that CI, CIII, CIV, and Fn and their combinations were important for hESC-CVPC
      attachment and survival, while Lm was dispensable. Moreover, for coatings
      displaying single ECM proteins, CI and CIII performed better than CIV and Fn,
      while coatings displaying the combined ECM proteins CIII + CIV and Fn + CIII +
      CIV at 100 ug/mL were comparable to Matrigel in regard to supporting hESC-CVPC
      attachment and viability. Our results identify ECM proteins required for hESC
      CVPCs and demonstrate that coatings displaying multiple immobilized ECM proteins
      offer a suitable microenvironment for the attachment and survival of hESC-CVPCs.
      This knowledge contributes to the development of approaches for maintaining hESC
      CVPCs and therefore to advances in cardiovascular regeneration. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1094-1104, 2017.

PMID- 28085216
TI  - Simultaneous determination of volatile organic compounds with a wide range of
      polarities in urine by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas
      chromatography/mass spectrometry.
AB  - RATIONALE: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous environmental
      pollutants that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. Some VOCs have
      been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for
      Research on Cancer (IARC), because they can bind to DNA and cause cell mutations.
      Therefore, monitoring of VOCs in human urine is very important to evaluate the
      correlation between exposure to VOCs and human disease. METHODS: We have
      developed an improved analytical method for the simultaneous determination of
      VOCs with a wide range of polarities in human urine samples by headspace solid
      phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
      (GC/MS). In the improved method, a bi-polar carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane
      (CAR/PDMS) fiber was used for the optimized extraction of 15 VOCs with a wide
      range of polarities, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX),
      alkylbenzenes, cresols, and naphthalene, in human urine samples. Extracted VOCs
      from the human urine were effectively separated by GC using a mid-polarity column
      (DB-35, 35% phenylmethylpolysiloxane) and monitored by MS using extracted ion
      monitoring (EIM) mode. RESULTS: Under the optimized method, the linearity of the
      calibration curves was greater than 0.993. The limits of detection (LODs) at a
      signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of 3 were 0.3-0.6 ng/mL. The coefficients of
      variation were in the range of 0.1-9.7% for within-day variation and 0.2-14.2%
      for day-to-day variation. CONCLUSIONS: The method was shown to be rapid and
      simple for the simultaneous determination of VOCs with a wide range of polarities
      in human urine and it could be applied to monitoring and to biomedical
      investigations to check exposure to VOCs. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 28085217
TI  - The Patient-Worker: A Model for Human Research Subjects and Gestational
      Surrogates.
AB  - We propose the 'patient-worker' as a theoretical construct that responds to moral
      problems that arise with the globalization of healthcare and medical research.
      The patient-worker model recognizes that some participants in global medical
      industries are workers and are owed worker's rights. Further, these participants
      are patient-like insofar as they are beneficiaries of fiduciary relationships
      with healthcare professionals. We apply the patient-worker model to human
      subjects research and commercial gestational surrogacy. In human subjects
      research, subjects are usually characterized as either patients or as workers.
      Through questioning this dichotomy, we argue that some subject populations fit
      into both categories. With respect to commercial surrogacy, we enrich feminist
      discussions of embodied labor by describing how surrogates are beneficiaries of
      fiduciary obligations. They are not just workers, but patient-workers. Through
      these applications, the patient-worker model offers a helpful normative framework
      for exploring what globalized medical industries owe to the individuals who bear
      the bodily burdens of medical innovation.

PMID- 28085218
TI  - Comment on "Cryptosporidium Infection Risk: Results of New Dose-Response
      Modeling" - Discussion of Underlying Assumptions and Their Implications.

PMID- 28085219
TI  - From the Editors.

PMID- 28085220
TI  - Chemotype diversity in Planktothrix rubescens (cyanobacteria) populations is
      correlated to lake depth.
AB  - The cyanobacterial species Planktothrix rubescens is known to preferably inhabit
      deep, stratified, oligo- to mesotrophic lakes. It is also known for the
      production of diverse bioactive peptides, including the hepatotoxic microcystins.
      A number of studies showed that P. rubescens populations generally consist of
      multiple distinct genotypes or chemotypes, respectively. In the present study,
      variability of chemotype diversity was analysed. Filaments of P. rubescens were
      isolated from water samples originating from 10 European lakes and analysed by
      MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. In most of the analysed filaments multiple peptides
      belonging to multiple peptide classes could be detected. A resulting data matrix
      of 964 filaments and 37 individual peptides was subjected to correspondence
      analysis and K-means clustering. From the latter analysis the distribution of
      chemotypes among the lakes was established and diversity estimated by computing
      Shannon-Indices. Diversity varied strongly among lakes with the lowest diversity
      found in non-alpine lakes. Further, chemotype diversity was strongly correlated
      to the maximum depth of the sampled lakes in alpine and non-alpine lakes. The
      possible influence of both factors, geographic isolation and water column depth,
      on the observed patterns of chemotype diversity of P. rubescens populations is
      discussed.

PMID- 28085221
TI  - Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving metastasis.

PMID- 28085222
TI  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tumor metastasis.
AB  - The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program that
      enables stationary epithelial cells to gain the ability to migrate and invade as
      single cells. Tumor cells reactivate EMT to acquire molecular alterations that
      enable the partial loss of epithelial features and partial gain of a mesenchymal
      phenotype. Our understanding of the contribution of EMT to tumor invasion,
      migration, and metastatic outgrowth has evolved over the past decade. In this
      review, we provide a summary of both historic and recent studies on the role of
      EMT in the metastatic cascade from various experimental systems, including cancer
      cell lines, genetic mouse tumor models, and clinical human breast cancer tissues.

PMID- 28085226
TI  - Sensitivity and Specificity of Radiographic Scoring Instruments for Detecting
      Change in Axial Psoriatic Arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is no widely recognized method used to assess axial disease in
      psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We aimed to determine the sensitivity to change of the
      Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index for the spine (BASRI-s), the modified
      Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS), the Radiographic Ankylosing
      Spondylitis Spine Score (RASSS), and the PsA Spondylitis Radiology Index (PASRI)
      in axial PsA. METHODS: Radiographs of 105 patients with axial PsA were retrieved
      for 2 time points at least 2 years apart and subsequently anonymized. All
      radiographs were scored by 3 rheumatologists blinded to name and order of
      examination using an electronic application that allowed recording of disease
      manifestations specific to axial PsA and automatically calculated the BASRI-s,
      mSASSS, RASSS, and PASRI scores. An independent expert determined whether there
      was true radiographic progression from an overall impression after viewing the
      radiographs with knowledge of chronologic order. The sensitivity, specificity,
      and odds ratios for every 1-unit increase in the scores were determined to
      identify true change. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 25 (24%) showed
      progression, as determined by the independent expert. The respective sensitivity
      and specificity values for an increase in score to detect true change were as
      follows: 0.48 and 0.78 (BASRI-s), 0.52 and 0.84 (mSASSS), 0.44 and 0.84 (RASSS),
      and 0.52 and 0.74 (PASRI). Logistic regression analyses showed that an increase
      of 1 point in the respective scores was associated with the following odds ratios
      for identifying true progression: BASRI-s 3.0, mSASSS 5.27, RASSS 3.70, and PASRI
      3.06. CONCLUSION: Available scoring systems for quantifying radiographic axial
      PsA have moderate sensitivity but high specificity for detecting true change.

PMID- 28085223
TI  - Circulating and disseminated tumor cells: harbingers or initiators of metastasis?
AB  - Tumor cells leave the primary tumor and enter the circulation. Once there, they
      are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). A fraction of CTCs are capable of
      entering distant sites and persisting as disseminated tumor cells (DTCs). An even
      smaller fraction of DTCs are capable of progressing toward metastases. It is
      known that the DTC microenvironment plays an important role in sustaining their
      survival, regulating their growth, and conferring resistance to therapy. But we
      still have much to learn about the nature of these rare cell populations to
      predict which will progress and what exactly should cause concern for future
      relapse. Although recent technological advances in our ability to detect and
      molecularly and functionally characterize CTCs and DTCs promise to unravel this
      ambiguity, the timing of dissemination and the precise source of CTCs and DTCs
      profiled will impact the conclusions that can be made from these endeavors. In
      this review, we discuss the biology of CTCs and DTCs; the technologies to detect,
      isolate, and profile these cells; and the exceptions we must apply to our
      understanding of what role these cells play in the metastatic process. We
      conclude that a greater effort to understand the unique biology of these cells in
      context will positively impact our ability to use these cells to predict outcome,
      monitor treatment efficacy, and reveal therapeutically relevant targets to
      deplete these populations and ultimately prevent metastasis.

PMID- 28085227
TI  - Snoring and components of metabolic syndrome in Southeastern Chinese adults: A
      community-based study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Snoring has been associated with a number of abnormal conditions,
      but little work has been done on its association with components of metabolic
      syndrome based on the epidemiology in Chinese adults. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed
      to investigate the association between snoring and components of metabolic
      syndrome in southeastern Chinese adults. METHODS: A two-stage, cross-sectional
      community-based study was performed in Fuzhou, Southeast China, from 2005 to
      2009. Stage 1: 5500 subjects were administered a questionnaire. Data on self
      reported snoring status, daytime somnolence, demographic data, disease histories,
      and potential confounders were collected and anthropometric measurements were
      performed. Stage 2: 1000 subjects who were already investigated underwent a blood
      test and measurement of blood pressure. RESULTS: Data from 4286 subjects were
      available; 606 subjects were habitual snorers. The prevalence of overweight or
      obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in occasional and habitual
      snorers was higher than that in the study population (16.66%, 7.89%, 10.52%, and
      5.81%, respectively). A significantly increasing trend based on snoring frequency
      existed in the prevalence of metabolic disorders. The prevalence of components of
      metabolic syndrome continued to be significantly associated with snoring
      frequency after controlling confounding factors. Odds ratios of suffering from
      the aforementioned conditions for occasional and habitual snorers were 1.5-2.5 (P
      < 0.05) and 2.4-4.8 (P < 0.001) times higher, respectively, compared with
      nonsnorers. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of snoring and components of metabolic
      syndrome is high in southeastern Chinese adults. Both habitual and occasional
      snoring are closely associated with metabolic disorders independent of
      confounding factors.

PMID- 28085228
TI  - The LpxL acyltransferase is required for normal growth and penta-acylation of
      lipid A in Burkholderia cenocepacia.
AB  - Lipid A anchors the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the outer membrane and is usually
      composed of a hexa-acylated diglucosamine backbone. Burkholderia cenocepacia, an
      opportunistic pathogen, produces a mixture of tetra- and penta-acylated lipid A.
      "Late" acyltransferases add secondary acyl chains to lipid A after the
      incorporation of four primary acyl chains to the diglucosamine backbone. Here, we
      report that B. cenocepacia has only one late acyltransferase, LpxL (BCAL0508),
      which adds a myristoyl chain to the 2' position of lipid A resulting in penta
      acylated lipid A. We also identified PagL (BCAL0788), which acts as an outer
      membrane lipase by removing the primary beta-hydroxymyristate (3-OH-C14:0) chain
      at the 3 position, leading to tetra-acylated lipid A. Unlike PagL, LpxL depletion
      caused reduced cell growth and defects in cell morphology, both of which were
      suppressed by overexpressing the LPS flippase MsbA (BCAL2408), suggesting that
      lipid A molecules lacking the fifth acyl chain contributed by LpxL are not good
      substrates for the flippase. We also show that intracellular B. cenocepacia
      within macrophages produced more penta-acylated lipid A, suggesting lipid A penta
      acylation in B. cenocepacia is required not only for bacterial growth and
      morphology but also for adaptation to intracellular lifestyle.

PMID- 28085224
TI  - Modes of invasion during tumour dissemination.
AB  - Cancer cell migration and invasion underlie metastatic dissemination, one of the
      major problems in cancer. Tumour cells exhibit a striking variety of invasion
      strategies. Importantly, cancer cells can switch between invasion modes in order
      to cope with challenging environments. This ability to switch migratory modes or
      plasticity highlights the challenges behind antimetastasis therapy design. In
      this Review, we present current knowledge on different tumour invasion
      strategies, the determinants controlling plasticity and arising therapeutic
      opportunities. We propose that targeting master regulators controlling plasticity
      is needed to hinder tumour dissemination and metastasis.

PMID- 28085225
TI  - Determinants of metastatic competency in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types and represents a
      major therapeutic challenge. Although initial events in colorectal carcinogenesis
      are relatively well characterized and treatment for early-stage disease has
      significantly improved over the last decades, the mechanisms underlying
      metastasis - the main cause of death - remain poorly understood. Correspondingly,
      no effective therapy is currently available for advanced or metastatic disease.
      There is increasing evidence that colorectal cancer is hierarchically organized
      and sustained by cancer stem cells, in concert with various stromal cell types.
      Here, we review the interplay between cancer stem cells and their
      microenvironment in promoting metastasis and discuss recent insights relating to
      both patient prognosis and novel targeted treatment strategies. A better
      understanding of these topics may aid the prevention or reduction of metastatic
      burden.

PMID- 28085230
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28085229
TI  - Importance of pulmonary artery to ascending aorta ratio in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent articles revealed that an increased main pulmonary artery to
      ascending aorta ratio (PA/A) in thorax computed tomography (CT) correlated with
      pulmonary hypertension, and might be linked to a high probability of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. OBJECTIVES: In this study,
      our aim was to evaluate the clinical importance of PA/A in patients with
      exacerbations of COPD and investigate its relationship with the number of
      exacerbations in 1 year or short/long-term mortality after hospital discharge.
      METHODS: One hundred fifty-six patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbations who
      fulfilled our inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. We recorded the
      number of exacerbations in 1 year from hospital records, checked mortality
      status, and calculated the PA/A ratio from thorax CT images. RESULTS: PA/A ratio
      positively correlated with the number of hospitalizations for COPD exacerbations
      and the total number of exacerbations (hospitalized or not) in 1 year, and
      baseline PaCO2 level during hospitalization (r = 0.376, P < 0.001, r = 0.230, P =
      0.004, and r = 0.328, P < 0.001, respectively). There was no relationship between
      mortality and PA/A. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that PA/A was related with the
      number of hospitalizations and the total number of exacerbations due to COPD in 1
      year. However, there was no relationship between PA/A and mortality.

PMID- 28085231
TI  - Long-term prevalence of the protists Crithidia bombi and Apicystis bombi and
      detection of the microsporidium Nosema bombi in invasive bumble bees.
AB  - An initial survey in 2009 carried out at a site in northwestern Patagonia region,
      Argentina, revealed for the first time in South America the presence of the
      flagellate Crithidia bombi and the neogregarine Apicystis bombi, two pathogens
      associated with the Palaearctic invasive bumble bee Bombus terrestris. In order
      to determine the long-term persistence and dynamics of this microparasite
      complex, four additional collections at the same site (San Carlos de Bariloche)
      were conducted along the following seven years. Both protists were detected in
      all collections: prevalence was 2%-21.6% for C. bombi and 1.2%-14% for A. bombi.
      In addition, the microsporidium Nosema bombi was recorded for the first time in
      the country in the last two collections, at prevalences of 12.4% and 2.4% and
      unusually high infection intensities (Average = 6.56 * 107 spores per
      individual). Due to the exceptional dispersal ability of the exotic B.
      terrestris, these three multihost pathogens should be considered as potential
      threats to South American native bumble bees.

PMID- 28085232
TI  - Comparison of treatment outcomes between balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous
      obliteration and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for gastric
      variceal bleeding hemostasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Both balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration
      (BRTO) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are considered
      effective treatments for gastric variceal bleeding (GVB). In this study, outcomes
      of these two procedures were compared in managing patients with GVB. METHODS: A
      total of 142 patients undergoing BRTO (n = 95) or TIPS (n = 47) between 2005 and
      2012 at two tertiary centers were selected for retrospective review. RESULTS:
      Mean patient age (male, 115; female, 27) was 58.1 years. Alcoholic liver
      cirrhosis was the most common underlying cause (n = 63, 44.4%), followed by
      hepatitis B (n = 60, 42.3%) and hepatitis C (n = 7, 4.9%) viral infections.
      Concurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was identified in 64 (45.1%) patients.
      During the follow-up period (mean, 28.2 months), 27 patients (19%) experienced re
      bleeding. Cumulative re-bleeding rates after BRTO (8.6% at 1 year; 22.7% at 3
      years) were significantly lower than those after TIPS (19.8% at 1 year; 48.2% at
      3 years; P = 0.006, log-rank test). In multivariate analysis, TIPS (vs BRTO) was
      found independently predictive of re-bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.174; P =
      0.048), in addition to concurrent HCC and poor baseline Child-Pugh score (both P
      < 0.05). Although BRTO surpassed TIPS (P = 0.026, log-rank test) in terms of
      overall postprocedural survival, independent factors predictive of poor overall
      survival after hemostasis were concurrent HCC (HR = 3.106), high Child-Pugh score
      (HR = 1.886 per 1-point increase), and postprocedural hepatic encephalopathy (HR
      = 3.014; all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous
      obliteration proved more effective than TIPS in hemostasis of GVB, associated
      with significantly less risk of re-bleeding.

PMID- 28085234
TI  - Clarification of modeling procedures and results are needed in a study of the
      prognostic role of dietary fiber on activity-related knee pain: comment on the
      article by Dai et al.

PMID- 28085233
TI  - Next-generation sequencing of liquid-based cytology non-small cell lung cancer
      samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The detection of mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with residual cell pellets derived from liquid
      based cytology (LBC) samples (eg, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle
      aspiration) has been validated with allele-specific polymerase chain reaction.
      The aim of this study was to validate next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology
      for detecting gene mutations with residual cell pellets from LBC. METHODS:
      Archived DNA extracted from LBC samples of adenocarcinoma stored in PreservCyt
      with a known EGFR mutation status was retrieved. Genomic DNA was multiplex
      amplified and enriched with Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 chemistry and
      the OneTouch 2 instrument; this was followed by semiconductor sequencing on the
      Ion Personal Genome Machine platform. The mutation hotspots of 6 NSCLC-related
      genes (BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, KRAS, MET, and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3
      kinase catalytic subunit alpha [PIK3CA]) were analyzed with NextGENe and Torrent
      Suite bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: The commonly identified EGFR sequence
      changes, including 4 L858R mutations, 3 exon 19 deletions, and 1 exon 20
      insertion, were in 100% concordance between the assay platforms. Less common
      NSCLC variants were also found in the mutation hotspots of ERBB2, KRAS, MET, and
      PIK3CA genes. CONCLUSIONS: NSCLC mutation analysis using NGS can be successfully
      performed on residual cell pellets derived from LBC samples. This approach allows
      the simultaneous examination of multiple mutation hotspots in a timely manner to
      improve patient care. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:178-187. (c) 2016 American
      Cancer Society.

PMID- 28085235
TI  - Antinuclear Matrix Protein 2 Autoantibodies and Edema, Muscle Disease, and
      Malignancy Risk in Dermatomyositis Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dermatomyositis (DM) patients typically present with proximal weakness
      and autoantibodies that are associated with distinct clinical phenotypes. We
      observed that DM patients with autoantibodies recognizing the nuclear matrix
      protein NXP-2 often presented with especially severe weakness. The aim of this
      study was to characterize the clinical features associated with anti-NXP-2
      autoantibodies. METHODS: There were 235 DM patients who underwent testing for
      anti-NXP-2 autoantibodies. Patient characteristics, including muscle strength,
      were compared between those with and without these autoantibodies. The number of
      cancer cases observed in anti-NXP-2-positive subjects was compared with the
      number expected in the general population. RESULTS: Of the DM patients, 56
      (23.8%) were anti-NXP-2-positive. There was no significant difference in the
      prevalence of proximal extremity weakness in patients with and without anti-NXP
      2. In contrast, anti-NXP-2-positive patients had more prevalent weakness in the
      distal arms (35% versus 20%; P = 0.02), distal legs (25% versus 8%; P < 0.001),
      and neck (48% versus 23%; P < 0.001). Anti-NXP-2-positive subjects were also more
      likely to have dysphagia (62% versus 35%; P < 0.001), myalgia (46% versus 25%; P
      = 0.002), calcinosis (30% versus 17%; P = 0.02), and subcutaneous edema (36%
      versus 19%; P = 0.01) than anti-NXP-2-negative patients. Five anti-NXP-2-positive
      subjects (9%) had cancer-associated myositis, representing a 3.68-fold increased
      risk (95% confidence interval 1.2-8.6) compared to the expected prevalence in the
      general population. CONCLUSION: In DM, anti-NXP-2 autoantibodies are associated
      with subcutaneous edema, calcinosis, and a muscle phenotype characterized by
      myalgia, proximal and distal weakness, and dysphagia. As anti-NXP-2-positive
      patients have an increased risk of cancer, we suggest that they undergo
      comprehensive cancer screening.

PMID- 28085236
TI  - Budesonide reduces hospital admission rates in preschool children with acute
      wheezing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The object of this study was to determine whether high doses of
      inhaled budesonide provide additional benefits to a standardized treatment
      regimen that includes systemic steroids and salbutamol in preschool patients
      presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute wheezing attacks. Methods
      This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial was
      conducted in children, 6 months-6 years with moderate or severe acute wheezing
      epizode, as determined based on a pulmonary index score (PIS) of 7-13 points. We
      compared the addition of budesonide 3 mg versus placebo to standard acute asthma
      treatment, which included salbutamol and a single 1 mg/kg dose of
      methylprednisolone given at the beginning of therapy. The primary outcome was
      differences in hospitalization rates within 4 hr. Secondary outcome was
      difference in median PIS between treatment groups at 2 hr. Results One hundred
      patients were enrolled. Cumulative hospitalization rate at 120, 180, and 240 min
      were 0.72, 0.62, and 0.58 in placebo group; and 0.44, 0.30, and 0.24 in
      budesonide group. Discharged rate in budesonide group was significantly higher
      than the placebo group (log-rank = 12.407 ve P < 0.001). Expected mean discharged
      times were 200.4 (95%CI = 185.3-215.5) min in placebo group and 164.4 (95%CI =
      149.4-179.4) min in budesonide group. Median (25-75%) PIS at the 120th min was
      significantly lower in budesonide group than the placebo group (5 [4-8] vs. 8 [5
      9] respectively, P = 0.006). Conclusions The addition of budesonide nebulization
      may decrease the admission rate of preschool children who have moderate to severe
      acute wheezing epizodes. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:720-728. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28085237
TI  - Cancer Cytopathology enters its third decade.

PMID- 28085239
TI  - Iron Oxide Nanosheets and Pulse-Electrodeposited Ni-Co-S Nanoflake Arrays for
      High-Performance Charge Storage.
AB  - Nanostructured nickel cobalt sulfide (Ni4.5Co4.5S8) has been prepared through a
      single-step pulse-electrodeposition method. Iron oxide nanosheets at hollow
      graphite shells (Fe3O4@g-shells) were prepared from graphite-coated iron
      carbide/alpha-Fe (g-Fe3C/Fe) in a two-step annealing/electrochemical cycling
      process. Electrochemical characterization of the Ni4.5Co4.5S8 and g-Fe3C/Fe
      materials showed that both have high specific capacities (206 mAh g-1 and 147 mAh
      g-1 at 1 A g-1) and excellent rate capabilities (~95% and ~83% retention at 20 A
      g-1, respectively). To demonstrate the advantageous pairing of these high rate
      materials, a full-cell battery with supercapacitor-like power behavior was
      assembled with Ni4.5Co4.5S8 and g-Fe3C/Fe as the positive and negative
      electrodes, respectively. The (Ni4.5Co4.5S8//g-Fe3C/Fe) device could be
      reversibly operated in a 0.0-1.6 V potential window, delivering an impressive
      specific energy of 89 Wh kg-1 at 1.1 kW kg-1 and a remarkable rate performance of
      61 Wh kg-1 at a very high specific power of 38.5 kW kg-1. Additionally, long-term
      cycling demonstrated that the asymmetric full cell assembly retained 91% of its
      initial specific capacity after 2500 cycles at 40 A g-1. The performance features
      of this device are among the best for iron oxide/hydroxide and bimetallic sulfide
      based energy storage devices to date, thereby giving insight into design
      principles for the next generation high-energy-density devices.

PMID- 28085238
TI  - Comparison of sitting and supine forced vital capacity in collagen VI-related
      dystrophy and laminin alpha2-related dystrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progressive, restrictive, respiratory insufficiency is the major
      cause of morbidity and mortality in Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD).
      Nocturnal hypoventilation precedes daytime alveolar hypoventilation, and if
      untreated, may lead to respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. CMD consensus care
      guidelines recommend screening for respiratory insufficiency by conventional and
      dynamic (sitting to supine) pulmonary function testing (PFT) and evaluating for
      sleep disordered breathing if there is more than 20% relative reduction from
      sitting to supine FVC(L) (DeltaFVC). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this
      retrospective study was to explore and characterize dynamic FVC measures in 51
      individuals with two common subtypes of CMD, COL6-RD, and LAMA2-RD. METHODS: We
      compared sitting and supine FVC in patients with confirmed mutation(s) in either
      COL6 or LAMA2. We investigated influences of age, CMD subtype, gender, race,
      ambulatory status, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) status
      on FVC percent predicted (FVCpp) and DeltaFVC. RESULTS: COL6-RD participants
      exhibited a significant difference between sitting and supine mean FVCpp (sitting
      66.1, supine 55.1; P < 0.0001) and were 5.4 times more likely to have -DeltaFVC
      >20% than those with LAMA2-RD when controlling for ambulant status. FVCpp sitting
      correlated inversely with age in individuals <=18 years. CONCLUSION: FVCpp
      sitting decreases progressively in childhood in both CMD subtypes. However, our
      results point to a difference in diaphragmatic involvement, with COL6-RD
      individuals having more disproportionate diaphragmatic weakness than LAMA2-RD. A
      DeltaFVC of greater than -20% should continue to be used to prompt evaluation of
      sleep-disordered breathing. Timely initiation of NIPPV may be indicated to treat
      nocturnal hypoventilation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:524-532. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28085240
TI  - Design of Hierarchical Surfaces for Tuning Wetting Characteristics.
AB  - Patterned surfaces with tunable wetting properties are described. A hybrid
      hierarchical surface realized by combining two different materials exhibits
      different wetting states, depending on the speed of impingement of the water
      droplets. Both "lotus" (high contact angle and low adhesion) and "petal" (high
      contact angle and high adhesion) states were observed on the same surface without
      the need of any modification of the surface. The great difference between the
      capillary pressures exerted by the microstructures and nanostructures was the key
      factor that allowed us to tailor effectively the adhesiveness of the water
      droplets. Having a low capillary pressure for the microstructures and a high
      capillary pressure for the nanostructures, we allow to the surface the
      possibility of being in a lotus state or in a petal state.

PMID- 28085241
TI  - Specifically Formed Corona on Silica Nanoparticles Enhances Transforming Growth
      Factor beta1 Activity in Triggering Lung Fibrosis.
AB  - A corona is a layer of macromolecules formed on a nanoparticle surface in vivo.
      It can substantially change the biological identity of nanomaterials and possibly
      trigger adverse responses from the body tissues. Dissecting the role of the
      corona in the development of a particular disease may provide profound insights
      for understanding toxicity of nanomaterials in general. In our present study, we
      explored the capability of different silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) to induce
      silicosis in the mouse lung and analyzed the composition of coronas formed on
      these particles. We found that SiNPs of certain size and surface chemistry could
      specifically recruit transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) into their
      corona, which subsequently induces the development of lung fibrosis. Once
      embedded into the corona on SiNPs, TGF-beta1 was remarkably more stable than in
      its free form, and its fibrosis-triggering activity was significantly prolonged.
      Our study meaningfully demonstrates that a specific corona component on a certain
      nanoparticle could initiate a particular pathogenic process in a clinically
      relevant disease model. Our findings may shed light on the understanding of
      molecular mechanisms of human health risks correlated with exposure to small
      scale substances.

PMID- 28085242
TI  - Layered Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) Membranes
      with Enhanced Water Separation Selectivity and Performance.
AB  - A three-layered membrane based on poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) and
      hydrolyzed EVA-poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH), was elaborated by the
      surface hydrolysis of a dense EVA membrane. Because of the chemical
      modifications, the three-layered EVOH/EVA/EVOH membrane was characterized by the
      particular microstructure (amorphous EVA and semicrystalline EVOH) and the
      tunable hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance. Also, these modifications led to the
      membrane with the selective barrier properties compared with the pure EVA and
      completely hydrolyzed EVOH membranes. The water barrier behavior was related to
      the strong hydrogen-bond interactions of water and vinyl alcohol groups, whereas
      the weak chemical interactions were revealed for gases (N2 and O2). Furthermore,
      the influence of the polymer rubbery or glassy state on the permeation kinetics
      was established. In the case of the three-layered membrane, the considerably high
      selectivity values were obtained for H2O/O2 (~11 900) and H2O/N2 (~48 000) at 25 
      degrees C. In addition to these highly selective properties, the three-layered
      structure does not present delamination features due to its elaboration
      procedure. Thus, these new layered membranes are very promising as selective
      materials for the water and gas separation and can be potentially used in food
      packaging or for the gas dehydration.

PMID- 28085243
TI  - Optimally Functionalized Adhesion for Contact Transfer Printing of Plasmonic
      Nanostructures on Flexible Substrate.
AB  - This paper demonstrates a facile method to achieve high yield and uniform
      fabrication for the transfer printing of nanoplasmonic structures on a flexible
      substrate by providing novel understanding on adhesion layers. The mercapto alkyl
      carboxylic acids and the alkyl dithiols are used as functionalized adhesion
      layers and further optimized by controlling the terminal group as well as the
      length and composition of the functionalization on flat and nanostructured gold
      surfaces. Our approach of optimized adhesion has been successfully implemented to
      the transfer printing of functionalized gold nanostructure arrays, thus producing
      much higher yield of 97.6% and uniform fabrication of nanostructures on a
      flexible substrate and enabling applications such as flexible nanoplasmonic
      devices and biosensing platforms.

PMID- 28085244
TI  - Submolecular Electroluminescence Mapping of Organic Semiconductors.
AB  - The electroluminescence of organic films is the central aspect in organic light
      emitting diodes (OLEDs) and widely used in current display technology. However,
      its spatial variation on the molecular scale is essentially unexplored. Here, we
      address this issue by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and present an in
      depth study of the electroluminescence from thin C60 films (<10 monolayers) on
      Ag(111) and Au(111) surfaces. Similar to an OLED, the metal substrate and STM tip
      inject complementary charge carriers that may recombine within the molecular
      film; however, the atomically defined charge injection by the tip enables mapping
      of the local electroluminescence down to the submolecular scale. We show that the
      radiative recombination in solid C60 is restricted to various structural defects,
      whose emission characteristics can be addressed individually. The emission fine
      structure reveals a coupling to Jahn-Teller active vibrational modes of C60,
      which implies that its parity-forbidden lowest singlet transition becomes locally
      allowed at the emission centers. At lateral distances of a few nanometers, only a
      weak emission from tip-induced plasmons is detectable. Their excitation evidences
      the injection of both charge carrier types and confirms that they are unable to
      recombine radiatively at positions far from structural defects. Finally, we
      demonstrate that the molecular orbital pattern visible in electroluminescence
      maps enables an unambiguous discrimination between the intrinsic radiative
      recombination of electron-hole pairs in the organic film and the technique
      related emission of tip-induced plasmons. This capability is essential to
      consolidate STM as a tool to explore the light generation from organic films on
      the nanoscale.

PMID- 28085245
TI  - Stereoselective Polymer-Supported Synthesis of Morpholine- and Thiomorpholine-3
      carboxylic Acid Derivatives.
AB  - Herein we report the polymer-supported synthesis of 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-oxazine-3
      carboxylic acid derivatives using immobilized Fmoc-Ser(tBu)-OH and Fmoc-Thr(tBu)
      OH as the starting materials. After the solid-phase-synthesis of N-alkyl-N
      sulfonyl/acyl intermediates, the target dihydrooxazines were obtained using
      trifluoroacetic acid-mediated cleavage from the resin. This approach was also
      studied for the preparation of dihydrothiazines from immobilized Fmoc-Cys(Trt)
      OH. Inclusion of triethylsilane in the cleavage cocktail resulted in the
      stereoselective formation of the corresponding morpholine/thiomorpholine-3
      carboxylic acids. Stereochemical studies revealed the specific configuration of
      the newly formed stereocenter and also the formation of stable N-acylmorpholine
      rotamers.

PMID- 28085247
TI  - The Quarter-Century Anniversary of Carbon Nanotube Research.

PMID- 28085246
TI  - Genetic Organization of Anabaenopeptin and Spumigin Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in
      the Cyanobacterium Sphaerospermopsis torques-reginae ITEP-024.
AB  - Cyanobacteria produce a broad range of natural products, many of which are potent
      protease inhibitors. Biosynthetic gene clusters encoding the production of novel
      protease inhibitors belonging to the spumigin and anabaenopeptin family of
      nonribosomal peptides were identified in the genome of the bloom-forming
      cyanobacterium Sphaerospermopsis torques-reginae ITEP-024. The genetic
      architecture and gene organization of both nonribosomal peptide biosynthetic
      clusters were compared in parallel with their chemical structure variations
      obtained by liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS). The spumigin (spu) and
      anabaenopeptin (apt) gene clusters are colocated in the genomes of S. torques
      reginae ITEP-024 and Nodularia spumigena CCY9414 and separated by a 12 kb region
      containing genes encoding a patatin-like phospholipase, l-homophenylalanine (l
      Hph) biosynthetic enzymes, and four hypothetical proteins. hphABCD gene cluster
      encoding the production of l-Hph was linked to all eight apt gene clusters
      investigated here. We suggest that while the HphABCD enzymes are an integral part
      of the anabaenopeptin biosynthetic pathway, they provide substrates for the
      biosynthesis of both anabaenopeptins and spumigins. The organization of the spu
      and apt suggests a plausible model for the biosynthesis of the 4-(4
      hydroxyphenyl)-2-acid (Hpoba) precursor of spumigin variants in S. torques
      reginae ITEP-024 based on the acceptable substrates of HphABCD enzymes.

PMID- 28085248
TI  - Robust Gold Nanoparticle Sheets by Ligand Cross-Linking at the Air-Water
      Interface.
AB  - We report the results of cross-linking of two-dimensional gold nanoparticle (Au
      NP) assemblies at the air-water interface in situ. We introduce an aqueous
      soluble ruthenium benzylidene catalyst into the water subphase to generate a
      robust, elastic two-dimensional network of nanoparticles containing cyclic
      olefins in their ligand framework. The most striking feature of the cross-linked
      Au-NP assemblies is that the extended connectivity of the nanoparticles enables
      the film to preserve much of its integrity under compression and expansion,
      features that are absent in its non-cross-linked counterparts. The cross-linking
      process appears to "stitch" the nanoparticle crystalline domains together,
      allowing the cross-linked monolayers to behave like a piece of fabric under
      lateral compression.

PMID- 28085250
TI  - Self-Assembly of Hierarchical DNA Nanotube Architectures with Well-Defined
      Geometries.
AB  - An essential motif for the assembly of biological materials such as actin at the
      scale of hundreds of nanometers and beyond is a network of one-dimensional fibers
      with well-defined geometry. Here, we demonstrate the programmed organization of
      DNA filaments into micron-scale architectures where component filaments are
      oriented at preprogrammed angles. We assemble L-, T-, and Y-shaped DNA origami
      junctions that nucleate two or three micron length DNA nanotubes at high yields.
      The angles between the nanotubes mirror the angles between the templates on the
      junctions, demonstrating that nanoscale structures can control precisely how
      micron-scale architectures form. The ability to precisely program filament
      orientation could allow the assembly of complex filament architectures in two and
      three dimensions, including circuit structures, bundles, and extended materials.

PMID- 28085249
TI  - Enhanced Cell Capture on Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanosheets through Oxygen
      Clustering.
AB  - With the global rise in incidence of cancer and infectious diseases, there is a
      need for the development of techniques to diagnose, treat, and monitor these
      conditions. The ability to efficiently capture and isolate cells and other
      biomolecules from peripheral whole blood for downstream analyses is a necessary
      requirement. Graphene oxide (GO) is an attractive template nanomaterial for such
      biosensing applications. Favorable properties include its two-dimensional
      architecture and wide range of functionalization chemistries, offering
      significant potential to tailor affinity toward aromatic functional groups
      expressed in biomolecules of interest. However, a limitation of current
      techniques is that as-synthesized GO nanosheets are used directly in sensing
      applications, and the benefits of their structural modification on the device
      performance have remained unexplored. Here, we report a microfluidic-free,
      sensitive, planar device on treated GO substrates to enable quick and efficient
      capture of Class-II MHC-positive cells from murine whole blood. We achieve this
      by using a mild thermal annealing treatment on the GO substrates, which drives a
      phase transformation through oxygen clustering. Using a combination of
      experimental observations and MD simulations, we demonstrate that this process
      leads to improved reactivity and density of functionalization of cell capture
      agents, resulting in an enhanced cell capture efficiency of 92 +/- 7% at room
      temperature, almost double the efficiency afforded by devices made using as
      synthesized GO (54 +/- 3%). Our work highlights a scalable, cost-effective,
      general approach to improve the functionalization of GO, which creates diverse
      opportunities for various next-generation device applications.

PMID- 28085251
TI  - Differential Ability of Five DNA Glycosylases to Recognize and Repair Damage on
      Nucleosomal DNA.
AB  - Damage to genomic DNA leads to mutagenesis and disease. Repair of single base
      damage is initiated by DNA glycosylases, the first enzymes in the base excision
      repair pathway. Although eukaryotic packaging of chromosomal DNA in nucleosomes
      is known to decrease DNA glycosylase efficiency, the impact on individual
      glycosylases is unclear. Here, we present a model system in which we examine the
      repair of site-specific base damage in well-characterized nucleosome core
      particles by five different DNA glycosylases. We find that DNA glycosylase
      efficiency on nucleosome substrates depends not only on the geometric orientation
      of the damaged base but also on its identity, as well as on the size, structure,
      and mechanism of the glycosylase. We show via molecular modeling that inhibition
      of glycosylase activity is largely due to steric obstruction by the nucleosome
      core.

PMID- 28085252
TI  - Effective Propagation of Surface Plasmon Polaritons on Graphene-Protected Single
      Crystalline Silver Films.
AB  - Silver (Ag) is a promising material for manipulation of surface plasmon
      polaritons (SPPs), due to its optical and electrical properties; however, the
      intrinsic properties are easily degraded by surface corrosion under atmospheric
      conditions, restricting its applications in plasmonics. Here, we address this
      issue via single-crystalline Ag films protected with graphene layers and
      demonstrate effective propagation of SPPs on the graphene-protected Ag films.
      Single-crystalline Ag films with atomically flat surfaces are prepared by
      epitaxial growth; graphene layers are then transferred onto the Ag films. The
      propagation lengths of SPPs on the graphene-protected Ag films are measured, and
      their variations under corrosive conditions are investigated. The initial SPP
      propagation lengths for the bare Ag films are very long (about 50 MUm in the
      wavelength range 550-700 nm). However, the values decrease significantly (11-13
      MUm) under corrosive conditions. On the contrary, the double-layer-graphene
      protected Ag films exhibit SPP propagation lengths of about 23 MUm and retain
      over 90% (21-23 MUm) of the propagation lengths even after exposure to corrosive
      conditions, guaranteeing the reliability of Ag plasmonic devices. This approach
      can encourage extending the application of the graphene-metal hybrid structure
      and thus developing Ag plasmonic devices.

PMID- 28085253
TI  - Crowd-Sourced Verification of Computational Methods and Data in Systems
      Toxicology: A Case Study with a Heat-Not-Burn Candidate Modified Risk Tobacco
      Product.
AB  - Systems toxicology intends to quantify the effect of toxic molecules in
      biological systems and unravel their mechanisms of toxicity. The development of
      advanced computational methods is required for analyzing and integrating high
      throughput data generated for this purpose as well as for extrapolating
      predictive toxicological outcomes and risk estimates. To ensure the performance
      and reliability of the methods and verify conclusions from systems toxicology
      data analysis, it is important to conduct unbiased evaluations by independent
      third parties. As a case study, we report here the results of an independent
      verification of methods and data in systems toxicology by crowdsourcing. The sbv
      IMPROVER systems toxicology computational challenge aimed to evaluate
      computational methods for the development of blood-based gene expression
      signature classification models with the ability to predict smoking exposure
      status. Participants created/trained models on blood gene expression data sets
      including smokers/mice exposed to 3R4F (a reference cigarette) or noncurrent
      smokers/Sham (mice exposed to air). Participants applied their models on unseen
      data to predict whether subjects classify closer to smoke-exposed or nonsmoke
      exposed groups. The data sets also included data from subjects that had been
      exposed to potential modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs) or that had switched
      to a MRTP after exposure to conventional cigarette smoke. The scoring of
      anonymized participants' predictions was done using predefined metrics. The top 3
      performers' methods predicted class labels with area under the precision recall
      scores above 0.9. Furthermore, although various computational approaches were
      used, the crowd's results confirmed our own data analysis outcomes with regards
      to the classification of MRTP-related samples. Mice exposed directly to a MRTP
      were classified closer to the Sham group. After switching to a MRTP, the
      confidence that subjects belonged to the smoke-exposed group decreased
      significantly. Smoking exposure gene signatures that contributed to the group
      separation included a core set of genes highly consistent across teams such as
      AHRR, LRRN3, SASH1, and P2RY6. In conclusion, crowdsourcing constitutes a
      pertinent approach, in complement to the classical peer review process, to
      independently and unbiasedly verify computational methods and data for risk
      assessment using systems toxicology.

PMID- 28085254
TI  - "Click Chip" Conjugation of Bifunctional Chelators to Biomolecules.
AB  - There is a growing demand for diagnostic procedures including in vivo tumor
      imaging. Radiometal-based imaging agents are advantageous for tumor imaging
      because radiometals (i) have a wide range of half-lives and (ii) are easily
      incorporated into imaging probes via a mild, rapid chelation event with a
      bifunctional chelator (BFC). Microfluidic platforms hold promise for synthesis of
      radiotracers because they can easily handle minute volumes, reduce consumption of
      expensive reagents, and minimize personnel exposure to radioactive compounds.
      Here we demonstrate the use of a "click chip" with an immobilized Cu(I) catalyst
      to facilitate the "click chemistry" conjugation of BFCs to biomolecules (BMs); a
      key step in the synthesis of radiometal-based imaging probes. The "click chip"
      was used to synthesize three different BM-BFC conjugates with minimal amounts of
      copper present in reaction solutions (~20 ppm), which reduces or obviates the
      need for a copper removal step. These initial results are promising for future
      endeavors of synthesizing radiometal-based imaging agents completely on chip.

PMID- 28085255
TI  - Enhancing the Efficiency of Silicon-Based Solar Cells by the Piezo-Phototronic
      Effect.
AB  - Although there are numerous approaches for fabricating solar cells, the silicon
      based photovoltaics are still the most widely used in industry and around the
      world. A small increase in the efficiency of silicon-based solar cells has a huge
      economic impact and practical importance. We fabricate a silicon-based
      nanoheterostructure (p+-Si/p-Si/n+-Si (and n-Si)/n-ZnO nanowire (NW) array)
      photovoltaic device and demonstrate the enhanced device performance through
      significantly enhanced light absorption by NW array and effective charge carrier
      separation by the piezo-phototronic effect. The strain-induced piezoelectric
      polarization charges created at n-doped Si-ZnO interfaces can effectively
      modulate the corresponding band structure and electron gas trapped in the n+-Si/n
      ZnO NW nanoheterostructure and thus enhance the transport process of local charge
      carriers. The efficiency of the solar cell was improved from 8.97% to 9.51% by
      simply applying a static compress strain. This study indicates that the piezo
      phototronic effect can enhance the performance of a large-scale silicon-based
      solar cell, with great potential for industrial applications.

PMID- 28085256
TI  - Chronic Exposure Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Stream Microbial Decomposer
      Communities and Ecosystem Functions.
AB  - With the accelerated use of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in commercial products,
      streams will increasingly serve as recipients of, and repositories for, AgNP.
      This raises concerns about the potential toxicity of these nanomaterials in the
      environment. Here we aimed to assess the impacts of chronic AgNP exposure on the
      metabolic activities and community structure of fungal and bacterial plant litter
      decomposers as central players in stream ecosystems. Minimal variation in the
      size and surface charge of AgNP indicated that nanoparticles were rather stable
      during the experiment. Five days of exposure to 0.05 and 0.5 MUM AgNP in
      microcosms shifted bacterial community structure but had no effect on a suite of
      microbial metabolic activities, despite silver accumulation in the decomposing
      leaf litter. After 25 days, however, a broad range of microbial endpoints, as
      well as rates of litter decomposition, were strongly affected. Declines matched
      with the total silver concentration in the leaves and were accompanied by changes
      in fungal and bacterial community structure. These results highlight a distinct
      sensitivity of litter-associated microbial communities in streams to chronic AgNP
      exposure, with effects on both microbial functions and community structure
      resulting in notable ecosystem consequences through impacts on litter
      decomposition and further biogeochemical processes.

PMID- 28085257
TI  - Formation Mechanisms in beta-Ca3(PO4)2-ZnO Composites: Structural Repercussions
      of Composition and Heat Treatments.
AB  - Composites with varied proportions of beta-Ca3(PO4)2 and ZnO were obtained
      through an in situ aqueous precipitation method under slightly basic (pH ~ 8)
      conditions. The formation of beta-Ca3(PO4)2 phase starts at an early heat
      treatment stage (~800  degrees C) and incorporates Zn2+ ions at both Ca2+(4) and
      Ca2+(5) sites of the lattice up to its occupancy saturation limit. The
      incorporation of Zn2+ in the beta-Ca3(PO4)2 lattice enhances its thermal
      stability delaying the allotropic beta-Ca3(PO4)2->alpha-Ca3(PO4)2 phase
      transformation. The excess zinc beyond the occupancy saturation limit
      precipitates as Zn(OH)2 and undergoes dehydroxylation to form ZnO at elevated
      temperatures. The presence of ZnO in the beta-Ca3(PO4)2 matrix yields denser
      microstructures and thus improves the mechanical features of sintered composites
      up to an optimal ZnO concentration beyond which it tends to exert an opposite
      effect.

PMID- 28085258
TI  - New Insight into the Synthesis of Large-Pore Ordered Mesoporous Materials.
AB  - Ordered mesoporous materials (OMMs) have received increasing interest due to
      their uniform pore size, high surface area, various compositions and wide
      applications in energy conversion and storage, biomedicine and environmental
      remediation, etc. The soft templating synthesis using surfactants or amphiphilic
      block copolymers is the most efficient method to produce OMMs with tailorable
      pore structure and surface property. However, due to the limited choice of
      commercially available soft templates, the common OMMs usually show small pore
      size and amorphous (or semicrystalline) frameworks. Tailor-made amphiphilic block
      copolymers with controllable molecular weights and compositions have recently
      emerged as alternative soft templates for synthesis of new OMMs with many unique
      features including adjustable mesostructures and framework compositions,
      ultralarge pores, thick pore walls, high thermal stability and crystalline
      frameworks. In this Perspective, recent progresses and some new insights into the
      coassembly process about the synthesis of OMMs based on these tailor-made
      copolymers as templates are summarized, and typical newly developed synthesis
      methods and strategies are discussed in depth, including solvent evaporation
      induced aggregation, ligand-assisted coassembly, solvent evaporation induced
      micelle fusion-aggregation assembly, homopolymer assisted pore expanding and
      carbon-supported crystallization strategy. Then, the applications of the obtained
      large-pore OMMs in catalysis, sensor, energy conversion and storage, and
      biomedicine by loading large-size guest molecules (e.g., protein and RNA),
      precious metal nanoparticles and quantum dots, are discussed. At last, the
      outlook on the prospects and challenges of future research about the synthesis of
      large-pore OMMs by using tailor-made amphiphilic block copolymers are included.

PMID- 28085259
TI  - Unique Approach to Copper(I) Silylene Chalcogenone Complexes.
AB  - Silylene-S-thione [PhC(NtBu)2Si(?S)N(SiMe3)2] (2) and silylene-Se-selone
      [PhC(NtBu)2Si(?Se)N(SiMe3)2] (3) compounds were prepared from the silylene
      [PhC(NtBu)2SiN(SiMe3)2] (1) with 1 equiv of 1/8 S8 and 1 equiv of Se powder,
      respectively, in high yields. Furthermore, compounds 2 and 3 reacted with CuCl
      and CuBr and yielded [{PhC(NtBu)2}Si(?S->CuX)N(SiMe3)2] (X = Cl (4), Br (5)) and
      [{PhC(NtBu)2}Si(?Se->CuX)N(SiMe3)2] (X = Cl (6), Br (7)), respectively. Complexes
      4-7 can also be obtained from the direct reaction of sulfur and selenium with the
      corresponding silylene copper complexes [{PhC(NtBu)2}Si{N(SiMe3)2}]2Cu2X2 (X = Cl
      (8), Br (9)). The latter route avoids the preparation of the highly reactive
      silylene chalcogenones. For comparison purposes the silylene
      PhC(NtBu)2SiN(SiMe3)2 in 2 and 3 was replaced by NHC (1,3-bis(2,6
      bis(diphenylmethyl)-4-methylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) (10). The resulting
      products NHC?S (thione 11) and NHC?Se (selenone 12) react with CuBr and lead to
      the expected complexes (NHC?S->CuBr) (13) and (NHC?Se->CuBr) (14). However,
      unlike silylene complexes, 13 and 14 cannot be prepared by reacting NHC-CuBr (15)
      with chalcogens.

PMID- 28085260
TI  - Surface Coordination Chemistry of Metal Nanomaterials.
AB  - Surface coordination chemistry of nanomaterials deals with the chemistry on how
      ligands are coordinated on their surface metal atoms and influence their
      properties at the molecular level. This Perspective demonstrates that there is a
      strong link between surface coordination chemistry and the shape-controlled
      synthesis, and many intriguing surface properties of metal nanomaterials. While
      small adsorbates introduced in the synthesis can control the shapes of metal
      nanocrystals by minimizing their surface energy via preferential coordination on
      specific facets, surface ligands properly coordinated on metal nanoparticles
      readily promote their catalysis via steric interactions and electronic
      modifications. The difficulty in the research of surface coordination chemistry
      of nanomaterials mainly lies in the lack of effective tools to characterize their
      molecular surface coordination structures. Also highlighted are several model
      material systems that facilitate the characterizations of surface coordination
      structures, including ultrathin nanostructures, atomically precise metal
      nanoclusters, and atomically dispersed metal catalysts. With the understanding of
      surface coordination chemistry, the molecular mechanisms behind various important
      effects (e.g., promotional effect of surface ligands on catalysis, support effect
      in supported metal nanocatalysts) of metal nanomaterials are disclosed.

PMID- 28085261
TI  - Fermentation Results in Quantitative Changes in Milk-Derived Exosomes and
      Different Effects on Cell Growth and Survival.
AB  - The discovery of microRNAs encapsulated in milk-derived exosomes has revealed
      stability under extreme conditions reflecting the protection of membranes. We
      attempted to determine the variations in nanoparticles derived from milk after
      fermentation, and provide evidence to determine the effects of these exosomes on
      cells with potential bioactivity. Using scanning electron microscopy and dynamic
      light scattering, we compared the morphology and particle size distribution of
      exosomes from yogurt fermented with three different combinations of strains with
      those from raw milk. The protein content of the exosome was significantly reduced
      in fermented milk. The cycle threshold showed that the expression of miR-29b and
      miR-21 was relatively high in raw milk, indicating a loss of microRNA after
      fermentation. Milk-derived exosomes could promote cell growth and activate the
      mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. These findings demonstrated biological
      functions in milk exosomes and provided new insight into the nutrient composition
      of dairy products.

PMID- 28085262
TI  - Effect of Disinfectant Exposure on Legionella pneumophila Associated with
      Simulated Drinking Water Biofilms: Release, Inactivation, and Infectivity.
AB  - Legionella pneumophila, the most commonly identified causative agent in drinking
      water associated with disease outbreaks, can be harbored by and released from
      drinking water biofilms. In this study, the release of biofilm-associated L.
      pneumophila under simulated drinking water flow containing a disinfectant
      residual was examined. Meanwhile, the inactivation and infectivity (to amoebae)
      of the released L. pneumophila were studied. To simulate drinking water system
      conditions, biofilms were prepared under either disinfectant exposure
      (predisinfected biofilms) or disinfectant-free (untreated biofilms) conditions,
      respectively. For experiments with water flow containing a disinfectant to
      release the biofilm-associated L. pneumophila from these two types of biofilms,
      the L. pneumophila release kinetics values from predisinfected and untreated
      biofilms under flow condition were not statistically different (one-way ANOVA, p
      > 0.05). However, inactivation of the L. pneumophila released from predisinfected
      biofilms was 1-2 times higher and amoeba infectivity was 2-29 times lower than
      that from untreated biofilms. The higher disinfectant resistance of L.
      pneumophila released from untreated biofilms was presumably influenced by the
      detachment of a larger amount of biofilm material (determined by 16S rRNA qPCR)
      surrounding the released L. pneumophila. This study highlights the interaction
      among disinfectant residual, biofilms, and L. pneumophila, which provides
      guidelines to assess and control pathogen risk.

PMID- 28085263
TI  - Structure and Dynamics of the Huntingtin Exon-1 N-Terminus: A Solution NMR
      Perspective.
AB  - Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by misfolding and aggregation
      of an expanded polyglutamine tract (polyQ). Huntington's Disease, caused by
      expansion of the polyQ tract in exon 1 of the Huntingtin protein (Htt), is
      associated with aggregation and neuronal toxicity. Despite recent structural
      progress in understanding the structures of amyloid fibrils, little is known
      about the solution states of Htt in general, and about molecular details of their
      transition from soluble to aggregation-prone conformations in particular. This is
      an important question, given the increasing realization that toxicity may reside
      in soluble conformers. This study presents an approach that combines NMR with
      computational methods to elucidate the structural conformations of Htt Exon 1 in
      solution. Of particular focus was Htt's N17 domain sited N-terminal to the polyQ
      tract, which is key to enhancing aggregation and modulate Htt toxicity. Such in
      depth structural study of Htt presents a number of unique challenges: the long
      homopolymeric polyQ tract contains nearly identical residues, exon 1 displays a
      high degree of conformational flexibility leading to a scaling of the NMR
      chemical shift dispersion, and a large portion of the backbone amide groups are
      solvent-exposed leading to fast hydrogen exchange and causing extensive line
      broadening. To deal with these problems, NMR assignment was achieved on a minimal
      Htt exon 1, comprising the N17 domain, a polyQ tract of 17 glutamines, and a
      short hexameric polyProline region that does not contribute to the spectrum. A pH
      titration method enhanced this polypeptide's solubility and, with the aid of <=5D
      NMR, permitted the full assignment of N17 and the entire polyQ tract. Structural
      predictions were then derived using the experimental chemical shifts of the Htt
      peptide at low and neutral pH, together with various different computational
      approaches. All these methods concurred in indicating that low-pH protonation
      stabilizes a soluble conformation where a helical region of N17 propagates into
      the polyQ region, while at neutral pH both N17 and the polyQ become largely
      unstructured-thereby suggesting a mechanism for how N17 regulates Htt
      aggregation.

PMID- 28085264
TI  - Urea Metal-Organic Frameworks for Nitro-Substituted Compounds Sensing.
AB  - Urea groups are known to form strong hydrogen bonds with molecules containing
      atom(s) that can act as hydrogen bond acceptor(s). Thus, urea is a particularly
      interesting building block for designing receptors for neutral or charged guests.
      In the quest for new sensors with enhanced performance for the detection of nitro
      substituted compounds, two pillared metal-organic frameworks containing urea
      functional groups were synthesized and structurally characterized. The sensing
      properties of these frameworks toward nitro-analytes were investigated and
      compared to each other. The study clearly reveals the importance of urea groups
      orientation inside the pore cavity of MOFs, as well as the supramolecular
      interactions between the interpenetrated networks. This work is interesting as it
      represents the first example of urea-functionalized MOFs for nitro-analytes
      recognition.

PMID- 28085265
TI  - Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization: Scope, Limitations, and Application to
      (Bio)Degradable Materials.
AB  - Cyclic monomers bearing either vinyl or exomethylene groups have the ability to
      be polymerized through a radical pathway via a ring-opening mechanism (addition
      fragmentation process), leading to the introduction of functionalities in the
      polymer backbone. Radical ring-opening polymerization (rROP) combines the
      advantages of both ring-opening polymerization and radical polymerization, that
      is the preparation of polymers bearing heteroatoms in the backbone but with the
      ease and robustness of a radical process. This current review presents a
      comprehensive description of rROP by detailing: (i) the various monomers that
      polymerize through rROP; (ii) the main parameters that govern the rROP mechanism;
      (iii) the copolymerization by conventional or controlled/living radical
      polymerization between rROP monomers and traditional vinyl monomers to obtain
      copolymers with advanced properties; (iv) the different applications (low
      shrinkage materials and preparation of (bio)degradable materials) of rROP monomer
      containing materials, and (v) the main alternatives to rROP to induce
      degradability to materials obtained by a radical polymerization.

PMID- 28085266
TI  - A Ternary Alloy Substrate to Synthesize Monolayer Graphene with Liquid Carbon
      Precursor.
AB  - Here we demonstrate a ternary Cu2NiZn alloy substrate for controllably
      synthesizing monolayer graphene using a liquid carbon precursor cyclohexane via a
      facile CVD route. In contrast with elemental metal or bimetal substrates, the
      alloy-induced synergistic effects that provide an ideal metallic platform for
      much easier dehydrogenation of hydrocarbon molecules, more reasonable strength of
      adsorption energy of carbon monomer on surface and lower formation energies of
      carbon chains, largely renders the success growth of monolayer graphene with
      higher electrical mobility and lower defects. The growth mechanism is
      systemically investigated by our DFT calculations. This study provides a
      selective route for realizing high-quality graphene monolayer via a scalable
      synthetic method by using economic liquid carbon supplies and multialloy metal
      substrates.

PMID- 28085267
TI  - Cyclotide Structure and Function: The Role of Membrane Binding and Permeation.
AB  - There is growing interest in the use of peptides as therapeutic drugs and, in
      particular, in the potential of cyclotides, a family of cyclic peptides with
      remarkable stability and amenability to sequence engineering, as scaffolds in
      drug design. As well as having an ultrastable structure, many natural cyclotides
      have intrinsic biological activities with potential pharmaceutical or
      agricultural applications. Some cyclotides also have the ability to cross
      membrane barriers and to enter into cells; in particular, cyclotides that belong
      to the Mobius and bracelet subfamilies have been found to harbor lipid-binding
      domains, which allow for the specific recognition of phosphatidylethanolamine
      phospholipids in biological membranes. This lipid selectivity is intimately
      correlated with the highly conserved three-dimensional structures of cyclotides
      and is important for their reported biological properties and cell penetration
      ability. The membrane binding features of Mobius and bracelet cyclotides contrast
      with the lack of membrane binding of trypsin inhibitor cyclotides, which have
      physicochemical properties and bioactivities different from those of the other
      two subfamilies of cyclotides but are also able to enter cells. This review
      discusses the structures of cyclotides with regard to their myriad of biological
      activities and describes the role of membrane binding in their functions and
      ability to enter cells.

PMID- 28085268
TI  - Effect of Interlayer Spacing on the Activity of Layered Manganese Oxide Bilayer
      Catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.
AB  - We investigated the dependence of the electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen
      evolution reaction (OER) on the interlayer distance of five compositionally
      distinct layered manganese oxide nanostructures. Each individual electrocatalyst
      was assembled with a different alkali metal intercalated between two nanosheets
      (NS) of manganese oxide to form a bilayer structure. Manganese oxide NS were
      synthesized via the exfoliation of a layered material, birnessite. Atomic force
      microscopy was used to determine the heights of the bilayer catalysts. The
      interlayer spacing of the supported bilayers positively correlates with the size
      of the alkali cation: NS/Cs+/NS > NS/Rb+/NS > NS/K+/NS > NS/Na+/NS > NS/Li+/NS.
      The thermodynamic origins of these bilayer heights were investigated using
      molecular dynamics simulations. The overpotential (eta) for the OER correlates
      with the interlayer spacing; NS/Cs+/NS has the lowest eta (0.45 V), while
      NS/Li+/NS exhibits the highest eta (0.68 V) for OER at a current density of 1
      mA/cm2. Kinetic parameters (eta and Tafel slope) associated with NS/Cs+/NS for
      the OER were superior to that of the bulk birnessite phase, highlighting the
      structural uniqueness of these nanoscale assemblies.

PMID- 28085269
TI  - Immobilization of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Compounds: A Synthetic Perspective.
AB  - Over the course of the past 15 years the success story of N-heterocyclic carbene
      (NHC) compounds in organic, inorganic, and organometallic chemistry has been
      extended to another dimension. The immobilization of NHC compounds, undergoing
      continuous diversification, broadens their range of applications and leads to new
      solutions for challenges in catalytic and synthetic chemistry. This review
      intends to present a synthetic toolkit for the immobilization of NHC compounds,
      giving the reader an overview on synthetic techniques and strategies available in
      the literature. By individually summarizing and assessing the synthetic steps of
      the immobilization process, a comprehensive picture of the strategies and
      methodologies for the immobilization of NHC compounds is presented. Furthermore,
      the characterization of supported NHC compounds is discussed in detail in order
      to set up necessary criteria for an in-depth analysis of the immobilized
      derivatives. Finally, the catalytic applications of immobilized NHC compounds are
      briefly reviewed to illustrate the practical use of this technique for a broad
      variety of reaction types.

PMID- 28085270
TI  - Site-Specific Biomimetic Precision Chemistry of Bimodal Contrast Agent with
      Modular Peptides for Tumor-Targeted Imaging.
AB  - Various biomimetic nanoparticles have been fabricated for cancer nanotheranostics
      with a diverse range of proteins. However, the operating mechanisms of these
      reactions are still unclear, especially on the interaction between metal ions and
      protein, the precise binding sites, and the existence format of nanoparticles.
      Assuming the shortening of the amino acids sequence into several, namely short
      peptides, it would be much easier to investigate the biomimetic reaction
      mechanism. In this study, a modular peptide, possessing Au3+ ion coordination
      motifs and a Gd3+ ion chelation sequence, is designed and synthesized. This
      peptide is experimentally found effective in site-specific biomimetic synthesis
      of paramagnetic fluorescent gold nanoclusters (pAuNCs) with a quantum yield of
      6.8%, deep red emission at 676 nm, and potent relaxivity. The gel electrophoresis
      result declares that the two imaging motifs in pAuNCs are quite stable. In vivo
      fluorescence-magnetic resonance bimodal imaging show significant tumor
      enhancement by pAuNCs in tumor-bearing mice. In vivo biodistribution and toxicity
      studies reveal that pAuNCs can be gradually cleared from the body without damage.
      This study presents a modular peptide that can incubate multifunctional
      nanoparticles in a biomimetic fashion and hopefully provides a strategy for the
      investigation of the mechanism of protein-mediated biomimetic synthesis.

PMID- 28085271
TI  - First-Order Phase Transition in BaNi2Ge2 and the Influence of the Valence
      Electron Count on Distortion of the ThCr2Si2 Structure Type.
AB  - Structural instability has a strong influence on the understanding of
      superconductivity in iron-containing 122 phases. Similar to the 122 iron-based
      high-temperature superconductors, the intermetallic compound BaNi2Ge2 undergoes
      an orthorhombic-to-tetragonal structural phase transition. The compound was
      prepared by arc-melting mixtures of the elements under an argon atmosphere.
      Single crystals were obtained by a special heat treatment in a welded tantalum
      ampule. The crystal structure of the compound was investigated by powder and
      single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Differential thermal analysis of BaNi2Ge2
      showed a reversible phase transition at ca. 480  degrees C. In situ temperature
      dependent synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction studies revealed that below 480 
      degrees C the crystal structure of BaNi2Ge2 is orthorhombic [own structure type,
      space group Pnma, a = 8.3852(4) A, b = 11.3174(8) A, and c = 4.2902(9) A at 30 
      degrees C] and the high-temperature phase above 510  degrees C belongs to the
      tetragonal ThCr2Si2-type structure [space group I4/mmm, a = 4.2664(1) A, and c =
      11.2537(3) A at 510  degrees C]. The reversible first-order low-temperature <->
      high-temperature phase transition around 480  degrees C is associated with
      distortion of the [Ni2Ge2] layer of low-temperature modification. The anisotropy
      of thermal expansion of the unit cell in BaNi2Ge2 was analyzed. The crystal
      chemistry and chemical bonding are discussed in terms of linear muffin-tin
      orbital band structure calculations and a topological analysis using the electron
      localization function. In related compounds, the level of distortion of the
      uncollapsed tetragonal ThCr2Si2-type structure depends on the valence electron
      count (VEC).

PMID- 28085272
TI  - Oxidative C-H/C-H Coupling Reactions between Two (Hetero)arenes.
AB  - Transition metal-mediated C-H bond activation and functionalization represent one
      of the most straightforward and powerful tools in modern organic synthetic
      chemistry. Bi(hetero)aryls are privileged pi-conjugated structural cores in
      biologically active molecules, organic functional materials, ligands, and organic
      synthetic intermediates. The oxidative C-H/C-H coupling reactions between two
      (hetero)arenes through 2-fold C-H activation offer a valuable opportunity for
      rapid assembly of diverse bi(hetero)aryls and further exploitation of their
      applications in pharmaceutical and material sciences. This review provides a
      comprehensive overview of the fundamentals and applications of transition metal
      mediated/catalyzed oxidative C-H/C-H coupling reactions between two
      (hetero)arenes. The substrate scope, limitation, reaction mechanism,
      regioselectivity, and chemoselectivity, as well as related control strategies of
      these reactions are discussed. Additionally, the applications of these
      established methods in the synthesis of natural products and exploitation of new
      organic functional materials are exemplified. In the last section, a short
      introduction on oxidant- or Lewis acid-mediated oxidative Ar-H/Ar-H coupling
      reactions is presented, considering that it is a very powerful method for the
      construction of biaryl units and polycylic arenes.

PMID- 28085273
TI  - New Insights on the Nitrogen Footprint of a Coastal Megalopolis from Coral-Hosted
      Symbiodinium delta15N.
AB  - The development of megalopolises in coastal areas is often linked with severe
      eutrophication, requiring mitigation of anthropogenic dissolved inorganic
      nitrogen (DIN) pollution. Yet, identifying the DIN-sources responsible for
      eutrophication is challenging, hampering mitigation efforts. Here, we utilize the
      stable nitrogen isotope ratio of endosymbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium spp.
      (delta15Nsym) associated with the hard coral Porites to trace DIN sources in one
      of the most urbanized areas of the planet: the Pearl River Delta (PRD). The mean
      delta15Nsym value found in the coastal waters of Hong Kong (HK), located on the
      eastern edge of the PRD, (7.40/00 +/- 1.20/00) was +2.70/00 higher than at
      Dongsha Atoll, a reference site unaffected by anthropogenic-DIN (4.70/00 +/-
      0.40/00). The isotopic enrichment suggested a consistent dominance of DIN
      deriving from local and regional sewage discharges on the eastern edge of HK.
      Furthermore, the strong depletion of the summer delta15Nsym value (-1.60/00)
      observed in southern HK revealed that the Pearl River plume strongly modulates
      the coastal DIN pool. Our results revealed the value of benthic marine organisms'
      delta15N for deciphering the complex dynamics of coastal eutrophication and
      highlighted the pivotal role of transboundary coordination in DIN-pollution
      mitigation.

PMID- 28085274
TI  - Development of a qPCR Method for the Identification and Quantification of Two
      Closely Related Tuna Species, Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus) and Yellowfin Tuna
      (Thunnus albacares), in Canned Tuna.
AB  - Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) are among the
      most widely used tuna species for canning purposes. Not only substitution but
      also mixing of tuna species is prohibited by the European regulation for canned
      tuna products. However, as juveniles of bigeye and yellowfin tunas are very
      difficult to distinguish, unintentional substitutions may occur during the
      canning process. In this study, two mitochondrial markers from NADH dehydrogenase
      subunit 2 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit II genes were used to identify bigeye
      tuna and yellowfin tuna, respectively, utilizing TaqMan qPCR methodology. Two
      different qPCR-based methods were developed to quantify the percentage of flesh
      of each species used for can processing. The first one was based on absolute
      quantification using standard curves realized with these two markers; the second
      one was founded on relative quantification with the universal 12S rRNA gene as
      the endogenous gene. On the basis of our results, we conclude that our
      methodology could be applied to authenticate these two closely related tuna
      species when used in a binary mix in tuna cans.

PMID- 28085275
TI  - Structure-Based Design of Macrocyclic Factor XIa Inhibitors: Discovery of the
      Macrocyclic Amide Linker.
AB  - A novel series of macrocyclic FXIa inhibitors was designed based on our lead
      acyclic phenyl imidazole chemotype. Our initial macrocycles, which were double
      digit nanomolar FXIa inhibitors, were further optimized with assistance from
      utilization of structure-based drug design and ligand bound X-ray crystal
      structures. This effort resulted in the discovery of a macrocyclic amide linker
      which was found to form a key hydrogen bond with the carbonyl of Leu41 in the
      FXIa active site, resulting in potent FXIa inhibitors. The macrocyclic FXIa
      series, exemplified by compound 16, had a FXIa Ki = 0.16 nM with potent
      anticoagulant activity in an in vitro clotting assay (aPTT EC1.5x = 0.27 MUM) and
      excellent selectivity against the relevant blood coagulation enzymes.

PMID- 28085276
TI  - Enantiodivergence in the Biosynthesis of Bromotyrosine Alkaloids from Sponges?
AB  - The isolation of bromotyrosine alkaloids, some of which are enantiomers of
      previously isolated compounds, has highlighted a possible enantiodivergence in
      their biosynthesis. Two new (1, 2) and six known bromotyrosine alkaloids (4-9),
      and the enantiomer (10) of a known compound, have been isolated from a Western
      Australian marine sponge, Pseudoceratina cf. verrucosa. The compounds inhibited
      the growth of multidrug-resistant and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      with comparable activity to vancomycin. In addition, one possible artifact of
      extraction (3) containing an ethoxy group was isolated. From analysis of the
      known bromotyrosine alkaloids, a biogenesis is proposed that explains the
      formation of antipodal natural products within this family of sponges.

PMID- 28085277
TI  - pi-Conjugated Triazenes: Intermediates That Undergo Oxidation and Substitution
      Reactions.
AB  - Novel reactivity for pi-conjugated triazenes is herein reported. This observed
      and unprecedented triazene reactivity gave access to oxidation and substitution
      reactions. These transformations include successful synthesis of aldehydes,
      ketones, ethers, and sulfides from readily available organic azides via pi
      conjugated triazene intermediates. Notably, the afforded adducts were obtained in
      good yields, at room temperature, and in the absence of added metal catalysts.

PMID- 28085278
TI  - Enhanced Thermal Stability and UV-Shielding Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol)
      Based on Esculetin.
AB  - In this article, PVA composites with outstanding thermal stability, UV shielding,
      and high transparency were fabricated on the basis of traditional Chinese
      medicine (esculetin). Characterization data have suggested in which the resulting
      PVA/esculetin (ESC) composites display excellent thermal stability compared to
      pure PVA and most of the PVA nanocomposites. The pyrolysis mechanism of PVA
      before and after modification with esculetin varies from chain unzipping
      degradation followed by chain random scission. The DPPH scavenging activity and
      FTIR measurements have illustrated that esculetin can scavenge reactive radicals,
      which leads to improvements in thermal stability and a change in the pyrolysis
      mechanism of PVA. More importantly, the resulting composites can almost
      completely block the whole UV region (200-400 nm) without any deterioration of
      the high transparency of the composites. Therefore, the composites can convert
      harmful UV light into blue light effectively, which is beneficial for their
      application as optical materials and devices.

PMID- 28085279
TI  - Resonantly Enhanced Nonlinear Optical Probes of Oxidized Multiwalled Carbon
      Nanotubes at Supported Lipid Bilayers.
AB  - With production of carbon nanotubes surpassing billions of tons per annum,
      concern about their potential interactions with biological systems is growing.
      Herein, we utilize second harmonic generation spectroscopy, sum frequency
      generation spectroscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation
      monitoring to probe the interactions between oxidized multiwalled carbon
      nanotubes (O-MWCNTs) and supported lipid bilayers composed of phospholipids with
      phosphatidylcholine head groups as the dominant component. We quantify O-MWCNT
      attachment to supported lipid bilayers under biogeochemically relevant conditions
      and discern that the interactions occur without disrupting the structural
      integrity of the lipid bilayers for the systems probed. The extent of O-MWCNT
      sorption was far below a monolayer even at 100 mM NaCl and was independent of the
      chemical composition of the supported lipid bilayer.

PMID- 28085280
TI  - Protonation-Induced Sign Inversion of the Cotton Effects of Pyridinophanes. A
      Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study.
AB  - The circular dichroisms (CDs) of planar chiral [2.2]- and [3.3]-pyridinophanes
      were investigated experimentally and theoretically. Strong multisignate Cotton
      effects, typical for cyclophane derivatives, were observed. The CD spectra of
      [2.2]- and [3.3]-paracyclophanes closely resembled in pattern each other, despite
      the much greater conformational variations in the latter. Upon protonation, both
      of the cyclophanes suffered dramatic CD spectral changes with accompanying
      complete sign inversion, which was attributed to the reversal of diploe moment of
      pyridinium versus pyridine moiety. This chiroptical property switching driven by
      protonation/deprotonation was temperature-dependent and hence applicable to
      thermal sensing. The protonated forms of pyridinophanes served as ideal model
      systems for studying the cation-pi interactions and their effects on chiroptical
      properties. Thus, the molar CD (Deltaepsilon) of the charge-transfer band of
      protonated [2.2]pyridinophane was 10-fold larger than that of protonated
      [3.3]pyridinophane, which exceeds the increased interplane electronic
      interactions assessed from the electronic coupling element values.

PMID- 28085281
TI  - alpha-Ketothioamide Derivatives: A Promising Tool to Interrogate Phosphoglycerate
      Dehydrogenase (PHGDH).
AB  - Given the putative role of PHGDH in cancer, development of inhibitors is required
      to explore its function. In this context, we established and validated a
      straightforward enzymatic assay suitable for high-throughput screening and we
      identified inhibitors with similar chemical scaffolds. Through a convergent
      pharmacophore approach, we synthesized alpha-ketothioamides that exhibit
      interesting in vitro PHGDH inhibition and encouraging cellular results. These
      novel probes may be used to understand the emerging biology of this metabolic
      target.

PMID- 28085282
TI  - Gold-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective Addition of Carboxylic Acids to
      Iodoalkynes: Access to (Z)-beta-Iodoenol Esters and 1,4-Disubstituted (Z)-Enynyl
      Esters.
AB  - In the presence of catalytic amounts of the Au(I) cation [Au(PPh3)]+, a large
      variety of (Z)-beta-iodoenol esters (39 examples) could be synthesized under mild
      reaction conditions through the regio- and stereospecific intermolecular addition
      of carboxylic acids to iodoalkynes. Sonogashira coupling of representative (Z)
      beta-iodoenol esters with terminal alkynes, alkynols, and 1,3-enynes allowed also
      the access to different 1,4-disubstituted (Z)-enynyl esters in excellent yields.

PMID- 28085283
TI  - Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel, Non-Brain-Penetrant,
      Hybrid Cannabinoid CB1R Inverse Agonist/Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS)
      Inhibitors for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis.
AB  - We report the design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of novel
      dual-target compounds with antagonist/inverse agonist activity at cannabinoid
      receptor type 1 (CB1R) and inhibitory effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase
      (iNOS). A series of 3,4-diarylpyrazolinecarboximidamides were synthesized and
      evaluated in CB1 receptor (CB1R) binding assays and iNOS activity assays. The
      novel compounds, designed to have limited brain penetrance, elicited potent in
      vitro CB1R antagonist activities and iNOS inhibitory activities. Some key
      compounds displayed high CB1R binding affinities. Compound 7 demonstrated potent
      in vivo pharmacological activities such as reduction of food intake mediated by
      the antagonism of the CB1Rs and antifibrotic effect in the animal models of
      fibrosis mediated by iNOS inhibition and CB1R antagonism.

PMID- 28085284
TI  - Quantitative Assessment of Molecular Dynamics Sampling for Flexible Systems.
AB  - Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a natural method for the study of flexible
      molecules but at the same time is limited by the large size of the conformational
      space of these molecules. We ask by how much the MD sampling quality for flexible
      molecules can be improved by two means: the use of diverse sets of trajectories
      starting from different initial conformations to detect deviations between
      samples and sampling with enhanced methods such as accelerated MD (aMD) or scaled
      MD (sMD) that distort the energy landscape in controlled ways. To this end, we
      test the effects of these approaches on MD simulations of two flexible
      biomolecules in aqueous solution, Met-Enkephalin (5 amino acids) and HIV-1 gp120
      V3 (a cycle of 35 amino acids). We assess the convergence of the sampling
      quantitatively with known, extensive measures of cluster number Nc and cluster
      distribution entropy Sc and with two new quantities, conformational overlap Oconf
      and density overlap Odens, both conveniently ranging from 0 to 1. These new
      overlap measures quantify self-consistency of sampling in multitrajectory MD
      experiments, a necessary condition for converged sampling. A comprehensive
      assessment of sampling quality of MD experiments identifies the combination of
      diverse trajectory sets and aMD as the most efficient approach among those
      tested. However, analysis of Odens between conventional and aMD trajectories also
      reveals that we have not completely corrected aMD sampling for the distorted
      energy landscape. Moreover, for V3, the courses of Nc and Odens indicate that
      much higher resources than those generally invested today will probably be needed
      to achieve convergence. The comparative analysis also shows that conventional MD
      simulations with insufficient sampling can be easily misinterpreted as being
      converged.

PMID- 28085285
TI  - Stereoselective Total Syntheses of Polyacetylene Plant Metabolites via Ester
      Tethered Ring Closing Metathesis.
AB  - Total syntheses of five naturally occurring polyacetylenes from three different
      plants are described. These natural products have in common an E,Z-configured
      conjugated diene linked to a di- or triyne chain. As the key method to
      stereoselectively establish the E,Z-diene part, an ester-tethered ring-closing
      metathesis/base-induced eliminative ring opening sequence was used. The results
      presented herein do not only showcase the utility of this tethered RCM variant
      but have also prompted us to suggest that the originally assigned absolute
      configurations of chiral polyacetylenes from Atractylodes macrocephala should be
      revised or at least reconsidered.

PMID- 28085287
TI  - A Useful Allene for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Protected Quaternary 2-Amino
      2-vinyl-1,3-diols.
AB  - Treatment of readily available allene 1 with Cy2BH followed by addition of an
      aldehyde led to quaternary protected 2-amino-2-vinyl-1,3-diols in high yield and
      excellent stereochemical purity. The choice of benzoyl as N-protecting group is
      critical since the observed N- to O-Bz transfer during the process prevents later
      undesired isomerizations in the adducts and keeps all heteroatoms protected.

PMID- 28085286
TI  - Development of Dihydroxyphenyl Sulfonylisoindoline Derivatives as Liver-Targeting
      Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase Inhibitors.
AB  - Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases 1-4 (PDK1-4) negatively control activity of the
      pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and are up-regulated in obesity, diabetes,
      heart failure, and cancer. We reported earlier two novel pan-PDK inhibitors PS8
      [4-((5-hydroxyisoindolin-2-yl)sulfonyl)benzene-1,3-diol] (1) and PS10 [2-((2,4
      dihydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl)isoindoline-4,6-diol] (2) that targeted the ATP-binding
      pocket in PDKs. Here, we developed a new generation of PDK inhibitors by
      extending the dihydroxyphenyl sulfonylisoindoline scaffold in 1 and 2 to the
      entrance region of the ATP-binding pocket in PDK2. The lead inhibitor (S)-3-amino
      4-(4-((2-((2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)sulfonyl)isoindolin-5-yl)amino)piperidin-1-yl)-4
      oxobutanamide (17) shows a ~8-fold lower IC50 (58 nM) than 2 (456 nM). In the
      crystal structure, the asparagine moiety in 17 provides additional interactions
      with Glu-262 from PDK2. Treatment of diet-induced obese mice with 17 resulted in
      significant liver-specific augmentation of PDC activity, accompanied by improved
      glucose tolerance and drastically reduced hepatic steatosis. These findings
      support 17 as a potential glucose-lowering therapeutic targeting liver for
      obesity and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28085288
TI  - Novel Two-Dimensional Silicon Dioxide with in-Plane Negative Poisson's Ratio.
AB  - Silicon dioxide or silica, normally existing in various bulk crystalline and
      amorphous forms, was recently found to possess a two-dimensional structure. In
      this work, we use ab initio calculation and evolutionary algorithm to unveil
      three new two-dimensional (2D) silica structures whose thermal, dynamical, and
      mechanical stabilities are compared with many typical bulk silica. In particular,
      we find that all three of these 2D silica structures have large in-plane negative
      Poisson's ratios with the largest one being double of penta graphene and three
      times of borophenes. The negative Poisson's ratio originates from the interplay
      of lattice symmetry and Si-O tetrahedron symmetry. Slab silica is also an
      insulating 2D material with the highest electronic band gap (>7 eV) among
      reported 2D structures. These exotic 2D silica with in-plane negative Poisson's
      ratios and widest band gaps are expected to have great potential applications in
      nanomechanics and nanoelectronics.

PMID- 28085289
TI  - Synthesis and Reactivity of 18F-Labeled alpha,alpha-Difluoro-alpha
      (aryloxy)acetic Acids.
AB  - In this work, we describe the 18F-labeling of alpha,alpha-difluoro-alpha
      (aryloxy)acetic acid derivatives and demonstrate that these building blocks are
      amenable to post-18F-fluorination functionalization. Protodecarboxylation offers
      a new entry to 18F-difluoromethoxyarene, and the value of this approach is
      further demonstrated with coupling processes leading to representative 18F
      labeled TRPV1 inhibitors and TRPV1 antagonists.

PMID- 28085290
TI  - Magnetic Control of the Charge-Separated State Lifetime Realized by Covalent
      Attachment of a Platinum Complex.
AB  - Dynamics of the photogenerated charge-separated (CS) state is studied for a newly
      synthesized molecular triad, in which the donor (D) dimethoxytriphenylamine, 1,3
      bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindolate platinum (BPIPt), and the acceptor (A)
      naphthaldiimide are linked with a triethynylbenzene unit (BPIPt-DA).
      Photoexcitation of BPIPt gives rise to generation of a long-lived (~4 MUs) CS
      state BPIPt-D+A-, of which the lifetime is considerably increased by an applied
      magnetic field of 270 mT. The positive magnetic field effect (MFE) is in contrast
      to the negative MFE for the reference DA molecule, which indicates successful
      switching of the initial spin state of the CS state from singlet to triplet.
      Simulations of the MFE and time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance show
      that spin-selective charge recombination and spin relaxation are unaffected by
      attachment of BPIPt. The minimum impact of heavy atom substitution on the
      electronic and magnetic properties has been realized by the small electronic
      coupling mediated by the rigid meta-triethynylbenzene.

PMID- 28085291
TI  - Solvation Shell Structure of Small Molecules and Proteins by IR-MCR Spectroscopy.
AB  - The flexibility of the hydrogen-bonded network of water is the basis for its
      excellent solvation properties. Accordingly, it is valuable to understand the
      properties of water in the solvation shell surrounding small molecules and
      biomolecules. Recent high-quality Raman spectra analyzed with Self-Modeling Curve
      Resolution (SMCR) have provided Raman spectra of small-molecule solvation shells.
      Here we apply SMCR to the complementary technique of Fourier transform infrared
      (FTIR) spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflection (ATR) configuration to
      extract the IR spectra of solvation shells. We first illustrate the method by
      obtaining the IR-MCR solvation shell spectra of tert-butanol (TBA), before
      applying it to antifreeze protein type III. Our results show that IR-SMCR
      spectroscopy is a powerful method for studying the solvation shell structure of
      small molecules and biomolecules. Given the wide availability of FTIR-ATR
      instruments, the method could prove to be an impactful tool for studying
      solvation and solvent-mediated interactions.

PMID- 28085292
TI  - Inducing isolated-desynchronization states in complex network of coupled chaotic
      oscillators.
AB  - In a recent study about chaos synchronization in complex networks [Nat. Commun.
      5, 4079 (2014)NCAOBW2041-172310.1038/ncomms5079], it is shown that a stable
      synchronous cluster may coexist with vast asynchronous nodes, resembling the
      phenomenon of a chimera state observed in a regular network of coupled periodic
      oscillators. Although of practical significance, this new type of state, namely,
      the isolated-desynchronization state, is hardly observed in practice due to its
      strict requirements on the network topology. Here, by the strategy of pinning
      coupling, we propose an effective method for inducing isolated-desynchronization
      states in symmetric networks of coupled chaotic oscillators. Theoretical analysis
      based on eigenvalue analysis shows that, by pinning a group of symmetric nodes in
      the network, there exists a critical pinning strength beyond which the group of
      pinned nodes can completely be synchronized while the unpinned nodes remain
      asynchronous. The feasibility and efficiency of the control method are verified
      by numerical simulations of both artificial and real-world complex networks with
      the numerical results in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.

PMID- 28085293
TI  - Statistical entropy of open quantum systems.
AB  - Dissipative quantum systems are frequently described within the framework of the
      so-called "system-plus-reservoir" approach. In this work we assign their
      description to the Maximum Entropy Formalism and compare the resulting
      thermodynamic properties with those of the well-established approaches. Due to
      the non-negligible coupling to the heat reservoir, these systems are nonextensive
      by nature, and the former task may require the use of nonextensive parameter
      dependent informational entropies. In doing so, we address the problem of
      choosing appropriate forms of those entropies in order to describe a consistent
      thermodynamics for dissipative quantum systems. Nevertheless, even having chosen
      the most successful and popular forms of those entropies, we have proven our
      model to be a counterexample where this sort of approach leads us to wrong
      results.

PMID- 28085294
TI  - Probing the shear viscosity of an active nematic film.
AB  - In vitro reconstituted active systems, such as the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      driven microtubule bundle suspension developed by the Dogic group [T. Sanchez, D.
      T. Chen, S. J. DeCamp, M. Heymann, and Z. Dogic, Nature (London) 491, 431
      (2012)10.1038/nature11591], provide a fertile testing ground for elucidating the
      phenomenology of active liquid crystalline states. Controlling such novel phases
      of matter crucially depends on our knowledge of their material and physical
      properties. In this Rapid Communication, we show that the shear viscosity of an
      active nematic film can be probed by varying its hydrodynamic coupling to a
      bounding oil layer. Using the motion of disclinations as intrinsic tracers of the
      flow field and a hydrodynamic model, we obtain an estimate for the shear
      viscosity of the nematic film. Knowing this now provides us with an additional
      handle for robust and precision tunable control of the emergent dynamics of
      active fluids.

PMID- 28085295
TI  - Estimation of Reynolds number for flows around cylinders with lattice Boltzmann
      methods and artificial neural networks.
AB  - The present work investigates the application of artificial neural networks
      (ANNs) to estimate the Reynolds (Re) number for flows around a cylinder. The data
      required to train the ANN was generated with our own implementation of a lattice
      Boltzmann method (LBM) code performing simulations of a two-dimensional flow
      around a cylinder. As results of the simulations, we obtain the velocity field
      (v[over ?]) and the vorticity (?[over ?]*v[over ?]) of the fluid for 120
      different values of Re measured at different distances from the obstacle and use
      them to teach the ANN to predict the Re. The results predicted by the networks
      show good accuracy with errors of less than 4% in all the studied cases. One of
      the possible applications of this method is the development of an efficient tool
      to characterize a blocked flowing pipe.

PMID- 28085296
TI  - Rotational diffusion of shape switching particles in nematic liquid crystals.
AB  - The theory of rotational diffusion of particles of various symmetry embedded in a
      liquid crystal host, essential to interpret a variety of spectroscopic
      observables, has been available for some time, but only for the case of rigid
      molecules. Here we generalize the treatment and present a theory to describe the
      rotational diffusion of shape-changing particles dispersed in nematic liquid
      crystals. The interaction of the particles with the environment is modeled by an
      effective field potential, while the particles are allowed to assume an arbitrary
      discrete number of shapes. The transition between shapes is modeled by a
      Markovian process which is combined with rotational diffusion. Our model is
      applied to the simple case of a particle that can exchange between three shapes:
      a rod, a disk, and a sphere. We consider in detail the effect of shape
      transitions in some selected correlation functions which are relevant for
      experiments.

PMID- 28085297
TI  - Nonvibrating granular model for a glass-forming liquid: Equilibration and aging.
AB  - We studied experimentally a model of a glass-forming liquid on the basis of a
      nonvibrating magnetic granular system under an unsteady magnetic field. A sudden
      quenching was produced that drove the system from a liquid state to a different
      final state with lower temperature; the latter could be a liquid state or a solid
      state. We determined the mean-squared displacement in temporal windows to obtain
      the dynamic evolution of the system, and we determined the radial distribution
      function to obtain its structural characteristics. The results were analyzed
      using the intermediate scattering function and the effective potential between
      two particles. We observed that when quenching drives the system to a final state
      in the liquid phase far from the glass-transition temperature, equilibration
      occurs very quickly. When the final state has a temperature far below the glass
      transition temperature, the system reaches its equilibrium state very quickly. In
      contrast, when the final state has an intermediate temperature but is below that
      corresponding to the glass transition, the system falls into a state that evolves
      slowly, presenting aging. The system evolves by an aging process toward more
      ordered states. However, after a waiting time, the dynamic behavior changes. It
      was observed that some particles get close enough to overpass the repulsive
      interactions and form small stable aggregates. In the effective potential curves,
      it was observed that the emergence of a second effective well due to the
      attraction quickly evolves and results in a deeper well than the initial
      effective well due to the repulsion. With the increase in time, more particles
      fall in the attractive well forming inhomogeneities, which produce a frustration
      in the aging process.

PMID- 28085298
TI  - Free-energy functional of the Debye-Huckel model of simple fluids.
AB  - The Debye-Huckel approximation to the free energy of a simple fluid is written as
      a functional of the pair correlation function. This functional can be seen as the
      Debye-Huckel equivalent to the functional derived in the hypernetted chain
      framework by Morita and Hiroike, as well as by Lado. It allows one to obtain the
      Debye-Huckel integral equation through a minimization with respect to the pair
      correlation function, leads to the correct form of the internal energy, and
      fulfills the virial theorem.

PMID- 28085299
TI  - Deviation-angle and trajectory statistics for inertial particles in turbulence.
AB  - Small particles in suspension in a turbulent fluid have trajectories that do not
      follow the pathlines of the flow exactly. We investigate the statistics of the
      angle of deviation phi between the particle and fluid velocities. We show that,
      when the effects of particle inertia are small, the probability distribution
      function (PDF) P_{phi} of this deviation angle shows a power-law region in which
      P_{phi}~phi^{-4}. We also find that the PDFs of the trajectory curvature kappa
      and modulus theta of the torsion theta have power-law tails that scale,
      respectively, as P_{kappa}~kappa^{-5/2}, as kappa->infinity, and
      P_{theta}~theta^{-3}, as theta->infinity: These exponents are in agreement with
      those previously observed for fluid pathlines. We propose a way to measure the
      complexity of heavy-particle trajectories by the number N_{I}(t,St) of points (up
      until time t) at which the torsion changes sign. We present numerical evidence
      that n_{I}(St)=lim_{t->infinity}N_{I}(t,St)/t~St^{-Delta} for large St, with
      Delta?0.5.

PMID- 28085300
TI  - Analytic framework for a stochastic binary biological switch.
AB  - We propose and solve analytically a stochastic model for the dynamics of a binary
      biological switch, defined as a DNA unit with two mutually exclusive
      configurations, each one triggering the expression of a different gene. Such a
      device has the potential to be used as a memory unit for biological computing
      systems designed to operate in noisy environments. We discuss a recent
      implementation of this switch in living cells, the recombinase addressable data
      (RAD) module. In order to understand the behavior of a RAD module we compute the
      exact time-dependent joint distribution of the two expressed genes starting in
      one state and evolving to another asymptotic state. We consider two operating
      regimes of the RAD module, a fast and a slow stochastic switching regime. The
      fast regime is aggregative and produces unimodal distributions, whereas the slow
      regime is separative and produces bimodal distributions. Both regimes can serve
      to prepare pure memory states when all cells are expressing the same gene. The
      slow regime can also separate mixed states by producing two subpopulations, each
      one expressing a different gene. Compared to the genetic toggle switch based on
      positive feedback, the RAD module ensures more rapid memory operations for the
      same quality of the separation between binary states. Our model provides a
      simplified phenomenological framework for studying RAD memory devices and our
      analytic solution can be further used to clarify theoretical concepts in
      biocomputation and for optimal design in synthetic biology.

PMID- 28085301
TI  - Thermalization of oscillator chains with onsite anharmonicity and comparison with
      kinetic theory.
AB  - We perform microscopic molecular dynamics simulations of particle chains with an
      onsite anharmonicity to study relaxation of spatially homogeneous states to
      equilibrium, and directly compare the simulations with the corresponding
      Boltzmann-Peierls kinetic theory. The Wigner function serves as a common
      interface between the microscopic and kinetic level. We demonstrate quantitative
      agreement after an initial transient time interval. In particular, besides energy
      conservation, we observe the additional quasiconservation of the phonon density,
      defined via an ensemble average of the related microscopic field variables and
      exactly conserved by the kinetic equations. On superkinetic time scales, density
      quasiconservation is lost while energy remains conserved, and we find evidence
      for eventual relaxation of the density to its canonical ensemble value. However,
      the precise mechanism remains unknown and is not captured by the Boltzmann
      Peierls equations.

PMID- 28085302
TI  - Anisotropic macroturbulence and diffusion associated with a westward zonal jet:
      From laboratory to planetary atmospheres and oceans.
AB  - Turbulence with inverse energy cascade and its transport properties are
      investigated experimentally in a flow associated with a westward propagating jet.
      Turbulence and the jet were produced by an electromagnetic force in a rotating
      tank filled with an electrolytic saline solution. The parabolic free surface
      emulated the topographic beta effect which evoked the zonation. The spectral and
      transport flow characteristics were highly anisotropic. Turbulence is diagnosed
      by exploring the analogy between vertical and horizontal turbulent overturns in,
      respectively, stably stratified and quasigeostrophic flows which gives rise to a
      method of potential vorticity (PV) monotonizing. The anisotropization of
      transport properties of the flow is investigated using the finite scale Lyapunov
      exponent technique. After initial exponential particle separation, radial
      (meridional in geophysical and planetary applications) diffusion attains a short
      ranged Richardson regime which transitions to the Taylor (scale-independent
      diffusivity) one. The azimuthal (zonal) diffusion exhibits a double-plateau
      structure which attains a superdiffusive regime on large scales. The transition
      to the Taylor regime for the radial diffusion takes place at a scale of
      turbulence anisotropization. The radial eddy diffusivity in both regimes as well
      as the transition scale are all determined by the rate of the inverse energy
      cascade, epsilon, that can be diagnosed by the PV monotonizing. Conversely,
      epsilon can be deduced from the scale of the Richardson-Taylor regime transition
      in the radial eddy diffusivity which, thus, provides an additional tool of
      diagnosing anisotropic macroturbulence with inverse energy cascade.

PMID- 28085303
TI  - Exact distributions of cover times for N independent random walkers in one
      dimension.
AB  - We study the probability density function (PDF) of the cover time t_{c} of a
      finite interval of size L by N independent one-dimensional Brownian motions, each
      with diffusion constant D. The cover time t_{c} is the minimum time needed such
      that each point of the entire interval is visited by at least one of the N
      walkers. We derive exact results for the full PDF of t_{c} for arbitrary N>=1 for
      both reflecting and periodic boundary conditions. The PDFs depend explicitly on N
      and on the boundary conditions. In the limit of large N, we show that t_{c}
      approaches its average value of <t_{c}>~L^{2}/(16DlnN) with fluctuations
      vanishing as 1/(lnN)^{2}. We also compute the centered and scaled limiting
      distributions for large N for both boundary conditions and show that they are
      given by nontrivial N independent scaling functions.

PMID- 28085304
TI  - Complete coverage of space favors modularity of the grid system in the brain.
AB  - Grid cells in the entorhinal cortex fire when animals that are exploring a
      certain region of space occupy the vertices of a triangular grid that spans the
      environment. Different neurons feature triangular grids that differ in their
      properties of periodicity, orientation, and ellipticity. Taken together, these
      grids allow the animal to maintain an internal, mental representation of physical
      space. Experiments show that grid cells are modular, i.e., there are groups of
      neurons which have grids with similar periodicity, orientation, and ellipticity.
      We use statistical physics methods to derive a relation between variability of
      the properties of the grids within a module and the range of space that can be
      covered completely (i.e., without gaps) by the grid system with high probability.
      Larger variability shrinks the range of representation, providing a functional
      rationale for the experimentally observed comodularity of grid cell periodicity,
      orientation, and ellipticity. We obtain a scaling relation between the number of
      neurons and the period of a module, given the variability and coverage range.
      Specifically, we predict how many more neurons are required at smaller grid
      scales than at larger ones.

PMID- 28085305
TI  - Lagrangian statistics of mesoscale turbulence in a natural environment: The
      Agulhas return current.
AB  - The properties of mesoscale geophysical turbulence in an oceanic environment have
      been investigated through the Lagrangian statistics of sea surface temperature
      measured by a drifting buoy within the Agulhas return current, where strong
      temperature mixing produces locally sharp temperature gradients. By disentangling
      the large-scale forcing which affects the small-scale statistics, we found that
      the statistical properties of intermittency are identical to those obtained from
      the multifractal prediction in the Lagrangian frame for the velocity trajectory.
      The results suggest a possible universality of turbulence scaling.

PMID- 28085306
TI  - Direct numerical simulation of gas-solid-liquid flows with capillary effects: An
      application to liquid bridge forces between spherical particles.
AB  - In this study, a numerical method is developed to perform the direct numerical
      simulation (DNS) of gas-solid-liquid flows involving capillary effects. The
      volume-of-fluid method employed to track the free surface and the immersed
      boundary method is adopted for the fluid-particle coupling in three-phase flows.
      This numerical method is able to fully resolve the hydrodynamic force and
      capillary force as well as the particle motions arising from complicated gas
      solid-liquid interactions. We present its application to liquid bridges among
      spherical particles in this paper. By using the DNS method, we obtain the static
      bridge force as a function of the liquid volume, contact angle, and separation
      distance. The results from the DNS are compared with theoretical equations and
      other solutions to examine its validity and suitability for modeling capillary
      bridges. Particularly, the nontrivial liquid bridges formed in triangular and
      tetrahedral particle clusters are calculated and some preliminary results are
      reported. We also perform dynamic simulations of liquid bridge ruptures subject
      to axial stretching and particle motions driven by liquid bridge action, for
      which accurate predictions are obtained with respect to the critical rupture
      distance and the equilibrium particle position, respectively. As shown through
      the simulations, the strength of the present method is the ability to predict the
      liquid bridge problem under general conditions, from which models of liquid
      bridge actions may be constructed without limitations. Therefore, it is believed
      that this DNS method can be a useful tool to improve the understanding and
      modeling of liquid bridges formed in complex gas-solid-liquid flows.

PMID- 28085307
TI  - Delocalization of disturbances and the stability of ac electricity grids.
AB  - In order to study how local disturbances affect the ac grid stability, we start
      from nonlinear power balance equations and map them to complex linear wave
      equations. Having obtained stationary solutions with phases phi_{i} at generator
      and consumer nodes i, we next study the dynamics of deviations. Starting with an
      initially localized perturbation, it is found to spread in a periodic grid
      diffusively throughout the grid. We find the parametric dependence of diffusion
      constant D. We apply the same solution strategy to general grid topologies and
      analyze their stability against local perturbations. The perturbation remains
      either localized or becomes delocalized, depending on grid topology, power
      capacity, and distribution of consumers and generator power P_{i}. Delocalization
      is found to increase the lifetime of perturbations and thereby their influence on
      grid stability, whereas localization results in an exponentially fast decay of
      perturbations at all grid sites. These results may therefore lead to new
      strategies to control the stability of electricity grids.

PMID- 28085308
TI  - Speed and efficiency limits of multilevel incoherent heat engines.
AB  - We present a comprehensive theory of heat engines (HE) based on a quantum
      mechanical "working fluid" (WF) with periodically modulated energy levels. The
      theory is valid for any periodicity of driving Hamiltonians that commute with
      themselves at all times and do not induce coherence in the WF. Continuous and
      stroke cycles arise in opposite limits of this theory, which encompasses hitherto
      unfamiliar cycle forms, dubbed here hybrid cycles. The theory allows us to
      discover the speed, power, and efficiency limits attainable by incoherently
      operating multilevel HE depending on the cycle form and the dynamical regimes.

PMID- 28085309
TI  - Regularity criterion for solutions of the three-dimensional Cahn-Hilliard-Navier
      Stokes equations and associated computations.
AB  - We consider the three-dimensional (3D) Cahn-Hilliard equations coupled to, and
      driven by, the forced, incompressible 3D Navier-Stokes equations. The
      combination, known as the Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes (CHNS) equations, is used
      in statistical mechanics to model the motion of a binary fluid. The potential
      development of singularities (blow-up) in the contours of the order parameter phi
      is an open problem. To address this we have proved a theorem that closely mimics
      the Beale-Kato-Majda theorem for the 3D incompressible Euler equations [J. T.
      Beale, T. Kato, and A. J. Majda, Commun. Math. Phys. 94, 61 (1984)CMPHAY0010
      361610.1007/BF01212349]. By taking an L^{infinity} norm of the energy of the full
      binary system, designated as E_{infinity}, we have shown that
      ?_{0}^{t}E_{infinity}(tau)dtau governs the regularity of solutions of the full 3D
      system. Our direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of the 3D CHNS equations for (a)
      a gravity-driven Rayleigh Taylor instability and (b) a constant-energy-injection
      forcing, with 128^{3} to 512^{3} collocation points and over the duration of our
      DNSs confirm that E_{infinity} remains bounded as far as our computations allow.

PMID- 28085310
TI  - Work fluctuation and total entropy production in nonequilibrium processes.
AB  - Work fluctuation and total entropy production play crucial roles in small
      thermodynamic systems subject to large thermal fluctuations. We investigate a
      trade-off relation between them in a nonequilibrium situation in which a system
      starts from an arbitrary nonequilibrium state. We apply a variational method to
      study this problem and find a stationary solution against variations over
      protocols that describe the time dependence of the Hamiltonian of the system.
      Using the stationary solution, we find the minimum of the total entropy
      production for a given amount of work fluctuation. An explicit protocol that
      achieves this is constructed from an adiabatic process followed by a quasistatic
      process. The obtained results suggest how one can control the nonequilibrium
      dynamics of the system while suppressing its work fluctuation and total entropy
      production.

PMID- 28085311
TI  - Quantum statistics of classical particles derived from the condition of a free
      diffusion coefficient.
AB  - We derive an equation for the current of particles in energy space; particles are
      subject to a mean-field effective potential that may represent quantum effects.
      From the assumption that noninteracting particles imply a free diffusion
      coefficient in energy space, we derive Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose
      Einstein statistics. Other new statistics are associated to a free diffusion
      coefficient; their thermodynamic properties are analyzed using the grand
      partition function. A negative relation between pressure and energy density for
      low temperatures can be derived, suggesting a possible connection with
      cosmological dark energy models.

PMID- 28085312
TI  - Statistical theory of reversals in two-dimensional confined turbulent flows.
AB  - It is shown that the truncated Euler equation (TEE), i.e., a finite set of
      ordinary differential equations for the amplitude of the large-scale modes, can
      correctly describe the complex transitional dynamics that occur within the
      turbulent regime of a confined two-dimensional flow obeying Navier-Stokes
      equation (NSE) with bottom friction and a spatially periodic forcing. The random
      reversals of the NSE large-scale circulation on the turbulent background involve
      bifurcations of the probability distribution function of the large-scale
      circulation. We demonstrate that these NSE bifurcations are described by the
      related TEE microcanonical distribution which displays transitions from Gaussian
      to bimodal and broken ergodicity. A minimal 13-mode model reproduces these
      results.

PMID- 28085313
TI  - Why patchy diffusion-limited aggregation belongs to the directed-percolation
      universality class.
AB  - We present a possible link between nonequilibrium phase transition observed in
      patchy diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) [M. J. Kartha and A. Sayeed, Phys.
      Lett. A 380, 2791 (2016)10.1016/j.physleta.2016.06.036] and directed bond
      percolation (DP). A system of directed percolation with patchy particles (patchy
      DP) in which the bond connectivity is established depending on patch size p is
      analyzed. It is observed that patchy DP starting from a single seed shows a
      nonequilibrium phase transition. Below a critical value of the patch size p_{c},
      the system reaches an absorbing state above which is a fluctuating active state
      as observed in the DP system. The value of this nonuniversal parameter p_{c} is
      observed to be slightly higher than the value observed in patchy DLA. Close to
      the critical value, the order parameter P(infinity)~(p-p_{c})^{beta} where
      beta=0.272+/-0.010, which is consistent with the directed-percolation
      universality class. Therefore the intrinsic nature of patchy DP is responsible
      for the phase transition in patchy DLA. This study reveals that the estimated
      critical value of patch size p_{c}=0.80625+/-0.00020 in patchy DP is different
      from the critical bond probability p_{c}=0.6447 in the DP system. This elucidates
      that the bond probability in DP is not equivalent to the patch probability of a
      particular site. Our work also gives an insight into the problem related with
      formation of an extended network of pentagon subunits in connection with the
      virus capsid.

PMID- 28085314
TI  - Mechanics and stability of vesicles and droplets in confined spaces.
AB  - The permeation and trapping of soft colloidal particles in the confined space of
      porous media are of critical importance in cell migration studies, design of drug
      delivery vehicles, and colloid separation devices. Our current understanding of
      these processes is however limited by the lack of quantitative models that can
      relate how the elasticity, size, and adhesion properties of the vesicle-pore
      complex affect colloid transport. We address this shortcoming by introducing a
      semianalytical model that predicts the equilibrium shapes of a soft vesicle
      driven by pressure in a narrow pore. Using this approach, the problem is recast
      in terms of pressure and energy diagrams that characterize the vesicle stability
      and permeation pressures in different conditions. We particularly show that the
      critical permeation pressure for a vesicle arises from a compromise between the
      critical entry pressure and exit pressure, both of which are sensitive to
      geometrical features, mechanics, and adhesion. We further find that these results
      can be leveraged to rationally design microfluidic devices and diodes that can
      help characterize, select, and separate colloids based on physical properties.

PMID- 28085315
TI  - Competition of simple and complex adoption on interdependent networks.
AB  - We consider the competition of two mechanisms for adoption processes: a so-called
      complex threshold dynamics and a simple susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS)
      model. Separately, these mechanisms lead, respectively, to first-order and
      continuous transitions between nonadoption and adoption phases. We consider two
      interconnected layers. While all nodes on the first layer follow the complex
      adoption process, all nodes on the second layer follow the simple adoption
      process. Coupling between the two adoption processes occurs as a result of the
      inclusion of some additional interconnections between layers. We find that the
      transition points and also the nature of the transitions are modified in the
      coupled dynamics. In the complex adoption layer, the critical threshold required
      for extension of adoption increases with interlayer connectivity whereas in the
      case of an isolated single network it would decrease with average connectivity.
      In addition, the transition can become continuous depending on the detailed
      interlayer and intralayer connectivities. In the SIS layer, any interlayer
      connectivity leads to the extension of the adopter phase. Besides, a new
      transition appears as a sudden drop of the fraction of adopters in the SIS layer.
      The main numerical findings are described by a mean-field type analytical
      approach appropriately developed for the threshold-SIS coupled system.

PMID- 28085316
TI  - Finger evolution of a gas bubble driven by atmospheric pressure plasma.
AB  - We report the generation and evolution of a finger-shaped bubble in liquid by
      dielectric discharge setup. The spherical gas bubble is deformed into a finger
      shaped bubble after the ignition of plasma. The presence of the filamentary
      discharge in the bubble not only provides the local heating to the bubble, it
      also changes the distribution of the electric field in the bubble and the bubble
      mutually provides the pathway to the discharge. The reduced surface tension on
      the liquid-gas interface due to the rise of temperature by plasma heating and the
      nonuniform electric field caused by the presence of filamentary discharge might
      induce the concave-shaped bubble. We also observe the formation of the quasi-two
      dimensional bubble, which is generated from the bubble and attached on one side
      of the electrodes. It is found that the discharge induces the growth of the
      periodic fluctuations in the thin layer of gas.

PMID- 28085317
TI  - Turbulent Rayleigh-Benard convection with polymers: Understanding how heat flux
      is modified.
AB  - We study how polymers affect the heat flux in turbulent Rayleigh-Benard
      convection at moderate Rayleigh numbers using direct numerical simulations with
      polymers of different relaxation times. We find that heat flux is enhanced by
      polymers and the amount of heat enhancement first increases and then decreases
      with the Weissenberg number, which is the ratio of the polymer relaxation time to
      the typical time scale of the flow. We show that this nonmonotonic behavior of
      the heat flux enhancement is the combined effect of the decrease in the viscous
      energy dissipation rate due to the viscosity of the Newtonian fluid and the
      increase in the energy dissipation rate due to polymers when Weissenberg number
      is increased. We explain why the viscous energy dissipation rate decreases with
      the Weissenberg number. Then by carrying out a generalized boundary layer
      analysis supplemented by a space-dependent effective viscosity from the numerical
      simulations, we provide a theoretical understanding of the change of the heat
      flux when the viscous energy dissipation rate is held constant. Our analysis thus
      provides a physical way to understand the numerical results.

PMID- 28085318
TI  - Alternative mechanism for coffee-ring deposition based on active role of free
      surface.
AB  - When a colloidal sessile droplet dries on a substrate, the particles suspended in
      it usually deposit in a ringlike pattern. This phenomenon is commonly referred to
      as the "coffee-ring" effect. One paradigm for why this occurs is as a consequence
      of the solutes being transported towards the pinned contact line by the flow
      inside the drop, which is induced by surface evaporation. From this perspective,
      the role of the liquid-gas interface in shaping the deposition pattern is
      somewhat minimized. Here, we propose an alternative mechanism for the coffee-ring
      deposition. It is based on the bulk flow within the drop transporting particles
      to the interface where they are captured by the receding free surface and
      subsequently transported along the interface until they are deposited near the
      contact line. That the interface captures the solutes as the evaporation proceeds
      is supported by a Lagrangian tracing of particles advected by the flow field
      within the droplet. We model the interfacial adsorption and transport of
      particles as a one-dimensional advection-generation process in toroidal
      coordinates and show that the theory reproduces ring-shaped depositions. Using
      this model, deposition patterns on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces are
      examined in which the evaporation is modeled as being either diffusive or uniform
      over the surface.

PMID- 28085319
TI  - Static and dynamic friction of hierarchical surfaces.
AB  - Hierarchical structures are very common in nature, but only recently have they
      been systematically studied in materials science, in order to understand the
      specific effects they can have on the mechanical properties of various systems.
      Structural hierarchy provides a way to tune and optimize macroscopic mechanical
      properties starting from simple base constituents and new materials are nowadays
      designed exploiting this possibility. This can be true also in the field of
      tribology. In this paper we study the effect of hierarchical patterned surfaces
      on the static and dynamic friction coefficients of an elastic material. Our
      results are obtained by means of numerical simulations using a one-dimensional
      spring-block model, which has previously been used to investigate various aspects
      of friction. Despite the simplicity of the model, we highlight some possible
      mechanisms that explain how hierarchical structures can significantly modify the
      friction coefficients of a material, providing a means to achieve tunability.

PMID- 28085320
TI  - Mass-flow-rate-controlled fluid flow in nanochannels by particle insertion and
      deletion.
AB  - A nonequilibrium molecular dynamics method to induce fluid flow in nanochannels,
      the insertion-deletion method (IDM), is introduced. IDM inserts and deletes
      particles within distinct regions in the domain, creating locally high and low
      pressures. The benefits of IDM are that it directly controls a physically
      meaningful quantity, the mass flow rate, allows for pressure and density
      gradients to develop in the direction of flow, and permits treatment of complex
      aperiodic geometries. Validation of IDM is performed, yielding good agreement
      with the analytical solution of Poiseuille flow in a planar channel. Comparison
      of IDM to existing methods indicates that it is best suited for gases, both
      because it intrinsically accounts for compressibility effects on the flow and
      because the computational cost of particle insertion is lowest for low-density
      fluids.

PMID- 28085321
TI  - Multifractals embedded in short time series: An unbiased estimation of
      probability moment.
AB  - An exact estimation of probability moments is the base for several essential
      concepts, such as the multifractals, the Tsallis entropy, and the transfer
      entropy. By means of approximation theory we propose a new method called
      factorial-moment-based estimation of probability moments. Theoretical prediction
      and computational results show that it can provide us an unbiased estimation of
      the probability moments of continuous order. Calculations on probability
      redistribution model verify that it can extract exactly multifractal behaviors
      from several hundred recordings. Its powerfulness in monitoring evolution of
      scaling behaviors is exemplified by two empirical cases, i.e., the gait time
      series for fast, normal, and slow trials of a healthy volunteer, and the closing
      price series for Shanghai stock market. By using short time series with several
      hundred lengths, a comparison with the well-established tools displays
      significant advantages of its performance over the other methods. The factorial
      moment-based estimation can evaluate correctly the scaling behaviors in a scale
      range about three generations wider than the multifractal detrended fluctuation
      analysis and the basic estimation. The estimation of partition function given by
      the wavelet transform modulus maxima has unacceptable fluctuations. Besides the
      scaling invariance focused in the present paper, the proposed factorial moment of
      continuous order can find its various uses, such as finding nonextensive
      behaviors of a complex system and reconstructing the causality relationship
      network between elements of a complex system.

PMID- 28085322
TI  - Decomposition of powerful axisymmetrically polarized laser pulses in underdense
      plasma.
AB  - Interaction of relativistically intense axisymmetrically polarized (radially or
      azimuthally polarized) laser pulses (RIAPLP) with underdense plasma is shown
      experimentally and theoretically to be essentially different from the interaction
      of conventional Gaussian pulses. The difference is clearly observed in distinct
      spectra of the side-scattered laser light for the RIAPLP and Gaussian pulses, as
      well as in the appearance of a spatially localized strong side emission of second
      harmonic of the laser pulse in the case of RIAPLP. According to our analysis
      based on three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, this is a result of
      instability in the propagation of RIAPLP in uniform underdense plasma.

PMID- 28085323
TI  - Nonlinear inhomogeneous Fokker-Planck equations: Entropy and free-energy time
      evolution.
AB  - We extend a recently introduced free-energy formalism for homogeneous Fokker
      Planck equations to a wide, and physically appealing, class of inhomogeneous
      nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations. In our approach, the free-energy functional is
      expressed in terms of an entropic functional and an auxiliary potential, both
      derived from the coefficients of the equation. With reference to the introduced
      entropic functional, we discuss the entropy production in a relaxation process
      towards equilibrium. The properties of the stationary solutions of the considered
      Fokker-Planck equations are also discussed.

PMID- 28085324
TI  - Control of epidemics via social partnership adjustment.
AB  - Epidemic control is of great importance for human society. Adjusting interacting
      partners is an effective individualized control strategy. Intuitively, it is done
      either by shortening the interaction time between susceptible and infected
      individuals or by increasing the opportunities for contact between susceptible
      individuals. Here, we provide a comparative study on these two control strategies
      by establishing an epidemic model with nonuniform stochastic interactions. It
      seems that the two strategies should be similar, since shortening the interaction
      time between susceptible and infected individuals somehow increases the chances
      for contact between susceptible individuals. However, analytical results indicate
      that the effectiveness of the former strategy sensitively depends on the
      infectious intensity and the combinations of different interaction rates, whereas
      the latter one is quite robust and efficient. Simulations are shown to verify our
      analytical predictions. Our work may shed light on the strategic choice of
      disease control.

PMID- 28085325
TI  - Braess paradox in a network of totally asymmetric exclusion processes.
AB  - We study the Braess paradox in the transport network as originally proposed by
      Braess with totally asymmetric exclusion processes (TASEPs) on the edges. The
      Braess paradox describes the counterintuitive situation in which adding an edge
      to a road network leads to a user optimum with higher travel times for all
      network users. Travel times on the TASEPs are nonlinear in the density, and
      jammed states can occur due to the microscopic exclusion principle, leading to a
      more realistic description of trafficlike transport on the network than in
      previously studied linear macroscopic mathematical models. Furthermore, the
      stochastic dynamics allows us to explore the effects of fluctuations on network
      performance. We observe that for low densities, the added edge leads to lower
      travel times. For slightly higher densities, the Braess paradox occurs in its
      classical sense. At intermediate densities, strong fluctuations in the travel
      times dominate the system's behavior due to links that are in a domain-wall
      state. At high densities, the added link leads to lower travel times. We present
      a phase diagram that predicts the system's state depending on the global density
      and crucial path-length ratios.

PMID- 28085326
TI  - Discontinuous transitions in globally coupled potential systems with additive
      noise.
AB  - An infinite array of globally coupled overdamped constituents moving in a double
      well potential with nth order saturation term under the influence of additive
      Gaussian white noise is investigated. The system exhibits a continuous phase
      transition from a symmetric phase to a symmetry-broken phase. The qualitative
      behavior is independent on n. The critical point is calculated for strong and for
      weak noise; these limits are also bounds for the critical point. Introducing an
      additional nonlinearity, such that the potential can have up to three minima,
      leads to richer behavior. There the parameter space divides into three regions: a
      region with a symmetric phase, a region with a phase of broken symmetry and a
      region where both phases coexist. The region of coexistence collapses into one of
      the others via a discontinuous phase transition, whereas the transition between
      the symmetric phase and the phase of broken symmetry is continuous. The
      tricritical point where the three regions intersect can be calculated for strong
      and for weak noise. These limiting values form tight bounds on the tricritical
      point. In the region of coexistence simulations of finite systems are performed.
      One finds that the stationary distribution of finite but large systems differs
      qualitatively from the one of the infinite system. Hence the limits of
      stationarity and large system size do not commute.

PMID- 28085327
TI  - Non-Boltzmann stationary distributions and nonequilibrium relations in active
      baths.
AB  - Most natural and engineered processes, such as biomolecular reactions, protein
      folding, and population dynamics, occur far from equilibrium and therefore cannot
      be treated within the framework of classical equilibrium thermodynamics. Here we
      experimentally study how some fundamental thermodynamic quantities and relations
      are affected by the presence of the nonequilibrium fluctuations associated with
      an active bath. We show in particular that, as the confinement of the particle
      increases, the stationary probability distribution of a Brownian particle
      confined within a harmonic potential becomes non-Boltzmann, featuring a
      transition from a Gaussian distribution to a heavy-tailed distribution. Because
      of this, nonequilibrium relations (e.g., the Jarzynski equality and Crooks
      fluctuation theorem) cannot be applied. We show that these relations can be
      restored by using the effective potential associated with the stationary
      probability distribution. We corroborate our experimental findings with
      theoretical arguments.

PMID- 28085328
TI  - Publisher's Note: Laser propagation in dense magnetized plasma [Phys. Rev. E 94,
      053207 (2016)].
AB  - This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.94.053207.

PMID- 28085330
TI  - Relaxation dynamics of a compressible bilayer vesicle containing highly viscous
      fluid.
AB  - We study the relaxation dynamics of a compressible bilayer vesicle with an
      asymmetry in the viscosity of the inner and outer fluid medium. First we explore
      the stability of the vesicle free energy which includes a coupling between the
      membrane curvature and the local density difference between the two monolayers.
      Two types of instabilities are identified: a small wavelength instability and a
      larger wavelength instability. Considering the bulk fluid viscosity and the inter
      monolayer friction as the dissipation sources, we next employ Onsager's
      variational principle to derive the coupled equations both for the membrane and
      the bulk fluid. The three relaxation modes are coupled to each other due to the
      bilayer and the spherical structure of the vesicle. Most importantly, a higher
      fluid viscosity inside the vesicle shifts the crossover mode between the bending
      and the slipping to a larger value. As the vesicle parameters approach the
      unstable regions, the relaxation dynamics is dramatically slowed down, and the
      corresponding mode structure changes significantly. In some limiting cases, our
      general result reduces to the previously obtained relaxation rates.

PMID- 28085329
TI  - Comment on "Critical wind speed at which trees break".
AB  - Virot et al. [E. Virot et al., Phys. Rev. E 93, 023001
      (2016)10.1103/PhysRevE.93.023001] assert that the critical wind speed at which
      ?50% of all trees in a population break is ~42 m/s, regardless of tree
      characteristics. We show that empirical data do not support this assertion, and
      that the assumptions underlying the theory used by Virot et al. are inconsistent
      with the biomechanics of trees.

PMID- 28085331
TI  - Gaussian orthogonal ensemble statistics in graphene billiards with the shape of
      classically integrable billiards.
AB  - A crucial result in quantum chaos, which has been established for a long time, is
      that the spectral properties of classically integrable systems generically are
      described by Poisson statistics, whereas those of time-reversal symmetric,
      classically chaotic systems coincide with those of random matrices from the
      Gaussian orthogonal ensemble (GOE). Does this result hold for two-dimensional
      Dirac material systems? To address this fundamental question, we investigate the
      spectral properties in a representative class of graphene billiards with shapes
      of classically integrable circular-sector billiards. Naively one may expect to
      observe Poisson statistics, which is indeed true for energies close to the band
      edges where the quasiparticle obeys the Schrodinger equation. However, for
      energies near the Dirac point, where the quasiparticles behave like massless
      Dirac fermions, Poisson statistics is extremely rare in the sense that it emerges
      only under quite strict symmetry constraints on the straight boundary parts of
      the sector. An arbitrarily small amount of imperfection of the boundary results
      in GOE statistics. This implies that, for circular-sector confinements with
      arbitrary angle, the spectral properties will generically be GOE. These results
      are corroborated by extensive numerical computation. Furthermore, we provide a
      physical understanding for our results.

PMID- 28085332
TI  - Microscopic theory of a nonequilibrium open bosonic chain.
AB  - Quantum master equations form an important tool in the description of transport
      problems in open quantum systems. However, they suffer from the difficulty that
      the shape of the Lindblad dissipator depends sensibly on the system Hamiltonian.
      Consequently, most of the work done in this field has focused on phenomenological
      dissipators which act locally on different parts of the system. In this paper we
      show how to construct Lindblad dissipators to model a one-dimensional bosonic
      tight-binding chain connected to two baths at the first and last site, kept at
      different temperatures and chemical potentials. We show that even though the bath
      coupling is local, the effective Lindblad dissipator stemming from this
      interaction is inherently nonlocal, affecting all normal modes of the system. We
      then use this formalism to study the current of particles and energy through the
      system and find that they have the structure of Landauer's formula, with the bath
      spectral density playing the role of the transfer integral. Finally, we consider
      infinitesimal temperature and chemical potential gradients and show that the
      currents satisfy Onsager's reciprocal relations, which is a consequence of the
      fact that the microscopic quantum dynamics obeys detailed balance.

PMID- 28085334
TI  - Vertical dynamics of a horizontally oscillating active object in a two
      dimensional granular medium.
AB  - We use a discrete-element method simulation and analytical considerations to
      study the dynamics of a self-energized object, modeled as a disk, oscillating
      horizontally within a two-dimensional bed of denser and smaller particles. We
      find that, for given material parameters, the immersed object (IO) may rise,
      sink, or not change depth, depending on the oscillation amplitude and frequency,
      as well as on the initial depth. With time, the IO settles at a specific depth
      that depends on the oscillation parameters. We construct a phase diagram of this
      behavior in the oscillation frequency and velocity amplitude variable space. We
      explain the observed rich behavior by two competing effects: climbing on
      particles, which fill voids opening under the disk, and sinking due to bed
      fluidization. We present a cavity model that allows us to derive analytically
      general results, which agree very well with the observations and explain
      quantitatively the phase diagram. Our specific analytical results are the
      following. (i) Derivation of a critical frequency, f_{c}, above which the IO
      cannot float up against gravity. We show that this frequency depends only on the
      gravitational acceleration and the IO size. (ii) Derivation of a minimal
      amplitude, A_{min}, below which the IO cannot rise even if the frequency is below
      f_{c}. We show that this amplitude also depends only on the gravitational
      acceleration and the IO size. (iii) Derivation of a critical value, g_{c}, of the
      IO's acceleration amplitude, below which the IO cannot sink. We show that the
      value of g_{c} depends on the characteristics of both the IO and the granular
      bed, as well as on the initial IO's depth.

PMID- 28085333
TI  - Asymptotic self-restabilization of a continuous elastic structure.
AB  - A challenge in soft robotics and soft actuation is the determination of an
      elastic system that spontaneously recovers its trivial path during postcritical
      deformation after a bifurcation. The interest in this behavior is that a
      displacement component spontaneously cycles around a null value, thus producing a
      cyclic soft mechanism. An example of such a system is theoretically proven
      through the solution of the elastica and a stability analysis based on dynamic
      perturbations. It is shown that the asymptotic self-restabilization is driven by
      the development of a configurational force, of similar nature to the Peach
      Koehler interaction between dislocations in crystals, which is derived from the
      principle of least action. A proof-of-concept prototype of the discovered elastic
      system is designed, realized, and tested, showing that this innovative behavior
      can be obtained in a real mechanical apparatus.

PMID- 28085335
TI  - Metastable localization of diseases in complex networks.
AB  - We describe the phenomenon of localization in the epidemic susceptible-infective
      susceptible model on highly heterogeneous networks in which strongly connected
      nodes (hubs) play the role of centers of localization. We find that in this model
      the localized states below the epidemic threshold are metastable. The longevity
      and scale of the metastable outbreaks do not show a sharp localization
      transition; instead there is a smooth crossover from localized to delocalized
      states as we approach the epidemic threshold from below. Analyzing these long
      lasting local outbreaks for a random regular graph with a hub, we show how this
      localization can be detected from the shape of the distribution of the number of
      infective nodes.

PMID- 28085336
TI  - Gaussian theory for spatially distributed self-propelled particles.
AB  - Obtaining a reduced description with particle and momentum flux densities
      outgoing from the microscopic equations of motion of the particles requires
      approximations. The usual method, we refer to as truncation method, is to zero
      Fourier modes of the orientation distribution starting from a given number. Here
      we propose another method to derive continuum equations for interacting self
      propelled particles. The derivation is based on a Gaussian approximation (GA) of
      the distribution of the direction of particles. First, by means of simulation of
      the microscopic model, we justify that the distribution of individual directions
      fits well to a wrapped Gaussian distribution. Second, we numerically integrate
      the continuum equations derived in the GA in order to compare with results of
      simulations. We obtain that the global polarization in the GA exhibits a
      hysteresis in dependence on the noise intensity. It shows qualitatively the same
      behavior as we find in particles simulations. Moreover, both global polarizations
      agree perfectly for low noise intensities. The spatiotemporal structures of the
      GA are also in agreement with simulations. We conclude that the GA shows
      qualitative agreement for a wide range of noise intensities. In particular, for
      low noise intensities the agreement with simulations is better as other
      approximations, making the GA to an acceptable candidates of describing spatially
      distributed self-propelled particles.

PMID- 28085337
TI  - Characteristic functions based on a quantum jump trajectory.
AB  - Characteristic functions (CFs) provide a very efficient method for evaluating the
      probability density functions of stochastic thermodynamic quantities and
      investigating their statistical features in quantum master equations (QMEs). A
      conventional procedure for obtaining these functions is to resort to a first
      principles approach; namely, the evolution equations of the CFs of the combined
      system and its environment are obtained and then projected into the degrees of
      freedom of the system. However, the QMEs can be unraveled by a quantum jump
      trajectory. Thermodynamic quantities such as the heat, work, and entropy
      production can be well defined along a trajectory. Hence, on the basis of the
      notion of a trajectory, can we straightforwardly derive these CFs, e.g., their
      evolution equations? This is essential to establish the self-contained stochastic
      thermodynamics of a QME. In this paper, we show that it is indeed plausible and
      also simple. Particularly, these equations are fully consistent with those
      obtained by the first-principles method. Our results have practical significance;
      they indicate that the quantum fluctuation relations could be verified by more
      realistic photocounting experiments.

PMID- 28085338
TI  - Phase diagram of matrix compressed sensing.
AB  - In the problem of matrix compressed sensing, we aim to recover a low-rank matrix
      from a few noisy linear measurements. In this contribution, we analyze the
      asymptotic performance of a Bayes-optimal inference procedure for a model where
      the matrix to be recovered is a product of random matrices. The results that we
      obtain using the replica method describe the state evolution of the Parametric
      Bilinear Generalized Approximate Message Passing (P-BiG-AMP) algorithm, recently
      introduced in J. T. Parker and P. Schniter [IEEE J. Select. Top. Signal Process.
      10, 795 (2016)1932-455310.1109/JSTSP.2016.2539123]. We show the existence of two
      different types of phase transition and their implications for the solvability of
      the problem, and we compare the results of our theoretical analysis to the
      numerical performance reached by P-BiG-AMP. Remarkably, the asymptotic replica
      equations for matrix compressed sensing are the same as those for a related but
      formally different problem of matrix factorization.

PMID- 28085339
TI  - Lattice Boltzmann simulations of droplet formation in confined channels with
      thermocapillary flows.
AB  - Based on mesoscale lattice Boltzmann simulations with the "Shan-Chen" model, we
      explore the influence of thermocapillarity on the breakup properties of fluid
      threads in a microfluidic T-junction, where a dispersed phase is injected
      perpendicularly into a main channel containing a continuous phase, and the latter
      induces periodic breakup of droplets due to the cross-flowing. Temperature
      effects are investigated by switching on-off both positive-negative temperature
      gradients along the main channel direction, thus promoting a different thread
      dynamics with anticipated-delayed breakup. Numerical simulations are performed at
      changing the flow rates of both the continuous and dispersed phases, as well as
      the relative importance of viscous forces, surface tension forces, and
      thermocapillary stresses. The range of parameters is broad enough to characterize
      the effects of thermocapillarity on different mechanisms of breakup in the
      confined T-junction, including the so-called "squeezing" and "dripping" regimes,
      previously identified in the literature. Some simple scaling arguments are
      proposed to rationalize the observed behavior, and to provide quantitative
      guidelines on how to predict the droplet size after breakup.

PMID- 28085340
TI  - Effect of long-range electrostatic repulsion on pore clogging during
      microfiltration.
AB  - We perform computer simulations based on adhesive contact mechanics to
      demonstrate the clogging process of charged microparticles at the single-pore
      level. The effect of long-range Coulomb repulsion on clogging is characterized in
      terms of bulk permeability, the number of penetrating particles, and particle
      capture efficiency. Results indicate that the repulsion among particles delays or
      even totally prevents the formation of clogs. A clogging phase diagram, in the
      form of the driving pressure and a proposed charge parameter kappa_{q}, is
      constructed to quantify the clogging-nonclogging transition. In addition, a
      critical state, where the capture efficiency of particles decreases to its
      minimum, is identified as a clogging-nonclogging criterion for repulsive
      particles. The distributions of the local volume fraction show that the structure
      of clogs is mainly determined by short-range adhesion. With relatively strong
      adhesion, a loose clog will be formed and it is easier for particles to
      penetrate. Finally, a schematic representation of the clogging process,
      considering both long-range repulsion and adhesion, is proposed to show the
      relationship between the clogging results and the interparticle interactions.

PMID- 28085341
TI  - Zero-temperature directed polymer in random potential in 4+1 dimensions.
AB  - Zero-temperature directed polymer in random potential in 4+1 dimensions is
      described. The fluctuation DeltaE(t) of the lowest energy of the polymer varies
      as t^{beta} with beta=0.159+/-0.007 for polymer length t and DeltaE follows
      DeltaE(L)~L^{alpha} at saturation with alpha=0.275+/-0.009, where L is the system
      size. The dynamic exponent z~1.73 is obtained from z=alpha/beta. The estimated
      values of the exponents satisfy the scaling relation alpha+z=2 very well. We also
      monitor the end to end distance of the polymer and obtain z independently. Our
      results show that the upper critical dimension of the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang
      equation is higher than d=4+1 dimensions.

PMID- 28085342
TI  - Inhibitory neurons promote robust critical firing dynamics in networks of
      integrate-and-fire neurons.
AB  - We study the firing dynamics of a discrete-state and discrete-time version of an
      integrate-and-fire neuronal network model with both excitatory and inhibitory
      neurons. When the integer-valued state of a neuron exceeds a threshold value, the
      neuron fires, sends out state-changing signals to its connected neurons, and
      returns to the resting state. In this model, a continuous phase transition from
      non-ceaseless firing to ceaseless firing is observed. At criticality, power-law
      distributions of avalanche size and duration with the previously derived
      exponents, -3/2 and -2, respectively, are observed. Using a mean-field approach,
      we show analytically how the critical point depends on model parameters. Our main
      result is that the combined presence of both inhibitory neurons and integrate-and
      fire dynamics greatly enhances the robustness of critical power-law behavior
      (i.e., there is an increased range of parameters, including both sub- and
      supercritical values, for which several decades of power-law behavior occurs).

PMID- 28085343
TI  - Master equation approach to reversible and conservative discrete systems.
AB  - A master equation approach is applied to a reversible and conservative cellular
      automaton model (Q2R). The Q2R model is a dynamical variation of the Ising model
      for ferromagnetism that possesses quite a rich and complex dynamics. The
      configuration space is composed of a huge number of cycles with exponentially
      long periods. Following Nicolis and Nicolis [G. Nicolis and C. Nicolis, Phys.
      Rev. A 38, 427 (1988)0556-279110.1103/PhysRevA.38.427], a coarse-graining
      approach is applied to the time series of the total magnetization, leading to a
      master equation that governs the macroscopic irreversible dynamics of the Q2R
      automata. The methodology is replicated for various lattice sizes. In the case of
      small systems, we show that the master equation leads to a tractable probability
      transfer matrix of moderate size, which provides a master equation for a coarse
      grained probability distribution. The method is validated and some explicit
      examples are discussed.

PMID- 28085344
TI  - Effects of Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert damping on domain growth.
AB  - Domain patterns are simulated by the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation with
      an easy-axis anisotropy. If the Gilbert damping is removed from the LLG equation,
      it merely describes the precession of magnetization with a ferromagnetic
      interaction. However, even without the damping, domains that look similar to
      those of scalar fields are formed, and they grow with time. It is demonstrated
      that the damping has no significant effects on domain growth laws and large-scale
      domain structure. In contrast, small-scale domain structure is affected by the
      damping. The difference in small-scale structure arises from energy dissipation
      due to the damping.

PMID- 28085345
TI  - Depinning and heterogeneous dynamics of colloidal crystal layers under shear
      flow.
AB  - Using Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations and an analytical approach we
      investigate the shear-induced, nonequilibrium dynamics of dense colloidal
      suspensions confined to a narrow slit-pore. Focusing on situations where the
      colloids arrange in well-defined layers with solidlike in-plane structure, the
      confined films display complex, nonlinear behavior such as collective depinning
      and local transport via density excitations. These phenomena are reminiscent of
      colloidal monolayers driven over a periodic substrate potential. In order to
      deepen this connection, we present an effective model that maps the dynamics of
      the shear-driven colloidal layers to the motion of a single particle driven over
      an effective substrate potential. This model allows us to estimate the critical
      shear rate of the depinning transition based on the equilibrium configuration,
      revealing the impact of important parameters, such as the slit-pore width and the
      interaction strength. We then turn to heterogeneous systems where a layer of
      small colloids is sheared with respect to bottom layers of large particles. For
      these incommensurate systems we find that the particle transport is dominated by
      density excitations resembling the so-called "kink" solutions of the Frenkel
      Kontorova (FK) model. In contrast to the FK model, however, the corresponding
      "antikinks" do not move.

PMID- 28085346
TI  - Thermal unfolding of myoglobin in the Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson approach.
AB  - The Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson paradigm is applied to model the low-temperature
      crystallographic Calpha backbone structure of sperm whale myoglobin. The Glauber
      protocol is employed to simulate its response to an increase in ambient
      temperature. The myoglobin is found to unfold from its native state by a
      succession of alpha-helical intermediates, fully in line with the observed
      folding and unfolding patterns in denaturation experiments. In particular, a
      molten globule intermediate is identified with experimentally correct attributes.
      A detailed, experimentally testable contact map is constructed to characterize
      the specifics of the unfolding pathway, including the formation of long-range
      interactions. The results reveal how the unfolding process of a protein is driven
      by the interplay between, and a successive melting of, its modular secondary
      structure components.

PMID- 28085347
TI  - Stabilizing effect of tip splitting on the interface motion.
AB  - Pattern-forming processes, such as electrodeposition, dielectric breakdown, or
      viscous fingering, are often driven by instabilities. Accordingly, the resulting
      growth patterns are usually highly branched fractal structures. However, in some
      of the unstable growth processes the envelope of the structure grows in a highly
      regular manner, with the perturbations smoothed out over the course of time. In
      this paper we show that the regularity of the envelope growth can be connected to
      small-scale instabilities leading to the tip splitting of the fingers at the
      advancing front of the structure. Whenever the growth velocity becomes too large,
      the finger splits into two branches. In this way it can absorb an increased flux
      and thus damp the instability. Hence, somewhat counterintuitively, the
      instability at a small scale results in a stability at a larger scale. The
      quantitative analysis of these effects is provided by means of the Loewner
      equation, which one can use to reduce the problem of the interface motion to that
      of the evolution of the conformal mapping onto the complex plane. This allows an
      effective analysis of the multifingered growth in a variety of different
      geometries. We show how the geometry impacts the shape of the envelope of the
      growing pattern and compare the results with those observed in natural systems.

PMID- 28085348
TI  - Multicritical absorbing phase transition in a class of exactly solvable models.
AB  - We study diffusion of hard-core particles on a one-dimensional periodic lattice
      subjected to a constraint that the separation between any two consecutive
      particles does not increase beyond a fixed value n+1; an initial separation
      larger than n+1 can however decrease. These models undergo an absorbing state
      phase transition when the conserved particle density of the system falls below a
      critical threshold rho_{c}=1/(n+1). We find that the phi_{k}, the density of 0
      clusters (0 representing vacancies) of size 0<=k<n, vanish at the transition
      point along with activity density rho_{a}. The steady state of these models can
      be written in matrix product form to obtain analytically the static exponents
      beta_{k}=n-k and nu=1=eta corresponding to each phi_{k}. We also show from
      numerical simulations that, starting from a natural condition, phi_{k}(t)s decay
      as t^{-alpha_{k}} with alpha_{k}=(n-k)/2 even though other dynamic exponents
      nu_{t}=2=z are independent of k; this ensures the validity of scaling laws
      beta=alphanu_{t} and nu_{t}=znu.

PMID- 28085349
TI  - Curl forces and the nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation.
AB  - Nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations endowed with curl drift forces are
      investigated. The conditions under which these evolution equations admit
      stationary solutions, which are q exponentials of an appropriate potential
      function, are determined. It is proved that when these stationary solutions
      exist, the nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations satisfy an H theorem in terms of a
      free-energy-like quantity involving the S_{q} entropy. A particular two
      dimensional model admitting analytical, time-dependent q-Gaussian solutions is
      discussed in detail. This model describes a system of particles with short-range
      interactions, performing overdamped motion under drag effects due to a rotating
      resisting medium. It is related to models that have been recently applied to the
      study of type-II superconductors. The relevance of the present developments to
      the study of complex systems in physics, astronomy, and biology is discussed.

PMID- 28085350
TI  - Second-order fluctuation theory and time autocorrelation function for currents.
AB  - By using recent developments for the Langevin dynamics of spatially asymmetric
      systems, we routinely generalize the Onsager-Machlup fluctuation theory of the
      second order in time. In this form, it becomes applicable to fluctuating
      variables, including hydrodynamic currents, in equilibrium as well as
      nonequilibrium steady states. From the solution of the obtained stochastic
      equations we derive an analytical expression for the time autocorrelation
      function of a general fluctuating quantity. This theoretical result is then
      tested in a study of a shear flow by molecular dynamics simulations. The proposed
      form of the time autocorrelation function yields an excellent fit to our
      computational data for both equilibrium and nonequilibrium steady states. Unlike
      the analogous result of the first-order Onsager-Machlup theory, our expression
      correctly describes the short-time correlations. Its utility is demonstrated in
      an application of the Green-Kubo formula for the transport coefficient.
      Curiously, the normalized time autocorrelation function for the shear flow, which
      only depends on the deterministic part of the fluctuation dynamics, appears
      independent of the external shear force in the linear nonequilibrium regime.

PMID- 28085351
TI  - Bayesian inference of x-ray diffraction spectra from warm dense matter with the
      one-component-plasma model.
AB  - We show that the Bayesian inference of recently measured x-ray diffraction
      spectra from laser-shocked aluminum [L. B. Fletcher et al., Nat. Photon. 9, 274
      (2015)10.1038/nphoton.2015.41] with the one-component-plasma (OCP) model performs
      remarkably well at estimating the ionic density and temperature. This statistical
      approach requires many evaluations of the OCP static structure factor, which were
      done using a recently derived analytic fit. The atomic form factor is
      approximated by an exponential function in the diffraction window of the first
      peak. The electronic temperature is then estimated from a comparison of this
      approximated form factor with the electronic structure of an average atom model.
      Out-of-equilibrium states, with electrons hotter than ions, are diagnosed for the
      spectra obtained early after the pump, whereas at a late time delay the plasma is
      at thermal equilibrium. Apart from the present findings, this OCP-based modeling
      of warm dense matter has an important role to play in the interpretation of x-ray
      Thomson scattering measurements currently performed at large laser facilities.

PMID- 28085352
TI  - Comparison between thermodynamic work and heat in autonomous quantum systems.
AB  - One of the most important problems in quantum thermodynamics is how to
      distinguish work and heat in autonomous quantum systems. In this paper, work and
      heat are defined through the following criterion, i.e., work is the energy that
      cannot change the entropy of the energy resource, and satisfies the Jarzynski
      equality, while heat does not. Two kinds of definitions satisfying the two
      corresponding requirements are proposed and demonstrated, and the consistency
      condition of the two kinds is given. Through the first definition, the problem of
      entropy production is investigated. A model study is also presented to verify the
      proposal.

PMID- 28085354
TI  - Phase transitions of the random-bond Potts chain with long-range interactions.
AB  - We study phase transitions of the ferromagnetic q-state Potts chain with random
      nearest-neighbor couplings having a variance Delta^{2} and with homogeneous long
      range interactions, which decay with distance as a power r^{-(1+sigma)}, sigma>0.
      In the large-q limit the free-energy of random samples of length L<=2048 is
      calculated exactly by a combinatorial optimization algorithm. The phase
      transition stays first order for sigma<sigma_{c}(Delta)<=0.5, while the
      correlation length becomes divergent at the transition point for
      sigma_{c}(Delta)<sigma<1. In the latter regime the average magnetization is
      continuous for small enough Delta, but for larger Delta-according to the
      numerical results-it becomes discontinuous at the transition point, thus the
      phase transition is expected of mixed order.

PMID- 28085353
TI  - Calorimetric measurement of work for a driven harmonic oscillator.
AB  - A calorimetric measurement has recently been proposed as a promising technique to
      measure thermodynamic quantities in a dissipative superconducting qubit. These
      measurements rely on the fact that the system is projected into energy
      eigenstates whenever energy is exchanged with the environment. This requirement
      imposes a restriction on the class of systems that can be measured in this way.
      Here we extend the calorimetric protocol to the measurement of work in a driven
      quantum harmonic oscillator. We employ a scheme based on a two-level
      approximation that makes use of an experimentally accessible quantity and show
      how it relates to the work obtained through the standard two-measurement
      protocol. We find that the average work is well approximated in the underdamped
      regime for short driving times and, in the overdamped regime, for any driving
      time. However, this approximation fails for the variance and higher moments of
      work at finite temperatures. Furthermore, we show how to relate the work
      statistics obtained through this scheme to the work statistics given by the two
      measurement protocol.

PMID- 28085355
TI  - Coupled continuous-time random walks for fluid stretching in two-dimensional
      heterogeneous media.
AB  - We study the relation between flow structure and fluid deformation in steady
      flows through two-dimensional heterogeneous media, which are characterized by a
      broad spectrum of stretching behaviors, ranging from sub- to superlinear. We
      analyze these behaviors from first principles, which uncovers intermittent shear
      events to be at the origin of subexponential stretching. We derive explicit
      expressions for Lagrangian deformation and demonstrate that stretching obeys a
      coupled continuous-time random walk, which for broad distributions of flow
      velocities becomes a Levy walk. The derived model provides a direct link between
      the flow and deformation statistics, and a natural way to quantify the impact of
      intermittent shear events on the stretching behavior.

PMID- 28085356
TI  - Structure of curved crystals in the thermodynamic limit and the perfect screening
      condition.
AB  - The dislocation and disclination density defining the structure of a crystal
      constrained on a general curved background is computed analytically in the
      thermodynamic limit, when the number of particles is arbitrarily large. It is
      shown that the minimum of the elastic energy, where strains are optimally close
      to zero, can be formulated in terms of a connection (a rule on how to parallel
      transport vectors), which allows to provide an explicit solution in the
      thermodynamic limit that consists of disclinations surrounded by scars (grain
      boundaries with variable spacing). The approach allows to compute the interaction
      potential. For a sphere, a full characterization of the scars is provided, and it
      is shown that the potential of interaction among disclinations "dressed" by scars
      is inversely proportional to the sinus of the geodesic distance and that the
      ground state consists of 12 dressed disclinations that display icosahedral
      symmetry. The case of a torus is also considered. More generally, the
      thermodynamic solution implements a "perfect screening" condition, where defects
      completely screen the Gaussian curvature. Implications for the problem of melting
      are discussed.

PMID- 28085357
TI  - Capillary waves and the decay of density correlations at liquid surfaces.
AB  - Wertheim predicted strong density-density correlations at free liquid surfaces,
      produced by capillary wave fluctuations of the interface [M. S. Wertheim, J.
      Chem. Phys. 65, 2377 (1976)JCPSA60021-960610.1063/1.433352]. That prediction has
      been used to search for a link between capillary wave (CW) theory and density
      functional (DF) formalism for classical fluids. In particular, Parry et al. have
      recently analyzed the decaying tails of these CW effects moving away from the
      interface as a clue for the extended CW theory [A. O. Parry et al., J. Phys.:
      Condens. Matter 28, 244013 (2016)JCOMEL0953-898410.1088/0953-8984/28/24/244013],
      beyond the strict long-wavelength limit studied by Wertheim. Some apparently
      fundamental inconsistencies between the CW and the DF theoretical views of the
      fluid interfaces arose from the asymptotic analysis of the CW signal. In this
      paper we revisit the problem of the CW asymptotic decay with a separation of
      local non-CW surface correlation effects from those that are a truly nonlocal
      propagation of the CW fluctuations from the surface towards the liquid bulk.

PMID- 28085359
TI  - Hysteresis loop of nonperiodic outbreaks of recurrent epidemics.
AB  - Most of the studies on epidemics so far have focused on the growing phase, such
      as how an epidemic spreads and what are the conditions for an epidemic to break
      out in a variety of cases. However, we discover from real data that on a large
      scale, the spread of an epidemic is in fact a recurrent event with distinctive
      growing and recovering phases, i.e., a hysteresis loop. We show here that the
      hysteresis loop can be reproduced in epidemic models provided that the infectious
      rate is adiabatically increased or decreased before the system reaches its
      stationary state. Two ways to the hysteresis loop are revealed, which is helpful
      in understanding the mechanics of infections in real evolution. Moreover, a
      theoretical analysis is presented to explain the mechanism of the hysteresis
      loop.

PMID- 28085358
TI  - Electronic structure and carrier transfer in B-DNA monomer polymers and dimer
      polymers: Stationary and time-dependent aspects of a wire model versus an
      extended ladder model.
AB  - We employ two tight-binding (TB) approaches to systematically study the
      electronic structure and hole or electron transfer in B-DNA monomer polymers and
      dimer polymers made up of N monomers (base pairs): (I) at the base-pair level,
      using the onsite energies of base pairs and the hopping integrals between
      successive base pairs, i.e., a wire model and (II) at the single-base level,
      using the onsite energies of the bases and the hopping integrals between
      neighboring bases, i.e., an extended ladder model since we also include diagonal
      hoppings. We solve a system of M (matrix dimension) coupled equations [(I) M=N,
      (II) M=2N] for the time-independent problem, and a system of M coupled first
      order differential equations for the time-dependent problem. We perform a
      comparative study of stationary and time-dependent aspects of the two TB
      variants, using realistic sets of parameters. The studied properties include HOMO
      and LUMO eigenspectra, occupation probabilities, density of states and HOMO-LUMO
      gaps as well as mean over time probabilities to find the carrier at each site
      [(I) base pair or (II) base], Fourier spectra, which reflect the frequency
      content of charge transfer, and pure mean transfer rates from a certain site to
      another. The two TB approaches give coherent, complementary aspects of electronic
      properties and charge transfer in B-DNA monomer polymers and dimer polymers.

PMID- 28085360
TI  - Stability of quantum statistical ensembles with respect to local measurements.
AB  - We introduce a stability criterion for quantum statistical ensembles describing
      macroscopic systems. An ensemble is called "stable" when a small number of local
      measurements cannot significantly modify the probability distribution of the
      total energy of the system. We apply this criterion to lattices of spins-1/2,
      thereby showing that the canonical ensemble is nearly stable, whereas statistical
      ensembles with much broader energy distributions are not stable. In the context
      of the foundations of quantum statistical physics, this result justifies the use
      of statistical ensembles with narrow energy distributions such as canonical or
      microcanonical ensembles.

PMID- 28085361
TI  - Fragmentation properties of two-dimensional proximity graphs considering random
      failures and targeted attacks.
AB  - The pivotal quality of proximity graphs is connectivity, i.e., all nodes in the
      graph are connected to one another either directly or via intermediate nodes.
      These types of graphs are often robust, i.e., they are able to function well even
      if they are subject to limited removal of elementary building blocks, as may
      occur for random failures or targeted attacks. Here, we study how the structure
      of these graphs is affected when nodes get removed successively until an
      extensive fraction is removed such that the graphs fragment. We study different
      types of proximity graphs for various node-removal strategies. We use different
      types of observables to monitor the fragmentation process, simple ones like the
      number and sizes of connected components and more complex ones like the hop
      diameter and the backup capacity, which is needed to make a network N-1
      resilient. The actual fragmentation turns out to be described by a second-order
      phase transition. Using finite-size scaling analyses we numerically assess the
      threshold fraction of removed nodes, which is characteristic for the particular
      graph type and node deletion scheme; this suffices to decompose the underlying
      graphs.

PMID- 28085362
TI  - Random-fractal Ansatz for the configurations of two-dimensional critical systems.
AB  - Critical systems have always intrigued physicists and precipitated the
      development of new techniques. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the
      information contained in the configurations of classical critical systems, whose
      computation do not require full knowledge of the wave function. Inspired by
      holographic duality, we investigated the entanglement properties of the classical
      configurations (snapshots) of the Potts model by introducing an Ansatz ensemble
      of random fractal images. By virtue of the central limit theorem, our Ansatz
      accurately reproduces the entanglement spectra of actual Potts snapshots without
      any fine tuning of parameters or artificial restrictions on ensemble choice. It
      provides a microscopic interpretation of the results of previous studies, which
      established a relation between the scaling behavior of snapshot entropy and the
      critical exponent. More importantly, it elucidates the role of ensemble disorder
      in restoring conformal invariance, an aspect previously ignored. Away from
      criticality, the breakdown of scale invariance leads to a renormalization of the
      parameter Sigma in the random fractal Ansatz, whose variation can be used as an
      alternative determination of the critical exponent. We conclude by providing a
      recipe for the explicit construction of fractal unit cells consistent with a
      given scaling exponent.

PMID- 28085363
TI  - Stochastic Laplacian growth.
AB  - A point source on a plane constantly emits particles which rapidly diffuse and
      then stick to a growing cluster. The growth probability of a cluster is presented
      as a sum over all possible scenarios leading to the same final shape. The
      classical point for the action, defined as a minus logarithm of the growth
      probability, describes the most probable scenario and reproduces the Laplacian
      growth equation, which embraces numerous fundamental free boundary dynamics in
      nonequilibrium physics. For nonclassical scenarios we introduce virtual point
      sources, in which presence the action becomes the Kullback-Leibler entropy.
      Strikingly, this entropy is shown to be the sum of electrostatic energies of
      layers grown per elementary time unit. Hence the growth probability of the
      presented nonequilibrium process obeys the Gibbs-Boltzmann statistics, which, as
      a rule, is not applied out from equilibrium. Each layer's probability is
      expressed as a product of simple factors in an auxiliary complex plane after a
      properly chosen conformal map. The action at this plane is a sum of Robin
      functions, which solve the Liouville equation. At the end we establish
      connections of our theory with the tau function of the integrable Toda hierarchy
      and with the Liouville theory for noncritical quantum strings.

PMID- 28085364
TI  - Quench dynamics of the three-dimensional U(1) complex field theory: Geometric and
      scaling characterizations of the vortex tangle.
AB  - We present a detailed study of the equilibrium properties and stochastic dynamic
      evolution of the U(1)-invariant relativistic complex field theory in three
      dimensions. This model has been used to describe, in various limits, properties
      of relativistic bosons at finite chemical potential, type II superconductors,
      magnetic materials, and aspects of cosmology. We characterize the thermodynamic
      second-order phase transition in different ways. We study the equilibrium vortex
      configurations and their statistical and geometrical properties in equilibrium at
      all temperatures. We show that at very high temperature the statistics of the
      filaments is the one of fully packed loop models. We identify the temperature,
      within the ordered phase, at which the number density of vortex lengths falls off
      algebraically and we associate it to a geometric percolation transition that we
      characterize in various ways. We measure the fractal properties of the vortex
      tangle at this threshold. Next, we perform infinite rate quenches from
      equilibrium in the disordered phase, across the thermodynamic critical point, and
      deep into the ordered phase. We show that three time regimes can be
      distinguished: a first approach toward a state that, within numerical accuracy,
      shares many features with the one at the percolation threshold; a later
      coarsening process that does not alter, at sufficiently low temperature, the
      fractal properties of the long vortex loops; and a final approach to equilibrium.
      These features are independent of the reconnection rule used to build the vortex
      lines. In each of these regimes we identify the various length scales of the
      vortices in the system. We also study the scaling properties of the ordering
      process and the progressive annihilation of topological defects and we prove that
      the time-dependence of the time-evolving vortex tangle can be described within
      the dynamic scaling framework.

PMID- 28085365
TI  - Cycles and clustering in multiplex networks.
AB  - In multiplex networks, cycles cannot be characterized only by their length, as
      edges may occur in different layers in different combinations. We define a
      classification of cycles by the number of edges in each layer and the number of
      switches between layers. We calculate the expected number of cycles of each type
      in the configuration model of a large sparse multiplex network. Our method
      accounts for the full degree distribution including correlations between degrees
      in different layers. In particular, we obtain the numbers of cycles of length 3
      of all possible types. Using these, we give a complete set of clustering
      coefficients and their expected values. We show that correlations between the
      degrees of a vertex in different layers strongly affect the number of cycles of a
      given type, and the number of switches between layers. Both increase with
      assortative correlations and are strongly decreased by disassortative
      correlations. The effect of correlations on clustering coefficients is equally
      pronounced.

PMID- 28085366
TI  - Dilatational viscosity of dilute particle-laden fluid interface at different
      contact angles.
AB  - We consider a solid spherical particle adsorbed at a flat interface between two
      immiscible fluids and having arbitrary contact angle at the triple contact line.
      We derive analytically the flow field corresponding to dilatational surface flow
      in the case of a large ratio of dynamic shear viscosities of two fluids.
      Considering a dilute assembly of such particles we calculate numerically the
      dependence on the contact angle of the effective surface dilatational viscosity
      particle-laden fluid interface. The effective surface dilatational viscosity is
      proportional to the size and surface concentration of particles and monotonically
      increases with the increase in protrusion of particles into the fluid with larger
      shear viscosity.

PMID- 28085367
TI  - Controlling ratchet transport via a finite kicked environment.
AB  - We study the effects of a finite kicked environment (bath) composed of N harmonic
      oscillators on the particle transport in a weakly dissipative quasisymmetric
      potential system. The small spatial asymmetry is responsible for the appearance
      of directed particle transport without a net bias, known as the ratchet
      transport. The whole dynamics is governed by a generalized map where dissipation
      in the system emerges due to its interaction with the kicked environment.
      Distinct spectral densities are imposed to the bath oscillators and play an
      essential role in such models. By changing the functional form of the spectral
      density, we observe that the transport can be optimized or even suppressed. We
      show evidences that the transport optimization is related to stability properties
      of periodic points of the ratchet system and depends on the bath temperature. In
      a Markovian approach, transport can be increased or suppressed depending on the
      bath influence.

PMID- 28085368
TI  - Order-disorder transition in repulsive self-propelled particle systems.
AB  - We study the collective dynamics of repulsive self-propelled particles. The
      particles are governed by coupled equations of motion that include polar self
      propulsion, damping of velocity and of polarity, repulsive particle-particle
      interaction, and deterministic dynamics. Particle dynamics simulations show that
      the collective coherent motion with large density fluctuations spontaneously
      emerges from a disordered, isotropic state. In the parameter region where the
      rotational damping of polarity is strong, the system undergoes an abrupt shift to
      the absorbing ordered state after a waiting period in the metastable disordered
      state. In order to obtain a simple understanding of the mechanism underlying the
      collective behavior, we analyze the binary particle scattering process. We show
      that this approach correctly predicts the order-disorder transition at a dilute
      limit. The same approach is expanded for finite densities, although it disagrees
      with the result from many-particle simulations due to many-body correlations and
      density fluctuations.

PMID- 28085369
TI  - Intermediate regime and a phase diagram of red blood cell dynamics in a linear
      flow.
AB  - In this paper we investigate the in vitro dynamics of a single rabbit red blood
      cell (RBC) in a planar linear flow as a function of a shear stress sigma and the
      dynamic viscosity of outer fluid eta_{o}. A linear flow is a generalization of
      previous studies dynamics of soft objects including RBC in shear flow and is
      realized in the experiment in a microfluidic four-roll mill device. We verify
      that the RBC stable orientation dynamics is found in the experiment being the in
      shear-plane orientation and the RBC dynamics is characterized by observed three
      RBC dynamical states, namely tumbling (TU), intermediate (INT), and swinging (SW)
      [or tank-treading (TT)] on a single RBC. The main results of these studies are
      the following. (i) We completely characterize the RBC dynamical states and
      reconstruct their phase diagram in the case of the RBC in-shear-plane orientation
      in a planar linear flow and find it in a good agreement with that obtained in
      early experiments in a shear flow for human RBCs. (ii) The value of the critical
      shear stress sigma_{c} of the TU-TT(SW) transition surprisingly coincides with
      that found in early experiments in spite of a significant difference in the
      degree of RBC shape deformations in both the SW and INT states. (iii) We describe
      the INT regime, which is stationary, characterized by strong RBC shape
      deformations and observed in a wide range of the shear stresses. We argue that
      our observations cast doubts on the main claim of the recent numerical
      simulations that the only RBC spheroidal stress-free shape is capable to explain
      the early experimental data. Finally, we suggest that the amplitude dependence of
      both theta and the shape deformation parameter D on sigma can be used as the
      quantitative criterion to determine the RBC stress-free shape.

PMID- 28085370
TI  - Scaling, crumpled wires, and genome packing in virions.
AB  - The packing of a genome in virions is a topic of intense current interest in
      biology and biological physics. The area is dominated by allometric scaling
      relations that connect, e.g., the length of the encapsulated genome and the size
      of the corresponding virion capsid. Here we report scaling laws obtained from
      extensive experiments of packing of a macroscopic wire within rigid three
      dimensional spherical and nonspherical cavities that can shed light on the
      details of the genome packing in virions. We show that these results obtained
      with crumpled wires are comparable to those from a large compilation of
      biological data from several classes of virions.

PMID- 28085371
TI  - Perturbative thermodynamic geometry of nonextensive ideal classical, Bose, and
      Fermi gases.
AB  - We investigate perturbative thermodynamic geometry of nonextensive ideal
      classical, Bose, and Fermi gases. We show that the intrinsic statistical
      interaction of nonextensive Bose (Fermi) gas is attractive (repulsive) similar to
      the extensive case but the value of thermodynamic curvature is changed by a
      nonextensive parameter. In contrary to the extensive ideal classical gas, the
      nonextensive one may be divided to two different regimes. According to the
      deviation parameter of the system to the nonextensive case, one can find a
      special value of fugacity, z^{*}, where the sign of thermodynamic curvature is
      changed. Therefore, we argue that the nonextensive parameter induces an
      attractive (repulsive) statistical interaction for z<z^{*} (z>z^{*}) for an ideal
      classical gas. Also, according to the singular point of thermodynamic curvature,
      we consider the condensation of nonextensive Boson gas.

PMID- 28085372
TI  - Experimental observation of phase-flip transitions in two inductively coupled
      glow discharge plasmas.
AB  - We report an experimental observation of a phase-flip transition in the frequency
      synchronization of two dc glow discharge plasma sources that are coupled in a
      noninvasive fashion. When the fundamental oscillation frequency of the potential
      fluctuations of one of the sources is progressively increased, by raising its
      discharge voltage, a frequency pulling regime is observed, followed by a
      synchronized regime that shows a frequency jump phenomenon. The jump is
      associated with a phase-flip transition that takes the synchronized state from an
      in-phase to an antiphase state. When the process is reversed, the transition
      takes place at a different frequency, thereby exhibiting a hysteresis effect. A
      heuristic model, consisting of two van der Pol oscillators that are coupled to
      each other through a dynamic common medium, eminently captures the essential
      features of our experimental observations.

PMID- 28085373
TI  - Unsupervised feature learning from finite data by message passing: Discontinuous
      versus continuous phase transition.
AB  - Unsupervised neural network learning extracts hidden features from unlabeled
      training data. This is used as a pretraining step for further supervised learning
      in deep networks. Hence, understanding unsupervised learning is of fundamental
      importance. Here, we study the unsupervised learning from a finite number of
      data, based on the restricted Boltzmann machine where only one hidden neuron is
      considered. Our study inspires an efficient message-passing algorithm to infer
      the hidden feature and estimate the entropy of candidate features consistent with
      the data. Our analysis reveals that the learning requires only a few data if the
      feature is salient and extensively many if the feature is weak. Moreover, the
      entropy of candidate features monotonically decreases with data size and becomes
      negative (i.e., entropy crisis) before the message passing becomes unstable,
      suggesting a discontinuous phase transition. In terms of convergence time of the
      message-passing algorithm, the unsupervised learning exhibits an easy-hard-easy
      phenomenon as the training data size increases. All these properties are
      reproduced in an approximate Hopfield model, with an exception that the entropy
      crisis is absent, and only continuous phase transition is observed. This key
      difference is also confirmed in a handwritten digits dataset. This study deepens
      our understanding of unsupervised learning from a finite number of data and may
      provide insights into its role in training deep networks.

PMID- 28085374
TI  - Exact scaling laws for helical three-dimensional two-fluid turbulent plasmas.
AB  - We derive exact scaling laws for a three-dimensional incompressible helical two
      fluid plasma, without the assumption of isotropy. For each ideal invariant of the
      two-fluid model, i.e., the total energy, the electron helicity, and the proton
      helicity, we derive simple scaling laws in terms of two-point increment
      correlation functions expressed in terms of the velocity field of each species
      and the magnetic field. These variables are appropriate for comparison with
      direct numerical simulation data and with in situ measurements in the near-Earth
      space over a broad range of spatial scales. Finally, using the exact scaling laws
      and dimensional analysis we predict the magnetic energy and electron helicity
      spectra for different ranges of scales.

PMID- 28085375
TI  - Relaxational processes in the one-dimensional Ising model with long-range
      interactions.
AB  - Relaxational processes in ordered phases of one-dimensional Ising models with
      long-range interactions are investigated by Monte Carlo simulations. Three types
      of spin model, the pure ferromagnetic, the diluted ferromagnetic, and the spin
      glass models, are examined. The effective dimension of the one-dimensional
      systems are controlled by a parameter sigma, which tunes the rate of interaction
      decay. Systematical investigations of droplet dynamics, from the lower to the
      upper critical dimension, are conducted by changing the value of sigma. Comparing
      numerical data with the droplet theory, it is found that the surface dimension of
      droplets is distributed around the effective dimension. The distribution in the
      surface dimension makes the droplet dynamics complex and extremely enhances
      dynamical crossover.

PMID- 28085376
TI  - Modes of electrokinetic instability for imperfect electric membranes.
AB  - The direct transition to overlimiting current bypassing the stage of limiting
      currents is considered for imperfect membranes. Instability of the quiescent
      steady-state one-dimensional solution, which is the result of a balance of
      diffusion and electromigration, is investigated on the basis of the full Nernst
      Planck-Poisson-Stokes system and a simplified quasielectroneutral system. A three
      layer geometry, electrolyte-porous membrane-electrolyte, is considered. The usual
      assumption of a constant electrochemical potential along the membrane surface is
      removed from consideration. The effect of bulk and surface effects on the
      instability and transition to the overlimiting currents is evaluated for a
      different membrane selectivity. It becomes clear that for sufficiently small
      fixed charge concentration (large ion concentration in the electrolyte), the
      monotonic instability is replaced by an oscillatory one. The dependence of
      instability on the membrane porosity is found to be weak.

PMID- 28085377
TI  - Effective slip for flow in a rotating channel bounded by stick-slip walls.
AB  - This paper aims to look into how system rotation may modify the role played by
      boundary slip in controlling flow through a rotating channel bounded by stick
      slip walls. A semianalytical model is developed for pressure-driven flow in a
      slit channel that rotates about an axis perpendicular to its walls, which are
      superhydrophobic surfaces patterned with periodic alternating no-shear and no
      slip stripes. The cases where the flow is driven by a pressure gradient parallel
      or normal to the stripes are considered. The effects of the no-shear area
      fraction on the velocities and effective slip lengths for the primary and
      secondary flows are investigated as functions of the rotation rate and the
      channel height. It is mathematically proved that the secondary flow rate is
      exactly the same in the two cases, irrespective of whether the primary flow is
      parallel or normal to the wall stripes. For any rotation speed, there is an
      optimal value of the no-shear area fraction at which the primary flow rate is
      maximum. This is a consequence of two competing effects: the no-shear part of the
      wall may serve to reduce the wall resistance, thereby enhancing the flow
      especially at low rotation, but it also weakens the formation of the near-wall
      Ekman layer, which is responsible for pumping the flow especially at high
      rotation. Wall slip in a rotating environment is to affect flow in the Ekman
      layer, but not flow in the geostrophic core.

PMID- 28085378
TI  - Noisy-flow-induced instability in a reaction-diffusion system.
AB  - We consider a generic reaction-diffusion-advection system where the flow velocity
      of the advection term is subjected to dichotomous noise with zero mean and
      Ornstein-Zernike correlation. A general condition for noisy-flow-induced
      instability is derived in the flow velocity-correlation rate parameter plane.
      Full numerical simulations on Gierer-Meinhardt model with activator-inhibitor
      kinetics have been performed to show how noisy differential flow can lead to
      symmetry breaking of a homogeneous stable state in the presence of noise
      resulting in traveling waves.

PMID- 28085379
TI  - Extracting work from a single reservoir in the non-Markovian underdamped regime.
AB  - We derive optimal-work finite time protocols for a colloidal particle in a
      harmonic well in the general non-Markovian underdamped regime in contact with a
      single reservoir. Optimal-work protocols with and without measurements of
      position and velocity are shown to be linear in time. In order to treat the
      underdamped regime one must address forcing the particle at the start and at the
      end of a protocol, conditions which dominate the short time behavior of the
      colloidal particle. We find that for protocols without measurement the least work
      by an external agent decreases linearly for forced start-stop conditions while
      those only forced at starting conditions are quadratic (slower) at short times,
      while both decrease asymptotically to zero for quasistatic processes. When
      measurements are performed, protocols with start-end forcing are still more
      efficient at short times but can be overtaken by start-only protocols at a
      threshold time. Measurement protocols derive work from the reservoir but always
      below that predicted by Sagawa's generalization of the second law. Velocity
      measurement protocols are more efficient in deriving work than position
      measurements.

PMID- 28085380
TI  - Numerical study of the tight-binding approach to overdamped Brownian motion on a
      tilted periodic potential.
AB  - We present a numerical study of the tight-binding approach to overdamped Brownian
      motion on a tilted periodic potential. In the tight-binding method the
      probability density is expanded on a basis of Wannier states to transform the
      Smoluchowski equation to a discrete master equation that can be interpreted in
      terms of thermal hopping between potential minima. We calculate the Wannier
      states and hopping rates for a variety of potentials, including tilted cosine and
      ratchet potentials. For deep potential minima the Wannier states are well
      localized and the hopping rates between nearest-neighbor states are qualitatively
      well described by Kramers' escape rate. The next-nearest-neighbor hopping rates
      are negative and must be negligible compared to the nearest-neighbor rates for
      the discrete master equation treatment to be valid. We find that the validity of
      the master equation extends beyond the quantitative applicability of Kramers'
      escape rate.

PMID- 28085381
TI  - Constrained sampling method for analytic continuation.
AB  - A method for analytic continuation of imaginary-time correlation functions (here
      obtained in quantum Monte Carlo simulations) to real-frequency spectral functions
      is proposed. Stochastically sampling a spectrum parametrized by a large number of
      delta functions, treated as a statistical-mechanics problem, it avoids
      distortions caused by (as demonstrated here) configurational entropy in previous
      sampling methods. The key development is the suppression of entropy by
      constraining the spectral weight to within identifiable optimal bounds and
      imposing a set number of peaks. As a test case, the dynamic structure factor of
      the S=1/2 Heisenberg chain is computed. Very good agreement is found with Bethe
      ansatz results in the ground state (including a sharp edge) and with exact
      diagonalization of small systems at elevated temperatures.

PMID- 28085382
TI  - Eigenvalue tunneling and decay of quenched random network.
AB  - We consider the canonical ensemble of N-vertex Erdos-Renyi (ER) random
      topological graphs with quenched vertex degree, and with fugacity MU for each
      closed triple of bonds. We claim complete defragmentation of large-N graphs into
      the collection of [p^{-1}] almost full subgraphs (cliques) above critical
      fugacity, MU_{c}, where p is the ER bond formation probability. Evolution of the
      spectral density, rho(lambda), of the adjacency matrix with increasing MU leads
      to the formation of a multizonal support for MU>MU_{c}. Eigenvalue tunneling from
      the central zone to the side one means formation of a new clique in the
      defragmentation process. The adjacency matrix of the network ground state has a
      block-diagonal form, where the number of vertices in blocks fluctuates around the
      mean value Np. The spectral density of the whole network in this regime has
      triangular shape. We interpret the phenomena from the viewpoint of the
      conventional random matrix model and speculate about possible physical
      applications.

PMID- 28085383
TI  - Gaseous microflow modeling using the Fokker-Planck equation.
AB  - We present a comparative study of gaseous microflow systems using the recently
      introduced Fokker-Planck approach and other methods such as: direct simulation
      Monte Carlo, lattice Boltzmann, and variational solution of Boltzmann-BGK. We
      show that this Fokker-Plank approach performs efficiently at intermediate values
      of Knudsen number, a region where direct simulation Monte Carlo becomes expensive
      and lattice Boltzmann becomes inaccurate. We also investigate the effectiveness
      of a recently proposed Fokker-Planck model in simulations of heat transfer, as a
      function of relevant parameters such as the Prandtl, Knudsen numbers.
      Furthermore, we present simulation of shock wave as a function of Mach number in
      transonic regime. Our results suggest that the performance of the Fokker-Planck
      approach is superior to that of the other methods in transition regime for
      rarefied gas flow and transonic regime for shock wave.

PMID- 28085384
TI  - Influence of e^{-}e^{+} creation on the radiative trapping in ultraintense fields
      of colliding laser pulses.
AB  - The behavior of a thin plasma target irradiated by two counterpropagating laser
      pulses of ultrahigh intensity is studied in the framework of one- and two
      dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. It is found that above an intensity
      threshold, radiative trapping can focus electrons in the peaks of the
      electromagnetic field. At even higher intensities, the trapping effect cannot be
      maintained according to the increasing influence of electron-positron pair
      production on the laser-plasma dynamics.

PMID- 28085385
TI  - Numerical stabilization of entanglement computation in auxiliary-field quantum
      Monte Carlo simulations of interacting many-fermion systems.
AB  - In the absence of a fermion sign problem, auxiliary-field (or determinantal)
      quantum Monte Carlo (DQMC) approaches have long been the numerical method of
      choice for unbiased, large-scale simulations of interacting many-fermion systems.
      More recently, the conceptual scope of this approach has been expanded by
      introducing ingenious schemes to compute entanglement entropies within its
      framework. On a practical level, these approaches, however, suffer from a variety
      of numerical instabilities that have largely impeded their applicability. Here we
      report on a number of algorithmic advances to overcome many of these numerical
      instabilities and significantly improve the calculation of entanglement measures
      in the zero-temperature projective DQMC approach, ultimately allowing us to reach
      similar system sizes as for the computation of conventional observables. We
      demonstrate the applicability of this improved DQMC approach by providing an
      entanglement perspective on the quantum phase transition from a magnetically
      ordered Mott insulator to a band insulator in the bilayer square lattice Hubbard
      model at half filling.

PMID- 28085386
TI  - Coupled-mode-theory framework for nonlinear resonators comprising graphene.
AB  - A general framework combining perturbation theory and coupled-mode theory is
      developed for analyzing nonlinear resonant structures comprising dispersive bulk
      and sheet materials. To allow for conductive sheet materials, a nonlinear current
      term is introduced in the formulation in addition to the more common nonlinear
      polarization. The framework is applied to model bistability in a graphene-based
      traveling-wave resonator system exhibiting third-order nonlinearity. We show that
      the complex conductivity of graphene disturbs the equality of electric and
      magnetic energies on resonance (a condition typically taken for granted), due to
      the reactive power associated with the imaginary part of graphene's surface
      conductivity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the dispersive nature of
      conductive materials must always be taken into account, since it significantly
      impacts the nonlinear response. This is explained in terms of the energy stored
      in the surface current, which is zeroed-out when linear dispersion is neglected.
      The results obtained with the proposed framework are compared with full-wave
      nonlinear finite-element simulations with excellent agreement. Very low
      characteristic power for bistability is obtained, indicating the potential of
      graphene for nonlinear applications.

PMID- 28085387
TI  - Diffusion of active chiral particles.
AB  - The diffusion of chiral active Brownian particles in three-dimensional space is
      studied analytically, by consideration of the corresponding Fokker-Planck
      equation for the probability density of finding a particle at position x and
      moving along the direction v[over ] at time t, and numerically, by the use of
      Langevin dynamics simulations. The analysis is focused on the marginal
      probability density of finding a particle at a given location and at a given time
      (independently of its direction of motion), which is found from an infinite
      hierarchy of differential-recurrence relations for the coefficients that appear
      in the multipole expansion of the probability distribution, which contains the
      whole kinematic information. This approach allows the explicit calculation of the
      time dependence of the mean-squared displacement and the time dependence of the
      kurtosis of the marginal probability distribution, quantities from which the
      effective diffusion coefficient and the "shape" of the positions distribution are
      examined. Oscillations between two characteristic values were found in the time
      evolution of the kurtosis, namely, between the value that corresponds to a
      Gaussian and the one that corresponds to a distribution of spherical shell shape.
      In the case of an ensemble of particles, each one rotating around a uniformly
      distributed random axis, evidence is found of the so-called effect "anomalous,
      yet Brownian, diffusion," for which particles follow a non-Gaussian distribution
      for the positions yet the mean-squared displacement is a linear function of time.

PMID- 28085388
TI  - Phase separation transition in a nonconserved two-species model.
AB  - A one-dimensional stochastic exclusion process with two species of particles, +
      and -, is studied where density of each species can fluctuate but the total
      particle density is conserved. From the exact stationary state weights we show
      that, in the limiting case where density of negative particles vanishes, the
      system undergoes a phase separation transition where a macroscopic domain of
      vacancies form in front of a single surviving negative particle. We also show
      that the phase-separated state is associated with a diverging correlation length
      for any density and that the critical exponents characterizing the behavior in
      this region are different from those at the transition line. The static and the
      dynamical critical exponents are obtained from the exact solution and numerical
      simulations, respectively.

PMID- 28085389
TI  - Can phoretic particles swim in two dimensions?
AB  - Artificial phoretic particles swim using self-generated gradients in chemical
      species (self-diffusiophoresis) or charges and currents (self-electrophoresis).
      These particles can be used to study the physics of collective motion in active
      matter and might have promising applications in bioengineering. In the case of
      self-diffusiophoresis, the classical physical model relies on a steady solution
      of the diffusion equation, from which chemical gradients, phoretic flows, and
      ultimately the swimming velocity may be derived. Motivated by disk-shaped
      particles in thin films and under confinement, we examine the extension to two
      dimensions. Because the two-dimensional diffusion equation lacks a steady state
      with the correct boundary conditions, Laplace transforms must be used to study
      the long-time behavior of the problem and determine the swimming velocity. For
      fixed chemical fluxes on the particle surface, we find that the swimming velocity
      ultimately always decays logarithmically in time. In the case of finite Peclet
      numbers, we solve the full advection-diffusion equation numerically and show that
      this decay can be avoided by the particle moving to regions of unconsumed
      reactant. Finite advection thus regularizes the two-dimensional phoretic problem.

PMID- 28085390
TI  - Ring correlations in random networks.
AB  - We examine the correlations between rings in random network glasses in two
      dimensions as a function of their separation. Initially, we use the topological
      separation (measured by the number of intervening rings), but this leads to
      pseudo-long-range correlations due to a lack of topological charge neutrality in
      the shells surrounding a central ring. This effect is associated with the
      noncircular nature of the shells. It is, therefore, necessary to use the
      geometrical distance between ring centers. Hence we find a generalization of the
      Aboav-Weaire law out to larger distances, with the correlations between rings
      decaying away when two rings are more than about three rings apart.

PMID- 28085391
TI  - Emergence and analysis of Kuramoto-Sakaguchi-like models as an effective
      description for the dynamics of coupled Wien-bridge oscillators.
AB  - We derive the Kuramoto-Sakaguchi model from the basic circuit equations governing
      two coupled Wien-bridge oscillators. A Wien-bridge oscillator is a particular
      realization of a tunable autonomous oscillator that makes use of frequency
      filtering (via an RC bandpass filter) and positive feedback (via an operational
      amplifier). In the past few years, such oscillators have started to be utilized
      in synchronization studies. We first show that the Wien-bridge circuit equations
      can be cast in the form of a coupled pair of van der Pol equations. Subsequently,
      by applying the method of multiple time scales, we derive the differential
      equations that govern the slow evolution of the oscillator phases and amplitudes.
      These equations are directly reminiscent of the Kuramoto-Sakaguchi-type models
      for the study of synchronization. We analyze the resulting system in terms of the
      existence and stability of various coupled oscillator solutions and explain on
      that basis how their synchronization emerges. The phase-amplitude equations are
      also compared numerically to the original circuit equations and good agreement is
      found. Finally, we report on experimental measurements of two coupled Wien-bridge
      oscillators and relate the results to the theoretical predictions.

PMID- 28085392
TI  - Erratum: Collective dynamics of soft active particles [Phys. Rev. E 91, 032706
      (2015)].
AB  - This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.91.032706.

PMID- 28085393
TI  - Correlation between temperature variations of static and dynamic properties in
      glass-forming liquids.
AB  - Detailed analysis of the static structure factor S(Q) in several glass-forming
      liquids reveals that the temperature variations of the width of the main
      diffraction peak DeltaQ(T) correlate with the fragility of these liquids. This
      observation suggests a direct connection between rather subtle structural changes
      and sharp slowing down of structural relaxation in glass-forming liquids. We show
      that this observation can be rationalized using the Adam-Gibbs approach, through
      a connection between temperature variations of structural correlation length,
      l_{c}~2pi/DeltaQ, and the size of cooperatively rearranging regions.

PMID- 28085394
TI  - Tuning the phase diagram of colloid-polymer mixtures via Yukawa interactions.
AB  - Theory that predicts the phase behavior of interacting Yukawa spheres in a
      solution containing nonadsorbing polymer is presented. Our approach accounts for
      multiple overlap of depletion zones. It is found that additional Yukawa
      interactions beyond hard core interactions strongly affect the location and
      presence of coexistence regions and phase states. The theoretical phase diagrams
      are compared with Monte Carlo simulations. The agreement between the two
      approaches supports the validity of the theoretical approximations made and
      confirms that, by choosing the parameters of the interaction potentials, tuning
      of the binodals is possible. The critical end point characterizes the phase
      diagram topology. It is demonstrated how an additional Yukawa interaction shifts
      this point with respect to the hard sphere case. Provided a certain depletant-to
      colloid size ratio for which a stable colloidal gas-liquid phase coexistence
      takes place for hard spheres, added direct interactions turn this into a
      metastable gas-liquid equilibrium. The opposite case, the induction of a stable
      gas-liquid coexistence where only fluid-solid was present for hard spheres, is
      also reported.

PMID- 28085395
TI  - Erratum: Numerical computations of the dynamics of fluidic membranes and vesicles
      [Phys. Rev. E 92, 052704 (2015)].
AB  - This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.92.052704.

PMID- 28085396
TI  - Interplay of degree correlations and cluster synchronization.
AB  - We study the evolution of coupled chaotic dynamics on networks and investigate
      the role of degree-degree correlation in the networks' cluster synchronizability.
      We find that an increase in the disassortativity can lead to an increase or a
      decrease in the cluster synchronizability depending on the degree distribution
      and average connectivity of the network. Networks with heterogeneous degree
      distribution exhibit significant changes in cluster synchronizability as well as
      in the phenomena behind cluster synchronization as compared to those of
      homogeneous networks. Interestingly, cluster synchronizability of a network may
      be very different from global synchronizability due to the presence of the driven
      phenomenon behind the cluster formation. Furthermore, we show how degeneracy at
      the zero eigenvalues provides an understanding of the occurrence of the driven
      phenomenon behind the synchronization in disassortative networks. The results
      demonstrate the importance of degree-degree correlations in determining cluster
      synchronization behavior of complex networks and hence have potential
      applications in understanding and predicting dynamical behavior of complex
      systems ranging from brain to social systems.

PMID- 28085397
TI  - Viscoelastic nematodynamics.
AB  - Nematic liquid crystals exhibit both crystallike and fluidlike features. In
      particular, the propagation of an acoustic wave shows an interesting occurrence
      of some of the solidlike features at the hydrodynamic level, namely, the
      frequency-dependent anisotropy of sound velocity and acoustic attenuation. The
      non-Newtonian behavior of nematics also emerges from the frequency-dependent
      viscosity coefficients. To account for these phenomena, we put forward a
      viscoelastic model of nematic liquid crystals, and we extend our previous theory
      to fully include the combined effects of compressibility, anisotropic elasticity,
      and dynamic relaxation, at any shear rate. The low-frequency limit agrees with
      the compressible Ericksen-Leslie theory, while at intermediate frequencies the
      model correctly captures the relaxation mechanisms underlying finite shear and
      bulk elastic moduli. We show that there are only four relaxation times allowed by
      the uniaxial symmetry.

PMID- 28085398
TI  - Critical dynamics on a large human Open Connectome network.
AB  - Extended numerical simulations of threshold models have been performed on a human
      brain network with N=836733 connected nodes available from the Open Connectome
      Project. While in the case of simple threshold models a sharp discontinuous phase
      transition without any critical dynamics arises, variable threshold models
      exhibit extended power-law scaling regions. This is attributed to fact that
      Griffiths effects, stemming from the topological or interaction heterogeneity of
      the network, can become relevant if the input sensitivity of nodes is equalized.
      I have studied the effects of link directness, as well as the consequence of
      inhibitory connections. Nonuniversal power-law avalanche size and time
      distributions have been found with exponents agreeing with the values obtained in
      electrode experiments of the human brain. The dynamical critical region occurs in
      an extended control parameter space without the assumption of self-organized
      criticality.

PMID- 28085399
TI  - Stationary waves on nonlinear quantum graphs. II. Application of canonical
      perturbation theory in basic graph structures.
AB  - We consider exact and asymptotic solutions of the stationary cubic nonlinear
      Schrodinger equation on metric graphs. We focus on some basic example graphs. The
      asymptotic solutions are obtained using the canonical perturbation formalism
      developed in our earlier paper [S. Gnutzmann and D. Waltner, Phys. Rev. E 93,
      032204 (2016)2470-004510.1103/PhysRevE.93.032204]. For closed example graphs
      (interval, ring, star graph, tadpole graph), we calculate spectral curves and
      show how the description of spectra reduces to known characteristic functions of
      linear quantum graphs in the low-intensity limit. Analogously for open examples,
      we show how nonlinear scattering of stationary waves arises and how it reduces to
      known linear scattering amplitudes at low intensities. In the short-wavelength
      asymptotics we discuss how genuine nonlinear effects may be described using the
      leading order of canonical perturbation theory: bifurcation of spectral curves
      (and the corresponding solutions) in closed graphs and multistability in open
      graphs.

PMID- 28085400
TI  - Solitonlike attractor for blood vessel tip density in angiogenesis.
AB  - Recently, numerical simulations of a stochastic model have shown that the density
      of vessel tips in tumor-induced angiogenesis adopts a solitonlike profile [Sci.
      Rep. 6, 31296 (2016)2045-232210.1038/srep31296]. In this work, we derive and
      solve the equations for the soliton collective coordinates that indicate how the
      soliton adapts its shape and velocity to varying chemotaxis and diffusion. The
      vessel tip density can be reconstructed from the soliton formulas. While the
      stochastic model exhibits large fluctuations, we show that the location of the
      maximum vessel tip density for different replicas follows closely the soliton
      peak position calculated either by ensemble averages or by solving an alternative
      deterministic description of the density. The simple soliton collective
      coordinate equations may also be used to ascertain the response of the vessel
      network to changes in the parameters and thus to control it.

PMID- 28085401
TI  - How to connect time-lapse recorded trajectories of motile microorganisms with
      dynamical models in continuous time.
AB  - We provide a tool for data-driven modeling of motility, data being time-lapse
      recorded trajectories. Several mathematical properties of a model to be found can
      be gleaned from appropriate model-independent experimental statistics, if one
      understands how such statistics are distorted by the finite sampling frequency of
      time-lapse recording, by experimental errors on recorded positions, and by
      conditional averaging. We give exact analytical expressions for these effects in
      the simplest possible model for persistent random motion, the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck
      process. Then we describe those aspects of these effects that are valid for any
      reasonable model for persistent random motion. Our findings are illustrated with
      experimental data and Monte Carlo simulations.

PMID- 28085402
TI  - Critical behavior of k-core percolation: Numerical studies.
AB  - k-core percolation has served as a paradigmatic model of discontinuous
      percolation for a long time. Recently it was revealed that the order parameter of
      k-core percolation of random networks additionally exhibits critical behavior.
      Thus k-core percolation exhibits a hybrid phase transition. Unlike the critical
      behaviors of ordinary percolation that are well understood, those of hybrid
      percolation transitions have not been thoroughly understood yet. Here, we
      investigate the critical behavior of k-core percolation of Erdos-Renyi networks.
      We find numerically that the fluctuations of the order parameter and the mean
      avalanche size diverge in different ways. Thus, we classify the critical
      exponents into two types: those associated with the order parameter and those
      with finite avalanches. The conventional scaling relations hold within each set,
      however, these two critical exponents are coupled. Finally we discuss some
      universal features of the critical behaviors of k-core percolation and the
      cascade failure model on multiplex networks.

PMID- 28085403
TI  - Comment on "Finite-size scaling of survival probability in branching processes".
AB  - R. Garcia-Millan et al. [Phys. Rev. E 91, 042122 (2015)PLEEE81539
      375510.1103/PhysRevE.91.042122] reported a universal finite-size scaling form of
      the survival probability in discrete time branching processes. In this comment,
      we generalize the argument to a wide range of continuous time branching
      processes. Owing to the continuity, the resulting differential (rather than
      difference) equations can be solved in closed form, rendering some approximations
      by R. Garcia-Millan et al. superfluous, although we work along similar lines. In
      the case of binary branching, our results are in fact exact. Demonstrating that
      discrete time and continuous time models have their leading order asymptotics in
      common, raises the question to what extent corrections are identical.

PMID- 28085404
TI  - Parsimonious modeling with information filtering networks.
AB  - We introduce a methodology to construct parsimonious probabilistic models. This
      method makes use of information filtering networks to produce a robust estimate
      of the global sparse inverse covariance from a simple sum of local inverse
      covariances computed on small subparts of the network. Being based on local and
      low-dimensional inversions, this method is computationally very efficient and
      statistically robust, even for the estimation of inverse covariance of high
      dimensional, noisy, and short time series. Applied to financial data our method
      results are computationally more efficient than state-of-the-art methodologies
      such as Glasso producing, in a fraction of the computation time, models that can
      have equivalent or better performances but with a sparser inference structure. We
      also discuss performances with sparse factor models where we notice that relative
      performances decrease with the number of factors. The local nature of this
      approach allows us to perform computations in parallel and provides a tool for
      dynamical adaptation by partial updating when the properties of some variables
      change without the need of recomputing the whole model. This makes this approach
      particularly suitable to handle big data sets with large numbers of variables.
      Examples of practical application for forecasting, stress testing, and risk
      allocation in financial systems are also provided.

PMID- 28085405
TI  - Energy spectrum of a Langevin oscillator.
AB  - We derive analytical solutions for the autocorrelation and cross-correlation
      functions of the kinetic, potential, and total energy of a Langevin oscillator.
      These functions are presented in both the time and frequency domains and
      validated by independent numerical simulations. The results are applied to
      address the long-standing issue of temperature fluctuations in canonical systems.

PMID- 28085406
TI  - Fronts under arrest: Nonlocal boundary dynamics in biology.
AB  - We introduce a minimal geometric partial differential equation framework to
      understand pattern formation from interacting, counterpropagating fronts. Our
      approach concentrates on the interfaces between different states in a system, and
      relies on both nonlocal interactions and mean-curvature flow to track their
      evolution. As an illustration, we use this approach to describe a phenomenon in
      bacterial colony formation wherein sibling colonies can arrest each other's
      growth. This arrested motion leads to static separations between healthy, growing
      colonies. As our minimal model faithfully recovers the geometry of these
      competing colonies, it captures and elucidates the key leading-order mechanisms
      responsible for such patterned growth.

PMID- 28085407
TI  - Empty smectic liquid crystals of hard nanorings: Insights from a second-virial
      theory.
AB  - Inspired by recent simulations on highly open liquid crystalline structures
      formed by rigid planar nanorings, we present a simple theoretical framework
      explaining the prevalence of smectic over nematic ordering in systems of ring
      shaped objects. The key part of our study is a calculation of the excluded volume
      of such nonconvex particles in the limit of vanishing thickness to diameter
      ratio. Using a simple stability analysis we then show that dilute systems of ring
      shaped particles have a strong propensity to order into smectic structures with
      an unusual antinematic order while solid disks of the same dimensions exhibit
      nematic order. Since our model rings have zero internal volume, these smectic
      structures are essentially empty, resembling the strongly porous structures found
      in simulation. We argue that the antinematic intralamellar order of the rings
      plays an essential role in stabilizing these smectic structures.

PMID- 28085408
TI  - Spectral energy cascade of body rotations and oscillations under turbulence.
AB  - The rotation of rigid bodies and oscillation of flexible structures under
      turbulence are described and characterized in the spectral domain. Laboratory
      experiments combined with theory are used to unravel and explain the
      characteristic power-law decay of the spectrum of rotation and oscillation of
      simple structures. It is shown that the energy-containing eddies and inertial
      subrange of the incoming velocity spectrum strongly modulate the unsteady motions
      of structures. The spectra of the rotation and oscillation of the structures
      exhibit distinctive power-law decays f^{+2} and f^{-5/3-2} in the comparatively
      low- and high-frequency regions. The range of these regions depends on the
      phenomenon triggering the motions, i.e., thrust or vortex-induced motions.

PMID- 28085409
TI  - Experimental study of energy exchanges between two coupled granular gases.
AB  - We report on the energy exchanges between two granular gases of different
      densities coupled electromechanically by immersed blades attached to dc motors.
      Zeroing the energy flux between the two subsystems, we demonstrate that an
      immersed blade is a convenient way to assess the properties of the granular
      gases, provided that the dissipation in the motor is properly taken into account.
      In addition, when the two gases have different densities, the fluctuations of the
      energy flux are asymmetric, very intermittent, and with most probable zero flux.
      We show that, for weak coupling, the main features of the energy exchanges can be
      explained considering the fluctuations of the two subsystems.

PMID- 28085410
TI  - Instability to a heterogeneous oscillatory state in randomly connected recurrent
      networks with delayed interactions.
AB  - Oscillatory dynamics are ubiquitous in biological networks. Possible sources of
      oscillations are well understood in low-dimensional systems but have not been
      fully explored in high-dimensional networks. Here we study large networks
      consisting of randomly coupled rate units. We identify a type of bifurcation in
      which a continuous part of the eigenvalue spectrum of the linear stability matrix
      crosses the instability line at nonzero frequency. This bifurcation occurs when
      the interactions are delayed and partially antisymmetric and leads to a
      heterogeneous oscillatory state in which oscillations are apparent in the
      activity of individual units but not on the population-average level.

PMID- 28085411
TI  - Shape transitions during clathrin-induced endocytosis.
AB  - Endocytosis is among the most common transport mechanisms which cells employ to
      receive macromolecules, the so-called cargo, from its extra cellular environment.
      Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), in particular, involves the cytoplasmic
      protein clathrin which induces formation and internalization of clathrin-coated
      membrane buds that contain extra-cellular cargo. Decades of experimental work
      have established that the morphology of the clathrin coat evolves with time and
      induces its curvature on the membrane bud; but energetics of the process remain
      unclear. Recent experiments by Avinoam et al. [Science 348, 1369 (2015)SCIEAS0036
      807510.1126/science.aaa9555] reported that the area of the clathrin coat remains
      fixed while its curvature increases with time and also the clathrin molecules in
      the coat turn over rapidly. We show that these observations challenge existing
      models of coated membrane bud formation. We analyze their data to bring out
      certain features consistent with the underlying lattice structure of the coat. We
      hypothesize that membrane curvature inhibits clathrin deposition and propose a
      kinetic model that explains the area distribution of clathrin coats. We also show
      that their data on shape evolution of the coated membrane bud can be
      approximately understood from simple geometric considerations. However, the
      energetics of the coat formation which controls the kinetics of the process
      remains a puzzle.

PMID- 28085412
TI  - Phase-flip and oscillation-quenching-state transitions through environmental
      diffusive coupling.
AB  - We study the dynamics of nonlinear oscillators coupled through environmental
      diffusive coupling. The interaction between the dynamical systems is maintained
      through its agents which, in turn, interact globally with each other in the
      common dynamical environment. We show that this form of coupling scheme can
      induce an important transition like phase-flip transition as well transitions
      among oscillation quenching states in identical limit-cycle oscillators. This
      behavior is analyzed in the parameter plane by analytical and numerical studies
      of specific cases of the Stuart-Landau oscillator and van der Pol oscillator.
      Experimental evidences of the phase-flip transition and quenching states are
      shown using an electronic version of the van der Pol oscillators.

PMID- 28085413
TI  - Dynamics of comb-of-comb-network polymers in random layered flows.
AB  - We analyze the dynamics of comb-of-comb-network polymers in the presence of
      external random flows. The dynamics of such structures is evaluated through
      relevant physical quantities, viz., average square displacement (ASD) and the
      velocity autocorrelation function (VACF). We focus on comparing the dynamics of
      the comb-of-comb network with the linear polymer. The present work displays an
      anomalous diffusive behavior of this flexible network in the random layered
      flows. The effect of the polymer topology on the dynamics is analyzed by varying
      the number of generations and branch lengths in these networks. In addition, we
      investigate the influence of external flow on the dynamics by varying flow
      parameters, like the flow exponent alpha and flow strength W_{alpha}. Our
      analysis highlights two anomalous power-law regimes, viz., subdiffusive
      (intermediate-time polymer stretching and flow-induced diffusion) and
      superdiffusive (long-time flow-induced diffusion). The anomalous long-time
      dynamics is governed by the temporal exponent nu of ASD, viz., nu=2-alpha/2.
      Compared to a linear polymer, the comb-of-comb network shows a shorter crossover
      time (from the subdiffusive to superdiffusive regime) but a reduced magnitude of
      ASD. Our theory displays an anomalous VACF in the random layered flows that
      scales as t^{-alpha/2}. We show that the network with greater total mass moves
      faster.

PMID- 28085414
TI  - Shear-induced solidification of athermal systems with weak attraction.
AB  - We find that unjammed packings of frictionless particles with rather weak
      attraction can always be driven into solidlike states by shear. The structure of
      shear-driven solids evolves continuously with packing fraction from gel-like to
      jamminglike, but is almost independent of the shear stress. In contrast, both the
      density of vibrational states (DOVS) and force network evolve progressively with
      the shear stress. There exists a packing fraction independent shear stress
      sigma_{c}, at which the shear-driven solids are isostatic and have a flattened
      DOVS. Solidlike states induced by a shear stress greater than sigma_{c} possess
      properties of marginally jammed solids and are thus strictly defined shear jammed
      states. Below sigma_{c}, shear-driven solids with rather different structures are
      all under isostaticity and share common features in the DOVS and force network.
      Our study leads to a jamming phase diagram for weakly attractive particles, which
      reveals the significance of the shear stress in determining properties of shear
      driven solids and the connections and distinctions between jamminglike and gel
      like states.

PMID- 28085415
TI  - Correlated and cooperative motions in segmental relaxation: Influence of
      constitutive unit weight and intermolecular interactions.
AB  - This work clarifies the notion of correlated and cooperative motions appearing
      during the alpha-relaxation process through the role of the molecular weight of
      the constitutive units and of the interchain dipolar interactions. By studying
      amorphous copolymers of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) with different vinyl
      acetate contents, we show that the correlated motions are not sensitive to the
      interchain dipolar interactions, in contrast to the cooperative motions, which
      increase with a strengthening of the intermolecular interactions for this sample
      family. Concerning the influence of the molecular weight m_{0}, the notion of
      "correlated motions" seems to be equivalent to the notion of "cooperative
      motions" only for low m_{0} systems.

PMID- 28085416
TI  - Exact probability distribution functions for Parrondo's games.
AB  - We study the discrete time dynamics of Brownian ratchet models and Parrondo's
      games. Using the Fourier transform, we calculate the exact probability
      distribution functions for both the capital dependent and history dependent
      Parrondo's games. In certain cases we find strong oscillations near the maximum
      of the probability distribution with two limiting distributions for odd and even
      number of rounds of the game. Indications of such oscillations first appeared in
      the analysis of real financial data, but now we have found this phenomenon in
      model systems and a theoretical understanding of the phenomenon. The method of
      our work can be applied to Brownian ratchets, molecular motors, and portfolio
      optimization.

PMID- 28085417
TI  - From degree-correlated to payoff-correlated activity for an optimal resolution of
      social dilemmas.
AB  - An active participation of players in evolutionary games depends on several
      factors, ranging from personal stakes to the properties of the interaction
      network. Diverse activity patterns thus have to be taken into account when
      studying the evolution of cooperation in social dilemmas. Here we study the weak
      prisoner's dilemma game, where the activity of each player is determined in a
      probabilistic manner either by its degree or by its payoff. While degree
      correlated activity introduces cascading failures of cooperation that are
      particularly severe on scale-free networks with frequently inactive hubs, payoff
      correlated activity provides a more nuanced activity profile, which ultimately
      hinders systemic breakdowns of cooperation. To determine optimal conditions for
      the evolution of cooperation, we introduce an exponential decay to payoff
      correlated activity that determines how fast the activity of a player returns to
      its default state. We show that there exists an intermediate decay rate at which
      the resolution of the social dilemma is optimal. This can be explained by the
      emerging activity patterns of players, where the inactivity of hubs is
      compensated effectively by the increased activity of average-degree players, who
      through their collective influence in the network sustain a higher level of
      cooperation. The sudden drops in the fraction of cooperators observed with degree
      correlated activity therefore vanish, and so does the need for the lengthy
      spatiotemporal reorganization of compact cooperative clusters. The absence of
      such asymmetric dynamic instabilities thus leads to an optimal resolution of
      social dilemmas, especially when the conditions for the evolution of cooperation
      are strongly adverse.

PMID- 28085418
TI  - Packing of nonoverlapping cubic particles: Computational algorithms and
      microstructural characteristics.
AB  - Packing of cubic particles arises in a variety of problems, ranging from
      biological materials to colloids and the fabrication of new types of porous
      materials with controlled morphology. The properties of such packings may also be
      relevant to problems involving suspensions of cubic zeolites, precipitation of
      salt crystals during CO_{2} sequestration in rock, and intrusion of fresh water
      in aquifers by saline water. Not much is known, however, about the structure and
      statistical descriptors of such packings. We present a detailed simulation and
      microstructural characterization of packings of nonoverlapping monodisperse cubic
      particles, following up on our preliminary results [H. Malmir et al., Sci. Rep.
      6, 35024 (2016)2045-232210.1038/srep35024]. A modification of the random
      sequential addition (RSA) algorithm has been developed to generate such packings,
      and a variety of microstructural descriptors, including the radial distribution
      function, the face-normal correlation function, two-point probability and cluster
      functions, the lineal-path function, the pore-size distribution function, and
      surface-surface and surface-void correlation functions, have been computed, along
      with the specific surface and mean chord length of the packings. The results
      indicate the existence of both spatial and orientational long-range order as the
      the packing density increases. The maximum packing fraction achievable with the
      RSA method is about 0.57, which represents the limit for a structure similar to
      liquid crystals.

PMID- 28085419
TI  - Thermal effects in dislocation theory.
AB  - The mechanical behaviors of polycrystalline solids are determined by the
      interplay between phenomena governed by two different thermodynamic temperatures:
      the configurational effective temperature that controls the density of
      dislocations, and the ordinary kinetic-vibrational temperature that controls
      activated depinning mechanisms and thus deformation rates. This paper contains a
      review of the effective-temperature theory and its relation to conventional
      dislocation theories. It includes a simple illustration of how these two thermal
      effects can combine to produce a predictive theory of spatial heterogeneities
      such as shear-banding instabilities. Its main message is a plea that conventional
      dislocation theories be reformulated in a thermodynamically consistent way so
      that the vast array of observed behaviors can be understood systematically.

PMID- 28085420
TI  - Theory of terahertz emission from femtosecond-laser-induced microplasmas.
AB  - We present a theoretical investigation of terahertz (THz) generation in laser
      induced gas plasmas. The work is strongly motivated by recent experimental
      results on microplasmas, but our general findings are not limited to such a
      configuration. The electrons and ions are created by tunnel ionization of neutral
      atoms, and the resulting plasma is heated by collisions. Electrons are driven by
      electromagnetic, convective, and diffusive sources and produce a macroscopic
      current which is responsible for THz emission. The model naturally includes both
      ionization current and transition-Cherenkov mechanisms for THz emission, which
      are usually investigated separately in the literature. The latter mechanism is
      shown to dominate for single-color multicycle laser pulses, where the observed
      THz radiation originates from longitudinal electron currents. However, we find
      that the often discussed oscillations at the plasma frequency do not contribute
      to the THz emission spectrum. In order to predict the scaling of the conversion
      efficiency with pulse energy and focusing conditions, we propose a simplified
      description that is in excellent agreement with rigorous particle-in-cell
      simulations.

PMID- 28085421
TI  - Monte Carlo simulation of evaporation-driven self-assembly in suspensions of
      colloidal rods.
AB  - The vertical drying of a colloidal film containing rodlike particles was studied
      by means of kinetic Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. The problem was approached using
      a two-dimensional square lattice, and the rods were represented as linear k-mers
      (i.e., particles occupying k adjacent sites). The initial state before drying was
      produced using a model of random sequential adsorption (RSA) with isotropic
      orientations of the k-mers (orientation of the k-mers along horizontal x and
      vertical y directions are equiprobable). In the RSA model, overlapping of the k
      mers is forbidden. During the evaporation, an upper interface falls with a linear
      velocity of u in the vertical direction and the k-mers undergo translation
      Brownian motion. The MC simulations were run at different initial concentrations,
      p_{i}, (p_{i}?[0,p_{j}], where p_{j} is the jamming concentration), lengths of k
      mers (k?[1,12]), and solvent evaporation rates, u. For completely dried films,
      the spatial distributions of k-mers and their electrical conductivities in both x
      and y directions were examined. Significant evaporation-driven self-assembly and
      orientation stratification of the k-mers oriented along the x and y directions
      were observed. The extent of stratification increased with increasing value of k.
      The anisotropy of the electrical conductivity of the film can be finely regulated
      by changes in the values of p_{i}, k, and u.

PMID- 28085422
TI  - Interaction between Lienard and Ikeda dynamics in a nonlinear electro-optical
      oscillator with delayed bandpass feedback.
AB  - We report on experimental and theoretical analysis of the complex dynamics
      generated by a nonlinear time-delayed electro-optic bandpass oscillator. We
      investigate the interaction between the slow- and fast-scale dynamics of
      autonomous oscillations in the breather regime. We analyze in detail the coupling
      between the fast-scale behavior associated to a characteristic low-pass Ikeda
      behavior and the slow-scale dynamics associated to a Lienard limit-cycle.
      Finally, we show that when projected onto a two-dimensional phase space, the
      attractors corresponding to periodic and chaotic breathers display a spiral-like
      pattern, which strongly depends on the shape of the nonlinear function.

PMID- 28085423
TI  - Stochastic epidemic dynamics on extremely heterogeneous networks.
AB  - Networks of contacts capable of spreading infectious diseases are often observed
      to be highly heterogeneous, with the majority of individuals having fewer
      contacts than the mean, and a significant minority having relatively very many
      contacts. We derive a two-dimensional diffusion model for the full temporal
      behavior of the stochastic susceptible-infectious-recovered (SIR) model on such a
      network, by making use of a time-scale separation in the deterministic limit of
      the dynamics. This low-dimensional process is an accurate approximation to the
      full model in the limit of large populations, even for cases when the time-scale
      separation is not too pronounced, provided the maximum degree is not of the order
      of the population size.

PMID- 28085425
TI  - Time-dependent cavitation in a viscous fluid.
AB  - Kinetics of nucleation and growth of empty bubbles in a nonvolatile
      incompressible fluid under negative pressure is considered within the generalized
      Zeldovich framework. The transient matched asymptotic solution obtained earlier
      for predominantly viscous nucleation is used to evaluate the distribution of
      growing cavities over sizes. Inertial effects described by the Rayleigh-Plesset
      equation are further included. The distributions are used to estimate the volume
      occupied by cavities, which leads to increase of pressure and eventual self
      quenching of nucleation. Numerical solutions are obtained and compared with
      analytics. Due to rapid expansion of cavities the conventional separation of the
      nucleation and the growth time scales can be less distinct, which increases the
      role of transient effects. In particular, in the case of dominant viscosity a
      typical power-law tail of the quasistationary distribution is replaced by a time
      dependent exponential tail. For fluids of the glycerin type such distributions
      can extend into the micrometer region, while in low-viscosity liquids (water,
      mercury) exponential distributions are short lived and are restricted to
      nanometer scales due to inertial effects.

PMID- 28085424
TI  - Rotational tumbling of Escherichia coli aggregates under shear.
AB  - Growing living cultures of Escherichia coli bacteria are investigated using real
      time in situ rheology and rheoimaging measurements. In the early stages of growth
      (lag phase) and when subjected to a constant stationary shear, the viscosity
      slowly increases with the cell's population. As the bacteria reach the
      exponential phase of growth, the viscosity increases rapidly, with sudden and
      temporary abrupt decreases and recoveries. At a certain stage, corresponding
      grossly to the late phase of growth, when the population stabilizes, the
      viscosity also keeps its maximum constant value, with drops and recoveries, for a
      long period of time. This complex rheological behavior, which is observed to be
      shear strain dependent, is a consequence of two coupled effects: the cell density
      continuous increase and its changing interacting properties. Particular attention
      is given to the late phase of growth of E. coli populations under shear.
      Rheoimaging measurements reveal, near the static plate, a rotational motion of E.
      coli aggregates, collectively tumbling and flowing in the shear direction. This
      behavior is interpreted in the light of a simple theoretical approach based on
      simple rigid body mechanics.

PMID- 28085426
TI  - Dynamics of phase oscillators with generalized frequency-weighted coupling.
AB  - Heterogeneous coupling patterns among interacting elements are ubiquitous in real
      systems ranging from physics, chemistry to biology communities, which have
      attracted much attention during recent years. In this paper, we extend the
      Kuramoto model by considering a particular heterogeneous coupling scheme in an
      ensemble of phase oscillators, where each oscillator pair interacts with
      different coupling strength that is weighted by a general function of the natural
      frequency. The Kuramoto theory for the transition to synchronization can be
      explicitly generalized, such as the expression for the critical coupling
      strength. Also, a self-consistency approach is developed to predict the
      stationary states in the thermodynamic limit. Moreover, Landau damping effects
      are further revealed by means of linear stability analysis and resonance poles
      theory below the critical threshold, which turns to be far more generic. Our
      theoretical analysis and numerical results are consistent with each other, which
      can help us understand the synchronization transition in general networks with
      heterogenous couplings.

PMID- 28085427
TI  - Effect of fluid inertia on the motion of a collinear swimmer.
AB  - The swimming of a two-sphere system and of a three-sphere chain in an
      incompressible viscous fluid is studied on the basis of simplified equations of
      motion which take account of both Stokes friction and added mass effects. The
      analysis is based on an explicit expression for the asymptotic periodic swimming
      velocity and a corresponding evaluation of the mean rate of dissipation. The mean
      swimming velocity of the two-sphere system is found to be nonvanishing provided
      that the two spheres are not identical. The swimming of a comparable chain of
      three identical spheres is much more efficient.

PMID- 28085428
TI  - Reply to "Comment on 'Critical wind speed at which trees break' ".
AB  - In the preceding comment [A. Albrecht et al., Phys. Rev. E 94, 067001
      (2016)10.1103/PhysRevE.94.067001], Albrecht et al. argue that important
      biomechanical ingredients are missing in our model about the wind speed at which
      trees break [Phys. Rev. E 93, 023001 (2016)10.1103/PhysRevE.93.023001]. Here we
      wish to emphasize that our model is an idealization, which primarily aims at
      evidencing the dominant ingredients of the problem. Since it captures both
      observed trends and orders of magnitude, we believe that the essential parameters
      in tree breakage have been identified, a useful step to make further progress and
      more detailed descriptions.

PMID- 28085429
TI  - Oscillation-induced sand dunes in a liquid-filled rotating cylinder.
AB  - The dynamics of granular medium in a liquid-filled horizontal cylinder with a
      time-varying rotation rate is experimentally studied. When the cylinder is purely
      rotated, the granular medium develops an annular layer near the cylindrical wall.
      The interface between fluid and sand is smooth and axisymmetric. The time
      variation of the rotation rate initiates the azimuthal oscillation of the liquid
      in the cylinder's frame of reference and provokes the onset of quasisteady relief
      in the form of regular dunes. The stability of the axisymmetric sand surface and
      dynamics of regular dunes are examined. It is found that the ripple formation is
      provoked by the quasisteady instability of the Stokes boundary layer. In the
      range of high Reynolds numbers, the ripple formation occurs at a constant
      critical Shields number theta_{c}?0.05. The spatial period of the relief is not
      sensitive to the fluid viscosity and granule diameter; it is determined by the
      amplitude of oscillation and ratio between the oscillation frequency and mean
      rotation rate. Long-term experiments show that there are forward and backward
      azimuthal drifts of dunes. An initial analysis of the issues related to the dune
      migration is provided.

PMID- 28085431
TI  - Negative pressure in shear thickening band of a dilatant fluid.
AB  - We perform experiments and numerical simulations to investigate spatial
      distribution of pressure in a sheared dilatant fluid of the Taylor-Couette flow
      under a constant external shear stress. In a certain range of shear stress, the
      flow undergoes the shear thickening oscillation around 20 Hz. We find that,
      during the oscillation, a localized thickened band rotates around the axis with
      the flow. Based upon experiments and numerical simulations, we show that a major
      part of the thickened band is under negative pressure even in the case of
      discontinuous shear thickening, which indicates that the thickening is caused by
      Reynolds dilatancy; the dilatancy causes the negative pressure in interstitial
      fluid, which generates contact structure in the granular medium, then frictional
      resistance hinders rearrangement of the structure and solidifies the medium.

PMID- 28085430
TI  - Compensatory interactions to stabilize multiple steady states or mitigate the
      effects of multiple deregulations in biological networks.
AB  - Complex diseases can be modeled as damage to intracellular networks that results
      in abnormal cell behaviors. Network-based dynamic models such as Boolean models
      have been employed to model a variety of biological systems including those
      corresponding to disease. Previous work designed compensatory interactions to
      stabilize an attractor of a Boolean network after single node damage. We
      generalize this method to a multinode damage scenario and to the simultaneous
      stabilization of multiple steady state attractors. We classify the emergent
      situations, with a special focus on combinatorial effects, and characterize each
      class through simulation. We explore how the structural and functional properties
      of the network affect its resilience and its possible repair scenarios. We
      demonstrate the method's applicability to two intracellular network models
      relevant to cancer. This work has implications in designing prevention strategies
      for complex disease.

PMID- 28085432
TI  - Passive swimming in viscous oscillatory flows.
AB  - Fluid-based locomotion at low Reynolds number is subject to the constraints of
      Purcell's scallop theorem: reciprocal shape kinematics identical under a time
      reversal symmetry cannot cause locomotion. In particular, a single degree-of
      freedom scallop undergoing opening and closing motions cannot swim. Most
      strategies for symmetry breaking and locomotion rely on direct control of the
      swimmer's shape kinematics. Less is known about indirect control via actuation of
      the fluid medium. To address how such indirect actuation strategies can lead to
      locomotion, we analyze a Lambda-shaped model system analogous to Purcell's
      scallop but able to deform passively in oscillatory flows. Neutrally buoyant
      scallops undergo no net locomotion. We show that dense, elastic scallops can
      exhibit passive locomotion in zero-mean oscillatory flows. We examine the
      efficiency of swimming parallel to the background flow and analyze the stability
      of these motions. We observe transitions from stable to unstable swimming,
      including ordered transitions from fluttering to chaoticlike motions and
      tumbling. Our results demonstrate that flow oscillations can be used to passively
      actuate and control the motion of microswimmers, which may be relevant to
      applications such as surgical robots and cell sorting and manipulation in
      microfluidic devices.

PMID- 28085433
TI  - Contact changes of sheared systems: Scaling, correlations, and mechanisms.
AB  - We probe the onset and effect of contact changes in two-dimensional soft harmonic
      particle packings which are sheared quasistatically under controlled strain.
      First, we show that, in the majority of cases, the first contact changes
      correspond to the creation or breaking of contacts on a single particle, with
      contact breaking overwhelmingly likely for low pressures and/or small systems,
      and contact making and breaking equally likely for large pressures and in the
      thermodynamic limit. The statistics of the corresponding strains are near
      Poissonian, in particular for large-enough systems. The mean characteristic
      strains exhibit scaling with the number of particles N and pressure P and reveal
      the existence of finite-size effects akin to those seen for linear response
      quantities [C. P. Goodrich et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 095704 (2012)PRLTAO0031
      900710.1103/PhysRevLett.109.095704; C. P. Goodrich et al., Phys. Rev. E 90,
      022138 (2014)].PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.90.022138 Second, we show that
      linear response accurately predicts the strains of the first contact changes,
      which allows us to accurately study the scaling of the characteristic strains of
      making and breaking contacts separately. Both of these show finite-size scaling,
      and we formulate scaling arguments that are consistent with the observed
      behavior. Third, we probe the effect of the first contact change on the shear
      modulus G and show in detail how the variation of G remains smooth and bounded in
      the large-system-size limit: Even though contact changes occur then at
      vanishingly small strains, their cumulative effect, even at a fixed value of the
      strain, are limited, so, effectively, linear response remains well defined.
      Fourth, we explore multiple contact changes under shear and find strong and
      surprising correlations between alternating making and breaking events. Fifth, we
      show that by making a link with extremal statistics, our data are consistent with
      a very slow crossover to self-averaging with system size, so the thermodynamic
      limit is reached much more slowly than expected based on finite-size scaling of
      elastic quantities or contact breaking strains.

PMID- 28085434
TI  - Strength of anisotropy in a granular material: Linear versus nonlinear contact
      model.
AB  - In this paper, we deal with anisotropy in an idealized granular material made of
      a collection of frictional, elastic, contacting particles. We present a
      theoretical analysis for an aggregate of particles isotropically compressed and
      then sheared, in which two possible contacts laws between particles are
      considered: a linear contact law, where the contact stiffness is constant; and a
      nonlinear contact law, where the contact stiffness depends on the overlapping
      between particles. In the former case the anisotropy observed in the aggregate is
      associated with particle arrangement. In fact, although the aggregate is
      initially characterized by an isotropic network of contacts, during the loading,
      an anisotropic texture develops, which is measured by a fabric tensor. With a
      nonlinear contact law it is possible to develop anisotropy because contacting
      stiffnesses are different, depending on the orientation of the contact vectors
      with respect to the axis of the applied deformation. We find that before the peak
      load is reached, an aggregate made of particles with a linear contact law
      develops a much smaller anisotropy compared with that of an aggregate with a
      nonlinear law.

PMID- 28085435
TI  - Harvesting wind energy to detect weak signals using mechanical stochastic
      resonance.
AB  - Wind is free and ubiquitous and can be harnessed in multiple ways. We demonstrate
      mechanical stochastic resonance in a tabletop experiment in which wind energy is
      harvested to amplify weak periodic signals detected via the movement of an
      inverted pendulum. Unlike earlier mechanical stochastic resonance experiments,
      where noise was added via electrically driven vibrations, our broad-spectrum
      noise source is a single flapping flag. The regime of the experiment is readily
      accessible, with wind speeds ~20 m/s and signal frequencies ~1 Hz. We readily
      obtain signal-to-noise ratios on the order of 10 dB.

PMID- 28085436
TI  - Response to a periodic stimulus in a perfect integrate-and-fire neuron model
      driven by colored noise.
AB  - The output interspike interval statistics of a stochastic perfect integrate-and
      fire neuron model driven by an additive exogenous periodic stimulus is
      considered. The effect of temporally correlated random activity of synaptic
      inputs is modeled by an additive symmetric dichotomous noise. Using a first
      passage-time formulation, exact expressions for the output interspike interval
      density and for the serial correlation coefficient are derived in the nonsteady
      regime, and their dependence on input parameters (e.g., the noise correlation
      time and amplitude as well as the frequency of an input current) is analyzed. It
      is shown that an interplay of a periodic forcing and colored noise can cause a
      variety of nonequilibrium cooperation effects, such as sign reversals of the
      interspike interval correlations versus noise-switching rate as well as versus
      the frequency of periodic forcing, a power-law-like decay of oscillations of the
      serial correlation coefficients in the long-lag limit, amplification of the
      output signal modulation in the instantaneous firing rate of the neural response,
      etc. The features of spike statistics in the limits of slow and fast noises are
      also discussed.

PMID- 28085437
TI  - Lagrangian coherent structures during combustion instability in a premixed-flame
      backward-step combustor.
AB  - This paper quantitatively examines the occurrence of large-scale coherent
      structures in the flow field during combustion instability in comparison with the
      flow-combustion-acoustic system when it is stable. For this purpose, the features
      in the recirculation zone of the confined flow past a backward-facing step are
      studied in terms of Lagrangian coherent structures. The experiments are conducted
      at a Reynolds number of 18600 and an equivalence ratio of 0.9 of the premixed
      fuel-air mixture for two combustor lengths, the long duct corresponding to
      instability and the short one to the stable case. Simultaneous measurements of
      the velocity field using time-resolved particle image velocimetry and the CH^{*}
      chemiluminescence of the flame along with pressure time traces are obtained. The
      extracted ridges of the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) fields delineate
      dynamically distinct regions of the flow field. The presence of large-scale
      vortical structures and their modulation over different time instants are well
      captured by the FTLE ridges for the long combustor where high-amplitude acoustic
      oscillations are self-excited. In contrast, small-scale vortices signifying
      Kelvin-Helmholtz instability are observed in the short duct case. Saddle-type
      flow features are found to separate the distinct flow structures for both
      combustor lengths. The FTLE ridges are found to align with the flame boundaries
      in the upstream regions, whereas farther downstream, the alignment is weaker due
      to dilatation of the flow by the flame's heat release. Specifically, the FTLE
      ridges encompass the flame curl-up for both the combustor lengths, and thus act
      as the surrogate flame boundaries. The flame is found to propagate upstream from
      an earlier vortex roll-up to a newer one along the backward-time FTLE ridge
      connecting the two structures.

PMID- 28085438
TI  - Numerical simulations of the Princeton magnetorotational instability experiment
      with conducting axial boundaries.
AB  - We investigate numerically the Princeton magnetorotational instability (MRI)
      experiment and the effect of conducting axial boundaries or endcaps. MRI is
      identified and found to reach a much higher saturation than for insulating
      endcaps. This is probably due to stronger driving of the base flow by the
      magnetically rather than viscously coupled boundaries. Although the computations
      are necessarily limited to lower Reynolds numbers (Re) than their experimental
      counterparts, it appears that the saturation level becomes independent of Re when
      Re is sufficiently large, whereas it has been found previously to decrease
      roughly as Re^{-1/4} with insulating endcaps. The much higher saturation levels
      will allow for the positive detection of MRI beyond its theoretical and numerical
      predictions.

PMID- 28085439
TI  - Stiffer double-stranded DNA in two-dimensional confinement due to bending
      anisotropy.
AB  - Using analytical approach and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, we study the elastic
      behavior of the intrinsically twisted elastic ribbons with bending anisotropy,
      such as double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), in two-dimensional (2D) confinement. We show
      that, due to the bending anisotropy, the persistence length of dsDNA in 2D
      conformations is always greater than three-dimensional (3D) conformations. This
      result is in consistence with the measured values for DNA persistence length in
      2D and 3D in equal biological conditions. We also show that in two dimensions, an
      anisotropic, intrinsically twisted polymer exhibits an implicit twist-bend
      coupling, which leads to the transient curvature increasing with a half helical
      turn periodicity along the bent polymer.

PMID- 28085440
TI  - Ensemble-free configurational temperature for spin systems.
AB  - An estimator for the dynamical temperature in an arbitrary ensemble is derived in
      the framework of the conjugate variables theorem. We prove directly that its
      average indeed gives the inverse temperature and that it is independent of the
      ensemble. We test this estimator numerically by a simulation of the two
      dimensional XY model in the canonical ensemble. As this model is critical in the
      whole region of temperatures below the Berezinski-Kosterlitz-Thouless critical
      temperature T_{BKT}, we use a generalization of Wolff's unicluster algorithm. The
      numerical results allow us to confirm the robustness of the analytical expression
      for the microscopic estimator of the temperature. This microscopic estimator has
      also the advantage that it gives a direct measure of the thermalization process
      and can be used to compute absolute errors associated with statistical
      fluctuations. In consequence, this estimator allows for a direct, absolute, and
      stringent test of the ergodicity of the underlying Markov process, which encodes
      the algorithm used in a numerical simulation.

PMID- 28085441
TI  - Publisher's Note: Cascading failures in interdependent networks with finite
      functional components [Phys. Rev. E 94, 042304 (2016)].
AB  - This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.94.042304.

PMID- 28085442
TI  - Discontinuous thinning in active microrheology of soft complex matter.
AB  - Employing theory and numerical simulations, we demonstrate discontinuous force
      thinning due to the driven motion of an external probe in a host medium. We
      consider two cases: an ideal structureless medium (modeling ultrasoft materials
      such as polymer melts) and a dilute bath of interacting repulsive particles. When
      the driving of the probe exceeds a critical force, the microviscosity of the
      medium drops abruptly by about an order of magnitude. This phenomenon occurs for
      strong attractive interactions between a large probe and a sufficiently dense
      host medium.

PMID- 28085443
TI  - Spatial dispersal of bacterial colonies induces a dynamical transition from local
      to global quorum sensing.
AB  - Bacteria communicate using external chemical signals called autoinducers (AI) in
      a process known as quorum sensing (QS). QS efficiency is reduced by both
      limitations of AI diffusion and potential interference from neighboring strains.
      There is thus a need for predictive theories of how spatial community structure
      shapes information processing in complex microbial ecosystems. As a step in this
      direction, we apply a reaction-diffusion model to study autoinducer signaling
      dynamics in a single-species community as a function of the spatial distribution
      of colonies in the system. We predict a dynamical transition between a local
      quorum sensing (LQS) regime, with the AI signaling dynamics primarily controlled
      by the local population densities of individual colonies, and a global quorum
      sensing (GQS) regime, with the dynamics being dependent on collective intercolony
      diffusive interactions. The crossover between LQS to GQS is intimately connected
      to a trade-off between the signaling network's latency, or speed of activation,
      and its throughput, or the total spatial range over which all the components of
      the system communicate.

PMID- 28085444
TI  - Percolation in real multiplex networks.
AB  - We present an exact mathematical framework able to describe site-percolation
      transitions in real multiplex networks. Specifically, we consider the average
      percolation diagram valid over an infinite number of random configurations where
      nodes are present in the system with given probability. The approach relies on
      the locally treelike ansatz, so that it is expected to accurately reproduce the
      true percolation diagram of sparse multiplex networks with negligible number of
      short loops. The performance of our theory is tested in social, biological, and
      transportation multiplex graphs. When compared against previously introduced
      methods, we observe improvements in the prediction of the percolation diagrams in
      all networks analyzed. Results from our method confirm previous claims about the
      robustness of real multiplex networks, in the sense that the average
      connectedness of the system does not exhibit any significant abrupt change as its
      individual components are randomly destroyed.

PMID- 28085445
TI  - Entropy production and thermalization in the one-atom maser.
AB  - In the configuration in which two-level atoms with an initial thermal
      distribution of their states are sent in succession to a cavity sustaining a
      single mode of electromagnetic radiation, one atom leaving the cavity as the next
      one enters it (as in the one-atom maser), Jaynes and Cummings showed that the
      steady state of the field, when many atoms have traversed the cavity, is thermal
      with a temperature different than that of the atoms in the off-resonant
      situation. Having an interaction between two subsystems which maintains them at
      different temperatures was then understood as leading to an apparent violation of
      energy conservation. Here we show, by calculating the quantum entropy production
      in the system, that this difference of temperatures is consistent with having the
      subsystems adiabatically insulated from each other as the steady state is
      approached. At resonance the insulation is removed and equilibration of the
      temperatures is achieved.

PMID- 28085446
TI  - Fluctuation relation for qubit calorimetry.
AB  - Motivated by proposed thermometry measurement on an open quantum system, we
      present a simple model of an externally driven qubit interacting with a finite
      sized fermion environment acting as a calorimeter. The derived dynamics is
      governed by a stochastic Schrodinger equation coupled to the temperature change
      of the calorimeter. We prove a fluctuation relation and deduce from it a notion
      of entropy production. Finally, we discuss the first and second law associated
      with the dynamics.

PMID- 28085447
TI  - Dissipative stochastic sandpile model on small-world networks: Properties of
      nondissipative and dissipative avalanches.
AB  - A dissipative stochastic sandpile model is constructed and studied on small-world
      networks in one and two dimensions with different shortcut densities phi, where
      phi=0 represents regular lattice and phi=1 represents random network. The effect
      of dimension, network topology, and specific dissipation mode (bulk or boundary)
      on the the steady-state critical properties of nondissipative and dissipative
      avalanches along with all avalanches are analyzed. Though the distributions of
      all avalanches and nondissipative avalanches display stochastic scaling at phi=0
      and mean-field scaling at phi=1, the dissipative avalanches display nontrivial
      critical properties at phi=0 and 1 in both one and two dimensions. In the small
      world regime (2^{-12}<=phi<=0.1), the size distributions of different types of
      avalanches are found to exhibit more than one power-law scaling with different
      scaling exponents around a crossover toppling size s_{c}. Stochastic scaling is
      found to occur for s<s_{c} and the mean-field scaling is found to occur for
      s>s_{c}. As different scaling forms are found to coexist in a single probability
      distribution, a coexistence scaling theory on small world network is developed
      and numerically verified.

PMID- 28085448
TI  - Effects of grain size distribution on the packing fraction and shear strength of
      frictionless disk packings.
AB  - Using discrete element methods, the effects of the grain size distribution on the
      density and the shear strength of frictionless disk packings are analyzed.
      Specifically, two recent findings on the relationship between the system's grain
      size distribution and its rheology are revisited, and their validity is tested
      across a broader range of distributions than what has been used in previous
      studies. First, the effects of the distribution on the solid fraction are
      explored. It is found that the distribution that produces the densest packing is
      not the uniform distribution by volume fractions as suggested in a recent
      publication. In fact, the maximal packing fraction is obtained when the grading
      curve follows a power law with an exponent close to 0.5 as suggested by Fuller
      and Thompson in 1907 and 1919 [Trans Am. Soc. Civ. Eng. 59, 1 (1907) and A
      Treatise on Concrete, Plain and Reinforced (1919), respectively] while studying
      mixtures of cement and stone aggregates. Second, the effects of the distribution
      on the shear strength are analyzed. It is confirmed that these systems exhibit a
      small shear strength, even if composed of frictionless particles as has been
      shown recently in several works. It is also found that this shear strength is
      independent of the grain size distribution. This counterintuitive result has
      previously been shown for the uniform distribution by volume fractions. In this
      paper, it is shown that this observation keeps true for different shapes of the
      grain size distribution.

PMID- 28085449
TI  - Portfolio optimization problem with nonidentical variances of asset returns using
      statistical mechanical informatics.
AB  - The portfolio optimization problem in which the variances of the return rates of
      assets are not identical is analyzed in this paper using the methodology of
      statistical mechanical informatics, specifically, replica analysis. We defined
      two characteristic quantities of an optimal portfolio, namely, minimal investment
      risk and investment concentration, in order to solve the portfolio optimization
      problem and analytically determined their asymptotical behaviors using replica
      analysis. Numerical experiments were also performed, and a comparison between the
      results of our simulation and those obtained via replica analysis validated our
      proposed method.

PMID- 28085450
TI  - Rheology of sediment transported by a laminar flow.
AB  - Understanding the dynamics of fluid-driven sediment transport remains
      challenging, as it occurs at the interface between a granular material and a
      fluid flow. Boyer, Guazzelli, and Pouliquen [Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 188301
      (2011)]PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.107.188301 proposed a local rheology
      unifying dense dry-granular and viscous-suspension flows, but it has been
      validated only for neutrally buoyant particles in a confined and homogeneous
      system. Here we generalize the Boyer, Guazzelli, and Pouliquen model to account
      for the weight of a particle by addition of a pressure P_{0} and test the ability
      of this model to describe sediment transport in an idealized laboratory river. We
      subject a bed of settling plastic particles to a laminar-shear flow from above,
      and use refractive-index-matching to track particles' motion and determine local
      rheology-from the fluid-granular interface to deep in the granular bed. Data from
      all experiments collapse onto a single curve of friction MU as a function of the
      viscous number I_{v} over the range 3*10^{-5}<=I_{v}<=2, validating the local
      rheology model. For I_{v}<3*10^{-5}, however, data do not collapse. Instead of
      undergoing a jamming transition with MU->MU_{s} as expected, particles transition
      to a creeping regime where we observe a continuous decay of the friction
      coefficient MU<=MU_{s} as I_{v} decreases. The rheology of this creep regime
      cannot be described by the local model, and more work is needed to determine
      whether a nonlocal rheology model can be modified to account for our findings.

PMID- 28085451
TI  - Linear perturbation renormalization group for the two-dimensional Ising model
      with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor interactions in a field.
AB  - The linear perturbation renormalization group (LPRG) is used to study the phase
      transition of the weakly coupled Ising chains with intrachain (J) and interchain
      nearest-neighbor (J_{1}) and next-nearest-neighbor (J_{2}) interactions forming
      the triangular and rectangular lattices in a field. The phase diagrams with the
      frustration point at J_{2}=-J_{1}/2 for a rectangular lattice and J_{2}=-J_{1}
      for a triangular lattice have been found. The LPRG calculations support the idea
      that the phase transition is always continuous except for the frustration point
      and is accompanied by a divergence of the specific heat. For the
      antiferromagnetic chains, the external field does not change substantially the
      shape of the phase diagram. The critical temperature is suppressed to zero
      according to the power law when approaching the frustration point with an
      exponent dependent on the value of the field.

PMID- 28085452
TI  - Interacting Brownian dynamics in a nonequilibrium particle bath.
AB  - We set up a mesoscopic theory for interacting Brownian particles embedded in a
      nonequilibrium environment, starting from the microscopic interacting many-body
      theory. Using nonequilibrium linear-response theory, we characterize the
      effective dynamical interactions on the mesoscopic scale and the statistics of
      the nonequilibrium environmental noise, arising upon integrating out the fast
      degrees of freedom. As hallmarks of nonequilibrium, the breakdown of the
      fluctuation-dissipation and action-reaction relations for Brownian degrees of
      freedom is exemplified with two prototypical models for the environment, namely
      active Brownian particles and stirred colloids.

PMID- 28085453
TI  - Thermal convection in a cylinder and the problem of planform selection in an
      internally heated fluid layer.
AB  - The paper deals with the hexagonal convective flow near the stability threshold
      in an internally heated fluid layer. In our previous numerical study of
      convection near the stability threshold in a square box with internal heat
      generation [Phys. Lett. A 377, 2111 (2013)]PYLAAG0375
      960110.1016/j.physleta.2013.06.013 for a region of large horizontal extent, it
      has been shown that at small values of Prandtl number (Pr), convection sets in as
      a pattern of hexagonal cells with upward motion in the center (up-hexagons),
      whereas at large Pr, a stable flow pattern is formed by hexagonal cells with a
      downward motion in the center (down-hexagons). Here, we study axisymmetric
      convection in a cylinder as a model of motion in a single hexagonal cell. The
      radius of the cylinder matches the size of hexagons observed in our three
      dimensional simulation. The lateral boundary of the cylinder is free and heat
      insulated. Horizontal bounding surfaces are rigid. The upper boundary is
      maintained at a constant temperature; the lower one is insulated. Two stable,
      steady-state motions with the upward and downward flow at the cylinder axis have
      been attained in calculations, irrespective of Pr. Cylindrical motion with the
      same direction of circulation as in the stable hexagons has a maximum temperature
      drop measured along the radius at the bottom of the cell. We suggest maximization
      of the temperature drop as a selection criterion, which determines the preferred
      state of motion in an internally heated fluid layer. This new selection principle
      is validated by the comparative analysis of the dominant nonlinear effects in low
      and high-Prandtl number convection.

PMID- 28085454
TI  - Depletion forces on circular and elliptical obstacles induced by active matter.
AB  - Depletion forces exerted by self-propelled particles on circular and elliptical
      passive objects are studied using numerical simulations. We show that a bath of
      active particles can induce repulsive and attractive forces which are sensitive
      to the shape and orientation of the passive objects (either horizontal or
      vertical ellipses). The resultant force on the passive objects due to the active
      particles is studied as a function of the shape and orientation of the passive
      objects, magnitude of the angular noise, and distance between the passive
      objects. By increasing the distance between obstacles the magnitude of the
      repulsive depletion force increases, as long as such a distance is less than one
      active particle diameter. For longer distances, the magnitude of the force always
      decreases with increasing distance. We also found that attractive forces may
      arise for vertical ellipses at high enough area fraction.

PMID- 28085455
TI  - Impulse-induced generation of stationary and moving discrete breathers in
      nonlinear oscillator networks.
AB  - We study discrete breathers in prototypical nonlinear oscillator networks
      subjected to nonharmonic zero-mean periodic excitations. We show how the
      generation of stationary and moving discrete breathers are optimally controlled
      by solely varying the impulse transmitted by the periodic excitations, while
      keeping constant the excitation's amplitude and period. Our theoretical and
      numerical results show that the enhancer effect of increasing values of the
      excitation's impulse, in the sense of facilitating the generation of stationary
      and moving breathers, is due to a correlative increase of the breather's action
      and energy.

PMID- 28085456
TI  - Oscillation structure of localized perturbations in modulationally unstable
      media.
AB  - We characterize the properties of the asymptotic stage of modulational
      instability arising from localized perturbations of a constant background,
      including the number and location of the individual peaks in the oscillation
      region. We show that, for long times, the solution tends to an ensemble of
      classical (i.e., sech-shaped) solitons of the focusing nonlinear Schrodinger
      equation (as opposed to the various breatherlike solutions of the same equation
      with a nonzero background). We also confirm the robustness of the theoretical
      results by comparing the analytical predictions with careful numerical
      simulations with a variety of initial conditions, which confirm that the
      evolution of modulationally unstable media in the presence of localized initial
      perturbations is indeed described by the same asymptotic state.

PMID- 28085457
TI  - Inverted cones and their elastic creases.
AB  - We study the elastic inversion of a right circular cone, in particular, the
      uniform shape of the narrow crease that divides its upright and inverted parts.
      Our methodology considers a cylindrical shell analogy for simplicity where the
      crease is the boundary layer deformation. Solution of its governing equation of
      deformation requires careful crafting of the underlying assumptions and boundary
      conditions in order to reveal an expression for the crease shape in closed form.
      We can then define the characteristic width of crease exactly, which is compared
      to a geometrically nonlinear, large displacement finite element analysis. This
      width is shown to be accurately predicted for shallow and steep cones, which
      imparts confidence to our original assumptions. Using the shape of crease, we
      compute the strain energy stored in the inverted cone, in order to derive an
      expression for the applied force of inversion by a simple energy method. Again,
      our predictions match finite element data very well. This study may complement
      other studies of creases traditionally formed in a less controlled manner, for
      example, during crumpling of lightweight sheets.

PMID- 28085458
TI  - Minimum relative entropy distributions with a large mean are Gaussian.
AB  - Entropy optimization principles are versatile tools with wide-ranging
      applications from statistical physics to engineering to ecology. Here we consider
      the following constrained problem: Given a prior probability distribution q, find
      the posterior distribution p minimizing the relative entropy (also known as the
      Kullback-Leibler divergence) with respect to q under the constraint that mean(p)
      is fixed and large. We show that solutions to this problem are approximately
      Gaussian. We discuss two applications of this result. In the context of
      dissipative dynamics, the equilibrium distribution of a Brownian particle
      confined in a strong external field is independent of the shape of the confining
      potential. We also derive an H-type theorem for evolutionary dynamics: The
      entropy of the (standardized) distribution of fitness of a population evolving
      under natural selection is eventually increasing in time.

PMID- 28085459
TI  - Single-particle dynamics near the glass transition of a metallic glass.
AB  - The single-particle dynamics of the glass-forming Cu_{50}Zr_{50} alloy, from the
      supercooled liquid well above the glass-transition temperature, T_{g} to the
      glassy state, is studied by using the molecular dynamics simulations. When the
      liquid is cooled below 1.2T_{g}, the dynamics heterogeneity characterized by the
      cage-jump motion becomes increasingly pronounced. The analyses based on the
      continuous time random walk method indicate that the liquid falls out of
      equilibrium in the present simulation time scale when it is cooled into the
      regime below 1.02T_{g}. However, we find that the jump length and the jump rate
      do not display the non-equilibrium behaviors even in the glassy state below
      T_{g}, which allows us to study the intrinsic dynamic characteristics through
      T_{g}. The mean waiting time between two successive jumps has a rapid growth
      following the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann law as the non-equilibrium regime is
      approached, in analogy with the temperature behaviors of transport properties for
      fragile supercooled liquids. In contrast, the jump rate maintains the Arrhenius
      decay and the jump length has even a weaker temperature dependence when the
      liquid is cooled into glassy state. We find that a pronounced enhancement of the
      spatial correlation of jumps occurs accompanied by the glass transition: the
      string-like cooperative jumps dominate the fast motion instead of the
      uncorrelated and individual jumps. Our work offers an insight into the
      equilibrium effect of the single-particle dynamics in glass transition.

PMID- 28085460
TI  - Numerical analysis of long-range spatial correlations in surface growth.
AB  - To analyze long-range spatial correlations in surface growth, we study
      numerically a class of generalized Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation with a fractional
      Laplacian and driven by long-range spatially correlated noise, and investigate
      interplay of the fractional Laplacian and correlated noise. We find that the
      growth system with long-range correlation exhibits nontrivial scaling properties,
      such as strong dependence on the noise correlation and weak dependence on the
      fractional order. The growth instability is also discussed in various parameter
      regimes.

PMID- 28085461
TI  - Elastic interactions between topological defects in chiral nematic shells.
AB  - We present a self-consistent and robust theoretical model to investigate elastic
      interactions between topological defects in liquid crystal shells. Accounting for
      the nonconcentric nature of the shell in a simple manner, we are able to
      successfully and accurately explain and predict the positions of the defects,
      most relevant in the context of colloidal self-assembly. We calibrate and test
      our model on existing experimental data and extend it to all observed defects
      configurations in chiral nematic shells. We perform experiments to check further
      and confirm the validity of the present model. Moreover, we are able to obtain
      quantitative estimates of the energies of +1 or +3/2 disclination lines in
      cholesterics, whose intricate nature was only reported recently [A. Darmon, et
      al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 113, 9469 (2016)10.1073/pnas.1525059113].

PMID- 28085462
TI  - Optimal waveform for the entrainment of oscillators perturbed by an amplitude
      modulated high-frequency force.
AB  - We analyze limit cycle oscillators under perturbation constructed as a product of
      two signals, namely, an envelope with a period close to natural period of an
      oscillator and a high-frequency carrier signal. A theory for obtaining an
      envelope waveform that achieves the maximal frequency interval of entrained
      oscillators is presented. The optimization problem for fixed power and maximal
      allowed amplitude is solved by employing the phase reduction method and the
      Pontryagin's maximum principle. We have shown that the optimal envelope waveform
      is a bang-bang-type solution. Also, we have found "inversion" symmetry that
      relates two signals with different powers but the same interval of entrained
      frequencies. The theoretical results are confirmed numerically on FitzHugh-Nagumo
      oscillators.

PMID- 28085463
TI  - Thermodynamics of a time-dependent and dissipative oval billiard: A heat transfer
      and billiard approach.
AB  - We study some statistical properties for the behavior of the average squared
      velocity-hence the temperature-for an ensemble of classical particles moving in a
      billiard whose boundary is time dependent. We assume the collisions of the
      particles with the boundary of the billiard are inelastic, leading the average
      squared velocity to reach a steady-state dynamics for large enough time. The
      description of the stationary state is made by using two different approaches:
      (i) heat transfer motivated by the Fourier law and (ii) billiard dynamics using
      either numerical simulations and theoretical description.

PMID- 28085464
TI  - Nonsingular defects and self-assembly of colloidal particles in cholesteric
      liquid crystals.
AB  - Cholesteric liquid crystals can potentially provide a means for tunable self
      organization of colloidal particles. However, the structures of particle-induced
      defects and the ensuing elasticity-mediated colloidal interactions in these media
      remain much less explored and understood as compared to their nematic liquid
      crystal counterparts. Here we demonstrate how colloidal microspheres of varying
      diameter relative to the helicoidal pitch can induce dipolelike director field
      configurations in cholesteric liquid crystals, where these particles are
      accompanied by point defects and a diverse variety of nonsingular line defects
      forming closed loops. Using laser tweezers and nonlinear optical microscopy, we
      characterize the ensuing medium-mediated elastic interactions and three
      dimensional colloidal assemblies. Experimental findings show a good agreement
      with numerical modeling based on minimization of the Landau-de Gennes free energy
      and promise both practical applications in the realization of colloidal composite
      materials and a means of controlling nonsingular topological defects that attract
      a great deal of fundamental interest.

PMID- 28085465
TI  - Perturbation-free prediction of resonance-assisted tunneling in mixed regular
      chaotic systems.
AB  - For generic Hamiltonian systems we derive predictions for dynamical tunneling
      from regular to chaotic phase-space regions. In contrast to previous approaches,
      we account for the resonance-assisted enhancement of regular-to-chaotic tunneling
      in a nonperturbative way. This provides the foundation for future semiclassical
      complex-path evaluations of resonance-assisted regular-to-chaotic tunneling. Our
      approach is based on a new class of integrable approximations which mimic the
      regular phase-space region and its dominant nonlinear resonance chain in a mixed
      regular-chaotic system. We illustrate the method for the standard map.

PMID- 28085466
TI  - Densification and structural transitions in networks that grow by node copying.
AB  - We introduce a growing network model, the copying model, in which a new node
      attaches to a randomly selected target node and, in addition, independently to
      each of the neighbors of the target with copying probability p. When p<1/2, this
      algorithm generates sparse networks, in which the average node degree is finite.
      A power-law degree distribution also arises, with a nonuniversal exponent whose
      value is determined by a transcendental equation in p. In the sparse regime, the
      network is "normal," e.g., the relative fluctuations in the number of links are
      asymptotically negligible. For p>=1/2, the emergent networks are dense (the
      average degree increases with the number of nodes N), and they exhibit intriguing
      structural behaviors. In particular, the N dependence of the number of m cliques
      (complete subgraphs of m nodes) undergoes m-1 transitions from normal to
      progressively more anomalous behavior at an m-dependent critical values of p.
      Different realizations of the network, which start from the same initial state,
      exhibit macroscopic fluctuations in the thermodynamic limit: absence of self
      averaging. When linking to second neighbors of the target node can occur, the
      number of links asymptotically grows as N^{2} as N->infinity, so that the network
      is effectively complete as N->infinity.

PMID- 28085467
TI  - Percolation in finite matching lattices.
AB  - We derive an exact, simple relation between the average number of clusters and
      the wrapping probabilities for two-dimensional percolation. The relation holds
      for periodic lattices of any size. It generalizes a classical result of Sykes and
      Essam, and it can be used to find exact or very accurate approximations of the
      critical density. The criterion that follows is related to the criterion used by
      Scullard and Jacobsen to find precise approximate thresholds, and our work
      provides a different perspective on their approach.

PMID- 28085468
TI  - Velocity autocorrelation function in supercooled liquids: Long-time tails and
      anomalous shear-wave propagation.
AB  - Molecular dynamic simulations are performed to reveal the long-time behavior of
      the velocity autocorrelation function (VAF) by utilizing the finite-size effect
      in a Lennard-Jones binary mixture. Whereas in normal liquids the classical
      positive t^{-3/2} long-time tail is observed, we find in supercooled liquids a
      negative tail. It is strongly influenced by the transfer of the transverse
      current wave across the period boundary. The t^{-5/2} decay of the negative long
      time tail is confirmed in the spectrum of VAF. Modeling the long-time transverse
      current within a generalized Maxwell model, we reproduce the negative long-time
      tail of the VAF, but with a slower algebraic t^{-2} decay.

PMID- 28085469
TI  - Comparing the locking threshold for rings and chains of oscillators.
AB  - We present a case study of how topology can affect synchronization. Specifically,
      we consider arrays of phase oscillators coupled in a ring or a chain topology.
      Each ring is perfectly matched to a chain with the same initial conditions and
      the same random natural frequencies. The only difference is their boundary
      conditions: periodic for a ring and open for a chain. For both topologies, stable
      phase-locked states exist if and only if the spread or "width" of the natural
      frequencies is smaller than a critical value called the locking threshold (which
      depends on the boundary conditions and the particular realization of the
      frequencies). The central question is whether a ring synchronizes more readily
      than a chain. We show that it usually does, but not always. Rigorous bounds are
      derived for the ratio between the locking thresholds of a ring and its matched
      chain, for a variant of the Kuramoto model that also includes a wider family of
      models.

PMID- 28085470
TI  - Death and revival of chaos.
AB  - We investigate the death and revival of chaos under the impact of a monotonous
      time-dependent forcing that changes its strength with a non-negligible rate.
      Starting on a chaotic attractor it is found that the complexity of the dynamics
      remains very pronounced even when the driving amplitude has decayed to rather
      small values. When after the death of chaos the strength of the forcing is
      increased again with the same rate of change, chaos is found to revive but with a
      different history. This leads to the appearance of a hysteresis in the complexity
      of the dynamics. To characterize these dynamics, the concept of snapshot
      attractors is used, and the corresponding ensemble approach proves to be superior
      to a single trajectory description, that turns out to be nonrepresentative. The
      death (revival) of chaos is manifested in a drop (jump) of the standard deviation
      of one of the phase-space coordinates of the ensemble; the details of this chaos
      nonchaos transition depend on the ratio of the characteristic times of the
      amplitude change and of the internal dynamics. It is demonstrated that chaos
      cannot die out as long as underlying transient chaos is present in the parameter
      space. As a condition for a "quasistatically slow" switch-off, we derive an
      inequality which cannot be fulfilled in practice over extended parameter ranges
      where transient chaos is present. These observations need to be taken into
      account when discussing the implications of "climate change scenarios" in any
      nonlinear dynamical system.

PMID- 28085471
TI  - Effects of confinement between attractive and repulsive walls on the
      thermodynamics of an anomalous fluid.
AB  - We study via molecular-dynamics simulations the thermodynamics of an anomalous
      fluid confined in a slit pore with one wall structured and attractive and another
      unstructured and repulsive. We find that the phase diagram of the homogeneous
      part of the confined fluid is shifted to higher temperatures, densities, and
      pressures with respect to the bulk, but it can be rescaled on the bulk case. We
      calculate a moderate increase of mobility of the homogeneous confined fluid that
      we interpret as a consequence of the layering due to confinement and the
      collective modes due to long-range correlations. We show that, as in bulk, the
      confined fluid has structural, diffusion, and density anomalies that order in the
      waterlike hierarchy, and a liquid-liquid critical point (LLCP). The overall
      anomalous region moves to higher temperatures, densities, and pressure, and the
      LLCP displaces to higher temperature compared to bulk. Motivated by experiments,
      we calculate also the phase diagram not just for the homogeneous part of the
      confined fluid but for the entire fluid in the pore, and we show that it is
      shifted toward higher pressures but preserves the thermodynamics, including the
      LLCP. Because our model has waterlike properties, we argue that in experiments
      with supercooled water confined in slit pores with a width of >3 nm if
      hydrophilic and of >1.5 nm if hydrophobic, the existence of the LLCP could be
      easier to test than in bulk, where it is not directly accessible.

PMID- 28085472
TI  - Dynamic properties of the energy loss of multi-MeV charged particles traveling in
      two-component warm dense plasmas.
AB  - The energy loss of multi-MeV charged particles moving in two-component warm dense
      plasmas (WDPs) is studied theoretically beyond the random-phase approximation.
      The short-range correlations between particles are taken into account via dynamic
      local field corrections (DLFC) in a Mermin dielectric function for two-component
      plasmas. The mean ionization states are obtained by employing the detailed
      configuration accounting model. The Yukawa-type effective potential is used to
      derive the DLFC. Numerically, the DLFC are obtained via self-consistent iterative
      operations. We find that the DLFC are significant around the maximum of the
      stopping power. Furthermore, by using the two-component extended Mermin
      dielectric function model including the DLFC, the energy loss of a proton with an
      initial energy of ~15 MeV passing through a WDP of beryllium with an electronic
      density around the solid value n_{e}~3*10^{23}cm^{-3} and with temperature around
      ~40 eV is estimated numerically. The numerical result is reasonably consistent
      with the experimental observations [A. B. Zylsta et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 111,
      215002 (2013)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.111.215002]. Our results show
      that the partial ionization and the dynamic properties should be of importance
      for the stopping of charged particles moving in the WDP.

PMID- 28085473
TI  - Probing heterogeneous dynamics from spatial density correlation in glass-forming
      liquids.
AB  - We numerically investigate the connection between spatial density correlation and
      dynamical heterogeneity in glass-forming liquids. We demonstrate that the cluster
      size defined by the spatial aggregation of densely packed particles (DPPs) can
      better capture the difference between the dynamics of the Lennard-Jones glass
      model and the Weeks-Chandler-Andersen truncation model than the commonly used
      pair correlation functions. More interestingly, we compare the mobility of DPPs
      and loosely packed particles, and we find that high local density correlates well
      with slow dynamics in systems with relatively hard repulsive interactions but
      links to mobile ones in the system with soft repulsive interactions at one
      relaxation time scale. Our results show clear evidence that the above model
      dependence behavior stems from the hopping motion of DPPs at the end of the
      caging stage due to the compressive nature of soft repulsive spheres, which
      activates the dynamics of DPPs in the alpha relaxation stage.

PMID- 28085474
TI  - Kinetics of aggregation with choice.
AB  - We generalize the ordinary aggregation process to allow for choice. In ordinary
      aggregation, two random clusters merge and form a larger aggregate. In our
      implementation of choice, a target cluster and two candidate clusters are
      randomly selected and the target cluster merges with the larger of the two
      candidate clusters. We study the long-time asymptotic behavior and find that as
      in ordinary aggregation, the size density adheres to the standard scaling form.
      However, aggregation with choice exhibits a number of different features. First,
      the density of the smallest clusters exhibits anomalous scaling. Second, both the
      small-size and the large-size tails of the density are overpopulated, at the
      expense of the density of moderate-size clusters. We also study the complementary
      case where the smaller candidate cluster participates in the aggregation process
      and find an abundance of moderate clusters at the expense of small and large
      clusters. Additionally, we investigate aggregation processes with choice among
      multiple candidate clusters and a symmetric implementation where the choice is
      between two pairs of clusters.

PMID- 28085475
TI  - Application of the dissipative particle dynamics method to the instability
      problem of a liquid thread.
AB  - We investigate the application of the dissipative particle dynamics method to the
      instability problem of a long liquid thread surrounded by another fluid. The
      dispersion curves obtained from simulations are compared with classic theoretical
      predictions. The results from standard dissipative particle dynamics (DPD)
      simulations at first have a tendency of gradually approaching to Tomotika's
      Stokes flow prediction when the Reynolds number is decreased. But they then
      abnormally deviate again when the viscosity is very large. The same phenomenon is
      also confirmed in droplet retraction simulations when also compared with
      theoretical Stokes flow results. On the other hand, when a hard-core DPD model is
      used, with the decrease of the Reynolds number the simulation results did finally
      approach Tomotika's predictions when Re~0.1. A combined presentation of the hard
      core DPD results and the standard DPD results, excluding the abnormal ones,
      demonstrates that they are approximately on a continuum when labeled with
      Reynolds number. These results suggest that the standard DPD method is a suitable
      method for investigation of the instability problem of immersed liquid thread in
      the inertioviscous regime (0.1<Re<10), which is relevant for microfluidics
      applications but there is currently no theory. It cannot reach the Re~0.1 regime
      because of some irregular properties of highly viscous DPD fluid, while the hard
      core DPD is suitable to overcome this inferiority with standard DPD.

PMID- 28085476
TI  - Weak universality in sensory tradeoffs.
AB  - For many organisms, the number of sensory neurons is largely determined during
      development, before strong environmental cues are present. This is despite the
      fact that environments can fluctuate drastically both from generation to
      generation and within an organism's lifetime. How can organisms get by by hard
      coding the number of sensory neurons? We approach this question using rate
      distortion theory. A combination of simulation and theory suggests that when
      environments are large, the rate-distortion function-a proxy for material costs,
      timing delays, and energy requirements-depends only on coarse-grained
      environmental statistics that are expected to change on evolutionary, rather than
      ontogenetic, time scales.

PMID- 28085477
TI  - Overdamped stochastic thermodynamics with multiple reservoirs.
AB  - After establishing stochastic thermodynamics for underdamped Langevin systems in
      contact with multiple reservoirs, we derive its overdamped limit using timescale
      separation techniques. The overdamped theory is different from the naive theory
      that one obtains when starting from overdamped Langevin or Fokker-Planck dynamics
      and only coincides with it in the presence of a single reservoir. The reason is
      that the coarse-grained fast momentum dynamics reaches a nonequilibrium state,
      which conducts heat in the presence of multiple reservoirs. The underdamped and
      overdamped theory are both shown to satisfy fundamental fluctuation theorems.
      Their predictions for the heat statistics are derived analytically for a Brownian
      particle on a ring in contact with two reservoirs and subjected to a
      nonconservative force and are shown to coincide in the long-time limit.

PMID- 28085478
TI  - X-ray and Raman scattering study of orientational order in nematic and
      heliconical nematic liquid crystals.
AB  - The temperature dependence of the orientational order parameters <P_{2}(cosbeta)>
      and <P_{4}(cosbeta)> in the nematic (N) and twist-bend nematic (N_{tb}) phases of
      the liquid crystal dimer CB7CB have been measured using x-ray and polarized Raman
      scattering. The <P_{2}(cosbeta)> obtained from both techniques are the same,
      while <P_{4}(cosbeta)>, determined by Raman scattering is, as expected,
      systematically larger than its x-ray value. Both order parameters increase in the
      N phase with decreasing temperature, drop across the N-N_{tb} transition, and
      continue to decrease. In the N_{tb} phase, the x-ray value of <P_{4}(cosbeta)>
      eventually becomes negative, providing a direct and independent confirmation of a
      conical molecular orientational distribution. The heliconical tilt angle alpha,
      determined from orientational distribution functions in the N_{tb} phase,
      increases to ~24^{?} at ~15 K below the transition. In the N_{tb} phase,
      alpha(T)?(T^{*}-T)^{lambda}, with lambda=0.19+/-0.03. The transition supercools
      by 1.7 K, consistent with its weakly first-order nature. The value of lambda is
      close to 0.25 indicating close proximity to a tricritical point.

PMID- 28085479
TI  - Shift in membrane miscibility transition temperature upon addition of short-chain
      alcohols.
AB  - I consider the effect of a small concentration of a molecule, such as a short
      chain alcohol, on the miscibility transition temperature of a giant plasma
      membrane vesicle. For concentrations sufficiently small such that the system can
      be treated as a dilute solution, the change in transition temperature is known to
      depend upon the extent of the molecule's partition into the coexisting liquid
      disordered and liquid-ordered phases. Preferential partitioning into the former
      decreases the miscibility temperature, while preferential partitioning into the
      latter causes an increase. The analysis, combined with calculated values of the
      partition coefficient of saturated chains, illuminates the results of recent
      experiments on the change in miscibility transition temperatures with changing
      alcohol chain length, and makes several testable predictions.

PMID- 28085480
TI  - Origin of two maxima in specific heat in enthalpy relaxation under thermal
      history composed of cooling, annealing, and heating.
AB  - The origin of two maxima in specific heat observed at the higher and the lower
      temperatures in the glass-transition region in the heating process has been
      studied for polymethyl methacrylate and polyvinyl chloride using differential
      scanning calorimetry, and the calculation was done using the phenomenological
      model equation under a thermal history of the typical annealing experiment
      composed of cooling, annealing, and heating. The higher maximum is observed above
      the glass-transition temperature, and it remains almost unchanged independent of
      annealing time t_{a}, while the lower one is observed above an annealing
      temperature T_{a} and shifts toward the higher one, increasing its magnitude with
      t_{a}. The analysis by the phenomenological model equation proposed in order to
      interpret the memory effect in the glassy state clarifies that under a typical
      annealing history, two maxima in specific heat essentially appear. The shift of
      the lower maximum toward higher temperatures from above T_{a} is caused by an
      increase in the amount of relaxation during annealing with t_{a}. The annealing
      temperature and the amount of relaxation during annealing play a major role in
      the determination of the number of maxima in the specific heat.

PMID- 28085481
TI  - Chebyshev-polynomial expansion of the localization length of Hermitian and non
      Hermitian random chains.
AB  - We study Chebyshev-polynomial expansion of the inverse localization length of
      Hermitian and non-Hermitian random chains as a function of energy. For Hermitian
      models, the expansion produces this energy-dependent function numerically in one
      run of the algorithm. This is in strong contrast to the standard transfer-matrix
      method, which produces the inverse localization length for a fixed energy in each
      run. For non-Hermitian models, as in the transfer-matrix method, our algorithm
      computes the inverse localization length for a fixed (complex) energy. We also
      find a formula of the Chebyshev-polynomial expansion of the density of states of
      non-Hermitian models. As explained in detail, our algorithm for non-Hermitian
      models may be the only available efficient algorithm for finding the density of
      states of models with interactions.

PMID- 28085482
TI  - Disorder-induced phase transition in an opinion dynamics model: Results in two
      and three dimensions.
AB  - We study a model of continuous opinion dynamics with both positive and negative
      mutual interactions. The model shows a continuous phase transition between a
      phase with consensus (order) and a phase having no consensus (disorder). The mean
      field version of the model was already studied. Using extensive numerical
      simulations, we study the same model in two and three dimensions. The critical
      points of the phase transitions for various cases and the associated critical
      exponents have been estimated. The universality class of the phase transitions in
      the model is found to be same as Ising model in the respective dimensions.

PMID- 28085483
TI  - Equilibrium dynamical correlations in the Toda chain and other integrable models.
AB  - We investigate the form of equilibrium spatiotemporal correlation functions of
      conserved quantities in the Toda lattice and in other integrable models. From
      numerical simulations we find that the correlations satisfy ballistic scaling
      with a remarkable collapse of data from different times. We examine special
      limiting choices of parameter values, for which the Toda lattice tends to either
      the harmonic chain or the equal mass hard-particle gas. In both these limiting
      cases, one can obtain the correlations exactly and we find excellent agreement
      with the direct Toda simulation results. We also discuss a transformation to
      "normal mode" variables, as commonly done in hydrodynamic theory of nonintegrable
      systems, and find that this is useful, to some extent, even for the integrable
      system. The striking differences between the Toda chain and a truncated version,
      expected to be nonintegrable, are pointed out.

PMID- 28085484
TI  - Droplet impact on soft viscoelastic surfaces.
AB  - In this work, we experimentally investigate the impact of water droplets onto
      soft viscoelastic surfaces with a wide range of impact velocities. Several impact
      phenomena, which depend on the dynamic interaction between the droplets and
      viscoelastic surfaces, have been identified and analyzed. At low We, complete
      rebound is observed when the impact velocity is between a lower and an upper
      threshold, beyond which droplets are deposited on the surface after impact. At
      intermediate We, entrapment of an air bubble inside the impinging droplets is
      found on soft surfaces, while a bubble entrapment on the surface is observed on
      rigid surfaces. At high We, partial rebound is only identified on the most rigid
      surface at We?92. Rebounding droplets behave similarly to elastic drops
      rebounding on superhydrophobic surfaces and the impact process is independent of
      surface viscoelasticity. Further, surface viscoelasticity does not influence drop
      spreading after impact-as the surfaces behave like rigid surfaces-but it does
      affect drop recoiling. Also, the postimpact drop oscillation on soft viscoelastic
      surfaces is influenced by dynamic wettability of these surfaces. Comparing
      sessile drop oscillation with a damped harmonic oscillator allows us to conclude
      that surface viscoelasticity affects the damping coefficient and liquid surface
      tension sets the spring constant of the system.

PMID- 28085485
TI  - Infrequent social interaction can accelerate the spread of a persuasive idea.
AB  - We study the spread of a persuasive new idea through a population of continuous
      time random walkers in one dimension. The idea spreads via social gatherings
      involving groups of nearby walkers who act according to a biased "majority rule":
      After each gathering, the group takes on the new idea if more than a critical
      fraction 1-E/2<1/2 of them already hold it; otherwise they all reject it. The
      boundary of a domain where the new idea has taken hold expands as a traveling
      wave in the density of new idea holders. Our walkers move by Levy motion, and we
      compute the wave velocity analytically as a function of the frequency of social
      gatherings and the exponent of the jump distribution. When this distribution is
      sufficiently heavy tailed, then, counter to intuition, the idea can propagate
      faster if social gatherings are held less frequently. When jumps are truncated, a
      critical gathering frequency can emerge which maximizes propagation velocity. We
      explore our model by simulation, confirming our analytical results.

PMID- 28085486
TI  - Host-Microbial Interactions in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Changes in the respiratory microbiome are associated with disease
      progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The role of the host response
      to the respiratory microbiome remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To explore the host
      microbial interactions in IPF. METHODS: Sixty patients diagnosed with IPF were
      prospectively enrolled together with 20 matched control subjects. Subjects
      underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and peripheral whole blood was collected
      into PAXgene tubes for all subjects at baseline. For subjects with IPF,
      additional samples were taken at 1, 3, and 6 months and (if alive) 1 year. Gene
      expression profiles were generated using Affymetrix Human Gene 1.1 ST arrays.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: By network analysis of gene expression data, we
      identified two gene modules that strongly associated with a diagnosis of IPF, BAL
      bacterial burden (determined by 16S quantitative polymerase chain reaction), and
      specific microbial operational taxonomic units, as well as with lavage and
      peripheral blood neutrophilia. Genes within these modules that are involved in
      the host defense response include NLRC4, PGLYRP1, MMP9, and DEFA4. The modules
      also contain two genes encoding specific antimicrobial peptides (SLPI and CAMP).
      Many of these particular transcripts were associated with survival and showed
      longitudinal overexpression in subjects experiencing disease progression, further
      strengthening the relationship of the transcripts with disease. CONCLUSIONS:
      Integrated analysis of the host transcriptome and microbial signatures
      demonstrated an apparent host response to the presence of an altered or more
      abundant microbiome. These responses remained elevated in longitudinal follow-up,
      suggesting that the bacterial communities of the lower airways may act as
      persistent stimuli for repetitive alveolar injury in IPF.

PMID- 28085487
TI  - Prevalence, Virulence Potential, and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of
      Listeria monocytogenes Isolated From Bovine Raw Milk Samples Obtained From
      Rajasthan, India.
AB  - Listeriosis is a serious foodborne disease of a global concern, and can
      effectively be controlled by a continuous surveillance of the virulent and
      multidrug-resistant strains of Listeria monocytogenes. This study was planned to
      investigate prevalence of L. monocytogenes in bovine raw milk samples. A total of
      457 raw milk samples collected from 15 major cities in Rajasthan, India, were
      analyzed for the presence of L. monocytogenes by using standard microbiological
      and molecular methods. Five of the 457 samples screen tested positive for L.
      monocytogenes. Multiplex serotyping showed that 3/5 strains belonged to serotype
      4b followed by one strain each to 1/2a and to 1/2c. Further virulence potential
      assessment indicated that all strains possessed inlA and inlC internalins, and,
      in addition, two strains also possessed the gene for inlB. All strains were
      positive for Listeriolysin O (LLO) and showed phosphatidylinositol-specific
      phospholipase C (PI-PLC) activity on an in vitro agar medium with variations in
      production levels among the strains. A good correlation between the in vitro
      pathogenicity test and the chick embryo test was observed, as the strains showing
      higher LLO and PI-PLC activity were found to be lethal to fertilized chick
      embryos. All strains were resistant to the majority of antibiotics and were
      designated as multidrug-resistant strains. However, these strains were
      susceptible to 9 of the 22 tested antibiotics. The maximum zone of inhibition
      (mm) and acceptable minimum inhibitory concentration were observed with
      azithromycin, and thus it could be the first choice of a treatment. Overall, the
      presence of multidrug-resistant L. monocytogenes strains in the raw milk of
      Rajasthan region is an indicator of public health hazard and highlighting the
      need of consumer awareness in place and implementation of stricter food safety
      regulations at all levels of milk production.

PMID- 28085490
TI  - Internet Gaming Disorder Explains Unique Variance in Psychological Distress and
      Disability After Controlling for Comorbid Depression, OCD, ADHD, and Anxiety.
AB  - This study extends knowledge about the relationship of Internet Gaming Disorder
      (IGD) to other established mental disorders by exploring comorbidities with
      anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and
      obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and assessing whether IGD accounts for
      unique variance in distress and disability. An online survey was completed by a
      convenience sample that engages in Internet gaming (N = 404). Participants
      meeting criteria for IGD based on the Personal Internet Gaming Disorder
      Evaluation-9 (PIE-9) reported higher comorbidity with depression, OCD, ADHD, and
      anxiety compared with those who did not meet the IGD criteria. IGD explained a
      small proportion of unique variance in distress (1%) and disability (3%). IGD
      accounted for a larger proportion of unique variance in disability than anxiety
      and ADHD, and a similar proportion to depression. Replications with clinical
      samples using longitudinal designs and structured diagnostic interviews are
      required.

PMID- 28085489
TI  - microRNA-130a Promotes Human Keratinocyte Viability and Migration and Inhibits
      Apoptosis Through Direct Regulation of STK40-Mediated NF-kappaB Pathway and
      Indirect Regulation of SOX9-Meditated JNK/MAPK Pathway: A Potential Role in
      Psoriasis.
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. The aim of this study was to
      determine a potential role of microRNA (miR)-130a in psoriasis, and underlying
      mechanism. Expression levels of miR-130a in psoriasis specimens and normal skin
      tissues were analyzed. MiR-130a mimic, inhibitor, miR-control, small interfering
      RNA (siRNA) specific serine/threonine kinase 40 (STK40), or sex-determining
      region Y chromosome-box 9 (SOX9) were transfected to human keratinocyte HaCaT
      cells, respectively. After transfection, the cell viability, apoptosis, and
      migration were determined. Luciferase reporter assay, quantitative reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and western blot were performed to
      explore whether STK40 was a target of miR-130a. The effects of aberrant
      expressions of miR-130a, STK40, or SOX9 on key proteins of NF-kappaB and c-Jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were
      assessed. The miR-130a levels were significantly higher in patients with
      psoriasis compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.01). Overexpressing miR-130a
      strikingly promoted HaCaT cell viability and migration and inhibited apoptosis (p
      < 0.01 or p < 0.05). We confirmed that STK40 was a direct target of miR-130a, and
      STK40 was involved in miR-130a-induced cell functions. Overexpressing miR-130a
      significantly upregulated NF-kappaB p65, SOX9, p-c-Jun, p-JNK, and p-p38MAPK
      proteins and silencing miR-130a downregulated them. In addition, silencing STK40
      alleviated the effects of anti-miR-130a on SOX9 expression. Furthermore,
      silencing SOX9 also decreased levels of p-c-Jun, p-JNK, and p-p38MAPK proteins.
      MiR-130a regulates human keratinocyte HaCaT viability, migration and apoptosis
      might be by direct regulation of STK40-mediated NF-kappaB pathway and by indirect
      regulation of SOX9-mediated downstream JNK/MAPK signaling pathway.

PMID- 28085488
TI  - Lactoferrin and prematurity: a promising milk protein?
AB  - Lactoferrin (Lf) is the major whey protein in milk, with multiple beneficial
      health effects including direct antimicrobial activities, anti-inflammatory
      effects, and iron homeostasis. Oral Lf supplementation in human preterm infants
      has been shown to reduce the incidence of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis.
      In preclinical models of antenatal stress and perinatal brain injury, bovine Lf
      protected the developing brain from neuronal loss, improved connectivity,
      increased neurotrophic factors, and decreased inflammation. It also supported
      brain development and cognition. Further, Lf can prevent preterm delivery by
      reducing proinflammatory factors and inhibiting premature cervix maturation. We
      review here the latest research on Lf in the field of neonatology.

PMID- 28085491
TI  - Research and development on lactoferrin and its derivatives in China from 2011
      2015.
AB  - Lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional glycoprotein, is an important antimicrobial
      and immune regulatory protein present in neutrophils and most exocrine secretions
      of mammals. Lactoferricin (Lfcin) is located in the N-terminal region of this
      protein. In this review, the current state of research into Lf and Lfcin in China
      is described. Searching with HistCite software in Web Sci located 118 papers
      published by Chinese researchers from 2011-2015, making China one of the top 3
      producers of Lf research and development in the world. The biological functions
      of Lf and Lfcin are discussed, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal,
      anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities; targeted drug delivery,
      induction of neurocyte, osteoblast, and tenocyte growth, and possible mechanisms
      of action. The preparation and heterologous expression of Lf in animals,
      bacteria, and yeast are discussed in detail. Five Lf-related food additive
      factories and 9 Lf-related health food production companies are certified by the
      China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). The latest progress in the generation
      of transgenic livestock in China, the safety of the use of transgenic animals,
      and future prospects for the uses of Lf and Lfcin are also covered.

PMID- 28085492
TI  - Mucosal Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Are a Key Component of the Allergic Response
      to Aeroallergens.
AB  - RATIONALE: Newly characterized type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) display
      potent type 2 effector functionality; however, their contribution to allergic
      airways inflammation and asthma is poorly understood. Mucosal biopsy used to
      characterize the airway mucosa is invasive, poorly tolerated, and does not allow
      for sequential sampling. OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of ILC2s during nasal
      allergen challenge in subjects with allergic rhinitis using novel noninvasive
      methodology. METHODS: We used a human experimental allergen challenge model, with
      flow cytometric analysis of nasal curettage samples, to assess the recruitment of
      ILC2s and granulocytes to the upper airways of subjects with atopy and healthy
      subjects after allergen provocation. Soluble mediators in the nasal lining fluid
      were measured using nasosorption. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After an
      allergen challenge, subjects with atopy displayed rapid induction of upper airway
      symptoms, an enrichment of ILC2s, eosinophils, and neutrophils, along with
      increased production of IL-5, prostaglandin D2, and eosinophil and T-helper type
      2 cell chemokines compared with healthy subjects. The most pronounced ILC2
      recruitment was observed in subjects with elevated serum IgE and airway
      eosinophilia. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid recruitment of ILC2s to the upper airways of
      allergic patients with rhinitis, and their association with key type 2 mediators,
      highlights their likely important role in the early allergic response to
      aeroallergens in the airways. The novel methodology described herein enables the
      analysis of rare cell populations from noninvasive serial tissue sampling.

PMID- 28085493
TI  - Metabolism and Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis in Lung Disease.
AB  - There is increased awareness that patients with lung diseases develop muscle
      dysfunction. Muscle dysfunction is a major contributor to a decreased quality of
      life in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. Furthermore, muscle dysfunction
      exacerbates lung disease outcome, as a decrease in muscle mass and function are
      associated with increased morbidity, often long after critical illness or lung
      disease has been resolved. As we are learning more about the role of metabolism
      in health and disease, we are appreciating more the direct role of metabolism in
      skeletal muscle homeostasis. Altered metabolism is associated with numerous
      skeletal muscle pathologies and, conversely, skeletal muscle diseases are
      associated with significant changes in metabolic pathways. In this review, we
      highlight the role of metabolism in the regulation of skeletal muscle
      homeostasis. Understanding the metabolic pathways that underlie skeletal muscle
      wasting is of significant clinical interest for critically ill patients as well
      as patients with chronic lung disease, in which proper skeletal muscle function
      is essential to disease outcome.

PMID- 28085494
TI  - Impact of human aging and modern lifestyle on gut microbiota.
AB  - Human evolution and lifestyle changes caused by the agricultural and industrial
      revolutions have led to great advances in medicine and increased life expectancy,
      whilst also profoundly altering the ecological relationships and disease patterns
      of populations. Studies involving populations that still enjoy a rural way of
      life and with traits similar to the Paleolithic period reveal them to present a
      more robust, resistant and diverse gut microbiota, in comparison to highly
      industrialized civilizations. The human diet has expanded and broadened to
      include the consumption of high-calorie foods, particularly from animal sources
      such as game meat and eggs. For some time, authors have been alert to the fact
      that a modern lifestyle leads to reduced intake of beneficial bacteria,
      suggesting that nonpathogenic bacteria are being eradicated. Furthermore,
      therapeutic procedures, including the use of probiotics and prebiotics, have been
      proposed to lead to recovery of this microbiota, which is altered due to both the
      ageing process and lifestyle related aspects. Accordingly, this article aims to
      review the impact of human aging and modern lifestyle on gut microbiota, within
      an evolutionary, ecological, epidemiological and therapeutic context.

PMID- 28085495
TI  - Response: upfront nilotinib therapy among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
      in chronic phase.

PMID- 28085496
TI  - Association of Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism with Impact on Overweight University
      Pupils.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is known to be a complex disorder caused by both genetic and
      environmental factors. Patients with obesity tend to develop cardiovascular
      disease and type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have revealed that obesity is
      associated with genetic variations including those found in the apolipoprotein E
      (APOE) gene, which also affects lipid profiles. Hence, in this study, we aimed to
      perform a molecular characterization of APOE gene polymorphisms found in
      overweight subjects within a Saudi population. METHODS: A case-control study was
      performed consisting of 198 cases and 198 controls, selected from participants at
      the King Saud University. TaqMan genotyping was performed to characterize the
      APOE gene polymorphisms. RESULTS: The present study identified the E4 allele of
      the APOE gene as being significantly associated with obesity in the Saudi
      population (p = 0.0001). We found a statistically significant difference in the
      genotype distribution between cases and controls [for E3/E4: OR, 2.16 (95% CI:
      1.19-3.91); p = 0.009]. DISCUSSION: Significant differences were observed in the
      APOE allele profiles (p < 0.001) and lipid profile parameters, including
      triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein among the obese patients compared with
      the non-obese control population. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that APOE
      variants are associated with obesity in the Saudi population.

PMID- 28085497
TI  - Harnessing the Power of Next-Generation Sequencing.

PMID- 28085498
TI  - Mouse Genome-Wide Association Study of Preclinical Group II Pulmonary
      Hypertension Identifies Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with features of obesity and metabolic
      syndrome that translate to the induction of PH by chronic high-fat diet (HFD) in
      some inbred mouse strains. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to
      identify candidate genes associated with susceptibility to HFD-induced PH. Mice
      from 36 inbred and wild-derived strains were fed with regular diet or HFD for 20
      weeks beginning at 6-12 weeks of age, after which right ventricular (RV) and left
      ventricular (LV) end-systolic pressure (ESP) and maximum pressure (MaxP) were
      measured by cardiac catheterization. We tested for association of RV MaxP and RV
      ESP and identified genomic regions enriched with nominal associations to both of
      these phenotypes. We excluded genomic regions if they were also associated with
      LV MaxP, LV ESP, or body weight. Genes within significant regions were scored
      based on the shortest-path betweenness centrality, a measure of network
      connectivity, of their human orthologs in a gene interaction network of human PH
      related genes. WSB/EiJ, NON/ShiLtJ, and AKR/J mice had the largest increases in
      RV MaxP after high-fat feeding. Network-based scoring of GWAS candidates
      identified epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) as having the highest shortest
      path betweenness centrality of GWAS candidates. Expression studies of lung
      homogenate showed that EGFR expression is increased in the AKR/J strain, which
      developed a significant increase in RV MaxP after high-fat feeding as compared
      with C57BL/6J, which did not. Our combined GWAS and network-based approach adds
      evidence for a role for Egfr in murine PH.

PMID- 28085499
TI  - A sperm-specific proteome-scale metabolic network model identifies non-glycolytic
      genes for energy deficiency in asthenozoospermia.
AB  - : About 15% of couples experience difficulty in conceiving a child, of which half
      of the cases are thought to be male-related. Asthenozoospermia, or low sperm
      motility, is one of the frequent types of male infertility. Although energy
      metabolism is suggested to be central to the etiology of asthenozoospermia, very
      few attempts have been made to identify its underlying metabolic pathways. Here,
      we reconstructed SpermNet, the first proteome-scale model of the sperm cell by
      using whole-proteome data and the mCADRE algorithm. The reconstructed model was
      then analyzed using the COBRA toolbox. Genes were knocked-out in the model to
      investigate their effect on ATP production. A total of 78 genes elevated ATP
      production rate considerably of which most encode components of oxidative
      phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation, the Krebs cycle, and members of the solute
      carrier 25 family. Among them, we identified 11 novel genes which have previously
      not been associated with sperm cell energy metabolism and may thus be implicated
      in asthenozoospermia. We further examined the reconstructed model by in silico
      knock out of currently known asthenozoospermia implicated-genes that were not
      predicted by our model. The pathways affected by knocking out these genes were
      also related to energy metabolism, confirming previous findings. Therefore, our
      model not only predicts the known pathways, it also identifies several non
      glycolytic genes for deficient energy metabolism in asthenozoospermia. Finally,
      this model supports the notion that metabolic pathways besides glycolysis such as
      oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation are essential for sperm energy
      metabolism and if validated, may form a basis for fertility recovery.
      ABBREVIATIONS: mCADRE: metabolic context-specificity assessed by deterministic
      reaction evaluation; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; RNA: ribonucleic acid; FBA:
      flux balance analysis; FVA: flux variability analysis; DAVID: database for
      annotation, visualization and integrated discovery; OXPHOS: oxidative
      phosphorylation; ETC: electron transfer chain; SLC: solute carrier; DLD:
      dihydrolypoamide dehydrogenase; DLST: dihydrolypoamide S-succinyl transferase;
      OGDH: oxoglutarate dehydrogenase; CS: citrate synthase; FH: fumarate hydratase;
      IDH: isocitrate dehydrogenase; SUCLG1: succinate-CoA ligase; SD: succinate
      dehydrogenase; HADHA: hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase/3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase/enoyl
      CoA hydratase, subunit A; HADHB: hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase/3-ketoacyl-CoA
      thiolase/enoyl-CoA hydratase, subunit B; PPA2: pyrophosphatase (inorganic) 2;
      PPi: inorganic phosphate; GALT: galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase.

PMID- 28085501
TI  - Aqueous Humor Antimicrobial Activity: In Vitro Analysis after Topical 0.5%
      Chloramphenicol Application.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess aqueous humor antimicrobial activity in vitro after topical
      0.5% chloramphenicol application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This investigation
      included 63 eyes from 65 cataract surgery patients. The study group of 48 eyes
      received preoperatively four topical applications of 0.5% chloramphenicol. The
      control group of 15 eyes was given no topical applications. Aqueous humor samples
      were collected for in vitro antimicrobial analysis using Streptococcus
      pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Pasteurella
      multocida organisms by means of disk diffusion test. RESULTS: No inhibition halo
      was observed around all aqueous humor samples from all chloramphenicol-treated
      patients, irrespective of the sample quantity added to the paper disks, with no
      significant difference from aqueous humor from untreated control patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Aqueous humor displayed no bactericidal effect against any of the
      microorganisms evaluated after topical 0.5% chloramphenicol application.

PMID- 28085500
TI  - A Pilot Study Linking Endothelial Injury in Lungs and Kidneys in Chronic
      Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - RATIONALE: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently
      have albuminuria (indicative of renal endothelial cell injury) associated with
      hypoxemia. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether (1) cigarette smoke (CS)-induced
      pulmonary and renal endothelial cell injury explains the association between
      albuminuria and COPD, (2) CS-induced albuminuria is linked to increases in the
      oxidative stress-advanced glycation end products (AGEs) receptor for AGEs (RAGE)
      pathway, and (3) enalapril (which has antioxidant properties) limits the
      progression of pulmonary and renal injury by reducing activation of the AGEs-RAGE
      pathway in endothelial cells in both organs. METHODS: In 26 patients with COPD,
      24 ever-smokers without COPD, 32 nonsmokers who underwent a renal biopsy or
      nephrectomy, and in CS-exposed mice, we assessed pathologic and ultrastructural
      renal lesions, and measured urinary albumin/creatinine ratios, tissue oxidative
      stress levels, and AGEs and RAGE levels in pulmonary and renal endothelial cells.
      The efficacy of enalapril on pulmonary and renal lesions was assessed in CS
      exposed mice. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients with COPD and/or CS-exposed
      mice had chronic renal injury, increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratios, and
      increased tissue oxidative stress and AGEs-RAGE levels in pulmonary and renal
      endothelial cells. Treating mice with enalapril attenuated CS-induced increases
      in urinary albumin/creatinine ratios, tissue oxidative stress levels, endothelial
      cell AGEs and RAGE levels, pulmonary and renal cell apoptosis, and the
      progression of chronic renal and pulmonary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with
      COPD and/or CS-exposed mice have pulmonary and renal endothelial cell injury
      linked to increased endothelial cell AGEs and RAGE levels. Albuminuria could
      identify patients with COPD in whom angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
      therapy improves renal and lung function by reducing endothelial injury.

PMID- 28085502
TI  - Urea, Uric Acid, Prolactin and fT4 Concentrations in Aqueous Humor of Keratoconus
      Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Keratoconus is a noninflammatory disease of the cornea associated with
      progressive thinning and conical shape. Metabolic alterations in the urea cycle,
      with changes in collagen fibril stability, oxidative stress, thyroid hormones and
      prolactin with regulatory effect on biosynthesis and biomechanical stability of
      corneal stroma, may all play a role in keratoconus etiology. Our purpose was to
      determine urea, uric acid, prolactin and free thyroxin (fT4) concentrations in
      human aqueous humor (hAH) of keratoconus and cataract patients. METHODS: hAH was
      collected from 100 keratoconus (penetrating keratoplasty) (41.9 +/- 14.9 years,
      69 males) and 100 cataract patients (cataract surgery) (71.2 +/- 12.4 years, 58
      males). Urea, uric acid, prolactin and fT4 concentrations were measured by
      Siemens clinical chemistry or immunoassay system. For statistical analysis, a
      generalized linear model (GLM) was used. RESULTS: Urea concentration was 11.88 +/
      3.03 mg/dl in keratoconus and 16.44 +/- 6.40 mg/dl in cataract patients, uric
      acid 2.04 +/- 0.59 mg/dl in keratoconus and 2.18 +/- 0.73 mg/dl in cataract
      groups. Prolactin concentration was 3.18 +/- 0.34 ng/ml in keratoconus and 3.33
      +/- 0.32 ng/ml in cataract patients, fT4 20.57 +/- 4.76 pmol/l in KC and 19.06 +/
      3.86 pmol/l in cataract group. Urea concentration was effected through gender (p
      = 0.039), age (p = 0.001) and diagnosis (p = 0.025). Uric acid concentration was
      not effected through any of the analyzed parameters (p > 0.056). Prolactin and
      fT4 concentration were effected only through diagnosis (p = 0.009 and p = 0.006).
      CONCLUSIONS: Urea and prolactin concentrations are decreased, fT4 concentration
      is increased in aqueous humor of keratoconus patients, and uric acid
      concentration remains unchanged. Urea concentration in aqueous humor is also
      increased in older and male patients. Therefore, metabolic disorder and hormonal
      balance may both have an impact on keratoconus development. Further studies are
      necessary to assess the specific impact.

PMID- 28085503
TI  - Dupilumab for the treatment of asthma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dupilumab (REGN668/SAR231893), produced by a collaboration between
      Regeneron and Sanofi, is a monoclonal antibody currently in phase III for
      moderate-to-severe asthma. Dupilumab is directed against the alpha-subunit of the
      interleukin (IL)-4 receptor and blocks the IL-4 and IL-13 signal transduction.
      Areas covered: Pathophysiological role of IL-4 and IL-13 in asthma; mechanism of
      action of dupilumab; pharmacology of IL-4 receptor; phase I and phase II studies
      with dupilumab; regulatory affairs. Expert opinion: Patients with severe asthma
      who are not sufficiently controlled with standard-of-care represent the target
      asthma population for dupilumab. If confirmed, efficacy of dupilumab in both
      eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic severe asthma phenotype might represent an
      advantage over approved biologics for asthma, including omalizumab, mepolizumab,
      and reslizumab. Head-to-head studies to compare dupilumab versus other biologics
      with different mechanism of action are required. Pediatric studies with dupilumab
      are currently lacking and should be undertaken to assess efficacy and safety of
      this drug in children with severe asthma. The lack of preclinical data and
      published results of the completed four phase I studies precludes a complete
      assessment of the pharmacological profile of dupilumab. Dupilumab seems to be
      generally well tolerated, but large studies are required to establish its long
      term safety and tolerability.

PMID- 28085504
TI  - Differences between the production of [s] and [?] in the speech of adults,
      typically developing children, and children with speech sound disorders: An
      ultrasound study.
AB  - This study describes the criteria that are used in ultrasound to measure the
      differences between the tongue contours that produce [s] and [?] sounds in the
      speech of adults, typically developing children (TDC), and children with speech
      sound disorder (SSD) with the phonological process of palatal fronting.
      Overlapping images of the tongue contours that resulted from 35 subjects
      producing the [s] and [?] sounds were analysed to select 11 spokes on the radial
      grid that were spread over the tongue contour. The difference was calculated
      between the mean contour of the [s] and [?] sounds for each spoke. A cluster
      analysis produced groups with some consistency in the pattern of articulation
      across subjects and differentiated adults and TDC to some extent and children
      with SSD with a high level of success. Children with SSD were less likely to show
      differentiation of the tongue contours between the articulation of [s] and [?].

PMID- 28085505
TI  - Effect of Porcine Chondrocyte-Derived Extracellular Membrane (CDECM) on
      Postoperative Wound Healing in an Experimental Rabbit Model of Glaucoma
      Filtration Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated whether a chondrocyte-derived extracellular membrane
      (CDECM) could reduce postoperative scar formation in an experimental rabbit model
      of glaucoma filtration surgery. METHODS: Thirty-six male New Zealand white
      rabbits underwent experimental glaucoma filtration surgeries on the right eye and
      were randomly divided into the following two treatment groups: the CDECM group
      was treated with subconjunctival injections of 0.1ml CDECM (25 mg/ml; n = 18
      eyes), and the operation (OP) group was treated with subconjunctival injections
      of 0.1 ml balanced salt solution (n = 18 eyes). The left eyes were used as
      controls (n = 36 eyes). The effects of the CDECM on the experimental rabbit model
      were investigated using histopathological, immunochemical analyses and Western
      blotting analyses of the inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. RESULTS: On the
      14th postoperative day, the eyes of the CDECM group displayed reduced vascularity
      and fibrosis compared with the OP group. The vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF), CD31 and TNFbeta immunostaining were also reduced in the CDECM group. The
      level of TNFalpha mRNA was increased in the OP group. On the 28th postoperative
      day, the eyes of the CDECM group also exhibited reduced vascularity and less
      inflammation and fibrosis than those of the OP group. The expressions of VEGF,
      CD31, macrophage, TNFbeta and NF-kappaB p65 were also decreased in the CDECM
      group. The levels of TNFalpha mRNA significantly differ, and the level of matrix
      metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) was increased in the OP group. To determine the
      specific upstream pathway that was associated with NF-kappaB activation due to
      glaucoma filtration surgery, we measured Akt, PKCs and MAPKs signaling. The
      phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was increased in the OP group, whereas this
      expression was decreased by CDECM treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CDECM seems to suppress
      angiogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis, which were related to wound healing in
      the experimental rabbit model of glaucoma filtration surgery. This effect,
      resulting from the inhibition of NF-kappaB expression, may be the blocking of the
      p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

PMID- 28085506
TI  - Immunohistochemical Profiles of LOXL-1, FBN1, TGF-beta1, and COX-2 in
      Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSES: To (i) determine expression patterns of lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1),
      fibrillin-1 (FBN1), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1), and
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lens epithelium and anterior lens capsule in
      pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome and (ii) delineate the roles of these proteins
      in the etiopathogenesis of PEX. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study participants, all of
      whom had undergone cataract surgery, comprised 47 patients with and 27 patients
      without (controls) PEX syndrome. Immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections of
      lens capsule and lens epithelium was performed. RESULTS: Immunoexpression of
      LOXL1 and FBN1 on the outer surface of the lens capsule was significantly higher
      (p < 0.001), and nuclear immunopositivity for LOXL1 was more frequently observed
      (p = 0.017), in PEX patients compared with control patients. Cytoplasmic
      expression of LOXL1 and COX-2 was significantly lower (p = 0.015 and p = 0.042,
      respectively) in PEX patients compared with controls. TGF-beta1 exhibited diffuse
      immunostaining detected in all cell layers in PEX patients (p <0.001).
      Significant direct correlations of cytoplasmic LOXL1 with FBN1 and TGF-beta1, and
      of COX-2 with FBN1, TGF-beta1, and LOXL-1, were observed only in PEX patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Results of our study provide valuable information vis-a-vis
      expression and localization of TGF-beta1, LOXL1, and FBN1, as well as their
      associations in the lens epithelium and lens capsule. These data not only advance
      our knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of PEX syndrome, but also include novel
      findings, for example, immunostaining patterns of TGF-beta1 in PEX syndrome. We
      suggest that COX-2 plays a role in the pathobiology of PEX syndrome and should be
      the subject of future investigations.

PMID- 28085507
TI  - Thiol Disulfide Homeostasis in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the serum thiol disulfide homeostasis in patients with
      pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome. METHOD: Thirty-five patients with PEX syndrome
      and forty healthy subjects were included in this observational case-control
      study. Serum native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and native thiol/disulfide
      ratio were determined using a novel and automated assay. RESULTS: The mean serum
      total thiol and native thiol levels were significantly lower in patients with PEX
      syndrome compared to healthy controls (p = 0.001). The mean serum disulfide level
      was significantly higher in patients with PEX syndrome compared to healthy
      controls (p = 0.023). The serum native thiol/disulfide ratio was lower in
      patients with PEX syndrome compared to healthy subjects (16 +/- 10.1 vs 22.3 +/-
      11.5, respectively, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence that
      the dynamic native thiol/disulfide ratio is lower in PEX syndrome, which shows a
      reduction in the natural cell reductive capacity reservoir.

PMID- 28085508
TI  - Validation of the Intelligibility in Context Scale for school students in Fiji.
AB  - Fiji is a multilingual nation with few assessment tools addressing children's
      communication. This article describes the validation of the Intelligibility in
      Context Scale for Fiji English, Standard Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. Informants were
      caregivers of 65 typically developing multilingual children (aged 5;3-10;5)
      attending a Fiji primary school. The students spoke an average of 2.9 languages
      (range = 1-5). Their main language was Standard Fijian (41.5%), Fiji Hindi
      (23.1%), Fiji English (20.0%), or Fijian dialect (15.4%). An ICS mean score of
      4.6 was obtained for main language (ICS-ML) and 4.4 for Fiji English (ICS-FE)
      indicating that students were usually to always intelligible. There were no
      significant differences between main language, number of languages spoken,
      gender, age, or socio-economic status. Both scales had good internal consistency,
      but were not correlated with speech accuracy measures possibly due to ceiling
      effects. Further validation with younger children is recommended. The ICS may be
      a useful tool for Fiji with comparative results to other international studies.

PMID- 28085509
TI  - Voiceless alveolar stop coarticulation in typically developing 5-year-olds and 13
      year-olds.
AB  - In this study, vowel-on-consonant lingual coarticulation at [t] closure offset
      was compared in 5-year-old children and 13-year-old adolescents. The study aimed
      to establish whether, by the end of the closure, children from the younger age
      group adjust the tongue shape to the following vowels to the same extent as
      adolescents. Ten 5-year-olds and ten 13-year-olds, all speakers of Scottish
      Standard English, produced [t]-vowel syllables with the vowels [i] and [a], in a
      carrier phrase. Measures of tongue shape based on midsagittal ultrasound imaging
      data were used to compare anticipatory coarticulation and within-speaker
      variability across groups. Both age groups changed the extent of tongue dorsum
      bunching in order to coarticulate the consonant with the following vowels. The 5
      year-old children, unlike the adolescents, did not consistently modify the
      bunching location within the tongue curve to accommodate the tongue shape to that
      of the upcoming vowel. Token-to-token variability was significantly greater in
      the younger age group. The results suggest that vowel-on-[t] coarticulatory
      patterns produced by typically developing children are affected by the
      development of motor control, with articulatory constraints on the tongue
      limiting the extent of lingual coarticulation in 5-year-old children. The
      findings on typical coarticulation development are relevant for clinical
      practice, and they highlight the need for more detailed descriptions of how
      phonetic characteristics of speech sounds affect coarticulation throughout
      childhood.

PMID- 28085511
TI  - Epigenetics and Orofacial Clefts: A Brief Introduction.

PMID- 28085512
TI  - TFII-I and AP2alpha Co-Occupy the Promoters of Key Regulatory Genes Associated
      with Craniofacial Development.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to define the candidate target genes for
      TFII-I and AP2alpha regulation in neural crest progenitor cells. DESIGN: The
      GTF2I and GTF2IRD1 genes encoding the TFII-I family of transcription factors are
      prime candidates for the Williams-Beuren syndrome, a complex multisystem disorder
      characterized by craniofacial, skeletal, and neurocognitive deficiencies.
      AP2alpha, a product of the TFAP2A gene, is a master regulator of neural crest
      cell lineage. Mutations in TFAP2A cause branchio-oculo-facial syndrome
      characterized by dysmorphic facial features and orofacial clefts. In this study,
      we examined the genome-wide promoter occupancy of TFII-I and AP2alpha in neural
      crest progenitor cells derived from in vitro-differentiated human embryonic stem
      cells. RESULTS: Our study revealed that TFII-I and AP2alpha co-occupy a selective
      set of genes that control the specification of neural crest cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      The data suggest that TFII-I and AP2alpha may coordinately control the expression
      of genes encoding chromatin-modifying proteins, epigenetic enzymes, transcription
      factors, and signaling proteins.

PMID- 28085510
TI  - Age-Dependent Changes in AMPK Metabolic Pathways in the Lung in a Mouse Model of
      Hemorrhagic Shock.
AB  - The development of multiple organ failure in patients with hemorrhagic shock is
      significantly influenced by patient age. Adenosine monophosphate-activated
      protein kinase (AMPK) is a crucial regulator of energy homeostasis, which
      coordinates metabolic repair during cellular stress. We investigated whether AMPK
      regulated signaling pathways are age-dependent in hemorrhage-induced lung injury
      and whether AMPK activation by 5-amino-4-imidazole carboxamide riboside (AICAR)
      affords lung protective effects. Male C57/BL6 young mice (3-5 mo), mature adult
      mice (9-12 mo), and young AMPKalpha1 knockout mice (3-5 mo) were subjected to
      hemorrhagic shock by blood withdrawing, followed by resuscitation with shed blood
      and lactated Ringer's solution. Plasma proinflammatory cytokines were similarly
      elevated in C57/BL6 young and mature adult mice after hemorrhagic shock. However,
      mature adult mice exhibited more severe lung edema and neutrophil infiltration,
      and higher mitochondrial damage in alveolar epithelial type II cells, than did
      young mice. No change in autophagy was observed. At molecular analysis, the
      phosphorylation of the catalytic subunit AMPKalpha1 was associated with nuclear
      translocation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator
      alpha in young, but not mature, adult mice. Treatment with AICAR ameliorated the
      disruption of lung architecture in mice of both ages; however, effects in mature
      adult mice were different than young mice and also involved inhibition of nuclear
      factor-kappaB. In young AMPKalpha1 knockout mice, AICAR failed to improve
      hypotension and lung neutrophil infiltration. Our data demonstrate that during
      hemorrhagic shock, AMPK-dependent metabolic repair mechanisms are important for
      mitigating lung injury. However, these mechanisms are less competent with age.

PMID- 28085513
TI  - #Cleft: The use of Social Media Amongst Parents of Infants with Clefts.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many societies and organizations are using social media to reach
      their target audience. The extent to which parents of patients with craniofacial
      anomalies use social media has yet to be determined. The goal of this study is to
      characterize and describe the use of social media by the parents of children with
      cleft lip and palate as it pertains to the care of their child. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Parents or guardian of all patients presenting for initial consultation
      regarding a child's congenital cleft anomaly were contacted by phone or mail to
      complete a survey regarding their use of social media vis-a-vis their child's
      cleft anomaly. Participants were asked to answer a 19-question survey. RESULTS:
      Thirty-two families were contacted and 25 surveys were completed. Ninety-two
      percent of respondents used social media to learn about their child's diagnosis.
      Facebook (76%) and blogs (24%) were the most commonly accessed social media
      outlets, followed by Instagram (8%). Education about the diagnosis and treatment
      of cleft pathology (87%) was the most common reason for accessing social media,
      followed by companionship and support (56%), and advice about perioperative care
      (52%). Almost half (43%) of parents used social media to obtain information on
      their caregiver and treatment team, and 26% of parents used information gained on
      social media to guide their decision on where to seek care. CONCLUSION: Social
      media is a readily available resource, one that will certainly shape the
      experiences of our patients and families for years to come.

PMID- 28085514
TI  - A Sustainable Model for Patient follow-up following an International Cleft
      Mission: A Proof of Concept.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patient follow-up after cleft missions is imperative if we are to
      critically assess the quality of care provided in these settings. The adoption of
      mobile telephones among disadvantaged families abroad may enable such an
      undertaking in a cost-effective manner. This project aimed to assess the efficacy
      of cellular phone-based follow-up in a developing country following a cleft
      mission to Thailand. METHODS: Changing Children's Lives Inc. performed a cleft
      surgical mission to Udon Thani, Thailand, in January 2013. Telephone numbers
      collected at that time were used to survey the patients or their parents 1.5
      years postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients who underwent cleft lip and/or
      palate surgery during the mission, more than 50% ( n = 30, 54%) were reachable by
      telephone; all chose to participate in the study. The cost for families was U.S.
      $124.92 (56.15); 26 families (87%) believed their money was well spent. Follow-up
      care was received by 22 (73%) patients, and all but one family ( n = 29, 97%)
      felt that their child received all of the medical care and support required. All
      families ( N = 30) would recommend similar cleft care to a friend. Of the
      patients younger than 18 years of age ( n = 24, 80%), 20 (80%) families found
      their child more comfortable interacting with peers, more comfortable interacting
      with adults, and more confident postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In one month, a
      survey response rate of more than 50% was obtained by leveraging the increased
      adoption of mobile phones in rural settings. Nearly all patients/families treated
      during the cleft mission were satisfied with the care that they received.

PMID- 28085515
TI  - Effect of Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding on Nasal Symmetry in Unilateral
      Complete Cleft Lip/Palate Patients after Primary Cheiloplasty without Concomitant
      Nasal Cartilage Dissection: Early Childhood Evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of presurgical
      nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) on long-term nasal symmetry and shaping after primary
      cheiloplasty in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip/palate (UCL/P).
      DESIGN: This was a two-group, parallel, retrospective, randomized clinical trial.
      SETTING: The setting for this study was the Chang Gung Craniofacial Center in
      Taoyuan, Taiwan. PATIENTS: Patients were divided into one of the following two
      groups: infants with UCL/P who underwent PNAM (PNAM group, n = 42) and infants
      with UCL/P who did not undergo PNAM (non-PNAM group, n = 42). INTERVENTIONS:
      Interventions included PNAM and primary cheiloplasty without nasal cartilage
      dissection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In this study, 4- to 5-year postoperative full
      face and submental oblique photographs were taken of all patients and scored from
      1 to 5 points by 10 medical evaluators. The scores were statistically analyzed
      using repeated-measures analysis of variance, and P < .05 was considered to
      represent statistical significance. RESULTS: After 1 to 3 months of PNAM but
      before primary cheiloplasty, the displaced nasal and alveolar cartilage showed
      obvious improvement. However, the scores in the PNAM and non-PNAM groups at 4 to
      5 years postoperatively were 66.62 +/- 14.25 and 66.31 +/- 15.08, respectively.
      There was no significant difference between the two groups ( F = 0.009, P =
      .923). CONCLUSION: PNAM as an early-stage adjunctive therapy for nasal deformity
      correction is beneficial before primary cheiloplasty, but it is insufficient to
      maintain long-term nostril symmetry after primary cheiloplasty without nasal
      cartilage dissection.

PMID- 28085516
TI  - Obtaining source current density related to irregularly structured
      electromagnetic target field inside human body using hybrid inverse/FDTD method.
AB  - Inverse method is inherently suitable for calculating the distribution of source
      current density related with an irregularly structured electromagnetic target
      field. However, the present form of inverse method cannot calculate complex field
      tissue interactions. A novel hybrid inverse/finite-difference time domain (FDTD)
      method that can calculate the complex field-tissue interactions for the inverse
      design of source current density related with an irregularly structured
      electromagnetic target field is proposed. A Huygens' equivalent surface is
      established as a bridge to combine the inverse and FDTD method. Distribution of
      the radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field on the Huygens' equivalent surface is
      obtained using the FDTD method by considering the complex field-tissue
      interactions within the human body model. The obtained magnetic field distributed
      on the Huygens' equivalent surface is regarded as the next target. The current
      density on the designated source surface is derived using the inverse method. The
      homogeneity of target magnetic field and specific energy absorption rate are
      calculated to verify the proposed method.

PMID- 28085517
TI  - Cyclic AMP-dependent signaling system is a primary metabolic target for non
      thermal effect of microwaves on heart muscle hydration.
AB  - Previously, we have suggested that cell hydration is a universal and extra
      sensitive sensor for the structural changes of cell aqua medium caused by the
      impact of weak chemical and physical factors. The aim of present work is to
      elucidate the nature of the metabolic messenger through which physiological
      solution (PS) treated by non-thermal (NT) microwaves (MW) could modulate heart
      muscle hydration of rats. For this purpose, the effects of NT MW-treated PS on
      heart muscle hydration, [3H]-ouabain binding with cell membrane, 45Ca2+ uptake
      and intracellular cyclic nucleotides contents in vivo and in vitro experiments
      were studied. It is shown that intraperitoneal injections of both Sham-treated PS
      and NT MW-treated PS elevate heart muscle hydration. However, the effect of NT MW
      treated PS on muscle hydration is more pronounced than the effect of Sham-treated
      PS. In vitro experiments NT MW-treated PS has dehydration effect on muscle, which
      is not changed by decreasing Na+ gradients on membrane. Intraperitoneal injection
      of Sham- and NT MW-treated PS containing 45Ca2+ have similar dehydration effect
      on muscle, while NT MW-treated PS has activation effect on Na+/Ca2+ exchange in
      reverse mode. The intraperitoneal injection of NT MW-treated PS depresses [3H]
      ouabain binding with its high-affinity membrane receptors, elevates intracellular
      cAMP and decreases cGMP contents. Based on the obtained data, it is suggested
      that cAMP-dependent signaling system serves as a primary metabolic target for NT
      MW effect on heart muscle hydration.

PMID- 28085518
TI  - Upfront nilotinib therapy among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic
      phase.

PMID- 28085519
TI  - Association of retinal vein occlusion, homocysteine, and the thrombophilic
      mutations in a Turkish population: A case-control study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare homocysteine and thrombophilic mutations for the
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, factor V Leiden, and
      prothrombin G20210A between retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and healthy controls in
      a Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine subjects with RVO were
      compared for homocysteine status and the MTHFR C677T, prothrombin G20210A, and
      factor V Leiden mutations with those of 68 healthy controls. Then, the groups
      were subdivided into two subgroups according to age (less than 50 years old,
      equal to or more than 50 years old) and were further compared. RESULTS: Mean
      plasma level of homocysteine was similar, but the frequency of
      hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly higher in the RVO group when compared with
      the control group (22.5% and 8.8%, respectively, p = 0.037). The frequency of all
      thrombophilic mutations was similar between the groups (p > 0.05). The frequency
      of all thrombophilic mutations and homocysteine levels was also similar between
      age subgroups (p > 0.05). Only hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly different
      between subgroups (p = 0.037); the frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia was
      significantly different in RVO patients less than 50 years old (22.7%) from that
      in healthy controls less than 50 years old (11.1%). Two RVO patients (4.1%) with
      bilateral involvement had MTHFR C677T mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for
      thrombophilic mutations such as MTHFR C677T, factor V Leiden, and prothrombin
      G20210A in RVO patients at all ages seems to be unnecessary and not cost
      effective. However, thrombophilic disorders should be screened selectively,
      focusing on young individuals, especially with bilateral involvement, without
      additional cardiovascular risk factors, or a family history of thrombosis.

PMID- 28085520
TI  - Psychosocial determinants for treatment decisions in familial retinoblastoma.

PMID- 28085521
TI  - Exenatide: pharmacokinetics, clinical use, and future directions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The first-in-class glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP
      1RA) exenatide, which was initially approved in 2005, is available in twice-daily
      (BID) and once-weekly (QW) formulations. Clinical trial data suggest both
      formulations are effective and safe for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), both
      as monotherapy and as part of combination therapy. Since exenatide was approved,
      several other GLP-1RAs have become available for clinical use. Areas covered:
      Many ongoing clinical trials involving exenatide BID and exenatide QW are
      investigating new indications (exenatide BID) and new end points and combination
      therapies (exenatide QW). This review provides an overview of the delivery and
      pharmacokinetics of both formulations of exenatide, reviews existing data in T2D,
      and summarizes ongoing investigations. Expert opinion: Exenatide BID and QW have
      substantial clinical benefits. Comparisons with other GLP-1RAs demonstrate some
      differences in efficacy and safety profiles that make assessment of benefit:risk
      ratios complex. Head-to-head comparisons of QW GLP-1RA formulations may assist in
      the ranking of GLP-1RAs according to efficacy and safety. Results on the impact
      of exenatide QW on cardiovascular outcomes are eagerly awaited. The potential
      clinical utility of exenatide BID in other indications will clarify whether
      exenatide holds clinical promise in diagnoses other than T2D.

PMID- 28085522
TI  - Elderly onset vitreous opacities as the initial manifestation in hereditary
      transthyretin (ATTR Val30Met) carries.
AB  - Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a systemic disorder transmitted as an
      autosomal dominant trait and is characterized by deposits of protein fibrils in
      various organs leading to physiologic dysfunction. In cases with FAP in Japanese
      endemic foci, their signs and symptoms often develop before the age of 40 years.
      We report on two elderly patients (an 80-year-old woman and an 83-year-old man)
      with progressive vitreous opacities (VOs) as the initial manifestation of
      hereditary transthyretin (ATTR Val30Met) carries, who had no evidence of systemic
      involvement or family history of amyloidosis and lived in non-endemic areas.
      Therapeutic vitrectomy with extensive vitreous removal combined with cataract
      surgery was performed. Clinicians should consider the possibility of hereditary
      transthyretin carries in cases presenting with VOs of undetermined etiology to
      avoid misdiagnosis.

PMID- 28085523
TI  - A novel homozygous variant in the SMOC1 gene underlying Waardenburg anophthalmia
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Waardenburg anophthalmia syndrome (WAS), also known as ophthalmo
      acromelic syndrome or anophthalmia-syndactyly, is a rare congenital disorder that
      segregates in an autosomal recessive pattern. Clinical features of the syndrome
      include malformation of the eyes and the skeleton. Mostly, WAS is caused by
      mutations in the SMOC-1 gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present report describes
      a large consanguineous family of Pakistani origin segregating Waardenburg
      anophthalmia syndrome in an autosomal recessive pattern. Genotyping followed by
      Sanger sequencing was performed to search for a candidate gene. RESULTS: SNP
      genotyping using AffymetrixGeneChip Human Mapping 250K Nsp array established a
      single homozygous region among affected members on chromosome 14q23.1-q24.3
      harboring the SMOC1 gene. Sequencing of the gene revealed a novel homozygous
      missense mutation (c.812G>A; p.Cys271Tyr) in the family. CONCLUSION: This is the
      first report of Waardenburg anophthalmia syndrome caused by a SMOC1 variant in a
      Pakistani population. The mutation identified in the present investigation
      extends the body of evidence implicating the gene SMOC-1 in causing WAS.

PMID- 28085525
TI  - Unilateral breast reconstruction after mastectomy - patient satisfaction,
      aesthetic outcome and quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increasing number of women undergo a breast reconstruction (BR)
      after treatment for breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate
      patient-reported esthetic satisfaction, quality of life (QoL), and the
      association between these, following different types of BR. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: All women who underwent unilateral BR in Central Denmark Region between
      January 2005 and July 2011 were included. Participants were sent a questionnaire
      package, which included the Body Image Scale, The Beck Depression Inventory, the
      Impact of Event Scale, and a study-specific patient-reported esthetic
      satisfaction scale. Additionally, patients were asked if they experienced a
      change in QoL owing to the BR. Based on reconstructive method and timing,
      participants were divided into four groups, three delayed: an abdominal flap
      group, a latissimus dorsi flap group, an implant +/- thoracodorsal flap group;
      and one immediate BR group. RESULTS: Of 166 eligible participants, a total of 144
      women (87%) completed the questionnaire. The mean follow-up was 3.8 years.
      Esthetic satisfaction differed significantly between groups [F(3,139) = 8.55; p <
      0.001], with abdominal flap recipients reporting the highest levels of esthetic
      satisfaction. No between-group differences were observed for the remaining
      psychosocial measures. Higher satisfaction with esthetic outcome was associated
      with reporting higher QoL owing to the BR (odds ratio 1.10, p<0.001; 95% CI 1.06
      1.15). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal flap recipients expressed higher satisfaction with
      their esthetic outcome, compared to the remaining BR types. Higher esthetic
      satisfaction was strongly associated with reporting an experience of higher QoL.

PMID- 28085524
TI  - Evaluation of genome-wide susceptibility loci for high myopia in a Han Chinese
      population.
AB  - PURPOSE: High myopia (HM) is a common cause of visual impairment worldwide.
      Previous genome-wide association studies have reported that seven single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs1254319, rs3138144, rs12205363,
      rs17648524, rs7829127, rs1656404, and rs7084402, are associated with HM in
      Caucasians. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of these
      SNPs in Han Chinese. METHODS: SNPs were genotyped by SNaPshot method in a Chinese
      cohort composed of 830 HM patients and 1140 controls. RESULTS: Rs17648524 (C/G)
      and rs7084402 (A/G) were significantly associated with HM (p = 3.0 * 10-3, OR =
      0.43; p = 3.7 * 10-2, OR = 1.25, respectively). The association of rs17648524 was
      also observed under the heterozygous model (CG vs. GG, p = 7.0 * 10-3, OR = 0.43)
      and the dominant model (CC + CG vs. GG, p = 4.0 * 10-3, OR = 0.42). The
      association of rs7084402 was found under the homozygous model (GG vs. AA, p = 4.0
      * 10-2, OR = 1.56) and the dominant model (GG+ AG vs. AA, p = 3.8 * 10-2, OR =
      1.41). Another SNP, rs7829127 (A/G), was found to be significantly associated
      with HM under the heterozygous model (AG vs. AA, p = 4.6 * 10-2, OR = 0.67).
      Furthermore, the associations of rs17648524 and rs7084402 with HM were gender
      specific, with significance observed only in females but not in males. As for the
      other four SNPs, no associations were detected under these genetic models.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested rs17648524 (intronic RBFOX1 gene) and
      rs7084402 (7.5kb 5' of the BICC1 gene) showed gender-specific associations with
      high myopia in the Han Chinese.

PMID- 28085526
TI  - Prothrombin polymorphism A19911G, factor V HR2 haplotype A4070G, and plasminogen
      activator-inhibitor-1 polymorphism 4G/5G and the risk of retinal vein occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thus far, no data has become available to evaluate systematically the
      prevalences of prothrombin polymorphism A19911G (PT A19911G), factor V HR2
      haplotype A4070G (FV A4070G), or plasminogen activator-inhibitor-1 polymorphism
      4G/5G (PAI-1 4G/5G) in patients who develop retinal vein occlusion (RVO) without
      cardiovascular risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated
      comprehensive thrombophilia data from 42 preselected RVO patients without
      cardiovascular risk factors. The prevalences of different gene mutations and
      polymorphisms including factor V Leiden mutation G1691A (FVL), FV A4070G,
      prothrombin mutation G20210A, PT A19911G, and PAI-1 4G/5G were compared with 241
      healthy controls matched for age and sex. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients (47.7%)
      were found to carry thrombophilic gene polymorphisms including FVL, FV A4070G,
      and homozygous PT A19911G compared with 72 of 241 controls (29.9%; p = 0.03).
      Subgroup analysis of patients with a significant personal or family history of
      thromboembolism revealed a high prevalence of FVL, FV A4070G, and homozygous PT
      A19911G (p = 0.005). FV A4070G was found to be significantly associated with at
      least two other heterozygous or one homozygous gene polymorphisms (p = 0.02).
      Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of FVL (p = 0.0017) and homozygous PT
      A19911G (p = 0.03) polymorphism as independent risk factors for the development
      of RVO. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that in selected RVO patients screening
      for thrombophilic gene polymorphisms including FVL, FV A4070G and homozygous PT
      G19911A may be helpful in a high percentage of cases. Our findings suggest that
      hereditary thrombophilia associated with RVO is more likely to be multigenic than
      caused by any single risk factor.

PMID- 28085527
TI  - A multidisciplinary approach to improving the care and outcomes of patients with
      retinoblastoma at a pediatric cancer hospital in Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retinoblastoma poses a substantial burden in developing countries. We
      conducted this study to assess the effect of implementing a multidisciplinary
      approach and standardized protocols for treating pediatric patients with
      retinoblastoma at the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In January 2011, the CCHE implemented standardized protocols for the
      diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of retinoblastoma cases. The hospital also
      introduced a new retinoblastoma management algorithm and data analysis system. In
      this study, we compared the pathologic features, tumor invasiveness, reporting,
      and survival of 276 pediatric patients who underwent enucleations of 290 eyes
      before or after the implementation of the retinoblastoma protocols. RESULTS: Time
      to enucleation (indicating time needed for decision taking) decreased
      significantly within the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group for intraocular disease
      after January 2011 (68.7 +/- 48 weeks vs. 47.3 +/- 28.3 weeks; p < 0.05). Mean
      optic nerve stump length increased from 5.6 mm in the earlier period to 7.2 mm in
      the later period (p = 0.004). The overall quality of pathology reporting also
      improved during the later period. The probability of 3-year survival was
      significantly higher for patients during the later period (94.2% vs. 79.2%; p =
      0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of standardized protocols and a
      multidisciplinary approach improved reporting; discrepancies in disease
      classification and the amount of missing data were reduced; and quality measures
      and prognostic capabilities of the team were substantially improved. Such
      established data-driven practice supports faster decision making to enucleate
      diseased eyes and save patients' lives through providing measurable indicators.

PMID- 28085528
TI  - Patient-centered knowledge sharing in healthcare organizations: Identifying the
      external barriers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper reports on a research study, which aims to identify,
      qualify, and theorize the external barriers that prevent and hinder the exercises
      and activities of patient-centered knowledge sharing (KS) in healthcare
      organizations. METHODS: The project adopted a qualitative secondary analysis
      approach as the overarching methodology to guide the analysis of data collected
      in a previously completed research study. Specifically, 46 semi-structured
      interview data were included and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.
      RESULTS: The secondary analysis showed that healthcare KS is strongly influenced
      and hindered by five external barriers: social belief and preference, cultural
      values, healthcare education structure, political decisions, and economic
      environment and constraints. Moreover, the research findings suggest that these
      external barriers cannot be overlooked in KS implementation and operation in
      healthcare organizations and should be carefully assessed beginning in the early
      stages of KS design and strategic planning. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Based on
      the secondary analysis, this paper proposes a conceptual model, which will
      contribute to the development of hypotheses in the future for building a
      generalized knowledge. The case study used is Chinese healthcare, but the KS
      problems studied can be shared across international borders.

PMID- 28085529
TI  - Neutropenic acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) in a 12-year-old boy with T
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia successfully managed with conservative treatment.
AB  - : Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is an inflammation of the gallbladder
      without the presence of gallstones. In children with malignancies or chemotherapy
      induced neutropenia, AAC is very rare. Clinical diagnosis of AAC remains
      difficult in this patient population but an early recognition followed by an
      appropriate intervention may confer a benefit. Only three pediatric patients with
      underlying hematological malignancies whose clinical treatment course was
      complicated by the development of AAC have been described. We describe a
      neutropenic pediatric patient who developed AAC following chemotherapy for acute
      T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), which was successfully managed with
      conservative treatment. ABBREVIATIONS: AAC: Acute acalculous cholecystitis; T
      ALL: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia; TPN: Total parenteral nutrition.

PMID- 28085530
TI  - Invasive fungal infections in renal transplant patients: a single center study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Timely diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in renal
      transplant (RT) patients on immunosuppression is often difficult, jeopardizing
      their life and graft. We reported IFI and their causative fungal agents in post
      RT patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective 6-year clinical
      study carried out from 2010 to 2015 on 1900 RT patients. Clinical data included
      patient-donor demographics, time to onset of infection, risk factors and graft
      function in terms of serum creatinine (SCr). To identify IFI, we examined
      bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), blood, tissue, and wound swab samples by
      conventional mycological methods. RESULTS: IFI were diagnosed in 30 (1.56%)
      patients on triple immunosuppression, mainly males (n = 25) with mean age of
      36.57 +/- 11.9 years at 13.12 +/- 18.35 months post-RT. Aspergillus species was
      identified in 11 BAL, one tissue, and one wound specimen each, 30.76% of these
      were fatal and 15.38% caused graft loss; Candida albicans was in nine BAL, four
      blood, two wound swab, and one tissue specimens, 25% of these were fatal and 25%
      had graft loss and one mucor in BAL which was fatal. Seven patients were
      diabetic, 10 had superadded cytomegalovirus infection, and 15 were anti-rejected.
      CONCLUSION: IFI are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in RT
      patients. Triple immunosuppression, broad spectrum antibiotics for >= two weeks,
      diabetes and superadded infection are added risks for these patients. Prevention,
      early diagnosis, and appropriate management are necessary to improve their
      prognosis.

PMID- 28085531
TI  - Reconciling genotype with phenotype: Lessons learned on the Arabian Peninsula.
AB  - On the Arabian Peninsula, where consanguineous/endogamous marriages are
      customary, hereditary eye disease is often autosomal recessive and genotype
      phenotype correlation is typically straightforward. However, this is not always
      the case. Lessons I have learned in the course of reconciling genotype with
      phenotype in the region include the following: (1) although autosomal recessive
      disease is common, autosomal dominant disease still occurs; (2) an individual or
      family can be affected by more than one genetic eye disease; and (3) phenotype
      trumps genotype.

PMID- 28085533
TI  - Drug-Drug Interactions between Methadone and Apixaban.

PMID- 28085532
TI  - Advance of autophagy in chronic kidney diseases.
AB  - Autophagy, a highly conserved mechanism for cell survival, emerges as an
      important pathway in many biological processes and diseases conditions. Studies
      of cultured renal cells, human kidney tissues and experimental animal models
      implicate that autophagy regulation is the critical aspects in chronic kidney
      diseases (CKD). Here, we summarize the current studies on the role of autophagy
      in CKD. Unveiling the precise regulation mechanism of autophagy in CKD is
      essential for developing potential prevention, diagnostic and therapeutic targets
      of these sticky clinical challenges.

PMID- 28085534
TI  - Photoelectric Dye Used for Okayama University-Type Retinal Prosthesis Reduces the
      Apoptosis of Photoreceptor Cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our previous study demonstrated that photoelectric dye-coupled
      polyethylene film (Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis), which was
      implanted in subretinal space of the eyes of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS)
      rats, prevented retinal neurons from apoptotic death. In this study, we aimed to
      examine whether photoelectric dye itself would protect retinal neurons from
      apoptosis in RCS rats. METHODS: RCS rats received intravitreous injection of
      different concentrations of the dye in the left eye and housed under a 12-h light
      dark cycle. Saline injection in the right eye served as control. In addition, RCS
      rats with dye injection were kept in 24-h daily dark condition. Sections were
      processed for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated fluorescein
      conjugated-dUTP nick-end-labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemical staining
      of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha).
      RESULTS: The number of TUNEL-positive cells significantly decreased in the retina
      of dye-injected eyes compared with those in saline-injected eyes (P = 0.0001, 2
      factor analysis of variance [ANOVA]), under 12-h light-dark cycle. Significant
      decrease of TUNEL-positive cells was noted in the retina of rats with dye
      injection compared with those with saline injection, kept under 24-h dark
      condition (P = 0.0001, 2-factor ANOVA). Immunoreactive area for GFAP decreased
      significantly in the retina of dye-injected eyes compared with that in controls
      (P = 0.0001, 2-factor ANOVA), whereas immunoreactive area for PKCalpha increased
      significantly in the retina of dye-injected eyes compared with that in controls
      (P = 0.01, 2-factor ANOVA). CONCLUSIONS: Photoelectric dye inhibits apoptotic
      death of photoreceptor cells in RCS rats and downregulates GFAP expression in
      retinal Muller cells. Photoelectric dye may be a candidate agent for
      neuroprotection in retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal diseases.

PMID- 28085535
TI  - Fertility-Sparing Surgery Should Be the Standard Treatment in Patients with
      Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: To validate the oncological safety of fertility preservation in
      malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) and to define the significance of
      maximal cytoreduction in early stage MOGCTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine
      patients with stage I and II MOGCTs who underwent surgical treatment were
      included in the study. Fertility-sparing surgery is defined as conservative
      surgery and hysterectomy and contralateral salpingo-oophorectomy were defined as
      definitive surgery. Both surgical approaches involved lymphadenectomy and
      omentectomy. Most patients received platinum-based combinations for adjuvant
      therapy. Survival outcomes of the conservative surgery group were compared with
      the definitive surgery group. RESULTS: Median age of the study group was 21 years
      (range: 12-40 years). Median tumor size measured 150 mm (range, 20-300 mm).
      Surgery type (conservative surgery vs. definitive surgery) and lymphadenectomy
      (performed vs. not performed) were insignificant for the recurrence (p = 0.758, p
      = 0.271). However, surgical outcome (maximal vs. optimal and suboptimal) and type
      of tumor (dysgerminoma vs. nondysgerminoma) determined the recurrence (p = 0.001,
      p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Fertility-conserving approach is safe in early stage
      MOGCTs. However, maximal cytoreduction should be achieved in this group of
      patients, without conceding fertility-conserving approach. On the other hand,
      development of chemotherapy options with less gonadotoxic effects, but equal or
      stronger efficiency in comparison with platinum-based chemotherapy, will
      certainly facilitate management of this patient group.

PMID- 28085536
TI  - Liver transplantation as a potentially lifesaving measure in neuroblastoma stage
      4S.
AB  - Neuroblastoma (NBL) stage 4s is an incompletely understood phenomenon with
      variable clinical course. While the majority of patients may undergo spontaneous
      regression and achieve complete resolution without intensive therapy, a small
      proportion is at increased risk of developing secondary complications. One such
      situation is liver insufficiency due to diffuse metastases. We report a patient
      suffering from NBL 4S who required double lifesaving liver transplantation.
      Abdominal and respiratory complications due to hepatomegaly are crucial
      determinants for treatment intensity and duration in 4S NBL [1,2] . We provide an
      algorithm in order to facilitate the clinical decision when dealing with similar
      potentially life-threatening events.

PMID- 28085537
TI  - Inhibitory effect of an aqueous extract of Radix Paeoniae Alba on calcium oxalate
      nephrolithiasis in a rat model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of an aqueous extract of Radix Paeoniae Alba
      (RPA) on the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones and the potential
      mechanism underlying the effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro assay was
      used to determine whether the RPA extract prevents the formation of CaOx or
      promotes CaOx dissolution. We also investigated the efficacy of the extract in
      vivo as a preventive and therapeutic agent for experimentally induced CaOx
      nephrolithiasis in rats. Various biochemical, molecular, and histological
      parameters were assessed in kidney tissue and urine at the end of the in vivo
      experiment. RESULTS: Significant dissolution of formed crystals (8.99 +/- 1.43)
      and inhibition of crystal formation (2.55 +/- 0.21) were observed in vitro after
      treatment with 64 mg/mL of the RPA extract compared with a control treatment
      (55.10 +/- 4.98 and 54.57 +/- 5.84, respectively) (p < .05). In preventive
      protocols, the RPA extract significantly reduced urinary and renal oxalate levels
      and increased urinary calcium and citrate levels compared to the control. In
      addition, the RPA preventive protocol significantly decreased osteopontin
      expression, renal crystallization, and pathological changes compared to the
      control. These changes were not observed in rats on the therapeutic protocol.
      CONCLUSIONS: RPA is a useful agent that prevents the formation of CaOx kidney
      stones.

PMID- 28085538
TI  - Myths and misconceptions concerning contrast media-induced anaphylaxis: a
      narrative review.
AB  - Contrast-enhanced radiological examinations are an increasingly important
      diagnostic tool in modern medicine. All approved and available contrast media
      (iodinated and gadolinium-based) are safe compounds that are well-tolerated by
      most patients. However, a small percentage of patients exhibit contrast medium
      induced adverse drug reactions that are dose-dependent and predictable (type A)
      or an even smaller cohort experience so-called type B (dose-independent, non
      predictable). To increase patients' safety, recommendations/guidelines have been
      put forth in the literature and advice passed down informally by radiologists in
      practice to ensure contrast media safety. Through these, both reasonable
      suggestions as well as misinterpretations and myths (such as the misleading terms
      "allergy-like" reactions, and "iodine-allergy", the wrong assumption that the
      initial contact to a contrast medium could not induce an allergy, the estimation
      that an anti-allergy premedication could suppress all possible adverse reactions,
      and interleukin-2 as a risk/trigger for contrast medium adverse events) have
      arisen. Since the latter are not only unhelpful but also potentially reduce
      patients' safety, such myths and misconceptions are the focus of this review.

PMID- 28085539
TI  - Mutations in DZIP1 and XYLT1 are associated with nonsyndromic early onset high
      myopia in the Korean population.

PMID- 28085540
TI  - Sharing health data in Belgium: A home care case study using the Vitalink
      platform.
AB  - In 2013, the Flemish Government launched the Vitalink platform. This initiative
      focuses on the sharing of health and welfare data to support primary healthcare.
      In this paper, the objectives and mission of the Vitalink initiative are
      discussed. Security and privacy measures are reviewed, and the technical
      implementation of the Vitalink platform is presented. Through a case study, the
      possibility of interaction with cloud solutions for healthcare is also
      investigated upon; this was initially not the focus of Vitalink. The Vitalink
      initiative provides support for secure data sharing in primary healthcare, which
      in the long term will improve the efficiency of care and will decrease costs.
      Based on the results of the case study, Vitalink allowed cloud solutions or
      applications not providing end-to-end security to use their system. The most
      important lesson learned during this research was the need for firm regulations
      and stipulations for cloud solutions to interact with the Vitalink platform.
      However, these are currently still vague.

PMID- 28085541
TI  - Deliberate Practice with Standardized Patient Actors and the Development of
      Formative Feedback for Advance Care Planning Facilitators.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Multimodal curricular assessment after adding standardized patient
      (SP) actor-based simulation to an advance care planning (ACP) facilitator
      training course and development of a formative feedback tool. BACKGROUND: ACP
      represents a highly valued service requiring more and better trained
      facilitators. METHODS: Participants were primarily nurses and social workers in a
      large multisite health system. The course included a precourse video
      demonstration of ACP, traditional lectures, and four 30-minute simulations with
      SPs. Knowledge was tested with a multiple choice question (MCQ) test. In addition
      to standard postcourse/postsimulation evaluations, learners were surveyed
      pre/post/30-90 days delayed for self-perceived confidence. A linear mixed-effects
      model was used to analyze changes over time. Trained faculty rated performance in
      simulations with an observational mini-clinical examination (mini-CEX)-type
      rating form with a checklist, global competency, and global communication rating.
      Inter-rater reliability (IRR) was calculated on randomly selected paired ratings.
      RESULTS: Sixty-seven individuals consented to participate. MCQ scores improved
      from 83% +/- 10% to 92% +/- 8% (p < 0.001). Paired learner surveys of self
      confidence across six domains were available for 65 pre, 65 post, and 40 delayed
      with a mean positive change on a 0 to 10 point scale from pre-post (2.32 +/-
      1.65; p < 0.001) and predelayed (2.34 +/- 1.96; p < 0.001) time frames. For the
      faculty observation ratings of simulation performance, the average raw agreement
      for critical actions was 82% and IRR was 0.71. CONCLUSIONS: Learner feedback and
      self-assessment suggest that actor-based simulation contributed to improved
      confidence in conducting ACP. The mini-CEX observation form is adequate for
      formative feedback, with further testing needed to make judgments of competence.

PMID- 28085542
TI  - Involvement of intracellular transport in TREK-1c current run-up in 293T cells.
AB  - The TREK-1 channel, the TWIK-1-related potassium (K+) channel, is a member of a
      family of 2-pore-domain K+ (K2P) channels, through which background or leak K+
      currents occur. An interesting feature of the TREK-1 channel is the run-up of
      current: i.e. the current through TREK-1 channels spontaneously increases within
      several minutes of the formation of the whole-cell configuration. To investigate
      whether intracellular transport is involved in the run-up, we established 293T
      cell lines stably expressing the TREK-1c channel (K2P2.1) and examined the
      effects of inhibitors of membrane protein transport, N-methylmaleimide (NEM),
      brefeldin-A, and an endocytosis inhibitor, pitstop2, on the run-up. The results
      showing that NEM and brefeldin-A inhibited and pitstop2 facilitated the run-up
      suggest the involvement of intracellular protein transport. Correspondingly, in
      cells stably expressing the mCherry-TREK-1 fusion protein, NEM decreased and
      pitstop2 increased the cell surface localization of the fusion protein.
      Furthermore, the run-up was inhibited by the intracellular application of a
      peptide of the C-terminal fragment TREK335-360, corresponding to the interaction
      site with microtubule-associated protein 2 (Mtap2). This peptide also inhibited
      the co-immunoprecipitation of Mtap2 with anti-mCherry antibody. The extracellular
      application of an ezrin inhibitor (NSC668394) also suppressed the run-up and
      surface localization of the fusion protein. The co-application of these
      inhibitors abolished the TREK-1c current, suggesting that the additive effects of
      ezrin and Mtap2 enhance the surface expression of TREK-1c channels and the run
      up. These findings clearly showed the involvement of intracellular transport in
      TREK-1c current run-up and its mechanism.

PMID- 28085545
TI  - Methadone Inpatient and Discharge Prescribing Patterns for Pain at an Academic
      Health System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methadone is effective for the treatment of chronic pain, but its
      unique pharmacology requires additional considerations with dosing and
      monitoring. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to evaluate methadone prescribing
      for pain and subsequent monitoring. METHODS: This retrospective chart review at a
      single center reviewed patients who received methadone over a two-year period.
      RESULTS: Of the 100 patients, most were noncancer cases (60%) with unspecified
      pain (50%). The majority of methadone treatments were initiated by medicine
      service (37%), followed by burn service (27%), and trauma (10%). Forty-two
      percent of the patients were being followed by the palliative care team,
      primarily for the medicine patients (80%). Patients on the burn service had
      significantly higher oral morphine equivalent (chi2 = 10.6, p = 0.01) and longest
      length of stay (chi2 = 37.9, p = 0.0001). Patients on medicine service were
      significantly more likely to have an outpatient discharge plan for methadone
      starts in the hospital (odds ratio = 3.7, confidence interval: 1.4, 9.7). Only
      45% of patients had an electrocardiogram (EKG) checked seven days before
      methadone start and 37% of those have a measured corrected QT (QTc) of greater
      than 450 milliseconds. Electrolytes (potassium and magnesium) were not
      consistently checked and, of those that were evaluated, 15-20% were abnormal.
      There was an average of 2.6 severe or major drug interactions per patient related
      to methadone, with the most common being related to concomitant sedatives and
      other medications that prolonged the QTc. CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing guidelines for
      methadone would provide a consistent approach for all practitioners involved in
      using methadone safely and effectively for chronic pain.

PMID- 28085544
TI  - Identification of immunoglobulin V(D)J recombinations in solid tumor specimen
      exome files: Evidence for high level B-cell infiltrates in breast cancer.
AB  - It has recently become apparent that it is possible to characterize productively
      recombined, T-cell receptor (TcR) gene segments in tumor exome files, which
      presumably include representations of the DNA of other cells in the
      microenvironment. Similar characterizations have been done for TcR recombinations
      in tumor specimen RNASeq files. While exome files have been used to characterize
      immunoglobulin gene segment recombinations for tumors closely related to B-cells,
      immunoglobulin recombinations have yet to be characterized for putative
      microenvironment cells for solid tumors. Here we report a novel scripted
      algorithm that detects productive and unproductive immunoglobulin recombinations
      in both B-cell related tumor exome files and in solid tumor exome files, with the
      most important result being the relatively high level B-cell infiltrate in breast
      cancer. This analysis has the potential of streamlining and dramatically
      augmenting the knowledge base regarding B-cell infiltrates into solid tumors; and
      leading to antibody reagents directed against tumor antigens and tissue resident,
      infectious pathogens.

PMID- 28085547
TI  - Defining Success in Pediatric Palliative Care While Tackling the Quadruple Aim.

PMID- 28085543
TI  - Deletion of PRKAA triggers mitochondrial fission by inhibiting the autophagy
      dependent degradation of DNM1L.
AB  - PRKAA (protein kinase, AMP-activated, alpha catalytic subunit) regulates
      mitochondrial biogenesis, function, and turnover. However, the molecular
      mechanisms by which PRKAA regulates mitochondrial dynamics remain poorly
      characterized. Here, we report that PRKAA regulated mitochondrial fission via the
      autophagy-dependent degradation of DNM1L (dynamin 1-like). Deletion of
      Prkaa1/AMPKalpha1 or Prkaa2/AMPKalpha2 resulted in defective autophagy, DNM1L
      accumulation, and aberrant mitochondrial fragmentation in the mouse aortic
      endothelium. Furthermore, autophagy inhibition by chloroquine treatment or ATG7
      small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, upregulated DNM1L expression and
      triggered DNM1L-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation. In contrast, autophagy
      activation by overexpression of ATG7 or chronic administration of rapamycin, the
      MTOR inhibitor, promoted DNM1L degradation and attenuated mitochondrial
      fragmentation in Prkaa2-deficient (prkaa2-/-) mice, suggesting that defective
      autophagy contributes to enhanced DNM1L expression and mitochondrial
      fragmentation. Additionally, the autophagic receptor protein SQSTM1/p62, which
      bound to DNM1L and led to its translocation into the autophagosome, was involved
      in DNM1L degradation by the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Gene silencing of SQSTM1
      markedly reduced the association between SQSTM1 and DNM1L, impaired the
      degradation of DNM1L, and enhanced mitochondrial fragmentation in PRKAA-deficient
      endothelial cells. Finally, the genetic (DNM1L siRNA) or pharmacological (mdivi
      1) inhibition of DNMA1L ablated mitochondrial fragmentation in the mouse aortic
      endothelium and prevented the acetylcholine-induced relaxation of isolated mouse
      aortas. This suggests that aberrant DNM1L is responsible for enhanced
      mitochondrial fragmentation and endothelial dysfunction in prkaa knockout mice.
      Overall, our results show that PRKAA deletion promoted mitochondrial
      fragmentation in vascular endothelial cells by inhibiting the autophagy-dependent
      degradation of DNM1L.

PMID- 28085548
TI  - Are We Making a Difference?

PMID- 28085549
TI  - Integrating Dignity Therapy and Family Therapy in Palliative Care: A Case Study
      of Multiple Sclerosis, Depression, and Comorbid Cancer.

PMID- 28085551
TI  - Advancing Stage 2 Research on Measures for Monitoring Kindergarten Reading
      Progress.
AB  - Although several measures exist for frequently monitoring early reading progress,
      little research has specifically investigated their technical properties when
      administered on a frequent basis with kindergarten students. In this study,
      kindergarten students ( N = 137) of whom the majority was receiving supplemental
      intervention for reading skills were monitored using Letter Sound Fluency,
      Phoneme Segmentation Fluency, Word Reading Fluency, Nonsense Word Fluency, Highly
      Decodable Passages, and Spelling on a biweekly basis between February and May.
      Acceptable reliability was observed for all measures. Analyses of slope validity
      using latent growth models, latent change score models, and slope differences
      according to level of year-end achievement indicated that the relation of slope
      to overall reading skills varied across the measures. A suggested approach to
      kindergarten students' reading progress is offered that includes Letter Sound
      Fluency and a measure of word-reading skills to provide a comprehensive picture
      of student growth toward important year-end reading outcomes.

PMID- 28085550
TI  - MicroRNA-432 targeting E2F3 and P55PIK inhibits myogenesis through PI3K/AKT/mTOR
      signaling pathway.
AB  - Skeletal muscle is the dominant executant in locomotion and regulator in energy
      metabolism. Embryonic myogenesis and postnatal muscle growth are controlled by a
      cascade of transcription factors and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. MicroRNAs
      (miRNAs), a family of non-coding RNA of 22 nucleotides in length, post
      transcriptionally regulates expression of mRNA by pairing the seed sequence to 3'
      UTR of target mRNA. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs are
      important regulators in diverse myogenic processes. The profiling of miRNA
      expression revealed that miR-432 is more enriched in the longissimus dorsi of 35
      day-old piglets than that of adult pigs. Our gain of function study showed that
      miR-432 can negatively regulate both myoblast proliferation and differentiation.
      Mechanically, we found that miR-432 is able to down-regulate E2F transcription
      factor 3 (E2F3) to inactivate the expression of cell cycle and myogenic genes. We
      also identified that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit (P55PIK) is
      another target gene of miR-432 in muscle cells. downregulation of P55PIK by miR
      432 leads to inhibition of P55PIK-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway during
      differentiation. The blocking effect of miR-432 on this pathway can be rescued by
      insulin treatment. Taken together, our findings identified microRNA-432 as a
      potent inhibitor of myogenesis which functions by targeting E2F3 and P55PIK in
      muscle cells.

PMID- 28085552
TI  - Comprehensive estimate of the theoretical maximum daily intake of pesticide
      residues for chronic dietary risk assessment in Argentina.
AB  - A chronic dietary risk assessment for pesticide residues was conducted for four
      age groups of the Argentinian population following the procedure recommended by
      the WHO. The National Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake (NTMDI) for 308 pesticides
      was calculated for the first time, using the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) from
      several Argentinean regulations and food consumption data from a comprehensive
      National Nutrition and Health Survey. The risk was estimated by comparing the
      TMDI with the Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADI) identified by various sources.
      Furthermore, for each of the compounds with a TMDI >65% of the ADI, a
      probabilistic analysis was conducted to quantify the probability of exceeding the
      ADI. In this study 27, 22, 10, and 6 active ingredients (a.i.) were estimated to
      exceed the 100% of the ADI for the different population groups: 6-23 month-old
      children, 2-5 year-old children, pregnant women, and 10-49 year-old women,
      respectively. Some of these ADI-exceeding compounds (carbofuran, diazinon,
      dichlorvos, dimethoate, oxydemeton-methyl and methyl bromide) were found in all
      four of these groups. Milk, apples, potatoes, and tomatoes were the foods that
      contributed most to the intake of these pesticides. The study is of primary
      importance for the improvement of risk assessment, regulations, and monitoring
      activities.

PMID- 28085553
TI  - Emergence of Imipenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates from
      Egypt Coharboring VIM and IMP Carbapenemases.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important human pathogen and the leading cause of
      nosocomial infections. P. aeruginosa is characterized by massive intrinsic
      resistance to a multiple classes of antibiotics with carbapenems being the most
      potent inhibitor of P. aeruginosa and considered the first choice for its
      treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate novel mechanisms of resistance
      of P. aeruginosa to carbapenems for achieving successful therapy. A total of 114
      P. aeruginosa isolates from two university hospitals in Egypt were recruited in
      this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 50 isolates
      (43.8%) exhibited multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype, of them 14 isolates
      (12.2%) were imipenem (IPM)-resistant. Of these 14 isolates, 13 isolates (11.4%)
      exhibited the metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) phenotype. MBLs encoding genes, VIM
      and IMP, were identified by PCR. PCR results revealed that four isolates harbored
      the VIM gene alone, one isolate harbored IMP gene alone, and four isolates
      harbored both genes. The correct size of PCR products of VIM and IMP genes (390
      and 188 bp, respectively) were sequenced to confirm results of PCR and to look
      for any possible polymorphism among MBL genes of tested isolates. Data analysis
      of these sequences showed 100% identity of nucleotide sequences of MBL genes
      among tested Egyptian patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IMP
      carbapenemase-encoding gene in Africa and the first detection of the emergence of
      P. aeruginosa coproducing VIM and IMP genes in Egypt.

PMID- 28085554
TI  - Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study the impact of exposure to light
      emitting diode (LED) domestic lighting.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the biological impact of exposure on domestic
      light emitting diodes (LED) lighting using the free-living nematode
      Caenorhabditis elegans as a model. Nematodes were separately exposed to white LED
      light covering the range of 380-750 nm, blue light at 450 nm and black light at
      380-420 nm for one life cycle (egg to adult) with dark exposure as the control.
      Each light range induced stress to the nematode C. elegans such as reducing the
      number of the hatched eggs and/or delayed the maturation of the hatched eggs to
      the adult stage. In addition, it lowered or prevented the ability of adults to
      lay eggs and impaired the locomotion in the exposed worms. The observed type of
      biological stress was also associated with the production of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) as compared to nematodes grown in the dark. It is concluded that
      the blue light component of white LED light may cause health problems, and
      further investigation is required to test commercial brands of white LEDs that
      emit different amounts of blue light.

PMID- 28085555
TI  - SOX9 chromatin folding domains correlate with its real and putative distant cis
      regulatory elements.
AB  - Evolutionary conserved transcription factor SOX9, encoded by the dosage sensitive
      SOX9 gene on chromosome 17q24.3, plays an important role in development of
      multiple organs, including bones and testes. Heterozygous point mutations and
      genomic copy-number variant (CNV) deletions involving SOX9 have been reported in
      patients with campomelic dysplasia (CD), a skeletal malformation syndrome often
      associated with male-to-female sex reversal. Balanced and unbalanced structural
      genomic variants with breakpoints mapping up to 1.3 Mb up- and downstream to SOX9
      have been described in patients with milder phenotypes, including acampomelic
      campomelic dysplasia, sex reversal, and Pierre Robin sequence. Based on the
      localization of breakpoints of genomic rearrangements causing different
      phenotypes, 5 genomic intervals mapping upstream to SOX9 have been defined. We
      have analyzed the publically available database of high-throughput chromosome
      conformation capture (Hi-C) in multiple cell lines in the genomic regions
      flanking SOX9. Consistent with the literature data, chromatin domain boundaries
      in the SOX9 locus exhibit conservation across species and remain largely constant
      across multiple cell types. Interestingly, we have found that chromatin folding
      domains in the SOX9 locus associate with the genomic intervals harboring real and
      putative regulatory elements of SOX9, implicating that variation in intra-domain
      interactions may be critical for dynamic regulation of SOX9 expression in a cell
      type-specific fashion. We propose that tissue-specific enhancers for other
      transcription factor genes may similarly utilize chromatin folding sub-domains in
      gene regulation.

PMID- 28085556
TI  - Salt stress-induced changes in antioxidative defense system and proteome profiles
      of salt-tolerant and sensitive Frankia strains.
AB  - An appreciation of comparative microbial survival is most easily done while
      evaluating their adaptive strategies during stress. In the present experiment,
      antioxidative and whole cell proteome variations based on spectrophotometric
      analysis and SDS-PAGE and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis have been analysed
      among salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive Frankia strains. This is the first report
      of proteomic basis underlying salt tolerance in these newly isolated Frankia
      strains from Hippophae salicifolia D. Don. Salt-tolerant strain HsIi10 shows
      higher increment in the contents of superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate
      peroxidase as compared to salt-sensitive strain HsIi8. Differential 2-DGE profile
      has revealed differential profiles for salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive strains.
      Proteomic confirmation of salt tolerance in the strains with inbuilt efficiency
      of thriving in nitrogen-deficient locales is a definite advantage for these
      microbes. This would be equally beneficial for improvement of soil nitrogen
      status. Efficient protein regulation in HsIi10 suggests further exploration for
      its potential use as biofertilizer in saline soils.

PMID- 28085557
TI  - Two-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Children.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate two-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (2I-LC) in
      children, and compare outcomes with four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4P
      LC). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on children (<=21 years) with
      gallbladder disease treated with 2I-LC or 4P-LC between February 2010 and
      February 2016. 2I-LC is performed using two 5-mm ports and a 2-mm endoscopic
      grasper within a 12-mm umbilical incision, and a 3-mm subxiphoid port for
      dissection. Demographic, diagnostic, operative, and outcome data were recorded,
      and the two groups were compared with chi-squared, Fisher, and t-tests. Patients
      requiring conversion from 2I-LC to 4P-LC were examined to determine factors
      predicting the need for additional ports. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-nine
      laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed (2I-LC 72.0%, 4P-LC 19.0%). Body
      mass index (BMI) was greater in the 4P-LC group. 2I-LC was more commonly
      performed for biliary dyskinesia, but not biliary colic, acute cholecystitis,
      choledocholithiasis, and gallstone pancreatitis. Operative time was greater in 4P
      LC. There were 6 wound infections (2I-LC 1.8%, 4P-LC 1.5%), 1 common bile duct
      injury (2I-LC 0.4%, 4P-LC 0.0%), and 1 small bowel injury (2I-LC 0.0%, 4P-LC
      1.5%). 2.4% of 2I-LC required conversion to 4P-LC, with BMI and operative time
      greater than the 2I-LC group, but not different from 4P-LC with no complications.
      CONCLUSIONS: 2I-LC is a safe alternative to 4P-LC for pediatric gallbladder
      disease, allowing for traction and countertraction to expose the critical view.
      Operative time was longer in the 4P-LC group, likely secondary to selection bias
      with higher BMI and preoperative diagnosis of gallstone disease. Overweight
      patients are more likely to require additional ports.

PMID- 28085558
TI  - Net positive energy wastewater treatment plant via thermal pre-treatment of
      sludge: A theoretical case study.
AB  - In a wastewater treatment process, energy is mainly used in sludge handling and
      heating, while energy is recovered by biogas production in anaerobic digestion
      process. Thermal pre-treatment of sludge can change the energy balance in a
      wastewater treatment process since it reduces the viscosity and yield stress of
      sludge and increases the biogas production. In this study, a calculation based on
      a hypothetical wastewater treatment plant is provided to show the possibility of
      creating a net positive energy wastewater treatment plant as a result of
      implementing thermal pre-treatment process before the anaerobic digester. The
      calculations showed a great energy saving in pumping and mixing of the sludge by
      thermal pre-treatment of sludge before anaerobic digestion process.

PMID- 28085559
TI  - Enrichment and assessment of the health risks posed by heavy metals in PM1 in
      Changji, Xinjiang, China.
AB  - The present study aims to investigate the influence of human activity on heavy
      metals in a typical arid urban area of China and assess human health risks posed
      by heavy metals in PM1 (particles <1.0 MUm in diameter) for different people. In
      this paper, Changji (Xinjiang, China) was selected as the study area, and samples
      were collected from March 2014 to March 2015. A total 14 elements in PM1 were
      quantified using ICP-MS. An enrichment factor (EF) was used to assess the
      influence of human activity on the contamination of these metals. The results
      indicated that Mn was not enriched; Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Tl, and V were slightly
      enriched; Mo, Pb, and Sb were moderately enriched; and Ag, As, and Cd were
      strongly enriched. To assess the health risks associated with inhaling PM1, the
      risk assessment code and loss in life expectancy based on the individual metals
      were calculated. The results showed that the elements Ag, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, Tl, and
      V in PM1 posed low levels of non-carcinogenic risks, but these metals may still
      pose risks to certain susceptible populations. In addition, the results also
      showed that As, Co, and Cr posed an appreciable carcinogenic risk, while Cd and
      Ni posed low levels of carcinogenic risk. The total predicted loss of life
      expectancy caused by the three metals As, Co, and Ni was 63.67 d for the elderly,
      30.95 d for adult males, 26.62 d for adult females, and 48.22 d for children.
      Therefore, the safety of the elderly and children exposed to PM1 should be given
      more attention than the safety of adults. The results from this study demonstrate
      that the health risks posed by heavy metals in PM1 in Changji, Xinjiang, China
      should be examined.

PMID- 28085560
TI  - Validating Translations of Rating Scale Questionnaires Using Rasch Analysis.

PMID- 28085561
TI  - Focal Issue on Gender and Eye Care.

PMID- 28085562
TI  - In Vitro Development of Ciprofloxacin Resistance of Salmonella enterica Serovars
      Typhimurium, Enteritidis, and Indiana Isolates from Food Animals.
AB  - Difference in the development of resistance may be associated with the
      epidemiological spread and drug resistance of different Salmonella enterica
      serovar strains. In the present study, three susceptible S. enterica serovars,
      Typhimurium (ST), Enteritidis (SE), and Indiana (SI) strains, were subjected to
      stepwise selection with increasing ciprofloxacin concentrations. The results
      indicated that the mutation frequencies of the SI group were 101-104 higher and
      developed resistance to ciprofloxacin more rapidly compared with the ST and SE
      groups. Ciprofloxacin accumulation in the SI strain was also higher than the
      other two strains in the presence of an efflux pump inhibitor. The development of
      ciprofloxacin resistance was quite different among the three serovar strains. In
      SI, increasing AcrAB-TolC efflux pump expression and single or double mutations
      in gyrA with or without a single parC mutation (T57S) were found in the
      development of ciprofloxacin resistance. In SE, an increase in the AcrAB-TolC
      efflux pump regulatory gene ramA gradually decreased as resistant bacteria
      developed; then resistance resulted from gyrA D87G and gyrB E466D mutations
      and/or in other active efflux pumps besides AcrAB-TolC. For ST, ramA expression
      increased rapidly along with gyrA D87 N and/or gyrB S464F mutations. In
      conclusion, persistent use of ciprofloxacin may aggravate the resistance of
      different S. enterica serovars and prudent use of the fluoroquinolones is needed.
      The quicker resistance and higher mutation frequency of the SI isolates present a
      potential public health threat.

PMID- 28085563
TI  - The E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4 is an LC3-interactive protein and regulates
      autophagy.
AB  - The MAP1LC3/LC3 family plays an essential role in autophagosomal biogenesis and
      transport. In this report, we show that the HECT family E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4
      interacts with LC3 and is involved in autophagosomal biogenesis. NEDD4 binds to
      LC3 through a conserved WXXL LC3-binding motif in a region between the C2 and the
      WW2 domains. Knockdown of NEDD4 impaired starvation- or rapamycin-induced
      activation of autophagy and autophagosomal biogenesis and caused aggregates of
      the LC3 puncta colocalized with endoplasmic reticulum membrane markers. Electron
      microscopy observed gigantic deformed mitochondria in NEDD4 knockdown cells,
      suggesting that NEDD4 might function in mitophagy. Furthermore, SQSTM1 is
      ubiquitinated by NEDD4 while LC3 functions as an activator of NEDD4 ligase
      activity. Taken together, our studies define an important role of NEDD4 in
      regulation of autophagy.

PMID- 28085564
TI  - Optimal conditions for chlorothalonil and dissolved organic carbon in horizontal
      subsurface flow constructed wetlands.
AB  - The most efficient system of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands
      (HSSFCW) for removing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the presence of
      chlorothalonil pesticide (CLT) present in synthetic domestic wastewater was
      determined using the macrophyte Phragmites australis. Two concentrations of CLT
      (85 and 385 MUg L-1) and one concentration of glucose (20 mg L-1) were evaluated
      in four pilot scale horizontal surface flow constructed wetlands coupled with two
      sizes of silica gravel, igneous gravel, fine chalky gravel (3.18-6.35 mm), coarse
      gravel (12.70-25.40 mm) and two water surface heights (20 and 40 cm). For a
      month, wetlands were acclimated with domestic wastewater. Some groups of bacteria
      were also identified in the biofilm attached to the gravel. In each treatment
      periodic samplings were conducted in the influent and effluent. Chlorothalonil
      was quantified by gas chromatography (GC-ECD m), DOC by an organic carbon
      analyzer and bacterial groups using conventional microbiology in accordance with
      Standard Methods. The largest removals of DOC (85.82%-85.31%) were found when
      using fine gravel (3.18-6.35 mm) and the lower layer of water (20 cm). The
      bacterial groups quantified in the biofilm were total heterotrophic, revivable
      heterotrophic, Pseudomonas and total coliforms. The results of this study
      indicate that fine grain gravel (3.18-6.35 mm) and both water levels (20 to 40
      cm) can be used in the removal of organic matter and for the treatment of
      agricultural effluents contaminated with organo-chloride pesticides like CLT in
      HSSFCW.

PMID- 28085569
TI  - Immediate Implant Combined With Modified Socket-Shield Technique: A Case Letter.

PMID- 28085570
TI  - Small-Diameter Implants: A 7-Year Retrospective Study.
AB  - Oral implantology has become a major discipline within the field of dentistry.
      Small or mini dental implants have demonstrated success in the retention of
      removable and fixed prostheses. Small-diameter implants (SDI) and mini-diameter
      implants (MDI) describe a group of implants that demonstrate a diameter less than
      3 mm. This retrospective study reports on 335 SDI placed during a 7-year period.
      All implants were placed in healed sites (>6 months) and loaded immediately or
      after waiting 3 months. A total of 321 implants were restored and functional
      within the study's time interval. A total of 14 implants failed, resulting in a
      96.1% implant success rate. Treatment plan considerations should include
      prosthetic design, specific arch, and immediate load. Overall, SDI can be
      utilized as an alternative implant treatment option for patients with atrophic
      bone, compromised medical histories and financial constraints.

PMID- 28085565
TI  - Resting-State Functional Connectivity Alterations Associated with Six-Month
      Outcomes in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - Brain lesions are subtle or absent in most patients with mild traumatic brain
      injury (mTBI) and the standard clinical criteria are not reliable for predicting
      long-term outcome. This study investigates resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI)
      to assess semiacute alterations in brain connectivity and its relationship with
      outcome measures assessed 6 months after injury. Seventy-five mTBI patients were
      recruited as part of the prospective multicenter Transforming Research and
      Clinical Knowledge in TBI (TRACK-TBI) pilot study and compared with matched 47
      healthy subjects. Patients were classified following radiological criteria:
      CT/MRI positive, evidence of lesions; CT/MRI negative, without evidence of brain
      lesions. rsfMRI data were acquired and then processed using probabilistic
      independent component analysis. We compared the functional connectivity of the
      resting-state networks (RSNs) between patients and controls, as well as group
      differences in the interactions between RSNs, and related both to cognitive and
      behavioral performance at 6 months post-injury. Alterations were found in the
      spatial maps of the RSNs between mTBI patients and healthy controls in networks
      involved in behavioral and cognition processes. These alterations were predictive
      of mTBI patients' outcomes at 6 months post-injury. Moreover, different patterns
      of reduced network interactions were found between the CT/MRI positive and CT/MRI
      negative patients and the control group. These rsfMRI results demonstrate that
      even mTBI patients not showing brain lesions on conventional CT/MRI scans can
      have alterations of functional connectivity at the semiacute stage that help
      explain their outcomes. These results suggest rsfMRI as a sensitive biomarker
      both for early diagnosis and for prediction of the cognitive and behavioral
      performance of these patients.

PMID- 28085571
TI  - Systematic Review of Antimicrobial Resistance of Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii
      Isolates in Iran: An Update.
AB  - Treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii has become a medical challenge because of
      the increasing incidence of multiresistant strains and a lack of viable treatment
      alternatives. This systematic review attempts to investigate the changes in
      resistance of A. baumannii to different classes of antibiotics in Iran, with
      emphasis on the antimicrobial activity of polymyxin B (PMB) and colistin (COL).
      Biomedical databases were searched for English-published articles evaluating
      microbiological activity of various antimicrobial agents, including PMB and COL.
      Then, the available data were extracted and analyzed. Thirty-one studies,
      published from 2009 to 2015, were identified which contain data for 3,018 A.
      baumannii clinical isolates. With the exception of polymyxins and tigecycline
      (TIG), there was a high rate of resistance to various groups of antibiotics,
      including carbapenems. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges for PMB
      and COL on A. baumannii isolates tested were 0.12-64 MUg/ml and 0.001-128 MUg/ml,
      respectively. Polymyxins showed adequate activity with no significant trends in
      the resistance rate during most of the study period. The incidence of resistance
      to TIG was estimated low from 2% to 38.4% among the majority of A. baumannii. The
      present systematic review of the published literatures revealed that multidrug
      resistant (including carbapenem-resistant) strains of A. baumannii have increased
      in Iran. In these circumstances, the older antibiotics, such as COL or PMB,
      preferably in combination with other antimicrobials (rifampicin, meropenem),
      could be considered as the therapeutic solution against the healthcare-associated
      infections. Designing rational dosage regimens for patients to maximize the
      antimicrobial activity and minimize the emergence and prevalence of resistance is
      recommended.

PMID- 28085572
TI  - Effect of Laser-Activated Irrigation on the Push-Out Bond Strength of ProRoot
      Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Biodentine in Furcal Perforations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of erbium,
      chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser-activated irrigation
      (LAI) of NaOCl on the push-out bond strength of furcal perforations repaired with
      ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine. BACKGROUND DATA: Several
      studies investigated the adhesion of calcium silicate-based cements after
      exposure to endodontic irrigants, while effect of LAI on bond strength remains to
      be elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bur-cut furcal perforations with standard
      dimensions were created in 100 extracted human mandibular molars. Teeth were
      randomly distributed into two groups (n = 50/group) according to the repair
      material applied: (1) ProRoot MTA or (2) Biodentine. The specimens were further
      assigned into five subgroups according to the irrigation regimens used over the
      set materials: (a) distilled water with needle irrigation; (b) 5.25% NaOCl with
      needle irrigation; (c) distilled water with LAI; (d) 5.25% NaOCl with LAI; and
      (e) no irrigation (control). Bond strengths of the test materials were assessed
      by using push-out bond strength test. RESULTS: Biodentine showed significantly
      higher dislocation resistance than ProRoot MTA (p < 0.05). Laser activation of
      5.25% NaOCl and distilled water did not significantly affect the push-out bond
      strength results (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Biodentine showed higher dislocation
      resistance than ProRoot MTA as a perforation repair material. Er,Cr:YSGG laser
      activation of irrigation aqueous solutions had no adverse effect on push-out bond
      strength of Biodentine and ProRoot MTA.

PMID- 28085573
TI  - The Surgical Infection Society Revised Guidelines on the Management of Intra
      Abdominal Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous evidence-based guidelines on the management of intra
      abdominal infection (IAI) were published by the Surgical Infection Society (SIS)
      in 1992, 2002, and 2010. At the time the most recent guideline was released, the
      plan was to update the guideline every five years to ensure the timeliness and
      appropriateness of the recommendations. METHODS: Based on the previous
      guidelines, the task force outlined a number of topics related to the treatment
      of patients with IAI and then developed key questions on these various topics.
      All questions were approached using general and specific literature searches,
      focusing on articles and other information published since 2008. These
      publications and additional materials published before 2008 were reviewed by the
      task force as a whole or by individual subgroups as to relevance to individual
      questions. Recommendations were developed by a process of iterative consensus,
      with all task force members voting to accept or reject each recommendation.
      Grading was based on the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development,
      and Evaluation) system; the quality of the evidence was graded as high, moderate,
      or weak, and the strength of the recommendation was graded as strong or weak.
      Review of the document was performed by members of the SIS who were not on the
      task force. After responses were made to all critiques, the document was approved
      as an official guideline of the SIS by the Executive Council. RESULTS: This
      guideline summarizes the current recommendations developed by the task force on
      the treatment of patients who have IAI. Evidence-based recommendations have been
      made regarding risk assessment in individual patients; source control; the
      timing, selection, and duration of antimicrobial therapy; and suggested
      approaches to patients who fail initial therapy. Additional recommendations
      related to the treatment of pediatric patients with IAI have been included.
      SUMMARY: The current recommendations of the SIS regarding the treatment of
      patients with IAI are provided in this guideline.

PMID- 28085574
TI  - A Large-Scale Test of the Goldilocks Hypothesis.
AB  - Although the time adolescents spend with digital technologies has sparked
      widespread concerns that their use might be negatively associated with mental
      well-being, these potential deleterious influences have not been rigorously
      studied. Using a preregistered plan for analyzing data collected from a
      representative sample of English adolescents ( n = 120,115), we obtained evidence
      that the links between digital-screen time and mental well-being are described by
      quadratic functions. Further, our results showed that these links vary as a
      function of when digital technologies are used (i.e., weekday vs. weekend),
      suggesting that a full understanding of the impact of these recreational
      activities will require examining their functionality among other daily pursuits.
      Overall, the evidence indicated that moderate use of digital technology is not
      intrinsically harmful and may be advantageous in a connected world. The findings
      inform recommendations for limiting adolescents' technology use and provide a
      template for conducting rigorous investigations into the relations between
      digital technology and children's and adolescents' health.

PMID- 28085575
TI  - Continuous Wave Fractional CO2 Laser for the Treatment of Upper Eyelid
      Dermatochalasis and Periorbital Rejuvenation.
AB  - Fractional continuous wave CO2 laser resurfacing is used to improve photodamage,
      wrinkles, and acne scarring by surface ablation and by using heat to activate
      natural collagen production and dermal remodeling. In this study, the author
      examined the efficacy and safety of nonincisional continuous wave fractional CO2
      laser blepharoplasty in the upper lid. Standard lid measurements including
      marginal reflex distance, palpebral fissure, and upper lid crease were performed
      preoperatively and at 6 months by the surgeon. All patients underwent full facial
      MIXTO continuous wave CO2 laser treatment (MIXTO Slim Evolution 2; MIXTOLasering
      USA, San Ramon, CA), including resurfacing on the upper eyelid from lashes to
      brow. We evaluated results at 6 months after laser treatment and found that on
      average, after MIXTO continuous wave laser treatment, marginal reflex distance of
      the upper lid increased from baseline from 0.7 to 2.2 mm, palpebral fissures
      increased from 5.6 to 7.4 mm, the upper lid crease was unchanged at 5.7 mm as was
      the upper lid excursion at 14.7 mm compared with those before treatment. Patients
      reported postoperative erythema, edema, crusting, and oozing that resolved within
      14 days. These data demonstrate the safety and efficacy of noninvasive continuous
      wave fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of mild and moderate upper eyelid
      dermatochalasis.

PMID- 28085577
TI  - Apparent decline in male nurses may be due to recording method.
AB  - Male nurses appear to be leaving the profession at the rate of 100 a month,
      according to latest statistics - although the apparent decline might be due in
      part to non-recording of gender.

PMID- 28085576
TI  - Contact Isolation Precautions in Trauma Patients: An Analysis of Infectious
      Complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Victims of traumatic injuries represent a population at risk for a
      wide variety of complications. Contact isolation (CI) is a set of restrictions
      designed to help prevent the transmission of medically significant organisms in
      the healthcare setting. A growing body of literature demonstrates that CI can
      have significant implications for the individual isolated patient. Our goal was
      to characterize the use of contact isolation at our Level I trauma center and
      investigate the association of CI with infectious complications. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: An existing trauma database containing data on patients admitted at our
      Level I trauma center between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012, along with
      their contact isolation status, was queried. Demographics, injuries, and the
      presence of infections were collected. Diagnosis of pneumonia or UTI was based on
      clinical documentation in the patient's medical record. A chart review was
      performed to ascertain the reason for CI including specific organisms. Because of
      differences in patient demographics between the CI and non-CI groups, linear
      regression was performed to adjust for the effects of different variables.
      RESULTS: A total of 4,423 patients were admitted over this period. Of these,
      4,318 (97.6%) had complete records and were included in the subsequent analysis.
      The CI was in place in 249 (5.8%) patients; 4,069 (94.2%) were not isolated. The
      number who had CI initiated for MRSA nasal colonization was 173 (69.5%). Twenty
      two (8.9%) had no reason for CI documented. Pneumonia occurred in 190 (4.4%), 54
      (21.7) in the CI group versus 136 (3.3%) in the non-CI group. Urinary tract
      infection (UTI) was diagnosed in 166 (3.8%), 48 (19.3%) in the CI group versus
      118 (2.9%) in the non-CI group. Using logistic regression and excluding patients
      placed on contact isolation for the development of a new resistant nosocomial
      infection, CI, Injury Severity Score, gender, length of stay, and mechanical
      ventilation were identified as common covariates for pneumonia (PNA) and UTI.
      Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD was specifically identified for PNA.
      Spinal cord injury, vertebral column injury and pelvic-urogenital injury were
      also significant for UTI. CONCLUSIONS: The development of pneumonia and UTI in
      patients with trauma was significantly associated with the use of CI. Because the
      majority of these patients had CI precautions in place for asymptomatic
      colonization, the CI provided them no direct benefit. Because the use of CI is
      associated with multiple negative outcomes, its use in the trauma population
      needs to be carefully re-evaluated.

PMID- 28085578
TI  - Impact of recession on NHS discussed at highest level.
AB  - Downing Street officials have met senior NHS managers to discuss the impact of
      the recession on health service spending.

PMID- 28085579
TI  - Call for staff involvement in health bill.
AB  - The RCN wants legislative guarantees that NHS staff will be involved in the
      evolution of the government's forthcoming Health Bill to ensure transparency.

PMID- 28085580
TI  - Boosting the physical health of people with schizophrenia.
AB  - In response to Steven Pack's article on the poor physical health of patients with
      schizophrenia (art & science January 28), I found it interesting that the
      psychiatric symptoms and effects of substance misuse on the physical health of
      patients with schizophrenia were mentioned but not related to the physical health
      problems.

PMID- 28085581
TI  - Private sector leads the way in looking after older nurses.
AB  - The NHS needs to look after its ageing workforce and help older nurses who want
      to continue working (features February 4).

PMID- 28085582
TI  - Oprah needs to change her lifestyle to remain healthy.
AB  - American talk show host Oprah Winfrey has again put on weight and says she is
      furious with herself (reflections February 4). She has gained and lost weight in
      the public eye for a number of years.

PMID- 28085583
TI  - I did not save for my retirement and will have to work until I drop.
AB  - I can relate to Connie Amaning (features February 4), who at 65 is still working
      to save for her retirement. I cannot afford to retire and will have to work until
      I drop.

PMID- 28085584
TI  - Back on the ward.

PMID- 28085585
TI  - Starting out i learned why it is important to adopt a family approach to care.
AB  - During morning handover on the medical cardiology ward I was told that a new
      patient, Liz, had been admitted with post-partum cardiomyopathy after giving
      birth to her first child.

PMID- 28085586
TI  - Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease is a complex condition with medical, social and psychological
      aspects. It is a degenerative disorder and a type of dementia that affects the
      brain. Symptoms can include cognitive impairment, social withdrawal,
      communication problems, impairment of complex motor tasks and spatial
      disorientation.

PMID- 28085587
TI  - Reflexivity:promoting rigour in qualitative research.

PMID- 28085588
TI  - Voices-Scary though it may sound, the introduction of nursing metrics is a good
      thing.
AB  - Afraid of maths? Not really a figures person? Join the club. For many nurses,
      acquiring just enough mathematical knowledge to get onto a nursing course and
      pass the calculations assessment was the pinnacle of our achievement.

PMID- 28085589
TI  - Difference matters.
AB  - I travelled extensively before beginning my nursing career, so when an
      opportunity arose to do one of my nursing placements abroad, I took it.

PMID- 28085592
TI  - Animal experimentation is a fraudulent science.
AB  - Further to the recent feature on animal experimentation (January 28), I draw your
      attention to the words of Claude Reiss on vivisection: 'No lie can remain buried
      forever.'

PMID- 28085591
TI  - Mind over matter.

PMID- 28085593
TI  - Nurses should be up to speed on pharmacogenetic testing.
AB  - The expectations for pharmacogenetic testing have been high, partly because of
      the hype surrounding the human genome project (art & science January 28). But
      pharmacogenetics will soon become a reality in everyday health care in the UK.
      Pharmacogenetic testing may not be necessary for the vast numbers of drugs with a
      wide therapeutic margin and few or no serious side effects. However, it will be
      helpful in preventing harm when there are difficulties in finding the specific
      therapeutic dose for a patient.

PMID- 28085594
TI  - Sheelagh Brewer.
AB  - Sheelagh Brewer, who died on February 4, a few weeks short of her 61st birthday,
      was a respected colleague and trusted friend. Sadly, what should have been a long
      and happy retirement in France was cut short. Sheelagh fought her illness with
      characteristic courage and black humour but, ultimately, an aggressive cancer
      defeated her.

PMID- 28085595
TI  - Highlight the threat of knife crime to nursing staff in a&e.
AB  - Your article on the care and management of patients with stab wounds in A&E
      (learning zone January 28) highlights the dramatic increase in knife crime in the
      UK.

PMID- 28085596
TI  - Fruit and vegetables trialled for people with schizophrenia.
AB  - Commenting on the poor physical health and mortality of patients with
      schizophrenia (art & science January 28), Steven Pack writes: 'Health
      interventions, such as the provision of free fruit and vegetables and the
      prescription of vitamin supplements, would be a start.'

PMID- 28085597
TI  - Almost half of NHS staff are missing out on career development scheme.
AB  - After assimilating their staff onto the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system, NHS
      organisations across the UK were expected to turn their attention to the training
      and development of employees.

PMID- 28085598
TI  - Uptake of free online KSF tool proves patchy.
AB  - Some NHS organisations are not giving information to staff about an online
      version of the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) because they have failed
      to introduce it fully, Nursing Standard has learned.

PMID- 28085599
TI  - Debate on spirituality needed.
AB  - There was an unfortunate predictability in public responses to the suspension of
      nurse Caroline Petrie on the grounds that she offered to pray for a patient.
      Christian organisations leapt to her defence while others applauded the actions
      of North Somerset Primary Care Trust management. And inevitably such a high
      profile case was pounced on by those desperate for a martyr to their own
      particular cause.

PMID- 28085600
TI  - Dedicated staff ensure smooth hospital service despite the snow.
AB  - Nurses have been praised for battling the elements during the heaviest snowfall
      in 18 years.

PMID- 28085601
TI  - Working with a united vision.
AB  - The Great North Children's Hospital will open later this year, heralding a new
      era of health care for children and their families in Newcastle upon Tyne.

PMID- 28085602
TI  - NHS Employers calls for more 'honesty' with staff about diversity.
AB  - Managers should be more honest with their staff about why they need to monitor
      the race, sex and gender of their employees, according to new guidance.

PMID- 28085604
TI  - Nutrition for patients in hospital.

PMID- 28085603
TI  - 'Birth mirror' designed to ease labour.
AB  - A midwife has designed a mirror for mothers to use during labour in a bid to
      boost the number of natural births.

PMID- 28085605
TI  - Win-win treatment.
AB  - Addiction to gambling tends to be a hidden problem but now the UK's first NHS
      funded treatment unit is attempting to tackle it.

PMID- 28085606
TI  - Child obesity scheme could target pregnant women.
AB  - A national nutrition programme could be extended to midwives to enable them to
      anticipate and tackle obesity issues in children - before birth.

PMID- 28085608
TI  - Study finds 'second degree nurses' cope better with stress.
AB  - Nurses who obtain their nursing qualification as a second degree or diploma are
      more likely to stay in their job and cope better with stress, a study has found.

PMID- 28085607
TI  - Ministers told proposed workforce planning centre must be independent.
AB  - A proposed centre of excellence to help employers calculate how many nurses they
      require should be independent of the government, a Department of Health (DH)
      commissioned report recommends.

PMID- 28085609
TI  - Depression in early pregnancy can lead to preterm delivery.
AB  - Pregnant women with symptoms of depression are at an increased risk of preterm
      delivery and this is exacerbated by social and reproductive risk factors, obesity
      and stressful events.

PMID- 28085610
TI  - Family history linked to development of head and neck cancer.
AB  - Familial factors play a role in the aetiology of head and neck cancer.

PMID- 28085612
TI  - Strictly barmy.
AB  - One of the barmiest things I have heard in a long time is the idea of patients
      giving 'consumer feedback' about their GP surgery on the NHS Choices website.

PMID- 28085613
TI  - Assessment and management of patients with varicose veins.

PMID- 28085614
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28085615
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - I want to talk about my teeth. Not strictly your domain, I know, but bear with
      me.

PMID- 28085616
TI  - Health minister highlights need for more specialist stroke nurses.
AB  - The Department of Health (DH) has begun a hard-hitting campaign to halve the
      number of stroke deaths in England.

PMID- 28085617
TI  - Royal mail adviser to join NHS.
AB  - The Royal Mail's chief medical adviser has been hired by the Department of Health
      to review the health and wellbeing of the NHS workforce.

PMID- 28085618
TI  - Mobile phones - a tricky call.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28085620
TI  - Key role for nurse specialists in L150 million dementia strategy.
AB  - Nurses will receive better support, guidance and education to improve the care
      they give to people with dementia, according to England's first national dementia
      strategy.

PMID- 28085619
TI  - Lobby for colour-coded food labelling.
AB  - Organisations representing health professions have been asked to campaign harder
      for better food labelling to help consumers make informed decisions about healthy
      eating.

PMID- 28085621
TI  - Corrie's Janice wants to be a nurse.
AB  - It is a soap opera storyline that could leave many hospital patients quaking in
      their beds - Coronation Street's outspoken factory worker Janice Battersby wants
      to become a nurse.

PMID- 28085622
TI  - Prayer row sparks calls for clear guidance on spirituality in care.
AB  - Religious leaders and charities have called for employers to provide spirituality
      guidance to staff, following the suspension of a nurse who offered to pray for a
      patient.

PMID- 28085625
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - The family story goes like this. Great Aunt Edie was an amateur cellist who lost
      an arm to tuberculosis (TB). Unable to play, she was utterly devastated and died
      soon after - not of TB but of a broken heart.

PMID- 28085626
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - More than three million people of all ages are living with kidney disease in the
      UK. The inter-relationship between kidney disease and many other conditions makes
      it of particular interest to nurses.

PMID- 28085627
TI  - Reducing the risk of fractures improves with persistence.
AB  - Improvements in treatment persistence and concordance might improve the impact of
      bisphosphonates in reducing the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis.

PMID- 28085628
TI  - Researchers warn of M. bovis infection threat in rural areas.
AB  - Bovine tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, remains a serious animal
      health problem in the UK, in spite of longstanding statutory surveillance and
      control measures. Endemic infection in the Eurasian badger population is thought
      to complicate bovine TB eradication efforts. Sporadic cases of M. bovis infection
      have also been reported in domestic animals other than cattle. Human M. bovis
      infection is extremely rare in the UK population in the absence of unpasteurised
      milk consumption or residence abroad.

PMID- 28085629
TI  - Care standards for IBD unveiled.
AB  - Standards to improve the quality of care for patients with inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD) are due to be published in the House of Lords this week.

PMID- 28085630
TI  - Mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo2 is inhibited by D-GsMTx4.
AB  - Enterochromaffin (EC) cells are the primary mechanosensors of the
      gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium. In response to mechanical stimuliEC cells
      release serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT). The molecular details ofEC cell
      mechanosensitivity are poorly understood. Recently, our group found that human
      and mouseEC cells express the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo2. The
      mechanosensitive currents in a humanEC cell model QGP-1 were blocked by the
      mechanosensitive channel blocker D-GsMTx4. In the present study we aimed to
      characterize the effects of the mechanosensitive ion channel inhibitor spider
      peptide D-GsMTx4 on the mechanically stimulated currents from both QGP-1 and
      human Piezo2 transfected HEK-293 cells. We found co-localization of 5-HT and
      Piezo2 in QGP-1 cells by immunohistochemistry. QGP-1 mechanosensitive currents
      had biophysical properties similar to dose-dependently Piezo2 and were inhibited
      by D-GsMTx4. In response to direct displacement of cell membranes, human Piezo2
      transiently expressed in HEK-293 cells produced robust rapidly activating and
      inactivating inward currents. D-GsMTx4 reversibly and dose-dependently inhibited
      both the potency and efficacy of Piezo2 currents in response to mechanical force.
      Our data demonstrate an effective inhibition of Piezo2 mechanosensitive currents
      by the spider peptide D-GsMTx4.

PMID- 28085632
TI  - Displacement of Dental Implants Into the Mandibular Bone Marrow Space: Cause and
      Treatment. A Case Study and Literature Review.

PMID- 28085633
TI  - A Focus on the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
AB  - For over four decades, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
      has been operated by nonprofit organizations. Research has demonstrated that
      nonprofit PACE provides quality, cost-effective community-based care to older
      adults who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care. Recently, the
      U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has authorized for
      profit entities to operate PACE, contingent on their ability to demonstrate that
      they can provide care that is similar to nonprofit PACE with regard to access to
      care, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness. In 2013, a study was conducted to
      evaluate how PACE operates under for-profit versus nonprofit status. The results
      were presented to Congress which, in turn, authorized for-profit PACE providers.
      This article critiques the 2013 study, offers a comparison to for-profit hospice,
      and argues that at best there is not enough evidence to conclude that for-profit
      PACE provides the same quality of care as existing nonprofit operators.

PMID- 28085631
TI  - Reliability of Robotic Telemedicine for Assessing Critically Ill Patients with
      the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness Score and Glasgow Coma Scale.
AB  - PURPOSE: Telemedicine is increasingly utilized in the evaluation of critically
      ill patients, including those with decreased level of consciousness (LOC) or
      coma. Improving access to providers with neurologic expertise affords earlier
      triage and directed patient management. However, objective data regarding the
      reliability of using standardized coma scales, traditionally employed at the
      bedside for remote assessment, are largely lacking. HYPOTHESIS: Bedside and
      remote assessments of patients with decreased LOC, using either the Glasgow Coma
      Scale (GCS) or Full scale Of UnResponsiveness (FOUR), score are equivalent.
      METHODS: Prospective trial comparing the reliability of bedside and remote coma
      assessments using GCS or FOUR score clinical evaluation tools utilizing robotic
      telepresence technology. Total scores of the GCS and FOUR score were compared
      between bedside and remote physician assessors by paired t-test and Pearson
      correlation coefficient (PCC). RESULTS: One hundred subjects were enrolled. Mean
      age was 70.8 (+/-15.9) years and the average examination time took 5.16 (+/-2.04)
      minutes. Mean GCS total score at bedside was 7.5 (+/-3.67) versus examination
      conducted remotely 7.23 (+/-3.85); difference in scores was 0.25 (+/-0.10); p =
      0.01. Mean FOUR total score at bedside was 9.63 (+/-4.76) versus remote 9.21 (+/
      4.74); difference in scores was 0.40 (+/-2.00); p = 0.05. PCC for GCS was 0.966;
      p < 0.001, and for FOUR score 0.912; p < 0.001. Ninety-five percent of remote
      providers rated GCS and 89% rated FOUR score as good (4/5) regarding overall
      satisfaction and ease of use. CONCLUSIONS: Differences between total bedside and
      remote GCS and FOUR scores were small. Furthermore, PCCs between remote and
      bedside assessments were excellent: 0.97 (GCS) and 0.91 (FOUR). These results
      suggest that LOC can be reliably assessed using existing robotic telemedicine
      technology. Telemedicine could be adopted to help evaluate critically ill
      patients in neurologically underserved areas.

PMID- 28085634
TI  - An Interleukin 12 Adjuvanted Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA Vaccine Is More
      Protective Than a Glycoprotein D Subunit Vaccine in a High-Dose Murine Challenge
      Model.
AB  - Vaccination is a proven intervention against human viral diseases; however,
      success against Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) remains elusive. Most HSV-2
      vaccines tested in humans to date contained just one or two immunogens, such as
      the virion attachment receptor glycoprotein D (gD) and/or the envelope fusion
      protein, glycoprotein B (gB). At least three factors may have contributed to the
      failures of subunit-based HSV-2 vaccines. First, immune responses directed
      against one or two viral antigens may lack sufficient antigenic breadth for
      efficacy. Second, the antibody responses elicited by these vaccines may have
      lacked necessary Fc-mediated effector functions. Third, these subunit vaccines
      may not have generated necessary protective cellular immune responses. We
      hypothesized that a polyvalent combination of HSV-2 antigens expressed from a DNA
      vaccine with an adjuvant that polarizes immune responses toward a T helper 1
      (Th1) phenotype would compose a more effective vaccine. We demonstrate that
      delivery of DNA expressing full-length HSV-2 glycoprotein immunogens by
      electroporation with the adjuvant interleukin 12 (IL-12) generates substantially
      greater protection against a high-dose HSV-2 vaginal challenge than a recombinant
      gD subunit vaccine adjuvanted with alum and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL). Our
      results further show that DNA vaccines targeting optimal combinations of surface
      glycoproteins provide better protection than gD alone and provide similar
      survival benefits and disease symptom reductions compared with a potent live
      attenuated HSV-2 0DeltaNLS vaccine, but that mice vaccinated with HSV-2 0DeltaNLS
      clear the virus much faster. Together, our data indicate that adjuvanted
      multivalent DNA vaccines hold promise for an effective HSV-2 vaccine, but that
      further improvements may be required.

PMID- 28085635
TI  - Access to all components of scanned mathematical documents by vision-impaired
      students.
AB  - Vision-impaired people access documents using screen readers. Electronic
      documents may contain non-textual components, non-linear components, and
      multidimensional components, such as mathematical expressions and graphs. These
      components create a number of accessibility issues for those who use screen
      readers as assistive technology. The research presented here describes
      mathematical information retrieval, and accessible and navigable representation
      of mathematical function graphs as solutions to these issues. Additionally, this
      research study is about how to present course materials to vision-impaired
      students, and is not about how to teach them. The system shows promise, given an
      initial evaluation by a vision-impaired person, and an encouraging review by
      three blind professionals. The next step is to perform a full evaluation of the
      system employing a larger number of vision-impaired students.

PMID- 28085636
TI  - "You Need to Be a Good Listener": Recruiters' Use of Relational Communication
      Behaviors to Enhance Clinical Trial and Research Study Accrual.
AB  - Medical and research professionals who discuss clinical trials and research
      studies with potential participants face an often daunting challenge,
      particularly when recruiting from minority and underserved populations. This
      study reports on findings from a focus group study of 63 research coordinators,
      study nurses, professional recruiters, and other professionals in Indianapolis,
      IN and Miami, FL who work to recruit from minority and underserved populations.
      These professionals discussed the importance of creating a sense of connection
      with potential participants as part of the recruitment and retention process.
      Building a relationship, however fleeting, involved a number of concrete
      behaviors, including listening to personal information, expressing empathy, and
      then providing reciprocal self-disclosures; having repeated contact, usually by
      working in the same environment over an extended period of time; demonstrating
      respect through politeness and the use of honorifics; going the extra mile for
      participants; offering flexibility in scheduling follow-up appointments; and
      creating a sense of personal and community trust by being truthful. The
      implications of these findings for clinical trial and research study accrual are
      discussed.

PMID- 28085637
TI  - Co-Occurrence of and Recovery from Substance Abuse and Lifespan Victimization: A
      Qualitative Study of Female Residents in Trauma-Informed Sober Living Homes.
AB  - Despite the co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUDs) and domestic and/or
      sexual violence (DSV) in the lives of women, there remains a dearth of research
      on how and why these phenomena intersect as well as the role that trauma-informed
      sober living homes (SLHs) may play in promoting recovery. Following a detailed
      description of a unique trauma-informed SLH (Support, Education, Empowerment, and
      Directions [SEEDs]), we present findings from a qualitative study that documented
      the perceptions and lived experiences of 28 female current or former residents of
      a trauma-informed SLH; all women had histories of SUDs and DSV. Results uncovered
      four themes (fractured foundations, points of intersection of SUDs and DSV,
      pervasiveness of SUDS and DSV, resiliency) and a constitutive pattern (moving
      away from instability and harnessing self-agency). Women noted that their
      engagement with SEEDs played a significant role in their recovery, specifically
      through fulfilling their needs for tangible resources (e.g., food, clothing,
      shelter) and the community's provision of emotional support (e.g., family, love,
      consistency) to promote recovery. These findings provide new insights on SUDs and
      DSV and preliminary support for the effectiveness of a trauma-informed SLH.

PMID- 28085638
TI  - Spatial Memory Performance of Socially Mature Wistar Rats is Impaired after
      Exposure to Low (5 cGy) Doses of 1 GeV/n 48Ti Particles.
AB  - Prolonged deep space missions to planets and asteroids will expose astronauts to
      galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), a mixture of low-LET ionizing radiations, high
      energy protons and high-Z and energy (HZE) particles. Ground-based experiments
      are used to determine whether this radiation environment will have an effect on
      the long-term health of astronauts and their ability to complete various tasks
      during their mission. Emerging data suggest that mission-relevant HZE doses
      impair several hippocampus-dependent neurocognitive processes in rodents, but
      that there is substantial interindividual variation in the severity of
      neurocognitive impairment, ranging from no observable effects to severe
      impairment. While the majority of studies have established the effect that the
      most abundant HZE species (56Fe) has on neurocognition, some studies suggest that
      the lighter 48Ti HZE particles may be equally, if not more, potent at impairing
      neurocognition. In this study, we assessed the effect that exposure to 5-20 cGy 1
      GeV/n 48Ti had on the spatial memory performance of socially mature male Wistar
      rats. Acute exposures to mission-relevant doses (<=5 cGy) of 1 GeV/n 48Ti
      significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the mean spatial memory performance of the rats
      at three months after exposure, and significantly (P < 0.015) increased the
      percentage of rats that have severe (Z score >= 2) impairment, i.e., poor
      performers. Collectively, these data further support the notion that the LET
      dependency of neurocognitive impairment may differ from that of cell killing.

PMID- 28085640
TI  - Seeking Beta: Experimental Considerations and Theoretical Implications Regarding
      the Detection of Curvature in Dose-Response Relationships for Chromosome
      Aberrations.
AB  - The concept of curvature in dose-response relationships figures prominently in
      radiation biology, encompassing a wide range of interests including radiation
      protection, radiotherapy and fundamental models of radiation action. In this
      context, the ability to detect even small amounts of curvature becomes important.
      Standard (ST) statistical approaches used for this purpose typically involve
      least-squares regression, followed by a test on sums of squares. Because we have
      found that these methods are not particularly robust, we investigated an
      alternative information theoretic (IT) approach, which involves Poisson
      regression followed by information-theoretic model selection. Our first objective
      was to compare the performances of the ST and IT methods by using them to analyze
      mFISH data on gamma-ray-induced simple interchanges in human lymphocytes, and on
      Monte Carlo simulated data. Real and simulated data sets that contained small-to
      moderate curvature were deliberately selected for this exercise. The IT method
      tended to detect curvature with higher confidence than the ST method. The finding
      of curvature in the dose response for true simple interchanges is discussed in
      the context of fundamental models of radiation action. Our second objective was
      to optimize the design of experiments aimed specifically at detecting curvature.
      We used Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the following parameters.
      Constrained by available resources (i.e., the total number of cells to be scored)
      these include: the optimal number of dose points to use; the best way to
      apportion the total number of cells among these dose points; and the spacing of
      dose intervals. Counterintuitively, our simulation results suggest that 4-5
      radiation doses were typically optimal, whereas adding more dose points may
      actually prove detrimental. Superior results were also obtained by implementing
      unequal dose spacing and unequal distributions in the number of cells scored at
      each dose.

PMID- 28085639
TI  - Significant Radiation Enhancement Effects by Gold Nanoparticles in Combination
      with Cisplatin in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Tumor Xenografts.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and cisplatin have been explored in concomitant
      chemoradiotherapy, wherein they elicit their effects by distinct and overlapping
      mechanisms. Cisplatin is one of the most frequently utilized radiosensitizers in
      the clinical setting; however, the therapeutic window of cisplatin-aided
      chemoradiotherapy is limited by its toxicity. The goal of this study was to
      determine whether AuNPs contribute to improving the treatment response when
      combined with fractionated cisplatin-based chemoradiation in both in vitro and in
      vivo models of triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231Luc+). Cellular-targeting
      AuNPs with receptor-mediated endocytosis (AuNP-RME) in vitro at a noncytotoxic
      concentration (0.5 mg/ml) or cisplatin at IC25 (12 MUM) demonstrated dose
      enhancement factors (DEFs) of 1.25 and 1.14, respectively; the combination of
      AuNP-RME and cisplatin resulted in a significant DEF of 1.39 in vitro.
      Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed effective cellular uptake of
      AuNPs at tumor sites 24 h after intratumoral infusion. Computed tomography (CT)
      images demonstrated that the intratumoral levels of gold remained stable up to
      120 h after infusion. AuNPs (0.5 mg gold per tumor) demonstrated a radiation
      enhancement effect that was equivalent to three doses of cisplatin at IC25 (4
      mg/kg), but did not induce intrinsic toxicity or increased radiotoxicity. Results
      from this study suggest that AuNPs are the true radiosensitizer in these
      settings. Importantly, AuNPs enhance the treatment response when combined with
      cisplatin-based fractionated chemoradiation. This combination of AuNPs and
      cisplatin provides a promising approach to improving the therapeutic ratio of
      fractionated radiotherapy.

PMID- 28085642
TI  - Developmental and interactive effects of arsenic and chromium to developing
      Ambystoma maculatum embryos: Toxicity, teratogenicity, and whole-body
      concentrations.
AB  - Anthropogenic activity has contributed to elevated environmental concentrations
      of arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr). The spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum,
      may be useful for identifying developmental effects produced by exposure to these
      contaminants as adults breed and larvae develop in water that may contain As or
      Cr. Three sample sets among 700 developing larvae were exposed to a range of As,
      Cr, or 2.5:1 mixture of As:Cr concentrations, respectively. From these 700
      larvae, samples containing approximately 24 larvae showed different patterns of
      whole-body As and Cr from individual and mixture exposure. Whole-body As
      concentrations were 20.27 and 45.4 ug/g dry weight for larvae exposed to 20 mg/L
      As and 25:10 mg/L As:Cr, respectively, while whole-body Cr concentrations were
      24.8 and 22 ug/g dry weight for larvae exposed to 20 mg/L Cr and 25:10 As:Cr,
      respectively. Observed malformations included edema, tail kinking, facial
      deformities, and abnormal bending. Twelve-day lethal concentrations for As and Cr
      in Ambystoma maculatum larvae were 261.17 mg/L and 71.93 mg/L, respectively,
      while 12-d effective concentrations to induce malformations were 158.82 and 26.05
      mg/L, giving teratogenic indices of 1.64 and 2.76 for individual metal exposure.
      Exposure to a mixture of As and Cr resulted in a response addition and yielded
      lower lethal and effective concentration values with a teratogenic index of 2.78,
      indicating that these contaminants are developmentally toxic at lower
      concentrations when exposed as a mixture. Data demonstrate that As and Cr affect
      development of amphibian larvae, and that Ambystoma maculatum may be a useful
      indicator of environmental toxicity for these metals.

PMID- 28085641
TI  - Longitudinal changes in anthropometry and body composition in university
      freshmen.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated predictors of weight gain in college freshmen.
      PARTICIPANTS: A longitudinal cohort study followed a representative sample of
      freshmen (N = 264) from 8/2011 to 6/2012. METHODS: Repeated measurements of
      anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), physical activity, and
      diet were collected. We investigated predictors of 9-month weight gain using
      regression models. RESULTS: 172 participants completed follow-up: 75% gained >0.5
      kg. Mean weight change was +2.3 kg (SD 3.2) and +2.0 kg (SD 3.2) and mean
      adiposity change was +1.3% (SD 1.6) and +0.7% (SD 2.2) in men and women,
      respectively. In participants gaining >0.5 kg, weight increased 5.6% and body fat
      increased 1.6%. Anthropometric change in men occurred in the first semester,
      while women increased in both semesters. Leaner DXA-defined body composition at
      baseline was consistently associated with greater weight gain (p-values 0.029
      0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Freshman weight gain is common and reflects increased
      adiposity. Leaner body composition at the beginning of college predicted greater
      weight gain in men and women during the first year of college.

PMID- 28085644
TI  - Informal Caregiving and the Politics of Policy Drift in the United States.
AB  - Informal caregivers play an increasingly important role in caring for aging
      Americans. Yet existing social policies that could support informal caregiving
      have experienced "policy drift," a failure to adapt to social risks that develop
      after policies are initially enacted. This article examines policy makers'
      success at updating seven major policies to address caregiver needs. It draws on
      an original data set of legislation in this area introduced between 1991 and 2006
      (n = 96). Findings indicate that drift is more likely when policy updates are
      costly, lack support from members of majority parties in the House and Senate,
      and fail to generate bipartisan support.

PMID- 28085643
TI  - Presentation of a Conserved Adenoviral Epitope on HLA-C*0702 Allows Evasion of
      Natural Killer but Not T Cell Responses.
AB  - Infection with adenovirus is a major cause of infectious mortality in children
      following hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. While adoptive transfer of
      epitope-specific T cells is a particularly effective therapeutic approach, there
      are few suitable adenoviral peptide epitopes described to date. Here, we describe
      the adenoviral peptide epitope FRKDVNMVL from hexon protein, and its variant
      FRKDVNMIL, that is restricted by human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C*0702. Since HLA
      C*0702 can be recognized by both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, we
      characterized responses by both cell types. T cells specific for FRKDVNMVL were
      detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells expanded from eight of ten healthy
      HLA-typed donors by peptide-HLA multimer staining, and could also be detected by
      cultured interferon gamma ELISpot assays. Surprisingly, HLA-C*0702 was not
      downregulated during infection, in contrast to the marked downregulation of HLA
      A*0201, suggesting that adenovirus cannot evade T cell responses to HLA-C*0702
      restricted peptide epitopes. By contrast, NK responses were inhibited following
      adenoviral peptide presentation. Notably, presentation of the FRKDVNMVL peptide
      enhanced binding of HLA-C*0702 to the inhibitory receptor KIR2DL3 and decreased
      NK cytotoxic responses, suggesting that adenoviruses may use this peptide to
      evade NK responses. Given the immunodominance of FRKDVNMVL-specific T cell
      responses, apparent lack of HLA-C*0702 downregulation during infection, and the
      high frequency of this allotype, this peptide epitope may be particularly useful
      for adoptive T cell transfer therapy of adenovirus infection.

PMID- 28085646
TI  - Effects of Indoor Pyrotechnic Displays on the Air Quality in the Houston
      Astrodome.
AB  - Fine and coarse particulate mass samples were collected during baseball games
      with pyrotechnic displays and control games without displays. The average fine
      and coarse particulate masses were 173 and 141 mg/m3, respectively, for the one
      hour period immediately following the pyrotechnic displays. The particulate
      matter generated by the pyrotechnic displays was composed of the following
      elements (arranged from most to least abundant): K, S, Mg,Ti, Cl, Si, Ca, Al, Sr,
      V, Zn, Mn, and Pb. Although the average particulate mass concentrations were high
      during the first hour, the ventilation system reduced the concentrations by up to
      41% during the second hour after the display.

PMID- 28085645
TI  - A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for the broad-spectrum
      antimicrobial zinc pyrithione: I. Development and verification.
AB  - The broad-spectrum antimicrobial zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) is used in numerous
      products ranging from in-can preservative/mildicide in paints to antidandruff
      shampoo. Although products containing ZnPT have a long history of safe use,
      regulatory agencies routinely set limits of exposure based upon toxicological
      considerations. The objective of this study was to create a physiologically based
      pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for ZnPT in the rat for improving dose-response
      analysis of ZnPT-induced toxicity, reversible hindlimb weakness, the endpoint
      that has been used as the basis for ZnPT risk assessments. A rat oral PBPK model
      was developed that includes compartments for plasma, liver, kidneys, muscle,
      brain, and rapidly and slowly perfused tissues. Pyrithione metabolism to 2
      (methylsulfonyl)pyridine (MSP) and glucuronide conjugates was incorporated into
      the model. The model was parameterized and optimized based upon data from single
      dose intravenous (iv) and oral gavage pharmacokinetic studies of radiolabeled
      pyrithione ([14C]PT) administered as zinc [14C]-pyrithione (Zn-[14C]PT) to adult
      female rats. It was further evaluated and refined using data from repeated,
      multidose oral gavage and dietary studies of Zn[14C]PT in the adult female rat
      that included measurements of plasma PT concentration, the putative toxic
      species. The model replicated the observed short-term elimination kinetics of PT
      in plasma and [14C]PT in whole blood following single doses and longer term
      temporal patterns of plasma and blood concentrations during repeated dosing
      schedules. The model also accounted for production and rapid elimination of S
      glucuronide conjugates (SG) of 2-pyridinethiol and 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide in
      urine, as well as production and slower elimination of MSP, the major [14C]PT
      species in blood within several hours following administration of ZnPT. The model
      provided internal dosimetry predictions for a benchmark dose (BMD) analysis of
      hindlimb weakness in rats, and was used to combine gavage and dietary studies
      into a single internal dose-response model with area under the curve (AUC) for
      plasma PT as the internal dose metric. This PBPK model has predictive validity
      for calculating internal doses of PT and/or [14C]PT from different routes of
      exposure in the rat.

PMID- 28085647
TI  - Environmental Beneficiation of Machining Wastes-Part I: Material Characterization
      of Machining Swarf.
AB  - There are many industrial waste streams that currently are being deposited in
      landfills despite having the potential to be recycled and converted into useful
      products. A good example of this is automobile industry machining operations,
      which generate finely divided metal particles ("swarf"). Swarf has a very high
      iron content and great potential for re-use. However, it has a tendency to
      spontaneously oxidize, which leads to self-heating and obstructs recycling
      efforts. There is a need to limit the self-heating of swarf, but such control is
      difficult, because little information is available about the physical
      characteristics of swarf. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the
      properties of swarf and to identify promising methods to prevent spontaneous
      heating. The properties examined were particle morphology, composition, size
      distribution, and surface properties.

PMID- 28085648
TI  - Contribution of Nitrate and Carbonaceous Species to PM2.5 Observed in Canadian
      Cities.
AB  - At a variety of Canadian monitoring sites, carbonaceous compounds were estimated
      to account for an average of 50% of fine particle mass. These estimates were
      determined by subtracting the total fine particle mass associated with inorganic
      compounds from the total fine mass determined gravimetrically. This approach,
      which yields an upper limit estimate of the total amount of carbon-related mass
      was necessary since particulate carbon was not measured in the Canadian National
      Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) network. In this paper, total carbon estimates
      are evaluated against organic and elemental carbon measurements at locations in
      the Greater Vancouver area and Toronto. In addition, particle nitrate
      measurements at seven Canadian locations are used to determine the importance of
      nitrate relative to total mass and to examine the sampling artifacts due to the
      loss of particle nitrate from Teflon filters used in the NAPS di-chotomous
      samplers. Measurements of organic and elemental carbon indicated that the total
      carbon estimation approach provides representative estimates of the average
      contribution by carbonaceous material to the total fine and coarse mass. The
      average total carbon among all Vancouver area measurements (N = 225) was 4.28 MUg
      m-3, while the estimated value was 4.34 MUg m-3. There was a larger discrepancy
      between Toronto total carbon measurements (12.1 MUg m-3) and estimates (8.8 MUg m
      3), which is attributed in part to sampling of particles above 10 mm in diameter.
      However, the R2 relating the measurements and estimates was about 0.71 for both
      areas. Linear regression slopes of 0.98 for Vancouver and 0.78 for Toronto
      (nonsignificant intercepts) indicate little bias in the Vancouver estimates, but
      a tendency for underestimation as the observed total carbon concentration
      increased in Toronto. Annually, nitrate was responsible for 17% and 12% of the
      fine mass in the Vancouver area and Ontario, respectively. In contrast, at two
      rural locations in southern Quebec and Nova Scotia, only 6% of fine mass was
      associated with nitrate. Due to filter losses, nitrate concentrations determined
      through the NAPS dichot sampling were much lower than actual concentrations (0.44
      MUg m-3 vs. 2.63 MUg m-3). As a result of these losses (attributed mostly to loss
      during laboratory storage), previous total carbon estimates for the Canadian NAPS
      sites were likely to have been overestimated on average by about 10%.

PMID- 28085650
TI  - Cleaning Flue Gas from Sewage Sludge Incinerators Using an Electrostatic
      Precipitator and Polystage Chemical Scrubber.
AB  - A study of a wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and chemical scrubber for flue
      gas cleaning was conducted on the multiple hearth sewage sludge incinerator at
      the New England Treatment Company (NETCO) facility in Woonsocket, RI. The ESP
      achieved the highest removal rate for heavy metals and particulate matter to a
      submicron range, while the two-stage chemical scrubber was able to oxidize and
      dissolve the incoming NOx in the scrubbing solutions. This paper describes the
      details of sewage sludge incineration systems, NOx emissions from a multiple
      hearth sludge incinerator, and the current regulatory status; it also presents
      the results obtained from the commercial-scale ESP and the portable scrubber.

PMID- 28085649
TI  - A High Performance Biofilter for VOC Emission Control.
AB  - Biofiltration is a cleaning technique for waste air contaminated with some
      organic compounds. The advantages of the conventional biofilter over other
      biological systems are a high-superficial area best suited for the treatment of
      some compounds with poor water solubility, ease of operation, and low operating
      costs. It has crucial disadvantages, however; for example, it is not suitable to
      treat waste gases with high VOC concentrations and it has poor control of
      reaction conditions. To improve on these problems and to build a high-performance
      biofilter, three structured peat media and two trickling systems have been
      introduced in this study. The influences of media size and composition have been
      investigated experimentally. Peat bead blended with 30% (w/w) certain mineral
      material with a good binding capacity has advantages over other packing
      materials, for example, suitable size to prevent blockage due to microbial
      growth, strong buffering capacity to neutralize acidic substances in the system,
      and a pH range of 7.0-7.2 suitable for the growth of bacteria. Dropwise trickling
      system offers an effective measure to easily control the moisture content of the
      bed and the reaction conditions (pH, nutrient) and to partially remove excess
      biomass produced during the metabolic processes of microorganisms. The influence
      of nutrient supplementation has also been investigated in this study, which has
      revealed that the biological system was in a condition of nutrient limitation
      instead of carbon limitation. The biofilters built in our laboratory were used to
      treat waste gas contaminated with toluene in a concentration range of 1 to 3.2
      g/m3 and at the specific gas flow rate of 24 to120 m3/m2.hr. Under the conditions
      employed, a high elimination capacity (135 g/m3.hr) was obtained in the biofilter
      packed with peat beads (blended with 30% of the mineral material), and no
      blockage problem was observed in an experimental period of 2-3 months.

PMID- 28085651
TI  - Effects of Outdoor Pyrotechnic Displays on the Regional Air Quality of Western
      Washington State.
AB  - Data from a PM25 (i.e., Dp < 2.5 mm) particulate matter monitoring network was
      used to quantify the effects of outdoor pyrotechnic displays on the regional air
      quality of western Washington State. Linear regression and principal component
      analysis demonstrated that the fine par-ticulate matter generated by these
      displays was primarily composed of Sr, K, V, Ti, Ba, Cu, Pb, Mg, Al, S, Mn,
      Zn,and soot. The maximum 24-hour averaged PM2.5 mass concentration apportioned to
      the pyrotechnic displays by absolute principal component scores regression
      analysis was 18.5 mg/m3. The majority of this mass (54%) was composed of K and S,
      which originated from the combustion of black powder. The distribution of smoke
      emissions from the displays closely resembled the population distribution of
      western Washington. The PM2.5 aerosol monitoring network tracked the pyrotechnic
      smoke plume for a period of two days as it was advected by low-level winds. The
      geometric mass mean diameter of the K particles was ~0.7 mm after transport of
      ~100 km. In the absence of rain, which is the primary sink for particles of this
      size, the particulate matter generated by the pyrotechnic displays could have an
      atmospheric residence time of more than one week.

PMID- 28085652
TI  - Residual Perchloroethylene in Dry-Cleaned Acetate: The Effect of Pressing and
      Extent of Inter-Dry-Cleaner Variability.
AB  - Measurements of residual perchloroethylene (PCE), a dry-cleaning solvent
      associated with human health effects, were made in dry-cleaned acetate cloth to
      enable improved characterizations of both occupational and environmental
      exposure. A limited sample size (25 acetate cloths) was used to explore the
      extent of inter-dry-cleaner variability in residual PCE and to characterize the
      effect of the pressing operation on residual PCE. A new method, which uses carbon
      disulfide as the direct extracting agent, proved effective in the analysis of
      residual PCE, with a recovery-efficiency ~ 75%. Inter-dry-cleaner variability of
      residual PCE, although marginally statistically significant, was relatively low,
      showing only a fourfold range compared to a 5-order-of-magnitude range obtained
      from Kawauchi and Nishiyama1. Pairwise comparison of residual PCE in nonpressed
      versus pressed acetate samples revealed a statistically significant reduction (p
      < 0.008), which amounted to a consistent (among dry-cleaners) pressing-related
      removal efficiency of 75 +/- 4%. A preliminary assessment of the source term
      associated with the pressing operation (mass PCE liberated per kg cloth dry
      cleaned, SPCE ~ 30 mg/kg) indicates a minor contribution to the average ambient
      air concentrations within dry-cleaning establishments.

PMID- 28085653
TI  - Peroxyacetyl Nitrate in Atlanta, Georgia: Comparison and Analysis of Ambient Data
      for Suburban and Downtown Locations.
AB  - Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) concentrations were measured at downtown and suburban
      locations in Atlanta, GA, in July and August 1992 as part of the SOS-SORP/ONA
      (Southern Oxidants Study-Southern Oxidants Research Program on Ozone Non
      Attainment). PAN concentrations were generally higher at the downtown location
      than at the suburban location, but on days when the O3 concentration exceeded 80
      ppbv, PAN concentrations were similar at both locations. On days when O3 did not
      exceed 80 ppbv, suburban PAN concentrations were much lower than downtown
      concentrations and resembled those reported for rural areas in the eastern United
      States. Regression analysis of PAN and O3 on NOx and total non-methane
      hydrocarbons (TNMHC) showed PAN to be most strongly dependent on morning NOx
      concentrations, while O3 was most dependent on morning TNMHC concentrations. NOx,
      PAN, and meteorological data from the suburban site were used in a one
      dimensional transport model to estimate the accumulation rate of PAN to be ~1.5 x
      106 molecules cm-3 sec-1. A simple kinetic model estimated peroxyacetyl radical
      concentrations to be ~0.5 pptv at the suburban location.

PMID- 28085654
TI  - Application of the Shifting Method as a Technique to Correct for the Background
      in Quantitative Analysis by Open-Path FTIR.
AB  - In open-path Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, the generation of a
      suitable background single-beam spectrum is of major concern. The Shifting Method
      is a derivative-like approach to correct for the background without the need to
      actually measure a background spectrum using the sample single-beam spectrum. A
      thorough study of the Shifting Method was conducted. A set of guidelines was
      developed based on the results of artificial and closed cell data. These
      guidelines were applied to three different data sets, consisting of cell and open
      path data with multiple compounds, overlapping peaks, and high water vapor and
      aerosol levels.

PMID- 28085655
TI  - A Fuel-Based Approach to Estimating Motor Vehicle Cold-Start Emissions.
AB  - The temporary ineffectiveness of motor vehicle emission controls at startup
      causes emission rates to be much higher for a short period after starting than
      during fully warmed, or stabilized, vehicle operation. Official motor vehicle
      emission inventories estimate that excess emissions during cold-start operation
      contribute a significant fraction of all hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide (CO), and
      nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from California vehicles. In an effort to verify
      these estimates under real-world conditions, vehicle emissions were measured in
      an underground parking garage in Oakland, CA, during March 1997. Hot stabilized
      emissions were measured as vehicles arrived at the garage in the morning, and
      cold-start emissions were measured as vehicles exited in the afternoon; the
      incremental, or excess, emissions associated with vehicle starting were
      calculated by difference. Composite emissions from ~135 vehicles were sampled
      during each of six morning and six afternoon periods. Measured stabilized exhaust
      emissions were 19 +/- 2 g nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), 223 +/- 17 g CO, and
      8.6 +/- 1.3 g NOx per gal of gasoline consumed. Cold-start emissions of 69 +/- 2
      g NMHC/gal, 660 +/- 15 g CO/gal, and 27.8 +/- 1.2 g NOx/gal were measured for
      vehicles spending an average of ~60 sec in the garage after starting in the
      afternoon. Using second-by-second emissions data from California's light-duty
      vehicle surveillance program, average fuel use during cold start was estimated to
      be ~0.07 gal, and the cold-start period was estimated to last for ~200 sec. When
      cold-start emission factors measured in the garage were scaled to represent the
      full 200-sec cold-start period, incremental start emission factors of 2.1 g NMHC,
      16 g CO, and 2.1 g NOx per vehicle start were calculated. These emission factors
      are lower than those used by California's motor vehicle emission inventory model
      (MVEI 7G) by 45% for NMHC, 65% for CO, and 12% for NOx. This suggests that the
      importance of cold-start emissions may be overstated in current emission
      inventories. Overall, the composition of volatile organic compound (VOC)
      emissions measured during cold start was similar to that of hot stabilized VOC
      emissions. However, the weight fractions of unburned fuel and acetylene were
      higher during cold start than during hot stabilized driving.

PMID- 28085656
TI  - Radio Frequency Heating for Soil Remediation.
AB  - Radio frequency heating (RFH) is a technology that increases the cost
      effectiveness of a variety of site remediation technologies by accelerating the
      rate of contaminant removal. Heating makes the physical, chemical, and biological
      properties of materials such as contaminants, soil, and groundwater more amenable
      to remediation. RFH brings controlled heating to the subsurface, enhancing the
      removal of contaminants by soil vapor extraction (SVE), groundwater aeration (air
      sparging), bioremediation, and product recovery. The results presented are from a
      bench-scale study and a field demonstration that both used RFH to enhance the
      performance of SVE. The bench-scale study performed on PCE-contaminated soil
      revealed an increase, by a factor of 8, in the removal rate when RFH was used to
      heat soil to 90  degrees C. The application of RFH for a three-week period at a
      former gasoline station near St. Paul, MN, resulted in raising the ambient soil
      temperature from 8  degrees C to 100  degrees C in the immediate vicinity of the
      RFH applicator and to 40  degrees C 1.5 m (5 ft) away. Most significantly, the
      use of an integrated RFH/SVE system achieved an overall 50% reduction in gasoline
      range organics (GRO) in soil over a two- to three-month period. The discussion
      includes applications of RFH for enhancing bioremediation and product recovery.

PMID- 28085657
TI  - Economic Study of the Tunable Electron Beam Plasma Reactor for Volatile Organic
      Compound Treatment.
AB  - A tunable electron beam generated plasma system has been developed for selective
      cold plasma treatment of dilute concentrations (1-3,000 ppm range) of hazardous
      compounds in gaseous waste treatment. This system, referred to as the Tunable
      Hybrid Plasma (THP), has shown a high degree of efficiency and effectiveness in
      both laboratory and field tests. Decomposition energy requirements are in the 100
      eV per molecule range for treatment of carbon tetrachloride and 10 eV for
      treatment of trichloroethylene. A cost comparison has been made between the
      Tunable Hybrid Plasma (THP) technology and three conventional technologies used
      for emission control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs): granular activated
      carbon, thermal incineration, and catalytic oxidation. In addition to its
      environmentally attractive features, THP technology has the potential to be lower
      cost than other technologies over a range of concentrations and flow rates. Cost
      projections for the THP system for decomposition of trichloroet-hylene are around
      50 cents/lb for initial concentrations in the few hundred ppm range and flow
      rates of 5,000 cfm or greater and around $1/lb for 1,000 cfm flow rates. Cost
      projections for carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethane decomposition using the
      THP technology are several dollars per pound. The costs for THP treatment are
      generally significantly lower than costs for use of granular activated carbon and
      are also quite competitive with costs for thermal incineration and catalytic
      oxidation.

PMID- 28085658
TI  - Metal Emissions from Joule-Heated Vitrification Systems.
AB  - Vitrification demonstrations were conducted for surrogates of three inorganic
      wastewater sludges in a high-temperature, refractory-lined, slurry-fed melter.
      The total par-ticulate concentrations and melter decontamination factors were
      determined for selected elements. The decontamination factors were less than 10
      for cadmium and lead in all three demonstrations. The decontamination factors for
      chromium were less than 30 in the two demonstrations using refractories
      containing chromium, and they were greater than 150 for the demonstrations using
      refractories without chromium. Except for one demonstration on a surrogate waste
      with a high sulfate content, decontamination factors were above 80 for the other
      heavy metals in the demonstrations.

PMID- 28085660
TI  - Airborne Particulate Matter Size Distributions in an Arid Urban Area.
AB  - While there is a growing body of data on the health effects of particulate
      matter, there is little information available from areas that experience frequent
      dust storms, such as Spokane, WA. As part of a three-year study to investigate
      the health effects associated with exposure to atmospheric aerosols, ambient
      particulate matter in Spokane is being characterized according to particle size
      and chemical composition. In this report, particulate matter concentrations
      measured using continuous tapered-element oscillating microbalances for three
      size ranges are discussed. Particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 10
      micrometers (PM10), less than 2.5 micrometers (PM25), and less than 1.0
      micrometer (PM1.0) were measured at a residential site; PM10 and PM2.5 were
      measured at an industrial site. Based upon 1.5 years of data, PM10 was found, on
      average, to consist of approximately 40% PM2.5 at the industrial site and
      approximately 50% at the residential site, with higher fractions (up to 50% at
      the industrial site and up to 80% at the residential site) observed in the late
      fall or early winter (October-November). At the residential site, PM25 was
      comprised of approximately 80% particles 1.0 micrometer and smaller. Only one
      windblown dust storm occurred during the sampling period, on July 24, 1994,
      during which both PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were enhanced.

PMID- 28085661
TI  - Characteristics of university students who mix alcohol and energy drinks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Research has identified correlates (eg, drug use, risky sex, smoking)
      of using alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AMEDs). Few studies have investigated
      common mental health-related concerns (eg, depression, sleep). PARTICIPANTS:
      Alcohol-using college students (n = 380 never used AMEDs, n = 180 used AMEDs)
      were recruited in the study during the fall 2011 semester. METHODS: The study
      examined demographics, substance use, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems in
      association with AMED use. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression indicated
      that alcohol use severity (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.14+1.34), drug use severity
      (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.04-1.39), depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01
      1.12), and smoking (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.22-3.68) were independently associated
      with AMED use; sleep problems were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Administrators
      may consider policies regarding energy drink availability on campus, and campus
      health personnel may increase screening and education surrounding AMED use to
      reduce risks among students.

PMID- 28085663
TI  - How to make plasmapheresis more efficient: a study model: Naples, 29 May 2015.

PMID- 28085662
TI  - 17th International Haemovigilance Seminar: Paris (France), 9-11 March 2016.

PMID- 28085664
TI  - XXIV National Congress of the Italian Society for Thrombosis and Hemostasis -
      SISET: Abano Terme (PD), Italy 9-12 November 2016.

PMID- 28085665
TI  - Impaired retrograde transport of axonal autophagosomes contributes to autophagic
      stress in Alzheimer's disease neurons.
AB  - Neurons face unique challenges of transporting nascent autophagic vacuoles (AVs)
      from distal axons toward the soma, where mature lysosomes are mainly located.
      Autophagy defects have been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the
      mechanisms underlying altered autophagy remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that
      defective retrograde transport contributes to autophagic stress in AD axons.
      Amphisomes predominantly accumulate at axonal terminals of mutant hAPP mice and
      AD patient brains. Amyloid-beta (Abeta) oligomers associate with AVs in AD axons
      and interact with dynein motors. This interaction impairs dynein recruitment to
      amphisomes through competitive interruption of dynein-Snapin motor-adaptor
      coupling, thus immobilizing them in distal axons. Consistently, deletion of
      Snapin in mice causes AD-like axonal autophagic stress, whereas overexpressing
      Snapin in hAPP neurons reduces autophagic accumulation at presynaptic terminals
      by enhancing AV retrograde transport. Altogether, our study provides new
      mechanistic insight into AD-associated autophagic stress, thus establishing a
      foundation for ameliorating axonal pathology in AD.

PMID- 28085667
TI  - Proliferation-independent regulation of organ size by Fgf/Notch signaling.
AB  - Organ morphogenesis depends on the precise orchestration of cell migration, cell
      shape changes and cell adhesion. We demonstrate that Notch signaling is an
      integral part of the Wnt and Fgf signaling feedback loop coordinating cell
      migration and the self-organization of rosette-shaped sensory organs in the
      zebrafish lateral line system. We show that Notch signaling acts downstream of
      Fgf signaling to not only inhibit hair cell differentiation but also to induce
      and maintain stable epithelial rosettes. Ectopic Notch expression causes a
      significant increase in organ size independently of proliferation and the Hippo
      pathway. Transplantation and RNASeq analyses revealed that Notch signaling
      induces apical junctional complex genes that regulate cell adhesion and apical
      constriction. Our analysis also demonstrates that in the absence of patterning
      cues normally provided by a Wnt/Fgf signaling system, rosettes still self
      organize in the presence of Notch signaling.

PMID- 28085668
TI  - Zero-fragment Nephrolithotomy: A Multi-center Evaluation of Robotic
      Pyelolithotomy and Nephrolithotomy for Treating Renal Stones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robotic pyelolithotomy (RPL) and robotic nephrolithotomy (RNL) may be
      utilized for treating kidney stones as an alternative to percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy or flexible ureteroscopy. OBJECTIVE: To describe the techniques
      of RPL and RNL, and present multi-center outcome data for patients undergoing
      these procedures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was a
      retrospective analysis of 27 patients undergoing RPL and RNL at five tertiary
      academic institutions between 2008 and 2014. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RPL and RNL
      without use of renal ischemia. MEASUREMENTS: We assessed stone clearance by
      visual assessment and postoperative imaging. We also examined other factors,
      including complications (Clavien grade), estimated blood loss, operative time,
      and length of stay. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Twenty-seven patients underwent 28
      procedures for a mean renal stone size of 2.74cm (standard deviation: 1.4, range:
      0.8-5.8). The mean stone volume was 10.2cm3. RPL accounted for 26 of these
      procedures. RNL was performed in one patient, while another underwent combined
      RPL-RNL. Indications included failed previous endourological management (13),
      staghorn calculi (five), gas containing stone (one), calyceal diverticulum (one),
      complex urinary tract reconstruction (two), and patient preference (four). The
      mean patient age was 35.6 yr and mean body mass index was 25.5kg/m2. Mean
      operative time/console times were 182min and 128min, respectively. The mean
      estimated blood loss was 38ml. The mean length of stay was 1.7 d. There was no
      significant change in preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine levels. The
      overall complication rate was 18.5% (Clavien 1=3.7%; 2=7.4%; 3b=7.4%). The
      complete stone-free rate was 96%. CONCLUSIONS: RPL and RNL are safe and
      reasonable options for removing renal stones in select patients. In particular,
      RPL allows the removal of stones without transgressing the parenchyma, reducing
      potential bleeding and nephron loss. PATIENT SUMMARY: The robotic approach allows
      for complete removal of the renal stone without fragmentation, thereby maximizing
      chances for complete stone clearance in one procedure.

PMID- 28085669
TI  - Adjuvant Treatment of High-risk Renal Cell Carcinoma: Leaving the Desert?
AB  - In a recent trial, adjuvant treatment with sunitinib significantly prolonged
      disease-free survival compared to placebo. This positive result is muted by the
      rate of side effects and overtreatment, raising the question of proper patient
      and agent selection in the adjuvant setting.

PMID- 28085670
TI  - When, how and why? Regulated proteolysis by the essential FtsH protease in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Cellular proteomes are dynamic and adjusted to permanently changing conditions by
      ATP-fueled proteolytic machineries. Among the five AAA+ proteases in Escherichia
      coli FtsH is the only essential and membrane-anchored metalloprotease. FtsH is a
      homohexamer that uses its ATPase domain to unfold and translocate substrates that
      are subsequently degraded without the need of ATP in the proteolytic chamber of
      the protease domain. FtsH eliminates misfolded proteins in the context of general
      quality control and properly folded proteins for regulatory reasons. Recent
      trapping approaches have revealed a number of novel FtsH substrates. This review
      summarizes the substrate diversity of FtsH and presents details on the
      surprisingly diverse recognition principles of three well-characterized
      substrates: LpxC, the key enzyme of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis; RpoH, the
      alternative heat-shock sigma factor and YfgM, a bifunctional membrane protein
      implicated in periplasmic chaperone functions and cytoplasmic stress adaptation.

PMID- 28085666
TI  - NADPH oxidase-mediated redox signaling promotes oxidative stress resistance and
      longevity through memo-1 in C. elegans.
AB  - Transient increases in mitochondrially-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      activate an adaptive stress response to promote longevity. Nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases produce ROS locally in response to
      various stimuli, and thereby regulate many cellular processes, but their role in
      aging remains unexplored. Here, we identified the C. elegans orthologue of
      mammalian mediator of ErbB2-driven cell motility, MEMO-1, as a protein that
      inhibits BLI-3/NADPH oxidase. MEMO-1 is complexed with RHO-1/RhoA/GTPase and loss
      of memo-1 results in an enhanced interaction of RHO-1 with BLI-3/NADPH oxidase,
      thereby stimulating ROS production that signal via p38 MAP kinase to the
      transcription factor SKN-1/NRF1,2,3 to promote stress resistance and longevity.
      Either loss of memo-1 or increasing BLI-3/NADPH oxidase activity by
      overexpression is sufficient to increase lifespan. Together, these findings
      demonstrate that NADPH oxidase-induced redox signaling initiates a
      transcriptional response that protects the cell and organism, and can promote
      both stress resistance and longevity.

PMID- 28085671
TI  - Exercise-induced effects on UCP1 expression in classical brown adipose tissue: a
      systematic review.
AB  - Understanding the impact of regular exercise training on uncoupling protein 1
      (UCP1) activity in classical brown adipose tissue (CBAT) is vital to our
      knowledge of whole-body thermogenic activity. The purpose of this systematic
      review was to evaluate the available experimental evidence on the effect of
      regular exercise training on UCP1 expression in CBAT. We performed a literature
      search using PubMed (1966-2016), Scopus, and EMBASE (1974-2016). Studies in any
      language that examined the effect of regular exercise training on UCP1 expression
      in CBAT, and not white adipose tissue (WAT), were eligible. Reviews, editorials,
      and conference proceedings were excluded. Nine studies fulfilled the set
      criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Centre for
      Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool. The quality of reporting the
      results in the included studies was assessed using the 38-item checklist of the
      Animal Research Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE). Based on the evidence
      available and a comprehensive analysis of different confounding factors, we
      conclude that regular exercise training does not represent a major stimulus of
      UCP1 expression in CBAT. However, regular exercise training may induce adaptive
      responses to CBAT thermogenic activity in cases where: (i) animals consume a high
      fat diet, (ii) exercise is combined with cold exposure, and (iii) animals show
      endogenously low UCP1 levels. Finally, it is important to note an inconsistency
      in the results from the analysed studies, which may be attributed to a number of
      confounding factors, increased risk of bias, as well as low quality of reporting
      the results.

PMID- 28085672
TI  - Seven cases with Williams-Beuren syndrome: endocrine evaluation and long-term
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endocrine evaluation and long-term follow-up of seven (six male)
      patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) are given. METHOD: Data were
      obtained from patients' medical records. All patients underwent hormonal analyses
      and four of them underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). RESULTS: They all
      had mild hypercalcemia. Three of them had overt hypothyroidism while subclinical
      hypothyroidism was detected in three patients. Four patients had thyroid
      hypoplasia and one had thyroid agenesis. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was
      determined in one patient. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was found in three
      adolescents. All adolescents had early-onset puberty. The follow-up duration was
      5.7+/-2.1 years. The mean growth velocity (GV) was 12.9+/-7.2 cm and 7.6+/-2 cm
      at the end of the first and second years of therapy, respectively. All patients
      had neurodevelopment retardation and were continuing to special education.
      CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid hypoplasia is common and agenesis can be seen in patients
      with WBS; therefore, thyroid hormones should be measured in the newborn period
      and annually. GHD should be kept in mind in patients with decreased GV. IGT might
      be detected in patients with WBS even in adolescence.

PMID- 28085673
TI  - Total body fat, abdominal fat, body fat distribution and surrogate markers for
      health related to adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (FABP4) in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess possible relationships between
      adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (FABP4) and total body fat (TBF), abdominal
      fat, body fat distribution, aerobic fitness, blood pressure, cardiac dimensions
      and the increase in body fat over 2 years in a community sample of children.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was used in a community sample of 170 (92 boys
      and 78 girls) children aged 8-11 years. TBF and abdominal fat (AFM) were measured
      by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). TBF was also expressed as percentage
      of total body mass (BF%), and body fat distribution was calculated as AFM/TBF.
      Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2PEAK) was assessed by indirect calorimetry during a
      maximal exercise test and scaled to body mass. Systolic and diastolic blood
      pressure (SBP and DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) were measured. Echocardiography
      was performed. Left atrial (LA) size was measured, and left ventricular mass
      (LVM) was calculated. A follow-up DXA scan was available in 152 children (84 boys
      and 68 girls). Frozen serum samples were analyzed for FABP4. RESULTS: Partial
      correlations, with adjustment for sex, between FABP4 vs. ln TBF, ln BF%, ln AFM,
      AFM/TBF and VO2PEAK were (r=0.69, 0.68, 0.69, 0.49 and -0.39, p<0.05 for all).
      Moreover, SBP, PP, LVM and LA were also weakly correlated with FABP4 (r=0.23,
      0.22, 0.28 and 0.21, p<0.05 for all). Correlations between FABP4 vs. increase in
      TBF and AFM over 2 years were 0.29 and 0.26, p<0.05, for both. (Increase in
      percent body fat or change in fat distribution were not correlated.) Conclusions:
      Findings from this community-based cohort of young children show that increased
      body fat and abdominal fat, more abdominal body fat distribution, low fitness,
      more LVM and increased LA, increased SBP and PP were all associated with
      increased levels of FABP4. Increase in TBF and abdominal fat over 2 years were
      also associated with increased levels of FABP4.

PMID- 28085674
TI  - An ignored cause of red urine in children: rhabdomyolysis due to carnitine
      palmitoyltransferase II (CPT-II) deficiency.
AB  - Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT-II) deficiency is an autosomal recessively
      inherited disorder involving the beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids, which
      leads to rhabdomyolysis and subsequent acute renal failure. The clinical
      phenotype varies from a severe infantile form to a milder muscle form. Here, we
      report a 9-year-old boy referred to our hospital for the investigation of
      hematuria with a 2-day history of dark urine and malaise. As no erythrocytes in
      the microscopic examination of the urine and hemoglobinuria were present,
      myoglobinuria due to rhabdomyolysis was the most probable cause of dark urine.
      After excluding the other causes of rhabdomyolysis, with the help of metabolic
      investigations, the patient was suspected to have CPT-II deficiency, the most
      common cause of metabolic rhabdomyolysis. Our aim in presenting this case is to
      emphasize considering rhabdomyolysis in the differential diagnosis of dark urine
      in order to prevent recurrent rhabdomyolysis and renal injury.

PMID- 28085675
TI  - Glycogen storage disease type IX and growth hormone deficiency presenting as
      severe ketotic hypoglycemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type IX and growth hormone (GH)
      deficiency cause ketotic hypoglycemia via different mechanisms and are not known
      to be associated. We describe a patient presenting with severe ketotic
      hypoglycemia found to have both GSD IX and isolated GH deficiency. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 3-year-and-11-month-old boy with a history of prematurity,
      autism, developmental delay, seizures, and feeding difficulty was admitted for
      poor weight gain and symptomatic hypoglycemia. He was nondysmorphic, with a
      height of 93.8 cm (2%, -1.97 SDS), and has no hepatomegaly. He developed
      symptomatic hypoglycemia, with a serum glucose level of 37 mg/dL after 14 h of
      fasting challenge. Critical sample showed a GH of 0.24 ng/mL. GH provocative
      stimulation testing was done with a peak GH of 2.8 ng/mL. Brain magnetic
      resonance imaging showed a hypoplastic pituitary gland. Given the clinical
      symptoms, suspicion for mitochondrial disease was high. Dual Genome Panel by
      Massively Parallel Sequencing revealed a hemizygous variant c.721A>G (p1241V) in
      the X-linked PHKA2 gene, a causative gene for GSD IX. Red blood cell PhK enzyme
      activity testing was low, supporting the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Given the
      patient's developmental delays that were not explained by GH deficiency alone,
      further investigation showed two unrelated conditions resulting in deranged
      metabolic adaptation to fasting leading to severe hypoglycemia.

PMID- 28085676
TI  - Growth-hormone deficiency in mitochondrial disorders.

PMID- 28085677
TI  - The thalamus as a relay station and gatekeeper: relevance to brain disorders.
AB  - Here, we provide a review of behavioural, cognitive, and neural studies of the
      thalamus, including its role in attention, consciousness, sleep, and motor
      processes. We further discuss neuropsychological and brain disorders associated
      with thalamus function, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease,
      Korsakoff's syndrome, and sleep disorders. Importantly, we highlight how thalamus
      related processes and disorders can be explained by the role of the thalamus as a
      relay station.

PMID- 28085678
TI  - Combining in silico evolution and nonlinear dimensionality reduction to redesign
      responses of signaling networks.
AB  - The rational design of network behavior is a central goal of synthetic biology.
      Here, we combine in silico evolution with nonlinear dimensionality reduction to
      redesign the responses of fixed-topology signaling networks and to characterize
      sets of kinetic parameters that underlie various input-output relations. We first
      consider the earliest part of the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling network and
      demonstrate that it can produce a variety of input-output relations (quantified
      as the level of TCR phosphorylation as a function of the characteristic TCR
      binding time). We utilize an evolutionary algorithm (EA) to identify sets of
      kinetic parameters that give rise to: (i) sigmoidal responses with the activation
      threshold varied over 6 orders of magnitude, (ii) a graded response, and (iii) an
      inverted response in which short TCR binding times lead to activation. We also
      consider a network with both positive and negative feedback and use the EA to
      evolve oscillatory responses with different periods in response to a change in
      input. For each targeted input-output relation, we conduct many independent runs
      of the EA and use nonlinear dimensionality reduction to embed the resulting data
      for each network in two dimensions. We then partition the results into groups and
      characterize constraints placed on the parameters by the different targeted
      response curves. Our approach provides a way (i) to guide the design of kinetic
      parameters of fixed-topology networks to generate novel input-output relations
      and (ii) to constrain ranges of biological parameters using experimental data. In
      the cases considered, the network topologies exhibit significant flexibility in
      generating alternative responses, with distinct patterns of kinetic rates
      emerging for different targeted responses.

PMID- 28085679
TI  - Radiotherapy in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The immunomodulatory effects of ionizing radiation have long
      been recognized; however, so far these have not been fully exploited in clinical
      practice. We review the rationale to combine radiation with immune checkpoint
      inhibitors, which are used in standard practice. RECENT FINDINGS: Preclinical
      research suggests a synergy between radiotherapy and these immune checkpoint
      inhibitors. Whether or not this benefit translates into a clinical benefit is
      currently subject of ongoing research. SUMMARY: It is highly rational to combine
      radiation with immune therapy as in preclinical models and in proof of concept
      trials in humans it clearly can increase the antitumor immunity when given
      together with other immune interventions.

PMID- 28085680
TI  - Can we define the optimal sequence of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant
      nonsmall cell lung cancer?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The most common mechanism of resistance to epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is acquisition of the
      T790M gatekeeper mutation. Third-generation EGFR TKIs irreversibly inhibit EGFR
      mutants (EGFRm), especially T790M, while sparing wild-type EGFR. There are
      several third-generation EGFR TKIs under development, including osimertinib, CO
      1686 (rociletinib), HM61713 (olmutinib), ASP8273, and EGF816. These third
      generation EGFR TKIs have shown promising efficacy with favorable toxicity
      profiles in the management of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an
      acquired T790M mutation (EGFR). In the present review, we will discuss the
      evolving treatment landscape of EGFRm NSCLC. RECENT FINDINGS: The LUX-Lung 7
      study demonstrated superior progression-free survival, time-to-treatment failure,
      and objective response rate with afatinib versus gefitinib, but no significant
      overall survival improvement in TKI-naive EGFRm NSCLC patients. In EGFRm NSCLC
      patients harboring T790M after treatment with first-generation or second
      generation EGFR TKIs, third-generation EGFR TKIs showed robust efficacy with
      tolerable toxicity. The updated results of phase I studies have demonstrated
      encouraging activity of first-line osimertinib in patients with EGFRm NSCLC.
      SUMMARY: Following progression with first-generation or second-generation EGFR
      TKIs, osimertinib was recently approved for the treatment of EGFR NSCLC.
      Encouraging early results with osimertinib have sparked interest in first-line
      treatment of EGFRm NSCLC, and head-to-head comparison studies of third-generation
      versus first-generation EGFR TKIs are being developed.

PMID- 28085681
TI  - Basal Ganglion Hemorrhage as Delayed Complication of Diethylene Glycol Ingestion.
AB  - Diethylene glycol (DEG), an organic compound (HOCH2CH2)2O is a commonly used
      solvent. Mass poisoning outbreaks have been reported because of frequent
      contaminations. A PubMed search for diethylene resulted in 795 publications with
      151 specifically discussing the toxicity. Of the 151 reported toxicity
      reviews/case reports, only 6 publications discussed the long-term neurological
      effects of diethylene toxicity. We report a fatal case of oral ingestion of DEG
      with complications from delayed toxicity. She died 7 days after the second
      admission. Autopsy disclosed a right basal ganglia hemorrhage within the brain
      and microscopic deposits of polarizable crystals into small cerebral blood
      vessels. Both kidneys illustrate tubular necrosis with scattered tubular
      deposition of polarizable calcium oxalate crystals. PubMed search leads to only 2
      reported cases of basal ganglia hemorrhage (based on radiological findings) after
      ethylene glycol intoxication. Our case is the first reportable case of basal
      ganglia hemorrhage after DEG ingestion.

PMID- 28085682
TI  - Prophylaxis of Venous Thrombosis in Neurocritical Care Patients: An Executive
      Summary of Evidence-Based Guidelines: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals
      From the Neurocritical Care Society and Society of Critical Care Medicine.

PMID- 28085683
TI  - Oxygen saturation targeting by pulse oximetry in the extremely low gestational
      age neonate: a quixotic quest.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A collaboration of comparative effectiveness research trials
      of pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2) targeting in extremely low-gestational-age
      neonates have begun to report their aggregate results. We examine the results of
      those trials, collectively referred to as the Neonatal Oxygenation Prospective
      Meta-analysis or NeOProM. We also discuss the uncertainties that remain and the
      clinical challenges that lie ahead. RECENT FINDINGS: The primary outcome from
      NeOProM was a composite of death or disability at 18-24 months corrected age. In
      2016 the last of these reports was published. Although there were no differences
      in the primary outcome overall, analyses of secondary outcomes and data subsets
      following a pulse oximeter revision show significant treatment differences
      between targeting a lower compared with a higher SpO2. SUMMARY: NeOProM
      represents the largest collaborative clinical research study of SpO2 targets in
      extremely low-gestational-age neonates. Although aggregate results give us some
      insight into the feasibility and efficacy of SpO2 targeting in this population,
      many questions remain. A patient-level analysis, tracking individual outcomes
      based on actual SpO2 experienced, may shed some light on these questions.
      However, finding a single optimal SpO2 range seems unlikely.

PMID- 28085684
TI  - Continuous noninvasive monitoring in the neonatal ICU.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Standard hemodynamic monitoring such as heart rate and
      systemic blood pressure may only provide a crude estimation of organ perfusion
      during neonatal intensive care. Pulse oximetry monitoring allows for continuous
      noninvasive monitoring of hemoglobin oxygenation and thus provides estimation of
      end-organ oxygenation. This review aims to provide an overview of pulse oximetry
      and discuss its current and potential clinical use during neonatal intensive
      care. RECENT FINDINGS: Technological advances in continuous assessment of dynamic
      changes in systemic oxygenation with pulse oximetry during transition to
      extrauterine life and beyond provide additional details about physiological
      interactions among the key hemodynamic factors regulating systemic blood flow
      distribution along with the subtle changes that are frequently transient and
      undetectable with standard monitoring. SUMMARY: Noninvasive real-time continuous
      systemic oxygen monitoring has the potential to serve as biomarkers for early
      organ dysfunction, to predict adverse short-term and long-term outcomes in
      critically ill neonates, and to optimize outcomes. Further studies are needed to
      establish values predicting adverse outcomes and to validate targeted
      interventions to normalize abnormal values to improve outcomes.

PMID- 28085685
TI  - CE: Improving Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Part 1.
AB  - : The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising both in this country and
      worldwide. An estimated 10% to 15% of U.S. adults are currently living with CKD.
      Reducing the CKD burden requires a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to
      care. The greatest opportunities to reduce the impact of CKD arise early, when
      most patients are being followed in primary care; yet many clinicians are
      inadequately educated on this disease. Nurses are well positioned to facilitate
      the implementation of collaborative care. This two-part article aims to provide
      nurses with the basic information necessary to assess and manage patients with
      CKD. Part 1 offers an overview of the disease, describes identification and
      etiology, and discusses ways to slow disease progression. Part 2, which will
      appear next month, addresses disease complications and treatment of kidney
      failure.

PMID- 28085686
TI  - CE: Nursing's Evolving Role in Patient Safety.
AB  - : : Background: In its 1999 report To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health
      System, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggested that between 44,000 and 98,000
      Americans die annually as a result of medical errors. The report urged health
      care institutions to break the silence surrounding such errors and to implement
      changes that would promote a culture of safety. OBJECTIVE: Our aim in conducting
      this content analysis of AJN articles was to explore the nurse's historical and
      contemporary role in promoting patient safety. We chose to focus on AJN because,
      as the oldest continuously published nursing journal, it provided a unique
      opportunity for us to view trends in nursing practice over more than 100 years.
      METHODS: We reviewed all AJN tables of contents from 1900 through 2015,
      identifying for inclusion articles with titles that suggested a focus on nursing
      care, patient safety, or clinical content. We then read and analyzed each of the
      final 1,086 articles over a period of nine months. FINDINGS: Our content analysis
      indicates that the early articles (from 1900 through 1920) focused on such safety
      measures as asepsis and the newly understood germ theory. In the 1930s, articles
      proposed methods for preventing medication errors and encouraged the development
      of written procedures to standardize care. During World War II, nurse authors
      identified improved patient survival rates with the use of "shock wards" and
      recovery rooms. The 1950s saw the emergence of progressive patient care
      initiatives, through which patients were assigned to various levels of care
      (intensive, intermediate, self, long-term, or home care) based on patient acuity.
      The 1960s brought increasingly complex equipment and medication regimens, which
      created safety problems. Hospital-acquired infections were recognized. Unit-dose
      medication was instituted in the 1970s. In the next two decades, medication and
      nursing-procedure safety were emphasized. From 2000 to 2015, articles looked
      beyond human performance as causes of health care errors to systemic factors,
      such as poor communication, patient-nurse ratios, provider skill mix, disruptive
      or inappropriate provider behavior, shift work, and long working hours.
      CONCLUSIONS: Emphasis on patient safety increased as patient care became more
      complex. As nurses developed a professional identity, they often put a spotlight
      on safety concerns and solutions. The IOM report, which encouraged research
      focused on systemic solutions to errors, was instrumental in furthering the very
      culture of safety that the nursing profession had championed.

PMID- 28085687
TI  - Length of Recovery From Sports-Related Concussions in Pediatric Patients Treated
      at Concussion Clinics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We quantified the length of recovery time by week in a cohort of
      pediatric sports-related concussion patients treated at concussion clinics, and
      examined patient and injury characteristics associated with prolonged recovery.
      DESIGN: A retrospective, cohort design. SETTING: Seven concussion clinics at a
      Midwest children's hospital. PATIENTS: Patients aged 10 to 17 years with a
      diagnosed sports-related concussion presenting to the clinic within 30 days of
      injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Length of recovery by week. METHODS: Unadjusted
      and adjusted multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to model the
      effect of patient and injury characteristics on length of recovery by week.
      RESULTS: Median length of recovery was 17 days. Only 16.3% (299/1840) of patients
      recovered within one week, whereas 26.4% took longer than four weeks to recover.
      By 2 months postinjury, 6.7% of patients were still experiencing symptoms. Higher
      symptom scores at injury and initial visit were significantly associated with
      prolonged symptoms by week. Patients who presented to the clinic more than 2
      weeks postinjury or who had 2 or more previous concussions showed increased risk
      for prolonged recovery. Females were at greater risk for prolonged recovery than
      males (odds ratio = 2.08, 95% confidence interval = 1.49-2.89). Age was not
      significantly associated with recovery length. CONCLUSIONS: High symptom scores
      at injury and initial visit, time to initial clinical presentation, presence of 2
      or more previous concussions, and female sex are associated with prolonged
      concussion recovery. Further research should aim to establish objective measures
      of recovery, accounting for treatment received during the recovery. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: The median length of recovery is 17 days among pediatric sports
      related concussion patients treated at concussion clinics. Only 16.3% of patients
      recovered within one week, whereas 26.4% took longer than 4 weeks to recover.

PMID- 28085688
TI  - Schwannoma of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: A Rare Entity.
AB  - Neurogenic tumors are the most common posterior mediastinal tumors in adults.
      Schwannomas originating from the recurrent laryngeal nerve are rare. The present
      study describes a 46-year-old man with a tumor in the left superior mediastinum.
      Because of the narrow relationship with the aorta and the left pulmonary artery,
      the tumor was excised by left-sided minithoracotomy. The tumor, a schwannoma,
      originated from and encased the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Six months after
      surgery, the patient was free of recurrence without symptoms other than
      hoarseness. "Additional imaging by magnetic resonance imaging could raise the
      probability of a neurogenic origin of the mass, eventually leading to
      collaboration with the neurosurgeon in this case."

PMID- 28085689
TI  - Consideration of Native Coronary Disease Progression in the Decision to Perform
      Hybrid Coronary Revascularization.

PMID- 28085690
TI  - A Novel Robotic Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery Harvest Using Double Docking
      Technique for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
AB  - da Vinci Surgical System (da Vinci) enabled port access for internal mammary
      arteries (IMA) harvesting. However, bilateral IMA (BIMA) harvesting is difficult
      when performed on single side. We developed a novel technique of double docking
      the da Vinci by transpositioning from the left side to the right and examined the
      feasibility. Twelve patients underwent BIMA harvesting using the double-docking
      technique. First, the da Vinci was set on the patient's left side for the right
      IMA harvesting. Afterward, the da Vinci was undocked and transpositioned from the
      patient's left side to the right side. The time elapsed during rotation was
      measured. Subsequently, the left IMA was harvested from patient's right side.
      Distal anastomoses were performed by a small anterolateral thoracotomy. All of
      the IMAs were harvested and then bypassed without damage. The mean +/- SD time
      that elapsed during rotation was 6.5 +/- 0.6 minutes. There was no conversion to
      sternotomy. Bilateral IMA harvesting by the bilateral docking technique was
      performed successfully with acceptable feasibility.

PMID- 28085691
TI  - Robot-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair With Posterior Leaflet Extension for Rheumatic
      Disease.
AB  - Mitral valve repair has been one of the widely used applications of robotic
      surgery. Patients with rheumatic mitral disease usually present at an early age
      with thickening, retraction, or fusion of the leaflets and subvalvular apparatus.
      Robotic mitral repair can be feasible among this group of patients, rather than
      replacement. Herein, we describe a young woman who presented with rheumatic
      mitral valve insufficiency. A complex mitral repair with posterior leaflet
      extension with an autologous pericardial patch was successfully conducted using
      robot assistance.

PMID- 28085692
TI  - Negative Stress Examination Under Anesthesia Reliably Predicts Pelvic Ring Union
      Without Displacement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the negative predictive value of examination under
      anesthesia (EUA) for determining pelvic ring stability and union without further
      displacement. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Two academic Level 1
      trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-four adult patients with closed
      pelvic ring injuries treated over a 5-year period. INTERVENTIONS: Pelvic stress
      EUA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pelvic ring union and pelvic ring displacement at
      final follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients with closed pelvic ring injuries
      who underwent pelvic EUA during the study period and had a negative examination
      (indicating a stable pelvis) were identified. Mean age was 38 years (range 16
      76), and 19 patients (55.9%) were male. Twenty-two patients (64.7%) had Young
      Burgess lateral compression (LC)-1 injuries with complete sacral fractures, 4
      patients (11.8%) had LC-2 injuries, and 8 patients (23.5%) had anteroposterior
      compression (APC)-1 injuries. Eight patients (23.5%) had associated injuries
      requiring restricted weight-bearing on one or both lower extremities and were
      excluded from the analysis. Immediate weight-bearing as tolerated was permitted
      bilaterally in the remaining 26 patients. Mean pelvic ring displacement at the
      time of injury was 3.8 mm (range 1-15 mm) for LC injuries and 9.1 mm (range 2-20
      mm) for APC injuries. Patients were followed for a mean of 8 months (range 3-34
      months). At final follow-up, mean displacement was 3.7 mm (range 0-17 mm) for LC
      injuries and 7.1 mm (range 2-19 mm) for APC injuries. Mean change in displacement
      from injury to union was -0.1 mm for LC injuries and -2.0 mm for APC injuries,
      indicating decreased pelvic ring displacement at union. All patients were able to
      tolerate full weight-bearing bilaterally with no pain, and there were no
      instances of delayed operative fixation after negative EUA. CONCLUSIONS: Negative
      pelvic EUA after closed pelvic ring injury accurately predicts pelvic stability
      and union without displacement after nonoperative treatment with full weight
      bearing bilaterally. Unless otherwise dictated by associated injuries, immediate
      weight-bearing as tolerated seems safe in patients with pelvic ring injuries who
      have had a negative EUA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level III. See
      Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28085693
TI  - Anxiety and the Quality of Life of Children Living With Parental Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research on children living with parental cancer has mainly
      focused on the psychosocial challenges, but few studies have explored their
      health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This is important to promote well-being
      and discover areas of distress, as well as positive aspects of the children's
      life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to study how children's HRQOL is
      influenced by anxiety and whether age and gender act as moderators for this
      relationship. METHODS: This study used a survey with a cross-sectional design,
      including 35 children between 8 and 18 years old (mean, 13.3 years old) living
      with parental cancer. Questionnaires of HRQOL (Kinder Lebensqualitat) and anxiety
      (Revised Child Manifest Anxiety Scale) were used. RESULTS: The children reported
      higher anxiety and lower HRQOL than the controls. The children's physiological (P
      = .03), emotional (P = .04), and school (P = .00) functions were significantly
      impaired, whereas they scored in line with the controls on self-esteem, family,
      friends, and overall HRQOL. A negative correlation (r = -0.707, P < .01) between
      anxiety and HRQOL was found. Neither age nor gender acted as a moderator between
      anxiety and HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS: A one-dimensional focus on anxiety may not
      capture these children's multidimensional challenges. In contrast, a focus on
      HRQOL may give important knowledge of the children's challenges, as well as areas
      where they function well. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals
      need to work collaboratively across disciplines and have a multidimensional focus
      in caring for patients with cancer who have children. They must provide both the
      parents and children with adequate information and tools to handle their family
      health situation to promote the children's HRQOL.

PMID- 28085694
TI  - Bioengineering Human Lung Grafts on Porcine Matrix.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bioengineering of viable, functional, and implantable human lung
      grafts on porcine matrix. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Implantable bioartificial
      organ grafts could revolutionize transplant surgery. To date, several milestones
      toward that goal have been achieved in rodent models. To make bioengineered organ
      grafts clinically relevant, scaling to human cells and graft size are the next
      steps. METHODS: We seeded porcine decellularized lung scaffolds with human airway
      epithelial progenitor cells derived from rejected donor lungs, and banked human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells. We subsequently enabled tissue formation in
      whole organ culture. The resulting grafts were then either analyzed in vitro (n =
      15) or transplanted into porcine recipients in vivo (n = 3). RESULTS: By
      repopulating porcine extracellular matrix scaffolds with human endothelial cells,
      we generated pulmonary vasculature with mature endothelial lining and sufficient
      anti-thrombotic function to enable blood perfusion. By repopulating the
      epithelial surface with human epithelial progenitor cells, we created a living,
      functioning gas exchange graft. After surgical implantation, the bioengineered
      lung grafts were able to withstand physiological blood flow from the recipient's
      pulmonary circulation, and exchanged gases upon ventilation during the 1-hour
      observation. CONCLUSIONS: Engineering and transplantation of viable lung grafts
      based on decellularized porcine lung scaffolds and human endothelial and
      epithelial cells is technically feasible. Further graft maturation will be
      necessary to enable higher-level functions such as mucociliary clearance, and
      ventilation-perfusion matching.

PMID- 28085695
TI  - Incidence of Occult Intrahepatic Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated
      With Transplantation Corresponds to Early Recurrence Rates After Partial
      Hepatectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the incidence of radiologically
      unrecognized (occult) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions in explant
      hepatectomy specimens from orthotopic liver transplants (OLTs) performed for HCC
      with rates of HCC intrahepatic recurrence after resection. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND
      DATA: Resection of HCC is associated with high rates of intrahepatic HCC
      recurrence. However, it is unclear whether these recurrences represent incomplete
      resection of unrecognized metastatic lesions from the primary tumor or subsequent
      de novo tumor formation due to inherent biological proclivity for HCC formation.
      METHODS: We collected patient, tumor, and pathology data on HCC patients treated
      surgically from 3696 OLTs in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation (OPTN)
      national database, 299 OLTs at a single transplant center, and 232 partial
      hepatectomies from a hepatobiliary cancer center. RESULTS: In the OPTN and high
      volume transplant center cohorts, 37% and 42% of patients had occult HCC lesions
      on explant pathology, respectively. Among cancer center patients, the 2-year
      recurrence rate was 46%, and 74% of patients who recurred presented with liver
      only recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although the transplant and resection populations
      differ, occult multifocality is common in transplant explants and similar to the
      46% early recurrence rate following partial hepatectomy. These data suggest that
      noncurative resection often results from occult intrahepatic multifocality
      present at the time of resection rather than a malignant predisposition of the
      remnant liver with de novo tumorigenesis.

PMID- 28085696
TI  - Commentary on "A Proposed Road Map for the Ethical Evaluation of Sham (Placebo)
      Surgery".

PMID- 28085698
TI  - New technologies for upper tract urothelial carcinoma management.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Image enhancement techniques and optical diagnostic tools have
      emerged in the quest to improve diagnostics and treatment in patients with upper
      urinary tract carcinoma (UTUC). The aim of the present report is to describe
      their mechanisms of action and to assess the current evidence on applicability
      and utility in UTUC. RECENT FINDINGS: Image enhancement techniques including
      narrow band imaging, Image1 S, and photodynamic diagnosis aim at better
      visualization of malignant urothelium and especially flat tumours or carcinoma in
      situ which are often difficult to see with white light endoscopy. Conducted
      studies in the upper tract are scarce but first results show that tumour
      detection seems to be better for narrow band imaging and photodynamic diagnosis
      guided inspection.Optical diagnostic tools as confocal laser endomicroscopy and
      optical coherence tomography aim at providing real time optical biopsies giving
      pathologic information. A pilot study of optical coherence tomography proved its
      feasibility to visualize, grade and stage low and high-grade UTUC. SUMMARY:
      Better visualization of suspect lesions and optical diagnostic techniques
      providing real time optical biopsies aim to facilitate in higher diagnostic
      precision and optimal individualized treatment of our patients with UTUC. As the
      disease is rare, studies are scarce but indispensable for future implication of
      these techniques.

PMID- 28085699
TI  - A Collaborative State of the Science Initiative: Transforming Moral Distress into
      Moral Resilience in Nursing.
AB  - : To examine practices for addressing moral distress, a collaborative project was
      developed by the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, the Johns Hopkins
      School of Nursing, the American Journal of Nursing, and the Journal of Christian
      Nursing, along with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the
      American Nurses Association. Its purpose was to identify strategies that
      individuals and systems can use to mitigate the detrimental effects of moral
      distress and foster moral resilience. On August 11 and 12, 2016, an invitational
      symposium, State of the Science: Transforming Moral Distress into Moral
      Resilience in Nursing, was held at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in
      Baltimore, Maryland. Forty-five nurse clinicians, researchers, ethicists,
      organization representatives, and other stakeholders took part. The result of the
      symposium was group consensus on recommendations for addressing moral distress
      and building moral resilience in four areas: practice, education, research, and
      policy. Participants and the organizations represented were energized and
      committed to moving this agenda forward.

PMID- 28085697
TI  - AKT activation was not essential for hepatocellular carcinoma cell survival under
      glucose deprivation.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related
      death worldwide, with a dismal 5-year survival rate less than 15%. The present
      study aimed to investigate whether AKT inhibition and glucose deprivation could
      synergistically kill HCC cells and the molecular mechanisms involved. HCC cells
      were starved in glucose deprivation, and then the resultant cell death was
      determined by flow cytometry and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates using a
      Seahorse XF-24 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Glucose deprivation reduced
      mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates for ATP production, enhanced mitochondrial
      proton leaks, reduced Mcl-1 expression, and subsequently caused significant cell
      death in the sensitive HepG2 and HCC-M cells. In the resistant Hep3B and Huh7
      cells that survived, glucose starvation induced time-dependent AKT activation.
      However, blockage of AKT activation using chemical inhibitors (ZSTK474 and
      LY290042) or specific AKT1-targeting siRNAs could not markedly sensitize glucose
      deprivation-induced cell death. In contrast, AKT inhibitors or AKT1-targeting
      siRNAs significantly protected the sensitive HepG2 cells from glucose deprivation
      induced cell death. More importantly, AKT inhibition mechanically suppressed mTOR
      activity and induced the prosurvival autophagy pathway in the sensitive HCC
      cells. Taken together, these data demonstrated that AKT activity was not
      essential for HCC cell survival during glucose deprivation. The reduction of mTOR
      activity and induction of the autophagy pathway may hinder the potential
      application of AKT inhibitors in the cancer therapy of solid tumors such as HCC.

PMID- 28085700
TI  - What We Know About Moral Distress.
AB  - : This article provides an overview of moral distress, including the existing
      research on the concept, and a discussion of ways to evolve our understanding of
      moral distress in order to meet current and future practice challenges.

PMID- 28085701
TI  - Cultivating Moral Resilience.
AB  - : Decades of research have documented the frequency, sources, and consequences of
      moral distress. However, few studies have focused on interventions designed to
      diminish its negative effects. The cultivation of moral resilience-the ability to
      respond positively to the distress and adversity caused by an ethically complex
      situation-is proposed as a method to transform moral distress.

PMID- 28085702
TI  - Panel Discussion 1: Promising Interventions for Building Individual Capacities
      for Moral Resilience.
AB  - On day 1 of the symposium, panelists discussed moral distress intervention
      programs they've helped lead.

PMID- 28085703
TI  - Panel Discussion 2: Promising System and Environmental Strategies for Addressing
      Moral Distress and Building Moral Resilience.
AB  - On day 2 of the symposium, panelists talked about efforts to create environments
      that diminish moral distress and improve moral resilience.

PMID- 28085704
TI  - Themes of the Symposium.
AB  - A summary of the major themes that emerged over the two days.

PMID- 28085707
TI  - Citicoline Combination Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized,
      Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Residual symptoms of major depressive disorder are a source of long
      term morbidity. New therapeutic strategies are required to alleviate this
      morbidity and enhance patient quality of life. Citicoline has been used for
      vascular accidents and has been effective in cognitive rehabilitation. It has
      been used successfully to reduce craving in patients with substance abuse
      disorder and for mood management of bipolar disorder. Here, we test citicoline
      effectiveness as an adjuvant therapy in major depression. METHOD: A double-blind
      randomized trial was designed on 50 patients with major depressive disorder who
      were under treatment with citalopram. Patients were allocated to 2 groups and
      received citicoline (100 mg twice a day) or placebo as an adjuvant treatment for
      6 weeks. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating
      Scale (HDRS) at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, and 6. RESULTS: Significantly greater
      improvement was observed in the HDRS scores of the citicoline group compared with
      the placebo group from baseline to weeks 2, 4, and 6 (Ps = 0.030, 0.032, and
      0.021, respectively). Repeated-measures general linear model demonstrated a
      significant effect for time * treatment interaction on the HDRS score
      (F2.10,101.22 = 3.12, P = 0.04). Remission rate was significantly higher in the
      citicoline group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS:
      Citicoline was an effective adjuvant to citalopram in the therapy of major
      depressive disorder.

PMID- 28085708
TI  - Coronary spasm-induced recurrent ventricular fibrillation: insights into possible
      mechanisms by a multimodality approach.

PMID- 28085709
TI  - Hemotherapy algorithm for the management of trauma-induced coagulopathy: the
      German and European perspective.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents a synopsis of best current knowledge with
      reference to the updated German and European guidelines and recommendations on
      the management of severe trauma hemorrhage and trauma-induced coagulopathy as
      well as a viscoelastic-based treatment algorithm based upon international expert
      consensus to trigger the administration of hemostatic agents and blood products.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Uncontrolled hemorrhage and trauma-induced coagulopathy are the
      major causes for preventable death after trauma and early detection and
      aggressive management have been associated with improved outcomes. However, best
      practice to treat this newly defined entity is still under debate. In the acute
      phase, the clinical management usually follows the 'Damage Control Resuscitation'
      concept, which advocates the empiric administration of blood products in
      predefined and fixed ratios. As an alternative, several European but also a few
      US trauma centers have instituted the concept of 'Goal-directed Coagulation
      Therapy' based upon results obtained from early point-of-care viscoelastic
      testing. SUMMARY: Current guidelines urge for the implementation of evidence
      based local protocols and algorithms including clinical quality and safety
      management systems together with parameters to assess key measures of bleeding
      control and outcome.

PMID- 28085710
TI  - Risk Assessment and Antibiotic Administration Model.

PMID- 28085712
TI  - Nostrilplasty by Manipulating the Dilator Naris Muscles: A Pilot Study.

PMID- 28085714
TI  - Modified Lipoabdominoplasty: Updating Concepts.

PMID- 28085715
TI  - Surgical Scar Revision with A-Plasty.

PMID- 28085716
TI  - Does the Use of Incisional Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy Prevent Mastectomy
      Flap Necrosis in Immediate Expander-Based Breast Reconstruction?

PMID- 28085717
TI  - Is Single-Stage Prosthetic Reconstruction Cost Effective? A Cost-Utility Analysis
      for the Use of Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction Relative to Expander
      Implant Reconstruction in Postmastectomy Patients.

PMID- 28085718
TI  - Reply: Is Single-Stage Prosthetic Reconstruction Cost Effective? A Cost-Utility
      Analysis for the Use of Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction Relative to
      Expander-Implant Reconstruction in Postmastectomy Patients.

PMID- 28085719
TI  - Risky business 'mis'interpretation of observational evidence.

PMID- 28085720
TI  - The influence of diabetes mellitus and obesity on upper limb arthroplasty
      outcomes: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to locate and
      synthesize the best available evidence investigating the impact of selected
      comorbidities on upper limb arthroplasty outcomes.The review question is: Are
      patients with diabetes mellitus or obesity at an increased risk of complications
      and/or poorer postoperative outcomes following total shoulder, reverse total
      shoulder and total elbow arthroplasty?

PMID- 28085722
TI  - The effect of moisturizers or creams on scars: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the review are to identify the
      effect of any moisturizers or creams (medicated or unmedicated) on immature scars
      (linear, keloid or hypertrophic) on any persons of any age. Effects will be
      assessed by changes in scar activity, changes in the final appearance/cosmesis of
      the scar, improvements in patient reported features of scars (e.g. itch,
      tightness, range of movement) and/or by altering measurable features of the scar
      such as vascularity, color, height, length, pliability and/or transepidermal
      water loss.Specifically the review question is: are moisturizers or creams
      effective in modifying immature scars?

PMID- 28085721
TI  - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion programs for the
      prevention and management of chronic diseases: a scoping review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW OBJECTIVES: The scoping review project will identify and describe the
      existing research on health promotion programs and activities focusing on
      modifying risk factors (specifically to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption,
      increase physical activity and improve nutrition and social and emotional
      wellbeing) and/or improving the management of chronic diseases (specifically
      obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease) for
      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across a diverse range of health
      and community settings.

PMID- 28085723
TI  - The effect of involving significant others in chronic pain programs for adult
      patients with chronic non-malignant pain: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to identify the effect
      of the involvement of significant others in chronic pain management programs for
      adult patients with chronic non-malignant pain on function, self-efficacy and
      pain.More specifically, the objectives are to identify the effect of involving
      significant others in chronic management programs for adults with chronic non
      malignant pain in primary, secondary or tertiary health care. This is compared to
      those receiving usual care or other self-management interventions.

PMID- 28085724
TI  - Efficacy of thoracic paravertebral block versus systemic analgesia for
      postoperative thoracotomy pain: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: The objective of the systematic review is to
      synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of thoracic
      paravertebral block compared with the use of systemic analgesia on postoperative
      pain in patients who have undergone a thoracotomy procedure.

PMID- 28085725
TI  - Effectiveness of robotic assisted rehabilitation for mobility and functional
      ability in adult stroke patients: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to synthesize the best
      available evidence on the effectiveness of robotic assistive devices in the
      rehabilitation of adult stroke patients for recovery of impairments in the upper
      and lower limbs. The secondary objective is to investigate the sustainability of
      treatment effects associated with use of robotic devices.The specific review
      question to be addressed is: can robotic assistive devices help adult stroke
      patients regain motor movement of their upper and lower limbs?

PMID- 28085726
TI  - Physical impairments and activity limitations experienced by people with
      tuberculosis: a scoping review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW OBJECTIVE/QUESTION: The objective of this review is to examine and map the
      range of physical impairments and activity limitations experienced by people
      infected with tuberculosis (TB). The levels of evidence that are currently
      available on this topic will also be reported. More specifically, the review
      questions are: What types of physical impairments and activity limitations have
      been reported for people infected with TB? What types of rehabilitation
      strategies are used for people with TB infection to address physical impairments
      and activity limitations?Findings from this scoping review may inform a
      systematic review to explore the effectiveness of rehabilitation strategies used
      to address physical impairments and activity limitations in people with TB
      infection.

PMID- 28085727
TI  - Effectiveness of patient-centered interventions on falls in the acute care
      setting: a quantitative systematic review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW OBJECTIVE: The quantitative objective of this review is to identify the
      effectiveness of patient-centered interventions on fall rates in adult patients
      in the acute care setting.

PMID- 28085728
TI  - Effectiveness of collaboration between emergency department and intensive care
      unit teams on mortality rates of patients presenting with critical illness: a
      quantitative systematic review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness
      of collaboration between emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit teams
      on mortality rates of critically ill adult patients in the ED.

PMID- 28085729
TI  - Effectiveness of provider strategies for the early recognition of clinical
      deterioration due to sepsis in pediatric patients: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - REVIEW QUESTION: The objective of this review is to determine the effectiveness
      of provider strategies for the early recognition of clinical deterioration due to
      sepsis in pediatric patients. Specifically, the review question is: among
      pediatric, hospitalized patients, up to 18 years of age, what is the
      effectiveness of clinical assessment compared with use of early recognition
      screening tools for the recognition of clinical deterioration due to sepsis?

PMID- 28085730
TI  - The use of therapeutic magnesium for neuroprotection during global cerebral
      ischemia associated with cardiac arrest and cardiac surgery in adults: a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Global cerebral ischemia occurs due to reduced blood supply to the
      brain. This is commonly caused by a cessation of myocardial activity associated
      with cardiac arrest and cardiac surgery. Survival is not the only important
      outcome because neurological dysfunction impacts on quality of life, reducing
      independent living. Magnesium has been identified as a potential neuroprotective
      agent; however, its role in this context is not yet clear. OBJECTIVES: The
      objective of this review was to present the best currently available evidence
      related to the neuroprotective effects of magnesium during a period of global
      cerebral ischemia in adults with cardiac arrest or cardiac surgery. INCLUSION
      CRITERIA TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS: The current review considered adults aged over 18
      years who were at risk of global cerebral ischemia associated with cardiac arrest
      or cardiac surgery. Studies of patients with existing neurological deficits or
      under the age of 18 years were excluded from the review. TYPES OF
      INTERVENTION(S)/PHENOMENA OF INTEREST: The intervention of interest was magnesium
      administered in doses of at least of 2 g compared to placebo to adult patients
      within 24 hours of cardiac arrest or cardiac surgery. TYPES OF STUDIES: The
      current review considered experimental designs including randomized controlled
      trials, non-randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs.
      OUTCOMES: The outcome of interest were neurological recovery post-cardiac arrest
      or cardiac surgery, as measured by objective scales, such as but not limited to,
      cerebral performance category, brain stem reflexes, Glasgow Coma Score and
      independent living or dependent living status. To enable assessment of the
      available data, neuroprotection was examined by breaking down neurological
      outcomes into three domains - functional neurological outcomes,
      neurophysiological outcomes and neuropsychological outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY: The
      search strategy aimed to find both published and unpublished studies between
      January 1980 and August 2014, utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) three
      step search strategy. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, CINAHL,
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Australian Clinical Trials
      Register, Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register, Clinical Trials,
      European Clinical Trials Register and ISRCTN Registry. METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY:
      The studies included in this review were of moderate-to-good-quality randomized
      controlled trials. Studies included measured neurological outcome using
      functional neurological assessment, neuropsychiatric assessment or
      neurophysiological assessment. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted using
      standardized templates provided by the JBI Meta-analysis of Statistics Assessment
      and Review Instrument software. DATA SYNTHESIS: Quantitative data were, where
      possible, pooled in statistical meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.3 (The
      Nordic Cochrane Centre, Cochrane; Copenhagen, Denmark). Where statistical pooling
      was not possible, the findings were presented in narrative form, including tables
      and figures, to aid in data presentation, where appropriate. RESULTS: Seven
      studies with a total of 1164 participants were included in this review.
      Neurological outcome was categorized into three domains: functional neurological,
      neurophysiological and neuropsychological outcomes. Meta-analysis of three
      studies assessing the neuroprotective properties of magnesium administration post
      cardiac arrest found improved functional neurological outcome (odds ratio 0.44;
      95% confidence interval 0.24-0.81). CONCLUSION: Magnesium may improve functional
      neurological outcome in patients who suffer global cerebral ischemia associated
      with cardiac surgery and cardiac arrest. Magnesium does not decrease
      neuropsychological decline.Further testing of neurological outcomes in the
      domains of functional outcomes, neurophysiological markers and neuropsychological
      tests are required to further understanding of the neuroprotective effects of
      magnesium. Suitable dosing regimens should be investigated prior to introduction
      into clinical practice. Further research is required to investigate the optimal
      magnesium dose.

PMID- 28085731
TI  - Effectiveness of rifampicin-streptomycin for treatment of Buruli ulcer: a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Buruli ulcer (BU) disease is a chronic ulcerative skin disease caused
      by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which can lead to extensive destruction of the skin,
      soft tissues and occasionally of bones. Although several antibiotics have
      demonstrated bactericidal activity against M. ulcerans in vitro, no consensus on
      their clinical efficacy against M. ulcerans in humans has been reached.
      OBJECTIVES: The objective of the systematic review was to examine the clinical
      effectiveness of various antibiotic regimens for the treatment of BUs. INCLUSION
      CRITERIA TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS: The current review considered trials that
      included patients of all ages with BUs. TYPES OF INTERVENTION(S): The current
      review considered trials that evaluated antibiotic regimens compared to no
      antibiotics or surgery in patients with BUs. TYPES OF STUDIES: The current review
      considered randomized and non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In the absence
      of RCTs, other research designs such as before and after trials and clinical
      trials with only an intervention arm were considered for inclusion in a narrative
      summary. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome of interest were the treatment success
      rates among the various antibiotics used. Secondary outcomes included changes in
      lesion size, recurrence of ulcers and incidence of adverse events. SEARCH
      STRATEGY: The search strategy aimed to find both published and unpublished
      trials. A three-step search strategy was utilized in this review and included
      English language trials published after 1990. A search across the major databases
      was conducted up to December 2014. METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY: Using the Joanna
      Briggs Institute (JBI) standardized appraisal tool, two reviewers independently
      assessed the methodological quality of the trials. A third independent reviewer
      was available to appraise trials if the two original reviewers disagreed in their
      assessments. There were no disagreements in findings between the two independent
      reviewers. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted using the standardized JBI data
      extraction instruments. DATA SYNTHESIS: Statistical pooling was not possible due
      to heterogeneity, hence results have been presented in the narrative form.
      RESULTS: Seven studies involving a total of 712 patients were included in the
      final review. Higher treatment success rates ranging from 96% to 100% at the six
      months follow-up were reported among patients treated with rifampicin
      streptomycin for eight weeks (RS8) in two studies. Treatment success with
      rifampicin-streptomycin for 12 weeks, with surgery at the 12 weeks follow-up, was
      91%. In the two studies that investigated the effect of rifampicin-streptomycin
      for two weeks followed by rifampicin-clarithromycin for six weeks and rifampicin
      streptomycin for four weeks followed by rifampicin-clarithromycin for four weeks,
      treatment success was reported to be 93% and 91%, respectively, at the 12 months
      follow-up. A significant decrease in the median lesion size at the eight weeks
      follow-up was reported in patients who were treated with RS8, and a 10-30%
      decrease in lesion size was reported in those treated with RS12 at the four weeks
      follow-up. CONCLUSION: Treatment success and reduction in lesion size were higher
      in patients treated with RS8 in the only RCT that compared rifampicin
      streptomycin for four weeks followed by rifampicin-clarithromycin for six weeks
      to RS8, and there was no difference in outcomes, which indicates that local
      preferences could dictate the treatment option. Evidence obtained from this
      systematic review indicates that surgery will remain necessary for some ulcers;
      however, detection of early lesions and treatment with antibiotics would have a
      greater impact on the control of M. ulcerans disease. Further large multicenter
      RCTs investigating the type and optimal duration of oral antibiotic treatment for
      patients with M. ulcerans disease are urgently needed.

PMID- 28085732
TI  - Effectiveness of probiotics in reducing the incidence of Clostridium difficile
      associated diarrhea in elderly patients: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile bacteria are a leading cause of infectious
      diarrhea. This is an anaerobic, gram-positive and spore-forming rod responsible
      for significant morbidity and mortality, especially among elderly hospitalized
      patients. Standard management of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) consists
      of discontinuing a causative antibiotic, correcting fluid-electrolytes imbalance
      and initiating an antibiotic treatment for CDAD. Alternative approaches for
      prevention of CDAD include probiotics. This systematic review will provide a
      comprehensive, unbiased summary of the available research on the effectiveness of
      probiotics in decreasing the incidence of infectious diarrhea in elderly
      hospitalized patients. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review to determine
      the best available evidence related to the effectiveness of probiotics in the
      prevention of CDAD in elderly hospitalized patients. The review question was: are
      probiotics effective in decreasing the incidence of CDAD in elderly hospitalized
      patients? INCLUSION CRITERIA TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS: The current review included
      studies of participants who were aged 60 years and more and who were residents of
      acute- and post-acute care facilities undergoing or planning to undergo
      antibiotic treatment for the management of any infectious conditions, except
      CDAD. TYPES OF INTERVENTION(S): The current review included studies that
      evaluated the effectiveness of probiotics for prevention of CDAD in elderly
      hospitalized patients in acute- and post-acute care settings compared to usual
      care. OUTCOMES: The current review included studies examining the following
      outcome measures: incidence or relapse of CDAD. Cases of CDAD were defined by
      presence of diarrhea and verified by positive results for stool enzyme
      immunoassay for toxins A and B. TYPES OF STUDIES: The current review included
      only experimental study designs including randomized controlled trials. SEARCH
      STRATEGY: The search strategy included studies published in English between 1978,
      when the first case of CDAD was reported, and 2015. ASSESSMENT OF METHODOLOGICAL
      QUALITY: Papers selected for retrieval were assessed by two independent reviewers
      for methodological quality prior to inclusion in the review using standardized
      critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). DATA
      EXTRACTION: Data were extracted from papers included in the review using the
      standardized data extraction tool from the JBI Meta-Analysis of Statistics
      Assessment and Review Instrument. The data extracted included specific details
      about the interventions, populations, study methods and outcomes of significance
      to the review question and specific objectives. DATA SYNTHESIS: Quantitative data
      were pooled using statistical meta-analysis. Effect sizes were expressed as odds
      ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine if
      probiotic treatment was superior to placebo in reducing CDAD incidence.
      Heterogeneity was assessed using the standard I statistic. RESULTS: Five studies
      were included in the review. The individual study results were conflicting,
      including non-significant results for four studies and statistically significant
      results in one that demonstrated fewer cases of CDAD among patients receiving
      probiotics compared to placebo. The meta-analysis finding indicated that there
      was no statistically significant difference in CDAD incidence in elderly
      hospitalized patients taking probiotics when compared to a placebo. CONCLUSION:
      Probiotics were not found to be more effective than placebo for reducing CDAD
      incidence in elderly hospitalized patients. However, studies that demonstrate
      improved outcomes must be examined to determine future needs for research.
      Studies varied with regard to the dose, frequency, method of administration
      (probiotic drinks versus capsule), length of administration and the number of
      strains of bacteria administered. Further studies are needed to evaluate the
      effectiveness of probiotics for CDAD prevention in this population. Clinical
      trials with evidence-based administration methods and meta-analyses that pool the
      results of studies with congruent methodologies are needed to enable conclusions
      to be drawn on the effectiveness of probiotic administration for CDAD prevention.

PMID- 28085733
TI  - Management of perineal pain among postpartum women in an obstetric and
      gynecological hospital in China: a best practice implementation project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perineal pain is a serious condition that may negatively impact a
      significant number of postpartum women. Healthcare professionals, including
      midwives and nurses, are available to support women 24 hours a day during this
      period in hospital and are in an ideal position to assist in the management of
      perineal pain for postpartum women. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this evidence
      implementation project was to improve management of perineal pain among
      postpartum women in Ward 21 of the Obstetric and Gynecological Hospital, Fudan
      University. METHODS: This evidence implementation project utilized the Joanna
      Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System, and Getting
      Research into Practice audit and feedback tools. Six best practice
      recommendations were used for the audit cycle. A total of 18 nurses, three
      midwives and 30 female patients participated in the project. A baseline audit was
      conducted, followed by the implementation of strategies targeted to address the
      identified barriers. A follow-up audit was then conducted to evaluate change in
      practice. RESULTS: Improvements in practice were observed for all six criteria.
      Significant improvements were found for the following: staff education increased
      compliance by 76% (from 24% to 100%). Education regarding antenatal perineal
      massage technique increased by 97% (from 3% to 100%). Compliance rates for use of
      ice packs increased by 63% (from 17 to 80%). Compliance rates for daily perineal
      pain assessment conducted for three days following childbirth increased by 100%,
      and analgesia administration rates increased by 27% (from 1% to 40%). Compliance
      rates for women's acceptance of postnatal perineal care education increased by
      70% (from 30 to 100%). CONCLUSION: The current clinical audit project has made a
      significant improvement in establishing evidence-based practice of management of
      perineal pain among postpartum women in the gynecologic and obstetric hospital in
      Shanghai. It has been effective in increasing staff compliance and reducing the
      perineal pain among postpartum women.

PMID- 28085734
TI  - Implementing evidence-based continuous quality improvement strategies in an urban
      Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in South East Queensland: a best
      practice implementation pilot.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health believes that continuous
      quality improvement (CQI) contributes to the delivery of high-quality care,
      thereby improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
      people. The opening of a new health service in 2015 provided an opportunity to
      implement best practice CQI strategies and apply them to a regional influenza
      vaccination campaign. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this project was to implement an
      evidence-based CQI process within one Aboriginal Community Controlled Health
      Service in South East Queensland and use staff engagement as a measure of
      success. METHOD: A CQI tool was selected from the Joanna Briggs Institute
      Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) to be implemented in
      the study site. The study site was a newly established Aboriginal and Torres
      Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service located in the northern
      suburbs of Brisbane. This project used the evidence-based information collected
      in PACES to develop a set of questions related to known variables resulting in
      proven CQI uptake. A pre implementation clinical audit, education and self
      directed learning, using the Plan Do Study Act framework, included a total of
      seven staff and was conducted in April 2015. A post implementation audit was
      conducted in July 2015. RESULTS: There were a total of 11 pre- and post-survey
      respondents which included representation from most of the clinical team and
      medical administration. The results of the pre implementation audit identified a
      number of possible areas to improve engagement with the CQI process including
      staff training and support, understanding CQI and its impacts on individual work
      areas, understanding clinical data extraction, clinical indicator benchmarking,
      strong internal leadership and having an external data extractor. There were
      improvements to all audit criteria in the post-survey, for example, knowledge
      regarding the importance of CQI activity, attendance at education and training
      sessions on CQI, active involvement with CQI activity and a multidisciplinary
      team approach to problem solving within the CQI process. CONCLUSION: The study
      found that the implementation of regular, formally organized CQI strategies does
      have an immediate impact on clinical practice, in this case, by increasing staff
      awareness regarding the uptake of influenza vaccination against regional targets.
      The Plan Do Study Act cycle is an efficient tool to record and monitor the change
      and to guide discussions. For the CQI process to be effective, continued
      education and training on data interpretation is pivotal to improve staff
      confidence to engage in regular data discussions, and this should be incorporated
      into all future CQI sessions.

PMID- 28085735
TI  - Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Audioverbal Memory in Stroke
      Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether anodal transcranial
      direct current stimulation over the left temporoparietal area improved
      audioverbal memory performance in stroke patients. DESIGN: Twelve stroke patients
      with audioverbal memory impairment participated in a single-masked, crossover,
      and sham-controlled experiment. The anodal or sham transcranial direct current
      stimulation was applied during the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, which
      evaluates the ability to recall a list of 15 heard words over five trials. The
      number of correctly recalled words was compared between the anodal and sham
      conditions and the influence of transcranial direct current stimulation on serial
      position effect of the 15 words was also examined. RESULTS: The increase in the
      number of correctly recalled words from the first to the fifth trial was
      significantly greater in the anodal condition than in the sham condition (P <
      0.01). There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) between the anodal and sham
      conditions in the number of correctly recalled words within the first five words
      (primacy region) over the second to fifth trial trials, but not in the middle
      (next five words) or recency (last five words) regions. CONCLUSIONS: Anodal
      transcranial direct current stimulation over the left temporoparietal area
      improved audioverbal memory performance and induced the primacy effect in stroke
      patients.

PMID- 28085736
TI  - Sockets Manufactured by CAD/CAM Method Have Positive Effects on the Quality of
      Life of Patients With Transtibial Amputation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with amputation need prosthesis to comfortably move around.
      One of the most important parts of a good prosthesis is the socket. Currently,
      the most commonly used method is the traditional socket manufacturing method,
      which involves manual work; however, computer-aided design/computer-aided
      manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is also being used in the recent years. The present study
      aimed to investigate the effects of sockets manufactured by traditional and
      CAD/CAM method on clinical characteristics and quality of life of patients with
      transtibial amputation. DESIGN: The study included 72 patients with transtibial
      amputation using prosthesis, 36 of whom had CAD/CAM prosthetic sockets (group 1)
      and 36 had traditional prosthetic sockets (group 2). Amputation reason,
      prosthesis lifetime, walking time and distance with prosthesis, pain-free walking
      time with prosthesis, production time of the prosthesis, and adaptation time to
      the prosthesis were questioned. Quality of life was assessed using the 36-item
      Short Form Health Survey questionnaire and the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis
      Experience Scales. RESULTS: Walking time and distance and pain-free walking time
      with prosthesis were significantly better in group 1 than those in group 2.
      Furthermore, the prosthesis was applied in a significantly shorter time, and
      socket adaptation time was significantly shorter in group 1. Except emotional
      role limitation, all 36-item Short Form Healthy Survey questionnaire parameters
      were significantly better in group 1 than in group 2. Trinity Amputation and
      Prosthesis Experience Scales activity limitation scores of group 1 were lower,
      and Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales satisfaction with the
      prosthesis scores were higher than those in group 2. CONCLUSION: Our study
      demonstrated that the sockets manufactured by CAD/CAM methods yield better
      outcomes in quality of life of patients with transtibial amputation than the
      sockets manufactured by the traditional method.

PMID- 28085737
TI  - Grip Strength on the Unaffected Side as an Independent Predictor of Functional
      Improvement After Stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between grip
      strength on the unaffected side and post-stroke functional improvement. DESIGN: A
      total of 127 patients with unilateral stroke were included in this study.
      Demographic data, clinical data on initial grip strength, initial National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, admission and discharge Modified Barthel Index
      (MBI), and stroke profiles were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Univariate and
      multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the predictive
      values of each variable. In the model for discharge MBI, age, initial National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, grip strength on the unaffected side, lesion
      side, and admission MBI were shown to be independent predictors. Meanwhile, grip
      strength on the unaffected side, lesion side, and admission MBI had significant
      predictive values in the model for difference between admission and discharge
      MBI. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests for the first time that grip strength
      on the unaffected side is an independent predictor for short-term functional gain
      and outcome after stroke. This result may change post-stroke rehabilitation
      strategies to emphasize exercises to prevent loss of muscle strength. In
      addition, this implies the possibility of a relationship between sarcopenia and
      post-stroke function. Further research is needed to reveal the effect of
      sarcopenia on stroke patients and its mechanism.

PMID- 28085738
TI  - Using Neural Response Telemetry to Monitor Physiological Responses to Acoustic
      Stimulation in Hybrid Cochlear Implant Users.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This report describes the results of a series of experiments where we
      use the neural response telemetry (NRT) system of the Nucleus cochlear implant
      (CI) to measure the response of the peripheral auditory system to acoustic
      stimulation in Nucleus Hybrid CI users. The objectives of this study were to
      determine whether they could separate responses from hair cells and neurons and
      to evaluate the stability of these measures over time. DESIGN: Forty-four CI
      users participated. They all had residual acoustic hearing and used a Nucleus
      Hybrid S8, S12, or L24 CI or the standard lateral wall CI422 implant. The NRT
      system of the CI was used to trigger an acoustic stimulus (500-Hz tone burst or
      click), which was presented at a low stimulation rate (10, 15, or 50 per second)
      to the implanted ear via an insert earphone and to record the cochlear
      microphonic, the auditory nerve neurophonic and the compound action potential
      (CAP) from an apical intracochlear electrode. To record acoustically evoked
      responses, a longer time window than is available with the commercial NRT
      software is required. This limitation was circumvented by making multiple
      recordings for each stimulus using different time delays between the onset of
      stimulation and the onset of averaging. These recordings were then concatenated
      off-line. Matched recordings elicited using positive and negative polarity
      stimuli were added off-line to emphasize neural potentials (SUM) and subtracted
      off-line to emphasize potentials primarily generated by cochlear hair cells
      (DIF). These assumptions regarding the origin of the SUM and DIF components were
      tested by comparing the magnitude of these derived responses recorded using
      various stimulation rates. Magnitudes of the SUM and DIF components were compared
      with each other and with behavioral thresholds. RESULTS: SUM and DIF components
      were identified for most subjects, consistent with both hair cell and neural
      responses to acoustic stimulation. For a subset of the study participants, the
      DIF components grew as stimulus level was increased, but little or no SUM
      components were identified. Latency of the CAPs in response to click stimuli was
      long relative to reports in the literature of recordings obtained using
      extracochlear electrodes. This difference in response latency and general
      morphology of the CAPs recorded was likely due to differences across subjects in
      hearing loss configuration. The use of high stimulation rates tended to decrease
      SUM and CAP components more than DIF components. We suggest this effect reflects
      neural adaptation. In some individuals, repeated measures were made over
      intervals as long as 9 months. Changes over time in DIF, SUM, and CAP thresholds
      mirrored changes in audiometric threshold for the subjects who experienced loss
      of acoustic hearing in the implanted ear. CONCLUSIONS: The Nucleus NRT software
      can be used to record peripheral responses to acoustic stimulation at threshold
      and suprathreshold levels, providing a window into the status of the auditory
      hair cells and the primary afferent nerve fibers. These acoustically evoked
      responses are sensitive to changes in hearing status and consequently could be
      useful in characterizing the specific pathophysiology of the hearing loss
      experienced by this population of CI users.

PMID- 28085739
TI  - Benefits of Music Training for Perception of Emotional Speech Prosody in Deaf
      Children With Cochlear Implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Children who use cochlear implants (CIs) have characteristic pitch
      processing deficits leading to impairments in music perception and in
      understanding emotional intention in spoken language. Music training for normal
      hearing children has previously been shown to benefit perception of emotional
      prosody. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether deaf children who
      use CIs obtain similar benefits from music training. We hypothesized that music
      training would lead to gains in auditory processing and that these gains would
      transfer to emotional speech prosody perception. DESIGN: Study participants were
      18 child CI users (ages 6 to 15). Participants received either 6 months of music
      training (i.e., individualized piano lessons) or 6 months of visual art training
      (i.e., individualized painting lessons). Measures of music perception and
      emotional speech prosody perception were obtained pre-, mid-, and post-training.
      The Montreal Battery for Evaluation of Musical Abilities was used to measure five
      different aspects of music perception (scale, contour, interval, rhythm, and
      incidental memory). The emotional speech prosody task required participants to
      identify the emotional intention of a semantically neutral sentence under audio
      only and audiovisual conditions. RESULTS: Music training led to improved
      performance on tasks requiring the discrimination of melodic contour and rhythm,
      as well as incidental memory for melodies. These improvements were predominantly
      found from mid- to post-training. Critically, music training also improved
      emotional speech prosody perception. Music training was most advantageous in
      audio-only conditions. Art training did not lead to the same improvements.
      CONCLUSIONS: Music training can lead to improvements in perception of music and
      emotional speech prosody, and thus may be an effective supplementary technique
      for supporting auditory rehabilitation following cochlear implantation.

PMID- 28085740
TI  - Sound Localization and Speech Perception in Noise of Pediatric Cochlear Implant
      Recipients: Bimodal Fitting Versus Bilateral Cochlear Implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare binaural performance of auditory
      localization task and speech perception in babble measure between children who
      use a cochlear implant (CI) in one ear and a hearing aid (HA) in the other
      (bimodal fitting) and those who use bilateral CIs. DESIGN: Thirteen children
      (mean age +/- SD = 10 +/- 2.9 years) with bilateral CIs and 19 children with
      bimodal fitting were recruited to participate. Sound localization was assessed
      using a 13-loudspeaker array in a quiet sound-treated booth. Speakers were placed
      in an arc from -90 degrees  azimuth to +90 degrees  azimuth (15 degrees 
      interval) in horizontal plane. To assess the accuracy of sound location
      identification, we calculated the absolute error in degrees between the target
      speaker and the response speaker during each trial. The mean absolute error was
      computed by dividing the sum of absolute errors by the total number of trials. We
      also calculated the hemifield identification score to reflect the accuracy of
      right/left discrimination. Speech-in-babble perception was also measured in the
      sound field using target speech presented from the front speaker. Eight-talker
      babble was presented in the following four different listening conditions: from
      the front speaker (0 degrees ), from one of the two side speakers (+90 degrees 
      or -90 degrees ), from both side speakers (+/-90 degrees ). Speech, spatial, and
      quality questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: When the two groups of children
      were directly compared with each other, there was no significant difference in
      localization accuracy ability or hemifield identification score under binaural
      condition. Performance in speech perception test was also similar to each other
      under most babble conditions. However, when the babble was from the first device
      side (CI side for children with bimodal stimulation or first CI side for children
      with bilateral CIs), speech understanding in babble by bilateral CI users was
      significantly better than that by bimodal listeners. Speech, spatial, and quality
      scores were comparable with each other between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, the binaural performance was similar to each other between children who
      are fit with two CIs (CI + CI) and those who use bimodal stimulation (HA + CI) in
      most conditions. However, the bilateral CI group showed better speech perception
      than the bimodal CI group when babble was from the first device side (first CI
      side for bilateral CI users or CI side for bimodal listeners). Therefore, if
      bimodal performance is significantly below the mean bilateral CI performance on
      speech perception in babble, these results suggest that a child should be
      considered to transit from bimodal stimulation to bilateral CIs.

PMID- 28085742
TI  - Neuroblastoma in a Child With Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.
AB  - Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood
      originating from sympathetic nervous system cells. Neuroblastoma has also been
      diagnosed in conjunction with other congenital conditions such as Hirschsprung's
      disease, congenital hypoventilation disorder, and neurofibromatosis type 1. Wolf
      Hirschhorn syndrome is a congenital disorder caused by microdeletion of short arm
      of chromosome 4 encoding MSX1 gene with characteristic facial features. We
      describe a child with dysmorphic features, developmental delay, mental
      retardation who developed neuroblastoma at 2 years of age and cytogenetic
      analysis of blood lymphocytes revealed an interstitial deletion of 4p(15,2). To
      best our knowledge, this report is the first report of neuroblastoma in a child
      with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome; and the reported association may be an important
      clue for oncological follow-up of patients with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.

PMID- 28085741
TI  - The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) to Identify Pediatric
      Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Survivors At Risk for Neurocognitive
      Impairment.
AB  - Neurocognitive problems, including executive dysfunction, are potential late
      effects of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment. Surveillance for
      neurocognitive impairment in a timely and efficient manner is imperative to
      ongoing clinical care. We sought to determine if the Behavior Rating Inventory of
      Executive Function (BRIEF) Parent Form identified leukemia survivors with
      cognitive impairment. In this 28-site cross-sectional study, parents of 256
      children, a mean of 8.9+/-2.2 years after treatment for standard-risk precursor-B
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia and in first remission, completed the BRIEF. We used
      a multivariate logistic regression to calculate the association between elevated
      scores on 3 composite BRIEF indices (Behavioral Regulation Index, Metacognition
      Index, Global Executive Composite [GEC]) and special education and attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) outcomes. All BRIEF index scores were
      significantly associated with receipt of special education services or ADHD. The
      BRI was most strongly associated with ADHD (odds ratios=4.33; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.72-10.9). The GEC was most strongly associated with ADHD (odds
      ratios=4.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.77-11.22). Elevated scores on the BRIEF
      GEC were associated with low sensitivity (24.1 to 39.1) for detecting the
      outcomes but better specificity (range, 87.7 to 89.3). These results suggest that
      the parent-completed BRIEF is associated with clinical outcomes but is not a
      sensitive tool to identify leukemia survivors that require a comprehensive
      neuropsychological assessment.

PMID- 28085743
TI  - T2* Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Pancreatic Iron Overload and its Relation
      With the Diabetic State in Thalassemic Patients.
AB  - The present study was performed to evaluate pancreatic hemosiderosis by means of
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* and its relation to the diabetic state in
      thalassemic patients. One hundred thirty transfusion-dependent thalassemic
      patients from Zafar adult thalassemia clinic, Tehran, Iran, were enrolled in the
      study. Data such as age, type of thalassemia, age at diagnosis, transfusion
      duration, ferritin level, and fasting blood sugar results were gathered.
      Pancreatic MRI T2* was performed for all patients. One hundred four thalassemic
      patients with no sign of diabetes mellitus and 26 thalassemic patients with
      diabetes mellitus entered the study. Out of a total of 130 patients, 102 had
      pancreatic hemosiderosis. Among them, 23 of 26 diabetic patients (88.5%) and 79
      of 104 nondiabetic patients (76%) showed pancreatic hemosiderosis, indicating no
      statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. The mean pancreatic
      MRI T2* relaxation time for all patients was 13.99+/-12.43 ms. The mean
      relaxation was 13.62+/-8.38 and 14.08+/-13.28 ms for diabetic and nondiabetic
      patients, respectively, showing no statistical difference (P=0.202). In
      conclusion, we did not find a significant difference between diabetic and
      nondiabetic thalassemic patients regarding the MRI T2* relaxation time readings
      or the rate of pancreatic hemosiderosis. We recommend performing studies with a
      higher sample size and including patients from different age groups to further
      evaluate the role of T2* MRI of pancreatic iron overload and its relation with
      the diabetic state in thalassemic patients.

PMID- 28085744
TI  - An Unusual Pelvic Mass in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report and Review of the
      Pathology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most commonly inherited
      autosomal dominant disorder in humans. NF1 patients have increased risk for
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). A Meckel's diverticulum (MD) represents
      a persistent embryonic omphalomesenteric duct characterized as a true
      diverticulum located near the ileocecal valve. We report a unique clinical case
      whereby a patient with NF1 developed a GIST within a MD. CASE: An adolescent male
      with NF1 presented with persistent lower abdominal pain. Clinical evaluation
      demonstrated a large pelvic mass. In the operating room, the mass was noted to
      emerge from a MD. Final pathology demonstrated a GIST with negative margins and
      CD117 positivity. DISCUSSION: Patients with NF1 are at increased risk for
      mesenchymal tumors including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. GISTs are
      the most important and frequent non-neurological malignancy in NF1 and develop in
      ~7% of NF1 patients. GISTs tend to be multifocal in NF1; however, they rarely
      occur within a Meckel's diverticula. CONCLUSIONS: Our case represents a rare case
      of a patient with NF1 who developed a symptomatic GIST within a MD. We recommend
      utilizing laparoscopy to determine resectability and clarify the diagnosis in
      this unique patient population who are at risk for multiple neoplasms.

PMID- 28085745
TI  - A Rare Case of Perinatal Intrarenal Neuroblastoma.
AB  - Perinatal neuroblastoma is the most common solid malignant tumor in infancy which
      comprises one fifth of all neuroblastomas. Most of them are of adrenal origin and
      extra-adrenal neuroblastoma is uncommon. We present a rare case of perinatal
      intrarenal neuroblastoma in a neonate who presented with an incidentally detected
      abdominal mass. These tumors cause diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma because of
      its uncommon location. Although very rare, neuroblastoma should be considered in
      the differential diagnosis of perinatally detected renal tumors.

PMID- 28085746
TI  - Cytogenetic and Cytogenomic Microarray Characterization of Chromothripsis in
      Chromosome 8 Affecting MOZ/NCOA2 (TIF2), FGFR1, RUNX1T1, and RUNX1 in a Pediatric
      Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
AB  - Concurrent perturbations in different driver genes have been reported primarily
      in lymphoma. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), cases with concurrent alterations
      in 2 driver genes are infrequently reported. In contrast to pathogenetic pathways
      in lymphoma with concurrently perturbed genes, the initial gene alteration in AML
      arrests maturation and the alteration in the second gene promote self-renewal of
      the blasts. Here, we report a unique case of infantile leukemia in which
      chromothripsis in chromosome 8 completely altered the G-band structure and
      resulted in concurrent changes in MOZ/NCOA2, FGFR1, RUNX1T1, and RUNX1. These
      multiple-hit abnormalities in AML have not been reported previously.

PMID- 28085747
TI  - Survival Outcome of Filipino Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated
      With Modified Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster/Hong Kong Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
      (BFM95/HKALL97) Protocol in a Tertiary General Hospital From January 2005 to
      December 2009: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
AB  - This retrospective cohort study is primarily aimed to evaluate the outcome of
      children ages 0 to 18 years old, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and treated
      with a modified Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster/Hong Kong Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
      (BFM95-HKALL97) protocol at University of Santo Tomas Hospital from January 2005
      to December 2009. Seventy-eight patients were included. Majority were between 1
      and 10 years old (87.2%), male (61.5%), with normal nutritional status, and
      classified as upper socioeconomic class (65.3%), mainly from National Capital
      Region (24.3%). Eighty percent had mild anemia and a white cell count <50,000/mm.
      No patient had an initial platelet count <20,000/mm. More than 90% were standard
      risk, with FAB L1 morphology and pre-B immunophenotype. Five-year overall
      survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 86.94% and 86.2%,
      respectively. Among the 69 patients in the efficacy subset analysis, the 5-year
      OS and EFS rates were 98.36% and 86.80%, respectively. Relapse rate was 14.5%.
      Only FAB morphology and risk classification were correlated with relapse. Most
      common complications were febrile neutropenia, sepsis, and oral mucositis during
      induction phase. No deaths occurred due to treatment complications. In
      conclusion, using higher doses of methotrexate during consolidation phase
      improved the 5-year OS and EFS rates of our patients, without an increase in
      complications or deaths. Other contributing factors include improved adherence to
      treatment and risk-based treatment classification.

PMID- 28085748
TI  - Klf10 Gene, a Secondary Modifier and a Pharmacogenomic Biomarker of Hydroxyurea
      Treatment Among Patients With Hemoglobinopathies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The klf10 gene could indirectly modify gamma-globin chain production
      and hence the level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) ameliorating the phenotype of beta
      hemoglobinopathies and the response to hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea [HU])
      therapy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of different genotypes
      for the klf10 gene in beta-thalassemia major (B-TM), beta-thalassemia intermedia
      (B-TI), and sickle cell disease (SCD) patients by polymerase chain reaction and
      to assess its relation to disease phenotypes and HU response. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study included 75 patients: 50 B-TM, 12 SCD, and 13 B-TI patients (on
      stable HU dose). The relation of the klf10 gene polymorphism (TIEG, TIEG1,
      EGRalpha) (rs3191333: c*0.141C>T) to phenotype was studied through baseline mean
      corpuscular volume, HbF, and transfusion history, whereas evaluation of response
      to HU therapy was carried out clinically and laboratory. RESULTS: The frequency
      of the mutant klf10 genotype (TT) and that of the mutant allele (T) was
      significantly higher among B-TM patients compared with those with B-TI and SCD
      patients. Only homozygous SCD patients for the wild-type allele within the klf10
      gene had a significantly lower transfusion frequency. The percentage of HU
      responders and nonresponders between different klf10 polymorphic genotypes among
      B-TI or SCD patients was comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Although the klf10 gene does
      not play a standalone role as an HbF modifier, our data support its importance in
      ameliorating phenotype among beta-hemoglobinopathies.

PMID- 28085749
TI  - Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome During Maintenance Therapy for Acute
      Lymphoblastic Leukemia With 6-Mercaptopurine and Methotrexate: A Pediatric Case
      Report.
AB  - We report a case of a child with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      undergoing maintenance chemotherapy with 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate (MTX)
      who developed sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after being treated with
      ciprofloxacin for BK viremia. This case represents a rare complication of
      maintenance therapy with MTX and 6-mercaptopurine, and suggests a drug
      interaction between ciprofloxacin and MTX.

PMID- 28085750
TI  - Parent-perceived Facilitators in the Transition of Care for Young Adult Survivors
      of Childhood Cancer.
AB  - Most childhood cancer survivors need life-long care with specialized late-effects
      surveillance and screening. As these children age into adulthood, it is
      imperative to continue their survivor-focused care. To do so, health care systems
      must be prepared to care for this growing and aging population. This includes
      creating models of care that take into account the needs and desires of all key
      stakeholders: survivors, parents, pediatric providers, and adult providers. This
      clinical observation describes that parents desire comprehensive and highly
      accessible survivorship care that promotes survivor independence; yet, they also
      want to have a central role in their child's survivorship care.

PMID- 28085751
TI  - Lemierre's Syndrome as a Trigger for Secondary Hemophagocytic
      Lymphohistiocytosis.
AB  - Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory
      disorder caused by an aberrant immune response to a number of infectious or
      inflammatory conditions. Successful treatment of this potentially fatal condition
      requires early recognition and prompt therapy directed at the underlying trigger.
      In this report, we describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings,
      management, and outcome of a child with Lemierre's syndrome-associated sHLH. This
      is the first reported association of these 2 rare conditions and expands the
      number of known triggers for sHLH.

PMID- 28085752
TI  - Kruppel-Like Factor 4 Promotes Pancreatic Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia and Tumor
      Initiation.

PMID- 28085754
TI  - Limitations of Postoperative Assessment for Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency in
      Pancreatic Malignancy.

PMID- 28085753
TI  - Preclinical Rationale for the Phase III Trials in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer:
      Is Wishful Thinking Clouding Successful Drug Development for Pancreatic Cancer?
AB  - Prior phase III trials in advanced pancreatic cancer have been predominantly
      unsuccessful. In this review, we attempt to understand how past preclinical data
      were translated into phase III clinical trials in metastatic pancreatic cancer as
      described in the article. A systematic literature review conducted through the
      MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases,
      from January 1997 to June 2015 using key words-phase III clinical trials,
      metastatic/advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma or pancreatic cancer identified 30
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met criteria. The trials were limited to
      RCTs in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
      The success rate of first-line phase III studies in advanced pancreatic cancer
      was only 13%. In 60% of the RCTs, no preclinical experiments were referenced in
      biologically cognate pancreatic models. Nine (30%) of the RCTs were designed
      based on preclinical evidence from in vitro cell lines alone without additional
      in vivo validation in xenograft models. It remains uncertain how strongly the
      preclinical data influence the development of clinical regimens but so far the
      studies developed based on more solid preclinical evidence have been successful.

PMID- 28085755
TI  - Percutaneous Irreversible Electroporation for Ablation of Locally Advanced
      Pancreatic Cancer: Experience From a Chinese Institution.

PMID- 28085756
TI  - Spontaneous Resolution of Pancreatic Cyst After Treatment for Giardiasis.

PMID- 28085757
TI  - Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation on Admission Predicts Complications and
      Poor Prognosis of Acute Pancreatitis: Analysis of the Nationwide Epidemiological
      Survey in Japan.

PMID- 28085758
TI  - CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION WITH DOUBLE CILIORETINAL ARTERY SPARING.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a patient with central retinal artery occlusion with double
      cilioretinal artery sparing. METHODS: Retrospective case report. RESULTS: A 45
      year-old woman presented with sudden vision loss in her left eye for 10 days. Her
      best-corrected visual acuity was counting fingers at 2 meters in the left eye and
      20/20 in the right eye. Funduscopy showed retinal opacity of posterior fundus,
      most marked in the macular region, and two small areas of the normal retina; one
      temporal to the optic disk and the other superior to the optic disk corresponding
      to the patent cilioretinal retinal arteries in the left eye; the right eye was
      normal. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed rapid filling of the two
      cilioretinal vessels and delayed filling of the central retinal artery at initial
      and last visits. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings disclosed
      diffuse thickening of the neurosensory retina in the perifoveolar area except two
      small areas at the first visit. After 6 months, spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography revealed diffuse thinning of the neurosensory retina except two small
      areas of the retina fed from two patent cilioretinal arteries. CONCLUSION: In
      this report, we documented double cilioretinal artery sparing in a patient with
      central retinal artery occlusion. It seems that a second cilioretinal artery can
      be present in some patients with central retinal artery occlusion.

PMID- 28085759
TI  - SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF RETINAL DETACHMENT IN OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA: CASE REPORT
      AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a case of scleral buckling in a patient with severe (Type
      III) osteogenesis imperfecta. METHODS: Single interventional case report of a 37
      year-old woman, with clinically diagnosed osteogenesis imperfecta Type III,
      presenting with an inferior retinal detachment of the right eye. The patient was
      promptly treated with scleral buckling. RESULTS: Long-term follow-up has shown a
      good clinical outcome, with no recurrence of the retinal detachment. Eighteen
      months postsurgery, an ischemic branch retinal vein obstruction has developed in
      the right eye, complicated by macular edema. The patient was treated successfully
      with bevacizumab injections, with restoration of visual acuity to 20/25.
      CONCLUSION: Scleral buckle may provide a good surgical option in selected
      patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, yielding excellent anatomical and
      functional results.

PMID- 28085760
TI  - OUTER RETINAL TUBULATIONS IN CHRONIC RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To present the first reported case of outer retinal
      tubulations in the setting of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: Case
      report. PATIENTS: A 56-year-old man presented with a right eye retinal detachment
      of unclear duration. On examination, he was found to have a chronic-appearing
      rhegmatogenous retinal detachment involving the peripheral macula with a
      demarcation line. RESULTS: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed
      outer retinal tubulations in the area of demarcation but not in the area of the
      detached retina. CONCLUSION: Outer retinal tubulations have been described in a
      wide spectrum of retinal diseases. The authors herein present the first reported
      case of outer retinal tubulations in the setting of a rhegmatogenous retinal
      detachment which may further aid in describing their pathogenesis.

PMID- 28085761
TI  - NEW FINDINGS FROM MULTIMODAL FUNDUS IMAGING OVER 3 YEARS OF A PATIENT WITH
      MICROCEPHALY, CHORIORETINOPATHY, AND KIF11 MUTATION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe ocular features and long-term follow-up in a patient with
      microcephaly, chorioretinopathy, and KIF11 mutation. METHODS: Multimodal imaging
      including fundus color photography, autofluorescence, spectral-domain optical
      coherence tomography, visual fields, electrophysiologic assessment, and
      neuroimaging. RESULTS: A 44-year-old man with microcephaly and long-standing poor
      vision in his right eye presented for general ophthalmic review. Fundus
      examination revealed bilateral, symmetrical, inferior, atrophic chorioretinal
      lacunae, outer retinal and retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, curvilinear
      streaks, and retinal arteriolar sheathing. These findings were documented over a
      3-year period by multimodal imaging and showed slow progressive deterioration in
      visual acuity, visual field testing, and fundus autofluorescence appearance.
      Genetic testing confirmed a KIF11 gene mutation. CONCLUSION: Curvilinear streaks
      and retinal arteriolar sheathing in this patient expand on the more typical
      fundus findings of KIF11 mutations. The outer retina is preferentially involved,
      and there is anatomical sparing of the macula until later in the disease state
      when multifocal electroretinography indicates functional impairment. Lacunae
      represent scleral depressions with the loss of overlying choroid and outer
      retina. Slow atrophic progression with loss of vision may occur over time.

PMID- 28085762
TI  - PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH POSTVIRAL PURTSCHER-LIKE
      RETINOPATHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the imaging findings of a single case of paracentral acute
      middle maculopathy associated with bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy in the
      setting of recent viral illness. METHODS: Case report, multimodal imaging.
      RESULTS: A 21-year-old woman who awoke with sudden-onset bilateral finger count
      vision in the setting of a recent viral illness. Initial examination and imaging
      was consistent with a bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy with evidence of
      paracentral acute middle maculopathy and ellipsoid zone thickening and
      hyperreflectivity on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Baseline
      fluorescein angiography and OCT angiography revealed normal perfusion and flow,
      respectively. All laboratory investigation was negative for possible causative
      etiology. The patient was followed for 6 months with steady visual improvement to
      20/20 in both eyes. En face OCT demonstrated near-complete restoration of the
      ellipsoid layer. The patient still noted bilateral scotomas which were mapped out
      on microperimetry and found to correlate to en face OCT findings. CONCLUSION:
      Purtscher-like retinopathy in the setting of recent viral illness is a rare cause
      of vision loss that may be associated with the finding of paracentral acute
      middle maculopathy on spectral domain OCT. Despite poor presenting vision, in the
      presence of normal perfusion near total visual recovery is possible.

PMID- 28085763
TI  - The Use of Double-Layer Collagen Membrane for the Improvement of Nasal Dorsum
      Skin Thickness and Texture in Primary Nose Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To place a collagen membrane containing crushed nasal septal
      cartilage over the nasal dorsum to see how this graft can improve the results of
      visible postsurgical irregularities in thin skinned patients. METHODS: Fifty
      seven patients were treated between 2006 and 2010 (26 males and 31 females) whose
      ages ranged between 31 and 55 years old. They were divided into group a, defect
      <1 mm, group b defect between 1 and 2 mm, group c defect >3 mm. These patients
      presented intraoperative nasal dorsum irregularities that were corrected with 57
      cartilage grafts in conjunction with collagen membrane. RESULTS: All of our
      patients showed an initial over-correction. A dense network of collagen fiber
      bundles was observed running parallel to the surface of the membrane at the
      connective tissue-membrane interface. The clinical percentage of volume
      reabsorption was about 5% after 6 months, measured with clinical pictures and a
      clinical follow-up. No infection was noted, only 1 patient of dislocation was
      observed, and 5 patients required some refinements at the long-term follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' experience the use of bilayered combined cartilage
      and collagen membrane grafts gives the best aesthetic results with balanced tip
      projection and dorsum fullness, and avoids thickness and texture modification of
      the skin above the graft. The use of Bio-gide membrane avoids all problems
      related to the donor site and shortens surgical time.

PMID- 28085764
TI  - Spontaneous Intraventricular Pneumocephalus.
AB  - BACKGROUD: Pneumocephalus without a known underlying cause is defined as
      spontaneous pneumocephalus. Few patients of intraventricular pneumocephalus have
      been reported. PATIENT PRESENTATION: An 84-year-old man presented with dysarthria
      and incontinence. Computed tomography revealed an intraventricular
      pneumocephalus, thinning in the petrous bone, fluid in the air cells, and cleft
      in temporal lobe. A right subtemporal extradural approach was taken to detect
      bone-/-dural defects, and a reconstruction was performed using a musculo
      pericranial flap. CONCLUSION: This is the first patient of an isolated
      intraventricular spontaneous pneumocephalus without any other site air involved.
      Surgical approaches to repair such bone and dura defects should be considered an
      appropriate option.

PMID- 28085765
TI  - Quantitative Correlation Between Hyaluronic Acid Filler and Hyaluronidase.
AB  - The hyaluronic acid-based filler (HA filler) is used worldwide in various
      applications. In particular, the HA filler is used in the plastics and cosmetic
      medical field for facial rejuvenation and contouring. In this setting, it is
      injected into the skin or underlying tissue. Complications of HA filler injection
      have been relieved using hyaluronidase. However, there is no standard dose to
      adjust for undesirable HA filler lumpness. In this study, the authors tried to
      analyze any quantitative correlation between HA filler and hyaluronidase. The
      back of each rat (total 14 rats) was divided into 4 sites. A volume of 0.5 mL HA
      filler was injected into the subdermal layer at each site and HA filler nodules
      were created on the dorsum of each rat. Each nodule was allocated to groups 1, 2,
      3, and 4 according to the different concentrations of hyaluronidase. As a result,
      the injected HA filler volume doubled within 4 days of injection, and then
      decreased slowly thereafter in group 1 (control group with normal saline only). A
      30 unit hyaluronidase treatment compensated for the initial volume increase
      (approximately 30%) with HA filler (0.5 ml) at the fourth day. Sixty units of
      hyaluronidase reduced the initial volume (0.5 mL) of overinjected or misplaced HA
      filler on the fourth day. Approximately 90 units of hyaluronidase can reduce to
      the volume by 0.25 mL (50%) of the injected HA filler on the fourth day. The
      authors believe that this quantitative analysis of hyaluronidase concentration is
      helpful to plan the amount of hyaluronidase for correction of HA filler injection
      errors.

PMID- 28085766
TI  - Development of One-Step Drill-Tap for a Resorbable Screw.

PMID- 28085768
TI  - Use of Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad for Cranial Base Reconstruction.
AB  - Craniofacial reconstruction for closure of skull base defects after removal of
      anterior cranial base lesions is challenging. Persistent skull base defect
      produces extremely high risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and consecutive
      infectious complications. The authors' article focuses on the use of pedicled
      buccal fat pad for the reconstruction of anterior cranial base defects using
      combined endoscope-assisted approach and Lefort I access osteotomy. High
      effectiveness and minimal invasiveness are principal advantages of the technique.
      Other benefits include proximity of donor site to defect, simplicity of surgical
      technique, minimal postoperative discomfort, and very low risk of benign
      complications. Local pedicled grafts are the preferred material for plasty,
      adding aesthetic results in an ablative surgery using intraoral incision and
      access osteotomy. Thus, the technique solves the problem of relying on complex
      alloplastic reconstruction of anterior craniobasal defects.

PMID- 28085769
TI  - Laparoscopic Free Omental Flap for Craniofacial Reconstruction: A Video Article
      Demonstrating Operative Technique and Surgical Applications.
AB  - The omental flap is a well described pedicled flap for surgical reconstruction of
      multiple body locations. As a laparoscopically harvested free flap, the omentum
      offers a minimally invasive solution to many reconstructive problems including
      extremity and head and neck wounds. This video article highlights the operative
      technique involved in flap harvest and inset for a cranial defect. An
      illustrative case involving a 23-year-old female's traumatic scalp degloving
      injury that was resurfaced by free omental flap and split-thickness skin graft is
      presented. This patient had stable long-term wound coverage for a very severe
      injury. Through video media we demonstrate that the laparoscopically harvested
      free omental flap is a minimally invasive, 2-team operation that provides soft
      tissue coverage of severe, remote wounds. This video demonstrates a safe
      operative technique and nuances specific to laparoscopic harvest of this flap.

PMID- 28085770
TI  - Endoscopic-Assisted Palatal Surgery Via Transoral and Intranasal Approach.
AB  - Palate carcinoma often challenges to the treatment options. It depends on the
      histologic type, local invasion, and nodal or distant metastasis. Hard palate
      tumors that invade the nasal cavity can be operated by midfacial degloving
      approach, lateral rhinotomy approach, and lip splitting incision with
      infrastructure maxillectomy. These approaches inevitably coincide with facial
      scars, nerve injuries, facial swelling, and long hospital stay. Transoral robotic
      assisted surgery can be applied; however, this needs high price and has a
      weakness of accurate handling about intranasal lesion. The authors have performed
      transoral and intranasal endoscopic-assisted palatal removal of recurrent palatal
      carcinoma for a patient and herein report their technique and result.

PMID- 28085772
TI  - RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL ATROPHY AFTER ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR
      INJECTIONS FOR RETINAL ANGIOMATOUS PROLIFERATION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence rate and risk factors for development of
      retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) atrophy during anti-vascular endothelial growth
      factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for retinal angiomatous proliferation. METHODS: This
      study included 46 eyes with treatment-naive retinal angiomatous proliferation.
      All patients were treated with ranibizumab or aflibercept injections. Color
      fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fundus
      autofluorescence were evaluated for RPE atrophy diagnosis. Baseline
      characteristics and gene polymorphisms of ARMS2 A69S, and CFH I62V were analyzed
      for association with development and progression of RPE atrophy. RESULTS: Among
      21 eyes treated with ranibizumab without preexisting RPE atrophy at baseline, 5
      eyes (23.8%) developed RPE atrophy at 12 months. Among 20 eyes treated with
      aflibercept without preexisting RPE atrophy at baseline, 10 eyes (50.0%)
      developed RPE atrophy at 12 months. Refractile drusen at baseline was associated
      with RPE atrophy development at 12 months (P = 0.014), and the progression rate
      of RPE atrophy area was negatively correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness
      at baseline (R = -0.595, P = 0.019). Gene polymorphisms were not associated with
      RPE atrophy. CONCLUSION: Retinal pigment epithelial atrophy developed in 36.6%
      during 12 months after anti-VEGF treatment for retinal angiomatous proliferation.
      The presence of refractile drusen at baseline was identified as a novel
      significant risk factor for RPE atrophy development.

PMID- 28085773
TI  - Epiretinal Membrane With Foveal Herniation.

PMID- 28085774
TI  - BRUCH MEMBRANE AND THE MECHANISM OF MYOPIZATION: A New Theory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The process of emmetropization is the adjustment of the length of the
      optical axis to the given optical properties of the cornea and lens after the end
      of the second year of life. Since its underlying mechanisms have not been fully
      explored yet, we reviewed findings available in the literature to discuss its
      potential etiology and the mechanism of myopization as an overshooting of
      emmetropization. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: The process of
      emmetropization occurs by axial elongation. Up to the end of the second year of
      life, the eye grows spherically by active increase in scleral volume. Axial
      elongation in the process of emmetropization is associated with thinning of the
      retina and reduced density of retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE) in the retro
      equatorial region, and with thinning more of the choroid than of the sclera,
      starting at the equator and being most marked at the posterior pole. In contrast,
      retinal thickness and RPE density in the macular region and thickness of Bruch's
      membrane (BM) in any region are independent of axial length. CONCLUSIONS: It led
      to the hypothesis that axial elongation occurs by production of BM in the retro
      equatorial region leading to a decreased RPE density and retinal thinning in that
      region and a more tube-like than spherical enlargement of the globe, without
      compromise in the density of the macular RPE cells and in macular retinal
      thickness. The increased disc-fovea distance in axially myopic eyes is caused by
      the development and enlargement of parapapillary, BM free, gamma zone while the
      length of macular BM, and indirectly macular RPE cell density and macular retinal
      thickness, remain constant. The target tissue for medical modification of
      emmetropization/myopization may be the RPE, producing and elongating BM in the
      retro-equatorial region.

PMID- 28085775
TI  - ASSESSMENT OF THE RETINAL STRUCTURE IN CHILDREN WITH INCONTINENTIA PIGMENTI.
AB  - PURPOSE: This report aims at expanding the current knowledge of retinal
      microanatomy in children with incontinentia pigmenti using hand-held spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). METHODS: We reviewed OCT scans from
      7 children (4 weeks-13 years) obtained either in the clinic or during an
      examination under anesthesia. The scans were analyzed for anatomical changes in
      the outer and inner retina, by certified graders. Medical records were assessed
      for systemic findings. RESULTS: We observed abnormal retinal findings
      unilaterally in three children. We found inner and outer retinal thinning
      temporally in two participants. This thinning was present prior to and persisted
      after treatment. One child showed a distorted foveal contour and significant
      retinal thickening secondary to dense epiretinal membrane and vitreomacular
      traction. All other children had normal retinae. CONCLUSION: Hand-held SDOCT
      imaging of the retina has brought to light additional retinal structural defects
      that were not previously reported or visualized via routine clinical ophthalmic
      examination including retinal photography. Despite a normal foveal structure and
      visual acuity, we identified inner and outer retinal thinning on SDOCT which may
      benefit from future functional assessment such as visual field testing.

PMID- 28085778
TI  - Have a heart: Celebrate American Heart Month.

PMID- 28085776
TI  - VITREOUS INCARCERATION IN SCLEROTOMIES AFTER VALVED 23-, 25-, OR 27-GAUGE AND
      NONVALVED 23- OR 25-GAUGE MACULAR SURGERY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the patterns of vitreous incarceration at sclerotomy sites by
      ultrasound biomicroscopy in patients subjected to valved or nonvalved small-gauge
      pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: A prospective comparative study of 88 eyes
      affected by epiretinal membrane and macular hole. Patients were divided into four
      groups: valved or nonvalved 23-gauge (16 eyes each) and valved or nonvalved 25
      gauge (20 eyes each); their vitreal disposition was compared by ultrasound
      biomicroscopy. Vitreal disposition was also assessed in 16 eyes of 16 patients
      subjected to valved 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy. RESULTS: Three vitreal
      patterns were identified: P0 (vitreous not visible or vitreous strand distant
      from the sclerotomy site), P1 (vitreous strand parallel to and in contact with
      the sclerotomy site), and P2 (vitreous strand entrapped in the sclerotomy site).
      The effect of valved trocar use on vitreous incarceration seemed to be somewhat
      beneficial, but no statistically significant effect could be shown (odds ratio:
      0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.42-1.74, P = 0.657). Similarly, no differences
      in vitreous incarceration were shown among vitrectomy gauges (23, 25, or 27) both
      in a model including valved trocars only (P = 0.858) and in a model with all
      available data (P = 0.935). CONCLUSION: In 23- and 25-gauge macular surgeries,
      postoperative vitreous incarceration does not seem to be reduced using valved
      cannulas and was similar to that observed in 27-gauge surgery.

PMID- 28085777
TI  - What's New in Shock, February 2017?

PMID- 28085780
TI  - Albiglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 28085779
TI  - Working together to make things better.

PMID- 28085781
TI  - The transition of care from hospital to home for patients with hypertension.

PMID- 28085782
TI  - Opioids for pain management in older adults: Strategies for safe prescribing.

PMID- 28085783
TI  - Approaches to male hypogonadism in primary care.
AB  - Evidence suggests that providers are not adhering to current testosterone
      replacement therapy guidelines when treating male hypogonadism. Understanding the
      diagnosis and management of this condition is further complicated by conflicting
      recommendations among available guidelines. NPs must select and follow the best
      guideline recommendations available to optimally treat male hypogonadism.

PMID- 28085784
TI  - NCNP 2016: Poster presentation winner.

PMID- 28085785
TI  - Interpreting measures of risk: Translating evidence into practice.
AB  - Advanced practice registered nurses must have a working knowledge of statistical
      principles in order to provide high-quality, evidence-based care. This article
      presents basic concepts of risk indexes and case study examples illustrating how
      these measures can inform practice.

PMID- 28085787
TI  - A missed diagnosis of trichomoniasis.

PMID- 28085788
TI  - Essentials of Our Current Understanding: Abdominal Wall Blocks.
AB  - Abdominal wall blocks rely on the spread of local anesthetic within
      musculofascial planes to anesthetize multiple small nerves or plexuses, rather
      than targeting specific nerve structures. Ultrasonography is primarily
      responsible for the widespread adoption of techniques including transversus
      abdominis plane and rectus sheath blocks, as well as the introduction of novel
      techniques such as quadratus lumborum and transversalis fascia blocks. These
      blocks are technically straightforward and relatively safe and reduce pain and
      opioid requirements in many clinical settings. The data supporting these
      outcomes, however, can be inconsistent because of heterogeneity of study design.
      The extent of sensory blockade is also somewhat variable, because it depends on
      the achieved spread of local anesthetic and the anatomical course of the nerves
      being targeted. The blocks mainly provide somatic analgesia and are best used as
      part of a multimodal analgesic regimen. This review summarizes the anatomical,
      sonographic, and technical aspects of the abdominal wall blocks in current use,
      examining the current evidence for the efficacy and safety of each.

PMID- 28085789
TI  - Reporting of Design Features and Analysis Details in Randomized Clinical Trials
      of Procedural Treatments for Cancer Pain: An ACTTION Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the
      reporting of randomized clinical trials investigating procedural treatments (eg,
      nerve blocks, targeted drug delivery) for cancer pain, with a focus on aspects
      that are particularly challenging in these trials. METHODS: This article presents
      results from a systematic review of reporting of randomized clinical trials of
      procedural interventions for cancer pain. Articles were identified by searching
      PubMed from 1966 to June 2014. Data related to quality of reporting are presented
      for early (1985-2004) and late periods (2005-2014). RESULTS: A total of 35
      published trials were included. Approximately two-thirds of the articles clearly
      indicated the level of blinding. Only 26% reported a primary outcome measure.
      Less than half explicitly reported the number of patients who completed the
      trial, and only 1 reported a method that was used to accommodate missing data.
      Almost one-third of articles included a responder analysis, all of which
      specified the definition of a responder. CONCLUSIONS: The goal of highlighting
      these deficiencies in reporting is to promote transparent reporting of details
      affecting the completion and interpretation of procedural cancer pain trials so
      that their quality can be more easily evaluated.

PMID- 28085790
TI  - Epidermal Growth Factor-Containing Fibulin-Like Extracellular Matrix Protein 1
      (EFEMP1) Acts as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Prostate Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to detect the expression of epidermal growth
      factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) and
      estimate its diagnostic value in prostate cancer (PCa). MATERIAL AND METHODS
      EFEMP1 expression in serum and urine of patients with PCa, benign controls and
      healthy controls at mRNA and protein level were measured by quantitative reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) analysis, respectively. The chi-square test was used to analyze the
      relationship between EFEMP1 expression and clinical factors of patients with PCa.
      A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to evaluate the
      potential values of EFEMP1 for the diagnosis of PCa. RESULTS The relative
      expression of EFEMP1 was significantly decreased in patients with PCa compared
      with that in the benign controls and healthy individuals, both at mRNA and
      protein levels (P<0.05). In the postoperative serum, the EFEMP1 expression was
      significantly higher than that in preoperative serum at 2 levels. Urine EFEMP1
      expression was also down-regulated in patients with PCa compared to that in the
      other 2 control groups. The low expression of EFEMP1 was obviously affected by
      Gleason's score, serum PSA, pathological stage, and lymph node metastasis.
      Moreover, there was a significant inverse correlation between EFEMP1 expression
      and PSA levels. The ROC curve revealed that EFEMP1 distinguished PCa patients
      from healthy controls, with a high AUC of 0.908, corresponding with high
      sensitivity and specificity, which was significantly higher than the PSA value.
      CONCLUSIONS Serum EFEMP1 is down-regulated and involved in the progression of
      PCa. It may serve as a useful diagnostic biomarker, with better diagnostic
      accuracy than PSA in PCa.

PMID- 28085791
TI  - Relevance of C5b9 immunostaining in the diagnosis of neonatal hemochromatosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal hemochromatosis caused by a gestational alloimmune mechanism
      or gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD) is a rare perinatal disorder
      characterized by intra- and extrahepatic iron overload. It is believed to result
      from complement-mediated liver injury, in which the classical complement pathway
      is activated by maternal antibody/fetal antigen complexes, leading to hepatocyte
      lysis by the membrane attack complex C5b9. According to some authors, C5b9
      expression in more than 75% of liver parenchyma is specific for GALD. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective multicentric immunohistochemical study with anti-C5b9
      in GALD cases (n = 25) and non-GALD cases with iron overload (n = 36) and without
      iron overload (n = 18). RESULTS: C5b9 was expressed in 100% of GALD cases but
      involved more than 75% of the liver parenchyma in only 26% of the cases. C5b9 was
      detected in 26.75% of the non-GALD cases with more than 75% of positive
      parenchyma in maternal erythrocytic alloimmunization, herpes and enterovirus
      hepatitis, bile acid synthetic defect, DGUOK mutation, Gaucher disease, cystic
      fibrosis, and giant-cell hepatitis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. CONCLUSION:
      Diagnosis and therapeutic management of GALD cannot only be based on C5b9
      expression in liver samples as it is not specific of this disease.

PMID- 28085795
TI  - Improving performance of mobile fronthaul architecture employing high order delta
      sigma modulator with PAM-4 format.
AB  - An improved high-order delta-sigma modulator with multi-level quantizer is
      proposed to enable carrier aggregation of 4G-LTE signals in mobile fronthaul.
      Different from conventional delta-sigma modulation-based digital mobile
      fronthaul, a 2-bit quantizer is employed to reduce the quantization noise, which
      enabling the transmission via PAM-4 based IM-DD channel. Moreover, we employ the
      4th-order high-pass filter (HPF) to replace the 1st-order HPF in the conventional
      delta-sigma modulator, resulting in a much better noise shaping performance. In
      the experiment, a PAM-4 based mobile fronthaul transmission of 32 aggregated 4G
      LTE signals with a CPRI equivalent data rate of 39.32-Gb/s is demonstrated in a
      single-lambda 10-Gb/s IM-DD channel. Significant improvement of 68% is achieved
      in the average EVM performance compared to the previous delta-sigma modulation
      based digital mobile fronthaul.

PMID- 28085793
TI  - 25-hydroxyvitamin D correlates with inflammatory markers in cord blood of healthy
      newborns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator and may play a role in the
      development of the fetal innate immune functions. The aim of our study was to
      evaluate inflammatory markers in cord blood of healthy newborns in relation to
      vitamin D status at birth. METHODS: We studied the concentrations of inflammatory
      markers, matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) and high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP),
      and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in cord blood of 939 healthy term infants born
      to mothers of Caucasian origin. We evaluated perinatal factors that affect the
      concentrations of MMP-8 and hs-CRP, and further explored associations between
      cord blood 25(OH)D and these inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS: Majority (99%) of
      the cohort was vitamin D sufficient (>50 nmol/l or 20 ng/ml). We observed a
      positive correlation between cord blood 25(OH)D and MMP-8 concentrations, and
      between 25(OH)D and hs-CRP concentrations. After adjustment for potential
      confounders (parity, antenatal antibiotic treatment, gestational age, mode of
      delivery, and maternal prepregnancy BMI), the association of 25(OH)D with MMP-8
      and hs-CRP remained significant. CONCLUSION: Cord blood 25(OH)D correlates with
      inflammatory markers MMP-8 and hs-CRP. The findings may reflect the diverse
      immunomodulatory functions of vitamin D in the innate immune response of the
      newborn.

PMID- 28085796
TI  - Quantum-limited timing jitter characterization of mode-locked lasers by
      asynchronous optical sampling.
AB  - We demonstrate a novel time domain timing jitter characterization method for
      ultra-low noise mode-locked lasers. An asynchronous optical sampling (ASOPS)
      technique is employed, allowing timing jitter statistics on a magnified
      timescale. As a result, sub femtosecond period jitter of an optical pulse train
      can be readily accessible to slow detectors and electronics (~100 MHz). The
      concept is applied to determine the quantum-limited timing jitter for a passively
      mode-locked Er-fiber laser. Period jitter histogram is acquired following an eye
      diagram analysis routinely used in electronics. The identified diffusion constant
      for pulse timing agrees well with analytical solution of perturbed master
      equation.

PMID- 28085792
TI  - Neonatal mice with necrotizing enterocolitis-like injury develop thrombocytopenia
      despite increased megakaryopoiesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is frequently encountered in infants with
      necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). To develop a preclinical model of NEC-related
      thrombocytopenia, we measured serial platelet counts in 10-d-old (P10) mouse pups
      with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced NEC-like injury. We also
      measured platelet volume indices, immature platelet fraction (IPF), and
      megakaryocyte number/ploidy in these animals. METHODS: Platelet counts, platelet
      volume indices, and IPF were measured in control (N = 65) and TNBS-treated pups
      (N = 104) using an automated hematology analyzer. Bone marrow megakaryocyte
      number, ploidy and CD41 expression were measured by flow cytometry. These
      findings were confirmed in a small cohort of P3 mice with NEC-like injury.
      RESULTS: Murine pups with TNBS-mediated NEC-like injury developed
      thrombocytopenia at 15-24 h after exposure to TNBS. Intestinal injury was
      associated with increased platelet volume indices (mean platelet volume, platelet
      to-large cell ratio, and platelet distribution width), and IPF, indicating
      increased thrombopoiesis. These mice also showed increased megakaryocyte number,
      ploidy, and CD41 expression, indicating increased megakaryocyte differentiation.
      CONCLUSION: Similar to human NEC, murine NEC-like injury was also associated with
      decreased platelet counts. There was evidence of increased megakaryocyte
      differentiation and thrombopoiesis, which favors peripheral consumption of
      platelets as the likely mechanism of thrombocytopenia in these animals, over
      decreased platelet production.

PMID- 28085797
TI  - Enlarging the color gamut of liquid crystal displays with a functional reflective
      polarizer.
AB  - We propose to add a functional reflective polarizer (FRP) in the backlight unit
      to suppress the crosstalk between red, green and blue color filters of a liquid
      crystal display (LCD) panel. When incorporated with a commercial two-phosphor
      converted white light-emitting diode (2pc-WLED), the color gamut of the LCD can
      be improved from 92% to 115% NTSC standard, which is comparable to the cadmium
      based quantum dot (QD) backlight. If a narrow-band color filter is employed, the
      color gamut can be further enhanced to 135% NTSC. Our design offers an
      alternative approach to QDs, while keeping low cost and long lifetime. Such a
      simple yet efficient approach would find widespread applications for enlarging
      the color gamut of LCDs.

PMID- 28085798
TI  - Fast computer generated hologram calculation with a mini look-up table
      incorporated with radial symmetric interpolation.
AB  - The amount of heavy computation in Computer Generated Hologram (CGH) can be
      significantly reduced by pre-computing look-up tables. However, the huge memory
      usage of look-up tables is a major challenge. To address this problem, the Look
      up tables can be efficiently compressed by methods such as radial symmetric
      interpolation. In this paper, we notice that there is still data redundancy in
      the look-up table of radial symmetric interpolation method and the table size can
      be further compressed to 5%-10% or even less of original, by our proposed mini
      look-up table approach based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The
      compressed look-up table in our scheme only occupies a memory size of around 200
      300 KB or even less. Moreover, the proposed scheme will introduce almost no extra
      cost of computation speed slowdown and reconstructed image quality degradation,
      compared to conventional method.

PMID- 28085799
TI  - On-chip electro-optic tuning of a lithium niobate microresonator with integrated
      in-plane microelectrodes.
AB  - We demonstrate electro-optic tuning of an on-chip lithium niobate microresonator
      with integrated in-plane microelectrodes. First, the metallic microelectrodes
      were fabricated on the substrate using a femtosecond laser. Then high-Q lithium
      niobate microresonator located between the microelectrodes was further fabricated
      by femtosecond laser direct writing accompanied by focused ion beam milling.
      Thanks to the efficient design, a high electro-optical tuning coefficient of 3.41
      pm/V has been obtained.

PMID- 28085800
TI  - Modeling the depth-sectioning effect in reflection-mode dynamic speckle-field
      interferometric microscopy.
AB  - Unlike most optical coherence microscopy (OCM) systems, dynamic speckle-field
      interferometric microscopy (DSIM) achieves depth sectioning through the spatial
      coherence gating effect. Under high numerical aperture (NA) speckle-field
      illumination, our previous experiments have demonstrated less than 1 MUm depth
      resolution in reflection-mode DSIM, while doubling the diffraction limited
      resolution as under structured illumination. However, there has not been a
      physical model to rigorously describe the speckle imaging process, in particular
      explaining the sectioning effect under high illumination and imaging NA settings
      in DSIM. In this paper, we develop such a model based on the diffraction
      tomography theory and the speckle statistics. Using this model, we calculate the
      system response function, which is used to further obtain the depth resolution
      limit in reflection-mode DSIM. Theoretically calculated depth resolution limit is
      in an excellent agreement with experiment results. We envision that our physical
      model will not only help in understanding the imaging process in DSIM, but also
      enable better designing such systems for depth-resolved measurements in
      biological cells and tissues.

PMID- 28085801
TI  - Fiber Bragg grating sensors in hollow single- and two-core eccentric fibers.
AB  - Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) in a hollow eccentric fiber (HEF) have been proposed
      and demonstrated experimentally. The single-core and two-core HEF FBGs have been
      inscribed successfully using KrF excimer laser (248 nm), respectively. The
      temperature and axial strain sensing properties of the two samples have been
      measured. The experimental results indicate that the temperature and axial strain
      sensitivities of the two samples are similar, but they are smaller than that of
      conventional SMF-FBGs. Furthermore, the bending characteristics of the two-core
      HEF-FBG strongly depend on the bending direction due to the asymmetry of the
      fiber. Therefore, the proposed two-core HEF-FBGs facilitate temperature
      compensated vector-bending sensing by measuring the difference between peak
      shifts of the two gratings. In addition, the two-core HEF-FBG can be a promising
      candidate for achieving two-channel filter since the signal crosstalk between the
      two cores can be largely eliminated by the central air hole.

PMID- 28085802
TI  - Quasi-classical analysis of the dynamics of the high-order harmonic generation
      from solids.
AB  - We introduce a quasi-classical model in the k space combined with the energy band
      structure of solids to understand the mechanisms of high-order harmonic
      generation (HHG) process occurring in a subcycle timescale. This model interprets
      the multiple plateau structure in HHG spectra well and the linear dependence of
      cutoff energies on the amplitude of vector potential A0 of the laser fields. It
      also predicts the emission time of HHG, which agrees well with the results by
      solving the time-dependent Schrodinger equation (TDSE). It provides a scheme to
      reconstruct the energy dispersion relations in Brillouin zone and to control the
      trajectories of HHG by varying the shape of laser pulses. This model is
      instructive for experimental measurements.

PMID- 28085803
TI  - Shortcuts to adiabaticity in optical waveguides using fast quasiadiabatic
      dynamics.
AB  - We propose a fast quasiadiabatic approach to the design of optical waveguide
      devices. This approach distributes the system adiabaticity homogeneously over the
      device length, thus providing a shortcut to adiabaticity at a shorter device
      length. A mode sorting asymmetric Y junction is designed by redistributing the
      adiabaticity of a conventional linearly separating Y junction. Simple procedures
      for the design of fast quasiadiabatic devices are outlined, and the designed Y
      junction features large bandwidth at a shorter length than the conventional
      linearly separating Y junction. The proposed device is verified with beam
      propagation simulations. A mode conversion efficiency of larger than 99% is
      observed for the designed Y junction over a 220 nm range.

PMID- 28085804
TI  - Fourier ptychographic microscopy using a generalized Anscombe transform
      approximation of the mixed Poisson-Gaussian likelihood.
AB  - Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) is a novel computational microscopy
      technique that provides intensity images with both wide field-of-view (FOV) and
      high-resolution (HR). By combining ideas from synthetic aperture and phase
      retrieval, FPM iteratively stitches together a number of variably illuminated,
      low-resolution (LR) intensity images in Fourier space to reconstruct an HR
      complex sample image. In practice, however, the reconstruction of FPM is
      sensitive to the input noise, including Gaussian noise, Poisson shot noise or
      mixed Poisson-Gaussian noise. To efficiently address these noises, we developed a
      novel FPM reconstruction method termed generalized Anscombe transform
      approximation Fourier ptychographic (GATFP) reconstruction. The method utilizes
      the generalized Anscombe transform (GAT) approximation for the noise model, and a
      maximum likelihood theory is employed for formulating the FPM optimization
      problem. We validated the proposed method with both simulated data for
      quantitative evaluation and real experimental data captured using FPM setup. The
      results show that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance in
      comparison with other approaches.

PMID- 28085805
TI  - Ion-redistribution induced efficient upconversion in beta
      NaYF<sub>4</sub>:20%Yb<sup>3+</sup>,2%Er<sup>3+</sup> microcrystals with well
      controlled morphology and size.
AB  - We develop an efficient green upconversion (UC) beta
      NaYF<sub>4</sub>:20%Yb<sup>3+</sup>,2%Er<sup>3+</sup> microcrystal with well
      controlled morphology and size by hydrothermal method using two different
      chelating agents of CIT and EDTA-2Na via a simple ion-exchange reaction.
      Importantly, the UC emission efficiency of newly developed CIT and EDTA-2Na beta
      NaYF<sub>4</sub>:20%Yb<sup>3+</sup>,2%Er<sup>3+</sup> microcrystals is almost as
      strong as that of commercial counterpart by solid-state method. A proof-of
      concept beta-NaYF<sub>4</sub>:20%Yb<sup>3+</sup>,2%Er<sup>3+</sup> microcrystal
      waveguide is demonstrated to extend their applications in modern micro
      optoelectronics. The local ion-redistribution process during the ion-exchange
      reaction, which effectively disperses the locally clustered Yb<sup>3+</sup>,
      accounts for the enormously enhanced UC emission in beta
      NaYF<sub>4</sub>:20%Yb<sup>3+</sup>,2%Er<sup>3+</sup> microcrystals.

PMID- 28085806
TI  - Experimental realization of a terahertz all-dielectric metasurface absorber.
AB  - Metamaterial absorbers consisting of metal, metal-dielectric, or dielectric
      materials have been realized across much of the electromagnetic spectrum and have
      demonstrated novel properties and applications. However, most absorbers utilize
      metals and thus are limited in applicability due to their low melting point, high
      Ohmic loss and high thermal conductivity. Other approaches rely on large
      dielectric structures and / or a supporting dielectric substrate as a loss
      mechanism, thereby realizing large absorption volumes. Here we present a
      terahertz (THz) all dielectric metasurface absorber based on hybrid dielectric
      waveguide resonances. We tune the metasurface geometry in order to overlap
      electric and magnetic dipole resonances at the same frequency, thus achieving an
      experimental absorption of 97.5%. A simulated dielectric metasurface achieves a
      total absorption coefficient enhancement factor of FT=140, with a small
      absorption volume. Our experimental results are well described by theory and
      simulations and not limited to the THz range, but may be extended to microwave,
      infrared and optical frequencies. The concept of an all-dielectric metasurface
      absorber offers a new route for control of the emission and absorption of
      electromagnetic radiation from surfaces with potential applications in energy
      harvesting, imaging, and sensing.

PMID- 28085807
TI  - Mitigation of relative intensity noise of quantum dash mode-locked lasers for
      PAM4 based optical interconnects using encoding techniques.
AB  - Quantum dash (Q-Dash) passively mode-locked lasers (PMLLs) exhibit significant
      low frequency relative intensity noise (RIN), due to the high mode partition
      noise (MPN), which prevents the implementation of multilevel amplitude modulation
      formats such as PAM4. The authors demonstrate low frequency RIN mitigation by
      employing 8B/10B and Manchester encoding with PAM4 modulation format. These
      encoding techniques reduce the overlap between the modulation spectral content
      and the low-frequency RIN of the Q-dash devices, at the expense of increased
      overhead. The RIN of the 33.6 GHz free spectral range Q-dash PMLL was
      characterized, and the results obtained show very high levels of RIN from DC to 4
      GHz, but low levels for higher frequencies. The performance improvement for 28
      GBaud 8B/10B and Manchester encoded PAM4 signal has been demonstrated compared to
      the case when no encoding is used. Finally, the effect of RIN on the system
      performance was demonstrated by comparing the bit error rate (BER) performance of
      the PAM4 signaling obtained with an external cavity laser (ECL) to those obtained
      with Q-dash PMLL.

PMID- 28085808
TI  - Information gain versus interference in Bohr's principle of complementarity.
AB  - We study the wave and particle nature in a symmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer
      from the viewpoint of quantum information theory. By introducing either the von
      Neumann or Zurek's model of quantum measurement, we find that the classical
      correlation can be used to quantify the particle nature since its monotonicity is
      similar to the path distinguishability. The environment in Zurek's model induces
      the emergence of the optimal measuring basis, and reduces the classical and
      quantum correlation comparing to the von Neumann's model. A way is presented
      analytically to calculate the quantum correlation of a two-qubit separable state
      other than X-type.

PMID- 28085809
TI  - Wavelength-locked vectorial fiber laser manipulated by Pancharatnam-Berry phase.
AB  - We report a wavelength-locked cladding-pumped ytterbium-doped fiber laser that
      can simultaneously emit radially and azimuthally polarized beams based on
      Pancharatnam-Berry phase optical elements. Multi-wavelength free running
      operation of the radially and azimuthally polarized laser beams can be switched
      to a single-wavelength one assisted by volume Bragg grating, with wavelength
      locked at around 1053.4 nm and spectral linewidth of 0.06 nm (FWHW). By rotating
      the glan-taylor polarizer, we can obtain switchable radially and azimuthally
      polarized beams output. The radially and azimuthally polarized beams mode purity
      can maintain 97.3% and 96.3% at maximum output power, and the polarization
      extinction ratio (PER) can reach 97.8% and 95.9% for the radially and azimuthally
      polarized laser, respectively.

PMID- 28085810
TI  - Real-time kinetic binding studies at attomolar concentrations in solution phase
      using a single-stage opto-biosensing platform based upon infrared surface
      plasmons.
AB  - Here we present a new generic opto-bio-sensing platform combining immobilised
      aptamers on an infrared plasmonic sensing device generated by nano-structured
      thin film that demonstrates amongst the highest index spectral sensitivities of
      any optical fibre sensor yielding on average 3.4 * 10<sup>4</sup> nm/RIU in the
      aqueous index regime (with a figure of merit of 330) This offers a single stage,
      solution phase, atto-molar detection capability, whilst delivering real-time data
      for kinetic studies in water-based chemistry. The sensing platform is based upon
      optical fibre and has the potential to be multiplexed and used in remote sensing
      applications. As an example of the highly versatile capabilities of aptamer based
      detection using our platform, purified thrombin is detected down to 50 attomolar
      concentration using a volume of 1mm<sup>3</sup> of solution without the use of
      any form of enhancement technique. Moreover, the device can detect nanomolar
      levels of thrombin in a flow cell, in the presence of 4.5% w/v albumin solution.
      These results are important, covering all concentrations in the human thrombin
      generation curve, including the problematic initial phase. Finally, selectivity
      is confirmed using complementary and non-complementary DNA sequences that yield
      performances similar to those obtained with thrombin.

PMID- 28085811
TI  - Distance measurement based on light field geometry and ray tracing.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a geometric optical model to measure the distances of
      object planes in a light field image. The proposed geometric optical model is
      composed of two sub-models based on ray tracing: object space model and image
      space model. The two theoretic sub-models are derived on account of on-axis point
      light sources. In object space model, light rays propagate into the main lens and
      refract inside it following the refraction theorem. In image space model, light
      rays exit from emission positions on the main lens and subsequently impinge on
      the image sensor with different imaging diameters. The relationships between
      imaging diameters of objects and their corresponding emission positions on the
      main lens are investigated through utilizing refocusing and similar triangle
      principle. By combining the two sub-models together and tracing light rays back
      to the object space, the relationships between objects' imaging diameters and
      corresponding distances of object planes are figured out. The performance of the
      proposed geometric optical model is compared with existing approaches using
      different configurations of hand-held plenoptic 1.0 cameras and real experiments
      are conducted using a preliminary imaging system. Results demonstrate that the
      proposed model can outperform existing approaches in terms of accuracy and
      exhibits good performance at general imaging range.

PMID- 28085812
TI  - Fast generation of computer-generated holograms using wavelet shrinkage.
AB  - Computer-generated holograms (CGHs) are generated by superimposing complex
      amplitudes emitted from a number of object points. However, this superposition
      process remains very time-consuming even when using the latest computers. We
      propose a fast calculation algorithm for CGHs that uses a wavelet shrinkage
      method, eliminating small wavelet coefficient values to express approximated
      complex amplitudes using only a few representative wavelet coefficients.

PMID- 28085813
TI  - Dissipative preparation of distributed steady entanglement: an approach of
      unilateral qubit driving.
AB  - We propose a nonlocal scheme for preparing a distributed steady-state
      entanglement of two atoms trapped in separate optical cavities coupled through an
      optical fiber based on the combined effect of the unitary dynamics and
      dissipative process. In this scheme, only the qubit of one node is driven by an
      external classical field, while the other one does not need to be manipulated by
      an external field. This is meaningful for long distance quantum information
      processing tasks, and the experimental implementation is greatly simplified due
      to the unilateral manipulation on one node and the process of entanglement
      distribution can be avoided. This guarantees the absolute security of long
      distance quantum information processing tasks and makes the scheme more robust
      than that based on the unitary dynamics. We introduce the purity to characterize
      the mixture degree of the target steady-state. The steady entanglement can be
      obtained independent of the initial state. Furthermore, based on the dissipative
      entanglement preparation scheme, we construct a quantum teleportation setup with
      multiple nodes as a practical application, and the numerical simulation
      demonstrates the scheme can be realized effectively under the current
      experimental conditions..

PMID- 28085814
TI  - High dynamic spectroscopy using a digital micromirror device and periodic
      shadowing.
AB  - We present an optical solution called DMD-PS to boost the dynamic range of 2D
      imaging spectroscopic measurements up to 22 bits by incorporating a digital
      micromirror device (DMD) prior to detection in combination with the periodic
      shadowing (PS) approach. In contrast to high dynamic range (HDR), where the
      dynamic range is increased by recording several images at different exposure
      times, the current approach has the potential of improving the dynamic range from
      a single exposure and without saturation of the CCD sensor. In the procedure, the
      spectrum is imaged onto the DMD that selectively reduces the reflection from the
      intense spectral lines, allowing the signal from the weaker lines to be increased
      by a factor of 2<sup>8</sup> via longer exposure times, higher camera gains or
      increased laser power. This manipulation of the spectrum can either be based on a
      priori knowledge of the spectrum or by first performing a calibration measurement
      to sense the intensity distribution. The resulting benefits in detection
      sensitivity come, however, at the cost of strong generation of interfering stray
      light. To solve this issue the Periodic Shadowing technique, which is based on
      spatial light modulation, is also employed. In this proof-of-concept article we
      describe the full methodology of DMD-PS and demonstrate - using the calibration
      based concept - an improvement in dynamic range by a factor of ~100 over
      conventional imaging spectroscopy. The dynamic range of the presented approach
      will directly benefit from future technological development of DMDs and camera
      sensors.

PMID- 28085815
TI  - Simple geometric interpretation of signal evolution in phase-sensitive fibre
      optic parametric amplifier.
AB  - Visualisation of complex nonlinear equation solutions is a useful analysis tool
      for various scientific and engineering applications. We have re-examined the
      geometrical interpretation of the classical nonlinear four-wave mixing equations
      for the specific scheme of a phase sensitive one-pump fiber optical parametric
      amplification, which has recently attracted revived interest in the optical
      communications due to potential low noise properties of such amplifiers. Analysis
      of the phase portraits of the corresponding dynamical systems provide valuable
      additional insight into field dynamics and properties of the amplifiers. Simple
      geometric approach has been proposed to describe evolution of the waves, involved
      in phase-sensitive fiber optical parametric amplification (PS-FOPA) process,
      using a Hamiltonian structure of the governing equations. We have demonstrated
      how the proposed approach can be applied to the optimization problems arising in
      the design of the specific PS-FOPA scheme. The method considered here is rather
      general and can be used in various applications.

PMID- 28085816
TI  - Software-defined control-plane for wavelength selective unicast and multicast of
      optical data in a silicon photonic platform.
AB  - We demonstrate a programmable control-plane based on field programmable gate
      array (FPGA) with a power-efficient algorithm for optical unicast, multicast, and
      broadcast functionalities in a silicon photonic platform. The platform includes a
      silicon photonic 1*8 microring array chip which in conjunction with a fast
      tunable laser over the C-band is capable of delivering software controlled
      wavelength selective functionality on top of spatial switching. We characterize
      the thermo-optic response of microring resonators and extract key parameters
      necessary for the development of the control-plane. The performance of the
      proposed architecture is tested with 10 Gb/s on-off keying (OOK) optical data and
      error-free operation is verified for various wavelength and spatial switching
      scenarios. Lastly, we evaluate electrical power and energy consumption required
      to reconfigure the silicon photonic device for all possible wavelength operations
      and output ports combinations and show that unicast, multicast of two, three,
      four, five, six, seven, and broadcast functions are achieved with energy
      overheads of 0.02, 0.07, 0.18, 0.49, 0.76, 1.01, 1.3, and 1.55 pJ/bit,
      respectively.

PMID- 28085817
TI  - Concurrency of anisotropy and spatial dispersion in low refractive index
      dielectric composites.
AB  - The article demonstrates uncommon manifestation of spatial dispersion in low
      refractive index contrast 3D periodic dielectric composites with periods of about
      one tenth of the wavelength. First principles simulations by the well established
      plane wave method reveal that spatial dispersion leads to appearance of
      additional optical axes and can compensate anisotropy in certain directions.

PMID- 28085818
TI  - Compressive holographic video.
AB  - Compressed sensing has been discussed separately in spatial and temporal domains.
      Compressive holography has been introduced as a method that allows 3D tomographic
      reconstruction at different depths from a single 2D image. Coded exposure is a
      temporal compressed sensing method for high speed video acquisition. In this
      work, we combine compressive holography and coded exposure techniques and extend
      the discussion to 4D reconstruction in space and time from one coded captured
      image. In our prototype, digital in-line holography was used for imaging
      macroscopic, fast moving objects. The pixel-wise temporal modulation was
      implemented by a digital micromirror device. In this paper we demonstrate 10*
      temporal super resolution with multiple depths recovery from a single image. Two
      examples are presented for the purpose of recording subtle vibrations and
      tracking small particles within 5 ms.

PMID- 28085819
TI  - Low-loss curved waveguides in polymers written with a femtosecond laser.
AB  - We present straight and s-curve waveguides in polymers fabricated by femtosecond
      laser writing. A number of parallel tracks are written inside the bulk material
      with a well-defined gap in the middle that forms the waveguide core. This
      approach offers the flexibility to tailor the mode-field diameter of the
      waveguide by adjusting the size of the gap. The waveguides exhibit very low
      propagation losses of 0.3 dB/cm and no significant bend losses for curve radii of
      R >= 20 mm. This fabrication process will allow for the realization of complex
      waveguide networks in a compact footprint chip.

PMID- 28085820
TI  - Room-temperature Fabry-Perot resonances in suspended InGaAs/InP quantum-well
      nanopillars on a silicon substrate.
AB  - We present a new platform based on suspended III-V semiconductor nanopillars for
      direct integration of optoelectronic devices on a silicon substrate. Nanopillars
      grown in core-shell mode with InGaAs/InP quantum wells can support long
      wavelength Fabry-Perot resonances at room temperature with this novel
      configuration. Experimental results are demonstrated at a silicon-transparent
      wavelength of 1460 nm, facilitating integration with silicon platform.

PMID- 28085821
TI  - Enhanced terahertz sensing with a coupled comb-shaped spoof surface plasmon
      waveguide.
AB  - A comb-shaped waveguide based on the excitation of coupled spoof surface plasmon
      (CSSP) mode is investigated, and is found to have a pronounced effect for the
      enhancement of fingerprint detection sensitivity in the terahertz (THz) regime.
      Composed of two oppositely oriented metal stripes with single-side comb-shaped
      corrugations, the waveguide is formed due to the coupling of SSP modes supported
      by metal corrugations on both sides and the mode is tightly localized between the
      central gap, which provides a perfect site for accommodating the samples in THz
      sensing. The effective detection of thin-layer lactose is given as an example to
      demonstrate the sensitive detection of it at a thickness of only a few microns. A
      transmission spectrum through the waveguide with a pronounced dip at its
      characteristic absorption frequency of 0.529THz is shown, which can never be
      observed using the transmission through a lactose layer with the same thickness.

PMID- 28085822
TI  - Phase matching alters spatial multiphoton processes in dense atomic ensembles.
AB  - Multiphoton processes in dense atomic vapors such as four-wave mixing or coherent
      blue light generation are typically viewed from single-atom perspective. Here we
      study the surprisingly important effect of phase matching near two-photon
      resonances that arises due to spatial extent of the atomic medium within which
      the multiphoton process occurs. The non-unit refractive index of the atomic vapor
      may inhibit generation of light in nonlinear processes, significantly shift the
      efficiency maxima in frequencies and redirect emitted beam. We present these
      effects on an example of four-wave mixing in dense rubidium vapors in a double
      ladder configuration. By deriving a simple theory that takes into account
      essential spatial properties of the process, we give precise predictions and
      confirm their validity in the experiment. The model allows us to improve on the
      geometry of the experiment and engineer more efficient four-wave mixing.

PMID- 28085823
TI  - High efficiency, low cost holographic optical elements for ultracold atom
      trapping.
AB  - We demonstrate a method of creating high efficiency, high fidelity, holographic
      optical elements for the generation of complex optical fields, in a low cost
      photopolymer, Bayfol HX. The desired optical field profile is generated by a
      spatial light modulator and written into an optically addressable photopolymer as
      a volume hologram. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by trapping a Bose
      Einstein condensate of rubidium-87 atoms in the nodal plane of an
      HG<sub>0,1</sub> mode generated by one of these holographic optical elements. We
      also extend this method to the generation holograms with twice the angular
      momentum per photon than can be generated with a given spatial light modulator.

PMID- 28085824
TI  - Laser damage properties of broadband low-dispersion mirrors in sub-nanosecond
      laser pulse.
AB  - Broadband low dispersion (BBLD) mirrors are an essential component in femto
      second (fs) pulse laser systems. We designed and produced
      Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>-HfO<sub>2</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> composite quarter
      wave and non-quarter-wave HfO<sub>2</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> BBLD mirrors for the
      30fs petawatt laser system. The laser damage properties of the BBLD mirrors were
      investigated in an uncompressed sub-nanosecond laser pulse. It showed that the
      Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>-HfO<sub>2</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> composite BBLD mirror
      possessed higher LIDT due to the low electric-field intensity (EFI) in the case
      of the coating without artificial nodules. Nevertheless, the LIDT of the
      composite mirror was significantly lower than the non-quarter-wave
      HfO<sub>2</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> mirror when the nodules exist. The EFI simulation
      and damage morphology of the nodules analysis demonstrated that the nodule
      leading to the light intensification in the middle of the boundary between the
      nodular and the surrounding coating, thus the outermost
      HfO<sub>2</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> layers cannot protect the
      Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> layers, and resulting to the
      significantly low LIDT. This study shed some light on the development of high
      laser-damage BBLD mirrors for pulse compression laser systems.

PMID- 28085825
TI  - Simultaneous measurement of thermo-optic and thermal expansion coefficients with
      a single arm double interferometer.
AB  - A low-cost single arm double interferometer was developed for the concurrent
      measurement of linear thermal expansion (alpha) and thermo-optic (dn/dT)
      coefficients of transparent samples with plane and parallel surfaces. Owing to
      its common-path optical arrangement, the device is compact and stable, and allows
      the simultaneous measurement of interferences arising from a low-finesse Fabry
      Perot etalon and from a Mach-Zehnder-type interferometer. The method was
      demonstrated with measurements of solid (silica, BK7, SF6) and liquid (water,
      ethanol and acetone) samples.

PMID- 28085826
TI  - Characterization and adaptive compression of a multi-soliton laser source.
AB  - Ultrashort pulse generation in the 1600 nm wavelength region is required for deep
      tissue biomedical imaging. We report on the characterization and adaptive
      compression of a multi-soliton output spanning >300 nm from a large-mode area
      photonic-crystal fiber rod for two separate laser setups. Sub-30 fs pulses are
      generated by first compressing of each soliton individually, and then followed by
      coherently combining all of the pulses in the train, which are separated by
      hundreds of femtoseconds. Simulations of the source, together with amplitude and
      phase coherence measurements are provided.

PMID- 28085827
TI  - High-efficient computer-generated integral imaging based on the backward ray
      tracing technique and optical reconstruction.
AB  - A high-efficient computer-generated integral imaging (CGII) method is presented
      based on the backward ray-tracing technique. In traditional CGII methods, the
      total rendering time is long, because a large number of cameras are established
      in the virtual world. The ray origin and the ray direction for every pixel in
      elemental image array are calculated with the backward ray-tracing technique, and
      the total rendering time can be noticeably reduced. The method is suitable to
      create high quality integral image without the pseudoscopic problem. Real time
      and non-real time CGII rendering images and optical reconstruction are
      demonstrated, and the effectiveness is verified with different types of 3D object
      models. Real time optical reconstruction with 90 * 90 viewpoints and the frame
      rate above 40 fps for the CGII 3D display are realized without the pseudoscopic
      problem.

PMID- 28085828
TI  - Stability of steady and periodic states through the bifurcation bridge mechanism
      in semiconductor ring lasers subject to optical feedback.
AB  - With the development of new applications using semiconductor ring lasers (SRLs)
      subject to optical feedback, the stability properties of their outputs becomes a
      crucial issue. We propose a systematic bifurcation analysis in order to properly
      identify the best parameter ranges for either steady or self-pulsating periodic
      regimes. Unlike conventional semiconductor lasers, we show that SRLs exhibit both
      types of outputs for large and well defined ranges of the feedback strength. We
      determine the stability domains in terms of the pump parameter and the feedback
      phase. We find that the feedback phase is a key parameter to achieve a stable
      steady output. We demonstrate that the self-pulsating regime results from a
      particular Hopf bifurcation mechanism referred to as bifurcation bridges. These
      bridges connect two distinct external cavity modes and are fully stable, a
      scenario that was not possible for diode lasers under the same conditions.

PMID- 28085829
TI  - Raman-shifted wavelength-selectable pulsed fiber laser with high repetition rate
      and high pulse energy in the visible.
AB  - A high-pulse-energy, diffraction-limited, wavelength-selectable, visible source,
      based on Raman frequency shifting of a frequency-doubled Yb-doped fiber laser,
      has been studied. The relative length-scaling laws of Raman gain and self-phase
      modulation push the design towards short fiber lengths with large core size. It
      is experimentally demonstrated that the Raman clean-up effect in a graded-index
      multi-mode fiber is not sufficient to obtain diffraction-limited beam quality in
      the short fiber length. Thus, a large-core photonic crystal fiber is used to
      maintain diffraction-limited performance and output pulse energies of ~1 MUJ, at
      a 1-MHz repetition rate and 1.3-ns pulse-width are successfully achieved. This
      step-tunable visible source should find applications in photoacoustic microscopy.

PMID- 28085830
TI  - Gain dynamics of clad-pumped Yb-fiber amplifier and intensity noise control.
AB  - Gain dynamics study provides an attractive method to understand the intensity
      noise behavior in fiber amplifiers. Here, the gain dynamics of a medium power (5
      W) clad-pumped Yb-fiber amplifier is experimentally evaluated by measuring the
      frequency domain transfer functions for the input seed and pump lasers from 10 Hz
      to 1 MHz. We study gain dynamic behavior of the fiber amplifier in the presence
      of significant residual pump power (compared to the seed power), showing that the
      seed transfer function is strongly saturated at low Fourier frequencies while the
      pump power modulation transfer function is nearly unaffected. The
      characterization of relative intensity noise (RIN) of the fiber amplifier is well
      explained by the gain dynamics analysis. Finally, a 600 kHz bandwidth feedback
      loop using an acoustic-optical modulator (AOM) controlling the seed intensity is
      successfully demonstrated to suppress the broadband laser intensity noise. A
      maximum noise reduction of about 30 dB is achieved leading to a RIN of -152
      dBc/Hz (~1 kHz-10 MHz) at 2.5 W output power.

PMID- 28085831
TI  - Analysis of high-Q photonic crystal L3 nanocavities designed by visualization of
      the leaky components.
AB  - We experimentally study photonic crystal L3 nanocavities whose design Q factors
      (Q<sub>design</sub>) have been improved with the visualization of leaky
      components design method. The experimental Q values (Q<sub>exp</sub>) are
      monotonically increased from 6,000 to 2,100,000 by iteratively modifying the
      positions of some of the air holes, as determined by the referred design method.
      We investigate the Q<sub>exp</sub> tolerance to imperfections in the fabricated
      samples, which reveals that the cavities improved by the visualization method
      tend to lose some tolerance to structural differences between the fabricated
      samples and the design values.

PMID- 28085832
TI  - Spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion in dielectric metasurfaces.
AB  - Vortex beams are characterized by a helical wavefront and a phase singularity
      point on the propagation axis that results in a doughnut-like intensity profile.
      These beams carry orbital angular momentum proportional to the number of
      intertwined helices constituting the wavefront. Vortex beams have many
      applications in optics, such as optical trapping, quantum optics and microscopy.
      Although beams with such characteristics can be generated holographically, spin
      to-orbital angular momentum conversion has attracted considerable interest as a
      tool to create vortex beams. In this process, the geometrical phase is exploited
      to create helical beams whose handedness is determined by the circular
      polarization (left/right) of the incident light, that is by its spin. Here we
      demonstrate high-efficiency Spin-to-Orbital angular momentum-Converters (SOCs) at
      visible wavelengths based on dielectric metasurfaces. With these SOCs we generate
      vortex beams with high and fractional topological charge and show for the first
      time the simultaneous generation of collinear helical beams with different and
      arbitrary orbital angular momentum. This versatile method of creating vortex
      beams, which circumvents the limitations of liquid crystal SOCs and adds new
      functionalities, should significantly expand the applications of these beams.

PMID- 28085833
TI  - Characterization of CMOS metal based dielectric loaded surface plasmon waveguides
      at telecom wavelengths.
AB  - Dielectric loaded surface plasmon waveguides (DLSPPWs) comprised of polymer
      ridges deposited on top of CMOS compatible metal thin films are investigated at
      telecom wavelengths. We perform a direct comparison of the properties of copper
      (Cu), aluminum (Al), titanium nitride (TiN) and gold (Au) based waveguides by
      implementing the same plasmonic waveguiding configuration for each metal. The
      DLSPPWs are characterized by leakage radiation microscopy and a fiber-to-fiber
      configuration mimicking the cut-back method. We introduce the ohmic loss rate
      (OLR) to analyze quantitatively the properties of the CMOS metal based DLSPPWs
      relative to the corresponding Au based waveguides. We show that the Cu, Al and
      TiN based waveguides feature extra ohmic loss compared to Au of 0.027 dB/MUm,
      0.18 dB/MUm and 0.52 dB/MUm at 1550nm respectively. The dielectric function of
      each metal extracted from ellipsometric spectroscopic measurements is used to
      model the properties of the DLSP-PWs. We find a fairly good agreement between
      experimental and modeled DLSPPWs properties except for Al featuring a large
      surface roughness. Finally, we conclude that TiN based waveguides sustaining
      intermediate effective index (in the range 1.05-1.25) plasmon modes propagate
      over very short distances restricting the the use of those modes in practical
      situations.

PMID- 28085834
TI  - Reduction of the operating voltage of a nanoencapsulated liquid crystal display
      by using a half-wall structure.
AB  - We proposed a half-wall structure in the in-plane switching (IPS) configuration
      of the nanoencapsulated liquid crystal (LC) display for reducing a driving
      voltage. The IPS electrodes were fabricated on top of the half-walls to enhance
      electric field strength through the whole LC layer. In addition, we demonstrated
      a self-masking process for the half-wall structure and the IPS electrodes without
      any additional mask-aligning process.

PMID- 28085835
TI  - Green laser diodes with low threshold current density via interface engineering
      of InGaN/GaN quantum well active region.
AB  - By observing the morphology evolution of green InGaN/GaN quantum well (QW) and
      studying the catholuminescence (CL) property, we investigate indium-segregation
      related defects that are formed at green InGaN/GaN QW interfaces. Meanwhile, we
      also propose the approach and suggest the mechanism to remove them for green
      InGaN/GaN QW grown on both GaN templates and free-standing GaN substrates. By
      engineering the interface of green InGaN/GaN QWs, we have achieved green laser
      diode (LD) structure with low threshold current density of 1.85 kA cm<sup>
      2</sup>. The output power of the green LD is 58 mW at a current density of 6 kA
      cm<sup>-2</sup> under continuous-wave operation at room temperature.

PMID- 28085836
TI  - Microring modulator matrix integrated with mode multiplexer and de-multiplexer
      for on-chip optical interconnect.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate a 4 * 4 microring modulator matrix integrated with
      the asymmetrical directional couplers based mode multiplexer and de-multiplexer
      photonic circuit for on-chip optical interconnect. The inter-mode optical
      crosstalk of the device is less than -20 dB in the wavelength range from 1525 nm
      to 1565 nm. Data transmission with a throughput capacity of 4 * 4 * 32 Gbps is
      achieved by utilizing four wavelengths and four spatial modes multiplexing. We
      envision this structure as a potential solution to increase the communication
      capacity for on-chip interconnect within limited chip area.

PMID- 28085837
TI  - Enhanced optical magnetism for reversed optical binding forces between silicon
      nanoparticles in the visible region.
AB  - We perform a comprehensive numerical analysis on the optical binding forces of a
      multiple-resonant silicon nanodimer induced by the normal illumination of a plane
      wave in the visible region. The silicon nanodimer provides either repulsive or
      attractive forces in water while providing only attractive forces in air. The
      enhancement of the magnetic dipole mode is attributed to the generation of
      repulsive forces. The sign (attractive/repulsive) and the amplitude of the
      optical forces are controlled by incident polarization and separation distance
      between the silicon nanoparticles. These optomechanical effects demonstrate a key
      step toward the optical sorting and assembly of silicon nanoparticles.

PMID- 28085838
TI  - Improvement of Swanepoel method for deriving the thickness and the optical
      properties of chalcogenide thin films.
AB  - A tangencypoint method (TPM) is presented to derive the thickness and optical
      constants of chalcogenide thin films from their transmission spectra. It solves
      the problem of the abnormal value of thickness in the strong absorption region
      obtained by Swanepoel method. The accuracy of the thickness and refractive index
      is better than 0.5% by using this method. Moreover, comparing with Swanepoel
      method by using the same simulation and experimental data from the transmission
      spectrum, the accuracy of the thickness and refractive index obtained by the TPM
      is higher in the strong absorption region. Finally the dispersion and absorption
      coefficient of the chalcogenide films are obtained based on the experimental data
      of the transmission spectrum by using the TPM.

PMID- 28085839
TI  - Amorphous-Si waveguide on a garnet magneto-optical isolator with a TE mode
      nonreciprocal phase shift.
AB  - We fabricated a magneto-optical (MO) isolator with a TE mode nonreciprocal phase
      shift. The isolator is based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer composed of 3-dB
      directional couplers, a reciprocal phase shifter, and a nonreciprocal phase
      shifter. To realize TE mode operation in the optical isolator, we designed a
      novel waveguide structure composed of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon waveguide
      with an asymmetric MO garnet lateral clad on a garnet substrate. The isolator
      operation is successfully demonstrated in a fabricated device showing the
      different transmittances between forward and backward directions. The maximum
      isolation of the fabricated isolator is 17.9 dB at a wavelength of 1561 nm for
      the TE mode.

PMID- 28085840
TI  - RF-pilot aided modulation format identification for hitless coherent transceiver.
AB  - We propose a RF-pilot aided modulation format identification (MFI) technique to
      enable a hitless flexible coherent transceiver with fast format switching. For
      the MFI, modulation format information is encoded to the amplitude of the RF
      pilot, which can be simultaneously used for the compensation of both laser phase
      noise and fiber nonlinearity. The proposed MFI technique is able to identify
      arbitrary modulation formats including multi-dimensional formats and hybrid QAM
      formats. The high accuracy of the proposed MFI scheme is experimentally
      demonstrated without sacrificing the tolerance of both laser phase noise and
      fiber nonlinearity for various modulation formats up to dual-polarization (DP)
      64QAM. Finally, over 2240 km standard single mode fiber (SSMF) link, we
      experimentally demonstrate a hitless coherent transceiver with a fast block-by
      block modulation format switching enabled by the proposed MFI.

PMID- 28085841
TI  - Real-time phase delay compensation of PGC demodulation in sinusoidal phase
      modulation interferometer for nanometer displacement measurement.
AB  - As the phase delay between the carrier component of the detected interference
      signal and the carrier has adverse effect for phase generated carrier (PGC)
      demodulation, it is essential to compensate the phase delay to improve the
      accuracy of precision displacement measurement in sinusoidal phase-modulation
      interferometer (SPMI). In this paper, a real-time phase delay compensation method
      is proposed by regulating a compensating phase introduced to the carrier to
      maximize the output of the low pass filter so as to make the carrier synchronize
      with the interference signal. The influence of phase delay for PGC demodulation
      is analyzed and the method for real-time phase delay compensation is described in
      detail. The simulation of the method was performed to verify the validity of the
      phase delay compensation algorithm. A SPMI using an EOM was constructed and
      several comparative experiments were carried out to demonstrate the feasibility
      of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the phase delay can be
      compensated accurately in real time, and nanometer accuracy is achieved for
      precision displacement measurement.

PMID- 28085843
TI  - Theoretical investigation of a multi-resonance plasmonic substrate for enhanced
      coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering.
AB  - The development of new substrates for surface-enhanced spectroscopy is primarily
      motivated by the ability to design such substrates to provide the maximum signal
      enhancement. In this paper, we theoretically design and investigate a crisscross
      dimer array as a plasmonic substrate for enhancing coherent anti-Stokes Raman
      scattering (CARS). The plasmonic film-crisscross dimer array system can excite
      multiple resonances at optical frequencies. By properly designing structure
      parameters, three plasmon resonances with large field enhancements and same
      spatial hot spot regions can spectrally match with the pump, Stokes and anti
      Stokes beams, respectively. The CARS signals are strongly enhanced by multi
      resonance plasmon field enhancements. The estimated CARS factor can reach as high
      order as ~10<sup>16</sup> over conventional CARS without the plasmonic substrate.

PMID- 28085842
TI  - Quasi-continuous frequency tunable terahertz quantum cascade lasers with coupled
      cavity and integrated photonic lattice.
AB  - We demonstrate quasi-continuous tuning of the emission frequency from coupled
      cavity terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers. Such coupled cavity lasers
      comprise a lasing cavity and a tuning cavity which are optically coupled through
      a narrow air slit and are operated above and below the lasing threshold current,
      respectively. The emission frequency of these devices is determined by the
      Vernier resonance of longitudinal modes in the lasing and the tuning cavities,
      and can be tuned by applying an index perturbation in the tuning cavity. The
      spectral coverage of the coupled cavity devices have been increased by reducing
      the repetition frequency of the Vernier resonance and increasing the ratio of the
      free spectral ranges of the two cavities. A continuous tuning of the coupled
      cavity modes has been realized through an index perturbation of the lasing cavity
      itself by using wide electrical heating pulses at the tuning cavity and
      exploiting thermal conduction through the monolithic substrate. Single mode
      emission and discrete frequency tuning over a bandwidth of 100 GHz and a quasi
      continuous frequency coverage of 7 GHz at 2.25 THz is demonstrated. An
      improvement in the side mode suppression and a continuous spectral coverage of 3
      GHz is achieved without any degradation of output power by integrating a pi-phase
      shifted photonic lattice in the laser cavity.

PMID- 28085844
TI  - Active-target-based calibration of relative poses of mirrors in intraoral
      scanners.
AB  - This paper describes a practical method using an active target to calibrate
      relative poses of mirrors in intraoral scanners. Intraoral scanning is a fast
      growing technology. Mirrors are widely used in intraoral scanners to increase the
      measuring area of a single view. The relative poses of these mirrors must be
      calibrated for accurate three-dimensional profiling. We present and analyze the
      geometric model of multiview mirrors. A calibration method for relative poses of
      mirrors is developed based on fringe projection. Vertical and horizontal fringes
      are displayed on an active target, and every pixel can be viewed as a calibration
      marker. This calibration method allows the mirrors to have a narrow common field
      of view. A cell phone display is chosen as the active target, and experimental
      results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method compared to
      traditional methods.

PMID- 28085845
TI  - Highly sensitive temperature sensor using a Sagnac loop interferometer based on a
      side-hole photonic crystal fiber filled with metal.
AB  - A highly sensitive temperature sensor based on an all-fiber Sagnac loop
      interferometer combined with metal-filled side-hole photonic crystal fiber (PCF)
      is proposed and demonstrated. PCFs containing two side holes filled with metal
      offer a structure that can be modified to create a change in the birefringence of
      the fiber by the expansion of the filler metal. Bismuth and indium were used to
      examine the effect of filler metal on the temperature sensitivity of the fiber
      optic temperature sensor. It was found from measurements that a very high
      temperature sensitivity of -9.0  nm/ degrees C could be achieved with the indium
      filled side-hole PCF. The experimental results are compared to numerical
      simulations with good agreement. It is shown that the high temperature
      sensitivity of the sensor is attributed to the fiber microstructure, which has a
      significant influence on the modulation of the birefringence caused by the
      expansion of the metal-filled holes.

PMID- 28085846
TI  - Super-flat coherent supercontinuum source in As<sub>38.8</sub>Se<sub>61.2</sub>
      chalcogenide photonic crystal fiber with all-normal dispersion engineering at a
      very low input energy.
AB  - We numerically report super-flat coherent mid-infrared supercontinuum (MIR-SC)
      generation in a chalcogenide As<sub>38.8</sub>Se<sub>61.2</sub> photonic crystal
      fiber (PCF). The dispersion and nonlinear parameters of
      As<sub>38.8</sub>Se<sub>61.2</sub> chalcogenide PCFs by varying the diameter of
      the air holes are engineered to obtain all-normal dispersion (ANDi) with high
      nonlinearities. We show that launching low-energy 50 fs optical pulses with 0.88
      kW peak power (corresponding to pulse energy of 0.05 nJ) at a central wavelength
      of 3.7 MUm into a 5 cm long ANDi-PCF generates a flat-top coherent MIR-SC
      spanning from 2900 to 4575 nm with a high spectral flatness of 3 dB. This ultra
      wide and flattened spectrum has excellent stability and coherence properties that
      can be used for MIR applications such as medical diagnosis of diseases,
      atmospheric pollution monitoring, and drug detection.

PMID- 28085847
TI  - Visualization of oscillatory stresses in transparent media using a beta
      Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> adaptive detector.
AB  - The phase-modulated optical signal produced by light propagation through stressed
      transparent media is detected using the non-steady-state photoelectromotive force
      technique. The mechanical system, including the glass plate and piezoelectric
      transducer, demonstrates resonant behavior in the vicinity of 100 kHz. The
      measured distribution of the optical phase is a bell-shaped surface for these
      frequencies. The simulation of the piezo-optic response shows qualitative
      coincidence with the experimental data and provides maps of the stress field. The
      characterization of the beta-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> adaptive detector is
      performed for the light wavelength lambda=532  nm.

PMID- 28085848
TI  - Defect-controlled transverse localization of light in triangular optical
      lattices.
AB  - We present a detailed analysis of the transverse localization of light in a
      triangular optical lattice with a negative defect of different depths and
      positions. The analysis allows us to explore some essentials of the localization
      behavior. We characterize the localization strength by global propagation of the
      signal beam and its properties on the output plane. It is demonstrated that the
      enhancement of the localization is dependent on the defect depth. Additionally,
      the calculation of the ray trace of the signal beam shows that the position of
      the defect has a crucial influence on the localization.

PMID- 28085849
TI  - Automated surface inspection for steel products using computer vision approach.
AB  - Surface inspection is a critical step in ensuring the product quality in the
      steel-making industry. In order to relieve inspectors of laborious work and
      improve the consistency of inspection, much effort has been dedicated to the
      automated inspection using computer vision approaches over the past decades.
      However, due to non-uniform illumination conditions and similarity between the
      surface textures and defects, the present methods are usually applicable to very
      specific cases. In this paper a new framework for surface inspection has been
      proposed to overcome these limitations. By investigating the image formation
      process, a quantitative model characterizing the impact of illumination on the
      image quality is developed, based on which the non-uniform brightness in the
      image can be effectively removed. Then a simple classifier is designed to
      identify the defects among the surface textures. The significance of this
      approach lies in its robustness to illumination changes and wide applicability to
      different inspection scenarios. The proposed approach has been successfully
      applied to the real-time surface inspection of round billets in real
      manufacturing. Implemented on a conventional industrial PC, the algorithm can
      proceed at 12.5 frames per second with the successful detection rate being over
      90% for turned and skinned billets.

PMID- 28085850
TI  - Glucose solution determination based on liquid photoacoustic resonance.
AB  - Noninvasive blood glucose determination has received considerable attention in
      the past from both patients and scientists all over the world, and it is becoming
      increasingly important as a research focus. The two most difficult problems
      leading to no breakthrough in this area are sensitivity and specificity in
      determination. In order to obtain reliable measurement results of blood glucose
      levels, we propose a new liquid photoacoustic resonance theory that can
      significantly enhance the intensity of the signal and improve the sensitivity.
      This paper demonstrates the theory of liquid photoacoustic resonance, gives a
      rigorous mathematical expression, and analyzes the variation of the transducer
      output in the case of liquid photoacoustic resonance. A signal processing method
      is demonstrated at the same time under the liquid photoacoustic resonance
      condition. Meanwhile, the feasibility and validity are verified by experiments
      with different concentrations of glucose solution. The result shows that liquid
      photoacoustic resonance can strengthen the signal, and the resolution achieves 20
      mg/dL. This method overcomes the issue of low sensitivity and the inaccurate
      detection in the nonresonant case, and gets accurate results. This result could
      provide a theoretical basis for realization of noninvasive measurement of blood
      glucose.

PMID- 28085851
TI  - All-fiber magnetic field sensor based on tapered thin-core fiber and magnetic
      fluid.
AB  - A method for the measurement of a magnetic field by combining a tapered thin-core
      fiber (TTCF) and magnetic fluid is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The
      modal interference effect is caused by the core mode and excited eigenmodes in
      the TTCF cladding. The transmission spectra of the proposed sensor are measured
      and theoretically analyzed at different magnetic field strengths. The results
      field show that the magnetic sensitivity reaches up to -0.1039  dB/Oe in the
      range of 40-1600 e. The proposed method possesses high sensitivity and low cost
      compared with other expensive methods.

PMID- 28085852
TI  - Synchronous driving scheme for silicon-based optical switches to critically
      compensate for thermo-optic effect in carrier injection.
AB  - The switching performance of high-speed optical-switching-integrated chips is to
      a great extent dependent on the carrier injection technique, which is accompanied
      by the thermo-optic effect. In this paper, we put forward a synchronous driving
      scheme for the silicon-based Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) optical switches,
      which is capable of critically compensating for the temperature variation with
      carrier injection to the p-i-n diode on one arm of the MZI by applying a
      synchronous modulating voltage to the silicon resistive heater on the other MZI
      arm. The synchronous compensation mechanism is identified by experiments and
      simulation. Our experimental data show that, by comparison with the traditional
      driving scheme, the synchronous driving scheme can improve the extinction ratio
      by 1 dB, along with a better switching waveform.

PMID- 28085853
TI  - Fiber Bragg grating-based measurement of random-rotation parameters.
AB  - A preloaded rotational sensor featuring a spring packaged within the magnetic
      head has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The aforementioned fiber
      Bragg grating-based system can convert the strain information into rotation
      angles without rotation angle limitations in terms of the proposed angle transfer
      mathematical model. The random-angular displacements were well fitted by the
      model with the maximum deviation of 0.5 degrees . The linearity of the calculated
      rotational velocity reaches up to 0.998 in the range of 0 to 2021.4 rpm. This
      sensor can also be applied in the angular acceleration measurement.

PMID- 28085854
TI  - Phase extraction from fringe pattern via light propagation.
AB  - A phase demodulation method via light propagation is proposed, where one or two
      fringe patterns are viewed as the superposition of complex amplitudes, and then
      the phase is reconstructed by separating the light field via light propagation.
      Simulation and experimental results indicated that the proposed method can
      extract the phase from a single shot effectively, thereby realizing dynamic phase
      retrieval. In addition, the accuracy of phase reconstruction can be improved by
      adding another fringe pattern with an unknown phase shift. The carrier
      requirement is relatively low, and, thus, the proposed method can be applied to
      the measurements with an environment disturbance, an inaccurate phase shift, and
      the requirement of a high speed capture.

PMID- 28085855
TI  - Potassium permanganate (KMnO<sub>4</sub>) sensing based on microfiber sensors.
AB  - Two straight microfiber sensors are proposed and demonstrated for the detection
      of various concentrations of a potassium permanganate (KMnO<sub>4</sub>)
      solution. Two types of straight microfibers, namely, silica microfiber and
      poly(methyl methacrylate) microfiber, have been fabricated by using the flame
      brushing technique and the direct drawing technique, respectively. Based on the
      varied KMnO<sub>4</sub> concentrations of the solution from 1% to 6%, the
      measurement of the peak voltage of the transmission power was made. The results
      show that the sensitivity of the silica microfiber sensor and the polymer
      microfiber is obtained at 184.5 MUW/% and 32.57 MUW/% with a resolution of
      0.0035% and 0.0064%, respectively. Hence, the silica microfiber is more sensitive
      than the polymer microfiber for KMnO<sub>4</sub> concentration measurements.

PMID- 28085856
TI  - Electrostrictive optical resonators for non-contact displacement measurement.
AB  - This paper describes a non-contact transduction mechanism for the measurement of
      linear displacements that is based on the electrostrictive properties of a
      polymeric optical resonator. The spherical resonators, with a diameter of ~1  mm
      and an average optical quality factor of ~10<sup>6</sup>, are made using a
      commercially available polymer (Super Soft Plastic-Manufacturing Company). The
      spherical resonator is immersed in a homogeneous electric field that is generated
      by applying a voltage difference between two metallic plates. One of the plates
      is fixed, whereas the other one is movable. By changing the distance between the
      plates, the electric field intensity changes, leading to a variation of the
      mechanical forces (electrostrictive effect) acting on the resonator. This effect,
      in turn, leads to a change in the morphology of the optical resonator and
      therefore to a shift of its optical resonances. By tracking the shift of the
      optical modes, it is possible to determine the displacement of the movable plate.
      Our results indicate a sensitivity ranging from 0.008 to 0.642  pm/MUm with a
      resolution on the order of a few hundreds of nanometers.

PMID- 28085857
TI  - Dispersion analysis and measurement of potassium tantalate niobate crystals by
      broadband optical interferometers.
AB  - Electro-optic crystals, such as potassium tantalate niobate [KTa<sub>1
      x</sub>Nb<sub>x</sub>O<sub>3</sub>(KTN)], are enabling materials for many optical
      devices. Their utility in broadband applications heavily depends on their
      dispersion property. To this end, an analysis of dispersion mismatch in broadband
      optical interferometers is first presented. Then a method utilizing polynomial
      phase fitting to measure the dispersion property of materials composing the arms
      of an interferometer is introduced. As a demonstration, an interferometry system
      based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) was built, where, for the first time,
      the group velocity dispersion of a KTN crystal around 1310 nm was measured and
      numerically compensated for OCT imaging. Several advantages over a widely used
      method in OCT, which is based on metric functions, are discussed. The results
      show the fitting method can provide a more reliable measurement with reduced
      computation complexity.

PMID- 28085858
TI  - Spectroscopic thermometry for long-distance surveying.
AB  - Electronic distance meters are routinely used to accurately determine the
      distance between two points. To reach relative measurement uncertainties of
      10<sup>-7</sup>, the average temperature along the beam has to be known within
      100 mK since it is a key component in determining the refractive index of air.
      Temperature measurements at this level are extremely challenging over long
      distances and especially in an outdoor environment. This paper presents a
      thermometer for accurate temperature measurements over distances up to a few km.
      The thermometer is based on direct laser absorption spectroscopy of oxygen near
      770 nm. The thermometer yields a spatially continuous measurement of air
      temperature, and it can provide spatially and temporally well-matching data with
      an actual distance-measuring laser beam. A field measurement campaign at the 864
      m Nummela standard baseline demonstrates applicability of the developed
      thermometer for improving the refractive index compensation of current high
      performance electronic distance meters.

PMID- 28085859
TI  - Study on a wideband, variable aperture, high resolution scatterometer for planar
      diffraction grating stray light measurement.
AB  - Stray light is one of the important factors for evaluating the quality of
      gratings. Therefore, it has become an important problem in the field of grating
      development to measure the stray light of planar diffraction gratings accurately.
      For that reason, a planar grating stray light testing instrument based on a
      Czerny-Turner (C-T) structure has been studied. On the premise of the low stray
      light of the instrument itself, the instrument is capable of measuring wideband,
      variable aperture, and high resolution stray light for planar gratings. A
      scatterometer dynamic range of over nine orders has been demonstrated. Based on
      the scalar diffraction theory and classical Fresnel-Kirchhoff diffraction theory,
      the optical and mechanical model of the scatterometer is designed, which is
      irradiated by parallel light, and the simulation results are analyzed. The
      instrument realizes the measurement of the grating distribution function (GDF).
      And with reference to the expression form of the bidirectional reflectance
      distribution function (BRDF), the measurement data of the instrument is
      associated with the power spectral density (PSD). Through the optical integrated
      design and stray light suppression design, full aperture (15  mm*15  mm-200 
      mm*200  mm) and wideband (380-900 nm) measurement for any number of lines grating
      is realized, and the efficiency of equipment usage is improved. Experimental
      results show that based on the attenuation method, the accuracy of measurement
      can be 10<sup>-9</sup> by the replacement of the neutral density filters.

PMID- 28085860
TI  - Miniaturized fiber-taper-based Fabry-Perot interferometer for high-temperature
      sensing.
AB  - A microminiaturized all-fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) for high
      temperature sensing has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The FPI is
      composed of a micro-air bubble and a taper probe with a tip less than 2 MUm in
      diameter as reflected interfaces. A temperature sensitivity of 14.68 pm/ degrees
      C near the wavelength of 1550 nm is obtained. The sensor, with its miniature
      size, can work in an ultra-small space with a large range of temperature
      variation.

PMID- 28085861
TI  - Modeling Herriott cells using the linear canonical transform.
AB  - We demonstrate a new way to analyze stable, multipass optical cavities (Herriott
      cells), using the linear canonical transform formalism, showing that re-entrant
      designs reproduce an arbitrary input field at the output, resulting in useful
      symmetries. We use this analysis to predict the stability of cavities used in
      interferometric delay lines for temporal pulse addition.

PMID- 28085862
TI  - Thermal-induced phase-shift error of a fiber-optic gyroscope due to fiber tail
      length asymmetry.
AB  - As a high-precision angular sensor, the fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) usually shows
      high sensitivity to disturbances of the environmental temperature. Research on
      thermal-induced error of the FOG is meaningful to improve its robust performance
      and reliability in practical applications. In this paper, thermal-induced
      nonreciprocal phase-shift error of the FOG due to asymmetric fiber tail length is
      discussed in detail, based on temperature diffusion theory. Theoretical analysis
      shows that the increase of thermal-induced nonreciprocal phase shift of the FOG
      is proportional to the asymmetric tail length. Moreover, experiments with
      temperature ranging from -40 degrees C to 60 degrees C are performed to confirm
      the analysis. The analysis and experiment results indicate that we may compensate
      the asymmetry of fiber coil due to imperfect winding and the assembly process by
      adjusting the fiber tail length, which can reduce the thermal-induced phase-shift
      error and further improve the adaptability of the FOG in a changing ambient
      temperature.

PMID- 28085863
TI  - Effect of laser speckle on light from laser diode-pumped phosphor-converted light
      sources.
AB  - Laser diode (LD) pumped white light sources are being developed as an alternative
      to light-emitting diode-pumped sources for high efficiency and/or high brightness
      applications. While several performance metrics of laser-pumped phosphor
      converted light sources have been investigated, the effect of laser speckle has
      not been sufficiently explored. This paper describes our experimental studies on
      how laser speckle affects the behavior of light from laser-excited phosphor
      lamps. A single LD pumping a phosphor plate was the geometry explored in this
      work. Overall, our findings are that the down-converted light did not exhibit any
      speckle, whereas speckle was present in the residual pump light but much reduced
      from that in direct laser light. Furthermore, a thicker coating of small-grained
      phosphors served to effectively reduce speckle through static pump light
      diffusion in the phosphor coating. Our investigations showed that speckle is not
      of concern in illumination from LD-pumped phosphor-converted light sources.

PMID- 28085864
TI  - Improve optics fabrication efficiency by using a radio frequency ion beam
      figuring tool.
AB  - An ion beam with high removal rate and small diameter is expected in ion beam
      figuring. For an ion beam figuring tool, reducing the extraction grid opening is
      a feasible method to decrease the ion beam diameter, but the ion beam removal
      rate decreases at the same time. The ion beam removal rate depends much on the
      ion density in the ion source discharge room. The plasma in a hollow cathode (HC)
      ion source and a radio frequency (RF) ion source was simulated. The simulations
      suggested that the ion density in the RF ion source is higher than that of the HC
      one. Then, a RF ion source with an integrative matching network was developed and
      tested in this paper, where the ion beam removal rate reached up to 193 nm/min
      for 10 mm opening extraction grids.

PMID- 28085865
TI  - Slant-path coherent free space optical communications over the maritime and
      terrestrial atmospheres with the use of adaptive optics for beam wavefront
      correction.
AB  - As a continuation of our previous work [Appl. Opt.54, 1453 (2015)APOPAI0003
      693510.1364/AO.54.001453] in which we have studied the performance of coherent
      free space optical (FSO) communication systems operating over a horizontal path,
      in this paper we study the coherent FSO system operating over a general slant
      path. We evaluated system bit-error-rate (BER) in the case when the quadrature
      phase-shift keying (QPSK) modulation format is applied and when an adaptive
      optics (AO) system is employed to mitigate the air turbulence effects for both
      maritime and terrestrial air transmission scenarios. We adopted a multiple-layer
      scheme to efficiently model the FSO slant-path links. The atmospheric channel
      fading was characterized by the wavefront phase distortions and the log-amplitude
      fluctuations. We derived analytical expressions to characterize log-amplitude
      fluctuations of air turbulence by asserting the aperture averaging within the
      frame of the multiple-layer model. The obtained results showed that use of AO
      enabled improvement of system performance for both uplinks and downlinks, and
      also revealed that it is more beneficial for the FSO downlinks. Also, AO
      employment brought larger enhancements in BER performance for the maritime slant
      path FSO links than for the terrestrial ones, with an additional striking
      increase in performance when the AO correction is combined with the aperture
      averaging.

PMID- 28085866
TI  - Improved master-replica separation process for fabrication of a blazed concave
      grating by using a combination-type convex grating.
AB  - An imprinting process that enables fabrication of blazed concave gratings with
      small radius and large curvature is presented. In this process, a combination
      type convex grating substrate is used as a master to replace the single part used
      in the traditional process. The two parts of the combined convex grating are
      independently separated from the resist layer. In this manner, the concave blazed
      grating pattern in the resist can maintain maximum consistency with that on the
      combined convex grating. Experiments are conducted to demonstrate the feasibility
      of a two-step fabrication technology.

PMID- 28085867
TI  - Combined diffuse optical tomography and photoacoustic tomography for enhanced
      functional imaging of small animals: a methodological study on phantoms.
AB  - Hybrid imaging methods combining diffuse optical tomography (DOT) and other
      anatomical or nonoptical functional modalities have been widely investigated to
      improve imaging performance degraded by the strong optical scattering of
      biological tissues, through constraining the reconstruction process by prior
      structures. However, these modalities with different contrast mechanisms may be
      ineffective in revealing early-staged lesions with high optical contrast but no
      morphological changes. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is particularly useful for
      visualizing light-absorbing structures embedded in soft tissues with high spatial
      resolution. Although it is still challenging for PAT to quantitatively disclose
      the absorption distribution, the modality does provide reliable and specific a
      priori information differentiating light-absorbing structures of soft tissues and
      might be more appropriate to guide DOT in lesion diagnosis, as compared with
      other anatomical or nonoptical functional modalities. In this study, a PAT-guided
      DOT approach is introduced with both soft- and hard-prior regularizations. The
      methodology is experimentally validated on small-animal-sized phantoms using a
      computed-tomography-analogous (CT-analogous) PAT/DOT dual-modality system,
      focusing on future whole-body applications. The results show that the proposed
      scheme is capable of effectively improving the quantitative accuracy and spatial
      resolution of DOT reconstruction.

PMID- 28085868
TI  - Laser-damage characteristics of Nd:glass active mirrors.
AB  - The active-mirror architecture is widely used in high-power laser systems. In
      this study, the laser-damage characteristics of Nd:glass active mirrors are
      investigated. They are exposed to nanosecond 1064 nm laser incident from the
      Nd:glass. The laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDTs) of the coated sides are
      lower than those of the uncoated sides. The LIDT of the active mirror whose
      substrate is manually scrubbed is lower than that of one whose substrate is
      ultrasonically cleaned. Analysis shows that the absorbing surface defects on the
      manually scrubbed Nd:glass surface are responsible for the lower LIDT of the
      active mirror prepared via manual scrubbing, while the subsurface defects in the
      ultrasonically cleaned Nd:glass substrate are the main reason for the damage of
      the active mirror prepared via ultrasonic cleaning. The strong standing-wave
      electric field near the interface between the coating and the Nd:glass substrate
      is another factor affecting the damage of the active mirror.

PMID- 28085869
TI  - Optical properties of a one-dimensional photonic crystal containing a graphene
      based hyperbolic metamaterial defect layer.
AB  - The transmission properties of a one-dimensional defective photonic crystal have
      been investigated using the transfer matrix method. A layer of graphene-based
      hyperbolic metamaterial whose optical axis is tilted with respect to the
      interface is taken as a defect. It is shown that two kinds of the defect modes
      can be found in the band gaps of the structure for TM-polarized waves. One kind
      is created at the frequency range in which the principle elements of the
      effective permittivity tensor of the defect layer have the same signs. The
      frequency of this kind of defect mode is independent from the orientation of the
      optical axis of the defect layer. The other one is created at the hyperbolic
      dispersion frequency range. Such a defect mode appears due to the anisotropic
      behavior of the defect layer and its frequency strongly depends on the
      orientation of the optical axis. Unlike the conventional defect modes, the
      magnetic field of this defect mode is localized around the defect layer.

PMID- 28085870
TI  - Representation of image distortion by Moire fringes at phase singularity state.
AB  - When a grating is imaged by an optical imaging system, due to the aberrations of
      the system, the parameters of the image grating suffer minute gradual changes
      across the image. Superimposing an ideal grating image over the real grating
      image at the phase singularity state of the two gratings leads to phase contours,
      special Moire fringes, which directly represent the distortions over the image.
      In this report, after a brief review of the required theoretical bases, we show
      when the parameters of a grating change linearly the corresponding Moire fringes
      at the singularity state are represented by quadratic functions, and for
      nonlinear changes higher order functions are involved. Thus, by imposing desired
      changes on the parameters of a grating one can produce Moire fringes satisfying
      functions of required orders. In the experimental part of the report we apply the
      technique to evaluate the image distortions imposed by a conventional camera and
      cameras installed in a mobile and in a tablet.

PMID- 28085871
TI  - Combined effect of turbulence and aerosol on free-space optical links.
AB  - Despite the benefits of free-space optical (FSO) communications, their full
      utilization is limited by the influence of atmospheric weather conditions, such
      as fog, turbulence, smoke, snow, etc. In urban environments, additional
      environmental factors such as smog and dust particles due to air pollution caused
      by industry and motor vehicles may affect FSO link performance, which has not
      been investigated in detail yet. Both smog and dust particles cause absorption
      and scattering of the propagating optical signal, thus resulting in high
      attenuation. This work investigates the joint impact of atmospheric turbulence
      and dust particle-imposed scattering on FSO link performance as part of the last
      mile access network in urban areas. Propagation of an optical wave is at first
      analyzed based on the microphysic approach, and the extinction caused by small
      particles is determined. An experimental measurement campaign using a dedicated
      test chamber is carried out to assess FSO link performance operating wavelengths
      of 670 nm and 830 nm and under dust and turbulent conditions. The measured
      attenuation and the Q factor in terms of the velocity of particle flow and
      turbulence strength are analyzed. We show that for an airflow of 2 m/s, the Q
      factor is almost 3.5 higher at the wavelength of 830 nm than at 670 nm. However,
      for a wavelength of 670 nm, the FSO link is less affected by the increase in
      airflow compared to 830 nm. The Q factor reduces with turbulence. Under similar
      turbulence conditions, for ash particles, the Q factor is higher than that of
      sand particles.

PMID- 28085872
TI  - Speckle patterns produced by an optical vortex and its application to surface
      roughness measurements.
AB  - In this work, we report on the analysis of speckle patterns produced by
      illuminating different rough surfaces with an optical vortex, a first-order (l=1)
      Laguerre-Gaussian beam. The generated speckle patterns were observed in the
      normal direction exploring four different planes: the diffraction plane, image
      plane, focal plane, and exact Fourier transform plane. The digital speckle
      patterns were analyzed using the Hurst exponent of digital images, an interesting
      tool used to study surface roughness. We show a proof of principle that the Hurst
      exponent of a digital speckle pattern is more sensitive with respect to the
      surface roughness when the speckle pattern is produced by an optical vortex and
      observed at a focal plane. We also show that Hurst exponents are not so sensitive
      with respect to the topological charge l. These results open news possibilities
      of investigation into speckle metrology once we have several techniques that use
      speckle patterns for different applications.

PMID- 28085873
TI  - Robust motion-free and error-correcting method of estimating the focal length of
      a lens.
AB  - This paper presents a motion-free technique to characterize the focal length of
      any spherical convex or concave lens. The measurement test-bench uses a Gaussian
      laser beam, an electronically controlled variable focus lens (ECVFL), a digital
      micro-mirror device (DMD), and a standard photo-detector (PD). The method
      requires measuring beam spot sizes for different focal length settings of the
      ECVFL and using the measurement data to obtain a focal length estimate through an
      iterative least-squares-based curve-fitting algorithm. The method is also shown
      to overcome potential measurement errors that arise due to inaccurate placement
      of optical components on the test-bench as well as unknown principal plane
      locations of asymmetric lens samples such as plano-convex lenses. Contrary to the
      commercially deployed and other proposed methods of focal length
      characterization, this method does not involve any bulk mechanical motion of
      optical elements. This approach eliminates measurement errors due to gradual
      mechanical wear and tear and improves measurement repeatability by minimizing
      mechanical hysteresis. The compact and fully automated method delivers fast,
      repeatable, and reliable measurements, which we believe makes it ideal for
      deployment in industrial lens production units and characterizing lenses used in
      sensitive imaging systems and various other optical experiments and systems.
      Measured focal lengths are within the 1% manufacturer-provided tolerance values
      showing excellent agreement between theory and experiments. We also demonstrate
      measurement robustness by rectifying discrepancies between known and actual
      separation distances on the measurement test bench.

PMID- 28085874
TI  - Rayleigh backscattering from the fundamental mode in step-index multimode optical
      fibers.
AB  - The Rayleigh backscattering produced by an incident fundamental mode in a
      multimode step-index optical fiber was analyzed using a recently developed
      diffraction technique. The complete set of backward propagating modes, both
      radial and azimuthal, was determined and regarded. For this type of fiber,
      normalized mode functions were constructed in an explicit form, thus providing a
      unified power scale to characterize the relationships between various excited
      modes. The dependencies of the mode excitation efficiencies on the technical
      parameters of the fiber and the frequency of the launched radiation were studied.
      A comparison of the mode excitation efficiencies was performed with those in the
      fiber with quadratic refractive index profiles.

PMID- 28085875
TI  - Is the Conformational Ensemble of Alzheimer's Abeta10-40 Peptide Force Field
      Dependent?
AB  - By applying REMD simulations we have performed comparative analysis of the
      conformational ensembles of amino-truncated Abeta10-40 peptide produced with five
      force fields, which combine four protein parameterizations (CHARMM36, CHARMM22*,
      CHARMM22/cmap, and OPLS-AA) and two water models (standard and modified TIP3P).
      Abeta10-40 conformations were analyzed by computing secondary structure, backbone
      fluctuations, tertiary interactions, and radius of gyration. We have also
      calculated Abeta10-40 3JHNHalpha-coupling and RDC constants and compared them
      with their experimental counterparts obtained for the full-length Abeta1-40
      peptide. Our study led us to several conclusions. First, all force fields predict
      that Abeta adopts unfolded structure dominated by turn and random coil
      conformations. Second, specific TIP3P water model does not dramatically affect
      secondary or tertiary Abeta10-40 structure, albeit standard TIP3P model favors
      slightly more compact states. Third, although the secondary structures observed
      in CHARMM36 and CHARMM22/cmap simulations are qualitatively similar, their
      tertiary interactions show little consistency. Fourth, two force fields, OPLS-AA
      and CHARMM22* have unique features setting them apart from CHARMM36 or
      CHARMM22/cmap. OPLS-AA reveals moderate beta-structure propensity coupled with
      extensive, but weak long-range tertiary interactions leading to Abeta collapsed
      conformations. CHARMM22* exhibits moderate helix propensity and generates
      multiple exceptionally stable long- and short-range interactions. Our
      investigation suggests that among all force fields CHARMM22* differs the most
      from CHARMM36. Fifth, the analysis of 3JHNHalpha-coupling and RDC constants based
      on CHARMM36 force field with standard TIP3P model led us to an unexpected finding
      that in silico Abeta10-40 and experimental Abeta1-40 constants are generally in
      better agreement than these quantities computed and measured for identical
      peptides, such as Abeta1-40 or Abeta1-42. This observation suggests that the
      differences in the conformational ensembles of Abeta10-40 and Abeta1-40 are small
      and the former can be used as proxy of the full-length peptide. Based on this
      argument, we concluded that CHARMM36 force field with standard TIP3P model
      produces the most accurate representation of Abeta10-40 conformational ensemble.

PMID- 28085876
TI  - Inference of Transmission Network Structure from HIV Phylogenetic Trees.
AB  - Phylogenetic inference is an attractive means to reconstruct transmission
      histories and epidemics. However, there is not a perfect correspondence between
      transmission history and virus phylogeny. Both node height and topological
      differences may occur, depending on the interaction between within-host
      evolutionary dynamics and between-host transmission patterns. To investigate
      these interactions, we added a within-host evolutionary model in epidemiological
      simulations and examined if the resulting phylogeny could recover different types
      of contact networks. To further improve realism, we also introduced patient
      specific differences in infectivity across disease stages, and on the epidemic
      level we considered incomplete sampling and the age of the epidemic. Second, we
      implemented an inference method based on approximate Bayesian computation (ABC)
      to discriminate among three well-studied network models and jointly estimate both
      network parameters and key epidemiological quantities such as the infection rate.
      Our ABC framework used both topological and distance-based tree statistics for
      comparison between simulated and observed trees. Overall, our simulations showed
      that a virus time-scaled phylogeny (genealogy) may be substantially different
      from the between-host transmission tree. This has important implications for the
      interpretation of what a phylogeny reveals about the underlying epidemic contact
      network. In particular, we found that while the within-host evolutionary process
      obscures the transmission tree, the diversification process and infectivity
      dynamics also add discriminatory power to differentiate between different types
      of contact networks. We also found that the possibility to differentiate contact
      networks depends on how far an epidemic has progressed, where distance-based tree
      statistics have more power early in an epidemic. Finally, we applied our ABC
      inference on two different outbreaks from the Swedish HIV-1 epidemic.

PMID- 28085877
TI  - Forecasting Zika Incidence in the 2016 Latin America Outbreak Combining
      Traditional Disease Surveillance with Search, Social Media, and News Report Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over 400,000 people across the Americas are thought to have been
      infected with Zika virus as a consequence of the 2015-2016 Latin American
      outbreak. Official government-led case count data in Latin America are typically
      delayed by several weeks, making it difficult to track the disease in a timely
      manner. Thus, timely disease tracking systems are needed to design and assess
      interventions to mitigate disease transmission. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      We combined information from Zika-related Google searches, Twitter microblogs,
      and the HealthMap digital surveillance system with historical Zika suspected case
      counts to track and predict estimates of suspected weekly Zika cases during the
      2015-2016 Latin American outbreak, up to three weeks ahead of the publication of
      official case data. We evaluated the predictive power of these data and used a
      dynamic multivariable approach to retrospectively produce predictions of weekly
      suspected cases for five countries: Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Venezuela,
      and Martinique. Models that combined Google (and Twitter data where available)
      with autoregressive information showed the best out-of-sample predictive accuracy
      for 1-week ahead predictions, whereas models that used only Google and Twitter
      typically performed best for 2- and 3-week ahead predictions. SIGNIFICANCE: Given
      the significant delay in the release of official government-reported Zika case
      counts, we show that these Internet-based data streams can be used as timely and
      complementary ways to assess the dynamics of the outbreak.

PMID- 28085878
TI  - Restoring the Duality between Principal Components of a Distance Matrix and
      Linear Combinations of Predictors, with Application to Studies of the Microbiome.
AB  - Appreciation of the importance of the microbiome is increasing, as sequencing
      technology has made it possible to ascertain the microbial content of a variety
      of samples. Studies that sequence the 16S rRNA gene, ubiquitous in and nearly
      exclusive to bacteria, have proliferated in the medical literature. After
      sequences are binned into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) or species, data
      from these studies are summarized in a data matrix with the observed counts from
      each OTU for each sample. Analysis often reduces these data further to a matrix
      of pairwise distances or dissimilarities; plotting the first two or three
      principal components (PCs) of this distance matrix often reveals meaningful
      groupings in the data. However, once the distance matrix is calculated, it is no
      longer clear which OTUs or species are important to the observed clustering;
      further, the PCs are hard to interpret and cannot be calculated for subsequent
      observations. We show how to construct approximate decompositions of the data
      matrix that pair PCs with linear combinations of OTU or species frequencies, and
      show how these decompositions can be used to construct biplots, select important
      OTUs and partition the variability in the data matrix into contributions
      corresponding to PCs of an arbitrary distance or dissimilarity matrix. To
      illustrate our approach, we conduct an analysis of the bacteria found in 45
      smokeless tobacco samples.

PMID- 28085879
TI  - Acylation of the Type 3 Secretion System Translocon Using a Dedicated Acyl
      Carrier Protein.
AB  - Bacterial pathogens often deliver effectors into host cells using type 3
      secretion systems (T3SS), the extremity of which forms a translocon that
      perforates the host plasma membrane. The T3SS encoded by Salmonella pathogenicity
      island 1 (SPI-1) is genetically associated with an acyl carrier protein, IacP,
      whose role has remained enigmatic. In this study, using tandem affinity
      purification, we identify a direct protein-protein interaction between IacP and
      the translocon protein SipB. We show, by mass spectrometry and radiolabelling,
      that SipB is acylated, which provides evidence for a modification of the
      translocon that has not been described before. A unique and conserved cysteine
      residue of SipB is identified as crucial for this modification. Although
      acylation of SipB was not essential to virulence, we show that this
      posttranslational modification promoted SipB insertion into host-cell membranes
      and pore-forming activity linked to the SPI-1 T3SS. Cooccurrence of acyl carrier
      and translocon proteins in several gamma- and beta-proteobacteria suggests that
      acylation of the translocon is conserved in these other pathogenic bacteria.
      These results also indicate that acyl carrier proteins, known for their
      involvement in metabolic pathways, have also evolved as cofactors of new
      bacterial protein lipidation pathways.

PMID- 28085880
TI  - A Computational Approach for Identifying Synergistic Drug Combinations.
AB  - A promising alternative to address the problem of acquired drug resistance is to
      rely on combination therapies. Identification of the right combinations is often
      accomplished through trial and error, a labor and resource intensive process
      whose scale quickly escalates as more drugs can be combined. To address this
      problem, we present a broad computational approach for predicting synergistic
      combinations using easily obtainable single drug efficacy, no detailed
      mechanistic understanding of drug function, and limited drug combination testing.
      When applied to mutant BRAF melanoma, we found that our approach exhibited
      significant predictive power. Additionally, we validated previously untested
      synergy predictions involving anticancer molecules. As additional large
      combinatorial screens become available, this methodology could prove to be
      impactful for identification of drug synergy in context of other types of
      cancers.

PMID- 28085881
TI  - European Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens Are Competent Vectors for Japanese
      Encephalitis Virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the causative agent of Japanese
      encephalitis, the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. JEV transmission
      cycle involves mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts. The detection of JEV RNA in a
      pool of Culex pipiens caught in 2010 in Italy raised the concern of a putative
      emergence of the virus in Europe. We aimed to study the vector competence of
      European mosquito populations, such as Cx. pipiens and Aedes albopictus for JEV
      genotypes 3 and 5. FINDINGS: After oral feeding on an infectious blood meal,
      mosquitoes were dissected at various times post-virus exposure. We found that the
      peak for JEV infection and transmission was between 11 and 13 days post-virus
      exposure. We observed a faster dissemination of both JEV genotypes in Ae.
      albopictus mosquitoes, when compared with Cx. pipiens mosquitoes. We also
      dissected salivary glands and collected saliva from infected mosquitoes and
      showed that Ae. albopictus mosquitoes transmitted JEV earlier than Cx. pipiens.
      The virus collected from Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens saliva was competent at
      causing pathogenesis in a mouse model for JEV infection. Using this model, we
      found that mosquito saliva or salivary glands did not enhance the severity of the
      disease. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated that European populations of
      Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens were efficient vectors for JEV transmission.
      Susceptible vertebrate species that develop high viremia are an obligatory part
      of the JEV transmission cycle. This study highlights the need to investigate the
      susceptibility of potential JEV reservoir hosts in Europe, notably amongst swine
      populations and local water birds.

PMID- 28085882
TI  - A Stable Finite-Difference Scheme for Population Growth and Diffusion on a Map.
AB  - We describe a general Godunov-type splitting for numerical simulations of the
      Fisher-Kolmogorov-Petrovski-Piskunov growth and diffusion equation on a world map
      with Neumann boundary conditions. The procedure is semi-implicit, hence quite
      stable. Our principal application for this solver is modeling human population
      dispersal over geographical maps with changing paleovegetation and paleoclimate
      in the late Pleistocene. As a proxy for carrying capacity we use Net Primary
      Productivity (NPP) to predict times for human arrival in the Americas.

PMID- 28085883
TI  - The Yin and Yang of Memory Consolidation: Hippocampal and Neocortical.
AB  - While hippocampal and cortical mechanisms of memory consolidation have long been
      studied, their interaction is poorly understood. We sought to investigate
      potential interactions with respect to trace dominance, strengthening, and
      interference associated with postencoding novelty or sleep. A learning procedure
      was scheduled in a watermaze that placed the impact of novelty and sleep in
      opposition. Distinct behavioural manipulations-context preexposure or
      interference during memory retrieval-differentially affected trace dominance and
      trace survival, respectively. Analysis of immediate early gene expression
      revealed parallel up-regulation in the hippocampus and cortex, sustained in the
      hippocampus in association with novelty but in the cortex in association with
      sleep. These findings shed light on dynamically interacting mechanisms mediating
      the stabilization of hippocampal and neocortical memory traces. Hippocampal
      memory traces followed by novelty were more dominant by default but liable to
      interference, whereas sleep engaged a lasting stabilization of cortical traces
      and consequent trace dominance after preexposure.

PMID- 28085884
TI  - A Looping-Based Model for Quenching Repression.
AB  - We model the regulatory role of proteins bound to looped DNA using a simulation
      in which dsDNA is represented as a self-avoiding chain, and proteins as spherical
      protrusions. We simulate long self-avoiding chains using a sequential importance
      sampling Monte-Carlo algorithm, and compute the probabilities for chain looping
      with and without a protrusion. We find that a protrusion near one of the chain's
      termini reduces the probability of looping, even for chains much longer than the
      protrusion-chain-terminus distance. This effect increases with protrusion size,
      and decreases with protrusion-terminus distance. The reduced probability of
      looping can be explained via an eclipse-like model, which provides a novel
      inhibitory mechanism. We test the eclipse model on two possible transcription
      factor occupancy states of the D. melanogaster eve 3/7 enhancer, and show that it
      provides a possible explanation for the experimentally-observed eve stripe 3 and
      7 expression patterns.

PMID- 28085886
TI  - Validation of the Regicor Short Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Adult
      Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a short questionnaire to estimate physical
      activity (PA) practice and sedentary behavior for the adult population. METHODS:
      The short questionnaire was developed using data from a cross-sectional
      population-based survey (n = 6352) that included the Minnesota leisure-time PA
      questionnaire. Activities that explained a significant proportion of the
      variability of population PA practice were identified. Validation of the short
      questionnaire included a cross-sectional component to assess validity with
      respect to the data collected by accelerometers and a longitudinal component to
      assess reliability and sensitivity to detect changes (n = 114, aged 35 to 74
      years). RESULTS: Six types of activities that accounted for 87% of population
      variability in PA estimated with the Minnesota questionnaire were selected. The
      short questionnaire estimates energy expenditure in total PA and by intensity
      (light, moderate, vigorous), and includes 2 questions about sedentary behavior
      and a question about occupational PA. The short questionnaire showed high
      reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging between 0.79 to
      0.95. The Spearman correlation coefficients between estimated energy expenditure
      obtained with the questionnaire and the number of steps detected by the
      accelerometer were as follows: 0.36 for total PA, 0.40 for moderate intensity,
      and 0.26 for vigorous intensity. The questionnaire was sensitive to detect
      changes in moderate and vigorous PA (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.26
      to 0.34). CONCLUSION: The REGICOR short questionnaire is reliable, valid, and
      sensitive to detect changes in moderate and vigorous PA. This questionnaire could
      be used in daily clinical practice and epidemiological studies.

PMID- 28085887
TI  - Diversity in the Globally Distributed Diatom Genus Chaetoceros
      (Bacillariophyceae): Three New Species from Warm-Temperate Waters.
AB  - Chaetoceros is one of the most species rich, widespread and abundant diatom
      genera in marine and brackish habitats worldwide. It therefore forms an excellent
      model for in-depth biodiversity studies, assessing morphological and genetic
      differentiation among groups of strains. The global Chaetoceros lorenzianus
      complex presently comprises three species known to science. However, our recent
      studies have shown that the group includes several previously unknown species. In
      this article, 50 strains, mainly from high latitudes and from warm-temperate
      waters, were examined morphologically and genetically and the results compared
      with those of field studies from elsewhere. The strains clustered into five
      groups, two of which are formed by C. decipiens Cleve and C. mitra (Bailey)
      Cleve, respectively. Their species descriptions are emended based on samples
      collected close to the type localities. The three other groups are formed by new
      species, C. elegans sp. nov., C. laevisporus sp. nov. and C. mannaii sp. nov.
      Characters used to distinguish each species are: orientation of setae, shape and
      size of the apertures, shape, size and density of the poroids on the setae and,
      at least in some species, characters of the resting spores. Our aim is to cover
      the global species diversity in this complex, as correct species delineation is
      the basis for exploring biodiversity, distribution of organisms, interactions in
      the food web and effects of environmental changes.

PMID- 28085885
TI  - Inhibition of a NF-kappaB/Diap1 Pathway by PGRP-LF Is Required for Proper
      Apoptosis during Drosophila Development.
AB  - NF-kappaB pathways are key signaling cascades of the Drosophila innate immune
      response. One of them, the Immune Deficiency (IMD) pathway, is under a very tight
      negative control. Although molecular brakes exist at each step of this signaling
      module from ligand availability to transcriptional regulation, it remains unknown
      whether repressors act in the same cells or tissues and if not, what is rationale
      behind this spatial specificity. We show here that the negative regulator of IMD
      pathway PGRP-LF is epressed in ectodermal derivatives. We provide evidence that,
      in the absence of any immune elicitor, PGRP-LF loss-of-function mutants, display
      a constitutive NF-kappaB/IMD activation specifically in ectodermal tissues
      leading to genitalia and tergite malformations. In agreement with previous data
      showing that proper development of these structures requires induction of
      apoptosis, we show that ectopic activation of NF-kappaB/IMD signaling leads to
      apoptosis inhibition in both genitalia and tergite primordia. We demonstrate that
      NF-kappaB/IMD signaling antagonizes apoptosis by up-regulating expression of the
      anti-apoptotic protein Diap1. Altogether these results show that, in the complete
      absence of infection, the negative regulation of NF-kappaB/IMD pathway by PGRP-LF
      is crucial to ensure proper induction of apoptosis and consequently normal fly
      development. These results highlight that IMD pathway regulation is controlled
      independently in different tissues, probably reflecting the different roles of
      this signaling cascade in both developmental and immune processes.

PMID- 28085888
TI  - Medium Cut-Off (MCO) Membranes Reduce Inflammation in Chronic Dialysis Patients-A
      Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To increase the removal of middle-sized uremic toxins a new membrane
      with enhanced permeability and selectivity, called Medium Cut-Off membrane (MCO
      Ci) has been developed that at the same time ensures the retention of albumin.
      Because many middle-sized substances may contribute to micro-inflammation we
      hypothesized that the use of MCO-Ci influences the inflammatory state in
      hemodialysis patients. METHODS: The randomized crossover trial in 48 patients
      compared MCO-Ci dialysis to High-flux dialysis of 4 weeks duration each plus 8
      weeks extension phase. Primary endpoint was the gene expression of TNF-alpha and
      IL-6 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), secondary endpoints were
      plasma levels of specified inflammatory mediators and cytokines. RESULTS: After
      four weeks of MCO-Ci the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA (Relative quantification
      (RQ) from 0.92 +/- 0.34 to 0.75 +/- 0.31, -18.5%, p<0.001)-alpha and IL-6 mRNA
      (RQ from 0.78 +/- 0.80 to 0.60 +/- 0.43, -23.1%, p<0.01) was reduced to a
      significantly greater extent than with High-flux dialyzers (TNF mRNA-RQ: -14.3%;
      IL-6 mRNA-RQ: -3.5%). After retransformation of logarithmically transformed data,
      measurements after MCO were reduced to 82% of those after HF (95% CI 74%-91%). 4
      weeks use of MCO-Ci resulted in long-lasting change in plasma levels of several
      cytokines and other substances with a significant decrease for sTNFR1, kappa and
      lambda free light chains, urea and an increase for Lp-PLA2 (PLA2G7) compared to
      High-flux. Albumin levels dropped significantly after 4 weeks of MCO dialysis but
      increased after additional 8 weeks of MCO dialysis. Twelve weeks treatment with
      MCO-Ci was well tolerated regarding the number of (S)AEs. In the extension period
      levels of CRP, TNF-alpha-mRNA and IL-6 mRNA remained stable in High-flux as well
      as in MCO-Ci. CONCLUSIONS: MCO-Ci dialyzers modulate inflammation in chronic HD
      patients to a greater extent compared to High-flux dialyzers. Transcription of
      pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral leukocytes is markedly reduced and
      removal of soluble mediators is enhanced with MCO dialysis. Serum albumin
      concentrations stabilize after an initial drop. These results encourage further
      trials with longer treatment periods and clinical endpoints.

PMID- 28085889
TI  - High Resolution Spatial Mapping of Human Footprint across Antarctica and Its
      Implications for the Strategic Conservation of Avifauna.
AB  - Human footprint models allow visualization of human spatial pressure across the
      globe. Up until now, Antarctica has been omitted from global footprint models,
      due possibly to the lack of a permanent human population and poor accessibility
      to necessary datasets. Yet Antarctic ecosystems face increasing cumulative
      impacts from the expanding tourism industry and national Antarctic operator
      activities, the management of which could be improved with footprint assessment
      tools. Moreover, Antarctic ecosystem dynamics could be modelled to incorporate
      human drivers. Here we present the first model of estimated human footprint
      across predominantly ice-free areas of Antarctica. To facilitate integration into
      global models, the Antarctic model was created using methodologies applied
      elsewhere with land use, density and accessibility features incorporated. Results
      showed that human pressure is clustered predominantly in the Antarctic Peninsula,
      southern Victoria Land and several areas of East Antarctica. To demonstrate the
      practical application of the footprint model, it was used to investigate the
      potential threat to Antarctica's avifauna by local human activities. Relative
      footprint values were recorded for all 204 of Antarctica's Important Bird Areas
      (IBAs) identified by BirdLife International and the Scientific Committee on
      Antarctic Research (SCAR). Results indicated that formal protection of avifauna
      under the Antarctic Treaty System has been unsystematic and is lacking for
      penguin and flying bird species in some of the IBAs most vulnerable to human
      activity and impact. More generally, it is hoped that use of this human footprint
      model may help Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting policy makers in their
      decision making concerning avifauna protection and other issues including
      cumulative impacts, environmental monitoring, non-native species and terrestrial
      area protection.

PMID- 28085890
TI  - The Paucity of Frugivores in Madagascar May Not Be Due to Unpredictable
      Temperatures or Fruit Resources.
AB  - The evolution of ecological idiosyncrasies in Madagascar has often been
      attributed to selective pressures stemming from extreme unpredictability in
      climate and resource availability compared to other tropical areas. With the
      exception of rainfall, few studies have investigated these assumptions. To assess
      the hypothesis that Madagascar's paucity of frugivores is due to unreliability in
      fruiting resources, we use statistical modeling to analyze phenology datasets and
      their environmental correlates from two tropical wet forests, the Reserve
      Naturelle Integrale Betampona in Madagascar, and Kibale National Park in Uganda.
      At each site we found that temperature is a good environmental predictor of fruit
      availability. We found no evidence of a significant difference in the
      predictability of fruit availability between the two sites, although the shorter
      duration of phenological monitoring at Betampona (two years, versus 15 years at
      Kibale) limits our ability to infer long-term patterns. Comparisons of long-term
      temperature data from each site (15 years from Kibale and 14 from Betampona)
      indicate that temperature is more predictable at Betampona than at Kibale.
      However, there does appear to be a difference between the two sites in the total
      fruit availability at any given time, with fruit being generally less abundant at
      Betampona. Our results appear contrary to the prevailing hypothesis of a
      selective force imposed by unpredictable resource availability or temperature,
      and we suggest other possible explanations for Madagascar's unique biota.

PMID- 28085891
TI  - Generalising Ward's Method for Use with Manhattan Distances.
AB  - The claim that Ward's linkage algorithm in hierarchical clustering is limited to
      use with Euclidean distances is investigated. In this paper, Ward's clustering
      algorithm is generalised to use with l1 norm or Manhattan distances. We argue
      that the generalisation of Ward's linkage method to incorporate Manhattan
      distances is theoretically sound and provide an example of where this method
      outperforms the method using Euclidean distances. As an application, we perform
      statistical analyses on languages using methods normally applied to biology and
      genetic classification. We aim to quantify differences in character traits
      between languages and use a statistical language signature based on relative bi
      gram (sequence of two letters) frequencies to calculate a distance matrix between
      32 Indo-European languages. We then use Ward's method of hierarchical clustering
      to classify the languages, using the Euclidean distance and the Manhattan
      distance. Results obtained from using the different distance metrics are compared
      to show that the Ward's algorithm characteristic of minimising intra-cluster
      variation and maximising inter-cluster variation is not violated when using the
      Manhattan metric.

PMID- 28085892
TI  - Extending Whole Slide Imaging: Color Darkfield Internal Reflection Illumination
      (DIRI) for Biological Applications.
AB  - Whole slide imaging (WSI) is a useful tool for multi-modal imaging, and in our
      work, we have often combined WSI with darkfield microscopy. However, traditional
      darkfield microscopy cannot use a single condenser to support high- and low
      numerical-aperture objectives, which limits the modality of WSI. To overcome this
      limitation, we previously developed a darkfield internal reflection illumination
      (DIRI) microscope using white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Although the
      developed DIRI is useful for biological applications, substantial problems remain
      to be resolved. In this study, we propose a novel illumination technique called
      color DIRI. The use of three-color LEDs dramatically improves the capability of
      the system, such that color DIRI (1) enables optimization of the illumination
      color; (2) can be combined with an oil objective lens; (3) can produce
      fluorescence excitation illumination; (4) can adjust the wavelength of light to
      avoid cell damage or reactions; and (5) can be used as a photostimulator. These
      results clearly illustrate that the proposed color DIRI can significantly extend
      WSI modalities for biological applications.

PMID- 28085893
TI  - Automated Sound Recognition Provides Insights into the Behavioral Ecology of a
      Tropical Bird.
AB  - Computer-assisted species recognition facilitates the analysis of relevant
      biological information in continuous audio recordings. In the present study, we
      assess the suitability of this approach for determining distinct life-cycle
      phases of the Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis lampronotus based on adult
      vocal activity. For this purpose we use passive 14-min and 30-min soundscape
      recordings (n = 33 201) collected in 24/7 mode between November 2012 and October
      2013 in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands. Time-stamped detections of V. chilensis call
      events (n = 62 292) were obtained with a species-specific sound recognizer. We
      demonstrate that the breeding season fell in a three-month period from mid-May to
      early August 2013, between the end of the flood cycle and the height of the dry
      season. Several phases of the lapwing's life history were identified with
      presumed error margins of a few days: pre-breeding, territory establishment and
      egg-laying, incubation, hatching, parental defense of chicks, and post-breeding.
      Diurnal time budgets confirm high acoustic activity levels during midday hours in
      June and July, indicative of adults defending young. By August, activity patterns
      had reverted to nonbreeding mode, with peaks around dawn and dusk and low call
      frequency during midday heat. We assess the current technological limitations of
      the V. chilensis recognizer through a comprehensive performance assessment and
      scrutinize the usefulness of automated acoustic recognizers in studies on the
      distribution pattern, ecology, life history, and conservation status of sound
      producing animal species.

PMID- 28085895
TI  - Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 Attenuates Induction of Hypertrophy in
      Cardiomyocytes but Not through Secreted Protein MSP-1 (p75).
AB  - Previous animal studies have shown that the administration of probiotic
      Lactobacillus rhamnosus can provide a protective effect against
      ischemia/reperfusion and necrotic injury to the intestine, liver, and heart, as
      well as a therapeutic effect to the outcome of ischemic injury to the heart,
      including cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. We hypothesized that L.
      rhamnosus GR-1 major secreted protein 1 (MSP-1), also known as p75, plays a major
      role in this phenomenon. Experiments using neonatal rat ventricular
      cardiomyocytes showed that live and dead GR-1 bacteria, probiotic-conditioned
      media, and other probiotic species and strains inhibited the alpha1-adrenergic
      receptor agonist phenylephrine-induced hypertrophy as assessed by markers atrial
      natriuretic peptide and alpha-skeletal actin. However, using a mutant strain, we
      showed that this MSP-1 was not required for the inhibition. The ability of
      factors produced by lactobacilli to improve cardiac function warrants further
      study for the management of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

PMID- 28085894
TI  - Where You Look Matters for Body Perception: Preferred Gaze Location Contributes
      to the Body Inversion Effect.
AB  - The Body Inversion Effect (BIE; reduced visual discrimination performance for
      inverted compared to upright bodies) suggests that bodies are visually processed
      configurally; however, the specific importance of head posture information in the
      BIE has been indicated in reports of BIE reduction for whole bodies with fixed
      head position and for headless bodies. Through measurement of gaze patterns and
      investigation of the causal relation of fixation location to visual body
      discrimination performance, the present study reveals joint contributions of
      feature and configuration processing to visual body discrimination. Participants
      predominantly gazed at the (body-centric) upper body for upright bodies and the
      lower body for inverted bodies in the context of an experimental paradigm
      directly comparable to that of prior studies of the BIE. Subsequent manipulation
      of fixation location indicates that these preferential gaze locations causally
      contributed to the BIE for whole bodies largely due to the informative nature of
      gazing at or near the head. Also, a BIE was detected for both whole and headless
      bodies even when fixation location on the body was held constant, indicating a
      role of configural processing in body discrimination, though inclusion of the
      head posture information was still highly discriminative in the context of such
      processing. Interestingly, the impact of configuration (upright and inverted) to
      the BIE appears greater than that of differential preferred gaze locations.

PMID- 28085896
TI  - Urinary Biomarkers IGFBP7 and TIMP-2 for the Diagnostic Assessment of Transient
      and Persistent Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The capability of urinary TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of
      metalloproteinase) and IGFBP7 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein)
      NephroCheck Test (NC) = ([TIMP-2] x [IGFBP7]) / 1000)-to predict renal recovery
      from acute kidney injury (AKI) has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was
      to assess the performance of measurements of ([TIMP-2] x [IGFBP7]) / 1000) over
      24 hours to differentiate transient from persistent AKI. METHODS: Of 460
      consecutive adult patients admitted to the ICU, 101 were prospectively studied:
      56 men, 62 (52-71) years old. A fresh urine sample was collected at H0, H4, H12
      and H24 to determine ([TIMP-2] x [IGFBP7]) / 1000) levels. Areas under the curves
      of Delta NC H4-Ho and H12-H4 and serum creatinine (sCr) for detection of AKI
      recovery were compared. RESULTS: Forty-one (40.6%) patient were diagnosed with
      AKI: 27 transient and 14 persistent AKI. At admission (H0), AKI patients had a
      significantly higher NC score than patients without AKI (0.43 [0.07-2.06] vs 0.15
      [0.07-0.35], p = 0.027). In AKI groups, transient AKI have a higher NC, at H0 and
      H4, than persistent AKI (0.87 [0.09-2.82] vs 0.13 [0.05-0.66] p = 0.035 and 0.13
      [0.07-0.61] vs 0.05 [0.02-0.13] p = 0.013). Thereafter, NC level decreased in
      both AKI groups with a Delta NC score H4-H0 and H12-H4 significantly more
      important in transient AKI. Roc curves showed however that delta NC scores did
      not discriminate between transient and persistent AKI. CONCLUSION: In our
      population, absolute urinary levels of NC score were higher at early hours after
      ICU admission (H0 and H4) in transient AKI as compared to persistent AKI
      patients. NC variations (Delta NC scores) over the first 12 hours may indicate
      the AKI's evolving nature with a more significant decrease in case of transient
      AKI but were not able to differentiate transient from persistent AKI.

PMID- 28085897
TI  - Mumps Epidemiology and Mumps Virus Genotypes Circulating in Mainland China during
      2013-2015.
AB  - With the implementation of mumps virus (MuV) vaccination in the expanded program
      on immunization (EPI) in mainland China since 2008, the incidence of mumps has
      decreased, and the natural epidemic pattern of mumps has slightly changed during
      2013-2015. The two epidemic peaks (April-July and November-December) became less
      obvious than those observed from 2004 to 2012. Children and adolescents younger
      than 15, particularly in the five-to-nine-year-old age group, remain the target
      group and should be the focus of high-quality immunization activities in mainland
      China. However, it was also found that the incidence and reported cases of mumps
      decreased in each age group during 2013-2015, particularly in the five-to-nine
      year-old and ten-to-fourteen-year-old age groups. The proportion of mumps cases
      among adults in some provinces also increased. Unlike the changes in the
      epidemiological characteristics of mumps affected by vaccination, the data of MuV
      virology surveillance indicated that most of the MuV transmission chains have not
      yet been effectively interrupted, and MuV remains a natural epidemic pattern in
      mainland China. In the MuV virology surveillance, 194 MuV strains during 2013
      2015 were isolated from 10 of 31 provinces in mainland China. Based on the
      phylogenetic analysis of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene, both genotype F (99.0%)
      and G (1.0%) were identified, and genotype F was still the predominant genotype
      continuously circulating in mainland China. Representative genotype F and G
      strains isolated in China from 1995 to 2012 were selected for further analysis.
      The results indicated that there were multiple transmission chains within
      genotype F, with no obvious geographical or time differences. The high genetic
      diversity of genotype F strains could be a result of the continuous transmission
      and evolution of the MuV in mainland China. Genotype G was also detected in four
      provinces in mainland China. Because of the limited epidemiological data, it was
      uncertain whether the genotype G MuV strains found in 2011 and 2013 were imported
      from other countries. Therefore, combined high-quality epidemiological and
      virological surveillance is necessary for mumps control; it can also be used to
      observe the changes in epidemiological characteristics and viral transmission of
      mumps over time after mumps-containing vaccine (MuCV) implementation and to
      provide a comprehensive epidemiological and genetic baseline for mumps
      elimination in mainland China.

PMID- 28085898
TI  - Profiles of Amino Acids and Acylcarnitines Related with Insecticide Exposure in
      Culex quinquefasciatus (Say).
AB  - Culex quinquefasciatus Say is a vector of many pathogens of humans, and both
      domestic and wild animals. Personal protection, reduction of larval habitats, and
      chemical control are the best ways to reduce mosquito bites and, therefore, the
      transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens. Currently, to reduce the risk of
      transmission, the pyrethroids, and other insecticide groups have been extensively
      used to control both larvae and adult mosquitoes. In this context, amino acids
      and acylcarnitines have never been associated with insecticide exposure and or
      insecticide resistance. It has been suggested that changes in acylcarnitines and
      amino acids profiles could be a powerful diagnostic tool for metabolic
      alterations. Monitoring these changes could help to better understand the
      mechanisms involved in insecticide resistance, complementing the strategies for
      managing this phenomenon in the integrated resistance management. The purpose of
      the study was to determine the amino acids and acylcarnitines profiles in larvae
      of Cx. quinquefasciatus after the exposure to different insecticides. Bioassays
      were performed on Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae exposed to the diagnostic doses
      (DD) of the insecticides chlorpyrifos (0.001 MUg/mL), temephos (0.002 MUg/mL) and
      permethrin (0.01 MUg/mL). In each sample, we analyzed the profile of 12 amino
      acids and 31 acylcarnitines by LC-MS/MS. A t-test was used to determine
      statistically significant differences between groups and corrections of q-values.
      Results indicates three changes, the amino acids arginine (ARG), free carnitine
      (C0) and acetyl-carnitine (C2) that could be involved in energy production and
      insecticide detoxification. We confirmed that concentrations of amino acids and
      acylcarnitines in Cx. quinquefasciatus vary with respect to different
      insecticides. The information generated contributes to understand the possible
      mechanisms and metabolic changes occurring during insecticide exposure.

PMID- 28085899
TI  - Evaluation of the Antibody in Lymphocyte Supernatant Assay to Detect Active
      Tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the antibody in lymphocyte supernatant (ALS)
      assay as a biomarker to diagnose tuberculosis among adults from Tanzania with and
      without HIV. METHODS: Adults admitted with suspicion for tuberculosis had sputa
      obtained for GeneXpert MTB/RIF, acid-fast bacilli smear and mycobacterial
      culture; blood was obtained prior to treatment initiation and after 4 weeks.
      Adults hospitalized with non-infectious conditions served as controls. Peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells were cultured unstimulated for 72 hours. Anti
      mycobacterial antibodies were measured from culture supernatants by ELISA, using
      BCG vaccine as the coating antigen. Median ALS responses were compared between
      cases and controls at baseline and between cases over time. RESULTS: Of 97 TB
      cases, 85 were microbiologically confirmed and 12 were clinically diagnosed.
      Median ALS responses from TB cases (0.366 OD from confirmed cases and 0.285 from
      clinical cases) were higher compared to controls (0.085, p<0.001). ALS responses
      did not differ based on HIV status, CD4 count or sputum smear status. Over time,
      the median ALS values declined significantly (0.357 at baseline; 0.198 after 4
      weeks, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Robust ALS responses were mounted by patients with
      TB regardless of HIV status, CD4 count, or low sputum bacillary burden,
      potentially conferring a unique niche for this immunologic biomarker for TB.

PMID- 28085900
TI  - Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis of Chinese Patients with Systemic Lupus
      Erythematosus Identified Hypomethylation in Genes Related to the Type I
      Interferon Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epigenetic variants have been shown in recent studies to be important
      contributors to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we
      report a 2-step study of discovery followed by replication to identify DNA
      methylation alterations associated with SLE in a Chinese population. Using a
      genome-wide DNA methylation microarray, the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450
      BeadChip, we compared the methylation levels of CpG sites in DNA extracted from
      white blood cells from 12 female Chinese SLE patients and 10 healthy female
      controls. RESULTS: We identified 36 CpG sites with differential loss of DNA
      methylation and 8 CpG sites with differential gain of DNA methylation,
      representing 25 genes and 7 genes, respectively. Surprisingly, 42% of the
      hypomethylated CpG sites were located in CpG shores, which indicated the
      functional importance of the loss of DNA methylation. Microarray results were
      replicated in another cohort of 100 SLE patients and 100 healthy controls by
      performing bisulfite pyrosequencing of four hypomethylated genes, MX1, IFI44L,
      NLRC5 and PLSCR1. In addition, loss of DNA methylation in these genes was
      associated with an increase in mRNA expression. Gene ontology analysis revealed
      that the hypomethylated genes identified in the microarray study were
      overrepresented in the type I interferon pathway, which has long been implicated
      in the pathogenesis of SLE. CONCLUSION: Our epigenetic findings further support
      the importance of the type I interferon pathway in SLE pathogenesis. Moreover, we
      showed that the DNA methylation signatures of SLE can be defined in
      unfractionated white blood cells.

PMID- 28085901
TI  - Task-Difficulty Homeostasis in Car Following Models: Experimental Validation
      Using Self-Paced Visual Occlusion.
AB  - Car following (CF) models used in traffic engineering are often criticized for
      not incorporating "human factors" well known to affect driving. Some recent work
      has addressed this by augmenting the CF models with the Task-Capability Interface
      (TCI) model, by dynamically changing driving parameters as function of driver
      capability. We examined assumptions of these models experimentally using a self
      paced visual occlusion paradigm in a simulated car following task. The results
      show strong, approximately one-to-one, correspondence between occlusion duration
      and increase in time headway. The correspondence was found between subjects and
      within subjects, on aggregate and individual sample level. The long time scale
      aggregate results support TCI-CF models that assume a linear increase in time
      headway in response to increased distraction. The short time scale individual
      sample level results suggest that drivers also adapt their visual sampling in
      response to transient changes in time headway, a mechanism which isn't
      incorporated in the current models.

PMID- 28085902
TI  - Pathway-Consensus Approach to Metabolic Network Reconstruction for Pseudomonas
      putida KT2440 by Systematic Comparison of Published Models.
AB  - Over 100 genome-scale metabolic networks (GSMNs) have been published in recent
      years and widely used for phenotype prediction and pathway design. However, GSMNs
      for a specific organism reconstructed by different research groups usually
      produce inconsistent simulation results, which makes it difficult to use the
      GSMNs for precise optimal pathway design. Therefore, it is necessary to compare
      and identify the discrepancies among networks and build a consensus metabolic
      network for an organism. Here we proposed a process for systematic comparison of
      metabolic networks at pathway level. We compared four published GSMNs of
      Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and identified the discrepancies leading to
      inconsistent pathway calculation results. The mistakes in the models were
      corrected based on information from literature so that all the calculated
      synthesis and uptake pathways were the same. Subsequently we built a pathway
      consensus model and then further updated it with the latest genome annotation
      information to obtain modelPpuQY1140 for P. putida KT2440, which includes 1140
      genes, 1171 reactions and 1104 metabolites. We found that even small errors in a
      GSMN could have great impacts on the calculated optimal pathways and thus may
      lead to incorrect pathway design strategies. Careful investigation of the
      calculated pathways during the metabolic network reconstruction process is
      essential for building proper GSMNs for pathway design.

PMID- 28085903
TI  - Mechanism of Collaborative Enhancement of Binding of Paired Antibodies to
      Distinct Epitopes of Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1.
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to extracellular epitopes of human and
      mouse Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (CD31 or PECAM-1) stimulate
      binding of other mAbs to distinct adjacent PECAM-1 epitopes. This effect, dubbed
      Collaborative Enhancement of Paired Affinity Ligands, or CEPAL, has been shown to
      enhance delivery of mAb-targeted drugs and nanoparticles to the vascular
      endothelium. Here we report new insights into the mechanism underlying this
      effect, which demonstrates equivalent amplitude in the following models: i) cells
      expressing a full length PECAM-1 and mutant form of PECAM-1 unable to form
      homodimers; ii) isolated fractions of cellular membranes; and, iii) immobilized
      recombinant PECAM-1. These results indicate that CEPAL is mediated not by
      interference in cellular functions or homophilic PECAM-1 interactions, but rather
      by conformational changes within the cell adhesion molecule induced by ligand
      binding. This mechanism, mediated by exposure of partially occult epitopes, is
      likely to occur in molecules other than PECAM-1 and may represent a generalizable
      phenomenon with valuable practical applications.

PMID- 28085904
TI  - Can a Toy Encourage Lower Calorie Meal Bundle Selection in Children? A Field
      Experiment on the Reinforcing Effects of Toys on Food Choice.
AB  - The goal of this research was to test whether including an inexpensive nonfood
      item (toy) with a smaller-sized meal bundle (420 calories), but not with the
      regular-sized meal bundle version (580 calories), would incentivize children to
      choose the smaller-sized meal bundle, even among children with overweight and
      obesity. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect in a between
      subjects field experiment of a toy on smaller-sized meal choice (here, a binary
      choice between a smaller-sized or regular-sized meal bundles). A random sample of
      109 elementary school children from two schools in the Tucson, Arizona
      metropolitan area (55 females; Mage = 8.53 years, SDage = 2.14; MBMI = 18.30,
      SDBMI = 4.42) participated. Children's height and weight were measured and body
      mass-index (BMI) was calculated, adjusting for age and sex. In our sample, 21
      children were considered to be either overweight or obese. Logistic regression
      was used to evaluate the effect of a toy on smaller-sized meal choice. Results
      revealed that the inclusion of a toy with a smaller-sized meal, but not with the
      regular-sized version, predicted smaller-sized meal choice (P < .001), suggesting
      that children can be incentivized to choose less food when such is paired with a
      toy. BMI neither moderated nor nullified the effect of toy on smaller-sized meal
      choice (P = .125), suggesting that children with overweight and obesity can also
      be incentivized to choose less. This article is the first to suggest that fast
      food restaurant chains may well utilize toys to motivate children to choose
      smaller-sized meal bundles. Our findings may be relevant for consumers, health
      advocates, policy makers, and marketers who would benefit from a strategy that
      presents healthier, but still desirable, meal bundle options.

PMID- 28085905
TI  - Study of the Antimicrobial Activity of Tilapia Piscidin 3 (TP3) and TP4 and Their
      Effects on Immune Functions in Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.).
AB  - To address the growing concern over antibiotic-resistant microbial infections in
      aquatic animals, we tested several promising alternative agents that have emerged
      as new drug candidates. Specifically, the tilapia piscidins are a group of
      peptides that possess antimicrobial, wound-healing, and antitumor functions. In
      this study, we focused on tilapia piscidin 3 (TP3) and TP4, which are peptides
      derived from Oreochromis niloticus, and investigated their inhibition of acute
      bacterial infections by infecting hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) with Vibrio
      vulnificus and evaluating the protective effects of pre-treating, co-treating,
      and post-treating fish with TP3 and TP4. In vivo experiments showed that co
      treatment with V. vulnificus and TP3 (20 MUg/fish) or TP4 (20 MUg/fish) achieved
      95.3% and 88.9% survival rates, respectively, after seven days. When we co
      injected TP3 or TP4 and V. vulnificus into tilapia and then re-challenged the
      fish with V. vulnificus after 28 days, the tilapia exhibited survival rates of
      35.6% and 42.2%, respectively. Pre-treatment with TP3 (30 MUg/fish) or TP4 (20
      MUg/fish) for 30 minutes prior to V. vulnificus infection resulted in high
      survival rates of 28.9% and 37.8%, respectively, while post-treatment with TP3
      (20 MUg/fish or 30 MUg/fish) or TP4 (20 MUg/fish) 30 minutes after V. vulnificus
      infection yielded high survival rates of 33.3% and 48.9%. In summary, pre
      treating, co-treating, and post-treating fish with TP3 or TP4 all effectively
      decreased the number of V. vulnificus bacteria and promoted significantly lower
      mortality rates in tilapia. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of TP3
      and TP4 that were effective for treating fish infected with V. vulnificus were
      7.8 and 62.5 MUg/ml, respectively, whereas the MICs of kanamycin and ampicillin
      were 31.2 and 3.91 MUg/ml. The antimicrobial activity of these peptides was
      confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), both of which showed that V. vulnificus disrupted the outer
      membranes of cells, resulting in the loss of cell shape and integrity. We
      examined whether TP3 and TP4 increased the membrane permeability of V. vulnificus
      by measuring the fluorescence resulting from the uptake of 1-N-phenyl
      naphthylamine (NPN). Treating fish with TP3 and TP4 under different pH and
      temperature conditions did not significantly increase MIC values, suggesting that
      temperature and the acid-base environment do not affect AMP function. In
      addition, the qPCR results showed that TP3 and TP4 influence the expression of
      immune-responsive genes, including interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8. In
      this study, we demonstrate that TP3 and TP4 show potential for development as
      drugs to combat fish bacterial infections in aquaculture.

PMID- 28085906
TI  - Buzz Factor or Innovation Potential: What Explains Cryptocurrencies' Returns?
AB  - Cryptocurrencies have become increasingly popular since the introduction of
      bitcoin in 2009. In this paper, we identify factors associated with variations in
      cryptocurrencies' market values. In the past, researchers argued that the "buzz"
      surrounding cryptocurrencies in online media explained their price variations.
      But this observation obfuscates the notion that cryptocurrencies, unlike fiat
      currencies, are technologies entailing a true innovation potential. By using, for
      the first time, a unique measure of innovation potential, we find that the latter
      is in fact the most important factor associated with increases in cryptocurrency
      returns. By contrast, we find that the buzz surrounding cryptocurrencies is
      negatively associated with returns after controlling for a variety of factors,
      such as supply growth and liquidity. Also interesting is our finding that a
      cryptocurrency's association with fraudulent activity is not negatively
      associated with weekly returns-a result that further qualifies the media's
      influence on cryptocurrencies. Finally, we find that an increase in supply is
      positively associated with weekly returns. Taken together, our findings show that
      cryptocurrencies do not behave like traditional currencies or commodities-unlike
      what most prior research has assumed-and depict an industry that is much more
      mature, and much less speculative, than has been implied by previous accounts.

PMID- 28085907
TI  - An Activation Threshold Model for Response Inhibition.
AB  - Reactive response inhibition (RI) is the cancellation of a prepared response when
      it is no longer appropriate. Selectivity of RI can be examined by cueing the
      cancellation of one component of a prepared multi-component response. This
      substantially delays execution of other components. There is debate regarding
      whether this response delay is due to a selective neural mechanism. Here we
      propose a computational activation threshold model (ATM) and test it against a
      classical "horse-race" model using behavioural and neurophysiological data from
      partial RI experiments. The models comprise both facilitatory and inhibitory
      processes that compete upstream of motor output regions. Summary statistics
      (means and standard deviations) of predicted muscular and neurophysiological data
      were fit in both models to equivalent experimental measures by minimizing a
      Pearson Chi-square statistic. The ATM best captured behavioural and
      neurophysiological dynamics of partial RI. The ATM demonstrated that the observed
      modulation of corticomotor excitability during partial RI can be explained by
      nonselective inhibition of the prepared response. The inhibition raised the
      activation threshold to a level that could not be reached by the original
      response. This was necessarily followed by an additional phase of facilitation
      representing a secondary activation process in order to reach the new inhibition
      threshold and initiate the executed component of the response. The ATM offers a
      mechanistic description of the neural events underlying RI, in which partial
      movement cancellation results from a nonselective inhibitory event followed by
      subsequent initiation of a new response. The ATM provides a framework for
      considering and exploring the neuroanatomical constraints that underlie RI.

PMID- 28085908
TI  - Quantification of Plasmid Copy Number with Single Colour Droplet Digital PCR.
AB  - Bacteria can be considered as biological nanofactories that manufacture a
      cornucopia of bioproducts most notably recombinant proteins. As such, they must
      perfectly match with appropriate plasmid vectors to ensure successful
      overexpression of target genes. Among many parameters that correlate positively
      with protein productivity plasmid copy number plays pivotal role. Therefore,
      development of new and more accurate methods to assess this critical parameter
      will result in optimization of expression of plasmid-encoded genes. In this
      study, we present a simple and highly accurate method for quantifying plasmid
      copy number utilizing an EvaGreen single colour, droplet digital PCR. We
      demonstrate the effectiveness of this method by examining the copy number of the
      pBR322 vector within Escherichia coli DH5alpha cells. The obtained results were
      successfully validated by real-time PCR. However, we observed a strong dependency
      of the plasmid copy number on the method chosen for isolation of the total DNA.
      We found that application of silica-membrane-based columns for DNA purification
      or DNA isolation with use of bead-beating, a mechanical cell disruption lead to
      determination of an average of 20.5 or 7.3 plasmid copies per chromosome,
      respectively. We found that recovery of the chromosomal DNA from purification
      columns was less efficient than plasmid DNA (46.5 +/- 1.9% and 87.4 +/- 5.5%,
      respectively) which may lead to observed differences in plasmid copy number.
      Besides, the plasmid copy number variations dependent on DNA template isolation
      method, we found that droplet digital PCR is a very convenient method for
      measuring bacterial plasmid content. Careful determination of plasmid copy number
      is essential for better understanding and optimization of recombinant proteins
      production process. Droplet digital PCR is a very precise method that allows
      performing thousands of individual PCR reactions in a single tube. The ddPCR does
      not depend on running standard curves and is a straightforward and reliable
      method to quantify the plasmid copy number. Therefore we believe that the ddPCR
      designed in this study will be widely used for any plasmid copy number
      calculation in the future.

PMID- 28085909
TI  - Impact of Orexin-A Treatment on Food Intake, Energy Metabolism and Body Weight in
      Mice.
AB  - Orexin-A and -B are hypothalamic neuropeptides of 33 and 28-amino acids, which
      regulate many homeostatic systems including sleep/wakefulness states, energy
      balance, energy homeostasis, reward seeking and drug addiction. Orexin-A
      treatment was also shown to reduce tumor development in xenografted nude mice and
      is thus a potential treatment for carcinogenesis. The aim of this work was to
      explore in healthy mice the consequences on energy expenditure components of an
      orexin-A treatment at a dose previously shown to be efficient to reduce tumor
      development. Physiological approaches were used to evaluate the effect of orexin
      A on food intake pattern, energy metabolism body weight and body adiposity.
      Modulation of the expression of brain neuropeptides and receptors including NPY,
      POMC, AgRP, cocaine- and amphetamine related transcript (CART), corticotropin
      releasing hormone (CRH) and prepro-orexin (HCRT), and Y2 and Y5 neuropeptide Y,
      MC4 (melanocortin), OX1 and OX2 orexin receptors (Y2R, Y5R, MC4R, OX1R and OX2R,
      respectively) was also explored. Our results show that orexin-A treatment does
      not significantly affect the components of energy expenditure, and glucose
      metabolism but reduces intraperitoneal fat deposit, adiposity and the expression
      of several brain neuropeptide receptors suggesting that peripheral orexin-A was
      able to reach the central nervous system. These findings establish that orexin-A
      treatment which is known for its activity as an inducer of tumor cell death, do
      have minor parallel consequence on energy homeostasis control.

PMID- 28085910
TI  - Histamine H2-Blocker and Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and the Risk of Pneumonia in
      Acute Stroke: A Retrospective Analysis on Susceptible Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although histamine H2-blockers (H2B) and proton pump inhibitors (PPI)
      are used commonly to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding in acute stroke, they are
      implicated in the increased risk of pneumonia in other disease populations. In
      acute stroke, the presence of distinctive risk factors of pneumonia, including
      dysphagia and impaired consciousness, makes inclusive analysis vulnerable to
      confounding. Our aim was to assess whether acid-suppressive drugs increase
      pneumonia in acute stroke in a population controlled for confounding. METHODS: We
      analyzed acute stroke patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. To minimize
      confounding, we only included subjects who could not feed orally during 14 days
      of hospitalization. Exposure was defined as H2B or PPI, given in days; the
      outcome was development of pneumonia within this period. The incidence was
      calculated from the total number of pneumonias divided by the sum of person-days
      at risk. We additionally performed multivariate Poisson regression and propensity
      score analyses, although the restriction largely eliminated the need for
      multivariate adjustment. RESULTS: A total of 132 pneumonias occurred in 3582
      person-days. The incidence was 3.69%/person-day (95% confidence interval (CI);
      3.03-4.37%/day). All subjects had dysphagia. Stroke severity and consciousness
      disturbances were well-balanced between the groups exposed to H2B, PPI, or none.
      The relative risk (RR) compared with the unexposed was 1.22 in H2B (95%CI; 0.83
      1.81) and 2.07 in PPI (95% CI; 1.13-3.62). The RR of PPI compared with H2B was
      1.69 (95%CI; 0.95-2.89). In multivariate regression analysis, the RRs of H2B and
      PPI were 1.24 (95% CI; 0.85-1.81) and 2.00 (95% CI; 1.12-3.57), respectively; in
      propensity score analyses they were 1.17 (95% CI; 0.89-1.54) and 2.13 (95% CI;
      1.60-2.84). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that prophylactic
      acid-suppressive therapy with PPI may have to be avoided in acute stroke patients
      susceptible to pneumonia.

PMID- 28085911
TI  - D-Dimer Use and Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis in Emergency Units: Why Is There
      Such a Difference in Pulmonary Embolism Prevalence between the United States of
      America and Countries Outside USA?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although diagnostic guidelines are similar, there is a huge difference
      in pulmonary embolism (PE) prevalence between the United States of America (US)
      and countries outside the USA (OUS) in the emergency care setting. In this study,
      we prospectively analyze patients' characteristics and differences in clinical
      care that may influence PE prevalence in different countries. METHODS: An
      international multicenter prospective diagnostic study was conducted in a
      standard-of-care setting. Consecutive outpatients presenting to the emergency
      unit and suspected for PE were managed using the Wells score, STA-Liatest(r) D
      Dimers and imaging. RESULTS: The prevalence of PE in the study was 7.9% in low
      and moderate risk patients. Among the 1060 patients with low or moderate pre-test
      probability (PTP), PE prevalence was four times higher in OUS (10.7%) than in the
      US (2.5%) (P < 0.0001). The mean number of imaging procedures performed for one
      new PE diagnosis was 3.3 in OUS vs 17 in the US (P < 0.001). Stopping
      investigation in the case of negative D-dimers (DD combined) with low/moderate
      PTP was more frequent in OUS (92.7%) than in the US (75.7%) (P < 0.01). Moreover,
      the use of imaging was much higher in the US (44.4% vs 19.2% in OUS) in the case
      of moderate PTP combined with negative DD. CONCLUSION: Differences between US and
      OUS PE prevalence in emergency setting might be explained by differences in
      patients' characteristics and mostly in care patterns. US physicians performed
      computed tomographic pulmonary angiography more often than in Europe in cases of
      low/moderate PTP combined with negative DD. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01221805.

PMID- 28085912
TI  - A Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry Approach for the
      Identification of Mebendazole Residue in Pork, Chicken, and Horse.
AB  - A confirmatory and quantitative method of liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of mebendazole and its hydrolyzed
      and reduced metabolites in pork, chicken, and horse muscles was developed and
      validated in this study. Anthelmintic compounds were extracted with ethyl acetate
      after sample mixture was made alkaline followed by liquid chromatographic
      separation using a reversed phase C18 column. Gradient elution was performed with
      a mobile phase consisting of water containing 10 mM ammonium formate and
      methanol. This confirmatory method was validated according to EU requirements.
      Evaluated validation parameters included specificity, accuracy, precision
      (repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility), analytical limits
      (decision limit and detection limit), and applicability. Most parameters were
      proved to be conforming to the EU requirements. The decision limit (CCalpha) and
      detection capability (CCbeta) for all analytes ranged from 15.84 to 17.96 MUgkg
      1. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) for all
      analytes were 0.07 MUgkg-1 and 0.2 MUgkg-1, respectively. The developed method
      was successfully applied to monitoring samples collected from the markets in
      major cities and proven great potential to be used as a regulatory tool to
      determine mebendazole residues in animal based foods.

PMID- 28085913
TI  - Impact of a Home-Based Physical and Nutritional Intervention Program Conducted by
      Lay-Volunteers on Handgrip Strength in Prefrail and Frail Older Adults: A
      Randomized Control Trial.
AB  - A randomized controlled trial was performed to compare the effects of a home
      based physical and nutritional intervention program carried out by lay-volunteers
      to home visits with social support alone. Buddies visited 80 prefrail or frail
      older persons at home twice a week for 12 weeks. The physical training and
      nutrition group (PTN, n = 39) performed two sets of six strength exercises,
      discussed nutritional topics and received social support. The social support
      group (SoSu, n = 41) received home visits with social support only. In the PTN
      group, handgrip strength increased significantly by 2.4 kg (95% CI: 1.0-3.8). In
      the SoSu group we did not see a significant improvement. However, no significant
      between-group difference was found. Physical performance increased in both
      groups, although with a higher increase of 1.0 point (95% CI: 0.1-2.0) in the PTN
      group. In none of the groups muscle mass changed. Further results showed that
      frail individuals benefit more from the intervention than prefrail individuals
      (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.01-7.66). Handgrip strength in the intervention group
      increased by a clinically relevant value and this effect is comparable to that
      obtained by health-care professionals. Therefore, home visits with a physical
      training and nutritional program could offer a new perspective in the care of
      community-dwelling prefrail and frail older persons.

PMID- 28085914
TI  - Obesity May Not Induce Dynamic Stability Disadvantage during Overground Walking
      among Young Adults.
AB  - Obesity has been related to postural instability during static standing. It
      remains unknown how obesity influences stability during dynamic movements like
      gait. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity on
      dynamic gait stability control in young adults during gait. Forty-four young
      adults (21 normal-weight and 23 obese) participated in this study. Participants
      walked five times at their self-selected gait speeds on a linear walkway. Their
      full-body kinematics were gathered by a motion capture system. Compared with
      normal-weight group, individuals with obesity walked more slowly with a shorter
      but wider step. People with obesity also spent an elongated double stance phase
      than those with normal weight. A reduced gait speed decreases the body center of
      mass's velocity relative to the base of support, leading to a reduction in
      dynamic stability. On the other hand, a shortened step in accompanying with a
      less backward-leaning trunk has the potential to bring the center of mass closer
      to the base of support, resulting in an increase in dynamic stability. As the
      result of these adaptive changes to the gait pattern, dynamic gait stability
      among people with obesity did not significantly differ from the one among people
      with normal weight. Obesity seems to not be inducing dynamic stability
      disadvantage in young adults during level overground walking. These findings
      could provide insight into the mechanisms of stability control among people
      affected by obesity during dynamic locomotion.

PMID- 28085915
TI  - Sequential Targeting of CD52 and TNF Allows Early Minimization Therapy in Kidney
      Transplantation: From a Biomarker to Targeting in a Proof-Of-Concept Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is high medical need for safe long-term immunosuppression
      monotherapy in kidney transplantation. Selective targeting of post-transplant
      alloantigen-(re)activated effector-T cells by anti-TNF antibodies after global T
      cell depletion may allow safe drug minimization, however, it is unsolved what
      might be the best maintenance monotherapy. METHODS: In this open, prospective
      observational single-centre trial, 20 primary deceased donor kidney transplant
      recipients received 2x20 mg Alemtuzumab (d0/d1) followed by 5 mg/kg Infliximab
      (d2). For 14 days all patients received only tacrolimus, then they were allocated
      to either receive tacrolimus (TAC, n = 13) or sirolimus (SIR, n = 7) monotherapy,
      respectively. Protocol biopsies and extensive immune monitoring were performed
      and patients were followed-up for 60 months. RESULTS: TAC-monotherapy resulted in
      excellent graft survival (5yr 92%, 95%CI: 56.6-98.9) and function, normal
      histology, and no proteinuria. Immune monitoring revealed low intragraft
      inflammation (urinary IP-10) and hints for the development of operational
      tolerance signature in the TAC- but not SIR-group. Remarkably, the TAC
      monotherapy was successful in all five presensitized (ELISPOT+) patients.
      However, recruitment into SIR-arm was stopped (after n = 7) because of high
      incidence of proteinuria and acute/chronic rejection in biopsies. No
      opportunistic infections occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion,
      our novel fast-track TAC-monotherapy protocol is likely to be safe and
      preliminary results indicated an excellent 5-year outcome, however, a full-scale
      study will be needed to confirm our findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT Number:
      2006-003110-18.

PMID- 28085916
TI  - Association between Grape Yeast Communities and the Vineyard Ecosystems.
AB  - The grape yeast biota from several wine-producing areas, with distinct soil types
      and grapevine training systems, was assessed on five islands of Azores
      Archipelago, and differences in yeast communities composition associated with the
      geographic origin of the grapes were explored. Fifty-seven grape samples
      belonging to the Vitis vinifera grapevine cultivars Verdelho dos Acores
      (Verdelho), Arinto da Terceira (Arinto) and Terrantez do Pico (Terrantez) were
      collected in two consecutive years and 40 spontaneous fermentations were
      achieved. A total of 1710 yeast isolates were obtained from freshly crushed
      grapes and 1200 from final stage of fermentations. Twenty-eight species were
      identified, Hanseniaspura uvarum, Pichia terricola and Metschnikowia pulcherrima
      being the three most representative species isolated. Candida carpophila was
      encountered for the first time as an inhabitant of grape or wine-associated
      environments. In both sampling years, a higher proportion of H. uvarum in fresh
      grapes from Verdelho cultivar was observed, in comparison with Arinto cultivar.
      Qualitatively significant differences were found among yeast communities from
      several locations on five islands of the Archipelago, particularly in locations
      with distinctive agro-ecological compositions. Our results are in agreement with
      the statement that grape-associated microbial biogeography is non-randomly
      associated with interactions of climate, soil, cultivar, and vine training
      systems in vineyard ecosystems. Our observations strongly support a possible
      linkage between grape yeast and wine typicality, reinforcing the statement that
      different viticultural terroirs harbor distinctive yeast biota, in particular in
      vineyards with very distinctive environmental conditions.

PMID- 28085918
TI  - When a Step Is Not a Step! Specificity Analysis of Five Physical Activity
      Monitors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Physical activity is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle for
      both physical and mental health states. As step count is one of the most utilized
      measures for quantifying physical activity it is important that activity
      monitoring devices be both sensitive and specific in recording actual steps taken
      and disregard non-stepping body movements. The objective of this study was to
      assess the specificity of five activity monitors during a variety of prescribed
      non-stepping activities. METHODS: Participants wore five activity monitors
      simultaneously for a variety of prescribed activities including deskwork, taking
      an elevator, taking a bus journey, automobile driving, washing and drying dishes;
      functional reaching task; indoor cycling; outdoor cycling; and indoor rowing.
      Each task was carried out for either a specific duration of time or over a
      specific distance. Activity monitors tested were the ActivPAL microTM, NL-2000TM
      pedometer, Withings Smart Activity Monitor Tracker (Pulse O2)TM, Fitbit OneTM and
      Jawbone UPTM. Participants were video-recorded while carrying out the prescribed
      activities and the false positive step count registered on each activity monitor
      was obtained and compared to the video. RESULTS: All activity monitors registered
      a significant number of false positive steps per minute during one or more of the
      prescribed activities. The WithingsTM activity performed best, registering a
      significant number of false positive steps per minute during the outdoor cycling
      activity only (P = 0.025). The JawboneTM registered a significant number of false
      positive steps during the functional reaching task and while washing and drying
      dishes, which involved arm and hand movement (P < 0.01 for both). The ActivPALTM
      registered a significant number of false positive steps during the cycling
      exercises (P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: As a number of false positive steps
      were registered on the activity monitors during the non-stepping activities, the
      authors conclude that non-stepping physical activities can result in the false
      detection of steps. This can negatively affect the quantification of physical
      activity with regard to step count as an output. The WithingsTM activity monitor
      performed best with regard to specificity during the activities of daily living
      tested.

PMID- 28085917
TI  - Quantification of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in
      Commercial Cows' Milk from California by Gas Chromatography-Triple Quadruple Mass
      Spectrometry.
AB  - We determined 12 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 19 polychlorinated
      biphenyls (PCBs) congeners in eight different brands of commercial whole milk
      (WM) and fat free milk (FFM) produced and distributed in California. Congeners
      were extracted using a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe
      (QuEChERS) method, purified by gel permeation chromatography, and quantified
      using gas chromatography-triple quadruple mass spectrometry. PBDEs and PCBs were
      detected in all FFM and WM samples. The most prevalent PBDE congeners in WM were
      BDE-47 (geometric mean: 18.0 pg/mL, 0.51 ng/g lipid), BDE-99 (geometric mean: 9.9
      pg/mL, 0.28 ng/g lipid), and BDE-49 (geometric mean: 6.0 pg/mL, 0.17 ng/g lipid).
      The dominant PCB congeners in WM were PCB-101(geometric mean: 23.6 pg/mL, 0.67
      ng/g lipid), PCB-118 (geometric mean: 25.2 pg/mL, 0.72 ng/g lipid), and PCB-138
      (geometric mean: 25.3 pg/mL, 0.72 ng/g lipid). The sum of all 19 PCB congeners in
      FFM and WM were several orders of magnitude below the U.S. FDA tolerance. The sum
      of PBDEs in milk samples suggest close proximity to industrial emissions, and
      confirm previous findings of elevated PBDE levels in California compared to other
      regions in the United States.

PMID- 28085919
TI  - Modeling sRNA-Regulated Plasmid Maintenance.
AB  - We study a theoretical model for the toxin-antitoxin (hok/sok) mechanism for
      plasmid maintenance in bacteria. Toxin-antitoxin systems enforce the maintenance
      of a plasmid through post-segregational killing of cells that have lost the
      plasmid. Key to their function is the tight regulation of expression of a protein
      toxin by an sRNA antitoxin. Here, we focus on the nonlinear nature of the
      regulatory circuit dynamics of the toxin-antitoxin mechanism. The mechanism
      relies on a transient increase in protein concentration rather than on the steady
      state of the genetic circuit. Through a systematic analysis of the parameter
      dependence of this transient increase, we confirm some known design features of
      this system and identify new ones: for an efficient toxin-antitoxin mechanism,
      the synthesis rate of the toxin's mRNA template should be lower that of the sRNA
      antitoxin, the mRNA template should be more stable than the sRNA antitoxin, and
      the mRNA-sRNA complex should be more stable than the sRNA antitoxin. Moreover, a
      short half-life of the protein toxin is also beneficial to the function of the
      toxin-antitoxin system. In addition, we study a therapeutic scenario in which a
      competitor mRNA is introduced to sequester the sRNA antitoxin, causing the toxic
      protein to be expressed.

PMID- 28085920
TI  - E2F6 Impairs Glycolysis and Activates BDH1 Expression Prior to Dilated
      Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - RATIONALE: The E2F pathway plays a critical role in cardiac growth and
      development, yet its role in cardiac metabolism remains to be defined. Metabolic
      changes play important roles in human heart failure and studies imply the
      ketogenic enzyme beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase I (BDH1) is a potential
      biomarker. OBJECTIVE: To define the role of the E2F pathway in cardiac metabolism
      and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with a focus on BDH1. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      previously developed transgenic (Tg) mice expressing the transcriptional
      repressor, E2F6, to interfere with the E2F/Rb pathway in post-natal myocardium.
      These Tg mice present with an E2F6 dose dependent DCM and deregulated connexin-43
      (CX-43) levels in myocardium. Using the Seahorse platform, a 22% decrease in
      glycolysis was noted in neonatal cardiomyocytes isolated from E2F6-Tg hearts.
      This was associated with a 39% reduction in the glucose transporter GLUT4 and 50%
      less activation of the regulator of glucose metabolism AKT2. The specific
      reduction of cyclin B1 (70%) in Tg myocardium implicates its importance in
      supporting glycolysis in the postnatal heart. No changes in cyclin D expression
      (known to regulate mitochondrial activity) were noted and lipid metabolism
      remained unchanged in neonatal cardiomyocytes from Tg hearts. However, E2F6
      induced a 40-fold increase of the Bdh1 transcript and 890% increase in its
      protein levels in hearts from Tg pups implying a potential impact on ketolysis.
      By contrast, BDH1 expression is not activated until adulthood in normal
      myocardium. Neonatal cardiomyocytes from Wt hearts incubated with the ketone beta
      hydroxybutyrate (beta-OHB) showed a 100% increase in CX-43 protein levels,
      implying a role for ketone signaling in gap junction biology. Neonatal
      cardiomyocyte cultures from Tg hearts exhibited enhanced levels of BDH1 and CX-43
      and were not responsive to beta-OHB. CONCLUSIONS: The data reveal a novel role
      for the E2F pathway in regulating glycolysis in the developing myocardium through
      a mechanism involving cyclin B1. We reveal BDH1 expression as an early biomarker
      of heart failure and its potential impact, through ketone signaling, on CX-43
      levels in E2F6-induced DCM.

PMID- 28085921
TI  - The APPLE Score - A Novel Score for the Prediction of Rhythm Outcomes after
      Repeat Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arrhythmia recurrences after catheter ablation occur in up to 50%
      within one year but their prediction remains challenging. Recently, we developed
      a novel score for the prediction of rhythm outcomes after single AF ablation
      demonstrating superiority to other scores. The current study was performed to 1)
      prove the predictive value of the APPLE score in patients undergoing repeat AF
      ablation and 2) compare it with the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. METHODS:
      Rhythm outcome between 3-12 months after AF ablation were documented. The APPLE
      score (one point for Age >65 years, Persistent AF, imPaired eGFR (<60
      ml/min/1.73m2), LA diameter >=43 mm, EF <50%) was calculated in every patient
      before procedure. RESULTS: 379 consecutive patients from The Leipzig Heart Center
      AF Ablation Registry (60+/-10 years, 65% male, 70% paroxysmal AF) undergoing
      repeat AF catheter ablation were included. Arrhythmia recurrences were observed
      in 133 patients (35%). While the CHADS2 (AUC 0.577, p = 0.037) and CHA2DS2-VASc
      scores (AUC 0.590, p = 0.015) demonstrated low predictive value, the APPLE score
      showed better prediction of arrhythmia recurrences (AUC 0.617, p = 0.002) than
      other scores (both p<0.001). Compared to patients with an APPLE score of 0, the
      risk (OR) for arrhythmia recurrences was 2.9, 3.0 and 6.0 (all p<0.01) for APPLE
      scores 1, 2, or >=3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The novel APPLE score is superior
      to the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for prediction of rhythm outcomes after
      repeat AF catheter ablation. It may be helpful to identify patients with low,
      intermediate or high risk for recurrences after repeat procedure.

PMID- 28085922
TI  - The Effectiveness of Teamwork Training on Teamwork Behaviors and Team
      Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Interventions.
AB  - The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis
      of teamwork interventions that were carried out with the purpose of improving
      teamwork and team performance, using controlled experimental designs. A
      literature search returned 16,849 unique articles. The meta-analysis was
      ultimately conducted on 51 articles, comprising 72 (k) unique interventions, 194
      effect sizes, and 8439 participants, using a random effects model. Positive and
      significant medium-sized effects were found for teamwork interventions on both
      teamwork and team performance. Moderator analyses were also conducted, which
      generally revealed positive and significant effects with respect to several
      sample, intervention, and measurement characteristics. Implications for effective
      teamwork interventions as well as considerations for future research are
      discussed.

PMID- 28085923
TI  - Striatofrontal Deafferentiation in MSA-P: Evaluation with [18F]FDG Brain PET.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although cognitive impairment is not a consistent feature of multiple
      system atrophy (MSA), increasing evidence suggests that cognitive impairment is
      common in MSA with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P). It is assumed that the
      cognitive impairment in MSA-P is caused by the striatal dysfunction and
      disruption of striatofrontal connections. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the relationship between regional glucose metabolism in the frontal cortex and
      striatum in patients with MSA-P using [18F]FDG brain PET. METHODS: Twenty-nine
      patients with MSA-P and 28 healthy controls underwent [18F]FDG brain PET scan.
      The [18F]FDG brain PET images were semiquantitatively analyzed on the basis of a
      template in standard space. The regional glucose metabolism of the cerebral
      cortex and striatum were compared between MSA-P and healthy control groups. The
      correlations between age, symptom duration, H&Y stage, UPDRS III score, MMSE
      score, and glucose metabolism in the cerebellum and striatum to glucose
      metabolism in the frontal cortex were evaluated by multivariate analysis.
      RESULTS: The glucose metabolism in the frontal cortex and striatum in MSA-P
      patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls. Glucose
      metabolism in the striatum was the most powerful determinant of glucose
      metabolism in the frontal cortex in MSA-P. Only age and glucose metabolism in the
      cerebellum were independent variables affecting the glucose metabolism in the
      frontal cortex in healthy controls. CONCLUSION: The decrease in frontal glucose
      metabolism in MSA-P is related to the decrease in striatal glucose metabolism.
      This result provided evidence of striatofrontal deafferentiation in patients with
      MSA-P.

PMID- 28085924
TI  - Microfluidic Biopsy Trapping Device for the Real-Time Monitoring of Tumor
      Microenvironment.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment is composed of cellular and stromal components such as
      tumor cells, mesenchymal cells, immune cells, cancer associated fibroblasts and
      the supporting extracellular matrix. The tumor microenvironment provides crucial
      support for growth and progression of tumor cells and affects tumor response to
      therapeutic interventions. To better understand tumor biology and to develop
      effective cancer therapeutic agents it is important to develop preclinical
      platforms that can faithfully recapitulate the tumor microenvironment and the
      complex interaction between the tumor and its surrounding stromal elements. Drug
      studies performed in vitro with conventional two-dimensional cancer cell line
      models do not optimally represent clinical drug response as they lack true tumor
      heterogeneity and are often performed in static culture conditions lacking
      stromal tumor components that significantly influence the metabolic activity and
      proliferation of cells. Recent microfluidic approaches aim to overcome such
      obstacles with the use of cell lines derived in artificial three-dimensional
      supportive gels or micro-chambers. However, absence of a true tumor
      microenvironment and full interstitial flow, leads to less than optimal
      evaluation of tumor response to drug treatment. Here we report a continuous
      perfusion microfluidic device coupled with microscopy and image analysis for the
      assessment of drug effects on intact fresh tumor tissue. We have demonstrated
      that fine needle aspirate biopsies obtained from patient-derived xenograft models
      of adenocarcinoma of the lung can successfully be analyzed for their response to
      ex vivo drug treatment within this biopsy trapping microfluidic device, wherein a
      protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine, was used to assess tumor cell death as
      a proof of principle. This approach has the potential to study tumor tissue
      within its intact microenvironment to better understand tumor response to drug
      treatments and eventually to choose the most effective drug and drug combination
      for individual patients in a cost effective and timely manner.

PMID- 28085925
TI  - The First Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Boswellia sacra, a Resin-Producing Plant
      in Oman.
AB  - Boswellia sacra (Burseraceae), a keystone endemic species, is famous for the
      production of fragrant oleo-gum resin. However, the genetic make-up especially
      the genomic information about chloroplast is still unknown. Here, we described
      for the first time the chloroplast (cp) genome of B. sacra. The complete cp
      sequence revealed a circular genome of 160,543 bp size with 37.61% GC content.
      The cp genome is a typical quadripartite chloroplast structure with inverted
      repeats (IRs 26,763 bp) separated by small single copy (SSC; 18,962 bp) and large
      single copy (LSC; 88,055 bp) regions. De novo assembly and annotation showed the
      presence of 114 unique genes with 83 protein-coding regions. The phylogenetic
      analysis revealed that the B. sacra cp genome is closely related to the cp genome
      of Azadirachta indica and Citrus sinensis, while most of the syntenic differences
      were found in the non-coding regions. The pairwise distance among 76 shared genes
      of B. sacra and A. indica was highest for atpA, rpl2, rps12 and ycf1. The cp
      genome of B. sacra reveals a novel genome, which could be used for further
      studied to understand its diversity, taxonomy and phylogeny.

PMID- 28085926
TI  - Bcl-xL Affects Group A Streptococcus-Induced Autophagy Directly, by Inhibiting
      Fusion between Autophagosomes and Lysosomes, and Indirectly, by Inhibiting
      Bacterial Internalization via Interaction with Beclin 1-UVRAG.
AB  - Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL are proposed to regulate starvation-induced
      autophagy by directly interacting with Beclin 1. Beclin 1 is also thought to be
      involved in multiple vesicle trafficking pathways such as endocytosis by binding
      to Atg14L and UVRAG. However, how the interaction of Bcl-2 family proteins and
      Beclin 1 regulates anti-bacterial autophagy (xenophagy) is still unclear. In this
      study, we analyzed these interactions using Group A Streptococcus (GAS;
      Streptococcus pyogenes) infection as a model. GAS is internalized into epithelial
      cells through endocytosis, while the intracellular fate of GAS is degradation by
      autophagy. Here, we found that Bcl-xL but not Bcl-2 regulates GAS-induced
      autophagy. Autophagosome-lysosome fusion and the internalization process during
      GAS infection were promoted in Bcl-xL knockout cells. In addition, knockout of
      Beclin 1 phenocopied the internalization defect of GAS. Furthermore, UVRAG
      interacts not only with Beclin 1 but also with Bcl-xL, and overexpression of
      UVRAG partially rescued the internalization defect of Beclin 1 knockout cells
      during GAS infection. Thus, our results indicate that Bcl-xL inhibits GAS-induced
      autophagy directly by suppressing autophagosome-lysosome fusion and indirectly by
      suppressing GAS internalization via interaction with Beclin 1-UVRAG.

PMID- 28085927
TI  - Community Laboratory Testing for Cryptosporidium: Multicenter Study Retesting
      Public Health Surveillance Stool Samples Positive for Cryptosporidium by Rapid
      Cartridge Assay with Direct Fluorescent Antibody Testing.
AB  - Cryptosporidium is a common cause of sporadic diarrheal disease and outbreaks in
      the United States. Increasingly, immunochromatography-based rapid cartridge
      assays (RCAs) are providing community laboratories with a quick cryptosporidiosis
      diagnostic method. In the current study, the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention (CDC), the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), and four
      state health departments evaluated RCA-positive samples obtained during routine
      Cryptosporidium testing. All samples underwent "head to head" re-testing using
      both RCA and direct fluorescence assay (DFA). Community level results from three
      sites indicated that 54.4% (166/305) of Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! positives and
      87.0% (67/77) of Remel Xpect positives were confirmed by DFA. When samples were
      retested by RCA at state laboratories and compared with DFA, 83.3% (155/186) of
      Meridian ImmunoCard STAT! positives and 95.2% (60/63) of Remel Xpect positives
      were confirmed. The percentage of confirmed community results varied by site:
      Minnesota, 39.0%; New York, 63.9%; and Wisconsin, 72.1%. The percentage of
      confirmed community results decreased with patient age; 12.5% of community
      positive tests could be confirmed by DFA for patients 60 years of age or older.
      The percentage of confirmed results did not differ significantly by sex, storage
      temperature, time between sample collection and testing, or season. Findings from
      this study demonstrate a lower confirmation rate of community RCA positives when
      compared to RCA positives identified at state laboratories. Elucidating the
      causes of decreased test performance in order to improve overall community
      laboratory performance of these tests is critical for understanding the
      epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in the United States (US).

PMID- 28085928
TI  - Critical Features of Fragment Libraries for Protein Structure Prediction.
AB  - The use of fragment libraries is a popular approach among protein structure
      prediction methods and has proven to substantially improve the quality of
      predicted structures. However, some vital aspects of a fragment library that
      influence the accuracy of modeling a native structure remain to be determined.
      This study investigates some of these features. Particularly, we analyze the
      effect of using secondary structure prediction guiding fragments selection,
      different fragments sizes and the effect of structural clustering of fragments
      within libraries. To have a clearer view of how these factors affect protein
      structure prediction, we isolated the process of model building by fragment
      assembly from some common limitations associated with prediction methods, e.g.,
      imprecise energy functions and optimization algorithms, by employing an exact
      structure-based objective function under a greedy algorithm. Our results indicate
      that shorter fragments reproduce the native structure more accurately than the
      longer. Libraries composed of multiple fragment lengths generate even better
      structures, where longer fragments show to be more useful at the beginning of the
      simulations. The use of many different fragment sizes shows little improvement
      when compared to predictions carried out with libraries that comprise only three
      different fragment sizes. Models obtained from libraries built using only
      sequence similarity are, on average, better than those built with a secondary
      structure prediction bias. However, we found that the use of secondary structure
      prediction allows greater reduction of the search space, which is invaluable for
      prediction methods. The results of this study can be critical guidelines for the
      use of fragment libraries in protein structure prediction.

PMID- 28085929
TI  - Transcriptomic Analysis of Laribacter hongkongensis Reveals Adaptive Response
      Coupled with Temperature.
AB  - Bacterial adaptation to different hosts requires transcriptomic alteration in
      response to the environmental conditions. Laribacter hongkongensis is a gram
      negative, facultative anaerobic, urease-positive bacillus caused infections in
      liver cirrhosis patients and community-acquired gastroenteritis. It was also
      found in intestine from commonly consumed freshwater fishes and drinking water
      reservoirs. Since L. hongkongensis could survive as either fish or human
      pathogens, their survival mechanisms in two different habitats should be
      temperature-regulated and highly complex. Therefore, we performed transcriptomic
      analysis of L. hongkongensis at body temperatures of fish and human in order to
      elucidate the versatile adaptation mechanisms coupled with the temperatures. We
      identified numerous novel temperature-induced pathways involved in host
      pathogenesis, in addition to the shift of metabolic equilibriums and
      overexpression of stress-related proteins. Moreover, these pathways form a
      network that can be activated at a particular temperature, and change the
      physiology of the bacteria to adapt to the environments. In summary, the dynamic
      of transcriptomes in L. hongkongensis provides versatile strategies for the
      bacterial survival at different habitats and this alteration prepares the
      bacterium for the challenge of host immunity.

PMID- 28085930
TI  - Measurement of Tip Apex Distance and Migration of Lag Screws and Novel Blade
      Screw Used for the Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures.
AB  - Fixation with a dynamic hip screw (DHS) is one of the most common methods for
      stabilizing intertrochanteric fractures, except for unstable and reverse oblique
      fracture types. However, failure is often observed in osteoporotic patients
      whereby the lag screw effectively 'cuts out' through the weak bone. Novel anti
      migration blades have been developed to be used in combination with a lag screw
      ('Blade Screw') to improve the fixation strength in osteoporotic
      intertrochanteric fractures. An in-vitro biomechanical study and a retrospective
      clinical study were performed to evaluate lag screw migration when using the
      novel Blade Screw and a traditional threaded DHS. The biomechanical study showed
      both the Blade Screw and DHS displayed excessive migration (>=10 mm) before
      reaching 20,000 loading cycles in mild osteoporotic bone, but overall migration
      of the Blade Screw was significantly less (p <= 0.03). Among the patients
      implanted with a Blade Screw in the clinical study, there was no significant
      variation in screw migration at 3-months follow-up (P = 0.12). However, the
      patient's implanted with a DHS did display significantly greater migration
      (P<0.001) than those implanted with the Blade Screw. In conclusion, the Blade
      Screw stabilizes the bone fragments during dynamic loading so as to provide
      significantly greater resistance to screw migration in patients with mild
      osteoporosis.

PMID- 28085931
TI  - Broad-Range Detection of Microorganisms Directly from Bronchoalveolar Lavage
      Specimens by PCR/Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - The clinical demand on rapid microbiological diagnostic is constantly increasing.
      PCR coupled to electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, PCR/ESI-MS, offers
      detection and identification of over 750 bacteria and Candida species directly
      from clinical specimens within 6 hours. In this study, we investigated the
      clinical performance of the IRIDICA BAC LRT Assay for detection of bacterial
      pathogens in 121 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples that were received
      consecutively at our bacterial laboratory for BAL culture. Commensal or
      pathogenic microorganisms were detected in 118/121 (98%) BAL samples by PCR/ESI
      MS, while in 104/121 (86%) samples by routine culture (P<0.01). Detection of
      potentially pathogenic microorganisms by PCR/ESI-MS was evaluated in comparison
      with conventional culture-based or molecular methods. The agreement between
      positive findings was overall good. Most Staphylococcus aureus-positive PCR/ESI
      MS results were confirmed by culture or species-specific PCR (27/33, 82%). The
      identity of Streptococcus pneumoniae could however be confirmed for only 6/17
      (35%) PCR/ESI-MS-positive samples. Non-cultivable and fastidious pathogens, which
      were not covered by standard culture procedures were readily detected by PCR/ESI
      MS, including Legionella pneumophila, Bordetella pertussis, Norcadia species and
      Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In conclusion, PCR/ESI-MS detected a broad range of
      potential pathogens with equal or superior sensitivity compared to conventional
      methods within few hours directly from BAL samples. This novel method might thus
      provide a relevant tool for diagnostics in critically ill patients.

PMID- 28085933
TI  - Wind Energy Conversion by Plant-Inspired Designs.
AB  - In 2008 the U.S. Department of Energy set a target of 20% wind energy by 2030. To
      date, induction-based turbines form the mainstay of this effort, but turbines are
      noisy, perceived as unattractive, a potential hazard to bats and birds, and their
      height hampers deployment in residential settings. Several groups have proposed
      that artificial plants containing piezoelectric elements may harvest wind energy
      sufficient to contribute to a carbon-neutral energy economy. Here we measured
      energy conversion by cottonwood-inspired piezoelectric leaves, and by a "vertical
      flapping stalk"-the most efficient piezo-leaf previously reported. We emulated
      cottonwood for its unusually ordered, periodic flutter, properties conducive to
      piezo excitation. Integrated over 0 degrees -90 degrees  (azimuthal) of incident
      airflow, cottonwood mimics outperformed the vertical flapping stalk, but they
      produced << daW per conceptualized tree. In contrast, a modest-sized cottonwood
      tree may dissipate ~ 80 W via leaf motion alone. A major limitation of piezo
      transduction is charge generation, which scales with capacitance (area). We thus
      tested a rudimentary, cattail-inspired leaf with stacked elements wired in
      parallel. Power increased systematically with capacitance as expected, but
      extrapolation to acre-sized assemblages predicts << daW. Although our results
      suggest that present piezoelectric materials will not harvest mid-range power
      from botanic mimics of convenient size, recent developments in electrostriction
      and triboelectric systems may offer more fertile ground to further explore this
      concept.

PMID- 28085932
TI  - Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling Simulator for Real Workflows Energy-Aware
      Management in Green Cloud Computing.
AB  - Nowadays, the growing computational capabilities of Cloud systems rely on the
      reduction of the consumed power of their data centers to make them sustainable
      and economically profitable. The efficient management of computing resources is
      at the heart of any energy-aware data center and of special relevance is the
      adaptation of its performance to workload. Intensive computing applications in
      diverse areas of science generate complex workload called workflows, whose
      successful management in terms of energy saving is still at its beginning.
      WorkflowSim is currently one of the most advanced simulators for research on
      workflows processing, offering advanced features such as task clustering and
      failure policies. In this work, an expected power-aware extension of WorkflowSim
      is presented. This new tool integrates a power model based on a computing-plus
      communication design to allow the optimization of new management strategies in
      energy saving considering computing, reconfiguration and networks costs as well
      as quality of service, and it incorporates the preeminent strategy for on host
      energy saving: Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling (DVFS). The simulator is
      designed to be consistent in different real scenarios and to include a wide
      repertory of DVFS governors. Results showing the validity of the simulator in
      terms of resources utilization, frequency and voltage scaling, power, energy and
      time saving are presented. Also, results achieved by the intra-host DVFS strategy
      with different governors are compared to those of the data center using a recent
      and successful DVFS-based inter-host scheduling strategy as overlapped mechanism
      to the DVFS intra-host technique.

PMID- 28085934
TI  - Housing Systems Influence Gut Microbiota Composition of Sows but Not of Their
      Piglets.
AB  - Different housing systems can be used in pig production and little is known about
      their effect on gut microbiota composition. In this study we characterized fecal
      microbiota by sequencing the rRNA genes in sows kept during gestation in
      conventional pens with a slatted floor and in enriched pens with a floor covered
      with deep straw. After farrowing, microbiota of 1- and 4-day-old piglets were
      also monitored. Microbiota of sows from the enriched system contained
      significantly more Prevotella, Parabacteroides, CF231, Phascolarctobacterium,
      Fibrobacter, Anaerovibrio and YRC22 and significantly less Lactobacillus,
      Bulleidia, Lachnospira, Dorea, Ruminococcus and Oscillospira than microbiota of
      sows from the conventional system. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was 0.96
      in the microbiota of sows kept in the enriched pens and this increased to 1.66 in
      the microbiota of sows kept in the conventional system. The production system
      therefore influenced microbiota composition, most likely due the ingestion of the
      straw. The microbiota of 1- and 4-day-old piglets differed from the microbiota of
      sows and sows therefore did not represent the most important source for their
      colonization in early days of life.

PMID- 28085935
TI  - Life-Course Relationship between Socioeconomic Circumstances and Timing of First
      Birth in a Birth Cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examines the influence of socioeconomic circumstances in
      childhood (childhood SES) and adulthood (adult SES) on timing of first birth by
      age 37. METHODS: A longitudinal study of a 1972-1973 New Zealand birth cohort
      collected information on socioeconomic characteristics from age 3-32 and
      reproductive histories at 21, 26, 32 and 38; information on first birth was
      available from 978 of the original 1037. Relative Risks (RR) and 95% Confidence
      Intervals (CI) were calculated using Poisson regression to examine first live
      birth prior to age 21, from 21-25, from 26-31, and from 32-37, by socioeconomic
      characteristics at different ages. RESULTS: Overall, 68.5% of men had fathered a
      child and 75.9% of women had given birth, by age 37; with overall differences in
      parenthood to age 31 for men, and 37 for women evident by childhood SES. While
      parenthood by age 20 was strongly associated with lower childhood SES for both
      sexes, first entry into motherhood from 32-37 was more likely with higher adult
      SES at age 32 (RR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0 for medium and RR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3
      for high compared with low). Education also differientated age at parenthood,
      with those with higher education more likely to defer fatherhood past age 31, and
      motherhood past age 25 followed by a period of increased likelihood of motherhood
      for women with higher levels of education from age 32-37 (RR = 1.4, 95% CI 0.87
      2.2 and RR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6 for medium and high respectively compared with
      low). CONCLUSIONS: SES varies across the lifecourse, and SES at the time has the
      strongest association with first births at that time. Low childhood SES drives
      adolescent parenthood, with resulting cumulative differences in parenthood past
      age 30. Those with more education and higher adult SES are deferring parenthood
      but attempt to catch up in the mid to late thirties.

PMID- 28085936
TI  - Coordinated Control of Acoustical Field of View and Flight in Three-Dimensional
      Space for Consecutive Capture by Echolocating Bats during Natural Foraging.
AB  - Echolocating bats prey upon small moving insects in the dark using sophisticated
      sonar techniques. The direction and directivity pattern of the ultrasound
      broadcast of these bats are important factors that affect their acoustical field
      of view, allowing us to investigate how the bats control their acoustic attention
      (pulse direction) for advanced flight maneuvers. The purpose of this study was to
      understand the behavioral strategies of acoustical sensing of wild Japanese house
      bats Pipistrellus abramus in three-dimensional (3D) space during consecutive
      capture flights. The results showed that when the bats successively captured
      multiple airborne insects in short time intervals (less than 1.5 s), they
      maintained not only the immediate prey but also the subsequent one simultaneously
      within the beam widths of the emitted pulses in both horizontal and vertical
      planes before capturing the immediate one. This suggests that echolocating bats
      maintain multiple prey within their acoustical field of view by a single sensing
      using a wide directional beam while approaching the immediate prey, instead of
      frequently shifting acoustic attention between multiple prey. We also numerically
      simulated the bats' flight trajectories when approaching two prey successively to
      investigate the relationship between the acoustical field of view and the prey
      direction for effective consecutive captures. This simulation demonstrated that
      acoustically viewing both the immediate and the subsequent prey simultaneously
      increases the success rate of capturing both prey, which is considered to be one
      of the basic axes of efficient route planning for consecutive capture flight. The
      bat's wide sonar beam can incidentally cover multiple prey while the bat forages
      in an area where the prey density is high. Our findings suggest that the bats
      then keep future targets within their acoustical field of view for effective
      foraging. In addition, in both the experimental results and the numerical
      simulations, the acoustic sensing and flights of the bats showed narrower
      vertical ranges than horizontal ranges. This suggests that the bats control their
      acoustic sensing according to different schemes in the horizontal and vertical
      planes according to their surroundings. These findings suggest that echolocating
      bats coordinate their control of the acoustical field of view and flight for
      consecutive captures in 3D space during natural foraging.

PMID- 28085937
TI  - A Global User-Driven Model for Tile Prefetching in Web Geographical Information
      Systems.
AB  - A web geographical information system is a typical service-intensive application.
      Tile prefetching and cache replacement can improve cache hit ratios by
      proactively fetching tiles from storage and replacing the appropriate tiles from
      the high-speed cache buffer without waiting for a client's requests, which
      reduces disk latency and improves system access performance. Most popular
      prefetching strategies consider only the relative tile popularities to predict
      which tile should be prefetched or consider only a single individual user's
      access behavior to determine which neighbor tiles need to be prefetched. Some
      studies show that comprehensively considering all users' access behaviors and all
      tiles' relationships in the prediction process can achieve more significant
      improvements. Thus, this work proposes a new global user-driven model for tile
      prefetching and cache replacement. First, based on all users' access behaviors, a
      type of expression method for tile correlation is designed and implemented. Then,
      a conditional prefetching probability can be computed based on the proposed
      correlation expression mode. Thus, some tiles to be prefetched can be found by
      computing and comparing the conditional prefetching probability from the uncached
      tiles set and, similarly, some replacement tiles can be found in the cache buffer
      according to multi-step prefetching. Finally, some experiments are provided
      comparing the proposed model with other global user-driven models, other single
      user-driven models, and other client-side prefetching strategies. The results
      show that the proposed model can achieve a prefetching hit rate in approximately
      10.6% ~ 110.5% higher than the compared methods.

PMID- 28085938
TI  - Rare Synaptogenesis-Impairing Mutations in SLITRK5 Are Associated with Obsessive
      Compulsive Disorder.
AB  - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is substantially heritable, but few molecular
      genetic risk factors have been identified. Knockout mice lacking SLIT and NTRK
      Like Family, Member 5 (SLITRK5) display OCD-like phenotypes including serotonin
      reuptake inhibitor-sensitive pathologic grooming, and corticostriatal
      dysfunction. Thus, mutations that impair SLITRK5 function may contribute to the
      genetic risk for OCD. We re-sequenced the protein-coding sequence of the human
      SLITRK5 gene (SLITRK5) in three hundred and seventy seven OCD subjects and
      compared rare non-synonymous mutations (RNMs) in that sample with similar
      mutations in the 1000 Genomes database. We also performed in silico assessments
      and in vitro functional synaptogenesis assays on the Slitrk5 mutations
      identified. We identified four RNM's among these OCD subjects. There were no
      significant differences in the prevalence or in silico effects of rare non
      synonymous mutations in the OCD sample versus controls. Direct functional testing
      of recombinant SLITRK5 proteins found that all mutations identified in OCD
      subjects impaired synaptogenic activity whereas none of the pseudo-matched
      mutations identified in 1000 Genomes controls had significant effects on SLITRK5
      function (Fisher's exact test P = 0.028). These results demonstrate that rare
      functional mutations in SLITRK5 contribute to the genetic risk for OCD in human
      populations. They also highlight the importance of biological characterization of
      allelic effects in understanding genotype-phenotype relationships as there were
      no statistical differences in overall prevalence or bioinformatically predicted
      effects of OCD case versus control mutations. Finally, these results converge
      with others to highlight the role of aberrant synaptic function in
      corticostriatal neurons in the pathophysiology of OCD.

PMID- 28085939
TI  - Up, Down, Near, Far: An Online Vestibular Contribution to Distance Judgement.
AB  - Whether a visual stimulus seems near or far away depends partly on its vertical
      elevation. Contrasting theories suggest either that perception of distance could
      vary with elevation, because of memory of previous upwards efforts in climbing to
      overcome gravity, or because of fear of falling associated with the downwards
      direction. The vestibular system provides a fundamental signal for the downward
      direction of gravity, but the relation between this signal and depth perception
      remains unexplored. Here we report an experiment on vestibular contributions to
      depth perception, using Virtual Reality. We asked participants to judge the
      absolute distance of an object presented on a plane at different elevations
      during brief artificial vestibular inputs. Relative to distance estimates
      collected with the object at the level of horizon, participants tended to
      overestimate distances when the object was presented above the level of horizon
      and the head was tilted upward and underestimate them when the object was
      presented below the level of horizon. Interestingly, adding artificial vestibular
      inputs strengthened these distance biases, showing that online multisensory
      signals, and not only stored information, contribute to such distance illusions.
      Our results support the gravity theory of depth perception, and show that
      vestibular signals make an on-line contribution to the perception of effort, and
      thus of distance.

PMID- 28085940
TI  - Location of Receipt of Initial Treatment and Outcomes in Long-Term Breast Cancer
      Survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cancer outcomes differ depending on where treatment is received. We
      assessed differences in outcomes in long-term breast cancer survivors at a
      specialty care hospital by location of their initial treatment. METHODS: We
      retrospectively examined a cohort of women diagnosed with invasive early-stage
      breast cancer who did not experience recurrence for at least 5 years after the
      date of diagnosis and were evaluated at The University of Texas MD Anderson
      Cancer Center between January 1997 and August 2008. The location of initial
      treatment was categorized as MD Anderson (MDA-treated) or other (OTH-treated).
      Outcomes analyzed included recurrence-free survival (RFS), distant relapse-free
      survival (DRFS), and overall survival (OS). The Kaplan-Meier product-limit method
      was used to compare outcomes between the two groups. Cox proportional hazards
      models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CI). RESULTS: We identified 5,091 breast cancer survivors (median follow-up 8.6
      years), of whom 89.1% were MDA-treated. The 10-year OS, RFS, and DRFS rates were
      90.9%, 88.4%, and 89.0% in the MDA-treated group and 74.3%, 49.8%, and 52.7% in
      the OTH-treated group, respectively. We observed worse outcomes in the OTH-group
      in both the univariate analysis and the multivariable analysis (OS: HR = 4.8, 95%
      CI = 3.9-6.0; RFS: HR = 5.8, 95% CI = 4.8-7.0; DRFS: HR = 5.4, 95% CI = 4.5-6.6).
      CONCLUSION: Long-term breast cancer survivors who initiated their treatment at MD
      Anderson had better outcomes. Location of initial treatment could be an
      independent risk factor for survival outcomes at specialty care hospitals. This
      analysis has limitations inherent to retrospective observational studies such as
      other unmeasured variables may be associated with worse prognosis.

PMID- 28085941
TI  - A Split-GFP Gateway Cloning System for Topology Analyses of Membrane Proteins in
      Plants.
AB  - To understand the function of membrane proteins, it is imperative to know their
      topology. For such studies, a split green fluorescent protein (GFP) method is
      useful. GFP is barrel-shaped, consisting of 11 beta-sheets. When the first ten
      beta-sheets (GFP1-10) and the 11th beta-sheet (GFP11) are expressed from separate
      genes they will self-assembly and reconstitute a fluorescent GFP protein.
      However, this will only occur when the two domains co-localize in the same
      cellular compartment. We have developed an easy-to-use Gateway vector set for
      determining on which side of the membrane the N- and C-termini are located. Two
      vectors were designed for making N- and C-terminal fusions between the membrane
      proteins-of-interest and GFP11, while another three plasmids were designed to
      express GFP1-10 in either the cytosol, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen or
      the apoplast. We tested functionality of the system by applying the vector set
      for the transmembrane domain, CNXTM, of the ER membrane protein, calnexin, after
      transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. We observed GFP signal from
      the ER when we reciprocally co-expressed GFP11-CNXTM with GFP1-10-HDEL and CNXTM
      GFP with cytosolic GFP1-10. The opposite combinations did not result in GFP
      signal emission. This test using the calnexin ER-membrane domain demonstrated its
      C-terminus to be in the cytosol and its N-terminus in the ER lumen. This result
      confirmed the known topology of calnexin, and we therefore consider this split
      GFP system highly useful for ER membrane topology studies. Furthermore, the
      vector set provided is useful for detecting the topology of proteins on other
      membranes in the cell, which we confirmed for a plasma membrane syntaxin. The set
      of five Ti-plasmids are easily and efficiently used for Gateway cloning and
      transient transformation of N. benthamiana leaves.

PMID- 28085942
TI  - Correction: Intermittent Hypoxia Effect on Osteoclastogenesis Stimulated by
      Neuroblastoma Cells.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105555.].

PMID- 28085943
TI  - Identifying Risk: Concurrent Overlap of the Antarctic Krill Fishery with Krill
      Dependent Predators in the Scotia Sea.
AB  - Mitigating direct and indirect interactions between marine predators and
      fisheries is a motivating factor for ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM),
      especially where predators and fisheries compete for a shared resource. One
      difficulty in advancing EBFM is parameterizing clear functional responses of
      predators to indices of prey availability. Alternative characterizations of
      fishery-predator interactions may therefore benefit the implementation of EBFM.
      Telemetry data identify foraging areas used by predators and, therefore,
      represent critical information to mitigate potential competition between
      predators and fisheries. We analyzed six years (2009-2014) of telemetry data
      collected at Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island and Admiralty Bay, King George
      Island, Antarctica, on three species of Pygoscelid penguins and female Antarctic
      fur seals. In this region, all four species are primarily dependent on Antarctic
      krill. The tracking data demonstrate local movements near breeding colonies
      during the austral summer and dispersal from breeding colonies during the winter.
      We then assessed overlap between predators and the Antarctic krill fishery on a
      suite of spatiotemporal scales to examine how different data aggregations affect
      the extent and location of overlap. Concurrent overlap was observed on all
      spatiotemporal scales considered throughout the Antarctic Peninsula and South
      Orkney Islands region, including near tagging locations and in distant areas
      where recent fishing activity has concentrated. Overlap occurred at depths where
      mean krill densities were relatively high. Our results demonstrate that direct
      overlap of krill-dependent predators with the krill fishery on small
      spatiotemporal scales is relatively common throughout the Antarctic Peninsula
      region. As the krill fishery continues to develop and efforts to implement
      ecosystem-based management mature, indices of overlap may provide a useful metric
      for indicating where the risks of fishing are highest. A precautionary approach
      to allocating krill catches in space would be to avoid large increases in catch
      where overlap on small spatiotemporal scales is common.

PMID- 28085945
TI  - Long-Distance Travellers: Phylogeography of a Generalist Parasite, Pholeter
      gastrophilus, from Cetaceans.
AB  - We studied the phylogeography and historical demography of the most generalist
      digenean from cetaceans, Pholeter gastrophilus, exploring the effects of
      isolation by distance, ecological barriers and hosts' dispersal ability on the
      population structure of this parasite. The ITS2 rDNA, and the mitochondrial COI
      and ND1 from 68 individual parasites were analysed. Worms were collected from
      seven oceanic and coastal cetacean species from the south western Atlantic (SWA),
      central eastern Atlantic, north eastern Atlantic (NEA), and Mediterranean Sea.
      Pholeter gastrophilus was considered a single lineage because reciprocal
      monophyly was not detected in the ML cladogram of all individuals, and sequence
      variability was <1% for mtDNA and 0% for ITS2. These results rule out a recent
      suggestion that P. gastrophilus would actually be a cryptic-species complex. The
      genetic cohesion of P. gastrophilus could rely on the extensive exploitation of
      wide-ranging and highly mobile cetaceans, with a putative secondary role, if any,
      of intermediate hosts. Unique haplotypes were detected in SWA and NEA, and an
      AMOVA revealed significant population structure associated to the genetic
      variation in these regions. The Equator possibly acts as a significant
      geographical barrier for cetacean movements, possibly limiting gene flow between
      northern and southern populations of P. gastrophilus. A partial Mantel tests
      revealed that the significant isolation of NEA populations resulted from
      geographic clustering. Apparently, the limited mobility of cetaceans used by P.
      gastrophilus as definitive hosts in this region, coupled with oceanographic
      barriers and a patchy distribution of potential intermediate hosts could
      contribute to significant ecological isolation of P. gastrophilus in NEA. Rather
      unexpectedly, no genetic differentiation was found in the Mediterranean samples
      of this parasite. Historical demographic analyses suggested a recent population
      expansion of P. gastrophilus in the Atlantic Ocean, perhaps linked to initial
      association and subsequent spreading in cetaceans.

PMID- 28085944
TI  - General Practitioners' Decision Making about Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular
      Disease in Older Adults: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in older people is
      challenging as they are a diverse group with varying needs, frequent presence of
      comorbidities, and are more susceptible to treatment harms. Moreover the
      potential benefits and harms of preventive medication for older people are
      uncertain. We explored GPs' decision making about primary CVD prevention in
      patients aged 75 years and older. METHOD: 25 GPs participated in semi-structured
      interviews in New South Wales, Australia. Transcribed audio-recordings were
      thematically coded and Framework Analysis was used. RESULTS: Analysis identified
      factors that are likely to contribute to variation in the management of CVD risk
      in older people. Some GPs based CVD prevention on guidelines regardless of
      patient age. Others tailored management based on factors such as perceptions of
      prevention in older age, knowledge of limited evidence, comorbidities,
      polypharmacy, frailty, and life expectancy. GPs were more confident about: 1)
      medication and lifestyle change for fit/healthy older patients, and 2) stopping
      or avoiding medication for frail/nursing home patients. Decision making for older
      patients outside of these categories was less clear. CONCLUSION: Older patients
      receive different care depending on their GP's perceptions of ageing and CVD
      prevention, and their knowledge of available evidence. GPs consider CVD
      prevention for older patients challenging and would welcome more guidance in this
      area.

PMID- 28085946
TI  - OCLI-023, a Novel Pyrimidine Compound, Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis In Vitro and
      Alveolar Bone Resorption In Vivo.
AB  - An abnormal increase in osteoclast differentiation and activation results in
      various bone-resorptive diseases, including periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis,
      and osteoporosis. Chemical compounds containing pyrimidine ring have been shown
      to regulate a variety of biological processes. Therefore, in order to identify an
      antiresorptive agent, we synthesized a series of pyrimidine ring-containing
      chemical compounds, and found that OCLI-023 suppressed the differentiation and
      activation of osteoclasts in vitro. OCLI-023 directly inhibited receptor
      activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced differentiation of bone
      marrow macrophages into osteoclasts, without a cytotoxic response. OCLI-023 also
      downregulated the RANKL-induced mRNA expression of osteoclast markers as well as
      inhibited the formation of actin rings and resorption pits. OCLI-023 attenuated
      the RANKL-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and nuclear factor kappa
      light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell signaling pathways. In a mouse model of
      periodontitis, ligature induced an increase of distance between cementoenamel
      junction (CEJ) and alveolar bone crest (ABC) in the second molar, and OCLI-023
      significantly reduced it. Histological analysis showed ligature-induced increase
      of osteoclast numbers was also significantly reduced by OCLI-023. These data
      demonstrated the inhibitory effect of OCLI-023 on osteoclast differentiation and
      activity of osteoclasts in vitro, as well as on ligature-induced bone loss in
      vivo, and OCLI-023 can be proposed as a novel anti-resorptive compound.

PMID- 28085947
TI  - Distinctions in Breast Tumor Recurrence Patterns Post-Therapy among Racially
      Distinct Populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have revealed a higher risk of breast tumor
      recurrence in African-American (AA) patients compared to European-American (EA)
      patients, contributing to the alarming inequality in clinical outcomes among the
      ethnic groups. However, distinctions in recurrence patterns upon receiving
      hormone, radiation, and/or chemotherapy between the races remain poorly
      characterized. METHODS: We compared patterns and rates (per 1000 cancer patients
      per 1 year) of recurrence following each form of treatment between AA (n = 1850)
      and EA breast cancer patients (n = 7931) from a cohort of patients (n = 10504)
      treated between 2005-2015 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA. RESULTS: Among
      patients who received any combination of adjuvant therapy, AA displayed higher
      overall rates of recurrence than EA (p = 0.015; HR: 1.699; CI: 1.108-2.606).
      Furthermore, recurrence rates were higher in AA than EA among stage I (p = 0.031;
      HR: 1.736; CI: 1.052-2.864) and T1 classified patients (p = 0.003; HR: 2.009; CI:
      1.263-3.197). Interestingly, among patients who received neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy, AA displayed higher rates of local recurrence than EA (p = 0.024;
      HR: 7.134; CI: 1.295-39.313). CONCLUSION: Our analysis revealed higher incidence
      rates of recurrence in AA compared to EA among patients that received any
      combination of adjuvant therapy. Moreover, our data demonstrates an increased
      risk of tumor recurrence in AA than EA among patients diagnosed with minimally
      invasive disease. This is the first clinical study to suggest that neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy improves breast cancer recurrence rates and patterns in AA.

PMID- 28085948
TI  - Correction: Preclinical Evidence of Anti-Tumor Activity Induced by EZH2
      Inhibition in Human Models of Synovial Sarcoma.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158888.].

PMID- 28085949
TI  - The Association between Exposure to Environmental Bisphenol A and Gonadotropic
      Hormone Levels among Men.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is an extensively used chemical with endocrine disrupting
      properties. Although animal and in vivo studies have suggested possible effects
      of BPA on levels of gonadotropic hormones, human studies are limited and
      inconclusive. The study examined whether environmental BPA exposure was
      associated with gonadotropic hormones levels in men. A total of 560 men aged 18
      55 years were recruited from Sandu County, Guizhou Province, China. We collected
      urine samples for measurement of BPA, and blood samples for measurement of
      reproductive hormones. We examined serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone
      (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and total testosterone (T). Relative risk (RR)
      was obtained by log-binominal regression to explore the association between
      urinary BPA level and hormone levels. BPA was detected in 70.4% of urine samples,
      with a geometric mean of 0.50 MUg/gCr. Men with detectable levels of BPA had a
      1.52-fold increased risk of having a high LH level (>75th percentile) when
      compared with men with undetectable levels of BPA, after adjustment for potential
      confounders (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-2.21). The association persisted
      and slightly intensified among current smokers (adjusted RR (aRR) = 1.76, 95%CI:
      1.05-2.95), while it weakened among non-smokers (aRR = 1.17, 95%CI: 0.69-1.96).
      Urinary BPA level was associated with an increased FSH level among smokers (aRR =
      1.64, 95%CI: 1.01-2.67). Urinary BPA level was inversely associated with total T
      level among males with body max index (BMI) >=25 kg/m2 although this association
      was of borderline significance (aRR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.26-1.05). In conclusion,
      environmental exposure to BPA was associated with increased serum levels of LH
      and FSH in male smokers, along with decreased serum levels of total T in men with
      BMI>=25 kg/m2. These findings suggest that the effects of environmental BPA
      exposure on hormone levels might be modified by smoking and BMI.

PMID- 28085950
TI  - Impact of DRD2/ANKK1 and COMT Polymorphisms on Attention and Cognitive Functions
      in Schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive deficits such as poor selective attention and executive
      functions decline have been reported in patients with schizophrenia. Many studies
      have emphasized the role of dopamine in regulating cognitive functions in the
      general population as well as in schizophrenia. However, the relationship between
      cognitive processes, schizophrenia and dopaminergic candidate genes is an
      original approach given interesting results. The purpose of the current
      exploratory study was to examine the interaction of dopaminergic genes (coding
      for dopamine receptor D2, DRD2, and for Catecholamine-O-Methyl-Transferase, COMT)
      with the diagnostic of schizophrenia in (i) the executive control of attention,
      (ii) selective attention, and (iii) executive functions. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      recruited 52 patients with schizophrenia and 53 healthy controls who performed
      the Stroop Color-Word Test, the Attention Network Test and the Wisconsin Card
      Sorting test. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DRD2 gene
      (rs6275, rs6277, rs2242592 and rs1800497) and two SNPs in the COMT gene (rs4680
      and rs165599) have been genotyped. Patients with schizophrenia performed
      significantly worse than controls in all cognitive performance, taking into
      account demographic variables. A significant gene by disease interaction was
      found for the Stroop interference (p = 0.002) for rs6275 of the DRD2 gene. The
      COMT Val/Val genotype and schizophrenia were associated with increased number of
      perseverative errors (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the DRD2 gene is
      involved in attention while the COMT gene is implicated in executive functions in
      patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 28085951
TI  - Association of Body Mass Index with Timing of Death during Tuberculosis
      Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between body mass index and mortality in patients
      with tuberculosis has not been extensively studied, and the existing evidence is
      inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the impact of body mass index on
      timing of death in patients with tuberculosis. METHODS: All Taiwanese adults with
      tuberculosis in Taipei, Taiwan, were included in a retrospective cohort study in
      2011-2012. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the association
      between body mass index and timing of death in patients with tuberculosis.
      RESULTS: Among 1557 eligible patients, 84.1% (1310), 8.2% (128), and 7.6% (119)
      underwent successful treatment, early death, and late death, respectively. The
      mean age of the patients with tuberculosis was 64.2 years old, and 67.7% were
      male. After controlling for potential confounding variables, underweight with
      body mass index less than 18.5 kg/ m2 was significantly associated with elevated
      risk of all-cause mortality [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.64; 95% confidence
      interval (CI), 1.17-2.30]. Considering timing of death, underweight with body
      mass index less than 18.5 was significantly associated only with elevated risk of
      early mortality within the first 8 weeks of treatment onset (AOR, 2.22; 95% CI,
      1.45-3.40). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with tuberculosis infection, underweight
      with body mass index less than 18.5 kg/ m2 is an independent predictor for early
      mortality within the first 8 weeks of treatment.

PMID- 28085953
TI  - Classification of Partial Discharge Measured under Different Levels of Noise
      Contamination.
AB  - Cable joint insulation breakdown may cause a huge loss to power companies.
      Therefore, it is vital to diagnose the insulation quality to detect early signs
      of insulation failure. It is well known that there is a correlation between
      Partial discharge (PD) and the insulation quality. Although many works have been
      done on PD pattern recognition, it is usually performed in a noise free
      environment. Also, works on PD pattern recognition in actual cable joint are less
      likely to be found in literature. Therefore, in this work, classifications of
      actual cable joint defect types from partial discharge data contaminated by noise
      were performed. Five cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable joints with
      artificially created defects were prepared based on the defects commonly
      encountered on site. Three different types of input feature were extracted from
      the PD pattern under artificially created noisy environment. These include
      statistical features, fractal features and principal component analysis (PCA)
      features. These input features were used to train the classifiers to classify
      each PD defect types. Classifications were performed using three different
      artificial intelligence classifiers, which include Artificial Neural Networks
      (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Support Vector Machine
      (SVM). It was found that the classification accuracy decreases with higher noise
      level but PCA features used in SVM and ANN showed the strongest tolerance against
      noise contamination.

PMID- 28085952
TI  - Metabolic Dysregulation in Hepacivirus Infection of Common Marmosets (Callithrix
      jacchus).
AB  - Chronic hepatitis C has been associated with metabolic syndrome that includes
      insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and obesity. These metabolic aberrations
      are risk factors for disease severity and treatment outcome in infected patients.
      Experimental infection of marmosets with GBV-B serves as a tangible, small animal
      model for human HCV infection, and while virology and pathology are well
      described, a full investigation of clinical disease and the metabolic milieu is
      lacking. In this study six marmosets were infected intravenously with GBV-B and
      changes in hematologic, serum biochemical and plasma metabolic measures were
      investigated over the duration of infection. Infected animals exhibited signs of
      lymphocytopenia, but platelet and RBC counts were generally stable or even
      increased. Although most animals showed a transient decline in blood glucose,
      infection resulted in several fold increases in plasma insulin, glucagon and
      glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). All infected animals experienced transient
      weight loss within the first 28 days of infection, but also became
      hypertriglyceridemic and had up to 10-fold increases in adipocytokines such as
      resistin and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). In liver, moderate to
      severe cytoplasmic changes associated with steatotic changes was observed
      microscopically at 168 days post infection. Collectively, these results suggest
      that GBV-B infection is accompanied by hematologic, biochemical and metabolic
      abnormalities that could lead to obesity, diabetes, thrombosis and
      atherosclerosis, even after virus has been cleared. Our findings mirror those
      found in HCV patients, suggesting that metabolic syndrome could be conserved
      among hepaciviruses, and both mechanistic and interventional studies for treating
      HCV-induced metabolic complications could be evaluated in this animal model.

PMID- 28085954
TI  - Leptin-Induced Endothelium-Independent Vasoconstriction in Thoracic Aorta and
      Pulmonary Artery of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Role of Calcium Channels and
      Stores.
AB  - Decreased leptin-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation has been reported in
      spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Here, we report leptin-induced
      vasoconstriction in endothelium-denuded pulmonary artery and thoracic aorta from
      SHR and sought to characterize calcium handling underlying these mechanisms.
      Vasoreactivity to leptin was evaluated on pulmonary artery and thoracic aorta
      rings from 18 weeks old male SHR with or without calcium free medium, caffeine +
      thapsigargin + carbonyl cyanide-4-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone emptying
      intracellular calcium stores, nifedipine a voltage-gated calcium channel
      inhibitor, SKF-96365 a transient receptor potential cation channels (TRPC)
      inhibitor, wortmaninn, a phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) inhibitor, or
      PD98059 a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) inhibitor. Calcium
      imaging was performed on cultured vascular smooth muscle cells incubated with
      leptin in presence or not of wortmaninn or PD98059. Leptin induced
      vasoconstriction in denuded pulmonary artery and thoracic aorta from SHR.
      Response was abolished when intra- or extracellular calcium stores were emptied,
      after blocking TRPC or voltage-dependent calcium channels or when using MAPKK or
      PI3K inhibitors. In vascular smooth muscle cells, leptin increased intracellular
      calcium. This rise was higher in SHR and abolished by MAPKK or PI3K inhibitors.
      TRPC6 gene expression was upregulated in arteries from SHR. Leptin-induced
      vasoconstriction in denuded arteries of SHR requires intracellular stores and is
      TRPC- and voltage-gated calcium channels dependent. Intracellular calcium
      increase is more pronounced in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PMID- 28085955
TI  - An Empirical Assessment of Transgene Flow from a Bt Transgenic Poplar Plantation.
AB  - To assess the possible impact of transgenic poplar plantations on the ecosystem,
      we analyzed the frequency and distance of gene flow from a mature male transgenic
      Populus nigra plantation carrying the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin gene (Bt
      poplar) and the survival of Bt poplar seeds. The resultant Bt poplar seeds
      occurred at a frequency of ~0.15% at 0 m to ~0.02% at 500 m from the Bt poplar
      plantation. The germination of Bt poplar seeds diminished within three weeks in
      the field (germination rate from 68% to 0%) compared to 48% after three weeks of
      storage at 4 degrees C. The survival rate of seedlings in the field was 0%
      without any treatment but increased to 1.7% under the addition of four treatments
      (cleaning and trimming, watering, weeding, and covering with plastic film to
      maintain moisture) after being seeded in the field for eight weeks. The results
      of this study indicate that gene flow originating from the Bt poplar plantation
      occurred at an extremely low level through pollen or seeds under natural
      conditions. This study provides first-hand field data on the extent of transgene
      flow in poplar plantations and offers guidance for the risk assessment of
      transgenic poplar plantations.

PMID- 28085957
TI  - 25-Hydroxivitamin D Serum Concentration, Not Free and Bioavailable Vitamin D, Is
      Associated with Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.
AB  - We aim to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and investigate the association between total,
      free and bioavailable vitamin D serum concentrations and disease activity.
      Patients with SLE (ACR 1997) consecutively seen at UNIFESP's outpatient's clinics
      had disease activity measured after clinical and laboratory evaluation using
      SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index). 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      (25(OH)D) serum concentrations measured by chemiluminescence and vitamin D
      binding protein (DBP) measured by ELISA were used to calculate free and
      bioavailable vitamin D. Healthy blood donors were used as controls. A total of
      142 patients (71.4%) had 25(OH)D serum concentrations below 30 ng/mL. Total
      25(OH)D serum concentration was associated with disease activity categorized in 5
      continuous groups of SLEDAI. 25(OH)D serum concentrations were higher among
      patients with SLEDAI 1-5 and lower in those with severe activity (SLEDAI>=20) (p
      <0.05). On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was observed
      for DBP, free and bioavailable vitamin D measurements in the disease activity
      subgroups evaluated. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among patients with
      SLE and was associated with higher disease activity. DBP serum level and
      calculation of free and bioavailable vitamin D were not associated with SLE
      disease activity.

PMID- 28085956
TI  - MiRNAs Predict the Prognosis of Patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: miRNAs are stable and can be extracted from tissues, blood and other
      body fluid without degradation. miRNAs are abnormally expressed in the presence
      of a pathological status, including cancer. Therefore, miRNAs are ideal
      biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Patients with triple negative
      breast cancer (TNBC) suffer the worst prognosis, although great efforts have been
      made. Many studies have investigated the role of miRNAs in predicting the
      outcomes of TNBC patients for better adjustment of treatment. However, results
      were inconsistent. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to summarize the published
      studies for conclusive results. METHODS: Eligible studies from different database
      were retrieved from the online databases, and we used STSTA 12.0 to analysis the
      prognostic role of miRNAs in triple negative breast cancer. RESULTS: Overall high
      miRNA expression indicated a worse survival with HR value of 1.78 (95% CI: 0.97
      3.25). However, subtotal HRs of oncogenic miRNAs and tumor suppressive miRNAs
      were 2.73 (95% CI: 2.08-3.57; P<0.001) and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.21-0.90; P = 0.024),
      respectively, and no heterogeneity was observed within the subgroups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The miRNAs showed a slightly stronger prognostic value for disease
      free survival, relapse-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival
      compared to the overall survival of TNBC patients. Circulating miRNAs could serve
      as potential biomarkers for the prognosis of TNBC patients and need further
      investigation.

PMID- 28085959
TI  - Allelopatic Potential of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) W. Greuter Mediated by VOCs: A
      Physiological and Metabolomic Approach.
AB  - Dittrichia viscosa (L.) W. Greuter is a pioneer species belonging to the
      Compositae family. It is widespread in the Mediterranean basin, where it is
      considered invasive. It is a source of secondary metabolites, playing an
      important ecological role. D. viscosa plant extracts showed a phytotoxic activity
      on several physiological processes of different species. In the current study,
      the allelopathic potential of D. viscosa VOCs, released by its foliage, was
      evaluated on seed germination and root growth of lettuce. The VOCs effect was
      also studied on lettuce adult plants in microcosm systems, which better mimicked
      the open field conditions. D. viscosa VOCs inhibited both seed germination and
      root growth of lettuce. The VOCs composition revealed a large presence of
      terpenoids, responsible of the effects observed. Moreover, D. viscosa VOCs caused
      an alteration on plant water status accompanied by oxidative damages and
      photoinhibition on lettuce adult plants.

PMID- 28085958
TI  - Alveolar Macrophages Prevent Lethal Influenza Pneumonia By Inhibiting Infection
      Of Type-1 Alveolar Epithelial Cells.
AB  - The Influenza A virus (IAV) is a major human pathogen that produces significant
      morbidity and mortality. To explore the contribution of alveolar macrophages
      (AlvMPhis) in regulating the severity of IAV infection we employed a murine model
      in which the Core Binding Factor Beta gene is conditionally disrupted in myeloid
      cells. These mice exhibit a selective deficiency in AlvMPhis. Following IAV
      infection these AlvMPhi deficient mice developed severe diffuse alveolar damage,
      lethal respiratory compromise, and consequent lethality. Lethal injury in these
      mice resulted from increased infection of their Type-1 Alveolar Epithelial Cells
      (T1AECs) and the subsequent elimination of the infected T1AECs by the adaptive
      immune T cell response. Further analysis indicated AlvMPhi-mediated suppression
      of the cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) pathway genes in T1AECs in vivo and in
      vitro. Inhibition of the cysLT pathway enzymes in a T1AECs cell line reduced the
      susceptibility of T1AECs to IAV infection, suggesting that AlvMPhi-mediated
      suppression of this pathway contributes to the resistance of T1AECs to IAV
      infection. Furthermore, inhibition of the cysLT pathway enzymes, as well as
      blockade of the cysteinyl leukotriene receptors in the AlvMPhi deficient mice
      reduced the susceptibility of their T1AECs to IAV infection and protected these
      mice from lethal infection. These results suggest that AlvMPhis may utilize a
      previously unappreciated mechanism to protect T1AECs against IAV infection, and
      thereby reduce the severity of infection. The findings further suggest that the
      cysLT pathway and the receptors for cysLT metabolites represent potential
      therapeutic targets in severe IAV infection.

PMID- 28085960
TI  - Decreasing Seroprevalence of Measles Antibodies after Vaccination - Possible Gap
      in Measles Protection in Adults in the Czech Republic.
AB  - AIMS: In recent years, Europe has recorded an increase in the number of measles
      outbreaks despite the implementation of vaccination into the National
      Immunization Programs. The Czech Republic introduced vaccination against measles
      into National Immunization Program in 1969. The aim of this study was to
      determine seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against measles in adults. METHODS:
      Our study was designed as a prospective, multicenter cohort study. Samples of
      blood were taken from adults aged 18 years and over. Specific IgG antibodies were
      determined by ELISA method. RESULTS: A number of 1911 sera samples were obtained.
      The total seropositivity reached 83.3%, 14.3% of the results were negative and
      2.4% were borderline. When comparing the individual age groups, the highest
      antibody seropositivity (> 96%) was detected in persons aged 50 years and over
      who were naturally infected in pre-vaccine era. The lowest seropositivity was
      recorded in the age groups 30-39 years (61.5%), 40-49 years (77.5%) and 18-29
      years (81.1%). CONCLUSIONS: A long term high rate of seropositivity persists
      after natural measles infection. By contrast, it decreases over time after
      vaccination. Similarly, the concentrations of antibodies in persons with measles
      history persist for a longer time at a higher level than in vaccinated persons.
      Our results indicate possible gap in measles protection in adults born after
      implementation of vaccination into the National Immunization Programs. There are
      two probable reasons, decrease of measles antibody seropositivity in time after
      vaccination in setting of limited natural booster and one-dose vaccination
      schedule used in the first years after implementation.

PMID- 28085961
TI  - Association between Immune Markers and Surrogate Markers of Cardiovascular
      Disease in HIV Positive Patients: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular
      disease (CVD). Chronic low-grade immune activation is likely one of the driving
      mechanisms. This systematic review provides an overview of the evidence
      addressing the relation between immune markers and surrogate markers of CVD
      (except CIMT) in HIV infection. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in
      PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library identifying all articles from 1996 to April
      2015. It addressed the relation between immune markers and surrogate markers of
      CVD (except Carotid Intima-media Thickness) in HIV-positive adults. Two authors,
      using predefined criteria, independently conducted the selection of articles,
      critical appraisal and extraction of the data. Analysis focused on immune markers
      that were assessed most frequently. The review was conducted according to the
      PRISMA guideline and performed as part of an overarching review registered with
      PROSPERO (CRD42014010516). FINDINGS: Twenty-nine articles were selected,
      describing 34 immune markers and nine different CVD surrogate outcomes: coronary
      calcium score (13 times) and flow-mediated dilation (10 times) were used most
      frequently. Twenty-seven studies had a cross-sectional design. CRP, IL-6 and
      sVCAM-1 were assessed most frequently. None of the immune markers were clearly
      associated with any of the surrogate CVD outcomes. No effect estimate could be
      calculated due to marked heterogeneity in study populations, immune markers,
      outcomes and statistical approaches. INTERPRETATION: This review could not
      identify a clear association between any of the immune markers and surrogate CVD
      outcomes. This may reflect a true lack of association, or may be explained by
      heterogeneity across studies and lack of follow-up data. Future research should
      focus on longitudinal studies measuring a select set of immune markers and
      surrogate CVD outcomes awaiting the primary outcome of clinical cardiovascular
      events.

PMID- 28085962
TI  - Do Large Carnivores and Mesocarnivores Have Redundant Impacts on Intertidal Prey?
AB  - The presence of large carnivores can affect lower trophic levels by suppressing
      mesocarnivores and reducing their impacts on prey. The mesopredator release
      hypothesis therefore predicts prey abundance will be higher where large
      carnivores are present, but this prediction assumes limited dietary overlap
      between large and mesocarnivores. Where dietary overlap is high, e.g., among
      omnivorous carnivore species, or where prey are relatively easily accessible, the
      potential exists for large and mesocarnivores to have redundant impacts on prey,
      though this possibility has not been explored. The intertidal community
      represents a potentially important but poorly studied resource for coastal
      carnivore populations, and one for which dietary overlap between carnivores may
      be high. To evaluate usage of the intertidal community by coastal carnivores and
      the potential for redundancy between large and mesocarnivores, we surveyed (i)
      intertidal prey abundance (crabs and fish) and (ii) the abundance and activity of
      large carnivores (predominantly black bears) and mesocarnivores (raccoons and
      mink) in an area with an intact carnivore community in coastal British Columbia,
      Canada. Overall carnivore activity was strongly related to intertidal prey
      availability. Notably, this relationship was not contingent on carnivore species
      identity, suggestive of redundancy-high intertidal prey availability was
      associated with either greater large carnivore activity or greater mesocarnivore
      activity. We then compared intertidal prey abundances in this intact system, in
      which bears dominate, with those in a nearby system where bears and other large
      carnivores have been extirpated, and raccoons are the primary intertidal
      predator. We found significant similarities in intertidal species abundances,
      providing additional evidence for redundancy between large (bear) and
      mesocarnivore (raccoon) impacts on intertidal prey. Taken together, our results
      indicate that intertidal prey shape habitat use and competition among coastal
      carnivores, and raise the interesting possibility of redundancy between
      mesocarnivores and large carnivores in their role as intertidal top predators.

PMID- 28085963
TI  - Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome and Long-Lasting Epigenetic Silencing of Mouse
      Sperm Genes Involved in the Reproductive System after Prenatal Exposure to DEHP.
AB  - The endocrine disruptor bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been shown to
      exert adverse effects on the male animal reproductive system. However, its mode
      of action is unclear and a systematic analysis of its molecular targets is
      needed. In the present study, we investigated the effects of prenatal exposure to
      300 mg/kg/day DEHP during a critical period for gonads differentiation to testes
      on male mice offspring reproductive parameters, including the genome-wide RNA
      expression and associated promoter methylation status in the sperm of the first
      filial generation. It was observed that adult male offspring displayed symptoms
      similar to the human testicular dysgenesis syndrome. A combination of sperm
      transcriptome and methylome data analysis allowed to detect a long-lasting DEHP
      induced and robust promoter methylation-associated silencing of almost the entire
      cluster of the seminal vesicle secretory proteins and antigen genes, which are
      known to play a fundamental role in sperm physiology. It also resulted in the
      detection of a DEHP-induced promoter demethylation associated with an up
      regulation of three genes apparently not relevant for sperm physiology and
      partially related to the immune system. As previously reported, DEHP induced an
      increase in mir-615 microRNA expression and a genome-wide decrease in microRNA
      promoter methylation. A functional analysis revealed DEHP-induced enrichments in
      down-regulated gene transcripts coding for peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptors and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways, and in up-regulated gene
      transcripts coding for calcium binding and numerous myosin proteins. All these
      enriched pathways and networks have been described to be associated in some way
      with the reproductive system. This study identifies a large new array of genes
      dysregulated by DEHP that may play a role in the complex system controlling the
      development of the male reproductive system.

PMID- 28085964
TI  - Aminoalcohol-Induced Activation of Organophosphorus Hydrolase (OPH) towards
      Diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP).
AB  - Aminoalcohols have been addressed as activating buffers for alkaline phosphatase.
      However, there is no record on the buffer activation regarding organophosphorus
      hydrolase (OPH). Here we reported the activating effects of aminoalcohols on OPH
      catalyzed hydrolysis of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), an analog molecule of G
      type warfare agents. The kinetic parametors kcat, Vmax and kcat/Km in the OPH
      reaction were remarkably increased in the buffers (pH 8.0, 25 degrees C)
      containing aminoalcohols with C2 between nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) in their
      structures, including triethanolamine (TEA), diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, 1
      amino-2-propanol, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, and triisopropanolamine. In
      contrast, much lower or no rate-enhancing effects were observed in the adding of
      amines, alcohols, amine/alcohol mixtures, or 3-amino-1-propanol (C3 between N and
      O). The 300 mM TEA further increased DFP-degrading activities of OPH mutants
      F132Y and L140Y, the previously reported OPH mutants with desirable activities
      towards DFP. However, the treatment of ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA)
      markedly abolished the TEA-induced activation of OPH. The product fluoride
      effectively inhibited OPH-catalyzed hydrolysis of DFP by a linear mixed
      inhibition (inhibition constant Ki ~ 3.21 mM), which was partially released by
      TEA adding at initial or later reaction stage. The obtained results indicate the
      activation of OPH by aminoalcohol buffers could be attributed to the reduction of
      fluoride inhibition, which would be beneficial to the hydrolase-based
      detoxification of organophosphofluoridate.

PMID- 28085965
TI  - Assessment of Corneal Sensation, Innervation and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in
      Patients Treated with Multiple Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injections.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of repeated intravitreal ranibizumab injections
      on corneal sensitivity, corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SBNP) and peripapillary
      retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with neovascular age
      related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Sixty-six eyes of 33 patients who
      had received unilateral repeated intravitreal ranibizumab injections (0.5 mg/0.05
      ml) for the treatment of AMD and 25 eyes of 25 healthy subjects were included in
      the study. Central corneal sensation was measured using the contact Cochet-Bonnet
      esthesiometer. The laser scanning in vivo corneal confocal microscope was used to
      determine corneal SBNP parameters. The peripapillary RNFL thickness was assessed
      with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Data obtained from the
      ranibizumab-injected eyes were compared with those of the fellow non-treated eyes
      and the eyes of the healthy control subjects. RESULTS: The mean number of
      ranibizumab injections per eye was 8.9+/-5.0 (range 3-20). There were no
      statistically significant differences in the central corneal sensitivity
      threshold and corneal SBNP parameters between the ranibizumab-injected eyes and
      the fellow untreated eyes or between those with neovascular AMD and the healthy
      control group (P>0.05 for all). The average peripapillary RNFL thickness of the
      treated eyes did not differ significantly to the fellow eyes (P = 0.237), and the
      eyes of healthy control subjects (P = 0.918). There were no significant
      correlations between the number of ranibizumab injections and any of the study
      parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple intravitreal injections of ranibizumab seem to
      have no harmful effects on corneal sensitivity, innervation and peripapillary
      RNFL thickness in patients with AMD.

PMID- 28085966
TI  - A Cross-Sectional Study of Colonization Rates with Methicillin-Resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and
      Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Four Swiss Refugee Centres.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recent crisis of refugees seeking asylum in European countries
      challenges public health on many levels. Most refugees currently arrive from
      Syria, Afghanistan, or Eritrea. Data about multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR)
      prevalence are not present for these countries. However, when entering the
      European heath care systems, data about colonisation rates regarding highly
      resistant bacterial pathogens are important. METHODS: We performed a cross
      sectional screening in four Swiss refugee centres to determine the colonization
      rates for MRSA and ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. We used
      pharyngeal, nasal, and inguinal swabs for MRSA and rectal swabs and urine for
      ESBL and carbapenemase screening using standard microbiological procedures. Whole
      genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine the relatedness of MRSA isolates
      with high resolution due to a suspected outbreak. RESULTS: 41/261(15.7%) refugees
      were colonized with MRSA. No differences regarding the country of origin were
      observed. However, in a single centre significantly more were colonized, which
      was confirmed to be a recent local outbreak. 57/241 (23.7%) refugees were
      colonized with ESBL with significantly higher colonisation in persons originating
      from the Middle East (35.1%, p<0.001). No carbapenemase producers were detected.
      CONCLUSION: The colonisation rate of the refugees was about 10 times higher for
      MRSA and 2-5 times higher for ESBL compared to the Swiss population. Contact
      precaution is warranted for these persons if they enter medical care. In cases of
      infections, MRSA and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae should be considered
      regarding antibiotic treatment choices.

PMID- 28085967
TI  - Levo-Tetrahydroberberrubine Produces Anxiolytic-Like Effects in Mice through the
      5-HT1A Receptor.
AB  - Tetrahydroprotoberberines (THPBs) are isoquinoline alkaloids isolated from the
      Chinese herb Corydalis yanhusuo. In the present study, we performed competitive
      binding assays to examine the binding of l-THBr to neurotransmitter receptors
      known to be involved in sedation, hypnosis and anxiety. Our results show that l
      THBr does not interact with GABAergic receptors but has binding affinities for
      dopamine and serotonin receptors. In addition, cAMP and [35S]GTPgammaS assays
      were used to determine the agonist or antagonist properties of l-THBr at dopamine
      (D1, D2) or serotonin (5-HT) receptors. Our results show that l-THBr displays D1
      and D2 antagonist and 5-HT1A agonist properties. Moreover, l-THBr-treated rodents
      exhibit anxiolytic-like effects in the light/dark box and elevated plus-maze
      tests, and the anxiolytic effect of l-THBr can be reduced by WAY-100635, a
      selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. Our results suggest that l-THBr may produce
      potent anxiolytic-like effects mainly through serotonin receptors.

PMID- 28085968
TI  - Mass Potentials Recorded at the Round Window Enable the Detection of Low
      Spontaneous Rate Fibers in Gerbil Auditory Nerve.
AB  - Auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) transmit acoustic information from the sensory hair
      cells to the cochlear nuclei. In experimental and clinical audiology, probing the
      whole ANF population remains a difficult task, as the ANFs differ greatly in
      their threshold and onset response to sound. Thus, low spontaneous rate (SR)
      fibers, which have rather higher thresholds, delay and larger jitter in their
      first spike latency are not detectable in the far-field compound action potential
      of the auditory nerve. Here, we developed a new protocol of acoustic stimulation
      together with electrophysiological signal processing to track the steady state
      activity of ANFs. Mass potentials at the round window were recorded in response
      to repetitive 300-ms bursts of 1/3 octave band noise centered on a frequency
      probe. Analysis was assessed during the last 200-ms of the response to capture
      the steady-state response of ANFs. To eliminate the microphonic component
      reflecting the sensory cells activity, repetitive pairs of sounds of opposite
      polarities were used. The spectral analysis was calculated on the average of two
      consecutive responses, and the neural gain was calculated by dividing point-by
      point the spectrum to sound over unstimulated condition. In response to low-sound
      level stimulation, neural gain predominated in the low-frequency cochlear
      regions, while a second component of responses centered on higher cochlear
      frequency regions appeared beyond 30 dB SPL. At 60 dB SPL, neural gain showed a
      bimodal shape, with a notch near 5.6 kHz. In addition to correlate with the
      functional mapping of ANFs along the tonotopic axis, the deletion of low-SR
      fibers leads to a reduction in the high-frequency response, where the low-SR
      fibers are preferentially located. Thus, mass potentials at the round window may
      provide a useful tool to probe the SR-based distribution of ANFs in humans and in
      other species in which direct single-unit recordings are difficult to achieve or
      not feasible.

PMID- 28085969
TI  - A Common Variant in SCN5A and the Risk of Ventricular Fibrillation Caused by
      First ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several common genetic variants have been associated with either
      ventricular fibrillation (VF) or sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, replication
      efforts have been limited. Therefore, we aimed to analyze whether such variants
      may contribute to VF caused by first ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
      METHODS: We analyzed 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) previously
      associated with SCD/VF in other cohorts, and examined whether these SNPs were
      associated with VF caused by first STEMI in the GEnetic causes of Ventricular
      Arrhythmias in patients with first ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (GEVAMI)
      study on ethnical Danes. The GEVAMI study is a prospective case-control study
      involving 257 cases (STEMI with VF) and 537 controls (STEMI without VF). RESULTS:
      Of the 27 candidate SNPs, one SNP (rs11720524) located in intron 1 of SCN5A which
      was previously associated with SCD was significantly associated with VF caused by
      first STEMI. The major C-allele of rs11720524 was present in 64% of the cases and
      the C/C genotype was significantly associated with VF with an odds ratio (OR) of
      1.87 (95% CI: 1.12-3.12; P = 0.017). After controlling for clinical differences
      between cases and controls such as age, sex, family history of sudden death,
      alcohol consumption, previous atrial fibrillation, statin use, angina, culprit
      artery, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow, the C/C genotype
      of rs11720524 was still significantly associated with VF with an OR of 1.9 (95%
      CI: 1.05-3.43; P = 0.032). Marginal associations with VF were also found for
      rs9388451 in HEY2 gene. The CC genotype showed an insignificant risk for VF with
      OR = 1.50 (95% CI: 0.96-2.40; P = 0.070). CONCLUSION: One common intronic variant
      in SCN5A suggested an association with VF caused by first STEMI. Further studies
      into the functional abnormalities associated with the noncoding variant in SCN5A
      may lead to important insights into predisposition to VF during STEMI.

PMID- 28085970
TI  - Invited Commentary: On Knowledge Update in Planning Comprehensive Dental
      Treatment: A Personal Overview.
AB  - No abstract available.

PMID- 28085971
TI  - A Critical Review of Search Strategies Used in Recent Systematic Reviews
      Published in Selected Prosthodontic and Implant-Related Journals: Are Systematic
      Reviews Actually Systematic?
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to outline how search strategies can be
      systematic, to examine how the searches in recent systematic reviews in
      prosthodontic and implant-related journals were structured, and to determine
      whether the search strategies used in those articles were systematic. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A total of 103 articles published as systematic reviews and indexed
      in Medline between January 2013 and May 2016 were identified from eight
      prosthodontic and implant journals and reviewed. The search strategies were
      considered systematic when they met the following criteria: (1) more than one
      electronic database was searched, (2) more than one searcher was clearly
      involved, (3) both text words and indexing terms were clearly included in the
      search strategy, (4) a hand search of selected journals or reference lists was
      undertaken, (5) gray research was specifically sought, and (6) the articles were
      published in English and at least one other language. The data were tallied and
      qualitatively assessed. RESULTS: The majority of articles reported on implants
      (54%), followed by tooth-supported fixed prosthodontics (13%). A total of 23
      different electronic resources were consulted, including Medline (by 100% of
      articles), the Cochrane Library (52%), and Embase (37%). The majority consulted
      more than one electronic resource (71%), clearly included more than one searcher
      (73%), and employed a hand search of either selected journals or reference lists
      (86%). Less than half used both text words and indexing terms to identify
      articles (42%), while 15% actively sought gray research. Articles published in
      languages other than English were considered in 63 reviews, but only 14 had no
      language restrictions. Of the 103 articles, 5 completed search strategies that
      met all 6 criteria, and a further 12 met 5 criteria. Two articles did not fulfill
      any of the criteria. CONCLUSION: More than 95% of recent prosthodontic and
      implant review articles published in the selected journals failed to use search
      strategies that were systematic, and this undermines the conclusions. Many
      resources are available to help investigators design search strategies for
      systematic reviews that minimize the risk of omitting important data, including
      the simple criteria presented in this paper.

PMID- 28085972
TI  - Enamel Renal Syndrome: A Case History Report.
AB  - Enamel renal syndrome (ERS) is a rare, commonly misdiagnosed condition that
      results in amelogenesis imperfecta and nephrocalcinosis and can lead to renal
      impairment in adulthood. This case history report describes a multidisciplinary
      dental management approach in a young adult patient with ERS.

PMID- 28085973
TI  - The Fracture Resistance of Composite Core Materials Reinforced by Varying Fiber
      Orientations.
AB  - This study aimed to compare the fracture resistance of composite core materials
      reinforced with varying fiber orientations. Composite cores of endodontically
      treated roots were prepared by reinforcing with woven fiber discs, fiber strips,
      or fiber chips, and their fracture resistance was compared to those with no
      reinforcement using a universal test machine (Instron, Lloyd Instruments).
      Reinforcement with fiber chips showed the highest fracture resistance and 50%
      retrievability, while no reinforcement showed the lowest fracture resistance with
      62.5% retrievability. It can be concluded that the use of fiber chips may be an
      effective and practical method for reinforcement of the core material.

PMID- 28085974
TI  - Intraoral Scanning Systems: Need for Maintenance.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze a possible gain in accuracy in intraoral
      scanning systems by manufacturer calibration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A master
      model was scanned tenfold with a Lava Chairside Oral Scanner (3m ESPE) and a
      CEREC Bluecam suspected to be decalibrated. Thereafter the scanners were
      calibrated and the model was scanned again. An iTero system served as comparison.
      All scans were compared to the master scan, and the mean deviation (entire arch,
      single tooth) was calculated. RESULTS: After calibration, there was a significant
      gain in accuracy for both systems. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral digital scanners may be
      sensitive to hardware decalibration invisible to the user and therefore need
      maintenance.

PMID- 28085975
TI  - The Evaluation of Unscrewing Torque Values of Implant-Abutment Connections: An In
      Vitro Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated the stability of titanium screws in implant
      abutment connections by measuring the force necessary to induce unscrewing.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 implant-abutment couplings were assigned to
      two groups (n = 30 each). The sequence 10-20-32 Ncm was tested in Group 1; the
      sequence 10-20-32-32-32 Ncm was tested in Group 2. The force necessary to unscrew
      each abutment-implant sample was recorded and statistically analyzed. The
      significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Significant differences were
      found between the two sequences. Group 2 required higher forces than Group 1 to
      unscrew. CONCLUSION: The stability of the implant-abutment joint may be improved
      by tightening with the sequence 10-20-32-32-32 Ncm.

PMID- 28085976
TI  - Clinical Fit of Partial Removable Dental Prostheses Based on Alginate or
      Polyvinyl Siloxane Impressions.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical fit of metal-frame
      partial removable dental prostheses (PRDPs) based on custom trays used with
      alginate or polyvinyl siloxane impression material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifth
      year students of the Nijmegen Dental School made 25 correct impressions for 23
      PRDPs for 21 patients using alginate, and 31 correct impressions for 30 PRDPs for
      28 patients using polyvinyl siloxane. Clinical fit of the framework as a whole
      and of each retainer separately were evaluated by calibrated supervisors during
      framework try-in before (first evaluation) and after (second evaluation) possible
      adjustments (score 0 = poor fit, up to score 3 = good fit). Framework fit and fit
      of the denture base were evaluated at delivery (third evaluation). Finally,
      postinsertion sessions were evaluated and total number of sessions needed, sore
      spots, adjustments to the denture base, and reported food-impaction were
      recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences in clinical fit (of the framework
      as a whole, for the retainers, or for the denture base) were found between the
      groups in the three evaluation sessions. Differences were not found for
      postinsertion sessions with one exception: in the alginate group, four subjects
      reported food impaction, versus none in the polyvinyl siloxane group. CONCLUSION:
      Clinical fit of metal-frame PRDPs based on impressions with custom trays combined
      with alginate or polyvinyl siloxane was similar.

PMID- 28085977
TI  - Effect of a Calcium Phosphate Desensitizer on Pre- and Postcementation
      Sensitivity of Teeth Prepared for Full-Coverage Restorations: A Randomized,
      Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Teethmate
      Desensitizer (TD), an aqueous slurry of calcium phosphates, on the pre- and
      postcementation sensitivity of contralateral premolars prepared for full-coverage
      restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical study, using a split-mouth
      design, 20 patients were allocated and two contralateral vital premolars per
      patient were randomly assigned to treatment with TD and placebo (PLA; distilled
      water). One day after preparation and temporization, sensitivity (PRE) upon air
      blast (AB) and probe scratch (PS) was determined using a 10-cm-long visual analog
      scale (VAS). The trial was double-blinded; neither the patient nor the
      investigator knew the treatment performed. Sensitivity was assessed immediately
      after treatment, before seating the final crowns after 1 week, and 1 month after
      cementation. Statistical data analysis was performed with one-way analysis of
      variance followed by Tukey post hoc test and two-sided paired t test. Statistical
      significance was determined at alpha < .05. RESULTS: VAS scores upon stimulation
      with AB and PS were significantly lower at POST and 1 week, and with AB after 1
      month. TD-treated teeth showed significantly less sensitivity than PLA. At the
      postcementation recall, TD and PLA were not significantly different and the
      average pain scores were almost 0. CONCLUSION: Treatment of teeth prepared for
      full crown restorations with TD can significantly reduce pre- and postcementation
      sensitivity.

PMID- 28085979
TI  - Sociodemographic, Educational, Behavioral, and Psychologic Factors Underlying
      Orofacial Esthetics and Self-Reported Oral Health.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare sociodemographic,
      behavioral, and educational characteristics, together with personality traits, on
      perceptions of individuals' own oral health and orofacial esthetics. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The participants had different educational backgrounds: dentistry
      students and students not following health care-related courses (university
      groups), and volunteers with no university studies (nonstudent group). The age
      range was 18 to 30 years. Sociodemographic and behavioral data and data on facial
      and dental attractiveness were gathered via personalized interviews. Personality
      traits were measured using the Big Five Inventory (BFI) (extroversion,
      agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness), and the Life
      Orientation Test was used to measure optimism and pessimism. RESULTS: No
      statistically significant differences were observed among the three educational
      groups regarding the mean scores on the five personality variables. The
      nonstudent group accorded significantly greater importance to tooth color,
      whereas the university groups considered tooth alignment more important (P =
      .016). The logistic regression model used to predict perceptions about orofacial
      health and esthetics revealed that underlying behavioral (pattern of visits to
      dentist and brushing habits), psychologic (pessimism and agreeableness), and
      educational (training in dentistry) factors affected the participants'
      perceptions of orofacial attractiveness, oral satisfaction, and self-rated oral
      health. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that there are behavioral,
      psychologic, and educational factors that significantly modulate people's
      perceptions of orofacial esthetics, oral satisfaction, and self-rated oral
      health.

PMID- 28085978
TI  - Single Mandibular Implant Study: Recruitment Considerations.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this multicenter single mandibular implant study was to
      compare the clinical outcome of an immediately loaded implant placed in the
      midline of an edentulous mandible with the clinical outcome when closed healing
      and delayed loading is chosen. Here, the patient recruitment period and the main
      reasons for exclusion were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient recruitment
      was performed at nine German universities. Rather conservative inclusion and
      exclusion criteria, including denture satisfaction, denture status, a psychologic
      symptom checklist, and a defined bone height in the posterior mandible, had to be
      fulfilled. It was initially calculated that 230 persons would have to be screened
      within 13 months to include 180 persons in the trial. RESULTS: Within 13 months
      (December 2012 to December 2013), 201 patients were screened for possible
      inclusion in the trial and 148 met the inclusion criteria. Finally, after the
      recruitment period was extended by 2.5 months, 224 patients were screened and 169
      were included. Of those screened, 55 (24.6%) did not meet the inclusion criteria
      and were excluded. Another 4 patients (1.8%) were excluded based on their
      psychologic symptom checklist score, while 5 others (2.8%) showed signs of
      noncompliance. A further 8 patients (4.4%) decided not to participate and
      withdrew their informed consent, and another 3 (1.3%) were no longer available
      after screening. Another 2 patients were excluded due to medical
      contraindications and 1 due to an insufficient mandibular denture. In 34 cases
      (15.2%), the residual bone height did not comply with McGarry type II or III.
      CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this patient recruitment period, it can be
      concluded that residual bone height is the most important factor when considering
      elderly edentulous patients for implant therapy. The psychologic symptom
      checklist score was less important.

PMID- 28085980
TI  - Influence of Abutment Angle on Implant Strain When Supporting a Distal Extension
      Removable Partial Dental Prosthesis: An In Vitro Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated the impact of angled abutments on strain in
      implants supporting a distal extension removable partial denture. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: An in vitro model of an implant supporting a distal extension removable
      partial denture was developed. The implant was positioned with a 17- or 30-degree
      mesial inclination, with either a healing abutment or a corrective multiunit
      abutment. Levels of strain under load were compared, and the results were
      compared using t test (P = .05). RESULTS: Correcting angulation with a multiunit
      angled abutment significantly decreased strain (P < .05) when compared with a
      healing abutment. CONCLUSION: An angled abutment decreased the strain on an
      inclined implant significantly more than a healing abutment when loaded under a
      distal extension removable partial denture.

PMID- 28085981
TI  - Implant-Retained Prosthetic Auricular Reconstruction in a Hemifacial Microsomia
      Individual: A Clinical Report.
AB  - Hemifacial microsomia is the second most frequently encountered congenital facial
      anomaly after cleft lip and palate. This case history report describes a two
      implant-supported auricular prosthetic reconstruction in a young patient with an
      absent auricle and malpositioned lobule. The selected treatment protocol was
      chosen because of its superior retention when compared with alternative retention
      systems. Moreover, a clip-bar attachment system is more reliable and easier to
      use when availability of anatomical landmarks is limited, and especially in
      active adolescents.

PMID- 28085982
TI  - Determining Favorable Maxillary Implant Locations Using Three-Dimensional
      Simulation Software and Computed Tomography Data.
AB  - PURPOSE: Success rates for maxillary implant treatment are lower than for
      mandibular treatment because of the presence of poorer bone quality or quantity
      in the maxilla. The purpose of this study was to determine favorable implant
      positions in the maxilla using implant simulation software and clinical
      anatomical morphology together with bone quality data obtained by computed
      tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience research sample of 10
      edentulous subjects was recruited, and research information from right and left
      edentulous sites was obtained from each subject. The height, width, angulation,
      and Hounsfield unit value of the maxillary alveolar bone were measured using CT
      data obtained from the subjects. RESULTS: Bone height in the incisor area was
      significantly greater than in the molar area, and bone width in the incisor area
      was significantly narrower than in the molar area. The average bone quality in
      the maxillary molar area was significantly higher when compared with the premolar
      and incisor areas. The angle between the occlusal plane and the bisector of the
      alveolar bone in the incisor area was reduced when compared with the molar area.
      CONCLUSION: The premolar region appears to be the most favorable area in the
      maxillary arch for implant placement with regard to bone height, width,
      angulation, and quality.

PMID- 28085983
TI  - The Clinical Performance of Monolithic Lithium Disilicate Posterior Restorations
      After 5, 10, and 15 Years: A Retrospective Case Series.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lithium disilicate (LDS) glass-ceramic restorations are routinely used,
      but results over a period longer than 10 years are rare. The objective of this
      study was to obtain long-term clinical data on monolithic LDS posterior crowns
      provided by a single restorative dentist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible
      patients who received a circumferential LDS crown in the posterior region between
      1997 and 2010 were invited to participate in a clinical examination in 2015. This
      consisted of intraoral inspection and radiographs, performed by one observer and
      according to standardized criteria. Probability of survival was estimated using
      Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients (n = 87
      restorations) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 12 patients were
      available for clinical evaluation (n = 74 restorations). After 5, 10, and 15
      years, the cumulative chance of survival of the restoration was 92%, 85.5%, and
      81.9%, respectively, with a median observation period of 12.8 years. Of the 74
      restorations, 13 failed: 4 because of secondary caries, 2 because of debonding,
      and 7 because of fracture of the restoration. CONCLUSION: Lithium disilicate can
      be regarded as a strong and fracture-load-resistant restorative material
      providing reliable long-term clinical performance.

PMID- 28085984
TI  - Using Bar and Ball Attachments in Maxillary and Mandibular Implant-Supported
      Overdentures in a Patient with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Associated with
      Microstomia: A Clinical Report.
AB  - Many clinical studies and literature reviews have suggested that bar and ball
      attachments in maxillary and mandibular implant-supported overdentures (ISOs)
      should be indicated only when there is sufficient interocclusal space (IOS;
      minimum = 30 mm). The aim of this clinical report was to present the prosthetic
      rehabilitation of a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma associated with
      microstomia due to radiotherapy (IOS = 23 mm). ISOs offer superior retention and
      greater stability than conventional obturators, so that base extensions were kept
      to the minimum. Placing the balls parallel to the prosthesis path of insertion is
      much easier with this treatment modality.

PMID- 28085985
TI  - Effect of Configurations of Implants Supporting a Four-Unit Fixed Partial Denture
      on Loading Distribution.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the configuration of implants
      supporting a four-unit fixed partial denture on load distribution. An epoxy resin
      model missing teeth from the first premolar to the second molar was used. Three
      dimensional piezoelectric force transducers were set on implants placed in the
      missing teeth area with a four-unit experimental superstructure. Three
      dimensional loads on the implants were measured with four different implant
      configurations when a static load of 100 N was applied. The loads on the implants
      changed significantly depending on the implant number and position and the
      applied loading points.

PMID- 28085986
TI  - Controlled Clinical Trial on the Outcome of Glass Fiber Composite Cores Versus
      Wrought Posts and Cast Cores for the Restoration of Endodontically Treated Teeth:
      A 5-Year Follow-up Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the 5-year outcomes of glass fiber
      composite with cast posts and cores for the restoration of endodontically treated
      teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 143 patients in need of 203 full ceramic
      restorations on endodontically treated teeth were included. After primary
      stratification based on the need for post or no post, teeth were randomly
      allotted to test group 1 (prefabricated glass fiber posts), 2 (custom-made glass
      fiber posts), or 3 (composite cores without posts). The control group was treated
      with gold alloy-based wrought posts and cast cores. Success (original present)
      and survival (present after intervention) probability lifetime curves, corrected
      for clustering, were drawn over the entire data set. RESULTS: The mean follow-up
      time was 5.8 years (range: 0.5 to 7.2 years). At 5 years, the success and
      survival probabilities were 85.2% and 91.5%, respectively. Lifetime curves did
      not show any significant differences between the test and control groups for
      success (P = .85) or survival (P = .57). Moreover, no significant differences for
      success or survival could be found among the four groups (the three test groups
      and the control group). CONCLUSION: After 5 years of follow-up, cast gold and
      composite post-and-core systems on teeth with ceramic full restorations provided
      with a ferrule performed equally well.

PMID- 28085987
TI  - Inflammatory Papillary Hyperplasia in a Non-Denture-Wearing Patient: A Case
      History Report.
AB  - Inflammatory papillary hyperplasia (IPH) is a benign lesion of the palatal
      mucosa. It is usually found in denture wearers but has also been reported in
      dentate patients with no history of wearing maxillary prostheses. This case
      history report describes an example of the latter and highlights the importance
      of professional awareness to diagnose IPH among non-denture-wearing patients.

PMID- 28085988
TI  - Survey of Dental Materials Used by Dentists for Indirect Restorations in Saudi
      Arabia.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the use and selection of materials
      for indirect restorations by dentists in Saudi Arabia. A structured 18-item
      questionnaire was designed and sent via email to all dentists with active
      memberships in the Saudi Dental Society. A total of 373 dentists (20.2%) out of
      the 1,846 contacted answered the questionnaire. The majority of the responding
      dentists (81.5%) prefer to use porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns for posterior
      teeth, while 77.5% use all-ceramic crowns for anterior teeth. Only 29.8% reported
      using computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture in their practice.
      There was inconsistency among dentists in material selection, and this was
      affected by the dentist's gender, years of experience, specialty, and service
      sector.

PMID- 28085989
TI  - Real-World Clinical Quality Improvement for Complex Abdominal Wall
      Reconstruction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Traditional methods of clinical research may not be adequate to
      improve the value of care for patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction
      (AWR). These patients are prone to high complication rates and high costs. Here,
      we describe a clinical quality improvement (CQI) effort to enhance outcomes for
      patients undergoing AWR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CQI was applied for the entire
      care cycle for consecutive patients who underwent AWR from August 2011-September
      2015. Initiatives for improving value during this period included use of long
      term resorbable synthetic mesh as well as administration of preoperative
      bilateral transversus abdominus plane (TAP), and intraoperative abdominal wall
      blocks using long-acting bupivacaine as a part of a multimodal regimen. Outcomes
      data that measure value in the context of AWR were collected to compare outcomes
      for the patients who received TAP blocks only, TAP and intraoperative blocks, and
      those who received no block. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients who had AWR
      for abdominal wall pathology were included. Outcomes including total opioid use,
      duration of stay and opioid use in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), length of
      hospital stay (LOS), major wound complications, and costs, all improved over
      time. Specifically, PACU opioid use, total opioid use, and LOS were decreased in
      the two groups that received blocks versus a group that did not have any type of
      block. CONCLUSIONS: CQI program implementation in patients undergoing AWR
      resulted in measurable improvement of value-based outcomes over time. A CQI
      effort applied to the entire patient cycle of care should be routinely utilized.

PMID- 28085990
TI  - Clinical Profiles of Young Adults With Juvenile-Onset Fibromyalgia With and
      Without a History of Trauma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the differential presentation(s) of psychological and
      health-related outcomes in young adults with juvenile-onset fibromyalgia (FM)
      with and without a history of trauma, compared to healthy controls. METHODS: In
      total, 110 participants (86 with juvenile-onset FM and 24 healthy controls, with
      a mean age of 23.4 years) completed a structured clinical interview to assess for
      trauma and psychological comorbidities, as well as self-report questionnaires on
      pain, physical functioning, and health care utilization. RESULTS: Of the juvenile
      onset FM participants, 37% (n = 32) reported a history of trauma. Three group
      comparisons (i.e., juvenile-onset FM with trauma versus juvenile-onset FM with no
      trauma versus healthy controls) revealed that juvenile-onset FM participants
      significantly differed from healthy controls on all psychological and health
      related outcomes. Further, although juvenile-onset FM participants with and
      without a history of trauma did not significantly differ on pain and physical
      functioning, juvenile-onset FM participants with a history of trauma were
      significantly more likely to have psychological comorbidities. CONCLUSION: This
      is the first controlled study to examine the differential outcomes between
      juvenile-onset FM participants with and without a history of trauma. Group
      comparisons between juvenile-onset FM participants and healthy controls were
      consistent with previous research. Further, our findings indicate that juvenile
      onset FM participants with a history of trauma experience greater psychological,
      but not physical, impairment than juvenile-onset FM participants without a
      history of trauma.

PMID- 28085992
TI  - Bariatric surgery and diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
      of controlled clinical studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled studies have indicated appearance or progression of
      diabetic retinopathy in obese diabetic patients after bariatric surgery. The aim
      of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the rate of
      appearance, as well as progression or regression of diabetic retinopathy in
      studies comparing medical and surgical treatment of obese type 2 diabetes.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: Intervention effect (new cases of retinopathy, and cases
      with any change of diabetic retinopathy score) was expressed as odds ratio (OR),
      with 95% confidence intervals (CIs); change of diabetic retinopathy score was
      expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD), with 95% CIs. Meta-analyses were
      performed by a random-effects model according to DerSimonian and Laird.
      Heterogeneity was assessed through Q and I2 statistics for each comparison, and
      potential sources of heterogeneity were discussed where appropriate. Appropriate
      methodology [preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses
      (PRISMA) statement] was used. Seven studies were analyzed, and incident cases of
      retinopathy were fewer with bariatric surgery than with medical treatment; change
      of retinopathy score (three studies) was not different, while only two studies
      were available on numbers of patients showing progression or regression of
      retinopathy. Heterogeneity was not significant, and publication bias was not
      present. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery seems to prevent new cases of diabetic
      retinopathy, but available studies are not sufficient to support progression or
      regression of retinopathy. Further studies are needed to draw firm conclusions on
      the effect of bariatric surgery on diabetic retinopathy.

PMID- 28085991
TI  - Maternal body mass index and post-term birth: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - Post-term birth is a preventable cause of perinatal mortality and severe
      morbidity. This review examined the association between maternal body mass index
      (BMI) and post-term birth at >=42 and >=41 weeks' gestation. Five databases,
      reference lists and citations were searched from May to November 2015.
      Observational studies published in English since 1990 were included. Linear and
      nonlinear dose-response meta-analyses were conducted by using random effects
      models. Sensitivity analyses assessed robustness of the results. Meta-regression
      and sub-group meta-analyses explored heterogeneity. Obesity classes were defined
      as I (30.0-34.9 kg m-2 ), II (35.0-39.9 kg m-2 ) and III (>=40 kg m-2 ; IIIa 40.0
      44.9 kg m-2 , IIIb >= 45.0 kg m-2 ). Searches identified 16,375 results, and 39
      studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 4,143,700 births). A nonlinear
      association between maternal BMI and births >=42 weeks was identified; odds
      ratios and 95% confidence intervals for obesity classes I-IIIb were 1.42 (1.27
      1.58), 1.55 (1.37-1.75), 1.65 (1.44-1.87) and 1.75 (1.50-2.04) respectively. BMI
      was linearly associated with births >=41 weeks: odds ratio is 1.13 (95%
      confidence interval 1.05-1.21) for each 5-unit increase in BMI. The strength of
      the association between BMI and post-term birth increases with increasing BMI.
      Odds are greatest for births >=42 weeks among class III obesity. Targeted
      interventions to prevent the adverse outcomes associated with post-term birth
      should consider the difference in risk between obesity classes.

PMID- 28085993
TI  - N-Acetylgalactosamine-Targeted Delivery of Dendrimer-Doxorubicin Conjugates
      Influences Doxorubicin Cytotoxicity and Metabolic Profile in Hepatic Cancer
      Cells.
AB  - This study describes the development of targeted, doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded
      generation 5 (G5) polyamidoamine dendrimers able to achieve cell-specific DOX
      delivery and release into the cytoplasm of hepatic cancer cells. G5 is
      functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) brushes displaying N
      acetylgalactosamine (NAcGal) ligands to target hepatic cancer cells. DOX is
      attached to G5 through one of two aromatic azo-linkages, L3 or L4, achieving
      either P1 ((NAcGalbeta -PEGc)16.6 -G5-(L3-DOX)11.6 ) or P2 ((NAcGalbeta 
      PEGc)16.6 -G5-(L4-DOX)13.4 ) conjugates. After confirming the conjugates'
      biocompatibility, flow cytometry studies show P1/P2 achieve 100% uptake into
      hepatic cancer cells at 30-60 * 10-9 m particle concentration. This
      internalization correlates with cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with 50%
      inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) values of 24.8, 1414.0, and 237.8 * 10-9 m for
      free DOX, P1, and P2, respectively. Differences in cytotoxicity prompted
      metabolomics analysis to identify the intracellular release behavior of DOX.
      Results show that P1/P2 release alternative DOX metabolites than free DOX. Stable
      isotope tracer studies show that the different metabolites induce different
      effects on metabolic cycles. Namely, free DOX reduces glycolysis and increases
      fatty acid oxidation, while P1/P2 increase glycolysis, likely as a response to
      high oxidative stress. Overall, P1/P2 conjugates offer a platform drug delivery
      technology for improving hepatic cancer therapy.

PMID- 28085994
TI  - Tough, Semisynthetic Hydrogels for Adipose Derived Stem Cell Delivery for
      Chondral Defect Repair.
AB  - Cell-based therapies have great potential to regenerate and repair injured
      articular cartilage, and a range of synthetic and natural polymer-based hydrogels
      have been used in combination with stem cells and growth factors for this
      purpose. Although the hydrogel scaffolds developed to date possess many favorable
      characteristics, achieving the required mechanical properties has remained a
      challenge. A hydrogel system with tunable mechanical properties, composed of a
      mixture of natural and synthetic polymers, and its use for the encapsulation of
      adipose derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) is described. Solutions of
      methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (MCS) are mixed with solutions of acrylate
      poly(trimethylene carbonate)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(trimethylene
      carbonate)-acrylate (PEG-(PTMC-A)2 ) in phosphate buffered saline and crosslinked
      via thermally initiated free radical polymerization. The hydrogel compressive
      equilibrium moduli and toughness are readily tailored by varying the
      concentration of the pre-polymers, as well as the molecular weight of the PEG
      used to prepare the PEG-(PTMC-A)2 . Two peptide sequences, GVOGEA and GGGGRGDS,
      are individually conjugated to the MCS to facilitate cell binding. The presence
      of the peptide ligands yields high ASC viability and long term metabolic activity
      following encapsulation in hydrogels prepared using the thermal initiator system.
      Overall, these hydrogels show promise as a minimally invasive ASC delivery
      strategy for chondral defect repair.

PMID- 28085995
TI  - Fibrin glue for pilonidal sinus disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus disease is a common condition that mainly affects
      young adults. This condition can cause significant pain and impairment of normal
      activities. No consensus currently exists on the optimum treatment for pilonidal
      sinus and current therapies have various advantages and disadvantages. Fibrin
      glue has emerged as a potential treatment as both monotherapy and an adjunct to
      surgery. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of fibrin glue alone or in combination
      with surgery compared with surgery alone in the treatment of pilonidal sinus
      disease. SEARCH METHODS: In December 2016 we searched: the Cochrane Wounds
      Specialised Register; CENTRAL; MEDLINE; Embase and CINAHL Plus. We also searched
      clinical trials registries and conference proceedings for ongoing and unpublished
      studies and scanned reference lists to identify additional studies. There were no
      restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) only. We
      included studies involving participants of all ages and studies conducted in any
      setting. We considered studies involving people with both new and recurrent
      pilonidal sinus. We included studies which evaluated fibrin glue monotherapy or
      as an adjunct to surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two study authors
      independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We used standard methods
      expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: We included four RCTs with 253 participants,
      all were at risk of bias. One unpublished study evaluated fibrin glue monotherapy
      compared with Bascom's procedure, two studies evaluated fibrin glue as an adjunct
      to Limberg flap and one study evaluated fibrin glue as an adjunct to Karydakis
      flap.For fibrin glue monotherapy compared with Bascom's procedure, there were no
      data available for the primary outcomes of time to healing and adverse events.
      There was low-quality evidence of less pain on day one after the procedure with
      fibrin glue monotherapy compared with Bascom's procedure (mean difference (MD) 
      2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.03 to -0.97) (evidence downgraded twice for
      risk of performance and detection bias). Fibrin glue may reduce the time taken to
      return to normal activities compared with Bascom's procedure (mean time 42 days
      with surgery and 7 days with glue, MD -34.80 days, 95% CI -66.82 days to -2.78
      days) (very low-quality evidence, downgraded as above and for imprecision).Fibrin
      glue as an adjunct to the Limberg flap may reduce the healing time from 22 to 8
      days compared with the Limberg flap alone (MD -13.95 days, 95% CI -16.76 days to 
      11.14 days) (very low-quality evidence, downgraded twice for risk of selection,
      performance and detection bias and imprecision). It is uncertain whether use of
      fibrin glue affects the incidence of postoperative seroma (an adverse event)
      (risk ratio (RR) 0.27, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.61; very low-quality evidence, downgraded
      twice for risk of selection, performance and detection bias and imprecision).
      There was low-quality evidence that fibrin glue, as an adjunct to Limberg flap,
      may reduce postoperative pain (median 2 versus 4; P < 0.001) and time to return
      to normal activities (median 8 days versus 17 days; P < 0.001). The addition of
      fibrin glue to the Limberg flap may reduce the length of hospital stay (MD -1.69
      days, 95% CI -2.08 days to -1.29 days) (very low-quality evidence, downgraded
      twice for risk of selection, performance and detection bias and for unexplained
      heterogeneity).A single RCT evaluating fibrin glue as an adjunct to the Karydakis
      flap did not report data for the primary outcome of time to healing. It is
      uncertain whether fibrin glue with the Karydakis flap affects the incidence of
      postoperative seroma (adverse event) (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.67 to 13.46) (very low
      quality evidence, downgraded twice for risk of selection, performance and
      detection bias and for imprecision). Fibrin glue as an adjunct to Karydakis flap
      may reduce length of stay but this is highly uncertain (mean 2 days versus 3.7
      days; P < 0.001, low-quality evidence downgraded twice for risk of selection,
      performance and detection bias). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence is
      uncertain regarding any benefits associated with fibrin glue either as
      monotherapy or as an adjunct to surgery for people with pilonidal sinus disease.
      We identified only four RCTs and each was small and at risk of bias resulting in
      very low-quality evidence for the primary outcomes of time to healing and adverse
      events. Future studies should enrol many more participants, ensure adequate
      randomisation and blinding, whilst measuring clinically relevant outcomes.

PMID- 28085996
TI  - Biocatalysis with Unnatural Amino Acids: Enzymology Meets Xenobiology.
AB  - The goal of xenobiology is to design biological systems endowed with unusual
      biochemical functions, whereas enzymology concerns the study of enzymes, the
      workhorses of biocatalysis. Biocatalysis employs enzymes and organisms to perform
      useful biotransformations in synthetic chemistry and biotechnology. During the
      past few years, the effects of incorporating noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs)
      into enzymes with potential applications in biocatalysis have been increasingly
      investigated. In this Review, we provide an overview of the effects of new
      chemical functionalities that have been introduced into proteins to improve
      various facets of enzymatic catalysis. We also discuss future research avenues
      that will complement unnatural mutagenesis with standard protein engineering to
      produce novel and versatile biocatalysts with applications in synthetic organic
      chemistry and biotechnology.

PMID- 28085999
TI  - Review: Immune-Related Adverse Events With Use of Checkpoint Inhibitors for
      Immunotherapy of Cancer.

PMID- 28085997
TI  - Association Between Menopausal Factors and the Risk of Seronegative and
      Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From the Nurses' Health Studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether menopausal factors are associated with the
      development of serologic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) phenotypes. METHODS: Data were
      analyzed from the Nurses' Health Studies (NHS; 1976-2010 and NHSII 1989-2011). A
      total of 120,700 female nurses ages 30-55 years in the NHS, and a total of
      116,430 female nurses ages 25-42 years in the NHSII, were followed via biennial
      questionnaires on lifestyle and disease outcomes. In total, 1,096 incident RA
      cases were confirmed by questionnaire and chart review. Seropositive RA was
      defined as rheumatoid factor positive (RF) or antibodies to citrullinated protein
      antigen (ACPA) positive, and seronegative RA was defined as RF negative and ACPA
      negative. We used Cox proportional hazards models to obtain multivariable
      adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of
      seropositive/seronegative RA associated with menopausal status, age at menopause,
      type of menopause, ovulatory years, and postmenopausal hormone therapy (PMH) use.
      RESULTS: Postmenopausal women had a 2-fold increased risk of seronegative RA,
      compared with premenopausal women (NHS: HR 1.8 [95% CI 1.1-3.0], NHSII: HR 2.4
      [95% CI 1.4-3.9], and pooled HR 2.1 [95% CI 1.4-3.0]). Natural menopause at early
      age (<=44 years) was associated with an increased risk of seronegative RA (pooled
      HR 2.4 [95% CI 1.5-4.0]). None of the menopausal factors was significantly
      associated with seropositive RA. We observed no association between PMH use and
      the risk of seronegative or seropositive RA, except that PMH use of >=8 years was
      associated with increased risk of seropositive RA (pooled HR 1.4 [95% CI 1.1
      1.9]). CONCLUSION: Postmenopause and natural menopause at an early age were
      strongly associated with seronegative RA, but only marginally with seropositive
      RA, suggesting potential differences in the etiology of RA subtypes.

PMID- 28085998
TI  - Validity and Responsiveness of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score:
      A Comparative Study Among Total Knee Replacement Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate validity and responsiveness of the Knee Injury and
      Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in relation to other patient-reported outcome
      measures before and after total knee replacement (TKR). METHODS: Pre-TKR and 6
      month post-TKR data from 1,143 patients in a US joint replacement cohort were
      used to compare the KOOS, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
      Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Validity was
      evaluated with multiple methods, including correlations of pre-TKR scale scores
      and analysis of variance models that used pre-TKR data to compare the relative
      validity of scales in discriminating between groups differing in assistive
      walking device use and number of comorbid conditions. Validity was also evaluated
      by using post-TKR minus pre-TKR change scores to assess relative validity of
      scales in discriminating between groups rating themselves as better, same, or
      worse (BSW) in their capability to do activities at 6 months. Responsiveness also
      was described using effect sizes and standardized response means. RESULTS: In
      support of convergent and discriminant validity, KOOS scale scores were worse for
      patients using an assistive device but only declined weakly with increasing
      comorbid conditions. While all knee-specific scales discriminated between BSW
      groups, the KOOS quality of life (QOL) scale was significantly better (P < 0.05)
      than all measures except the SF-36 physical component summary. KOOS QOL also had
      the highest effect size, while SF-36 measures had lower effect sizes and
      standardized response means. KOOS pain and symptoms scales discriminated better
      than WOMAC pain and stiffness scales among BSW groups. CONCLUSION: KOOS scales
      were valid and responsive in this cohort of US TKR patients. KOOS QOL performed
      particularly well in capturing aggregate knee-specific outcomes.

PMID- 28086001
TI  - Clinical Images: Hematoidin in Synovial Fluid.

PMID- 28086000
TI  - A Dual Role of Upper Zone of Growth Plate and Cartilage Matrix-Associated Protein
      in Human and Mouse Osteoarthritic Cartilage: Inhibition of Aggrecanases and
      Promotion of Bone Turnover.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cartilage damage and subchondral bone changes are closely connected in
      osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, how these processes are interlinked is, to date,
      incompletely understood. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanistic
      role of a cartilage-derived protein, upper zone of growth plate and cartilage
      matrix-associated protein (UCMA), in osteoarthritis-related cartilage and bone
      changes. METHODS: UCMA expression was assessed in healthy and osteoarthritic
      human and mouse cartilage. For analysis of cartilage and bone changes,
      osteoarthritis was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in
      wild-type (WT) and Ucma-deficient mice. UCMA-collagen interactions, the effect of
      UCMA on aggrecanase activity, and the impact of recombinant UCMA on osteoclast
      differentiation were studied in vitro. RESULTS: UCMA was found to be
      overexpressed in human and mouse osteoarthritic cartilage. DMM-triggered
      cartilage changes, including increased structural damage, proteoglycan loss, and
      chondrocyte cell death, were aggravated in Ucma-deficient mice compared to WT
      littermates, thereby demonstrating the potential chondroprotective effects of
      UCMA. Moreover, UCMA inhibited ADAMTS-dependent aggrecanase activity and directly
      interacted with cartilage-specific collagen types. In contrast, osteoarthritis
      related bone changes were significantly reduced in Ucma-deficient mice, showing
      less pronounced osteophyte formation and subchondral bone sclerosis.
      Mechanistically, UCMA directly promoted osteoclast differentiation in vitro.
      CONCLUSION: UCMA appears to link cartilage with bone changes in osteoarthritis by
      supporting cartilage integrity as an endogenous inhibitor of aggrecanases while
      also promoting osteoclastogenesis and subchondral bone turnover. Thus, UCMA
      represents an important link between cartilage and bone in osteoarthritis.

PMID- 28086004
TI  - Evidence to Support Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale Administration
      Every 24 Hours to Assess Rapid Onset of Treatment Response.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the suitability of the Montgomery-Asberg
      Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), with a 24-hour recall period (MADRS-24hr), to
      assess the rapid onset of the antidepressant effect of a treatment in patients
      with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Psychometric properties of the MADRS
      24hr were assessed together with qualitative assessment of content validity.
      METHODS: Content validity was assessed using semistructured interviews conducted
      from November 2013 to December 2013 in patients (18-64 years old) with TRD who
      met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and health care professionals (HCPs) experienced
      in treating major depressive disorder and familiar with using the MADRS. The
      psychometric properties of MADRS-24hr were evaluated using data from 2 randomized
      clinical studies involving patients with TRD. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients (15
      [65%] women) with TRD (mean age = 45 years) and 11 HCPs were interviewed. With
      the exception of reduced sleep, the majority of patients and HCPs reported that
      the items captured in the MADRS can fluctuate in a 24-hour period. The majority
      of participants also reported that a meaningful change in depression symptoms
      could be assessed in a 24-hour recall period, except for reduced sleep and
      appetite. Assessment of the psychometric properties of the MADRS-24hr showed that
      this instrument had high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach alpha of 0.84
      and 0.91) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients of
      0.96 and 0.91), had construct validity, and was responsive to change following an
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results suggest that MADRS-24hr can be used
      to assess the rapid onset of antidepressant efficacy of a treatment in patients
      with TRD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01627782 and
      NCT01640080.

PMID- 28086003
TI  - Medication Nonadherence in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Medication nonadherence has not been well characterized in systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our objective was to a conduct a systematic review of
      the literature, examining the burden and determinants of medication nonadherence
      in SLE. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of Medline (1946-2015), Embase
      (1974-2015), and Web of Science (1900-2015) databases and selected original
      studies of SLE patients that evaluated nonadherence to SLE therapies as the
      primary study outcome. We extracted information on study design, sample size,
      length of followup, data sources, type of nonadherence problem examined,
      adherence measures and reported estimates, and determinants of adherence reported
      in multivariable analyses. RESULTS: After screening 4,111 titles, 11 studies met
      the inclusion criteria. Study sample sizes ranged from 32 to 246 patients, and
      studies were categorized according to data source: self-report (5), electronic
      monitoring devices (1), clinical records from rheumatology clinics (3), and
      refill information from pharmacy records (2). Overall, the percentage of
      nonadherent patients ranged from 43% to 75%, with studies consistently reporting
      that over half of patients are nonadherent. Studies also showed that up to 33% of
      patients discontinue therapy after 5 years. Determinants of nonadherence included
      having depression, rural residence, lower education level, and polypharmacy.
      CONCLUSION: Overall, synthesis of current evidence suggests that the burden of
      medication nonadherence is substantial in SLE. Findings highlight the importance
      of developing interventions to support adherence and improve outcomes among
      patients.

PMID- 28086002
TI  - Immune-Array Analysis in Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis Reveals HLA-DRB1 Amino
      Acid Heterogeneity Across the Myositis Spectrum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is characterized by a combination of
      inflammatory and degenerative changes affecting muscle. While the primary cause
      of IBM is unknown, genetic factors may influence disease susceptibility. To
      determine genetic factors contributing to the etiology of IBM, we conducted the
      largest genetic association study of the disease to date, investigating immune
      related genes using the Immunochip. METHODS: A total of 252 Caucasian patients
      with IBM were recruited from 11 countries through the Myositis Genetics
      Consortium and compared with 1,008 ethnically matched controls. Classic HLA
      alleles and amino acids were imputed using SNP2HLA. RESULTS: The HLA region was
      confirmed as the most strongly associated region in IBM (P = 3.58 * 10-33 ). HLA
      imputation identified 3 independent associations (with HLA-DRB1*03:01,
      DRB1*01:01, and DRB1*13:01), although the strongest association was with amino
      acid positions 26 and 11 of the HLA-DRB1 molecule. No association with anti
      cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase 1A-positive status was found independent of HLA
      DRB1*03:01. There was no association of HLA genotypes with age at onset of IBM.
      Three non-HLA regions reached suggestive significance, including the chromosome 3
      p21.31 region, an established risk locus for autoimmune disease, where a
      frameshift mutation in CCR5 is thought to be the causal variant. CONCLUSION: This
      is the largest, most comprehensive genetic association study to date in IBM. The
      data confirm that HLA is the most strongly associated region and identifies novel
      amino acid associations that may explain the risk in this locus. These amino acid
      associations differentiate IBM from polymyositis and dermatomyositis and may
      determine properties of the peptide-binding groove, allowing it to preferentially
      bind autoantigenic peptides. A novel suggestive association within the chromosome
      3 p21.31 region suggests a role for CCR5.

PMID- 28086005
TI  - Reducing Dropout in Treatment for Depression: Translating Dropout Predictors Into
      Individualized Treatment Recommendations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Premature discontinuation of therapy is a widespread problem that
      hampers the delivery of mental health treatment. A high degree of variability has
      been found among rates of premature treatment discontinuation, suggesting that
      rates may differ depending on potential moderators. In the current study, our aim
      was to identify demographic and interpersonal variables that moderate the
      association between treatment assignment and dropout. METHODS: Data from a
      randomized controlled trial conducted from November 2001 through June 2007 (N =
      156) comparing supportive-expressive therapy, antidepressant medication, and
      placebo for the treatment of depression (based on DSM-IV criteria) were used.
      Twenty prerandomization variables were chosen based on previous literature. These
      variables were subjected to exploratory bootstrapped variable selection and
      included in the logistic regression models if they passed variable selection.
      RESULTS: Three variables were found to moderate the association between treatment
      assignment and dropout: age, pretreatment therapeutic alliance expectations, and
      the presence of vindictive tendencies in interpersonal relationships. When
      patients were divided into those randomly assigned to their optimal treatment and
      those assigned to their least optimal treatment, dropout rates in the optimal
      treatment group (24.4%) were significantly lower than those in the least optimal
      treatment group (47.4%; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Present findings suggest that a
      patient's age and pretreatment interpersonal characteristics predict the
      association between common depression treatments and dropout rate. If validated
      by further studies, these characteristics can assist in reducing dropout through
      targeted treatment assignment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Secondary analysis of data
      from ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00043550.

PMID- 28086006
TI  - Generalizability of Neuroimaging Studies in 5 Common Psychiatric Disorders Based
      on the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although neuroimaging studies have an important role in psychiatric
      nosology and treatment development, little is known about the representativeness
      of participants in neuroimaging research. We estimated the effects of commonly
      used study eligibility criteria on the representativeness of neuroimaging
      research participants in relation to the general population with the psychiatric
      disorders of interest. METHODS: Common eligibility criteria were applied from 112
      published neuroimaging studies of DSM-IV nicotine dependence (13 studies),
      alcohol dependence (12 studies), drug use disorders (13 studies), major
      depressive disorder (MDD) (37 studies), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      (36 studies) to representative US samples with these conditions from the 2001
      2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) (n
      = 43,093). The analyses were repeated with NESARC respondents with the disorders
      and substantial psychosocial impairment. RESULTS: Most NESARC respondents with
      nicotine dependence (64.1%), alcohol dependence (57.7%), drug use disorders
      (86.6%), and PTSD (66.9%), though not with MDD (18.2%), would have been excluded
      by eligibility criteria used in at least half of the relevant neuroimaging
      studies. Across the diagnostic groups, comorbid psychiatric and general medical
      conditions resulted in the largest percentages of exclusions. Corresponding
      analyses limited to respondents with substantial impairment excluded larger
      percentages with nicotine dependence (77.6%), alcohol dependence (75.8%), drug
      use disorders (93.5%), and PTSD (76.8%), though not MDD (18.3%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Neuroimaging studies tend to recruit highly selected samples with the psychiatric
      disorders of interest that markedly underrepresent individuals with common
      comorbid conditions. Larger studies with less restrictive eligibility criteria
      may promote translation of advances in neuroimaging research to populations
      commonly encountered in clinical practice.

PMID- 28086007
TI  - A Radical Proposal to Address the Problem of the Lack of Generalizability of
      Placebo-Controlled Studies of Antidepressants.

PMID- 28086008
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 28086009
TI  - Adherence to Selective Serotonin and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
      Prescriptions Affects Overall Medication Adherence in Older Persons: Evidence
      From the Italian Nationwide OsMed Health-DB Database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate prevalence of prescription of and
      adherence to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin
      norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and whether adherence to these classes
      of drugs affects overall medication adherence in older persons. METHODS: In a
      cross-sectional analysis of administrative data comprehensive of all prescribed
      drugs reimbursed by the Italian national health care system, new prescriptions of
      SSRIs and SNRIs to persons aged 65 years or older were analyzed (n = 380,400 in
      2011; 395,806 in 2012; 409,741 in 2013, from a total sample of 3,762,299 persons
      aged 65 years or older) as well as prescriptions of antihypertensives, statins,
      other psychiatric drugs, antidiabetics, antiplatelets, anticoagulants, drugs for
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and antiosteoporotics. Adherence was
      estimated by calculating the proportion of days covered by drugs dispensed during
      a period of 365 days. Adherence was defined as a proportion of days covered of
      more than 80%. RESULTS: Prevalence of SSRI and SNRI prescriptions varied from
      11.4% in 2011 to 12.1% in 2013. Adherence to SSRI and SNRI prescriptions ranged
      from 31.2% in persons aged >= 95 years in 2011 to 41.8% in persons aged 75-84
      years in 2013. Persons adherent to SSRI and SNRI prescriptions were more likely
      to be adherent to the other medications, after adjustment for age, gender, and
      number of drugs prescribed. The highest association was found for adherence to
      psychiatric drugs (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.8-2.0). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to SSRI and
      SNRI prescriptions is poor in older persons. However, people adherent to these
      classes of antidepressants are more likely to be adherent to the other
      medications they are prescribed. Studies are needed to evaluate the reasons for
      and the potential benefits of increasing adherence to antidepressants on overall
      adherence.

PMID- 28086010
TI  - Threshold of Dopamine D2/3 Receptor Occupancy for Hyperprolactinemia in Older
      Patients With Schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although hyperprolactinemia carries a long-term risk of morbidity, the
      threshold of dopamine D2/3 receptor (D2/3R) occupancy for hyperprolactinemia has
      not been investigated in older patients with schizophrenia. Data were taken from
      a positron emission tomography (PET) study conducted between August 2007 and
      August 2015. The present post hoc study included 42 clinically stable outpatients
      with schizophrenia (DSM-IV) (mean +/- SD age = 60.2 +/- 6.7 years) taking
      olanzapine or risperidone. Subjects underwent [11C]-raclopride PET scans to
      measure D2/3R occupancy before and after reducing their dose of antipsychotic by
      up to 40%. Blood samples were collected before each PET scan to measure prolactin
      levels. METHODS: The relationship between prolactin levels and D2/3R occupancy
      was examined using stepwise linear regression analyses. The D2/3R occupancy
      thresholds for hyperprolactinemia were explored using Fisher exact tests.
      RESULTS: Prolactin levels decreased following dose reduction (mean +/- SD = 24.1
      +/- 30.2 ng/mL to 17.2 +/- 15.1 ng/mL; P < .001). Prolactin levels were
      associated with female gender (beta = .32, P = .006, vs male), antipsychotics
      (beta = .23, P = .02, risperidone vs olanzapine), and D2/3R occupancy (beta =
      .23, P = .04). Those with D2/3R occupancy of 66% or higher were more likely to
      have hyperprolactinemia than those with D2/3R occupancy lower than 66% (P = .03).
      Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive
      value of this threshold were 0.44, 0.81, 0.78, and 0.48, respectively. We
      identified a D2/3R occupancy threshold for hyperprolactinemia of 66% in older
      patients with schizophrenia, which is lower than that reported in younger
      patients (73%) by other researchers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a higher
      sensitivity to antipsychotics in older patients. Prolactin levels could assist in
      the determination of appropriate antipsychotic dosing to minimize adverse
      effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00716755.

PMID- 28086011
TI  - Incident Psychosis in Subjects With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's
      Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer's
      disease. METHODS: The study consists of 776 elderly subjects presenting to the
      Alzheimer Disease Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh,
      Pennsylvania) between May 9, 2000, and August 19, 2014. All participants were
      diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's
      Association workgroup criteria) or possible or probable Alzheimer's disease
      (National Institute of Neurologic and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the
      Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria) and were without
      psychosis at entry. Psychotic symptoms were evaluated using the Consortium to
      Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Behavioral Rating Scale every 6
      months. One-, 3- and 5-year cumulative incidences of psychosis were calculated.
      RESULTS: The 1-year psychosis incidence was 10% (95% CI, 8%-12%), and this annual
      rate remained remarkably consistent at 3 and 5 years. Psychosis incidence was
      related to cognitive status at all time points. However, the incidence rate
      reached a plateau during the disease course. Cumulative psychosis incidence at 5
      years was 61% (95% CI, 52%-69%) in individuals with moderate to severe
      Alzheimer's disease, not statistically significantly different from the
      cumulative incidence at 3 years in this group, which was 48% (95% CI, 40%-55%) or
      from the 5-year incidence in individuals who entered the study with mild
      Alzheimer's disease, which was 48% (95% CI, 41%-56%). CONCLUSIONS: Psychosis in
      Alzheimer's disease has been associated with a number of adverse clinical
      outcomes. We provide estimates of the risk of psychosis onset within clinically
      defined subgroups of individuals, a tool clinicians can use in treatment
      planning. Anticipating which subjects are at high risk for psychosis and the poor
      outcomes associated with it can help with family education and support decisions
      to implement nonpharmacologic strategies that may reduce or prevent symptoms.

PMID- 28086012
TI  - The Need to Assess Suicidal Risk in the Checklist for Prescribing Opioids.

PMID- 28086013
TI  - Clinical Correlates of Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Performance in Olanzapine
      Treated Patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder.

PMID- 28086014
TI  - Considering the Complexity of Treatment Response in Psychiatric Clinical Trials.

PMID- 28086015
TI  - Antibiotics or Infection Itself? The Possible Importance of Inflammatory
      Cytokines on Mental States.

PMID- 28086016
TI  - Dr Lurie and Colleagues Reply. Antibiotics or Infection Itself? The Possible
      Importance of Inflammatory Cytokines on Mental States

PMID- 28086017
TI  - Correction. Nocturnal Wakefulness Is Associated With Next-Day Suicidal Ideation
      in Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder

PMID- 28086018
TI  - Antipsychotic Drugs in Schizophrenia: Relative Effects in Patients With and
      Without Treatment Resistance.
AB  - How antipsychotic drugs compare in schizophrenia, and especially in medication
      refractory schizophrenia, is a subject of considerable interest. Two network meta
      analyses and 1 direct comparison meta-analysis recently compared antipsychotics
      in schizophrenia patients with and without documented treatment resistance. One
      network meta-analysis of antipsychotic drugs in non-refractory patients found
      clear efficacy advantages for clozapine, amisulpride, olanzapine, and
      risperidone. One network meta-analysis of antipsychotic drugs in refractory
      patients found a clear efficacy advantage for olanzapine; surprisingly, in this
      meta-analysis, clozapine was superior to first-generation but not second
      generation antipsychotics. One direct comparison meta-analysis found clozapine
      generally superior to first- and second-generation antipsychotics, with
      advantages more clearly apparent in studies that were 3 months in duration or
      less. Drug discontinuation and adverse effect data from these meta-analyses are
      presented, and issues arising from the results are briefly discussed. At the risk
      of oversimplification, it appears that clozapine retains its preeminence in
      medication-refractory schizophrenia and that clozapine and olanzapine are both
      associated with superior efficacy outcomes in non-refractory patients.
      Interestingly, haloperidol, generally considered a reference neuroleptic and a
      reference comparator drug, fared poorly in most comparisons.

PMID- 28086019
TI  - HK2 Recruitment to Phospho-BAD Prevents Its Degradation, Promoting Warburg
      Glycolysis by Theileria-Transformed Leukocytes.
AB  - Theileria annulata infects bovine leukocytes, transforming them into invasive,
      cancer-like cells that cause the widespread disease called tropical theileriosis.
      We report that in Theileria-transformed leukocytes hexokinase-2 (HK2) binds to B
      cell lymphoma-2-associated death promoter (BAD) only when serine (S) 155 in BAD
      is phosphorylated. We show that HK2 recruitment to BAD is abolished by a cell
      penetrating peptide that acts as a nonphosphorylatable BAD substrate that
      inhibits endogenous S155 phosphorylation, leading to complex dissociation and
      ubiquitination and degradation of HK2 by the proteasome. As HK2 is a critical
      enzyme involved in Warburg glycolysis, its loss forces Theileria-transformed
      macrophages to switch back to HK1-dependent oxidative glycolysis that down
      regulates macrophage proliferation only when they are growing on glucose. When
      growing on galactose, degradation of HK2 has no effect on Theileria-infected
      leukocyte proliferation, because metabolism of this sugar is independent of
      hexokinases. Thus, targeted disruption of the phosphorylation-dependent HK2/BAD
      complex may represent a novel approach to control Theileria-transformed leukocyte
      proliferation.

PMID- 28086025
TI  - Zeitschrift fur Arbeitswissenschaft Abstracts of papers, Vol. 43 (15 NF), Parts 1
      3, 1989.

PMID- 28086028
TI  - "Busy Being Born": My Path in Medical Education.

PMID- 28086029
TI  - Implementation of a Professional Society Core Curriculum and Integrated
      Maintenance of Certification Program.
AB  - Medical professional societies exist to foster collaboration, guide career
      development, and provide continuing medical education opportunities. Maintenance
      of certification is a process by which physicians complete formal educational
      activities approved by certifying organizations. The American Thoracic Society
      (ATS) established an innovative maintenance of certification program in 2012 as a
      means to formalize and expand continuing medical education offerings. This
      program is unique as it includes explicit opportunities for collaboration and
      career development in addition to providing continuing medical education and
      maintenance of certification credit to society members. In describing the
      development of this program referred to as the "Core Curriculum," the authors
      highlight the ATS process for content design, stages of curriculum development,
      and outcomes data with an eye toward assisting other societies that seek to
      program similar content. The curriculum development process described is
      generalizable and positively influences individual practitioners and professional
      societies in general, and as a result, provides a useful model for other
      professional societies to follow.

PMID- 28086031
TI  - Function of Platelet-Induced Epithelial Attachment at Titanium Surfaces Inhibits
      Microbial Colonization.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the barrier function of platelet-induced
      epithelial sheets on titanium surfaces. The lack of functional peri-implant
      epithelial sealing with basal lamina (BL) attachment at the interface of the
      implant and the adjacent epithelium allows for bacterial invasion, which may lead
      to peri-implantitis. Although various approaches have been reported to combat
      bacterial infection by surface modifications to titanium, none of these have been
      successful in a clinical application. In our previous study, surface modification
      with protease-activated receptor 4-activating peptide (PAR4-AP), which induced
      platelet activation and aggregation, was successful in demonstrating epithelial
      attachment via BL and epithelial sheet formation on the titanium surface. We
      hypothesized that the platelet-induced epithelial sheet on PAR4-AP-modified
      titanium surfaces would reduce bacterial attachment, penetration, and invasion.
      Titanium surface was modified with PAR4-AP and incubated with platelet-rich
      plasma (PRP). The aggregated platelets released collagen IV, a critical BL
      component, onto the PAR4-AP-modified titanium surface. Then, human gingival
      epithelial cells were seeded on the modified titanium surface and formed
      epithelial sheets. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing Escherichia coli
      was cultured onto PAR4-AP-modified titanium with and without epithelial sheet
      formation. While Escherichia coli accumulated densely onto the PAR4-AP titanium
      lacking epithelial sheet, few Escherichia coli were observed on the epithelial
      sheet on the PAR4-AP surface. No bacterial invasion into the interface of the
      epithelial sheet and the titanium surface was observed. These in vitro results
      indicate the efficacy of a platelet-induced epithelial barrier that functions to
      prevent bacterial attachment, penetration, and invasion on PAR4-AP-modified
      titanium.

PMID- 28086032
TI  - Liver injury associated with dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In pre-approval trials, there was an increased incidence of mild,
      transient elevations of liver aminotransferases in study subjects treated with
      dimethyl fumarate (DMF). OBJECTIVE/METHODS: To evaluate post-marketing cases of
      drug-induced liver injury associated with DMF. RESULTS: We identified 14 post
      marketing cases of clinically significant liver injury. Findings included newly
      elevated serum liver aminotransferase and bilirubin levels that developed as
      early as a few days after the first dose of DMF. The pattern of liver injury was
      primarily hepatocellular. No cases resulted in liver failure. CONCLUSION: Health
      professionals should be alerted to possible serious liver injury in patients
      receiving DMF.

PMID- 28086034
TI  - Frontispiece.

PMID- 28086035
TI  - Hippocampal dysfunction is associated with memory impairment in multiple
      sclerosis: A volumetric and functional connectivity study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested a relationship between
      neuroanatomical and neurofunctional hippocampal alterations and episodic memory
      impairments in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. OBJECTIVE: We examined
      hippocampus volume and functional connectivity (FC) changes in MS patients with
      different episodic memory capabilities. METHODS: Hippocampal subfield volume and
      FC changes were compared in two subgroups of MS patients with and without
      episodic memory impairment (multiple sclerosis impaired (MSi) and multiple
      sclerosis preserved (MSp), respectively) and healthy controls (HC). A
      discriminant function (DF) analysis was used to identify which of these
      neuroanatomical and neurofunctional parameters were the most relevant components
      of the mnemonic profiles of HC, MSp, and MSi. RESULTS: MSi showed reduced volume
      in several hippocampal subfields compared to MSp and HC. Ordinal gradation (MSi >
      MSp > HC) was also observed for FC between the posterior hippocampus and several
      cortical areas. DF-based analyses revealed that reduced right fimbria volume and
      enhanced FC at the right posterior hippocampus were the main neural signatures of
      the episodic memory impairments observed in the MSi group. CONCLUSION: Before any
      sign of episodic memory alterations (MSp), FC increased on several pathways that
      connect the hippocampus with cortical areas. These changes further increased when
      the several hippocampal volumes reduced and memory deficits appeared (MSi).

PMID- 28086036
TI  - Foot Pedal Forces for Seated Operators.
AB  - The foot controls of spot welding machines were orgonomicnlly evaluated, and
      redesign recammondations put forward. Ten male and ten female subjects were
      tested to dotermine the maximum isometric force that a seated operator could
      exert on a horizontal foot pedal. The experimental results showed no significant
      strength differences between right arid left legs and mole legs strengths were 9%
      to 50% greater than female leg strengths depending on the position of the foot
      pedal.

PMID- 28086037
TI  - A Simulator and Training Technique for Diagnosing Plant Failures from Control
      Panels.
AB  - The paper describes (1) the development of a simulator and (2) the first results
      of a training technique for the identification of plant failures from control
      panel indications. Input or signal features of the task present more simulation
      fidelity problems than its response or output features. Current, techniques for
      identifying effective signals, e.g. ' blanking-off ' information, or protocol
      analysis, bias any description of problem solving since they require serial
      reporting, if not serial collection, of information by the operator. They also
      require inferences as to what is an effective item of information. It is
      therefore argued that simulation should preserve all those features which may in
      principle provide, or influence acquisition of, diagnostic information,
      specifically panel layout, instrument design and display size. Further fidelity
      problems are the stress from operating in a dangerous environment; stress from
      hazards or sanctions following mistaken diagnosis; and the stress of diagnosing
      in a short time interval. The simulator uses bock-projection to life size of
      slides of control panel mock-ups by a random access projector. Under an adaptive
      cumulative part regime, trainees saw on average 89 failure arrays in 30 min, an
      obvious advantage over the operational situation. In a test 24 hr after training,
      consisting of the eight faults each presented four times in random order, 4 out
      of 17 trainees made only one error in 32 diagnosos; the other trainees performed
      perfectly. Subjects' reports indicate very different solution strategies, e.g.,
      recognition of alarm patterns; serial instrument checking determined by
      heuristics of plant functioning. Several features of performance arc consistent
      with the view that trainees use a minimal number of dimensions for correct
      discrimination and that these change as the number of different fault arrays
      increases. It is argued that this training regime should reduce stress. In
      particular it is argued that, according to current theories of stress, the fewer
      dimensions needed for diagnosis, the more robust will be diagnostic performance
      in dangerous environments.

PMID- 28086043
TI  - Memoriam.

PMID- 28086061
TI  - Welcome to a Special Issue from the Specialty Conference on PM2000: Particulate
      Matter and Health-The Scientific Basis for Regulatory Decision-Making.

PMID- 28086065
TI  - Defective autophagy is associated with neuronal injury in a mouse model of
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Neurodegeneration, along with inflammatory demyelination, is an important
      component of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Autophagy is known to play a
      pivotal role in neuronal homeostasis and is implicated in several
      neurodegenerative disorders. However, whether autophagy is involved in the
      mechanisms of neuronal damage during MS remains to be investigated. Experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an in vivo model of MS, was induced in female
      C57BL/6 mice by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein p35-55.
      After that, autophagic flux in the spinal cord of mice was evaluated by detection
      of LC3-II and Beclin1 protein expressions. EAE mice were then administered with
      rapamycin and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) for 10 days. Afterward, the changes in LC3
      II, Beclin1, and p62 expression, number of infiltrated inflammatory cells,
      demyelinated lesion area, and neuronal damage, as well as clinical scores, were
      assessed. Further, apoptotic cell rate and apoptosis-related protein expressions
      were monitored. We observed an impaired autophagic flux and increased neuronal
      damage in the spinal cords of EAE mice. We also found that rapamycin, an
      autophagy inducer, mitigated EAE-induced autophagy decrease, inflammation,
      demyelination and neuronal injury, as well as the abnormal clinical score. In
      addition, rapamycin suppressed cell apoptosis, and decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and
      cleaved caspase-3 expression. Conversely, the effect of autophagy inhibitor 3-MA
      on EAE mice resulted in completely opposite results. These results indicated that
      autophagy deficiency, at least in part, contributed to EAE-induced neuronal
      injury and that pharmacological modulation of autophagy might be a therapeutic
      strategy for MS.

PMID- 28086064
TI  - Dose- and time-dependent effects of clodronate on orthodontic tooth movement.
AB  - Orthodontic tooth movement is the result of bone remodeling that occurs in
      periodontal ligament and alveolar bone tissue as a response to mechanical loading
      of the tooth. The aim of this study is to investigate the time- and dose-response
      effects of locally administered clodronate on tooth movement. Sixty Wistar rats
      were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 15 specimens: E1 - application of 10 mMol
      of clodronate in 3-day intervals; E2 - application of 2.5 mMol of clodronate in 3
      day intervals; E3 - application of 10 mMol of clodronate in 7-day intervals; E4 -
      application of 2.5 mMol of clodronate in 7-day intervals. A 50 MUL clodronate
      solution was injected into a subperiosteal area to the right maxillary incisor.
      The left maxillary incisor served as a control, with an injection of saline
      solution. In 3-day interval application regime, there was no effect of clodronate
      dosing on tooth movement. In 7-day interval application regime, decreased tooth
      movement was observed with 10 mMol compared with 2.5 mMol clodronate
      concentration. However, decreased tooth movement was also observed when 2.5 mMol
      of clodronate was applied in 7-versus 3-day intervals. Conversely, no difference
      was observed when 10 mMol concentration was applied in 3- versus 7-day intervals.
      When clodronate is applied subperiosteally in the root area, it decreases the
      tooth movement. Tooth movement is impeded by the higher clodronate dosing, as
      well as by shorter application interval even with lower dosing. The purpose of
      future trials should, therefore, be to determine a safe therapeutic dose/interval
      application of clodronate in humans and their potential side effects.

PMID- 28086066
TI  - Description of Auricoccus indicus gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from skin of
      human ear.
AB  - A Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, small spherical bacterium,
      strain S31T, was isolated from skin surface (external ear lobe) of a healthy
      human subject and characterized using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 1507
      bp 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison, S31T showed highest (92.8 %, AY119686)
      sequence similarity with Macrococcus brunensis CCUG 47200T followed by
      Macrococcus caseolyticus DSM 20597T (92.7 % AP009484) and formed a separate clade
      with 65 % bootstrap support. The DNA G+C content was found to be 34 mol%. Anteiso
      C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 are the predominant fatty acids in fatty
      acid methyl ester (FAME) profile of strain S31T. It contained A3alpha type
      peptidoglycan with l-Lys-Gly3-l-Ala peptide. Comparative study of morphological
      and physiological traits indicated that S31T has phenetically diverged from its
      closest relatives. On the basis of morphological, chemotaxonomic and genotypic
      data, S31T showed marked distinctions from its closest relatives of the family
      Staphylococcaceae and is proposed to represent a novel genus Auricoccus with
      Auricoccus indicus as type species of the genus. S31T (CCUG 69858T=KCTC
      33611T=MCC 3027T) is the type strain of the species.

PMID- 28086067
TI  - Bacillus zeae sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea mays.
AB  - A Gram-positive-staining, aerobic organism, isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea
      mays, was investigated in detail. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity
      comparisons, strain JJ-247T was grouped into the genus Bacillus, most closely
      related to Bacillus foraminis (98.4 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to
      the sequences of the type strains of other species of the genus Bacillus was
      <97.4 %. The fatty acid profile with the major fatty acids, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso
      C15 : 0, iso-C14 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 supported the grouping of the strain to the
      genus Bacillus. The polar lipid profile contained the major components
      diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an
      unidentified aminophospholipid. The major quinone was menaquinone MK-7, and the
      major polyamine was spermidine. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain JJ-247T was
      44.5 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridizations with the type strain B. foraminis LMG 23147T
      resulted in values below 70 %. In addition, physiological and biochemical test
      results allowed a clear phenotypic differentiation of strain JJ-247T from B.
      foraminis. As a consequence, JJ-247T represents a novel species of the genus
      Bacillus, for which we propose the name Bacillus zeae sp. nov., with JJ-247T
      (=CCM 8726T=LMG 29876T) as the type strain.

PMID- 28086069
TI  - Explanation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing and its
      implication for microbiology.
AB  - Working with genetic resources and associated data requires greater attention
      since the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) came into force in
      October 2014. Biologists must ensure that they have legal clarity in how they can
      and cannot use the genetic resources on which they carry out research. Not only
      must they work within the spirit in the Convention on Biological Diversity
      (https://www.cbd.int/convention/articles/default.shtml?a=cbd-02) but also they
      may have regulatory requirements to meet. Although the Nagoya Protocol was
      negotiated and agreed globally, it is the responsibility of each country that
      ratifies it to introduce their individual implementing procedures and practices.
      Many countries in Europe, such as the UK, have chosen not to put access controls
      in place at this time, but others already have laws enacted providing ABS
      measures under the Convention on Biological Diversity or specifically to
      implement the Nagoya Protocol. Access legislation is in place in many countries
      and information on this can be found at the ABS Clearing House
      (https://absch.cbd.int/). For example, Brazil, although not a Party to the Nagoya
      Protocol at the time of writing, has Law 13.123 which entered into force on 17
      November 2015, regulated by Decree 8.772 which was published on 11 May 2016. In
      this case, export of Brazilian genetic resources is not allowed unless the
      collector is registered in the National System for Genetic Heritage and
      Associated Traditional Knowledge Management (SisGen). The process entails that a
      foreign scientist must first of all be registered working with someone in Brazil
      and have authorization to collect. The enactment of European Union Regulation po.
      511/2014 implements Nagoya Protocol elements that govern compliance measures for
      users and offers the opportunity to demonstrate due diligence in sourcing their
      organisms by selecting from holdings of 'registered collections'. The UK has
      introduced a Statutory Instrument that puts in place enforcement measures within
      the UK to implement this European Union Regulation; this is regulated by
      Regulatory Delivery, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategies.
      Scientific communities, including the private sector, individual institutions and
      organizations, have begun to design policy and best practices for compliance.
      Microbiologists and culture collections alike need to be aware of the legislation
      of the source country of the materials they use and put in place best practices
      for compliance; such best practice has been drafted by the Microbial Resource
      Research Infrastructure, and other research communities such as the Consortium of
      European Taxonomic Facilities, the Global Genome Biodiversity Network and the
      International Organisation for Biological Control have published best practice
      and/or codes of conduct to ensure legitimate exchange and use of genetic
      resources.

PMID- 28086072
TI  - Identification of Naegleria fowleri proteins linked to primary amoebic
      meningoencephalitis.
AB  - Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a
      rapidly fatal disease of the central nervous system. N. fowleri can exist in
      cyst, flagellate or amoebic forms, depending on environmental conditions. The
      amoebic form can invade the brain following introduction into the nasal passages.
      When applied intranasally to a mouse model, cultured N. fowleri amoebae exhibit
      low virulence. However, upon serial passage in mouse brain, the amoebae acquire a
      highly virulent state. In the present study, a proteomics approach was applied to
      the identification of N. fowleri amoeba proteins whose expression was associated
      with the highly virulent state in mice. Mice were inoculated intranasally with
      axenically cultured amoebae or with mouse-passaged amoebae. Examination by light
      and electron microscopy revealed no morphological differences. However, mouse
      passaged amoebae were more virulent in mice as indicated by exhibiting a two
      log10 titre decrease in median infective dose 50 (ID50). Scatter plot analysis of
      amoebic lysates revealed a subset of proteins, the expression of which was
      associated with highly virulent amoebae. MS-MS indicated that this subset
      contained proteins that shared homology with those linked to cytoskeletal
      rearrangement and the invasion process. Invasion assays were performed in the
      presence of a select inhibitor to expand on the findings. The collective results
      suggest that N. fowleri gene products linked to cytoskeletal rearrangement and
      invasion may be candidate targets in the management of primary amoebic
      meningoencephalitis.

PMID- 28086071
TI  - 155R is a novel structural protein of bovine adenovirus type 3, but it is not
      essential for virus replication.
AB  - Bovine adenovirus (AdV) type 3 (BAdV-3) E1 region shares functional homology with
      E1 of human AdV type C5. Sequence analysis of the BAdV-3 E1 region revealed the
      presence of a novel 155R ORF that is not observed in other AdVs, on the lower
      strand antiparallel to a portion of the E1B region. The 155R gene products in
      BAdV-3-infected cells were identified by Northern blot, reverse transcriptase PCR
      followed by sequencing and Western blot analysis using the155R-specific antibody.
      155R seems to be a late protein and is present in purified BAdV-3 particles.
      Replication kinetics of BAdV mutants with either one (BAdV/155R/mt1) or two
      (BAdV/155R/mt2) stop codons in the 155R ORF were comparable to those of BAdV-3,
      indicating that 155R is not essential for virus replication in cell culture.
      These results suggest that 155R-deleted BAdV-3 vectors could be generated in a
      cell line that fully complements BAdV-3 E1 functions.

PMID- 28086073
TI  - Evolutionary and genetic analysis of human bocavirus genotype-1 strains reveals
      an evidence of intragenomic recombination.
AB  - PURPOSE: Human bocavirus (HBoV) exsits in four genotypes: 1 to 4, with HBoV-1
      being the most prevalent genotype. The aim of the current study was to
      genetically analyze the full-length genome of the HBoV-1 of recently detected
      Egyptian strains. METHODOLOGY: Seven overlapping sets of primers were developed
      to amplify an almost complete HBoV-1 genome from the clinical samples. The primer
      sets were tested on three recently identified Egyptian HBoV-1 strains with viral
      loads >=105 ml-1. Sequencing was conducted using the same sets of primers. HBoV-1
      virus strains were genetically analyzed based on the sequences of their complete
      genomes and the individual ORFs. RESULTS: The new sets of primers successfully
      amplified the three tested strains. Sequence analysis of the full-length genome
      of the HBoV-1 revealed a considerable level of genetic heterogenicity between
      different strains. Based on the full genome and VP1 ORF, HBoV-1 viruses were
      clustered into three main lineages, A to C, and lineage A was further subdivided
      into three sublineages, A1-A3. The Egyptian strains were clustered within two
      sublineages, A1 and A2. New amino acid substitutions were detected in NS1 and
      VP1/VP2 proteins. Both inter- and intragenomic recombination events were detected
      among the Egyptian strains. CONCLUSION: The existence of both intragenomic
      recombination event and multiple amino acid substitutions in the examined
      Egyptian HBoV-1 strains elucidates considerable level of genetic alterations
      among bocaviruses. Their possible effects on the virus virulence and
      multiplication efficiency need to be investigated.

PMID- 28086074
TI  - Mangrovibacter phragmitis sp. nov., an endophyte isolated from the roots of
      Phragmites karka.
AB  - A facultatively anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, nitrogen-fixing,
      endophytic bacterial strain designated MP23T was isolated from the roots of
      Phragmites karka growing in Chilika Lagoon, Odisha, India. Strain MP23T was
      slightly halophilic, and the optimal NaCl concentration and temperature for
      growth were 1 % and 30  degrees C, respectively. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarities, strain MP23T was affiliated to the family
      Enterobacteriaceae and most closely related to Mangrovibacter yixingensis KCTC
      42181T and Mangrovibacter plantisponsor DSM 19579T with 99.71 % similarity,
      followed by Salmonella enterica subsp. salamae DSM 9220T (97.22 %), Cronobacter
      condimenti LMG 26250T (97.14 %) and Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae DSM
      14847T (97 %). Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA, hsp60, gyrB and rpoB genes showed
      that strain MP23T formed a phylogenetic cluster with M. yixingensis KCTC 42181T
      and M. plantisponsor DSM 19579T indicating that it belongs to the genus
      Mangrovibacter. The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1omega6c
      and/or C18 : 1omega7c, C16 : 1omega6c and/or C16 : 1omega7c, C14 : 0, C14 : 0 3
      OH and/or iso-C16 : 1 I and C17 : 0 cyclo. Polar lipids of strain MP23T consisted
      of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The
      DNA G+C content was 50.3 mol%. Based on experimental DNA-DNA hybridization values
      and average nucleotide identity derived from in silico comparison of whole-genome
      sequences, strain MP23T could be distinguished from its closest neighbours. We
      therefore conclude that strain MP23T represents a novel species of the genus
      Mangrovibacter for which the name Mangrovibacter phragmitis sp. nov. is proposed.
      The type strain is MP23T (=DSM 100250T=KCTC 42580T).

PMID- 28086075
TI  - Cellular microRNA miR-10a-5p inhibits replication of porcine reproductive and
      respiratory syndrome virus by targeting the host factor signal recognition
      particle 14.
AB  - Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most
      economically important viruses affecting the swine industry worldwide. MicroRNAs
      have recently been demonstrated to play vital roles in virus-host interactions.
      Our previous research on small RNA deep sequencing showed that the expression
      level of miR-10a increased during the viral life cycle. The present study sought
      to determine the function of miR-10a and its molecular mechanism during PRRSV
      infection. In the current study, the result of PRRSV infection inducing miR-10a
      expression was validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR.
      Overexpression of miR-10a-5p using its mimics markedly reduced the expression
      level of intracellular PRRSV ORF7 mRNA and N protein. Simultaneously,
      overexpression of miR-10a-5p also significantly decreased the expression level of
      extracellular viral RNA and virus titres in the supernatants. These results
      demonstrated that miR-10a-5p could suppress the replication of PRRSV. A direct
      interaction between miR-10a-5p and signal recognition particle 14 (SRP14) was
      confirmed using bioinformatic prediction and experimental verification. miR-10a
      5p could directly target the 3'UTR of pig SRP14 mRNA in a sequence-specific
      manner and decrease SRP14 expression through translational repression but not
      mRNA degradation. Further, knockdown of SRP14 by small interfering RNA also
      inhibits the replication of PRRSV. Collectively, these results suggested that miR
      10a-5p inhibits PRRSV replication through suppression of SRP14 expression, which
      not only provides new insights into virus-host interactions during PRRSV
      infection but also suggests potential new antiviral strategies against PRRSV
      infection.

PMID- 28086076
TI  - Hymenobacter aquaticus sp. nov., a radiation-resistant bacterium isolated from a
      river.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic
      bacterial strain, designated 16F3PT, was isolated from the Han River, South
      Korea, and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic
      analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed 16F3PT to be within the genus
      Hymenobacter, and most closely related to Hymenobacterchitinivorans Txc1T (98.62
      %) and Hymenobacterelongatus VUG-A112T (98.46 %). The phylogenetic distance from
      other species of the genus Hymenobacter with validly published names was greater
      than 4 % (i.e. sequence similarity was less than 96.0 %). Chemotaxonomic data
      also supported the classification of strain 16F3PT within the genus Hymenobacter.
      C16 : 0 (19.8 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1omega7c/C16 : 1omega6c; 15.4 %) and
      iso-C15 : 0 (13.0 %) were the major fatty acids, MK-7 was the predominant
      respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine was the major polar lipid. The
      G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 16F3PT was 61.9 mol%. DNA-DNA
      hybridization experiments showed that the values for DNA-DNA relatedness between
      strain 16F3PT and the phylogenetically closest neighbours were below 19 %. On the
      basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain
      16F3PT represents a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name
      Hymenobacter aquaticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 16F3PT (=KCTC
      52194T=JCM 31653T).

PMID- 28086077
TI  - Muricauda lutea sp. nov., isolated from seawater.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-flagellated, non-gliding, catalase
      positive, long-rod-shaped bacterium designated strain CSW06T, was isolated from
      surface seawater of the Bohai Sea. Optimal growth occurred in the presence of 4 %
      (w/v) NaCl, at pH 7 and at 28  degrees C. The predominant fatty acids (>10 % of
      total fatty acids) were iso-C15 : 1G, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (iso
      C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1omega7c). The major polar lipids were
      phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified
      aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of CSW06T was 50.3 mol%. The predominant
      isoprenoid quinone detected was menaquinone with six isoprene units (MK-6). On
      the basis of the results of polyphasic analyses, CSW06T was considered to
      represent a novel species of the genus Muricauda in the family Flavobacteriaceae,
      for which the name Muricauda lutea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is
      CSW06T (=CGMCC 1.15761T=JCM 31455T=KCTC 52375T=MCCC 1K03195T).

PMID- 28086078
TI  - Role and mechanism of the Hsp70 molecular chaperone machines in bacterial
      pathogens.
AB  - Heat shock proteins are highly conserved, stress-inducible, ubiquitous proteins
      that maintain homeostasis in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Hsp70 proteins
      belong to the heat shock protein family and enhance bacterial survival in hostile
      environments. Hsp70, known as DnaK in prokaryotes, supports numerous processes
      such as the assembly and disassembly of protein complexes, the refolding of
      misfolded and clustered proteins, membrane translocation and the regulation of
      regulatory proteins. The chaperone-based activity of Hsp70 depends on dynamic
      interactions between its two domains, known as the ATPase domain and the
      substrate-binding domain. It also depends on interactions between these domains
      and other co-chaperone molecules such as the Hsp40 protein family member DnaJ and
      nucleotide exchange factors. DnaJ is the primary chaperone that interacts with
      nascent polypeptide chains and functions to prevent their premature release from
      the ribosome and misfolding before it is targeted by DnaK. Adhesion of bacteria
      to host cells is mediated by both host and bacterial Hsp70. Following infection
      of the host, bacterial Hsp70 (DnaK) is in a position to initiate bacterial
      survival processes and trigger an immune response by the host. Any mutations in
      the dnaK gene have been shown to decrease the viability of bacteria inside the
      host. This review will give insights into the structure and mechanism of Hsp70
      and its role in regulating the protein activity that contributes to pathogenesis.

PMID- 28086079
TI  - A large prolonged outbreak of hepatitis A associated with consumption of frozen
      berries, Italy, 2013-14.
AB  - PURPOSE: In 2013/2014, Italy experienced one of the largest community-wide
      prolonged outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV) throughout the country. The
      article provides a comprehensive description of the outbreak and the
      investigation carried out by a multidisciplinary National Task Force, in
      collaboration with regional and local public health authorities. Control
      strategies of food-borne HAV infection in both the human and food sectors are
      also described. METHODOLOGY: Enhanced human epidemiological and microbiological
      surveillance together with microbiological monitoring of HAV in food and trace
      back investigation were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 1803 HAV cases were
      identified from 1 January 2013 to 31 August 2014, in Italy. Sequencing was
      possible for 368 cases (20.4 %), mostly collected between 1 January 2013 and 28
      February 2014, and 246 cases (66.8 %) harboured an HAV outbreak strain. Imported
      frozen berries contaminated with HAV were identified as the vehicle of the
      outbreak which also involved many other European countries in 2013 and 2014.
      Epidemiological evidence obtained through a case-control study was supported by
      the finding of a 100 % nucleotide similarity of the VP1/2A sequences of HAVs
      detected in human and food samples. Trace-back investigation revealed an
      extremely complex supplying network with no possibility for a point source
      potentially explaining the vast contamination of berries found in Italy.
      CONCLUSION: The investigation benefited from an excellent collaboration among
      different sectors who shared proactively the available information. Our findings
      highlight the importance of considering frozen berries among the highest risk
      factors for HAV.

PMID- 28086081
TI  - Redefining Biology via Enzyme Engineering.

PMID- 28086080
TI  - Modelling the effect on injuries and fatalities when changing mode of transport
      from car to bicycle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have estimated the health effects of active
      commuting, where a transport mode shift from car to bicycle reduces risk of
      mortality and morbidity. Previous studies mainly assess the negative aspects of
      bicycling by referring to fatalities or police reported injuries. However, most
      bicycle crashes are not reported by the police and therefore hospital reported
      data would cover a much higher rate of injuries from bicycle crashes. The aim of
      the present study was to estimate the effect on injuries and fatalities from
      traffic crashes when shifting mode of transport from car to bicycle by using
      hospital reported data. METHODS: This present study models the change in number
      of injuries and fatalities due to a transport mode change using a given flow
      change from car to bicycle and current injury and fatality risk per distance for
      bicyclists and car occupants. RESULTS: show that bicyclists have a much higher
      injury risk (29 times) and fatality risk (10 times) than car occupants. In a
      scenario where car occupants in Stockholm living close to their work place shifts
      transport mode to bicycling, injuries, fatalities and health loss expressed in
      Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) were estimated to increase. The vast
      majority of the estimated DALY increase was caused by severe injuries and
      fatalities and it tends to fluctuate so that the number of severe crashes may
      exceed the estimation with a large margin. CONCLUSION: Although the estimated
      increase of traffic crashes and DALY, a transport mode shift is seen as a way
      towards a more sustainable society. Thus, this present study highlights the need
      of strategic preventive measures in order to minimize the negative impacts from
      increased bicycling.

PMID- 28086082
TI  - Structure of a Pancreatic ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel.
AB  - ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) couple intracellular ATP levels with
      membrane excitability. These channels play crucial roles in many essential
      physiological processes and have been implicated extensively in a spectrum of
      metabolic diseases and disorders. To gain insight into the mechanism of KATP, we
      elucidated the structure of a hetero-octameric pancreatic KATP channel in complex
      with a non-competitive inhibitor glibenclamide by single-particle cryoelectron
      microscopy to 5.6-A resolution. The structure shows that four SUR1 regulatory
      subunits locate peripherally and dock onto the central Kir6.2 channel tetramer
      through the SUR1 TMD0-L0 fragment. Glibenclamide-bound SUR1 uses TMD0-L0 fragment
      to stabilize Kir6.2 channel in a closed conformation. In another structural
      population, a putative co-purified phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)
      molecule uncouples Kir6.2 from glibenclamide-bound SUR1. These structural
      observations suggest a molecular mechanism for KATP regulation by anti-diabetic
      sulfonylurea drugs, intracellular adenosine nucleotide concentrations, and PIP2
      lipid.

PMID- 28086083
TI  - Shining a Light on Phase Separation in the Cell.
AB  - Phase separation of proteins is recognized as an important aspect of cellular
      organization and disease mechanisms. Shin et al. introduce a novel optogenetic
      tool, which enables different phase-space regimes inside living cells to be
      assessed and the transition paths between them to be studied with unprecedented
      spatiotemporal control.

PMID- 28086085
TI  - Two Distant Catalytic Sites Are Responsible for C2c2 RNase Activities.
AB  - C2c2, the effector of type VI CRISPR-Cas systems, has two RNase activities-one
      for cutting its RNA target and the other for processing the CRISPR RNA (crRNA).
      Here, we report the structures of Leptotrichia shahii C2c2 in its crRNA-free and
      crRNA-bound states. While C2c2 has a bilobed structure reminiscent of all other
      Class 2 effectors, it also exhibits different structural characteristics. It
      contains the REC lobe with a Helical-1 domain and the NUC lobe with two HEPN
      domains. The two RNase catalytic pockets responsible for cleaving pre-crRNA and
      target RNA are independently located on Helical-1 and HEPN domains, respectively.
      crRNA binding induces significant conformational changes that are likely to
      stabilize crRNA binding and facilitate target RNA recognition. These structures
      provide important insights into the molecular mechanism of dual RNase activities
      of C2c2 and establish a framework for its future engineering as a RNA editing
      tool.

PMID- 28086084
TI  - Structures of the Human HCN1 Hyperpolarization-Activated Channel.
AB  - Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels underlie the
      control of rhythmic activity in cardiac and neuronal pacemaker cells. In HCN, the
      polarity of voltage dependence is uniquely reversed. Intracellular cyclic
      adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels tune the voltage response, enabling
      sympathetic nerve stimulation to increase the heart rate. We present cryo
      electron microscopy structures of the human HCN channel in the absence and
      presence of cAMP at 3.5 A resolution. HCN channels contain a K+ channel
      selectivity filter-forming sequence from which the amino acids create a unique
      structure that explains Na+ and K+ permeability. The voltage sensor adopts a
      depolarized conformation, and the pore is closed. An S4 helix of unprecedented
      length extends into the cytoplasm, contacts the C-linker, and twists the inner
      helical gate shut. cAMP binding rotates cytoplasmic domains to favor opening of
      the inner helical gate. These structures advance understanding of ion
      selectivity, reversed polarity gating, and cAMP regulation in HCN channels.

PMID- 28086086
TI  - Vesicles Spread Susceptibility to Phages.
AB  - Extracellular membrane vesicles from bacteria are now shown to transfer phage
      receptors from susceptible to resistant cells, thus making them transiently
      sensitive to phage infection (Tzipilevich et al.).

PMID- 28086088
TI  - Staying in Touch while on the Go.
AB  - While chemical forms of cell-to-cell communication are well recognized to
      coordinate bacterial populations, electrical signaling has been relatively
      ignored. Humphries et al. show that Bacillus subtilis biofilms utilize potassium
      production to attract far away, motile cells of even phylogenetically distant
      species by altering their membrane potential.

PMID- 28086089
TI  - Blood on the Tracks: Two Pathways for Predation.
AB  - Accurate predatory behavior requires coordination between pursuit activity and
      prey consumption, yet the underlying neuronal circuits are unknown. A novel study
      published in this issue of Cell identifies two coordinated circuits emanating
      from the central amygdala that control the efficiency of prey capture and the
      ability to deliver fatal bites to prey.

PMID- 28086087
TI  - RNA Binding to CBP Stimulates Histone Acetylation and Transcription.
AB  - CBP/p300 are transcription co-activators whose binding is a signature of
      enhancers, cis-regulatory elements that control patterns of gene expression in
      multicellular organisms. Active enhancers produce bi-directional enhancer RNAs
      (eRNAs) and display CBP/p300-dependent histone acetylation. Here, we demonstrate
      that CBP binds directly to RNAs in vivo and in vitro. RNAs bound to CBP in vivo
      include a large number of eRNAs. Using steady-state histone acetyltransferase
      (HAT) assays, we show that an RNA binding region in the HAT domain of CBP-a
      regulatory motif unique to CBP/p300-allows RNA to stimulate CBP's HAT activity.
      At enhancers where CBP interacts with eRNAs, stimulation manifests in RNA
      dependent changes in the histone acetylation mediated by CBP, such as H3K27ac,
      and by corresponding changes in gene expression. By interacting directly with
      CBP, eRNAs contribute to the unique chromatin structure at active enhancers,
      which, in turn, is required for regulation of target genes.

PMID- 28086090
TI  - A Periplasmic Polymer Curves Vibrio cholerae and Promotes Pathogenesis.
AB  - Pathogenic Vibrio cholerae remains a major human health concern. V. cholerae has
      a characteristic curved rod morphology, with a longer outer face and a shorter
      inner face. The mechanism and function of this curvature were previously unknown.
      Here, we identify and characterize CrvA, the first curvature determinant in V.
      cholerae. CrvA self-assembles into filaments at the inner face of cell curvature.
      Unlike traditional cytoskeletons, CrvA localizes to the periplasm and thus can be
      considered a periskeletal element. To quantify how curvature forms, we developed
      QuASAR (quantitative analysis of sacculus architecture remodeling), which
      measures subcellular peptidoglycan dynamics. QuASAR reveals that CrvA
      asymmetrically patterns peptidoglycan insertion rather than removal, causing more
      material insertions into the outer face than the inner face. Furthermore, crvA is
      quorum regulated, and CrvA-dependent curvature increases at high cell density.
      Finally, we demonstrate that CrvA promotes motility in hydrogels and confers an
      advantage in host colonization and pathogenesis.

PMID- 28086091
TI  - Species-Independent Attraction to Biofilms through Electrical Signaling.
AB  - Bacteria residing within biofilm communities can coordinate their behavior
      through cell-to-cell signaling. However, it remains unclear if these signals can
      also influence the behavior of distant cells that are not part of the community.
      Using a microfluidic approach, we find that potassium ion channel-mediated
      electrical signaling generated by a Bacillus subtilis biofilm can attract distant
      cells. Integration of experiments and mathematical modeling indicates that
      extracellular potassium emitted from the biofilm alters the membrane potential of
      distant cells, thereby directing their motility. This electrically mediated
      attraction appears to be a generic mechanism that enables cross-species
      interactions, as Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells also become attracted to the
      electrical signal released by the B. subtilis biofilm. Cells within a biofilm
      community can thus not only coordinate their own behavior but also influence the
      behavior of diverse bacteria at a distance through long-range electrical
      signaling. PAPERCLIP.

PMID- 28086092
TI  - Nuclear Localization of Mitochondrial TCA Cycle Enzymes as a Critical Step in
      Mammalian Zygotic Genome Activation.
AB  - Transcriptional control requires epigenetic changes directed by mitochondrial
      tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites. In the mouse embryo, global
      epigenetic changes occur during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) at the 2-cell
      stage. Pyruvate is essential for development beyond this stage, which is at odds
      with the low activity of mitochondria in this period. We now show that a number
      of enzymatically active mitochondrial enzymes associated with the TCA cycle are
      essential for epigenetic remodeling and are transiently and partially localized
      to the nucleus. Pyruvate is essential for this nuclear localization, and a
      failure of TCA cycle enzymes to enter the nucleus correlates with loss of
      specific histone modifications and a block in ZGA. At later stages, however,
      these enzymes are exclusively mitochondrial. In humans, the enzyme pyruvate
      dehydrogenase is transiently nuclear at the 4/8-cell stage coincident with timing
      of human embryonic genome activation, suggesting a conserved metabolic control
      mechanism underlying early pre-implantation development.

PMID- 28086094
TI  - In Search of Scientific Inspiration.
AB  - In the ever-expanding sea of scientific advances, how do you find inspiration for
      your own study? Cell editor Jiaying Tan talked with Mark Lemmon and Joseph
      (Yossi) Schlessinger about the importance of fueling your research creativity
      with the conceptual excitement and technical advance from the broad scientific
      field. An excerpt of the conversation appears below.

PMID- 28086093
TI  - Dynamic Remodeling of Membrane Composition Drives Cell Cycle through Primary
      Cilia Excision.
AB  - The life cycle of a primary cilium begins in quiescence and ends prior to
      mitosis. In quiescent cells, the primary cilium insulates itself from contiguous
      dynamic membrane processes on the cell surface to function as a stable signaling
      apparatus. Here, we demonstrate that basal restriction of ciliary structure
      dynamics is established by the cilia-enriched phosphoinositide 5-phosphatase,
      Inpp5e. Growth induction displaces ciliary Inpp5e and accumulates
      phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in distal cilia. This change triggers
      otherwise-forbidden actin polymerization in primary cilia, which excises cilia
      tips in a process we call cilia decapitation. While cilia disassembly is
      traditionally thought to occur solely through resorption, we show that an acute
      loss of IFT-B through cilia decapitation precedes resorption. Finally, we propose
      that cilia decapitation induces mitogenic signaling and constitutes a molecular
      link between the cilia life cycle and cell-division cycle. This newly defined
      ciliary mechanism may find significance in cell proliferation control during
      normal development and cancer.

PMID- 28086096
TI  - The C. elegans Taste Receptor Homolog LITE-1 Is a Photoreceptor.

PMID- 28086095
TI  - Integrated Control of Predatory Hunting by the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala.
AB  - Superior predatory skills led to the evolutionary triumph of jawed vertebrates.
      However, the mechanisms by which the vertebrate brain controls predation remain
      largely unknown. Here, we reveal a critical role for the central nucleus of the
      amygdala in predatory hunting. Both optogenetic and chemogenetic stimulation of
      central amygdala of mice elicited predatory-like attacks upon both insect and
      artificial prey. Coordinated control of cervical and mandibular musculatures,
      which is necessary for accurately positioning lethal bites on prey, was mediated
      by a central amygdala projection to the reticular formation in the brainstem. In
      contrast, prey pursuit was mediated by projections to the midbrain periaqueductal
      gray matter. Targeted lesions to these two pathways separately disrupted biting
      attacks upon prey versus the initiation of prey pursuit. Our findings delineate a
      neural network that integrates distinct behavioral modules and suggest that
      central amygdala neurons instruct predatory hunting across jawed vertebrates.

PMID- 28086097
TI  - SnapShot: Class 2 CRISPR-Cas Systems.
AB  - Class 2 CRISPR-Cas systems are characterized by effector modules consisting of
      single, large, multidomain proteins that appear to have been derived from mobile
      genetic elements. Some Class 2 effector proteins, such as Cas9 and Cas12a (Cpf1),
      have been successfully repurposed for genome engineering.

PMID- 28086099
TI  - GABA Signaling Stimulates beta Cell Regeneration in Diabetic Mice.
AB  - GABA and the antimalarial drug artemether, which acts on GABAergic pathways, can
      drive pancreatic cells with an alpha-cell phenotype toward a beta-cell-like
      phenotype. As reported in two papers (Ben-Othman et al. and Li et al.), these
      drugs can stimulate the production of sufficient numbers of new beta-like cells
      to reverse severe diabetes in mice.

PMID- 28086100
TI  - The Interfaces of Genetic Conflict Are Hot Spots for Innovation.
AB  - RNA-guided Cas9 endonucleases protect bacteria from viral infection and have been
      creatively repurposed as programmable molecular scalpels for surgical
      manipulation of DNA. Now, two papers in Cell (Pawluk et al. and Rauch et al.)
      identify viral proteins that suppress Cas9 and may function like molecular
      sheaths for the Cas9 scalpel.

PMID- 28086098
TI  - 30 Years of NF-kappaB: A Blossoming of Relevance to Human Pathobiology.
AB  - NF-kappaB was discovered 30 years ago as a rapidly inducible transcription
      factor. Since that time, it has been found to have a broad role in gene induction
      in diverse cellular responses, particularly throughout the immune system. Here,
      we summarize elaborate regulatory pathways involving this transcription factor
      and use recent discoveries in human genetic diseases to place specific proteins
      within their relevant medical and biological contexts.

PMID- 28086101
TI  - Measurements of intermediate-frequency electric and magnetic fields in
      households.
AB  - Historically, assessment of human exposure to electric and magnetic fields has
      focused on the extremely-low-frequency (ELF) and radiofrequency (RF) ranges.
      However, research on the typically emitted fields in the intermediate-frequency
      (IF) range (300Hz to 1MHz) as well as potential effects of IF fields on the human
      body remains limited, although the range of household appliances with electrical
      components working in the IF range has grown significantly (e.g., induction
      cookers and compact fluorescent lighting). In this study, an extensive
      measurement survey was performed on the levels of electric and magnetic fields in
      the IF range typically present in residences as well as emitted by a wide range
      of household appliances under real-life circumstances. Using spot measurements,
      residential IF field levels were found to be generally low, while the use of
      certain appliances at close distance (20cm) may result in a relatively high
      exposure. Overall, appliance emissions contained either harmonic signals, with
      fundamental frequencies between 6kHz and 300kHz, which were sometimes accompanied
      by regions in the IF spectrum of rather noisy, elevated field strengths, or much
      more capricious spectra, dominated by 50Hz harmonics emanating far in the IF
      domain. The maximum peak field strengths recorded at 20cm were 41.5V/m and
      2.7A/m, both from induction cookers. Finally, none of the appliance emissions in
      the IF range exceeded the exposure summation rules recommended by the
      International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines and the
      International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 62233) standard at 20cm and beyond
      (maximum exposure quotients EQE 1.0 and EQH 0.13).

PMID- 28086103
TI  - Preparation and evaluation of pH-responsive charge-convertible ternary complex FA
      PEI-CCA/PEI/DNA with low cytotoxicity and efficient gene delivery.
AB  - Because the surface of the cationic polymer gene complex is positively charged,
      it can result in problems such as poor blood stability and cytotoxicity.
      Therefore, reducing the positive charge of the cationic gene complex without
      affecting its transfection efficiency is crucial. To achieve this objective, a pH
      responsive charge-convertible ternary complex was developed in this study.
      Modified plyethylenimine (PEI) with two different degrees of substitution of NH2
      (plyethylenimine-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride, PEI-CCA, and folic acid
      plyethylenimine-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride, FA-PEI-CCA) were first
      obtained by a chemical graft reaction. PEI-CCA and FA-PEI-CCA have significantly
      lower cytotoxicities and much better blood compatibilities than PEI does, and the
      former have an undifferentiated compression capability of DNA. The zeta potential
      values of the as-prepared ternary complexes (PEI-CCA/PEI/DNA and FA-PEI
      CCA/PEI/DNA) were negative at pH 7.4 and positive at pH 6.5, with particle sizes
      of approximately 150nm. MTT assays demonstrated the significantly lower
      cytotoxicities of the ternary complexes compared to that of PEI/DNA. Moreover,
      the cytotoxicities of the ternary complexes were lower at pH 7.4 than pH 6.5.
      Transfection experiments in vitro revealed that the mean fluorescence intensities
      and transfection efficiencies of the ternary complexes were lower than for
      PEI/DNA at pH 7.4 but were almost the same at pH 6.5. The ternary complex with a
      FA group had significantly higher mean fluorescence intensity and transfection
      efficiency than did the ternary complex without it. In addition, the transfection
      experiment in 293T cells preliminarily validated the targeting function of the FA
      group of the ternary complex.

PMID- 28086102
TI  - Fertilisers production from ashes after sewage sludge combustion - A strategy
      towards sustainable development.
AB  - Sustainable development and circular economy rules force the global fertilizer
      industry to develop new phosphorous recovery methods from alternative sources. In
      this paper a phosphorus recovery technology from Polish industrial Sewage Sludge
      Ashes was investigated (PolFerAsh - Polish Fertilizers form Ash). A wet method
      with the use of mineral acid and neutralization was proposed. Detailed
      characteristic of SSA from largest mono-combustion plans were given and compared
      to raw materials used on the market. The technological factors associated with
      such materials were discussed. The composition of the extracts was compared to
      typical industrial phosphoric acid and standard values characterizing suspension
      fertilizers. The most favorable conditions for selective precipitation of
      phosphorus compounds were revealed. The fertilizers obtained also meet EU
      regulations in the case of the newly discussed Cd content. The process was scaled
      up and a flow mass diagram was defined.

PMID- 28086104
TI  - Label-free quantitative proteome analysis of the surface-bound salivary pellicle.
AB  - The salivary pellicle, covering natural as well as restored tooth surfaces in the
      oral cavity as an immobilized protein-rich layer, acts as an important physico
      chemical and biological mediator at the tooth-saliva-interface. For the first
      time, the pellicle's proteome of individual volunteers were analyzed separately
      on three consecutive days and the relative protein abundance determined by a
      label-free quantitative nano-LC-MS/MS approach. A total of 72 major proteins were
      identified in the initial pellicles formed intraorally on dental ceramic
      specimens already after 3min with high inter-individual and inter-day
      consistency. In comparison, significant differences in protein abundance were
      evident between subjects, thus indicating unique individual pellicle profiles.
      Furthermore, the relative protein abundance in pellicles was compared to the
      proteome pattern in the corresponding saliva samples of the same individuals to
      provide first data on significantly enriched and depleted salivary proteins (p
      <0.05) within the surface-bound salivary pellicle. Our findings reveal the
      initial adsorption of salivary proteins at the solid-liquid interface to be a
      rapid, highly selective, and reproducible process leading to the immobilization
      of a broad range of protective proteins and enzymes on the substratum surface
      within a few minutes. This provides evidence that the pellicle layer might be
      physiologically functional even without further maturation.

PMID- 28086105
TI  - Structural diversity of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases.
AB  - Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) catalyze the oxidative cleavage of
      glycosidic bonds and represent a promising resource for development of industrial
      enzyme cocktails for biomass processing. LPMOs show high sequence and modular
      diversity and are known, so far, to cleave insoluble substrates such as
      cellulose, chitin and starch, as well as hemicelluloses such as beta-glucan,
      xyloglucan and xylan. All LPMOs share a catalytic histidine brace motif to bind
      copper, but differ strongly when it comes to the nature and arrangement of
      residues on the substrate-binding surface. In recent years, the number of
      available LPMO structures has increased rapidly, including the first structure of
      an enzyme-substrate complex. The insights gained from these structures is
      reviewed below.

PMID- 28086106
TI  - Inverse design of high-Q wave filters in two-dimensional phononic crystals by
      topology optimization.
AB  - Topology optimization of a waveguide-cavity structure in phononic crystals for
      designing narrow band filters under the given operating frequencies is presented
      in this paper. We show that it is possible to obtain an ultra-high-Q filter by
      only optimizing the cavity topology without introducing any other coupling
      medium. The optimized cavity with highly symmetric resonance can be utilized as
      the multi-channel filter, raising filter and T-splitter. In addition, most
      optimized high-Q filters have the Fano resonances near the resonant frequencies.
      Furthermore, our filter optimization based on the waveguide and cavity, and our
      simple illustration of a computational approach to wave control in phononic
      crystals can be extended and applied to design other acoustic devices or even
      opto-mechanical devices.

PMID- 28086107
TI  - The adaptive computer-aided diagnosis system based on tumor sizes for the
      classification of breast tumors detected at screening ultrasound.
AB  - Screening ultrasound (US) is increasingly used as a supplement to mammography in
      women with dense breasts, and more than 80% of cancers detected by US alone are
      1cm or smaller. An adaptive computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system based on tumor
      size was proposed to classify breast tumors detected at screening US images using
      quantitative morphological and textural features. In the present study, a
      database containing 156 tumors (78 benign and 78 malignant) was separated into
      two subsets of different tumor sizes (<1cm and ?1cm) to explore the improvement
      in the performance of the CAD system. After adaptation, the accuracies,
      sensitivities, specificities and Az values of the CAD for the entire database
      increased from 73.1% (114/156), 73.1% (57/78), 73.1% (57/78), and 0.790 to 81.4%
      (127/156), 83.3% (65/78), 79.5% (62/78), and 0.852, respectively. In the data
      subset of tumors larger than 1cm, the performance improved from 66.2% (51/77),
      68.3% (28/41), 63.9% (23/36), and 0.703 to 81.8% (63/77), 85.4% (35/41), 77.8%
      (28/36), and 0.855, respectively. The proposed CAD system can be helpful to
      classify breast tumors detected at screening US.

PMID- 28086108
TI  - Analysis of high frequency guided wave scattering at a fastener hole with a view
      to fatigue crack detection.
AB  - The scattering of high frequency guided ultrasonic waves by a fatigue crack at
      the side of a fastener hole has been studied. The guided wave pulse consists of
      the superposition of the two fundamental Lamb modes A0 and S0 above the cut-off
      frequencies of the higher modes. The scattered field was simulated using a three
      dimensional finite difference algorithm with a staggered, Cartesian grid for the
      limited area of interest around the hole and an analytical phase angle correction
      for the additional, variable propagation distance. Experimentally, the modes were
      selectively excited using a standard ultrasonic wedge transducer and measured
      using a laser interferometer, resulting in good spatial resolution. The scattered
      field was measured and simulated for an undamaged hole, a small, part-thickness
      quarter-elliptical fatigue crack, and a through-thickness fatigue crack. Good
      agreement was found and a significant influence of the fatigue cracks on the
      scattered field was observed. The complex difference of the scattered field due
      to additional scattered waves at the fatigue cracks of variable depth and length
      was evaluated. This allows for the prediction of high frequency guided wave
      sensitivity for fatigue crack detection at fastener holes, a significant
      maintenance problem for ageing aircraft.

PMID- 28086109
TI  - Temperature compensation of the SAW yarn tension sensor.
AB  - The objective of this research was to investigate the possibility of the
      temperature compensation for the surface acoustic wave (SAW) yarn tension sensor.
      The motivation for this work was prompted by the oscillation frequency of the SAW
      yarn tension sensor varying with the temperature. In this paper, we deduce the
      functional relationship between the temperature variation and the oscillation
      frequency shift caused by the temperature. This functional relationship and the
      temperature sensor are used to get the oscillation frequency shift caused by the
      temperature, so that we can use the oscillation frequency shift caused by the
      temperature to implement the temperature compensation of the SAW yarn tension
      sensor. In this paper, we also get the relative error of the temperature
      compensation. The theoretical and experimental results confirm that this
      temperature compensation method can implement the temperature compensation of the
      SAW yarn tension sensor.

PMID- 28086111
TI  - Wave propagation and absorption of sandwich beams containing interior dissipative
      multi-resonators.
AB  - In this study, a sandwich beam with periodic multiple dissipative resonators in
      the sandwich core material is investigated for broadband wave mitigation and/or
      absorption. An analytical approach based on the transfer matrix method and Bloch
      theorem is developed for both infinite and finite sandwich structures. Wave
      attenuation constants are theoretically obtained to examine the effects of
      various system parameters on the position, width and wave attenuation performance
      of the band gaps. The wave absorption coefficient of the sandwich beam is
      quantitatively studied to distinguish wave attenuation mechanisms caused by
      reflection and absorption. It is numerically demonstrated that a transient blast
      induced elastic wave with broadband frequencies can be almost completely
      mitigated or absorbed at a subwavelength scale. The results of this study could
      be used for developing new multifunctional composite materials to suppress impact
      induced and/or blast-induced elastic waves which may cause severe local damage to
      engineering structures.

PMID- 28086110
TI  - Annular phased array transducer for preclinical testing of anti-cancer drug
      efficacy on small animals.
AB  - A technique using pulsed High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to destroy deep
      seated solid tumors is a promising noninvasive therapeutic approach. A main
      purpose of this study was to design and test a HIFU transducer suitable for
      preclinical studies of efficacy of tested, anti-cancer drugs, activated by HIFU
      beams, in the treatment of a variety of solid tumors implanted to various organs
      of small animals at the depth of the order of 1-2cm under the skin. To allow
      focusing of the beam, generated by such transducer, within treated tissue at
      different depths, a spherical, 2-MHz, 29-mm diameter annular phased array
      transducer was designed and built. To prove its potential for preclinical studies
      on small animals, multiple thermal lesions were induced in a pork loin ex vivo by
      heating beams of the same: 6W, or 12W, or 18W acoustic power and 25mm, 30mm, and
      35mm focal lengths. Time delay for each annulus was controlled electronically to
      provide beam focusing within tissue at the depths of 10mm, 15mm, and 20mm. The
      exposure time required to induce local necrosis was determined at different
      depths using thermocouples. Location and extent of thermal lesions determined
      from numerical simulations were compared with those measured using ultrasound and
      magnetic resonance imaging techniques and verified by a digital caliper after
      cutting the tested tissue samples. Quantitative analysis of the results showed
      that the location and extent of necrotic lesions on the magnetic resonance images
      are consistent with those predicted numerically and measured by caliper. The
      edges of lesions were clearly outlined although on ultrasound images they were
      fuzzy. This allows to conclude that the use of the transducer designed offers an
      effective noninvasive tool not only to induce local necrotic lesions within
      treated tissue without damaging the surrounding tissue structures but also to
      test various chemotherapeutics activated by the HIFU beams in preclinical studies
      on small animals.

PMID- 28086112
TI  - The Little Schmidy Pediatric Hospital Fall Risk Assessment Index: A diagnostic
      accuracy study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Falls are among the most common potentially preventable adverse
      events. Current pediatric falls risk assessment methods have poor precision and
      accuracy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an inpatient pediatric fall risk assessment
      index, known as the Little Schmidy, and describe characteristics of pediatric
      falls. DESIGN: Retrospective case control and descriptive study. The dataset
      included 114 reported falls and 151,678 Little Schmidy scores documented in
      medical records during the 5-year study period (2007-2011). SETTING: Pediatric
      medical and surgical inpatient units of an academic medical center in the western
      United States. PARTICIPANTS: Pediatric hospital inpatients <25 years of age.
      METHODS: Nurses used the 5-item, 7-point Little Schmidy to assess fall risk each
      day and night shift throughout the patient's hospitalization. Conditional fixed
      effects logistic regressions were used to examine predictive relationships
      between Little Schmidy scores (at admission, highest prior to fall, and just
      prior to fall) and the patient's fall status (fell or not). The sensitivity and
      specificity of different cut-off scores were explored. Associations between
      Little Schmidy scores and patient and hospitalization factors were examined using
      multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression and multilevel mixed-effects ordinal
      logistic regression. RESULTS: Little Schmidy scores were significantly associated
      with pediatric falls (p<0.005). Maximal performance was achieved with a 4-item, 4
      point, Little Schmidy index (LS4) using a cut-off score of 1 to indicate fall
      risk with sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 49%. Patients with an LS4 score
      >=1 were 4 times more likely to fall before the next assessment than patients
      with a score of 0. LS4 scores indicative of fall risk were associated with age
      >=5 years, neurological diagnosis, multiple hospitalizations, and night shift,
      but not with sex, length of hospital stay, or hospital unit. Of the 114 reported
      falls, 64% involved a male patient, nearly one third (32%) involved adolescents
      (13-17 years), most resulted in no (59%) or mild (36%) injury, and most (54%)
      were related to diagnosis or clinical characteristics. For 60% of the falls, fall
      precautions had been implemented prior to the fall. CONCLUSIONS: The revised 4
      item Little Schmidy, the LS4, predicts pediatric falls when administered every
      day and night shift, but identifies most patients (65%) as being at risk for
      fall. Strategies for improving the accuracy and efficiency of the assessments are
      proposed. Further research is needed to develop more effective pediatric fall
      prevention strategies tailored to patient's age, diagnosis, and time of day.

PMID- 28086113
TI  - General combined model for the hydrodynamic behaviour of fixed and fluidised
      granular beds.
AB  - This work describes the derivation of a general mathematical model applicable to
      both fixed and fluidised granular beds, operating within the full hydrodynamic
      spectrum from viscous to inertial flows. The fundamental insight for the
      derivation of the model is that practical fluidised beds and fixed beds have
      similar hydrodynamic properties. The validity of the general model is
      demonstrated for fluid fractions up to 0.90. A crucial development in the general
      model is the replacement of hydraulic diameter, which has served as the size
      descriptor of flow paths in most fixed-bed models derived since the advent of the
      classic Blake-Kozeny equation. The new, replacement expression is based on the
      physical structure of the cross section of random porous beds. In addition, the
      general model contains a tortuosity factor, derived from the results of previous
      works involving computational fluid dynamics, to correct flow path length and
      fluid velocity. The model is constructed using regression analysis of
      experimental data from six previous major works and tested against previous
      models.

PMID- 28086114
TI  - Microbial source tracking in shellfish harvesting waters in the Gulf of Nicoya,
      Costa Rica.
AB  - Current microbial water quality monitoring is generally limited to culture-based
      measurements of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). Given the many possible sources
      of fecal pollution within a watershed and extra-intestinal FIB reservoirs, it is
      important to determine source(s) of fecal pollution as a means to improve water
      quality and protect public health. The principal objective of this investigation
      was to characterize the microbial water quality of shellfish harvesting areas in
      the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica during 2015. In order to achieve this objective,
      the specificity and sensitivity of 11 existing microbial source tracking (MST)
      PCR assays, associated with cows (BacCow), dogs (BacCan, DogBac), domestic
      wastewater (PMMoV), general avian (GFD), gulls (Gull2), horses (HorseBac, HoF),
      humans (HF183, HPyV), and pigs (PF), were evaluated using domestic wastewater and
      animal fecal samples collected from the region. The sensitivity of animal
      associated assays ranged from 13 to 100%, while assay specificity ranged from 38
      to 100%. The specificity of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and human
      polyomavirus (HPyV) was 100% for domestic wastewater, as compared to 94%
      specificity of the HF183 Bacteroidales marker. PMMoV was identified as a useful
      domestic wastewater-associated marker, with concentrations as high as 1.1 * 105
      copies/ml and 100% sensitivity and specificity. Monthly surface water samples
      collected from four shellfish harvesting areas were analyzed using culture-based
      methods for Escherichia coli as well as molecular methods for FIB and a suite of
      MST markers, which were selected for their specificity in the region. While
      culturable E. coli results suggested possible fecal pollution during the
      monitoring period, the absence of human/domestic wastewater-associated markers
      and low FIB concentrations determined using molecular methods indicated
      sufficient microbial water quality for shellfish harvesting. This is the first
      study to our knowledge to test the performance of MST markers in Costa Rica as
      well as in Central America. Given the lack of wastewater treatment and the
      presence of secondary sources of FIB, this study highlights the importance of an
      MST toolbox approach to characterize water quality in tropical regions.
      Furthermore, it confirms and extends the geographic range of PMMoV as an
      effective tool for monitoring domestic wastewater pollution.

PMID- 28086115
TI  - Voluntary intake of paracetamol-enriched drinking water and its influence on the
      success of embryo transfer in mice.
AB  - Embryo transfer (ET) in mice is a key technique in biomedical research, and is
      carried out mostly via surgery by transferring founder embryos into pseudo
      pregnant recipient females. To cover post-operative analgesic requirements in
      surrogate mothers, oral self-administration of painkillers has several
      advantages, but its effectiveness has also been criticized as voluntary ingestion
      of the drug can be uncertain. Additionally, concerns about potential negative
      side effects of analgesics on embryo viability and development have been raised.
      In this regard, we investigated the impact of orally administered analgesia by
      comparing the outcome of ET with and without paracetamol in the drinking water
      (3.5mg/ml) of surrogate mothers. Water intake increased significantly when
      paracetamol, as a sweet-tasting formulation (children's syrup), was added to the
      drinking water. Measurements of paracetamol concentrations in blood serum
      confirmed reasonable drug uptake. Success rate of ETs and the body weight of
      newborn offspring were not different whether paracetamol was administered for two
      days after surgery or not. In conclusion, paracetamol in drinking water was
      consumed voluntarily in substantial doses, without detectable side-effects, by
      freshly operated surrogate mothers, and can therefore be recommended as a
      feasible method for providing analgesic treatment for surgical ET in mice.

PMID- 28086116
TI  - Relaxometric property of organosilica nanoparticles internally functionalized
      with iron oxide and fluorescent dye for multimodal imaging.
AB  - Multimodal imaging using novel multifunctional nanoparticles provides a new
      approach for the biomedical field. Thiol-organosilica nanoparticles containing
      iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as the core and rhodamine B in the thiol
      organosilica layer (thiol OS-MNP/Rho) were synthesized in a one-pot process. The
      thiol OS-MNP/Rho showed enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast and
      high fluorescence intensity. The relaxometry of thiol OS-MNP/Rho revealed a novel
      coating effect of the organosilica layer to the MNPs. The organosilica layer
      shortened the T2 relaxation time but not the T1 relaxation time of the MNPs. We
      injected thiol-OS-MNP/Rho into normal mice intravenously. Injected mice revealed
      an alteration of the liver contrast in the MRI and a fluorescent pattern based on
      the liver histological structure at the level between macroscopic and microscopic
      fluorescent imaging (mesoscopic FI). In addition, the labeled macrophages were
      observed at the single cell level histologically. We demonstrated a new approach
      to evaluate the liver at the macroscopic, microscopic level as well as the
      mesoscopic level using multimodal imaging.

PMID- 28086117
TI  - Lithium ion-imprinted polymers with hydrophilic PHEMA polymer brushes: The role
      of grafting density in anti-interference and anti-blockage in wastewater.
AB  - Hydrophilic poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) brushes were modified onto
      the surface of ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) via addition-fragmentation chain
      transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Four different grafting densities (1.43, 1.31,
      1.17 and 1.06chains/nm2) of IIPs were obtained, revealed by analysis using gel
      permeation chromatograph (GPC) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). All the grafted
      IIPs had good anti-interference properties compared to the ungrafted IIPs,
      although the adsorption capacity of the ungrafted IIPs was higher than that of
      grafted IIPs in pure water. Among them, the grafted IIP3, with a grafting density
      of beta=1.17chains/nm2, exhibited superior anti-interference ability in silica
      and polymer flocculant simulated wastewater; moreover, it remained steady after
      10 adsorption-desorption cycles. SEM-EDX and XPS data revealed anti-interference
      and anti-blockage mechanisms in which hydrophilic PHEMA brushes could effectively
      adhere to fine particles and flocculants through Van der Waals force
      interactions, which make the imprinted cavities well protected in a complex
      wastewater environment. Moreover, these grafted IIPs exhibit similar adsorption
      rate constants that are approximately 2 times greater than those of ungrafted
      IIPs, indicating that the PHEMA brushes increased the accessibility to Li(I) due
      to hydrophilic modification.

PMID- 28086119
TI  - The decisive effect of interface states on the photocatalytic activity of the
      silver(I) oxide/titanium dioxide heterojunction.
AB  - A one-step hydrothermal method was adopted to synthesize the Ag2O/TiO2
      nanoheterojunction. Its photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degrading
      methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under UV and visible light. The MB
      degradation results showed that the Ag2O/TiO2 nanoheterojunction enhances the
      photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation rather than visible light. X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed to detect the electronic structure
      at the interface of Ag2O and TiO2. The XPS results confirmed that the electronic
      band structure of the nanoheterojunction was determined by the interface states
      between the Ag2O and TiO2 interface. Thus, the photocatalytic enhancement
      mechanism can be ascribed to the creation of an additional potential barrier in
      the conduction band between Ag2O and TiO2, which facilitates the transport of
      holes from TiO2 to Ag2O but inhibits the flow of electrons in the reverse
      direction unless sufficient potential energy is provided to overcome the
      additional barrier. Our results have provided a new insight on the role of
      interface states between the p-n nanojunction in the photocatalytic activity.

PMID- 28086118
TI  - Advanced surface chemical analysis of continuously manufactured drug loaded
      composite pellets.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to develop and characterise polymeric composite
      pellets by means of continuous melt extrusion techniques. Powder blends of a
      steroid hormone (SH) as a model drug and either ethyl cellulose (EC N10 and EC P7
      grades) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC AS grade) as polymeric carrier
      were extruded using a Pharma 11mm twin screw extruder in a continuous mode of
      operation to manufacture extruded composite pellets of 1mm length. Molecular
      modelling study using commercial Gaussian 09 software outlined a possible drug
      polymer interaction in the molecular level to develop solid dispersions of the
      drug in the pellets. Solid-state analysis conducted via a differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC), hot stage microscopy (HSM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD)
      analyses revealed the amorphous state of the drug in the polymer matrices.
      Surface analysis using SEM/energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) of the produced pellets
      arguably showed a homogenous distribution of the C and O atoms in the pellet
      matrices. Moreover, advanced chemical surface analysis conducted via atomic force
      microscopy (AFM) showed a homogenous phase system having the drug molecule
      dispersed onto the amorphous matrices while Raman mapping confirmed the
      homogenous single-phase drug distribution in the manufactured composite pellets.
      Such composite pellets are expected to deliver multidisciplinary applications in
      drug delivery and medical sciences by e.g. modifying drug solubility/dissolutions
      or stabilizing the unstable drug (e.g. hormone, protein) in the composite
      network.

PMID- 28086120
TI  - Photochemoprotective effects against UVA and UVB irradiation and photosafety
      assessment of Litchi chinensis leaves extract.
AB  - Actually, there has been an increase in the use of natural products as skin
      photoprotective agents. In this way, the aim of present study was to investigate
      the L. chinensis leaves extract photochemoprotection potential and photosafety
      using in vitro methods. The extract cytotoxicity, cytoprotection and
      photochemoprotection against UVA and UVB radiation were assayed in L929 cells.
      The DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay. DCFH-DA, SOD, CAT and GSH assays
      were employed to verify the oxidative stress. We also determined the
      spectrophotometric Solar Protection Factor (SPF) of the extract. The photosafety
      was evaluated in red blood cells (RBC). In addition, the HET-CAM and agarose
      overlay tests were employed to evaluate the irritant potential. The results
      obtained show that extract is not cytotoxic and present cytoprotective activity
      against H2O2 and is able to protect the cells against DNA damage induced by UVA
      and UVB radiation. The extract was able to reduce the ROS production. The SPF
      obtained was 18.9 at 1mg/mL. We demonstrate that L. chinensis extract is
      photosafe and protect RBCs against oxidative damage, and did not induce
      irritation. Data herein obtained pointed out the potential of L. chinensis
      extract for photochemoprotection against UVA/UVB radiation and its damaging
      effects on human skin.

PMID- 28086121
TI  - Photodynamic therapy using chloro-aluminum phthalocyanine decreases inflammatory
      response in an experimental rat periodontal disease model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Emerging evidence suggests that photodynamic therapy
      (PDT) can exhibit immunomodulatory activity. The purpose of the present study was
      to analyse cytokine profiles after application of PDT in gingival tissues of rats
      with ligature-induced periodontal disease (PD). STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Periodontal disease was induced through the introduction of a cotton
      thread around the first left mandibular molar, while the right side molars did
      not receive ligatures. After 7days of PD evolution, ligatures were removed from
      the left side, and the animals were randomically divided into the following
      treatment groups: I, rats without treatment; II, rats received chloro-aluminum
      phthalocyanine (AlClPc); III, rats received low-level laser alone; and IV, rats
      received AlClPc associated with low-level laser (PDT). The animals were killed
      7days after the treatments, and the mandibles were histologically processed to
      assess morphological and immunohistochemical profile, while gingival tissues were
      removed for quantification of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL
      )1beta and IL-10 expression (by ELISA). RESULTS: Histomorphological analysis of
      periodontal tissues demonstrated that PDT-treated animals show tissue necrosis,
      as well as lower TNF- alpha expression, compared to ligatured animals treated
      with AlClPc alone. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that PDT using AlClPc entrapped
      in a lipid nanoemulsion may be useful in therapies, because of immunomodulatory
      effects that decreased the inflammatory response and cause tissue destruction.

PMID- 28086122
TI  - Increasing the physical size and nucleation status of human pluripotent stem cell
      derived ventricular cardiomyocytes by cell fusion.
AB  - Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) provide an
      unlimited source of donor cells for potential cardiac regenerative therapies.
      However, hPSC-CMs are immature. For instance, hPSC-CMs are only 1/10 of the
      physical size of their adult counterparts; the majority are mono- rather than bi-
      or multi-nucleated, which is an evolutionary adaptive feature in metabolically
      active cells such as adult CMs. Here, we attempted to increase the physical size
      and nucleation status of hPSC-derived ventricular (V) cardiomyocytes (hPSC-VCMs)
      using chemically-induced cell fusion, and examined the subsequent functional
      effects. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was employed to fuse a 1:1 mixture of
      lentiviral vectors LV-MLC2v-GFP- or -tdTomato-labeled hPSC-VCMs, such that hPSC
      VCMs fused syncytia (FS) were identified as doubly GFP+/tdTomato+ multi-nucleated
      cells. These microscopically-identified FS were doubled in size as gauged by
      their capacitance when compared to the control mononucleated hPSC-VCMs using
      patch-clamp analysis. Reduced automaticity or action potential (AP) firing rate
      and moderately prolonged AP duration were observed in FS from day 6 post-fusion
      induction. However, Ca2+ handling, mitochondrial biogenesis and the extent of
      apoptosis were not significantly altered. We conclude that larger, multi
      nucleated hPSC-VCMs FS can be created by chemically-induced cell fusion but
      global maturation requires additional triggering cues.

PMID- 28086123
TI  - Fabrication strategies, sensing modes and analytical applications of ratiometric
      electrochemical biosensors.
AB  - Previously developed electrochemical biosensors with single-electric signal
      output are probably affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In contrast, the
      ratiometric electrochemical biosensors (RECBSs) with dual-electric signal outputs
      have an intrinsic built-in correction to the effects from system or background
      electric signals, and therefore exhibit a significant potential to improve the
      accuracy and sensitivity in electrochemical sensing applications. In this review,
      we systematically summarize the fabrication strategies, sensing modes and
      analytical applications of RECBSs. First, the different fabrication strategies of
      RECBSs were introduced, referring to the analytes-induced single- and dual
      dependent electrochemical signal strategies for RECBSs. Second, the different
      sensing modes of RECBSs were illustrated, such as differential pulse voltammetry,
      square wave voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, alternating current voltammetry,
      electrochemiluminescence, and so forth. Third, the analytical applications of
      RECBSs were discussed based on the types of target analytes. Finally, the
      forthcoming development and future prospects in the research field of RECBSs were
      also highlighted.

PMID- 28086124
TI  - An ultrasensitive aptasensor for Ochratoxin A using hexagonal core/shell
      upconversion nanoparticles as luminophores.
AB  - We developed an ultrasensitive luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET)
      aptasensor for Ochratoxin A (OTA) detection, using core/shell upconversion
      nanoparticles (CS-UCNPs) as luminophores. The OTA aptamer was tagged to CS-UCNPs
      as energy donor and graphene oxide (GO) acted as energy acceptor. The pi-pi
      stacking interaction between the aptamer and GO brought CS-UCNPs and GO in close
      proximity hence initiated the LRET process resulting in quenching of CS-UCNPs
      luminescence. A linear calibration was obtained between the luminescence
      intensity and the logarithm of OTA concentration in the range from 0.001ngmL-1 to
      250ngmL-1, with a detection limit of 0.001ngmL-1. The aptasensor showed good
      specificity towards OTA in beer samples. The ultrahigh sensitivity and pronounced
      robustness in beer sample matrix suggested promising prospect of the aptasensor
      inpractical applications.

PMID- 28086126
TI  - Reelin (RELN) DNA methylation in the peripheral blood of schizophrenia.
AB  - The epigenetic changes of RELN that are involved in the development of
      dopaminergic neurons may fit the developmental theory of schizophrenia. However,
      evidence regarding the association of RELN DNA methylation with schizophrenia is
      far from sufficient, as studies have only been conducted on a few limited brain
      samples. As DNA methylation in the peripheral blood may mirror the changes taking
      place in the brain, the use of peripheral blood for a DNA methylation study in
      schizophrenia is feasible due to the scarcity of brain samples. Therefore, the
      aim of our study was to examine the relationship of DNA methylation levels of
      RELN promoters with schizophrenia using genomic DNA derived from the peripheral
      blood of patients with the disorder. The case control studies consisted of 110
      schizophrenia participants and 122 healthy controls who had been recruited from
      the same district. After bisufhite conversion, the methylation levels of the DNA
      samples were calculated based on their differences of the Cq values assayed using
      the highly sensitive real-time MethyLight TaqMan(r) procedure. A significantly
      higher level of methylation of the RELN promoter was found in patients with
      schizophrenia compared to controls (p = 0.005) and also in males compared with
      females (p = 0.004). Subsequently, the RELN expression of the methylated group
      was 25 fold less than that of the non-methylated group. Based upon the assumption
      of parallel methylation changes in the brain and peripheral blood, we concluded
      that RELN DNA methylation might contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
      However, the definite effects of methylation on RELN function during development
      and also in adult life still require further elaboration.

PMID- 28086125
TI  - Highly sensitive ratiometric detection of heparin and its oversulfated
      chondroitin sulfate contaminant by fluorescent peptidyl probe.
AB  - The selective and sensitive detection of heparin, an anticoagulant in clinics as
      well as its contaminant oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS) is of great
      importance. We first reported a ratiometric sensing method for heparin as well as
      OSCS contaminants in heparin using a fluorescent peptidyl probe (Pep1, pyrene
      GSRKR) and heparin-digestive enzyme. Pep1 exhibited a highly sensitive
      ratiometric response to nanomolar concentration of heparin in aqueous solution
      over a wide pH range (2~11) and showed highly selective ratiometric response to
      heparin among biological competitors such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin
      sulfate. Pep1 showed a linear ratiometric response to nanomolar concentrations of
      heparin in aqueous solutions and in human serum samples. The detection limit for
      heparin was calculated to be 2.46nM (R2=0.99) in aqueous solutions, 2.98nM
      (R2=0.98) in 1% serum samples, and 3.43nM (R2=0.99) in 5% serum samples. Pep1 was
      applied to detect the contaminated OSCS in heparin with heparinase I, II, and
      III, respectively. The ratiometric sensing method using Pep1 and heparinase II
      was highly sensitive, fast, and efficient for the detection of OSCS contaminant
      in heparin. Pep1 with heparinase II could detect as low as 0.0001% (w/w) of OSCS
      in heparin by a ratiometric response.

PMID- 28086127
TI  - Benefits and harms of low and high second-generation antipsychotics doses for
      bipolar depression: A meta-analysis.
AB  - The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was testing whether low
      versus high doses of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are associated with
      different clinical benefits and harms for the acute treatment of bipolar
      depression. We included clinical trials comparing different doses of the same SGA
      monotherapy for bipolar depression. SGAs defined daily doses were used to define
      high and low doses. Clinical benefit outcomes included improvement, response and
      remission rates on Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Clinical harm
      outcomes included all-cause and adverse effect-related discontinuation rates.
      Data from seven clinical trials testing high and low doses of quetiapine (4
      trials), cariprazine, lurasidone, and ziprasidone (1 trial each), showed no
      differences between lower and higher doses of selected SGAs on improvement,
      response and remission rates, without significant heterogeneity across studies
      (I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses based on single SGAs confirmed the clinical benefit
      comparability between low and high doses. However, clinical harm favorable
      differences for low doses on all-cause (p = 0.01) and adverse effects-related
      discontinuation (p = 0.001) were found. In sum, this meta-analysis showed that,
      although no benefits were found in terms of symptoms improvement, response and
      remission rates, there were clear disadvantages in prescribing higher rather than
      lower doses of selected SGAs. The uniform methodological strength of studies
      increases confidence in our findings. These data need to be integrated with
      individual patient characteristics (e.g., clinical urgency and adverse effect
      sensitivity) to optimize management of acute bipolar depression.

PMID- 28086128
TI  - Widespread reduction in sleep spindle activity in socially anxious children and
      adolescents.
AB  - Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric diseases
      typically emerging during childhood and adolescence. Biological vulnerabilities
      such as a protracted maturation of prefrontal cortex functioning together with
      heightened reactivity of the limbic system leading to increased emotional
      reactivity are discussed as factors contributing to the emergence and maintenance
      of SAD. Sleep slow wave activity (SWA, 0.75-4.5 Hz) and sleep spindle activity (9
      16 Hz) reflect processes of brain maturation and emotion regulation. We used high
      density electroencephalography to characterize sleep SWA and spindle activity and
      their relationship to emotional reactivity in children and adolescents suffering
      from SAD and healthy controls (HC). Subjectively rated arousal was assessed using
      an emotional picture-word association task. SWA did not differ between socially
      anxious and healthy participants. We found a widespread reduction in fast spindle
      activity (13-16 Hz) in SAD patients compared to HC. SAD patients rated negative
      stimuli to be more arousing and these arousal ratings were negatively correlated
      with fast spindle activity. These results suggest electrophysiological
      alterations that are evident at an early stage of psychopathology and that are
      closely linked to one core symptom of anxiety disorders such as increased
      emotional reactivity. The role of disturbed GABAergic neurotransmission is
      discussed as an underlying factor.

PMID- 28086130
TI  - Effects of environmental pollutants on gut microbiota.
AB  - Environmental pollutants have become an increasingly common health hazard in the
      last several decades. Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated the
      profound relationship between gut microbiota and our health. Gut microbiota are
      very sensitive to drugs, diet, and even environmental pollutants. In this review,
      we discuss the possible effects of environmental pollutants including
      antibiotics, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides,
      nanomaterials, and food additives on gut microbiota and their subsequent effects
      on health. We emphasize that gut microbiota are also essential for the toxicity
      evaluation of environmental pollution. In the future, more studies should focus
      on the relationship between environmental pollution, gut microbiota, and human
      health.

PMID- 28086131
TI  - Export of aquatic productivity, including highly unsaturated fatty acids, to
      terrestrial ecosystems via Odonata.
AB  - Based on 31-year field study of the abundance and biomass of 18 species of
      odonates in the Barabinsk Forest-Steppe (Western Siberia, Russia), we quantified
      the contribution of odonates to the export of aquatic productivity to surrounding
      terrestrial landscape. Emergence varied from 0.8 to 4.9g of wet biomass per m2 of
      land area per year. Average export of organic carbon was estimated to be 0.30g.m
      2.year-1, which is comparable with the average production of herbivorous
      terrestrial insects in temperate grasslands. Moreover, in contrast to terrestrial
      insects, emerging odonates contained high quantities of highly unsaturated fatty
      acids (HUFA), namely eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3, EPA), and docosahexaenoic
      acid (22:6n-3, DHA), which are known to be essential for many terrestrial
      animals, especially for birds. The export of EPA+DHA by odonates was found to be
      1.92-11.76mg.m-2.year-1, which is equal to an average general estimation of the
      export of HUFA by emerging aquatic insects. Therefore, odonates appeared to be a
      quantitatively and qualitatively important conduit of aquatic productivity to
      forest-steppe ecosystem.

PMID- 28086129
TI  - Hyper-modulation of brain networks by the amygdala among women with Borderline
      Personality Disorder: Network signatures of affective interference during
      cognitive processing.
AB  - Emotion dysregulation is a core characteristic of patients with Borderline
      Personality Disorder (BPD), and is often attributed to an imbalance in fronto
      limbic network function. Hyperarousal of amygdala, especially in response to
      negative affective stimuli, results in affective interference with cognitive
      processing of executive functions. Clinical consequences include the impulsive
      aggression, suicidal and self-injurious behaviors which characterize BPD.
      Dysfunctional interactions between amygdala and its network targets have not been
      well characterized during cognitive task performance. Using psychophysiological
      interaction analysis (PPI), we mapped network profiles of amygdala interaction
      with key regulatory regions during a Go No-Go task, modified to use negative,
      positive and neutral Ekman faces as targets. Fifty-six female subjects, 31 BPD
      and 25 healthy controls (HC), completed the affectively valenced Go No-Go task
      during fMRI scanning. In the negative affective condition, the amygdala exerted
      greater modulation of its targets in BPD compared to HC subjects in Rt. OFC, Rt.
      dACC, Rt. Parietal cortex, Rt. Basal Ganglia, and Rt. dlPFC. Across the spectrum
      of affective contrasts, hypermodulation in BPD subjects observed the following
      ordering: Negative > Neutral > Positive contrast. The amygdala seed exerted
      modulatory effects on specific target regions important in processing response
      inhibition and motor impulsiveness. The vulnerability of BPD subjects to
      affective interference with impulse control may be due to specific network
      dysfunction related to amygdala hyper-arousal and its effects on prefrontal
      regulatory regions such as the OFC and dACC.

PMID- 28086132
TI  - Characterization of ferruginous cements related with weathering of slag in a
      temperate anthropogenic beachrock.
AB  - This work outlines a temperate latitude beachrock occurrence, which represents
      the legacy of heavy anthropogenic environmental disturbance. The units contain
      high amounts of slag and iron-rich wastes derived from metallurgical activities
      that attest the impact of the past industrial development on such coastal
      systems. The exposition of the anthropogenic wastes to weathering processes, such
      as the influence of marine aerosols and the chemical attack of acid gases like
      the SOx coming from the nearby urban-industrial atmosphere, gave rise to the
      formation of early diagenetic ferruginous cements. A new analytical methodology
      based on the combination of micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS), Raman chemical
      imaging, SEM-EDS and the Structural and Chemical Analyzer (SCA, an emerging
      system that hyphenates micro-Raman and SEM-EDS), was applied for the first time
      to characterize the ferruginous cements. The MRS analyses revealed Fe2+/Fe3+
      oxides and oxyhydroxides, CaCO3 polymorphs and less frequently silicates. The Fe
      mineral species detected were hydrated goethite, hematite, magnetite,
      magnesioferrite, lepidocrocite and goethite. Complementary Raman imaging, SEM-EDS
      and SCA analyses unraveled the preferential distribution of hydrated goethite.
      The identified iron mineral phases are weathering sub-products of hematite
      commonly derived from atmospheric/aqueous leaching processes triggered by the
      chemical attack of the acid gases. EDS showed the existence of other elements
      such as Si, Mg, Cl, Na, Al, K and sporadically S that indicated the importance of
      permeability, atmospheric deposition and the acid attack. Additionally, calcite
      and gypsum minerals also evidenced the action of meteoric waters, dry deposition
      processes or the attack of SOx acid gases. The presence of such compounds is
      modifying the cement stratigraphy and suggests that the dissolution of carbonates
      is currently taking place. Those facts influence the erosive susceptibility and
      the release of the anthropogenic materials trapped originally in the beachrocks,
      which could act as potential secondary sources of contaminants to the coastal
      environment.

PMID- 28086133
TI  - Autobiographical episodic memory-based training for the treatment of mood,
      anxiety and stress-related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - We review evidence for training programmes that manipulate autobiographical
      processing in order to treat mood, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, using
      the GRADE criteria to judge evidence quality. We also position the current status
      of this research within the UK Medical Research Council's (2000, 2008) framework
      for the development of novel interventions. A literature search according to
      PRISMA guidelines identified 15 studies that compared an autobiographical
      episodic memory-based training (AET) programme to a control condition, in samples
      with a clinician-derived diagnosis. Identified AET programmes included Memory
      Specificity Training (Raes, Williams, & Hermans, 2009), concreteness training
      (Watkins, Baeyens, & Read, 2009), Competitive Memory Training (Korrelboom, van
      der Weele, Gjaltema, & Hoogstraten, 2009), imagery-based training of future
      autobiographical episodes (Blackwell & Holmes, 2010), and life
      review/reminiscence therapy (Arean et al., 1993). Cohen's d was calculated for
      between-group differences in symptom change from pre- to post-intervention and to
      follow-up. We also completed meta-analyses for programmes evaluated across
      multiple studies, and for the overall effect of AET as a treatment approach.
      Results demonstrated promising evidence for AET in the treatment of depression
      (d=0.32), however effect sizes varied substantially (from -0.18 to 1.91) across
      the different training protocols. Currently, research on AET for the treatment of
      anxiety and stress-related disorders is not yet at a stage to draw firm
      conclusions regarding efficacy as there were only a very small number of studies
      which met inclusion criteria. AET offers a potential avenue through which low
      intensity treatment for affective disturbance might be offered.

PMID- 28086134
TI  - Tithonia diversifolia saponin-blood lipid interaction and its influence on immune
      system of normal wistar rats.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of saponins (20-100mg/kg) from Tithonia
      diversifolia leaf (STD) on the liver, kidney, heart, lipid profile and
      hematological parameters of normal rats. The results showed that STD (20
      100mg/kg) though caused a slight increase in the liver, heart and kidney activity
      of ALT, AST, ALP and GGT (p<0.05), did not result in corresponding increase in
      the serum level of these enzymes. A significant reduction in the level of
      triglycerides, LDL and cholesterol, creatinine, urea, LDH, PCV and hemoglobin
      were observed with a concomitant increase in HDL, white blood cell and
      lymphocyte. These study demonstrated the role of STD in enhancing immune response
      and in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in normal rats at studied dosages.

PMID- 28086135
TI  - Epigenetic modifications and epigenetic based medication implementations of
      autoimmune diseases.
AB  - Recent genome-wide association studies have documented a number of genetic
      variants to explain mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases. However, the
      precise etiology of autoimmune diseases remains largely unknown. Epigenetic
      mechanisms like alterations in the post-translational modification of histones
      and DNA methylation may potentially cause a breakdown of immune tolerance and the
      perpetuation of autoreactive responses. Recently, several studies both in
      experimental models and clinical settings proposed that the epigenome may hold
      the key to a better understanding of autoimmunity initiation and perpetuation.
      More specifically, data support the impact of epigenetic changes in autoimmune
      diseases, in some cases based on mechanistical observations. Epigenetic therapy
      already being employed in hematopoietic malignancies may also be associated with
      beneficial effects in autoimmune diseases. In this review, we will discuss on
      what we know and expect about the treatment of autoimmune disease based on
      epigenetic aberrations.

PMID- 28086136
TI  - MiR-451 suppresses proliferation, migration and promotes apoptosis of the human
      osteosarcoma by targeting macrophage migration inhibitory factor.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that MiR-451 plays an important role in human
      osteosarcoma carcinogenesis, but the underlying mechanism by which MiR-451
      affects the osteosarcoma has not been fully understood. This study intends to
      uncover the mechanism by which MiR-451 functions as a tumor suppressor. The
      expression of MiR-451 in osteosarcoma tissues and osteosarcoma cell lines was
      monitored by real-time PCR. The proliferation ability was examined by MTT and
      cell cycle assay. The migration and apoptosis of cells were monitored by
      migration assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, the angiogenesis of
      HUVEC cells transfected with MiR-451 mimics was examined by tube formation assay.
      The effect of MiR-451 on MIF was determined by luciferase assays and Western blot
      assay. The results showed that MiR-451 expression level was significantly reduced
      in the osteosarcoma compared with normal bone tissues. Overexpression of MiR-451
      significantly attenuated the proliferation and migration, and induced the
      apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, the angiogenesis of HUVEC cells
      transfected with MiR-451 mimics was assayed and the decreased angiogenic ability
      was detected compared to the controls. Finally, we demonstrated that MiR-451
      overexpression inhibited the malignant behavior of osteosarcoma by downregulating
      MIF. These findings suggest that MiR-451 may act as a tumor suppressor in
      osteosarcoma. MiR-451 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis
      and promoted apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells, at least partially, by
      inhibiting the expression of MIF. MiR-451/MIF may be a novel therapeutic target
      in treatment of osteosarcoma.

PMID- 28086137
TI  - Comparative study of therapeutic response to baclofen vs tolperisone in
      spasticity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spasticity from the upper motor neuron syndrome can result from a
      variety of conditions affecting the cortex or spinal cord. Some of the more
      common conditions associated with spasticity include spinal cord injury, cerebral
      palsy, and post-stroke syndrome. In this study we compared the efficacy and
      safety of baclofen vs tolperisone in spasticity. One hundred fifty patients with
      cerebral palsy or post stroke or spinal cord injury associated spasticity were
      enrolled in present study. Group I comprised of Seventy-five patients receiving
      baclofen and group II comprised of 75 patients receiving tolperisone. For
      efficacy measurement 4 evaluation methods were used, 1) Modified Ashworth Scale
      for muscle tone, 2) Medical research council scale for muscle strength and 3)
      Barthel Index for functional outcome 4) Coefficient of efficacy. In efficacy
      evaluation, both groups showed significant improvement in muscle tone, muscle
      strength and functional outcome at week 6 (Group I, 1.55+/-0.053, 2.79+0.032,
      59.31+/-1.32; Group II, 1.57+/-0.053, 3.04+/-0.032, 73+/-1.32 respectively). In
      between the group analysis, there was no significant difference in muscle tone
      improvement in both the groups after 6 weeks (Group I, 1.055+/-0.053 vs Group II,
      1.57+/-0.053, p>0.05). Group II showed non-significant but greater improvement in
      muscle strength (Week 6; Group I, 2.79+/-0.032 vs Group II, 3.04+/-0.032,
      p>0.07). Improvement in functional outcomes was greater in group II as compared
      to group I (Group I, 59.31+/-1.32 vs Group II, 73+/-1.32, p<0.05). Overall
      efficacy coefficient was greater for group II (3.6) as compared to group I (2.3).
      Baclofen showed more side effects compared to tolperisone in, asthenia being the
      most frequent. Tolperisone offers greater improvement in activities of daily
      living compared to baclofen. Tolperisone is more tolerable drug as compared to
      baclofen.

PMID- 28086138
TI  - Hookah tobacco smoking in a large urban sample of adult cigarette smokers: Links
      with alcohol and poly-tobacco use.
AB  - Hookah tobacco smoking (HTS) has been increasing, particularly among young adults
      and has similar health effects compared to cigarette smoking. The link between
      HTS and poly-tobacco use is well documented, but fewer show an association
      between HTS and alcohol use. It is essential to identify factors that increase
      the risk for or addictiveness and consequences of HTS, given its growing
      prevalence. This study examined whether the association between HTS and poly
      tobacco use differed as a function of age and alcohol consumption within in a
      sample of 1223 adult cigarette smokers. Approximately 20% of participants
      reported HTS. Compared to non-users, hookah users were more likely to be male,
      highly educated, and to report drug and alcohol use, binge drinking, and poly
      tobacco use but were less likely to be heavy smokers (>=10 cigarettes per day).
      Regression analyses predicting number of tobacco products used (excluding
      cigarettes and HTS) indicated a three-way interaction of HTS, frequency of
      alcohol use, and age such that the association between HTS and number of tobacco
      products used was strongest for younger respondents who consumed alcohol more
      frequently. As observed in previous studies, alcohol is an important risk factor
      in the relationship between HTS and poly-tobacco use, particularly among younger
      cigarette smokers. The links between alcohol, HTS, and poly-tobacco use should be
      considered when developing HTS education and prevention materials directed toward
      younger cigarette smokers. Findings provide information relevant to FDA's
      interest in the addiction potential of HTS and its link to poly-tobacco use.

PMID- 28086139
TI  - Effects of a wood-based biochar on the leaching of pesticides chlorpyrifos,
      diuron, glyphosate and MCPA.
AB  - We studied the ability of a wood-based biochar to reduce the leaching of the
      pesticides chlorpyrifos, diuron, glyphosate and MCPA in a sand column test
      system. In addition, time-dependent adsorption of the pesticides to the biochar
      and to the sand used in the columns was determined. The sorption kinetics was
      shown to be controlled by the log Kow-values of the pesticides and sorption rates
      varied in the order: chlorpyrifos (log Kow = 4.7) > diuron (log Kow = 2.87) >
      MCPA (log Kow = -0.8) > glyphosate (log Kow = -3.2). Glyphosate sorbed very
      weakly to the biochar but strongly to the sand. Biochar was most effective at
      retaining the pesticides if applied as a distinct layer rather than mixed with
      the sand. Leaching of diuron and MCPA was reduced by biochar application, and the
      retention was linearly related to the thickness of the biochar layers. However,
      leaching of chlorpyrifos and glyphosate was not affected by biochar addition.
      Leaching was low for all pesticides when the pesticides were added directly to
      biochar that was then added to the column. Together, our results suggest that a
      viable strategy for using biochar as a means to mitigate leaching of pesticides
      may be to use it as an adsorptive layer directly on or close to the soil surface.
      This would be especially useful in areas where pesticides are routinely handled
      and potentially spilled.

PMID- 28086140
TI  - An update on synthetic dyes adsorption onto clay based minerals: A state-of-art
      review.
AB  - Dyes are growing to be a problematic class of pollutants to the environment. The
      disposal of dyes in water resources has bad aesthetic and health effects, hence
      the need to remove them from the environment. The need for treatment methods that
      are effective and low in price is rising hence a lot of research interest is
      being diverted towards adsorbents that are cheap, preferable naturally occurring
      materials like clays. In most reported dye adsorption studies, limited
      information on the relationship between characterization results with adsorbent
      performance on dye removal has been given. This review article seeks to report on
      the link between the adsorption characteristics of the clays and their adsorption
      capacities and to gather information on the modifications done on clays to
      improve their adsorption capacities. A critical analysis of the different
      mechanisms involved during the decolouration process and their application for
      dye removal has been discussed in detail in this up-to-date review. From a wide
      range of consulted literature review, it is evident that some clays have
      appreciable adsorption capacities on top of being widely available. It was also
      noted that several parameters like contact time, dosage, concentration,
      temperature and pH affect the removal of dyes. Furthermore, the application of
      clay minerals for decolourising water represents economic viable and locally
      available materials that can be used substantially for pollution control and
      management. Conclusions were also drawn and suggestions for future research
      perspectives are proposed.

PMID- 28086141
TI  - Effects of compound chemical activators on the hydration of low-carbon
      ferrochrome slag-based composite cement.
AB  - Low-carbon ferrochrome slag (LCFS), a by-product of the ferrochrome alloy
      industry, has potential for use as a cementitious material due to its pozzolanic
      characteristic. The objective of the present study was to determine the optimum
      compound chemical activators for LCFS-based composite cement using an orthogonal
      test, in which 7 d and 28 d compressive strengths were used as the evaluating
      indices. The influences of compound chemical activators on the hydration of a
      composite cement mix were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning
      electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and
      thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The optimum
      activator to activate the composite cement was a compound of NaCl (NC) at a
      dosage of 0.6%, Na2SO4 (NS) at a dosage of 1.2%, NaF (NF) at a dosage of 0.6% and
      Al2(SO4)3 (AS) at a dosage of 0.9% or 0.7%. The compressive strengths of the
      optimum composite cement mix at ages of 3, 28 and 180 d increased by 50.1%, 22.4%
      and 16.5%, respectively. More hydration products including ettringite and calcium
      silicate hydrate were formed at an early age of hydration. The compound chemical
      activators effectively activated the ferrochrome slag (FS), blast-furnace slag
      (BFS) and fly ash (FA) in the composite cement.

PMID- 28086143
TI  - Doing for others: Youth's contributing behaviors and psychological engagement in
      youth-adult partnerships.
AB  - Youth contributions to others (e.g., volunteering) have been connected to
      indicators of successful development, including self-esteem, optimism, social
      support, and identity development. Youth-adult partnerships, which involve youth
      and adults working together towards a shared goal in activity settings, such as
      youth-serving agencies or recreation organizations, provide a unique opportunity
      for examining youth contributions. We examined associations between measures of
      youth's participation in youth-adult partnerships (psychological engagement and
      degree of partnering) in activity settings and youth contributing behaviors, in
      two Canadian samples: (a) community-involved youth (N = 153, mean age = 17.1
      years, 65% female) and (b) undergraduates (N = 128, mean age = 20.1 years, 92.2%
      female). We found that degree of partnering and psychological engagement were
      related to each other yet independently predicted contributing behaviors. Our
      findings suggest that youth-adult partnerships might be one potentially rich
      context for the promotion of youth's contributions to others.

PMID- 28086142
TI  - Visual statistical learning is related to natural language ability in adults: An
      ERP study.
AB  - Statistical learning (SL) is believed to enable language acquisition by allowing
      individuals to learn regularities within linguistic input. However, neural
      evidence supporting a direct relationship between SL and language ability is
      scarce. We investigated whether there are associations between event-related
      potential (ERP) correlates of SL and language abilities while controlling for the
      general level of selective attention. Seventeen adults completed tests of visual
      SL, receptive vocabulary, grammatical ability, and sentence completion. Response
      times and ERPs showed that SL is related to receptive vocabulary and grammatical
      ability. ERPs indicated that the relationship between SL and grammatical ability
      was independent of attention while the association between SL and receptive
      vocabulary depended on attention. The implications of these dissociative
      relationships in terms of underlying mechanisms of SL and language are discussed.
      These results further elucidate the cognitive nature of the links between SL
      mechanisms and language abilities.

PMID- 28086144
TI  - Synthesis, spectral characterization of novel Pd(II), Pt(II) pi-coordination
      compounds based on N-allylthioureas. Cytotoxic properties and DNA binding
      ability.
AB  - Four novel Pd2+ and Pt2+ mononuclear pi-coordination compounds with general
      formula [M(HL)1,2Cl2], M=Pd2+, Pt2+ have been synthesized by reaction of [PdCl4]2
      , [PtCl4]2- anions with N-allyl-4-morpholinethiocarboxamide (HL1) and N-Allyl-N'
      tert-butylthiourea (HL2). All complexes have been characterized by single-crystal
      X-ray diffraction study and 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy. Cytotoxic, cytostatic and
      proapoptotic activities of compounds have been determined in vitro on HeLa cell
      line and compared with cisplatin as etalon drug. All complex compounds possessed
      pronounced cytotoxic activity with IC50 indexes in range of 2.10-6-1.5.10-4M
      (IC50 of cisplatin is 5.7?10-5M) and showed proapoptotic, cytostatic and
      antisyntetic influence higher or comparable with cisplatin. The comparative
      influence of cisplatin and synthesized metal complexes on pTZ19R* plasmid DNA was
      monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis. All compounds showed high affinity to
      DNA that correlates with observed cytostatic and proapoptotic levels. In general
      Pd(II) compounds showed higher activity than Pt(II) ones.

PMID- 28086145
TI  - Aggression and related stressful life events among Chinese adolescents living in
      rural areas: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aggression is a serious problem for both individuals and society.
      Despite progress in aggression research, its persistence among adolescents living
      in rural areas remains to be investigated. We evaluate the prevalence of
      aggression and the association between stressful life events and aggression in a
      nationwide, school-based sample of adolescents living in rural areas of China.
      METHODS: A sample of 13,495 Chinese rural students (7065 boys and 6430 girls; 11
      20 years old) was selected from 15 representative rural areas from 5 provinces in
      China using stratified randomized cluster sampling. Aggression, stressful life
      events, neglect, emotional management, social support, and demographic
      characteristics were assessed via self-report questionnaires. Multivariate
      logistic regressions were used to estimate the association of stressful life
      events and aggression after controlling for confounds. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      aggressive behavior among Chinese adolescents living in rural areas was 24.3%.
      Regression analyses indicated that the odds of aggression were negatively
      influenced by chronic long-term stressors related to interpersonal problems
      (OR=2.03, 95% CI [1.75-2.36]), health adaptation difficulties (OR=1.21, 95% CI
      [1.09-1.34]), and other troubles (OR=1.93, 95% CI [1.74-2.14]), even after
      adjustment for parental neglect, emotional management, social support, and other
      relevant factors. LIMITATIONS: This study was cross-sectional; thus, it is
      necessary to validate the causal relationship between stressful life events and
      aggression via follow-up studies. CONCLUSIONS: Aggression was prevalent among
      Chinese adolescents living in rural areas, and interpersonal problems, health
      adaption difficulties, and other troubles were considered potential independent
      risk factors for aggression.

PMID- 28086146
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of structured group psychoeducation versus unstructured group
      support for bipolar disorder: Results from a multi-centre pragmatic randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD) costs the English economy an estimated
      L5.2billion/year, largely through incomplete recovery. This analysis estimated
      the cost-effectiveness of group psychoeducation (PEd), versus group peer support
      (PS), for treating BD. METHODS: A 96-week pragmatic randomised controlled trial
      (RCT), conducted in NHS primary care. The primary analysis compared PEd with PS,
      using multiple imputed datasets for missing values. An economic model was used to
      compare PEd with treatment as usual (TAU). The perspective was Health and
      Personal Social Services. RESULTS: Participants receiving PEd (n=153) used more
      (costly) health-related resources than PS (n=151) (net cost per person L1098 (95%
      CI, L252-L1943)), with a quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain of 0.023 (95% CI,
      0.001-0.056). The cost per QALY gained was L47,739. PEd may be cost-effective
      (versus PS) if decision makers are willing to pay at least L37,500 per QALY
      gained. PEd costs L10,765 more than PS to avoid one relapse. The economic model
      indicates that PEd may be cost-effective versus TAU if it reduces the probability
      of relapse (by 15%) or reduces the probability of and increases time to relapse
      (by 10%). LIMITATIONS: Participants were generally inconsistent in attending
      treatment sessions and low numbers had complete cost/QALY data. Factors
      contributing to pervasive uncertainty of the results are discussed. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first economic evaluation of PEd versus PS in a pragmatic trial. PEd
      is associated with a modest improvement in health status and higher costs than
      PS. There is a high level of uncertainty in the data and results.

PMID- 28086147
TI  - In situ exposure to wastewater effluent reduces survival but has little effect on
      the behaviour or physiology of an invasive Great Lakes fish.
AB  - Treated effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are a significant
      source of anthropogenic contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, in the aquatic
      environment. Although our understanding of how wastewater effluent impacts fish
      reproduction is growing, we know very little about how effluent affects non
      reproductive physiology and behaviours associated with fitness (such as
      aggression and activity). To better understand how fish cope with chronic
      exposure to wastewater effluent in the wild, we caged round goby (Neogobius
      melanostomus) for three weeks at different distances from a wastewater outflow.
      We evaluated the effects of this exposure on fish survival, behaviour,
      metabolism, and respiratory traits. Fish caged inside the WWTP and close to the
      outfall experienced higher mortality than fish from the reference site.
      Interestingly, those fish that survived the exposure performed similarly to fish
      caged at the reference site in tests of aggressive behaviour, startle-responses,
      and dispersal. Moreover, the fish near WWTP outflow displayed similar resting
      metabolism (O2 consumption rates), hypoxia tolerance, haemoglobin concentration,
      haematocrit, and blood-oxygen binding affinities as the fish from the more
      distant reference site. We discuss our findings in relation to exposure site
      water quality, concentrations of pharmaceutical and personal care product
      pollutants, and our test species tolerance.

PMID- 28086148
TI  - A comparative study of mechanical properties of fresh and frozen-thawed porcine
      intervertebral discs in a bioreactor environment.
AB  - Limited availability of fresh intervertebral discs (IVDs) necessitates the use of
      frozen-thawed samples in biomechanical investigations. Several authors have
      reported the mechanical properties of frozen-thawed IVDs, but few studies have
      investigated the effects of storage temperature and cooling rate. The validity
      and reliability of the applied freezing-thawing procedures are still relatively
      unknown. The study aims to compare the mechanical responses of fresh porcine IVDs
      and porcine IVDs, which were frozen at different freezing temperatures with a
      controlled-rate cooling process and then thawed. The specimens were obtained from
      pigs aged 6 months. A total of 18 functional spine units (FSUs) were taken from
      seven porcine lumbar spines (L1-L6). The specimens were then split into three
      groups. The first group was tested fresh immediately and the other two groups
      were frozen at the same cooling rate and stored at -20 degrees C and -80 degrees
      C, respectively, before testing. The period of storage ranged between 12 and 43
      days. The frozen specimens were thawed for 9h at room temperature before the
      tests. A special IVD bioreactor, which maintained the realistic behaviour of IVDs
      under various loading conditions, was developed. The analysis of variance (ANOVA)
      was used to determine if the observed results were statistically significant. The
      results indicated that frozen storage at -20 degrees C decreases the
      comprehensive stiffness. In contrast, freezing to -80 degrees C did not seem to
      have any effect on the mechanical properties of IVDs. No significant differences
      in outcome were observed for the samples, which had different spine levels. The
      study confirmed the reliability and usability of frozen-thawed samples stored at 
      80 degrees C for biomechanical investigations.

PMID- 28086149
TI  - Shear waves elastography for assessment of human Achilles tendon's biomechanical
      properties: an experimental study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Achilles tendon is the most frequently ruptured tendon, but its
      optimal treatment is increasingly controversial. The mechanical properties of the
      healing tendon should be studied further. Shear waves elastography (SWE) measures
      the shear modulus, which is proven to be correlated to elastic modulus in animal
      tendons. The aim of our study was to study whether the shear moduli of human
      cadaveric Achilles tendon, given by SWE, were correlated with the apparent
      elastic moduli of those tendons given by tensile tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Fourteen cadaveric lower-limbs were studied. An elastographic study of the
      Achilles tendon (AT) was first done in clinical-like conditions. SWE was
      performed at three successive levels (0, 3 and 6cm from tendon insertion) with
      elastographic probe oriented parallel to tendon fibers, blindly, for three
      standardized ankle positions (25 degrees  plantar flexion, neutral position, and
      maximal dorsal flexion). The mean shear moduli were collected through blind
      offline data-analysis. Then, AT with triceps were harvested. They were subjected
      to tensile tests. A continuous SWE of the Achilles tendon was performed
      simultaneously. The apparent elastic modulus was obtained from the experimental
      stress-strain curve, and correlation with shear modulus (given by SWE) was
      studied. RESULTS: Average shear moduli of harvested AT, given by SWE made an
      instant before the tensile tests, were significantly correlated with shear moduli
      of the same AT made at the same level, previously in clinical-like condition
      (p<0.05), only in neutral position. There was a statistical correlation (p<0.005)
      and a correlation coefficient R2 equal to 0.95+/-0.05, between shear moduli (SWE)
      and apparent elastic moduli (tensile tests), for 11 tendons (3 tendons were
      inoperable due to technical error), before a constant disruption in the
      correlation curves. DISCUSSION: We demonstrated a significant correlation between
      SWE of Achilles tendon performed in clinical-like conditions (in neutral
      position) and SWE performed in harvested tendon. We also found a correlation
      between SWE performed on harvested tendon and apparent elastic moduli obtained
      with tensile tests (for 11 specimens). As a consequence, we can suppose that SWE
      of AT in clinical-like conditions is related to tensile tests. To our knowledge,
      the ability of SWE to reliably assess biomechanical properties of a tendon or
      muscle was, so far, only demonstrated in animal models. CONCLUSION: SWE can
      provide biomechanical information of the human AT non-invasively.

PMID- 28086150
TI  - The role of CD27 in anti-viral T-cell immunity.
AB  - CD27 is a co-stimulatory immune-checkpoint receptor, constitutively expressed on
      a broad range of T-cells (alphabeta and gammadelta), NK-cells and B-cells.
      Ligation of CD27 with CD70 results in potent co-stimulatory effects. In mice, co
      stimulation of CD8+ T-cells through CD27 promotes immune activation and enhances
      primary, secondary, memory and recall responses towards viral infections. Limited
      in vitro human studies support mouse experiments and show that CD27 co
      stimulation enhances antiviral T-cell immunity. Given the potent co-stimulatory
      effects of CD27, manipulating CD27 signalling is of interest for viral,
      autoimmune and anti-tumour immunotherapies. This review focuses on the role of
      CD27 co-stimulation in anti-viral T-cell immunity and discusses clinical studies
      utilising the CD27 co-stimulation pathway for anti-viral, anti-tumour and
      autoimmune immunotherapy.

PMID- 28086151
TI  - Childhood parental bonding affects adulthood trait anxiety through self-esteem.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The association between trait anxiety and parental bonding has been
      suggested. However, the mechanism remains uncertain and there is no study focused
      on general adult population. We investigated the association and the mechanism
      between childhood parental bonding and adulthood trait anxiety in the general
      adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective survey
      was conducted in 2014 with 853 adult volunteers from the general population. The
      Parental Bonding Instrument, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety
      Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y) were self-administered. Structural equation modelling
      was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Childhood parental bonding affected adulthood
      trait anxiety indirectly mediated by self-esteem. Trait anxiety was decreased by
      parental care and increased by parental overprotection through self-esteem. This
      model explained 51.1% of the variability in STAI-Y trait anxiety scores.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an important role of self-esteem as a mediator
      between childhood parental bonding and adulthood trait anxiety.

PMID- 28086152
TI  - Time dependent deformation behavior of dentin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The viscoelastic behavior of dentin and its ability to undergo time
      dependent deformation are considered to be important to oral functions and its
      capacity to resist fracture. There are spatial variations in the microstructure
      of dentin within the crown, which could be important to the viscous behavior.
      However, a spatially resolved description for the viscoelastic behavior of
      coronal dentin has not been reported. METHODS: In this investigation spherical
      indentations were made in three regions of coronal dentin including the outer,
      middle and inner regions. Power law relations were developed to quantitatively
      describe the stress-strain responses of the tissue. RESULTS: Results showed that
      the deformation behavior was strongly dependent on the composition (mineral to
      collagen ratio) and microstructure (tubule density), which contributed to an
      increase in the rate of viscous deformation with increasing proximity to the
      pulp. CONCLUSIONS: A model accounting for spatial variations in composition and
      microstructure was developed to describe the steady-state time dependent
      deformation behavior of coronal dentin, and a good agreement was found with the
      experimental results.

PMID- 28086153
TI  - Sulfur dioxide addition at crush alters Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain
      composition in spontaneous fermentations at two Canadian wineries.
AB  - During winemaking, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is often added prior to the onset of
      alcoholic fermentation to prevent the growth of spoilage microorganisms and to
      create an environment that promotes the rapid colonization of the grape must by
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Most recent research has focused on the impacts of SO2
      additions on spoilage microorganisms or on the yeast community at a species
      level, but less is known about the impacts that SO2 additions have on S.
      cerevisiae populations. We investigated whether different levels of SO2 addition
      at crush (0, 20, or 40mg/L SO2) have an effect upon the relative abundance and
      composition of S. cerevisiae strains conducting spontaneous fermentations of two
      grape varietals at two commercial wineries. Yeast isolates collected from
      fermentations were identified to the strain level using microsatellite analysis.
      Commercial strains made up the majority (64-98%) of the S. cerevisiae strains
      isolated during fermentation, and most of these commercial strains were used as
      inoculants by their respective wineries. Different SO2 additions were found to
      significantly alter S. cerevisiae strain compositions at both wineries
      (p<=0.002). The results of this study demonstrate that initial SO2 addition
      significantly alters the S. cerevisiae strain composition in spontaneous
      fermentations, and highlights the dominance of commercial strains in commercial
      winery environments. Because different yeast strains are known to produce
      different chemical and sensory profiles, our findings have important implications
      for winemakers. In addition, adding different concentrations of SO2 may be a way
      for winemakers to manage or control the strain composition during spontaneous
      fermentations.

PMID- 28086154
TI  - Full-endoscopic versus micro-endoscopic and open discectomy: A systematic review
      and meta-analysis of outcomes and complications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to systematically compare the
      effectiveness and safety of full-endoscopic discectomy (FED) and micro-endoscopic
      discectomy (MED) with open discectomy (OD) for the treatment of symptomatic
      lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: Electronic searches were performed using six
      databases from their inception to February 2016, identifying all relevant
      randomized controlled trials and comparative observational studies comparing
      either FED or MED with OD. Data were extracted and analyzed according to
      predefined clinical endpoints. RESULTS: Twenty three studies were selected for
      analysis, including 421 FED, 6914 MED, and 21,152 OD cases. No significant
      difference was found between FED and OD in regards to postoperative visual analog
      scale (VAS) leg pain scores (WMD 0.03, P=0.93). Similar results were obtained for
      MED vs OD (WMD 0.09, P=0.18). In terms of postoperative Oswestry disability index
      (ODI), both FED and MED were similar to OD (WMD -2.60, P=0.32 and WMD -1.00,
      P=0.21, respectively). FED had a significantly shorter operative duration
      compared to OD (54.6 vs 102.6min, P=0.0001). MED alone and endoscopic approaches
      overall (including MED and FED) demonstrated significantly lower estimated blood
      loss (44.3 vs 194.4mL, P=0.03 and 38.2 vs 203.5mL, respectively, both p<0.05).
      FED alone demonstrated a trend towards lower estimated blood loss in comparison
      to OD (3.3 vs 244.9mL, P=0.07). No difference was found in overall complications,
      recurrence or reoperation rates, dural tears, root injury, wound infections, and
      spondylodiscitis between FED vs OD, or MED vs OD. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this meta
      analysis, FED and MED appear to be safe and efficacious alternatives to
      traditional approaches, but these results require further investigation and
      validation by prospective randomized studies.

PMID- 28086155
TI  - Kinetics, mechanisms, and influencing factors on the treatment of
      haloacetonitriles (HANs) in water by two household heating devices.
AB  - Haloacetonitriles (HANs) are a group of nitrogenous disinfection by-products
      (DBPs) commonly found in treated water with potential carcinogenic, cytotoxic,
      and genotoxic risks. In order to control HANs and understand their real intake
      levels by people via drinking water, this study evaluated a list of structural,
      operational, and environmental factors affecting the treatment of HANs by two
      domestic heating devices, i.e., an electric boiler and a microwave oven. Results
      show that the concentrations of HANs decreased exponentially over time with
      increasing temperature, water turbulence, and bubbles, and the phenomena were
      most likely due to a combined effect of volatilization and hydrolysis. Among
      HANs, the lability increased with increasing halogenation degrees (i.e., tri- >
      di- > mono- HANs) yet decreasing halogen molecular weights (i.e., Cl- > Br- > I-
      HANs); such trends were well captured by quantitative structure activity
      relationship models (R2 = 0.99). Operational factors played critical roles in
      controlling HANs too, including the rate of heating, water volume, water
      temperature at time of pouring, cooling method, and capping condition, suggesting
      that people could benefit from proper handling methods and procedures. In
      addition, HANs added to tap water exhibited higher removals than those added to
      ultrapure water, probably because of the presence of free chlorine in tap water.

PMID- 28086156
TI  - Effects of different agricultural wastes on the dissipation of PAHs and the PAH
      degrading genes in a PAH-contaminated soil.
AB  - Land application of agricultural wastes is considered as a promising
      bioremediation approach for cleaning up soils contaminated by aged polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, it remains largely unknown about how
      microbial PAH-degraders, which play a key role in the biodegradation of soil
      PAHs, respond to the amendments of agricultural wastes. Here, a 90-day soil
      microcosm study was conducted to compare the effects of three agricultural wastes
      (i.e. WS, wheat stalk; MCSW, mushroom cultivation substrate waste; and CM, cow
      manure) on the dissipation of aged PAHs and the abundance and community structure
      of PAH-degrading microorganisms. The results showed that all the three
      agricultural wastes accelerated the dissipation of aged PAHs and significantly
      increased abundances of the bacterial 16S rRNA and PAH-degrading genes (i.e. pdo1
      and nah). CM and MCSW with lower ratios of C:N eliminated soil PAHs more
      efficiently than WS with a high ratio of C:N. Low molecular weight PAHs were
      dissipated more quickly than those with high molecular weight. Phylogenetic
      analysis revealed that all of the nah and C12O clones were affiliated within
      Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, and application of agricultural
      wastes significantly changed the community structure of the microorganisms
      harboring nah and C12O genes, particularly in the CM treatment. Taken together,
      our findings suggest that the three tested agricultural wastes could accelerate
      the degradation of aged PAHs most likely through changing the abundances and
      community structure of microbial PAH degraders.

PMID- 28086157
TI  - Identification of critical contaminants in wastewater effluent for managed
      aquifer recharge.
AB  - Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) using highly treated effluent from municipal
      wastewater treatment plants has been recognized as a promising strategy for
      indirect potable water reuse. Treated wastewater effluent can contain a number of
      residual contaminants that could have adverse effects on human health, and some
      jurisdictions have regulations in place to govern these. For those that do not,
      but where reuse may be under consideration, it is of crucial importance to
      develop a strategy for identifying priority contaminants, which can then be used
      to understand the water treatment technologies that might be required. In this
      study, a multi-criteria approach to identify critical contaminants in wastewater
      effluent for MAR was developed and applied using a case study site located in
      southern Ontario, Canada. An important aspect of this approach was the selection
      of representative compounds for each group of contaminants, based on potential
      for occurrence in wastewater and expected health or environmental impacts. Due to
      a lack of MAR regulations in Canada, the study first proposed potential recharge
      water quality targets. Predominant contaminants, potential additional
      contaminants, and potential emerging contaminants, which together comprise
      critical contaminants for MAR with reclaimed water, were then selected based on
      the case study wastewater effluent monitoring data and literature data. This
      paper proposes an approach for critical contaminant selection, which will be
      helpful to guide future implementation of MAR projects using wastewater treatment
      plant effluents.

PMID- 28086158
TI  - Bioleaching of manganese by Aspergillus sp. isolated from mining deposits.
AB  - A comprehensive study on fungus assisted bioleaching of manganese (Mn) was
      carried out to demonstrate Mn solubilization of collected low grade ore from
      mining deposits of Sanindipur, Odisha, India. A native fungal strain MSF 5 was
      isolated and identified as Aspergillus sp. by Inter Transcribed Spacer (ITS)
      sequencing. The identified strain revealed an elevated tolerance ability to Mn
      under varying optimizing conditions like initial pH (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), carbon
      sources (dextrose, sucrose, fructose and glucose) and pulp density (2%, 3%, 4%,
      5% and 6%). Bioleaching studies carried out under optimized conditions of 2% pulp
      density of Mn ore at pH 6, temperature 37  degrees C and carbon dosage (dextrose)
      resulted with 79% Mn recovery from the ore sample within 20 days. SEM-EDX
      characterization of the ore sample and leach residue was carried out and the
      micrographs demonstrated porous and coagulated precipitates scattered across the
      matrix. The corresponding approach of FTIR analysis regulating the Mn oxide
      formation shows a distinctive peak of mycelium cells with and without treated Mn,
      resulting with generalized vibrations like MnOx stretching and CH2 stretch. Thus,
      our investigation endeavors' the considerate possible mechanism involved in
      fungal surface cells onto Mn ore illustrating an alteration in cellular Mn
      interaction.

PMID- 28086159
TI  - No effect of digestate amendment on Cs-137 and Sr-90 translocation in lysimeter
      experiments.
AB  - The soil-plant transfer of Cs-137 and Sr-90 in different crops was determined
      with respect to the present-day amendment practice of using digestate from biogas
      fermenters. The studies were performed using large lysimeters filled with
      undisturbed luvisol monoliths. In contrast to the conservative tracer, Br-,
      neither of the studied radionuclides showed a significant vertical translocation
      nor effect of the applied digestate amendment compared to a non-amended control
      was found. Furthermore, no significant plant uptake was measured for both
      nuclides in wheat or oat as indicated by the low transfer factors between soil
      shoot for Cs-137 (TF 0.001-0.010) and for Sr-90 (0.10-0.51). The transfer into
      nutritionally relevant plant parts was even lower with transfer factors for soil
      grain for Cs-137 (TF 0.000-0.001) and for Sr-90 (0.01-0.06). Hence, the amendment
      with biogas digestate is unfortunately not an option to further reduce plant
      uptake of these radionuclides in agricultural crops, but it does not increase
      plant uptake either.

PMID- 28086160
TI  - Phosphorus saturation and mobilization in two typical Chinese greenhouse
      vegetable soils.
AB  - Chinese greenhouse vegetable production can cause eutrophication of fresh waters
      due to heavy use of fertilizers. To address this, phosphorus (P) leaching was
      compared between two major greenhouse vegetable soils from Jiangsu Province,
      Southeast China: clayey and acid-neutral Guli Orthic Anthrosols and sandy and
      alkaline Tongshan Ustic Cambosols. A total of 20 intact soil columns were
      collected based on differences in total P content varying between 1360 and 11,220
      mg kg-1. Overall, six leaching experiments were carried out with collection of
      leachates over 24 h. Very high P concentrations, with a mean of 3.43 mg L-1, were
      found in the leachates from P rich Tongshan soils. In contrast, P leaching from
      fine-textured but less P rich Guli soils rarely exceeded the suggested
      environmental P threshold of 0.1 mg L-1. Strong linear correlations were found
      between different soil test P measures (STPs) or degree of P saturations (DPSs)
      and dissolved reactive P (DRP) for Tongshan soil columns. The correlations with
      Olsen P (r2 = 0.91) and DPS based on MehlichIII extractable calcium (DPSM3-Ca)
      (r2 = 0.87) were the most promising. An Olsen P value above 41 mg kg-1 or a DPSM3
      Ca above 3.44% led to DRP leaching exceeding 0.1 mg L-1. Accordingly, more than
      80% of Tongshan soils resulted in DRP leaching exceeding the environmental P
      threshold. In conclusion P rich alkaline sandy soils used for greenhouse
      vegetable production are at high risk of P mobilization across China.

PMID- 28086161
TI  - A-type lamins and cardiovascular disease in premature aging syndromes.
AB  - Lamin A is a nuclear intermediate filament protein with important structural and
      regulatory roles in most differentiated mammalian cells. Excessive accumulation
      of its precursor prelamin A or the mutant form called 'progerin' causes premature
      aging syndromes. Progeroid 'laminopathies' are characterized by severe
      cardiovascular problems (cardiac electrical defects, vascular calcification and
      stiffening, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke) and premature
      death. Here, we review studies in cell and mouse models and patients that are
      unraveling how abnormal prelamin A and progerin accumulation accelerates
      cardiovascular disease and aging. This knowledge is essential for developing
      effective therapies to treat progeria and may help identify new mechanisms
      underlying normal aging.

PMID- 28086162
TI  - Getting to and through the inner nuclear membrane during herpesvirus nuclear
      egress.
AB  - Herpesviruses, like most DNA viruses, replicate and package their genomes into
      capsids in the host cell nucleus. Capsids then transit to the cytoplasm in a
      fascinating process called nuclear egress, which includes several unusual steps:
      Movement of capsids from the nuclear interior to the periphery, disruption of the
      nuclear lamina, capsid budding through the inner nuclear membrane, and fusion of
      enveloped particles with the outer nuclear membrane. Here, we review recent
      advances and emerging questions relating to herpesvirus nuclear egress,
      emphasizing controversies regarding mechanisms for capsid trafficking to the
      nuclear periphery, and implications of recent structures of the two-subunit,
      viral nuclear egress complex for the process, particularly at the step of budding
      through the inner nuclear membrane.

PMID- 28086163
TI  - Changes in lower limb muscle activity after walking on a split-belt treadmill in
      individuals post-stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that stroke survivors can adapt and improve
      step length symmetry in the context of split-belt treadmill (SBT) walking.
      However, less knowledge exists about the strategies involved for such
      adaptations. This study analyzed lower limb muscle activity in individuals post
      stroke related to SBT-induced changes in step length. METHODS: Step length and
      surface EMG activity of six lower limb muscles were evaluated in individuals post
      stroke (n=16) during (adaptation) and after (after-effects) walking at unequal
      belt speeds. RESULTS: During adaptation, significant increases in EMG activity
      were mainly found in proximal muscles (p?0.023), whereas after-effects were
      observed particularly in the distal muscles. The plantarflexor EMG increased
      after walking on the slow belt (p?0.023) and the dorsiflexors predominantly after
      walking on the fast belt (p?0.017) for both, non-paretic and paretic-fast
      conditions. Correlation analysis revealed that after-effects in step length were
      mainly associated with changes in distal paretic muscle activity (0.522?r?0.663)
      but not with functional deficits. Based on our results, SBT walking could be
      relevant for training individuals post-stroke who present shorter paretic step
      length combined with dorsiflexor weakness, or individuals with shorter nonparetic
      step length and plantarflexor weakness.

PMID- 28086164
TI  - Lacosamide for uncontrolled primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures: An open
      label pilot study with 59-week extension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assess the safety of adjunctive lacosamide for the treatment of
      uncontrolled primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients (16-65 years)
      with primary generalized (genetic) epilepsy (PGE). METHODS: An open-label pilot
      safety study (SP0961; NCT01118949), comprising 12 weeks' historical baseline, 4
      weeks' prospective baseline, 3 weeks' titration (target: 400mg/day adjunctive
      lacosamide) and 6 weeks' maintenance. Patients who continued to the extension
      study (SP0962; NCT01118962) then received <=59 weeks of flexible treatment (100
      800mg/day lacosamide with flexible dosing of concomitant antiepileptic drugs).
      The primary outcomes for SP0961 were the mean change (+/-standard deviation) in
      absence seizure or myoclonic seizure days per 28days from prospective baseline to
      maintenance; for SP0962, the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events
      (TEAEs) and withdrawals because of TEAEs. RESULTS: Of the 49 patients who
      enrolled, 40 (82%) completed the pilot study and 9 discontinued (5 because of
      adverse events). Of the 39 patients who continued to the extension study, 10
      discontinued (2 owing to TEAEs) and 29 (74%) completed the study. During the
      pilot study, patients reported a reduction in mean (+/-standard deviation)
      absence and myoclonic seizure days per 28days (-0.37+/-4.80, -2.19+/-5.80).
      Reductions were also observed during the extension study (-2.38+/-5.54, -2.78+/
      6.43). Five patients in SP0961 and 2 patients in SP0962 experienced TEAEs of new
      or increased frequency of absence seizures or myoclonic seizures. The most common
      TEAEs during SP0961 were dizziness (39%) and nausea (27%), and during SP0962 were
      dizziness (26%) and upper respiratory tract infection (26%). CONCLUSIONS: The
      safety profile of adjunctive lacosamide was similar to that previously published.
      Adjunctive lacosamide did not systematically worsen absence or myoclonic
      seizures, and appears to be well tolerated in patients with PGE.

PMID- 28086165
TI  - Simultaneous quantification of twenty-one ginsenosides and their three aglycones
      in rat plasma by a developed UFLC-MS/MS assay: Application to a pharmacokinetic
      study of red ginseng.
AB  - To track the pharmacokinetic features of red ginseng (RG), a rapid and sensitive
      ultra fast liquid chromatographic coupled with electrospray ionization triple
      quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) method was developed for
      simultaneous quantification of twenty-one ginsenosides and their three aglycones,
      including 18 prototype compounds (ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rg1, Rg5,
      Rh4, Rk1, Rk3, 20(S)-Rf, 20(S)-Rg2, 20(R)-Rg2, 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, 20(S)-Rh1,
      20(R)-Rh1, 20(S)-NG-R2), and 6 metabolites (ginsenosides 20(S)-Rh2 and Rh3, 20(S)
      protopanaxadiol (PPD), 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (PPT), 20(R)-PPT, ginseng saponin
      compound K) of RG in rat plasma after oral administration of RG water extract at
      a single dose of 4g/kg body weight to rats. All analytes with internal standard
      (digoxin) were detected by multiple reaction monitoring in negative ionization
      mode and separated on an ACQUITY UPLC(r) BEH RP-C18 column (1.7MUm, 100*2.1mm).
      This established method was well validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity,
      intra- and inter-day precisions, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, stability,
      and had a lower limit of quantification at the concentration range of 0.12
      8.12ng/mL for all of analytes. This UFLC-MS/MS approach was successfully applied
      to the pharmacokinetic study for RG water extract in rats. We firstly proposed
      that Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Rg1, Rg5, 20(S)-Rg3, 20(S)-Rh2, and 20(S)-PPD measured in
      rat plasma were suitable pharmacokinetic markers of RG extract in rats due to
      their high systemic exposure levels. Thus, this specific and reliable method will
      be useful for future applications to pharmacokinetic studies for various sources
      of ginsenoside samples and Panax herbs in vivo.

PMID- 28086166
TI  - On the spectroscopic analyses of 3-Hydroxy-1-Phenyl-Pyridazin-6(2H)one (HPHP): A
      comparative experimental and computational study.
AB  - We have systematically calculated various physical characteristics such as
      optimized molecular structural parameters, vibrational frequencies, HOMO-LUMO
      energy gap, total dipole moment and thermochemical parameters: nuclear repulsion
      energy, ionization energy, electron affinity, global hardness, electronic
      chemical potential, global electrophilicity index and finally softness (zeta)
      using DFT/B3LYP utilizing 6-311G(d,p) basis set for 3-Hydroxy-1-Phenyl-Pyridazin
      6(2H)one (HPHP). Also, HPHP nonlinear optical (NLO) properties have been checked
      by DFT/B3LYP utilizing 6-311G(d,p) basis set. In addition, we have investigated
      the influence of exposure to UV radiation on HPHP physical properties at the same
      level of theory. Our results show that HPHP possesses a dipole moment (2.68Debye)
      and HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 3.99eV that emphasize its high applicability for
      manufacturing photovoltaic devices such as solar cells. After exposure to UV
      radiation, the HPHP dipole moment has been lowered from 2.68 to 2.3Debye due to
      UV radiation. Moreover, a double spin in HPHP has been observed, as electrons are
      aligned according to their spin state. Electrons (spin ?) and (spin ?) are
      aligned in alpha and beta levels with energy gaps 3.82 and 3.17eV, respectively.
      This anomalous behavior may be justified by considering that HPHP undergoes
      anomalous Zeeman-like effect. The presence of this phenomenon in HPHP introduces
      it as a modern organic semiconductor which has high applicability to be used in
      modern spintronics.

PMID- 28086167
TI  - Genetic analysis in post-mortem samples with micro-ischemic alterations.
AB  - Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide. Most cardiac arrests
      happen in patients who have previously suffered a myocardial infarct. The risk of
      sudden death after infarction may increase in people who carry a pathogenic
      genetic alteration in cardiac ion channels. We hypothesized that micro-ischemia
      could trigger lethal arrhythmogenesis, thus we sought to identify genetic
      alterations in cardiac ion channels in patients with micro-ischemic disease. We
      studied a cohort of 56 post-mortem samples. Autopsy studies identified myocardial
      infarction as the cause of death in each case. We used both Sanger sequencing and
      next-generation sequencing to screen candidate genes associated with sudden
      cardiac death. We identified six rare missense genetic variations in five
      unrelated patients. Two variants have been previously reported; one is associated
      with atrial fibrillation (SCN5A_p.H445D), and the other is predicted to be benign
      (ANK2_p.T2059M). The novel variants were predicted in silico as benign, except
      for one (RyR2_p.M4019T), which was classified as deleterious. Our post-mortem,
      micro-infarction cohort displayed a rate of nearly 10% non-common genetic
      variants. However, the clinical significance of most of the identified variants
      remains unknown due to lack of family assessment. Further analyses should be
      performed in large cohorts to clarify the role of ion-channel gene analysis in
      samples showing microscopic ischemic alterations.

PMID- 28086168
TI  - Diagnostic performance of dual-staining cytology for cervical cancer screening: A
      systematic literature review.
AB  - Cervical cancer screening saves lives. Secondary prevention in cervical cancer
      screening relies on the results of primary cytology and/or HPV testing. However,
      primary screening with cytology has a low sensitivity, and HPV screening has a
      low specificity. This means that either cancers are missed, or women are over
      treated. To improve performance outcomes, the concept of dual-stain cytology
      (CINtec(r) PLUS Cytology test) has been introduced. In this approach, additional
      staining with p16/Ki-67 is performed in cases where cytology results are abnormal
      (LSIL or ASCUS) and/or HPV-positive. Another way to describe this approach might
      be "diagnostic" cytology. In order to assess the value of this "diagnostic
      cytology", a systematic literature review was conducted of dual-stain cytology
      performance across multiple studies until May 2016. In a Belgian screening
      population (women age 25-65 years), dual-stain cytology was significantly more
      sensitive (66%) and slightly less specific (-1.0%) than cytology. In the
      population referred to colposcopy or with abnormal cytology (ASCUS, LSIL), dual
      staining showed a significantly higher increase in specificity, and a slightly
      lower sensitivity than HPV testing. Specificity gains resulted in fewer false
      positives and an increase in the number of correct referrals to colposcopy. Dual
      staining with p16/Ki-67 cytology is an attractive biomarker approach for triage
      in cervical cancer screening.

PMID- 28086169
TI  - Functional characterization of a novel jasmonate ZIM-domain interactor (NINJA)
      from upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).
AB  - The jasmonic acid (JA) signalling pathway plays roles in plant development and
      defence against biotic and abiotic stresses. We isolated a cotton NINJA (novel
      interactor of JA ZIM-domain) gene, designated GhNINJA, which contains a 1305 bp
      open read frame. The GhNINJA gene encodes a 434 amino acid peptide. According to
      quantitative real-time PCR analysis, GhNINJA is preferentially expressed in
      roots, and its expression level is greatly induced by Verticillium dahliae
      infection. Through a virus-induced gene silencing technique, we developed GhNINJA
      silenced cotton plants, which had significantly decreased expression of the
      target gene with an average expression of 6% of the control. The regenerating
      lateral root growth of silenced plants was largely inhibited compared to the
      control. Analysis by microscopy demonstrated that the cell length of the root
      differentiation zone in GhNINJA-silenced plants is significantly shorter than
      those of the control. Moreover, the silenced plants exhibited higher tolerance to
      V. dahliae infection compared to the control, which was linked to the increased
      expression of the defence marker genes PDF1.2 and PR4. Together, these data
      indicated that knockdown of GhNINJA represses the root growth and enhances the
      tolerance to V. dahliae. Therefore, GhNINJA gene can be used as a candidate gene
      to breed the new cultivars for improving cotton yield and disease resistance.

PMID- 28086170
TI  - Process enhancement of supercritical methanol biodiesel production by packing
      beds.
AB  - Continuous fixed bed reactors filled by three kinds of packing which were glass
      bead, glass spring and Dixon rings were investigated. The effect of temperature,
      pressure, the molar ratio of methanol to oil, flow rate, the size and shape of
      the packing were researched. The highest yield 90.84% of FAME was obtained by
      filling Dixon rings as packing with the condition of the temperature was 350
      degrees C, the pressure was 22MPa, the molar ratio of methanol to oil was 42:1.
      In addition, the reusability of Dixon rings was perfect. Numerical simulation was
      researched to provide theoretical basis for experimental results, besides the
      kinetics and thermodynamics behavior were investigated to explore the reaction
      mechanism.

PMID- 28086171
TI  - Co-pyrolysis mechanism of seaweed polysaccharides and cellulose based on
      macroscopic experiments and molecular simulations.
AB  - Co-pyrolysis conversion of seaweed (Enteromorpha clathrat and Sargassum
      fusiforme) polysaccharides and cellulose has been investigated. From the Py-GC/MS
      results, Enteromorpha clathrata (EN) polysaccharides pyrolysis mainly forms
      furans; while the products of Sargassum fusiforme (SA) polysaccharides pyrolysis
      are mainly acid esters. The formation mechanisms of H2O, CO2, and SO2 during the
      pyrolysis of seaweed polysaccharides were analyzed using the thermogravimetric
      mass spectrometry. Meanwhile the pyrolysis of seaweed polysaccharide based on the
      Amber and the ReaxFF force fields, has also been proposed and simulated
      respectively. The simulation results coincided with the experimental results.
      During the fast pyrolysis, strong synergistic effects among cellulose and seaweed
      polysaccharide molecules have been simulated. By comparing the experimental and
      simulation value, it has been found that co-pyrolysis could increase the number
      of molecular fragments, increase the pyrolysis conversion rate, and increase gas
      production rate at the middle temperature range.

PMID- 28086172
TI  - Short-term and long-term effects of Zn (II) on the microbial activity and sludge
      property of partial nitrification process.
AB  - Autotrophic nitrogen removal was an innovative and economical nitrogen removal
      technology with less oxygen and no organics consumption, in which partial
      nitrification (PN) is the key component. It is necessary to clear the impact of
      metal ions on PN since the development of industry increased their opportunity
      for entering into wastewater. In this study, PN process was successfully started
      up in an SBR, the short-term and long-term effects of Zn (II) on microbial
      bioactivity and the sludge adsorption ability for Zn (II) were investigated.
      Results suggested that low Zn (II) were favorable for AOB bioactivity, while the
      long-term effect also induced NOB bioactivity. The suppression threshold of Zn
      (II) on AOB in short-term effect was 10mgL-1, which rose to 50mgL-1 in the long
      term effect due to the self-adaption. The PN sludge presented prominent
      absorbability for zinc and performed a quadratic relation with the Zn (II)
      concentration.

PMID- 28086173
TI  - Novel bio-electro-Fenton technology for azo dye wastewater treatment using
      microbial reverse-electrodialysis electrolysis cell.
AB  - Development of sustainable technologies for treatment of azo dyes containing
      wastewaters has long been of great interest. In this study, we proposed an
      innovative concept of using microbial reverse-electrodialysis electrolysis cell
      (MREC) based Fenton process to treat azo dye wastewater. In such MREC-Fenton
      integrated process, the production of H2O2 which is the key reactant of fenton
      reaction was driven by the electrons harvested from the exoelectrogens and
      salinity-gradient between sea water and fresh water in MREC. Complete
      decolorization and mineralization of 400mgL-1 Orange G was achieved with apparent
      first order rate constants of 1.15+/-0.06 and 0.26+/-0.03h-1, respectively.
      Furthermore, the initial concentration of orange G, initial solution pH,
      catholyte concentration, high and low concentration salt water flow rate and air
      flow rate were all found to significantly affect the dye degradation. This study
      provides an efficient and cost-effective system for the degradation of non
      biodegradable pollutants.

PMID- 28086174
TI  - Assessment of solvents for cellulose dissolution.
AB  - A necessary step in the processing of biomass is the pretreatment and dissolution
      of cellulose. A good solvent for cellulose involves high diffusivity,
      aggressiveness in decrystallization, and capability of disassociating the
      cellulose chains. However, it is not clear which of these factors and under what
      conditions should be improved in order to obtain a more effective solvent. To
      this end, a newly-developed phenomenological model has been applied to assess the
      controlling mechanism of cellulose dissolution. Among the findings, the cellulose
      fibers remain crystalline almost to the end of the dissolution process for
      decrystallization-controlled kinetics. In such solvents, decreasing the fiber
      crystallinity, e.g., via pretreatment, would result in a considerable increase in
      the dissolution rate. Such insights improve the understanding of cellulose
      dissolution and facilitate the selection of more efficient solvents and
      processing conditions for biomass. Specific examples of solvents are provided
      where dissolution is limited due to decrystallization or disentanglement.

PMID- 28086175
TI  - Updating the African human mitochondrial DNA tree: Relevance to forensic and
      population genetics.
AB  - Analysis of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation plays an important role in
      forensic genetic investigations, especially in degraded biological samples and
      hair shafts. There are many issues of the mtDNA phylogeny that are of special
      interest to the forensic community, such as haplogroup classification or the post
      hoc investigation of potential errors in mtDNA datasets. We have analyzed >2200
      mitogenomes of African ancestry with the aim of improving the known worldwide
      phylogeny. More than 300 new minor subclades were identified, and the Time to the
      Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA) was estimated for each node of the phylogeny.
      Phylogeographic details are provided which might also be relevant to forensic
      genetics. The present study has special interest for forensic investigations
      because current analysis and interpretation of mtDNA casework rest on a solid
      worldwide phylogeny, as is evident from the role that phylogeny plays in popular
      resources in the field (e.g. PhyloTree), software (e.g. Haplogrep 2), and
      databases (e.g. EMPOP). Apart from this forensic genetic interest, we also
      highlight the impact of this research in anthropological studies, such as those
      related to the reconstruction of the transatlantic slave trade.

PMID- 28086176
TI  - Short communication: Genetic association between schizophrenia and cannabis use.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Previous studies have shown a relationship between
      schizophrenia and cannabis use. As both traits are substantially heritable, a
      shared genetic liability could explain the association. We use two recently
      developed genomics methods to investigate the genetic overlap between
      schizophrenia and cannabis use. METHODS: Firstly, polygenic risk scores for
      schizophrenia were created based on summary statistics from the largest
      schizophrenia genome-wide association (GWA) meta-analysis to date. We analysed
      the association between these schizophrenia polygenic scores and multiple
      cannabis use phenotypes (lifetime use, regular use, age at initiation, and
      quantity and frequency of use) in a sample of 6,931 individuals. Secondly, we
      applied LD-score regression to the GWA summary statistics of schizophrenia and
      lifetime cannabis use to calculate the genome-wide genetic correlation. RESULTS:
      Polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia were significantly (alpha<0.05)
      associated with five of the eight cannabis use phenotypes, including lifetime
      use, regular use, and quantity of use, with risk scores explaining up to 0.5% of
      the variance. Associations were not significant for age at initiation of use and
      two measures of frequency of use analyzed in lifetime users only, potentially
      because of reduced power due to a smaller sample size. The LD-score regression
      revealed a significant genetic correlation of rg=0.22 (SE=0.07, p=0.003) between
      schizophrenia and lifetime cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS: Common genetic variants
      underlying schizophrenia and lifetime cannabis use are partly overlapping.
      Individuals with a stronger genetic predisposition to schizophrenia are more
      likely to initiate cannabis use, use cannabis more regularly, and consume more
      cannabis over their lifetime.

PMID- 28086177
TI  - Prescription opioid abuse in prison settings: A systematic review of prevalence,
      practice and treatment responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To systematically review the quantitative and qualitative evidence
      base pertaining to the prevalence, practice of, and treatment response to the
      diversion of prescribed opiates in the prison setting. METHODS: Medline, Embase,
      CINAHL, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, ASSIA and Science Direct databases were
      searched for papers from 1995 to the present relevant to the abuse of prescribed
      opiate medication. Identified journals and their reference lists were hand
      searched for other relevant articles. Of the abstracts identified as relevant,
      full text papers were retrieved and critiqued against the inclusion criteria for
      the review. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-five abstracts were identified,
      leading to 42 full-text articles being retrieved. Of those, 10 papers were
      included in the review. Significant differences in abuse behaviours between
      different countries were reported. However, a key theme emerged from the data
      regarding a culture of nasal administration of prescribed sublingual
      buprenorphine within some prisons due to both reduced prevalence of injection
      within prison and reduced supplies of illicit drugs within prison. The
      buprenorphine/naloxone preparation appears to be less amenable to abuse. The
      review highlighted a paucity of empirical research pertaining to both prevalence
      of the phenomenon and treatment responses. CLINICAL AND RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS:
      Healthcare providers within prisons need to prescribe opioids in the least
      abuseable preparation since the risk of abuse is significant, despite widespread
      processes of supervised dispensing. Prescription medication abuse is not limited
      to opioids and the predominant drug of abuse in an individual prison can rapidly
      change according to availability.

PMID- 28086178
TI  - Adverse childhood experiences among children placed in and adopted from foster
      care: Evidence from a nationally representative survey.
AB  - Despite good reason to believe that children in foster care are
      disproportionately exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), relatively
      little research considers exposure to ACEs among this group of vulnerable
      children. In this article, we use data from the 2011-2012 National Survey of
      Children's Health (NSCH), a nationally representative sample of non
      institutionalized children ages 0-17 in the United States, to estimate the
      association between foster care placement and exposure to an array of ACEs. In
      adjusted logistic regression models, we find that children placed in foster care
      or adopted from foster care, compared to their counterparts, were more likely to
      experience parental divorce or separation, parental death, parental
      incarceration, parental abuse, violence exposure, household member mental
      illness, and household member substance abuse. These children were also more
      likely to experience ACEs than children across different thresholds of
      socioeconomic disadvantage (e.g., children in households with incomes below the
      poverty line) and across different family structures (e.g., children in single
      mother families). These results advance our understanding of how children in
      foster care, an already vulnerable population, are disproportionately exposed to
      ACEs. This exposure, given the link between ACEs and health, may have
      implications for children's health and wellbeing throughout the life course.

PMID- 28086180
TI  - Exosome-SIRPalpha, a CD47 blockade increases cancer cell phagocytosis.
AB  - CD47, a "don't eat me" signal, is over-expressed on the surface of most tumors
      that interacts with signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPalpha) on phagocytic
      cells. By engaging SIRPalpha, CD47 limits the ability of macrophages to engulf
      tumor cells, which acts as a major phagocytic barrier. In this study, we
      developed an exosome-based immune checkpoint blockade that antagonizes the
      interaction between CD47 and SIRPalpha. These exosomes harboring SIRPalpha
      variants (SIRPalpha-exosomes) were sufficient to induce remarkably augmented
      tumor phagocytosis, lead to prime effective anti-tumor T cell response. Given
      that clustering of native CD47 provides a high binding avidity to ligate
      dimerized SIRPalpha on macrophage, nature-derived exosomes could be appreciable
      platform to antagonize CD47. Disruption of CD47-SIRPalpha interaction by
      SIRPalpha-exosomes leads to an increase in cells being engulfed by macrophages
      and a concomitant inhibition of tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice. Moreover,
      SIRPalpha-exosomes therapy promotes an intensive T cell infiltration in syngeneic
      mouse models of cancer, raising the possibility of CD47-targeted therapies to
      unleash both an innate and adaptive anti-tumor response. Note that very small
      amount of exosomal SIRPalpha proteins could effectively lead to phagocytic
      elimination of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that
      superlative exosome-based platform has broad potential to maximize the
      therapeutic efficacy of membrane-associated protein therapeutics.

PMID- 28086179
TI  - Engineered gadolinium-doped carbon dots for magnetic resonance imaging-guided
      radiotherapy of tumors.
AB  - The effectiveness of radiotherapy can decrease due to inaccurate positioning of
      machinery and inherent radioresistance of tumors. To address this issue, we
      present a novel theranostic nanoplatform based on gadolinium-doped carbon dots
      (Gd-doped CDs) designed specifically for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided
      radiotherapy of tumors. The Gd-doped CDs (~18 nm) with dispersibility in water
      and stable photoluminescence were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal
      approach. After tail vein injection of the Gd-doped CDs, they exhibited a
      relatively long circulation time (~6 h), enabled efficient passive tumor
      targeting. Gd-doped CDs accumulate in the kidney and could be cleared out of the
      body from bladder. Importantly, they exhibited favorable biocompatibility with
      excellent performance in longitudinal relaxivity rate (r1) of 6.45 mM-1S-1 and
      radiosensitization enhancements. These results show that Gd-doped CDs are
      excellent T1 contrast agents and radiosensitizers, possessing great promise for
      MRI-guided radiotherapy of tumors.

PMID- 28086181
TI  - Cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in individuals
      with severe mental illness and borderline personality disorder.
AB  - Secondary analyses were performed on data from two randomized controlled trials
      of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program for posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) in individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) to examine the
      feasibility, tolerability, and effectiveness for individuals with borderline
      personality disorder (BPD). In Study 1, 27 participants received CBT or treatment
      as usual. In Study 2, 55 participants received CBT or a Brief treatment.
      Feasibility and tolerability of CBT, PTSD symptoms, and other mental health and
      functional outcomes were examined, with assessments at baseline, post-treatment,
      and two follow-up time points. CBT was feasible and tolerable in this population.
      Study 1 participants in CBT improved significantly more in PTSD symptoms,
      depression, and self-reported physical health. Study 2 participants in both CBT
      and Brief improved significantly in PTSD symptoms, posttraumatic cognitions,
      depression, and overall functioning, with those in CBT acquiring significantly
      more PTSD knowledge, and having marginally significantly greater improvement in
      PTSD symptoms. CBT for PTSD was feasible and tolerated in individuals with SMI,
      BPD, and PTSD, and associated with improvements in PTSD symptoms and related
      outcomes. Prospective research is needed to evaluate CBT in individuals with BPD,
      including comparing it with staged interventions for this population.

PMID- 28086182
TI  - Graphene oxide coated with porous iron oxide ribbons for 2, 4
      Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) removal.
AB  - Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared from commercially available graphite powder.
      Porous iron oxide ribbons were grown on the surface of GO by solvothermal
      process. The prepared GO-Fe3O4 nanocomposites are characterized by FT-IR, XRD,
      VSM, SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, surface functionality and zero point charge
      studies. The morphology of the iron oxide ribbons grown on GO is demonstrated
      with TEM at various magnifications. The presence of magnetite nanoparticles is
      evident from XRD peaks and the magnetization value is found to be 37.28emu/g. The
      ratio of intensity of D-peak to G-peak from Raman spectrum is 0.995. The
      synthesized Graphene oxide-Fe3O4 nanocomposites (GO-Fe3O4) were explored for its
      surface adsorptive properties by using a model organic compound, 2,4
      Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption
      studies were performed and the equilibrium data are modelled with Langmuir,
      Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. The maximum monolayer capacity from Langmuir
      isotherm is 67.26mg/g. Kinetic studies were also carried out and the studied
      adsorption process followed pseudo second-order rate equation. Mechanism of the
      adsorption process is studied by fitting the data with intraparticle diffusion
      model and Boyd plot. The studied adsorption process is both by film diffusion and
      intraparticle diffusion.

PMID- 28086183
TI  - Mode of action of Cr(VI) in immunocytes of earthworms: Implications for animal
      health.
AB  - Chromium (Cr) is one of the major and most detrimental pollutant, widely present
      in the environment as a result of several anthropogenic activities. In mammalian
      cells, Cr(VI) is known to enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and to
      cause toxic and genotoxic effects. Less commonly investigated are the effects and
      mode of action of this contaminant in invertebrates, particularly in soil
      organisms. In this work, earthworms of the species Eisenia andrei were exposed
      for 1 and 3 days to various sublethal concentrations of Cr(VI) (2, 15, 30ugmL-1)
      using the paper contact toxicity test. In amoeboid leukocytes we investigated
      intracellular ROS and lipoperoxide production, oxidative DNA damage, and the
      effects on different cell functions. The analysis of the results shows that
      Cr(VI) triggered severe adverse reactions; the first events were an increase of
      intracellular ROS levels, generating in the cells oxidative stress conditions
      leading to membrane lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage. Lysosomes showed
      relevant changes such as a strong membrane destabilization, which was accompanied
      by an increased catabolism of cytoplasmic proteins and accumulation of
      lipofuscin. With an increase in the dose and/or time of exposure, the
      physiological status of intracellular organelles (such as lysosomes, nucleus and
      mitochondria) showed further impairment and amoebocyte immune functions were
      adversely affected, as shown by the decrease of the phagocytic activity. By
      mapping the responses of the different parameters evaluated, diagnostic of
      (oxidative) stress events, against lysosomal membrane stability, a "health
      status" indicator (able to describe the stress syndrome from its early phase to
      pathology), we have shown that this biomarker is suitable as a prognostic test
      for health of earthworms. This is viewed as a crucial step toward the derivation
      of explanatory frameworks for prediction of pollutant impact on animal health.

PMID- 28086185
TI  - Attenuation of the NMR signal in a field gradient due to stochastic dynamics with
      memory.
AB  - The attenuation function S(t) for an ensemble of spins in a magnetic-field
      gradient is calculated by accumulation of the phase shifts in the rotating frame
      resulting from the displacements of spin-bearing particles. The found S(t),
      expressed through the particle mean square displacement, is applicable for any
      kind of stationary stochastic motion of spins, including their non-markovian
      dynamics with memory. The known expressions valid for normal and anomalous
      diffusion are obtained as special cases in the long time approximation. The
      method is also applicable to the NMR pulse sequences based on the refocusing
      principle. This is demonstrated by describing the Hahn spin echo experiment. The
      attenuation of the NMR signal is also evaluated providing that the random motion
      of particle is modeled by the generalized Langevin equation with the memory
      kernel exponentially decaying in time. The models considered in our paper assume
      massive particles driven by much smaller particles.

PMID- 28086184
TI  - Sex and APOE: A memory advantage in male APOE epsilon4 carriers in midlife.
AB  - Short-term memory in middle-aged individuals with different APOE alleles was
      examined using a recently developed task which is sensitive to medial temporal
      lobe (MTL) damage. Individuals (age-range: 40-51 years) with epsilon3/epsilon3,
      epsilon3/epsilon4 and epsilon4/epsilon4 APOE genotypes (N = 60) performed a
      delayed estimation task with a sensitive continuous measure of report. The
      paradigm allowed us to measure memory for items and their locations, as well as
      maintenance of identity-location feature binding in memory. There was a
      significant gene-dosage dependent effect of the epsilon4 allele on performance:
      memory decay or forgetting was slower in epsilon4 carriers, as measured by
      localization error and after controlling for misbinding errors. Furthermore
      epsilon4 carriers made less misbinding errors. These findings were specific to
      male carriers only. Thus, male epsilon4 carriers are at a behavioral advantage in
      midlife on a sensitive task of short-term memory. The results would be consistent
      with an antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis and hightight the interaction of
      gender on the influence of APOE in cognition.

PMID- 28086186
TI  - Wet deposition and soil content of Beryllium - 7 in a micro-watershed of Minas
      Gerais (Brazil).
AB  - Beryllium-7 (7Be) is a natural radionuclide of cosmogenic origin, normally used
      as a tracer for several environmental processes; such as soil redistribution,
      sediment source discrimination, atmospheric mass transport, and trace metal
      scavenging from the atmosphere. In this research the content of 7Be in soil, its
      seasonal variation throughout the year and its relationship with the rainfall
      regime in the Mato Frio creek micro-watershed was investigated, to assess its
      potential use in estimating soil erosion. The 7Be content in soil shows a marked
      variation throughout the year. Minimum 7Be values were observed in the dry season
      (from April to September) and were between 7 and 14 times higher in the rainy
      season (from October to March). The seasonal oscillations in 7Be soil content
      could be explained by the asymmetric rainfall regime. A highly linear
      relationship between rainfall amount and 7Be deposition was observed in rain
      water. A good agreement between 7Be soil content and 7Be atmospheric deposition
      was noticed, mainly in wet months. 7Be penetration in soil reaches a 5 cm depth,
      this could be explained by the soil type in the region. The soils are Acrisol
      type, characterized by low pH values and clay illuviation in deeper layers of the
      soil. In some regions of Brazil special attention should be paid if this
      radionuclide will be used as soil erosion tracer, taking into account the soil
      origin and its particular properties.

PMID- 28086187
TI  - Exposure of luminous marine bacteria to low-dose gamma-radiation.
AB  - The study addresses biological effects of low-dose gamma-radiation. Radioactive
      137Cs-containing particles were used as model sources of gamma-radiation.
      Luminous marine bacterium Photobacterium phosphoreum was used as a bioassay with
      the bioluminescent intensity as the physiological parameter tested. To
      investigate the sensitivity of the bacteria to the low-dose gamma-radiation
      exposure (<=250 mGy), the irradiation conditions were varied as follows:
      bioluminescence intensity was measured at 5, 10, and 20 degrees S for 175, 100,
      and 47 h, respectively, at different dose rates (up to 4100 MUGy/h). There was no
      noticeable effect of gamma-radiation at 5 and 10 degrees S, while the 20 degrees
      S exposure revealed authentic bioluminescence inhibition. The 20 degrees S
      results of gamma-radiation exposure were compared to those for low-dose alpha-
      and beta-radiation exposures studied previously under comparable experimental
      conditions. In contrast to ionizing radiation of alpha and beta types, gamma
      emission did not initiate bacterial bioluminescence activation (adaptive
      response). As with alpha- and beta-radiation, gamma-emission did not demonstrate
      monotonic dose-effect dependencies; the bioluminescence inhibition efficiency was
      found to be related to the exposure time, while no dose rate dependence was
      found. The sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene did not reveal a mutagenic
      effect of low-dose gamma radiation. The exposure time that caused 50%
      bioluminescence inhibition was suggested as a test parameter for radiotoxicity
      evaluation under conditions of chronic low-dose gamma irradiation.

PMID- 28086188
TI  - Self and informant report ratings of psychopathology in genetic generalized
      epilepsy.
AB  - The psychological sequelae of genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE) is of growing
      research interest, with up to a third of all adults with GGE experiencing
      significant psychiatric comorbidity according to a recent systematic review. A
      number of unexplored questions remain. Firstly, there is insufficient evidence to
      determine relative prevalence of psychopathology between GGE syndromes. Secondly,
      the degree to which self-report and informant-report questionnaires accord in
      adults with epilepsy is unknown. Finally, while epilepsy severity is one likely
      predictor of worse psychopathology in GGE, evidence regarding other possible
      contributing factors such as epilepsy duration and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has
      been equivocal. The potential impact of subclinical epileptiform discharges
      remains unexplored. Self-report psychopathology symptoms across six DSM-Oriented
      Subscales were prospectively measured in 60 adults with GGE, with informant
      report provided for a subset of 47. We assessed the burden of symptoms from both
      self- and informant-report, and the relationship between clinical epilepsy
      variables and self-reported symptoms. Results showed elevated symptoms in almost
      half of the sample overall. Depression and anxiety were the most commonly
      reported types of symptoms. There was a trend towards greater symptoms
      endorsement by self-report, and relatively modest interrater agreement. Symptoms
      of ADHD were significantly positively associated with number of AEDs currently
      prescribed. Other psychopathology symptoms were not significantly predicted by
      epilepsy duration, seizure-free duration or total duration of epileptiform
      discharges over a 24-hour period. The high prevalence of psychological needs
      suggests that routine screening of psychopathology and provision of
      psychoeducation may be essential to improving patient care and outcomes. Further
      investigation is required to better understand predictive and causal factors for
      psychopathology in GGE.

PMID- 28086189
TI  - 'Epileptic', 'epileptic person' or 'person with epilepsy'? Bringing quantitative
      and qualitative evidence on the views of UK patients and carers to the
      terminology debate.
AB  - How to refer to someone with epilepsy is a divisive topic. Arguments for and
      against different approaches, including traditional adjective labels, disability
      first labels, and person-first terms have been presented. The preferences of
      those with epilepsy and their family and friends have, though, never been
      determined. This study provides this information for the first time. Via epilepsy
      interest groups and organizations in the UK and Republic of Ireland, 638 patients
      and 333 significant others completed an online survey. Three distinct phrases
      were presented: "They're epileptic" (traditional label), "They're an epileptic
      person" (disability-first) and "That person has epilepsy" (person-first).
      Participants identified which they preferred and explained their choices.
      Patients' median age was 39, with 69% having experienced seizures in the prior
      12months. Significant others were typically parents. Most (86.7%) patients and
      significant others (93.4%) favored the person-first term. Traditional and
      disability-first terms were "Disliked"/"Strongly disliked". Regression found it
      was not possible to reliably distinguish between participants favoring the
      different terms on the basis of demographics. Qualitative analysis of answers to
      open-ended questions, however, revealed most favored person-first terminology as
      by not including the word 'epileptic' and by affirming personhood before
      disability, it was felt to less likely restrict a listener's expectations or
      evoke the condition's negative association. It was also considered to suggest the
      person being referred to might have some mastery over their condition. The
      findings indicate consensus amongst these key stakeholders others for the use of
      person-first terminology in English. A truly informed debate on the topic can now
      begin.

PMID- 28086190
TI  - Attention deficits in children with epilepsy: Preliminary findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention difficulties are a common clinical complaint among children
      with epilepsy. We aimed to compare a range of attentional abilities between
      groups of children with two common epilepsy syndromes, Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
      (TLE) and Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy (IGE), and to healthy controls. We also
      investigated whether epilepsy factors (laterality of seizure focus, epilepsy
      onset, duration, and severity) were related to attentional abilities. METHODS:
      Multiple dimensions of attention (selective, sustained, and divided attention and
      attentional control) were assessed directly with standardized neuropsychological
      measures in 101 children aged 6-16years (23 children with TLE, 20 with IGE and 58
      healthy controls). Attention was also assessed indirectly, via a parent-report
      measure. RESULTS: Children with TLE performed worse than children with IGE
      (p=0.013) and healthy controls (p<0.001) on a test of attentional control, but no
      between-group differences were apparent on tests of other attentional abilities.
      Compared to healthy controls, greater attention problems were reported by parents
      of children with TLE (p=0.006) and IGE (p=0.012). Left-hemisphere seizure focus
      and greater epilepsy severity were associated with poorer attentional control and
      sustained-divided attention, respectively, but no other epilepsy factors were
      associated with attentional abilities. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that
      children with localization-related epilepsy, but not generalized epilepsy, may be
      at risk of deficits in attentional control. Interventions aimed at improving
      attentional control may be targeted at children with localization-related
      epilepsy, particularly those with a left-hemisphere seizure focus, who appear to
      be particularly susceptible to this type of attentional deficit.

PMID- 28086191
TI  - Rationalising vitamin B6 biofortification in crop plants.
AB  - Vitamin B6 encompasses a group of related compounds (vitamers) that can only be
      biosynthesised de novo by plants and microorganisms. Enzymatic cofactor and
      antioxidant functions for vitamin B6 are established in all kingdoms. Human
      vitamin B6 dietary insufficiency or genetic defects in B6 vitamer interconversion
      result in various neurological and inflammatory pathologies with several
      populations at-risk or marginal for vitamin B6 status. Three (rice, wheat and
      cassava) of the world's top five staple crops do not meet the recommended dietary
      allowance for vitamin B6, when consumed as a major proportion of the diet. In
      addition, controlled enhancement of the appropriate B6 vitamer in crops has the
      potential to confer stress resistance. Thus, crop biofortification strategies
      represent an opportunity to reduce the risk of deficiency in populations with
      limited diet diversity and quality, as well as improving stress tolerance.

PMID- 28086192
TI  - From single cells to our planet-recent advances in using mass spectrometry for
      spatially resolved metabolomics.
AB  - Spatial information in the form of 3D digital content has been increasingly
      integrated into our daily lives. Metabolomic studies parallel this trend with
      spatial and time resolved information being acquired. Mass spectrometry imaging
      (MSI), which combines qualitative and quantitative molecular information with
      spatial information, plays a crucial role in mass spectrometry-based
      metabolomics. The lateral spatial resolution obtained by MSI continues to improve
      and allows mass spectrometers to be used as molecular microscopes-enabling the
      exploration of the cellular and subcellular metabolome. Towards the other end of
      the scale, MS is also being used to map (image) molecules on our skin, habitats,
      and entire ecosystems. In this article, we provide a perspective of imaging mass
      spectrometry for metabolomic studies from the subcellular to planetary scale.

PMID- 28086194
TI  - Parkin deficiency exacerbate ethanol-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration by
      P38 pathway dependent inhibition of autophagy and mitochondrial function.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by
      selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Parkin
      (which encoded by Park2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is the most frequently mutated
      gene that has casually been linked to autosomal recessive early onset familial
      PD. We tested the effect of Park2 on ethanol-induced dopaminergic
      neurodegeneration in Park2 knockout (KO) transgenic mice after chronic ethanol
      feeding. Male Park2 wild type (WT) and KO mice (8 weeks old) were fed on a Lieber
      DeCarli diet containing 6.6% ethanol for 2 weeks, and compared their responses.
      We found that knockout of Park2 exacerbates ethanol-induced behavioral impairment
      as well as dopamine depletion. In the mechanism study, we found that knockout of
      Park2 increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitophagy formation,
      mitochondrial dysfunction, and expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, but
      decreased expression of pro-autophagic proteins. Knockout of Park2 also increased
      ethanol-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. In addition,
      ROS production, mitophagy formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and expression of
      pro-apoptotic proteins were increased, but expression of pro-autophagic proteins
      were decreased by a treatment of ethanol (100MUM) in Park2 siRNA-transfacted PC12
      cells (5MUM). Moreover, the exacerbating effects of Park2 deletion on ethanol
      induced ROS generation, mitophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction as well as cell
      death were reduced by p38 specific inhibitor (SB203580) in in vitro (10MUM) and
      in vivo 10mg/kg). Park2 deficiency exacerbates ethanol-induced dopaminergic
      neuron damage through p38 kinase dependent inhibition of autophagy and
      mitochondrial function.

PMID- 28086193
TI  - Cross-talk between lipid and protein carbonylation in a dynamic cardiomyocyte
      model of mild nitroxidative stress.
AB  - Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) play an important role in the
      regulation of cardiac function. Increase in ROS/RNS concentration results in
      lipid and protein oxidation and is often associated with onset and/or progression
      of many cardiovascular disorders. However, interplay between lipid and protein
      modifications has not been simultaneously studied in detail so far. Biomolecule
      carbonylation is one of the most common biomarkers of oxidative stress. Using a
      dynamic model of nitroxidative stress we demonstrated rapid changes in
      biomolecule carbonylation in rat cardiomyocytes. Levels of carbonylated species
      increased as early as 15min upon treatment with the peroxynitrite donor, 3
      morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), and decreased to values close to control after
      16h. Total (lipids+proteins) vs. protein-specific carbonylation showed different
      dynamics, with a significant increase in protein-bound carbonyls at later time
      points. Treatment with SIN-1 in combination with inhibitors of proteasomal and
      autophagy/lysosomal degradation pathways allowed confirmation of a significant
      role of the proteasome in the degradation of carbonylated proteins, whereas lipid
      carbonylation increased in the presence of autophagy/lysosomal inhibitors.
      Electrophilic aldehydes and ketones formed by lipid peroxidation were identified
      and relatively quantified using LC-MS/MS. Molecular identity of reactive species
      was used for data-driven analysis of their protein targets. Combination of
      different enrichment strategies with LC-MS/MS analysis allowed identification of
      more than 167 unique proteins with 332 sites modified by electrophilic lipid
      peroxidation products. Gene ontology analysis of modified proteins demonstrated
      enrichment of several functional categories including proteins involved in
      cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, ion channels and their regulation. Using
      calcium mobilization assays, the effect of nitroxidative stress on the activity
      of several ion channels was further confirmed.

PMID- 28086195
TI  - Zinc deficiency affects the STAT1/3 signaling pathways in part through redox
      mediated mechanisms.
AB  - Zinc deficiency affects the development of the central nervous system (CNS)
      through mechanisms only partially understood. We previously showed that zinc
      deficiency causes CNS oxidative stress, damaging microtubules and impairing
      protein nuclear shuttling. STAT1 and STAT3 transcription factors, which require
      nuclear import for their functions, play major roles in CNS development. Thus, we
      investigated whether zinc deficiency disrupts STAT1 and STAT3 signaling pathways
      in the developing fetal CNS, characterizing the involvement of oxidative stress
      and the cytoskeleton in the adverse effects. Maternal (gestation day 0-19)
      marginal zinc deficiency (MZD) reduced STAT1 and STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation
      and their nuclear translocation in the embryonic day 19 (E19) rat brain. Similar
      effects were observed in zinc depleted IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells, with an
      associated decrease in STAT1- and STAT3-dependent gene transactivation. Zinc
      deficiency caused oxidative stress (increased 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts)
      in E19 brain and IMR-32 cells, which was prevented in cells by supplementation
      with 0.5mM alpha-lipoic acid (LA). In zinc depleted IMR-32 cells, the low
      tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1, but not that of STAT3, recovered upon
      incubation with LA. STAT1 and STAT3 nuclear transports were also restored by LA.
      Accordingly, chemical disruption of the cytoskeleton partially reduced STAT1 and
      STAT3 nuclear levels. In summary, the redox-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation,
      and oxidant-mediated disruption of the cytoskeleton are involved in the
      deleterious effects of zinc deficit on STAT1 and STAT3 activation and nuclear
      translocation. Therefore, disruption of the STAT1 and STAT3 signaling pathways
      may in part explain the deleterious effects of maternal MZD on fetal brain
      development.

PMID- 28086198
TI  - Gastric adenocarinoma of the upper oesophagus: A literature review and case
      report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ectopic gastric mucosa (EGM) otherwise termed gastric heterotopia or
      gastric inlet patch occurs in approximately 2.5% of the population.
      Adenocarcinoma uncommonly involves the upper oesophagus, rarely arising from
      gastric heterotopia or submucosal glands. Currently, there are 58 cases in the
      literature of oesophageal adenocarcinoma arising within areas of EGM. To date no
      paper has differentiated between gastric or intestinal type adenocarcinoma. This
      case, which describes adenocarcinoma arising within EGM, exhibited a different
      immunophenotype reminiscent of gastric type glands, in the absence of intestinal
      metaplasia. This case should be regarded as a different type of carcinoma,
      consistent with a non-Barrett's oesophagus-associated adenocarcinoma. CLINICAL
      PRESENTATION: A 63year old female presented with a three month history of
      progressive cervical dysphagia with no associated weight loss or general malaise.
      Gastroscopy revealed a suspicious lesion at the cricopharyngeus. Positron
      emission tomography demonstrated a metabolically active primary lesion without
      evidence of distant disease. The patient received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy
      followed by a three stage total oesophagectomy. Histology demonstrated a
      moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with gastric immunophenotype and
      background changes of gastric heterotopia. CONCLUSION: EGM is common but scarcely
      biopsied for evidence of dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. Whilst malignant
      progression is rare it is important that endoscopists are aware of the potential.
      Determining the exact type of adenocarcinoma may have implications for
      therapeutic approaches. Recognition of EGM at endoscopy may identify patients at
      greater risk of developing adenocarcinomas of the proximal oesophagus, however,
      this relationship and the necessity for screening requires more study.

PMID- 28086197
TI  - Non-linear impact of glutathione depletion on C. elegans life span and stress
      resistance.
AB  - The redox environment in cells and organisms is set by low-molecular mass and
      protein-bound thiols, with glutathione (GSH) representing a major intracellular
      redox buffer. Subtle thiol oxidation elicits signal transduction processes and
      adaptive responses to cope with stressors, whereas highly oxidizing conditions
      may provoke cell death. We here tested how thiol depletion affects life span,
      stress resistance and stress signaling in the model organism Caenorhabditis
      elegans. Diethyl maleate (DEM), an alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compound that
      conjugates to GSH and other thiols, decreased C. elegans life span at a
      concentration of 1mM. In contrast, low and moderate doses of DEM (10-100uM)
      increased mean and maximum life span and improved resistance against oxidative
      stress. DEM-induced life span extension was not detectable in worms deficient in
      either the FoxO orthologue, DAF-16, or the Nrf2 orthologue, SKN-1, pointing to a
      collaborative role of the two transcription factors in life span extension
      induced by thiol depletion. Cytoprotective target genes of DAF-16 and SKN-1 were
      upregulated after at least 3 days of exposure to 100uM DEM, but not 1mM DEM,
      whereas only 1mM DEM caused upregulation of egl-1, a gene controlled by a p53
      orthologue, CEP-1. In order to test whether depletion of GSH may elicit effects
      similar to DEM, we suppressed GSH biosynthesis in worms by attenuating gamma
      glutamylcysteine synthetase (gcs-1) expression through RNAi. The decline in GSH
      levels elicited by gcs-1 knockdown starting at young adult stage did not impair
      viability, but increased both stress resistance and life expectancy of the worms.
      In contrast, gcs-1 knockdown commencing right after hatching impaired nematode
      stress resistance and rendered young adult worms prone to vulval ruptures during
      egg-laying. Thus, modest decrease in GSH levels in young adult worms may promote
      stress resistance and life span, whereas depletion of GSH is detrimental to
      freshly hatched and developing worms.

PMID- 28086199
TI  - Association between comorbidity and participation in breast and cervical cancer
      screening: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comorbidity is associated with poor outcomes for cancer patients but
      it is less clear how it influences cancer prevention and early detection. This
      review synthesizes evidence from studies that have quantified the association
      between comorbidity and participation in breast and cervical screening. METHODS:
      PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases were systematically searched using key terms
      related to cancer screening and comorbidity for original research articles
      published between 1 January 1991 and 21 March 2016. Two reviewers independently
      screened 1283 studies that met eligibility criteria related to Population (adult,
      non-cancer populations), Exposure (comorbidity), Comparison (a 'no comorbidity'
      group), and Outcome (participation in breast cancer or cervical screening). Data
      was extracted and risk of bias assessed using a standardised tool from the 22
      studies identified for inclusion (17 breast; 13 cervical). Meta-analyses were
      performed for participation in breast and cervical screening, stratified by
      important study characteristics. RESULTS: The majority of studies were conducted
      in the United States. Results of individual studies were variable. Most had
      medium to high risk of bias. Based on the three "low risk of bias" studies,
      mammography screening was less common among those with comorbidity (pooled Odds
      Ratio 0.66, 95%CI 0.44-0.88). The one "low risk of bias" study of cervical
      screening reported a negative association between comorbidity and participation.
      CONCLUSION: While a definitive conclusion could not be drawn, the results from
      high quality studies suggest that women with comorbidity are less likely to
      participate in breast, and possibly cervical, cancer screening.

PMID- 28086200
TI  - An expert system for selecting wart treatment method.
AB  - As benign tumors, warts are made through the mediation of Human Papillomavirus
      (HPV) and may grow on all parts of body, especially hands and feet. There are
      several treatment methods for this illness. However, none of them can heal all
      patients. Consequently, physicians are looking for more effective and customized
      treatments for each patient. They are endeavoring to discover which treatments
      have better impacts on a particular patient. The aim of this study is to identify
      the appropriate treatment for two common types of warts (plantar and common) and
      to predict the responses of two of the best methods (immunotherapy and
      cryotherapy) to the treatment. As an original work, the study was conducted on
      180 patients, with plantar and common warts, who had referred to the dermatology
      clinic of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. In this study, 90 patients were treated
      by cryotherapy method with liquid nitrogen and 90 patients with immunotherapy
      method. The selection of the treatment method was made randomly. A fuzzy logic
      rule-based system was proposed and implemented to predict the responses to the
      treatment method. It was observed that the prediction accuracy of immunotherapy
      and cryotherapy methods was 83.33% and 80.7%, respectively. According to the
      results obtained, the benefits of this expert system are multifold: assisting
      physicians in selecting the best treatment method, saving time for patients,
      reducing the treatment cost, and improving the quality of treatment.

PMID- 28086201
TI  - The effects of GLP-1 based therapies on postprandial haemodynamics: Two
      randomised, placebo-controlled trials in overweight type 2 diabetes patients.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the effects of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists
      and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors on postprandial haemodynamics.
      METHODS: 57 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean+/-SD age 62.8+/-6.9years; BMI
      31.8+/-4.1kg/m2; HbA1c 7.3+/-0.6%) were included in an acute (exenatide- or
      placebo-infusion) and 12-week (liraglutide, sitagliptin or placebo) randomised,
      placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Systemic haemodynamics (oscillometric
      technique and finger photoplethysmography), vascular stiffness (tonometry), and
      sympathetic nervous system (SNS)-activity (heart rate variability) were
      determined in the fasting state and following a standardised mixed meal. RESULTS:
      In both studies, postprandial blood pressure (BP) decreased during placebo
      intervention. Compared with placebo, acute exenatide-infusion increased
      postprandial diastolic BP (6.7 [95%-confidence interval 3.6-9.9]mmHg, p<0.001)
      and vascular resistance (683.6 [438.5-928.8]dyn*s/cm5/1.73m2, p<0.001), while
      cardiac index decreased (0.6 [0.40.8]L/min/1.73m2; p<0.001). Systolic BP,
      augmentation index and SNS-activity were unaffected. Twelve-week liraglutide
      treatment did not affect postprandial haemodynamics, while sitagliptin decreased
      diastolic BP (3.5 [0.0-6.9] mmHg; p=0.050), vascular resistance (309.9 [66.6
      553.1]dyn*s/cm5/1.73m2; p=0.013) and cardiac index (0.3 [0.0-0.6]L/min/1.73m2;
      p=0.040), compared with placebo. Neither liraglutide nor sitagliptin affected SNS
      activity or augmentation index. All treatments significantly lowered postprandial
      glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: Acute exenatide-infusion prevented the meal-induced
      decline in diastolic BP, although prolonged liraglutide intervention did not
      affect postprandial haemodynamics. The meal-induced drop in BP was augmented
      during sitagliptin-treatment.

PMID- 28086202
TI  - Easy, fast and environmental friendly method for the simultaneous extraction of
      the 16 EPA PAHs using magnetic molecular imprinted polymers (mag-MIPs).
AB  - An easy and environmental friendly method, based on the use of magnetic molecular
      imprinted polymers (mag-MIPs) is proposed for the simultaneous extraction of the
      16 U.S. EPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) priority pollutants. The mag
      MIPs based extraction protocol is simple, more sensitive and low organic solvent
      consuming compared to official methods and also adequate for those PAHs more
      retained in the particulate matter. The new proposed extraction method followed
      by HPLC determination has been validated and applied to different types of water
      samples: tap water, river water, lake water and mineral water.

PMID- 28086203
TI  - MiRNA-34 and stress response.

PMID- 28086196
TI  - Happily (n)ever after: Aging in the context of oxidative stress, proteostasis
      loss and cellular senescence.
AB  - Aging is a complex phenomenon and its impact is becoming more relevant due to the
      rising life expectancy and because aging itself is the basis for the development
      of age-related diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and type 2
      diabetes. Recent years of scientific research have brought up different theories
      that attempt to explain the aging process. So far, there is no single theory that
      fully explains all facets of aging. The damage accumulation theory is one of the
      most accepted theories due to the large body of evidence found over the years.
      Damage accumulation is thought to be driven, among others, by oxidative stress.
      This condition results in an excess attack of oxidants on biomolecules, which
      lead to damage accumulation over time and contribute to the functional involution
      of cells, tissues and organisms. If oxidative stress persists, cellular
      senescence is a likely outcome and an important hallmark of aging. Therefore, it
      becomes crucial to understand how senescent cells function and how they
      contribute to the aging process. This review will cover cellular senescence
      features related to the protein pool such as morphological and molecular
      hallmarks, how oxidative stress promotes protein modifications, how senescent
      cells cope with them by proteostasis mechanisms, including antioxidant enzymes
      and proteolytic systems. We will also highlight the nutritional status of
      senescent cells and aged organisms (including human clinical studies) by
      exploring trace elements and micronutrients and on their importance to develop
      strategies that might increase both, life and health span and postpone aging
      onset.

PMID- 28086204
TI  - Understanding histone deacetylation in Huntington's disease.

PMID- 28086205
TI  - Regulation of RIC-3 and of nAChR expression.

PMID- 28086206
TI  - VTA BDNF enhances social stress-induced compulsive cocaine bingeing.

PMID- 28086207
TI  - Progress in CSF biomarker discovery in sCJD.

PMID- 28086208
TI  - Glutamate transporters: The arrestin connection.

PMID- 28086209
TI  - Pathophysiological role of zinc in ischemic brain injury.

PMID- 28086210
TI  - Neurons from skin mimic brain holes.

PMID- 28086211
TI  - Parkinson's disease: no NOP, new hope.

PMID- 28086213
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of general anesthesia-induced neonatal neurodegeneration.

PMID- 28086212
TI  - High TMPRSS11D protein expression predicts poor overall survival in non-small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - TMPRSS11D (HAT) belongs to the large type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP)
      family, participating in various biological and physiological processes.
      TMPRSS11D expression has been reported during squamous cell carcinogenesis,
      however, its expression during non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development has
      not been studied. In this study, we determined the mRNA and protein expression of
      TMPRSS11D in NSCLC tumorous and matched adjacent normal tissues by quantitative
      reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and tissue microarray immunohistochemistry
      analysis (TMA-IHC) respectively. TMPRSS11D protein expression in tumorous tissues
      were correlated with NSCLC patients' clinical characteristics and overall
      survival. Both TMPRSS11D mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly
      higher in NSCLC tumorous tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. High TMPRSS11D
      protein expression was associated with high TNM stages, and high TMPRSS11D
      protein expression is an independent prognostic marker in NSCLC. Based on our
      results, we conclude that TMPRSS11D could play a role in NSCLC development and
      progression. Because of its role in proteolysis of extracellular matrix,
      targeting TMPRSS11D may prevent the development of metastasis in NSCLC.

PMID- 28086214
TI  - Weight loss effects of methotrexate and cyclophosphamide.

PMID- 28086215
TI  - Predictive value of glucose transporter-1 and glucose transporter-3 for survival
      of cancer patients: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The role of glucose transporters in cancers remains
      contradictory. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the
      association between overall survival and glucose transporter s (GLUTs) 1 and 3 to
      find an accurate prognostic biomarker. METHODS: We systematically searched the
      PubMed, EMbase and Medline databases for relevant published studies that were
      consistent with the eligible criteria up to January 2016, and calculated pooled
      estimated hazard ratios of GLUT-1 and -3's expressions in different cancer types
      and ethnic populations. Random-effects models were used to assess estimates from
      studies with significant heterogeneities. RESULTS: Overall, 12 studies concerning
      GLUT 1 and 2 studies concerning GLUT 3, which involved 2008 participants when
      combined, were included in this analysis. We found that overexpression of GLUTs
      were significantly correlated to poorer survival rates (HR=1.63, 95%CI=1.09-2.44
      and HR=1.89, 95%CI=1.28-2.81). In the subgroup analysis, the GLUT 1 up-regulation
      was correlated with negative overall survival in pancreatic cancer and gastric
      cancer and with better overall survival in colorectal cancer. In addition,
      overexpression of GLUT 1 was associated with a poorer prognosis in the Asian
      population, while no significance was found in the non-Asian subgroup. However,
      limitations do exist, which could be handled better. CONCLUSIONS: A combination
      of GLUTs 1 and 3 might help predict malignancy of cancers and direct effective
      cancer therapy.

PMID- 28086216
TI  - Galectin-1 inhibits oral-intestinal allergy syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The pathogenesis of oral-intestinal allergy syndrome (OIAS)
      has not been well understood. Published data indicate that galectin (Gal) 1 has
      immune regulatory functions. This study tests a hypothesis that Gal1 inhibits
      oral-intestinal allergy syndrome. METHODS: Mice were sensitized to peanut
      extracts (PE) via the buccal mucosa with or without using Gal1 together. RESULTS:
      Upon re-exposure to specific antigen, the OIAS mice showed the systemic allergic
      response, the oral allergic reactions, and intestinal allergic inflammation,
      including increases in serum histamine, drop of the core temperature, higher
      levels of PE-specific IgE and interleukin (IL)-4. Increases in mast cell and
      eosinophil in the oral mucosa and intestinal mucosa were also observed. The OIAS
      was inhibited by co-administration with Gal1 via a mechanism of suppressing micro
      RNA (miR)-98 and reversing the expression of IL-10 in CD14+ cells in the
      intestine. CONCLUSIONS: The OIAS can be induced by applying specific antigens to
      the oral mucosa, which can be inhibited by co-administration with Gal1.

PMID- 28086217
TI  - Repurposing an antidandruff agent to treating cancer: zinc pyrithione inhibits
      tumor growth via targeting proteasome-associated deubiquitinases.
AB  - The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a central role in various cellular
      processes through selectively degrading proteins involved in critical cellular
      functions. Targeting UPS has been validated as a novel strategy for treating
      human cancer, as inhibitors of the 20S proteasome catalytic activity are
      currently in clinical use for treatment of multiple myeloma and other cancers,
      and the deubiquitinase activity associated with the proteasome is also a valid
      target for anticancer agents. Recent studies suggested that zinc pyrithione, an
      FDA-approved antidandruff agent, may have antitumor activity, but the detailed
      molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that zinc pyrithione (ZnPT)
      targets the proteasome-associated DUBs (USP14 and UCHL5) and inhibits their
      activities, resulting in a rapid accumulation of protein-ubiquitin conjugates,
      but without inhibiting the proteolytic activities of 20S proteasomes.
      Furthermore, ZnPT exhibits cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines in
      vitro, selectively kills bone marrow cells from leukemia patients ex vivo, and
      efficiently inhibits the growth of lung adenocarcinoma cancer cell xenografts in
      nude mice. This study has identified zinc pyrithione, an FDA-approved
      pharmacological agent with potential antitumor properties as a proteasomal DUB
      inhibitor.

PMID- 28086218
TI  - Sensitization of glycoengineered interferon-beta1a-resistant cancer cells by
      cFLIP inhibition for enhanced anti-cancer therapy.
AB  - In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism underlying the resistance of
      cancer cells to R27T, a glycoengineered version of recombinant human interferon
      (IFN)-beta1a, and sought to overcome R27T resistance through combination therapy.
      R27T has been shown to induce anti-proliferation and apoptosis in human OVCAR-3
      and MCF-7 cells, but not in HeLa cells. R27T treatment increased caspase-8
      activity and the consequent cleavage of caspase-8 and -3 in R27T-sensitive OVCAR
      3 cells, but not in R27T-resistant HeLa cells. Conversely, R27T increased the
      expression of cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (cFLIP) in HeLa cells, but
      not in OVCAR-3 cells. The sensitization of HeLa cells with cFLIP small
      interfering RNA or 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBB, an inhibitor of casein
      kinase-2) facilitated R27T-induced caspase activation, and consequently
      apoptosis. In OVCAR-3-xenografted mice, intraperitoneal administration of R27T
      showed 2.1-fold higher anti-tumor efficacy than did the control vehicle. The
      combined administration of R27T and TBB showed the greatest anti-tumor effect in
      HeLa tumor-bearing mice, reducing the relative tumor volume by 35.7% compared to
      that in R27T-treated mice. Taken together, our results suggest that R27T has
      potential as an anti-cancer drug, and combination therapy with cFLIP inhibitors
      may be an effective strategy for overcoming R27T resistance.

PMID- 28086219
TI  - Gadd45a deficiency accelerates BCR-ABL driven chronic myelogenous leukemia.
AB  - The Gadd45a stress sensor gene is a member in the Gadd45 family of genes that
      includes Gadd45b & Gadd45g. To investigate the effect of GADD45A in the
      development of CML, syngeneic wild type lethally irradiated mice were
      reconstituted with either wild type or Gadd45a null myeloid progenitors
      transduced with a retroviral vector expressing the 210-kD BCR-ABL fusion
      oncoprotein. Loss of Gadd45a was observed to accelerate BCR-ABL driven CML
      resulting in the development of a more aggressive disease, a significantly
      shortened median mice survival time, and increased BCR-ABL expressing leukemic
      stem/progenitor cells (GFP+Lin- cKit+Sca+). GADD45A deficient progenitors
      expressing BCR-ABL exhibited increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis
      relative to WT counterparts, which was associated with enhanced PI3K-AKT-mTOR-4E
      BP1 signaling, upregulation of p30C/EBPalpha expression, and hyper-activation of
      p38 and Stat5. Furthermore, Gadd45a expression in samples obtained from CML
      patients was upregulated in more indolent chronic phase CML samples and down
      regulated in aggressive accelerated phase CML and blast crisis CML. These results
      provide novel evidence that Gadd45a functions as a suppressor of BCR/ABL driven
      leukemia and may provide a unique prognostic marker of CML progression.

PMID- 28086220
TI  - B-cell lymphomas involving Waldeyer's ring characterized by distinctive clinical
      and histopathological features: a comparison of pediatric to adult patients.
AB  - B-cell lymphomas involving Waldeyer's ring (WR) comprise heterogeneous
      histolopathological subtypes with a wide age range and distinctive clinical
      features. However, the comparison between pediatric and adult patients is scarce
      and limited in the literature. Thirty-three cases of B-cell lymphomas involving
      WR, were collected and evaluated by histolopathological, immunohistochemical and
      FISH analyses. The 33 cases were categorized into children and adolescents
      referred as pediatric group (n = 12), aged (3-19) years and the adult group (n =
      21), aged (20-84) years. The pediatric group included Burkitt lymphoma (BL),
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and MUM1-positive-lymphoma in 7, 3 and 2
      cases, respectively. While the adult cases comprised of DLBCL, follicular
      lymphoma, and mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in 18, 2 and 1
      case, respectively. Male gender was predominant in both groups with 3 folds
      frequency in the pediatric cases compared to 2 folds in the adults counterpart.
      Pediatric cases showed a significantly higher frequency of stage I disease (P =
      0.019), germinal center B-cell (GCB) phenotype (P = 0.011), CD10-positive
      expression (P = 0.003), and MYC breaks (P = 0.029) compared to adults. However,
      MUM1 positive expression was less frequently detected in pediatric patients than
      adults (P = 0.082). BCL2 rearrangement was undetectable in both pediatric and
      adult groups. On the other hand, adult group had the significantly higher
      proportion of DLBCL (P < 0.001), BCL2 expression (P = 0.027) and stage II disease
      (P = 0.047) compared to pediatric group.In conclusion, B-cell lymphomas involving
      WR presented with a wide age range, and evident variation in clinical features,
      histopathological subtypes and immunophenotypes between pediatric and adult age
      groups.

PMID- 28086221
TI  - Radioprotective effects of Keratinocyte Growth Factor-1 against irradiation
      induced salivary gland hypofunction.
AB  - Irradiation can cause salivary gland hypofunction, with hyposalivation producing
      discomfort, health risks, and reducing function in daily life. Despite increasing
      translational research interest in radioprotection, there are no satisfactory
      treatments available. Keratinocyte growth factor-1 stimulates proliferation of
      salivary epithelial cells or salivary stem/progenitor cells. However, the exact
      mechanism of its radioprotection against radiation-induced salivary hypofunction
      is not fully elucidated. Our results reveal that the radioprotective effects of
      keratinocyte growth factor-1 involved alleviation of growth inhibition and anti
      apoptotic cell death of human parotid epithelial cells. Furthermore, keratinocyte
      growth factor-1 protected human parotid epithelial cells through the
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase - protein kinase B (Akt) pathway and inhibition of p53
      mediated apoptosis through activation of mouse double minute 2. Local delivery of
      keratinocyte growth factor-1 into the irradiated salivary glands could protect
      radiation-induced salivary cell damages, suppress p53-mediated apoptosis and
      prevent salivary hypofunction in vivo. This suggests that keratinocyte growth
      factor-1 is a promising candidate to prevent radiation-induced salivary
      hypofunction and raise rational development keratinocyte growth factor-1 local
      delivery system.

PMID- 28086222
TI  - Leukocytosis and neutrophilia predict outcome in locally advanced esophageal
      cancer treated with definitive chemoradiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic value of leukocyte and neutrophil count as
      biomarkers in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
      (SCC) undergoing exclusive chemoradiation. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were
      identified. Respectively, 33% and 35% displayed baseline leukocytosis and
      neutrophilia. Estimated 3-year OS and PFS from chemoradiation completion were 31%
      and 25%, respectively. In univariate analysis, both leukocytosis and neutrophilia
      were associated with worse OS, PFS, and LRC (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis,
      leukocytosis remained an independent risk factor associated with poorer OS, PFS
      and LRC (p < 0.05), independently from tumor stage and length, with higher
      prognostic value for OS compared with patients' performance status (PS).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bi-institutional clinical records from consecutive non
      operable patients treated between 2003 and 2015 with definitive chemoradiation
      for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma were reviewed. Leukocytosis and
      neutrophilia were defined as a leukocyte or neutrophil count over 10 G/L and 7
      G/L, respectively. These parameters were studied for their potential correlation
      with overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), locoregional control
      (LRC) and distant metastases control (DMC). CONCLUSIONS: Leukocytosis and
      neutrophilia were independent prognostic factors of poor OS, PFS, and LRC in this
      bi-institutional series of locally advanced esophageal SCC treated with
      definitive chemoradiation. Although prospective confirmation is warranted, it is
      suggested that the leukocyte and neutrophil count parameters might be clinically
      relevant biomarkers to be considered for further clinical investigations.

PMID- 28086224
TI  - Asthma and the risk of lung cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Some studies found that there was a significant association between asthma and
      the risk of lung cancer. However, the results are inconclusive. Therefore, we
      performed a meta-analysis. We searched the electronic databases for all relevant
      articles. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to
      calculate the strength of the association between asthma and lung cancer risk.
      Asthma was significantly associated with the increased risk of lung cancer (OR =
      1.44; 95% CI 1.31-1.59; P < 0.00001; I2 = 83%). Additionally, asthma patients
      without smoking also had the increased lung cancer risk. In the subgroup analysis
      of race and gender, Caucasians, Asians, male, and female patients with asthma
      showed the increased risk of lung cancer. However, asthma was not significantly
      associated with lung adenocarcinoma risk. In the stratified analysis by asthma
      definition, significant associations were found between asthma and lung cancer in
      self-reported subgroup, questionnaire subgroup, and register databases subgroup.
      However, no significant association was observed in physician-diagnosed asthma
      subgroup. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggested that asthma might be
      significantly associated with lung cancer risk.

PMID- 28086223
TI  - Aberrant methylation patterns in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Despite
      numerous molecular characterizations of the phenomenon, the exact dynamics of its
      onset and progression remain elusive. Colorectal cancer onset has been
      characterized by changes in DNA methylation profiles, that, owing to the
      stability of their patterns, are promising candidates to shed light on the
      molecular events laying at the base of this phenomenon.To exploit this stability
      and reinforce it, we conducted a meta-analysis on publicly available DNA
      methylation datasets generated on: normal colorectal, adenoma (ADE) and
      adenocarcinoma (CRC) samples using the Illumina 450k array, in the systems
      medicine frame, searching for tumor gene episignatures, to produce a carefully
      selected list of potential drivers, markers and targets of the disease. The
      analysis proceeds from a differential meta-analysis of the methylation profiles
      using an analytical pipeline recently developed by our group [1], through network
      reconstruction, topological and functional analyses, to finally highlight
      relevant epigenomic features. Our results show that genes already highlighted for
      their genetic or transcriptional alteration in colorectal cancer are also
      differentially methylated, reinforcing -regardless of the level of cellular
      control- their role in the complex of alterations involved in tumorigenesis.These
      findings were finally validated in an independent cohort from The Cancer Genome
      Atlas (TCGA).

PMID- 28086225
TI  - The expression of podoplanin protein is a diagnostic marker to distinguish the
      early infiltration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - The esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is usually develped from low-grade
      intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIEN) and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia
      (HGIEN) to infiltrative squamous cell carcinoma. Till now, it remains hard to
      screen for infiltration at earlier stages, especially the differentiation between
      HGEIN and early infiltrative carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to determine
      a role of podoplanin in differentiating between HGEIN and early infiltrative
      squamous cell carcinoma. Totally 133 patients pathologically diagnosed with early
      ESCC and/or precancerous lesions were enrolled.The EnVision two-step IHC staining
      technique was applied using the monoclonal mouse anti-human Podoplanin antibody
      (clone number: D2-40). The expressions of PDPN protein on the basal layer of
      squamous epithelium lesions could be divided into three different patterns:
      complete type, incomplete (non-continuous) type, or missing type. A diagnosis of
      HGEIN can be made if the basal layer showed non-continuous or complete expression
      of PDPN and a diagnosis of early infiltration can be made if the expression of
      PDPN is completely missing. Our study confirmed that PDPN was a potential
      biomarker to identify the presence of early infiltrative squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID- 28086226
TI  - Preclinical pharmacodynamic evaluation of drug candidate SKLB-178 in the
      treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a serious life-threatening malignancy.
      Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as
      Gefitinib and Erlotinib, are effective clinical medicines for advanced NSCLC
      patients harboring EGFR-activating mutations. However, this therapy just benefits
      a small percentage of sufferers. Worse still, all patients treated with drugs
      ultimately develop resistance. Hence, there is still an unmet medical need among
      patients with NSCLC. In this account, we report a novel multikinase inhibitor
      SKLB-178, which potently inhibits both EGFR-activating and resistant mutations,
      as well as the activities of Src and VEGFR2 kinases. SKLB-178 potently inhibited
      cancer cell growth in both Gefitinib-sensitive and resistant NSCLC cells.
      Meanwhile, SKLB-178 significantly suppressed the migration, invasion and tube
      formation of endothelial cells, and the growth of intersegmental vessel in
      zebrafish. The in vivo pharmacodynamic studies further demonstrated that SKLB-178
      had wider potency than Gefitinib, and could significantly prolong survival of
      animals in A549 experimental metastasis model. These advantages together with the
      low toxicity of SKLB-178 indicate that SKLB-178 deserves to be further developed
      as a potential drug candidate for NSCLC therapy.

PMID- 28086227
TI  - Matrine alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammation and
      oxidative stress via CCR7 signal.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of matrine on
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and in
      vitro. The results showed that matrine improved intestinal inflammatory status
      and oxidative balance and enhanced chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expression. In LPS
      challenged mice and Caco-2 cells, matrine alleviated LPS-induced inflammation and
      oxidative stress via downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta and IL
      17) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. CCR7-siRNA transfection blocked the
      protective effects of matrine on LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress
      and exacerbated LPS caused injury. In conclusion, matrine alleviates LPS-induced
      intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in mice and Caco-2 cells, which may
      be associated with CCR7 signal.

PMID- 28086228
TI  - Allergies and risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of
      observational studies.
AB  - A history of allergy or allergic condition has been reported to be associated
      with reduced risk of some types of malignancies. However, the understanding of
      this association for colorectal cancer (CRC) is controversial. We conducted a
      meta-analysis of CRC risk in individuals who had history of allergy compared to
      those without the history of allergic condition. Pumbed and Embase databases were
      searched for relevant studies. The adjusted relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence
      interval (CI) were pooled using the random-effects model. Nine studies, including
      775, 178 individuals, were eligible for inclusion. The pooled estimate showed no
      significant association between history of allergy and CRC risk (adjusted RR
      1.01, 95 % CI 0.88-1.17). Subgroup analyses confirmed the neutral association
      stratified by tumor location (colon: n = 6 studies; adjusted RR 1.01, 95 % CI
      0.81-1.25; rectum: n = 6 studies; adjusted RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.77-1.15; colorectum:
      n = 3 studies; adjusted RR 0.92, 95 % CI 0.70 to 1.21), sex (male: n = 4 studies;
      adjusted RR 0.93, 95 % CI 0.81-1.07; female: n = 6 studies; adjusted RR 0.94, 95
      % CI 0.80-1.09) or by allery type (asthma: n = 5 studies; adjusted RR 1.16, 95 %
      CI 0.96-1.42; hay fever: n = 4 studies; adjusted RR 0.93, 95 % CI 0.86-1.03).
      Meta-analysis of existing evidence provides a neutral association between
      allergies and CRC risk. Future well-designed prospective cohort studies should be
      conducted to better understand this association.

PMID- 28086229
TI  - Targeting dopamine receptor D3 signalling in inflammation.

PMID- 28086230
TI  - Environment as therapy: neuroscience for intellectual disability and dementia.

PMID- 28086231
TI  - Assessing alcohol and nicotine co-consumption in mice.

PMID- 28086232
TI  - Probing the prostate tumour microenvironment I: impact of glucose deprivation on
      a cell model of prostate cancer progression.
AB  - In the developed world, prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in
      men. Although prostate cancer initially presents as a non life-threatening
      disease, 90% of patients will develop castration resistant prostate cancer
      (CRPC), which preludes distant metastasis and is largely accountable for prostate
      cancer associated deaths. This is because as yet, there are no viable molecular
      therapeutic targets for effective treatment of CRPC. It is now widely accepted
      that cancer cells can alter their metabolic profile during the course of
      tumourgenesis and metastasis such that they are able to survive in oxygen and
      nutrient-poor environments. This work was aimed towards gaining greater
      mechanistic understanding of how such 'stresses' in the tumour microenvironment
      impact on both androgen sensitive (LNCaP) and androgen independent (LNCaP-abl and
      LNCaP-abl-Hof) prostate cancer cell lines. Here we have applied technically
      robust and reproducible label-free liquid chromatography mass spectrometry
      analysis for comprehensive proteomic profiling of prostate cancer cell lines
      under nutrient deficient (low glucose) conditions. This led to the identification
      of approximately 4,000 proteins - one of the largest protein datasets for
      prostate cancer cell lines established to date. The biological and clinical
      significance of proteins showing a significant change in expression as result of
      low glucose conditions was established. Novel, intuitive workflows were
      subsequently implemented to ensure the verification of selected proteins of
      interest in a robust, reproducible and high throughput manner. Overall, these
      data suggest that this strategy supports identification of protein biomarkers of
      prostate cancer progression and potential therapeutic targets for CRPC.

PMID- 28086234
TI  - A circuitry for sleep in Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 28086233
TI  - A novel benzimidazole derivative, MBIC inhibits tumor growth and promotes
      apoptosis via activation of ROS-dependent JNK signaling pathway in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - A prior screening programme carried out using MTT assay by our group identified a
      series of novel benzimidazole derivatives, among which Methyl 2-(5-fluoro-2
      hydroxyphenyl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxylate (MBIC) showed highest
      anticancer efficacy compared to that of chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin. In the
      present study, we found that MBIC inhibited cell viability in different
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines without exerting significant cytotoxic
      effects on normal liver cells. Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry analysis and
      Western blotting results indicated that MBIC can induce apoptosis in HCC cells,
      which was found to be mediated through mitochondria associated proteins
      ultimately leading to the activation of caspase-3. The exposure to MBIC also
      resulted in remarkable impairment of HCC cell migration and invasion. In
      addition, treatment with MBIC led to a rapid generation of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) and substantial activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK). The
      depletion of ROS by N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) partially blocked MBIC-induced
      apoptosis and JNK activation in HCC cells. Finally, MBIC significantly inhibited
      tumor growth at a dose of 25 mg/kg in an orthotopic HCC mouse model. Taken
      together, these results demonstrate that MBIC may inhibit cell proliferation via
      ROS-mediated activation of the JNK signaling cascade in HCC cells.

PMID- 28086235
TI  - A novel ZEB1/HAS2 positive feedback loop promotes EMT in breast cancer.
AB  - Cancer metastasis is the main reason for poor patient survival. Tumor cells
      delaminate from the primary tumor by induction of epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT). EMT is mediated by key transcription factors, including ZEB1,
      activated by tumor cell interactions with stromal cells and the extracellular
      matrix (ECM). ZEB1-mediated EMT and motility is accompanied by substantial cell
      reprogramming and the acquisition of a stemness phenotype. However, understanding
      of the underlying mechanism is still incomplete. We identified hyaluronic acid
      (HA), one major ECM proteoglycan and enriched in mammary tumors, to support EMT
      and enhance ZEB1 expression in cooperation with CD44s. In breast cancer cell
      lines HA is synthesized mainly by HAS2, which was already shown to be implicated
      in cancer progression. ZEB1 and HAS2 expression strongly correlates in various
      cancer entities and high HAS2 levels associate with an early relapse. We
      identified HAS2, tumor cell-derived HA and ZEB1 to form a positive feedback loop
      as ZEB1, elevated by HA, directly activates HAS2 expression. In an in vitro
      differentiation model HA-conditioned medium of breast cancer cells is enhancing
      osteoclast formation, an indicator of tumor cell-induced osteolysis that
      facilitates formation of bone metastasis. In combination with the previously
      identified ZEB1/ESRP1/CD44s feedback loop, we found a novel autocrine mechanism
      how ZEB1 is accelerating EMT.

PMID- 28086236
TI  - RYK promotes the stemness of glioblastoma cells via the WNT/ beta-catenin
      pathway.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by a strong self-renewal potential
      and a poor differentiation state. Since receptor-like tyrosine kinase (RYK)
      activates the WNT/beta-catenin pathway essential for cancer stem cell
      maintenance, we evaluated its contribution in conferring stemness to GBM cells.
      Here, we report that Ryk (related-to-receptor tyrosine kinase), an atypical
      tyrosine kinase receptor, is upregulated in samples from GBM patients as well as
      in GSCs. Ryk overexpression confers stemness properties to GBM cells through the
      modulation of the canonical Wnt signaling and by promoting the activation of
      pluripotency-related transcription factor circuitry and neurosphere formation
      ability. In contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Ryk expression suppresses this
      stem-like phenotype. Rescue experiments reveal that stemness-promoting activity
      of Ryk is attributable, at least in part, to beta-catenin stabilization.
      Furthermore, Ryk overexpression improves cell motility and anchorage independent
      cell growth. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Ryk promotes stem cell
      like and tumorigenic features to glioma cells its essential for the maintenance
      of GSCs and could be a target of novel therapies.

PMID- 28086237
TI  - A prospective birth cohort study of different risk factors for development of
      allergic diseases in offspring of non-atopic parents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases are thought to be inherited. Prevalence of allergic
      diseases has, however, increased dramatically in last decades, suggesting
      environmental causes for the development of allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE: We
      studied risk factors associated with the development of atopic dermatitis (AD),
      allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma (AS) in children of non-atopic parents in a
      subtropical country. METHODS: In a birth cohort of 1,497 newborns, parents were
      prenatally enrolled and validated for allergic diseases by questionnaire,
      physician-verified and total or specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels; 1,236 and
      756 children, respectively, completed their 3-year and 6-year follow-up. Clinical
      examination, questionnaire, and blood samples for total and specific IgE of the
      children were collected at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Prevalence of AD, AR
      and AS was, respectively, 8.2%, 30.8% and 12.4% in children of non-atopic
      parents. Prevalence of AR (p<.001) and AS (p=.018) was significantly higher in
      children of parents who were both atopic. A combination of Cesarean section (C/S)
      and breastfeeding for more than 1 month showed the highest risk for AD (OR=3.111,
      p=.006). Infants living in homes with curtains and no air filters had the highest
      risk for AR (OR=2.647, p<.001), and male infants of non-atopic parents living in
      homes without air filters had the highest risk for AS (OR=1.930, p=.039).
      CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding and C/S affect development of AD. Gender, use of
      curtains and/or air filters affect AR and AS, suggesting that control of the
      perinatal environment is necessary for the prevention of atopic diseases in
      children of non-atopic parents.

PMID- 28086238
TI  - Exploring the medication duration based on the effect of traditional Chinese
      medicine on postoperative stage I-III colorectal patients: a retrospective cohort
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To clarify the effect of tradional Chinese medicine (TCM) on different
      stage patients and to explore medication duration based on survival analysis.
      RESULTS: 523 and 294 patients were respectively in the TCM group and the control
      group. For all patients, 6-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 57.6% after TCM
      and 46.6% after non-TCM (p = 0.0006). 6-year DFS for patients with stage I
      disease in the TCM group was 79.5% compared with 89.1% in the control group (p =
      0.65). For patients with stage II disease, 6-year DFS was 63.1% in the TCM group
      compared with 50.2% in the control group (p = 0.054), and for patients with stage
      III disease, it was 43.3% in the TCM group compared with 22.0% in the control
      group (p = 0.0000). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for patients with stage I-III
      disease between 2004 and 2013 were retrieved for this study, who underwent TCM
      after surgery were in the TCM group and the others were in the control group.
      Clinic appointments or phone were used to collect data by research assistants.
      Survival data were collected on Nov 2015 from the database, which is continuously
      updated by the researchers. CONCLUSIONS: TCM is associated with significantly
      improved disease-free survival, in particular for patients with stage III
      disease. Among of these, TCM is not necessary for patients with stage I disease,
      and postoperative patients with stage II disease should be recommended to take 2
      years of TCM. For patients with stage III disease, adherence to medication of TCM
      during the 6-year follow-up is worthy of being recommended.

PMID- 28086239
TI  - Elevated fibrous sheath interacting protein 1 levels are associated with poor
      prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer patients.
AB  - In this study, we examined the expression and prognostic value of fibrous sheath
      interacting protein 1 (FSIP1) in 202 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients
      who underwent lung cancer resection at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical
      University. FSIP1 mRNA and protein expression were measured in NSCLC tissues and
      non-tumor adjacent tissues (NATs), and Harrell's concordance index (c-index) was
      used to evaluate the ability of FSIP1 to predict prognosis. FSIP1 mRNA and
      protein expression was higher in NSCLC tissues than in NATs. Survival analysis
      revealed the 5-year overall survival rate to be 35.4% in the FSIP1-positive group
      and 56.3% in the FSIP1-negative group, and FSIP1-positive status was an
      independent prognostic factor for poor overall survival. The c-index value of
      FSIP1 for overall survival was greater than that of Ki67, and the addition of
      FSIP1 status increased the c-index value of the TNM staging system. These results
      suggest that evaluating FSIP1 status in addition to TNM stage during routine
      pathological examinations could improve prognostic predictions in NSCLC patients.

PMID- 28086240
TI  - ABL2 suppresses FLT3-ITD-induced cell proliferation through negative regulation
      of AKT signaling.
AB  - The type III receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 is one of the most commonly mutated
      oncogenes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Inhibition of mutated FLT3 in
      combination with chemotherapy has displayed promising results in clinical trials.
      However, one of the major obstacles in targeting FLT3 is the development of
      resistant disease due to secondary mutations in FLT3 that lead to relapse. FLT3
      and its oncogenic mutants signal through associating proteins that activate
      downstream signaling. Thus, targeting proteins that interact with FLT3 and their
      downstream signaling cascades can be an alternative approach to treat FLT3
      dependent AML. We used an SH2 domain array screen to identify novel FLT3
      interacting proteins and identified ABL2 as a potent interacting partner of FLT3.
      To understand the role of ABL2 in FLT3-mediated biological and cellular events,
      we used the murine pro-B cell line Ba/F3 as a model system. Overexpression of
      ABL2 in Ba/F3 cells expressing an oncogenic mutant of FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) resulted in
      partial inhibition of FLT3-ITD-dependent cell proliferation and colony formation.
      ABL2 expression did not alter the kinase activity of FLT3, its ubiquitination or
      its stability. However, it partially blocked FLT3-induced AKT phosphorylation
      without affecting ERK1/2 and p38 activation. Taken together our data suggest that
      ABL2 acts as negative regulator of signaling downstream of FLT3.

PMID- 28086241
TI  - LncRNA-SLC6A9-5:2: A potent sensitizer in 131I-resistant papillary thyroid
      carcinoma with PARP-1 induction.
AB  - Recent studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs play crucial roles in
      numerous cancers, including thyroid cancer, while their function in the mechanism
      of thyroid cancer 131I resistance has not been elucidated to date. The present
      study identified a functional long non-coding RNA, SLC6A9-5:2, which was involved
      in the radioactive therapy resistance of thyroid cancer. We demonstrated that
      SLC6A9-5:2 was remarkably downregulated in 131I-resistant thyroid cancer cell
      lines and 131I-insensitive patients and was positively correlated with Poly (ADP
      ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) expression and its activation. After downregulating
      SLC6A9 or blocking PARP-1 artificially, the sensitive thyroid cancer cells mostly
      displayed a tolerant phenotype under 131I exposure. Furthermore, SLC6A9-5:2
      overexpression was positively correlated with PARP-1 mRNA and protein levels,
      which restored the sensitivity of resistant thyroid cancer cells. The present
      study further revealed that cancer cell death was primarily caused by ATP
      exhaustion in excessive DNA repair with high PARP-1 activity. In patients with
      thyroid cancer, a positive correlation between SLC6A9-5:2 and PARP-1 was
      identified, and low SLC6A9-5:2 expression was associated with a worse prognosis
      of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Hence, our data provide a new lncRNA-mediated
      regulatory mechanism implying that SLC6A9-5:2 can be used as a novel therapeutic
      target for 131I-resistant thyroid cancer.

PMID- 28086244
TI  - Approach to Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Double Blind Study between
      Medial Parapatellar and Midvastus Approach in the Early Postoperative Period in
      Asian Population.
AB  - The purpose of this randomized study was to compare clinical and surgical
      outcomes of total knee replacements (TKRs) in the early postoperative period
      using midvastus approach versus medial parapatellar approach in Asian population
      in a double blind manner. Forty-two knees each were operated using midvastus
      approach and the medial parapatellar approach. Clinical parameters that were
      evaluated included Knee Society score (KSS); knee pain using visual analogue
      scale (VAS) on day 1, 1 week, and 1 month; time required to straight leg raise
      (SLR); patellar tracking; mean extensor lag at 1 week and 1 month; and time of
      discharge from the hospital. Surgical parameters that were evaluated included
      tourniquet time, incidence of lateral retinacular release, estimated blood loss,
      and any complications during the surgery. KSS at 1 week and 1 month
      postoperatively were significantly higher in the midvastus group as compared with
      medial parapatellar group; though similar at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The
      patients in midvastus group required fewer number of lateral retinacular
      releases; achieved SLR earlier; had less mean extensor lag at 1 week; had less
      mean VAS score at day 1, 1 week, and 1 month; and had shorter hospital stay.
      There was no significant difference in the mean tourniquet time and estimated
      blood loss. One patient had patellar maltracking in the medial parapatellar group
      as compared with none in midvastus group. Midvastus approach to TKR results in
      quicker functional recovery with early discharge and rehabilitation in the Asian
      population as compared with medial parapatellar approach.

PMID- 28086243
TI  - Multi-level suppression of receptor-PI3K-mTORC1 by fatty acid synthase inhibitors
      is crucial for their efficacy against ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - Receptor-PI3K-mTORC1 signaling and fatty acid synthase (FASN)-regulated lipid
      biosynthesis harbor numerous drug targets and are molecularly connected. We
      hypothesize that unraveling the mechanisms of pathway cross-talk will be useful
      for designing novel co-targeting strategies for ovarian cancer (OC). The impact
      of receptor-PI3K-mTORC1 onto FASN is already well-characterized. However, reverse
      actions-from FASN towards receptor-PI3K-mTORC1-are still elusive. We show that
      FASN-blockade impairs receptor-PI3K-mTORC1 signaling at multiple levels. Thin
      layer chromatography and MALDI-MS/MS reveals that FASN-inhibitors (C75, G28UCM)
      augment polyunsaturated fatty acids and diminish signaling lipids diacylglycerol
      (DAG) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) in OC cells (SKOV3,
      OVCAR-3, A2780, HOC-7). Western blotting and micropatterning demonstrate that
      FASN-blockers impair phosphorylation/expression of EGF-receptor/ERBB/HER and
      decrease GRB2-EGF-receptor recruitment leading to PI3K-AKT suppression. FASN
      inhibitors activate stress response-genes HIF-1alpha-REDD1 (RTP801/DIG2/DDIT4)
      and AMPKalpha causing mTORC1- and S6-repression. We conclude that FASN-inhibitor
      mediated blockade of receptor-PI3K-mTORC1 occurs due to a number of distinct but
      cooperating processes. Moreover, decrease of PI3K-mTORC1 abolishes cross
      repression of MEK-ERK causing ERK activation. Consequently, the MEK-inhibitor
      selumetinib/AZD6244, in contrast to the PI3K/mTOR-inhibitor dactolisib/NVP
      BEZ235, increases growth inhibition when given together with a FASN-blocker. We
      are the first to provide deep insight on how FASN-inhibition blocks ERBB-PI3K
      mTORC1 activity at multiple molecular levels. Moreover, our data encourage
      therapeutic approaches using FASN-antagonists together with MEK-ERK-inhibitors.

PMID- 28086245
TI  - Use of All-polyethylene Tibial Components in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
      Increases the Risk of Early Failure.
AB  - All-polyethylene (all-poly) tibial designs in primary total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA) have been reconsidered with excellent clinical outcomes, survivorship, and
      cost-effectiveness. However, whether all-poly tibial components provided
      comparable results to metal-backed modular components during unicompartmental
      knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains unclear. This study compared the clinical
      outcomes and prevalence of early failure between all-poly and metal-backed
      modular components in UKA. We retrospectively reviewed the records and
      radiographs of 101 consecutive UKAs. In total, 51 UKAs were performed using all
      poly tibial components; 50 others used metal-backed modular components. Clinical
      and radiographic outcomes, adaptive bone remodeling assessed by radiographic bone
      density, and early failure prevalence rates were compared. Despite a lack of
      group differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes (p > 0.1 in all
      comparisons), adaptive bone remodeling at 2 years after surgery of all-poly UKAs
      was more progressive compared with metal-backed UKAs (1.2 in all-poly UKA group
      vs. 0.9 in metal-backed UKA group, p < 0.001). In addition, 6 of 51 all-poly UKAs
      failed within 2 years postoperatively, whereas no metal-backed UKAs failed (11%
      in all-poly UKA group vs. 0% in metal-backed UKA group, p = 0.027). All-poly
      tibial component use during UKA increased the risk of early failure, which may be
      due to a failure in tibial loading distribution.

PMID- 28086246
TI  - [Sleep at Altitude].
AB  - Advancing infrastructure of mountain regions allows not only well-prepared
      mountaineers, but also elderly people with pre-existing illness the stay at high
      altitudes. Based on the hypoxic conditions, low oxygen saturation values are
      reached, which cause severe hypoxemia in the tissue. Symptoms of acute mountain
      sickness appear even at moderate altitude, which are manifested during sleep.
      Patients suffering from sleep apnea are at high risk, because of the obstructive
      ventilation disorder in combination with less oxygen availability. Concurrently,
      gender differences play a decisive role. Due to the respiratory stabilizing
      impact of estrogen, women are faster in adapting to altitude differences. A
      reduction of sleep duration and extended wake phases are shown, which causes
      lower sleep sufficiency. With continued rise of altitude, the arousal-index
      increases. For individual differences concerning altitude induced problems,
      individual acclimatization protocols are needed. Well prepared pre
      acclimatization could prevent altitude induced sleep problems, as well as the
      treatment of such.

PMID- 28086247
TI  - [Social Medical Consequences of Uveitis in Childhood and Adolescence: Results of
      a Pilot Study].
AB  - Background Chronic illness - such as uveitis - may lead to socio-economic
      consequences, and poorer quality of life. Objective To study the influence of
      uveitis on quality of life and professional development. Material and Methods
      Prospective evaluation of juvenile patients with uveitis (age < 18 years,
      classification of uveitis as in Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature [SUN]
      criteria, duration of disease >= 12 months) seen in a tertiary referral centre.
      Influence of uveitis on quality of life, recreational activities, educational
      training and development of severe disability were analysed. Results were
      correlated to clinical data, and analysed by descriptive statistics. Results 39
      patients of 49 (80 %) had anterior uveitis (69.4 % in both eyes), of which 34 (69
      %) presented with associated systemic disease (juvenile idiopathic arthritis, n =
      28). 33 (80 %) had developed complications caused by uveitis. 15 patients (31 %)
      had undergone ophthalmic surgery due to these complications. Many patients were
      treated with conventional (n = 37; 76 %) and biological (n = 18; 37 %) disease
      modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In 41 % of the cases, quality of life and
      recreational time (23 %) were markedly reduced. Sick leave from pre-school or
      school because of uveitis (mean 12.5 days/year; 15 % > 20 days) was recorded in
      32 patients (65 %). Uveitis negatively influenced school education in 29 %, and
      resulted in the necessity to repeat class (n = 3) or to change school (n = 3).
      Severe disability due to uveitis was found in 30 % of the patients. Conclusions
      Uveitis in childhood and adolescence may have a substantial impact on social and
      professional perspectives. Uveitis may result in severe disability even in early
      childhood.

PMID- 28086248
TI  - [Development of Endothelial Cell Density after Penetrating Keratoplasty in
      Patients with Fuchs Dystrophy or Keratoconus - Comparison of Excimer Laser and
      Mechanical Trephination].
AB  - Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the development of
      endothelial cell density (ECD) after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in patients
      with Fuchs dystrophy (FD), keratoconus (KC) or "other diagnoses" (OD), depending
      on the type of trephination. Patients and Methods In 104 eyes with Fuchs
      dystrophy, keratoconus or "other diagnoses", the ECD after PKP using either
      excimer laser (EXC) or mechanical trephination (MECH) was registered after 1.5,
      6, 12, 18 and 24 months. With linear and exponential regression models, the
      endothelial cell loss (ECL) was determined as absolute and percentage cell loss
      per year. Results For the entire group of patients, ECD was significantly higher
      after EXC-PKP during the full range of follow-up (except 6 months). With a linear
      regression model, there was no significant difference in the absolute ECL per
      year (p = 0.084), but with an exponential regression model, there was a
      significant difference in the percentage ECL per year (p = 0.021) in favour of
      EXC trephination. For keratoconus (n = 33), except for the 24-month-follow-up (p
      = 0.035), ECD was not significantly different on the basis of EXC vs. MECH. With
      a linear regression model, there was a significant difference in the absolute ECL
      per year (p = 0.015) in favour of EXC-trephination, but with an exponential
      regression model there was no significant difference in the percentage ECL per
      year (p = 0.088) between the two types of threphination. In patients with FUCHS
      (n = 35) - except for the 6-week-follow-up (p = 0.024) - ECD was not
      significantly different for EXC vs. MECH. With linear/exponential regression
      model, the ECL per year was not significantly different in favour of any type of
      trephination (p = 0.287/p = 0.121). In patients with OD (n = 36), ECD was not
      significantly different for EXC vs. MECH. With a linear/exponential regression
      model, the ECL per year was not significantly different in favour of any type of
      trephination (p = 0.494/p = 0.787). Conclusion During the first 24 months after
      PKP, a significantly higher ECD and a significantly lower percentage of ECL per
      year was observed after EXC trephination for the entire group of patients. For
      the different diagnostic groups KC, FD and OD, no significant difference in ECD
      or ECL loss was noticed over a range of follow-up intervals. This may most likely
      be attributed to the small number of patients in the three subgroups.

PMID- 28086249
TI  - [Classical Medical Mistakes - Lack of Appreciation of Psychological Components].
AB  - Detailed evidence for psychogenic effects after an accident: evidence from 3
      expert reports.

PMID- 28086250
TI  - [New Developments in Cataract Surgery].
AB  - Recent technological innovations in cataract surgery have made the procedure even
      more precise and safe and the odds of having a highly satisfied patient even
      higher. These innovations include visualisation systems - such as intraoperative
      aberrometry - which are particularly helpful when it comes to implanting toric
      IOLs, where even a slight rotation or misalignment can significantly reduce the
      postoperative visual quality. Another way to ensure the exact positioning of a
      toric IOL is to create a mark by making an intrastromal incision using the
      femtosecond laser. The latter technology has increased the precision of
      capsulotomy and other steps of the operation and has been successfully employed
      in patients with a challenging clinical profile, including paediatric and
      hypermature cataracts. The femtosecond laser, however, induces an increase in
      intraocular prostaglandins, which can lead to miosis. Applying topical NSAIDs
      before starting surgery has proved to be effective in coping with the
      consequences of the increase in prostaglandins. Good vision without using glasses
      for near, intermediate and far distances remains a goal for many patients. IOLs
      with extended depths of focus (EDOF) technology can provide this comfort - to
      some but not all patients. An intraocular sensor, Eyemate, that is implanted
      during cataract surgery, enables the glaucoma patient to check his or her IOP at
      any time and improves the management of glaucoma and its main risk factor,
      elevated IOP. Several methods - drugs or nutritive agents - are said to prevent
      cataractogenesis. These studies have probably to be taken with the proverbial
      grain of salt.

PMID- 28086251
TI  - [Current Status of Electronic "Continuous" Eye Pressure Measurements].
AB  - Intraocular pressure (IOP) is generally measured at individual points and usually
      only once, but rarely more often, during office hours and with various different
      instruments. This is probably inadequate for diagnosis, assessment of
      progression, and therapeutic decision making, since the IOP is not a static
      measurement, but rather one that is subject to greater or lesser fluctuations
      over shorter or longer periods. This has prompted the desire for more regular or
      even continuous measurements. This can be achieved with self-tonometers (not
      discussed in this article) or by using electronic aids with sensors in the eye
      (invasive; in the intraocular lens, in the ciliary sulcus, on the iris, in the
      posterior or anterior chamber, suprachoroidal or subconjunctival) or on the eye
      (non-invasive; sensor contact lens). Despite numerous advances and
      miniaturisations, there is as yet still no continuous measurement technique
      (either invasive or non-invasive) that can be used routinely, but development of
      such a device is at an advanced stage.

PMID- 28086252
TI  - [Buckling Surgery: Old Fashioned or Cutting Edge?]
AB  - For many decades, scleral buckling surgery was the only reasonable surgical
      procedure in eyes with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. In recent
      years, primary vitrectomy has apparently become the treatment of choice, although
      evidence from comparative clinical trials is missing. In this article, data from
      clinical trials and indications for buckling surgery are presented.

PMID- 28086253
TI  - [Vision Loss after Silicone Oil Surgery].
AB  - Silicone oil is an intraocular tamponade that is essential for the treatment of
      complicated retinal detachment. As a long-term tamponade, it improves retinal
      reattachment and visual outcome. Unexpectedly, surgery with silicone oil
      tamponade may result in irreversible visual loss of unknown origin. In this
      report, we provide a general overview of unexplained visual loss after surgery
      with silicone oil. The frequency of such reports has increased continuously in
      recent years. The German Retina Society - supported by Retinanet (http://retina
      net.uni-koeln.de) - has initiated data collection to gather information about
      such cases, in cooperation with Cologne University Eye Hospital. Ophthalmologists
      can provide data about cases of unexplained visual loss anonymously via the
      "Cologne Clinical Trials Centre" or via augenklinik-silikonoel@uk-koeln.de.

PMID- 28086254
TI  - [Music and Glaucoma].
AB  - Music may have multiple influences on the human organism. A possible therapeutic
      effect for patients with glaucoma has been postulated, aside from the known
      impact of music on the cardiovascular system, psychogenic effects and a short
      term improvement in mental performance (Mozart effect). The higher level of
      mental stress in patients with glaucoma and type-A personality behaviour may be
      related to higher intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Relaxing music
      may have a positive impact in these patients, related to a reduction in
      intraocular pressure or its fluctuations. However, only limited data exist on the
      effects of music on intraocular pressure. No clinical studies have yet been
      performed to investigate the effect of music or music therapy on glaucoma
      progression. The music of Mozart may influence visual field examinations,
      possibly due to a positive short term effect on mental performance. This factor
      needs to be addressed in studies dealing with the effect of music in glaucoma.
      The relevance of intraocular pressure increases in professional wind instrument
      players is controversial. An increased level of care might be advisable in
      patients with advanced glaucoma. The influences of music on humans, altered
      personality profiles in patients with glaucoma and the studies showing some
      effect of stress on intraocular pressure stress the relevance of psychological
      support for glaucoma patients, who are confronted with a disease with a high
      longterm risk of blindness.

PMID- 28086255
TI  - [Patient Positioning after Intraocular Surgery].
AB  - Gas tamponades are widely used during intraocular surgery. The high surface
      tension at the intraocular liquid to gas interface is used in retinal detachment
      and macular surgery, as well as in lamellar corneal transplant surgery. The
      patient's postoperative posture determines the position of the gas bubble inside
      the eye. The article describes the development, physical laws and methods for
      postoperative positioning after intraocular surgery.

PMID- 28086256
TI  - [Glaucoma Drainage Devices: Tube versus Trabeculectomy Study].
AB  - While trabeculectomy with mitomycin C has previously been the gold standard in
      penetrating glaucoma surgery, glaucoma drainage implants used early within
      glaucoma surgery were examined in the course of the tube versus trabeculectomy
      (TVT) study. Glaucoma drainage implants are now being used earlier, as materials
      are tissue-compatible and surgery has been improved. While in the past, the use
      of such implants was often carried out after multiple preoperations, implants are
      now being used at an earlier stage. Glaucoma drainage implants are typically
      still used in the pseudophakic eye, where 1-2 glaucoma preoperations (e.g.
      trabeculectomy) have already been performed.

PMID- 28086257
TI  - [Sport and Glaucoma].
AB  - Traumatic changes in the iridocorneal angle, e.g. in ball sports, can lead to
      secondary glaucoma. High intensity resistance exercise or yoga exercises - such
      as the headstand - can increase IOP, and deterioration in the visual field and
      acute narrow angle glaucoma attacks have been described in some case reports.
      Glaucoma therapy of professional athletes with steroids, carbonic anhydrase
      inhibitors and beta-blockers can result in positive doping tests. In manifest
      glaucoma, moderate aerobic exercise is presumably of use because of the IOP
      lowering effect, improved retinal perfusion and reduction in oxidative stress.

PMID- 28086258
TI  - [Gonioscopy - How, Why, What for?]
AB  - Aim Gonioscopy is used to exam the anterior chamber angle and the neighbouring
      structures. Gonioscopy can be performed using a contact lens, with the patient
      sitting at the slit lamp or in a supine position. Due to the total inner
      reflection of the cornea, the anterior chamber angle would otherwise be invisible
      in a healthy eye. During normal daily clinical routine, gonioscopy is often
      omitted, due to lack of time, although additional information could be gained.
      Materials and Methods The aim is to give a summary of the diagnostic
      possibilities using gonioscopy and to emphasise the importance of this relatively
      easy clinical method. Results The development of gonioscopy, the appropriate
      tools, proper procedure at the slit lamp and the most popular grading systems are
      described. In addition, an overview of detectable pathological changes in the
      anterior chamber angle is given and future prospects about developments in
      gonioscopy. Conclusion Gonioscopy can provide additional information otherwise
      missed by slit lamp examination or ophthalmoscopy alone. Up to now, no (semi
      )automatic devices have been developed which could completely replace gonioscopy.
      Therefore gonioscopy remains an important part of a complete ophthalmological
      examination and should be learned, mastered and performed regularly by every
      ophthalmologist.

PMID- 28086259
TI  - Gastrointestinal disorders in joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
      hypermobility type: A review for the gastroenterologist.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS)/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
      hypermobility type (EDS-HT) is the most common hereditary non-inflammatory
      disorder of connective tissue, characterized by a wide range of symptoms, mainly
      joint hyperextensibility and musculoskeletal symptoms. A majority of patients
      also experiences gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Furthermore, JHS/EDS-HT has
      specifically been shown to be highly prevalent in patients with functional GI
      disorders, such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. PURPOSE:
      The aim of this review was to examine the nature of GI symptoms and their
      underlying pathophysiology in JHS/EDS-HT. In addition, we consider the clinical
      implications of the diagnosis and treatment of JHS/EDS-HT for practicing
      clinicians in gastroenterology. Observations summarized in this review may
      furthermore represent the first step toward the identification of a new
      pathophysiological basis for a substantial subgroup of patients with functional
      GI disorders.

PMID- 28086260
TI  - A baseline impedance analysis in neurologically impaired children: A potent
      parameter for estimating the condition of the esophageal mucosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the baseline
      impedance (BI) value is a useful parameter to evaluate the condition of the
      esophageal mucosa in neurologically impaired (NI) children undergoing
      multichannel intraluminal impedance pH measurements (pH/MII). METHODS: The
      retrospective study included 55 NI patients <=15 years. The patients were divided
      into acid gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), non-acid GERD and GERD (-)
      groups. Furthermore, the patients in the acid GERD group were subdivided into
      erosive reflux disease (ERD) and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) groups. pH/MII
      parameters and BI values (Z1-6) were compared among three groups or between two
      groups, respectively. A Spearman's correlation analysis was used for the
      correlation analysis of pH/MII parameters and BI values. A receiver operator
      characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the optimum cut-off values of
      BI to discriminate ERD patients. KEY RESULTS: The BI values of the proximal and
      the distal channels in ERD group were significantly lower than those in NERD
      group. The BI values of the distal channels demonstrated significant negative
      correlations with acid exposure related pH/MII parameters. The optimal cut off
      value of BI in the most distal channel was determined to be 1500 Omega.
      CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: The present study suggested that NI children with
      reflux esophagitis were likely to suffer mucosal damage up to the proximal
      esophagus and cut-off BI values may help estimate the presence of reflux
      esophagitis. Baseline impedance is a potent parameter, reflecting the esophageal
      mucosal damage in NI children who have difficulty in undergoing endoscopic
      examinations.

PMID- 28086261
TI  - Established and emerging methods for assessment of small and large intestinal
      motility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in the general population and
      may originate from disturbances in gut motility. However, fundamental mechanistic
      understanding of motility remains inadequate, especially of the less accessible
      regions of the small bowel and colon. Hence, refinement and validation of
      objective methods to evaluate motility of the whole gut is important. Such
      techniques may be applied in clinical settings as diagnostic tools, in research
      to elucidate underlying mechanisms of diseases, and to evaluate how the gut
      responds to various drugs. A wide array of such methods exists; however, a
      limited number are used universally due to drawbacks like radiation exposure,
      lack of standardization, and difficulties interpreting data. In recent years,
      several new methods such as the 3D-Transit system and magnetic resonance imaging
      assessments on small bowel and colonic motility have emerged, with the advantages
      that they are less invasive, use no radiation, and provide much more detailed
      information. PURPOSE: This review outlines well-established and emerging methods
      to evaluate small bowel and colonic motility in clinical settings and in
      research. The latter include the 3D-Transit system, magnetic resonance imaging
      assessments, and high-resolution manometry. Procedures, indications, and the
      relative strengths and weaknesses of each method are summarized.

PMID- 28086263
TI  - Observation of the Ring-Puckering Vibrational Mode in Thietane Cation.
AB  - We have measured the high-resolution vibrational spectra of a thietane
      (trimethylene sulfide) cation in the gas phase by employing the vacuum
      ultraviolet mass-analyzed threshold ionization (VUV-MATI) spectroscopic
      technique. Peaks in the low-frequency region of the observed MATI spectrum of
      thietane originate from a progression of the ring-puckering vibrational mode
      (typical in small heterocyclic molecules), which is successfully reproduced by
      quantum-chemical calculations with 1D symmetric double-well potentials along the
      ring puckering coordinates on both the S0 and D0 states, the ground electronic
      states of neutral and cation of thietane, respectively. The values of the
      interconversion barrier and the ring-puckering angle on the S0 state, the
      parameters used for the quantum-chemical calculations, were assumed to be 274 cm
      1 and 26 degrees . The barrier and the angle on the D0 state, however, are found
      to be 48.0 cm-1 and 18.2 degrees , respectively, where such small barrier height
      and puckering angle for the cation suggest that the conformation of thietane
      cation on the D0 state should be more planar than that of the thietane neutral.

PMID- 28086262
TI  - Parenting styles and body mass index: a systematic review of prospective studies
      among children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parenting style may be an important determinant of an individual's
      future weight status. However, reviews that evaluate the relationship between
      parenting style and weight-related outcomes have not focused on prospective
      studies. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and PsychInfo for
      studies published between 1995 and 2016 that evaluated the prospective
      relationship between parenting style experienced in childhood and subsequent
      weight outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 11 prospective cohort studies. Among the
      eight studies that categorized parenting style into distinct groups (i.e.
      authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and neglectful), five provided evidence
      that authoritative parenting was associated with lower body mass index gains.
      Among the six highest quality studies, four suggested a protective role of
      authoritative parenting style against adverse weight-related outcomes. However,
      only one study controlled for a comprehensive set of confounders, and the small
      number of studies conducted within certain age groups precluded our ability to
      ascertain critical periods when parenting style is most strongly related to child
      weight. CONCLUSIONS: The present literature supports the idea that authoritative
      parenting may be protective against later overweight and obesity, although
      findings are mixed. More prospective cohort studies of longer durations, with
      more sophisticated methods that examine age-varying relationships, and that
      control for a comprehensive set of confounders, are needed.

PMID- 28086264
TI  - Structural Insights into the Redox-Sensing Mechanism of MarR-Type Regulator AbfR.
AB  - As a master redox-sensing MarR-family transcriptional regulator, AbfR
      participates in oxidative stress responses and virulence regulations in
      Staphylococcus epidermidis. Here, we present structural insights into the DNA
      binding mechanism of AbfR in different oxidation states by determining the X-ray
      crystal structures of a reduced-AbfR/DNA complex, an overoxidized (Cys13-SO2H and
      Cys13-SO3H) AbfR/DNA, and 2-disulfide cross-linked AbfR dimer. Together with
      biochemical analyses, our results suggest that the redox regulation of AbfR
      sensing displays two novel features: (i) the reversible disulfide modification,
      but not the irreversible overoxidation, significantly abolishes the DNA-binding
      ability of the AbfR repressor; (ii) either 1-disulfide cross-linked or 2
      disulfide cross-linked AbfR dimer is biologically significant. The overoxidized
      species of AbfR, resembling the reduced AbfR in conformation and retaining the
      DNA-binding ability, does not exist in biologically significant concentrations,
      however. The 1-disulfide cross-linked modification endows AbfR with significantly
      weakened capability for DNA-binding. The 2-disulfide cross-linked AbfR adopts a
      very "open" conformation that is incompatible with DNA-binding. Overall, the
      concise oxidation chemistry of the redox-active cysteine allows AbfR to sense and
      respond to oxidative stress correctly and efficiently.

PMID- 28086265
TI  - Frontispiece.

PMID- 28086275
TI  - Studies of Visual Inspection.
AB  - This paper describes the results of four experiments in a series aimed at
      understanding and improving visual inspection in general and of small integrated
      circuits (i.e. 'chips') in particular. Stimuli consisted of chips that, although
      electrically sound, contained visual anomalies. The first experiment found that
      the modal duration of eye fixations of trained inspectors was about 200 msec. The
      most accurate inspectors made the fewest eye fixations and were the fastest. The
      second experiment evaluated the performance of inspectors at one of the many
      sequential stages of chip inspection and found that 23% of the chips containing
      anomalies were accepted, whereas only 2% of the chips without anomalies were
      rejected. When the same chip was judged more than once by an individual inspector
      the consistency of her judgment was very high whereas the consistency between
      inspectors was somewhat less. The third experiment showed that variation by a
      factor of six in inspection speed led to variation of less than a factor of two
      in inspection accuracy. The fourth experiment showed that inspection via a ground
      glass screen is only a little worse than the usual method of looking through a
      binocular microscope. This was true even though the inspectors had no previous
      experience with the screen.

PMID- 28086276
TI  - Monitoring up to 16 Synthetic Television Pictures Showing a Great Deal of
      Movement.
AB  - A total of 204 observes watched usually 16 synthetic television pictures for 1
      hr. The 8 pictures in the middle 2 columns of the display showed activity inside
      prison. The 8 pictures in the 2 side columns of the display showed activity just
      outside prison walls. There were 14 suspicious incidents inside prison, 7 of them
      serious, and 170 other movements. Just outside prison there were fl auspicious
      incidents, 1 of them serious, and 5,300 other movements. The observer had to
      press an alarm button whenever he or she saw a suspicious incident. Suspicious
      incidents were missed reliably more often when they were in the distance, or of
      brief duration. When matched for distance and duration, incidents were missed
      reliably less often inside prison, where there was less other activity, than just
      outside prison. Inside incidents were missed reliably less often when only 8
      inside pictures were watched, than when 4 inside and 4 outside pictures were
      watched- A telephone call about 10 see before an incident reliably reduced the
      proportion of detections. If more than 1 picture has to be watched, the maximum
      desirable number is about 9 when there is a lot of movement. The maximum
      desirable duration for a spell of work is about 1 hr. Reducing the size of
      pictures from 40 * 30 cm to 20 * 1.1 cm reliably reduced the proportion of
      detections. Halving the distance of the observer from the small pictures from 9
      to 4-5 ft still left a reliable reduction in the proportion of detections of
      distant incidents. Observers under 30 yr detected reliably more incidents, and
      made reliably fewer false detections, than observers over 45yr. When matched for
      age, prison officers who had previously monitored television pictures were
      reliably better than prison officers who had not. The experienced prison officers
      detected reliably more suspicious incidents inside prison than did the civilian
      observers.

PMID- 28086279
TI  - Equipment Note The Use of Real-Time Simulation by Means of Animation Film As an
      Analytical Design Tool in Certain Spatial-Temporal Situations.
AB  - An animated-film sequence simulating the significant visual aspects of a
      vehicular trip on a projected but nonexistent airport road system was produced in
      order to provide a direct, essentially realistic, and immediately comprehensible
      means of s 'experiencing ' the process of data perception and response required
      in negotiating the road system safely and accurately to a selected destination.
      The film objectively and incontrovertibly confirmed the existence of a problem
      caused by a suspected ergonomic defect in the road-system design. It seems
      unlikely that such could have been confirmed to the satisfaction of all concerned
      by the use of any other method before the actual road system was completed and
      its negotiation could be experienced in situ. The history of this project
      suggests that film-animation simulation can be a valuable design tool in
      situations where the fourth dimension is an important factor. Further, it
      suggests that live-action film of existing situations can be a more valuable aid
      in analysing and correcting design defects than has been generally appreciated.

PMID- 28086289
TI  - Use of a Digital Computer For Studying Velocity Judgements of Radar Targets.
AB  - Ten subjects estimated the velocity of simulated radar targets according to the
      method of constant stimuli. The experimental procedure was rendered automatic
      through a PDP 12 digital computer, and the data were processed on line. Less than
      50 man-hours were required to complete the experiment, a fact which demonstrates
      the suitability of a small computer when solving specific problems for system
      designers.

PMID- 28086293
TI  - Backmatter.

PMID- 28086290
TI  - Phonemic Analysis as a Predictor of Error in Aural Communication.
AB  - A technique is proposed and evaluated for predicting the confusability of
      elements of an aural message transmitted by native English speakers against a
      noise background. The results suggest that a relatively simple comparison of the
      phonemic elements of a message with correspondingly located elements of other
      possible messages in a communication link allows a good prediction of potential
      confusions between correspondingly located segments of messages.

PMID- 28086294
TI  - Regional Photochemical Measurement and Modeling Studies: A Summary of the Air &
      Waste Management Association International Specialty Conference.
AB  - This paper summarizes the Air & Waste Management Association's International
      Specialty Conference, "Regional Photochemical Measurement and Modeling Studies,"
      held in San Diego, California, on November 8-12,1993. The purpose of the
      conference was to facilitate exchange of information and to initiate better
      communication and interaction among scientists, air quality managers, regulators,
      and others involved in or applying tools (models and measurements to support the
      modeling efforts) that can be used to develop equitable and effective emissions
      management practices for attainment of ozone standards. Attendees heard more than
      350 presentations from authors representing nearly 30 air quality and
      meteorological measurement and modeling studies from 18 countries. While the
      primary emphasis of the conference was technical, two policy sessions were
      included (Plenary and Concluding Sessions) to place the technical results in
      perspective with the policy issues. The technical agenda was divided into three
      subjects: Analysis of Field Measurements (results and interpretation), Modeling
      (status and results), and Other Topics. Papers presented at the conference are
      being published in a variety of journals or books to meet the needs of the
      scientific and policy communities. A complete bibliographical listing of the
      papers presented at the conference is included with this paper. An unexpected
      outcome of the conference has been the development of an initiative for
      continuing the intercomparison of goals and scientific findings from regional air
      quality studies in Europe and North America, entitled "Regional Oxidants Programs
      Intercomparison" (ROxPIn). This paper will also discuss the goals and objectives
      of ROxPIn.

PMID- 28086295
TI  - Polymers as Solid Waste in Municipal Landfills.
AB  - Synthetic polymers reach municipal landfills as components of products such as
      waste household paints, packaging films, storage containers, carpet fibers, and
      absorbent sanitary products. Some polymers in consumer products that reach
      landfills are designed to photodegrade or biodegrade. This article examines the
      significance of degradable polymers in management of solid waste in municipal
      landfills. Most landfills are not designed to photodegrade or biodegrade solid
      waste. Landfill disposal of stable polymers such as polyacrylics and
      polyethylenes is not associated with significant polymer degradation or mobility.
      Stability to photodegradation and biodegradation is an advantage when municipal
      landfills are used for disposal of polymer products as solid waste. Use of
      landfill disposal can be a responsible means to manage polymer waste and can be
      part of an overall waste management plan which includes source reduction,
      recycling, reuse, composting, and waste-to-energy incineration.

PMID- 28086296
TI  - Ozone Regimes in or near Forests of the Western United States: I. Regional
      Patterns.
AB  - Similarities in ozone regimes at sites in or near forests of the western United
      States were investigated using hierarchical cluster analysis on a (63 * 17)
      matrix of frequencies of occurrence of 17 characteristic diurnal patterns in
      hourly ozone concentrations. Eight groups of sites with similar ozone patterns
      were identified. Sites within these groups showed geographical consistency at a
      local scale, but more complex spatial relationships exist regionally. Unlike
      kriging analyses of ozone concentrations over the United States as a whole and
      California in particular, our analysis does not identify large areas of gradation
      in ozone levels. Instead, hotspots linked to populated valleys were identified
      with gradations in ozone exposure occurring from these hotspot areas. Considering
      the complex nature of terrain across the West and the restrictive role that such
      topography plays in atmospheric transport, hotspots in ozone concentrations are
      more likely than regional gradation from large urban centers. Comparisons of
      group memberships determined from common univariate statistics (SUM06, SUM08, 7
      hour and 24-hour) with our results lead to the conclusion that regional analyses
      of ozone concentrations using univariate statistics are insensitive to important
      differences in ozone exposure regimes. Of particular concern is the inability of
      univariate statistics to consistently discriminate between sites with urban and
      non-urban characteristics.

PMID- 28086299
TI  - Super educators.
AB  - When Cathy Young wants to explain attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
      to the children she works with, she gives them a Medikidz guide called What's up
      with Astra? ' Five comic book heroes are on hand to explain health and medical
      conditions to young adolescents and their parents.

PMID- 28086300
TI  - MSc Adult Nursing with registration/MSc Mental Health Nursing with registration.

PMID- 28086301
TI  - Space nursing - the final frontier.
AB  - A nurse has become president of the Aerospace Medical Association for the first
      time in its 81-year history.

PMID- 28086302
TI  - Age-appropriate care.
AB  - Project groups are working to improve the move between paediatric and adult
      services for adolescents who receive kidney care.

PMID- 28086303
TI  - A cause for celebration.
AB  - One of the buildings reduced to rubble by the earthquake that hit Haiti 12 months
      ago was the Leogane school of nursing. Many of its students were among those
      killed in the disaster, which has been made worse by a cholera epidemic.

PMID- 28086304
TI  - Was the unions' decision right? we asked nurses their opinion.
AB  - James Broughton, organ donation nurse specialist, NHS Blood and Transplant,
      Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells: 'The future is unclear at the moment for nurses. I
      am sure the unions are doing what is right and in their members' best interests.'

PMID- 28086305
TI  - Work-related allergies can be controlled and prevented.
AB  - Occupational allergies and irritants often fail to be recognised because many
      people do not want to admit that they have a problem that is being exacerbated by
      something they are working with. I am sure that nurses are no different to anyone
      else in this regard.

PMID- 28086306
TI  - Cancer survivorship project offers people help and hope.
AB  - It was good to read of the success of the Helping to Overcome Problems
      Effectively (HOPE) self-management courses for cancer survivors (features January
      5).

PMID- 28086307
TI  - Obituary.
AB  - As a sister in Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service, Dora
      Thornburn, who has died at the age of 90, nursed back to health two Belgian
      heroes of the Resistance.

PMID- 28086308
TI  - Screening emergency admissions for MRSA.
AB  - Dinah Gould's learning zone article on meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) (January 5) is timely. Categories of patients for routine screening must
      now include relevant emergency admissions (MRSA screening: operational guidance 3
      - Department of Health 2010).

PMID- 28086310
TI  - Flexible model of work-based learning boosts development.
AB  - I was interested to read your news story, 'Nurses miss out on essential training
      due to staff shortages' (January 5). As director of the Open University-RCN
      strategic alliance I would emphasise the importance of investing in continuing
      professional development (CPD), particularly in times of change and service
      redesign.

PMID- 28086309
TI  - An erudite article on the prevention of infection.
AB  - Preventing healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) is an important challenge to
      nurses, but it can often Be a dry subject of study. i must congratulate dinah
      gould on her excellent learning zone article, 'mrsa: implications for hospitals
      and nursing homes' (January 5).

PMID- 28086311
TI  - Telephone counselling helps smokers to quit.
AB  - As a stop smoking trainer and author of You Can Stop Smoking, I was interested to
      read that Australians who were offered proactive telephone counselling to help
      them stop smoking had improved abstinence rates and were significantly more
      likely to have attempted to quit (clinical digest January 5).

PMID- 28086312
TI  - Starting out passing on a loving message was a huge responsibility.
AB  - In the final year of my diploma the university gave me the opportunity to choose
      my final placement. One of the options was a 13-week placement in a hospice.

PMID- 28086313
TI  - Ministers have a cheek to say nurses should be grateful for NHS salaries.
AB  - The Department of Health (DH) wants nurses to be more grateful for being NHS
      employees and plans to spell this out in annual letters telling us how well
      rewarded we are (news January 5).

PMID- 28086314
TI  - Cuts to health services leaves region's staff at breaking point.
AB  - The decision to close 30 beds at Clatterbridge Hospital in Merseyside as part of
      a drive to save L14 million has prompted an angry reaction from nurses.

PMID- 28086315
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28086317
TI  - Dig deeper to spot depression in male patients.
AB  - Nurses should look beyond men and boys' physical condition to identify concerns
      about their mental health, according to guidelines published last week.

PMID- 28086318
TI  - Mid Staffs' standards still cause for concern.
AB  - Worries about nurse training and medication errors persist at Mid Staffordshire
      NHS Foundation Trust, say health service regulators.

PMID- 28086319
TI  - New class of haitian nurses graduates.
AB  - Haiti is celebrating the graduation of its first nurses since its national school
      of nursing was destroyed by a devastating earthquake last January.

PMID- 28086320
TI  - Readers panel - Public health on the market.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28086321
TI  - Why I have to keep my head down at the hairdressers.
AB  - There is an occupational hazard associated with working in primary care -
      everyone you know is a patient.

PMID- 28086322
TI  - Care packages for people with stroke 'often in disarray'.
AB  - Stroke patients are being failed by a lack of community-based rehabilitation,
      according to a major health watchdog review.

PMID- 28086323
TI  - Former smokers still at risk of hearing loss from others' smoke.
AB  - Exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke is linked to hearing loss in adults who
      do not smoke.

PMID- 28086324
TI  - Legislative control of mephedrone may be harmful to health.
AB  - Reclassification of mephedrone as a class B drug has had a limited effect in
      controlling its availability and use.

PMID- 28086325
TI  - Frustration over delays in controlled medicines law.
AB  - Nurse prescribers have described how a delay in changes to controlled drugs laws
      is restricting their work.

PMID- 28086326
TI  - Prepare for equality law, trusts told.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council and NHS organisations must be ready for the
      introduction of new equality laws in England, the government has warned.

PMID- 28086327
TI  - Call for standardised care protocol for patients experiencing pain.
AB  - Demands for a care pathway for pain services and for chronic pain to be declared
      a disease in its own right have been welcomed by nurses.

PMID- 28086328
TI  - Binge drinking increases risk of ischaemic heart disease.
AB  - Regular and moderate alcohol intake, the typical pattern in middle-aged men in
      France, is associated with a low risk of ischaemic heart disease. The binge
      drinking pattern more prevalent in Belfast carries a higher risk.

PMID- 28086329
TI  - Voices - Patients swamped by information need help, says Rosemary Cook.
AB  - The Department of Health has been consulting recently on the 'information
      revolution' and 'choice and control'. Both are at least as important as the
      restructuring of the architecture of the NHS, but have made far less impact on
      health professionals.

PMID- 28086331
TI  - In a stew.
AB  - Oscar Wilde said that, in life, one should try everything once - except for
      incest and country dancing.

PMID- 28086332
TI  - Women with chance of familial cancer likely to benefit from screening.
AB  - Annual mammography in women with a medium familial risk of breast cancer is
      likely to prevent deaths from the disease.

PMID- 28086334
TI  - Reaching out to black women.
AB  - Black women are significantly less likely to develop breast cancer than their
      white counterparts, but a higher percentage of black women die from the disease
      than white women.

PMID- 28086336
TI  - Outsidein.
AB  - When the subject of car sickness arises, I am always tempted to bring up a story
      told to me by my friend Martin when we were kids.

PMID- 28086337
TI  - Changes to NHS are 'extremely risky and potentially disastrous'.
AB  - Unions issued a last-ditch warning to the government about the risks of
      restructuring the NHS as ministers prepared to publish their Health Bill this
      week.

PMID- 28086338
TI  - Fresh call for staff to be immunised against flu.
AB  - The RCN has urged nurses who have so far failed to get vaccinated against flu to
      get the seasonal flu jab.

PMID- 28086339
TI  - RCM refutes baby weaning research.
AB  - The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has challenged claims that babies breastfed
      exclusively for six months are at risk of iron deficiency.

PMID- 28086340
TI  - Where in England do older people feel most vulnerable?
AB  - One in seven people aged 65 and over in England live alone. Latest figures show
      that one fifth of these people feel unsafe. The map below reveals the local
      authority areas in England where older people feel safest and where they feel
      most at risk.

PMID- 28086341
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - A scoping workshop for a national guideline on the management of osteoporosis was
      carried out in 2003. To date, this is still under review. In the past few years
      there has been much controversy about who to treat and at what stage of the
      condition. In addition, there is debate on whether or not bone densitometry is
      needed before treatment in all cases.

PMID- 28086342
TI  - Babs steele was a fighter who will be sorely missed.
AB  - I was sad to read that Barbara (Babs) Steele has died (obituary December 2). She
      was an active RCN London region board member and worked tirelessly for the
      college's Work Injured Nursing Group (WING).

PMID- 28086345
TI  - Inspections at Basildon may lead to fitness to practise charges.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) will carry out urgent inspections this
      week at a hospital trust criticised for poor nursing care. It will then decide
      whether to remove students from the wards.

PMID- 28086343
TI  - Ongoing support is needed to prevent repeat crises.
AB  - I read with interest the article on community mental health teams being a catch
      all for those clients who do not fit the criteria for other teams (reflections
      November 18), and I can sympathise with this.

PMID- 28086346
TI  - Dismissed director to appeal.
AB  - A director of nursing and midwifery has appealed against his dismissal for gross
      misconduct following an investigation into how A&E waiting times were recorded.

PMID- 28086347
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28086348
TI  - Nursing students' attitudes to biomedical science lectures.
AB  - Aim To explore what first-year nursing students believe to be the preferred
      characteristics of common foundation programme biomedical science lecturers, and
      to investigate whether students prefer active or passive learning. Method Survey
      and interview methodologies were used to explore the attitudes of a cohort of
      first-year nursing students at Queen's University Belfast. Questionnaires were
      distributed among 300 students. Individuals were asked to select five of a list
      of 14 criteria that they believed characterised the qualities of an effective
      lecturer. Informal interviews were carried out with five participants who were
      randomly selected from the sample to investigate which teaching methods were most
      beneficial in assisting their learning. Results Nursing students favoured
      didactic teaching and found interactivity in lectures intimidating. Students
      preferred to learn biomedical science passively and depended heavily on their
      instructors. Conclusion In response to the survey, the authors propose a set of
      recommendations to enhance the learning process in large classes. This guidance
      includes giving clear objectives and requirements to students, encouraging active
      participation, and sustaining student interest through the use of improved
      teaching aids and innovative techniques.

PMID- 28086349
TI  - Honour for reducing trust infection rates.
AB  - Nursing director Tricia Hart (pictured centre), who has overseen dramatic
      reductions in healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and improvements in
      patient safety, has won a leadership award.

PMID- 28086350
TI  - Prescribing law changes delayed again.
AB  - Plans to give independent nurse and pharmacist prescribers the power to prescribe
      all controlled drugs have been put back yet again.

PMID- 28086351
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The NHS Primary Care Commissioning website is a comprehensive and well structured
      resource for the primary care workforce and those involved in commissioning the
      services.

PMID- 28086352
TI  - ?

PMID- 28086353
TI  - Supporting patients undergoing cataract extraction surgery.

PMID- 28086354
TI  - Peer casts doubt on viability of family nurse partnership posts.
AB  - Ministers have written to NHS trusts in England urging them to take part in a
      programme supporting vulnerable mothers - in the same week as the scheme's
      financial viability was questioned.

PMID- 28086358
TI  - Hypothyroidism.
AB  - As a newly qualified nurse working in a coronary care unit (CCU), I am learning
      about how different diseases affect the cardiovascular system. There are a number
      of patients in the unit with hypothyroidism, but I had not made the link between
      this condition and acute coronary syndrome.

PMID- 28086359
TI  - Student life - More than merely 'clever'.
AB  - What is education for? At first, the answer seems obvious. Education is intended
      to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to undertake their
      jobs, a purpose known as instrumentalism.

PMID- 28086360
TI  - Choosing from a wider pool of talent.
AB  - Spotting the qualities needed in the nursing workforce is complex. Moves to more
      costly graduate pre-registration programmes make it important to identify
      predictors of good nurses and potential leaders of the profession. Recent reports
      of poor care confirm that selectors need to do better.

PMID- 28086361
TI  - Relieving staff stress would boost safety and efficiency.
AB  - While I applaud the work of major employers such as Cadbury and Royal Mail in
      helping their staff to deal with stress (features October 28), the NHS could be
      doing more.

PMID- 28086362
TI  - An unbearable power.

PMID- 28086363
TI  - Rotating shift patterns are as strenuous as night shifts.
AB  - Having many years' experience of permanent night duty, I am all too aware of the
      effects that working nights can have on one's physical and mental wellbeing.
      Today's rotating shift patterns can be equally strenuous.

PMID- 28086365
TI  - Dr Foster considers adding nurse staffing levels to hospital guide.
AB  - Patients could be told how many nurses are on the wards of each English hospital,
      Nursing Standard has learned.

PMID- 28086364
TI  - Without an nhs email account i cannot access research.
AB  - Rosemary Cook, director of the Queen's Nursing Institute, says many nurses who
      work in hospices, charities or nursing homes assume they cannot join events or
      programmes because they think they are only for NHS staff (reflections December
      2).

PMID- 28086366
TI  - Body piercing game wins grant.
AB  - A nurse who invented a game to explain the risks of body piercings has won L4,000
      to extend her project.

PMID- 28086368
TI  - Starting out-Smallgestureofrespecthelped adyingchild'sgrievingfamily.
AB  - The staff on the paediatric ward drink from chipped cups. The mugs are freebies
      from drug reps that have been stained black from yet another strong coffee on a
      night shift. There is, however, a tea service that sits in a cupboard, beautiful
      and clean.

PMID- 28086367
TI  - RCN urges compulsory training for every healthcare support worker.
AB  - The government should introduce mandatory training for healthcare support workers
      (HCSWs) to ensure they work towards the same education levels and have clear
      roles, says the RCN.

PMID- 28086369
TI  - Nurse directors do not have the time to take on a heavy clinical caseload.
AB  - Why do we constantly try to measure ourselves against our medical colleagues?
      Simply because some medical directors retain some clinical input does not
      necessarily mean it is right for us.

PMID- 28086370
TI  - Readers panel - Do patients care about 'choice'? We asked our readers panel.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28086371
TI  - Nurses given power to remove antisocial patients and relatives.
AB  - Senior nurses can order the removal of people causing disturbance in hospitals
      after a change in the law took effect last week.

PMID- 28086373
TI  - 'Pension penalises me for being a man'.
AB  - A community nurse has spoken out about his frustration at losing several
      thousands pounds a year from his NHS pension because of his gender.

PMID- 28086372
TI  - A creative connection.

PMID- 28086374
TI  - High oxygen level does not reduce surgical site sepsis.
AB  - Administration of 80 per cent oxygen versus 30 per cent oxygen does not affect
      the risk of surgical site infection after abdominal surgery.

PMID- 28086375
TI  - Lung cancer services audit points to value of specialist practitioners.
AB  - Patients with access to lung cancer specialist nurses are twice as likely to
      receive treatment compared to those without their support, research shows.

PMID- 28086376
TI  - Eye spy.
AB  - It was a bad day for glasses. First, my colleagues conducted a lengthy search for
      a patient's bifocals. The woman insisted she had left them in the doctor's
      consulting room.

PMID- 28086377
TI  - Inspectors say nursing agencies are getting better.
AB  - Three-quarters of nursing agencies in England have been rated as good or
      excellent by their regulator, a 2 per cent increase on last year.

PMID- 28086378
TI  - Ginkgo offers benefit in treatment of postviral smell loss.
AB  - Olfactory function in patients with postviral olfactory loss is significantly
      improved by treatment with prednisolone alone or a combination of prednisolone
      and ginkgo biloba.

PMID- 28086379
TI  - Midwifery in the spotlight as politicians vie for votes.
AB  - The 850 midwives and students who gathered in Manchester last month for the Royal
      College of Midwives' (RCM) annual conference shared a vision for the future: a
      passion for supporting normal births where possible.

PMID- 28086380
TI  - Outsidein - David Newnham puts his finger on yet another ailment.
AB  - If the reader who once joked that 'Mr Newnham seems to have suffered every minor
      ailment in the book except housemaid's knee and gout' is still out there, then I
      have something to report. You can tick off gout.

PMID- 28086381
TI  - All measures of obesity associated with venous thromboembolism.
AB  - All obesity measures can be used to predict the risk of venous thromboembolism
      (VTE).

PMID- 28086382
TI  - Proactive approach is linked to improved neck pain relief.
AB  - A semi-hard cervical collar, rest or physiotherapy and home exercises can reduce
      neck and arm pain substantially compared with a wait-and-see policy.

PMID- 28086383
TI  - A third of acute trusts has no early warning system for patients.
AB  - Figures have shown that around one third of NHS acute trusts in England do not
      have guidelines telling nurses when to seek medical help if a patient's condition
      deteriorates.

PMID- 28086385
TI  - A winning attitude.
AB  - Sian middleton graduated from swanesa university this year with a first class
      honours degree in nursing.she was given a L200 award for outstanding scholarship.

PMID- 28086386
TI  - Team prepares for action.
AB  - A team of 55 Territorial Army nurses and doctors met Scotland's health secretary
      and deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon last week before being deployed to
      Afghanistan.

PMID- 28086387
TI  - Salary body likely to approverise.
AB  - Nurses are expected to find out next week whether negotiations for 2010's planned
      2.25 per cent pay rise will be re-opened.

PMID- 28086389
TI  - Giving the benefit of her experience.
AB  - 'I had asthma as a child and found it frustrating when I ran out of breath while
      playing sports. It was not until I was a practice nurse and I went on a course
      about the condition that I realised my asthma was poorly controlled,' recalls
      Sally Atkins, who now works for Asthma UK.

PMID- 28086388
TI  - Extra training essential for staff redeployed to children's ICUs.
AB  - Nurses redeployed to work in intensive care units (ICUs) if the swine flu
      pandemic escalates should first receive critical care training, says the
      Department of Health (DH).

PMID- 28086390
TI  - Vocationally related qualification in understanding HIV and AIDS.
AB  - Venue Distance learning by telephone and email plus nationwide training days.

PMID- 28086392
TI  - You get what you pay for.
AB  - As Nursing Standard went to press, chancellor Alistair Darling was putting the
      finishing touches to his pre-budget report. Speculation was rife that he would
      announce efficiency savings - or cuts to use more direct language - across the
      public sector, including the NHS.

PMID- 28086391
TI  - VOICES-Nurses have plenty of political clout - especially with an election
      looming.
AB  - There are more nurses on the Nursing and Midwifery Council register than there
      are members of any of the UK's political parties - even the largest have far
      fewer members than the professional nursing organisations and unions.

PMID- 28086393
TI  - Radical changes.
AB  - On a bank holiday Monday this year my 92-year-old mother was admitted to an acute
      trust after sustaining a fractured neck of femur.

PMID- 28086395
TI  - Slow progress on scottish hospital food.
AB  - More effort is needed to improve food and nutrition in Scotland's hospitals,
      health minister Andy Kerr said last week.

PMID- 28086394
TI  - Good mews for NMC as London property gets hefty price tag.
AB  - Valued at L1.3 million when it went on the market last week, the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council's (NMC) bolt-hole just off Oxford Street in the west end of
      London is definitely out of the price range of most nurses.

PMID- 28086396
TI  - Concern over rise in emergency readmissions.
AB  - The RCN is calling for better discharge planning in response to new government
      figures showing the rate of emergency hospital readmissions has risen by nearly a
      third since 2002.

PMID- 28086397
TI  - Joint training with doctors could be key to eliminating drug errors.
AB  - Nurses and doctors should study medicines jointly to ensure fewer drug errors
      occur, according to a leading nurse prescriber.

PMID- 28086399
TI  - Jail smoking ban 'is workable'.
AB  - Prison nurses have held talks with government officials over smoking bans on
      inmates.

PMID- 28086398
TI  - Support for mystery illness.
AB  - Behcet's disease is a rare autoimmune condition that can be difficult to diagnose
      and treat. Specialist nurse Gill Grundy is there to help.

PMID- 28086400
TI  - Antenatal steroids cut respiratory distress in preterm infants.
AB  - Repeat doses of corticosteroids given to mothers at risk of preterm delivery
      reduce neonatal morbidity from respiratory distress syndrome.

PMID- 28086401
TI  - Limb fractures more common in French than British jockeys.
AB  - French jockeys suffer more severe injuries when they fall off their horses than
      their British counterparts. While it has been shown that jockeys suffer high
      rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries, little is known about differences in
      injury rates between countries. To investigate this, researchers from Australia,
      France and the UK used prospectively collected data on the rates of fatal and non
      fatal injuries in flat and jump jockeys in France and compared them with data
      from the UK.

PMID- 28086402
TI  - Dirty work.
AB  - If I started to tip my household waste on to the pavement I would have the
      heavies from environmental health around in no time - and quite right too. The
      needs of the community outweigh my 'right' to do what I please with my rubbish.

PMID- 28086403
TI  - Speaking volumesWin or lose in this week's final Big Brother's Pete Bennett is
      already a star. Judith Kidd assesses his role in improving perceptions of
      Tourette syndrome.
AB  - I would be delighted if Pete Bennett (pictured) won this series of the Big
      Brother contest on Channel 4. As chief executive of the Tourette Syndrome (UK)
      Association, I cannot think of a more deserving winner. Thanks to Pete, millions
      of people now understand the problems that Tourette syndrome can cause.

PMID- 28086404
TI  - 'Scary'Star Wars trilogy may not be the best medicine for sick children.
AB  - Bringing cinema magic to patients in state-of-the-art facilities will surely
      constitute a welcome break from the monotony of the ward (news August 9). The
      fact that MediCinema is offering the service for free is a bonus.

PMID- 28086405
TI  - Outside In.
AB  - An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but my two cartons of apple juice are
      doing my head in.

PMID- 28086406
TI  - Morale plummets as NHS Direct staff threaten to strike over cuts.
AB  - Nurses at NHS Direct are threatening strike action over proposals to axe nearly
      600 jobs and close 12 centres.

PMID- 28086407
TI  - New mothers should hold on to babies for longer, says midwife.
AB  - Mothers are being encouraged by a midwife to keep their newborn babies close to
      their skin for about an hour after birth. She has been awarded a PhD for her
      research.

PMID- 28086408
TI  - In-flight nurses fear for patient health after terrorism alert.
AB  - Nurses caring for patients on board aircraft are concerned that they will face
      new restrictions as a result of terrorism threats.

PMID- 28086409
TI  - Nurse campaigns for protection at work.
AB  - A nurse who was attacked by a patient is urging hospitals to display posters of
      her injury to publicise the impact of violence against NHS staff.

PMID- 28086410
TI  - Different patterns of alcohol use in fatal injuries.
AB  - Almost every third fatal injury event in females and almost every other event in
      males are alcohol related, Swedish researchers report.

PMID- 28086411
TI  - Communicating with older people about the end of life.
AB  - Lecturers at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Sheffield
      undertook an exploratory study investigating nurses' perceptions and their
      experiences of listening and talking to dying older people in their care about
      issues relating to the end of life.

PMID- 28086413
TI  - Voices-Collective provision of health care has saved the lives of millions since
      1948 - we should never put that at risk, says beverly malone.
AB  - The NHS opened its doors for business on July 5 1948 in a healthcare environment
      that was very different from the one we live and work in today.

PMID- 28086414
TI  - I lived in fear of colleagues who bullied me on the ward.
AB  - During my nursing career of 26 years, I have experienced bullying in a mild form
      (editorial July 26). But 18 months ago I had to leave the ward where I worked
      because I lived in fear. My family was the only thing that kept me going. Even
      now, as I write, I am crying.

PMID- 28086415
TI  - Overseas nurses are welcome assets to British hospitals.
AB  - Nursing students and qualified nurses should stop moaning about overseas nurses
      working in the UK. They have often travelled many thousands of miles to take up
      posts when there was a shortage of skilled nurses. They have proved to be caring,
      skilful and hard working. They are an asset to any hospital.

PMID- 28086416
TI  - Choosing industrial action will alienate public opinion.
AB  - Although morale in the NHS is generally low, industrial action is not the answer
      (news August 9). Nurses should lobby their MPs and pressure the government over
      job cuts. If nurses opt for industrial action, it will alienate the public, who
      mostly support nurses.

PMID- 28086417
TI  - 'Being there' for relatives can be best kind of support.
AB  - Adele Lea says she was shocked by her inability to support a grieving relative
      (reflections August 9). But it is admirable that she sat quietly and simply
      listened. The quietness of caring was evident and rather than not helping, as she
      thought, Adele was in fact a great support. She was 'there'. In sad times, just
      being there listening is often enough. I wish her well with the rest of her
      training.

PMID- 28086418
TI  - Feelings are the invisible 'added value' of nursing.
AB  - I was saddened to read Thomas Arlarch's letter (August 9) claiming that
      subjective feelings have no place in the provision of care.

PMID- 28086419
TI  - Heart of nursing series.
AB  - In our ten-part series, leading nurse authors address.

PMID- 28086420
TI  - Science alone cannot provide quality care to patients.
AB  - As a learning disabilities nursing student, I am taught the importance of meeting
      a person's emotional, spiritual, social, mental and physical needs. I therefore
      read with concern a qualified nurse's opinion (letters August 9) that there is no
      place in health care for subjective feelings.

PMID- 28086421
TI  - Statistics agency does not calculate attrition rates.
AB  - The article 'Government data on attrition rates unreliable, experts claim' (news
      August 2), refers to 'the methodology used by the Higher Education Statistics
      Agency (HESA) on behalf of the Department of Health (DH), which earlier this year
      produced an attrition rate of 16 per cent'.

PMID- 28086422
TI  - A quick wash is preferable to missing out on sleep.
AB  - As a night sister in a nursing home, I would like to respond to 'Night-time
      bathing would ease pressure on wards' (letters August 2). I agree that patients
      should ideally have a bath or wash whenever they wish.

PMID- 28086423
TI  - L60,000 to train me and then let me go - what a waste.
AB  - I am a nursing student due to qualify next March. In my final theoretical block,
      I have to submit two 2,500- word assignments, a 2,000-word assignment, a 1,000
      word CV/action plan and a 6,500-word portfolio, all to obtain a qualification
      that is unlikely to lead to employment. So forgive me if my enthusiasm is muted.

PMID- 28086424
TI  - Are HCAs the new nurses?
AB  - There has long been a view of future healthcare provision in which an army of
      unqualified healthcare assistants (HCAs) carries out all the hands-on 'menial'
      nursing care while a much smaller number of highly skilled qualified nurses
      occupies parts of the higher ground currently held by doctors. A nightmare
      scenario for some; utopia for others.

PMID- 28086425
TI  - US nurses allege mass wage fixing.
AB  - Nurses have filed lawsuits against hospitals in four cities in the United States,
      accusing them of conspiring to keep nurses' wages low.

PMID- 28086426
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Picker Institute is an independent, not-for-profit research and development
      unit that focuses on the patient experience and improving care. It undertakes
      research, development and policy activities to make sure that patients' views are
      heard.

PMID- 28086427
TI  - Pioneering service will move treatment for self-harm out of A&E.
AB  - A team of nurses has received training to run a service - believed to be the
      first of its kind in the country - for people who self-harm.

PMID- 28086430
TI  - Union in dark about trust's plan for practice assessment.
AB  - Managers at a large NHS trust will consult nurses on plans for a three- yearly
      test that will indicate whether they remain fit for practice, but unions complain
      they have been left in the dark.

PMID- 28086432
TI  - Student life-Wake up and learn.
AB  - Many students return from practice saying they did not learn anything. But we
      constantly learn about the world around us through our senses. So if these
      students truly did not learn anything, were they asleep through the whole
      placement? And how did they manage to pass their practice assessment?

PMID- 28086433
TI  - Fears for literacy and numeracy as new nurses fail basic tests.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has voiced concern over nurses' poor
      levels of English and maths after a third of newly qualified nurses failed a
      basic test set by a hospital as part of anew selection process.

PMID- 28086434
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28086435
TI  - Pay increase wiped out by registration fee rise.
AB  - I am incensed that the Nursing and Midwifery Council is looking to increase the
      cost of nurse registration from L43 to L80 a year. We spend years fighting for a
      decent increase in pay and any paltry sums are immediately wiped out by increased
      fees and charges. When I first registered as a nurse, there was a one-off payment
      to register for life. How things change.

PMID- 28086437
TI  - Starting out - happy to be a softie if it means remaining true to my values.
AB  - During this term's placement a member of the ward team teased me with a nickname:
      Softie.

PMID- 28086438
TI  - Webwise correction.
AB  - John Thain was mistakenly credited as the author of the Webwise review of
      www.trauma.org (July 26). Liz Gormley-Fleming, senior lecturer at the University
      of Hertfordshire, was the author. Nursing Standard would like to apologise for
      the error.

PMID- 28086439
TI  - Nurse heads new quality regulation scheme at healthcare commission.
AB  - A nurse has been put in charge of a new system to investigate the quality of NHS
      and independent health care.

PMID- 28086440
TI  - Readers panel - Overseas limit- right or wrong?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28086442
TI  - Norfolk and Norwich: a howling success.
AB  - Hospital staff who made a patient's hearing dog especially welcome have received
      an accolade in the Hearing Dog Friendly awards.

PMID- 28086441
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - Reap reward from your strategic agenda. No, I have no idea what that means
      either. But it is the slogan for August on my desk calendar beneath a picture of
      a racing yacht - so I assume it relates to achieving success.

PMID- 28086443
TI  - Healthcare assistants seen as more involved in patient care than nurses.
AB  - Patients have said that healthcare assistants (HCAs), not nurses, give most of
      the direct care they receive in hospital, research published in this week's
      Nursing Standard reveals.

PMID- 28086447
TI  - Small babies fare better without dexamethasone.
AB  - Giving extremely low birthweight babies dexamethasone to prevent chronic lung
      disease canhave serious complications without discerniblebenefits.

PMID- 28086446
TI  - Nasal diamorphine faster and preferred by children.
AB  - Nasal diamorphine spray should be used in preference to injection in children and
      adolescents who have sustained fractures, according to a multicentre study.

PMID- 28086448
TI  - Strategies needed for post-transplant fractures.
AB  - Patients who undergo a cardiac or liver transplant have a high risk of
      osteoporitic fracture, particularly in the first two years after transplantation.

PMID- 28086449
TI  - A lesson in demotivation.
AB  - SORRY TO bang on about this yetagain, but it does seem ridiculousthat the
      internal rotation system of working continues to be imposed on nurses who find it
      stressful and difficult. Nursing Standard reports this week on a snapshot survey
      of Linda Thomas readers that set out to discoverhow much progress has been made
      in implementing employee-friendly policiessince the Making Time campaign we ran
      with the Royal College of Nursing nearly two years ago.

PMID- 28086450
TI  - Cold comfort.
AB  - WHEN MAUREEN Gill was a child her grandmother always threatened to send her to am
      Siberia if she did not wash behind her ears. Nearly 50 years later she finally
      visited the region that had seemed almost mythical to her, with clean ears and a
      mission to help improve the area's palliative care.

PMID- 28086451
TI  - Call to action for Scottish health care.
AB  - SCOTLAND'S NEWLY published strategy for nursing and midwifery, Caring for
      Scotland, is a reminder of how different professional life can be for nurses
      across the UK. For example, while developments in telehealth and telemedicine
      facilities are certainly not unique to the remote rural areas of Scotland, there
      can be few nurses who can claim to be the sole health professional on a non
      doctor island. One such district nurse looks forward with optimism to seeing the
      effect of the World Health Organization pilot family health nursing programme on
      her professional credibility. Perhaps not surprisingly, there is a fair bit of
      emphasis on helping nurses who work in remote and rural areas to develop their
      practice.

PMID- 28086452
TI  - Meeting students' learning needs is a priority.
AB  - I wish to respond to a letter by student nurse Rebecca O'Brien (Letters February
      2). As one of the nurses on ward 16 at Solihull Hospital who participated in
      supervising Rebecca, I would like to thank her for taking the time and trouble to
      write to Nursing Standard to thank us for mentoring her.

PMID- 28086453
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - If I read one more magazine article aboutmen's cavalier attitude to their health.
      Ishall have a stupid male tantrum.

PMID- 28086454
TI  - If you can use a pen and calculator, you can use a computer.
AB  - I was pleased to see the report on the British Computer Society conference
      (Analysis February 21). However, the problem is that such conferences speak only
      to the small audience of the already converted. Only two of those present were
      the 'clinical' nurses who need to get the messages, which are.

PMID- 28086455
TI  - First and foremost private care is a business.
AB  - I would like to respond to Sally Taber's criticisms (Letters February 21).

PMID- 28086456
TI  - The christine hancock column.
AB  - At the launch of the RCN's manifesto in February a hopeful journalist asked if I
      knew the date of the next general selection. A good question to which I don't
      have the answer However, we are preparingfor when it does take place. This month,
      initiallyon the RCN website, we are launching Let's Get Lobbying, a guide for any
      nurse who wants toraise issues with prospective MPs.

PMID- 28086457
TI  - Time's up.
AB  - IT'S NEARLY 18 months since Nursing Standard and the RCN launched Making Time,
      the campaign designed to arm nurses and their managers with the information they
      need to implement employee-friendly policies. The campaign was designed to give
      impetus to the many fine words and policy statements (see box right) coming from
      government ministers as they tried to confront desperate staff shortages. It
      became more and more apparent that a better life-work balance would result in
      improved staff retention, more returners to the profession and even enhanced
      recruitment.

PMID- 28086458
TI  - Rotation project fills vacancies.
AB  - A PROJECT that rotates nurses at various trusts has helped areas of London
      overcome long-term vacancies.

PMID- 28086459
TI  - Caution over clinical ladders.
AB  - INCREASING NURSES' pay as they gain skills rather than when they move to
      specialist are as can improve patients'experiences and enhancenurses'
      professional identity, the conference was told. But such a system can create
      greater disparity in pay rates between clinicians and managers.

PMID- 28086460
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28086461
TI  - An active remainder.
AB  - A motorist in the City of York gets the message on the back of a pay and display
      car park ticket which urges people to get out of the car and walk or cycle in the
      fight against coronary heart disease.

PMID- 28086462
TI  - Credit card scheme in demand.
AB  - HALF THE ward sisters and charge nurses in England should be using a credit card
      to spend their L5,000 ward environment budget by March next year, the health
      department says.

PMID- 28086463
TI  - Nurses should only make essential visits to farms.
AB  - AS THE foot and mouth crisis continues to paralyse large parts ofthe countryside,
      nursing staff inrural areas have been told to avoidnon-essential visits.

PMID- 28086465
TI  - Flexibility key to keeping staff.
AB  - SIX IN TEN nurses think employee-friendly policies such as flexible shifts and
      creche facilities would be most effective in retaining staff, a Nursing Standard
      survey shows.

PMID- 28086464
TI  - Unions call for greater health focus in budget.
AB  - HEALTHCARE UNIONS have called on chancellor Cordon Brown to increase health
      service spending when he announces his Budget this week.

PMID- 28086466
TI  - Audit reveals course cost variations.
AB  - MASSIVE VARIATIONS in the costof training nursing students havebeen exposed in an
      audit orderedby the government.

PMID- 28086467
TI  - Council to decide on unit's right to action.
AB  - THE RCN's governing council is expected to rule this week on whether college
      members at a leading A&E unit can ballot on industrial action.

PMID- 28086468
TI  - Money wasted on unfilled places.
AB  - MILLIONS OF pounds of NHS funds are being wasted because places onpost
      registration education courses are not being filled, according to an Audit
      Commission report published last week.

PMID- 28086469
TI  - Notes and queries.
AB  - What's happening in the other three countries? The Scottish minister Susan Deacon
      launched a package of six guidelines in January including what the Scottish
      Executive (SE) refers to as family friendly policies. The SE is in the process of
      developing a people governance standard equivalent to the IWL in England. Wales
      and Northern Ireland are likely to follow suit but are still working on their
      human resource strategies and haven't got specific policies on employee-friendly
      working yet.

PMID- 28086470
TI  - Royal honour.
AB  - RCN adviser in nursing practice Susan Scott visited Buckingham Palace last week
      to receive her MBE from the Queen. Ms Scott, who received the honour for services
      to nursing and the RCN, is pictured with her granddaughter Mollie.

PMID- 28086471
TI  - Reviewer glossed over dermatology glossary.
AB  - I read the book review by Mary Finch with interest (Perspectives February 28) as
      I am one of the contributors. However, Ms Finch mentioned the lack of a glossary.

PMID- 28086472
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - Bonjour, my little cauliflowers. I've been to Paris for le weekend and have
      returned with a firm grip on the lingo.

PMID- 28086473
TI  - Control in the community.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28086474
TI  - Doesn't PREP contravene the human rights act?
AB  - On October 2 2000 the Human Rights Act (HRA) 1998came into force in the UK. Its
      purpose is to incorporate the various rights and freedoms contained in the
      European Convention of Human Rights into UK law.

PMID- 28086476
TI  - Where credit's due.
AB  - Nurse manager Beverley Stephens (centre right). Nursing Leadership awardwinner,
      and lecturer/practitioner Naomi Sharpies(centre left), Mental Health award
      commendee, were among a group of Nursing Standard Nurse 2000 award winners
      andcommendees whoseachievements were acknowledged at a meetingwith health
      minister John Denham and England'schief nurse Sarah Mullallyat the health
      departmentlast week.

PMID- 28086475
TI  - Nurse-doctor teamwork could save nhs millions.
AB  - JOINT PROFESSIONAL working between nurses and doctors could cut the number of
      adverse events in hospital, which a study has shown costs the NHS at least L1
      billion a year.

PMID- 28086477
TI  - UKCC changes procedures.
AB  - NURSES UP before the UKCCaccused of misconduct or not beingfit to practise will
      now be given biographical details of the councilmembers judging their case.

PMID- 28086478
TI  - Nurse exonerated after18-month investigation.
AB  - ELAINE CHASE, the nurse cleared of involvement in the deaths of 18babies and
      children, was told last week she will also not be charged for possession, theft
      or supply of class A drugs.

PMID- 28086479
TI  - Ask the experts.
AB  - I have been qualified for ten years and workin the private sector. I have just
      started abasic counselling course and am interested infinding out some background
      information. Any tips on where I can find some good, basic, counselling
      infonnation?

PMID- 28086480
TI  - Health service will have tocompete with USA for staff.
AB  - FOREIGN NURSES bailing out the NHS by coming to work in the UK could soon be
      tempted to the United States because of growing shortages there, an employment
      expert has warned.

PMID- 28086481
TI  - Would-be 'magnet' lets nurses lead.
AB  - A TRUST HOPING to be the first in the UK to achieve 'magnet' status has sent 800
      staff on leadership programmes and has nurses setting clinical indicators.

PMID- 28086483
TI  - Nursing homes ensure patients' needs are met.
AB  - I feel I cannot let yet another 'knock the nursing homes 'comment go unchallenged
      (Perspectives February 7). There aders panel 'Death duties' is not even about
      nursing homes.

PMID- 28086482
TI  - Don't ignore colleagueson A and B grades.
AB  - As an advocate for nursing assistants/healthcare assistants to join the RCN, and
      in light of the acceptance of this at last year'sRCN AGM, I was astounded that
      Nursing Standard produced the current nurses' pay poster starting at grade C.
      This ignores our colleagues and friends who work alongside us at grades A and B
      and could under minethe hard work many of us have made in showing the'assistants'
      that some members of the RCN value their input to nursing?

PMID- 28086484
TI  - Unfilled posts are increasing.
AB  - LAST YEAR saw further increases in nurse shortages right across the NHS, despite
      an expansion in the nursing workforce.

PMID- 28086485
TI  - Lest we for get.
AB  - A DISCUSSION IN a student tutorial on ethics was the start for nurse lecturer
      Alison O'Donnell's inves-tigation into nursing during them Third Reich in
      Germany. 'We were talking about the virtues of nursing and one student asked why,
      if caring was central to nursing, could nurses actcruelly?" she says.

PMID- 28086486
TI  - Animal rights campaigners have gone too far.
AB  - The attacks on laboratory staff at Huntingdon Life Sciences should be condemned.
      The research into diseases such as cystic fibrosis, which my one-year-old niece
      has, is vitally important and should not be compromised by the animal 'rights'
      lobby.

PMID- 28086487
TI  - Paediatric palliative care guidance doesn't exist.
AB  - You report the Essex policehaving to 'call on experts' (News February 21) when
      carrying out investigations such as that into Elaine Chase's care of dying
      children.

PMID- 28086488
TI  - Emergency contraceptionis always a last resort.
AB  - With reference to 'Emergencymeasures' (Perspectives February21) about over-the
      counter(OTC) emergency contraception, surely we are forgetting
      sexuallytransmitted diseases and HIV.

PMID- 28086490
TI  - Write all about it.
AB  - The Radio Times is calling on readers to write a script for the TV soap Casualty,
      as part of the BBC talent drama writer scheme. Scripts should be about
      12,000words long and submitted by May 31. BBC talent spotters will then draw up a
      shortlist of 15 would-be drama writers before a final selection by the cast. For
      more information, call 09065550000 or visit www.bbc.co.uk/talent.

PMID- 28086492
TI  - Alarm raised over health boards.
AB  - THE RCN HAS expressed alarm at government plans to establish 15NHS health boards
      in Scotland that will co-ordinate services across the country.

PMID- 28086491
TI  - Healthcare assistants do not make good assessors.
AB  - In reply to 'The NVQ question'(Perspectives January 24), I do notbelieve that
      healthcare assistants(HCAs) should become assessors.

PMID- 28086493
TI  - Opportunities to treat liver disease are being missed.
AB  - Abnormal results for liver function are often not adequately investigated, say
      researchers from Nottingham.

PMID- 28086494
TI  - What's on: the best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28086497
TI  - Scottish nursing strategy puts focus on leadership.
AB  - NURSES IN Scotland are to be sent on courses to improve their leadership skills
      as part of the government's strategy for the profession published last week.

PMID- 28086498
TI  - Homes slam new standards.
AB  - MINISTERS HAVE failed to quell criticism over newly-launched national standards
      for nursing and residential homes.

PMID- 28086499
TI  - Celebrity cleaners tell us a thing or two about mrsa.
AB  - I watched a television programme recently in which the celebrity cleaners Kim and
      Agie went into a hospital. I was pleased to hear Kim say that a reduction in the
      spread of MRSA infection is everyone's responsibility, from doctors and nurses to
      relatives and patients. The media is too quick to point the finger at nurses as
      the main culprits for the spread of infection.

PMID- 28086500
TI  - I may be lured away by the benefits of agency work.
AB  - As a full-time bank nurse working for the NHS in Tayside I am not surprised that
      agency nurses are more satisfied than me - they are on twice my salary.

PMID- 28086501
TI  - In death, as in life, patients deserve respect and dignity.
AB  - Two things struck me when I read Roswyn Hakesley-Brown's account of helping an
      inexperienced doctor fulfil a dying patient's wish (reflections August 23).

PMID- 28086502
TI  - Emptying commodes and washing patients are vital.
AB  - The statement about qualified nurses looking down on HCAs as if all they can do
      is 'empty commodes, wash and dress patients and make beds' horrified me (letters
      September 6). I was a nursing auxiliary for ten years before becoming a
      registered nurse. I have the utmost respect for all members of the nursing team,
      especially the HCAs, as do my qualified colleagues. Emptying commodes, washing
      and dressing patients and making beds are vital components of caring for
      patients.

PMID- 28086504
TI  - Nominations sought for rcn fellowship awards.
AB  - Do you know of an RCN member who has made an outstanding contribution either to
      nursing or to the RCN? If so, there is an opportunity for you to nominate them
      for an award. The RCN is looking for nominations for RCN fellowships, honorary
      fellowships and the awards of merit. These honours are awarded by RCN council and
      will be given at congress 2007 in Harrogate. The nomination forms and guidance
      are available at the RCN website, www.rcn.org.uk . The closing date is November
      16.

PMID- 28086505
TI  - Correction.
AB  - Please note that an error occurred in the article 'A new way of caring for older
      people in the community' (art&science July 26). In table three, point number four
      in the first column, under the heading United States, it should state that
      community patients are first assessed via the telephone. It should also state
      that in the UK, community patients are first assessed via a home visit. A correct
      version of the table appears on our website. We would like to apologise for the
      error.

PMID- 28086506
TI  - Allowing HCAs to develop is good for patients and nurses.
AB  - As a former HCA about to begin my second year of nurse training, I was
      disappointed to read David Salvage's views on caring responsibilities
      (reflections August 30).

PMID- 28086507
TI  - Thanks, MR Blair, for wasting the past three years of my life.
AB  - Three years ago last February I began my nurse training, giving up a lucrative
      career for a more fulfilling and family-friendly profession. Given that my
      husband and I had become accustomed to living on his income, we decided to start
      a family before my career took off.

PMID- 28086508
TI  - Charities hit by cash-strapped trusts' reluctance to fund specialist posts.
AB  - A charity has struggled to secure places at NHS trusts for its fully funded nurse
      specialists because hospitals fear they will be unable to afford the posts once
      charity funding ends.

PMID- 28086509
TI  - Red trays for people at nutritional risk have boosted patient satisfaction.
AB  - I thought the original idea for the 'red tray' food delivery system devised by
      Lindsey Bradley in 2003 was superb (news September 6).

PMID- 28086510
TI  - Gloopy yoghurt, a sandwich and fruit on a day-glo tray.
AB  - I have two observations to make about the recent debates in Nursing Standard -
      one on the role of healthcare assistants (HCAs) and the other on the nourishment
      of patients.

PMID- 28086512
TI  - Nurses asked to join discrimination study.
AB  - Researchers examining whether nurses with impairments suffer discrimination are
      seeking clinicians to take part in a study.

PMID- 28086511
TI  - Hobson's choice for patients who need to travel.
AB  - The rights of poorer patients to choose the best hospital for their care may be
      threatened by the NHS funding crisis, according to the Liberal Democrats.

PMID- 28086514
TI  - Acute wound closure.
AB  - As an A&E nurse, I care for clients requiring acute wound closure and I enjoy the
      challenge it presents. This article reviewed the rationale of wound closure. It
      enabled me to revise the principles and to discover new techniques.

PMID- 28086513
TI  - Starting out - I learnt to adapt to different mentor-student relationships.
AB  - My second year of nursing has been a long one. No more excitement and chaos
      living in student halls; no more concessions on the ward for being on my first
      placement; no more messing around. I have had to learn, because some day in the
      not too distant future I will be a staff nurse. I will get handed the keys, my
      superior will go for a tea break and I will be the 'nurse in charge'.

PMID- 28086515
TI  - Back to basics.
AB  - A friend had an allergic reaction while we were on holiday this year. We spent an
      hour or so in the local GP's waiting room, which, on a hot July day, was as
      gloomy as a funeral parlour. It was square, with benches arranged against the
      walls, which made conversation difficult especially as everyone else sat mutely
      gazing into space.

PMID- 28086516
TI  - Safety in numbers.
AB  - An organisation with royal college status thinks long and hard before quantifying
      something as fundamental as safe staffing levels. This week the RCN launches its
      recommended skill-mix ratio for registered and non-registered staff on general
      wards in NHS acute trusts, a move that should be welcomed by everyone from
      patients to ministers. The two thirds registered, one third unregistered
      benchmark provides a reference point when calculating workforce demands. And
      there is no organisation better placed to set down this marker for nursing care
      than nurses' own royal college.

PMID- 28086517
TI  - ?
AB  - Courses, events, grants, and awards to progress your career.

PMID- 28086518
TI  - Leak reveals plan to axe 48 nurse specialists.
AB  - Senior nurses are furious after a leaked consultation document revealed that
      Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is planning to cut 48 clinical nursing posts -
      one in five of its total - to save L1.6 million.

PMID- 28086520
TI  - US nurses work too much and without enough rest.
AB  - Extended work schedules - those that vary from the standard eight hours per day,
      35 to 40 hours per week - are common in nursing and contribute to problems with
      nursing recruitment and retention, in addition to compromising patient safety and
      the health and wellbeing of nurses.

PMID- 28086519
TI  - RCN sets out safe staffing ratio to maintain skill mix.
AB  - The RCN has for the first time recommended a safe staffing ratio for registered
      and unregistered nurses working in general wards.

PMID- 28086521
TI  - Copper rather than steel surfaces for infection control.
AB  - The use of stainless steel for work surfaces or door furniture in hospitals is
      not recommended on the grounds of infection control.

PMID- 28086522
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - Have you ever tried to say 'city break' with a mouth full of fingers? Could you
      get your tongue around 'baggage reclaim' while a stranger took a metal spike to
      your teeth? It is not easy, telling the hygienist what you did on your holidays.

PMID- 28086523
TI  - 'Broken leg taught me the value of nurses'.
AB  - Sandra Arthur has spent 31 years working in the NHS, 26 of those as a midwife.
      The care Ms Arthur received as a five year old influenced her decision to became
      a nurse. She had broken her leg and spent 12 weeks in hospital because, at that
      time, it was believed children would recover better in hospital rather than at
      home.

PMID- 28086524
TI  - Who has the time for a break?
AB  - As a nursing student it took just a week on placement before I realised that I
      was lucky if I managed to have a coffee without interruption. Innocently, I
      thought this was par for the course since the nurse in charge would ensure that
      chores were lined up and had to be completed by the end of the shift.

PMID- 28086525
TI  - Readers panel - Yet another blow to salaries.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28086526
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - Whatever happened to whistleblowing? There was a time - blimey, was it really in
      the early 1990s? - when you could not pick up a paper without stumbling across
      some humble nurse or doctor lifting the lid on bad practice.

PMID- 28086527
TI  - Diabetes triples risk of admission to a nursing home.
AB  - Lifestyle factors are important contributors to the risk of admission to a
      nursing home.

PMID- 28086528
TI  - Drivers of 4x4s less compliant with laws on mobile phone use.
AB  - The level of non-compliance with the law on the use of handheld phones and seat
      belts by drivers in London is high, according to researchers from London and
      Australia.

PMID- 28086529
TI  - Raising standards - and fees - are priorities for new NMC president.
AB  - The new president of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) wants nurses to be
      proud of their profession. Sandra Arthur believes nurses have lost this pride and
      that regaining it could be the key to cutting the number of misconduct cases.

PMID- 28086530
TI  - Voices - Our new voices columnist Rosemary Cook celebrates nurses' courage.
AB  - The conflict between Lebanon and Israel has gripped our attention with shocking
      pictures of death and destruction. One story to emerge from the carnage concerned
      the nurses who stayed behind in a damaged hospital because they would not abandon
      their patients.

PMID- 28086531
TI  - Foundation trusts for community services.
AB  - Details on the feasibility of primary care trusts (PCTs) acquiring foundation
      status will be published by the Department of Health later this year, health
      secretary Patricia Hewitt revealed last week.

PMID- 28086534
TI  - Staff value personnel role of nurse partners, independent study finds.
AB  - Practice staff find nurse partners more approachable than medics and believe they
      are better placed to mediate between salaried staff and partners, an evaluation
      of the role has indicated.

PMID- 28086532
TI  - Unions claim politics is driving cuts.
AB  - Unions have accused the government of prioritising political gains above the
      welfare of the NHS, following warnings that A&E departments and maternity
      services could face imminent closure.

PMID- 28086535
TI  - Voice of nursing in primary care threatened by government review.
AB  - The makeup and function of professional executive committees (PECs), which
      include nurses who advise primary care trusts (PCTs) on service planning, is to
      be reviewed by the government.

PMID- 28086538
TI  - Take action on alcohol use in wales, says RCN.
AB  - Political parties in Wales are being urged to develop policies that reduce
      alcohol consumption in the principality.

PMID- 28086536
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28086539
TI  - Impact of NHS logistics strike played down.
AB  - Unison and the Department of Health have played down the likely impact of this
      Thursday's planned one-day strike by staff at NHS Logistics.

PMID- 28086540
TI  - Deprived areas are focus for intensive health visiting.
AB  - Deprived families will receive intensive visits from health visitors and midwives
      as part of a scheme to reduce social exclusion, the government has said.

PMID- 28086541
TI  - Resignations after agency hires private eye to spy on nurse.
AB  - A private detective was hired to spy on a community nurse in Australia who was
      suspected of not fulfilling work obligations. When she was then fired, 19
      colleagues resigned in support.

PMID- 28086542
TI  - Damning report shows unequal care for people with disabilities.
AB  - Annual health checks and improved medication advice are required for people with
      learning disabilities and mental health problems, a report into their treatment
      recommends.

PMID- 28086543
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Cancer Help UK section of the Cancer Research UK website is not particularly
      eye-catching but it has useful information for patients with a cancer diagnosis,
      their families, and for healthcare professionals.

PMID- 28086546
TI  - I feel privileged and valued as a nursing assistant.
AB  - I agree with Devon Chambers that HCAs are the new nurses (letters September 6). I
      feel privileged to be a nursing assistant. Very often we are the first on the
      scene with the patient and we can pass on vital information to the registered
      nurses.

PMID- 28086548
TI  - Rcn demands nurse presence on planned gp consortia boards.
AB  - Nurses must have an automatic place on GP consortia boards, the RCN said last
      week in a briefing paper sent to MPs on the Health and Social Care Bill.

PMID- 28086547
TI  - Become a role model for good practice.
AB  - Handwashing is a vital part of the job yet not everyone does it.

PMID- 28086549
TI  - Local talks planned on freezing pay increments.
AB  - More NHS trusts are to discuss freezing pay increments locally for staff, it has
      been revealed.

PMID- 28086550
TI  - Rota changescould spark strike action.
AB  - Theatre staff at an NHS trust are considering strike action over plans to change
      their rotas.

PMID- 28086551
TI  - Northern Ireland's nurses braced for cull of 1,500 posts.
AB  - The Northern Ireland assembly's planned health budget paints a bleak picture for
      those who work for and use the NHS.

PMID- 28086552
TI  - Prison staff fear training cutbacks after transfer to NHS.
AB  - About 250 nurses being transferred from the Scottish Prison Service to the NHS in
      October fear the move could reduce training opportunities.

PMID- 28086553
TI  - Private company wins L53m health contract.
AB  - Around 200 prison nurses employed by NHS organisations in the north east of
      England could be transferred to a private health and social care provider.

PMID- 28086554
TI  - Charity designs leadership course for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans staff.
AB  - Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans nurses who are keen to take up managerial roles
      can now apply for a leadership programme run by equality charity Stonewall.

PMID- 28086555
TI  - Test failures raise questions about fitness to practise.
AB  - Five times as many nursing students fail theory assessments compared with
      practical assessments, a survey undertaken in 27 higher education institutions
      shows.

PMID- 28086556
TI  - European nurses face skills quiz.
AB  - European nurses whose qualifications fall short of those required to practise in
      the UK will be allowed to prove their competence under a new testing regime.

PMID- 28086558
TI  - Lung cancer awareness initiative set to expand.
AB  - A nurse-led campaign to increase awareness of the early stages of lung cancer has
      led to a 60 per cent rise in the number of diagnosed cases in parts of South
      Yorkshire.

PMID- 28086559
TI  - We need to document every incident where care is poor.
AB  - I have great sympathy with chief nursing officer for Northern Ireland Martin
      Bradley who has said that team support is needed to face the challenge of
      improving patient safety (letters December 15).

PMID- 28086560
TI  - Dora opoku's achievements made inspirational reading.
AB  - I was shocked to learn of the death of midwife and educationalist Dora Opoku
      (obituary January 26).

PMID- 28086561
TI  - Rcn congress to debate pay and mandatory staffing.
AB  - Social networking, nurses' pay, legally enforceable staffing levels, and a one
      year job guarantee for nursing students are among topics set to be debated at RCN
      congress in April.

PMID- 28086562
TI  - Removal of profit cap sparks fears of two-tier care.
AB  - Foundation trusts will soon be able to generate as much income as they like from
      private patients under government plans to overhaul the NHS.

PMID- 28086563
TI  - Quartet to perform atroyal albert hall.
AB  - A group formed by a nurse and three midwives will sing at a Dusty Springfield
      tribute in May at London's Royal Albert Hall in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

PMID- 28086564
TI  - Are palliative care nurses on lord falconer's commission?
AB  - I am concerned after reading Harriet Copperman's claim that nurses' attitudes to
      assisted dying have changed (features January 26). Where is her evidence for
      this?

PMID- 28086565
TI  - Pain and suffering focus the debate on assisted dying.
AB  - As a former chair of the RCN palliative nurses forum, I find it commendable that
      nurses are contributing to the debate on assisted dying (features January 26).

PMID- 28086567
TI  - Meet my new sister.

PMID- 28086566
TI  - Obituary.
AB  - Doreen McCullough OBE, who has died aged 90, was one of Northern Ireland's best
      known and most successful nurses.

PMID- 28086568
TI  - Call for help to standardise phototherapy regimes.
AB  - I am a dermatology nurse and provide light therapy to patients with skin
      problems. I would like to see phototherapy regimes standardised throughout the UK
      to help avoid errors, but do not know where to start.

PMID- 28086569
TI  - Fight for equality still on.
AB  - Considerable progress has been made to improve care for patients who are lesbian,
      gay, bisexual or trans. Healthcare staff from these groups are also less likely
      to be on the receiving end of discrimination than they might have been a few
      years ago. But there is still a long way to go before the UK becomes a truly
      equal society.

PMID- 28086570
TI  - Modern teaching methods fail to focus on patient care.
AB  - It can be argued that the standard of clinical nursing care has fallen since
      nurse training became more academic.

PMID- 28086571
TI  - Annual statement will make no difference to me.
AB  - The government wants nurses to be more grateful and is planning to send out
      annual letters telling us how well rewarded we are (news January 5, letters
      January 19). I would be more interested in receiving a statement outlining the
      salaries, benefits and bonuses of bankers.

PMID- 28086572
TI  - An awful placement persuaded me to be a good mentor to my students.
AB  - After reading the Starting Out column, 'Speaking out made me feel like a horrible
      and isolated person' (reflections January 12), I was sad that nursing students
      can still be treated so badly on placements.

PMID- 28086574
TI  - Book chronicles dementia journey.
AB  - A nurse whose father died after an eight-year battle with dementia has written a
      book about the impact of the condition.

PMID- 28086573
TI  - Chronic illness scheme saves NHS L400,000 in nine months.
AB  - A nurse-led scheme that has dramatically reduced the amount of time older people
      with chronic conditions spend in hospital has won an RCN award.

PMID- 28086575
TI  - Safety fears as government plansto ditch statutory HCA regulation.
AB  - Mandatory regulation of healthcare assistants in England is unlikely to go ahead
      despite long-standing concerns over patient safety.

PMID- 28086577
TI  - The best of the week's health-related tv and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28086576
TI  - Starting out - Research placement offered a unique learning opportunity.
AB  - After showing an interest in clinical research, I was given the opportunity
      during my third year to go on a placement in a clinical research facility. I was
      the first pre-registration nursing student to work alongside staff on the ward.

PMID- 28086578
TI  - I want to give the same care that Grandpa received.
AB  - After a week in the intensive care unit we were told that nothing more could be
      done for Grandpa. He hated being in hospital and, as a family, we agreed that we
      should care for him at home.

PMID- 28086579
TI  - Readers panel - Gauging gratitude.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28086581
TI  - Resting heart rate associated with survival in diabetes.
AB  - There is an association between resting heart rate and cardiovascular events in
      people with coronary artery disease and diabetes.

PMID- 28086580
TI  - Diet and sun exposure needed to prevent breast cancer.
AB  - A threshold of vitamin D exposure from both sun and diet is required to prevent
      breast cancer. But this threshold is difficult to reach for postmenopausal women
      living at northern latitudes where the quality of sunlight is too poor for
      adequate vitamin D production, according to French researchers.

PMID- 28086583
TI  - Seeing sense.
AB  - If I came from another world - Planet Common Sense - there would be many things I
      would struggle to understand about the NHS.

PMID- 28086584
TI  - VOICES-Sexually sidelined Elizabeth Anionwu says that fresh air and spring
      flowers lift her spirits.
AB  - I have never understood why my mood seems to lift once January is over. Is it
      because I have submitted my online tax return by the dreaded deadline? Or maybe
      it is hope that the weather will start to improve.

PMID- 28086587
TI  - Assault injuries highest among city-dwelling teens.
AB  - Incidents of adolescents being injured as a result of violence increase with
      deprivation in cities and their feeder towns. This applies to both boys and
      girls, although rates for boys are consistently higher.

PMID- 28086585
TI  - Subclinical thyroid disorders increase hip fractures in men.
AB  - Older men with subclinical hyper or hypothyroidism are at increased risk of hip
      fracture.

PMID- 28086589
TI  - Sexually sidelined.
AB  - My heart sank during yet another negative conversation about a patient who is
      transgender.

PMID- 28086591
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - I met up recently with an old friend after 30 years and was gratified to discover
      that he had been ageing at almost the same rate as I had.

PMID- 28086592
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - It arranges conferences and seminars, publishes policies and reports, and its
      website is a rich resource. Many political websites are no more than promotional
      tools for their conferences and seminars. Fortunately, there is much more to this
      one.

PMID- 28086593
TI  - HIV tests 'could deter recruits'.
AB  - UNISON AND the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) this week said they would
      oppose any government proposal to order HIV tests on new recruits to the NHS from
      overseas.

PMID- 28086594
TI  - Trial run may be delayed.
AB  - Government hopes that the new pay and grading system will be piloted in 12 NHS
      trusts from April 1 could be in jeopardy.

PMID- 28086595
TI  - Rheumatoid arthritis reduces women's lifespans.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a significantly increased risk of
      mortality, researchers from the United States say.

PMID- 28086596
TI  - Impact felt in higher education.
AB  - NURSE EDUCATORS are to carry out a study comparing their pay with posts in the
      NHS if the Agenda for Change proposals are accepted.

PMID- 28086597
TI  - Women could take their own swabs for infection screening.
AB  - Self-obtained low vaginal swabs are a simple and sensitive diagnostic test for
      the detection of Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and Trichomonas.

PMID- 28086598
TI  - Union members to have formal vote on pay deal.
AB  - NURSES THROUGHOUT the NHS will get to vote on the new pay and grading system
      after three of the four biggest unions confirmed they would ballot their members.

PMID- 28086599
TI  - Oral alternative to penicillin for adult erysipelas.
AB  - Pristinamycin could be an alternative to the standard regimen of penicillin for
      treating erysipelas with the advantage of an oral route of administration.

PMID- 28086600
TI  - Death rates reduced as a result of banning coal.
AB  - Reducing particulate air pollution could save more lives than previously
      reported, according to researchers from Ireland and the United States.
      Particulate air pollution has been associated with increased daily death rates
      but there is little direct evidence that diminished particulate air pollution
      would lead to a reduction in death rates. Concentrations of air pollution and
      directly standardised non-trauma, respiratory and cardiovascular death rates were
      compared for 72 months before and after the banning of coal sales in Dublin.

PMID- 28086601
TI  - Research notes.
AB  - Asystematic review of the clinical effectiveness of psychosocial interventions
      for people in the early stages of a dementing illness is currently being
      conducted in Sheffield. The review is revealing a surprising scarcity of well
      conducted research papers on this subject.

PMID- 28086602
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - Did you see those press reports that said in six months' time surgeons will be
      able to slap a dead bod's mug onto the be-barked bonce of anyone who had been
      scarred or disfigured? It seems that face transplants are coming and, after due
      reflection, I offer this considered response: yuck! what a terrible prospect. But
      then I have never been pulled more dead than alive from a blazing wreck with no
      hair and molten features, and if I had maybe I would react more effusively.

PMID- 28086603
TI  - Gossip column.
AB  - Mike, a charge nurse on a surgical day unit, told me about Janice, his ward clerk
      who was always gossiping and causing trouble between people in his team. I asked
      what he had tried to do about it. He said that when he noticed her gossiping he
      had asked her for something to try to distract her. Although this put an end to
      the immediate problem, Mike wanted a long-term solution, especially as a new team
      member had asked for advice because she felt uncomfortable hearing 'stories'
      about her colleagues from Janice.

PMID- 28086604
TI  - Readers Panel - Qualified to care.
AB  - As a discarded EN I find the idea of an all-graduate workforce perplexing. Having
      several levels of nurses at the bedside has many advantages. In my day the
      auxiliaries often teamed up with the EN while the SRN took charge of the
      medications. The versatile EN stepped in while the SRN was away.

PMID- 28086607
TI  - RCN board chiefs to stay at top table.
AB  - RCN ACTIVISTS in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have welcomed news that
      their board secretaries will continue to report directly to general secretary
      Beverly Malone.

PMID- 28086605
TI  - Award winners take the nursing message to Blair.
AB  - NURSING STANDARD Nurse 2002 award winners met the prime minister and senior
      Department of Health officials at Downing Street last week to tell them about
      their prize-winning work.

PMID- 28086608
TI  - Ask the experts.
AB  - I have recently taken over as matron of a nursing home. Going over staff records
      I found that a number of qualified and non-qualified staff have not had Criminal
      Records Bureau checks. Do I have to suspend them until checks are completed?

PMID- 28086609
TI  - Nurse prescribing is a step forward for patient care.
AB  - It is vital that nurses move forward with Agenda for Change. Nurse prescribing in
      particular is a great leap in improving patient care.

PMID- 28086611
TI  - Happy outcome after 18 months in 'job from hell'.
AB  - A NURSE from India who says she endured 18 months of hell working at a nursing
      home finally has a reason to smile after landing a job at a London hospital.

PMID- 28086610
TI  - I wanted to be cool.
AB  - I feel sorry for the youth of today. There isn't much to rebel against, is there?
      In my day it was easy. All you had to do was leave off your vest. As children of
      the 1950s we were brought up haunted by the spectre of 'new-monia'. 'Don't wear
      that, you'll catch new-monia,' my gran warned if I wore less than five layers in
      the winter, or dispensed with my liberty bodice before the first of June.

PMID- 28086612
TI  - NHS Professionals: good idea but it does not work.
AB  - I would like to reply to Nigel Northcott's letter about NHS Professionals
      (letters November 27). The trust I work for has been using NHS Professionals for
      about a year, pioneering the service in the south west.

PMID- 28086613
TI  - The UK's loss will be my own country's gain.
AB  - Zita McGregor (perspectives November 27) has made me think. I am a foreign
      student and have experienced similar difficulties obtaining a visa, in my case to
      study in the UK.

PMID- 28086615
TI  - No need to fear net-savvy patients.
AB  - PATIENTS WHO present their nurse with reams of research from the internet on
      methods of treatment are more likely to be a help than a hindrance, a health
      adviser has claimed.

PMID- 28086614
TI  - Adequate school toilet facilities are essential.
AB  - The excellent initiative of the Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors'
      Association - that school nurses investigate poor toilet facilities - is to be
      applauded (news November 27).

PMID- 28086616
TI  - Staff appraisals improve mortality.
AB  - RESEARCH INTO patient mortality rates has revealed that fewer people die in
      hospitals where staff receive better training and undergo appraisals.

PMID- 28086617
TI  - Remove the blame culture.
AB  - THE BEST way to encourage nurses to report 'near-miss' incidents is by removing
      the fear of blame or suspension, claims a clinical risk adviser.

PMID- 28086618
TI  - Nurses are to get a schizophrenia guide.
AB  - NEW NATIONAL guidelines on how to treat patients with schizophrenia are to be
      issued to nurses.

PMID- 28086619
TI  - Sick and tired.
AB  - Managing post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a daily challenge for
      nursing staff in a day surgery department. Advances in anaesthetic drugs and
      techniques mean more rapid recovery times, which in turn allows more invasive
      procedures to be performed as day cases.

PMID- 28086621
TI  - Disappointment over drugs role.
AB  - Nurses should be given a greater role in the treatment of drug users as part of
      the government's updated drugs strategy, says a nurse specialist in substance
      abuse.

PMID- 28086620
TI  - Core group singled out for smallpox vaccination.
AB  - SMALLPOX VACCINATION will be offered to nurses in the NHS and the armed forces as
      a pre-caution against possible terrorist attacks.

PMID- 28086622
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28086623
TI  - What's on: the best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28086625
TI  - Occupational Health Nursing: Second Edition Second Edition Katie Oakley Whurr
      Occupational Health Nursing: Second Edition 307pp; L25 1 86156 294 2 1861562942.
AB  - Fully updated with nine new chapters, this edition is aimed at students and
      educators of occupational health (OH) nursing.

PMID- 28086624
TI  - Learning to nurse in care homes: student support.

PMID- 28086627
TI  - Human rights claim succeeds.
AB  - THE MINISTRY of Defence has admitted it breached a nurse's human rights when it
      refused to provide accommodation for her, her partner and two young children.

PMID- 28086629
TI  - Gay partners ruling expected.
AB  - NURSES COULD be legally allowed to consult the partners of gay patients about
      their hospital treatment under government plans to recognise civil partnerships.

PMID- 28086628
TI  - Will nurses get recognition for taking on prescribing?
AB  - In principle I agree with the idea of nurse prescribing (news November 27). There
      are many skilled nurses who could quite safely prescribe. However, I worry that
      without adequate recognition we are yet again selling ourselves and our skills
      short.

PMID- 28086631
TI  - Training key to pre-op assessments.
AB  - NURSES ARE as competent as junior doctors at carrying out preoperative
      assessments and often order fewer unnecessary investigations, according to a
      study.

PMID- 28086630
TI  - Life and death.
AB  - NURSES ARE identified by the government as being at higher than average risk of
      suicide. Around 27 nurses kill themselves every year, or one a fortnight. That is
      fewer than in farming, 52 a year, but more than in the medical profession- 17 a
      year. In England 5,000 people kill themselves annually, many of them men under
      35. Preferred methods are hanging and self-poisoning by psychotropic drugs or
      analgesics. If you are male, living alone, unemployed, misuse drugs or alcohol
      and have a history of mental illness, you score top marks for all major risk
      factors. In such circumstances, it is unlikely that you were much moved by the
      Department of Health's National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England,
      published earlier this year, and its plan to reduce suicide by at least 20 per
      cent by 2010.

PMID- 28086632
TI  - Growing need.
AB  - THE INCIDENCE of paediatric respiratory disease has increased over recent years
      giving nurses an opportunity to grow with the specialty and become providers of
      high quality care. Respiratory disease can affect all ages but advances in
      neonatal intensive care have given rise to a group of children who have
      persistent respiratory disease into early life. Asthma incidence continues to
      rise, for example, and can affect children of any age with many attendant
      clinical and management problems.

PMID- 28086633
TI  - Lung-term strategy.
AB  - Transport policy changes in Oxford city centre, including pedestrianisation and
      restrictions on traffic, may be linked to improvements in the lung health of
      local children, according to research presented to a British Thoracic Society
      meeting last week. A positive change in peak flow levels and a reduction in
      wheeze were observed in a study of 1,386 children after changes in transport
      policy were introduced.

PMID- 28086634
TI  - A&E best source of violence data.
AB  - A&E STAFF have a better idea of how many violent assaults take place in a
      community than the police, a research study has found.

PMID- 28086635
TI  - Boxing clever.
AB  - Debates about banning boxing crop up regularly. Organisations representing
      nurses, such as the RCN and Unison, have generally steered clear of a formal
      position on the subject, however the British Medical Association favours a total
      ban. Its arguments concentrate on the possible adverse medical consequences, but
      ignore sociological, cultural and alternative ethical viewpoints.

PMID- 28086636
TI  - An overview of chronic fatigue syndrome.

PMID- 28086637
TI  - 'Extended roles' will mean a decline in quality of care.
AB  - Nursing in this country is on the brink of declining standards. Most hospitals
      are suffering from a shortage of staff and funding. When managers and government
      officials start talking about nurses developing more skills (news december 4),
      they are actually talking about increasing nurses' workload.

PMID- 28086638
TI  - It depends on.
AB  - Despite an ageing population we live in a culture full of fear about becoming
      older. Old age is seen as an almost entirely negative phenomenon with decline on
      all fronts. In a brilliant speech at a recent conference, Rosalie Hudson (2002)
      joined those pushing back the boundaries of the way we think about ageing. After
      all, the way we think about ageing is just that, thoughts, and thoughts have no
      power of their own except that which we choose to give them.

PMID- 28086639
TI  - Statutory minimum entry requirements for nurses.
AB  - I would like to respond to Maggie Fenby-Taylor (letters November 27) who writes
      about my article 'Pointing the way' (perspectives November 6). The qualifications
      mentioned in my article are the statutory minimum entry requirements referred to
      in the Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service handbook.

PMID- 28086640
TI  - There is no hidden agenda.
AB  - Much is expected of Agenda for Change. A briefing note has been sent to NHS chief
      executives and human resource directors, from Andrew Foster the NHS human
      resource director, outlining the rationale for the proposals.

PMID- 28086641
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - If God had meant us to fly he would have given us tickets. No? Well a little more
      room to stretch then. Is another inch or two all round too much to ask?

PMID- 28086642
TI  - District nurses urged to use strict referral criteria.
AB  - DISTRICT NURSES have been urged to develop strict referral criteria so that they
      know when to say no to a request for their services.

PMID- 28086643
TI  - TB specialists' crucial work is recognised.
AB  - TUBERCULOSIS (TB) specialist nurses have welcomed recognition that they have a
      potentially crucial role in the fight against the disease.

PMID- 28086644
TI  - Starting out.
AB  - I was in the first semester of my second year and about to have my first adult
      ward experience - on an elderly ward. I was panic stricken and not very excited.
      All my colleagues said it was horrible, there was too much work and they could
      not wait to leave.

PMID- 28086646
TI  - Tour bus is just the ticket for students hoping to go places.
AB  - A bus that will visit students across the country set off from the RCN's London
      headquarters last week.

PMID- 28086645
TI  - Press must take some responsibility for fear.
AB  - Jeremy Laurence's description of the mental health services (perspectives
      November 17) will ring true for many practitioners. He says it is obsessed with
      the prevention of violence and suicide to the detriment of collaborative
      engagement with service users.

PMID- 28086647
TI  - A more traditional uniform reflects core nursing values.
AB  - I share Doreen Robinson's enthusiasm for a return to a more traditional nursing
      uniform at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (letters November 4), and I
      hope other hospitals will follow this lead.

PMID- 28086648
TI  - Cash squeeze forces charity to shed ten cancer care posts.
AB  - Specialist cancer nurses in Wales are looking for new jobs after pledged funding
      for their roles fell through.

PMID- 28086649
TI  - Duty of care takes precedence over our personal beliefs.
AB  - What is all this talk about religion (reflections October 28, letters November 4
      and 11)? I am astonished that anyone, but especially nurses, would think that
      being religious somehow makes them superior, better nurses, less cruel and more
      likely to report abuse.

PMID- 28086650
TI  - Drive to halve sickness rates.
AB  - Chief nursing officer Dame Chris Beasley wants to cut nurses' sickness absence by
      more than half - to not more than 3 per cent - in two years.

PMID- 28086651
TI  - New degree-level programmes will be backed by preceptorship.
AB  - New standards for degree-level nursing courses will be published in draft form in
      January, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

PMID- 28086653
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Nurses and nurse historians with an interest in the profession as a political and
      social power should watch these three short films on the California Nurses
      Association, available for free on YouTube.

PMID- 28086652
TI  - Liz Fradd gets to the heart of the pressing need for better nursing leadership at
      the strategic level (reflections October 14). Nurse directors need to have
      specific training to help them be more effective at board level.
AB  - Senior nurses should be at the board table where their clinical authority can be
      used to inform and influence a more holistic approach to quality monitoring
      across the care pathway. Meeting government time targets for seeing a GP,
      consultant or moving out of A&E are only small pieces of the quality jigsaw.

PMID- 28086657
TI  - It is good to confront and challenge our prejudices.
AB  - It is reassuring to read in the first of a four-part series on prejudice
      (features November 11) that prejudice is viewed bysocial scientists as a normal
      part of psychological processing, when we try to make sense of the world.

PMID- 28086658
TI  - War widows and veterans need the best nhs care.
AB  - I write as an ex-RAF nursing sister and war widow who lost my husband in a Vulcan
      bomber crash in 1975. There are many more recent war widows who need our help,
      including the relatives of the Nimrod explosion in Afghanistan in 2006, which
      killed 14 members of the armed forces.

PMID- 28086661
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28086660
TI  - We need more nurses who qualify, not more students.
AB  - Erin Dean (news October 28) writes: 'Nursing as a career continues to enjoy a
      surge in popularity, with 20 per cent more undergraduates starting degrees this
      year than last.'

PMID- 28086662
TI  - Obituary.
AB  - Born in Hulme, Manchester, on February 24 1941, Pat Morris was an inspirational
      nurse who campaigned for the rights of patients.

PMID- 28086663
TI  - Awards ceremony shines a light on the pride of the profession.
AB  - The winner of this year's Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year award has praised
      young people in care and the clinicians who look after them.

PMID- 28086664
TI  - Management of procedures and reactions following first aid.

PMID- 28086665
TI  - C. difficile infection extends hospital stay for ventilated patients.
AB  - Patients on prolonged, acute mechanical ventilation have a higher risk of
      Clostridium difficile -associated disease than other hospital patients.
      Concurrent C. difficile infection is associated with longer hospital stay and
      costs.

PMID- 28086666
TI  - Study authors say parents need more support to help children lead healthy
      lifestyles.
AB  - There is little known about parental mechanisms underlying the association
      between maternal employment and childhood obesity. Researchers in London
      investigated the relationship between maternal hours worked per week and
      children's dietary and activity/inactivity habits. Where mothers were employed,
      the relationship between flexible working and these health indicators were also
      examined. Data from 12,578 children aged five were analysed.

PMID- 28086667
TI  - Pioneer's legacy of change.
AB  - Marcelle de Sousa is doubly proud of the MBE she received from the Queen last
      week.

PMID- 28086668
TI  - Readers panel - To pay or not to pay.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28086669
TI  - Addressing patients' spiritual beliefs helps them deal with fear.
AB  - During my early nursing years in the late 1970s, there was little mention of
      patients' spiritual needs. The phrase 'psychological wellbeing' was used
      frequently, however.

PMID- 28086670
TI  - Cost of student attrition causes concern as colleges reveal figures.
AB  - More than half the nursing students on some nursing courses leave before
      completing their training, figures obtained by Nursing Standard show.

PMID- 28086671
TI  - The conkerer.
AB  - It is causing much hilarity among friends and family that I have conkers strewn
      all around my house. They are used as arachnid-deterrents.

PMID- 28086672
TI  - Nurse directors struggling due to lack of training.
AB  - Almost every week a director of nursing gets into serious difficulties at work,
      RCN general secretary Peter Carter told a seminar hosted by King's College London
      last week.

PMID- 28086673
TI  - University challenge.
AB  - The notion that it is impossible to be academically bright while retaining the
      ability to show care and compassion was presented in some quarters as an
      undeniable truth. In an outspoken attack on all nurses trained since 1990, the
      Patients Association put it like this: 'The academic must be secondary to the
      practical. Only then will patients get the nurses they want and trust - the right
      ones with the right attitude.' Nurses and patients of all generations know this
      is nonsense.

PMID- 28086674
TI  - Obsession about extreme obesity feeds voyeurism.
AB  - Britain's Paul Mason acquired the dismal title 'world's heaviest man' recently.
      Mr Mason weighs 70 stone. According to newspaper reports he.

PMID- 28086675
TI  - Starting out - My cheerful attitude upset an anxious pre-op patient.
AB  - It was my second clinical placement and I was working on a surgical ward when I
      was asked to accompany a patient to theatre.

PMID- 28086676
TI  - Voices - Is Mary Seacole a worthy black role model? Elizabeth Anionwu argues the
      case.
AB  - I gave a fair number of talks about Mary Seacole during Black History Month.
      Audiences donated more than L1,000 to the campaign to honour her with a statue in
      the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital, London. However, not everyone was in the mood
      to celebrate Mrs Seacole's achievements.

PMID- 28086678
TI  - Cranial irradiation in childhood decreases likelihood of marriage.
AB  - Adults who have survived childhood cancer are less likely to get married than
      their peers. Those who had central nervous system tumours, cranial irradiation,
      impaired processing efficiency and short stature were least likely to marry.

PMID- 28086680
TI  - Outsidein.
AB  - I call it Sleeper syndrome. Remember the Woody Allen film? Our hero is
      cryogenically frozen and wakes up after 200 years to find that doctors now
      consider alcohol, smoking and saturated fat essential to good health.

PMID- 28086679
TI  - Estimates of children exposed to drug use revised upwards.
AB  - The number of children living with substance-misusing parents exceeds previous
      estimates.

PMID- 28086681
TI  - Support staff will plan patient care.
AB  - The RCN has renewed its calls for the regulation of healthcare support workers
      following the publication last week of standards for assistant practitioners
      (APs).

PMID- 28086682
TI  - Department of health formulates ground rules for deploying students during a
      swine flu epidemic.
AB  - Nursing students who are employed to deal with swine flu must get honorary
      contracts from their employers and have the same access to antivirals and
      vaccines as other staff, the Department of Health (DH) said last week.

PMID- 28086683
TI  - Investment, recruitment and support: initiatives to tackle the midwifery crisis.
AB  - When the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) responded to the prime minister's
      Commission on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery, the comment from one midwife
      was so resonant it was printed in full in the submission.

PMID- 28086684
TI  - Health act confers new rights.
AB  - NHS trusts will have to provide staff with personal development, access to
      appropriate training and support from line managers under the Health Act 2009,
      which received royal assent last week.

PMID- 28086686
TI  - Specialist training to combat over-prescribing in dementia care.
AB  - Healthcare staff are to receive specialist training in working with patients who
      have dementia as part of the government's plan to tackle the over-prescribing of
      drugs.

PMID- 28086685
TI  - Nursing experts question viability of extending infection surveillance.
AB  - Calls for the introduction of mandatory surveillance of all healthcare-associated
      infections (HCAIs) has received a mixed reception from nursing experts.

PMID- 28086687
TI  - All-graduate entry will enhance the image of nursing.
AB  - I am delighted that England is now to follow the rest of the UK and move towards
      all-graduate entry to the profession. The Department of Health (DH) is to be
      congratulated for steering this forward.

PMID- 28086688
TI  - Student life - Beyond the call of duty.
AB  - Supernumerary status for nursing students in clinical practice settings is a
      relatively recent policy. Previously education had been based in hospital nursing
      schools and followed an apprenticeship model.

PMID- 28086697
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 28086693
TI  - Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Measurement Methods for One-Hour Exposures to
      O3, PM25, and CO.
AB  - While researchers have linked acute (less than 12-hr) ambient O3, PM25, and CO
      concentrations to a variety of adverse health effects, few studies have
      characterized short-term exposures to these air pollutants, in part due to the
      lack of sensitive, accurate, and precise sampling technologies. In this paper, we
      present results from the laboratory and field evaluation of several new (or
      modified) samplers used in the "roll-around" system (RAS), which was developed to
      measure 1-hr O3, PM25, and CO exposures simultaneously. All the field evaluation
      data were collected during two sampling seasons: the summer of 1998 and the
      winter of 1999. To measure 1-hr O3 exposures, a new active O3 sampler was
      developed that uses two nitrite-coated filters to measure O3 concentrations.
      Laboratory chamber tests found that the active O3 sampler performed extremely
      well, with a collection efficiency of 0.96 that did not vary with temperature or
      relative humidity (RH). In field collocation comparisons with a reference UV
      photometric monitor, the active O3 sampler had an effective collection efficiency
      ranging between 0.92 and 0.96 and a precision for 1-hr measurements ranging
      between 4 and 6 parts per billion (ppb). The limits of detection (LOD) of this
      method were 9 ppb-hr for the chamber tests and ~16 ppb-hr for the field
      comparison tests. PM2.5 and CO concentrations were measured using modified
      continuous monitors-the DustTrak and the Langan, respectively. A size-selective
      inlet and a Nafion dryer were placed upstream of the DustTrak inlet to remove
      particles with aerodynamic diameters greater than 2.5 um and to dry particles
      prior to the measurements, respectively. During the field validation tests, the
      DustTrak consistently reported higher PM2.5 concentrations than those obtained by
      the collocated 12-hr PM2 5 PEM samples, by approximately a factor of 2. After the
      DustTrak response was corrected (correction factor of 2.07 in the summer and 2.02
      in the winter), measurements obtained using these methods agreed well with R2
      values of 0.87 in the summer and 0.81 in the winter. The results showed that the
      DustTrak can be used along with integrated measurements to measure the temporal
      and spatial variation in PM2 5 exposures. Finally, during the field validation
      tests, CO concentrations measured using the Langan were strongly correlated with
      those obtained using the reference method when the CO levels were above the LOD
      of the instrument [~1 part per million (ppm)].

PMID- 28086704
TI  - Newborns unaffected by smoke if mothers quit at conception.
AB  - Women who give up smoking when pregnancy is confirmed can boost the health of
      their baby dramatically.

PMID- 28086705
TI  - Trust fends off mrsa for two years.
AB  - Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust in Manchester has gone two years without a single
      case of MRSA infection. Among Trafford General Hospital staff who gathered to
      celebrate the achievement were (from left) domestic Joanne Morton, microbiologist
      Barzo Faris and matron Julie Treadgold. In the foreground, infection control
      nurse Paula Halsall demonstrates a specialised microbe testing machine.

PMID- 28086706
TI  - Sick leave chart halves absence rate.
AB  - An NHS trust in West Yorkshire has seen staff sick leave rates fall by around 50
      per cent after levels were displayed in staff areas.

PMID- 28086707
TI  - Healthcare regulator inspections may become annual.
AB  - The health and social care regulator is considering introducing annual
      inspections of hospitals, care homes and independent sector providers, Nursing
      Standard has learned.

PMID- 28086708
TI  - Court backs council's withdrawal of night help.
AB  - A court ruling that backed a local authority's decision to withdraw night time
      help to a stroke sufferer will have major implications for older people,
      according to the RCN.

PMID- 28086709
TI  - Student life - Off to a flying start.
AB  - Completing your final year as a nursing student can be exhilarating, but also a
      time of concern. Some students may feel unprepared to start work as a registered
      nurse or may feel they cannot measure up to the expert colleagues they worked
      with and learnt from during their training.

PMID- 28086710
TI  - It is time for others to take over Jennifer worth's legacy.
AB  - The stories in the late Jennifer Worth's Call the Midwife trilogy (obituary June
      15) lead us into a different time and place. As the chapters unfold, we get to
      know some of her colleagues and patients from London's East End in the 1950s.

PMID- 28086712
TI  - UCLH has no 'knowledge amnesty' or plans for one.
AB  - I would like to clarify the comments I made at a recent conference that were
      reported under the headline 'Night staff skills gap identified' (news June 22).

PMID- 28086714
TI  - College wants more health visitor training options.
AB  - The RCN wants health visiting to be 'reinvigorated as an exciting career choice'
      by increasing nurses' access to training in the role.

PMID- 28086713
TI  - Being open will show people that we have nothing to hide.
AB  - Jan Halstead says that instances of poor care taint the public's trust in the
      caring profession (reflections July 6).

PMID- 28086715
TI  - Round the clock care.
AB  - An intensive home treatment team operating around the clock is improving care for
      people with mental health problems.

PMID- 28086716
TI  - Albertina Sisulu 1918-2011 Nurse and South African anti-apartheid activist.
AB  - Albertina Sisulu, nurse and political activist, has died at the age of 92. In a
      message read to mourners at her state funeral, former president Nelson Mandela
      paid tribute to her as 'one of the greatest South Africans'.

PMID- 28086717
TI  - Peers look into quality of UK care.
AB  - Members of the House of Lords are holding high-level talks with Nursing and
      Midwifery Council officials ahead of debates on the Health and Social Care (Re
      committed) Bill in the upper chamber later this year.

PMID- 28086718
TI  - Nurses bring touch of glamour to insulin pumps with a range of stylish covers.
AB  - Two innovative nurses have developed colourful covers for patients with diabetes
      to place over their insulin pumps.

PMID- 28086719
TI  - Southern cross staff jobs will be 'safeguarded'.
AB  - Nurses working at Southern Cross Healthcare's homes will be transferred on their
      current terms and conditions to new providers after the company suspended its
      shares, the organisation has said.

PMID- 28086721
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28086722
TI  - Experiment highlights ageing and isolation.
AB  - Volunteers struggled to cope without human contact for a week as part of a social
      experiment that examined the effect of isolation on older people.

PMID- 28086723
TI  - David Newnham wonders whether increased longevity is merely a luxury of the rich.
AB  - If I sound grumpy it is because everyone I speak to tells me we are living
      longer. Is that not a reason to be cheerful? It would be if I believed it.

PMID- 28086726
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Health Research Web is an online interactive platform for the Council on Health
      Research for Development. This is an international non-governmental organisation
      supporting national health research and health research management in low and
      middle-income countries.

PMID- 28086728
TI  - Help at your fingertips.
AB  - Many healthcare faculties in higher education now use social network sites to
      keep students in touch with each other, and as a marketing tool to promote
      educational opportunities.

PMID- 28086729
TI  - An unmissable opportunity.
AB  - Andrew Dilnot's long-awaited report on how to pay for adult social care received
      a worryingly muted response from ministers last week. Even before the report was
      published there was widespread speculation that the government would reject his
      proposals on the grounds that they are too expensive.

PMID- 28086730
TI  - Royal newlyweds meet canada's war veterans.
AB  - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met nurses who served during the second world
      war on their first joint official overseas tour of Canada.

PMID- 28086731
TI  - 'we get the care that we pay for'.
AB  - The financial difficulties faced by the Southern Cross care homes group raise
      questions about the stability of the long-term care model. Since the late 1980s,
      long-stay hospitals have closed and the care of older people has been taken up
      mostly by the private sector.

PMID- 28086732
TI  - More choice will result in overstretched surgeries.
AB  - Nurses are also patients, and we all understand the frustrations of trying to fit
      GP appointments around work commitments.

PMID- 28086733
TI  - Voices.
AB  - With the strikes on June 30 by teaching staff and others, there has been a lot in
      the news recently about public sector pensions.

PMID- 28086734
TI  - Perception of keyboard use correlates with repetitive motion pain.
AB  - There is no association between software-recorded duration of computer use and
      wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms. In contrast, there is a positive
      association between the self-reported duration of computer use at work and the
      onset of severe arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms.

PMID- 28086735
TI  - Readers panel - An unfair proposal.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28086736
TI  - Engaging in cultural activities improves health in adults.
AB  - There is a gender-dependent association between cultural participation and
      perceived health, anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life.

PMID- 28086738
TI  - Data on school rugby injuries help pre-empt risk factors.
AB  - A community-based rugby injury surveillance system in Scotland's schools is
      feasible and should be encouraged, say researchers.

PMID- 28086739
TI  - Chloroquine proves ineffective as a flu virus vaccine.
AB  - Although well-tolerated by a healthy community population, chloroquine does not
      prevent infection with influenza.

PMID- 28086737
TI  - Age concern.
AB  - How does a woman make herself invisible? By reaching the age of 60. An old
      chestnut - but one with a kernel of truth. Those of a certain age often feel like
      white noise, humming away in the background but hardly noticed at all.

PMID- 28086740
TI  - Students who buy essays online do not learn anything.
AB  - I disagree with David Scott (letters July 6), who says that buying essays and
      coursework on eBay can be beneficial to learning.

PMID- 28086741
TI  - Court decision mocks the dignity in care campaign.
AB  - I am appalled that Elaine McDonald's appeal for an overnight carer has been
      turned down by the Supreme Court.

PMID- 28086742
TI  - Downbanding of 28 nursing posts was 'critical to improving outcomes'.
AB  - Nurses have quit their posts over a workforce review at a foundation trust that
      saw senior nursing posts downgraded, according to the RCN.

PMID- 28086743
TI  - 'The health service needs a wider, long-term strategic plan'.
AB  - There are pockets of health service provision across the UK that are indisputably
      successful. An annual stroke audit by the Royal College of Physicians, for
      example, rated stroke care in London as among the best in England, Wales and
      Northern Ireland.

PMID- 28086744
TI  - The jury is out on the importance and usefulness of nurse consultants.
AB  - I agree with readers panellist Kate Tantam (reflections July 6) that the word
      'consultant' implies a powerful role in today's NHS, but the role of nurse
      consultant may have lost its shine.

PMID- 28086745
TI  - Starting out-I missed an opportunity to help a vulnerable patient.
AB  - I am a third-year nursing student undertaking my surgical attachment. Recently, I
      arrived in theatre and was told that we would be taking the voluntary termination
      of pregnancy list.

PMID- 28086746
TI  - MVIAeval: a web tool for comprehensively evaluating the performance of a new
      missing value imputation algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Missing value imputation is important for microarray data analyses
      because microarray data with missing values would significantly degrade the
      performance of the downstream analyses. Although many microarray missing value
      imputation algorithms have been developed, an objective and comprehensive
      performance comparison framework is still lacking. To solve this problem, we
      previously proposed a framework which can perform a comprehensive performance
      comparison of different existing algorithms. Also the performance of a new
      algorithm can be evaluated by our performance comparison framework. However,
      constructing our framework is not an easy task for the interested researchers. To
      save researchers' time and efforts, here we present an easy-to-use web tool named
      MVIAeval (Missing Value Imputation Algorithm evaluator) which implements our
      performance comparison framework. RESULTS: MVIAeval provides a user-friendly
      interface allowing users to upload the R code of their new algorithm and select
      (i) the test datasets among 20 benchmark microarray (time series and non-time
      series) datasets, (ii) the compared algorithms among 12 existing algorithms,
      (iii) the performance indices from three existing ones, (iv) the comprehensive
      performance scores from two possible choices, and (v) the number of simulation
      runs. The comprehensive performance comparison results are then generated and
      shown as both figures and tables. CONCLUSIONS: MVIAeval is a useful tool for
      researchers to easily conduct a comprehensive and objective performance
      evaluation of their newly developed missing value imputation algorithm for
      microarray data or any data which can be represented as a matrix form (e.g. NGS
      data or proteomics data). Thus, MVIAeval will greatly expedite the progress in
      the research of missing value imputation algorithms.

PMID- 28086747
TI  - MicroRNA based Pan-Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current state-of-the-art in cancer diagnosis and treatment is not
      ideal; diagnostic tests are accurate but invasive, and treatments are "one-size
      fits-all" instead of being personalized. Recently, miRNA's have garnered
      significant attention as cancer biomarkers, owing to their ease of access
      (circulating miRNA in the blood) and stability. There have been many studies
      showing the effectiveness of miRNA data in diagnosing specific cancer types, but
      few studies explore the role of miRNA in predicting treatment outcome. METHODS:
      Here we go a step further, using tissue miRNA and clinical data across 21 cancers
      from the 'The Cancer Genome Atlas' (TCGA) database. We use machine learning
      techniques to create an accurate pan-cancer diagnosis system, and a prediction
      model for treatment outcomes. Finally, using these models, we create a web-based
      tool that diagnoses cancer and recommends the best treatment options. RESULTS: We
      achieved 97.2% accuracy for classification using a support vector machine
      classifier with radial basis. The accuracies improved to 99.9-100% when climbing
      up the embryonic tree and classifying cancers at different stages. We define the
      accuracy as the ratio of the total number of instances correctly classified to
      the total instances. The classifier also performed well, achieving greater than
      80% sensitivity for many cancer types on independent validation datasets. Many
      miRNAs selected by our feature selection algorithm had strong previous
      associations to various cancers and tumor progression. Then, using miRNA,
      clinical and treatment data and encoding it in a machine-learning readable
      format, we built a prognosis predictor model to predict the outcome of treatment
      with 85% accuracy. We used this model to create a tool that recommends
      personalized treatment regimens. Both the diagnosis and prognosis model,
      incorporating semi-supervised learning techniques to improve their accuracies
      with repeated use, were uploaded online for easy access. CONCLUSION: Our research
      is a step towards the final goal of diagnosing cancer and predicting treatment
      recommendations using non-invasive blood tests.

PMID- 28086748
TI  - Genetic mechanisms of bone digestion and nutrient absorption in the bone-eating
      worm Osedax japonicus inferred from transcriptome and gene expression analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone-eating worms of the genus Osedax (Annelida, Siboglinidae) have
      adapted to whale fall environments by acquiring a novel characteristic called the
      root, which branches and penetrates into sunken bones. The worms lack a digestive
      tract and mouth opening, and it has been suggested that Osedax degrade vertebrate
      bones and uptake nutrients through acidification and secretion of enzymes from
      the root. Symbiotic bacteria in the root tissue may have a crucial role in the
      metabolism of Osedax. However, the molecular mechanisms and cells responsible for
      bone digestion and nutrient uptake are still unclear, and information on the
      metabolic interaction between Osedax and symbiotic bacteria is limited. RESULTS:
      We compared transcriptomes from three different RNA samples from the following
      tissues: trunk + palps, root + ovisac, and larva + male. A Pfam domain enrichment
      analysis revealed that protease- and transporter-related genes were enriched in
      the root + ovisac specific genes compared with the total transcriptome. Through
      targeted gene annotation we found gene family expansions resulting in a
      remarkably large number of matrix metalloproteinase (mmp) genes in the Osedax
      compared with other invertebrates. Twelve of these Osedax mmp genes were
      expressed in the root epidermal cells. Genes encoding various types of
      transporters, including amino acid, oligopeptide, bicarbonate, and
      sulfate/carboxylate transporters, were also expressed in root epidermal cells. In
      addition, amino acid and other metabolite transporter genes were expressed in
      bacteriocytes. These protease and transporter genes were first expressed in root
      tissues at the juvenile stage, when the root starts to develop. CONCLUSIONS: The
      expression of various proteinase and transporter genes in the root epidermis
      supports the theory that the root epidermal cells are responsible for bone
      digestion and subsequent nutrient uptake. Expression of transporter genes in the
      host bacteriocytes suggests the presence of metabolic interaction between Osedax
      and symbiotic bacteria.

PMID- 28086749
TI  - Evolution of the angiopoietin-like gene family in teleosts and their role in skin
      regeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The skin in vertebrates is a protective barrier and damage is rapidly
      repaired to re-establish barrier function and maintain internal homeostasis. The
      angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL) proteins are a family of eight secreted glycoproteins
      with an important role in skin repair and angiogenesis in humans. In other
      vertebrates their existence and role in skin remains largely unstudied. The
      present study characterizes for the first time the homologues of human ANGPTLs in
      fish and identifies the candidates that share a conserved role in skin repair
      using a regenerating teleost skin model over a 4-day healing period. RESULTS:
      Homologues of human ANGPTL1-7 were identified in fish, although ANGPTL8 was
      absent and a totally new family member designated angptl9 was identified in fish
      and other non-mammalian vertebrates. In the teleost fishes a gene family
      expansion occurred but all the deduced Angptl proteins retained conserved
      sequence and structure motifs with the human homologues. In sea bream skin
      angptl1b, angptl2b, angptl4a, angptl4b and angptl7 transcripts were successfully
      amplified and they were differentially expressed during skin regeneration. In the
      first 2 days of skin regeneration, re-establishment of the physical barrier and
      an increase in the number of blood vessels was observed. During the initial
      stages of skin regeneration angptl1b and angptl2b transcripts were significantly
      more abundant (p < 0.05) than in intact skin and angptl7 transcripts were down
      regulated (p < 0.05) throughout the 4-days of skin regeneration that was studied.
      No difference in angptl4a and angptl4b transcript abundance was detected during
      regeneration or between regenerating and intact skin. CONCLUSIONS: The angptl
      gene family has expanded in teleost genomes. In sea bream, changes in the
      expression of angptl1b, angptl2b and angptl7 were correlated with the main phases
      of skin regeneration, indicating the involvement of ANGPTL family members in skin
      regeneration has been conserved in the vertebrates. Exploration of the fish
      angptl family in skin sheds new light on the understanding of the molecular basis
      of skin regeneration an issue of importance for disease control in aquaculture.

PMID- 28086750
TI  - A genome-wide scan for genes under balancing selection in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the history of population genetics balancing selection has been
      considered as an important evolutionary force, yet until today little is known
      about its abundance and its effect on patterns of genetic diversity. Several well
      known examples of balancing selection have been reported from humans, mice,
      plants, and parasites. However, only very few systematic studies have been
      carried out to detect genes under balancing selection. We performed a genome scan
      in Drosophila melanogaster to find signatures of balancing selection in a derived
      (European) and an ancestral (African) population. We screened a total of 34
      genomes searching for regions of high genetic diversity and an excess of SNPs
      with intermediate frequency. RESULTS: In total, we found 183 candidate genes: 141
      in the European population and 45 in the African one, with only three genes
      shared between both populations. Most differences between both populations were
      observed on the X chromosome, though this might be partly due to false positives.
      Functionally, we find an overrepresentation of genes involved in neuronal
      development and circadian rhythm. Furthermore, some of the top genes we
      identified are involved in innate immunity. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed
      evidence of genes under balancing selection in European and African populations.
      More candidate genes have been found in the European population. They are
      involved in several different functions.

PMID- 28086751
TI  - Quantifying predictors for the spatial diffusion of avian influenza virus in
      China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Avian influenza virus (AIV) causes both severe outbreaks and endemic
      disease among poultry and has caused sporadic human infections in Asia,
      furthermore the routes of transmission in avian species between geographic
      regions can be numerous and complex. Using nucleotide sequences from the internal
      protein coding segments of AIV, we performed a Bayesian phylogeographic study to
      uncover regional routes of transmission and factors predictive of the rate of
      viral diffusion within China. RESULTS: We found that the Central area and Pan
      Pearl River Delta were the two main sources of AIV diffusion, while the East
      Coast areas especially the Yangtze River delta, were the major targets of viral
      invasion. Next we investigated the extent to which economic, agricultural,
      environmental and climatic regional data was predictive of viral diffusion by
      fitting phylogeographic discrete trait models using generalised linear models.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlighted that the economic-agricultural predictors,
      especially the poultry population density and the number of farm product markets,
      are the key determinants of spatial diffusion of AIV in China; high human density
      and freight transportation are also important predictors of high rates of viral
      transmission; Climate features (e.g. temperature) were correlated to the viral
      invasion in the destination to some degree; while little or no impacts were found
      from natural environment factors (such as surface water coverage). This study
      uncovers the risk factors and enhances our understanding of the spatial dynamics
      of AIV in bird populations.

PMID- 28086752
TI  - Single genome retrieval of context-dependent variability in mutation rates for
      human germline.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate knowledge of the core components of substitution rates is of
      vital importance to understand genome evolution and dynamics. By performing a
      single-genome and direct analysis of 39,894 retrotransposon remnants, we reveal
      sequence context-dependent germline nucleotide substitution rates for the human
      genome. RESULTS: The rates are characterised through rate constants in a time
      domain, and are made available through a dedicated program (Trek) and a stand
      alone database. Due to the nature of the method design and the imposed stringency
      criteria, we expect our rate constants to be good estimates for the rates of
      spontaneous mutations. Benefiting from such data, we study the short-range
      nucleotide (up to 7-mer) organisation and the germline basal substitution
      propensity (BSP) profile of the human genome; characterise novel, CpG
      independent, substitution prone and resistant motifs; confirm a decreased
      tendency of moieties with low BSP to undergo somatic mutations in a number of
      cancer types; and, produce a Trek-based estimate of the overall mutation rate in
      human. CONCLUSIONS: The extended set of rate constants we report may enrich our
      resources and help advance our understanding of genome dynamics and evolution,
      with possible implications for the role of spontaneous mutations in the emergence
      of pathological genotypes and neutral evolution of proteomes.

PMID- 28086753
TI  - Better care provided to patients with tuberculosis at county designated TB
      hospitals (CTD) compared to non-CTDs in rural China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The primary unit of tuberculosis (TB) medical care in China is the
      county TB dispensary or county designated hospital (CTD), where patients can
      receive free diagnosis and treatment. However, a substantial number of patients
      seek their anti-TB treatment from general health facilities (Non-CTDs). This
      study aimed to investigate the first anti-TB treatment experience and choice of
      health facilities of retreated TB patients and their determinants. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study was conducted in Jiangsu, Shandong and Sichuan provinces.
      All registered re-treated TB patients were investigated using a structured
      questionnaire covering information on demographics, socio-economic
      characteristics, and previous anti-TB treatment experiences. RESULTS: Totally,
      75.3% of 544 patients visited CTD directly for initial treatment. Patients who
      were female (OR:1.71, 95% CI: 1.01-2.87), over 40 years of age (OR:2.80, 95% CI:
      1.24-6.33), from Jiangsu (OR:3.07, 95% CI: 1.57-6.01) and Sichuan (OR:4.47, 95%
      CI: 2.29-8.73) and those diagnosed before 2005 (OR:6.87, 95% CI: 4.24-11.13) had
      a significant higher risk receiving their initial treatment at a non-CTD.
      Patients were more likely to have standardized diagnosis and treatment regimens
      in CTD (89.8%) than in non-CTDs (65.9%). Patients treated in non-CTDs versus in
      CTD had a lower possibility to complete their treatment course during first TB
      episode (chi 2 = 3.926, P = 0.048), but there was no significant difference in
      the cure rate between different facilities (CTD 60.8%, Non-CTDs 59.1%). Patients
      in non-CTDs incurred higher costs (1,360 CNY) than those treated in CTD (920CNY).
      CONCLUSION: CTD play a key role in the National Tuberculosis Control Program.
      Patients should be guided to seek health care in county designated hospital,
      where they are more likely to receive appropriate examinations, treatment
      regimens and rigorous supervision, and to bear a lighter economic burden.

PMID- 28086755
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for dementia: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sunlight exposure and high vitamin D status have been hypothesised to
      reduce the risk of developing dementia. The objective of our research was to
      determine whether lack of sunlight and hypovitaminosis D over time are associated
      with dementia. METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane
      Library, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ICONDA, and reference lists of pertinent
      review articles from 1990 to October 2015. We conducted random effects meta
      analyses of published and unpublished data to evaluate the influence of sunlight
      exposure or vitamin D as a surrogate marker on dementia risk. RESULTS: We could
      not identify a single study investigating the association between sunlight
      exposure and dementia risk. Six cohort studies provided data on the effect of
      serum vitamin D concentration on dementia risk. A meta-analysis of five studies
      showed a higher risk for persons with serious vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L or
      7-28 nmol/L) compared to persons with sufficient vitamin D supply (>=50 nmol/L or
      54-159 nmol/L) (point estimate 1.54; 95% CI 1.19-1.99, I2 = 20%). The strength of
      evidence that serious vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing
      dementia, however, is very low due to the observational nature of included
      studies and their lack of adjustment for residual or important confounders (e.g.
      ApoE epsilon4 genotype), as well as the indirect relationship between Vitamin D
      concentrations as a surrogate for sunlight exposure and dementia risk.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review show that low vitamin D levels
      might contribute to the development of dementia. Further research examining the
      direct and indirect relationship between sunlight exposure and dementia risk is
      needed. Such research should involve large-scale cohort studies with homogeneous
      and repeated assessment of vitamin D concentrations or sunlight exposure and
      dementia outcomes.

PMID- 28086756
TI  - Concomitant disseminated histoplasmosis and disseminated tuberculosis after tumor
      necrosis factor inhibitor treatment: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor antagonist inhibitors have transformed the
      approach to patients with severe autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid
      arthritis. Although the therapy can be highly effective, TNF-alpha inhibitors are
      associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections. CASE PRESENTATION:
      Here, we report a case of concomitant disseminated histoplasmosis and
      tuberculosis in a 65-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis treated with TNF
      alpha inhibitor. Both conditions can be found in disseminated form in
      immunosuppressed hosts, but co-infection is rare with only a few cases having
      been reported, to our knowledge, all in HIV patients. CONCLUSIONS: This case
      posed a considerable challenge for diagnosis and treatment due to the unusual
      disseminated co-infection, the overlapping symptoms, and the interactions between
      medications.

PMID- 28086754
TI  - Making the Most of Mealtimes (M3): protocol of a multi-centre cross-sectional
      study of food intake and its determinants in older adults living in long term
      care homes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Older adults living in long term care (LTC) homes are nutritionally
      vulnerable, often consuming insufficient energy, macro- and micronutrients to
      sustain their health and function. Multiple factors are proposed to influence
      food intake, yet our understanding of these diverse factors and their
      interactions are limited. The purpose of this paper is to fully describe the
      protocol used to examine determinants of food and fluid intake among older adults
      participating in the Making the Most of Mealtimes (M3) study. METHODS: A
      conceptual framework that considers multi-level influences on mealtime
      experience, meal quality and meal access was used to design this multi-site cross
      sectional study. Data were collected from 639 participants residing in 32 LTC
      homes in four Canadian provinces by trained researchers. Food intake was assessed
      with three-days of weighed food intake (main plate items), as well as estimations
      of side dishes, beverages and snacks and compared to the Dietary Reference
      Intake. Resident-level measures included: nutritional status, nutritional risk;
      disease conditions, medication, and diet prescriptions; oral health exam, signs
      of swallowing difficulty and olfactory ability; observed eating behaviours, type
      and number of staff assisting with eating; and food and foodservice satisfaction.
      Function, cognition, depression and pain were assessed using interRAI LTCF with
      selected items completed by researchers with care staff. Care staff completed a
      standardized person-directed care questionnaire. Researchers assessed dining
      rooms for physical and psychosocial aspects that could influence food intake.
      Management from each site completed a questionnaire that described the home, menu
      development, food production, out-sourcing of food, staffing levels, and staff
      training. Hierarchical regression models, accounting for clustering within
      province, home and dining room will be used to determine factors independently
      associated with energy and protein intake, as proxies for intake. Proportions of
      residents at risk of inadequate diets will also be determined. DISCUSSION: This
      rigorous and comprehensive data collection in a large and diverse sample will
      provide, for the first time, the opportunity to consider important modifiable
      factors associated with poor food intake of residents in LTC. Identification of
      factors that are independently associated with food intake will help to develop
      effective interventions that support food intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02800291 , retrospectively registered June 7, 2016.

PMID- 28086757
TI  - A combination of genetic and biochemical analyses for the diagnosis of PI3K-AKT
      mTOR pathway-associated megalencephaly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Constitutive activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway (mTOR pathway)
      underlies megalencephaly in many patients. Yet, prevalence of the involvement of
      the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway in patients with megalencephaly remains to be
      elucidated, and molecular diagnosis is challenging. Here, we have successfully
      established a combination of genetic and biochemical methods for diagnosis of
      mTOR pathway-associated megalencephaly, and have attempted to delineate the
      clinical characteristics of the disorder. METHODS: Thirteen patients with an
      increased head circumference and neurological symptoms participated in the study.
      To evaluate the activation of the mTOR pathway, we performed western blot
      analysis to determine the expression levels of phosphorylated S6 ribosomal
      protein (phospho-S6 protein) in lymphoblastoid cell lines from 12 patients.
      Multiplex targeted sequencing analysis for 15 genes involved in the mTOR pathway
      was performed on 12 patients, and whole-exome sequencing was performed on one
      additional patient. Clinical features and MRI findings were also investigated.
      RESULTS: We identified pathogenic mutations in six (AKT3, 1 patient; PIK3R2, 2
      patients; PTEN, 3 patients) of the 13 patients. Increased expression of phospho
      S6 protein was demonstrated in all five mutation-positive patients in whom
      western blotting was performed, as well as in three mutation-negative patients.
      Developmental delay, dysmorphic facial features were observed in almost all
      patients. Syndactyly/polydactyly and capillary malformations were not observed,
      even in patients with AKT3 or PIK3R2 mutations. There were no common phenotypes
      or MRI findings among these patients. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of genetic and
      biochemical methods successfully identified mTOR pathway involvement in nine of
      13 (approximately 70%) patients with megalencephaly, indicating a major
      contribution of the pathway to the pathogenesis of megalencephaly. Our combined
      approach could be useful to identify patients who are suitable for future
      clinical trials using an mTOR inhibitor.

PMID- 28086759
TI  - Urinary incontinence and its association with functional physical and cognitive
      health among female nursing home residents in Switzerland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Specific knowledge of urinary incontinence (UI) and its interrelation
      with physical and cognitive health is essential to working towards prevention of
      UI and to improving quality of treatment and care. The purpose of this study was
      to determine the association between UI and the activities of daily living (ADL)
      hierarchy scale, the cognitive performance scale (CPS) and comorbid conditions.
      METHODS: The cross-sectional retrospective analysis of 357 nursing homes in
      Switzerland was based on data of the Minimum Data Set of the Resident Assessment
      Instrument 2.0 (RAI-MDS). The analysis examined the effect of ADL hierarchy
      scale, CPS, joint motion and comorbidities on UI. Women >=65 years were included
      (n = 44'811; January 2005 to September 2014) at the time of admission to a
      nursing home. Statistical analysis was done by means of descriptive statistics
      and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI was 54.7%, the
      mean ADL hierarchy scale (+/- SD) 2.42 +/- 3.26 (range = 0-6), the mean CPS 1.95
      +/- 1.67 (range = 0-6). There was a gradual increase in the odds ratio (OR) for
      UI depending on the ADL hierarchy scale, from the hierarchy scales of
      "supervised" to "total dependence" of 1.43 - 30.25. For CPS, the OR for UI from
      "borderline intact" to "very severe impairment" was 1.35 - 5.99. Considering the
      interaction between ADL and CPS, all ADL hierarchies remained significantly
      associated with UI, however for CPS this was the case only in the lower
      hierarchies. Of the 11 examined comorbid conditions, only diabetes mellitus (OR
      1.19), dementia (OR 1.01) and arthrosis/arthritis (OR 1.53) were significantly
      associated with UI. CONCLUSION: The study indicated that impairment in ADL
      performance is strongly associated with UI, more than CPS performance and
      comorbidities. Physical more than cognitive training in order to improve or at
      least stabilize ADL performance could be a way to prevent or reduce the process
      of developing UI.

PMID- 28086758
TI  - Toxoplasmosis-associated IRIS involving the CNS: a case report with longitudinal
      analysis of T cell subsets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-infected patients may present an unforeseen clinical worsening
      after initiating antiretroviral therapy known as immune reconstitution
      inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). This syndrome is characterized by a heightened
      inflammatory response toward infectious or non-infectious triggers, and it may
      affect different organs. Diagnosis of IRIS involving the central nervous system
      (CNS-IRIS) is challenging due to heterogeneous manifestations, absence of
      biomarkers to identify this condition, risk of long-term sequelae and high
      mortality. Hence, a deeper knowledge of CNS-IRIS pathogenesis is needed. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old man was diagnosed with AIDS and cerebral
      toxoplasmosis. Anti-toxoplasma treatment was initiated immediately, followed by
      active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) 1 month later. At 2 months of HAART, he
      presented with progressive hyposensitivity of the right lower limb associated
      with brain and dorsal spinal cord lesions, compatible with paradoxical
      toxoplasmosis-associated CNS-IRIS, a condition with very few reported cases. A
      stereotactic biopsy was planned but was postponed based on its inherent risks.
      Patient showed clinical improvement with no requirement of corticosteroid
      therapy. Routine laboratorial analysis was complemented with longitudinal
      evaluation of blood T cell subsets at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months upon HAART
      initiation. A control group composed by 9 HIV-infected patients from the same
      hospital but with no IRIS was analysed for comparison. The CNS-IRIS patient
      showed lower percentage of memory CD4+ T cells and higher percentage of activated
      CD4+ T cells at HAART initiation. The percentage of memory CD4+ T cells
      drastically increased at 1 month after HAART initiation and became higher in
      comparison to the control group until clinical recovery onset; the percentage of
      memory CD8+ T cells was consistently lower throughout follow-up. Interestingly,
      the percentage of regulatory T cells (Treg) on the CNS-IRIS patient reached a
      minimum around 1 month before symptoms onset. CONCLUSION: Although both
      stereotactic biopsies and steroid therapy might be of use in CNS-IRIS cases and
      should be considered for these patients, they might be unnecessary to achieve
      clinical improvement as shown in this case. Immunological characterization of
      more CNS-IRIS cases is essential to shed some light on the pathogenesis of this
      condition.

PMID- 28086760
TI  - Education of pediatric subspecialty fellows in transport medicine: a national
      survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transport of critically ill patients to children's hospitals is
      essential to current practice. The AAP Section on Transport Medicine has raised
      concerns about future leadership in the field as trainees receive less exposure
      to transport medicine. This study identifies the priorities of pediatric
      subspecialty fellows, fellowship directors and nursing directors in transport
      medicine education. METHODS: Internet based surveys were distributed to fellows,
      fellowship directors and nursing directors of transport teams affiliated with
      ACGME-approved fellowships in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine (NPM), Pediatric
      Critical Care Medicine (PCCM), and Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM). Data
      collection occurred November 2013 to March 2014. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty
      six responses were collected (357 fellows, 82 directors, 27 nursing directors):
      Six curricular elements were ranked by respondents: Transport Physiology (TP),
      Medical Control (MC), Vehicle Safety (VS), Medicolegal Issues (ML), Medical
      Protocols (MP) and State and Federal Regulations (SFR). Fellows and fellowship
      directors were not significantly different: TP (p = 0.63), VS (p = 0.45), SFR (p
      = 0.58), ML (p = 0.07), MP (p = 0.98), and MC (p = 0.36). Comparison of
      subspecialties found significant differences: PEM considered TP less important
      than NPM and PCCM (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), VS less important than NPM (p = 0.001).
      PEM viewed SFR and MC more important than PCCM (p = 0.006, p = 0.002); ML more
      important than PCCM and NPM (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). PCCM ranked MC more important
      than NPM (p = 0.004). Nursing directors considered TP less important than NPM and
      PCCM (p < 0.001, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: When ranking curricular elements in
      transport medicine, fellows and fellowship directors do not differ, but
      comparison of subspecialties notes significant differences. A fellow curriculum
      in transport medicine will utilize these results.

PMID- 28086762
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors of congenital heart defects among live births: a
      population-based cross-sectional survey in Shaanxi province, Northwestern China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nearly half of the population of Northwest China live in Shaanxi
      province, but population-based data on the epidemiologic characteristics of
      congenital heart defects (CHD) in this population is limited. The study aimed to
      investigate the prevalence and epidemiologic characteristics of the CHD among
      infants born between 2010 and 2013 in Shaanxi province. METHODS: Infants born
      between 2010 and 2013 in Shaanxi province were surveyed using a stratified multi
      stage sampling method. Participant characteristics were recorded by
      questionnaire, medical records were reviewed and CHD was diagnosed using a
      specialized neonatal echocardiography. A Poisson regression model was applied to
      assess the association between any CHD and possible risk factors. RESULTS: A
      total of 29098 live infants were surveyed with an overall prevalence of 76.0 (95%
      CI: 66.3, 86.7) per 10000 live infants. The prevalence of major and minor CHD
      were 26.1 and 49.8 per 10000 live infants, respectively, in surveyed areas.
      Poisson regression analysis indicated that, compared with singleton infants, the
      prevalence rate ratio of CHD was higher in twin and multi-fetal infants (PRR:3.1,
      95% CI:1.6, 6.1). Using southern Shaanxi as a reference, the PRR of CHD were
      lower in northern (PRR:0.4, 95% CI:0.3, 0.6) and central Shaanxi province
      (PRR:0.5, 95% CI:0.4, 0.7). PRR was higher in mothers over 30 years of age than
      in those under 25 years (PRR:1.6, 95% CI:1.0, 2.5), and in mothers with >=3
      parity than that in mothers with only one parity (PRR:2.2, 95% CI:1.2, 4.2). The
      risk for CHD among live infants was positively associated with family history of
      CHD (PRR: 9.8, 95% CI: 5.3, 18.1). Additionally, CHD was less common in the
      floating population than the permanent population (PRR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4, 0.9).
      CONCLUSION: The CHD among live infants seemed to be a serious health problem in
      Shaanxi province as well as in Northwestern China. Our research have important
      policy implications for recommendations on CHD intervention in Northwest China.

PMID- 28086761
TI  - Is treatment-resistant schizophrenia categorically distinct from treatment
      responsive schizophrenia? a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a highly heterogeneous disorder, and around a third
      of patients are treatment-resistant. The only evidence-based treatment for these
      patients is clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic with relatively weak dopamine
      antagonism. It is plausible that varying degrees of response to antipsychotics
      reflect categorically distinct illness subtypes, which would have significant
      implications for research and clinical practice. If these subtypes could be
      distinguished at illness onset, this could represent a first step towards
      personalised medicine in psychiatry. This systematic review investigates whether
      current evidence supports conceptualising treatment-resistant and treatment
      responsive schizophrenoa as categorically distinct subtypes. METHOD: A systematic
      literature search was conducted, using PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL and
      OpenGrey databases, to identify all studies which compared treatment-resistant
      schizophrenia (defined as either a lack of response to two antipsychotic trials
      or clozapine prescription) to treatment-responsive schizophrenia (defined as
      known response to non-clozapine antipsychotics). RESULTS: Nineteen studies of
      moderate quality met inclusion criteria. The most robust findings indicate that
      treatment-resistant patients show glutamatergic abnormalities, a lack of
      dopaminergic abnormalities, and significant decreases in grey matter compared to
      treatment-responsive patients. Treatment-resistant patients were also reported to
      have higher familial loading; however, no individual gene-association study
      reported their findings surviving correction for multiple comparisons.
      CONCLUSIONS: Tentative evidence supports conceptualising treatment-resistant
      schizophrenia as a categorically different illness subtype to treatment
      responsive schizophrenia. However, research is limited and confirmation will
      require replication and rigorously controlled studies with large sample sizes and
      prospective study designs.

PMID- 28086763
TI  - The prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among infants with cleft
      palate and/or lip at a hospital in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition
      among infants with Cleft palate and/or cleft lip (CP+/-L) at Comprehensive
      Rehabilitation for Uganda Hospital (CoRSU) in Uganda. METHODS: This was a cross
      sectional study done on infants with CP+/-L and their caretakers admitted between
      November 2013 and October 2014 at CoRSU hospital which was the study setting. A
      questionnaire was answered by the infants' caretakers. The main outcome measure,
      malnutrition was defined and classified based on Z-scores obtained using the
      W.H.O Z-calculator in which weights of the infants in kilograms and lengths in
      centimeters respectively were placed. The values obtained were expressed as a
      proportion using all enrolled infants with CP+/-L as denominator. Multivariable
      analysis was used to determine the risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 44 infants
      with CP+/-L were enrolled. Of these, 77% were below 4 months of age and 97.7%
      were immunized. The male-to-female ratio was 1.06:1. About 59% had unilateral
      CP+/-L. A total of 93.2% were delivered at term with 69.4% having a birth weight
      greater than 3 kg. Generally, 68% were malnourished, with the highest burden
      among females (71.4%), infants below 4 months (73.5%) and those with unilateral
      CP+/-L (77%). About 57% had moderate-to-severe malnutrition. There was delayed
      supplementation to breast milk, with cow-milk as the main supplemental feed for
      all the infants. In the multivariable analysis, factors associated with
      malnutrition included, having caretakers lacking nutritional information post
      delivery (OR = 3.8, p = 0.17), low birth weight (OR = 3.4, p = 0.20), and having
      less than 10 feeds/day (OR = 4.9, p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: CP+/-L infants born in
      Uganda suffer a high-burden of malnutrition. Preventional strategies are needed
      with focus on proper feeding information. Research on cost-effective feeds,
      feeding methods and reasons behind gender disparities in these infants is also
      required.

PMID- 28086764
TI  - An audit of the quality of online immunisation information available to
      Australian parents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Internet is increasingly a source of health information for
      parents, who use the Internet alongside health care providers for immunisation
      information. Concerns have been raised about the reliability of online
      immunisation information, however to date there has been no audit of the quality
      or quantity of what is available to Australian parents. The objective of this
      study was to address this gap by simulating a general online search for
      immunisation information, and assessing the quality and quantity of the web sites
      returned by the search. METHODS: We used Google trends to identify the most
      common immunisation search terms used in Australia. The ten most common terms
      were entered into five search engines and the first ten non-commercial results
      from each search collated. A quality assessment tool was developed using the
      World Health Organization Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS)
      criteria for assessing the quality of vaccine safety web sites, and used to
      assess and score the quality of the sites. RESULTS: Seven hundred web pages were
      identified, of which 514 were duplicates, leaving 186 pages from 115 web sites
      which were audited. Forty sites did not include human immunisation information,
      or presented personal opinion about individuals, and were not scored. Of the 75
      sites quality scored, 65 (87%) were supportive of immunisation, while 10 (13%)
      were not supportive. The overall mean quality score was 57/100 (range 14/100 to
      92/100). When stratified by pro and anti-vaccination stance, the average quality
      score for pro-vaccine sites was 61/100, while the average score for anti-vaccine
      sites was 30/100. Pro-vaccine information could be divided into three content
      groups: generalist overview with little detail; well-articulated and
      understandable detail; and lengthy and highly technical explanations. The main
      area found to be lacking in pro-vaccine sites was lack of transparent authorship.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a need for information which is easily found,
      transparently authored, well-referenced, and written in a way that is easily
      understood.

PMID- 28086765
TI  - Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its associated factors in children
      with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to describe the baseline health
      related quality of life (HRQOL) in a cohort of children and adolescents with type
      1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and analyze its associated clinical and
      sociodemographic factors, assessing HRQOL through internet. METHODS: This was a
      descriptive study of 136 patients with T1DM from 5 hospitals in Catalonia, Spain
      (72 girls, mean age 13.4 years (range 8-19). Inclusion criteria were more than 6
      months from diagnosis, more than 8 years old and without cognitive problems.
      Sociodemographic (age, sex, family level of education, type of family and origin)
      and clinical variables (type of insulin therapy, duration of disease, adherence
      to treatment, body mass index and HbA1c) were collected. HRQOL was assessed using
      the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-Y) and KIDSCREEN, collected via web. Mental health status
      was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Multiple linear
      regression models were adjusted. RESULTS: Physical-well-being mean scores were
      lower (worse) than the European average (<50) and especially in girls, older
      children (>11 years old), those from single-parent families, and those with low
      adherence. Older children and patients with poor metabolic control (HbA1c >7,5%
      [58 mmol/mol]) showed worse scores in the KIDSCREEN-10 index. Similar results
      were observed with the EQ-5D-Y. Multivariate models showed that age, single
      parent families, adherence and mental health were the most influential factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients report similar HRQOL than the population of the
      same age with slightly worse physical well-being. The study shows some factors to
      be taken into account to improve HRQOL, and also the feasibility of using web to
      collect information in clinical practice.

PMID- 28086766
TI  - Psychoeducational preventive treatment for women at risk of postpartum
      depression: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial, PROGEA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression is a disease with a prevalence of 20% that has
      deleterious consequences not only for the mother but also for the baby and can
      cause delays in physical, social and cognitive development. In this context, the
      European Union Committee on Public Health has declared it essential that
      preventative measures are taken by centres providing care for women with a
      multidisciplinary approach. PROGEA is a multicentre, single-blind randomized, 3
      year, longitudinal clinical trial aiming to evaluate the efficacy of a
      psychoeducational programme in preventing postpartum depression in at-risk women,
      based on a range of clinical variables, and explore prognostic factors. This
      paper describes the methods and rationale behind the study. METHODS: We will
      study women receiving treatment as usual plus a psychoeducation cognitive
      behavioural therapy (CBT)-based intervention and a control group receiving only
      treatment as usual. The sample will be recruited from an incidental sampling of
      pregnant women in two health regions. We will recruit 600 women in the third
      trimester of pregnancy who consent to take part in the study. Almost half of the
      women, about 280, would be expected to have some risk factors for postpartum
      depression. All those found to have risk factors will be evaluated, and we
      estimate that a quarter will be classified as at-risk of developing postpartum
      depression as measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. This subset
      will be randomly allocated to receive treatment as usual with or without the CBT
      intervention. Six sessions of CBT (1 individual and 5 group) will be offered by a
      psychologist. DISCUSSION: Findings from this study will be used to design a
      definitive study that will examine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the CBT
      based intervention in improving the mood of women in the postpartum period. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02323152 ; Date: December 2014.

PMID- 28086767
TI  - Quantifying traditional Chinese medicine patterns using modern test theory: an
      example of functional constipation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to validate a scale to assess the severity of "Yin
      deficiency, intestine heat" pattern of functional constipation based on the
      modern test theory. METHODS: Pooled longitudinal data of 237 patients with "Yin
      deficiency, intestine heat" pattern of constipation from a prospective cohort
      study were used to validate the scale. Exploratory factor analysis was used to
      examine the common factors of items. A multidimensional item response model was
      used to assess the scale with the presence of multidimensionality. RESULTS: The
      Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.79 to 0.89, and the split-half reliability ranged
      from 0.67 to 0.79 at different measurements. Exploratory factor analysis
      identified two common factors, and all items had cross factor loadings.
      Bidimensional model had better goodness of fit than the unidimensional model.
      Multidimensional item response model showed that the all items had moderate to
      high discrimination parameters. Parameters indicated that the first latent trait
      signified intestine heat, while the second trait characterized Yin deficiency.
      Information function showed that items demonstrated highest discrimination power
      among patients with moderate to high level of disease severity. CONCLUSIONS:
      Multidimensional item response theory provides a useful and rational approach in
      validating scales for assessing the severity of patterns in traditional Chinese
      medicine.

PMID- 28086768
TI  - Probiotic mixture improves fatty liver disease by virtue of its action on lipid
      profiles, leptin, and inflammatory biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high fat diet has an essential role in the pathogenesis of non
      alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition is characterized by hepatic
      fat accumulation (steatosis) and is associated with obesity, diabetes, and
      fibrosis or cirrhosis of the liver. Probiotics may be useful in the treatment of
      steatosis. This study examined the effects of an ingested probiotic formulation
      on the lipid profiles, liver functions, leptin levels, and inflammatory marker
      levels of rats with NAFLD that had been induced via high fat and sucrose diet
      (HFSD). METHODS: Young male albino rats were randomly divided into three groups:
      a control group that was fed a standard diet; a second group that was fed a HFSD;
      and a third group that was given both a HFSD and ingestible probiotic mixtures.
      The groups were fed these diets for 16 weeks, and were then examined. RESULTS:
      HFSD-only rats showed hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and elevated
      low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and their serum alanine transaminase (ALT)
      and bilirubin levels were significantly higher than those of the control group.
      Compared to rats on the standard diet, HFSD-only rats showed higher levels of
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), increased serum
      leptin levels, and increased resistin hormone levels in the adipose tissues. In
      the third group, the inclusion of the probiotic mixture seemed to ameliorate the
      effects of the HFSD diet. The NAFD + probiotics group showed improved lipid
      profiles, better leptin and resistin levels, and better TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels
      than the NAFD-only group. They also showed no signs of NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: The
      probiotic mixture showed promise as a treatment for NAFLD pathogenesis, and may
      improve HFSD-induced steatosis through its effects on leptin, resistin,
      inflammatory biomarkers, and hepatic function markers. We also established that
      gut microbiota-mediated regulation of lipid profiles was dependent on dietary
      lipids and carbohydrates.

PMID- 28086769
TI  - Effect of ginseng extract on the TGF-beta1 signaling pathway in CCl4-induced
      liver fibrosis in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver diseases are major global health problems. Ginseng extract has
      antioxidant, immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. This study
      investigated the effect of ginseng extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced
      liver fibrosis in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups:
      control group, ginseng group, CCl4 group and CCl4 + ginseng group. Liver injury
      was induced by the intraperitoneal (I.P) injection of 3 ml/kg CCl4 (30% in olive
      oil) weekly for 8 weeks. The control group was I.P injected with olive oil. The
      expression of genes encoding transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), type I
      TGF-beta receptor (TbetaR-1), type II TGF-beta receptor (TbetaR-II), mothers
      against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2), Smad3, Smad4, matrix metalloproteinase
      2 (MMP2), MMP9, tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), Collagen
      1a2 (Col1a2), Collagen 3a1 (Col3a1), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin -10 (IL
      10) were measured by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Treatment with ginseng extract
      decreased hepatic fat deposition and lowered hepatic reticular fiber accumulation
      compared with the CCl4 group. The CCl4 group showed a significant increase in
      hepatotoxicity biomarkers and up-regulation of the expression of genes encoding
      TGF-beta, TbetaR-I, TbetaR-II, MMP2, MMP9, Smad-2,-3, -4, and IL-8 compared with
      the control group. However, CCl4 administration resulted in the significant down
      regulation of IL-10 mRNA expression compared with the control group.
      Interestingly, ginseng extract supplementation completely reversed the
      biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and the gene expression alterations induced
      by CCl4. CONCLUSION: ginseng extract had an anti-fibrosis effect via the
      regulation of the TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway in the CCl4-induced liver
      fibrosis model. The major target was the inhibition of the expression of TGF
      beta1, Smad2, and Smad3.

PMID- 28086770
TI  - Social pediatrics: weaving horizontal and vertical threads through pediatric
      residency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social pediatrics teaches pediatric residents how to understand
      disease within their patients' social, environmental and political contexts. It's
      an essential component of pediatric residency training; however there is very
      little literature that addresses how such a broad-ranging topic can be taught
      effectively. The aim of this study was to determine and characterize social
      pediatric education in our pediatric residency training in order to identify
      strengths and gaps. METHODS: A social pediatrics curriculum map was developed,
      attending to 3 different dimensions: (1) the intended curriculum as prescribed by
      the Objectives of Training for Pediatrics of the Royal College of Physicians and
      Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), (2) the formal curriculum defined by rotation
      specific learning objectives, and (3) the informal/hidden curriculum as reflected
      in resident and teacher experiences and perceptions. RESULTS: Forty-one social
      pediatric learning objectives were extracted from the RCPSC Objectives of
      Training for Pediatrics, most were listed in the Medical Expert (51%) and Health
      Advocate competencies (24%). Almost all RCPSC social pediatric learning
      objectives were identified in more than one rotation and/or seminar. Adolescent
      Medicine (29.2%), Pediatric Ambulatory Medicine (26.2%) and Developmental
      Pediatrics (25%) listed the highest proportion of social pediatric learning
      objectives. Four (10%) RCPSC social pediatric objectives were not explicitly
      named within learning objectives of the formal curriculum. The informal
      curriculum revealed that both teachers and residents viewed social pediatrics as
      integral to all clinical encounters. Perceived barriers to teaching and learning
      of social pediatrics included time constraints, particularly in a tertiary care
      environment, and the value of social pediatrics relative to medical expert
      knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of an explicit thematic presentation of
      social pediatric learning objectives by the Royal College and residency training
      program, social pediatric topics are integrated, taught and learned throughout
      the entire curriculum. Special attention needs to be given to the hidden
      curriculum and system barriers that may impede social pediatric education.

PMID- 28086771
TI  - Naturalistic study of guideline implementation tool use via evaluation of website
      access and physician survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical guidelines support decision-making at the point-of-care but
      the onus is often on individual users such as physicians to implement them.
      Research shows that the inclusion of implementation tools in or with guidelines
      (GItools) is associated with guideline use. However, there is little research on
      which GItools best support implementation by individual physicians. The purpose
      of this study was to investigate naturalistic access and use of GItools produced
      by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) to inform future tool development.
      METHODS: Website accesses over six months were summarized for eight AAN
      guidelines and associated GItools published between July 2012 and August 2013.
      Academy members were surveyed about use of tools accompanying the sport
      concussion guideline. Data were analyzed using summary statistics and the Chi
      square test. RESULTS: The clinician summary was accessed more frequently (29.0%,
      p < 0.001) compared with the slide presentation (26.8%), patient summary (23.2%)
      or case study (20.9%), although this varied by guideline topic. For the sport
      concussion guideline, which was accompanied by a greater variety of GItools, the
      mobile phone quick reference check application was most frequently accessed,
      followed by the clinician summary, patient summary, and slide presentation. For
      the sports concussion guideline survey, most respondents (response rate 21.8%,
      168/797) were aware of the guideline (88.1%) and had read the guideline (78.6%).
      For GItool use, respondents indicated reading the reference card (51.2%),
      clinician summary (45.2%), patient summary (28.0%), mobile phone application
      (26.2%), and coach/athletic trainer summary (20.2%). Patterns of sports
      concussion GItool use were similar between respondents who said they had and had
      not yet implemented the guideline. CONCLUSIONS: Developers faced with resource
      limitations may wish to prioritize the development of printable or mobile
      application clinician summaries, which were accessed significantly more than
      other types of GItools. Further research is needed to understand how to optimize
      the design of such GItools.

PMID- 28086772
TI  - Scutellaria barbata D. Don extract inhibits the tumor growth through down
      regulating of Treg cells and manipulating Th1/Th17 immune response in hepatoma
      H22-bearing mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed Scutellaria barbata D. Don extract (SBE) is a
      potent inhibitor in hepatoma and could improve immune function of hepatoma H22
      bearing mice. However, the immunomodulatory function of SBE on the tumor growth
      of hepatoma remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor
      effects of SBE on hepatoma H22-bearing mice and explore the underlying
      immunomodulatory function. METHODS: The hepatoma H22-bearing mice were treated by
      SBE for 30 days. The effect of SBE on the proliferation of HepG2 cells in vitro,
      the growth of transplanted tumor, the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells
      in spleen, the amount of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells and Th17 cells in tumor
      tissue, and the levels of IL-10, TGF-beta, IL-17A, IL-2, and IFN-gamma in serum
      of the hepatoma H22-bearing mice was observered. IL-17A was injected to the SBE
      treated mice from day 9 post H22 inoculation to examine its effect on tumor
      growth. RESULTS: SBE treatment inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in
      vitro with a dose-dependent manner and significantly suppressed the tumor growth
      of hepatoma H22-bearing mice. Meanwhile, it increased NK cells' cytotoxicity in
      spleen, down-regulated the amount of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells and Th17 cells in
      tumor tissue, and decreased IL-10, TGF-beta, and IL-17A levels (P < 0.01) whereas
      increased IL-2 and IFN-gamma levels (P < 0.01) in the serum of hepatoma H22
      bearing mice. Moreover, administration of recombinant mouse IL-17A reversed the
      anti-tumor effects of SBE. CONCLUSION: SBE could inhibit the proliferation of
      HepG2 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, SBE also could inhibit the growth of H22
      implanted tumor in hepatoma H22-bearing mice, and this function might be
      associated with immunomodulatory activity through down-regulating of Treg cells
      and manipulating Th1/Th17 immune response.

PMID- 28086773
TI  - Pleurotus giganteus (Berk. Karun & Hyde), the giant oyster mushroom inhibits NO
      production in LPS/H2O2 stimulated RAW 264.7 cells via STAT 3 and COX-2 pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pleurotus giganteus (Berk. Karunarathna and K.D. Hyde), has been used
      as a culinary mushroom and is known to have medicinal properties but its
      potential as an anti-inflammatory agent to mitigate inflammation triggered
      diseases is untapped. In this study, the molecular mechanism underlying the
      protective effect of ethanol extract of P. giganteus (EPG) against
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and combination of LPS and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
      induced inflammation on RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated. METHOD: The
      effect of EPG on nitric oxide (NO) production as an indicator of inflammation in
      RAW 264.7 macrophages was estimated based on Griess reaction that measures
      nitrite level. The expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS),
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), NF-kB activating protein (NKAP), signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3 protein (STAT 3) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
      genes were assessed using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) approach. RESULTS: EPG (10 MUg/ml) showed the highest reduction
      in the LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and significantly
      suppressed (p < 0.05) the expression iNOS, STAT 3 and COX-2. There was a
      significant increase (p < 0.05) in combination of LPS and H2O2- induced iNOS
      production when compared to the LPS-induced iNOS production in RAW 264.7
      macrophages and this concurred with the NO production which was attenuated by EPG
      at 10 MUg/ml. A significant (p < 0.05) down regulation was observed in the
      combination of LPS and H2O2-induced iNOS and GPx expression by EPG. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of EPG is mediated via the
      suppression of the STAT 3 and COX-2 pathways and can serve as potential
      endogenous antioxidant stimulant.

PMID- 28086774
TI  - Androgenic effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Ficus asperifolia in
      male Wistar rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Androgen deficiency is a clinical syndrome resulting from the
      inability of the testes to produce physiological levels of testosterone due to a
      disturbance occurring at one or more levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary
      testicular axis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the androgenic
      properties of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Ficus asperifolia on normal and
      castrated immature rats. METHODS: Normal rats were treated either per os with
      aqueous or methanolic extract of Ficus asperifolia (100 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg b.w.),
      distilled water (10 ml/kg b.w.), 5% Tween 80 (10 ml/kg b.w.) or subcutaneously
      with testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg b.w.). Castrated rats were treated with
      plant extracts (100 mg/kg b.w. or 500 mg/kg b.w.) alone or with the co
      administration of plant extracts and testosterone propionate (s.c., 0.5 mg/kg
      b.w.) or bicalutamide (2 mg/kg b.w. per os). Animals were treated once a day
      during four weeks. Body weight growth and relative sexual organ weights were
      recorded at the end of each treatment. Some biomedical parameters were measured
      in the plasma (proteins, cholesterol), testes (cholesterol) and epididymis
      (proteins). RESULTS: In normal rats, Ficus asperifolia significantly (p < 0.05)
      increased the relative weights of the testes and all sexual-dependent organs
      whereas total testicular cholesterol concentration was significantly (p < 0.05)
      decreased. In castrated groups, treatment with Ficus asperifolia was followed by
      an increase in the sexual organ weights, epididymal protein and prostatic acid
      phosphatase concentrations. The co-administration of testosterone and plant
      extracts significantly (p < 0.05) increased the weight of accessory sexual organs
      and epididymal protein contents. In the presence of bicalutamide (an anti
      androgen), the sexual stimulating activity of Ficus asperifolia was diminished
      with remarkable effects on vas deferens weight (p < 0.05), plasma (p < 0.01) and
      epididymal (p < 0.05) protein contents. CONCLUSION: Ficus asperifolia possesses
      androgen-like activity through possible stimulation of cytoplasmic and/or nuclear
      receptors by the bioactive compounds found in its extracts.

PMID- 28086775
TI  - Rapid decline in the susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to
      dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in the south of Vietnam.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum has emerged in the
      countries of the Greater Mekong sub-region posing a serious threat to global
      malaria elimination efforts. The relationship of artemisinin resistance to
      treatment failure has been unclear. METHODS: In annual studies conducted in three
      malaria endemic provinces in the south of Vietnam (Binh Phuoc, Ninh Thuan and Gia
      Lai) between 2011 and 2015, 489 patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria
      were enrolled in detailed clinical, parasitological and molecular therapeutic
      response assessments with 42 days follow up. Patients received the national
      recommended first-line treatment dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for three days.
      RESULTS: Over the 5 years the proportion of patients with detectable parasitaemia
      on day 3 rose steadily from 38 to 57% (P < 0.001). In Binh Phuoc province, the
      parasite clearance half-life increased from 3.75 h in 2011 to 6.60 h in 2015 (P <
      0.001), while treatment failures rose from 0% in 2012 and 2013, to 7% in 2014 and
      26% in 2015 (P < 0.001). Recrudescence was associated with in vitro evidence of
      artemisinin and piperaquine resistance. In the treatment failures cases of 2015,
      all 14 parasite isolates carried the C580Y Pfkelch 13 gene, marker of artemisinin
      resistance and 93% (13/14) of them carried exoE415G mutations, markers of
      piperaquine resistance. CONCLUSIONS: In the south of Vietnam recent emergence of
      piperaquine resistant P. falciparum strains has accelerated the reduced response
      to artemisinin and has led to treatment failure rates of up to 26% to
      dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, Vietnam's current first-line ACT. Alternative
      treatments are urgently needed.

PMID- 28086776
TI  - Comparison of two adult mosquito sampling methods with human landing catches in
      south-central Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human landing catch (HLC) is the standard reference method for
      measuring human exposure to mosquito bites. However, HLC is labour-intensive,
      exposes collectors to infectious mosquito bites and is subjected to collector
      bias. These necessitate local calibration and application of alternative methods.
      This study was undertaken to determine the relative sampling efficiency (RSE) of
      light traps with or without yeast-produced carbon dioxide bait vs. HLC in south
      central Ethiopia. METHODS: The experiment was conducted for 39 nights in a 3 * 3
      Latin square randomized design with Anopheles arabiensis as the target species in
      the period between July and November 2014 in Edo Kontola village, south-central
      Ethiopia. Center for Disease Control and Prevention light trap catches (LTC) and
      yeast-generated carbon dioxide-baited light trap catches (CB-LTC) were each
      evaluated against HLC. The total nightly mosquito catches for each Anopheles
      species in either method was compared with HLC by Pearson correlation and simple
      linear regression analysis on log-transformed [log10(x + 1)] values. To test if
      the RSE of each alternative method was affected by mosquito density, the ratio of
      the number of mosquitoes in each method to the number of mosquitoes in HLC was
      plotted against the average mosquito abundance. RESULTS: Overall, 7606 Anopheles
      females were collected by the three sampling methods. Among these 5228 (68.7%)
      were Anopheles ziemanni, 1153 (15.2%) An. arabiensis, 883 (11.6%) Anopheles
      funestus s.l., and 342 (4.5%) Anopheles pharoensis. HLC yielded 3392 (44.6%), CB
      LTC 2150 (28.3%), and LTC 2064 (27.1%) Anopheles females. The RSEs of LTC and HLC
      for An. arabiensis were significantly correlated (p < 0.001) and density
      independent (p = 0.65). However, for outdoor collection of the same species, RSEs
      of LTC and CB-LTC were density dependent (p < 0.001). It was estimated that on
      average, indoor LTC and CB-LTC each caught 0.35 and 0.44 times that of indoor HLC
      for An. arabiensis respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that HLC was the
      most efficient method for sampling An. arabiensis. LTC can be used for large
      scale indoor An. arabiensis surveillance and monitoring when it is difficult to
      use HLC. CB-LTC does not substantially improve sampling of this major vector
      compared to LTC in this setting. Trial registration PACTR201411000882128
      (retrospectively registered 8 September, 2014).

PMID- 28086778
TI  - Diabetes does not impact the diagnostic performance of contrast-based fractional
      flow reserve: insights from the CONTRAST study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adenosine-free coronary pressure wire metrics have been proposed to
      test the functional significance of coronary artery lesions, but it is unexplored
      whether their diagnostic performance might be altered in patients with diabetes.
      METHODS: We performed a post-hoc analysis of the CONTRAST study, which
      prospectively enrolled an international cohort of patients undergoing routine
      fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment for standard indications. Paired,
      repeated measurements of all physiology metrics (Pd/Pa, iFR, contrast-based FFR,
      and FFR) were made. A central core laboratory analyzed blinded pressure tracings
      in a standardized fashion. RESULTS: Of 763 subjects enrolled at 12 international
      centers, 219 (29%) had diabetes. The two groups were well-balanced for age,
      clinical presentation (stable or unstable), coronary vessel studied, volume and
      type of intracoronary contrast, and volume of intracoronary adenosine. A binary
      threshold of cFFR <= 0.83 produced an accuracy superior to both Pd/Pa and iFR
      when compared with FFR <= 0.80 in the absence of significant interaction with
      diabetes status; indeed, accuracy in subgroups of patients with or without
      diabetes was similar for cFFR (86.7 vs 85.4% respectively; p = 0.76), iFR (84.2
      vs 80.0%, p = 0.29) and Pd/Pa (81.3 vs 78.9%, p = 0.55). There was no significant
      heterogeneity between patients with or without diabetes in terms of sensitivity
      and specificity of all metrics. The area under the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve was largest for cFFR compared with Pd/Pa and iFR which
      were equivalent (cFFR 0.961 and 0.928; Pd/Pa 0.916 and 0.870; iFR 0.911 and 0.861
      in diabetic and non-diabetic patients respectively). CONCLUSIONS: cFFR provides
      superior diagnostic performance compared with Pd/Pa or iFR for predicting FFR
      irrespective of diabetes (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02184117).

PMID- 28086777
TI  - Profile of molecular mutations in pfdhfr, pfdhps, pfmdr1, and pfcrt genes of
      Plasmodium falciparum related to resistance to different anti-malarial drugs in
      the Bata District (Equatorial Guinea).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The emergence of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum has been a
      major contributor to the global burden of malaria. Drug resistance complicates
      treatment, and it is one of the most important problems in malaria control. This
      study assessed the level of mutations in P. falciparum genes, pfdhfr, pfdhps,
      pfmdr1, and pfcrt, related to resistance to different anti-malarial drugs, in the
      Continental Region of Equatorial Guinea, after 8 years of implementing artesunate
      combination therapies as the first-line treatment. RESULTS: A triple mutant of
      pfdhfr (51I/59R/108N), which conferred resistance to sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine
      (SP), was found in 78% of samples from rural settings; its frequency was
      significantly different between urban and rural settings (p = 0.007). The 164L
      mutation was detected for the first time in this area, in rural settings (1.4%).
      We also identified three classes of previously described mutants and their
      frequencies: the partially resistant (pfdhfr 51I/59R/108N + pfdhps 437G), found
      at 54% (95% CI 47.75-60.25); the fully resistant (pfdhfr 51I/59R/108N + pfdhps
      437G/540E), found at 28% (95% CI 7.07-14.93); and the super resistant (pfdhfr
      51I/59R/108N + pfdhps 437G/540E/581G), found at 6% (95% CI 0.48-4.32). A double
      mutation in pfmdr1 (86Y + 1246Y) was detected at 2% (95% CI 0.24-3.76) frequency,
      distributed in both urban and rural samples. A combination of single mutations in
      the pfmdr1 and pfcrt genes (86Y + 76T), which was related to resistance to
      chloroquine and amodiaquine, was detected in 22% (95% CI 16.8-27.2) of samples
      from the area. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of mutations detected in P. falciparum
      genes related to SP resistance could be linked to the unsuccessful withdrawal of
      SP treatment in this area. Drug resistance can reduce the efficacy of
      intermittent prophylactic treatment with SP for children under 5 years old and
      for pregnant women. Although a high number of mutations was detected, the
      efficacy of the first-line treatment, artemisinin/amodiaquine, was not affected.
      To avoid increases in the numbers, occurrence, and spread of mutations, and to
      protect the population, the Ministry of Health should ensure that health centres
      and hospitals are supplied with appropriate first-line treatments for malaria.

PMID- 28086779
TI  - The effect of electrical conductivity of myocardium on cardiac pumping efficacy:
      a computational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The existence of non-excitable cells in the myocardium leads
      to the increasing conduction non-uniformity and decreasing myocardial electrical
      conductivity. Slowed myocardial conduction velocity (MCV) believed to enhance the
      probability of cardiac arryhthmia and alter the cardiac mechanical pumping
      efficacy, even in sinus rhythm. Though several studies on the correlation between
      MCV and cardiac electrical instabilities exist, there has been no study
      concerning correlation or causality between MCV and cardiac mechanical pumping
      efficacy, due to the limitation in clinical methods to document and evaluate
      cardiac mechanical responses directly. The goal of this study was to examine
      quantitatively the cardiac pumping efficacy under various MCV conditions using
      three-dimensional (3D) electromechanical model of canine's failing ventricle.
      METHODS: The electromechanical model used in this study composed of the
      electrical model coupled with the mechanical contraction model along with a
      lumped model of the circulatory system. The electrical model consisted of 241,725
      nodes and 1,298,751 elements of tetrahedral mesh, whereas the mechanical model
      consisted of 356 nodes and 172 elements of hexahedral mesh with Hermite basis.
      First, we performed the electrical simulation for five different MCV conditions,
      from 30 to 70 cm/s with 10 cm/s interval during sinus pacing. Then, we compared
      the cardiac electrical and mechanical responses of each MCV condition, such as
      the electrical activation time (EAT), pressure, volume, and energy consumption of
      the myocardium. The energy consumption of the myocardium was calculated by
      integrating ATP consumption rate of each node in myofilament model. RESULTS: The
      result showed that under higher MCV conditions, the EAT, energy consumption, end
      diastolic and systolic volume are gradually decreased. Meanwhile, the systolic
      pressure, stroke volume, stroke work, and stroke work to ATP are increased as the
      MCV values increased. The cardiac functions and performances are more efficient
      under higher MCV conditions by consuming smaller energy (ATP) while carrying more
      works. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study reveals that MCV has strong
      correlation with the cardiac pumping efficacy. The obtained results provide
      useful information to estimate the effect of MCV on the electro-physiology and
      hemodynamic responses of the ventricle and can be used for further study about
      arrhythmogeneis and heart failure.

PMID- 28086780
TI  - The Zygosaccharomyces bailii transcription factor Haa1 is required for acetic
      acid and copper stress responses suggesting subfunctionalization of the ancestral
      bifunctional protein Haa1/Cup2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The food spoilage yeast species Zygosaccharomyces bailii exhibits an
      extraordinary capacity to tolerate weak acids, in particular acetic acid. In
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the transcription factor Haa1 (ScHaa1) is considered
      the main player in genomic expression reprogramming in response to acetic acid
      stress, but the role of its homologue in Z. bailii (ZbHaa1) is unknown. RESULTS:
      In this study it is demonstrated that ZbHaa1 is a ScHaa1 functional homologue by
      rescuing the acetic acid susceptibility phenotype of S. cerevisiae haa1Delta. The
      disruption of ZbHAA1 in Z. bailii IST302 and the expression of an extra ZbHAA1
      copy confirmed ZbHAA1 as a determinant of acetic acid tolerance. ZbHaa1 was found
      to be required for acetic acid stress-induced transcriptional activation of Z.
      bailii genes homologous to ScHaa1-target genes. An evolutionary analysis of the
      Haa1 homologues identified in 28 Saccharomycetaceae species genome sequences,
      including Z bailii, was carried out using phylogenetic and gene neighbourhood
      approaches. Consistent with previous studies, this analysis revealed a group
      containing pre-whole genome duplication species Haa1/Cup2 single orthologues,
      including ZbHaa1, and two groups containing either Haa1 or Cup2 orthologues from
      post-whole genome duplication species. S. cerevisiae Cup2 (alias Ace1) is a
      transcription factor involved in response and tolerance to copper stress. Taken
      together, these observations led us to hypothesize and demonstrate that ZbHaa1 is
      also involved in copper-induced transcriptional regulation and copper tolerance.
      CONCLUSIONS: The transcription factor ZbHaa1 is required for adaptive response
      and tolerance to both acetic acid and copper stresses. The subfunctionalization
      of the single ancestral Haa1/Cup2 orthologue that originated Haa1 and Cup2
      paralogues after whole genome duplication is proposed.

PMID- 28086781
TI  - Effects of the intradiscal implantation of stromal vascular fraction plus
      platelet rich plasma in patients with degenerative disc disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) can easily be obtained from a mini
      lipoaspirate procedure of fat tissue and platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be
      obtained from peripheral blood. The SVF contains a mixture of cells including
      ADSCs and growth factors and has been depleted of the adipocyte (fat cell)
      population. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of administering SVF and PRP
      intra-discally into patients with degenerative disc disease. METHODS: A total of
      15 patients underwent a local tumescent liposuction procedure to remove
      approximately 60 ml of fat tissue. The fat was separated to isolate the SVF and
      the cells were delivered into the disc nucleus of patients with degenerative disc
      disease. The subjects were then monitored for adverse events, range of motion,
      visual analog scale (VAS), present pain intensity (PPI), Oswestry Disability
      Index (ODI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Dallas Pain Questionnaire and Short
      Form (SF)-12 scores over a period of 6 months. Safety events were followed for 12
      months. RESULTS: No severe adverse events (SAEs) were reported during a 12 month
      follow up period with no incidences of infection. Patients demonstrated
      statistically significant improvements in several parameters including flexion,
      pain ratings, VAS, PPI, and short form questionnaires. In addition, both ODI and
      BDI data was trending positive and a majority of patients reported improvements
      in their Dallas Pain Questionnaire scores. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patients were
      pleased with the treatment results. More importantly, the procedure demonstrated
      a strong safety profile with no severe adverse events or complications linked to
      the therapy. Trial registration NCT02097862. Name of registry:
      www.clinicaltrials.gov .
      https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02097862?term=bioheart&rank=6 . Date of
      registration: March 25, 2014; Date of enrollment: March 2014.

PMID- 28086782
TI  - In vivo antiplasmodial activity and toxicological assessment of hydroethanolic
      crude extract of Ajuga remota.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria is one of the most life-threatening health problems worldwide
      and treatment has been compromised by drug resistance. Identifying lead molecules
      from natural products might help to find better anti-malarial drugs, since those
      obtained from natural sources are still effective against malarial parasites.
      This study aimed at investigating the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of crude
      extract of the leaves of Ajuga remota together with its safety in mice models.
      METHODS: In vivo parasite growth inhibitory effect of crude extract was assessed
      in mice inoculated with Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain). The in vivo
      antiplasmodial activity of the test extract was performed against early infection
      (4-day suppressive test), curative effect against established infection and
      prophylactic effect against residual infection. Acute and sub-acute toxicity were
      carried out according to OECD guidelines. RESULTS: In vivo parasite growth
      inhibition effect of hydroethanolic crude extract of A. remota was evaluated at
      30, 50 and 100 mg/kg dose levels. It suppressed parasitaemia by 77.34% at 100
      mg/kg dose level in the 4-day test. In curative and prophylactic potential tests,
      it suppressed parasitaemia by 66.67 and 59.66% at 100 mg/kg dose level,
      respectively. In vivo toxicity tests revealed no toxicity. All parasitaemia
      suppressions were statistically significant at P < 0.05 as compared to the
      vehicle-treated group. The crude extract also prolonged survival time in a dose
      dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation results suggest that the leave
      extract of Ajuga remota possesses antimalarial activity.

PMID- 28086783
TI  - De novo transcriptome analysis of rose-scented geranium provides insights into
      the metabolic specificity of terpene and tartaric acid biosynthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) is a perennial herb that
      produces a high value essential oil of fragrant significance due to the
      characteristic compositional blend of rose-oxide and acyclic monoterpenoids in
      foliage. Recently, the plant has also been shown to produce tartaric acid in leaf
      tissues. Rose-scented geranium represents top-tier cash crop in terms of economic
      returns and significance of the plant and plant products. However, there has
      hardly been any study on its metabolism and functional genomics, nor any genomic
      expression dataset resource is available in public domain. Therefore, to begin
      the gains in molecular understanding of specialized metabolic pathways of the
      plant, de novo sequencing of rose-scented geranium leaf transcriptome, transcript
      assembly, annotation, expression profiling as well as their validation were
      carried out. RESULTS: De novo transcriptome analysis resulted a total of 78,943
      unique contigs (average length: 623 bp, and N50 length: 752 bp) from 15.44
      million high quality raw reads. In silico functional annotation led to the
      identification of several putative genes representing terpene, ascorbic acid and
      tartaric acid biosynthetic pathways, hormone metabolism, and transcription
      factors. Additionally, a total of 6,040 simple sequence repeat (SSR) motifs were
      identified in 6.8% of the expressed transcripts. The highest frequency of SSR was
      of tri-nucleotides (50%). Further, transcriptome assembly was validated for
      randomly selected putative genes by standard PCR-based approach. In silico
      expression profile of assembled contigs were validated by real-time PCR analysis
      of selected transcripts. CONCLUSION: Being the first report on transcriptome
      analysis of rose-scented geranium the data sets and the leads and directions
      reflected in this investigation will serve as a foundation for pursuing and
      understanding molecular aspects of its biology, and specialized metabolic
      pathways, metabolic engineering, genetic diversity as well as molecular breeding.

PMID- 28086784
TI  - Health related quality of life assessment in acute coronary syndrome patients:
      the effectiveness of early phase I cardiac rehabilitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is one of the most burdensome
      cardiovascular diseases in terms of the cost of interventions. The Cardiac
      Rehabilitation Programme (CRP) is well-established in improving clinical outcomes
      but the assessment of actual clinical improvement is challenging, especially when
      considering pharmaceutical care (PC) values in phase I CRP during admission and
      upon discharge from hospital and phase II outpatient interventions. This study
      explores the impact of pharmacists' interventions in the early stages of CRP on
      humanistic outcomes and follow-up at a referral hospital in Malaysia. METHODS: We
      recruited 112 patients who were newly diagnosed with ACS and treated at the
      referral hospital, Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia. In the intervention group
      (modified CRP), all medication was reviewed by the clinical pharmacists, focusing
      on drug indication; understanding of secondary prevention therapy and adherence
      to treatment strategy. We compared the "pre-post" quality of life (QoL) of three
      groups (intervention, conventional and control) at baseline, 6 months and 12
      months post-discharge with Malaysian norms. QoL data was obtained using a
      validated version of Short-Form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36). Analysis of variance
      (ANOVA) with repeated measure tests was used to compare the mean differences of
      scores over time. RESULTS: A pre-post quasi-experimental non-equivalent group
      comparison design was applied to 112 patients who were followed up for one year.
      At baseline, the physical and mental health summaries reported poor outcomes in
      all three groups. However, these improved gradually but significantly over time.
      After the 6-month follow-up, the physical component summary reported in the
      modified CRP (MCRP) participants was higher, with a mean difference of 8.02 (p =
      0.015) but worse in the mental component summary, with a mean difference of 
      4.13. At the 12-month follow-up, the MCRP participants performed better in their
      physical component (PCS) than those in the CCRP and control groups, with a mean
      difference of 11.46 (p = 0.008), 10.96 (p = 0.002) and 6.41 (p = 0.006)
      respectively. Comparing the changes over time for minimal important differences
      (MICD), the MCRP group showed better social functioning than the CCRP and control
      groups with mean differences of 20.53 (p = 0.03), 14.47 and 8.8, respectively. In
      role emotional subscales all three groups showed significant improvement in MCID
      with mean differences of 30.96 (p = 0.048), 31.58 (p = 0.022) and 37.04 (p <
      0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that pharmaceutical care
      intervention significantly improved HRQoL. The study also highlights the
      importance of early rehabilitation in the hospital setting. The MCRP group
      consistently showed better QoL, was more highly motivated and benefitted most
      from the CRP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC)
      Ministry of Health Malaysia, November 2007, NMRR-08-246-1401.

PMID- 28086785
TI  - Whole genome resequencing reveals diagnostic markers for investigating global
      migration and hybridization between minke whale species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the marine environment, where there are few absolute physical
      barriers, contemporary contact between previously isolated species can occur
      across great distances, and in some cases, may be inter-oceanic. An example of
      this can be seen in the minke whale species complex. Antarctic minke whales are
      genetically and morphologically distinct from the common minke found in the north
      Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the two species are estimated to have been
      isolated from each other for 5 million years or more. Recent atypical migrations
      from the southern to the northern hemisphere have been documented and fertile
      hybrids and back-crossed individuals between both species have also been
      identified. However, it is not known whether this represents a contemporary
      event, potentially driven by ecosystem changes in the Antarctic, or a sporadic
      occurrence happening over an evolutionary time-scale. We successfully used whole
      genome resequencing to identify a panel of diagnostic SNPs which now enable us
      address this evolutionary question. RESULTS: A large number of SNPs displaying
      fixed or nearly fixed allele frequency differences among the minke whale species
      were identified from the sequence data. Five panels of putatively diagnostic
      markers were established on a genotyping platform for validation of allele
      frequencies; two panels (26 and 24 SNPs) separating the two species of minke
      whale, and three panels (22, 23, and 24 SNPs) differentiating the three
      subspecies of common minke whale. The panels were validated against a set of
      reference samples, demonstrating the ability to accurately identify back-crossed
      whales up to three generations. CONCLUSIONS: This work has resulted in the
      development of a panel of novel diagnostic genetic markers to address inter
      oceanic and global contact among the genetically isolated minke whale species and
      sub-species. These markers, including a globally relevant genetic reference data
      set for this species complex, are now openly available for researchers interested
      in identifying other potential whale hybrids in the world's oceans. The approach
      used here, combining whole genome resequencing and high-throughput genotyping,
      represents a universal approach to develop similar tools for other species and
      population complexes.

PMID- 28086786
TI  - Widespread introgression in deep-sea hydrothermal vent mussels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The analysis of hybrid zones is crucial for gaining a mechanistic
      understanding of the process of speciation and the maintenance of species
      boundaries. Hybrid zones have been studied intensively in terrestrial and shallow
      water ecosystems, but very little is known about their occurrence in deep-sea
      environments. Here we used diagnostic, single nucleotide polymorphisms in
      combination with one mitochondrial gene to re-examine prior hypotheses about a
      contact zone involving deep-sea hydrothermal vent mussels, Bathymodiolus azoricus
      and B. puteoserpentis, living along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. RESULTS: Admixture
      was found to be asymmetric with respect to the parental species, while
      introgression was more widespread geographically than previously recognized.
      Admixed individuals with a majority of alleles from one of the parental species
      were most frequent in habitats corresponding to that species. Mussels found at a
      geographically intermediate vent field constituted a genetically mixed population
      that showed no evidence for hybrid incompatibilities, a finding that does not
      support a previously inferred tension zone model. CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses
      indicate that B. azoricus and B. puteoserpentis hybridize introgressively across
      a large geographic area without evidence for general hybrid incompatibilities.
      While these findings shed new light onto the genetic structure of this hybrid
      zone, many aspects about its nature still remain obscure. Our study sets a
      baseline for further research that should primarily focus on the acquisition of
      additional mussel samples and environmental data, a detailed exploration of vent
      areas and hidden populations as well as genomic analyses in both mussel hosts and
      their bacterial symbionts.

PMID- 28086787
TI  - Perceptions of a drug prevention public service announcement campaign among
      street-involved youth in Vancouver, Canada: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the popularity of public service announcements (PSAs), as well
      as the broader health and social harms associated with illicit drug use, this
      study sought to investigate how drug prevention messages found in the Government
      of Canada's DrugsNot4Me campaign were understood, experienced, and engaged with
      among a group of street-involved young people in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS:
      Qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 individuals enrolled in the At-Risk
      Youth Study, and a thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Findings indicate
      that the campaign's messages neither resonated with "at-risk youth", nor provided
      information or resources for support. In some cases, the messaging exacerbated
      the social suffering experienced by these individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      underscores the importance of rigorous evaluation of PSAs and the need to
      consider diverting funds allocated to drug prevention campaigns to social
      services that can meaningfully address the structural drivers of drug-related
      harms among vulnerable youth populations.

PMID- 28086788
TI  - Comprehensive CircRNA expression profile and selection of key CircRNAs during
      priming phase of rat liver regeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rat liver regeneration (LR) proceeds along a process of highly
      organized and ordered tissue growth in response to the loss or injury of liver
      tissue, during which many physiological processes may play important roles. The
      molecular mechanism of hepatocyte proliferation, energy metabolism and substance
      metabolism during rat LR had been elucidated. Further, the correlation of
      circular RNA (circRNA) abundance with proliferation has recently been clarified.
      However, the regulatory capacity of circRNA in rat LR remains a fascinating
      topic. RESULTS: To investigate the regulatory mechanism of circRNA during priming
      phase of rat LR, high-throughput RNA sequencing technology was performed to
      unbiasedly profile the expression of circRNA during priming phase of rat LR. Gene
      ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) biological
      pathway analysis was conducted to predict the functions of differentially
      expressed circRNAs and their host linear transcripts. Co-expression networks of
      circRNA-miRNA were constructed based on the correlation analysis between the
      differentially expressed LR-related circRNAs and the condition of their miRNA
      binding sites. To excavate the key circRNAs in the early phase of rat LR, we
      comprehensively evaluated and integrated the relationship of expression level
      between the circRNAs and the linear transcripts as well as the distribution of
      miRNA binding sites in circRNA sequences. CONCLUSIONS: This paper is the first to
      employ the comprehensive circRNA expression profile and to investigate circRNA
      miRNA interactions during priming phase of rat LR. Two thousand four hundred
      twelve circRNAs were detected, and 159 circRNAs deriving from 116 host linear
      transcripts differentially expressed (p < 0.05). Six significantly changed
      circRNAs during priming phase of rat LR were screened as key circle molecules,
      and then were validated by qRT-PCR. This study will lay the foundation for
      revealing the functional roles of circRNAs during rat LR and help solve the
      remaining clinical problems.

PMID- 28086789
TI  - Detection of Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax
      using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in a co-endemic area in
      Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasmodium knowlesi is the most common cause of malaria in Malaysia.
      However, microscopic diagnosis is inaccurate and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)
      are insufficiently sensitive. PCR is sensitive and specific but not feasible at a
      district level. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) shows potential
      with only basic requirements. A commercially available LAMP assay, the Eiken
      LoopampTM MALARIA Pan Detection kit, is sensitive for Plasmodium falciparum and
      Plasmodium vivax, but has not previously been evaluated for P. knowlesi. This
      study aims to determine the sensitivity of this LAMP assay for detecting P.
      knowlesi infection. METHODS: Study participants included 73 uncomplicated malaria
      patients with PCR species confirmation: 50 P. knowlesi, 20 P. falciparum and 3 P.
      vivax. Nineteen malaria-negative, non-endemic area controls were also included.
      The sensitivity of the Eiken LoopampTM MALARIA Pan Detection kit (Pan LAMP) for
      detecting each Plasmodium species was evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity of
      the Eiken LoopampTM MALARIA Pf Detection kit (Pf LAMP) for P. falciparum were
      also determined. The limit of detection for each LAMP assay was evaluated, with
      results compared to PCR. All P. knowlesi patients were also tested by CareStartTM
      (Pf/VOM) and OptiMAL-ITTM (Pan/Pf) RDTs. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the Pan LAMP
      assay was 100% for P. knowlesi (95% CI 92.9-100), P. falciparum (95% CI 83.2
      100), and P. vivax (95% CI 29.2-100). The Pf LAMP was 100% sensitive and specific
      for P. falciparum detection, with all P. knowlesi samples having a negative
      reaction. LAMP sensitivity was superior to both RDTs, with only 10 and 28% of P.
      knowlesi samples testing positive to CareStartTM and OptiMAL-ITTM, respectively.
      Limit of detection using the Pan LAMP for both P. knowlesi and P. vivax was 2
      parasites/MUL, comparable to PCR. For P. falciparum both the Pan LAMP and Pf LAMP
      demonstrated a limit of detection of 20 parasites/MUL. CONCLUSIONS: The Eiken
      LoopampTM MALARIA Pan Detection kit is sensitive for detection of P. knowlesi in
      low parasitaemia clinical infections, as well as P. falciparum and P. vivax.
      However, a P. knowlesi-specific field assay in a simpler format would assist
      correct species identification and initiation of optimal treatment for all
      malaria patients.

PMID- 28086790
TI  - RNA sequencing for global gene expression associated with muscle growth in a
      single male modern broiler line compared to a foundational Barred Plymouth Rock
      chicken line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern broiler chickens exhibit very rapid growth and high feed
      efficiency compared to unselected chicken breeds. The improved production
      efficiency in modern broiler chickens was achieved by the intensive genetic
      selection for meat production. This study was designed to investigate the genetic
      alterations accumulated in modern broiler breeder lines during selective breeding
      conducted over several decades. METHODS: To identify genes important in
      determining muscle growth and feed efficiency in broilers, RNA sequencing
      (RNAseq) was conducted with breast muscle in modern pedigree male (PeM) broilers
      (n = 6 per group), and with an unselected foundation broiler line (Barred
      Plymouth Rock; BPR). The RNAseq analysis was carried out using Ilumina Hiseq (2 x
      100 bp paired end read) and raw reads were assembled with the galgal4 reference
      chicken genome. With normalized RPM values, genes showing >10 average read counts
      were chosen and genes showing <0.05 p-value and >1.3 fold change were considered
      as differentially expressed (DE) between PeM and BPR. DE genes were subjected to
      Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) for bioinformatic functional interpretation.
      RESULTS: The results indicate that 2,464 DE genes were identified in the
      comparison between PeM and BPR. Interestingly, the expression of genes encoding
      mitochondrial proteins in chicken are significantly biased towards the BPR group,
      suggesting a lowered mitochondrial content in PeM chicken muscles compared to BPR
      chicken. This result is inconsistent with more slow muscle fibers bearing a lower
      mitochondrial content in the PeM. The molecular, cellular and physiological
      functions of DE genes in the comparison between PeM and BPR include organismal
      injury, carbohydrate metabolism, cell growth/proliferation, and skeletal muscle
      system development, indicating that cellular mechanisms in modern broiler lines
      are tightly associated with rapid growth and differential muscle fiber contents
      compared to the unselected BPR line. Particularly, PDGF (platelet derived growth
      factor) signaling and NFE2L2 (nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2; also known as
      NRF2) mediated oxidative stress response pathways appear to be activated in
      modern broiler compared to the foundational BPR line. Upstream and network
      analyses revealed that the MSTN (myostatin) -FST (follistatin) interactions and
      inhibition of AR (androgen receptor) were predicted to be effective regulatory
      factors for DE genes in modern broiler line. PRKAG3 (protein kinase, AMP
      activated, gamma 3 non-catalytic subunit) and LIPE (lipase E) are predicted as
      core regulatory factors for myogenic development, nutrient and lipid metabolism.
      CONCLUSION: The highly upregulated genes in PeM may represent phenotypes of
      subclinical myopathy commonly observed in the commercial broiler breast tissue,
      that can lead to muscle hardening, named as woody breast. By investigating global
      gene expression in a highly selected pedigree broiler line and a foundational
      breed (Barred Plymouth Rock), the results provide insight into cellular
      mechanisms that regulate muscle growth, fiber composition and feed efficiency.

PMID- 28086791
TI  - Identification of functional enolase genes of the silkworm Bombyx mori from
      public databases with a combination of dry and wet bench processes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various insect species have been added to genomic databases over the
      years. Thus, researchers can easily obtain online genomic information on
      invertebrates and insects. However, many incorrectly annotated genes are included
      in these databases, which can prevent the correct interpretation of subsequent
      functional analyses. To address this problem, we used a combination of dry and
      wet bench processes to select functional genes from public databases. RESULTS:
      Enolase is an important glycolytic enzyme in all organisms. We used a combination
      of dry and wet bench processes to identify functional enolases in the silkworm
      Bombyx mori (BmEno). First, we detected five annotated enolases from public
      databases using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) search, and then through cDNA
      cloning, Northern blotting, and RNA-seq analysis, we revealed three functional
      enolases in B. mori: BmEno1, BmEno2, and BmEnoC. BmEno1 contained a conserved key
      amino acid residue for metal binding and substrate binding in other species.
      However, BmEno2 and BmEnoC showed a change in this key amino acid. Phylogenetic
      analysis showed that BmEno2 and BmEnoC were distinct from BmEno1 and other
      enolases, and were distributed only in lepidopteran clusters. BmEno1 was
      expressed in all of the tissues used in our study. In contrast, BmEno2 was mainly
      expressed in the testis with some expression in the ovary and suboesophageal
      ganglion. BmEnoC was weakly expressed in the testis. Quantitative RT-PCR showed
      that the mRNA expression of BmEno2 and BmEnoC correlated with testis development;
      thus, BmEno2 and BmEnoC may be related to lepidopteran-specific spermiogenesis.
      CONCLUSIONS: We identified and characterized three functional enolases from
      public databases with a combination of dry and wet bench processes in the
      silkworm B. mori. In addition, we determined that BmEno2 and BmEnoC had species
      specific functions. Our strategy could be helpful for the detection of minor
      genes and functional genes in non-model organisms from public databases.

PMID- 28086792
TI  - Irish general practitioner attitudes toward decriminalisation and medical use of
      cannabis: results from a national survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Governmental debate in Ireland on the de facto decriminalisation of
      cannabis and legalisation for medical use is ongoing. A cannabis-based medicinal
      product (Sativex(r)) has recently been granted market authorisation in Ireland.
      This unique study aimed to investigate Irish general practitioner (GP) attitudes
      toward decriminalisation of cannabis and assess levels of support for use of
      cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP). METHODS: General practitioners in the
      Irish College of General Practitioner (ICGP) database were invited to complete an
      online survey. Anonymous data yielded descriptive statistics (frequencies,
      percentages) to summarise participant demographic information and agreement with
      attitudinal statements. Chi-square tests and multi-nominal logistic regression
      were included. RESULTS: The response rate was 15% (n = 565) which is similar to
      other Irish national GP attitudinal surveys. Over half of Irish GPs did not
      support the decriminalisation of cannabis (56.8%). In terms of gender, a
      significantly higher proportion of males compared with females (40.6 vs. 15%; p <
      0.0001) agreed or strongly agreed with this drug policy approach. A higher
      percentage of GPs with advanced addiction specialist training (level 2)
      agreed/strongly agreed that cannabis should be decriminalised (54.1 vs. 31.5%; p
      = 0.021). Over 80% of both genders supported the view that cannabis use has a
      significant effect on patients' mental health and increases the risk of
      schizophrenia (77.3%). Over half of Irish GPs supported the legalisation of
      cannabis for medical use (58.6%). A higher percentage of those who were level 1
      trained (trained in addiction treatment but not to an advanced level)
      agreed/strongly agreed cannabis should be legalised for medical use (p = 0.003).
      Over 60% agreed that cannabis can have a role in palliative care, pain management
      and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). In the regression response predicator
      analysis, females were 66.2% less likely to agree that cannabis should be
      decriminalised, 42.5% less likely to agree that cannabis should be legalised for
      medical use and 59.8 and 37.6% less likely to agree that cannabis has a role in
      palliative care and in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (respectively) than
      males. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of Irish GPs do not support the present Irish
      governmental drug policy of decriminalisation of cannabis but do support the
      legalisation of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. Male GPs and those with higher
      levels of addiction training are more likely to support a more liberal drug
      policy approach to cannabis for personal use. A clear majority of GPs expressed
      significant concerns regarding both the mental and physical health risks of
      cannabis use. Ongoing research into the health and other effects of drug policy
      changes on cannabis use is required.

PMID- 28086793
TI  - Methicillin resistance and virulence genes in invasive and nasal Staphylococcus
      epidermidis isolates from neonates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus epidermidis is an opportunistic pathogen involved in
      hospital-acquired infections, particularly in those related to medical devices.
      This study characterized 50 genetically unrelated S. epidermidis isolates from
      bloodstream infections (BSIs, n = 31) and nares (n = 19) of neonates in relation
      to staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) type, biofilm production and
      associated genes, and the arginine catabolic mobile elements (ACME), in order to
      detect virulence factors that could discriminate a potential invasiveness isolate
      or predict an increasing pathogenicity. RESULTS: Isolates from both groups showed
      no difference for biofilm production and ACME genes detection. However, BSI
      isolates harbored more frequently the sdrF and sesI genes (p < 0.05), whereas
      biofilm producer isolates were associated with presence of the aap gene. The sdrF
      gene was also significantly more in the biofilm producer isolates from BSI. The
      SCCmec type IV and the ccr2 complex were related to BSI isolates (p < 0.05),
      while 83% of the nasal isolates were non-typeable for the SCCmec elements, with
      the mec complex and ccr undetectable as the most frequent profile. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite the great clonal diversity displayed by S. epidermidis isolates from
      neonates, BSI isolates harbored more frequently the sdrF and sesI adhesin genes,
      while nasal isolates were very variable in SCCmec composition. These aspects
      could be advantageous to improve colonization in the host increasing its
      pathogenicity.

PMID- 28086794
TI  - Characterization of the sdw1 semi-dwarf gene in barley.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dwarfing gene sdw1 has been widely used throughout the world to
      develop commercial barley varieties. There are at least four different alleles at
      the sdw1 locus. RESULTS: Mutations in the gibberellin 20-oxidase gene (HvGA20ox2)
      resulted in multiple alleles at the sdw1 locus. The sdw1.d allele from Diamant is
      due to a 7-bp deletion in exon 1, while the sdw1.c allele from Abed Denso has 1
      bp deletion and a 4-bp insertion in the 5' untranslated region. The sdw1.a allele
      from Jotun resulted from a total deletion of the HvGA20ox2 gene. The structural
      changes result in lower gene expression in sdw1.d and lack of expression in
      sdw1.a. There are three HvGA20ox genes in the barley genome. The partial or total
      loss of function of the HvGA20ox2 gene could be compensated by enhanced
      expression of its homolog HvGA20ox1and HvGA20ox3. A diagnostic molecular marker
      was developed to differentiate between the wild-type, sdw1.d and sdw1.a alleles
      and another molecular marker for differentiation of sdw1.c and sdw1.a. The
      markers were further tested in 197 barley varieties, out of which 28 had the
      sdw1.d allele and two varieties the sdw1.a allele. To date, the sdw1.d and sdw1.a
      alleles have only been detected in the modern barley varieties and lines.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results provided further proof that the gibberellin 20-oxidase
      gene (HvGA20ox2) is the functional gene of the barley sdw1 mutants. Different
      deletions resulted in different functional alleles for different breeding
      purposes. Truncated protein could maintain partial function. Partial or total
      loss of function of the HvGA20ox2 gene could be compensated by enhanced
      expression of its homolog HvGA20ox1 and HvGA20ox3.

PMID- 28086796
TI  - Prophylaxis of post-ERC infectious complications in patients with biliary
      obstruction by adding antimicrobial agents into ERC contrast media- a single
      center retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with biliary obstruction are at high risk to develop septic
      complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). We evaluated the
      benefits of local application of antimicrobial agents into ERC contrast media in
      preventing post-ERC infectious complications in a high-risk study population.
      METHODS: Patients undergoing ERC at our tertiary referral center were
      retrospectively included. Addition of vancomycin, gentamicin and fluconazol into
      ERC contrast media was evaluated in a case-control design. Outcomes comprised
      infectious complications within 3 days after ERC. RESULTS: In total, 84 ERC cases
      were analyzed. Primarily indications for ERC were sclerosing cholangitis (75%)
      and malignant stenosis (9.5%). Microbial testing of collected bile fluid in the
      treatment group was positive in 91.4%. Detected organisms were sensitive to the
      administered antimicrobials in 93%. The use of antimicrobials in contrast media
      was associated with a significant decrease in post-ERC infectious complications
      compared to non-use (14.3% vs. 33.3%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.33, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 0.114-0.978). After adjusting for the variables acute cholangitis
      prior to ERC and incomplete biliary drainage, the beneficial effect of
      intraductal antibiotic prophylaxis was even more evident (OR = 0.153; 95% CI:
      0.039-0.598, p = 0.007). Patients profiting most obviously from intraductal
      antimicrobials were those with secondary sclerosing cholangitis. CONCLUSION:
      Local application of a combination of antibiotic and antimycotic agents to ERC
      contrast media efficiently reduced post-ERC infectious events in patients with
      biliary obstruction. This is the first study that evaluates ERC-related
      infectious complications in patients with secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Our
      first clinical results should now be prospectively evaluated in a larger patient
      cohort to improve the safety of ERC, especially in patients with secondary
      sclerosing cholangitis.

PMID- 28086795
TI  - Atherosclerotic and thrombotic genetic and environmental determinants in Egyptian
      coronary artery disease patients: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and
      mortality worldwide. Multiple genetic variants in combination with various
      environmental risk factors have been implicated. This study aimed to investigate
      the association of twelve thrombotic and atherosclerotic gene variants in
      combination with other environmental risk factors with CAD risk in a preliminary
      sample of Egyptian CAD patients. METHODS: Twenty three consecutive CAD patients
      undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography and 34 unrelated controls, have been
      enrolled in the study. Genotyping was based on polymerase chain reaction and
      reverse multiplex hybridization. Five genetic association models were tested.
      Data distribution and variance homogeneity have been checked by Shapiro-Wilk test
      and Levene test, respectively; then the appropriate comparison test was applied.
      Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis and
      logistic regression has been performed to adjust for significant risk factors.
      Clustering the study participants according to gene-gene and gene-environment
      interaction has been done by Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). RESULTS:
      The univariate analysis indicated that the five variants; rs1800595 (FVR2; factor
      5), rs1801133 (MTHFR; 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase), rs5918 (HPA-1;
      human platelet antigen 1), rs1799752 (ACE; angiotensin-converting enzyme), and
      rs7412 and rs429358 (ApoE; apolipoprotein E) were significantly associated with
      CAD susceptibility under different genetic models. Multivariate analysis revealed
      clustering of the study population into three patient groups (P) and one control
      group. FVR2 was the most variant associated with CAD patients, combined with the
      factor V Leiden (FVL) variant in P1 cluster and with both ACE and MTHFR 667C > T
      in P2. Whereas, P3 was mostly affected by both MTHFR 667C > T and FXIII (factor
      13) V89L mutations. When combined with traditional risk factors, P1 was mostly
      affected by dyslipidemia, smoking and hypertension, while P2 was mostly affected
      by their fasting blood sugar levels and ApoE variant. CONCLUSIONS: Taken
      together, these preliminary results could have predictive value to be applied in
      refining a risk profile for our CAD patients, in order to implement early
      preventive interventions including specific antithrombotic therapy. Further large
      scale and follow-up studies are highly recommended to confirm the study findings.

PMID- 28086797
TI  - SEP-class genes in Prunus mume and their likely role in floral organ development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Flower phylogenetics and genetically controlled development have been
      revolutionised during the last two decades. However, some of these evolutionary
      aspects are still debatable. MADS-box genes are known to play essential role in
      specifying the floral organogenesis and differentiation in numerous model plants
      like Petunia hybrida, Arabidopsis thaliana and Antirrhinum majus. SEPALLATA (SEP)
      genes, belonging to the MADS-box gene family, are members of the ABCDE and
      quartet models of floral organ development and play a vital role in flower
      development. However, few studies of the genes in Prunus mume have yet been
      conducted. RESULTS: In this study, we cloned four PmSEPs and investigated their
      phylogenetic relationship with other species. Expression pattern analyses and
      yeast two-hybrid assays of these four genes indicated their involvement in the
      floral organogenesis with PmSEP4 specifically related to specification of the
      prolificated flowers in P. mume. It was observed that the flower meristem was
      specified by PmSEP1 and PmSEP4, the sepal by PmSEP1 and PmSEP4, petals by PmSEP2
      and PmSEP3, stamens by PmSEP2 and PmSEP3 and pistils by PmSEP2 and PmSEP3.
      CONCLUSION: With the above in mind, flower development in P. mume might be due to
      an expression of SEP genes. Our findings can provide a foundation for further
      investigations of the transcriptional factors governing flower development, their
      molecular mechanisms and genetic basis.

PMID- 28086798
TI  - Genome-wide association analysis of seedling traits in diverse Sorghum germplasm
      under thermal stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Climate variability due to fluctuation in temperature is a worldwide
      concern that imperils crop production. The need to understand how the germplasm
      variation in major crops can be utilized to aid in discovering and developing
      breeding lines that can withstand and adapt to temperature fluctuations is more
      necessary than ever. Here, we analyzed the genetic variation associated with
      responses to thermal stresses in a sorghum association panel (SAP) representing
      major races and working groups to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      that are associated with resilience to temperature stress in a major cereal crop.
      RESULTS: The SAP exhibited extensive variation for seedling traits under cold and
      heat stress. Genome-wide analyses identified 30 SNPs that were strongly
      associated with traits measured at seedling stage under cold stress and tagged
      genes that act as regulators of anthocyanin expression and soluble carbohydrate
      metabolism. Meanwhile, 12 SNPs were significantly associated with seedling traits
      under heat stress and these SNPs tagged genes that function in sugar metabolism,
      and ion transport pathways. Evaluation of co-expression networks for genes near
      the significantly associated SNPs indicated complex gene interactions for cold
      and heat stresses in sorghum. We focused and validated the expression of four
      genes in the network of Sb06g025040, a basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH)
      transcription factor that was proposed to be involved in purple color
      pigmentation of leaf, and observed that genes in this network were upregulated
      during cold stress in a moderately tolerant line as compared to the more
      sensitive line. CONCLUSION: This study facilitated the tagging of genome regions
      associated with variation in seedling traits of sorghum under cold and heat
      stress. These findings show the potential of genotype information for development
      of temperature resilient sorghum cultivars and further characterization of genes
      and their networks responsible for adaptation to thermal stresses. Knowledge on
      the gene networks from this research can be extended to the other cereal crops to
      better understand the genetic basis of resilience to temperature fluctuations
      during plant developmental stages.

PMID- 28086799
TI  - Gender-specific association of decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate and
      left vertical geometry in the general population from rural Northeast China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common and associated with
      cardiovascular outcomes among patients with known chronic kidney disease (CKD).
      However, the link between decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
      and left ventricular (LV) geometry remains poorly explored in general population.
      In this study, we examined the gender-specific association between eGFR and LVH
      in the general population from rural Northeast China. METHODS: This survey was
      conducted from July 2012 to August 2013. A total of 10907 participants (5,013 men
      and 5,894 women) from the rural Northeast China were randomly selected and
      examined. LV mass index (LVMI) was used to define LVH (LVMI > 46.7 g/m2.7 in
      women; > 49.2 g/m2.7 in men). LV geometry was defined as normal, or with
      concentric remodeling, eccentric or concentric hypertrophy, according to relative
      wall thickness (RWT) and LVMI. Mildly decreased eGFR was defined as eGFR >= 60
      and < 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, and moderate-severely decreased eGFR was defined as eGFR
      < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. RESULTS: As eGFR decreased, LVH showed a gradual increase in
      the entire study population. Multivariate analysis revealed a gender-specific
      relationship between eGFR and LV geometry. Only in men, mildly decreased eGFR was
      associated with concentric remodeling [odds ratio (OR): =1.58; 95% CI: 1.14-2.20;
      P < 0.01] and concentric LVH OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.15-2.31; P < 0.01). And only in
      men, moderate-severely decreased eGFR was a risk factor for concentric LVH (OR =
      4.56; 95% CI: 2.14-9.73; P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounding factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that decreased eGFR was a risk factor for
      LV geometry in men, and a gender-specific difference should be taken into account
      in clinical practice.

PMID- 28086800
TI  - Relevance of FXR-p62/SQSTM1 pathway for survival and protection of mouse
      hepatocytes and liver, especially with steatosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver injury and regeneration involve complicated processes and are
      affected by various physio-pathological conditions. Surgically, severe liver
      injury after surgical resection often leads to fatal liver failure, especially
      with some underlying pathological conditions such as steatosis. Therefore,
      protection from the injury of hepatocytes and liver is a serious concern in
      various clinical settings. METHODS: We studied the effects of the farnesoid X
      receptor (FXR) on cell survival and steatosis in mouse hepatocytes (AML12 mouse
      liver cells) and investigated their molecular mechanisms. We next studied whether
      or not FXR improves liver injury, regeneration and steatosis in a mouse model of
      partial hepatectomy (PH) with steatosis. RESULTS: An FXR-specific agonist,
      GW4064, induced expressions of the p62/SQSTM1 gene and protein in AML12 mouse
      liver cells. Because we previously reported p62/SQSTM1 as a key molecule for
      antioxidation and cell survival in hepatocytes, we next examined the activation
      of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and induction of the
      antioxidant molecules by GW4064. GW4064 activated Nrf2 and subsequently induced
      antioxidant molecules (Nrf2, catalase, HO-1, and thioredoxin). We also examined
      expressions of pro-survival and cell protective molecules associated with
      p62/SQSTM1. Expectedly, GW4064 induced phosphorylation of Akt, expression of the
      anti-apoptotic molecules (Bcl-xL and Bcl-2), and reduced harmful hepatic
      molecules (Fas ligand and Fas). GW4064 promoted hepatocyte survival, which was
      cancelled by p62/SQSTM1 siRNA. These findings suggest the potential relevance of
      the FXR-p62/SQSTM1 pathway for the survival and protection of hepatocytes.
      Furthermore, GW4064 induced the expression of small heterodimer partners (SHP)
      and suppressed liver X receptor (LXR)-induced steatosis in hepatocytes, expecting
      the in vivo protective effect of FXR on liver injury especially with steatosis.
      In the hepatectomy model of db/db mice with fatty liver, pre-treatment by GW4064
      significantly reduced post-PH liver injury (serum levels of LDH, AST & ALT and
      histological study) and improved steatosis. The key molecules, p62/SQSTM1, Nrf2
      and SHP were upregulated in fatty liver tissue by GW4064 treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      The present study is the first to demonstrate the relevance of FXR-p62/SQSTM1 and
      -SHP in the protection against injury of hepatocytes and post-PH liver,
      especially with steatosis.

PMID- 28086801
TI  - Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography for evaluation of dilative
      ascending aorta biomechanics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography is one of the most feasible,
      noninvasive methods for assessing the aortic diameter and biomechanical changes.
      We studied possible interfaces between noninvasive biomechanical and speckle
      tracking (ST) echocardiographic data from dilated aortas. METHODS: Altogether, 44
      patients with dilative pathology of ascending aorta (DPAA) were compared with
      subjects without ascending aortic dilation (diameter <40 mm). DPAA patients
      formed two groups based on diameter size: group 1, <=45 mm diameter; group 2, >45
      mm. Conventional and 2D-ST echocardiography were performed to evaluate peak
      longitudinal strain (LS), longitudinal (LD) and transverse (TD) displacement, and
      longitudinal velocity (VL). Aortic strain, distensibility, elastic modulus,
      stiffness index beta of Valsalva sinuses and ascending aorta were also evaluated.
      SPSS version 20 was used for all analyses. RESULTS: All linear diameters of the
      ascending aorta were increased in group 2 (>45 mm diameter) (p < 0.05). LD of the
      anterior aortic wall (p < 0.05) and TD of both aortic walls (p < 0.001) were
      least in group 2. VL of the posterior and anterior walls diminished in group 2 (p
      = 0.01). Aortic strain and distensibility were least (p = 0.028 and p = 0.001,
      respectively) and elastic modulus and stiffness index beta values were greatest
      in group 2, although without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Ascending
      aortas of both DPAA groups had reduced elasticity and increased stiffness. The
      greatest changes in biomechanical parameters occurred in ascending aortas >45 mm.
      Longitudinal ascending aortic wall motion was mostly impaired in patients with
      aortas >45 mm (i.e., anterior aortic wall LD, VL of the posterior and anterior
      walls. TD of the posterior and anterior aortic walls was significantly lower in
      >45 mm aortic diameter patients. TD of 5.2 mm could predict aortic dilation >45
      mm (area under the curve 0.76, p < 0.001, confidence interval 0.65-0.87;
      sensitivity 87%; specificity 63%). Greater aortic dilation is associated with
      reduced aortic stiffness parameters and increased elastic modulus and stiffness
      index beta. Lower LD and LS were associated with less aortic strain and
      distensibility. There were no significant differences in 2D-ST echocardiographic
      or stiffness parameters between patients with tricuspid or bicuspid aortic
      valves.

PMID- 28086802
TI  - Brain metabolic pattern analysis using a magnetic resonance spectra
      classification software in experimental stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides non-invasive
      information about the metabolic pattern of the brain parenchyma in vivo. The
      SpectraClassifier software performs MRS pattern-recognition by determining the
      spectral features (metabolites) which can be used objectively to classify
      spectra. Our aim was to develop an Infarct Evolution Classifier and a Brain
      Regions Classifier in a rat model of focal ischemic stroke using
      SpectraClassifier. RESULTS: A total of 164 single-voxel proton spectra obtained
      with a 7 Tesla magnet at an echo time of 12 ms from non-infarcted parenchyma,
      subventricular zones and infarcted parenchyma were analyzed with
      SpectraClassifier ( http://gabrmn.uab.es/?q=sc ). The spectra corresponded to
      Sprague-Dawley rats (healthy rats, n = 7) and stroke rats at day 1 post-stroke
      (acute phase, n = 6 rats) and at days 7 +/- 1 post-stroke (subacute phase, n =
      14). In the Infarct Evolution Classifier, spectral features contributed by
      lactate + mobile lipids (1.33 ppm), total creatine (3.05 ppm) and mobile lipids
      (0.85 ppm) distinguished among non-infarcted parenchyma (100% sensitivity and
      100% specificity), acute phase of infarct (100% sensitivity and 95% specificity)
      and subacute phase of infarct (78% sensitivity and 100% specificity). In the
      Brain Regions Classifier, spectral features contributed by myoinositol (3.62 ppm)
      and total creatine (3.04/3.05 ppm) distinguished among infarcted parenchyma (100%
      sensitivity and 98% specificity), non-infarcted parenchyma (84% sensitivity and
      84% specificity) and subventricular zones (76% sensitivity and 93% specificity).
      CONCLUSION: SpectraClassifier identified candidate biomarkers for infarct
      evolution (mobile lipids accumulation) and different brain regions (myoinositol
      content).

PMID- 28086803
TI  - Compendium of TCDD-mediated transcriptomic response datasets in mammalian model
      systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the most potent
      congener of the dioxin class of environmental contaminants. Exposure to TCDD
      causes a wide range of toxic outcomes, ranging from chloracne to acute lethality.
      The severity of toxicity is highly dependent on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
      (AHR). Binding of TCDD to the AHR leads to changes in transcription of numerous
      genes. Studies evaluating the transcriptional changes brought on by TCDD may
      provide valuable insight into the role of the AHR in human health and disease. We
      therefore compiled a collection of transcriptomic datasets that can be used to
      aid the scientific community in better understanding the transcriptional effects
      of ligand-activated AHR. RESULTS: Specifically, we have created a datasets
      package - TCDD.Transcriptomics - for the R statistical environment, consisting of
      63 unique experiments comprising 377 samples, including various combinations of 3
      species (human derived cell lines, mouse and rat), 4 tissue types (liver, kidney,
      white adipose tissue and hypothalamus) and a wide range of TCDD exposure times
      and doses. These datasets have been fully standardized using consistent
      preprocessing and annotation packages (available as of September 14, 2015). To
      demonstrate the utility of this R package, a subset of "AHR-core" genes were
      evaluated across the included datasets. Ahrr, Nqo1 and members of the Cyp family
      were significantly induced following exposure to TCDD across the studies as
      expected while Aldh3a1 was induced specifically in rat liver. Inmt was altered
      only in liver tissue and primarily by rat-AHR. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the "AHR
      core" genes demonstrates a continued need for studies surrounding the impact of
      AHR-activity on the transcriptome; genes believed to be consistently regulated by
      ligand-activated AHR show surprisingly little overlap across species and tissues.
      Until now, a comprehensive assessment of the transcriptome across these studies
      was challenging due to differences in array platforms, processing methods and
      annotation versions. We believe that this package, which is freely available for
      download ( http://labs.oicr.on.ca/boutros-lab/tcdd-transcriptomics ) will prove
      to be a highly beneficial resource to the scientific community evaluating the
      effects of TCDD exposure as well as the variety of functions of the AHR.

PMID- 28086804
TI  - Comparative analysis of the root transcriptomes of cultivated sweetpotato
      (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) and its wild ancestor (Ipomoea trifida [Kunth] G.
      Don).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The complex process of formation of storage roots (SRs) from
      adventitious roots affects sweetpotato yield. Identifying the genes that are
      uniquely expressed in the SR forming cultivated species, Ipomoea batatas (Ib),
      and its immediate ancestral species, Ipomoea trifida (It), which does not form
      SRs, may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying SR formation
      in sweetpotato. RESULTS: Illumina paired-end sequencing generated ~208 and ~200
      million reads for Ib and It, respectively. Trinity assembly of the reads resulted
      in 98,317 transcripts for Ib and 275,044 for It, after post-assembly removal of
      trans-chimeras. From these sequences, we identified 4,865 orthologous genes in
      both Ib and It, 60 paralogous genes in Ib and 2,286 paralogous genes in It. Among
      paralogous gene sets, transcripts encoding the transcription factor RKD, which
      may have a role in nitrogen regulation and starch formation, and
      rhamnogalacturonate lyase (RGL) family proteins, which produce the precursors of
      cell wall polysaccharides, were found only in Ib. In addition, transcripts
      encoding a K+ efflux antiporter (KEA5) and the ERECTA protein kinase, which
      function in phytohormonal regulation and root proliferation, respectively, were
      also found only in Ib. qRT-PCR indicated that starch and sucrose metabolism
      genes, such as those encoding ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and beta-amylase,
      showed lower expression in It than Ib, whereas lignin genes such as caffeoyl-CoA
      O-methyltransferase (CoMT) and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) showed higher
      expression in It than Ib. A total of 7,067 and 9,650 unique microsatellite
      markers, 1,037,396 and 495,931 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 103,439
      and 69,194 InDels in Ib and It, respectively, were also identified from this
      study. CONCLUSION: The detection of genes involved in the biosynthesis of RGL
      family proteins, the transcription factor RKD, and genes encoding a K+ efflux
      antiporter (KEA5) and the ERECTA protein kinase only in I. batatas indicate that
      these genes may have important functions in SR formation in sweetpotato.
      Potential molecular markers (SNPs, simple sequence repeats and InDels) and
      sequences identified in this study may represent a valuable resource for
      sweetpotato gene annotation and may serve as important tools for improving SR
      formation in sweetpotato through breeding.

PMID- 28086805
TI  - The safety of introducing a new generation TAVR device: one departments
      experience from introducing a second generation repositionable TAVR.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the evolving field of transcatheter aortic valve replacements a
      new generation of valves have been introduced to clinical practice. With the
      complexity of the TAVR procedure and the unique aspects of each TAVR device,
      there is a perceived risk that changing or adding a new valve in a department
      could lead to a worse outcome for patients, especially during the learning phase.
      The objective was to study the safety aspect of introducing a second generation
      repositionable transcatheter valve (Boston Scientific Lotus valve besides Edwards
      Sapien valve) in a department. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 53 patients
      receiving the Lotus system, and 47 patients receiving the Sapien system over a
      period of three years were compared for short-term outcome according to VARC-2
      definitions and 1-year survival. RESULTS: Outcome in terms VARC-2 criteria for
      early safety and clinical efficacy, stroke rate, and survival at 30 days and at 1
      year were similar. The Lotus valve had less paravalvular leakage, where 90% had
      none or trace aortic insufficiency as compared to only 48% for the Sapien system.
      CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of a new generation valve can be done with early device
      success and safety, and without jeopardizing the outcome for patients up to one
      year. We found no adverse effects by changing valve type and observed improved
      outcome in terms of lower PVL-rates. Both existing and new centers starting a
      TAVR program can benefit from the use of a new generation device.

PMID- 28086806
TI  - Age-related macular degeneration associated polymorphism rs10490924 in ARMS2
      results in deficiency of a complement activator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of
      blindness in developed countries. The polymorphism rs10490924 in the ARMS2 gene
      is highly associated with AMD and linked to an indel mutation (del443ins54), the
      latter inducing mRNA instability. At present, the function of the ARMS2 protein,
      the exact cellular sources in the retina and the biological consequences of the
      rs10490924 polymorphism are unclear. METHODS: Recombinant ARMS2 was expressed in
      Pichia pastoris, and protein functions were studied regarding cell surface
      binding and complement activation in human serum using fluoresence-activated cell
      sorting (FACS) as well as laser scanning microscopy (LSM). Biolayer
      interferometry defined protein interactions. Furthermore, endogenous ARMS2 gene
      expression was studied in human blood derived monocytes and in human induced
      pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia (iPSdM) by PCR and LSM. The ARMS2 protein
      was localized in human genotyped retinal sections and in purified monocytes
      derived from AMD patients without the ARMS2 risk variant by LSM. ARMS2 expression
      in monocytes under oxidative stress was determined by Western blot analysis.
      RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate for the first time that ARMS2 functions as surface
      complement regulator. Recombinant ARMS2 binds to human apoptotic and necrotic
      cells and initiates complement activation by recruiting the complement activator
      properdin. ARMS2-properdin complexes augment C3b surface opsonization for
      phagocytosis. We also demonstrate for the first time expression of ARMS2 in human
      monocytes especially under oxidative stress and in microglia cells of the human
      retina. The ARMS2 protein is absent in monocytes and also in microglia cells,
      derived from patients homozygous for the ARMS2 AMD risk variant (rs10490924).
      CONCLUSIONS: ARMS2 is likely involved in complement-mediated clearance of
      cellular debris. As AMD patients present with accumulated proteins and lipids on
      Bruch's membrane, ARMS2 protein deficiency due to the genetic risk variant might
      be involved in drusen formation.

PMID- 28086807
TI  - Detection of critical cerebral desaturation thresholds by three regional
      oximeters during hypoxia: a pilot study in healthy volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regional oximetry is increasingly used to monitor post-extraction
      oxygen status of the brain during surgical procedures where hemodynamic
      fluctuations are expected. Particularly in cardiac surgery, clinicians employ an
      interventional algorithm to restore baseline regional oxygen saturation (rSO2)
      when a patient reaches a critical desaturation threshold. Evidence suggests that
      monitoring cardiac surgery patients and intervening to maintain rSO2 can improve
      postoperative outcomes; however, evidence generated with one manufacturer's
      device may not be applicable to others. We hypothesized that regional oximeters
      from different manufacturers respond uniquely to changes in oxygen saturation in
      healthy volunteers. METHODS: Three devices were tested: INVOSTM 5100C
      (Medtronic), EQUANOXTM 7600 (Nonin), and FORE-SIGHTTM (CASMED) monitors. We
      divided ten healthy subjects into two cohorts wearing a single sensor each from
      INVOS and EQUANOX (n = 6), or INVOS and FORE-SIGHT (n = 4). We induced and
      reversed hypoxia by adjusting the fraction of inspired oxygen. We calculated the
      magnitude of absolute rSO2 change and rate of rSO2 change during desaturation and
      resaturation, and determined if and when each device reached a critical
      interventional rSO2 threshold during hypoxia. RESULTS: All devices responded to
      changes in oxygen directionally as expected. The median absolute rSO2 change and
      the rate of rSO2 change was significantly greater during desaturation and
      resaturation for INVOS compared with EQUANOX (P = 0.04). A similar but
      nonsignificant trend was observed for INVOS compared with FORE-SIGHT; our study
      was underpowered to definitively conclude there was no difference. A 10% relative
      decrease in rSO2 during desaturation was detected by all three devices across the
      ten subjects. INVOS met a 20% relative decrease threshold in all subjects of both
      cohorts, compared to 1 with EQUANOX and 2 with FORE-SIGHT. Neither EQUANOX nor
      FORE-SIGHT reached a 50% absolute rSO2 threshold compared with 4 and 3 subjects
      in each cohort with INVOS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences
      exist between the devices in how they respond to changes in oxygen saturation in
      healthy volunteers. We suggest caution when applying evidence generated with one
      manufacturer's device to all devices.

PMID- 28086808
TI  - A quiet harvest: linkage between ritual, seed selection and the historical use of
      the finger-bladed knife as a traditional plant breeding tool in Ifugao,
      Philippines.
AB  - The transverse harvest knife, also commonly called the finger or finger-bladed
      knife, has been utilized by rice farmers in southeast Asia for many centuries.
      The finger knife persisted in many traditional cultures long after the
      introduction of the sickle, a tool which provided farmers with the means to
      execute a much faster harvest. Several theories in interpretative archaeology
      have attempted to account for this rejection of more modern technological
      innovations. These theories, which include community-based social organization
      ideas and practical reasons for the continued use of the finger knife, are
      presented in this paper. Here I suggest an alternate theory based on a re
      interpretation of existing research and fusion of existing theories: the primary
      reason for the historical and continued use of the finger knife is for seed
      selection through a centuries old tradition of plant breeding. Though I accept
      the accuracy of the practical and community-based, socio-cultural reasons for the
      use of the finger knife put forth by other authors, I suggest that seed selection
      and genetic improvement was the driving factor in the use of the finger knife.
      Indeed, intricate planting and harvesting rituals, which both ensured and
      encouraged varietal conservation and improvement co-evolved with the use of the
      finger knife as the primary harvest tool due to its unique ability to aid the
      farmer in the art and science of seed selection. When combined with previous
      ideas, this interpretative theory, based on the connection between ethnoagronomy
      and material culture, may provide a more complete picture of the story around the
      persistence of the finger knife in traditional rice-growing cultures in southeast
      Asia. I focus my theory on the terrace-building Ifugao people in the mountainous
      Cordillera region of northcentral Philippines; however, to put the use of the
      finger into a wider regional context, I draw from examples of the use of the
      finger knife in other traditional cultures throughout the region of southeast
      Asia.

PMID- 28086809
TI  - Primary mediastinal clear cell sarcoma: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is a rare malignant soft-tissue neoplasm
      that displays melanocytic markers and exhibits striking histopathological
      features. The tumour has a predilection for the lower extremities and rarely
      presents in the mediastinum. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of primary
      mediastinal CCS in a 57-year-old man. Computer tomography (CT) revealed a 12 * 12
      * 7.5 cm mass in the anterior mediastinum. Microscopically, the tumour mainly
      consisted of epithelioid cells with oval vesicular nuclei and eosinophilic
      cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, the tumour was positive for human melanoma
      black 45 (HMB-45) and vimentin but negative for S-100 and Melan-A. Fluorescence
      in situ hybridisation (FISH) showed a translocation involving the EWSR1 gene
      region. CONCLUSION: This report will illustrate that the mediastinum is a
      potential site for primary CCS and FISH plays an important role in making a
      conclusive diagnosis.

PMID- 28086810
TI  - Genotypic characterization of Orientia tsutsugamushi from patients in two
      geographical locations in Sri Lanka.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date more than 20 antigenically distinct strains of Orientia
      tsutsugamushi (OT) reported within the tsutsugamushi triangle that cause an
      undifferentiated acute febrile illness in humans. Genotypic characterization of
      OT in different geographic regions or within the same country, is important in
      order to establish effective diagnostics, clinical management and to develop
      effective vaccines. Genetic and antigenic characterization of OT causing human
      disease in OT-endemic regions is not known for Sri Lanka. METHODS: Adult patients
      and children who were admitted with an acute febrile illness and presumed to
      having acute scrub typhus based on presence of an eschar and other supporting
      clinical features were recruited. Eschar biopsies and buffy coat samples
      collected from patients who were confirmed having OT by IFA were further studied
      by real time PCR (Orientia 47 kD) and nested PCR (Orientia 56 kD) amplification.
      DNA sequences were obtained for 56 kD gene amplicons and phylogenetic comparisons
      were analyzed using currently available data in GenBank [Neucleotide substitution
      per 100 residues, 1000 Bootstrap Trials]. RESULTS: Twenty eschar biopsies
      (Location1,19, Location 2,1) and eight buffy coat samples (Location1,6,
      Location2,2) examined by real time PCR revealed Orientia amplicons in 16 samples.
      DNA sequences were obtained for the 56 kD gene amplicons in 12 eschars and 4
      buffy coat samples. The genotypes of the Location1 samples revealed that, 7
      exhibiting close homology with JP1 [distantly related to UT177 Thai (Karp
      related)], five had close homology with Kato strain, two had close homology with
      JGv and JG AF [Distantly related to Kawasaki M63383] and one had close homology
      with Gilliam strain. The Location 2 strain was closely related to Kuroki-Boryong
      L04956, the genotype which is distributed in far eastern Asia. Similar to other
      patients in the cohort this patient also had never travelled out of Sri Lanka.
      CONCLUSIONS: We observed all three main OT genotypes in Sri Lanka, and the
      majority fell into Thai Karp related clade. These results demonstrate great
      antigenic diversity of OT in the studied areas of Sri Lanka.

PMID- 28086811
TI  - Study of the microRNA expression profile of foreskin derived mesenchymal stromal
      cells following inflammation priming.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to their self-renewal capacity, multi-lineage potential, and
      immunomodulatory properties, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an attractive
      tool for different therapeutic strategies. Foreskin (FSK), considered as a
      biological waste material, has already been shown to be a valuable source of
      MSCs. Besides their typical fibroblast like morphology and International Society
      for cellular Therapy compliant phenotype, foreskin-MSCs (FSK-MSCs) are
      clonogenic, and highly proliferative cells with multi-lineage and strong
      immunomodulatory capacities. Of importance, FSK-MSCs properly adjust their fate
      following exposure to inflammatory signals. Being potent regulators of gene
      expression, miRNAs are involved in modulating nearly all cellular processes and
      in orchestrating the roles of different immune cells. In this study, we
      characterized the miRNome of FSK-MSCs by determining the expression profile of
      380 different miRNAs in inflammation primed vs. control non-primed cells.
      METHODS: TaqMan low density array (TLDA) was performed to identify dysregulated
      miRNAs after exposing FSK-MSCs to inflammatory signals. Quantitative real-time RT
      PCR was carried out to validate the observations. DIANA-miRPath analysis web
      server was used to identify potential pathways that could be targeted by the
      dysregulated miRNAs. RESULTS: Sixteen miRNAs were differentially expressed in
      inflammation-primed vs. non-primed FSK-MSCs. The expression level of miR-27a, 
      145, -149, -194, -199a, -221, -328, -345, -423-5p, -485-3p, -485-5p, -615-5p and 
      758 was downregulated whilst that of miR-155, -363 and -886-3p was upregulated.
      Target pathway prediction of those differentially expressed miRNAs identified
      different inflammation linked pathways. CONCLUSIONS: After determining their
      miRNome, we identified a striking effect of inflammatory signals on the miRNAs'
      expression levels in FSK-MSCs. Our results highlight a potential role of miRNAs
      in modulating the transcription programs of FSK-MSCs in response to inflammatory
      signals. Further, we propose that specific miRNAs could serve as interesting
      targets to manipulate some functions of FSK-MSCs, thus ameliorating their
      therapeutic potential.

PMID- 28086812
TI  - Person-centred care in chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study of
      patients' desires for self-management support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) must self-manage their
      illness to assist with slowing disease-progression, but this is a complex task
      requiring support from healthcare professionals. Despite the established
      importance of person-centred care, people with CKD are rarely consulted regarding
      their desires for self-management support (SMS). METHODS: A cross-sectional
      survey was conducted face-to-face in a Queensland primary care clinic and
      distributed Australia-wide via an online interface promoted by Kidney Health
      Australia during 2015. Participants were >=18 years old and had a self-reported
      doctor's diagnosis of CKD (any stage; N = 97). The survey was based upon existent
      literature which identified 10 areas that those with CKD believe require
      additional support. Descriptive data were generated and Mann-Whitney U tests were
      performed to compare the desires of different groups of participants. RESULTS: Of
      the 97 participants, 36 completed a hardcopy survey in clinic, and 61 completed
      the online version. Just over half (60.8%) were female, age ranged from 16-89 (M
      = 56.44), and time since diagnosis ranged from just diagnosed to 60 years (Mdn =
      8.08 years). Strong interest in receiving additional support across all 10 areas
      was reported (Mdns = 8.00-10.00), with "keeping a positive attitude and taking
      care of mental and physical health" receiving the highest rating. Those who were:
      younger (p < .001); more highly educated (p < .001); working (p < .001);
      diagnosed longer ago (p = .015); and women (p = .050) expressed stronger overall
      desire for additional support. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to information about CKD
      and medications, everyday strategies ought to be prioritised in patient
      education. Varying levels of engagement and eagerness to learn more about self
      management highlight the need for a person-centred approach to SMS.

PMID- 28086813
TI  - Information exchange networks of health care providers and evidence-based
      cardiovascular risk management: an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although a wide range of preventive and clinical interventions has
      targeted cardiovascular risk management (CVRM), outcomes remain suboptimal.
      Therefore, the question is what additional determinants of CVRM and outcomes can
      be identified and addressed to optimize CVRM. In this study, we aimed to identify
      new perspectives for improving healthcare delivery and explored associations
      between information exchange networks of health care providers and evidence-based
      CVRM. METHODS: This observational study was performed parallel to a randomized
      clinical trial which aimed to improve professional performance of practice nurses
      in the Netherlands. Information exchange on medical policy for CVRM ("general
      information networks") and CVRM for individual patients ("specific information
      networks") of 180 health professionals in 31 general practices was measured with
      personalized questionnaires. Medical record audit was performed concerning 1620
      patients in these practices to document quality of care delivery and two risk
      factors (systolic blood pressure (SBP) and LDL cholesterol level). Hypothesized
      effects of five network characteristics (density, frequency of contact,
      centrality of CVRM-coordinators, homophily on positive attitudes for treatment
      target achievement, and presence of an opinion leader for CVRM) constructed on
      both general and specific information exchange networks were tested and
      controlled for practice and patient factors using logistic multilevel analyses.
      RESULTS: Odds for adequate performance were enhanced in practices with an opinion
      leader for CVRM (OR 2.75, p < .05). Odds for achievement of SBP targets were
      reduced in practices who had networks with low homophily on positive attitudes
      for SBP and LDL targets (homophily for SBP targets OR 0.57, p < .05 and OR 0.60,
      p < .05, homophily for LDL targets OR 0.59, p < .05 and OR 0.61, p < .05 in
      general and specific information networks, respectively). No effects of network
      characteristics on cholesterol were found. CONCLUSIONS: Delivery of evidence
      based CVRM is associated with homophily of clinical attitudes and presence of
      opinion leaders in primary care teams. These results signal the potential of
      social networks to be taken into account in further attempts to improve the
      implementation of evidence-based care for CVRM. Future research is needed to
      identify and formulate optimal strategies for using opinion leaders to improve
      CVRM. Future interventions may be more effective if they target a common vision
      on CVRM within practices.

PMID- 28086814
TI  - Intestinal helminth co-infection and associated factors among tuberculosis
      patients in Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Helminths affect the outcome of tuberculosis by shifting cell
      mediated immune response to humoral and by total suppression of the host immune
      system. On the reverse, Mycobacterium infection favors immune escape of
      helminths. Therefore assessing helminth co-infection rate and predisposing
      factors in tuberculosis patients is mandatory to set strategies for better case
      management. METHODS: Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arba
      Minch to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal helminths
      among pulmonary tuberculosis patients from January to August, 2016. A structured
      questionnaire was used to capture data about socio-demographic characteristics,
      clinical history and possible risk factors for intestinal helminth infections.
      Height and weight were measured to calculate body-mass index. Appropriate amount
      of stool was collected and processed by direct saline and formol-ether
      concentration techniques following standard protocols. All the data were analyzed
      using SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS: A total of 213 (57.3% male and 42.7% female)
      pulmonary tuberculosis patients were participated in the study. The overall co
      infection rate of intestinal parasites was 26.3%. The infection rate of
      intestinal helminths account 24.4% and that of intestinal protozoa was 6.1%.
      Ascaris lumbricoides accounted the highest frequency of 11.3%. Living in rural
      residence (AOR = 3.175, 95% CI: 1.102-9.153, p = 0.032), Eating vegetables/
      fruits without washing or peeling off (AOR = 2.208, 95% CI: 1.030-4.733, p =
      0.042) and having body-mass index <18.5 (AOR = 3.511, 95% CI: 1.646-7.489, p =
      0.001) were associated with intestinal helminth infection. CONCLUSION: The
      infection rate by intestinal helminths was 24.4%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the
      most prevalent helminth. Residence, habit of washing vegetables/fruits before use
      and body-mass index were associated factors with intestinal helminthiasis.
      Therefore health care providers should screen and treat TB patients for
      intestinal helminthiasis in order to ensure good prognosis.

PMID- 28086815
TI  - Antibiotics-induced depletion of mice microbiota induces changes in host
      serotonin biosynthesis and intestinal motility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The gastrointestinal motility is affected by gut microbiota and the
      relationship between them has become a hot topic. However, mechanisms of
      microbiota in regulating motility have not been well defined. We thus
      investigated the effect of microbiota depletion by antibiotics on
      gastrointestinal motility, colonic serotonin levels, and bile acids metabolism.
      METHODS: After 4 weeks with antibiotics treatments, gastrointestinal and colon
      transit, defecation frequency, water content, and other fecal parameters were
      measured and analyzed in both wild-type and antibiotics-treated mice,
      respectively. Contractility of smooth muscle, serotonin levels, and bile acids
      levels in wild-type and antibiotics-treated mice were also analyzed. RESULTS:
      After antibiotics treatment, the richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota
      decreased significantly, and the fecal of mice had less output (P < 0.01), more
      water content (P < 0.01), and longer pellet length (P < 0.01). Antibiotics
      treatment in mice also resulted in delayed gastrointestinal and colonic motility
      (P < 0.05), and inhibition of phasic contractions of longitudinal muscle from
      isolated proximal colon (P < 0.01). In antibiotics-treated mice, serotonin,
      tryptophan hydroxylase 1, and secondary bile acids levels were decreased.
      CONCLUSION: Gut microbiota play an important role in the regulation of intestinal
      bile acids and serotonin metabolism, which could probably contribute to the
      association between gut microbiota and gastrointestinal motility as
      intermediates.

PMID- 28086816
TI  - Rationale, description and baseline findings of a community-based prospective
      cohort study of kidney function amongst the young rural population of Northwest
      Nicaragua.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An epidemic of Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN) is killing thousands of
      agricultural workers along the Pacific coast of Central America, but the natural
      history and aetiology of the disease remain poorly understood. We have recently
      commenced a community-based longitudinal study to investigate Chronic Kidney
      Disease (CKD) in Nicaragua. Although logistically challenging, study designs of
      this type have the potential to provide important insights that other study
      designs cannot. In this paper we discuss the rationale for conducting this study
      and summarize the findings of the baseline visit. METHODS: The baseline visit of
      the community-based cohort study was conducted in 9 communities in the North
      Western Nicaragua in October and November 2014. All of the young men, and a
      random sample of young women (aged 18-30) without a pre-existing diagnosis of CKD
      were invited to participate. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated with
      CKD-EPI equation, along with clinical measurements, questionnaires, biological
      and environmental samples to evaluate participants' exposures to proposed risk
      factors for MeN. RESULTS: We identified 520 young adults (286 males and 234
      females) in the 9 different communities. Of these, 16 males with self-reported
      CKD and 5 females with diagnoses of either diabetes or hypertension were excluded
      from the study population. All remaining 270 men and 90 women, selected at
      random, were then invited to participate in the study; 350 (97%) agreed to
      participate. At baseline, 29 (11%) men and 1 (1%) woman had an eGFR <90
      mL/min/1.73 m2. CONCLUSION: Conducting a community based study of this type
      requires active the involvement of communities and commitment from local leaders.
      Furthermore, a research team with strong links to the area and broad
      understanding of the context of the problem being studied is essential. The key
      findings will arise from follow-up, but it is striking that 5% of males under
      aged 30 had to be excluded because of pre-existing kidney disease, and that
      despite doing so 11% of males had an eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline.

PMID- 28086817
TI  - Cost of shingles: population based burden of disease analysis of herpes zoster
      and postherpetic neuralgia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Around 30% of the population will experience herpes zoster (HZ), 10%
      of whom develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Together, these illnesses produce a
      significant economic burden to the healthcare system. METHODS: Administrative
      healthcare data collected over the period of April 1st 1997 to March 31st 2014
      were analyzed to determine the healthcare system burden of HZ using direct
      medical costs. Episodes of HZ were identified using international classification
      of disease (ICD) codes. Trends in age-adjusted (AA) HZ-rates were analyzed by
      piecewise-regression. Total annual and per-episode costs were determined for drug
      treatment, medical care, and hospitalizations within each year. RESULTS: The
      incidence of HZ increased by 49.5% from 1997/98 to 2013/14. Piecewise-regression
      of AA-rates revealed a steady AA-rate of 4.7 episodes/1000 person-years (PY) from
      1997/98 to a breakpoint in 2008/09, after which rates began to increase reaching
      5.7 episodes/1000 PY in 2013/14. Drug costs rose significantly (p <0.03) from
      $89.77/episode (95% CI: $82.96, $96.59) to $127.34/episode (95% CI: $117.24,
      $137.44). Medical costs increased (p <0.0001) from $57.98/episode (95% CI;
      $55.26, $60.70) to $78.84/episode (95% CI; $74.08, $83.61). Hospitalization rates
      declined from 3.10% in 1997/98 to 1.36% in 2011/12, resulting in cost dropping
      from $397/episode (95% CI; $284, $511) to $195/episode (95% CI; $129, $260).
      Total annual costs of HZ and PHN were $1,997,183 in 2011/12, 4.7% lower than the
      1997/98 costs of $2,095,633. CONCLUSION: A significant increase in annual number
      of HZ cases was observed, driven largely by demographic factors. A 21% increase
      in the AA-incidence reveals changes in HZ rates beyond those expected by
      population shifts. The large increase in incidence of HZ, with rising per episode
      medical and prescription costs were offset by dramatic drops in hospitalization
      rates, the net effect of which has been to hold the total costs relatively
      constant. However, the decrease in hospitalization rates slowed over the last
      half of the study, settling at 1.3% in the last 4 study years. The likely future
      of HZ burden is one of rising costs, primarily driven by the demographic shifts
      of an increasing and aging population.

PMID- 28086818
TI  - Narrow band imaging versus lugol chromoendoscopy to diagnose squamous cell
      carcinoma of the esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the early stage esophageal cancer, changes in the mucosa are
      subtle and pass unnoticed in endoscopic examinations using white light. To
      increase sensitivity, chromoscopy with Lugol's solution has been used.
      Technological advancements have led to the emergence of virtual methods of
      endoscopic chromoscopy, including narrow band imaging (NBI). NBI enhances the
      relief of the mucosa and the underlying vascular pattern, providing greater
      convenience without the risks inherent to the use of vital dye. The purpose of
      this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the ability of NBI to
      diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and to compare it to
      chromoscopy with Lugol's solution. METHODS: This systematic review included all
      studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of NBI and Lugol chromoendoscopy
      performed to identify high-grade dysplasia and/or squamous cell carcinoma in the
      esophagus. In the meta-analysis, we calculated and demonstrated sensitivity,
      specificity, and positive and negative likelihood values in forest plots. We also
      determined summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves and estimates
      of the areas under the curves for both per-patient and per-lesion analysis.
      RESULTS: The initial search identified 7079 articles. Of these, 18 studies were
      included in the systematic review and 12 were used in the meta-analysis, for a
      total of 1911 patients. In per-patient and per-lesion analysis, the sensitivity,
      specificity, and positive and negative likelihood values for Lugol
      chromoendoscopy were 92% and 98, 82 and 37%, 5.42 and 1.4, and 0.13 and 0.39,
      respectively, and for NBI were 88 and 94%, 88 and 65%, 8.32 and 2.62, and 0.16
      and 0.12, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in only
      specificity values, in which case NBI was superior to Lugol chromoendoscopy in
      both analyses. In the per-patient analysis, the area under the sROC curve for
      Lugol chromoendoscopy was 0.9559. In the case of NBI, this value was 0.9611; in
      the per-lesion analysis, this number was 0.9685 and 0.9587, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: NBI was adequate in evaluating the esophagus in order to diagnose
      high-grade dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. In the differentiation of those
      disorders from other esophageal mucosa alterations, the NBI was shown to be
      superior than Lugol.

PMID- 28086819
TI  - Efficacy, safety and effectiveness of licensed rotavirus vaccines: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis for Latin America and the Caribbean.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RotaTeqTM (RV5; Merck & Co. Inc., USA) and RotarixTM (RV1,
      GlaxoSmithKline, Belgium) vaccines, developed to prevent rotavirus diarrhea in
      children under five years old, were both introduced into national immunization
      programs in 2006. As many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have
      included either RV5 or RV1 in their routine childhood vaccination programs, we
      conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze efficacy, safety and
      effectiveness data from the region. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search in
      PubMed, EMBASE, Scielo, Lilacs and the Cochrane Central Register, for controlled
      efficacy, safety and effectiveness studies published between January 2000 until
      December 2011, on RV5 and RV1 across Latin America (where both vaccines are
      available since 2006). The primary outcome measures were: rotavirus-related
      gastroenteritis of any severity; rotavirus emergency department visits and
      hospitalization; and severe adverse events. RESULTS: The results of the meta
      analysis for efficacy show that RV1 reduced the risk of any-severity rotavirus
      related gastroenteritis by 65% (relative risk (RR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.25; 0.50), and of severe gastroenteritis by 82% (RR 0.18, 95%CI 0.12;
      0.26) versus placebo. In trials, both vaccines significantly reduced the risk of
      hospitalization and emergency visits by 85% (RR 0.15, 95%CI 0.09; 0.25) for RV1
      and by 90% (RR 0.099, 95%CI 0.012; 0.77) for RV5. Vaccination with RV5 or RV1 did
      not increase the risk of death, intussusception, or other severe adverse events
      which were previously associated with the first licensed rotavirus vaccine. Real
      world effectiveness studies showed that both vaccines reduced rotavirus
      hospitalization in the region by around 45-50% for RV5 (for 1 to 3 doses,
      respectively), and, by around 50-80% for RV1 (for 1 to 2 doses, respectively).
      For RV1, effectiveness against hospitalization was highest (around 80-96%) for
      children vaccinated before 12 months of age, compared with 5-60% effectiveness in
      older children. Both vaccines were most effective in preventing more severe
      gastroenteritis (70% for RV5 and 80-90% for RV1) and severe gastroenteritis (50%
      for RV5 and 70-80% for RV1). CONCLUSION: This systematic literature review
      confirms rotavirus vaccination has been proven effective and well tolerated in
      protecting children in Latin America and the Caribbean.

PMID- 28086820
TI  - Primary prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus through nutritional factors:
      a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), defined as any degree of glucose
      intolerance with onset during pregnancy, is increasing worldwide, mostly because
      obesity among women of reproductive age is continuously escalating. GDM is
      associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of this article was
      to systematically review literature on the effectiveness of nutritional factors
      before or during pregnancy to prevent GDM. METHODS: We assessed the primary
      prevention of GDM through nutritional factors, as diet and supplements. We
      searched on PubMed, Cochrane Databases and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to
      June 2016. Clinical trials and adjusted prospective cohort studies were included.
      RESULTS: Eight clinical trials and twenty observational studies assessing the
      association between dietary factors and primary prevention of GDM were included.
      Furthermore, six clinical trials and two observational studies related to
      supplements were also added. Only two nutritional interventions were found to
      significantly reduce the incidence of GDM, besides the supplements. However, the
      observational studies showed that a higher adherence to a healthier dietary
      pattern can prevent the incidence of GDM, especially in high risk population
      before getting pregnant. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that there may be some
      benefits of some nutritional factors to prevent GDM. However, better-designed
      studies are required to generate higher quality evidence. At the moment, no
      strong conclusions can be drawn with regard to the best intervention for the
      prevention of GDM.

PMID- 28086821
TI  - A transcriptome profile in hepatocellular carcinomas based on integrated analysis
      of microarray studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite new treatment options for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC)
      recently, 5-year survival remains poor, ranging from 50 to 70%, which may
      attribute to the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers. Thus, developing new
      biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC, is extremely urgent, aiming to decrease
      HCC-related deaths. METHODS: In the study, we conducted a comprehensive
      characterization of gene expression data of HCC based on a bioinformatics method.
      The results were confirmed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and
      TCGA database to prove the credibility of this integrated analysis. RESULTS:
      After integrating analysis of seven HCC gene expression datasets, 1167
      differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. These genes mainly
      participated in the process of cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, and oocyte maturation
      mediated by progesterone. The results of experiments and TCGA database validation
      in 10 genes was in full accordance with findings in integrated analysis,
      indicating the high credibility of our integrated analysis of different gene
      expression datasets. ASPM, CCT3, and NEK2 was showed to be significantly
      associated with overall survival of HCC patients in TCGA database. CONCLUSION:
      This method of integrated analysis may be a useful tool to minish the
      heterogeneity of individual microarray, hopefully outputs more accurate HCC
      transcriptome profiles based on large sample size, and explores some potential
      biomarkers and therapy targets for HCC.

PMID- 28086822
TI  - Assessment of quality of care among in-patients with postpartum haemorrhage and
      severe pre-eclampsia at st. Francis hospital nsambya: a criteria-based audit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The maternal mortality ratio of Uganda is still high and the leading
      causes of maternal mortality are postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), severe pre
      eclampsia and eclampsia. Criteria-based audit (CBA) is a way of improving quality
      of care that has not been commonly used in low income countries. This study aimed
      at finding out the quality of care provided to patients with these conditions and
      to find out if the implementation of recommendations from the audit cycle
      resulted in improvement in quality of care. METHODS: This study was a CBA
      following a time series study design. It was done in St. Francis Hospital Nsambya
      and it involved assessment of adherence to standards of care for PPH, severe pre
      eclampsia and eclampsia. An initial audit was done for 3 consecutive months, then
      findings were presented to health workers and recommendations made; we
      implemented the recommendations in a subsequent month and this comprised three
      interventions namely continuing medical education (CME), drills and displaying
      guidelines; a re-audit was done in the proceeding 3 consecutive months and
      analysis compared adherence rates of the initial audit with those of the re
      audit. RESULTS: Pearson Chi-Square test revealed that the adherence rates of 7
      out of 10 standards of care for severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia were statistically
      significantly higher in the re-audit than in the initial audit; also, the
      adherence rates of 3 out of 4 standards of care for PPH were statistically
      significantly higher in the re-audit than in the initial audit. CONCLUSION: The
      giving of feedback on quality of care and the implementation of recommendations
      made during the CBA including CME, drills and displaying guidelines was
      associated with improvements in the quality of care for patients with PPH, severe
      pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

PMID- 28086823
TI  - A realist review of the partograph: when and how does it work for labour
      monitoring?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The partograph (or partogram) is recommended by the World Health
      Organisation (WHO), for monitoring labour wellbeing and progress. Concerns about
      limitations in the way the partograph is used in the clinical context and the
      potential impact on its effectiveness have led to this realist systematic review
      of partograph use. METHODS: This review aimed to answer two key questions, 1)
      What is it about the partograph that works (or does not work); for whom does it
      work; and in what circumstances? 2) What are the essential inputs required for
      the partograph to work? A comprehensive search strategy encompassed key
      databases; including papers of varying methodologies. Papers were selected for
      inclusion if the focus of the paper was the partograph and related to context,
      mechanism or outcome. Ninety five papers were included for data synthesis. Two
      authors completed data extraction and synthesis. RESULTS: The evidence synthesis
      relates the evidence to identified theories of health worker acceptability,
      health system support, effective referral systems, human resources and health
      worker competence, highlighting barriers and facilitators. CONCLUSIONS: This
      first comprehensive realist synthesis of the partograph, provides the
      international community of maternity clinicians with a picture of potential
      issues and solutions related to successful labour recording and management, which
      is also translatable to other monitoring approaches.

PMID- 28086824
TI  - D-dimer is an essential accompaniment of circulating tumor cells in gastric
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibrinogen (FIB) is an important source of fibrin, which plays a
      crucial role in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) extravasation and distant
      metastasis development. We hypothesize it's stable final product, plasma D-dimer,
      may be associated with CTCs appearance and can reflect the metastatic phenotype
      in cancer patients. METHODS: We first verified our hypothesis in different murine
      gastric cancer metastasis models in vivo, plasma D-dimer and fibrinogen as well
      as its degradation products were directly examined in three metastasis immune
      deficient mouse models and in controls. Next, we gathered and analyzed the result
      of plasma D-dimer levels and CTCs numbers in 41 advanced primary gastric cancer
      (GC) patients. A follow-up study was conducted in these patients. RESULTS: In
      three in vivo murine metastasis models, plasma D-dimer levels were extremely
      elevated in a hematogenous and intraperitoneal murine model of metastasis
      compared with a subcutaneous tumor model and the control group, supporting our
      previous hypothesis. While in 41 GC patients, the result displayed that plasma D
      dimer levels were remarkably increased in patients with distant metastases,
      especially in visceral metastases patients. Additionally, linear association was
      shown between D-dimer level and CTCs numbers (R 2 = 0.688, p < 0.001),
      additionally, plasma D-dimer represent a better survival predictor than CTCs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Plasma D-dimer is an essential accompaniment of CTCs in GC that is
      easy to measure and lower in cost, and can be used in the detection of
      hematogenous metastasis.

PMID- 28086825
TI  - Toxicity and quality of life report of a phase II study of stereotactic body
      radiotherapy (SBRT) for low and intermediate risk prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical data indicates that delivery of larger daily doses of
      radiation may improve the therapeutic ratio for prostate cancer compared to
      conventional fractionation. A phase II study of stereotactic body radiotherapy
      with real-time motion management and daily plan re-optimization for low to
      intermediate risk prostate cancer was undertaken to evaluate this hypothesis.
      This report details the toxicity and quality of life following treatment.
      METHODS: From 2009 to 2013, 60 patients with T1-T2c prostate cancer with a
      Gleason score of 6 and PSA <= 15 or Gleason score of 7 and PSA <= 10 were
      enrolled. Patients with nodal metastases, an American Urological Association
      symptom score > 18, or gland size > 100 g were not eligible. Patients were
      treated to 37 Gy in 5 fractions. Early and late genitourinary and
      gastrointestinal toxicity were graded based on NCI CTCAE v4.0 and quality of life
      was assessed by the American Urological Association symptom score, International
      Index of Erectile Function, and Expanded Prostate cancer Index Composite Short
      Form up to 36 months after treatment. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 27.6
      months, no grade 3 or greater genitourinary toxicity was observed. Four patients
      (6.7%) reported a late grade 2 genitourinary toxicity. One patient (1.7%)
      reported a late grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity. Five patients (8.3%) developed
      a late grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicity. The median American Urological
      Association symptom score increased from 4.5 prior to treatment to 11 while on
      treatment (p < 0.01), but was 5 at 36 months post-treatment (p = 0.65). Median
      International Index of Erectile Function scores decreased from 19 to 17 over the
      course of follow-up (p < 0.01). Only median scores within the Expanded Prostate
      Cancer Index Composite Short Form sexual domain were significantly decreased at
      36 months post-treatment (67.9 vs 45.2, p = 0.02). There was no significant
      difference in median score within the urinary, bowel, or hormonal domains at 36
      months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic body radiotherapy for low to
      intermediate risk prostate cancer is well tolerated with limited toxicity or
      decrease in quality of life. Longer follow-up is necessary to assess the efficacy
      of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00941915 Registered 17
      June 2009.

PMID- 28086826
TI  - Offering Patients Therapy Options in Unplanned Start (OPTiONS): Implementation of
      an educational program is feasible and effective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with unplanned dialysis start (UPS) have worse clinical
      outcomes than non-UPS patients, and receive peritoneal dialysis (PD) less
      frequently. In the OPTiONS study of UPS patients, an educational programme (UPS
      EP) aiming at improving care of UPS patients by facilitating care pathways and
      enabling informed choice of dialysis modality was implemented. We here report on
      impact of UPS-EP on modality choice and clinical outcomes in UPS patients.
      METHODS: This non-interventional, prospective, multi-center, observational study
      included 270 UPS patients from 26 centers in 6 European countries (Austria,
      Germany, Denmark, France, United Kingdom and Sweden) who prior to inclusion
      presented acutely, or were being followed by nephrologists but required urgent
      dialysis commencement by an acutely placed CVC or PD catheter. Effects of UPS-EP
      on choice and final decision of dialysis therapy and outcomes within 12 months of
      follow up were analysed. RESULTS: Among 270 UPS patients who had an unplanned
      start to dialysis, 214 were able to receive and 203 complete UPS-EP while 56
      patients - who were older (p = 0.01) and had higher Charlson comorbidity index
      (CCI; p < 0.01) - did not receive UPS-EP. Among 177 patients who chose dialysis
      modality after UPS-EP, 103 (58%) chose PD (but only 86% of them received PD) and
      74 (42%) chose HD (95% received HD). Logistic regression analysis showed that
      diabetes 1.88 (1.05 - 3.37) and receiving UPS-EP, OR = 4.74 (CI, 2.05 - 10.98)
      predicted receipt of PD. Patients choosing PD had higher CCI (p = 0.01), higher
      prevalence of congestive heart failure (p < 0.01) and myocardial infarction (p =
      0.02), and were more likely in-patients (p = 0.02) or referred from primary care
      (p = 0.02). One year survival did not differ significantly between PD and HD
      patients. Peritonitis and bacteraemia rates were better than international
      guideline standards. CONCLUSIONS: UPS-EP predicted patient use of PD but 14% of
      those choosing PD after UPS-EP still did not receive the modality they preferred.
      Patient survival in patients choosing and/or receiving PD was similar to HD
      despite age and comorbidity disadvantages of the PD groups.

PMID- 28086827
TI  - Mothers' accounts of the impact on emotional wellbeing of organised peer support
      in pregnancy and early parenthood: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transition to parenthood is a potentially vulnerable time for
      mothers' mental health and approximately 9-21% of women experience depression
      and/or anxiety at this time. Many more experience sub-clinical symptoms of
      depression and anxiety, as well as stress, low self-esteem and a loss of
      confidence. Women's emotional wellbeing is more at risk if they have little
      social support, a low income, are single parents or have a poor relationship with
      their partner. Peer support can comprise emotional, affirmational, informational
      and practical support; evidence of its impact on emotional wellbeing during
      pregnancy and afterwards is mixed. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative
      study, informed by phenomenological social psychology, exploring women's
      experiences of the impact of organised peer support on their emotional wellbeing
      during pregnancy and in early parenthood. Semi-structured qualitative interviews
      were undertaken with women who had received peer support provided by ten projects
      in different parts of England, including both projects offering 'mental health'
      peer support and others offering more broadly-based peer support. The majority of
      participants were disadvantaged Black and ethnic minority women, including recent
      migrants. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcripts were analysed using
      inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: 47 mothers were interviewed. Two key themes
      emerged: (1) 'mothers' self-identified emotional needs', containing the subthemes
      'emotional distress', 'stressful circumstances', 'lack of social support', and
      'unwilling to be open with professionals'; and (2) 'how peer support affects
      mothers', containing the subthemes 'social connection', 'being heard', 'building
      confidence', 'empowerment', 'feeling valued', 'reducing stress through practical
      support' and 'the significance of "mental health" peer experiences'. Women
      described how peer support contributed to reducing their low mood and anxiety by
      overcoming feelings of isolation, disempowerment and stress, and increasing
      feelings of self-esteem, self-efficacy and parenting competence. CONCLUSION: One
      to-one peer support during pregnancy and after birth can have a number of
      interrelated positive impacts on the emotional wellbeing of mothers. Peer support
      is a promising and valued intervention, and may have particular salience for
      ethnic minority women, those who are recent migrants and women experiencing
      multiple disadvantages.

PMID- 28086828
TI  - Subjective and objective assessment of physical activity in multiple sclerosis
      and their relation to health-related quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is frequently restricted in people with
      multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and aiming to enhance PA is considered beneficial in
      this population. We here aimed to explore two standard methods (subjective plus
      objective) to assess PA reduction in PwMS and to describe the relation of PA to
      health-related quality of life (hrQoL). METHODS: PA was objectively measured over
      a 7-day period in 26 PwMS (EDSS 1.5-6.0) and 30 matched healthy controls (HC)
      using SenseWear mini(r) armband (SWAmini) and reported as step count, mean total
      and activity related energy expenditure (EE) as well as time spent in PA of
      different intensities. Measures of EE were also derived from self-assessment with
      IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) long version, which
      additionally yielded information on the context of PA and a classification into
      subjects' PA levels. To explore the convergence between both types of assessment,
      IPAQ categories (low, moderate, high) were related to selected PA parameters from
      objective assessment using ANOVA. Group differences and associated effect sizes
      for all PA parameters as well as their relation to clinical and hrQoL measures
      were determined. RESULTS: Both, SWAmini and IPAQ assessment, captured differences
      in PA between PwMS and HC. IPAQ categories fit well with common cut-offs for step
      count (p = 0.002) and mean METs (p = 0.004) to determine PA levels with objective
      devices. Correlations between specifically matched pairs of IPAQ and SWAmini
      parameters ranged between r .288 and r .507. Concerning hrQoL, the lower limb
      mobility subscore was related to four PA measures, while a relation with
      patients' report of general contentment was only seen for one. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      methods of assessment seem applicable in PwMS and able to describe reductions in
      daily PA at group level. Whether they can be used to track individual effects of
      interventions to enhance PA levels needs further exploration. The relation of PA
      measures with hrQoL seen with lower limb mobility suggests lower limb function
      not only as a major target for intervention to increase PA but also as a possible
      surrogate for PA changes.

PMID- 28086829
TI  - Genomic pathways modulated by Twist in breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor TWIST1 (Twist) is
      involved in embryonic cell lineage determination and mesodermal differentiation.
      There is evidence to indicate that Twist expression plays a role in breast tumor
      formation and metastasis, but the role of Twist in dysregulating pathways that
      drive the metastatic cascade is unclear. Moreover, many of the genes and pathways
      dysregulated by Twist in cell lines and mouse models have not been validated
      against data obtained from larger, independant datasets of breast cancer
      patients. METHODS: We over-expressed the human Twist gene in non-metastatic MCF-7
      breast cancer cells to generate the estrogen-independent metastatic breast cancer
      cell line MCF-7/Twist. These cells were inoculated in the mammary fat pad of
      female severe compromised immunodeficient mice, which subsequently formed
      xenograft tumors that metastasized to the lungs. Microarray data was collected
      from both in vitro (MCF-7 and MCF-7/Twist cell lines) and in vivo (primary tumors
      and lung metastases) models of Twist expression. Our data was compared to several
      gene datasets of various subtypes, classes, and grades of human breast cancers.
      RESULTS: Our data establishes a Twist over-expressing mouse model of breast
      cancer, which metastasizes to the lung and replicates some of the ontogeny of
      human breast cancer progression. Gene profiling data, following Twist expression,
      exhibited novel metastasis driver genes as well as cellular maintenance genes
      that were synonymous with the metastatic process. We demonstrated that the genes
      and pathways altered in the transgenic cell line and metastatic animal models
      parallel many of the dysregulated gene pathways observed in human breast cancers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Analogous gene expression patterns were observed in both in vitro
      and in vivo Twist preclinical models of breast cancer metastasis and breast
      cancer patient datasets supporting the functional role of Twist in promoting
      breast cancer metastasis. The data suggests that genetic dysregulation of Twist
      at the cellular level drives alterations in gene pathways in the Twist metastatic
      mouse model which are comparable to changes seen in human breast cancer s.
      Lastly, we have identified novel genes and pathways that could be further
      investigated as targets for drugs to treat metastatic breast cancer.

PMID- 28086830
TI  - Sigma-2 receptor agonist derivatives of 1-Cyclohexyl-4-[3-(5-methoxy-1,2,3,4
      tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl)propyl]piperazine (PB28) induce cell death via
      mitochondrial superoxide production and caspase activation in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite considerable efforts by scientific research, pancreatic
      cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer related mortalities. Sigma-2
      receptors, which are overexpressed in several tumors, represent promising targets
      for triggering selective pancreatic cancer cells death. METHODS: We selected five
      differently structured high-affinity sigma-2 ligands (PB28, PB183, PB221, F281
      and PB282) to study how they affect the viability of diverse pancreatic cancer
      cells (human cell lines BxPC3, AsPC1, Mia PaCa-2, and Panc1 and mouse Panc-02,
      KCKO and KP-02) and how this is reflected in vivo in a tumor model. RESULTS:
      Important cytotoxicity was shown by the compounds in the aggressive Panc02 cells,
      where cytotoxic activity was caspase-3 independent for four of the five
      compounds. However, both cytotoxicity and caspase-3 activation involved
      generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which could be partially reverted by
      the lipid antioxidant alpha-tocopherol, but not by the hydrophilic N
      acetylcysteine (NAC) indicating crucial differences in the intracellular sites
      exposed to oxidative stress induced by sigma-2 receptor ligands. Importantly, all
      the compounds strongly increased the production of mitochondrial superoxide
      radicals except for PB282. Despite a poor match between in vitro and the in vivo
      efficacy, daily treatment of C57BL/6 mice bearing Panc02 tumors resulted in
      promising effects with PB28 and PB282 which were similar compared to the current
      standard-of-care chemotherapeutic gemcitabine without showing signs of systemic
      toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study identified differential
      sensitivities of pancreatic cancer cells to structurally diverse sigma-2 receptor
      ligands. Of note, we identified the mitochondrial superoxide pathway as a
      previously unrecognized sigma-2 receptor-activated process, which encourages
      further studies on sigma-2 ligand-mediated cancer cell death for the targeted
      treatment of pancreatic tumors.

PMID- 28086831
TI  - Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the Bithionol - cisplatin combination in a
      panel of human ovarian cancer cell lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combination drug therapy appears a promising approach to overcome
      drug resistance and reduce drug-related toxicities in ovarian cancer treatments.
      In this in vitro study, we evaluated the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin in
      combination with Bithionol (BT) against a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines with
      special focus on cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cell lines. The
      primary objectives of this study are to determine the nature of the interactions
      between BT and cisplatin and to understand the mechanism(s) of action of BT
      cisplatin combination. METHODS: The cytotoxic effects of drugs either alone or in
      combination were evaluated using presto-blue assay. Cellular reactive oxygen
      species were measured by flow cytometry. Immunoblot analysis was carried out to
      investigate changes in levels of cleaved PARP, XIAP, bcl-2, bcl-xL, p21 and p27.
      Luminescent and colorimetric assays were used to test caspases 3/7 and ATX
      activity. RESULTS: The efficacy of the BT-cisplatin combination depends upon the
      cell type and concentrations of cisplatin and BT. In cisplatin-sensitive cell
      lines, BT and cisplatin were mostly antagonistic except when used at low
      concentrations, where synergy was observed. In contrast, in cisplatin-resistant
      cells, BT-cisplatin combination treatment displayed synergistic effects at most
      of the drug ratios/concentrations. Our results further revealed that the
      synergistic interaction was linked to increased reactive oxygen species
      generation and apoptosis. Enhanced apoptosis was correlated with loss of pro
      survival factors (XIAP, bcl-2, bcl-xL), expression of pro-apoptotic markers
      (caspases 3/7, PARP cleavage) and enhanced cell cycle regulators p21 and p27.
      CONCLUSION: In cisplatin-resistant cell lines, BT potentiated cisplatin-induced
      cytotoxicity at most drug ratios via enhanced ROS generation and modulation of
      key regulators of apoptosis. Low doses of BT and cisplatin enhanced efficiency of
      cisplatin treatment in all the ovarian cancer cell lines tested. Our results
      suggest that novel combinations such as BT and cisplatin might be an attractive
      therapeutic approach to enhance ovarian cancer chemosensitivity. Combining low
      doses of cisplatin with subtherapeutic doses of BT can ultimately lead to the
      development of an innovative combination therapy to reduce/prevent the side
      effects normally occurring when high doses of cisplatin are administered.

PMID- 28086832
TI  - Norcantharidin Inhibits cell growth by suppressing the expression and
      phosphorylation of both EGFR and c-Met in human colon cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a Chinese FDA approved, chemically
      synthesized drug for cancer treatment. The effect of NCTD on signaling proteins
      of EGFR and c-Met was systematically elucidated in current study. METHODS: Two
      human colon cancer cell lines, HCT116 and HT29, were used as model systems to
      investigate the anti-cancer molecular mechanism of NCTD. Cell cycle arrest and
      early/late apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of EGFR, phospho
      EGFR, c-Met, phospho-c-Met and other related proteins were quantified by western
      blot analysis. RESULTS: NCTD induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in both cell
      lines. The early and late apoptosis was also observed. Further investigation
      indicated that NCTD suppressed not only the expression of the total EGFR and the
      phosphorylated EGFR but also the expression of the total c-Met and the
      phosphorylated c-Met in colon cancer cells. Moreover, EGFR expression could be
      mostly restored by co-treatment with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. In addition,
      NCTD-induced cell death was comparable to that of the anti-cancer drug gefitinib,
      a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for EGFR, based on the immunoblot analysis of the
      expressed proteins after the drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS: NCTD might be a useful
      and inexpensive drug candidate to substitute for gefitinib to serve the treatment
      needs of cancer patients.

PMID- 28086833
TI  - Delta-like 4/Notch signaling promotes Apc Min/+ tumor initiation through
      angiogenic and non-angiogenic related mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delta like 4 (Dll4)/Notch signaling is a key regulator of tumor
      angiogenesis. Additionally, the role of Dll4 has been studied on tumor stem
      cells. However, as these cells are implicated in tumor angiogenesis, it is
      conceivable that the effect of Dll4 on these cells may be a consequence of its
      angiogenic function. Our aim was to evaluate the expression and dissect the
      functions of Dll4 in the Apc Min/+ model of colorectal cancer. METHODS: We
      evaluated the protein expression pattern of Dll4 and other Notch members in the
      Apc Min/+ tumors relatively to the normal gut and compared endothelial-specific
      with ubiquitous Dll4 knockout mice on an Apc Min/+ background. RESULTS: All Notch
      pathway members were present in the normal small and large intestine and in the
      adenomas of the same regions. Dll4, all Notch receptors and Hes1 expression
      seemed upregulated in the tumors, with some regional differences. The same
      members and Hes5, instead of Hes1, presented ectopic expression in the tumor
      parenchyma. Dll4 expression was most pronounced in the tumor cells but it was
      also present in the tumor blood vessels and in other stromal cells. Ubiquitous
      and endothelial-specific Dll4 deletion led to an equivalent reduction of tumor
      growth because of a similarly marked tumoral angiogenic phenotype promoting non
      productive vasculature and consequently hypoxia and apoptosis. The ubiquitous
      Dll4 inhibition led to a stronger decrease of tumor multiplicity than the
      endothelial-specific deletion by further reducing tumor proliferation and tumor
      stem cell density through upregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors
      1C and 1B and downregulation of Myc, Cyclin D1 and D2 independently of beta
      catenin activation. This phenotype was associated to the observed increased
      epithelial differentiation deviated towards the secretory lineages by Atoh1 and
      Klf4 upregulation only in the ubiquitous Dll4 mutants. CONCLUSIONS: Dll4 seems to
      promote Apc Min/+ tumorigenesis through both angiogenic and non-angiogenic
      related mechanisms.

PMID- 28086834
TI  - Detection of circulating tumor cells with CK20 RT-PCR is an independent negative
      prognostic marker in colon cancer patients - a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Detection of circulating (CTC) or disseminated tumor cells (DTC) has
      been associated with negative prognosis and outcome in patients with colorectal
      cancer, though testing for these cells is not yet part of clinical routine. There
      are several different methodological approaches to detect tumor cells but
      standardized detection assays are not implemented so far. METHODS: In this
      prospective monocentric study 299 patients with colon cancer were included. CTC
      and DTC were detected using CK20 RT-PCR as well as immunocytochemistry staining
      with anti-pan-keratin and anti-EpCAM antibodies. The primary endpoints were:
      Evaluation of CTC and DTC at the time of surgery and correlation with main tumor
      characteristics and overall (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). RESULTS:
      Patients with detectable CTC had a 5-year OS rate of 68% compared to a 5-year OS
      rate of 85% in patients without detectable CTC in the blood (p = 0.002).
      Detection of DTC in the bone marrow with CK20 RT-PCR was not associated with a
      worse OS or DFS. Detection of pan-cytokeratin positive DTC in the bone marrow
      correlated with a significantly reduced 5-year OS rate (p = 0.048), but detection
      of DTC in the bone marrow with the anti-EpCAM antibody did not significantly
      influence the 5-year OS rate (p = 0.958). By multivariate analyses only detection
      of CTC with CK20 RT-PCR in the blood was revealed to be an independent predictor
      of worse OS (HR1.94; 95% CI 1.0-3.7; p = 0.04) and DFS (HR 1.94; 95% CI 1.1-3.7;
      p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Detection of CTC with CK20 RT-PCR is a highly specific
      and independent prognostic marker in colon cancer patients. Detection of DTC in
      the bone marrow with CK20 RT-PCR or immunohistochemistry with anti-EpCAM antibody
      is not associated with a negative prognostic influence.

PMID- 28086835
TI  - Stunting and severe stunting among children under-5 years in Nigeria: A
      multilevel analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stunting has been identified as one of the major proximal risk
      factors for poor physical and mental development of children under-5 years.
      Stunting predominantly occurs in the first 1000 days of life (0-23 months) and
      continues to the age of five. This study examines factors associated with
      stunting and severe stunting among children under-5 years in Nigeria. METHODS:
      The sample included 24,529 children aged 0-59 months from the 2013 Nigeria
      Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Height-for-age z-scores (HFAz), generated
      using the 2006 World Health Organisation (WHO) growth reference, were used to
      define stunting (HFAz < -2SD) and severe stunting (HFAz < -3SD). Multilevel
      logistic regression analyses that adjusted for cluster and survey weights were
      used to determine potential risk factors associated with stunting and severe
      stunting among children under-5 years in Nigeria. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      stunting and severe stunting were 29% [95% Confidence interval (Cl): 27.4, 30.8]
      and 16.4% [95%Cl: 15.1, 17.8], respectively for children aged 0-23 months, and
      36.7% [95%Cl: 35.1, 38.3] and 21% [95%Cl: 19.7, 22.4], respectively for children
      aged 0-59 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that the most consistent
      significant risk factors for stunting and severe stunting among children aged 0
      23 months and 0-59 months are: sex of child (male), mother's perceived birth size
      (small and average), household wealth index (poor and poorest households),
      duration of breastfeeding (more than 12 months), geopolitical zone (North East,
      North West, North Central) and children who were reported to having had diarrhoea
      in the 2 weeks prior to the survey [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for stunted
      children 0-23 months = 1.22 (95%Cl: 0.99, 1.49)];[AOR for stunted children 0-59
      months = 1.31 (95%Cl: 1.16, 1.49)], [AOR for severely stunted children 0-23
      months = 1.31 (95%Cl: 1.03, 1.67)]; [AOR for severely stunted children 0-59
      months = 1.58 (95%Cl: 1.38, 1.82)]. CONCLUSIONS: In order to meet the post-2015
      sustainable development goals, policy interventions to reduce stunting in Nigeria
      should focus on poverty alleviation as well as improving women's nutrition, child
      feeding practices and household sanitation.

PMID- 28086836
TI  - An internet-based self-help intervention for older adults after marital
      bereavement, separation or divorce: study protocol for a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marital bereavement and separation or divorce are among the most
      stressful critical life events in later life. These events require a dissolution
      of social and emotional ties, adjustments in daily routine and changes in
      identity and perspectives for the future. After a normative grief or distress
      reaction, most individuals cope well with the loss. However, some develop a
      prolonged grief reaction. Internet-based self-help interventions have proved
      beneficial for a broad range of disorders, including complicated grief. Based on
      the task model and the dual-process model of coping with bereavement, we
      developed a guided internet-based self-help intervention for individuals who
      experienced marital bereavement, separation or divorce at least 6 months prior to
      enrolment. The intervention consists of 10 text-based self-help sessions and one
      supportive email a week. The primary purpose of this study is the evaluation of
      the feasibility and efficacy of the intervention compared with a waiting control
      group. The secondary purpose is to compare the effects in bereaved and separated
      participants. Furthermore, we aim to analyze other predictors, moderators and
      mediators of the outcome, such as age, psychological distress and intensity of
      use of the intervention. METHODS: The design is a randomized controlled trial
      with a waiting control condition of 12 weeks and a 24-weeks follow-up. At least
      72 widowed or separated participants will be recruited via our study website and
      internet forums. Primary outcomes are reductions in grief symptoms, depression
      and psychological distress. Secondary outcome measures are related to loneliness,
      satisfaction with life, embitterment and the sessions. DISCUSSION: The trial will
      provide insights into the acceptance and efficacy of internet-based interventions
      among adults experiencing grief symptoms, psychological distress and adaptation
      problems in daily life after spousal bereavement, separation or divorce. Findings
      will add to existing knowledge by (1) evaluating an internet-based intervention
      specifically designed for spousal bereavement and its consequences; (2) testing
      whether this intervention is equally effective for individuals after separation
      or divorce; and (3) suggesting adaptations to improve the efficacy of the
      intervention, selective indication and adaptations for different needs. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02900534 . Registered on 1 September 2016.

PMID- 28086837
TI  - Systemic and individual factors in the buprenorphine treatment-seeking process: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioid use is a significant problem in Alaska. Medication-assisted
      treatment for opioid use, including buprenorphine, reduces withdrawal symptoms
      and the harm associated with opioid abuse. Understanding consumers' treatment
      seeking process is important for addressing barriers to treatment, facilitating
      effective service utilization, and informing policy. METHODS: To understand
      treatment-seeking behavior, we examined the attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge
      of those who would benefit from the medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
      buprenorphine. Qualitative data from 2 focus groups (each including 4
      participants) and 3 in-depth interviews with people who have used or considered
      using buprenorphine in treatment for an opioid use disorder were analyzed using
      grounded theory and directed content analysis approaches. RESULTS: Key findings
      suggest that individual (withdrawal process, individual motivation) and systemic
      (sociocultural, political, societal values) factors frame the treatment seeking
      process. Participants' progress on the treatment-seeking road was affected by
      models of addiction and MAT, which related to facilitators and barriers
      encountered in seeking treatment (e.g. support, resources, treatment structure).
      These factors shaped the longer-term road to recovery, which was seen as on
      ongoing process. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest it is crucial
      for interventionists to take a contextual approach that considers individual and
      systemic factors involved in opioid addiction, treatment, and recovery. This
      study highlights ways policy makers and treatment providers can address the
      barriers consumers face in their treatment-seeking process in order to increase
      treatment access.

PMID- 28086838
TI  - Clinical characteristics of genital chlamydia infection in pelvic inflammatory
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chlamydia infection in acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is
      associated with serious complications including ectopic pregnancy, tubal
      infertility, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome and tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA). This study
      compared clinical and laboratory data between PID with and without chlamydia
      infection. METHODS: The medical records of 497 women who were admitted with PID
      between 2002 and 2011 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups
      (PID with and without chlamydia infection), which were compared in terms of the
      patients' characteristics, clinical presentation, and laboratory findings,
      including inflammatory markers. RESULTS: The chlamydia and non-chlamydia groups
      comprised 175 and 322 women, respectively. The patients in the chlamydia group
      were younger and had a higher rate of TOA, a longer mean hospital stay, and had
      undergone more surgeries than the patients in the non- chlamydia group. The
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and CA-125 level
      were higher in the chlamydia group than in the non-chlamydia group, but there was
      no significant difference in the white blood cell count between the two groups.
      The CA-125 level was the strongest predictor of chlamydia infection, followed by
      the ESR and CRP level. The area under the receiving operating curve for CA-125,
      ESR, and CRP was 0.804, 0.755, and 0.663, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chlamydia
      infection in acute PID is associated with increased level of inflammatory
      markers, such as CA-125, ESR and CRP, incidence of TOA, operation risk, and
      longer hospitalization.

PMID- 28086839
TI  - Ethnobotanical knowledge acquisition during daily chores: the firewood collection
      of pastoral Maasai girls in Southern Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Researchers considering children's traditional ecological knowledge
      (TEK) highlighted the importance of examining children's daily activities as
      empirical contexts for its acquisition. Many of them evaluated children's TEK
      acquisition linearly as gain or loss, and paid less attention to the adaptive
      nature of this knowledge system and the social relationships arising from its
      acquisition processes. This study approaches children's TEK acquisition
      considering these abovementioned aspects. I utilize pastoral Maasai girls'
      firewood collection as a case study, and analyze the personal, interpersonal and
      cultural institutional aspects of girls' Ethnobotanical knowledge (EK)
      acquisition within this chore. METHODS: Participant observation and unstructured
      interviews were used for data collection. I joined 12 girls (6 to 15 years old)
      on day trips for firewood collection, and documented their participation and
      performance during this chore. I observed interactions among girls and between
      girls and women concerning this activity, and investigated girls' perceptions of
      local wood species via their descriptions. I also informally interviewed 15
      women, between 20 and 80 years old on their evaluation of the wood species to be
      used as firewood. RESULTS: Current diet change and gender-age roles in chore
      participation in Maasai society require females to continually participate in
      firewood collection. Within this social context, girls intensively participated
      in day trips of firewood collection during the long-term vacation in the dry
      season. They collected a sizable amount from 24 plant species, and generated EK
      through personal sensual experiences, such as fragrance, hardness, and heaviness
      of different wood species. They acquired local taxonomy and terminology of
      different wood species, and learned others preferences for wood species used as
      fuel through interpersonal communication. These personal and interpersonal
      aspects, together with current diet change and division of labor within gender
      age roles in Maasai society, provide EK with multi-dimensional meanings in
      current subsistence strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study show that
      girls acquired EK with multi-dimensional meanings through daily firewood
      collection, which cannot be only evaluated in a linear manner. Future studies
      focused on children's TEK acquisition should consider the personal,
      interpersonal, and cultural institutional aspects of this adaptive knowledge
      system and children's roles within it.

PMID- 28086840
TI  - Evidence of multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms in Anopheles gambiae
      populations in Bangui, Central African Republic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowledge of insecticide resistance status in the main malaria
      vectors is an essential component of effective malaria vector control. This study
      presents the first evaluation of the status of insecticide resistance in
      Anopheles gambiae populations from Bangui, the Central African Republic. METHODS:
      Anopheles mosquitoes were reared from larvae collected in seven districts of
      Bangui between September to November 2014. The World Health Organisation's
      bioassay susceptibility tests to lambda-cyhalothrin (0.05%), deltamethrin
      (0.05%), DDT (4%), malathion (5%), fenitrothion (1%) and bendiocarb (0.1%) were
      performed on adult females. Species and molecular forms as well as the presence
      of L1014F kdr and Ace-1 R mutations were assessed by PCR. Additional tests were
      conducted to assess metabolic resistance status. RESULTS: After 1 h exposure, a
      significant difference of knockdown effect was observed between districts in all
      insecticides tested except deltamethrin and malathion. The mortality rate (MR) of
      pyrethroids group ranging from 27% (CI: 19-37.5) in Petevo to 86% (CI: 77.6-92.1)
      in Gbanikola; while for DDT, MR ranged from 5% (CI: 1.6-11.3) in Centre-ville to
      39% (CI: 29.4-49.3) in Ouango. For the organophosphate group a MR of 100% was
      observed in all districts except Gbanikola where a MR of 96% (CI: 90-98.9) was
      recorded. The mortality induced by bendiocarb was very heterogeneous, ranging
      from 75% (CI: 62.8-82.8) in Yapele to 99% (CI: 84.5-100) in Centre-ville. A high
      level of kdr-w (L1014F) frequency was observed in all districts ranging from 93
      to 100%; however, no kdr-e (L1014S) and Ace-1 R mutation were found in all tested
      mosquitoes. Data of biochemical analysis showed significant overexpression
      activities of cytochrome P450, GST and esterases in Gbanikola and Yapele (chi 2 =
      31.85, df = 2, P < 0.001). By contrast, esterases activities using alpha and beta
      naphthyl acetate were significantly low in mosquitoes from PK10 and Ouango in
      comparison to Kisumu strain (chi 2 = 17.34, df = 2, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS:
      Evidence of resistance to DDT and pyrethroids as well as precocious emergence of
      resistance to carbamates were detected among A. gambiae mosquitoes from Bangui,
      including target-site mutations and metabolic mechanisms. The co-existence of
      these resistance mechanisms in A. gambiae may be a serious obstacle for the
      future success of malaria control programmes in this region.

PMID- 28086841
TI  - Good outcome following liver transplantation using pericardial-peritoneum window
      for hepato-atrial anastomosis to overcome advanced hepatic alveolar
      echinococcosis and secondary Budd-Chiari Syndrome - a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This report presents a case of a 57- year old female with advanced
      Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis causing a secondary Budd-Chiari Syndrome due to
      infiltration of the suprahepatic inferior vena cava treated successfully by liver
      transplantation. CASE PRESENTATION: A temporary veno-venous bypass was
      introduced, but a typical end to end cavo-caval anastomosis wasn't possible in
      this case. In order to access a disease free part of the inferior vena cava, an
      oval window of the diaphragm was excised, providing communication between the
      peritoneum and pericardium. A vascular clamp was placed onto the right atrium
      which allowed for an atrial-caval anastomosis. The remainder of hepatectomy was
      performed in a conventional manner. In the post-operative period and during the
      18 month follow-up there were no complications. The patient remains in good
      general condition with optimal graft function. CONCLUSIONS: A hepato-atrial
      anastomosis with a pericardial-peritoneum window during liver transplantation is
      feasible and extends the curability potential for patients with advanced Hepatic
      Alveolar Echinococcosis considered for liver transplantation.

PMID- 28086843
TI  - Evaluation of the Good Start Program: a healthy eating and physical activity
      intervention for Maori and Pacific Islander children living in Queensland,
      Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reducing the prevalence of obesity and chronic disease are important
      priorities. Maori and Pacific Islander communities living in Australia have
      higher rates of obesity and chronic disease than the wider Australian population.
      This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Good Start program, which aims
      to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices related to healthy eating and
      physical activity amongst Maori and Pacific Islander communities living in
      Queensland. METHODS: The intervention was delivered to children aged 6-19 years
      (N = 375) in schools by multicultural health workers. Class activities focused on
      one message each term related to healthy eating and physical activity using
      methods such as cooking sessions and cultural dance. The evaluation approach was
      a quantitative uncontrolled pre-post design. Data were collected each term pre-
      and post-intervention using a short questionnaire. RESULTS: There were
      significant increases in knowledge of correct servings of fruit and vegetables,
      knowledge of sugar and caffeine content of common sugar-sweetened drinks,
      recognition of the consequences of marketing and upsizing, and the importance of
      controlling portion size (all P < 0.05). There was also increases in knowledge of
      physical activity recommendations (P < 0.001), as well as the importance of
      physical activity for preventing heart disease (P < 0.001) and improving self
      esteem (P < 0.001). In terms of attitudes, there were significant improvements in
      some attitudes to vegetables (P = 0.02), and sugar-sweetened drinks (P < 0.05).
      In terms of practices and behaviours, although the reported intake of vegetables
      increased significantly (P < 0.001), the proportion of children eating
      discretionary foods regularly did not change significantly, suggesting that
      modifying the program with an increased emphasis on reducing intake of junk food
      may be beneficial. CONCLUSION: The study has shown that the Good Start Program
      was effective in engaging children from Maori and Pacific Island backgrounds and
      in improving knowledge, and some attitudes and practices, related to healthy
      eating and physical activity. The evaluation contributes valuable information
      about components and impacts of this type of intervention, and considerations
      relevant to this population in order to successfully change behaviours and reduce
      the burden of chronic disease.

PMID- 28086842
TI  - Socioeconomic inequality of overweight and obesity of the elderly in Iran:
      Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this population-based, large sample size study was
      to investigate the socioeconomic inequality of overweight and obesity among the
      elderly in Iran. METHODS: Baseline data of 3000 persons aged >=60 years who
      participated in the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program was analyzed. Overweight
      and obesity were defined as a body mass index (BMI) equal to or higher than 25
      and 30, respectively. Socioeconomic status (SES) was measured by an asset index,
      constructed using principal component analysis, income, education level, and
      employment status. The Concentration Index and the Lorenz curve were used to
      illustrate the levels of inequality for overweight and obesity by gender.
      RESULTS: The frequencies among men and women were, respectively, 840 (57.7%) and
      1131 (73.2%), P < 0.001, for overweight, and 211 (14.7%) and 511 (33.7%), P <
      0.001, for obesity. There were direct associations between asset index quintiles
      and both overweight and obesity among both genders (Ps for trend <0.01) except
      for obesity among men (P for trend = 0.118). The overall Concentration Indices
      for overweight and obesity were 0.031 (95%CI = 0.016-0.046, P < 0.001) and 0.041
      (95%CI = 0.004-0.078, p = 0.028), respectively. CONCLUSION: Findings support the
      direct relationship between SES and obesity among women as previously reported in
      developing countries.

PMID- 28086844
TI  - Are risk predicting models useful for estimating survival of patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk predicting models have been applied in idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis (IPF), but still not validated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). The purpose of this study was to
      test the suitability of three prediction models as well as individual lung
      function and demographic factors for evaluating the prognosis of RA-ILD patients.
      METHODS: Clinical and radiological data of 59 RA-ILD patients was re-assessed.
      GAP (gender, age, physiologic variables) and the modified interstitial lung
      disease (ILD)-GAP as well as the composite physiologic indexes (CPI) were tested
      for predicting mortality using the goodness-of-fit test and Cox model. Potential
      predictors of mortality were also sought from single lung function parameters and
      clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The median survival was 152 and 61 months in
      GAP / ILD-GAP stages I and II (p = 0.017). Both GAP and ILD-GAP models accurately
      estimated 1-year, 2-year and 3-year mortality. CPI (p = 0.025), GAP (p = 0.008)
      and ILD-GAP (p = 0.028) scores, age (p = 0.002), baseline diffusion capacity to
      carbon monoxide (DLCO) (p = 0.014) and hospitalization due to respiratory reasons
      (p = 0.039), were significant predictors of mortality in the univariate analysis,
      whereas forced vital capacity (FVC) was not predictive. CPI score (HR 1.03, p =
      0.018) and baseline DLCO (HR 0.97, p = 0.011) remained significant predictors of
      mortality after adjusting for age. CONCLUSIONS: GAP and ILD-GAP are applicable
      for evaluating the risk of death of patients with RA-ILD in a similar manner as
      in those with IPF. Baseline DLCO and CPI score also predicted survival.

PMID- 28086846
TI  - Stochastic agent-based modeling of tuberculosis in Canadian Indigenous
      communities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Canada, active tuberculosis (TB) disease rates remain
      disproportionately higher among the Indigenous population, especially among the
      Inuit in the north. We used mathematical modeling to evaluate how interventions
      might enhance existing TB control efforts in a region of Nunavut. METHODS: We
      developed a stochastic, agent-based model of TB transmission that captured the
      unique household and community structure. Evaluated interventions included: (i)
      rapid treatment of active cases; (ii) rapid contact tracing; (iii) expanded
      screening programs for latent TB infection (LTBI); and (iv) reduced household
      density. The outcomes of interest were incident TB infections and total diagnosed
      active TB disease over a 10- year time period. RESULTS: Model-projected incidence
      in the absence of additional interventions was highly variable (range: 33-369
      cases) over 10 years. Compared to the 'no additional intervention' scenario,
      reducing the time between onset of active TB disease and initiation of treatment
      reduced both the number of new TB infections (47% reduction, relative risk of TB
      = 0.53) and diagnoses of active TB disease (19% reduction, relative risk of TB =
      0.81). Expanding general population screening was also projected to reduce the
      burden of TB, although these findings were sensitive to assumptions around the
      relative amount of transmission occurring outside of households. Other potential
      interventions examined in the model (school-based screening, rapid contact
      tracing, and reduced household density) were found to have limited effectiveness.
      CONCLUSIONS: In a region of northern Canada experiencing a significant TB burden,
      more rapid treatment initiation in active TB cases was the most impactful
      intervention evaluated. Mathematical modeling can provide guidance for allocation
      of limited resources in a way that minimizes disease transmission and protects
      population health.

PMID- 28086845
TI  - The social determinants of tuberculosis treatment adherence in a remote region of
      Papua New Guinea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a diverse and culturally-rich country with
      severe infrastructural and health problems. Tuberculosis (TB) is widespread, and
      the number of cases with drug resistance is rising. Treatment adherence is known
      to be important for both effective treatment and limiting the emergence of drug
      resistance. The aim of this study was to construct a matrix of the factors that
      act as facilitators or barriers to TB treatment adherence in a remote region of
      PNG. METHODS: The study was based in the Balimo region of the Western Province.
      People known to have undergone TB treatment, as well as staff involved in
      managing people with TB, were asked to participate in an in-depth interview about
      their experiences. Purposive sampling was used to identify a diverse range of
      participants, from different geographic locations, social backgrounds, and with
      successful and unsuccessful treatment outcomes. The interview data was analysed
      based on grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: The study identified a range of
      factors that influence TB treatment adherence, with these being classified as
      personal, systems, and sociocultural. These factors are presented along with
      suggested recommendations for adaptations to DOTS-based treatment in this region.
      Barriers included the challenges associated with travel to treatment sites, and
      the difficulties of undertaking treatment alongside the daily need to maintain
      subsistence food production. However, facilitators were also identified,
      including the positive influence of religious beliefs, and high confidence in the
      ability of DOTS-based treatment to cure TB. CONCLUSIONS: Documenting the wide
      range of factors that influence treatment adherence in a severely affected remote
      population will assist in improving TB control. These results provide impetus for
      further community-based efforts aimed at improving access to TB diagnosis and
      treatment, and maintaining successful treatment outcomes in the face of emerging
      drug resistance.

PMID- 28086847
TI  - Cardiac sarcoidosis resembling panic disorder: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown etiology, in which
      granulomas develop in various organs, including the skin, lungs, eyes, or heart.
      It has been reported that patients with sarcoidosis are more likely to develop
      panic disorder than members of the general population. However, there are many
      unknown factors concerning the causal relationship between these conditions. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 57-year-old woman who appeared to have
      panic disorder, as she experienced repeated panic attacks induced by transient
      complete atrioventricular block, associated with cardiac sarcoidosis.
      Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy were not effective in the treatment of her
      panic attacks. However, when we implanted a permanent pacemaker and initiated
      steroid treatment for cardiac sarcoidosis, panic attacks were ameliorated. Based
      on these findings, we diagnosed the patient's symptoms as an anxiety disorder
      associated with cardiac sarcoidosis, rather than panic disorder. CONCLUSIONS:
      This report highlights the importance of considering cardiac sarcoidosis in the
      differential diagnosis of panic disorder. This cardiac disease should be
      considered especially in patients have a history of cardiac disease (e.g.,
      arrhythmia) and atypical presentations of panic symptoms. Panic disorder is a
      psychiatric condition that is typically diagnosed after other medical conditions
      have been excluded. Because the diagnosis of sarcoidosis is difficult in some
      patients, caution is required. The palpitations and symptoms of heart failure
      associated with cardiac sarcoidosis can be misdiagnosed as psychiatric symptoms
      of panic disorder. The condition described in the current case study appears to
      constitute a physical disease, the diagnosis of which requires significant
      consideration and caution.

PMID- 28086848
TI  - Using Intervention Mapping to develop the Parents as Agents of Change (PAC(c))
      intervention for managing pediatric obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric obesity has become increasingly prevalent over recent
      decades. In view of the psychosocial and physical health risks, and the high
      likelihood that children with obesity will grow to become adults with obesity,
      there is a clear need to develop evidence-based interventions that can be
      delivered in the health care system to optimize the health and well-being of
      children with obesity and their families. The aim of this paper is to describe
      the development, implementation, and planned evaluation of a parent-based weight
      management intervention designed for parents of 8-12 year olds with obesity.
      METHODS/RESULTS: The principles of Intervention Mapping (IM) were used to develop
      an intervention called Parents as Agents of Change (PAC(c)). From 2006 to 2009,
      an environmental scan plus qualitative (individual interviews with parents and
      children), quantitative (medical record reviews), and literature review data were
      collected to gain broad insight into family factors related to pediatric obesity
      and its management. Theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence guided
      curriculum development, which was founded primarily on the tenets of family
      systems theory and cognitive behavioral theory. PAC was developed as a
      manualized, 16-session, group-based, health care professional-led intervention
      for parents to address individual, family, and environmental factors related to
      the management of pediatric obesity. The intervention was refined based on
      feedback from local and international experts, and has been implemented
      successfully in a multi-disciplinary weight management centre in a children's
      hospital. CONCLUSION: IM provided a practical framework to guide the systematic
      development of a pediatric weight management intervention for parents of children
      with obesity. This logical, step-by-step process blends theory and practice and
      is broadly applicable in the context of obesity management intervention
      development and evaluation. Following intervention development, the PAC
      intervention was evaluated within a randomized clinical trial. Trial registration
      NCT01267097; clinicaltrials.gov.

PMID- 28086849
TI  - Successful outcome following pneumonectomy in a teenage boy with cystic fibrosis:
      a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis lung disease is generally a diffuse process however
      rarely one lung may become particularly damaged through chronic collapse and
      consolidation resulting in end-stage bronchiectasis with relative sparing of the
      contralateral lung. This clinical situation is sometimes referred to as
      "destroyed lung". Lung resection surgery is seldom indicated in cystic fibrosis
      and the associated medical literature is relatively sparse. CASE PRESENTATION: A
      14 year old boy was referred to our centre for lung transplantation assessment.
      He had a chronic history of complete collapse and consolidation of his entire
      right lung. This was causing severe morbidity in terms of a continuous
      requirement for intravenous antibiotics over the last year, poor exercise
      tolerance with forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 35-40% predicted and need for
      home tuition. He also had significant nutritional problems and gastrointestinal
      symptoms following a Nissen's fundoplication operation a year earlier. His
      nutritional status was firstly improved by the institution of jejunal feeding,
      which also greatly improved his distressing symptoms of nausea and wretching.
      After thorough multidisciplinary assessment the therapeutic option of performing
      a right pneumonectomy was considered due to relative sparing of the left lung,
      which demonstrated only mild bronchiectasis on computed tomography scan. This was
      performed uneventfully with a smooth peri-operative course. Targeted
      antimicrobials were used to treat the multiresistant organisms colonising his
      airways. Subsequently his quality of life, nutritional status and lung function
      all improved significantly and requirement for lung transplantation has been
      delayed. CONCLUSIONS: We report a successful outcome following pneumonectomy in a
      teenage boy with cystic fibrosis referred to our centre for lung transplantation
      assessment with chronic unilateral collapse and consolidation of his right lung.
      We believe that improvement of nutritional status pre-operatively and targeted
      antimicrobial therapy, all contributed to the smooth peri-operative course.
      Pneumonectomy can be a feasible option in this clinical situation in cystic
      fibrosis but the associated risks must be considered carefully on a case-by-case
      basis.

PMID- 28086850
TI  - The prevalence trend of metabolic syndrome and its components and risk factors in
      Korean adults: results from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey 2008-2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in the clinical markers of metabolic syndrome (MS) are
      associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes
      mellitus, and some cancers. MS prevalence in Korea increased between the mid
      1990s and mid-2000s; however, no data on the recent trends of MS prevalence are
      available. Thus, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of MS, the five
      components of MS, and the related risk factors in Korean adults by using recent
      data. METHODS: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey conducted between 2008 and 2013 were used. The revised National
      Cholesterol Education Program criteria were used for defining MS. A multivariate
      logistic regression analyses was used to estimate the relationship between the
      related risk factors including behaviors, dietary factors, and the prevalence of
      MS. RESULTS: A total of 34,587 men and women were included in the analysis. Age
      adjusted prevalence of MS in 2013 was 28.9% without a significant increasing or
      decreasing trend between 2008 and 2013. Among the five components of MS,
      abdominal obesity decreased in both men and women (annual percent change: -2.0
      and -2.5%, respectively), the decrease being significant only in women, whereas
      blood pressure and blood glucose significantly increased in men (+1.9 and +2.7%,
      respectively). Age and obesity (odds ratio = 6.7, 95% confidence interval = 5.9
      7.5 for body mass index >=25 kg/m2 vs. body mass index <25 kg/m2) were associated
      with increased MS risk in both men and women. Smoking and alcohol drinking were
      significantly associated with increased MS risk in men, and association between
      MS and vitamin D deficiency was at the edge of statistical significance. Higher
      education and income level were significantly associated with decreased MS risk
      in women. During this period, smoking rate and physical activity, sodium intake,
      and serum vitamin D level significantly decreased. Education level, calorie
      intake, and intake of carbohydrate, fat, protein and calcium significantly
      increased. CONCLUSION: Several factors contribute to the stable MS prevalence-on
      the one hand, increased prevalence of high blood sugar, high blood pressure,
      calorie intake, and physical inactivity, and on the other hand, decreased
      prevalence of abdominal obesity and smoking. Lifestyle interventions to prevent
      and control non-communicable diseases should be implemented at the national level
      to reduce the burden of MS.

PMID- 28086851
TI  - Efficacy of intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) and 10-Hz high-frequency
      repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treatment-resistant
      unipolar depression: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of depression remains a challenge since at least 40% of
      patients do not respond to initial antidepressant therapy and 20% present chronic
      symptoms (more than 2 years despite standard treatment administered correctly).
      Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective adjuvant
      therapy but still not ideal. Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS), which
      has only been used recently in clinical practice, could have a faster and more
      intense effect compared to conventional protocols, including 10-Hz high-frequency
      rTMS (HF-rTMS). However, no controlled study has so far highlighted the
      superiority of iTBS in resistant unipolar depression. METHODS/DESIGN: This paper
      focuses on the design of a randomised, controlled, double-blind, single-centre
      study with two parallel arms, carried out in France, in an attempt to assess the
      efficacy of an iTBS protocol versus a standard HF- rTMS protocol. Sixty patients
      aged between 18 and 75 years of age will be enrolled. They must be diagnosed with
      major depressive disorder persisting despite treatment with two antidepressants
      at an effective dose over a period of 6 weeks during the current episode. The
      study will consist of two phases: a treatment phase comprising 20 sessions of
      rTMS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, localised via a neuronavigation
      system and a 6-month longitudinal follow-up. The primary endpoint will be the
      number of responders per group, defined by a decrease of at least 50% in the
      initial score on the Montgomery and Asberg Rating Scale (MADRS) at the end of
      rTMS sessions. The secondary endpoints will be: response rate 1 month after rTMS
      sessions; number of remissions defined by a MADRS score of <8 at the endpoint and
      1 month after; the number of responses and remissions maintained over the next 6
      months; quality of life; and the presence of predictive markers of the
      therapeutic response: clinical (dimensional scales), neuropsychological
      (evaluation of cognitive functions), motor (objective motor testing) and
      neurophysiological (cortical excitability measurements). DISCUSSION: The purpose
      of our study is to check the assumption of iTBS superiority in the management of
      unipolar depression and we will discuss its effect over time. In case of a
      significant increase in the number of therapeutic responses with a prolonged
      effect, the iTBS protocol could be considered a first-line protocol in resistant
      unipolar depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier
      NCT02376491 . Registered on 17 February 2015 at http://clinicaltrials.gov .

PMID- 28086852
TI  - PD-L1 expression in papillary renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The immune escape or tolerance of cancer cells is considered to be
      closely involved in cancer progression. Programmed death-1 (PD-1) is an
      inhibitory receptor expressed on activating T cells, and several types of cancer
      cells were found to express PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) and ligand 2 (PD-L2). METHODS:
      In the present study, we investigated PD-L1/2 expression in papillary renal cell
      carcinoma (pRCC). RESULT: We found PD-L1 expression in 29 of 102 cases, but no PD
      L2 expression was seen. PD-L1 expression was not significantly correlated with
      any clinicopathological factor, including progression-free survival and overall
      survival. The frequency of PD-L1-positive cases was higher in type 2 (36%) than
      in type 1 (22%) pRCC; however, there was no significant difference in the
      percentages of score 0 cases (p value = 0.084 in Chi-square test). The frequency
      of high PD-L1 expression cases was higher in type 2 (23%) than in type 1 (11%),
      and the frequency of high PD-L1 expression cases was higher in grade 3/4 (21%)
      than in grade 1/2 (13%). However, no significant association was found between PD
      L1 expression and all clinicopathological factors in pRCC. CONCLUSION: High
      expression of PD-L1 in cancer cells was potentially associated to highly
      histological grade of malignancy in pRCC. The evaluation of the PD-L1 protein
      might still be useful for predicting the efficacy of anti-cancer immunotherapy
      using immuno-checkpoint inhibitors, however, not be useful for predicting the
      clinical prognosis.

PMID- 28086853
TI  - Taking ACTION to reduce pain: ACTION study rationale, design and protocol of a
      randomized trial of a proactive telephone-based coaching intervention for chronic
      musculoskeletal pain among African Americans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rates of chronic pain are rising sharply in the United States and
      worldwide. Presently, there is evidence of racial disparities in pain treatment
      and treatment outcomes in the United States but few interventions designed to
      address these disparities. There is growing consensus that chronic
      musculoskeletal pain is best addressed by a biopsychosocial approach that
      acknowledges the role of psychological and environmental factors, some of which
      differ by race. METHODS/DESIGN: The primary aim of this randomized controlled
      trial is to test the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological, self-regulatory
      intervention, administered proactively by telephone, at improving pain outcomes
      and increasing walking among African American patients with hip, back and knee
      pain. Participants assigned to the intervention will receive a telephone
      counselor delivered pedometer-mediated walking intervention that incorporates
      action planning and motivational interviewing. The intervention will consist of 6
      telephone counseling sessions over an 8-10 week period. Participants randomly
      assigned to Usual Care will receive an informational brochure and a pedometer.
      The primary outcome is chronic pain-related physical functioning, assessed at 6
      months, by the revised Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire, a measure
      recommended by the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in
      Clinical Trials (IMMPACT). We will also examine whether the intervention improves
      other IMMPACT-recommended domains (pain intensity, emotional functioning, and
      ratings of overall improvement). Secondary objectives include examining whether
      the intervention reduces health care service utilization and use of opioid
      analgesics and whether key contributors to racial/ethnic disparities targeted by
      the intervention mediate improvement in chronic pain outcomes Measures will be
      assessed by mail and phone surveys at baseline, three months, and six months.
      Data analysis of primary aims will follow intent-to-treat methodology.
      DISCUSSION: We will tailor our intervention to address key contributors to racial
      pain disparities and examine the effects of the intervention on important pain
      treatment outcomes for African Americans with chronic musculoskeletal pain. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01983228 . Registered 6 November 2013.

PMID- 28086854
TI  - In vitro assessment of hepatoprotective agents against damage induced by
      acetaminophen and CCl4.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In vitro bioassays are important in the evaluation of plants with
      possible hepatoprotective effects. The aims of this study were to evaluate the
      pretreatment of HepG2 cells with hepatoprotective agents against the damage
      induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and paracetamol (APAP). METHODS:
      Antioxidative activity was measured using an assay to measure 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. The in vitro hepatotoxicity of
      CCl4 and APAP, and the cytotoxic and hepatoprotective properties of silymarin
      (SLM), silybinin (SLB), and silyphos (SLP) were evaluated by measuring cell
      viability; activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); total antioxidant
      capacity (TAOxC); and reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and
      lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA) levels). RESULTS: Only SLB and SLM
      showed strong antioxidative activity in the DPPH assay (39.71 +/- 0.85 MUg/mL and
      14.14 +/- 0.65 MUg/mL, respectively). CCl4 induced time- and concentration
      dependent changes. CCl4 had significant effects on cell viability, enzyme
      activities, lipid peroxidation, TAOxC, and SOD and GSH levels. These differences
      remained significant up to an exposure time of 3 h. APAP induced a variety of
      dose- and time-dependent responses up to 72 h of exposure. SLM, SLB, and SLP were
      not cytotoxic. Only SLB at a concentration of 100 MUg/mL or 150 MUg/mL
      significantly decreased the enzyme activities and MDA level, and prevented
      depletion of total antioxidants compared with CCl4. CONCLUSIONS: CCl4 was more
      consistent than APAP in inducing cell injury. Only SLB provided hepatoprotection.
      AST, LDH, and MDA levels were good markers of liver damage.

PMID- 28086855
TI  - Postoperative fluid overload is a risk factor for adverse surgical outcome in
      patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a retrospective study in
      335 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Restrictive intraoperative fluid management is increasingly
      recommended for patients undergoing esophagectomy. Controversy still exists about
      the impact of postoperative fluid management on perioperative outcome. METHODS:
      We retrospectively examined 335 patients who had undergone esophagectomy for
      esophageal cancer at the University Hospital Freiburg between 1996 and 2014 to
      investigate the relation between intra- and postoperative fluid management and
      postoperative morbidity after esophagectomy. RESULTS: Perioperative morbidity was
      75%, the in-hospital mortality 8%. A fluid balance above average on the operation
      day was strongly associated with a higher rate of postoperative mortality (21% vs
      3%, p < 0.001) and morbidity (83% vs 66%, p = 0.001). Univariate analysis for
      risk factors for adverse surgical outcome (Clavien >= III) identified ASA-score
      (p = 0.002), smoking (p = 0.036), reconstruction by colonic interposition (p =
      0.036), cervical anastomosis (p = 0.017), blood transfusion (p = 0.038) and total
      fluid balance on the operation day and on POD 4 (p = 0.001) as risk factors.
      Multivariate analysis confirmed only ASA-score (p = 0.001) and total fluid
      balance (p = 0.001) as independent predictors of adverse surgical outcome.
      CONCLUSION: Intra- and postoperative fluid overload is strongly associated with
      increased postoperative morbidity. Our results suggest restrictive intra- and
      especially postoperative fluid management to optimize the outcome after
      esophagectomy.

PMID- 28086856
TI  - The addition of a sagittal image fusion improves the prostate cancer detection in
      a sensor-based MRI /ultrasound fusion guided targeted biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To explore the diagnostic benefit of an additional image fusion of
      the sagittal plane in addition to the standard axial image fusion, using a sensor
      based MRI/US fusion platform. METHODS: During July 2013 and September 2015, 251
      patients with at least one suspicious lesion on mpMRI (rated by PI-RADS) were
      included into the analysis. All patients underwent MRI/US targeted biopsy (TB) in
      combination with a 10 core systematic prostate biopsy (SB). All biopsies were
      performed on a sensor-based fusion system. Group A included 162 men who received
      TB by an axial MRI/US image fusion. Group B comprised 89 men in whom the TB was
      performed with an additional sagittal image fusion. RESULTS: The median age in
      group A was 67 years (IQR 61-72) and in group B 68 years (IQR 60-71). The median
      PSA level in group A was 8.10 ng/ml (IQR 6.05-14) and in group B 8.59 ng/ml (IQR
      5.65-12.32). In group A the proportion of patients with a suspicious digital
      rectal examination (DRE) (14 vs. 29%, p = 0.007) and the proportion of primary
      biopsies (33 vs 46%, p = 0.046) were significantly lower. The rate of PI-RADS 3
      lesions were overrepresented in group A compared to group B (19 vs. 9%; p =
      0.044). Classified according to PI-RADS 3, 4 and 5, the detection rates of TB
      were 42, 48, 75% in group A and 25, 74, 90% in group B. The rate of PCa with a
      Gleason score >=7 missed by TB was 33% (18 cases) in group A and 9% (5 cases) in
      group B; p-value 0.072. An explorative multivariate binary logistic regression
      analysis revealed that PI-RADS, a suspicious DRE and performing an additional
      sagittal image fusion were significant predictors for PCa detection in TB. 9 PCa
      were only detected by TB with sagittal fusion (sTB) and sTB identified 10
      additional clinically significant PCa (Gleason >=7). CONCLUSION: Performing an
      additional sagittal image fusion besides the standard axial fusion appears to
      improve the accuracy of the sensor-based MRI/US fusion platform.

PMID- 28086857
TI  - Evaluating a multicomponent social behaviour change communication strategy to
      reduce intimate partner violence among married couples: study protocol for a
      cluster randomized trial in Nepal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue
      that affects 1 in 3 women globally and a similarly large number of women in
      Nepal. Over the past decade, important policy and programmatic steps have been
      taken to address violence against women in Nepal. There remains a dearth of
      evidence on the effectiveness of primary violence prevention strategies. The
      Change Starts at Home study begins to fill this gap by utilizing a multi
      component social behaviour change communication (SBCC) strategy involving a radio
      drama and community mobilization to shift attitudes, norms and behaviours that
      underpin IPV perpetration in Nepal. METHODS/DESIGN: The study uses a concurrent
      mixed-methods design. The quantitative aspect of the evaluation is a pair
      matched, repeated cross-sectional 2-armed, single-blinded cluster trial (RCT: N =
      36 clusters, 1440 individuals), comparing a social behaviour change communication
      (SBCC) strategy to radio programming alone for its impact on physical and / or
      sexual IPV at the end of programming (12 months' post-baseline) and 6-months post
      the cessation of project activities (18-months post baseline). The qualitative
      aspects of the design include several longitudinal approaches to understand the
      impact of the intervention and to examine mechanisms of change including in-depth
      interviews with participants (N = 18 couples), and focus group discussions with
      community leaders (N = 3 groups), and family members of participants (N = 12
      groups). Treatment effects will be estimated with generalized logistic mixed
      models specified to compare differences in primary outcome from baseline to 12
      month follow-up, and baseline to 18-months follow-up in accordance with intention
      to-treat principles. DISCUSSION: The study rigorously evaluates the effectiveness
      of a promising strategy to prevent IPV. The results of the trial will be
      immediately useful for governmental, nongovernmental, and donor funded programs
      targeting partner violence or social norms that underpin it. Findings of the
      study will also contribute to global knowledge on the effectiveness of media and
      community engagement as a primary prevention strategy for IPV. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Trial was registered in clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02942433 ,
      10/13/2016, retrospectively registered.

PMID- 28086858
TI  - The influence of adding modified zirconium oxide-titanium dioxide nano-particles
      on mechanical properties of orthodontic adhesive: an in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this in-vitro study was to examine the effect of
      incorporating different concentrations of Zirconium oxide-Titanium dioxide (ZrO2
      TiO2) nanoparticles, which can have antibacterial properties, on the mechanical
      properties of an orthodontic adhesive. METHODS: ZrO2-TiO2 (Zirconium oxide,
      HWNANO, Hongwu International Group Ltd, China) -Titanium dioxide, Nanoshell, USA)
      nanopowder were incorporated into orthodontic adhesive (Transbond XT, 3 M Unitek,
      Monrovia, USA) with different concentrations (0.5% weight nonofiller and 1%
      weight nanofiller). The size of nanoparticle was 70-80 nm for ZrO2 and less than
      50 nm for TiO2. For measuring the shear bond strength of the three groups of
      orthodontic adhesives [Transbond (control), Transbond mixed with 0.5% weight ZrO2
      TiO2, and Transbond mixed with 1% weight ZrO2-TiO2], 30 freshly extracted human
      first premolars were used and bonded with stainless steel metal brackets
      (Dentaurum(r), Discovery(r), Deutschland), using the 3 orthodontic adhesives and
      3 M Unitek; Transbond TM Plus Self-Etching Primer (10 samples in each group). The
      recorded values of compressive strength and tensile strength (measured separately
      on 10 samples of orthodontic adhesives (add the 3 D size of sample, light cured
      for 40 s on both sides) of each orthodontic adhesives), as well as the shear bond
      strength in Mega Pascal unit (MPa) were collected and exposed to one-way analysis
      of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc tests. RESULTS: orthodontic adhesive
      with 1% weight ZrO2-TiO2 showed the highest mean compressive (73.42 +/- 1.55 MPa,
      p: 0.003, F: 12.74), tensile strength (8.65 +/- 0.74 MPa, p: 0.001, F: 68.20),
      and shear bond strength (20.05 +/- 0.2 MPa, p: 0.001, F: 0.17). CONCLUSIONS:
      Adding ZrO2-TiO2 nanoparticle to orthodontic adhesive increased compressive
      strength, tensile strength, and shear bond strength in vitro, but in vivo studies
      and randomized clinical trials are needed to validate the present findings.

PMID- 28086859
TI  - Cheongsangbangpung-tang ameliorated the acute inflammatory response via the
      inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and MAPK phosphorylation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cheongsangbangpung-tang (CBT) is a traditional herbal formula used in
      Eastern Asia to treat heat-related diseases and swellings in the skin. The
      present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of
      cheongsangbangpung-tang extract (CBTE) both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The in
      vitro effects of CBTE on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of
      inflammation-related proteins were examined in RAW 264.7 cells. The levels of
      nitric oxide (NO) were measured with the Griess reagent. Inflammatory cytokines
      and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) method. Inflammation-related proteins were detected by Western
      blot. The effect of CBTE on acute inflammation in vivo was evaluated using
      carrageenan (CA)-induced paw oedema. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect,
      paw oedema volume, thickness of the dorsum and ventrum pedis skin, number of
      infiltrated inflammatory cells, and number of COX-2-, iNOS-immunoreactive cells
      were measured. RESULTS: In an in vitro study, CBTE inhibited the production of NO
      and PGE2 and also decreased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase
      (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and
      tumuor necrosis factor-alpha. In LPS-activated macrophages, nuclear factor-kappaB
      (NF-kappaB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling is a pivotal
      pathway in the inflammatory process. These plausible molecular mechanisms
      increased the phosphorylation of I-kappaBalpha, while the activation of NF-kappaB
      and the phosphorylation of MAPK by LPS were blocked by CBTE treatment. In our in
      vivo study, a CA-induced acute oedematous paw inflammation rat model was used to
      evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CBTE. CBTE significantly reduced the
      increases in paw swelling, skin thicknesses, infiltrated inflammatory cells and
      iNOS-, COX-2 positive cells induced by CA injection. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these
      results, CBTE should favourably inhibit the acute inflammatory response through
      modulation of NF-kappaB activation and MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, the
      inhibition of CBTE in rat paw oedema induced by CA is considered to be clear
      evidence that CBTE may be a useful source to treat inflammation.

PMID- 28086860
TI  - Nicotiana attenuata Data Hub (NaDH): an integrative platform for exploring
      genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic data in wild tobacco.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nicotiana attenuata (coyote tobacco) is an ecological model for
      studying plant-environment interactions and plant gene function under real-world
      conditions. During the last decade, large amounts of genomic, transcriptomic and
      metabolomic data have been generated with this plant which has provided new
      insights into how native plants interact with herbivores, pollinators and
      microbes. However, an integrative and open access platform that allows for the
      efficient mining of these -omics data remained unavailable until now.
      DESCRIPTION: We present the Nicotiana attenuata Data Hub (NaDH) as a centralized
      platform for integrating and visualizing genomic, phylogenomic, transcriptomic
      and metabolomic data in N. attenuata. The NaDH currently hosts collections of
      predicted protein coding sequences of 11 plant species, including two recently
      sequenced Nicotiana species, and their functional annotations, 222 microarray
      datasets from 10 different experiments, a transcriptomic atlas based on 20 RNA
      seq expression profiles and a metabolomic atlas based on 895 metabolite spectra
      analyzed by mass spectrometry. We implemented several visualization tools,
      including a modified version of the Electronic Fluorescent Pictograph (eFP)
      browser, co-expression networks and the Interactive Tree Of Life (iTOL) for
      studying gene expression divergence among duplicated homologous. In addition, the
      NaDH allows researchers to query phylogenetic trees of 16,305 gene families and
      provides tools for analyzing their evolutionary history. Furthermore, we also
      implemented tools to identify co-expressed genes and metabolites, which can be
      used for predicting the functions of genes. Using the transcription factor NaMYB8
      as an example, we illustrate that the tools and data in NaDH can facilitate
      identification of candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of specialized
      metabolites. CONCLUSION: The NaDH provides interactive visualization and data
      analysis tools that integrate the expression and evolutionary history of genes in
      Nicotiana, which can facilitate rapid gene discovery and comparative genomic
      analysis. Because N. attenuata shares many genome-wide features with other
      Nicotiana species including cultivated tobacco, and hence NaDH can be a resource
      for exploring the function and evolution of genes in Nicotiana species in
      general. The NaDH can be accessed at: http://nadh.ice.mpg.de/ .

PMID- 28086861
TI  - Managing 'shades of grey': a focus group study exploring community-dwellers'
      views on advance care planning in older people.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community-dwelling consumers of healthcare are increasing, many aging
      with life-limiting conditions and deteriorating cognition. However, few have had
      advance care planning discussions or completed documentation to ensure future
      care preferences are acted upon. This study examines the awareness, attitudes,
      and experiences of advance care planning amongst older people and unrelated
      offspring/caregivers of older people residing in the community. METHODS:
      Qualitative descriptive research, which included focus groups with older people
      (55+ years) and older people's offspring/caregivers living in an Australian city
      and surrounding rural region. Data was analysed using an inductive and
      comparative approach. Sampling was both convenience and purposive. Participants
      responded to web-based, newsletter or email invitations from an agency, which
      aims to support healthcare consumers, a dementia support group, or community
      health centres in areas with high proportions of culturally and linguistically
      diverse community-dwellers. RESULTS: Eight focus groups were attended by a
      homogenous sample of 15 older people and 27 offspring/caregivers, with 43% born
      overseas. The overarching theme, 'shades of grey': struggles in transition,
      reflects challenges faced by older people and their offspring/caregivers as older
      people often erratically transition from independence and capacity to dependence
      and/or incapacity. Offspring/caregivers regularly struggled with older people's
      fluctuating autonomy and dependency as older people endeavoured to remain at
      home, and with conceptualising "best times" to actualise advance care planning
      with substitute decision maker involvement. Advance care planning was supported
      and welcomed, x advance care planning literacy was evident. Difficulties planning
      for hypothetical health events and socio-cultural attitudes thwarting death
      related discussions were emphasised. Occasional offspring/caregivers with
      previous substitute decision maker experience reported distress related to their
      decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Advance care planning programs traditionally assume
      participants are 'planning ready' to legally appoint a substitute decision maker
      (power of attorney) and record end-of-life treatment preferences in short time
      frames. This contrasts with how community dwelling older people and
      offspring/caregivers conceive future care decisions over time. Advance care
      planning programs need to include provision of information, which supports older
      people's advance care planning understanding and management, and also supports
      offspring/caregivers' development of strategies for broaching advance care
      planning with older people, and preparing for potential substitute decision maker
      roles. Development and integration of strategies to support older people's
      decision-making when in the 'grey zone', with fluctuating cognitive capacities,
      needs further consideration. Findings support an advance care planning model with
      conversations occurring at key points across a person's lifespan.

PMID- 28086862
TI  - Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity by National Dental Practice-Based Research
      Network practitioners: results from a questionnaire administered prior to
      initiation of a clinical study on this topic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common problem encountered in
      clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to identify the management
      approaches for DH among United States dentists. METHODS: One hundred eighty five
      National Dental Practice-Based Research Network clinicians completed a
      questionnaire regarding their preferred methods to diagnose and manage DH in the
      practice setting, and their beliefs about DH predisposing factors. RESULTS:
      Almost all dentists (99%) reported using more than one method to diagnose DH.
      Most frequently, they reported using spontaneous patient reports coupled with
      excluding other causes of oral pain by direct clinical examination (48%);
      followed by applying an air blast (26%), applying cold water (12%), and obtaining
      patient reports after dentist's query (6%). In managing DH, the most frequent
      first choice was desensitizing, over-the-counter (OTC), potassium nitrate
      toothpaste (48%), followed by fluorides (38%), and glutaraldehyde/HEMA (3%). A
      total of 86% of respondents reported using a combination of products when
      treating DH, most frequently using fluoride varnish and desensitizing OTC
      potassium nitrate toothpaste (70%). The most frequent predisposing factor leading
      to DH, as reported by the practitioners, was recessed gingiva (66%), followed by
      abrasion, erosion, abfraction/attrition lesions (59%) and bruxism (32%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The majority of network practitioners use multiple methods to
      diagnose and manage DH. Desensitizing OTC potassium nitrate toothpaste and
      fluoride formulations are the most widely used products to manage DH in dental
      practice setting.

PMID- 28086864
TI  - Direct detection of falciparum and non-falciparum malaria DNA from a drop of
      blood with high sensitivity by the dried-LAMP system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of the low sensitivity of conventional rapid diagnostic tests
      (RDTs) for malaria infections, the actual prevalence of the diseases, especially
      those caused by non-Plasmodium falciparum (non-Pf) species, in asymptomatic
      populations remain less defined in countries lacking in well-equipped facilities
      for accurate diagnoses. Our direct blood dry LAMP system (CZC-LAMP) was applied
      to the diagnosis of malaria as simple, rapid and highly sensitive method as an
      alternative for conventional RDTs in malaria endemic areas where laboratory
      resources are limited. RESULTS: LAMP primer sets for mitochondria DNAs of
      Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and human-infective species other than Pf (non-Pf; P.
      vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae) were designed and tested by using human blood DNA
      samples from 74 residents from a malaria endemic area in eastern Zambia. These
      malaria dry-LAMPs were optimized for field or point-of-care operations, and
      evaluated in the field at a malaria endemic area in Zambia with 96 human blood
      samples. To determine the sensitivities and specificities, results obtained by
      the on-site LAMP diagnosis were compared with those by the nested PCR and
      nucleotide sequencing of its product. The dry LAMPs showed the sensitivities of
      89.7% for Pf and 85.7% for non-Pf, and the specificities of 97.2% for Pf and 100%
      for non-Pf, with purified blood DNA samples. The direct blood LAMP diagnostic
      methods, in which 1 MUl of anticoagulated blood were used as the template, showed
      the sensitivities of 98.1% for Pf, 92.1% for non-Pf, and the specificities of
      98.1% for Pf, 100% for non-Pf. The prevalences of P. falciparum, P. malariae and
      P. ovale in the surveyed area were 52.4, 25.3 and 10.6%, respectively, indicating
      high prevalence of asymptomatic carriers in endemic areas in Zambia. CONCLUSIONS:
      We have developed new field-applicable malaria diagnostic tests. The malaria CZC
      LAMPs showed high sensitivity and specificity to both P. falciparum and non-P.
      falciparum. These malaria CZC-LAMPs provide new means for rapid, sensitive and
      reliable point-of-care diagnosis for low-density malaria infections, and are
      expected to help update current knowledge of malaria epidemiology, and can
      contribute to the elimination of malaria from endemic areas.

PMID- 28086865
TI  - RNAi reveals proteins for metabolism and protein processing associated with
      Langat virus infection in Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick) ISE6 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFs) cause thousands of human cases of
      encephalitis worldwide each year, with some TBF infections progressing to
      hemorrhagic fever. TBFs are of medical and veterinary importance and strategies
      to reduce flavivirus transmission by the tick vector may have significant
      application. Analyses of the proteome of ISE6 cells derived from the black legged
      tick, Ixodes scapularis infected with the TBF, Langat virus (LGTV), have provided
      insights into proteins and cellular processes involved with LGTV infection.
      METHODS: RNA interference (RNAi)-induced knockdown of transcripts was used to
      investigate the role of ten tick proteins in the LGTV infection cycle in ISE6
      cells. LGTV-infected cells were separately transfected with dsRNA corresponding
      to each gene of interest and the effect on LGTV genome replication and release of
      infectious virus was assessed by RT-qPCR and plaque assays, respectively.
      RESULTS: RNAi-induced knockdown of transcripts for two enzymes that likely
      function in amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, terpenoid/polykeytide and vitamin
      metabolism, and a transcript for one protein of unknown function were associated
      with decreased replication of the LGTV genome and release of infectious virus
      from cells. The knockdown of transcripts for five enzymes predicted to function
      in metabolism, a protein likely associated with folding, sorting and degradation,
      and a protein of unknown function was associated with a decrease only in the
      amount of infectious LGTV released from cells. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest
      tick proteins potentially associated with metabolism and protein processing may
      be involved in LGTV infection of ISE6 cells. Our study provides information to
      begin to elucidate the function of these proteins and identify targets for the
      development of new interventions aimed at controlling the transmission of TBFs.

PMID- 28086866
TI  - Perceptions and utilization of generic medicines in Guatemala: a mixed-methods
      study with physicians and pharmacy staff.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Access to low-cost essential generic medicines is a critical health
      policy goal in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Guatemala is an LMIC
      where there is both limited availability and affordability of these medications.
      However, attitudes of physicians and pharmacy staff regarding low-cost generics,
      especially generics for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), have not been fully
      explored in Guatemala. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 30 pharmacy staff
      and 12 physicians in several highland towns in Guatemala were conducted.
      Interview questions related to perceptions of low-cost generic medicines,
      prescription and dispensing practices of generics in the treatment of two NCDs,
      diabetes and hypertension, and opinions about the roles of pharmacy staff and
      physicians in selecting medicines for patients. Pharmacy staff were recruited
      from a random sample of pharmacies and physicians were recruited from a
      convenience sample. Interview data were analyzed using a thematic approach for
      qualitative data as well as basic quantitative statistics. RESULTS: Pharmacy
      staff and physicians expressed doubt as to the safety and efficacy of low-cost
      generic medicines in Guatemala. The low cost of generic medicines was often
      perceived as proof of their inferior quality. In the case of diabetes and
      hypertension, the decision to utilize a generic medicine was based on multiple
      factors including the patient's financial situation, consumer preference, and, to
      a large extent, physician recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to improve
      generic medication utilization in Guatemala must address the negative perceptions
      of physicians and pharmacy staff toward low-cost generics. Strengthening state
      capacity and transparency in the regulation and monitoring of the drug supply is
      a key goal of access-to-medicines advocacy in Guatemala.

PMID- 28086863
TI  - Exercise mediated protection of diabetic heart through modulation of microRNA
      mediated molecular pathways.
AB  - Hyperglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance collectively
      impact on the myocardium of people with diabetes, triggering molecular,
      structural and myocardial abnormalities. These have been suggested to aggravate
      oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, myocardial lipotoxicity and impaired
      myocardial substrate utilization. As a consequence, this leads to the development
      of a spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, which may include but not limited to
      coronary endothelial dysfunction, and left ventricular remodelling and
      dysfunction. Diabetic heart disease (DHD) is the term used to describe the
      presence of heart disease specifically in diabetic patients. Despite significant
      advances in medical research and long clinical history of anti-diabetic
      medications, the risk of heart failure in people with diabetes never declines.
      Interestingly, sustainable and long-term exercise regimen has emerged as an
      effective synergistic therapy to combat the cardiovascular complications in
      people with diabetes, although the precise molecular mechanism(s) underlying this
      protection remain unclear. This review provides an overview of the underlying
      mechanisms of hyperglycaemia- and insulin resistance-mediated DHD with a detailed
      discussion on the role of different intensities of exercise in mitigating these
      molecular alterations in diabetic heart. In particular, we provide the possible
      role of exercise on microRNAs, the key molecular regulators of several
      pathophysiological processes.

PMID- 28086867
TI  - Process evaluation of an integrated care pathway in geriatric rehabilitation for
      people with complex health problems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An integrated care pathway in geriatric rehabilitation was developed
      to improve coordination and continuity of care for community-living older adults
      in the Netherlands, who go through the process of hospital admission, admission
      to a geriatric rehabilitation facility and discharge back to the home situation.
      This pathway is a complex intervention and is focused on improving communication,
      triage and transfers of patients between the hospital, geriatric rehabilitation
      facility and primary care organisations. A process evaluation was performed to
      assess the feasibility of this pathway. METHODS: The study design incorporated
      mixed methods. Feasibility was assessed thru if the pathway was implemented
      according to plan (fidelity and dose delivered), (b) if patients, informal
      caregivers and professionals were satisfied with the pathway (dose received) and
      (c) which barriers and facilitators influenced implementation (context). These
      components were derived from the theoretical framework of Saunders and
      colleagues. Data were collected using three structured face-to-face interviews
      with patients, self-administered questionnaires among informal caregivers, and
      group interviews with professionals. Furthermore, data were collected from the
      information transfer system in the hospital, patient files of the geriatric
      rehabilitation facility and minutes of evaluation meetings. RESULTS: In total,
      113 patients, 37 informal caregivers and 19 healthcare professionals participated
      in this process evaluation. The pathway was considered largely feasible as two
      components were fully implemented according to plan and two components were
      largely implemented according to plan. The timing and quality of medical
      discharge summaries were not sufficiently implemented according to plan and
      professionals indicated that the triage instrument needed refinement. Healthcare
      professionals were satisfied with the implementation of the pathway and they
      indicated that due to improved collaboration, the quality of care provision
      improved. Although patients and informal caregivers were also satisfied with the
      care provision in the pathway, they indicated that the care organisations
      involved should pay more attention towards providing information about their
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This process evaluation showed that patients, informal
      caregivers and professionals are fairly satisfied with the care provision in the
      pathway and professionals reported that collaboration improved. Extra attention
      should be paid to the components in the pathway that were not implemented
      according to plan. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN90000867 Registered 7 April 2016.

PMID- 28086868
TI  - The impact of students and curriculum on self-study during clinical training in
      medical school: a multilevel approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In higher education, the focus has shifted from the acquisition of
      knowledge to learning objectives and skills. This means that, the majority of
      student learning time is spent independently working outside the classroom.
      Students take an active role in setting goals, deciding how to achieve them, and
      planning individual study time. Although extensive research has recognized the
      importance of curriculum and students' characteristics in time devoted to self
      study, it is still unclear to what extent these variables affect time to study.
      Due to the growing reliance on self-directed learning in medical education, and
      in an attempt to elucidate this issue, this research aims to evaluate self-study
      time during clinical training and assess whether this is more influenced by the
      student or the curriculum. METHODS: A questionnaire was given to 1220 medical
      students (43.3% of the enrolled students). The students were asked to indicate
      the average number of study hours per week beyond the time allocated to classes
      for each clerkship (rotation) attended. Variation and generalizability of
      students' self-study were estimated using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Findings
      showed that the intrinsic differences within students were a greater source of
      variation in self-study time than differences within clerkships (56.0% vs. 6.9%).
      If the amount of self-study dedicated to an individual clerkship is to be
      determined, at least 32 students are needed to achieve acceptable reliability.
      However, this data with two clerkships per student can used to retrospectively
      measure the self-study reported by students in clinical training. CONCLUSIONS:
      The findings suggest that, both, curriculum and student characteristics influence
      self-study in undergraduate clinical training. Indeed, students' characteristics
      play a significant role in time devoted to study. Further research should be
      undertaken to investigate students' characteristics that may predict self-study
      during undergraduate medical training.

PMID- 28086869
TI  - Evaluation of an aged care nurse practitioner service: quality of care within a
      residential aged care facility hospital avoidance service.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reducing avoidable hospitialisation of aged care facility (ACF)
      residents can improve the resident experience and their health outcomes.
      Consequently many variations of hospital avoidance (HA) programs continue to
      evolve. Nurse practitioners (NP) with expertise in aged care have the potential
      to make a unique contribution to hospital avoidance programs. However, little
      attention has been dedicated to service evaluation of this model and the quality
      of care provided. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of an
      aged care NP model of care situated within a HA service in a regional area of
      Australia. METHODS: Donabedian's structure, process and outcome framework was
      applied to evaluate the quality of the NP model of care. The Australian Nurse
      Practitioner Study standardised interview schedules for evaluating NP models of
      care guided the semi-structured interviews of nine health professionals
      (including ACF nurses, medical doctors and allied health professionals), four ACF
      residents and their families and two NPs. Theory driven coding consistent with
      the Donabedian framework guided analysis of interview data and presentation of
      findings. RESULTS: Structural dimensions identified included the 'in-reach'
      nature of the HA service, distance, limitations of professional regulation and
      the residential care model. These dimensions influenced the process of referring
      the resident to the NP, the NPs timely response and interactions with other
      professionals. The processes where the NPs take time connecting with residents,
      initiating collaborative care plans, up-skilling aged care staff and function as
      intra and interprofessional boundary spanners all contributed to quality
      outcomes. Quality outcomes in this study were about timely intervention, HA,
      timely return home, partnering with residents and family (knowing what they want)
      and resident and health professional satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      provides valuable insights into the contribution of the NP model of care within
      an aged care, HA service and how staff manipulated the process dimensions to
      improve referral to the NPs. NP service in this study was dynamic, flexible and
      responsive to both patient and organisational demands.

PMID- 28086870
TI  - A pilot study of a Community Health Agent-led type 2 diabetes self-management
      program using Motivational Interviewing-based approaches in a public primary care
      center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes are
      escalating in low and middle-income countries such as Brazil. Scalable primary
      care-based interventions are needed to improve self-management and clinical
      outcomes of adults with diabetes. This pilot study examines the feasibility,
      acceptability, and outcomes of training community health agents (CHAs) in
      Motivational Interviewing (MI)-based counseling for patients with poorly
      controlled diabetes in a primary care center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. METHODS:
      Nineteen salaried CHAs participated in 32 h of training in MI and behavioral
      action planning. With support from booster training sessions, they used these
      skills in their regular monthly home visits over a 6 month period with 57
      diabetes patients with baseline HbA1cs > 7.0%. The primary outcome was patients'
      reports of the quality of diabetes care as measured by the Portuguese version of
      the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) scale. Secondary outcomes
      included changes in patients' reported diabetes self-management behaviors and in
      A1c, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. We also examined CHAs'
      fidelity to and experiences with the intervention. RESULTS: Patients reported
      improvements over the 6 month period in quality of diabetes care received (PACIC
      score improved 33 (+/-19) to 68 (+/-21) (p < .001)). They reported increases in
      physical activity (p = .001), consumption of fruits and vegetables (p < .001) and
      medication adherence (p = .002), but no decreases in consumption of high-fat
      foods (p = .402) or sweets (p = .436). Participants had mean 6-month A1c levels
      0.34% points lower than at baseline (p = .08) and improved mean LDL (-16.1 mg/dL,
      p = .005) and triglyceride levels (-38.725 mg/dL, p = .002). Of the 16 CHAs
      observed in fidelity assessments, 13 were categorized as medium- or high
      performing on MI skills, while 3 were low-performing. CHAs expressed enthusiasm
      about learning new skills, and many described a shift from advice-giving to
      encouraging patients to define their own goals. CONCLUSION: In resource-scarce
      settings, it is essential to fully utilize existing primary care resources to
      stem the epidemic of diabetes and other NCDs. Our pilot results support the
      potential of training CHAs to incorporate effective diabetes self-management
      support into their routine patient encounters. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02994095
      12/14/2016 Registered retrospectively.

PMID- 28086871
TI  - The integrated care pathway for post stroke patients (iCaPPS): a shared care
      approach between stakeholders in areas with limited access to specialist stroke
      care services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lack of intersectoral collaboration within public health sectors
      compound efforts to promote effective multidisciplinary post stroke care after
      discharge following acute phase. A coordinated, primary care-led care pathway to
      manage post stroke patients residing at home in the community was designed by an
      expert panel of specialist stroke care providers to help overcome fragmented post
      stroke care in areas where access is limited or lacking. METHODS: Expert panel
      discussions comprising Family Medicine Specialists, Neurologists, Rehabilitation
      Physicians and Therapists, and Nurse Managers from Ministry of Health and
      acadaemia were conducted. In Phase One, experts chartered current care processes
      in public healthcare facilities, from acute stroke till discharge and also
      patients who presented late with stroke symptoms to public primary care health
      centres. In Phase Two, modified Delphi technique was employed to obtain consensus
      on recommendations, based on current evidence and best care practices. Care
      algorithms were designed around existing work schedules at public health centres.
      RESULTS: Indication for patients eligible for monitoring by primary care at
      public health centres were identified. Gaps in transfer of care occurred either
      at post discharge from acute care or primary care patients diagnosed at or beyond
      subacute phase at health centres. Essential information required during transfer
      of care from tertiary care to primary care providers was identified. Care
      algorithms including appropriate tools were summarised to guide primary care
      teams to identify patients requiring further multidisciplinary interventions.
      Shared care approaches with Specialist Stroke care team were outlined. Components
      of the iCaPPS were developed simultaneously: (i) iCaPPS-Rehab(c) for
      rehabilitation of stroke patients at community level (ii) iCaPPS-Swallow(c)
      guided the primary care team to screen and manage stroke related swallowing
      problems. CONCLUSION: Coordinated post stroke care monitoring service for
      patients at community level is achievable using the iCaPPS and its components as
      a guide. The iCaPPS may be used for post stroke care monitoring of patients in
      similar fragmented healthcare delivery systems or areas with limited access to
      specialist stroke care services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: No.: ACTRN12616001322426
      (Registration Date: 21st September 2016).

PMID- 28086872
TI  - Dapagliflozin decreases small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and
      increases high-density lipoprotein 2-cholesterol in patients with type 2
      diabetes: comparison with sitagliptin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been
      reported to increase both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (C). This study aimed to determine how SGLT-2
      inhibitors affect LDL and HDL-C subspecies. METHODS: This single center, open
      label, randomized, prospective study included 80 patients with type 2 diabetes
      taking prescribed oral hypoglycemic agents. Patients were allocated to receive
      dapagliflozin (n = 40) or sitagliptin (n = 40) as add-on treatment. Fasting blood
      samples were collected before and 12 weeks after this intervention. Small dense
      (sd) LDL-C, large buoyant (lb) LDL-C, HDL2-C, and HDL3-C levels were determined
      using our established homogeneous assays. Statistical comparison of blood
      parameters before and after treatment was performed using the paired t test.
      RESULTS: Dapagliflozin and sitagliptin comparably decreased HbA1c (0.75 and
      0.63%, respectively). Dapagliflozin significantly decreased body weight, systolic
      blood pressure, plasma triglycerides and liver transaminases, and increased
      adiponectin; sitagliptin did not alter these measurements. LDL-C and
      apolipoprotein (apo) B were not significantly changed by dapagliflozin, whereas
      HDL-C and apo AI were increased. Dapagliflozin did not alter concentrations of
      LDL-C, but sd LDL-C decreased by 20% and lb LDL-C increased by 18%. Marked
      elevation in lb LDL-C (53%) was observed in individuals (n = 20) whose LDL-C was
      elevated by dapagliflozin. However, sd LDL-C remained suppressed (20%).
      Dapagliflozin increased HDL2-C by 18% without affecting HDL3-C. Sitagliptin did
      not alter plasma lipids or lipoprotein subspecies. CONCLUSIONS: A SGLT-2
      inhibitor, dapagliflozin suppresses potent atherogenic sd LDL-C and increased
      HDL2-C, a favorable cardiometabolic marker. Although LDL-C levels are elevated by
      treatment with dapagliflozin, this was due to increased concentrations of the
      less atherogenic lb LDL-C. However, these findings were not observed after
      treatment with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin. Trial registration
      UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000020984).

PMID- 28086873
TI  - Cecal MicroRNAome response to Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis infection
      in White Leghorn Layer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) is a food-borne pathogen
      and of great threat to human health through consuming the contaminated poultry
      products. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in different biological
      activities and have been shown to regulate the innate immunity in the bacterial
      infection. The objective of this study is to identify miRNAs associated with SE
      infection in laying chicken cecum. RESULTS: Average number of reads of three
      libraries constructed from infected and non-infected chickens was 12,476,156 and
      10,866,976, respectively. There were 598 miRNAs including 194 potential novel
      miRNAs identified in which 37 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed
      between infected and non-infected chickens. In total, 2897 unique target genes
      regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted, in which, 841 genes
      were uniquely regulated by up-regulated miRNAs (G1), 636 genes were uniquely
      regulated by down-regulated miRNAs (G2), and 1420 were co-regulated by both up
      and down- regulated miRNAs (G3). There were 118, 73 and 178 GO (Gene ontology) BP
      (Biological process) terms significantly enriched in G1, G2 and G3 groups,
      respectively. More immune-related GO BP terms than metabolism-related terms were
      found in G1. Expression of 12 immune-related genes of four differentially
      expressed miRNAs was detected through qRT-PCR. The regulatory direction of gga
      miR-1416-5p, gga-miR-1662, and gga-miR-34a-5p were opposite with the target genes
      of TLR21, BCL10, TLR1LA, NOTCH2 and THBS1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The miRNAs
      contribute to the response to SE infection at the onset of egg laying through
      regulating the homeostasis between metabolism and immunity. The gga-miR-125b-5p,
      gga-miR-34a-5p, gga-miR-1416-5p and gga-miR-1662 could play an important role in
      SE infection through regulating their target genes. The finding herein will pave
      the foundation for the studies of microRNA regulation in SE infection in laying
      hens.

PMID- 28086875
TI  - Learning global health: a pilot study of an online collaborative intercultural
      peer group activity involving medical students in Australia and Indonesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is limited research to inform effective pedagogies for teaching
      global health to undergraduate medical students. Theoretically, using a
      combination of teaching pedagogies typically used in 'international classrooms'
      may prove to be an effective way of learning global health. This pilot study
      aimed to explore the experiences of medical students in Australia and Indonesia
      who participated in a reciprocal intercultural participatory peer e-learning
      activity (RIPPLE) in global health. METHODS: Seventy-one third year medical
      students (49 from Australia and 22 from Indonesia) from the University of
      Tasmania (Australia) and the University of Nusa Cendana (Indonesia) participated
      in the RIPPLE activity. Participants were randomly distributed into 11
      intercultural 'virtual' groups. The groups collaborated online over two weeks to
      study a global health topic of their choice, and each group produced a structured
      research abstract. Pre- and post-RIPPLE questionnaires were used to capture
      students' experiences of the activity. Descriptive quantitative data were
      analysed with Microsoft Excel and qualitative data were thematically analysed.
      RESULTS: Students' motivation to volunteer for this activity included: curiosity
      about the innovative approach to learning; wanting to expand knowledge of global
      health; hoping to build personal and professional relationships; and a desire to
      be part of an intercultural experience. Afer completing the RIPPLE program,
      participants reported on global health knowledge acquisition, the development of
      peer relationships, and insight into another culture. Barriers to achieving the
      learning outcomes associated with RIPPLE included problems with establishing
      consistent online communication, and effectively managing time to simultaneously
      complete RIPPLE and other curricula activities. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students
      from both countries found benefits in working together in small virtual groups to
      complement existing teaching in global health. However, our pilot study
      demonstrated that while intercultural collaborative peer learning activities like
      RIPPLE are feasible, they require robust logistical support and an awareness of
      the need to manage curriculum alignment in ways that facilitate more effective
      student engagement.

PMID- 28086876
TI  - Fulfillment of administrative and professional obligations of hospitals and
      mission motivation of physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To be successful, hospitals must increasingly collaborate with their
      medical staff. One strategic tool that plays an important role is the mission
      statement of hospitals. The goal of this research was to study the relationship
      between the fulfillment of administrative and professional obligations of
      hospitals on physicians' motivation to contribute to the mission of the hospital.
      Furthermore the mediating role of the physicians' emotional attachment to the
      hospital and moderation effect of the exchange with the head physicians were
      considered. METHODS: Self-employed physicians of six hospitals participated in a
      survey. Descriptive analyses and linear regression were used to analyse the data.
      RESULTS: The results indicate that affective commitment mediated the relationship
      between psychological contract fulfillment and mission statement motivation. In
      addition, the quality of exchange with the Chief Medical Officer moderated the
      relationship between the fulfillment of administrative obligations and affective
      commitment positively. CONCLUSION: This study extends our understanding of social
      exchange processes and mission statement motivation of physicians. We showed that
      when physicians perceive a high level of fulfillment of their psychological
      contract they are more committed and more motivated to contribute to the mission
      statement. A high quality relationship between physician and Chief Medical
      Officer can enhance this reciprocity dynamic.

PMID- 28086874
TI  - New developments in anti-malarial target candidate and product profiles.
AB  - A decade of discovery and development of new anti-malarial medicines has led to a
      renewed focus on malaria elimination and eradication. Changes in the way new anti
      malarial drugs are discovered and developed have led to a dramatic increase in
      the number and diversity of new molecules presently in pre-clinical and early
      clinical development. The twin challenges faced can be summarized by multi-drug
      resistant malaria from the Greater Mekong Sub-region, and the need to provide
      simplified medicines. This review lists changes in anti-malarial target candidate
      and target product profiles over the last 4 years. As well as new medicines to
      treat disease and prevent transmission, there has been increased focus on the
      longer term goal of finding new medicines for chemoprotection, potentially with
      long-acting molecules, or parenteral formulations. Other gaps in the malaria
      armamentarium, such as drugs to treat severe malaria and endectocides (that kill
      mosquitoes which feed on people who have taken the drug), are defined here.
      Ultimately the elimination of malaria requires medicines that are safe and well
      tolerated to be used in vulnerable populations: in pregnancy, especially the
      first trimester, and in those suffering from malnutrition or co-infection with
      other pathogens. These updates reflect the maturing of an understanding of the
      key challenges in producing the next generation of medicines to control,
      eliminate and ultimately eradicate malaria.

PMID- 28086877
TI  - Treating the invisible: Gaps and opportunities for enhanced TB control along the
      Thailand-Myanmar border.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Thailand's northwestern Tak province, contextual conditions along
      the border with Myanmar pose difficulties for TB control among migrant
      populations. Incomplete surveillance data, migrant patient mobility, and loss to
      follow-up make it difficult to estimate the TB burden and implement effective TB
      control measures. This multi-methods study examined tuberculosis, tuberculosis
      and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection, and multidrug-resistant
      tuberculosis treatment accessibility for migrants and refugees in Tak province,
      health system response, and public health surveillance. METHODS: In this study we
      conducted 13 interviews with key informants working in public health or TB
      treatment provision to elicit information on TB treatment availability and TB
      surveillance practices. In addition we organized 15 focus group discussions with
      refugee and migrant TB, TB/HIV, and MDR-TB patients and non-patients to discuss
      treatment access. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis and created
      treatment availability maps with Google maps. RESULTS: The study identified
      surveillance, treatment, and funding gaps. Migrant TB cases are underreported in
      the provincial statistics due to jurisdictional interpretations and resource
      barriers. Our results suggest that TB/HIV and MDR-TB treatment options are
      limited for migrants and a heavy reliance on donor funding may lead to potential
      funding gaps for migrant TB services. We identified several opportunities that
      positively contribute to TB control in Tak province: improved diagnostics,
      comprehensive care, and collaboration through data sharing, planning, and patient
      referrals. The various organizations providing TB treatment to migrant and
      refugee populations along the border and the Tak Provincial Public Health Office
      are highly collaborative which offers a strong foundation for future TB control
      initiatives. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the need to enhance the
      surveillance system to include all migrant TB patients who seek treatment in Tak
      province and support efforts by stakeholders on both sides of the border to
      continue to share data and engage in collaborative planning on TB, TB/HIV, and
      MDR-TB treatment provision for migrant populations.

PMID- 28086878
TI  - A case of cranium bifidum with meningocele in Ayrshire calf.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital cranial bone defects predispose to herniation of meninges,
      sometimes with brain tissue involvement, to form a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      filled cyst in the head. Such defects mainly results from focal failure of neural
      tube closure during fetal development and has been reported in various species of
      domestic mammals. CASE PRESENTATION: A one week old Ayrshire calf with a
      fluctuant swelling on parieto-occipital region of the head was referred to the
      faculty. The calf was always lying on lateral recumbency and exhibited resistance
      to deep palpation around the swelling and neck flexion. Embedded to the midline
      of the dorso-caudal surface of the cyst's wall was a hard longitudinally oriented
      structure. The case was diagnosed as meningocele by means of radiographic
      examination. As the likelihood to full recovery was greatly reduced due to the
      negative impact already meted on brain tissue by intracranial pressure, the calf
      was euthanized on grounds of animal welfare and the diagnosis confirmed by
      anatomopathological findings which also revealed a circular bone defect in
      parieto-occipital region of the skull vault and a flattened bony structure
      embedded to the cyst's wall. CONCLUSION: Anatomopathological findings confirmed
      the diagnosis as cranial bifidum with meningocele at the parieto-occipital region
      of the skull vault. The presence of a bony structure embedded to the wall of
      meningeal sac was rather unusual and could not be sufficiently explained. It was
      however thought to, most likely, represent a part of interparietal bone that
      failed to get incorporated into squamous part of occipital bone as a result of
      the defect. The report also highlights challenges that work against timely
      delivery of urgent veterinary interventions in rural set ups of Africa and rest
      of the developing world, often leaving veterinarians with animal welfare
      consideration as main determinant of intervention measures.

PMID- 28086879
TI  - Validity evidence for two objective structured clinical examination stations to
      evaluate core skills of the shoulder and knee assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We developed two objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)
      to educate and evaluate trainees in the evaluation and management of shoulder and
      knee pain. Our objective was to examine the evidence for validity of these OSCEs.
      METHODS: A multidisciplinary team of content experts developed checklists of exam
      maneuvers and criteria to guide rater observations. Content was proposed by
      faculty, supplemented by literature review, and finalized using a Delphi process.
      One faculty simulated the patient, another rated examinee performance. Two
      faculty independently rated a portion of cases. Percent agreement was calculated
      and Cohen's kappa corrected for chance agreement on binary outcomes. Examinees'
      self-assessment was explored by written surveys. Responses were stratified into 3
      categories and compared with similarly stratified OSCE scores using Pearson's
      coefficient. RESULTS: A multi-disciplinary cohort of 69 examinees participated.
      Examinees correctly identified rotator cuff and meniscal disease 88% and 89% of
      the time, respectively. Inter-rater agreement was moderate for the knee (87%; k =
      0.61) and near perfect for the shoulder (97%; k = 0.88). No correlation between
      stratified self-assessment and OSCE scores were found for either shoulder (0.02)
      or knee (-0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Validity evidence supports the continuing use of
      these OSCEs in educational programs addressing the evaluation and management of
      shoulder and knee pain. Evidence for validity includes the systematic development
      of content, rigorous control of the response process, and demonstration of
      acceptable interrater agreement. Lack of correlation with self-assessment
      suggests that these OSCEs measure a construct different from learners' self
      confidence.

PMID- 28086880
TI  - Influence of border disease virus (BDV) on serological surveillance within the
      bovine virus diarrhea (BVD) eradication program in Switzerland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2008, a program to eradicate bovine virus diarrhea (BVD) in cattle
      in Switzerland was initiated. After targeted elimination of persistently infected
      animals that represent the main virus reservoir, the absence of BVD is surveilled
      serologically since 2012. In view of steadily decreasing pestivirus
      seroprevalence in the cattle population, the susceptibility for (re-) infection
      by border disease (BD) virus mainly from small ruminants increases. Due to
      serological cross-reactivity of pestiviruses, serological surveillance of BVD by
      ELISA does not distinguish between BVD and BD virus as source of infection.
      RESULTS: In this work the cross-serum neutralisation test (SNT) procedure was
      adapted to the epidemiological situation in Switzerland by the use of three
      pestiviruses, i.e., strains representing the subgenotype BVDV-1a, BVDV-1h and
      BDSwiss-a, for adequate differentiation between BVDV and BDV. Thereby the BDV
      seroprevalence in seropositive cattle in Switzerland was determined for the first
      time. Out of 1,555 seropositive blood samples taken from cattle in the frame of
      the surveillance program, a total of 104 samples (6.7%) reacted with
      significantly higher titers against BDV than BVDV. These samples originated from
      65 farms and encompassed 15 different cantons with the highest BDV-seroprevalence
      found in Central Switzerland. On the base of epidemiological information
      collected by questionnaire in case- and control farms, common housing of cattle
      and sheep was identified as the most significant risk factor for BDV infection in
      cattle by logistic regression. CONCLUSION: This indicates that pestiviruses from
      sheep should be considered as a source of infection of domestic cattle and might
      well impede serological BVD surveillance.

PMID- 28086881
TI  - Dengue fever in renal transplant patients: a systematic review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue fever in renal transplanted patients has not been studied
      well, and we review all the literature about episodes dengue fever in renal
      transplant patients. METHODS: The aim was to describe clinico-pathological
      characteristics, immunosuppressive protocols, need renal outcome and mortality.
      PubMed, LILACS, Google Scholar and Research Gate were searched for "Dengue" and
      "Renal/Kidney Transplantation" with no date limits. Hits were analyzed by two
      researchers separately. RESULTS: Fever, myalgia, arthralgia and headache was
      significantly lower than normal population, while pleural effusions and ascites
      were observed more. Incidence of severe dengue is significantly higher among
      transplant patients in this review, as well as they had a significantly higher
      mortality (8.9% vs 3.7%, p = 0.031). Age, period after transplantation and
      immunosuppressive profile had no effect on disease severity, mortality or graft
      out come. Presence of new bleeding complications and ascites was associated with
      more severe disease (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005), death (p = 0.033) or graft loss (p
      = 0.035). Use of tacrolimus was associated with new bleeding complications (p =
      0.027), and with ascites (p = 0.021), but not with thrombocytopenia. 25% of
      patients with primary disease fail to mount an IgG response by 15 weeks of the
      illness. 58.9% had graft dysfunction during illness. Postoperative transplanted
      patients were at risk of severe disease and unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The
      physical and laboratory findings in dengue fever in renal transplanted patients
      differ from the general population. Some degree of graft dysfunction is common
      during the illness, but only a minority develops graft failure.

PMID- 28086882
TI  - Differential effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on heart rate.
AB  - While glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are known to increase
      heart rate (HR), it is insufficiently recognized that the extent varies greatly
      between the various agonists and is affected by the assessment methods employed.
      Here we review published data from 24-h time-averaged HR monitoring in healthy
      individuals and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with either
      short-acting GLP-1 RAs, lixisenatide or exenatide, or long-acting GLP-1 RAs,
      exenatide LAR, liraglutide, albiglutide, or dulaglutide (N = 1112; active
      treatment arms). HR effects observed in two independent head-to-head trials of
      lixisenatide and liraglutide (N = 202; active-treatment arms) are also reviewed.
      Short-acting GLP-1 RAs, exenatide and lixisenatide, are associated with a
      transient (1-12 h) mean placebo- and baseline-adjusted 24-h HR increase of 1-3
      beats per minute (bpm). Conversely, long-acting GLP-1 RAs are associated with
      more pronounced increases in mean 24-h HR; the highest seen with liraglutide and
      albiglutide at 6-10 bpm compared with dulaglutide and exenatide LAR at 3-4 bpm.
      For both liraglutide and dulaglutide, HR increases were recorded during both the
      day and at night. In two head-to-head comparisons, a small, transient mean
      increase in HR from baseline was observed with lixisenatide; liraglutide induced
      a substantially greater increase that remained significantly elevated over 24 h.
      The underlying mechanism for increased HR remains to be elucidated; however, it
      could be related to a direct effect at the sinus node and/or stimulation of the
      sympathetic nervous system, with this effect related to the duration of action of
      the respective GLP-1 RAs. In conclusion, this review indicates that the effects
      on HR differ within the class of GLP-1 RAs: short-acting GLP-1 RAs are associated
      with a modest and transient HR increase before returning to baseline levels,
      while some long-acting GLP-1 RAs are associated with a more pronounced and
      sustained increase during the day and night. Findings from recently completed
      trials indicate that a GLP-1 RA-induced increase in HR, regardless of magnitude,
      does not present an increased cardiovascular risk for subjects with T2DM,
      although a pronounced increase in HR may be associated with adverse clinical
      outcomes in those with advanced heart failure.

PMID- 28086883
TI  - Which factors affect health care use among older Germans? Results of the German
      ageing survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It remains an open question how changes in predisposing, enabling,
      and need factors affect health care use. Consequently, we aimed to investigate
      how changes in these variables affect health care use in community-dwelling older
      persons longitudinally. METHODS: Data from two waves of the German Ageing Survey
      (DEAS), a representative sample of the community-dwelling German population aged
      >=40 years, was used. Predictors of visits to general practitioners and
      specialists as well as hospital stays during a 12-month period were analyzed by
      fixed effects regressions. RESULTS: Regressions revealed that the need factors
      'self-rated health' and the number of chronic diseases affected all measures of
      health care use (except for the number of chronic diseases on hospital care). An
      increased duration of physical activities increased GP visits. A decrease of
      excess weight decreased the number of specialist visits. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings underline the importance of need factors for health care use. Virtually
      none of the predisposing factors nor enabling resources affected health care use.
      These findings might indicate that individuals in the second half of life use
      health care services adequately, i.e. when medically indicated.

PMID- 28086884
TI  - Transfer factor for carbon monoxide in patients with COPD and diabetes: results
      from the German COSYCONET cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An impairment of CO diffusing capacity has been shown in diabetic
      patients without lung disease. We analyzed how diffusing capacity in patients
      with COPD is affected by the concurrent diagnosis of diabetes. METHODS: Data from
      the initial visit of the German COPD cohort COSYCONET were used for analysis.
      2575 patients with complete lung function data were included, among them 358
      defined as diabetics with a reported physician diagnosis of diabetes and/or
      specific medication. Pairwise comparisons between groups and multivariate
      regression models were used to identify variables predicting the CO transfer
      factor (TLCO%pred) and the transfer coefficient (KCO%pred). RESULTS: COPD
      patients with diabetes differed from those without diabetes regarding lung
      function, anthropometric, clinical and laboratory parameters. Moreover, gender
      was an important covariate. After correction for lung function, gender and body
      mass index (BMI), TLCO%pred did not significantly differ between patients with
      and without diabetes. The results for the transfer coefficient KCO were similar,
      demonstrating an important role of the confounding factors RV%pred, TLC%pred,
      ITGV%pred, FEV1%pred, FEV1/FVC, age, packyears, creatinine and BMI. There was not
      even a tendency towards lower values in diabetes. CONCLUSION: The analysis of
      data from a COPD cohort showed no significant differences of CO transport
      parameters between COPD patients with and without diabetes, if BMI, gender and
      the reduction in lung volumes were taken into account. This result is in contrast
      to observations in lung-healthy subjects with diabetes and raises the question
      which factors, among them potential anti-inflammatory effects of anti-diabetes
      medication are responsible for this finding.

PMID- 28086885
TI  - Harnessing the early post-injury inflammatory responses for cardiac regeneration.
AB  - Cardiac inflammation is considered by many as the main driving force in
      prolonging the pathological condition in the heart after myocardial infarction.
      Immediately after cardiac ischemic injury, neutrophils are the first innate
      immune cells recruited to the ischemic myocardium within the first 24 h. Once
      they have infiltrated the injured myocardium, neutrophils would then secret
      proteases that promote cardiac remodeling and chemokines that enhance the
      recruitment of monocytes from the spleen, in which the recruitment peaks at 72 h
      after myocardial infarction. Monocytes would transdifferentiate into macrophages
      after transmigrating into the infarct area. Both neutrophils and monocytes
      derived macrophages are known to release proteases and cytokines that are
      detrimental to the surviving cardiomyocytes. Paradoxically, these inflammatory
      cells also play critical roles in repairing the injured myocardium. Depletion of
      either neutrophils or monocytes do not improve overall cardiac function after
      myocardial infarction. Instead, the left ventricular function is further impaired
      and cardiac fibrosis persists. Moreover, the inflammatory microenvironment
      created by the infiltrated neutrophils and monocytes-derived macrophages is
      essential for the recruitment of cardiac progenitor cells. Recent studies also
      suggest that treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs may cause cardiac dysfunction
      after injury. Indeed, clinical studies have shown that traditional ant
      inflammatory strategies are ineffective to improve cardiac function after
      infarction. Thus, the focus should be on how to harness these inflammatory events
      to either improve the efficacy of the delivered drugs or to favor the recruitment
      of cardiac progenitor cells.

PMID- 28086886
TI  - Biochemical mechanism underlying hypertriglyceridemia and hepatic
      steatosis/hepatomegaly induced by acute schisandrin B treatment in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that acute oral administration of
      schisandrin B (Sch B), an active dibenzocyclooctadiene isolated from Schisandrae
      Fructus (a commonly used traditional Chinese herb), increased serum and hepatic
      triglyceride (TG) levels and hepatic mass in mice. The present study aimed to
      investigate the biochemical mechanism underlying the Sch B-induced
      hypertriglyceridemia, hepatic steatosis and hepatomegaly. METHODS: Male ICR mice
      were given a single oral dose of Sch B (0.25-2 g/kg). Sch B-induced changes in
      serum levels of biomarkers, such as TG, total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein
      B48 (ApoB 48), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), non-esterified fatty acid
      (NEFA) and hepatic growth factor (HGF), as well as hepatic lipids and mass,
      epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) and adipocyte size, and histological changes of
      the liver and EAT were examined over a period of 12-120 h after Sch B treatment.
      RESULTS: Serum and hepatic TG levels were increased by 1.0-4.3 fold and 40-158%
      at 12-72 h and 12-96 h, respectively, after Sch B administration. Sch B treatment
      elevated serum ApoB 48 level (up to 12%), a marker of exogenous TG, but not VLDL,
      as compared with the vehicle treatment. Treatment with Sch B caused a time-/dose
      dependent reduction in EAT index (up to 39%) and adipocyte size (up to 67%) and
      elevation in serum NEFA level (up to 55%). Sch B treatment induced hepatic
      steatosis in a time-/dose-dependent manner, as indicated by increases in total
      vacuole area (up to 3.2 fold vs. the vehicle control) and lipid positive staining
      area (up to 17.5 * 103 MUm2) in liver tissue. Hepatic index and serum HGF levels
      were increased by 18-60% and 42-71% at 12-120 h and 24-72 h post-Sch B dosing,
      respectively. In addition, ultrastructural changes, such as increase in size and
      disruption of cristae, in hepatic mitochondria were observed in Sch B-treated
      mice. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that exogenous sources of TG and the
      breakdown of fat storage in the body contribute to Sch B-induced
      hypertriglyceridemia and hepatic steatosis in mice. Hepatomegaly (a probable
      hepatotoxic action) caused by Sch B may result from the fat accumulation and
      mitochondrial damage in liver tissue.

PMID- 28086887
TI  - Patients' and physicians' perceptions and attitudes about oral anticoagulation
      and atrial fibrillation: a qualitative systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulant therapy reduces the risk of stroke in patients
      with atrial fibrillation, but many patients are still not prescribed this
      therapy. The causes of underuse of vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants are
      not clear but could be related, in part, to patients' and physicians' perceptions
      and attitudes towards the benefits and downsides of this treatment. The purpose
      of this systematic review was to evaluate and synthesize patients' and
      physicians' perceptions and attitudes towards the benefits and downsides of
      vitamin K antagonist, in order to explore potential factors related with its
      underuse. METHODS: We included studies that used qualitative or mixed methods and
      focused on patients' and/or physicians' perceptions and attitudes towards oral
      anticoagulation. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, ISI WoK, and PsycINFO
      from their inception until May 2013. Two reviewers independently assessed the
      quality of the included studies and synthesized results using a thematic analysis
      approach. RESULTS: We included a total of nine studies. In four studies, the
      quality assessed was excellent and in five was moderate. We identified three
      themes that were of interest to both physicians and patients: information to
      reinforce anticoagulation use, balance of benefits and downsides, roles in
      decision-making and therapy management. Three additional themes were of interest
      to patients: knowledge and understanding, impact on daily life, and satisfaction
      with therapy. The main difficulties with the use of anticoagulant treatment
      according to physicians were the perceived uncertainty, need of individualised
      decision-making, and the feeling of delegated responsibility as their main
      concerns. The main factors for patients were the lack of information and
      understanding. CONCLUSION: Physicians' and patients' perceptions and attitudes
      might be potential factors in the underuse of treatment with vitamin K
      antagonists. Improving the quality and usability of clinical guidelines,
      developing tools to help with the decision-making, enhancing coordination between
      primary care and hospital care, and improving information provided to patients
      could help improve the underuse of anticoagulation.

PMID- 28086888
TI  - Non-rigid MR-TRUS image registration for image-guided prostate biopsy using
      correlation ratio-based mutual information.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To improve the accuracy of ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate,
      the non-rigid registration of magnetic resonance (MR) images onto transrectal
      ultrasound (TRUS) images has gained increasing attention. Mutual information (MI)
      is a widely used similarity criterion in MR-TRUS image registration. However, the
      use of MI has been challenged because of intensity distortion, noise and down
      sampling. Hence, we need to improve the MI measure to get better registration
      effect. METHODS: We present a novel two-dimensional non-rigid MR-TRUS
      registration algorithm that uses correlation ratio-based mutual information
      (CRMI) as the similarity criterion. CRMI includes a functional mapping of
      intensity values on the basis of a generalized version of intensity class
      correspondence. We also analytically acquire the derivative of CRMI with respect
      to deformation parameters. Furthermore, we propose an improved stochastic
      gradient descent (ISGD) optimization method based on the Metropolis acceptance
      criteria to improve the global optimization ability and decrease the registration
      time. RESULTS: The performance of the proposed method is tested on synthetic
      images and 12 pairs of clinical prostate TRUS and MR images. By comparing label
      map registration frame (LMRF) and conditional mutual information (CMI), the
      proposed algorithm has a significant improvement in the average values of
      Hausdorff distance and target registration error. Although the average Dice
      Similarity coefficient is not significantly better than CMI, it still has a
      crucial increase over LMRF. The average computation time consumed by the proposed
      method is similar to LMRF, which is 16 times less than CMI. CONCLUSION: With more
      accurate matching performance and lower sensitivity to noise and down-sampling,
      the proposed algorithm of minimizing CRMI by ISGD is more robust and has the
      potential for use in aligning TRUS and MR images for needle biopsy.

PMID- 28086889
TI  - Hybrid brain-computer interface for biomedical cyber-physical system application
      using wireless embedded EEG systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the key challenges of the biomedical cyber-physical system is
      to combine cognitive neuroscience with the integration of physical systems to
      assist people with disabilities. Electroencephalography (EEG) has been explored
      as a non-invasive method of providing assistive technology by using brain
      electrical signals. METHODS: This paper presents a unique prototype of a hybrid
      brain computer interface (BCI) which senses a combination classification of
      mental task, steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) and eyes closed
      detection using only two EEG channels. In addition, a microcontroller based head
      mounted battery-operated wireless EEG sensor combined with a separate embedded
      system is used to enhance portability, convenience and cost effectiveness. This
      experiment has been conducted with five healthy participants and five patients
      with tetraplegia. RESULTS: Generally, the results show comparable classification
      accuracies between healthy subjects and tetraplegia patients. For the offline
      artificial neural network classification for the target group of patients with
      tetraplegia, the hybrid BCI system combines three mental tasks, three SSVEP
      frequencies and eyes closed, with average classification accuracy at 74% and
      average information transfer rate (ITR) of the system of 27 bits/min. For the
      real-time testing of the intentional signal on patients with tetraplegia, the
      average success rate of detection is 70% and the speed of detection varies from 2
      to 4 s.

PMID- 28086890
TI  - Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the 'HEYMAN' healthy lifestyle program
      for young men: a pilot randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In young men, unhealthy lifestyle behaviours can be detrimental to
      their physical and/or mental health and set them on a negative health trajectory
      into adulthood. Despite this, there is a lack of evidence to guide development of
      effective health behaviour change interventions for young men. This study
      assessed the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the 'HEYMAN' (Harnessing
      Ehealth to enhance Young men's Mental health, Activity and Nutrition) healthy
      lifestyle program for young men. METHODS: A pilot RCT with 50 young men aged 18
      25 years randomised to the HEYMAN intervention (n = 26) or waitlist control (n =
      24). HEYMAN was a 3-month intervention, targeted for young men to improve eating
      habits, activity levels and well-being. Intervention development was informed by
      a participatory research model (PRECEDE-PROCEED). Intervention components
      included eHealth support (website, wearable device, Facebook support group), face
      to-face sessions (group and individual), a personalised food and nutrient report,
      home-based resistance training equipment and a portion control tool. Outcomes
      included: feasibility of research procedures (recruitment, randomisation, data
      collection and retention) and of intervention components. Generalized linear
      mixed models estimated the treatment effect at 3-months for the primary outcomes:
      pedometer steps/day, diet quality, well-being and several secondary outcomes.
      RESULTS: A 7-week recruitment period was required to enrol 50 young men. A
      retention rate of 94% was achieved at 3-months post-intervention. Retained
      intervention participants (n = 24) demonstrated reasonable usage levels for most
      program components and also reported reasonable levels of program component
      acceptability for attractiveness, comprehension, usability, support, satisfaction
      and ability to persuade, with scores ranging from 3.0 to 4.6 (maximum 5). No
      significant intervention effects were observed for the primary outcomes of
      steps/day (1012.7, 95% CI = -506.2, 2531.6, p = 0.191, d = 0.36), diet quality
      score (3.6, 95% CI = -0.4, 7.6, p = 0.081, d = 0.48) or total well-being score
      (0.4, 95% CI = -1.6, 2.5, p = 0.683, d = 0.11). Significant intervention effects
      were found for daily vegetable servings, energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, MVPA,
      weight, BMI, fat mass, waist circumference and cholesterol (all p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The HEYMAN program demonstrated feasibility in assisting young men
      to make some positive lifestyle changes. This provides support for the conduct of
      a larger, fully-powered RCT, but with minor amendments to research procedures and
      intervention components required. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand
      Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000350426 .

PMID- 28086891
TI  - Measurement of electrocardiograms in a bath through tap water utilizing
      capacitive coupling electrodes placed outside the bathtub wall.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Taking a bath sometimes poses a risk for subjects with chronic
      cardiopulmonary disorders, due to the thermal effect and water pressure on
      his/her body. The ECG measurement would be helpful for the early recognition of
      abnormal cardiac beats and respiratory conditions. This paper describes a new
      attempt to improve on previous bathtub ECG measurement techniques that had
      electrodes placed inside the bathtub that were intrusive to the subjects' bathing
      experience. This study is concerned with the initial development of a method to
      measure an electrocardiogram (ECG) through tap water without conscious awareness
      of the presence of electrodes that are placed outside the bathtub wall. METHODS:
      A configuration of capacitive coupling electrodes placed outside the bathtub was
      designed so that the electrodes could be hidden. The capacitive coupling was made
      from the electrodes to the water through the bathtub wall. Two electrodes with an
      active shielding amplifier covered further by an electromagnetic shield were
      fixed to the outside surface of the bathtub wall, near the bather's right scapula
      and left foot. The potential difference between these two electrodes, similar to
      the bipolar lead-II ECG, was amplified to obtain raw signals inclusive of ECG/QRS
      components. Respiration intervals were also derived from ECG/RR intervals.
      Comparison experiments between this bathtub method and conventional direct
      methods with spot-electrodes and a chest-band sensor were made using 10 healthy
      male volunteers (22.2 +/- 0.98 years). RESULTS: The ECG signal was detectable
      through tap water as well as water with differing conductivity resulting from
      mixing bathwater additives with the water. ECG signals and respiration curves
      derived from ECG/RR intervals were successfully obtained in all subjects. The
      intervals of the ECG/RR and respiration obtained by the bathtub system and by the
      direct method were respectively agreed well with each other. CONCLUSION: The ECG
      signal, in particular ECG/QRS components, were successfully detected utilizing
      capacitive coupling electrodes placed outside the bathtub wall. Also, the ECG/RR
      and respiration intervals were determined with reasonable accuracy as compared
      with the conventional direct methods.

PMID- 28086892
TI  - Pressure ulcer image segmentation technique through synthetic frequencies
      generation and contrast variation using toroidal geometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers have become subject of study in recent years due to
      the treatment high costs and decreased life quality from patients. These chronic
      wounds are related to the global life expectancy increment, being the geriatric
      and physical disable patients the principal affected by this condition. Injuries
      diagnosis and treatment usually takes weeks or even months by medical personel.
      Using non-invasive techniques, such as image processing techniques, it is
      possible to conduct an analysis from ulcers and aid in its diagnosis. METHODS:
      This paper proposes a novel technique for image segmentation based on contrast
      changes by using synthetic frequencies obtained from the grayscale value
      available in each pixel of the image. These synthetic frequencies are calculated
      using the model of energy density over an electric field to describe a relation
      between a constant density and the image amplitude in a pixel. A toroidal
      geometry is used to decompose the image into different contrast levels by
      variating the synthetic frequencies. Then, the decomposed image is binarized
      applying Otsu's threshold allowing for obtaining the contours that describe the
      contrast variations. Morphological operations are used to obtain the desired
      segment of the image. RESULTS: The proposed technique is evaluated by
      synthesizing a Data Base with 51 images of pressure ulcers, provided by the
      Centre IGURCO. With the segmentation of these pressure ulcer images it is
      possible to aid in its diagnosis and treatment. To provide evidences of technique
      performance, digital image correlation was used as a measure, where the segments
      obtained using the methodology are compared with the real segments. The proposed
      technique is compared with two benchmarked algorithms. The results over the
      technique present an average correlation of 0.89 with a variation of +/-0.1 and a
      computational time of 9.04 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology presents better
      segmentation results than the benchmarked algorithms using less computational
      time and without the need of an initial condition.

PMID- 28086893
TI  - Seasonal variation in geographical access to maternal health services in regions
      of southern Mozambique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Geographic proximity to health facilities is a known determinant of
      access to maternal care. Methods of quantifying geographical access to care have
      largely ignored the impact of precipitation and flooding. Further, travel has
      largely been imagined as unimodal where one transport mode is used for entire
      journeys to seek care. This study proposes a new approach for modeling potential
      spatio-temporal access by evaluating the impact of precipitation and floods on
      access to maternal health services using multiple transport modes, in southern
      Mozambique. METHODS: A facility assessment was used to classify 56 health
      centres. GPS coordinates of the health facilities were acquired from the Ministry
      of Health while roads were digitized and classified from high-resolution
      satellite images. Data on the geographic distribution of populations of women of
      reproductive age, pregnancies and births within the preceding 12 months, and
      transport options available to pregnant women were collected from a household
      census. Daily precipitation and flood data were used to model the impact of
      severe weather on access for a 17-month timeline. Travel times to the nearest
      health facilities were calculated using the closest facility tool in ArcGIS
      software. RESULTS: Forty-six and 87 percent of pregnant women lived within a 1-h
      of the nearest primary care centre using walking or public transport modes
      respectively. The populations within these catchments dropped by 9 and 5%
      respectively at the peak of the wet season. For journeys that would have
      commenced with walking to primary facilities, 64% of women lived within 2 h of
      life-saving care, while for those that began journeys with public transport, the
      same 2-hour catchment would have contained 95% of the women population. The
      population of women within two hours of life-saving care dropped by 9% for
      secondary facilities and 18% for tertiary facilities during the wet season.
      CONCLUSIONS: Seasonal variation in access to maternal care should not be imagined
      through a dichotomous and static lens of wet and dry seasons, as access
      continually fluctuates in both. This new approach for modelling spatio-temporal
      access allows for the GIS output to be utilized not only for health services
      planning, but also to aid near real time community-level delivery of maternal
      health services.

PMID- 28086894
TI  - C60 fullerene as promising therapeutic agent for correcting and preventing
      skeletal muscle fatigue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bioactive soluble carbon nanostructures, such as the C60 fullerene
      can bond with up to six electrons, thus serving by a powerful scavenger of
      reactive oxygen species similarly to many natural antioxidants, widely used to
      decrease the muscle fatigue effects. The aim of the study is to define action of
      the pristine C60 fullerene aqueous colloid solution (C60FAS), on the post-fatigue
      recovering of m. triceps surae in anaesthetized rats. RESULTS: During fatigue
      development, we observed decrease in the muscle effort level before C60FAS
      administration. After the application of C60FAS, a slower effort decrease,
      followed by the prolonged retention of a certain level, was recorded. An analysis
      of the metabolic process changes accompanying muscle fatigue showed an increase
      in the oxidative stress markers H 2 O 2 (hydrogen peroxide) and TBARS
      (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in relation to the intact muscles.
      After C60FAS administration, the TBARS content and H 2 O 2 level were decreased.
      The endogenous antioxidant system demonstrated a similar effect because the GSH
      (reduced glutathione) in the muscles and the CAT (catalase) enzyme activity were
      increased during fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: C60FAS leads to reduction in the recovery
      time of the muscle contraction force and to increase in the time of active muscle
      functioning before appearance of steady fatigue effects. Therefore, it is
      possible that C60FAS affects the prooxidant-antioxidant muscle tissue
      homeostasis, subsequently increasing muscle endurance.

PMID- 28086895
TI  - Design optimization of stent and its dilatation balloon using kriging surrogate
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although stents have great success of treating cardiovascular
      disease, it actually undermined by the in-stent restenosis and their long-term
      fatigue failure. The geometry of stent affects its service performance and
      ultimately affects its fatigue life. Besides, improper length of balloon leads to
      transient mechanical injury to the vessel wall and in-stent restenosis.
      Conventional optimization method of stent and its dilatation balloon by comparing
      several designs and choosing the best one as the optimal design cannot find the
      global optimal design in the design space. In this study, an adaptive
      optimization method based on Kriging surrogate model was proposed to optimize the
      structure of stent and the length of stent dilatation balloon so as to prolong
      stent service life and improve the performance of stent. METHODS: A finite
      element simulation based optimization method combing with Kriging surrogate model
      is proposed to optimize geometries of stent and length of stent dilatation
      balloon step by step. Kriging surrogate model coupled with design of experiment
      method is employed to construct the approximate functional relationship between
      optimization objectives and design variables. Modified rectangular grid is used
      to select initial training samples in the design space. Expected improvement
      function is used to balance the local and global searches to find the global
      optimal result. Finite element method is adopted to simulate the free expansion
      of balloon-expandable stent and the expansion of stent in stenotic artery. The
      well-known Goodman diagram was used for the fatigue life prediction of stent,
      while dogboning effect was used for stent expansion performance measurement. As
      the real design cases, diamond-shaped stent and sv-shaped stent were studied to
      demonstrate how the proposed method can be harnessed to design and refine stent
      fatigue life and expansion performance computationally. RESULTS: The fatigue life
      and expansion performance of both the diamond-shaped stent and sv-shaped stent
      are designed and refined, respectively. (a) diamond-shaped stent: The shortest
      distance from the data points to the failure line in the Goodman diagram was
      increased by 22.39%, which indicated a safer service performance of the optimal
      stent. The dogboning effect was almost completely eliminated, which implies more
      uniform expansion of stent along its length. Simultaneously, radial elastic
      recoil (RR) at the proximal and distal ends was reduced by 40.98 and 35%
      respectively and foreshortening (FS) was also decreased by 1.75%. (b) sv-shaped
      stent: The shortest distance from the data point to the failure line in the
      Goodman diagram was increased by 15.91%. The dogboning effect was also completely
      eliminated, RR at the proximal and distal ends was reduced by 82.70 and 97.13%,
      respectively, and the FS was decreased by 16.81%. Numerical results showed that
      the fatigue life of both stents was refined and the comprehensive expansion
      performance of them was improved. CONCLUSIONS: This article presents an adaptive
      optimization method based on the Kriging surrogate model to optimize the
      structure of stents and the length of their dilatation balloon to prolong stents
      fatigue life and decreases the dogboning effect of stents during expansion
      process. Numerical results show that the adaptive optimization method based on
      Kriging surrogate model can effectively optimize the design of stents and the
      dilatation balloon. Further investigations containing more design goals and more
      effective multidisciplinary design optimization method are warranted.

PMID- 28086896
TI  - Fast-track surgery versus conventional perioperative management of lung cancer
      associated pneumonectomy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of fast-track
      surgery (FTS) on postoperative recovery, hospital stay, total medical costs, and
      the complications of pneumonectomy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). METHODS: Studies were performed between June 2012 and March 2014 in 17
      patients received FTS and 18 patients given conventional management (control)
      after pneumonectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated
      Hospital of Harbin Medical University. Patients were evaluated based on their
      days to achieve the first postoperative flatus, C-reactive protein (CRP) at
      postoperative day (POD) 1-7, the length of hospital stay, the medical costs, and
      postoperative complications. RESULTS: The results showed that in the FTS group,
      latency to the first postoperative flatus (1.5 +/- 0.6 versus 3.1 +/- 0.8 s in
      controls, P < 0.0001), CRP (71.36 +/- 5.48 versus 80.71 +/- 8.32 mg/L in at POD
      7, P < 0.0001), the length of hospital stay (18.1 +/- 1.4 versus 27.4 +/- 6.6
      days, P < 0.0001), and the medical costs (29.9 +/- 2.7 versus 37.2 +/- 3.6
      thousand Chinese Yuan, P < 0.0001) were significantly reduced compared to the
      group receiving conventional management. FTS group also had a relatively lower
      postoperative complication rate (23.5% of 17 versus 33.3% of 18 in control group)
      although it was statistically insignificant (P = 0.711). CONCLUSIONS: These
      results indicate that application of the FTS in NSCLC pneumonectomy efficiently
      accelerates postoperative recovery, shortens hospital stay, reduces the total
      medical costs of the patients and thus is more acceptable than conventional
      management.

PMID- 28086897
TI  - Application of the analytic hierarchy approach to the risk assessment of Zika
      virus disease transmission in Guangdong Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An international spread of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has attracted
      global attention in 2015. The infection also affected Guangdong province, which
      is located in southern China. Multiple factors, including frequent communication
      with South America and Southeast Asia, suitable climate (sub-tropical) for the
      habitat of Aedes species, may increase the risk of ZIKV disease transmission in
      this region. METHODS: An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to
      develop a semi-quantitative ZIKV risk assessment model. After selecting
      indicators, we invited experts in related professions to identify the index
      weight and based on that a hierarchical structure was generated. Then a series of
      pairwise comparisons were used to determine the relative importance of the
      criteria. Finally, the optimal model was established to estimate the spatial and
      seasonal transmission risk of ZIKV. RESULTS: A total of 15 factors that
      potentially influenced the risk of ZIKV transmission were identified. The factor
      that received the largest weight was epidemic of ZIKV in Guangdong province
      (combined weight [CW] =0.37), followed by the mosquito density (CW = 0.18) and
      the epidemic of DENV in Guangdong province (CW = 0.14). The distribution of 123
      districts/counties' RIs of ZIKV in Guangdong through different seasons were
      presented, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Higher risk was observed within Pearl River
      Delta including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Jiangmen, and the risk is greater in
      summer and autumn compared to spring and winter.

PMID- 28086898
TI  - The intergenerational production of depression in South Korea: results from a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although a number of studies have uncovered relationships between
      parental capital and the manifestation of depression in their children, little is
      known about the mechanisms that undergird the relationships. This study
      investigates the intergenerational effects of the cultural and economic capitals
      of South Korean parents on depressive symptoms in their adult children and the
      degree to which the capitals of the adult children explain them. METHODS: We
      employed nationally representative cross-sectional survey data from the 2006
      Korea Welfare Panel Study. A sample of 11,576 adults over thirty years of age was
      used to investigate the intergenerational production of depression in South
      Korea. We applied binary logistic regression modelling to the Center for
      Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). RESULTS: Parental education
      (institutionalized cultural capital) manifested an independent and statistically
      significant inverse association with depressive symptoms [OR = 1.680 (95% CI:
      1.118-2.523) for men; OR = 2.146 (95% CI: 1484-3.102) for women]. Childhood
      economic circumstances (economic capital) had an independent and statistically
      significant inverse association with depressive symptoms among adult women only
      [OR = 2.009 (95% CI: 1.531-2.635)]. The education of the adult children
      themselves was strongly associated with depressive symptoms in the expected
      direction [OR = 4.202 (95% CI: 2.856-6.181) for men; OR = 4.058 (95% CI: 2.824
      5.830)] and the most of the association between parental capitals and depressive
      symptoms was explained by the educational attainment of the children. Receipt of
      monetary inheritance from parents had a weak but statistically significant
      association with depression among men [OR = 1.248 (95% CI: 1.041-1.496)] but was
      unrelated to depression among women. A large portion of the association between
      respondent education and depressive symptoms was explained by household income.
      Finally, childhood economic circumstances were associated with depressive
      symptoms among women over and above the cultural and economic capitals held by
      the women themselves [OR = 1.608 (95% CI: 2.08-2.139)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      illuminates the importance of the intergenerational transmission of capitals for
      the development of depressive symptoms among adults in South Korea.

PMID- 28086899
TI  - Evaluations of diffusion tensor image registration based on fiber tractography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DT-MRI, also known as
      DTI) measures the diffusion properties of water molecules in tissues and to date
      is one of the main techniques that can effectively study the microstructures of
      the brain in vivo. Presently, evaluation of DTI registration techniques is still
      in an initial stage of development. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this paper, six well
      known open source DTI registration algorithms: Elastic, Rigid, Affine, DTI-TK,
      FSL and SyN were applied on 11 subjects from an open-access dataset, among which
      one was randomly chosen as the template. Eight different fiber bundles of 10
      subjects and the template were obtained by drawing regions of interest (ROIs)
      around various structures using deterministic streamline tractography. The
      performances of the registration algorithms were evaluated by computing the
      distances and intersection angles between fiber tracts, as well as the fractional
      anisotropy (FA) profiles along the fiber tracts. Also, the mean squared error
      (MSE) and the residual MSE (RMSE) of fibers originating from the registered
      subjects and the template were calculated to assess the registration algorithm.
      Twenty-seven different fiber bundles of the 10 subjects and template were
      obtained by drawing ROIs around various structures using probabilistic
      tractography. The performances of registration algorithms on this second
      tractography method were evaluated by computing the spatial correlation
      similarity of the fibers between subjects as well as between each subject and the
      template. CONCLUSION: All experimental results indicated that DTI-TK performed
      the best under the study conditions, and SyN ranked just behind it.

PMID- 28086901
TI  - GPU accelerated voxel-driven forward projection for iterative reconstruction of
      cone-beam CT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which has been playing an
      important role in clinical applications, iterative reconstruction algorithms are
      able to provide advantageous image qualities over the classical FDK. However, the
      computational speed of iterative reconstruction is a notable issue for CBCT, of
      which the forward projection calculation is one of the most time-consuming
      components. METHOD AND RESULTS: In this study, the cone-beam forward projection
      problem using the voxel-driven model is analysed, and a GPU-based acceleration
      method for CBCT forward projection is proposed with the method rationale and
      implementation workflow detailed as well. For method validation and evaluation,
      computational simulations are performed, and the calculation times of different
      methods are collected. Compared with the benchmark CPU processing time, the
      proposed method performs effectively in handling the inter-thread interference
      problem, and an acceleration ratio as high as more than 100 is achieved compared
      to a single-threaded CPU implementation. CONCLUSION: The voxel-driven forward
      projection calculation for CBCT is highly paralleled by the proposed method, and
      we believe it will serve as a critical module to develop iterative reconstruction
      and correction methods for CBCT imaging.

PMID- 28086900
TI  - The role of birthplace and educational attainment on induced abortion
      inequalities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Induced abortion (IA) has shown social inequality related to
      birthplace and education with higher rates of IAs in immigrant and in less
      educated women relative to their native and highly educated counterparts. This
      study examined the independent and joint effects of birthplace and education on
      IA, repeated and IA performed during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy among women
      residing in the Basque Country, Spain. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional
      population-based study of IA among women aged 25-49 years residing in the Basque
      Country, Spain, between 2011 and 2013. Log-binomial regression was used to
      quantify the independent and joint effects of birthplace and education attainment
      on all outcomes. RESULTS: Immigrant women exhibited higher probability of having
      an IAs (PR: 5.31), a repeated (PR: 7.23) or a 2nd trimester IAs (PR: 4.07) than
      women born in Spain. We observed higher probabilities for all outcomes among
      women with a primary or less education relative to those with a graduate
      education (All IAs PR: 2.51; repeated PR: 6.00; 2nd trimester PR: 3.08). However,
      no significant heterogeneity was observed for the effect of education on the
      association of birthplace with IAs, repeated or 2nd trimester IAs. CONCLUSIONS:
      Birthplace and education are key factors to explain not only an IA decision but
      also having a repeated or a 2nd trimester IA. However, the effects of birthplace
      and education may be independent from each other on these outcomes. A better
      understanding of these factors on IAs is needed when designing programs for
      sexual and reproductive health aimed to reduce inequalities among women.

PMID- 28086902
TI  - Exploiting temporal and nonstationary features in breathing sound analysis for
      multiple obstructive sleep apnea severity classification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard test for obstructive sleep
      apnea (OSA), but it incurs high costs, requires inconvenient measurements, and is
      limited by a one-night test. Thus, a repetitive OSA screening test using
      affordable data would be effective both for patients interested in their own OSA
      risk and in-hospital PSG. The purpose of this research was to develop a four-OSA
      severity classification model using a patient's breathing sounds. METHODS:
      Breathing sounds were recorded from 83 subjects during a PSG test. There was no
      exclusive experimental protocol or additional recording instruments use
      throughout the sound recording procedure. Based on the Apnea-Hypopnea Index
      (AHI), which indicates the severity of sleep apnea, the subjects' sound data were
      divided into four-OSA severity classes. From the individual sound data, we
      proposed two novel methods which were not attempted in previous OSA severity
      classification studies. First, the total transition probability of approximated
      sound energy in time series, and second, the statistical properties derived from
      the dimension-reduced cyclic spectral density. In addition, feature selection was
      conducted to achieve better results with a more relevant subset of features.
      Then, the classification model was trained using support vector machines and
      evaluated using leave-one-out cross-validation. RESULTS: The overall results show
      that our classification model is better than existing multiple OSA severity
      classification method using breathing sounds. The proposed method demonstrated
      79.52% accuracy for the four-class classification task. Additionally, it
      demonstrated 98.0% sensitivity, 75.0% specificity, and 92.78% accuracy for OSA
      subject detection classification with AHI threshold 5. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      show that our proposed method can be used as part of an OSA screening test, which
      can provide the subject with detailed OSA severity results from only breathing
      sounds.

PMID- 28086903
TI  - Negative immune factors might predominate local tumor immune status and promote
      carcinogenesis in cervical carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The disequilibrium of local immune microenvironment is an essential
      element during tumorigenesis. METHOD: By conducting real-time polymerase chain
      reaction, we identified the mRNA level of immune factors, FoxP3 (forkhead box
      protein P3), CCL22/CCR4 (chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 22/CC chemokine receptor
      4), OX40L/OX40 (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 4/tumor necrosis factor
      receptor superfamily member 4) and Smad3 (SMAD family member 3) in neoplastic
      foci and its periphery tissues from 30 cases of squamous cervical carcinoma and
      20 cases of normal cervix. RESULT: The FoxP3, CCL22 and CCR4 mRNA level in local
      immune microenvironment of normal cervix was lower than that in cervical cancer.
      While OX40L, OX40 and Smad3 mRNA level profile in normal cervix was higher than
      that in cervical cancer. Beyond individual effect, the pairwise positive
      correlations were demonstrated among the mRNA level of FoxP3, CCL22 and CCR4. The
      mRNA level of OX40 negatively correlated with CCL22, but positively correlated
      with Smad3. Moreover, the mRNA level of FoxP3 and CCL22 was increased while Smad3
      was decreased in cervical tissue with HPV (human papilloma virus) infection.
      CONCLUSION: Our data yields insight into the roles of these immune factors in
      cervical carcinogenesis. It may therefore be that, in microenvironment of
      cervical squamous cell carcinoma, along with the context of HPV infection,
      negative immune regulators FoxP3, CCL22 and CCR4 might overwhelm positive immune
      factors OX40L, OX40 and Smad3, giving rise to an immunosuppressive status and
      promote the progression of cervical carcinogenesis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not
      applicable.

PMID- 28086905
TI  - Reduction of eddy current losses in inductive transmission systems with ferrite
      sheets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improvements in eddy current suppression are necessary to meet the
      demand for increasing miniaturization of inductively driven transmission systems
      in industrial and biomedical applications. The high magnetic permeability and the
      simultaneously low electrical conductivity of ferrite materials make them ideal
      candidates for shielding metallic surfaces. For systems like cochlear implants
      the transmission of data as well as energy over an inductive link is conducted
      within a well-defined parameter set. For these systems, the shielding can be of
      particular importance if the properties of the link can be preserved. RESULTS: In
      this work, we investigate the effect of single and double-layered substrates
      consisting of ferrite and/or copper on the inductance and coupling of planar
      spiral coils. The examined link systems represent realistic configurations for
      active implantable systems such as cochlear implants. Experimental measurements
      are complemented with analytical calculations and finite element simulations,
      which are in good agreement for all measured parameters. The results are then
      used to study the transfer efficiency of an inductive link in a series-parallel
      resonant topology as a function of substrate size, the number of coil turns and
      coil separation. CONCLUSIONS: We find that ferrite sheets can be used to shield
      the system from unwanted metallic surfaces and to retain the inductive link
      parameters of the unperturbed system, particularly its transfer efficiency. The
      required size of the ferrite plates is comparable to the size of the coils, which
      makes the setup suitable for practical implementations. Since the sizes and
      geometries chosen for the studied inductive links are comparable to those of
      cochlear implants, our conclusions apply in particular to these systems.

PMID- 28086904
TI  - The lncRNA CRNDE promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation and
      chemoresistance via miR-181a-5p-mediated regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With more than 600,000 mortalities each year, colorectal cancer (CRC)
      is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer worldwide. Recently,
      mechanisms involving noncoding RNAs have been implicated in the development of
      CRC. METHODS: We examined expression levels of lncRNA CRNDE and miR-181a-5p in 64
      cases of CRC tissues and cell lines by qRT-PCR. Gain-of-function and loss-of
      function assays were performed to examine the effect of CRNDE and miR-181a-5p on
      proliferation and chemoresistance of CRC cells. Using fluorescence reporter and
      western blot assays, we also explored the possible mechanisms of CRNDE in CRC
      cells. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the expression levels of the CRNDE
      were upregulated in CRC clinical tissue samples. We identified microRNA miR-181a
      5p as an inhibitory target of CRNDE. Both CRNDE knockdown and miR-181a-5p
      overexpression in CRC cell lines led to inhibited cell proliferation and reduced
      chemoresistance. We also determined that beta-catenin and TCF4 were inhibitory
      targets of miR-181a-5p, and that Wnt/beta-catenin signaling was inhibited by both
      CRNDE knockdown and miR-181a-5p overexpression. Significantly, we found that the
      repression of cell proliferation, the reduction of chemoresistance, and the
      inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling induced by CRNDE knockdown would require
      the increased expression of miR-181a-5p. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that
      the lncRNA CRNDE could regulate the progression and chemoresistance of CRC via
      modulating the expression levels of miR-181a-5p and the activity of Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling.

PMID- 28086906
TI  - Physical activity and nutrition behaviour outcomes of a cluster-randomized
      controlled trial for adults with metabolic syndrome in Vietnam.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is prevalent among Vietnamese adults, especially
      those aged 50-65 years. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 6 month
      community-based lifestyle intervention to increase physical activity levels and
      improve dietary behaviours for adults with metabolic syndrome in Vietnam.
      METHODS: Ten communes, involving participants aged 50-65 years with metabolic
      syndrome, were recruited from Hanam province in northern Vietnam. The communes
      were randomly allocated to either the intervention (five communes, n = 214) or
      the control group (five communes, n = 203). Intervention group participants
      received a health promotion package, consisting of an information booklet,
      education sessions, a walking group, and a resistance band. Control group
      participants received one session of standard advice during the 6 month period.
      Data were collected at baseline and after the intervention to evaluate programme
      effectiveness. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form and
      a modified STEPS questionnaire were used to assess physical activity and dietary
      behaviours, respectively, in both groups. Pedometers were worn by the
      intervention participants only for 7 consecutive days at baseline and post
      intervention testing. To accommodate the repeated measures and the clustering of
      individuals within communes, multilevel mixed regression models with random
      effects were fitted to determine the impacts of intervention on changes in
      outcome variables over time and between groups. RESULTS: With a retention rate of
      80.8%, the final sample comprised 175 intervention and 162 control participants.
      After controlling for demographic and other confounding factors, the intervention
      participants showed significant increases in moderate intensity activity (P =
      0.018), walking (P < 0.001) and total physical activity (P = 0.001), as well as a
      decrease in mean sitting time (P < 0.001), relative to their control
      counterparts. Significant improvements in dietary behaviours were also observed,
      particularly reductions in intake of animal internal organs (P = 0.001) and in
      using cooking oil for daily meal preparation (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      prescribed community-based physical activity and nutrition intervention programme
      successfully improved physical activity and dietary behaviours for adults with
      metabolic syndrome in Vietnam. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand
      Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12614000811606 . Registered on 31 July 2014.

PMID- 28086907
TI  - Identification of the main determinants of abdominal aorta size: a screening by
      Pocket Size Imaging Device.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultrasound exam as a screening test for abdominal aorta (AA) can
      visualize the aorta in 99% of patients and has a sensitivity and specificity
      approaching 100% in screening settings for aortic aneurysm. Pocket Size Imaging
      Device (PSID) has a potential value as a screening tool, because of its possible
      use in several clinical settings. Our aim was to assess the impact of
      demographics and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors on AA size by using PSID in an
      outpatient screening. METHODS: Consecutive patients, referring for a CV
      assessment in a 6 months period, were screened. AA was visualized by subcostal
      view in longitudinal and transverse plans in order to determine the greatest
      anterior-posterior diameter. After excluding 5 patients with AA aneurysm, 508
      outpatients were enrolled. All patients underwent a sequential assessment
      including clinical history with collection of CV risk factors, physical
      examination, PSID exam and standard Doppler echoc exam using a 2.5 transducer
      with harmonic capability, both by expert ultrasound operators, during the same
      morning. Standard echocardiography operators were blinded on PSID exam and
      viceversa. RESULTS: Diagnostic accuracy of AA size by PSID was tested
      successfully with standard echo machine in a subgroup (n = 102) (rho = 0.966, p <
      0.0001). AA diameter was larger in men than in women and in >=50 -years old
      subjects than in those <50 -years old (both p < 0.0001). AA was larger in
      patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (p < 0.0001). By a multivariate
      model, male sex (p < 0.0001), age and body mass index (both p < 0.0001), CAD (p <
      0.01) and heart rate (p = 0.018) were independent predictors of AA size
      (cumulative R 2 = 0.184, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: PSID is a reliable tool for the
      screening of determinants of AA size. AA diameter is greater in men and strongly
      influenced by aging and overweight. CAD may be also associated to increased AA
      diameter.

PMID- 28086908
TI  - HIV integration sites in latently infected cell lines: evidence of ongoing
      replication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessing the location and frequency of HIV integration sites in
      latently infected cells can potentially inform our understanding of how HIV
      persists during combination antiretroviral therapy. We developed a novel high
      throughput sequencing method to evaluate HIV integration sites in latently
      infected cell lines to determine whether there was virus replication or clonal
      expansion in these cell lines observed as multiple integration events at the same
      position. RESULTS: We modified a previously reported method using random DNA
      shearing and PCR to allow for high throughput robotic processing to identify the
      site and frequency of HIV integration in latently infected cell lines. Latently
      infected cell lines infected with intact virus demonstrated multiple distinct HIV
      integration sites (28 different sites in U1, 110 in ACH-2 and 117 in J1.1 per
      150,000 cells). In contrast, cell lines infected with replication-incompetent
      viruses (J-Lat cells) demonstrated single integration sites. Following in vitro
      passaging of the ACH-2 cell line, we observed a significant increase in the
      frequency of unique HIV integration sites and there were multiple mutations and
      large deletions in the proviral DNA. When the ACH-2 cell line was cultured with
      the integrase inhibitor raltegravir, there was a significant decrease in the
      number of unique HIV integration sites and a transient increase in the frequency
      of 2-LTR circles consistent with virus replication in these cells. CONCLUSION:
      Cell lines latently infected with intact HIV demonstrated multiple unique HIV
      integration sites indicating that these cell lines are not clonal and in the ACH
      2 cell line there was evidence of low level virus replication. These findings
      have implications for the use of latently infected cell lines as models of HIV
      latency and for the use of these cells as standards.

PMID- 28086909
TI  - Fast detection and data compensation for electrodes disconnection in long-term
      monitoring of dynamic brain electrical impedance tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrode disconnection is a common occurrence during long-term
      monitoring of brain electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in clinical settings.
      The data acquisition system suffers remarkable data loss which results in image
      reconstruction failure. The aim of this study was to: (1) detect disconnected
      electrodes and (2) account for invalid data. METHODS: Weighted correlation
      coefficient for each electrode was calculated based on the measurement
      differences between well-connected and disconnected electrodes. Disconnected
      electrodes were identified by filtering out abnormal coefficients with discrete
      wavelet transforms. Further, previously valid measurements were utilized to
      establish grey model. The invalid frames after electrode disconnection were
      substituted with the data estimated by grey model. The proposed approach was
      evaluated on resistor phantom and with eight patients in clinical settings.
      RESULTS: The proposed method was able to detect 1 or 2 disconnected electrodes
      with an accuracy of 100%; to detect 3 and 4 disconnected electrodes with accuracy
      of 92 and 84% respectively. The time cost of electrode detection was within 0.018
      s. Further, the proposed method was capable to compensate at least 60 subsequent
      frames of data and restore the normal image reconstruction within 0.4 s and with
      a mean relative error smaller than 0.01%. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we proposed
      a two-step approach to detect multiple disconnected electrodes and to compensate
      the invalid frames of data after disconnection. Our method is capable of
      detecting more disconnected electrodes with higher accuracy compared to methods
      proposed in previous studies. Further, our method provides estimations during the
      faulty measurement period until the medical staff reconnects the electrodes. This
      work would improve the clinical practicability of dynamic brain EIT and
      contribute to its further promotion.

PMID- 28086910
TI  - Identifying youth-friendly service practices associated with adolescents' use of
      reproductive healthcare services in post-conflict Burundi: a cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Very little is known about reproductive health service (RHS)
      availability and adolescents' use of these services in post-conflict settings.
      Such information is crucial for targeted community interventions that aim to
      improve quality delivery of RHS and outcomes in post-conflict settings. The
      objectives of this study therefore was to examine the density of RHS
      availability; assess spatial patterns of RHC facilities; and identify youth
      friendly practices associated with adolescents' use of services in post-conflict
      Burundi. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from a full census of
      all facilities (n = 892) and provider interviews in Burundi. Surveyed facilities
      included all public, private, religious and community association owned-centers
      and hospitals. At each facility efforts were made to interview the officer-in
      charge and a group of his/her staff. We applied both geospatial and non-spatial
      analyses, to examine the density of RHS availability and density, and to explore
      the association between youth-friendly practices and adolescents' use of RHS in
      post-conflict Burundi. RESULTS: High spatial patterning of distances of RHC
      facilities was observed, with facilities clustered predominantly in districts
      exhibiting persistent violence. But, use of services remained undeterred. We
      further found a stronger association between use of RHS and facility and
      programming characteristics. Community outreach, designated check-in/exam rooms,
      educational materials (posters, print, and pictures) in waiting rooms, privacy
      and confidentiality were significantly associated with adolescents' use of RHS
      across all facility types. Cost was associated with use only at religious
      facilities and youth involvement at private facilities. No significant
      association was found between provider characteristics and use of RHS at any
      facility. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate the need to improve youth-friendly
      service practices in the provision of RHS to adolescents in Burundi and suggest
      that current approaches to provider training may not be adequate for improving
      these vital practices. Our mixed methods approach and results are generalizable
      to other countries and post-conflict settings. In post-conflict settings, the
      methods can be used to identify service availability and spatial patterns of RHC
      facilities to plan for targeted service interventions, to increase demand and
      uptake of services by youth and young adults.

PMID- 28086911
TI  - Enhanced neuroinflammation mediated by DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid
      receptor triggers cognitive dysfunction after sevoflurane anesthesia in adult
      rats subjected to maternal separation during the neonatal period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence indicates that children who experience abuse and
      neglect are prone to chronic diseases and premature mortality later in life. One
      mechanistic hypothesis for this phenomenon is that early life adversity alters
      the expression or functioning of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) throughout the
      course of life and thereby increases sensitivity to inflammatory stimulation. An
      exaggerated pro-inflammatory response is generally considered to be a key cause
      of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). The aim of this study was to
      examine the effects of early life adversity on cognitive function and
      neuroinflammation after sevoflurane anesthesia in adult rats and to determine
      whether such effects are associated with the epigenetic regulation of GR.
      METHODS: Wistar rat pups were repeatedly subjected to infant maternal separation
      (early life stress) from postnatal days 2-21. In adulthood, their behavior and
      the signaling of hippocampal pro-inflammatory factors and nuclear factor-kappa B
      (NF-kappaB) after sevoflurane anesthesia were evaluated. We also examined the
      effects of maternal separation (MS) on the expression of GR and the DNA
      methylation status of the promoter region of exon 17 of GR and whether behavioral
      changes and neuroinflammation after anesthesia were reversible when the
      expression of GR was increased by altering DNA methylation. RESULTS: MS induced
      cognitive decline after sevoflurane inhalation in the Morris water maze and
      context fear conditioning tests and enhanced the release of cytokines and the
      activation of astrocyte intracellular NF-kappaB signaling induced by sevoflurane
      in the hippocampus of adult rats. Blocking NF-kappaB signaling by pyrrolidine
      dithiocarbamate (PDTC) inhibited the release of cytokines. MS also reduced the
      expression of GR and upregulated the methylation levels of the promoter region of
      GR exon 17, and such effects were reversed by treatment with the histone
      deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) in adult rats. Moreover, TSA treatment
      in adult MS rats inhibited the overactivation of astrocyte intracellular NF
      kappaB signaling and the release of cytokines and alleviated cognitive
      dysfunction after sevoflurane anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Early life stress induces
      cognitive dysfunction after sevoflurane anesthesia, perhaps due to the aberrant
      methylation of the GR gene promoter, which reduces the expression of the GR gene
      and facilitates exaggerated inflammatory responses.

PMID- 28086913
TI  - Correction of irregular and induced regular corneal astigmatism with toric IOL
      after posterior segment surgery: a case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation can be an effective method
      for correcting corneal astigmatism in patients with vitreoretinal diseases and
      cataract. Our purpose is to report the outcome of toric IOL implantation in two
      cases - a patient with scleral-buckle-induced regular corneal astigmatism and a
      patient with keratoconus following pars plana vitrectomy. As far as we are aware,
      there are no reported cases of toric IOL implantation in a vitrectomized eye with
      keratoconus nor of toric IOL implantation in patients with scleral-buckle-induced
      regular corneal astigmatism. CASE PRESENTATION: Two patients with myopia and high
      corneal astigmatism underwent cataract operation with toric IOL implantation
      after posterior segment surgery. Myopia and high astigmatism (>2.5 diopter) were
      caused by previous scleral buckling in one case and by keratoconus in the other
      case. Pre- and postoperative examinations during the follow-up of included
      uncorrected and spectacle corrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA/CDVA),
      automated kerato-refractometry (Topcon), Pentacam HR, IOL Master (Zeiss) axial
      length measurements and fundus optical coherence tomography (Zeiss). One year
      postoperatively, the UCDVA and CDVA were 20/25 and 20/20 in both cases,
      respectively. The absolute residual refractive astigmatism was 1.0 and 0.75
      Diopters, respectively. The IOL rotation was within 3 degrees  in both eyes,
      therefore IOL repositioning was not necessary. Complications were not observed in
      our cases. CONCLUSION: These cases demonstrate that toric IOL implantation is a
      predictable and safe method for the correction of high corneal astigmatism in
      complicated cases with different origins. Irregular corneal astigmatism in
      keratoconus or scleral-buckle-induced regular astigmatisms can be equally well
      corrected with the use of toric IOL during cataract surgery. Previous scleral
      buckling or pars plana vitrectomy seem to have no impact on the success of the
      toric IOL implantation, even in keratoconus. IOL rotational stability and
      refractive predictability in patients with a previous vitreoretinal surgery can
      be as good as in uncomplicated cases.

PMID- 28086912
TI  - WWL70 attenuates PGE2 production derived from 2-arachidonoylglycerol in microglia
      by ABHD6-independent mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: alpha/beta-Hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6) is one of the major enzymes for
      endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) hydrolysis in microglia cells. Our
      recent studies have shown that a selective ABHD6 inhibitor WWL70 has anti
      inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in animal models of traumatic brain
      injury and multiple sclerosis. However, the role of ABHD6 in the
      neuroinflammatory response and the mechanisms by which WWL70 suppresses
      inflammation has not yet been elucidated in reactive microglia. METHODS: The
      hydrolytic activity and the levels of 2-AG in BV2 cells were measured by
      radioactivity assay and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and
      prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthases in microglia treated with lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) with/without WWL70 was determined by western blot and quantitative RT-PCR.
      The conversion of 2-AG to PGE2 or PGE2-glyceryl ester (PGE2-G) was assessed by
      enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) or LC-MS/MS. The involvement of ABHD6 in PGE2
      production was assessed using pharmacological inhibitors and small interfering
      RNA (siRNA). The effect of WWL70 on PGE2 biosynthesis activity in the microsome
      fraction from BV2 cells and experimental autoimmune encephalopathy (EAE) mouse
      brain was also examined. RESULTS: We found that WWL70 suppressed PGE2 production
      in LPS-activated microglia via cannabinoid receptor-independent mechanisms,
      although intracellular levels of 2-AG were elevated by WWL70 treatment. This
      reduction was not attributable to WWL70 inhibition of ABHD6, given the fact that
      downregulation of ABHD6 by siRNA or use of KT182, an alternative ABHD6 inhibitor
      failed to suppress PGE2 production. WWL70 attenuated the expression of COX-2 and
      PGES-1/2 leading to the downregulation of the biosynthetic pathways of PGE2 and
      PGE2-G. Moreover, PGE2 production from arachidonic acid was reduced in the
      microsome fraction, indicating that WWL70 also targets PGE2 biosynthetic enzymes,
      which are likely to contribute to the therapeutic mechanisms of WWL70 in the EAE
      mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: WWL70 is an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent capable
      of inhibiting PGE2 and PGE2-G production, primarily due to its reduction of COX-2
      and microsomal PGES-1/2 expression and their PGE2 biosynthesis activity in
      microglia cells, as well as in the EAE mouse brain.

PMID- 28086914
TI  - Delivering HIV services in partnership: factors affecting collaborative working
      in a South African HIV programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The involvement of Global Health Initiatives (GHIs) in delivering
      health services in low and middle income countries (LMICs) depends on effective
      collaborative working at scales from the local to the international, and a single
      GHI is effectively constructed of multiple collaborations. Research is needed
      focusing on how collaboration functions in GHIs at the level of health service
      management. Here, collaboration between local implementing agencies and
      departments of health involves distinct power dynamics and tensions. Using
      qualitative data from an evaluation of a health partnership in South Africa, this
      article examines how organisational power dynamics affected the operation of the
      partnership across five dimensions of collaboration: governance, administration,
      organisational autonomy, mutuality, and norms of trust and reciprocity. RESULTS:
      Managing the tension between the power to provide resources held by the
      implementing agency and the local Departments' of Health power to access the
      populations in need of these resources proved critical to ensuring that the
      collaboration achieved its aims and shaped the way that each domain of
      collaboration functioned in the partnership. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest
      that it is important for public health practitioners to critically examine the
      ways in which collaboration functions across the scales in which they work and to
      pay particular attention to how local power dynamics between partner
      organisations affect programme implementation.

PMID- 28086915
TI  - Comparative study in infertile couples with and without Chlamydia trachomatis
      genital infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis(C.
      trachomatis), is the most common sexually transmitted disease. The incidence is
      not clear due to the asymptomatic nature of early stage of infections. The
      incidence of Chlamydia has not been fully investigated in the Chinese Han
      population. Since chronic infection with can C. trachomatis can lead to
      infertility in males and females, it is important to determine the impact of
      infection on clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to explore the
      epidemiology of C. trachomatis in subfertile couples and to determine whether
      infections will adversely affect clinical outcomes after assisted reproduction
      technique (ART) treatment. METHODS: Subfertile patients (n = 30760) were screened
      in the research for C. trachomatis in our center from January 2010 to December
      2014. C. trachomatis-specific DNA was detected by Taq-man PCR from semen or swabs
      from the urethral, endocervix or vaginal. The control group consisted of 1140
      subfertile patients without C. trachomatis infection. The prevalence and
      characteristics of C. trachomatis were identified for subfertile couples and
      clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. A retrospective study was
      performed. RESULTS: Nine hundred and seventy patients were diagnosed with C.
      trachomatis infection, and the overall prevalence was 3.15% in the most recent
      five years, with a yearly increasing. The incidence was a higher in the second
      half of the year (3.40%) compared to the first half (2.69%). The age group with
      the highest-risk of infection with C. trachomatis was between 26 to 35 years old,
      and in about one third of the couples, both partners were infected. The basic
      parameters and clinical outcomes were not statistically significant between
      different the groups (P > 0.05), even though some minor data were different (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: C. trachomatis is a common infection in subfertile people and
      it is essential to test for this organism in ART couples' screening. This study
      identified no adverse on clinical outcomes after successful treatment of C.
      trachomatis infection, regardless of gender, age and number of C. trachomatis
      copies.

PMID- 28086916
TI  - Microglial activation in Parkinson's disease using [18F]-FEPPA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammatory processes including activated microglia have been
      reported to play an important role in Parkinson's disease (PD). Increased
      expression of translocator protein (TSPO) has been observed after brain injury
      and inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Positron emission tomography
      (PET) radioligand targeting TSPO allows for the quantification of
      neuroinflammation in vivo. METHODS: Based on the genotype of the rs6791
      polymorphism in the TSPO gene, we included 25 mixed-affinity binders (MABs) (14
      PD patients and 11 age-matched healthy controls (HC)) and 27 high-affinity
      binders (HABs) (16 PD patients and 11 age-matched HC) to assess regional
      differences in the second-generation radioligand [18F]-FEPPA between PD patients
      and HC. FEPPA total distribution volume (V T) values in cortical as well as
      subcortical brain regions were derived from a two-tissue compartment model with
      arterial plasma as an input function. RESULTS: Our results revealed a significant
      main effect of genotype on [18F]-FEPPA V T in every brain region, but no main
      effect of disease or disease * genotype interaction in any brain region. The
      overall percentage difference of the mean FEPPA V T between HC-MABs and HC-HABs
      was 32.6% (SD = 2.09) and for PD-MABs and PD-HABs was 43.1% (SD = 1.21).
      CONCLUSIONS: Future investigations are needed to determine the significance of
      [18F]-FEPPA as a biomarker of neuroinflammation as well as the importance of the
      rs6971 polymorphism and its clinical consequence in PD.

PMID- 28086918
TI  - Atypical monoarthritis presentation in children with oligoarticular juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis: a case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oligoJIA), the most
      common chronic inflammatory arthritis of childhood, usually involves the knees
      and ankles. Severe oligoJIA monoarthritis presenting in a joint other than knees
      and ankles, is rare. FINDINGS: We report four children who presented with severe
      isolated arthritis of the hip, wrist or elbow and were diagnosed with oligoJIA.
      All four were girls with a median age of 11.5 years. Those with hip arthritis
      also met the classification criteria for juvenile-onset spondylarthopathy. Median
      duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 9.5 months. Three children had
      already cartilage loss or erosive disease at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Children
      diagnosed with oligoJIA that present with monoarthritis of the hip, wrist and
      elbow can have aggressive disease. Girls with positive HLA-B27 presenting with
      isolated hip arthritis could meet the classification criteria for both oligoJIA
      and juvenile-onset SpA. Early referral to specialized care may improve their
      diagnosis, treatment and outcome.

PMID- 28086917
TI  - Resveratrol regulates neuro-inflammation and induces adaptive immunity in
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) subjects (N =
      119) for 52 weeks with the SIRT1 activator resveratrol (up to 1 g by mouth twice
      daily) attenuates progressive declines in CSF Abeta40 levels and activities of
      daily living (ADL) scores. METHODS: For this retrospective study, we examined
      banked CSF and plasma samples from a subset of AD subjects with CSF Abeta42 <600
      ng/ml (biomarker-confirmed AD) at baseline (N = 19 resveratrol-treated and N = 19
      placebo-treated). We utilized multiplex Xmap technology to measure markers of
      neurodegenerative disease and metalloproteinases (MMPs) in parallel in CSF and
      plasma samples. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo-treated group, at 52 weeks,
      resveratrol markedly reduced CSF MMP9 and increased macrophage-derived chemokine
      (MDC), interleukin (IL)-4, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2. Compared to
      baseline, resveratrol increased plasma MMP10 and decreased IL-12P40, IL12P70, and
      RANTES. In this subset analysis, resveratrol treatment attenuated declines in
      mini-mental status examination (MMSE) scores, change in ADL (ADCS-ADL) scores,
      and CSF Abeta42 levels during the 52-week trial, but did not alter tau levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these data suggest that resveratrol decreases CSF
      MMP9, modulates neuro-inflammation, and induces adaptive immunity. SIRT1
      activation may be a viable target for treatment or prevention of
      neurodegenerative disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01504854.

PMID- 28086919
TI  - The safety attitudes questionnaire - ambulatory version: psychometric properties
      of the Slovenian version for the out-of-hours primary care setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several tools have been developed to measure safety attitudes of
      health care providers, out of which the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) is
      regarded as one of the most appropriate ones. In 2007, it was adapted to
      outpatient (primary health care) settings and in 2014 it was tested in out-of
      hours health care settings in Norway. The purpose of this study was to translate
      the English version of the SAQ-Ambulatory Version (SAQ-AV) to Slovenian language;
      to test its reliability; and to explore its factor structure. METHODS: This was a
      cross-sectional study that took place in Slovenian out-of-hours primary care
      clinics in March-May 2015 as a part of an international study entitled Patient
      Safety Culture in European Out-of-hours services. The questionnaire consisted of
      the Slovenian version of the SAQ-AV. The link to the questionnaire was emailed to
      health care workers in the out-of-hours clinics. A total of 438 participants were
      invited. We performed exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: Out of 438 invited
      participants, 250 answered the questionnaire (response rate 57.1%). Exploratory
      factor analysis put forward five factors: 1) Perceptions of management, 2) Job
      satisfaction, 3) Safety climate, 4) Teamwork climate, and 5) Communication.
      Cronbach's alpha of the whole SAQ-AV was 0.922. Cronbach's alpha of the five
      factors ranged from 0.587 to 0.791. Mean total score of the SAQ-AV was 56.6 +/-
      16.0 points. The factor with the highest average score was Teamwork climate and
      the factor with the lowest average was Job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Based on
      the results in our study, we cannot state that the SAQ-AV is a reliable tool for
      measuring safety culture in the Slovenian out-of-hours care setting. Our study
      also showed that there might be other safety culture factors in out-of-hours care
      not recognised before. We therefore recommend larger studies aiming to identify
      an alternative factor structure.

PMID- 28086920
TI  - Absence of system xc- on immune cells invading the central nervous system
      alleviates experimental autoimmune encephalitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease that
      affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neurodegeneration and
      chronic disability. Accumulating evidence points to a key role for
      neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity in this degenerative
      process. System xc- or the cystine/glutamate antiporter could tie these
      pathological mechanisms together: its activity is enhanced by reactive oxygen
      species and inflammatory stimuli, and its enhancement might lead to the release
      of toxic amounts of glutamate, thereby triggering excitotoxicity and
      neurodegeneration. METHODS: Semi-quantitative Western blotting served to study
      protein expression of xCT, the specific subunit of system xc-, as well as of
      regulators of xCT transcription, in the normal appearing white matter (NAWM) of
      MS patients and in the CNS and spleen of mice exposed to experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE), an accepted mouse model of MS. We next compared the
      clinical course of the EAE disease, the extent of demyelination, the infiltration
      of immune cells and microglial activation in xCT-knockout (xCT-/-) mice and
      irradiated mice reconstituted in xCT-/- bone marrow (BM), to their proper wild
      type (xCT+/+) controls. RESULTS: xCT protein expression levels were upregulated
      in the NAWM of MS patients and in the brain, spinal cord, and spleen of EAE mice.
      The pathways involved in this upregulation in NAWM of MS patients remain
      unresolved. Compared to xCT+/+ mice, xCT-/- mice were equally susceptible to EAE,
      whereas mice transplanted with xCT-/- BM, and as such only exhibiting loss of xCT
      in their immune cells, were less susceptible to EAE. In none of the above
      described conditions, demyelination, microglial activation, or infiltration of
      immune cells were affected. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate enhancement of
      xCT protein expression in MS pathology and suggest that system xc- on immune
      cells invading the CNS participates to EAE. Since a total loss of system xc- had
      no net beneficial effects, these results have important implications for
      targeting system xc- for treatment of MS.

PMID- 28086921
TI  - A randomized-controlled trial focusing on socio-economic status for promoting
      vegetable intake among adults using a web-based nutrition intervention programme:
      study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Web-based nutritional education programmes appear to be comparable to
      those delivered face-to-face. However, no existing web-based nutrition education
      or similar programme has yet been evaluated with consideration of socio-economic
      status. The objective of a nutritional education programme of promoting vegetable
      intake designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the results of
      intervention and to determine how socio-economic status influences the programme
      effects. METHODS/DESIGN: Participants will be randomly sampled individuals (aged
      30-59) stratified according national population statistics for sex, age, and
      household income. Participants were consented to survey participation (n = 1500),
      and will be randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The
      intervention period is 5 weeks with one step of diet-related education per week.
      The main outcome of the programme is dietary behaviour as eating vegetable (350 g
      per day, five small bowl). To encourage behavioural changes, the programme
      contents are prepared using behavioural theories and techniques tailored to the
      assumed group stages of behavioural change. In the first step, we employ the
      health belief model to encourage a shift from the pre-contemplative to the
      contemplative phase; in the second and third steps, social cognitive theory is
      used to encourage transition to the preparatory phase; in the fourth step, social
      cognitive theory and strengthening social support are used to promote progression
      to the execution phase; finally, in the fifth step, strengthening social capital
      and social support are used to promote the shift to the maintenance phase. The
      baseline, post intervention and follow-up survey was assessed using a self
      administered questionnaire. For process evaluation, we use five items relating to
      programme participation and satisfaction. A follow-up survey of participants will
      be carried out 3 months after intervention completion. DISCUSSION: The fact that
      this study is an RCT with an established control group is a strong advantage.
      Information and communications technology is not limited by time or place. If we
      could show this web-based nutrition education programmes has a positive effect,
      it may be an appropriate tool for reaching individuals in lower socio-economic
      state. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials UMIN-ICDR UMIN 000019376
      (Registered October 16, 2015).

PMID- 28086923
TI  - Multiple HIV-1/M + HIV-1/O dual infections and new HIV-1/MO inter-group
      recombinant forms detected in Cameroon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the prevalence of HIV-1 group M and the endemicity of HIV-1
      group O infections in Cameroon, patients may be infected with both viruses and/or
      with HIV-1/MO recombinant forms. Such atypical infections may be deleterious in
      terms of diagnosis and therapeutic management due to the high divergence of HIV
      1/O. The aim of this study was to identify prospectively such atypical infections
      in Cameroon. RESULTS: Based on serological screening by env-V3 serotyping and a
      molecular strategy using group-specific (RT)-PCRs, we identified 10 Cameroonian
      patients harboring three different profiles of infection: (1) 4 HIV-1/M + O dual
      infections without evidence of recombinant; (2) 5 recombinants associated with
      one or both parental strains; and (3) 1 new recombinant form without parental
      strains. CONCLUSIONS: This work highlights the dynamic co-evolution of these two
      HIV groups in Cameroon that could lead to the emergence of a circulating
      recombinant form MO, and the need for accurate identification of such atypical
      infections for precise diagnosis, virological monitoring and therapeutic
      management with adapted tools.

PMID- 28086922
TI  - Transcriptional profiles in bursal B-lymphoid DT40 cells infected with very
      virulent infectious bursal disease virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) causes a highly contagious,
      immunosuppressive disease in chickens. The virus mainly infects immature B
      lymphocytes in the bursa of Fabricius (BF). Chicken B cell line DT40, an avian
      leukosis virus-induced B cell line, supports very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV)
      infection in vitro and thereby serves as a good model for investigating the
      infection and pathogenesis of this virus. However, a transcriptome-wide
      understanding of the interaction between vvIBDV and B cells has not yet been
      achieved. This study aimed to employ time-course DNA microarrays to investigate
      gene expression patterns in DT40 cells after infection with vvIBDV strain LX.
      RESULTS: DT40 cells infected with vvIBDV exhibited alterations in the expression
      of many important host genes involved in signal transduction pathways, including
      MAPK signaling, PI3K/mTOR signaling, cell death and survival, BCR signaling, and
      antigen presentation. The changes in cellular mRNA levels identified by
      microarray analysis were confirmed for 8 selected genes using real-time reverse
      transcription-PCR. The upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and Toll-like
      receptors (TLRs) in the bursa of vvIBDV-infected chickens might involve excessive
      activation of the innate immune and inflammatory responses and contribute to
      tissue damage. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first to provide a
      comprehensive differential transcriptional profile of cultured DT40 cells in
      response to vvIBDV infection and further extends our understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms underlying vvIBDV infection and pathogenesis.

PMID- 28086924
TI  - Treating infants with frigg: linking disease aetiologies, medicinal plant use and
      care-seeking behaviour in southern Morocco.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although most Moroccans rely to some extent on traditional medicine,
      the practice of frigg to treat paediatric ailments by elderly women traditional
      healers known as ferraggat, has not yet been documented. We describe the role of
      these specialist healers, document the medicinal plants they use, and evaluate
      how and why their practice is changing. METHODS: Ethnomedicinal and
      ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews and
      observations of medical encounters. Information was collected from traditional
      healers, namely ferraggat, patients, herbalists and public health professionals.
      Patients' and healers' narratives about traditional medicine were analysed and
      medicinal plant lists were compiled from healers and herbalists. Plants used were
      collected, vouchered and deposited in herbaria. RESULTS: Ferragat remain a key
      health resource to treat infant ailments in the rural High Atlas, because mothers
      believe only they can treat what are perceived to be illnesses with a
      supernatural cause. Ferragat possess baraka, or the gift of healing, and treat
      mainly three folk ailments, taqait, taumist and iqdi, which present symptoms
      similar to those of ear infections, tonsillitis and gastroenteritis. Seventy
      plant species were used to treat these ailments, but the emphasis on plants may
      be a recent substitute for treatments that used primarily wool and blood. This
      change in materia medica is a shift in the objects of cultural meaningfulness in
      response to the increasing influence of orthodox Islam and state-sponsored
      modernisation, including public healthcare and schooling. CONCLUSIONS: Religious
      and other sociocultural changes are impacting the ways in which ferraggat
      practice. Treatments based on no-longer accepted symbolic elements have been
      readily abandoned and substituted by licit remedies, namely medicinal plants,
      which play a legitimisation role for the practice of frigg. However, beliefs in
      supernatural ailment aetiologies, as well as lack or difficult access to
      biomedical alternatives, still underlie the need for specialist traditional
      healers.

PMID- 28086926
TI  - Maternal health care service seeking behaviors and associated factors among women
      in rural Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia: a triangulated community-based
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regular utilization of maternal health care services reduces maternal
      morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the maternal health care seeking
      behavior and associated factors of reproductive age women in rural villages of
      Haramaya district, East Ethiopia. METHODS: Community based cross sectional study
      supplemented with qualitative data was conducted in Haramaya district from
      November 15 to Decemeber 30, 2015. A total of 561 women in reproductive age group
      and who gave birth in the last 2 years were randomly included. Bivariate and
      multivariate logistic regressions model was used to identify the associated
      factors. Odds ratios with 95% CI were used to measure the strength of
      association. RESULT: Maternal health care service seeking of women was found as;
      antenatal care 74.3% (95% CI; 72.5, 76.14), attending institutional delivery
      28.7% (95% CI; 26.8, 30.6) and postnatal care 22.6% (95% CI; 20.84, 24.36).
      Knowledge of pregnancy complications, Educational status, and religion of women
      were found to be significantly associated with antenatal health care, delivery
      and postnatal health care service seeking behaviours triangulated with
      individual, institutional and socio-cultural qualitative data. CONCLUSION: The
      maternal health care service seeking behavior of women in the study area was low.
      Educational status of the women, birth order and knowledge about pregnancy
      complications were the major factors associated with maternal health care service
      seeking behavior Focused health education with kind and supportive health care
      provider counseling will improve the maternal health care seeking behaviors of
      women.

PMID- 28086927
TI  - Can pegylated interferon improve the outcome of polycythemia vera patients?
AB  - Pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) was proven by phase II trials to be effective in
      polycythemia vera (PV); however, it is not clear whether it could improve patient
      outcome compared to hydroxyurea (HU). Here, we present an observational study on
      65 PV patients aged 65 years or younger, who received either peg-IFN (30) or HU
      (35) according to the physician choice. Median follow-up was 75 months. The two
      cohorts were comparable for patient and disease characteristics. Eighty-seven
      percent of the patients treated with peg-INF responded, with a CR rate of 70% as
      compared to 100 and 49% with HU, respectively. Discontinuation rate was similar
      in the two groups (20% in peg-IFN vs 17% in HU). JAK2 allele burden was monitored
      in peg-INF arm only, and a reduction was observed in 88% of the patients. No
      thrombotic events were observed during peg-IFN treatment compared to three on HU.
      Disease progression to myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukemia occurred to a
      patient only in peg-INF, compared to three in HU. Overall, three second
      malignancies were observed during the study, two in patients who received HU
      only, and one in a patient largely treated HU who received also peg-IFN for 3
      months. Overall survival was significantly better for peg-IFN patients compared
      to HU, p = 0.027. Our study, albeit limited by small patient and event number and
      lack of randomization, confirms the efficacy of peg-INF in PV and shows a
      significant survival advantage for peg-INF-treated patients. Waiting for
      confirming data from the ongoing phase III trials, our study can support peg-INF
      as a first-line treatment option for PV, at least for younger patients.

PMID- 28086925
TI  - Partnerships in mental healthcare service delivery in low-resource settings:
      developing an innovative network in rural Nepal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mental illnesses are the largest contributors to the global burden of
      non-communicable diseases. However, there is extremely limited access to high
      quality, culturally-sensitive, and contextually-appropriate mental healthcare
      services. This situation persists despite the availability of interventions with
      proven efficacy to improve patient outcomes. A partnerships network is necessary
      for successful program adaptation and implementation. PARTNERSHIPS NETWORK: We
      describe our partnerships network as a case example that addresses challenges in
      delivering mental healthcare and which can serve as a model for similar settings.
      Our perspectives are informed from integrating mental healthcare services within
      a rural public hospital in Nepal. Our approach includes training and supervising
      generalist health workers by off-site psychiatrists. This is made possible by
      complementing the strengths and weaknesses of the various groups involved: the
      public sector, a non-profit organization that provides general healthcare
      services and one that specializes in mental health, a community advisory board,
      academic centers in high- and low-income countries, and bicultural professionals
      from the diaspora community. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a partnerships model to
      assist implementation of promising programs to expand access to mental healthcare
      in low- resource settings. We describe the success and limitations of our current
      partners in a mental health program in rural Nepal.

PMID- 28086928
TI  - Resolvin RvD2 reduces hypothalamic inflammation and rescues mice from diet
      induced obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diet-induced hypothalamic inflammation is an important mechanism
      leading to dysfunction of neurons involved in controlling body mass. Studies have
      shown that polyunsaturated fats can reduce hypothalamic inflammation. Here, we
      evaluated the presence and function of RvD2, a resolvin produced from
      docosahexaenoic acid, in the hypothalamus of mice. METHODS: Male Swiss mice were
      fed either chow or a high-fat diet. RvD2 receptor and synthetic enzymes were
      evaluated by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence. RvD2 was determined by mass
      spectrometry. Dietary and pharmacological approaches were used to modulate the
      RvD2 system in the hypothalamus, and metabolic phenotype consequences were
      determined. RESULTS: All enzymes involved in the synthesis of RvD2 were detected
      in the hypothalamus and were modulated in response to the consumption of dietary
      saturated fats, leading to a reduction of hypothalamic RvD2. GPR18, the receptor
      for RvD2, which was detected in POMC and NPY neurons, was also modulated by
      dietary fats. The substitution of saturated by polyunsaturated fats in the diet
      resulted in increased hypothalamic RvD2, which was accompanied by reduced body
      mass and improved glucose tolerance. The intracerebroventricular treatment with
      docosahexaenoic acid resulted in increased expression of the RvD2 synthetic
      enzymes, increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and improved
      metabolic phenotype. Finally, intracerebroventricular treatment with RvD2
      resulted in reduced adiposity, improved glucose tolerance and increased
      hypothalamic expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, RvD2
      is produced in the hypothalamus, and its receptor and synthetic enzymes are
      modulated by dietary fats. The improved metabolic outcomes of RvD2 make this
      substance an attractive approach to treat obesity.

PMID- 28086929
TI  - Early virological failure and HIV drug resistance in Ugandan adults co-infected
      with tuberculosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study took place in the integrated tuberculosis
      (TB) clinic of a large outpatient clinic for HIV-infected patients in Kampala,
      Uganda. The purpose of this study was to describe the proportion of TB/HIV co
      infected adults with virological failure, type and frequency of HIV drug
      resistance-associated mutations, and the proportion of patients with suboptimal
      efavirenz levels. METHODS: HIV-1 plasma viral loads, CD4 cell count measurements,
      and efavirenz serum concentrations were done in TB/HIV co-infected adults.
      Genotypic resistance testing was performed in case of confirmed virological
      failure. RESULTS: After a median time on ART of 6 months, virological failure was
      found in 22/152 patients (14.5%). Of 147 participants with available efavirenz
      serum concentration, 26 (17.6%) had at least one value below the reference range,
      including 20/21 (95.2%) patients with confirmed virological failure. Genotypic
      resistance testing was available for 16/22 (72.7%) patients, of which 15 (93.8%)
      had at least one major mutation, most commonly M184V (81.2%) and K103NS (68.8%).
      CONCLUSION: We found a high proportion of TB/HIV co-infected patients with
      virological failure, the majority of which had developed relevant resistance
      mutations after a median time on anti-retroviral treatment (ART) of 6 months.
      Virological monitoring should be prioritized in TB/HIV co-infected patients in
      resource-limited settings.

PMID- 28086930
TI  - Mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2) contributes to poor
      disease outcome in humans and mice with pneumococcal meningitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal meningitis is the most common and severe form of
      bacterial meningitis. Fatality rates are substantial, and long-term sequelae
      develop in about half of survivors. Disease outcome has been related to the
      severity of the pro-inflammatory response in the subarachnoid space. The
      complement system, which mediates key inflammatory processes, has been implicated
      as a modulator of pneumococcal meningitis disease severity in animal studies.
      METHODS: We investigated mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease (MASP
      2) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples derived from the diagnostic lumbar
      puncture, which was available for 307 of 792 pneumococcal meningitis episodes
      included in our prospective nationwide cohort study (39%), and the association
      between these levels and clinical outcome. Subsequently, we studied the role of
      MASP-2 in our experimental pneumococcal meningitis mouse model using Masp2 -/-
      mice and evaluated the potential of adjuvant treatment with MASP-2-specific
      monoclonal antibodies in wild-type (WT) mice. RESULTS: MASP-2 levels in
      cerebrospinal fluid of patients with bacterial meningitis were correlated with
      poor functional outcome. Consistent with these human data, Masp2-deficient mice
      with pneumococcal meningitis had lower cytokine levels and increased survival
      compared to WT mice. Adjuvant treatment with MASP-2-specific monoclonal
      antibodies led to reduced complement activation and decreased disease severity.
      CONCLUSIONS: MASP-2 contributes to poor disease outcome in human and mice with
      pneumococcal meningitis. MASP-2-specific monoclonal antibodies can be used to
      attenuate the inflammatory response in pneumococcal meningitis.

PMID- 28086931
TI  - The release and trans-synaptic transmission of Tau via exosomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tau pathology in AD spreads in a hierarchical pattern, whereby it
      first appears in the entorhinal cortex, then spreads to the hippocampus and later
      to the surrounding areas. Based on this sequential appearance, AD can be
      classified into six stages ("Braak stages"). The mechanisms and agents underlying
      the progression of Tau pathology are a matter of debate. Emerging evidence
      indicates that the propagation of Tau pathology may be due to the transmission of
      Tau protein, but the underlying pathways and Tau species are not well understood.
      In this study we investigated the question of Tau spreading via small
      extracellular vesicles called exosomes. METHODS: Exosomes from different sources
      were analyzed by biochemical methods and electron microscopy (EM) and cryo-EM.
      Microfluidic devices that allow the culture of cell populations in different
      compartments were used to investigate the spreading of Tau. RESULTS: We show that
      Tau protein is released by cultured primary neurons or by N2a cells
      overexpressing different Tau constructs via exosomes. Neuron-derived exosomal Tau
      is hypo-phosphorylated, compared with cytosolic Tau. Depolarization of neurons
      promotes release of Tau-containing exosomes, highlighting the importance of
      neuronal activity. Using microfluidic devices we show that exosomes mediate trans
      neuronal transfer of Tau depending on synaptic connectivity. Tau spreading is
      achieved by direct transmission of exosomes between neurons. In organotypic
      hippocampal slices, Tau-containing exosomes in conditioned medium are taken up by
      neurons and microglia, not astrocytes. In N2a cells, Tau assemblies are released
      via exosomes. They can induce inclusions of other Tau molecules in N2a cells
      expressing mutant human Tau. We also studied exosomes from cerebrospinal fluid in
      AD and control subjects containing monomeric and oligomeric Tau. Split-luciferase
      complementation reveals that exosomes from CSF can promote Tau aggregation in
      cultured cells. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that exosomes contribute to
      trans-synaptic Tau transmission, and thus offer new approches to control the
      spreading of pathology in AD and other tauopathies.

PMID- 28086932
TI  - Spontaneous ischaemic stroke lesions in a dog brain: neuropathological
      characterisation and comparison to human ischaemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dogs develop spontaneous ischaemic stroke with a clinical picture
      closely resembling human ischaemic stroke patients. Animal stroke models have
      been developed, but it has proved difficult to translate results obtained from
      such models into successful therapeutic strategies in human stroke patients. In
      order to face this apparent translational gap within stroke research, dogs with
      ischaemic stroke constitute an opportunity to study the neuropathology of
      ischaemic stroke in an animal species. CASE PRESENTATION: A 7 years and 8 months
      old female neutered Rottweiler dog suffered a middle cerebral artery infarct and
      was euthanized 3 days after onset of neurological signs. The brain was subjected
      to histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Neuropathological changes were
      characterised by a pan-necrotic infarct surrounded by peri-infarct injured
      neurons and reactive microglia/macrophages and astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The
      neuropathological changes reported in the present study were similar to findings
      in human patients with ischaemic stroke. The dog with spontaneous ischaemic
      stroke is of interest as a complementary spontaneous animal model for further
      neuropathological studies.

PMID- 28086933
TI  - Self-collection based HPV testing for cervical cancer screening among women
      living with HIV in Uganda: a descriptive analysis of knowledge, intentions to
      screen and factors associated with HPV positivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women living with HIV (WHIV) are disproportionately impacted by
      cervical dysplasia and cancer. The burden is greatest in low-income countries
      where limited or no access to screening exists. The goal of this study was to
      describe knowledge and intentions of WHIV towards HPV self-collection for
      cervical cancer screening, and to report on factors related to HPV positivity
      among women who participated in testing. METHODS: A validated survey was
      administered to 87 HIV positive women attending the Kisenyi Health Unit aged 30
      69 years old, and data was abstracted from chart review. At a later date, self
      collection based HPV testing was offered to all women. Specimens were tested for
      high risk HPV genotypes, and women were contacted with results and referred for
      care. Descriptive statistics, Chi Square and Fischer-exact statistical tests were
      performed. RESULTS: The vast majority of WHIV (98.9%) women did not think it
      necessary to be screened for cervical cancer and the majority of women had never
      heard of HPV (96.4%). However, almost all WHIV found self-collection for cervical
      cancer screening to be acceptable. Of the 87 WHIV offered self-collection, 40
      women agreed to provide a sample at the HIV clinic. Among women tested, 45% were
      oncogenic HPV positive, where HPV 16 or 18 positivity was 15% overall.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this group of WHIV engaged in HIV care, there was a high
      prevalence of oncogenic HPV, a large proportion of which were HPV genotypes 16 or
      18, in addition to low knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer screening. Improved
      education and cervical cancer screening for WHIV are sorely needed; self
      collection based screening has the potential to be integrated with routine HIV
      care in this setting.

PMID- 28086934
TI  - Electroacupuncture plus moxibustion therapy for patients with major depressive
      disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent mental
      health disorders and has a significant societal economic burden. Antidepressants
      and cognitive behavioral therapy are two primary interventions for the
      standardized treatment of MDD. However, their weaknesses, such as a low response
      rate, a high risk of adverse events from medication, and the high cost of
      cognitive behavioral therapy, have resulted in a need for complementary and
      alternative medicine (CAM). Among the various therapeutic interventions in CAM,
      electroacupuncture and moxibustion have been widely used to treat various mental
      illnesses, including MDD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of
      conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy
      and safety of electroacupuncture plus moxibustion therapy for MDD.
      METHODS/DESIGN: We will include patients between the ages of 19 to 65 years with
      MDD. A total of 30 participants will be recruited, and they will be randomly
      allocated into two groups at a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the treatment and control
      groups will, respectively, receive real and sham electroacupuncture/moxibustion
      treatments, for a total of 20 sessions over 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be
      the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the secondary outcomes will be
      Beck's Depression Inventory, the Insomnia Severity Index, the State-Trait Anxiety
      Inventory, the EuroQol 5-Dimension Index, the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome
      Profile version 2, and electroencephalography. Adverse events will be monitored
      at each visit to assess safety. All outcomes will be assessed and analyzed by
      researchers blinded to the treatment allocation. DISCUSSION: This is a two-armed,
      parallel-design, patient-assessor blinded, multicenter, randomized, sham
      controlled pilot clinical trial. Data will be analyzed before and after treatment
      and during a 4-week follow-up. The results of the trial will provide a basis for
      further studies assessing the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture plus
      moxibustion treatment for MDD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Korean Clinical Trial
      Registry, CRIS-KCT0001810 . Registered on 5 February 2016 (retrospectively
      registered; date of enrollment of the first participant to the trial: 2 December
      2015).

PMID- 28086935
TI  - Does the transfer of a poor quality embryo together with a good quality embryo
      affect the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) outcome?
AB  - BACKGROUND: IVF cycles which result in only one good quality embryo, and a second
      poor quality embryo present a dilemma when the decision involves transferring two
      embryos. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a poor quality embryo has
      a negative effect on a good quality embryo when transferred along with a good
      quality embryo. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated in vitro fertilization
      (IVF) cycles involving single embryo transfers (SET) and double embryo transfers
      (DET). Embryo quality was divided into poor "P" and good "G" quality. The main
      outcome measures were: live birth, implantation rate, miscarriage rate, clinical
      pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy ratio. RESULTS: Six hundred three women
      were included. The study group consisted of 180 (29.9%) patients who had a double
      embryo transfer (DET) with one poor quality embryo and one good quality embryo (P
      + G). Control 1 group included 303 (50.2%) patients who had DET with two good
      quality embryos (G + G), and control 2 group consisted of 120 (19.9%) patients
      who had a single embryo transfer (SET) with one good quality embryo (G). Live
      birth rates were not significantly different when compared between study groups:
      30.8% in the SET group (G), 27.2% in the (G + P) group and 33.7% in the (G + G)
      group. The SET group had the highest implantation rate (33.9%) compared to the
      DET groups (21.8% (G + P), 25.4% (G + G)) (P =0.022). The clinical pregnancy rate
      was 33.3% in the SET group (G), 33.3% in the (G + P) group, and 39.3% in the (G +
      G) group (P =0.39). The miscarriage rate was comparable in all groups.
      CONCLUSION: A poor quality embryo does not negatively affect a good quality
      embryo, when transferred together in a double embryo transfer.

PMID- 28086936
TI  - Association between Low blood lead levels and increased risk of dental caries in
      children: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine the association between
      low blood lead levels of <5 MUg/dL and the development of dental caries among
      children. METHODS: The Children's Health and Environment Research (CHEER) group
      recruited a cohort of 7,059 school-aged children from six Korean cities. The
      final study populations in the permanent and deciduous teeth groups were 1,564
      and 1,241 children, respectively, after excluding 4 children with blood lead
      levels of >5 MUg/dL. Compared with the children who did not have dental caries,
      the risk of having dental caries according to blood lead level was estimated by
      using the zero-inflated negative binomial model. RESULTS: The geometric mean
      (geometric standard deviation, maximum) blood lead level was 1.53 MUg/dL (1.57,
      4.89 MUg/dL), and 74.4% of children had a level of <2 MUg/dL. Blood lead level
      was significantly higher in the children with than in those without deciduous
      dental caries (1.59 vs. 1.51 MUg/dL), similarly with permanent dental caries
      (1.65 vs. 1.51 MUg/dL). After adjustment for covariates, deciduous teeth surfaces
      that were decayed and filled increased significantly with increasing blood lead
      levels in a dose-dependent manner (prevalence ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.02-1.27). However, the risk of having dental caries in permanent
      teeth was not linearly associated with the increase in blood lead level.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the sum of decayed and filled surfaces, we found a significant
      increase in risk of dental caries of the deciduous teeth with an increase in
      blood lead levels (<5 MUg/dL) but found no statistical significance in the
      association with decayed and filled surfaces of caries separately.

PMID- 28086937
TI  - A meta-analysis of randomized control trials of surgical methods with
      osteosarcoma outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is a high malignant neoplasm, and conflicting findings
      have been reported on the survival and function recovery of osteosarcoma patients
      experiencing limb salvage or amputation. In the present study, we compared limb
      salvage surgery (LSS) with amputation in clinical outcomes of osteosarcoma
      patients by a meta-analysis. METHODS: The survival rate of osteosarcoma patients
      was collected from research reports from CNKI, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane
      Database, and Google Scholar till April 30, 2016. The quality of including
      articles was evaluated by two independent reviewers. Differences between patients
      undergoing limb salvage surgery and amputation were analyzed based on
      postoperative survival rates. RESULTS: Ten articles were included according to
      selection criteria. There were 1343 patients in total from these studies. Our
      results showed that there was no significant difference between limb salvage
      surgery and amputation according to local recurrence; however, patients with limb
      salvage surgery had a higher 5-year overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: LSS results in
      higher 5-year survival rates and better survival, while not increasing the risk
      of local recurrence. This study provided more evidences to support limb salvage
      surgery as a considerable treatment of osteosarcoma patients.

PMID- 28086939
TI  - Feasibility study for the non-invasive blood pressure estimation based on ppg
      morphology: normotensive subject study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood pressure is a critical bio-signal and its importance has been
      increased with the aged society and the growth of cardiovascular disease
      population. However, most of hypertensive patients have been suffered the
      inconvenience in monitoring blood pressure in daily life because the measurement
      of the blood pressure depends on the cuff-based technique. Nowadays there are
      many trials to measure blood pressure without cuff, especially,
      photoplethysmography (PPG) based research is carried out in various ways.
      METHODS: Our research is designed to hypothesis the relationship between vessel
      wall movement and pressure-flow relationship of PPG and to validate its
      appropriateness by experimental methods. PPG waveform is simplified by
      approximate model, and then it is analyzed as the velocity and the acceleration
      of blood flow using the derivatives of PPG. Finally, we develop pressure index
      (PI) as an estimation factor of blood pressure by combining of statistically
      significant segments of photoplethysmographic waveform. RESULTS: Twenty-five
      subjects were participated in the experiment. As a result of simulation,
      correlation coefficients between developed PI and blood pressure were represented
      with R = 0.818, R = 0.827 and R = 0.615 in systolic blood pressure, pulse
      pressure and mean arterial pressure, respectively, and both of result showed the
      meaningful statistically significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Current study can
      estimate only the relative variation of blood pressure but could not find the
      absolute pressure value. Moreover, proposed index has the limitation of diastolic
      pressure tracing. However, the result shows that the proposed PI is statistically
      significantly correlated with blood pressures, and it suggests that the proposed
      PI as a promising additional parameter for the cuff less blood pressure
      monitoring.

PMID- 28086938
TI  - Alpha-enolase (ENO1) controls alpha v/beta 3 integrin expression and regulates
      pancreatic cancer adhesion, invasion, and metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
      (PDA) cells, the glycolytic enzyme alpha-enolase (ENO1) also acts as a
      plasminogen receptor and promotes invasion and metastasis formation. Moreover,
      ENO1 silencing in PDA cells induces oxidative stress, senescence and profoundly
      modifies PDA cell metabolism. Although anti-ENO1 antibody inhibits PDA cell
      migration and invasion, little is known about the role of ENO1 in regulating cell
      cell and cell-matrix contacts. We therefore investigated the effect of ENO1
      silencing on the modulation of cell morphology, adhesion to matrix substrates,
      cell invasiveness, and metastatic ability. METHODS: The membrane and cytoskeleton
      modifications that occurred in ENO1-silenced (shENO1) PDA cells were investigated
      by a combination of confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The
      effect of ENO1 silencing was then evaluated by phenotypic and functional
      experiments to identify the role of ENO1 in adhesion, migration, and invasion, as
      well as in senescence and apoptosis. The experimental results were then validated
      in a mouse model. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in the roughness of
      the cell membrane due to ENO1 silencing, a feature associated with an impaired
      ability to migrate and invade, along with a significant downregulation of
      proteins involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, including alpha v/beta 3
      integrin in shENO1 PDA cells. These changes impaired the ability of shENO1 cells
      to adhere to Collagen I and IV and Fibronectin and caused an increase in RGD
      independent adhesion to vitronectin (VN) via urokinase plasminogen activator
      receptor (uPAR). Binding of uPAR to VN triggers integrin-mediated signals, which
      result in ERK1-2 and RAC activation, accumulation of ROS, and senescence. In
      shENO1 cancer cells, the use of an anti-uPAR antibody caused significant
      reduction of ROS production and senescence. Overall, a decrease of in vitro and
      in vivo cell migration and invasion of shENO1 PDA cells was observed. CONCLUSION:
      These data demonstrate that ENO1 promotes PDA survival, migration, and metastasis
      through cooperation with integrins and uPAR.

PMID- 28086941
TI  - Diversity in breeding sites and distribution of Anopheles mosquitoes in selected
      urban areas of southern Ghana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anopheles vectors of malaria are supposedly less common in urban
      areas as a result of pollution, but there is increasing evidence of their
      adaptation to organically polluted water bodies. This study characterized the
      breeding habitats of Anopheles mosquitoes in the two major urban areas in
      southern Ghana; Accra (AMA) and Sekondi-Takoradi (STMA) Metropolitan Areas,
      during dry and wet seasons. METHODS: Anopheles mosquito larvae were sampled using
      standard dipping methods to determine larval densities. The origin, nature and
      stability of 21 randomly selected sites were observed and recorded. Mosquito
      larvae were reared to adults and Anopheles species identified by both
      morphological and molecular means. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of Anopheles
      habitats were permanent and 34% temporal, and 74.5% man-made while 25.5% were
      natural. Puddles and urban farm sites accounted for over 51% of all Anopheles
      mosquitoes sampled. The mean larval densities among the habitat types was highest
      of 13.7/dip for puddles and lowest of 2.3/dip for stream/river, and the variation
      between densities were significant (P = 0.002). The mean larval densities were
      significantly higher in the wet season than in the dry season for the two study
      areas combined (P = 0.0191) and AMA (P = 0.0228). Over 99% of the 5,802
      morphologically identified Anopheles species were An. gambiae (s.l.) of which
      more than 99% of the studied 898 were An. coluzzii (62%) and An. gambiae (s.s.)
      (34%). Urban farms, puddles, swamps and ditches/ dugouts accounted for
      approximately 70% of all An. coluzzii identified. Conversely, drains,
      construction sites, streams/rivers and "others" contributed 80% of all An.
      gambiae (s.s.) sampled. The wet season had significantly higher proportion of
      Anopheles larvae compared to the dry season (Z = 8.3683, P < 0.0001). Also, the
      proportion of Anopheles mosquitoes produced by permanent breeding sites was 61.3%
      and that of temporary sites was 38.7%. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the data
      suggest that man-made and/ or permanent habitats were the main contributors to
      Anopheles larval populations in the cities and that regulation of the
      anthropogenic processes that lead to development of breeding places and proper
      environmental management can drastically reduce mosquito breeding sites in urban
      areas of Ghana.

PMID- 28086940
TI  - Ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for analgesia
      following total knee arthroplasty: a prospective feasibility study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve stimulation has been used for decades to treat
      chronic pain but has not been used for postoperative analgesia due to multiple
      limitations, beginning with invasive electrode placement. With the development of
      small-diameter/gauge leads enabling percutaneous insertion, ultrasound guidance
      for accurate introduction, and stimulators small enough to be adhered to the
      skin, neurostimulation may now be provided in a similar manner to continuous
      peripheral nerve blocks. Here, we report on the use of ultrasound-guided
      percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation to treat postoperative pain. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Subjects within 60 days of a total knee arthroplasty with pain
      insufficiently treated with oral analgesics had a 0.2-mm-diameter electrical lead
      (pre-loaded into a 20 gauge needle) introduced percutaneously using ultrasound
      guidance with the tip located approximately 0.5-1.0 cm from the femoral nerve (a
      second lead was inserted approximately 1.0-3.0 cm from the sciatic nerve for
      posterior knee pain). An external stimulator delivered current. Endpoints were
      assessed before and after lead insertion and the leads subsequently removed. Due
      to the small sample size for this pilot/feasibility study, no statistics were
      applied to the data. RESULTS: Leads were inserted in subjects (n = 5) 8-58 days
      postoperatively. Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation decreased pain an
      average of 93% at rest (from a mean of 5.0 to 0.2 on a 0-10 numeric rating
      scale), with 4 of 5 subjects experiencing complete resolution of pain. During
      passive and active knee motion pain decreased an average of 27 and 30%,
      respectively. Neither maximum passive nor active knee range-of-motion was
      consistently affected. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral
      nerve stimulation may be a practical modality for the treatment of postoperative
      pain following orthopedic surgical procedures, and further investigation appears
      warranted.

PMID- 28086943
TI  - A lifestyle intervention among elderly men on active surveillance for non
      aggressive prostate cancer: a randomised feasibility study with whole-grain rye
      and exercise.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis for men with non-aggressive prostate cancer is good,
      and several studies have investigated the impact of lifestyle changes including
      physical activity and diet on the prognosis. Despite positive results in animal
      studies and a few human interventions with whole-grain rye on markers of prostate
      cancer progression, the feasibility of trials investigating such dietary changes
      in combination with physical activity remains largely unstudied. The primary aim
      was to investigate the feasibility of an intervention with high whole-grain rye
      intake and vigorous physical activity for 6 months in men diagnosed with prostate
      cancer. METHODS: In total, 26 men (53-72 years) recently diagnosed with non
      aggressive prostate cancer and on active surveillance, were enrolled in 2011-2012
      and randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. The intervention
      included 170 g/day of whole-grain rye and 3 * 45 minutes/week of vigorous
      physical activity. The duration of the intervention was 6 months and end of
      follow-up 12 months after baseline. Clinic visits were scheduled at baseline and
      3, 6 and 12 months after baseline. Compliance with the intervention was evaluated
      by diaries, food frequency questionnaires, biomarkers, and heart rate monitor
      data. The effect of the intervention was evaluated by linear multiple regression
      analysis. RESULTS: In the intervention group, the mean daily intake of whole
      grain rye measured from diaries was 146 g (SD: 19) for the first 3 months and 125
      g (SD: 40) for the last 3 months of the intervention. The median level (5th and
      95th percentiles) of vigorous physical activity was 91 (17, 193) min/week for the
      first 3 months and 66 (13, 259) min/week for the last 3 months. No recordings of
      physical activity were done for the control group. Aerobic fitness (VO2 peak)
      increased in the intervention group compared to the control group after the
      intervention. No effects were found on other cardio-metabolic outcomes or
      prostate cancer progression. CONCLUSIONS: The lifestyle intervention appeared
      feasible for 6 months among Danish men and the results are encouraging for
      conducting full-scale studies, where the impact of whole-grain rye and vigorous
      physical activity on prostate cancer progression and metabolic parameters can be
      evaluated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01300104 . Registered on 18
      February 2011.

PMID- 28086944
TI  - Prenatal treatment for opioid dependency: observations from a large inner-city
      clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to review changes in the prevalence
      of opioid use disorder in pregnancy, and to describe the prenatal care and
      neonatal outcomes following the implementation of buprenorphine treatment at a
      large US obstetrical clinic during the on-going opioid epidemic. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective cohort study of 310 women (332 pregnancies) with opioid
      use disorders and their neonates delivered between June 2006 and December 2010 at
      an obstetrical clinic in the US. Trends in patient volume, characteristics and
      outcomes by calendar year were assessed using the Cochran-Armitage test and
      linear regression. RESULTS: There was an almost two-fold increase in the volume
      of pregnant women treated annually from 2006 through 2010. Most women were
      treated with methadone (74%), with buprenorphine becoming more common over
      calendar time: 3.0% in 2006 to 41% in 2010. The mean dose of buprenorphine at
      delivery was: 11.4 mg in 2007, 14.1 mg in 2008, 14.1 mg in 2009, and 16.8 mg in
      2010; an average increase of 2.1 mg year. There were no differences in mean
      methadone dose over time. From 2006 to 2010 there were increases in the
      prevalence of prescribed concomitant psychotropic medications and vaginal
      deliveries, and in the proportion of neonates treated pharmacologically for
      neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS pharmacologic management also varied by
      calendar year with more use of neonatal morphine and clonidine in later years.
      CONCLUSIONS: The number of mother-infant pairs increased significantly from 2006
      to 2010 and the clinical characteristics of these patients changed over time. Our
      experience reflects the rising increase in opioid use disorders in pregnancy and
      NAS, mandating the need for expansion of comprehensive prenatal care options for
      these women and their children.

PMID- 28086942
TI  - External beam radiotherapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, an
      international multicenter phase I trial, SAKK 77/07 and SASL 26.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess feasibility and safety of conventionally fractionated
      radiotherapy (cfRT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS:
      Patients with histologically confirmed stage cT1-4, cN0-1 HCC and Child-Pugh
      Score (CPS) A or B disease were included in a phase I multicenter trial.
      Metastatic HCC were allowed if >=90% of total tumor volume was located within the
      liver. Patients were enrolled onto five dose-escalation levels (54-70Gy in 2Gy
      fractions) based on a modified 3 + 3 design, with cohorts of five patients
      instead of three patients in dose levels 4 and 5. Primary trial endpoint was dose
      limiting toxicity (DLT), as specifically defined for 17 clinical and nine
      laboratory parameters as grade >=3 or >=4 toxicity (CTCAE vs. 3). The threshold
      to declare a dose level as maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was defined as a DLT rate
      of <=16.7% in dose levels 1-3, and <=10% in dose levels 4-5. Best objective
      response of target liver lesions and adverse events (AE's) were assessed as
      secondary endpoints. RESULTS: The trial was terminated early in DL 3 due to low
      accrual. Nineteen patients were recruited. Fifteen patients were evaluable for
      the primary and 18 for the secondary endpoints. Maximum tolerated dose was not
      reached. One patient in dose level 1, and one patient in dose level 2 experienced
      DLT (lipase > 5xULN, and neutrophils <500/MUL respectively). However, dose level
      3 (62Gy) was completed, with no DLTs in 3 patients. Overall, 56% of patients had
      a partial response and 28% showed stable disease according to RECIST. No signs of
      radiation induced liver disease (RILD). Two patients in dose level 3 experienced
      lymphocytopenia grade 4, with no clinical impact. CONCLUSION: Conventionally
      fractionated radiotherapy of 58Gy to even large HCC was safe for patients with
      CPS A and B. 62Gy was delivered to three patients without any sign of clinically
      relevant increased toxicity. The maximum tolerated dose could not be determined.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00777894 , registered
      October 21st, 2008.

PMID- 28086945
TI  - Complete deltoid resection in early childhood without muscle transfer results in
      normal shoulder function at long-term follow-up: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal tumors involving the deltoid muscle and necessitating
      its complete resection are rare. The function after complete deltoid resection is
      reported to be limited, and several authors consider muscle transfer to improve
      shoulder motion. However, it still remains unclear whether such transfer adds
      function. To the best of our knowledge, all reports on complete deltoid resection
      refer to adult patients, and it is unknown what function results after deltoid
      resection in childhood. The remaining muscles may have the potential to
      compensate for the loss of deltoid function. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report
      the case of a 5-year-old white boy with complete (isolated) deltoid muscle
      resection in infancy for a large aggressive soft tissue tumor. No reconstructive
      procedure or muscle transfer was performed at the time of index surgery.
      Pathology revealed an angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma. His postoperative course
      was uneventful. At 11 years of follow-up, he remained disease-free and had
      excellent shoulder function, including normal range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: This
      report implies that major muscles such as the deltoid can be resected in a child
      without compromising long-term function. Therefore, a muscle transfer at index
      surgery is probably not necessary.

PMID- 28086947
TI  - Quantifying growing versus non-growing ovarian follicles in the mouse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A standard histomorphometric approach has been used for nearly 40
      years that identifies atretic (e.g., dying) follicles by counting the number of
      pyknotic granulosa cells (GC) in the largest follicle cross-section. This method
      holds that if one pyknotic granulosa nucleus is seen in the largest cross section
      of a primary follicle, or three pyknotic cells are found in a larger follicle, it
      should be categorized as atretic. Many studies have used these criteria to
      estimate the fraction of atretic follicles that result from genetic manipulation
      or environmental insult. During an analysis of follicle development in a mouse
      model of Fragile X premutation, we asked whether these 'historical' criteria
      could correctly identify follicles that were not growing (and could thus
      confirmed to be dying). METHODS: Reasoning that the fraction of mitotic GC
      reveals whether the GC population was increasing at the time of sample fixation,
      we compared the number of pyknotic nuclei to the number of mitotic figures in
      follicles within a set of age-matched ovaries. RESULTS: We found that, by itself,
      pyknotic nuclei quantification resulted in high numbers of false positives
      (improperly categorized as atretic) and false negatives (improperly categorized
      intact). For preantral follicles, scoring mitotic and pyknotic GC nuclei allowed
      rapid, accurate identification of non-growing follicles with 98% accuracy. This
      method most often required the evaluation of one follicle section, and at most
      two serial follicle sections to correctly categorize follicle status. For antral
      follicles, we show that a rapid evaluation of follicle shape reveals which are
      intact and likely to survive to ovulation. CONCLUSIONS: Combined, these improved,
      non-arbitrary methods will greatly improve our ability to estimate the fractions
      of growing/intact and non-growing/atretic follicles in mouse ovaries.

PMID- 28086946
TI  - MiR-1307 promotes ovarian cancer cell chemoresistance by targeting the ING5
      expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the function of miR-1307 in chemoresistance
      and to explore its chemoresistance mechanism in ovarian cancer. METHODS: IC50
      determination was used to test the chemoresistance profling in ovarian cancer
      cells. QRT-PCR or western blot was used to validate the expression level of miR
      1307 and candidate gene or protein. Colony formation assay and FITC-labeled
      enhanced Annexin V immunofluorescence were used to compare cell proliferation and
      apoptosis ability, respectively. The potential target gene and its biological
      function of miRNA-1307 were also analyzed. Bioinformatics and Luciferase Reporter
      Gene Assay were conducted to validate the regulation of miRNA-1307 on the ING5
      expression. Xenografts assay was used to demonstrate the inhibiting effect of miR
      1307 ASO and Taxol therapy against ovarian cancer in vivo. RESULTS: MiR-1307 was
      over-expressed in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell line A2780/Taxol, and over
      expression or loss of miR-1307 promoted or inhabited chemoresistance. And we also
      found that the over-expression of miR-1307 promoted proliferation and inhibited
      apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Besides, we demonstrated that ING5 was a
      direct target of miR-1307 and miR-1307 down-regulated the ING5 expression in
      ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, we showed that ING5 inhibited cell
      proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis and inhabited chemoresistance reversely.
      Furthermore, the up-regulated ability of cell apoptosis and down-regulated
      ability of chemoresistance following the loss of miR-1307 was reversed by adding
      ING5 siRNA in vitro. Finally, we proved the inhibiting effect of miR-1307 ASO and
      Taxol therapy by increasing the ING5 expression against ovarian cancer through
      xenografts assay in vivo. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that miR-1307 could
      promote ovarian cancer chemoresistance by targeting the ING5 expression and miR
      1307 might serve as a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28086948
TI  - Is there still a role for cytotoxic chemotherapy after targeted therapy and
      immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma? A case report and literature review.
AB  - Metastatic melanoma has long been considered to have a very poor prognosis and to
      be chemo-resistant. However, a subgroup of patients with metastatic melanoma
      presents remarkable responses to chemotherapeutic agents, even in the absence of
      a response to modern targeted therapies and immunotherapies; accordingly,
      determining predictive biomarkers of the response to chemotherapies for
      metastatic melanoma remains a priority to guide treatment in these patients. We
      report a case study of a patient with B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine
      kinase-mutated metastatic melanoma harbouring many genetic mutations. The patient
      did not respond to prior targeted therapies or immunotherapies but experienced a
      dramatic objective radiological and clinical response to subsequent dacarbazine
      based chemotherapy. In the era of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for
      metastatic melanoma, cytotoxic chemotherapies may still represent an interesting
      therapeutic weapon in a well-defined subgroup of patients presenting with
      specific genetic and molecular features.

PMID- 28086949
TI  - NEK2 Promotes Aerobic Glycolysis in Multiple Myeloma Through Regulating Splicing
      of Pyruvate Kinase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aerobic glycolysis, a hallmark of cancer, is characterized by
      increased metabolism of glucose and production of lactate in normaxia. Recently,
      pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has been identified as a key player for regulating
      aerobic glycolysis and promoting tumor cell proliferation and survival. METHODS:
      Tandem affinity purification followed up by mass spectrometry (TAP-MS) and co
      immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used to study the interaction between NIMA
      (never in mitosis gene A)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) and heterogeneous nuclear
      ribonucleoproteins (hnRNP) A1/2. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was performed to
      identify NEK2 binding to PKM pre-mRNA sequence. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation
      (ChIP)-PCR was performed to analyze a transcriptional regulation of NEK2 by c
      Myc. Western blot and real-time PCR were executed to analyze the regulation of
      PKM2 by NEK2. RESULTS: NEK2 regulates the alternative splicing of PKM immature
      RNA in multiple myeloma cells by interacting with hnRNPA1/2. RIP shows that NEK2
      binds to the intronic sequence flanking exon 9 of PKM pre-mRNA. Knockdown of NEK2
      decreases the ratio of PKM2/PKM1 and also other aerobic glycolysis genes
      including GLUT4, HK2, ENO1, LDHA, and MCT4. Myeloma patients with high expression
      of NEK2 and PKM2 have lower event-free survival and overall survival. Our data
      indicate that NEK2 is transcriptionally regulated by c-Myc in myeloma cells.
      Ectopic expression of NEK2 partially rescues growth inhibition and cell death
      induced by silenced c-Myc. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies demonstrate that NEK2
      promotes aerobic glycolysis through regulating splicing of PKM and increasing the
      PKM2/PKM1 ratio in myeloma cells which contributes to its oncogenic activity.

PMID- 28086950
TI  - Healthcare system responsiveness in Jiangsu Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The perceived responsiveness of a healthcare system reflects its
      ability to satisfy reasonable expectations of the public with respect to non
      medical services. Recently, there has been increasing attention paid to
      responsiveness in evaluating the performance of a healthcare system in a variety
      of service settings. However, the factors that affect the responsiveness have
      been inconclusive so far and measures of improved responsiveness have not always
      thoroughly considered the factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the
      responsiveness of the healthcare system in Jiangsu Province, China, the factors
      that influence responsiveness and the measures of improved responsiveness
      considering it, as determined by a responsiveness survey. METHODS: A multistage,
      stratified random sampling method was used to select 1938 adult residents of
      Jiangsu Province in 2011. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a self
      designed questionnaire modeled on the World Health Organization proposal. The
      final analysis was based on 1783 (92%) valid questionnaires. Canonical
      correlation analysis was used to assess the factors that affect responsiveness.
      RESULTS: The average score of all responsiveness-related domains in the surveyed
      healthcare system was satisfactory (7.50 out of a maximum 10.0). The two highest
      scoring domains were dignity and confidentiality, and the two lowest scoring
      domains choice and prompt attention. The factors affecting responsiveness were
      age, regional economic development level, and geographic area (urban vs. rural).
      The responsiveness regarding basic amenities was rated worse by the elderly than
      by younger respondents. Responsiveness ranked better by those with a poorer
      economic status. Choice in cities was better than in rural regions. CONCLUSIONS:
      The responsiveness of the Jiangsu healthcare system was considered to be
      satisfactory but could be improved by offering greater choice and providing more
      prompt attention. Perceptions of healthcare system responsiveness differ with
      age, regional economic development level, and geographic area (urban vs. rural).
      Measures to increase the perceived level of responsiveness include better service
      at higher level hospitals, shorter waiting time, more hospitals in rural regions,
      an improved medical environment, and provision of infrastructures that makes the
      medical environments more comfortable.

PMID- 28086952
TI  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues - an efficient therapeutic option for the
      severe insulin resistance of lipodystrophic syndromes: two case reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lipodystrophic syndromes are uncommon medical conditions which are
      normally associated with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus,
      dyslipidemia, and fatty liver disease. These complications are generally
      difficult to treat, particularly diabetes, due to severe insulin resistance. We
      present two case reports of successful treatment of diabetes with glucagon-like
      peptide-1 analogues in patients with clinical features of lipodystrophic
      syndromes. CASE PRESENTATION: Two white women aged 49 and 60 years manifested
      marked central body fat deposition with severe lipoatrophy of their limbs and
      buttocks and pronounced acanthosis nigricans. They had hypertension,
      dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, and poorly controlled diabetes (glycated
      hemoglobin 8.3% and 10.2%, respectively) despite the use of three classes of oral
      antidiabetic drugs taken in combination in the first case, and high doses of
      insulin in the second case. Four months after the addition of glucagon-like
      peptide-1 analogue to their previous treatment they both showed a pronounced
      improvement in metabolic control (glycated hemoglobin 5.6% and 6.2%,
      respectively). In the first case, a weight loss of nearly 30 kg was recorded.
      CONCLUSIONS: We intend to demonstrate that glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues
      could be a valuable tool for patients with lipodystrophic disorders, probably by
      improving body fat distribution, with favorable results in insulin-sensitivity
      and glycemic control.

PMID- 28086951
TI  - Sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition with empagliflozin improves
      cardiac diastolic function in a female rodent model of diabetes.
AB  - Obese and diabetic individuals are at increased risk for impairments in diastolic
      relaxation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The impairments in
      diastolic relaxation are especially pronounced in obese and diabetic women and
      predict future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in this population. Recent
      clinical data suggest sodium glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibition reduces CVD
      events in diabetic individuals, but the mechanisms of this CVD protection are
      unknown. To determine whether targeting SGLT2 improves diastolic relaxation, we
      utilized empagliflozin (EMPA) in female db/db mice. Eleven week old female db/db
      mice were fed normal mouse chow, with or without EMPA, for 5 weeks. Blood
      pressure (BP), HbA1c and fasting glucose were significantly increased in
      untreated db/db mice (DbC) (P < 0.01). EMPA treatment (DbE) improved glycemic
      indices (P < 0.05), but not BP (P > 0.05). At baseline, DbC and DbE had already
      established impaired diastolic relaxation as indicated by impaired septal wall
      motion (>tissue Doppler derived E'/A' ratio) and increased left ventricular (LV)
      filling pressure (<E/E' ratio). Although these abnormalities persisted throughout
      the study period in DbC, diastolic function improved with EMPA treatment. In DbC,
      myocardial fibrosis was accompanied by increased expression of
      profibrotic/prohypertrophic proteins, serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1
      (SGK1) and the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), and the development of these
      abnormalities were reduced with EMPA. DbC exhibited eccentric LV hypertrophy that
      was slightly improved by EMPA, indicated by a reduction in cardiomyocyte cross
      sectional area. In summary, EMPA improved glycemic indices along with diastolic
      relaxation, as well as SGK1/ENaC profibrosis signaling and associated
      interstitial fibrosis, all of which occurred in the absence of any changes in BP.

PMID- 28086953
TI  - Student and faculty perceptions on the rapid scale-up of medical students in
      Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ethiopia is a country of over 94 million people that has a severe
      physician shortage with approximately only 2.5 physicians per 100,000 persons.
      Recently, the Ethiopian government implemented a "flood and retain" initiative to
      rapidly increase the quantity of physicians in Ethiopia. Consequently, medical
      student enrollment at Addis Ababa University (AAU) School of Medicine increased
      from 100 to approximately 300-400 students per class. This study evaluated the
      impact of the rapid scale-up in the number of medical students on the quality of
      medical education at AAU and the impact of the U.S. government-funded Medical
      Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI) grant awarded to AAU to provide resources
      to strengthen the quality of medical education at AAU. METHODS: Qualitative, semi
      structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 22 key informants including
      faculty members, administrators and medical students at AAU. The audio recordings
      were transcribed verbatim and interview data were analyzed with thematic
      analysis. RESULTS: Four key themes emerged from the data. Overall, participants
      perceived a decrease in the quality of medical education at AAU due to challenges
      created by the rapid scale-up in the number of medical students. Positive
      learning environments were described as difficult to achieve due to overcrowding
      in classrooms and the limited numbers of textbooks. Overall, participants stated
      that infrastructure improvement is needed to provide adequate medical student
      training. The medical education initiatives implemented and funded by MEPI have
      provided significant resources to support the medical student curriculum but
      additional resources are required to accommodate a large student body.
      CONCLUSIONS: The unprecedented rapid scale-up of medical students has impacted
      multiple facets of medical education at AAU. It is important to consider the
      perspectives of students and faculty in order to focus future medical education
      policies, MEPI programming and the allocation of resources.

PMID- 28086954
TI  - A comparative analysis between sequential boost and integrated boost intensity
      modulated radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy for locally-advanced
      head and neck cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Planning and delivery of IMRT for locally advanced head and neck
      cancer (LAHNC) can be performed using sequential boost or simultaneous integrated
      boost (SIB). Whether these techniques differ in treatment-related outcomes
      including survival and acute and late toxicities remain largely unexplored.
      METHODS: We performed a single institutional retrospective matched cohort
      analysis on patients with LAHNC treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy to 69.3
      Gy in 33 fractions. Treatment was delivered via sequential boost (n = 68) or SIB
      (n = 141). Contours, plan evaluation, and toxicity assessment were performed by a
      single experienced physician. Toxicities were graded weekly during treatment and
      at 3-month follow up intervals. Recurrence-free survival, disease-free survival,
      and overall survival were estimated via Kaplan-Meier statistical method. RESULTS:
      At 4 years, the estimated overall survival was 69.3% in the sequential boost
      cohort and 76.8% in the SIB cohort (p = 0.13). Disease-free survival was 63 and
      69% respectively (p = 0.27). There were no significant differences in local,
      regional or distant recurrence-free survival. There were no significant
      differences in weight loss (p = 0.291), gastrostomy tube placement (p = 0.494),
      or duration of gastrostomy tube dependence (p = 0.465). Rates of acute grade 3 or
      4 dysphagia (82% vs 55%) and dermatitis (78% vs 58%) were significantly higher in
      the SIB group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012 respectively). Moreover, a greater
      percentage of the SIB cohort did not receive the prescribed dose due to acute
      toxicity (7% versus 0, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in
      disease related outcomes between the two treatment delivery approaches. A higher
      rate of grade 3 and 4 radiation dermatitis and dysphagia were observed in the SIB
      group, however this did not translate into differences in late toxicity.
      Additional investigation is necessary to further evaluate the acute toxicity
      differences.

PMID- 28086955
TI  - Evaluation of the Xpert(r) MTB/RIF assay and microscopy for the diagnosis of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Namibia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) kills approximately two million people and infects
      around nine million worldwide annually. Its proper management, especially in
      resource-limited settings, has been hindered by the lack of rapid and easy-to-use
      diagnostic tests. Sputum smear microscopy remains the cheapest, readily available
      diagnostic method but it only identifies less than half of the patients with a
      HIV/TB co-infection because the bacilli would have disseminated from the lungs to
      other areas of the body. The fully automated Xpert(r) MTB/RIF assay is a
      promising innovation for diagnosing TB and detecting resistance to rifampicin.
      This study aimed to evaluate the use of Xpert(r) MTB/RIF assay and microscopy in
      the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Namibia, by determining the
      disease's epidemiology and calculating the proportion of cases infected just with
      TB and those with a resistance to rifampicin among the total suspected cases of
      TB in the country. METHODS: This retrospective study analysed TB cases that were
      diagnosed using both the Xpert(r) MTB/RIF assay and microscopy. Data were
      collected from patient records from the Meditech laboratory information system of
      the Namibia Institute of Pathology for the time period of July 2012-April 2013.
      Data from 13 regions were collected. RESULTS: The total number of specimens
      collected from patients with symptoms of pulmonary TB was 1 842. Of these, 594
      (32.20%) were found to be positive for MTB by Xpert(r) MTB/RIF assay, out of
      which 443 (24.05%) were also found to be positive by microscopy. The remainder
      was negative. The male patients were more resistant to rifampicin when compared
      to the female patients. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis is widely distributed
      throughout Namibia, with slightly more males infected than females. Most TB
      patients are also co-infected with HIV. Both microscopy and Xpert(r) MTB/RIF
      assay are crucial for the diagnosis of TB in the country. Screening diagnostic
      efforts should focus on the sexually active HIV positive male population who
      could be the source of more RIF-resistant TB than females to prevent its spread.

PMID- 28086956
TI  - Differential expression of E-type prostanoid receptors 2 and 4 in microglia
      stimulated with lipopolysaccharide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is induced under inflammatory conditions,
      and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is one of the products of COX activity. PGE2 has
      pleiotropic actions depending on the activation of specific E-type prostanoid EP1
      4 receptors. We investigated the involvement of PGE2 and EP receptors in glial
      activation in response to an inflammatory challenge induced by LPS. METHODS:
      Cultures of mouse microglia or astroglia cells were treated with LPS in the
      presence or absence of COX-2 inhibitors, and the production of PGE2 was measured
      by ELISA. Cells were treated with PGE2, and the effect on LPS-induced expression
      of TNF-alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was studied in the presence or
      absence of drug antagonists of the four EP receptors. EP receptor expression and
      the effects of EP2 and EP4 agonists and antagonists were studied at different
      time points after LPS. RESULTS: PGE2 production after LPS was COX-2-dependent.
      PGE2 reduced the glial production of TNF-alpha after LPS. Microglia expressed
      higher levels of EP4 and EP2 mRNA than astroglia. Activation of EP4 or EP2
      receptors with selective drug agonists attenuated LPS-induced TNF-alpha in
      microglia. However, only antagonizing EP4 prevented the PGE2 effect demonstrating
      that EP4 was the main target of PGE2 in naive microglia. Moreover, the relative
      expression of EP receptors changed during the course of classical microglial
      activation since EP4 expression was strongly depressed while EP2 increased 24 h
      after LPS and was detected in nuclear/peri-nuclear locations. EP2 regulated the
      expression of iNOS, NADPH oxidase-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor.
      NADPH oxidase-2 and iNOS activities require the oxidation of NADPH, and the
      pentose phosphate pathway is a main source of NADPH. LPS increased the mRNA
      expression of the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose pathway glucose-6-phosphate
      dehydrogenase, and EP2 activity was involved in this effect. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results show that while selective activation of EP4 or EP2 exerts anti
      inflammatory actions, EP4 is the main target of PGE2 in naive microglia. The
      level of EP receptor expression changes from naive to primed microglia where the
      COX-2/PGE2/EP2 axis modulates important adaptive metabolic changes.

PMID- 28086957
TI  - Regulatory T cells and IL10 suppress pulmonary host defense during early-life
      exposure to radical containing combustion derived ultrafine particulate matter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) is associated
      with increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to respiratory tract viral
      infections in infants. Recent identification of environmentally persistent free
      radicals (EPFRs) in the PM from a variety of combustion sources suggests its role
      in the enhancement of disease severity of lower respiratory tract infections
      (LRTI). Our previous studies demonstrated that acute exposure to EPFRs induces
      pulmonary immunosuppression allowing for enhanced influenza disease severity.
      Here, we determine the mechanism of EPFR-induced immunosuppression and its impact
      on the immune response towards influenza infection. METHODS: Neonatal mice (3
      days old) were acutely exposed to DCB (combustion derived PM with chemisorbed
      EPFR) for seven consecutive days. Four days post-exposure (dpe), mice were
      infected with influenza virus. Pulmonary T cell phenotypes including regulatory T
      cells (Tregs) were analyzed by flow cytometry. The role of IL10 in EPFR-induced
      exacerbation of influenza disease severity was determined by administering
      recombinant IL10 (rIL10) to wild type mice or by using IL10 deficient (IL10-/-)
      neonatal mice. Mice were assessed for morbidity by measuring percent weight
      change and pulmonary viral load. RESULTS: Neonatal mice exposed to EPFRs had a
      significant increase in pulmonary Tregs and the immunosuppressive cytokine IL10
      following influenza infection, which coincided with decreased protective T cell
      responses to influenza infection at 6 dpi. Depletion of Tregs in EPFR-exposed
      neonatal mice resulted in increased protective, adaptive T cell responses,
      whereas adoptive transfer of Tregs from EPFR-exposed neonates to air-exposed
      neonatal mice suppressed adaptive T cell responses towards influenza infection.
      Further, treatment with rIL10 could recapitulate EPFR-induced exacerbation of
      morbidity and pulmonary viral load compared to air exposed and influenza infected
      mice, whereas, EPFR-exposed IL10-/- neonates exhibited significant reductions in
      morbidity, pulmonary viral load and adaptive T cell responses following influenza
      infection. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal exposure to EPFRs induced Tregs and IL10
      resulting in suppressed adaptive T cell responses and enhanced influenza disease
      severity in neonatal mice. Depletion of Tregs increased adaptive T cell responses
      and deficiency of IL10 reduced morbidity and conferred enhanced protection
      against influenza virus.

PMID- 28086958
TI  - Biofeedback interventions for people with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
      protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy is a life-long disability that affects motor control
      and activities of daily living. Depending on the type of cerebral palsy, some
      individuals may have trouble performing tasks with one or both of their arms
      and/or legs. Different strategies exist to help develop motor capacity.
      Biofeedback therapy is a commonly applied rehabilitation strategy. In biofeedback
      therapy, information about the motor behavior while completing a task is given
      back to the individual to help improve their performance. This can provide
      valuable information that would otherwise be unknown to the individual.
      Biofeedback may also have a unique method of operation in clinical populations,
      such as people with cerebral palsy. Therefore, it is important to identify the
      most effective mechanisms for specific populations. This review aims to evaluate
      the effects of biofeedback interventions that have been used towards improving
      motor performance and motor learning in people with cerebral palsy. METHODS:
      Using a customized strategy, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro databases will be
      searched. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, review full
      texts for inclusion criteria, and extract data from relevant articles using a
      standardized template. Quality of evidence and risk of bias will be assessed
      through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation
      (GRADE) methodology. DISCUSSION: Several studies have investigated biofeedback
      based interventions for people with cerebral palsy. However, there is a great
      variety and limited consensus regarding how to implement biofeedback mechanisms.
      This systematic review will consolidate the current evidence to direct future
      study and develop effective biofeedback rehabilitation strategies. SYSTEMATIC
      REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ID: CRD42016047612.

PMID- 28086959
TI  - E-learning programs in oncology: a nationwide experience from 2005 to 2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: E-learning is an established concept in oncological education and
      training. However, there seems to be a scarcity of long-term assessments of E
      learning programs in oncology vis-a-vis their structural management and didactic
      value. This study presents descriptive, nationwide data from 2005 to 2014. E
      learning oncology programs in chemotherapy, general oncology, pain management,
      palliative care, psycho-social-oncology, and radiotherapy, were reviewed from our
      databases. Questionnaires of self-perceived didactic value of the programs were
      examined 2008-2014. RESULTS: The total number of trainees were 4693, allocated to
      3889 individuals. The trainees included medical doctors (MDs; n = 759),
      registered nurses (RNs; n = 2359), radiation therapy technologists (n = 642),
      and, social and health care assistants (SHCAs; n = 933). The E-learning covered
      29 different program classifications, comprising 731 recorded presentations, and
      covering 438 themes. A total of 490 programs were completed by the trainees. The
      European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS; 1 ECTS point equals 0.60
      US College Credit Hours) points varied across the educational programs from 0.7
      to 30.0, corresponding to a duration of full-time studies ranging between 15 to
      900 h (0.4-24 weeks) per program. The total number of ECTS points for the trainee
      cohort, was 20,000 corresponding to 530,000 full-time academic hours or 324.0
      standard academic working years. The overall drop-out rate, across professions
      and programs, was 10.6% (499/4693). The lowest drop-out rate was seen for RNs
      (4.3%; P < 0.0001). Self-reported evaluation questionnaires (2008-2014) were
      completed by 72.1% (2642/3666) of the trainees. The programs were overall rated,
      on a 5-categorical scale (5 = excellent; 1 = very inferior), as excellent by
      68.6% (MDs: 64.9%; RNs: 66.8%; SHCAs: 77.7%) and as good by 30.6% (MDs: 34.5%;
      RNs: 32.4%; SHCAs: 21.5%) of the responders. CONCLUSIONS: This descriptive study,
      performed in a lengthy timeframe, presents high-volume data from multi
      professional, oncological E-learning programs. While the E-learning paradigm,
      across professions, seems to have been well received, it is imperative that
      prospective studies, benchmarking against traditional training methods, are
      carried out, examining the hypothesized didactic value of our E-programs.

PMID- 28086961
TI  - Longitudinal multiple imputation approaches for body mass index or other
      variables with very low individual-level variability: the mibmi command in Stata.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In modern health care systems, the computerization of all aspects of
      clinical care has led to the development of large data repositories. For example,
      in the UK, large primary care databases hold millions of electronic medical
      records, with detailed information on diagnoses, treatments, outcomes and
      consultations. Careful analyses of these observational datasets of routinely
      collected data can complement evidence from clinical trials or even answer
      research questions that cannot been addressed in an experimental setting.
      However, 'missingness' is a common problem for routinely collected data,
      especially for biological parameters over time. Absence of complete data for the
      whole of a individual's study period is a potential bias risk and standard
      complete-case approaches may lead to biased estimates. However, the structure of
      the data values makes standard cross-sectional multiple-imputation approaches
      unsuitable. In this paper we propose and evaluate mibmi, a new command for
      cleaning and imputing longitudinal body mass index data. RESULTS: The regression
      based data cleaning aspects of the algorithm can be useful when researchers
      analyze messy longitudinal data. Although the multiple imputation algorithm is
      computationally expensive, it performed similarly or even better to existing
      alternatives, when interpolating observations. CONCLUSION: The mibmi algorithm
      can be a useful tool for analyzing longitudinal body mass index data, or other
      longitudinal data with very low individual-level variability.

PMID- 28086960
TI  - The relationship between synovitis quantified by an ultrasound 7-joint
      inflammation score and physical disability in rheumatoid arthritis - a cohort
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Restoring normal physical functioning is a major therapeutic aim in
      the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is unknown, whether the extent of
      synovial inflammation quantified by musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) can predict
      current or future capacity for physical functioning. To answer this question we
      investigated the longitudinal relationship between physical function assessed by
      the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and the German 7-joint ultrasound score
      (US7S) in a prospective cohort of patients with RA. METHODS: Patients with RA (n
      = 185 (46 with incident and 139 with prevalent disease) were followed for 30.9 +/
      9.1 months. Baseline and annual assessments comprised the disease activity score
      in 28 joints (DAS28), HAQ and US7S. The US7S includes semiquantitative
      measurements of synovitis assessed by greyscale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) in
      seven joints of the clinically dominant hand and foot, which are then aggregated
      in PD and GS synovitis sum-scores (PDsynSS and GSsynSS). A linear mixed-effect
      model was used to assess the longitudinal relationship between GSsynSS, PDsynSS
      and HAQ. We used standard and time-lag models to explore the association between
      HAQ, and GSsynSS, PDsynSS and DAS28 measured at the same time or at the previous
      visit 12 months ago, respectively. RESULTS: When the standard model was applied,
      in univariate analyses HAQ score was positively associated with GSsynSS and
      PDsynSS with beta coefficients significantly higher in incident than in prevalent
      disease. In multivariate analysis both synSSs were individually no longer
      significant predictors of HAQ score. When using the time-lag model, after
      adjustment for the previous DAS28 or HAQ score, both PDsynSS and GSsynSS were
      significantly and negatively associated with the current HAQ. CONCLUSIONS: US7 PD
      and GS synovitis sum-scores alone were positively associated with current
      functional status reflected by the HAQ in patients with RA, and this relationship
      was stronger in patients with early disease. When combined with the DAS28 or HAQ,
      US7 PD and GS synovitis sum-scores were predictive of the change in HAQ score
      over one year.

PMID- 28086962
TI  - Inhibitory effects of serum from sepsis patients on epithelial cell migration in
      vitro: a case control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sepsis delays wound re-epithelialization. In this study we explored
      the effect of human sepsis sera as well as the effects of cytokines, growth
      factors and exosomes of sepsis sera treated normal fibroblasts (NF) on
      keratinocyte migration and proliferation in vitro. METHODS: Serum samples were
      taken on days 1, 4, and 9 from 44 patients diagnosed with severe sepsis, and from
      14 matching healthy controls. We evaluated the effects of sepsis serum with or
      without TNF-alpha, EGF, EGF receptor inhibitor or exosomes of sepsis sera treated
      NF on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) proliferation (BrdU assay), viability (MTT
      assay), and migration (horizontal wound healing model). Cytokine levels of sepsis
      and healthy sera were measured by multiplex assay. Comparisons between groups
      were carried out using SPSS statistics and P < 0.05 was considered significant.
      RESULTS: Severe-sepsis sera collected on days 1, 4, and 9 reduced keratinocyte
      proliferation by 6% (P = 0.005), 20% (P = 0.001), and 18% (P = 0.002),
      respectively, compared to control sera. Cell viability in cultures exposed to
      sepsis sera from days 4 and 9 was reduced by 38% (P = 0.01) and 58% (P < 0.001),
      respectively. Open-surface wounds exposed to sepsis sera from days 1 and 4 were
      larger than those exposed to sera from healthy controls (60 vs. 31%, P = 0.034
      and 66 vs. 31%, P = 0.023, respectively). Exosomes of sepsis or healthy sera
      treated NF inhibited keratinocyte migration. We detected higher serum levels of
      cytokines TNF-alpha (5.7 vs. 0.7 pg/ml, P < 0.001), IL-6 (24.8 vs. 3.8 pg/ml, P <
      0.001), IL-10 (30.0 vs. 11.9 pg/ml, P = 0.040), and VEGF (177.9 vs. 48.1 pg/ml, P
      = 0.018) in sepsis sera. Levels of EGF were significantly lower in sepsis sera
      than in that of healthy controls (6.5 vs. 115.6 pg/ml, P < 0.001). Sepsis serum
      supplemented with EGF 5 ng/ml and TNF-alpha in all concentrations improved
      keratinocyte migration. CONCLUSIONS: Keratinocyte viability, proliferation and
      migration were reduced in severe sepsis in vitro. Exosomes from NF added in
      healthy or sepsis serum media inhibited keratinocyte migration. Decreased levels
      of EGF in sepsis sera may partially explain the delay of wound healing with
      severe-sepsis patients. Increased levels of TNF-alpha in sepsis sera do not
      explain diminished keratinocyte migration.

PMID- 28086963
TI  - Near infrared spectroscopy for body fat sensing in neonates: quantitative
      analysis by GAMOS simulations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Under-nutrition in neonates is closely linked to low body fat
      percentage. Undernourished neonates are exposed to immediate mortality as well as
      unwanted health impacts in their later life including obesity and hypertension.
      One potential low cost approach for obtaining direct measurements of body fat is
      near-infrared (NIR) interactance. The aims of this study were to model the effect
      of varying volume fractions of melanin and water in skin over NIR spectra, and to
      define sensitivity of NIR reflection on changes of thickness of subcutaneous fat.
      GAMOS simulations were used to develop two single fat layer models and four
      complete skin models over a range of skin colour (only for four skin models) and
      hydration within a spectrum of 800-1100 nm. The thickness of the subcutaneous fat
      was set from 1 to 15 mm in 1 mm intervals in each model. RESULTS: Varying volume
      fractions of water in skin resulted minimal changes of NIR intensity at ranges of
      wavelengths from 890 to 940 nm and from 1010 to 1100 nm. Variation of the melanin
      volume in skin meanwhile was found to strongly influence the NIR intensity and
      sensitivity. The NIR sensitivities and NIR intensity over thickness of fat
      decreased from the Caucasian skin to African skin throughout the range of
      wavelengths. For the relationship between the NIR reflection and the thickness of
      subcutaneous fat, logarithmic relationship was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The minimal
      changes of NIR intensity values at wavelengths within the ranges from 890 to 940
      nm and from 1010 to 1100 nm to variation of volume fractions of water suggests
      that wavelengths within those two ranges are considered for use in measurement of
      body fat to solve the variation of hydration in neonates. The stronger influence
      of skin colour on NIR shows that the melanin effect needs to be corrected by an
      independent measurement or by a modeling approach. The logarithmic response
      obtained with higher sensitivity at the lower range of thickness of fat suggests
      that implementation of NIRS may be suited for detecting under-nutrition and
      monitoring nutritional interventions for malnutrition in neonates in resource
      constrained communities.

PMID- 28086965
TI  - Probabilistic liver atlas construction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anatomical atlases are 3D volumes or shapes representing an organ or
      structure of the human body. They contain either the prototypical shape of the
      object of interest together with other shapes representing its statistical
      variations (statistical atlas) or a probability map of belonging to the object
      (probabilistic atlas). Probabilistic atlases are mostly built with simple
      estimations only involving the data at each spatial location. RESULTS: A new
      method for probabilistic atlas construction that uses a generalized linear model
      is proposed. This method aims to improve the estimation of the probability to be
      covered by the liver. Furthermore, all methods to build an atlas involve previous
      coregistration of the sample of shapes available. The influence of the
      geometrical transformation adopted for registration in the quality of the final
      atlas has not been sufficiently investigated. The ability of an atlas to adapt to
      a new case is one of the most important quality criteria that should be taken
      into account. The presented experiments show that some methods for atlas
      construction are severely affected by the previous coregistration step.
      CONCLUSION: We show the good performance of the new approach. Furthermore,
      results suggest that extremely flexible registration methods are not always
      beneficial, since they can reduce the variability of the atlas and hence its
      ability to give sensible values of probability when used as an aid in
      segmentation of new cases.

PMID- 28086964
TI  - Anti-alpha-synuclein immunotherapy reduces alpha-synuclein propagation in the
      axon and degeneration in a combined viral vector and transgenic model of
      synucleinopathy.
AB  - Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), PD dementia (PDD)
      and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are characterized by progressive accumulation
      of alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) in neurons. Recent studies have proposed that
      neuron-to-neuron propagation of alpha-syn plays a role in the pathogenesis of
      these disorders. We have previously shown that antibodies against the C-terminus
      of alpha-syn reduce the intra-neuronal accumulation of alpha-syn and related
      deficits in transgenic models of synucleinopathy, probably by abrogating the
      axonal transport and accumulation of alpha-syn in in vivo models. Here, we
      assessed the effect of passive immunization against alpha-syn in a new mouse
      model of axonal transport and accumulation of alpha-syn. For these purpose, non
      transgenic, alpha-syn knock-out and mThy1-alpha-syn tg (line 61) mice received
      unilateral intra-cerebral injections with a lentiviral (LV)-alpha-syn vector
      construct followed by systemic administration of the monoclonal antibody 1H7
      (recognizes amino acids 91-99) or control IgG for 3 months. Cerebral alpha-syn
      accumulation and axonopathy was assessed by immunohistochemistry and effects on
      behavior were assessed by Morris water maze. Unilateral LV-alpha-syn injection
      resulted in axonal propagation of alpha-syn in the contra-lateral site with
      subsequent behavioral deficits and axonal degeneration. Passive immunization with
      1H7 antibody reduced the axonal accumulation of alpha-syn in the contra-lateral
      side and ameliorated the behavioral deficits. Together this study supports the
      notion that immunotherapy might improve the deficits in models of synucleinopathy
      by reducing the axonal propagation and accumulation of alpha-syn. This represents
      a potential new mode of action through which alpha-syn immunization might work.

PMID- 28086966
TI  - Predictive value of non-fasting remnant cholesterol for short-term outcome of
      diabetics with new-onset stable coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between non-fasting remnant cholesterol and
      cardiovascular outcome in the era of potent statin therapy remained to be
      elucidated. METHODS: A cohort study of three hundred and twenty eight diabetics
      diagnosed with new-onset stable coronary artery disease (CAD) by coronary
      angiography were enrolled. All cases were followed up for an average duration of
      twelve months. The association between baseline remnant cholesterol levels and
      major cardiovascular outcomes were evaluated using the receivers operating
      characteristic (ROC) curves and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.
      RESULTS: During a period of 12-month's follow-up, 14.3% patients (47/328)
      underwent pre-specified adverse outcomes. The remnant cholesterol associated with
      high sensitivity C-reactive protein, neutrophil count and fibrinogen (R 2 = 0.20,
      0.12 and 0.14; P = 0.000, 0.036 and 0.010 respectively). Area under the ROC
      curves (AUC) indicated discriminatory power of the remnant cholesterol to predict
      the adverse outcomes for this population (AUC = 0.64, P < 0.005). Kaplan-Meier
      curve suggested that the lower levels of remnant cholesterol showed relatively
      lower cardiac events for diabetic patients with stable CAD (Log rank X 2 = 8.94,
      P = 0.04). However, according to multivariate Cox proportional hazards
      regression, apart from hemoglobin A1C (Hazard ratio [H.R.] =1.38, 95% CI: 1.14
      1.66, P = 0.001) and Gensini scores (H.R. = 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02; P = 0.035),
      remnant cholesterol did not qualify as an independent predictor of adverse
      prognosis in these settings (H.R. = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.46-2.37, P = 0.909).
      CONCLUSIONS: Non-fasting remnant cholesterol was associated with inflammatory
      biomarkers and high incidence of revascularization, but not qualified as an
      independent predictor for short-term prognosis of diabetics with new-onset stable
      coronary artery disease.

PMID- 28086967
TI  - Translation, cross-cultural adaption and measurement properties of the evidence
      based practice profile.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evidence-based practice profile (EBP2) questionnaire assesses
      students' self-reported knowledge, behaviour and attitudes related to evidence
      based practice. The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt
      EBP2 into Norwegian and to evaluate the reliability, validity and responsiveness
      of the Norwegian version. METHODS: EBP2 was translated and cross-culturally
      adapted using recommended methodology. Face validity and feasibility were
      evaluated in a pilot on bachelor students and health and social workers (n = 18).
      Content validity was evaluated by an expert panel. Nursing students (n = 96),
      social educator students (n = 27), and health and social workers (n = 26)
      evaluated the instrument's measurement properties. Cronbach's alpha was
      calculated to determine internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was
      evaluated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error
      of measurement (SEM). Discriminative validity was assessed by independent sample
      t test. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess the
      structural validity of a five-factor model (Relevance, Sympathy, Terminology,
      Practice and Confidence) using the comparative fit index (CFI) and the root mean
      square error of approximation (RMSEA). A priori hypotheses on effect sizes and P
      values were formulated to evaluate the instrument's responsiveness. RESULTS: The
      forward-backward translation was repeated three times before arriving at an
      acceptable version. Eleven of 58 items were re-worded. Face validity and content
      validity were confirmed. Cronbach's alpha was 0.90 or higher for all domains
      except Sympathy (0.66). ICC ranged from 0.45 (Practice) to 0.79 (Terminology) and
      SEM from 0.29 (Relevance) to 0.44 (Practice). There was a significant mean
      difference between exposure and no exposure to EBP for the domains Relevance,
      Terminology and Confidence. The CFA did not indicate an acceptable five-factor
      model fit (CFI = 0.69, RMSEA = 0.09). Responsiveness was as expected or better
      for all domains except Sympathy. CONCLUSIONS: The cross-culturally adapted EBP2
      Norwegian version was valid and reliable for the domains Relevance, Terminology
      and Confidence, and responsive to change for all domains, except Sympathy.
      Further development of the instrument's items are needed to enhance the
      instruments reliability for the domains Practice and Sympathy.

PMID- 28086968
TI  - Microbiota fingerprints lose individually identifying features over time.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Humans host individually unique skin microbiota, suggesting that
      microbiota traces transferred from skin to surfaces could serve as forensic
      markers analogous to fingerprints. While it is known that individuals leave
      identifiable microbiota traces on surfaces, it is not clear for how long these
      traces persist. Moreover, as skin and surface microbiota change with time, even
      persistent traces may lose their forensic potential as they would cease to
      resemble the microbiota of the person who left them. We followed skin and surface
      microbiota within households for four seasons to determine whether accurate
      microbiota-based matching of individuals to their households could be achieved
      across long time delays. RESULTS: While household surface microbiota traces could
      be matched to the correct occupant or occupants with 67% accuracy, accuracy
      decreased substantially when skin and surface samples were collected in different
      seasons, and particularly when surface samples were collected long after skin
      samples. Most OTUs persisted on skin or surfaces for less than one season,
      indicating that OTU loss was the major cause of decreased matching accuracy. OTUs
      that were more useful for individual identification persisted for less time and
      were less likely to be deposited from skin to surface, suggesting a trade-off
      between the longevity and identifying value of microbiota traces. CONCLUSIONS:
      While microbiota traces have potential forensic value, unlike fingerprints they
      are not static and may degrade in a way that preferentially erases features
      useful in identifying individuals.

PMID- 28086969
TI  - Multicenter neonatal databases: Trends in research uses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the US, approximately 12.7% of all live births are preterm, 8.2%
      of live births were low birth weight (LBW), and 1.5% are very low birth weight
      (VLBW). Although technological advances have improved mortality rates among
      preterm and LBW infants, improving overall rates of prematurity and LBW remains a
      national priority. Monitoring short- and long-term outcomes is critical for
      advancing medical treatment and minimizing morbidities associated with
      prematurity or LBW; however, studying these infants can be challenging. Several
      large, multi-center neonatal databases have been developed to improve research
      and quality improvement of treatments for and outcomes of premature and LBW
      infants. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe three multi-center
      neonatal databases. METHODS: We conducted a literature search using PubMed and
      Google Scholar over the period 1990 to August 2014. Studies were included in our
      review if one of the databases was used as a primary source of data or
      comparison. Included studies were categorized by year of publication; study
      design employed, and research focus. RESULTS: A total of 343 studies published
      between 1991 and 2014 were included. Studies of premature and LBW infants using
      these databases have increased over time, and provide evidence for both
      neonatology and community-based pediatric practice. CONCLUSIONS: Research into
      treatment and outcomes of premature and LBW infants is expanding, partially due
      to the availability of large, multicenter databases. The consistency of clinical
      conditions and neonatal outcomes studied since 1990 demonstrates that there are
      dedicated research agendas and resources that allow for long-term, and
      potentially replicable, studies within this population.

PMID- 28086970
TI  - Trends, determinants and inequities of 4+ ANC utilisation in Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study are to document the trend on utilisation
      of four or more (4+) antenatal care (ANC) over the last 22 years period and to
      explore the determinants and inequity of 4+ ANC utilisation as reported by the
      last two Bangladesh Demographic and Health surveys (BDHS) (2011 and 2014).
      METHODS: The data related to ANC have been extracted from the BDHS data set which
      is available online as an open source. STATA 13 software was used for organising
      and analysing the data. The outcome variable considered for this study was
      utilisation of 4+ ANC. Trends of 4+ ANC were measured in percentage and
      predictors for 4+ ANC were measured through bivariate and multivariable analysis.
      The concentration index was estimated for assessing inequity in 4+ ANC
      utilisation. RESULTS: Utilisation of 4+ ANC has increased by about 26% between
      the year 1994 and 2014. Higher level of education, residing in urban region and
      richest wealth quintile were found to be significant predictors. The utilisation
      of 4+ ANC has decreased with increasing parity and maternal age. The inequity
      indices showed consistent inequities in 4+ ANC utilisation, and such inequities
      were increased between 2011 and 2014. CONCLUSIONS: In Bangladesh, the utilisation
      of any ANC rose steadily between 1994 and 2014, but progress in terms of 4+ ANC
      utilisation was much slower as the expectation was to achieve the national set
      target (50%: 4+ ANC utilisation) by 2016. Socio-economic inequities were observed
      in groups that failed to attend a 4+ ANC visit. Policymakers should pay special
      attention to increase the 4+ ANC coverage where this study can facilitate to
      identify the target groups whom need to be intervened on priority basis.

PMID- 28086971
TI  - Characteristics and use of urban health indicator tools by municipal built
      environment policy and decision-makers: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is wide agreement that there is a lack of attention to health
      in municipal environmental policy-making, such as urban planning and
      regeneration. Explanations for this include differing professional norms between
      health and urban environment professionals, system complexity and limited
      evidence for causality between attributes of the built environment and health
      outcomes. Data from urban health indicator (UHI) tools are potentially a valuable
      form of evidence for local government policy and decision-makers. Although many
      UHI tools have been specifically developed to inform policy, there is poor
      understanding of how they are used. This study aims to identify the nature and
      characteristics of UHI tools and their use by municipal built environment policy
      and decision-makers. METHODS: Health and social sciences databases (ASSIA,
      Campbell Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Social Policy and Practice and Web of
      Science Core Collection) will be searched for studies using UHI tools alongside
      hand-searching of key journals and citation searches of included studies.
      Advanced searches of practitioner websites and Google will also be used to find
      grey literature. Search results will be screened for UHI tools, and for studies
      which report on or evaluate the use of such tools. Data about UHI tools will be
      extracted to compile a census and taxonomy of existing tools based on their
      specific characteristics and purpose. In addition, qualitative and quantitative
      studies about the use of these tools will be appraised using quality appraisal
      tools produced by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
      and synthesised in order to gain insight into the perceptions, value and use of
      UHI tools in the municipal built environment policy and decision-making process.
      This review is not registered with PROSPERO. DISCUSSION: This systematic review
      focuses specifically on UHI tools that assess the physical environment's impact
      on health (such as transport, housing, air quality and greenspace). This study
      will help indicator producers understand whether this form of evidence is of
      value to built environment policy and decision-makers and how such tools should
      be tailored for this audience. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: N/A.

PMID- 28086972
TI  - Fatal anaphylaxis registries data support changes in the who anaphylaxis
      mortality coding rules.
AB  - Anaphylaxis is defined as a severe life-threatening generalized or systemic
      hypersensitivity reaction. The difficulty of coding anaphylaxis fatalities under
      the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases
      (ICD) system is recognized as an important reason for under-notification of
      anaphylaxis deaths. On current death certificates, a limited number of ICD codes
      are valid as underlying causes of death, and death certificates do not include
      the word anaphylaxis per se. In this review, we provide evidences supporting the
      need for changes in WHO mortality coding rules and call for addition of
      anaphylaxis as an underlying cause of death on international death certificates.
      This publication will be included in support of a formal request to the WHO as a
      formal request for this move taking the 11th ICD revision.

PMID- 28086973
TI  - Gaussian diffusion sinogram inpainting for X-ray CT metal artifact reduction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metal objects implanted in the bodies of patients usually generate
      severe streaking artifacts in reconstructed images of X-ray computed tomography,
      which degrade the image quality and affect the diagnosis of disease. Therefore,
      it is essential to reduce these artifacts to meet the clinical demands. METHODS:
      In this work, we propose a Gaussian diffusion sinogram inpainting metal artifact
      reduction algorithm based on prior images to reduce these artifacts for fan-beam
      computed tomography reconstruction. In this algorithm, prior information that
      originated from a tissue-classified prior image is used for the inpainting of
      metal-corrupted projections, and it is incorporated into a Gaussian diffusion
      function. The prior knowledge is particularly designed to locate the diffusion
      position and improve the sparsity of the subtraction sinogram, which is obtained
      by subtracting the prior sinogram of the metal regions from the original
      sinogram. The sinogram inpainting algorithm is implemented through an approach of
      diffusing prior energy and is then solved by gradient descent. The performance of
      the proposed metal artifact reduction algorithm is compared with two conventional
      metal artifact reduction algorithms, namely the interpolation metal artifact
      reduction algorithm and normalized metal artifact reduction algorithm. The
      experimental datasets used included both simulated and clinical datasets.
      RESULTS: By evaluating the results subjectively, the proposed metal artifact
      reduction algorithm causes fewer secondary artifacts than the two conventional
      metal artifact reduction algorithms, which lead to severe secondary artifacts
      resulting from impertinent interpolation and normalization. Additionally, the
      objective evaluation shows the proposed approach has the smallest normalized mean
      absolute deviation and the highest signal-to-noise ratio, indicating that the
      proposed method has produced the image with the best quality. CONCLUSIONS: No
      matter for the simulated datasets or the clinical datasets, the proposed
      algorithm has reduced the metal artifacts apparently.

PMID- 28086974
TI  - Ovarian cancer: density equalizing mapping of the global research architecture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite its impact on female health worldwide, no efforts have been
      made to depict the global architecture of ovarian cancer research and to
      understand the trends in the related literature. Hence, it was the objective of
      this study to assess the global scientific performance chronologically,
      geographically and in regards to economic benchmarks using bibliometric tools and
      density equalizing map projections. METHODS: The NewQIS platform was employed to
      identify all ovarian cancer related articles published in the Web of Science
      since 1900. The items were analyzed regarding quantitative aspects (e.g.
      publication date, country of origin) and parameters describing the recognition of
      the work by the scientific community (e.g. citation rates). RESULTS: 23,378
      articles on ovarian cancer were analyzed. The USA had the highest activity of
      ovarian cancer research with a total of n = 9312 ovarian cancer-specific
      publications, followed by the UK (n = 1900), China (n = 1813), Germany (n = 1717)
      and Japan (n = 1673). Ovarian cancer-specific country h-index also showed a
      leading position of the USA with an h-index (HI) of 207, followed by the UK (HI =
      122), Canada (HI = 99), Italy (HI = 97), Germany (HI = 84), and Japan (HI = 81).
      In the socio-economic analysis, the USA were ranked first with an average of
      175.6 ovarian cancer-related publications per GDP per capita in 1000 US-$,
      followed by Italy with an index level of 46.85, the UK with 45.48, and Japan with
      43.3. Overall, the USA and Western European nations, China and Japan constituted
      the scientific power players publishing the majority of highly cited ovarian
      cancer-related articles and dominated international collaborative efforts.
      African, Asian and South American countries played almost no visible role in the
      scientific community. CONCLUSIONS: The quantity and scientific recognition of
      publications related to ovarian cancer are continuously increasing. The research
      endeavors in the field are concentrated in high-income countries with no
      involvement of lower-resource nations. Hence, worldwide collaborative efforts
      with the aim to exchange epidemiologic data, resources and knowledge have to be
      strengthened in the future to successfully alleviate the global burden related to
      ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28086975
TI  - A qualitative study of women's and health providers' attitudes and acceptability
      of mistreatment during childbirth in health facilities in Guinea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reducing maternal morbidity and mortality remains a key health
      challenge in Guinea. Anecdotal evidence suggests that women in Guinea are
      subjected to mistreatment during childbirth in health facilities, but limited
      research exists on this topic. This study was conducted to better understand the
      social norms and the acceptability of four scenarios of mistreatment during
      childbirth, from the perspectives of women and service providers. METHODS: This
      study used qualitative methods including in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus
      group discussions (FGDs) with women of reproductive age, midwives, nurses and
      doctors. This study was conducted in one urban area (Mamou) and one peri-urban
      area (Pita) in Guinea. Participants were presented with four scenarios of
      mistreatment during childbirth, including a provider: (1) slapping a woman; (2)
      verbally abusing a woman; (3) refusing to help a woman; and (4) forcing a woman
      to give birth on the floor. Data were collected in local languages (Pular and
      Malinke) and French, and transcribed and analyzed in French. We used a thematic
      analysis approach and manually coded the data using a codebook developed for the
      project. RESULTS: A total of 40 IDIs and eight FGDs were conducted with women of
      reproductive age, 5 IDIs with doctors, and 13 IDIs with midwives. Most women were
      not accepting of any of the scenarios, unless the action was perceived to be used
      to save the life of the mother or child. However, they perceived a woman's
      disobedience and uncooperativeness to contribute to her poor treatment. Women
      reacted to this mistreatment by accepting poor treatment, refusal to use the same
      hospital, revenge against the provider or complaints to hospital management.
      Service providers were accepting of mistreatment when women were disobedient,
      uncooperative, or to save the life of the baby. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      known study on mistreatment of women during childbirth to be conducted in Guinea.
      Both women and service providers were accepting of mistreatment during childbirth
      under certain conditions. Any approach to preventing and eliminating mistreatment
      during childbirth must consider these important contextual and social norms and
      develop a comprehensive intervention that addresses root causes. Further research
      is needed on how to measure mistreatment during childbirth in Guinea.

PMID- 28086977
TI  - People living with HIV on ART have accurate perception of lipodystrophy signs: a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of lipodystrophy ranges from 31 to 65%, depending on
      the criteria adopted for diagnosis. The usual methods applied in the diagnosis
      vary from self-perception, medical examination, skinfolds measurements, or even
      imaging assessment for confirmation of fat distribution changes. Although several
      methods have been developed, there is no gold standard for characterization of LA
      and LH, or mixed forms. This study aimed to compare self-reported signs of
      lipodystrophy with objective measures by skinfolds and circumferences, and to
      evaluate the prevalence of lipoatrophy (LA) and lipohypertrophy (LH) among
      subjects living with HIV/AIDS on ART. METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolled
      participants living with HIV/AIDS receiving ART, aged 18 years or older from an
      outpatient health care center, in Southern Brazil. Self-reported body fat
      enlargement in the abdomen, chest or breasts, and dorsocervical fat pad were used
      to determine LH, while LA was identified by self-reported fat wasting of the
      face, neck, legs, arms or buttocks. Measurements were obtained with a scientific
      caliper for infraorbital, buccal, and submandibular skinfolds, and using an
      inelastic tape to measure circumferences of waist, hip, neck, and arm. LH and LA
      were established by the presence of at least one self-reported sign. RESULTS:
      Comparisons of self-reported signs with objective measurements for men and women
      were carried out in 815 participants on ART, out of 1240 participants with HIV
      infection. Self-report of decreased facial fat and sunken cheeks was associated
      with lower infraorbital, buccal, and submandibular skinfolds. Participants who
      reported buffalo hump had, on average, greater neck circumference, as well as
      those who have increased waist circumference also reported abdominal enlargement,
      but no buttock wasting. Men were most commonly affected by lipoatrophy (73 vs.
      53%; P < 0.001), and women by lipohypertrophy (79 vs. 56%; P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: In conclusion, self-reported signs of lipodystrophy and lipoatrophy
      are prevalent, differ by gender, and are associated with objective measurements
      in people living with HIV/AIDS.

PMID- 28086976
TI  - Impact of a tailored program on the implementation of evidence-based
      recommendations for multimorbid patients with polypharmacy in primary care
      practices-results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multimorbid patients receiving polypharmacy represent a growing
      population at high risk for negative health outcomes. Tailoring is an approach of
      systematic intervention development taking account of previously identified
      determinants of practice. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a
      tailored program to improve the implementation of three important processes of
      care for this patient group: (a) structured medication counseling including brown
      bag reviews, (b) the use of medication lists, and (c) structured medication
      reviews to reduce potentially inappropriate medication. METHODS: We conducted a
      cluster-randomized controlled trial with a follow-up time of 9 months.
      Participants were general practitioners (GPs) organized in quality circles and
      participating in a GP-centered care contract of a German health insurance.
      Patients aged >50 years, suffering from at least 3 chronic diseases, receiving
      more than 4 drugs, and being at high risk for medication-related events according
      to the assessment of the treating GP were enrolled. The tailored program
      consisted of a workshop for GPs and health care assistants, educational materials
      and reminders for patients, and the elaboration of implementation action plans.
      The primary outcome was the change in the degree of implementation between
      baseline and follow-up, measured by a summary score of 10 indicators. The
      indicators were based on structured surveys with patients and GPs. RESULTS: We
      analyzed the data of 21 GPs (10 - intervention group, 11 - control group) and 273
      patients (130 - intervention group, 143 - control group). The increase in the
      degree of implementation was 4.2 percentage points (95% confidence interval: 
      0.3, 8.6) higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p =
      0.1). Two of the 10 indicators were significantly improved in the intervention
      group: medication counseling (p = 0.017) and brown bag review (p = 0.012).
      Secondary outcomes showed an effect on patients' self-reported use of medication
      lists when buying drugs in the pharmacy (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The tailored
      program may improve implementation of medication counseling and brown bag review
      whereas the use of medication lists and medication reviews did not improve. No
      effect of the tailored program on the combined primary outcome could be
      substantiated. Due to limitations of the study, results have to be interpreted
      carefully. The factors facilitating and hindering successful implementation will
      be examined in a comprehensive process evaluation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      ISRCTN34664024 , assigned 14/08/2013.

PMID- 28086978
TI  - Correlation of cytokine level with the severity of severe fever with
      thrombocytopenia syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) was an emerging
      hemorrhagic fever that was caused by a tick-borne bunyavirus, SFTSV. Although
      SFTSV nonstructural protein can inhibit type I interferon (IFN-I) production Ex
      Vivo and IFN-I played key role in resistance SFTSV infection in animal model, the
      role of IFN-I in patients is not investigated. METHODS: We have assayed the
      concentration of IFN-alpha, a subtype of IFN-I as well as other cytokines in the
      sera of SFTS patients and the healthy population with CBA (Cytometric bead array)
      assay. RESULTS: The results showed that IFN-alpha, tumor necrosis factor (TNF
      alpha), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon-gamma (IFN
      gamma), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL
      10, interferon-inducible protein (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP
      1) were significantly higher in SFTS patients than in healthy persons (p < 0.05);
      the concentrations of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, G-CSF, MIP-1alpha, IL-6, and IP-10
      were significant higher in severe SFTS patients than in mild SFTS patients (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: The concentration of IFN-alpha as well as other cytokines (IFN
      gamma, G-CSF, MIP-1alpha, IL-6, and IP-10) is correlated with the severity of
      SFTS, suggesting that type I interferon may not be significant in resistance
      SFTSV infection in humans and it may play an import role in cytokine storm.

PMID- 28086979
TI  - B cell repertoires in HLA-sensitized kidney transplant candidates undergoing
      desensitization therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage
      renal disease. Sensitization refers to pre-existing antibodies against human
      leukocyte antigen (HLA) protein and remains a major barrier to successful
      transplantation. Despite implementation of desensitization strategies, many
      candidates fail to respond. Our objective was to determine whether measuring B
      cell repertoires could differentiate candidates that respond to desensitization
      therapy. METHODS: We developed an assay based on high-throughput DNA sequencing
      of the variable domain of the heavy chain of immunoglobulin genes to measure
      changes in B cell repertoires in 19 highly HLA-sensitized kidney transplant
      candidates undergoing desensitization and 7 controls with low to moderate HLA
      sensitization levels. Responders to desensitization had a decrease of 5% points
      or greater in cumulated calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) levels, and non
      responders had no decrease in cPRA. RESULTS: Dominant B cell clones were not
      observed in highly sensitized candidates, suggesting that the B cells responsible
      for sensitization are either not present in peripheral blood or present at
      comparable levels to other circulating B cells. Candidates that responded to
      desensitization therapy had pre-treatment repertoires composed of a larger
      fraction of class-switched (IgG and IgA) isotypes compared to non-responding
      candidates. After B cell depleting therapy, the proportion of switched isotypes
      increased and the mutation frequencies of the remaining non-switched isotypes
      (IgM and IgD) increased in both responders and non-responders, perhaps
      representing a shift in the repertoire towards memory B cells or plasmablasts.
      Conversely, after transplantation, non-switched isotypes with fewer mutations
      increased, suggesting a shift in the repertoire towards naive B cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: Relative abundance of different B cell isotypes is strongly
      perturbed by desensitization therapy and transplantation, potentially reflecting
      changes in the relative abundance of memory and naive B cell compartments.
      Candidates that responded to therapy experienced similar changes to those that
      did not respond. Further studies are required to understand differences between
      these two groups of highly sensitized kidney transplant candidates.

PMID- 28086981
TI  - Does antiretroviral treatment change HIV-1 codon usage patterns in its genes: a
      preliminary bioinformatics study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Codon usage bias has been described for various organisms and is
      thought to contribute to the regulation of numerous biological processes
      including viral infections. HIV-1 codon usage has been previously shown to be
      different from that of other viruses and man. It is evident that the
      antiretroviral drugs used to restrict HIV-1 replication also select for
      resistance variants. We wanted to test whether codon frequencies in HIV-1
      sequences from treatment-experienced patients differ from those of treatment
      naive individuals due to drug pressure affecting codon usage bias. RESULTS: We
      developed a JavaScript to determine the codon frequencies of aligned nucleotide
      sequences. Irrespective of subtypes, using HIV-1 pol sequences from 532 treatment
      naive and 52 treatment-experienced individuals, we found that pol sequences from
      treatment-experienced patients had significantly increased AGA (arginine; p =
      0.0002***) and GGU (glycine; p = 0.0001***), and decreased AGG (arginine; p =
      0.0001***) codon frequencies. The same pattern was not observed when subtypes B
      and C sequences were analyzed separately. Additionally, irrespective of subtypes,
      using HIV-1 gag sequences from 524 treatment-naive and 54 treatment-experienced
      individuals, gag sequences from treatment-experienced patients had significantly
      increased CUA (leucine; p < 0.0001***), CAG (glutamine; p = 0.0006***), AUC
      (isoleucine; p < 0.0001***) and UCU (serine; p = 0.0005***), and decreased AUA
      (isoleucine; p = 0.0003***) and CAA (glutamine; p = 0.0006***) codon frequencies.
      CONCLUSION: Using pol and gag genes derived from the same HIV-1 genome, we show
      that antiretroviral therapy changed certain HIV-1 codon frequencies in a subtype
      specific way.

PMID- 28086982
TI  - Reproductive factors and the risk of triple-negative breast cancer in white women
      and African-American women: a pooled analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early age at menarche, nulliparity, late age at first completed
      pregnancy, and never having breastfed, are established breast cancer risk
      factors. However, among breast cancer subtypes, it remains unclear whether all of
      these are risk factors for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS: We
      evaluated the associations of these reproductive factors with TNBC, in 2658
      patients with breast cancer (including 554 with TNBC) and 2448 controls aged 20
      64 years, who participated in one of the three population-based case-control
      studies: the Women's Contraceptive and Reproductive Experiences Study, the
      Women's Breast Carcinoma in situ Study, or the Women's Learning the Influence of
      Family and Environment Study. We used multivariable polychotomous unconditional
      logistic regression methods to conduct case-control comparisons among breast
      cancer subtypes defined by estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human
      epidermal growth factor receptor-2 expression status. RESULTS: TNBC risk
      decreased with increasing duration of breastfeeding (P trend = 0.006), but age at
      menarche, age at first completed pregnancy, and nulliparity were not associated
      with risk of TNBC. Parous women who breastfed for at least one year had a 31%
      lower risk of TNBC than parous women who had never breastfed (odds ratio, OR =
      0.69; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.50-0.96). The association between
      breastfeeding and risk of TNBC was modified by age and race. Parous African
      American women aged 20-44 years who breastfed for 6 months or longer had an 82%
      lower risk of TNBC than their counterparts who had never breastfed (OR = 0.18,
      95% CI = 0.07-0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that breastfeeding decreases
      the risk of TNBC, especially for younger African-American women.

PMID- 28086980
TI  - Inflammation in epileptogenesis after traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a common and debilitating consequence of traumatic brain
      injury (TBI). Seizures contribute to progressive neurodegeneration and poor
      functional and psychosocial outcomes for TBI survivors, and epilepsy after TBI is
      often resistant to existing anti-epileptic drugs. The development of post
      traumatic epilepsy (PTE) occurs in a complex neurobiological environment
      characterized by ongoing TBI-induced secondary injury processes.
      Neuroinflammation is an important secondary injury process, though how it
      contributes to epileptogenesis, and the development of chronic, spontaneous
      seizure activity, remains poorly understood. A mechanistic understanding of how
      inflammation contributes to the development of epilepsy (epileptogenesis) after
      TBI is important to facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic strategies
      to reduce or prevent seizures. BODY: We reviewed previous clinical and pre
      clinical data to evaluate the hypothesis that inflammation contributes to
      seizures and epilepsy after TBI. Increasing evidence indicates that
      neuroinflammation is a common consequence of epileptic seizure activity, and also
      contributes to epileptogenesis as well as seizure initiation (ictogenesis) and
      perpetuation. Three key signaling factors implicated in both seizure activity and
      TBI-induced secondary pathogenesis are highlighted in this review: high-mobility
      group box protein-1 interacting with toll-like receptors, interleukin-1beta
      interacting with its receptors, and transforming growth factor-beta signaling
      from extravascular albumin. Lastly, we consider age-dependent differences in
      seizure susceptibility and neuroinflammation as mechanisms which may contribute
      to a heightened vulnerability to epileptogenesis in young brain-injured patients.
      CONCLUSION: Several inflammatory mediators exhibit epileptogenic and ictogenic
      properties, acting on glia and neurons both directly and indirectly influence
      neuronal excitability. Further research is required to establish causality
      between inflammatory signaling cascades and the development of epilepsy post-TBI,
      and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of pharmaceuticals targeting
      inflammatory pathways to prevent or mitigate the development of PTE.

PMID- 28086985
TI  - External validation of a clinical decision rule: we need events in a population
      in order to rule them out!
AB  - We respond to the Lorton et al. article on external validation of the PECARN
      study. With an event rate of only 0.6%, we believe that their study failed to
      confirm the safety of this rule. Such a low number of events should call for
      caution when interpreting the results of diagnostic tests.

PMID- 28086983
TI  - Mailed HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening among underserved minority
      women: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Underserved ethnic minority women experience significant disparities
      in cervical cancer incidence and mortality, mainly due to lack of cervical cancer
      screening. Barriers to Pap smear screening include lack of knowledge, lack of
      health insurance and access, and cultural beliefs regarding disease prevention.
      In our previous SUCCESS trial, we demonstrated that HPV self-sampling delivered
      by a community health worker (CHW) is efficacious in circumventing these
      barriers. This approach increased screening uptake relative to navigation to Pap
      smear screening. SUCCESS trial participants, as well as our community partners,
      provided feedback that women may prefer the HPV self-sampler to be delivered
      through the mail, such that they would not need to schedule an appointment with
      the CHW. Thus, our current trial aims to elucidate the efficacy of the HPV self
      sampling method when delivered via mail. DESIGN: We are conducting a randomized
      controlled trial among 600 Haitian, Hispanic, and African-American women from the
      South Florida communities of Little Haiti, Hialeah, and South Dade. Women between
      the ages of 30 and 65 years who have not had a Pap smear within the past 3 years
      are eligible for the study. Women are recruited by CHWs and complete a structured
      interview to assess multilevel determinants of cervical cancer risk. Women are
      then randomized to receive HPV self-sampling delivered by either the CHW (group
      1) or via mail (group 2). The primary outcome is completion of HPV self-sampling
      within 6 months post enrollment. DISCUSSION: Our trial is among the first to
      examine the efficacy of the mailed HPV self-sampling approach. If found to be
      efficacious, this approach may represent a cost-effective strategy for cervical
      cancer screening within underserved and underscreened minority groups. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02202109 . Registered on 9 July 2014.

PMID- 28086984
TI  - Deptor: not only a mTOR inhibitor.
AB  - Deptor is an important protein that belongs to the mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes,
      able to interact with mTOR and to inhibit its kinase activity. As a natural mTOR
      inhibitor, Deptor is involved in several molecular pathways, such as cell growth,
      apoptosis, autophagy and ER stress response. For this reason, Deptor seems to
      play an important role in controlling cellular homeostasis. Despite several
      recent insights characterizing Deptor functions and regulation, its complete role
      within cells has not yet been completely clarified. Indeed, quite recently,
      Deptor has been associated with chromatin, and it has been demonstrated having a
      role in transcriptional regulation, controlling in such way endoplasmatic
      reticulum activity.From all these observations it is not surprising that Deptor
      can behave either as an oncogene or oncosuppressor, depending on the cell- or
      tissue-contexts. This review highlights recent progresses made in our
      understanding of the many activities of Deptor, describing its transcriptional
      and post-transcriptional regulation in different cancer cell types. Moreover,
      here we discuss the possibility of using compounds able to inhibit Deptor or to
      disrupt its interaction with mTOR as novel approaches for cancer therapy.

PMID- 28086986
TI  - Radioiodine sinus uptake related to mucosal thickening or aspergilloma: a case
      series of an unrecognized event well evidenced by SPECT/CT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: False-positive radioiodine (RAI) uptake related to chronic sinusitis
      and mucocele has only rarely been reported in patients with differentiated
      thyroid cancer (DTC) even with the recent use of single photon emission
      tomography with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) acquisition. No other etiology of
      sinus RAI uptake has been mentioned to date. OBJECTIVES: We report five cases of
      DTC patients with sinus RAI uptake on post-RAI scintigraphy. SPECT/CT clearly
      localized RAI uptake either in the sphenoid, the maxillary or the frontal sinus
      and highly suspected mucosal thickening in four patients and sinus aspergilloma
      in one patient. CONCLUSION: These data confirm the possibility of false-positive
      sinus RAI uptake, provide a new cause of such benign uptake, i.e. sinus
      aspergilloma, and demonstrate the clinical relevance of head and neck SPECT/CT
      acquisition in the diagnosis of such uptake. Nuclear medicine physicians should
      be aware of this pitfall when interpreting post-RAI scintigraphy.

PMID- 28086987
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii
      in cats in mainland China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii which can infect all
      warm-blooded animals. As the most common feline definitive host, cats play a
      vital role in the transmission of T. gondii. However, national estimates of the
      seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in mainland China are lacking, and therefore
      a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to provide insight into
      national environmental transmission levels and potential transmission to humans.
      METHODS: Studies published up until July 1, 2016, on T. gondii seroprevalence in
      cats within mainland China were searched for in CNKI, WanFang, CBM, PubMed,
      Embase and through the reference lists of resulting articles. The seroprevalence
      with its 95% confidence interval (CI) for each individual study was presented,
      and then point estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of pooled
      seroprevalence were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed according to
      potential risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 38 eligible studies, published
      between 1995 to 2016, covering fifteen provinces and municipalities, and
      involving 7,285 cats, were included. The seroprevalence in cats per study ranged
      from 3.9 to 79.4% with a median of 20.3%. As substantial heterogeneity existed
      among studies, a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled
      seroprevalence. The value of the point estimate seroprevalence was 24.5% (95% CI:
      20.1-29.0). Seroprevalence in stray cats was significantly higher than in pet
      cats (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.60-5.64). The seroprevalence increased significantly
      with cat age (P = 0.018) with 17.4% (95% CI: 7.6-27.2) in the group of <= 1 year
      old, 19.5% (95% CI: 12.7-26.3) in the group of <= 3 year-old and 31.6% (95% CI:
      22.9-40.3) in the group of > 3 year-old. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of T.
      gondii in cats in mainland China was moderate and was associated with cat
      ownership and age. Due to the increasing prevalence of pet cats in China and the
      intimate relationship between these cats and humans, this might present a
      significant exposure risk, particularly for China's large susceptible population.
      Therefore, further research is needed into the links between cat ownership and
      human T. gondii infection and how to reduce T. gondii exposure in humans via cat
      contacts and the environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts by cats.

PMID- 28086988
TI  - Computed tomographic findings and treatment of a bull with pituitary gland
      abscess.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In cattle, the prognosis of brain abscess is unfavourable and
      treatment is therefore not recommended. To the knowledge of the authors, there
      has been no report of successful treatment of a brain abscess in cattle.This
      report describes the clinical, computed tomographic and postmortem findings in a
      Holstein-Friesian bull with a hypophyseal abscess. CASE REPORT: The main clinical
      findings were generalised ataxia, ptyalism, prolapse of the tongue, dropped jaw,
      dysphagia, head tilt and unilateral ptosis. Cerebrospinal fluid evaluation
      revealed 2437 leukocytes/ul and severe pleocytosis. CT examination of the head
      showed a cavitary lesion consistent with an abscess in the hypophysis. Treatment
      consisted of gentamicin and flunixin meglumine for 3 days and amoxicillin for 40
      days. The neurological signs resolved within 8 days of the start of treatment.
      The bull was slaughtered 11 months later because of infertility, and a postmortem
      examination was carried out. Histologically, a mild chronic non suppurative
      meningoencephalitis restricted to the ventral diencephalon was diagnosed. In
      addition, there was mild to moderate multifocal chronic lymphoplasmacytic
      hypophysitis with mild multifocal fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This case report
      stresses the significance of CT in confirming the clinical and laboratory
      diagnosis of central nervous system disorders in cattle and for localising brain
      lesions. Treatment of the brain abscess resulted, with respect to the central
      nervous disorder, in a successful outcome and was encouraging considering that
      most cases have an unfavourable prognosis.

PMID- 28086989
TI  - Correlation between the Ki-67 proliferation index and response to radiation
      therapy in small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the breast cancer, the decision whether to administer adjuvant
      therapy is increasingly influenced by the Ki-67 proliferation index. In the
      present retrospective study, we investigated if this index could predict the
      therapeutic response to radiation therapy in small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
      METHODS: Data from 19 SCLC patients who received thoracic radiation therapy were
      included. Clinical staging was assessed using the TNM classification system
      (UICC, 2009; cstage IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB = 3/1/7/8). Ki-67 was detected using
      immunostained tumour sections and the Ki-67 proliferation index was determined
      using e-Count software. Radiation therapy was administered at total doses of 45
      60 Gy. A total of 16 of the 19 patients received chemotherapy. RESULTS: Patients
      were divided into two groups, one with a Ki-67 proliferation index >=79.77%
      (group 1, 8 cases) and the other with a Ki-67 proliferation index <79.77% (group
      2, 11 cases). Following radiation therapy, a complete response (CR) was observed
      in six cases from group 1 (75.0%) and three cases from group 2 (27.3%). The Ki-67
      proliferation index was significantly correlated with the CR rate (P = 0.05),
      which was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P = 0.04). The median
      survival time was 516 days for all patients, and the survival rates did not
      differ significantly between groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first
      to evaluate the correlation between the Ki-67 proliferation index and SCLC tumour
      response to radiation therapy. Our findings suggest that a high Ki-67
      proliferation index might represent a predictive factor for increased tumour
      radiosensitivity.

PMID- 28086990
TI  - The efficacy of fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy on biliary tract
      cancer after R0 resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment strategy for biliary tract cancer (BTC) after
      curative-intent resection remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the efficacy of fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy for BTC
      patients undergoing microscopically margin-negative (R0) resection. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of BTC patients who underwent curative
      intent R0 resection. Patients were eligible if they received either
      fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy or observation after R0 resection.
      RESULTS: A total of 153 patients were included. In the entire patient cohort, no
      significant differences were observed in 5-year overall survival (OS) rates
      (48.4% vs. 39.6%, P = 0.439) or 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates
      (49.1% vs. 39.5%, P = 0.299) between patients who received fluoropyrimidine-based
      adjuvant chemotherapy or observation. However, for patients with stages II and
      III BTC, chemotherapy significantly improved 5-year OS rate (52.4% vs. 35.6%, P =
      0.002) and 3-year RFS rate (55.5% vs. 39.1%, P = 0.021) compared with
      observation. CONCLUSION: Fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy may prolong
      the survival of patients with stages II and III BTC after R0 resection.

PMID- 28086991
TI  - Does waterfall aerosol influence mucosal immunity and chronic stress? A
      randomized controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The specific microclimate of alpine waterfalls with high levels of
      ionized water aerosols has been suggested to trigger beneficial immunological and
      psychological effects. In the present three-armed randomized controlled clinical
      study, we focused on effects on (i) immunological reagibility, on (ii)
      physiological stress responses, and on (iii) stress-related psychological
      parameters. METHODS: People with moderate to high stress levels (n = 65) spent an
      active sojourn with daily hiking tours in the National Park Hohe Tauern
      (Grobetakirchheim, Austria). Half of the group was exposed to water aerosol of an
      alpine waterfall for 1 h/day (first arm, n = 33), whereas the other half spent
      the same time at a distant site (second arm, n = 32). A third arm (control, n =
      26) had no intervention (except vaccination) and stayed at home, maintaining
      their usual lifestyle. The effect of the interventions on the immune system was
      tested by oral vaccination with an approved cholera vaccine and measuring
      specific salivary IgA antibody titers. Lung function was determined by peak
      expiratory flow measurement. Electric skin conductance, heart rate, and adaption
      of respiration rate were assessed as physiological stress parameters.
      Psychological stress-related parameters were analyzed by questionnaires and
      scales. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, both intervention groups showed
      improvement of the lung function and of most physiological stress test
      parameters. Analysis of the mucosal immune response revealed a waterfall-specific
      beneficial effect with elevated IgA titers in the waterfall group. In line with
      these results, exposure to waterfall revealed an additional benefit concerning
      psychological parameters such as subjective stress perception (measured via
      visual analog scale), the Global Severity Index (GSI), and the Positive Symptom
      Total (PST). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides new data, which strongly support an
      "added value" of exposure to waterfall microclimate when combined with a
      therapeutic sojourn at high altitude including regular physical activity.

PMID- 28086992
TI  - Therapies for bruxism: a systematic review and network meta-analysis (protocol).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bruxism is a sleep disorder characterized by grinding and clenching
      of the teeth that may be related to irreversible tooth injuries. It is a
      prevalent condition occurring in up to 31% of adults. However, there is no
      definitive answer as to which of the many currently available treatments
      (including drug therapy, intramuscular injections, physiotherapy, biofeedback,
      kinesiotherapy, use of intraoral devices, or psychological therapy) is the best
      for the clinical management of the different manifestations of bruxism. The aim
      of this systematic review and network meta-analysis is to answer the following
      question: what is the best treatment for adult bruxists? METHODS/DESIGN:
      Comprehensive searches of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and
      LILACS will be completed using the following keywords: bruxism and therapies and
      related entry terms. Studies will be included, according to the eligibility
      criteria (Controlled Clinical Trials and Randomized Clinical Trials, considering
      specific outcome measures for bruxism). The reference lists of included studies
      will be hand searched. Relevant data will be extracted from included studies
      using a specially designed data extraction sheet. Risk of bias of the included
      studies will be assessed, and the overall strength of the evidence will be
      summarized (i.e., GRADE). A random effects model will be used for all pairwise
      meta-analyses (with a 95% confidence interval). A Bayesian network meta-analysis
      will explore the relative benefits between the various treatments. The review
      will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
      incorporating Network Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-NMA) statement. DISCUSSION: This
      systematic review aims at identifying and evaluating therapies to treat bruxism.
      This systematic review may lead to several recommendations, for both patients and
      researchers, as which is the best therapy for a specific patient case and how
      future studies need to be designed, considering what is available now and what is
      the reality of the patient. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO
      CRD42015023308.

PMID- 28086993
TI  - Lack of partial renal response by 12 weeks after induction therapy predicts poor
      renal response and systemic damage accrual in lupus nephritis class III or IV.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lupus nephritis class III or IV is associated with a poor prognosis
      for both patient and renal survival. Recommendations for the management of lupus
      nephritis have recently been established, and changing therapies is recommended
      for patients who do not respond adequately to induction therapy. However, it
      remains a major challenge to determine when to switch the treatment. In this
      study, we identified early prognostic factors capable of predicting poor renal
      outcome as well as overall damage accrual in patients with lupus nephritis class
      III or IV. METHODS: Eighty patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis class III
      or IV were retrospectively recruited and divided into two groups: those with
      complete renal response (CR) or non-CR at 3 years after induction therapy. We
      investigated when clinical responses were obtained at each observational period
      from baseline to year 3. Clinical responses were divided into three groups: CR,
      partial renal response (PR), and non-PR. Furthermore, patients were assessed
      using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of
      Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) and cumulative dose of corticosteroid for 3
      years. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with CR and thirty-six with non-CR were
      enrolled. The cumulative CR rate was 85.0%. PR rates of patients with CR were
      significantly higher than those with non-CR from week 12 (p < 0.01). We
      identified the achievement of PR at 12 weeks as an independent predictor (OR
      3.57, p = 0.03) by multivariate analysis. We next divided all patients into two
      groups according to PR achievement at week 12. The cumulative CR rate of the
      patients who achieved PR at week 12 was significantly higher than that of those
      who did not (96.5% vs 69.2%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significantly higher SDI
      and cumulative dose of corticosteroid were seen in the patients who did not
      achieve PR at week 12 than in those who did, regardless of their CR status, at
      year 3. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of PR at week 12 predicts a lower likelihood of
      achieving CR at 3 years and a higher SDI.

PMID- 28086994
TI  - Retraction notice to "Calponin and caldesmon cellular domains in reacting
      microvessels following traumatic brain injury" [Microvasc. Res. 71 (2006) 7].

PMID- 28086995
TI  - [Evidence-based public health in Gaceta Sanitaria: a nod to Latin America].

PMID- 28086996
TI  - [La Societe Francaise du Cancer is moving forward].

PMID- 28086997
TI  - Enamel-renal syndrome in 2 patients with a mutation in FAM20 A and atypical
      hypertrichosis and hearing loss phenotypes.
AB  - Enamel-renal syndrome (OMIM #204690) is an uncommon disorder characterized by
      amelogenesis imperfecta and nephrocalcinosis and is caused by mutations in FAM20
      A. We report 2 patients with enamel-renal syndrome who exhibited the typical
      features of this syndrome and a homozygous nonsense mutation in the FAM20 A gene
      (c.406 C>T), genetically confirming the diagnosis. They also exhibited 2
      undescribed clinical features, hypertrichosis and hearing loss. Alterations in
      genes frequently associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss in the Brazilian
      population, including connexin 26 (GJB2), connexin 30 (GJB6) and mitochondrial 12
      S rRNA (m.A1555 G mutation), were not found. These results suggest a putative
      function of FAM20 A in the development of the inner ear and in the formation of
      hair. The presence of nephrocalcinosis is a risk factor for renal impairment, and
      it is important to perform regular renal monitoring in order to avoid renal
      failure.

PMID- 28086998
TI  - Evaluation of artifacts generated by zirconium implants in cone-beam computed
      tomography images.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate zirconium implant artifact production in cone beam
      computed tomography images obtained with different protocols. STUDY DESIGN: One
      zirconium implant was inserted in an edentulous mandible. Twenty scans were
      acquired with a ProMax 3D unit (Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland), with acquisition
      settings ranging from 70 to 90 peak kilovoltage (kVp) and voxel sizes of 0.32 and
      0.16 mm. A metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool was activated in half of the
      scans. An axial slice through the middle region of the implant was selected for
      each dataset. Gray values (mean +/- standard deviation) were measured in two
      regions of interest, one close to and the other distant from the implant (control
      area). The contrast-to-noise ratio was also calculated. RESULTS: Standard
      deviation decreased with greater kVp and when the MAR tool was used. The contrast
      to-noise ratio was significantly higher when the MAR tool was turned off, except
      for low resolution with kVp values above 80. Selection of the MAR tool and
      greater kVp resulted in an overall reduction of artifacts in images acquired with
      low resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Although zirconium implants do produce image
      artifacts in cone-bean computed tomography scans, the setting that best
      controlled artifact generation by zirconium implants was 90 kVp at low resolution
      and with the MAR tool turned on.

PMID- 28087000
TI  - Commentary from the Editor.

PMID- 28086999
TI  - Prognosis Disclosure in Spinal Cord Injury.

PMID- 28087001
TI  - Coming of age of the World Muscle Society Granada 2016.

PMID- 28087003
TI  - In vitro generation of renal tubular epithelial cells from fibroblasts:
      implications for precision and regenerative medicine in nephrology.
AB  - Prior efforts to generate renal epithelial cells in vitro have relied on
      pluripotent or bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. A recent publication
      in Nature Cell Biology describes the generation of induced tubular epithelial
      cells from fibroblasts, potentially offering a novel platform for personalized
      drug toxicity screening and in vitro disease modeling. This report serves as a
      promising proof of principle study and opens future research directions,
      including the optimization of the reprogramming process, efficient translation to
      adult human fibroblasts, and the generation of highly specific functional renal
      cell types.

PMID- 28087004
TI  - Gimme a complex! Resident mononuclear phagocytes in the kidney as monitors of
      circulating antigens and immune complexes.
AB  - Over the past decade, researchers have made substantial progress in
      characterizing a network of mononuclear phagocytes in the kidney, which variously
      have been referred to as resident macrophages or dendritic cells. Two recent
      studies, published in Cell and Kidney International, have identified these
      resident macrophages/dendritic cells as local immune monitors of peritubular
      capillaries for circulating antigens and immune complexes. These cells appear to
      represent an early line of defense against circulating infectious particles and
      immune complexes, but the resulting inflammatory response may also contribute to
      interstitial inflammation and kidney disease progression.

PMID- 28087005
TI  - And the fat lady sings about phosphate and calcium.
AB  - Adipose tissue has been long recognized as secreting various endocrine factors.
      Emerging evidence demonstrates that adipokines play a role in modulating systemic
      mineral homeostasis through endocrine loops involving interleukin-6, leptin, and
      now also adiponectin, which all interact with FGF23 and vitamin D and thereby
      change the renal control of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Understanding these
      regulatory loops may shed light on a complex interorgan crosstalk controlling
      mineral homeostasis and its dysregulation in diseases associated with obesity.

PMID- 28087006
TI  - New insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of heavy chain deposition
      disease.
AB  - Heavy chain deposition disease is defined by the presence of tissue deposits of
      truncated monoclonal Ig heavy chains, usually associated with an underlying
      plasma cell clone. In this issue of Kidney International, Bridoux et al.
      described the clinical, histologic, and molecular characterization of 15 patients
      with heavy chain deposition disease, which is the largest case series to date.
      Notable findings included the frequent presence of C3 deposits and
      hypocomplementemia, the uniform finding of truncated heavy chains with the
      deletion in the heavy chain constant region 1, and the common occurrence of an
      abnormal serum-free kappa:lambda ratio, despite the absence of light-chain tissue
      deposition. Importantly, this study showed that clinical outcomes are improved
      significantly with modern antiplasma cell therapies such as bortezomib.

PMID- 28087007
TI  - Manipulating the microbiome.
AB  - The application of molecular methods has provided a new picture of the colon
      microbial flora, or microbiome. The microbiome has been found to be a complex
      ecosystem with multiple influences on its human host. In renal medicine, interest
      has focused on the microbiome as a source of toxic waste chemicals and a
      stimulant to unwanted systemic inflammation. Early attempts to manipulate the
      microbiome have yielded limited benefit, but further research is strongly
      motivated.

PMID- 28087008
TI  - APOL1 genotype, blood pressure, and survival in African Americans with
      nondiabetic nephropathy.
AB  - Several landmark trials have assessed the effects of aggressive hypertension
      control on the progression of nondiabetic chronic kidney disease. Results
      generally have been disappointing. With the realization that lowering blood
      pressure, including with renin-angiotensin system blockade, failed to reliably
      prevent end-stage kidney disease, studies now are analyzing longer-term effects
      of hypertension control on survival in chronic kidney disease. This commentary
      reviews the current findings and extends the discussion to apolipoprotein L1 gene
      by blood pressure (or gene by environment) interactions.

PMID- 28087009
TI  - Improving kidney disease in obese adolescents: a surgical approach.
AB  - Obesity has been associated with chronic kidney disease in adult studies, but
      little data exist in pediatrics. Nehus et al. offer the first study to show that
      bariatric surgery in severely obese adolescents is associated with improved renal
      outcomes. Despite limitations, this study provided compelling evidence that
      aggressive weight loss intervention can improve renal outcomes in young, severely
      obese subjects. Further investigation is required to determine mechanisms by
      which this may occur.

PMID- 28087011
TI  - Acute aortic syndrome in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

PMID- 28087010
TI  - Breaking the ice: urine proteomics of medullary sponge kidney disease.
AB  - Urinary proteomics is a promising tool for biomarker investigation, particularly
      in complex kidney diseases. Fabris and colleagues report that urinary laminin
      subunit alpha-2 is a potential diagnostic marker of medullary sponge kidney (MSK)
      disease by using a label-free quantitative proteomics platform and a clinically
      compatible enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The neglected issue of stone
      pathogenesis was also evidenced. This commentary discusses several considerations
      in biomarker validation, and how urinary proteomics breaks new ground in MSK
      research.

PMID- 28087012
TI  - To Be or not To Be: a rare cause of AKI in a renal allograft.

PMID- 28087013
TI  - The Case | Nephrotic syndrome with corneal opacities.

PMID- 28087014
TI  - Parallel globules on the ridges caused by transepidermal elimination of
      melanocytic nests: A new dermoscopic pattern of acral melanoma.

PMID- 28087015
TI  - Acral persistent papular mucinosis (APPM): Dermoscopy of an uncommon disease.

PMID- 28087016
TI  - Familial outbreak of eruptive pseudoangiomatosis with dermoscopic and
      histopathologic correlation.

PMID- 28087017
TI  - Solitary angiokeratoma with Meyerson phenomenon.

PMID- 28087018
TI  - A case of onychomatricoma: Classic clinical, dermoscopic, and nail-clipping
      histologic findings.

PMID- 28087019
TI  - Desmoplastic trichilemmoma dermoscopically mimicking molluscum contagiosum.

PMID- 28087020
TI  - Acral pseudolymphomatous angiokeratoma of children with rainbow pattern: A
      mimicker of Kaposi sarcoma.

PMID- 28087021
TI  - Ultraviolet dermoscopy for the diagnosis of tinea capitis.

PMID- 28087022
TI  - Peripilar hair casts.

PMID- 28087023
TI  - Dermoscopic presentation of Hailey-Hailey disease.

PMID- 28087024
TI  - Acral melanoma.

PMID- 28087025
TI  - Dermoscopy of isolated syringoma of the vulva.

PMID- 28087026
TI  - Dermoscopy of pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue.

PMID- 28087027
TI  - Dermoscopy confirms diagnosis of circumscribed plantar hypokeratosis.

PMID- 28087028
TI  - Nodular hidradenoma: Dermoscopic presentation.

PMID- 28087029
TI  - Lichen sclerosus of the glans simulating melanoma.

PMID- 28087030
TI  - Dermoscopic characteristics of a cutaneous histiocytic sarcoma in a young
      patient.

PMID- 28087031
TI  - Dermoscopic diagnosis of scurvy.

PMID- 28087032
TI  - A rare dermoscopic pattern of nodular basal cell carcinoma with amyloid
      deposition.

PMID- 28087033
TI  - Keratoacanthoma-like dermatofibroma: A dermoscopic challenge.

PMID- 28087034
TI  - Dermoscopy of Grover disease.

PMID- 28087035
TI  - The anal groove sign: The use of dermatoscopy for identification of Ixodes ticks.

PMID- 28087036
TI  - Dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and high-definition optical
      coherence tomography in the diagnosis of generalized argyria.

PMID- 28087037
TI  - Dermoscopy of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

PMID- 28087038
TI  - Dermoscopy of cutaneous involvement by multiple myeloma.

PMID- 28087039
TI  - Dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopic presentation of relapsing
      eccrine porocarcinoma.

PMID- 28087040
TI  - Dermoscopy of giant juvenile xanthogranuloma.

PMID- 28087041
TI  - Dermoscopy of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

PMID- 28087042
TI  - Dermoscopic features of a solitary fibrofolliculoma on the left cheek.

PMID- 28087043
TI  - Diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma of the lip using dermoscopy.

PMID- 28087044
TI  - Homogeneous white patch in dermoscopy of solitary circumscribed neuroma.

PMID- 28087045
TI  - Dermoscopy of adenoma sebaceum.

PMID- 28087046
TI  - Morel-Lavallee Injuries: A Multimodality Approach to Imaging Characteristics.
AB  - Morel-Lavallee lesions are relatively rare closed degloving injuries caused by a
      shearing force resulting in separation of the dermis and the hypodermis from the
      subjacent deeper fascia. Although most commonly encountered lateral to the
      greater trochanter, these injuries may occur throughout the body in a variety of
      locations. Separation of the hypodermal tissue planes results in a complex
      serosanguinous fluid collection with areas of internal fat necrosis. The imaging
      appearance is variable and nonspecific, potentially mimicking superficial
      hemorrhagic bursitis, or cystic or necrotic primary soft tissue neoplasms. If not
      treated in the acute or early subacute setting, these collections are at risk of
      superinfection, overlying tissue necrosis, and continued expansion. In this
      article, we will review the pathophysiology, cross-sectional imaging features,
      and differential diagnostic considerations of Morel-Lavallee lesions as well as
      discuss management and treatment options.

PMID- 28087047
TI  - Rational design of low immunogenic anti CD25 recombinant immunotoxin for T cell
      malignancies by elimination of T cell epitopes in PE38.
AB  - LMB-2, is a potent recombinant immunotoxin (RIT) that is composed of scFv
      antibody that targets CD25 (Tac) and a toxin fragment (PE38). It is used to treat
      T cell leukemias and lymphomas. To make LMB-2 less immunogenic, we introduced a
      large deletion in domain II and six point mutations in domain III that were
      previously shown to reduce T cell activation in other RITs. We found that unlike
      other RITs, deletion of domain II from LMB-2 severely compromised its activity.
      Rather than deletion, we identified T cell epitopes in domain II and used alanine
      substitutions to identify point mutations that diminished those epitopes. The
      novel RIT, LMB-142 contains a 38kDa toxin and nine point mutations that
      diminished T cell response to the corresponding peptides by an average of 75%.
      LMB-142 has good cytotoxic activity and has lower nonspecific toxicity in mice.
      LMB-142 should be more efficient in cancer therapy because more treatment cycles
      can be given.

PMID- 28087048
TI  - [Characteristics and risk factors for recurrence of cutaneous squamous cell
      carcinoma with conventional surgery and surgery with delayed intraoperative
      margin assessment].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous
      cell carcinoma (SCC). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and least
      aggressive but in a low percentage of cases, despite appropriate wide surgical
      margins, it can be aggressive, producing local invasion, recurrences and distance
      metastasis. SCC has a more aggressive behaviour invading first the skin, the
      lymph nodes and less frequently produces distance metastasis OBJECTIVE: To
      identify the characteristics of recurrent SCC and frequency of new SCC after
      conventional surgical and primary closure or closure delayed until a histological
      reporting of tumour-free surgical margins, in order to achieve a better surgical
      option, in our Mexican population. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We reviewed clinical
      records from the last 10 years, and included those with a diagnosis of SCC.
      RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen tumours in 103 patients were included. The mean
      new tumour diagnosis was 32.2 per year; there were 46.6% men and 53.4% women. Age
      range 19-91, with mean 71.94 years (SD=13.34). The evolution time was from 1-112
      months (mean=12 months, SD=2.65). The most affected site was the cheek. In
      addition, an invasive tumour was reported in 54% in the histopathological study.
      At 10-year follow-up we found a second SCC in 14 patients and only 4 recurrences,
      between the 1st and 4th year and 3were treated with delayed closure until margins
      were tumour-free. CONCLUSION: In this study we demonstrated that delayed closure
      technique is easy and adaptable in our population in the treatment of SCC,
      achieving good results with very low recurrences at 10- year follow -up.

PMID- 28087050
TI  - State of the art review and future directions in oil spill modeling.
AB  - A review of the state of the art in oil spill modeling, focused on the period
      from 2000 to present is provided. The review begins with an overview of the
      current structure of spill models and some lessons learned from model development
      and application and then provides guiding principles that govern the development
      of the current generation of spill models. A review of the basic structure of
      spill models, and new developments in specific transport and fate processes;
      including surface and subsurface transport, spreading, evaporation, dissolution,
      entrainment and oil droplet size distributions, emulsification, degradation, and
      sediment oil interaction are presented. The paper concludes with thoughts on
      future directions in the field with a primary focus on advancements in handling
      interactions between Lagrangian elements.

PMID- 28087049
TI  - [The benefits of digital chest drainage in pleural decortication in thoracic
      empyema. Prospective, randomized, control trial].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prolonged air leak after pleural decortication is one of the most
      frequent complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the
      effects of prolonged air leak between the digital chest drainage (DCD) system and
      the classic drainage system in patients with empyema class IIB or III (American
      Thoracic Society classification) in pleural decortication patients. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A total of 37 patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized control
      trial over one year, consisting of 2blinded groups, comparing prolonged air leak
      as a main outcome, the number of days until removal of chest drain, length of
      hospital stay and complications as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The percentage of
      prolonged air leak was 11% in the DCD group and 5% in the classic group
      (P=0.581); the mean number of days of air leak was 2.5+/-1.8 and 2.4+/-2.2,
      respectively (P=0.966). The mean number of days until chest tube removal was
      4.5+/-1.8 and 5.1+/-2.5 (P=0.41), the length of hospital stay was 7.8+/-3.7 and
      8.9+/-4.0 (P=0.441) and the complication percentages were 4 (22%) and 7 (36%),
      respectively (P=0.227). DISCUSSION: In this study, no significant difference was
      observed when the DCD was compared with the classic system. This was the first
      randomized clinical trial for this indication; thus, future complementing studies
      are warranted.

PMID- 28087051
TI  - Beta-blockers and Cocaine-Associated ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
      in an Inner-City Community.

PMID- 28087052
TI  - Contraceptive Practices of Women With Complex Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - Understanding the contraceptive practices of women with complex congenital heart
      disease (CHD) and providing them individualized contraception counseling may
      prevent adverse events and unplanned high-risk pregnancies. Given this, we sought
      to examine the contraceptive practices in women with CHD, describe adverse events
      associated with contraceptive use, and describe the provision of contraception
      counseling. Women >18 years were recruited from 2011 to 2014 from 9 adult CHD
      (ACHD) centers throughout North America. Subjects completed a 48-item
      questionnaire regarding contraceptive use and perceptions of contraception
      counseling, and a medical record review was performed. Of 505 subjects, median
      age was 33 (interquartile range 26 to 44) and 81% had CHD of moderate or great
      complexity. The majority (86%, 435 of 505) of the cohort had used contraception.
      The types included barrier methods (87%), oral contraception (OC) 84%,
      intrauterine device (18%), Depo-Provera (15%), vaginal ring (7%), patch (6%),
      hormonal implant (2%), Plan B (19%), and sterilization (16%). Overall OC use was
      not significantly different by CHD complexity. Women with CHD of great complexity
      were more likely to report a thrombotic event while taking OC than those with
      less complex CHD (9% vs 1%, p = 0.003). Contraception counseling by the ACHD team
      was noted by 43% of subjects. Unplanned pregnancy was reported by 25% with no
      statistical difference by CHD complexity. In conclusion, contraceptive practices
      of women with complex CHD are highly variable, and the prevalence of blood clots
      while taking OC is not insignificant while provision of contraception counseling
      by ACHD providers appears lacking.

PMID- 28087053
TI  - Six-Minute Walk Test Results Predict Risk of Hospitalization for Youths with
      Cystic Fibrosis: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and other
      variables (anthropometry, chronic Pseudomonas aeroginosa colonization, pulmonary
      function, and respiratory muscle strength) with the risk of hospitalization for
      pulmonary exacerbation in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF).
      STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study that included patients with CF aged 6-18 years. All
      participants underwent spirometry, manovacuometry, and 6MWT during the 5-year
      follow-up. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected and the time to first
      hospitalization, total days of hospitalization, and antibiotic use during follow
      up was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients with CF, mean age 10.2 +/- 2.8
      years, were included. The group had mild impairment of lung function with a
      significant decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (P = .019) over the 5
      years. Respiratory muscle strength and 6MWT proved to be preserved, although
      maximum inspiratory pressure increased (P < .001) and maximum expiratory pressure
      and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) remained stable. There were inverse
      associations of 6MWD in meters (r = -0.813, P < .001) and z score (r = -0.417, P
      = .015) with total days of hospitalization. Moreover, there was a reduction in
      the risk of a first hospitalization (Cox HR 0.32; P = .037) in patients with a
      greater 6MWD. CONCLUSIONS: We found an association between the 6MWT and the risk
      of hospitalization in children and adolescents with CF. Furthermore, functional
      capacity apparently does not follow the expected decline in pulmonary function
      over time, whereas inspiratory muscle strength increases with disease
      progression.

PMID- 28087054
TI  - Care pathway of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in daily practice in
      France: Results from the REPERE national survey.
AB  - Data in the literature regarding the care pathway of pancreatic cancer patients
      are limited. The objective of the REPERE survey was to identify and describe the
      initial stages of the care pathway of pancreatic patients in the metastatic
      phase. From May to October 2015, 62 oncologists (ON) or gastroenterologists
      specialized in digestive oncology (GESDO) and 300 general practitioners (GP)
      completed an electronic questionnaire on the pathway of 728 patients recently
      diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Of these patients, 200
      completed a questionnaire given by a specialized physician (ON/GESDO). Weight
      loss (65%), fatigue (53%) or anorexia (49%) were the main signs/symptoms that
      motivated the patients to seek medical advice. For 87% of patients, the general
      practitioner was the first medicine doctor they consulted. According to the
      respondents (patient, general practitioner or specialist), the median delay
      between the onset of the first symptoms and the final diagnosis of pancreatic
      cancer was between 41 and 65 days. This time lapse tended to decrease with
      associated jaundice (-15 days on average, standard deviation=8, P<0.1 NS) or with
      patient concerns triggered by the first symptoms (-11 days on average, standard
      deviation=6, P<0.05). On the contrary, the time lapse was longer (+14 days on
      average, standard deviation=6, P<0.05) when the general practitioner prescribed
      symptomatic treatment. In conclusion, diagnostic management of patients with
      metastatic pancreatic cancer should be accelerated with efforts to raise
      practitioners' awareness.

PMID- 28087055
TI  - Graft modification of cotton with phosphate group and its application to the
      enrichment of phosphopeptides.
AB  - Grafting copolymerization, especially "grafting from" approach, has attracted a
      great attention for the preparation of cellulose-based materials with various
      functionalities. In this study, a novel phosphate group-containing cotton fiber
      based material, CF-NH2-AZO-p(VPA-x), was successfully synthesized by a "grafting
      from" radical polymerization approach using vinyl phosphonic acid (VPA) as
      monomer. The phosphate group content of CF-NH2-AZO-p(VPA-x) could be easily
      regulated by adjusting the concentration of VPA monomer. Subsequently, titanium
      ions immobilized CF-NH2-AZO-p(VPA-x) (CF-NH2-AZO-p(VPA-x)-Ti4+) was prepared and
      used as an immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) adsorbent for the
      selective enrichment of phosphopeptides from various biological samples. The
      relationship between enrichment efficiency and phosphate group content of CF-NH2
      AZO-p(VPA-x)-Ti4+ was investigated. The optimized CF-NH2-AZO-p(VPA-2)-Ti4+ (x=2)
      exhibited high selectivity and extraction capacity in phosphopeptides enrichment
      from standard peptides mixture, non-fat milk digests and protein-rich human
      serum. In addition, CF-NH2-AZO-p(VPA-2)-Ti4+ was further applied for the specific
      capture of phosphopeptides from tryptic digests of rat brain lysate, and 3241
      unique phosphopeptides were identified from 0.5mg of rat brain by combining CF
      NH2-AZO-p(VPA-2)-Ti4+ pretreatment with liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. We expect the proposed method can promote the
      development of "grafting from" approach in the preparation of cellulose-based
      adsorbents and broaden the application of cellulose-based adsorbents for
      biological analysis.

PMID- 28087057
TI  - 120 Years of Tuberculosis Research: An Historical Perspective from the Archive of
      the Journal of Comparative Pathology.

PMID- 28087056
TI  - Extraction chromatographic separations of tantalum and tungsten from hafnium and
      complex matrix constituents.
AB  - Tantalum (Ta), hafnium (Hf), and tungsten (W) analyses from complex matrices
      require high purification of these analytes from each other and major/trace
      matrix constituents, however, current state-of-the-art Ta/Hf/W separations rely
      on traditional anion exchange approaches that show relatively similar
      distribution coefficient (Kd) values for each element. This work reports an
      assessment of three commercially available extraction chromatographic resins
      (TEVA, TRU, and UTEVA) for Ta/Hf/W separations. Batch contact studies show
      differences in Ta/Hf and Ta/W Kd values of up to 106 and 104 (respectively),
      representing an improvement of a factor of 100 and 300 in Ta/Hf and Ta/W Kd
      values (respectively) over AG1*4 resin. Variations in the Kd values as a function
      of HCl concentration for TRU resin show that this resin is well suited for
      Ta/Hf/W separations, with Ta/Hf, Ta/W, and W/Hf Kd value improvements of 10, 200,
      and 30 (respectively) over AG1*4 resin. Analyses of digested soil samples (NIST
      2710a) using TRU resin and tandem TEVA-TRU columns demonstrate the ability to
      achieve extremely high purification (>99%) of Ta and W from each other and Hf, as
      well as enabling very high purification of Ta and W from the major and trace
      elemental constituents present in soils using a single chromatographic step.

PMID- 28087058
TI  - Robust observer-based passive control for uncertain singular time-delay systems
      subject to actuator saturation.
AB  - This paper investigates the problem of robust observer-based passive control for
      uncertain singular time-delay system subject to actuator saturation. A polytopic
      approach is used to describe the saturation behavior. First, by constructing
      Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, a less conservative sufficient condition is
      obtained which guarantees that the closed-loop system is regular, impulse free,
      stable and robust strictly passive. Then, with this condition, the design method
      of state feedback controller and the observer are given by solving linear matrix
      inequalities. In addition, a domain of attraction in which the admissible initial
      states are ensured to converge asymptotically to the origin is solved as a convex
      optimization problem. Finally, some simulations are provided to demonstrate the
      effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.

PMID- 28087059
TI  - Fatigue in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Fatigue is one of the most common nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease and
      may affect a wide range of everyday activities, cause disability and reduce
      quality of life. It occurs at every stage of PD, and once present will often
      persist and may worsen over time. Lack of a consensus of definition and
      classification, and a range of different self-reporting scales has so far made
      the study of fatigue challenging. We review a unifying taxonomy for defining
      fatigue in clinical and research contexts as well as case definition criteria for
      PD-related fatigue. The potential causes of fatigue in PD are discussed as are
      recommendations for treatment.

PMID- 28087060
TI  - Personality in Parkinson's disease: Clinical, behavioural and cognitive
      correlates.
AB  - Affective disorders and personality changes have long been considered pre-motor
      aspects of Parkinson's disease (PD). Many authors have used the term "premorbid
      personality" to define distinctive features of PD patients' personality
      characterized by reduced exploration of new environmental stimuli or potential
      reward sources ("novelty seeking") and avoidance behaviour ("harm avoidance")
      present before motor features. The functional correlates underlying the
      personality changes described in PD, implicate dysfunction of meso-cortico-limbic
      and striatal circuits. As disease progresses, the imbalance of neurotransmitter
      systems secondary to degenerative processes, along with dopamine replacement
      therapy, can produce a reversal of behaviours and an increase in reward seeking,
      laying the foundations for the emergence of the impulse control disorders.
      Personality disorders can be interpreted, therefore, as the result of individual
      susceptibility arising from intrinsic degenerative processes and individual
      personality features, in combination with extrinsic factors such as lifestyle, PD
      motor dysfunction and drug treatment. For a better understanding of personality
      disorders observed in PD and their relationship with the prodromal stage of the
      disease, prospective clinical studies are needed that correlate different
      personality profiles with other disease progression markers. Here, we review
      previous studies investigating the clinical, cognitive and behavioural correlates
      of personality traits in PD patients.

PMID- 28087061
TI  - Editorial and introduction: Behavioral aspects of Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 28087063
TI  - Spatial-dependent mechanical properties of the heel pad by shear wave
      elastography.
AB  - The heel pad plays an important role in gait, and its biomechanical behavior and
      functionality are determined by its specialized architecture and mechanical
      properties. The purpose of this study was to apply supersonic shear wave
      elastography, an ultrasound-based noninvasive modality that can quantitatively
      estimate the shear stiffness of the tissue, to investigate the spatial-dependent
      mechanical properties of the heel pad. Measurements were conducted in 40 heel
      pads of 20 normal participants aged between 20 and 30 years by shear wave
      elastography. The continuous change in local shear stiffness of the heel pad
      along the depth direction of the heel pad was measured. The result showed that
      the mechanical properties of the heel pad were highly heterogeneous but followed
      a simple and specific pattern that local heel pad shear stiffness was highest
      beneath the plantar skin and decreased continuously with increasing depth. This
      finding provides a better understanding of the heel pad biomechanics and basis
      for further investigation of the heterogeneous properties of the heel pad.

PMID- 28087062
TI  - Timing and magnitude of lumbar spine contribution to trunk forward bending and
      backward return in patients with acute low back pain.
AB  - Alterations in the lumbo-pelvic coordination denote changes in neuromuscular
      control of trunk motion as well as load sharing between passive and active
      tissues in the lower back. Differences in timing and magnitude aspects of lumbo
      pelvic coordination between patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and
      asymptomatic individuals have been reported; yet, the literature on lumbo-pelvic
      coordination in patients with acute LBP is scant. A case-control study was
      conducted to explore the differences in timing and magnitude aspects of lumbo
      pelvic coordination between females with (n=19) and without (n=19) acute LBP.
      Participants in each group completed one experimental session wherein they
      performed trunk forward bending and backward return at preferred and fast paces.
      The amount of lumbar contribution to trunk motion (as the magnitude aspect) as
      well as the mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) between
      thoracic and pelvic rotations (as the timing aspect) of lumbo-pelvic coordination
      were calculated. The lumbar contribution to trunk motion in the 2nd and the 3rd
      quarters of both forward bending and backward return phases was significantly
      smaller in the patient than the control group. The MARP and the DP were smaller
      in the patient vs. the control group during entire motion. The reduced lumbar
      contribution to trunk motion as well as the more in-phase and less variable lumbo
      pelvic coordination in patients with acute LBP compared to the asymptomatic
      controls is likely the result of a neuromuscular adaptation to reduce painful
      deformation and to protect injured lower back tissues.

PMID- 28087064
TI  - Effect of CYP2D6 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of propafenone and its two
      main metabolites.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: Propafenone (PPF) is an antiarrhythmic drug, metabolized mainly
      by CYP2D6 to 5-hydroxypropafenone (5OH-PPF) and by CYP3A4 to norpropafenone (NOR
      PPF). CYP2D6 shows a high degree of genetic polymorphism which is associated with
      diminished antiarrhythmic efficacy or cardiac seizures/cardiotoxicity. This study
      aimed to investigate the effect of the CYP2D6 polymorphism on the
      pharmacokinetics of PPF and its two main metabolites. The usefulness of PPF/5OH
      PPF ratio for CYP2D6 phenotyping in healthy adults was also evaluated. METHODS:
      Twelve healthy volunteers, 3 poor metabolizers (PM), 2 intermediate metabolizers
      (IM) and seven extensive metabolizers (EM) received an oral dose of PPF.
      Concentrations of PPF and its metabolites were analyzed in serum samples over
      27h. RESULTS: The PPF/5OH-PPF ratio distinguished EMs from PMs, but not from IMs.
      In PMs, the mean transit time (MTT) values were almost the same for PPF and NOR
      PPF and much higher than those of EMs and IMs. 5OH-PPF was not detected in EMs.
      Mean MTT values of 5OH-PPF and NOR-PPF in IMs were 5.27- and 1.52-fold higher
      than those of EMs. CONCLUSION: A single time point serum PPF-MR approach is a
      useful tool to identify PMs. CYP2D6 polymorphism significantly affects the
      pharmacokinetics of PPF and its two metabolites.

PMID- 28087065
TI  - A bibliometric study of the scientific publications on patient-reported outcomes
      in rheumatology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We have conducted a bibliometric study of the scientific
      publications on patient-reported outcomes in the field of rheumatology. METHODS:
      SCOPUS was the database used in this bibliometric study. We performed two
      searches. The main search involved selecting the documents published between 2000
      and 2014 limited to top-tier journals addressing rheumatic and musculoskeletal
      diseases, using specific descriptors together with the operator and main
      descriptor "patient-reported outcomes" (PROs), and we performed a secondary
      search, with the following specific descriptors: "pain," "functional capacity,"
      and "fatigue." We used bibliometric indicators for articles distribution (Price's
      law for the increase of scientific literature and Bradford's law for dispersion
      of articles). We also calculated the participation index of the different
      countries. RESULTS: A total of 983 original articles were published between 2000
      and 2014. Our results confirmed the fulfilment of Price's law (correlation
      coefficient r = 0.9385 after linear adjustment). The average number of articles
      per Bradford Zone was 327.6. A total of 30 different journals were published. The
      type of growth for the descriptors "pain" (r2 = 0.5417 compared to r2 = 0.4839)
      and "fatigue" (r2 = 06276 compared to r2 = 0.5544) is exponential, whereas it is
      linear for the descriptor "functional capacity" (r2 = 0.6769 compared to r2 =
      0.3779). DISCUSSION: This study revealed significant linear growth of patient
      related outcomes in global terms, as well as upward trends for most of the
      citation-based bibliometric indices, especially significant from 2010 to 2014.
      Pain and fatigue have greater growth as PRO concepts.

PMID- 28087066
TI  - Use of water-soluble contrast medium (gastrografin) does not decrease the need
      for operative intervention nor the duration of hospital stay in uncomplicated
      acute adhesive small bowel obstruction? A multicenter, randomized, clinical trial
      (Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction Study) and systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the association between oral gastrografin
      administration and the need for operative intervention in patients with presumed
      adhesive small bowel obstruction. METHODS: Between October 2006 and August 2009,
      242 patients with uncomplicated acute adhesive small bowel obstruction were
      included in a randomized, controlled trial (the Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction
      Study, NCT00389116) and allocated to a gastrografin arm or a saline solution arm.
      The primary end point was the need for operative intervention within 48 hours of
      randomization. The secondary end points were the resection rate, the time
      interval between the initial computed tomography and operative intervention, the
      time interval between oral refeeding and discharge, risk factors for the failure
      of nonoperative management, in-hospital mortality, duration of stay, and
      recurrence or death after discharge. We performed a systematic review of the
      literature in order to evaluate the relationship between use of gastrografin as a
      diagnostic/therapeutic measure, the need for operative intervention, and the
      duration of stay. RESULTS: In the gastrografin and saline solution arms, the rate
      of operative intervention was 24% and 20%, respectively, the bowel resection rate
      was 8% and 4%, the time interval between the initial computed tomography and
      operative intervention, and the time interval between oral refeeding and
      discharge were similar in the 2 arms. Only age was identified as a potential risk
      factor for the failure of nonoperative management. The in-hospital mortality was
      2.5%, the duration of stay was 3.8 days for patients in the gastrografin arm and
      3.5 days for those in the saline solution arm (P = .19), and the recurrence rate
      of adhesive small bowel obstruction was 7%. These results and those of 10
      published studies suggest that gastrografin did not decrease either the rate of
      operative intervention (21% in the saline solution arm vs 26% in the gastrografin
      arm) or the number of days from the initial computed tomography to discharge (3.5
      vs 3.5; P = NS for both). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study and those
      of our systematic review suggest that gastrografin administration is of no
      benefit in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction.

PMID- 28087067
TI  - [Successful use of sugammadex for caesarean section in a patient with myasthenia
      gravis].
AB  - Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by muscle
      weakness that fluctuates, worsening with exertion, and improving with rest.
      Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is made following clinical and physical
      examination and is confirmed by serum immunoassays to measure autoantibody
      levels. Myasthenia gravis especially when associated with pregnancy is a high
      risk disease, and its course is unpredictable. We described the second report
      about use of sugammadex after rocuronium for a caesarean delivery with myasthenia
      gravis, but, unlike our case that formerly was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis,
      the patient was extubated on postoperative successfully and we did not encounter
      any respiratory problems.

PMID- 28087068
TI  - Clinical development of hepatitis C virus host-targeting agents.

PMID- 28087069
TI  - Safety, tolerability, and antiviral effect of RG-101 in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C: a phase 1B, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: miR-122 is an important host factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      replication. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability,
      pharmacokinetics, and antiviral effect of a single dose of RG-101, a hepatocyte
      targeted N-acetylgalactosamine conjugated oligonucleotide that antagonises miR
      122, in patients with chronic HCV infection with various genotypes. METHODS: In
      this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase 1B study,
      patients were randomly assigned to RG-101 or placebo (7:1). We enrolled men and
      postmenopausal or hysterectomised women (aged 18-65 years) with chronic HCV
      genotype 1, 3, or 4 infection diagnosed at least 24 weeks before screening who
      were either treatment naive to or relapsed after interferon-alpha based therapy.
      Patients with co-infection (hepatitis B virus or HIV infection), evidence of
      decompensated liver disease, or a history of hepatocellular carcinoma were
      excluded. Randomisation was done by an independent, unblinded, statistician using
      the SAS procedure Proc Plan. The first cohort received one subcutaneous injection
      of 2 mg/kg RG-101 or placebo; the second cohort received one subcutaneous
      injection of 4 mg/kg or placebo. Patients were followed up for 8 weeks (all
      patients) and up to 76 weeks (patients with no viral rebound and excluding those
      who were randomised to the placebo group) after randomisation. The primary
      objective was safety and tolerability of RG-101. This trial was registered with
      EudraCT, number 2013-002978-49. FINDINGS: Between June 4, 2014, and Oct 27, 2014,
      we enrolled 32 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 (n=16), 3 (n=10), or 4 (n=6)
      infections. In the first cohort, 14 patients were randomly assigned to receive 2
      mg/kg RG-101 and two patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo, and in
      the second cohort, 14 patients were randomly assigned to receive 4 mg/kg RG-101
      and two patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo. Overall, 26 of the 28
      patients dosed with RG-101 reported at least one treatment-related adverse event.
      At week 4, the median viral load reduction from baseline was 4.42 (IQR 3.23-5.00)
      and 5.07 (4.19-5.35) log10 IU/mL in patients dosed with 2 mg/kg RG-101 or 4 mg/kg
      RG-101. Three patients had undetectable HCV RNA levels 76 weeks after a single
      dose of RG-101. Viral rebound at or before week 12 was associated with the
      appearance of resistance associated substitutions in miR-122 binding regions in
      the 5' UTR of the HCV genome. INTERPRETATION: This study showed that one
      administration of 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg RG-101, a hepatocyte targeted N
      acetylgalactosamine conjugated anti-miR-122 oligonucleotide, was well tolerated
      and resulted in substantial viral load reduction in all treated patients within 4
      weeks, and sustained virological response in three patients for 76 weeks.
      FUNDING: Regulus Therapeutics, Inc.

PMID- 28087070
TI  - Can Evolution Supply What Ecology Demands?
AB  - A simplistic view of the adaptive process pictures a hillside along which a
      population can climb: when ecological 'demands' change, evolution 'supplies' the
      variation needed for the population to climb to a new peak. Evolutionary
      ecologists point out that this simplistic view can be incomplete because the
      fitness landscape changes dynamically as the population evolves. Geneticists
      meanwhile have identified complexities relating to the nature of genetic
      variation and its architecture, and the importance of epigenetic variation is
      under debate. In this review, we highlight how complexity in both ecological
      'demands' and the evolutionary 'supply' influences organisms' ability to climb
      fitness landscapes that themselves change dynamically as evolution proceeds, and
      encourage new synthetic effort across research disciplines towards ecologically
      realistic studies of adaptation.

PMID- 28087071
TI  - Development of delineation for the left anterior descending coronary artery
      region in left breast cancer radiotherapy: An optimized organ at risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and
      diagonal branches (DBs) are blurred on computed tomography (CT). We aimed to
      define the LAD region (LADR) with adequate inclusion of the LAD and DBs and
      contouring consistency. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The LADR was defined using
      coronary CT angiograms. The inclusion ratio was used to assess the LAD and DBs
      inclusion by the LADR. Four radiation oncologists delineated the LAD and LADR,
      using contrast-enhanced CT of 15 patients undergoing left breast radiotherapy.
      The Sorensen-Dice similarity index (DSI), Jaccard similarity index (JSI), and
      Hausdorff distance (HD) were calculated to assess similarity. The mean dose
      (Dmean) and maximum dose (Dmax) to the LAD and LADR were calculated to compare
      consistency. Correlations were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient.
      RESULTS: The inclusion ratio of the LAD by the LADR was 96%. The mean DSI, JSI,
      and HD values were respectively 27.9%, 16.7%, and 0.42mm for the LAD, and 83.1%,
      73.0%, and 0.18mm for the LADR. The Dmean between the LAD and LADR were strongly
      correlated (r=0.93). CONCLUSION: Delineation of the LADR significantly improved
      contouring similarity and consistency for dose reporting. This could optimize
      dose estimation for breast radiotherapy.

PMID- 28087072
TI  - Enhancing Delirium Case Definitions in Electronic Health Records Using Clinical
      Free Text.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delirium is an acute confusional state, associated with morbidity and
      mortality in diverse medically ill populations. Delirium is preventable and
      treatable when diagnosed but the diagnosis is often missed. This important and
      difficult diagnosis is an attractive candidate for computer-aided decision
      support if it can be reliably identified at scale. OBJECTIVE: Here, using an
      electronic health record-based case definition of delirium, we characterize
      incidence of this highly morbid condition in 2 large academic medical centers.
      METHODS: Using the electronic health record of 2 large New England academic
      medical centers, we calculated and compared the rate of the diagnosis of delirium
      using a range of administrative and discharge summary text-based case definitions
      over an 8-year period. RESULTS: Depending on case definitions, the overall
      delirium rate ranged from 2.0-5.4% of 809,512 admissions identified. The
      identified rate of delirium increased between 2005 and 2013, such that by the
      final year of the study, one of the two sites reported delirium in 7.0% of cases.
      The concordance between case definitions was low; only half of the cases
      identified by text analysis were captured by administrative data. CONCLUSION:
      Delirium may be better captured by composite outcomes, including both
      administrative claims data and elements drawn from unstructured data sources.
      That the rate of delirium observed in this study is far lower than the current
      literature estimates suggests that further work on case definitions,
      identification, and documented diagnosis is required.

PMID- 28087073
TI  - Abnormal mortality of octopus after a storm water event: Accumulated lead and
      lead isotopes as fingerprints.
AB  - Octopus vulgaris is a sedentary organism that inhabits coastal waters being
      exposed to anthropogenic compounds. Lead concentration in coastal environments
      reflects many processes and activities namely weathering, industrial and domestic
      discharges, and atmospheric deposition. Since lead isotopic composition is little
      affected by kinetic processes occurring between source and sink, its signature
      has been used to identify different Pb sources. After a short-term heavy
      rainfall, hundreds of octopus appeared dead in two Portuguese coastal areas.
      Histopathology and Pb levels and its stable isotopes were determined in tissues,
      such as digestive gland, of stranded octopus and compared to alive specimens,
      sediments and runoff material from the same areas. Histology results showed
      severe damage in stranded octopus tissues suggesting that death was probably
      associated to multiple organ failure linked to hypertrophy and exudates input. In
      addition, Pb in stranded specimens reach concentrations up to one order of
      magnitude above the levels reported for alive octopus. Pb isotopic signatures in
      stranded organisms were closer to runoff material pointing to a similar origin of
      Pb. In summary, the results in this study showed that a short-term runoff event
      might change abruptly the salinity leading to the disruption of the
      osmoregulation function of octopus and consequently leading to its death. The
      analyses of stable isotopic Pb signature in octopus tissues corroborate these
      results and points to a change in the Pb source due to runoff after the storm
      water event. Pb stable isotopes in octopus proved to be an adequate tool to
      confirm the cause of death and linking it to the environment conditions.

PMID- 28087074
TI  - Quantifying loading, toxic concentrations, and systemic persistence of chloride
      in a contemporary mixed-land-use watershed using an experimental watershed
      approach.
AB  - A nested-scale experimental watershed study was implemented to quantify loading
      and persistence of chloride in an urbanizing, mixed-land-use watershed. A Midwest
      USA (Missouri) watershed was partitioned into five sub-basins with contrasting
      dominant land use. Streamwater was tested for chloride concentration four days
      per week from October 2009 through May 2014 at each site. Monitoring sites
      included co-located gauging and climate stations recording variables at 30-minute
      intervals. Results indicate significant (p<0.01) differences in chloride
      concentrations and loading between sites. Loading consistently increased from the
      forested headwaters (average=507kgday-1) to primarily urban watershed terminus
      (average=7501kgday-1). Chloride concentrations were highest (average=83.9mgL-1)
      with the greatest frequency of acutely toxic conditions (i.e. 860mgL-1) mid
      watershed. This finding is in-part attributable to the ratio of chloride
      application to streamflow volume (i.e. increasing flow volume with stream
      distance resulted in chloride dilution, offsetting increased percent urban land
      use with stream distance). Results highlight the important, yet often
      confounding, interactions between pollutant loading and flow dynamics. Chloride
      peaks occurred during late winter/early spring melting periods, implicating road
      salt application as the primary contributor to the chloride regime. Floodplain
      groundwater analysis indicated seasonal sink/source relationships between the
      stream and floodplain, which could contribute to chronic toxicity and persistent
      low Cl- concentrations in streamwater year-round. Results hold important
      implications for resource managers wishing to mitigate water quality and aquatic
      habitat degradation, and suggest important water quality limitations to stream
      restoration success in complex urban aquatic ecosystems.

PMID- 28087075
TI  - Cellular transcriptional response to zirconia-based implant materials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To adequately address clinically important issues such as
      osseointegration and soft tissue integration, we screened for the direct
      biological cell response by culturing human osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts
      on novel zirconia-based dental implant biomaterials and subjecting them to
      transcriptional analysis. METHODS: Biomaterials used for osteoblasts involved
      micro-roughened surfaces made of a new type of ceria-stabilized zirconia
      composite with two different topographies, zirconium dioxide, and yttria
      stabilized zirconia (control). For fibroblasts smooth ceria- and yttria
      stabilized zirconia surface were used. The expression of 90 issue-relevant genes
      was determined on mRNA transcription level by real-time PCR Array technology
      after growth periods of 1 and 7 days. RESULTS: Generally, modulation of gene
      transcription exhibited a dual dependence, first by time and second by the
      biomaterial, whereas biomaterial-triggered changes were predominantly caused by
      the biomaterials' chemistry rather than surface topography. Per se, modulated
      genes assigned to regenerative tissue processes such as fracture healing and
      wound healing and in detail included colony stimulating factors (CSF2 and CSF3),
      growth factors, which regulate bone matrix properties (e.g. BMP3 and TGFB1),
      osteogenic BMPs (BMP2/4/6/7) and transcription factors (RUNX2 and SP7), matrix
      collagens and osteocalcin, laminins as well as integrin beta1 and MMP-2.
      SIGNIFICANCE: With respect to the biomaterials under study, the screening showed
      that a new zirconia-based composite stabilized with ceria may be promising to
      provide clinically desired periodontal tissue integration. Moreover, by detecting
      biomarkers modulated in a time- and/or biomaterial-dependent manner, we
      identified candidate genes for the targeted analysis of cell-implant bioresponse
      during biomaterial research and development.

PMID- 28087076
TI  - Polarization of microglia and its role in bacterial sepsis.
AB  - Microglial polarization in response to brain inflammatory conditions is a
      crescent field in neuroscience. However, the effect of systemic inflammation, and
      specifically sepsis, is a relatively unexplored field that has great interest and
      relevance. Sepsis has been associated with both early and late harmful events of
      the central nervous system, suggesting that there is a close link between sepsis
      and neuroinflammation. During sepsis evolution it is supposed that microglial
      could exert both neurotoxic and repairing effects depending on the specific
      microglial phenotype assumed. In this context, here it was reviewed the role of
      microglial polarization during sepsis-associated brain dysfunction.

PMID- 28087078
TI  - Donald H. Gilden, M.D.

PMID- 28087077
TI  - Alteration of CD39+Foxp3+ CD4 T cell and cytokine levels in EAE/MS following anti
      CD52 treatment.
AB  - While examining the therapeutic value of anti-CD52 antibody against EAE/MS, we
      identified a unique subset of CD39+ Tregs in repopulating GALT tissues, a major
      lymphoid reservoir, which was accompanied by amelioration of disease.
      Furthermore, anti-CD52 treatment leads to increased expression of BDNF, IL-10,
      and SMAD3 in the brains of EAE mice. This condition is associated with
      suppression of IL-17, a critical inflammatory factor in EAE/MS progression.
      Additionally, we found elevated levels of CD4+CD39+ Tregs in PBMCs of RRMS
      patients treated with humanized anti-CD52 mAb. Thus, anti-CD52 can affect
      multiple immune mediated pathways involved in the pathogenesis of EAE/MS.

PMID- 28087081
TI  - [Retinal arteriovenous malformation].

PMID- 28087080
TI  - [Retinal capillary hemangioblastoma in Von Hippel-Lindau disease].

PMID- 28087082
TI  - [Erratum to "Management of ophthalmologic emergencies in general emergency
      departments: A retrospective multicenter study" [J. Fr. Ophtalmol. 39 (7) (2016)
      589-95]].

PMID- 28087079
TI  - The STIM-Orai coupling interface and gating of the Orai1 channel.
AB  - In virtually all cells, store-operated Ca2+ entry signals are vital in
      controlling a spectrum of functions. The signals are mediated by STIM proteins in
      the ER and Orai channels in the PM which undergo a dynamic coupling process
      within discrete ER-PM junctional regions. This coupling is initiated by depletion
      of ER stored Ca2+ triggering STIM proteins to undergo an intricate activation
      process. Thereafter, STIM proteins become trapped in the ER-PM junctions where
      they tether and gate PM Orai Ca2+ channels. STIM1 exists as a dimer, with a
      single STIM-Orai activating region (SOAR) buried in the resting protein that
      becomes exposed upon activation. An exposed region on SOAR including the Phe-394
      residue forms a critical Orai1 interacting site. Using dimeric SOAR concatemers,
      we reveal only one of the two sites in the SOAR dimer is needed for Orai1
      activation. This unimolecular interaction of SOAR with Orai1 suggests STIM1 can
      cross-link Orai channels with important significance for Ca2+ signaling. A
      critical "nexus" region in Orai1 close to the STIM1-binding site can be mutated
      to constitutively activate the channel mimicking the gating action of STIM1. This
      indicates STIM1 remotely controls Orai1 channel gating through an allosteric
      switch triggered by STIM1 binding only to the exposed C-terminal tail of the
      Orai1 channel.

PMID- 28087083
TI  - [Isolated microspherophakia in a Senegalese family].
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the clinical investigation of isolated microspherophakia
      involving a Senegalese family in order to appreciate its functional impact.
      OBSERVATIONS: This is a rural family comprised of 7 members. The sibship included
      three girls and two boys. One of the girls, who lived in a distant zone, was
      unable to be examined. Of all the examined members of the family, only the father
      was unaffected by the illness. There was no consanguinity. The general medical
      examination was normal. The best-corrected visual acuity (VA) for the girls was
      2/10. For one of the boys, BCVA was 8/10 for both eyes, and for the other, BCVA
      was 10/10 for the right eye and 8/10 for the left eye. The mother's VA was 10/10
      and P2 without correction. Myopia and astigmatism were present in the 4 children
      of the sibship. During the examination, we noted the presence of small
      crystalline lenses, which were very round and presented an abnormal visibility of
      the lens equator and zonular fibers. The diagnosis of microspherophakia was
      confirmed by measurement of the lens diameters by ultrasound biomicroscopy.
      Complications were present in the girls, including pupillary block glaucoma and
      amblyopia for the elder, and retinal degeneration and amblyopia for the younger
      daughter. The elder daughter was managed medically with glaucoma drops. The
      younger daughter received optical correction and a prophylactic Argon LASER
      treatment. The two boys received optical correction. No treatment was recommended
      for the mother. CONCLUSION: Microspherophakia is a rare condition. Some serious
      complications can lead to amblyopia. A better multidisciplinary evaluation would
      allow for early detection and a better prognosis.

PMID- 28087084
TI  - The impact of IMF conditionality on government health expenditure: A cross
      national analysis of 16 West African nations.
AB  - How do International Monetary Fund (IMF) policy reforms-so-called
      'conditionalities'-affect government health expenditures? We collected archival
      documents on IMF programmes from 1995 to 2014 to identify the pathways and impact
      of conditionality on government health spending in 16 West African countries.
      Based on a qualitative analysis of the data, we find that IMF policy reforms
      reduce fiscal space for investment in health, limit staff expansion of doctors
      and nurses, and lead to budget execution challenges in health systems. Further,
      we use cross-national fixed effects models to evaluate the relationship between
      IMF-mandated policy reforms and government health spending, adjusting for
      confounding economic and demographic factors and for selection bias. Each
      additional binding IMF policy reform reduces government health expenditure per
      capita by 0.248 percent (95% CI -0.435 to -0.060). Overall, our findings suggest
      that IMF conditionality impedes progress toward the attainment of universal
      health coverage.

PMID- 28087085
TI  - Bilateral blepharoptosis in a juvenile.
AB  - In adults, aponeurotic blepharoptosis is the most common type of ptosis. However,
      myogenic ptosis is the predominant cause, and bilateral aponeurotic ptosis is
      very rare among children. Here, we report a previously healthy 10-year-old
      Japanese girl with bilateral aponeurotic blepharoptosis who presented initially
      with bilateral blepharoptosis for about 4years. This case report shows that
      history taking and careful observation of the patient lead to an accurate
      diagnosis, and aponeurotic ptosis should be considered in the differential
      diagnosis of bilateral blepharoptosis among children.

PMID- 28087086
TI  - Headache in young patients: Clinical characteristics of a series of 651 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Headache has a negative impact on health-related quality of life in
      young patients. We aim to analyse the characteristics of a series of young
      patients visiting a headache clinic and estimate the burden of different types of
      headaches listed by the International Classification of Headache Disorders
      (ICHD). METHODS: We prospectively recruited patients aged 14 to 25 years who were
      treated at our clinic during a period of 6.5 years. We recorded each patient's
      sex, complementary test results, and previous treatment. We subsequently compared
      the characteristics of our sample to those of patients older than 25. RESULTS:
      During the study period, we treated 651 patients aged 14 to 25 years; 95.6% had
      received symptomatic treatment, and 30.1% had received preventive treatment. A
      total of 755 headaches were recorded. Only 80 were secondary headaches, most of
      which were included in Group 8; 77.2% were included in Group 1, 3.1% in Group 2,
      1.2% in Group 3, 5% in Group 4, 0.6% in Group 13, and 0.9% in Group 14. According
      to Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) scores, headache had at least a moderate impact
      on the quality of life of 449 patients. CONCLUSION: Most headaches in young
      patients can be classified according to ICHD criteria. Migraine was the most
      frequent diagnosis in our sample. Although headache was commonly associated with
      a negative impact on quality of life, most patients had received little
      preventive treatment before being referred to our clinic.

PMID- 28087087
TI  - Pediatric nurse practitioners effective in teaching providers the Asthma Action
      Plan using simulation.
AB  - Despite traditional education regarding the Asthma Action Plan (AAP), providers
      in the inpatient setting of a pediatric hospital reported lack of knowledge
      regarding the AAP and lack of confidence in teaching the AAP to patients and
      families. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a pediatric nurse
      practitioner (PNP)-led class incorporating simulation on resident physician
      knowledge of the AAP and confidence in teaching families the AAP. The study
      setting was a 250 bed Midwest academic pediatric hospital. The 26 participants
      were second year residents completing a four-week pediatric pulmonary rotation.
      The class consisted of a brief didactic component regarding the AAP, simulation
      to teach a patient/parent actor the AAP based on PNP-developed scenarios, and
      debriefing of the experience. The average composite score on the pre- and post
      simulation knowledge assessment showed improvement from 44.8% to 80.4% (p<0.001).
      All participants answered favorably on questions regarding perceived benefit of
      the class and 80.8% strongly agreed that they felt more confident teaching the
      AAP after the class. This study demonstrates that resident physician knowledge of
      the AAP and confidence in teaching the AAP improved after a PNP-led simulation
      class.

PMID- 28087088
TI  - Discharge Teaching, Readiness for Discharge, and Post-discharge Outcomes in
      Parents of Hospitalized Children.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study explored the sequential relationships of parent perceptions
      of the quality of their discharge teaching and nurse and parent perceptions of
      discharge readiness to post-discharge outcomes (parental post-discharge coping
      difficulty, readmission and emergency department visits). DESIGN/METHODS: In this
      secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal pilot study of family self
      management discharge preparation, the correlational design used regression
      modeling with data from a convenience sample of 194 parents from two clinical
      units at a Midwest pediatric hospital. Data were collected on the day of
      discharge (Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale; Readiness for Hospital Discharge
      Scale), at 3weeks post-discharge (Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale), and
      from electronic records (readmission, ED visits). RESULTS: Parent-reported
      quality of discharge teaching delivery (the way nurses teach), but not the amount
      of content, was positively associated with parent perception (B=0.54) and nurse
      assessment (B=0.16) of discharge readiness. Parent-reported discharge readiness
      was negatively associated with post-discharge coping difficulty (B=-0.52). Nurse
      assessment of discharge readiness was negatively associated with readmission; a
      one point increase in readiness (on a 10 point scale) decreased the likelihood of
      readmission by 52%. CONCLUSION: There is a sequential effect of quality of
      discharge teaching delivery on parent discharge readiness, which is associated
      with parent coping difficulty and child readmission. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:
      Efforts to improve discharge outcomes should include strategies to build nurse
      teaching skills for high-quality delivery of discharge teaching. In addition,
      routine nurse assessment of discharge readiness can be used to identify children
      at risk for readmission and trigger anticipatory interventions.

PMID- 28087089
TI  - Point-of-Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint
      Dislocation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Posterior sternoclavicular dislocations can be challenging
      diagnostically, as traumatic force often happens to the lateral shoulder rather
      than directly to the sternoclavicular joint. Shoulder radiographs do not
      illustrate the sternoclavicular joint well, and can miss the diagnosis. This
      injury, however, has the potential for life-threatening complications due to
      proximity of mediastinal structures that might also be injured. CASE REPORT: The
      following case illustrates a delayed diagnosis of posterior sternoclavicular
      dislocation. It also shows how point-of-care ultrasound can diagnose a
      dislocation, confirm persistence of a dislocation diagnosis when patients are
      transported from a referring facility, as well as educate the patient and family.
      WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Point-of-care ultrasound can
      be used to rapidly diagnose posterior sternoclavicular dislocations and to
      provide patients education about their injury.

PMID- 28087090
TI  - Quantifying exposure of wild bumblebees to mixtures of agrochemicals in
      agricultural and urban landscapes.
AB  - The increased use of pesticides has caused concern over the possible direct
      association of exposure to combinations of these compounds with bee health
      problems. There is growing proof that bees are regularly exposed to mixtures of
      agrochemicals, but most research has been focused on managed bees living in
      farmland, whereas little is known about exposure of wild bees, both in farmland
      and urban habitats. To determine exposure of wild bumblebees to pesticides in
      agricultural and urban environments through the season, specimens of five
      different species were collected from farms and ornamental urban gardens in three
      sampling periods. Five neonicotinoid insecticides, thirteen fungicides and a
      pesticide synergist were analysed in each of the specimens collected. In total,
      61% of the 150 individuals tested had detectable levels of at least one of the
      compounds, with boscalid being the most frequently detected (35%), followed by
      tebuconazole (27%), spiroxamine (19%), carbendazim (11%), epoxiconazole (8%),
      imidacloprid (7%), metconazole (7%) and thiamethoxam (6%). Quantifiable
      concentrations ranged from 0.17 to 54.4 ng/g (bee body weight) for individual
      pesticides. From all the bees where pesticides were detected, the majority (71%)
      had more than one compound, with a maximum of seven pesticides detected in one
      specimen. Concentrations and detection frequencies were higher in bees collected
      from farmland compared to urban sites, and pesticide concentrations decreased
      through the season. Overall, our results show that wild bumblebees are exposed to
      multiple pesticides when foraging in agricultural and urban landscapes. Such
      mixtures are detected in bee tissues not just during the crop flowering period,
      but also later in the season. Therefore, contact with these combinations of
      active compounds might be more prolonged in time and widespread in the
      environment than previously assumed. These findings may help to direct future
      research and pesticide regulation strategies to promote the conservation of wild
      bee populations.

PMID- 28087091
TI  - Effect of single-dose of tolvaptan in neurocritical patients with hyponatremia
      due to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.

PMID- 28087092
TI  - Drug thromboprophylaxis in critical patients and the accumulation of low
      molecular weight heparins.

PMID- 28087093
TI  - Audiologic and radiologic findings in cochlear hypoplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study is to evaluate audiologic and radiologic
      findings of cochlear hypoplasia which is a subgroup of inner ear malformations.
      METHODS: This study was a prospective clinical study and based on voluntary
      participation from cases with cochlear hypoplasia diagnosis. The study was
      conducted at Hacettepe University, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck
      Surgery and Department of Audiology. Subjects were selected from an inner ear
      malformations database. Inclusion criteria were having cochlear hypoplasia for at
      least one ear. There were 66 subjects with an age range of 12 months and 60 years
      5 months. For each subject, pure tone audiometry and tympanometry were applied
      according to chronological and cognitive age. And also, auditory brainstem
      response test was applied to when it is need. Subjects' radiologic results were
      reevaluated to confirm cochlear hypoplasia, cochlear nerve and cochlear aperture.
      RESULTS: Cochlear hypoplasia types were statistically significantly different in
      terms of HL degree. This difference was caused by cochlear hypoplasia type IV
      group being was statistically different from the other three groups. Like with
      degree of HL, cochlear hypoplasia groups were statistically different from other
      three groups in terms of type of hearing loss. Cochlear aperture and cochlear
      nerve status showed variation according to cochlear hypoplasia type but these
      differences were not statistically approved. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study,
      incidence of cochlear hypoplasia was 23.5% in all inner ear malformation. With
      this study, it was seen that subtypes of cochlear hypoplasia showed variability
      in terms of degree and type of hearing loss and also cochlear aperture and
      cochlear nerve status. Especially cochlear hypoplasia type IV differs from other
      three cochlear hypoplasia types.

PMID- 28087094
TI  - In Defense of Randomized Clinical Trials in Surgery: Let Us Not Forget Archie
      Cochrane's Legacy.

PMID- 28087095
TI  - Some questions on the use of Xuebijing in treating patients with sepsis.
AB  - A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on evaluating the clinical
      efficacy of Xuebijing in treating patients with sepsis had been recently
      published in this journal, however, in our opinion, at least 6 questions or
      doubts existed about the content and methodology of the systematic review, thus,
      we write this letter to the journal to share these questions with the editor and
      readers with the hope of getting these questions solved and learning more about
      the true effects which Xuebijing should have on in treating patients with sepsis.

PMID- 28087096
TI  - A Letter to the Editor: Treatment in carbon monoxide poisoning patients with
      headache: A prospective, multicenter, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.

PMID- 28087097
TI  - Quick epinephrine administration induces favorable neurological outcomes in out
      of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This research is to study if quick administration of adrenaline on
      OHCA prior to hospitalization has an effect on improving CPC1-2 at one month.
      METHODOLOGY: A total 13,326 cases were extracted from 2011 to 2014 Utstein data
      for this retrospective cohort study, also, EMT reached the patients within 16min
      after 119 called and adrenaline was then administered within 22min of after
      contact. PATIENTS DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS: Patients were contacted within 8min of
      the 119 call (n=6956), and were contacted between 8 and 16min after the call
      (n=6370). Further divided into groups in which the adrenaline was administered
      within/without 10min after contact. Primary outcome was the rate of a good
      prognosis for cerebral performance (CPC1-2) at 1 month and secondary outcome was
      the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rate. RESULTS: The odds ratio of the
      CPC1-2 at 1month by the EMS reached within 8min after 119 call and then
      adrenaline administered within 10min was 2.12 (1.54-2.92).Those reached between 8
      and 16min was 2.66 (1.97-3.59). However, the ROSC rate was 2.00 (1.79-2.25) for
      those reached within 8min and also 2.00 (1.79-2.25) for those reached between
      8min and 16min. CONSIDERATIONS: In cases of OHCA, it appears that the CPC1-2 rate
      after 1month can be improved even in cases where the victim is reached >8min
      after the 119 call, as long as the victim is reached within 16min and emergency
      responders administer the adrenaline as quickly as possible.

PMID- 28087098
TI  - Emergency department crowding associated with differences in CXR interpretations
      between emergency physicians and radiologists.

PMID- 28087099
TI  - Prognostic and predictive indicators in early-stage breast cancer and the role of
      genomic profiling: Focus on the Oncotype DX(r) Breast Recurrence Score Assay.
AB  - Although useful prognostic and predictive insights can be gained from patient and
      tumour characteristics in early-stage breast cancer, it is not always
      straightforward to predict the likely risk of recurrence for each individual
      patient following breast surgery. One of the most difficult challenges faced by
      clinicians is identifying patients who may benefit most from adjuvant
      chemotherapy, and distinguishing these cases from those where endocrine therapy
      may be sufficient for cure. Genomic tests such as the Oncotype DX(r) Breast
      Recurrence Score(r) Assay have been developed to provide a robust and clinically
      validated assessment of a patient's individual tumour signature. The Oncotype DX
      Assay is included in treatment guidelines for estimating both the risk of distant
      recurrence and predicting adjuvant chemotherapy benefit for early-stage breast
      cancer patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, oestrogen
      receptor positive, and axillary lymph node negative or positive (1-3 positive
      nodes) disease. In this article, we review unmet needs for prognostication and
      prediction in early-stage breast cancer, and consider how the information
      provided by the Recurrence Score is complementary to that gained from the
      assessment of more traditional clinicopathologic criteria. Routine use of the
      assay in clinical practice, limitations and possible future directions are also
      discussed.

PMID- 28087100
TI  - [Improving prevention: Integrative model and recommendations intended for public
      health professionals].
AB  - Public health policies aim to diminish people's exposure to negative factors,
      behaviors or determinants of health. Despite awareness-raising campaigns, health
      recommendations are still not sufficiently followed. First, the article wondered
      the reasons behind this observation. In order to do this, we present a
      theoretical model incorporating: (a) the motivational theories of communication
      processing; (b) the theories of motivation and volition; (c) self-regulation and
      self-determination theories. In a second part, the paper describes five
      principles for improving communication.

PMID- 28087101
TI  - Current Management of Low Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and Papillary
      Microcarcinoma.
AB  - Each year, the proportion of thyroid cancer patients presenting with low risk
      disease is increasing. Moreover, the definition of low risk thyroid cancer is
      expanding and several histological subtypes beyond papillary microcarcinomas are
      now classified as low risk disease. This shift in the landscape of thyroid cancer
      presentation is forcing clinicians to critically re-evaluate whether or not
      traditional management paradigms that were effective in treating intermediate and
      high risk disease are applicable to these low risk patients. Here we review the
      definition of low risk disease, examine the various histological subtypes that
      are considered low risk in the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines for
      the management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer, and review our current
      approach to the management of these low risk tumours.

PMID- 28087102
TI  - Feature selection for outcome prediction in oesophageal cancer using genetic
      algorithm and random forest classifier.
AB  - The outcome prediction of patients can greatly help to personalize cancer
      treatment. A large amount of quantitative features (clinical exams, imaging, ...)
      are potentially useful to assess the patient outcome. The challenge is to choose
      the most predictive subset of features. In this paper, we propose a new feature
      selection strategy called GARF (genetic algorithm based on random forest)
      extracted from positron emission tomography (PET) images and clinical data. The
      most relevant features, predictive of the therapeutic response or which are
      prognoses of the patient survival 3 years after the end of treatment, were
      selected using GARF on a cohort of 65 patients with a local advanced oesophageal
      cancer eligible for chemo-radiation therapy. The most relevant predictive results
      were obtained with a subset of 9 features leading to a random forest
      misclassification rate of 18+/-4% and an areas under the of receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) of 0.823+/-0.032. The most relevant prognostic
      results were obtained with 8 features leading to an error rate of 20+/-7% and an
      AUC of 0.750+/-0.108. Both predictive and prognostic results show better
      performances using GARF than using 4 other studied methods.

PMID- 28087104
TI  - Improved outcomes from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation versus ventricular
      assist device temporary support of primary graft dysfunction in heart transplant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is one of the most common causes of
      early death after orthotopic heart transplantation. Mechanical circulatory
      support devices are required for severe forms of PGD. Venoarterial extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and temporary ventricular assist device (VAD)
      support have both been reported to be useful for severe PGD. METHODS: Between
      January 2007 and December 2015, 597 patients received a heart transplant at our
      center. Of those, severe PGD developed in 44 patients (7.4%), and they received a
      continuous-flow external VAD (n = 17) or VA-ECMO (n = 27) support within 24 hours
      after transplant. We compared early and late outcomes between groups. RESULTS:
      Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Implantation of the
      temporary VAD required longer cardiopulmonary bypass time compared with VA-ECMO
      (323 +/- 86 minutes vs 216 +/- 65 minutes, p < 0.0001). Patients who received a
      VAD were more likely to have longer support time (14 +/- 17 days vs 5.2 +/- 3.9
      days, p = 0.011), a higher incidence of major bleeding requiring chest
      reexploration (77% vs 30%, p = 0.0047), and a higher incidence of renal failure
      requiring renal replacement therapy (53% vs 11%, p = 0.0045) after surgery.
      Overall hospital mortality was 27%. In-hospital mortality for VAD and VA-ECMO
      patients were 41% and 19%, respectively (p = 0.16). Ten patients (59%) were
      weaned from VAD support, and 24 (89%) were weaned from VA-ECMO support after
      adequate graft function recovery (p = 0.03). The 3-year post-transplant survival
      was 41% in the VAD group and 66% in the VA-ECMO group (p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS:
      For severe PGD, support with VA-ECMO appears to result in better clinical
      outcomes compared with VAD.

PMID- 28087103
TI  - Identifying methanogen community structures and their correlations with
      performance parameters in four full-scale anaerobic sludge digesters.
AB  - Four full-scale mesophilic anaerobic digesters treating waste sludge were
      monitored to characterize methanogen communities and their relationship with
      process parameters. The performance of the four digesters were dissimilar with
      the average chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies between 24 and 45% and
      differing pH. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that archaeal 16S rRNA gene
      concentration ([ARC]) and, more pronouncedly, its ratio to bacterial counterpart
      ([ARC]/[BAC]) correlated positively with the performance parameters, including
      the lipid removal efficiency. Pyrosequencing identified 12 methanogen genera, of
      which Methanolinea, Methansaeta, and Methanospirillum collectively accounted for
      79.2% of total archaeal reads. However, Methanoculleus, a numerically minor
      (1.9+/-2.6%) taxa, was the most promising biomarker for positive performance,
      while Methanoregula was abundant in samples with poor performance. These results
      could be useful for the control and management of anaerobic sludge digestion.

PMID- 28087105
TI  - Left ventricular assist device outcomes based on flow configuration and pre
      operative left ventricular dimension: An Interagency Registry for Mechanically
      Assisted Circulatory Support Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Axial configuration (AC) and centrifugal configuration (CC) left
      ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have different flow characteristics, and
      whether the interaction between device flow configuration and the pre-operative
      left ventricular internal diastolic diameter (LVIDD) mediates adverse events
      after LVAD implantation is unknown. METHODS: We queried 9,424 continuous-flow
      LVAD recipients who received LVADs from April 2008 to June of 2015 in the
      Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS).
      The pre-operative LVIDD * flow configuration interaction term was tested in
      multivariable models to determine its relationship to adverse events. RESULTS:
      The pre-operative LVIDD * flow configuration interaction was a significant
      predictor of device thrombosis. As the LVIDD increased, the risk of AC device
      thrombosis increased compared with CC devices (p = 0.0099). At 7.0 cm, the hazard
      ratio (HR) for AC device thrombosis compared with the CC device was 1.61 (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.17-2.22; p = 0.004) and continued to rise as the
      LVIDD increased. The LVIDD * flow configuration interaction did not predict
      stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, or patient survival. In multivariable models,
      the hazard of stroke was higher with the CC device regardless of the LVIDD (HR,
      1.96; 95% CI, 1.64-2.36; p < 0.0001). Adjusted analyses showed LVAD implantation
      into a larger left ventricle was associated with a lower risk of death (HR, 0.90;
      95% CI, 0.85-0.95; p = 0.0004) per centimeter of LVIDD. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      suggests that the pre-operative LVIDD, flow configuration, and interaction terms
      should be considered individually when choosing the appropriate LVAD to mitigate
      the rates of device thrombosis, stroke, and death.

PMID- 28087106
TI  - Charge variant analysis of proposed biosimilar to Trastuzumab.
AB  - Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) employed for the treatment
      of HER2 Positive Breast Cancer. A HER2 overexpressing tumor cell binds to
      Trastuzumab and attracts immune cells which lead to induction of Antibody
      Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) by binding to Fc receptors (CD16a or
      FcgammaRIIIa) on an effector cell, such as natural killer (NK) cells. The most
      commonly expressed receptor on NK cell is CD16a which binds to the Fc portion of
      Trastuzumab. The ligand-independent HER2-HER3 dimerization is the most potent
      stimulator of downstream pathways for regulation of cell growth and survival. An
      attempt has been made in this study to understand the impact of charge
      heterogeneity on the binding kinetics and potency of the monoclonal antibody.
      Trastuzumab has a pI range of 8.7-8.9 and is composed of mixture of acidic and
      basic variants beside the main peak. Ion exchange chromatography was used to
      isolate the acidic, basic, and main peak fractions from in-house proposed
      biosimilar to Trastuzumab and their activities were compared to the Innovator
      Trastuzumab Herclon(r). Data from the mass analysis confirmed the potential
      modifications in both acidic and basic variant. Binding activity studies
      performed using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) revealed that acidic variants had
      lesser binding to HER2 in comparison to the basic variants. Both acidic and basic
      variant showed no significant changes in their binding to soluble CD16a
      receptors. In vitro assay studies using a breast cancer cell line (BT-474)
      confirmed the binding potency of acidic variant to be lesser than basic variant,
      along with reduced anti-proliferative activity for the acidic variant of
      Trastuzumab. Overall, these data has provided meaningful insights to the impact
      of antibody charge variants on in vitro potency and CD16 binding affinity of
      trastuzumab.

PMID- 28087107
TI  - Establishment of the 2nd Korean national biological reference standard for blood
      coagulation factor VIII:C concentrate.
AB  - Since the 1st Korean national biological reference standard for factor (F)VIII
      concentrate, established in 2001, has shown declining potency, we conducted this
      study to replace this standard with a 2nd Korean national biological reference
      standard for blood coagulation FVIII concentrate. The candidate materials for the
      2nd standard were prepared in 8000 vials with 10 IU/ml of target potency,
      according to the approved manufacturing process of blood coagulation Factor
      VIII:C Monoclonal Antibody-purified, Freeze-dried Human Blood Coagulation Factor
      VIII:C. Potency was evaluated by one-stage clotting and chromogenic methods and
      the stability was confirmed to meet the specifications during a period of 73
      months. Since the potencies obtained by the two methods differed significantly (P
      < 0.015), the values were determined separately according to the geometric means
      (8.9 and 7.4 IU/vial, respectively). The geometric coefficients of
      interlaboratory variability were 3.4% and 7.6% by the one-stage clotting and
      chromogenic assays, respectively.

PMID- 28087108
TI  - Shunt right or left? Decision 2016.

PMID- 28087109
TI  - Stargazing or scientific yardstick? The future of speckle tracking
      echocardiography in the management of ascending aortic aneurysm.

PMID- 28087110
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing
      safety and efficacy of posterior pericardial drainage in patients undergoing
      heart surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential beneficial effects of posterior
      pericardial drainage in patients undergoing heart surgery. METHODS: Multiple
      online databases and relevant congress proceedings were screened for randomized
      controlled trials assessing the efficacy and safety of posterior pericardial
      drainage, defined as posterior pericardiotomy incision, chest tube to posterior
      pericardium, or both. Primary endpoint was in-hospital/30 days' cardiac
      tamponade. Secondary endpoints comprised death or cardiac arrest, early and late
      pericardial effusion, postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), acute kidney
      injury, pulmonary complications, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Nineteen
      randomized controlled trials that enrolled 3425 patients were included. Posterior
      pericardial drainage was associated with a significant 90% reduction of the odds
      of cardiac tamponade compared with the control group: odds ratio (95% confidence
      interval) 0.13 (0.07-0.25); P < .001. The corresponding event rates were 0.42%
      versus 4.95%. The odds of early and late pericardial effusion were reduced
      significantly in the intervention arm: 0.20 (0.11-0.36); P < .001 and 0.05 (0.02
      0.10); P < .001, respectively. Posterior pericardial drainage significantly
      reduced the odds of POAF by 58% (P < .001) and was associated with significantly
      shortened (by nearly 1 day) overall length of hospital stay (P < .001).
      Reductions in postoperative complications translated into significantly reduced
      odds of death or cardiac arrest (P = .03) and numerically lower odds of acute
      kidney injury (P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior pericardial drainage is safe and
      simple technique that significantly reduces not only the prevalence of early
      pericardial effusion and POAF but also late pericardial effusion and cardiac
      tamponade. These benefits, in turn, translate into improved survival after heart
      surgery.

PMID- 28087111
TI  - Keep moving forward.

PMID- 28087112
TI  - The impact of temperature in aortic arch surgery patients receiving antegrade
      cerebral perfusion for >30 minutes: How relevant is it really?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined the early outcomes and the long-term survival associated
      with different degrees of hypothermia in patients who received antegrade cerebral
      perfusion (ACP) for >30 minutes. METHODS: During a 10-year period, 544
      consecutive patients underwent proximal and total aortic arch surgery and
      received ACP for >30 minutes and 1 of 3 levels of hypothermia: deep (14.1 degrees
      C-20 degrees C; n = 116 [21.3%]), low-moderate (20.1 degrees C-23.9 degrees C; n
      = 262 [48.2%]), and high-moderate (24 degrees C-28 degrees C; n = 166 [30.5%]). A
      variable called "predicted temperature" was used in propensity-score analysis.
      Multivariate analysis was done to evaluate the effect of actual temperature on
      outcomes. RESULTS: The operative mortality rate was 12.5% (n = 68) overall and
      was 15.5%, 11.8%, and 11.5% in the deep, low-moderate, and high-moderate
      hypothermia patients, respectively (P = .54). The persistent stroke rate was 6.6%
      overall and 12.2%, 4.6%, and 6.0% in these 3 groups, respectively (P = .024 on
      univariate analysis). On multivariate analysis, actual temperature was not
      associated with mortality, but lower temperatures predicted persistent stroke and
      reoperation for bleeding. In the propensity-matched subgroups, the patients with
      predicted deep hypothermia had (nonsignificantly) greater rates of persistent
      stroke (12.2% vs 4.9%; relative risk, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.87-1.15) and reoperation
      for bleeding (14.6% vs 2.4%; relative risk, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.87-1.15) than the
      patients with predicted moderate hypothermia. On long-term follow-up (mean
      duration, 5.12 years), 4- and 8-year survival rates were 62.3% and 55.7% in the
      deep hypothermia group and 75.4% and 74.2% in the moderate hypothermia group (P =
      .0015). CONCLUSIONS: In proximal and arch operations involving ACP for >30
      minutes, greater actual temperatures were associated with less stroke and
      reoperation for bleeding. There were no significant differences among the
      predicted hypothermia levels, although a trend toward a higher rate of adverse
      events was noticed in the deep hypothermia group. Long-term survival was better
      in the moderate hypothermia group.

PMID- 28087113
TI  - Video-assisted thoracoscopic diaphragm plication using a running suture technique
      is durable and effective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Surgeons have hesitated to adopt minimally invasive diaphragm
      plication techniques because of technical limitations rendering the procedure
      cumbersome or leading to early failure or reduced efficacy. We sought to
      demonstrate efficacy and durability of our thoracoscopic plication technique
      using a single running suture. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who
      underwent our technique for diaphragm plication since 2008. We used a single,
      buttressed, double-layered, to-and-fro running suture with additional plicating
      horizontal mattress sutures as needed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent
      thoracoscopic plication from 2008 to 2015. There were no operative mortalities
      and 2 unrelated late deaths. Median hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1-12).
      Atrial fibrillation occurred in 1 patient (5.5%), pneumonia occurred in 2
      patients (11%), reintubation occurred in 1 patient (5.5%), and ileus occurred in
      1 patient (5.5%). Of 14 patients with complete follow-up, median follow-up was
      29.4 months (range, 3.4-84.7). Significant increases between preoperative and
      postoperative pulmonary function tests (% predicted values) were found for mean
      forced expiratory volume in 1 second (73.5% +/- 3.5% to 88.8% +/- 4.5%, P = .002)
      and mean forced vital capacity (70.6% +/- 3.5% to 82.3% +/- 3.5%, P = .002).
      Preoperative mean Baseline Dyspnea Index was 8.1 +/- 0.7. Mean Transitional
      Dyspnea Index 6 months postoperatively was 7.1 +/- 0.6 (moderate to major
      improvement). Transitional Dyspnea Index at last contact (median 29.4 months
      postoperatively) was 7.2 +/- 0.6 (P = .38). Compared with previously published
      results, this is at least equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic diaphragm
      plication with a running suture is safe and achieves excellent early and long
      term improvements. This addresses technical challenges of tying multiple
      interrupted sutures by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery without any apparent
      compromise to efficacy or durability.

PMID- 28087114
TI  - Erratum to "Mechanistic Studies of the Negative Epistatic Malaria-protective
      Interaction Between Sickle Cell Trait and alpha+thalassemia" [EBioMedicine 1
      (2014) 29-36].

PMID- 28087115
TI  - A Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor Shows New Anticancer Mechanisms.

PMID- 28087116
TI  - Application of whole exome sequencing in elucidating the phenotype and genotype
      spectrum of junctional epidermolysis bullosa: A preliminary experience of a
      tertiary care centre in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) is a diverse group of
      genodermatoses associated with extreme skin fragility. Despite several well
      characterized genetic studies, molecular diagnosis of this heterogeneous group is
      still challenging. Recent advances in the field of genomics have seen the
      successful implementation of whole exome sequencing (WES) as a fast and efficient
      diagnostic strategy in several genodermatoses. OBJECTIVE: In view of the scarcity
      and need of molecular studies for JEB in India, we sought to explore the
      potential of WES in understanding the mutational spectrum of this rare, in
      certain subtypes lethal, sub-group of EB. METHODS: WES was performed using
      genomic DNA from each case of EB, followed by massively parallel sequencing.
      Resulting reads were mapped to the human reference genome hg19. Sanger sequencing
      subsequently confirmed the potentially pathogenic mutations. RESULTS: Overall,
      four unrelated families (6 patients) of JEB with a highly variable clinical
      presentation including a rare case of LOC syndrome were studied. WES revealed 4
      variations in 3 genes (LAMA3, LAMB3 and COL17A1) that are implicated in JEB. None
      of the variations were recurrent. In addition we proposed the probable molecular
      consequence of a missense mutation on the structure-function relationship of
      lamininbeta3 protein through computational modeling studies. CONCLUSIONS: Being
      the first report documenting the phenotype-genotype correlations of JEB patients
      from India, our preliminary experience with WES is clearly encouraging and serves
      as a nidus for future large-scale molecular studies to actively identify and
      understand JEB patients in Indian population.

PMID- 28087117
TI  - Erythropoietin attenuates experimental haemorrhagic shock-induced renal damage
      through an iNOS- dependent mechanism in male Wistar rats.
AB  - AIM: Erythropoietin (EPO) is shown to exert protective effects on different
      tissues in haemorrhagic shock (HS) states. Nitric oxide (NO), as a
      multifunctional signaling molecule, is implicated in diverse physiologic and
      pathologic processes. In order to understand the exact mechanism of EPO
      protection, in this study we evaluated the role of different NOS enzymes in the
      EPO signaling pathway in male rats. METHODS: Rats were randomized to five groups:
      1) Sham, 2) HS 3) EPO 4) L-NAME, a non-specific NOS inhibitor 5) 1400W, a
      specific iNOS inhibitor. HS was induced by withdrawal of 50% of total blood
      volume. After 2h, resuscitation was performed with the shed blood and Ringer's
      lactate. In group 3, rats were treated with EPO (300IU/kg, i.v.) over 10min
      before HS induction. In the L-NAME and 1400W groups, L-NAME (10mg/kg, i.p.) and
      1400W (2mg/kg, i.p.) were administered 30min before EPO injection. Blood and
      kidney tissue samples were obtained 3h after resuscitation. RESULTS: EPO
      increased the survival rate and significantly improved kidney function and
      histology compared to the HS group. There were less renal oxidative stress,
      apoptosis and systemic inflammatory responses in the EPO group. EPO increased
      eNOS and more abundantly iNOS mRNA expressions. L-NAME and 1400W significantly
      abolished all beneficial effects of EPO. CONCLUSION: In this in vivo animal
      model, we showed that EPO administration prior to HS attenuates renal injury and
      dysfunction in rats. The protective effects of EPO may be mediated by nitric
      oxide and the expression of different NOS enzymes, especially iNOS isoform.

PMID- 28087118
TI  - Open lower limb fractures in Major Trauma Centers - A loss leader?
AB  - PURPOSE: Open lower limb fractures are resource intensive injuries. Regardless of
      the financing model, the cost of treatment is an important consideration for any
      healthcare provider. METHODS: Open lower limb fractures treated at our centre
      were identified over a six-month period. Isolated open femur or tibia fractures
      were included as well as cases with multiple fractures. Direct inpatient care
      costs were calculated and income was reviewed for each case according to
      'Healthcare Resource Group' (HRG) cost codes. RESULTS: A total of 41 open lower
      limb fractures (32 patients) were identified. There were isolated open fractures
      in twenty-five and multiple lower limb open fractures in seven patients. Twenty
      three patients (72%) were male and nine were female (28%) with an average age of
      40 years (range 10-89 years). The fractures were classified according to Gustilo
      and Anderson (GA) and divided into two main groups; there were 13 mild and 28
      severe open fractures. The median direct cost of inpatient treatment for open
      lower limb fractures was L19,189 per patient. There was a net gain of L6,288 per
      fracture in the mild group and a loss of L7,582 in the severe group. The total
      deficit was L149,545 over the six-month period for this cohort of 41 fractures.
      CONCLUSION: Open lower limb fractures are expensive to treat at a cost of
      approximately L19,200 per patient and associated with a significant loss of
      income in our MTC. Cost codes should reflect the complex and more expensive
      treatment of these patients to avoid the inadvertent financial 'penalties' of
      treating such patients. This study is the first to calculate the direct inpatient
      treatment costs of open lower limb fractures in a major trauma centre. It
      highlights the need for cost saving strategies and for appropriate remuneration
      in MTCs.

PMID- 28087119
TI  - Editorial overview: Proteins: bridging theory and experiment.

PMID- 28087120
TI  - Response.

PMID- 28087121
TI  - Upper extremity outcome measures for collagen VI-related myopathy and LAMA2
      related muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) comprises a rare group of genetic muscle
      diseases that present at birth or early during infancy. Two common subtypes of
      CMD are collagen VI-related muscular dystrophy (COL6-RD) and laminin alpha 2
      related dystrophy (LAMA2-RD). Traditional outcome measures in CMD include gross
      motor and mobility assessments, yet significant motor declines underscore the
      need for valid upper extremity motor assessments as a clinical endpoint. This
      study validated a battery of upper extremity measures in these two CMD subtypes
      for future clinical trials. For this cross-sectional study, 42 participants were
      assessed over the same 2-5 day period at the National Institutes of Health
      Clinical Center. All upper extremity measures were correlated with the Motor
      Function Measure 32 (MFM32). The battery of upper extremity assessments included
      the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test
      (QUEST), hand held dynamometry, goniometry, and MyoSet Tools. Spearman Rho was
      used for correlations to the MFM32. Pearson was performed to correlate the
      Jebsen, QUEST, hand-held dynamometry, goniometry and the MyoSet Tools.
      Correlations were considered significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
      Significant correlations were found between both the MFM32 and MFM Dimension 3
      only (Distal Motor function) and the Jebsen, QUEST, MyoGrip and MyoPinch, elbow
      flexion/extension ROM and myometry. Additional correlations between the
      assessments are reported. The Jebsen, the Grasp and Dissociated Movements domains
      of the QUEST, the MyoGrip and the MyoPinch tools, as well as elbow ROM and
      myometry were determined to be valid and feasible in this population, provided
      variation in test items, and assessed a range of difficulty in CMD. To move
      forward, it will be of utmost importance to determine whether these upper
      extremity measures are reproducible and sensitive to change over time.

PMID- 28087123
TI  - Conversational Entrainment of Vocal Fry in Young Adult Female American English
      Speakers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Conversational entrainment, the natural tendency for people to modify
      their behaviors to more closely match their communication partner, is examined as
      one possible mechanism modulating the prevalence of vocal fry in the speech of
      young American women engaged in spoken dialogue. METHOD: Twenty young adult
      female American English speakers engaged in two spoken dialogue tasks-one with a
      young adult female American English conversational partner who exhibited
      substantial vocal fry and one with a young adult female American English
      conversational partner who exhibited quantifiably less vocal fry. Dialogues were
      analyzed for proportion of vocal fry, by speaker, and two measures of
      communicative success (efficiency and enjoyment). RESULTS: Participants employed
      significantly more vocal fry when conversing with the partner who exhibited
      substantial vocal fry than when conversing with the partner who exhibited
      quantifiably less vocal fry. Further, greater similarity between communication
      partners in their use of vocal fry tracked with higher scores of communicative
      efficiency and communicative enjoyment. CONCLUSIONS: Conversational entrainment
      offers a mechanistic framework that may be used to explain, to some degree, the
      frequency with which vocal fry is employed by young American women engaged in
      spoken dialogue. Further, young American women who modulated their vocal patterns
      during dialogue to match those of their conversational partner gained more
      efficiency and enjoyment from their interactions, demonstrating the cognitive and
      social benefits of entrainment.

PMID- 28087122
TI  - Human trophoblast stem cells: Real or not real?
AB  - Abnormal trophoblast differentiation is the root cause of many placenta-based
      pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
      Human trophoblast differentiation is difficult to study due to the lack of a stem
      cell model. Such a multipotent "trophoblast stem" (TS) cell, with the ability to
      differentiate into all trophoblast subtypes, has been derived from mouse
      blastocysts, but attempts to derive similar human cells have failed. We consider
      here several possibilities for the TS cell niche in the human placenta. Aside
      from discussion of such a niche in the pre-implantation blastocyst, we discuss
      evidence for these TS cells residing in the post-implantation villous
      cytotrophoblast layer, or even in the non-trophoblast portions, of the human
      placenta. It is our hope that recognition of the niche would lead to successful
      derivation and in vitro establishment of such cells, which could then be
      disseminated widely to the placental biology community for advancing the field.
      Availability of self-renewing human TS cells, whose gene expression and
      environment could be manipulated, will provide a platform, not just for the study
      of pathophysiology of placental disease, but also for the discovery of diagnostic
      biomarkers and therapeutic targets for common pregnancy complications.

PMID- 28087124
TI  - The Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI): A Multivariate Acoustic Model for
      Breathiness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of voice quality is a major component of voice
      assessment. The aim of the present study was to develop a new multivariate
      acoustic model for the evaluation of breathiness. METHOD: Concatenated voice
      samples of continuous speech and the sustained vowel [a:] from 970 subjects with
      dysphonia and 88 vocally healthy subjects were perceptually judged for
      breathiness severity. Acoustic analyses were conducted on the same concatenated
      voice samples after removal of the non-voiced segments of the continuous speech
      sample. The development of an acoustic model for breathiness was based on
      stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Concurrent validity, diagnostic
      accuracy, and cross validation were statistically verified on the basis of the
      Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient (rs), several estimates of the
      receiver operating characteristics plus the likelihood ratio, and iterated
      internal cross correlations. RESULTS: Ratings of breathiness from four experts
      with moderate reliability were used. Stepwise multiple regression analysis
      yielded a nine-variable acoustic model for the multiparametric measurement of
      breathiness (Acoustic Breathiness Index [ABI]). A strong correlation was found
      between ABI and auditory-perceptual rating (rs = 0.840, P = 0.000). The cross
      correlations confirmed a comparably high degree of association. Additionally, the
      receiver operating characteristics and likelihood ratio results showed the best
      diagnostic outcome at a threshold of ABI = 3.44 with a sensitivity of 82.4% and a
      specificity of 92.9%. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed a new acoustic
      multivariate correlate for the evaluation of breathiness in voice. The ABI model
      showed valid and robust results and is therefore proposed as a new acoustic index
      for the evaluation of breathiness.

PMID- 28087125
TI  - Hydroxy-Carboxylic Acid Receptor Actions in Metabolism.
AB  - Lactic acid, the ketone body 3-hydroxy-butyric acid, also known as beta
      hydroxybutyrate, and the beta-oxidation intermediate 3-hydroxy-octanoic acid are
      hydroxy-carboxylic acids (HCAs) that serve as intermediates of energy metabolism.
      However, they also regulate cellular functions, in part by directly activating
      the G protein-coupled receptors HCA1/GPR81, HCA2/GPR109A, and HCA3/GPR109B.
      During the past decade, it has become clear that HCA receptors help to maintain
      homeostasis under changing metabolic and dietary conditions, by controlling
      metabolic, immune, and other body functions. Work based on genetic mouse models
      and synthetic ligands of HCA receptors has, in addition, shown that members of
      this receptor family can serve as targets for the prevention and therapy of
      diseases such as metabolic and inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 28087126
TI  - Cardiac Lymphatics - A New Avenue for Therapeutics?
AB  - Recent progress in lymphatic vessel biology and in novel imaging techniques has
      established the importance of the lymphatic vasculature as part of the
      cardiovascular system. The lymphatic vessel network regulates many physiological
      processes important for heart function such as fluid balance, transport of
      extravasated proteins, and trafficking of immune cells. Therefore,
      lymphangiogenic therapy could be beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular
      diseases, for example by improving reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from
      atherosclerotic lesions or by resolving edema and fibrosis after myocardial
      infarction. In this review we first describe recent findings on the development
      and function of cardiac lymphatic vessels, and subsequently focus on the
      prospects of pro- and anti-lymphangiogenic therapies in cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 28087127
TI  - The route from problem to solution in multistep continuous flow synthesis of
      pharmaceutical compounds.
AB  - Recent advances in the field of continuous flow chemistry allow the multistep
      preparation of complex molecules such as APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients)
      in a telescoped manner. Numerous examples of laboratory-scale applications are
      described, which are pointing towards novel manufacturing processes of
      pharmaceutical compounds, in accordance with recent regulatory, economical and
      quality guidances. The chemical and technical knowledge gained during these
      studies is considerable; nevertheless, connecting several individual chemical
      transformations and the attached analytics and purification holds hidden traps.
      In this review, we summarize innovative solutions for these challenges, in order
      to benefit chemists aiming to exploit flow chemistry systems for the synthesis of
      biologically active molecules.

PMID- 28087128
TI  - Intranasal Oxytocin to Prevent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial in Emergency Department Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are currently few preventive interventions available for
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intranasal oxytocin administration early
      after trauma may prevent PTSD, because oxytocin administration was previously
      found to beneficially impact PTSD vulnerability factors, including neural fear
      responsiveness, peripheral stress reactivity, and socioemotional functioning.
      Therefore, we investigated the effects of intranasal oxytocin administration
      early after trauma on subsequent clinician-rated PTSD symptoms. We then assessed
      whether baseline characteristics moderated the intervention's effects. METHODS:
      We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical
      trial. Adult emergency department patients with moderate to severe acute distress
      (n = 120; 85% accident victims) were randomized to intranasal oxytocin (8 days/40
      IU twice daily) or placebo (8 days/10 puffs twice daily), initiated within 12
      days posttrauma. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was administered at
      baseline (within 10 days posttrauma) and at 1.5, 3, and 6 months posttrauma. The
      intention-to-treat sample included 107 participants (oxytocin: n = 53; placebo: n
      = 54). RESULTS: We did not observe a significant group difference in CAPS total
      score at 1.5 months posttrauma (primary outcome) or across follow-up (secondary
      outcome). Secondary analyses showed that participants with high baseline CAPS
      scores receiving oxytocin had significantly lower CAPS scores across follow-up
      than participants with high baseline CAPS scores receiving placebo. CONCLUSIONS:
      Oxytocin administration early after trauma did not attenuate clinician-rated PTSD
      symptoms in all trauma-exposed participants with acute distress. However,
      participants with high acute clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity did show
      beneficial effects of oxytocin. Although replication is warranted, these findings
      suggest that oxytocin administration is a promising preventive intervention for
      PTSD for individuals with high acute PTSD symptoms.

PMID- 28087129
TI  - Childhood Maltreatment and Unprotected Sex among Female Juvenile Offenders:
      Evidence of Mediation by Substance Abuse and Psychological Distress.
AB  - PURPOSE: Research has shown that childhood maltreatment is associated with sexual
      risk taking among female juvenile offenders; however, the mechanisms by which
      maltreatment influences sexual risk remain poorly understood. We assessed whether
      substance abuse, psychological distress, and dating violence mediate the
      relationship between childhood maltreatment and unprotected sex. METHODS:
      Sexually active female juvenile offenders (13-17 years of age) completed audio
      computer-assisted self-interviews (n = 232). Logistic regression with a risk
      decrement approach, the Sobel test, and the Goodman I test were used to evaluate
      mediation. RESULTS: Maltreatment before sixth grade was common in our sample,
      including physical abuse (48.7%), sexual abuse (14.7%), supervision neglect
      (57.3%), and physical neglect (18.5%). Cumulative childhood maltreatment was also
      high with 42.2% reporting two or more types. In the fully adjusted model,
      cumulative childhood maltreatment remained associated with unprotected sex (odds
      ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.27, 4.65). The percent of the total
      effect in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and unprotected sex
      that was mediated by substance abuse was 16.4% (Sobel = 2.54 [p = .01]; Goodman I
      = 2.49 [p = .01]) and psychological distress accounted for 23.7% (Sobel = 2.55 [p
      = .01]; Goodman I = 2.51 [p = .01]). Dating violence was not a significant
      mediator in our analyses. CONCLUSION: We found a strong relationship between
      childhood maltreatment and unprotected sex among female juvenile offenders that
      was partially mediated through substance abuse and psychological distress. These
      findings can be used to develop public health strategies to increase condom use
      among female juvenile offenders. Trauma-informed approaches to sexual health
      promotion that address substance abuse and psychological distress are warranted.

PMID- 28087130
TI  - Attitudes, Practices, and Experiences with Implementing a Patient-Centered
      Medical Home for Women Veterans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the growing demand for health care among women veterans in
      the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), little is known about the perspectives
      of primary care providers (PCPs) and other primary care staff about the care they
      provide to women veterans. We sought to understand whether barriers to, attitudes
      about, and practices in caring for women veterans were associated with two
      measures of implementation of the VHA patient-centered medical home for women
      veterans (self-efficacy and satisfaction). METHODS: We administered a cross
      sectional survey by Internet from September 8, 2014, through April 27, 2015 (and
      by mail from December 16, 2014, through June 18, 2015) to all PCPs and affiliated
      primary care staff in 12 VHA medical centers. We used descriptive and bivariate
      analyses to characterize their barriers, attitudes, and practices regarding care
      for women veterans; and ordinary least squares regression to identify
      associations with satisfaction and self-efficacy regarding medical home
      implementation for women veterans among members of a VHA patient-centered medical
      home teamlet for women patients. RESULTS: Of 775 surveys sent, 288 were completed
      (94 PCPs and 194 staff) for a response rate of 37% (33% for PCPs; 39% for staff).
      On average, providers had one female patient for every five patients in their
      panels. Lower perceived barriers, higher gender-sensitive attitudes, and being a
      PCP were significantly associated with satisfaction and self-efficacy of patient
      centered medical home for women patients. CONCLUSIONS: Training efforts focused
      on eliminating perceived barriers and strengthening positive attitudes toward
      women may be more successful than changing women's health practice
      characteristics alone.

PMID- 28087131
TI  - Incidence and effect of variant histology on oncological outcomes in patients
      with bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We sought to describe incidence of histological variants after
      radical cystectomy (RC) due to bladder cancer (BCa). Moreover, we investigated
      survival outcomes accounting for this parameter. METHODS: We retrospectively
      evaluated data from 1,067 patients with BCa treated with RC between 1990 and 2013
      at a single tertiary care referral center. All specimen were evaluated by
      dedicated uropathologists. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses
      tested the effect of different histopathological variant on recurrence, cancer
      specific mortality (CSM), and overall mortality (OM) after accounting for all
      available confounders. RESULTS: Of 1,067 patients, 729 (68.3%) harbored pure
      urothelial BCa while 338 (31.7%) were found to have a variant. Considering
      uncommon variants, 21 (2.0%) were sarcomatoid, 10 (0.9%) lymphoepitelial, 19
      (1.8%) small cell, 109 (10.2%) squamous, 89 (8.3%) micropapillary, 23 (2.2%)
      glandular, 34 (3.2%) mixed variants, and 33 (3.1%) were found with other types of
      variants. With a median follow-up of 6.2 years, 343 recurrence, 365 CSM, and 451
      OM were recorded, respectively. At multivariable Cox regression analyses, the
      presence of small cell variant was associated with higher recurrence (hazard
      ratio [HR] = 3.47, P<0.001), CSM (HR = 3.30, P<0.04), and OM (HR = 2.97, P<0.003)
      as compared with pure urothelial cancer. Conversely, no survival differences were
      recorded considering other histological variants (all P> 0.1). CONCLUSION: Our
      study confirms that histological variant is not an infrequent event at RC
      specimen. However, in our single-center series, only patients found with small
      cell variant were associated with a negative effect on survival after RC.

PMID- 28087132
TI  - Practice Patterns of Thoracic Radiotherapy for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung
      Cancer: Survey of US Academic Thoracic Radiation Oncologists.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite the recent CREST trial demonstrating a survival benefit to
      thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung
      cancer (ES-SCLC) with response to chemotherapy, as well as endorsement by current
      National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, TRT may not be uniformly
      delivered in clinical practice across all circumstances. METHODS AND MATERIALS:
      We surveyed US academic thoracic radiation oncologists regarding their practice
      patterns for TRT and assessed conditions in which withholding TRT could be
      warranted. A 27-question survey of demographics and practice patterns, including
      5 clinical cases, was sent to 111 physicians. RESULTS: Response rate was 39%
      (43/111). Among respondents, 60% have at least 6 years of work experience
      following residency; 77% and 71% respectively see > 50 lung cancer and > 11 SCLC
      cases annually. Regarding practice patterns, 74% use TRT in 26% to 75% of
      patients with ES-SCLC. Respondents would withhold TRT in cases with Eastern
      Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >= 3 (91%), when pulmonary function
      necessitates continuous oxygen via nasal cannula (62%), for postchemotherapy
      tumor progression (58%), and if > 4 postchemotherapy extrathoracic metastases
      were present (58%). The 5 clinical cases highlighted practice variability,
      although 1 case had 100% agreement among respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Despite
      support of TRT administration from the CREST trial, there are several conditions
      associated with frequently withholding TRT. The most common reasons include
      performance status, postchemotherapy extent of disease, and pulmonary function;
      age and prechemotherapy extent of disease were least associated. Further research
      should aim to identify which subgroups of ES-SCLC benefit most from TRT.

PMID- 28087133
TI  - Secukinumab sustains early patient-reported outcome benefits through 1 year:
      Results from 2 phase III randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials comparing
      secukinumab with etanercept.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic condition with negative impact on patients'
      quality of life that most often requires lifelong effective and safe treatment.
      OBJECTIVE: This analysis focused on the effect of secukinumab treatment on
      patient-reported health-related quality of life as assessed by the Dermatology
      Life Quality Index (DLQI) in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. METHODS:
      The proportion of subjects achieving DLQI score 0/1 response at week 24, time to
      DLQI score 0/1 response, and sustained DLQI score 0/1 response up to week 52 were
      compared between secukinumab and etanercept. RESULTS: Of 1470 subjects, 1144
      received secukinumab and 326 received etanercept. DLQI score 0/1 response rates
      were significantly higher for secukinumab than for etanercept at week 24. The
      median time to DLQI score 0/1 response was significantly shorter for secukinumab
      versus etanercept (12 vs 24 weeks; P < .01). The majority of secukinumab-treated
      subjects achieved DLQI score 0/1 response at week 24 and sustained it through
      week 52 along with a 90% to 100% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity
      Index total score response. LIMITATIONS: Placebo comparisons are limited during
      the maintenance period because of rerandomization at week 12. CONCLUSION:
      Secukinumab treatment provided faster and greater sustained improvements in
      quality of life than etanercept over 52 weeks, consistent with greater clinical
      response.

PMID- 28087134
TI  - Factors influencing and modifying the decision to pursue genetic testing for skin
      cancer risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Across cancers, the decision to pursue genetic testing is influenced
      more by subjective than objective factors. However, skin cancer, which is more
      prevalent, visual, and multifactorial than many other malignancies, may offer
      different motivations for pursuing such testing. OBJECTIVES: The primary
      objective was to determine factors influencing the decision to receive genetic
      testing for skin cancer risk. A secondary objective was to assess the impact of
      priming with health questions on the decision to receive testing. METHODS: We
      distributed anonymous online surveys through ResearchMatch.org to assess
      participant health, demographics, motivations, and interest in pursuing genetic
      testing for skin cancer risk. Two surveys with identical questions but different
      question ordering were used to assess the secondary objective. RESULTS: We
      received 3783 responses (64% response rate), and 85.8% desired testing.
      Subjective factors, including curiosity, perceptions of skin cancer, and anxiety,
      were the most statistically significant determinants of the decision to pursue
      testing (P < .001), followed by history of sun exposure (odds ratio 1.85, P <
      .01) and history of skin cancer (odds ratio 0.5, P = .01). Age and family history
      of skin cancer did not influence this decision. Participants increasingly chose
      testing if first queried about health behaviors (P < .0001). LIMITATIONS: The
      decision to pursue hypothetical testing may differ from in-clinic decision
      making. Self-selected, online participants may differ from the general
      population. Surveys may be subject to response bias. CONCLUSION: The decision to
      pursue genetic testing for skin cancer is primarily determined by subjective
      factors, such as anxiety and curiosity. Health factors, including skin cancer
      history, also influenced decision-making. Priming with consideration of objective
      health factors can increase the desire to pursue testing.

PMID- 28087135
TI  - Surgical site infection related to use of elastomeric pumps in pectus excavatum
      repair. Lessons learned from root cause analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pectus excavatum repair (PEX) is among the most painful thoracic
      procedures performed. Continuous peripheral nerve blockade (CPNB) is known to be
      efficacious in optimizing pain control while limiting narcotic use in adult
      thoracic procedures. It was introduced in May 2015 as a bridge to oral pain
      control in children undergoing PEX. Consequently, the surgical site infection
      (SSI) rate increased from 2.7% to 27.7%. METHODS: SSI surveillance followed
      national guidelines. The abrupt increase prompted root cause analysis and
      cessation of CPNB use. A dynamic systems model of SSI in PEX was developed.
      Statistical analysis compared SSI outcomes with and without CPNB. RESULTS: From
      May 2015 to June 2015, 21 PEX were performed; 11 with CPNB. 6 SSIs were observed.
      Use of CPNB significantly (p=0.008) increased SSI incidence. Haller index, number
      of bars, usage of Fiberwire(r), methicillin resistant S. aureus colonization and
      length of stay did not differ. Root cause analysis revealed the proximity of CPNB
      catheters to the wound, the use of CPNB with implanted hardware and a delayed
      utilization of CPNB catheters to be of concern. CONCLUSION: Introduction of CPNB
      coincided with a significant increase in SSI. Further study is needed to assess
      the safety of CPNB in pediatric PEX. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III treatment
      study.

PMID- 28087136
TI  - Global general pediatric surgery partnership: The UCLA-Mozambique experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: There has been increasing recognition of the disparities in
      surgical care throughout the world. Increasingly, efforts are being made to
      improve local infrastructure and training of surgeons in low-income settings. The
      purpose of this study was to review the first 5-years of a global academic
      pediatric general surgery partnership between UCLA and the Eduardo Mondlane
      University in Maputo, Mozambique. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was utilized
      to perform an ongoing needs assessment. A retrospective review of admission and
      operative logbooks was performed. Partnership activities were summarized.
      RESULTS: The needs assessment identified several challenges including limited
      operative time, personnel, equipment, and resources. Review of logbooks
      identified a high frequency of burn admissions and colorectal procedures.
      Partnership activities focused on providing educational resources, on-site
      proctoring, training opportunities, and research collaboration. CONCLUSION: This
      study highlights the spectrum of disease and operative case volume of a referral
      center for general pediatric surgery in sub-Saharan Africa, and it provides a
      context for academic partnership activities to facilitate training and improve
      the quality of pediatric general surgical care in limited-resource settings.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

PMID- 28087137
TI  - Decreased expression of Kv7 channels in Hirchsprung's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Voltage-dependent K+ channels (Kv channels) participate in electrical
      rhythmicity and smooth muscle responses and are regulated by excitatory and
      inhibitory neurotransmitters. Kv channels also participate in the interstitial
      cell of Cajal (ICC) and smooth muscle cell (SMC) responses to neural inputs. The
      Kv family consists of 12 subfamilies, Kv1-Kv12, with five members of the Kv7
      family identified to date: Kv7.1-Kv7.5. A recent study identified the potassium
      channel Kv7.5 as having a role in the excitability of ICC-IM in the mouse colon.
      We therefore designed this study to test the hypothesis that Kv7 channels are
      present in the normal human colon and are reduced in Hirschprung's disease
      (HSCR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: HSCR tissue specimens were collected at the time of
      pull-through surgery (n=10), while normal control tissue specimens were obtained
      at the time of colostomy closure in patients with imperforate anus (n=10). Kv7.3
      Kv7.5 immunohistochemistry was performed and visualized using confocal microscopy
      to assess their distribution. Western blot analysis was undertaken to determine
      Kv7.3-Kv7.5 protein quantification. RESULTS: Kv7.3 and Kv7.4-immunoreactivity was
      co-localized with neuron and ICC markers, while Kv7.5 was found to be expressed
      on both ICCs and SMCs. Western blot analysis revealed similar levels of Kv7.3 and
      Kv7.5 expression in the normal colon and HSCR colon, while Kv7.4 proteins were
      found to be markedly decreased in ganglionic specimens and decreased further in
      aganglionic specimens. CONCLUSION: A deficiency of Kv7.4 channels in the
      ganglionic and aganglionic bowel may place a role in colonic dysmotility in HSCR.

PMID- 28087138
TI  - Corrigendum to "delayed presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
      manifesting as combined-type acute gastric volvulus: A case report and review of
      the literature" J Pediatr Surg 43 (3) (2008):E35-9. doi:
      10.1016/j.Jpedsurg.2007.11.015.

PMID- 28087139
TI  - Retention of faculty of color in academic nursing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic diversity among nursing faculty is low, preventing
      schools of nursing (SON) from reflecting the populations that they serve
      academically and clinically. Few studies address the experience and success of
      faculty of color (FOC) in nursing. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to
      summarize the current literature related to FOC retention and promotion. METHODS:
      We reviewed 25 articles from the nursing literature following PRISMA guidelines,
      using a critical race theory framework. DISCUSSION: We describe barriers and
      promoters to retention, benefits of retaining FOC, and proposed solutions to FOC
      attrition. We also highlight polices by several SON that netted increased
      retention and promotion of nursing FOC. CONCLUSION: FOC meet substantial
      challenges that influence their career pathway. SON can improve faculty retention
      through focused efforts on improving the institutional culture to promote an
      inclusive environment.

PMID- 28087140
TI  - Tanning the bugs - a pilot study of an innovative approach to stethoscope
      disinfection.

PMID- 28087141
TI  - Preoperative skin antisepsis - it ain't what you do but the way that you do it.

PMID- 28087142
TI  - Ultrastructural characteristics of the mature spermatozoon of the digenean
      Sclerodistomum italicum (Stossich, 1893) (Hemiuroidea, Sclerodistomidae)
      intestinal parasite of Hypocanthus amia (Teleostei, Carangidae).
AB  - The mature spermatozoon of Sclerodistomum italicum is filiform, tapered at both
      ends and shows the following features: 2 axonemes of the 9+"1" pattern of the
      Trepaxonemata, mitochondrion, nucleus and parallel cortical microtubules. The
      specific features of the spermatozoon of S. italicum include the simultaneous
      presence of two types of extramembranous ornamentations, the presence of short
      cortical microtubules in the anterior part of the spermatozoon and the presence
      of only one bundle of cortical microtubules in the median part of the
      spermatozoon. Thus far these structures are known only in the Hemiuroidea. The
      presence of filamentous ornamentation in the anterior extremity of the
      spermatozoon has not previously been described in the Sclerodistomidae. Similar
      to spermatozoa of other hemiuroideans, S. italicum lack spine-like bodies
      described in spermatozoa of many digenean taxa. The posterior extremity of the
      spermatozoon exhibits the same ultrastructural characteristics typical of the
      Hemiuroidea.

PMID- 28087143
TI  - Contribution of age to clinical trial enrollment and tolerance with ovarian
      cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Increasing age has been correlated with shorter survival in ovarian
      cancer patients, a finding attributed to diminished tolerance of standard
      therapy. Elderly patients, however, are less likely to enroll on clinical trials;
      thus, limited data exists to evaluate their response to front line treatment.
      This study describes how elderly patients on trial fared, with respect to
      toxicity and response, compared to younger women. METHODS: A retrospective cohort
      study was performed of ovarian cancer patients enrolled in front line
      chemotherapy trials at our institution between 2000 and 2013. Patients were
      dichotomized by age: <70 and >=70years. Clinical, pathologic, and treatment
      characteristics were recorded and analyzed using SAS version 9.3. RESULTS: 336
      patients were enrolled. Of these, 79 (23.5%) were >=70yrs. Demographics were
      similar between the two groups. Compared to patients <70, those >=70 completed a
      comparable number of chemotherapy cycles (p=0.16) and had similar numbers of dose
      modifications (p=0.40) and delays (p=0.26). Both hematologic and non-hematologic
      toxicities occurred at similar rates as well. Age>=70 (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.27-2.54,
      p=0.0009), stage III/IV (HR 3.44, 95% CI 1.08-10.95, p=0.036), and residual
      disease (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.82-3.78, p<0.0001) were independently predictive of
      shorter overall survival. CONCLUSION: Our data continues to support reports of
      shorter survival for older women with ovarian cancer. With physician bias removed
      and similar chemotherapy tolerance noted, our study suggests that inherent tumor
      biology may be a significant contributor. Further research is needed to identify
      the mechanisms which contribute to the inequality that age imposes on outcomes.

PMID- 28087144
TI  - Contribution of microbiology in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in Castile and Leon
      (Spain): Findings of the GRUMICALE 2013 study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A retrospective study was conducted by collecting
      microbiological tuberculosis (TB) data in Castile and Leon during the year 2013
      in order to determine the incidence and distribution of TB, and resistance to the
      tuberculostatic drug, and compare them with the epidemiological data provided by
      the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance (SIVE). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Microbiologists of the 14 hospitals of the Castile and Leon public health network
      (GRUMICALE) collected epidemiological, microbiological, and management data from
      the Microbiology laboratories in the community during the year 2013. A single
      isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) per patient was considered.
      RESULTS: The study included a total of 270 MTC isolates (an incidence rate of
      11.63 cases/100,000 inhab./year). A total of 288 cases of TB (11.43 cases/100,000
      inhab. year) were recovered using epidemiological data, which included 243
      confirmed, 29 suspected, and 16 as probable cases. Pulmonary TB was predominant,
      followed a long way off by the pleural TB and the remaining locations. A total of
      27,620 samples were processed for mycobacterial detection. Mycobacterial growth
      was observed in 3.46% of automated fluid cultures, and 50.37% were positive by
      direct staining of the smear. Resistance to one tuberculostatic drug, mostly to
      isoniazid, was observed in 16 (5.92%) isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      (MT). The province with greater incidence and number of isolates was Leon (24.23
      cases/100,000 inhab./year), with the highest being observed in El Bierzo health
      area (30.46 cases/100,000 inhab./year). CONCLUSIONS: An adequate collection of
      microbiological information is essential to determine the epidemiology of TB in
      our region.

PMID- 28087145
TI  - Computerised sepsis protocol management. Description of an early warning system.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: New strategies need to be developed for the early recognition and
      rapid response for the management of sepsis. To achieve this purpose, the
      Multidisciplinary Sepsis Team (MST) developed the Computerised Sepsis Protocol
      Management (PIMIS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the convenience of
      using PIMIS, as well as the activity of the MST. METHODS: An analysis was
      performed on the data collected from solicited MST consultations (direct
      activation of PIMIS by attending physician or telephone request) and unsolicited
      ones (by referral from the microbiology laboratory or an automatic referral via
      the hospital vital signs recording software [SIDCV]), as well as the hospital
      department, source of infection, treatment recommendation, and acceptance of
      this. RESULTS: Of the 1,581 first consultations, 65.1% were solicited
      consultations (84.1% activation of PIMIS and 15.9% by telephone). The majority of
      unsolicited consultations were generated by the microbiology laboratory (95.2%),
      and 4.8% from the SIDCV. Referral from solicited consultations were generated
      sooner (5.63days vs 8.47days; P<.001) and came from clinical specialties rather
      than from the surgical ward (73.0% vs 39.1%; P<.001). A recommendation was made
      for antimicrobial prescription change in 32% of first consultations. The treating
      physician accepted 78.1% of recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of
      solicited consultations and acceptance of recommended prescription changes
      suggest that a MST is seen as a helpful resource, and that PIMIS software is
      perceived to be useful and convenient to use, as it is the main source of
      referral.

PMID- 28087146
TI  - PCV13-vaccinated children still carrying PCV13 additional serotypes show similar
      carriage density to a control group of PCV7-vaccinated children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to reducing vaccine-type nasopharyngeal carriage rates,
      pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) may decrease carriage density in
      vaccinated individuals still carrying vaccine serotypes. However, reduction of
      carriage density has not been systematically studied. This study compared the
      effect of PCV13 versus PCV7 on carriage density of the serotypes in PCV13 that
      are not included in PCV7. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind study was
      conducted in southern Israel and included Jewish and Bedouin subjects. Per
      protocol, 881 and 873 infants received PCV13 and PCV7, respectively, at ages 2,
      4, 6, and 12months. Nasopharyngeal cultures at ages 7, 12, 13, 18, and 24months
      were plated using the 4-quadrant semiquantitative method and graded 0 (negative)
      to 4 (growth in all plate quadrants). In this post hoc analysis, the least
      squares means of cumulative colonization densities per serotype and serotype
      combination of the total population and each ethnic subpopulation in each vaccine
      group were calculated, and differences between vaccine groups derived from a
      linear model. RESULTS: PCV13-vaccinated children still carrying the 6 additional
      PCV13 serotypes unique to PCV13 showed no significant differences in carriage
      density compared with the PCV7-vaccinated control group. No differences in
      carriage density were shown between Jewish and Bedouin subpopulations despite
      higher carriage rates among Bedouin subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Although PCV13
      vaccination reduces vaccine-type carriage compared with PCV7 vaccination by
      reducing nasopharyngeal acquisition of the additional PCV13 serotypes as
      previously reported, the current study lacks evidence of a decrease in carriage
      density of these serotypes when acquired in vaccinated children. Despite the lack
      of effect on carriage density observed, surveillance data suggest a dramatic
      decrease in disease rates after PCV implementation. Thus, the current analysis
      suggests that PCV's impact on carriage density has minimal or no impact on
      vaccine success. (www.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00508742).

PMID- 28087147
TI  - Immune responses to in ovo vaccine formulations containing inactivated fowl
      adenovirus 8b with poly[di(sodium carboxylatoethylphenoxy)]phosphazene (PCEP) and
      avian beta defensin as adjuvants in chickens.
AB  - Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) is one of the major viral infections causing
      substantial economic loss to the global poultry industry. The disease is
      characterized by a sudden onset of mortality (2-30%) and high morbidity (60-70%).
      IBH is caused by a number of serotypes of fowl adenovirus with substantially low
      levels of serotype cross protection. Thus far, there is no effective and safe
      vaccine commercially available in the North America for the control of IBH in
      chickens. Poly[di(sodium carboxylatoethylphenoxy)]phosphazene (PCEP) is a high
      molecular weight, biodegradable water soluble polymer that has been well
      characterized as a safe and effective adjuvant for a number of experimental
      veterinary vaccines. Similarly, host defence peptides, including beta-defensins,
      have also been shown to exhibit strong adjuvant potential. In this study, we
      evaluated the adjuvant activity of PCEP and avian beta defensin (ABD) in a
      vaccine formulation containing inactivated fowl adenovirus (FAdV) serotype 8b
      administered in ovo. Our data showed that a combination of PCEP and inactivated
      virus is capable of inducing a robust and long lasting antibody response.
      Moreover, significant enhancement of IFN-gamma, IFN-alpha, IL-12(p40) and IL-6
      gene expression under the influence of PCEP suggests that as an in ovo adjuvant
      PCEP has the ability to activate a substantial balanced immune response in
      chickens. To our knowledge, these are the first studies in which PCEP and ABD
      have been characterized as adjuvants for the development of an in ovo poultry
      vaccine. It is expected that these preliminary studies will be helpful in the
      development of safer and more effective in ovo vaccine against IBH and other
      infectious diseases affecting chickens.

PMID- 28087149
TI  - Seasonal vaccines - Critical path to pandemic influenza response.

PMID- 28087148
TI  - Immunogenicity differences of a 15-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate
      vaccine (PCV15) based on vaccine dose, route of immunization and mouse strain.
AB  - Pneumococcal disease continues to be a medical need even with very effective
      vaccines on the market. Globally, there are extensive research efforts to improve
      serotype coverage with novel vaccines; therefore, conducting preclinical studies
      in different animal models becomes essential. The work presented herein focuses
      on evaluating a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15) in mice.
      Initially we evaluated several doses of PCV15 in Balb/c mice. The optimal vaccine
      dose was determined to be 0.4MUg per pneumococcal polysaccharide (PS) (0.8MUg of
      6B) for subsequent studies. This PS dose was chosen for PCV evaluation in mice
      based on antibody levels determined by multiplexed electrochemiluminescent (ECL)
      assays, T-cell responses following in vitro stimulation with CRM197 peptides and
      protection from pneumococcal challenge. We then selected four mouse strains for
      evaluation: Balb/c, C3H/HeN, CD1 and Swiss Webster (SW), immunized with PCV15 by
      either intraperitoneal (IP) or intramuscular (IM) routes. We assessed IgG
      responses by ECL assays and functional antibody activity by multiplexed
      opsonophagocytic assays (MOPA). Every mouse strain evaluated responded to all 15
      serotypes contained in the vaccine. Mice tended to have lower responses to
      serotypes 6B, 23F and 33F. The IP route of immunization resulted in higher
      antibody titers for most serotypes in Balb/c, C3H and SW. CD1 mice tended to
      respond similarly for most serotypes, regardless of route of immunization.
      Similar trends were observed with the four mouse strains when evaluating
      functional antibody activity. Given the differences in antibody responses based
      on mouse strain and route of immunization, it is critical to evaluate
      pneumococcal vaccines in multiple animal models to determine the optimal
      formulation before moving to clinical trials.

PMID- 28087150
TI  - Apelin protects against NMDA-induced retinal neuronal death via an APJ receptor
      by activating Akt and ERK1/2, and suppressing TNF-alpha expression in mice.
AB  - Glutamate excitotoxicity mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors is an
      important cause of retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma. To elucidate whether
      apelin protects against retinal neuronal cell death, we examined protective
      effects of exogenous and endogenous apelin on neuronal cell death induced by
      intravitreal injection of NMDA in the retinas of mice. An intravitreal injection
      of NMDA induced neuronal cell death in both the retinal ganglion cell layer and
      inner nuclear layer, and reduced the amplitudes of scotopic threshold response
      (STR) in electroretinography studies. Both cell death and STR amplitudes decrease
      induced by NMDA were prevented by a co-injection of [Pyr1]-apelin-13, and were
      facilitated by apelin deficiency. The neuroprotective effects of [Pyr1]-apelin-13
      were blocked by an apelin receptor APJ antagonist, and by inhibitors of Akt and
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways. Additionally, an
      intravitreal injection of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) neutralizing
      antibody prevented NMDA-induced retinal neuronal cell death, and exogenous and
      endogenous apelin suppressed NMDA-induced upregulation of TNF-alpha in the
      retina. These results suggest that apelin protects neuronal cells against NMDA
      induced death via an APJ receptor in the retina, and that apelin may have
      beneficial effects in the treatment of glaucoma.

PMID- 28087151
TI  - The Key to Mn Homeostasis in Plants: Regulation of Mn Transporters.
AB  - Plants only require small amounts of manganese (Mn) for healthy growth, but Mn
      concentrations in soil solution vary from sub-micromolar to hundreds of
      micromolar across the growth period. Therefore, plants must deal with large Mn
      concentration fluctuations, but the molecular mechanisms underlying how plants
      cope with low and high Mn concentrations are poorly understood. In this Opinion
      we discuss the role of Mn transporters in the uptake, distribution, and
      detoxification of Mn in response to changes in Mn concentrations through their
      regulation at the transcriptional and protein levels, mainly focusing on rice, an
      Mn-tolerant and -accumulating species. We also propose mechanisms involved in the
      hyperaccumulation of Mn and future prospects for studying this specific trait.

PMID- 28087152
TI  - Corrigendum to "Numerical study of the effects of lamp configuration and reactor
      wall roughness in an open channel water disinfection UV reactor" [Chemosphere 155
      (2016) 170-179].

PMID- 28087153
TI  - Lipoprotein Subfractions in Type 2 Diabetes.

PMID- 28087155
TI  - Population genetic data of 38 insertion-deletion markers in six populations of
      the northern fringe of the Iberian Peninsula.
AB  - Insertion-deletions have been reported very useful markers for forensic purposes.
      To further deepen in this matter, 38 non-coding bi-allelic autosomal indels were
      analyzed in 575 individuals representing six populations from the northern fringe
      of the Iberian Peninsula. Autochthonous populations from the Basque Country,
      northern Navarre, the Pas Valley in Cantabria and Aragon were analyzed, together
      with non-autochthonous populations from the Basque Country and northern Navarre.
      At the intra-population level, all loci analyzed were in Hardy-Weinberg
      equilibrium except for marker rs33917182 in autochthonous Basques. Linkage
      disequilibrium (LD) test did not reveal statistically significant allelic
      association between the different loci pairs in all six populations. Forensic
      parameters proved to be highly informative in the six populations analyzed, even
      if a scenario with population substructure and local inbreeding was considered
      for match probability calculations, and the potential of this indels set to be
      used in combination with other genetic markers is remarkable. As for inter
      population analyses, in general terms the six populations showed low but
      statistically significant genetic distances. However, though this indels set
      efficiently differentiate between main ancestries, it does not allow an accurate
      separation at a local level and, for the time being, their combination with other
      informative markers is needed to maximize the power to accurately differentiate
      populations with close genetic ancestry.

PMID- 28087154
TI  - Evaluation of Serial High Sensitivity Troponin T Levels in Individuals Without
      Overt Coronary Heart Disease Following Exercise Stress Testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Detectable levels of high sensitivity (cardiac) troponin T (HsTnT),
      occur in the majority of patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD), and
      often in 'healthy' individuals. Extreme physical activity may lead to marked
      elevations in creatine kinase MB and TnT levels. However, whether HsTnT
      elevations occur commonly after exercise stress testing (EST), and if so, whether
      this has clinical significance, needs clarification. METHODS: To determine
      whether HsTnT levels become elevated after EST (Bruce protocol) to >=95% of
      predicted maximum heart rate in presumed healthy subjects without overt CHD, we
      assayed HsTnT levels for ~5h post-EST in 105 subjects (median age 37 years).
      RESULTS: Pre-EST HsTnT levels <5 ng/L were present in 31/32 (97%) of females and
      52/74 (70%) of males. Post-EST, 13 (12%) subjects developed HsTnT levels >14
      ng/L, with troponin elevation occurring at least three hours post-EST.
      Additionally, a detectable >= 50% increase in HsTnT levels (4.9->9ng/L) occurred
      in 28 (27%) of subjects who during EST achieved >= 95% of their predicted target
      heart rate. The median age of the subjects with HsTnT elevations to > 14ng/L post
      EST was higher than those without such elevation (42 and 36 years respectively;
      p=0.038). At a median follow-up of 13 months no adverse events were recorded.
      CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that detectable elevations occur in
      HsTnT post-EST in 'healthy' subjects without overt CHD. Future studies should
      evaluate the clinical significance of detectable elevations in post-EST HsTnT
      with long-term follow-up for adverse cardiac events.

PMID- 28087156
TI  - French national consensus clinical guidelines for the management of Crohn's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and disabling condition. There is
      no curative medical treatment but current treatments provide increasingly
      sustainable control of the disease and allow patients a better quality of life.
      There is limited evidence supporting CD management in specific clinical
      situations, thus precluding an evidence-based approach. AIMS: To help clinicians
      in making informed treatment decisions, a group of 59 French gastroenterologists
      with experience in the management of CD met to develop straightforward and
      practical algorithms based on the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation
      (ECCO) recommendations. METHODS: This experts' opinion was developed following a
      Nominal Group consensus methodology. Nine clinical situations were identified:
      mildly active CD; uncomplicated moderately active CD, with, and without poor
      prognostic factors; uncomplicated severely active CD; perianal CD with a single
      fistula; perianal CD with complex fistula with or without abscess; complicated CD
      with abscess; intestinal stricture; and post-operative CD. Two working groups
      were formed and proposed algorithms that were then approved by a two-thirds
      majority of the Nominal Group. RESULTS: These algorithms represent the pragmatic
      consensus of a group of experts in gastroenterology on the modalities of
      therapeutic care in different clinical situations in CD. They are available via a
      web application at: www.algorithmici.com.

PMID- 28087157
TI  - The association of blood urea nitrogen levels with mortality in acute pulmonary
      embolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of BUN
      levels with in-hospital and long-term adverse clinical outcomes in acute
      pulmonary embolism (APE) patients treated with tissue-plasminogen activator (t
      PA). METHODS: This retrospective study included 252 consecutive confirmed APE
      patients treated with t-PA. An admission BUN of 34.5 mg/dL was identified through
      an ROC analysis as an optimal cutoff value to predict the in-hospital mortality
      with 85% sensitivity and 91% specificity (AUC: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84-0.96; P<.001).
      RESULTS: Our study showed that an increase in BUN levels was independently
      associated with a high risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality, low admission
      systolic blood pressure, use of inotropic drugs, and cardiogenic shock. In
      hospital mortality rates were 51.1% in higher BUN group, and 1.9% in lower BUN
      group (P<.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, elevated admission BUN level was found
      to be a predictor of all-cause in-hospital mortality. BUN testing is commonly
      part of the basic metabolic panel; and it can be used to detect high-risk
      patients with APE, and it bears little risk, is inexpensive, and easy to perform.

PMID- 28087158
TI  - Echocardiographic approach to cardiac tamponade in critically ill patients.
AB  - Cardiac tamponade should be considered in a critically ill patient in whom the
      cause of haemodynamic shock is unclear. When considering tamponade, transthoracic
      echocardiography plays an essential role and is the initial investigation of
      choice. Diagnostic sensitivity of transthoracic echocardiography is dependent on
      image quality, and in some cases a transoesophageal approach may be required to
      confirm the diagnosis. Knowledge of the pathophysiology and echocardiographic
      features of cardiac tamponade are essential for the practicing Intensivist. This
      review presents an approach to the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of
      cardiac tamponade in critically ill patients.

PMID- 28087159
TI  - The Direct Anterior Approach for Complex Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: The
      Extensile Acetabular Approach on a Regular Operating Room Table.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach on a regular operating room table has
      been reported with low dislocation rates. This might be beneficial for complex
      primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) such as in patients with cerebral palsy or
      following femoral or pelvic osteotomies. Extending the approach is often required
      to overcome problems such as acetabular deformities or severe contractures.
      METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the results and complications of 29
      patients with 37 complex primary THA in which an extensile approach was used. The
      extensile approach is described. Functional scores were collected in case the
      patient was ambulatory independently (n = 17). RESULTS: The average age was 35
      years (range 15-85) with a mean follow-up of 39 months (range 12-60). There were
      3 (8%) intra-operative and 4 (11%) early post-operative complications (<3
      months), of which 3 (8%) were anterior dislocations. Late complications (>3
      months) consisted of a fibrous ingrown stem, a socket loosening following a
      pelvic fracture, and a late hematogenous infection (8%). Seventy-one percent of
      the complications occurred in the first 18 cases (49%) indicating a learning
      curve. The mean post-operative Harris Hip Score was 79 (range 56-97). CONCLUSION:
      Complex THA can be safely conducted through the extensile anterior approach on a
      regular operating room table with the use of conventional implants, even in cases
      with a high risk of dislocation.

PMID- 28087160
TI  - MRI, Retrieval Analysis, and Histologic Evaluation of Adverse Local Tissue
      Reaction in Metal-on-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The severity and location of adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR)
      seen in metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not well described.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent a
      revision THA using our biomechanics database. We included all patients who
      underwent revision surgery for the diagnosis of ALTR with THA implants that had
      modularity solely at the head-neck junction and excluded patients with implant
      modularity at sites other than the head-neck junction. Magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) was evaluated by a fellowship-trained radiologist who specializes in
      evaluating metal artifact reducing MRI sequences to quantify the ALTR lesions.
      Histology was evaluated for findings of ALTR using the Campbell score. RESULTS:
      We identified 11 patients in the database. Eight patients had an MRI ALTR grade
      of severe and 7 did based on the histology score. The mean synovial volume was
      218,658 mm3 (range 23,461-451,435 mm3) with a mean maximal synovial thickness of
      15.3 mm (range 3-34.3 mm). A disruptive infiltration of the abductors due to
      pseudocapsule invasion was seen in 67% of the patients with 3 not having abductor
      involvement. Mean preoperative cobalt and chromium levels were 5.4 ppb (range 1
      12.3 ppb) and 1.1 ppb (range 0.6-2.4 ppb), respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients
      with ALTR from head-neck junction corrosion in metal-on-polyethylene THA may
      present with large pseudotumors that have previously been under appreciated. Mean
      preoperative serum cobalt and chromium ion levels remained relatively low, and
      MRI was an effective way to characterize the size and location of these lesions.

PMID- 28087161
TI  - Effect of Acetabular Position on Polyethylene Liner Wear Measured Using
      Simultaneous Biplanar Acquisition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies that have previously examined the relationship between
      acetabular component inclination angle and polyethylene wear have shown increased
      wear of conventional polyethylene with high inclination angles. To date, there
      are no long-term in vivo studies examining the correlation between cup position
      and polyethylene wear with highly crosslinked polyethylene. METHODS: An
      institutional arthroplasty database was used to identify patients who had metal
      on-highly crosslinked polyethylene primary total hip arthroplasty using the same
      component design with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. A modified
      radiostereometric analysis examination setup was utilized, recreating standard
      anteroposterior and cross-table lateral examinations in a single stereo
      radiostereometric analysis acquisition. The same radiographs were used to measure
      inclination angle and anteversion. RESULTS: A total of 43 hips were included for
      analysis in this study. Average follow-up was 12.3 +/- 1.2 years. The average
      linear wear rate was calculated to be 0.066 +/- 0.066 mm/y. Inclination angle was
      not correlated with polyethylene wear rate (P = .82). Anteversion was also not
      correlated with polyethylene wear rate (P = .11). CONCLUSION: At long-term follow
      up of >10 years, highly crosslinked polyethylene has a very low wear rate. This
      excellent tribology is independent of acetabular position. The low wear rate
      highlights the excellent results of metal on highly crosslinked polyethylene, and
      supports its use in total hip arthroplasty.

PMID- 28087163
TI  - Clinical Studies of Ex Vivo Expansion to Accelerate Engraftment After Umbilical
      Cord Blood Transplantation: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Cell dose limits greater use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) in hematopoietic cell
      transplantation. The clinical benefits of ex vivo expansion need clarity to
      understand its potential impact. A systematic search of studies addressing UCB ex
      vivo expansion was conducted. Fifteen clinical studies (349 transplanted
      patients) and 13 registered trials were identified. The co-infusion of an
      expanded unit and a second unmanipulated unit (8 studies), the fractional
      expansion of 12% to 60% of a single unit (5 studies), and the infusion of a
      single expanded unit (2 studies) were reported. More recently, published studies
      and 12 of 13 ongoing trials involve the use of novel small molecules in addition
      to traditional cytokine cocktails. Higher total cell number was closely
      associated with faster neutrophil engraftment. Compared with historical controls,
      neutrophil engraftment was significantly accelerated in more recent studies using
      small molecules or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) co-culture, and in some cases,
      platelet recovery was also statistically improved. Recent studies using
      nicotinamide and StemRegenin-1 reported long-term chimerism of the expanded unit.
      No significant improvement in survival or other transplant-related outcomes was
      demonstrated for any of the strategies. Ex vivo expansion of UCB can accelerate
      initial neutrophil engraftment after transplant. More recent studies suggest that
      long-term engraftment of ex vivo expanded cord blood units is achievable. Results
      of larger randomized controlled trials are needed to understand the impact on
      patient outcomes and health care costs.

PMID- 28087162
TI  - miR-24 Inhibition Increases Menin Expression and Decreases Cholangiocarcinoma
      Proliferation.
AB  - Menin (MEN1) is a tumor-suppressor protein in neuroendocrine tissue. Therefore,
      we tested the novel hypothesis that menin regulates cholangiocarcinoma
      proliferation. Menin and miR-24 expression levels were measured in the following
      intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell lines, Mz-ChA-1, TFK
      1, SG231, CCLP, HuCCT-1, and HuH-28, as well as the nonmalignant human
      intrahepatic biliary line, H69. miR-24 miRNA and menin protein levels were
      manipulated in vitro in Mz-ChA-1 cell lines. Markers of proliferation and
      angiogenesis (Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factors A/C, vascular
      endothelial growth factor receptors 2/3, angiopoietin 1/2, and angiopoietin
      receptors 1/2) were evaluated. Mz-ChA-1 cells were injected into the flanks of
      nude mice and treated with miR-24 inhibitor or inhibitor scramble. Menin
      expression was decreased in advanced CCA specimens, whereas miR-24 expression was
      increased in CCA. Menin overexpression decreased proliferation, angiogenesis,
      migration, and invasion. Inhibition of miR-24 increased menin protein expression
      while decreasing proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion. miR-24 was
      shown to negatively regulate menin expression by luciferase assay. Tumor burden
      and expression of proliferative and angiogenic markers was decreased in the miR
      24 inhibited tumor group compared to controls. Interestingly, treated tumors were
      more fibrotic than the control group. miR-24-dependent expression of menin may be
      important in the regulation of nonmalignant and CCA proliferation and may be an
      additional therapeutic tool for managing CCA progression.

PMID- 28087164
TI  - Anatomic study and electromyographic analysis of the teres minor muscle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The teres minor muscle is a focused topic on the treatment of massive
      rotator cuff tears and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Its precise anatomy
      and function have not been completely investigated. The purposes of this study
      were to anatomically investigate the muscle and analyze electromyographic (EMG)
      activities during shoulder motion. METHODS: This anatomic study used 20 shoulders
      from deceased donors (mean age, 75.0 years). EMG data were recorded from 10
      healthy volunteers (mean age, 21.7 years) during flexion, abduction, and external
      rotations at 0 degrees  of abduction, at 90 degrees  of abduction, and at 90
      degrees  of flexion in their dominant arms synchronized with a computerized 3
      dimensional motion analysis system. RESULTS: The muscle in all specimens
      consisted of 2 distinct muscular bundles: the upper and lower portions. The upper
      portion attached to the round area of the greater tuberosity, and the lower
      portion inserted into the linear shaped area. Both portions were independent in
      their origins, insertions, and innervation. The muscle engaged force during each
      shoulder motion. EMG activities of abduction and the 3 forms of external rotation
      were similar. Maximal voluntary contraction in the 3 forms of external rotation
      was 32% in maximum external rotation in the neutral position, 25% in flexion, and
      40% in abduction. CONCLUSIONS: The teres minor consists of independent upper and
      lower portions. The muscle engages force in all ranges of 5 shoulder motions, and
      maximum external rotation in abduction is a reliable method to evaluate potential
      activity of the muscle.

PMID- 28087165
TI  - Radiographic comparison of adolescent athletes with elbow osteochondritis
      dissecans to ulnar collateral ligament injuries and controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are excellent data supporting recommendations to prevent elbow
      injuries (osteochondritis dissecans [OCD] and ulnar collateral ligament [UCL]
      injuries), such as pitch count and pitch type in baseball, but anatomic risk
      factors have not been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to evaluate
      radiographic measurements in adolescents with elbow OCD lesions or UCL injuries
      and controls. METHODS: We retrospectively identified adolescent patients between
      2011 and 2016 with isolated capitellum OCD, UCL tear, or normal elbows based on
      magnetic resonance imaging. Nineteen patients (mean age, 13.5 years) had isolated
      OCD defects of the capitellum, 8 patients (mean age, 16.9 years) had isolated UCL
      complete tear, and the remaining 16 patients (mean age, 14.6 years) were normal
      controls. Radiographic measurements from corresponding anterior-posterior elbow
      radiographs were taken, including carrying angle, distal humeral articular
      surface angle, and radial neck-shaft angle. On the lateral radiograph, anterior
      angulation of the articular surface of distal humerus was measured. RESULTS:
      Significant differences were observed in carrying angle between controls (15.7
      degrees ) and OCD patients (11.6 degrees ; P = .03) as well as between controls
      and UCL patients (10.3 degrees , P = .02), with the OCD and UCL patients tending
      to be in more varus. Significant differences were also found between controls
      (88.5 degrees ) and OCD patients (93.6 degrees ; P = .01) and between controls
      and UCL patients (93.3 degrees ; P = .03) in distal humeral articular surface
      angle, with OCD and UCL patients with increased valgus at the distal humerus
      articular surface. There were no significant differences between groups in radial
      neck-shaft angle or anterior angulation of articular surface of distal humerus.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OCD and UCL injuries have anatomic differences
      compared with normal controls that can be measured radiographically.

PMID- 28087166
TI  - Future surgery after revision shoulder arthroplasty: the impact of unexpected
      positive cultures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical implications and treatment of unexpected positive
      cultures (UPCs) in revision shoulder arthroplasty are not well defined. The
      purpose of this study was to describe results of patients with and without UPCs
      after revision shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: A single institutional database
      was used to retrospectively identify all revision shoulder arthroplasties
      performed between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013. Patients with
      preoperative suspicion of infection were excluded. Multivariable regression
      analysis was used to identify risk factors for future surgery after revision
      shoulder arthroplasty. RESULTS: There were 117 revision shoulder arthroplasties
      without preoperative suspicion of infection. There were 28 of 117 (23.9%) with
      UPCs, of which 15 (57.1%) were Propionibacterium acnes; 18 of 28 (64.3%) patients
      received antibiotics for 6 weeks postoperatively without complications compared
      with 10 of 28 (35.7%) who received a routine 2-week empirical antibiotic regimen;
      2 of 28 (7.1%) patients with UPCs required future surgery, and only 1 (3.6%) had
      a recurrent infection. Comparatively, 18 of 89 (20.2%) patients without UPCs (P =
      .109) required 25 additional surgeries. Average time to UPC was 4.3 years after
      index revision. Multivariable regression analysis of patient demographics,
      comorbidities, surgical procedure, and presence of UPCs found no independent
      predictors of reoperation. DISCUSSION: Nearly one-quarter of our institution's
      revision shoulder arthroplasties had UPCs. The patients without UPCs had a
      nonsignificantly higher risk of reoperation compared with those with UPCs. We did
      not identify clinical or demographic variables that independently correlated with
      reoperation. Further study will be necessary to determine the true clinical
      benefit of routine culture acquisition in cases with low suspicion for prosthetic
      joint infection.

PMID- 28087168
TI  - Synthesis, structure-activity relationships studies of benzoxazinone derivatives
      as alpha-chymotrypsin inhibitors.
AB  - A series of benzoxazinones 1-28 were synthesized via reaction of anthranilic acid
      with various substituted benzoyl chlorides in the presence of triethylamine in
      chloroform. Compounds 1-18 showed a good inhibition of alpha-chymotrypsin with
      IC50+/-SEM values between 6.5 and 341.1MUM. Preliminary structure-activity
      relationships studies indicated that the presence of substituents on benzene ring
      reduces the inhibitory potential of benzoxazinone. Also the increased inhibitory
      potential due to fluoro group at phenyl substituent was observed followed by
      chloro and bromo substituents. Compounds with strong electron donating or
      withdrawing groups on phenyl substituent, showed a good inhibitory potential at
      ortho>meta>para position. Kinetics studies showed diverse types of inhibition,
      except uncompetitive-type inhibition. The Ki values ranged between 4.7 and
      341.2MUM. Interestingly, most of these compounds were non-cytotoxic to 3T3 cell
      line at 30MUM, except compounds 6, 14 and 15. Competitive inhibitors of
      chymotrypsin are like to inhibit other alpha-chymotrypsin-like serine proteases
      due to structural and functional similarities between them. The inhibitors
      identified during the current study deserve to be further studied for their
      therapeutic potential against abnormalities mediated by chymotrypsin or other
      serine protease.

PMID- 28087167
TI  - Lingering Questions about Enhancer RNA and Enhancer Transcription-Coupled Genomic
      Instability.
AB  - Intergenic and intragenic enhancers found inside topologically associated
      regulatory domains (TADs) express noncoding RNAs, known as enhancer RNAs (eRNAs).
      Recent studies have indicated these eRNAs play a role in gene regulatory networks
      by controlling promoter and enhancer interactions and topology of higher-order
      chromatin structure. Misregulation of enhancer and promoter associated noncoding
      RNAs (ncRNAs) could stabilize deleterious secondary DNA structures, noncoding RNA
      associated DNA/RNA hybrid formation, and promote collisions of transcription
      complexes with replisomes. It is revealing that many chromosomal aberrations,
      some associated with malignancies, are present inside enhancer and/or promoter
      sequences. Here, we expand on current concepts to discuss enhancer RNAs and
      enhancer transcription, and how enhancer transcription influences genomic
      organization and integrity.

PMID- 28087169
TI  - Antibiotic knowledge and self-medication practices in a developing country: A
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-medication is identified by the World Health Organization as a
      major factor leading to antibiotics overuse, misuse and resistance. This study's
      objectives were to evaluate the knowledge and self-medication with antibiotics in
      a sample of the population of Lebanon. METHODS: This study surveyed a sample of
      adults (over 18 years of age) residing in 2 major cities in Lebanon about their
      knowledge and self-medication with antibiotics. Health care professionals were
      excluded from the study. RESULTS: Four hundred questionnaires were completed. Of
      the responders, 72% were between 18 and 45 years of age with an overall 86%
      having completed at least high school. For their knowledge about antibiotics, 61%
      thought that antibiotics should be taken for common cold and 83% knew that misuse
      of antibiotics could result in microbial resistance. Self-medication
      significantly correlated with a lower educational level (P = .036). Those with
      lower knowledge about antibiotics stopped antibiotics at the inappropriate time
      (P = .002). Socioeconomic status, gender and age did not correlate with self
      medication. CONCLUSION: Self-medication was associated with a person's
      educational level and knowledge of antibiotics. Awareness campaigns and enforcing
      medication dispensing laws are needed in to avoid self-medication with
      antibiotics.

PMID- 28087170
TI  - Clostridium difficile rates in asymptomatic and symptomatic hospitalized patients
      using nucleic acid testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Clostridium difficile rate in symptomatic patients represents
      both those with C. difficile infection (CDI) and those with colonization. To
      predict the extent of CDI overdiagnosis, we compared the asymptomatic
      colonization rate to the symptomatic positivity rate in hospitalized patients
      using nucleic acid testing. METHODS: Between July 2014 and April 2015, formed
      stool samples were collected from asymptomatic patients after admission to 3
      hospital wards at the Stanford Hospital. Stool samples from symptomatic patients
      with suspected CDI in the same wards were collected for testing per provider
      order. The GeneXpert C. difficile tcdB polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay
      (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) was performed on all stool samples and PCR cycle
      threshold was used as a measure of genomic equivalents. Chart review was
      performed to obtain clinical history and medication exposure. RESULTS: We found
      an asymptomatic C. difficile carriage rate of 11.8% (43/365) (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 8.5-15.1%) and a positivity rate in symptomatic patients of 15.4%
      (54/351) (95% CI, 11.6-19.2%; P=0.19). The median PCR cycle thresholds was not
      significantly different between asymptomatic carriers and symptomatic positives
      (29.5 versus 27.3; P=0.07). Among asymptomatic patients, 11.6% (5/43) of carriers
      and 8.4% (27/322; P=0.56) of noncarriers subsequently became symptomatic CDI
      suspects within the same hospitalization. Single and multivariate analysis did
      not identify any demographic or clinical factors as being significantly
      associated with C. difficile carriage. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic C. difficile
      carriage rate was similar to symptomatic positivity rate. This suggests the
      majority of PCR-positive results in symptomatic patients are likely due to C.
      difficile colonization. Disease-specific biomarkers are needed to accurately
      diagnose patients with C. difficile disease.

PMID- 28087171
TI  - A propensity score-matched analysis of the impact of minimum inhibitory
      concentration on mortality in patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia
      treated with cefepime or ceftazidime.
AB  - The United States Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recently elected
      not to revise ceftazidime and cefepime Pseudomonas aeruginosa minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) susceptibility breakpoints but rather recommended specific
      dosage regimens to correspond to breakpoints. This study's objective was to
      examine mortality of low and high MIC P. aeruginosa isolates in bacteremic
      patients treated with cefepime or ceftazidime. Data were gathered through a
      Veterans Health Administration national administrative database for veterans with
      P. aeruginosa blood cultures who received cefepime or ceftazidime. Seventy-four
      patients in the low MIC (<=2 MUg/mL) group and 29 patients in the high (4-8
      MUg/mL) MIC group were included. Independent baseline variables associated with
      30-day all-cause mortality were determined through multivariate analysis to
      calculate propensity scores and perform matching. All-cause 30-day mortality was
      not statistically significant between the 2 resultant propensity score-matched
      groups (17.2% mortality in the low MIC group versus 27.6% in the high MIC group;
      P=0.34). Data suggested that P. aeruginosa bacteremia episodes where the
      cephalosporin MIC = 8 MUg/mL may have higher mortality, however this may be
      reflective of higher propensity scores. Our study suggests that it is reasonable
      to designate a cefepime or ceftazidime MIC <=8 MUg/mL as susceptible for P.
      aeruginosa bacteremia infections, but potential suboptimal outcomes in episodes
      for which the P. aeruginosa MIC is 8 MUg/mL may need further investigation.

PMID- 28087172
TI  - Endothelial function impairment in STEMI patients with out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest under therapeutic hypothermia treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic hypothermia (HT) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest STEMI
      patients aims to improve their neurological prognosis, but it has been associated
      with slow coronary flow and cardiac thrombotic events. We sought to serially
      assess endothelial function during the first 48h after admission in out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest STEMI patients, under therapeutic hypothermia (HT).
      METHODS: From January 2015 to August 2015, eighteen consecutive out-of-hospital
      cardiac arrest STEMI patients eligible for primary PCI received HT at admission
      and were included in the study (HT group). During the same time period, eight
      consecutive patients with large anterior STEMI who received primary PCI but not
      HT were included as control group. Serial endothelial function by measuring flow
      mediated dilatation (FMD) in the brachial artery, biomarkers of endothelial
      function and oxidative stress were assessed during the first 48h after admission
      in both groups. RESULTS: HT group showed worse FMD as compared to the control
      group (p<0.001). Glutathione peroxidase-3 (GPx-3) values were higher in control
      as compared to HT group (p=0.019), without any interaction between time of
      observation and HT (p=0.864). A significant interaction between time and HT was
      found in the levels of sVCAM-1, which reached an earlier peak in control than in
      HT group (p=0.019). ET-1 values generally increase overtime (p=0.005), but
      without any main effect of HT (p=0.175). CONCLUSIONS: HT is associated with
      endothelial dysfunction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest STEMI patients during
      the first 48h after admission. This vascular dysfunction may be related to
      increased oxidative stress due to deficiency of GPx-3 in HT patients.

PMID- 28087174
TI  - HGDB: A web retrieving cardiovascular-associated gene data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of data obtained from high throughput techniques in genetics
      studies is an essential subject in biology. The system approaches of networking
      and enriching may improve the data management. Here, we annotated the molecular
      features for cardiovascular-associated genes and presented the HGDB search-based
      database (www.hgdb.ir). METHODS: The initial seed data was primarily used from
      Gene Ontology and was automatically enriched with other molecular features. The
      data was managed in a SQL popular and open source. RESULTS: The search tabs on
      the HGDB homepage were applied for ID/Name Gene, chromosome, cell organelle and
      all gene options. The search results were presented on the gene text-based and
      source link-based descriptions. CONCLUSIONS: The HGDB is a friendly website to
      present gene data in the cardiovascular field.

PMID- 28087173
TI  - At the heart of the problem - A person-centred, developmental perspective on the
      link between alcohol consumption and cardio-vascular events.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The cardio-protective effect of alcohol has been the subject of a
      long-standing scientific controversy. Emerging evidence remains equivocal, as the
      validity of the dose-dependent J-shape association is tainted by conceptual,
      theoretical and methodological problems. A major impediment for a resolution on
      the matter is the lack of a life-long developmental approach to pinpoint
      alcohol's specific impact on the risk for cardio-vascular events (CVE).
      OBJECTIVE: Using retrospective and prospective individual-level data of alcohol
      consumption (AC) we applied a model-based clustering technique to uncover life
      course trajectories of AC and explored their links to CVE. METHODS: Data stemmed
      from a random sub-cohort of a large-scale, longitudinal study conducted in the
      Netherlands (N=2288). Group Based Trajectory Model (GBTM) was applied to extract
      distinct progressions of AC over time. Stratified by sex, the association between
      the developmental trajectories and CVE was examined with multiple logistic
      regression models, with adjustment for traditional risk factors. RESULTS: GBTM
      analysis laid bare the heterogeneity of AC dynamics over the life-course,
      reiterating sex differences in drinking habits and CVE risk. AC temporal
      behaviors during adolescence and adulthood were diverse, but showed relative
      stability in in middle-age and elderly years. For males, adjusted odds for CVE
      differed among the uncovered developmental classes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      elicited supportive evidence for a J-shape, but with a new twist. Besides
      moderation the results indicate that onset, timing, duration and stability of AC
      over the life-course are major aspects to be accounted for when attempting to
      elucidate alcohol's cardio-vascular role.

PMID- 28087175
TI  - Continuous improvement in outcome after heart transplantation - Long-term follow
      up after three decades of experience.
AB  - AIMS: Heart transplantation (HTx) has become the standard treatment for patients
      with end-stage heart disease. We report on the long-term outcome after HTx at our
      centre and investigate trends in outcome over time. METHODS: During the period,
      between 1984 and 2014, a total of 610 HTx procedures were performed in 595
      patients (median 48years; IQR 31-57years; range 24days-71years; mean 43years; 75%
      male) in our institution. Long-term outcome was investigated in the whole cohort,
      among children (n=76), bridged with mechanical circulatory support (MCS, n=131),
      re-transplanted (n=17), and concomitant kidney transplantation (n=12). RESULTS:
      Long-term survival was at 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20years: 86% (95CI 0.83-0.89); 77%
      (95CI 0.73-0.80); 63% (95CI 0.59-0.68); 48% (95CI 0.43-0.54) and 30% (95CI 0.25
      0.36), respectively. The median survival for the whole cohort was 14.1years.
      Patients transplanted during the most recent time period (2010-2014) had a better
      survival compared to previous eras, with a 1- and 3-year survival of 94% (95CI
      0.89-0.97) and 93% (95CI 0.88-0.96), respectively (p<0.001). However, when
      survival was analysed for long-term MCS (n=80) versus short term MCS (n=35),
      there was a significantly poorer survival for the short-term MCS group (p=0.001).
      Independent predictors of long-term mortality included recipient age (p=0.041);
      previous smoking (p=0.034); ischemic heart disease (p=0.002); and preoperative
      ventilator therapy (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that continuous
      improvement in outcome after HTx still occurs. In the last time era, direct
      transplantation from short-term MCS was abandoned, which may have inflicted
      outcome during the last time era.

PMID- 28087177
TI  - Lymphocytic myocarditis occurs with myocardial infarction and coincides with
      increased inflammation, hemorrhage and instability in coronary artery
      atherosclerotic plaques.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although lymphocytic myocarditis (LM) clinically can mimic myocardial
      infarction (MI), they are regarded as distinct clinical entities. However, we
      observed a high prevalence (32%) of recent MI in patients diagnosed post-mortem
      with LM. To investigate if LM changes coronary atherosclerotic plaque, we
      analyzed in autopsied hearts the inflammatory infiltrate and stability in
      coronary atherosclerotic lesions in patients with LM and/or MI. METHODS: The
      three main coronary arteries were isolated at autopsy of patients with LM, with
      MI of 3-6h old, with LM and MI of 3-6h old (LM+MI) and controls. In tissue
      sections of atherosclerotic plaque-containing coronary segments inflammatory
      infiltration, plaque stability, intraplaque hemorrhage and thrombi were
      determined via (immuno)histological criteria. RESULTS: In tissue sections of
      those coronary segments the inflammatory infiltrate was found to be significantly
      increased in patients with LM, LM+MI and MI compared with controls. This
      inflammatory infiltrate consisted predominantly of macrophages and neutrophils in
      patients with only LM or MI, of lymphocytes in LM+MI and MI patients and of mast
      cells in LM+MI patients. Moreover, in LM+MI and MI patients this coincided with
      an increase of unstable plaques and thrombi. Finally, LM and especially MI and
      LM+MI patients showed significantly increased intraplaque hemorrhage.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates prevalent co-occurrence of LM with a very
      recent MI at autopsy. Moreover, LM was associated with remodeling and
      inflammation of atherosclerotic plaques indicative of plaque destabilization
      pointing to coronary spasm, suggesting that preexistent LM, or its causes, may
      facilitate the development of MI.

PMID- 28087176
TI  - Carotid plaque detection improves the predictive value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in
      patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: The ARAPACIS Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vascular disease (VD), as assessed by history of myocardial
      infarction or peripheral artery disease or aortic plaque, increases stroke risk
      in atrial fibrillation (AF), and is a component of risk assessment using the
      CHA2DS2-VASc score. We investigated if systemic atherosclerosis as detected by
      ultrasound carotid plaque (CP) could improve the predictive value of the CHA2DS2
      VASc score. METHODS: We analysed data from the ARAPACIS study, an observational
      study including 2027 Italian patients with non-valvular AF, in whom CP was
      detected using Doppler Ultrasonography. RESULTS: VD was reported in 351 (17.3%)
      patients while CP was detected in 16.6% patients. Adding CP to the VD definition
      leaded to higher VD prevalence (30.9%). During a median [IQR] follow-up time of
      36months, 56 (2.8%) stroke/TIA events were recorded. Survival analysis showed
      that conventional VD alone did not increase the risk of stroke (Log-Rank: 0.009,
      p=0.924), while addition of CP to conventional VD was significantly associated to
      an increased risk of stroke (LR: 5.730, p=0.017). Cox regression analysis showed
      that VD+CP was independently associated with stroke (HR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.05-3.01,
      p=0.0318). Reclassification analysis showed that VD+CP allowed a significant risk
      reclassification when compared to VD alone in predicting stroke at 36months (NRI:
      0.192, 95% CI: 0.028-0.323, p=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: In non-valvular AF patients
      the addition of ultrasound detection of carotid plaque to conventional VD
      significantly increases the predictive value of CHA2DS2-VASc score for stroke.

PMID- 28087178
TI  - Acupuncture for serum uric acid in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia: A
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia (HUA) is the most common disease associated with
      cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and kidney disease. The
      objective of the current study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy,
      mechanism, and safety of acupuncture on serum uric acid in patients with
      asymptomatic HUA. METHODS: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial among 123
      patients with asymptomatic HUA was conducted. The acupoints used in the
      acupuncture group were bilateral Five Shu in Spleen Meridian. Each participant
      received the intervention once daily for 10 consecutive days. The sham group
      received the same treatment duration on the same acupoints by the Park Sham
      Device. All patients underwent measurements of serum or urine creatinine, uric
      acid, serum lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, xanthine oxidase (XOD)
      and urate-anion exchanger (URAT-1). RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, the
      individuals in the acupuncture group were found to have significantly less levels
      of serum uric acid than those in the sham group [(453+/-65 vs. 528+/-81) MUmol/L,
      p<0.01]. Acupuncture was effective on increasing the urine uric acid level, urine
      pH value and 24-hour urine volume than the sham treatment (p<0.05 for all).
      Interestingly, acupuncture significantly decreased the level of URAT-1 (p<0.01)
      but not XOD than that of the sham intervention. The adverse events were that 3
      patients experienced severe pain. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture on Five Shu in Spleen
      Meridian appeared to be safe and efficacious for decreasing serum uric acid in a
      Chinese HUA patient population. The mechanism might be associated with the
      decrease level of enzyme URAT-1. CHINESE CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-TRC
      13004122.

PMID- 28087179
TI  - Value of serum N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide in asymptomatic structural
      heart disease in Taiwanese population: Comparisons with current ESC Guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT
      proBNP) and cardiac structural or functional anomalies in pre-clinical,
      asymptomatic Asian populations has not been well identified. METHODS: From
      October 2005 to March 2008, we enrolled consecutive asymptomatic adults with
      preserved global left ventricular (LV) function (ejection fraction>50%) who
      underwent annual cardiovascular health survey. Circulating NT-proBNP was used to
      identify echo-defined cardiac structural/functional anomalies and compared to
      current recommended cut-off from the European Society of Heart Failure. RESULTS:
      Among 976 eligible subjects, 371 (38%) had structural heart diseases.
      Echocardiography-based left atrial diameter (Coef: 71.2), diastolic dysfunction
      (Coef: 35.4), and presence of pulmonary hypertension (Coef: 83.1) or valvular
      heart disease (Coef: 56.1, all p<0.05) of any form independently predicted
      circulating NT-ProBNP. NT-ProBNP cut-off values of 32.8 and 115.4pg/ml for
      subjects aged <= and >75years, respectively, demonstrated areas under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.73-0.80) and 0.70 (95%
      CI: 0.52-0.88) for predicting structural or functional anomaly. CONCLUSION: We
      examined the feasibility of NT-ProBNP for identifying cardiac structural and
      functional anomaly in an asymptomatic ethnic Taiwanese population with a
      relatively lower cut-off value, indicating its potential role for pre-clinical
      screening of Asian patients.

PMID- 28087180
TI  - A comparison of HFrEF vs HFpEF's clinical workload and cost in the first year
      following hospitalization and enrollment in a disease management program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Admission with heart failure (HF) is a milestone in the progression
      of the disease, often resulting in higher intensity medical care and ensuing
      readmissions. Whilst there is evidence supporting enrolling patients in a heart
      failure disease management program (HF-DMP), not all reported HF-DMPs have
      systematically enrolled patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
      and there is a scarcity of literature differentiating costs based on HF
      phenotype. METHODS: 1292 consenting, consecutive patients admitted with a primary
      diagnosis of HF were enrolled in a hospital based HF-DMP and categorized as HFpEF
      (EF>=45%) or HFrEF (EF<45%). Hospitalizations, primary care, medications, and DMP
      workload with associated costs were evaluated assessing DMP clinic-visits,
      telephonic contact, medication changes over 1year using a mixture of casemix and
      micro-costing techniques. RESULTS: The total average annual cost per patient was
      marginally higher in patients with HFrEF ?13,011 (12,011, 14,078) than HFpEF,
      ?12,206 (11,009, 13,518). However, emergency non-cardiovascular admission rates
      and average cost per patient were higher in the HFpEF vs HFrEF group (0.46 vs
      0.31 per patient/12months) & ?655 (318, 1073) vs ?584 (396, 812). In the first
      3months of the outpatient HF-DMP the HFrEF population cost more on average ?791
      (764, 819) vs ?693 (660, 728). CONCLUSION: There are greater short-term (3-month)
      costs of HFrEF versus HFpEF as part of a HF-DMP following an admission. However,
      long-term (3-12month) costs of HFpEF are greater because of higher non
      cardiovascular rehospitalisations. As HFpEF becomes the dominant form of HF, more
      work is required in HF-DMPs to address prevention of non-cardiovascular
      rehospitalisations and to integrate hospital based HF-DMPs into primary
      healthcare structures.

PMID- 28087181
TI  - Challenging the 99th percentile: A lower troponin cutoff leads to low mortality
      of chest pain patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rule-out of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction is based on
      consecutive measurements of cardiac troponins using the 99th percentile of the
      respective assay as cutoff. The new ESC guidelines alternatively offer rapid 1h
      algorithms with lower cutoffs than the 99th percentile for rule-out of non-ST
      elevation myocardial infarction. We aimed to compare a recently introduced 1h
      algorithm based on a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI) cutoff of 6ng/L
      at 0h and 1h to the current standard of care using the 99th percentile (27ng/L)
      as cutoff with reference to follow-up events in a large chest pain cohort.
      METHODS: Hs-TnI was measured at three time points (0h, 1h and 3h) in 1625
      patients presenting with suspected myocardial infarction to the emergency
      department of the University-Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Seventy-five
      patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction were excluded from the analysis.
      All-cause mortality, cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction,
      revascularization and cardiac rehospitalization after 12months were assessed.
      RESULTS: Patients ruled out by the 1h algorithm showed significantly less cardiac
      rehospitalizations (12.84% vs. 17.66%; p<0.001), and overall mortality (1.30% vs
      3.46%, p<0.001) compared to using the 99th percentile as cutoff. The majority of
      deaths were caused by non-cardiac reasons. Cardiac deaths were rare using the 1h
      algorithm (0.21%). CONCLUSION: The commonly used 99th percentile as cutoff
      neglects patients with a high risk in the setting of acute chest pain. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02355457).

PMID- 28087182
TI  - Multimorbidity and acute heart failure in internal medicine.
AB  - AIMS: To analyse the characteristics of hospitalized patients for AHF, with
      special attention to the clustering of morbidities. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical
      records of patients, admitted in Internal Medicine due to AHF, during three
      years, were reviewed. The characteristics of patients-episodes were registered
      and key indicators of performance. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was
      used to assess the distribution of morbidities. LR models were used to study
      clinical variables related with death or readmission. The median age was 80y,
      predominantly women and with multiple morbidities. As it was expected, CVRF were
      the main associated comorbidities followed by respiratory diseases, CKD and
      chronic anaemia. In the MCA, all the CVRF clustered around the origin so they
      explained little of the total inertia. Male sex, young age, IHD, obesity and lung
      disease were more common in reduced EF whereas female, older age and thyroid
      disease were more common in preserved EF. The confidence ellipses for death in
      hospitalization or during the follow-up or for readmissions overlapped, so it was
      not possible to identify clusters of morbidities to predict outcomes. The main
      causes for AHF were infections, anaemia and RVR in AF. Nearly 16% died during the
      hospitalization whereas 25.6% died and 56.3% were re-hospitalized during the
      following year after the discharge. Previous or repeated admissions to the
      hospital were the best single predictors for death or readmission. CONCLUSIONS:
      Strategies to control infections, anaemia and AF, in the outpatient settings,
      might help to reduce the burden of AHF, although this remains to be proven.

PMID- 28087183
TI  - Co-expression of tissue factor and IL-6 in immature endothelial cells of cerebral
      cavernous malformations.
AB  - Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are congenital abnormal clusters of
      capillaries that are prone to leaking and thought to result from a disorder of
      endothelial cells. The underlying pathology of CCM is not fully understood. We
      analyzed the expression of tissue factor (TF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in CCMs to
      determine the association of TF and IL-6 with clinical and pathological findings.
      Thirteen cases of operative specimens of sporadic CCMs were included in this
      study. The expression of messenger RNA of TF and IL-6 was assayed and the
      association with clinical factors was investigated. Then, the distribution of TF
      and IL-6 was examined with immunofluorescence. The mRNA expression of TF of CCMs
      was significantly higher than that of the control (p=0.017), and was correlated
      with the number of hemorrhage appearances (p=0.190, rho=0.62). The mRNA
      expression level of IL-6 was significantly correlated with the mRNA expression
      level of TF (p=0.034, rho=0.58). Examination of immunostained sections indicated
      that TF+ cells were also positive for IL-6, and distributed around normal
      endothelial cells. Moreover, the TF+/IL-6+ cells expressed CD31 and VEGFR2. The
      expressions of IL-6 and TF were correlated, and both were present in the same
      immature endothelial cells. TF is elevated in CCM and might mediate progressive
      events. These factors may play a prognostic role in CCM.

PMID- 28087184
TI  - Clinical characteristics of ruptured distal middle cerebral artery aneurysms:
      Review of the literature.
AB  - Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms usually arise at the primary MCA
      bifurcation or trifurcation. Distal MCA aneurysms are rarely considered as
      sources of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It has been reported that
      ruptured distal MCA aneurysms are associated with head trauma, neoplastic emboli,
      arterial dissection, or bacterial infection. We experienced five cases of
      ruptured distal MCA aneurysms and evaluated their clinical characteristics.
      Retrospective analysis of aneurysmal SAH at Kobayashi Neurosurgical Neurological
      Hospital was performed from January, 2004 to December, 2014. Clinical
      characteristics of ruptured distal MCA aneurysms were analyzed using our
      database. Among 191 aneurysmal SAH patients, there were five ruptured distal MCA
      aneurysms. All patients did not have any specific medical problems such as
      infectious disease, head trauma, or cardiac disorders. The incidence of ruptured
      distal MCA aneurysm was higher than expected and was equivalent to 9.4% of the
      total ruptured MCA aneurysms. Strong male predominance (80%) and M2-3 junction
      aneurysm preponderance (80%) were observed. In addition, there were only two
      patients (40%) with intracerebral hematoma in our study. We reported five cases
      of ruptured distal MCA aneurysms. Although ruptured distal MCA aneurysms are
      thought to be rare as sources of aneurysmal SAH, the incidence of ruptured distal
      MCA aneurysm was 9.4% of all ruptured MCA aneurysms in our study. Ruptured distal
      MCA aneurysms should be considered as sources of aneurysmal SAH without
      intracerebral hematoma.

PMID- 28087185
TI  - The filum terminale internum and externum: A comprehensive review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The filum terminale has oven been overlooked in the literature
      probably due to its small size and historical lack of research on its true
      morphology. However, this structure's roll in the tethered cord syndrome has
      become more apparent. Therefore, the current comprehensive review seemed timely.
      METHODS: Using standard search engines, the history, embryology, anatomy,
      pathology and surgery of the filum terminale were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      only recently that the true anatomy and pathological involvement of the filum
      terminale in the tethered cord syndrome have been elucidated.

PMID- 28087186
TI  - Spontaneous subdural haemorrhage due to meningioma in the post-partum setting.
AB  - An acute presentation of a meningioma with spontaneous haemorrhage is rare, with
      mechanisms of haemorrhage remaining unclear. Here, we present a case of a
      meningioma causing spontaneous intra-tumoural and subdural haemorrhage in the
      post-partum setting, to our knowledge not previously described, with review of
      pertinent literature.

PMID- 28087187
TI  - Gender ratio trends over time in multiple sclerosis patients from Argentina.
AB  - : Several studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) suggest a trend of increasing
      disease frequency in women during the last decades. A direct comparison of gender
      ratio trends among MS populations from Argentina remains to be carried out. The
      objective of the study was to compare gender ratio trends, over a 50-year span in
      MS populations from Argentina. METHODS: multicenter study that included patients
      from 14 MS Centers of Argentina. Patients with definite MS with birth years
      ranging from 1940 to 1989 were included. Gender ratios were calculated by five
      decades based on year of birth and were adjusted for the F/M born-alive ratio
      derived from the Argentinean national registry of births. The F/M ratios were
      calculated using a multivariate logistic regression per five decades by the year
      of birth approach. Analyses were performed using Stata 10.1. RESULTS: 1069
      patients were included. Gender ratios showed a significant increase from the
      first to the last decade in the whole MS sample (from 1.8 to 2.7; p value for
      trend=0.023). The Gender ratio did not show differences considering MS subtype.
      CONCLUSION: our study showed a modest increase of the F/M ratio (from 1.8 to 2.7)
      over time among patients affected by MS in Argentina.

PMID- 28087188
TI  - Operative fusion of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: Impact of patient
      demographics.
AB  - Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord
      dysfunction in patients older than age 55, with operative management being a
      widely adopted approach. Previous work has shown that private insurance status,
      gender and patient race are predictive of the operative approach patients receive
      (anterior-only, posterior-only, combined anterior-posterior). The Nationwide
      Inpatient Sample from 2001 to 2010 was used to assess the potential role of
      multilevel CSM as a contributing factor in determining which operative approach
      CSM patients receive, as it is rare for an anterior-only approach to be
      sufficient for CSM patients requiring fusion of four or more involved levels.
      Multivariate analyses revealed that female sex (OR=3.78; 95% CI=2.08-6.89;
      p<0.0001), private insurance (OR=5.02; 95% CI=2.26-11.12; p<0.0001), and elective
      admission type (OR=4.12; 95% CI=1.65-10.32; p=0.0025) were predictive of
      increased receipt of a 3+ level fusion in CSM. No other variables, including
      patient age, race, income, or admission source were predictive of either
      increased or decreased likelihood of receiving fusion of at least three levels
      for CSM. In conclusion, female sex, private insurance status, and elective
      admission type are each independent predictors in CSM for receipt of a 3+ level
      fusion, while patient age, race and income are not. Given the propensity of
      fusions greater than three levels to require posterior approaches and the
      association between posterior CSM approaches and increased morbidity/mortality,
      these findings may prove useful as to which patient demographics are predictive
      of increased morbidity and mortality in operative treatment of CSM.

PMID- 28087189
TI  - Assessment of GAPDH expression by quantitative real time PCR in blood of Moroccan
      AD cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neuroproteomics studies have showed the high affinity interactions
      between GAPDH - beta-amyloid in Alzheimer disease. The aim of our study is to
      complete our previous studies by assessing the mechanism responsible of decreased
      expression of GAPDH protein in the blood of Moroccan AD cases probably due to an
      alteration at the transcriptional level or at the post translational level.
      METHODS: The mRNA expression of GAPDH was assessed by quantitative real time PCR
      in AD cases and healthy controls. RESULTS: Our result revealed a significant
      difference of mRNA expression level of GAPDH in AD cases as compared to healthy
      controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This data is consistent with several studies by
      showing the direct involvement of GAPDH in amyloid aggregation by undergoing
      several modifications, which influence its chemical structure and its biological
      activity.

PMID- 28087190
TI  - Report of a familial case of proatlas segmentation abnormality with late clinical
      onset.
AB  - Although proatlas segmentation abnormalities as developmental remnants around the
      foramen magnum have been reported in postmortem studies, they are rarely
      documented in a clinical setting. This report details the clinical and
      radiological characteristics of a rare case of proatlas segmentation
      abnormalities with clinical onset during the seventh decade of life. This case
      was suspected to have a familial factor. We also review the literature regarding
      this condition.

PMID- 28087191
TI  - Alterations of brain activity in fibromyalgia patients.
AB  - Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome, characterized by widespread
      musculoskeletal pain with diffuse tenderness at multiple tender points. Despite
      intense investigations, the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia remains elusive.
      Evidence shows that it could be due to changes in either the peripheral or
      central nervous system (CNS). For the CNS changes, alterations in the high brain
      area of fibromyalgia patients have been investigated but the definite mechanisms
      are still unclear. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Functional Magnetic
      Resonance (fMRI) have been used to gather evidence regarding the changes of brain
      morphologies and activities in fibromyalgia patients. Nevertheless, due to few
      studies, limited knowledge for alterations in brain activities in fibromyalgia is
      currently available. In this review, the changes in brain activity in various
      brain areas obtained from reports in fibromyalgia patients are comprehensively
      summarized. Changes of the grey matter in multiple regions such as the superior
      temporal gyrus, posterior thalamus, amygdala, basal ganglia, cerebellum,
      cingulate cortex, SII, caudate and putamen from the MRI as well as the increase
      of brain activities in the cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate
      cortex, thalamus, somatosensory cortex, insula in fMRI studies are presented and
      discussed. Moreover, evidence from pharmacological interventions offering
      benefits for fibromyalgia patients by reducing brain activity is presented.
      Because of limited knowledge regarding the roles of brain activity alterations in
      fibromyalgia, this summarized review will encourage more future studies to
      elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved in the brains of these patients.

PMID- 28087192
TI  - Spontaneous peritoneal catheter knot formation: A rare cause of
      ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction.
AB  - Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting remains invaluable in the management of
      hydrocephalus. It is a common procedure that can be complicated by shunt
      malfunction due to infection, blockage and disconnection. Spontaneous peritoneal
      catheter knot formation causing CSF flow obstruction is a rare phenomenon. We
      present a case of a 12years old boy with spontaneous knot formation in the
      peritoneal catheter causing VP shunt obstruction and hydrocephalus.

PMID- 28087193
TI  - Immunohistochemical study of Metallothionein in patients with temporal lobe
      epilepsy.
AB  - Epilepsy is characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures and temporal lobe
      epilepsy (TLE) is the most common serious neurological example of acquired and
      frequent epilepsy. Oxidative stress is recognized as playing a contributing role
      in several neurological disorders, and most recently have been implicated in
      acquired epilepsies. The MTs occur in several brain regions and may serve as
      neuroprotective proteins against reactive oxygen species causing oxidative damage
      and stress. The main aim of this work was to describe the immunohistochemical
      localization of MT in the specimens derived from the patients affected by TLE.
      Histopathological examination showed NeuN, GFAP and MT immunopositive cells that
      were analyzed for determinate in hippocampal and parietal cortex samples. An
      increase in the reactive gliosis associated with increased MT expression was
      observed in patients with TLE.

PMID- 28087194
TI  - Fifth Terrestrial Radioisotopes in Environment - International Conference on
      Environmental Protection (TREICEP).

PMID- 28087195
TI  - Endoepicardial Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation With a New High-density Non
      fluoroscopic Navigation System.

PMID- 28087196
TI  - Improving hospital care of patients with intellectual and developmental
      disabilities.
AB  - People with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (IDD) face
      poorer care and outcomes when hospitalized than patients without IDD. A panel
      discussion Hospital care for individuals with IDD: The Issues and Challenges was
      held at the Annual Conference of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine
      and Dentistry, held in Chicago July 8-10, 2016. Among the panelists were
      representatives from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL and Saint
      Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ who discussed efforts to improve
      hospital care of patients with IDD at their institutions. Systemic changes are
      needed to improve care, however, programs that target improving care for patients
      with IDD are possible within current systems and with current staff who are
      empowered to make changes that improve the quality of care.

PMID- 28087197
TI  - MicroRNA: Defining a new niche in Leukemia.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous short non-coding RNAs found to play key roles
      in the pathogenesis of leukemia. Apart from being traditionally identified as
      modulators of oncogenes, the potential roles of miRNAs seems to be growing with
      novel and recent findings among different subtypes of hematological malignancies.
      Leukemia is one of the earliest malignancies to be linked to abnormal expression
      of miRNAs. However, a clear understanding of the involvement of miRNAs in
      intricate mechanisms of leukemogenesis is still a necessity. This review
      summarizes the multiple roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of leukemia and
      highlights major research findings contributing to these aspects.

PMID- 28087198
TI  - Cloning, characterization and transmission blocking potential of midgut
      carboxypeptidase A in Anopheles stephensi.
AB  - Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) interrupt malaria parasite transmission and
      hence form an important component for malaria eradication. Mosquito midgut
      exopeptidases such as aminopeptidase N & carboxypeptidase B have demonstrated TBV
      potential. In the present study, we cloned and characterized carboxypeptidase A
      (CPA) from the midgut of an important malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi.
      ClustalW amino acid alignment and in silico 3-dimensional structure analysis of
      CPA predicted the presence of active sites involved in zinc and substrate binding
      that are conserved among all the known mosquito species. Real-time PCR analysis
      demonstrated that CPA is predominantly expressed in the midgut throughout the
      mosquito life cycle and that this gene is significantly elevated in P. berghei
      infected mosquitoes compared to uninfected blood-fed controls. The high midgut
      CPA activity correlated with the prominent mRNA levels observed. Peptide-based
      anti-CPA antibodies were raised that cross-reacted specifically to ~48kDa and
      ~37kDa bands, which correspond to zymogen and active forms of CPA. Further, the
      addition of CPA-directed antibodies to P. berghei-containing blood meal
      significantly reduced the mosquito infection rate in the test group compared to
      control and blocked the parasite development in the midgut. These results support
      further development of A. stephensi CPA as a candidate TBV.

PMID- 28087199
TI  - Posttraumatic hemothorax with active bleeding: A dual origin from intercostal and
      pulmonary arteries should be considered.

PMID- 28087200
TI  - Adolescent depression and the treatment gap.

PMID- 28087201
TI  - Reduction in adolescent depression after contact with mental health services: a
      longitudinal cohort study in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the association between service contact and
      subsequent mental health in adolescents is scarce, and previous findings are
      mixed. We aimed to longitudinally assess the extent to which depressive symptoms
      in adolescents change after contact with mental health services. METHODS: As part
      of a longitudinal cohort study, between April 28, 2005, and March 17, 2010, we
      recruited 1238 14-year-old adolescents and their primary caregivers from 18
      secondary schools in Cambridgeshire, UK. Participants underwent follow-up
      assessment at months 18 and 36. Trained researchers assessed the adolescents for
      current mental disorder using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and
      Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL).
      Caregivers and adolescents reported contact with mental health services in the
      year before baseline. Adolescents self-reported depressive symptoms (Mood and
      Feelings Questionnaire [MFQ]) at each timepoint. We assessed change in MFQ sum
      scores from baseline contact with mental health services using multilevel mixed
      effects regression adjusted for sociodemographic, environmental, individual, and
      mental health confounders, with multiple imputation of missing data. We used
      propensity score weighting to balance confounders between treatment (users of
      mental health services) and control (non-users of mental health services) groups.
      We implemented an MFQ clinical cutoff following the results of receiver operating
      characteristic analysis. FINDINGS: 14-year-old adolescents who had contact with
      mental health services in the past year had a greater decrease in depressive
      symptoms than those without contact (adjusted coefficient -1.68, 95% CI -3.22 to 
      0.14; p=0.033). By age 17 years, the odds of reporting clinical depression were
      more than seven times higher in individuals without contact than in service users
      who had been similarly depressed at baseline (adjusted odds ratio 7.38, 1.73
      31.50; p=0.0069). INTERPRETATION: Our findings show that contact with mental
      health services at age 14 years by adolescents with a mental disorder reduced the
      likelihood of depression by age 17 years. This finding supports the improvement
      of access to adolescent mental health services. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust, National
      Institute for Health Research.

PMID- 28087203
TI  - The use of modified ride-on cars to maximize mobility and improve socialization-a
      group design.
AB  - AIM: To examine the effects of ride-on car (ROC) training versus conventional
      therapy on mobility and social function in young children with disabilities in a
      hospital-based environment. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Twenty young children with
      disabilities, aged 1-3 years, were recruited. The treatment group (n=10) received
      ROC training of 2h/session, 2 sessions/week for a total of 9 weeks in the
      hospital environment. The control group (n=10) received conventional therapy
      alone. Assessments included the Chinese version of the Pediatric Evaluation of
      Disability Inventory and the Parenting Stress Index. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: After
      a 9-week intervention, the treatment group showed improvements in mobility and
      social function, whereas the control group showed improvements in social function
      alone. Four children in the treatment group had clinically meaningful changes in
      mobility and 3 in social function, as compared to 2 and 1, respectively, in the
      control group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This is the first group study that
      demonstrated the potential benefits of ROC training on mobility and social
      function in young children with disabilities in the hospital environment. Future
      studies should include a larger sample size to detect any differences between ROC
      training and conventional therapy.

PMID- 28087202
TI  - Family adaptation to cerebral palsy in adolescents: A European multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Factors promoting family adaptation to child's disability are
      poorly studied together. The aim of the study was to describe the family
      adaptation to disability and to identify determinants associated with using a
      global theoretical model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 286 families of teenagers [13-17
      years] with cerebral palsy (CP) from 4 European disability registers were
      included and visited at home. Face to face interviews were performed in order to
      measure parental distress, perceived impact in various dimensions of family life,
      family resources and stressors. Relationships were modelled with structural
      equations. RESULTS: 31.8% of parents living with an adolescent with CP showed
      clinically significant high stress requiring professional assistance. The main
      stressors were the level of motor impairment and behavioural disorders in
      adolescent. A good family functioning was the best protective factor. Respite in
      care and a parents' positive attitude were significantly related to less parental
      distress. Material support, socioeconomical level, marital status or parental
      qualifications did not appear to be significant protector factors. CONCLUSIONS:
      Particular attention must be paid not only on physical condition but also on
      adolescent psychological problems to improve family adaptation. Families at risk
      of experiencing severe distress should be targeted early and proactive caregiver
      interventions on the whole family should be performed. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS:
      Family is a dynamic system: facing disability, it tries to recover its balance
      with available resources and its perception of the situation. Literature
      highlights potential stressors and protecting factors that could affect the
      disabled child's family adaptation but few papers study a global model including
      most of these factors. This study validated a global theoretical model of family
      adaptation to disability at adolescence. It identified behaviour disorders and
      motor impairment level as main stressors, family functioning as the largest
      protecting factors, and equipment and financial support as non significant
      protective factors.

PMID- 28087204
TI  - Assessment of Nurse Perspectives on an Emergency Department-Based Routine Opt-Out
      HIV Screening Program.
AB  - Routine opt-out HIV screening is recommended for everyone between 13 and 64 years
      of age. An urban, academic emergency department implemented a nurse-driven
      routine opt-out HIV screening program. The aim of our study was to assess program
      uptake and opportunities to improve the program from the perspectives of
      emergency nurses. Emergency nurses completed a brief prediscussion questionnaire
      and then participated in a focus group or semi-structured one-on-one interview to
      elicit feedback on the routine opt-out HIV screening program. All 16 participants
      felt adequately prepared for the screening program. Several themes emerged from
      the discussions, including challenges of specific patient characteristics and
      overall nurse and patient support for the program. One thread across themes was
      the importance of good language and communication skills in such programs. While
      there are opportunities to improve nurse-driven routine opt-out HIV testing
      programs in emergency settings, this program was found to be accepted by
      emergency nurses.

PMID- 28087205
TI  - Elevated fasting glucose and albuminuria may be a marker for all-cause mortality
      in Indigenous adults in North Queensland - a follow up study, 1998-2006.
AB  - AIMS: To document risk factors of all-cause mortality in a cohort of indigenous
      Australians from 23 communities of North Queensland during 1998-2006. METHODS:
      Among 2787 indigenous adults, baseline weight, waist circumference, blood
      pressure, fasting glucose, lipids, gamma-glutamyl transferase, urine albumin
      creatinine ratio, smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity were measured in
      1998-2000. Deaths were ascertained from State Registry of Deaths, hospitalization
      and clinical records till 2006. Mortality risk factors were assessed using a Cox
      proportional-hazards model. RESULTS: The standardized all-cause mortality rate
      was 23.2/1000 person-years (95% CI 20.3-26.3/1000 pys). After adjusting for age,
      sex, and ethnicity, baseline plasm fasting glucose >=5.5mmol/L was associated
      with a 50% increased risk of death (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.0). Albuminuria was
      associated with all-cause mortality with a hazards ratio of 1.4 for
      microalbuminuria (95% CI 1.0-1.9) and 2.6 (95% CI 1.8-3.7) for macroalbuminuria.
      Gamma-glutamyl transferase >=50IU was associated with an increased risk of all
      cause mortality by 40% (95% CI 1.04-1.8). CONCLUSIONS: Fasting glycaemia,
      albuminuria, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, may be a marker for all-cause
      mortality within this cohort.

PMID- 28087206
TI  - Spatial relationships between entomopathogenic nematodes and nematophagous fungi
      in Florida citrus orchards.
AB  - Relationships between entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), nematophagous fungi (NF)
      and soil physical and chemical properties were studied in a survey of 53 citrus
      orchards in central ridge and flatwoods ecoregions of Florida. Seven species of
      NF associated with nematodes were quantified directly using a real time qPCR
      assay. All nematophagous fungi studied except Arthrobotrys musiformis and
      Hirsutella rhossiliensis were frequently detected (24-56%) in both regions.
      Paecilomyces lilacinus and Gamsylella gephyropagumwere encountered more
      frequently in the flatwoods (P=0.03) and on the ridge (P=0.02), respectively.
      Redundancy analysis revealed seven abiotic and biotic factors as significantly
      related to the NF occurrence. Multiple regression of fungi on these variables
      explained 78%, 66%, 48%, 36%, 23% and 4% of the variation in Catenaria sp., A.
      musiformis, A. dactyloides, P. lilacinus, A. oligospora and G. gepharopagum,
      respectively. When the data from citrus were pooled with those reported
      previously from natural areas and subjected to principle component analysis, the
      first two principle components explained 43% of the variation in NF communities.
      The surveys (citrus vs natural areas) were discriminated by PC2 (P<0.001) and the
      ecoregion by PC1 (P<0.002), and all but one NF species were related (P<0.01) to
      one or both components. NF communities tended to have more species and greater
      diversity in the flatwoods, where EPN richness and diversity were the least.
      However, the strength of associations between individual EPN and NF species as
      measured by SADIE reflected the associations between each species and ground
      water depth, suggesting that ecoregion preferences affected the species
      associations. Within each ecoregion, significant relationships between the
      individual NF and EPN species measured by stepwise regression tended to be
      positive. The results did not support the hypothesis that NF modulate the spatial
      patterns of EPN species between or within these two ecoregions.

PMID- 28087207
TI  - Continuous Medication Monitoring (CoMM): A foundational model to support the
      clinical work of community pharmacists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Under the Continuous Medication Monitoring (CoMM) approach, community
      pharmacists prevent, identify, resolve, and document drug therapy problems during
      the dispensing process. OBJECTIVE: To describe the patients receiving CoMM
      interventions and the pattern of delivery of CoMM interventions. METHODS:
      Pharmacy dispensing and clinical records were reviewed for patients filling at
      least one prescription and receiving at least one continuous medication
      monitoring intervention at a community pharmacy from April 2014 through March
      2015. The proportion of patients receiving an intervention type and the number of
      interventions per patient were computed. RESULTS: Nearly 2500 patients received
      16,986 continuous medication monitoring interventions over the year. The average
      age of the patients receiving the interventions was 59.1 years, and they filled
      an average of 8.0 unique medications. An average of 6.8 interventions was
      delivered to each patient. About half (49.7%) of interventions addressed drug
      therapy problems. The pharmacists delivered 3.0 patient counseling and education
      and 3.4 drug therapy problem interventions per patient on average. CONCLUSION:
      There are many opportunities to improve patients' medication use that can be
      identified and addressed under a Continuous Medication Monitoring model. Movement
      to this model of practice is desirable, but changes are needed to facilitate the
      shift.

PMID- 28087208
TI  - [Child Langerhans cell histiocytosis].
AB  - DEFINITION: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is defined by the association of
      a clinical and radiological involvement and a biopsy of a pathological tissue.
      Extension: it can affect any organ or system of the body but most commonly the
      bone (80% of cases), the skin (33%) and the pituitary (25%). Other organs are
      concerned such as liver, spleen, hematopoietic system and the lungs (15% each),
      lymph nodes (5-10%) and central nervous system (CNS) excluding the pituitary (2
      4%). Natural history: the natural history of the disease is very heterogeneous,
      ranging from auto-regressive lesions to a disease affecting multiple organs with
      fatal consequences, while some lesions may be responsible for permanent sequels.
      A multidisciplinary approach: the perception of disease from physicians varies
      greatly depending on their speciality and experience, as well as the presentation
      of the disease or the short-term treatment outcomes. But whatever the initial
      view of the treating physician, a multidisciplinary approach to the LCH is
      recommended as well as the coordination of the necessary care of this systemic
      disease and its associated morbidity. THERAPY: current treatment protocols,
      adapted to the situation of each patient, provide a survival of 98% in children.
      The sequels, such as diabetes insipidus, hormonal deficits, deafness and even
      more rarely respiratory failure and sclerosing cholangitis are seen in up to 30%
      of children.

PMID- 28087209
TI  - [Hyperleucocytosis with acute uric acid nephropathy in a patient with
      hepatocellular carcinoma].

PMID- 28087210
TI  - Evaluation of lip force in patients with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip.
AB  - Our aim was to investigate the differences in the dynamics of lip force between a
      group of participants with repaired cleft lips and a group of patients the same
      age but without clefts. We evaluated 101 children between the ages of 10 to 15
      years (unilateral clefts n=35, bilateral clefts n=15, class I malocclusion n=25,
      and class III malocclusion n=26). Maximum and minimum forces required to close
      the lips were evaluated with the Lip De Cum(r) device (Cosmos Instruments Co Ltd,
      Tokyo, Japan) for the all groups. We found no significant differences between the
      maximum and minimum values between boys and girls within the groups, whereas the
      mean maximum and minimum lip force of the boys was higher than those of the girls
      in all the groups. This study showed that maximum and minimum lip closing force
      values were statistically similar in all groups. We conclude, therefore, that
      patients with bilateral cleft lip have reduced maximum and minimum lip force.

PMID- 28087211
TI  - The effect of bone growth onto massive prostheses collars in protecting the
      implant from fracture.
AB  - Limb-sparing distal femoral endoprotheses used in cancer patients have a high
      risk of aseptic loosening. It had been reported that young adolescent patients
      have a higher rate of loosening and fatigue fracture of intramedullary stems
      because the implant becomes undersized as patients grow. Extracortical bone
      growth into the grooved hydroxyapatite-coated collar had been shown to reduce
      failure rates. The stresses in the implant and femur have been calculated from
      Finite Element models for different stages of bone growth onto the collar. For a
      small diameter stem without any bone growth, a large stress concentration at the
      implant shoulder was found, leading to a significant fracture risk under normal
      walking loads. Bone growth and osseointergration onto the implant collar reduced
      the stress level in the implant to safe levels. For small bone bridges a risk of
      bone fracture was observed.

PMID- 28087212
TI  - Associations between thin slice ratings of affect and rapport and perceived
      patient-centeredness in primary care: Comparison of audio and video recordings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between ratings of "thin slices" from
      recorded clinic visits and perceived patient-centeredness; to compare ratings
      from video recordings (sound and images) versus audio recordings (sound only).
      METHODS: We analyzed 133 video-recorded primary care visits and patient
      perceptions of patient-centeredness. Observers rated thirty-second thin slices on
      variables assessing patient affect, physician affect, and patient-physician
      rapport. Video and audio ratings were collected independently. RESULTS: In
      multivariable analyses, ratings of physician positive affect (but not patient
      positive affect) were significantly positively associated with perceived patient
      centeredness using both video and audio thin slices. Patient-physician rapport
      was significantly positively associated with perceived patient-centeredness using
      audio, but not video thin slices. Ratings from video and audio thin slices were
      highly correlated and had similar underlying factor structures. CONCLUSION:
      Physician (but not patient) positive affect is significantly associated with
      perceptions of patient-centeredness and can be measured reliably using either
      video or audio thin slices. Additional studies are needed to determine whether
      ratings of patient-physician rapport are associated with perceived patient
      centeredness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Observer ratings of physician positive
      affect have a meaningful positive association with patients' perceptions of
      patient-centeredness. Patients appear to be highly attuned to physician positive
      affect during patient-physician interactions.

PMID- 28087214
TI  - Three-vessel Chimney Technique Combined with Endovascular Aortic Sealing Device
      for the Treatment of a Type Ia Endoleak.

PMID- 28087213
TI  - Cholesterolomics: An update.
AB  - Cholesterolomics can be regarded as the identification and quantification of
      cholesterol, its precursors post squalene, and metabolites of cholesterol and of
      its precursors, in a biological sample. These molecules include 1,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D3, steroid hormones and bile acids and intermediates in their
      respective biosynthetic pathways. In this short article we will concentrate our
      attention on intermediates in bile acid biosynthesis pathways, in particular
      oxysterols and cholestenoic acids. These molecular classes are implicated in the
      aetiology of a diverse array of diseases including autoimmune disease,
      Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease, breast cancer, the lysosomal storage
      disease Niemann-Pick type C and the autosomal recessive disorder Smith-Lemli
      Opitz syndrome. Mass spectrometry (MS) is the dominant technology for sterol
      analysis including both gas-chromatography (GC)-MS and liquid chromatography (LC)
      MS and more recently matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI)-MS for
      tissue imaging studies. Here we will discuss exciting biological findings and
      recent analytical improvements.

PMID- 28087216
TI  - Denosumab and alendronate treatment in patients with back pain due to fresh
      osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Denosumab specifically inhibits the receptor activator for nuclear
      factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), and prevents osteoporotic fractures. Several
      reports have analyzed the effects of denosumab and alendronate alone on bone
      mineral density (BMD) or reduction of fracture risk. The objective of this study
      was to analyze the effects of antiresorptive osteoporosis pharmacotherapy on pain
      relief in patients with fresh vertebral fracture. METHODS: This retrospective,
      single-center study included 80 patients (10 males, 70 females) with fresh
      osteoporotic vertebral fractures treated using denosumab at a dose of 60 mg
      subcutaneously every 6 months (40 patients) or alendronate at a dose of 35 mg
      orally every week (40 patients) for 6 months in our hospital. The mean age of
      subjects was 77 years (range, 55-92 years). The primary outcome was duration of
      back pain. Secondary outcomes included changes in BMD, serum type 1 collagen
      cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX), and serum N-terminal propeptide of type 1
      collagen (P1NP) from baseline to 6 months. Pain catastrophizing due to back pain
      was assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The incidences of
      further vertebral fracture and adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS: Pain
      relief was obtained at a mean of 3.3 weeks with denosumab and 5.4 weeks with
      alendronate. Pain relief was achieved significantly earlier with denosumab than
      with alendronate. At 6 months, change in BMD was higher with denosumab (6.1%)
      than with alendronate (0.8%). No significant differences in changes in NTX and
      P1NP were observed between groups. Scores for PCS were significantly lower for
      denosumab than for alendronate. The incidence of further vertebral fractures was
      5% with denosumab and 10% with alendronate. Adverse event rates were similar
      between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Denosumab enabled earlier pain relief than
      alendronate and avoided catastrophizing in patients with osteoporotic vertebral
      fractures after 6 months of treatment.

PMID- 28087215
TI  - Surgical outcome of posterior ankle impingement syndrome with concomitant ankle
      disorders treated simultaneously in patient engaged in athletic activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether simultaneous surgery for posterior ankle
      impingement syndrome (PAIS) and concomitant ankle disorders, such as anterior
      ankle impingement syndrome (AAIS), lateral ankle instability (LAI), and
      osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT), allows for early return to athletic
      activity. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients who engaged in athletic activity (mean
      age 27 [range 18-43] years) and were treated by a hindfoot endoscopic approach
      for PAIS alone or simultaneously for PAIS and concomitant ankle disorders were
      included in this study. The patients were divided into four groups: PAIS alone
      (group A, n = 61), PAIS with AAIS (group B, n = 8), PAIS with LAI with or without
      AAIS (group C, n = 20), and PAIS with OLT with or without AAIS/LAI (group D, n =
      8). In all patients, the concomitant ankle disorder was treated simultaneously by
      arthroscopic debridement for AAIS, bone marrow stimulation or autologous
      cancellous bone transplantation for OLT, and anterior talofibular ligament repair
      or reconstruction for LAI. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)
      Ankle-Hindfoot Scale scores before and 2 years after surgery and times from
      surgery to resuming training and athletic activity were compared between the
      groups. RESULTS: Mean AOFAS score improved significantly after surgery in all
      groups (groups A and C, P < .0001; groups B and D: P < .05). The time taken to
      return to training was significantly longer in group D than in groups A, B, and C
      (all P < .01) as was the time taken to return to athletic activity in groups C
      and D when compared with group A (P < .01); however, there were no significant
      differences in this regard between groups B and C. CONCLUSION: Concomitant
      surgery for AAIS and LAI with PAIS did not delay the postoperative start of
      training, however, concomitant surgery for LAI and OLT delayed the return to
      athletic activity when compared with PAIS surgery alone. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical
      Retrospective Comparative Study.

PMID- 28087217
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Japanese version of short forms of the Pain
      Catastrophizing Scale in participants with musculoskeletal pain: A cross
      sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is a commonly used as measure of
      pain catastrophizing. The scale comprises 13 items related to magnification,
      rumination, and helplessness. To facilitate quick screening and to reduce
      participant's burden, the four-item and six-item short forms of the English
      version of the PCS were developed. The purpose of the present study was to
      evaluate the psychometric properties of a Japanese version of the short forms of
      PCS using a contemporary approach called Rasch analysis. METHODS: A total of 216
      patients with musculoskeletal disorders were recruited in this study.
      Participants completed study measures, which included the pain intensity, the
      Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK).
      Furthermore, the four-item (items 3, 6, 8, and 11) and six-item (items 4, 5, 6,
      10, 11, and 13) short forms of the Japanese version of PCS were measured. We used
      Rasch analysis to analyze the psychometric properties of the original, four-item,
      and six-item short forms of PCS. RESULTS: Rasch analysis showed that both short
      forms of PCS had acceptable internal consistency, unidimensionality, and no
      notable DIF and were functional on the category rating scale. However, four-item
      short form of PCS had two misfit items. CONCLUSIONS: Six-item short form of PCS
      has acceptable psychometric properties and is suitable for use in participants
      with musculoskeletal pain. Thus, six-item can be used as brief instruments to
      evaluate pain catastrophizing.

PMID- 28087218
TI  - Relationship among motor function, ADL disability, and psychological concerns in
      elderly people with locomotive disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Locomotive disorders are one of the main causative pathologies for
      the condition requiring assistance on activities of daily living (ADL). Although
      psychological concerns such as feeling of depression and anxiety are prevalent in
      elderly people, the causal relation among motor function, ADL disability, and
      psychological concerns is controversial. PURPOSE: Purpose of this study was to
      investigate causal relationship among motor function, ADL disability, and
      psychological concerns in elderly people with locomotive disorders. METHODS: The
      data for this study were from a community-dwelling sample of 314 elderly persons
      with locomotive disorders aged 65 and older who visited orthopedic clinics and/or
      affiliated institutions. Motor function was assessed by one-leg standing time
      with eyes open, leg extension power and grip power. We assessed ADL disability
      using the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25), and
      psychological concerns by three self-reported questions. We constructed two
      models and tested fitness of the models to the data using a structural equation
      modeling (SEM). Model 1: motor function affects ADL disability and ADL disability
      affects psychological concerns, Model 2: motor function affects psychological
      concerns and psychological concerns affects ADL disability. RESULTS: The fit
      indices were chi-square = 23.152 (p = 0.081), RMSEA = 0.042, GFI = 0.981, AGFI =
      0.955, CFI = 0.987 for Model 1, and chi-square = 84.583 (p < 0.001), RMSEA =
      0.119, GFI = 0.935, AGFI = 0.854, CFI = 0.892 for Model 2. These fit indices
      indicated a good fit of the model 1 and inadequate fit of model 2 to the data.
      CONCLUSION: Decline of motor function contributed toward psychological concerns
      via ADL disability in elderly people with locomotive disorders.

PMID- 28087219
TI  - Acute medical units, providing continuity of care may be the next focus.

PMID- 28087220
TI  - New-onset atrial fibrillation after percutaneous coronary intervention with
      stent: Updated proposal of an algorithm for the choice of oral anticoagulant and
      its dose.

PMID- 28087221
TI  - Varenicline provokes impulsive action by stimulating alpha4beta2 nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors in the infralimbic cortex in a nicotine exposure status
      dependent manner.
AB  - Higher impulsivity is a risk factor for criminal involvement and drug addiction.
      Because nicotine administration enhances impulsivity, the effects of stop-smoking
      aids stimulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on impulsivity must
      be determined in different conditions. Our goals were 1) to confirm the
      relationship between varenicline, a stop-smoking aid and alpha4beta2 nAChR
      partial agonist, and impulsivity, 2) to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the
      effects of varenicline, 3) to examine whether a low dose of varenicline that does
      not evoke impulsive action could block the stimulating effects of nicotine on
      impulsive action, 4) to determine whether the route of administration could
      modulate the effects of varenicline on impulsive action, and 5) to determine
      whether the effects of varenicline on impulsivity could be altered by smoking
      status. We used a 3-choice serial reaction time task to assess impulsivity and
      other cognitive functions in rats. Our findings are as follows: 1) acute
      subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of varenicline evoked impulsive action in a dose
      dependent manner; 2) the effects of varenicline on impulsivity were blocked by
      the microinjection of dihydro-beta-erythroidine, a alpha4beta2 nAChR antagonist,
      into the infralimbic cortex; 3) the low dose of varenicline did not attenuate the
      effects of nicotine on impulsive action at all; 4) oral administration of
      varenicline evoked impulsive action in a similar manner to s.c. injection; and 5)
      the stimulating effects of varenicline on impulsive action were not observed in
      rats that received nicotine infusion for 8days or nicotine-abstinent rats after
      discontinuing infusion. Additionally, we found that oral varenicline
      administration enhanced attentional function whether nicotine was infused or not.
      Thus, although varenicline administration could be harmless to heavy smokers or
      ex-smokers, it could be difficult for non-smokers with respect to impulsivity,
      whereas it may be beneficial with respect to attentional function.

PMID- 28087222
TI  - Revisiting the refeeding syndrome: Results of a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although described >70 y ago, the refeeding syndrome (RFS) remains
      understudied with lack of standardized definition and treatment recommendations.
      The aim of this systematic review was to gather evidence regarding standardized
      definition, incidence rate and time course of occurrence, association with
      adverse clinical outcomes, risk factors, and therapeutic strategies to prevent or
      treat this condition. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for interventional
      and observational clinical trials focusing on RFS, excluding case reports and
      reviews. We extracted data based on a predefined case report form and assessed
      bias. RESULTS: Of 2207 potential abstracts, 45 records with a total of 6608
      patients were included (3 interventional trials, 16 studies focusing on anorexic
      patients). Definitions for RFS were highly heterogenous with most studies relying
      on blood electrolyte disturbances only and others also including clinical
      symptoms. Incidence rates varied between 0% and 80%, depending on the definition
      and patient population studied. Occurrence was mostly within the first 72 h of
      start of nutritional therapy. Most of the risk factors were in accordance with
      National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, with older age and
      enteral feeding being additional factors. There was no strong evidence regarding
      association of RFS and adverse outcomes, as well as regarding preventive measures
      and treatment algorithms. CONCLUSION: This systematic review focusing on RFS
      found consensus regarding risk factors and timing of occurrence, but wide
      variations regarding definition, reported incidence rates, preventive measures
      and treatment recommendations. Further research to fill this gap is urgently
      needed.

PMID- 28087223
TI  - Increased affinity of ghrelin-reactive immunoglobulins in obese Zucker rats.

PMID- 28087225
TI  - Assessing the therapeutic index of inhaled corticosteroids in children: Is
      knemometry the answer?

PMID- 28087226
TI  - Pathways to limit group 2 innate lymphoid cell activation.

PMID- 28087224
TI  - 5-HT6 receptor blockade regulates primary cilia morphology in striatal neurons.
AB  - The 5-HT6 receptor has been implicated in a variety of cognitive processes
      including habitual behaviors, learning, and memory. It is found almost
      exclusively in the brain, is expressed abundantly in striatum, and localizes to
      neuronal primary cilia. Primary cilia are antenna-like, sensory organelles found
      on most neurons that receive both chemical and mechanical signals from other
      cells and the surrounding environment; however, the effect of 5-HT6 receptor
      function on cellular morphology has not been examined. We confirmed that 5-HT6
      receptors were localized to primary cilia in wild-type (WT) but not 5-HT6
      knockout (5-HT6KO) in both native mouse brain tissue and primary cultured
      striatal neurons then used primary neurons cultured from WT or 5-HT6KO mice to
      study the function of these receptors. Selective 5-HT6 antagonists reduced cilia
      length in neurons cultured from wild-type mice in a concentration and time
      dependent manner without altering dendrites, but had no effect on cilia length in
      5-HT6KO cultured neurons. Varying the expression levels of heterologously
      expressed 5-HT6 receptors affected the fidelity of ciliary localization in both
      WT and 5-HT6KO neurons; overexpression lead to increasing amounts of 5-HT6
      localization outside of the cilia but did not alter cilia morphology. Introducing
      discrete mutations into the third cytoplasmic loop of the 5-HT6 receptor greatly
      reduced, but did not entirely eliminate, trafficking of the 5-HT6 receptor to
      primary cilia. These data suggest that blocking 5-HT6 receptor activity reduces
      the length of primary cilia and that mechanisms that regulate trafficking of 5
      HT6 receptors to cilia are more complex than previously thought.

PMID- 28087227
TI  - A novel kindred with inherited STAT2 deficiency and severe viral illness.

PMID- 28087228
TI  - Insights into the mast cell-microbiome connection in the skin.

PMID- 28087229
TI  - Disease-associated mutations identify a novel region in human STING necessary for
      the control of type I interferon signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gain-of-function mutations in transmembrane protein 173 (TMEM173)
      encoding stimulator of interferon genes (STING) underlie a recently described
      type I interferonopathy called STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in
      infancy (SAVI). OBJECTIVES: We sought to define the molecular and cellular
      pathology relating to 3 individuals variably exhibiting the core features of the
      SAVI phenotype including systemic inflammation, destructive skin lesions, and
      interstitial lung disease. METHODS: Genetic analysis, conformational studies, in
      vitro assays and ex vivo flow-cytometry were performed. RESULTS: Molecular and in
      vitro data demonstrate that the pathology in these patients is due to amino acid
      substitutions at positions 206, 281, and 284 of the human STING protein. These
      mutations confer cGAMP-independent constitutive activation of type I interferon
      signaling through TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase), independent from the alternative
      STING pathway triggered by membrane fusion of enveloped RNA viruses. This
      constitutive activation was abrogated by ex vivo treatment with the janus kinase
      1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. CONCLUSIONS: Structural analysis indicates that the 3
      disease-associated mutations at positions 206, 281, and 284 of the STING protein
      define a novel cluster of amino acids with functional importance in the
      regulation of type I interferon signaling.

PMID- 28087230
TI  - The impact of obesity on febrile urinary tract infection and renal scarring in
      children with vesicoureteral reflux.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It has become clear that obesity is associated with a variety of
      infectious diseases, including urinary tract infection (UTI) and renal scarring.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity
      and the degree of febrile UTI (fUTI) and renal scarring in children with
      vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and to stratify the results into obesity
      subcategories. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 186 patients were diagnosed with VUR
      between January 2002 and December 2008. This study retrospectively reviewed the
      medical records of 72 children with primary VUR who had recurrent fUTI (more than
      twice). Overweight or obese status of the patients aged <2 years was defined
      using weight-for-length (WFL) measurements. For 2-5 year old children, body mass
      index (BMI) percentile-for-age was used. They were divided into three groups as
      follows; standard (<85%), overweight (85-95%), and obese (>=95%). The following
      clinical variables were compared: age at diagnosis of primary VUR (months), sex,
      VUR grade, hydronephrosis grade, presence of renal scarring, surgical treatment,
      and degree of inflammation during fUTI. RESULTS: In the overweight and obese
      groups, VUR was diagnosed at a young age (P = 0.05), the degree of renal scarring
      was more severe (P = 0.006), and serum white blood cell count, C-reactive
      protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were significantly
      higher (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Abnormal focal
      dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) defects were present in 25 of the 72 children
      (35%). Cortical defects occurred more frequently in children with obesity, and
      they were associated with a higher grade of reflux and serum ESR levels (P =
      0.007, P = 0.042, and P = 0.021, respectively). Among these risk factors, high
      grade VUR (OR = 9.93, 95% CI = 1.13-86.71), and being overweight and obese (OR =
      5.26, 95% CI = 1.75-15.82) were associated with increased renal scarring.
      However, ESR was not associated with renal scarring (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.95
      1.07). DISCUSSION: The relationships between obesity and UTI are controversial.
      Some studies have shown positive results; however, other studies have shown
      opposite results. The main limitations of this study were the retrospective data
      collection via electronic medical records, and the small number of subjects.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that obesity in patients with VUR has an effect on
      fUTI and renal scar formation. If the patients with VUR have obesity, close
      follow-up should be performed, and VUR patients should be started on a weight
      loss program, which could reduce the number of patients with chronic kidney
      disease in the future.

PMID- 28087231
TI  - Psychosocial outcome in adult men born with hypospadias.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypospadias, which is a surgically treated congenital malformation
      of the male urethra, may have a negative impact on quality of life. This aspect
      has previously been subject to limited research. This study examined the long
      term psychosocial outcome of a large cohort of adult males born with hypospadias.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case-control study was to assess a possible
      negative influence on the psychosocial outcome in adult males with hypospadias.
      STUDY DESIGN: Males with hypospadias treated in Sweden and aged >=18 years old
      participated in this follow-up study. Age-matched men and university students
      were recruited as controls. The participants answered a questionnaire designed to
      reflect the subjective quality of life, social factors, need of support and
      follow-up, and the perceived impact of the disease upon upbringing. It also
      looked at the validated Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) questionnaire and
      Relationship Questionnaire (RQ). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 167 patients
      (median age 34 years, 63% distal, 24% mid, and 13% proximal hypospadias) and 169
      controls (median age 33 years) participated in the study. Patients had their
      first operation at 4 years of age (median) and the median follow-up time was 29
      years following the first surgery. Men with hypospadias had a comparable total
      quality of life level with a mean total PGWB score of 82 (normal range 78-83)
      compared with 85.6 in controls. Scores on wellbeing and vitality were lower, even
      if the differences were small. Hypospadias did not affect marital status,
      presence of children in the family, frequency of employment or experience of
      bullying. These men more often lived at home with their parents (P=0.001) and had
      a lower level of education (P=0.004), even if the educational level in both
      patients and controls was high compared with the general Swedish population.
      Patients with proximal hypospadias were shorter compared with controls (P=0.003),
      which was consistent with the prenatal growth restriction associated with
      hypospadias. The group with proximal hypospadias expressed a greater need for
      medical (45.5%) follow-up compared with mid (28.2%) and distal (18.1%) cases
      (P=0.001). Patients with proximal hypospadias tended to avoid close relationships
      because of fear of being hurt. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that patients
      treated for hypospadias have a good HRQoL, can be expected to have a normal
      psychosocial life, and marry and have children. Repeated follow-up and
      psychological support during childhood/adolescence is however of great importance
      for patients with more proximal hypospadias.

PMID- 28087232
TI  - Comparison of Medial Malleolar Fracture Healing at 8 Weeks After Open Reduction
      Internal Fixation Versus Percutaneous Fixation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
AB  - Unstable medial malleolar fractures are treated with either standard open
      reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or a percutaneous approach. The percutaneous
      approach avoids the potentially excessive soft tissue dissection associated with
      an open approach but can also result in inadequate anatomic reduction. No studies
      have compared the incidence of radiographic healing of medial malleolar fractures
      between an open approach and percutaneous fixation. A retrospective comparative
      study was performed at a single institution across multiple sites. Electronic
      medical records and digital radiographs were reviewed for 845 patients who had
      undergone either ORIF or percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) of a medial malleolar
      fracture. The interval to fracture healing was measured. Logistic regression
      analysis was used. Of the 490 included patients, 458 (93.44%) underwent standard
      ORIF and 32 (6.53%) underwent PSF. Patients who underwent ORIF were 5 times more
      likely to have a healed fracture at 8 weeks than were patients who had undergone
      PSF (p < .001). Compared with standard ORIF, PSF of medial malleolar fractures
      leads to an increased risk of an unhealed fracture at 8 weeks. This was likely
      due to a combination of soft tissue interposition within the fracture site and
      inadequate fluoroscopic reliability, leading to poor anatomic reduction and
      inaccurate fixation.

PMID- 28087233
TI  - Anti-diabetic effects of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides-chromium (III) complex
      in type 2 diabetic mice and its sub-acute toxicity evaluation in normal mice.
AB  - Polysaccharides are important bioactive ingredients from Inonotus obliquus. This
      study aimed to synthesize and characterize a novel I. obliquus polysaccharides
      chromium (III) complex (UIOPC) and investigate the anti-diabetic effects in
      streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and sub-acute
      toxicity in normal mice. The molecular weight of UIOPC was about 11.5 * 10 4 Da
      with the chromium content was 13.01% and the chromium was linked with
      polysaccharides through coordination bond. After treatment of UIOPC for four
      weeks, the body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, plasma insulin levels
      of the diabetic mice were significantly reduced when compared with those of the
      diabetic mice (p < 0.05). The results on serum profiles and antioxidant enzymes
      activities revealed that UIOPC had a positive effect on hypoglycemic and
      antioxidant ability. Histopathology results showed that UIOPC could effectively
      alleviate the STZ-lesioned tissues in diabetic mice. Furthermore, high dose
      administration of UIOPC had no obviously influence on serum profiles levels and
      antioxidant ability of the normal mice and the organ tissues maintained organized
      and integrity in the sub-acute toxicity study. These results suggested that UIOPC
      might be a good candidate for the functional food or pharmaceuticals in the
      treatment of T2DM.

PMID- 28087234
TI  - Interference from related actions in spoken word production: Behavioural and fMRI
      evidence.
AB  - Few investigations of lexical access in spoken word production have investigated
      the cognitive and neural mechanisms involved in action naming. These are likely
      to be more complex than the mechanisms involved in object naming, due to the ways
      in which conceptual features of action words are represented. The present study
      employed a blocked cyclic naming paradigm to examine whether related action
      contexts elicit a semantic interference effect akin to that observed with
      categorically related objects. Participants named pictures of intransitive
      actions to avoid a confound with object processing. In Experiment 1, body-part
      related actions (e.g., running, walking, skating, hopping) were named
      significantly slower compared to unrelated actions (e.g., laughing, running,
      waving, hiding). Experiment 2 employed perfusion functional Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural mechanisms involved in this semantic
      interference effect. Compared to unrelated actions, naming related actions
      elicited significant perfusion signal increases in frontotemporal cortex,
      including bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and hippocampus, and decreases
      in bilateral posterior temporal, occipital and parietal cortices, including
      intraparietal sulcus (IPS). The findings demonstrate a role for temporoparietal
      cortex in conceptual-lexical processing of intransitive action knowledge during
      spoken word production, and support the proposed involvement of interference
      resolution and incremental learning mechanisms in the blocked cyclic naming
      paradigm.

PMID- 28087235
TI  - Hemodynamic Consequence of Hand Ventilation Versus Machine Ventilation During
      Transport After Cardiac Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The hemodynamic consequences of ventilation of intubated patients
      during transport either by hand or using a transport ventilator have not been
      reported in patients after cardiac surgery. The authors hypothesized that bag
      mask ventilation would alter end-tidal CO2 during transport and hemodynamic
      parameters in patients post-cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized
      trial. SETTING: A university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS:
      Cardiac surgery patients. INTERVENTIONS: Thirty-six patients were randomized to
      hand ventilation or machine ventilation. Hemodynamic variables including blood
      pressure, heart rate, peripheral saturation of oxygen, and end-tidal carbon
      dioxide (ETCO2) were measured in these patients prior to transport, every 2
      minutes during transport and upon arrival in the intensive care unit (ICU).
      Pulmonary artery pressure (PA) pressures were measured at origin and at
      destination. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Outcomes were changes from baseline
      in end-tidal CO2, hemodynamic changes from baseline and pulmonary artery pressure
      changes from origin to destination. The average transport time between the 2
      groups was not different: 5 minutes for patients ventilated by hand and 5.47
      minutes for patients ventilated with a transport ventilator (p = 0.369 by 2-sided
      t-test). The difference in all measured changes in ETCO2 between hand-ventilated
      and machine-ventilated patients during transport was 2.74 mmHg (p = 0.013). The
      difference between operating room and ICU ETCO2 from each cohort was 1.31 mmHg (p
      = 0.067). The difference in PAmean measured at origin and destination was 0.783
      mmHg (p = 0.622). All other hemodynamic variables were not different during
      transport. CONCLUSIONS: Hand ventilation during transport was associated with
      greater change from baseline of ETCO2 compared to machine ventilation during
      transport after cardiac surgery, but this did not translate into any difference
      in hemodynamic changes upon arrival in ICU. A hemodynamic benefit of machine
      transport ventilation to cardiac patients was not demonstrated.

PMID- 28087236
TI  - Determination of the feasibility of a multicomponent intervention program to
      prevent delirium in the Intensive Care Unit: A modified RAND Delphi study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delirium is common in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and
      associated with poor outcome. In non-ICU patients a multicomponent intervention
      program with non-pharmacological interventions has shown to reduce delirium.
      Currently, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of such a program
      in ICU patients. We developed a draft program based on a review. As most studies
      were conducted in non-ICU patients, the feasibility of the program in ICU
      patients needs to be assessed before investigating its effectiveness. OBJECTIVES:
      To determine experts' opinion and to achieve group consensus on the feasibility
      and completeness of the multicomponent intervention program for ICU patients.
      METHODS: A modified RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method Delphi study was used. A
      total of 38 experts were selected following purposive sampling. Round one
      informed the experts about the draft program and asked for their opinion about
      its feasibility and completeness. In round two the experts were asked to
      reconsider their opinion based on changes made, and to rank the interventions in
      order of importance. The feasibility was scored using a 9-point Likert scale. A
      disagreement index (DI) and panel median were calculated to determine the level
      of agreement. RESULTS: During Delphi round one 100% of the questionnaires was
      completed, during round two 79%. After two rounds the experts agreed on the
      feasibility of the interventions targeting sleep deprivation (panel median 7.00,
      DI 0.26), immobility (panel median 8.00, DI 0.22), visual and hearing impairment
      (panel median 8.00, DI 0.19), and cognitive impairment (panel median 8.00, DI
      0.23), except for cognitive training (panel median 5.00, DI 0.52). CONCLUSIONS:
      During this study a feasible multicomponent intervention program to prevent ICU
      delirium was developed based on expert consensus. As no consensus was reached on
      cognitive training, a pilot study is planned to determine the feasibility of
      cognitive training in the ICU.

PMID- 28087237
TI  - What Is the Real Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Female Sexual Dysfunction? A
      Case Control Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) has been associated with negative effects
      on women's sexuality. Women's sexuality and sexual function are a complex issue,
      and the role of UI is not completely clear. AIM: To assess the impact of UI on
      female sexual function by comparing this population with a control group of
      continent women. METHODS: We performed a case-control study from August 2012 to
      September 2013. We evaluated continent and incontinent women (age range = 30-70
      years) for their sexuality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All patients were evaluated by
      anamnesis, physical examination, and self-report quality-of-life questionnaires.
      In addition, incontinent women underwent a 1-hour pad test. Patients without
      sexual activity were evaluated for the role of UI in their sexual abstinence.
      Sexual abstinence was defined as the absence of sexual activity for more than 6
      months. All sexually active women completed the self-report Sexuality Quotient
      Female Version (SQ-F) questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 356 women were included
      in the study (incontinent, n = 243; continent, n = 113). Sexual abstinence was
      found in 162 women (45%). Incontinent women presented a higher prevalence (P <
      .001) of sexual abstinence than their counterparts (129 [53%] and 33 [29.2%],
      respectively). Age, marital status, and UI were found to be isolated predictive
      factors for more sexual abstinence in incontinent women. Sexually active women
      (incontinent, n = 114; continent, n = 80) presented similar demographic data.
      Despite a similar frequency of sexual activity, incontinent women had less sexual
      desire, foreplay, harmony with a partner, sexual comfort, and sexual satisfaction
      than their counterparts. Women with greater urinary leakage during the 1-hour pad
      test (weight > 11 g) had the worst sexual function (SQ-F) score. CONCLUSION:
      Women with UI were more likely to be sexual abstinent than continent women.
      Furthermore, women with UI showed less sexual desire, sexual comfort, and sexual
      satisfaction than their counterparts despite having a similar frequency of sexual
      activity.

PMID- 28087238
TI  - Lymphocyte Circadian Clocks Control Lymph Node Trafficking and Adaptive Immune
      Responses.
AB  - Lymphocytes circulate through lymph nodes (LN) in search for antigen in what is
      believed to be a continuous process. Here, we show that lymphocyte migration
      through lymph nodes and lymph occurred in a non-continuous, circadian manner.
      Lymphocyte homing to lymph nodes peaked at night onset, with cells leaving the
      tissue during the day. This resulted in strong oscillations in lymphocyte
      cellularity in lymph nodes and efferent lymphatic fluid. Using lineage-specific
      genetic ablation of circadian clock function, we demonstrated this to be
      dependent on rhythmic expression of promigratory factors on lymphocytes.
      Dendritic cell numbers peaked in phase with lymphocytes, with diurnal
      oscillations being present in disease severity after immunization to induce
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). These rhythms were abolished by
      genetic disruption of T cell clocks, demonstrating a circadian regulation of
      lymphocyte migration through lymph nodes with time-of-day of immunization being
      critical for adaptive immune responses weeks later.

PMID- 28087239
TI  - On-going Mechanical Damage from Mastication Drives Homeostatic Th17 Cell
      Responses at the Oral Barrier.
AB  - Immuno-surveillance networks operating at barrier sites are tuned by local tissue
      cues to ensure effective immunity. Site-specific commensal bacteria provide key
      signals ensuring host defense in the skin and gut. However, how the oral
      microbiome and tissue-specific signals balance immunity and regulation at the
      gingiva, a key oral barrier, remains minimally explored. In contrast to the skin
      and gut, we demonstrate that gingiva-resident T helper 17 (Th17) cells developed
      via a commensal colonization-independent mechanism. Accumulation of Th17 cells at
      the gingiva was driven in response to the physiological barrier damage that
      occurs during mastication. Physiological mechanical damage, via induction of
      interleukin 6 (IL-6) from epithelial cells, tailored effector T cell function,
      promoting increases in gingival Th17 cell numbers. These data highlight that
      diverse tissue-specific mechanisms govern education of Th17 cell responses and
      demonstrate that mechanical damage helps define the immune tone of this important
      oral barrier.

PMID- 28087241
TI  - Chest imaging in CF studies - Commentary.

PMID- 28087240
TI  - Lactobacillus-Deficient Cervicovaginal Bacterial Communities Are Associated with
      Increased HIV Acquisition in Young South African Women.
AB  - Elevated inflammation in the female genital tract is associated with increased
      HIV risk. Cervicovaginal bacteria modulate genital inflammation; however, their
      role in HIV susceptibility has not been elucidated. In a prospective cohort of
      young, healthy South African women, we found that individuals with diverse
      genital bacterial communities dominated by anaerobes other than Gardnerella were
      at over 4-fold higher risk of acquiring HIV and had increased numbers of
      activated mucosal CD4+ T cells compared to those with Lactobacillus crispatus
      dominant communities. We identified specific bacterial taxa linked with reduced
      (L. crispatus) or elevated (Prevotella, Sneathia, and other anaerobes)
      inflammation and HIV infection and found that high-risk bacteria increased
      numbers of activated genital CD4+ T cells in a murine model. Our results suggest
      that highly prevalent genital bacteria increase HIV risk by inducing mucosal HIV
      target cells. These findings might be leveraged to reduce HIV acquisition in
      women living in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 28087242
TI  - Brains for birds and babies: Neural parallels between birdsong and speech
      acquisition.
AB  - Language as a computational cognitive mechanism appears to be unique to the human
      species. However, there are remarkable behavioral similarities between song
      learning in songbirds and speech acquisition in human infants that are absent in
      non-human primates. Here we review important neural parallels between birdsong
      and speech. In both cases there are separate but continually interacting neural
      networks that underlie vocal production, sensorimotor learning, and auditory
      perception and memory. As in the case of human speech, neural activity related to
      birdsong learning is lateralized, and mirror neurons linking perception and
      performance may contribute to sensorimotor learning. In songbirds that are
      learning their songs, there is continual interaction between secondary auditory
      regions and sensorimotor regions, similar to the interaction between Wernicke's
      and Broca's areas in human infants acquiring speech and language. Taken together,
      song learning in birds and speech acquisition in humans may provide useful
      insights into the evolution and mechanisms of auditory-vocal learning.

PMID- 28087243
TI  - Using deep learning to investigate the neuroimaging correlates of psychiatric and
      neurological disorders: Methods and applications.
AB  - Deep learning (DL) is a family of machine learning methods that has gained
      considerable attention in the scientific community, breaking benchmark records in
      areas such as speech and visual recognition. DL differs from conventional machine
      learning methods by virtue of its ability to learn the optimal representation
      from the raw data through consecutive nonlinear transformations, achieving
      increasingly higher levels of abstraction and complexity. Given its ability to
      detect abstract and complex patterns, DL has been applied in neuroimaging studies
      of psychiatric and neurological disorders, which are characterised by subtle and
      diffuse alterations. Here we introduce the underlying concepts of DL and review
      studies that have used this approach to classify brain-based disorders. The
      results of these studies indicate that DL could be a powerful tool in the current
      search for biomarkers of psychiatric and neurologic disease. We conclude our
      review by discussing the main promises and challenges of using DL to elucidate
      brain-based disorders, as well as possible directions for future research.

PMID- 28087244
TI  - Practice Makes Perfect: Correlations Between Prior Experience in High-level
      Athletics and Robotic Surgical Performance Do Not Persist After Task Repetition.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Robotic surgical skill development is central to training in urology
      as well as in other surgical disciplines. Here, we describe a pilot study
      assessing the relationships between robotic surgery simulator performance and 3
      categories of activities, namely, videogames, musical instruments, and athletics.
      DESIGN: A questionnaire was administered to preclinical medical students for
      general demographic information and prior experiences in surgery, videogames,
      musical instruments, and athletics. For follow-up performance studies, we used
      the Matchboard Level 1 and 2 modules on the da Vinci Skills Simulator, and
      recorded overall score, time to complete, economy of motion, workspace range,
      instrument collisions, instruments out of view, and drops. Task 1 was run once,
      whereas task 2 was run 3 times. SETTING: All performance studies on the da Vinci
      Surgical Skills Simulator took place in the Simulation Center at Dartmouth
      Hitchcock Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: All participants were medical students at
      the Geisel School of Medicine. After excluding students with prior hands-on
      experience in surgery, a total of 30 students completed the study. RESULTS: We
      found a significant correlation between athletic skill level and performance for
      both task 1 (p = 0.0002) and task 2 (p = 0.0009). No significant correlations
      were found for videogame or musical instrument skill level. Students with
      experience in certain athletics (e.g., volleyball, tennis, and baseball) tended
      to perform better than students with experience in other athletics (e.g., track
      and field). For task 2, which was run 3 times, this association did not persist
      after the third repetition due to significant improvements in students with low
      level athletic skill (levels 0-2). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that prior
      experience in high-level athletics, but not videogames or musical instruments,
      significantly influences surgical proficiency in robot-naive students.
      Furthermore, our study suggests that practice through task repetition can
      overcome initial differences that may be related to a background in athletics.
      These novel relationships may have broader implications for the future
      recruitment and training of robotic surgeons and may warrant further
      investigation.

PMID- 28087245
TI  - The severe clinical phenotype for a heterozygous Fabry female patient correlates
      to the methylation of non-mutated allele associated with chromosome 10q26
      deletion syndrome.
AB  - Heterozygous Fabry females usually have an attenuated form of Fabry disease,
      causing them to be symptomatic; however, in rare cases, they can present with a
      severe phenotype. In this study, we report on a 37-year-old woman with
      acroparesthesia, a dysmorphic face, left ventricular hypertrophy, and
      intellectual disability. Her father had Fabry disease and died due to chronic
      renal and congestive cardiac failure. Her paternal uncle had chronic renal
      failure and intellectual disability, and her paternal aunt was affected with
      congestive cardiac failure. The patient has two sisters with no significant
      medical illness. However, her nephew has acroparesthesia, anhidrosis, and school
      phobia, and her niece shows mild phenotypes. The patient's enzyme analysis showed
      very low alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-gal A) activity in dried blood spot (DBS),
      lymphocytes, and skin fibroblasts with massive excretion of Gb3 and Gb2 in urine
      and lyso-Gb3 in DBS and plasma. Electron microscopic examination showed a large
      accumulation of sphingolipids in vascular endothelial cells and keratinocytes.
      Chromosomal analysis and comparative genomic hybridization microarray showed
      10q26 terminal deletion. Molecular data showed a novel heterozygous stop codon
      mutation in exon 1 of the GLA gene in her sisters and niece, and a hemizygous
      state in her nephew. When we checked the methylation status, we found her non
      mutated allele in the GLA gene was methylated. However, the non-mutated alleles
      of her sisters were non-methylated, and those of her niece were partially
      methylated. The chromosomal and methylation study may speculate the severity of
      her clinical phenotypes.

PMID- 28087246
TI  - Adipocytokines and anthropometric measures in type 2 diabetics.
AB  - AIM: Type 2 diabetes mellitus has assumed pandemic proportions worldwide.
      Aggressive management of hyperglycemia in diabetics is a primary goal of
      treatment. We have previously reported favorable effects of oral hypoglycemic
      agents on adipocytokines. Aim of the present study was to investigate the
      relationship of adipocytokines with anthropometric measures and biochemical
      parameters in type 2 diabetics. METHODS: Clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetics
      and age, gender matched healthy volunteers were recruited for study.
      Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist-circumference, hip
      circumference were recorded and BMI, waist-hip ratio were calculated. Fasting
      blood samples were collected from participants and sera were analyzed for
      glucose, glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, SGOT, SGPT, insulin,
      adiponectin and leptin. Correlation of adipocytokines with anthropometric and
      biochemical parameters was assessed in healthy and diabetic individuals. RESULTS:
      BMI and WHR in diabetics were significantly higher than healthy population. BMI
      did not show significant association with adipocytokines. Diabetic males with
      WHR>=0.9 showed negative association with adiponectin and positive association
      with leptin. WC did not show significant association with adipocytokines in
      males. Irrespective of WC, healthy females exhibited positive association with
      leptin. Diabetic females with WC>=88cm showed leptin to be positively associated
      with WC. Such association of adipocytokines with WHR was not detected in females.
      CONCLUSIONS: Body fat distribution can be considered as a parameter in assessing
      adipokine imbalance. Central adiposity is a better measure of adipokine imbalance
      than BMI. Abdominal obesity in diabetics correlates with altered levels of
      adipocytokines indicating its importance in diabetic individuals.

PMID- 28087247
TI  - Activity of Von Willebrand factor and levels of VWF-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13)
      in preterm and full term neonates.
AB  - Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) has a central role in primary hemostasis. Its
      biological activity is related to the size of VWF multimers, spontaneously
      binding to platelets and inducing circulating microthrombi formation. This
      process is down-regulated by the VWF cleaving protease ADAMTS13 (A Disintegrin
      and Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin motif). To date, information regarding
      the levels of ADAMTS13 in neonates and preterm infants is scarce. Our aim was to
      study ADAMTS13, VWF antigen (Ag) and Ristocetin cofactor (RiCof) activity in
      neonates and evaluate potential correlations with perinatal complications. Our
      cohort consisted of 128 (48/128: born preterm) neonates, born in Sheba Medical
      Center and followed until hospital discharge. Control group consisted of 20
      healthy adults. As expected, a significant elevation of VWF:Ag was observed in
      preterm and term infants compared to adults. VWF:Ag levels were highest in full
      term infants (Median 129.0 IQR 33.8) and lowest in adults (Median 119.0 IQR 58.5)
      (p<0.05), and RiCoF levels in neonates were higher than in adults. ADAMTS13 was
      significantly (p<0.05) higher in preterm babies in comparison to full term and
      adult controls. Neonates that underwent stressful conditions or experienced
      vascular complications such as IUGR, ROP, NEC, had lower levels of ADAMTS13 in
      our study. Further studies are required to validate and asses potential
      significance of these findings.

PMID- 28087248
TI  - Corrigendum to "GIT1/betaPIX signaling proteins and PAK1 kinase regulate
      microtubule nucleation" [Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1863/6PA (2016) 1282-1297].

PMID- 28087249
TI  - Nick-initiated homologous recombination: Protecting the genome, one strand at a
      time.
AB  - Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential, widely conserved mechanism that
      utilizes a template for accurate repair of DNA breaks. Some early HR models,
      developed over five decades ago, anticipated single-strand breaks (nicks) as
      initiating lesions. Subsequent studies favored a more double-strand break (DSB)
      centered view of HR initiation and at present this pathway is primarily
      considered to be associated with DSB repair. However, mounting evidence suggests
      that nicks can indeed initiate HR directly, without first being converted to
      DSBs. Moreover, recent studies reported on novel branches of nick-initiated HR
      (nickHR) that rely on single-, rather than double-stranded repair templates and
      that are characterized by mechanistically and genetically unique properties. The
      physiological significance of nickHR is not well documented, but its high
      fidelity nature and low mutagenic potential are relevant in recently developed,
      precise gene editing approaches. Here, we review the evidence for stimulation of
      HR by nicks, as well as the data on the interactions of nickHR with other DNA
      repair pathways and on its mechanistic properties. We conclude that nickHR is a
      bona-fide pathway for nick repair, sharing the molecular machinery with the
      canonical HR but nevertheless characterized by unique properties that secure its
      inclusion in DNA repair models and warrant future investigations.

PMID- 28087250
TI  - Pharmacology of cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy.
AB  - The use of cannabis products in the treatment of epilepsy has long been of
      interest to researchers and clinicians alike; however, until recently very little
      published data were available to support its use. This article summarizes the
      available scientific data of pharmacology from human and animal studies on the
      major cannabinoids which have been of interest in the treatment of epilepsy,
      including ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (?9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), ?9
      tetrahydrocannabivarin (?9-THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), and ?9
      tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Delta9-THCA). It has long been known that ?9-THC has
      partial agonist activity at the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, though it
      also binds to other targets which may modulate neuronal excitability and
      neuroinflammation. The actions of Delta9-THCV and Delta9-THCA are less well
      understood. In contrast to ?9-THC, CBD has low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors
      and other targets have been investigated to explain its anticonvulsant properties
      including TRPV1, voltage gated potassium and sodium channels, and GPR55, among
      others. We describe the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of
      each of the above mentioned compounds. Cannabinoids as a whole are very
      lipophilic, resulting in decreased bioavailability, which presents challenges in
      optimal drug delivery. Finally, we discuss the limited drug-drug interaction data
      available on THC and CBD. As cannabinoids and cannabis-based products are studied
      for efficacy as anticonvulsants, more investigation is needed regarding the
      specific targets of action, optimal drug delivery, and potential drug-drug
      interactions. This article is part of a Special Issue titled Cannabinoids and
      Epilepsy.

PMID- 28087251
TI  - Obesity and epilepsy: The first step of a long road.

PMID- 28087252
TI  - Novel method for evaluation of eye movements in patients with narcolepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Narcolepsy causes abnormalities in the control of wake-sleep, non
      rapid-eye-movement (non-REM) sleep and REM sleep, which includes specific eye
      movements (EMs). In this study, we aim to evaluate EM characteristics in
      narcolepsy as compared to controls using an automated detector. METHODS: We
      developed a data-driven method to detect EMs during sleep based on two EOG
      signals recorded as part of a polysomnography (PSG). The method was optimized
      using the manually scored hypnograms from 36 control subjects. The detector was
      applied on a clinical sample with subjects suspected for central hypersomnias.
      Based on PSG, multiple sleep latency test and cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin-1
      measures, they were divided into clinical controls (N = 20), narcolepsy type 2
      (NT2, N = 19), and narcolepsy type 1 (NT1, N = 28). We investigated the
      distribution of EMs across sleep stages and cycles. RESULTS: NT1 patients had
      significantly less EMs during wake, N1, and N2 sleep and more EMs during REM
      sleep compared to clinical controls, and significantly less EMs during wake and
      N1 sleep compared to NT2 patients. Furthermore, NT1 patients showed less EMs
      during NREM sleep in the first sleep cycle and more EMs during NREM sleep in the
      second sleep cycle compared to clinical controls and NT2 patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      NT1 patients show an altered distribution of EMs across sleep stages and cycles
      compared to NT2 patients and clinical controls, suggesting that EMs are directly
      or indirectly controlled by the hypocretinergic system. A data-driven EM detector
      may contribute to the evaluation of narcolepsy and other disorders involving the
      control of EMs.

PMID- 28087253
TI  - What is an "ideal" antibiotic? Discovery challenges and path forward.
AB  - An ideal antibiotic is an antibacterial agent that kills or inhibits the growth
      of all harmful bacteria in a host, regardless of site of infection without
      affecting beneficial gut microbes (gut flora) or causing undue toxicity to the
      host. Sadly, no such antibiotics exist. What exist are many effective Gram
      positive antibacterial agents as well as broad-spectrum agents that provide
      treatment of certain Gram-negative bacteria but not holistic treatment of all
      bacteria. However effectiveness of all antibacterial agents is being rapidly
      eroded due to resistance. This viewpoint provides an overview of today's
      antibiotics, challenges and potential path forward of discovery and development
      of new (ideal) antibiotics.

PMID- 28087254
TI  - Anti-diabetic drug metformin dilates retinal blood vessels through activation of
      AMP-activated protein kinase in rats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine whether metformin, a biguanide anti
      hyperglycemic drug, dilates retinal blood vessels in rats. Ocular fundus images
      were captured with an original high-resolution digital fundus camera in vivo and
      diameters of retinal blood vessels were measured. Both systemic blood pressure
      and heart rate were continuously recorded. Metformin (0.01-0.3mg/kg/min)
      increased diameters of retinal blood vessels in a dose-dependent manner. This
      retinal vasodilator effect of metformin was abolished by compound C, an inhibitor
      of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, an
      inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Similar results were obtained with the
      AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribonucleoside (AICAR,
      0.01-1mg/kg/min). Neither metformin nor AICAR exerted significant effect on mean
      blood pressure and heart rate. However, a significant pressor response to AICAR
      was observed upon inhibition of NO synthase. These results suggest that metformin
      dilates retinal blood vessels through activation of AMPK, and NO plays an
      important role in the retinal vasodilator response following AMPK activation.

PMID- 28087255
TI  - Unknown face of known drugs - what else can we expect from angiotensin converting
      enzyme inhibitors?
AB  - The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is one of important systems among homeostatic
      mechanisms that control the function of cardiovascular, renal and adrenal
      systems. As RAS has a very complex nature, it has been also found as related to
      the control of cell migration and apoptosis. Angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors (ACEI) are drugs most commonly used in the modulation of RAS activity.
      ACEI have been extensively described as effective in the treatment of
      hypertension among adults, but also as drugs delaying progression in diabetic
      nephropathy and reducing mortality in left ventricular dysfunction and congestive
      heart failure. What is less obvious, ACEI are also widely used in pediatric
      nephrology and cardiology. Moreover, there are more and more reports showing
      evidence that ACEI can be beneficial in the treatment of many other diseases and
      the pleiotropic activity of ACEI is mainly based on their antioxidant properties.
      In this paper we focus on the less obvious possibilities of the clinical use of
      ACEI in neurological or oncological patients, discuss the role of ACE gene
      polymorphism and show the perspectives of potentially new applications of ACEI in
      contemporary pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 28087256
TI  - Manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase-1 contribute to the
      rise and fall of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species which drive oncogenesis.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) largely originating in the mitochondria play
      essential roles in the metabolic and (epi)genetic reprogramming of cancer cell
      evolution towards more aggressive phenotypes. Recent studies have indicated that
      the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD2) may promote tumor progression by
      serving as a source of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). H2O2 is a form of ROS that is
      particularly active as a redox agent affecting cell signaling due to its ability
      to freely diffuse out of the mitochondria and alter redox active amino acid
      residues on regulatory proteins. Therefore, there is likely a dichotomy whereas
      SOD2 can be considered a protective antioxidant, as well as a pro-oxidant during
      cancer progression, with these effects depending on the accumulation and
      detoxification of H2O2. Glutathione peroxidase-1 GPX1, is a selenium-dependent
      scavenger of H2O2 which partitions between the mitochondria and the cytosol.
      Epidemiologic studies indicated that allelic variations in the SOD2 and GPX1
      genes alter the distribution and relative concentrations of SOD2 and GPX1 in
      mitochondria, thereby affecting the dynamic between the production and
      elimination of H2O2. Experimental and epidemiological evidence supporting a
      conflicting role of SOD2 in tumor biology, and epidemiological evidence that SOD2
      and GPX1 can interact to affect cancer risk and progression indicated that it is
      the net accumulation of mitochondrial H2O2 (mtH2O2) resulting from of the balance
      between the activities SOD2 and anti-oxidants such as GPX1 that determines
      whether SOD2 prevents or promotes oncogenesis. In this review, research
      supporting the idea that GPX1 is a gatekeeper restraining the oncogenic power of
      mitochondrial ROS generated by SOD2 is presented. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled Mitochondria in Cancer, edited by Giuseppe Gasparre,
      Rodrigue Rossignol and Pierre Sonveaux.

PMID- 28087257
TI  - Calcium regulates cell death in cancer: Roles of the mitochondria and
      mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs).
AB  - Until 1972, the term 'apoptosis' was used to differentiate the programmed cell
      death that naturally occurs in organismal development from the acute tissue death
      referred to as necrosis. Many studies on cell death and programmed cell death
      have been published and most are, at least to some degree, related to cancer.
      Some key proteins and molecular pathways implicated in cell death have been
      analyzed, whereas others are still being actively researched; therefore, an
      increasing number of cellular compartments and organelles are being implicated in
      cell death and cancer. Here, we discuss the mitochondria and subdomains of the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that interact with mitochondria, the mitochondria
      associated membranes (MAMs), which have been identified as critical hubs in the
      regulation of cell death and tumor growth. MAMs-dependent calcium (Ca2+) release
      from the ER allows selective Ca2+ uptake by the mitochondria. The perturbation of
      Ca2+ homeostasis in cancer cells is correlated with sustained cell proliferation
      and the inhibition of cell death through the modulation of Ca2+ signaling. This
      article is part of a Special Issue entitled Mitochondria in Cancer, edited by
      Giuseppe Gasparre, Rodrigue Rossignol and Pierre Sonveaux.

PMID- 28087258
TI  - Hyponatremic Hypertensive Syndrome in a Preterm Infant with Twin Anemia
      Polycythemia Sequence.

PMID- 28087259
TI  - Clinical Manifestations, Outcomes, and Etiologies of Perinatal Stroke in Taiwan:
      Comparisons between Ischemic, and Hemorrhagic Stroke Based on 10-year Experience
      in A Single Institute.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perinatal stroke is a common cause of established neurological
      sequelae. Although several risk factors have been identified, many questions
      regarding causes and clinical outcomes remain unanswered. This study investigated
      the clinical manifestations and outcomes of perinatal stroke and identified its
      etiologies in Taiwan. METHODS: We searched the reports of head magnetic resonance
      imaging and computed tomography performed between January 2003 and December 2012.
      The medical records of enrolled infants with perinatal stroke were also reviewed.
      RESULTS: Thirty infants with perinatal stroke were identified; 10 infants had
      perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS) and 20 had perinatal hemorrhagic stroke
      (PHS). Neonatal seizure was the most common manifestation and presented in 40% of
      infants with PAIS and 50% of infants with PHS. All survivors with PAIS and 77% of
      the surviving infants with PHS developed neurological sequelae. Acute seizure
      manifestation was associated with poststroke epilepsy in infants with PHS but not
      in infants with PAIS (86% vs. 0%, p=0.005). PAIS was mostly caused by
      dysfunctional hemostasis (20%) and embolism (20%), whereas PHS was mostly
      attributable to birth asphyxia (30%). CONCLUSION: Perinatal stroke is associated
      with high mortality and morbidity rates in infants. Clinically, it can be
      difficult to distinguish PAIS and PHS. One should keep a high level of suspicion,
      especially for PHS, if infants develop unexplained seizure, cyanosis, conscious
      change, anemia, and/or thrombocytopenia. A systematic diagnostic approach is
      helpful in identifying the etiologies of perinatal stroke.

PMID- 28087260
TI  - Seizure Recurrence in Children after Stopping Antiepileptic Medication: 5-Year
      Follow-Up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We wanted to identify in children with epilepsy the factors
      associated with seizure control and recurrence after a 2-year remission. METHODS:
      We did a 5-year follow-up of epileptic children whose antiepileptic medication
      had been stopped. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare
      features of electroencephalograms (EEGs) and clinical findings. In this study, 43
      patients with and 64 without a seizure recurrence (SR) were enrolled. RESULTS:
      Clinical features strongly associated with SR in the univariate analysis included
      a symptomatic etiology for seizures, a history of status epilepticus, treatment
      duration before stopping antiepileptic drugs, and abnormal EEG findings at the
      time of stopping antiepileptic drugs. CONCLUSION: We found that a history of
      status epilepticus, symptomatic partial epilepsy, treatment duration before
      stopping antiepileptic drugs, and an abnormal EEG when the medication was stopped
      are important predictors of SR. The risk factors of SR after discontinuing
      antiepileptic drugs have been investigated in several studies. However, a history
      of status epilepticus as a predictive factor is rarely mentioned.

PMID- 28087262
TI  - Molecular Mechanisms of Autophagy-Part B.

PMID- 28087261
TI  - DNA aptamer probes for detection of estrogen receptor alpha positive carcinomas.
AB  - Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) also known as NR3A1 (nuclear receptor subfamily
      3, group A, member 1) is a ligand-activated transcription factor. It is an
      important biomarker for breast cancer metastasis. In the present study, we report
      a novel DNA aptamer candidate against estrogen receptor (ER) alpha structure. The
      enriched aptamer candidate was obtained after 14 iterative cycles of in vitro
      protein-SELEX process. Isothermal calorimetry study suggests the nanomolar
      sensitivity of the candidate ER_Apt1 to its target protein. Fluorescence- and
      chemiluminescence-binding assays confirm the specificity of the candidate aptamer
      to ER alpha positive breast cancer cell line. Comparative analysis of ER_Apt1 to
      ER alpha monoclonal antibody was also performed to analyze the expression of ER
      alpha in various malignant cancer cell line. Cytochemical and
      immunohistochemistry assay indicates its potential use as a diagnostic agent
      against ERalpha positive carcinomas. The nucleotide aptamer sequences described
      in the present study can be used for the detection, treatment, prophylaxis and
      diagnosis of ERalpha-related disorder.

PMID- 28087263
TI  - Sacroiliitis due to calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease.

PMID- 28087264
TI  - Independent impedimetric analysis of two cell populations co-cultured on opposite
      sides of a porous support.
AB  - The transepithelial or -endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) is a very common
      and routinely recorded parameter describing the expression of barrier-forming
      cell-cell contacts (tight junctions) in quantitative terms. To determine TEER,
      barrier-forming cell monolayers are cultured on porous filter supports that
      separate two fluid compartments. The frequency-dependent impedance of the cell
      layer is then recorded and analyzed by means of equivalent circuit modelling
      providing TEER and the cell layer capacitance. The latter serves as a
      quantitative indicator for membrane topography. When cells are co-cultured on
      opposite sides of such a porous support to model more complex biological
      barriers, TEER readings will integrate over both cell layers and the individual
      contributions are not assessable. This study describes the modification of
      commonly used porous filter inserts by coating their backside with a thin gold
      film. When this gold-film is used as an additional electrode, both cell layers
      can be studied separately by impedance analysis. The electrical parameters of
      either cell layer are assessable independently by switching between different
      electrode combinations. The performance of this new approach is illustrated and
      documented by experiments that (i) follow the de novo formation of cell junctions
      between initially suspended cells and (ii) the manipulation of mature cell-cell
      junctions by cytoskeleton-active drugs. Both assays confirm that both cell layers
      are monitored entirely independently.

PMID- 28087265
TI  - Myocardial relaxation is accelerated by fast stretch, not reduced afterload.
AB  - Fast relaxation of cross-bridge generated force in the myocardium facilitates
      efficient diastolic function. Recently published research studying mechanisms
      that modulate the relaxation rate has focused on molecular factors. Mechanical
      factors have received less attention since the 1980s when seminal work
      established the theory that reducing afterload accelerates the relaxation rate.
      Clinical trials using afterload reducing drugs, partially based on this theory,
      have thus far failed to improve outcomes for patients with diastolic dysfunction.
      Therefore, we reevaluated the protocols that suggest reducing afterload
      accelerates the relaxation rate and identified that myocardial relengthening was
      a potential confounding factor. We hypothesized that the speed of myocardial
      relengthening at end systole (end systolic strain rate), and not afterload,
      modulates relaxation rate and tested this hypothesis using electrically
      stimulated trabeculae from mice, rats, and humans. We used load-clamp techniques
      to vary afterload and end systolic strain rate independently. Our data show that
      the rate of relaxation increases monotonically with end systolic strain rate but
      is not altered by afterload. Computer simulations mimic this behavior and suggest
      that fast relengthening quickens relaxation by accelerating the detachment of
      cross-bridges. The relationship between relaxation rate and strain rate is novel
      and upends the prevailing theory that afterload modifies relaxation. In
      conclusion, myocardial relaxation is mechanically modified by the rate of stretch
      at end systole. The rate of myocardial relengthening at end systole may be a new
      diagnostic indicator or target for treatment of diastolic dysfunction.

PMID- 28087266
TI  - Assessment of Sex Differences in Body Composition Among Adolescents With Anorexia
      Nervosa.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare deficits in fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LM) among male
      and female adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to identify other
      covariates associated with body composition. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      electronic medical records of all subjects aged 9-20 years with a Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnosis of AN and dual
      energy x-ray absorptiometry scans after initial evaluation at Stanford between
      March 1997 and February 2011. From the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans, LM
      and FM results were converted to age-, height-, sex-, and race-specific Z-scores
      for age using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reference
      data. RESULTS: A total of 16 boys and 119 girls with AN met eligibility criteria.
      The FM Z-score in girls with AN (-3.24 +/- 1.50) was significantly lower than
      that in boys with AN (-2.41 +/- .96) in unadjusted models (p = .007). LM was
      reduced in both girls and boys with AN, but there was no significant sex
      difference in LM Z-scores. In multivariate models, lower percentage median body
      mass index was significantly associated with lower FM Z-scores (beta = .08, p <
      .0001) and lower LM Z-score (beta = .03, p = .0002), whereas lower whole body
      bone mineral content Z-score was significantly associated with lower LM Z-score
      (beta = .21, p = .0006). CONCLUSIONS: FM deficits in girls were significantly
      greater than those in boys with AN in unadjusted models; however, the degree of
      malnutrition appeared to be the primary factor accounting for this difference.
      There were no significant sex differences in FM or LM in adjusted models.

PMID- 28087268
TI  - A Review of Effective Youth Engagement Strategies for Mental Health and Substance
      Use Interventions.
AB  - The majority of adult mental health and substance use (MH&SU) conditions emerge
      in adolescence. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment programs targeting this age
      group have a unique opportunity to significantly impact the well-being of the
      future generation of adults. At the same time, youth are reluctant to seek
      treatment and have high rates of dropout from interventions. An emphasis on youth
      engagement in prevention and treatment interventions for MH&SU results in better
      health outcomes for those youth. This literature review was undertaken to
      evaluate opportunities to improve youth engagement in MH&SU programs. The intent
      was to determine best practices in the field that combined community-level
      improvement in clinical outcomes with proven strategies in engagement enhancement
      to inform program development at a local level. The results discuss 40 studies,
      reviews, and program reports demonstrating effective youth engagement. These have
      been grouped into six themes based on the underlying engagement mechanism: youth
      participation in program development, parental relationships, technology, the
      health clinic, school, and social marketing. A broad range of tools are discussed
      that intervention developers can leverage to improve youth engagement in
      prevention or treatment programs.

PMID- 28087267
TI  - Research in the Integration of Behavioral Health for Adolescents and Young Adults
      in Primary Care Settings: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Despite the recognition that behavioral and medical health conditions are
      frequently intertwined, the existing health care system divides management for
      these issues into separate settings. This separation results in increased
      barriers to receipt of care and contributes to problems of underdetection,
      inappropriate diagnosis, and lack of treatment engagement. Adolescents and young
      adults with mental health conditions have some of the lowest rates of treatment
      for their conditions of all age groups. Integration of behavioral health into
      primary care settings has the potential to address these barriers and improve
      outcomes for adolescents and young adults. In this paper, we review the current
      research literature for behavioral health integration in the adolescent and young
      adult population and make recommendations for needed research to move the field
      forward.

PMID- 28087269
TI  - Mitochondrial roles of the psychiatric disease risk factor DISC1.
AB  - Ion transport during neuronal signalling utilizes the majority of the brain's
      energy supply. Mitochondria are key sites for energy provision through ATP
      synthesis and play other important roles including calcium buffering. Thus,
      tightly regulated distribution and function of these organelles throughout the
      intricate architecture of the neuron is essential for normal synaptic
      communication. Therefore, delineating mechanisms coordinating mitochondrial
      transport and function is essential for understanding nervous system physiology
      and pathology. While aberrant mitochondrial transport and dynamics have long been
      associated with neurodegenerative disease, they have also more recently been
      linked to major mental illness including schizophrenia, autism and depression.
      However, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be elucidated, due to an
      incomplete understanding of the combinations of genetic and environmental factors
      contributing to these conditions. Consequently, the DISC1 gene has undergone
      intense study since its discovery at the site of a balanced chromosomal
      translocation, segregating with mental illness in a Scottish pedigree. The
      precise molecular functions of DISC1 remain elusive. Reported functions of DISC1
      include regulation of intracellular signalling pathways, neuronal migration and
      dendritic development. Intriguingly, a role for DISC1 in mitochondrial
      homeostasis and transport is fast emerging. Therefore, a major function of DISC1
      in regulating mitochondrial distribution, ATP synthesis and calcium buffering may
      be disrupted in psychiatric disease. In this review, we discuss the links between
      DISC1 and mitochondria, considering both trafficking of these organelles and
      their function, and how, via these processes, DISC1 may contribute to the
      regulation of neuronal behavior in normal and psychiatric disease states.

PMID- 28087271
TI  - Mesoionic pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidinones: Discovery of dicloromezotiaz as a
      lepidoptera insecticide acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors1,2.
AB  - A novel class of mesoionic pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidinones has been discovered with
      exceptional insecticidal activity controlling a number of insect species. In this
      communication, we report the part of the optimization program that led to the
      identification of dicloromezotiaz as a potent insecticide to control a broad
      range of lepidoptera. Our efforts in discovery, synthesis, structure-activity
      relationship elucidation, and biological activity evaluation are also presented.

PMID- 28087270
TI  - Examining the reliability and validity of the Clinical Assessment Interview for
      Negative Symptoms within the Management of Schizophrenia in Clinical Practice
      (MOSAIC) multisite national study.
AB  - The current study sought to expand on prior reports of the validity and
      reliability of the CAINS (CAINS) by examining its performance across diverse non
      academic clinical settings as employed by raters not affiliated with the scale's
      developers and across a longer test-retest follow-up period. The properties of
      the CAINS were examined within the Management of Schizophrenia in Clinical
      Practice (MOSAIC) schizophrenia registry. A total of 501 participants with a
      schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis who were receiving usual care were recruited
      across 15 national Patient Assessment Centers and evaluated with the CAINS, other
      negative symptom measures, and assessments of functioning, quality of life and
      cognition. Temporal stability of negative symptoms was assessed across a 3-month
      follow-up. Results replicated the two-factor structure of the CAINS reflecting
      Motivation and Pleasure and expression symptoms. The CAINS scales exhibited high
      internal consistency and temporal stability. Convergent validity was supported by
      significant correlations between the CAINS subscales with other negative symptom
      measures. Additionally, the CAINS was significantly correlated with functioning
      and quality of life. Discriminant validity was demonstrated by small to moderate
      associations between the CAINS and positive symptoms, depression, and cognition
      (and these associations were comparable to those found with other negative
      symptom scales). Findings suggest that the CAINS is a reliable and valid tool for
      measuring negative symptoms in schizophrenia across diverse clinical samples and
      settings.

PMID- 28087272
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of 5-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amines as
      Bcl-2 inhibitory anticancer agents.
AB  - A series of 5-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amines 8a-j has been
      designed, synthesized and tested in vitro as potential pro-apoptotic Bcl-2
      inhibitory anticancer agents based on our previous lead compound 8a. Synthesis of
      the target compounds was readily accomplished through a cyclisation reaction
      between indole-3-carboxylic acid hydrazide (5) and substituted isothiocyanates 6a
      j, followed by oxidative cyclodesulfurization of the corresponding
      thiosemicarbazide 7a-j using 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin. Active compounds
      of the series 8a-j were found to have sub-micromolar IC50 values selectively in
      Bcl-2 expressing human cancer cell lines; notably the 2-nitrophenyl analogue 8a
      was found to exhibit potent activity, and compounds 8a and 8e possessed
      comparable Bcl-2 binding affinity (ELISA assay) to the established natural
      product-based Bcl-2 inhibitor, gossypol. Molecular modeling studies helped to
      further rationalise anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 binding, and identified compounds 8a and
      8e as candidates for further development as Bcl-2 inhibitory anticancer agents.

PMID- 28087273
TI  - Chitosan cross-linked with poly(ethylene glycol)dialdehyde via reductive
      amination as effective controlled release carriers for oral protein drug
      delivery.
AB  - The covalently cross-linked chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol)1540 derivatives have
      been developed as a controlled release system with potential for the delivery of
      protein drug. The swelling characteristics of the hydrogels based on these
      derivatives as the function of different PEG content and the release profiles of
      a model protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA) from the hydrogels were evaluated in
      simulated gastric fluid with or without enzyme in order to simulate the
      gastrointestinal tract conditions. The derivatives cross-linked with difunctional
      PEG1540-dialdehyde via reductive amination can swell in alkaline pH and remain
      insoluble in acidic medium. The cumulative release amount of BSA was relatively
      low in the initial 2h and increased significantly at pH 7.4 with intestinal
      lysozyme for additional 12h. The results proved that the release-and-hold
      behavior of the cross-linked CS-PEG1540H-CS hydrogel provided a swell and
      intestinal enzyme controlled release carrier system, which is suitable for oral
      protein drug delivery.

PMID- 28087275
TI  - Sequence, structure and function relationships in flaviviruses as assessed by
      evolutive aspects of its conserved non-structural protein domains.
AB  - Flaviviruses are responsible for serious diseases such as dengue, yellow fever,
      and zika fever. Their genomes encode a polyprotein which, after cleavage, results
      in three structural and seven non-structural proteins. Homologous proteins can be
      studied by conservation and coevolution analysis as detected in multiple sequence
      alignments, usually reporting positions which are strictly necessary for the
      structure and/or function of all members in a protein family or which are
      involved in a specific sub-class feature requiring the coevolution of residue
      sets. This study provides a complete conservation and coevolution analysis on all
      flaviviruses non-structural proteins, with results mapped on all well-annotated
      available sequences. A literature review on the residues found in the analysis
      enabled us to compile available information on their roles and distribution among
      different flaviviruses. Also, we provide the mapping of conserved and coevolved
      residues for all sequences currently in SwissProt as a supplementary material, so
      that particularities in different viruses can be easily analyzed.

PMID- 28087274
TI  - Study of antileishmanial activity of 2-aminobenzoyl amino acid hydrazides and
      their quinazoline derivatives.
AB  - A new small library of 2-aminobenzoyl amino acid hydrazide derivatives and
      quinazolinones derivatives was synthesized and fully characterized by IR, NMR,
      and elemental analysis. The activity of the prepared compounds on the growth of
      Leishmania aethiopica promastigotes was evaluated. 2-Benzoyl amino acid hydrazide
      showed higher inhibitory effect than the quinazoline counterpart. The in vitro
      antipromastigote activity demonstrated that compounds 2a, 2b, 2f and 4a had IC50
      better than standard drug miltefosine and comparable activity to amphotericin B
      deoxycholate, which indicates their high antileishmanial activity against
      Leishmania. aethiopica. Among the prepared compounds; 2-amino-N-(6-hydrazinyl-6
      oxohexyl)benzamide 2f (IC50=0.051MUM) has the best activity, 154 folds more
      active than reference standard drug miltefosine (IC50=7.832MUM), and half fold
      the activity of amphotericin B (IC50=0.035MUM). In addition, this compound was
      safe and well tolerated by experimental animals orally up to 250mg/kg and
      parenterally up to 100mg/kg.

PMID- 28087276
TI  - Drosophila Argonaute2 turnover is regulated by the ubiquitin proteasome pathway.
AB  - Argonaute (AGO) proteins play a central role in the RNA interference (RNAi)
      pathway, which is a cytoplasmic mechanism important for post-transcriptional
      regulation of gene expression. In Drosophila, AGO2 also functions in the nucleus
      to regulate chromatin insulator activity and transcription. Although there are a
      number of studies focused on AGO2 function, the regulation of AGO2 turnover is
      not well understood. We found that mutation of T1149 or R1158 in the conserved
      PIWI domain causes AGO2 protein instability, but only T1149 affects RNAi
      activity. Mass spec analysis shows that several proteasome components co-purify
      with both wildtype and mutant AGO2, and knockdown of two proteasome pathway
      components results in AGO2 protein accumulation. Finally, AGO2 protein levels
      increase after treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Our results
      indicate that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is involved in AGO2 protein
      turnover.

PMID- 28087277
TI  - Identification of UBact, a ubiquitin-like protein, along with other homologous
      components of a conjugation system and the proteasome in different gram-negative
      bacteria.
AB  - Systems analogous to the eukaryotic ubiquitin-proteasome system have been
      previously identified in Archaea, and Actinobacteria (gram-positive), but not in
      gram-negative bacteria. Here, we report the bioinformatic identification of a
      novel prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein, which we name UBact. The phyletic
      distribution of UBact covers at least five gram-negative bacterial phyla,
      including Nitrospirae, Armatimonadetes, Verrucomicroba, Nitrospinae, and
      Planctomycetes. Additionally, it was identified in seven candidate (uncultured)
      phyla and one Archaeon. UBact might have been overlooked because only few species
      in the phyla where it is found have been sequenced. In most of the species where
      we identified UBact, its neighbors in the genome code for proteins homologous to
      those involved in conjugation and/or degradation of Pup and Pup-tagged
      substrates. Among them are PafA-, Dop-, Mpa- and proteasome-homologous proteins.
      This gene association as well as UBact's size and conserved C-terminal G[E/Q]
      motif, strongly suggest that UBact is used as a conjugatable tag for degradation.
      With regard to its C-terminus, UBact differs from ubiquitin and most ubiquitin
      like proteins (including the mycobacterial Pup) in that it lacks the
      characteristic C-terminal di-glycine motif, and it usually ends with the sequence
      R[T/S]G[E/Q]. The phyla that contain UBact are thought to have diverged over 3000
      million years ago, indicating that either this ubiquitin-like conjugation system
      evolved early in evolution or that its occurrence in distant gram-negative phyla
      is due to multiple instances of horizontal gene transfer.

PMID- 28087278
TI  - Prolyl-tRNA synthetase inhibition promotes cell death in SK-MEL-2 cells through
      GCN2-ATF4 pathway activation.
AB  - Protein translation is highly activated in cancer tissues through oncogenic
      mutations and amplifications, and this can support survival and aberrant
      proliferation. Therefore, blocking translation could be a promising way to block
      cancer progression. The process of charging a cognate amino acid to tRNA, a
      crucial step in protein synthesis, is mediated by tRNA synthetases such as prolyl
      tRNA synthetase (PRS). Interestingly, unlike pan-translation inhibitors, we
      demonstrated that a novel small molecule PRS inhibitor (T-3861174) induced cell
      death in several tumor cell lines including SK-MEL-2 without complete suppression
      of translation. Additionally, our findings indicated that T-3861174-induced cell
      death was caused by activation of the GCN2-ATF4 pathway. Furthermore, the PRS
      inhibitor exhibited significant anti-tumor activity in several xenograft models
      without severe body weight losses. These results indicate that PRS is a druggable
      target, and suggest that T-3861174 is a potential therapeutic agent for cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 28087279
TI  - Alpha-2-macroglobulin and heparin cofactor II and the vulnerability of carotid
      atherosclerotic plaques: An iTRAQ-based analysis.
AB  - Rupture of carotid atherosclerotic plaque may cause stroke, while few biomarker
      in clinic can evaluate carotid plaque vulnerability. In this study, we divided
      the recruited participants into no plaque, stable plaque, and vulnerable plaque
      group according to carotid ultrasonography, and screened the differentially
      expressed proteins in plasma of these participants using isobaric tags for
      relative and absolute quantitation labeling coupled with liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry. 28 proteins were identified differentially expressed,
      among which alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha2M) and heparin cofactor II (HCII) were
      found to be at hub position in the interactions of these proteins by STRING
      analysis and were selected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurement to
      assess their relevance with carotid plaques vulnerability and diagnostic
      efficiency. The plasma level of alpha2M was found positively correlated, while
      HCII level was negatively correlated with higher vulnerability of carotid
      plaques. Both proteins were efficient in differentiating stable and vulnerable
      carotid plaques. These findings provide potential new targets for the research of
      carotid plaque vulnerability. Plasma alpha2M and HCII may be potential biomarkers
      for evaluation of the vulnerability of carotid plaques if further studied.

PMID- 28087280
TI  - Increased homocysteine levels impair reference memory and reduce cortical levels
      of acetylcholine in a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment.
AB  - Folates are B-vitamins that are vital for normal brain function. Deficiencies in
      folates either genetic (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, MTHFR) or dietary
      intake of folic acid result in elevated levels of homocysteine. Clinical studies
      have shown that elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) may be associated with the
      development of dementia, however this link remains unclear. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the impact of increased Hcy levels on a mouse model of
      vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) produced by chronic hypoperfusion. Male and
      female Mthfr+/+ and Mthfr+/- mice were placed on either control (CD) or folic
      acid deficient (FADD) diets after which all animals underwent microcoil
      implantation around each common carotid artery or a sham procedure. Post
      operatively animals were tested on the Morris water maze (MWM), y-maze, and
      rotarod. Animals had no motor impairments on the rotarod, y-maze, and could learn
      the location of the platform on the MWM. However, on day 8 of testing of MWM
      testing during the probe trial, Mthfr+/- FADD microcoil mice spent significantly
      less time in the target quadrant when compared to Mthfr+/- CD sham mice,
      suggesting impaired reference memory. All FADD mice had elevated levels of plasma
      homocysteine. MRI analysis revealed arterial remodeling was present in Mthfr+/-
      microcoil mice not Mthfr+/+ mice. Acetylcholine and related metabolites were
      reduced in cortical tissue because of microcoil implantation and elevated levels
      of homocysteine. Deficiencies in folate metabolism resulting in increased Hcy
      levels yield a metabolic profile that increases susceptibility to
      neurodegeneration in a mouse model of VCI.

PMID- 28087281
TI  - Monopolar Transurethral Enucleation of Prostatic Adenoma: Preliminary Report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe preliminary results of our monopolar transurethral
      enucleation of prostatic adenoma (mTUEPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive
      series of male patients treated with mTUEPA, a retrograde enucleation of the
      prostatic adenoma performed by means of a standard monopolar resectoscope, were
      prospectively enrolled. Symptoms, uroflowmetry parameters, and post-voiding
      residual were assessed at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
      Prostate volume was evaluated at baseline by means of transrectal ultrasound.
      Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs were stopped at least 1 week before the
      operation. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were enrolled. Mean preoperative
      prostate volume was 64.9 +/- 28.5 g. When assessed at baseline, the mean total
      International Prostatic Symptoms Score was 15.2 +/- 3.9, peak flow rate (Qmax)
      was 8.4 +/- 2.9 mL/s and the post-voiding residual was 103.2 +/- 90.6 mL. Four
      weeks after surgery, patients reported a mean International Prostatic Symptoms
      Score of 5.3 +/- 3. This lower urinary tract symptoms relief was further
      maintained at 6 and 12 months after surgery. A significant postoperative
      improvement in uroflowmetry parameters was described, being the 6 and 12 months
      mean Qmax of 23.4 +/- 10.6 mL/s and 18.8 +/- 9.2 mL/s, respectively (P < .001).
      Overall, 14 postoperative complications were reported by 13 of 47 (27.6%)
      patients: most of them were minor complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade I-II),
      whereas 1 patient reported capsule perforation during surgery, requiring
      interruption of the procedure and its further completion (Clavien-Dindo IIIb).
      CONCLUSION: mTUEPA is a safe and effective technique, merging the principles of
      laser enucleation and the advantages of mechanical enucleation with standard
      monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate equipment.

PMID- 28087282
TI  - Short-term perioperative teriparatide therapy for the prevention of medication
      related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A randomized, controlled preclinical study in
      rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dentoalveolar procedures in patients receiving bisphosphonates and
      other antiresorptive agents are associated with an increased risk of medication
      related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The aim of present study was to
      evaluate the effects of perioperative teriparatide (TPD) therapy in prevention of
      MRONJ. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two protocols of TPD therapy were studied. For
      protocol A, 25 TPD-treated (AT) and 25 control (AC) rats received 5 weekly
      injection of 0.06 mg/kg zoledronate. At the end of week 5, extraction of
      bilateral mandibular first molars was performed for all rats, and 4-week TPD (20
      MUg/kg/day) and saline therapy was started for AT and AC rats, respectively. For
      protocol B, 25 TPD-treated (BT) and 25 control (BC) rats received 5 weekly
      injection of 0.06 mg/kg zoledronate. One week later, 4-week TPD and saline
      therapy was started for BT and BC rats, respectively. Both groups underwent tooth
      extraction at the end of week 7 of the experiment. All rats were sacrificed 8
      weeks after tooth extraction and assessed clinically for bone exposure/fistula,
      and histologically for density of osteocytes in newly formed bone and empty
      osteocyte lacunae in alveolar bone. RESULTS: Incidence of bone exposure/fistula
      and mean numbers of osteocytes and empty lacunae per 25 mm2 (at 400*
      magnification) were 20%, 15.36, and 2.63 in AT group; 78%, 5.78, and 6.81 in AC
      group; 14%, 16.94, and 2.08 in BT group; and 78%, 7.54, and 5.95 in BC group;
      respectively. The differences between AT and AC and between BT and BC were
      statistically significant (P < 0.001). However, no statistically significant
      difference between AT and BT and between AC and BC was found. CONCLUSION: Four
      weeks of TPD therapy, beginning at the same day or 2 weeks before tooth
      extraction, had a potential role in prevention of ONJ.

PMID- 28087283
TI  - Benefits of using the ultrasonic BoneScalpelTM in temporomandibular joint
      reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: The main objective of this retrospective study is to analyze and report
      on our operative experiences and outcomes using the ultrasonic BoneScalpelTM
      (BoneScalpel) versus a conventional reciprocating saw (RecipSaw) for the purpose
      of completing the osteotomies in total temporomandibular joint reconstruction
      (TJR) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 23 consecutive patients presented with a
      diagnosis of either degenerative joint disease (n = 23), a failing autogenous TJR
      (n = 1), heterotrophic bone formation (n = 1) or a subcondylar fracture (n = 1)
      for a total of 26 joints that received a TJR. 13 unique TJR surgeries employed
      the use of the BoneScalpel to perform the osteotomies and 13 used the RecipSaw.
      RESULTS: There was a 49% reduction in the average volume of blood loss in the
      BoneScalpel group compared to the RecipSaw group (130cc vs. 268cc, p <= 0.004),
      unpaired t-test). For the other variables it was observed that there were more
      favorable clinical results using the BoneScalpel but without statistically
      significant differences given the small sample size relative to the prevalence of
      the outcome that was being measured. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the BoneScalpel in TMJ
      reconstruction is overall safer and results in less blood loss compared to
      surgeries employing the use of the conventional RecipSaw for completing
      osteotomies.

PMID- 28087284
TI  - Pharmacological and surgical therapy for the central giant cell granuloma: A long
      term retrospective cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with a central giant
      cell granuloma (CGCG) treated at a single center to assess and compare the
      different surgical and non-surgical approaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort
      with a single histologically proven non-syndrome-related CGCG was selected and
      reviewed. Patients were allocated to group I (surgery), group II
      (pharmacotherapy), and group III (pharmacotherapy and surgery). The primary
      outcome was long-term radiologic response using computed tomography. Secondary
      outcomes were intermediate radiologic responses and occurrence and severity of
      side effects. RESULTS: Thirty-three subjects were included in the study. The
      surgical group (n = 4) included 1 patient with progression during follow-up and a
      relatively high post-surgical morbidity. Twenty-nine patients started on various
      pharmacological treatment regimens (groups II and III). Fourteen patients could
      be managed without additional surgery. One of these lesions showed progression
      during follow-up. The other 15 lesions underwent additional surgery, and none
      showed progression during follow-up. Interferon treatment was associated with the
      most side effects. CONCLUSION: Pharmacological agents have a role in the
      treatment of aggressive and non-aggressive CGCGs by limiting the renewed
      progression during long-term follow up and the extent and morbidity of surgical
      treatment.

PMID- 28087285
TI  - Apert syndrome: A consensus on the management of Apert hands.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Apert Syndrome is a congenital condition characterised by primary
      craniosynostosis, midfacial malformations and complex symmetrical malformations
      of the hands and feet. The hands demonstrate one of the most complex collections
      of congenital upper limb deformities, posing a significant challenge for the
      paediatric hand surgeon. This study examines the extant literature and current
      practice of the four UK specialist craniofacial units regarding the management of
      Apert hands in order to provide a basis for guideline development. METHODS: The
      current literature was reviewed. Survey-type questionnaires were distributed to
      the four UK specialist craniofacial units and responses analysed. RESULTS:
      Management of the Apert hand is largely dictated by the degree of malformation
      present. Although all units aim to achieve a five digit hand, variation in the
      timing of surgery, operative protocols and mobilisation policies exist.
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide an interesting snapshot of the
      current management of Apert hands across four UK craniofacial surgery units. The
      four UK units remain congruent on most areas surrounding the management of Apert
      hands although some minor inter-unit variation exists. A multidisciplinary
      approach to management remains fundamental in optimising the regain of function
      and aesthetically acceptable hands.

PMID- 28087287
TI  - Clinical documentation of in-hospital cardiac arrest in a large national health
      system.

PMID- 28087286
TI  - Incidence and survival outcome according to heart rhythm during resuscitation
      attempt in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with presumed cardiac
      etiology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowledge about heart rhythm conversion from non-shockable to
      shockable rhythm during resuscitation attempt after out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest (OHCA) and following chance of survival is limited and inconsistent.
      METHODS: We studied 13,860 patients with presumed cardiac-caused OHCA not
      witnessed by the emergency medical services from the Danish Cardiac Arrest
      Register (2005-2012). Patients were stratified according to rhythm: shockable,
      converted shockable (based on receipt of subsequent defibrillation) and sustained
      non-shockable rhythm. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify
      predictors of rhythm conversion and to compute 30-day survival chances. RESULTS:
      Twenty-five percent of patients who received pre-hospital defibrillation by
      ambulance personnel were initially found in non-shockable rhythms. Younger age,
      males, witnessed arrest, shorter response time, and heart disease were
      significantly associated with conversion to shockable rhythm, while psychiatric-
      and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly associated with
      sustained non-shockable rhythm. Compared to sustained non-shockable rhythms,
      converted shockable rhythms and initial shockable rhythms were significantly
      associated with increased 30-day survival (Adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 1.8-3.8; and OR 16.4, 95% CI 12.7-21.2, respectively).
      From 2005 to 2012, 30-day survival chances increased significantly for all three
      groups: shockable rhythms, from 16.3% (CI: 14.2%-18.7%) to 35.7% (CI: 32.5%
      38.9%); converted rhythms, from 2.1% (CI: 1.6%-2.9%) to 5.8% (CI: 4.4%-7.6%); and
      sustained non-shockable rhythms, from 0.6% (CI: 0.5%-0.8%) to 1.8% (CI: 1.4%
      2.2%). CONCLUSION: Converting to shockable rhythm during resuscitation attempt
      was common and associated with nearly a three-fold higher odds of 30-day survival
      compared to sustained non-shockable rhythms.

PMID- 28087288
TI  - Outcome of adult patients attended by rapid response teams: A systematic review
      of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An abundance of studies have investigated the impact of rapid
      response teams (RRTs) on in-hospital cardiac arrest rates. However, existing RRT
      data appear highly variable in terms of both study quality and reported uses of
      limitations of care, patient survival and patient long-term outcome. METHODS: A
      systematic electronic literature search (January, 1990-March, 2016) of the PubMed
      and Cochrane databases was performed. Bibliographies of articles included in the
      full-text review were searched for additional studies. A predefined RRT cohort
      quality score (range 0-17) was used to evaluate studies independently by two
      reviewers. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies with a total of 157,383 RRT activations
      were included in this review. The quality of data reporting related to RRT
      patients was assessed as modest, with a median quality score of 8 (range 2-11).
      Data from the included studies indicate that a median 8.1% of RRT reviews result
      in limitations of medical treatment (range 2.1-25%) and 23% (8.2-56%) result in a
      transfer to intensive care. A median of 29% (6.9-35%) of patients transferred to
      intensive care died during that admission. The median hospital mortality of
      patients reviewed by RRT is 26% (12-60%), and the median 30-day mortality rate is
      29% (8-39%). Data on long-term survival is minimal. No data on functional
      outcomes was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Patients reviewed by rapid response teams
      have a high and variable mortality rate, and limitations of care are commonly
      used. Data on the long-term outcomes of RRT are lacking and needed.

PMID- 28087289
TI  - Clinical utility and functional analysis of variants in atrial fibrillation
      associated locus 4q25.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chromosome 4q25 has been repeatedly identified as atrial fibrillation
      (AF)-sensitive locus in multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and is
      considered to hold some clues to AF pathogenesis. We aimed to investigate the
      clinical utilities in Japanese and to unveil the function of the 4q25 locus in
      affecting transcription of adjacent genes. METHODS: We conducted AF GWAS in
      Japanese population (1382 AF cases and 1478 controls) and the replication panel
      (1666 AF cases and 1229 controls) with detailed clinical information which showed
      the acceleration of AF onset. Stepwise investigations with linkage disequilibrium
      analysis, histone code patterns, and reporter assay in the 4q25 locus were
      performed. RESULTS: The AF GWAS confirmed a significant association of rs4611994
      and rs1906617 in chromosome 4q25 with AF. In the clinical analysis, AF onset of
      the individuals with risk allele accelerated 2.5 years compared with those with
      protective allele (p=0.00012). Next, in the functional analysis, three single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the variant group selected by linkage
      disequilibrium analysis were identified as candidates for the cis-regulatory
      element toward adjacent genes in chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Among them,
      rs4611994 and rs72900144 regions showed higher effects on the transcriptional
      activity of luciferase gene in the risk alleles than those in the protective
      alleles (p<0.0001, p<0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: AF GWAS in Japanese
      confirmed the association with 4q25 locus and indicated that its SNP affected the
      acceleration of AF onset. The candidate regions of the causative SNPs, rs4611994
      and rs72900144, could alter the adjacent gene expression level.

PMID- 28087290
TI  - Inferior J waves in patients with vasospastic angina might be a risk factor for
      ventricular fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is little information about the relationship between J waves
      and the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with vasospastic
      angina (VSA). The present study aimed to assess the incidence of J waves and the
      occurrence of VF in patients with VSA. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 62
      patients with VSA diagnosed by acetylcholine provocation tests in our institution
      from 2002 to 2014. We investigated the VF events, prevalence of J waves, and
      relationship between the VF events and J waves. RESULTS: J waves were observed in
      16 patients (26%) and VF events were documented in 11 (18%). The incidence of VF
      in the patients with J waves was significantly higher than that in those without
      J waves (38% vs 11%, p=0.026). J waves were observed in the inferior leads in 14
      patients, lateral leads in 5, and anterior leads in 3. A univariate analysis
      indicated that the incidence of VF in the inferior leads of J wave positive
      patients (46%=6/14) was significantly (p=0.01) higher than that in the inferior
      leads of J wave negative patients (10%=5/48). The J waves in the anterior and/or
      lateral leads were not related to the incidence of VF. Notched type and slurred
      type J waves were not associated with VF. A multivariate analysis revealed that J
      waves in VSA patients were associated with VF [odds ratio (OR) 6.41, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.37-29.93, p=0.02] and organic stenosis (OR 6.98, 95%
      CI 1.39-35.08, p=0.02). Further, J waves in the inferior leads were strongly
      correlated with VF (OR 11.85, 95% CI 2.05-68.42, p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The
      results suggest that the existence of J waves, especially in the inferior leads,
      might be a risk factor for VF in VSA patients.

PMID- 28087291
TI  - Primary Care Perspectives on Hepatitis C Virus Screening, Diagnosis and Linking
      Patients to Appropriate Care.
AB  - Enormous progress has been made in recent years toward effectively treating and
      curing patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). However, at least half of the
      possible 7 million individuals infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the US
      remain undiagnosed. The formidable task of increasing the number of patients
      diagnosed, and subsequently linked to appropriate care has fallen to primary care
      clinicians, who are mandated by some US States to offer screening to individuals
      born between 1945 and 1965 (the Baby Boomer Generation). This peer-reviewed video
      roundtable discussion
      http://hepcresource.amjmed.com/Content/jplayer/video_roundtable.html#video0
      addresses the challenges encountered by primary care clinicians faced with the
      increasing societal need to screen for HCV, make appropriate diagnoses, and
      subsequently link infected patients to appropriate care. Discussion in this
      roundtable initially focuses on the offering of HCV screening to patients in
      primary care settings. Roundtable participants discuss the need for primary care
      clinicians to ask appropriate risk factor-based questions of their patients,
      especially if the ongoing HCV epidemic is to be curtailed. The participants note,
      however, that the majority of patients currently infected with HCV in the US are
      Baby Boomers, and USPTF guidelines require this population to be tested for HCV
      regardless of any past risk-taking behaviors. So while asking the right questions
      is important, the failure of a Baby Boomer to recall risk-taking behavior does
      not preclude HCV screening. In fact, clinicians should proactively screen all
      persons in this birth cohort, and be more sensitive and open to screening
      requests from these individuals. Roundtable participants also discuss how HCV
      screening results should be communicated to patients, and how physicians can keep
      patients engaged and not lost to follow-up after an initial positive HCV antibody
      test. Patients screened and found to be HCV antibody positive require a follow-up
      HCV RNA test, and every effort must be made to overcome the challenge of losing
      patients between these two steps. Good communication between the physician, the
      physician's office staff, and the patient is necessary. In addition, point-of
      care tests and PCR reflex testing can alleviate the need for HCV antibody
      positive patients to arrange subsequent office visits to undergo confirmatory HCV
      RNA testing. Physician and patient perspectives are presented throughout this
      roundtable discussion to obtain a complete picture of the management barriers
      encountered prior to initiation of therapy. Physician perspectives are provided
      by Edward Lebovics, the Upham Professor of Gastroenterology and Director of the
      Sarah C. Upham Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Diseases at New
      York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York, and
      Richard Torres, Chief Medical Officer at Optimus Health Care and an Associate
      Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Torres has been a primary care
      provider for 29 years, working at the largest federally qualified community
      health center in Southwestern CT, which provides over 240,000 patient visits
      annually primarily to populations that are underserved and suffering from
      healthcare disparities. Patient perspectives in this roundtable are provided by
      Lucinda K. Porter, RN, who is the author of two books for hepatitis C patients,
      and is a former hepatology nurse and hepatitis C patient. She has been advocating
      for others since 1997, and writes for the HCV Advocate. Lucinda is a contributing
      editor of HEP magazine, and she blogs at www.LucindaPorterRN.com. The overall
      goal of this video roundtable discussion is to demonstrate that when provided
      with appropriate clinical knowledge, and aided by supportive collaborations with
      appropriate specialists, primary care clinicians should be able to effectively
      screen, diagnose, and link patients with hepatitis C to appropriate care. While
      patients need to be educated on the possible outcomes of a positive HCV antibody
      test, the significance of a positive HCV RNA test, and how to prevent further
      transmission, they should also be assured that currently available therapies have
      dramatically increased the chances of being cured. Appropriate education and the
      availability of excellent treatment options will hopefully quell fears and
      increase the morale of patients as they navigate the process of HCV screening and
      diagnosis.

PMID- 28087292
TI  - Loss of CD28 within CD4+ T cell subsets from cervical cancer patients is
      accompanied by the acquisition of intracellular perforin, and is further enhanced
      by NKG2D expression.
AB  - CD28 is well characterized as an essential co-stimulatory receptor critical for
      activation, proliferation and survival processes in CD4+ T cells. Populations of
      CD4+CD28null T cells, with apparently contradictory physiological roles, have
      recently been reported, along with the co-expression of the NK activating
      receptor NKG2D, in autoimmune diseases and chronic viral inflammation.
      Paradoxically, studies in cancer suggest that an expanded CD4+NKG2D+ population
      may be armed with immunosuppressive properties. We have recently reported the
      existence of two separate CD4+NKG2D+ T cell populations, which were defined by
      the presence or absence of the co-stimulatory molecule CD28, with the
      CD4+CD28nullNKG2D+ population more frequently observed in women with cervical
      cancer. This has led to the present effort to further characterize this
      population and to determine if the loss of CD28 influences the acquisition of
      cytotoxic or regulatory markers. In the present work, a multicolor flow cytometry
      protocol was used to analyze the expression of cytotoxic and immunoregulatory
      markers on circulating CD4+ T cells characterized by the presence or absence of
      CD28 and NKG2D in patients with invasive cervical carcinoma and age/gender
      matched healthy controls. A noticeable expansion of CD4+CD28null cells, many of
      them NKG2D+, were observed in selected cervical cancer samples. This CD4+CD28null
      T cell population was characterized by a lack of immunoregulatory markers, as
      well as very low basal levels of intracellular IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta,
      and IL-10. Intracellular perforin, however, was found to be significantly
      increased in this CD4+CD28null population, and increases in the mean fluorescence
      intensity of perforin were found to be enhanced by the presence of NKG2D. In
      conclusion, our data provide the first evidence of a strict link between the
      absence of CD28 and the expression of perforin, which is likewise enhanced by the
      expression of NKG2D, within selected CD4+ T cells from cervical cancer patients.

PMID- 28087293
TI  - First itraconazole resistant Aspergillus fumigatus clinical isolate harbouring a
      G54E substitution in Cyp51Ap in South America.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A 27-year-old male rural worker was admitted with a fungal keratitis
      due to an injury involving plant detritus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens were
      collected for microscopy examination and culture. The isolate was identified by
      morphological and molecular criteria. Susceptibility testing was performed using
      CLSI methods. CYP51A gene was PCR amplified and sequenced. RESULTS: An
      Aspergillus fumigatus strain resistant to itraconazole (MIC>8MUg/ml) was
      isolated. The isolate was susceptible to amphotericin B, posaconazole,
      voriconazole and caspofungin. CYP51A sequencing showed two mutations leading on
      the G54E substitution. The patient received natamycin as treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first report in South America of a clinical A. fumigatus strain
      carrying the substitution G54E at Cyp51Ap associated with itraconazole
      resistance. Considering the patient was azole-naive, this resistant isolate may
      have been acquired from the environment.

PMID- 28087294
TI  - Bioactive metabolites of docosahexaenoic acid.
AB  - Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fatty acid that is recognized as a
      beneficial dietary constituent and as a source of the anti-inflammatory
      specialized proresolving mediators (SPM): resolvins, protectins and maresins.
      Apart from SPMs, other metabolites of DHA also exert potent biological effects.
      This article summarizes current knowledge on the metabolic pathways involved in
      generation of DHA metabolites. Over 70 biologically active metabolites have been
      described, but are often discussed separately within specific research areas.
      This review follows DHA metabolism and attempts to integrate the diverse DHA
      metabolites emphasizing those with identified biological effects. DHA metabolites
      could be divided into DHA-derived SPMs, DHA epoxides, electrophilic oxo
      derivatives (EFOX) of DHA, neuroprostanes, ethanolamines, acylglycerols,
      docosahexaenoyl amides of amino acids or neurotransmitters, and branched DHA
      esters of hydroxy fatty acids. These bioactive metabolites have pleiotropic
      effects that include augmenting energy expenditure, stimulating lipid catabolism,
      modulating the immune response, helping to resolve inflammation, and promoting
      wound healing and tissue regeneration. As a result they have been shown to exert
      many beneficial actions: neuroprotection, anti-hypertension, anti-hyperalgesia,
      anti-arrhythmia, anti-tumorigenesis etc. Given the chemical structure of DHA, the
      number and geometry of double bonds, and the panel of enzymes metabolizing DHA,
      it is also likely that novel bioactive derivatives will be identified in the
      future.

PMID- 28087295
TI  - Postconditioning-induced neuroprotection, mechanisms and applications in cerebral
      ischemia.
AB  - Ischemic postconditioning (PostC) is defined as a series of rapid intermittent
      interruptions of blood flow at the phase of reperfusion, which produces
      neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via mobilizing the
      brain's own endogenous adaptive mechanisms. Now the concept of conventional
      ischemic PostC has been extended to limb remote ischemic PostC and chemical PostC
      with hypoxia, volatile anesthetic, CO2, etc. According to the different temporal
      profile of PostC, it is divided into rapid and delayed PostC. Rapid PostC is
      applied within a few seconds to minutes after reperfusion, while delayed PostC is
      applied at a few hours to days after reperfusion. Although the neuroprotective
      mechanisms of PostC are not completely elucidated, a series of mechanisms have
      been found to connect with PostC in the central nervous system, such as
      regulating synaptic signaling, attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation,
      maintaining mitochondrial integrity, inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress,
      regulating autophagy, activating PI3K/Akt pathway, inhibiting apoptosis,
      protecting neurovascular unit, etc. Based on these multiple protective
      mechanisms, PostC has high expectations to translate to the clinic, but a few
      issues should be resolved such as the time window, risks, efficiency, the impact
      of age, gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and t-PA, and clinical
      maneuverability. Even so, PostC could soon be at the bedside if the clinical
      trials are carefully planned.

PMID- 28087296
TI  - Defining digital dentistry: A survey of recent literature.

PMID- 28087297
TI  - Inhibition of streptococcal biofilm by hydrogen water.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The accumulation of oral bacterial biofilm is the main etiological
      factor of oral diseases. Recently, electrolyzed hydrogen-rich water (H-water) has
      been shown to act as an effective antioxidant by reducing oxidative stress. In
      addition to this general health benefit, H-water has antibacterial activity for
      disease-associated oral bacteria. However, little is known about the effect of H
      water on oral bacterial biofilm. The objective of this study was to confirm the
      effect of H-water on streptococcal biofilm formation. METHODS: In vitro
      streptococcal biofilm was quantified using crystal violet staining after culture
      on a polystyrene plate. The effect of H-water on the expression of genes involved
      in insoluble glucan synthesis and glucan binding, which are critical steps for
      oral biofilm formation, was evaluated in MS. In addition, we compared the number
      of salivary streptococci after oral rinse with H-water and that with control tap
      water. Salivary streptococci were quantified by counting viable colonies on Mitis
      Salivarius agar-bacitracin. RESULTS: Our data showed that H-water caused a
      significant decrease in in vitro streptococcal biofilm formation. The expression
      level of the mRNA of glucosyltransferases (gtfB, gtfc, and gtfI) and glucan
      binding proteins (gbpC, dblB) were decreased remarkably in MS after H-water
      exposure for 60s. Furthermore, oral rinse with H-water for 1 week led to
      significantly fewer salivary streptococci than did that with control tap water.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that oral rinse with H-water would be helpful in
      treating dental biofilm-dependent diseases with ease and efficiency.

PMID- 28087298
TI  - The Utility of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin in Hypogonadism and Infertile Males.
AB  - PURPOSE: We sought to determine the role of sex hormone-binding globulin in
      patients with male infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed the records of 168 males seen at a fertility clinic from 2012 to 2014 to
      investigate the accuracy of total testosterone in the biochemical diagnosis of
      hypogonadism using calculated bioavailable testosterone as the reference value.
      We used multivariable analysis to assess sex hormone-binding globulin as an
      independent predictor of infertility. RESULTS: Computations using calculated
      bioavailable testosterone as a standard in the measurement of definitive
      biochemical hypogonadism (less than 156 ng/dl) revealed 81% sensitivity, 83%
      specificity, 81% positive predictive value and 82% negative predictive value for
      diagnosing hypogonadism with total testosterone alone. Of the 90 men with total
      testosterone greater than 300 ng/dl, 20% had low bioavailable testosterone less
      than 156 ng/dl, 52% had borderline low bioavailable testosterone less than 210
      ng/dl and only 48% could be considered biochemically eugonadal according to
      calculated bioavailable testosterone. Of the 80 patients with total testosterone
      less than 300 ng/dl, 19% had free testosterone levels greater than 6.5 ng/dl and,
      thus, could be considered to be eugonadal. By a magnitude similar to that of
      follicle-stimulating hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin independently
      predicted decreased sperm concentration (p = 0.0027) and motility (p = 0.0447).
      After excluding men with azoospermia, only sex hormone-binding globulin levels
      differed significantly in classically hypogonadal men (group 1-total testosterone
      less than 300 ng/dl) and those missed but hypogonadal (group 2-calculated
      bioavailable testosterone less than 210 ng/dl) (p = 0.0001). At a more stringent
      cutoff of calculated bioavailable testosterone less than 156 ng/dl, sperm
      motility was significantly different for groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS:
      Adding sex hormone-binding globulin to total testosterone serum testing
      facilitates more accurate diagnosis with free testosterone and calculated
      bioavailable testosterone, and clinical implications of decreased semen
      parameters to a magnitude similar to that of follicle-stimulating hormone. This
      warrants further study of the role of sex hormone-binding globulin in male
      infertility.

PMID- 28087299
TI  - When Partial Nephrectomy is Unsuccessful: Understanding the Reasons for
      Conversion from Robotic Partial to Radical Nephrectomy at a Tertiary Referral
      Center.
AB  - PURPOSE: We sought to identify the preoperative factors associated with
      conversion from robotic partial nephrectomy to radical nephrectomy. We report the
      incidence of this event. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using our institutional review
      board approved database, we abstracted data on 1,023 robotic partial
      nephrectomies performed at our center between 2010 and 2015. Standard and
      converted cases were compared in terms of patients and tumor characteristics, and
      perioperative, functional and oncologic outcomes. Logistic regression analysis
      was done to identify predictors of radical conversion. RESULTS: The overall
      conversion rate was 3.1% (32 of 1,023 cases). The most common reasons for
      conversion were tumor involvement of hilar structures (8 cases or 25%), failure
      to achieve negative margins on frozen section (7 or 21.8%), suspicion of advanced
      disease (5 or 15.6%) and failure to progress (5 or 15.6%). Patients requiring
      conversion were older and had a higher Charlson score (both p <0.01), including
      an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease (p = 0.02). Increasing tumor
      size (5 vs 3.1 cm, p <0.01) and R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic
      properties, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior,
      location relative to polar lines and hilar location) score (9 vs 8, p <0.01) were
      also associated with an increased risk of conversion. Worse baseline renal
      function (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, p = 0.04), large tumor size (OR 1.44, 95% CI
      1.22-1.7, p <0.01) and increasing R.E.N.A.L. score (p = 0.02) were independent
      predictors of conversion. Compared to converted cases, at latest followup
      standard robotic partial nephrectomy cases had similar short-term oncologic
      outcomes but better renal functional preservation (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: At a
      high volume center the rate of robotic partial nephrectomy conversion to radical
      nephrectomy was 3.1%, including 2.2% of preoperatively anticipated nephrectomy
      cases. Increasing tumor size and complexity, and poor preoperative renal function
      are the main predictors of conversion.

PMID- 28087300
TI  - Mutual regulation by GnRH and kisspeptin of their receptor expression and its
      impact on the gene expression of gonadotropin subunits.
AB  - Hypothalamic kisspeptin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by stimulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone
      (GnRH) release into the portal circulation, with the subsequent release of
      gonadotropins. Kisspeptin and its receptor, the kisspeptin 1 receptor (Kiss1R),
      are also expressed in the pituitary gland. This study demonstrates the
      interaction between GnRH and kisspeptin within the pituitary gonadotrophs by
      altering their individual receptor expression. Our results show that kisspeptin
      and Kiss1R are expressed in the mouse pituitary gonadotroph cell line LbetaT2.
      Endogenous Kiss1R did not respond to kisspeptin and failed to stimulate
      gonadotropin LHbeta and FSHbeta expression in LbetaT2 cells; however, kisspeptin
      increased both LHbeta and FSHbeta promoter activity in Kiss1R-overexpressing
      LbetaT2 cells. Stimulating the cells with GnRH significantly increased Kiss1R
      expression, whereas kisspeptin increased the expression of the GnRH receptor
      (GnRHR) in these cells. Elevating the Kiss1R concentration led to an increase in
      the basal activities of gonadotropin LHbeta- and FSHbeta-subunit promoters. In
      addition, the level of kisspeptin-induced LHbeta promoter activity, but not that
      of FSHbeta, was significantly increased when a large number of Kiss1R expression
      vectors was introduced into the cells. The level of induction of GnRH-induced
      gonadotropin promoter activities was not significantly changed by increasing
      Kiss1R expression. Increasing the amount of GnRHR by overexpressing cellular
      GnRHR did not potentiate basal gonadotropin promoter activities; however,
      kisspeptin- and GnRH-stimulated increases in gonadotropin promoter activities
      were significantly potentiated (except GnRH-induced LHbeta promoters). The
      activities of serum response element-containing promoters were also modified in
      cells overexpressing Kiss1R or GnRHR. Our current observations demonstrate that
      GnRH and kisspeptin affect each other's function to stimulate gonadotropin
      subunit gene expression by reciprocally increasing the expression of their
      receptors.

PMID- 28087301
TI  - Molecular characterization and quantification of estrogen receptors in turbot
      (Scophthalmus maximus).
AB  - Estrogens regulate various reproductive processes via estrogen receptor (ER)
      mediated signaling pathway in vertebrates. In this study, full-length sequences
      coding for ERalpha, ERbeta1 and ERbeta2 were isolated from female turbot
      (Scophthalmus maximus) by homology cloning and a strategy based on rapid
      amplification of cDNA end-polymerase chain reaction (RACE-PCR). The nucleotide
      and amino acid sequences of turbot ERs showed high homologies with the
      corresponding sequences of other fish species and significant homology with the
      Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and the European sea bass
      (Dicentrarchus labrax). Turbot ERs contained six typical nuclear receptor
      characteristic domains and exhibited high evolutionary conservation in the
      functional domains. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis
      revealed that the eralpha and erbeta (beta1, beta2) mRNAs were abundant in the
      liver and ovary, respectively. Furthermore, hepatic mRNA levels of eralpha and
      vitellogenin (vtg) were found increased gradually from pre-vitellogenesis to late
      vitellogenesis stages, with the highest values observed at the late
      vitellogenesis stage, and then decreased from migratory-nucleus to atresia
      stages. However, mRNA levels of eralpha in the ovary remained unchanged during
      ovarian development. Hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, serum estradiol
      17beta and the mRNA levels of erbeta1 and erbeta2 in the ovary manifested results
      similar to the expression of eralpha mRNAs in the liver. These findings indicated
      that ERalpha is mainly involved in hepatic vitellogenesis, and ERbetas may play
      crucial roles to regulate ovarian development in turbot. Overall, this study
      improves understanding of the physiological functions of turbot ERs, which will
      be valuable for fish reproduction and broodstock management.

PMID- 28087302
TI  - The Long-term Effect of Bacille Calmette-Guerin Vaccination on Tuberculin Skin
      Testing: A 55-Year Follow-Up Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination is known to cause false
      positive tuberculin skin test (TST) results from cross-reactions with
      mycobacterial antigens. However, the duration of BCG vaccination influence on the
      TST is poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to assess the long
      term effect of BCG vaccination on TST reactivity. METHODS: Data on TST reactivity
      were prospectively collected during 1935 to 1947 as part of a clinical trial
      among Native Americans/Alaskan Natives and were retrospectively collected
      thereafter between 1948 and 1998. TST induration of >= 10 mm was defined as a
      positive reaction. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression were
      used to compare the time to TST conversion and reversion between the BCG and
      placebo groups. RESULTS: BCG vaccination after infancy was associated with an
      increased risk of TST reactivity in the first 15 years after vaccination
      (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.33). This association remained during the interval
      16 to 55 years after vaccination, although the effect was attenuated (adjusted
      HR, 1.26). Age at vaccination modestly impacted the effect of BCG on TST results
      in the first 15 years. Positive TST results among the BCG-vaccinated group were
      more likely to revert to negative results during the first 15 years but not in
      the latter period. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that BCG vaccination
      after infancy may influence TST results beyond the 10-year period conventionally
      accepted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extending up to
      55 years after vaccination. This suggests that BCG vaccination should be taken
      into account when interpreting TST results regardless of the time elapsed since
      vaccination.

PMID- 28087304
TI  - Sleep and Neurodegeneration: A Critical Appraisal.
AB  - Sleep abnormalities are clearly recognized as a distinct clinical symptom of
      concern in neurodegenerative disorders. Appropriate management of sleep-related
      symptoms has a positive impact on quality of life in patients with
      neurodegenerative disorders. This review provides an overview of mechanisms that
      are currently being considered that tie sleep with neurodegeneration. It
      appraises the literature regarding specific sleep changes seen in common
      neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer disease and
      synucleinopathies (ie, Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple
      system atrophy), that have been better studied. Sleep changes may also serve as
      markers to identify patients in the preclinical stage of some neurodegenerative
      disorders. A hypothetical model is postulated founded on the conjecture that
      specific sleep abnormalities, when noted to increase in severity beyond that
      expected for age, could be a surrogate marker reflecting pathophysiological
      processes related to neurodegenerative disorders. This provides a clinical
      strategy for screening patients in the preclinical stages of neurodegenerative
      disorders to enable therapeutic trials to establish the efficacy of
      neuroprotective agents to prevent or delay the development of symptoms and
      functional decline. It is unclear if sleep disturbance directly impacts
      neurodegenerative processes or is a secondary outcome of neurodegeneration; this
      is an active area of research. The clinical importance of recognizing and
      managing sleep changes in neurodegenerative disorders is beyond doubt.

PMID- 28087303
TI  - Activity Levels and Exercise Motivation in Patients With COPD and Their Resident
      Loved Ones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resident loved ones of patients with COPD can play an important role
      in helping these patients engage in physical activity. We aimed to compare
      activity levels and exercise motivation between patients with COPD and their
      resident loved ones; to compare the same outcome measures in patients after
      stratification for the physical activity level of the loved ones; and to predict
      the likelihood of being physically active in patients with a physically active
      resident loved one. METHODS: One hundred twenty-five patient/loved one dyads were
      cross-sectionally and simultaneously assessed. Sedentary behavior, light
      activities, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured with
      a triaxial accelerometer during free-living conditions for at least 5 days. Five
      exercise-motivation constructs were investigated: amotivation, external
      regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, and intrinsic
      regulation. RESULTS: Patients spent more time in sedentary behavior and less time
      in physical activity than their loved ones (P < .0001). More intrinsic regulation
      was observed in loved ones compared with patients (P = .003), with no differences
      in other constructs. Despite similar exercise motivation, patients with an active
      loved one spent more time in MVPA (mean 31 min/d; 95% CI, 24-38 min/d vs mean, 18
      min/d; 95% CI, 14-22 min/d; P = .002) and had a higher likelihood of being active
      (OR, 4.36; 95% CI, 1.41-13.30; P = .01) than did patients with an inactive loved
      one after controlling for age, BMI, and degree of airflow limitation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with COPD are more physically inactive and sedentary than
      their loved ones, despite relatively similar exercise motivation. Nevertheless,
      patients with an active loved one are more active themselves and have a higher
      likelihood of being active. TRIAL REGISTRY: Dutch Trial Register (NTR3941).

PMID- 28087305
TI  - Circulating interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a predictor of response to gemcitabine
      based chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the serum levels of
      interleukin-18 (IL-18) in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) and the
      relationship with tumor progression and known prognostic parameters. METHODS:
      Thirty-three patients with PA were studied. Serum samples were obtained on first
      admission before any treatment. Serum IL-18 levels were analyzed using enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Age- and sex-matched 30 healthy controls were
      included in the analysis. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 59 years,
      range 32-84 years; 20 (61%) patients were men and the remaining were women. The
      median follow-up time was 26.0 weeks (range: 1.0-184.0 weeks). The median overall
      survival of the whole group was 41.3 +/- 8.3 weeks [95% confidence interval (CI)
      = 25-58 weeks]. The baseline serum IL-18 levels were significantly higher in
      patients with PA than in the control group (p < 0.001). Serum IL-18 levels were
      significantly higher in the patients with high erythrocyte sedimentation rate
      (ESR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p = 0.01 and p = 0.05). Moreover, the
      chemotherapy-(CTx) unresponsive patients had higher serum IL-18 levels compared
      to CTx-responsive (p = 0.04) subjects. Conversely, serum IL-18 concentration was
      found to have no prognostic role on survival (p = 0.45). CONCLUSION: Serum levels
      of IL-18 can be a good diagnostic and predictive marker; especially for
      predicting the response to gemcitabine based CTx in patients with PA but it has
      no prognostic role.

PMID- 28087306
TI  - Molecular epidemiological analysis of human- and chicken-derived isolates of
      Campylobacter jejuni in Japan using next-generation sequencing.
AB  - In this research, we analyzed the main sequence types (ST) and ST complexes of
      human- and chicken-derived isolates of Campylobacter jejuni in Japan by using
      multilocus sequence typing (MLST). We also analyzed lipooligosaccharide
      biosynthesis locus classes (LOS locus classes) and the numbers of isolates
      carrying genes coding resistance factors against various antibiotics, and
      observed their relationships. ST-21 complex was the main ST complex in isolates
      from humans (n = 38) and chickens (n = 25). None of the isolates showed
      resistance to imipenem, chloramphenicol, or erythromycin. Few isolates were
      resistant to ampicillin and streptomycin (1.3%-15%), whereas many showed
      resistance to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid (38%-48%). Among
      the ST-21 complex isolates, ST4526 was detected at a very high rate. Those
      isolates showed resistance to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, and were
      susceptible to ampicillin. Among the chicken-derived isolates, 37 of the 38
      isolates that showed resistance to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid had threonine
      to isoleucine amino acid substitution in GyrA at codon 86 (T86I). Among the human
      derived isolates, 17 of the 47 isolates that showed resistance to ciprofloxacin
      and 16 of the 48 isolates that showed resistance to nalidixic acid did not have
      T86I amino acid mutations in GyrA. The human-derived ST-21 complex isolates were
      classified into LOS locus classes A, B, C, D, and E. The chicken-derived ST-21
      complex isolates, with the exception of one isolate, were all classified into LOS
      locus classes C and D. Among chicken-derived isolates, the most prevalent was
      ST51 (ST-443 complex) (10 isolates) and all of those were LOS locus class E.

PMID- 28087308
TI  - Myocardial inotropic reserve: An old twist that constitutes a reliable index in
      the modern era of heart failure.
AB  - Current national and international guidelines, including those of the European
      Society of Cardiology, recognize that the assessment of prognosis should be a
      part of the standard management for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
      However, these same guidelines recognize the inherent difficulty of this process.
      A variety of factors contribute to this difficulty, including the varying
      etiology, frequent co-morbidity and, perhaps most importantly, huge inter
      individual variability in the disease progression and outcome. Although CHF is
      chronic, it is also a condition in which significant proportions of patients
      experience apparently 'sudden' death, which almost certainly contributes to our
      difficulty in assessing individual patient prognosis. A useful tool for the risk
      stratification of heart failure patients is dobutamine stress echocardiography
      (DSE), which determines the myocardial viability in ischemic cardiomyopathy and
      myocardial contractile reserve in idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 28087307
TI  - Predictors of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in type 2 diabetes patients:
      A 4-year prospective study.

PMID- 28087309
TI  - Relationships between heart rate variability and aortic hemodynamic variables in
      healthy subjects.

PMID- 28087310
TI  - Clinical features and three-year outcomes of Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy:
      Observational data from one center.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The natural history, management, and outcome of Takotsubo (stress)
      cardiomyopathy (TTC) is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate
      clinical features, define prognostic predictors, and assess the clinical course
      and outcomes of patients with TTC. METHODS: We analyzed 64 patients (52 women)
      meeting the proposed Mayo Clinic diagnostic criteria for TTC. All patients were
      treated at Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos from 2001-01-01 to
      2014-11-27. Data were collected on the basis of medical records and follow-up
      data was collected by phone. RESULTS: The mean age of analyzed patients was 63.4
      +/- 14.6 years; the mean follow-up was 2.9 years. More than half of the patients
      (52%) did not have any clear stressful triggers. During admission, symptoms such
      as chest pain (64%) and general weakness (45%) were reported more often than
      other symptoms. Almost all patients (94%) had the classical TTC form; the
      remaining 6% of patients had "inverted" TTC. The mean left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF) on admission was 37.7% (+/- 8.2%). A pseudonormal or restrictive
      pattern of LV filling, moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (MR), and right
      ventricular involvement were uncommon in the patients. The in-hospital course
      showed cardiogenic shock in 23% of the cases, resulting in the death of 5 (8%)
      patients. We discovered that only peak concentration of troponin I was a
      significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (HR 1.067, 95%CI 1.022-1.113,
      p=0.003). At the end of the follow-up period, 45 (87%) women and 8 (67%) men were
      alive. This makes the overall observed mortality at 3 years approximately 17.2%.
      Using multivariate analysis, elevation of BNP (HR for increase by 10 ng/l 1.002,
      95%CI 1-1.003, p=0.022) and cardiogenic shock on admission (HR 8.696, 95%CI 1.198
      63.124, p=0.032) were significant predictors of overall mortality. Other
      prognostic factors assessed on admission were nonsignificant predictors of
      overall mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that in-hospital mortality is
      influenced by the peak concentration of troponin I, and overall mortality is
      affected by cardiogenic shock and the elevation of BNP during admission. The
      assessment of troponin I and BNP can help with the prognostication of TTC
      patients in our daily clinical practice.

PMID- 28087311
TI  - 'The role of novel oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing cryoballoon
      ablation for atrial fibrillation'.
AB  - AIM: Peri-procedural thromboembolic (TE) and hemorrhagic events are complications
      of major concern for patients undergoing cryoballoon (CB) ablation for atrial
      fibrillation (AF). While peri-procedural anticoagulation management could
      decrease the incidence of these complications, data on CB ablation are scarce.
      The role of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has not been thoroughly tested in
      this population. METHODS: In the present study, we sought to assess acute peri
      procedural complications in patients undergoing CB ablation for AF under
      different anticoagulation regimens; anticoagulation administration was performed
      according to the CHA2DS2-VASc score guidelines. To the best of our knowledge,
      this is the first study that compares 1) uninterrupted warfarin, 2) bridging
      therapy with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), 3) aspirin and 4) NOACs in this
      subgroup of patients. RESULTS: NOACs were as effective as uninterrupted warfarin
      in terms of bleeding complications and TE events. Surprisingly, the aspirin group
      had more hemorrhagic complications than both the warfarin and NOACs groups.
      CONCLUSION: In the current study, the use of NOACs was an effective and safe
      approach in CB ablation.

PMID- 28087312
TI  - Immunisation - Choice of host, adjuvants and boosting schedules with emphasis on
      polyclonal antibody production.
AB  - Polyclonal antibodies are frequently used as immunodiagnostic tools in
      fundamental research. They are also used for routine diagnostic purposes in human
      and veterinary medicine and for quality control procedures in the food-processing
      industry. The antibody is a major component of the detection system. It binds
      with the molecule to be identified. This conjugate is subsequently revealed by
      means of binding the antibody with a radio-isotope, a fluorescent substance, an
      enzyme inducing a color change, or a biosensor based analytical system.
      Polyclonal antibodies are also used for treatment purposes in various
      pathologies. They might have immunomodulating or anti-inflammatory properties.
      Snake venom, rabies and tetanus antisera are examples of a therapeutic
      application; immunosuppressive antithymocyte serum used in order to avoid
      rejection in organ transplantation is another example from human medicine. These
      therapeutic aids need hyperimmunisation of animals. Since these are subject to a
      certain number of interventions such as injections and blood samplings, animal
      welfare prescriptions have to be taken into account. The optimisation of the
      immunisation protocol allows for reducing the numbers of animals used as well as
      reducing stress and pain while obtaining high quality antibodies. This article
      describes the critical steps in polyclonal antibody production with a particular
      focus on the choice of the animal species, the age of the subjects, the injection
      protocol and the sampling times.

PMID- 28087313
TI  - An M2-V27A channel blocker demonstrates potent in vitro and in vivo antiviral
      activities against amantadine-sensitive and -resistant influenza A viruses.
AB  - Adamantanes such as amantadine (1) and rimantadine (2) are FDA-approved anti
      influenza drugs that act by inhibiting the wild-type M2 proton channel from
      influenza A viruses, thereby inhibiting the uncoating of the virus. Although
      adamantanes have been successfully used for more than four decades, their
      efficacy was curtailed by emerging drug resistance. Among the limited number of
      M2 mutants that confer amantadine resistance, the M2-V27A mutant was found to be
      the predominant mutant under drug selection pressure, thereby representing a high
      profile antiviral drug target. Guided by molecular dynamics simulations, we
      previously designed first-in-class M2-V27A inhibitors. One of the potent lead
      compounds, spiroadamantane amine (3), inhibits both the M2-WT and M2-V27A mutant
      with IC50 values of 18.7 and 0.3 MUM, respectively, in in vitro
      electrophysiological assays. Encouraged by these findings, in this study we
      further examine the in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity of compound 3 in
      inhibiting both amantadine-sensitive and -resistant influenza A viruses. Compound
      3 not only had single to sub-micromolar EC50 values against M2-WT- and M2-V27A
      containing influenza A viruses in antiviral assays, but also rescued mice from
      lethal viral infection by either M2-WT- or M2-V27A-containing influenza A
      viruses. In addition, we report the design of two analogs of compound 3, and one
      was found to have improved in vitro antiviral activity over compound 3.
      Collectively, this study represents the first report demonstrating the in vivo
      antiviral efficacy of inhibitors targeting M2 mutants. The results suggest that
      inhibitors targeting drug-resistant M2 mutants are promising antiviral drug
      candidates worthy of further development.

PMID- 28087314
TI  - A protective role of cumulus cells after short-term exposure of rat cumulus cell
      oocyte complexes to lifestyle or environmental contaminants.
AB  - Ovarian follicular fluid provides a potential reservoir for exogenous compounds
      that may adversely affect oocyte quality. This study examined the effects of
      common lifestyle and environmental contaminants, namely bisphenol-A (BPA),
      caffeine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), nicotine and Delta9
      tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on gap junction genes (Gja1, Gja4) and proteins
      (GJA1), glucose metabolism genes (Gfpt1, Pfkp) and oocyte growth factor genes
      (Bmp15, Gdf9), as well as gap junction transfer rate, in rat cumulus-oocyte
      complexes (COCs). In vitro exposure to MDMA and THC accelerated the timing of
      meiotic resumption and all contaminants altered either gap junction gene
      expression (BPA, caffeine, MDMA and THC) or transfer rate (BPA and nicotine). In
      vitro exposure of COCs to MDMA also altered glucose metabolism genes. Overall,
      oocyte-derived genes were largely unaffected following exposure to any
      contaminant. In summary, the impact of short-term exposure to lifestyle and
      environmental contaminants on oocyte function may be diminished due to protective
      properties of cumulus cells.

PMID- 28087315
TI  - Assessing light-independent effects of hypericin on cell viability,
      ultrastructure and metabolism in human glioma and endothelial cells.
AB  - Cell exposure to light-independent effects of photosensitizers (PS) used in PDT
      is clinically relevant when PS affect the pro-apoptotic cascade. In many
      malignant cells, Hypericin (Hyp) has PS displayed light-dependent anti
      proliferative and cytotoxic effects with no cytotoxicity in the dark. Recent
      studies have shown that Hyp also exhibited light-independent cytotoxic effects in
      a wide range of concentrations. The molecular mechanisms underlying Hyp light
      independent (dark) toxicity may be due to its interaction with different
      molecules at the Hyp accumulation sites including mitochondria, and these
      mechanisms are not understood in detail. Here, we demonstrate that in human
      glioma and endothelial cells, Hyp displayed light-independent effects at several
      sub-cellular levels (ultrastructure, mitochondria function and metabolism, and
      protein synthesis). Taking together previously published and our present results,
      the findings strongly suggest that Hyp light independent effects: (i) depend on
      the cell type and metabolism; (ii) underlying molecular mechanisms are due to Hyp
      interaction with the multiple target molecules including Bcl2 family of proteins.
      In addition, the findings suggest that Hyp without illumination can be explored
      as an adjuvant therapeutic drug in combination with chemo- or radiation cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 28087316
TI  - Self-Nanoemulsifying Lyophilized Tablets for Flash Oral Transmucosal Delivery of
      Vitamin K: Development and Clinical Evaluation.
AB  - Owing to limited solubility, vitamin K undergoes low bioavailability with large
      inter-individual variability after oral administration. This article aimed to
      prepare self-nanoemulsifying lyophilized tablets (SNELTs) for the flash oral
      transmucosal delivery of vitamin K. Twenty-one formulae of vitamin K self
      nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) were prepared using different
      concentrations of vitamin K, Labrasol, and Transcutol according to mixture
      design. The SNEDDS was loaded on porous carriers and formulated as lyophilized
      tablets. The release profile and the pharmacokinetic parameters of vitamin K
      SNELTs were evaluated in comparison with commercial tablets and ampoules on human
      volunteers. Results revealed that the optimized SNEDDS showed the smallest and
      most stable nanoemulsion globules. SNELTs were prepared successfully and showed
      substantial superiority drug release compared with the commercial tablets.
      Interestingly, SNELTs enhanced both rate and extent of vitamin K absorption as
      well as relative bioavailability (169.67%) in healthy subjects compared with the
      commercial tablets. SNELTs revealed promising no significant difference in the
      area under the curve compared with the commercial intramuscular injection. SNELTs
      enhanced dissolution and bioavailability that expected to have the strong impact
      on the efficiency of vitamin K in the prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding
      disorders in patients with hepatic dysfunction.

PMID- 28087317
TI  - Acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A ST320 clone:
      epidemiological and clinical characteristics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A ST320, a highly multiresistant
      and virulent clone, has emerged as a common pathogen causing acute otitis media
      (AOM) in children. METHODS: Patients aged 0-18 years with AOM who presented at
      Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan were prospectively enrolled between
      December 1, 2009, and November 30, 2012. For each patient, a specimen of middle
      ear fluid was obtained and cultured. S. pneumoniae isolates were tested by
      serotyping, antibiotic-resistance profiling, and multilocus sequence typing.
      Demographic characteristics and clinical history of patients with pneumococcal
      AOM were recorded. RESULTS: Pneumococcal AOM was observed in 108 (24.8%) of 436
      episodes. One hundred and four isolates of S. pneumoniae were available for
      study. The most common serotypes were 19A (67 isolates, 64.4%), followed by 19F
      (16 isolates, 15.4%), and 3 (7 isolates, 6.7%). Among the 85 sequence-typed
      isolates, Serotype 19A ST320 (50, 58.8%) was the most frequent. Children with AOM
      caused by Serotype 19A ST320 were younger (33.9 +/- 21.4 months vs. 46.7 +/- 35.9
      months, p = 0.04) and had a higher rate of spontaneous rupture of the tympanic
      membrane (64.0% vs. 40%, p = 0.05) than those caused by isolates of other
      sequence types. Serotype 19A ST320 caused 90% of AOM episodes in children aged <=
      12 months and had had higher resistance rates to penicillin according to
      meningeal breakpoints (p = 0.011), amoxicillin (p < 0.001) and
      trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazol (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is better to use
      pneumococcal conjugate vaccine effective against Serotype 19A in early infancy to
      prevent the first and subsequent episodes of AOM in children in Taiwan.

PMID- 28087318
TI  - Etiologies of community-onset urinary tract infections requiring hospitalization
      and antimicrobial susceptibilities of causative microorganisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community-onset urinary tract infections (CoUTIs) are the most common
      bacterial infections, and a decline in antibiotic susceptibility causes many
      clinical challenges. Adequate empiric antibiotic treatment can decrease
      unnecessary hospital stays and complications, while reducing the antimicrobial
      resistance progression. METHODS: From October 2014 to April 2015, we
      retrospectively enrolled patients who were at least 18 years old and required
      hospitalization for CoUTIs. Demographic variables of these patients, and
      uropathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibilities were evaluated. RESULTS: In
      total, 457 patients were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 71.9 years,
      and 35.2% of the patients were male. Escherichia coli (54.5%) was the most common
      uropathogen, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.1%), Enterococcus spp. (7.1%),
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.6%), and Proteus mirabilis (3.5%). Bacteremia was
      present in 25.2% of patients. Diabetes mellitus and acute kidney injury at
      admission were risk factors for CoUTIs with concomitant bacteremia. Among the UTI
      associated bloodstream strains, E. coli (53.1%) was also the most predominant
      pathogen, followed by K. pneumoniae (11.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.1%), and P.
      mirabilis (4.3%). The overall susceptibility of cefazolin was 62.8%, ceftriaxone
      71.4%, ceftazidime 82.8%, flomoxef 82%, cefepime 94.5%, ampicillin-sulbactam
      41.6%, piperacillin-tazobactam 85%, levofloxacin 65.2%, trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole 61.5%, imipenem 92.3%, gentamicin 76.1%, and amikacin 97.5%.
      Cefazolin-susceptible isolates could be found more frequently among patients who
      are less than 65 years of age and without diabetes mellitus, had no UTI episode
      in the past year, and have no bacteremia risk. Patients with nasogastric tube
      retention more commonly experienced antimicrobial resistance to all the third
      generation cephalosporins. CONCLUSION: Third-generation cephalosporins
      effectively treated CoUTIs. However, patients with nasogastric tube retention
      more commonly experienced cephalosporin resistance. Cefepime, imipenem, and
      amikacin may be used in patients with higher antimicrobial resistance. In
      selected patients, cefazolin may still be an adequate drug of choice for CoUTIs.

PMID- 28087319
TI  - Biliary fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: data from 1618 consecutive
      pancreaticoduodenectomies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biliary fistula (BF) occurs in 3-8% of patients following
      pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). It usually pursues a benign course, but rarely may
      represent a life-threatening event. STUDY DESIGN: Data from 1618 PDs were
      collected prospectively. BF was defined as the presence of bile stained fluid
      from drains by post-operative day 3 and confirmed by sinogram in the majority of
      cases. Three classifications were validated. RESULTS: BF occurred in 58 (3.6%)
      patients. In 22 cases was associated with pancreatic fistula (POPF). POPF, PPH,
      operative time and a smaller common bile duct (CBD) were significantly associated
      with BF. Only CBD diameter (HR 0.55, CI 95% 0.44-0.7, p < 0.01) was an
      independent predictor of BF. Patients with smaller CBDs developing concomitant BF
      and POPF carried the highest mortality rate (34.8%, n = 8/22). All the existing
      classifications resulted in discrete categories of BFs when considering hospital
      stay and total cost as dependent variables. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary fistula is rare,
      but it can be life threatening when associated with POPF. As the sole independent
      risk factor is the CBD diameter, surgical technique is crucial. Regardless of the
      existing classification systems, further studies must assess the additive burden
      of BF when a concomitant POPF is present.

PMID- 28087320
TI  - Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity and inhibition in cancer.
AB  - Genomic instability resultant from defective DNA repair mechanisms is a
      fundamental hallmark of cancer. The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) proteins
      1, 2 and 3 catalyze the polymerization of poly(ADP-ribose) and covalent
      attachment to proteins in a phylogenetically ancient form of protein
      modification. PARPs play a role in base excision repair, homologous
      recombination, and non-homologous end joining. The discovery that loss of PARP
      activity had cytotoxic effects in cells deficient in homologous recombination has
      sparked a decade of translational research efforts that culminated in the FDA
      approval of an oral PARP inhibitor for clinical use in patients with ovarian
      cancer and defective homologous recombination. Five PARP inhibitors are now in
      late-stage development in clinical trials that are seeking to expand the
      understanding of targeted therapies and DNA repair defects in human cancer. This
      review examines the cell biology of PARP, the discovery of synthetic lethality
      with HR deficiency, the clinical development of PARP inhibitors, and the role of
      PARP inhibitors in ongoing clinical trials and clinical practice.

PMID- 28087322
TI  - Cutaneous exposure to vesicant phosgene oxime: Acute effects on the skin and
      systemic toxicity.
AB  - Phosgene Oxime (CX), an urticant or nettle agent categorized as a vesicant, is a
      potential chemical warfare and terrorist weapon. Its exposure can result in
      widespread and devastating effects including high mortality due to its fast
      penetration and ability to cause immediate severe cutaneous injury. It is one of
      the least studied chemical warfare agents with no effective therapy available.
      Thus, our goal was to examine the acute effects of CX following its cutaneous
      exposure in SKH-1 hairless mice to help establish a relevant injury model.
      Results from our study show that topical cutaneous exposure to CX vapor causes
      blanching of exposed skin with an erythematous ring, necrosis, edema, mild
      urticaria and erythema within minutes after exposure out to 8h post-exposure.
      These clinical skin manifestations were accompanied with increases in skin
      thickness, apoptotic cell death, mast cell degranulation, myeloperoxidase
      activity indicating neutrophil infiltration, p53 phosphorylation and
      accumulation, and an increase in COX-2 and TNFalpha levels. Topical CX-exposure
      also resulted in the dilatation of the peripheral vessels with a robust increase
      in RBCs in vessels of the liver, spleen, kidney, lungs and heart tissues. These
      events could cause a drop in blood pressure leading to shock, hypoxia and death.
      Together, this is the first report on effects of CX cutaneous exposure, which
      could help design further comprehensive studies evaluating the acute and chronic
      skin injuries from CX topical exposure and elucidate the related mechanism of
      action to aid in the identification of therapeutic targets and mitigation of
      injury.

PMID- 28087325
TI  - Does size really matter?: Relationship of particle size to lung deposition and
      exhaled fraction.

PMID- 28087323
TI  - Severe Hemorrhagic Syndrome After Lonomia Caterpillar Envenomation in the Western
      Brazilian Amazon: How Many More Cases Are There?
AB  - Contact with Lonomia caterpillars can cause a hemorrhagic syndrome. In Brazil,
      Lonomia obliqua and Lonomia achelous are known to cause this venom-induced
      disease. In the Brazilian Amazon, descriptions of this kind of envenomation are
      scarce. Herein, we report a severe hemorrhagic syndrome caused by Lonomia
      envenomation in the Amazonas state, Western Brazilian Amazon. The patient showed
      signs of hemorrhage lasting 8 days and required Lonomia antivenom administration,
      which resulted in resolution of hemorrhagic syndrome. Thus, availability of
      Lonomia antivenom as well as early antivenom therapy administration should be
      addressed across remote areas in the Amazon.

PMID- 28087321
TI  - Enteric nervous system development: A crest cell's journey from neural tube to
      colon.
AB  - The enteric nervous system (ENS) is comprised of a network of neurons and glial
      cells that are responsible for coordinating many aspects of gastrointestinal (GI)
      function. These cells arise from the neural crest, migrate to the gut, and then
      continue their journey to colonize the entire length of the GI tract. Our
      understanding of the molecular and cellular events that regulate these processes
      has advanced significantly over the past several decades, in large part
      facilitated by the use of rodents, avians, and zebrafish as model systems to
      dissect the signals and pathways involved. These studies have highlighted the
      highly dynamic nature of ENS development and the importance of carefully
      balancing migration, proliferation, and differentiation of enteric neural crest
      derived cells (ENCCs). Proliferation, in particular, is critically important as
      it drives cell density and speed of migration, both of which are important for
      ensuring complete colonization of the gut. However, proliferation must be
      tempered by differentiation among cells that have reached their final destination
      and are ready to send axonal extensions, connect to effector cells, and begin to
      produce neurotransmitters or other signals. Abnormalities in the normal processes
      guiding ENCC development can lead to failure of ENS formation, as occurs in
      Hirschsprung disease, in which the distal intestine remains aganglionic. This
      review summarizes our current understanding of the factors involved in early
      development of the ENS and discusses areas in need of further investigation.

PMID- 28087326
TI  - Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome caused by homozygous FAS mutations with
      normal or residual protein expression.

PMID- 28087327
TI  - IgE cross-linking impairs monocyte antiviral responses and inhibits influenza
      driven TH1 differentiation.

PMID- 28087328
TI  - Identification of drug- and drug-metabolite immune responses originating from
      both naive and memory T cells.

PMID- 28087329
TI  - Influence of Health and Functional Status and Co-occurring Chronic Conditions on
      Healthcare Expenditures Among Community-dwelling Adults With Kidney Cancer in the
      United States: A Propensity-score-matched Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health and functional status, as well as co-occurring chronic
      conditions, have a profound influence on healthcare expenditures. However, no
      study to date has assessed their influence among community-dwelling adults with
      kidney cancer (KC) in the United States (US). This study assessed the impact of
      health and functional status, along with co-occurring chronic conditions, on KC
      healthcare expenditures. METHODS: This study used a retrospective, cross
      sectional, propensity-score-matched, case-control study design using 2002 to 2011
      Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. The case group was comprised of adults
      with KC, whereas the control group consisted of propensity-score matched adults
      with other forms of cancer. To examine the impact of health and functional status
      and co-occurring chronic conditions, ordinary least square regressions on log
      transformed expenditures were conducted on total and subtypes of healthcare
      expenditures. The percentage change in expenditure was calculated using the
      formula (expbeta - 1). RESULTS: Findings from this study indicate that the annual
      average total healthcare expenditures ($15,078 vs. $8182; P < .001) for adults
      with KC were significantly higher compared with propensity-score-matched adults
      with other forms of cancer. Total healthcare expenditures for adults with KC were
      80% (beta = 0.588; P < .001) higher compared with propensity-score-matched
      controls when only demographic characteristics were adjusted. After adjusting for
      health and functional status and co-occurring chronic conditions, the percentage
      decreased from 80% to 43% (beta = 0.359; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from
      this nationally representative sample suggest that health and functional status
      and co-occurring chronic conditions have a significant impact on healthcare
      expenditures among community-dwelling adults with KC in the US.

PMID- 28087330
TI  - Molecular characterization and functional analysis of a salmon louse
      (Lepeophtheirus salmonis, Kroyer 1838) heme peroxidase with a potential role in
      extracellular matrixes.
AB  - Heme peroxidases are the most abundant type of peroxidase catalyzing a H2O2
      dependent oxidation of a wide variety of substrates. They are involved in
      numerous processes like the innate immune response, hormone and prostaglandin
      synthesis and crosslinking of proteins within extracellular matrixes (ECM) as
      well as molecules within the cuticle and chorion of arthropods and nematodes. In
      the present study, a Lepeophtheirus salmonis heme peroxidase (LsHPX) 1 was
      characterized. Amino acids in the active site of heme peroxidases were conserved,
      and the predicted protein sequence showed the highest similarity to genes
      annotated as chorion peroxidases and genes suggested to be involved in cuticle
      hardening or adhesion. LsHPX1 exhibited a dynamic expression during ontogenesis
      and during the nauplius molting cycle. Transcripts were localized to muscle cells
      near the muscle-tendon junction, in nerve tissue especially at neuromuscular
      junctions, subcuticular epithelium, subepithelial cells facing the hemolymph,
      exocrine glands within the subepithelial tissue and in isolated cells within the
      testis. Knock-down of LsHPX1 in nauplius larvae decreased the swimming activity
      of emerging copepodids. Histological analysis of knock-down animals revealed
      increased spacing between myofibers and changes in subepithelial and exocrine
      gland tissue. Considering these results, the potential role of LsHPX1 in
      crosslinking molecules of salmon louse ECMs is discussed.

PMID- 28087331
TI  - Different age-dependent performance in Drosophila wild-type Canton-S and the
      white mutant w1118 flies.
AB  - Aging has significant effects on the locomotor performance of insects including
      Drosophila. Using a protocol for the high-throughput analysis of fly locomotion
      in a circular arena, we examined age-dependent behavioral characteristics in
      adult flies. There are widely used wild-type and genetically engineered
      background lines including the Canton-S strain and the w1118 strain, which has a
      null mutation of the white gene. Under standard rearing conditions, we found
      similar survival and median lifespans in Canton-S (50days) and w1118 (54days)
      strains, however, w1118 flies maintained stable body mass for up to 43days,
      whereas Canton-S flies gained body mass at young age, followed by a gradual
      decline. We also tested the behavioral performance of young and old flies.
      Compared with young w1118 flies (5-10days), old w1118 flies (40-45days) had an
      increased boundary preference during locomotion in small circular arenas, and
      increased speed of locomotor recovery from anoxia. Old Canton-S files, however,
      exhibited unchanged boundary preference and reduced recovery speed from anoxia
      relative to young flies. In addition, old w1118 flies showed decreased path
      length per minute and reduced 0.2s path increment compared with young flies,
      whereas old Canton-S flies displayed the same path length per minute and the same
      0.2s path increment compared with young flies. We conclude that age-dependent
      behavioral and physiological changes differ between Canton-S and w1118 flies.
      These results illustrate that phenotypic differences between strains can change
      qualitatively, as well as quantitatively, as the animals age.

PMID- 28087332
TI  - Exo-MFA - A 13C metabolic flux analysis framework to dissect tumor
      microenvironment-secreted exosome contributions towards cancer cell metabolism.
AB  - Dissecting the pleiotropic roles of tumor micro-environment (TME) on cancer
      progression has been brought to the foreground of research on cancer pathology.
      Extracellular vesicles such as exosomes, transport proteins, lipids, and nucleic
      acids, to mediate intercellular communication between TME components and have
      emerged as candidates for anti-cancer therapy. We previously reported that cancer
      associated fibroblast (CAF) derived exosomes (CDEs) contain metabolites in their
      cargo that are utilized by cancer cells for central carbon metabolism and promote
      cancer growth. However, the metabolic fluxes involved in donor cells towards
      packaging of metabolites in extracellular vesicles and exosome-mediated
      metabolite flux upregulation in recipient cells are still not known. Here, we
      have developed a novel empirical and computational technique, exosome-mediated
      metabolic flux analysis (Exo-MFA) to quantify flow of cargo from source cells to
      recipient cells via vesicular transport. Our algorithm, which is based on 13C
      metabolic flux analysis, successfully predicts packaging fluxes to metabolite
      cargo in CAFs, dynamic changes in rate of exosome internalization by cancer
      cells, and flux of cargo release over time. We find that cancer cells internalize
      exosomes rapidly leading to depletion of extracellular exosomes within 24h.
      However, metabolite cargo significantly alters intracellular metabolism over the
      course of 24h by regulating glycolysis pathway fluxes via lactate supply.
      Furthermore, it can supply up to 35% of the TCA cycle fluxes by providing TCA
      intermediates and glutamine. Our algorithm will help gain insight into (i)
      metabolic interactions in multicellular systems (ii) biogenesis of extracellular
      vesicles and their differential packaging of cargo under changing environments,
      and (iii) regulation of cancer cell metabolism by its microenvironment.

PMID- 28087333
TI  - Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase activity impacts mitochondrial redox
      balance and the development of hypertension in mice.
AB  - Oxidant stress contributes to the initiation and progression of hypertension
      (HTN) by enhancing endothelial dysfunction and/or causing perturbations in nitric
      oxide homeostasis. Differences in mitochondrial function may augment this process
      and provide insight into why age of onset and clinical outcomes differ among
      individuals from distinct ethnic groups. We have previously demonstrated that
      variation in normal mitochondrial function and oxidant production exists in
      endothelial cells from individuals of Caucasian and African-American ethnicity
      and that this variation contributes to endothelial dysfunction. To model these
      distinct mitochondrial redox phenotypes, we used C57Bl/6N (6N) and C57Bl/6J (6J)
      mice that also display unique mitochondrial functional properties due to the
      differential expression nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT). We
      demonstrate that the absence of NNT in 6J cells led to distinct mitochondrial
      bioenergetic profiles and a pro-oxidative mitochondrial phenotype characterized
      by increased superoxide production and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity.
      Interestingly, we found that 6J animals have significantly higher systolic blood
      pressure compared to 6N animals, and this difference is exacerbated by
      angiotensin II treatment. The changes in pressure were accompanied by both
      mitochondrial and vascular dysfunction revealed by impaired respiratory control
      ratios and endothelial-dependent vessel dilation. All end points could be
      significantly ameliorated by treatment with the mitochondria-targeted superoxide
      dismutase mimetic MitoTEMPO demonstrating a critical role for the production of
      mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in the development of HTN in these animals.
      Taken together, these data indicate that the absence of NNT leads to variation in
      mitochondrial function and contributes to a unique mitochondrial redox phenotype
      that influences susceptibility to HTN by contributing to endothelial and vascular
      dysfunction.

PMID- 28087334
TI  - The short- and long-term proteomic effects of sleep deprivation on the cortical
      and thalamic synapses.
AB  - Acute total sleep deprivation (SD) impairs memory consolidation, attention,
      working memory and perception. Structural, electrophysiological and molecular
      experimental approaches provided evidences for the involvement of sleep in
      synaptic functions. Despite the wide scientific interest on the effects of sleep
      on the synapse, there is a lack of systematic investigation of sleep-related
      changes in the synaptic proteome. We isolated parietal cortical and thalamic
      synaptosomes of rats after 8h of total SD by gentle handling and 16h after the
      end of deprivation to investigate the short- and longer-term effects of SD on the
      synaptic proteome, respectively. The SD efficiency was verified by
      electrophysiology. Protein abundance alterations of the synaptosomes were
      analyzed by fluorescent two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis and by
      tandem mass spectrometry. As several altered proteins were found to be involved
      in synaptic strength regulation, our data can support the synaptic homeostasis
      hypothesis function of sleep and highlight the long-term influence of SD after
      the recovery sleep period, mostly on cortical synapses. Furthermore, the large
      scale and brain area-specific protein network change in the synapses may support
      both ideas of sleep-related synaptogenesis and molecular maintenance and
      reorganization in normal rat brain.

PMID- 28087335
TI  - The lower alkyl methacrylates: Genotoxic profile of non-carcinogenic compounds.
AB  - All of the lower alkyl methacrylates are high production chemicals with potential
      for human exposure. The genotoxicity of seven mono-functional alkyl esters of
      methacrylic acid, i.e. methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl
      methacrylate, n-, i- and t-butyl methacrylate and 2 ethyl hexyl methacrylate, as
      well as methacrylic acid itself, the acyl component common to all, is reviewed
      and compared with the lack of carcinogenicity of methyl methacrylate, the
      representative member of the series so evaluated. Also reviewed are the
      similarity of structure, chemical and biological reactivity, metabolism and
      common metabolic products of this group of compounds which allows a category
      approach for assessing genotoxicity. As a class, the lower alkyl methacrylates
      are universally negative for gene mutations in prokaryotes but do exhibit high
      dose clastogenicity in mammalian cells in vitro. There is no convincing evidence
      that these compounds induce genotoxic effects in vivo in either sub-mammalian or
      mammalian species. This dichotomy of effects can be explained by the potential
      genotoxic intermediates generated in vitro. This genotoxic profile of the lower
      alkyl methacrylates is consistent with the lack of carcinogenicity of methyl
      methacrylate.

PMID- 28087337
TI  - Tunicamycin impairs olfactory learning and synaptic plasticity in the olfactory
      bulb.
AB  - Tunicamycin (TM) induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inhibits N
      glycosylation in cells. ER stress is associated with neuronal death in
      neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease,
      and most patients complain of the impairment of olfactory recognition. Here we
      examined the effects of TM on aversive olfactory learning and the underlying
      synaptic plasticity in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). Behavioral experiments
      demonstrated that the intrabulbar infusion of TM disabled aversive olfactory
      learning without affecting short-term memory. Histological analyses revealed that
      TM infusion upregulated C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), a marker of ER stress,
      in the mitral and granule cell layers of MOB. Electrophysiological data indicated
      that TM inhibited tetanus-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) at the
      dendrodendritic excitatory synapse from mitral to granule cells. A low dose of TM
      (250nM) abolished the late phase of LTP, and a high dose (1MUM) inhibited the
      early and late phases of LTP. Further, high-dose, but not low-dose, TM reduced
      the paired-pulse facilitation ratio, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of TM
      on LTP are partially mediated through the presynaptic machinery. Thus, our
      results support the hypothesis that TM-induced ER stress impairs olfactory
      learning by inhibiting synaptic plasticity via presynaptic and postsynaptic
      mechanisms in MOB.

PMID- 28087338
TI  - Auditory hindbrain atrophy and anomalous calcium binding protein expression after
      neonatal exposure to monosodium glutamate.
AB  - Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous
      system, and is stored and released by both neurons and astrocytes. Despite the
      important role of glutamate as a neurotransmitter, elevated extracellular
      glutamate can result in excitotoxicity and apoptosis. Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
      is a naturally occurring sodium salt of glutamic acid that is used as a flavor
      enhancer in many processed foods. Previous studies have shown that MSG
      administration during the early postnatal period results in neurodegenerative
      changes in several forebrain regions, characterized by neuronal loss and
      neuroendocrine abnormalities. Systemic delivery of MSG during the neonatal period
      and induction of glutamate neurotoxicity in the cochlea have both been shown to
      result in fewer neurons in the spiral ganglion. We hypothesized that an MSG
      induced loss of neurons in the spiral ganglion would have a significant impact on
      the number of neurons in the cochlear nuclei and superior olivary complex (SOC).
      Indeed, we found that exposure to MSG from postnatal days 4 through 10 resulted
      in significantly fewer neurons in the cochlear nuclei and SOC and significant
      dysmorphology in surviving neurons. Moreover, we found that neonatal MSG exposure
      resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of both calretinin and
      calbindin. These results suggest that neonatal exposure to MSG interferes with
      early development of the auditory brainstem and impacts expression of calcium
      binding proteins, both of which may lead to diminished auditory function.

PMID- 28087336
TI  - Oleate induces KATP channel-dependent hyperpolarization in mouse hypothalamic
      glucose-excited neurons without altering cellular energy charge.
AB  - The unsaturated fatty acid, oleate exhibits anorexigenic properties reducing food
      intake and hepatic glucose output. However, its mechanism of action in the
      hypothalamus has not been fully determined. This study investigated the effects
      of oleate and glucose on GT1-7 mouse hypothalamic cells (a model of glucose
      excited (GE) neurons) and mouse arcuate nucleus (ARC) neurons. Whole-cell and
      perforated patch-clamp recordings, immunoblotting and cell energy status measures
      were used to investigate oleate- and glucose-sensing properties of mouse
      hypothalamic neurons. Oleate or lowered glucose concentration caused
      hyperpolarization and inhibition of firing of GT1-7 cells by the activation of
      ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP). This effect of oleate was not dependent on
      fatty acid oxidation or raised AMP-activated protein kinase activity or prevented
      by the presence of the UCP2 inhibitor genipin. Oleate did not alter intracellular
      calcium, indicating that CD36/fatty acid translocase may not play a role.
      However, oleate activation of KATP may require ATP metabolism. The short-chain
      fatty acid octanoate was unable to replicate the actions of oleate on GT1-7
      cells. Although oleate decreased GT1-7 cell mitochondrial membrane potential
      there was no change in total cellular ATP or ATP/ADP ratios. Perforated patch and
      whole-cell recordings from mouse hypothalamic slices demonstrated that oleate
      hyperpolarized a subpopulation of ARC GE neurons by KATP activation.
      Additionally, in a separate small population of ARC neurons, oleate application
      or lowered glucose concentration caused membrane depolarization. In conclusion,
      oleate induces KATP-dependent hyperpolarization and inhibition of firing of a
      subgroup of GE hypothalamic neurons without altering cellular energy charge.

PMID- 28087340
TI  - Electrophysiological alterations in diaphragm muscle caused by abdominal ischemia
      reperfusion.
AB  - Ischemia-reperfusion injury is the major complication of abdominal aortic
      surgery, and it mainly affects the lower extremities and remote organs. In the
      present study, the electrophysiological alterations in diaphragm that underlie
      the post-operative respiratory dysfunction were investigated. Wistar Albino rats
      were randomly divided into two groups: SHAM (only laparotomy was performed) and
      IR (abdominal aorta was clamped for 30min and reperfused for 2h). Following the
      operational period diaphragm muscles were isolated and electrophysiological
      experiments were carried out in-vitro. 3nM Ryanodine application, Na+ and K+
      current blockage (0.3mM 4-Aminopyridine and 127mM N-methyl-d-glukamine)
      experiments were also conducted to further reveal any alterations. Twitch and
      tetanic force were decreased significantly. Action potential overshoot, amplitude
      and area were increased while diaphragm muscle cells were found to be
      hyperpolarized significantly. Mechanical alterations were shown to be caused by
      deterioration of Ca++ homeostasis. At resting state, a decrease in persistent Na+
      current was found. The reshaping of action potential, on the other hand, was
      shown to be due to altered kinetics of Na+ channels and delayed activation of
      voltage dependent K+ channels.

PMID- 28087339
TI  - Differential behavioral sensitivity to carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation in rats.
AB  - Inhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2) is frequently employed as a biological
      challenge to evoke intense fear and anxiety. In individuals with panic disorder,
      CO2 reliably evokes panic attacks. Sensitivity to CO2 is highly heterogeneous
      among individuals, and although a genetic component is implicated, underlying
      mechanisms are not clear. Preclinical models that can simulate differential
      responsivity to CO2 are therefore relevant. In the current study we investigated
      CO2-evoked behavioral responses in four different rat strains: Sprague-Dawley
      (SD), Wistar (W), Long Evans (LE) and Wistar-Kyoto, (WK) rats. We also assessed
      tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH-2)-positive serotonergic neurons in anxiety/panic
      regulatory subdivisions of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), as well as dopamine
      beta hydroxylase (DbetaH)-positive noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus,
      implicated in central CO2-chemosensitivity. Behavioral responsivity to CO2
      inhalation varied between strains. CO2-evoked immobility was significantly higher
      in LE and WK rats as compared with W and SD cohorts. Differences were also
      observed in CO2-evoked rearing and grooming behaviors. Exposure to CO2 did not
      produce conditioned behavioral responses upon re-exposure to CO2 context in any
      strain. Reduced TPH-2-positive cell counts were observed specifically in the
      panic-regulatory dorsal raphe ventrolateral (DRVL)-ventrolateral periaqueductal
      gray (VLPAG) subdivision in CO2-sensitive strains. Conversely, DbetaH-positive
      cell counts within the LC were significantly higher in CO2-sensitive strains.
      Collectively, our data provide evidence for strain dependent, differential CO2
      sensitivity and potential differences in monoaminergic systems regulating panic
      and anxiety. Comparative studies between CO2-vulnerable and resistant strains may
      facilitate the mechanistic understanding of differential CO2-sensitivity in the
      development of panic and anxiety disorders.

PMID- 28087341
TI  - Lung diffusing capacity in sub-Saharan Africans versus European Caucasians.
AB  - Single breath measurements of lung diffusing capacity (DL) for carbon monoxide
      (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) were performed in age-, sex-, weight- and height
      matched 32 sub-Saharan Africans (13 women) and 32 Caucasian Europeans, and
      repeated in 14 of each group at 80% of maximum exercise capacity. In Africans
      versus Caucasians respectively, DLNO was 153+/-31 vs 176+/-38ml/mmHg/min at rest
      (P<0.001) and 210+/-48 vs 241+/-52ml/mmHg/min at exercise (P<0.01) while
      hemoglobin-adjusted DLCO was 29+/-6 vs 34+/-6ml/mmHg/min at rest (P<0.001), and
      46+/-11 vs 51+/-13ml/mmHg/min at exercise (P<0.01). However there were no
      differences in DLCO/alveolar volume(VA) (KCO) and DLNO/VA(KNO). The sitting-to
      standing height ratio was lower in the Africans. Differences in lung volume with
      respect to body height explain lower DLNO and DLCO in sub-Saharan Africans as
      compared to Caucasian Europeans.

PMID- 28087342
TI  - Myeloid leukemia factor-1 is a novel modulator of neonatal rat cardiomyocyte
      proliferation.
AB  - The present study focuses on the identification of the gene expression profile of
      neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRVCMs) after dynamic mechanical stretch through
      microarrays of RNA isolated from cells stretched for 2, 6 or 24h. In this
      analysis, myeloid leukemia factor-1 (MLF1) was found to be significantly
      downregulated during the course of stretch. We found that MLF1 is highly
      expressed in the heart, however, its cardiac function is unknown yet. In line
      with microarray data, MLF1 was profoundly downregulated in in vivo mouse models
      of cardiomyopathy, and also significantly reduced in the hearts of human patients
      with dilated cardiomyopathy. Our data indicates that the overexpression of MLF1
      in NRVCMs inhibited cell proliferation while augmenting apoptosis. Conversely,
      knockdown of MLF1 protected NRVCMs from apoptosis and promoted cell
      proliferation. Moreover, we found that knockdown of MLF1 protected NRVCMs from
      hypoxia-induced cell death. The observed accelerated apoptosis is attributed to
      the activation of caspase-3/-7/PARP-dependent apoptotic signaling and
      upregulation of p53. Most interestingly, MLF1 knockdown significantly upregulated
      the expression of D cyclins suggesting its possible role in cyclin-dependent cell
      proliferation. Taken together, we, for the first time, identified an important
      role for MLF1 in NRVCM proliferation.

PMID- 28087343
TI  - Calcium remodeling in colorectal cancer.
AB  - : Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent form of cancer and the
      fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Basic and clinical
      data indicate that aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) may prevent colon cancer but mechanisms remain unknown. Aspirin
      metabolite salicylate and other NSAIDs may inhibit tumor cell growth acting on
      store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), suggesting an important role for this pathway
      in CRC. Consistently, SOCE is emerging as a novel player in different forms of
      cancer, including CRC. SOCE and store-operated currents (SOCs) are dramatically
      enhanced in CRC while Ca2+ stores are partially empty in CRC cells. These
      features may contribute to CRC hallmarks including enhanced cell proliferation,
      migration, invasion and survival. At the molecular level, enhanced SOCE and
      depleted stores are mediated by overexpression of Orai1, Stromal interaction
      protein 1 (STIM1) and Transient receptor protein channel 1 (TRPC1) and
      downregulation of STIM2. In normal colonic cells, SOCE is mediated by Ca2+
      release activated Ca2+ channels made of STIM1, STIM2 and Orai1. In CRC cells,
      SOCE is mediated by different store-operated currents (SOCs) driven by STIM1,
      Orai1 and TRPC1. Loss of STIM2 contributes to depletion of Ca2+ stores and
      enhanced resistance to cell death in CRC cells. Thus, SOCE is a novel key player
      in CRC and inhibition by salicylate and other NSAIDs may contribute to explain
      chemoprevention activity. SUMMARY: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most
      frequent form of cancer worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that intracellular
      Ca2+ remodeling may contribute to cancer hallmarks. In addition, aspirin and
      other NSAIDs might prevent CRC acting on remodeled Ca2+ entry pathways. In this
      review, we will briefly describe 1) the players involved in intracellular Ca2+
      homeostasis with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms involved in SOCE
      activation and inactivation, 2) the evidence that aspirin metabolite salicylate
      and other NSAIDs inhibits tumor cell growth acting on SOCE, 3) evidences on the
      remodeling of intracellular Ca2+ in cancer with a particular emphasis in SOCE, 4)
      the remodeling of SOCE and Ca2+ store content in CRC and, finally, 5) the
      molecular basis of Ca2+ remodeling in CRC. This article is part of a Special
      Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques
      Haiech.

PMID- 28087344
TI  - Up-regulation of the active form of small GTPase Rab13 promotes macroautophagy in
      vascular endothelial cells.
AB  - The importance of macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) in vascular
      endothelial cell (VEC) biology and dysfunction is increasingly recognized, but
      the molecular mechanisms of autophagy in VECs in the presence of serum are still
      poorly understood. Previously, we identified pterostilbene as a potent autophagy
      inducer of VECs in the presence of serum. In this study, we used pterostilbene as
      a tool to induce VEC autophagy and identified the differentially expressed genes
      using high-throughput DAN microarray. The small GTPase Ras-related protein in
      brain 13 (Rab13) was found to be the most significantly up-regulated gene in
      pterostilbene-treated human umbilical VECs (HUVECs). Knockdown of Rab13 blocked
      pterostilbene-induced mTOR inhibition and autophagy, whereas overexpression of
      the GTP-containing active form of Rab13 induced mTOR inhibition and autophagy in
      HUVECs. Using a combination of immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation (co
      IP) assays, we demonstrated that pterostilbene or up-regulation of the active
      form of Rab13 promoted the interaction between Rab13 and growth factor receptor
      bound protein 2 (Grb2). Knockdown of Grb2 suppressed pterostilbene or up
      regulation of the active form of Rab13-induced autophagy. Further mechanistic
      studies revealed that Rab13 activated the downstream AMP-activated protein kinase
      (AMPK) and blocked mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling by its
      functional interaction with Grb2 to regulate autophagy in HUVECs. Our study
      firmly establishes Rab13 as a novel regulator of autophagy in VECs under nutrient
      enriched conditions.

PMID- 28087345
TI  - Steroid-induced glaucoma in the pediatric population.
AB  - Steroid medications may cause elevation of intraocular pressure, sometimes with
      permanent damage to the optic nerve. These therapies, via various routes of
      administration, are commonly prescribed for children, but the potential sequelae
      of elevated intraocular pressure and glaucomatous optic nerve damage can be even
      more severe and devastating in children than in adults. This review discusses the
      pathophysiology and potential risk factors, including the impact of intraocular
      pressure elevation via the different common routes of administration of steroids,
      clinical evaluation, and management of steroid response and steroid-induced
      glaucoma in children.

PMID- 28087346
TI  - Patterns of retinal hemorrhage associated with pediatric cerebral sinovenous
      thrombosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) has been proposed as an
      alternative cause of retinal hemorrhage (RH) in children being evaluated for
      abusive head trauma. This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics
      of RH in children with CSVT. METHODS: The medical records of children >6 weeks of
      age with newly diagnosed CSVT and fundus examination by an ophthalmologist were
      examined retrospectively. Primary outcomes were presence and patterns of RH.
      RESULTS: A total of 29 children (median age, 9 years; range, 7 weeks to 17 years)
      were studied. Of these, 5 (17%) had RH, in 4 of whom RH were peripapillary,
      superficial, intraretinal, and adjacent to a swollen optic disk. In the fifth
      child, who had meningitis, sepsis, and multiple cerebral infarcts, there were a
      moderate number of posterior pole intraretinal hemorrhages. Eighteen children
      (62%) had optic disk swelling. In 13 children, cerebrospinal fluid opening
      pressure was recorded (range, 27-59 cm H2O). CSVT risk factors included
      meningitis, mastoiditis, and hypercoagulability. CONCLUSIONS: RH in pediatric
      CSVT was uncommon. When RHs were present, the appearance matched RH patterns
      known to be caused by medical conditions, such as raised intracranial pressure
      and sepsis, also present in these children. These findings suggest that the RHs
      are due to these other causes and not directly to CSVT itself. In children with
      CSVT, if RHs are multilayered, extend beyond the peripapillary region into the
      rest of the posterior pole or retinal periphery, or occur in the absence of optic
      disk swelling, another etiology for the RH should be sought.

PMID- 28087347
TI  - OCT-documented optic atrophy in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis and lacunar skull.
AB  - We report the case of 6-year-old boy who presented with mild redness in the left
      eye. On fundus examination, disk pallor was noted in both eyes. He did not
      complain of headache, vomiting, or blurred vision. Three-dimensional computed
      tomography (CT) imaging was suggestive of craniosynostosis and lacunar skull
      (luckenschadel). Magnetic resonance imaging findings were suggestive of
      intracranial hypertension. HD-OCT imaging revealed optic neuropathy in both eyes.
      The patient underwent sutural release and expansion cranioplasty surgery.

PMID- 28087348
TI  - The eyes of children with celiac disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine possible eye involvement in pediatric patients with celiac
      disease. METHODS: Children (aged 5-18 years) with classic celiac disease and sex-
      and age-matched controls were included. In addition to a complete ophthalmologic
      examination, all patients were scanned by a Scheimpflug camera and spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography, and Schirmer and break-up time (BUT) tests
      were performed. Data were evaluated by paired t test, with a P value of <0.05
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 31 celiac patients (19
      females [61%]) and 34 controls (20 females [59%]) were included. Mean age of the
      celiac patients was 11.0 +/- 4.4 years (range, 4-18 years); of the controls, 10.4
      +/- 2.6 years (range, 5-15 years; P = 0.473). Mean follow-up of patients was 5.4
      +/- 1.7 years (range, 3-7.2 years). The eyes of children with celiac disease,
      compared to controls, did show decreased anterior chamber depth (3.5 +/- 0.2 vs
      3.7 +/- 0.2, resp.; P < 0.001), decreased anterior chamber volume (170.8 +/- 25.5
      vs 190.7 +/- 27.4; P < 0.001), lower Schirmer (17.9 +/- 9.1 vs 21.6 +/- 4.1; P =
      0.038), and lower BUT (10.8 +/- 3.8 vs 12.1 +/- 1.7; P = 0.046), as well as lower
      retinal nerve fiber layer (general 102.8 +/- 8.2 vs 108.9 +/- 10.1; P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Decreases in retinal nerve fiber, anterior chamber shallowing, and
      qualitative and quantitative reduction in tears can occur in celiac patients,
      even if routine ocular examination reveals no abnormality.

PMID- 28087349
TI  - Combination of Multiple Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification and Illumina MiSeq
      Amplicon Sequencing for TSC1/TSC2 Gene Analyses in Patients with Tuberous
      Sclerosis Complex.
AB  - Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder
      characterized by tumor growth in multiple organs and caused by mutations in
      either TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Because of their relatively large genomic sizes,
      absence of hotspots, and common type of mutations, mutation detection in TSC1 and
      TSC2 genes has been challenging. We devised a combination of multiple ligation
      dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and amplicon sequencing (AS) to simplify the
      detection strategy, yet we come up with reasonably high detection rate. Thirty
      four Malaysian patients diagnosed with TSC were referred to Human Genome Center,
      Universiti Sains Malaysia. We used a combination of MLPA to detect large copy
      number changes and AS to detect smaller mutations. TSC1 pathogenic or likely
      pathogenic mutations were found in 6 patients (18%) and TSC2 in 21 patients
      (62%), whereas 6 patients (18%) show no mutations and 1 patient (2%) showed only
      TSC2 missense variant with uncertain significance. Six of the mutations are
      novel. Our detection strategy costs 81% less and require 1 working week less than
      the conventional strategy. Confirmatory sequencing using Sanger method on a few
      representative mutations showed agreement with results of the AS. Combination of
      MLPA and Illumina MiSeq AS provides a simplified strategy and reasonably high
      detection rate for TSC1/TSC2 mutation, which suggested application of the
      strategies into clinical molecular diagnostics.

PMID- 28087350
TI  - Corrigendum to 'Pregnancy derived from human zygote pronuclear transfer in a
      patient who had arrested embryos after IVF' [Reproductive BioMedicine Online 33
      (2016) 529-533].

PMID- 28087351
TI  - Central nervous system vasculitis in adults: An update.
AB  - Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a challenging diagnosis due
      to broad clinical manifestations and variable specificity and sensitivity of
      laboratory and imaging diagnostic tools. Differential diagnosis includes
      reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), secondary vasculitis of the
      CNS and other noninflammatory vasculopathies. Brain biopsy is essential for
      definitive diagnosis and to exclude mimickers. Recent data show that data large
      vessel PCNSV present worse prognosis when compared to small-vessel PCNSV. Herein
      we review diagnosis and management of PCNSV, secondary vasculitis of CNS and
      RCVS.

PMID- 28087352
TI  - Engineering hot-melt extruded solid dispersion for controlled release of
      hydrophilic drugs.
AB  - It is often challenging to precisely manipulate the release behavior of
      hydrophilic drugs that is believed to be crucial for a satisfactory therapeutic
      outcome. The aim of this work was to regulate the dissolution of hydrophilic drug
      from hot-melt extruded solid dispersion via rational screening of the pore
      forming agents. Venlafaxine hydrochloride and Compritol(r) 888 ATO was selected
      as the model drug and carrier excipient, respectively. Hydrophilic polyethylene
      glycol (PEG 6000) and polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP K30) were chosen as the transient
      pore-forming agents. The X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis showed that both
      drug and carrier existed in the crystalline form. Both types of polymers could
      generate pores upon dissolution test and the drug release rate was proportionally
      correlated to the pore-forming agent content. The mathematical modelling showed
      that the Ritger-Peppas model gave the best fit to the release curves, which
      demonstrates a diffusion-dominant release mechanism. The scanning electron
      microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry analysis proved that PVP K30 could
      generate large pores with low porosity, but PEG 6000 produced smaller pores with
      relatively high porosity. The in vivo pharmacokinetics study in rat revealed that
      solid dispersions containing either PEG 6000 or PVP K30 (both at 2.5%, w/w)
      exhibited an elevated bioavailability compared to the commercial product,
      Effexor(r) XR. The current work implied that rational screening of transient pore
      forming polymer in solid dispersion could be a robust approach for controlling
      hydrophilic drug release.

PMID- 28087353
TI  - Thiolated polymers as mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.
AB  - Mucoadhesion is the process of binding a material to the mucosal layer of the
      body. Utilising both natural and synthetic polymers, mucoadhesive drug delivery
      is a method of controlled drug release which allows for intimate contact between
      the polymer and a target tissue. It has the potential to increase
      bioavailability, decrease potential side effects and offer protection to more
      sensitive drugs such as proteins and peptide based drugs. The thiolation of
      polymers has, in the last number of years, come to the fore of mucoadhesive drug
      delivery, markedly improving mucoadhesion due to the introduction of free thiol
      groups onto the polymer backbone while also offering a more cohesive polymeric
      matrix for the slower and more controlled release of drug. This review explores
      the concept of mucoadhesion and the recent advances in both the polymers and the
      methods of thiolation used in the synthesis of mucoadhesive drug delivery
      devices.

PMID- 28087354
TI  - Effect of piroxicam on lipid membranes: Drug encapsulation and gastric toxicity
      aspects.
AB  - Uptake of piroxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, from the intestines
      after oral intake is limited due to its low solubility and its wide use is
      associated with several side effects related to the gastrointestinal tract. In
      this study, all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and fluorescent
      spectroscopy were employed to investigate the interaction of piroxicam in
      neutral, zwitterionic, and cationic forms with lipid bilayers composed of
      phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and PEGylated lipids. Our study was aimed to
      assess the potential for encapsulation of piroxicam in liposomal carriers and to
      shed more light on the process of gastrointestinal tract injury by the drug.
      Through both the MD simulations and laser scanning confocal microscopy, we have
      demonstrated that all forms of piroxicam can associate with the lipid bilayers
      and locate close to the water-membrane interface. Conventional liposomes used in
      drug delivery are usually stabilized by the addition of cholesterol and have
      their bloodstream lifetime extended through the inclusion of PEGylated lipids in
      the formulation to create a protective polymer corona. For this reason, we tested
      the effect of these two modifications on the behavior of piroxicam in the
      membrane. When the bilayer was PEGylated, piroxicam localize to the PEG layer and
      within the lipid headgroup region. This suggests that PEGylated liposomes are
      capable of carrying a larger quantity of piroxicam than the conventional ones.

PMID- 28087355
TI  - Generation of quercetin/cellulose acetate phthalate systems for delivery by
      supercritical antisolvent process.
AB  - Supercritical antisolvent process (SAS) has been used to precipitate
      microparticles of quercetin, a plant pigment found in many foods and used for
      medical treatments, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, together with
      nanoparticles of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), a polymer quite frequently
      used in drug delivery. Previously, precipitation of nanoparticles of CAP by the
      same process was studied at different conditions of pressure, temperature, CO2
      and solution flow rates, nozzle diameter and initial concentration of the
      solution. Morphologies of the precipitates were analyzed by scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM). A range between 84 and 145nm of diameter in spherical particle
      were achievement in CAP precipitation. A same range of semi-spherical particles
      of CAP around 145nm and needle-like particle of quercetin was obtained in the
      coprecipitation experiments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform
      Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were carried out to find out the possible loss of
      crystallinity of the coprecipitates and the possible interactions between the
      polymer and quercetin, respectively. Release profiles of quercetin were carried
      out in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Higher quercetin:polymer ratios
      in the coprecipitates are recommended to achieve faster release and higher
      solubilities of quercetin in the assayed time. This fact would allow its use in
      pharmaceutical, cosmetic or nutraceutical applications.

PMID- 28087356
TI  - Long-Term Sensitivity and Patient-Reported Functionality of the Neoclitoris After
      Gender Reassignment Surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A cornerstone of treating gender dysphoria for transgender women is
      gender reassignment surgery (GRS) encompassing vaginoplasty and clitoroplasty.
      The neoclitoris is harvested as a flap with a neurovascular pedicle from the
      proximal dorsal part of the glans penis. Few long-term follow-ups exist on
      postoperative sensation and patient-reported sexual functionality of the
      neoclitoris. AIM: To examine the sensitivity of the neoclitoris and its relation
      to orgasm and sexual function at least 1 year after GRS. METHODS: Twenty-two
      patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 37 months (range = 12-63) after
      initial surgery. Tactile and vibratory sensitivities were measured with Semmes
      Weinstein monofilaments and the Bio-Thesiometer vibratory measurement device,
      respectively. A questionnaire was provided to the patients, as were interview
      questions about body image, orgasm, pain, and general satisfaction with the
      surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tactile and vibratory sensitivities of the
      neoclitoris and questionnaire on satisfaction with orgasm, sexual function, and
      general satisfaction. RESULTS: The average tactile threshold for the clitoris was
      12.5 g/mm2 and the average vibratory threshold was 0.3 MUm. Most participants
      (86%) experienced orgasm after surgery, had no or little pain, and were satisfied
      with the surgery. No statistical correlation was found between better or worse
      objective pressure and vibratory thresholds and patient answers to questions
      about the clitoris in the Body Image Scale for Transsexuals questionnaire.
      CONCLUSION: The neoclitoris derived from the glans penis in GRS provides long
      term clitoral sensation that is erogenous. Overall, the vast majority of patients
      who undergo male-to female GRS experience orgasm and are satisfied with the
      surgery.

PMID- 28087357
TI  - Early Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Urogenital Function in Morbidly Obese Men.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obesity is an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED)
      and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Bariatric surgery has been shown to
      improve erectile function and urinary symptoms in medium- to long-term studies (3
      to 12-month postoperative follow-up). AIM: To investigate the early effect (1
      month postoperatively) of bariatric surgery on ED and LUTS, which has not
      previously been investigated. METHODS: Morbidly obese men (body mass index > 35
      kg/m2) undergoing bariatric surgery were asked to complete the International
      Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
      questionnaires before surgery and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE: The influence of bariatric surgery on urogenital function, body mass
      index, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin were analyzed using
      parametric and non-parametric tests for paired samples. RESULTS: Of 30 patients
      who completed the study, 18 reported ED (IIEF score < 25) and 14 reported
      moderate or severe LUTS (IPSS >= 8) before the operation. Twelve patients had ED
      and moderate or severe LUTS. IIEF score, IPSS, body mass index, percentage of
      weight loss, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin showed significant
      and rapid improvement after bariatric surgery starting at the 1-month
      postoperative time point and improvement continued throughout the study in all
      patients with ED or moderate to severe LUTS. CONCLUSION: This is the first study
      showing improvement in erectile and urinary function within 1 month after
      bariatric surgery, an effect that was parallel to glycemic improvement and weight
      loss.

PMID- 28087358
TI  - Vascular calcification abrogates the nicorandil mediated cardio-protection in
      ischemia reperfusion injury of rat heart.
AB  - The present study was aimed to determine the efficacy of nicorandil in treating
      cardiac reperfusion injury with an underlying co-morbidity of vascular
      calcification (VC). Adenine diet was used to induce VC in Wistar rat and the
      heart was isolated to induce global ischemia reperfusion (IR) by Langendorff
      method, with and without the nicorandil (7.5mg/kg) pre-treatment and compared
      with those fed on normal diet. The adenine-treated rats displayed abnormal ECG
      changes and altered mitochondrial integrity compared to a normal rat heart. These
      hearts, when subjected to IR increased the infarct size, cardiac injury (measured
      by lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activity in the coronary perfusate)
      and significantly altered the hemodynamics compared to the normal perfused heart.
      Nicorandil pretreatment in rat fed on normal diet enhanced the hemodynamics
      significantly (P<0.05) along with a substantial reduction in the mitochondrial
      dysfunction (measured by high ADP to oxygen consumption ratio, respiratory
      control ratio, enzyme activities and less swelling behavior) when subjected to
      IR. However, this cardio-protective effect of nicorandil was absent in rat heart
      with underlying calcification. Our results suggest that, the protective effect of
      nicorandil, a known mitochondrial ATP linked K+ channel opener, against
      myocardial reperfusion injury was confined to normal rat heart.

PMID- 28087359
TI  - The effect of NMDA-R antagonism on simultaneously acquired local field potentials
      and tissue oxygen levels in the brains of freely-moving rats.
AB  - Non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists are known to induce psychosis-like
      symptoms in rodents. Administration of such compounds cause behavioural effects
      such as memory impairment and hyperlocomotion. Additionally, drugs such as
      phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine and MK-801 all cause distinctive increases in
      striatal local field potential (LFP) in the high frequency oscillation (HFO) band
      in the power spectrum (140-180 Hz). Amperometric sensors provide a means to
      measure tissue oxygen (tO2; a BOLD-like signal) in the brains of freely-moving
      rats while simultaneously acquiring LFP using the same electrode. Carbon paste
      electrodes were implanted into the striatum and hippocampus of male Wistar rats.
      Rats were administered with saline, ketamine (10 mg/kg), MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg) and
      PCP (2.5 mg/kg) and recordings were made at 1 kHz using three different
      potentials (-650 mV to measure tO2; 0 mV and +700 mV as control conditions). NMDA
      receptor antagonism caused significant increases in tO2 in both the striatum and
      the hippocampus. Power spectrum analysis showed significant increases in HFO
      power in the striatum but not in the hippocampus. Conversely, there were
      significant decreases in delta and alpha power along with increases in theta and
      gamma power in the hippocampus that were absent in the striatum. This supports
      findings that LFP can be obtained from an amperometric sensor signal; allowing
      simultaneous acquisition of two translational biomarkers of neuronal activity
      (LFP and tO2).

PMID- 28087360
TI  - The synthetic peptide PnPP-19 induces peripheral antinociception via activation
      of NO/cGMP/KATP pathway: Role of eNOS and nNOS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: and purpose: The peptide PnPP-19, derived from the spider toxin PnTx2
      6 (renamed as delta-CNTX-Pn1c), potentiates erectile function by activating the
      nitrergic system. Since NO has been studied as an antinociceptive molecule and
      PnPP-19 is known to induce peripheral antinociception, we intended to evaluate
      whether PnPP-19 could induce peripheral antinociception through activation of
      this pathway. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Nociceptive thresholds were measured by paw
      pressure test. PGE2 (2 MUg/paw) was administered intraplantarly together with
      PnPP-19 and inhibitors/blockers of NOS, guanylyl cyclase and KATP channels. The
      nitrite concentration was accessed by Griess test. The expression and
      phosphorylation of eNOS and nNOS were determined by western blot. KEY RESULTS:
      PnPP-19 (5, 10 and 20 MUg/paw) induced peripheral antinociception in rats.
      Administration of NOS inhibitor (L-NOarg), selective nNOS inhibitor (L-NPA),
      guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (ODQ) and the blocker of KATP (glibenclamide)
      partially inhibited the antinociceptive effect of PnPP-19 (10 MUg/paw). Tissue
      nitrite concentration increased after PnPP-19 (10 MUg/paw) administration.
      Expression of eNOS and nNOS remained the same in all tested groups, however the
      phosphorylation of nNOS Ser852 (inactivation site) increased and phosphorylation
      of eNOS Ser1177 (activation site) decreased after PGE2 injection. Administration
      of PnPP-19 reverted this PGE2-induced effect. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The
      peripheral antinociceptive effect induced by PnPP-19 is resulting from activation
      of NO-cGMP-KATP pathway. Activation of eNOS and nNOS might be required for such
      effect. Our results suggest PnPP-19 as a new drug candidate to treat pain and
      reinforce the importance of nNOS and eNOS activation, as well as endogenous NO
      release, for induction of peripheral antinociception.

PMID- 28087361
TI  - Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: characterising a rare but important disease.

PMID- 28087362
TI  - Clinical phenotypes and outcomes of heritable and sporadic pulmonary veno
      occlusive disease: a population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bi-allelic mutations of the EIF2AK4 gene cause heritable pulmonary
      veno-occlusive disease and/or pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis (PVOD/PCH). We
      aimed to assess the effect of EIF2AK4 mutations on the clinical phenotypes and
      outcomes of PVOD/PCH. METHODS: We did a population-based study using clinical,
      functional, and haemodynamic data from the registry of the French Pulmonary
      Hypertension Network. We reviewed the clinical data and outcomes from all
      patients referred to the French Referral Centre (Pulmonary Department, Hospital
      Kremlin-Bicetre, University Paris-Sud) with either confirmed or highly probable
      PVOD/PCH with DNA available for mutation screening (excluding patients with other
      risk factors of pulmonary hypertension, such as chronic respiratory diseases). We
      sequenced the coding sequence and intronic junctions of the EIF2AK4 gene, and
      compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between EIF2AK4 mutation carriers
      and non-carriers. Medical therapies approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension
      (prostacyclin derivatives, endothelin receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase
      type-5 inhibitors) were given to patients according to the clinical judgment and
      discretion of treating physicians. The primary outcome was the event-free
      survival (death or transplantation). Secondary outcomes included response to
      therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension and survival after lung
      transplantation. A satisfactory clinical response to specific therapy for
      pulmonary arterial hypertension was defined by achieving New York Heart
      Association functional class I or II, a 6-min walk distance of more than 440 m,
      and a cardiac index greater than 2.5 L/min per m2 at the first reassessment after
      initiation of specific therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. FINDINGS: We
      obtained data from Jan 1, 2003, to June 1, 2016, and identified 94 patients with
      sporadic or heritable PVOD/PCH (confirmed or highly probable). 27 (29%) of these
      patients had bi-allelic EIF2AK4 mutations. PVOD/PCH due to EIF2AK4 mutations
      occurred from birth to age 50 years, and these patients were younger at
      presentation than non-carriers (median 26.0 years [range 0-50.3] vs 60.0 years
      [6.7-81.4] years; p<0.0001). At diagnosis, both mutations carriers and non
      carriers had similarly severe precapillary pulmonary hypertension and functional
      impairment. 22 (81%) of mutations carriers and 63 (94%) of non-carriers received
      therapy approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Drug-induced pulmonary
      oedema occurred in five (23%) of treated EIF2AK4 mutations carriers and 13 (21%)
      of treated non-carriers. Follow-up assessment after initiation of treatment
      showed that only three (4%) patients with PVOD/PCH reached the predefined
      criteria for satisfactory clinical response. The probabilities of event-free
      survival (death or transplantation) at 1 and 3 years were 63% and 32% in EIF2AK4
      mutations carriers, and 75% and 34% in non-carriers. No significant differences
      occurred in event-free survival between the 2 groups (p=0.38). Among the 33
      patients who had lung transplantation, estimated post-transplantation survival
      rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 84%, 81%, and 73%, respectively. INTERPRETATION:
      Heritable PVOD/PCH due to bi-allelic EIF2AK4 mutations is characterised by a
      younger age at diagnosis but these patients display similar disease severity
      compared with mutation non-carriers. Response to therapy approved for pulmonary
      arterial hypertension in PVOD/PCH is rare. PVOD/PCH is a devastating condition
      and lung transplantation should be considered for eligible patients. FUNDING:
      None.

PMID- 28087363
TI  - Membrane restructuring following in situ sialidase digestion of gangliosides:
      Complex model bilayers by synchrotron radiation reflectivity.
AB  - Synchrotron radiation reflectometry was used to access the transverse structure
      of model membranes under the action of the human sialidase NEU2, down to the
      Angstrom length scale. Model membranes were designed to mimic the lipid
      composition of so-called Glycosphingolipids Enriched Microdomains (GEMs), which
      are membrane platforms specifically enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids,
      and where also typical signalling molecules are hosted. Gangliosides,
      glycosphingolipids containing one or more sialic acid residues, are
      asymmetrically embedded in GEMs, in the outer membrane leaflet where gangliosides
      are claimed to interact directly with growth-factor receptors, modulating their
      activation and then the downstream intracellular signalling pathways. Thus,
      membrane dynamics and signalling could be strongly influenced by the activity of
      enzymes regulating the membrane ganglioside composition, including sialidases.
      Our results, concerning the structure of single membranes undergoing in-situ
      enzymatic digestion, show that the outcome of the sialidase action is not limited
      to the emergence of lower-sialylated ganglioside species. In fact, membrane
      reshaping occurs, involving a novel arrangement of the headgroups on its surface.
      Thus, sialidase activity reveals to be a potential tool to control dynamically
      the structural properties of the membrane external leaflet of living cells,
      influencing both the morphology of the close environment and the extent of
      interaction among active molecules belonging to signalling platforms.

PMID- 28087365
TI  - Parasite-induced increases in the energy costs of movement of host freshwater
      fish.
AB  - Parasitization by the larvae (glochidia) of freshwater mussels can cause harm to
      a fish's gills, resulting in less effective respiration and/or reduced activity
      by the host fish. The impact of glochidia infections on the host's physiology
      remains poorly understood, and no information is available concerning energy
      consumption in parasitized fish. Hence, we obtained glochidia of the invasive
      unionid mussel Sinanodonta (Anodonta) woodiana and experimentally infected common
      carp, Cyprinus carpio, tagged with physiological sensors to measure energy
      consumption. We tested the hypothesis that parasitization affects energy
      consumption in the host fish, reflected as higher energy costs for movement and
      reduced movement activity over eight days post-infection within a twenty-four
      hour cycle. Parasitized fish showed higher energy costs of movement; however, no
      changes in movement activity were found compared with activity in control fish.
      Significantly increased biochemical indices were measured in host fish blood
      samples, including aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferase levels,
      indicating liver injury, and high concentrations of potassium (K+), signifying
      kidney injury (hyperkalemia). Increased Cl- concentrations indicate gill
      dysfunction. Our results show that the energy costs due to glochidia
      parasitization are independent of overall movement activity patterns and vary in
      time according to the parasitic phase and the diurnal cycle. Moreover, the side
      effects of parasitization have a more important impact on fish hosts than has
      been shown in previous reports.

PMID- 28087364
TI  - Aquaglyceroporins Are the Entry Pathway of Boric Acid in Trypanosoma brucei.
AB  - The boron element possesses a range of different effects on living beings. It is
      essential to beneficial at low concentrations, but toxic at excessive
      concentrations. Recently, some boron-based compounds have been identified as
      promising molecules against Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of sleeping
      sickness. However, until now, the boron metabolism and its access route into the
      parasite remained elusive. The present study addressed the permeability of T.
      brucei aquaglyceroporins (TbAQPs) for boric acid, the main natural boron species.
      To this end, the three TbAQPs were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and
      Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our findings in both expression systems showed that all
      three TbAQPs are permeable for boric acid. Especially TbAQP2 is highly permeable
      for this compound, displaying one of the highest conductances reported for a
      solute in these channels. Additionally, T. brucei aquaglyceroporin activities
      were sensitive to pH. Taken together, these results establish that TbAQPs are
      channels for boric acid and are highly efficient entry pathways for boron into
      the parasite. Our findings stress the importance of studying the physiological
      functions of boron and their derivatives in T. brucei, as well as the
      pharmacological implications of their uptake by trypanosome aquaglyceroporins.

PMID- 28087366
TI  - A Program to Prevent Burnout, Depression, and Anxiety in First-Year Pediatric
      Residents.

PMID- 28087368
TI  - Trends in wild food plants uses in Gorbeialdea (Basque Country).
AB  - Despite wild food plants' potential nutritional and economic value, their
      knowledge and consumption is quickly decreasing throughout the world. We examine
      how the consideration that a wild plant use is within the cultural tradition of a
      given area relates to its consumption by analysing 1) current perception and 2)
      past and present use of six wild plants' food-uses, of which only three are
      locally perceived as being part of the local tradition. Research was conducted in
      Gorbeialdea, an area in the Basque Country with a clearly marked Basque identity
      opposed to the Spanish identity. Overall, there is a clear decrease in the
      knowledge and consumption of the selected uses and especially of the three uses
      acquired from local sources (i.e., the consumption of the raw leaves of Fagus
      sylvatica and Rumex acetosa and of the fruits of Pyrus cordata). The trend is
      likely driven by the disappearance of the traditional agrarian lifestyle. Among
      the uses not acquired from local sources, the use recently adopted from another
      Basque-speaking area (i.e., macerating the fruits of Prunus spinosa to elaborate
      a liqueur) is now considered part of the local tradition by young generations,
      whereas the use acquired from southern Spanish migrants (i.e., using Laurus
      nobilis leaves as condiments) is not. While lifestyle changes largely explain
      overall trends in wild edibles consumption, other cultural aspects -in our case
      study the stigmatization of a given source of information associated to cultural
      identity- might help shape which new uses of wild plants become embedded in local
      traditions.

PMID- 28087367
TI  - Production of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli tagged with the fusion
      protein CusF3H.
AB  - Recombinant protein expression in the bacterium Escherichia coli still is the
      number one choice for large-scale protein production. Nevertheless, many
      complications can arise using this microorganism, such as low yields, the
      formation of inclusion bodies, and the requirement for difficult purification
      steps. Most of these problems can be solved with the use of fusion proteins.
      Here, the use of the metal-binding protein CusF3H+ is described as a new fusion
      protein for recombinant protein expression and purification in E. coli. We have
      previously shown that CusF produces large amounts of soluble protein, with low
      levels of formation of inclusion bodies, and that proteins can be purified using
      IMAC resins charged with Cu(II) ions. CusF3H+ is an enhanced variant of CusF,
      formed by the addition of three histidine residues at the N-terminus. These
      residues then can bind Ni(II) ions allowing improved purity after affinity
      chromatography. Expression and purification of Green Fluorescent Protein tagged
      with CusF3H+ showed that the mutation did not alter the capacity of the fusion
      protein to increase protein expression, and purity improved considerably after
      affinity chromatography with immobilized nickel ions; high yields are obtained
      after tag-removal since CusF3H+ is a small protein of just 10 kDa. Furthermore,
      the results of experiments involving expression of tagged proteins having medium
      to large molecular weights indicate that the presence of the CusF3H+ tag improves
      protein solubility, as compared to a His-tag. We therefore endorse CusF3H+ as a
      useful alternative fusion protein/affinity tag for production of recombinant
      proteins in E. coli.

PMID- 28087369
TI  - Multidimensional assessment of impulsivity in relation to obesity and food
      addiction.
AB  - Based on similarities between overconsumption of food and addictive drugs, there
      is increasing interest in "food addiction," a compulsive eating pattern defined
      using symptoms parallel to substance use disorders. Impulsivity, a
      multidimensional construct robustly linked to drug addiction, has been
      increasingly examined as an obesity determinant, but with mixed findings. This
      study sought to clarify relations between three major domains of impulsivity
      (i.e., impulsive personality traits, discounting of delayed rewards, and
      behavioral inhibition) in both obesity and food addiction. Based on the
      association between impulsivity and compulsive drug use, the general hypothesis
      was that the impulsivity-food addiction relation would be stronger than and
      responsible for the impulsivity-obesity relation. Using a cross-sectional
      dimensional design, participants (N = 181; 32% obese) completed a biometric
      assessment, the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior
      Scales, a Go/NoGo task, and measures of monetary delay discounting. Results
      revealed significantly higher prevalence of food addiction among obese
      participants and stronger zero-order associations between impulsivity indices and
      YFAS compared to obesity. Two aspects of impulsivity were independently
      significantly associated with food addiction: (a) a composite of Positive and
      Negative Urgency, reflecting proneness to act impulsively during intense mood
      states, and (b) steep discounting of delayed rewards. Furthermore, the results
      supported food addiction as a mediator connecting both urgency and delay
      discounting with obesity. These findings provide further evidence linking
      impulsivity to food addiction and obesity, and suggest that food addiction may be
      a candidate etiological pathway to obesity for individuals exhibiting elevations
      in these domains.

PMID- 28087370
TI  - Laparoscopic versus open surgery for rectal cancer: A meta-analysis of classic
      randomized controlled trials and high-quality Nonrandomized Studies in the last 5
      years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present a meta-analysis of high-quality published reports comparing
      laparoscopic rectal resection (LRR) and open rectal resection (ORR) for rectal
      cancer. METHODS: Studies that compared LRR and ORR and were published within the
      last 5 years were identified. All eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      and non-randomized comparative trials (NRCTs) were evaluated based on the Jadad
      score, the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool and modified Methodological
      Indices for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS). The mean differences (MD) and odds
      ratios (OR) were used to compare the operative time, blood loss, mortality,
      complications, harvested lymph nodes, hospital stay, distal resection margin, and
      circumferential resection margin. The risk ratio (RR) method was used to examine
      recurrence and survival. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were identified and included 7
      RCTs and 7 NRCTs and 4353 patients (2251 LRR, 2102 ORR). Although the operation
      time of the LRR group was obviously longer than that of the conventional surgery
      group (MD = 25.64, 95%CI = [5.17,46.10], P = 0.01), LRR was associated with fewer
      overall complications (OR = 0.67, 95%CI = [0.52,0.87], P = 0.002), less blood
      loss (MD = -66.49, 95%CI = [-88.31, -44.66], P < 0.00001), shorter postoperative
      hospital stays (OR = -1.26,95%CI = [-2.45, -0.07],P = 0.004) and shorter bowel
      function recovery times (MD = -0.93, 95%CI = [-1.27,-0.58], P < 0.00001).
      Moreover, the difference in the DRM was statistically clear (MD = 0.14, 95%CI =
      [0.02,0.27], P = 0.03). However, no significant differences between the LRR and
      ORR groups were observed in terms of the number of lymph nodes harvested,
      mortality, positive CRM, local and distal recurrence, or overall and disease-free
      survival. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that there are no significant
      differences between LRR and ORR in terms of survival and pathological outcomes
      with the exception of the DRM. Moreover, this study suggests that LRR can be
      performed safely and elicits faster recovery times compared with conventional
      surgery.

PMID- 28087371
TI  - Use of the HEART Pathway with high sensitivity cardiac troponins: A secondary
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The HEART Pathway combines a decision aid and serial contemporary
      cardiac troponin I (cTnI) measures to achieve >99% sensitivity for major adverse
      cardiac events (MACE) at 30days and early discharge rates >20%. However, the
      impact of integrating high-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) measures into the HEART
      Pathway has yet to be determined. In this analysis we compare test
      characteristics of the HEART Pathway using hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, or cTnI. DESIGN &
      METHODS: A secondary analysis of participants enrolled in the HEART Pathway RCT
      was conducted. Each patient was risk stratified by the cTn-HEART Pathway (Siemens
      TnI-Ultra at 0- and 3-h) and a hs-cTn-HEART Pathway using hs-cTnI (Abbott) or hs
      cTnT (Roche) at 3-h. The early discharge rate, sensitivity, specificity, and
      negative predictive value (NPV) for MACE (death, myocardial infarction, or
      coronary revascularization) at 30days were calculated. RESULTS: hs-cTnI measures
      were available on 133 patients. MACE occurred in 11/133 (8%) of these patients.
      Test characteristics for the HEART Pathway using serial cTnI vs 3hour hs-cTnI
      were the same: sensitivity (100%, 95%CI: 72-100%), specificity (49%, 95%CI: 40
      58%), NPV (100%, 95%CI: 94-100%), and early discharge rate (45%, 95%CI: 37-54%).
      The HEART Pathway using hs-cTnT missed one MACE event (myocardial infarction):
      sensitivity (91%, 95%CI: 59-100%), specificity (48%, 95%CI: 39-57%), NPV (98%,
      95%CI: 91-100%), and early discharge rate (45%, 95%CI: 37-54%). CONCLUSIONS:
      There was no difference in the test characteristics of the HEART Pathway whether
      using cTnI or hs-cTnI, with both achieving 100% sensitivity and NPV. Use of hs
      cTnT with the HEART Pathway was associated with one missed MACE.

PMID- 28087372
TI  - The future of artificial intelligence and interpretative specialization in
      clinical biochemistry.

PMID- 28087373
TI  - Chronoinflammaging in Alzheimer; A systematic review on the roles of toll like
      receptor 2.
AB  - Aging is associated with a range of chronic low-grade inflammation
      (Chronoinflammaging) which may play a significant role in some chronic
      inflammatory based diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the events
      which lead to the induction of chronoinflammaging in AD are yet to be clarified.
      It has been proposed that the recognition of endogenous ligands by pathogen
      recognition receptors (PRRs) may be involved in the induction of
      chronoinflammaging. Toll like receptors (TLRs) are a family of PRRs which
      recognize endogenous damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and
      subsequently induce inflammation. Therefore, TLRs are worthy of investigation to
      elucidate their roles in chronoinflammaging associated AD. This review article
      explores the main roles played by TLR2 in the pathogenesis of chronoinflammaging
      in patients suffering from AD.

PMID- 28087374
TI  - What stoichiometries determined by mass spectrometry reveal about the ligand
      binding mode to G-quadruplex nucleic acids.
AB  - G-quadruplexes (G4s) have become important drug targets to regulate gene
      expression and telomere maintenance. Many studies on G4 ligand binding focus on
      determining the ligand binding affinities and selectivities. Ligands, however,
      can also affect the G4 conformation. Here we explain how to use electrospray
      ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to monitor simultaneously ligand binding
      and cation binding stoichiometries. The changes in potassium binding
      stoichiometry upon ligand binding hint at ligand-induced conformational changes
      involving a modification of the number of G-quartets. We investigated the
      interaction of three quadruplex ligands (PhenDC3, 360A and Pyridostatin) with a
      variety of G4s. Electrospray mass spectrometry makes it easy to detect K+
      displacement (interpreted as quartet disruption) upon ligand binding, and to
      determine how many ligand molecules must be bound for the quartet opening to
      occur. The reasons for ligand-induced conversion to antiparallel structures with
      fewer quartets are discussed. Conversely, K+ intake (hence quartet formation) was
      detected upon ligand binding to G-rich sequences that did not form quadruplexes
      in 1mM K+ alone. This demonstrates the value of mass spectrometry for assessing
      not only ligand binding, but also ligand-induced rearrangements in the target
      sequence. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "G-quadruplex" Guest
      Editor: Dr. Concetta Giancola and Dr. Daniela Montesarchio.

PMID- 28087375
TI  - Super-oxidized water inactivates major viruses circulating in swine farms.
AB  - Disinfectant is commonly employed to eliminate infectious agents and prevent its
      transmission. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Medilox(r) super
      oxidized water on inactivating veterinary viruses mainly circulating in swine
      farms. The results demonstrated that this super-oxidized water could effectively
      inactivate porcine viruses.

PMID- 28087376
TI  - IR780-loaded TPGS-TOS micelles for breast cancer photodynamic therapy.
AB  - IR780 iodide is a near-infrared (NIR) dye with a huge potential for cancer
      imaging and phototherapy. However, its biomedical application is strongly
      impaired by its lipophilic character. Herein, amphiphilic micelles based on d
      alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) and d-alpha-tocopheryl
      succinate (TOS), two vitamin E derivatives with intrinsic anticancer activity,
      are explored to load IR780. IR780-loaded micelles with suitable sizes are
      obtained by using specific TPGS and TOS weight feed ratios during micelles
      formulation and these are able to encapsulate IR780 with high efficiency. In in
      vitro assays, the IR780-loaded micelles induce a cytotoxic effect in cancer cells
      upon exposure to NIR irradiation through the generation of reactive oxygen
      species (photodynamic therapy). This effective ablation of cancer cells is
      achieved using an ultra-low IR780 concentration. Moreover, IR780-loaded micelles
      also have the ability to act as photothermal and imaging agents, which widens
      their therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Overall, TPGS-TOS micelles are
      promising nanoplatforms for IR780-mediated cancer phototherapy and imaging.

PMID- 28087377
TI  - In vivo biodistribution and imaging studies with a 99mTc-radiolabeled derivative
      of the C-terminus of prothymosin alpha in mice bearing experimentally-induced
      inflammation.
AB  - Prothymosin alpha (ProTalpha) is a highly conserved mammalian polypeptide (109
      amino acids in man) exerting in vitro and in vivo immunoenhancing activities.
      Recently, our team has developed a 99mTc-radiolabeled derivative of the C
      terminal bioactive decapeptide of ProTalpha ([99mTc]C1) and employed it in in
      vitro studies, the results of which support the existence of binding sites on
      human neutrophils that recognize [99mTc]C1, intact ProTalpha as well as the C
      terminal decapeptide of ProTalpha and presumably involve Toll-like receptor 4. In
      the present work, [99mTc]C1 was administered to Swiss albino mice with
      experimentally-induced inflammation for in vivo biodistribution and imaging
      studies, in parallel with a suitable negative control, which differs from
      [99mTc]C1 only in bearing a scrambled version of the ProTalpha decapeptide. The
      biodistribution data obtained with [99mTc]C1 demonstrated fast clearance of
      radioactivity from blood, heart, lungs, normal muscle, and predominantly urinary
      excretion. Most importantly, slow clearance of radioactivity from the
      inflammation focus was observed, resulting in a high ratio of inflamed/normal
      muscle tissue (9.15 at 30min post injection, which remained practically stable up
      to 2h). The inflammation-targeting capacity of [99mTc]C1 was confirmed by imaging
      studies and might be attributed to neutrophils, which are recruited at the
      inflamed areas and bear binding sites for [99mTc]C1. In this respect, apart from
      being a valuable tool for further studies on ProTalpha in in vitro and in vivo
      systems, [99mTc]C1 merits further evaluation as a radiopharmaceutical for
      specific imaging of inflammation foci.

PMID- 28087378
TI  - New scaffolds encapsulating TGF-beta3/BMP-7 combinations driving strong
      chondrogenic differentiation.
AB  - The regeneration of articular cartilage remains an unresolved question despite
      the current access to a variety of tissue scaffolds activated with growth factors
      relevant to this application. Further advances might result from combining more
      than one of these factors; here, we propose a scaffold composition optimized for
      the dual delivery of BMP-7 and TGF-beta3, two proteins with described
      chondrogenic activity. First, we tested in a mesenchymal stem cell micromass
      culture with TGF-beta3 whether the exposure to microspheres loaded with BMP-7
      would improve cartilage formation. Histology and qRT-PCR data confirmed that the
      sustained release of BMP-7 cooperates with TGF-beta3 towards chondrogenic
      differentiation. Then, we optimized a scaffold prototype for tissue culture and
      dual encapsulation of BMP-7 and TGF-beta3. The scaffolds were prepared from
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), and BMP-7/TGF-beta3 were loaded as nanocomplexes
      with heparin and Tetronic 1107. The scaffolds showed the sustained release of
      both proteins over four weeks, with minimal burst effect. We finally cultured
      human mesenchymal stem cells on these scaffolds, in the absence of exogenous
      chondrogenic factor supplementation. The cells cultured on the scaffolds loaded
      with BMP-7 and TGF-beta3 showed clear signs of cartilage formation
      macroscopically and histologically. RT-PCR studies confirmed a clear upregulation
      of cartilage markers SOX9 and Aggrecan. In summary, scaffolds encapsulating BMP-7
      and TGF-beta3 can efficiently deliver a cooperative growth factor combination
      that drives efficient cartilage formation in human mesenchymal stem cell
      cultures. These results open attractive perspectives towards in vivo translation
      of this technology in cartilage regeneration experiments.

PMID- 28087379
TI  - PEGylated liposomes for topical vaginal therapy improve delivery of interferon
      alpha.
AB  - Recent studies regarding mucosal drug delivery indicate that nanosystems with
      surface-available polyethylene glycol (PEG) are able to penetrate mucus barrier,
      assure closer contact with the epithelium, and improve drug delivery to vagina.
      In the present work, we developed the mucus-penetrating PEGylated liposomes
      containing interferon alpha-2b (IFN alpha-2b), destined to provide localized
      therapy for human papilloma virus (HPV) vaginal infections. The PEGylated
      liposomes were of a mean size of 181+/-8nm, bearing a negative zeta potential of 
      13mV and an entrapment efficiency of 81+/-10%. In vitro release experiments on
      model membrane showed a nearly non-existent IFN alpha-2b release from both the
      control and liposomally-associated IFN alpha-2b. However, the ex vivo penetration
      studies performed on the vaginal tissue obtained from pregnant sheep, showed the
      clear elevated IFN alpha-2b penetration from PEGylated liposomes as compared to
      the control. Furthermore, mucin studies confirmed the absence of interaction
      between the PEG-modified liposomes and mucin, confirming their ability to
      penetrate mucus and reach the deeper epithelium. The system holds a promise in
      improving topical delivery of IFN alpha-2b through enhanced efficacy of local
      anti-viral therapy.

PMID- 28087380
TI  - Polymeric mixed micelles as nanomedicines: Achievements and perspectives.
AB  - During the past few decades, polymeric micelles have raised special attention as
      novel nano-sized drug delivery systems for optimizing the treatment and diagnosis
      of numerous diseases. These nanocarriers exhibit several in vitro and in vivo
      advantages as well as increased stability and solubility to hydrophobic drugs. An
      interesting approach for optimizing these properties and overcoming some of their
      disadvantages is the combination of two or more polymers in order to assemble
      polymeric mixed micelles. This review article gives an overview on the current
      state of the art of several mixed micellar formulations as nanocarriers for drugs
      and imaging probes, evaluating their ongoing status (preclinical or clinical
      stage), with special emphasis on type of copolymers, physicochemical properties,
      in vivo progress achieved so far and toxicity profiles. Besides, the present
      article presents relevant research outcomes about polymeric mixed micelles as
      better drug delivery systems, when compared to polymeric pristine micelles. The
      reported data clearly illustrates the promise of these nanovehicles reaching
      clinical stages in the near future.

PMID- 28087381
TI  - Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of atopic and nonatopic asthma
      among rural children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of time and cost constraints, objective classification of
      atopic and nonatopic asthma has been limited in large epidemiologic studies.
      However, as we try to better understand exposure-outcome associations and ensure
      appropriate treatment of asthma, it is important to focus on phenotype-defined
      asthma classification. OBJECTIVE: To compare atopic and nonatopic asthma in rural
      children with regard to risk factors and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted
      a cross-sectional study in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, in 2011. Parents of 6- to
      14-year-old children completed a health and exposure survey. Skin prick tests
      were completed in a subsample of 529 children. Asthma was based physician
      diagnosis. Asthma status was defined as no asthma, nonatopic asthma, and atopic
      asthma. RESULTS: Asthma prevalence was 14.7% of which 32.1% of cases were atopic.
      After adjustment, early respiratory illness and a family history of asthma were
      predictors of childhood asthma, regardless of atopic status (P < .05). Being
      overweight and having a dog in the home were associated with an increased risk of
      nonatopic asthma (P < .05). A mother with a history of smoking increased the risk
      of atopic asthma (P = .01). Compared with those with nonatopic asthma, in the
      past 12 months, children with atopic asthma were more likely to report a sneezy,
      runny, or blocked nose or have shortness of breath (odds ratio >2), whereas those
      with nonatopic asthma were more likely to have parents who missed work (odd ratio
      >3). Those with nonatopic asthma had significantly lower forced expiratory volume
      in 1 second compared w2ith those with atopic asthma. CONCLUSION: Exposures may
      contribute differentially to atopic and nonatopic asthma and result in
      differential clinical presentation or burden. The study of these characteristics
      is important for etiologic understanding and management decisions.

PMID- 28087382
TI  - Efficacy and safety of high-dose rush oral immunotherapy in persistent egg
      allergic children: A randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Egg oral immunotherapy is effective but time consuming. OBJECTIVE: To
      assess the efficacy and safety of egg rush oral immunotherapy (ROIT) with a
      targeted dose equivalent to a raw egg white. METHODS: Thirty-three persistent egg
      allergic children confirmed by double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge
      (DBPCFC) were randomized to receive egg ROIT immediately after randomization
      (ROIT1 group), or to continue an egg avoidance diet for 5 months after
      randomization (control group [CG]). A 5-day build-up phase starting with the
      highest single tolerated dose at baseline DBPCFC was scheduled and several doses
      administered daily until achieving a dose of approximately 2,808 mg of egg white
      protein. In the maintenance phase, patients ate an undercooked egg every 48 hours
      for 5 months. The CG participants who failed the DBPCFC at 5 months began active
      treatment. Children from the ROIT1 group plus children from the CG who failed a
      second DBPCFC at 5 months and then received egg ROIT were randomized to the ROIT2
      group. Adverse events (AEs) and immune marker evolution were recorded. RESULTS: A
      total of 17 (89%) of 19 children in the ROIT1 group and no CG patients were
      desensitized at 5 months (P < .001). A total of 31 (97%) of the 32 children in
      the ROIT2 group completed the build-up phase in a median of 3 days (range, 1-14
      days), and 30 (94%) of 32 maintained desensitization at 5 months. From baseline
      to 5 months of treatment, skin prick test, specific IgE, and specific IgE/IgG4
      ratio to egg fractions significantly decreased, whereas specific IgG4 increased.
      During the build-up phase, AEs occurred in 69% of patients (50% had <=2 AEs) and
      31% of doses (2% severe, 55% gastrointestinal). Lower threshold dose in the
      DBPCFC and higher egg white and ovalbumin specific IgE levels at baseline
      revealed an association with a higher rate of AEs. CONCLUSION: The proposed 5-day
      egg ROIT desensitized 94% of the allergic patients, with most AEs being mild or
      moderate.

PMID- 28087383
TI  - Stratified premedication strategy for the prevention of contrast media
      hypersensitivity in high-risk patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the severity of hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated
      contrast media varies, it is well correlated with the severity of recurrent
      reactions; however, prophylaxis protocols are not severity-stratified. OBJECTIVE:
      To assess the outcomes of tailored prophylaxis according to the severity of
      hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated contrast media. METHODS: Our
      premedication protocols were stratified based on the severity of previous
      reactions: (1) 4 mg of chlorpheniramine for mild reactions, (2) adding 40 mg of
      methylprednisolone for moderate reactions, and (3) adding multiple doses of 40 mg
      of methylprednisolone for severe index reactions. Cases of reexposure in patients
      with a history of hypersensitivity reactions were routinely monitored and
      mandatorily recorded. RESULTS: Among a total of 850 patients who underwent
      enhanced computed tomography after severity-tailored prophylaxis, breakthrough
      reactions occurred in 17.1%, but most breakthrough reactions (89.0%) were mild
      and did not require medical treatment. Additional corticosteroid use did not
      reduce the breakthrough reaction rate in cases with a mild index reaction (16.8%
      vs 17.2%, P = .70). However, underpremedication with a single dose of
      corticosteroid revealed significantly higher rates of breakthrough reaction than
      did double doses of corticosteroid in cases with a severe index reaction (55.6%
      vs 17.4%, P = .02). Changing the iodinated contrast media resulted in an
      additional reduction of the breakthrough reaction rate overall (14.9% vs 32.1%, P
      = .001). CONCLUSION: In a total severity-based stratified prophylaxis regimens
      and changing iodinated contrast media can be considered in patients with a
      history of previous hypersensitivity reaction to iodinated contrast media to
      reduce the risk of breakthrough reactions.

PMID- 28087384
TI  - Epidermal growth factor (EGF) fragment-guided anticancer theranostic particles
      for pH-responsive release of doxorubicin.
AB  - EGF fragment (EGFfr) and doxorubicin were chemically co-decorated on single
      magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for concomitant cancer targeting and treatment.
      Magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by the precipitation of ferric chloride
      hydrates in an ammonia solution and subsequent surface-functionalization with
      amines. The terminal thiol group of the EGF fragment was first conjugated to
      surface amines of the MNPs using a heterofunctional crosslinker, and doxorubicin
      was sequentially conjugated to the MNPs via a hydrazone linker, where the degree
      of subsitution of the surface amines to EGFfr was varied from 1% to 40%. The
      decorated doxorubicin showed clear pH-dependency in the release profile, and
      doxorubicin showed fast release at pH 5.0 in comparison to pH 7.4. The EGF
      decorated MNPs were tested for differential cellular uptakes against EGF
      overexpressing cells (A549), and the uptake levels gradually increased to 10% and
      saturated, which was quantified by ICP-OES. Internalized doxorubicin was also
      visualized by confocal microscopy, and A549 cells with EGF-decorated MNPs with
      EGF decoration showed higher fluorescence intensity of doxorubicin than those
      with non-decorated MNPs. Anti-cancer activity of the MNPs was compared at various
      concentrations of doxorubicin and EGFfr. Decoration of EGFfr significantly
      increased the anti-cancer activity of doxorubicin-incorporated MNPs in A549
      cells; however, EGFfr alone did not affect the viability of the cells. Thus, we
      concluded that MNPs with optimized EGFfr and doxorubicin ratios showed higher
      targeting and drug payload against EGF receptor overexpressing cancer cells.

PMID- 28087385
TI  - Berberine exerts renoprotective effects by regulating the AGEs-RAGE signaling
      pathway in mesangial cells during diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - In this study, we explored the effect of berberine treatment on the AGEs-RAGE
      pathway in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy, and we investigated the mechanism
      by which key factors caused kidney injury and the effects of berberine. In vivo,
      berberine improved fasting blood glucose, body weight, the majority of
      biochemical and renal function parameters and histopathological changes in the
      diabetic kidney. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry revealed significant
      increases in the levels of AGEs, RAGE, P-PKC-beta and TGF-beta1 in injured
      kidneys, and these levels were markedly decreased by treatment with berberine. In
      vitro, berberine inhibited mesangial cell proliferation. Cells treated with
      berberine showed reduced levels of AGEs, accompanied by decreased RAGE, p-PKC and
      TGF-beta1 levels soon afterwards. Berberine exhibited renoprotective effects in
      diabetic nephropathy rats, and the molecular mechanism was associated with
      changes in the levels and regulation of the AGEs-RAGE-PKC-beta-TGF-beta1
      signaling pathway.

PMID- 28087386
TI  - Androgens and androgen receptor signaling contribute to ovarian development in
      the chicken embryo.
AB  - Androgens and androgen receptor (AR) signaling play important roles throughout
      development. In the chicken, AR signaling is involved in reproduction; however,
      its specific role is unclear. We show that AR signaling is involved in the normal
      development of the female embryonic gonads. The AR mRNA level was detected in
      male and female embryonic gonads by quantitative RT-PCR, and its expression was
      higher in females than in males at all developmental stages examined. In female
      embryos, the AR localized to nuclei of cells in the left gonad. Although AR
      expression was low in the majority of the medulla, high expression was detected
      in cells of lacunae within the medulla. In addition, AR expression increased in
      cells of cortical cords within the cortex with the progression of development. AR
      expression in the right gonad was lower than that in left gonad throughout
      development. In the male gonad, the AR localized to the cytoplasm of cells in
      seminiferous tubules at all stages. Female AR knockdown (ARKD) embryos infected
      with a retrovirus expressing micro RNAs targeting the AR showed normal asymmetric
      gonads (development of the left and depression of the right gonads), whereas the
      number of lacunae decreased. Furthermore, there was a disruption in the structure
      of cortical cords. By contrast, the gonads of ARKD males developed normally
      during embryogenesis. These results indicate that androgens and AR signaling are
      essential for the development of lacunae and cortical cords in gonads of female
      embryos.

PMID- 28087387
TI  - Orbital fibroblasts of Graves' orbitopathy stimulated with proinflammatory
      cytokines promote B cell survival by secreting BAFF.
AB  - The success of rituximab for the treatment of active Graves' orbitopathy (GO)
      suggests that B cells play a critical role in intraorbital inflammation. B cell
      activating factor (BAFF) and its homolog a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL)
      are critical for B cell survival. However, the contribution of BAFF/APRIL to GO
      remains unclear. We sought to determine the role of BAFF/APRIL in the orbits of
      GO, and found that BAFF was markedly upregulated, while APRIL was not.
      Additionally, cultured GO orbital fibroblasts (GO-OFs)2 expressing BAFF were
      induced to produce a large amount of BAFF. In contrast, a weak APRIL expression
      was detected in the OFs, and they exhibited a slight response to stimulation.
      Notably, pretreated GO-OFs promoted B cell survival, and this effect was
      significantly inhibited by a BAFF-R neutralizing antibody. This study indicates
      that OFs from GO can express BAFF and mediate the intraorbital survival of B
      cells via BAFF mechanism.

PMID- 28087388
TI  - Unravelling the role of fatty acid metabolism in cancer through the FOXO3-FOXM1
      axis.
AB  - Obesity and cachexia represent divergent states of nutritional and metabolic
      imbalance but both are intimately linked to cancer. There is an extensive overlap
      in their signalling pathways and molecular components involved such as fatty
      acids (FAs), which likely play a crucial role in cancer. Forkhead box (FOX)
      proteins are responsible of a wide range of transcriptional programmes during
      normal development, and the FOXO3-FOXM1 axis is associated with cancer
      initiation, progression and drug resistance. Free fatty acids (FFAs), FA
      synthesis and beta-oxidation are associated with cancer development and
      progression. Meanwhile, insulin and some adipokines, that are up-regulated by
      FAs, are also involved in cancer development and poor prognosis. In this review,
      we discuss the role of FA metabolism in cancer and how FA metabolism integrates
      with the FOXO3-FOXM1 axis. These new insights may provide leads to better cancer
      diagnostics as well as strategies for tackling cancer development, progression
      and drug resistance.

PMID- 28087389
TI  - Evaluation of Local Oncologic Safety in Nipple-Areola Complex-sparing Mastectomy
      After Primary Chemotherapy: A Propensity Score-matched Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nipple-areola complex-sparing mastectomy (NSM), extending the concept
      of skin-sparing mastectomy, allows for the provision of a better cosmetic result.
      Large operable T2-T3 breast cancer might theoretically appear suitable for this
      surgical option as an alternative to conventional mastectomy or breast-conserving
      surgery, when a good response to primary chemotherapy has been achieved. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: From January 2009 to May 2013, 422 patients with invasive breast
      cancer were progressively accrued to NSM. Of the 422 patients, 361 underwent NSM
      as first-line treatment (NSM group), and 61 underwent surgery after primary
      chemotherapy (NSM-PC group). A total of 151 breast cancer patients, who had
      undergone PC and conventional total mastectomy (TM-PC group) from 2004 to 2009
      were evaluated as comparative group with respect to the NSM-PC group. Using
      propensity score matching, local disease-free survival (LDFS) was evaluated
      comparatively. RESULTS: The rate of nipple-areola involvement in the NSM and NSM
      PC groups was 13.3% and 9.8%, respectively (P = .539). The nipple-areola
      involvement in the NSM and NSM-PC groups was significantly associated with the
      tumor size (odds ratio [OR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.95; P =
      .004), plurifocal or pluricentric tumor (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.72-5.89; P < .001),
      and the presence of an intraductal component (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.22-4.64; P =
      .011). The LDFS in the NSM-PC and TM-PC matched cohorts did not show a
      significant difference, with a 4-year LDFS of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.77-0.95) and 0.93
      (95% CI, 0.83-0.97), respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% CI, 0.40-4.35; P
      = .655). The NSM-PC cohort was also compared with the NSM cohort in terms of LDFS
      using 2 different matching criteria, with the tumor size before and after
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy as the balancing covariate. In the first of the 2
      comparisons, the hazards of local relapse were comparable between the 2 matched
      groups (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.37-4.04; P = .739). In the second comparison, the NSM
      PC patients showed a significant greater hazard of local relapse than did the NSM
      patients (HR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.10-11.80; P = .035). CONCLUSION: NSM might be a
      valuable option for large breast cancer treated by primary chemotherapy. The rate
      of local relapse seemed to be related to the disease stage, and no significant
      association with the type of surgery was detected.

PMID- 28087390
TI  - Family-building After Breast Cancer: Considering the Effect on Adherence to
      Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy.
AB  - Adherence to endocrine therapy (ET) is a longstanding problem in breast cancer
      (BC) survivorship care, particularly among younger women. Younger patients have
      reported lower ET initiation rates and greater rates of early discontinuation and
      are considered an "at risk" group for nonadherence. For women who hope to have
      children in the future, concerns about premature menopause and the implications
      of postponing childbearing for the 5 to 10 years of ET are widespread.
      Preliminary evidence suggests that prioritizing fertility, along with concerns
      about side effects, leads to ET noninitiation and early discontinuation. Clinical
      efforts to improve adherence might need to consider patients' family-building
      goals during the course of treatment and to appropriately counsel patients
      according to their priorities and family-building intentions. Educational
      materials about family building after cancer are still not consistently available
      or provided. Helping patients to access trusted informational resources and
      decision support tools, in conjunction with medical counseling, will promote
      informed decisions regarding ET adherence and pregnancy that are medically
      appropriate. Such shared patient-provider decision-making about ET adherence and
      pregnancy could help to maximize patient autonomy by incorporating their values,
      preferences, and priorities into decisions, using providers' medical expertise.

PMID- 28087391
TI  - Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities are predictor in developing non-Hodgkin
      lymphomas?
AB  - Pathological analysis is the cornerstone for diagnosing malignant lymphoma.
      Status of cytogenetic abnormalities is frequently left unexamined if no evidence
      of malignancy is found in pathological analysis. In this study, we presented 3
      cases in which clonal cytogenetic abnormalities were detected but morphological
      alterations of the same tissue did not support malignant non Hodgkin lymphoma at
      the first lymph node biopsy. Case 1 is a 55-year-old female with lymphadenopathy
      neoplastic process confirmed by flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR). Chromosome analysis revealed
      47,XX,t(3;22)(q27;q11),+del(9)(p12)[16]/46,XX[4]. The pathological analysis of
      subsequent lymph node biopsy indicated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
      Case 2, a 74-year-old female, for whom the pathological analysis, molecular
      studies and flow cytometric analysis of the first lymph node biopsy found no
      evidence of clonal cell. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated a terminal deletion of
      chromosome 7 and 1, and the patient received a second lymph node biopsy and
      splenectomy. A pathological diagnosis of splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL)
      was made. In Case 3 who was a 66-year-old female with right cervical and axillary
      lymph node enlargement. Cytogenetic analysis showed clonal karyotypic
      abnormalities: 48,XX, t(14;18)(q32;q21) [13]/46, XY [7]. The diagnosis of
      follicular lymphoma was rendered by the second biopsy of axillary lymph node
      according to the analysis of morphology and immunohistochemistry. We propose that
      clonal cytogenetic abnormalities may be a high potential risk for developing non
      Hodgkin lymphomas. Follow-up and rebiopsy must be performed in patients who are
      cytogenetically abnormal but morphologically benign.

PMID- 28087392
TI  - Predictors and mechanisms of epilepsy occurrence in cerebral gliomas: What to
      look for in clinicopathology.
AB  - Gliomas, especially low-grade gliomas, are highly epileptogenic brain tumors.
      Histopathological information is valuable in evaluating the diagnosis and/or
      biologic behavior of various gliomas. Here we explored the clinical data and
      histopathological predictors of the occurrence of epilepsy in patients with
      gliomas. A retrospective study examined 310 consecutive patients who had
      undergone surgical treatment for gliomas in our institution from January 2013 to
      January 2015. Clinical data and pathological examination results were analyzed.
      Literatures regarding the predictors and etiology of glioma associated epileptic
      seizures in the period of 1995-2015 were also reviewed. A total of 234 (75.5%)
      astrocytic tumors and 76 (24.5%) oligodendrial tumors were included. At
      diagnosis, 33.6% of patients had epileptic seizures. Multivariate analysis
      revealed cortex involvement (OR=7.991, 95%CI=1.599-39.926), lower World Health
      Organization grade (OR=3.584, 95%CI=1.032-12.346) and topoisomerase II (TopoII)
      positivity (OR=0.943, 95%CI=0.903-0.982) were strong predictors for preoperative
      epileptic seizures. Gender, disease course, tumor classification, location or
      volume did not significantly affect epileptic seizure occurrence. Forty-three
      publications involved glioma-associated epilepsy were found in PubMed online
      database and key data were extracted and summarized. The present studies on
      glioma-related epilepsy are relatively limited and inconsistent. Low-grade
      gliomas, cortex involvement and TopoII positivity were independent predictors of
      a history of epileptic seizures at diagnosis. Further studies to examine the
      underlying mechanism of topoisomerase II as well as other molecules in epilepsy
      occurrence in brain gliomas are needed in the future.

PMID- 28087393
TI  - William Glenn: Surgeon-Scientist and Leader of New England Surgery.

PMID- 28087394
TI  - Hawkins' type-II talar fracture with subtalar dislocation: A very unusual
      combination.
AB  - We report the unusual case of a 16-year-old young man who sustained a rare
      association of a Hawkins' type-II talar neck fracture with a complete medial
      subtalar dislocation (Hawkins type-IIB) that occurred as an isolated injury after
      indirect trauma during a soccer game. Following closed reduction of the subtalar
      dislocation, standard radiographs and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a
      comminuted fracture of the talus involving the base of the talar neck. Open
      reduction was performed and the fracture was stabilized by ORIF. At 1-year follow
      up, functional and radiographic outcomes were graded as excellent, with no
      radiographic evidence of talar osteonecrosis.

PMID- 28087395
TI  - Lumbar spinal muscles and spinal canal study by MRI three-dimensional
      reconstruction in adult lumbar spinal stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar spinal stenosis is degenerative disc disease most common
      manifestation. If stenosis degree seems poorly related to symptom severity,
      lumbar muscles role is recognized. Many studies report imaging methods, to
      analyze muscle volumes and fat infiltration (FI), but remain limited due to the
      difficulty to represent entire muscle volume variability. Recently a 3D muscle
      reconstruction protocol (using the deformation of a parametric specific object
      method (DPSO) and three-point Dixon images) was reported. It offers the ability
      to evaluate, muscles volumes and muscle FI. PURPOSE: To describe, in a lumbar
      spinal stenosis population, muscle volumes, muscle FI and lumbar spinal canal
      volume with 3D MRI images reconstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten adults
      presenting L4-L5 lumbar stenosis, were included. After specific MRI protocol,
      three-dimensional, muscle and spinal canal, reconstructions were performed.
      Muscle (psoas and paraspinal muscles) volumes and fat infiltration (FI), the
      spinal canal volume, age, and height were correlated one to each other with
      Spearman correlation factor. An ANOVA was performed to evaluate the
      intervertebral level influence (P<=0.05). RESULTS: Muscle volumes correlated with
      height (r=0.68 for psoas). Muscles FI correlated with age (r=0.66 for psoas) and
      lumbar spinal canal volume (r=0.91). Psoas and paraspinal volumes were maximum at
      L3-L4 level whereas FI increased from L1-L2 to L5-S1 level. DISCUSSION: These
      first results illustrate the importance to consider muscles entirely and report
      correlations between muscles FI, lumbar spinal canal volume and age; and between
      muscle volumes and patients height. Muscle degeneration seems more related to
      muscle FI than muscle volume. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 28087396
TI  - Influence of coronal bowing on the lower alignment and the positioning of
      component in navigation and conventional total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronal alignment is an important factor for the function and
      longevity of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Coronal bowing of the lower extremity
      is common among Asians and it may pose a risk for malalignment of the lower leg
      and malposition of component. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that coronal bowing
      itself has a risk for malalignment of the lower leg and malposition of
      femoral/tibial components and that navigation TKA is beneficial for patients with
      coronal bowing. We investigated the incidence of femoral/tibial bowing in
      patients treated with TKA and compared the radiographic parameters between the
      navigation group and the conventional group. Additionally, the influence of
      coronal bowing on these radiographic parameters was investigated. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We enrolled 35 patients with knee osteoarthritis and 70 bilateral
      simultaneous TKAs. The patients underwent TKA with the use of a computer
      tomography-free navigation in one knee and conventional TKA in the contralateral
      knee. Preoperative coronal bowing were measured, and the subjects were divided
      into 2 subgroups, i.e. the bowing group and the non-bowing group. Lateral bowing
      was expressed as plus (+) and medial bowing was expressed as minus (-). Various
      radiographic parameters, including coronal bowing, lower leg alignment, component
      position, and outliers were compared between the navigation group and the
      conventional group. RESULTS: Femoral bowing varied from -7.4 degrees  to 10.9
      degrees  with an average of 3.0 degrees . Tibial bowing varied from -4.1 degrees 
      to 4.6 degrees  with an average of 0.4 degrees . The femoral component was placed
      more properly in the navigation group. Number of outlier regarding to the coronal
      femoral component angle to the femoral mechanical axis was 14 cases (37.8%) in
      the bowing group and 6 cases (18.2%) in the non-bowing group (P=0.04).
      DISCUSSION: In conclusion, coronal femoral bowing has an important effect on
      femoral bone cut in TKA. The navigated TKA was more consistent than conventional
      TKA in aiding proper alignments of femoral component. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      II, comparative prospective study.

PMID- 28087397
TI  - Elbow locking in a patient with a congenital radial head dislocation: Case
      report.
AB  - Snapping elbow is a rare condition, which has various possible causes such as
      impinged plica, annular ligament, or other extra-articular causes. We report a
      case of 15-year-old boy who had snapping elbow and sudden-onset flexion
      contracture of the elbow. Simple radiographs showed bilateral anterior
      dislocation of hypoplastic radial heads. Magnetic resonance images with the elbow
      extended as much as possible showed that the annular ligament hemmed the
      dislocated radial neck. By surgical incision of the annular ligament which
      checkreined the radial neck, the patients could regain full extension of the
      elbow. We recommend careful consideration of surgical excision of ligamentous
      structure which blocks extension in the patients who have history of snapping
      elbow with congenital radial head dislocation.

PMID- 28087398
TI  - Interaction of Mal de Rio Cuarto virus (Fijivirus genus) proteins and
      identification of putative factors determining viroplasm formation and decay.
AB  - Mal de Rio Cuarto virus (MRCV) is a member of the Fijivirus genus, within the
      Reoviridae family, that replicates and assembles in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies
      called viroplasms. In this study, we investigated interactions between ten MRCV
      proteins by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays and identified interactions of non
      structural proteins P6/P6, P9-2/P9-2 and P6/P9-1. P9-1 and P6 are the major and
      minor components of the viroplasms respectively, whereas P9-2 is an N
      glycosylated membrane protein of unknown function. Interactions involving P6 and
      P9-1 were confirmed by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) in rice
      protoplasts. We demonstrated that a region including a predicted coiled-coil
      domain within the C-terminal moiety of P6 was necessary for P6/P6 and P6/P9-1
      interactions. In turn, a short C-terminal arm was necessary for the previously
      reported P9-1 self-interaction. Transient expression of these proteins by
      agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves showed very low accumulation
      levels and further in silico analyses allowed us to identify conserved PEST
      degradation sequences [rich in proline (P), glutamic acid (E), serine (S), and
      threonine (T)] within P6 and P9-1. The removal of these PEST sequences resulted
      in a significant increase of the accumulation of both proteins.

PMID- 28087399
TI  - Advances with using CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene editing to treat infections with
      hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus.
AB  - Chronic infections with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses (HBV and HCV) account
      for the majority of cases of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current
      therapies for the infections have limitations and improved efficacy is necessary
      to prevent complications in carriers of the viruses. In the case of HBV
      persistence, the replication intermediate comprising covalently closed circular
      DNA (cccDNA) is particularly problematic. Licensed therapies have little effect
      on cccDNA and HBV replication relapses following treatment withdrawal. Disabling
      cccDNA is thus key to curing HBV infections and application of gene editing
      technology, such as harnessing the clustered regularly interspaced short
      palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system, has curative
      potential. Several studies have reported good efficacy when employing CRISPR/Cas
      technologies to disable HBV replication in cultured cells and in hydrodynamically
      injected mice. Recent advances with HCV drug development have revolutionized
      treatment of the infection. Nevertheless, individuals may be refractory to
      treatment. Targeting RNA from HCV with CRISPR/Cas isolated from Francisella
      novicida may have therapeutic utility. Although preclinical work shows that
      CRISPR/Cas technology has potential to overcome infection with HBV and HCV,
      significant challenges need to be met. Ensuring specificity for viral targets and
      efficient delivery of the gene editing sequences to virus-infected cells are
      particularly important. The field is at an interesting stage and the future of
      curative antiviral drug regimens, particularly for treatment of chronic HBV
      infection, may well entail use of combinations that include derivatives of
      CRISPR/Cas.

PMID- 28087401
TI  - How the EUCERD Joint Action supported initiatives on Rare Diseases.
AB  - Joint Actions are successful initiatives from the European Commission (EC) that
      have helped to raise awareness and to bring significant benefit to those
      suffering from a rare disease (RD). In this paper, we will focus on the
      activities developed by the EUCERD Joint Action (EJA) and by the Orphanet Joint
      Action ("Orphanet Europe"). EUCERD Joint Action was co-funded by the EC and the
      Member States between 2012 and 2015 to help to define the activities and policies
      in the field of RD and foster exchange of experiences amongst Member States. This
      project is the continuation of previous efforts to turn RD a priority in the EC
      Health Programmes. "Orphanet Europe" was a Joint Action co-funded by INSERM, the
      French Directorate General for Health and the EC to address the need for a common
      portal that would gather the most update information regarding RD. This need was
      identified in the European Commission report "Rare Diseases: Europe's challenge"
      and in the Recommendation of the Council for a European RD portal. These joint
      actions have supported the policy development work of the European Commission,
      through the support of their committees for rare diseases. In this paper, the
      authors aim to raise awareness of the work done by the EUCERD Joint Action on
      behalf of the rare disease community and the policies established.

PMID- 28087400
TI  - Plus Disease in Retinopathy of Prematurity: Diagnostic Trends in 2016 Versus
      2007.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify any temporal trends in the diagnosis of plus disease in
      retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by experts. DESIGN: Reliability analysis.
      METHODS: ROP experts were recruited in 2007 and 2016 to classify 34 wide-field
      fundus images of ROP as plus, pre-plus, or normal, coded as "3," "2," and "1,"
      respectively, in the database. The main outcome was the average calculated score
      for each image in each cohort. Secondary outcomes included correlation on the
      relative ordering of the images in 2016 vs 2007, interexpert agreement, and
      intraexpert agreement. RESULTS: The average score for each image was higher for
      30 of 34 (88%) images in 2016 compared with 2007, influenced by fewer images
      classified as normal (P < .01), a similar number of pre-plus (P = .52), and more
      classified as plus (P < .01). The mean weighted kappa values in 2006 were 0.36
      (range 0.21-0.60), compared with 0.22 (range 0-0.40) in 2016. There was good
      correlation between rankings of disease severity between the 2 cohorts (Spearman
      rank correlation rho = 0.94), indicating near-perfect agreement on relative
      disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite good agreement between cohorts on relative
      disease severity ranking, the higher average score and classifications for each
      image demonstrate that experts are diagnosing pre-plus and plus disease at
      earlier stages of disease severity in 2016, compared with 2007. This has
      implications for patient care, research, and teaching, and additional studies are
      needed to better understand this temporal trend in image-based plus disease
      diagnosis.

PMID- 28087403
TI  - Hepatic Hydatid Cysts Causing Biliary Obstruction.

PMID- 28087402
TI  - Accuracy is in the eyes of the pathologist: The visual interpretive process and
      diagnostic accuracy with digital whole slide images.
AB  - Digital whole slide imaging is an increasingly common medium in pathology, with
      application to education, telemedicine, and rendering second opinions. It has
      also made it possible to use eye tracking devices to explore the dynamic visual
      inspection and interpretation of histopathological features of tissue while
      pathologists review cases. Using whole slide images, the present study examined
      how a pathologist's diagnosis is influenced by fixed case-level factors, their
      prior clinical experience, and their patterns of visual inspection. Participating
      pathologists interpreted one of two test sets, each containing 12 digital whole
      slide images of breast biopsy specimens. Cases represented four diagnostic
      categories as determined via expert consensus: benign without atypia, atypia,
      ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and invasive cancer. Each case included one or
      more regions of interest (ROIs) previously determined as of critical diagnostic
      importance. During pathologist interpretation we tracked eye movements, viewer
      tool behavior (zooming, panning), and interpretation time. Models were built
      using logistic and linear regression with generalized estimating equations,
      testing whether variables at the level of the pathologists, cases, and visual
      interpretive behavior would independently and/or interactively predict diagnostic
      accuracy and efficiency. Diagnostic accuracy varied as a function of case
      consensus diagnosis, replicating earlier research. As would be expected, benign
      cases tended to elicit false positives, and atypia, DCIS, and invasive cases
      tended to elicit false negatives. Pathologist experience levels, case consensus
      diagnosis, case difficulty, eye fixation durations, and the extent to which
      pathologists' eyes fixated within versus outside of diagnostic ROIs, all
      independently or interactively predicted diagnostic accuracy. Higher zooming
      behavior predicted a tendency to over-interpret benign and atypia cases, but not
      DCIS cases. Efficiency was not predicted by pathologist- or visual search-level
      variables. Results provide new insights into the medical interpretive process and
      demonstrate the complex interactions between pathologists and cases that guide
      diagnostic decision-making. Implications for training, clinical practice, and
      computer-aided decision aids are considered.

PMID- 28087404
TI  - Mood and Anxiety Disorders Precede Development of Functional Gastrointestinal
      Disorders in Patients but Not in the Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Understanding the interactions between brain and
      gastrointestinal disorders requires analysis of the order of disease onset. We
      analyzed data from 2 independent studies to determine the proportion of
      individuals with diagnoses of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs)
      before diagnoses of mood or anxiety disorders (gut to brain), and vice versa
      (brain to gut). METHODS: We collected data from a retrospective study of 4966
      patients diagnosed with a FGID (irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, or
      constipation) and mood or anxiety disorder at general practices in the United
      Kingdom (health care seekers) over an average period of 13.1 years; we recorded
      which diagnosis appeared first and compared these with patients' sex and
      socioeconomic factors. We also collected data from a population study of 1002
      randomly selected individuals in Australia (non-heath care seekers) followed from
      1997 through 2009; we determined whether subjects were free of either FGID or an
      anxiety or mood disorder at baseline but developed either one after a 12-year
      follow-up period. RESULTS: Among the 4966 health care seekers, 3279 patients were
      diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder before an FGID (ratio of 2:1). This
      ratio increased with socioeconomic disadvantage. The time period between
      diagnosis of mood or anxiety disorder and FGID was longer (median, 3.5 years)
      than time period between diagnosis of an FGID and a mood or anxiety disorder
      (median, 1.8 years). Among non-heath care seekers (population study), equal
      proportions were diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder before versus after an
      FGID. CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of data from a study of patients and a
      population-based study of individuals with these diagnoses, we found 2-fold more
      patients to receive a diagnosis of a mood or anxiety disorder before an FGID, but
      equal proportions of individuals in the population to be diagnosed with the mood
      or anxiety disorder before versus after an FGID. Among patients, the mood or
      anxiety disorder was on average diagnosed more than 3 years before the FGID,
      offering opportunity for prevention. Our findings support a role for adverse
      socioeconomic factors in development of FGIDs in patients with psychological
      disorders.

PMID- 28087405
TI  - Reply to letter regarding submission entitled: Cracking the perfusion code? -
      Laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography and combined laser Doppler
      spectrophotometry for intraoperative evaluation of tissue perfusion in autologous
      breast reconstruction with DIEP or ms-TRAM flaps.

PMID- 28087406
TI  - Erythrocyte membrane-coated nanogel for combinatorial antivirulence and
      responsive antimicrobial delivery against Staphylococcus aureus infection.
AB  - We reported an erythrocyte membrane-coated nanogel (RBC-nanogel) system with
      combinatorial antivirulence and responsive antibiotic delivery for the treatment
      of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. RBC membrane was
      coated onto the nanogel via a membrane vesicle templated in situ gelation
      process, whereas the redox-responsiveness was achieved by using a disulfide bond
      based crosslinker. We demonstrated that the RBC-nanogels effectively neutralized
      MRSA-associated toxins in extracellular environment and the toxin neutralization
      in turn promoted bacterial uptake by macrophages. In intracellular reducing
      environment, the RBC-nanogels showed an accelerated drug release profile, which
      resulted in more effective bacterial inhibition. When added to the macrophages
      infected with intracellular MRSA bacteria, the RBC-nanogels significantly
      inhibited bacterial growth compared to free antibiotics and non-responsive
      nanogel counterparts. These results indicate the great potential of the RBC
      nanogel system as a new and effective antimicrobial agent against MRSA infection.

PMID- 28087408
TI  - Effects of loading concentration, blood and synovial fluid on antibiotic release
      and anti-biofilm activity of bone cement beads.
AB  - Antibiotic loaded cement beads are commonly used for the treatment of biofilm
      related orthopaedic periprosthetic infections; however the effects of antibiotic
      loading and exposure of beads to body fluids on release kinetics are unclear. The
      purpose of this study was to determine the effects of (i) antibiotic loading
      density (ii) loading amount (iii) material type and (iv) exposure to body fluids
      (blood or synovial fluid) on release kinetics and efficacy of antibiotics against
      planktonic and lawn biofilm bacteria. Short-term release into an agar gel was
      evaluated using a fluorescent tracer (fluorescein) incorporated in the carrier
      materials calcium sulfate (CaSO4) and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA). Different
      fluorescein concentrations in CaSO4 beads were evaluated. Mechanical properties
      of fluorescein-incorporated beads were analyzed. Efficacy of the antibiotics
      vancomycin (VAN) or tobramycin (TOB) alone and in combination was evaluated
      against lawn biofilms of bioluminescent strains of Staphylococcus aureus and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Zones of inhibition of cultures (ZOI) were measured
      visually and using an in-vivo imaging system (IVIS). The influence of body fluids
      on release was assessed using CaSO4 beads that contained fluorescein or
      antibiotics and were pre-coated with human blood or synovial fluid. The spread
      from the beads followed a square root of time relationship in all cases. The
      loading concentration had no influence on short-term fluorescein release and pre
      coating of beads with body fluids did not affect short-term release or
      antibacterial activity. Compared to PMMA, CaSO4 had a more rapid short term rate
      of elution and activity against planktonic and lawn biofilms. This study
      highlights the importance of considering antibiotic loading and packing density
      when investigating the clinical application of bone cements for infection
      management.

PMID- 28087409
TI  - Thioredoxin a novel biomarker of post-injury sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thioredoxin (TRX), an endogenous anti-oxidant protein induced in
      inflammatory conditions, has been shown to increase in plasma and to be
      associated with outcome in septic patients. This biomarker has never been studied
      in a trauma setting. We hypothesized that TRX would be increased after trauma and
      associated with post-injury sepsis. METHODS: Single-centre prospective
      observational study conducted at the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Karolinska
      University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, a level-1 trauma centre. Eighty-three
      severely injured trauma patients, 18 years or older, with an ICU stay of three
      days or more were included. Plasma samples were obtained on day 1 and 3 after
      informed consent. Clinical, physiological and outcome data were retrieved from
      the trauma and ICU research registries. Plasma samples were also obtained from 15
      healthy subjects. In addition, a standardized porcine trauma model was conducted
      where a femur fracture followed by a controlled hemorrhage period were inflicted
      in four pigs. RESULTS: In pigs, however not significant, there was a continuing
      increase in plasma-TRX after femur fracture and sequential hemorrhage despite
      near normalisation of cardiac index and lactate levels. In patients, median
      injury severity score was 29 and 48 patients developed sepsis during their ICU
      stay. A three-fold increase in initial TRX was seen in trauma patients when
      compared to healthy volunteers. Thioredoxin was significantly higher in patients
      in shock on admission, those subject to massive transfusion and in the most
      severely injured patients. No difference was seen between survivors and non
      survivors. Plasma-TRX on day 1 was significantly increased in patients who later
      developed post-injury sepsis. In a logistic regression analysis including TRX, C
      reactive protein, injury severity, massive transfusion, and admission blood
      pressure, TRX was the only variable independently associated with post-injury
      sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that TRX is released into plasma in
      response to severe trauma and independently associated with post-injury sepsis.
      The use of TRX as a biomarker in trauma patients needs further evaluation in
      larger studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study, level III.

PMID- 28087407
TI  - Polymeric micelles for ocular drug delivery: From structural frameworks to recent
      preclinical studies.
AB  - Effective intraocular drug delivery poses a major challenge due to the presence
      of various elimination mechanisms and physiological barriers that result in low
      ocular bioavailability after topical application. Over the past decades,
      polymeric micelles have emerged as one of the most promising drug delivery
      platforms for the management of ocular diseases affecting the anterior (dry eye
      syndrome) and posterior (age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy
      and glaucoma) segments of the eye. Promising preclinical efficacy results from
      both in-vitro and in-vivo animal studies have led to their steady progression
      through clinical trials. The mucoadhesive nature of these polymeric micelles
      results in enhanced contact with the ocular surface while their small size allows
      better tissue penetration. Most importantly, being highly water soluble, these
      polymeric micelles generate clear aqueous solutions which allows easy application
      in the form of eye drops without any vision interference. Enhanced stability,
      larger cargo capacity, non-toxicity, ease of surface modification and controlled
      drug release are additional advantages with polymeric micelles. Finally, simple
      and cost effective fabrication techniques render their industrial acceptance
      relatively high. This review summarizes structural frameworks, methods of
      preparation, physicochemical properties, patented inventions and recent advances
      of these micelles as effective carriers for ocular drug delivery highlighting
      their performance in preclinical studies.

PMID- 28087411
TI  - Aspirin prevents TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by regulating the
      NF-kappaB-dependent miR-155/eNOS pathway: Role of a miR-155/eNOS axis in
      preeclampsia.
AB  - Preeclampsia is an inflammatory disease with endothelial cell dysfunction that
      occurs via decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (eNOS/NO)
      activity. Aspirin reduces the incidence of hypertensive pregnancy complications.
      However, the underlying mechanism has not been clearly explained. Here, we found
      that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, microRNA (miR)-155, and eNOS levels as
      well as endothelial redox phenotype were differentially regulated in preeclamptic
      patients, implying the involvement of TNF-alpha- and redox signal-mediated miR
      155 biogenesis and eNOS downregulation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
      Aspirin prevented the TNF-alpha-mediated increase in miR-155 biogenesis and
      decreases in eNOS expression and NO/cGMP production in cultured human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Similar effects of aspirin were also observed in
      HUVECs treated with H2O2. The preventive effects of aspirin was associated with
      the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-dependent MIR155HG (miR-155
      host gene) expression. Aspirin recovered the TNF-alpha-mediated decrease in wild
      type, but not mutant, eNOS 3'-untranslated region reporter activity, whose effect
      was blocked by miR-155 mimic. Moreover, aspirin prevented TNF-alpha-mediated
      endothelial cell dysfunction associated with impaired vasorelaxation,
      angiogenesis, and trophoblast invasion, and the preventive effects were blocked
      by miR-155 mimic or an eNOS inhibitor. Aspirin rescued TNF-alpha-mediated eNOS
      downregulation coupled with endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting NF-kappaB
      dependent transcriptional miR-155 biogenesis. Thus, the redox-sensitive NF
      kappaB/miR-155/eNOS axis may be crucial in the pathogenesis of vascular disorders
      including preeclampsia.

PMID- 28087412
TI  - Pain prediction by serum biomarkers of bone turnover in people with knee
      osteoarthritis: an observational study of TRAcP5b and cathepsin K in OA.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate serum biomarkers, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase
      5b (TRAcP5b) and cathepsin K (cath-K), indicative of osteoclastic bone
      resorption, and their relationship to pain and pain change in knee osteoarthritis
      (OA). METHODS: Sera and clinical data were collected from 129 people (97 with 3
      year follow-up) with knee OA from the Prediction of Osteoarthritis Progression
      (POP) cohort. Knee OA-related outcomes in POP included: WOMAC pain, National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) I (pain, aching and stiffness),
      subchondral sclerosis, and radiographically determined tibiofemoral and
      patellofemoral OA. Two putative osteoclast biomarkers were measured in sera:
      TRAcP5b and cath-K. Medial tibia plateaux were donated at knee arthroplasty for
      symptomatic OA (n = 84) or from 16 post mortem (PM) controls from the Arthritis
      Research UK (ARUK) Pain Centre joint tissue repository. Osteoclasts were stained
      for tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP) within the subchondral bone of
      the medial tibia plateaux. RESULTS: Serum TRAcP5b activity, but not cath-K
      immunoreactivity, was associated with density of TRAcP-positive osteoclasts in
      the subchondral bone of medial tibia plateaux. TRAcP-positive osteoclasts were
      more abundant in people with symptomatic OA compared to controls. Serum TRAcP5b
      activity was associated with baseline pain and pain change. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      observations support a role for subchondral osteoclast activity in the generation
      of OA pain. Serum TRAcP5b might be a clinically relevant biomarker of disease
      activity in OA.

PMID- 28087410
TI  - Repair of 8-oxoG:A mismatches by the MUTYH glycosylase: Mechanism, metals and
      medicine.
AB  - Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) may infringe on the passing of
      pristine genetic information by inducing DNA inter- and intra-strand crosslinks,
      protein-DNA crosslinks, and chemical alterations to the sugar or base moieties of
      DNA. 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) is one of the most prevalent DNA lesions
      formed by RONS and is repaired through the base excision repair (BER) pathway
      involving the DNA repair glycosylases OGG1 and MUTYH in eukaryotes. MUTYH removes
      adenine (A) from 8-oxoG:A mispairs, thus mitigating the potential of G:C to T:A
      transversion mutations from occurring in the genome. The paramount role of MUTYH
      in guarding the genome is well established in the etiology of a colorectal cancer
      predisposition syndrome involving variants of MUTYH, referred to as MUTYH
      associated polyposis (MAP). In this review, we highlight recent advances in
      understanding how MUTYH structure and related function participate in the
      manifestation of human disease such as MAP. Here we focus on the importance of
      MUTYH's metal cofactor sites, including a recently discovered "Zinc linchpin"
      motif, as well as updates to the catalytic mechanism. Finally, we touch on the
      insight gleaned from studies with MAP-associated MUTYH variants and recent
      advances in understanding the multifaceted roles of MUTYH in the cell, both in
      the prevention of mutagenesis and tumorigenesis.

PMID- 28087413
TI  - Nesfatin-1 modulates murine gastric vagal afferent mechanosensitivity in a
      nutritional state dependent manner.
AB  - Food intake is regulated by vagal afferent signals from the stomach. Nesfatin-1
      is an anorexigenic peptide produced within the gastrointestinal tract and has
      well defined central effects. We aimed to determine if nesfatin-1 can modulate
      gastric vagal afferent signals in the periphery and further whether this is
      altered in different nutritional states. Female C57BL/6J mice were fed either a
      standard laboratory diet (SLD) or a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks or fasted
      overnight. Plasma nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2; nesfatin-1 precursor)/nesfatin-1 levels
      were assayed, the expression of NUCB2 in the gastric mucosa and adipose tissue
      was assessed using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain
      reaction. An in vitro preparation was used to determine the effect of nesfatin-1
      on gastric vagal afferent mechanosensitivity. HFD mice exhibited an increased
      body weight and adiposity. Plasma NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels were unchanged between
      any of the groups of mice. NUCB2 mRNA was detected in the gastric mucosa and
      gonadal fat of SLD, HFD and fasted mice with no difference in mRNA abundance
      between groups in either tissue. In SLD and fasted mice nesfatin-1 potentiated
      mucosal receptor mechanosensitivity, an effect not observed in HFD mice. Tension
      receptor mechanosensitivity was unaffected by nesfatin-1 in SLD and fasted mice,
      but was inhibited in HFD mice. In conclusion, Nesfatin-1 modulates gastric vagal
      afferent mechanosensitivity in a nutritional state dependent manner.

PMID- 28087414
TI  - Consumption of Low-Calorie Sweeteners among Children and Adults in the United
      States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consumption of low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) has increased markedly
      during the past several decades, yet the prevalence of LCS consumption in recent
      years is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe LCS
      consumption in the United States and to characterize consumption by
      sociodemographic subgroups, source, frequency, eating occasion, and location.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey data from 2009 to 2012. The prevalence of LCS consumption was assessed
      using two 24-hour dietary recalls, while the frequency (number of times per day),
      occasion (meal vs snack vs alone), and location of LCS consumption (at home vs
      away from home) was assessed using data from the one, in-person, 24-hour dietary
      recall. PARTICIPANTS: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      participants (2 years old or older) either in 2009-2010 (n=9,047) or in 2011-2012
      (n=7,939). After excluding participants with implausible energy intake (n=44),
      the final sample size was 16,942. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was
      the proportion of individuals consuming one or more foods, beverages, or packets
      containing LCSs during at least one of their two dietary recalls. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSES PERFORMED: Data were weighted to provide national estimates and Stata
      frequency procedures for complex survey design were used for all analyses.
      RESULTS: Our findings were that 25.1% of children and 41.4% adults reported
      consuming LCSs. Most LCS consumers reported use once daily (80% of children, 56%
      of adults) and frequency of consumption increased with body weight in adults. LCS
      consumption was higher in females compared with males among adults, and in obese
      individuals, compared with overweight and normal-weight individuals. Individuals
      of non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity also had higher prevalence of consumption
      compared with non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics and those in the highest tertile
      of income had higher LCS consumption compared with individuals of middle or low
      income across LCS product categories in adults, and for LCS beverages and LCS
      foods in children. Most LCS consumers reported consuming LCS with meals (64% of
      adults, 62% of children) and the majority of LCS consumption occurred at home
      (71% and 72% among adults and children, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LCS
      consumption is highly prevalent in the United States, among both children and
      adults. Well-controlled, prospective trials are required to understand the health
      impact of this widespread LCS exposure.

PMID- 28087415
TI  - Estimation of the Young's modulus of the human pars tensa using in-situ
      pressurization and inverse finite-element analysis.
AB  - Finite-element models of the tympanic membrane are sensitive to the Young's
      modulus of the pars tensa. The aim of this work is to estimate the Young's
      modulus under a different experimental paradigm than currently used on the human
      tympanic membrane. These additional values could potentially be used by the
      auditory biomechanics community for building consensus. The Young's modulus of
      the human pars tensa was estimated through inverse finite-element modelling of an
      in-situ pressurization experiment. The experiments were performed on three
      specimens with a custom-built pressurization unit at a quasi-static pressure of
      500 Pa. The shape of each tympanic membrane before and after pressurization was
      recorded using a Fourier transform profilometer. The samples were also imaged
      using micro-computed tomography to create sample-specific finite-element models.
      For each sample, the Young's modulus was then estimated by numerically optimizing
      its value in the finite-element model so simulated pressurized shapes matched
      experimental data. The estimated Young's modulus values were 2.2 MPa, 2.4 MPa and
      2.0 MPa, and are similar to estimates obtained using in-situ single-point
      indentation testing. The estimates were obtained under the assumptions that the
      pars tensa is linearly elastic, uniform, isotropic with a thickness of 110 MUm,
      and the estimates are limited to quasi-static loading. Estimates of pars tensa
      Young's modulus are sensitive to its thickness and inclusion of the manubrial
      fold. However, they do not appear to be sensitive to optimization initialization,
      height measurement error, pars flaccida Young's modulus, and tympanic membrane
      element type (shell versus solid).

PMID- 28087416
TI  - The path of a click stimulus from ear canal to umbo.
AB  - The tympanic membrane (TM) has a key role in transmitting sounds to the inner
      ear, but a concise description of how the TM performs this function remains
      elusive. This paper probes TM operation by applying a free field click stimulus
      to the gerbil ear and exploring the consequent motions of the TM and umbo.
      Motions of the TM were measured both on radial tracks starting close to the umbo
      and on a grid distal and adjacent to the umbo. The experimental results confirmed
      the high fidelity of sound transmission from the ear canal to the umbo. A delay
      of 5-15 MUs was seen in the onset of TM motion between points just adjacent to
      the umbo and mid-radial points. The TM responded with a ringing motion, with
      different locations possessing different primary ringing frequencies. A simple
      analytic model from the literature, treating the TM as a string, was used to
      explore the experimental results. The click-based experiments and analysis led to
      the following description of TM operation: A transient sound pressure on the TM
      causes a transient initial TM motion that is maximal ~ at the TM's radial
      midpoints. Mechanical forces generated by this initial prominent TM distortion
      then pull the umbo inward, leading to a delayed umbo response. The initial TM
      deformation also gives rise to prolonged mechanical ringing on the TM that does
      not result in significant umbo motion, likely due to destructive interference
      from the range of ringing frequencies. Thus, the umbo's response is a high
      fidelity representation of the transient stimulus. Because any sound can be
      considered as a consecutive series of clicks, this description is applicable to
      any sound stimulus.

PMID- 28087417
TI  - Culture media-based selection of endothelial cells, pericytes, and perivascular
      resident macrophage-like melanocytes from the young mouse vestibular system.
AB  - The vestibular blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) is comprised of perivascular
      resident macrophage-like melanocytes (PVM/Ms) and pericytes (PCs), in addition to
      endothelial cells (ECs) and basement membrane (BM), and bears strong resemblance
      to the cochlear BLB in the stria vascularis. Over the past few decades, in vitro
      cell-based models have been widely used in blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood
      retina barrier (BRB) research, and have proved to be powerful tools for studying
      cell-cell interactions in their respective organs. Study of both the vestibular
      and strial BLB has been limited by the unavailability of primary culture cells
      from these barriers. To better understand how barrier component cells interact in
      the vestibular system to control BLB function, we developed a novel culture
      medium-based method for obtaining EC, PC, and PVM/M primary cells from tiny
      explants of the semicircular canal, sacculus, utriculus, and ampullae tissue of
      young mouse ears at post-natal age 8-12 d. Each phenotype is grown in a specific
      culture medium which selectively supports the phenotype in a mixed population of
      vestibular cell types. The unwanted phenotypes do not survive passaging. The
      protocol does not require additional equipment or special enzyme treatment. The
      harvesting process takes less than 2 h. Primary cell types are generated within 7
      10 d. The primary culture ECs, PCs, and PVM/M shave consistent phenotypes more
      than 90% pure after two passages (~ 3 weeks). The highly purified primary cell
      lines can be used for studying cell-cell interactions, barrier permeability, and
      angiogenesis.

PMID- 28087418
TI  - Degeneration of auditory nerve fibers in guinea pigs with severe sensorineural
      hearing loss.
AB  - Damage to and loss of the organ of Corti leads to secondary degeneration of the
      spiral ganglion cell (SGC) somata of the auditory nerve. Extensively examined in
      animal models, this degeneration process of SGC somata following deafening is
      well known. However, degeneration of auditory nerve axons, which conduct auditory
      information towards the brainstem, and its relation to SGC soma degeneration are
      largely unknown. The consequences of degeneration of the axons are relevant for
      cochlear implantation, which is applied to a deafened system but depends on the
      condition of the auditory nerve. We investigated the time sequence of
      degeneration of myelinated type I axons in deafened guinea pigs. Auditory nerves
      in six normal-hearing and twelve deafened animals, two, six and fourteen weeks
      (for each group four) after deafening were histologically analyzed. We developed
      a semi-automated method for axon counting, which allowed for a relatively large
      sample size (20% of the total cross-sectional area of the auditory nerve). We
      observed a substantial loss of auditory nerve area (29%), reduction in axon
      number (59%) and decrease in axoplasm area (41%) fourteen weeks after deafening
      compared to normal-hearing controls. The correlation between axonal degeneration
      and that of the SGC somata in the same cochleas was high, although axonal
      structures appeared to persist longer than the somata, suggesting a slower
      degeneration process. In the first two weeks after induction of deafness, the
      axonal cross-sectional area decreased but the axon number did not. In conclusion,
      the data strongly suggest that each surviving SGC possesses an axon.

PMID- 28087420
TI  - On the quirks of maximum parsimony and likelihood on phylogenetic networks.
AB  - Maximum parsimony is one of the most frequently-discussed tree reconstruction
      methods in phylogenetic estimation. However, in recent years it has become more
      and more apparent that phylogenetic trees are often not sufficient to describe
      evolution accurately. For instance, processes like hybridization or lateral gene
      transfer that are commonplace in many groups of organisms and result in mosaic
      patterns of relationships cannot be represented by a single phylogenetic tree.
      This is why phylogenetic networks, which can display such events, are becoming of
      more and more interest in phylogenetic research. It is therefore necessary to
      extend concepts like maximum parsimony from phylogenetic trees to networks.
      Several suggestions for possible extensions can be found in recent literature,
      for instance the softwired and the hardwired parsimony concepts. In this paper,
      we analyze the so-called big parsimony problem under these two concepts, i.e. we
      investigate maximum parsimonious networks and analyze their properties. In
      particular, we show that finding a softwired maximum parsimony network is
      possible in polynomial time. We also show that the set of maximum parsimony
      networks for the hardwired definition always contains at least one phylogenetic
      tree. Lastly, we investigate some parallels of parsimony to different likelihood
      concepts on phylogenetic networks.

PMID- 28087421
TI  - Physiology, anaerobes, and the origin of mitosing cells 50 years on.
AB  - Endosymbiotic theory posits that some organelles or structures of eukaryotic
      cells stem from free-living prokaryotes that became endosymbionts within a host
      cell. Endosymbiosis has a long and turbulent history of controversy and debate
      going back over 100 years. The 1967 paper by Lynn Sagan (later Lynn Margulis)
      forced a reluctant field to take endosymbiotic theory seriously and to
      incorporate it into the fabric of evolutionary thinking. Margulis envisaged three
      cellular partners associating in series at eukaryotic origin: the host (an
      engulfing bacterium), the mitochondrion (a respiring bacterium), and the
      flagellum (a spirochaete), with lineages descended from that flagellated
      eukaryote subsequently acquiring plastids from cyanobacteria, but on multiple
      different occasions in her 1967 account. Today, the endosymbiotic origin of
      mitochondria and plastids (each single events, the data now say) is uncontested
      textbook knowledge. The host has been more elusive, recent findings identifying
      it as a member of the archaea, not as a sister group of the archaea. Margulis's
      proposal for a spirochaete origin of flagellae was abandoned by everyone except
      her, because no data ever came around to support the idea. Her 1967 proposal that
      mitochondria and plastids arose from different endosymbionts was novel. The paper
      presented an appealing narrative that linked the origin of mitochondria with
      oxygen in Earth history: cyanobacteria make oxygen, oxygen starts accumulating in
      the atmosphere about 2.4 billion years ago, oxygen begets oxygen-respiring
      bacteria that become mitochondria via symbiosis, followed by later (numerous)
      multiple, independent symbioses involving cyanobacteria that brought
      photosynthesis to eukaryotes. With the focus on oxygen, Margulis's account of
      eukaryote origin was however unprepared to accommodate the discovery of
      mitochondria in eukaryotic anaerobes. Today's oxygen narrative has it that the
      oceans were anoxic up until about 580 million years ago, while the atmosphere
      attained modern oxygen levels only about 400 million years ago. Since eukaryotes
      are roughly 1.6 billion years old, much of eukaryotic evolution took place in low
      oxygen environments, readily explaining the persistence across eukaryotic
      supergroups of eukaryotic anaerobes and anaerobic mitochondria at the focus of
      endosymbiotic theories that came after the 1967 paper.

PMID- 28087419
TI  - Cochlear synaptopathy in acquired sensorineural hearing loss: Manifestations and
      mechanisms.
AB  - Common causes of hearing loss in humans - exposure to loud noise or ototoxic
      drugs and aging - often damage sensory hair cells, reflected as elevated
      thresholds on the clinical audiogram. Recent studies in animal models suggest,
      however, that well before this overt hearing loss can be seen, a more insidious,
      but likely more common, process is taking place that permanently interrupts
      synaptic communication between sensory inner hair cells and subsets of cochlear
      nerve fibers. The silencing of affected neurons alters auditory information
      processing, whether accompanied by threshold elevations or not, and is a likely
      contributor to a variety of perceptual abnormalities, including speech-in-noise
      difficulties, tinnitus and hyperacusis. Work described here will review
      structural and functional manifestations of this cochlear synaptopathy and will
      consider possible mechanisms underlying its appearance and progression in ears
      with and without traditional 'hearing loss' arising from several common causes in
      humans.

PMID- 28087422
TI  - Nano-QSAR in cell biology: Model of cell viability as a mathematical function of
      available eclectic data.
AB  - The prediction of biochemical endpoints is an important task of the modern
      medicinal chemistry, cell biology, and nanotechnology. Simplified molecular input
      line entry system (SMILES) is a tool for representation of the molecular
      structure. In particular, SMILES can be used to build up the quantitative
      structure - property/activity relationships (QSPRs/QSARs). The QSPR/QSAR is a
      tool to predict an endpoint for a new substance, which has not been examined in
      experiment. Quasi-SMILES are representation of eclectic data related to an
      endpoint. In contrast to traditional SMILES, which are representation of the
      molecular structure, the quasi-SMILES are representation of conditions (in
      principle, the molecular structure also can be taken into account in quasi
      SMILES). In this work, the quasi-SMILES were used to build up model for cell
      viability under impact of the metal-oxides nanoparticles by means of the CORAL
      software (http://www.insilico.eu/coral). The eclectic data for the quasi-SMILES
      are (i) molecular structure of metals-oxides; (ii) concentration of the
      nanoparticles; and (iii) the size of nanoparticles. The significance of different
      eclectic facts has been estimated. Mechanistic interpretation and the domain of
      applicability for the model are suggested. The statistical quality of the models
      is satisfactory for three different random distribution of available data into
      the training (sub-training and calibration) and the validation sets.

PMID- 28087424
TI  - Clinical applications of MALDI imaging technologies in cancer and
      neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) imaging
      mass spectrometry (IMS) enables localization of analytes of interest along with
      histology. More specifically, MALDI-IMS identifies the distributions of proteins,
      peptides, small molecules, lipids, and drugs and their metabolites in tissues,
      with high spatial resolution. This unique capacity to directly analyze tissue
      samples without the need for lengthy sample preparation reduces technical
      variability and renders MALDI-IMS ideal for the identification of potential
      diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and disease gradation. MALDI-IMS has evolved
      rapidly over the last decade and has been successfully used in both medical and
      basic research by scientists worldwide. In this review, we explore the clinical
      applications of MALDI-IMS, focusing on the major cancer types and
      neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, we re-emphasize the diagnostic
      potential of IMS and the challenges that must be confronted when conducting MALDI
      IMS in clinical settings. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: MALDI
      Imaging, edited by Dr. Corinna Henkel and Prof. Peter Hoffmann.

PMID- 28087423
TI  - Is middle cerebral artery Doppler related to neonatal and 2-year infant outcome
      in early fetal growth restriction?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduced fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler impedance is associated
      with hypoxemia in fetal growth restriction. It remains unclear as to whether this
      finding could be useful in timing delivery, especially in the third trimester. In
      this regard there is a paucity of evidence from prospective studies. OBJECTIVES:
      The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between
      middle cerebral artery Doppler impedance and its ratio with the umbilical artery
      in relation to neonatal and 2 year infant outcome in early fetal growth
      restriction (26+0-31+6 weeks of gestation). Additionally we sought to explore
      which ratio is more informative for clinical use. STUDY DESIGN: This is a
      secondary analysis from the Trial of Randomized Umbilical and Fetal Flow in
      Europe, a prospective, multicenter, randomized management study on different
      antenatal monitoring strategies (ductus venosus Doppler changes and computerized
      cardiotocography short-term variation) in fetal growth restriction diagnosed
      between 26+0 and 31+6 weeks. We analyzed women with middle cerebral artery
      Doppler measurement at study entry and within 1 week before delivery and with
      complete postnatal follow-up (374 of 503). The primary outcome was survival
      without neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years corrected for prematurity.
      Neonatal outcome was defined as survival until first discharge home without
      severe neonatal morbidity. Z-scores were calculated for middle cerebral artery
      pulsatility index and both umbilicocerebral and cerebroplacental ratios. Odds
      ratios of Doppler parameter Z-scores for neonatal and 2 year infant outcome were
      calculated by multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for gestational
      age and birthweight p50 ratio. RESULTS: Higher middle cerebral artery pulsatility
      index at inclusion but not within 1 week before delivery was associated with
      neonatal survival without severe morbidity (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.02-1.52). Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index Z-score and
      umbilicocerebral ratio Z-score at inclusion were associated with 2 year survival
      with normal neurodevelopmental outcome (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.03-1.72, and odds ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.99,
      respectively) as were gestation at delivery and birthweight p50 ratio (odds
      ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.66, and odds ratio, 1.86; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.33-2.60, respectively). When comparing cerebroplacental
      ratio against umbilicocerebral ratio, the incremental range of the
      cerebroplacental ratio tended toward zero, whereas the umbilicocerebral ratio
      tended toward infinity as the values became more abnormal. CONCLUSION: In a
      monitoring protocol based on ductus venosus and cardiotocography in early fetal
      growth restriction (26+0-31+6 weeks of gestation), the impact of middle cerebral
      artery Doppler and its ratios on outcome is modest and less marked than
      birthweight and delivery gestation. It is unlikely that middle cerebral artery
      Doppler and its ratios are informative in optimizing the timing of delivery in
      fetal growth restriction before 32 weeks of gestation. The umbilicocerebral ratio
      allows for a better differentiation in the abnormal range than the
      cerebroplacental ratio.

PMID- 28087425
TI  - Variations of metabolites and proteome in Lonicera japonica Thunb. buds and
      flowers under UV radiation.
AB  - Lonicera japonica Thunb., also known as Jin Yin Hua and Japanese honeysuckle, is
      used as a herbal medicine in Asian countries. Its flowers have been used in folk
      medicine in the clinic and in making food or healthy beverages for over 1500years
      in China. To investigate the molecular processes involved in L. japonica
      development from buds to flowers exposed to UV radiation, a comparative
      proteomics analysis was performed. Fifty-four proteins were identified as
      differentially expressed, including 42 that had increased expression and 12 that
      had decreased expression. The levels of the proteins related to glycolysis,
      TCA/organic acid transformation, major carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative pentose
      phosphate, stress, secondary metabolism, hormone, and mitochondrial electron
      transport were increased during flower opening process after exposure to UV
      radiation. Six metabolites in L. japonica buds and flowers were identified and
      relatively quantified using LC-MS/MS. The antioxidant activity was performed
      using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay, which revealed that L. japonica buds
      had more activity than the UV irradiated flowers. This suggests that UV-B
      radiation induces production of endogenous ethylene in L. japonica buds, thus
      facilitating blossoming of the buds and activating the antioxidant system.
      Additionally, the higher metabolite contents and antioxidant properties of L.
      japonica buds indicate that the L. japonica bud stage may be a more optimal time
      to harvest than the flower stage when using for medicinal properties.

PMID- 28087426
TI  - Next-generation sequencing of a large gene panel in patients initially diagnosed
      with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is a rare primary cardiac
      arrhythmia syndrome that is diagnosed in a resuscitated cardiac arrest victim,
      with documented ventricular fibrillation, in whom no underlying cause is
      identified after comprehensive clinical evaluation. In some patients, causative
      genetic mutations are detected that facilitate patient treatment and follow-up.
      The feasibility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has increased with its
      greater availability and decreasing costs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was
      to assess the diagnostic yield of NGS in patients with IVF. METHODS: A total of
      33 patients initially diagnosed with IVF were included (mean age 53 +/- 15 years;
      14(42%) men). In all included patients, NGS of 33 genes and the DPP6 haplotype
      revealed no pathogenic mutations. Genetic screening comprised NGS of a panel of
      179 additional genes. Variants with a minor allele frequency of <0.05% were
      assessed for pathogenicity by using existing mutation databases and in silico
      predictive algorithms. RESULTS: In 1 of 33 patients, a likely pathogenic mutation
      was detected. The added yield of genetic testing with NGS of 179 additional genes
      is 3% in patients with IVF. In 15% of patients, 1 or multiple variants of
      uncertain clinical significance were detected. CONCLUSION: The added yield of
      genetic screening of extended NGS panels in patients initially diagnosed with IVF
      is minimal. Routine analysis of large diagnostic NGS panels is therefore not
      recommended.

PMID- 28087427
TI  - Gender Difference in the Association between Aortic Pulse Pressure and Left
      Ventricular Filling Pressure in the Elderly: An Invasive Hemodynamic Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the association between aortic
      pulse pressure (APP) and left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in the elderly of
      both genders. METHODS: A total of 211 stable elderly subjects (age >=65 years,
      mean age 72.1 +/- 5.2 years, 53.6% women) who underwent invasive coronary
      angiography (ICA) for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) were
      prospectively investigated. APP was measured in the ascending aorta using a
      pigtail catheter immediately before ICA. E/e', reflecting LV filling pressure,
      was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: There were positive
      linear correlations between APP and E/e' in both genders, but the correlation
      power was stronger in women than in men (r = 0.402, P <.001 vs r = 0.208, P =
      .040). The significance of this association between APP and E/e' remained after
      controlling for potential confounders in multiple linear regression analysis in
      women (beta = 0.359, P <.001), but not in men (r = 0.139, P = .108). CONCLUSIONS:
      Invasively measured APP is independently associated with E/e' in elderly women,
      but not in elderly men undergoing ICA. Aortic stiffness may be a potential
      mechanism for more prevalent LV diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with
      preserved ejection fraction in elderly women.

PMID- 28087428
TI  - Polycomb complexes PRC1 and their function in hematopoiesis.
AB  - Hematopoiesis, the process by which blood cells are continuously produced, is one
      of the best studied differentiation pathways. Hematological diseases are
      associated with reiterated mutations in genes encoding important gene expression
      regulators, including chromatin regulators. Among them, the Polycomb group (PcG)
      of proteins is an essential system of gene silencing involved in the maintenance
      of cell identities during differentiation. PcG proteins assemble into two major
      types of Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) endowed with distinct histone-tail
      modifying activities. PRC1 complexes are histone H2A E3 ubiquitin ligases and
      PRC2 trimethylates histone H3. Established conceptions about their activities,
      mostly derived from work in embryonic stem cells, are being modified by new
      findings in differentiated cells. Here, we focus on PRC1 complexes, reviewing
      recent evidence on their intricate architecture, the diverse mechanisms of their
      recruitment to targets, and the different ways in which they engage in
      transcriptional control. We also discuss hematopoietic PRC1 gain- and loss-of
      function mouse strains, including those that model leukemic and lymphoma
      diseases, in the belief that these genetic analyses provide the ultimate test for
      molecular mechanisms driving normal hematopoiesis and hematological malignancies.

PMID- 28087429
TI  - Analysis of parameters that affect human hematopoietic cell outputs in mutant c
      kit-immunodeficient mice.
AB  - Xenograft models are transforming our understanding of the output capabilities of
      primitive human hematopoietic cells in vivo. However, many variables that affect
      posttransplantation reconstitution dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we
      show that an equivalent level of human chimerism can be regenerated from human
      CD34+ cord blood cells transplanted intravenously either with or without
      additional radiation-inactivated cells into 2- to 6-month-old NOD-Rag1-/-
      IL2Rgammac-/- (NRG) mice given a more radioprotective conditioning regimen than
      is possible in conventionally used, repair-deficient NOD-Prkdcscid/scid
      IL2Rgammac-/- (NSG) hosts. Comparison of sublethally irradiated and non
      irradiated NRG mice and W41/W41 derivatives showed superior chimerism in the W41
      deficient recipients, with some differential effects on different lineage
      outputs. Consistently superior outputs were observed in female recipients
      regardless of their genotype, age, or pretransplantation conditioning, with
      greater differences apparent later after transplantation. These results define
      key parameters for optimizing the sensitivity and minimizing the
      intraexperimental variability of human hematopoietic xenografts generated in
      increasingly supportive immunodeficient host mice.

PMID- 28087430
TI  - Ryanodine Receptor 1 Polymorphism Is Not Associated with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid
      Hemorrhage or its Clinical Sequelae.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying cerebral vasospasm after
      aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remain poorly understand. Ryanodine
      receptors (RYR) are intracellular calcium channels involved in the regulation of
      vascular smooth muscle cells and cerebrovascular tone and diameter. Previous work
      reported an association between an RYR polymorphism and cerebral vasospasm. Here,
      we sought to assess the impact of that RYR polymorphism on aSAH and its clinical
      sequelae. METHODS: Blood samples from all patients enrolled in the CARAS
      (Cerebral Aneurysm Renin Angiotensin System) study were used for genetic
      evaluation. The RYR1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs35364374 was detected
      using 5'exonuclease (Taqman) genotyping assays. Associations between the RYR1
      polymorphism and aSAH and its clinical sequelae were analyzed. RESULTS: Samples
      from 149 patients with aSAH and 50 controls were available for analysis.
      Multivariable regression analysis did not show an association of RYR1 SNP
      rs35364374 with aSAH. Moreover, there was no association of RYR1 SNP rs35364374
      with clinical vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, functional outcome at
      discharge, or functional outcome at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to a
      previous report, the RYR1 SNP rs35364374 was not associated with aSAH or its
      clinical sequelae.

PMID- 28087431
TI  - Characteristics of Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury of Motorcycle
      Crashes in Bandung, Indonesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a critical public health and
      socioeconomic problem. As one of the leading causes of mortality and disability
      from road traffic crashes, the incidence of TBIs is increasing with increasing
      motor vehicle usage. Understanding the prevalence and describing the
      characteristics of TBI are crucial for successful implementation of prevention
      and treatment efforts to reduce the mortality and morbidity caused by TBIs.
      METHODS: We studied cases of moderate and severe TBI resulting from motorcycle
      crashes from January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. Variables studied included sex,
      age, time interval (from crash to arrival at the emergency department), alcohol
      consumption, helmet use, severity of TBI, choice of treatment, and the outcome.
      RESULTS: A total of 2108 head injury cases were seen at the emergency department
      during this period, 1324 (62.8%) of which resulted from motorcycle crashes. Of
      those cases, 30.7% (407 cases) were categorized as moderate or severe TBI with
      29.2% mortality. Most of the patients were male (80.8%), <60 years old (96.1%),
      and did not wear a helmet (71.2%). More than half of the cases (56.7%) arrived at
      the emergency department within 6 hours, 14.0% of the cases were under alcohol
      intoxication, and 37.8% of the cases were operated on. CONCLUSIONS: This
      preliminary analysis highlights the need to address road safety, especially with
      respect to helmet use and drink driving, to reduce the burden of TBIs in Bandung.

PMID- 28087432
TI  - Stenting After Coiling Using a Single Microcatheter for Treatment of Ruptured
      Intracranial Fusiform Aneurysms with Parent Arteries Less Than 1.5 mm in
      Diameter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ruptured intracranial fusiform aneurysms involving small-diameter
      parent arteries are difficult to treat. Parent artery occlusion is a relatively
      simple and reliable treatment. However, occasionally, the parent arteries have to
      be retained. The arrival of the low-profile stent (LVIS Jr.) has made
      reconstructive endovascular treatment for fusiform aneurysms involving small
      diameter parent arteries possible. CASE DESCRIPTION: This report describes an
      innovative method for stent-assisted coiling (stenting after coiling technique
      using only 1 microcatheter) and describes our initial experience and feasibility
      of this technique. However, this report carries all limitations of a technical
      case report of a single patient, including reproducibility, unknown potential of
      complications, absence of long-term follow-up, and comparative effectiveness or
      safety with current known techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Stenting after a coiling
      technique using the LVIS Jr. stent provides a possible method for reconstructive
      endovascular treatment of intracranial fusiform aneurysms with parent arteries
      <1.5 mm in diameter.

PMID- 28087433
TI  - Exploration of the Most Effective Dural Incision Design in a Decompressive
      Craniectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: During a decompressive craniectomy performed for a severe cerebral
      infarction, sufficient coverage of the underlying bulging brain by converting the
      flat dura mater to a more domelike shape is essential. In this procedure,
      suturing to patch dural substitutes on the dural rifts occupies most of the
      operative time and is cumbersome. We present a new dural incision design that
      provides an appropriate volume of subdural space with minimal incisions. METHODS:
      The ideal incision design was geometrically analyzed and verified by simulations
      using a physics engine. RESULTS: Assuming a quadrilateral area on the dura mater
      surface termed S, expanding the entire area of S requires 2d (where d is the
      skull thickness) + a 30-mm extension of the shortest set of line segments
      connecting each vertex (LSCV) of S to cover the necessary volume of bulging
      brain. The shortest LSCV comprises 5 line segments connected with two 3-pronged
      intersections. The ideal incision design consists of a pair of curved line
      segments that maintain plane continuity along the LSCV, which automatically
      limits the maximum expansion. The ideal incision design of S consists of 5
      uncinate line segments. Four of the line segments originate from each vertex of S
      and end by crossing over the LSCV, and one of the line segments crosses over 2
      separate LSCV. A representative case is shown. CONCLUSIONS: This technique
      minimizes the complexity of the operation and shortens the operation time.

PMID- 28087434
TI  - Bone Grafting of Atlantoaxial Joints and Occipitocervical or Atlantoaxial Fusion
      for the Reduction and Fixation of Basilar Invagination with Atlantoaxial
      Dislocation by a Posterior Approach: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Basilar invagination (BI) with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is a
      complex disease to manage. We have developed a new technique of bone grafting the
      atlantoaxial joints and occipitocervical fusion using a posterior approach for
      the reduction and fixation of BI with AAD with complete retention of the C2 nerve
      root. METHODS: Thirty-two patients underwent bone grafting of the atlantoaxial
      joints and occipitocervical fusion for the reduction and fixation of BI with AAD
      by the posterior approach in our department between January 2015 and February
      2016. All patients underwent plain radiography, computed tomography (CT)
      scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. The atlantodens interval and
      cervicomedullary angle were evaluated preoperatively and 5 days after surgery on
      sagittal reconstructed CT scans to evaluate BI with AAD. CT scans of sagittal
      reconstruction were acquired at each follow-up until bone fusion was confirmed.
      RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 6-19 months. No patient required re
      exploration for failure of implant fixation. At the last follow-up, all patients
      had achieved fusion (32/32). Japanese Orthopedic Association score, atlantodens
      interval, and cervicomedullary angle were significantly improved in these
      patients compared with preoperative measurements (P < 0.05). The duration of
      symptoms ranged from 5 days to 11 months (mean duration, 2 months). No serious
      complication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, our operation
      technique could treat BI with AAD by using only a posterior approach, which could
      retain C2 nerve roots and fuse atlantoaxial joints. This technique may be
      extended to other diseases requiring treatment by C1-C2 fusion.

PMID- 28087435
TI  - Postmyelotomy Closure of Spinal Cord-"Zip Lock Technique": An Initial Experience.
AB  - Proper closure of the pia matter is necessary to restore normal anatomy and
      prevent postoperative painful dysesthesia after excision of intramedullary spinal
      cord tumor. Two methods of closure of the pia have been described: welding
      technique and conventional suturing. Here, we report our initial experience with
      a new "pial press" or "zip lock" technique for pial closure, where pial layers
      are simply held together and plunged into each other with small microtooth
      forceps. Advantages of the technique over other techniques are it has less chance
      of suture-related complications or trauma to the posterior column and the
      simplicity of the technique.

PMID- 28087436
TI  - Functional connectivity analysis using fNIRS in healthy subjects during prolonged
      simulated driving.
AB  - Noninvasive and accurate assessment of driving fatigue in relation to brain
      activity during long-term driving can contribute to traffic safety and accident
      prevention. This study evaluated functional connectivity (FC) in relevant brain
      regions. Synergistic mechanisms in different brain regions were detected by a
      novel simulator, which combined semi-immersive virtual reality technology and
      functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Each subject was instructed to complete
      driving tasks coupled with a mental calculation task. Wavelet coherence (WCO) and
      wavelet phase coherence (WPCO) were calculated and assessed in frequency
      intervals (I) 0.6-2 and (II) 0.145-0.6Hz as global connectivity measures; (III)
      0.052-0.145, (IV) 0.021-0.052, (V) 0.0095-0.021 and (VI) 0.005-0.0095Hz as FC.
      WCO and WPCO revealed the strength and synchronization of cerebral connectivity,
      respectively. Significantly low WCO levels were found in intervals I and III in
      prefrontal cortex (PFC) and IV in motor cortex (MC) at the end of the driving
      task. Furthermore, significantly low WPCO were found in intervals I, and III in
      PFC and interval IV in MC. Experimental findings suggested that progressive
      mental fatigue adversely influences the cognitive function in the PFC and the
      cooperative mechanism between the PFC and MC.

PMID- 28087437
TI  - Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates hippocampus endoplasmic reticulum stress after
      cardiac arrest in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydrogen-rich saline can selectively scavenge reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) and protect brain against ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. Endoplasmic
      reticulum stress (ERS) has been implicated in the pathological process of
      cerebral ischemia. However, very little is known about the role of hydrogen-rich
      saline in mediating pathophysiological reactions to ERS after I/R injury caused
      by cardiac arrest. METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into three groups,
      sham group (n=30), ischemia/reperfusion group (n=40) and hydrogen-rich saline
      group (n=40). The rats in experimental groups were subjected to 4min of cardiac
      arrest and followed by resuscitation. Then they were randomized to receive 5ml/kg
      of either hydrogen-rich saline or normal saline. RESULTS: Hydrogen-rich saline
      significantly improves survival rate and neurological function. The beneficial
      effects of hydrogen-rich saline were associated with decreased levels of
      oxidative products, as well as the increased levels of antioxidant enzymes.
      Furthermore, the protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline were accompanied by
      the increased activity of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), the decreased
      activity of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-12 (caspase-12) and C/EBP
      homologous protein (CHOP). CONCLUSIONS: Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates brain I/R
      injury may through inhibiting hippocampus ERS after cardiac arrest in rats.

PMID- 28087438
TI  - Dopa-responsive dystonia in Chinese patients: Including a novel heterozygous
      mutation in the GCH1 gene with an intermediate phenotype and one case of prenatal
      diagnosis.
AB  - Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by
      childhood-onset dystonia with diurnal fluctuation and dramatic response to
      levodopa. DRD is caused by the mutations in the genes encoding the enzymes
      involved in the dopamine and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis, including
      the GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1) gene and the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene. In
      order to improve the diagnosis and expand the knowledge of the disease, we
      collected and analyzed relevant data of clinical diagnosis and molecular
      mutational analysis in five Chinese patients with DRD. The patients presented
      with heterogenous symptoms of neurologic disorders. One novel mutation
      p.Leu117Arg was identified in GCH1 gene with an intermediate phenotype which was
      predicted in sillico to have a deleterious effect on the GCH1 protein function.
      Seven different mutations were identified in TH gene including four known
      mutations: p.Arg233His, p.Gly315Ser, p.Gly247Ser, p.Arg153X, and three novel
      mutations: p.Arg476Ser, IVS6-34G > C, p.Arg328Gln. The mutation p.Arg233His was
      predicted to link to the second type of TH deficiency (dopa-responsive infantile
      parkinsonism with delayed motor development). The mutation p.Arg153X may link to
      the first type of TH deficiency (typical DRD). The three novel mutations were
      predicted to be damaging in sillico. A prenatal diagnosis was made in the fourth
      pregnancy of the parents of patient 2 and proved to be a carrier of a
      heterozygous mutation. Our study expands the spectrum of genotype of DRD in
      China, provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of DRD and help to the
      diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

PMID- 28087439
TI  - Cerebrovascular heterogeneity and neuronal excitability.
AB  - The cerebral vasculature is a complex tridimensional network of arterial and
      venous vessels which are anatomically in proximity of and functionally coupled to
      neurons. Depending on the cellular composition of the vascular wall and size,
      cerebral vessels control regional blood flow, define interstitial homeostasis or
      cerebrospinal fluid circulation and influence immune cell patrolling.
      Pathological deviations from these functions promote or are a consequence of
      brain diseases, directly impacting neuronal firing. We propose that specific
      cerebrovascular segments are differentially implicated in the pathophysiology of
      epilepsy, including difference between white and grey matter. We offer plasticity
      of perivascular mural cells and endothelial-pericyte interactions as emerging
      players. We outline the potential for MRI vascular biomarkers tailored to the
      epileptic brain, specifically cerebral blood volume and flow, tissue oxygen
      saturation and microvessel permeability. Finally, we show the advantages of the
      guinea pig whole brain preparation to study the link between cerebrovascular
      permeability, expression of vascular adhesion molecules, inflammation and
      neuronal excitability.

PMID- 28087440
TI  - An overlooked horticultural crop, Smyrnium olusatrum, as a potential source of
      compounds effective against African trypanosomiasis.
AB  - Among natural products, sesquiterpenes have shown promising inhibitory effects
      against bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei, the protozoan parasite causing
      human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). Smyrnium olusatrum (Apiaceae), also known as
      Alexanders or wild celery, is a neglected horticultural crop characterized by
      oxygenated sesquiterpenes containing a furan ring. In the present work we
      explored the potential of its essential oils obtained from different organs and
      the main oxygenated sesquiterpenes, namely isofuranodiene, germacrone and beta
      acetoxyfuranoeudesm-4(15)-ene, as inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei. All essential
      oils effectively inhibited the growth of parasite showing IC50 values of 1.9
      4.0MUg/ml. Among the main essential oil constituents, isofuranodiene exhibited a
      significant and selective inhibitory activity against T. brucei (IC50 of
      0.6MUg/ml, SI=30), with beta-acetoxyfuranoeudesm-4(15)-ene giving a moderate
      potentiating effect. These results shed light on the possible application of
      isofuranodiene as an antiprotozoal agent to be included in combination treatments
      aimed not only at curing patients but also at preventing the diffusion of HAT.

PMID- 28087441
TI  - Blastocystis and irritable bowel syndrome: Frequency and subtypes from Iranian
      patients.
AB  - There are inconsistent findings about the role of Blastocystis infection in
      irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The present study was aimed to determine the
      frequency of Blastocystis and their subtypes (ST) in patients with IBS. A total
      of 122 patients with IBS and 122 healthy individuals referred to the medical
      laboratory centers in Ahvaz (southwest of Iran) participated in the study. The
      frequency of Blastocystis was determined. Blastocystis genomic DNA was extracted
      from positive feces, and PCR was performed using seven primer pairs targeting the
      SSU rDNA gene. Blastocystis was detected in 19.67% of patients with IBS and 17.2%
      of individuals without IBS. The difference between two groups was not
      statistically significant (P=0.3). Among the five subtypes of Blastocystis, ST3
      was more common in patients with IBS and control group. However, there were no
      significant differences between two groups in terms of subtypes of Blastocystis
      (P=0.6). It seems, the role of Blastocystis in the etiology of IBS should be
      further investigated. Furthermore, a model of study should be designed to
      investigate the role of host factors in severity of parasitic disease.

PMID- 28087442
TI  - Hydrogen sulfide protects against endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial
      injury in nucleus pulposus cells and ameliorates intervertebral disc
      degeneration.
AB  - It has been suggested that excessive apoptosis in intervertebral disc cells
      induced by inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, is related to
      the process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a
      gaseous signaling molecule, has drawn attention for its anti-apoptosis role in
      various pathophysiological processes in degenerative diseases. To date, there has
      been no investigation of the correlation of H2S production and IVDD or of the
      effects of H2S on IL-1beta-induced apoptosis in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells.
      Here, we found that the expression levels of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS)
      and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), two key enzymes in the generation of H2S,
      were significantly decreased in human degenerate NP tissues as well as in IL
      1beta-treated NP cells. NaHS (H2S donor) administration showed a protective
      effect by inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and
      mitochondrial dysfunction induced by IL-1beta stimulation in vitro, the effect
      was related to activation of the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.
      Suppression of these pathways by specific inhibitors, LY294002 and PD98059,
      partially reduced the protective effect of NaHS. Moreover, in the percutaneous
      needle puncture disc degeneration rat tail model, disc degeneration was partially
      reversed by NaHS administration. Taken together, our results suggest that H2S
      plays a protective role in IVDD and the underlying mechanism involves PI3K/Akt
      and ERK1/2 signaling pathways-mediated suppression of ER stress and mitochondrial
      dysfunction in IL-1beta-induced NP cells.

PMID- 28087443
TI  - An update on the physiological and therapeutic relevance of GPCR oligomers.
AB  - The traditional view on GPCRs held that they function as single monomeric units
      composed of identical subunits. This notion was overturned by the discovery that
      GPCRs can form homo- and hetero-oligomers, some of which are obligatory, and can
      further assemble into receptor mosaics consisting of three or more protomers.
      Oligomerisation exerts significant impacts on receptor function and physiology,
      offering a platform for the diversification of receptor signalling, pharmacology,
      regulation, crosstalk, internalization and trafficking. Given their involvement
      in the modulation of crucial physiological processes, heteromers could constitute
      important therapeutic targets for a wide range of diseases, including
      schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, substance abuse or obesity. This review aims
      at depicting the current developments in GPCR oligomerisation research,
      documenting various class A, B and C GPCR heteromers detected in vitro and in
      vivo using biochemical and biophysical approaches, as well as recently identified
      higher-order oligomeric complexes. It explores the current understanding of
      dimerization dynamics and the possible interaction interfaces that drive
      oligomerisation. Most importantly, it provides an inventory of the wide range of
      physiological processes and pathophysiological conditions to which GPCR oligomers
      contribute, surveying some of the oligomers that constitute potential drug
      targets. Finally, it delineates the efforts to develop novel classes of ligands
      that specifically target and tether to receptor oligomers instead of a single
      monomeric entity, thus ameliorating their ability to modulate GPCR function.

PMID- 28087444
TI  - The mechanistic role of chemically diverse metal ions in the induction of
      autophagy.
AB  - Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved cellular catabolic degradation process in
      response to stress which involves lysosomal degradation of unnecessary or damaged
      organelles and misfolded proteins. This is primarily a pro-survival pathway
      providing the cell with essential nutrients during stressful conditions. There
      are number of essential metal ions, which are required for normal physiological
      functioning of cells. Studies have shown that autophagy can be regulated by
      cellular metal ion concentrations. On the other hand, autophagy is also shown to
      regulate intracellular levels of certain metal ions. This review discusses recent
      advances in the research examining the role of metal ions in the autophagic
      pathway.

PMID- 28087445
TI  - Distinct subcomponents of mouse retinal ganglion cell receptive fields are
      differentially altered by light adaptation.
AB  - The remarkable dynamic range of vision is facilitated by adaptation of retinal
      sensitivity to ambient lighting conditions. An important mechanism of sensitivity
      adaptation is control of the spatial and temporal window over which light is
      integrated. The retina accomplishes this by switching between parallel synaptic
      pathways with differing kinetics and degrees of synaptic convergence. However,
      the relative shifts in spatial and temporal integration are not well understood -
      particularly in the context of the antagonistic spatial surround. Here, we
      resolve these issues by characterizing the adaptation-induced changes to
      spatiotemporal integration in the linear receptive field center and surround of
      mouse retinal ganglion cells. While most ganglion cells lose their antagonistic
      spatial surround under scotopic conditions, a strong surround is maintained in a
      subset. We then applied a novel technique that allowed us to analyze the
      receptive field as a triphasic temporal filter in the center and a biphasic
      filter in the surround. The temporal tuning of the surround was relatively
      maintained across adaptation conditions compared to the center, which greatly
      increased its temporal integration. Though all phases of the center's triphasic
      temporal response slowed, some shifted significantly less. Additionally,
      adaptation differentially shifted ON and OFF pathway temporal tuning, reducing
      their asymmetry under scotopic conditions. Finally, spatial integration was
      significantly increased by dark adaptation in some cells while it decreased it in
      others. These findings provide novel insight into how adaptation adjusts visual
      information processing by altering fundamental properties of ganglion cell
      receptive fields, such as center-surround antagonism and space-time integration.

PMID- 28087446
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 28087447
TI  - Structures, biological activities, and industrial applications of the
      polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) mushroom: A review.
AB  - Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers., also known as Yamabushitake, Houtou and Lion's
      Mane, is capable of fortifying the spleen and nourishing the stomach,
      tranquilizing the mind, and fighting cancer. Over the past decade, it has been
      demonstrated that H. erinaceus polysaccharides possess various promising
      bioactivities, including antitumor and immunomodulation, anti-gastric ulcer,
      neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, anti-oxidation and hepatoprotection, anti
      hyperlipidemia, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-fatigue and anti-aging. The purpose of
      the present review is to provide systematically reorganized information on
      extraction and purification, structure characteristics, biological activities,
      and industrial applications of H. erinaceus polysaccharides to support their
      therapeutic potentials and sanitarian functions.

PMID- 28087448
TI  - Fabrication and characterization of electrospun cellulose/nano-hydroxyapatite
      nanofibers for bone tissue engineering.
AB  - Nanofibrous scaffolds from cotton cellulose and nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA)
      were electrospun for bone tissue engineering. The solution properties of
      cellulose/nano-HA spinning dopes and their associated electrospinnability were
      characterized. Morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of the
      electrospun cellulose/nano-HA nanocomposite nanofibers (ECHNN) were measured and
      the biocompatibility of ECHNN with human dental follicle cells (HDFCs) was
      evaluated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicated that the average
      diameter of ECHNN increased with a higher nano-HA loading and the fiber diameter
      distributions were well within the range of natural ECM (extra cellular matrix)
      fibers (50-500nm). The ECHNN exhibited extraordinary mechanical properties with a
      tensile strength and a Young's modulus up to 70.6MPa and 3.12GPa respectively.
      Moreover, it was discovered that the thermostability of the ECHNN could be
      enhanced with the incorporation of nano-HA. Cell culture experiments demonstrated
      that the ECHNN scaffolds were quite biocompatible for HDFCs attachment and
      proliferation, suggesting their great potentials as scaffold materials in bone
      tissue engineering.

PMID- 28087449
TI  - Highly biocompatible chitosan with super paramagnetic calcium ferrite (CaFe2O4)
      nanoparticle for the release of ampicillin.
AB  - The CaFe2O4 nanoparticles (CFNP) were synthesized using the solution combustion
      method. The CFNP-chitosan-ampicillin was prepared by the ionic gelation method
      using tripolyphosphate (TPP). The CFNP, chitosan-CFNP, chitosan-CFNP-ampicillin
      materials were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and TGA analysis in order to evaluate
      the particle nature and size, the presence of functional groups and their thermal
      stability. The FESEM and EDAX analysis were performed to understand the surface
      morphology of the materials and the presence of CFNP in the material,
      respectively. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis was performed to
      analyze the magnetic property of the chitosan-CFNP material. The squareness value
      of 0.1733 obtained by VSM measurements indicates the super paramagnetic nature of
      chitosan-CFNP. Taguchi orthogonal array method was applied to identify the
      significant impacting parameters for maximizing the drug encapsulation of
      chitosan-CFNP. The drug release studies showed that the drug was released rapidly
      in acidic medium as compared to the basic or neutral medium. The drug release
      kinetic data were fitted with different linear kinetic model equations and the
      best fit was obtained with Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The model drug ampicillin
      release from chitosan-CFNP was tested against staphylococcus epidermis bacteria
      through disc diffusion method for checking biocompatibility and antibacterial
      activity.

PMID- 28087450
TI  - Item response theory analysis to evaluate reliability and minimal clinically
      important change of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire in patients with
      severe disability due to back pain from vertebral compression fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The majority of validation done on the Roland-Morris
      Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) has been in patients with mild or moderate
      disability. There is paucity of research focusing on the psychometric quality of
      the RMDQ in patients with severe disability. PURPOSE: To evaluate the
      psychometric quality of the RMDQ in patients with severe disability. STUDY
      DESIGN/SETTING: Observational clinical study. SAMPLE: The sample consisted of 214
      patients with painful vertebral compression fractures who underwent
      vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. OUTCOME MEASURES: The 23-item version of the RMDQ
      was completed at two time points: baseline and 30-day postintervention follow-up.
      METHODS: With the two-parameter logistic unidimensional item response theory
      (IRT) analyses, we derived the range of scores that produced reliable measurement
      and investigated the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS:
      Scores for 214 (100%) patients at baseline and 108 (50%) patients at follow-up
      did not meet the reliability criterion of 0.90 or higher, with the majority of
      patients having disability due to back pain that was too severe to be reliably
      measured by the RMDQ. Depending on methodology, MCID estimates ranged from 2 to 8
      points and the proportion of patients classified as having experienced meaningful
      improvement ranged from 26% to 68%. A greater change in score was needed at the
      extreme ends of the score scale to be classified as having achieved MCID using
      IRT methods. CONCLUSIONS: Replacing items measuring moderate disability with
      items measuring severe disability could yield a version of the RMDQ that better
      targets patients with severe disability due to back pain. Improved precision in
      measuring disability would be valuable to clinicians who treat patients with
      greater functional impairments. Caution is needed when choosing criteria for
      interpreting meaningful change using the RMDQ.

PMID- 28087451
TI  - In-depth comparative analysis of the chicken eggshell membrane proteome.
AB  - : The avian eggshell membrane (ESM) is stabilized by extensive cross-linkages,
      making the identification of its protein constituents technically challenging.
      Herein, we applied various extraction/solubilization conditions followed by
      proteomic analysis to characterize the protein constituents of ESM derived from
      the unfertilized chicken eggs. The egg white and eggshell proteomes (including
      previous published work) were determined and compared to ESM to identify proteins
      that are relatively or highly specific to ESM. Merging the results from different
      extraction/solubilization conditions with various proteomes allowed the
      identification of 472, 225, and 488 proteins in the ESM, egg white, and eggshell
      proteomes, respectively. Of these, 163 and 124 proteins were relatively or highly
      specific to ESM, respectively. GO term analysis of the common proteins and ESM
      unique proteins generated 8 and 9 significantly enriched functional groups,
      respectively. Different families of proteins that were identified as ESM-specific
      included collagens, CREMPs, histones, AvBDs, lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), and
      ovocalyxin-36 (OCX36). These proteins serve as a foundation for the mechanically
      stable ESM that rests upon the egg white compartment and is a physical barrier
      against pathogen invasion. Overall, our results highlight the structural nature
      of the ESM constituents that are relevant to various biomedical applications,
      such as wound healing. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The eggshell membranes (ESM) are
      a highly resilient double-layered fibrous meshwork that is secreted while the
      forming egg transits a specialized oviduct segment, the white isthmus. The ESM
      protects against pathogen invasion and provides a platform for nucleation of the
      calcitic eggshell (ES). ESM is greatly stabilized by the extensive desmosine,
      isodesmosine and disulfide cross-linkages which make the identification of its
      protein constituents by standard proteomic approaches technically challenging.
      Comparative proteomic analyses of ESM, egg white, and ES proteins showed proteins
      groups that are relatively or highly specific to ESM. These groups of proteins
      serve as a foundation for the mechanically stable ESM that rests upon the egg
      white compartment and is a physical barrier against pathogen invasion. These
      features are essential for eggshell quality and for the prevention of pathogen
      invasion which reinforce food safety of the table egg.

PMID- 28087452
TI  - Congenital Anonychia and Uncombable Hair Syndrome: Coinheritance of Homozygous
      Mutations in RSPO4 and PADI3.

PMID- 28087453
TI  - The impact of ISGylation during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection results in 1.5 million deaths annually. Type
      I interferon (IFN) signaling through its receptor IFNAR correlates with increased
      severity of disease, although how this increases susceptibility to M.
      tuberculosis remains uncertain. ISG15 is one of the most highly induced
      interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) during M. tuberculosis infection. ISG15
      functions by conjugation to target proteins (ISGylation), by noncovalent
      association with intracellular proteins, and by release from the cell. Recent
      studies indicated that ISG15 can function via conjugation-independent mechanisms
      to suppress the type I IFN response. These data raised the question of whether
      ISG15 may have diverse and sometimes opposing functions during M. tuberculosis
      infection. To address this, we analyzed ISGylation during M. tuberculosis
      infection and show that ISGylated proteins accumulate following infection in an
      IFNAR-dependent manner. Type I IFN and ISG15 both play transient roles in
      promoting bacterial replication. However, as the disease progresses, ISGylation
      deviates from the overall effect of type I IFN and, ultimately, mice deficient in
      ISGylation are significantly more susceptible than IFNAR mice. Our data
      demonstrate that ISGs can both protect against and promote disease and are the
      first to report a role for ISGylation during M. tuberculosis infection.

PMID- 28087454
TI  - An observational study of phagocytes and Klebsiella pneumoniae relationships:
      different behaviors.
AB  - Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that can be in relation with free living
      amoebae like Acanthamoeba castellanii in natural environments such as soil and
      water. This pathogen, which is responsible for community-acquired pneumonia and
      for nosocomial infections, also has interactions with host defense mechanisms
      like macrophages. As it has been shown that A. castellanii shares some traits
      with macrophages, in particular the ability to phagocyte bacteria, we have
      studied the uptake and the fate of the bacteria after contact with the two
      phagocytic cells. In our conditions, K. pneumoniae growth was increased in
      coculture in presence of A. castellanii or Thp-1 macrophagic cells and bacterial
      development was also increased by A. castellanii supernatant. In addition, we
      showed that the presence of the bacteria had a negative effect on the macrophages
      whereas it does not affect amoeba viability. Using gentamicin, which kills
      bacteria outside cells, we showed that only macrophages were able to internalize
      K. pneumoniae. This result was confirmed by electron microscopy. We have
      consequently reported some differences in bacterial uptake and internalization
      between a free living amoeba and macrophagic cells, highlighting the fact that
      results obtained with this amoebal model should not be extrapolated to the
      relationships between K. pneumoniae and macrophages.

PMID- 28087455
TI  - Correlation between antigenicity and variability in the vls antigenic variation
      system of Borrelia burgdorferi.
AB  - Many parasites have evolved antigenic variation systems that alter surface
      proteins in order to evade recognition by presently expressed antibodies and
      subsequent death. Although the amino acid positions in antigens to which
      antibodies most commonly target are expected to be the most variable, this
      assumption has not been investigated. Using the vls antigenic variation system of
      Borrelia burgdorferi as a model, we first investigated this assumption
      computationally and then developed a sensitive immunoassay to experimentally
      validate the computational results. There was a strong correlation between
      variability at an amino acid position and each of the computational metrics
      associated with antibody reactivity. However, empirical measures of antibody
      reactivity were not consistently greater at the variable amino acid positions
      than at the invariant amino acid positions. The inconsistent experimental support
      for this hypothesis suggests that the biological effect of variability at an
      amino acid position is obfuscated by other factors.

PMID- 28087456
TI  - Phase I Trial of Total Marrow and Lymphoid Irradiation Transplantation
      Conditioning in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Leukemia.
AB  - Current conditioning regimens provide insufficient disease control in
      relapsed/refractory acute leukemia patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) with active disease. Intensification of chemotherapy
      and/or total body irradiation (TBI) is not feasible because of excessive
      toxicity. Total marrow and lymphoid irradiation (TMLI) allows for precise
      delivery and increased intensity treatment via sculpting radiation to sites with
      high disease burden or high risk for disease involvement, while sparing normal
      tissue. We conducted a phase I trial in 51 patients (age range, 16 to 57 years)
      with relapsed/refractory acute leukemia undergoing HSCT (matched related, matched
      unrelated, or 1-allele mismatched unrelated) with active disease, combining
      escalating doses of TMLI (range, 1200 to 2000 cGy) with cyclophosphamide (CY) and
      etoposide (VP16). The maximum tolerated dose was declared at 2000 cGy, as TMLI
      simulation studies indicated that >2000 cGy might deliver doses toxic for normal
      organs at or exceeding those delivered by standard TBI. The post-transplantation
      nonrelapse mortality (NRM) rate was only 3.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], .7
      to 12.0) at day +100 and 8.1% (95% CI, 2.5 to 18.0) at 1 year. The cumulative
      incidence of grades II to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 43.1%
      (95% CI, 29.2 to 56.3) and for grade III and IV, it was 13.7% (95% CI, 6.9 to
      27.3). The day +30 complete remission rate for all patients was 88% and was 100%
      for those treated at 2000 cGy. The overall 1-year survival was 55.5% (95% CI,
      40.7 to 68.1). The TMLI/CY/VP16 conditioning regimen is well tolerated at TMLI
      doses up to 2000 cGy with a low 100-day and 1-year NRM rate and no increased risk
      of GVHD with higher doses of radiation.

PMID- 28087457
TI  - T Cell-Replete Peripheral Blood Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
      with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide Results in Outcomes Similar to
      Transplantation from Traditionally Matched Donors in Active Disease Acute Myeloid
      Leukemia.
AB  - Outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who fail to achieve
      complete remission remain poor. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has been
      shown to induce long-term survival in AML patients with active disease. HCT is
      largely performed with HLA-matched unrelated or HLA-matched related donors.
      Recently, HCT with HLA-haploidentical related donors has been identified as a
      feasible option when HLA-matched donors are not immediately available. However,
      there are little data comparing outcomes for AML patients with active disease who
      receive haploidentical versus traditionally matched HCT. We retrospectively
      analyzed data from 99 AML patients with active disease undergoing allogeneic HCT
      at a single institution. Forty-three patients received unrelated donor HCT, 32
      patients received matched related donor HCT, and 24 patients received peripheral
      blood haploidentical HCT with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide. We found no
      significant differences between treatment groups in terms of overall survival
      (OS), event-free survival, transplantation-related mortality, cumulative
      incidence of relapse, and cumulative incidence of acute and chronic graft-versus
      host disease (GVHD). We performed univariate regression analysis of variables
      that modified OS in all patients and found only younger age at transplantation
      and development of chronic GVHD significantly improved outcome. Although limited
      by our relatively small sample size, these results indicate that haploidentical
      HCT in active AML patients have comparable outcomes to HCT with traditionally
      matched donors. Haploidentical HCT can be considered in this population of high
      risk patients when matched donors are unavailable or when wait times for
      transplantation are unacceptably long.

PMID- 28087458
TI  - Medication Adherence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - Adherence to oral medications has been repeatedly shown to fall below the
      recommended 80% to 95% in pediatric and adult cancer populations. The purpose of
      this review is to report the state of the science about oral medication adherence
      during the acute phase of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation across the
      lifespan. An exhaustive search of the literature yielded 5 records for inclusion
      in the review. Two studies examined adherence in pediatrics, 2 in adults, and 1
      included both pediatric and adult patients. Three studies were descriptive and 2
      were interventional in design. The rate of adherence to oral medications ranged
      from 33% to 94.7%. Adherence decreased over time in all studies except in 1
      pharmacist-led intervention study. Different methods were used to measure
      adherence, but most relied on self-report. Further research is needed in
      medication adherence in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to better
      understand facilitators, barriers, and relationships to health outcomes.

PMID- 28087460
TI  - Identification of the Doublesex protein binding sites that activate expression of
      lozenge in the female genital disc in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Normal sexual differentiation in the genital organs is essential for the animal
      species that use sexual reproduction. Although it is known that doublesex (dsx)
      is required for the sexual development of the genitalia in various insect
      species, the direct target genes responsible for the sexual differentiation of
      the genitalia have not been identified. The lozenge (lz) gene is expressed in the
      female genital disc and is essential for developments of spermathecae and
      accessory glands in Drosophila melanogaster. The female-specific isoform of DSX
      (DSXF) is required for activating lz expression in the female genital disc.
      However, it still remains unclear whether the DSXF directly activates the
      transcription of lz in the female genital disc. In this study, we found two
      sequences (lz-DBS1 and lz-DBS2) within lz locus that showed high homoloty to the
      DSX binding motif identified previously. Competition assays using recombinant DSX
      DNA-binding domain (DSX-DBD) protein verified that the DSX-DBD protein bound to
      lz-DBS1 and lz-DBS2 in a sequence-specific manner with lower affinity than to the
      known DSX binding site in the bric-a-brac 1 (bab1) gene. Reporter gene analyses
      revealed that a 2.5-kbp lz genomic fragment containing lz-DBS1 and lz-DBS2 drove
      reporter gene (EGFP) expression in a manner similar to endogenous lz expression
      in the female genital disc. Mutations in lz-DBS1 alone significantly reduced the
      area of EGFP-expressing region, while EGFP expression in the female genital disc
      was abolished when both sites were mutated. These results demonstrated that DSX
      directly activates female-specific lz expression in the genital disc through lz
      DBS1 and lz-DBS2.

PMID- 28087459
TI  - Wnt signaling balances specification of the cardiac and pharyngeal muscle fields.
AB  - Canonical Wnt/beta-catenin (Wnt) signaling plays multiple conserved roles during
      fate specification of cardiac progenitors in developing vertebrate embryos.
      Although lineage analysis in ascidians and mice has indicated there is a close
      relationship between the cardiac second heart field (SHF) and pharyngeal muscle
      (PM) progenitors, the signals underlying directional fate decisions of the cells
      within the cardio-pharyngeal muscle field in vertebrates are not yet understood.
      Here, we examined the temporal requirements of Wnt signaling in cardiac and PM
      development. In contrast to a previous report in chicken embryos that suggested
      Wnt inhibits PM development during somitogenesis, we find that in zebrafish
      embryos Wnt signaling is sufficient to repress PM development during anterior
      posterior patterning. Importantly, the temporal sensitivity of dorso-anterior PMs
      to increased Wnt signaling largely overlaps with when Wnt signaling promotes
      specification of the adjacent cardiac progenitors. Furthermore, we find that
      excess early Wnt signaling can cell autonomously promote expansion of the first
      heart field (FHF) progenitors at the expense of PM and SHF within the anterior
      lateral plate mesoderm (ALPM). Our study provides insight into an antagonistic
      developmental mechanism that balances the sizes of the adjacent cardiac and PM
      progenitor fields in early vertebrate embryos.

PMID- 28087461
TI  - Low glucose stress decreases cellular NADH and mitochondrial ATP in colonic
      epithelial cancer cells: Influence of mitochondrial substrates.
AB  - In this study, we investigated how colonic epithelial cells maintained pyridine
      nucleotide (NADH/NAD+) redox homeostasis upon acute metabolic variation imposed
      by glucose deprivation or supplementation with mitochondrial substrates,
      succinate and malate/glutamate (M/G). Our results showed that low glucose caused
      cellular NADH/NAD+ redox imbalance that diminished lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
      activity and resulted in lower lactate contents. The concurrent activation of
      malic enzyme (ME) suggested a role for malate in preserving cellular pyruvate
      that remained unchanged at low glucose. Mitochondrial substrates restored
      cellular NADH/NAD+ redox homeostasis at low glucose in association with specific
      compartmental catabolism of mitochondrial substrates. As compared with normal
      glucose, M/G and low glucose promoted glycolytic ATP production but inhibited
      mitochondrial-derived ATP generation in association with decreased glucose
      availability for mitochondrial respiration. At normal glucose, succinate and M/G
      enhanced mitochondrial respiratory activity, but had minimal impact on
      mitochondrial-derived ATP production. Collectively, these results are consistent
      with low glucose-induced NADH/NAD+ redox imbalance in association with decreased
      aerobic glycolysis that is reversed by supplementation with M/G but not
      succinate.

PMID- 28087462
TI  - Impact of disease-Linked mutations targeting the oligomerization interfaces of
      aldehyde dehydrogenase 7A1.
AB  - Aldehyde dehydrogenase 7A1 (ALDH7A1) is involved in lysine catabolism, catalyzing
      the oxidation of alpha-aminoadipate semialdehyde to alpha-aminoadipate. Certain
      mutations in the ALDH7A1 gene, which are presumed to reduce catalytic activity,
      cause an autosomal recessive seizure disorder known as pyridoxine-dependent
      epilepsy (PDE). Although the genetic association between ALDH7A1 and PDE is well
      established, little is known about the impact of PDE-mutations on the structure
      and catalytic function of the enzyme. Herein we report the first study of the
      molecular consequences of PDE mutations using purified ALDH7A1 variants. Eight
      variants, with mutations in the oligomer interfaces, were expressed in
      Escherichia coli: P78L, G83E, A129P, G137V, G138V, A149E, G255D, and G263E. All
      but P78L and G83E were soluble and could be purified. All six soluble mutants
      were catalytically inactive. The impact of the mutations on oligomerization was
      assessed by analytical ultracentrifugation. Wild-type ALDH7A1 is shown to exist
      in a dimer-tetramer equilibrium with a dissociation constant of 16 MUM. In
      contrast to the wild-type enzyme, the variants reside in monomer-dimer equilibria
      and are apparently incapable of forming a tetrameric species, even at high enzyme
      concentration. The available evidence suggests that they are misfolded assemblies
      lacking the three-dimensional structure required for catalysis.

PMID- 28087464
TI  - Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species regulate fungal protease-induced
      inflammatory responses.
AB  - Epidemiological studies have shown that fungal infections are a main cause of
      respiratory tract diseases, such as asthma, bronchopneumonia, intoxication, and
      invasive fungal disease. Fungi such as Aspergillus and Candida species have
      become increasingly important pathogens as the global climate changes.
      Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the toxicological potential of
      Aspergillus protease in the lower respiratory tract. Exposure of Aspergillus
      protease to A549 cells induced upregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha,
      monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule
      (ICAM)-1 mRNAs and increased production of interleukin (IL)-8 and MCP-1 protein
      through enhanced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and
      activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activator protein (AP)
      1. Furthermore, the mitochondrial ROS scavenger Mito-TEMPO, which inhibited MAPK
      and AP-1, significantly reduced MCP-1 and IL-1beta mRNA expression and reduced HL
      60 cell migration through the suppression of MCP-1 and IL-8 protein secretion.
      Thus, our results demonstrated that mitochondria were an important source of
      Aspergillus protease-stimulated ROS and that regulation of mitochondrial ROS
      modulated inflammatory responses by preventing activation of MAPK and AP-1 in
      A549 cells.

PMID- 28087463
TI  - Effect of 22 CYP2D6 variants found in the Chinese population on tolterodine
      metabolism in vitro.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is an important member of the cytochrome P450 enzyme
      superfamily. We recently identified 22 novel variants in the Chinese population
      using PCR and bidirectional sequencing methods. The aim of this study is to
      characterize the enzymatic activity of these variants and their effects on the
      metabolism of the antimuscarinic drug tolterodine in vitro. A baculovirus
      mediated expression system was used to express wild-type CYP2D6 and 24 variants
      (CYP2D6*2, CYP2D6*10, and 22 novel CYP2D6 variants) at high levels. The insect
      microsomes expressing CYP2D6 proteins were incubated with 0.1-50 MUM tolterodine
      at 37  degrees C for 30 min and the metabolites were analyzed by high-performance
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. Of the 24 CYP2D6 variants
      tested, 2 variants (CYP2D6*92 and CYP2D6*96) were found to be catalytically
      inactive, 4 variants (CYP2D6*94, F164L, F219S and D336N) exhibited markedly
      increased intrinsic clearance values (Vmax/Km) compared with the wild-type (from
      66.34 to 99.79%), whereas 4 variants (CYP2D6*10, *93, *95 and E215K) exhibited
      significantly decreased values (from 49.02 to 98.50%). This is the first report
      of all these rare alleles for tolterodine metabolism and these findings suggest
      that more attention should be paid to subjects carrying these infrequent CYP2D6
      alleles when administering tolterodine in the clinic.

PMID- 28087465
TI  - Are cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management programmes cost
      effective? A systematic review of the evidence.
AB  - The World Health Organization recommends that countries implement population-wide
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management programmes. The aim
      of this study was to conduct a systematic review to evaluate whether this
      recommendation is supported by cost-effectiveness evidence. Published economic
      evaluations were identified via electronic medical and social science databases
      (including Medline, Web of Science, and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database)
      from inception to March 2016. Study quality was evaluated using a modified
      version of the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards.
      Fourteen economic evaluations were included: five studies based on randomised
      controlled trials, seven studies based on observational studies and two studies
      using hypothetical modelling synthesizing secondary data. Trial based studies
      measured CVD risk factor changes over 1 to 3years, with modelled projections of
      longer term events. Programmes were either not, or only, cost-effective under non
      verified assumptions such as sustained risk factor changes. Most observational
      and hypothetical studies suggested programmes were likely to be cost-effective;
      however, study deigns are subject to bias and subsequent empirical evidence has
      contradicted key assumptions. No studies assessed impacts on inequalities. In
      conclusion, recommendations for population-wide risk assessment and management
      programmes lack a robust, real world, evidence basis. Given implementation is
      resource intensive there is a need for robust economic evaluation, ideally
      conducted alongside trials, to assess cost effectiveness. Further, the efficiency
      and equity impact of different delivery models should be investigated, and also
      the combination of targeted screening with whole population interventions
      recognising that there multiple approaches to prevention.

PMID- 28087466
TI  - "Monkey see, monkey do": Peers' behaviors predict preschoolers' physical activity
      and dietary intake in childcare centers.
AB  - Preschoolers observe and imitate the behaviors of those who are similar to them.
      Therefore, peers may be role models for preschoolers' dietary intake and physical
      activity in childcare centers. This study examined whether peers' behaviors
      predict change in preschoolers' dietary intake and physical activity in childcare
      centers over 9months. A total of 238 preschoolers (3 to 5years old) from 23
      childcare centers in two Canadian provinces provided data at the beginning
      (October 2013 and 2014) and the end (June 2014 and 2015) of a 9-month period for
      this longitudinal study. Dietary intake was collected at lunch using weighed
      plate waste and digital photography on two consecutive weekdays. Physical
      activity was assessed using accelerometers over five days. Multilevel linear
      regressions were used to estimate the influence of peers' behaviors on
      preschoolers' change in dietary intake and physical activity over 9months.
      Results showed that preschoolers whose dietary intake or physical activity level
      deviated the most from those of their peers at the beginning of the year
      demonstrated greater change in their intakes and activity levels over 9months,
      which enabled them to become more similar to their peers (all beta 95% CI ranged
      from -0.835 to -0.074). This study suggests that preschoolers' dietary intake and
      physical activity may be influenced by the behaviors of their peers in childcare
      centers. Since peers could play an important role in promoting healthy eating
      behaviors and physical activity in childcare centers, future studies should test
      interventions based on positive role modeling by children.

PMID- 28087467
TI  - Positive childhood experiences and ideal cardiovascular health in midlife:
      Associations and mediators.
AB  - In 2010, the American Heart Association introduced a new conceptual framework to
      encourage a focus on primary prevention and provided a definition for "ideal
      cardiovascular health". In this study we examined the relationship between
      positive childhood experience and ideal cardiovascular health in mid-life, and
      the extent to which education, depression, and social support mediate this
      association. Data are from participants in the Midlife and Aging in the United
      States study who completed a clinic-based assessment of health (N=1255, aged 34
      84years, 2004-2005). We created a positive childhood experiences index based on
      retrospective report of eight childhood experiences, and calculated a continuous
      ideal cardiovascular health score for each participant following the American
      Heart Association's definition of ideal, intermediate and poor cardiovascular
      health across seven health metrics (analyses conducted in 2015-2016). Positive
      childhood experiences were associated with ideal cardiovascular health: compared
      to individuals in the lowest quartile, respondents in the second, third, and
      fourth quartile of positive childhood experiences scored 0.42 (standard error
      (SE)=0.18), 0.92 (SE=0.18) and 1.04 (SE=0.18) units higher on ideal
      cardiovascular health, adjusting for age, sex, and race. Respondent's education,
      depression status, and social support fully mediated the direct effect of
      positive childhood experiences on ideal cardiovascular health, with the largest
      indirect effect for education. These results suggest that positive childhood
      experiences are associated with ideal cardiovascular health in midlife.
      Strategies to promote cardiovascular wellbeing may benefit from a focus on social
      interventions early in life; educational attainment, major depression, and social
      support may represent key points of intervention.

PMID- 28087468
TI  - Smoking selectivity among Mexican immigrants to the United States using
      binational data, 1999-2012.
AB  - Mexican immigrants have lower smoking rates than US-born Mexicans, which some
      scholars attribute to health selection-that individuals who migrate are healthier
      and have better health behaviors than their non-migrant counterparts. Few studies
      have examined smoking selectivity using binational data and none have assessed
      whether selectivity remains constant over time. This study combined binational
      data from the US and Mexico to examine: 1) the extent to which recent Mexican
      immigrants (<10years) in the US are selected with regard to cigarette smoking
      compared to non-migrants in Mexico, and 2) whether smoking selectivity varied
      between 2000 and 2012-a period of declining tobacco use in Mexico and the US. We
      combined repeated cross-sectional US data (n=10.901) on adult (ages 20-64)
      Mexican immigrants and US-born Mexicans from the 1999/2000 and 2011/2012 National
      Health Interview Survey, and repeated cross-sectional Mexican data on non
      migrants (n=67.188) from the 2000 Encuesta Nacional de Salud and 2012 Encuesta
      Nacional de Salud y Nutricion. Multinomial logistic regressions, stratified by
      gender, predicted smoking status (current, former, never) by migration status. At
      both time points, we found lower overall smoking prevalence among recent US
      immigrants compared to non-migrants for both genders. Moreover, from the
      regression analyses, smoking selectivity remained constant between 2000 and 2012
      among men, but increased among women. These findings suggest that Mexican
      immigrants are indeed selected on smoking compared to their non-migrating
      counterparts, but that selectivity is subject to smoking conditions in the
      sending countries and may not remain constant over time.

PMID- 28087469
TI  - Tofacitinib ameliorates inflammation in a rat model of airway neutrophilia
      induced by inhaled LPS.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Janus Kinase (JAK) family mediates the cytokine
      receptor-induced signalling pathways involved in inflammatory processes. The
      activation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) by
      JAK kinases is a key point in these pathways. Four JAK proteins, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3
      and tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) associate with the intracellular domains of surface
      cytokine receptors are phosphorylating STATs and modulating gene expression. The
      aim of this study was to explore the role of JAK inhibition in an acute model of
      inhaled lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced airway inflammation in rats through
      evaluating the effects of tofacitinib, a marketed pan-JAK inhibitor.
      Specifically, some pulmonary inflammation parameters were studied and the lung
      STAT3 phosphorylation was assessed as a target engagement marker of JAK
      inhibition in the model. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Rats were exposed to an aerosol
      of LPS (0.1 mg/ml) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) during 40 min.
      Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung samples were collected 4 h after PBS
      or LPS exposure. Neutrophils in BALF were counted and a panel of cytokines were
      measured in BALF. Phosphorylation of STAT3 was studied in lung homogenates by
      ELISA and localization of phospho-STAT3 (pSTAT3) in lung tissue was also
      evaluated by immunohistochemistry. In order to assess the effect of JAK
      inhibition, tofacitinib was administered 1 h before challenge at doses of 3, 10
      and 30 mg/kg p.o. KEY RESULTS: Inhaled LPS challenge induced an augment of
      neutrophils and cytokines in the BALF as well as an increase in pSTAT3 expression
      in the lungs. Tofacitinib by oral route inhibited the LPS-induced airway
      neutrophilia, the levels of some cytokines in the BALF and the phosphorylation of
      STAT3 in the lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In summary, this study
      shows that JAK inhibition ameliorates inhaled LPS-induced airway inflammation in
      rats, suggesting that at least JAK/STAT3 signalling is involved in the
      establishment of the pulmonary neutrophilia induced by LPS. JAKs inhibitors
      should be further investigated as a potential therapy for respiratory
      inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 28087470
TI  - A development and an improvement of selectable markers in Pleurotus ostreatus
      transformation.
AB  - Pleurotus ostreatus was transformed using the nourseothricin-resistant gene for
      the first time. The transformation efficiency was 1.3+/-0.6transformants/MUg
      plasmid DNA. In addition, the transformation efficiency of the bialaphos
      resistant gene was increased to 26.7+/-11.5transformants/MUg plasmid DNA.

PMID- 28087471
TI  - IL-6 promotes M2 macrophage polarization by modulating purinergic signaling and
      regulates the lethal release of nitric oxide during Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
AB  - The production of nitric oxide (NO) is a key defense mechanism against
      intracellular pathogens but it must be tightly controlled in order to avoid
      excessive detrimental oxidative stress. In this study we described a novel
      mechanism through which interleukin (IL)-6 mediates the regulation of NO release
      induced in response to Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Using a murine model of
      Chagas disease, we found that, in contrast to C57BL/6 wild type (WT) mice, IL-6
      deficient (IL6KO) mice exhibited a dramatic increase in plasma NO levels
      concomitant with a significantly higher amount of circulating IL-1beta and
      inflammatory monocytes. Studies on mouse macrophages and human monocytes,
      revealed that IL-6 decreased LPS-induced NO production but this effect was
      abrogated in the presence of anti-IL-1beta and in macrophages deficient in the
      NLRP3 inflammasome. In accordance, while infected WT myocardium exhibited an
      early shift from microbicidal/M1 to anti-inflammatory/M2 macrophage phenotype,
      IL6KO cardiac tissue never displayed a dominant M2 macrophage profile that
      correlated with decreased expression of ATP metabolic machinery and a lower
      cardiac parasite burden. The deleterious effects of high NO production-induced
      oxidative stress were evidenced by enhanced cardiac malondialdehyde levels,
      myocardial cell death and mortality. The survival rate was improved by the
      treatment of IL-6-deficient mice with a NO production-specific inhibitor. Our
      data revealed that IL-6 regulates the excessive release of NO through IL-1beta
      inhibition and determines the establishment of an M2 macrophage profile within
      infected heart tissue.

PMID- 28087472
TI  - Extract of Clinopodium bolivianum protects against E. coli invasion of
      uroepithelial cells.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Clinopodium bolivianum is a South American plant
      with anti-inflammatory and anti-infective activities. The increasing antibiotic
      resistance urges for alternative therapy. Based on its use in traditional
      medicine, we investigated the effect of C. bolivianum on the ability to defend
      bladder epithelial cells from E. coli infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      extract was analyzed by LC-MS. Bladder epithelial cell lines T24 and 5637 and
      uropathogenic E. coli No. 12, its isogenic mutant WE16 csgBA bscA::Cm and CFT073
      were used to investigate the effect of C. bolivianum on uroepithelial infection.
      Bacterial adherence and invasion to cells treated with C. bolivianum were
      analyzed. Expression of uroplakin 1a, beta1 integrin, caveolin-1, IL-8 and
      antimicrobial peptides in response to C. bolivianum treatment was assessed using
      RT-PCR. Protein expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis or ELISA. The
      antimicrobial effects of C. bolivianum on bacteria and fungus were investigated
      using minimum inhibitory concentration. Furthermore, the formation of biofilm was
      investigated with crystal violet assay. RESULTS: C. bolivianum extract consisted
      of more than 70 different types of phytochemicals including sugars and phenolic
      compounds. The extract decreased the uroplakin 1a expression and E. coli adhesion
      and invasion of uroepithelial cells while up-regulated caveolin-1. In uninfected
      C. bolivianum treated cells, IL-8 was lower than in non-treated cells. In
      infected cells, however, no difference was observed between treated and non
      treated cells. Further, C. bolivianum treatment reduced uropathogenic E. coli
      (UPEC) biofilms but did not inhibit bacterial growth. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      show that C. bolivianum has a protective role on bladder epithelial cells against
      UPEC infection by decreasing the bacterial adhesion, invasion and biofilm
      formation.

PMID- 28087473
TI  - Salvianolic Acids for Injection (SAFI) suppresses inflammatory responses in
      activated microglia to attenuate brain damage in focal cerebral ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory reactions induced by microglia in the brain play crucial
      roles in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) cerebral injuries. Microglia activation has
      been shown to be closely related to TLR4/NF-kappaB signal pathways. Salvianolic
      acids for injection (SAFI) have been used in clinical practice to treat ischemic
      stroke with reported neuroprotective effects; however, the underlying mechanisms
      are still uncertain. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: First, we studied the effect of SAFI
      on inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Then, to discover
      whether the beneficial in vitro effects of SAFI lead to in vivo therapeutic
      effects, an MCAO (Middle cerebral artery occlusion) rat model was further
      employed to elucidate the probable mechanism of SAFI in treating ischemic stroke.
      Rats in the SAFI group were given SAFI (23 or 46mg/kg) before I/R injury.
      RESULTS: The results showed that SAFI treatment significantly decreased
      neuroinflammation and the infarction volume compared with the vehicle group.
      Activation of microglia cells was reduced, and TLR4/NF-kappaB signals, which were
      markedly inhibited by SAFI treatment in ischemic hemisphere, were accompanied by
      reduced expression and release of cytokines IL-1beta and IL-6. CONCLUSION: This
      study provides evidence that SAFI effectively protects the brain after cerebral
      ischemia, which may be caused by attenuating inflammation in microglia.

PMID- 28087474
TI  - FOXO1 down-regulation is associated with worse outcome in bladder cancer and adds
      significant prognostic information to p53 overexpression.
AB  - Nuclear FOXOs mediate cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis. FOXOs and p53
      could have similar effects as tumor suppressor genes. In spite of extensive
      literature, little is known about the role of FOXO1 and its relationship with p53
      status in bladder cancer. Expression of FOXO1 and p53 were analyzed by
      immunohistochemistry in 162 urothelial carcinomas (UC). Decreased FOXO1
      expression, p53 overexpression and the combination FOXO1 down-regulation/p53
      overexpression were strongly associated with high grade (P=.030; P=.017; P=.004,
      respectively), high stage (P=.0001; P<.0001; P<.0001, respectively) or both
      (P=.0004; P<.0001; P<.0001, respectively). In the overall series of cases, p53
      overexpression was associated with tumor progression (hazard ratio [HR]=3.18, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.19-8.48, P=.02), but this association was even
      stronger if having any alteration in any of the 2 genes was considered (HR=3.51,
      95% CI 1.34-9.21, P=.01). Having both FOXO1 down-regulation and p53
      overexpression was associated with disease recurrence (HR=2.75, 95% CI 1.06-7.13,
      P=.03). In the analysis of the different subgroups, having any alteration in any
      of the 2 genes was associated with progression in low-grade (P=.005) and pTa
      (P=.006) tumors. Finally, the combined FOXO1 down-regulation/p53 overexpression
      was associated with disease recurrence specifically in high-grade (P=.04) and in
      pT1 stage tumors (P=.007). Adding FOXO1 expression to the immunohistochemical
      analysis of p53 can provide relevant prognostic information on progression and
      recurrence of bladder cancer. It may be particularly informative on the risk of
      progression in the more indolent and on the risk of recurrence in the more
      aggressive tumors.

PMID- 28087475
TI  - Immunohistochemical approach for the diagnosis of a liver mass on small biopsy
      specimens.
AB  - Well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shares overlapping
      histological features with benign hepatocellular lesions, including
      hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia in non-cirrhotic liver, and
      with high-grade dysplastic nodule in cirrhotic liver. Several metastatic tumors,
      such as neuroendocrine tumor, renal cell carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma,
      melanoma, and epithelioid angiomyolipoma, can be indistinguishable from HCC on
      histologic grounds. Since this distinction has important therapeutic
      implications, judicious use of immunohistochemical markers plays an important
      role in establishing an accurate diagnosis, especially when limited material of
      tumor is available on cell block or a small core biopsy. This review describes
      commonly used immunohistochemical markers used in the diagnosis of HCC,
      highlighting advantages and disadvantages of each marker, and suggests
      appropriate immunohistochemical panels for specific clinicopathologic situations.

PMID- 28087476
TI  - Phospholipase D messenger RNA expression and clinical role in high-grade serous
      carcinoma.
AB  - The objective of this study was to analyze the expression and clinical role of
      phospholipase D (PLD) in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). PLD1 and PLD2
      isoform expression was studied in 125 HGSC specimens (73 effusions, 28 ovarian
      tumors, 24 solid metastases) using quantitative real-time reverse-transcription
      polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels were analyzed for association with
      clinicopathological parameters, including chemoresponse, and survival. PLD1 and
      PLD2 isoforms were found in most specimens at all anatomic sites, and their
      levels were strongly positively related (P<.001 for effusions and solid lesions).
      PLD2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was significantly higher in effusions
      compared with both carcinomas in the ovary and solid metastases (P<.001). Higher
      levels of both isoforms were associated with higher CA 125 levels at diagnosis
      (P<.001), and higher PLD2 mRNA levels in effusions were associated with
      unfavorable response to chemotherapy (P=.021). Expression levels of the studied
      isoforms were unrelated to the levels of previously studied mRNAs that form part
      of the phospholipase A2 pathway or to survival. The present study provides the
      first evidence of PLD expression in HGSC and suggests a role in mediating
      progression to effusions and chemoresistance in this cancer.

PMID- 28087477
TI  - Overexpression of TNFAIP8 is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor
      prognosis in patients with invasive ductal breast carcinoma.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8), a transcription factor
      nuclear factor kappaB-inducible, antiapoptotic and oncogenic molecule, is
      associated with prognosis of several human malignancies. However, the
      relationship between TNFAIP8 and the prognosis of the invasive ductal carcinoma
      (IDC) of the breast remains unclear. TNFAIP8 expression was evaluated using real
      time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis in 20 fresh IDC
      tissues and immunohistochemical analysis in 351 paraffin-embedded IDC tissues.
      Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that both TNFAIP8 messenger
      RNA and protein were up-regulated in IDC tissues compared with the paired
      adjacent noncancerous tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed that TNFAIP8
      expression was significantly correlated with some clinicopathological factors,
      including axillary lymph node metastasis (P=.001), advanced TNM stage (P<.001),
      high histologic grade (P<.001), molecular subtype (P<.001), and postoperative
      recurrence (P<.001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses
      demonstrated that TNFAIP8 overexpression was strongly associated with axillary
      lymph node metastasis (odds ratio, 1.818; 95% confidence interval, 1.167-2.832;
      P=.008). Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that IDC patients with high
      TNFAIP8 expression had a shorter survival time than did those with low TNFAIP8
      expression, and multivariate analysis indicated that TNFAIP8 was an independent
      prognostic factor for overall survival and disease-free survival in IDC (P=.041
      and P=.020, respectively). Therefore, TNFAIP8 overexpression may contribute to
      tumor progression, and it may be a novel prognostic biomarker for the patients
      with IDC.

PMID- 28087478
TI  - Renal involvement in lysinuric protein intolerance: contribution of pathology to
      assessment of heterogeneity of renal lesions.
AB  - Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused
      by mutations in the SLC7A7 gene encoding the light subunit of a cationic amino
      acid transporter. Symptoms mimic primary urea cycle defects but dysimmune
      symptoms are also described. Renal involvement in LPI was first described in the
      1980s. In 2007, it appeared that it could concern as much as 75% of LPI patients
      and could lead to end-stage renal disease. The most common feature is proximal
      tubular dysfunction and nephrocalcinosis but glomerular lesions are also
      reported. However, very little is known regarding histological lesions associated
      with LPI. We gathered every kidney biopsy of LPI-proven patients in our highly
      specialized pediatric and adult institution. Clinical, biological, and
      histological information was analyzed. Five LPI patients underwent kidney biopsy
      in our institution between 1986 and 2015. Clinically, 4/5 presented with proximal
      tubular dysfunction and 3/5 with nephrotic range proteinuria. Histology showed
      unspecific tubulointerstitial lesions and nephrocalcinosis in 3/5 biopsies and
      marked peritubular capillaritis in one child. Glomerular lesions were
      heterogeneous: lupus-like-full house membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
      (MPGN) in one child evolved towards monotypic IgG1kappa MPGN sensitive to
      immunomodulators. One patient presented with glomerular non-AA non-AL
      amyloidosis. Renal biopsy is particularly relevant in LPI presenting with
      glomerular symptoms for which variable histological lesions can be responsible,
      implying specific treatment and follow-up.

PMID- 28087479
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of gold nanostructured Chorin e6 for Photodynamic
      Therapy.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy is an alternative treatment for cancer based on cellular
      uptake of a photosensitizer, illuminated with an appropriate wavelength in the
      presence of oxygen. A cascade of reactions generates reactive oxygen species
      leading to cell death. Using carbodiimide chemistry, chlorin e6 (Ce6) was
      covalently bonded to thiourea, and (via the sulphur end group) to gold
      nanoparticles (AuNPs), forming the Ce6-AuNP complex. Ce6 absorbs in the range 650
      680nm, where the coefficient of biological tissue absorption is low (part of the
      therapeutic window), which is ideal for biological application. Transmission
      Electron Microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy
      and Zeta potential measurements were completed to characterize the Ce6-AuNP
      complex. The bare AuNPs have an average diameter of 18+/-4nm. A line of human
      breast carcinoma cells (MDA-MB-468) was used to determine whether Ce6
      functionalization to AuNPs potentiate its activity. Trypan blue assays were used
      to assess cell viability. In the absence of light, Ce6 either alone or bounded to
      AuNPs was not cytotoxic. When irradiated at 660nm, the cytotoxicity of Ce6-AuNP
      was higher than Ce6 alone for MDA-MB-468 cells using 4h incubation. AuNPs without
      Ce6 showed no cytotoxic.

PMID- 28087480
TI  - The Role of Opportunistic Bilateral Salpingectomy vs Tubal Occlusion or Ligation
      for Ovarian Cancer Prophylaxis.
AB  - Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) for sterilization has been known to decrease the
      risk of ovarian cancer. Recent studies have suggested that bilateral
      salpingectomy (BS) may be an alternative to BTL or tubal occlusion for women
      desiring permanent sterilization, owing to a possibly greater protective effect
      against ovarian cancer. We conducted a PubMed/MEDLINE review of the literature
      for original studies, opinion articles, and meta-analyses published between 2010
      and 2016 addressing the role of BS at the time of sterilization and comparing its
      efficacy with BTL in terms of ovarian cancer prevention, operative outcomes, and
      ovarian function. BTL has been found to decrease the risk of any ovarian cancer
      by 13% to 41%, compared with 42% to 78% for BS. Although operative time is
      increased with BS compared with BTL, no differences in complication rates or
      ovarian reserve between the 2 procedures have been demonstrated. Our review
      suggests that BS should be discussed when BTL is being considered, and that
      patients should be counseled about the risks and benefits of both procedures
      based on the current available evidence.

PMID- 28087481
TI  - Transrectal Mesh Erosion Requiring Bowel Resection.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a transrectal mesh erosion as complication
      of laparoscopic promontofixation with mesh repair, necessitating bowel resection
      and subsequent surgical interventions. INTRODUCTION: Sacrocolpopexy has become a
      standard procedure for vaginal vault prolapse [1], and the laparoscopic approach
      has gained popularity owing to more rapid recovery and less morbidity [2,3]. Mesh
      erosion is a well-known complication of surgical treatment for prolapse as
      reported in several negative evaluations, including a report from the US Food and
      Drug Administration in 2011 [4]. Mesh complications are more common after
      surgeries via the vaginal approach [5]; nonetheless, the incidence of vaginal
      mesh erosion after laparoscopic procedures is as high as 9% [6]. The incidence of
      transrectal mesh exposure after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is roughly 1% [7].
      The diagnosis may be delayed because of its rarity and variable presentation. In
      addition, polyester meshes, such as the mesh used in this case, carry a higher
      risk of exposure [8]. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old woman experiencing genital
      prolapse, with the cervix classified as +3 according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse
      Quantification system, underwent laparoscopic standard sacrocolpopexy using
      polyester mesh. Subtotal hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy were performed
      concomitantly. A 3-year follow-up consultation demonstrated no signs or symptoms
      of erosion of any type. At 7 years after the surgery, however, the patient
      presented with rectal discharge, diagnosed as infectious rectocolitis with the
      isolation of Clostridium difficile. She underwent a total of 5 repair surgeries
      in a period of 4 months, including transrectal resection of exposed mesh,
      laparoscopic ablation of mesh with digestive resection, exploratory laparoscopy
      with abscess drainage, and exploratory laparoscopy with ablation of residual mesh
      and transverse colostomy. She recovered well after the last intervention,
      exhibiting no signs of vaginal or rectal fistula and no recurrence of pelvic
      floor descent. Her intestinal transit was reestablished, and she was satisfied
      with the treatment. CONCLUSION: None of the studies that represent the specific
      female population submitted to laparoscopic promontofixation with transrectal
      mesh erosion describe the need for more than one intervention or digestive
      resection [9-12]. Physicians dealing with patients submitted to pelvic
      reconstructive surgeries with mesh placement should be aware of transrectal and
      other nonvaginal erosions of mesh, even being rare events. Moreover, they should
      perform an active search for unusual gynecologic and anorectal signs and
      symptoms. Most importantly, patients undergoing mesh repair procedures must be
      warned of the risks of the surgery, including the possibility of several
      subsequent interventions.

PMID- 28087482
TI  - Prolonged, acute suppression of cysteinyl leukotriene to reduce capsular
      contracture around silicone implants.
AB  - : We hypothesize that periodically early, local suppression of cysteinyl
      leukotrienes (CysLTs), which are potent inflammatory mediators, can reduce the
      fibrotic capsular contracture around silicone implants. We tested this hypothesis
      with the silicone implants enabled with the sustained release of montelukast, a
      CysLT receptor antagonist, for 3 and 15days. In this work, we inserted each of
      the distinct implants into the pocket of the subpanniculus carnosus plane of
      living rats and performed histological and immunofluorescent (IF) analyses of the
      tissues biopsied at predetermined periods for 12weeks after implant insertion.
      The implants with montelukast exhibited significantly reduced polymorphonuclear
      leukocytes (i.e., PMNs), implying a concurrent reduction of CysLT. This effect
      was more prominent after long-term local montelukast exposure. Thus, fewer
      fibroblasts were recruited, thereby reducing transforming growth factor (TGF)
      beta and myofibroblasts in the tissue around the implant. Therefore, the fibrotic
      capsule formation, which was assessed using the capsule thickness and collagen
      density, decreased along with the myofibroblasts. Additionally, the tissue
      biopsied at the experimental end point exhibited significantly decreased
      mechanical stiffness. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Capsular contracture is
      troublesome, making the tissues hardened around the silicone implant. This causes
      serious pain and discomfort to the patients, often leading to secondary surgery
      for implant replacement. To resolve this, we suggest a strategy of long-term,
      local suppression of cysteinyl leukotriene, an important mediator present during
      inflammation. For this, we propose a silicone implant abled to release a drug,
      montelukast, in a sustained manner. We tested our drug-release implant in living
      animals, which exhibited a significant decrease in capsule formation compared
      with the intact silicone implant. Therefore, we conclude that the sustained
      release of montelukast at the local insertion site represents a promising way to
      reduce capsular contracture around silicone implants.

PMID- 28087483
TI  - Cell number per spheroid and electrical conductivity of nanowires influence the
      function of silicon nanowired human cardiac spheroids.
AB  - : Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) provide
      an unlimited cell source to treat cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of
      death worldwide. However, current hiPSC-CMs retain an immature phenotype that
      leads to difficulties for integration with adult myocardium after
      transplantation. To address this, we recently utilized electrically conductive
      silicon nanowires (e-SiNWs) to facilitate self-assembly of hiPSC-CMs to form
      nanowired hiPSC cardiac spheroids. Our previous results showed addition of e
      SiNWs effectively enhanced the functions of the cardiac spheroids and improved
      the cellular maturation of hiPSC-CMs. Here, we examined two important factors
      that can affect functions of the nanowired hiPSC cardiac spheroids: (1) cell
      number per spheroid (i.e., size of the spheroids), and (2) the electrical
      conductivity of the e-SiNWs. To examine the first factor, we prepared hiPSC
      cardiac spheroids with four different sizes by varying cell number per spheroid
      (~0.5k, ~1k, ~3k, ~7k cells/spheroid). Spheroids with ~3k cells/spheroid was
      found to maximize the beneficial effects of the 3D spheroid microenvironment.
      This result was explained with a semi-quantitative theory that considers two
      competing factors: 1) the improved 3D cell-cell adhesion, and 2) the reduced
      oxygen supply to the center of spheroids with the increase of cell number. Also,
      the critical role of electrical conductivity of silicon nanowires has been
      confirmed in improving tissue function of hiPSC cardiac spheroids. These results
      lay down a solid foundation to develop suitable nanowired hiPSC cardiac spheroids
      as an innovative cell delivery system to treat cardiovascular diseases. STATEMENT
      OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and
      disability worldwide. Due to the limited regenerative capacity of adult human
      hearts, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs)
      have received significant attention because they provide a patient specific cell
      source to regenerate damaged hearts. Despite the progress, current human hiPSC
      CMs retain an immature phenotype that leads to difficulties for integration with
      adult myocardium after transplantation. To address this, we recently utilized
      electrically conductive silicon nanowires (e-SiNWs) to facilitate self-assembly
      of hiPSC-CMs to form nanowired hiPSC cardiac spheroids. Our previous results
      showed addition of e-SiNWs effectively enhanced the functions of the cardiac
      spheroids and improved the cellular maturation of hiPSC-CMs. In this manuscript,
      we examined the effects of two important factors on the functions of nanowired
      hiPSC cardiac spheroids: (1) cell number per spheroid (i.e., size of the
      spheroids), and (2) the electrical conductivity of the e-SiNWs. The results from
      these studies will allow for the development of suitable nanowired hiPSC cardiac
      spheroids to effectively deliver hiPSC-CMs for heart repair.

PMID- 28087484
TI  - Inhibition of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation by dual functional
      textured and nitric oxide releasing surfaces.
AB  - : In separate prior studies, physical topographic surface modification or nitric
      oxide (NO) release has been demonstrated to each be an effective approach to
      inhibit and control bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on polymeric
      surfaces. Such approaches can prevent biomaterial-associated infection without
      causing the antibiotic resistance of the strain. In this work, both techniques
      were successfully integrated and applied to a polyurethane (PU) biomaterial
      surface that bears ordered pillar topographies (400/400nm and 500/500nm patterns)
      at the top surface and a S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP, NO donor) doped
      sub-layer in the middle, via a soft lithography two-stage replication process.
      Upon placing the SNAP textured PU films into PBS at 37 degrees C, the
      decomposition of SNAP within polymer film initiates NO release with a lifetime of
      up to 10days at flux levels >0.5*10-10molmin-1cm-2 for a textured polyurethane
      layer containing 15wt% SNAP. The textured surface reduces the accessible surface
      area and the opportunity of bacteria-surface interaction, while the NO release
      from the same surface further inhibits bacterial growth and biofilm formation.
      Such dual functionality surfaces are shown to provide a synergistic effect on
      inhibition of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacterial adhesion that is significantly
      greater than the inhibition of bacterial adhesion achieved by either single
      treatment approach alone. Longer term experiments to observe biofilm formation
      demonstrate that the SNAP doped-textured PU surface can inhibit the biofilm
      formation for >28d and provide a practical approach to improve the
      biocompatibility of current biomimetic biomaterials and thereby reduce the risk
      of pathogenic infection. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Microbial infection remains a
      significant barrier to development and implementation of advanced blood
      contacting medical devices. Clearly, determining how to design and control
      material properties that can reduce microbial infection is a central question to
      biomaterial researchers. In separate prior studies, physical topographic surface
      modification or nitric oxide (NO) release has been demonstrated to each be an
      effective approach to inhibit and control bacterial adhesion and biofilm
      formation on polymeric surfaces. Such approaches can prevent biomaterial
      associated infection without causing antibiotic resistance of the bacterial
      strain. However, efficiency of antimicrobial properties of each approach is still
      limited and far from sufficient for widespread clinical use. This work
      successfully integrates both techniques and applies them to a polyurethane (PU)
      biomaterial surface that bears dual functions, surface topographic modification
      and NO release. The former reduces the surface contact area and changes surface
      wettability, resulting in reduction of bacterial adhesion, and NO release further
      inhibits bacteria growth. Such dual functionalized surfaces provide a synergistic
      effect on inhibition of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacterial adhesion that is
      significantly greater than the inhibition of bacterial adhesion achieved by
      either single treatment approach alone. Furthermore, longer-term experiments
      demonstrate that the dual functionalized surfaces can inhibit biofilm formation
      for >28days. The success of this work provides a practical approach to improve
      the biocompatibility of current biomaterials and thereby reduce the risk of
      pathogenic infection.

PMID- 28087485
TI  - Stepwise targeted drug delivery to liver cancer cells for enhanced therapeutic
      efficacy by galactose-grafted, ultra-pH-sensitive micelles.
AB  - : To promote drug accumulation and cell-killing ability at tumor tissue, we have
      prepared a stepwise targeted drug delivery system that can remain stealthy and
      long-circulating in the blood vessels, improve drug retention at extracellular
      stimuli, enhance cellular uptake through special targeting ligands, and then
      achieve rapid drug release to improve toxicity to tumor cells at intracellular
      stimuli. Herein, galactose-grafted, ultra-pH-sensitive drug carriers (POEAd-g-LA
      DOX micelles), which could respond to both extracellular and intracellular pH,
      and combine with galactose-receptors in cell membrane, were constructed by a
      facile method, therefore achieving: (i) remaining stable at pH 7.4; (ii)
      responding to tumoral extracellular pH following gradually larger nanoparticles
      (NPs); (iii) conjugating receptors in the cell membrane of liver cancer through
      surface galactose-ligands of micelles; (iv) being sensitive to tumoral
      intracellular pH following further swelling for rapid drug release. In vitro
      cytotoxicity and cellular uptake measurement showed that POEAd-g-LA20-DOX micelle
      was more easily internalized and more toxic effect on tumor cells than free DOX.
      Moreover, in vivo biodistribution and tumor inhibition examinations demonstrated
      that POEAd-g-LA20-DOX formulation had more superior efficacy to significantly
      enhance drug accumulation in tumor, and then restrain tumor growth while
      decreasing drug concentration in heart. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:
      Chemotherapeutic efficacy is limited by poor tumor selectivity, which also causes
      severe toxicity in normal tissues and organs, although many targeted drug
      delivery systems have been developed by passive targeting strategies or active
      targeting strategies with specific targeting ligands in recent years. Herein,
      galactose-grafted, ultra-pH-sensitive, ortho ester-based drug carriers, which can
      respond to both extracellular and intracellular pH, and target to galactose
      receptors in cell membrane, have been successfully constructed by facile method,
      therefore achieving stepwise targeting to microenvironment of liver cancer and
      then enhancing drug accumulation and tumor inhibition. The strategy of designing
      dual-stimuli-responsive copolymers can be potentially useful, and extrapolated to
      synthesizing other categories of highly labile drug carriers in a range of
      biomedical applications.

PMID- 28087487
TI  - Bioprinting for vascular and vascularized tissue biofabrication.
AB  - : Bioprinting is a promising technology to fabricate design-specific tissue
      constructs due to its ability to create complex, heterocellular structures with
      anatomical precision. Bioprinting enables the deposition of various biologics
      including growth factors, cells, genes, neo-tissues and extra-cellular matrix
      like hydrogels. Benefits of bioprinting have started to make a mark in the fields
      of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and pharmaceutics. Specifically, in
      the field of tissue engineering, the creation of vascularized tissue constructs
      has remained a principal challenge till date. However, given the myriad
      advantages over other biofabrication methods, it becomes organic to expect that
      bioprinting can provide a viable solution for the vascularization problem, and
      facilitate the clinical translation of tissue engineered constructs. This article
      provides a comprehensive account of bioprinting of vascular and vascularized
      tissue constructs. The review is structured as introducing the scope of
      bioprinting in tissue engineering applications, key vascular anatomical features
      and then a thorough coverage of 3D bioprinting using extrusion-, droplet- and
      laser-based bioprinting for fabrication of vascular tissue constructs. The review
      then provides the reader with the use of bioprinting for obtaining thick
      vascularized tissues using sacrificial bioink materials. Current challenges are
      discussed, a comparative evaluation of different bioprinting modalities is
      presented and future prospects are provided to the reader. STATEMENT OF
      SIGNIFICANCE: Biofabrication of living tissues and organs at the clinically
      relevant volumes vitally depends on the integration of vascular network. Despite
      the great progress in traditional biofabrication approaches, building perfusable
      hierarchical vascular network is a major challenge. Bioprinting is an emerging
      technology to fabricate design-specific tissue constructs due to its ability to
      create complex, heterocellular structures with anatomical precision, which holds
      a great promise in fabrication of vascular or vascularized tissues for
      transplantation use. Although a great progress has recently been made on building
      perfusable tissues and branched vascular network, a comprehensive review on the
      state-of-the-art in vascular and vascularized tissue bioprinting has not reported
      so far. This contribution is thus significant because it discusses the use of
      three major bioprinting modalities in vascular tissue biofabrication for the
      first time in the literature and compares their strengths and limitations in
      details. Moreover, the use of scaffold-based and scaffold-free bioprinting is
      expounded within the domain of vascular tissue fabrication.

PMID- 28087488
TI  - Cathepsin K-targeted sub-micron particles for regenerative repair of vascular
      elastic matrix.
AB  - : Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) involve slow dilation and weakening of the
      aortic wall due to breakdown of structural matrix components, such as elastic
      fibers by chronically overexpressed matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), primarily,
      MMPs-2 and -9. Auto-regenerative repair of disrupted elastic fibers by smooth
      muscle cells (SMCs) at the AAA site is intrinsically poor and together with
      chronic proteolysis prevents restoration of elastin homeostasis, necessary to
      enable AAA growth arrest or regression to a healthy state. Oral doxycycline (DOX)
      therapy can inhibit MMPs to slow AAA growth, but has systemwide side-effects and
      inhibits new elastin deposition within AAA tissue, diminishing prospects for
      restoring elastin homeostasis preventing the arrest/regression of AAA growth. We
      have thus developed cationic amphiphile (DMAB)-modified submicron particles
      (SMPs) that uniquely exhibit pro-elastogenic and anti-proteolytic properties,
      separate from similar effects of the encapsulated drug. These SMPs can enable
      sustained, low dose DOX delivery within AAA tissue to augment elastin
      regenerative repair. To provide greater specificity of SMP targeting, we have
      conjugated the DOX-SMP surface with an antibody against cathepsin K, a lysosomal
      protease that is highly overexpressed within AAA tissue. We have determined
      conditions for efficient cathepsin K Ab conjugation onto the SMPs, improved SMP
      binding to aneurysmal SMCs in culture and to injured vessel walls ex vivo,
      conjugation did not affect DOX release from the SMPs, and improved pro
      elastogenic and anti-proteolytic effects due to the SMPs likely due to their
      increased proximity to cells via binding. Our study results suggest that
      cathepsin K Ab conjugation is a useful targeting modality for our pro
      regenerative SMPs. Future studies will investigate SMP retention and
      biodistribution following targeting to induced AAAs in rat models through
      intravenous or catheter-based aortal infusion and thereafter their efficacy for
      regenerative elastic matrix repair in the AAA wall. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:
      Proactive screening of high risk elderly patients now enables early detection of
      Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs). Current management of small, growing AAAs is
      limited to passive, imaging based growth monitoring. There are also no
      established drug-based therapeutic alternatives to surgery for AAAs, which is
      unsuitable for many elderly patients, and none which can achieve restore
      disrupted and lost elastic matrix in the AAA wall, which is essential to achieve
      growth arrest or regression. We seek to test the feasibility of a regenerative
      therapy based on localized, one time delivery of drug-releasing Sub-Micron-sized
      drug delivery polymer Particles (SMPs) that are also uniquely chemically
      functionalized on their surface to also provide them pro-elastin-regenerative &
      anti-matrix degradative properties, and also conjugated with antibodies targeting
      cathepsin K, an elastolytic enzyme that is highly overexpressed in AAA tissues;
      the latter serves as a modality to enable targeted binding of the SMPs to the AAA
      wall following intravenous infusion, or intraoartal, catheter-based delivery.
      Such SMPs can potentially stimulate structural repair in the AAA wall following
      one time infusion to delay or prevent AAA growth to rupture. The therapy can
      provide a non-surgical treatment option for high risk AAA patients.

PMID- 28087486
TI  - Enhanced articular cartilage by human mesenchymal stem cells in enzymatically
      mediated transiently RGDS-functionalized collagen-mimetic hydrogels.
AB  - : Recapitulation of the articular cartilage microenvironment for regenerative
      medicine applications faces significant challenges due to the complex and dynamic
      biochemical and biomechanical nature of native tissue. Towards the goal of
      biomaterial designs that enable the temporal presentation of bioactive sequences,
      recombinant bacterial collagens such as Streptococcal collagen-like 2 (Scl2)
      proteins can be employed to incorporate multiple specific bioactive and
      biodegradable peptide motifs into a single construct. Here, we first modified the
      backbone of Scl2 with glycosaminoglycan-binding peptides and cross-linked the
      modified Scl2 into hydrogels via matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7)-cleavable or
      non-cleavable scrambled peptides. The cross-linkers were further functionalized
      with a tethered RGDS peptide creating a system whereby the release from an MMP7
      cleavable hydrogel could be compared to a system where release is not possible.
      The release of the RGDS peptide from the degradable hydrogels led to
      significantly enhanced expression of collagen type II (3.9-fold increase),
      aggrecan (7.6-fold increase), and SOX9 (5.2-fold increase) by human mesenchymal
      stem cells (hMSCs) undergoing chondrogenesis, as well as greater extracellular
      matrix accumulation compared to non-degradable hydrogels (collagen type II; 3.2
      fold increase, aggrecan; 4-fold increase, SOX9; 2.8-fold increase). Hydrogels
      containing a low concentration of the RGDS peptide displayed significantly
      decreased collagen type I and X gene expression profiles, suggesting a major
      advantage over either hydrogels functionalized with a higher RGDS peptide
      concentration, or non-degradable hydrogels, in promoting an articular cartilage
      phenotype. These highly versatile Scl2 hydrogels can be further manipulated to
      improve specific elements of the chondrogenic response by hMSCs, through the
      introduction of additional bioactive and/or biodegradable motifs. As such, these
      hydrogels have the possibility to be used for other applications in tissue
      engineering. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Recapitulating aspects of the native
      tissue biochemical microenvironment faces significant challenges in regenerative
      medicine and tissue engineering due to the complex and dynamic nature of the
      tissue. The ability to take advantage of, mimic, and modulate cell-mediated
      processes within novel naturally-derived hydrogels is of great interest in the
      field of biomaterials to generate constructs that more closely resemble the
      biochemical microenvironment and functions of native biological tissues such as
      articular cartilage. Towards this goal, the temporal presentation of bioactive
      sequences such as RGDS on the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal
      stem cells is considered important as it has been shown to influence the
      chondrogenic phenotype. Here, a novel and versatile platform to recreate a high
      degree of biological complexity is proposed, which could also be applicable to
      other tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

PMID- 28087489
TI  - Neurite density index is sensitive to age related differences in the developing
      brain.
AB  - PURPOSE: White matter development during childhood and adolescence is
      characterised by increasing white matter coherence and organisation. Commonly
      used scalar metrics, such as fractional anisotropy (FA), are sensitive to
      multiple mechanisms of white matter change and therefore unable to distinguish
      between mechanisms that change during development. We investigate the
      relationship between age and neurite density index (NDI) from neurite orientation
      dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and the age-classification accuracy of
      NDI compared with FA, in a developmental cohort. METHOD: Diffusion-weighted
      imaging data from 72 children and adolescents between the ages of 4-19 was
      collected (M=10.42, SD=3.99, 36 male). We compared NODDI metrics against
      conventional DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy [FA], mean diffusivity [MD],
      axial diffusivity [AD] and radial diffusivity [RD]) in terms of their
      relationship to age. An ROC analysis was also performed to assess the ability of
      each metric to classify older and younger participants. RESULTS: NDI exhibited a
      stronger relationship with age (median R2=.60) compared with MD (median R2=.39),
      FA (median R2=.27), AD (median R2=.14), and RD (median R2=.35) in a high
      proportion of white matter tracts. When participants were divided into an older
      and younger group, NDI achieved the best classification (median area under the
      curve [AUC]=.89), followed by MD (median AUC=.81), FA (median AUC=.80), RD
      (median AUC=.81), and AD (median AUC=.64). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate
      the sensitivity of NDI to age-related differences in white matter microstructural
      organisation over development. Importantly, NDI is more sensitive to such
      developmental changes compared to commonly used DTI metrics. This knowledge
      provides justification for implementing NODDI metrics in developmental studies.

PMID- 28087491
TI  - Dynamics of bacterial class Bacilli in the deepest valley lake of Kashmir-the
      Manasbal Lake.
AB  - In recognition of the importance of bacteria as ecological indicators of the
      aquatic systems a comprehensive and systematic analysis was carried out on
      Manasbal Lake, the deepest spring fed valley lake of Kashmir. The main objective
      envisaged was to analyze bacterial community composition (BCC) and for this
      purpose systematic and regular sampling of waters from ten different sampling
      stations, predetermined in the Lake according to differences in degree of human
      interference and also as zones of special ecological interests were selected. The
      isolated species were identified according to Bergey's Manual specification by
      examining their micro and macro morphological characteristics and biochemical
      characteristics on different culture media. Further confirmation was done by
      sequencing the 16s rRNA gene by using universal bacterial primers 27F and 1429R.
      From all the sampling stations the class Bacilli showed a maximum relative
      abundance with a contribution of 16 bacterial species. The whole process resulted
      in the identification of Bacillus aerius, Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus
      anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus ginsengisoli, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus
      safensis, Bacillus stratosphericus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus tequilensis,
      Bacillus thermocopriae, Bacillus thuringiensis, Brevibacillus agri strain,
      Lysinibacillus boronitolerans, Lysinibacillus pakistanensis and Lysinibacillus
      sphaericus.

PMID- 28087492
TI  - Multi-antibiotic resistant and putative virulence gene signatures in Enterococcus
      species isolated from pig farms environment.
AB  - The continuous misuse of antimicrobials in food animals both orally and
      subcutaneously as therapeutic and prophylactic agents to bacterial infections
      could be detrimental and contribute to the dissemination of resistant clones in
      livestock production. The present study was carried out to determine the
      antibiogram and virulence gene characteristics of Enterococcus species from pig
      farms. A total of 300 faecal samples were obtained from two pig farms in Benin
      City between February and July 2016. Standard culture-based and polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) assay were adopted in the detection and characterization of the
      Enterococcus species. Antimicrobial susceptibility profile was determined using
      disc diffusion method. A total of 268 enterococci isolates were recovered from
      both farms investigated. In Farm A, 94/95 (99%) of E. faecalis isolates were
      resistant to clindamycin; while 23/25 (92%) of E. faecium isolates were resistant
      to clindamycin. In farm B, all E. faecalis isolates 119/119 (100%) were resistant
      to clindamycin; while 26/29 (90%) of E. faecium isolates were resistant to
      clindamycin. Virulence gene detected in the enterococci isolates includes
      aggregation (asa1) [Farm A (E. faecalis 66%, E. faecium 76%), Farm B (E. faecalis
      71%, E. faecium 13%)] and others. Multidrug resistant profile of the isolates
      revealed that 17/95 (18%) of E. faecalis and 3/25 (12%) of E. faecium isolates
      from Farm A as well as, 16/119 (14%) of E. faecalis and 5/29 (17%) of E. faecium
      isolates from Farm B were resistant to CLIR, PENR, ERYR, GENR, TETR, MEMR, KANR,
      and PTZR. The high level of resistance observed in the study and their virulence
      gene signatures, calls for effective environmental monitoring to circumvent the
      environmental dissemination of resistant pathogenic clones. Thus environmental
      hygiene should be provided to food animals to prevent the proliferation and
      spread of resistant bacteria.

PMID- 28087490
TI  - Longitudinal multiple sclerosis lesion segmentation: Resource and challenge.
AB  - In conjunction with the ISBI 2015 conference, we organized a longitudinal lesion
      segmentation challenge providing training and test data to registered
      participants. The training data consisted of five subjects with a mean of 4.4
      time-points, and test data of fourteen subjects with a mean of 4.4 time-points.
      All 82 data sets had the white matter lesions associated with multiple sclerosis
      delineated by two human expert raters. Eleven teams submitted results using state
      of-the-art lesion segmentation algorithms to the challenge, with ten teams
      presenting their results at the conference. We present a quantitative evaluation
      comparing the consistency of the two raters as well as exploring the performance
      of the eleven submitted results in addition to three other lesion segmentation
      algorithms. The challenge presented three unique opportunities: (1) the sharing
      of a rich data set; (2) collaboration and comparison of the various avenues of
      research being pursued in the community; and (3) a review and refinement of the
      evaluation metrics currently in use. We report on the performance of the
      challenge participants, as well as the construction and evaluation of a consensus
      delineation. The image data and manual delineations will continue to be available
      for download, through an evaluation website2 as a resource for future researchers
      in the area. This data resource provides a platform to compare existing methods
      in a fair and consistent manner to each other and multiple manual raters.

PMID- 28087493
TI  - Antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of biosurfactants isolated from
      Lactobacillus casei and their anti-biofilm effect in oral Staphylococcus aureus
      strains.
AB  - Biosurfactants also called bioemulsifiers are amphipathic compounds produced by
      many microorganisms that allow them to exhibit a wide range of biological
      activities. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant and
      antiproliferative potential of biosurfactants isolated from Lactobacillus casei
      and to assess their anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm abilities against oral
      opportunistic Staphylococcus aureus strains. The antioxidant activity of
      biosurfactant was evaluated using the in vitro scavenging ability on 1,1-diphenyl
      2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The antiproliferative activity was determined on
      epithelial cell line (HEp-2) by the Methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT) reduction
      assay. The anti-adhesive and antibiofilm activity against S. aureus strains were
      achieved using crystal violet staining. Our results revealed that the DPPH
      scavenging activity of biosurfactants at 5.0 mg/mL concentration is between 74.6
      and 77.3%. Furthermore, biosurfactants showed antiproliferative potency against
      studied epithelial cells as judged by IC50 and its value ranged from 109.1 +/-
      0.84 mg/mL to 129.7 +/- 0.52 mg/mL. The results of the growth inhibition indicate
      that biosurfactant BS-LBl was more effective against oral S. aureus strains 9P
      and 29P with an IC50 of 1.92 +/- 0.26 mg/mL and 2.16 +/- 0.12 mg/mL respectively.
      Moreover, both biosurfactants displayed important antibiofilm activity with
      eradication percentages ranging from 80.22 +/- 1.33% to 86.21 +/- 2.94% for the
      BS-LBl, and from 53.38 +/- 1.77% to 64.42 +/- 2.09% for the BS-LZ9. Our findings
      demonstrate that biosurfactants from L. casei strains exhibited considerable
      antioxidant and antiproliferative potencies and were able to inhibit oral S.
      aureus strains with important antibiofilm efficacy. They could have a promising
      role in the prevention of oral diseases.

PMID- 28087494
TI  - Porcine kobuvirus 1 in healthy and diarrheic pigs: Genetic detection and
      characterization of virus and co-infection with rotavirus A.
AB  - The porcine kobuvirus 1 (PKV-1) is believed to be an enteric virus. To
      investigate the prevalence of PKV-1 in pigs, virus was detected by RT-PCR in
      rectal swabs originating from 414 healthy and diarrheic pigs of different age
      categories on farms in Slovakia. Among all ages of animals, PKV-1 was detected
      equally in diarrheic (63.8%) and clinically healthy (62.9%) pigs. PKV-1 was more
      often detected in diarrheic (74.6%) than in healthy (64.4%) suckling piglets
      (<28days) but data was not statistically significant. Results in weaned (28
      70days) and fattening (>70days) of both healthy and diarrheic pigs were
      inconsistent ranging in interval 56.2% to 67.9%. This study did not confirm a
      clear relationship of PKV-1 infection with diarrhea in pigs. Rotavirus A
      infection was detected among the same animals in 39% diarrheic and 9.2% healthy
      suckling piglets (p<0.001) confirming rotavirus as a causative agent of diarrhea
      in this age group. The difference was not significant in older pigs with both
      diarrheic and healthy pigs being infected within a range of 0% to 12.2%. Co
      infection with PKV-1 and rotavirus A was detected overall in 5.6% of healthy and
      in 13.5% of diarrheic pigs and was highest in suckling piglets (33.9%). The PKV
      1sequences from pigs in Slovakia were analyzed at the genetic level in the
      partial 3D gene region for the first time. The viral sequences were grouped in
      phylogenetic clusters according to their farm of origin. When compared with 157
      nucleotide sequences originating from pig samples of different countries around
      the world Slovakian PKV-1 sequences were clustered in the phylogenetic tree with
      Asian sequences but not with nucleotide sequences from the neighbouring countries
      of Czech Republic or Hungary.

PMID- 28087495
TI  - Comparative analysis of variation and selection in the HCV genome.
AB  - Genotype 1 of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most prevalent of the variants
      of this virus. Its two main subtypes, HCV-1a and HCV-1b, are associated to
      differences in epidemic features and risk groups, despite sharing similar
      features in most biological properties. We have analyzed the impact of positive
      selection on the evolution of these variants using complete genome coding
      regions, and compared the levels of genetic variability and the distribution of
      positively selected sites. We have also compared the distributions of positively
      selected and conserved sites considering different factors such as RNA secondary
      structure, the presence of different epitopes (antibody, CD4 and CD8), and
      secondary protein structure. <10% of the genome was found to be under positive
      selection, and purifying selection was the main evolutionary process acting in
      both subtypes. We found differences in the number of positively selected sites
      between subtypes in several genes (Core, HVR2 in E2, P7, helicase in NS3 and
      NS4a). Heterozygosity values in positively selected sites and the rate of non
      synonymous substitutions were significantly higher in subtype HCV-1b. Logistic
      regression analyses revealed that similar selective forces act at the genome
      level in both subtypes: RNA secondary structure and CD4 T-cell epitopes are
      associated with conserved sites, while CD8 T-cell epitopes are associated with
      positive selection in both subtypes. These results indicate that similar
      selective constraints are acting along HCV-1a and HCV-1 b genomes, despite some
      differences in the distribution of positively selected sites at independent
      genes.

PMID- 28087498
TI  - David Oliver: Older doctors revisited.

PMID- 28087496
TI  - Digital Pills to Measure Opioid Ingestion Patterns in Emergency Department
      Patients With Acute Fracture Pain: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to prescribed regimens for opioid analgesic agents
      contributes to increasing opioid abuse and overdose death. Opioids are frequently
      prescribed on an as-needed basis, placing the responsibility to determine opioid
      dose and frequency with the patient. There is wide variability in physician
      prescribing patterns because of the lack of data describing how patients actually
      use as-needed opioid analgesics. Digital pill systems have a radiofrequency
      emitter that directly measures medication ingestion events, and they provide an
      opportunity to discover the dose, timing, and duration of opioid therapy.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a novel
      digital pill system to measure as-needed opioid ingestion patterns in patients
      discharged from the emergency department (ED) after an acute bony fracture.
      METHODS: We used a digital pill with individuals who presented to a teaching
      hospital ED with an acute extremity fracture. The digital pill consisted of a
      digital radiofrequency emitter within a standard gelatin capsule that
      encapsulated an oxycodone tablet. When ingested, the gastric chloride ion
      gradient activated the digital pill, transmitting a radiofrequency signal that
      was received by a hip-worn receiver, which then transmitted the ingestion data to
      a cloud-based server. After a brief, hands-on training session in the ED, study
      participants were discharged home and used the digital pill system to ingest
      oxycodone prescribed as needed for pain for one week. We conducted pill counts to
      verify digital pill data and open-ended interviews with participants at their
      follow-up appointment with orthopedics or at one week after enrollment in the
      study to determine the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding
      digital pills. We analyzed open-ended interviews using applied thematic analysis.
      RESULTS: We recruited 10 study participants and recorded 96 ingestion events
      (87.3%, 96/110 accuracy). Study participants reported being able to operate all
      aspects of the digital pill system after their training. Two participants stopped
      using the digital pill, reporting they were in too much pain to focus on the
      novel technology. The digital pill system detected multiple simultaneous
      ingestion events by the digital pill system. Participants ingested a mean 8 (SD
      5) digital pills during the study period and four participants continued on
      opioids at the end of the study period. After interacting with the digital pill
      system in the real world, participants found the system highly acceptable (80%,
      8/10) and reported a willingness to continue to use a digital pill to improve
      medication adherence monitoring (90%, 9/10). CONCLUSIONS: The digital pill is a
      feasible method to measure real-time opioid ingestion patterns in individuals
      with acute pain and to develop real-time interventions if opioid abuse is
      detected. Deploying digital pills is possible through the ED with a short
      instructional course. Patients who used the digital pill accepted the technology.

PMID- 28087497
TI  - Developing Nutrition Label Reading Skills: A Web-Based Practice Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nutrition labels offer the information needed to follow Dietary
      Guidelines for Americans, yet many individuals use labels infrequently or
      ineffectively due to limited comprehension and the effort required to use them.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to develop and test a Web-based label
      reading training tool to improve individuals' ability to use labels to select
      more healthful foods. We were particularly interested in determining whether
      practice can lead to increased accuracy using labels as well as decreased effort,
      together reflecting greater efficiency. We compared a basic and an enhanced,
      prior-knowledge version of the tool that contained an additional component, a
      brief nutrition tutorial. METHODS: Participants were 140 college students with an
      average age of 20.7 (SD 2.1) years and education 14.6 (SD 1.2) years, who
      completed 3 sets of practice that were designed to teach them, through repetition
      and feedback, how to use nutrition labels to select more healthful products.
      Prior to training, participants in the prior-knowledge group viewed a multimedia
      nutrition presentation, which those in the basic group did not receive. Mixed
      effects models tested for improvement in accuracy and speed with practice, and
      whether improvements varied by group. RESULTS: The training led to significant
      increases in average accuracy across the 3 practice sets (averaging 79% [19/24
      questions], 92% [22/24], 96% [23/24] respectively, P<.001), as well as decreases
      in time to complete with mean (SD) values of 8.7 (2.8), 4.6 (1.8), and 4.1 (1.7)
      seconds, respectively. In block 3, the odds of a correct answer for the prior
      knowledge group were 79% higher (odds ratio, OR=1.79, 95% CI 1.1-2.9) than those
      for the basic group (P=.02). There was no significant difference between the
      groups in block 2 (P=.89). CONCLUSIONS: Practice led to improvements in nutrition
      label reading skills that are indicative of early stages of automatic processing.
      To the extent that automatic processes are at the core of healthy habit change,
      this may be an efficient way to improve dietary decision-making.

PMID- 28087499
TI  - Emergency admissions for diabetes increase more quickly in deprived areas of
      England.

PMID- 28087500
TI  - Christopher James Stevenson.

PMID- 28087501
TI  - Employers should not add management objectives to revalidation process, GMC says.

PMID- 28087502
TI  - John Frederick Perren.

PMID- 28087503
TI  - Lindsey Dow.

PMID- 28087504
TI  - Does inflammation predict radiographic progression in hand osteoarthritis?

PMID- 28087505
TI  - 2016 update of the ASAS-EULAR management recommendations for axial
      spondyloarthritis.
AB  - To update and integrate the recommendations for ankylosing spondylitis and the
      recommendations for the use of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in axial
      spondyloarthritis (axSpA) into one set applicable to the full spectrum of
      patients with axSpA. Following the latest version of the European League Against
      Rheumatism (EULAR) Standardised Operating Procedures, two systematic literature
      reviews first collected the evidence regarding all treatment options
      (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) that were published since 2009. After a
      discussion of the results in the steering group and presentation to the task
      force, overarching principles and recommendations were formulated, and consensus
      was obtained by informal voting. A total of 5 overarching principles and 13
      recommendations were agreed on. The first three recommendations deal with
      personalised medicine including treatment target and monitoring. Recommendation 4
      covers non-pharmacological management. Recommendation 5 describes the central
      role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as first-choice drug
      treatment. Recommendations 6-8 define the rather modest role of analgesics, and
      disprove glucocorticoids and conventional synthetic disease-modifying
      antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for axSpA patents with predominant axial
      involvement. Recommendation 9 refers to biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) including
      TNFi and IL-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) for patients with high disease activity
      despite the use (or intolerance/contraindication) of at least two NSAIDs. In
      addition, they should either have an elevated C reactive protein and/or definite
      inflammation on MRI and/or radiographic evidence of sacroiliitis. Current
      practice is to start with a TNFi. Switching to another TNFi or an IL-17i is
      recommended in case TNFi fails (recommendation 10). Tapering, but not stopping a
      bDMARD, can be considered in patients in sustained remission (recommendation 11).
      The final two recommendations (12, 13) deal with surgery and spinal fractures.
      The 2016 Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society-EULAR
      recommendations provide up-to-date guidance on the management of patients with
      axSpA.

PMID- 28087507
TI  - Response to 'Does inflammation predict radiographic progression in hand
      osteoarthritis?' by Li et al.

PMID- 28087506
TI  - A randomised phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of subcutaneously
      administered ustekinumab and guselkumab in patients with active rheumatoid
      arthritis despite treatment with methotrexate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 have been implicated in the pathogenesis
      of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The safety and efficacy of ustekinumab, a human
      monoclonal anti-IL-12/23 p40 antibody, and guselkumab, a human monoclonal anti-IL
      23 antibody, were evaluated in adults with active RA despite methotrexate (MTX)
      therapy. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1) to receive placebo
      at weeks 0, 4 and every 8 weeks (n=55), ustekinumab 90 mg at weeks 0, 4 and every
      8 weeks (n=55), ustekinumab 90 mg at weeks 0, 4 and every 12 weeks (n=55),
      guselkumab 50 mg at weeks 0, 4 and every 8 weeks (n=55), or guselkumab 200 mg at
      weeks 0, 4 and every 8 weeks (n=54) through week 28; all patients continued a
      stable dose of MTX (10-25 mg/week). The primary end point was the proportion of
      patients with at least a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology
      criteria (ACR 20) at week 28. Safety was monitored through week 48. RESULTS: At
      week 28, there were no statistically significant differences in the proportions
      of patients achieving an ACR 20 response between the combined ustekinumab group
      (53.6%) or the combined guselkumab group (41.3%) compared with placebo (40.0%)
      (p=0.101 and p=0.877, respectively). Through week 48, the proportions of patients
      with at least one adverse event (AE) were comparable among the treatment groups.
      Infections were the most common type of AE. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with
      ustekinumab or guselkumab did not significantly reduce the signs and symptoms of
      RA. No new safety findings were observed with either treatment. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01645280.

PMID- 28087508
TI  - International Variation in Outcomes Among People with Cardiovascular Disease or
      Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Insights from the
      NAVIGATOR Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regional differences in risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular
      outcomes in people with impaired glucose tolerance are poorly characterized. Our
      objective was to evaluate regional variation in risk of new-onset diabetes
      mellitus, cardiovascular outcomes, and treatment effects in participants from the
      NAVIGATOR (Nateglinide and Valsartan in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Outcomes
      Research) trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: NAVIGATOR randomized people with impaired
      glucose tolerance and cardiovascular risk factors or with established
      cardiovascular disease to valsartan (or placebo) and to nateglinide (or placebo)
      with a median 5-year follow-up. Data from the 9306 participants were categorized
      by 5 regions: Asia (n=552); Europe (n=4909); Latin America (n=1406); North
      America (n=2146); and Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa (n=293). Analyzed
      outcomes included new-onset diabetes mellitus; cardiovascular death; a composite
      cardiovascular outcome of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction,
      or nonfatal stroke; and treatment effects of valsartan and nateglinide.
      Respective unadjusted 5-year risks for new-onset diabetes mellitus,
      cardiovascular death, and the composite cardiovascular outcome were 33%, 0.4%,
      and 4% for Asia; 34%, 2%, and 6% for Europe; 37%, 4%, and 8% for Latin America;
      38%, 2%, and 6% for North America; and 32%, 4%, and 8% for Australia, New
      Zealand, and South Africa. After adjustment, compared with North America,
      European participants had a lower risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (hazard
      ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.94; P=0.001), whereas Latin American participants had a
      higher risk of cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 2.68, 95% CI 1.82-3.96;
      P<0.0001) and the composite cardiovascular outcome (hazard ratio 1.48, 95% CI
      1.15-1.92; P=0.003). No differential interactions between treatment and
      geographic location were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Major regional differences
      regarding the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular outcomes in
      NAVIGATOR participants were identified. These differences should be taken into
      account when planning global trials. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00097786.

PMID- 28087509
TI  - Use of Both Serum Cystatin C and Creatinine as Diagnostic Criteria for Contrast
      Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Its Clinical Implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) was traditionally
      defined as an increase in serum creatinine (sCr) after contrast media exposure.
      Recently, serum cystatin C (sCyC) has been proposed as an alternative to detect
      acute changes in renal function. The clinical implications of combining sCyC and
      sCr to diagnose CI-AKI remain unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: One thousand seventy
      one consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography/intervention were
      prospectively enrolled. SCyC and sCr were assessed at baseline and 24 to 48 hours
      after contrast media exposure. CI-AKI determined by sCr (CI-AKIsCr) was defined
      as an sCr increase greater than 0.3 mg/dL or 50% from baseline. Major adverse
      events at 12 months were assessed. CI-AKIsCr developed in 25 patients (2.3%).
      Twelve-month follow-up was available for 1063 patients; major adverse events
      occurred in 61 patients (5.7%). By receiver operating characteristic curve
      analysis, an sCyC increase of greater than 15% was the optimal cutoff for CI
      AKIsCr detection, which occurred in 187 patients (17.4%). To evaluate the use of
      both sCyC and sCr as CI-AKI diagnostic criteria, we stratified patients into 3
      groups: no CI-AKI, CI-AKI detected by a single marker, and CI-AKI detected by
      both markers. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the predictability
      of major adverse events increased in a stepwise fashion in the 3 groups (no-CI
      AKI group as the reference, CI-AKI detected by a single marker: odds ratio=2.25,
      95% CI: 1.24-4.10, P<0.01; CI-AKI detected by both markers: odds ratio=10.00, 95%
      CI: 3.13-31.91, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combining sCyC and sCr to diagnose CI-AKI
      would be beneficial for risk stratification and prognosis in patients after
      contrast media exposure.

PMID- 28087510
TI  - Effectiveness of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in men and women and different
      age groups: pooled analysis of randomised trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  To compare the effectiveness of flexible sigmoidoscopy in screening
      for colorectal cancer by patient sex and age. DESIGN:  Pooled analysis of
      randomised trials (the US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian cancer screening
      trial (PLCO), the Italian Screening for Colon and Rectum trial (SCORE), and the
      Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Prevention trial (NORCCAP)). DATA SOURCES: 
      Aggregated data were pooled from each randomised trial on incidence of colorectal
      cancer and mortality stratified by sex, age at screening, and colon subsite
      (distal v proximal). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES:  Invited
      individuals aged 55-74 (PLCO), 55-64 (SCORE), and 50-64 (NORCCAP). Individuals
      were randomised to receive flexible sigmoidoscopy screening once only (SCORE and
      NORCCAP) or twice (PLCO), or receive usual care (no intervention). RESULTS:  287
      928 individuals were included in the pooled analysis; 115 139 randomised to
      screening and 172 789 to usual care. Compliance rates were 58%, 63%, and 87% in
      SCORE, NORCCAP, and PLCO, respectively. Median follow-up was 10.5 to 12.1 years.
      Screening reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer in men (relative risk 0.76;
      95% confidence interval 0.70 to 0.83) and women (0.83; 0.75 to 0.92). No
      difference in the effect of screening was seen between men younger than 60 and
      those older than 60. Screening reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer in
      women younger than 60 (relative risk 0.71; 95% confidence interval 0.59 to 0.84),
      but not significantly in those aged 60 or older (0.90; 0.80 to 1.02). Colorectal
      cancer mortality was significantly reduced in both younger and older men, and in
      women younger than 60. Screening reduced colorectal cancer incidence to a similar
      extent in the distal colon in men and women, but there was no effect of screening
      in the proximal colon in older women with a significant interaction between sex
      and age group (P=0.04). CONCLUSION:  Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an effective tool
      for colorectal cancer screening in men and younger women. The benefit is smaller
      and not statistically significant for women aged over 60; alternative screening
      methods that more effectively detect proximal tumours should be considered for
      these women.

PMID- 28087511
TI  - Invited Commentary: Ambient Environment and the Risk of Preterm Birth.
AB  - Preterm birth is a common adverse birth outcome known to be associated with
      increased infant mortality, and it often results in a higher burden of offspring
      morbidity in both the short and long terms. The potential for environmental
      factors, particularly air pollution and meteorological parameters, to increase
      preterm birth risk has received significant attention worldwide, but the findings
      are generally inconsistent, with variations in study designs and methods across
      populations and geographic locations. In the current issue of the Journal,
      Giorgis-Allemand et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2017;185(4):247-258) take the field a
      step further than most prior investigations of the ambient environment. They
      examined the associations of ambient air pollution and meteorological factors
      with preterm risk among 13 cohorts across 11 European countries. No association
      with air pollution was observed, but associations with increased preterm birth
      risk were found for both increased atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature
      exposures during the first trimester. The study is notable in attempting to
      address several important issues that challenge the field, including exposure
      misclassification and defining critical windows of exposure. Their comprehensive
      evaluation of ambient exposures is to be commended.

PMID- 28087513
TI  - How Accurate Is a Single Cutpoint to Identify High Blood Pressure in Adolescents?
AB  - In 2007 the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) proposed single blood
      pressure (BP) cutpoints (systolic: >=130 mm Hg and diastolic: >=85 mm Hg) for the
      diagnosis of high blood pressure (HBP) in adolescents. Before this proposal, HBP
      had been defined as BP at or above the 95th percentile for age, sex, and height
      percentile (reference standard). In this study, we evaluated the risk for
      misclassification when using the IDF single-cutpoints criteria. We first applied
      the IDF criteria to a reconstructed population with the same age, sex, and height
      distribution as the population used to develop the reference standard. The
      proposed single cutpoints corresponded to percentiles from the 81.6th to 99.9th
      for systolic BP and from the 92.9th to 98.9th for diastolic BP in the
      reconstructed population. Using IDF criteria, there were high false-negative
      fractions for both systolic and diastolic BP (from 54% to 93%) in 10- to 12-year
      olds and a false-positive fraction up to 35% in older subjects. We then applied
      the IDF criteria to 1,162 overweight/obese adolescents recruited during 1998-2000
      from pediatric clinical centers in Milano, Varese, and Modena in Italy and in
      Zaragoza, Spain. Overall false-negative and false-positive fractions were 22% and
      2%, respectively; negative predictive values were especially low for 10- to 12
      year-old subjects. The use of IDF's single cutpoints carries a high risk of
      misclassification, mostly due to false negatives in younger subjects. The effort
      to simplify diagnosis could be overcome by the risk of undiagnosed HBP.

PMID- 28087515
TI  - H-BLAST: a fast protein sequence alignment toolkit on heterogeneous computers
      with GPUs.
AB  - Motivation: The sequence alignment is a fundamental problem in bioinformatics.
      BLAST is a routinely used tool for this purpose with over 118 000 citations in
      the past two decades. As the size of bio-sequence databases grows exponentially,
      the computational speed of alignment softwares must be improved. Results: We
      develop the heterogeneous BLAST (H-BLAST), a fast parallel search tool for a
      heterogeneous computer that couples CPUs and GPUs, to accelerate BLASTX and
      BLASTP-basic tools of NCBI-BLAST. H-BLAST employs a locally decoupled seed
      extension algorithm for better performance on GPUs, and offers a performance
      tuning mechanism for better efficiency among various CPUs and GPUs combinations.
      H-BLAST produces identical alignment results as NCBI-BLAST and its computational
      speed is much faster than that of NCBI-BLAST. Speedups achieved by H-BLAST over
      sequential NCBI-BLASTP (resp. NCBI-BLASTX) range mostly from 4 to 10 (resp. 5 to
      7.2). With 2 CPU threads and 2 GPUs, H-BLAST can be faster than 16-threaded NCBI
      BLASTX. Furthermore, H-BLAST is 1.5-4 times faster than GPU-BLAST. Availability
      and Implementation: https://github.com/Yeyke/H-BLAST.git. Contact: yux06@syr.edu.
      Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics
      online.

PMID- 28087516
TI  - Michael Massam.

PMID- 28087514
TI  - The Influence of Meteorological Factors and Atmospheric Pollutants on the Risk of
      Preterm Birth.
AB  - Atmospheric pollutants and meteorological conditions are suspected to be causes
      of preterm birth. We aimed to characterize their possible association with the
      risk of preterm birth (defined as birth occurring before 37 completed gestational
      weeks). We pooled individual data from 13 birth cohorts in 11 European countries
      (71,493 births from the period 1994-2011, European Study of Cohorts for Air
      Pollution Effects (ESCAPE)). City-specific meteorological data from routine
      monitors were averaged over time windows spanning from 1 week to the whole
      pregnancy. Atmospheric pollution measurements (nitrogen oxides and particulate
      matter) were combined with data from permanent monitors and land-use data into
      seasonally adjusted land-use regression models. Preterm birth risks associated
      with air pollution and meteorological factors were estimated using adjusted
      discrete-time Cox models. The frequency of preterm birth was 5.0%. Preterm birth
      risk tended to increase with first-trimester average atmospheric pressure (odds
      ratio per 5-mbar increase = 1.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.11), which
      could not be distinguished from altitude. There was also some evidence of an
      increase in preterm birth risk with first-trimester average temperature in the -5
      degrees C to 15 degrees C range, with a plateau afterwards (spline coding, P =
      0.08). No evidence of adverse association with atmospheric pollutants was
      observed. Our study lends support for an increase in preterm birth risk with
      atmospheric pressure.

PMID- 28087517
TI  - A story in a tea cup.

PMID- 28087518
TI  - Cardiovascular function in male and female JCR:LA-cp rats: effect of high
      fat/high-sucrose diet.
AB  - Thirty percent of the world population is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. High
      fat/high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet (Western diet) correlates with metabolic syndrome
      prevalence. We characterized effects of the HF/HS diet on vascular (arterial
      stiffness, vasoreactivity, and coronary collateral development) and cardiac
      (echocardiography) function, oxidative stress, and inflammation in a rat model of
      metabolic syndrome (JCR rats). Furthermore, we determined whether male versus
      female animals were affected differentially by the Western diet. Cardiovascular
      function in JCR male rats was impaired versus normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.
      HF/HS diet compromised cardiovascular (dys)function in JCR but not SD male rats.
      In contrast, cardiovascular function was minimally impaired in JCR female rats on
      normal chow. However, cardiovascular function in JCR female rats on the HF/HS
      diet deteriorated to levels comparable to JCR male rats on the HF/HS diet.
      Similarly, oxidative stress was markedly increased in male but not female JCR
      rats on normal chow but was equally exacerbated by the HF/HS diet in male and
      female JCR rats. These results indicate that the Western diet enhances oxidative
      stress and cardiovascular dysfunction in metabolic syndrome and eliminates the
      protective effect of female sex on cardiovascular function, implying that both
      males and females with metabolic syndrome are at equal risk for cardiovascular
      disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Western diet abolished protective effect of sex against
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) development in premenopausal animals with metabolic
      syndrome. Western diet accelerates progression of CVD in male and female animals
      with preexisting metabolic syndrome but not normal animals. Exacerbation of
      baseline oxidative stress correlates with accelerated progression of CVD in
      metabolic syndrome animals on Western diet.

PMID- 28087521
TI  - Trolley waits in England rise sixfold in six years, show latest figures.

PMID- 28087519
TI  - Sympathetic modulation of electrical activation in normal and infarcted
      myocardium: implications for arrhythmogenesis.
AB  - The influence of cardiac sympathetic innervation on electrical activation in
      normal and chronically infarcted ventricular myocardium is not understood.
      Yorkshire pigs with normal hearts (NL, n = 12) or anterior myocardial infarction
      (MI, n = 9) underwent high-resolution mapping of the anteroapical left ventricle
      at baseline and during left and right stellate ganglion stimulation (LSGS and
      RSGS, respectively). Conduction velocity (CV), activation times (ATs), and
      directionality of propagation were measured. Myocardial fiber orientation was
      determined using diffusion tensor imaging and histology. Longitudinal CV (CVL)
      was increased by RSGS (0.98 +/- 0.11 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.14m/s, P < 0.001) but not
      transverse CV (CVT). This increase was abrogated by beta-adrenergic receptor and
      gap junction (GJ) blockade. Neither CVL nor CVT was increased by LSGS. In the
      peri-infarct region, both RSGS and LSGS shortened ARIs in sinus rhythm (423 +/-
      37 vs. 322 +/- 30 ms, P < 0.001, and 423 +/- 36 vs. 398 +/- 36 ms, P = 0.035,
      respectively) and altered activation patterns in all animals. CV, as estimated by
      mean ATs, increased in a directionally dependent manner by RSGS (14.6 +/- 1.2 vs.
      17.3 +/- 1.6 ms, P = 0.015), associated with GJ lateralization. RSGS and LSGS
      inhomogeneously modulated AT and induced relative or absolute functional
      activation delay in parts of the mapped regions in 75 and 67%, respectively, in
      MI animals, and in 0 and 15%, respectively, in control animals (P < 0.001 for
      both). In conclusion, sympathoexcitation increases CV in normal myocardium and
      modulates activation propagation in peri-infarcted ventricular myocardium. These
      data demonstrate functional control of arrhythmogenic peri-infarct substrates by
      sympathetic nerves and in part explain the temporal nature of
      arrhythmogenesis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates regional control of
      conduction velocity in normal hearts by sympathetic nerves. In infarcted hearts,
      however, not only is modulation of propagation heterogeneous, some regions showed
      paradoxical conduction slowing. Sympathoexcitation altered propagation in all
      infarcted hearts studied, and we describe the temporal arrhythmogenic potential
      of these findings.Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at
      http://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/sympathetic-nerves-and-cardiac-propagation/.

PMID- 28087522
TI  - Nicholas Wright.

PMID- 28087523
TI  - Use of acupuncture in the USA: changes over a decade (2002-2012).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of acupuncture has gained popularity in the USA. The number
      of acupuncture users and licensed acupuncturists increased by 50% and 100%,
      respectively, between 2002 and 2012, coinciding with increasing acknowledgement
      of the importance and efficacy of acupuncture over this time period. METHODS:
      This paper presents new findings from the complementary health approaches section
      of the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (n=33 373 respondents). In
      particular, data on the use of acupuncture and user characteristics were compared
      against data collected from an earlier survey in 2002. Statistical analyses
      included weighted distribution, logistical regression and Pearson's chi2 tests.
      RESULTS: The profile of the most common acupuncture users comprised the following
      sociodemographics age 41-65 years (47.4%); female gender (69.6%); and non
      Hispanic (85.3%) and/or white (78.1%) ethnicity. Respondents also tended to be US
      citizens (92.1%) with some college education (57.1%) and in very good to
      excellent health (60.8%). The proportion of respondents using acupuncture for
      treatment of a specific health problem, as opposed to promotion of general
      wellness, was 84.7% in 2002 and 55.3% in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a
      growing development of acupuncture in the USA. We anticipate that the findings of
      our analysis of the changes in acupuncture use over the 10-year period from 2002
      to 2012 will provide information for users, acupuncturists, researchers and the
      general public to help better understand the status of acupuncture and reasons
      for its usage, and to anticipate future trends for acupuncture use in the USA.

PMID- 28087524
TI  - US Senate takes first step to repeal Affordable Care Act.

PMID- 28087520
TI  - Atheroprotective vaccination with MHC-II-restricted ApoB peptides induces
      peritoneal IL-10-producing CD4 T cells.
AB  - Although immunization with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II
      restricted apolipoprotein B (ApoB) peptides has been shown to be
      atheroprotective, the mechanism is unclear. Here, we investigated CD4+ T cell
      populations in immunized atherosclerotic mice. Peptides (16-mers) from mouse
      ApoB, the core protein of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were screened for
      binding to I-Ab by computer prediction and confirmed by radiolabeled peptide
      competition. Three new peptides, P101 (FGKQGFFPDSVNKALY, 5.5 nM IC50), P102
      (TLYALSHAVNSYFDVD, 6.8 nM), and P103 (LYYKEDKTSLSASAAS, 95 nM), were tested in an
      atherosclerosis model (Apoe-/- mice on Western diet). Immunization with each of
      the three peptides (1 time in complete Freund's adjuvant subcuntaneously and 4
      time in incomplete Freund's adjuvant intraperitoneally) but not with adjuvant
      alone showed significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic root by
      serial sections and in the whole aorta by en face staining. There were no
      differences in body weight, LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides. Peritoneal
      leukocytes from ApoB peptide-immunized mice, but not control mice, secreted
      significant amounts of IL-10 (150 pg/ml). Flow cytometry showed that peptide
      immunization induced IL-10 in 10% of peritoneal CD4+ T cells, some of which also
      expressed chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5). Vaccination with ApoB peptides
      expanded peritoneal FoxP3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells and more than tripled the
      number of CCR5+FoxP3+ cells. Similar trends were also seen in the draining
      mediastinal lymph nodes but not in the nondraining inguinal lymph nodes. We
      conclude that vaccination with MHC class II-restricted autologous ApoB peptides
      induces regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-10, suggesting a plausible mechanism
      for atheroprotection.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Vaccination against apolipoprotein B
      (ApoB), the protein of LDL, attracts attention as a novel approach to prevent
      atherosclerosis. We discovered major histocompatibility complex class II
      restricted ApoB peptides, which reduce atherosclerosis and induce IL-10-producing
      CD4+ T cells and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 expression on regulatory T
      cells, suggesting that immunization with ApoB peptides inhibits atherosclerosis
      by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines.

PMID- 28087525
TI  - Capturing Compositional Variation in Denitrifying Communities: a Multiple-Primer
      Approach That Includes Epsilonproteobacteria.
AB  - Denitrifying Epsilonproteobacteria may dominate nitrogen loss processes in marine
      habitats with intense redox gradients, but assessment of their importance is
      limited by the currently available primers for nitrite reductase genes. Nine new
      primers targeting the nirS gene of denitrifying Epsilonproteobacteria were
      designed and tested for use in sequencing and quantitative PCR on two microbial
      mat samples (vent 2 and vent 4) from the Calypso hydrothermal vent field, Bay of
      Plenty, New Zealand. Commonly used nirS and nirK primer sets nirS1F/nirS6R,
      cd3aF/R3cd, nirK1F/nirK5R, and F1aCu/R3Cu were also tested to determine what may
      be missed by the common single-primer approach to assessing denitrifier
      diversity. The relative importance of Epsilonproteobacteria in these samples was
      evaluated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Epsilonproteobacteria represented up to
      75.6% of 16S rRNA libraries, but nirS genes from this group were not found with
      commonly used primers. Pairing of the new primer EPSnirS511F with either
      EPSnirS1100R or EPSnirS1105R recovered nirS sequences from members of the genera
      Sulfurimonas, Sulfurovum, and Nitratifractor. The new quantitative PCR primers
      EPSnirS103F/EPSnirS530R showed dominance of denitrifying Epsilonproteobacteria in
      vent 4 compared to vent 2, which had greater representation by "standard"
      denitrifiers measured with the cd3aF/R3cd primers. Limited results from commonly
      used nirK primers suggest biased amplification between primers. Future
      application of multiple nirS and nirK primers, including the new
      epsilonproteobacterial nirS primers, will improve the detection of denitrifier
      diversity and the capability to identify changes in dominant denitrifying
      communities.IMPORTANCE Estimating the potential for increasing nitrogen
      limitation in the changing global ocean is reliant on understanding the microbial
      community that removes nitrogen through the process of denitrification. This
      process is favored under oxygen limitation, which is a growing global-ocean
      phenomenon. Current methods use the nitrite reductase genes nirS and nirK to
      assess denitrifier diversity and abundance using primers that target only a few
      known denitrifiers and systematically exclude denitrifying Epsilonproteobacteria,
      a group known to dominate in reducing environments, such as hydrothermal vents
      and anoxic basins. As oxygen depletion expands in the oceans, it is important to
      study denitrifier community dynamics within those areas to predict future global
      ocean changes. This study explores the design and testing of new primers that
      target epsilonproteobacterial nirS and reveals the varied success of existing
      primers, leading to the recommendation of a multiple-primer approach to assessing
      denitrifier diversity.

PMID- 28087526
TI  - Rapid Enrichment of Dehalococcoides-Like Bacteria by Partial Hydrophobic
      Separation.
AB  - Organohalide-respiring bacteria can be difficult to enrich and isolate, which can
      limit research on these important organisms. The goal of this research was to
      develop a method to rapidly (minutes to days) enrich these organisms from a mixed
      community. The method presented is based on the hypothesis that organohalide
      respiring bacteria would be more hydrophobic than other bacteria as they
      dehalogenate hydrophobic compounds. The method developed tests this hypothesis by
      separating a portion of putative organohalide-respiring bacteria, those
      phylogenetically related to Dehalococcoides mccartyi, at the interface between a
      hydrophobic organic solvent and an aqueous medium. This novel partial separation
      technique was tested with a polychlorinated biphenyl-enriched sediment-free
      culture, a tetrachloroethene-enriched digester sludge culture, and uncontaminated
      lake sediment. Significantly higher fractions, up to 20.4 times higher, of
      putative organohalide-respiring bacteria were enriched at the interface between
      the medium and either hexadecane or trichloroethene. The selective partial
      separation of these putative organohalide-respiring bacteria occurred after 20
      min, strongly suggesting that the separation was a result of physical-chemical
      interactions between the cell surface and hydrophobic solvent. Dechlorination
      activity postseparation was verified by the production of cis-dichloroethene when
      amended with tetrachloroethene. A longer incubation time of 6 days prior to
      separation with trichloroethene increased the total number of putative
      organohalide-respiring bacteria. This method provides a way to quickly separate
      some of the putative organohalide-respiring bacteria from other bacteria, thereby
      improving our ability to study multiple and different bacteria of potential
      interest and improving knowledge of these bacteria.IMPORTANCE Organohalide
      respiring bacteria, bacteria capable of respiring chlorinated contaminants, can
      be difficult to enrich, which can limit their predictable use for the
      bioremediation of contaminated sites. This paper describes a method to quickly
      separate Dehalococcoides-like bacteria, a group of organisms containing
      organohalide-respiring bacteria, from other bacteria in a mixed community. From
      this work, Dehalococcoides-like bacteria appear to have a hydrophobic cell
      surface, facilitating a rapid (20 min) partial separation from a mixed culture at
      the surface of a hydrophobic liquid. This method was verified in a
      polychlorinated biphenyl-enriched sediment-free culture, an anaerobic digester
      sludge, and uncontaminated sediment. The method described can drastically reduce
      the amount of time required to partially separate Dehalococcoides-like bacteria
      from a complex mixed culture, improving researchers' ability to study these
      important bacteria.

PMID- 28087527
TI  - Floc Formation Reduces the pH Stress Experienced by Microorganisms Living in
      Alkaline Environments.
AB  - The survival of microorganisms within a cementitious geological disposal facility
      for radioactive wastes heavily depends on their ability to survive the calcium
      dominated, hyperalkaline conditions resulting from the dissolution of the
      cementitious materials. The results from this study show that the formation of
      flocs, composed of a complex mixture of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS),
      provides protection against alkaline pH values up to 13.0. The flocs were
      dominated by Alishewanella and Dietzia spp., producing a mannose-rich
      carbohydrate fraction incorporating extracellular DNA, resulting in Ca2+
      sequestration. EPS provided a ~10-MUm thick layer around the cells within the
      center of the flocs, which were capable of growth at pH values of 11.0 and 11.5,
      maintaining internal pH values of 10.4 and 10.7, respectively. Microorganisms
      survived at a pH of 12.0, where an internal floc pH of 11.6 was observed, as was
      a reduced associated biomass. We observed limited floc survival (<2 weeks) at a
      pH of 13.0. This study demonstrates that flocs maintain lower internal pHs in
      response to the hyperalkaline conditions expected to occur within a cementitious
      geological disposal facility for radioactive wastes and indicates that floc
      communities within such a facility can survive at pHs up to 12.0.IMPORTANCE The
      role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the survival of
      microorganisms in hyperalkaline conditions is poorly understood. Here, we present
      the taxonomy, morphology, and chemical characteristics of an EPS-based microbial
      floc, formed by a consortium isolated from an anthropogenic hyperalkaline site.
      Short-term (<2 weeks) survival of the flocs at a pH of 13 was observed, with
      indefinite survival observed at a pH of 12.0. Measurements from micro-pH
      electrodes (10-MUm-diameter tip) demonstrated that flocs maintain lower internal
      pHs in response to hyperalkaline conditions (pH 11.0, 11.5, and 12.0),
      demonstrating that floc formation and EPS production are survival strategies
      under hyperalkaline conditions. The results indicate how microbial communities
      may survive and propagate within the hyperalkaline environment that is expected
      to prevail in a cementitious geological disposal facility for radioactive wastes;
      the results are also relevant to the wider extremophile community.

PMID- 28087528
TI  - Engineering Mycobacteria for the Production of Self-Assembling Biopolyesters
      Displaying Mycobacterial Antigens for Use as a Tuberculosis Vaccine.
AB  - : Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or
      Mycobacterium bovis and still remains one of the world's biggest global health
      burdens. Recently, engineered polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biobeads that were
      produced in both Escherichia coli and Lactococcus lactis and displayed
      mycobacterial antigens were found to induce significant cell-mediated immune
      responses in mice. We observed that such PHA beads contained host cell proteins
      as impurities, which we hypothesized to have the potential to induce immunity. In
      this study, we aimed to develop PHA beads produced in mycobacteria (mycobacterial
      PHA biobeads [MBB]) and test their potential as a TB vaccine in a mouse model. As
      a model organism, nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis was engineered to produce
      MBB or MBB with immobilized mycobacterial antigens Ag85A and ESAT-6 on their
      surface (A:E-MBB). Three key enzymes involved in the poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid)
      pathway, namely, beta-ketothiolase (PhaA), acetoacetyl-coenzyme A reductase
      (PhaB), and PHA synthase (PhaC), were engineered into E. coli-Mycobacterium
      shuttle plasmids and expressed in trans Immobilization of specific antigens to
      the surface of the MBB was achieved by creating a fusion with the PHA synthase
      which remains covalently attached to the polyester core, resulting in PHA
      biobeads displaying covalently immobilized antigens. MBB, A: E-MBB, and an M.
      smegmatis vector control (MVC) were used in a mouse immunology trial, with
      comparison to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-vaccinated and Mycobacterium bovis
      BCG-vaccinated groups. We successfully produced MBB and A:E-MBB and used them as
      vaccines to induce a cellular immune response to mycobacterial
      antigens.IMPORTANCE Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis or Mycobacterium bovis and still remains one of the world's biggest
      global health burdens. In this study, we produced polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
      biobeads in mycobacteria and used them as vaccines to induce a cellular immune
      response to mycobacterial antigens.

PMID- 28087529
TI  - Resilience, Dynamics, and Interactions within a Model Multispecies
      Exoelectrogenic-Biofilm Community.
AB  - Anode-associated multispecies exoelectrogenic biofilms are essential for the
      function of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). The individual activities of anode
      associated organisms and physiological responses resulting from coculturing are
      often hard to assess due to the high microbial diversity in these systems.
      Therefore, we developed a model multispecies biofilm comprising three
      exoelectrogenic proteobacteria, Shewanella oneidensis, Geobacter sulfurreducens,
      and Geobacter metallireducens, with the aim to study in detail the biofilm
      formation dynamics, the interactions between the organisms, and the overall
      activity of an exoelectrogenic biofilm as a consequence of the applied anode
      potential. The experiments revealed that the organisms build a stable biofilm on
      an electrode surface that is rather resilient to changes in the redox potential
      of the anode. The community operated at maximum electron transfer rates at
      electrode potentials that were higher than 0.04 V versus a normal hydrogen
      electrode. Current densities decreased gradually with lower potentials and
      reached half-maximal values at -0.08 V. Transcriptomic results point toward a
      positive interaction among the individual strains. S. oneidensis and G.
      sulfurreducens upregulated their central metabolisms as a response to cultivation
      under mixed-species conditions. G. sulfurreducens was detected in the planktonic
      phase of the bioelectrochemical reactors in mixed-culture experiments but not
      when it was grown in the absence of the other two organisms.IMPORTANCE In many
      cases, multispecies communities can convert organic substrates into electric
      power more efficiently than axenic cultures, a phenomenon that remains
      unresolved. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the potential mutual effects of
      multispecies communities in bioelectrochemical systems to understand how microbes
      interact in the coculture anodic network and to improve the community's
      conversion efficiency for organic substrates into electrical energy. The results
      reveal positive interactions that might lead to accelerated electron transfer in
      mixed-species anode communities. The observations made within this model biofilm
      might be applicable to a variety of nonaxenic systems in the field.

PMID- 28087530
TI  - Pgas, a Low-pH-Induced Promoter, as a Tool for Dynamic Control of Gene Expression
      for Metabolic Engineering of Aspergillus niger.
AB  - The dynamic control of gene expression is important for adjusting fluxes in order
      to obtain desired products and achieve appropriate cell growth, particularly when
      the synthesis of a desired product drains metabolites required for cell growth.
      For dynamic gene expression, a promoter responsive to a particular environmental
      stressor is vital. Here, we report a low-pH-inducible promoter, Pgas, which
      promotes minimal gene expression at pH values above 5.0 but functions efficiently
      at low pHs, such as pH 2.0. First, we performed a transcriptional analysis of
      Aspergillus niger, an excellent platform for the production of organic acids, and
      we found that the promoter Pgas may act efficiently at low pH. Then, a gene for
      synthetic green fluorescent protein (sGFP) was successfully expressed by Pgas at
      pH 2.0, verifying the results of the transcriptional analysis. Next, Pgas was
      used to express the cis-aconitate decarboxylase (cad) gene of Aspergillus terreus
      in A. niger, allowing the production of itaconic acid at a titer of 4.92 g/liter.
      Finally, we found that Pgas strength was independent of acid type and acid ion
      concentration, showing dependence on pH only.IMPORTANCE The promoter Pgas can be
      used for the dynamic control of gene expression in A. niger for metabolic
      engineering to produce organic acids. This promoter may also be a candidate tool
      for genetic engineering.

PMID- 28087531
TI  - Salivary Gluten Degradation and Oral Microbial Profiles in Healthy Individuals
      and Celiac Disease Patients.
AB  - Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy induced by dietary
      gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Saliva harbors the second highest
      bacterial load of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract after the colon. We
      hypothesized that enzymes produced by oral bacteria may be involved in gluten
      processing in the intestine and susceptibility to celiac disease. The aim of this
      study was to investigate salivary enzymatic activities and oral microbial
      profiles in healthy subjects versus patients with classical and refractory CD.
      Stimulated whole saliva was collected from patients with CD in remission (n = 21)
      and refractory CD (RCD; n = 8) and was compared to healthy controls (HC; n = 20)
      and subjects with functional GI complaints (n = 12). Salivary gluten-degrading
      activities were monitored with the tripeptide substrate Z-Tyr-Pro-Gln-pNA and the
      alpha-gliadin-derived immunogenic 33-mer peptide. The oral microbiome was
      profiled by 16S rRNA-based MiSeq analysis. Salivary glutenase activities were
      higher in CD patients compared to controls, both before and after normalization
      for protein concentration or bacterial load. The oral microbiomes of CD and RCD
      patients showed significant differences from that of healthy subjects, e.g.,
      higher salivary levels of lactobacilli (P < 0.05), which may partly explain the
      observed higher gluten-degrading activities. While the pathophysiological link
      between the oral and gut microbiomes in CD needs further exploration, the
      presented data suggest that oral microbe-derived enzyme activities are elevated
      in subjects with CD, which may impact gluten processing and the presentation of
      immunogenic gluten epitopes to the immune system in the small
      intestine.IMPORTANCE Ingested gluten proteins are the triggers of intestinal
      inflammation in celiac disease (CD). Certain immunogenic gluten domains are
      resistant to intestinal proteases but can be hydrolyzed by oral microbial
      enzymes. Very little is known about the endogenous proteolytic processing of
      gluten proteins in the oral cavity. Given that this occurs prior to gluten
      reaching the small intestine, such enzymes are likely to contribute to the
      composition of the gluten digest that ultimately reaches the small intestine and
      causes CD. We demonstrated that endogenous salivary protease activities are
      incomplete, likely liberating peptides from larger gluten proteins. The
      potentially responsible microbes were identified. The study included refractory
      CD patients, who have been studied less with regard to CD pathogenesis.

PMID- 28087532
TI  - Establishment and Validation of RNA-Based Predictive Models for Understanding
      Survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Oysters Stored at Low Temperatures.
AB  - This study developed RNA-based predictive models describing the survival of
      Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) during storage
      at 0, 4, and 10 degrees C. Postharvested oysters were inoculated with a cocktail
      of five V. parahaemolyticus strains and were then stored at 0, 4, and 10 degrees
      C for 21 or 11 days. A real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay
      targeting expression of the tlh gene was used to evaluate the number of surviving
      V. parahaemolyticus cells, which was then used to establish primary molecular
      models (MMs). Before construction of the MMs, consistent expression levels of the
      tlh gene at 0, 4, and 10 degrees C were confirmed, and this gene was used to
      monitor the survival of the total V. parahaemolyticus cells. In addition, the tdh
      and trh genes were used for monitoring the survival of virulent V.
      parahaemolyticus Traditional models (TMs) were built based on data collected
      using a plate counting method. From the MMs, V. parahaemolyticus populations had
      decreased 0.493, 0.362, and 0.238 log10 CFU/g by the end of storage at 0, 4, and
      10 degrees C, respectively. Rates of reduction of V. parahaemolyticus shown in
      the TMs were 2.109, 1.579, and 0.894 log10 CFU/g for storage at 0, 4, and 10
      degrees C, respectively. Bacterial inactivation rates (IRs) estimated with the
      TMs (-0.245, -0.152, and -0.121 log10 CFU/day, respectively) were higher than
      those estimated with the MMs (-0.134, -0.0887, and -0.0732 log10 CFU/day,
      respectively) for storage at 0, 4, and 10 degrees C. Higher viable V.
      parahaemolyticus numbers were predicted using the MMs than using the TMs. On the
      basis of this study, RNA-based predictive MMs are the more accurate and reliable
      models and can prevent false-negative results compared to TMs.IMPORTANCE One
      important method for validating postharvest techniques and for monitoring the
      behavior of V. parahaemolyticus is to establish predictive models. Unfortunately,
      previous predictive models established based on plate counting methods or on DNA
      based PCR can underestimate or overestimate the number of surviving cells. This
      study developed and validated RNA-based molecular predictive models to describe
      the survival of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters during low-temperature storage (0,
      4, and 10 degrees C). The RNA-based predictive models show the advantage of being
      able to count all of the culturable, nonculturable, and stressed cells. By using
      primers targeting the tlh gene and pathogenesis-associated genes (tdh and trh),
      real-time RT-PCR can evaluate the total surviving V. parahaemolyticus population
      as well as differentiate the pathogenic ones from the total population. Reliable
      and accurate predictive models are very important for conducting risk assessment
      and management of pathogens in food.

PMID- 28087533
TI  - Polysaccharide Degradation Capability of Actinomycetales Soil Isolates from a
      Semiarid Grassland of the Colorado Plateau.
AB  - Among the bacteria, members of the order Actinomycetales are considered
      quintessential degraders of complex polysaccharides in soils. However, studies
      examining complex polysaccharide degradation by Actinomycetales (other than
      Streptomyces spp.) in soils are limited. Here, we examine the lignocellulolytic
      and chitinolytic potential of 112 Actinomycetales strains, encompassing 13
      families, isolated from a semiarid grassland of the Colorado Plateau in Utah.
      Members of the Streptomycetaceae, Pseudonocardiaceae, Micromonosporaceae, and
      Promicromonosporaceae families exhibited robust activity against carboxymethyl
      cellulose, xylan, chitin, and pectin substrates (except for low/no pectinase
      activity by the Micromonosporaceae). When incubated in a hydrated mixture of
      blended Stipa and Hilaria grass biomass over a 5-week period, Streptomyces and
      Saccharothrix (a member of the Pseudonocardiaceae) isolates produced high levels
      of extracellular enzyme activity, such as endo- and exocellulase, glucosidase,
      endo- and exoxylosidase, and arabinofuranosidase. These characteristics make them
      well suited to degrade the cellulose and hemicellulose components of grass cell
      walls. On the basis of the polysaccharide degradation profiles of the isolates,
      relative abundance of Actinomycetales sequences in 16S rRNA gene surveys of
      Colorado Plateau soils, and analysis of genes coding for polysaccharide-degrading
      enzymes among 237 Actinomycetales genomes in the CAZy database and 5 genomes from
      our isolates, we posit that Streptomyces spp. and select members of the
      Pseudonocardiaceae and Micromonosporaceae likely play an important role in the
      degradation of hemicellulose, cellulose, and chitin substances in dryland
      soils.IMPORTANCE Shifts in the relative abundance of Actinomycetales taxa have
      been observed in soil microbial community surveys during large, manipulated
      climate change field studies. However, our limited understanding of the
      ecophysiology of diverse Actinomycetales taxa in soil systems undermines attempts
      to determine the underlying causes of the population shifts or their impact on
      carbon cycling in soil. This study combines a systematic analysis of the
      polysaccharide degradation potential of a diverse collection of Actinomycetales
      isolates from surface soils of a semiarid grassland with analysis of genomes from
      five of these isolates and publicly available Actinomycetales genomes for genes
      encoding polysaccharide-active enzymes. The results address an important gap in
      knowledge of Actinomycetales ecophysiology-identification of key taxa capable of
      facilitating lignocellulose degradation in dryland soils. Information from this
      study will benefit future metagenomic studies related to carbon cycling in
      dryland soils by providing a baseline linkage of Actinomycetales phylogeny with
      lignocellulolytic functional potential.

PMID- 28087534
TI  - Mechanisms of Horizontal Cell-to-Cell Transfer of Wolbachia spp. in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - Wolbachia is an intracellular endosymbiont present in most arthropod and filarial
      nematode species. Transmission between hosts is primarily vertical, taking place
      exclusively through the female germ line, although horizontal transmission has
      also been documented. The results of several studies indicate that Wolbachia spp.
      can undergo transfer between somatic and germ line cells during nematode
      development and in adult flies. However, the mechanisms underlying horizontal
      cell-to-cell transfer remain largely unexplored. Here, we establish a tractable
      system for probing horizontal transfer of Wolbachia cells between Drosophila
      melanogaster cells in culture using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
      First, we show that horizontal transfer is independent of cell-to-cell contact
      and can efficiently take place through the culture medium within hours. Further,
      we demonstrate that efficient transfer utilizes host cell phagocytic and
      clathrin/dynamin-dependent endocytic machinery. Lastly, we provide evidence that
      this process is conserved between species, showing that horizontal transfer from
      mosquito to Drosophila cells takes place in a similar fashion. Altogether, our
      results indicate that Wolbachia utilizes host internalization machinery during
      infection, and this mechanism is conserved across insect species.IMPORTANCE Our
      work has broad implications for the control and treatment of tropical diseases.
      Wolbachia can confer resistance against a variety of human pathogens in mosquito
      vectors. Elucidating the mechanisms of horizontal transfer will be useful for
      efforts to more efficiently infect nonnatural insect hosts with Wolbachia as a
      biological control agent. Further, as Wolbachia is essential for the survival of
      filarial nematodes, understanding horizontal transfer might provide new
      approaches to treating human infections by targeting Wolbachia Finally, this work
      provides a key first step toward the genetic manipulation of Wolbachia.

PMID- 28087535
TI  - Efficient Low-pH Iron Removal by a Microbial Iron Oxide Mound Ecosystem at Scalp
      Level Run.
AB  - Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a major environmental problem affecting tens of
      thousands of kilometers of waterways worldwide. Passive bioremediation of AMD
      relies on microbial communities to oxidize and remove iron from the system;
      however, iron oxidation rates in AMD environments are highly variable among
      sites. At Scalp Level Run (Cambria County, PA), first-order iron oxidation rates
      are 10 times greater than at other coal-associated iron mounds in the
      Appalachians. We examined the bacterial community at Scalp Level Run to determine
      whether a unique community is responsible for the rapid iron oxidation rate.
      Despite strong geochemical gradients, including a >10-fold change in the
      concentration of ferrous iron from 57.3 mg/liter at the emergence to 2.5 mg/liter
      at the base of the coal tailings pile, the bacterial community composition was
      nearly constant with distance from the spring outflow. Scalp Level Run contains
      many of the same taxa present in other AMD sites, but the community is dominated
      by two strains of Ferrovum myxofaciens, a species that is associated with high
      rates of Fe(II) oxidation in laboratory studies.IMPORTANCE Acid mine drainage
      pollutes more than 19,300 km of rivers and streams and 72,000 ha of lakes
      worldwide. Remediation is frequently ineffective and costly, upwards of $100
      billion globally and nearly $5 billion in Pennsylvania alone. Microbial Fe(II)
      oxidation is more efficient than abiotic Fe(II) oxidation at low pH (P. C. Singer
      and W. Stumm, Science 167:1121-1123, 1970,
      https://doi.org/10.1126/science.167.3921.1121). Therefore, AMD bioremediation
      could harness microbial Fe(II) oxidation to fuel more-cost-effective treatments.
      Advances will require a deeper understanding of the ecology of Fe(II)-oxidizing
      microbial communities and the factors that control their distribution and rates
      of Fe(II) oxidation. We investigated bacterial communities that inhabit an AMD
      site with rapid Fe(II) oxidation and found that they were dominated by two
      operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of Ferrovum myxofaciens, a taxon associated
      with high laboratory rates of iron oxidation. This research represents a step
      forward in identifying taxa that can be used to enhance cost-effective AMD
      bioremediation.

PMID- 28087536
TI  - Lysobacter PilR, the Regulator of Type IV Pilus Synthesis, Controls Antifungal
      Antibiotic Production via a Cyclic di-GMP Pathway.
AB  - Lysobacter enzymogenes is a ubiquitous soil gammaproteobacterium that produces a
      broad-spectrum antifungal antibiotic, known as heat-stable antifungal factor
      (HSAF). To increase HSAF production for use against fungal crop diseases, it is
      important to understand how HSAF synthesis is regulated. To gain insights into
      transcriptional regulation of the HSAF synthesis gene cluster, we generated a
      library with deletion mutations in the genes predicted to encode response
      regulators of the two-component signaling systems in L. enzymogenes strain OH11.
      By quantifying HSAF production levels in the 45 constructed mutants, we
      identified two strains that produced significantly smaller amounts of HSAF. One
      of the mutations affected a gene encoding a conserved bacterial response
      regulator, PilR, which is commonly associated with type IV pilus synthesis. We
      determined that L. enzymogenes PilR regulates pilus synthesis and twitching
      motility via a traditional pathway, by binding to the pilA promoter and
      upregulating pilA expression. Regulation of HSAF production by PilR was found to
      be independent of pilus formation. We discovered that the pilR mutant contained
      significantly higher intracellular levels of the second messenger cyclic di-GMP
      (c-di-GMP) and that this was the inhibitory signal for HSAF production.
      Therefore, the type IV pilus regulator PilR in L. enzymogenes activates twitching
      motility while downregulating antibiotic HSAF production by increasing
      intracellular c-di-GMP levels. This study identifies a new role of a common pilus
      regulator in proteobacteria and provides guidance for increasing antifungal
      antibiotic production in L. enzymogenesIMPORTANCE PilR is a widespread response
      regulator of the two-component system known for regulating type IV pilus
      synthesis in proteobacteria. Here we report that, in the soil bacterium
      Lysobacter enzymogenes, PilR regulates pilus synthesis and twitching motility, as
      expected. Unexpectedly, PilR was also found to control intracellular levels of
      the second messenger c-di-GMP, which in turn inhibits production of the
      antifungal antibiotic HSAF. The coordinated production of type IV pili and
      antifungal antibiotics has not been observed previously.

PMID- 28087537
TI  - Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain OLL2712 Culture Conditions on the Anti
      inflammatory Activities for Murine Immune Cells and Obese and Type 2 Diabetic
      Mice.
AB  - Studies on the health-promoting effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are
      numerous, but few provide examples of the relationship between LAB function and
      culture conditions. We verified the effect of differences in culture conditions
      on Lactobacillus plantarum OLL2712 functionality; this strain exhibits anti
      inflammatory activity and preventive effects against metabolic disorders. We
      measured interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12 production in murine immune cells
      treated with OLL2712 cells prepared under various culture conditions. The results
      showed that the IL-10-inducing activities of OLL2712 cells on murine immune cells
      differed dramatically between OLL2712 groups at different culture phases and
      using different culture medium components, temperatures, and neutralizing pHs. In
      particular, exponential-phase cells had much more IL-10-inducing activity than
      stationary-phase cells. We confirmed that the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)
      stimulation activity of OLL2712 cells depended on culture conditions in
      conjunction with IL-10-inducing activity. We also demonstrated functional
      differences by culture phases in vivo; OLL2712 cells at exponential phase had
      more anti-inflammatory activity and anti-metabolic-disorder effects on obese and
      diabetic mice than those by their stationary-phase counterparts. These results
      suggest that culture conditions affect the functionality of anti-inflammatory
      LAB.IMPORTANCE While previous studies demonstrated that culture conditions
      affected the immunomodulatory properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), few have
      comprehensively investigated the relationship between culture conditions and LAB
      functionality. In this study, we demonstrated several culture conditions of
      Lactobacillus plantarum OLL2712 for higher anti-inflammatory activity. We also
      showed that culture conditions concretely influenced the health-promoting
      functions of OLL2712 in vivo, particularly against metabolic disorders. Further,
      we characterized a novel mechanism by which changing LAB culture conditions
      affected immunomodulatory properties. Our results suggest that culture condition
      optimization is important for the production of LAB with anti-inflammatory
      activity.

PMID- 28087538
TI  - BCAP inhibits proliferation and differentiation of myeloid progenitors in the
      steady state and during demand situations.
AB  - B-cell adaptor for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (BCAP) is a signaling adaptor
      expressed in mature hematopoietic cells, including monocytes and neutrophils.
      Here we investigated the role of BCAP in the homeostasis and development of these
      myeloid lineages. BCAP-/- mice had more bone marrow (BM) monocytes than wild-type
      (WT) mice, and in mixed WT:BCAP-/- BM chimeras, monocytes and neutrophils skewed
      toward BCAP-/- origin, showing a competitive advantage for BCAP-/- myeloid cells.
      BCAP was expressed in BM hematopoietic progenitors, including lineage-Sca-1+c
      kit+ (LSK), common myeloid progenitor, and granulocyte/macrophage progenitor
      (GMP) cells. At the steady state, BCAP-/- GMP cells expressed more IRF8 and less
      C/EBPalpha than did WT GMP cells, which correlated with an increase in monocyte
      progenitors and a decrease in granulocyte progenitors among GMP cells.
      Strikingly, BCAP-/- progenitors proliferated and produced more myeloid cells of
      both neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage lineages than did WT progenitors in
      myeloid colony-forming unit assays, supporting a cell-intrinsic role of BCAP in
      inhibiting myeloid proliferation and differentiation. Consistent with these
      findings, during cyclophosphamide-induced myeloablation or specific monocyte
      depletion, BCAP-/- mice replenished circulating monocytes and neutrophils earlier
      than WT mice. During myeloid replenishment after cyclophosphamide-induced
      myeloablation, BCAP-/- mice had increased LSK proliferation and increased numbers
      of LSK and GMP cells compared with WT mice. Furthermore, BCAP-/- mice accumulated
      more monocytes and neutrophils in the spleen than did WT mice during Listeria
      monocytogenes infection. Together, these data identify BCAP as a novel inhibitor
      of myelopoiesis in the steady state and of emergency myelopoiesis during demand
      conditions.

PMID- 28087541
TI  - This is my house - respect it.

PMID- 28087540
TI  - International, evidence-based consensus diagnostic criteria for HHV-8
      negative/idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease.
AB  - Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)-negative, idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease
      (iMCD) is a rare and life-threatening disorder involving systemic inflammatory
      symptoms, polyclonal lymphoproliferation, cytopenias, and multiple organ system
      dysfunction caused by a cytokine storm often including interleukin-6. iMCD
      accounts for one third to one half of all cases of MCD and can occur in
      individuals of any age. Accurate diagnosis is challenging, because no standard
      diagnostic criteria or diagnostic biomarkers currently exist, and there is
      significant overlap with malignant, autoimmune, and infectious disorders. An
      international working group comprising 34 pediatric and adult pathology and
      clinical experts in iMCD and related disorders from 8 countries, including 2
      physicians that are also iMCD patients, was convened to establish iMCD diagnostic
      criteria. The working group reviewed data from 244 cases, met twice, and refined
      criteria over 15 months (June 2015 to September 2016). The proposed consensus
      criteria require both Major Criteria (characteristic lymph node histopathology
      and multicentric lymphadenopathy), at least 2 of 11 Minor Criteria with at least
      1 laboratory abnormality, and exclusion of infectious, malignant, and autoimmune
      disorders that can mimic iMCD. Characteristic histopathologic features may
      include a constellation of regressed or hyperplastic germinal centers, follicular
      dendritic cell prominence, hypervascularization, and polytypic plasmacytosis.
      Laboratory and clinical Minor Criteria include elevated C-reactive protein or
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anemia, thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis,
      hypoalbuminemia, renal dysfunction or proteinuria, polyclonal
      hypergammaglobulinemia, constitutional symptoms, hepatosplenomegaly, effusions or
      edema, eruptive cherry hemangiomatosis or violaceous papules, and lymphocytic
      interstitial pneumonitis. iMCD consensus diagnostic criteria will facilitate
      consistent diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and collaborative research.

PMID- 28087539
TI  - Quantitative stability of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell clonal output in
      rhesus macaques receiving transplants.
AB  - Autologous transplantation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
      lentivirally labeled with unique oligonucleotide barcodes flanked by sequencing
      primer targets enables quantitative assessment of the self-renewal and
      differentiation patterns of these cells in a myeloablative rhesus macaque model.
      Compared with other approaches to clonal tracking, this approach is highly
      quantitative and reproducible. We documented stable multipotent long-term
      hematopoietic clonal output of monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, and T cells from
      a polyclonal pool of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in 4 macaques
      observed for up to 49 months posttransplantation. A broad range of clonal
      behaviors characterized by contribution level and biases toward certain cell
      types were extremely stable over time. Correlations between granulocyte and
      monocyte clonalities were greatest, followed by correlations between these cell
      types and B cells. We also detected quantitative expansion of T cell-biased
      clones consistent with an adaptive immune response. In contrast to recent data
      from a nonquantitative murine model, there was little evidence for clonal
      succession after initial hematopoietic reconstitution. These findings have
      important implications for human hematopoiesis, given the similarities between
      macaque and human physiologies.

PMID- 28087542
TI  - NHS in 2017: the long arm of government.

PMID- 28087543
TI  - Leisure-time sport and overuse injuries of extremities in children age 6-13, a
      2.5 years prospective cohort study: the CHAMPS-study DK.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It is not known which sports are most likely to cause overuse
      injuries of the extremities in children. In this study, we report on the
      incidence of overuse injuries of the upper and lower extremities in children who
      participate in various leisure-time sports and relate this to the frequency of
      sport sessions. DESIGN: Natural experiment including a prospective cohort study.
      SETTING: 10 state schools in 1 Danish municipality: Svendborg. PARTICIPANTS: 1270
      children aged 6-13 years participating in the Childhood Health, Activity, and
      Motor Performance School Study Denmark. OUTCOMES MEASURES: Over 2.5 years,
      parents answered weekly SMS-track messages (a) on type and frequency of leisure
      time sports undertaken by their child, and (b) reporting if their child had
      experienced any musculoskeletal pain. Children with reported pain were examined
      by a clinician and diagnosed as having an overuse injury of an extremity or not.
      The incidence of diagnosed overuse injury was calculated for each of the 9 most
      common sports in relation to 5-week periods. Incidence by frequency of sessions
      was calculated, and multivariable analysis was performed taking into account age,
      sex and frequency of physical education classes at school. RESULTS: Incidence of
      overuse injuries of the lower extremity ranged from 0.2 to 3.3 for the 9 sports,
      but was near 0 for overuse injuries of the upper extremities. There was no
      obvious dose-response. The multivariate analysis showed soccer and handball to be
      the sports most likely to result in an overuse injury. CONCLUSIONS: Among a
      general population of schoolchildren, overuse injuries of the lower extremities
      were not common and overuse injuries of the upper extremities were rare.
      Organised leisure-time sport, as practised in Denmark, can be considered a safe
      activity for children.

PMID- 28087544
TI  - Children's experiences of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
      (CFS/ME): a systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To synthesis the qualitative studies of children's experiences of
      chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). DESIGN: Systematic
      review and meta-ethnography. BACKGROUND: CFS/ME is an important disabling
      illness, with uncertain cause and prognosis. As a result, children with CFS/ME
      can find themselves living with greater uncertainty and stigma, exacerbating the
      impact of the condition. There is a growing body of qualitative research in
      CFS/ME, yet there has been no attempt to systematically synthesis the studies
      involving children. METHODS: Studies exploring the experiences of children
      diagnosed with CFS/ME, published or unpublished, using qualitative methods were
      eligible. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases were searched as well as
      grey literature, reference lists and contacting authors. Quality assessment was
      done independently using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP)
      checklist. Studies were synthesised using techniques of meta-ethnography.
      RESULTS: Ten studies involving 82 children with CFS/ME aged 8-18 were included.
      Our synthesis describes four third-order constructs within children's
      experiences: (1) disruption and loss: physical, social and the self; (2) barriers
      to coping: suspension in uncertainty, problems with diagnosis and disbelief; (3)
      facilitators to coping: reducing uncertainty, credible illness narratives,
      diagnosis and supportive relationships and (4) hope, personal growth and
      recovery. CFS/ME introduces profound biographical disruption through its effects
      on children's ability to socialise, perform school and therefore how they see
      their future. Unfamiliarity of the condition, problems with diagnosis and felt
      stigma prevent children from forming a new illness identity. Children adopt
      coping strategies such as building credible explanations for their illness.
      CONCLUSIONS: Physical, social, emotional and self-dimensions of life should be
      included when treating and measuring outcomes from healthcare in paediatric
      CFS/ME. There is a need for greater recognition and diagnosis of childhood
      CFS/ME, specialist advice on activity management and improved communication
      between health and education providers to help children cope with their
      condition.

PMID- 28087545
TI  - Predictors of public support for nutrition-focused policy, systems and
      environmental change strategies in Los Angeles County, 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 2010, federal and local agencies have invested broadly in a
      variety of nutrition-focused policy, systems and environmental change (PSE)
      initiatives in Los Angeles County (LAC). To date, little is known about whether
      the public supports such efforts. We address this gap in the literature by
      examining predictors of support for a variety of PSEs. METHODS: Voters residing
      in LAC (n=1007) were randomly selected to participate in a cross-sectional
      telephone survey commissioned by the LAC Department of Public Health. The survey
      asked questions about attitudes towards the obesity epidemic, nutrition knowledge
      and behaviours, public opinions about changing business practices/government
      policies related to nutrition, and sociodemographics. A factor analysis informed
      outcome variable selection (ie, type of PSEs). Multivariable regression analyses
      were performed to examine predictors of public support. Predictors in the
      regression models included (primary regressor) community economic hardship;
      (control variables) political affiliation, sex, age, race and income; and
      (independent variables) perceptions about obesity, perceived health and weight
      status, frequency reading nutrition labels, ease of finding healthy and unhealthy
      foods, and food consumption behaviours (ie, fruit and vegetables, non-diet soda,
      fast-food and sit-down restaurant meals). RESULTS: 3 types of PSE outcome
      variables were identified: promotional/incentivising, limiting/restrictive and
      business practices. Community economic hardship was not found to be a significant
      predictor of public support for any of the 3 PSE types. However, Republican party
      affiliation, being female and perceiving obesity as a serious health problem
      were. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have implications for public health practice
      and community planning in local health jurisdictions.

PMID- 28087546
TI  - Association between insomnia symptoms, job strain and burnout syndrome: a cross
      sectional survey of 1300 financial workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Professional burnout is closely related to work stress but less
      frequently associated with disturbed sleep. This study determines whether job
      strain and sleep disturbances are associated risk factors of burnout among
      financial workers. DESIGN: Observational study. PARTICIPANTS: 1300 employees (725
      female) of a financial company. PRIMARY MEASURES: Self-reported questionnaires
      (Maslach Burnout Inventory, Job Content Questionnaire, Sleep questionnaire based
      on ICSD-3 classification), the Epworth sleepiness scale and the Hospital Anxiety
      and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULT: The prevalence of burnout was 10.2% (9.0%
      moderate and 1.2% severe). 23.3% of workers were considered with high job strain,
      and 93.1% had a high level of job satisfaction. 16.8% of individuals had insomnia
      and 97% reported non-restorative sleep. The bivariate analyses demonstrate a
      higher risk of burnout in participants with insomnia (OR=14.7, 95% CI 9.8 to
      21.9), non-restorative sleep (OR=9.9, 95% CI 5.1 to 19.5) and anxiety (OR=10.2,
      95% CI 6.8 to 15.3). High job strain was associated with burnout (OR=1.9, 95% CI
      1.1 to 3.6). This association was not maintained after adjustment for sleep
      parameters. Job satisfaction was another independent risk factor for burnout
      (OR=124, 95% CI 65 to 237). CONCLUSIONS: In our sample of financial workers, job
      strain represents a burnout risk factor only if associated with insomnia.
      Insomnia can be considered as a relevant clinical marker that should be targeted
      in mental health prevention programmes at the workplace.

PMID- 28087547
TI  - Risk of pneumonia in patients with isolated minor rib fractures: a nationwide
      cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Isolated minor rib fractures (IMRFs) after blunt chest traumas are
      commonly observed in emergency departments. However, the relationship between
      IMRFs and subsequent pneumonia remains controversial. This nationwide cohort
      study investigated the association between IMRFs and the risk of pneumonia in
      patients with blunt chest traumas. DESIGN: Nationwide population-based cohort
      study. SETTING: Patients with IMRFs were identified between 2010 and 2011 from
      the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. PARTICIPANTS: Non
      traumatic patients were matched through 1:8 propensity-score matching according
      to age, sex, and comorbidities (namely diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular
      disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) with the
      comparison cohort. We estimated the adjusted HRs (aHRs) by using the Cox
      proportional hazard model. A total of 709 patients with IMRFs and 5672 non
      traumatic patients were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary end point was
      the occurrence of pneumonia within 30 days. RESULTS: The incidence of pneumonia
      following IMRFs was 1.6% (11/709). The aHR for the risk of pneumonia after IMRFs
      was 8.94 (95% CI=3.79 to 21.09, p<0.001). Furthermore, old age (>=65 years;
      aHR=5.60, 95% CI 1.97 to 15.89, p<0.001) and COPD (aHR=5.41, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.59,
      p<0.001) were risk factors for pneumonia following IMRFs. In the IMRF group,
      presence of single or two isolated rib fractures was associated with an increased
      risk of pneumonia with aHRs of 3.97 (95% CI 1.09 to 14.44, p<0.001) and 17.13
      (95% CI 6.66 to 44.04, p<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      incidence of pneumonia following IMRFs is low, patients with two isolated rib
      fractures were particularly susceptible to pneumonia. Physicians should focus on
      this complication, particularly in elderly patients and those with COPD.

PMID- 28087548
TI  - Early lens extraction with intraocular lens implantation for the treatment of
      primary angle closure glaucoma: an economic evaluation based on data from the
      EAGLE trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cost-effectiveness of early lens extraction with
      intraocular lens implantation for the treatment of primary angle closure glaucoma
      (PACG) compared to standard care. DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a
      multicentre pragmatic two-arm randomised controlled trial. Patients were followed
      up for 36 months, and data on health service usage and health state utility were
      collected and analysed within the trial time horizon. A Markov model was
      developed to extrapolate the results over a 5-year and 10-year time horizon.
      SETTING: 22 hospital eye services in the UK. POPULATION: Males and females aged
      50 years or over with newly diagnosed PACG or primary angle closure (PAC).
      INTERVENTIONS: Lens extraction compared to standard care (ie, laser iridotomy
      followed by medical therapy and glaucoma surgery). OUTCOME MEASURES: Costs of
      primary and secondary healthcare usage (UK NHS perspective), quality-adjusted
      life years (QALYs) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for lens
      extraction versus standard care. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 67.5
      (8.42), 57.5% were women, 44.6% had both eyes eligible, 1.4% were of Asian
      ethnicity and 35.4% had PAC. The mean health service costs were higher in
      patients randomised to lens extraction: L2467 vs L1486. The mean adjusted QALYs
      were also higher with early lens extraction: 2.602 vs 2.533. The ICER for lens
      extraction versus standard care was L14 284 per QALY gained at three years.
      Modelling suggests that the ICER may drop to L7090 per QALY gained by 5 years and
      that lens extraction may be cost saving by 10 years. Our results are generally
      robust to changes in the key input parameters and assumptions. CONCLUSIONS: We
      find that lens extraction has a 67-89% chance of being cost-effective at 3 years
      and that it may be cost saving by 10 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      ISRCTN44464607; Results.

PMID- 28087549
TI  - Engaging stakeholders and target groups in prioritising a public health
      intervention: the Creating Active School Environments (CASE) online Delphi study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Stakeholder engagement and public involvement are considered as
      integral to developing effective public health interventions and is encouraged
      across all phases of the research cycle. However, limited guidelines and
      appropriate tools exist to facilitate stakeholder engagement-especially during
      the intervention prioritisation phase. We present the findings of an online
      'Delphi' study that engaged stakeholders (including young people) in the process
      of prioritising secondary school environment-focused interventions that aim to
      increase physical activity. SETTING: Web-based data collection using an online
      Delphi tool enabling participation of geographically diverse stakeholders.
      PARTICIPANTS: 37 stakeholders participated, including young people (age 13-16
      years), parents, teachers, public health practitioners, academics and
      commissioners; 33 participants completed both rounds. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were asked to prioritise a (short-listed)
      selection of school environment-focused interventions (eg, standing desks,
      outdoor design changes) based on the criteria of 'reach', 'equality',
      'acceptability', 'feasibility', 'effectiveness' and 'cost'. Participants were
      also asked to rank the criteria and the effectiveness outcomes (eg, physical
      activity, academic achievement, school enjoyment) from most to least important.
      Following feedback along with any new information provided, participants
      completed round 2 4 weeks later. RESULTS: The intervention prioritisation process
      was feasible to conduct and comments from participants indicated satisfaction
      with the process. Consensus regarding intervention strategies was achieved among
      the varied groups of stakeholders, with 'active lessons' being the favoured
      approach. Participants ranked 'mental health and well-being' as the most
      important outcome followed by 'enjoyment of school'. The most important criteria
      was 'effectiveness', followed by 'feasibility'. CONCLUSIONS: This novel approach
      to engaging a wide variety of stakeholders in the research process was feasible
      to conduct and acceptable to participants. It also provided insightful
      information relating to how stakeholders prioritise interventions. The approach
      could be extended beyond the specific project to be a useful tool for researchers
      and practitioners.

PMID- 28087550
TI  - Trends and changes in paediatric tonsil surgery in Sweden 1987-2013: a population
      based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to longitudinally describe the
      history of tonsil surgery in Swedish children and adolescents regarding
      incidence, indications for surgery, surgical methods and the age and gender
      distributions. SETTING: A retrospective longitudinal population-based cohort
      study based on register data from the Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) and
      population data from Statistics Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: All Swedish children 1-<18
      years registered in the NPR with a tonsil surgery procedure 1987-2013. RESULTS:
      167 894 tonsil surgeries were registered in the NPR 1987-2013. An increase in the
      total incidence rate was observed, from 22/10 000 person years in 1987 to 47/10
      000 in 2013. The most marked increase was noted in children 1-3 years of age,
      increasing from 17 to 73/10 000 person years over the period. The proportion
      children with obstructive/sleep disordered breathing (SDB) indications increased
      from 42.4% in 1987 to 73.6% in 2013. Partial tonsillectomy, tonsillotomy (TT),
      increased since 1996 and in 2013 55.1% of all tonsil procedures were TTs.
      CONCLUSIONS: There have been considerable changes in clinical practice for tonsil
      surgery in Swedish children over the past few decades. Overall, a doubling in the
      total incidence rate was observed. This increase consisted mainly of an increase
      in surgical procedures due to obstructive/SDB indications, particularly among the
      youngest age group (1-3 years old). TT has gradually replaced tonsillectomy as
      the predominant method for tonsil surgery.

PMID- 28087551
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of superficial femoral artery endovascular interventions in
      the UK and Germany: a modelling study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the lifetime costs and cost-effectiveness of 5 endovascular
      interventions to treat superficial femoral arterial disease. DESIGN: A model
      based health economic evaluation. An existing decision analytical model was used,
      with updated effectiveness data taken from the literature, and updated costs
      based on purchasing prices. SETTING: UK and German healthcare perspectives were
      considered. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with intermittent claudication of the
      femoropopliteal arteries eligible for endovascular treatment. METHODS: UK and
      German healthcare perspectives were considered, as were different strategies for
      re-intervention. INTERVENTIONS: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with
      bail-out bare metal stenting (assumed to represent the existing standard of care,
      and 4 alternatives: primary bare metal stents, drug-eluting stents, drug-eluting
      balloons (DEBs) and biomimetic stents). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratio between 2 treatments, defined as the incremental costs
      divided by the incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). RESULTS: Use of a
      biomimetic stent, BioMimics 3D, was always estimated to dominate the other
      interventions, having lower lifetime costs and greater effectiveness, as measured
      by QALYs. Of the remaining interventions, DEBs were always the most effective,
      and PTA the least effective. There was uncertainty in the cost-effectiveness
      results, with key drivers being the costs and effectiveness of the biomimetic
      stent along with the costs of DEBs. CONCLUSIONS: All 4 of the alternatives to PTA
      were more effective, with the biomimetic stent being the most cost-effective. As
      there was uncertainty in the results, and all of the interventions have different
      mechanisms of action, all 4 may be considered to be alternatives to PTA.

PMID- 28087552
TI  - Screening for Atrial Fibrillation using Economical and accurate TechnologY
      (SAFETY)-a pilot study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a cause of stroke and a marker of
      atherosclerosis and of all patients with stroke, around 17% have AF. The
      screening and treatment of AF could prevent about 12% of all strokes. Several
      relatively low-cost devices with good accuracy now exist which can detect AF
      including WatchBP and AliveCor. However, they can only measure the ECG or pulse
      over short time periods. Inexpensive devices such as heart rate monitors, which
      are widely available, can measure heart rate for prolonged periods and may have
      potential in screening for AF. This study aims to determine the accuracy of
      AliveCor and WatchBP along with a bespoke algorithm using a heart rate monitor
      belt (Polar H7) and a wearable RR interval recorder (Firstbeat Bodyguard 2) for
      detecting AF during a single screening visit in primary care patients.
      METHODS/ANALYSIS: A multicentre case-control diagnostic study comparing the four
      different devices for the detection of AF with a reference standard consisting of
      a 12-lead ECG in GP surgeries across Hampshire, UK. We aim to recruit 92
      participants with AF and 329 without AF aged 65 years and over. We will ask
      participants to rate comfort and overall impression for each device. We will
      collect qualitative data from participants capturing their experience of using
      wearable devices in order to evaluate acceptability. We will collect data from
      GPs to determine their views on AF screening. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This
      protocol was approved by the London-City & East Research Ethics Committee in June
      2016. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed
      journals, national and international conference presentations and the Atrial
      Fibrillation Association, UK. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN17495003, Pre
      results.

PMID- 28087553
TI  - Prevalence of obesity and overweight in African learners: a protocol for
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obesity and overweight are an emerging problem in Africa. Obese
      children are at increased risk of developing hypertension, high cholesterol,
      orthopaedic problems and type 2 diabetes as well as increased risk of adult
      obesity. Prevention of childhood overweight and obesity therefore needs high
      priority. The review approach is particularly useful in establishing whether
      research findings are consistent and can be generalised across populations and
      settings. This systematic review aims to assess the magnitude and distribution of
      overweight and obesity among primary school learners within populations in
      Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A comprehensive search of key bibliographic
      databases including MEDLINE (PubMed), MEDLINE (EbscoHost), CINAHL (EbscoHost),
      Academic Search Complete (EbscoHost) and ISI Web of Science (Science Citation
      Index) will be conducted for published literature. Grey literature will be also
      be obtained. Full-text articles of eligible studies will be obtained and screened
      following predefined inclusion criteria. The quality of reporting as well as risk
      of bias of included studies will be assessed, data extracted and synthesised. The
      results will be summarised and presented by country and major regional groupings.
      Meta-analysis will be conducted for identical variables across studies. This
      review will be reported following the MOOSE Guidelines for Meta-Analysis and
      Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics is
      not a requirement since no primary data will be collected. All data that will be
      presented in this review are based on published articles. The findings of this
      systematic review will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and
      disseminated in national and international conferences and also in policy
      documents to appropriate bodies for decision-making, where needed. It is expected
      that the findings will identify some research gaps for further studies.

PMID- 28087555
TI  - Associations of reallocating sitting time into standing or stepping with glucose,
      insulin and insulin sensitivity: a cross-sectional analysis of adults at risk of
      type 2 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify associations between sitting time and glucose, insulin and
      insulin sensitivity by considering reallocation of time into standing or
      stepping. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Leicestershire, UK, 2013.
      PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 30-75 years at high risk of impaired glucose regulation
      (IGR) or type 2 diabetes. 435 adults (age 66.8+/-7.4 years; 61.7% male; 89.2%
      white European) were included. METHODS: Participants wore an activPAL3 monitor 24
      hours/day for 7 days to capture time spent sitting, standing and stepping.
      Fasting and 2-hour postchallenge glucose and insulin were assessed; insulin
      sensitivity was calculated by Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Secretion
      (HOMA-IS) and Matsuda-Insulin Sensitivity Index (Matsuda-ISI). Isotemporal
      substitution regression modelling was used to quantify associations of
      substituting 30 min of waking sitting time (accumulated in prolonged (>=30 min)
      or short (<30 min) bouts) for standing or stepping on glucose regulation and
      insulin sensitivity. Interaction terms were fitted to assess whether the
      associations with measures of glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity was
      modified by sex or IGR status. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders,
      including waist circumference, reallocation of prolonged sitting to short sitting
      time and to standing was associated with 4% lower fasting insulin and 4% higher
      HOMA-IS; reallocation of prolonged sitting to standing was also associated with a
      5% higher Matsuda-ISI. Reallocation to stepping was associated with 5% lower 2
      hour glucose, 7% lower fasting insulin, 13% lower 2-hour insulin and a 9% and 16%
      higher HOMA-IS and Matsuda-ISI, respectively. Reallocation of short sitting time
      to stepping was associated with 5% and 10% lower 2-hour glucose and 2-hour
      insulin and 12% higher Matsuda-ISI. Results were not modified by IGR status or
      sex. CONCLUSIONS: Reallocating a small amount of short or prolonged sitting time
      with standing or stepping may improve 2-hour glucose, fasting and 2-hour insulin
      and insulin sensitivity. Findings should be confirmed through prospective and
      intervention research. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN31392913, Post-results.

PMID- 28087557
TI  - A longitudinal comparative study of falls in persons with knee arthroplasty and
      persons with or at high risk for knee osteoarthritis.

PMID- 28087556
TI  - AHEAD Study: an observational study of the management of anticoagulated patients
      who suffer head injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Management of anticoagulated patients after head injury is unclear
      due to lack of robust evidence. This study aimed to determine the adverse outcome
      rate in these patients and identify risk factors associated with poor outcome.
      DESIGN: Multicentre, observational study using routine patient records. SETTING:
      33 emergency departments in England and Scotland. PARTICIPANTS: 3566 adults (aged
      >=16 years) who had suffered blunt head injury and were currently taking
      warfarin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was rate of adverse
      outcome defined as death or neurosurgery following initial injury, clinically
      significant CT scan finding or reattendance with related complication within 10
      weeks of initial hospital attendance. Secondary objectives included identifying
      risk factors for adverse outcome using univariable and multivariable analyses.
      RESULTS: Clinical data available for 3534/3566 patients (99.1%), median age 79
      years; mean initial international normalised ratio (INR) 2.67 (SD 1.34); 81.2%
      Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 15: 59.8% received a CT scan with significant head
      injury-related finding in 5.4% (n=208); 0.5% underwent neurosurgery; 1.2%
      patients suffered a head injury-related death. Overall adverse outcome rate was
      5.9% (95% CI 5.2% to 6.7%). Patients with GCS=15 and no associated symptoms had
      lowest risk of adverse outcome (risk 2.7%; 95% CI 2.1 to 3.6). Patients with
      GCS=15 multivariable analysis (using imputation) found risk of adverse outcome to
      increase when reporting at least one associated symptom: vomiting (relative risk
      (RR) 1.8; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.4), amnesia (RR 3.5; 95% CI 2.1 to 5.7), headache (RR
      1.3; 95% CI 0.8 to 2.2), loss of consciousness (RR 1.75; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.0). INR
      measurement did not predict adverse outcome in patients with GCS=15 (RR 1.1; 95%
      CI 1.0 to 1.2). CONCLUSIONS: In alert warfarinised patients following head
      injury, the presence of symptoms is associated with greater risk of adverse
      outcome. Those with GCS=15 and no symptoms are a substantial group and have a low
      risk of adverse outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02461498.

PMID- 28087554
TI  - How prepared are UK medical graduates for practice? A rapid review of the
      literature 2009-2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand how prepared UK medical graduates are for practice and
      the effectiveness of workplace transition interventions. DESIGN: A rapid review
      of the literature (registration #CRD42013005305). DATA SOURCES: Nine major
      databases (and key websites) were searched in two timeframes (July-September
      2013; updated May-June 2014): CINAHL, Embase, Educational Resources Information
      Centre, Health Management Information Consortium, MEDLINE, MEDLINE in Process,
      PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Knowledge. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING
      STUDIES: Primary research or studies reporting UK medical graduates' preparedness
      between 2009 and 2014: manuscripts in English; all study types; participants who
      are final-year medical students, medical graduates, clinical educators, patients
      or NHS employers and all outcome measures. DATA EXTRACTION: At time 1, three
      researchers screened manuscripts (for duplicates, exclusion/inclusion criteria
      and quality). Remaining 81 manuscripts were coded. At time 2, one researcher
      repeated the process for 2013-2014 (adding six manuscripts). Data were analysed
      using a narrative synthesis and mapped against Tomorrow's Doctors (2009) graduate
      outcomes. RESULTS: Most studies comprised junior doctors' self-reports (65/87,
      75%), few defined preparedness and a programmatic approach was lacking. Six
      themes were highlighted: individual skills/knowledge, interactional competence,
      systemic/technological competence, personal preparedness, demographic factors and
      transitional interventions. Graduates appear prepared for history taking,
      physical examinations and some clinical skills, but unprepared for other aspects,
      including prescribing, clinical reasoning/diagnoses, emergency management,
      multidisciplinary team-working, handover, error/safety incidents, understanding
      ethical/legal issues and ward environment familiarity. Shadowing and induction
      smooth transition into practice, but there is a paucity of evidence around
      assistantship efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Educational interventions are needed to
      address areas of unpreparedness (eg, multidisciplinary team-working, prescribing
      and clinical reasoning). Future research in areas we are unsure about should
      adopt a programmatic and rigorous approach, with clear definitions of
      preparedness, multiple stakeholder perspectives along with multisite and
      longitudinal research designs to achieve a joined-up, systematic, approach to
      understanding future educational requirements for junior doctors.

PMID- 28087558
TI  - Cross-national comparison of medication use in Australian and Dutch nursing
      homes.

PMID- 28087559
TI  - Corrigendum: Dementia-associated mortality and its predictors among older adults
      in sub-Saharan Africa: results from a 2-year follow-up in Congo (the EPIDEMCA-FU
      study).

PMID- 28087560
TI  - Disruptive behaviour may hinder the acquisition of daily living skills for youth
      with autism spectrum disorder.

PMID- 28087561
TI  - Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy delays depressive relapse across demographic
      subgroups.

PMID- 28087562
TI  - An uncommon diagnosis for a common neonatal presentation.

PMID- 28087563
TI  - Fascicular Ventricular Arrhythmias: Pathophysiologic Mechanisms, Anatomical
      Constructs, and Advances in Approaches to Management.

PMID- 28087564
TI  - Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction Is Incremental to Left Ventricular Ejection
      Fraction for the Prediction of Future Arrhythmic Events in Patients With Systolic
      Dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular ejection fraction remains the primary risk
      stratification tool used in the selection of patients for implantable
      cardioverter defibrillator therapy. However, this solitary marker fails to
      identify a substantial portion of patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. In
      this study, we examined the incremental value of considering right ventricular
      ejection fraction for the prediction of future arrhythmic events in patients with
      systolic dysfunction using the gold standard of cardiovascular magnetic
      resonance. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred fourteen consecutive patients with
      ischemic cardiomyopathy or nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing
      cardiovascular magnetic resonance were followed for the primary outcome of sudden
      cardiac arrest or appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy.
      Blinded quantification of left ventricular and right ventricular (RV) volumes was
      performed from standard cine imaging. Quantification of fibrosis from late
      gadolinium enhancement imaging was incrementally performed. RV dysfunction was
      defined as right ventricular ejection fraction <=45%. Among all patients (164
      ischemic cardiomyopathy, 150 nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy), the mean left
      ventricular ejection fraction was 32+/-12% (range, 6-54%) with mean right
      ventricular ejection fraction of 48+/-15% (range, 7-78%). At a median of 773
      days, 49 patients (15.6%) experienced the primary outcome (9 sudden cardiac
      arrest, 40 appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies). RV
      dysfunction was independently predictive of the primary outcome (hazard
      ratio=2.98; P=0.002). Among those with a left ventricular ejection fraction >35%
      (N=121; mean left ventricular ejection fraction, 45+/-6%), RV dysfunction
      provided an adjusted hazard ratio of 4.2 (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: RV dysfunction is
      a strong, independent predictor of arrhythmic events. Among patients with mild to
      moderate LV dysfunction, a cohort greatly contributing to global sudden cardiac
      arrest burden, this marker provides robust discrimination of high- versus low
      risk subjects.

PMID- 28087565
TI  - Perturbation of Retinoid Homeostasis Increases Malformation Risk in Embryos
      Exposed to Pregestational Diabetes.
AB  - Pregestational diabetes is highly associated with an increased risk of birth
      defects. However, factors that can increase or reduce the expressivity and
      penetrance of malformations in pregnancies in women with diabetes remain poorly
      identified. All-trans retinoic acid (RA) plays crucial roles in embryogenesis.
      Here, we find that Cyp26a1, which encodes a key enzyme for catabolic inactivation
      of RA required for tight control of local RA concentrations, is significantly
      downregulated in embryos of diabetic mice. Embryonic tissues expressing Cyp26a1
      show reduced efficiency of RA clearance. Embryos exposed to diabetes are thus
      sensitized to RA and more vulnerable to the deleterious effects of increased RA
      signaling. Susceptibility to RA teratogenesis is further potentiated in embryos
      with a preexisting genetic defect of RA metabolism. Increasing RA clearance
      efficiency using a preconditioning approach can counteract the increased
      susceptibility to RA teratogenesis in embryos of diabetic mice. Our findings
      provide new insight into gene-environment interactions that influence individual
      risk in the manifestation of diabetes-related birth defects and shed light on
      environmental risk factors and genetic variants for a stratified medicine
      approach to screening women with diabetes who are of childbearing age and
      assessing the risk of birth defects during pregnancy.

PMID- 28087566
TI  - Application of Whole Exome Sequencing in the Clinical Diagnosis and Management of
      Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases in Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the advent of high throughput sequencing, the identification of
      genetic causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become an integral part of
      medical diagnosis and management and at the forefront of personalized medicine in
      this field. The use of whole exome sequencing for clinical diagnosis, risk
      stratification, and management of inherited CVD has not been previously
      evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed the results of whole exome sequencing
      in first 200 adult patients with inherited CVD, who underwent genetic testing at
      the Yale Program for Cardiovascular Genetics. Genetic diagnosis was reached and
      reported with a success rate of 26.5% (53 of 200 patients). This compares to 18%
      (36 of 200) that would have been diagnosed using commercially available genetic
      panels (P=0.04). Whole exome sequencing was particularly useful for clinical
      diagnosis in patients with aborted sudden cardiac death, in whom the primary
      insult for the presence of both depressed cardiac function and prolonged QT had
      remained unknown. The analysis of the remaining cases using genome annotation and
      disease segregation led to the discovery of novel candidate genes in another 14%
      of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Whole exome sequencing is an exceptionally valuable
      screening tool for its capability to establish the clinical diagnosis of
      inherited CVDs, particularly for poorly defined cases of sudden cardiac death. By
      presenting novel candidate genes and their potential disease associations, we
      also provide evidence for the use of this genetic tool for the identification of
      novel CVD genes. Creation and sharing of exome databases across centers of care
      should facilitate the discovery of unknown CVD genes.

PMID- 28087567
TI  - Interventions to increase adherence to therapeutic exercise in older adults with
      low back pain and/or hip/knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether interventions aimed at increasing adherence to
      therapeutic exercise increase adherence greater than a contextually equivalent
      control among older adults with chronic low back pain and/or hip/knee
      osteoarthritis. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Five
      databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, SportDISCUS (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid) and
      Cochrane Library) were searched until 1 August 2016. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR
      SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials that isolated the effects of
      interventions aiming to improve adherence to therapeutic exercise among adults
      >=45 years of age with chronic low back pain and/or hip/knee osteoarthritis were
      included. RESULTS: Of 3899 studies identified, nine studies (1045 participants)
      were eligible. Four studies, evaluating strategies that aimed to increase
      motivation or using behavioural graded exercise, reported significantly better
      exercise adherence (d=0.26-1.23). In contrast, behavioural counselling, action
      coping plans and/or audio/video exercise cues did not improve adherence
      significantly. Meta-analysis using a random effects model with the two studies
      evaluating booster sessions with a physiotherapist for people with osteoarthritis
      revealed a small to medium significant pooled effect in favour of booster
      sessions (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.39, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.72, z=2.26,
      p=0.02, I2=35%). CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis provides moderate-quality evidence
      that booster sessions with a physiotherapist assisted people with hip/knee
      osteoarthritis to better adhere to therapeutic exercise. Individual high-quality
      trials supported the use of motivational strategies in people with chronic low
      back pain and behavioural graded exercise in people with osteoarthritis to
      improve adherence to exercise.

PMID- 28087568
TI  - Effect of specific exercise-based football injury prevention programmes on the
      overall injury rate in football: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the
      FIFA 11 and 11+ programmes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of FIFA injury prevention programmes in
      football (FIFA 11 and FIFA 11+). DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
      ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials
      comparing the FIFA injury prevention programmes with a control (no or sham
      intervention) among football players. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE
      via OVID, CINAHL via Ebsco, Web of Science, SportDiscus and Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials, from 2004 to 14 March 2016. RESULTS: 6 cluster
      randomised controlled trials had assessed the effect of FIFA injury prevention
      programmes compared with controls on the overall football injury incidence in
      recreational/subelite football. These studies included 2 specific exercise-based
      injury prevention programmes: FIFA 11 (2 studies) and FIFA 11+ (4 studies). The
      primary analysis showed a reduction in the overall injury risk ratio of 0.75 (95%
      CI 0.57 to 0.98), p=0.04, in favour of the FIFA injury prevention programmes.
      Secondary analyses revealed that when pooling the 4 studies applying the FIFA 11+
      prevention programme, a reduction in the overall injury risk ratio (incidence
      rate ratio (IRR) 0.61; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.77, p<0.001) was present in favour of the
      FIFA 11+ prevention programme. No reduction was present when pooling the 2
      studies including the FIFA 11 prevention programme (IRR 0.99; 95% CI 0.80 to
      1.23, p=0.940). CONCLUSIONS: An injury-preventing effect of the FIFA injury
      prevention programmes compared with controls was shown in football. This effect
      was induced by the FIFA 11+ prevention programme which has a substantial injury
      preventing effect by reducing football injuries by 39%, whereas a preventive
      effect of the FIFA 11 prevention programme could not be documented. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42015024120.

PMID- 28087569
TI  - Exercise as treatment for alcohol use disorders: systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating
      effects of exercise for people with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) across multiple
      health outcomes. We also investigated the prevalence and predictors of dropout
      from exercise studies in AUDs. DESIGN: Systematic review and random effects meta
      analysis with meta-regression analyses. DATA SOURCES: 3 major electronic
      databases were searched from inception until April 2016 for exercise intervention
      studies in adults with AUDs. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies of acute exercise in
      people with AUDs; and randomised and non-randomised trials examining effects of
      long-term (>=2 weeks) exercise. RESULTS: 21 studies and 1204 unique persons with
      AUDs (mean age 37.8 years, mean illness duration 4.4 years) were included.
      Exercise did not reduce daily alcohol consumption (standardised mean difference
      (SMD) =-0.886, p=0.24), or the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
      total scores (SMD=-0.378, p=0.18). For weekly consumption (n=3 studies), a
      statistically significant difference was observed favouring exercise (SMD=-0.656,
      p=0.04), but not after adjustment for publication bias (SMD=-0.16, 95% CI -0.88
      to 0.55). Exercise significantly reduced depressive symptoms versus control
      (randomised controlled trials (RCTs) =4; SMD=-0.867, p=0.006, I2=63%) and
      improved physical fitness (VO2) (RCTs=3; SMD=0.564, p=0.01, I2=46%). The pooled
      dropout rate was 40.3% (95% CI 23.3% to 60.1%) which was no different to control
      conditions (OR=0.73, p=0.52). Dropouts were higher among men (beta=0.0622,
      p<0.0001, R2=0.82). LIMITATIONS: It was not possible to investigate moderating
      effects of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence indicates exercise appears
      not to reduce alcohol consumption, but has significant improvements in other
      health outcomes, including depression and physical fitness. Additional long-term
      controlled studies of exercise for AUDs are required.

PMID- 28087577
TI  - Umbrella: an innovative integrated sexual health service in Birmingham, UK.

PMID- 28087576
TI  - Circulating Modified Metabolites and a Risk of ESRD in Patients With Type 1
      Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with impaired renal function are
      at increased risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although the rate of
      progression varies, determinants and mechanisms of this variation are unknown.
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We examined serum metabolomic profiles associated
      with variation in renal function decline in participants with T1D (the Joslin
      Kidney Study prospective cohort). One hundred fifty-eight patients with
      proteinuria and chronic kidney disease stage 3 were followed for a median of 11
      years to determine estimated glomerular filtration rate slopes from serial
      measurements of serum creatinine and to ascertain time to onset of ESRD. Baseline
      serum samples were subjected to global metabolomic profiling. RESULTS: One
      hundred ten amino acids and purine and pyrimidine metabolites were detected in at
      least 80% of participants. Serum levels of seven modified metabolites (C
      glycosyltryptophan, pseudouridine, O-sulfotyrosine, N-acetylthreonine, N
      acetylserine, N6-carbamoylthreonyladenosine, and N6-acetyllysine) were associated
      with renal function decline and time to ESRD (P < 0.001) independent of the
      relevant clinical covariates. The significant metabolites correlated with one
      another and with the indices of tubular injury. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective
      cohort study in participants with T1D, proteinuria, and impaired renal function
      at baseline demonstrated that patients with increased circulating levels of
      certain modified metabolites experience faster renal function decline, leading to
      ESRD. Whether some of these candidate metabolites are risk factors or just
      prognostic biomarkers of progression to ESRD in T1D needs to be determined.

PMID- 28087575
TI  - Treating inflammation and infection in the 21st century: new hints from decoding
      resolution mediators and mechanisms.
AB  - Practitioners of ancient societies from the time of Hippocrates and earlier
      recognized and treated the signs of inflammation, heat, redness, swelling, and
      pain with agents that block or inhibit proinflammatory chemical mediators. More
      selective drugs are available today, but this therapeutic concept has not
      changed. Because the acute inflammatory response is host protective to contain
      foreign invaders, much of today's pharmacopeia can cause serious unwanted side
      effects, such as immune suppression. Uncontrolled inflammation is now considered
      pathophysiologic and is associated with many widely occurring diseases such as
      cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, and
      asthma, as well as classic inflammatory diseases (e.g., arthritis and periodontal
      diseases). The inflammatory response, when self-limited, produces a superfamily
      of chemical mediators that stimulate resolution of the response. Specialized
      proresolving mediators (SPMs), identified in recent years, are endogenous
      mediators that include the n-3-derived families resolvins, protectins, and
      maresins, as well as arachidonic acid-derived (n-6) lipoxins, which promote
      resolution of inflammation, clearance of microbes, reduction of pain, and
      promotion of tissue regeneration via novel mechanisms. Aspirin and statins have a
      positive impact on these resolution pathways, producing epimeric forms of
      specific SPMs, whereas other drugs can disrupt timely resolution. In this
      article, evidence from recent human and preclinical animal studies is reviewed,
      indicating that SPMs are physiologic mediators and pharmacologic agonists that
      stimulate resolution of inflammation and infection. The findings suggest that it
      is time to challenge current treatment practices-namely, using inhibitors and
      antagonists alone-and to develop immunoresolvents as agonists to test resolution
      pharmacology and their role in catabasis for their therapeutic potential.-Serhan,
      C. N. Treating inflammation and infection in the 21st century: new hints from
      decoding resolution mediators and mechanisms.

PMID- 28087579
TI  - Differential Host Plant-Associated Genetic Variation Between Sympatric Mite
      Species of the Genus Oligonychus (Acari: Tetranychidae).
AB  - Adaptation to different host plants can lead to host-associated differentiation
      (HAD). The mites Oligonychus perseae and Oligonychus punicae have a broad range
      of host plants, but, to date, records of them coexisting sympatrically had only
      been reported on avocado. However, our field observations showed both species
      coexisting on host plants other than avocado. The lack of previous records of
      these mites on the host plants studied here suggests only recent divergence to
      new host plant species. Previous studies showed that O. punicae had a limited
      migration capacity compared with O. perseae, suggesting that O. punicae is more
      likely to develop a close host plant relationship leading to HAD. Adults of both
      species were collected from trees hosting both mite species. Three genera of host
      plants considered were Persea, Salix, and Alnus; two species within one genus
      were Alnus jorullensis and Alnus acuminata; and three varieties within one
      species were Persea americana var. Fuerte, var. Hass, and var. Criollo, a
      noncommercial variety. Using sequence data from a segment of the mitochondrial
      cytochrome oxidase subunit I, the phylogenetic relationships and genetic
      population structure of both mite species in relation to the host plant were
      determined. Oligonychus perseae populations showed a significant population
      structure in relation to host plant at the species and genus level, but there was
      no effect of variety. In contrast, host plant explained none of the genetic
      variation among O. punicae populations. The potential role of coexistence
      mechanisms in the contrasting genetic population structure of both mite species
      is discussed.

PMID- 28087580
TI  - Self-regulating ubiquitin ligases.

PMID- 28087578
TI  - Distinct binding of PET ligands PBB3 and AV-1451 to tau fibril strains in
      neurodegenerative tauopathies.
AB  - Diverse neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by deposition of tau
      fibrils composed of conformers (i.e. strains) unique to each illness. The
      development of tau imaging agents has enabled visualization of tau lesions in
      tauopathy patients, but the modes of their binding to different tau strains
      remain elusive. Here we compared binding of tau positron emission tomography
      ligands, PBB3 and AV-1451, by fluorescence, autoradiography and homogenate
      binding assays with homologous and heterologous blockades using tauopathy brain
      samples. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated intense labelling of non-ghost and
      ghost tangles with PBB3 and AV-1451, while dystrophic neurites were more clearly
      detected by PBB3 in brains of Alzheimer's disease and diffuse neurofibrillary
      tangles with calcification, characterized by accumulation of all six tau
      isoforms. Correspondingly, partially distinct distributions of autoradiographic
      labelling of Alzheimer's disease slices with 11C-PBB3 and 18F-AV-1451 were noted.
      Neuronal and glial tau lesions comprised of 4-repeat isoforms in brains of
      progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration and familial tauopathy
      due to N279K tau mutation and 3-repeat isoforms in brains of Pick's disease and
      familial tauopathy due to G272V tau mutation were sensitively detected by PBB3
      fluorescence in contrast to very weak AV-1451 signals. This was in line with
      moderate 11C-PBB3 versus faint 18F-AV-1451 autoradiographic labelling of these
      tissues. Radioligand binding to brain homogenates revealed multiple binding
      components with differential affinities for 11C-PBB3 and 18F-AV-1451, and higher
      availability of binding sites on progressive supranuclear palsy tau deposits for
      11C-PBB3 than 18F-AV-1451. Our data indicate distinct selectivity of PBB3
      compared to AV-1451 for diverse tau fibril strains. This highlights the more
      robust ability of PBB3 to capture wide-range tau pathologies.

PMID- 28087581
TI  - Brief encounters of cytochrome c.

PMID- 28087582
TI  - Driving Under the Influence of Drugs: Looking for Reasonable Blood Cutoffs and
      Realistic Analytical Values.

PMID- 28087583
TI  - Retrospective Accuracy Study of Point-of-Care Hemoglobin A1c in Field Conditions.

PMID- 28087584
TI  - Emergence of Klebsiella variicola positive for NDM-9, a variant of New Delhi
      metallo-beta-lactamase, in an urban river in South Korea.
AB  - Objectives: To examine the presence of pathogenic bacteria carrying New Delhi
      metallo-beta-lactamase in the environment and to characterize the genome
      structures of these strains. Methods: Phenotypic screening of antimicrobial
      susceptibility and WGS were conducted on three Klebsiella variicola strains
      possessing NDM-9 isolated from an urban river. Results: Three carbapenem
      resistant K. variicola isolated from Gwangju tributary were found to possess bla
      NDM-9 genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated resistance of these
      strains to aminoglycosides, carbapenems, cephems, folate pathway inhibitors,
      fosfomycin and penicillins, but susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, phenicols,
      tetracyclines and miscellaneous agents. WGS revealed that the 108 kb IncFII(Y)
      like plasmids carry bla NDM-9 sandwiched between IS 15 for the GJ1 strain, IS 26
      for the GJ2 strain, IS 15D1 for the GJ3 strain and IS Vsa3 , and further
      bracketed by IS 26 and Tn AS3 along with the mercury resistance operon upstream
      and the class 1 integron composed of gene cassettes of aadA2 , dfrA12 and sul1
      downstream. An aph(3')-Ia gene conferring resistance to aminoglycosides is
      located after the integrons. Chromosomally encoded bla LEN-13 , fosA , aqxA and
      oqxB genes, as well as plasmid-mediated bla TEM-1B and bla CTX-M-65 encoding
      ESBL, ant(3')-Ia and mph (A) genes, were also identified. Conclusions: The
      findings of the present study provide us with the information that NDM-9 has been
      spreading into the environment. Dissemination of NDM-9 in the environment has
      raised a health risk alarm as this variant of NDM carries MDR genes with highly
      transferable mobile genetic elements, increasing the possibility of resistance
      gene transfer among microorganisms in the environment.

PMID- 28087585
TI  - Standard-based comprehensive detection of adverse drug reaction signals from
      nursing statements and laboratory results in electronic health records.
AB  - Objective: We propose 2 Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities-enabled
      pharmacovigilance algorithms, MetaLAB and MetaNurse, powered by a per-year meta
      analysis technique and improved subject sampling strategy. Matrials and methods:
      This study developed 2 novel algorithms, MetaLAB for laboratory abnormalities and
      MetaNurse for standard nursing statements, as significantly improved versions of
      our previous electronic health record (EHR)-based pharmacovigilance method,
      called CLEAR. Adverse drug reaction (ADR) signals from 117 laboratory
      abnormalities and 1357 standard nursing statements for all precautionary drugs (
      n   = 101) were comprehensively detected and validated against SIDER (Side Effect
      Resource) by MetaLAB and MetaNurse against 11 817 and 76 457 drug-ADR pairs,
      respectively. Results: We demonstrate that MetaLAB (area under the curve, AUC =
      0.61 +/- 0.18) outperformed CLEAR (AUC = 0.55 +/- 0.06) when we applied the same
      470 drug-event pairs as the gold standard, as in our previous research. Receiver
      operating characteristic curves for 101 precautionary terms in the Medical
      Dictionary for Regulatory Activities Preferred Terms were obtained for MetaLAB
      and MetaNurse (0.69 +/- 0.11; 0.62 +/- 0.07), which complemented each other in
      terms of ADR signal coverage. Novel ADR signals discovered by MetaLAB and
      MetaNurse were successfully validated against spontaneous reports in the US Food
      and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database. Discussion: The
      present study demonstrates the symbiosis of laboratory test results and nursing
      statements for ADR signal detection in terms of their system organ class coverage
      and performance profiles. Conclusion: Systematic discovery and evaluation of the
      wide spectrum of ADR signals using standard-based observational electronic health
      record data across many institutions will affect drug development and use, as
      well as postmarketing surveillance and regulation.

PMID- 28087586
TI  - Using e-cigarettes in the home to reduce smoking and secondhand smoke:
      disadvantaged parents' accounts.
AB  - Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are subject to considerable public health
      debate. Most public health experts agree that for smokers who find it
      particularly challenging to quit, e-cigarettes may reduce harm. E-cigarette use
      in the home may also reduce children's secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, although
      e-cigarette vapour may pose risks. This is the first qualitative study to explore
      disadvantaged parents' views and experiences of e-cigarettes in relation to
      reducing SHS exposure in the home. Interviews with 25 disadvantaged parents from
      Edinburgh who smoked and had children aged 1-3 were conducted in 2013, with 17 re
      interviewed in 2014. Accounts of e-cigarette perceptions and use were analysed
      thematically. E-cigarettes were seen by some as potentially valuable in helping
      quitting or reducing smoking in difficult circumstances, and protecting children
      from SHS when smoking outside is constrained. However, parents raised concerns
      about safety issues and continuing their nicotine addiction. In relation to
      children, concerns included possible health effects of the vapour, children
      playing with them and role-modelling e-cigarette use. While significant concerns
      remain about e-cigarettes, for some parents who find it challenging to quit or
      safely leave their children to smoke outside, e-cigarettes may offer potential
      for reducing the harm to them and their children.

PMID- 28087587
TI  - Association between dietary intake and 'school-valued' outcomes: a scoping
      review.
AB  - Approximately one in four Australian children aged 5-17 years are overweight or
      obese. Most of the health effects of overweight and obesity in childhood do not
      eventuate until into adulthood; therefore, motivation for children to have a
      healthy diet may be low. This scoping review examined the literature for
      associations between diet quality in 5-18 year olds and 'school-valued' outcomes
      including student attendance, academic performance, behaviour at school and
      mental health. A literature search for studies that assessed dietary intake and
      at least one 'school-valued' outcome in schoolchildren, in highly developed
      countries was conducted. After applying selection criteria, 35 studies were
      included examining academic performance (46%), behaviour (11%), mental health
      (31%) and 11% examining two of these outcomes each. No relevant studies addressed
      attendance. In general, dietary factors including consumption of fruit and
      vegetables, discretionary foods and/or beverages, or overall diet quality, were
      suggested to be correlates of the 'school-valued' outcomes. However, the evidence
      is not comprehensive. This review elucidates the extent and nature of available
      literature, and provides a basis for future research where the potential benefits
      of diet on 'school-valued' outcomes can be thoroughly explored.

PMID- 28087588
TI  - Bleeding associated with the management of acute coronary syndromes.

PMID- 28087589
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28087590
TI  - Medication reconciliation.

PMID- 28087591
TI  - Clinical trials in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis:
      what we have learnt so far, and what we still have to learn.
AB  - The prognosis of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitides
      (AAV), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and
      eosinophilic GPA (EGPA), has been fundamentally improved over the last five
      decades by the use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, turning them from
      consistently fatal diseases into chronic conditions. The long-term course is now
      largely determined by the frequency of disease flares and by accruing damage
      caused by disease activity and treatment-related comorbidities. This review
      summarizes the evidence derived from clinical trials performed during the last 30
      years and the remaining clinical unmet needs that new studies aim to address. In
      MPA and GPA, ongoing studies assess (i) different strategies to reduce cumulative
      glucocorticoid doses currently used for induction and maintenance of remission,
      (ii) the efficacy of new drugs and (iii) the optimal duration of
      immunosuppression and the use of biomarkers to individualize therapy. Prospective
      randomized trials also target disease-associated cardiovascular risk and
      infections. The first prospective controlled trials specifically designed for
      EGPA have recently been launched and could lead to new therapeutic options for
      patients diagnosed with this rare disease. This is an exciting time for
      researchers in the field of AAV, and for patients as collaborative efforts raise
      the hope of developing new therapies and more individualized approaches to the
      management of the diseases, maximizing efficacy while minimizing treatment
      toxicities.

PMID- 28087592
TI  - A fifth of healthcare spending is wasted, says OECD report.

PMID- 28087593
TI  - Norovirus-Mediated Modification of the Translational Landscape via Virus and Host
      Induced Cleavage of Translation Initiation Factors.
AB  - Noroviruses produce viral RNAs lacking a 5' cap structure and instead use a virus
      encoded viral protein genome-linked (VPg) protein covalently linked to viral RNA
      to interact with translation initiation factors and drive viral protein
      synthesis. Norovirus infection results in the induction of the innate response
      leading to interferon stimulated gene (ISG) transcription. However, the
      translation of the induced ISG mRNAs is suppressed. A SILAC-based mass
      spectrometry approach was employed to analyze changes to protein abundance in
      both whole cell and m7GTP-enriched samples to demonstrate that diminished host
      mRNA translation correlates with changes to the composition of the eukaryotic
      initiation factor complex. The suppression of host ISG translation correlates
      with the activity of the viral protease (NS6) and the activation of cellular
      caspases leading to the establishment of an apoptotic environment. These results
      indicate that noroviruses exploit the differences between viral VPg-dependent and
      cellular cap-dependent translation in order to diminish the host response to
      infection.

PMID- 28087595
TI  - Is epicardial fat depot associated with atrial fibrillation? A systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the leading rhythm disorder in western
      countries. A direct relationship between left atrium (LA) enlargement and
      electromechanical remodelling has been established. A causative link between
      epicardial fat (EF), visceral adipose tissue deposited around the heart, and AF
      has been hypothesized. Several reports suggested the association between EF and
      the presence of AF. The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between
      AF and EF depot, performing a meta-analysis of observational case series studies.
      Methods and results: Studies were identified by searching electronic databases by
      two independent investigators using 'atrial fibrillation' and 'epicardial fat' as
      keywords. Comparisons between healthy participants and AF cases were performed
      using a random effect meta-analysis estimating standardized mean difference among
      comparison groups. Meta regression was used to address the effect given by
      potential biological and technical confounders. Through a search result of 502
      articles, only 7 were selected to conduct the present study. The comparison
      between all AF with respect to healthy participants resulted in a 32.0 ml of EF
      difference (95% confidence interval (CI) = 21.5, 42.5) showing that EF volume is
      higher in AF cases. A statistical significant difference of EF was observed when
      comparing both persistent and paroxysmal AF subtypes with respect to healthy
      participants (EF difference 48.0 ml (95% CI = 25.2, 70.8) and 15.7 ml (95% CI =
      10.1, 21.4) for persistent and paroxysmal, respectively). A significant EF
      difference resulted also when comparing persistent to paroxysmal AF subtypes
      (29.6 ml (95% CI = 12.7, 46.5)). Conclusions: The present work expands the
      strength of previously reported association between EF amount and atrial
      arrhythmia.

PMID- 28087594
TI  - A Human Proteome Array Approach to Identifying Key Host Proteins Targeted by
      Toxoplasma Kinase ROP18.
AB  - Toxoplasma kinase ROP18 is a key molecule responsible for the virulence of
      Toxoplasma gondii; however, the mechanisms by which ROP18 exerts parasite
      virulence via interaction with host proteins remain limited to a small number of
      identified substrates. To identify a broader array of ROP18 substrates, we
      successfully purified bioactive mature ROP18 and used it to probe a human
      proteome array. Sixty eight new putative host targets were identified. Functional
      annotation analysis suggested that these proteins have a variety of functions,
      including metabolic process, kinase activity and phosphorylation, cell growth,
      apoptosis and cell death, and immunity, indicating a pleiotropic role of ROP18
      kinase. Among these proteins, four candidates, p53, p38, UBE2N, and Smad1, were
      further validated. We demonstrated that ROP18 targets p53, p38, UBE2N, and Smad1
      for degradation. Importantly, we demonstrated that ROP18 phosphorylates Smad1 Ser
      187 to trigger its proteasome-dependent degradation. Further functional
      characterization of the substrates of ROP18 may enhance understanding of the
      pathogenesis of Toxoplasma infection and provide new therapeutic targets. Similar
      strategies could be used to identify novel host targets for other microbial
      kinases functioning at the pathogen-host interface.

PMID- 28087596
TI  - A meta-analysis on the prognostic significance of inferolateral early
      repolarization pattern in Brugada syndrome.
AB  - Aims: The early repolarization (ER) pattern has been linked to an increased risk
      for arrhythmic death in various clinical settings. There are limited and
      conflicting data regarding the prognostic significance of ER pattern in Brugada
      syndrome (BS). The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a detailed analysis
      of the currently available studies regarding the arrhythmic risk in patients with
      BS and ER pattern. Methods and results: Current databases were searched until May
      2015. A random-effect meta-analysis of the effect of ER pattern on the incidence
      of arrhythmic events in patients with BS was performed. Five studies were
      included comprising a total of 1375 patients with BS. An ER pattern was reported
      in 177 patients (12.8%). During follow-up (44.9-93 months), 143 patients (10.4%)
      suffered an arrhythmic event. Overall, BS patients with ER pattern displayed an
      increased risk of arrhythmic events compared to patients without ER (OR 3.29, 95%
      CI: 2.06 to 5.26, P < 0.00001; Heterogeneity: P = 0.11, I2 = 48%). Three studies
      provided data regarding ER pattern location. Inferior, lateral, or inferolateral
      ER pattern location was observed in 20.3%, 32.2%, and 48%, respectively. An
      inferolateral ER location conferred the higher arrhythmic risk (OR 4.87, 95% CI:
      2.64 to 9.01, P< 0.00001; Heterogeneity: P = 0.85, I2 = 0%). Conclusion: This
      meta-analysis suggests that the ER pattern is associated with a high risk of
      arrhythmic events in patients with BS. In particular, BS patients with
      inferolateral ER (global ER pattern) displayed the highest arrhythmic risk.

PMID- 28087597
TI  - Membrane-Depolarizing Channel Blockers Induce Selective Glioma Cell Death by
      Impairing Nutrient Transport and Unfolded Protein/Amino Acid Responses.
AB  - Glioma-initiating cells (GIC) are considered the underlying cause of recurrences
      of aggressive glioblastomas, replenishing the tumor population and undermining
      the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. Here we report the discovery that
      inhibiting T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ and KCa channels can effectively induce
      selective cell death of GIC and increase host survival in an orthotopic mouse
      model of human glioma. At present, the precise cellular pathways affected by the
      drugs affecting these channels are unknown. However, using cell-based assays and
      integrated proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and transcriptomics analyses, we
      identified the downstream signaling events these drugs affect. Changes in plasma
      membrane depolarization and elevated intracellular Na+, which compromised Na+
      dependent nutrient transport, were documented. Deficits in nutrient deficit acted
      in turn to trigger the unfolded protein response and the amino acid response,
      leading ultimately to nutrient starvation and GIC cell death. Our results suggest
      new therapeutic targets to attack aggressive gliomas. Cancer Res; 77(7); 1741-52.
      (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087599
TI  - Long Noncoding RNA LINC00092 Acts in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts to Drive
      Glycolysis and Progression of Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - The majority of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer are diagnosed at a late
      stage when the peritoneal metastases exist; however, there is little knowledge of
      the metastatic process in this disease setting. In this study, we report the
      identification of the long noncoding RNA LINC00092 as a nodal driver of
      metastatic progression mediated by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF).
      Prometastatic properties of CAFs in vitro and in vivo were found to associate
      with elevated expression of the chemokine CXCL14. In clinical specimens, elevated
      levels of CXCL14 in CAFs also correlated with poor prognosis. Notably, CXCL14
      high CAFs mediated upregulation of LINC00092 in ovarian cancer cells, the levels
      of which also correlated with poor prognosis in patients. Mechanistic studies
      showed that LINC00092 bound a glycolytic enzyme, the fructose-2,6-biphosphatase
      PFKFB2, thereby promoting metastasis by altering glycolysis and sustaining the
      local supportive function of CAFs. Overall, our study uncovered a positive
      feedback loop in the metabolism of CXCL14-positive CAFs and ovarian cancer cells
      that is critical for metastatic progression. Cancer Res; 77(6); 1369-82. (c)2017
      AACR.

PMID- 28087598
TI  - Bayesian Network Inference Modeling Identifies TRIB1 as a Novel Regulator of Cell
      Cycle Progression and Survival in Cancer Cells.
AB  - Molecular networks governing responses to targeted therapies in cancer cells are
      complex dynamic systems that demonstrate nonintuitive behaviors. We applied a
      novel computational strategy to infer probabilistic causal relationships between
      network components based on gene expression. We constructed a model comprised of
      an ensemble of networks using multidimensional data from cell line models of cell
      cycle arrest caused by inhibition of MEK1/2. Through simulation of a reverse
      engineered Bayesian network model, we generated predictions of G1-S transition.
      The model identified known components of the cell-cycle machinery, such as CCND1,
      CCNE2, and CDC25A, as well as revealed novel regulators of G1-S transition, IER2,
      TRIB1, TRIM27. Experimental validation of model predictions confirmed 10 of 12
      predicted genes to have a role in G1-S progression. Further analysis showed that
      TRIB1 regulated the cyclin D1 promoter via NFkappaB and AP-1 sites and sensitized
      cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In clinical specimens of breast cancer, TRIB1
      levels correlated with expression of NFkappaB and its target genes (IL8, CSF2),
      and TRIB1 copy number and expression were predictive of clinical outcome.
      Together, our results establish a critical role of TRIB1 in cell cycle and
      survival that is mediated via the modulation of NFkappaB signaling. Cancer Res;
      77(7); 1575-85. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087601
TI  - An unusual cause of 'dextrocardia'.

PMID- 28087600
TI  - Sunitinib Stimulates Expression of VEGFC by Tumor Cells and Promotes
      Lymphangiogenesis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinomas.
AB  - Sunitinib is an antiangiogenic therapy given as a first-line treatment for renal
      cell carcinoma (RCC). While treatment improves progression-free survival, most
      patients relapse. We hypothesized that patient relapse can stem from the
      development of a lymphatic network driven by the production of the main growth
      factor for lymphatic endothelial cells, VEGFC. In this study, we found that
      sunitinib can stimulate vegfc gene transcription and increase VEGFC mRNA half
      life. In addition, sunitinib activated p38 MAPK, which resulted in the
      upregulation/activity of HuR and inactivation of tristetraprolin, two AU-rich
      element-binding proteins. Sunitinib stimulated a VEGFC-dependent development of
      lymphatic vessels in experimental tumors. This may explain our findings of
      increased lymph node invasion and new metastatic sites in 30% of sunitinib
      treated patients and increased lymphatic vessels found in 70% of neoadjuvant
      treated patients. In summary, a therapy dedicated to destroying tumor blood
      vessels induced the development of lymphatic vessels, which may have contributed
      to the treatment failure. Cancer Res; 77(5); 1212-26. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087603
TI  - Coronary microvascular reserve and outcome in aortic stenosis: Pathophysiological
      significance vs. clinical relevance.

PMID- 28087604
TI  - HIV infection, ACS, PCI and high platelet reactivity: ingredients for a perfect
      thrombotic storm.

PMID- 28087602
TI  - Novel application of 3D contrast-enhanced CMR to define fibrotic structure of the
      human sinoatrial node in vivo.
AB  - Aims: The adult human sinoatrial node (SAN) has a specialized fibrotic intramural
      structure (35-55% fibrotic tissue) that provides mechanical and electrical
      protection from the surrounding atria. We hypothesize that late gadolinium
      enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) can be applied to define the
      fibrotic human SAN structure in vivo. Methods and results : LGE-CMR atrial scans
      of healthy volunteers (n olu, 23-52 y.o.) using a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance
      imaging system with a spatial resolution of 1.0 mm3 or 0.625 * 0.625 * 1.25 mm3
      were obtained and analysed. Percent fibrosis of total connective and
      cardiomyocyte tissue area in segmented atrial regions were measured based on
      signal intensity differences of fibrotic vs. non-fibrotic cardiomyocyte tissue. A
      distinct ellipsoidal fibrotic region (length: 23.6 +/- 1.9 mm; width: 7.2 +/- 0.9
      mm; depth: 2.9 +/- 0.4 mm) in all hearts was observed along the posterior
      junction of the crista terminalis and superior vena cava extending towards the
      interatrial septum, corresponding to the anatomical location of the human SAN.
      The SAN fibrotic region consisted of 41.9 +/- 5.4% of LGE voxels above an average
      threshold of 2.7 SD (range 2-3 SD) from the non-fibrotic right atrial free wall
      tissue. Fibrosis quantification and SAN identification by in vivo LGE-CMR were
      validated in optically mapped explanted donor hearts ex vivo (n ivo, 19-65 y.o.)
      by contrast-enhanced CMR (9.4 Tesla; up to 90 um3 resolution) correlated with
      serial histological sections of the SAN. Conclusion: This is the first study to
      visualize the 3D human SAN fibrotic structure in vivo using LGE-CMR.
      Identification of the 3D SAN location and its high fibrotic content by LGE-CMR
      may provide a new tool to avoid or target SAN structure during ablation.

PMID- 28087605
TI  - Histopathological Workup of a Hybrid Implanted Melody(r) Valve in Mitral Valve
      Position.

PMID- 28087606
TI  - Reinnervation post-heart transplantation.
AB  - Heart transplantation results in complete denervation of the donor heart with
      loss of afferent and efferent nerve connections. The majority of patients remain
      completely denervated during the first 6-12 months following transplantation.
      Evidence of reinnervation is usually found during the second year after
      transplantation and involve the myocardial muscle, sinoatrial node, and coronary
      vessels, but remains incomplete and regionally limited many years post
      transplant. Restoration of cardiac innervation can improve exercise capacity as
      well as blood flow regulation in the coronary arteries, and hence improve quality
      of life. As yet, there is no evidence that the reinnervation process is
      associated with the occurrence of allograft-related events or survival.

PMID- 28087607
TI  - Type II Diabetes, Obesity, and Breast Cancer Risk: The Multiethnic Cohort.
AB  - Background: Obesity has been more consistently associated with breast cancer than
      type II diabetes. This analysis examined the combination of the two factors in
      the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC).Methods: Women ages 45-75 years entered the MEC in
      1993-1996 by completing a questionnaire. Type II diabetes status was self
      reported at baseline, two follow-up questionnaires, and confirmed by
      administrative data. Cancers were identified from tumor registries and deaths
      through vital records until 2010. Cox regression was applied to estimate HRs and
      95% confidence intervals (CI) for BMI and type II diabetes status alone and in
      combination.Results: Among 103,721 (25,146 white, 20,255 African American, 7,681
      Native Hawaiian, 28,012 Japanese American, 22,627 Latina) women with 14,558 type
      II diabetes cases, 6,692 women developed breast cancer during 14.8 +/- 4.1 years
      of follow-up. Type II diabetes was significantly associated with breast cancer
      risk (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.07-1.23), but including body mass index (BMI) lowered
      the HR to 1.08 (95% CI, 1.00-1.16). Ethnic-specific BMI-adjusted models showed
      elevated risks for type II diabetes in Latinas only (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.11
      1.52). In contrast, obesity predicted statistically significant 21%-46% higher
      risks, after type II diabetes adjustment, in all ethnic groups except Latinas
      (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.99-1.38).Conclusions: As reported previously, inclusion of
      BMI weakened the association of type II diabetes with breast cancer. Type II
      diabetes status, but not BMI, was primarily associated with higher breast cancer
      risk in Latinas.Impact: The role of obesity and type II diabetes in breast cancer
      etiology may differ by ethnicity suggesting metabolic differences related to
      obesity. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 854-61. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087608
TI  - Diabetes, Abnormal Glucose, Dyslipidemia, Hypertension, and Risk of Inflammatory
      and Other Breast Cancer.
AB  - Background: Obesity has been associated with substantially higher risk of
      inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) than other breast cancer. Here, we assess
      whether comorbidities of obesity, namely diabetes, abnormal glucose,
      dyslipidemia, and hypertension, are differentially related to risk of IBC and
      other breast cancers by tumor stage at diagnosis
      (localized/regional/distant/unstaged).Methods: We used linked SEER-Medicare data,
      with female breast cancer cases ages 66+ years identified by SEER registries
      (years 1992-2011). We divided first breast cancers into IBC (N = 2,306), locally
      advanced non-IBC (LABC; N = 10,347), and other (N = 197,276). We selected female
      controls (N = 200,000) from a stratified 5% random sample of Medicare recipients
      alive and breast cancer free. We assessed exposures until 12 months before
      diagnosis/selection using Medicare claims data. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and
      99.9% confidence intervals (CI) using unconditional logistic regression.Results:
      Diabetes was associated with increased risk of distant IBC (98.5% of IBC cases;
      OR 1.44; 99.9% CI 1.21-1.71), distant (OR 1.24; 99.9% CI, 1.09-1.40) and regional
      (OR 1.29 (99.9% CI, 1.14-1.45) LABC, and distant (OR 1.23; 99.9% CI, 1.10-1.39)
      and unstaged (OR 1.32; 99.9% CI, 1.18-1.47) other breast cancers. Dyslipidemia
      was associated with reduced risk of IBC (OR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.94) and other
      breast cancers except localized disease. Results were similar by tumor estrogen
      receptor status. Abnormal glucose levels and hypertension had little association
      with risk of any tumor type.Conclusions: Associations with diabetes and
      dyslipidemia were similar for distant stage IBC and other advanced tumors.Impact:
      If confirmed, such findings could suggest avenues for prevention. Cancer
      Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 862-8. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087609
TI  - Role of attitudes and intentions in predicting adherence to oral diabetes
      medications.
AB  - The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the extent to which
      patient attitudes and intentions predict adherence to the use of oral
      antihyperglycemic regimens in African Americans. This cross-sectional study of
      115 participants used correlation analysis to establish relationships among
      patient attitudes, intentions and adherence. Data analyses showed significant
      correlations between the variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to
      establish predictions between the variables. A prediction model containing
      attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control (PBC) explained 37%
      of the variance to behavioral intention. Intentions accounted for 8.5% of the
      variance to adherence. Attitudes predicted behavioral intentions. The findings
      support the theory of planned behavior model and identify important correlations
      between attitudes, intentions and behaviors. In addition, the results underscore
      the need for promoting positive attitudes and positive intentions in effective
      adherence to the use of oral antihyperglycemic regimens. Achieving adequate
      adherence through behavioral counseling can effect positive social change by
      reducing the mortality and morbidity that are associated with inadequate
      adherence to the use of oral diabetic agents.

PMID- 28087611
TI  - Production of N-acyl homoserine lactones by the sponge-associated marine
      actinobacteria Salinispora arenicola and Salinispora pacifica.
AB  - The structures of acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) compounds and their
      quantification were accomplished using an integrated liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry approach. The precursor and product ions, along with retention times
      of peaks, were searched against an in-house database of AHLs and structures
      confirmed by accurate mass and by comparison with authentic AHL standards. The
      two compounds, N-(3-oxodecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone and N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L
      homoserine lactone, were characterised and quantified in Salinispora sp.
      cultures.

PMID- 28087610
TI  - Long non-coding RNA exchange during the oocyte-to-embryo transition in mice.
AB  - The oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET) transforms a differentiated gamete into
      pluripotent blastomeres. The accompanying maternal-zygotic RNA exchange involves
      remodeling of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) pool. Here, we used next
      generation sequencing and de novo transcript assembly to define the core
      population of 1,600 lncRNAs expressed during the OET (lncRNAs). Relative to
      mRNAs, OET lncRNAs were less expressed and had shorter transcripts, mainly due to
      fewer exons and shorter 5' terminal exons. Approximately half of OET lncRNA
      promoters originated in retrotransposons suggesting their recent emergence.
      Except for a small group of ubiquitous lncRNAs, maternal and zygotic lncRNAs
      formed two distinct populations. The bulk of maternal lncRNAs was degraded before
      the zygotic genome activation. Interestingly, maternal lncRNAs seemed to undergo
      cytoplasmic polyadenylation observed for dormant mRNAs. We also identified
      lncRNAs giving rise to trans-acting short interfering RNAs, which represent a
      novel lncRNA category. Altogether, we defined the core OET lncRNA transcriptome
      and characterized its remodeling during early development. Our results are
      consistent with the notion that rapidly evolving lncRNAs constitute signatures of
      cells-of-origin while a minority plays an active role in control of gene
      expression across OET. Our data presented here provide an excellent source for
      further OET lncRNA studies.

PMID- 28087612
TI  - Biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance genes of coagulase-negative
      staphylococci isolated from cows with mastitis in Argentina.
AB  - Mastitis affects the health and welfare of dairy cows worldwide. Coagulase
      negative staphylococci (CNS) are known to form biofilms and are increasingly
      recognized as a cause of persistent bovine intramammary infections. A total of 90
      CNS isolated from cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis in Argentina from
      2008 to 2014 were identified by PCR-RFLP using the gap gene. Standard microtiter
      plate assays were used to assess CNS biofilm formation, and Staphylococcus
      haemolyticus species formed the strongest biofilms. The presence of biofilm
      associated genes icaA, bap and aap was detected in a few isolates, while embP,
      fbe, atlE and eno were present in the majority of isolates. Genes encoding
      resistance to beta-lactams were detected among the isolates; blaZ, mecA and mecC
      were detected in 21, 4 and 1 isolate, respectively. Resistance to macrolides and
      lincosamides (n = 6) was attributable to ermB, ermC, mphC or mrsA or a
      combination of those genes. In this study, we identified CNS species involved in
      mastitis and provide information about pathogenicity and antimicrobial
      resistance, which is essential to design efficient strategies to control mastitis
      caused by CNS.

PMID- 28087614
TI  - Usefulness of FTIR spectroscopy to distinguish rough and smooth variants of
      Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM-I-3699.
AB  - In this study, the potential of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
      for assessing putative biochemical and structural differences between the two
      variants, rough (R) and smooth (S), of Lactobacillus farciminis CNCM-I-3699, a
      pleomorphic strain, was investigated. The main differences observed were
      localized in the polysaccharide (1200-900 cm-1) and protein (1700-1500 cm-1)
      regions. Based on spectral information in these two spectral ranges, clustering
      resulted in a dendrogram that showed a clear discrimination between both
      morphotypes. Significant increases in favor of morphotype S compared to R at
      specific wavenumbers for polysaccharides (22.18% vs. 5.24% at 1068 cm-1) and
      capsular polysaccharides (16% vs. 13.17% at 1048 cm-1) were recorded. Compared to
      S, the morphotype R exhibits a 1.27-fold higher signal at the wavenumber of 1637
      cm-1 assigned to the amide I beta-sheet and a 2.71-fold higher signal at the
      wavenumber of 1513 cm-1 assigned to the tyrosine involved in the beta-sheet
      arrangement of proteins. The FTIR analysis is efficient to separate and give data
      on mainly surface component differences observed previously between S colony
      morphotype (ropy and exopolysaccharide positive) and the R colony morphotype (non
      ropy but highly autoaggregative).

PMID- 28087613
TI  - Systemic and mucosal pre-administration of recombinant Helicobacter pylori
      neutrophil-activating protein prevents ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an inverse association
      between Helicobacter pylori infection and the frequency of allergic asthma. The
      neutrophil-activating protein (NAP) of H. pylori has been identified as a
      modulator possessing anti-Th2 inflammation activity. Here, we sought to determine
      whether systemic or mucosal pre-administration of recombinant H. pylori NAP
      (rNAP) could prevent ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma in mice. METHODS:
      Mice were exposed to purified rNAP through intraperitoneal injection or
      inhalation and then sensitized with OVA. Following a challenge with aerosolized
      OVA, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count, lung tissue histology,
      BALF cytokines and serum IgE were evaluated. RESULTS: Both intraperitoneal
      injection and inhalation of rNAP prior to OVA sensitization significantly reduced
      eosinophil accumulation and inflammatory infiltration in lung tissue in OVA
      induced asthma mice; eosinophils were reduced in the BALF of rNAP-treated mice.
      In addition, IL-4 and IL-13 levels were lower (P < 0.01), IL-10 and IFN-gamma
      levels were higher (P < 0.01) and IgE serum levels were lower (P < 0.01) in the
      treated groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic and mucosal
      pre-administration of rNAP could suppress the development of OVA-induced asthma
      in mice; rNAP may be utilized as part of novel strategies for the prevention or
      treatment of allergic diseases.

PMID- 28087615
TI  - Microbial catabolism of sterols: focus on the enzymes that transform the sterol
      3beta-hydroxy-5-en into 3-keto-4-en.
AB  - An overview on the microbial sterol catabolism is described with a focus on the
      catabolic step of the 3beta-hydroxy-5-en structure. Cholesterol oxidase
      transforms this structure into the corresponding 3-keto-4-en feature, and thus
      initiates the sterol molecule catabolism. The oxidase has been found in a large
      number of microorganisms, especially in Actinobacteria as species of Rhodococcus
      and Streptomyces. Other Actinobacteria as species of Mycobacterium and Nocardia
      possess NAD(P)-dependent dehydrogenase for this catabolic step. In Rhodococcus
      jostii, oxidation of the C26 of the sterol side chain is the initiating step. The
      resulting stenone or sterol-C26-oic acid is then catabolized according to two
      subpathways: cleavage of the sterol side chain and degradation of the steroid
      nucleus. Divergent items concerned with the enzymes that transform the sterol
      3beta-hydroxy-5-en are discussed.

PMID- 28087616
TI  - Pathways to false-positive diagnoses using molecular genetic detection methods;
      Phytophthora cinnamomi a case study.
AB  - Phytophthora cinnamomi is one of the world's most invasive plant pathogens
      affecting ornamental plants, horticultural crops and natural ecosystems. Accurate
      diagnosis is very important to determine the presence or absence of this pathogen
      in diseased and asymptomatic plants. In previous studies, P. cinnamomi species
      specific primers were designed and tested using various polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) techniques including conventional PCR, nested PCR and quantitative real
      time PCR. In all cases, the primers were stated to be highly specific and
      sensitive to P. cinnamomi. However, few of these studies tested their primers
      against closely related Phytophthora species (Phytophthora clade 7). In this
      study, we tested these purported P. cinnamomi-specific primer sets against 11
      other species from clade 7 and determined their specificity; of the eight tested
      primer sets only three were specific to P. cinnamomi. This study demonstrated the
      importance of testing primers against closely related species within the same
      clade, and not just other species within the same genus. The findings of this
      study are relevant to all species-specific microbial diagnosis.

PMID- 28087617
TI  - In vitro activity of the antiasthmatic drug zafirlukast against the oral
      pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans.
AB  - Oral infections are among the most common diseases worldwide. Many protocols for
      the prevention and treatment of oral infections have been described, yet no
      golden standard has been developed so far. The antiseptic chlorhexidine and
      antibiotics are often used in these treatment procedures. However, long-term use
      of chlorhexidine can lead to side effects and extensive use of antibiotics can
      promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which in turn can
      compromise the effectiveness of the treatment. Consequently, it remains important
      to search for new antibacterial agents for the treatment of oral infections. In
      this study, we report on the antibacterial activity of the antiasthma drug
      zafirlukast against oral pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus
      mutans. Furthermore, its activity against oral biofilms grown on titanium
      surfaces was confirmed. In addition, we demonstrated that zafirlukast displays no
      cytotoxicity against human osteoblasts. Combined, this study paves the way for
      further research to determine the potential of zafirlukast to be used as a new
      antibiotic against oral pathogens.

PMID- 28087618
TI  - Spotlight on... Mariagrazia Pizza.

PMID- 28087619
TI  - Genome-wide transcription profiling of aerobic and anaerobic Escherichia coli
      biofilm and planktonic cultures.
AB  - Many studies have described the response of the facultative anaerobe, Escherichia
      coli, to anaerobic conditions, yet they all investigated free-living (planktonic)
      cells because attempts to cultivate anaerobic E. coli biofilm were mostly
      unsuccessful. We challenged these findings and cultivated E. coli strain MG1655
      biofilm under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, characterizing the mature
      biofilm architecture and global gene expression profile. We used RNA sequencing
      technology to compare stationary phase planktonic cells with mature biofilm,
      cultured with and without oxygen. Our results suggest that gene expression
      patterns significantly differ between biofilm and planktonic cultures cultivated
      under the same oxygenic conditions. The anaerobic E. coli biofilms were slow
      growing and patchy compared to aerobic biofilms, yet some features were unchanged
      like the production of extracellular polymeric substances. A closer inspection of
      the mRNA data revealed that essential cell processes were attenuated in anaerobic
      biofilms, including protein synthesis, information transfer, cell structure,
      regulation and transport. Our results suggest that lack of oxygen imposes severe
      stress on mature biofilms thus limiting the cells' activity. We further propose
      that E. coli does not favor growing in anaerobic biofilms and when forced to do
      so, the cells prevail by attenuating their activity in order to survive.

PMID- 28087620
TI  - E152A substitution drastically affects NDM-5 activity.
AB  - New Delhi Metallo beta-lactamase (NDM) is of significant public health concern
      due to its enormous potential to hydrolyse all major beta-lactams including
      carbapenems. Amino acid substitutions outside the active site reportedly affect
      NDM beta-lactamase activities. Here, the effect of amino acid substitutions in
      the possible omega-like loop region of NDM-5 has been elucidated. Overall, three
      substitution mutations near active site of NDM-5 were done, namely, E152A, S191A
      and D223A and subsequently, the change in antimicrobial resistance was monitored
      upon expressing each mutant in a suitable host. Among the three mutants, E152A
      substitution on a loop near the active site resulted in significant reduction in
      beta-lactam antibiotic resistance as compared to NDM-5 that compelled us to
      conduct further studies on the E152A-substituted NDM-5. The purified NDM-5 was
      able to hydrolyse all the beta-lactams tested whereas the E152A mutation
      suppressed its activities. NDM-5 showed maximum kcat/Km ratio against penicillins
      and carbapenems and had lower Km as compared to NDM-5_E152A. Though, the amino
      acid substitution did not affect the overall folding pattern of NDM-5,
      significant differences in thermal stability between the wild-type and mutated
      protein were observed. Therefore, we infer that the E152 residue is important in
      regulating the beta-lactam hydrolysing properties of NDM-5.

PMID- 28087621
TI  - The HOOK region of voltage-gated Ca2+ channel beta subunits senses and transmits
      PIP2 signals to the gate.
AB  - The beta subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels plays an important role in
      regulating gating of the alpha1 pore-forming subunit and its regulation by
      phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Subcellular localization of the CaV
      beta subunit is critical for this effect; N-terminal-dependent membrane targeting
      of the beta subunit slows inactivation and decreases PIP2 sensitivity. Here, we
      provide evidence that the HOOK region of the beta subunit plays an important role
      in the regulation of CaV biophysics. Based on amino acid composition, we broadly
      divide the HOOK region into three domains: S (polyserine), A (polyacidic), and B
      (polybasic). We show that a beta subunit containing only its A domain in the HOOK
      region increases inactivation kinetics and channel inhibition by PIP2 depletion,
      whereas a beta subunit with only a B domain decreases these responses. When both
      the A and B domains are deleted, or when the entire HOOK region is deleted, the
      responses are elevated. Using a peptide-to-liposome binding assay and confocal
      microscopy, we find that the B domain of the HOOK region directly interacts with
      anionic phospholipids via polybasic and two hydrophobic Phe residues. The beta2c
      short subunit, which lacks an A domain and contains fewer basic amino acids and
      no Phe residues in the B domain, neither associates with phospholipids nor
      affects channel gating dynamically. Together, our data suggest that the flexible
      HOOK region of the beta subunit acts as an important regulator of CaV channel
      gating via dynamic electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction with the plasma
      membrane.

PMID- 28087622
TI  - Calmodulin limits pathogenic Na+ channel persistent current.
AB  - Increased "persistent" current, caused by delayed inactivation, through voltage
      gated Na+ (NaV) channels leads to cardiac arrhythmias or epilepsy. The underlying
      molecular contributors to these inactivation defects are poorly understood. Here,
      we show that calmodulin (CaM) binding to multiple sites within NaV channel
      intracellular C-terminal domains (CTDs) limits persistent Na+ current and
      accelerates inactivation across the NaV family. Arrhythmia or epilepsy mutations
      located in NaV1.5 or NaV1.2 channel CTDs, respectively, reduce CaM binding either
      directly or by interfering with CTD-CTD interchannel interactions. Boosting the
      availability of CaM, thus shifting its binding equilibrium, restores wild-type
      (WT)-like inactivation in mutant NaV1.5 and NaV1.2 channels and likewise
      diminishes the comparatively large persistent Na+ current through WT NaV1.6,
      whose CTD displays relatively low CaM affinity. In cerebellar Purkinje neurons,
      in which NaV1.6 promotes a large physiological persistent Na+ current, increased
      CaM diminishes the persistent Na+ current, suggesting that the endogenous,
      comparatively weak affinity of NaV1.6 for apoCaM is important for physiological
      persistent current.

PMID- 28087623
TI  - A p53-based genetic tracing system to follow postnatal cardiomyocyte expansion in
      heart regeneration.
AB  - In the field of heart regeneration, the proliferative potential of cardiomyocytes
      in postnatal mice is under intense investigation. However, solely relying on
      immunostaining of proliferation markers, the long-term proliferation dynamics and
      potential of the cardiomyocytes cannot be readily addressed. Previously, we found
      that a p53 promoter-driving reporter predominantly marked the proliferating
      lineages in mice. Here, we established a p53-based genetic tracing system to
      investigate postnatal cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration. By
      selectively tracing proliferative cardiomyocytes, a differential pattern of
      clonal expansion in p53+ cardiac myocytes was revealed in neonatal, adolescent
      and adult stages. In addition, the percentage of p53+ lineage cardiomyocytes
      increased continuously in the first month. Furthermore, these cells rapidly
      responded to heart injury and greatly contributed to the replenished myocardium.
      Therefore, this study reveals complex proliferating dynamics in postnatal
      cardiomyocytes and heart repair, and provides a novel genetic tracing strategy
      for studying postnatal cardiac turnover and regeneration.

PMID- 28087624
TI  - Tissue-specific regulation of alternative polyadenylation represses expression of
      a neuronal ankyrin isoform in C. elegans epidermal development.
AB  - Differential mRNA polyadenylation plays an important role in shaping the neuronal
      transcriptome. In C. elegans, several ankyrin isoforms are produced from the unc
      44 locus through alternative polyadenylation. Here, we identify a key role for an
      intronic polyadenylation site (PAS) in temporal- and tissue-specific regulation
      of UNC-44/ankyrin isoforms. Removing an intronic PAS results in ectopic
      expression of the neuronal ankyrin isoform in non-neural tissues. This mis
      expression underlies epidermal developmental defects in mutants of the conserved
      tumor suppressor death-associated protein kinase dapk-1 We have previously
      reported that the use of this intronic PAS depends on the nuclear polyadenylation
      factor SYDN-1, which inhibits the RNA polymerase II CTD phosphatase SSUP-72.
      Consistent with this, loss of sydn-1 blocks ectopic expression of neuronal
      ankyrin and suppresses epidermal morphology defects of dapk-1 These effects of
      sydn-1 are mediated by ssup-72 autonomously in the epidermis. We also show that a
      peptidyl-prolyl isomerase PINN-1 antagonizes SYDN-1 in the spatiotemporal control
      of neuronal ankyrin isoform. Moreover, the nuclear localization of PINN-1 is
      altered in dapk-1 mutants. Our data reveal that tissue and stage-specific
      expression of ankyrin isoforms relies on differential activity of positive and
      negative regulators of alternative polyadenylation.

PMID- 28087625
TI  - Faithful mRNA splicing depends on the Prp19 complex subunit faint sausage and is
      required for tracheal branching morphogenesis in Drosophila.
AB  - Morphogenesis requires the dynamic regulation of gene expression, including
      transcription, mRNA maturation and translation. Dysfunction of the general mRNA
      splicing machinery can cause surprisingly specific cellular phenotypes, but the
      basis for these effects is not clear. Here, we show that the Drosophila faint
      sausage (fas) locus, which is implicated in epithelial morphogenesis and has
      previously been reported to encode a secreted immunoglobulin domain protein, in
      fact encodes a subunit of the spliceosome-activating Prp19 complex, which is
      essential for efficient pre-mRNA splicing. Loss of zygotic fas function globally
      impairs the efficiency of splicing, and is associated with widespread retention
      of introns in mRNAs and dramatic changes in gene expression. Surprisingly,
      despite these general effects, zygotic fas mutants show specific defects in
      tracheal cell migration during mid-embryogenesis when maternally supplied
      splicing factors have declined. We propose that tracheal branching, which relies
      on dynamic changes in gene expression, is particularly sensitive for efficient
      spliceosome function. Our results reveal an entry point to study requirements of
      the splicing machinery during organogenesis and provide a better understanding of
      disease phenotypes associated with mutations in general splicing factors.

PMID- 28087626
TI  - Snail2 and Zeb2 repress P-cadherin to define embryonic territories in the chick
      embryo.
AB  - Snail and Zeb transcription factors induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) in embryonic and adult tissues by direct repression of E-cadherin
      transcription. The repression of E-cadherin transcription by the EMT inducers
      Snail1 and Zeb2 plays a fundamental role in defining embryonic territories in the
      mouse, as E-cadherin needs to be downregulated in the primitive streak and in the
      epiblast, concomitant with the formation of mesendodermal precursors and the
      neural plate, respectively. Here, we show that in the chick embryo, E-cadherin is
      weakly expressed in the epiblast at pre-primitive streak stages where it is
      substituted for by P-cadherin We also show that Snail2 and Zeb2 repress P
      cadherin transcription in the primitive streak and the neural plate,
      respectively. This indicates that E- and P-cadherin expression patterns evolved
      differently between chick and mouse. As such, the Snail1/E-cadherin axis
      described in the early mouse embryo corresponds to Snail2/P-cadherin in the
      chick, but both Snail factors and Zeb2 fulfil a similar role in chick and mouse
      in directly repressing ectodermal cadherin genes to contribute to the
      delamination of mesendodermal precursors at gastrulation and the proper
      specification of the neural ectoderm during neural induction.

PMID- 28087627
TI  - The chemical compound bubblin induces stomatal mispatterning in Arabidopsis by
      disrupting the intrinsic polarity of stomatal lineage cells.
AB  - Stem cell polarization is a crucial step in asymmetric cell division, which is a
      universal system for generating cellular diversity in multicellular organisms.
      Several conventional genetics studies have attempted to elucidate the mechanisms
      underlying cell polarization in plants, but it remains largely unknown. In
      plants, stomata, which are valves for gas exchange, are generated through several
      rounds of asymmetric divisions. In this study, we identified and characterized a
      chemical compound that affects stomatal stem cell polarity. High-throughput
      screening for bioactive molecules identified a pyridine-thiazole derivative,
      named bubblin, which induced stomatal clustering in Arabidopsis epidermis.
      Bubblin perturbed stomatal asymmetric division, resulting in the generation of
      two identical daughter cells. Both cells continued to express the stomatal fate
      determinant SPEECHLESS, and then differentiated into mispatterned stomata.
      Bubblin-treated cells had a defect in the polarized localization of BREAKING OF
      ASYMMETRY IN THE STOMATAL LINEAGE (BASL), which is required for asymmetric cell
      fate determination. Our results suggest that bubblin induces stomatal lineage
      cells to divide without BASL-dependent pre-mitotic establishment of polarity.
      Bubblin is a potentially valuable tool for investigating cell polarity
      establishment in stomatal asymmetric division.

PMID- 28087628
TI  - ID4 levels dictate the stem cell state in mouse spermatogonia.
AB  - Spermatogenesis is a classic model of cycling cell lineages that depend on a
      balance between stem cell self-renewal for continuity and the formation of
      progenitors as the initial step in the production of differentiated cells. The
      mechanisms that guide the continuum of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) to
      progenitor spermatogonial transition and precise identifiers of subtypes in the
      process are undefined. Here we used an Id4-eGfp reporter mouse to discover that
      EGFP intensity is predictive of the subsets, with the ID4-EGFPBright population
      being mostly, if not purely, SSCs, whereas the ID4-EGFPDim population is in
      transition to the progenitor state. These subsets are also distinguishable by
      transcriptome signatures. Moreover, using a conditional overexpression mouse
      model, we found that transition from the stem cell to the immediate progenitor
      state requires downregulation of Id4 coincident with a major change in the
      transcriptome. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the level of ID4 is
      predictive of stem cell or progenitor capacity in spermatogonia and dictates the
      interface of transition between the different functional states.

PMID- 28087629
TI  - Jmjd2c facilitates the assembly of essential enhancer-protein complexes at the
      onset of embryonic stem cell differentiation.
AB  - Jmjd2 H3K9 demethylases cooperate in promoting mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC)
      identity. However, little is known about their importance at the exit of ESC
      pluripotency. Here, we reveal that Jmjd2c facilitates this process by stabilising
      the assembly of mediator-cohesin complexes at lineage-specific enhancers.
      Functionally, we show that Jmjd2c is required in ESCs to initiate appropriate
      gene expression programs upon somatic multi-lineage differentiation. In the
      absence of Jmjd2c, differentiation is stalled at an early post-implantation
      epiblast-like stage, while Jmjd2c-knockout ESCs remain capable of forming extra
      embryonic endoderm derivatives. Dissection of the underlying molecular basis
      revealed that Jmjd2c is re-distributed to lineage-specific enhancers during ESC
      priming for differentiation. Interestingly, Jmjd2c-bound enhancers are co
      occupied by the H3K9-methyltransferase G9a (also known as Ehmt2), independently
      of its H3K9-modifying activity. Loss of Jmjd2c abrogates G9a recruitment and
      further destabilises loading of the mediator and cohesin components Med1 and
      Smc1a at newly activated and poised enhancers in ESC-derived epiblast-like cells.
      These findings unveil Jmjd2c and G9a as novel enhancer-associated factors, and
      implicate Jmjd2c as a molecular scaffold for the assembly of essential enhancer
      protein complexes with an impact on timely gene activation.

PMID- 28087630
TI  - Reconstitution of Torso signaling in cultured cells suggests a role for both
      Trunk and Torso-like in receptor activation.
AB  - Formation of the Drosophila embryonic termini is controlled by the localized
      activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase Torso. Both Torso and Torso's presumed
      ligand, Trunk, are expressed uniformly in the early embryo. Polar activation of
      Torso requires Torso-like, which is expressed by follicle cells adjacent to the
      ends of the developing oocyte. We find that Torso expressed at high levels in
      cultured Drosophila cells is activated by individual application of Trunk, Torso
      like or another known Torso ligand, Prothoracicotropic Hormone. In addition to
      assays of downstream signaling activity, Torso dimerization was detected using
      bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Trunk and Torso-like were active when
      co-transfected with Torso and when presented to Torso-expressing cells in
      conditioned medium. Trunk and Torso-like were also taken up from conditioned
      medium specifically by cells expressing Torso. At low levels of Torso, similar to
      those present in the embryo, Trunk and Torso-like alone were ineffective but
      acted synergistically to stimulate Torso signaling. Our results suggest that
      Torso interacts with both Trunk and Torso-like, which cooperate to mediate
      dimerization and activation of Torso at the ends of the Drosophila embryo.

PMID- 28087631
TI  - PAPC couples the segmentation clock to somite morphogenesis by regulating N
      cadherin-dependent adhesion.
AB  - Vertebrate segmentation is characterized by the periodic formation of epithelial
      somites from the mesenchymal presomitic mesoderm (PSM). How the rhythmic
      signaling pulse delivered by the segmentation clock is translated into the
      periodic morphogenesis of somites remains poorly understood. Here, we focused on
      the role of paraxial protocadherin (PAPC/Pcdh8) in this process. We showed that
      in chicken and mouse embryos, PAPC expression is tightly regulated by the clock
      and wavefront system in the posterior PSM. We observed that PAPC exhibits a
      striking complementary pattern to N-cadherin (CDH2), marking the interface of the
      future somite boundary in the anterior PSM. Gain and loss of function of PAPC in
      chicken embryos disrupted somite segmentation by altering the CDH2-dependent
      epithelialization of PSM cells. Our data suggest that clathrin-mediated
      endocytosis is increased in PAPC-expressing cells, subsequently affecting CDH2
      internalization in the anterior compartment of the future somite. This in turn
      generates a differential adhesion interface, allowing formation of the acellular
      fissure that defines the somite boundary. Thus, periodic expression of PAPC in
      the anterior PSM triggers rhythmic endocytosis of CDH2, allowing for segmental de
      adhesion and individualization of somites.

PMID- 28087632
TI  - Sequential organogenesis sets two parallel sensory lines in medaka.
AB  - Animal organs are typically formed during embryogenesis by following one specific
      developmental programme. Here, we report that neuromast organs are generated by
      two distinct and sequential programmes that result in parallel sensory lines in
      medaka embryos. A ventral posterior lateral line (pLL) is composed of neuromasts
      deposited by collectively migrating cells whereas a midline pLL is formed by
      individually migrating cells. Despite the variable number of neuromasts among
      embryos, the sequential programmes that we describe here fix an invariable ratio
      between ventral and midline neuromasts. Mechanistically, we show that the
      formation of both types of neuromasts depends on the chemokine receptor genes
      cxcr4b and cxcr7b, illustrating how common molecules can mediate different
      morphogenetic processes. Altogether, we reveal a self-organising feature of the
      lateral line system that ensures a proper distribution of sensory organs along
      the body axis.

PMID- 28087633
TI  - The Abl pathway bifurcates to balance Enabled and Rac signaling in axon
      patterning in Drosophila.
AB  - The Abl tyrosine kinase signaling network controls cell migration, epithelial
      organization, axon patterning and other aspects of development. Although
      individual components are known, the relationships among them remain unresolved.
      We now use FRET measurements of pathway activity, analysis of protein
      localization and genetic epistasis to dissect the structure of this network in
      Drosophila We find that the adaptor protein Disabled stimulates Abl kinase
      activity. Abl suppresses the actin-regulatory factor Enabled, and we find that
      Abl also acts through the GEF Trio to stimulate the signaling activity of Rac
      GTPase: Abl gates the activity of the spectrin repeats of Trio, allowing them to
      relieve intramolecular repression of Trio GEF activity by the Trio N-terminal
      domain. Finally, we show that a key target of Abl signaling in axons is the WAVE
      complex that promotes the formation of branched actin networks. Thus, we show
      that Abl constitutes a bifurcating network, suppressing Ena activity in parallel
      with stimulation of WAVE. We suggest that the balancing of linear and branched
      actin networks by Abl is likely to be central to its regulation of axon
      patterning.

PMID- 28087634
TI  - Genome-wide identification of regulatory elements in Sertoli cells.
AB  - A current goal of molecular biology is to identify transcriptional networks that
      regulate cell differentiation. However, identifying functional gene regulatory
      elements has been challenging in the context of developing tissues where material
      is limited and cell types are mixed. To identify regulatory sites during sex
      determination, we subjected Sertoli cells from mouse fetal testes to DNaseI-seq
      and ChIP-seq for H3K27ac. DNaseI-seq identified putative regulatory sites around
      genes enriched in Sertoli and pregranulosa cells; however, active enhancers
      marked by H3K27ac were enriched proximal to only Sertoli-enriched genes. Sequence
      analysis identified putative binding sites of known and novel transcription
      factors likely controlling Sertoli cell differentiation. As a validation of this
      approach, we identified a novel Sertoli cell enhancer upstream of Wt1, and used
      it to drive expression of a transgenic reporter in Sertoli cells. This work
      furthers our understanding of the complex genetic network that underlies sex
      determination and identifies regions that potentially harbor non-coding mutations
      underlying disorders of sexual development.

PMID- 28087635
TI  - Retinoblastoma protein controls growth, survival and neuronal migration in human
      cerebral organoids.
AB  - The tumor suppressor retinoblastoma protein (RB) regulates S-phase cell cycle
      entry via E2F transcription factors. Knockout (KO) mice have shown that RB plays
      roles in cell migration, differentiation and apoptosis, in developing and adult
      brain. In addition, the RB family is required for self-renewal and survival of
      human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Since little is known about the role of RB in
      human brain development, we investigated its function in cerebral organoids
      differentiated from gene-edited hESCs lacking RB. We show that RB is abundantly
      expressed in neural stem and progenitor cells in organoids at 15 and 28 days of
      culture. RB loss promoted S-phase entry in DCX+ cells and increased apoptosis in
      Sox2+ neural stem and progenitor cells, and in DCX+ and Tuj1+ neurons. Associated
      with these cell cycle and pro-apoptotic effects, we observed increased CCNA2 and
      BAX gene expression, respectively. Moreover, we observed aberrant Tuj1+ neuronal
      migration in RB-KO organoids and upregulation of the gene encoding VLDLR, a
      receptor important in reelin signaling. Corroborating the results in RB-KO
      organoids in vitro, we observed ectopically localized Tuj1+ cells in RB-KO
      teratomas grown in vivo Taken together, these results identify crucial functions
      for RB in the cerebral organoid model of human brain development.

PMID- 28087636
TI  - R-spondin 1 is required for specification of hematopoietic stem cells through
      Wnt16 and Vegfa signaling pathways.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the therapeutic component of bone marrow
      transplants, but finding immune-compatible donors limits treatment availability
      and efficacy. Recapitulation of endogenous specification during development is a
      promising approach to directing HSC specification in vitro, but current protocols
      are not capable of generating authentic HSCs with high efficiency. Across phyla,
      HSCs arise from hemogenic endothelium in the ventral floor of the dorsal aorta
      concurrent with arteriovenous specification and intersegmental vessel (ISV)
      sprouting, processes regulated by Notch and Wnt. We hypothesized that
      coordination of HSC specification with vessel patterning might involve modulatory
      regulatory factors such as R-spondin 1 (Rspo1), an extracellular protein that
      enhances beta-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling and has previously been shown to
      regulate ISV patterning. We find that Rspo1 is required for HSC specification
      through control of parallel signaling pathways controlling HSC specification:
      Wnt16/DeltaC/DeltaD and Vegfa/Tgfbeta1. Our results define Rspo1 as a key
      upstream regulator of two crucial pathways necessary for HSC specification.

PMID- 28087637
TI  - Retinoic acid receptor regulation of epimorphic and homeostatic regeneration in
      the axolotl.
AB  - Salamanders are capable of regenerating amputated limbs by generating a mass of
      lineage-restricted cells called a blastema. Blastemas only generate structures
      distal to their origin unless treated with retinoic acid (RA), which results in
      proximodistal (PD) limb duplications. Little is known about the transcriptional
      network that regulates PD duplication. In this study, we target specific retinoic
      acid receptors (RARs) to either PD duplicate (RA treatment or RARgamma agonist)
      or truncate (RARbeta antagonist) regenerating limbs. RARE-EGFP reporter axolotls
      showed divergent reporter activity in limbs undergoing PD duplication versus
      truncation, suggesting differences in patterning and skeletal regeneration.
      Transcriptomics identified expression patterns that explain PD duplication,
      including upregulation of proximal homeobox gene expression and silencing of
      distal-associated genes, whereas limb truncation was associated with disrupted
      skeletal differentiation. RARbeta antagonism in uninjured limbs induced a loss of
      skeletal integrity leading to long bone regression and loss of skeletal turnover.
      Overall, mechanisms were identified that regulate the multifaceted roles of RARs
      in the salamander limb including regulation of skeletal patterning during
      epimorphic regeneration, skeletal tissue differentiation during regeneration, and
      homeostatic regeneration of intact limbs.

PMID- 28087638
TI  - Intrinsic properties of limb bud cells can be differentially reset.
AB  - An intrinsic timing mechanism specifies the positional values of the zeugopod
      (i.e. radius/ulna) and then autopod (i.e. wrist/digits) segments during limb
      development. Here, we have addressed whether this timing mechanism ensures that
      patterning events occur only once by grafting GFP-expressing autopod progenitor
      cells to the earlier host signalling environment of zeugopod progenitor cells. We
      show by detecting Hoxa13 expression that early and late autopod progenitors fated
      for the wrist and phalanges, respectively, both contribute to the entire host
      autopod, indicating that the autopod positional value is irreversibly determined.
      We provide evidence that Hoxa13 provides an autopod-specific positional value
      that correctly allocates cells into the autopod, most likely through the control
      of cell-surface properties as shown by cell-cell sorting analyses. However, we
      demonstrate that only the earlier autopod cells can adopt the host proliferation
      rate to permit normal morphogenesis. Therefore, our findings reveal that the
      ability of embryonic cells to differentially reset their intrinsic behaviours
      confers robustness to limb morphogenesis. We speculate that this plasticity could
      be maintained beyond embryogenesis in limbs with regenerative capacity.

PMID- 28087639
TI  - Vegfd modulates both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis during zebrafish
      embryonic development.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) control angiogenesis and
      lymphangiogenesis during development and in pathological conditions. In the
      zebrafish trunk, Vegfa controls the formation of intersegmental arteries by
      primary angiogenesis and Vegfc is essential for secondary angiogenesis, giving
      rise to veins and lymphatics. Vegfd has been largely thought of as dispensable
      for vascular development in vertebrates. Here, we generated a zebrafish vegfd
      mutant by genome editing. vegfd mutants display significant defects in facial
      lymphangiogenesis independent of vegfc function. Strikingly, we find that vegfc
      and vegfd cooperatively control lymphangiogenesis throughout the embryo,
      including during the formation of the trunk lymphatic vasculature. Interestingly,
      we find that vegfd and vegfc also redundantly drive artery hyperbranching
      phenotypes observed upon depletion of Flt1 or Dll4. Epistasis and biochemical
      binding assays suggest that, during primary angiogenesis, Vegfd influences these
      phenotypes through Kdr (Vegfr2) rather than Flt4 (Vegfr3). These data demonstrate
      that, rather than being dispensable during development, Vegfd plays context
      specific indispensable and also compensatory roles during both blood vessel
      angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.

PMID- 28087640
TI  - Flexible sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer.

PMID- 28087641
TI  - Molecular Pathways: Targeting Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases in Cancer.
AB  - The aberrant activation of oncogenic signaling pathways is a universal phenomenon
      in cancer and drives tumorigenesis and malignant transformation. This abnormal
      activation of signaling pathways in cancer is due to the altered expression of
      protein kinases and phosphatases. In response to extracellular signals, protein
      kinases activate downstream signaling pathways through a series of protein
      phosphorylation events, ultimately producing a signal response. Protein tyrosine
      phosphatases (PTP) are a family of enzymes that hydrolytically remove phosphate
      groups from proteins. Initially, PTPs were shown to act as tumor suppressor genes
      by terminating signal responses through the dephosphorylation of oncogenic
      kinases. More recently, it has become clear that several PTPs overexpressed in
      human cancers do not suppress tumor growth; instead, they positively regulate
      signaling pathways and promote tumor development and progression. In this review,
      we discuss both types of PTPs: those that have tumor suppressor activities as
      well as those that act as oncogenes. We also discuss the potential of PTP
      inhibitors for cancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(9); 2136-42. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087642
TI  - STXBP4 Drives Tumor Growth and Is Associated with Poor Prognosis through PDGF
      Receptor Signaling in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Purpose: Expression of the DeltaN isoform of p63 (DeltaNp63) is a diagnostic
      marker highly specific for lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We previously
      found that Syntaxin Binding Protein 4 (STXBP4) regulates DeltaNp63
      ubiquitination, suggesting that STXBP4 may also be an SCC biomarker. To address
      this issue, we investigated the role of STXBP4 expression in SCC biology and the
      impact of STXBP4 expression on SCC prognosis.Experimental Design: We carried out
      a clinicopathologic analysis of STXBP4 expression in 87 lung SCC patients. Whole
      transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq was performed in STXBP4-positive and STXBP4
      negative tumors of lung SCC. Soft-agar assay and xenograft assay were performed
      using overexpressing or knockdown SCC cells.Results: Significantly higher levels
      of STXBP4 expression were correlated with accumulations of DeltaNp63 in clinical
      lung SCC specimens (Spearman rank correlation rho = 0.219). Notably, STXBP4
      positive tumors correlated with three important clinical parameters: T factor (P
      < 0.001), disease stage (P = 0.030), and pleural involvement (P = 0.028). Whole
      transcriptome sequencing followed by pathway analysis indicated that STXBP4 is
      involved in functional gene networks that regulate cell growth, proliferation,
      cell death, and survival in cancer. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha
      (PDGFRalpha) was a key downstream mediator of STXBP4 function. In line with this,
      shRNA mediated STXBP4 and PDGFRA knockdown suppressed tumor growth in soft-agar
      and xenograft assays.Conclusions: STXBP4 plays a crucial role in driving SCC
      growth and is an independent prognostic factor for predicting worse outcome in
      lung SCC. These data suggest that STXBP4 is a relevant therapeutic target for
      patients with lung SCC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); 3442-52. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087643
TI  - Tumor BRCA1 Reversion Mutation Arising during Neoadjuvant Platinum-Based
      Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Is Associated with Therapy
      Resistance.
AB  - Purpose: In germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutation carriers, restoration of
      tumor BRCA1/2 function by a secondary mutation is recognized as a mechanism of
      resistance to platinum and PARP inhibitors, primarily in ovarian cancer. We
      evaluated this mechanism of resistance in newly diagnosed patients with BRCA1/2
      mutant breast cancer with poor response to neoadjuvant platinum-based
      therapy.Experimental Design: PrECOG 0105 was a phase II neoadjuvant study of
      gemcitabine, carboplatin, and iniparib in patients with stage I-IIIA triple
      negative or BRCA1/2 mutation-associated breast cancer (n = 80). All patients
      underwent comprehensive BRCA1/2 genotyping. For mutation carriers with moderate
      or extensive residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy, BRCA1/2 status was
      resequenced in the residual surgical breast tumor tissue.Results: Nineteen
      patients had a deleterious germline BRCA1/2 mutation, and four had moderate
      residual disease at surgery. BRCA1/2 sequencing of residual tissue was performed
      on three patients. These patients had BRCA1 1479delAG, 3374insGA, and W1712X
      mutations, respectively, with LOH at these loci in the pretreatment tumors. In
      the first case, a new BRCA1 mutation was detected in the residual disease. This
      resulted in a 14-amino acid deletion and restoration of the BRCA1 reading frame.
      A local relapse biopsy 4 months later revealed the identical reversion mutation,
      and the patient subsequently died from metastatic breast cancer.Conclusions: We
      report a BRCA1 reversion mutation in a patient newly diagnosed with triple
      negative breast cancer that developed over 18 weeks of platinum-based neoadjuvant
      therapy. This was associated with poor therapy response, early relapse, and
      death. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); 3365-70. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087645
TI  - Corrigendum to: HIF-2alpha-mediated induction of pulmonary thrombospondin-1
      contributes to hypoxia-driven vascular remodelling and vasoconstriction.

PMID- 28087644
TI  - U.S. FDA Approval Summary: Nivolumab for Treatment of Unresectable or Metastatic
      Melanoma Following Progression on Ipilimumab.
AB  - On December 22, 2014, the FDA granted accelerated approval to nivolumab (OPDIVO;
      Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the treatment of patients with unresectable or
      metastatic melanoma and disease progression following ipilimumab and, if BRAF
      V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor. Approval was based on a clinically
      meaningful, durable objective response rate (ORR) in a non-comparative analysis
      of 120 patients who received 3 mg/kg of nivolumab intravenously every 2 weeks
      with at least 6-month follow-up in an ongoing, randomized, open-label, active
      controlled clinical trial. The ORR as assessed by a blinded independent review
      committee per RECIST v1.1 was 31.7% (95% confidence interval, 23.5-40.8). Ongoing
      responses were observed in 87% of responding patients, ranging from 2.6+ to 10+
      months. In 13 patients, the response duration was 6 months or longer. The risks
      of nivolumab, including clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions
      (imARs), were assessed in 268 patients who received at least one dose of
      nivolumab. The FDA review considered whether the ORR and durations of responses
      were reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit, the adequacy of the safety
      database, and systematic approaches to the identification, description, and
      patient management for imARs in product labeling. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3484
      8. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087646
TI  - Wheat Genotypes With Combined Resistance to Wheat Curl Mite, Wheat Streak Mosaic
      Virus, Wheat Mosaic Virus, and Triticum Mosaic Virus.
AB  - The wheat curl mite, Aceria tosichella Keifer, (WCM) is a global pest of bread
      wheat that reduces yields significantly. In addition, WCM carries Wheat streak
      mosaic virus (WSMV, family Potyviridae, genus Tritimovirus), the most significant
      wheat virus in North America; High Plains wheat mosaic virus (HPWMoV, genus
      Emaravirus, formerly High plains virus); and Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV, family
      Potyviridae, genus Poacevirus). Viruses carried by WCM have reduced wheat yields
      throughout the U.S. Great Plains for >50 yr, with average yield losses of 2-3%
      and occasional yield losses of 7-10%. Acaricides are ineffective against WCM, and
      delayed planting of winter wheat is not feasible. Five wheat breeding lines
      containing Cmc4, a WCM resistance gene from Aegilops tauschii, and Wsm2, a WSMV
      resistance gene from wheat germplasm CO960293-2 were selected from the breeding
      process and assessed for phenotypic reaction to WCM feeding, population increase,
      and the degree of WSMV, HPWMoV, and TriMV infection. Experiments determined that
      all five lines are resistant to WCM biotype 1 feeding and population increase,
      and that two breeding lines contain resistance to WSMV, HPWMoV, and TriMV
      infection as well. These WCM-, WSMV-, HPWMoV-, and TriMV-resistant genotypes can
      be used improve management of wheat yield losses from WCM-virus complexes.

PMID- 28087647
TI  - An Additional Phytosanitary Cold Treatment Against Ceratitis capitata (Diptera:
      Tephritidae) in 'Oroblanco' Citrus Fruit.
AB  - For 'Oroblanco' ('Sweetie'), the sweet seedless pummelo-grapefruit hybrid, when
      exported from Israel to Japan, the standard cold treatment against Ceratitis
      capitata (Wied.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is conducted at <= 1.5  degrees C, for 16
      d. In recent years, the transportation means of exported citrus was changed from
      reefer vessels to individual refrigerated containers, where the fruit bulk is
      relatively small and may be exposed to temperature fluctuations and to the risk
      of chilling injuries. To reduce this risk, Israel proposed to Japan to increase
      the treatment temperature and extend its duration to 2.2  degrees C and 18 d,
      respectively. This study shows that the proposed treatment effectively kills the
      third instar larva of C. capitata, in Oroblanco.

PMID- 28087648
TI  - Effect of in vivo neutralization of tumor necrosis alpha on the efficacy of
      antibiotic treatment in systemic Salmonella enterica infections.
AB  - Immunity can co-operate with antibiotics, but can also antagonize drug efficacy
      by segregating the bacteria to areas of the body that are less accessible to
      antimicrobials, and by selecting for subpopulations with low division rates that
      are often difficult to eradicate. We studied the effect of an anti
      inflammatory/immunosuppressive anti-TNFalpha treatment, which accelerates
      bacterial growth in the tissues and inhibits or reverses the formation of
      granulomas, on the efficacy of ampicillin and ciprofloxacin during a systemic
      Salmonella enterica infection of the mouse. The anti-TNFalpha treatment neither
      precluded nor enhanced the efficacy of antibiotic treatment. However, the anti
      TNFalpha treatment rendered the animals susceptible to the rapid relapse of the
      infection seen after cessation of the antibiotic treatment. Reactivation of an
      established infection, due to late administration of anti-TNFalpha antibodies,
      could be successfully controlled by antibiotics, but full clearance of the
      bacterial load from the tissues was not achieved. We conclude that the lack of
      TNFalpha does not preclude the efficacy of antibiotic treatment and must be
      monitored with care due to post-treatment relapses. Combinations of anti-cytokine
      compounds and antibiotic molecules may not be the best way to treat persistent
      infections with intracellular bacteria like Salmonella.

PMID- 28087649
TI  - Identification of unique essential proteins from a Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      F15/LAM4/KZN phage secretome library.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the causative agent of tuberculosis disease
      (TB), the leading cause of death from bacterial infection worldwide. Although
      treatable, the resurgence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant
      TB is a major setback for the fight against TB globally. Consequently, there is
      an urgent need for new Mtb-derived biomarkers for use in the design of new drugs
      and rapid point-of-care diagnostic or prognostic tools for the management of TB
      transmission. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify unique Mtb-secreted
      proteins from the extensively drug-resistant Mtb F15/LAM4/KZN phage secretome
      library. A whole genome library was constructed using genomic DNA fragments of
      the Mtb F15/LAM4/KZN strain. A phage secretome sub-library of 8 * 103 clones was
      prepared and phage DNA was sequenced from 120 randomly selected clones. DNA
      sequence BLAST analysis identified 86 open reading frames. Using bioinformatics
      tools and databases, 10 proteins essential for in vivo growth and survival of Mtb
      (Nrp, PssA, MmpL5, SirA, GatB, EspA, TopA, EccCa1, Rv1634 and Rv3103c) were
      identified. Proteins essential for the growth and survival of Mtb during
      infection have potential application in the development of diagnostic tools, new
      drugs and vaccines. Further studies will be conducted to evaluate their potential
      application in the fight against TB.

PMID- 28087651
TI  - Frontline Science: Multiple cathepsins promote inflammasome-independent, particle
      induced cell death during NLRP3-dependent IL-1beta activation.
AB  - Sterile particles cause several chronic, inflammatory diseases, characterized by
      repeating cycles of particle phagocytosis and inflammatory cell death. Recent
      studies have proposed that these processes are driven by the NLRP3 inflammasome,
      a platform activated by phagocytosed particles, which controls both caspase-1
      dependent cell death (pyroptosis) and mature IL-1beta secretion. After
      phagocytosis, particles can disrupt lysosomes, and inhibitor studies have
      suggested that the resulting release of a lysosomal protease-cathepsin B-into the
      cytosol somehow activates NLRP3. However, using primary murine macrophages, we
      found that particle-induced cell death occurs independent of NLRP3/caspase-1 and
      depends instead on multiple, redundant cathepsins. In contrast, nigericin, a
      soluble activator of NLRP3 inflammasomes, induced cell death that was dependent
      on the NLRP3. Interestingly, nigericin-induced cell death depended partly on a
      single cathepsin, cathepsin X. By inhibiting or silencing multiple cathepsins in
      macrophages, several key proinflammatory events induced by sterile particles are
      blocked, including cell death, pro-IL-1beta production, and IL-1beta secretion.
      These data suggest that cathepsins might be potential therapeutic targets in
      particulate-mediated inflammatory disease. In support of this concept, we find
      that a broad-spectrum cathepsin inhibitor can suppress particle-induced IL-1
      dependent peritonitis.

PMID- 28087650
TI  - Simkania negevensis may produce long-lasting infections in human pneumocytes and
      endometrial cells.
AB  - Simkania negevensis is a novel Chlamydia-related bacterium and the founding
      member of the Simkaniaceae family within the Chlamydiales order. Little is known
      about the biology and pathogenesis of this bacterium. So far, S. negevensis has
      been considered as an amoebal symbiont, but its natural host remains unknown.
      Moreover, evidence of human exposition has been reported worldwide and an
      association with pneumonia and bronchiolitis is suspected. Here, we evaluated the
      ability of S. negevensis to replicate in potential environmental reservoirs,
      namely amoebae and arthropods, as well as in mammalian cells (Vero cells,
      pneumocytes and endometrial cells) and further evaluated the characteristics of
      its replicative vacuole. We demonstrated that S. negevensis efficiently
      replicates in all cell lines tested, with the shortest doubling time and an
      increased adhesion observed in pneumocytes. Our work highlights the specificities
      of the Simkania-containing vacuole compared to other Chlamydiales; contrarily to
      Chlamydia trachomatis, S. negevensis does not disrupt the Golgi apparatus.
      Importantly, our work suggests that S. negevensis infection is associated with
      few cytopathic effects and might persist for a prolonged time in infected cells.
      Further evaluation of its implication in human diseases is required; an
      implication in chronic or subacute respiratory infections might be suspected.

PMID- 28087652
TI  - Differential regulation of CD103 (alphaE integrin) expression in human dendritic
      cells by retinoic acid and Toll-like receptor ligands.
AB  - CD103 (alphaE integrin) is an important dendritic cell (DC) marker that
      characterizes functionally distinct DC subsets in mice and humans. However, the
      mechanism by which CD103 expression is regulated in human DCs and the role of
      CD103 for DC function are not very well understood. Here, we show that retinoic
      acid (RA) treatment of human monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) increased the ability
      of the DCs to synthesize RA and induced MoDC expression of CD103 and beta7 at the
      mRNA and protein level. In contrast, RA was unable to induce the expression of
      CD103 in primary human DCs isolated from the gastric mucosa. Inhibition of TGF
      beta signaling in MoDCs down-regulated RA-induced CD103 expression, indicating
      that TGF-beta-dependent pathways contribute to the induction of CD103.
      Conversely, when RA-treated MoDCs were stimulated with live Helicobacter pylori,
      commensal bacteria, LPS, or a TLR2 agonist, the RA-induced up-regulation of CD103
      and beta7 integrin expression was completely abrogated. To determine whether
      CD103 expression impacts DC priming of CD4+ T cells, we next investigated the
      ability of CD103+ and CD103? DCs to induce mucosal homing and T cell
      proliferation. Surprisingly, RA treatment of DCs enhanced both alpha4beta7
      expression and proliferation in cocultured T cells, but no difference was seen
      between RA-treated CD103+ and CD103? DCs. In summary, our data demonstrate that
      RA, bacterial products, and the tissue environment all contribute to the
      regulation of CD103 on human DCs and that DC induction of mucosal homing in T
      cells is RA dependent but not CD103 dependent.

PMID- 28087654
TI  - Effects of external strain on the regulation of microtubule sliding induced by
      outer arm dynein of sea urchin sperm flagella.
AB  - Oscillatory bending movement of eukaryotic flagella is powered by orchestrated
      activity of dynein motor proteins that hydrolyse ATP and produce microtubule
      sliding. Although the ATP concentration within a flagellum is kept uniform at a
      few millimoles per litre level, sliding activities of dyneins are dynamically
      coordinated along the flagellum in accordance with the phase of bending waves.
      Thus at the organellar level the dynein not only generates force for bending but
      also modulates its motile activity by responding to bending of the flagellum.
      Single molecule analyses have suggested that dynein at the molecular level, even
      if isolated from the axoneme, could alter the modes of motility in response to
      mechanical strain. However, it still remains unknown whether the coordinated
      activities of multiple dyneins can be modulated directly by mechanical signals.
      Here, we studied the effects of externally applied strain on the sliding movement
      of microtubules interacted with an ensemble of dynein molecules adsorbed on a
      glass surface. We found that by bending the microtubules with a glass
      microneedle, three modes of motility that have not been previously characterized
      without bending can be induced: stoppage, backward sliding and dissociation.
      Modification in sliding velocities was also induced by imposed bending. These
      results suggest that the activities of dyneins interacted with a microtubule can
      be modified and coordinated through external strain in a quite flexible manner,
      and that such a regulatory mechanism may be the basis of flagellar oscillation.

PMID- 28087653
TI  - Identification of regulatory networks and hub genes controlling soybean seed set
      and size using RNA sequencing analysis.
AB  - To understand the gene expression networks controlling soybean seed set and size,
      transcriptome analyses were performed in three early seed developmental stages,
      using two genotypes with contrasting seed size. The two-dimensional data set
      provides a comprehensive and systems-level view on dynamic gene expression
      networks underpinning soybean seed set and subsequent development. Using pairwise
      comparisons and weighted gene coexpression network analyses, we identified
      modules of coexpressed genes and hub genes for each module. Of particular
      importance are the discoveries of specific modules for the large seed size
      variety and for seed developmental stages. A large number of candidate regulators
      for seed size, including those involved in hormonal signaling pathways and
      transcription factors, were transiently and specifically induced in the early
      developmental stages. The soybean homologs of a brassinosteroid signaling
      receptor kinase, a brassinosteroid-signaling kinase, were identified as hub genes
      operating in the seed coat network in the early seed maturation stage.
      Overexpression of a candidate seed size regulatory gene, GmCYP78A5, in transgenic
      soybean resulted in increased seed size and seed weight. Together, these analyses
      identified a large number of potential key regulators controlling soybean seed
      set, seed size, and, consequently, yield potential, thereby providing new
      insights into the molecular networks underlying soybean seed development.

PMID- 28087655
TI  - Hagfish Houdinis: biomechanics and behavior of squeezing through small openings.
AB  - Hagfishes are able to squeeze through small openings to gain entry to crevices,
      burrows, hagfish traps and carcasses, but little is known about how they do this,
      or what the limits of this ability are. The purpose of this study was to describe
      this ability, and to investigate possible mechanisms by which it is accomplished.
      We investigated the hypothesis that the passive movement of blood within a
      hagfish's flaccid subcutaneous sinus allows it to squeeze through narrow
      apertures that it would not be able to if it were turgid. To test this
      hypothesis, we analyzed videos of Atlantic hagfish (Myxine glutinosa) and Pacific
      hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii) moving through narrow apertures in the lab. We
      measured changes in body width as the animals moved through these openings and
      documented the behaviors associated with this ability. We found that hagfishes
      are able to pass through narrow slits that are less than one half the width of
      their bodies. Our results are consistent with the idea that a flaccid
      subcutaneous sinus allows hagfish to squeeze through narrow apertures by
      facilitating a rapid redistribution of venous blood. In addition, we describe
      nine distinct behaviors associated with this ability, including a form of non
      undulatory locomotion also seen in snakes and lampreys. Our results illuminate a
      behavior that may be a critical component of the hagfish niche, as a result of
      its likely importance in feeding and avoiding predators.

PMID- 28087656
TI  - Conspecific aggregations mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on
      calcification of the coral Pocillopora verrucosa.
AB  - In densely populated communities, such as coral reefs, organisms can modify the
      physical and chemical environment for neighbouring individuals. We tested the
      hypothesis that colony density (12 colonies each placed ~0.5 cm apart versus ~8
      cm apart) can modulate the physiological response (measured through rates of
      calcification, photosynthesis and respiration in the light and dark) of the coral
      Pocillopora verrucosa to partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2 ) treatments (~400 MUatm
      and ~1200 MUatm) by altering the seawater flow regimes experienced by colonies
      placed in aggregations within a flume at a single flow speed. While light
      calcification decreased 20% under elevated versus ambient PCO2  for colonies in
      low-density aggregations, light calcification of high-density aggregations
      increased 23% at elevated versus ambient PCO2 As a result, densely aggregated
      corals maintained calcification rates over 24 h that were comparable to those
      maintained under ambient PCO2 , despite a 45% decrease in dark calcification at
      elevated versus ambient PCO2 Additionally, densely aggregated corals experienced
      reduced flow speeds and higher seawater retention times between colonies owing to
      the formation of eddies. These results support recent indications that
      neighbouring organisms, such as the conspecific coral colonies in the present
      example, can create small-scale refugia from the negative effects of ocean
      acidification.

PMID- 28087658
TI  - Are winter and summer dormancy symmetrical seasonal adaptive strategies? The case
      of temperate herbaceous perennials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dormancy in higher plants is an adaptive response enabling plant
      survival during the harshest seasons and has been more explored in woody species
      than in herbaceous species. Nevertheless, winter and summer shoot meristem
      dormancy are adaptive strategies that could play a major role in enhancing
      seasonal stress tolerance and resilience of widespread herbaceous plant
      communities. SCOPE: This review outlines the symmetrical aspects of winter and
      summer dormancy in order to better understand plant adaptation to severe stress,
      and highlight research priorities in a changing climate. Seasonal dormancy is a
      good model to explore the growth-stress survival trade-off and unravel the
      relationships between growth potential and stress hardiness. Although photoperiod
      and temperature are known to play a crucial, though reversed, role in the
      induction and release of both types of dormancy, the thresholds and combined
      effects of these environmental factors remain to be identified. The biochemical
      compounds involved in induction or release in winter dormancy (abscisic acid,
      ethylene, sugars, cytokinins and gibberellins) could be a priority research focus
      for summer dormancy. To address these research priorities, herbaceous species,
      being more tractable than woody species, are excellent model plants for which
      both summer and winter dormancy have been clearly identified. CONCLUSIONS: Summer
      and winter dormancy, although responding to inverse conditions, share many
      characteristics. This analogous nature can facilitate research as well as lead to
      insight into plant adaptations to extreme conditions and the evolution of
      phenological patterns of species and communities under climate change. The
      development of phenotypes showing reduced winter and/or enhanced summer dormancy
      may be expected and could improve adaptation to less predictable environmental
      stresses correlated with future climates. To this end, it is suggested to explore
      the inter- and intraspecific genotypic variability of dormancy and its plasticity
      according to environmental conditions to contribute to predicting and mitigating
      global warming.

PMID- 28087657
TI  - European consensus conference on faecal microbiota transplantation in clinical
      practice.
AB  - Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an important therapeutic option for
      Clostridium difficile infection. Promising findings suggest that FMT may play a
      role also in the management of other disorders associated with the alteration of
      gut microbiota. Although the health community is assessing FMT with renewed
      interest and patients are becoming more aware, there are technical and logistical
      issues in establishing such a non-standardised treatment into the clinical
      practice with safety and proper governance. In view of this, an evidence-based
      recommendation is needed to drive the practical implementation of FMT. In this
      European Consensus Conference, 28 experts from 10 countries collaborated, in
      separate working groups and through an evidence-based process, to provide
      statements on the following key issues: FMT indications; donor selection;
      preparation of faecal material; clinical management and faecal delivery and basic
      requirements for implementing an FMT centre. Statements developed by each working
      group were evaluated and voted by all members, first through an electronic Delphi
      process, and then in a plenary consensus conference. The recommendations were
      released according to best available evidence, in order to act as guidance for
      physicians who plan to implement FMT, aiming at supporting the broad availability
      of the procedure, discussing other issues relevant to FMT and promoting future
      clinical research in the area of gut microbiota manipulation. This consensus
      report strongly recommends the implementation of FMT centres for the treatment of
      C. difficile infection as well as traces the guidelines of technicality,
      regulatory, administrative and laboratory requirements.

PMID- 28087659
TI  - Plant-parasitic nematodes: towards understanding molecular players in stress
      responses.
AB  - Background: Plant-parasitic nematode interactions occur within a vast molecular
      plant immunity network. Following initial contact with the host plant roots,
      plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) activate basal immune responses. Defence priming
      involves the release in the apoplast of toxic molecules derived from reactive
      species or secondary metabolism. In turn, PPNs must overcome the poisonous and
      stressful environment at the plant-nematode interface. The ability of PPNs to
      escape this first line of plant immunity is crucial and will determine its
      virulence. Scope: Nematodes trigger crucial regulatory cytoprotective mechanisms,
      including antioxidant and detoxification pathways. Knowledge of the upstream
      regulatory components that contribute to both of these pathways in PPNs remains
      elusive. In this review, we discuss how PPNs probably orchestrate cytoprotection
      to resist plant immune responses, postulating that it may be derived from ancient
      molecular mechanisms. The review focuses on two transcription factors, DAF-16 and
      SKN-1 , which are conserved in the animal kingdom and are central regulators of
      cell homeostasis and immune function. Both regulate the unfolding protein
      response and the antioxidant and detoxification pathways. DAF-16 and SKN-1 target
      a broad spectrum of Caenorhabditis elegans genes coding for numerous protein
      families present in the secretome of PPNs. Moreover, some regulatory elements of
      DAF-16 and SKN-1 from C. elegans have already been identified as important genes
      for PPN infection. Conclusion: DAF-16 and SKN-1 genes may play a pivotal role in
      PPNs during parasitism. In the context of their hub status and mode of
      regulation, we suggest alternative strategies for control of PPNs through RNAi
      approaches.

PMID- 28087661
TI  - Disturbance by an endemic rodent in an arid shrubland is a habitat filter:
      effects on plant invasion and taxonomical, functional and phylogenetic community
      structure.
AB  - Background and Aims: Disturbance often drives plant invasion and may modify
      community assembly. However, little is known about how these modifications of
      community patterns occur in terms of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic
      structure. This study evaluated in an arid shrubland the influence of disturbance
      by an endemic rodent on community functional divergence and phylogenetic
      structure as well as on plant invasion. It was expected that disturbance would
      operate as a habitat filter favouring exotic species with short life cycles.
      Methods: Sixteen plots were sampled along a disturbance gradient caused by the
      endemic fossorial rodent Spalacopus cyanus , measuring community parameters and
      estimating functional divergence for life history traits (functional dispersion
      index) and the relative contribution to functional divergence of exotic and
      native species. The phylogenetic signal (Pagel's lambda) and phylogenetic
      community structure (mean phylogenetic distance and mean nearest taxon
      phylogenetic distance) were also estimated. The use of a continuous approach to
      the disturbance gradient allowed the identification of non-linear relationships
      between disturbance and community parameters. Key Results: The relationship
      between disturbance and both species richness and abundance was positive for
      exotic species and negative for native species. Disturbance modified community
      composition, and exotic species were associated with more disturbed sites.
      Disturbance increased trait convergence, which resulted in phylogenetic
      clustering because traits showed a significant phylogenetic signal. The relative
      contribution of exotic species to functional divergence increased, while that of
      natives decreased, with disturbance. Exotic and native species were not
      phylogenetically distinct. Conclusions: Disturbance by rodents in this arid
      shrubland constitutes a habitat filter over phylogeny-dependent life history
      traits, leading to phylogenetic clustering, and drives invasion by favouring
      species with short life cycles. Results can be explained by high phenotypic and
      phylogenetic resemblance between exotic and native species. The use of continuous
      gradients when studying the effects of disturbance on community assembly is
      advocated.

PMID- 28087660
TI  - The morphophysiological dormancy in Amborella trichopoda seeds is a
      pleisiomorphic trait in angiosperms.
AB  - Background and Aims: Recent parsimony-based reconstructions suggest that seeds of
      early angiosperms had either morphophysiological or physiological dormancy, with
      the former considered as more probable. The aim of this study was to determine
      the class of seed dormancy present in Amborella trichopoda , the sole living
      representative of the most basal angiosperm lineage Amborellales, with a view to
      resolving fully the class of dormancy present at the base of the angiosperm
      clade. Methods: Drupes of A. trichopoda without fleshy parts were germinated and
      dissected to observe their structure and embryo growth. Pre-treatments including
      acid scarification, gibberellin treatment and seed excision were tested to
      determine their influence on dormancy breakage and germination. Character-state
      mapping by maximum parsimony, incorporating data from the present work and
      published sources, was then used to determine the likely class of dormancy
      present in early angiosperms. Key Results: Germination in A. trichopoda requires
      a warm stratification period of at least approx. 90 d, which is followed by
      endosperm swelling, causing the water-permeable pericarp-mesocarp envelope to
      split open. The embryo then grows rapidly within the seed, to radicle emergence
      some 17 d later and cotyledon emergence after an additional 24 d. Gibberellin
      treatment, acid scarification and excision of seeds from the surrounding drupe
      tissues all promoted germination by shortening the initial phase of dormancy,
      prior to embryo growth. Conclusions: Seeds of A. trichopoda have non-deep simple
      morphophysiological dormancy, in which mechanical resistance of the pericarp
      mesocarp envelope plays a key role in the initial physiological phase. Maximum
      parsimony analyses, including data obtained in the present work, indicate that
      morphophysiological dormancy is likely to be a pleisiomorphic trait in flowering
      plants. The significance of this conclusion for studies of early angiosperm
      evolution is discussed.

PMID- 28087662
TI  - Terpenoids in plant and arbuscular mycorrhiza-reinforced defence against
      herbivorous insects.
AB  - Background: Plants, though sessile, employ various strategies to defend
      themselves against herbivorous insects and convey signals of an impending
      herbivore attack to other plant(s). Strategies include the production of
      volatiles that include terpenoids and the formation of symbiotic associations
      with fungi, such as arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM). This constitutes a two-pronged
      above-ground/below-ground attack-defence strategy against insect herbivores.
      Scope: Terpenoids represent an important constituent of herbivore-induced plant
      volatiles that deter herbivores and/or attract their predators. Terpenoids serve
      as airborne signals that can induce defence responses in systemic undamaged parts
      of the plant and also prime defence responses in neighbouring plants.
      Colonization of roots by AM fungi is known to influence secondary metabolism in
      plants; this includes alteration of the concentration and composition of
      terpenoids, which can boost both direct and indirect plant defence against
      herbivorous insects. Enhanced nutrient uptake facilitated by AM, changes in plant
      morphology and physiology and increased transcription levels of certain genes
      involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway result in alterations in plant
      terpenoid profiles. The common mycorrhizal networks of external hyphae have added
      a dimension to the two-pronged plant defence strategy. These act as conduits to
      transfer defence signals and terpenoids. Conclusion: Improved understanding of
      the roles of terpenoids in plant and AM defences against herbivory and of
      interplant signalling in natural communities has significant implications for
      sustainable management of pests in agricultural ecosystems.

PMID- 28087663
TI  - Evolution and structural diversification of Nictaba-like lectin genes in food
      crops with a focus on soybean (Glycine max).
AB  - Background and Aims: The Nictaba family groups all proteins that show homology to
      Nictaba, the tobacco lectin. So far, Nictaba and an Arabidopsis thaliana
      homologue have been shown to be implicated in the plant stress response. The
      availability of more than 50 sequenced plant genomes provided the opportunity for
      a genome-wide identification of Nictaba -like genes in 15 species, representing
      members of the Fabaceae, Poaceae, Solanaceae, Musaceae, Arecaceae, Malvaceae and
      Rubiaceae. Additionally, phylogenetic relationships between the different species
      were explored. Furthermore, this study included domain organization analysis,
      searching for orthologous genes in the legume family and transcript profiling of
      the Nictaba -like lectin genes in soybean. Methods: Using a combination of
      BLASTp, InterPro analysis and hidden Markov models, the genomes of Medicago
      truncatula , Cicer arietinum , Lotus japonicus , Glycine max , Cajanus cajan ,
      Phaseolus vulgaris , Theobroma cacao , Solanum lycopersicum , Solanum tuberosum ,
      Coffea canephora , Oryza sativa , Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor , Musa acuminata and
      Elaeis guineensis were searched for Nictaba -like genes. Phylogenetic analysis
      was performed using RAxML and additional protein domains in the Nictaba-like
      sequences were identified using InterPro. Expression analysis of the soybean
      Nictaba -like genes was investigated using microarray data. Key Results: Nictaba 
      like genes were identified in all studied species and analysis of the duplication
      events demonstrated that both tandem and segmental duplication contributed to the
      expansion of the Nictaba gene family in angiosperms. The single-domain Nictaba
      protein and the multi-domain F-box Nictaba architectures are ubiquitous among all
      analysed species and microarray analysis revealed differential expression
      patterns for all soybean Nictaba-like genes. Conclusions: Taken together, the
      comparative genomics data contributes to our understanding of the Nictaba -like
      gene family in species for which the occurrence of Nictaba domains had not yet
      been investigated. Given the ubiquitous nature of these genes, they have probably
      acquired new functions over time and are expected to take on various roles in
      plant development and defence.

PMID- 28087664
TI  - Human Blood CD1c+ Dendritic Cells Encompass CD5high and CD5low Subsets That
      Differ Significantly in Phenotype, Gene Expression, and Functions.
AB  - There are three major dendritic cell (DC) subsets in both humans and mice, that
      is, plasmacytoid DCs and two types of conventional DCs (cDCs), cDC1s and cDC2s.
      cDC2s are important for polarizing CD4+ naive T cells into different subsets,
      including Th1, Th2, Th17, Th22, and regulatory T cells. In mice, cDC2s can be
      further divided into phenotypically and functionally distinct subgroups. However,
      subsets of human cDC2s have not been reported. In the present study, we showed
      that human blood CD1c+ cDCs (cDC2s) can be further separated into two
      subpopulations according to their CD5 expression status. Comparative
      transcriptome analyses showed that the CD5high DCs expressed higher levels of
      cDC2-specific genes, including IFN regulatory factor 4, which is essential for
      the cDC2 development and its migration to lymph nodes. In contrast, CD5low DCs
      preferentially expressed monocyte-related genes, including the lineage-specific
      transcription factor MAFB. Furthermore, compared with the CD5low subpopulation,
      the CD5high subpopulation showed stronger migration toward CCL21 and
      overrepresentation among migratory DCs in lymph nodes. Additionally, the CD5high
      DCs induced naive T cell proliferation more potently than did the CD5low DCs.
      Moreover, CD5high DCs induced higher levels of IL-10-, IL-22-, and IL-4-producing
      T cell formation, whereas CD5low DCs induced higher levels of IFN-gamma-producing
      T cell formation. Thus, we show that human blood CD1c+ cDC2s encompass two
      subsets that differ significantly in phenotype, that is, gene expression and
      functions. We propose that these two subsets of human cDC2s could potentially
      play contrasting roles in immunity or tolerance.

PMID- 28087665
TI  - NKG2D Promotes B1a Cell Development and Protection against Bacterial Infection.
AB  - NKG2D is a potent activating receptor that is expressed on cytotoxic immune cells
      such as CD8 T and NK cells, where it promotes cytotoxicity after binding stress
      ligands on infected or transformed cells. On NK cell precursors NKG2D modulates
      proliferation and maturation. Previously, we observed that NKG2D deficiency
      affects peripheral B cell numbers. In this study, we show that NKG2D regulates
      B1a cell development and function. We find that mice deficient for NKG2D have a
      strong reduction of B1a cell numbers. As a result, NKG2D-deficient mice produce
      significantly less Ag-specific IgM Abs upon immunization with T cell-independent
      Ags, and they are more susceptible to Gram-negative sepsis. Klrk1-/- B1a cells
      are also functionally impaired and they fail to provide protection against
      Francisella novicida upon adoptive transfer. Using mixed bone marrow chimeric
      mice, we show that the impact of NKG2D deficiency on B1a cell development is cell
      intrinsic. No changes in homeostatic turnover and homing of B cells were
      detectable, limiting the effects of NKG2D to modulation of the hematopoietic
      development of B1a cells. Using conditional ablation, we demonstrate that the
      effect of NKG2D on B1a cell development occurs at a developmental stage that
      precedes the common lymphoid progenitor. Our findings reveal an unexpected new
      role for NKG2D in the regulation of B1a cell development. The protective effects
      of this activating receptor therefore reach beyond that of cytotoxic cells,
      stimulating the immune system to fight bacterial infections by promoting
      development of innate-like B cells.

PMID- 28087666
TI  - Dysregulation of B Cell Repertoire Formation in Myasthenia Gravis Patients
      Revealed through Deep Sequencing.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypical B cell-mediated autoimmune disease
      affecting 20-50 people per 100,000. The majority of patients fall into two
      clinically distinguishable types based on whether they produce autoantibodies
      targeting the acetylcholine receptor (AChR-MG) or muscle specific kinase (MuSK
      MG). The autoantibodies are pathogenic, but whether their generation is
      associated with broader defects in the B cell repertoire is unknown. To address
      this question, we performed deep sequencing of the BCR repertoire of AChR-MG,
      MuSK-MG, and healthy subjects to generate ~518,000 unique VH and VL sequences
      from sorted naive and memory B cell populations. AChR-MG and MuSK-MG subjects
      displayed distinct gene segment usage biases in both VH and VL sequences within
      the naive and memory compartments. The memory compartment of AChR-MG was further
      characterized by reduced positive selection of somatic mutations in the VH CDR
      and altered VH CDR3 physicochemical properties. The VL repertoire of MuSK-MG was
      specifically characterized by reduced V-J segment distance in recombined
      sequences, suggesting diminished VL receptor editing during B cell development.
      Our results identify large-scale abnormalities in both the naive and memory B
      cell repertoires. Particular abnormalities were unique to either AChR-MG or MuSK
      MG, indicating that the repertoires reflect the distinct properties of the
      subtypes. These repertoire abnormalities are consistent with previously observed
      defects in B cell tolerance checkpoints in MG, thereby offering additional
      insight regarding the impact of tolerance defects on peripheral autoimmune
      repertoires. These collective findings point toward a deformed B cell repertoire
      as a fundamental component of MG.

PMID- 28087669
TI  - The Role of the p38-MNK-eIF4E Signaling Axis in TNF Production Downstream of the
      NOD1 Receptor.
AB  - Activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) 1 and NOD2 by
      muropeptides triggers a complex transcriptional program in innate immune cells.
      However, little is known about posttranscriptional regulation of NOD1- and NOD2
      dependent responses. When stimulated with a prototypic NOD1 agonist, N
      acetylglucosaminyl-N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanyl-d-isoglutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic
      acid (GM-triDAP), human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) produced an order of
      magnitude more TNF, IL-6, and pro-IL-1beta than did monocyte-derived dendritic
      cells (MDDC), despite similar NOD1 expression, similar cytokine mRNA kinetics,
      and comparable responses to LPS. TNF production by GM-triDAP-activated MDM was
      independent of autocrine IL-1. However, GM-triDAP-activated MDM translated TNF
      mRNA more efficiently than did MDDC. As an underlying mechanism, NOD1 triggering
      in MDM caused a more potent and long-lasting activation of the signaling axis
      involving p38 MAPK, MAPK-interacting kinase (MNK), and eukaryotic translation
      initiation factor 4E, which is a critical regulator of translation. Furthermore,
      MNK controlled TNF mRNA abundance in MDDC and MDM upon NOD1 triggering. NOD1
      dependent responses were more sensitive to MNK inhibition than were TLR4
      dependent responses. These results demonstrate the importance of the p38-MNK
      eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E axis in TNF production downstream of
      NOD1.

PMID- 28087668
TI  - The Threshold of Protection from Liver-Stage Malaria Relies on a Fine Balance
      between the Number of Infected Hepatocytes and Effector CD8+ T Cells Present in
      the Liver.
AB  - Since the demonstration of sterile protection afforded by injection of irradiated
      sporozoites, CD8+ T cells have been shown to play a significant role in
      protection from liver-stage malaria. This is, however, dependent on the presence
      of an extremely high number of circulating effector cells, thought to be
      necessary to scan, locate, and kill infected hepatocytes in the short time that
      parasites are present in the liver. We used an adoptive transfer model to
      elucidate the kinetics of the effector CD8+ T cell response in the liver
      following Plasmodium berghei sporozoite challenge. Although effector CD8+ T cells
      require <24 h to find, locate, and kill infected hepatocytes, active migration of
      Ag-specific CD8+ T cells into the liver was not observed during the 2-d liver
      stage of infection, as divided cells were only detected from day 3 postchallenge.
      However, the percentage of donor cells recruited into division was shown to
      indicate the level of Ag presentation from infected hepatocytes. By titrating the
      number of transferred Ag-specific effector CD8+ T cells and sporozoites, we
      demonstrate that achieving protection toward liver-stage malaria is reliant on
      CD8+ T cells being able to locate infected hepatocytes, resulting in a protection
      threshold dependent on a fine balance between the number of infected hepatocytes
      and CD8+ T cells present in the liver. With such a fine balance determining
      protection, achieving a high number of CD8+ T cells will be critical to the
      success of a cell-mediated vaccine against liver-stage malaria.

PMID- 28087670
TI  - Plant Lectins Activate the NLRP3 Inflammasome To Promote Inflammatory Disorders.
AB  - Plant-derived dietary lectins have been reported to be involved in the
      pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel
      disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease, but little is known
      about the molecular mechanisms underlying lectin-induced inflammation. In this
      study, we showed that plant lectins can induce caspase-1 activation and IL-1beta
      secretion via the NLRP3 inflammasome. Lectins were internalized and subsequently
      escaped from the lysosome and then translocated to the endoplasmic reticulum.
      Endoplasmic reticulum-loaded plant lectins then triggered Ca2+ release and
      mitochondrial damage, and inhibition of Ca2+ release and mitochondrial reactive
      oxygen species by chemical inhibitors significantly suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome
      activation. In vivo, plant lectin-induced inflammation and tissue damage also
      depended on the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our findings indicate that plant lectins can
      act as an exogenous "danger signal" that can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and
      suggest that dietary lectins might promote inflammatory diseases via the NLRP3
      inflammasome.

PMID- 28087667
TI  - PRMT5-Selective Inhibitors Suppress Inflammatory T Cell Responses and
      Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.
AB  - In the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), expansion of pathogenic, myelin-specific Th1
      cell populations drives active disease; selectively targeting this process may be
      the basis for a new therapeutic approach. Previous studies have hinted at a role
      for protein arginine methylation in immune responses, including T cell-mediated
      autoimmunity and EAE. However, a conclusive role for the protein arginine
      methyltransferase (PRMT) enzymes that catalyze these reactions has been lacking.
      PRMT5 is the main PRMT responsible for symmetric dimethylation of arginine
      residues of histones and other proteins. PRMT5 drives embryonic development and
      cancer, but its role in T cells, if any, has not been investigated. In this
      article, we show that PRMT5 is an important modulator of CD4+ T cell expansion.
      PRMT5 was transiently upregulated during maximal proliferation of mouse and human
      memory Th cells. PRMT5 expression was regulated upstream by the NF-kappaB
      pathway, and it promoted IL-2 production and proliferation. Blocking PRMT5 with
      novel, highly selective small molecule PRMT5 inhibitors severely blunted memory
      Th expansion, with preferential suppression of Th1 cells over Th2 cells. In vivo,
      PRMT5 blockade efficiently suppressed recall T cell responses and reduced
      inflammation in delayed-type hypersensitivity and clinical disease in EAE mouse
      models. These data implicate PRMT5 in the regulation of adaptive memory Th cell
      responses and suggest that PRMT5 inhibitors may be a novel therapeutic approach
      for T cell-mediated inflammatory disease.

PMID- 28087671
TI  - Induction and Differentiation of IL-10-Producing Regulatory B Cells from Healthy
      Blood Donors and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.
AB  - The most important feature of B cells is the production of Abs upon activation;
      additionally, B cells produce pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in response to
      certain stimuli. IL-10-producing B cells represent a major subset of regulatory B
      cells (Bregs) that suppress autoimmune and inflammatory responses. B cells play a
      crucial role in the development and maintenance of the chronic inflammatory
      autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, controversial data are
      available on IL-10- producing Bregs in RA. Our aim was to identify the optimal
      conditions that induce IL-10+ Bregs and, furthermore, to shed light on the
      signaling pathways that are responsible for their expansion. The results show
      that dual stimulation by CpG and CD40L for 48 h is optimal for IL-10 induction,
      and this can be synergistically boosted by IL-21. We identified the CD19+CD27+
      memory B cell population as the major source of IL-10+ Bregs. We detected
      significantly fewer CD19+CD27+IL-10+ cells in RA patients compared with healthy
      controls, and these were functionally defective in suppressing IFN-gamma
      production by CD4+ T cells in coculture. IL-21 drastically increased the number
      of IL-10+ Bregs within the CD19+CD27+ and CD19+CD27- populations; furthermore, it
      induced the appearance of IL-10+Blimp-1+ plasmablasts. Monitoring the
      phosphorylation of key signaling molecules revealed that activation of ERK, p38,
      and CREB is indispensable for the induction of IL-10 production, whereas
      phosphorylation of STAT3 further enhances IL-10 expression in human Bregs. We
      conclude that CREB and STAT3 are the key transcription factors responsible for
      the expansion and differentiation of human IL-10-producing Bregs.

PMID- 28087673
TI  - Ribosomal DNA stability is supported by many 'buffer genes'-introduction to the
      Yeast rDNA Stability Database.
AB  - The ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) is the most abundant gene in yeast and other
      eukaryotic organisms. Due to its heavy transcription, repetitive structure and
      programmed replication fork pauses, the rDNA is one of the most unstable regions
      in the genome. Thus, the rDNA is the best region to study the mechanisms
      responsible for maintaining genome integrity. Recently, we screened a library of
      ~4800 budding yeast gene knockout strains to identify mutants defective in the
      maintenance of rDNA stability. The results of this screen are summarized in the
      Yeast rDNA Stability (YRS) Database, in which the stability and copy number of
      rDNA in each mutant are presented. From this screen, we identified ~700 genes
      that may contribute to the maintenance of rDNA stability. In addition, ~50
      mutants had abnormally high or low rDNA copy numbers. Moreover, some mutants with
      unstable rDNA displayed abnormalities in another chromosome. In this review, we
      introduce the YRS Database and discuss the roles of newly identified genes that
      contribute to rDNA maintenance and genome integrity.

PMID- 28087672
TI  - Elimination of sucrose transport and hydrolysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a
      platform strain for engineering sucrose metabolism.
AB  - Many relevant options to improve efficacy and kinetics of sucrose metabolism in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae and, thereby, the economics of sucrose-based processes
      remain to be investigated. An essential first step is to identify all native
      sucrose-hydrolysing enzymes and sucrose transporters in this yeast, including
      those that can be activated by suppressor mutations in sucrose-negative strains.
      A strain in which all known sucrose-transporter genes (MAL11, MAL21, MAL31, MPH2,
      MPH3) were deleted did not grow on sucrose after 2 months of incubation. In
      contrast, a strain with deletions in genes encoding sucrose-hydrolysing enzymes
      (SUC2, MAL12, MAL22, MAL32) still grew on sucrose. Its specific growth rate
      increased from 0.08 to 0.25 h-1 after sequential batch cultivation. This increase
      was accompanied by a 3-fold increase of in vitro sucrose-hydrolysis and
      isomaltase activities, as well as by a 3- to 5-fold upregulation of the
      isomaltase-encoding genes IMA1 and IMA5. One-step Cas9-mediated deletion of all
      isomaltase-encoding genes (IMA1-5) completely abolished sucrose hydrolysis. Even
      after 2 months of incubation, the resulting strain did not grow on sucrose. This
      sucrose-negative strain can be used as a platform to test metabolic engineering
      strategies and for fundamental studies into sucrose hydrolysis or transport.

PMID- 28087674
TI  - Yeast as a tool to express sugar acid transporters with biotechnological
      interest.
AB  - Sugar acids can be used as platform chemicals to generate primary building blocks
      of industrially relevant products. Microbial production of these organic
      compounds at high yields requires the engineering of the enzymatic machinery and
      the presence of plasma membrane transporters able to export them outside the
      cells. In this study, several yeast carboxylic acid transporters belonging to the
      Jen family were screened for the transport of biotechnologically relevant sugar
      acids, namely gluconic, saccharic, mucic, xylaric and xylonic acid, and
      functionally characterised in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that Jen
      permeases are capable of transporting most of these sugar acids, although with
      different specificities. Saccharate is a substrate of the transporters ScJen1
      S271Q and KlJen2, gluconate of CaJen2 and KlJen2, and xylarate and mucate of
      CaJen2. A molecular docking approach of these transporters identified the
      residues that play a major role in the substrate binding of these sugar acids,
      namely R188 (ScJen1), R122 (CaJen2) and R127 (KlJen2), all equivalent residues
      (TMS II). The identification of Jen members as sugar acid transporters can
      contribute to engineering efficient microbial cell factories with increased sugar
      acid production, as the ScJen1 is able to promote substrate efflux.

PMID- 28087675
TI  - DNA repair and mutations during quiescence in yeast.
AB  - Life is maintained through alternating phases of cell division and quiescence.
      The causes and consequences of spontaneous mutations have been extensively
      explored in proliferating cells, and the major sources include errors of DNA
      replication and DNA repair. The foremost consequences are genetic variations
      within a cell population that can lead to heritable diseases and drive evolution.
      While most of our knowledge on DNA damage response and repair has been gained
      through cells actively dividing, it remains essential to also understand how DNA
      damage is metabolized in cells which are not dividing. In this review, we
      summarize the current knowledge concerning the type of lesions that arise in non
      dividing budding and fission yeast cells, as well as the pathways used to repair
      them. We discuss the contribution of these models to our current understanding of
      age-related pathologies.

PMID- 28087677
TI  - Incorporating Persistent Pain in Phenotypic Frailty Measurement and Prediction of
      Adverse Health Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frailty, a syndrome of physiological deficits, is prevalent among
      older adults and predicts elevated risk of adverse health outcomes. Although
      persistent pain predicts similar risk, it is seldom considered in frailty
      measurement. This article evaluated the construct and predictive validity of
      including persistent pain in phenotypic frailty measurement. METHODS: Frailty and
      persistent pain were operationalized using data from the Health and Retirement
      Study (2006-2012 waves). Among a subset of adults aged 65 and older (n = 3,652),
      we used latent class analysis to categorize frailty status and to evaluate
      construct validity. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we compared time to
      incident adverse outcomes (death, fall, hospitalization, institutionalization,
      and functional disability) between frailty classes determined by either including
      or excluding persistent pain as a frailty component. RESULTS: In latent class
      models, persistent pain occurred with other frailty components in patterns
      consistent with a medical syndrome. Frail and intermediately frail classes
      determined by including persistent pain were more strongly associated with all
      adverse outcomes compared with frail and intermediately frail classes determined
      excluding persistent pain. Frail respondents had significantly greater risk of
      death compared with nonfrail respondents when frailty models included rather than
      excluded persistent pain (respectively, hazard ratio [HR] = 3.87, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 2.99-5.00 (including pain); HR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.71-2.59
      (excluding pain). CONCLUSIONS: Findings support consideration of persistent pain
      as a component of the frailty phenotype. Persistent pain assessment may provide
      an expedient method to enhance frailty measurement and improve prediction of
      adverse outcomes.

PMID- 28087676
TI  - The Longitudinal Study of Aging in Human Young Adults: Knowledge Gaps and
      Research Agenda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To prevent onset of age-related diseases and physical and cognitive
      decline, interventions to slow human aging and extend health span must eventually
      be applied to people while they are still young and healthy. Yet most human aging
      research examines older adults, many with chronic disease, and little is known
      about aging in healthy young humans. METHOD: This article explains how this
      knowledge gap is a barrier to extending health span and puts forward the case
      that geroscience should invest in researching the pace of aging in young adults.
      As one illustrative example, we describe an initial effort to study the pace of
      aging in a young-adult birth cohort by using repeated waves of biomarkers
      collected across the third and fourth decades to quantify the pace of coordinated
      physiological deterioration across multiple organ systems (eg, pulmonary,
      periodontal, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, metabolic, and immune function).
      RESULTS: Findings provided proof of principle that it is possible to quantify
      individual variation in the pace of aging in young adults still free of age
      related diseases. CONCLUSIONS: This article articulates research needs to improve
      longitudinal measurement of the pace of aging in young people, to pinpoint
      factors that slow or speed the pace of aging, to compare pace of aging against
      genomic clocks, to explain slow-aging young adults, and to apply pace of aging in
      preventive clinical trials of antiaging therapies. This article puts forward a
      research agenda to fill the knowledge gap concerning lifelong causes of aging.

PMID- 28087683
TI  - Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Closure During Infancy: A Meta
      analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a precursor to morbidity and
      mortality. Percutaneous (catheter-based) closure is the procedure of choice for
      adults and older children with a PDA, but use during infancy (<1 year) is not
      well characterized. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the technical success and safety of
      percutaneous PDA closure during infancy. DATA SOURCES: Scopus, Web of Science,
      Embase, PubMed, and Ovid (Medline) were searched through December 2015 with no
      language restrictions. STUDY SELECTION: Publications needed to clearly define the
      intervention as percutaneous PDA closure during infancy (<1 year of age at
      intervention) and must have reported adverse events (AEs). DATA EXTRACTION: The
      study was performed according to the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
      checklist and registered prospectively. The quality of the selected studies was
      critically examined. Data extraction and assignment of AE attributability and
      severity were independently performed by multiple observers. Outcomes were agreed
      on a priori. Data were pooled by using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Thirty
      eight studies were included; no randomized controlled trials were found.
      Technical success of percutaneous PDA closure was 92.2% (95% confidence interval
      [CI] 88.8-95.0). Overall AE and clinically significant AE incidence was 23.3%
      (95% CI 16.5-30.8) and 10.1% (95% CI 7.8-12.5), respectively. Significant
      heterogeneity and publication bias were observed. LIMITATIONS: Limitations
      include lack of comparative studies, lack of standardized AE reporting strategy,
      and significant heterogeneity in reporting. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous PDA closure
      during infancy is feasible and associated with few catastrophic AEs; however, the
      limitations constrain the interpretability and generalizability of the current
      findings.

PMID- 28087684
TI  - The Effect of Price Information on the Ordering of Images and Procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ordering rates for imaging studies and procedures may
      change if clinicians are shown the prices of those tests while they are ordering.
      We studied the effect of 2 forms of paid price information, single median price
      and paired internal/external median prices, on how often pediatric-focused and
      adult-oriented clinicians (most frequently general pediatricians and adult
      specialists caring for pediatric-aged patients, respectively) order imaging
      studies and procedures for 0- to 21-year-olds. METHODS: In January 2014, we
      randomized 227 pediatric-focused and 279 adult-oriented clinicians to 1 of 3
      study arms: Control (no price display), Single Median Price, or Paired
      Internal/External Median Prices (both with price display in the ordering screen
      of electronic health record). We used 1-way analysis of variance and paired t
      tests to examine how frequently clinicians (1) placed orders and (2) designated
      tests to be completed internally within an accountable care organization.
      RESULTS: For pediatric-focused clinicians, there was no significant difference in
      the rates at which orders were placed or designated to be completed internally
      across the study arms. For adult-oriented clinicians caring for children and
      adolescents, however, those in the Single Price and Paired Price arms placed
      orders at significantly higher rates than those in the Control group (Control 3.2
      [SD 4.8], Single Price 6.2 [SD 6.8], P < .001 and Paired Prices 5.2 [SD 7.9], P =
      .04). The rate at which adult-oriented clinicians designated tests to be
      completed internally was not significantly different across arms. CONCLUSIONS:
      The effect of price information on ordering rates appears to depend on whether
      the clinician is pediatric-focused or adult-oriented.

PMID- 28087685
TI  - BST-2 restricts IAV release and is countered by the viral M2 protein.
AB  - BST-2 (tetherin, CD317, and HM1.24) is induced by interferon and restricts virus
      release by tethering the enveloped viruses to the cell surface. The effect of BST
      2 on influenza A virus (IAV) infection has been inconclusive. In the present
      study, we report that BST-2 diminishes the production of IAV virus-like particles
      (VLPs) that are generated by viral neuraminidase and hemagglutinin proteins to a
      much greater degree than it inhibits the production of wild-type IAV particles.
      This relatively weaker inhibition of IAV is associated with reduction in BST-2
      levels, which is caused by the M2 protein that interacts with BST-2 and leads to
      down-regulation of cell surface BST-2 via the proteasomal pathway. Similarly to
      the viral antagonist Vpu, M2 also rescues the production of human
      immunodeficiency virus-1 VLPs and IAV VLPs in the presence of BST-2. Replication
      of wild-type and the M2-deleted viruses were both inhibited by BST-2, with the M2
      deleted IAV being more restricted. These data reveal one mechanism that IAV
      employs to counter restriction by BST-2.

PMID- 28087686
TI  - Amoebozoans Are Secretly but Ancestrally Sexual: Evidence for Sex Genes and
      Potential Novel Crossover Pathways in Diverse Groups of Amoebae.
AB  - Sex is beneficial in eukaryotes as it can increase genetic diversity, reshuffle
      their genomes, and purge deleterious mutations. Yet, its evolution remains a
      mystery. The eukaryotic clade supergroup Amoebozoa encompasses diverse lineages
      of polymorphic amoeboid forms, including both free-living and parasitic lineages.
      The group is generally believed to be asexual, though recent studies show that
      some of its members are implicated in cryptic forms of sexual cycles. In this
      study, we conduct a comprehensive inventory and analysis of genes involved in
      meiosis and related processes, in order to investigate the evolutionary history
      of sex in the clade. We analyzed genomic and transcriptomic data of 39
      amoebozoans representing all major subclades of Amoebozoa. Our results show that
      Amoebozoa possess most of the genes exclusive to meiosis but lack genes encoding
      synaptonemal complex (SC). The absence of SC genes is discussed in the context of
      earlier studies that reported ultrastructural evidence of SC in some amoebae. We
      also find interclade and intrageneric variation in sex gene distribution,
      indicating diversity in sexual pathways in the group. Particularly, members of
      Mycetozoa engage in a novel sexual pathway independent of the universally
      conserved meiosis initiator gene, SPO11. Our findings strongly suggest that not
      only do amoebozoans possess sex genes in their genomes, but also, based on the
      transcriptome evidence, the present sex genes are functional. We conclude that
      Amoebozoa is ancestrally sexual, contrary to the long held belief that most of
      its members are asexual. Thus, asexuality in Amoebozoa, if confirmed to be
      present, is a derived-trait that appeared later in their evolution.

PMID- 28087687
TI  - Survival Benefits of Invasive Versus Conservative Strategies in Heart Failure in
      Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction caused by ischemic heart
      disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It remains unclear
      whether revascularization by either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) carries benefits or risks in this group
      of stable patients compared with medical treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      performed a meta-analysis of available studies comparing different methods of
      revascularization (PCI or CABG) against each other or medical treatment in
      patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction
      <=40%. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality; myocardial infarction,
      revascularization, and stroke were also analyzed. Twenty-one studies involving a
      total of 16 191 patients were included. Compared with medical treatment, there
      was a significant mortality reduction with CABG (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.61-0.72; P<0.001) and PCI (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.62-0.85; P<0.001). When compared with PCI, CABG still
      showed a survival benefit (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.75
      0.90; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis indicates that
      revascularization strategies are superior to medical treatment in improving
      survival in patients with ischemic heart disease and reduced ejection fraction.
      Between the 2 revascularization strategies, CABG seems more favorable compared
      with PCI in this particular clinical setting.

PMID- 28087689
TI  - Rethinking Revascularization in Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction.

PMID- 28087688
TI  - Thirty Years of Evidence on the Efficacy of Drug Treatments for Chronic Heart
      Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Network Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatments that reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with heart
      failure with reduced ejection fraction, including angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), beta-blockers (BB),
      mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin
      inhibitors (ARNI), have not been studied in a head-to-head fashion. This network
      meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of these drugs and their combinations
      regarding all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced
      ejection fraction. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic literature review identified
      57 randomized controlled trials published between 1987 and 2015, which were
      compared in terms of study and patient characteristics, baseline risk, outcome
      definitions, and the observed treatment effects. Despite differences identified
      in terms of study duration, New York Heart Association class, ejection fraction,
      and use of background digoxin, a network meta-analysis was considered feasible
      and all trials were analyzed simultaneously. The random-effects network meta
      analysis suggested that the combination of ACEI+BB+MRA was associated with a 56%
      reduction in mortality versus placebo (hazard ratio 0.44, 95% credible interval
      0.26-0.66); ARNI+BB+MRA was associated with the greatest reduction in all-cause
      mortality versus placebo (hazard ratio 0.37, 95% credible interval 0.19-0.65). A
      sensitivity analysis that did not account for background therapy suggested that
      ARNI monotherapy is more efficacious than ACEI or ARB monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS:
      The network meta-analysis showed that treatment with ACEI, ARB, BB, MRA, and ARNI
      and their combinations were better than the treatment with placebo in reducing
      all-cause mortality, with the exception of ARB monotherapy and ARB plus ACEI. The
      combination of ARNI+BB+MRA resulted in the greatest mortality reduction.

PMID- 28087690
TI  - Editorial: An expanded view of viruses.

PMID- 28087692
TI  - Underuse of screening in Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome.

PMID- 28087691
TI  - Imaging proteins at the single-molecule level.
AB  - Imaging single proteins has been a long-standing ambition for advancing various
      fields in natural science, as for instance structural biology, biophysics, and
      molecular nanotechnology. In particular, revealing the distinct conformations of
      an individual protein is of utmost importance. Here, we show the imaging of
      individual proteins and protein complexes by low-energy electron holography.
      Samples of individual proteins and protein complexes on ultraclean freestanding
      graphene were prepared by soft-landing electrospray ion beam deposition, which
      allows chemical- and conformational-specific selection and gentle deposition. Low
      energy electrons do not induce radiation damage, which enables acquiring
      subnanometer resolution images of individual proteins (cytochrome C and BSA) as
      well as of protein complexes (hemoglobin), which are not the result of an
      averaging process.

PMID- 28087693
TI  - De Novo Genome and Transcriptome Assembly of the Canadian Beaver (Castor
      canadensis).
AB  - The Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis) is the largest indigenous rodent in North
      America. We report a draft annotated assembly of the beaver genome, the first for
      a large rodent and the first mammalian genome assembled directly from uncorrected
      and moderate coverage (< 30 *) long reads generated by single-molecule
      sequencing. The genome size is 2.7 Gb estimated by k-mer analysis. We assembled
      the beaver genome using the new Canu assembler optimized for noisy reads. The
      resulting assembly was refined using Pilon supported by short reads (80 *) and
      checked for accuracy by congruency against an independent short read assembly. We
      scaffolded the assembly using the exon-gene models derived from 9805 full-length
      open reading frames (FL-ORFs) constructed from the beaver leukocyte and muscle
      transcriptomes. The final assembly comprised 22,515 contigs with an N50 of
      278,680 bp and an N50-scaffold of 317,558 bp. Maximum contig and scaffold lengths
      were 3.3 and 4.2 Mb, respectively, with a combined scaffold length representing
      92% of the estimated genome size. The completeness and accuracy of the scaffold
      assembly was demonstrated by the precise exon placement for 91.1% of the 9805
      assembled FL-ORFs and 83.1% of the BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy
      Orthologs) gene set used to assess the quality of genome assemblies. Well
      represented were genes involved in dentition and enamel deposition, defining
      characteristics of rodents with which the beaver is well-endowed. The study
      provides insights for genome assembly and an important genomics resource for
      Castoridae and rodent evolutionary biology.

PMID- 28087694
TI  - Iso-alpha-acids, Bitter Components of Beer, Prevent Inflammation and Cognitive
      Decline Induced in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Alongside the rapid growth in aging populations worldwide, prevention and therapy
      for age-related memory decline and dementia are in great demand to maintain a
      long, healthy life. Here we found that iso-alpha-acids, hop-derived bitter
      compounds in beer, enhance microglial phagocytosis and suppress inflammation via
      activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. In normal
      mice, oral administration of iso-alpha-acids led to a significant increase both
      in CD11b and CD206 double-positive anti-inflammatory type microglia (p < 0.05)
      and in microglial phagocytosis in the brain. In Alzheimer's model 5xFAD mice,
      oral administration of iso-alpha-acids resulted in a 21% reduction in amyloid
      beta in the cerebral cortex as observed by immunohistochemical analysis, a
      significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta and chemokines
      including macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha in the cerebral cortex (p <
      0.05) and a significant improvement in a novel object recognition test (p <
      0.05), as compared with control-fed 5xFAD mice. The differences in iso-alpha-acid
      fed mice were due to the induction of microglia to an anti-inflammatory
      phenotype. The present study is the first to report that amyloid beta deposition
      and inflammation are suppressed in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by a
      single component, iso-alpha-acids, via the regulation of microglial activation.
      The suppression of neuroinflammation and improvement in cognitive function
      suggests that iso-alpha-acids contained in beer may be useful for the prevention
      of dementia.

PMID- 28087695
TI  - Novel Interconnections in Lipid Metabolism Revealed by Overexpression of
      Sphingomyelin Synthase-1.
AB  - This study investigates the consequences of elevating sphingomyelin synthase 1
      (SMS1) activity, which generates the main mammalian sphingolipid, sphingomyelin.
      HepG2 cells stably transfected with SMS1 (HepG2-SMS1) exhibit elevated enzyme
      activity in vitro and increased sphingomyelin content (mainly C22:0- and C24:0
      sphingomyelin) but lower hexosylceramide (Hex-Cer) levels. HepG2-SMS1 cells have
      fewer triacylglycerols than controls but similar diacylglycerol acyltransferase
      activity, triacylglycerol secretion, and mitochondrial function. Treatment with 1
      mm palmitate increases de novo ceramide synthesis in both cell lines to a similar
      degree, causing accumulation of C16:0-ceramide (and some C18:0-, C20:0-, and
      C22:0-ceramides) as well as C16:0- and C18:0-Hex-Cers. In these experiments, the
      palmitic acid is delivered as a complex with delipidated BSA (2:1, mol/mol) and
      does not induce significant lipotoxicity. Based on precursor labeling, the flux
      through SM synthase also increases, which is exacerbated in HepG2-SMS1 cells. In
      contrast, palmitate-induced lipid droplet formation is significantly reduced in
      HepG2-SMS1 cells. [14C]Choline and [3H]palmitate tracking shows that SMS1
      overexpression apparently affects the partitioning of palmitate-enriched
      diacylglycerol between the phosphatidylcholine and triacylglycerol pathways, to
      the benefit of the former. Furthermore, triacylglycerols from HepG2-SMS1 cells
      are enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is indicative of active
      remodeling. Together, these results delineate novel metabolic interactions
      between glycerolipids and sphingolipids.

PMID- 28087696
TI  - Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of a Gene Operon for trans-Aconitic
      Acid, a Novel Nematicide from Bacillus thuringiensis.
AB  - trans-Aconitic acid (TAA) is an isomer of cis-aconitic acid (CAA), an
      intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle that is synthesized by aconitase.
      Although TAA production has been detected in bacteria and plants for many years
      and is known to be a potent inhibitor of aconitase, its biosynthetic origins and
      the physiological relevance of its activity have remained unclear. We have
      serendipitously uncovered key information relevant to both of these questions.
      Specifically, in a search for novel nematicidal factors from Bacillus
      thuringiensis, a significant nematode pathogen harboring many protein virulence
      factors, we discovered a high yielding component that showed activity against the
      plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita and surprisingly identified it as
      TAA. Comparison with CAA, which displayed a much weaker nematicidal effect,
      suggested that TAA is specifically synthesized by B. thuringiensis as a virulence
      factor. Analysis of mutants deficient in plasmids that were anticipated to encode
      virulence factors allowed us to isolate a TAA biosynthesis-related (tbr) operon
      consisting of two genes, tbrA and tbrB We expressed the corresponding proteins,
      TbrA and TbrB, and characterized them as an aconitate isomerase and TAA
      transporter, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis of the TAA biosynthetic gene
      cluster revealed the association of the TAA genes with transposable elements
      relevant for horizontal gene transfer as well as a distribution across B. cereus
      bacteria and other B. thuringiensis strains, suggesting a general role for TAA in
      the interactions of B. cereus group bacteria with nematode hosts in the soil
      environment. This study reveals new bioactivity for TAA and the TAA biosynthetic
      pathway, improving our understanding of virulence factors employed by B.
      thuringiensis pathogenesis and providing potential implications for nematode
      management applications.

PMID- 28087697
TI  - Development of High Affinity and High Specificity Inhibitors of Matrix
      Metalloproteinase 14 through Computational Design and Directed Evolution.
AB  - Degradation of the extracellular matrices in the human body is controlled by
      matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of more than 20 homologous enzymes.
      Imbalance in MMP activity can result in many diseases, such as arthritis,
      cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, fibrosis, and cancers. Thus,
      MMPs present attractive targets for drug design and have been a focus for
      inhibitor design for as long as 3 decades. Yet, to date, all MMP inhibitors have
      failed in clinical trials because of their broad activity against numerous MMP
      family members and the serious side effects of the proposed treatment. In this
      study, we integrated a computational method and a yeast surface display technique
      to obtain highly specific inhibitors of MMP-14 by modifying the natural non
      specific broad MMP inhibitor protein N-TIMP2 to interact optimally with MMP-14.
      We identified an N-TIMP2 mutant, with five mutations in its interface, that has
      an MMP-14 inhibition constant (Ki ) of 0.9 pm, the strongest MMP-14 inhibitor
      reported so far. Compared with wild-type N-TIMP2, this variant displays ~900-fold
      improved affinity toward MMP-14 and up to 16,000-fold greater specificity toward
      MMP-14 relative to other MMPs. In an in vitro and cell-based model of MMP
      dependent breast cancer cellular invasiveness, this N-TIMP2 mutant acted as a
      functional inhibitor. Thus, our study demonstrates the enormous potential of a
      combined computational/directed evolution approach to protein engineering.
      Furthermore, it offers fundamental clues into the molecular basis of MMP
      regulation by N-TIMP2 and identifies a promising MMP-14 inhibitor as a starting
      point for the development of protein-based anticancer therapeutics.

PMID- 28087698
TI  - Inhibition of Transient Receptor Potential Channel Mucolipin-1 (TRPML1) by
      Lysosomal Adenosine Involved in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Diseases.
AB  - Impaired adenosine homeostasis has been associated with numerous human diseases.
      Lysosomes are referred to as the cellular recycling centers that generate
      adenosine by breaking down nucleic acids or ATP. Recent studies have suggested
      that lysosomal adenosine overload causes lysosome defects that phenocopy patients
      with mutations in transient receptor potential channel mucolipin-1 (TRPML1), a
      lysosomal Ca2+ channel, suggesting that lysosomal adenosine overload may impair
      TRPML1 and then lead to subsequent lysosomal dysfunction. In this study, we
      demonstrate that lysosomal adenosine is elevated by deleting adenosine deaminase
      (ADA), an enzyme responsible for adenosine degradation. We also show that
      lysosomal adenosine accumulation inhibits TRPML1, which is rescued by
      overexpressing ENT3, the adenosine transporter situated in the lysosome membrane.
      Moreover, ADA deficiency results in lysosome enlargement, alkalinization, and
      dysfunction. These are rescued by activating TRPML1. Importantly, ADA-deficient B
      lymphocytes are more vulnerable to oxidative stress, and this was rescued by
      TRPML1 activation. Our data suggest that lysosomal adenosine accumulation impairs
      lysosome function by inhibiting TRPML1 and subsequently leads to cell death in B
      lymphocytes. Activating TRPML1 could be a new therapeutic strategy for those
      diseases.

PMID- 28087699
TI  - Activation of c-Abl Kinase Potentiates the Anti-myeloma Drug Lenalidomide by
      Promoting DDA1 Protein Recruitment to the CRL4 Ubiquitin Ligase.
AB  - Cullin-RING ligase 4 (CRL4), a complex of Cul4 and DDB1, regulates the cell
      cycle, DNA damage repair, and chromatin replication by targeting a variety of
      substrates for ubiquitination. CRL4 is also hijacked by viral proteins or
      thalidomide-derived compounds to degrade host restriction factors. Here we report
      that the c-Abl non-receptor kinase phosphorylates DDB1 at residue Tyr-316 to
      recruit a small regulatory protein, DDA1, leading to increased substrate
      ubiquitination. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of the Abl-DDB1
      DDA1 axis decreases the ubiquitination of CRL4 substrates, including IKZF1 and
      IKZF3, in lenalidomide-treated multiple myeloma cells. Importantly, panobinostat,
      a recently approved anti-myeloma drug, and dexamethasone enhance lenalidomide
      induced substrate degradation and cytotoxicity by activating c-Abl, therefore
      providing a mechanism underlying their combination with lenalidomide to treat
      multiple myeloma.

PMID- 28087702
TI  - Aging: It's Personal.

PMID- 28087701
TI  - The Ubiquitin Ligase Nedd4L Regulates the Na/K/2Cl Co-transporter NKCC1/SLC12A2
      in the Colon.
AB  - The ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-like (Nedd4L, or Nedd4-2) binds to and regulates
      stability of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in salt-absorbing epithelia in the
      kidney, lung, and other tissues. Its role in the distal colon, which also absorbs
      salt and fluid and expresses ENaC, is unknown. Using a conditional knock-out
      approach to knock out Nedd4L in mice intestinal epithelium (Nedd4Lf/f ;Vil
      CreERT2 ) we show here that Nedd4L depletion leads to a higher steady-state short
      circuit current (Isc) in mouse distal colon tissue relative to controls. This
      higher Isc was partially reduced by the addition of apical amiloride and strongly
      reduced by basolateral bumetanide as well as by depletion of basolateral Cl-,
      suggesting that Na+/K+/2Cl- (NKCC1/SLC12A2) co-transporter and ENaC are targets
      of Nedd4L in the colon. In accordance, NKCC1 (and gammaENaC) protein abundance in
      the colon of the Nedd4L knock-out animals was increased, indicating that Nedd4L
      normally suppresses these proteins. However, we did not observe co
      immunoprecipitation between Nedd4L and NKCC1, suggesting that Nedd4L indirectly
      suppresses NKCC1 expression. Low salt diet resulted in a strong increase in beta
      and gamma (but not alpha) ENaC mRNA and protein expression and ENaC activity.
      Although salt restriction also increased NKCC1 protein and mRNA abundance, it did
      not lead to its elevated activity (Isc). These results identify NKCC1 as a novel
      target for Nedd4L-mediated down-regulation in vivo, which modulates ion and fluid
      transport in the distal colon together with ENaC.

PMID- 28087703
TI  - Bedroom Scenes: Filmic Portrayals of Intimacy and Sexuality in Long-Lived
      Relationships.

PMID- 28087700
TI  - Two Small Molecules Restore Stability to a Subpopulation of the Cystic Fibrosis
      Transmembrane Conductance Regulator with the Predominant Disease-causing
      Mutation.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations that disrupt the plasma membrane
      expression, stability, and function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane
      conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel. Two small molecules, the CFTR corrector
      lumacaftor and the potentiator ivacaftor, are now used clinically to treat CF,
      although some studies suggest that they have counteracting effects on CFTR
      stability. Here, we investigated the impact of these compounds on the instability
      of F508del-CFTR, the most common CF mutation. To study individual CFTR Cl-
      channels, we performed single-channel recording, whereas to assess entire CFTR
      populations, we used purified CFTR proteins and macroscopic CFTR Cl- currents. At
      37  degrees C, low temperature-rescued F508del-CFTR more rapidly lost function in
      cell-free membrane patches and showed altered channel gating and current flow
      through open channels. Compared with purified wild-type CFTR, the full-length
      F508del-CFTR was about 10  degrees C less thermostable. Lumacaftor partially
      stabilized purified full-length F508del-CFTR and slightly delayed deactivation of
      individual F508del-CFTR Cl- channels. By contrast, ivacaftor further destabilized
      full-length F508del-CFTR and accelerated channel deactivation. Chronic
      (prolonged) co-incubation of F508del-CFTR-expressing cells with lumacaftor and
      ivacaftor deactivated macroscopic F508del-CFTR Cl- currents. However, at the
      single-channel level, chronic co-incubation greatly increased F508del-CFTR
      channel activity and temporal stability in most, but not all, cell-free membrane
      patches. We conclude that chronic lumacaftor and ivacaftor co-treatment restores
      stability in a small subpopulation of F508del-CFTR Cl- channels but that the
      majority remain destabilized. A fuller understanding of these effects and the
      characterization of the small F508del-CFTR subpopulation might be crucial for CF
      therapy development.

PMID- 28087704
TI  - Transformed by Discovered Shadows.

PMID- 28087709
TI  - A broad spectrum.

PMID- 28087710
TI  - Targeting Argonaute to chromatin.
AB  - In many eukaryotes, siRNAs bound to Argonaute proteins guide chromatin-modifying
      enzymes to complementary loci, resulting in transcriptional gene silencing.
      Multiple lines of evidence indicate that siRNAs base-pair with longer RNAs
      produced at target loci, but the possibility that siRNAs base-pair directly with
      DNA remains an attractive hypothesis. In a recent study, Shimada et al. (pp. 2571
      2580) conducted experiments that address these alternative hypotheses, yielding
      additional evidence that fission yeast siRNA-Argonaute silencing complexes are
      recruited to target loci exclusively via interactions with nascent transcripts.

PMID- 28087711
TI  - CTCF-mediated topological boundaries during development foster appropriate gene
      regulation.
AB  - The genome is organized into repeating topologically associated domains (TADs),
      each of which is spatially isolated from its neighbor by poorly understood
      boundary elements thought to be conserved across cell types. Here, we show that
      deletion of CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor)-binding sites at TAD and sub-TAD
      topological boundaries that form within the HoxA and HoxC clusters during
      differentiation not only disturbs local chromatin domain organization and
      regulatory interactions but also results in homeotic transformations typical of
      Hox gene misregulation. Moreover, our data suggest that CTCF-dependent boundary
      function can be modulated by competing forces, such as the self-assembly of
      polycomb domains within the nucleus. Therefore, CTCF boundaries are not merely
      static structural components of the genome but instead are locally dynamic
      regulatory structures that control gene expression during development.

PMID- 28087712
TI  - PDX1 dynamically regulates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma initiation and
      maintenance.
AB  - Aberrant activation of embryonic signaling pathways is frequent in pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), making developmental regulators therapeutically
      attractive. Here we demonstrate diverse functions for pancreatic and duodenal
      homeobox 1 (PDX1), a transcription factor indispensable for pancreas development,
      in the progression from normal exocrine cells to metastatic PDA. We identify a
      critical role for PDX1 in maintaining acinar cell identity, thus resisting the
      formation of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN)-derived PDA. Upon
      neoplastic transformation, the role of PDX1 changes from tumor-suppressive to
      oncogenic. Interestingly, subsets of malignant cells lose PDX1 expression while
      undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and PDX1 loss is
      associated with poor outcome. This stage-specific functionality arises from
      profound shifts in PDX1 chromatin occupancy from acinar cells to PDA. In summary,
      we report distinct roles of PDX1 at different stages of PDA, suggesting that
      therapeutic approaches against this potential target need to account for its
      changing functions at different stages of carcinogenesis. These findings provide
      insight into the complexity of PDA pathogenesis and advocate a rigorous
      investigation of therapeutically tractable targets at distinct phases of PDA
      development and progression.

PMID- 28087713
TI  - Functional genomics reveals that tumors with activating phosphoinositide 3-kinase
      mutations are dependent on accelerated protein turnover.
AB  - Activating mutations in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway
      are frequently identified in cancer. To identify pathways that support PI3K
      oncogenesis, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in isogenic cell lines
      harboring wild-type or mutant PIK3CA to search for PI3K synthetic-lethal (SL)
      genes. A combined analysis of these results with a meta-analysis of two other
      large-scale RNAi screening data sets in PI3K mutant cancer cell lines converged
      on ribosomal protein translation and proteasomal protein degradation as critical
      nononcogene dependencies for PI3K-driven tumors. Genetic or pharmacologic
      inhibition of either pathway alone, but not together, selectively killed PI3K
      mutant tumor cells in an mTOR-dependent manner. The expression of ribosomal and
      proteasomal components was significantly up-regulated in primary human colorectal
      tumors harboring PI3K pathway activation. Importantly, a PI3K SL gene signature
      containing the top hits of the SL genes identified in our meta-analysis robustly
      predicted overall patient survival in colorectal cancer, especially among
      patients with tumors with an activated PI3K pathway. These results suggest that
      disruption of protein turnover homeostasis via ribosome or proteasome inhibition
      may be a novel treatment strategy for PI3K mutant human tumors.

PMID- 28087714
TI  - DLG5 connects cell polarity and Hippo signaling protein networks by linking PAR-1
      with MST1/2.
AB  - Disruption of apical-basal polarity is implicated in developmental disorders and
      cancer; however, the mechanisms connecting cell polarity proteins with
      intracellular signaling pathways are largely unknown. We determined previously
      that membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) protein discs large homolog 5
      (DLG5) functions in cell polarity and regulates cellular proliferation and
      differentiation via undefined mechanisms. We report here that DLG5 functions as
      an evolutionarily conserved scaffold and negative regulator of Hippo signaling,
      which controls organ size through the modulation of cell proliferation and
      differentiation. Affinity purification/mass spectrometry revealed a critical role
      of DLG5 in the formation of protein assemblies containing core Hippo kinases
      mammalian ste20 homologs 1/2 (MST1/2) and Par-1 polarity proteins microtubule
      affinity-regulating kinases 1/2/3 (MARK1/2/3). Consistent with this finding,
      Hippo signaling is markedly hyperactive in mammalian Dlg5-/- tissues and cells in
      vivo and ex vivo and in Drosophila upon dlg5 knockdown. Conditional deletion of
      Mst1/2 fully rescued the phenotypes of brain-specific Dlg5 knockout mice. Dlg5
      also interacts genetically with Hippo effectors Yap1/Taz Mechanistically, we show
      that DLG5 inhibits the association between MST1/2 and large tumor suppressor
      homologs 1/2 (LATS1/2), uses its scaffolding function to link MST1/2 with MARK3,
      and inhibits MST1/2 kinase activity. These data reveal a direct connection
      between cell polarity proteins and Hippo, which is essential for proper
      development of multicellular organisms.

PMID- 28087718
TI  - Edwin Thomas Melley.

PMID- 28087715
TI  - SF3B1/Hsh155 HEAT motif mutations affect interaction with the spliceosomal ATPase
      Prp5, resulting in altered branch site selectivity in pre-mRNA splicing.
AB  - Mutations in the U2 snRNP component SF3B1 are prominent in myelodysplastic
      syndromes (MDSs) and other cancers and have been shown recently to alter branch
      site (BS) or 3' splice site selection in splicing. However, the molecular
      mechanism of altered splicing is not known. We show here that hsh155 mutant
      alleles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, counterparts of SF3B1 mutations frequently
      found in cancers, specifically change splicing of suboptimal BS pre-mRNA
      substrates. We found that Hsh155p interacts directly with Prp5p, the first ATPase
      that acts during spliceosome assembly, and localized the interacting regions to
      HEAT (Huntingtin, EF3, PP2A, and TOR1) motifs in SF3B1 associated with disease
      mutations. Furthermore, we show that mutations in these motifs from both human
      disease and yeast genetic screens alter the physical interaction with Prp5p,
      alter branch region specification, and phenocopy mutations in Prp5p. These and
      other data demonstrate that mutations in Hsh155p and Prp5p alter splicing because
      they change the direct physical interaction between Hsh155p and Prp5p. This
      altered physical interaction results in altered loading (i.e., "fidelity") of the
      BS-U2 duplex into the SF3B complex during prespliceosome formation. These results
      provide a mechanistic framework to explain the consequences of intron recognition
      and splicing of SF3B1 mutations found in disease.

PMID- 28087719
TI  - Genetics insight into the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia
      spectrum.
AB  - Recent genetic discoveries have dramatically changed our understanding of two
      major neurodegenerative conditions. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and
      frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are common, devastating diseases of the brain. For
      decades, ALS and FTD were classified as movement and cognitive disorders,
      respectively, due to their distinct clinical phenotypes. The recent
      identification of chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) as the major gene
      causative of familial forms of ALS and FTD uncovered a new reality of a
      continuous FTD/ALS spectrum. The finding that up to 50% of all patients present
      some degree of ALS and FTD phenotypes supports this ALS/FTD continuum. Now >100
      genes are known to contribute to ALS/FTD, with a few major contributors that are
      reviewed below. The low penetrance of C9orf72 mutations, its contribution to
      sporadic cases, and its combination with other genes support an oligogenic model
      where two or more genes contribute to disease risk, onset, progression and
      phenotype: from 'pure' ALS or FTD to combined ALS/FTD. These advances in the
      genetics of ALS/FTD will soon lead to a better mechanistic understanding of the
      pathobiology of the disease, which should result in the development of effective
      therapies in the near future.

PMID- 28087720
TI  - A liminal stage after predictive testing for Huntington disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Following predictive testing for Huntington disease (HD), knowledge
      of one's carrier status may have consequences on disease onset. Our study aimed
      to address two questions. First, does knowledge of being a carrier of the
      pathological HD mutation trigger onset of the disease? Second, does this
      knowledge influence self-awareness and allow carriers to identify signs and
      symptoms of disease onset? METHODS: Between 2012 and 2015, 75 HD mutation
      carriers were examined using the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale
      (UHDRS) motor score. Onset estimation made with the disease burden score was
      compared with UHDRS findings. We collected qualitative data with questionnaires
      and semistructured interviews. RESULTS: 38 women and 37 men, aged 43.7 years+/
      10.5 (20-68), were interviewed after a mean delay between test and study
      interview of 10.5 years+/-4.7 (from 4 to 21 years). Estimation of age at onset
      was 4.5+/-8.5 years earlier than data-derived age at onset. Participants were
      categorised according to their motor score: scores <5 were premanifest (n=35),
      and scores >5 were manifest carriers (n=40). Self-observation was a major
      preoccupation for all, independent of their clinical status (82% vs 74%, p=0.57).
      Among manifest carriers, 56% thought they showed symptoms, but only 33% felt ill.
      Interestingly, this was also observed in those without motor signs (20% and 9%).
      Being a mutation carrier did not significantly facilitate recognition of motor
      signs. Interviews with premanifest carriers allowed the burden of self
      observation to be illustrated despite lack of motor signs. CONCLUSIONS:
      Estimating age at onset based on disease burden score may not be accurate. The
      transition to disease was experienced as an ambiguous or liminal experience. The
      view of mutation carriers is not always concordant with medical onset estimation,
      highlighting the difficulties involved in the concept of onset and its use as an
      outcome in future disease-modifying trials.

PMID- 28087716
TI  - The piggyBac transposon-derived genes TPB1 and TPB6 mediate essential transposon
      like excision during the developmental rearrangement of key genes in Tetrahymena
      thermophila.
AB  - Ciliated protozoans perform extreme forms of programmed somatic DNA rearrangement
      during development. The model ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila removes 34% of its
      germline micronuclear genome from somatic macronuclei by excising thousands of
      internal eliminated sequences (IESs), a process that shares features with
      transposon excision. Indeed, piggyBac transposon-derived genes are necessary for
      genome-wide IES excision in both Tetrahymena (TPB2 [Tetrahymena piggyBac-like 2]
      and LIA5) and Paramecium tetraurelia (PiggyMac). T. thermophila has at least
      three other piggyBac-derived genes: TPB1, TPB6, and TPB7 Here, we show that TPB1
      and TPB6 excise a small, distinct set of 12 unusual IESs that disrupt exons. TPB1
      deficient cells complete mating, but their progeny exhibit slow growth, giant
      vacuoles, and osmotic shock sensitivity due to retention of an IES in the
      vacuolar gene DOP1 (Dopey domain-containing protein). Unlike most IESs, TPB1
      dependent IESs have piggyBac-like terminal inverted motifs that are necessary for
      excision. Transposon-like excision mediated by TPB1 and TPB6 provides direct
      evidence for a transposon origin of not only IES excision machinery but also IESs
      themselves. Our study highlights a division of labor among ciliate piggyBac
      derived genes, which carry out mutually exclusive categories of excision events
      mediated by either transposon-like features or RNA-directed heterochromatin.

PMID- 28087721
TI  - Joubert syndrome: neuroimaging findings in 110 patients in correlation with
      cognitive function and genetic cause.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Joubert syndrome is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous
      ciliopathy. Neuroimaging findings have not been systematically evaluated in a
      large cohort of patients with Joubert syndrome in correlation with molecular
      genetic cause and cognitive function. METHODS: Brain MRI of 110 patients with
      Joubert syndrome was included in this study. A comprehensive evaluation of brain
      MRI studies for infratentorial and supratentorial morphological abnormalities was
      performed. Genetic cause was identified by whole-exome sequencing, and cognitive
      functions were assessed with age-appropriate neurocognitive tests in a subset of
      patients. RESULTS: The cerebellar hemispheres were enlarged in 18% of the
      patients, mimicking macrocerebellum. The posterior fossa was enlarged in 42% of
      the patients, resembling Dandy-Walker malformation. Abnormalities of the
      brainstem, such as protuberance at the ventral contour of the midbrain, were
      present in 66% of the patients. Abnormalities of the supratentorial brain were
      present in approximately one-third of the patients, most commonly malrotation of
      the hippocampi. Mild ventriculomegaly, which typically did not require shunting,
      was present in 23% of the patients. No correlation between neuroimaging findings
      and molecular genetic cause was apparent. A novel predictor of outcome was
      identified; the more severe the degree of vermis hypoplasia, the worse the
      neurodevelopmental outcome was. CONCLUSIONS: The spectrum of neuroimaging
      findings in Joubert syndrome is wide. Neuroimaging does not predict the genetic
      cause, but may predict the neurodevelopmental outcome. A high degree of vermis
      hypoplasia correlates with worse neurodevelopmental outcome. This finding is
      important for prognostic counselling in Joubert syndrome.

PMID- 28087722
TI  - A systematic review of administrative and clinical databases of infants admitted
      to neonatal units.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: High quality information, increasingly captured in clinical
      databases, is a useful resource for evaluating and improving newborn care. We
      conducted a systematic review to identify neonatal databases, and define their
      characteristics. METHODS: We followed a preregistered protocol using MesH terms
      to search MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and OVID Maternity and Infant
      Care Databases for articles identifying patient level databases covering more
      than one neonatal unit. Full-text articles were reviewed and information
      extracted on geographical coverage, criteria for inclusion, data source, and
      maternal and infant characteristics. RESULTS: We identified 82 databases from
      2037 publications. Of the country-specific databases there were 39 regional and
      39 national. Sixty databases restricted entries to neonatal unit admissions by
      birth characteristic or insurance cover; 22 had no restrictions. Data were
      captured specifically for 53 databases; 21 administrative sources; 8 clinical
      sources. Two clinical databases hold the largest range of data on patient
      characteristics, USA's Pediatrix BabySteps Clinical Data Warehouse and UK's
      National Neonatal Research Database. CONCLUSIONS: A number of neonatal databases
      exist that have potential to contribute to evaluating neonatal care. The majority
      is created by entering data specifically for the database, duplicating
      information likely already captured in other administrative and clinical patient
      records. This repetitive data entry represents an unnecessary burden in an
      environment where electronic patient records are increasingly used.
      Standardisation of data items is necessary to facilitate linkage within and
      between countries.

PMID- 28087723
TI  - Prophylactic propranolol for prevention of ROP and visual outcome at 1 year
      (PreROP trial).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of prophylactic propranolol in the prevention of
      retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants <=32 weeks of gestational age and
      their visual outcome at 1 year of corrected gestational age. DESIGN: Randomised
      double blind placebo controlled trial, parallel group nrolment with allocation
      ratio of 1:1. SETTINGS: Two level III neonatal intensive care units.
      PARTICIPANTS: 109 preterm neonates of <=32 weeks of gestation with postnatal age
      <=8 days old. INTERVENTION: Study group: Infants with gestational age between 26
      and 32 weeks were started on propranolol prophylaxis (0.5 mg/kg/dose every 12
      hours) on seventh completed day of life, till a corrected gestational age of 37
      weeks or complete vascularisation of retina whichever was later. Control group
      infants received a placebo. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: ROP of all grades;
      Secondary: evaluation of complications due to propranolol, ROP needing treatment
      with laser and/or antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and visual
      outcome at 12 months corrected age. RESULTS: Prophylactic propranolol in the
      prescribed dose of 1 mg/kg/day showed a decreasing trend in the incidence of ROP
      (56.8% vs 68.6%; p=0.39), need for laser therapy (21.56% vs 31.37%; p=0.37),
      treatment with anti-VEGF (3.92% vs 15.68%; p=0.09) or visual outcomes at 1 year
      in the study and control groups, respectively, though these reductions were not
      statistically significant. Decreasing trends favouring propranolol in all other
      ROP-related outcomes were also noted in the study group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Prophylactic propranolol in the prescribed dose of 1 mg/kg/day showed a
      decreasing trend in all outcomes of ROP though statistically not significant.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTRI/2013/11/004131.

PMID- 28087724
TI  - What does it mean to be a skinny baby?

PMID- 28087725
TI  - Neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely low birthweight infants randomised to
      different PCO2 targets: the PHELBI follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tolerating higher partial pressures of carbon dioxide (PCO2) in
      mechanically ventilated extremely low birthweight infants to reduce ventilator
      induced lung injury may have long-term neurodevelopmental side effects. This
      study analyses the results of neurodevelopmental follow-up of infants enrolled in
      a randomised multicentre trial. METHODS: Infants (n=359) between 400 and 1000 g
      birth weight and 23 0/7-28 6/7 weeks gestational age who required endotracheal
      intubation and mechanical ventilation within 24 hours of birth were randomly
      assigned to high PCO2 or to a control group with mildly elevated PCO2 targets.
      Neurodevelopmental follow-up examinations were available for 85% of enrolled
      infants using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, the Gross Motor
      Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Child Development Inventory (CDI).
      RESULTS: There were no differences in body weight, length and head circumference
      between the two PCO2 target groups. Median Mental Developmental Index (MDI)
      values were 82 (60-96, high target) and 84 (58-96, p=0.79). Psychomotor
      Developmental Index (PDI) values were 84 (57-100) and 84 (65-96, p=0.73),
      respectively. Moreover, there was no difference in the number of infants with MDI
      or PDI <70 or <85 and the number of infants with a combined outcome of death or
      MDI<70 and death or PDI<70. No differences were found between results for GMFCS
      and CDI. The risk factors for MDI<70 or PDI<70 were intracranial haemorrhage,
      bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotising
      enterocolitis and hydrocortisone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A higher PCO2 target did
      not influence neurodevelopmental outcomes in mechanically ventilated extremely
      preterm infants. Adjusting PCO2 targets to optimise short-term outcomes is a safe
      option. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN56143743.

PMID- 28087727
TI  - Bioethics and imagination: towards a narrative bioethics committed to social
      action and justice.
AB  - Recently, the involvement of various authors coming from the social sciences and
      the arts has reinforced the humanistic component of bioethics. Their
      contributions vary from very theoretical perspectives to rather practical ones.
      In this paper, Martha Nussbaum's books, The Fragility of Goodness (1986), Love's
      Knowledge (1990), Cultivating Humanity (1997) and Creating Capabilities (2011)
      are analysed from the vantage point of narrative bioethics. It is argued that
      Nussbaum's notions of 'Narrative', 'Imagination' and 'Cultivation' open up the
      possibility of developing an action-oriented form of narrative bioethics, that
      is, a bioethics committed to social action and justice.

PMID- 28087726
TI  - Benefit of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in AKI: Role of Vascular Smooth
      Muscle Rac1.
AB  - AKI is a frequent complication in hospitalized patients. Unfortunately, there is
      no effective pharmacologic approach for treating or preventing AKI. In rodents,
      mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism prevents AKI induced by ischemia
      reperfusion (IR). We investigated the specific role of vascular MR in mediating
      AKI induced by IR. We also assessed the protective effect of MR antagonism in IR
      induced AKI in the Large White pig, a model of human AKI. In mice, MR deficiency
      in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) protected against kidney IR injury. MR blockade by
      the novel nonsteroidal MR antagonist, finerenone, or genetic deletion of MR in
      SMCs associated with weaker oxidative stress production. Moreover, ischemic
      kidneys had higher levels of Rac1-GTP, required for NADPH oxidase activation,
      than sham control kidneys, and genetic deletion of Rac1 in SMCs protected against
      AKI. Furthermore, genetic deletion of MR in SMCs blunted the production of Rac1
      GTP after IR. Pharmacologic inhibition of MR also prevented AKI induced by IR in
      the Large White pig. Altogether, we show that MR antagonism, or deletion of the
      MR gene in SMCs, limited the renal injury induced by IR through effects on Rac1
      mediated MR signaling. The benefits of MR antagonism in the pig provide a
      rational basis for future clinical trials assessing the benefits of this approach
      in patients with IR-mediated AKI.

PMID- 28087728
TI  - Inside an Angel's mind.

PMID- 28087729
TI  - Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and PH domain and
      leucine-rich repeat phosphatase cross-talk (PHLPP) in cancer cells and in
      transforming growth factor beta-activated stem cells.

PMID- 28087730
TI  - A novel role of chromodomain protein CBX8 in DNA damage response.

PMID- 28087731
TI  - Increased NBCn1 expression, Na+/HCO3- co-transport and intracellular pH in human
      vascular smooth muscle cells with a risk allele for hypertension.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies have revealed an association between variation at
      the SLC4A7 locus and blood pressure. SLC4A7 encodes the electroneutral Na+/HCO3-
      co-transporter NBCn1 which regulates intracellular pH (pHi). We conducted a
      functional study of variants at this locus in primary cultures of vascular smooth
      muscle and endothelial cells. In both cell types, we found genotype-dependent
      differences for rs13082711 in DNA-nuclear protein interactions, where the risk
      allele is associated with increased SLC4A7 expression level, NBCn1 availability
      and function as reflected in elevated steady-state pHi and accelerated recovery
      from intracellular acidosis. However, in the presence of Na+/H+ exchange
      activity, the SLC4A7 genotypic effect on net base uptake and steady-state pHi
      persisted only in vascular smooth muscle cells but not endothelial cells. We
      found no discernable effect of the missense polymorphism resulting in the amino
      acid substitution Glu326Lys. The finding of a genotypic influence on SLC4A7
      expression and pHi regulation in vascular smooth muscle cells provides an insight
      into the molecular mechanism underlying the association of variation at the
      SLC4A7 locus with blood pressure.

PMID- 28087732
TI  - Novel GNB1 mutations disrupt assembly and function of G protein heterotrimers and
      cause global developmental delay in humans.
AB  - Global developmental delay (GDD), often accompanied by intellectual disability,
      seizures and other features is a severe, clinically and genetically highly
      heterogeneous childhood-onset disorder. In cases where genetic causes have been
      identified, de novo mutations in neuronally expressed genes are a common
      scenario. These mutations can be best identified by exome sequencing of parent
      offspring trios. De novo mutations in the guanine nucleotide-binding protein,
      beta 1 (GNB1) gene, encoding the Gbeta1 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins,
      have recently been identified as a novel genetic cause of GDD. Using exome
      sequencing, we identified 14 different novel variants (2 splice site, 2
      frameshift and 10 missense changes) in GNB1 in 16 pediatric patients. One
      mutation (R96L) was recurrently found in three ethnically diverse families with
      an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Ten variants occurred de novo in the
      patients. Missense changes were functionally tested for their pathogenicity by
      assaying the impact on complex formation with Ggamma and resultant mutant
      Gbetagamma with Galpha. Signaling properties of G protein complexes carrying
      mutant Gbeta1 subunits were further analyzed by their ability to couple to
      dopamine D1R receptors by real-time bioluminescence resonance energy transfer
      (BRET) assays. These studies revealed altered functionality of the missense
      mutations R52G, G64V, A92T, P94S, P96L, A106T and D118G but not for L30F, H91R
      and K337Q. In conclusion, we demonstrate a pathogenic role of de novo and
      autosomal dominant mutations in GNB1 as a cause of GDD and provide insights how
      perturbation in heterotrimeric G protein function contributes to the disease.

PMID- 28087733
TI  - Metformin restores the mitochondrial network and reverses mitochondrial
      dysfunction in Down syndrome cells.
AB  - Alterations in mitochondrial activity and morphology have been demonstrated in
      human cells and tissues from individuals with Down syndrome (DS), as well as in
      DS mouse models. An impaired activity of the transcriptional coactivator PGC
      1alpha/PPARGC1A due to the overexpression of chromosome 21 genes, such as
      NRIP1/RIP140, has emerged as an underlying cause of mitochondrial dysfunction in
      DS. We tested the hypothesis that the activation of the PGC-1alpha pathway might
      indeed reverse this mitochondrial dysfunction. To this end, we investigated the
      effects of metformin, a PGC-1alpha-activating drug, on mitochondrial morphology
      and function in DS foetal fibroblasts. Metformin induced both the expression of
      PGC-1alpha and an augmentation of its activity, as demonstrated by the increased
      expression of target genes, strongly promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.
      Furthermore, metformin enhanced oxygen consumption, ATP production, and overall
      mitochondrial activity. Most interestingly, this treatment reversed the
      fragmentation of mitochondria observed in DS and induced the formation of a
      mitochondrial network with a branched and elongated tubular morphology.
      Concomitantly, cristae remodelling occurred and the alterations observed by
      electron microscopy were significantly reduced. We finally demonstrated that the
      expression of genes of the fission/fusion machinery, namely OPA1 and MFN2, was
      reduced in trisomic cells and increased by metformin treatment. These results
      indicate that metformin promotes the formation of a mitochondrial network and
      corrects the mitochondrial dysfunction in DS cells. We speculate that alterations
      in the mitochondrial dynamics can be relevant in the pathogenesis of DS and that
      metformin can efficiently counteract these alterations, thus exerting protective
      effects against DS-associated pathologies.

PMID- 28087735
TI  - Relationships linking emotional, motor, cognitive and GABAergic dysfunctions in
      dystrophin-deficient mdx mice.
AB  - Alterations in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene have been associated
      with enhanced stress reactivity in vertebrate species, suggesting a role for
      brain dystrophin in fear-related behavioral and cognitive processes. Because the
      loss of dystrophin (Dp427) reduces clustering of central gamma-aminobutyric acid
      (GABAA) receptors, it is suspected that local inhibitory tuning and modulation of
      neuronal excitability are perturbed in a distributed brain circuit that normally
      controls such critical behavioral functions. In this study, we undertook a large
      scale behavioral study to evaluate fear-related behavioral disturbances in
      dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. We first characterized the behavioral determinants
      of the enhanced fearfulness displayed by mdx mice following mild acute stress and
      its association with increased anxiety and altered fear memories. We further
      demonstrated that this enhanced fearfulness induces long-lasting motor
      inhibition, suggesting that neurobehavioral dysfunctions significantly influence
      motor outcome measures in this model. We also found that mdx mice are more
      sensitive to the sedative and hypnotic effects of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4
      c]pyridin-3-ol hydrochlorid (THIP), a selective pharmacological activator of
      extrasynaptic GABAA receptors involved in central tonic inhibition. Our results
      highlight that information on the emotional aspects of mdx mice are important to
      better understand the bases of intellectual and neuropsychiatric defects in DMD
      and to better define valuable functional readouts for preclinical studies. Our
      data also support the hypothesis that altered spatial localization of GABAA
      receptors due to Dp427 loss is a pathological mechanism associated with brain
      dysfunction in DMD, suggesting that extrasynaptic GABAA receptors might be
      candidate targets for future therapeutic developments.

PMID- 28087734
TI  - Increased mitophagy in the skeletal muscle of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
      patients.
AB  - Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by
      polyglutamine expansion in the androgen receptor (AR) and characterized by the
      loss of lower motor neurons. Here we investigated pathological processes
      occurring in muscle biopsy specimens derived from SBMA patients and, as controls,
      age-matched healthy subjects and patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) and neurogenic atrophy. We detected atrophic fibers in the muscle
      of SBMA, ALS and neurogenic atrophy patients. In addition, SBMA muscle was
      characterized by the presence of a large number of hypertrophic fibers, with
      oxidative fibers having a larger size compared with glycolytic fibers.
      Polyglutamine-expanded AR expression was decreased in whole muscle, yet enriched
      in the nucleus, and localized to mitochondria. Ultrastructural analysis revealed
      myofibrillar disorganization and streaming in zones lacking mitochondria and
      degenerating mitochondria. Using molecular (mtDNA copy number), biochemical
      (citrate synthase and respiratory chain enzymes) and morphological (dark blue
      area in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-stained muscle cross-sections)
      analyses, we found a depletion of the mitochondria associated with enhanced
      mitophagy. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed an increase of
      phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylserines in mitochondria isolated from
      SBMA muscles, as well as a 50% depletion of cardiolipin associated with decreased
      expression of the cardiolipin synthase gene. These observations suggest a
      causative link between nuclear polyglutamine-expanded AR accumulation, depletion
      of mitochondrial mass, increased mitophagy and altered mitochondrial membrane
      composition in SBMA muscle patients. Given the central role of mitochondria in
      cell bioenergetics, therapeutic approaches toward improving the mitochondrial
      network are worth considering to support SBMA patients.

PMID- 28087737
TI  - A homozygous mutation in TRIM36 causes autosomal recessive anencephaly in an
      Indian family.
AB  - Anencephaly (APH) is characterized by the absence of brain tissues and cranium.
      During primary neurulation stage of the embryo, the rostral part of the neural
      pore fails to close, leading to APH. APH shows a heterogeneous etiology, ranging
      from environmental to genetic causes. The autosomal recessive inheritance of APH
      has been reported in several populations. In this study, we employed whole-exome
      sequencing and identified a homozygous missense mutation c.1522C > A
      (p.Pro508Thr) in the TRIM36 gene as the cause of autosomal recessive APH in an
      Indian family. The TRIM36 gene is expressed in the developing brain, suggesting a
      role in neurogenesis. In silico analysis showed that proline at codon position
      508 is highly conserved in 26 vertebrate species, and the mutation is predicted
      to affect the conformation of the B30.2/SPRY domain of TRIM36. Both in vitro and
      in vivo results showed that the mutation renders the TRIM36 protein less stable.
      TRIM36 is known to associate with microtubules. Transient expression of the
      mutant TRIM36 in HeLa and LN229 cells resulted in microtubule disruption,
      disorganized spindles, loosely arranged chromosomes, multiple spindles, abnormal
      cytokinesis, reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis as compared with
      cells transfected with its wild-type counterpart. The siRNA knock down of TRIM36
      in HeLa and LN229 cells also led to reduced cell proliferation and increased
      apoptosis. We suggest that microtubule disruption and disorganized spindles
      mediated by mutant TRIM36 affect neural cell proliferation during neural tube
      formation, leading to APH.

PMID- 28087738
TI  - Newer vape pens still trigger urge to smoke, study finds.

PMID- 28087736
TI  - Imputation of orofacial clefting data identifies novel risk loci and sheds light
      on the genetic background of cleft lip +/- cleft palate and cleft palate only.
AB  - Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (nsCL/P) is among the most
      common human birth defects with multifactorial etiology. Here, we present results
      from a genome-wide imputation study of nsCL/P in which, after adding replication
      cohort data, four novel risk loci for nsCL/P are identified (at chromosomal
      regions 2p21, 14q22, 15q24 and 19p13). On a systematic level, we show that the
      association signals within this high-density dataset are enriched in functionally
      relevant genomic regions that are active in both human neural crest cells (hNCC)
      and mouse embryonic craniofacial tissue. This enrichment is also detectable in
      hNCC regions primed for later activity. Using GCTA analyses, we suggest that 30%
      of the estimated variance in risk for nsCL/P in the European population can be
      attributed to common variants, with 25.5% contributed to by the 24 risk loci
      known to date. For each of these, we identify credible SNPs using a Bayesian
      refinement approach, with two loci harbouring only one probable causal variant.
      Finally, we demonstrate that there is no polygenic component of nsCL/P detectable
      that is shared with nonsyndromic cleft palate only (nsCPO). Our data suggest
      that, while common variants are strongly contributing to risk for nsCL/P, they do
      not seem to be involved in nsCPO which might be more often caused by rare
      deleterious variants. Our study generates novel insights into both nsCL/P and
      nsCPO etiology and provides a systematic framework for research into craniofacial
      development and malformation.

PMID- 28087739
TI  - TNF Signaling through RIP1 Kinase Enhances SN38-Induced Death in Colon
      Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Elucidation of TNF-directed mechanisms for cell death induction and maintenance
      of tumor growth has revealed a role for receptor-interacting protein kinases 1
      and 3 (RIPK1/RIP1 and RIPK3/RIP3), components of the necrosome complex, as
      determinants of cell fate. Here, the participation of TNF signaling was analyzed
      with regard to the cytotoxic action of different DNA-damaging agents in a panel
      of colon cancer cells. While most of these cell lines were insensitive to TNF,
      combination with these drugs increased sensitivity by inducing cell death and DNA
      damage, especially in the case of the topoisomerase inhibitor SN38. Changes in
      levels of RIP1 and RIP3 occurred following monotherapy with SN38 or in
      combination with TNF. Downregulation of RIP1 resulted in increased resistance to
      SN38, implying a requirement for RIP1 in mediating cytotoxicity through the
      TNF/TNFR signaling pathway. Downregulation of RIP1 in a xenograft model impaired
      tumor growth inhibition from SN38 treatment, suggesting the potential of RIP1 to
      determine the clinical outcome of irinotecan treatment. These results indicate
      that TNF plays a key role in determining the cytotoxic effectiveness of SN38 in
      colorectal cancer and suggests a re-evaluation of TNF-based interventions to
      enhance therapeutic efficacy.Implications: The capacity of RIP1 to influence drug
      sensitivity suggests RIP1 may have biomarker potential. Mol Cancer Res; 15(4);
      395-404. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087743
TI  - Updates on prevention: obesity, ezetimibe, PCSK9, and HIV infection.

PMID- 28087740
TI  - Bone Microenvironment Changes in Latexin Expression Promote Chemoresistance.
AB  - Although docetaxel is the standard of care for advanced prostate cancer, most
      patients develop resistance to docetaxel. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism
      that underlies resistance to docetaxel is critical to enhance therapeutic
      intervention. Mining cDNA microarray from the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line and
      its docetaxel-resistant derivative (PC3-TxR) revealed decreased latexin (LXN)
      expression in the resistant cells. LXN expression was inversely correlated with
      taxane resistance in a panel of prostate cancer cell lines. LXN knockdown
      conferred docetaxel resistance to prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo,
      whereas LXN overexpression reduced docetaxel resistance in several prostate
      cancer cell lines. A mouse model of prostate cancer demonstrated that prostate
      cancer cells developed resistance to docetaxel in the bone microenvironment, but
      not the soft tissue microenvironment. This was associated with decreased LXN
      expression in prostate cancer cells in the bone microenvironment compared with
      the soft tissue microenvironment. It was identified that bone stromal cells
      decreased LXN expression through methylation and induced chemoresistance in
      prostate cancer in vitro These findings reveal that a subset of prostate cancer
      develops docetaxel resistance through loss of LXN expression associated with
      methylation and that the bone microenvironment promotes this drug resistance
      phenotype.Implications: This study suggests that the LXN pathway should be
      further explored as a viable target for preventing or reversing taxane resistance
      in prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 15(4); 457-66. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087742
TI  - Heartbeat: Warfarin therapy for mechanical heart valves.

PMID- 28087744
TI  - Quality indicators for acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 28087741
TI  - 14-3-3sigma Contributes to Radioresistance By Regulating DNA Repair and Cell
      Cycle via PARP1 and CHK2.
AB  - 14-3-3sigma has been implicated in the development of chemo and radiation
      resistance and in poor prognosis of multiple human cancers. While it has been
      postulated that 14-3-3sigma contributes to these resistances via inhibiting
      apoptosis and arresting cells in G2-M phase of the cell cycle, the molecular
      basis of this regulation is currently unknown. In this study, we tested the
      hypothesis that 14-3-3sigma causes resistance to DNA-damaging treatments by
      enhancing DNA repair in cells arrested in G2-M phase following DNA-damaging
      treatments. We showed that 14-3-3sigma contributed to ionizing radiation (IR)
      resistance by arresting cancer cells in G2-M phase following IR and by increasing
      non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair of the IR-induced DNA double strand
      breaks (DSB). The increased NHEJ repair activity was due to 14-3-3sigma-mediated
      upregulation of PARP1 expression that promoted the recruitment of DNA-PKcs to the
      DNA damage sites for repair of DSBs. On the other hand, the increased G2-M arrest
      following IR was due to 14-3-3sigma-induced Chk2 expression.Implications: These
      findings reveal an important molecular basis of 14-3-3sigma function in cancer
      cell resistance to chemo/radiation therapy and in poor prognosis of human
      cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 15(4); 418-28. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28087745
TI  - The ESC Heart Failure Association postgraduate course in heart failure.

PMID- 28087746
TI  - Two weeks at Harvard, for two European heart failure trainees.

PMID- 28087747
TI  - Zurich International Symposium on Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular
      Cardiomyopathies.

PMID- 28087748
TI  - Cardiologists of Tomorrow, Austria.

PMID- 28087750
TI  - Christmas greetings 2016 from the European Heart Journal.

PMID- 28087749
TI  - Ron T van Domburg PhD retirement.

PMID- 28087751
TI  - ODYSSEY ESCAPE: is PCSK9 inhibition the Trojan Horse for the use of lipoprotein
      apheresis in familial hypercholesterolaemia?

PMID- 28087752
TI  - Deficient retinoid-driven angiogenesis may contribute to failure of adult human
      lung regeneration in emphysema.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molecular pathways that regulate alveolar development and adult
      repair represent potential therapeutic targets for emphysema. Signalling via
      retinoic acid (RA), derived from vitamin A, is required for mammalian
      alveologenesis, and exogenous RA can induce alveolar regeneration in rodents.
      Little is known about RA signalling in the human lung and its potential role in
      lung disease. OBJECTIVES: To examine regulation of human alveolar epithelial and
      endothelial repair by RA, and characterise RA signalling in human emphysema.
      METHODS: The role of RA signalling in alveolar epithelial repair was investigated
      with a scratch assay using an alveolar cell line (A549) and primary human
      alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells from resected lung, and the role in angiogenesis
      using a tube formation assay with human lung microvascular endothelial cells
      (HLMVEC). Localisation of RA synthetic (RALDH-1) and degrading (cytochrome P450
      subfamily 26 A1 (CYP26A1)) enzymes in human lung was determined by
      immunofluorescence. Regulation of RA pathway components was investigated in
      emphysematous and control human lung tissue by quantitative real-time PCR and
      Western analysis. RESULTS: RA stimulated HLMVEC angiogenesis in vitro; this was
      partially reproduced with a RAR-alpha agonist. RA induced mRNA expression of
      vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and VEGFR2. RA did not modulate AT2
      repair. CYP26A1 protein was identified in human lung microvasculature, whereas
      RALDH-1 partially co-localised with vimentin-positive fibroblasts. CYP26A1 mRNA
      and protein were increased in emphysema. CONCLUSIONS: RA regulates lung
      microvascular angiogenesis; the endothelium produces CYP26A1 which is increased
      in emphysema, possibly leading to reduced RA availability. These data highlight a
      role for RA in maintenance of the human pulmonary microvascular endothelium.

PMID- 28087753
TI  - Acquired central hypoventilation following Listeria monocytogenes
      rhombencephalitis.

PMID- 28087754
TI  - Sore throat test and treat - a L34 million question?

PMID- 28087755
TI  - ?Pitolisant for narcolepsy.
AB  - ?Pitolisant (Wakix-Bioprojet Pharma) is a new treatment for adults with
      narcolepsy with or without cataplexy. It was licensed for use in the EU in March
      last year and has orphan drug status.1 Here, we consider the evidence for
      pitolisant for the treatment of narcolepsy in adults and how it fits with current
      management strategies.

PMID- 28087756
TI  - Fine-mapping of genes determining extrafusal fiber properties in murine soleus
      muscle.
AB  - Muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and proportion of different fiber types
      are important determinants of muscle function and overall metabolism. Genetic
      variation plays a substantial role in phenotypic variation of these traits;
      however, the underlying genes remain poorly understood. This study aimed to map
      quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting differences in soleus muscle fiber traits
      between the LG/J and SM/J mouse strains. Fiber number, CSA, and proportion of
      oxidative type I fibers were assessed in the soleus of 334 genotyped female and
      male mice of the F34 generation of advanced intercross lines (AIL) derived from
      the LG/J and SM/J strains. To increase the QTL detection power, these data were
      combined with 94 soleus samples from the F2 intercross of the same strains.
      Transcriptome of the soleus muscle of LG/J and SM/J females was analyzed by
      microarray. Genome-wide association analysis mapped four QTL (genome-wide P <
      0.05) affecting the properties of muscle fibers to chromosome 2, 3, 4, and 11. A
      1.5-LOD QTL support interval ranged between 2.36 and 4.67 Mb. On the basis of the
      genomic sequence information and functional and transcriptome data, we identified
      candidate genes for each of these QTL. The combination of analyses in F2 and F34
      AIL populations with transcriptome and genomic sequence data in the parental
      strains is an effective strategy for refining QTL and nomination of the candidate
      genes.

PMID- 28087758
TI  - Method for the Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in E-Cigarette Aerosols.
AB  - Low levels of thermal degradation products such as carbonyls (formaldehyde,
      acetaldehyde, acrolein, crotonaldehyde) have been reported in e-cigarette
      aerosols. The collection and analysis of e-cigarette aerosol carbonyls are often
      adapted from methods developed for tobacco cigarette smoke. These methodologies
      are often not sensitive enough to detect low carbonyl levels in e-cigarette
      aerosols. One objective of this work was to develop and validate a rapid,
      selective and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography with mass
      spectrometry method optimized for analysis of carbonyls in e-cigarette aerosols.
      Aerosols were trapped in 20-puff collections, 4-s durations, 55-mL volumes, 30-s
      intervals, square wave puff profiles. Collection apparatus involved a linear
      smoking machine with Cambridge filter pad followed by a glass impinger containing
      acidified 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. This method showed limits of quantitation
      and detection of 0.016 and 0.003 ug puff-1, respectively, and run time of 4 min.
      Six e-cigarettes were evaluated (five devices each). All contained measurable
      levels of carbonyls. Levels were mostly well below those in conventional
      cigarettes. However, for some e-cigarettes, formaldehyde levels were above those
      for tobacco cigarettes (highest at 14.1 ug puff-1). Temperatures related to
      carbonyl yields in e-cigarette aerosols were explored to better understand
      carbonyl formation: formation of formaldehyde is low at temperatures below 350
      degrees C.

PMID- 28087759
TI  - Separation of Vitamin E on a 100-A Phenogel Column.
AB  - The effect of pi-electrons and hydroxyl group on the separations of vitamin E on
      a swelling-controlled polystyrene-divinylbenzene (Phenogel) column using
      toluene/isooctane as the mobile phase was investigated. The effect of the pi
      electrons was demonstrated in the baseline separation of alpha-tocopherol and
      alpha-tocotrienol on a 100-A Phenogel column. In addition, baseline separation of
      alpha-, (beta- + gamma-)- and delta-tocopherol could be achieved on this column.
      The separation mechanism of these isomers are due to the difference in the
      interactions between the hydroxyl group on the chromanol ring of each tocopherol
      and the gel matrix caused by the steric hindrance of methyl group(s). It was
      concluded that solutes of the same molecular size but different in the polar
      groups could be separated on a high performance size-exclusion chromatography by
      controlling the swelling of the gel matrix via modification of the mobile phase.

PMID- 28087757
TI  - Alternative transcription of sodium/bicarbonate transporter SLC4A7 gene enhanced
      by single nucleotide polymorphisms.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies have identified the single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) rs3278 in the human SLC4A7 gene as one of the marker loci for
      addiction vulnerability. This marker is located in an intron of the gene, and its
      genomic role has been unknown. In this study, we examined rs3278 and three
      adjacent SNPs prevalent in alcoholics for their effects on an alternative
      promoter that would lead to the production of the NH2-terminally truncated
      protein NBCn1DeltaN450, missing the first 450 amino acids. Analysis of the
      transcription start site database and a promoter prediction algorithm identified
      a cluster of three promoters in intron 7 and two short CpG-rich sites in intron
      6. The promoter closest to rs3278 showed strong transcription activity in
      luciferase reporter gene assays. Major-to-minor allele substitution at rs3278
      resulted in increased transcription activity. Equivalent substitutions at
      adjacent rs3772723 (intron 7) and rs13077400 (exon 8) had negligible effect;
      however, the substitution at nonsynonymous rs3755652 (exon 8) increased the
      activity by more than twofold. The concomitant substitution at rs3278/rs3755652
      produced an additive effect. The rs3755652 had more profound effects on the
      promoter than the upstream regulatory CpG sites. The amino acid change E326K
      caused by rs3755652 had negligible effect on transporter function. In HEK 293
      cells, NBCn1DeltaN450 was expressed in plasma membranes, but at significantly
      lower levels than the nontruncated NBCn1-E. The pH change mediated by
      NBCn1DeltaN450 was also low. We conclude that rs3278 and rs3755652 stimulate an
      alternative transcription of the SLC4A7 gene, increasing the production of a
      defective transporter.

PMID- 28087760
TI  - Molecularly Imprinted Solid Phase Extraction using Bismethacryloyl-beta
      cyclodextrin and Methacrylic Acid as Double Functional Monomers for Selective
      Analysis of Glycyrrhizic Acid in Aqueous Media.
AB  - In this work, a new molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction protocol was
      developed for the selective extraction and purification of glycyrrhizic acid from
      liquorice roots in aqueous media. The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for
      glycyrrhizic acid were prepared by using bismethacryloyl-beta-cyclodextrin and
      methacrylic acid as double functional monomers and characterized by Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, thermo gravimetric
      analysis, nitrogen adsorption and elemental analysis. In aqueous media, the
      adsorption properties of MIPs including adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms
      and selectivity adsorption were investigated. The characterization of imprinted
      polymers indicated that the prepared MIPs had good stability and many cavity
      structures. The results of adsorption experiments illustrated the MIPs had high
      adsorption capacity of glycyrrhizic acid (69.3 mg g-1) with the imprinting factor
      3.77, and it took ~5 min to get adsorption equilibrium. The MIPs could be used as
      an solid phase extraction sorbent absorbent for enrichment and purification of
      glycyrrhizic acid from the crude extraction of licorice roots, and the results
      showed promising practical value.

PMID- 28087761
TI  - Proteomics: Technologies and Their Applications.
AB  - Proteomics involves the applications of technologies for the identification and
      quantification of overall proteins present content of a cell, tissue or an
      organism. It supplements the other "omics" technologies such as genomic and
      transcriptomics to expound the identity of proteins of an organism, and to
      cognize the structure and functions of a particular protein. Proteomics-based
      technologies are utilized in various capacities for different research settings
      such as detection of various diagnostic markers, candidates for vaccine
      production, understanding pathogenicity mechanisms, alteration of expression
      patterns in response to different signals and interpretation of functional
      protein pathways in different diseases. Proteomics is practically intricate
      because it includes the analysis and categorization of overall protein signatures
      of a genome. Mass spectrometry with LC-MS-MS and MALDI-TOF/TOF being widely used
      equipment is the central among current proteomics. However, utilization of
      proteomics facilities including the software for equipment, databases and the
      requirement of skilled personnel substantially increase the costs, therefore
      limit their wider use especially in the developing world. Furthermore, the
      proteome is highly dynamic because of complex regulatory systems that control the
      expression levels of proteins. This review efforts to describe the various
      proteomics approaches, the recent developments and their application in research
      and analysis.

PMID- 28087762
TI  - A Delay between Motor Cortex Lesions and Neuronal Transplantation Enhances Graft
      Integration and Improves Repair and Recovery.
AB  - We previously reported that embryonic motor cortical neurons transplanted
      immediately after lesions in the adult mouse motor cortex restored damaged motor
      cortical pathways. A critical barrier hindering the application of
      transplantation strategies for a wide range of traumatic injuries is the
      determination of a suitable time window for therapeutic intervention. Here, we
      report that a 1 week delay between the lesion and transplantation significantly
      enhances graft vascularization, survival, and proliferation of grafted cells.
      More importantly, the delay dramatically increases the density of projections
      developed by grafted neurons and improves functional repair and recovery as
      assessed by intravital dynamic imaging and behavioral tests. These findings open
      new avenues in cell transplantation strategies as they indicate successful brain
      repair may occur following delayed transplantation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cell
      transplantation represents a promising therapy for cortical trauma. We previously
      reported that embryonic motor cortical neurons transplanted immediately after
      lesions in the adult mouse motor cortex restored damaged cortical pathways. A
      critical barrier hindering the application of transplantation strategies for a
      wide range of traumatic injuries is the determination of a suitable time window
      for therapeutic intervention. We demonstrate that a 1 week delay between the
      lesion and transplantation significantly enhances graft vascularization,
      survival, proliferation, and the density of the projections developed by grafted
      neurons. More importantly, the delay has a beneficial impact on functional repair
      and recovery. These results impact the effectiveness of transplantation
      strategies in a wide range of traumatic injuries for which therapeutic
      intervention is not immediately feasible.

PMID- 28087763
TI  - Circadian Kinetics of Cell Cycle Progression in Adult Neurogenic Niches of a
      Diurnal Vertebrate.
AB  - The circadian system may regulate adult neurogenesis via intracellular molecular
      clock mechanisms or by modifying the environment of neurogenic niches, with daily
      variation in growth factors or nutrients depending on the animal's diurnal or
      nocturnal lifestyle. In a diurnal vertebrate, zebrafish, we studied circadian
      distribution of immunohistochemical markers of the cell division cycle (CDC) in 5
      of the 16 neurogenic niches of adult brain, the dorsal telencephalon, habenula,
      preoptic area, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. We find that common to all niches is
      the morning initiation of G1/S transition and daytime S-phase progression,
      overnight increase in G2/M, and cycle completion by late night. This is supported
      by the timing of gene expression for critical cell cycle regulators cyclins D,
      A2, and B2 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p20 in brain tissue. The early
      night peak in p20, limiting G1/S transition, and its phase angle with the
      expression of core clock genes, Clock1 and Per1, are preserved in constant
      darkness, suggesting intrinsic circadian patterns of cell cycle progression. The
      statistical modeling of CDC kinetics reveals the significant circadian variation
      in cell proliferation rates across all of the examined niches, but interniche
      differences in the magnitude of circadian variation in CDC, S-phase length, phase
      angle of entrainment to light or clock, and its dispersion. We conclude that, in
      neurogenic niches of an adult diurnal vertebrate, the circadian modulation of
      cell cycle progression involves both systemic and niche-specific
      factors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study establishes that in neurogenic niches
      of an adult diurnal vertebrate, the cell cycle progression displays a robust
      circadian pattern. Common to neurogenic niches located in diverse brain regions
      is daytime progression of DNA replication and nighttime mitosis, suggesting
      systemic regulation. Differences between neurogenic niches in the phase and
      degree of S-phase entrainment to the clock suggest additional roles for niche
      specific regulatory mechanisms. Understanding the circadian regulation of adult
      neurogenesis can help optimize the timing of therapeutic approaches in patients
      with brain traumas or neurodegenerative disorders and preserve neural stem cells
      during cytostatic cancer therapies.

PMID- 28087764
TI  - Accumulation of Polyribosomes in Dendritic Spine Heads, But Not Bases and Necks,
      during Memory Consolidation Depends on Cap-Dependent Translation Initiation.
AB  - Translation in dendrites is believed to support synaptic changes during memory
      consolidation. Although translational control mechanisms are fundamental
      mediators of memory, little is known about their role in local translation. We
      previously found that polyribosomes accumulate in dendritic spines of the adult
      rat lateral amygdala (LA) during consolidation of aversive pavlovian conditioning
      and that this memory requires cap-dependent initiation, a primary point of
      translational control in eukaryotic cells. Here we used serial electron
      microscopy reconstructions to quantify polyribosomes in LA dendrites when
      consolidation was blocked by the cap-dependent initiation inhibitor 4EGI-1. We
      found that 4EGI-1 depleted polyribosomes in dendritic shafts and selectively
      prevented their upregulation in spine heads, but not bases and necks, during
      consolidation. Cap-independent upregulation was specific to spines with small,
      astrocyte-associated synapses. Our results reveal that cap-dependent initiation
      is involved in local translation during learning and that local translational
      control varies with synapse type.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Translation initiation is
      a central regulator of long-term memory formation. Local translation in dendrites
      supports memory by providing necessary proteins at synaptic sites, but it is
      unknown whether this requires initiation or bypasses it. We used serial electron
      microscopy reconstructions to examine polyribosomes in dendrites when memory
      formation was blocked by an inhibitor of translation initiation. This revealed
      two major pools of polyribosomes that were upregulated during memory formation:
      one pool in dendritic spine heads that was initiation dependent and another pool
      in the bases and necks of small spines that was initiation independent. Thus,
      translation regulation differs between spine types and locations, and translation
      that occurs closest to individual synapses during memory formation is initiation
      dependent.

PMID- 28087765
TI  - Synapsin II Regulation of GABAergic Synaptic Transmission Is Dependent on
      Interneuron Subtype.
AB  - Synapsins are epilepsy susceptibility genes that encode phosphoproteins
      reversibly associated with synaptic vesicles. Synapsin II (SynII) gene deletion
      produces a deficit in inhibitory synaptic transmission, and this defect is
      thought to cause epileptic activity. We systematically investigated how SynII
      affects synchronous and asynchronous release components of inhibitory
      transmission in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus. We found that the
      asynchronous GABAergic release component is diminished in SynII-deleted (SynII(
      )) slices. To investigate this defect at different interneuron subtypes, we
      selectively blocked either N-type or P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. SynII deletion
      suppressed the asynchronous release component at synapses dependent on N-type
      Ca2+ channels but not at synapses dependent on P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. We then
      performed paired double-patch recordings from inhibitory basket interneurons
      connected to pyramidal neurons and used cluster analysis to classify interneurons
      according to their spiking and synaptic parameters. We identified two cell
      subtypes, presumably parvalbumin (PV) and cholecystokinin (CCK) expressing basket
      interneurons. To validate our interneuron classification, we took advantage of
      transgenic animals with fluorescently labeled PV interneurons and confirmed that
      their spiking and synaptic parameters matched the parameters of presumed PV cells
      identified by the cluster analysis. The analysis of the release time course at
      the two interneuron subtypes demonstrated that the asynchronous release component
      was selectively reduced at SynII(-) CCK interneurons. In contrast, the
      transmission was desynchronized at SynII(-) PV interneurons. Together, our
      results demonstrate that SynII regulates the time course of GABAergic release,
      and that this SynII function is dependent on the interneuron subtype.SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT Deletion of the neuronal protein synapsin II (SynII) leads to the
      development of epilepsy, probably due to impairments in inhibitory synaptic
      transmission. We systematically investigated SynII function at different subtypes
      of inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus. We discovered that SynII affects the
      time course of GABA release, and that this effect is interneuron subtype
      specific. Within one of the subtypes, SynII deficiency synchronizes the release
      and suppresses the asynchronous release component, while at the other subtype
      SynII deficiency suppresses the synchronous release component. These results
      reveal a new SynII function in the regulation of the time course of GABA release
      and demonstrate that this function is dependent on the interneuron subtype.

PMID- 28087767
TI  - Trial-by-Trial Motor Cortical Correlates of a Rapidly Adapting Visuomotor
      Internal Model.
AB  - Accurate motor control is mediated by internal models of how neural activity
      generates movement. We examined neural correlates of an adapting internal model
      of visuomotor gain in motor cortex while two macaques performed a reaching task
      in which the gain scaling between the hand and a presented cursor was varied.
      Previous studies of cortical changes during visuomotor adaptation focused on
      preparatory and perimovement epochs and analyzed trial-averaged neural data.
      Here, we recorded simultaneous neural population activity using multielectrode
      arrays and focused our analysis on neural differences in the period before the
      target appeared. We found that we could estimate the monkey's internal model of
      the gain using the neural population state during this pretarget epoch. This
      neural correlate depended on the gain experienced during recent trials and it
      predicted the speed of the subsequent reach. To explore the utility of this
      internal model estimate for brain-machine interfaces, we performed an offline
      analysis showing that it can be used to compensate for upcoming reach extent
      errors. Together, these results demonstrate that pretarget neural activity in
      motor cortex reflects the monkey's internal model of visuomotor gain on single
      trials and can potentially be used to improve neural prostheses.SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT When generating movement commands, the brain is believed to use
      internal models of the relationship between neural activity and the body's
      movement. Visuomotor adaptation tasks have revealed neural correlates of these
      computations in multiple brain areas during movement preparation and execution.
      Here, we describe motor cortical changes in a visuomotor gain change task even
      before a specific movement is cued. We were able to estimate the gain internal
      model from these pretarget neural correlates and relate it to single-trial
      behavior. This is an important step toward understanding the sensorimotor
      system's algorithms for updating its internal models after specific movements and
      errors. Furthermore, the ability to estimate the internal model before movement
      could improve motor neural prostheses being developed for people with paralysis.

PMID- 28087766
TI  - Control of Amygdala Circuits by 5-HT Neurons via 5-HT and Glutamate
      Cotransmission.
AB  - The serotonin (5-HT) system and the amygdala are key regulators of emotional
      behavior. Several lines of evidence suggest that 5-HT transmission in the
      amygdala is implicated in the susceptibility and drug treatment of mood
      disorders. Therefore, elucidating the physiological mechanisms through which
      midbrain 5-HT neurons modulate amygdala circuits could be pivotal in
      understanding emotional regulation in health and disease. To shed light on these
      mechanisms, we performed patch-clamp recordings from basal amygdala (BA) neurons
      in brain slices from mice with channelrhodopsin genetically targeted to 5-HT
      neurons. Optical stimulation of 5-HT terminals at low frequencies (<=1 Hz) evoked
      a short-latency excitation of BA interneurons (INs) that was depressed at higher
      frequencies. Pharmacological analysis revealed that this effect was mediated by
      glutamate and not 5-HT because it was abolished by ionotropic glutamate receptor
      antagonists. Optical stimulation of 5-HT terminals at higher frequencies (10-20
      Hz) evoked both slow excitation and slow inhibition of INs. These effects were
      mediated by 5-HT because they were blocked by antagonists of 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A
      receptors, respectively. These fast glutamate- and slow 5-HT-mediated responses
      often coexisted in the same neuron. Interestingly, fast-spiking and non-fast
      spiking INs displayed differential modulation by glutamate and 5-HT. Furthermore,
      optical stimulation of 5-HT terminals did not evoke glutamate release onto BA
      principal neurons, but inhibited these cells directly via activation of 5-HT1A
      receptors and indirectly via enhanced GABA release. Collectively, these findings
      suggest that 5-HT neurons exert a frequency-dependent, cell-type-specific control
      over BA circuitry via 5-HT and glutamate co-release to inhibit the BA
      output.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The modulation of the amygdala by serotonin (5-HT)
      is important for emotional regulation and is implicated in the pathogenesis and
      treatment of affective disorders. Therefore, it is essential to determine the
      physiological mechanisms through which 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nuclei
      modulate amygdala circuits. Here, we combined optogenetic, electrophysiological,
      and pharmacological approaches to study the effects of activation of 5-HT axons
      in the basal nucleus of the amygdala (BA). We found that 5-HT neurons co-release
      5-HT and glutamate onto BA neurons in a cell-type-specific and frequency
      dependent manner. Therefore, we suggest that theories on the contribution of 5-HT
      neurons to amygdala function should be revised to incorporate the concept of 5
      HT/glutamate cotransmission.

PMID- 28087771
TI  - Genome-Wide Convergence during Evolution of Mangroves from Woody Plants.
AB  - When living organisms independently invade a new environment, the evolution of
      similar phenotypic traits is often observed. An interesting but contentious issue
      is whether the underlying molecular biology also converges in the new habitat.
      Independent invasions of tropical intertidal zones by woody plants, collectively
      referred to as mangrove trees, represent some dramatic examples. The high
      salinity, hypoxia, and other stressors in the new habitat might have affected
      both genomic features and protein structures. Here, we developed a new method for
      detecting convergence at conservative Sites (CCS) and applied it to the genomic
      sequences of mangroves. In simulations, the CCS method drastically reduces random
      convergence at rapidly evolving sites as well as falsely inferred convergence
      caused by the misinferences of the ancestral character. In mangrove genomes, we
      estimated ~400 genes that have experienced convergence over the background level
      of convergence in the nonmangrove relatives. The convergent genes are enriched in
      pathways related to stress response and embryo development, which could be
      important for mangroves' adaptation to the new habitat.

PMID- 28087770
TI  - Mitochondrial Mutation Rate, Spectrum and Heteroplasmy in Caenorhabditis elegans
      Spontaneous Mutation Accumulation Lines of Differing Population Size.
AB  - Mitochondrial genomes of metazoans, given their elevated rates of evolution, have
      served as pivotal markers for phylogeographic studies and recent phylogenetic
      events. In order to determine the dynamics of spontaneous mitochondrial mutations
      in small populations in the absence and presence of selection, we evolved
      mutation accumulation (MA) lines of Caenorhabditis elegans in parallel over 409
      consecutive generations at three varying population sizes of N = 1, 10, and 100
      hermaphrodites. The N =1 populations should have a minimal influence of natural
      selection to provide the spontaneous mutation rate and the expected rate of
      neutral evolution, whereas larger population sizes should experience increasing
      intensity of selection. New mutations were identified by Illumina paired-end
      sequencing of 86 mtDNA genomes across 35 experimental lines and compared with
      published genomes of natural isolates. The spontaneous mitochondrial mutation
      rate was estimated at 1.05 * 10-7/site/generation. A strong G/C->A/T mutational
      bias was observed in both the MA lines and the natural isolates. This suggests
      that the low G + C content at synonymous sites is the product of mutation bias
      rather than selection as previously proposed. The mitochondrial effective
      population size per worm generation was estimated to be 62. Although it was
      previously concluded that heteroplasmy was rare in C. elegans, the vast majority
      of mutations in this study were heteroplasmic despite an experimental regime
      exceeding 400 generations. The frequencies of frameshift and nonsynonymous
      mutations were negatively correlated with population size, which suggests their
      deleterious effects on fitness and a potent role for selection in their
      eradication.

PMID- 28087769
TI  - Enzyme Efficiency but Not Thermostability Drives Cefotaxime Resistance Evolution
      in TEM-1 beta-Lactamase.
AB  - A leading intellectual challenge in evolutionary genetics is to identify the
      specific phenotypes that drive adaptation. Enzymes offer a particularly promising
      opportunity to pursue this question, because many enzymes' contributions to
      organismal fitness depend on a comparatively small number of experimentally
      accessible properties. Moreover, on first principles the demands of enzyme
      thermostability stand in opposition to the demands of catalytic activity. This
      observation, coupled with the fact that enzymes are only marginally thermostable,
      motivates the widely held hypothesis that mutations conferring functional
      improvement require compensatory mutations to restore thermostability. Here, we
      explicitly test this hypothesis for the first time, using four missense mutations
      in TEM-1 beta-lactamase that jointly increase cefotaxime Minimum Inhibitory
      Concentration (MIC) ~1500-fold. First, we report enzymatic efficiency (kcat/KM)
      and thermostability (Tm, and thence DeltaG of folding) for all combinations of
      these mutations. Next, we fit a quantitative model that predicts MIC as a
      function of kcat/KM and DeltaG. While kcat/KM explains ~54% of the variance in
      cefotaxime MIC (~92% after log transformation), DeltaG does not improve
      explanatory power of the model. We also find that cefotaxime MIC rises more
      slowly in kcat/KM than predicted. Several explanations for these discrepancies
      are suggested. Finally, we demonstrate substantial sign epistasis in MIC and
      kcat/KM, and antagonistic pleiotropy between phenotypes, in spite of near
      numerical additivity in the system. Thus constraints on selectively accessible
      trajectories, as well as limitations in our ability to explain such constraints
      in terms of underlying mechanisms are observed in a comparatively "well-behaved"
      system.

PMID- 28087768
TI  - The Rice Paradox: Multiple Origins but Single Domestication in Asian Rice.
AB  - The origin of domesticated Asian rice (Oryza sativa) has been a contentious
      topic, with conflicting evidence for either single or multiple domestication of
      this key crop species. We examined the evolutionary history of domesticated rice
      by analyzing de novo assembled genomes from domesticated rice and its wild
      progenitors. Our results indicate multiple origins, where each domesticated rice
      subpopulation (japonica, indica, and aus) arose separately from progenitor O.
      rufipogon and/or O. nivara. Coalescence-based modeling of demographic parameters
      estimate that the first domesticated rice population to split off from O.
      rufipogon was O. sativa ssp. japonica, occurring at ~13.1-24.1 ka, which is an
      order of magnitude older then the earliest archeological date of domestication.
      This date is consistent, however, with the expansion of O. rufipogon populations
      after the Last Glacial Maximum ~18 ka and archeological evidence for early wild
      rice management in China. We also show that there is significant gene flow from
      japonica to both indica (~17%) and aus (~15%), which led to the transfer of
      domestication alleles from early-domesticated japonica to proto-indica and proto
      aus populations. Our results provide support for a model in which different rice
      subspecies had separate origins, but that de novo domestication occurred only
      once, in O. sativa ssp. japonica, and introgressive hybridization from early
      japonica to proto-indica and proto-aus led to domesticated indica and aus rice.

PMID- 28087772
TI  - Possible Roles of New Mutations Shared by Asian and American Zika Viruses.
AB  - Originating in Africa, the Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread to Asia, Pacific Islands
      and now to the Americas and beyond. Since the first isolation in 1947, ZIKV
      strains have been sampled at various times in the last 69 years, but this history
      has not been reflected in studying the patterns of mutation accumulation in their
      genomes. Implementing the viral history, we show that the ZIKV ancestor appeared
      sometime in 1930-1945 and, at that point, its mutation rate was probably less
      than 0.2 * 10-3/nucleotide site/year and subsequently increased significantly in
      most of its descendants. Sustaining a high mutation rate of 4 * 10-3/site/year
      throughout its evolution, the Ancestral Asian strain, which was sampled from a
      mosquito in Malaysia, accumulated 13 mutations in the 3'-untranslated region of
      RNA stem-loops prior to 1963, seven of which generate more stable stem-loop
      structures and are likely to inhibit cellular antiviral activities, including
      immune and RNA interference (RNAi) pathways. The seven mutations have been
      maintained in all Asian and American strains and may be responsible for serious
      medical problems we are facing today and offer testable hypotheses to examine
      their roles in molecular interactions during brain development.

PMID- 28087773
TI  - RWTY (R We There Yet): An R Package for Examining Convergence of Bayesian
      Phylogenetic Analyses.
AB  - Bayesian inference using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) has become one of the
      primary methods used to infer phylogenies from sequence data. Assessing
      convergence is a crucial component of these analyses, as it establishes the
      reliability of the posterior distribution estimates of the tree topology and
      model parameters sampled from the MCMC. Numerous tests and visualizations have
      been developed for this purpose, but many of the most popular methods are
      implemented in ways that make them inconvenient to use for large data sets. RWTY
      is an R package that implements established and new methods for diagnosing
      phylogenetic MCMC convergence in a single convenient interface.

PMID- 28087774
TI  - The Origin of Mitochondrial Cristae from Alphaproteobacteria.
AB  - Mitochondria are the respiratory organelles of eukaryotes and their evolutionary
      history is deeply intertwined with that of eukaryotes. The compartmentalization
      of respiration in mitochondria occurs within cristae, whose evolutionary origin
      has remained unclear. Recent discoveries, however, have revived the old notion
      that mitochondrial cristae could have had a pre-endosymbiotic origin.
      Mitochondrial cristae are likely homologous to the intracytoplasmic membranes
      (ICMs) used by diverse alphaproteobacteria for harnessing energy. Because the
      Mitochondrial Contact site and Cristae Organizing System (MICOS) that controls
      the development of cristae evolved from a simplified version that is
      phylogenetically restricted to Alphaproteobacteria (alphaMICOS), ICMs most
      probably transformed into cristae during the endosymbiotic origin of
      mitochondria. This inference is supported by the sequence and structural
      similarities between MICOS and alphaMICOS, and the expression pattern and
      cellular localization of alphaMICOS. Given that cristae and ICMs develop
      similarly, alphaMICOS likely functions analogously to mitochondrial MICOS by
      culminating ICM development with the creation of tubular connections and membrane
      contact sites at the alphaproteobacterial envelope. Mitochondria thus inherited a
      pre-existing ultrastructure adapted to efficient energy transduction from their
      alphaproteobacterial ancestors. The widespread nature of purple bacteria among
      alphaproteobacteria raises the possibility that cristae evolved from
      photosynthetic ICMs.

PMID- 28087775
TI  - Rapid Expansion of Immune-Related Gene Families in the House Fly, Musca
      domestica.
AB  - The house fly, Musca domestica, occupies an unusual diversity of potentially
      septic niches compared with other sequenced Dipteran insects and is a vector of
      numerous diseases of humans and livestock. In the present study, we apply whole
      transcriptome sequencing to identify genes whose expression is regulated in adult
      flies upon bacterial infection. We then combine the transcriptomic data with
      analysis of rates of gene duplication and loss to provide insight into the
      evolutionary dynamics of immune-related genes. Genes up-regulated after bacterial
      infection are biased toward being evolutionarily recent innovations, suggesting
      the recruitment of novel immune components in the M. domestica or ancestral
      Dipteran lineages. In addition, using new models of gene family evolution, we
      show that several different classes of immune-related genes, particularly those
      involved in either pathogen recognition or pathogen killing, are duplicating at a
      significantly accelerated rate on the M. domestica lineage relative to other
      Dipterans. Taken together, these results suggest that the M. domestica immune
      response includes an elevated diversity of genes, perhaps as a consequence of its
      lifestyle in septic environments.

PMID- 28087776
TI  - Seed Plant-Specific Gene Lineages Involved in Carpel Development.
AB  - Evolutionary innovations are important drivers of speciation and some are the
      defining characters of entire phyla. One such major innovation is the carpel, the
      unifying character and most complex plant organ, composed of many clearly
      distinct tissue types to ensure reproductive success. The origin of the carpel is
      unknown, but many components of the gene regulatory network (GRN) governing
      carpel development and their genetic interactions are known from the core eudicot
      Arabidopsis thaliana. To unravel the evolution of the carpel GRN and to
      discriminate between "early" and "late" steps in carpel evolution, we calculated
      thorough phylogeny reconstructions based on sequenced genomes. The A. thaliana
      carpel GRN members ALCATRAZ (ALC), CRABS CLAW (CRC), HALF FILLED (HAF), HECATE
      (HEC), INDEHISCENT (IND), NGATHA (NGA), and SPATULA (SPT) were analyzed in their
      phylogenetic context. We find that the carpel GRN components are of various ages,
      but interestingly, we identify especially high retention rates for carpel
      development genes in Brassicaceae. Our data suggest that genes whose A. thaliana
      homologs are involved in processes already present in the most recent common
      ancestor of seed plants, such as reproductive meristem termination or
      adaxial/abaxial polarity specification, are not retained in duplicates after
      whole genome duplications (WGD). In contrast, genes involved in processes
      associated with derived carpel characters in Arabidopsis, such as the
      transmitting tract or style development show a higher gene retention rate after
      WGD. This work provides a starting point for analyses of carpel genes in early
      diverging angiosperms which would be very informative for evolutionary studies.

PMID- 28087778
TI  - No Evidence for Phylostratigraphic Bias Impacting Inferences on Patterns of Gene
      Emergence and Evolution.
AB  - Phylostratigraphy is a computational framework for dating the emergence of DNA
      and protein sequences in a phylogeny. It has been extensively applied to make
      inferences on patterns of genome evolution, including patterns of disease gene
      evolution, ontogeny and de novo gene origination. Phylostratigraphy typically
      relies on BLAST searches along a species tree, but new simulation studies have
      raised concerns about the ability of BLAST to detect remote homologues and its
      impact on phylostratigraphic inferences. Here, we re-assessed these simulations.
      We found that, even with a possible overall BLAST false negative rate between 11
      15%, the large majority of sequences assigned to a recent evolutionary origin by
      phylostratigraphy is unaffected by technical concerns about BLAST. Where the
      results of the simulations did cast doubt on previously reported findings, we
      repeated the original analyses but now excluded all questionable sequences. The
      originally described patterns remained essentially unchanged. These new analyses
      strongly support phylostratigraphic inferences, including: genes that emerged
      after the origin of eukaryotes are more likely to be expressed in the ectoderm
      than in the endoderm or mesoderm in Drosophila, and the de novo emergence of
      protein-coding genes from non-genic sequences occurs through proto-gene
      intermediates in yeast. We conclude that BLAST is an appropriate and sufficiently
      sensitive tool in phylostratigraphic analysis that does not appear to introduce
      significant biases into evolutionary pattern inferences.

PMID- 28087777
TI  - Genome Sequencing Reveals the Origin of the Allotetraploid Arabidopsis suecica.
AB  - Polyploidy is an example of instantaneous speciation when it involves the
      formation of a new cytotype that is incompatible with the parental species.
      Because new polyploid individuals are likely to be rare, establishment of a new
      species is unlikely unless polyploids are able to reproduce through self
      fertilization (selfing), or asexually. Conversely, selfing (or asexuality) makes
      it possible for polyploid species to originate from a single individual-a bona
      fide speciation event. The extent to which this happens is not known. Here, we
      consider the origin of Arabidopsis suecica, a selfing allopolyploid between
      Arabidopsis thaliana and Arabidopsis arenosa, which has hitherto been considered
      to be an example of a unique origin. Based on whole-genome re-sequencing of 15
      natural A. suecica accessions, we identify ubiquitous shared polymorphism with
      the parental species, and hence conclusively reject a unique origin in favor of
      multiple founding individuals. We further estimate that the species originated
      after the last glacial maximum in Eastern Europe or central Eurasia (rather than
      Sweden, as the name might suggest). Finally, annotation of the self
      incompatibility loci in A. suecica revealed that both loci carry non-functional
      alleles. The locus inherited from the selfing A. thaliana is fixed for an
      ancestral non-functional allele, whereas the locus inherited from the outcrossing
      A. arenosa is fixed for a novel loss-of-function allele. Furthermore, the allele
      inherited from A. thaliana is predicted to transcriptionally silence the allele
      inherited from A. arenosa, suggesting that loss of self-incompatibility may have
      been instantaneous.

PMID- 28087779
TI  - Genomics of Parallel Experimental Evolution in Drosophila.
AB  - What are the genomic foundations of adaptation in sexual populations? We address
      this question using fitness-character and whole-genome sequence data from 30
      Drosophila laboratory populations. These 30 populations are part of a nearly 40
      year laboratory radiation featuring 3 selection regimes, each shared by 10
      populations for up to 837 generations, with moderately large effective population
      sizes. Each of 3 sets of the 10 populations that shared a selection regime
      consists of 5 populations that have long been maintained under that selection
      regime, paired with 5 populations that had only recently been subjected to that
      selection regime. We find a high degree of evolutionary parallelism in fitness
      phenotypes when most-recent selection regimes are shared, as in previous studies
      from our laboratory. We also find genomic parallelism with respect to the
      frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, transposable elements,
      insertions, and structural variants, which was expected. Entirely unexpected was
      a high degree of parallelism for linkage disequilibrium. The evolutionary genetic
      changes among these sexual populations are rapid and genomically extensive. This
      pattern may be due to segregating functional genetic variation that is abundantly
      maintained genome-wide by selection, variation that responds immediately to
      changes of selection regime.

PMID- 28087780
TI  - Oncogenes without a Neighboring Tumor-Suppressor Gene Are More Prone to
      Amplification.
AB  - Focal copy number gains or losses are important genomic hallmarks of cancer. The
      genomic distribution of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes (TSG) in relation to
      focal copy number aberrations is unclear. Our analysis revealed that the mean
      distance of TSGs from oncogenes was significantly shorter than that of noncancer
      genes, suggesting that oncogenes and TSGs tend to be in close physical proximity
      in the human genome. Such relationship was conserved in mouse and drosophila. Pan
      cancer analysis using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas indicated that oncogenes
      without a nearby TSG are more prone to amplification. In conclusion, our study
      provides evidence for the nonrandom distribution of oncogenes and TSGs across
      different species. Our data also support that the existence of a neighboring TSG
      can suppress amplification of an oncogene, shedding new light on a previously
      unappreciated protective mechanism of TSGs.

PMID- 28087781
TI  - Deleterious Variants in Asian Rice and the Potential Cost of Domestication.
AB  - Many SNPs are predicted to encode deleterious amino acid variants. These slightly
      deleterious mutations can provide unique insights into population history, the
      dynamics of selection, and the genetic bases of phenotypes. This is especially
      true for domesticated species, where a history of bottlenecks and selection may
      affect the frequency of deleterious variants and signal a "cost of
      domestication". Here, we investigated the numbers and frequencies of deleterious
      variants in Asian rice (Oryza sativa), focusing on two varieties (japonica and
      indica) and their wild relative (O. rufipogon). We investigated three signals of
      a potential cost of domestication in Asian rice relative to O. rufipogon: an
      increase in the frequency of deleterious SNPs (dSNPs), an enrichment of dSNPs
      compared with synonymous SNPs (sSNPs), and an increased number of deleterious
      variants. We found evidence for all three signals, and domesticated individuals
      contained ~3-4% more deleterious alleles than wild individuals. Deleterious
      variants were enriched within low recombination regions of the genome and
      experienced frequency increases similar to sSNPs within regions of putative
      selective sweeps. A characteristic feature of rice domestication was a shift in
      mating system from outcrossing to predominantly selfing. Forward simulations
      suggest that this shift in mating system may have been the dominant factor in
      shaping both deleterious and neutral diversity in rice.

PMID- 28087782
TI  - Mutation Supply and Relative Fitness Shape the Genotypes of Ciprofloxacin
      Resistant Escherichia coli.
AB  - Ciprofloxacin is an important antibacterial drug targeting Type II
      topoisomerases, highly active against Gram-negatives including Escherichia coli.
      The evolution of resistance to ciprofloxacin in E. coli always requires multiple
      genetic changes, usually including mutations affecting two different drug target
      genes, gyrA and parC. Resistant mutants selected in vitro or in vivo can have
      many different mutations in target genes and efflux regulator genes that
      contribute to resistance. Among resistant clinical isolates the genotype, gyrA
      S83L D87N, parC S80I is significantly overrepresented suggesting that it has a
      selective advantage. However, the evolutionary or functional significance of this
      high frequency resistance genotype is not fully understood. By combining
      experimental data and mathematical modeling, we addressed the reasons for the
      predominance of this specific genotype. The experimental data were used to model
      trajectories of mutational resistance evolution under different conditions of
      drug exposure and population bottlenecks. We identified the order in which
      specific mutations are selected in the clinical genotype, showed that the high
      frequency genotype could be selected over a range of drug selective pressures,
      and was strongly influenced by the relative fitness of alternative mutations and
      factors affecting mutation supply. Our data map for the first time the fitness
      landscape that constrains the evolutionary trajectories taken during the
      development of clinical resistance to ciprofloxacin and explain the predominance
      of the most frequently selected genotype. This study provides strong support for
      the use of in vitro competition assays as a tool to trace evolutionary
      trajectories, not only in the antibiotic resistance field.

PMID- 28087783
TI  - Cohort Profile Update: The Janus Serum Bank Cohort in Norway.

PMID- 28087784
TI  - Interactions between Zinc and Allosteric Modulators of the Glycine Receptor.
AB  - The glycine receptor is a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel that is involved in
      fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Zinc is an
      allosteric modulator of glycine receptor function, enhancing the effects of
      glycine at nanomolar to low-micromolar concentrations and inhibiting its effects
      at higher concentrations. Low-nanomolar concentrations of contaminating zinc in
      electrophysiological buffers are capable of synergistically enhancing receptor
      modulation by other compounds, such as ethanol. This suggests that, unless
      accounted for, previous studies of glycine receptor modulation were measuring the
      effects of modulator plus comodulation by zinc on receptor function. Since zinc
      is present in vivo at a variety of concentrations, it will influence glycine
      receptor modulation by other pharmacologic agents. We investigated the utility of
      previously described "zinc-enhancement-insensitive" alpha1 glycine receptor
      mutants D80A, D80G, and W170S to probe for interactions between zinc and other
      allosteric modulators at the glycine receptor. We found that only the W170S
      mutation conferred complete abolishment of zinc enhancement across a variety of
      agonist and zinc concentrations. Using alpha1 W170S receptors, we established
      that, in addition to ethanol, zinc interacts with inhalants, but not volatile
      anesthetics, to synergistically enhance channel function. Additionally, we
      determined that this interaction is abolished at higher zinc concentrations when
      receptor-enhancing binding sites are saturated, suggesting a mechanism by which
      modulators such as ethanol and inhalants are capable of increasing receptor
      affinity for zinc, in addition to enhancing channel function on their own.

PMID- 28087791
TI  - The Science of Conducting Research With LGBT Older Adults- An Introduction to
      Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS).

PMID- 28087785
TI  - Thermolytic Degradation of Synthetic Cannabinoids: Chemical Exposures and
      Pharmacological Consequences.
AB  - Synthetic cannabinoids are manufactured clandestinely with little quality control
      and are distributed as herbal "spice" for smoking or as bulk compound for mixing
      with a solvent and inhalation via electronic vaporizers. Intoxication with
      synthetic cannabinoids has been associated with seizure, excited delirium, coma,
      kidney damage, and other disorders. The chemical alterations produced by heating
      these structurally novel compounds for consumption are largely unknown. Here, we
      show that heating synthetic cannabinoids containing tetramethylcyclopropyl-ring
      substituents produced thermal degradants with pharmacological activity that
      varied considerably from their parent compounds. Moreover, these degradants were
      formed under conditions simulating smoking. Some products of combustion retained
      high affinity at the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and CB2 receptors, were more efficacious
      than (-)-cis-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]-trans-4-(3
      hydroxypropyl)cyclohexanol (CP55,940) in stimulating CB1 receptor-mediated
      guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) binding, and were potent in
      producing Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-like effects in laboratory animals, whereas
      other compounds had low affinity and efficacy and were devoid of cannabimimetic
      activity. Degradants that retained affinity and efficacy also substituted in drug
      discrimination tests for the prototypical synthetic cannabinoid 1-pentyl-3-(1
      naphthoyl)indole (JWH-018), and are likely to produce psychotropic effects in
      humans. Hence, it is important to take into consideration the actual chemical
      exposures that occur during use of synthetic cannabinoid formulations to better
      comprehend the relationships between dose and effect.

PMID- 28087792
TI  - The Unfolding of LGBT Lives: Key Events Associated With Health and Well-being in
      Later Life.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Life events are associated with the health and well-being
      of older adults. Using the Health Equity Promotion Model, this article explores
      historical and environmental context as it frames life experiences and adaptation
      of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: This was the largest study to date of LGBT older adults to identify life
      events related to identity development, work, and kin relationships and their
      associations with health and quality of life (QOL). Using latent profile analysis
      (LPA), clusters of life events were identified and associations between life
      event clusters were tested. RESULTS: On average, LGBT older adults first
      disclosed their identities in their 20s; many experienced job-related
      discrimination. More had been in opposite-sex marriage than in same-sex marriage.
      Four clusters emerged: "Retired Survivors" were the oldest and one of the most
      prevalent groups; "Midlife Bloomers" first disclosed their LGBT identities in mid
      40s, on average; "Beleaguered At-Risk" had high rates of job-related
      discrimination and few social resources; and "Visibly Resourced" had a high
      degree of identity visibility and were socially and economically advantaged.
      Clusters differed significantly in mental and physical health and QOL, with the
      Visibly Resourced faring best and Beleaguered At-Risk faring worst on most
      indicators; Retired Survivors and Midlife Bloomers showed similar health and QOL.
      IMPLICATIONS: Historical and environmental contexts frame normative and non
      normative life events. Future research will benefit from the use of longitudinal
      data and an assessment of timing and sequencing of key life events in the lives
      of LGBT older adults.

PMID- 28087793
TI  - Race/Ethnicity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among LGBT Older Adults.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Few existing studies have addressed racial/ethnic
      differences in the health and quality of life of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
      transgender (LGBT) older adults. Guided by the Health Equity Promotion Model,
      this study examines health-promoting and health risk factors that contribute to
      racial/ethnic health disparities among LGBT adults aged 50 and older. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: We utilized weighted survey data from Aging with Pride: National Health,
      Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study. By applying multiple mediator models, we
      analyzed the indirect effects of race/ethnicity on health-related quality of life
      (HRQOL) via demographics, lifetime LGBT-related discrimination, and
      victimization, and socioeconomic, identity-related, spiritual, and social
      resources. RESULTS: Although African Americans and Hispanics, compared with non
      Hispanic Whites, reported lower physical HRQOL and comparable psychological
      HRQOL, indirect pathways between race/ethnicity and HRQOL were observed. African
      Americans and Hispanics had lower income, educational attainment, identity
      affirmation, and social support, which were associated with a decrease in
      physical and psychological HRQOL. African Americans had higher lifetime LGBT
      related discrimination, which was linked to a decrease in their physical and
      psychological HRQOL. African Americans and Hispanics had higher spirituality,
      which was associated with an increase in psychological HRQOL. IMPLICATIONS:
      Findings illustrate the importance of identifying both health-promoting and
      health risk factors to understand ways to maximize the health potential of
      racially and ethnically diverse LGBT older adults. Interventions aimed at health
      equity should be tailored to bolster identity affirmation and social networks of
      LGBT older adults of color and to support strengths, including spiritual
      resources.

PMID- 28087794
TI  - Bouncing Back: Resilience and Mastery Among HIV-Positive Older Gay and Bisexual
      Men.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Adults with HIV infection are living into old age. It is
      critical we investigate positive constructs such as resilience and mastery to
      determine factors associated with psychological well-being. We examine HIV
      related factors, adverse conditions, and psychosocial characteristics that are
      associated with resilience (the ability to bounce back) and mastery (sense of
      self-efficacy). DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed 2014 data from the longitudinal
      study Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study
      (NHAS), focusing on a subsample of 335 gay and bisexual older men. Multivariate
      linear regression was used to identify factors that contributed or detracted from
      resilience and mastery in the sample recruited from 17 sites from across the
      United States. RESULTS: Resilience and mastery were independently associated with
      psychological health-related quality of life. In multivariate analysis, adjusting
      for demographic characteristics, previous diagnosis of depression was negatively
      associated with resilience. Time since HIV diagnosis was positively associated
      with mastery whereas victimization was negatively associated with mastery. Social
      support and community engagement were positively associated with both resilience
      and mastery. IMPLICATIONS: Individual and structural-environmental
      characteristics contributed to resilience and mastery. These findings can be used
      to develop interventions incorporating an increased understanding of factors that
      are associated with both resilience and mastery.

PMID- 28087795
TI  - Who Says I Do: The Changing Context of Marriage and Health and Quality of Life
      for LGBT Older Adults.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Until recently, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
      (LGBT) adults were excluded from full participation in civil marriage. The
      purpose of this study is to examine how legal marriage and relationship status
      are associated with health-promoting and at-risk factors, health, and quality of
      life of LGBT adults aged 50 and older. DESIGN AND METHODS: We utilized weighted
      survey data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender
      Study (NHAS) participants who resided in states with legalized same-sex marriage
      in 2014 (N = 1,821). Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine
      differences by relationship status (legally married, unmarried partnered, single)
      in economic and social resources; LGBT contextual and identity factors; health;
      and quality of life. RESULTS: We found 24% were legally married, and 26%
      unmarried partnered; one-half were single. Those legally married reported better
      quality of life and more economic and social resources than unmarried partnered;
      physical health indicators were similar between legally married and unmarried
      partnered. Those single reported poorer health and fewer resources than legally
      married and unmarried partnered. Among women, being legally married was
      associated with more LGBT microaggressions. IMPLICATIONS: LGBT older adults, and
      practitioners serving them, should become educated about how legal same-sex
      marriage interfaces with the context of LGBT older adults' lives, and policies
      and protections related to age and sexual and gender identity. Longitudinal
      research is needed to understand factors contributing to decisions to marry,
      including short- and long-term economic, social, and health outcomes associated
      with legal marriage among LGBT older adults.

PMID- 28087796
TI  - Prior Military Service, Identity Stigma, and Mental Health Among Transgender
      Older Adults.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Converging evidence from large community-based samples,
      Internet studies, and Veterans Health Administration data suggest that
      transgender adults have high rates of U.S. military service. However, little is
      known about the role of prior military service in their mental health later in
      life, particularly in relation to identity stigma. In this article, we examine
      relationships between prior military service, identity stigma, and mental health
      among transgender older adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used a subsample of
      transgender older adults (n = 183) from the 2014 survey of Aging with Pride:
      National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS). We employed weighted
      multivariate linear models to evaluate the relationships between psychological
      health-related quality of life (HRQOL), depressive symptomatology (Center for
      Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale [CES-D] scores), identity stigma, and
      prior military service, controlling for background characteristics. RESULTS:
      Identity stigma was significantly related with higher depressive symptomatology
      and lower psychological HRQOL. Having a history of prior military service
      significantly predicted lower depressive symptomatology and higher psychological
      HRQOL. The relationships between psychological HRQOL, identity stigma, and prior
      military service were largely explained by depressive symptomatology. Prior
      military service significantly attenuated the relationship between identity
      stigma and depressive symptomatology. IMPLICATIONS: By identifying the role of
      military service in the mental health of transgender older adults, this study
      provides insights into how prior military service may contribute to resilience
      and positive mental health outcomes. Directions for future research are
      discussed.

PMID- 28087797
TI  - The Cascading Effects of Marginalization and Pathways of Resilience in Attaining
      Good Health Among LGBT Older Adults.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults
      comprise a diverse and growing health disparate population. In the present study,
      using the Health Equity Promotion Model, we investigated pathways by which LGBT
      older adults experience resilience, risk, and marginalization and their
      relationship to attaining positive health outcomes. DESIGN AND METHODS: Aging
      with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS) is the
      first longitudinal research project designed to examine the health, aging, and
      well-being of LGBT adults aged 50 and older. Using data from 2014 (N = 2,415), we
      tested a structural equation model linking lifetime marginalization, identity
      affirmation and management, social and psychological resources, and health
      behaviors to positive health outcomes. RESULTS: Identity affirmation positively
      predicted social resources and mental health, and social resources positively
      predicted mental health. Marginalization was associated with fewer social
      resources for LGBT older adults with an open identity management style, lower
      identity affirmation for LGBT older adults who strategically concealed their
      sexual identity, and poorer mental health. Mental health was associated with
      better health behaviors, which in turn predicted positive physical health
      outcomes. IMPLICATIONS: Although a health disparate population, good health among
      LGBT older adults appears to be attained via multiple resilience and risk
      pathways. Providers must remain aware of the historical contexts in which LGBT
      older adults lived and the strengths they developed in order to understand their
      health and to develop tailored and targeted prevention and intervention services.

PMID- 28087798
TI  - Social Network Types and Mental Health Among LGBT Older Adults.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to identify social network types
      among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults and examine the
      relationship between social network type and mental health. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      We analyzed the 2014 survey data of LGBT adults aged 50 and older (N = 2,450)
      from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study. Latent
      profile analyses were conducted to identify clusters of social network ties based
      on 11 indicators. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the
      association between social network types and mental health. RESULTS: We found
      five social network types. Ordered from greatest to least access to family,
      friend, and other non-family network ties, they were diverse, diverse/no
      children, immediate family-focused, friend-centered/restricted, and fully
      restricted. The friend-centered/restricted (33%) and diverse/no children network
      types (31%) were the most prevalent. Among individuals with the friend
      centered/restricted type, access to social networks was limited to friends, and
      across both types children were not present. The least prevalent type was the
      fully restricted network type (6%). Social network type was significantly
      associated with mental health, after controlling for background characteristics
      and total social network size; those with the fully restricted type showed the
      poorest mental health. IMPLICATIONS: Unique social network types (diverse/no
      children and friend-centered/restricted) emerge among LGBT older adults.
      Moreover, individuals with fully restricted social networks are at particular
      risk due to heightened health needs and limited social resources. This study
      highlights the importance of understanding heterogeneous social relations and
      developing tailored interventions to promote social connectedness and mental
      health in LGBT older adults.

PMID- 28087799
TI  - Factors Associated With High-Risk Alcohol Consumption Among LGB Older Adults: The
      Roles of Gender, Social Support, Perceived Stress, Discrimination, and Stigma.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults have elevated rates
      of high-risk alcohol consumption compared with heterosexual adults. Although
      drinking tends to decline with age in the general population, we know little
      about LGB older adults' drinking. Using 2014 data from Aging with Pride: National
      Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS), we aimed to identify factors
      associated with high-risk drinking in LGB older adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: A
      U.S. sample of 2,351 LGB adults aged 50-98 years completed a survey about
      personal and social experiences, substance use, and health. Multinomial logistic
      regression was conducted to identify predictors of past-month high-risk alcohol
      consumption. RESULTS: Approximately one fifth (20.6%) of LGB older adults
      reported high-risk drinking, with nonsignificantly different rates between men
      (22.4%) and women (18.4%). For women, current smoking and greater social support
      were associated with greater likelihood of high-risk drinking; older age, higher
      income, recovery from addiction, and greater perceived stress were associated
      with lower likelihood. For men, higher income, current smoking, and greater day
      to-day discrimination were associated with greater likelihood of high-risk
      drinking; transgender identity and recovery from addiction were associated with
      lower likelihood. IMPLICATIONS: Social contexts and perceived drinking norms may
      encourage higher levels of alcohol consumption in LGB older women, whereas men's
      drinking may be linked with discrimination-related stress. Prevention and
      intervention with this population should take into account gender differences and
      sexual minority-specific risk factors. With future waves of data, we will be able
      to examine LGB older adults' drinking trajectories over time.

PMID- 28087800
TI  - Health Care Engagement Among LGBT Older Adults: The Role of Depression Diagnosis
      and Symptomatology.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Optimal engagement in health care plays a critical role in
      the success of disease prevention and treatment, particularly for older adults
      who are often in greater need of health care services. However, to date, there is
      still limited knowledge about the relationship between depression and health care
      engagement among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: This study utilized data from Aging with Pride: National
      Health, Aging, Sexuality/Gender Study, from the 2014 survey with 2,450 LGBT
      adults 50 years old and older. Multiple-variable regression was utilized to
      evaluate relationships between three indicators of health care engagement and
      four depression groups after controlling for background characteristics and
      discrimination in health care. Health care engagement indicators were "not using
      preventive care," "not seeking care when needed," and "difficulty in adhering to
      treatments." Depression groups were defined by depression diagnosis and
      symptomatology, including Diagnosed-Symptomatic group (Diag-Sympt), Diagnosed
      Nonsymptomatic group (Diag-NoSympt), Nondiagnosed-Symptomatic group (NoDiag
      Sympt), and Nondiagnosed-Nonsymptomatic group (NoDiag-NoSympt). RESULTS:
      Depression groups displayed different patterns and levels of health care
      engagement. The Diag-Sympt group displayed the highest "difficulty in adhering to
      treatments." Diag-NoSympt group displayed the lowest "not using preventive care."
      The NoDiag-Sympt group reported the highest "not using preventive care" and "not
      seeking care when needed." The NoDiag-NoSympt group had the lowest "not seeking
      care when needed" and "difficulty in adhering to treatments." IMPLICATIONS:
      Depression diagnosis and symptomatology are jointly associated with health care
      engagement among LGBT older adults. Interventions aiming to promote health care
      engagement among this population should simultaneously consider both depression
      diagnosis and symptomatology.

PMID- 28087801
TI  - Occurrence of similar mycoviruses in pathogenic, saprotrophic and mycorrhizal
      fungi inhabiting the same forest stand.
AB  - Fungal viruses (mycoviruses) are considered to be highly host specific, but
      phylogenetic analysis supports the occasional occurrence of horizontal
      transmission between species. We used an extensive sampling strategy to
      investigate whether similar viruses occur in more than one fungal species of the
      same forest habitat. Mycelial samples were collected from in-growth mesh bags (N
      = 259), fruiting bodies (N = 173) and cultured isolates (N = 68) at a forest site
      where the spatial distribution of viral infections in clonal individuals of the
      wood decay fungus Heterobasidion parviporum was mapped in detail earlier. The
      investigation revealed previously known Heterobasidion viruses in ~2% of the
      single or pooled mycorrhizal samples from mesh bags, ~3% of the fruiting body
      samples and none of the fungal cultures analyzed. Novel virus strains distinct
      from known Heterobasidion viruses were detected in cultures of ectomycorrhizal
      fungi (Lactarius tabidus, L. rufus) and saprotrophic fungi (Megacollybia
      platyphylla, Mucoraceae spp.). Overall, our results support the view that
      mycoviruses do not readily cross species borders. Regarding potential virocontrol
      applications, the introduction of Heterobasidion viruses into natural habitats is
      not expected to cause a major infection pressure towards the indigenous fungal
      community. However, the ecological consequences of the putative interspecies
      virus transmission events detected require further investigation.

PMID- 28087802
TI  - Cytochrome c peroxidase (CcP) is a molecular determinant of the oxidative stress
      response in the extreme acidophilic Leptospirillum sp. CF-1.
AB  - Bioleaching processes are used to recover metals from sulfidic ores. Biofilm
      formation on ores is important for bioleaching because the attached
      microorganisms start the leaching process by concentrating ferric ions in the
      extracellular matrix. It has been shown that hydrogen peroxide is spontaneously
      generated on the surface of ores and that it negatively influences the growth and
      activity of microorganisms. However, the mechanism by which bioleaching
      microorganisms tolerate exogenous H2O2 as an adaptive trait remains elusive.
      Herein, we demonstrate that the gene yhjA, encoding a predicted periplasmic
      cytochrome c peroxidase (CcP), is important for the response to exogenously
      generated oxidative stress in the iron-oxidizing acidophilic bacterium
      Leptospirillum sp. CF-1. Our results show that yhjA is co-transcribed with the
      genes encoding the peroxide-responsive transcription regulator PerR and
      peroxiredoxin AhpC. CcP activity, but not yhjA mRNA level, significantly
      increased in response to hydrogen peroxide and ferric ion exposure, suggesting a
      post-translational regulation. In agreement with these results, challenging
      planktonic cells with hydrogen peroxide significantly increased their attachment
      to pyrite surfaces. In summation, our results suggest that CcP is important to
      cope with exogenous H2O2, thus favoring the early steps of attachment to mineral
      substrates.

PMID- 28087803
TI  - Epiphytic Planctomycetes communities associated with three main groups of
      macroalgae.
AB  - Planctomycetes, a unique group of widespread and understudied bacteria, are known
      to be associated with macroalgae. The temporal dynamics and the host-specific
      association of planctomycetal communities on Fucus spiralis, Ulva sp. and
      Chondrus crispus from two locations in the North Coast of Portugal were assessed
      both by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis with group-specific primers and
      16S rDNA amplicon libraries. The epiphytic planctomycetal communities showed a
      significant association with the host macroalgal species independently of the
      geographical location and the season. This pattern was confirmed by clone
      libraries of winter and summer samples: we obtained 720 16S rRNA gene sequences
      that represented 44 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within the phylum
      Planctomycetes. Most of the OTUs belonged to Blastopirellula, followed by
      Rhodopirellula, Planctomyces, the Pir4 lineage and the uncultured class OM190
      (this last one nearly 30% of the OTUs). Ulva sp. and C. crispus had more diverse
      planctomycetal communities than F. spiralis. Analysis of beta diversity showed
      that the planctomycetal microbiome was host specific. We hypothesize that the
      specific association of Planctomycetes and their macroalgal hosts is likely
      determined by nutritional molecules provided by the algae and the set of
      sulfatases inherent to each Planctomycetes species.

PMID- 28087804
TI  - Clinical Selection Strategies to Identify Ischemic Stroke Patients With Large
      Anterior Vessel Occlusion: Results From SITS-ISTR (Safe Implementation of
      Thrombolysis in Stroke International Stroke Thrombolysis Registry).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
      correlates with presence of large anterior vessel occlusion (LAVO). However, the
      application of the full NIHSS in the prehospital setting to select patients
      eligible for treatment with thrombectomy is limited. Therefore, we aimed to
      evaluate the prognostic value of simple clinical selection strategies. METHODS:
      Data from the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke International Stroke
      Thrombolysis Registry (January 2012-May 2014) were analyzed retrospectively.
      Patients with complete breakdown of NIHSS scores and documented vessel status
      were included. We assessed the association of prehospital stroke scales and NIHSS
      symptom profiles with LAVO (internal carotid artery, carotid-terminus or M1
      segment of the middle cerebral artery). RESULTS: Among 3505 patients, 23.6%
      (n=827) had LAVO. Pathological finding on the NIHSS item best gaze was strongly
      associated with LAVO (adjusted odds ratio 4.5, 95% confidence interval 3.8-5.3).
      All 3 face-arm-speech-time test (FAST) items identified LAVO with high
      sensitivity. Addition of the item gaze to the original FAST score (G-FAST) or
      high scores on other simplified stroke scales increased specificity. The NIHSS
      symptom profiles representing total anterior syndromes showed a 10-fold increased
      likelihood for LAVO compared with a nonspecific clinical profile. If compared
      with an NIHSS threshold of >=6, the prehospital stroke scales performed similarly
      or even better without losing sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Simple modification of
      the face-arm-speech-time score or evaluating the NIHSS symptom profile may help
      to stratify patients' risk of LAVO and to identify individuals who deserve rapid
      transfer to comprehensive stroke centers. Prospective validation in the
      prehospital setting is required.

PMID- 28087805
TI  - Prehospital Scales for Large Vessel Occlusion: Closing in on a Moving Target.

PMID- 28087806
TI  - Splenectomy Does Not Improve Long-Term Outcome After Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Immune responses to brain antigens after stroke
      contribute to poor outcome. We hypothesized that splenectomy would lessen the
      development of such responses and improve outcome. METHODS: Male Lewis rats (275
      350 g) underwent 2-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion immediately after
      splenectomy or sham splenectomy. Animals were survived to 4 weeks (672 hrs), and
      immune responses to myelin basic protein determined at euthanasia. Infarct volume
      was determined in a subset of animals euthanized at 72 hours. Behavioral outcomes
      were assessed to 672 hours. RESULTS: Splenectomy was associated with worse
      neurological scores early after stroke, but infarct size at 72 hours was similar
      in both groups. Behavioral outcomes and immune responses to myelin basic protein
      were also similar among splenectomized and sham-operated animals 672 hours after
      middle cerebral artery occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy did not alter the
      immune responses to brain antigens or improve outcome after stroke. Differences
      between this study and other studies of splenectomy and stroke are examined.

PMID- 28087808
TI  - Identification of a Novel Liver X Receptor Agonist that Regulates the Expression
      of Key Cholesterol Homeostasis Genes with Distinct Pharmacological
      Characteristics.
AB  - Activation of liver X receptor (LXR) is associated with cholesterol metabolism
      and anti-inflammatory processes, which makes it beneficial to antiatherosclerosis
      therapy. Nevertheless, existing agonists that target LXR, for example TO901317,
      are related to unwanted side effects. In the present study, using a screening
      method we identified IMB-808, which displayed potent dual LXRalpha/beta agonistic
      activity. In vitro, IMB-808 effectively increased the expressing quantity of
      genes related to reverse cholesterol transport process as well as those
      associated with cholesterol metabolism pathway in multiple cell lines.
      Additionally, IMB-808 remarkably promoted cholesterol efflux from RAW264.7 as
      well as THP-1 macrophage cells and reduced cellular lipid accumulation
      accordingly. Interestingly, compared with TO901317, IMB-808 almost did not
      increase the expressing quantity of genes related to lipogenesis in HepG2 cells,
      which indicated that IMB-808 could exhibit fewer internal lipogenic side effects
      with a characteristic of selective LXR agonist. Furthermore, in comparison with
      the full LXR agonist TO901317, IMB-808 recruits coregulators differently and
      possesses a distinct predictive binding pattern for the LXR ligand-binding
      domain. In summary, our study demonstrated that IMB-808 could act as an
      innovative partial LXR agonist that avoids common lipogenic side effects,
      providing insight for the design of novel LXR modulators. Our data indicate that
      this compound might be used as a promising therapeutic agent for the prospective
      treatment of atherosclerosis in the future.

PMID- 28087807
TI  - Field Validation of the Los Angeles Motor Scale as a Tool for Paramedic
      Assessment of Stroke Severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS) is a 3-item, 0- to 10
      point motor stroke-deficit scale developed for prehospital use. We assessed the
      convergent, divergent, and predictive validity of the LAMS when performed by
      paramedics in the field at multiple sites in a large and diverse geographic
      region. METHODS: We analyzed early assessment and outcome data prospectively
      gathered in the FAST-MAG trial (Field Administration of Stroke Therapy-Magnesium
      phase 3) among patients with acute cerebrovascular disease (cerebral ischemia and
      intracranial hemorrhage) within 2 hours of onset, transported by 315 ambulances
      to 60 receiving hospitals. RESULTS: Among 1632 acute cerebrovascular disease
      patients (age 70+/-13 years, male 57.5%), time from onset to prehospital LAMS was
      median 30 minutes (interquartile range 20-50), onset to early postarrival (EPA)
      LAMS was 145 minutes (interquartile range 119-180), and onset to EPA National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 150 minutes (interquartile range 120-180).
      Between the prehospital and EPA assessments, LAMS scores were stable in 40.5%,
      improved in 37.6%, and worsened in 21.9%. In tests of convergent validity,
      against the EPA National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, correlations were
      r=0.49 for the prehospital LAMS and r=0.89 for the EPA LAMS. Prehospital LAMS
      scores did diverge from the prehospital Glasgow Coma Scale, r=-0.22. Predictive
      accuracy (adjusted C statistics) for nondisabled 3-month outcome was as follows:
      prehospital LAMS, 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.74-0.78); EPA LAMS, 0.85 (95%
      confidence interval 0.83-0.87); and EPA National Institutes of Health Stroke
      Scale, 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.85-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      multicenter, prospective, prehospital study, the LAMS showed good to excellent
      convergent, divergent, and predictive validity, further establishing it as a
      validated instrument to characterize stroke severity in the field.

PMID- 28087809
TI  - Trim13 Potentiates Toll-Like Receptor 2-Mediated Nuclear Factor kappaB Activation
      via K29-Linked Polyubiquitination of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated
      Factor 6.
AB  - Ubiquitination is a versatile post-translational modification involved in nuclear
      factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Here,
      we demonstrated that Trim13, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is up-regulated in
      macrophages upon stimulation with TLR2 ligand. Knockdown of Trim13 attenuated
      TLR2-mediated production of cytokines/chemokines and formation of foam cells as
      well as activation of NF-kappaB. Trim13 interacts with tumor necrosis factor
      receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and potentiates NF-kappaB activity via
      ubiquitination of TRAF6. Overexpression of inactive mutant (C10/13A) or really
      interesting new gene (RING) deletion mutant of Trim13 did not potentiate
      ubiquitination of TRAF6 or activation of NF-kappaB. These results suggest that
      the effects of Trim13 are dependent on its E3 ligase activity. Trim13 used K29
      linked polyubiquitin chains for TRAF6 ubiquitination to promote NF-kappaB
      activity and thus potentiated activation of TLR2-mediated immune responses. Our
      data identify Trim13 as a positive regulator of NF-kappaB activation and suggest
      that K29-linked polyubiquitination is a specific ubiquitin-linked pattern
      involved in the control of TLR2 signaling.

PMID- 28087811
TI  - Twenty years of social capital and health research: a glossary.
AB  - Research on social capital in public health is approaching its 20th anniversary.
      Over this period, there have been rich and productive debates on the definition,
      measurement and importance of social capital for public health research and
      practice. As a result, the concepts and measures characterising social capital
      and health research have also evolved, often drawing from research in the social,
      political and behavioural sciences. The multidisciplinary adaptation of social
      capital-related concepts to study health has made it challenging for researchers
      to reach consensus on a common theoretical approach. This glossary thus aims to
      provide a general overview without recommending any particular approach. Based on
      our knowledge and research on social capital and health, we have selected key
      concepts and terms that have gained prominence over the last decade and
      complement an earlier glossary on social capital and health.

PMID- 28087810
TI  - AKT1, LKB1, and YAP1 Revealed as MYC Interactors with NanoLuc-Based Protein
      Fragment Complementation Assay.
AB  - The c-Myc (MYC) transcription factor is a major cancer driver and a well
      validated therapeutic target. However, directly targeting MYC has been
      challenging. Thus, identifying proteins that interact with and regulate MYC may
      provide alternative strategies to inhibit its oncogenic activity. In this study,
      we report the development of a NanoLuc-based protein-fragment complementation
      assay (NanoPCA) and mapping of the MYC protein interaction hub in live mammalian
      cells. The NanoPCA system was configured to enable detection of protein-protein
      interactions (PPI) at the endogenous level, as shown with PRAS40 dimerization,
      and detection of weak interactions, such as PINCH1-NCK2. Importantly, NanoPCA
      allows the study of PPI dynamics with reversible interactions. To demonstrate its
      utility for large-scale PPI detection in mammalian intracellular environment, we
      have used NanoPCA to examine MYC interaction with 83 cancer-associated proteins
      in live cancer cell lines. Our new MYC PPI data confirmed known MYC-interacting
      proteins, such as MAX, GSK3A, and SMARCA4, and revealed a panel of novel MYC
      interaction partners, such as RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT)1,
      liver kinase B (LKB)1, and Yes-associated protein (YAP)1. The MYC interactions
      with AKT1, LKB1, and YAP1 were confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation of endogenous
      proteins. Importantly, AKT1, LKB1, and YAP1 were able to activate MYC in a
      transcriptional reporter assay. Thus, these vital growth control proteins may
      represent promising MYC regulators, suggesting new mechanisms that couple
      energetic and metabolic pathways and developmental signaling to MYC-regulated
      cellular programs.

PMID- 28087812
TI  - Long-term effects of youth unemployment on mental health: does an economic crisis
      make a difference?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ill health is a risk factor and a consequence of unemployment, which
      might vary depending on the national rate of unemployment. We investigated the
      long-term effect of youth unemployment on mental health and explored the possible
      interaction during periods of high (economic crisis) and low (non-crisis)
      unemployment rates. METHODS: A register-linked population-based cohort study was
      conducted including individuals aged 17-24 years. The crisis cohort (n=6410) took
      part in the Labour Force Survey during the economic crisis (1991-1994) in Sweden
      and the non-crisis cohort (n=8162) took part in the same survey before the crisis
      (1983-1986). Follow-up was 19 years. Adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for an inpatient
      care discharge mental diagnosis with employed people as the reference group were
      calculated by Cox regressions models. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, <3
      months (HR: 1.69; 95% CI 1.14 to 2.49), 3-6 months (2.19; 1.43 to 3.37) and >6
      months (2.70; 1.71 to 4.28) of unemployment were associated with increased risks
      of getting a mental diagnosis in the crisis cohort. In the non-crisis cohort the
      risks were: 1.92; 1.40 to 2.63, 2.60; 1.72 to 3.94 and 3.33; 2.00 to 5.57,
      respectively. No interactions between labour force status and level of
      unemployment were found. CONCLUSIONS: Youth unemployment is related to mental
      health problems, independent of the overall national rate of unemployment, which
      is important as the youth unemployment rates are currently at stable high level.

PMID- 28087813
TI  - Ethnic differences in anthropometric measures and abdominal fat distribution: a
      cross-sectional pooled study in Inuit, Africans and Europeans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ethnic variation in abdominal fat distribution may explain
      differences in cardiometabolic risk between populations. However, the ability of
      anthropometric measures to quantify abdominal fat is not clearly understood
      across ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations
      between anthropometric measures and visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous abdominal
      adipose tissue (SAT) in Inuit, Africans and Europeans. METHODS: We combined cross
      sectional data from 3 studies conducted in Greenland, Kenya and Denmark using
      similar methodology. A total of 5275 individuals (3083 Inuit, 1397 Africans and
      795 Europeans) aged 17-95 years with measures of anthropometry and
      ultrasonography of abdominal fat were included in the study. Multiple regression
      models with fractional polynomials were used to analyse VAT and SAT as functions
      of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to
      height ratio and body fat percentage. RESULTS: The associations between
      conventional anthropometric measures and abdominal fat distribution varied by
      ethnicity in almost all models. Europeans had the highest levels of VAT in
      adjusted analyses and Africans the lowest with ethnic differences most apparent
      at higher levels of the anthropometric measures. Similar ethnic differences were
      seen in the associations with SAT for a given anthropometric measure.
      CONCLUSIONS: Conventional anthropometric measures like BMI and waist
      circumference do not reflect the same amount of VAT and SAT across ethnic groups.
      Thus, the obesity level at which Inuit and Africans are at increased
      cardiometabolic risk is likely to differ from that of Europeans.

PMID- 28087816
TI  - Acetazolamide potentiates the afferent drive to prefrontal cortex in vivo.
AB  - The knowledge on real-time neurophysiological effects of acetazolamide is still
      far behind the wide clinical use of this drug. Acetazolamide - a carbonic
      anhydrase inhibitor - has been shown to affect the neuromuscular transmission,
      implying a pH-mediated influence on the central synaptic transmission. To start
      filling such a gap, we chose a central substrate: hippocampal-prefrontal cortical
      projections; and a synaptic phenomenon: paired-pulse facilitation (a form of
      synaptic plasticity) to probe this drug's effects on interareal brain
      communication in chronically implanted rats. We observed that systemic
      acetazolamide potentiates the hippocampal-prefrontal paired-pulse facilitation.
      In addition to this field electrophysiology data, we found that acetazolamide
      exerts a net inhibitory effect on prefrontal cortical single-unit firing. We
      propose that systemic acetazolamide reduces the basal neuronal activity of the
      prefrontal cortex, whereas increasing the afferent drive it receives from the
      hippocampus. In addition to being relevant to the clinical and side effects of
      acetazolamide, these results suggest that exogenous pH regulation can have
      diverse impacts on afferent signaling across the neocortex.

PMID- 28087817
TI  - T-cell redeployment and intracellular cytokine expression following exercise:
      effects of exercise intensity and cytomegalovirus infection.
AB  - The magnitude of lymphocytosis following exercise is directly related to exercise
      intensity. Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) also augments lymphocytosis after
      exercise. It is not known if the enhanced T-cell response to exercise due to CMV
      depends on exercise intensity. Furthermore, exercise-induced changes in T-cell
      expression of type I and type II cytokines are thought to be intensity dependent,
      but direct comparisons are lacking. The aim of this experiment was to determine
      if CMV affects the exercise-induced redistribution of T-cell subsets at varying
      intensities, and determine the effect of exercise intensity on CD8+ T-cell
      cytokine expression. Seventeen cyclists (nine CMV seropositive; CMV+) completed
      three 30 min cycling trials at -5, +5, and +15% of blood lactate threshold (LT).
      T-cell subsets in blood and intracellular expression of type I (IL-2,
      interferon(IFN)-gamma) and type II (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines by CD8+ T cells pre,
      post, and 1-h post-exercise were assessed by flow cytometry. Independently of
      CMV, T-cell subset redistribution was greater after +15%LT compared to -5%LT (P <
      0.05). Independently of intensity, CMV- mobilized more low- (CD27+ CD28+) and
      medium- (CD27+ CD28-) differentiated T cells than CMV+, whereas CMV+ mobilized
      more high (CD27- CD28-) differentiated T cells. The numbers of IL-2+, IFN-gamma+,
      IL-4+, and IL-10+ CD8+ T cells increased after exercise above LT Only type I
      cytokine expression was influenced by exercise intensity (P < 0.05). In
      conclusion, T-cell redeployment by exercise is directly related to exercise
      intensity, as are changes in the number of CD8+ T-cells expressing type I
      cytokines. Although CMV+ mobilized more high-differentiated T cells than CMV-,
      this occurred at all intensities. Therefore, the augmenting effect of CMV on T
      cell mobilization is independent of exercise intensity.

PMID- 28087818
TI  - Three hours of intermittent hypoxia increases circulating glucose levels in
      healthy adults.
AB  - An independent association exists between sleep apnea and diabetes. Animal models
      suggest exposure to intermittent hypoxia, a consequence of sleep apnea, results
      in altered glucose metabolism and fasting hyperglycemia. However, it is unknown
      if acute exposure to intermittent hypoxia increases glucose concentrations in
      nondiabetic humans. We hypothesized plasma glucose would be increased from
      baseline following 3 h of intermittent hypoxia in healthy humans independent of
      any effect on insulin sensitivity. Eight (7M/1F, 21-34 years) healthy subjects
      completed two study visits randomized to 3 h of intermittent hypoxia or
      continuous normoxia, followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. Intermittent
      hypoxia consisted of 25 hypoxic events per hour where oxygen saturation (SpO2)
      was significantly reduced (Normoxia: 97 +/- 1%, Hypoxia: 90 +/- 2%, P < 0.01).
      Venous plasma glucose concentrations were measured on both visits before and
      after the 3 h protocol. No changes in plasma glucose were observed from baseline
      after 3 h of continuous normoxia (5.1 +/- 0.2 vs. 5.1 +/- 0.1 mmol/L, P > 0.05).
      In contrast, circulating glucose concentrations were increased after 3 h of
      intermittent hypoxia when compared to baseline (5.0 +/- 0.2 vs. 5.3 +/- 0.2
      mmol/L, P = 0.01). There were no detectable changes in insulin sensitivity
      following intermittent hypoxia when compared to continuous normoxia, as assessed
      by the oral glucose tolerance test (P > 0.05). Circulating glucose is increased
      after 3 h of intermittent hypoxia in healthy humans, independent of any lasting
      changes in insulin sensitivity. These novel findings could explain, in part, the
      high prevalence of diabetes in patients with sleep apnea and warrant future
      studies to identify underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 28087819
TI  - Electrophysiologic effects of the IK1 inhibitor PA-6 are modulated by
      extracellular potassium in isolated guinea pig hearts.
AB  - The pentamidine analog PA-6 was developed as a specific inward rectifier
      potassium current (IK1) antagonist, because established inhibitors either lack
      specificity or have side effects that prohibit their use in vivo. We previously
      demonstrated that BaCl2, an established IK1 inhibitor, could prolong action
      potential duration (APD) and increase cardiac conduction velocity (CV). However,
      few studies have addressed whether targeted IK1 inhibition similarly affects
      ventricular electrophysiology. The aim of this study was to determine the effects
      of PA-6 on cardiac repolarization and conduction in Langendorff-perfused guinea
      pig hearts. PA-6 (200 nm) or vehicle was perfused into ex-vivo guinea pig hearts
      for 60 min. Hearts were optically mapped with di-4-ANEPPS to quantify CV and APD
      at 90% repolarization (APD90). Ventricular APD90 was significantly prolonged in
      hearts treated with PA-6 (115 +/- 2% of baseline; P < 0.05), but not vehicle (105
      +/- 2% of baseline). PA-6 slightly, but significantly, increased transverse CV by
      7%. PA-6 significantly prolonged APD90 during hypokalemia (2 mmol/L [K+]o),
      although to a lesser degree than observed at 4.56 mmol/L [K+]o In contrast, the
      effect of PA-6 on CV was more pronounced during hypokalemia, where transverse CV
      with PA-6 (24 +/- 2 cm/sec) was significantly faster than with vehicle (13 +/- 3
      cm/sec, P < 0.05). These results show that under normokalemic conditions, PA-6
      significantly prolonged APD90, whereas its effect on CV was modest. During
      hypokalemia, PA-6 prolonged APD90 to a lesser degree, but profoundly increased CV
      Thus, in intact guinea pig hearts, the electrophysiologic effects of the IK1
      inhibitor, PA-6, are [K+]o-dependent.

PMID- 28087820
TI  - Emerging functional roles of nuclear receptors in breast cancer.
AB  - Nuclear receptors (NRs) have been targets of intensive drug development for
      decades due to their roles as key regulators of multiple developmental,
      physiological and disease processes. In breast cancer, expression of the estrogen
      and progesterone receptor remains clinically important in predicting prognosis
      and determining therapeutic strategies. More recently, there is growing evidence
      supporting the involvement of multiple nuclear receptors other than the estrogen
      and progesterone receptors, in the regulation of various processes important to
      the initiation and progression of breast cancer. We review new insights into the
      mechanisms of action of NRs made possible by recent advances in genomic
      technologies and focus on the emerging functional roles of NRs in breast cancer
      biology, including their involvement in circadian regulation, metabolic
      reprogramming and breast cancer migration and metastasis.

PMID- 28087821
TI  - Selection of first-line therapy in multiple sclerosis using risk-benefit decision
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To integrate long-term measures of disease-modifying drug efficacy and
      risk to guide selection of first-line treatment of multiple sclerosis. METHODS:
      We created a Markov decision model to evaluate disability worsening and
      progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) risk in patients receiving
      natalizumab (NTZ), fingolimod (FGL), or glatiramer acetate (GA) over 30 years.
      Leveraging publicly available data, we integrated treatment utility, disability
      worsening, and risk of PML into quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). We performed
      sensitivity analyses varying PML risk, mortality and morbidity, and relative risk
      of disease worsening across clinically relevant ranges. RESULTS: Over the entire
      reported range of NTZ-associated PML risk, NTZ as first-line therapy is predicted
      to provide a greater net benefit (15.06 QALYs) than FGL (13.99 QALYs) or GA
      (12.71 QALYs) treatment over 30 years, after accounting for loss of QALYs due to
      PML or death (resulting from all causes). NTZ treatment is associated with
      delayed worsening to an Expanded Disability Status Scale score >=6.0 vs FGL or GA
      (22.7, 17.0, and 12.4 years, respectively). Compared to untreated patients, NTZ
      treated patients have a greater relative risk of death in the early years of
      treatment that varies according to PML risk profile. CONCLUSIONS: NTZ as a first
      line treatment is associated with the highest net benefit across full ranges of
      PML risk, mortality, and morbidity compared to FGL or GA. Integrated modeling of
      long-term treatment risks and benefits informs stratified clinical decision
      making and can support patient counseling on selection of first-line treatment
      options.

PMID- 28087822
TI  - Amygdala and hippocampus are symptomatogenic zones for central apneic seizures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify limbic sites of respiratory control in the human brain,
      and by extension, the symptomatogenic zone for central apnea. METHODS: We used
      direct stimulation of anatomically, precisely placed stereotactic EEG electrodes
      to analyze breathing responses. We prospectively studied 3 patients who were
      explored with stereotactically implanted depth electrodes. The amygdala and
      hippocampus, as well as extralimbic sites (orbitofrontal, temporal tip, and
      temporal neocortex), were investigated. RESULTS: Individual stimulation of the
      amygdala and hippocampal head consistently elicited central apnea in the
      expiratory phase, as did exquisitely focal hippocampal seizures. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings confirm that hippocampus and amygdala are limbic breathing control
      sites in humans, as well as the symptomatogenic zone for central apneic seizures.

PMID- 28087823
TI  - Prognosis of carotid dissecting aneurysms: Results from CADISS and a systematic
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the natural history of dissecting aneurysm (DA) and
      whether DA is associated with an increased recurrent stroke risk and whether type
      of antithrombotic drugs (antiplatelets vs anticoagulants) modifies the
      persistence or development of DA. METHODS: We included 264 patients with
      extracranial cervical artery dissection (CAD) from the Cervical Artery Dissection
      in Stroke Study (CADISS), a multicenter prospective study that compared
      antiplatelet with anticoagulation therapy. Logistic regression was used to
      estimate age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios. We conducted a systematic review of
      published studies assessing the natural history of DA and stroke risk in patients
      with non-surgically-treated extracranial CAD with DA. RESULTS: In CADISS, DA was
      present in 24 of 264 patients at baseline. In 36 of 248 patients with follow-up
      neuroimaging at 3 months, 12 of the 24 baseline DAs persisted, and 24 new DA had
      developed. There was no association between treatment allocation (antiplatelets
      vs anticoagulants) and whether DA at baseline persisted at follow-up or whether
      new DA developed. During 12 months of follow-up, stroke occurred in 1 of 48
      patients with DA and in 7 of 216 patients without DA (age- and sex-adjusted odds
      ratio 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.10-7.31; p = 0.88). Published studies,
      mainly retrospective, showed a similarly low risk of stroke and no evidence of an
      increased stroke rate in patients with DA. CONCLUSIONS: The results of CADISS
      provide evidence suggesting that DAs may have benign prognosis and therefore
      medical treatment should be considered.

PMID- 28087824
TI  - Neuropathology of SUDEP: Role of inflammation, blood-brain barrier impairment,
      and hypoxia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To seek a neuropathologic signature of sudden unexpected death in
      epilepsy (SUDEP) in a postmortem cohort by use of immunohistochemistry for
      specific markers of inflammation, gliosis, acute neuronal injury due to hypoxia,
      and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, enabling the generation of hypotheses
      about potential mechanisms of death in SUDEP. METHODS: Using
      immunohistochemistry, we investigated the expression of 6 markers (CD163, human
      leukocyte antigen-antigen D related, glial fibrillary acid protein, hypoxia
      inducible factor-1alpha [HIF-1alpha], immunoglobulin G, and albumin) in the
      hippocampus, amygdala, and medulla in 58 postmortem cases: 28 SUDEP (definite and
      probable), 12 epilepsy controls, and 18 nonepileptic sudden death controls. A
      semiquantitative measure of immunoreactivity was scored for all markers used, and
      quantitative image analysis was carried out for selected markers. RESULTS:
      Immunoreactivity was observed for all markers used within all studied brain
      regions and groups. Immunoreactivity for inflammatory reaction, BBB leakage, and
      HIF-1alpha in SUDEP cases was not different from that seen in control groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study represents a starting point to explore by
      immunohistochemistry the mechanisms underlying SUDEP in human brain tissue. Our
      approach highlights the potential and importance of considering
      immunohistochemical analysis to help identify biomarkers of SUDEP. Our results
      suggest that with the markers used, there is no clear immunohistochemical
      signature of SUDEP in human brain.

PMID- 28087825
TI  - Incidence and predictors of epilepsy after pediatric arterial ischemic stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the cumulative incidence and clinical predictors of
      remote symptomatic seizures and epilepsy after pediatric arterial ischemic stroke
      (AIS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 218 participants with
      neonatal AIS (NAIS), presumed perinatal AIS (PPAIS), and childhood AIS (CAIS)
      from a single-center prospective consecutive cohort enrolled from 2006 to 2014.
      Medical records were reviewed for timing, semiology, and treatment of acute
      symptomatic seizures, remote symptomatic seizures (RSS), and epilepsy. Cumulative
      incidence of RSS and epilepsy were assessed using survival analysis. RESULTS:
      Acute symptomatic seizures occurred in 94% of NAIS (n = 70/74) and 17% of CAIS (n
      = 18/105). Younger children were more likely to present with seizures at stroke
      ictus, and acute symptomatic seizures were predictive of later RSS and epilepsy
      in CAIS. Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 34 months, interquartile
      range 44.9 months (16.3-61.2). Estimated cumulative incidence of RSS at 2 years
      was 19% in NAIS, 24% in PPAIS, and 7% in CAIS. Estimated cumulative incidence of
      epilepsy at 2 years was 11% in NAIS, 19% in PPAIS, and 7% in CAIS. The median
      time to these outcomes was <2 years in all stroke subtypes. Among participants
      developing epilepsy (n = 34), seizures were often well-controlled at last follow
      up with median Engel class of <=2 (<1 seizure/month). CONCLUSIONS: RSS and
      epilepsy are important neurologic sequelae of pediatric AIS. Children with
      perinatal stroke and CAIS with acute symptomatic seizures are at increased risk
      of these outcomes. These cohorts need further study to identify biomarkers and
      potential therapeutic targets for epileptogenesis.

PMID- 28087826
TI  - Comparison of brain MRI findings with language and motor function in the
      dystroglycanopathies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectrum of brain MRI findings in a cohort of
      individuals with dystroglycanopathies (DGs) and relate MRI results to function.
      METHODS: All available brain MRIs done for clinical indications on individuals
      enrolled in a DG natural history study (NCT00313677) were reviewed. Reports were
      reviewed when MRI was not available. MRIs were categorized as follows: (1)
      cortical, brainstem, and cerebellar malformations; (2) cortical and cerebellar
      malformations; or (3) normal. Language development was assigned to 1 of 3
      categories by a speech pathologist. Maximal motor function and presence of
      epilepsy were determined by history or examination. RESULTS: Twenty-five MRIs and
      9 reports were reviewed. The most common MRI abnormalities were cobblestone
      cortex or dysgyria with an anterior-posterior gradient and cerebellar hypoplasia.
      Seven individuals had MRIs in group 1, 8 in group 2, and 19 in group 3. Language
      was impaired in 100% of those in MRI groups 1 and 2, and degree of language
      impairment correlated with severity of imaging. Eighty-five percent of the whole
      group achieved independent walking, but only 33% did in group 1. Epilepsy was
      present in 8% of the cohort and rose to 37% of those with an abnormal MRI.
      CONCLUSIONS: Developmental abnormalities of the brain such as cobblestone
      lissencephaly, cerebellar cysts, pontine hypoplasia, and brainstem bowing are
      hallmarks of DG and should prompt consideration of these diagnoses. Brain imaging
      in individuals with DG helps to predict outcomes, especially language
      development, aiding clinicians in prognostic counseling.

PMID- 28087827
TI  - Neuropsychological outcome following frontal lobectomy for pharmacoresistant
      epilepsy in adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This retrospective cohort study characterized cognitive and motor
      outcomes in a large sample of adults who underwent frontal lobe resections for
      treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. METHODS: Ninety patients who underwent
      unilateral frontal lobe resection for epilepsy (42 language-dominant
      hemisphere/48 nondominant hemisphere) between 1989 and 2014 completed
      comprehensive preoperative and postoperative neuropsychological evaluations that
      included measures of verbal and nonverbal intellectual functioning,
      attention/working memory, processing speed, language, executive functioning,
      verbal and visual memory, and motor functioning. Objective methods were used to
      assess meaningful change across a wide range of abilities and to identify factors
      associated with neuropsychological decline following frontal lobectomy. Detailed
      postoperative neuroimaging analysis was conducted to characterize region, extent,
      and volume of resection. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of patients did not
      demonstrate meaningful postoperative declines in cognition and an additional 42%
      demonstrated decline in 1 or 2 cognitive domains. When cognitive decline was
      observed, it usually occurred on measures of intelligence, visuomotor processing
      speed, or executive functioning. Side and site of resection were unrelated to
      cognitive outcome, but played a role in decline of contralateral manual dexterity
      following supplementary motor area resection. Higher preoperative ability, older
      age at surgery, absence of a malformation of cortical development on MRI, and
      poor seizure outcome were related to cognitive decline on some measures, but had
      poor sensitivity in identifying at-risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority
      of patients who undergo frontal lobectomy for treatment of pharmacoresistant
      epilepsy demonstrate good cognitive and motor outcomes.

PMID- 28087828
TI  - TDP-43 pathology and memory impairment in elders without pathologic diagnoses of
      AD or FTLD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43)
      pathology with memory, other cognitive domains, and dementia in community
      dwelling elders without pathologic diagnoses of Alzheimer disease (AD) or
      frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). METHODS: Of 1,058 autopsied
      participants, 343 (32.4%) did not have pathologic diagnoses of AD or FTLD.
      Diagnosis of dementia was based on clinical evaluation and cognitive performance
      tests, which were used to create summary measures of global cognition and of 5
      cognitive domains. TDP-43 pathology evaluated in 6 brain regions by
      immunohistochemistry was converted into a summary measure of TDP-43 severity.
      RESULTS: Of 343 participants, 135 (39.4%) had TDP-43 pathology with a mean TDP-43
      severity score of 0.394 (SD 0.490). TDP-43 inclusions were confined to the
      amygdala (stage 1) in 43.7% of participants, 40% showed additional involvement of
      the hippocampus or entorhinal cortex (stages 2), while fewer (16.3%) showed
      additional TDP-43 pathology in the temporal and frontal cortices (stage 3).
      Severity of TDP-43 pathology was independently related to lower function in
      global cognition and episodic and semantic memory while increased odds of
      dementia was only a trend. When participants with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) were
      excluded from the models, TDP-43 pathology remained associated with lower
      episodic memory but relationships with global cognition, semantic memory, and
      dementia were attenuated. CONCLUSIONS: TDP-43 pathology in elders, without
      pathologic diagnoses of AD or FTLD, is common and independently associated with
      lower function in episodic memory, while its associations with global cognitive
      impairment and dementia are difficult to separate from HS.

PMID- 28087829
TI  - Tracheophytes Contain Conserved Orthologs of a Basic Helix-Loop-Helix
      Transcription Factor That Modulate ROOT HAIR SPECIFIC Genes.
AB  - ROOT HAIR SPECIFIC (RHS) genes, which contain the root hair-specific cis-element
      (RHE) in their regulatory regions, function in root hair morphogenesis. Here, we
      demonstrate that an Arabidopsis thaliana basic helix-loop-helix transcription
      factor, ROOT HAIR DEFECTVE SIX-LIKE4 (RSL4), directly binds to the RHE in vitro
      and in vivo, upregulates RHS genes, and stimulates root hair formation in
      Arabidopsis. Orthologs of RSL4 from a eudicot (poplar [Populus trichocarpa]), a
      monocot (rice [Oryza sativa]), and a lycophyte (Selaginella moellendorffii) each
      restored root hair growth in the Arabidopsis rsl4 mutant. In addition, the rice
      and S. moellendorffii RSL4 orthologs bound to the RHE in in vitro and in vivo
      assays. The RSL4 orthologous genes contain RHEs in their promoter regions, and
      RSL4 was able to bind to its own RHEs in vivo and amplify its own expression.
      This process likely provides a positive feedback loop for sustainable root hair
      growth. When RSL4 and its orthologs were expressed in cells in non-root-hair
      positions, they induced ectopic root hair growth, indicating that these genes are
      sufficient to specify root hair formation. Our results suggest that RSL4 mediates
      root hair formation by regulating RHS genes and that this mechanism is conserved
      throughout the tracheophyte (vascular plant) lineage.

PMID- 28087831
TI  - A Tale of Two CENPCs: Centromere Localization of KINETOCHORE NULL2 and CENP-C.

PMID- 28087830
TI  - Recognition of the Magnaporthe oryzae Effector AVR-Pia by the Decoy Domain of the
      Rice NLR Immune Receptor RGA5.
AB  - Nucleotide binding domain and leucine-rich repeat proteins (NLRs) are important
      receptors in plant immunity that allow recognition of pathogen effectors. The
      rice (Oryza sativa) NLR RGA5 recognizes the Magnaporthe oryzae effector AVR-Pia
      through direct interaction. Here, we gained detailed insights into the molecular
      and structural bases of AVR-Pia-RGA5 interaction and the role of the RATX1 decoy
      domain of RGA5. NMR titration combined with in vitro and in vivo protein-protein
      interaction analyses identified the AVR-Pia interaction surface that binds to the
      RATX1 domain. Structure-informed AVR-Pia mutants showed that, although AVR-Pia
      associates with additional sites in RGA5, binding to the RATX1 domain is
      necessary for pathogen recognition but can be of moderate affinity. Therefore,
      RGA5-mediated resistance is highly resilient to mutations in the effector. We
      propose a model that explains such robust effector recognition as a consequence,
      and an advantage, of the combination of integrated decoy domains with additional
      independent effector-NLR interactions.

PMID- 28087832
TI  - Comparison of cardiovascular risk algorithms in patients with vs without
      rheumatoid arthritis and the role of C-reactive protein in predicting
      cardiovascular outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Objectives: The aims were to compare the performance of cardiovascular risk
      calculators, Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and QRISK2, in RA and matched non-RA
      patients and to evaluate whether their performance could be enhanced by the
      addition of CRP. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis, using a clinical
      practice data set linked to Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data from the UK.
      Patients presenting with at least one RA diagnosis code and no prior
      cardiovascular events were matched to non-RA patients using disease risk scores.
      The overall performance of the FRS and QRISK2 was compared between cohorts, and
      assessed with and without CRP in the RA cohort using C-Index, Akaike Information
      Criterion (AIC) and the net reclassification index (NRI). Results: Four thousand
      seven hundred and eighty RA patients met the inclusion criteria and were followed
      for a mean of 3.8 years. The C-Index for the FRS in the non-RA and RA cohort was
      0.783 and 0.754 (P < 0.001) and that of the QRISK2 was 0.770 and 0.744 (P <
      0.001), respectively. Log[CRP] was positively associated with cardiovascular
      events, but improvements in the FRS and QRISK2 C-Indices as a result of inclusion
      of CRP were small, from 0.764 to 0.767 (P = 0.026) for FRS and from 0.764 to
      0.765 (P = 0.250) for QRISK2. The NRI was 3.2% (95% CI: -2.8, 5.7%) for FRS and 
      2.0% (95% CI: -5.8, 4.5%) for QRISK2. Conclusion: The C-Index for the FRS and
      QRISK2 was significantly better in the non-RA compared with RA patients. The
      addition of CRP in both equations was not associated with a significant
      improvement in reclassification based on NRI.

PMID- 28087833
TI  - Dysregulation of MAP Kinase Signaling Pathways Including p38MAPK, SAPK/JNK, and
      ERK1/2 in Cultured Rat Cerebellar Astrocytes Exposed to Diphenylarsinic Acid.
AB  - Diphenylarsinic acid (DPAA) was a major compound found in the arsenic poisoning
      incident that occurred in Kamisu, Ibaraki, Japan in 2003. People exposed to DPAA
      via contaminated well water suffered from several neurological disorders,
      including cerebellar symptoms. We previously reported that DPAA induces cellular
      activation in cultured rat cerebellar astrocytes, dose-dependent promotion of
      cell growth (low DPAA), cell death (high DPAA), and increased phosphorylation of
      mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (p38MAPK, SAPK/JNK, and ERK1/2).
      Moreover, DPAA induces up-regulation of oxidative stress-counteracting proteins,
      activation of CREB phosphorylation, increased protein expression of c-Jun and c
      Fos, and aberrant secretion of brain-active cytokines (MCP-1, adrenomedullin,
      FGF2, CXCL1, and IL-6). Here, we explored the role of MAP kinases in DPAA-induced
      activation of astrocytes using specific MAP kinase signaling inhibitors [SB203580
      (p38MAPK), SP600125 (SAPK/JNK), SCH772984 (ERK1/2), and U0126 (MEK1/2, a kinase
      for ERK1/2)]. DPAA-induced activation of MAP kinases had little contribution to
      DPAA-induced cell growth and death. On the other hand, a power relationship among
      MAP kinases was also observed, in which p38MAPK suppressed DPAA-induced SAPK/JNK
      and ERK1/2 activation, whereas ERK1/2 and MEK1/2 facilitated p38MAPK and SAPK/JNK
      activation. In addition, SAPK/JNK had minimal effects on the activation of other
      MAP kinases. DPAA-induced activation of transcription factors and secretion of
      brain-active cytokines were submissively but intricately dominated by MAP
      kinases. Collectively, our results indicate that DPAA-induced activation of MAP
      kinases is neither a cell growth-promoting response nor a cytoprotective one but
      leads to transcriptional disruption and aberrant secretion of brain-active
      cytokines in cerebellar astrocytes.

PMID- 28087834
TI  - Environmental Deflection: The Impact of Toxicant Exposures on the Aging
      Epigenome.
AB  - Epigenetic drift and age-related methylation have both been used in the
      literature to describe changes in DNA methylation that occurs with aging.
      However, ambiguity remains regarding the exact definition of both of these terms,
      and neither of these fields of study explicitly considers the impact of
      environmental factors on the aging epigenome. Recent twin studies have
      demonstrated longitudinal, pair-specific discordance in DNA methylation patterns,
      suggesting an effect of the environment on age-related methylation and/or
      epigenetic drift. Supporting this idea, other new reports have shown clear
      environment- and toxicant-mediated shifts away from the baseline rates of age
      related methylation and epigenetic drift within an organism, a process we now
      term "environmental deflection." By defining and delineating environmental
      deflection, this contemporary review aims to highlight the effects of specific
      toxicological factors on the rate of DNA methylation changes that occur over the
      life course. In an effort to inform future epigenetics-based toxicology studies,
      a field of research now classified as toxicoepigenetics, we provide clear
      definitions and examples of "epigenetic drift" and "age-related methylation,"
      summarize the recent evidence for environmental deflection of the aging
      epigenome, and discuss the potential functional effects of environmental
      deflection.

PMID- 28087835
TI  - Study of TiO2 P25 Nanoparticles Genotoxicity on Lung, Blood, and Liver Cells in
      Lung Overload and Non-Overload Conditions After Repeated Respiratory Exposure in
      Rats.
AB  - Inhaled titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) can have negative health
      effects, and have been shown to cause respiratory tract cancer in rats.
      Inflammation has been linked to oxidative stress, and both have been described as
      possible mechanisms for genotoxicity of NPs, but rarely examined side-by-side in
      animal studies. In the present study, a wide range of complementary endpoints
      have been performed to study TiO2 P25 NP-induced genotoxicity in lung overload
      and non-overload conditions. Additionally, lung burden, inflammation,
      cytotoxicity and oxidative stress have also been evaluated in order to link
      genotoxicity with these responses. To assess quick and delayed responses after
      recovery, endpoints were evaluated at two time points: 2 h and 35 days after
      three repeated instillations. This study confirmed the previously described lung
      overload threshold at approximately 200-300 cm2 of lung burden for total particle
      surface area lung deposition or 4.2 ul/kg for volume-based cumulative lung
      exposure dose, above which lung clearance is impaired and inflammation is
      induced. Our results went on to show that these overload doses induced delayed
      genotoxicity in lung, associated with persistent inflammation only at the highest
      dose. The lowest tested doses had no toxicity or genotoxicity effects in the
      lung. In blood, no lymphocyte DNA damage, erythrocytes chromosomal damage or gene
      mutation could be detected. Our data also demonstrated that only overload doses
      induced liver DNA lesions irrespective of the recovery time. Tested doses of TiO2
      P25 NPs did not induce glutathione changes in lung, blood or liver at both
      recovery times.

PMID- 28087837
TI  - Editor's Highlight: Off-Target Effects of Neuroleptics and Antidepressants on
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Over the past years, the use of antidepressants and neuroleptics has steadily
      increased. Although incredibly useful to treat disorders like depression,
      schizophrenia, epilepsy, or mental retardation, these drugs display many side
      effects. Toxicogenomic studies aim to limit this problem by trying to identify
      cellular targets and off-targets of medical compounds. The baker yeast
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been shown to be a key player in this approach, as
      it represents an incredible toolbox for the dissection of complex biological
      processes. Moreover, the evolutionary conservation of many pathways allows the
      translation of yeast data to the human system. In this paper, a better attention
      was paid to chlorpromazine, as it still is one of the most widely used drug in
      therapy. The results of a toxicogenomic screening performed on a yeast mutants
      collection treated with chlorpromazine were instrumental to identify a set of
      genes for further analyses. For this purpose, a multidisciplinary approach was
      used based on growth phenotypes identification, Gene Ontology search, and network
      analysis. Then, the impacts of three antidepressants (imipramine, doxepin, and
      nortriptyline) and three neuroleptics (promazine, chlorpromazine, and
      promethazine) on S. cerevisiae were compared through physiological analyses,
      microscopy characterization, and transcriptomic studies. Data highlight key
      differences between neuroleptics and antidepressants, but also between the
      individual molecules. By performing a network analysis on the human homologous
      genes, it emerged that genes and proteins involved in the Notch pathway are
      possible off-targets of these molecules, along with key regulatory proteins.

PMID- 28087838
TI  - From the Cover: Does the Assessment of Nondisjunction Provide a More Sensitive
      Assay for the Detection of Aneugens?
AB  - The detection of aneugenic chemicals is important due to the implications of
      aneuploidy for human health. Aneuploidy can result from chromosome loss or
      nondisjunction due to chromosome mis-segregation at anaphase. Frequently,
      aneugens are detected using the in vitro micronucleus assay (IVM), with either
      centromere or kinetochore labeling. However, this method does not consider
      nondisjunction, the suggested predominant mechanism of spindle poison induced
      aneugenicity in primary human lymphocytes. Therefore, the IVM may be relatively
      insensitive in detecting aneuploidy. To investigate whether chromosome
      distribution analysis, specifically of nondisjunction, using chromosome-specific
      centromeric probes provides a more sensitive assay for aneugen detection, six
      reference aneugens with differing modes of action were tested on human
      lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. The results show that chromosome loss is a substantial
      part of the process leading to aneuploidy in TK6 cells. This differs from
      previous studies on human lymphocytes where nondisjunction has been described as
      the major mechanism of aneugenicity. However, in the current study more cells and
      types of aneugenic damage were analyzed. Although compound specific effects on
      nondisjunction were identified, chromosome distribution analysis did not provide
      increased sensitivity for the detection of aneugens: For the six reference
      aneugens examined, chromosome loss was shown at the same concentrations or lower
      than nondisjunction, even when nondisjunction levels were comparatively high.
      Therefore, in TK6 cells methods that detect chromosome loss, eg, the IVM, provide
      a more sensitive technique for the detection of aneugens than the measurement of
      nondisjunction.

PMID- 28087836
TI  - Neuropathological Consequences of Gestational Exposure to Concentrated Ambient
      Fine and Ultrafine Particles in the Mouse.
AB  - Increasing evidence indicates that the central nervous system (CNS) is a target
      of air pollution. We previously reported that postnatal exposure of mice to
      concentrated ambient ultrafine particles (UFP; <=100 nm) via the University of
      Rochester HUCAPS system during a critical developmental window of CNS
      development, equivalent to human 3rd trimester, produced male-predominant
      neuropathological and behavioral characteristics common to multiple
      neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in
      humans. The current study sought to determine whether vulnerability to fine
      (<=2.5 MUm) and UFP air pollution exposure extends to embryonic periods of brain
      development in mice, equivalent to human 1st and 2nd trimesters. Pregnant mice
      were exposed 6 h/day from gestational days (GDs) 0.5-16.5 using the New York
      University VACES system to concentrated ambient fine/ultrafine particles at an
      average concentration of 92.69 MUg/m3 over the course of the exposure period. At
      postnatal days (PNDs) 11-15, neuropathological consequences were characterized.
      Gestational air pollution exposures produced ventriculomegaly, increased corpus
      callosum (CC) area and reduced hippocampal area in both sexes. Both sexes
      demonstrated CC hypermyelination and increased microglial activation and reduced
      total CC microglia number. Analyses of iron deposition as a critical component of
      myelination revealed increased iron deposition in the CC of exposed female
      offspring, but not in males. These findings demonstrate that vulnerability of the
      brain to air pollution extends to gestation and produces features of several
      neurodevelopmental disorders in both sexes. Further, they highlight the
      importance of the commonalities of components of particulate matter exposures as
      a source of neurotoxicity and common CNS alterations.

PMID- 28087839
TI  - Understanding the Property-Activity Relationships of Polyhedral Cuprous Oxide
      Nanocrystals in Terms of Reactive Crystallographic Facets.
AB  - The property-activity relationship is usually established to understand the
      toxicity mechanism of nanomaterials. In the present study, different
      morphological Cu2O nanocrystals, octahedrons, truncated octahedrons,
      cuboctahedrons, and cubes, were synthesized to precisely tuning the {100} and
      {111} facet percentages in purpose of systematically investigating the toxicity
      role of crystallographic facets in BEAS-2B and RAW 264.7 cells. It was found that
      the toxicity of polyhedral Cu2O nanocrystals was highly dependent on the exposed
      {100} surface after short-term exposure because {100} facets could produce more
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) than {111} facets; however, after long-term
      exposure, their toxicity showed again the correlation with total surface property
      because toxic copper ions were largely released from the whole nanocrystal
      surface irrespective of {100} or {111} facet and this copper dissolution caused
      the collapse of surface crystals and the vanishing of ROS. This study reveals the
      potential hazard of crystallographic facets based on ROS and metal dissolution
      mechanism at the different exposure time.

PMID- 28087840
TI  - Vibrio cholerae Cholix Toxin-Induced HepG2 Cell Death is Enhanced by Tumor
      Necrosis Factor-Alpha Through ROS and Intracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases.
AB  - Cholix toxin (Cholix) from Vibrio cholerae is a potent virulence factor
      exhibiting ADP-ribosyltransferase activity on eukaryotic elongation factor 2
      (eEF2) of host cells, resulting in the inhibition of protein synthesis.
      Administration of Cholix or its homologue Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PEA) to mice
      causes lethal hepatocyte damage. In this study, we demonstrate cytotoxicity of
      Cholix on human hepatocytes in the presence of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF
      alpha), which has been reported to play a fatal role in PEA administered to mice.
      Compared with incubating HepG2 cells with Cholix alone, co-treatment with TNF
      alpha and Cholix (TNF-alpha/Cholix) significantly enhanced the activation of
      caspases, cytochrome c release from mitochondria into cytoplasm, and poly-ADP
      ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, while incubation with TNF-alpha alone or co
      treatment with TNF-alpha/catalytically inactive Cholix did not. In the early
      stage of cell death, Cholix increased phosphorylation of mitogen-activated
      protein kinases (e.g., p38, ERK, JNK) and Akt, which was not affected by TNF
      alpha alone. MAPK inhibitors (SP600125, SB20852, and U0126) suppressed PARP
      cleavage induced by TNF-alpha/Cholix. Protein kinase inhibitor Go6976 suppressed
      JNK phosphorylation and PARP cleavage by TNF-alpha/Cholix. In contrast, PKC
      activator PMA in the absence of TNF-alpha promoted Cholix-induced PARP cleavage.
      Reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), suppressed TNF
      alpha/Cholix-induced JNK and ERK phosphorylation, resulting in inhibition of PARP
      cleavage. These data suggest that ROS and JNK pathways are important mediators of
      TNF-alpha/Cholix-induced HepG2 cell death.

PMID- 28087843
TI  - Recovery of H-Reflex with Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection in S1
      Radiculopathy.

PMID- 28087841
TI  - Single-cell transcriptome analysis of fish immune cells provides insight into the
      evolution of vertebrate immune cell types.
AB  - The immune system of vertebrate species consists of many different cell types
      that have distinct functional roles and are subject to different evolutionary
      pressures. Here, we first analyzed conservation of genes specific for all major
      immune cell types in human and mouse. Our results revealed higher gene turnover
      and faster evolution of trans-membrane proteins in NK cells compared with other
      immune cell types, and especially T cells, but similar conservation of nuclear
      and cytoplasmic protein coding genes. To validate these findings in a distant
      vertebrate species, we used single-cell RNA sequencing of lck:GFP cells in
      zebrafish and obtained the first transcriptome of specific immune cell types in a
      nonmammalian species. Unsupervised clustering and single-cell TCR locus
      reconstruction identified three cell populations, T cells, a novel type of NK
      like cells, and a smaller population of myeloid-like cells. Differential
      expression analysis uncovered new immune-cell-specific genes, including novel
      immunoglobulin-like receptors, and neofunctionalization of recently duplicated
      paralogs. Evolutionary analyses confirmed the higher gene turnover of trans
      membrane proteins in NK cells compared with T cells in fish species, suggesting
      that this is a general property of immune cell types across all vertebrates.

PMID- 28087844
TI  - High Abdominal Wall Pain: An Unusual Radiation in Thoracic Facet Joint Syndrome.

PMID- 28087842
TI  - Novel determinants of mammalian primary microRNA processing revealed by
      systematic evaluation of hairpin-containing transcripts and human genetic
      variation.
AB  - Mature microRNAs (miRNAs) are processed from hairpin-containing primary miRNAs
      (pri-miRNAs). However, rules that distinguish pri-miRNAs from other hairpin
      containing transcripts in the genome are incompletely understood. By developing a
      computational pipeline to systematically evaluate 30 structural and sequence
      features of mammalian RNA hairpins, we report several new rules that are
      preferentially utilized in miRNA hairpins and govern efficient pri-miRNA
      processing. We propose that a hairpin stem length of 36 +/- 3 nt is optimal for
      pri-miRNA processing. We identify two bulge-depleted regions on the miRNA stem,
      located ~16-21 nt and ~28-32 nt from the base of the stem, that are less tolerant
      of unpaired bases. We further show that the CNNC primary sequence motif
      selectively enhances the processing of optimal-length hairpins. We predict that a
      small but significant fraction of human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      alter pri-miRNA processing, and confirm several predictions experimentally
      including a disease-causing mutation. Our study enhances the rules governing
      mammalian pri-miRNA processing and suggests a diverse impact of human genetic
      variation on miRNA biogenesis.

PMID- 28087845
TI  - Waking EEG Cortical Markers of Chronic Pain and Sleepiness.
AB  - Objective: Spectral power analyses of EEG recordings are reported to distinguish
      the cortical activity of individuals with chronic pain from those of controls.
      Further study of these spectral patterns may provide a greater understanding of
      the processes associated with chronic pain, in addition to providing potential
      biometric markers of chronic pain for use in both clinical and research settings.
      However, sleep deprived groups have demonstrated similar characteristics in their
      spectral power characteristics, particularly in alpha bandwidth power activity.
      Methods: 103 individuals with chronic pain provided resting awake EEG data in
      addition to ratings of pain and sleep quality. Two Principal Axis Factor analyses
      using Promax rotation produced one pain and one sleep factor from relevant
      questionnaire data provided by participants. These factors were then used to test
      hypothesized relationships with alpha and theta bandwidth power at the frontal
      and parietal areas of the cortex. Results: Our findings suggest that reductions
      in alpha bandwidth power are independently associated with both chronic pain
      intensity ratings and measures of sleep deficits. Conversely, theta bandwidth
      power was not found to be associated with either chronic pain or sleep quality
      measures. Conclusions: This study's findings support that chronic pain intensity
      and sleep deficits are related to the Alpha spectral bandwidth activity in
      individuals with chronic pain.

PMID- 28087846
TI  - Pregabaline as a Rare Cause of Hepatotoxicity.

PMID- 28087848
TI  - Correction to: "Early Administration of Carvedilol Protected against Doxorubicin
      Induced Cardiomyopathy."

PMID- 28087847
TI  - Addressing Disparities in Low Back Pain Care by Developing Culturally Appropriate
      Information for Aboriginal Australians: "My Back on Track, My Future".
AB  - Objectives: Addressing disparities in low back pain care (LBP) is an important
      yet largely unaddressed issue. One avenue to addressing disparities, recommended
      by clinical guidelines, is to ensure that LBP information is culturally
      appropriate. Our objectives were, first, to develop LBP information that was
      culturally appropriate for Aboriginal Australians living in a rural area and,
      second, to compare this to traditional information. Methods: The overall
      information development process was guided by a "cultural security" framework and
      included partnerships between Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal investigators, a
      synthesis of research evidence, and participation of a project steering group
      consisting of local Aboriginal people. LBP information (entitled My Back on
      Track, My Future [MBOT]) was developed as five short audio-visual scenarios,
      filmed using Aboriginal community actors. A qualitative randomized crossover
      design compared MBOT with an evidence-based standard (the Back Book [BB]). Twenty
      Aboriginal adults participated. Qualitatively we ascertained which information
      participants' preferred and why, perceptions about each resource, and LBP
      management. Results: Thirteen participants preferred MBOT, four the BB, two both,
      and one neither. Participants valued seeing "Aboriginal faces," language that was
      understandable, the visual format, and seeing Aboriginal people undertaking
      positive changes in MBOT. In contrast, many participants found the language and
      format of the BB a barrier. Participants who preferred the BB were more
      comfortable with written information and appreciated the detailed content.
      Conclusions: The MBOT information was more preferred and addressed important
      barriers to care, providing support for use in practice. Similar processes are
      needed to develop pain information for other cultural groups, particularly those
      underserved by existing approaches to care.

PMID- 28087849
TI  - Malaria Prevalence and Its Associated Risk Factors among Patients Attending
      Chichu and Wonago Health Centres, South Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There were about of 124 to 283 million cases of malaria with 367,000
      to 755,000 deaths annually. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malaria
      cases and associated risk factors among attendants at Chichu and Wonago health
      centers, South Ethiopia. METHODS: In this health institution based cross
      sectional study, 324 subjects, attendants from outpatient department who came for
      any kind of medical services, were included during May to June 2016. A blood film
      examination format and structured questionnaire were used for data collection.
      Peripheral blood samples were collected and the presence of malaria cases was
      observed microscopically. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.0.
      RESULTS: Malaria cases were detected in 91 (28.1%) of the participants with
      higher infection rate amongst (56.04%). The predominant Plasmodium species
      detected was P. vivax (52.75%) followed by P. falciparum (35.16%) and mixed
      malaria infection by both of the species (12.09%). Housing construction and not
      using of insecticide treated bed nets for the last 6 months were significantly
      associated with the risk of getting malaria. Individuals who had stagnant water
      in their compound were more likely to get malaria than those who did not
      (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.76). Houses that had been sprayed with insecticide in
      the past 6 months were protected against malaria infection (OR=0.33, 95% CI:
      0.11, 0.92). Moreover, bed net utilization was associated with a significantly
      lower risk of infection (OR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Type of
      housing construction, not using bed net, insecticide spraying and residing near
      stagnant water were associated risk factors with malaria positivity in the study
      area.

PMID- 28087850
TI  - A Hybrid ANN-GA Model to Prediction of Bivariate Binary Responses: Application to
      Joint Prediction of Occurrence of Heart Block and Death in Patients with
      Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In medical studies, when the joint prediction about occurrence of two
      events should be anticipated, a statistical bivariate model is used. Due to the
      limitations of usual statistical models, other methods such as Artificial Neural
      Network (ANN) and hybrid models could be used. In this paper, we propose a hybrid
      Artificial Neural Network-Genetic Algorithm (ANN-GA) model to prediction the
      occurrence of heart block and death in myocardial infarction (MI) patients
      simultaneously. METHODS: For fitting and comparing the models, 263 new patients
      with definite diagnosis of MI hospitalized in Cardiology Ward of Hajar Hospital,
      Shahrekord, Iran, from March, 2014 to March, 2016 were enrolled. Occurrence of
      heart block and death were employed as bivariate binary outcomes. Bivariate
      Logistic Regression (BLR), ANN and hybrid ANN-GA models were fitted to data.
      Prediction accuracy was used to compare the models. The codes were written in
      Matlab 2013a and Zelig package in R3.2.2. RESULTS: The prediction accuracy of
      BLR, ANN and hybrid ANN-GA models was obtained 77.7%, 83.69% and 93.85% for the
      training and 78.48%, 84.81% and 96.2% for the test data, respectively. In both
      training and test data set, hybrid ANN-GA model had better accuracy. CONCLUSIONS:
      ANN model could be a suitable alternative for modeling and predicting bivariate
      binary responses when the presuppositions of statistical models are not met in
      actual data. In addition, using optimization methods, such as hybrid ANN-GA
      model, could improve precision of ANN model.

PMID- 28087851
TI  - Effect of Educational Intervention on the Fruit and Vegetables Consumption among
      the Students: Applying Theory of Planned Behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The importance of consuming fruits and vegetables (F&V) in prevention
      of chronic diseases is known. Childhood play an important role in formation of
      healthy eating habits. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of
      education, with application of the theory of planned behavior, on improvement of
      F&V consumption. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 184 fourth, fifth,
      and sixth-grade students participated were enrolled from Jan 2013 to Jun 2014.
      The samples were selected from 6 schools in Chalderan County, West Azerbaijan,
      Iran through cluster random sampling method. Two out of 6 schools were randomly
      selected and each was employed in either experimental or control group. The data
      collection instruments included a researcher-made questionnaire and a 24-h F&V
      recall. Data were collected after verification of the reliability and validity of
      the questionnaire. RESULTS: Before the intervention, no significant difference
      was observed between the intervention and control group regarding attitude,
      subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention and fruits
      and vegetables consumption (P>0.05). However, after the educational intervention,
      the mean scores of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control,
      behavioral intention variables and fruits and vegetables were significantly
      higher in the intervention group when compared to the control group(P<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Increased behavioral intention, attitude, subjective norms, and
      perceived behavioral control can promote F&V consumption among the students.

PMID- 28087852
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Lighting Characteristics and Ultraviolet Emissions from
      Commercial Compact Fluorescent and Incandescent Lamps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some characteristics of lighting sources such as color properties and
      ultraviolet emissions have important roles on visual and non-visual health
      effects of lighting. This study aimed to investigate the light emissions of some
      compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and incandescent lamps commercially available to
      the Iranian consumers. METHODS: Sixty lamps included 48 single envelope CFLs, and
      12 incandescent lamps available in the electrical devices markets (in the west of
      Iran) were randomly selected from famous manufacturers between 2014 and 2015.
      Lighting characteristics and ultraviolet (UV) emissions were measured using
      spectroradiometer and calibrated radiometer, respectively. Data analysis was
      performed using SPSS16 software. RESULTS: Color-rendering indexes of the studied
      lamps were above 80, which showed good color properties. The daylight CFLs had
      more desirable and natural color temperature (near to 5000 0k) compared with the
      other types of the studied lamps. Occupational exposures for periods up 8 h to
      UVB from the studied lamps at distances up to 0.25 m were more than the
      recommended limits. Moreover, public exposures for periods up 16 h to UVB from
      the studied lamps at any distances up to 2 m were more than the recommended
      limits. CONCLUSIONS: Warm white lamps are suitable for homes usage, while
      daylight lamps can be used for offices rooms. Occupational exposure to single
      envelope CFLs near the body at distances of less than 25 cm can result in
      overexposure to actinic UV. Moreover, CFLs must be used at distances greater than
      200 cm for public exposure.

PMID- 28087853
TI  - A New Microwave Shield Preparation for Super High Frequency Range: Occupational
      Approach to Radiation Protection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Widespread use of X-band frequency (a part of the super high
      frequency microwave) in the various workplaces would contribute to occupational
      exposure with potential of adverse health effects.  According to limited study on
      microwave shielding for the workplace, this study tried to prepare a new
      microwave shielding for this purpose. METHODS: We used EI-403 epoxy thermosetting
      resin as a matrix and nickel oxide nanoparticle with the diameter of 15-35 nm as
      filler. The Epoxy/ Nickel oxide composites with 5, 7, 9 and 11 wt% were made in
      three different thicknesses (2, 4 and 6 mm). According to transmission /
      reflection method, shielding effectiveness (SE) in the X-band frequency range (8
      12.5 GHz) was measured by scattering parameters directly given by the 2-port
      Vector Network Analyzer. The fabricated composites characterized by X-ray
      Diffraction and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. RESULTS: The best
      average of shielding effectiveness in each thickness of fabricated composites
      obtained by 11%-2 mm, 7%-4 mm and 7%-6 mm composites with SE values of 46.80%,
      66.72% and 64.52%, respectively. In addition, the 11%-6 mm, 5%-6 mm and 11%-4 mm
      fabricated composites were able to attenuate extremely the incident microwave
      energy at 8.01, 8.51 and 8.53 GHz by SE of 84.14%, 83.57 and 81.30%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 7%-4mm composite could be introduced as a suitable
      alternative microwave shield in radiation protection topics in order to its
      proper SE and other preferable properties such as low cost and weight, resistance
      to corrosion etc. It is necessary to develop and investigate the efficacy of the
      fabricated composites in the fields by future studies.

PMID- 28087854
TI  - A Structural Equation Modeling of the Relationships between Depression, Drug
      Abuse and Social Support with Suicidal Ideation among Soldiers in Iran in 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Military service is a crucial period in the lives of young people and
      during this period soldier facing with multiple psychosocial problems.
      OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to explore structural analysis of the
      relationships between depression, drug abuse, social support and the risk of
      suicidal ideation among Military Medical University soldiers in Iran. METHODS: In
      the present correlational research, a sample of 176 soldiers, from three units,
      was selected using randomly stratified sampling. Data were collected through the
      Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II),
      the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS) and the Possibility of Drug Abuse Scale
      (LDAS). Structural equation modeling was used to test the fit of the model,
      identify direct and indirect effects of the psychosocial correlates. Data were
      analyzed using the SPSS and AMOS software (Verson22). RESULTS: out of the whole
      subjects, 28.4% had suicidal ideation and 65.3% had degrees of depression (mild
      to severe). A significant reverse relationship was observed between social
      support and suicidal ideation (p<0.05). The strongest relationship was detected
      between drug abuse and suicidal ideation. The final structural model indicated
      that 74% of the variance in suicidal ideation was explained by the three examined
      variables of depression, social support and drug abuse. CONCLUSIONS: The overall
      results showed that the risk of suicidal ideation, depression and drug abuse are
      relatively significant in Military Medical University soldiers requiring taking
      serious actions by the authorities and other relevant organizations in order to
      improve the psychosocial health status of these soldiers.

PMID- 28087855
TI  - Factors Associated with Hookah Use among Male High School Students: The Role of
      Demographic Characteristics and Hookah User and Non-User Prototypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As students' hookah use has become a widespread problem in the
      developing countries, it is time to understand the cognitive determinants of
      students' decisions to do so. This study aimed to investigate the roles of
      psychological and demographic factors associated with hookah use among male high
      school students. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was performed among
      601 high school male students, recruited through multistage sampling method in
      the Kermanshah City, west of Iran in 2016. The data-gathering tool consisted of a
      self-administered questionnaire with questions about hookah use behavior and
      demographic, behavioral and psychological variables. Data were analyzed using
      SPSS-18 software using chi-square and logistic regression. RESULTS: 36.1% of the
      participants reported ever hookah use and 17.1% mentioned using hookah in the
      past month. Pleasure (28.1%) and sensation seeking (22.5%) were common reasons of
      hookah use. In comparison to non-users, hookah users evaluated a typical hookah
      user as more clever, less immature, more popular, more attractive, more self
      confident, more independent, and less selfish (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results
      revealed the importance of psychological factors when examining students' hookah
      use status. Thus, design and implementation of interventions might be effective
      in prevention of hookah use among students.

PMID- 28087856
TI  - An Outbreak of Aeromonas hydrophila Food Poisoning in Deptsang Village, Samdrup
      Jongkhar, Bhutan, 2016.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An outbreak investigation was carried out to determine the cause and
      confirm the source of food poisoning in Deptsang village for implementing
      prevention and control measures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort
      study for the outbreak investigation. Stool specimens were collected from cases
      to perform culture and antibiogram. The team also inspected the environment and
      hygiene practices in both the construction site and the entire community. The
      association between the exposure to carcass meat and their outcome of acute
      gastroenteritis was assessed by risk ratio. P<0.05 was considered statistically
      significant. RESULTS: Fifty-five villagers consumed the carcass meat during lunch
      and dinner resulting in 33 cases. Multi-drug resistant Aeromonas hydrophila was
      isolated from stool specimens of cases, which were susceptible to chloramphenicol
      only. A risk ratio of 2.1 was found between those people who consumed the carcass
      meat and those who did not consume the carcass meat (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      current outbreak of food poisoning was caused by the consumption of carcass meat
      contaminated with A. hydrophila. Provision of health education with emphasis on
      food hygiene is needed in remote areas to prevent such outbreaks in the future.

PMID- 28087857
TI  - Predictors of Bone Mineral Density among Asian Indians in Northern Mississippi: A
      Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low
      bone mineral density (BMD) that leads to an increase in bone fragility, causing
      an individual to be at an increased risk for fractures. Asian-Indians are at an
      increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Considering the number of Asian
      Indians in the US is rapidly growing, they likely could be an underappreciated
      population at risk for bone fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate
      bone health and determine the factors affecting BMD in Asian-Indians living in
      the US. METHODS: Asian-Indians residing in Northern Mississippi (n = 87) were
      enrolled in this cross-sectional study from June 2013 to August 2014. Eligible
      participants completed a self-administered Osteoporosis Risk Factor Assessment
      questionnaire. BMD and body composition were measured using a dual energy x-ray
      absorptiometry scan (DXA). RESULTS: Eight-seven Asian-Indians (male: 62.1%)
      participated, with the average age being 28.49 yr old (SD = 6.62). Overall, 31.0%
      and 48.3% had low femoral neck BMD and spinal BMD, respectively. Multiple
      regression analysis revealed that age, percent body fat, and body mass index
      (BMI) significantly predicted BMD at femur neck (P<0.05). Additionally, percent
      body fat, BMI, childhood milk consumption, and gender were statistically
      significant predictors of spinal BMD (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from
      this study should be beneficial to healthcare providers that work with Asian
      Indian population groups. Health promotion programs focusing on osteoporosis
      prevention are needed among Asian-Indians to prevent the risk of fractures.

PMID- 28087858
TI  - Comment on: "Economic Burden of Thalassemia Major in Iran, 2015".
AB  - .

PMID- 28087859
TI  - Timeliness: The authors' vested right but the editors' last concern.
AB  - .

PMID- 28087860
TI  - Retraction note: Triptolide contributes to decrease in TLR4 expression by
      upregulating miR-224-3p to inhibit the inflammatory reaction in diabetic
      nephropathy.

PMID- 28087862
TI  - Is the Rx to blame for the patient's weight gain?
AB  - Avoid prescribing medications that can cause weight gain in overweight and obese
      patients when possible, use the lowest effective dose when such agents are
      necessary, and warn patients of this adverse effect so that they can take
      precautions, such as walking an extra mile a day or giving up that high-calorie
      latte in the morning.

PMID- 28087861
TI  - Jolkinolide A and Jolkinolide B Inhibit Proliferation of A549 Cells and Activity
      of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND Jolkinolide A (JA) and Jolkinolide B (JB) are diterpenoids extracted
      from the roots of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud and have been shown to have anti
      tumor activity. However, their effects on the ability of tumor cells to invade
      blood vessels and metastasize remain largely unknown. Investigations into the
      effects of JA and JB on the angiogenesis of tumor tissues may facilitate the
      identification of new natural drugs with anti-tumor growth and metastasis
      activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used different concentrations of JA and JB
      (20 MUg/ml, 40 MUg/ml, 60 MUg/ml, 80 MUg/ml, and 100 MUg/ml) to stimulate A549
      cells and then studied the effects on the growth and metastasis of lung cancers.
      In addition, we used conditional media from A549 cells (A549-CM) stimulated by
      either JA or JB in different concentrations to culture human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs). RESULTS We found that both JA and JB significantly
      inhibited the Akt-STAT3-mTOR signaling pathway and reduced the expression of VEGF
      in A549 cells, but JB exhibited more significant inhibitory effects than JA. The
      JB-stimulated A549 cell conditional media had a greater inhibitory effect on the
      proliferation and migration of HUVECs than did the conditional media of JA
      stimulated A549 cells. This effect gradually increased with increasing
      concentrations of either type of Jolkinolide. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest
      that JA and JB inhibited VEGF expression in A549 cells through the inhibition of
      the Akt-STAT3-mTOR signaling pathway, and directly inhibited the proliferation
      and migration of HUVECs. These findings are of great significance for the
      development of new plant-derived chemotherapy agents for the treatment of cancer.

PMID- 28087863
TI  - HIV update: Which single-tablet regimens, and when.
AB  - With the approval of single-tablet regimens that contain 3 or 4 drugs, many
      patients take just one pill a day. So what are the options and what's on the
      horizon?

PMID- 28087864
TI  - Drug-induced weight gain: Rethinking our choices.
AB  - Weight gain secondary to medications is a potentially modifiable risk. Here's how
      to optimize drug choices for patients with several common conditions.

PMID- 28087865
TI  - Recreational cannabinoid use: The hazards behind the "high".
AB  - Marijuana use can cause concerning physical, psychomotor, cognitive, and
      psychiatric effects, not to mention a near-doubling of car accidents.

PMID- 28087866
TI  - When can infants and children benefit from probiotics?
AB  - The latest studies indicate that probiotics can help with colic, eczema, and
      certain types of diarrhea. They may also help with upper respiratory infections
      and IBS pain.

PMID- 28087867
TI  - Persistent fever investigation saves patient's life.
AB  - A 47-year-old woman had been hospitalized one month earlier for lupus nephritis
      with a hypertensive emergency that led to a seizure. During this earlier
      hospitalization, she was given a diagnosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy
      syndrome.

PMID- 28087868
TI  - Mildly pruritic palmar rash.
AB  - After taking azithromycin and prednisone for lower respiratory symptoms, this
      patient developed a rash. The way it spread provided a diagnostic clue.

PMID- 28087869
TI  - Clinical Inquiry: Which patients with metabolic syndrome benefit from metformin?
AB  - In patients with metabolic syndrome who are in the highest-risk quartile for
      progression to diabetes (predicted mean 3-year risk, 60%), metformin, 850 mg
      twice daily, reduces the absolute risk by about 20% over a 3-year period.
      Metformin doesn't reduce the incidence in patients at lower risk of progression.

PMID- 28087870
TI  - PURLs: Deliver or wait with late preterm membrane rupture?
AB  - While ACOG recommends delivery for all women with ruptured membranes after 34
      weeks' gestation, a new study finds expectant management may be the way to go.

PMID- 28087871
TI  - Poison ivy: How effective are available treatments?
AB  - In this study, only one treatment approach significantly reduced pruritus. Three
      approaches were often associated with recurrences of rash or symptoms.

PMID- 28087872
TI  - Clinical Inquiry: How do clinical prediction rules compare with joint fluid
      analysis in diagnosing gout?
AB  - Clinical prediction rules effectively diagnose gout without joint fluid analysis.
      The American College of Rheumatology clinical prediction rules, the most accurate
      rules developed for research purposes, have a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of
      89%, positive likelihood ratio of 8.36, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.09.

PMID- 28087873
TI  - Clinical Inquiry: Which treatments are safe and effective for chronic sinusitis?
AB  - For adults with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), intranasal steroid (INS) therapy is
      more likely than placebo to improve symptoms.

PMID- 28087874
TI  - Two cases of asymmetric papules.
AB  - Both of these young patients presented with rashes that had spread from their
      abdomen to their arms and legs--but only on one side.

PMID- 28087875
TI  - What can we do about the Zika virus in the United States?
AB  - Control measures include using insect repellents, aerial spraying of
      insecticides, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, covering water tanks, and
      using mosquito nets or door and window screens. Infection during pregnancy is the
      greatest concern because of congenital anomalies (including microcephaly) that
      negatively affect brain development.

PMID- 28087876
TI  - A tricky interplay, indeed.
AB  - Despite the lack of evidence, some providers are still prescribing native vitamin
      D for their patients with chronic kidney disease for reasons unrelated to
      parathyroid hormone suppression.

PMID- 28087877
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - The article incorrectly stated: "Elevations of both fibroblast growth factor 23
      (FGF23) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) lead to hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia
      because of decreased urinary excretion of phosphorus." In fact, FGF23 normally
      acts to lower blood phosphate levels. Furthermore, an elevated phosphorus level
      causes an increase in serum calcium levels and not hypocalcemia. This information
      has been corrected in the online version of the article.

PMID- 28087878
TI  - Notice of retraction.
AB  - According to JAMA's retraction statement, the first author of the article
      admitted to data fabrication following an internal investigation.2 The source
      article does not provide subgroup analysis to determine how much of an effect the
      fabricated data may have had on the final reported outcome.

PMID- 28087879
TI  - Management of Daily Glycemic Fluctuations in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Traditional measures of overall glucose control, such as glycated hemoglobin
      (A1C), may not fully capture short-term, rapid changes in blood glucose. With the
      availability of multiple options to control A1C, glycemic fluctuations have
      emerged as an additional therapeutic goal for the management of type 2 diabetes
      (T2D).

PMID- 28087880
TI  - Direct Synthesis of Highly Designable Hybrid Metal Hydroxide Nanosheets by Using
      Tripodal Ligands as One-Size-Fits-All Modifiers.
AB  - Brucite-type layered metal hydroxides are prepared from diverse metallic elements
      and have outstanding functions; however, their poor intercalation ability
      significantly limits their chemical designability and the use of their
      potentially ultrahigh surface areas and unique properties as two-dimensional
      nanosheets. Here, we demonstrate that tripodal ligands (RC(CH2 OH)3 , R=NH2 , CH2
      OH, or NHC2 H4 SO3 H) are useful as "one-size-fits-all" modifiers for the direct
      synthesis of hybrid metal hydroxide nanosheets with various constituent metallic
      elements (M=Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, or Cu) and surface functional groups. The hybrid
      nanosheets are formed directly from solution phases, and they are stacked into a
      turbostratic layered structure. The ligands form tridentate Mg-O-C bonds with
      brucite layers. The hybrid brucite intercalates various molecules and is
      exfoliated into nanosheets at room temperature, although the non-modified
      material does not intercalate any molecules. Consequently, both the constituent
      metallic elements and surface functional groups are freely designed by the direct
      synthesis.

PMID- 28087882
TI  - Cooperatively Interlocked [2+1]-Type pi-System-Anion Complexes.
AB  - As fascinating examples of closely connected multiple pi-electronic systems
      involving noncovalent interactions, the cooperatively interlocked [2+1]-type
      anion complexes of well-designed pi-electronic molecules are reported. The anion
      responsive pi-electronic molecules investigated in this study are the boron
      complexes of dipyrrolyldiketones bearing arylethynyl moieties at the pyrrole
      alpha-positions. Diverse substituents were introduced at the terminal aryl
      moieties, thus controlling the cooperativity to form [2+1]-type complexes.
      Theoretical studies showed that this cooperativity was induced by effective
      interactions between the introduced arylethynyl moieties. The investigations of
      the anion-binding processes showed that the first and second bindings to the
      guest anion were energetically almost equivalent, indicating the fundamental and
      important features of the electronic states of the halide anions. Furthermore,
      the interlocked anion complexes, whose geometries were distorted from the
      orthogonal arrangements, had the racemic states of the chiral conformations,
      either of which was induced by ion pairing with an appropriate chiral pi
      electronic cation, resulting in the chiroptical property as shown by circular
      dichroism.

PMID- 28087881
TI  - Role of STIM2 in cell function and physiopathology.
AB  - An endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein that regulates cytosolic and ER
      free-Ca2+ concentration by induction of store-operated calcium entry: that is the
      original definition of STIM2 and its function. While its activity strongly
      depends on the amount of calcium stored in the ER, its function goes further, to
      intracellular signalling and gene expression. Initially under-studied owing to
      the prominent function of STIM1, STIM2 came to be regarded as vital in mice,
      gradually emerging as an important player in the nervous system, and cooperating
      with STIM1 in the immune system. STIM2 has also been proposed as a relevant
      player in pathological conditions related to ageing, Alzheimer's and Huntington's
      diseases, autoimmune disorders and cancer. The discovery of additional functions,
      together with new splicing forms with opposite roles, has clarified existing
      controversies about STIM2 function in SOCE. With STIM2 being essential for life,
      but apparently not for development, newly available data demonstrate a complex
      and still intriguing behaviour that this review summarizes, updating current
      knowledge of STIM2 function.

PMID- 28087883
TI  - Defining genetic and chemical diversity in wheat grain by 1H-NMR spectroscopy of
      polar metabolites.
AB  - SCOPE: The application of high-throughput 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR)
      of unpurified extracts to determine genetic diversity and the contents of polar
      components in grain of wheat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Milled whole wheat grain was
      extracted with 80:20 D2 O:CD3 OD containing 0.05% d4 -trimethylsilylpropionate.
      1H-NMR spectra were acquired under automation at 300 degrees K using an Avance
      Spectrometer operating at 600.0528 MHz. Regions for individual metabolites were
      identified by comparison to a library of known standards run under identical
      conditions. The individual 1H-NMR peaks or levels of known metabolites were then
      compared by Principal Component Analysis using SIMCA-P software. CONCLUSIONS:
      High-throughput 1H-NMR is an excellent tool to compare the extent of genetic
      diversity within and between wheat species, and to quantify specific components
      (including glycine betaine, choline, and asparagine) in individual genotypes. It
      can also be used to monitor changes in composition related to environmental
      factors and to support comparisons of the substantial equivalence of transgenic
      lines.

PMID- 28087884
TI  - The role of immunoglobulin prophylaxis for prevention of cytomegalovirus
      infection in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Following cessation of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)
      administration for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
      recipients at our unit, we observed a sharp decline in the incidence of
      cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. PROCEDURE: We conducted a retrospective study of
      the role of IVIg in the prevention of CMV infection in children and young adults
      who underwent HSCT from matched related donor. RESULTS: We included 109 patients
      (IVIg+/IVIg- ratio 82/27). Median age was 8.5 years. Patients were transplanted
      for malignant (59.7%) and nonmalignant diseases (40.3%) with myeloablative,
      reduced-intensity, and nonmyeloablative conditioning in 76, 22, and 2% of the
      transplants, respectively. Graft sources were peripheral blood stem cells, bone
      marrow, and cord blood in 58.7, 39.4, and 2%, respectively. The cumulative
      incidence of CMV infection at 1 year after HSCT was significantly higher in the
      cohort that did not receive IVIg compared with the one that did (44.4% vs. 13.4%,
      respectively, P = 0.001). Significant risk factor for CMV infection in the cohort
      not receiving IVIg was conditioning with total body irradiation (TBI) (87.5% in
      TBI+ vs. 26.3% in TBI-, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that children and
      young adults who undergo HSCT with TBI may need a preemptive regimen of anti-CMV
      treatment, if they do not get IVIg prophylaxis.

PMID- 28087885
TI  - Absence of intestinal microbiota increases beta-cyclodextrin stimulated reverse
      cholesterol transport.
AB  - SCOPE: Non-digestible oligosaccharides are used as prebiotics for perceived
      health benefits, among these modulating lipid metabolism. However, the mechanisms
      of action are incompletely understood. The present study characterized the impact
      of dietary beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD, 10%, w/w), a cyclic oligosaccharide, on
      sterol metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) in conventional and
      also germ-free mice to establish dependency on metabolism by intestinal bacteria.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: In conventional betaCD-fed C57BL/6J wild-type mice plasma
      cholesterol decreased significantly (-40%, p < 0.05), largely within HDL, while
      fecal neutral sterol excretion increased (3-fold, p < 0.01) and fecal bile acid
      excretion was unchanged. Hepatic cholesterol levels and biliary cholesterol
      secretion were unaltered. Changes in cholesterol metabolism translated into
      increased macrophage-to-feces RCT in betaCD-administered mice (1.5-fold, p <
      0.05). In germ-free C57BL/6J mice betaCD similarly lowered plasma cholesterol (
      40%, p < 0.05). However, betaCD increased fecal neutral sterol excretion (7.5
      fold, p < 0.01), bile acid excretion (2-fold, p < 0.05) and RCT (2.5-fold, p <
      0.01) even more substantially in germ-free mice compared with the effect in
      conventional mice. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study demonstrates that betaCD
      lowers plasma cholesterol levels and increases fecal cholesterol excretion from a
      RCT-relevant pool. Intestinal bacteria decrease the impact of betaCD on RCT.
      These data suggest that dietary betaCD might have cardiovascular health benefits.

PMID- 28087886
TI  - d-Chiro inositol ameliorates endothelial dysfunction via inhibition of oxidative
      stress and mitochondrial fission.
AB  - SCOPE: d-chiro inositol (DCI), an isomer of inositol, possesses anti-oxidative
      and endothelial protective properties. The mechanism by which DCI prevents
      endothelial dysfunction was investigated, with emphasis on oxidative stress.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: DCI was found to inhibit NOX4 induction and enhance Nrf2
      activity in palmitate (PA)-stimulated cells, showing that DCI prevents oxidative
      stress. DCI suppressed Ser616 phosphorylation and increased Ser637
      phosphorylation of Drp1 and inhibited PA-induced mitochondrial fission. Knockdown
      of Drp1 attenuated NOX4 over-expression and increased the inhibitory effect of
      DCI. In addition, DCI enhanced AMPK activity through the LKB1-dependent pathway.
      AMPK knockdown diminished the inhibitory effect of DCI on Drp1/NOX4 induction,
      indicating that AMPK is essential for Drp1 and NOX4 suppression by DCI. As a
      result, DCI inhibited cell apoptosis against PA insults. Consistent with the
      effects observed in cells, DCI reversed endothelial dysfunction in rat aorta
      rings under lipid-challenged conditions. In high fat-fed mice, oral
      administration of DCI inhibited Drp1/NOX4 induction and enhanced NO generation in
      the aortic endothelium, confirming its protective role in endothelial function in
      vivo. CONCLUSION: Drp1 activation-induced mitochondrial fission and NOX4 over
      expression are associated with endothelial injury. DCI prevented endothelial
      dysfunction by inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial fission in an AMPK
      dependent manner.

PMID- 28087887
TI  - Evaluation of a standardized ward round in a prenatal inpatient setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of incorporating a standardized ward round
      (SWR) tool including checklists for communication, safety, and efficiency into
      ward rounds. METHODS: A prospective non-randomized, before-and-after
      observational study was conducted at a tertiary maternity hospital in Brisbane,
      Australia, between October 1, 2014, and October 1, 2015. Obstetric team members
      performing prenatal ward rounds used role-specific lanyards prompting the
      structure of each consultation. Rounds were audited before and after the
      introduction of the SWR for safety checks, hand hygiene, the duration of patient
      encounters, and plan congruity. Patients completed a paper-based satisfaction
      survey. Results from before and after the introduction of the SWR were compared.
      RESULTS: There were 71 conventional ward rounds and 79 SWRs audited, and no
      difference was found in the mean duration of patient encounters (P=0.566). SWRs
      were associated with increased rates of each of the five safety checks being
      performed and of hand hygiene being observed correctly (all P<0.001). SWR was
      also associated with a greater proportion of patients indicating that they
      understood their plan of care. CONCLUSION: The use of a structured tool for ward
      rounds improved communication with patients, increased the frequency of safety
      checks being performed, and improved hand hygiene without prolonging ward rounds.

PMID- 28087888
TI  - Simulated microgravity decreases circulating iron in rats: role of inflammation
      induced hepcidin upregulation.
AB  - NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Although microgravity
      is well known to reduce circulating iron in astronauts, the underlying mechanism
      is still unknown. We investigated whether hepcidin, a key hormone regulating iron
      metabolism, could be involved in this deleterious effect. What is the main
      finding and its importance? We show that hindlimb suspension, a model of
      microgravity, stimulates the production of hepcidin in liver of rats. In
      agreement with the biological role of hepcidin, we found a decrease of
      circulating iron and an increase of spleen iron content in hindlimb-unloaded
      rats. Consequently, our study supports the idea that hepcidin could play a role
      in the alteration of iron metabolism parameters observed during spaceflight.
      During spaceflight, humans exposed to microgravity exhibit an increase of iron
      storage and a reduction of circulating iron. Such perturbations could promote
      oxidative stress and anaemia in astronauts. The mechanism by which microgravity
      modulates iron metabolism is still unknown. Herein, we hypothesized that
      microgravity upregulates hepcidin, a hormone produced by the liver that is the
      main controller of iron homeostasis. To test this hypothesis, rats were submitted
      to hindlimb unloading (HU), the reference model to mimic the effects of
      microgravity in rodents. After 7 days, the mRNA level of hepcidin was increased
      in the liver of HU rats (+74%, P = 0.001). In agreement with the biological role
      of hepcidin, we found an increase of spleen iron content (+78%, P = 0.030) and a
      decrease of serum iron concentration (-35%, P = 0.002) and transferrin saturation
      (-25%, P = 0.011) in HU rats. These findings support a role of hepcidin in
      microgravity-induced iron metabolism alteration. Furthermore, among the
      signalling pathways inducing hepcidin mRNA expression, we found that only the
      interleukin-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3)
      axis was activated by HU, as shown by the increase of phospho-STAT3 (+193%, P <
      0.001) and of the hepatic mRNA level of haptoglobin (+167%, P < 0.001), a STAT3
      inducible gene, in HU rats. Taken together, these data support the idea that
      microgravity may alter iron metabolism through an inflammatory process
      upregulating hepcidin.

PMID- 28087889
TI  - National audit of the quality of pain relief provided in emergency departments in
      Aotearoa, New Zealand: The PRiZED 1 Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pain is a common feature of ED presentations and the timely provision
      of adequate analgesia is important for patient care. However, there is currently
      no New Zealand data with respect to this indicator of care quality. The present
      study aimed to provide a baseline for the quality of care with respect to the
      provision of timely and adequate analgesia in New Zealand EDs. METHODS: The
      present study is a secondary analysis of data initially collected for the Shorter
      Stays in Emergency Department Study, using a retrospective chart review of 1685
      randomly selected ED presentations (2006-2012) from 26 New Zealand public
      hospital EDs. RESULTS: Of the 1685 charts randomly selected, 1547 (91%) were
      reviewed from 21 EDs. There were 866 ED presentations with painful conditions, of
      whom 132 (15%) did not have pain recorded, 205 (24%) did not receive pain relief
      and 19 (2%) did not have time of analgesia documented leaving 510 (59%) for the
      analysis of time to analgesia. Four hundred and fifty-seven (53%) did not have
      pain well documented sufficiently to assess adequacy, leaving 277 (32%) for the
      analysis of adequacy of analgesia. The median (interquartile range) time to
      analgesia was 62 (30-134) min and the provision of adequate analgesia was 141/277
      (51%, 95% CI: 45-57%); however, there was some variation between hospitals for
      both outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although these outcomes are on a par with other
      countries, this baseline audit has shown both poor documentation and variation in
      the provision of timely and adequate pain relief in New Zealand EDs, with room
      for improvement with respect to this quality indicator.

PMID- 28087890
TI  - Overview of the benefits and potential issues of the nonavalent HPV vaccine.
AB  - HPV-related diseases affect anogenital and oropharyngeal regions, heavily
      affecting the psychosexual dimension of both male and female individuals. HPV
      vaccination programs based on a bivalent or quadrivalent vaccine have opened
      broad perspectives for primary prevention. A nonavalent HPV vaccine (9vHPV),
      covering nine genotypes (HPV6, HPV11, HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, HPV45, HPV52,
      and HPV58), might provide further improvement in terms of direct protection. In
      the present report, efficacy and safety data from 9vHPV vaccine development
      programs are examined. Efficacy data come from a pivotal trial, which was
      conducted among women aged 16-26 years randomly assigned to receive either the
      9vHPV or the quadrivalent HPV (4vHPV) vaccine. The 9vHPV vaccine was shown to
      have potential benefits as compared with 4vHPV, increasing the overall estimated
      rate of prevention to 90% for cervical cancer and up to 80% for precancerous
      cervical lesions. For all other HPV-related pre-invasive and invasive lesions,
      9vHPV showed potentially greater disease reduction, depending on the anatomic
      region examined. Thus, the 9vHPV vaccine shows clinical potential for the
      prevention of HPV-related diseases in both sexes. Future adoption of 9vHPV will
      depend on factors including market price, cost-effectiveness data, use of a two
      dose schedule, and safety and efficacy monitoring in real-life programs.

PMID- 28087891
TI  - Physical activity and exercise for chronic pain in adults: an overview of
      Cochrane Reviews.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting beyond normal tissue healing
      time, generally taken to be 12 weeks. It contributes to disability, anxiety,
      depression, sleep disturbances, poor quality of life, and healthcare costs.
      Chronic pain has a weighted mean prevalence in adults of 20%.For many years, the
      treatment choice for chronic pain included recommendations for rest and
      inactivity. However, exercise may have specific benefits in reducing the severity
      of chronic pain, as well as more general benefits associated with improved
      overall physical and mental health, and physical functioning.Physical activity
      and exercise programmes are increasingly being promoted and offered in various
      healthcare systems, and for a variety of chronic pain conditions. It is therefore
      important at this stage to establish the efficacy and safety of these programmes,
      and furthermore to address the critical factors that determine their success or
      failure. OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of Cochrane Reviews of adults with
      chronic pain to determine (1) the effectiveness of different physical activity
      and exercise interventions in reducing pain severity and its impact on function,
      quality of life, and healthcare use; and (2) the evidence for any adverse effects
      or harm associated with physical activity and exercise interventions. METHODS: We
      searched theCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) on the Cochrane
      Library (CDSR 2016, Issue 1) for systematic reviews of randomised controlled
      trials (RCTs), after which we tracked any included reviews for updates, and
      tracked protocols in case of full review publication until an arbitrary cut-off
      date of 21 March 2016 (CDSR 2016, Issue 3). We assessed the methodological
      quality of the reviews using the AMSTAR tool, and also planned to analyse data
      for each painful condition based on quality of the evidence.We extracted data for
      (1) self-reported pain severity, (2) physical function (objectively or
      subjectively measured), (3) psychological function, (4) quality of life, (5)
      adherence to the prescribed intervention, (6) healthcare use/attendance, (7)
      adverse events, and (8) death.Due to the limited data available, we were unable
      to directly compare and analyse interventions, and have instead reported the
      evidence qualitatively. MAIN RESULTS: We included 21 reviews with 381 included
      studies and 37,143 participants. Of these, 264 studies (19,642 participants)
      examined exercise versus no exercise/minimal intervention in adults with chronic
      pain and were used in the qualitative analysis.Pain conditions included
      rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, low back pain, intermittent
      claudication, dysmenorrhoea, mechanical neck disorder, spinal cord injury,
      postpolio syndrome, and patellofemoral pain. None of the reviews assessed
      'chronic pain' or 'chronic widespread pain' as a general term or specific
      condition. Interventions included aerobic, strength, flexibility, range of
      motion, and core or balance training programmes, as well as yoga, Pilates, and
      tai chi.Reviews were well performed and reported (based on AMSTAR), and included
      studies had acceptable risk of bias (with inadequate reporting of attrition and
      reporting biases). However the quality of evidence was low due to participant
      numbers (most included studies had fewer than 50 participants in total), length
      of intervention and follow-up (rarely assessed beyond three to six months). We
      pooled the results from relevant reviews where appropriate, though results should
      be interpreted with caution due to the low quality evidence. Pain severity:
      several reviews noted favourable results from exercise: only three reviews that
      reported pain severity found no statistically significant changes in usual or
      mean pain from any intervention. However, results were inconsistent across
      interventions and follow-up, as exercise did not consistently bring about a
      change (positive or negative) in self-reported pain scores at any single point.
      Physical function: was the most commonly reported outcome measure. Physical
      function was significantly improved as a result of the intervention in 14
      reviews, though even these statistically significant results had only small-to
      moderate effect sizes (only one review reported large effect sizes).
      Psychological function and quality of life: had variable results: results were
      either favourable to exercise (generally small and moderate effect size, with two
      reviews reporting significant, large effect sizes for quality of life), or showed
      no difference between groups. There were no negative effects. Adherence to the
      prescribed intervention: could not be assessed in any review. However, risk of
      withdrawal/dropout was slightly higher in the exercising group (82.8/1000
      participants versus 81/1000 participants), though the group difference was non
      significant. Healthcare use/attendance: was not reported in any review. Adverse
      events, potential harm, and death: only 25% of included studies (across 18
      reviews) actively reported adverse events. Based on the available evidence, most
      adverse events were increased soreness or muscle pain, which reportedly subsided
      after a few weeks of the intervention. Only one review reported death separately
      to other adverse events: the intervention was protective against death (based on
      the available evidence), though did not reach statistical significance. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the evidence examining physical activity and exercise
      for chronic pain is low. This is largely due to small sample sizes and
      potentially underpowered studies. A number of studies had adequately long
      interventions, but planned follow-up was limited to less than one year in all but
      six reviews.There were some favourable effects in reduction in pain severity and
      improved physical function, though these were mostly of small-to-moderate effect,
      and were not consistent across the reviews. There were variable effects for
      psychological function and quality of life.The available evidence suggests
      physical activity and exercise is an intervention with few adverse events that
      may improve pain severity and physical function, and consequent quality of life.
      However, further research is required and should focus on increasing participant
      numbers, including participants with a broader spectrum of pain severity, and
      lengthening both the intervention itself, and the follow-up period.

PMID- 28087892
TI  - Editorial Comment to Clinical characteristics of testicular germ cell tumors in
      patients aged 50 years and older: A large-scale study from the Cancer
      Registration Committee of the Japanese Urological Association.

PMID- 28087893
TI  - Brompheniramine as a novel probe for indirect UV detection and its application
      for the capillary electrophoresis of adamantane drugs.
AB  - Brompheniramine, an antihistamine drug, was employed as a novel UV probe for
      capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection of adamantane drugs
      (memantine, amantadine, and rimantadine). The probe possesses high molar
      absorptivity of 24 * 103 L/mol cm at 6 mM, which enables the measurement of these
      nonchromophore analytes without derivatization. The simple background electrolyte
      (10 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 5.0) containing 5 mM brompheniramine and 6
      mM beta-cyclodextrin) provided the separation of the analytes in a short time
      (7.5 min). Under these conditions, brompheniramine had similar mobility to that
      of the analyte ions resulting in symmetric peaks with minimal electrodispersion.
      The analytes displace the probe at a one-to-one ratio with transfer values close
      to unity. beta-Cyclodextrin played a role in the resolution of the structurally
      similar adamantane derivatives. Method validation showed good linearity (r2  >
      0.98), precision (%RSD <= 3.30), and accuracy (recoveries ranging from 98 to
      109%). The proposed method was successfully applied to determine the adamantane
      content in pharmaceutical products.

PMID- 28087894
TI  - Public cardiopulmonary resuscitation training rates and awareness of hands-only
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a cross-sectional survey of Victorians.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide contemporary Australian data on the public's training in
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and awareness of hands-only CPR. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional telephone survey in April 2016 of adult residents of the
      Australian state of Victoria was conducted. Primary outcomes were rates of CPR
      training and awareness of hands-only CPR. RESULTS: Of the 404 adults surveyed
      (mean age 55 +/- 17 years, 59% female, 73% metropolitan residents), 274 (68%) had
      undergone CPR training. Only 50% (n = 201) had heard of hands-only CPR, with most
      citing first-aid courses (41%) and media (36%) as sources of information. Of
      those who had undergone training, the majority had received training more than 5
      years previously (52%) and only 28% had received training or refreshed training
      in the past 12 months. Most received training in a formal first-aid class (43%),
      and received training as a requirement for work (67%). The most common reasons
      for not having training were: they had never thought about it (59%), did not have
      time (25%) and did not know where to learn (15%). Compared to standard CPR, a
      greater proportion of respondents were willing to provide hands-only CPR for
      strangers (67% vs 86%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: From an Australian perspective,
      there is still room for improvement in CPR training rates and awareness of hands
      only CPR. Further promotion of hands-only CPR and self-instruction (e.g. DVD kits
      or online) may see further improvements in CPR training and bystander CPR rates.

PMID- 28087895
TI  - Crohn disease risk prediction-Best practices and pitfalls with exome data.
AB  - The Critical Assessment of Genome Interpretation (CAGI) experiment is the first
      attempt to evaluate the state-of-the-art in genetic data interpretation. Among
      the proposed challenges, Crohn disease (CD) risk prediction has become the most
      classic problem spanning three editions. The scientific question is very hard:
      can anybody assess the risk to develop CD given the exome data alone? This is one
      of the ultimate goals of genetic analysis, which motivated most CAGI participants
      to look for powerful new methods. In the 2016 CD challenge, we implemented all
      the best methods proposed in the past editions. This resulted in 10 algorithms,
      which were evaluated fairly by CAGI organizers. We also used all the data
      available from CAGI 11 and 13 to maximize the amount of training samples. The
      most effective algorithms used known genes associated with CD from the
      literature. No method could evaluate effectively the importance of unannotated
      variants by using heuristics. As a downside, all CD datasets were strongly
      affected by sample stratification. This affected the performance reported by
      assessors. Therefore, we expect that future datasets will be normalized in order
      to remove population effects. This will improve methods comparison and promote
      algorithms focused on causal variants discovery.

PMID- 28087897
TI  - FGFR1 Analyses in Four Patients with Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism with Split
      Hand/Foot Malformation: Implications for the Promoter Region.
AB  - Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of FGFR1 (fibroblast growth factor
      receptor 1) cause various disorders including hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with
      split-hand/foot malformation (HH-SHFM). We examined FGFR1 in four Japanese
      patients with HH-SHFM (cases 1-4) and the mother of case 4 with HH only. Cases 1
      and 2 had heterozygous loss-of-function mutations with no dominant negative
      effect (c.289G>A, p.[G97S]; and c.2231G>C, p.[R744T]), and case 3 had a splice
      donor site mutation (c.1663+1G>T). Notably, case 4 had a maternally inherited
      8,312 bp microdeletion that involved noncoding exon 1U and impaired FGFR1
      expression. Furthermore, consistent with the presence of transcription-related
      histone marks (e.g., H3K4Me3, H3K4Me1, and H3K27Ac) and multiple transcription
      factor-binding sites around exon 1U, functional studies demonstrated a marked
      transactivation function of a 414-bp segment harboring the transcription start
      site. These results support the relevance of FGFR1 mutations to HH-SHFM, and
      argue for the presence of the FGFR1 core-promoter elements around exon 1U.

PMID- 28087896
TI  - EAG channels expressed in microvillar photoreceptors are unsuited to diurnal
      vision.
AB  - KEY POINTS: The principles underlying the evolutionary selection of ion channels
      for expression in sensory neurons are unclear. Photoreceptor depolarization in
      the diurnal Drosophila melanogaster is predominantly provided by light-activated
      transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, whereas repolarization is mediated
      by sustained voltage-gated K+ channels of the Shab family. In the present study,
      we show that phototransduction in the nocturnal cockroach Periplaneta americana
      is predominantly mediated by TRP-like channels, whereas membrane repolarization
      is based on EAG channels. Although bright light stimulates Shab channels in
      Drosophila, further restricting depolarization and improving membrane bandwidth,
      it strongly suppresses EAG conductance in Periplaneta. This light-dependent
      inhibition (LDI) is caused by calcium and is abolished by chelating intracellular
      calcium or suppressing eag gene expression. LDI increases membrane resistance,
      augments gain and reduces the signalling bandwidth. This makes EAG unsuitable for
      light response conditioning during the day and might have resulted in the
      evolutionary replacement of EAG by other delayed rectifiers in diurnal insects.
      ABSTRACT: The principles underlying evolutionary selection of ion channels for
      expression in sensory neurons are unclear. Among species possessing microvillar
      photoreceptors, the major ionic conductances have only been identified in
      Drosophila melanogaster. In Drosophila, depolarization is provided by light
      activated transient receptor potential (TRP) channels with a minor contribution
      from TRP-like (TRPL) channels, whereas repolarization is mediated by sustained
      voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels of the Shab family. Bright light stimulates Shab
      channels, further restricting depolarization and improving membrane bandwidth. In
      the present study, data obtained using a combination of electrophysiological,
      pharmacological and molecular knockdown techniques strongly suggest that in
      photoreceptors of the nocturnal cockroach Periplaneta americana the major
      excitatory channel is TRPL, whereas the predominant delayed rectifier is EAG, a
      ubiquitous but enigmatic Kv channel. By contrast to the diurnal Drosophila,
      bright light strongly suppresses EAG conductance in Periplaneta. This light
      dependent inhibition (LDI) is caused by calcium entering the cytosol and is
      amplified following inhibition of calcium extrusion, and it can also be abolished
      by chelating intracellular calcium or suppressing eag gene expression by RNA
      interference. LDI increases membrane resistance, augments gain and reduces the
      signalling bandwidth, impairing information transfer. LDI is also observed in the
      nocturnal cricket Gryllus integer, whereas, in the diurnal water strider Gerris
      lacustris, the delayed rectifier is up-regulated by light. Although LDI is not
      expected to reduce delayed rectifier current in the normal illumination
      environment of nocturnal cockroaches and crickets, it makes EAG unsuitable for
      light response conditioning during the day, and might have resulted in the
      evolutionary replacement of EAG by other delayed rectifiers in diurnal insects.

PMID- 28087898
TI  - Editorial Comment to Assessing clinically significant prostate cancer: Diagnostic
      properties of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging compared to three
      dimensional transperineal template mapping histopathology.

PMID- 28087901
TI  - Response to Re: Role of routine computed tomography scan in the oncological
      follow up of patients treated by radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

PMID- 28087900
TI  - iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis and bioinformatics study of proteins
      in pterygia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze proteins in the tissue of pterygia, and to investigate their
      potential roles in pterygia, using the comparative proteomic technique of
      Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with offline
      2DLC-MS/MS, Western-bolt. METHOD: The tissue of pterygia and healthy conjunctiva
      was collected from 10 pterygia patients (6 females, 4 males; average age was 52
      years old; average course of disease was 6 years) in our hospital from September,
      2015 to March, 2016. iTRAQ was used to analyze proteins in the patients' pterygia
      and healthy conjunctiva. Proteins with a fold change of >2. 0 or <0. 5 were
      considered to be significantly differentially expressed (with corrected p-values
      of <0. 1). The identified proteins were subjected to subsequent gene ontology
      analysis using the DAVID database. Then we confirmed the targeted proteins with
      western-blot. RESULTS: 156 proteins that expressed differently between the
      pterygia and healthy conjunctiva were identified using iTRAQ analysis. Of these
      proteins, 18 were down-regulated, and 138 were up-regulated. On the basis of
      biological processes in gene ontology, the identified proteins were mainly
      involved in cellular process, metabolic process, developmental process, location,
      cellular component organization, Among these proteins, matrix Metalloproteinase
      10 (MMP-10) and CD34 may have potential roles in the pathogenesis of pterygia.
      Then we confirmed with Western-bolt that MMP-10 and CD34 were up-regulated in
      pterygia. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to identify 156 proteins associated
      with pterygia with iTRAQ technology. Data in our study will aid in providing a
      better understanding of pterygia.

PMID- 28087899
TI  - Increasing dietary nitrate has no effect on cancellous bone loss or fecal
      microbiome in ovariectomized rats.
AB  - SCOPE: Studies suggest diets rich in fruit and vegetables reduce bone loss,
      although the specific compounds responsible are unknown. Substrates for
      endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production, including organic nitrates and dietary
      nitrate, may support NO production in age-related conditions, including
      osteoporosis. We investigated the capability of dietary nitrate to improve NO
      bioavailability, reduce bone turnover and loss. METHODS AND RESULTS: Six-month
      old Sprague Dawley rats [30 ovariectomized (OVX) and 10 sham-operated (sham)]
      were randomized into three groups: (i) vehicle (water) control, (ii) low-dose
      nitrate (LDN, 0.1 mmol nitrate/kg bw/day), or (iii) high-dose nitrate (HDN, 1.0
      mmol nitrate/kg bw/day) for three weeks. The sham received vehicle. Serum bone
      turnover markers; bone mass, mineral density, and quality; histomorphometric
      parameters; and fecal microbiome were examined. Three weeks of LDN or HDN
      improved NO bioavailability in a dose-dependent manner. OVX resulted in
      cancellous bone loss, increased bone turnover, and fecal microbiome changes. OVX
      increased relative abundances of Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroideceae and
      Alcaligenaceae. Nitrate did not affect the skeleton or fecal microbiome.
      CONCLUSION: These data indicate that OVX affects the fecal microbiome and that
      the gut microbiome is associated with bone mass. Three weeks of nitrate
      supplementation does not slow bone loss or alter the fecal microbiome in OVX.

PMID- 28087902
TI  - A review of the preventability of maternal mortality in one hospital system in
      Louisiana, USA.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine preventability of in-hospital maternal mortality in the
      Ochsner Health System (OHS) in the US state of Louisiana. METHODS: A
      retrospective study was undertaken of all known cases of in-hospital maternal
      death (during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination) that occurred within
      OHS facilities in 1995-2013. Associations between characteristics and mortality
      and preventability were investigated. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were
      calculated in view of varying reference values. RESULTS: Among 16 eligible
      deaths, 12 (75%) were deemed potentially preventable. The incidences of overall
      and preventable maternal death were higher if the patient had late entry to
      prenatal care (IRR 6.3 [P=0.004] and 8.8 [P=0.004], respectively). Maternal
      mortality was increased if the patient had required transfer to the OHS (IRR 15.8
      [P<0.001] overall and 15.8 [P=0.002] for preventable mortality). Deaths of
      patients with private insurance were more likely to be not preventable than were
      those of patients without such insurance (P=0.003). Uninsured patients had the
      highest MMR, with an IRR of 13.8 (P=0.014) when compared with Medicaid patients.
      CONCLUSION: The factors most predictive of mortality were late entry to prenatal
      care, critical status requiring transfer from an outside facility, and non
      private insurance status.

PMID- 28087903
TI  - [Interpretation of 2016 asthma management and prevention guideline].
AB  - The revision in 2016 asthma management and prevention guideline includes both the
      diagnosis of asthma and the control-based asthma management. It points out that
      asthma is a heterogeneous disease, and the diagnosis of asthma should be based on
      the characteristic pattern of symptoms and evidence of variable airflow
      limitation, emphasizing the diagnosis of atypical asthma. Besides, the
      epidemiology of asthma, assessment of asthma, management severe asthma, special
      type of asthma and asthma in special populations have been added in this version.
      The revised guideline provides an important reference for the standardized
      management of asthma.

PMID- 28087904
TI  - [Protective effect of diosgenin on chondrocytes mediated by JAK2/STAT3 signaling
      pathway in mice with osteoarthritis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of diosgenin (Dgn) on chondrocytes and its
      relation to JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in mice with osteoarthritis
      (OA).Methods: Fifteen male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three
      groups:control group, OA group and OA+Dgn group. After 4 weeks of treatment, the
      histopathological changes of cartilage tissue were observed by toluidine blue
      staining under light microscopy and the ultrastructure of chondrocytes was
      observed under electron microscopy. The primarily cultured chondrocytes of OA
      mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:(1) OA group, (2) Dgn group, (3)
      Dgn+AG490 group, (4) AG490 group. The expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT3, Bax,
      succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) were detected by
      Western blotting, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was detected using colorimetric
      method. Results: The morphological observation showed that the chondrocytes of OA
      group presented considerable pathological changes, while the chondrocytes in
      OA+Dgn group maintained intact membrane. Electron microscopy observation found
      obvious injury in cartilage tissues of OA group, while that in OA+Dgn group
      remained smooth. Compared with OA group, the expressions of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in
      chondrocytes of Dgn group were increased (all P<0.05), and the expressions of Bax
      protein, SDH, COX and SOD were decreased (all P<0.05). While compared with Dgn
      group, the expressions of p-JAK2, p-STAT3, SDH, COX and SOD in chondrocytes of
      Dgn+AG490 group were decreased (all P<0.05), and the expression of Bax protein
      was increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Diosgenin can inhibit apoptosis and increase
      mitochondrial oxidative stress capacity of chondrocytes in mice with
      osteoarthritis, which is closely related to the activation of JAK2/STAT3
      signaling pathway.

PMID- 28087905
TI  - [Inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers in the inhibition of
      osteoarthritis by curcumin].
AB  - Objective: To observe the influence of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2),
      monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), CD47, L-selectin and advanced
      oxidation proteinproducts (AOPP) in osteoarthritis and the intervention of
      curcumin. Methods: A total of 20 male C57BL/6 mice (10.05-15.00 g) were randomly
      divided into control group, OA group, Cur25 group and Cur50 group
      (intraperitoneal injected 25 MUmol/L or 50 MUmol/L of curcumin everyday after
      modeling). After 4 weeks treatment, we observed the morphological changes of the
      gross specimen by immunohistochemical method, and observed the ultrastructure of
      cartilage tissue under electron microscope. The expression of MMP-2, MCP-1 and
      CD47 were detected by western blotting, and L-selectin and AOPP were detected by
      ELISA and spectrophotometer, respectively. Results: In the cartilage tissue
      morphology, the chondrocytes of OA group showed obvious change, while Cur25 and
      Cur50 groups maintained the good cartilage cell membrane intact. Compared with
      control group, the expressions of MMP-2, MCP-1, L-selectin and AOPP in OA group,
      Cur25 group and Cur50 group were increased (all P<0.05), while CD47 levels were
      decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with OA group, the expressions of MMP-2, MCP-1,
      L-selectin and AOPP in Cur25 group and Cur50 group were decreased (all P<0.05),
      while CD47 levels were increased (all P<0.05), and such changes were more
      significant in Cur50 group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The MMP-2, MCP-1, CD47, L
      selectin and AOPP are closely associated with the pathology course of OA.
      Curcumin has protection effect on cartilage, which can relieve joint cartilage
      degeneration, reduce cartilage inflammation and increase the metabolic activity
      of chondrocytes.

PMID- 28087906
TI  - [Effect and its molecular mechanisms of curcumin on pulmonary artery smooth
      muscle cells in rat model with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of
      curcumin on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in rat model with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A total of 75 male Wistar rats
      were randomly divided into control group (group CN), model group (group M), low
      dose curcumin group (group CL), medium-dose curcumin group (group CM) and high
      dose curcumin group (group CH). HE staining was used to observe the morphology of
      pulmonary artery. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), apoptosis-related
      protein Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by immunohistochemical staining. TUNEL kit
      was used to analyze the effects of curcumin on apoptosis of smooth muscle cells,
      and the protein expressions of SOCS-3/JAK2/STAT pathway in lung tissues were
      determined by western blot. Results: Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP)
      and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVMI) in group M were significantly
      higher than those in group CN, group CH and group CM (all P<0.05). HE staining
      and TUNEL kit test showed that the number of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
      had a significant increase in group M, while the pulmonary artery tube became
      thin, and the smooth muscle cells shrinked in group CM and group CH.
      Immunohistochemistry showed that PCNA and Bcl-2 in group M were significantly
      higher than those in group CN (all P<0.05), while Bax expression was
      significantly lower than that in group CN (P<0.05). PCNA in group CM and group CH
      were significantly lower than that in group M (all P<0.05), while Bax expression
      was significantly higher than that in group M (P<0.05). Western blot showed that
      SOCS-3 protein was significantly decreased in group M, while the p-JAK2, p-STAT1,
      p-STAT3 were significantly increased (all P<0.05). Compared with group M, SOCS-3
      protein in group CM and group CH were significantly increased (all P<0.05), while
      the p-JAK2, p-STAT3 were significantly reduced (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Curcumin
      could promote the apoptosis of smooth muscle cells in rats with COPD, and improve
      the mean pulmonary artery pressure and RVMI through stimulating SOCS-3/JAK2/STAT
      signaling pathway.

PMID- 28087908
TI  - [Berberine regulates glycemia via local inhibition of intestinal dipeptidyl
      peptidase-IV].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of berberine on glycemia regulation in rats
      with diabetes and the related mechanisms. Methods: Diabetic-like rat model was
      successfully induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in 50 out of
      60 male SD rats, which were then randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 rats in
      each:control group (received vehicle only), positive drug control group
      (sitagliptin 10 mg.kg-1.d-1), low-dose berberine group (30 mg.kg-1.d-1), moderate
      dose berberine group (60 mg.kg-1.d-1), and high-dose berberine group (120 mg.kg
      1.d-1). All animals were fed for 3 d, and fasting blood sampling was performed on
      day 3 of administration. Rats were given glucose (2 g/kg) by gavage 30 min after
      the last dose. Blood and intestinal samples were obtained 2 h after glucose
      loading. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (2h-PPG)
      were detected by using biochemical analyzer, and insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1
      (GLP-1) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV(DPP-IV) were measured by using ELISA kit.
      Results: No significant difference in FBG and serum DPP-IV level were found
      between berberine groups and control group (all P>0.05). Compared with control
      group, serum levels of GLP-1 and insulin were increased in high-and moderate-dose
      berberine groups, while 2h-PPG was decreased (all P<0.05); GLP-1 levels in the
      intestinal samples were increased, while DPP-IV levels were decreased in all
      berberine groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Short-term berberine administration
      can decrease 2h-PPG level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model through
      local inhibition of intestinal DPP-IV. The efficacy of DPP-IV inhibitor may be
      associated with its intestinal pharmacokinetics.

PMID- 28087907
TI  - [Effect of methyleugenol on expression of MUC5AC in nasal mucosa of rats with
      allergic rhinitis].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of methyleugenol on expression of MUC5AC in
      nasal mucosa of rats with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: Seventy-two Wistar
      rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal control group, AR group,
      loratadine group, low-dose methyleugenol group, middle-dose methyleugenol group
      and high-dose methyleugenol group with 12 rats in each group. AR was induced by
      intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin in latter 5 groups. 10 mg loratadine q.d
      was given to rats in loratadine group by gavage; and 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40
      mg/kg methyleugenol were given by gavege q.d to rats in low-, middle-and high
      dose methyleugenol groups, respectively. Nasal mucosa samples were obtained from
      rats at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after drug intervention. The expression of MUC5AC
      protein and mRNA in nasal mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry and real
      time fluorescence quota PCR (RT-PCR), respectively. Results: Compared with AR,
      the percentage of cells staining positively for MUC5AC protein and the relative
      quantity of MUC5AC mRNA in middle-and high-dose methyleugenol groups were
      significantly decreased after 2 and 4 weeks of drug intervention (P<0.05), but no
      such decrease was observed in low-dose methyleugenol group at all time points
      (P>0.05). The percentage of cells with positive expression of MUC5AC protein and
      mRNA in loratadine group were significantly decreased after 1 week of
      administration (P<0.05). The percentage of cells with positive MUC5AC protein in
      middle-dose methyleugenol group was higher than that in loratadine group (P<0.05)
      after 6 week of drug intervention, but the difference was not seen in high-dose
      group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in relative quantities of
      MUC5AC mRNA after 4 weeks of administration between high-and middle-dose
      methyeugenol groups and loratadine group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Methyleugenol can
      attenuate AR through inhibiting the expression of MUC5AC mRNA and protein in
      nasal mucosa of AR rats.

PMID- 28087909
TI  - [Tripotolide ameliorates inflammation and apoptosis induced by focal cerebral
      ischemia/reperfusion in rats].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects of triptolide on inflammation and apoptosis
      induced by focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Methods: The rat model of
      focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established according to Longa's
      method. A total of 80 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal control,
      sham group, DMSO group, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, and MCAO
      with tripolide treatment group. TTC staining was used to examine the site and
      volume of cerebral infarction, and Longa score was employed for neurological
      disorders measurement. Number of astrocytes was measured by fluorescence
      staining, and neuronal apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining. The
      expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2) and
      NF-kappaB proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of
      iNOS, COX-2 mRNA was detected by real-time PCR. Results: Compared with DMSO group
      and MCAO group, brain edema was improved (80.03+/-0.46)% (P<0.05), infarct volume
      was reduced (8.3+/-1.4)% (P<0.01), Longa score was decreased (1.38+/-0.20,
      P<0.05) in triptolide treatment group. Meanwhile triptolide also dramatically
      reduced the number of GFAP-positive astrocytes (P<0.05), alleviated protein
      expression of COX-2 (91.67+/-1.31), iNOS (95.24+/-5.07) and NF-kappaB (75.03+/
      2.06) triggered by MCAO (all P<0.05), and induced a down-regulation of cell
      apoptosis as showed by TUNEL assay (64.15+/-3.52, P<0.05). Conclusion: Triptolide
      can reduce the cerebral infarction volume, attenuate brain edema and ameliorate
      the neurological deficits induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats,
      indicating that it might be used as a potential anti-inflammatory agent.

PMID- 28087911
TI  - [Aortic stiffness and its influencing factors in patients with chronic kidney
      disease].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the changes of aortic stiffness and its influencing
      factors in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Methods: Eightyfour
      patients with CKD from Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's
      Hospital were divided into the dialysis group (CKD stage 5, n=48) and non
      dialysis group (CKD stage 3-5, n=36). Clinical data, biochemical parameters and
      echocardiography findings were collected. SphygmoCor pulse wave analysis system
      was used to obtain pulse wave analysis (PWA) parameters including central aortic
      systolic blood pressure (CSP), central pulse pressure (CPP), augmented pressure
      (AP), augmentation index (AIX), and heart rate 75-adjusted augmentation index
      (HR75AIX). The influencing factors of aortic stiffness were analyzed by spearman
      correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Results: CSP, CPP, AP, AIX
      and HR75AIX in dialysis patients had no significant differences compared with
      those in non-dialysis group (all P>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed
      that CSP was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood
      pressure, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, left atrial diameter
      (LA),left ventricular systolic diameter (LVDs), left ventricular diastolic
      diameter (LVDd), and negatively correlated with calcium and hemoglobin levels.
      CPP was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, age, LA, LVDd, and
      negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. AP was
      positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, age, LA, LVDd, and negatively
      correlated with hemoglobin levels. AIX was positively correlated with systolic
      blood pressure, age, sodium, and negatively correlated with phosphorus levels.
      HR75AIX was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, sodium,
      cholesterol, and negatively correlated with hemoglobin and albumin levels.
      Multiple regression analysis showed that higher systolic blood pressure was the
      independent risk factor for CSP (beta=0.944, P<0.01); lower diastolic blood
      pressure (beta=0.939, P<0.01) and higher systolic blood pressure (beta=-1.010,
      P<0.01) were the independent risk factors for CPP; older age (beta=0.237, P<0.01)
      and higher systolic blood pressure (beta=0.200, P<0.01) were the independent risk
      factors for AP; higher systolic blood pressure (beta=0.163 and 0.115, P<0.05 and
      P<0.01) and higher sodium (beta=0.646 and 0.625, all P<0.05) were independent
      risk factors for both AIX and HR75AIX. Conclusions: No significant correlation is
      observed between aortic stiffness and CKD of different stages. Control blood
      pressure and restrict sodium intake may be effective means of delaying arterial
      stiffness in patients with CKD.

PMID- 28087910
TI  - [Progress on anti-tumor molecular mechanisms of dihydroartemisinin].
AB  - Artemisinin is an anti-malarial drug with poor water solubility and oral
      absorption; so a variety of derivatives based on the parent nucleus have been
      developed. Compared with artemisinin, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has a stronger
      anti-malaria activity, and has the advantages of high metabolic rate and better
      water solubility. Recent studies have discovered that DHA has a good inhibitory
      effect on tumor cells, which is closely related to the peroxide bridge in its
      molecular structure. Since tumor cells need more Fe3+ than normal cells, there
      are a large number of transferrin receptors on the tumor cell membrane. DHA can
      break the peroxide bridge in the presence of Fe2+, and the free radicals
      generated can play its lethal effect on tumor cells. In addition, DHA can promote
      endocytosis of transferrin receptor, and thus prevent cancer cells from taking
      Fe3+ from microenvironment. This article reviews the anti-tumor molecular
      mechanism of DHA, including accelerating oxidative damage, inducing apoptosis,
      inhibiting the growth, proliferation and invasion of tumor cells, reversing tumor
      multidrug resistance.

PMID- 28087912
TI  - [T cell receptor beta-chain CDR3 spectratyping and cytomegalovirus activation in
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients].
AB  - Objective: To explore the association between T-cell receptor beta variable (TCR
      BV) complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) spectratyping and CMV activation
      in the recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
      Methods: Fluorescence quantitative PCR melting curve analysis was used to
      sequence 24 TCR BV families in 7 HSCT recipients and 3 healthy controls. CMV-pp65
      antigenemia was measured by immunohistochemical staining. Plasma IgM specific for
      CMV was identified using ELISA. Relationship between TCR BV families and CMV
      activation was statistically analyzed.Results: Twenty-four TCR BV families were
      expressed in 3 healthy controls, while TCR BV CDR3 sequencing results in 7
      recipients turned out to be BV9, BV11, BV17, BV20 and so on. Amino acid sequence
      features were as follows:TCR BV9 contained "QVRGGTDTQ", TCR BV11 contained
      "VATDEQ" and "LGDEQ", TCR BV17 contained "IGQGNTEA", and TCR BV20 contained
      "VGLAANEQ". Five recipients suffered from pp65 antigenemia in 3 month after
      transplantation, and pp65-positive cells ranged from 2 to 15 per 5*104 white
      blood cells. Three recipients were CMV-IgM positive. No significant differences
      were found in TCR BV families between pp65-positive recipients and pp65-negative
      recipients (all P>0.05). But there was statistically significant difference in
      frequency of TCR BV11 between CMV-IgM negative recipients and CMV-IgM positive
      recipients (P<0.05).Conclusion: T cell immune response was characterized by
      special TCR BV CDR3 spectratyping in HSCT recipients, and TCR BV11 expression may
      be associated with CMV activation.

PMID- 28087913
TI  - [Cigarette smoking in different manners induces acute lung injury in rats].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects of cigarette smoking in different manners
      on acute lung injury in rats. Methods: The commercially available cigarettes with
      tar of 1,5, 11 mg were smoked in Canada depth smoking (health canada method, HCM)
      manner, and those with tar of 11 mg were also smoked in international standard
      (ISO) smoking manner. Rats were fixed and exposed to mainstream in a manner of
      nose-mouth exposure. After 28 days, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from left
      lung were collected for counting and classification of inflammatory cells and
      determination of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. The right
      lungs were subjected to histological examination and determination of
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione,
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: In both
      HCM and ISO manners, the degree of lung injury was closely related to the tar
      content of cigarettes, and significant decrease in the body weight of rats was
      observed after smoking for one week. In a HCM manner, smoking with cigarette of
      11 mg tar resulted in robust infiltration of macrophages, lymphocytes and
      neutrophils into lungs, significant increase in IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels and
      MPO activities, and significant decrease in GSH levels and SOD activities and
      increase in ROS and MDA levels (all P<0.05). Smoking with cigarette of 5 mg tar
      led to moderate increase in IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels, and MPO activities
      (all P<0.05), and moderate decrease in GSH levels and SOD activities and increase
      of ROS and MDA levels (all P<0.05). However, smoking with cigarette of 1 mg tar
      affected neither inflammatory cell infiltration nor IL-1beta and TNF-alpha
      levels. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking in nose-mouth exposure manner can induce
      acute lung injury in rats; and the degree of lung injury is closely related to
      the content of tar and other hazards in cigarettes.

PMID- 28087914
TI  - [Atorvastatin improves reflow after percutaneous coronary intervention in
      patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction by decreasing
      serum uric acid level].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on reflow in patients with
      acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) and its relation to serum uric acid levels. Methods:
      One hundred and fourteen STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI were enrolled and
      randomly divided into two groups:55 cases received oral atorvastatin 20 mg before
      PCI (routine dose group) and 59 cases received oral atorvastatin 80 mg before PCI
      (high dose group). According to the initial serum uric acid level, patients in
      two groups were further divided into normal uric acid subgroup and hyperuricemia
      subgroup. The changes of uric acid level and coronary artery blood flow after PCI
      were observed. Correlations between the decrease of uric acid, the dose of
      atorvastatin and the blood flow of coronary artery after PCI were analyzed.
      Results: Serum uric acid levels were decreased after treatment in both groups
      (all P<0.05), and patients with hyperuricemia showed more significant decrease in
      serum uric acid level (P<0.05). Compared with the routine dose group, serum uric
      acid level in patients with hyperuricemia decreased more significantly in the
      high dose group (P<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between
      patients with normal serum uric acid levels in two groups (P>0.05). Among 114
      patients, there were 19 cases without reflow after PCI (16.7%). In the routine
      dose group, there were 12 patients without reflow, in which 3 had normal uric
      acid and 9 had high uric acid levels (P<0.01). In the high dose group, there were
      7 patients without reflow, in which 2 had normal uric acid and 5 had high uric
      acid (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that hyperuricemia was one of
      independent risk factors for no-reflow after PCI (OR=1.01, 95% CI:1.01-1.11,
      P<0.01). The incidence of no-flow after PCI in the routine dose group was 21.8%
      (12/55), and that in the high dose group was 11.9% (7/59) (P<0.01). Conclusion:
      High dose atorvastatin can decrease serum uric acid levels and improve reflow
      after PCI in patients with STEMI.

PMID- 28087916
TI  - [A case of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis presenting as chronic
      subdural hematoma].
AB  - A 26-year-old male presented with a 6-day history of paroxysmal headache which
      was worsen with nausea and vomiting for 1 day. Head CT on admission revealed left
      chronic subdural hematoma with midline shift. An emergency Burr hole drainage for
      hematoma was performed. Headache recurred 6 days later. MRI of the brain revealed
      a diffuse thickening and a gadolinium-enhancement of the falx, cranial dura mater
      and tentorium cerebelli on the left side with pia mater involved. Lumber puncture
      showed increased intracranial pressure and elevated IgG level in cerebrospinal
      fluid. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen showed thickened, fibrotic
      dura with a sterile chronic inflammation. According to pathological examination,
      idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis was considered as the final
      diagnosis. Symptoms were improved with steroid pulse therapy.

PMID- 28087915
TI  - [Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm induced by vertebral artery
      dissecting aneurysm: one case report].
AB  - A 61-year-old female presented with 4 years history of left-sided hemifacial
      spasm. Head MRI and angiography indicated left vertebral artery dissecting
      aneurysm which compressed ipsilateral cranial nerves VII and VIII. Microvascular
      decompression was performed. The dissecting aneurysm was pushed apart and the
      distal part of the parent artery was adhered to the dura on the petrosum. The
      compressed nerves were totally decompressed. The symptom of facial spasm was
      completely resolved immediately after surgery and did not recur during 6 months
      of follow up.

PMID- 28087917
TI  - [Reasearch progress on the role of neutrophils in asthma].
AB  - Asthma is a phenotypically heterogeneous chronic disease of the airways. Studies
      have found that neutrophils are crucial to airway inflammation in acute asthma,
      persistent asthma, particularly in asthma of poor response to glucocorticoid
      treatment. The role of neutrophils in development of bronchial asthma is complex,
      as they can release a potent source of cytokines and inflammatory mediators
      participating in asthma. Differing from eosinophilic inflammatory asthma,
      neutrophilic inflammatory asthma is not depend on helper T (Th)2 cells, but may
      be related to Th1 and Th17 cells. This review highlights the role of neutrophils
      in the development of asthma, and the treatment of neutrophilic asthma with
      biological agents and novel small molecules.

PMID- 28087918
TI  - [Research progress on the role of TANK-binding kinase 1 in anti-virus innate
      immune response].
AB  - The innate immune response against viral infection is mainly relies on type I
      interferon, the production of which is mediated by TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1).
      It is revealed that the downstream TBK1 is activated by viral nucleic acid
      sensors RIG-I, cGAS and TLR3. The activity of TBK1 is complexly and precisely
      regulated by different type of protein modifications, including phosphorylation,
      ubiquitination and Sumolylation. This article focuses on the role of TBK1 in anti
      viral innate immunity and the regulatory mechanism for the TBK1 activation.

PMID- 28087921
TI  - Pathogen Characterization of Fresh and Stored Mesophilic Anaerobically Digested
      Biosolids.
AB  - Culturable bacterial pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria, Yersinia)
      and indicators (E. coli, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens) were quantified at
      six water resource recovery facilities that land apply anaerobically digested
      biosolids in Ontario, Canada. Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia were
      also quantified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Salmonella and Listeria were
      frequently detected in sludge and liquid biosolids (70-100% of samples) but less
      often in fresh dewatered cake biosolids (50-60%); with low levels in fresh cake
      (<100 cells/g dw). Yersinia were in 20 to 30% of samples, typically at very low
      levels (<10 cell/g dw). Giardia and Cryptosporidium were detected in 80 and 20%
      of cake biosolids at geometric means of 270 cysts/g dw and 70 oocysts/g dw,
      respectively. E. coli reduction was typically >2-log10 while pathogen reduction
      was variable. "Sudden increase" of pathogens was not observed, however,
      Salmonella and E. coli showed regrowth (at 1 to 3 orders of magnitude) after 2-
      to 3-day storage at 30  degrees C.

PMID- 28087920
TI  - Spatial and Temporal Variation of Water Quality in the Bertam Catchment, Cameron
      Highlands, Malaysia.
AB  - The spatio-temporal variability of water quality associated with anthropogenic
      activities was studied for the Bertam River and its main tributaries within the
      Bertam Catchment, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. A number of physico-chemical
      parameters of collected samples were analyzed to evaluate their spatio-temporal
      variability. Nonparametric statistical analysis showed significant temporal and
      spatial differences (p < 0.05) in most of the parameters across the catchment.
      Parameters except dissolved oxygen and chemical oxygen demand displayed higher
      values in rainy season. The higher concentration of total suspended solids was
      caused by massive soil erosion and sedimentation. Seasonal variations in
      contaminant concentrations are largely affected by precipitation and
      anthropogenic influences. Untreated domestic wastewater discharge as well as
      agricultural runoff significantly influenced the water quality. Poor agricultural
      practices and development activities at slope areas also affected the water
      quality within the catchment. The analytical results provided a basis for
      protection of river environments and ecological restoration in mountainous Bertam
      Catchment.

PMID- 28087922
TI  - Urogenital Tuberculosis.
AB  - Urogenital tuberculosis is the second most frequent form of extrapulmonary
      tuberculosis. Starting with a pulmonary focus, 2 to 20% of patients develop
      urogenital tuberculosis through hematogenous spread to the kidneys, prostate, and
      epididymis; through the descending collecting system to the ureters, bladder, and
      urethra; and through the ejaculatory ducts to the genital organs. Urogenital
      tuberculosis occurs at all age ranges, but it is predominant in males in their
      fourth and fifth decades. It is a serious, insidious disease, generally
      developing symptoms only at a late stage, which leads to a diagnostic delay with
      consequent urogenital organ destruction; there are reports of patients with renal
      failure as their initial clinical presentation. Although the condition has been
      long recognized by nephrologists, urologists, and infectious disease specialists,
      urogenital tuberculosis is still largely unknown. Even when suggestive findings
      such as hematuria, sterile pyuria, and recurrent urinary infections are present,
      we rarely remember this diagnostic possibility. Greater knowledge of the features
      of urogenital tuberculosis then becomes relevant and should emphasize the
      importance of an early diagnosis.

PMID- 28087923
TI  - Enhanced Aerobic Sludge Granulation by Seeding Concentrated Activated Sludge with
      Ca-Alginate Gel.
AB  - The present study focuses on the effect of Ca-alginate gel on aerobic sludge
      granulation. Three sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) seeded with different
      mixtures of Ca-alginate gel and activated sludge with the fraction (weight/weight
      of dry biomass) of 0%, 5.5%, and 15.5%, respectively. The granulation time of 14
      days was obtained with 5.5% additive, while 32 days were needed to adapt aerobic
      granules developed with 0% Ca-alginate gel. Full granulation was achieved in the
      trial with 15.5% additive from the 20th day. Comparing with granules in reactor
      1, the granules cultivated with Ca-alginate gel exhibited attributes of much
      faster settling velocities, higher biomass retention, greater mechanical
      strength, and better nutrient-removing capability. The alginate-metal gel may be
      the structural polymer of aerobic granules and offer bacteria the inhabitancy and
      protection, which is beneficial to retain more biomass and improve the efficiency
      of wastewater treatment.

PMID- 28087924
TI  - Clinical Testing of Tuberculosis Vaccine Candidates.
AB  - It is almost 100 years since the development of bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG),
      the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). While BCG does confer
      consistent protection against disseminated disease, there is an urgent need for a
      more effective vaccine against pulmonary disease. There are several indications
      for such an improved vaccine, including prevention of infection, prevention of
      disease, and a therapeutic vaccine to prevent recurrent disease. The two main
      approaches to TB vaccine development are developing an improved whole
      mycobacterial priming agent to replace BCG and/or developing a subunit booster
      vaccine to be administered after a BCG or BCG replacement priming vaccination. In
      this article we review the status of the current candidate vaccines being
      evaluated in clinical trials. The critical challenges to successful TB vaccine
      development are the uncertain predictive value of the preclinical animal models
      and the lack of a validated immune correlate of protection. While it is
      relatively simple to evaluate safety and immunogenicity in phase 1/2 studies, the
      evaluation of efficacy requires complex studies with large numbers of subjects
      and long periods of follow-up. This article reviews the potential role for human
      Experimental Medicine studies, in parallel with product development, to help
      improve the predictive value of the early-stage trials.

PMID- 28087925
TI  - Host Responses to Urinary Tract Infections and Emerging Therapeutics: Sensation
      and Pain within the Urinary Tract.
AB  - Urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogenesis is understood increasingly at the
      level of the uropathogens and the cellular and molecular mediators of host
      inflammatory responses. However, little is known about the mediators of symptoms
      during UTI and what distinguishes symptomatic events from asymptomatic
      bacteriuria. Here, we review bladder physiology and sensory pathways in the
      context of an emerging literature from murine models dissecting the host and
      pathogen factors mediating pain responses during UTI. The bladder urothelium is
      considered a mediator of sensory responses and appears to play a role in UTI pain
      responses. Virulence factors of uropathogens induce urothelial damage that could
      trigger pain due to compromised bladder-barrier function. Instead, bacterial
      glycolipids are the major determinants of UTI pain independent of urothelial
      damage, and the O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide modulates pain responses. The
      extent of pain modulation by O-antigen can have profound effects, from abolishing
      pain responses to inducing chronic pain that results in central nervous system
      features reminiscent of neuropathic pain. Although these effects are largely
      dependent upon Toll-like receptors, pain is independent of inflammation.
      Surprisingly, some bacteria even possess analgesic properties, suggesting that
      bacteria exhibit a wide range of pain phenotypes in the bladder. In summary, UTI
      pain is a complex form of visceral pain that has significant potential to inform
      our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and raises the specter of chronic
      pain resulting from transient infection, as well as novel approaches to treating
      pain.

PMID- 28087926
TI  - Urinary Tract Infections in Infants and Children.
AB  - Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infections in children
      and symptoms may be nonspecific. The risk of renal scarring is highest in
      children under 1 year of age with febrile UTI and high-grade vesicoureteral
      reflux (VUR). Although treatment of UTI is usually straightforward, given
      increased rates of antimicrobial resistance worldwide, the choice of treatment
      for pediatric UTI should be guided by community resistance patterns whenever
      feasible. The benefit of antimicrobial prophylaxis after first UTI and/or in the
      presence of VUR remains controversial, but a recent meta-analysis supports
      continuous antimicrobial prophylaxis in children with VUR, indicating a need for
      more research in this area.

PMID- 28087927
TI  - Genome-Wide Approaches to Defining Macrophage Identity and Function.
AB  - Macrophages play essential roles in the response to injury and infection and
      contribute to the development and/or homeostasis of the various tissues they
      reside in. Conversely, macrophages also influence the pathogenesis of metabolic,
      neurodegenerative, and neoplastic diseases. Mechanisms that contribute to the
      phenotypic diversity of macrophages in health and disease remain poorly
      understood. Here we review the recent application of genome-wide approaches to
      characterize the transcriptomes and epigenetic landscapes of tissue-resident
      macrophages. These studies are beginning to provide insights into how distinct
      tissue environments are interpreted by transcriptional regulatory elements to
      drive specialized programs of gene expression.

PMID- 28087929
TI  - Fungal Plant Pathogenesis Mediated by Effectors.
AB  - The interactions between fungi and plants encompass a spectrum of ecologies
      ranging from saprotrophy (growth on dead plant material) through pathogenesis
      (growth of the fungus accompanied by disease on the plant) to symbiosis (growth
      of the fungus with growth enhancement of the plant). We consider pathogenesis in
      this article and the key roles played by a range of pathogen-encoded molecules
      that have collectively become known as effectors.

PMID- 28087928
TI  - Factors associated with non-completion of follow-up: 33-month latent tuberculous
      infection treatment trial.
AB  - SETTING: A post-hoc exploratory analysis of a randomized, open-label clinical
      trial that enrolled 8053 participants from the United States, Canada, Brazil, and
      Spain. OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with non-completion of study
      follow-up (NCF) in a 33-month latent tuberculous infection treatment trial,
      PREVENT TB. DESIGN: Participants were randomized to receive 3 months of weekly
      directly observed therapy vs. 9 months of daily self-administered therapy. NCF
      was defined as failing to be followed for at least 993 days (33 months) from
      enrollment. Possible factors associated with NCF were analyzed using univariate
      and multivariate regression via Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Of 7061
      adults selected for analysis, 841 (11.9%) did not complete study follow-up.
      Homelessness, young age, low education, history of incarceration, smoking,
      missing an early clinic visit, receiving isoniazid only, and male sex were
      significantly associated with NCF. Similar results were found in the North
      American region (United States and Canada) only. In Brazil and Spain, the only
      significant factor was missing an early clinic visit. CONCLUSIONS: Study subjects
      at higher risk for NCF were identified by characteristics known at enrollment or
      in early follow-up. Evaluation of follow-up in other trials might help determine
      whether the identified factors consistently correlate with retention.

PMID- 28087930
TI  - Fungal Ecology: Principles and Mechanisms of Colonization and Competition by
      Saprotrophic Fungi.
AB  - Decomposer fungi continually deplete the organic resources they inhabit, so
      successful colonization of new resources is a crucial part of their ecology.
      Colonization success can be split into (i) the ability to arrive at, gain entry
      into, and establish within a resource and (ii) the ability to persist within the
      resource until reproduction and dissemination. Fungi vary in their life history
      strategies, the three main drivers of which are stress (S-selected), disturbance
      (ruderal, or R-selected), and incidence of competitors (C-selected); however,
      fungi often have combinations of characteristics from different strategies.
      Arrival at a new resource may occur as spores or mycelium, with successful entry
      and establishment (primary resource capture) within the resource largely
      dependent on the enzymatic ability of the fungus. The communities that develop in
      a newly available resource depend on environmental conditions and, in particular,
      the levels of abiotic stress present (e.g., high temperature, low water
      availability). Community change occurs when these initial colonizers are replaced
      by species that are either more combative (secondary resource capture) or better
      able to tolerate conditions within the resource, either through changing abiotic
      conditions or due to modification of the resource by the initial colonizers.
      Competition for territory may involve highly specialized species-specific
      interactions such as mycoparasitism or may be more general; in both cases combat
      involves changes in morphology, metabolism, and reactive oxygen species
      production, and outcomes of these interactions can be altered under different
      environmental conditions. In summary, community development is not a simple
      ordered sequence, but a complex ever-changing mosaic.

PMID- 28087933
TI  - Ecology of Fungal Plant Pathogens.
AB  - Fungal plant pathogens are ubiquitous and highly diverse. Key to their success is
      high host density, which notably is the case in agroecosystems. Several
      hypotheses related to the effects of plant pathogens on plant diversity (the
      Janzen-Connell hypothesis, the dilution effect hypothesis) and the phenomenon of
      higher biomass in plant mixtures (i.e., overyielding) can all be explained by the
      quantitative interplay between host and pathogen density. In many agroecosystems,
      fungal plant pathogens cause great losses, since in monocultures diseased plants
      cannot be replaced by healthy plants. On the other hand, in natural ecosystems
      fungal plant pathogens shape the succession of vegetation and enhance the
      biodiversity of forests and grasslands. When pathogens are introduced into areas
      outside their natural range, they may behave differently, causing severe damage.
      Once introduced, changes may occur such as hybridization with other closely
      related pathogens or host shifts, host jumps, or horizontal gene transfer. Such
      changes can be hazardous for both agricultural and natural ecosystems.

PMID- 28087932
TI  - The Complexity of Fungal Vision.
AB  - Life, as we know it, would not be possible without light. Light is not only a
      primary source of energy, but also an important source of information for many
      organisms. To sense light, only a few photoreceptor systems have developed during
      evolution. They are all based on an organic molecule with conjugated double bonds
      that allows energy transfer from visible (or UV) light to its cognate protein to
      translate the primary physical photoresponse to cell-biological actions. The
      three main classes of receptors are flavin-based blue-light, retinal-based green
      light (such as rhodopsin), and linear tetrapyrrole-based red-light sensors. Light
      not only controls the behavior of motile organisms, but is also important for
      many sessile microorganisms including fungi. In fungi, light controls
      developmental decisions and physiological adaptations as well as the circadian
      clock. Although all major classes of photoreceptors are found in fungi, a good
      level of understanding of the signaling processes at the molecular level is
      limited to some model fungi. However, current knowledge suggests a complex
      interplay between light perception systems, which goes far beyond the simple
      sensing of light and dark. In this article we focus on recent results in several
      fungi, which suggest a strong link between light-sensing and stress-activated
      mitogen-activated protein kinases.

PMID- 28087934
TI  - Fungal Cell Cycle: A Unicellular versus Multicellular Comparison.
AB  - All cells must accurately replicate DNA and partition it to daughter cells. The
      basic cell cycle machinery is highly conserved among eukaryotes. Most of the
      mechanisms that control the cell cycle were worked out in fungal cells, taking
      advantage of their powerful genetics and rapid duplication times. Here we
      describe the cell cycles of the unicellular budding yeast Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae and the multicellular filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. We
      compare and contrast morphological landmarks of G1, S, G2, and M phases,
      molecular mechanisms that drive cell cycle progression, and checkpoints in these
      model unicellular and multicellular fungal systems.

PMID- 28087935
TI  - Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection.
AB  - UTI may involve the lower or upper urinary tract and may be uncomplicated or
      complicated. The emphasis of this chapter is uncomplicated UTI. The diagnosis of
      uncomplicated cystitis (bladder infection) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
      is usually easily made based on the clinical presentation, whereas the diagnosis
      in patients with complicated UTI is often more complex. Thus uncomplicated
      cystitis is usually manifested by dysuria, frequency and/or urgency without
      fever, and pyelonephritis is usually manifested by fever and back
      pain/costovertebral angle tenderness. However, pyuria is usually present with
      UTI, regardless of location, and its absence suggests that another condition may
      be causing the patient's symptoms. Treatment of cystitis is usually
      straightforward with one of several effective short-course antimicrobial
      regimens, although antimicrobial resistance continues to increase and can
      complicate treatment choices in certain areas. Likewise, antimicrobial resistance
      has complicated our management of uncomplicated pyelonephritis since resistance
      of uropathogens to the fluoroquinolone class, the mainstay of oral treatment for
      pyelonephritis, is increasing worldwide, and some of the other agents used for
      cystitis are not recommended for pyelonephritis due to low tissue levels. The
      goal of prevention of recurrent cystitis is to minimize the use of antimicrobials
      and there are several research efforts in progress to develop effective and safe
      antimicrobial-sparing preventive approaches for this common condition.

PMID- 28087936
TI  - Fungal Ligninolytic Enzymes and Their Applications.
AB  - The global push toward an efficient and economical biobased economy has driven
      research to develop more cost-effective applications for the entirety of plant
      biomass, including lignocellulosic crops. As discussed elsewhere (Karlsson M,
      Atanasova L, Funck Jensen D, Zeilinger S, in Heitman J et al. [ed], Tuberculosis
      and the Tubercle Bacillus, 2nd ed, in press), significant progress has been made
      in the use of polysaccharide fractions from lignocellulose, cellulose, and
      various hemicellulose types. However, developing processes for use of the lignin
      fraction has been more challenging. In this chapter, we discuss characteristics
      of lignolytic enzymes and the fungi that produce them as well as potential and
      current uses of lignin-derived products.

PMID- 28087931
TI  - Evolution of Cell-Autonomous Effector Mechanisms in Macrophages versus Non-Immune
      Cells.
AB  - Specialized adaptations for killing microbes are synonymous with phagocytic cells
      including macrophages, monocytes, inflammatory neutrophils, and eosinophils.
      Recent genome sequencing of extant species, however, reveals that analogous
      antimicrobial machineries exist in certain non-immune cells and also within
      species that ostensibly lack a well-defined immune system. Here we probe the
      evolutionary record for clues about the ancient and diverse phylogenetic origins
      of macrophage killing mechanisms and how some of their properties are shared with
      cells outside the traditional bounds of immunity in higher vertebrates such as
      mammals.

PMID- 28087937
TI  - Myeloid Cell Phenotypes in Susceptibility and Resistance to Helminth Parasite
      Infections.
AB  - Many major tropical diseases are caused by long-lived helminth parasites that are
      able to survive by modulation of the host immune system, including the innate
      compartment of myeloid cells. In particular, dendritic cells and macrophages show
      markedly altered phenotypes during parasite infections. In addition, many
      specialized subsets such as eosinophils and basophils expand dramatically in
      response to these pathogens. The changes in phenotype and function, and their
      effects on both immunity to infection and reactivity to bystander antigens such
      as allergens, are discussed.

PMID- 28087939
TI  - Dendritic Cells in the Immune System-History, Lineages, Tissues, Tolerance, and
      Immunity.
AB  - The aim of this review is to provide a coherent framework for understanding
      dendritic cells (DCs). It has seven sections. The introduction provides an
      overview of the immune system and essential concepts, particularly for the
      nonspecialist reader. Next, the "History" section outlines the early evolution of
      ideas about DCs and highlights some sources of confusion that still exist today.
      The "Lineages" section then focuses on five different populations of DCs: two
      subsets of "classical" DCs, plasmacytoid DCs, monocyte-derived DCs, and
      Langerhans cells. It highlights some cellular and molecular specializations of
      each, and also notes other DC subsets that have been proposed. The following
      "Tissues" section discusses the distribution and behavior of different DC subsets
      within nonlymphoid and secondary lymphoid tissues that are connected by DC
      migration pathways between them. In the "Tolerance" section, the role of DCs in
      central and peripheral tolerance is considered, including their ability to drive
      the differentiation of different populations of regulatory T cells. In contrast,
      the "Immunity" section considers the roles of DCs in sensing of infection and
      tissue damage, the initiation of primary responses, the T-cell effector phase,
      and the induction of immunological memory. The concluding section provides some
      speculative ideas about the evolution of DCs. It also revisits earlier concepts
      of generation of diversity and clonal selection in terms of DCs driving the
      evolution of T-cell responses. Throughout, this review highlights certain areas
      of uncertainty and suggests some avenues for future investigation.

PMID- 28087940
TI  - The Memory Immune Response to Tuberculosis.
AB  - Immunological memory is a central feature of the adaptive immune system and a
      prerequisite for generating effective vaccines. Understanding long-term memory
      responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis will thus provide us with valuable
      insights that can guide us in the search for a novel vaccine against tuberculosis
      (TB). For many years, triggering CD4 T cells and, in particular, those secreting
      interferon-gamma has been the goal of most TB vaccine research, and numerous data
      from animals and humans support the key role of this subset in protective
      immunity. More recently, we have learned that the memory response required for
      effective control of M. tuberculosis is much more complex, probably involving
      several phenotypically different CD4 T cell subsets as well as other cell types
      that are yet to be defined. Herein, we describe recent insights into memory
      immunity to TB in the context of both animal models and the human infection. With
      the increasing amount of data generated from clinical testing of novel TB
      vaccines, we also summarize recent knowledge of vaccine-induced memory immunity.

PMID- 28087941
TI  - Interplay between Myeloid Cells and Humoral Innate Immunity.
AB  - The innate immune system represents the first line of defense against pathogens
      and comprises both a cellular and a humoral arm. Fluid-phase pattern recognition
      molecules (PRMs), which include collectins, ficolins, and pentraxins, are key
      components of the humoral arm of innate immunity and are expressed by a variety
      of cells, including myeloid, epithelial, and endothelial cells, mainly in
      response to infectious and inflammatory conditions. Soluble PRMs share basic
      multifunctional properties including activation and regulation of the complement
      cascade, opsonization of pathogens and apoptotic cells, regulation of leukocyte
      extravasation, and fine-tuning of inflammation. Therefore, soluble PRMs are part
      of the immune response and retain antibody-like effector functions. Here, we will
      review the expression and general function of soluble PRMs, focusing our
      attention on the long pentraxin PTX3.

PMID- 28087942
TI  - The Mutualistic Interaction between Plants and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi.
AB  - Mycorrhizal fungi belong to several taxa and develop mutualistic symbiotic
      associations with over 90% of all plant species, from liverworts to angiosperms.
      While descriptive approaches have dominated the initial studies of these
      fascinating symbioses, the advent of molecular biology, live cell imaging, and
      "omics" techniques have provided new and powerful tools to decipher the cellular
      and molecular mechanisms that rule mutualistic plant-fungus interactions. In this
      article we focus on the most common mycorrhizal association, arbuscular
      mycorrhiza (AM), which is formed by a group of soil fungi belonging to
      Glomeromycota. AM fungi are believed to have assisted the conquest of dry lands
      by early plants around 450 million years ago and are found today in most land
      ecosystems. AM fungi have several peculiar biological traits, including obligate
      biotrophy, intracellular development inside the plant tissues, coenocytic
      multinucleate hyphae, and spores, as well as unique genetics, such as the
      putative absence of a sexual cycle, and multiple ecological functions. All of
      these features make the study of AM fungi as intriguing as it is challenging, and
      their symbiotic association with most crop plants is currently raising a broad
      interest in agronomic contexts for the potential use of AM fungi in sustainable
      production under conditions of low chemical input.

PMID- 28087938
TI  - The Role and Function of Fcgamma Receptors on Myeloid Cells.
AB  - A key determinant for the survival of organisms is their capacity to recognize
      and respond efficiently to foreign antigens. This is largely accomplished by the
      orchestrated activity of the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system.
      Antibodies are specifically generated in response to foreign antigens,
      facilitating thereby the specific recognition of antigens of almost infinite
      diversity. Receptors specific for the Fc domain of antibodies, Fc receptors, are
      expressed on the surface of the various myeloid leukocyte populations and mediate
      the binding and recognition of antibodies by innate leukocytes. By directly
      linking the innate and the adaptive components of immunity, Fc receptors play a
      central role in host defense and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis through
      the induction of diverse proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory
      processes that are initiated upon engagement by the Fc domain. In this chapter,
      we discuss the mechanisms that regulate Fc domain binding to the various types of
      Fc receptors and provide an overview of the astonishing diversity of effector
      functions that are mediated through Fc-FcR interactions on myeloid cells. Lastly,
      we discuss the impact of FcR-mediated interactions in the context of IgG-mediated
      inflammation, autoimmunity, susceptibility to infection, and responsiveness to
      antibody-based therapeutics.

PMID- 28087943
TI  - RNA Interference in Fungi: Retention and Loss.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi) is a mechanism conserved in eukaryotes, including fungi,
      that represses gene expression by means of small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) of about
      20 to 30 nucleotides. Its discovery is one of the most important scientific
      breakthroughs of the past 20 years, and it has revolutionized our perception of
      the functioning of the cell. Initially described and characterized in Neurospora
      crassa, the RNAi is widespread in fungi, suggesting that it plays important
      functions in the fungal kingdom. Several RNAi-related mechanisms for maintenance
      of genome integrity, particularly protection against exogenous nucleic acids such
      as mobile elements, have been described in several fungi, suggesting that this is
      the main function of RNAi in the fungal kingdom. However, an increasing number of
      fungal sRNAs with regulatory functions generated by specific RNAi pathways have
      been identified. Several mechanistic aspects of the biogenesis of these sRNAs are
      known, but their function in fungal development and physiology is scarce, except
      for remarkable examples such as Mucor circinelloides, in which specific sRNAs
      clearly regulate responses to environmental and endogenous signals. Despite the
      retention of RNAi in most species, some fungal groups and species lack an active
      RNAi mechanism, suggesting that its loss may provide some selective advantage.
      This article summarizes the current understanding of RNAi functions in the fungal
      kingdom.

PMID- 28087944
TI  - Laboratory Diagnosis and Susceptibility Testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - The laboratory, which utilizes some of the most sophisticated and rapidly
      changing technologies, plays a critical role in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
      Some of these tools are being employed in resource-challenged countries for the
      rapid detection and characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Foremost, the
      laboratory defines appropriate specimen criteria for optimal test performance.
      The direct detection of mycobacteria in the clinical specimen, predominantly done
      by acid-fast staining, may eventually be replaced by rapid-cycle PCR. The
      widespread use of the Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid) assay, which detects both M.
      tuberculosis and key genetic determinants of rifampin resistance, is important
      for the early detection of multidrug-resistant strains. Culture, using both broth
      and solid media, remains the standard for establishing the laboratory-based
      diagnosis of tuberculosis. Cultured isolates are identified far less commonly by
      traditional biochemical profiling and more commonly by molecular methods, such as
      DNA probes and broad-range PCR with DNA sequencing. Non-nucleic acid-based
      methods of identification, such as high-performance liquid chromatography and,
      more recently, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass
      spectrometry, may also be used for identification. Cultured isolates of M.
      tuberculosis should be submitted for susceptibility testing according to standard
      guidelines. The use of broth-based susceptibility testing is recommended to
      significantly decrease the time to result. Cultured isolates may also be
      submitted for strain typing for epidemiologic purposes. The use of massive
      parallel sequencing, also known as next-generation sequencing, promises to
      continue to this molecular revolution in mycobacteriology, as whole-genome
      sequencing provides identification, susceptibility, and typing information
      simultaneously.

PMID- 28087945
TI  - Innate Immune Responses to Tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis remains one of the greatest threats to human health. The causative
      bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is acquired by the respiratory route. It
      is exquisitely adapted to humans and is a prototypic intracellular pathogen of
      macrophages, with alveolar macrophages being the primary conduit of infection and
      disease. However, M. tuberculosis bacilli interact with and are affected by
      several soluble and cellular components of the innate immune system which dictate
      the outcome of primary infection, most commonly a latently infected healthy human
      host, in whom the bacteria are held in check by the host immune response within
      the confines of tissue granuloma, the host histopathologic hallmark. Such
      individuals can develop active TB later in life with impairment in the immune
      system. In contrast, in a minority of infected individuals, the early host immune
      response fails to control bacterial growth, and progressive granulomatous disease
      develops, facilitating spread of the bacilli via infectious aerosols. The
      molecular details of the M. tuberculosis-host innate immune system interaction
      continue to be elucidated, particularly those occurring within the lung. However,
      it is clear that a number of complex processes are involved at the different
      stages of infection that may benefit either the bacterium or the host. In this
      article, we describe a contemporary view of the molecular events underlying the
      interaction between M. tuberculosis and a variety of cellular and soluble
      components and processes of the innate immune system.

PMID- 28087947
TI  - Lichenized Fungi and the Evolution of Symbiotic Organization.
AB  - Lichen symbioses comprise a fascinating relationship between algae and fungi. The
      lichen symbiotic lifestyle evolved early in the evolution of ascomycetes and is
      also known from a few basidiomycetes. The ascomycete lineages have diversified in
      the lichenized stage to give rise to a tremendous variety of morphologies. Their
      thalli are often internally complex and stratified for optimized integration of
      algal and fungal metabolisms. Thalli are frequently colonized by specific
      nonlichenized fungi and occasionally also by other lichens. Microscopy has
      revealed various ways these fungi interact with their hosts. Besides the
      morphologically recognizable diversity of the lichen mycobionts and lichenicolous
      (lichen-inhabiting) fungi, many other microorganisms including other fungi and
      bacterial communities are now detected in lichens by culture-dependent and
      culture-independent approaches. The application of multi-omics approaches,
      refined microscopic techniques, and physiological studies has added to our
      knowledge of lichens, not only about the taxa involved in the lichen
      interactions, but also about their functions.

PMID- 28087948
TI  - Regulation of Immunity to Tuberculosis.
AB  - Immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis requires a balance between adaptive
      immune responses to constrain bacterial replication and the prevention of
      potentially damaging immune activation. Regulatory T (Treg) cells express the
      transcription factor Foxp3+ and constitute an essential counterbalance of
      inflammatory Th1 responses and are required to maintain immune homeostasis. The
      first reports describing the presence of Foxp3-expressing CD4+ Treg cells in
      tuberculosis (TB) emerged in 2006. Different Treg cell subsets, most likely
      specialized for different tissues and microenvironments, have been shown to
      expand in both human TB and animal models of TB. Recently, additional functional
      roles for Treg cells have been demonstrated during different stages and spectrums
      of TB disease. Foxp3+ regulatory cells can quickly expand during early infection
      and impede the onset of cellular immunity and persist during chronic TB
      infection. Increased frequencies of Treg cells have been associated with a
      detrimental outcome of active TB, and may be dependent on the M. tuberculosis
      strain, animal model, local environment, and the stage of infection. Some
      investigations also suggest that Treg cells are required together with effector T
      cell responses to obtain reduced pathology and sterilizing immunity. In this
      review, we will first provide an overview of the regulatory cells and mechanisms
      that control immune homeostasis. Then, we will review what is known about the
      phenotype and function of Treg cells from studies in human TB and experimental
      animal models of TB. We will discuss the potential role of Treg cells in the
      progression of TB disease and the relevance of this knowledge for future efforts
      to prevent, modulate, and treat TB.

PMID- 28087946
TI  - Invasion of Host Cells and Tissues by Uropathogenic Bacteria.
AB  - Within the mammalian urinary tract uropathogenic bacteria face many challenges,
      including the shearing flow of urine, numerous antibacterial molecules, the
      bactericidal effects of phagocytes, and a scarcity of nutrients. These problems
      may be circumvented in part by the ability of uropathogenic Escherichia coli and
      several other uropathogens to invade the epithelial cells that line the urinary
      tract. By entering host cells, uropathogens can gain access to additional
      nutrients and protection from both host defenses and antibiotic treatments.
      Translocation through host cells can facilitate bacterial dissemination within
      the urinary tract, while the establishment of stable intracellular bacterial
      populations may create reservoirs for relapsing and chronic urinary tract
      infections. Here we review the mechanisms and consequences of host cell invasion
      by uropathogenic bacteria, with consideration of the defenses that are brought to
      bear against facultative intracellular pathogens within the urinary tract. The
      relevance of host cell invasion to the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections
      in human patients is also assessed, along with some of the emerging treatment
      options that build upon our growing understanding of the infectious life cycle of
      uropathogenic E. coli and other uropathogens.

PMID- 28087950
TI  - Amyloid Prions in Fungi.
AB  - Prions are infectious protein polymers that have been found to cause fatal
      diseases in mammals. Prions have also been identified in fungi (yeast and
      filamentous fungi), where they behave as cytoplasmic non-Mendelian genetic
      elements. Fungal prions correspond in most cases to fibrillary beta-sheet-rich
      protein aggregates termed amyloids. Fungal prion models and, in particular, yeast
      prions were instrumental in the description of fundamental aspects of prion
      structure and propagation. These models established the "protein-only" nature of
      prions, the physical basis of strain variation, and the role of a variety of
      chaperones in prion propagation and amyloid aggregate handling. Yeast and fungal
      prions do not necessarily correspond to harmful entities but can have adaptive
      roles in these organisms.

PMID- 28087949
TI  - The Vaginal Microbiota and Urinary Tract Infection.
AB  - The vagina is a key anatomical site in the pathogenesis of urinary tract
      infection (UTI) in women, serving as a potential reservoir for infecting bacteria
      and a site at which interventions may decrease the risk of UTI. The vaginal
      microbiota is a dynamic and often critical factor in this pathogenic interplay,
      because changes in the characteristics of the vaginal microbiota resulting in the
      loss of normally protective Lactobacillus spp. increase the risk of UTI. These
      alterations may result from the influence of estrogen deficiency, antimicrobial
      therapy, contraceptives, or other causes. Interventions to reduce adverse effects
      on the vaginal microbiota and/or to restore protective lactobacilli may reduce
      the risks of UTI.

PMID- 28087951
TI  - A phase II study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and erlotinib for inoperable
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with unresectable,
      locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is associated with
      significant toxicities that are often intolerable. Prognosis for this subgroup of
      patients remains poor, and new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. We
      investigated the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel combined with erlotinib and
      concurrent radiotherapy in patients with inoperable ESCC. Erlotinib (150 mg) was
      administered daily for 60 days beginning at the start of radiotherapy, and
      paclitaxel (45 mg/m2) was administered weekly along with intensity modulated
      conformal radiotherapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions). The median follow-up time was 21
      months. The associations between EGFR and VEGF expression and treatment outcome
      were evaluated. Among the 21 patients treated, the overall response rate (CR +
      PR) was 85.6%. The median LPFS, PFS and OS were: 17.5, 14.3, and 22.9 months,
      respectively. Treatment-related grade 3 toxicities included esophagitis (two
      patients) and hypoleukemia (one patient). Grade 4 pulmonary toxicity was observed
      in one patient. Patients expressing EGFR had longer PFS, while those expressing
      VEGF or with a history of smoking had worse outcomes. Weekly paclitaxel combined
      with erlotinib and concurrent radiotherapy shows promise as an effective,
      tolerated regimen for patients with inoperable ESCC.

PMID- 28087953
TI  - Tenofovir-induced nephrotoxicity: A retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tenofovir (TDF) has been associated with renal function
      deterioration, but local data regarding the incidence and risk factors for this
      adverse event were lacking. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of
      nephrotoxicity in HIV-infected patients on tenofovir-based regimens and to
      evaluate risk factors involved in tenofovir-associated renal function decline.
      METHODS: This is a single-centre retrospective cohort study of 440 HIV-infected
      adults who were started on tenofovirbased antiretroviral regimens. Data were
      extracted from electronic medical and pharmacy records. RESULTS: A decline in
      eGFR of 25% or more was seen in 67 patients (15.2%) with an estimated incidence
      rate of 12 per 100 person-years. Among all 440 subjects, 22 discontinued TDF
      based therapy due to renal complication. From multivariate analysis, the odds of
      developing >25% decrease in eGFR with tenofovir-containing regimen was three
      times higher for patients with baseline moderate renal impairment (HR 3.19; 95%
      CI, 1.43-7.12; p=0.005) and 14 times higher for patients with baseline severe
      renal impairment (HR 14.2; 95% CI, 11.20-170.7; p=0.036) as compared to those
      without pre-existing renal insufficiency. Age above 50 years and CD4 cell count
      of less than 50 were significantly associated with >25% decrement in eGFR.
      CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of tenofovir-related renal dysfunction was found
      to be 12 per 100 person-years. Preexisting renal impairment, age 50 and above,
      and CD4 cell count below 50 as were predictors for renal function decline. Given
      that the use of tenofovir is escalating in Malaysia, increased awareness about
      this adverse event is essential.

PMID- 28087952
TI  - An observational study of trigeminal neuralgia patients taking carbamazepine
      during the fasting month of Ramadan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Trigeminal neuralgia is an agonising orofacial pain affecting
      unilaterally the distribution of the trigeminal nerve and it usually occurs in
      the middle and older age groups. Carbamazepine which is an anti-neuralgic as well
      as an anti-convulsant medication is the first line drug for treatment of
      trigeminal neuralgia. It is commonly taken as one tablet (200 mg) three times a
      day. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational study carried out from April
      to September 2014 to determine how Muslim patients on carbamazepine treatment for
      trigeminal neuralgia cope with their neuralgic pain. The pattern of how the
      medication was taken during the fasting month of Ramadan was also observed.
      RESULTS: A total of 29 patients participated in this study and 27(93%) observed
      the fast. Ten of them adjusted the carbamazepine dose from three times pre
      Ramadan to twice daily during the fasting month. Three patients continued fasting
      despite feeling the pain during the daytime while five patients had their pain
      under control with the newly adjusted dose. CONCLUSION: Medical professionals
      should advise trigeminal neuralgia patients on how to take and adjust their
      carbamazepine dose during the fasting month.

PMID- 28087954
TI  - Functional limitation and health-related quality of life, and associated factors
      among long term stroke survivors in a Malaysian community.
AB  - PURPOSE: this study aimed to evaluate function and quality of life (QoL) and
      associated factors among long term stroke survivors in the Malaysian community.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving stroke survivors living
      in the community at two or more years post-stroke. Eligible participants with the
      diagnosis of stroke were identified from 2005-2010 case mix database of a
      tertiary hospital. the patients' medical records were analysed and data on
      demographic and clinical profiles were collected. telephone interviews were
      conducted to assess existing stroke-related impairments, comorbidities, stroke
      recurrences, current level of function and QoL, with the usage of rivermead
      mobility index (rMI), barthel index (bI) and stroke specific quality of life
      scale (ssQOL). RESULTS: A total of 203 stroke survivors; mean age 64.5 (standard
      Deviation(sD) 12.2) years, 45.3% males, stroke duration 44.7 (sD 13.8) months
      completed the interviews. Mean rMI was 11.7 (sD 3.4) and bI was 89.8 (sD 19.8).
      Forty three percent and 99% had difficulty in ascending/descending stairs and
      fast walking, respectively. Up to 20% had limitations in most of the bI subsets.
      Mean ssQOL was 207.6 (sD 37.2), with domains mostly affected were 'energy' and
      'social role'. Function and QOL were both influenced by age (p<0.01) and stroke
      related impairments (p<0.05), but not by co-morbidities or stroke recurrence. QoL
      and function (both mobility and ADL) were strongly positively correlated with
      each other (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that functional limitations
      especially mobility, remains post-stroke major problem and were attributed mainly
      to stroke-related impairments.

PMID- 28087955
TI  - Water as neutral oral contrast agent in abdominopelvic CT: comparing
      effectiveness with Gastrografin in the same patient.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Positive oral contrast is no longer deemed necessary for
      abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scans. Studies have shown water to be an
      equally effective oral contrast agent. However, to our knowledge no study has
      compared effectiveness between gastrografin and water in the same patient, which
      will provide a more objective evaluation of the two oral contrast agents. We aim
      to make a head-to-head comparison of water as neutral oral contrast (OC) against
      gastrografin as positive OC for abdominopelvic CT scans in the same patient.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of 206 abdominopelvic CT scans of 103 patients
      was performed. The scans were reviewed in consensus by two blinded radiologists.
      The ability to visualise each abdominopelvic organ, contrastassociated artefacts
      and small bowel wall delineation, was qualitatively scored on a 5-point scale.
      Each patient had two sets of scores, one with water and another with gastrografin
      as OC. Paired scores from the two OCs were evaluated by Wilcoxon signed rank test
      to determine any significant difference in performance between the two OCs for
      visualisation of abdominopelvic anatomy on CT. RESULTS: There was significantly
      better delineation of duodenal wall (p<0.001) and overall visualisation of the
      duodenum (p=0.011) using water as OC compared to gastrografin. No statistically
      significant differences were demonstrated between water and gastrografin for
      visualisation of the rest of the abdominopelvic organs, walldelineation of the
      rest small bowel and contrast-associated artefacts. CONCLUSIONS: Water can be
      used in place of gastrografin as oral contrast in abdominopelvic CT without
      compromising visualization of abdominopelvic organs.

PMID- 28087956
TI  - Intralesional Injection of OK-432 in Cystic Hygroma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymphangiomas are congenital malformations of the lymphatic system
      with characteristic dilated endothelium-lined spaces. It is vulnerability to
      infection or chemical irritants cause spontaneous reduction in size and in some
      cases complete resolution. Intralesional injection of OK-432 or Picibanil
      (lyophilized incubation mixture of Group A Streptococcus pyogenes of human
      origin) is slowly gaining recognition as its safety and efficacy standards have
      shown to avoid complications resulting from surgical interventions. The objective
      of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of cystic hygroma patients
      who received OK-432 injections. METHODS: In between 2011 and 2013, six patients
      with cystic hygroma received intralesional injection of OK-432. All the patients
      were assessed clinically and radiologically either via ultrasound, computer
      tomography (CT) or magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) prior to and after receiving
      the injections. Patients' response towards treatment was classified as total
      shrinkage, marked shrinkage (greater than 50% reduction in size), slight
      shrinkage (less than 50% reduction in size) or non-responsive to treatment.
      RESULTS: Mean duration of follow-up was 12 months. Total shrinkage was achieved
      in one patient, marked shrinkage in three patients and one patient experienced
      mild shrinkage. Only one out of the six patients showed no response to treatment.
      None of the patients in this study experienced serious complications or adverse
      effects post intralesional injection of OK-432. CONCLUSIONS: Intralesional OK-432
      injection is an effective and safe alternative in treating cystic hygroma.

PMID- 28087957
TI  - Cardiovascular risk assessment between urban and rural population in Malaysia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) caused significant burden to Malaysia
      as it accounted for 36% of total deaths. This study aims to evaluate the burden
      of cardiovascular risk factors among Malaysian adult and assess the difference
      between urban and rural population in the selected communities. METHODS: This
      study is part of the ongoing Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE)
      database, whereby the baseline data were collected since June 2008. CVD risk was
      measured using INTERHEART risk score which comprised of eleven risk factors i.e.
      age and gender, family history of heart attack, smoking status, exposure to
      second hand smoke, diabetes mellitus, hypertension status, waist-hip ratio, self
      reported stress, depression, dietary habits and physical activity status.
      RESULTS: Majority of the studied participants had low cardiovascular risk (57%).
      Participants from rural area were generally older, had lower educational status,
      higher prevalence of smokers, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and more likely to
      be depressed. In comparison, urbanites had lower physical activities and more
      likely to be stressful. Mean INTERHEART score among rural participants were
      higher, especially for male, in comparison to urbanite (11.5+/-5.83 vs. 10.01+/
      5.74, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Contradict to common beliefs, participants in rural
      areas generally have higher cardiovascular risk factors compared to their urban
      counterparts. The rural population should be targeted for focused preventive
      interventions, taking account the socioeconomic and cultural context.

PMID- 28087958
TI  - The teaching of trauma management in undergraduate medical education.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The teaching of trauma in medical schools faces many educational and
      logistic challenges. Issues on what to teach, how to teach, when to teach, who
      will teach and whether medical students with insufficient exposure to clinical
      medicine can benefit from a trauma course are unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      well-designed one day intensive trauma course concentrating on the primary survey
      was taught to semester seven and semester eight students by a multi-disciplinary
      team comprising of surgeons, anaesthetists, emergency physicians and trained
      medical officers. The course comprised of a pre-test of 30 multiple choice
      questions followed by three hours of lectures, three hours of skill stations and
      a post-test. The pre-test and posttest scores were analysed using the paired
      sample t-test and the independent t-test. RESULTS: The pre- and post-test scores
      showed significant improvement for both semester seven and semester eight
      students. Semester seven students, who only had a sevenweek posting in Surgery
      had pre-test and post-test scores of only 4% less than semester eight students
      who had an additional six weeks in Orthopaedics and two weeks in Accident and
      Emergency postings. The use of a multidisciplinary team reduced the logistic
      burden of finding sufficient surgeons to teach trauma management. CONCLUSION:
      Trauma education can be taught to undergraduates by a multidisciplinary team as
      early as year three, in semester seven. However, the mean score of semester eight
      students is only at 66%, suggesting that a refresher course prior to graduation
      at semester ten will be useful. KEY WORDS.

PMID- 28087959
TI  - A study on HLA-DR/DQ typing in adult Malay patients with acute amoebic liver
      abscess.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica
      that may lead to death in developing countries. Few important risk factors have
      been identified in the development of amoebic liver abscess (ALA). There are
      limited reports that suggest an association between antigens of the major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) particularly class II antigens and ALA
      development. This present work aimed at studying the possible association of HLA
      antigens with ALA and disease severity. Results of the study may serve as a guide
      for further immunological studies dealing with E. histolytica. METHODS: This
      preliminary study involved two groups of subjects: 20 ALA patients in the
      experimental group and 40 healthy individuals in the control group. Cases were
      selected from adult Malay patients confirmed with ALA based on clinical signs and
      symptoms, radiological findings, microbiological findings and who were admitted
      to the medical or surgical ward, Hospital USM, Kelantan. Venous blood was
      obtained from each patient and HLA typing was then conducted using polymerase
      chain reaction specific primer sequence. RESULTS: HLA DR12 was most frequently
      found in the healthy control and ALA groups at 40% and 55% respectively. HLA DQ7
      and DQ8 were found to have the highest percentage in the ALA group at 65%. In the
      control group, HLA DQ8 (57.5%) had the highest percentage. CONCLUSION: HLA
      antigens play a role in acquisition of ALA and provide understanding of the
      disease outcome.

PMID- 28087960
TI  - Retention of Knowledge following training of students in Basic Trauma Life
      Support.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the course of their undergraduate training at the International
      Medical University, students receive a Basic Trauma Life Support course.
      OBJECTIVE: We wanted to test the long-term retention of knowledge (after 16
      months) of third year medical students who had received training in Basic Trauma
      Life Support Method: To assess the retention of knowledge one cohort of students
      who received the training course were tested again 16 months later using the same
      30 question One Best Answer quiz. RESULTS: Seventy-three students who underwent
      the course sat for the Retention test. The number of students who passed the
      Retention test was not significantly different from the test taken immediately
      after the course. The mean scores, 62.5% and 59.5% respectively, were however
      significantly different. CONCLUSION: Our study involves a relatively long
      interval between the course and retention of knowledge test shows encouraging
      results.

PMID- 28087961
TI  - Treatment of Heavily Pre-treated Metastatic Breast Cancer with Eribulin: First
      local experience in Sabah.
AB  - There are many options in the treatment of heavily pretreated metastatic breast
      cancer however none of the therapeutic agents have shown promising improvement of
      survival with good toxicity profile. Eribulin is a novel nontaxane microtubule
      dynamics inhibitor. Two recent clinical trial showed that Eribulin improves
      progression-free and overall survival in this subset of patients. We report our
      experience with using Eribulin in five patients with metastatic breast cancer
      either in second or third-line setting, in our centre.

PMID- 28087962
TI  - Angry patient with fibromyalgia: Diagnosis and management in primary care.
AB  - I report a case of 40-year-old lady who presented with symptoms and signs
      suggestive of fibromyalgia but was disregarded by attending doctor. She was
      infuriated and lodged a complaint to Family Medicine Specialist (FMS) whereby
      further assessment confirmed the diagnosis of fibromyalgia and subsequently
      treated in primary care setting.

PMID- 28087963
TI  - Vitamin-D-deficiency rickets even with abundant sunlight -A case to highlight
      emerging problem.
AB  - We describe a case of vitamin-D-deficiency rickets in a young child to highlight
      its existence in Malaysia where sunlight is abundant throughout the year. The
      child presented with deformity of both legs. He came from an educated urban
      family but remained indoors most of the time. Radiographs of knees and wrists
      showed changes of florid rickets. Low serum 25-hydoxyvitamin-D, high parathyroid
      hormone, normal serum phosphate and calcium levels, and normal renal function
      clinched the diagnosis of vitamin-D-deficiency rickets. He improved remarkably
      after treatment with oral Vitamin-D. We emphasise the importance of exposure to
      sunlight to prevent rickets.

PMID- 28087965
TI  - Hypopharyngeal cancer masquerading as a thyroid mass.
AB  - Hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) is generally a rare head and neck malignancy. There
      are differing clinical presentations depending on the subsite location of primary
      tumour. Advanced HPC will have neck node metastasis particularly upper
      jugulodigastric nodes. We report a patient with postcricoid tumour who presented
      with anterior huge neck swelling mimic thyroid mass. The patient first presented
      to the General Surgical Unit for management of presumed thyroid lesion. She was
      diagnosed post-cricoid squamous cell carcinoma when further assessed by
      otorhinolaryngologist.

PMID- 28087964
TI  - Arrythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia.
AB  - A 10-year-old well and asymptomatic female was referred for screening of acute
      right ventricular dilatation (ARVD) as she had an elder brother diagnosed with
      ARVD whom died of sudden cardiac death. Electrocardiography (ECG), transthoracic
      echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) were
      performed. Results of these investigations were suggestive of ARVD. Despite being
      a rare cardiac disease and largely unrecognised in children and young adult
      population, ARVD is an important cause of ventricular arrhythmias in this group
      of patients and is one of the causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in this
      population.

PMID- 28087966
TI  - Gastric ulcer that turned out to be metastasis of a synovial sarcoma: A case
      report and literature review.
AB  - Primary gastrointestinal synovial sarcoma or its metastases to the
      gastrointestinal tract is rare. Here we present a case of 56-year-old gentleman
      with left thigh synovial sarcoma and gastric metastases along with the literature
      review.

PMID- 28087967
TI  - Periampullary Carcinoma with Penile Metastasis.
AB  - Periampullary carcinoma metastases are usually located at regional nodes,
      adjacent organs, liver or lung. On the other hand, metastatic penile cancer is
      uncommon. Penile metastasis usually originates from pelvic region with prostate
      and bladder being the most frequent primary location. We present a very rare case
      of periampullary carcinoma with penile metastasis in a 49-year-old man. He
      initially presented with early ampullary type periampullary carcinoma and had
      pyloric preserving pancreatoduodenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. However,
      after six years of uneventful follow up, he presented with a penile lesion which
      was confirmed to be pancreatic metastasis. He was started on chemotherapy but
      passed away two months later. Ampullary carcinoma type of periampullary carcinoma
      usually presents early with favourable prognosis. However, tumour recurrence can
      present much later after definitive treatment and at a rare site such as penis
      with generally poor outcome.

PMID- 28087968
TI  - Thymic carcinoma presenting with an unusual and delayed metastasis to the neural
      foramen, mimicking thoracic spinal radiculopathy.
AB  - We report a case of metastatic thymic carcinoma which presented as an enhancing
      mass located in the neural foramen of the thoracic spine. More common tumours
      which arise in the neural foramen would include a neurogenic tumour or
      developmental anomalies such as a foregut duplication cyst. This case is singular
      firstly because the lesion present as radiculopathy which mimics a neurogenic
      tumour. Secondly, the presentation was unusually delayed as the patient presented
      to our centre more than a decade after the resection of the primary tumour in
      another institution.

PMID- 28087969
TI  - Axillary accessory breast carcinoma masquerading as axillary abscess: a case
      report.
AB  - Accessory breast is a frequently seen developmental breast abnormality, commoner
      among Asians than Caucasians. This ectopic breast tissue shares many similarities
      as the normal breast tissue, and although subjected to the same pathological
      processes, accessory breast carcinoma is rare. As locations of the accessory
      breast may be variable, detection of pathological lesions through clinical
      examinations and standard diagnostic tools (i.e., mammogram) can be difficult.
      Staging and management should be tailored-made according to the location of the
      accessory breast as well as its known pattern of lymphatic drainage. We report a
      case of an intra-ductal carcinoma occurring in an axillary accessory breast.

PMID- 28087970
TI  - Liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry for the determination of
      baclofen and its metabolites in plasma: Application to therapeutic drug
      monitoring.
AB  - Baclofen is used to manage alcohol dependence. This study describes a simple
      method using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry
      (LC-HR-MS) developed in plasma samples. This method was optimized to allow
      quantification of baclofen and determination of metabolic ratio of its
      metabolites, an oxidative deaminated metabolite of baclofen (M1) and its
      glucuronide form (M2). The LC-HR-MS method on Exactive(r) apparatus is a newly
      developed method with all the advantages of high resolution in full-scan mode for
      the quantification of baclofen and detection of its metabolites in plasma. The
      present assay provides a protein precipitation method starting with 100 MUL
      plasma giving a wide polynomial dynamic range (R2  > 0.999) between 10 and 2000
      ng/mL and a lower limit of quantitation of 3 ng/mL for baclofen. Intra- and inter
      day precisions were <8.1% and accuracies were between 91.2 and 103.3% for
      baclofen. No matrix effect was observed. The assay was successfully applied to 36
      patients following baclofen administration. Plasma concentrations of baclofen
      were determined between 12.2 and 1399.9 ng/mL and metabolic ratios were estimated
      between 0.4 and 81.8% for M1 metabolite and on the order of 0.3% for M2 in two
      samples.

PMID- 28087971
TI  - Structural study of 1-(2', 3'-O-isopropylidene-(alpha-d-allo and -beta-l
      talofuranosyluron)-5'-cyanohydrin)uracil stereoisomers by NMR spectroscopy and
      theoretical methods.

PMID- 28087972
TI  - Lack of effect of oral cabotegravir on the pharmacokinetics of a
      levonorgestrel/ethinyl oestradiol-containing oral contraceptive in healthy adult
      women.
AB  - AIMS: This study aimed to investigate whether cabotegravir (CAB), an integrase
      inhibitor in development for treatment and prevention of human immunodeficiency
      virus-1, influences the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a levonorgestrel (LNG) and
      ethinyl oestradiol (EO)-containing oral contraceptive (OC) in healthy women.
      METHODS: In this open-label, fixed-sequence crossover study, healthy female
      subjects received LNG 0.15 mg/EO 0.03 mg tablet once daily Days 1-10 alone and
      with oral CAB 30 mg once daily Days 11-21. At the end of each treatment period,
      subjects underwent predose sampling for concentrations of follicle-stimulating
      hormone, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone and serial PK sampling for plasma
      LNG, EO, and CAB concentrations. RESULTS: Twenty women were enrolled, and 19
      completed the study. One subject was withdrawn due to an adverse event unrelated
      to study medications. Geometric least squares mean ratios (90% confidence
      interval) of LNG + CAB vs. LNG alone for LNG area under the plasma concentration
      time curve over the dosing interval of duration tau and maximum observed plasma
      concentration were 1.12 (1.07-1.18) and 1.05 (0.96-1.15), respectively. Geometric
      least squares mean ratio (90% confidence interval) of EO + CAB vs. EO alone for
      EO area under the plasma concentration-time curve over the dosing interval of
      duration tau and maximum observed plasma concentration were 1.02 (0.97-1.08) and
      0.92 (0.83-1.03), respectively. Steady-state CAB PK parameters were comparable to
      historical values. There was no apparent difference in mean luteinizing hormone,
      follicle-stimulating hormone, and progesterone concentrations between periods. No
      clinically significant trends in laboratory values, vital signs, or
      electrocardiography values were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat doses of oral CAB
      had no significant effect on LNG/EO PK or pharmacodynamics, which supports CAB
      coadministration with LNG/EO OCs in clinical practice.

PMID- 28087973
TI  - Association of granulomas in mesenteric lymph nodes in Crohn's disease with
      younger age and transmural inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mesenteric lymph nodes were usually removed during bowel
      resection surgery for Crohn's disease (CD). Mesenteric lymph node (MLN) granuloma
      predicted postoperative disease recurrence in patients with CD after ileocolic
      resection (ICR). This study was aimed to identify factors associated with MLN
      granulomas in a cohort of CD patients who underwent ICR. METHODS: The study group
      consisted of 18 patients with CD who underwent the index ICR between 2004 and
      2012 and had MLN granulomas. The control group included 32 cases negative for MLN
      granulomas, which were randomly selected from the same period. Clinicodemographic
      and histological features were compared in these two groups. RESULTS: The
      presence of MLN granuloma was associated with younger age, perianal disease, and
      ileocolic disease. Gender, body mass index, smoking status, disease duration,
      extraintestinal manifestation, length of bowel resected, total number of nodes
      examined, medical treatment, and indications for surgery were not significantly
      different between the groups. The presence of MLN granuloma was associated with
      mural granuloma, transmural inflammation, mural abscess, hypertrophy of the
      muscularis propria, fibrosis of the muscularis propria, and serosal fibrosis in
      the small bowel. The multivariable analysis confirms that MLN granuloma was
      associated with age and transmural inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: In CD patients who
      underwent the index ICR, the presence of MLN granuloma was associated with
      younger age and transmural inflammation. Our current results suggest that the
      detection of MLN granulomas may be enhanced in patients at higher risk, that is,
      younger patients or those with transmural inflammation on imaging or
      histopathology.

PMID- 28087974
TI  - Application of Z-sinapinic matrix in peptide MALDI-MS analysis.
AB  - Since introduction of sinapinic acid (SA) and alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid
      as matrices, successful application of matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization mass spectrometry started for protein/polypeptides. Both
      show some limitations in short peptide analysis because matrix clusters are quite
      abundant. Cinnamics currently used are E-cinnamics. Here, Z-SA as matrix for
      peptides is studied and compared with E-SA and alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic
      acid. Minor number of clusters is always observed in the low m/z region allowing
      the detection of short peptides. The results here described show that this novel
      matrix is a tool of choice for direct, rapid and sensitive detection of
      hydrophilic and hydrophobic peptides. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28087975
TI  - Screening and treating Helicobacter pylori infection for gastric cancer
      prevention on the population level.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori infection is the major cause of gastric cancer, and removal
      of H. pylori infection from a population could theoretically decrease the number
      of cases by about 89%. However, in real-life settings, few studies have reported
      the effect of screening and treating this pathogen in population-based programs.
      This is mainly because of the lack of an adequate infrastructure for delivery of
      systematic screening services to asymptomatic individuals, the lack of
      standardization to ensure that each subject receives the correct diagnostic
      testing and antibiotic treatment, and limited resources. We illustrate our method
      of implementing two population-based screen-and-treat programs in Taiwan, where
      the epidemiological characteristics of disease burden have changed from the
      traditionally Eastern pattern towards that of the Western countries. Our first
      example is a high-risk population that resides on an offshore island, in which a
      strategy of mass eradication of H. pylori was applied. The other example is an
      intermediate-risk population, which is representative of the general average-risk
      population, in which there is integration of the screen-and-treat method with the
      established framework of colorectal cancer screening using the fecal-occult blood
      test. The information provided here may be useful for integration of gastric
      cancer prevention measures into the healthcare priorities of populations with
      different gastric cancer risks, such as those with limited resources.

PMID- 28087976
TI  - The role of diode array ultraviolet detection for the identification of synthetic
      cathinones.
AB  - The utility of diode array ultraviolet (UV) detection for aiding in the
      identification of synthetic cathinones, including different sub-classes and
      positional isomers is presented. For 35 synthetic cathinones, unique UV spectra
      are obtained for seven sub-classes, including mostly beta ketones, where position
      and type of substitution on benzene rings give rise to differences in UV maxima
      and relative intensity of the spectral bands. This aspect is key to
      distinguishing positional isomers that contain differences in R substitution
      (mono and di) around the benzene ring, which provides complementary information
      to electron ionization mass spectrometry, where the latter technique cannot
      distinguish between these types of positional isomers. In addition, it is
      possible to ascertain the substitution position based on the UV spectra. For ten
      sets of positional isomers, it was possible to distinguish most of the positional
      isomers within a set. For ultra-high performance supercritical fluid
      chromatography (UHPSFC) versus reversed phase ultra-high performance liquid
      chromatography (UHPLC), there was at least a 10 nm blue shift in UV maximum
      (shift to shorter wavelengths). This highlights the importance of taking in
      account the effect of mobile phase on the UV maximum when performing method
      development in UHPSFC. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28087977
TI  - Fibroblast growth factor 23 in untreated nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - AIM: Despite its importance in bone and cardiovascular disease in subjects with
      kidney disease, there are no data on fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)
      perturbations in nephrotic syndrome. We evaluated FGF23 and markers of mineral
      bone metabolism in subjects with untreated NS. METHODS: In this cross-sectional
      study, we measured circulating levels of FGF23, 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D],
      1,25 di-hydroxy vitamin D [1,25(OH)2 D], serum albumin, serum calcium,
      phosphorus, creatinine and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in 101 patients with
      adults onset NS and 40 healthy controls. We examined the correlation between
      FGF23 and markers of mineral bone metabolism. RESULTS: Compared to healthy
      controls, subjects with NS showed reduced levels of 25(OH)D (21.76 +/- 10.18 vs
      35.74 +/- 40.27 nmol/L, P = 0.001), 1,25(OH)2 D (median; 37.80 vs 73.13 pmol/L, P
      = 0.0001) and FGF23 (37.81 +/- 20.42 vs 48.20 +/- 11.60 pg/mL, P = 0.004) levels.
      Serum phosphorus levels were marginally, but significantly higher in subjects
      with nephrotic syndrome compared to healthy controls (P = 0.004). Serum iPTH
      levels were significantly higher in subjects with NS compared to healthy controls
      (52.24 +/- 39.58 vs 37.90 +/- 14.60 pg/mL, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude
      that FGF23 is reduced in subjects with NS compared to healthy controls. The
      reduced levels of Vitamin D, and urinary losses may contribute to lower levels of
      FGF23 in NS.

PMID- 28087978
TI  - Identification of gonadotropin-releasing hormone metabolites in greyhound urine.
AB  - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a 10-residue peptide hormone that
      induces secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone
      into the blood from the pituitary gland. In males, LH acts on the testes to
      produce testosterone. The performance-enhancing potential of testosterone makes
      administration of exogenous GnRH a concern in sports doping control. Detection of
      GnRH abuse is challenging owing to its rapid clearance from the body and its
      degradation in urine. Following recent investigations of GnRH abuse in racing
      greyhounds in New Zealand, we carried out a GnRH administration study in
      greyhounds in an attempt to identify GnRH metabolites that might provide more
      facile detection of GnRH abuse; little information is available on in vivo
      metabolites of exogenous GnRH in any species and none in dogs. We identified
      three C-terminal GnRH metabolites in urine: GnRH 5-10, GnRH 6-10, and GnRH 7-10.
      These metabolites and intact GnRH, which was also detected in urine, were all
      excreted over a 1-3 h period after GnRH administration. Two of the GnRH
      metabolites - GnRH 5-10 and GnRH 6-10 - were more stable in urine than intact
      GnRH offering improved potential to detect GnRH administration. Copyright (c)
      2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28087979
TI  - Rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine correlates with astroglial plasticity in
      the hippocampus.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of major
      depression and antidepressant drugs act by modulating synaptic plasticity;
      therefore, the present study investigated whether the fast antidepressant action
      of ketamine is reflected in a rapid alteration of the astrocytes' morphology in a
      genetic animal model of depression. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: S-Ketamine (15 mg.kg-1
      ) or saline was administered as a single injection to Flinders Line (FSL/ FRL)
      rats. Twenty-four hours after the treatment, perfusion fixation was carried out
      and the morphology of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes in
      the CA1 stratum radiatum (CA1.SR) and the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus
      (GCL) of the hippocampus was investigated by applying stereological techniques
      and analysis with Imaris software. The depressive-like behaviour of animals was
      also evaluated using forced swim test. KEY RESULTS: FSL rats treated with
      ketamine exhibited a significant reduction in immobility time in comparison with
      the FSL-vehicle group. The volumes of the hippocampal CA1.SR and GCL regions were
      significantly increased 1 day after ketamine treatment in the FSL rats. The size
      of astrocytes in the ketamine-treated FSL rats was larger than those in the FSL
      vehicle group. Additionally, the number and length of the astrocytic processes in
      the CA1.SR region were significantly increased 1 day following ketamine
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that
      astroglial atrophy contributes to the pathophysiology of depression and a
      morphological modification of astrocytes could be one mechanism by which ketamine
      rapidly improves depressive behaviour.

PMID- 28087980
TI  - The significance of glypican-3 expression profiling in the tumor cellular origin
      theoretical system for hepatocellular carcinoma progression.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Glypican-3 (GPC3) expression is correlated with poor
      prognosis and progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC progression can
      be associated with the differentiation status of tumor cell before malignant
      transformation. Our aim was to investigate the dynamic expression of GPC3 during
      tumor cells differentiation and to explore the role and theoretical significance
      of GPC3 in malignant essence of HCC. METHODS: The expressions of tissue GPC3 and
      alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The tumor
      size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis were determined by pathological and
      imaging studies. HepG2 cells were induced to differentiate by all-trans retinoic
      acid (ATRA). Differentiation was evaluated by cytokeratin 19, gamma glutamyl
      transferase, and AFP through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and
      real-time polymerase chain reaction. GPC3 staining was analyzed through flow
      cytometry. RESULTS: Based on the immunohistochemical staining, the enrolled 316
      cases were divided into two subtypes, namely, GPC3+ HCC and GPC3- HCC.
      Significant differences in morphology, histology variations, AFP expression, TNM
      staging, and overall survival curves were observed between two subtypes. During
      HCC differentiation induced by ATRA, the mean value of GPC3 expression treated
      with ATRA was much lower than the ones in placebo. There were significant
      differences between GPC3+ HCC and GPC3- HCC for cumulative intrahepatic and
      extrahepatic recurrence in early stage HCC (P = 0.009, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS:
      Glypican-3 is correlated with the clinical malignant behavior of HCC. Moreover,
      GPC3 phenotype changes from positive to negative during tumor cells
      differentiation. Meanwhile, GPC3 plays a significant role in tumor cellular
      origin theoretical system, which can better reflect the malignant essence of
      tumors.

PMID- 28087981
TI  - Humanized chondroitinase ABC sensitizes glioblastoma cells to temozolomide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant gliomas (glioblastomas; GBMs) are extremely aggressive and
      have a median survival of approximately 15 months. Current treatment modalities,
      which include surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy, have done little to
      prolong the lives of GBM patients. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG) are
      critical for cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions and are
      implicated in glioma growth and invasion. Chondroitinase (Chase) ABC is a
      bacterial enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate disaccharide chains from CSPGs
      in the tumor ECM. Wild-type Chase ABC has limited stability and/or activity in
      mammalian cells; therefore, we created a mutant humanized version (Chase M) with
      enhanced function in mammalian cells. METHODS: We hypothesized that disruption of
      cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions by ChaseM and temozolomide (TMZ) will enhance
      the chemotherapeutic availability and sensitivity of glioma cells. RESULTS:
      Utilizing primary patient-derived neurospheres, we found that ChaseM decreases
      glioma neurosphere aggregation in vitro. Furthermore, an oncolytic HSV-1 virus
      expressing secreted ChaseM (OV-ChaseM) enhanced viral spread and glioma cell
      killing compared to OV-Control, in vitro. OV-ChaseM plus TMZ combinatorial
      treatment resulted in a significant synergistic enhancement of glioma cell
      killing accompanied by an increase in apoptotic cell death. Intracellular flow
      cytometric analysis revealed a significant reduction in the phosphorylation of
      the pro-survival AKT protein following OV-ChaseM plus TMZ treatment. Lastly, in
      nude mice bearing intracranial GBM30 glioma xenografts, intratumoral OV-ChaseM
      plus TMZ (10 mg/kg by oral gavage) combination therapy resulted in a significant
      (p < 0.02) enhancement of survival compared to each individual treatment alone.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data reveal that OV-ChaseM enhances glioma cell viral
      susceptibility and sensitivity to TMZ.

PMID- 28087983
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28087982
TI  - The impact of CES1 genotypes on the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate in
      healthy Danish subjects.
AB  - AIMS: This study investigated the influence of CES1 variations, including the
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs71647871 (G143E) and variation in copy
      number, on the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of 10 mg methylphenidate.
      METHODS: CES1 genotype was obtained from 200 healthy Danish Caucasian volunteers.
      Based on the genotype, 44 (19 males and 25 females) were invited to participate
      in an open, prospective trial involving six predefined genotypes: three groups
      with two, three and four CES1 copies, respectively; a group of carriers of the
      CES1 143E allele; a group of individuals homozygous for CES1A1c (CES1VAR); and a
      group having three CES1 copies, in which the duplication, CES1A2, had increased
      transcriptional activity. Plasma concentrations of methylphenidate and its
      primary metabolites were determined at scheduled time points. RESULTS: Median AUC
      of d-methylphenidate was significantly larger in the group carrying the 143E
      allele (53.3 ng ml-1  h-1 , range 38.6-93.9) than in the control group (21.4 ng
      ml-1  h-1 , range 15.7-34.9) (P < 0.0001). Median AUC of d-methylphenidate was
      significantly larger in the group with four CES1 copies (34.5 ng ml-1  h-1 ,
      range 21.3-62.8) than in the control group (P = 0.01) and the group with three
      CES1 copies (23.8 ng ml-1  h-1 , range 15.3-32.0, P = 0.03). There was no
      difference between the groups with two and three copies of CES1. CONCLUSIONS: The
      143E allele resulted in an increased AUC, suggesting a significantly decreased
      CES1 enzyme activity. Surprisingly, this was also the case in subjects with
      homozygous duplication of CES1, perhaps reflecting an undiscovered mutation
      affecting the activity of the enzyme.

PMID- 28087984
TI  - Challenges in detecting substances for equine anti-doping.
AB  - The artificial increase of the physical capability of horses using drugs is well
      known in racing and other equine sports. Both illicit and therapeutic substances
      are regarded as prohibited substances in competition in most countries. Some
      countries make distinctions for a few, specific drugs which are, however, allowed
      for use in other countries. The primary objective in the case of doping control
      is the detection of any trace of drug exposure, either parent drug or any of its
      metabolites, using the most powerful analytical methods which are generally based
      on chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques. Of major concern in horseracing
      is the absence of a single organization regulating the anti-doping framework;
      instead of this, individual racing authorities provide rules and regulations
      often resulting in variations in the applied doping control programmes of
      different countries. The aim of this paper is to review the recent literature
      (approximately from 2012 to mid-2016) to highlight the numerous and diverse
      challenges faced in doping control of racing and equestrian sports, including the
      detection of designer drugs (anabolic steroids or stimulants) and of other
      emerging prohibited substances, such as peptides and noble gases in horse urine
      and plasma. Moreover, the application of 'omics' techniques (especially of
      metabolomics) deserves attention for establishing possible fingerprints of drug
      abuse as well as the evolution of instrumental analysis resulting a powerful ally
      in the fight against doping in equine sports. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28087986
TI  - Barriers to access to opioid medicines for patients with opioid dependence: a
      review of legislation and regulations in eleven central and eastern European
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Barriers linked to drug control systems are considered to
      contribute to inequitable access to controlled medicines, leaving millions of
      people in pain and suffering. Most studies focus on access to opioids for the
      treatment of severe (cancer) pain. This study aims to identify specific access
      barriers for patients with opioid dependence in legislation and regulations of 11
      central and eastern European countries. METHODS: This study builds on a previous
      analysis of legislation and regulations as part of the EU 7th Framework Access To
      Opioid Medication in Europe (ATOME) project. An in-depth analysis was undertaken
      to determine specific barriers for patients with opioid dependence in need of
      opioid analgesics or opioid agonist therapy (OAT). For each country, the number
      and nature of specific potential barriers for these patients were assessed
      according to eight categories: prescribing; dispensing; manufacturing; usage;
      trade and distribution; affordability; penalties; and other. An additional
      keyword search was conducted to minimize the omission of barriers. Barriers in an
      additional category, language, were recorded qualitatively. Countries included
      Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Slovakia,
      Slovenia and Turkey. RESULTS: Ten of the 11 countries (all except Estonia) showed
      specific potential barriers in their legislation and regulations. The total
      number of barriers varied from two (Slovenia) to 46 (Lithuania); the number of
      categories varied from one (Slovenia) to five (Lithuania). Most specific
      potential barriers were shown in the categories 'prescribing', 'usage' and
      'other'. The total number in a single category varied from one to 18 (Lithuania,
      prescribing). Individual differences between countries in the same specific
      potential barrier were shown; for example, variation in minimum age criteria for
      admission to OAT ranging from 15 (Lithuania, in special cases) to 20 years
      (Greece). All countries had stigmatizing language in their legislation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with opioid dependence are likely to experience specific
      barriers to accessing opioids in addition to those experienced by other non
      dependent patients.

PMID- 28087985
TI  - Prophylactic tributyrin treatment mitigates chronic-binge ethanol-induced
      intestinal barrier and liver injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Impaired gut-liver axis is a potential factor contributing to
      alcoholic liver disease. Ethanol depletes intestinal integrity and causes gut
      dysbiosis. Butyrate, a fermentation byproduct of gut microbiota, is altered
      negatively following chronic ethanol exposure. This study aimed to determine
      whether prophylactic tributyrin could protect the intestinal barrier and liver in
      mice during combined chronic-binge ethanol exposure. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice
      exposed to 5% v/v ethanol-containing diet for 10 days received a single ethanol
      gavage (5 g/kg) 9 h before euthanasia. Control mice were isocalorically pair-fed
      maltose dextrin for ethanol. Diets were supplemented (5 mM) with tributyrin or
      glycerol. Intestine and liver disease activity was assessed histologically.
      Protein and mRNA expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins, toll-like receptors,
      and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were assessed. Caco-2 monolayers with or without
      ethanol exposure and/or sodium butyrate were used to test butyrate's direct
      effects on intestinal integrity. RESULTS: Chronic-binge ethanol feeding impaired
      intestinal TJ protein co-localization staining; however, tributyrin co-treatment
      mitigated these effects. Ethanol depleted TJ and transepithelial electrical
      resistance in Caco-2 monolayers, but butyrate co-treatment reduced these effects.
      Hepatic toll-like receptor mRNA expression and tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      protein expression was induced by ethanol; however, the response was
      significantly dampened in mice co-treated with tributyrin. Tributyrin altered
      localization of both neutrophils and single hepatocyte death: Leukocytes and
      apoptotic hepatocytes localized predominantly around the portal tract in ethanol
      only treated mice, whereas localization predominated around the central vein in
      ethanol-tributyrin mice. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic tributyrin supplementation
      mitigated effects of combined chronic-binge ethanol exposure on disruption of
      intestinal TJ localization and intestinal permeability and liver injury.

PMID- 28087987
TI  - NMR line-fitting quantification of polysaccharide N-acylurea-based modification
      in glycoconjugates of Salmonella Typhi Vi polysaccharide.
AB  - The polysaccharides modification via carbodiimide reaction is one of the most
      applied methods for obtaining conjugated vaccines against Salmonella enterica.
      However, N-acylurea carbodiimide adduct generated in the process is a critical
      impurity in carbohydrate-based vaccines. A quantitative NMR method was developed
      for assessing the N-acylurea carbodiimide adduct impurity. The procedure was
      based on line-fitting facilities for processing the NMR signals on complex
      spectra. The method showed good linearity, accuracy and precision under inter
      operator variation (relative standard deviation <5%). Copyright (c) 2017 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28087988
TI  - CpG island methylator phenotype is an independent predictor of survival after
      curative resection for colorectal cancer: A prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is found in
      approximately 30% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases. However, the role of CIMP
      status in predicting oncologic outcomes in curatively resected CRC is still
      unclear. STUDY: Between January 2006 and December 2006, we retrospectively
      reviewed 157 consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery for CRC.
      Prognostic significance of CIMP status was evaluated using reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: CIMP-high (H) and CIMP-none/low (N/L) tumors
      were found in 50 cases (31.8%) and 107 cases (68.2%), respectively. CIMP-H tumors
      were significantly associated with female sex, colonic location, poorly/mucinous
      histologic type, higher T category, perineural invasion, and MSI-high status (P =
      0.001). During a median of 64.5 months, tumor recurrence developed in 47 (29.9%)
      patients. The 5-year disease-free survival for CIMP-H and CIMP-N/L was 61.4% and
      76.3% (P = 0.018). In addition, multivariate analysis showed that CIMP-H was also
      a significant prognostic factor (P = 0.042). When analysis was performed
      according to anatomical location, more marked survival differences were observed
      in patients with colon cancer (P = 0.026) than in patients with rectal cancer (P
      = 0.210). Similarly, the role of CIMP status as a prognostic indicator was more
      prominent in patients with stage I/II (P = 0.006) than in patients with stage
      III/IV CRC (P = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: DNA methylation status can be considered as a
      useful predictor of survival after CRC surgery, particularly for patients with
      stage I/II disease or colon cancer.

PMID- 28087989
TI  - Alcohol Consumption and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND We sought to determine by meta-analysis the relationship between
      drinking alcohol and the risk of gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS A
      systematic Medline search was performed to identify all published reports of
      drinking alcohol and the associated risk of gastric cancer. Initially we
      retrieved 2,494 studies, but after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria,
      only ten studies were found to be eligible for our meta-analysis. RESULTS Our
      meta-analysis showed that alcohol consumption elevated the risk of gastric cancer
      with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.39 (95% CI 1.20-1.61). Additionally, subgroup
      analysis showed that only a nested case-control report from Sweden did not
      support this observation. Subgroup analysis of moderate drinking and heavy
      drinking also confirmed that drinking alcohol increased the risk of gastric
      cancer. Publication bias analysis (Begg's and Egger's tests) showed p values were
      more than 0.05, suggesting that the 10 articles included in our analysis did not
      have a publication bias. CONCLUSIONS The results from this meta-analysis support
      the hypothesis that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of gastric cancer;
      suggesting that effective moderation of alcohol drinking may reduce the risk of
      gastric cancer.

PMID- 28087990
TI  - Modification of the Onsager Reaction Field and Its Application on Spectral
      Parameters.
AB  - Solvent polarity is an important solvent property. The Onsager's theory of
      reaction field was the most classic model to describe solvent effects and was
      widely used in relating dielectric constant and other solvent polarity
      parameters. In this study, a modified semi-empirical reaction field was presented
      to relate electron transition energies or hyperfine coupling constants with the
      dielectric constants of solvents. In previous work, this relationship was well
      established by traditional Onsager reaction field for nonhydrogen-bonding systems
      but failed for hydrogen-bonding systems. In this modified reaction field model,
      the radius of the field was replaced by that of the primary solvation shell or
      the molecular fragment rather than that of the probe. In this way, the molecular
      volume of the solvent which contains information of the molecular size and
      overall interactions is involved in the reaction field. The 154 sets of electron
      transition energies and 44 sets of nitrogen isotropic hyperfine coupling
      constants were used to verify the modified model, indicating it works far better
      than the traditional model for hydrogen-bonding systems.

PMID- 28087991
TI  - An Exceptionally Selective DNA Cooperatively Binding Two Ca2+ Ions.
AB  - Ca2+ is a highly important metal ion in biology and in the environment, and thus
      there is extensive work in developing sensors for Ca2+ detection. Although many
      Ca2+ -binding proteins are known, few nucleic acids can selectively bind Ca2+ .
      DNA-based biosensors are attractive for their high stability and excellent
      programmability. We report a RNA-cleaving DNAzyme, EtNa, cooperatively binding
      two Ca2+ ions but to only one Mg2+ . Four DNAzymes with known Ca2+ -dependent
      activity were compared, and the EtNa had the best selectivity for Ca2+ . The EtNa
      is 90 times more active in Ca2+ than in Mg2+ . Phosphorothioate (PS) modification
      showed that both non-bridging oxygen atoms at the scissile phosphate contribute
      equally to Ca2+ binding. The pH-rate profile suggests two concurrent
      deprotonation reactions. EtNa was further engineered for Ca2+ sensing, and found
      to have a detection limit of 17 MUm Ca2+ and excellent selectivity. The detection
      of Ca2+ in tap water was performed, and the result was comparable with that by
      ICP-MS. This study offers new fundamental insights into Ca2+ binding by nucleic
      acids and improved metal selectivity by having multiple cooperative metal binding
      sites.

PMID- 28087993
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28087994
TI  - Commentary on: Mauf S, Jentzsch T, Laberke PJ, Thali MJ, Bartsch C. Why we need
      postmortem analysis of cardiac implantable electronic devices. J Forensic Sci
      2016;61(4):988-92.

PMID- 28087996
TI  - Grating lobes suppression by adding virtual receiving subaperture in synthetic
      aperture imaging.
AB  - A method of suppression of grating lobes is presented, analyzed, and verified.
      The method is based on creating a Virtual Receiving Subaperture (VRS) by adding
      virtual transducer elements not existing in the physical layout of the receiver.
      The VRS channels are filled with data based on signals from real channels. The
      analytical model of the synthetic aperture imaging system's impulse response is
      presented to describe the properties of the VRS. The model shows a reduction of
      the receiving grating lobes' amplitude (with a comparison to the main lobe's
      amplitude) by a magnitude equal to the number of receiving transducer elements.
      It is shown that effective properties of the entire system with a VRS are similar
      to a system with a pitch in the receiving aperture that is twice as small. The
      numerical calculations of the impulse response show a doubling of the signal to
      noise ratio, which results in a reduction of the receiving grating lobes. For
      experimental validation, the generalized Plane Wave Imaging with and without the
      VRS is compared with a basic synthetic transmit aperture (STA) imaging. The
      experiment confirmed that the use of a VRS allows for visualization of the
      objects in a medium in which they are not imaged without a VRS or are visualized
      with a lower contrast. The reduction of grating lobes attained using the proposed
      method is at the level of 15dB in the visualization of the superficial cyst.

PMID- 28087997
TI  - Experience in action: Moderating care in web-based patient feedback.
AB  - What does it take to mobilise experiences of care and make them useful for
      improving services? This article draws on ethnographic fieldwork with a UK-based
      patient feedback website to develop a critical perspective on patient experience
      as a contingent accomplishment and a focal point for eliciting, provoking, and
      respecifying relations of accountability. Following a single posting from the
      moderation room back to the author and into the wards and offices of the
      hospital, I show how moderators, carers, and clinical staff respond to and act
      upon a seemingly stable experience. Drawing on recent work in science studies and
      ethnomethodology, I suggest that the work of 'capturing the patient experience'
      is not so much a matter of accurate reporting or incontestable opining, but an
      exercise in testing versions of reality through the ongoing respecification of
      objects, audiences, and identities. Attending to the mundane practices of
      moderating accounts of care highlights the work of ordering alongside
      technologies of evaluation - the largely invisible labour that sustains the
      possibility of public patient feedback in the first place.

PMID- 28087998
TI  - Performance evaluation of PRIDE UNDA system with pyroprocessing feed material.
AB  - The PRIDE (PyRoprocessing Integrated inactive DEmonstration) is an engineering
      scale pyroprocessing test-bed facility that utilizes depleted uranium (DU)
      instead of spent fuel as a process material. As part of the ongoing effort to
      enhance pyroprocessing safeguardability, UNDA (Unified Non-Destructive Assay), a
      system integrating three different non-destructive assay techniques, namely,
      neutron, gamma-ray, and mass measurement, for nuclear material accountancy (NMA)
      was developed. In the present study, UNDA's NMA capability was evaluated by
      measurement of the weight, 238U mass, and U enrichment of oxide-reduction-process
      feed material (i.e., porous pellets). In the 238U mass determination, the total
      neutron counts for porous pellets of six different weights were measured. The U
      enrichment of the porous pellets, meanwhile, was determined according to the
      gamma spectrums acquired using UNDA's NaI-based enrichment measurement system.
      The results demonstrated that the UNDA system, after appropriate corrections,
      could be used in PRIDE NMA applications with reasonable uncertainty. It is
      expected that in the near future, the UNDA system will be tested with next-step
      materials such as the products of the oxide-reduction and electro-refining
      processes.

PMID- 28087999
TI  - Identification of irradiated foodstuffs using ESR microwave saturation.
AB  - This study aims primarily to investigate the usage of differences in microwave
      (MW) saturation behaviour of food samples for identification of radiation
      treatment. Twenty different samples (dry plant, herbal, spice etc.) which do not
      have radiation specific satellite ESR signal were especially selected. It is not
      possible to detect radiation treatment on these samples by European standard (EN
      1787, 2000). MW saturation studies were performed on all samples in the range of
      0.01-160mW. Our experimental results demonstrate that radiation identification
      can be possible for ten samples and cannot be possible for the other ten samples
      by performing the MW saturation studies.

PMID- 28088000
TI  - Efficient degradation of butylparaben by gamma radiolysis.
AB  - Gamma radiolysis and ozonolysis are two competitive advanced oxidation processes
      for degradation of organic pollutants present in the ground water. In this paper,
      the gamma radiolytic degradation of an emerging organic pollutant Butylparaben
      (BP) in aqueous solution has been investigated for the first time at different
      absorbed doses. The effect of the absorbed dose rate in the degradation and
      mineralization of BP has been investigated. About 65% mineralization of BP was
      observed at absorbed dose of 70kGy and dose rate of 0.7kGyh-1. Interestingly,
      turbidity appeared in the solution during radiolysis at doses higher than 2kGy,
      which disappeared again at very higher dose (~90kGy) making the solution again
      transparent. At lower dose rate of 0.175kGyh-1 the turbidity was appeared at much
      lower dose about 1kGy. However, the dose rate showed no effect in the dose of the
      disappearance of the turbidity. The hydrophobic fragments insoluble in water were
      generated during the initial stage of gamma radiolysis and those were completely
      mineralized to CO2 and H2O by direct absorption of gamma radiation. About 90kGy
      dose was required to achieve ~90% mineralization of BP. On the contrary, maximum
      50% mineralization was achieved after 5h of ozonation at the O3 flow rate of
      0.5Lmin-1 at pH 7.5 and it remained even constant upon prolonged ozonation. The
      oxygen-equivalent-chemical-oxidation-capacity (OCC) was used as the parameter to
      compare the % mineralization efficiencies of the two oxidative processes studied
      here and the gamma radiolysis was found to be more efficient between those
      processes. The phytotoxicity of the treated BP solution to agricultural seeds
      showed that the radiolytically generated fragments were less toxic compared to
      ozonolytically generated fragments. Thus gamma radiolysis is effective for
      reducing the organic burden and the toxicity of water polluted with emerging
      pollutants like BP.

PMID- 28088001
TI  - Improving the sensitivity and accuracy of gamma activation analysis for the rapid
      determination of gold in mineral ores.
AB  - Mining companies rely on chemical analysis methods to determine concentrations of
      gold in mineral ore samples. As gold is often mined commercially at
      concentrations around 1 part-per-million, it is necessary for any analysis method
      to provide good sensitivity as well as high absolute accuracy. We describe work
      to improve both the sensitivity and accuracy of the gamma activation analysis
      (GAA) method for gold. We present analysis results for several suites of ore
      samples and discuss the design of a GAA facility designed to replace conventional
      chemical assay in industrial applications.

PMID- 28088002
TI  - Radiochemical studies, pre-clinical investigation and preliminary clinical
      evaluation of 170Tm-EDTMP prepared using in-house freeze-dried EDTMP kit.
AB  - The objective of the present work is to formulate 170Tm-EDTMP using an in-house
      freeze-dried EDTMP kit and evaluate its potential as a bone pain palliation
      agent. Patient dose of 170Tm-EDTMP was prepared with high radiochemical purity
      using the lyophilized kit at room temperature within 15min. Pre-clinical
      evaluation in normal Wistar rats revealed selective skeletal accumulation with
      extended retention. Preliminary clinical investigation in 8 patients with
      disseminated skeletal metastases exhibited selective uptake in the bone and
      retention therein for a long duration.

PMID- 28088003
TI  - The effect of the antioxidant on the properties of thiolated poly(aspartic acid)
      polymers in aqueous ocular formulations.
AB  - Thiolated polymers are a promising new group of excipients, but their stability
      against atmospheric oxidation has not been investigated in detail, and only a few
      efforts have been made to improve their stability. The oxidation of the thiol
      groups in solutions of thiolated polymers may result in a decrease of
      mucoadhesion and unpredictable in situ gelation. The aims of our work were to
      study the stability of aqueous solutions of thiolated polymers and the effects of
      stabilizing agents. We investigated thiolated poly(aspartic acid) polymers
      stabilized with dithiothreitol, glutathione or acetylcysteine. The effects of
      these antioxidants on the gel structure, mucoadhesion and drug release were
      determined by means of scanning electron microscopy, swelling, rheology, adhesion
      and drug release tests. It was concluded that the stability of polymer solutions
      containing antioxidants is sufficient for one day. Polymers stabilized with
      dithiotreitol demonstrated fast swelling and drug release, but weaker
      mucoadhesion as compared with the other samples. Polymers stabilized with
      glutathione displayed the weakest cohesive properties, resulting in fast and
      uncontrolled drug release and moderate mucoadhesion. Acetylcysteine-stabilized
      polymers exhibited an optimum cross-linked structure, with free thiol groups
      ensuring polymer-mucin interactions, resulting in the best mucoadhesive
      properties.

PMID- 28088004
TI  - A catechin nanoformulation inhibits WM266 melanoma cell proliferation, migration
      and associated neo-angiogenesis.
AB  - We validated the anticancer potential of a nanoformulation made by (+)-catechin,
      gelatin and carbon nanotubes in terms of inhibition of cancer cell proliferation,
      migration and associated neo-angiogenesis. Gelatin was selected to stabilize the
      catechin without compromising its anti-oxidant potential and the carbon nanotubes
      were used to increase its intracellular bioavailability. The anticancer potential
      of the resulting nanohybrid was validated on an aggressive melanoma cell line, in
      vitro and in zebrafish xenotransplants. The nanohybrid strongly enhances the
      cytotoxic effect of (+)-catechin. At a concentration of (+)-catechin 50MUg/ml,
      the nanohybrid inhibited the ability of melanoma cells to proliferate (100%
      increase of cell doubling time and severe impairment in zebrafish
      xenotransplants), to migrate (totally inhibition in vitro and 50% reduction of
      cell motility in zebrafish xenotransplants) and to induce neo-angiogenesis (100%
      inhibition in zebrafish xenotransplants). Conversely, the free (+)-catechin and
      carrier (CNT:gel) had no statistically significant effects over the control, at
      any concentration tested. Our results suggest that the use of the nanohybrid,
      able to improve the therapeutic efficacy of the catechins, could represent a
      successful strategy for a future clinical translation.

PMID- 28088005
TI  - Nicotine hydrogen tartrate loaded chitosan nanoparticles: Formulation,
      characterization and in vitro delivery from dry powder inhaler formulation.
AB  - This study reports the development of nanoparticles in the form of inhalable
      micro-aggregates of biodegradable chitosan (CS) loaded with nicotine hydrogen
      tartrate (NHT) for potential pulmonary delivery of nicotine from dry powder
      inhaler (DPI) formulations with prolonged release profile. The NHT-loaded CS
      particles were prepared using a water-in-oil emulsion crosslinking method. The
      prepared particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
      and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphological studies; Zetasizer
      and Mastersizer were applied for particle size analysis. The in vitro
      aerosolization of the formulations was studied using a twin-stage-impinger (TSI)
      and promising aerosolization characteristics were shown. The nanoparticles were
      spherical with size ranges between 167 and 411nm while micro-aggregates (3.73
      4.73MUm) were formed among nanoparticles. According to differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and attenuated total
      reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, the NHT
      crystallinity was lost when in the particles, indicating it was uniformly
      dispersed as a solid solution. On the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      (XPS) analysis, the amount of NHT loaded on the surface of CS increased
      proportionally with increasing drug loading in the bulk so there was no surface
      enhancement. The fine particle doses (FPD) of NHT ranging between 1.7 and 3.2mg
      from DPI formulations were concentration dependent and increased with increased
      drug loading. Based on the in vitro release study, NHT released from CS particles
      with a burst release in the first 8h and subsequent prolonged release of
      nicotine.

PMID- 28088006
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 28088007
TI  - Impairment of Host Liver Repopulation by Transplanted Hepatocytes in Aged Rats
      and the Release by Short-Term Growth Hormone Treatment.
AB  - Hepatocyte transplantation is an alternative to whole liver transplantation. Yet,
      efficient liver repopulation by transplanted hepatocytes is low in livers of old
      animals. This restraint might be because of the poor proliferative capacity of
      aged donor hepatocytes or the regenerative impairment of the recipient livers.
      The age-dependent liver repopulation by transplanted wild-type hepatocytes was
      investigated in juvenile and senescent rats deficient in dipeptidyl-peptidase IV.
      Repopulation was quantified by flow cytometry and histochemical estimation of
      dipeptidyl-peptidase IV enzyme activity of donor cells in the negative host
      liver. As a potential pathway involved, expression of cell cycle proteins was
      assessed. Irrespective of the age of the donor hepatocytes, large cell clusters
      appeared in juvenile, but only small clusters in senescent host livers. Because
      juvenile and senescent donor hepatocytes were likewise functional, host-derived
      factor(s) impaired senescent host liver repopulation. Growth hormone levels were
      significantly higher in juvenile than in senescent rats, suggesting that growth
      hormone might promote host liver repopulation. Indeed, short-term treatment with
      growth hormone augmented senescent host liver repopulation involving the growth
      hormone-mediated release of the transcriptional blockade of genes associated with
      cell cycle progression. Short-term growth hormone substitution might improve
      liver repopulation by transplanted hepatocytes, thus augmenting the therapeutic
      benefit of clinical hepatocyte transplantation in older patients.

PMID- 28088008
TI  - Instruments evaluating the quality of the clinical learning environment in
      nursing education: A systematic review of psychometric properties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical learning environment is fundamental to nursing education
      paths, capable of affecting learning processes and outcomes. Several instruments
      have been developed in nursing education, aimed at evaluating the quality of the
      clinical learning environments; however, no systematic review of the psychometric
      properties and methodological quality of these studies has been performed to
      date. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were: 1) to identify validated
      instruments evaluating the clinical learning environments in nursing education;
      2) to evaluate critically the methodological quality of the psychometric property
      estimation used; and 3) to compare psychometric properties across the instruments
      available. DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature (using the Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines) and an
      evaluation of the methodological quality of psychometric properties (using the
      COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments
      guidelines). DATA SOURCES: The Medline and CINAHL databases were searched.
      Eligible studies were those that satisfied the following criteria: a) validation
      studies of instruments evaluating the quality of clinical learning environments;
      b) in nursing education; c) published in English or Italian; d) before April
      2016. REVIEW METHODS: The included studies were evaluated for the methodological
      quality of the psychometric properties measured and then compared in terms of
      both the psychometric properties and the methodological quality of the processes
      used. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded a total of 26 studies and eight
      clinical learning environment evaluation instruments. A variety of psychometric
      properties have been estimated for each instrument, with differing qualities in
      the methodology used. Concept and construct validity were poorly assessed in
      terms of their significance and rarely judged by the target population (nursing
      students). Some properties were rarely considered (e.g., reliability, measurement
      error, criterion validity), whereas others were frequently estimated, but using
      different coefficients and statistical analyses (e.g., internal consistency,
      structural validity), thus rendering comparison across instruments difficult.
      Moreover, the methodological quality adopted in the property assessments was poor
      or fair in most studies, compromising the goodness of the psychometric values
      estimated. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical learning placements represent the key strategies
      in educating the future nursing workforce: instruments evaluating the quality of
      the settings, as well as their capacity to promote significant learning, are
      strongly recommended. Studies estimating psychometric properties, using an
      increased quality of research methodologies are needed in order to support
      nursing educators in the process of clinical placements accreditation and quality
      improvement.

PMID- 28088009
TI  - Cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance: Clinical assessment compared
      with a noninvasive objective measurement in children with shock.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate physician assessment of cardiac output and systemic vascular
      resistance in patients with shock compared with an ultrasonic cardiac output
      monitor (USCOM). To explore potential changes in therapy decisions if USCOM data
      were available using physician intervention answers. STUDY DESIGN: Double
      blinded, prospective, observational study in a tertiary hospital pediatric
      intensive care unit. Forty children (<18years) admitted with shock, requiring
      ongoing volume resuscitation or inotropic support. Two to 3 physicians clinically
      assessed cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, categorizing them as
      high, normal, or low. An investigator simultaneously measured cardiac index (CI)
      and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) with USCOM categorized as high,
      normal, or low. RESULTS: Overall agreement between physician and USCOM for CI
      (48.5% [kappa = 0.18]) and SVRI (45.9% [kappa = 0.16]) was poor. Interobserver
      agreement was also poor for CI (58.7% [kappa = 0.33]) and SVRI (52.3% [kappa =
      0.28]). Comparing theoretical physician interventions to "acceptable" or
      "unacceptable" clinical interventions, based on USCOM measurement, 56 (21%)
      physician interventions were found to be "unacceptable." CONCLUSIONS: There is
      poor agreement between physician-assessed CI and SVRI and USCOM, with significant
      interobserver variability among physicians. Objective measurement of CI and SVRI
      may reduce variability and improve diagnostic accuracy.

PMID- 28088010
TI  - Challenges and opportunities for improving food quality and nutrition through
      plant biotechnology.
AB  - Plant biotechnology has been around since the advent of humankind, resulting in
      tremendous improvements in plant cultivation through crop domestication, breeding
      and selection. The emergence of transgenic approaches involving the introduction
      of defined DNA sequences into plants by humans has rapidly changed the surface of
      our planet by further expanding the gene pool used by plant breeders for plant
      improvement. Transgenic approaches in food plants have raised concerns on the
      merits, social implications, ecological risks and true benefits of plant
      biotechnology. The recently acquired ability to precisely edit plant genomes by
      modifying native genes without introducing new genetic material offers new
      opportunities to rapidly exploit natural variation, create new variation and
      incorporate changes with the goal to generate more productive and nutritious
      plants.

PMID- 28088011
TI  - Particulates and noise exposure during bicycle, bus and car commuting: A study in
      three European cities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to curb traffic-related air pollution and its impact on the
      physical environment, contemporary city commuters are encouraged to shift from
      private car use to active or public transport modes. However, personal exposures
      to particulate matter (PM), black carbon and noise during commuting may be
      substantial. Therefore, studies comparing exposures during recommended modes of
      transport versus car trips are needed. METHODS: We measured personal exposure to
      various-sized particulates, soot, and noise during commuting by bicycle, bus and
      car in three European cities: Helsinki in Finland, Rotterdam in the Netherlands
      and Thessaloniki in Greece using portable monitoring devices. We monitored
      commonly travelled routes in these cities. RESULTS: The total number of one-way
      trips yielding data on any of the measured parameters were 84, 72, 94 and 69 for
      bicycle, bus, closed-window car and open-window car modes, respectively. The
      highest mean PM2.5 (85ug/m3), PM10 (131ug/m3), black carbon (10.9ug/m3) and noise
      (75dBA) levels were recorded on the bus, bus (again), open-window car and bicycle
      modes, respectively, all in Thessaloniki, PM and soot concentrations were
      generally higher during biking and taking a bus than during a drive in a a car
      with closed windows. Ratios of bike:car PM10 ranged from 1.1 in Thessaloniki to
      2.6 in Helsinki, while bus:car ratios ranged from in 1.0 in Rotterdam to 5.6 in
      Thessaloniki. Higher noise levels were mostly recorded during bicycle rides.
      CONCLUSION: Based on our study, active- and public-transport commuters are often
      at risk of higher air pollution and noise exposure than private car users. This
      should be taken into account in urban transportation planning.

PMID- 28088013
TI  - Delineating hierarchy of selenotranscriptome expression and their response to
      selenium status in chicken central nervous system.
AB  - Selenium (Se) incorporated in selenoproteins as selenocysteine and supports
      various important cellular and organismal functions. We recently reported that
      chicken brain exhibited high priority for Se supply and retention under
      conditions of dietary Se deficiency and supernutrition Li et al. (2012) .
      However, the selenotranscriptome expressions and their response to Se status in
      chicken central nervous system (CNS) are unclear. To better understand the
      relationship of Se homeostasis and selenoproteins expression in chicken CNS, 1day
      old HyLine White chickens were fed a low Se diet (Se-L, 0.028mg/g) supplemented
      with 4 levels of dietary Se (0 to 5.0mgSe/kg) as Na2SeO3 for 8weeks. Then
      chickens were dissected for getting the CNS, which included cerebral cortex,
      cerebellum, thalamus, bulbus cinereus and marrow. The expressions of
      selenoproteome which have 24 selenoproteins were detected by the quantitative
      real-time PCR array. The concept of a selenoprotein hierarchy was developed and
      the hierarchy of different regions in chicken CNS was existence, especially
      cerebral cortex and bulbus cinereus. The expression of selenoproteins has a
      hierarch while changing Se content, and Selenoprotein T (Selt), Selenoprotein K
      (Selk), Selenoprotein W (Selw), Selenoprotein U (Selu), Glutathione peroxidase 3
      (Gpx3), Glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), Selenoprotein P (Sepp1), Selenoprotein O
      (Selo), Selenoprotein 15 (Sel15), Selenoprotein N (Seln), Glutathione peroxidase
      2 (Gpx2) and Selenoprotein P 2 (Sepp2) take more necessary function in the
      chicken CNS. Therefore, we hypothesize that hierarchy of regulated the
      transcriptions of selenoproteome makes an important role of CNS Se metabolism and
      transport in birds.

PMID- 28088012
TI  - New 4'-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine ruthenium(II) complexes:
      Synthesis, characterization, interaction with DNA/BSA and cytotoxicity studies.
AB  - In this study, we have developed a series of new monofunctional Ru(II) complexes
      of the general formula mer-[Ru(Cl-Ph-tpy)(N-N)Cl]Cl in which Cl-Ph-tpy is 4'-(4
      chlorophenyl)-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine, N-N is a bidentate chelating ligand (1,2
      diaminoethane (en, 1), 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (dach, 2) or 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy,
      3)). All complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis and
      spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-Vis, 1D and 2D NMR). Their chemical behavior in
      aqueous solution was studied by UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopy showing that all
      compounds are relatively labile leading to the formation of the corresponding
      aqua species 1aq-3aq. Their DNA binding ability was evaluated by UV-Vis
      spectroscopy, fluorescence quenching measurements and viscosity measurements.
      Competitive studies with ethidium bromide (EB) showed that the complexes can
      displace DNA-bound EB, suggesting strong competition with EB (Ksv=1.1-2.7*104M
      1). These experiments show that the ruthenium complexes interact with DNA via
      intercalation. The complexes bind to serum protein albumin displaying relatively
      high binding constants (Ksv=104-105M-1). Compound 3 displayed from high to
      moderate cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines HeLa and A549 (with IC50ca.
      12.7MUM and 53.8MUM, respectively), while complexes 1 and 2 showed only moderate
      cytotoxicity (with IC50ca. 84.8MUM and 96.3MUM, respectively) against HeLa cells.
      The cell cycle analysis (by flow cytometry) of HeLa and A549 cells treated with
      complex 3 shows minor changes on the cell cycle phase distribution.

PMID- 28088014
TI  - Reduced complexity of force and muscle activity during low level isometric
      contractions of the ankle in diabetic individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the structure and amount of variability of
      surface electromyography (sEMG) patterns and ankle force data during low-level
      isometric contractions in diabetic subjects with different degrees of neuropathy.
      METHODS: We assessed 10 control subjects and 38 diabetic patients, classified as
      absent, mild, moderate, or severe neuropathy, by a fuzzy system based on clinical
      variables. Multichannel sEMG (64-electrode matrix) of tibialis anterior and
      gastrocnemius medialis muscles were acquired during isometric contractions at
      10%, 20%, and 30% of the maximum voluntary contraction, and force levels during
      dorsi- and plantarflexion were recorded. Standard deviation and sample entropy of
      force signals were calculated and root mean square and sample entropy were
      calculated from sEMG signals. Differences among groups of force and sEMG
      variables were verified using a multivariate analysis of variance. FINDINGS:
      Overall, during dorsiflexion contractions, moderate and severe subjects had
      higher force standard deviation and moderate subjects had lower force sample
      entropy. During plantarflexion, moderate subjects had higher force standard
      deviation and all diabetic subjects had lower entropy. Tibialis anterior
      presented higher root mean square in absent group and lower entropy in mild
      subjects. For gastrocnemius medialis, entropy was higher in severe and lower in
      moderate subjects. INTERPRETATION: Diabetic neuropathy affects the complexity of
      the neuromuscular system during low-level isometric contractions, reducing the
      system's capacity to adapt to challenging mechanical demands. The observed
      patterns of neuromuscular complexity were not associated with disease severity,
      with the majority of alterations recorded in moderate subject.

PMID- 28088015
TI  - Transferrin gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for redox-responsive and
      targeted drug delivery.
AB  - This work reports on a targeted and controlled drug delivery system based on
      protein decorated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). In this system,
      transferrin (Tf), a naturally existing protein, is grafted on the surfaces of
      MSNs via redox-cleavable disulfide bonds, serving as both a capping agent and a
      targeting ligand simultaneously. The uniform particles with ordered mesoporous
      structures and the successful construction of the Tf/MSN hybrid nanocarriers can
      be confirmed through combined techniques. It is found that the model anticancer
      drug doxorubicin (DOX) can be efficiently encapsulated in the MSNs in the absence
      of glutathione (GSH), and a burst release of DOX is observed when the system is
      exposed to GSH, indicating good capping efficiency of Tf and redox-responsive
      release of DOX. Owing to the biocompatible Tf shell, the hybrid nanocarriers
      exhibited excellent biocompatibility in a wide concentration range and enhanced
      intracellular accumulation and targeting capability to tumor cells in vitro. The
      facile approach and the strategy of integration of multifunctions into one moiety
      present great potential in site-specific, controlled-release drug delivery system
      and provide us new ideas in design of MSN-based nanocontainers.

PMID- 28088016
TI  - Release and cytotoxicity studies of magnetite/Ag/antibiotic nanoparticles: An
      interdependent relationship.
AB  - Though the cytotoxic properties of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) are rather well
      investigated and known to be dose dependent and rather low, surface
      functionalization can drastically change their properties. To determine whether
      the cytotoxicity of magnetite/Ag/antibiotic NPs may be associated, among other
      things, with iron, silver and antibiotic release, this study investigates the
      release profiles and cytotoxicity of magnetite/Ag/rifampicin and
      magnetite/Ag/doxycycline NPs compares it similar profiles from magnetite,
      magnetite/Ag NPs and antibiotics. It was established that the studied NPs
      released not only water-soluble substances, such as antibiotics, but also poorly
      soluble ones, such as iron and silver. The deposition of silver on the magnetite
      surface promotes the release of iron by the formation of a galvanic couple.
      Antibiotic adsorbed on the magnetite/Ag surface plays a dual role in the galvanic
      corrosion processes: as a corrosion inhibitor for iron oxides and as a corrosion
      promoter for silver. Magnetite/Ag/rifampicin and magnetite/Ag/doxycycline. NPs
      were found to have greater cytotoxicity towards the HEK293T cell line than
      magnetite NPs. These results were attributed to the combined toxic action of the
      released iron, silver ions and antibiotics. Intensive and simultaneous release of
      the NP components caused cell stress and suppressed their growth.

PMID- 28088017
TI  - Co-delivery of ibuprofen and gentamicin from nanoporous anodic titanium dioxide
      layers.
AB  - Although single-drug therapy may prove insufficient in treating bacterial
      infections or inflammation after orthopaedic surgeries, complex therapy (using
      both an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory drug) is thought to address the
      problem. Among drug delivery systems (DDSs) with prolonged drug release profiles,
      nanoporous anodic titanium dioxide (ATO) layers on Ti foil are very promising. In
      the discussed research, ATO samples were synthesized via a three-step anodization
      process in an ethylene glycol-based electrolyte with fluoride ions. The third
      step lasted 2, 5 and 10min in order to obtain different thicknesses of nanoporous
      layers. Annealing the as-prepared amorphous layers at the temperature of 400
      degrees C led to obtaining the anatase phase. In this study, water-insoluble
      ibuprofen and water-soluble gentamicin were used as model drugs. Three different
      drug loading procedures were applied. The desorption-desorption-diffusion (DDD)
      model of the drug release was fitted to the experimental data. The effects of
      crystalline structure, depth of TiO2 nanopores and loading procedure on the drug
      release profiles were examined. The duration of the drug release process can be
      easily altered by changing the drug loading sequence. Water-soluble gentamicin is
      released for a long period of time if gentamicin is loaded in ATO as the first
      drug. Additionally, deeper nanopores and anatase phase suppress the initial burst
      release of drugs. These results confirm that factors such as morphological and
      crystalline structure of ATO layers, and the procedure of drug loading inside
      nanopores, allow to alter the drug release performance of nanoporous ATO layers.

PMID- 28088018
TI  - Antibacterial serine protease from Wrightia tinctoria: Purification and
      characterization.
AB  - A serine protease was purified from the leaves of Wrightia tinctoria by
      sequential flow through method comprising screening, optimization, ammonium
      sulfate precipitation, gel filtration and ion exchange column chromatography. The
      yield and purification fold obtained were 11.58% and 9.56 respectively. A single
      band of serine protease was visualized on SDS-PAGE and 2-D gel electrophoretic
      analyses were revealed with the molecular mass of 38.5 kDa. Serine protease had
      an optimum pH of 8.0 and was stable at 45 degrees C with high relative protease
      activity. The addition of metal ions such as Mg2+ and Mn2+ exhibits a high
      relative activity. Serine protease had a potent antibacterial activity against
      both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A 10 MUg/ml of serine protease was
      tested against S. aureus, M. luteus, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae which had
      21, 20, 18 and 17 mm of zone of inhibition respectively. Serine protease from W.
      tinctoria degrades the peptidoglycan layer of bacteria which was visualized by
      transmission electron microscopic analysis.

PMID- 28088019
TI  - Melatonin and resveratrol reverse the toxic effect of high boron (B) and modulate
      biochemical parameters in pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.).
AB  - The objectives of this research were to test a possible involvement of melatonin
      (MEL) and resveratrol (RES) in restoring growth and to control boron (B) toxicity
      in peppers. The plants were subjected to four different nutrient solution
      treatments as following: 1) half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution (Control),
      2) half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution+100 MUM B (100 MUMB), 3) half
      strength Hoagland's nutrient solution+100 MUM boron+100 MUMresveratrol (100
      MUMRES), and 4) half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution+100 MUM B+1
      MUMmelatonin (1 MUM MEL). Pepper plants subjected to B excess (100 MUM) for 68
      days (d) exhibited visible B toxicity symptoms, reduced rate of photosynthesis
      (Pn) and reduced dry weight (DW), while their leaf and fruit had the greatest
      increase of B concentration. The reduction of photosynthesis was restored, the
      reduction of DW was prevented, while the B leaf and fruit accumulation was
      moderated with the application of both 100 MUMresveratrol (RES) and 1
      MUMmelatonin (MEL). Moreover, plants exposed to MEL and/or RES displayed no
      visible B toxicity symptoms. The present study revealed a novel role of MEL
      and/or RES in the adaptation of pepper plants to B excess based on plant growth,
      physiological and biochemical criteria.

PMID- 28088020
TI  - Sulphur alters chromium (VI) toxicity in Solanum melongena seedlings: Role of
      sulphur assimilation and sulphur-containing antioxidants.
AB  - The present study investigates modulation in hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI) 25 MUM]
      toxicity by sulphur (S; 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM S as low (LS), medium (MS) and high
      sulphur (HS), respectively) in Solanum melongena (eggplant) seedlings. Biomass
      accumulation (fresh and dry weights), photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic
      oxygen evolution and S content were declined by Cr(VI) toxicity. Furthermore,
      fluorescence characteristics (JIP-test) were also affected by Cr(VI), but Cr(VI)
      toxicity on photosystem II photochemistry was ameliorated by HS treatment via
      reducing damaging effect on PS II reaction centre and its reduction side.
      Enhanced respiration, Cr content and oxidative biomarkers: superoxide radical,
      hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation and membrane damage were observed under
      Cr(VI) stress. Though Cr(VI) enhanced adenosine triphasphate sulfurylase (ATPS)
      and o-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OASTL), glutathione-S-transferase (GST),
      glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, and content
      of total glutathione, cysteine and NP-SH, however, their levels/activity were
      further enhanced by S being maximum with HS treatment. The results show that
      Cr(VI) toxicity does increase under LS treatment while HS protected Cr(VI)
      induced damaging effects in brinjal seedlings. Under HS treatment, in mitigating
      Cr(VI) toxicity, S assimilation and its associated metabolites such as cysteine,
      glutathione and NP-SH play crucial role.

PMID- 28088022
TI  - Valorization of aluminum scrap via an acid-washing treatment for reductive
      removal of toxic bromate from water.
AB  - Aluminum scrap (AS) is adopted for the first time as a readily available aluminum
      source to prepare zero-valent aluminum (ZVAl) for removing bromate from water via
      a reductive reaction. Since aluminum is easily oxidized to aluminum oxide (Al2O3)
      on exposure to air, an acid-washing pretreatment on AS is developed to remove the
      layer of Al2O3. HCl is found as the most effective acid to pretreat AS and the
      HCl-pretreated or acid-washed AS (AWAS) is able to remove bromate from water and
      convert it to bromide. Factors, such as temperature, pH, co-existing anions, and
      particle size, which influence the bromate removal using AWAS are also
      investigated. The mechanism of bromate removal by AWAS can be attributed to both
      reduction and adsorption. The elevated temperature also significantly improves
      bromate removal capacity of AWAS as well as the reaction kinetics. The bromate
      removal capacity of AWAS is substantially improved under acidic conditions.
      However, the basic conditions and co-existing anions suppress or interfere with
      the interaction between bromate and AWAS, leading to much lower removal
      capacities. The recyclability of AWAS is also evaluated and the acid-washing
      regeneration is necessary to restore its capacity. However, the mass of AWAS can
      gradually decrease due to multi-cycle acid-washing regeneration. Through this
      study, the valorization of AS via acid-washing is demonstrated and optimization
      of acid-washing parameters is presented. Our findings reveal that the acid
      washing is a useful technique to utilize AS as an inexpensive and efficient
      material for removing bromate from water.

PMID- 28088021
TI  - Sanguinarine-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis-like programmed cell death(AL
      PCD) in root meristem cells of Allium cepa.
AB  - A vast number of studies on plant cell systems clearly indicate that various
      biotic and abiotic stresses give rise to the uncontrolled increase in the level
      of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excess concentrations of ROS result in damage
      to proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and DNA, which may lead, in consequence, to
      the apoptotic cell death. The current study investigates the effects of
      sanguinarine (SAN), a natural alkaloid derived from the roots of Sanguinaria
      canadensis, on root apical meristem cells of Allium cepa. It is shown that SAN
      treatment generated large amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide
      anion (O2.-). Oxidative stress induced in SAN-treated cells was correlated with
      DNA fragmentation, formation of micronuclei (MN), altered and 'degenerated'
      chromatin structures characteristic of apoptosis-like programmed cell death (AL
      PCD). The experiments with SAN + MG132 (a proteasome inhibitor engaged in Topo II
      mediated formation of cleavable complexes) and SAN + ascorbic acid (AA; H2O2
      scavenger) seem to suggest, however, that the high level of H2O2 is not the only
      factor responsible for changes observed at the chromatin level and for the
      consequent cell death. Our findings imply that Topo II-DNA covalent complexes and
      26S proteasomes are also involved in SAN-induced DNA damage.

PMID- 28088023
TI  - A novel model to predict gas-phase hydroxyl radical oxidation kinetics of
      polychlorinated compounds.
AB  - In this study, a novel model based on aromatic meta-substituent grouping was
      presented to predict the second-order rate constants (k) for OH oxidation of PCBs
      in gas-phase. Since the oxidation kinetics are dependent on the chlorination
      degree and position, we hypothesized that it may be more accurate for k value
      prediction if we group PCB congeners based on substitution positions (i.e., ortho
      (o), meta (m), and para (p)). To test this hypothesis, we examined the
      correlation of polarizability (alpha), a quantum chemical based descriptor for k
      values, with an empirical Hammett constant (sigma+) on each substitution
      position. Our result shows that alpha is highly linearly correlated to
      ?sigmao,m,p+ based on aromatic meta-substituents leading to the grouping based
      predictive model. With the new model, the calculated k values exhibited an
      excellent agreement with experimental measurements, and greater predictive power
      than the quantum chemical based quantitative structure activity relationship
      (QSAR) model. Further, the relationship of alpha and ?sigmao,m,p+ for PCDDs
      congeners, together with highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) distribution,
      were used to validate the aromatic meta-substituent grouping method. This newly
      developed model features a combination of good predictability of quantum chemical
      based QSAR model and simplicity of Hammett relationship, showing a great
      potential for fast and computational tractable prediction of k values for gas
      phase OH oxidation of polychlorinated compounds.

PMID- 28088024
TI  - Multi-year record of atmospheric and snow surface nitrate in the central
      Antarctic plateau.
AB  - Continuous all year-round samplings of atmospheric aerosol and surface snow at
      high (daily to 4-day) resolution were carried out at Dome C since 2004-05 to 2013
      and nitrate records are here presented. Basing on a larger statistical data set
      than previous studies, results confirm that nitrate seasonal pattern is
      characterized by maxima during austral summer for both aerosol and surface snow,
      occurring in-phase with solar UV irradiance. This temporal pattern is likely due
      to a combination of nitrate sources and post-depositional processes whose
      intensity usually enhances during the summer. Moreover, it should be noted that a
      case study of the synoptic conditions, which took place during a major nitrate
      event, showed the occurrence of a stratosphere-troposphere exchange. The sampling
      of both matrices at the same time with high resolution allowed the detection of a
      an about one-month long recurring lag of summer maxima in snow with respect to
      aerosol. This result can be explained by deposition and post-deposition processes
      occurring at the atmosphere-snow interface, such as a net uptake of gaseous
      nitric acid and a replenishment of the uppermost surface layers driven by a
      larger temperature gradient in summer. This hypothesis was preliminarily tested
      by a comparison with surface layers temperature data in the 2012-13 period. The
      analysis of the relationship between the nitrate concentration in the gas phase
      and total nitrate obtained at Dome C (2012-13) showed the major role of gaseous
      HNO3 to the total nitrate budget suggesting the need to further investigate the
      gas-to-particle conversion processes.

PMID- 28088025
TI  - Residues of 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpyrazine, a degradation product of some beta-lactam
      antibiotics, in environmental water in Vietnam.
AB  - Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become a serious problem worldwide, caused in
      part by the excessive use and discharge of antibiotics into the environment.
      Ampicillin (ABPC) is a widely used antibiotic. However, this chemical rapidly
      decomposes in water containing divalent cations like Ca2+ and Mg2+, thus,
      detection of ABPC in environmental water is difficult. This study was carried out
      to evaluate the presence of 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpyrazine (HPP), one of the
      degradation products of ABPC and beta-lactam antibiotics with an ABPC
      substructure, in environmental water. An analytical method for HPP monitoring in
      environmental water was developed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass
      spectrometry. The analyte was extracted from water samples and enriched using a
      solid-phase extraction cartridge. The quantification limit was 1 ng L-1. The HPP
      recovery rates from spiked water samples of 25 and 125 ng L-1 were 84.1 and
      86.1%, respectively. The method was then used to determine HPP residue levels in
      98 environmental water samples from rivers, household ponds, and aquacultural
      ponds in Vietnam. HPP residues were detected in 60 samples. The HPP detection
      rates in rivers and household ponds were 42 and 79%, respectively. HPP was not
      detected in aquacultural ponds. HPP residue concentrations in the samples ranged
      from 1.3 to 413.3 ng L-1. The residue levels in rivers flowing through city
      centres were higher than levels in other sampling locations. The findings of this
      study suggest that HPP is a promising marker for assessing the discharge of ABPC
      and beta-lactam antibiotics with an ABPC substructure into the environment around
      sampling sites.

PMID- 28088026
TI  - Current ambient concentrations of ozone in Panama modulate the leaf chemistry of
      the tropical tree Ficus insipida.
AB  - Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a major air pollutant and greenhouse gas, affecting
      carbon dynamics, ecological interactions, and agricultural productivity across
      continents and biomes. Elevated [O3] has been documented in tropical evergreen
      forests, the epicenters of terrestrial primary productivity and plant-consumer
      interactions. However, the effects of O3 on vegetation have not previously been
      studied in these forests. In this study, we quantified ambient O3 in a region
      shared by forests and urban/commercial zones in Panama and found levels two to
      three times greater than in remote tropical sites. We examined the effects of
      these ambient O3 levels on the growth and chemistry of seedlings of Ficus
      insipida, a regionally widespread tree with high stomatal conductance, using open
      top chambers supplied with ozone-free or ambient air. We evaluated the
      differences across treatments in biomass and, using UPLC-MS-MS, leaf secondary
      metabolites and membrane lipids. Mean [O3] in ambient air was below the levels
      that induce chronic stress in temperate broadleaved trees, and biomass did not
      differ across treatments. However, leaf secondary metabolites - including
      phenolics and a terpenoid - were significantly downregulated in the ambient air
      treatment. Membrane lipids were present at lower concentrations in older leaves
      grown in ambient air, suggesting accelerated senescence. Thus, in a tree species
      with high O3 uptake via high stomatal conductance, current ambient [O3] in
      Panamanian forests are sufficient to induce chronic effects on leaf chemistry.

PMID- 28088028
TI  - Role of small RNAs in epigenetic reprogramming during plant sexual reproduction.
AB  - Sexual reproduction, the formation of a new individual from specialized
      reproductive cells after fertilization, involves the precise orchestration of
      different developmental and genomic processes. These processes are to a large
      extent governed by small RNAs (sRNAs) that either belong to the class of micro
      RNAs (miRNAs) or small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The latter are derived from
      transposable elements (TEs) and involved in genome defense and transgenerational
      inheritance of heterochromatin identity, ensuring genome stability. Remarkably,
      male and female gametophytes employ sRNAs to ensure reproductive success, but the
      underlying processes of their formation and action differ. Here, we review
      current advances in the field concerning the roles of sRNAs during flowering
      plant (angiosperm) reproduction and pinpoint where further research is required
      to solve open questions.

PMID- 28088027
TI  - An alternative strategy to western blot as a confirmatory diagnostic test for HIV
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In China, western blot (WB) is the recommended procedure for the
      diagnosis of HIV infection. However, this technique is time consuming and labor
      intensive, and its complexity restricts wide application in resource-limited
      regions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a dry
      blood spots (DBS)-urine paired enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test,
      instead of WB, for HIV antibody detection. STUDY DESIGN: Plasma, DBS, and urine
      samples were collected from 1213 subjects from different populations. Two
      diagnostic testing strategies were conducted in parallel. The equivalence of the
      paired ELISA and WB strategies was assessed. RESULTS: A diagnosis of HIV was
      determined in 250 subjects according to the paired ELISA test, and in 249
      according to the WB strategy. The discordant case was judged HIV-positive during
      follow-up. In total, 18 subjects were diagnosed with possible HIV using the
      paired ELISA test, among whom, 11 subjects tested negative with WB, and one was
      confirmed to be HIV-positive during follow-up. For the remaining 945 subjects,
      both strategies indicated a negative result. The kappa test indicated good
      conformity (kappa=0.954) between the two diagnostic strategies. CONCLUSION: The
      DBS-urine paired ELISA could be applied as an alternative to WB in HIV diagnosis,
      which would be valuable in resource-limited regions owing to the associated
      affordability and ease of use.

PMID- 28088029
TI  - An updated meta-analysis of cohort studies: Diabetes and risk of Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recently, several large longitudinal population-based studies have
      shown that the rate of cognitive decline is accelerated in elderly people with
      diabetes mellitus. But the relation between diabetes and AD is still an area of
      controversy. The objective of this review was to update the evidence for or
      against diabetes as a risk factor of AD. METHODS: We searched the literature from
      their inception to May 2016 without restriction of language. We included all
      longitudinal population-based studies examining the association between diabetes
      and risk of AD. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata software. RESULTS: A
      total of 17 studies involving 1,746,777 individuals were included. After pooling
      these 17 studies, subjects with diabetes had significant higher incidence of AD
      than those without diabetes (RR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.42-1.63). When stratified by
      ethnicity, five cohorts were identified as Eastern populations, twelve were
      identified as Western populations. The Relative risk of AD in Western populations
      and Eastern populations were 1.36(1.18-1.53) and 1.62(1.49-1.75). CONCLUSION: The
      risk of AD is higher among people with diabetes than in the general population,
      especially in Eastern populations. So the necessary treatment measures should be
      taken in order to decrease the risk of AD.

PMID- 28088030
TI  - Efficacy and safety of linagliptin/metformin single-pill combination as initial
      therapy in drug-naive Asian patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - AIM: To assess efficacy/safety of initial linagliptin/metformin single-pill
      combination (SPC) therapies versus individual drug components over 24weeks in
      treatment-naive Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and insufficient
      glycemic control. METHODS: Patients (initial glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] ?7.5% to
      <11.0% [58-97mmol/mol]; main group) were randomized to: linagliptin 5mg once
      daily (qd); metformin 500mg twice daily (bid); metformin 1000mg bid; linagliptin
      2.5mg/metformin 500mg bid; or linagliptin 2.5mg/metformin 1000mg bid. Patients
      with severe hyperglycemia (HbA1c ?11.0% [97mmol/mol]) received linagliptin
      2.5mg/metformin 1000mg bid or linagliptin 5mg qd (switched at week 12 from
      linagliptin to SPC if HbA1c >8.0% [64mmol/mol]). The main group primary endpoint
      was HbA1c change from baseline to week 24. RESULTS: At week 24, adjusted mean
      change from baseline in HbA1c (main group, n=733) was: linagliptin 5mg qd, -1.3%;
      metformin 500mg bid, -1.6%; metformin 1000mg bid, -2.1%; linagliptin
      2.5mg/metformin 500mg bid, -2.2%; linagliptin 2.5mg/metformin 1000mg bid, -2.3%.
      The first test of primary HbA1c analysis (linagliptin 2.5mg/metformin 1000mg bid
      vs. metformin 1000mg bid) was borderline non-significant; however, SPCs produced
      significantly greater reductions in HbA1c from baseline versus respective
      monotherapies in all but one pre-defined sensitivity analysis. In the severe
      hyperglycemia group (n=143), linagliptin 2.5mg/metformin 1000mg bid produced a
      superior HbA1c reduction (-4.7%) versus linagliptin 5mg qd (-3.5%) after 12weeks.
      Hypoglycemic adverse events were low across groups. CONCLUSIONS: Initial
      linagliptin/metformin SPC significantly improved glycemic control in this
      population.

PMID- 28088031
TI  - The timing of zygotic genome activation.
AB  - After fertilization, the embryonic genome is inactive until transcription is
      initiated during the maternal-to-zygotic transition. How the onset of
      transcription is regulated in a precisely timed manner, however, is a long
      standing question in biology. Several mechanisms have been shown to contribute to
      the temporal regulation of genome activation but none of them can fully explain
      the general absence of transcription as well the gene specific onset that
      follows. Here we review the work that has been done toward elucidating the
      mechanisms underlying the temporal regulation of transcription in embryos.

PMID- 28088032
TI  - Oral cannabidiol does not produce a signal for abuse liability in frequent
      marijuana smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring constituent of the
      marijuana plant. In the past few years, there has been great interest in the
      therapeutic effects of isolated CBD and it is currently being explored for
      numerous disease conditions (e.g., pain, epilepsy, cancer, various drug
      dependencies). However, CBD remains a Schedule I drug on the U.S. Controlled
      Substances Act (CSA). Despite its status, there are no well-controlled data
      available regarding its abuse liability. METHODS: Healthy, frequent marijuana
      users (n=31) were enrolled in this within subject, randomized, placebo
      controlled, double-blind, multisite study that administered oral cannabidiol (0,
      200, 400, 800mg) alone and in combination with smoked marijuana (0.01%, 5.3-5.8%
      THC). Participants received one dose combination across 8 once-weekly outpatient
      sessions (7.5h). The primary findings on the drug interaction effects were
      previously reported (Haney et al., 2016). The present study is a secondary
      analysis of the data to examine the abuse liability profile of oral cannabidiol
      (200, 400, 800mg) in comparison to oral placebo and active smoked marijuana (5.3
      5.8% THC). RESULTS: Active marijuana reliably produced abuse-related subjective
      effects (e.g., high) (p<0.05). However, CBD was placebo-like on all measures
      collected (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, CBD did not display any signals of
      abuse liability at the doses tested and these data may help inform U.S.
      regulatory decisions regarding CBD schedule on the CSA.

PMID- 28088033
TI  - A Bayesian spatial random parameters Tobit model for analyzing crash rates on
      roadway segments.
AB  - This study develops a Bayesian spatial random parameters Tobit model to analyze
      crash rates on road segments, in which both spatial correlation between adjacent
      sites and unobserved heterogeneity across observations are accounted for. The
      crash-rate data for a three-year period on road segments within a road network in
      Florida, are collected to compare the performance of the proposed model with that
      of a (fixed parameters) Tobit model and a spatial (fixed parameters) Tobit model
      in the Bayesian context. Significant spatial effect is found in both spatial
      models and the results of Deviance Information Criteria (DIC) show that the
      inclusion of spatial correlation in the Tobit regression considerably improves
      model fit, which indicates the reasonableness of considering cross-segment
      spatial correlation. The spatial random parameters Tobit regression has lower DIC
      value than does the spatial Tobit regression, suggesting that accommodating the
      unobserved heterogeneity is able to further improve model fit when the spatial
      correlation has been considered. Moreover, the random parameters Tobit model
      provides a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of speed limit on crash
      rates than does its fixed parameters counterpart, which suggests that it could be
      considered as a good alternative for crash rate analysis.

PMID- 28088034
TI  - An evaluation of Nova Scotia's alcohol ignition interlock program.
AB  - Alcohol ignition interlock programs for offenders aim to reduce recidivism among
      convicted drink drivers. This study presents an evaluation of Nova Scotia's
      interlock program implemented in 2008 in order to assess its effectiveness to
      reduce impaired driving and to help identify areas for improvement. Data used
      include conviction and crash records of individual participants; provincial
      monthly counts of alcohol-related charges, convictions and fatal and serious
      crashes; and interlock logged events. Methods used include descriptive
      statistics, survival analysis, time series and logistic regression analysis. With
      respect to specific deterrence (i.e., preventing recidivism) there was a 90%
      reduction in recidivism among voluntary participants since participation in the
      interlock program and a 79% reduction after these participants exited from the
      program. With respect to general deterrence (i.e., referring to a preventative
      effect on the entire population of drivers in Nova Scotia) there were temporary
      decreases in the numbers of alcohol-related charges (13.32%) and convictions
      (9.93%) and a small significant decrease in the number of fatal and serious
      injury alcohol-related crashes, following the implementation of the program. The
      evidence suggests the interlock program was better at preventing harm due to
      alcohol-impaired driving than the alternative of not using the interlock program.
      Recommendations were formulated supporting the continuation of the interlock
      program in Nova Scotia.

PMID- 28088035
TI  - Diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of infantile spasms in the Trisomy 21
      population.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if there are differences in the timing of diagnosis and
      response to treatment between infants with infantile spasms (IS) and Trisomy 21
      (T21) and those with idiopathic IS. METHOD: This was a retrospective study
      evaluating the time from onset of IS to diagnosis, treatment of IS, time from
      treatment to resolution of IS, and development of epilepsy in children with T21
      and IS compared to children with idiopathic IS. RESULTS: Thirteen children with
      T21 and IS were identified over a 10 year period and compared to 32 children in
      the control group. There was no significant difference in age of onset, time
      between onset and diagnosis, or acute response to treatment. However, the
      children with idiopathic IS were more likely to go on to develop epilepsy than
      those with T21 and IS (41% vs. 0, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: The children with T21 and
      IS were diagnosed and treated similarly to those patients with idiopathic IS.
      There were no significant differences in the age of onset, time between the onset
      and diagnosis of IS, or acute treatment response of IS between the T21 and
      control groups. However those with T21 and IS had a lower risk of subsequent
      epilepsy following IS than those with idiopathic IS. IS in the T21 population
      appears to be inherently different from IS of unknown etiology.

PMID- 28088036
TI  - An emotional approach to beef evaluation.
AB  - The emotions associated with beef consumption, the influence of breeding system
      information on emotions ("Conventional" - C vs "Only from the Italian Simmental" 
      OIS label) and their relationship with liking were evaluated by 93 meat
      consumers. Respondents were asked to evaluate the same samples of Italian
      Simmental meat provided with the two different labels. Liking scores were
      obtained using a 9-point scale and the emotions from the EsSense25 list were
      scored on 5-point scale (1="not at all", 5="extremely"). A positive and
      significant effect of OIS information was highlighted on liking scores. Moreover,
      the breeding system information significantly affected 22 out of the 25 emotions.
      OIS label elicited higher positive and lower negative feelings about the meat
      than did the C label. Providing the same beef with different breeding information
      led to different emotions being evoked in consumers, and these differences in
      emotions were associated with different levels of liking for beef.

PMID- 28088037
TI  - Assessment of the meat quality of lamb M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum and M.
      triceps brachii following three different Halal slaughter procedures.
AB  - A total of fifteen male and fifteen female lambs were allocated to three groups
      of ten animals and subjected to: traditional Halal slaughter without stunning
      (TNS); slaughter following electric head-only stunning (EHOS) or; post-cut
      electric head-only stun (PCEHOS) and their meat quality was determined.
      Instrumental and sensory analyses were carried out on two muscles; M. longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and M. triceps brachii (TB). Additionally, the effects
      of sex and muscle type were also assessed. No differences were found among
      slaughter methods for pH, drip loss and shear force. TB had a higher pHu and was
      more tender than LTL. Muscles from EHOS and PCEHOS lambs discoloured more quickly
      than TNS muscles. There were no differences in the measured sensory attributes,
      with the exception of EHOS meat being tougher than PCEHOS and TNS meat. This
      study showed that the three slaughter methods had no substantial effect on lamb
      meat quality.

PMID- 28088038
TI  - Evidence of functional duplicity of Nestin expression in the adult mouse
      midbrain.
AB  - Whether or not neurogenesis occurs in the adult substantia nigra pars compacta
      (SNc) is an important question relevant for developing better treatments for the
      motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although controversial, it is
      generally believed that dividing cells here remain undifferentiated or
      differentiate into glia, not neurons. However, there is a suggestion that Nestin
      expressing neural precursor cells (NPCs) in the adult SNc have a propensity to
      differentiate into neurons, which we sought to confirm in the present study.
      Adult (>8-weeks old) transgenic NesCreERT2/GtROSA or NesCreERT2/R26eYFP mice were
      used to permanently label Nestin-expressing cells and their progeny with beta
      galactosidase (beta-gal) or enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP),
      respectively. Most beta-gal+ or eYFP+ cells were found in the ependymal lining of
      the midbrain aqueduct (Aq) and in the midline ventral to Aq. Smaller but
      significant numbers were in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), the ventral tegmental
      area (VTA), and in SNc. Low-level basal proliferation was evidenced by a modest
      increase in number of beta-gal+ or eYFP+ cells over time, fewer beta-gal+ or
      eYFP+ cells when mice were administered the anti-mitotic agent Cytarabine, and
      incorporation of the proliferation marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in a very
      small number of beta-gal+ cells. No evidence of migration was found, including no
      immunoreactivity against the migration markers doublecortin (DCX) or polysialic
      acid neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), and no dispersal of beta-gal+ or
      eYFP+ cells through the midbrain parenchyma over time. However, beta-gal+ or
      eYFP+ cells did increase in size and express higher levels of mature neuronal
      genes over time, indicating growth and neuronal differentiation. In mice whose
      SNc dopamine neurons had been depleted with 6-hydroxy-dopamine, a model of PD,
      there were ~2-fold more beta-gal+ cells in SNc specifically, although the
      proportion that were also NeuN+ was not affected. Remarkably, as early as 4days
      following putative Nestin-expression, many beta-gal+ or eYFP+ cells had mature
      neuronal morphology and were NeuN+. Furthermore, mature neuronal beta-gal+ cells
      were immunoreactive against the self-renewal or pluripotency marker sex
      determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2). Overall, our data support the notion that some
      Nestin-expressing, presumably NPCs, have a limited capacity for proliferation, no
      capacity for migration, and a propensity to generate new neurons within the
      microenvironment of the adult midbrain. However, our data also suggest that
      significant numbers of extant midbrain neurons express Nestin and other classical
      neurogenesis markers in contexts that are presumably not neurogenic. These
      findings foreshadow duplicitous roles for Nestin and other molecules that are
      traditionally associated with neurogenesis in the adult midbrain, which should be
      considered in future PD research.

PMID- 28088039
TI  - Read my lips: Visual speech influences word processing in infants.
AB  - What do infants hear when they read lips? In the present study, twelve-to
      thirteen-month-old infants viewed a talking face produce familiar and unfamiliar
      words. The familiar words were of three types: in Experiment 1, they were
      produced correctly (e.g., "bottle"); in Experiment 2, infants saw and heard
      mispronunciations in which the altered phoneme either visually resembled the
      original phoneme (visually consistent, e.g. "pottle"), or did not visually
      resemble the original phoneme (visually inconsistent, e.g., "dottle"). Infants in
      the correct and consistent conditions differentiated the familiar and unfamiliar
      words, but infants in the inconsistent condition did not. Experiment 3 confirms
      that infants were sensitive to the mispronunciations in the consistent condition
      with auditory-only words. Thus, although infants recognized the consistent
      mispronunciations when they saw a face articulating the words, they did not with
      the auditory information alone. These results provide the first evidence that
      visual articulatory information affects word processing in infants.

PMID- 28088040
TI  - Listen up! Developmental differences in the impact of IDS on speech segmentation.
AB  - While American English infants typically segment words from fluent speech by 7.5
      months, studies of infants from other language backgrounds have difficulty
      replicating this finding. One possible explanation for this cross-linguistic
      difference is that the input infants from different language backgrounds receive
      is not as infant-directed as American English infant-directed speech (Floccia et
      al., 2016). Against this background, the current study investigates whether
      German 7.5- and 9-month-old infants segment words from fluent speech when the
      input is prosodically similar to American English IDS. While 9-month-olds showed
      successful segmentation of words from exaggerated IDS, 7.5-month-olds did not.
      These findings highlight (a) the beneficial impact of exaggerated IDS on infant
      speech segmentation, (b) cross-linguistic differences in word segmentation that
      are based not just on the kind of input available to children and suggest (c)
      developmental differences in the role of IDS as an attentional spotlight in
      speech segmentation.

PMID- 28088041
TI  - The role of the IFG and pSTS in syntactic prediction: Evidence from a parametric
      study of hierarchical structure in fMRI.
AB  - Sentences encode hierarchical structural relations among words. Several
      neuroimaging experiments aiming to localize combinatory operations responsible
      for creating this structure during sentence comprehension have contrasted short,
      simple phrases and sentences to unstructured controls. Some of these experiments
      have revealed activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and posterior
      superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), associating these regions with basic syntactic
      combination. However, the wide variability of these effects across studies raises
      questions about this interpretation. In an fMRI experiment, we provide support
      for an alternative hypothesis: these regions underlie top-down syntactic
      predictions that facilitate sentence processing but are not necessary for
      building syntactic structure. We presented stimuli with three levels of
      structure: unstructured lists, two-word phrases, and simple, short sentences; and
      two levels of content: natural stimuli with real words and stimuli with open
      class items replaced with pseudowords (jabberwocky). While both the phrase and
      sentence conditions engaged syntactic combination, our experiment only encouraged
      syntactic prediction in the sentence condition. We found increased activity for
      both natural and jabberwocky sentences in the left IFG (pars triangularis and
      pars orbitalis) and pSTS relative to unstructured word lists and two-word
      phrases, but we did not find any such effects for two-word phrases relative to
      unstructured word lists in these areas. Our results are most consistent with the
      hypothesis that increased activity in IFG and pSTS for basic contrasts of
      structure reflects syntactic prediction. The pars opercularis of the IFG showed a
      response profile consistent with verbal working memory. We found incremental
      effects of structure in the anterior temporal lobe (ATL), and increased
      activation only for sentences in the angular gyrus (AG)/temporal-parietal
      junction (TPJ) - both regions showed these effects for stimuli with all real
      words. These findings support a role for the ATL in semantic combination and the
      AG/TPJ in thematic processing.

PMID- 28088042
TI  - Strategies for metabolite profiling based on liquid chromatography.
AB  - This paper aims at covering the principal strategies based on liquid
      chromatography (LC) for metabolite profiling in the field of drug discovery and
      development. The identification of metabolites generated in the organism is an
      important task during the early stages of preclinical research to define the most
      proper strategy for optimizing, adjusting metabolic clearance and minimizing
      bioactivation. An early assessment of the metabolite profile may be critical
      since metabolites can contribute to pharmacological and/or toxicological effects.
      The study of metabolites first involves their synthesis/generation and their
      further characterization and structural elucidation. For such a purpose, both in
      vitro and in vivo methods are commonly used for the generation of the
      corresponding metabolites. Next, analytical methods are used to tackle
      identification and characterization studies. Among the arsenal of techniques
      available in our labs, we will focus on LC, especially coupled to mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS), as one of the most powerful approaches for metabolite
      identification, characterization and quantification. Here, the topic of
      metabolite profiling based on LC will be addressed and representative examples of
      different possibilities will be discussed.

PMID- 28088043
TI  - HPLC-UV method for simultaneous determination of MK-1775 and AZD-7762 in both
      acetonitrile-aqueous solution and mouse plasma.
AB  - A sensitive and precise method is described for the simultaneous determination of
      two small molecule kinase inhibitors: MK-1775 (MK) and AZD-7762 (AZD), in
      acetonitrile (ACN)-aqueous solution and in mouse plasma. A Nova-Pak C18 reversed
      phase column (3.9mm*150mm, 4MUm, 60A) was utilized in the separation using an
      isocratic mobile phase of 0.1% v/v triethylamine in phosphate buffer (pH=7.4):
      acetonitrile (ACN) (60:40, v/v), at a flow rate of 0.8mL/min. Detection
      wavelength was set at 310nm for both MK and AZD, and 431nm for the internal
      standard sunitinib (SUN). The developed method was validated following the ICH
      guidelines and it was shown to be accurate, precise and linear in the range of
      41ng/mL to 8333ng/mL for both drugs in the ACN-aqueous solution and from 83ng/mL
      to 8333ng/mL for both drugs in mouse plasma samples. For the first time, the
      presented data suggest the suitability of this method for the simultaneous
      separation and quantification of MK and AZD in both ACN aqueous solution as well
      as in mouse plasma samples.

PMID- 28088044
TI  - Dried haematic microsamples and LC-MS/MS for the analysis of natural and
      synthetic cannabinoids.
AB  - Synthetic cannabinoids are new psychoactive substances (NPS) with similar effects
      when compared to natural ones found in Cannabis derivatives. They have rapidly
      integrated into the illicit market, often sold as alternatives under
      international control. The need to identify and quantify an unprecedented and
      growing number of new compounds represents a unique challenge for toxicological,
      forensic and anti-doping analysis. Dried blood spots have been used within the
      bioanalytical framework in place of plasma or serum, in order to reduce
      invasiveness, lower sample size, simplify handling, storage and shipping of
      samples and to facilitate home-based and on-field applications. However, DBS
      implementation has been limited mainly by concerns related to haematocrit effect
      on method accuracy. Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMSTM), a second
      generation dried miniaturized sampling technology, has been developed just in
      order to eliminate haematocrit effect, thus providing accurate sampling but still
      granting feasible sample processing. An original LC-MS/MS method was herein
      developed and validated for the analysis of THC and its 2 main metabolites,
      together with 10 representative synthetic cannabinoids in both DBS and VAMS dried
      microsamples. The ultimate goal of this work is to provide highly innovative DBS
      and VAMS analytical protocols, whose performances were extensively optimized and
      compared, in order to provide effective and alternative tools that can be applied
      for natural and synthetic cannabinoid determination, in place of classical
      analytical strategies.

PMID- 28088045
TI  - UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of penicillin G and metabolites in citrus
      fruit using internal standards.
AB  - Penicillin G has been applied to citrus trees as a potential treatment in the
      fight against Huanglongbing (HLB). Here, we have developed and validated a method
      to identify and quantitate penicillin G and two of its metabolites, penillic acid
      and penilloic acid, in citrus fruit using ultra high performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). This method improves upon
      a previous method by incorporating isotopically labeled internal standards,
      namely, penillic acid-D5, and penilloic acid-D5. These standards greatly enhanced
      the accuracy and precision of our measurements by compensating for recovery
      losses, degradation, and matrix effects. When 2g of citrus fruit sample is
      extracted, the limits of detection (LOD) were determined to be 0.1ng/g for
      penicillin G and penilloic acid, and 0.25ng/g for penillic acid. At fortification
      levels of 0.1, 0.25, 1, and 10ng/g, absolute recoveries for penillic and
      penilloic acids were generally between 50-70%. Recoveries corrected with the
      isotopically labeled standards were approximately 90-110%. This method will be
      useful for the identification and quantitation of drug residues and their
      degradation products using isotopically labeled standards and UHPLC-MS/MS.

PMID- 28088046
TI  - Application of acid modified polyurethane foam surface for detection and removing
      of organochlorine pesticides from wastewater.
AB  - The commercial polyurethane foam was acid modified to get an inexpensive
      adsorbent (AM-PUF) has highly surface polarity and sorption capacity. The
      elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis,
      ultraviolet/visible/infrared spectroscopies and X-ray diffraction were used for
      characterization of AM-PUF. The surface of AM-PUF has amorphous character
      (broadband at 2theta, 21.75 degrees ) and contains several active sites e.g. NH,
      OH, CO, CC and COC groups. The electrical conductivity (sigma), iodine value and
      methylene blue index of AM-PUF are 1.7*10-5Omega-1m-1, 208mg/g and 107mg/g. The
      AM-PUF has a high efficiency for completely removing (99-100%) of Aldrin, DDT,
      Endrin, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide and Lindane pesticides in both acidic and
      alkaline solutions. The removing rates of the organochlorine pesticides from
      wastewater are very rapid (t1/2=22s). The negative value of DeltaG (-10.9kJ/mol)
      for removing of OCPs using AM-PUF showed that the feasibility of the removing
      process and its spontaneous nature.

PMID- 28088047
TI  - Sliding doors: Did drama-based inter-professional education improve the tensions
      round person-centred nursing and social care delivery for people with dementia: A
      mixed method exploratory study.
AB  - This educational intervention takes place when the population of older people
      with dementia is increasing. Health and Social care professionals must work
      jointly in increasingly complex contexts. Negative attitudes towards older people
      are cited as a contributor to poor care delivery, including the use of dismissive
      and/or patronising language, failing to meet fundamental needs and afford choice.
      'Sliding Doors to Personal Futures' is a joint, drama-based, educational
      initiative between NHS Education Scotland and the Scottish Social Services
      Council, delivered using interprofessional education (IPE) towards encouraging
      person-centred health and social care. This paper considers whether 'Sliding
      Doors' had an impact on social work and nursing students' attitudes to older
      people, person-centred care and interprofessional collaboration. Two groups of
      third year students were studied; one from nursing and one from social work. A
      mixed methods approach was taken and attitudes and attitudinal shifts measured
      and discussed. Quantitative results demonstrated that social work students made
      positive attitudinal shifts in some questionnaire items and collectively the
      social work students were more person-centred than nursing students in their care
      approaches. The qualitative data however, drawn from focus groups, illuminated
      these results and highlighted the link between the ability for a professional to
      be person-centred and the conceptual view of risk within the particular
      profession. Risk acceptance, the theoretical position of social work, may
      facilitate person-centred care, whereas the perceived risk-averse nature of the
      nursing profession may inhibit it. Students' attempts to understand the
      quantitative results, without understanding the restrictions and parameters of
      each other's profession, led them to revert to stereotypes and negative views of
      each other as practitioners. The paper concludes that there is an important
      difference between nurses' and social workers' frames of reference. It is
      suggested that IPE in its current form will not impact positively on outcomes for
      older people, unless both professions can openly acknowledge the reality of their
      professional contexts and develop an understanding of each other's professional
      restrictions, opportunities and aspirations.

PMID- 28088048
TI  - Disclosure management behaviors in Korean adults with well-controlled epilepsy:
      Their relation to perception of stigma.
AB  - PURPOSE: In spite of the fact that epilepsy is a concealable stigmatized
      identity, there is little evidence pertaining to disclosure management in adults
      living with epilepsy. We determined the factors contributing to disclosure
      management strategies in adults living with well-controlled epilepsy. METHODS:
      This was a cross-sectional multicenter study. Korean adults whose seizures had
      remitted for at least one year participated in this study. Using statistical
      analyses, we determined whether disclosure management behaviors measured using
      the Disclosure Management Scale (DMS) were related to demographic, clinical, and
      psychosocial variables. The Stigma Scale and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale
      (HADS) were used. RESULTS: Of a total of 225 participants, 76% stated that they
      often or sometimes kept their epilepsy a secret, while 24% reported that they
      never or rarely kept their diagnosis hidden. The mean DMS score was 6.1 (SD=2.4).
      In univariate analyses, the DMS scores were significantly related to the HADS
      depression scores (r=0.187, p=0.005) and the presence of perceived stigma
      (p=0.001). In linear regression analyses, perceived stigma was identified only as
      an independent factor associated with DMS scores (p=0.031), while HADS depression
      lost significance (p=0.057). The presence of perceived stigma explained only 4.6%
      of the variance in DMS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that over 70% of
      Korean adults with well-controlled epilepsy often or sometimes keep their
      epilepsy a secret. Although perceived stigma is associated with concealment
      behaviors, it accounts for only a small proportion of the variance in disclosure
      management.

PMID- 28088049
TI  - Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) disclosure in pediatric epilepsy: An
      Italian survey on "to tell or not to tell".
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although there has recently been significant debate
      regarding the importance of disclosing the risk of SUDEP, professional societies
      and clinical practice guidelines currently recommend that the risk of SUDEP be
      disclosed as part of a comprehensive epilepsy education program. Therefore, the
      primary aim of the present study was to examine whether healthcare providers
      treating pediatric patients with epilepsy in Italy would disclose the risk of
      SUDEP to the parents of children with epilepsy. METHODS: The present study
      assessed data from a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic information
      and clinicians' attitudes towards SUDEP. The survey was available online from
      September to December 2015. Chi-squared (chi2) tests and multivariate logistic
      regression analysis were performed when appropriate, and a qualitative content
      analysis of open-ended questions was performed. FINDINGS: A total of 114 medical
      doctors (71 females and 43 males) completed the questionnaire. Of the
      respondents, 18 (16.2%) stated that all patients should be counseled about SUDEP,
      22 (19.8%) thought that the majority should be, 58 (52.3%) said that only a
      minority should be, and 13 (11.7%) believed none should be. With respect to
      physicians' experience in counseling about SUDEP, only 2 (1.8%) counseled all
      their patients. A univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the factors
      associated with "not counseling about SUDEP at all" were the low number of
      patients with epilepsy they took care of (p<0.01), fewer years of experience
      (p=0.03), and the belief that it was safe from a legal point of view (p<0.001),
      The main reasons for counseling about SUDEP were refractory course of epilepsy
      (79%) and if the parent/patient requested information (65%). Additionally, the
      findings of the qualitative analysis highlighted the emotional difficulties that
      neuropediatricians encounter when dealing with the disclosure of SUDEP.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present findings showed that a minority of neuropediatricians in
      Italy counseled all parents of their patients about SUDEP. Educational training
      may help physicians better communicate with the patient/parents regarding this
      difficult issue.

PMID- 28088050
TI  - Pharmacists' knowledge of issues in pharmacotherapy of epilepsy using
      antiepileptic drugs: A cross-sectional study in Palestinian pharmacy practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are mainstay in controlling epileptic
      seizures. As experts in medications, pharmacists should be able to ensure
      accuracy of dosing regimens, explain adverse effects, and screen for and alert
      people with epilepsy (PWE) and their physicians to possible drug-drug
      interactions (DDIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacists' knowledge
      of issues in pharmacotherapy of epilepsy using AEDs. METHODS: This was a cross
      sectional observational study conducted in the Palestinian pharmacy practice. A
      10-item case-based questionnaire was used to determine actions taken by
      pharmacists in theoretical situations in pharmacotherapy of epilepsy. Demographic
      and practice details of the study participants were also collected. Scores were
      calculated as percentage of correct answers for each participant. RESULTS: The
      number of participants was 394. The majority (approximately 75%) identified
      themselves as community pharmacists. The median score was 33.4% with an IQR of
      33.3. Pharmacists who received training on epilepsy and AEDs during their
      pharmacy degree program were 4.78-fold (95% C.I. of 1.82-12.60) more likely to
      score >=50% in the test than those who did not receive training on epilepsy and
      AEDs. Despite gaps in knowledge, pharmacists tended to perform the necessary
      action in cases of adverse effects and aggravated seizures associated with AEDs.
      CONCLUSION: Pharmacists can play a crucial role in providing essential
      information on AEDs to patients and prescribers. There are many knowledge gaps
      that need to be filled. Specifically designed pedagogic and/or training
      interventions might be helpful in filling these gaps.

PMID- 28088051
TI  - Online recruitment and testing of infants with Mechanical Turk.
AB  - Testing infants in the laboratory is expensive in time and money; consequently,
      many studies are underpowered, reducing their reproducibility. We investigated
      whether the online platform, Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), could be used as a
      resource to more easily recruit and measure the behavior of infant populations.
      Using a looking time paradigm, with users' webcams we recorded how long infants
      aged 5 to 8months attended while viewing children's television programs. We found
      that infants (N=57) were more reliably engaged by some movies than by others and
      that the most engaging movies could maintain attention for approximately 70% of a
      10- to 13-min period. We then identified the cinematic features within the
      movies. Faces, singing-and-rhyming, and camera zooms were found to increase
      infant attention. Together, we established that MTurk can be used as a rapid tool
      for effectively recruiting and testing infants.

PMID- 28088052
TI  - Positive and negative life events and reasons for living modulate suicidal
      ideation in a sample of patients with history of suicide attempts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influence of life events on suicidal behavior remains
      inconclusive, while reasons for living (RFL) may be protective. OBJECTIVES: To
      analyze the association between positive and negative life events and suicidal
      ideation (SI) and the interaction between life events and RFL on SI. METHOD:
      Patients with history of suicide attempts (n = 338) underwent a comprehensive
      clinical evaluation, including SI (Beck's Suicidal Ideation scale), RFL (Reasons
      for Living Inventory, RFLI) and life events (family, school, student or
      professional, social, health and religion-related and other life events) during
      the last twelve months. RESULTS: The only negative life events associated with SI
      were health-related events (OR = 2.01 95%CI[1.04;3.92]). Family-related positive
      life events and RFL were negatively associated with SI (OR = 0.73
      95%CI[0.58;0.91] and OR = 0.98 95%CI[0.97;0.98], respectively). No significant
      interaction between the number of positive life events and RFLI total score with
      current SI (p = 0.57) was detected. Family-related positive life events and RFL
      did not have any additive effect on SI. Positive life events did not moderate the
      association between health-related negative life events and SI. LIMITATIONS: This
      was a retrospective study, the presence of axis II disorders was not investigated
      and results cannot be generalized due to the sample choice (only suicide
      attempters). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with history of suicide attempts could be less
      sensitive to negative life events, except for those related to health. Clinicians
      should pay more attention to somatic problems in patients at risk of suicide.
      Family support, positive psychology and therapies that strengthen RFL should be
      developed to prevent suicide.

PMID- 28088053
TI  - Sensitivity and specificity of the gain short-screener for predicting substance
      use disorders in a large national sample of emerging adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Emerging Adults (ages 18-25) have the highest
      prevalence of substance use disorders and rarely receive treatment from the
      specialty care system. Thus, it is important to have screening instruments
      specifically developed for emerging adults for use in Screening, Brief
      Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) models. Optimal cutoffs for the
      widely-used GAIN Short-Screener's (GAIN-SS) Substance Disorder Screener (SDScrY)
      are not established specifically for emerging adults. Therefore, this study
      examined the sensitivity and specificity of the SDScrY in predicting emerging
      adult (ages 18-25) substance use disorders. METHODS: We analyzed data from
      emerging adults in a large clinical sample (n=9,808) who completed both the five
      item SDScrY (alpha=0.85) and the full criteria set for DSM-IV Substance Use
      Disorders. We estimated the sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve to
      determine optimal cutoffs. RESULTS: Analyses revealed a high correlation between
      the SDScrY screener and its longer parent scale (r=0.95, p<0.001). Sensitivity
      (83%) and specificity (95%) were highest at a cutoff score of two (AUC=94%) on
      the SDScrY for any past year substance use disorder. Sensitivity (85%) was also
      high at a cutoff score of two on the SDScrY for any past year alcohol disorder.
      CONCLUSIONS: The five-item Substance Use Disorder Screener is a sensitive and
      specific screener for emerging adults, and could be used to identify emerging
      adults who may benefit from SBIRT interventions.

PMID- 28088054
TI  - Medicinal versus recreational cannabis use: Patterns of cannabis use, alcohol
      use, and cued-arousal among veterans who screen positive for PTSD.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The present study is the first to test whether veterans who use
      cannabis specifically for the purposes of self-medication for their reported PTSD
      symptoms differ from veterans who use cannabis medicinally for other reasons, or
      recreationally, in terms of patterns of cannabis use, use of alcohol, and
      reactivity to written combat trauma reminders. METHODS: Assessment measures were
      administered online to a sample of veterans with a history of cannabis use
      (n=1971). Cued arousal was assessed pre/post via a prompt about combat
      experiences. Hypotheses were tested using a series of Bonferroni corrected one
      way analyses of variance, t-tests, bivariate and partial correlations, and a Chi
      square test. RESULTS: Compared to recreational users, veterans who identify as
      medicinal cannabis users reported greater combat exposure (d=0.56), PTSD symptoms
      (d=1.02), subjective arousal when cued (d=0.25), and cannabis use
      (dfrequency=0.40; ddensity=0.42), but less alcohol use (d=0.28). Few differences
      were observed between medicinal users who reported using for PTSD versus those
      who reported using for other reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to those who use
      cannabis recreationally, veterans who report that they use cannabis medicinally
      use more cannabis and endorse significantly more symptoms of arousal following a
      prompt about combat trauma experiences.

PMID- 28088055
TI  - Marijuana use disorder symptoms among recent onset marijuana users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With recreational marijuana having recently been legalized in a
      growing number of U.S. states, as well as the increasing support for its
      legalization among substantial segments of the American public, an understanding
      of the development of symptoms associated with marijuana use disorders will
      assist in guiding both education and policy. METHODS: This study examined the
      prevalence of marijuana use disorder symptoms among a nationally representative
      sample of recent onset marijuana users ages 12-21 drawn from the National Survey
      of Drug Use and Health (N=9697). RESULTS: The most frequently reported marijuana
      use symptoms were "tolerance", and "time occupied acquiring, using or recovering
      from the effects of marijuana". Logistic regression analyses indicated an
      expected positive association between marijuana use frequency and each marijuana
      use disorder symptom. In many cases the positive trend was quadratic or cubic,
      with greater increases between rates among low and moderate frequency marijuana
      users (i.e. 1-10days per month) than among those using at a higher frequency
      (i.e. >10days per month). Relationships between marijuana use frequency and
      marijuana use symptoms were largely consistent according to age, gender and
      ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing symptoms of marijuana use disorders among
      adolescents and young adults using marijuana infrequently may assist in early
      identification and intervention for those at risk for problem use.

PMID- 28088056
TI  - The evolving relationship between premorbid intelligence and serious depression
      across the lifespan - A longitudinal study of 43,540 Swedish men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An association between higher intelligence and lower probability of
      serious depression has previously been established. Yet, to our knowledge, no
      large prospective study has examined the relationship across the lifespan.
      METHODS: A cohort of 49,321 Swedish men was followed from conscription in 1969-70
      (age 18-20) through to 2008. Odds ratios (OR) for first time hospitalisation for
      depression (FTHD) were calculated in relation to intelligence for distinct time
      periods across the lifespan, while controlling for established risk factors for
      depression. RESULTS: There was a linear association between higher intelligence
      in youth and lower odds for FTHD during the entire follow-up period, 1973-2008.
      The association got progressively weaker across the lifespan. During 1973-80, one
      step down on the stanine scale was associated with an unadjusted increase in OR
      of 1.34 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-1.42], adjusted OR 1.23 [1.15-1.32];
      while, during 2001-2008, the ORs were less than half of the magnitude of the
      first period, unadjusted 1.14 [1.07-1.21], and adjusted 1.09 [1.01-1.17].
      LIMITATIONS: The study includes men only, and the number of available places for
      in-patient care decreased during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: For the first
      time, we have shown that the association between lower intelligence and
      depression decreases over time. The attenuation of the association in the
      adjusted models suggests a slower accumulation of depressogenic stressors among
      people with a higher IQ-score. Further exploration of intelligence's role in the
      etiology of depression across the lifespan is required in order to facilitate
      adequate diagnoses and ameliorating interventions.

PMID- 28088057
TI  - A systematic review of adult attachment and social anxiety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attachment has been implicated in the development of social anxiety.
      Our aim was to synthesise the extant literature exploring the role of adult
      attachment in these disorders. METHOD: Search terms relating to social anxiety
      and attachment were entered into MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Risk of
      bias of included studies was assessed using and adapted version of the Agency for
      Healthcare Research and Quality assessment tool. Eligible studies employed
      validated social anxiety and attachment assessments in adult clinical and
      analogue samples. The review included cross sectional, interventional and
      longitudinal research. RESULTS: Of the 30 identified studies, 28 showed a
      positive association between attachment insecurity and social anxiety. This
      association was particularly strong when considering attachment anxiety.
      Cognitive variables and evolutionary behaviours were identified as potential
      mediators, concordant with psychological theory. LIMITATIONS: Due to a lack of
      longitudinal research, the direction of effect between attachment and social
      anxiety variables could not be inferred. There was substantial heterogeneity in
      the way that attachment was conceptualised and assessed across studies.
      CONCLUSIONS: The literature indicates that attachment style is associated with
      social anxiety. Clinicians may wish to consider attachment theory when working
      clinically with this population. In the future, it may be useful to target the
      processes that mediate the relationship between attachment and social anxiety.

PMID- 28088058
TI  - Has the symptom severity inclusion requirement narrowed the definition of major
      depressive disorder in antidepressant efficacy trials?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The inclusion criteria of all placebo-controlled studies of
      antidepressants have required a minimum level of severity on standardized
      measures of symptoms of depression. In the present report from the Rhode Island
      Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project we examined
      the association between scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and
      the number of criteria met for MDD, as well as the impact of different HAMD
      cutoff scores on the distribution of the number of DSM-IV criteria met. We
      speculated that the use of a minimum symptom severity score (MSSS) for inclusion
      in an antidepressant efficacy trial (AETs) disproportionately excludes patients
      who are at or just above the diagnostic threshold for MDD, whereas patients who
      are well above the diagnostic threshold are not excluded. METHODS: Seven hundred
      forty outpatients with current MDD were evaluated with a semi-structured
      diagnostic interview. We compared the distribution of DSM-IV MDD criteria scores
      in patients who scored at or above or below the 3 cutoff scores on the HAMD most
      commonly used for inclusion in an AET. RESULTS: The distribution of the number of
      DSM-IV MDD symptom criteria met was significantly associated with HAMD scores.
      Compared to patients scoring below 18 on the HAMD the patients scoring 18 and
      above were less likely to report 5 MDD criteria (13.9% vs. 43.7%, chi2=82.2,
      p<0.001; RR 0.32 [95% C.I. 0.24-0.41]) and more likely to report 9 criteria (9.3%
      vs. 0.3%, chi2=27.6, p<0.001; RR 28.7 [95% C.I. 4.0-207.5]). The pattern was
      similar when comparing patients scoring above and below the cutoffs of 20 and 22.
      At a cutoff of 22 on the HAMD more than 85% of the patients meeting 5 or 6 MDD
      criteria would be excluded from a trial. In contrast, less than 10% of the
      patients meeting 8 or 9 criteria would be excluded based on a HAMD cutoff of 18.
      LIMITATIONS: The present study was conducted in a single outpatient practice in
      which the majority of patients were white, female, and had health insurance.
      Although the study was limited to a single site, a strength of the recruitment
      procedure was that the sample was not selected for participation in a treatment
      study, and exclusion and inclusion criteria did not reduce the representativeness
      of the patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: While there is not a perfect relationship
      between the HAMD score and the number of DSM MDD criteria present, the results of
      the current study suggest that HAMD scores can be thought of as a proxy for the
      number of DSM diagnostic criteria. Thus, the recruitment strategy for AETs has
      increasingly redefined the MDD diagnostic category by requiring a greater number
      of criteria than that required in the DSM.

PMID- 28088059
TI  - Infrared analysis of clay bricks incorporated with spent shea waste from the shea
      butter industry.
AB  - The peculiar challenge of effective disposing abundant spent shea waste and the
      excellent compositional variation tolerance of clay material offered an impetus
      to examine the incorporation of spent shea waste into clay material as an eco
      friendly disposal route in making clay bricks. For this purpose, the chemical
      constituent, mineralogical compositions and thermal behavior of both clay
      material and spent shea waste were initially characterized from which modelled
      brick specimens incorporating 5-20 wt% of the waste into the clay material were
      prepared. The clay material showed high proportions of SiO2 (52.97 wt%) and Al2O3
      (27.10 wt%) indicating their rich kaolinitic content: whereas, the inert nature
      of spent shea waste was exhibited by their low oxide content. The striking
      similarities in infrared absorption bands of pristine clay material and clay
      materials incorporated with 15 wt% of spent shea waste showed that the waste
      incorporation had no impact on bond formation of the clay bricks. Potential
      performance benefits of developing bricks from clay material incorporated with
      spent shea waste included improved fluxing agents, economic sintering and making
      of sustainable bricks. Consequently, the analytical results authenticate the
      incorporation of spent shea waste into clay materials for various desired
      benefits aside being an environmental correct route of its disposal.

PMID- 28088060
TI  - Life cycle analysis of mitigation methodologies for railway rolling noise and
      groundbourne vibration.
AB  - Negative outcomes such as noise and vibration generated by railways have become a
      challenge for both industry and academia in order to guarantee that the railway
      system can accomplish its purposes and at the same time provide comfort for users
      and people living in the neighbourhood along the railway corridor. The research
      interest on this field has been increasing and the advancement in noise and
      vibration mitigation methodologies can be observed using various engineering
      techniques that are constantly put into test to solve such effects. In contrast,
      the life cycle analysis of the mitigation measures has not been thoroughly
      carried out. There is also a lack of detailed evaluation in the efficiency of
      various mechanisms for controlling rolling noise and ground-borne vibration. This
      research is thus focussed on the evaluation of materials used, the total cost
      associated with the maintenance of such the measures and the carbon footprint
      left for each type of mechanism. The insight into carbon footprint together with
      life cycle cost will benefit decision making process for the industry in the
      selection of optimal and suitable mechanism since the environmental impact is a
      growing concern around the world.

PMID- 28088061
TI  - Galectins: emerging regulatory checkpoints linking tumor immunity and
      angiogenesis.
AB  - Immune checkpoints, a plethora of inhibitory pathways aimed at maintaining immune
      cell homeostasis, may be co-opted by cancer cells to evade immune destruction.
      Therapies targeting immune checkpoints have reached a momentum yielding
      significant clinical benefits in patients with various malignancies by unleashing
      anti-tumor immunity. Galectins, a family of glycan-binding proteins, have emerged
      as novel regulatory checkpoints that promote immune evasive programs by inducing
      T-cell exhaustion, limiting T-cell survival, favoring expansion of regulatory T
      cells, de-activating natural killer cells and polarizing myeloid cells toward an
      immunosuppressive phenotype. Concomitantly, galectins can trigger vascular
      signaling programs, serving as bifunctional messengers that couple tumor immunity
      and angiogenesis. Thus, targeting galectin-glycan interactions may halt tumor
      progression by simultaneously augmenting antitumor immunity and suppressing
      aberrant angiogenesis.

PMID- 28088062
TI  - A retrospective audit of bacterial culture results of donated human milk in
      Perth, Western Australia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The bacterial content of donated human milk is either endogenous or
      introduced via contamination. Defining milk bank bacterial content will allow
      researchers to devise appropriate tests for significant and commonly encountered
      organisms. OBJECTIVE: A retrospective audit was conducted on data recorded from
      the Perron Rotary Express Milk Bank, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco,
      Western Australia. This aimed to describe the incidence of bacterial species
      detected in donated human milk and to identify potentially pathogenic bacteria.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data comprised of 2890 batches donated by 448 women
      between 2007 and 2011. RESULTS: Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS)
      represented the highest prevalence of bacteria in donated milk, isolated from
      85.5% of batches (range: 20 to 650,000CFU/mL) followed by Acinetobacter species
      in 8.1% of batches (range: 100 to 180,000CFU/mL). Staphylococcus aureus was the
      most prevalent potentially pathogenic bacteria in 5% of batches (range: 40 to
      100,000CFU/mL). CONCLUSION: Further investigation is warranted to better define
      the risks posed by the presence of toxin-producing S. aureus in raw and
      pasteurized human milk which may allow minimization of risk to the preterm
      infants.

PMID- 28088063
TI  - Verbal and musical short-term memory: Variety of auditory disorders after stroke.
AB  - Auditory cognitive deficits after stroke may concern language and/or music
      processing, resulting in aphasia and/or amusia. The aim of the present study was
      to assess the potential deficits of auditory short-term memory for verbal and
      musical material after stroke and their underlying cerebral correlates with a
      Voxel-based Lesion Symptom Mapping approach (VLSM). Patients with an ischemic
      stroke in the right (N=10) or left (N=10) middle cerebral artery territory and
      matched control participants (N=14) were tested with a detailed
      neuropsychological assessment including global cognitive functions, music
      perception and language tasks. All participants then performed verbal and musical
      auditory short-term memory (STM) tasks that were implemented in the same way for
      both materials. Participants had to indicate whether series of four words or four
      tones presented in pairs, were the same or different. To detect domain-general
      STM deficits, they also had to perform a visual STM task. Behavioral results
      showed that patients had lower performance for the STM tasks in comparison with
      control participants, regardless of the material (words, tones, visual) and the
      lesion side. The individual patient data showed a double dissociation between
      some patients exhibiting verbal deficits without musical deficits or the reverse.
      Exploratory VLSM analyses suggested that dorsal pathways are involved in verbal
      (phonetic), musical (melodic), and visual STM, while the ventral auditory pathway
      is involved in musical STM.

PMID- 28088064
TI  - Improved cognition while cycling in Parkinson's disease patients and healthy
      adults.
AB  - Persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) are typically more susceptible than healthy
      adults to impaired performance when two tasks (dual task interference) are
      performed simultaneously. This limitation has by many experts been attributed to
      limitations in cognitive resources. Nearly all studies of dual task performance
      in PD employ walking or balance-based motor tasks, which are commonly impaired in
      PD. These tasks can be performed using a combination of one or two executive
      function tasks. The current study examined whether persons with PD would
      demonstrate greater dual task effects (DTEs) on cognition compared to healthy
      older adults (HOAs) during a concurrent cycling task. Participants with and
      without PD completed a battery of 12 cognitive tasks assessing visual and verbal
      processing in the following cognitive domains: speed of processing, controlled
      processing, working memory and executive function. Persons with PD exhibited
      impairments compared to healthy participants in select tasks (i.e., 0-back, 2
      back and operation span). Further, both groups unexpectedly exhibited dual task
      facilitation of response times in visual tasks across cognitive domains, and
      improved verbal recall during an executive function task. Only one measure, 2
      back, showed a speed-accuracy trade-off in the dual task. These results
      demonstrate that, when paired with a motor task in which they are not impaired,
      people with PD exhibit similar DTEs on cognitive tasks as HOAs, even when these
      task effects are facilitative. More generally, these findings demonstrate that
      pairing cognitive tasks with cycling may actually improve cognitive performance
      which may have therapeutic relevance to cognitive decline associated with aging
      and PD pathology.

PMID- 28088065
TI  - Methionine enkephalin (MENK) mounts antitumor effect via regulating dendritic
      cells (DCs).
AB  - MENK, an endogenous opioid peptide has been reported to have many immunological
      and antitumor activities. So far the detailed mechanisms of antitumor through
      regulating DCs by MENK have not been elucidated yet. The aim of this work was to
      investigate the antitumor mechanisms of MENK via regulating DC. The monitoring
      methods, such as ELISA, MTS assay, CFSE, Real-time PCR and Western blot were
      included in our research. We found bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in
      36 female C57BL/6 mice treated with MENK enhanced expression of key surface
      molecules, increased production of critical cytokines reduced endocytosis of FITC
      dextran, upregulated TLR4 through MyD88/NF-kappaB signaling pathway and mounted
      higher antitumor activity. These observations were further supported by an
      enhancement of nuclear translocation of the p65NF-kappaB subunit involved in this
      process. Surprisingly, mu-opioid receptors were the main participants of this
      kind of activation, not delta-opioid receptors nor kappa-opioid receptors, and
      these interactions could be partly blocked by Naltrexone (a kind of opioid
      antagonist). In vivo study the activated CD4+, CD8+T cells and decreased ability
      to induce differentiation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells were detected post
      treatment of MENK. Thus, it is concluded that MENK could exert antitumor effect
      through precisely regulating opioid receptor mediated functions of DCs. In
      addition, MENK treated DCs may serve as a new immunotherapy approach against
      tumor.

PMID- 28088067
TI  - Tuning neural circuits by turning the interneuron knob.
AB  - Interneurons play a critical role in sculpting neuronal circuit activity and
      their dysfunction can result in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. To
      temporally structure and balance neuronal activity in the adult brain
      interneurons display a remarkable degree of subclass-specific plasticity, of
      which the underlying molecular mechanisms have recently begun to be elucidated.
      Grafting new interneurons to pre-existing neuronal networks allows for
      amelioration of circuit dysfunction in rodent models of neurological disease and
      can reopen critical windows for circuit plasticity. The crucial contribution of
      specific classes of interneurons to circuit homeostasis and plasticity in health
      and disease underscores their generation as an important objective for emerging
      strategies of lineage reprogramming in vivo.

PMID- 28088066
TI  - Activity-dependent development of visual receptive fields.
AB  - It is widely appreciated that neuronal activity contributes to the development of
      brain representations of the external world. In the visual system, in particular,
      it is well known that activity cooperates with molecular cues to establish the
      topographic organization of visual maps on a macroscopic scale [1,2] (Huberman et
      al., 2008; Cang and Feldheim, 2013), mapping axons in a retinotopic and eye
      specific manner. In recent years, significant progress has been made in
      elucidating the role of activity in driving the finer-scale circuit refinement
      that shapes the receptive fields of individual cells. In this review, we focus on
      these recent breakthroughs-primarily in mice, but also in other mammals where
      noted.

PMID- 28088068
TI  - Perceived assistance in pursuing personal goals and personal recovery among
      mental health consumers across housing services.
AB  - Personal goals/plans play a central role in personal recovery and psychiatric
      rehabilitation of persons with mental illnesses. Yet, few studies have explored
      whether perceiving practitioners' assistance towards the pursuit of goals are
      associated with personal recovery and other favorable rehabilitation outcomes. A
      total of 2121 mental health consumers, of which 1222 use supported-housing
      services and 899 use group-home services, completed self-report questionnaires as
      part of a larger quality-assurance study conducted during the years 2013-2014.
      Eighty percent of participants living in supported-housing and 72% living in
      group-homes reported having personal goals/plans for the forthcoming year.
      Furthermore, their type of goals was different. Irrespective of the type of goal
      or housing service, participants who reported having goals/plans (compared with
      those who did not) showed higher levels of personal recovery and more favorable
      psychosocial outcomes. Regression analyses showed that perceiving professional
      staff members (but not para-professionals) as assisting in pursuing goals/plans
      was positively associated with personal recovery. This study empirically
      validates the value of having personal goals and professionals' assistance in
      pursuing goals/plans in regards to personal recovery. We propose that recovery
      oriented services should seek to enhance goal setting and goal-pursuit, and to
      train practitioners in these areas.

PMID- 28088069
TI  - Nuclear pore complexes and regulation of gene expression.
AB  - Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), are large multiprotein channels that penetrate the
      nuclear envelope connecting the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Accumulating evidence
      shows that besides their main role in regulating the exchange of molecules
      between these two compartments, NPCs and their components also play important
      transport-independent roles, including gene expression regulation, chromatin
      organization, DNA repair, RNA processing and quality control, and cell cycle
      control. Here, we will describe the recent findings about the role of these
      structures in the regulation of gene expression.

PMID- 28088070
TI  - Fatigue life of bovine meniscus under longitudinal and transverse tensile
      loading.
AB  - The knee meniscus is composed of a fibrous extracellular matrix that is subjected
      to large and repeated loads. Consequently, the meniscus is frequently torn, and a
      potential mechanism for failure is fatigue. The objective of this study was to
      measure the fatigue life of bovine meniscus when applying cyclic tensile loads
      either longitudinal or transverse to the principal fiber direction. Fatigue
      experiments consisted of cyclic loads to 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of the predicted
      ultimate tensile strength until failure occurred or 20,000 cycles was reached.
      The fatigue data in each group was fit with a Weibull distribution to generate
      plots of stress level vs. cycles to failure (S-N curve). Results showed that
      loading transverse to the principal fiber direction gave a two-fold increase in
      failure strain, a three-fold increase in creep, and a nearly four-fold increase
      in cycles to failure (not significant), compared to loading longitudinal to the
      principal fiber direction. The S-N curves had strong negative correlations
      between the stress level and the mean cycles to failure for both loading
      directions, where the slope of the transverse S-N curve was 11% less than the
      longitudinal S-N curve (longitudinal: S=108-5.9ln(N); transverse: S=112
      5.2ln(N)). Collectively, these results suggest that the non-fibrillar matrix is
      more resistant to fatigue failure than the collagen fibers. Results from this
      study are relevant to understanding the etiology of atraumatic radial and
      horizontal meniscal tears, and can be utilized by research groups that are
      working to develop meniscus implants with fatigue properties that mimic healthy
      tissue.

PMID- 28088072
TI  - Microstructural, mechanical and corrosion characteristics of heat-treated Mg
      1.2Zn-0.5Ca (wt%) alloy for use as resorbable bone fixation material.
AB  - Mg-Zn-Ca alloys have grabbed most of the recent attention in research attempting
      to develop an Mg alloy for bone fixation devices due to their superior
      biocompatibility. However, early resorption and insufficient strength remain the
      main problems that hinder their use. Heat treatment has previously been
      thoroughly studied as a post-shaping process, especially after the fabrication of
      complex parts (e.g. porous structures) by 3D-printing or powder metallurgy. In
      this work, the effect of heat treatment on Mg-1.2Zn-0.5Ca (wt%) alloy's
      microstructural, mechanical and corrosion properties was studied. The surface
      morphology of samples was characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray diffraction
      (XRD). Hardness, compression and tensile tests were conducted, while the in vitro
      corrosion characteristics of the prepared samples were determined using
      potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and immersion tests. It was found that
      increasing the age hardening duration up to 2-5h increased the heat-treated Mg
      1.2Zn-0.5Ca alloy's mechanical properties. Further increase in the age hardening
      duration did not result in further enhancement in mechanical properties.
      Similarly, heat treatment significantly altered the Mg-1.2Zn-0.5Ca alloy's in
      vitro corrosion properties. The corrosion rate of the Mg-1.2Zn-0.5Ca alloy after
      the heat treatment process was reduced to half of that for the as-cast alloy. XRD
      results showed the formation of biocompatible agglomerations of hydroxyapatite
      (HA) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) on the corroded surface of the heat
      treated Mg-1.2Zn-0.5Ca alloy samples. The performed heat treatment process had a
      significant effect on both mechanical and corrosion properties of the prepared Mg
      1.2Zn-0.5Ca alloy. The age hardening duration which caused the greatest increase
      in mechanical and the most slowed corrosion rate for Mg-1.2Zn-0.5Ca alloy
      material was between 2 and 5h.

PMID- 28088071
TI  - Discrete quasi-linear viscoelastic damping analysis of connective tissues, and
      the biomechanics of stretching.
AB  - The time- and frequency-dependent properties of connective tissue define their
      physiological function, but are notoriously difficult to characterize. Well
      established tools such as linear viscoelasticity and the Fung quasi-linear
      viscoelastic (QLV) model impose forms on responses that can mask true tissue
      behavior. Here, we applied a more general discrete quasi-linear viscoelastic
      (DQLV) model to identify the static and dynamic time- and frequency-dependent
      behavior of rabbit medial collateral ligaments. Unlike the Fung QLV approach, the
      DQLV approach revealed that energy dissipation is elevated at a loading period of
      ~10s. The fitting algorithm was applied to the entire loading history on each
      specimen, enabling accurate estimation of the material's viscoelastic relaxation
      spectrum from data gathered from transient rather than only steady states. The
      application of the DQLV method to cyclically loading regimens has broad
      applicability for the characterization of biological tissues, and the results
      suggest a mechanistic basis for the stretching regimens most favored by athletic
      trainers.

PMID- 28088073
TI  - Strategies to design clinical studies to identify predictive biomarkers in cancer
      research.
AB  - The discovery of reliable biomarkers to predict efficacy and toxicity of
      anticancer drugs remains one of the key challenges in cancer research. Despite
      its relevance, no efficient study designs to identify promising candidate
      biomarkers have been established. This has led to the proliferation of a myriad
      of exploratory studies using dissimilar strategies, most of which fail to
      identify any promising targets and are seldom validated. The lack of a proper
      methodology also determines that many anti-cancer drugs are developed below their
      potential, due to failure to identify predictive biomarkers. While some drugs
      will be systematically administered to many patients who will not benefit from
      them, leading to unnecessary toxicities and costs, others will never reach
      registration due to our inability to identify the specific patient population in
      which they are active. Despite these drawbacks, a limited number of outstanding
      predictive biomarkers have been successfully identified and validated, and have
      changed the standard practice of oncology. In this manuscript, a
      multidisciplinary panel reviews how those key biomarkers were identified and,
      based on those experiences, proposes a methodological framework-the DESIGN
      guidelines-to standardize the clinical design of biomarker identification studies
      and to develop future research in this pivotal field.

PMID- 28088074
TI  - Anti-angiogenic treatment in breast cancer: Facts, successes, failures and future
      perspectives.
AB  - Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer and a crucial requisite in the
      development of tumors. Interrupting this process by blocking the vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab has
      been considered a possible breakthrough in the treatment of various types of
      cancer, especially for advanced disease. However in breast cancer, studies have
      shown ambivalent results causing debate about the value of this drug. In this
      article, we review the evidence for anti-angiogenic treatment options for breast
      cancer, as well as discuss the possible factors limiting the effectiveness of
      anti-angiogenic agents and offer a recommendation regarding the future research
      on these therapies for the treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 28088075
TI  - Development of a hypoxia-triggered and hypoxic radiosensitized liposome as a
      doxorubicin carrier to promote synergetic chemo-/radio-therapy for glioma.
AB  - The treatment of malignant primary brain tumors is challenging. Concomitant
      radiochemotherapy has become the standard clinical treatment for malignant
      glioma, but there are two critical challenges to overcome in order to increase
      efficacy. First, glioma is known to have increased resistant to radiation due to
      its intra-tumoral hypoxia. In addition, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts
      the distribution of the chemotherapeutic agent to the brain. Therefore, we
      developed a hypoxic radiosensitizer-prodrug liposome (MLP), in order to deliver
      DOX to the tumor and to overcome the above challenges, achieving a synergistic
      chemo-/radiotherapy treatment of malignant glioma. In this study, hypoxic
      radiosensitizer nitroimidazoles were conjugated with lipid molecules with a
      hydrolysable ester bond to form MDH. MDH was mixed together with DSPE-PEG2000 and
      cholesterol to make MLP liposomes, which were found to have strong
      radiosensitivity and to promote cargo release under hypoxic conditions, due to
      the properties of nitroimidazoles under hypoxic conditions. MLP/DOX was found to
      have distinct advantages, including precise and stealthy pharmacokinetics and
      efficient passive uptake by the tumor. Furthermore, the combination of MLP/DOX
      and radiotherapy (RT) significantly inhibited glioma growth as assessed by in
      vivo bioluminescence imaging. These findings suggest that MLP is a promising
      candidate as a DOX delivery system to enhance the antitumor treatment effects on
      glioma, owing to synergistic chemo-/radiotherapy.

PMID- 28088076
TI  - In vivo visualization of endogenous miR-21 using hyaluronic acid-coated graphene
      oxide for targeted cancer therapy.
AB  - Oncogene-targeted nucleic acid therapy has been spotlighted as a new paradigm for
      cancer therapeutics. However, in vivo delivery issues and uncertainty of
      therapeutic antisense drug reactions remain critical hurdles for a successful
      targeted cancer therapy. In this study, we developed a fluorescence-switchable
      theranostic nanoplatform using hyaluronic acid (HA)-conjugated graphene oxide
      (GO), which is capable of both sensing oncogenic miR-21 and inhibiting its
      tumorigenicity simultaneously. Cy3-labeled antisense miR-21 peptide nucleic acid
      (PNA) probes loaded onto HA-GO (HGP21) specifically targeted CD44-positive MBA
      MB231 cells and showed fluorescence recovery by interacting with endogenous miR
      21 in the cytoplasm of the MBA-MB231 cells. Knockdown of endogenous miR-21 by
      HGP21 led to decreased proliferation and reduced migration of cancer cells, as
      well as the induction of apoptosis, with enhanced PTEN levels. Interestingly, in
      vivo fluorescence signals markedly recovered 3 h after the intravenous delivery
      of HGP21 and displayed signals more than 5-fold higher than those observed in the
      HGPscr-treated group of tumor-bearing mice. These findings demonstrate the
      possibility of using the HGP nanoplatform as a cancer theranostic tool in miRNA
      targeted therapy.

PMID- 28088078
TI  - Genetically tailored magnetosomes used as MRI probe for molecular imaging of
      brain tumor.
AB  - We investigate here the potential of single step production of genetically
      engineered magnetosomes, bacterial biogenic iron-oxide nanoparticles embedded in
      a lipid vesicle, as a new tailorable magnetic resonance molecular imaging probe.
      We demonstrate in vitro the specific binding and the significant internalization
      into U87 cells of magnetosomes decorated with RGD peptide. After injection at the
      tail vein of glioblastoma-bearing mice, we evidence in the first 2 h the rapid
      accumulation of both unlabeled and functionalized magnetosomes inside the tumor
      by Enhanced Permeability and Retention effects. 24 h after the injection, a
      specific enhancement of the tumor contrast is observed on MR images only for RGD
      labeled magnetosomes. Post mortem acquisition of histological data confirms MRI
      results with more magnetosomes found into the tumor treated with functionalized
      magnetosomes. This work establishes the first proof-of-concept of a successful
      bio-integrated production of molecular imaging probe for MRI.

PMID- 28088077
TI  - RhoA knockdown by cationic amphiphilic copolymer/siRhoA polyplexes enhances
      axonal regeneration in rat spinal cord injury model.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in permanent loss of motor and sensory function
      due to developmentally-related and injured-induced changes in the extrinsic
      microenvironment and intrinsic neuronal biochemistry that limit plasticity and
      axonal regeneration. Our long term goal is to develop cationic, amphiphilic
      copolymers (poly (lactide-co-glycolide)-g-polyethylenimine, PgP) for
      combinatorial delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids (TNAs) and drugs targeting
      these different barriers. In this study, we evaluated the ability of PgP to
      deliver siRNA targeting RhoA, a critical signaling pathway activated by multiple
      extracellular inhibitors of axonal regeneration. After generation of rat
      compression SCI model, PgP/siRhoA polyplexes were locally injected into the
      lesion site. Relative to untreated injury only, PgP/siRhoA polyplexes
      significantly reduced RhoA mRNA and protein expression for up to 4 weeks post
      injury. Histological analysis at 4 weeks post-injury showed that RhoA knockdown
      was accompanied by reduced apoptosis, cavity size, and astrogliosis and increased
      axonal regeneration within the lesion site. These studies demonstrate that PgP is
      an efficient non-viral delivery carrier for therapeutic siRhoA to the injured
      spinal cord and may be a promising platform for the development of combinatorial
      TNA/drug therapy.

PMID- 28088079
TI  - Geographic determinants of individual obesity risk in Spain: A multilevel
      approach.
AB  - This paper seeks to understand the determinants of individual body weight status
      and obesity risk in Spain by concurrently examining individual and regional
      characteristics. The data are drawn from the National Health Survey of Spain for
      the year 2011-2012 (INE-National Statistical Institute of Spain) and contain
      information for a representative sample of 12,671 adults across 50 provinces in
      Spain. A multilevel analysis is carried out to examine the determinants of
      individual weight status and obesity, controlling not only for the individual
      effects and those of the immediate environment but also for the broader setting
      to which individuals and their immediate environment belong. Our findings suggest
      that attributes from all three levels of analysis have an effect on individual
      weight status and obesity. Lack of green spaces and criminality taken as proxies
      of the social environment positively affect individual and women's BMI and
      obesity, respectively.

PMID- 28088080
TI  - A computer-based simulator for intravascular photoacoustic images.
AB  - Intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) is a newly developed catheter-based imaging
      technique for the diagnosis of arterial atherosclerosis. A framework of
      simulating IVPA transversal images from a cross-sectional vessel model with given
      optical and acoustic parameters was presented. The light illumination and
      transportation in multi-layered wall and atherosclerotic plaque tissues were
      modeled through Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. The generation and transmission of
      photoacoustic (PA) waves in the acoustically homogeneous medium were modeled
      through the PA wave equation, which is solved explicitly with a finite difference
      time domain (FDTD) algorithm in polar coordinates. Finally, a series of cross
      sectional gray-scale images displaying the distribution of the deposited optical
      energy were reconstructed from the time-dependent acoustic pressure series with a
      time-reversal based algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate a good
      correlation between the simulated IVPA images and the optical absorption
      distribution profiles. The simulator provides a powerful tool for generating IVPA
      image data sets, which are used to improve the imaging catheter and to test the
      performance of image post-processing algorithms.

PMID- 28088081
TI  - Lead (Pb2+) and copper (Cu2+) remediation from water using superparamagnetic
      maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) nanoparticles synthesized by Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP).
AB  - Superparamagnetic maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3) nanoparticles of controllable
      morphology were successfully synthesized using a flame spray pyrolysis (FSP)
      technique. Their physico-chemical properties, size, morphology, and surface
      chemistries were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected
      area electron diffraction patterns (SAED), SEM-EDX, scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM), and pHZPC(6.3). Elemental contents before and after adsorption were
      identified using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), energy dispersive
      X-ray analysis (EDX) and elemental mapping. Surface area (SBET 79.35m2/g) and
      size distribution analyses were conducted using a surface area analyzer and
      dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. The magnetic moment (44.5 at 300K
      and 50.16 at 2K) was determined using a physical properties measurement system
      (PPMS). The first adsorption study using gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles synthesized by
      FSP to successfully remediate Pb2+ and Cu2+ from water is reported. Batch
      adsorption studies were carried out. An optimum pH of 5.0 was studied for Pb2+
      and Cu2+ removal. Pb2+ and Cu2+ removal mechanisms by these maghemite
      nanoparticles were presented. The adsorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+ was highly pH
      dependent. The metal ion uptake was mainly governed by electrostatic attractions.
      Sorption kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order model. The Freundlich,
      Langmuir, Redlich-Peterson, Radke and Sips adsorption isotherm models were
      applied to interpret equilibrium data. The Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm
      equations best fit the respective equilibrium data for Pb2+ and Cu2+. The maximum
      Langmuir adsorption capacities of these maghemite nanoparticles were 68.9mg/g at
      45 degrees C for Pb2+ and 34.0mg/g at 25  degrees C for Cu2+. Thus, these
      maghemite nanoparticles made by FSP were readily prepared, characterized and
      showed promise for remediating heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions.

PMID- 28088082
TI  - Nature of phase transitions in ammonium oxofluorovanadates, a vibrational
      spectroscopy study of (NH4)3VO2F4 and (NH4)3VOF5.
AB  - Two ammonium oxofluorovanadates, (NH4)3VO2F4 and (NH4)3VOF5, have been
      investigated by temperature-dependent infrared and Raman spectroscopy methods to
      determine the nature of phase transitions (PT) in these compounds. Dynamics of
      quasioctahedral groups was simulated within the framework of semi-empirical
      approach, which justified the cis-conformation of VO2F43- (C2v) and the C4v
      geometry of VOF53-. The observed infrared and Raman spectra of both compounds at
      room temperature (RT) revealed the presence at least of two crystallographically
      independent octahedral groups. The first order PT at elevated temperatures is
      connected with a complete dynamic disordering of these groups with only single
      octahedral state. At lower temperatures, the octahedra are ordered and several
      octahedral states appear. This PT is the most pronounced in the case of
      (NH4)3VOF5, when at least seven independent VOF53- octahedra are present in the
      structure below 50K, in accordance with the Raman spectra. Ammonium groups do not
      take part in PTs at higher and room temperatures but their reorientational motion
      freezes at lower temperatures.

PMID- 28088083
TI  - Specificity and stability of transient protein-protein interactions.
AB  - Remarkable features that are achieved in a protein-protein complex to precise
      levels are stability and specificity. Deviation from the normal levels of
      specificity and stability, which is often caused by mutations, could result in
      disease conditions. Chemical nature, 3-D arrangement and dynamics of interface
      residues code for both specificity and stability. This article reviews roles of
      interfacial residues in transient protein-protein complexes. It is proposed that
      aside from hotspot residues conferring stability to the complex, a small set of
      'rigid' residues at the interface that maintain conformation between complexed
      and uncomplexed forms, play a major role in conferring specificity.
      Exceptionally, 'super hotspot' residues, which confer both stability and
      specificity, are attractive sites for interaction with small molecule inhibitors.

PMID- 28088084
TI  - Correlates of anti-hepatitis C positivity and use of harm reduction services
      among people who inject drugs in two cities in Croatia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We assessed correlates of anti-hepatitis C (anti-HCV) positivity and
      utilization of needle and syringe exchange programs (NSEP) and opioid agonist
      treatment (OAT) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in two Croatian cities.
      METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven (RDS)
      sampling among PWID in Rijeka (N=255) and Split (N=399). We used RDS-weighted
      population estimates and multivariable logistic regression to explore correlates
      of anti-HCV positivity and NSEP and OAT utilization. RESULTS: Seventy-eight
      percent (78.0%) of PWID in Rijeka and 61.5% in Split had been tested previously
      for HCV, while 21.5% and 7.0%, respectively, were tested for HCV in the past 12
      months. Among PWID who report being infected with HCV, 24.9% in Rijeka and 11.3%
      in Split received anti-HCV treatment. In Rijeka, PWID who utilized NSEP and, in
      Split, those who were ever imprisoned, had higher odds of anti-HCV positivity. In
      Rijeka, PWID on OAT were more likely to use non-sterile injecting equipment and
      to inject for longer than 10 years. PWID enrolled in NSEP were more likely to
      inject opioid agonist medication (OAM) and less likely to use non-sterile
      injecting equipment. More than half of PWID reported misuse of OAM in the past
      month, while out of PWID enrolled in OAT, 65.4% in Rijeka and 88.7% in Split
      injected OAM in the month prior to the survey. CONCLUSIONS: Key findings of the
      paper point to the need to scale up HCV testing and treatment, improve access to
      NSEP and the quality of OAT provisions in order to prevent its misuse among PWID.

PMID- 28088085
TI  - New pyridazinone-4-carboxamides as new cannabinoid receptor type-2 inverse
      agonists: Synthesis, pharmacological data and molecular docking.
AB  - In the last few years, cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2R) selective ligands have
      shown a great potential as novel therapeutic drugs in several diseases. With the
      aim of discovering new selective cannabinoid ligands, a series of pyridazinone-4
      carboxamides was designed and synthesized, and the new derivatives tested for
      their affinity toward the hCB1R and hCB2R. The 6-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-2-(4
      fluorobenzyl)-N-(cis-4-methylcyclohexyl)-3-oxo-2,3-dihydropyridazine-4
      carboxamide (9) displayed high CB2-affinity (KiCB2 = 2.0 +/- 0.81 nM) and a
      notable selectivity (KiCB1/KiCB2 > 2000). In addition, 9 and other active new
      synthesized entities have demonstrated to behave as CB2R inverse agonists in
      [35S]-GTPgammaS binding assay. ADME predictions of the newly synthesized CB2R
      ligands suggest a favourable pharmacokinetic profile. Docking studies disclosed
      the specific pattern of interactions of these derivatives. Our results support
      that pyridazinone-4-carboxamides represent a new promising scaffold for the
      development of potent and selective CB2R ligands.

PMID- 28088086
TI  - Design and synthesis of new RAF kinase-inhibiting antiproliferative quinoline
      derivatives. Part 2: Diarylurea derivatives.
AB  - This article describes the design, synthesis, and biological screening of a new
      series of diarylurea derivatives possessing quinoline nucleus. Nine target
      compounds were selected by the National Cancer Institute (NCI, Bethesda,
      Maryland, USA) for in vitro antiproliferative screening against a panel of 58
      cancer cell lines of nine cancer types. Following one-dose initial screening,
      compounds 1d-g and 2b were selected for 5-dose screening in order to calculate
      their IC50 and total growth inhibition (TGI) values against the cell lines.
      Compounds 1e and 1g were the most promising analogues. Both compounds showed
      strong potency and broad-spectrum antiproliferative activity against the
      different tested cancer types. Their IC50 and TGI values were less than those of
      the reference drug, sorafenib, against most of the tested cell lines of the nine
      different cancer types. Furthermore, the most potent compounds 1d-g were tested
      against C-RAF kinase as a potential molecular target of this series of compounds.
      All of them showed high potency, and the most potent derivative was compound 1e
      (IC50 = 0.10 MUM). It was further tested against a panel of another twelve
      kinases, and it showed selectivity against C-RAF kinase. This could be, at least
      in part, the possible mechanism of antiproliferative action of this series of
      compounds at molecular level. The binding modes of compounds 1e and 1g were
      studied by docking studies, which highlighted the importance of the urea linker
      compared with the amide linker.

PMID- 28088087
TI  - Ethylene biosynthesis and perception during ripening of loquat fruit (Eriobotrya
      japonica Lindl.).
AB  - In order to gain insights into the controversial ripening behavior of loquat
      fruits, in the present study we have analyzed the expression of three genes
      related to ethylene biosynthesis (ACS1, ACO1 and ACO2), two ethylene receptors
      (ERS1a and ERS1b), one signal transduction component (CTR1) and one transcription
      factor (EIL1) in peel and pulp of loquat fruit during natural ripening and also
      in fruits treated with ethylene (10MULL-1) and 1-MCP (10MULL-1), an ethylene
      action inhibitor. In fruits attached to or detached from the tree, a slight
      increase in ethylene production was detected at the yellow stage, but the
      respiration rate declined progressively during ripening. Accumulation of
      transcripts of ethylene biosynthetic genes did not correlate with changes in
      ethylene production, since the maximum accumulation of ACS1 and ACO1 mRNA was
      detected in fully coloured fruits. Expression of ethylene receptor and signaling
      genes followed a different pattern in peel and pulp tissues. After fruit
      detachment and incubation at 20 degrees C for up to 6days, ACS1 mRNA slightly
      increased, ACO1 experienced a substantial increment and ACO2 declined. In the
      peel, these changes were advanced by exogenous ethylene and partially inhibited
      by 1-MCP. In the pulp, 1-MCP repressed most of the changes in the expression of
      biosynthetic genes, while ethylene had almost no effects. Expression of ethylene
      perception and signaling genes was barely affected by ethylene or 1-MCP.
      Collectively, a differential transcriptional regulation of ethylene biosynthetic
      genes operates in peel and pulp, and support the notion of non-climacteric
      ripening in loquat fruits. Ethylene action, however, appears to be required to
      sustain or maintain the expression of specific genes.

PMID- 28088088
TI  - Prevalence of new psychoactive substances in Northeast Asia from 2007 to 2015.
AB  - The proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has been a global trend in
      drug abuse and its regulation has been a worldwide concern. There is no doubt
      that it is necessary to share information related to these emerging substances
      between countries and continents for the effective regulation of NPS. With
      efforts for the efficient regulation of NPS, many studies and information have
      been published for the prevalence of NPS in the United States and other countries
      in Europe and Oceania. However, there is lack of information available for the
      prevalence of NPS in Asian and African countries. Therefore, this research was
      focused on the investigation of legal status of certain NPS in Northeast Asian
      countries, including China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, in order to provide
      information on the prevalence and trend of emerging NPS in these countries. The
      results showed that a total of 940 NPS was reported in 4 Northeast Asian
      countries from 2007 to 2015. Among 940 NPS, 882 NPS are legally restricted in at
      least one country (94%) and 96 substances were not currently under control (6%)
      in these countries. The number of controlled NPS that are currently controlled in
      all 4 countries was only 25 (or 28%) out of 882 NPS. Each substance was
      categorized in 9 groups according to the classification proposed by the United
      Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). In Northeast Asia, the most commonly
      controlled NPS were synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, and
      phenethylamines. It was found that Japan is the most proactive country in terms
      of the NPS regulation with 41% of the total number of controlled NPS in Northeast
      Asia, followed by South Korea (21%), China (28%), Taiwan (10%). Comparing the
      number of NPS newly regulated in each country every year, NPS has been broadly
      scheduled in 2011 and the number of scheduled NPS has dramatically increased from
      2013 to 2015. It was shown that Northeast Asia is also in danger of these
      emerging NPS and the effective regulation across countries is important for the
      prevention of NPS. Also, this study will bring attention to local law enforcement
      in the construction of local drug crime prevention network sharing information
      for these controlled substances.

PMID- 28088089
TI  - The traumatic potential of a projectile shot from a sling.
AB  - Herein, we analyze the energy parameters of stones of various weights and shapes
      shot from a sling and based on this data evaluate its traumatic potential. Four
      police officers proficient in the use of a sling participated in the trials. The
      following projectile types, shot using an overhead technique at a target 100m
      away were: round steel balls of different sizes and weights (24mm, 57g; 32mm,
      135g; 38mm, 227g); different shaped stones weighing 100-150g and 150-200g and a
      golf ball (47g). Our data indicated that projectiles shot from unconventional
      weapons such as a sling, have serious traumatic potential for unprotected
      individuals and can cause blunt trauma of moderate to critical severity such as
      fractures of the trunk, limb, and facial skull bone, depending on the weight and
      shape of the projectile and the distance from the source of danger.
      Asymmetrically shaped projectiles weighing more than 100g were the most
      dangerous. Projectiles weighing more than 100g can cause bone fractures of the
      trunk and limbs at distances of up to 60m from the target and may cause serious
      head injuries to an unprotected person (Abbreviated Injury Scale 4-5) at
      distances up to 200m from the target. Due to the traumatic potential of
      projectiles shot from a sling, the police must wear full riot gear and keep at a
      distance of at least 60m from the source of danger in order to avoid serious
      injury. Furthermore, given the potential for serious head injuries, wearing a
      helmet with a visor is mandatory at distances up to 200m from the source of
      danger.

PMID- 28088090
TI  - Degradation in forensic trace DNA samples explored by massively parallel
      sequencing.
AB  - Routine forensic analysis using STRs will fail if the DNA is too degraded. The
      DNA degradation process in biological stain material is not well understood. In
      this study we sequenced old semen and blood stains by massively parallel
      sequencing. The sequence data coverage was used to measure degradation across the
      genome. The results supported the contention that degradation is uniform across
      the genome, showing no evidence of regions with increased or decreased resistance
      towards degradation. Thus the lack of genetic regions robust to degradation
      removes the possibility of using such regions to further optimize analysis
      performance for degraded DNA.

PMID- 28088091
TI  - Solar-to-chemical and solar-to-fuel production from CO2 by metabolically
      engineered microorganisms.
AB  - Recent development of carbon capture utilization (CCU) for reduction of
      greenhouse gas emission are reviewed. In the case of CO2 utilization, I describe
      development of solar-to-chemical and solar-to-fuel technology that refers to the
      use of solar energy to convert CO2 to desired chemicals and fuels.
      Photoautotrophic cyanobacterial platforms have been extensively developed on this
      principle, producing a diverse range of alcohols, organic acids, and isoprenoids
      directly from CO2. Recent breakthroughs in the metabolic engineering of
      cyanobacteria were reviewed. In addition, adoption of the light harvesting
      mechanisms from nature, photovoltaics-derived water splitting technologies have
      recently been integrated with microbial biotechnology to produce desired
      chemicals. Studies on the integration of electrode material with next-generation
      microbes are showcased for alternative solar-to-chemical and solar-to-fuel
      platforms.

PMID- 28088092
TI  - Aptamer-based environmental biosensors for small molecule contaminants.
AB  - Aptasensors are promising biosensors, which take advantage of using aptamers as a
      recognition element. The combination of the excellent characteristics of aptamers
      and the leading detection platform techniques, such as optical, electrochemical
      with nanomaterial-integrated, or mass-sensitive techniques with high sensitivity
      and specificity draws a promising view for the application of the aptasensors for
      the detection of harmful small toxic chemicals and real-time monitoring in the
      environments. In spite of attraction of aptasensors, application of them is
      limited to the complex environment due to the facts that how the immobilization
      of aptamers onto the surface affects the functions of aptamers and their
      structures for the detection of environmental contaminants are not clearly known.
      This review examines the most recent update on the selection of aptamers for
      small molecules, the development and application of aptasensors in the detection
      of small molecule contaminants in environment. Additionally, their applications
      to the real samples as environmental monitoring reported in the publications also
      are reviewed.

PMID- 28088093
TI  - Miniaturized and integrated whole cell living bacterial sensors in field
      applicable autonomous devices.
AB  - Live-cell based bioreporters are increasingly being deployed in microstructures,
      which facilitates their handling and permits the development of instruments that
      could perform autonomous environmental monitoring. Here we review recent
      developments of on-chip integration of live-cell bioreporters, the coupling of
      their reporter signal to the devices, their longer term preservation and multi
      analyte capacity. We show examples of instruments that have attempted to fully
      integrate bioreporters as their sensing elements.

PMID- 28088095
TI  - Chemoreceptor-based signal sensing.
AB  - Chemoreceptors are at the beginning of chemosensory signaling cascades that
      correspond to a major signal transduction mechanism. Chemoreceptors show a
      significant structural diversity of their ligand binding domains which present
      either a mono-modular or bi-modular arrangement. Although the majority of
      chemoreceptors are of unknown function, significant progress has been made in
      recent years in their functional annotation, which is reviewed here. In vitro
      ligand binding studies to recombinant ligand binding domains proved to be an
      efficient strategy to identify chemoreceptor functions. Obtained information is
      consistent with the view that a major driving force for the evolution of
      chemotaxis is to access carbon and nitrogen sources. The use of the newly
      generated information for the construction of biosensors is discussed.

PMID- 28088094
TI  - Organ-on-a-chip for assessing environmental toxicants.
AB  - Man-made xenobiotics, whose potential toxicological effects are not fully
      understood, are oversaturating the already-contaminated environment. Due to the
      rate of toxicant accumulation, unmanaged disposal, and unknown adverse effects to
      the environment and the human population, there is a crucial need to screen for
      environmental toxicants. Animal models and in vitro models are ineffective models
      in predicting in vivo responses due to inter-species difference and/or lack of
      physiologically-relevant 3D tissue environment. Such conventional screening
      assays possess limitations that prevent dynamic understanding of toxicants and
      their metabolites produced in the human body. Organ-on-a-chip systems can
      recapitulate in vivo like environment and subsequently in vivo like responses
      generating a realistic mock-up of human organs of interest, which can potentially
      provide human physiology-relevant models for studying environmental toxicology.
      Feasibility, tunability, and low-maintenance features of organ-on-chips can also
      make possible to construct an interconnected network of multiple-organs-on-chip
      toward a realistic human-on-a-chip system. Such interconnected organ-on-a-chip
      network can be efficiently utilized for toxicological studies by enabling the
      study of metabolism, collective response, and fate of toxicants through its
      journey in the human body. Further advancements can address the challenges of
      this technology, which potentiates high predictive power for environmental
      toxicology studies.

PMID- 28088096
TI  - Mycelium transformation of Streptomyces toxytricini into pellet: Role of culture
      conditions and kinetics.
AB  - The present study envisages the role of different carbon sources, nitrogen
      sources, metals, pH, inoculum volume and agitation rate in pellet formation of S.
      toxytricini at shake-flask level. It was found that galactose, ammonium sulphate,
      sodium nitrate, Cu2+, Zn2+, higher inoculum volume (5% v/v) and agitation rate at
      300rpm caused significant reduction in pellet size (up to the range of 30MUm
      0.5mm) but biomass formations was also reduced subsequently. Interestingly
      diffused type of morphology was obtained in Fe2+ supplemented medium with reduced
      biomass (1.5gL-1). Rheological study revealed that non-Newtonian behaviour of
      culture broth. Besides this, kinetics study was also made to understand the
      growth kinetics (0.39gL-1h-1), oxygen uptake rate (0.1146mgL-1h-1), and
      production of lipstatin (0.0072gh-1).

PMID- 28088097
TI  - Ionic-liquid pretreatment of cassava residues for the cogeneration of
      fermentative hydrogen and methane.
AB  - An ionic liquid of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) was used to effectively
      pretreat cassava residues for the efficient enzymatical hydrolysis and
      cogeneration of fermentative hydrogen and methane. The reducing sugar yield of
      enzymolysed cassava residues with NMMO pretreatment improved from 36 to 42g/100g
      cassava residues. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed the formation of
      deep grooves (~4MUm wide) and numerous pores in the cassava residues pretreated
      with NMMO. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the crystallinity coefficient
      of NMMO-pretreated cassava residues decreased from 40 to 34. Fourier transform
      infrared spectra indicated that crystal cellulose I was partially transformed to
      amorphous cellulose II in the NMMO-pretreated cassava residues. This
      transformation resulted in a reduced crystallinity index from 0.85 to 0.77.
      Hydrogen yield from the enzymolysed cassava residues pretreated with NMMO
      increased from 92.3 to 126mL/gTVS, and the sequential methane yield
      correspondingly increased from 79.4 to 101.6mL/g TVS.

PMID- 28088098
TI  - Environmental impact of engineered carbon nanoparticles: from releases to effects
      on the aquatic biota.
AB  - Nano-ecotoxicology is an emerging science which aims to assess the environmental
      effect of nanotechnologies. The development of this particular aspect of
      ecotoxicology was made necessary in order to evaluate the potential impact of
      recently produced and used materials: nanoparticles (NPs). Among all the types of
      NPs, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) especially draw attention giving the increasing
      number of applications and integration into consumer products. However the
      potential impacts of CNPs in the environment remain poorly known. This review
      aims to point out the critical issues and aspects that will govern the toxicity
      of CNPs in the environment.

PMID- 28088099
TI  - Protein-templated synthesis of metal-based nanomaterials.
AB  - There is currently intense interest in using protein scaffolds to prepare uniform
      nanometre-sized clusters of metals or other inorganic material for use as
      sensors, imaging agents, drugs, magnetic materials or catalysts. Non-templated
      chemical synthesis of such clusters often results in a product of variable size
      and quality, but protein molecules have proved adept at nucleating and
      stabilizing precise nanoclusters of various kinds. Although much research has
      focused on natural proteins, such as the iron-storage protein ferritin, recent
      developments in protein design have allowed entirely novel, symmetrical proteins
      to be used as templates for the first time.

PMID- 28088100
TI  - Exploiting molecular motors as nanomachines: the mechanisms of de novo and re
      engineered cytoskeletal motors.
AB  - Cytoskeletal molecular motors provide exciting proof that nanoscale transporters
      can be highly efficient, moving for microns along filamentous tracks by
      hydrolyzing ATP to fuel nanometer-size steps. For nanotechnology, such conversion
      of chemical energy into productive work serves as an enticing platform for re
      purposing and re-engineering. It also provides a roadmap for successful molecular
      mechanisms that can be mimicked to create de novo molecular motors for
      nanotechnology applications. Here we focus specifically on how the mechanisms of
      molecular motors are being re-engineered for greater control over their transport
      parameters. We then discuss mechanistic work to create fully synthetic motors de
      novo and conclude with future directions in creating novel motor systems.

PMID- 28088101
TI  - Sequenced defined biomolecules for nanomaterial synthesis, functionalization, and
      assembly.
AB  - Biomolecules represent an invaluable resource to nanotechnology by providing a
      large diversity of highly functional biomolecular templates. As a result, these
      have been extensively used for controlling the synthesis, functionalization, and
      assembly of nanomaterials, while also creating materials with new properties and
      structures. In the following, we focus on the use of peptides to achieve these
      goals and describe their general utility, sequence programmability, and use as
      templates. Also, we highlight several recent advances in the identification and
      selection of high affinity nanomaterial-binding peptides, provide a few examples
      of peptide functionalized surfaces and peptide templated materials, and describe
      how simple modifications to well characterized nanomaterial-binding peptides can
      be used to manipulate interactions and physiochemical properties.

PMID- 28088102
TI  - Effects of photoperiod regimes and ultraviolet-C radiations on biosynthesis of
      industrially important lignans and neolignans in cell cultures of Linum
      usitatissimum L. (Flax).
AB  - Lignans and neolignans are principal bioactive components of Linum usitatissimum
      L. (Flax), having multiple pharmacological activities. In present study, we are
      reporting an authoritative abiotic elicitation strategy of photoperiod regimes
      along with UV-C radiations. Cell cultures were grown in different photoperiod
      regimes (24h-dark, 24h-light and 16L/8D h photoperiod) either alone or in
      combination with various doses (1.8-10.8kJ/m2) of ultraviolet-C (UV-C)
      radiations. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), lariciresinol diglucoside
      (LDG), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol glucoside (DCG), and guaiacylglycerol-beta
      coniferyl alcohol ether glucoside (GGCG) were quantified by using reverse phase
      high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Results showed that the
      cultures exposed to UV-C radiations, accumulated higher levels of lignans,
      neolignans and other biochemical markers than cultures grown under different
      photoperiod regimes. 3.6kJ/m2 dose of UV-C radiations resulted in 1.86-fold
      (7.1mg/g DW) increase in accumulation of SDG, 2.25-fold (21.6mg/g DW) in LDG, and
      1.33-fold (9.2mg/g DW) in GGCG in cell cultures grown under UV+photoperiod than
      their respective controls. Furthermore, cell cultures grown under UV+dark showed
      1.36-fold (60.0mg/g DW) increase in accumulation of DCG in response to 1.8kJ/m2
      dose of UV-C radiations. Smilar trends were observed in productivity of SDG, LDG
      and GGCG. Additionally, 3.6kJ/m2 dose of UV-C radiations also resulted in 2.82
      fold (195.65mg/l) increase in total phenolic production, 2.94-fold (98.9mg/l) in
      total flavonoid production and 1.04-fold (95%) in antioxidant activity of cell
      cultures grown under UV+photoperiod. These findings open new dimensions for
      feasible production of biologically active lignans and neolignans by Flax cell
      cultures.

PMID- 28088103
TI  - Chemically-enzymatic synthesis of photosensitive DNA.
AB  - The sensitizing propensity of radio-/photosensitizing nucleoside depends on DNA
      sequence surrounding a sensitizer. Therefore, in order to compare sensitizers
      with regard to their ability to induce a DNA damage one has to study the sequence
      dependence of damage yield. However, chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides
      labeled with sensitizing nucleosides is hindered due to the fact that a limited
      number of such nucleoside phosphoramidites are accessible. Here, we report on a
      chemically-enzymatic method, employing a DNA polymerase and ligase, that enables
      a modified nucleoside, in the form of its 5'-triphosphate, to be incorporated
      into DNA fragment in a pre-determined site. Using such a protocol two double
      stranded DNA fragments - a long one, 75 base pairs (bp), and a short one, 30bp in
      length - were pin-point labeled with 5-bromodeoxyuridine. Four DNA polymerases
      together with DHPLC for the inspection of reaction progress were used to optimize
      the process under consideration. As an ultimate test showing that the product
      possessing an assumed nucleotide sequence was actually obtained, we irradiated
      the synthesized oligonucleotide with UVB photons and analyzed its photoreactivity
      with the LC-MS method. Our results prove that a general approach enabling precise
      labeling of DNA with any nucleoside modification processed by DNA polymerase and
      ligase has been worked out.

PMID- 28088104
TI  - Biofabrication of size controllable silver nanoparticles - A green approach.
AB  - A facile biosynthetic approach for the size controllable production of silver
      nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the leaf extract of Cinnamomum tsoi as reducing and
      capping agent is developed. The polyphenolic functionalities present in the
      extract are essentially responsible for the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs.
      The size and morphology of the AgNPs were effectively tuned by changing the
      volume of the extract. The availability of oxidized polyphenols play key role in
      tuning the size and morphology of the prepared NPs. The as prepared AgNPs were
      characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV
      visible), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Selected area electron
      diffraction (SAED), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared
      (FTIR) techniques. FTIR and Zeta potential measurements have confirmed the
      decoration of oxidized polyphenols on the surface of synthesized AgNPs. TEM and
      DLS measurements revealed the size variation of AgNPs with change in the volume
      of plant extract. The prepared AgNPs showed the significant inhibition of alpha
      amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes and exhibited a dose dependent activity.
      The enhanced in-vitro antidiabetic activity of the AgNPs may be due to the
      oxidized polyphenols present on the AgNPs surface which was confirmed by FTIR
      analysis. In addition, the present method is substitute to the chemical
      approaches of size controlled AgNPs synthesis that are being used nowadays.

PMID- 28088105
TI  - Tectona grandis leaf extract, free and associated with nanoemulsions, as a
      possible photosensitizer of mouse melanoma B16 cell.
AB  - Over the past six years we have been studying extracts from tropical, specially
      Amazon, plants, to search for new sensitizers for photodynamic therapy of cancer
      and infectious diseases. Tectona grandis is a genus of tropical hardwood trees in
      the mint family, Lamiaceae. That is native to south and southeast Asia, but since
      the end of the 20th century is also gaining ground in the Amazon. The present
      work aims to evaluate the photodynamic potential of hydro-alcoholic extract from
      Tectona grandis LF leaves (TGE) and the same extract prepared as the oil-water
      nanoemulsion (TGE-NE) against melanoma B16 F10 cells. The method for preparation
      of a stable nanoemulsion with ~20nm particles associated to the TGE (TGE-NE) was
      successfully developed. We have shown that both free and nanostructured
      presentations possess the ability to sensitize B16 F10 cells to red light of the
      LED in vitro. Photodynamic effect was observed for both TGE and TGE-NE because
      toxicity increased under illumination with red light. While TGE was highly toxic
      towards melanoma cells under illumination with red light of the LED, it also
      possessed significant dark toxicity towards both B16 F10 and murine fibroblast
      NIH3T3 cells. The TGE-NE showed reasonable photocytotoxicity and was much less
      toxic towards normal cells in the dark compared to free TGE.

PMID- 28088106
TI  - UV-A induced delayed development in the larvae of coral Seriatopora caliendrum.
AB  - Coral reefs are vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 280-400nm). Not only do
      the fluxes of UVR fluctuate daily, they are also increasing due to global ocean
      and atmospheric changes. The deleterious effects of UVR on scleractinian corals
      have been intensively studied, but much less is known about the response of
      corals in the early pre-settlement phase. In this study, we tested how UVR
      exposure affects survival and development of Seriatopora caliendrum larvae and
      examined the photophysiological changes induced in the symbiotic dinoflagellate
      Symbiodinium. Results showed that the contents of chl c and carotenoids
      normalized to the number of algae cells in the larvae decreased significantly
      when larvae were exposed to UVR compared to those protected from UVR, while the
      cell density of Symbiodinium was higher in UVR-exposed larvae. The effective
      photochemical efficiency of the symbiotic algae increased when cultured under PAR
      plus UV-A (here taken as 320-395nm). We further present the novel finding that
      during the development experiment, presence of UV-A induced a decline in the
      rates of metamorphosis and settlement, which disappeared when the larvae were
      also exposed to UV-B (here defined as 295-320nm). However, UVR had no
      distinguishable effect on the numbers of larvae that either survived,
      metamorphosed or settled by the end of the culture period. Therefore, it is
      concluded from this study that UV-A radiation may extend the planktonic duration
      of coral larvae, but not have an overall inhibitory effect on developmental
      outcomes.

PMID- 28088107
TI  - GaAs laser therapy reestablishes the morphology of the NMJ and nAChRs after
      injury due to bupivacaine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local anesthetics are used to relieve pre- and postoperative pain,
      acting on both sodium channels and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) at
      the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Bupivacaine acts as a non-competitive
      antagonist and has limitations, such as myotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and
      inflammation. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has anti-inflammatory, regenerative,
      and analgesic effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects
      of a gallium arsenide laser (GaAs) on the morphology of the NMJ and nAChRs after
      application of bupivacaine in the sternomastoid muscle. METHODS: Thirty-two adult
      male Wistar rats received injections of bupivacaine 0.5% (Bupi: right antimere)
      and 0.9% sodium chloride (Cl: left antimere). Next, the animals were divided into
      a Control group (C) and a Laser group (LLLT). The laser group received LLLT (GaAs
      904nm, 50mW, 4,8J) in both antimeres for five consecutive days. After seven days,
      the animals were euthanized and the surface portion of the sternomastoid muscle
      was removed, frozen, and subjected to morphological and morphometric analyses of
      the NMJs (nonspecific esterase reaction), confocal laser scanning, and an
      ultrastructural analysis. The nAChRs were quantified by Western blotting.
      RESULTS: In the chloride group, the morphology and morphometry of the NMJs
      remained stable. The maximum diameters of the NMJs were lower in the Bupi
      (15.048+/-1.985) and LLLT/Bupi subgroups (15.456+/-1.983) compared to the Cl
      (18.502+/-2.058) and LLLT/Cl subgroups (19.356+/-2.522) (p<0.05).
      Ultrastructurally, LLLT reduced myonecrosis observed after application of
      bupivacaine, with recovery in the junctional folds and active zone. There was an
      increase in the perimeter of the LLLT/Bupi subgroup (150.33) compared to the Bupi
      subgroup (74.69) (p<0.01) observed by confocal microscopy. There was also an
      increase in the relative planar area of the NMJ after LBI (8.75) compared to
      CBupi (4.80) (p<0.01). An analysis of the protein expression of nAChRalpha1
      showed no major differences in the groups studied. There was an increase in
      protein expression of the epsilon subunit after application of LLLT (13.055)
      compared to Bupi (0.251) (p<0.01). Taken together, the present experiments
      indicate that there was a positive association of the alpha and gamma subunits
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that LLLT at the dose used in
      this study reduced structural alterations in the NMJ and molecular changes in
      nAChRs triggered by bupivacaine, providing important data supporting the use of
      LLLT in therapeutic protocols for injuries triggered by local anesthetics.

PMID- 28088108
TI  - Hemostatic effect of intrauterine balloon for postpartum hemorrhage with special
      reference to concomitant use of "holding the cervix" procedure (Matsubara).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The intrauterine balloon (Balloon) has recently been widely used to
      achieve hemostasis for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). We concomitantly used a novel
      method, "holding the cervix", with the Balloon to prevent Balloon prolapse and
      achieve hemostasis. We aimed to clarify the following three factors: 1)
      hemostatic success rate of Balloon use for PPH, 2) effect of holding the cervix
      on Balloon prolapse, and, 3) the rate of bleeding after Balloon insertion,
      possibly predictive of Balloon failure. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively examined
      80 patients undergoing Balloon application for PPH in our institution. We defined
      "success" as achieving hemostasis with no requirement of additional invasive
      procedures, and "failure" as their requirement. Between success vs. failure,
      several parameters were compared. For statistical analyses, Fisher's exact test
      and Wilcoxon rank sum test were applied. RESULTS: Excluding "unable to insert"
      patients, "holding the cervix" was performed in 56 (75%). Prolapse was less
      likely to occur in patients with than in those without "holding the cervix" (4
      vs. 11%, respectively). The success rate in patients with "Balloon+holding the
      cervix" was 94%. Treatment for atonic bleeding and placenta previa (PP) showed
      similarly high success rates (97 and 94%, respectively). The rate of bleeding
      following Balloon insertion was significantly higher in failure than success
      cases (P=0.03) and all failure cases showed bleeding >250mL/h. CONCLUSIONS: The
      "Balloon+holding the cervix" strategy achieved hemostasis in over 90% of primary
      PPH. TREATMENT: for not only atonic bleeding but also PP showed a high success
      rate. Bleeding >250mL/h after Balloon insertion may indicate the requirement of
      additional invasive procedures.

PMID- 28088109
TI  - Carbetocin versus oxytocin for prevention of post-partum haemorrhage at caesarean
      section in the United Kingdom: An economic impact analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the economic impact of the introduction of carbetocin for
      the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) at caesarean section, compared to
      oxytocin. STUDY DESIGN: The model is a decision tree conducted from a UK National
      Health Service perspective. 1500 caesarean sections (both elective and emergency)
      were modelled over a 12 month period. Efficacy data was taken from a published
      Cochrane meta-analysis, and costs from NHS Reference costs, the British National
      Formulary and the NHS electronic Medicines Information Tool. A combination of
      hospital audit data and expert input from an advisory board of clinicians was
      used to inform resource use estimates. The main outcome measures were the
      incidence of PPH and total cost over a one year time horizon, as a result of
      using carbetocin compared to oxytocin for prevention of PPH at caesarean section.
      RESULTS: The use of carbetocin compared to oxytocin for prevention of PPH at
      caesarean section was associated with a reduction of 30 (88 vs 58) PPH events
      (>500ml blood loss), and a cost saving of L27,518. In probabilistic sensitivity
      analysis, carbetocin had a 91.5% probability of producing better outcomes, and a
      69.4% chance of being dominant (both cheaper and more effective) compared to
      oxytocin. CONCLUSION: At list price, the introduction of carbetocin appears to
      provide improved clinical outcomes along with cost savings, though this is
      subject to uncertainty regarding the underlying data in efficacy, resource use,
      and cost.

PMID- 28088110
TI  - Highly sensitive detection of cysteine over glutathione and homo-cysteine: New
      insight into the Michael addition of mercapto group to maleimide.
AB  - A fluorescence "off-on" probe CMP for thiols was designed with coumarin as the
      fluorophore and maleimide as the receptor. The fluorescence of the coumarin was
      quenched through photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the fluorophore to
      maleimide group. The Michael addition of the mercapto group toward maleimide
      formed a thioether with relatively weak fluorescence. The intramolecular
      nucleophilic substitution of amino group in cysteine (Cys) to alkylthio produced
      a much stronger fluorescent amino adduct, which was supported by UPLC-MS and NMR
      titration. The above sensing mechanism ensured CMP a highly sensitive probe
      toward Cys over GSH and Hcy. The fluorescence intensity at 495nm was linear with
      Cys concentration over the range of 0-10MUM with a detection limit of 14nM and a
      rapid response time of 20min. High selectivity and good competition of the probe
      toward thiols over other biologically relevant species enabled us to monitor
      mercapto-containing proteins as well as fluorescence imaging Cys in living cells.

PMID- 28088111
TI  - Psychometric evaluation of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener GAD-7, based
      on a large German general population sample.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scales GAD-7 and GAD-2 are
      instruments for the assessment of anxiety. The aims of this study are to test
      psychometric properties of these questionnaires, to provide normative values, and
      to investigate associations with sociodemographic factors, quality of life,
      psychological variables, and behavioral factors. METHODS: A German community
      sample (n=9721) with an age range of 18-80 years was surveyed using the GAD-7 and
      several other questionnaires. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the
      unidimensionality and measurement invariance of the GAD-7 across age and gender.
      Females were more anxious than males (mean scores: M=4.07 vs. M=3.01; effect
      size: d=0.33). There was no linear age trend. A total of 5.9% fulfilled the cut
      off criterion of 10 and above. Anxiety was correlated with low quality of life,
      fatigue, low habitual optimism, physical complaints, sleep problems, low life
      satisfaction, low social support, low education, unemployment, and low income.
      Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were also associated with heightened
      anxiety, especially in women. When comparing the GAD-7 (7 items) with the ultra
      short GAD-2 (2 items), the GAD-7 instrument was superior to the GAD-2 regarding
      several psychometric criteria. LIMITATIONS: The response rate (33%) was low.
      Because of the cross-sectional character of the study, causal conclusions cannot
      be drawn. A further limitation is the lack of a gold standard for diagnosing
      anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The GAD-7 can be recommended for use in clinical research
      and routine.

PMID- 28088112
TI  - A current perspective on the oncopreventive and oncolytic properties of selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
AB  - Current cancer research strongly focuses on identifying novel pathways that can
      be selectively exploited in the clinic and identifying drugs capable of
      exploiting cancer vulnerabilities. Occasionally, drugs identified to exploit a
      cancer-specific vulnerability are on the market for clinical indications in
      another disease area. Rebranding them as anti-cancer drugs is a process commonly
      referred to as drug repurposing and is typically a faster method than bringing a
      novel drug to market. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are
      primarily used for treating several types of depression, but over the past two
      decades mounting evidence suggests that drugs in this class have oncolytic
      properties and reduce the risk of certain cancers. In the current work, we
      discuss how the secondary mechanisms of action associated with these drugs
      mediate their oncolytic effect. In particular, sertraline limits tumor growth by
      abrogating the PI3K/akt signaling pathway, a growth pathway shown to be
      constitutively active in multiple cancers. Fluoxetine has been shown to activate
      the AMPA-type glutamate receptor, induce massive calcium influx and mitochondrial
      calcium overload and induce caspase-9-dependent apoptosis. This receptor being
      highly overexpressed in cancer stem cells may explain why SSRIs lower the risk of
      multiple types of cancer. Fluoxetine has also been shown to inhibit multidrug
      resistance pumps, increasing the efficacy of several standard chemotherapies.
      Given the vast potential of SSRIs in treating cancer, these drugs should be more
      heavily used not only in treating cancer-related depression, but in combating
      cancer and increasing the efficacy of standard of care chemotherapies.

PMID- 28088114
TI  - Between exposure, access and use: Reconsidering foodscape influences on dietary
      behaviours.
AB  - Good accessibility to both healthy and unhealthy food outlets is a greater
      reality than food deserts. Yet, there is a lack of conceptual insights on the
      contextual factors that push individuals to opt for healthy or unhealthy food
      outlets when both options are accessible. Our comprehension of foodscape
      influences on dietary behaviours would benefit from a better understanding of the
      decision-making process for food outlet choices. In this paper, we build on the
      fundamental position that outlet choices are conditioned by how much outlets'
      attributes accommodate individuals' constraints and preferences. We further argue
      that food outlets continuously experienced within individuals' daily-path help
      people re-evaluate food acquisition possibilities, push them to form intentions,
      and shape their preferences for the choices they will subsequently make. Doing
      so, we suggest differentiating access, defined as the potential for the foodscape
      to be used at the time when individuals decide to do so, from exposure, which
      acts as a constant catalyst for knowledge, intention, preferences and routine
      tendency. We conclude with implications for future research, and discuss
      consequences for public policy.

PMID- 28088113
TI  - Modulatory effect of vanillic acid on antioxidant status in high fat diet-induced
      changes in diabetic hypertensive rats.
AB  - The worldwide incidence of diabetes has increased dramatically along with
      widespread lifestyle and dietary changes. Diets high in fat are strongly
      associated with the development of obesity and can induce insulin resistance in
      humans and animals. It is clear that obesity constitutes a risk factor for
      contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we
      investigated the therapeutic potential action of vanillic acid on diabetes
      associated complications using a rat model. Rats were made diabetic hypertensive
      by high fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks and were treated with vanillic acid (50mg/kg
      bw) for last 8 weeks. The effects of vanillic acid on glucose, plasma insulin,
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
      (TBARS), hydroperoxides as a lipid peroxidation marker, and the activities of
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced
      glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and vitamin E as an antioxidant marker, AST and ALT
      as a liver function marker, urea, uric acid and creatinine as a kidney function
      marker were investigated. Histopathology of liver and kidney was also
      investigated as part of the pathology of diabetes. Treatment of diabetic rats
      with oral administration of vanillic acid at a dose of 50mgkg/body weight for 8
      weeks resulted in a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose, insulin and
      blood pressure levels in comparison with diabetic control group. The antioxidant
      activities were significantly increased and the levels of lipid peroxidation
      markers were significantly decreased in diabetic hypertensive rats treated with
      vanillic acid. These results suggest that vanillic acid offer a modulatory effect
      on control of diabetic hypertension by reduction of blood glucose, insulin and
      blood pressure, combating oxidative stress by activation of tissue antioxidants.

PMID- 28088115
TI  - In-situ synthesis of novel Z-scheme SnS(2)/BiOBr photocatalysts with superior
      photocatalytic efficiency under visible light.
AB  - In this study, a novel SnS2/BiOBr heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized
      via a facile in-situ growth strategy. The heterojunction interface was formed by
      loading BiOBr nanosheets on the surface of ultrathin hexagonal SnS2 nanoplates.
      UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) indicated that SnS2/BiOBr
      composites possessed stronger visible-light absorption. The as-fabricated
      SnS2/BiOBr heterojunction nanoplates exhibited considerable improvement in terms
      of photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible
      light irradiation as compared with BiOBr and SnS2. The enhanced photocatalytic
      activity was attributed to the closely contacted interface between BiOBr and
      SnS2, thereby resulting in faster transfer of the photoinduced electron-hole
      pairs through their interface, as shown by the results of photoluminescence
      spectroscopy (PL) and photocurrent measurements. Radical trapping experiments
      demonstrated that holes (h+) and superoxide anion radicals (O2-) were the main
      active species in the photocatalytic oxidation process. The mechanism of the
      excellent photocatalytic activity of SnS2/BiOBr heterojunction composite was also
      discussed.

PMID- 28088116
TI  - Upconversion color tuning in Ce(3+)-doped LiYF(4):Yb(3+)/Ho(3+)@LiYF(4)
      nanoparticles towards ratiometric fluorescence detection of chromium(III).
AB  - Ratiometric fluorescence sensor exhibits advantages of sensitive response, high
      anti-interference ability and naked eye visualization owing to multiple
      independent emission peaks utilized for results analysis. To achieve such multi
      emission probe, the traditional methods have involved simple mixing of two
      emitters or tedious synthesis processes of hybrid material. However, these probes
      often have problems of inconstant emission strength ratio, low light-stability,
      and complicated synthetic process, which limit their applications in practical
      field. Herein, we report a single-structure Ce3+-doped LiYF4:Yb3+/Ho3+@LiYF4
      upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), which features two emission peaks in the
      green (at 540nm) and red (at 640nm) region under the excitation of 980nm near
      infrared laser. Importantly, the red/green intensity ratio can be regulated by
      changing the doping level of Ce3+ to modulate output colors. Furthermore, a Cr3+
      responsive rhodamine derivative (CRD) was modified on the devised UCNPs surface
      to fabricate the colorimetric probe by luminescent resonance energy transfer
      (LRET) process. Upon addition of Cr3+ into the probe solution, the absorption
      peak of CRD at 560nm is significantly enhanced, which greatly reduced the green
      emission, leading to an obvious color evolution from green to yellow to orange
      and to red with increasing the concentration of Cr3+. This method is successfully
      applied to practical detection of Cr3+ ion in industrial waste water. The work
      reported here demonstrates a useful way to construct color-based visual assays.

PMID- 28088117
TI  - Adsorption of phosphate from aqueous solution using iron-zirconium modified
      activated carbon nanofiber: Performance and mechanism.
AB  - Phosphate (P) removal is significant for the prevention of eutrophication in
      natural waters. In this paper, a novel adsorbent for the removal of P from
      aqueous solution was synthesized by loading zirconium oxide and iron oxide onto
      activated carbon nanofiber (ACF-ZrFe) simultaneously. The adsorbent was
      characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared
      (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results
      showed that P adsorption was highly pH dependent and the optimum pH was found to
      be 4.0. The isotherm of adsorption could be well described by the Langmuir model
      and the maximum P adsorption capacity was estimated to be 26.3mgP/g at 25 degrees
      C. The kinetic data were well fitted to the pseudo-second-order equation,
      indicating that chemical sorption was the rate-limiting step. Moreover, co
      existing ions including sulfate (SO42-), chloride (Cl-), nitrate (NO3-) and
      fluoride (F-) exhibited a distinct effect on P adsorption with the order of F
      >NO3->Cl->SO42-. Further investigations by FT-IR spectroscopy and pH variations
      associated with the adsorption process revealed that ligands exchange and
      electrostatic interactions were the dominant mechanisms for P adsorption. The
      findings reported in this work highlight the potential of using ACF-ZrFe as an
      effective adsorbent for the removal of P in natural waters.

PMID- 28088118
TI  - Histidine-functionalized carbon-based dot-Zinc(II) nanoparticles as a novel
      stabilizer for Pickering emulsion synthesis of polystyrene microspheres.
AB  - Carbon-based dots (CDs) are nanoparticles with size-dependent optical and
      electronic properties that have been widely applied in energy-efficient displays
      and lighting, photovoltaic devices and biological markers. However, conventional
      CDs are difficult to be used as ideal stabilizer for Pickering emulsion due to
      its irrational amphiphilic structure. The study designed and synthesized a new
      histidine-functionalized carbon dot-Zinc(II) nanoparticles, which is termed as
      His-CD-Zn. The His-CD was made via one-step hydrothermal treatment of histidine
      and maleic acid. The His-CD reacted with Zn2+ to form His-CD-Zn. The as-prepared
      His-CD-Zn was used as a solid particle surfactant for stabilizing styrene-in
      water emulsion. The Pickering emulsion exhibits high stability and sensitive pH
      switching behaviour. The introduction of S2O82- triggers the emulsion
      polymerization of styrene. The resulted polystyrene microsphere was well coated
      with His-CDs on the surface. It was successfully used as an ideal adsorbent for
      removal of heavy metallic ions from water with high adsorption capacity. The
      study also provides a prominent approach for fabrication of amphiphilic carbon
      based nanoparticles for stabilizing Pickering emulsion.

PMID- 28088119
TI  - Composite films of metal doped CoS/carbon allotropes; efficient electrocatalyst
      counter electrodes for high performance quantum dot-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - This study reports the enhanced catalytic ability of metal ions-doped CoS and
      CoS/carbon allotrope counter electrodes (CEs) (synthesized using a successive
      ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method) to improve the power
      conversion efficiency (eta) in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs).
      Firstly, doping effects of different metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+) in
      the CoS CE on the QDSSCs performance have been investigated. Overall, among the
      different metal doped CoS CEs, the best energy conversion efficiency of 2.19%,
      achieved for Sr, is the highest reported for QDSSCs constructed with metal doped
      CoS. A sandwich structural Sr- and Ba-CoS/carbon allotrope (graphene sheet (GS),
      graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotube (CNT)) composite CEs have been prepared
      by repeating electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of carbon materials and deposition
      of CoS nanoparticles. Dramatic enhancements of eta have been observed with the Sr
      and Ba-CoS/GO CEs based QDSSCs (~76% and ~41%, respectively), which is higher
      than that of the bare CoS CE. Because of the large specific surface area and
      superior electrical conductivity of GS, GO and CNT and the high electrocatalytic
      activity of CoS, these CEs show an improvement in the photocurrent density in the
      cells, as revealed from electrochemical and spectral data.

PMID- 28088120
TI  - 3D architecture of a graphene/CoMoO(4) composite for asymmetric supercapacitors
      usable at various temperatures.
AB  - Designing and optimizing the electrode materials and studying the electrochemical
      performance or cycle life of the supercapacitor under different working
      conditions are crucial to its practical application. Herein, we proposed a
      rational design of 3D-graphene/CoMoO4 nanoplates by a facile two-step
      hydrothermal method. Owing to the high electron transfer rate of graphene and the
      high activity of the CoMoO4 nanoplates, the three-dimensional electrode
      architectures achieved remarkable electrochemical performances with high areal
      specific capacitance (1255.24F/g at 1A/g) and superior cycling stability (91.3%
      of the original specific capacitance after 3000 cycles at 1A/g). The all-solid
      state asymmetric supercapacitor composed of 3D-graphene/CoMoO4 and activated
      carbon (AC) exhibited a specific capacitance of 109F/g at 0.2A/g and an excellent
      cycling stability with only 12.1% of the initial specific capacitance off after
      3000 cycles at 2A/g. The effects of temperature and charge-discharge current
      densities on the charge storage capacity of the supercapacitor were also
      investigated in detail for practical applications.

PMID- 28088121
TI  - Synthesis of CTAB intercalated graphene and its application for the adsorption of
      AR265 and AO7 dyes from water.
AB  - Environmental applications of graphene (GN) are limited by the occurrence of
      aggregation. Herein, graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized, reduced to GN by
      ascorbic acid, and intercalated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). GN
      CTAB was characterized by Boehm's titration, N2 adsorption/desorption, Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fluorescence
      spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. Then, GN
      CTAB was used for the adsorptive removal of acid red 265 (AR265) and acid orange
      7 (AO7) dyes from water both under batch and column operation. Under batch
      operation, the effect of pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, contact
      time and temperature on dyes adsorption were assessed. Adsorption isotherms,
      kinetics, and thermodynamics were analyzed systematically. Regarding the fixed
      bed operation, the effect of both the bed height and flow rate were studied and
      experimental results fitted to the Thomas and BDST models. Then, the bed loss
      capacity along five adsorption-regeneration cycles was determined in order to
      further approach the practical application of GN-CTAB for wastewater treatment,
      namely for the removal of dyes.

PMID- 28088122
TI  - A comparative study on the effects of ultrathin luminescent graphene oxide
      quantum dot (GOQD) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets on the interfacial
      interactions and mechanical properties of an epoxy composite.
AB  - The reinforcement effect of graphene oxide nanosheets on the mechanical
      properties of an epoxy coating has been extensively studied. However, the effect
      of graphene oxide quantum dot (GOQD) as a new unique carbon based nanomaterial
      (with lateral dimension of 5-6nm and thickness of one carbon atom) on the
      mechanical properties of epoxy coating has not been reported and compared with GO
      yet. So this study aims at fabrication of a high-performance polymer composite
      with unique mechanical properties using GOQD nanosheets. GO and GOQD were
      obtained through two different strategies of "top-down" synthesis from an
      expandable graphite by a modified Hummers' method and an easy "bottom-up" method
      by carbonizing citric acid, respectively. The morphology, size distribution,
      microstructure and chemistry of the GO and GOQD were compared by utilizing X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), high resolution
      transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), high resolution field-emission
      scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA),
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      (XPS). Results obtained from these analyses confirmed successful synthesize of
      GOQD and GO nanosheets. The reinforcement effect of GO and GOQD nanosheets on the
      mechanical properties of the epoxy coating was studied by dynamic mechanical
      thermal analysis (DMTA) and tensile test. It was found that the GOQD could
      remarkably enhance the energy of break, Young's modulus, tensile stress and
      interfacial interactions compared to the neat epoxy and the one reinforced with
      GO nanosheets. GOQD improved the fracture toughness by factor of 175% and 700%
      compared to the GO/Epoxy and neat epoxy, respectively.

PMID- 28088123
TI  - Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and influenza virus.
AB  - Antibodies are a key defence against influenza infection and disease, but
      neutralizing antibodies are often strain-specific and of limited utility against
      divergent or pandemic viruses. There is now considerable evidence that influenza
      specific antibodies with Fc-mediated effector functions, such as antibody
      dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), can assist in the clearance of influenza
      infection in vitro and in animal models. Further, ADCC-mediating antibodies that
      recognize a broad array of influenza strains are common in humans, likely as a
      result of being regularly exposed to influenza infections. The concept that
      influenza-specific ADCC can assist in the partial control of influenza infections
      in humans is gaining momentum. This review examines the utility of influenza
      specific ADCC antibodies.

PMID- 28088124
TI  - Nipah virus: transmission of a zoonotic paramyxovirus.
AB  - Nipah virus is a recently-recognised, zoonotic paramyxovirus that causes severe
      disease and high fatality rates in people. Outbreaks have occurred in Malaysia,
      Singapore, India and Bangladesh, and a putative Nipah virus was also recently
      associated with human disease in the Philippines. Worryingly, human-to-human
      transmission is common in Bangladesh, where outbreaks occur with near-annual
      frequency. Onward human transmission of Nipah virus in Bangladesh is associated
      with close contact with clinically-unwell patients or their infectious
      secretions. While Nipah virus isolates associated with outbreaks of human
      infection have not resulted in sustained transmission to date, specific exposures
      carry a high risk of person-to-person transmission, an observation which is
      supported by recent findings in animal models. Novel paramyxoviruses continue to
      emerge from wildlife hosts, and represent an ongoing threat to human health
      globally.

PMID- 28088125
TI  - Computational methods for analyzing conformational variability of macromolecular
      complexes from cryo-electron microscopy images.
AB  - Thanks to latest technical advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM),
      structures of macromolecular complexes (viruses, ribosomes, etc.) are now often
      obtained at near-atomic resolution. Also, studies of conformational changes of
      complexes, in connection with their function, are gaining ground. Conformational
      variability analysis is usually done by classifying images in a number of
      discrete classes supposedly representing all conformational states present in the
      specimen. However, discrete classes cannot be meaningfully defined when the
      conformational change is continuous (the specimen contains a continuum of states
      instead of a few discrete states). For such cases, first image analysis methods
      that explicitly consider continuous conformational changes were recently
      developed. The latest developments in cryo-EM image analysis methods for
      conformational variability analysis are the focus of this review.

PMID- 28088126
TI  - Severe hypoalbuminemia and steatohepatitis leading to death in a young vegetarian
      female, 8 months after mini gastric bypass: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypoalbuminemia is an important complication after Mini Gastric
      Bypass (MGB) and is more frequent in vegetarians, diabetic nephropathy, and
      alcoholic and liver disease patients. The patients must be followed in regular
      intervals and serum albumin must be checked in every visit after MGB.
      Hypoalbuminemia must be prevented by good protein regimes. CASE SUMMARY: A 29
      years old female was admitted 8 month after Laparoscopic Mini Gastric Bypass with
      malaise, dyspnea, icter, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and edema of extremities from
      2 weeks before admission. She had become vegetarian autonomously and had not
      participated in routine postop follow up, and also discontinued her high protein
      regimen. In para clinictest results, she had severe hypoalbuminemia, anemia,
      elevated liver enzymes and direct bilirubinemia, metabolic acidosis in Arterial
      Blood Gas (ABG), and in Core Needle Biopsy (CNB) marked Steatohepatitis was
      shown. Unfortunately, the patient did not respond to medical care and died.
      CONCLUSION: Regular follow up after Mini Gastric Bypass is very important for
      many reasons such as early diagnosis and treatment of hypoalbuminemia.

PMID- 28088127
TI  - Cerebral laterality for language is related to adult salivary testosterone levels
      but not digit ratio (2D:4D) in men: A functional transcranial Doppler ultrasound
      study.
AB  - The adequacy of three competing theories of hormonal effects on cerebral
      laterality are compared using functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD).
      Thirty-three adult males participated in the study (21 left-handers). Cerebral
      lateralization was measured by fTCD using an extensively validated word
      generation task. Adult salivary testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations
      were measured by luminescence immunoassay and prenatal T exposure was indirectly
      estimated by the somatic marker of 2nd to 4th digit length ratio (2D:4D). A
      significant quadratic relationship between degree of cerebral laterality for
      language and adult T concentrations was observed, with enhanced T levels for
      strong left hemisphere dominance and strong right hemisphere dominance. No
      systematic effects on laterality were found for cortisol or 2D:4D. Findings
      suggest that higher levels of T are associated with a relatively attenuated
      degree of interhemispheric sharing of linguistic information, providing support
      for the callosal and the sexual differentiation hypotheses rather than the
      Geschwind, Behan and Galaburda (GBG) hypothesis.

PMID- 28088128
TI  - Structure of the O-specific polysaccharide from the lipopolysaccharide of
      Aeromonas hydrophila strain K691 containing 4-acetamido-4,6-dideoxy-d-glucose.
AB  - The O-specific polysaccharide (OPS) was isolated from the lipopolysaccharide of
      Aeromonas hydrophila strain K691 and studied by chemical methods and 1H and 13C
      NMR spectroscopy, including 2D 1H,1H COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, 1H-detected
      heteronuclear 1H,13C HSQC, and HMBC experiments. It was found that the O-specific
      polysaccharide was built up of pentasaccharide repeating units composed of beta
      GlcpNAc, 2-O-acetylated alpha-Rhap, and beta-Quip4NAc residues. The following
      structure of the OPS was established: ->3)-alpha-l-Rha2OAc-(1->3)-beta-d-GlcNAc
      (1->3)-alpha-l-Rha2OAc-(1->3)-beta-d-GlcNAc-(1->2)-beta-d-Qui4NAc-(1->.

PMID- 28088129
TI  - In vitro eye irritation testing using the open source reconstructed hemicornea -
      a ring trial.
AB  - The aim of the present ring trial was to test whether two new methodological
      approaches for the in vitro classification of eye irritating chemicals can be
      reliably transferred from the developers' laboratories to other sites. Both test
      methods are based on the well-established open source reconstructed 3D hemicornea
      models. In the first approach, the initial depth of injury after chemical
      treatment in the hemicornea model is derived from the quantitative analysis of
      histological sections. In the second approach, tissue viability, as a measure for
      corneal damage after chemical treatment, is analyzed separately for epithelium
      and stroma of the hemicornea model. The three independent laboratories that
      participated in the ring trial produced their own hemicornea models according to
      the test producer's instructions, thus supporting the open source concept. A
      total of 9 chemicals with different physicochemical and eye-irritating properties
      were tested to assess the between-laboratory reproducibility (BLR), the
      predictive performance, as well as possible limitations of the test systems. The
      BLR was 62.5% for the first and 100% for the second method. Both methods enabled
      to discriminate Cat. 1 chemicals from all non-Cat. 1 substances, which qualifies
      them to be used in a top-down approach. However, the selectivity between No Cat.
      and Cat. 2 chemicals still needs optimization.

PMID- 28088131
TI  - Study  Break: Number Crunching towards Molecular Barcoding

PMID- 28088130
TI  - Vaccine Candidates against Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae: a Review
AB  - Nonencapsulated, nontypeable Hemophilus influenzae (NTHi) remains an important
      cause of acute otitis and respiratory diseases in children and adults. NTHi
      bacteria are one of the major causes of respiratory tract infections, including
      acute otitis media, cystic fibrosis, and community-acquired pneumonia among
      children, especially in developing countries. The bacteria can also cause chronic
      diseases such as chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in
      the lower respiratory tract of adults. Such bacteria express several outer
      membrane proteins, some of which have been studied as candidates for vaccine
      development. Due to the lack of effective vaccines as well as the spread and
      prevalence of NTHi worldwide, there is an urgent need to design and develop
      effective vaccine candidates against these strains.

PMID- 28088132
TI  - Expression and Secretion of Cyan Fluorescent Protein (CFP) in B. subtilis using
      the Chitinase Promoter from Bacillus pumilus SG2
AB  - Background: Improved cyan fluorescent protein (ICFP) is a monochromic, green
      fluorescent protein (GFP) derivative produced by Aequorea macrodactyla in a
      process similar to GFP. This protein has strong absorption spectra at wavelengths
      426-446 nm. ICFP can be used in cell, organelle or intracellular protein
      labeling, investigating the protein-protein interactions as well as assessing the
      promoter activities. Methods: In our previous study, the promoters of two
      chitinases (ChiS and ChiL) from Bacillus pumilus SG2 were assessed in B. subtilis
      and their regulatory elements were characterized. In the present study, icfp was
      cloned downstream of several truncated promoters obtained in the former study,
      and ICFP expression was evaluated in B. subtilis. Results: Extracellular
      expression and secretion of ICFP were analyzed under the control of different
      truncated versions of ChiSL promoters grown on different media. Results from SDS
      PAGE and fluorimetric analyses showed that there were different expression rates
      of CFP; however, the UPChi-ICFP3 construct exhibited a higher level of expression
      and secretion in the culture medium. Conclusion: Our presented results revealed
      that inserting this truncated form of Chi promoter upstream of the ICFP, as a
      reporter gene, in B. subtilis led to an approximately ten fold increase in ICFP
      expression.

PMID- 28088133
TI  - Droplet growth during vapor-liquid transition in a 2D Lennard-Jones fluid.
AB  - Results for the kinetics of vapor-liquid phase transition have been presented
      from the molecular dynamics simulations of a single component two-dimensional
      Lennard-Jones fluid. The phase diagram for the model, primary prerequisite for
      this purpose, has been obtained via the Monte Carlo simulations. Our focus is on
      the region very close to the vapor branch of the coexistence curve. Quenches to
      such region provide morphology that consists of disconnected circular clusters in
      the vapor background. We identified that these clusters exhibit diffusive motion
      and grow via sticky collisions among them. The growth follows power-law behavior
      with time, exponent of which is found to be in nice agreement with a theoretical
      prediction.

PMID- 28088134
TI  - Dirac bubble potential for He-He and inadequacies in the continuum: Comparing an
      analytic model with elastic collision experiments.
AB  - We focus on the long-pending issue of the inadequacy of the Dirac bubble
      potential model in the description of He-He interactions in the continuum [L. L.
      Lohr and S. M. Blinder, Int. J. Quantum Chem. 53, 413 (1995)]. We attribute this
      failure to the lack of a potential wall to mimic the onset of the repulsive
      interaction at close range separations. This observation offers the explanation
      to why this excessively simple model proves incapable of quantitatively
      reproducing previous experimental findings of glory scattering in He-He, although
      being notorious for its capability of reproducing several distinctive features of
      the atomic and isotopic helium dimers and trimers [L. L. Lohr and S. M. Blinder,
      Int. J. Quantum Chem. 90, 419 (2002)]. Here, we show that an infinitely high,
      energy-dependent potential wall of properly calculated thickness rc(E) taken as a
      supplement to the Dirac bubble potential suffices for agreement with variable
      energy elastic collision cross section experiments for 4He-4He, 3He-4He, and 3He
      3He [R. Feltgen et al., J. Chem. Phys. 76, 2360 (1982)]. In the very low energy
      regime, consistency is found between the Dirac bubble potential (to which our
      extended model is shown to reduce) and cold collision experiments [J. C. Mester
      et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 71, 1343 (1993)]; this consistency, which in this regime
      lends credence to the Dirac bubble potential, was never noticed by its authors.
      The revised model being still analytic is of high didactical value while expected
      to increase in predictive power relative to other appraisals.

PMID- 28088135
TI  - Isomorphism between the multi-state Hamiltonian and the second-quantized many
      electron Hamiltonian with only 1-electron interactions.
AB  - We introduce the isomorphism between an multi-state Hamiltonian and the second
      quantized many-electron Hamiltonian (with only 1-electron interactions). This
      suggests that all methods developed for the former can be employed for the
      latter, and vice versa. The resonant level (Landauer) model for nonequilibrium
      quantum transport is used as a proof-of-concept example. Such as the classical
      mapping models for the multi-state Hamiltonian proposed in our previous work [J.
      Liu, J. Chem. Phys. 145, 204105 (2016)] lead to exact results for this model
      problem. We further demonstrate how these methods can also be applied to the
      second-quantized many-electron Hamiltonian even when 2-electron interactions are
      included.

PMID- 28088136
TI  - Pressure effects on structure and dynamics of metallic glass-forming liquid.
AB  - Although the structure and dynamics of metallic glass-forming liquids have been
      extensively investigated, studies of the pressure effects are rare. In the
      present study, the structural and dynamical properties of a ternary metallic
      liquid are systematically studied via extensive molecular dynamics simulations.
      Our results clearly show that, like isobaric cooling, isothermal compression
      could also slow down the dynamics of metallic liquid, leading to glass formation.
      However, the temperature- and pressure-induced glass transitions differ in the
      formation of local coordination structures and the variation of fragility. The
      increase of the kinetic fragility with increasing pressure is also accompanied by
      a monotonic structural fragility change. These findings may suggest a link
      between dynamics and structure. In addition, with increasing pressure, the
      dynamics becomes more heterogeneous, as revealed by the non-Gaussian parameter
      and dynamic correlation length. Here the length scales of both slow and fast
      domains are examined and discussed by analyzing the four-point dynamic structure
      factor associated with spatial correlations of atomic mobility. These correlation
      lengths coexist in the metallic liquids and grow comparatively in the considered
      temperature and pressure ranges. Finally, the scaling relation between the
      relaxation times and correlation lengths is discussed, which is found to be
      consistent with the spirit of Adam-Gibbs and random first-order transition
      theories.

PMID- 28088137
TI  - Forces on nuclei moving on autoionizing molecular potential energy surfaces.
AB  - Autoionization of molecular systems occurs in diatomic molecules and in small
      biochemical systems. Quantum chemistry packages enable calculation of complex
      potential energy surfaces (CPESs). The imaginary part of the CPES is associated
      with the autoionization decay rate, which is a function of the molecular
      structure. Molecular dynamics simulations, within the framework of the Born
      Oppenheimer approximation, require the definition of a force field. The ability
      to calculate the forces on the nuclei in bio-systems when autoionization takes
      place seems to rely on an understanding of radiative damages in RNA and DNA
      arising from the release of slow moving electrons which have long de Broglie
      wavelengths. This work addresses calculation of the real forces on the nuclei
      moving on the CPES. By using the transformation of the time-dependent Schrodinger
      equation, previously used by Madelung, we proved that the classical forces on
      nuclei moving on the CPES correlated with the gradient of the real part of the
      CPES. It was proved that the force on the nuclei of the metastable molecules is
      time independent although the probability to detect metastable molecules
      exponentially decays. The classical force is obtained from the transformed
      Schrodinger equation when h=0 and the Schrodinger equation is reduced to the
      classical (Newtonian) equations of motion. The forces on the nuclei regardless on
      what potential energy surface they move (parent CPES or product real PESs) vary
      in time due to the autoionization process.

PMID- 28088138
TI  - Fast simulation of Brownian dynamics in a crowded environment.
AB  - Brownian dynamics simulations are an increasingly popular tool for understanding
      spatially extended biochemical reaction systems. Recent improvements in our
      understanding of the cellular environment show that volume exclusion effects are
      fundamental to reaction networks inside cells. These systems are frequently
      studied by incorporating inert hard spheres (crowders) into three-dimensional
      Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations; however these methods are extremely slow
      owing to the sheer number of possible collisions between particles. Here we
      propose a rigorous "crowder-free" method to dramatically increase the simulation
      speed for crowded biochemical reaction systems by eliminating the need to
      explicitly simulate the crowders. We consider both the cases where the reactive
      particles are point particles, and where they themselves occupy a volume. Using
      simulations of simple chemical reaction networks, we show that the "crowder-free"
      method is up to three orders of magnitude faster than conventional BD and yet
      leads to nearly indistinguishable results from the latter.

PMID- 28088139
TI  - Long-range interactions from the many-pair expansion: A different avenue to
      dispersion in DFT.
AB  - One of the several problems that plague majority of density functional theory
      calculations is their inability to properly account for long-range correlations
      giving rise to dispersion forces. The recently proposed many-pair expansion (MPE)
      [T. Zhu et al., Phys. Rev. B 93, 201108(R) (2016)] is a hierarchy of
      approximations that systematically corrects any deficiencies of an approximate
      functional to finally converge to the exact energy. This is achieved by
      decomposing the total density into a sum of two-electron densities and accounting
      for successive two-, four-, six-,... electron interactions. Here, we show that
      already low orders of MPE expansion recover the dispersion energy accurately. To
      this end, we employ the Pariser-Parr-Pople Hamiltonian and study the behavior of
      long-range interactions in trans-polyacetylene as well as stacks of ethylene and
      benzene molecules. We also show how convergence of the expansion is affected by
      electron conjugation and the choice of the density partitioning.

PMID- 28088140
TI  - Ring-polymer molecular dynamics studies on the rate coefficient of the
      abstraction channel of hydrogen plus ethane, propane, and dimethyl ether.
AB  - To accurately compute the rates of the abstraction channels of hydrogen plus
      ethane (Et), propane (Pr), and dimethyl ether (DME), ring-polymer molecular
      dynamics (RPMD) method is used in conjunction with the recently constructed local
      permutation invariant polynomial neural-networks potential energy surface of the
      parent H + CH4 system [Q. Meng et al., J. Chem. Phys. 144, 154312 (2016)]. For H
      + Et, one of the H atoms in CH4 of the parent system is replaced by a methyl
      group, while for the H + DME reaction, it is replaced by the methoxyl group. For
      the H + Pr reaction, replacing one of the H atoms in CH4 by an ethyl group, the
      terminal channel is built, meanwhile the middle channel is considered through
      replacing two H atoms in CH4 by two methyl groups. Since the potential energy
      barriers of the title reactions must differ from the H + CH4 barrier, the
      corrections have to be made by computing the ratio of free-energy barriers
      between H + CH4 and the title reactions at coupled cluster with a full treatment
      singles and doubles (where the triples contribution is calculated by perturbation
      theory, that is, CCSD(T)) level. Comparing the present RPMD rates with the
      previous theoretical and experimental results, good agreement can be found.
      Moreover, probable reasons for the deviation between the present RPMD rates and
      the previous experimental ones are discussed.

PMID- 28088141
TI  - Determination of accurate, mean bond lengths from radial distribution functions.
AB  - The mean bond length d between a central atom and its nearest neighbors can be
      estimated from the position of the first peak in the radial distribution function
      g(r). However, as we demonstrate here, this estimate does not allow one to deduce
      temperature-induced changes in d. Instead, skewness has to be included into the
      analysis, which can be achieved, for example, via the skew normal distribution
      (SND). Fits to the first peak using the SND give bond length in good agreement
      with direct measurements of nearest-neighbor distribution functions in crystals
      as well as with a Voronoi-tessellation based detection of nearest-neighbors in
      liquids. While the location of the first peak in g(r) may shift to smaller values
      with increasing temperature for three studied liquids-argon, copper, and the bulk
      metallic-glass (BMG) forming alloy Zr60Cu30Al10-we find our improved estimates of
      d to systematically increase with temperature in all cases. Recent conclusions on
      temperature-induced bond contractions in simple metallic or BMG-forming liquids
      may therefore have arisen from the neglect of skewness effects.

PMID- 28088142
TI  - Colloidal transport by active filaments.
AB  - Enhanced colloidal transport beyond the limit imposed by diffusion is usually
      achieved through external fields. Here, we demonstrate the ballistic transport of
      a colloidal sphere using internal sources of energy provided by an attached
      active filament. The latter is modeled as a chain of chemo-mechanically active
      beads connected by potentials that enforce semi-flexibility and self-avoidance.
      The fluid flow produced by the active beads and the forces they mediate are
      explicitly taken into account in the overdamped equations of motion describing
      the colloid-filament assembly. The speed and efficiency of transport depend on
      the dynamical conformational states of the filament. We characterize these states
      using filament writhe as an order parameter and identify ones yielding maxima in
      speed and efficiency of transport. The transport mechanism reported here has a
      remarkable resemblance to the flagellar propulsion of microorganisms which
      suggests its utility in biomimetic systems.

PMID- 28088143
TI  - Fokker-Planck quantum master equation for mixed quantum-semiclassical dynamics.
AB  - We revisit Caldeira-Leggett's quantum master equation representing mixed quantum
      classical theory, but with limited applications. Proposed is a Fokker-Planck
      quantum master equation theory, with a generic bi-exponential correlation
      function description on semiclassical Brownian oscillators' environments. The new
      theory has caustic terms that bridge between the quantum description on primary
      systems and the semiclassical or quasi-classical description on environments.
      Various parametrization schemes, both analytical and numerical, for the generic
      bi-exponential environment bath correlation functions are proposed and
      scrutinized. The Fokker-Planck quantum master equation theory is of the same
      numerical cost as the original Caldeira-Leggett's approach but acquires a
      significantly broadened validity and accuracy range, as illustrated against the
      exact dynamics on model systems in quantum Brownian oscillators' environments, at
      moderately low temperatures.

PMID- 28088144
TI  - More room for microphase separation: An extended study on binary liquids confined
      in SBA-15 cylindrical pores.
AB  - The confinement of liquid mixtures in porous channels provides new insight into
      fluid ordering at the nanoscale. In this study, we address a phenomenon of
      microphase separation, which appears as a novel fascinating confinement effect
      for fully miscible binary liquids. We investigate the structure of tert-butanol
      toluene mixtures confined in the straight and mono-dispersed cylindrical
      nanochannels of SBA-15 mesoporous silicates (D = 8.3 nm). Small angle neutron
      scattering experiments on samples with carefully designed isotopic compositions
      are performed to systematically vary the scattering length density of the
      different compounds and assess the radial concentration profile of the confined
      phases. The resulting modulation of the Bragg reflections of SBA-15 is compared
      with the predictions from different core-shell models, highlighting a molecular
      scale phase-separated tubular structure with the tert-butanol forming a layer at
      the pore surface, surrounding a toluene-rich core. The present structural study
      suggests that the microphase separation phenomenon in confinement, which so far
      had only been reported for a smaller pore size (D = 3.65 nm) and a unique mixture
      composition, must be considered as a general phenomenon. It also highlights the
      strength of neutron scattering method with isotopic substitution, which is a
      unique experimental approach to reveal this phenomenon.

PMID- 28088145
TI  - A generalized Ewald decomposition for screened Coulomb interactions.
AB  - Medium-range interactions occur in a wide range of systems, including charged
      particle systems with varying screening lengths. We generalize the Ewald method
      to charged systems described by interactions involving an arbitrary dielectric
      response function epsilon(??). We provide an error estimate and optimize the
      generalization to find the break-even parameters that separate a neighbor list
      only algorithm from the particle-particle particle-mesh algorithm. We examine the
      implications of different choices of the screening length for the computational
      cost of computing the dynamic structure factor. We then use our new method in
      molecular dynamics simulations to compute the dynamic structure factor for a
      model plasma system and examine the wave-dispersion properties of this system.

PMID- 28088147
TI  - Hopping charge transport in amorphous semiconductors with the spatially
      correlated exponential density of states.
AB  - Hopping charge transport in amorphous semiconductors having spatially correlated
      exponential density of states has been considered. Average carrier velocity is
      exactly calculated for the quasi-equilibrium (nondispersive) transport regime. We
      suggest also a heuristic approach for the consideration of the carrier velocity
      for the non-equilibrium dispersive regime.

PMID- 28088146
TI  - Photoinduced C-I bond homolysis of 5-iodouracil: A singlet predissociation
      pathway.
AB  - 5-Iodouracil (5-IU) can be integrated into DNA and acts as a UV sensitive
      chromophore suitable for probing DNA structure and DNA-protein interactions based
      on the photochemical reactions of 5-IU. Here, we perform joint studies of time
      resolved Fourier transform infrared (TR-FTIR) spectroscopy and ab initio
      calculations to examine the state-specific photochemical reaction mechanisms of
      the 5-IU. The fact that uracil (U) is observed in TR-FTIR spectra after 266 nm
      irradiation of 5-IU in acetonitrile and ascribed to the product of hydrogen
      abstraction by the uracil-5-yl radical (U.) provides experimental evidence for
      the C-I bond homolysis of 5-IU. The excited state potential energy curves are
      calculated with the complete active space second-order perturbation//complete
      active space self-consistent field method, from which a singlet predissociation
      mechanism is elucidated. It is shown that the initially populated 1(pipi*) state
      crosses with the repulsive 1(pisigma*) or 1(nIsigma*) state, through which 5-IU
      undergoes dissociation to the fragments of (U.) radical and iodine atom. In
      addition, the possibility of intersystem crossing (ISC) is evaluated based on the
      calculated vertical excitation energies. Although a probable ISC from 1(pipi*)
      state to 3(nOpi*) and then to the lowest triplet 3(pipi*) could occur in
      principal, there is little possibility for the excited state populations
      bifurcating to triplet manifold, given that the singlet state predissociation
      follows repulsive potential and should occur within dozens to hundreds of
      femtoseconds. Such low population of triplet states means that the contribution
      of triplet state to photoreactions of 5-IU should be quite minor. These results
      demonstrate clearly a physical picture of C-I bond homolysis of 5-IU and provide
      mechanistic illuminations to the interesting applications of 5-IU as photoprobes
      and in radiotherapy of cancer.

PMID- 28088148
TI  - Lithium ion micrometer diffusion in a garnet-type cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO)
      studied using 7Li NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - Mobile lithium ions in a cubic garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 (Al-stabilized) were studied
      using 7Li NMR spectroscopy for membrane and powder samples, the latter of which
      was ground from the membrane. Lithium diffusion in a micrometer space was
      measured using the pulsed-gradient spin-echo 7Li NMR method between 70 and 130 
      degrees C. When the observation time (Delta) was shorter than 20 ms, the echo
      attenuation showed diffusive diffraction patterns, indicating that the Li+
      diffusing space is not free but restricted. For longer Delta, the values of
      apparent diffusion constant (Dapparent) became gradually smaller to approach an
      equilibrated value (close to a tracer diffusion constant). In addition, the
      Dapparent depends on the pulse field gradient strength (g) and became smaller as
      g became larger. These experimental results suggest that the lithium ions diffuse
      through Li+ pathways surrounded by stationary anions and lithium ions, and are
      affected by collisions and diffractions. One-dimensional profiles of the membrane
      sample of thickness 0.5 mm were observed from 65 to 110  degrees C and the area
      intensity, as well as the lithium occurrence near the surface, increased with the
      increase in temperature. The temperature-dependent area intensity showed a
      correspondence to the number of Li+ carrier ions estimated from the ionic
      conductivity and the equilibrated diffusion constant through the Nernst-Einstein
      relationship.

PMID- 28088149
TI  - Collective excitations in liquid dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): FIR spectrum, low
      frequency vibrational density of states, and ultrafast dipolar solvation
      dynamics.
AB  - Valuable dynamical and structural information about neat liquid DMSO at ambient
      conditions can be obtained through a study of low frequency vibrations in the far
      infrared (FIR), that is, terahertz regime. For DMSO, collective excitations as
      well as single molecule stretches and bends have been measured by different kinds
      of experiments such as OHD-RIKES and terahertz spectroscopy. In the present work,
      we investigate the intermolecular vibrational spectrum of DMSO through three
      different computational techniques namely (i) the far-infrared spectrum obtained
      through the Fourier transform of total dipole moment auto-time correlation
      function, (ii) from the Fourier transform of the translational and angular
      velocity time autocorrelation functions, and (iii) a quenched normal mode
      analysis of the parent liquid at 300 K. The three spectra, although exhibit
      differences among each other, reveal similar features which are in good, semi
      quantitative, agreement with experimental results. The study of participation
      ratio of the density of states obtained from the normal mode analysis shows that
      the broad spectrum around 100 cm-1 involves collective oscillations of 300-400
      molecules. Dipolar solvation dynamics exhibit ultrafast energy relaxation with an
      initial time constant around 157 fs which can be attributed to the coupling to
      the collective excitations. We compare the properties of DMSO with those of water
      vis-a-vis the existence of the low frequency collective modes. Last, we find that
      the collective excitation spectrum exhibits strong temperature dependence.

PMID- 28088150
TI  - Optimal orientation of an asymmetric top molecule with terahertz pulses.
AB  - Terahertz pulses effects are investigated in an asymmetric top C2v molecule using
      numerical simulations. The average value of the direction cosine PhiZx is
      computed solving the time dependent Schrodinger equation for several types of
      pulses. The H2S molecule taken as a test case is first subject to two short
      terahertz pulses with a duration smaller than 5 ps, an identical maximum value of
      the electric field of 2 MV/cm, but a different shape. The thermal average
      ??PhiZx?? is calculated for several temperatures, and non-periodic time
      variations are found even for the lowest temperature. For a given temperature,
      the maximum orientation achieved is shown to be dependent on the overlap between
      the absorption spectrum of the molecule and the Fourier transform of the pulse.
      The maximum orientation is also shown to be closely related to the molecular
      energy increase. In a second step, the optimal control theory is used to build a
      14 ps long few-cycle pulse with the same maximum value of the electric field
      allowing us to reach a large maximum value of ?PhiZx? equal to 0.93. A fairly
      good understanding of the wavefunction describing the molecule after the pulse
      was achieved.

PMID- 28088151
TI  - Phase transition of a symmetric diblock copolymer induced by nanorods with
      different surface chemistry.
AB  - We investigate the phase transition of a symmetric diblock copolymer induced by
      nanorods with different surface chemistry. The results demonstrate that the
      system occurs the phase transition from a disordered structure to ordered
      parallel lamellae and then to the tilted layered structure as the number of rods
      increases. The dynamic evolution of the domain size and the order parameter of
      the microstructure are also examined. Furthermore, the influence of rod property,
      rod-phase interaction, rod-rod interaction, rod length, and polymerization degree
      on the behavior of the polymer system is also investigated systematically.
      Moreover, longer amphiphilic nanorods tend to make the polymer system form the
      hexagonal structure. It transforms into a perpendicular lamellar structure as the
      polymerization degree increases. Our simulations provide an efficient method for
      determining how to obtain the ordered structure on the nanometer scales and
      design the functional materials with optical, electronic, and magnetic
      properties.

PMID- 28088152
TI  - Theoretical description of circular dichroism in photoelectron angular
      distributions of randomly oriented chiral molecules after multi-photon
      photoionization.
AB  - Photoelectron circular dichroism refers to the forward/backward asymmetry in the
      photoelectron angular distribution with respect to the propagation axis of
      circularly polarized light. It has recently been demonstrated in femtosecond
      multi-photon photoionization experiments with randomly oriented camphor and
      fenchone molecules [C. Lux et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 51, 4755 (2012) and C.
      S. Lehmann et al., J. Chem. Phys. 139, 234307 (2013)]. A theoretical framework
      describing this process as (2+1) resonantly enhanced multi-photon ionization is
      constructed, which consists of two-photon photoselection from randomly oriented
      molecules and successive one-photon ionization of the photoselected molecules. It
      combines perturbation theory for the light-matter interaction with ab initio
      calculations for the two-photon absorption and a single-center expansion of the
      photoelectron wavefunction in terms of hydrogenic continuum functions. It is
      verified that the model correctly reproduces the basic symmetry behavior expected
      under exchange of handedness and light helicity. When applied to fenchone and
      camphor, semi-quantitative agreement with the experimental data is found, for
      which a sufficient d wave character of the electronically excited intermediate
      state is crucial.

PMID- 28088153
TI  - Signatures of spatially correlated noise and non-secular effects in two
      dimensional electronic spectroscopy.
AB  - We investigate how correlated fluctuations affect oscillatory features in
      rephasing and non-rephasing two-dimensional (2D) electronic spectra of a model
      dimer system. Based on a beating map analysis, we show that non-secular
      environmental couplings induced by uncorrelated fluctuations lead to oscillations
      centered at both cross- and diagonal-peaks in rephasing spectra as well as in non
      rephasing spectra. Using an analytical approach, we provide a quantitative
      description of the non-secular effects in terms of the Feynman diagrams and show
      that the environment-induced mixing of different inter-excitonic coherences leads
      to oscillations in the rephasing diagonal-peaks and non-rephasing cross-peaks. We
      demonstrate that as correlations in the noise increase, the lifetime of
      oscillatory 2D signals is enhanced at rephasing cross-peaks and non-rephasing
      diagonal-peaks, while the other non-secular oscillatory signals are suppressed.
      We discuss that the asymmetry of 2D lineshapes in the beating map provides
      information on the degree of correlations in environmental fluctuations. Finally
      we investigate how the oscillatory features in 2D spectra are affected by
      inhomogeneous broadening.

PMID- 28088154
TI  - Vibrational properties of anhydrous and partially hydrated uranyl fluoride.
AB  - Uranyl fluoride (UO2F2) is a hygroscopic powder with two main structural phases:
      an anhydrous crystal and a partially hydrated crystal of the same R3-m symmetry.
      The formally closed-shell electron structure of anhydrous UO2F2 is amenable to
      density functional theory calculations. We use density functional perturbation
      theory (DFPT) to calculate the vibrational frequencies of the anhydrous crystal
      structure and employ complementary inelastic neutron scattering and temperature
      dependent Raman scattering to validate those frequencies. As a model closed-shell
      actinide, we investigated the effect of LDA, GGA, and non-local vdW functionals
      as well as the spherically averaged Hubbard +U correction on vibrational
      frequencies, electronic structure, and geometry of anhydrous UO2F2. A particular
      choice of Ueff=5.5 eV yields the correct U-Oyl bond distance and vibrational
      frequencies for the characteristic Eg and A1g modes that are within the
      resolution of experiment. Inelastic neutron scattering and Raman scattering
      suggest a degree of water coupling to the lattice vibrations in the more
      experimentally accessible partially hydrated UO2F2 system, with the symmetric
      stretching vibration shifted approximately 47 cm-1 lower in energy compared to
      the anhydrous structure. Evidence of water interaction with the uranyl ion is
      present from a two-peak decomposition of the uranyl stretching vibration in the
      Raman spectra and anion-hydrogen stretching vibrations in the inelastic neutron
      scattering spectra. A first-order dehydration phase transition temperature is
      definitively identified to be 125  degrees C using temperature-dependent Raman
      scattering.

PMID- 28088155
TI  - Signal replication in a DNA nanostructure.
AB  - Logic circuits based on DNA strand displacement reaction are the basic building
      blocks of future nanorobotic systems. The circuits tethered to DNA origami
      platforms present several advantages over solution-phase versions where couplings
      are always diffusion-limited. Here we consider a possible implementation of one
      of the basic operations needed in the design of these circuits, namely, signal
      replication. We show that with an appropriate preparation of the initial state,
      signal replication performs in a reproducible way. We also show the existence of
      side effects concomitant to the high effective concentrations in tethered
      circuits, such as slow leaky reactions and cross-activation.

PMID- 28088156
TI  - Path integral approach to the Wigner representation of canonical density
      operators for discrete systems coupled to harmonic baths.
AB  - We derive a semi-analytical form for the Wigner transform for the canonical
      density operator of a discrete system coupled to a harmonic bath based on the
      path integral expansion of the Boltzmann factor. The introduction of this simple
      and controllable approach allows for the exact rendering of the canonical
      distribution and permits systematic convergence of static properties with respect
      to the number of path integral steps. In addition, the expressions derived here
      provide an exact and facile interface with quasi- and semi-classical dynamical
      methods, which enables the direct calculation of equilibrium time correlation
      functions within a wide array of approaches. We demonstrate that the present
      method represents a practical path for the calculation of thermodynamic data for
      the spin-boson and related systems. We illustrate the power of the present
      approach by detailing the improvement of the quality of Ehrenfest theory for the
      correlation function Czz(t)=Re?sigmaz(0)sigmaz(t)? for the spin-boson model with
      systematic convergence to the exact sampling function. Importantly, the
      numerically exact nature of the scheme presented here and its compatibility with
      semiclassical methods allows for the systematic testing of commonly used
      approximations for the Wigner-transformed canonical density.

PMID- 28088158
TI  - Infrared spectra and band strengths of amorphous and crystalline N2O.
AB  - Infrared transmission spectra from 4000 to 400 cm-1, and associated band
      strengths and absorption coefficients, are presented for the first time for both
      amorphous and crystalline N2O. Changes in the spectra as a function of ice
      thickness and ice temperature are shown. New measurements of density, refractive
      index, and specific refraction are reported for amorphous and crystalline N2O.
      Comparisons are made to published results, and the most-likely reason for some
      recent disagreements in the literature is discussed. As with CO2, its
      isoelectronic congener, the formation of amorphous N2O is found to require
      greater care than the formation of amorphous solids from more-polar molecules.

PMID- 28088157
TI  - Stochastic thermodynamics of a chemical nanomachine: The channeling enzyme
      tryptophan synthase.
AB  - The enzyme tryptophan synthase is characterized by a complex pattern of
      allosteric interactions that regulate the catalytic activity of its two subunits
      and opening or closing of their ligand gates. As a single macromolecule, it
      implements 13 different reaction steps, with an intermediate product directly
      channeled from one subunit to another. Based on experimental data, a stochastic
      model for the operation of tryptophan synthase has been earlier constructed [D.
      Loutchko, D. Gonze, and A. S. Mikhailov, J. Phys. Chem. B 120, 2179 (2016)].
      Here, this model is used to consider stochastic thermodynamics of such a chemical
      nanomachine. The Gibbs energy landscape of the internal molecular states is
      determined, the production of entropy and its flow within the enzyme are
      analyzed, and the information exchange between the subunits resulting from
      allosteric cross-regulations and channeling is discussed.

PMID- 28088159
TI  - Symmetry and magnetism in Ni9Te6 clusters ligated by CO or phosphine ligands.
AB  - The removal of a single ligand from the magnetic Ni9Te6(L)8 (L = P(CH3)3, CO)
      clusters is found to quench the magnetic moment. The reduction in magnetic moment
      is caused by a geometric deformation of the Ni9Te6 core that breaks the
      octahedral symmetry of the cluster. This effect is observed in both the CO and
      phosphine based ligands. The octahedral symmetry bare cluster is also found to
      have a large magnetic moment. These results highlight the dilemma faced by
      magnetic ligand protected clusters whose symmetry has been broken: whether to
      break the spin symmetry as in Hund's rules or to break the spatial symmetry as in
      the Jahn-Teller effect. The spatial symmetry breaking is found to be an oblate
      distortion that forms additional Ni-Te bonds resulting in the enhanced stability
      of the cluster.

PMID- 28088160
TI  - Photofragment ion imaging from mass-selected Mg+BrCH3 complex: Dissociation
      mechanism following photoinduced charge transfer.
AB  - We have observed fragment ion images produced by ultraviolet photodissociation of
      Mg+BrCH3 complex ions using a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer
      combined with an imaging detector. The BrCH3+ fragment ion was produced after the
      266-nm excitation of Mg+BrCH3. In the image of the BrCH3+ ions, a split
      distribution was observed parallel to the polarization direction of the
      photolysis laser. In calculated potential energy curves, we found a repulsive
      potential correlated with a dissociation limit of Mg + BrCH3+: The calculation
      results indicate that the dissociation and the charge transfer occurred via non
      adiabatic process after the 52A' <- 12A' photoexcitation. The obtained energy and
      angular distributions of BrCH3+ photofragments were consistent with the fast
      BrCH3+ formation process on the repulsive potential energy curve.

PMID- 28088161
TI  - Efficient free energy calculations by combining two complementary tempering
      sampling methods.
AB  - Although energy barriers can be efficiently crossed in the reaction coordinate
      (RC) guided sampling, this type of method suffers from identification of the
      correct RCs or requirements of high dimensionality of the defined RCs for a given
      system. If only the approximate RCs with significant barriers are used in the
      simulations, hidden energy barriers with small to medium height would exist in
      other degrees of freedom (DOFs) relevant to the target process and consequently
      cause the problem of insufficient sampling. To address the sampling in this so
      called hidden barrier situation, here we propose an effective approach to combine
      temperature accelerated molecular dynamics (TAMD), an efficient RC-guided
      sampling method, with the integrated tempering sampling (ITS), a generalized
      ensemble sampling method. In this combined ITS-TAMD method, the sampling along
      the major RCs with high energy barriers is guided by TAMD and the sampling of the
      rest of the DOFs with lower but not negligible barriers is enhanced by ITS. The
      performance of ITS-TAMD to three systems in the processes with hidden barriers
      has been examined. In comparison to the standalone TAMD or ITS approach, the
      present hybrid method shows three main improvements. (1) Sampling efficiency can
      be improved at least five times even if in the presence of hidden energy
      barriers. (2) The canonical distribution can be more accurately recovered, from
      which the thermodynamic properties along other collective variables can be
      computed correctly. (3) The robustness of the selection of major RCs suggests
      that the dimensionality of necessary RCs can be reduced. Our work shows more
      potential applications of the ITS-TAMD method as the efficient and powerful tool
      for the investigation of a broad range of interesting cases.

PMID- 28088162
TI  - Molecular collisions and reactive scattering in external fields: Are field
      induced couplings important at short range?
AB  - We use accurate quantum scattering calculations to elucidate the role of short
      range molecule-field interactions in atom-molecule inelastic collisions and
      abstraction chemical reactions at low temperatures. We consider two examples:
      elastic and inelastic scattering of NH(Sigma3) molecules with Mg(S1) atoms in a
      magnetic field; reactive scattering LiF + H -> Li + HF in an electric field. Our
      calculations suggest that, for non-reactive collision systems and abstraction
      chemical reactions, the molecule-field interactions cannot generally be neglected
      at short range because the atom-molecule potential passes through zero at short
      range. An important exception occurs for Zeeman transitions in atom-molecule
      collisions at magnetic fields ?1000 G, for which the molecule-field couplings
      need only be included at large rho outside the range of the atom-molecule
      interaction. Our results highlight the importance of an accurate description of
      rho-dependent molecule-field interactions in quantum scattering calculations on
      molecular collisions and chemical reactions at low temperatures.

PMID- 28088163
TI  - Note: Determine entanglement length through monomer mean-square displacement.
AB  - I present a refined version of the method for determining entanglement length
      through monomer mean-square displacement. By retrieving a prefactor pi/2 that
      might be lost in previous derivation, the entanglement length of the standard
      bead-spring model estimated by this method coincides with the measurements of
      other methods.

PMID- 28088164
TI  - Photochemical generation of H2NCNX, H2NNCX, H2NC(NX) (X = O, S) in low
      temperature matrices.
AB  - The [NH2, C, N, O] and the [NH2, C, N, S] molecular systems were investigated by
      computational and matrix-isolation spectroscopic methods. The determination of
      the equilibrium structures and relative energies by CCSD(T) method was followed
      by the computation of the harmonic and anharmonic vibrational wavenumbers,
      infrared intensities, relative Raman activities, and UV excitation energies.
      These computed data were used to assist the identification of products obtained
      by UV laser photolysis of 3,4-diaminofurazan and 3,4-diaminothiadiazole in low
      temperature Ar and Kr matrices. It is shown that two open-chain H2NNCX and H2NCNX
      and one cyclic H2NC(NX) (X = O, S) isomers are generated in the case of both
      systems. Except for H2NNCO and H2NCNS, the present study reports the first
      generation and spectroscopic identification of these compounds.

PMID- 28088165
TI  - Genomic characterization of Ensifer aridi, a proposed new species of nitrogen
      fixing rhizobium recovered from Asian, African and American deserts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nitrogen fixing bacteria isolated from hot arid areas in Asia, Africa
      and America but from diverse leguminous plants have been recently identified as
      belonging to a possible new species of Ensifer (Sinorhizobium). In this study, 6
      strains belonging to this new clade were compared with Ensifer species at the
      genome-wide level. Their capacities to utilize various carbon sources and to
      establish a symbiotic interaction with several leguminous plants were examined.
      RESULTS: Draft genomes of selected strains isolated from Morocco (Merzouga
      desert), Mexico (Baja California) as well as from India (Thar desert) were
      produced. Genome based species delineation tools demonstrated that they belong to
      a new species of Ensifer. Comparison of its core genome with those of E.
      meliloti, E. medicae and E. fredii enabled the identification of a species
      conserved gene set. Predicted functions of associated proteins and pathway
      reconstruction revealed notably the presence of transport systems for
      octopine/nopaline and inositol phosphates. Phenotypic characterization of this
      new desert rhizobium species showed that it was capable to utilize malonate, to
      grow at 48  degrees C or under high pH while NaCl tolerance levels were
      comparable to other Ensifer species. Analysis of accessory genomes and plasmid
      profiling demonstrated the presence of large plasmids that varied in size from
      strain to strain. As symbiotic functions were found in the accessory genomes, the
      differences in symbiotic interactions between strains may be well related to the
      difference in plasmid content that could explain the different legumes with which
      they can develop the symbiosis. CONCLUSIONS: The genomic analysis performed here
      confirms that the selected rhizobial strains isolated from desert regions in
      three continents belong to a new species. As until now only recovered from such
      harsh environment, we propose to name it Ensifer aridi. The presented genomic
      data offers a good basis to explore adaptations and functionalities that enable
      them to adapt to alkalinity, low water potential, salt and high temperature
      stresses. Finally, given the original phylogeographic distribution and the
      different hosts with which it can develop a beneficial symbiotic interaction,
      Ensifer aridi may provide new biotechnological opportunities for degraded land
      restoration initiatives in the future.

PMID- 28088166
TI  - Impact of home care versus alternative locations of care on elder health
      outcomes: an overview of systematic reviews.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many elders struggle with the decision to remain at home or to move
      to an alternative location of care. A person's location of care can influence
      health and wellbeing. Healthcare organizations and policy makers are increasingly
      challenged to better support elders' dwelling and health care needs. A summary of
      the evidence that examines home care compared to other care locations can inform
      decision making. We surveyed and summarized the evidence evaluating the impact of
      home care versus alternative locations of care on elder health outcomes. METHODS:
      We conducted an overview of systematic reviews. Data sources included MEDLINE,
      the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Eligible reviews included adults 65+
      years, elder home care, alternative care locations, and elder health outcomes.
      Two independent reviewers screened citations. We extracted data and appraised
      review quality using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic
      Reviews (AMSTAR) checklist. Results were synthesized narratively. RESULTS: The
      search yielded 2575 citations, of which 19 systematic reviews were eligible.
      Three hundred and forty studies with 271,660 participants were synthesized across
      the systematic reviews. The categories of comparisons included: home with support
      versus independent living at home (n = 11 reviews), home care versus
      institutional care (n = 3 reviews), and rehabilitation at home versus
      conventional rehabilitation services (n = 7 reviews). Two reviews had data
      relevant to two categories. Most reviews favoured home with support to
      independent living at home. Findings comparing home care to institutional care
      were mixed. Most reviews found no differences in health outcomes between
      rehabilitation at home versus conventional rehabilitation services. Systematic
      review quality was moderate, with a median AMSTAR score of 6 (range 4 - 10 out of
      11). CONCLUSIONS: The evidence on the impact of home care compared to alternative
      care locations on elder health outcomes is heterogeneous. Our findings support
      positive health impacts of home support interventions for community dwelling
      elders compared to independent living at home. There is insufficient evidence to
      determine the impact of alternative care locations on elders' health. Additional
      research targeting housing and care options for the elderly is needed.

PMID- 28088167
TI  - Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the safety
      and effectiveness of a novel dual-action oral topical formulation against upper
      respiratory infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current prevention options for upper respiratory infections (URIs)
      are not optimal. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled
      pilot clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ARMS-ITM (currently
      marketed as HaloTM) in the prevention of URIs. METHODS: ARMS-I is patented novel
      formulation for the prevention and treatment of influenza, comprising a broad
      spectrum antimicrobial agent (cetylpyridinium chloride, CPC) and components
      (glycerin and xanthan gum) that form a barrier on the host mucosa, thus
      preventing viral contact and invasion. Healthy adults (18-45 years of age) were
      randomized into ARMS-I or placebo group (50 subjects each). The drug was sprayed
      intra-orally (3* daily) for 75 days. The primary objectives were to establish
      whether ARMS-I decreased the frequency, severity or duration of URIs. Secondary
      objectives were to evaluate safety, tolerability, rate of virus detection,
      acceptability and adherence; effect on URI-associated absenteeism and medical
      visits; and effect of prior influenza vaccination on study outcomes. RESULTS: Of
      the 94 individuals who completed the study (placebo: n = 44, ARMS-I: n = 50), six
      presented with confirmed URI (placebo: 4, ARMS-I: 2), representing a 55% relative
      reduction, albeit this was statistically not significant). Influenza, coronavirus
      or rhinovirus were detected in three participants; all in the placebo group.
      Moreover, frequency of post-treatment exit visits was reduced by 55% in ARMS-I
      compared to the placebo group (N = 4 and 2, respectively). Fever was reported
      only in the placebo group. ARMS-I significantly reduced the frequency and
      severity of cough and sore throat, and duration of cough (P <= .019 for all
      comparisons). ARMS-I was safe, well tolerated, had high acceptability and high
      adherence to medication use. Medical visits occurred only in the placebo group
      while absenteeism did not differ between the two arms. Prior influenza
      vaccination had no effect on study outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized proof-of
      concept clinical trial demonstrated that ARMS-I tended to provide protection
      against URIs in the enrolled study participants, while reducing severity and
      duration of cough and sore throat. A clinical trial with a larger number of study
      participants is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02644135
      (retrospectively registered).

PMID- 28088168
TI  - Do nursing staff encourage functional activity among nursing home residents? A
      cross-sectional study of nursing staff perceived behaviors and associated
      factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing home residents are mainly inactive. Nursing staff can
      encourage residents to perform functional activities during daily care
      activities. This study examines 1) the extent to which nursing staff perceive
      that they encourage functional activity in nursing home residents and 2) the
      associations between these nursing behaviors and professional characteristics,
      contextual factors, and information-seeking behaviors. METHODS: In this cross
      sectional study, 368 registered nurses and certified nurse assistants, working in
      somatic and psychogeriatric wards of forty-one nursing homes throughout the
      Netherlands participated. Self-reported data were collected with a questionnaire,
      comprising the MAINtAIN-behaviors, which assesses the extent to which nursing
      staff encourage functional activities, including different activities of daily
      living (ADL), household activities, and miscellaneous encouraging activities
      (e.g., discouraging informal caregivers from taking over activities residents can
      do themselves). Additional data collected included professional characteristics
      (e.g., age), contextual factors (e.g., ward type), and information-seeking
      behaviors (e.g., reading professional journals). Descriptive statistics were used
      to determine the extent to which functional activities were encouraged.
      Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to determine the
      associations between the encouragement of functional activities and other
      factors. RESULTS: Nursing staff perceived that household activities (mean 4.1
      (scale range 1-9), SD 1.9) were less often encouraged than ADL (mean 6.9, SD 1.2)
      or miscellaneous activities (mean 6.7, SD 1.5). The percentage of nursing staff
      stating that different household activities, ADL, or miscellaneous activities
      were almost always encouraged ranged from 11 to 45%, 41 to 86%, and 50 to 83% per
      activity, respectively. The extent to which these activities were encouraged
      differed for some of the professional characteristics, contextual factors, or
      information-seeking behaviors, but no consistent pattern in associations emerged.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to nursing staff, household activities are not as often
      encouraged as ADL or miscellaneous activities. Professional characteristics,
      contextual factors, and information-seeking behaviors are not consistently
      associated with the encouragement of functional activity. Nursing staff should
      also focus on improving the encouragement of household activities. Future
      research could examine the role of other factors in encouraging functional
      activity, such as experienced barriers, and assess to what extent the perception
      of nursing staff corresponds with their actual behavior.

PMID- 28088169
TI  - Tenosynovitis caused by Scedosporium apiospermum infection misdiagnosed as an
      Alternaria species: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scedosporium apiospermum, which can usually be isolated from soil,
      polluted stream water and decaying vegetation, is increasingly recognized as an
      opportunistic dematiaceous fungus. The mortality rate of infection in
      immunocompromised hosts is over 50%. S. apiospermum is commonly responsible for
      dermal and epidermal infections (i.e., mycetoma) after traumatic penetration.
      CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining
      of painful swelling and tenderness on the dorsum of the proximal left wrist and
      hand. The symptoms had persisted for approximately 2 months. A physical
      examination revealed a 4 x 3 cm, poorly defined, erythematous papule, which was
      fluctuant, with pustules and crusts on the dorsum of the left hand. CONCLUSIONS:
      We report a very rare case of tenosynovitis caused by S. apiospermum infection.
      We identified the infectious agent via molecular DNA sequencing. The infectious
      agent was initially misidentified as an Alternaria species by microscopic
      examination with lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) staining. The infection was
      successfully treated with debridement and adjuvant fluconazole therapy.

PMID- 28088170
TI  - Application of a Bayesian dominance model improves power in quantitative trait
      genome-wide association analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multi-marker methods, which fit all markers simultaneously, were
      originally tailored for genomic selection purposes, but have proven to be useful
      also in association analyses, especially the so-called BayesC Bayesian methods.
      In a recent study, BayesD extended BayesC towards accounting for dominance
      effects and improved prediction accuracy and persistence in genomic selection.
      The current study investigated the power and precision of BayesC and BayesD in
      genome-wide association studies by means of stochastic simulations and applied
      these methods to a dairy cattle dataset. METHODS: The simulation protocol was
      designed to mimic the genetic architecture of quantitative traits as
      realistically as possible. Special emphasis was put on the joint distribution of
      the additive and dominance effects of causative mutations. Additive marker
      effects were estimated by BayesC and additive and dominance effects by BayesD.
      The dependencies between additive and dominance effects were modelled in BayesD
      by choosing appropriate priors. A sliding-window approach was used. For each
      window, the R. Fernando window posterior probability of association was
      calculated and this was used for inference purpose. The power to map segregating
      causal effects and the mapping precision were assessed for various marker
      densities up to full sequence information and various window sizes. RESULTS:
      Power to map a QTL increased with higher marker densities and larger window
      sizes. This held true for both methods. Method BayesD had improved power compared
      to BayesC. The increase in power was between -2 and 8% for causative genes that
      explained more than 2.5% of the genetic variance. In addition, inspection of the
      estimates of genomic window dominance variance allowed for inference about the
      magnitude of dominance at significant associations, which remains hidden in
      BayesC analysis. Mapping precision was not substantially improved by BayesD.
      CONCLUSIONS: BayesD improved power, but precision only slightly. Application of
      BayesD needs large datasets with genotypes and own performance records as
      phenotypes. Given the current efforts to establish cow reference populations in
      dairy cattle genomic selection schemes, such datasets are expected to be soon
      available, which will enable the application of BayesD for association mapping
      and genomic prediction purposes.

PMID- 28088171
TI  - Assessing the sustainability of daily chlorhexidine bathing in the intensive care
      unit of a Veteran's Hospital by examining nurses' perspectives and experiences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Daily bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) of intensive care
      unit (ICU) patients has been shown to reduce healthcare-associated infections and
      colonization by multidrug resistant organisms. The objective of this project was
      to describe the process of daily CHG bathing and identify the barriers and
      facilitators that can influence its successful adoption and sustainability in an
      ICU of a Veterans Administration Hospital. METHODS: We conducted 26 semi
      structured interviews with a convenience sample of 4 nurse managers (NMs), 13
      registered nurses (RNs) and 9 health care technicians (HCTs) working in the ICU.
      We used qualitative content analysis to code and analyze the data. Dedoose
      software was used to facilitate data management and coding. Trustworthiness and
      scientific integrity of the data were ensured by having two authors corroborate
      the coding process, conducting member checks and keeping an audit trail of all
      the decisions made. RESULTS: Duration of the interviews was 15 to 39 min (average
      = 26 min). Five steps of bathing were identified: 1) decision to give a bath; 2)
      ability to give a bath; 3) decision about which soap to use; 4) delegation of a
      bath; and 5) getting assistance to do a bath. The bathing process resulted in one
      of the following three outcomes: 1) complete bath; 2) interrupted bath; and 3)
      bath not done. The outcome was influenced by a combination of barriers and
      facilitators at each step. Most barriers were related to perceived workload,
      patient factors, and scheduling. Facilitators were mainly organizational factors
      such as the policy of daily CHG bathing, the consistent supply of CHG soap, and
      support such as reminders to conduct CHG baths by nurse managers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patient bathing in ICUs is a complex process that can be hindered and interrupted
      by numerous factors. The decision to use CHG soap for bathing was only one of 5
      steps of bathing and was largely influenced by scheduling/workload and patient
      factors such as clinical stability, hypersensitivity to CHG, patient refusal,
      presence of IV lines and general hygiene. Interventions that address the
      organizational, provider, and patient barriers to bathing could improve adherence
      to a daily CHG bathing protocol.

PMID- 28088172
TI  - EcoTILLING by sequencing reveals polymorphisms in genes encoding starch synthases
      that are associated with low glycemic response in rice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glycemic response, a trait that is tedious to be assayed in cereal
      staples, has been identified as a factor correlated with alarmingly increasing
      prevalence of Type II diabetes. Reverse genetics based discovery of allelic
      variants associated with this nutritional trait gains significance as they can
      provide scope for genetic improvement of this factor which is otherwise difficult
      to target through routine screening methods. RESULTS: Through EcoTILLING by
      sequencing in 512 rice accessions, we report the discovery of six deleterious
      variants in the genes with potential to increase Resistant Starch (RS) and reduce
      Hydrolysis Index (HI) of starch. By deconvolution of the variant harbouring
      EcoTILLING DNA pools, we discovered accessions with a minimum of one to a maximum
      of three deleterious allelic variants in the candidate genes. CONCLUSIONS:
      Through biochemical assays, we confirmed the potential role of the discovered
      alleles alone or in combinations in increasing RS the key factor for reduction in
      glycemic response.

PMID- 28088173
TI  - High-risk human papillomavirus infection and abnormal cervical cytology among
      Nepali and Bhutanese refugee women living in eastern Nepal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer morbidity and
      mortality among women in Nepal and Bhutan. Data on high-risk human papillomavirus
      (HR-HPV) infection and cervical abnormalities among Nepali and Bhutanese women
      are sparse. The objectives of this study were to assess and compare the
      prevalence of HR-HPV infection and cervical abnormalities among Nepali and
      Bhutanese women living in Jhapa District in eastern Nepal; and examine the risk
      factors for HR-HPV infection and cervical abnormalities in those women. METHODS:
      Study participants were recruited from a women's health camp organized by NFCC
      International, a Nepal-based non-governmental organization, in 2014. Consenting
      participants were administered a demographic and health questionnaire and cervico
      vaginal specimens collected. Both self-collected and clinician-collected cervico
      vaginal specimens were tested for HR-HPV infection. Cytologic exam was performed
      on clinician-collected samples and cervical cytology results were categorized
      according to the Bethesda classification. A participant was classified as a
      Bhutanese if they were either born in Bhutan or currently lived in one of the
      United Nations administered Bhutanese refugee camps in Jhapa; otherwise, the
      participant was classified as a Nepali. RESULTS: Of the 647 study participants,
      15.9% were Bhutanese women living in refugee camps and the overall age (+/-
      standard deviation) was 38.8 +/- 8.2 years. The prevalence of HR-HPV infection
      was 8.9% and abnormal cervical cytology was 7.1% respectively, with no
      significant difference in HR-HPV positivity (p = 0.399) or abnormal cervical
      cytology (p = 0.698) between Nepali and Bhutanese women. Compared to women whose
      husbands had not migrated for employment, women whose husbands had migrated
      outside of the district had 3.30 times (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.13-9.64)
      the odds of being HR-HPV positive and women whose husbands had migrated outside
      the country had 2.92 times (95% CI: 1.32-6.49) the odds of having abnormal
      cervical cytology. CONCLUSIONS: HR-HPV positivity and abnormal cervical cytology
      were similar among Nepali and Bhutanese women. Husbands migrating for employment
      within or outside the country was a significant risk factor for high-risk HPV
      infection and cervical cytology, indicating the important role spousal behavior
      may play in HR-HPV acquisition and cervical abnormalities among these women.

PMID- 28088174
TI  - Feasibility and safety of dilatational tracheotomy using the rigid endoscope: a
      multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic tracheo-bronchoscopy is the most commonly used procedure
      for percutaneous dilational tracheotomy (PDT). However, PDT can be associated
      with major complications, including death. Furthermore it is unclear, whether the
      tracheal ring fractures may contribute to the development of tracheal stenosis
      after PDT nor whether tracheal ring fractures can be prevented by using a rigid
      endoscope for this procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      feasibility of and the incidence of complications for PDT using the rigid
      tracheotomy endoscope (TED). METHODS: In a prospective multicenter observational
      study from 2006 to 2010, 180 adult patients in intensive care and those scheduled
      for ear, nose and throat surgery underwent PDT using TED. Data collection was
      performed using a structured protocol. The patients were observed according to
      PDT phase (phase 1: puncture, phase 2: dilatation and phase 3: cannula
      insertion). The descriptive data are given as the number (percent) of cases and
      the mean +/- standard deviation (SD) where appropriate. The relationships between
      dichotomous and categorical parameters were analyzed using the chi-square test. P
      values <= 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: PDT was performed in 179
      patients. The procedure time was 14.8 +/- 6.2 (mean +/- SD) minutes. Pneumothorax
      or procedure-related lethal complications did not occur. Other adverse events
      included tracheal ring fractures (17.1%), desaturations (6.8%), special incidents
      (6.2%), bleeding (5.5%), anesthesia complications (4.5%) and posterior tracheal
      wall injuries (1.1%). CONCLUSION: The use of TED in PDT is feasible, and the
      incidence of complications and adverse events was comparable with that of PDT
      using the flexible endoscope. Tracheal ring fractures in PDT cannot be avoided by
      the use of a rigid endoscope. With TED, the airway always remains open thus the
      use of jet ventilation via the TED during PDT is possible.

PMID- 28088175
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for cardiovascular disease among chronic kidney
      disease patients: results from the Chinese cohort study of chronic kidney disease
      (C-STRIDE).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although a high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is observed
      among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in developed countries, limited
      information is available about CVD prevalence and risk factors in the Chinese CKD
      population. The Chinese Cohort of Chronic Kidney Disease (C-STRIDE) was
      established to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of CVD among Chinese
      CKD patients. METHODS: Participants with stage 1-4 CKD (18-74 years of age) were
      recruited at 39 clinical centers located in 28 cities from 22 provinces of China.
      At entry, the socio-demographic status, medical history, anthropometric
      measurements and lifestyle behaviors were documented, and blood and urine samples
      were collected. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the
      CKD-EPI creatinine equation. CVD diagnosis was based on patient self-report and
      review of medical records by trained staff. A multivariable logistic regression
      model was used to estimate the association between risk factors and CVD. RESULTS:
      Three thousand four hundred fifty-nine Chinese patients with pre-stage 5 CKD were
      enrolled, and 3168 finished all required examinations and were included in the
      study. In total, 40.8% of the cohort was female, with a mean age of 48.21 +/-
      13.70 years. The prevalence of CVD was 9.8%, and in 69.1% of the CVD cases
      cerebrovascular disease was observed. Multivariable analysis showed that
      increasing age, lower eGFR, presence of hypertension, abdominal aorta
      calcification and diabetes were associated with comorbid CVD among CKD patients.
      The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for these risk factors were 3.78
      (2.55-5.59) for age 45-64 years and 6.07 (3.89-9.47) for age >=65 years compared
      with age <45 years; 2.07 (1.28-3.34) for CKD stage 3a, 1.66 (1.00-2.62) for stage
      3b, and 2.74 (1.72-4.36) for stage 4 compared with stages 1 and 2; 2.57 (1.50
      4.41) for hypertension, 1.82 (1.23-2.70) for abdominal aorta calcification, and
      1.70 (1.30-2.23) for diabetes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We reported the CVD
      prevalence among a CKD patient cohort and found age, hypertension, diabetes,
      abdominal aorta calcification and lower eGFR were independently associated with
      higher CVD prevalence. Prospective follow-up and longitudinal evaluations of CVD
      risk among CKD patients are warranted.

PMID- 28088176
TI  - TTCA: an R package for the identification of differentially expressed genes in
      time course microarray data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The analysis of microarray time series promises a deeper insight into
      the dynamics of the cellular response following stimulation. A common observation
      in this type of data is that some genes respond with quick, transient dynamics,
      while other genes change their expression slowly over time. The existing methods
      for detecting significant expression dynamics often fail when the expression
      dynamics show a large heterogeneity. Moreover, these methods often cannot cope
      with irregular and sparse measurements. RESULTS: The method proposed here is
      specifically designed for the analysis of perturbation responses. It combines
      different scores to capture fast and transient dynamics as well as slow
      expression changes, and performs well in the presence of low replicate numbers
      and irregular sampling times. The results are given in the form of tables
      including links to figures showing the expression dynamics of the respective
      transcript. These allow to quickly recognise the relevance of detection, to
      identify possible false positives and to discriminate early and late changes in
      gene expression. An extension of the method allows the analysis of the expression
      dynamics of functional groups of genes, providing a quick overview of the
      cellular response. The performance of this package was tested on microarray data
      derived from lung cancer cells stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF).
      CONCLUSION: Here we describe a new, efficient method for the analysis of sparse
      and heterogeneous time course data with high detection sensitivity and
      transparency. It is implemented as R package TTCA (transcript time course
      analysis) and can be installed from the Comprehensive R Archive Network, CRAN.
      The source code is provided with the Additional file 1.

PMID- 28088177
TI  - A novel quantitative PCR detects Babesia infection in patients not identified by
      currently available non-nucleic acid amplification tests.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ticks transmit Babesia microti, the causative agents of babesiosis in
      North America and Europe. Babesiosis is now endemic in Northeastern USA and
      affects people of all ages. Babesia species infect erythrocytes and can be
      transmitted through blood transfusion. Whole blood and blood products, which are
      not tested for Babesia, can cause transfusion-transmitted babesiosis (TTB)
      resulting in severe consequences in the immuno-compromised patients. The purpose
      of this study was epidemiological evaluation of babesiosis in a tick-infested
      state. RESULTS: We examined blood samples from 192 patients who visited clinics
      during the active tick-borne diseases season, using a newly developed qPCR assay
      that uses the specific molecular beacon probe. Due to the absence of clear
      symptomology, clinical laboratories did not test 131 samples by IFA, FISH or
      microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears. Babesia infection was
      detected in all age groups by FISH and microscopy; notably patients >40 years of
      age represented 64% of tested samples and 13% were younger patients. We tested
      all samples using qPCR and found that 38% were positive for Babesia. Of 28
      samples that were positive by FISH, 27 (96%) were also positive by qPCR
      indicating high congruency between nucleic acid based tests. Interestingly, of 78
      asymptomatic samples not tested by FISH, 22 were positive by our qPCR. Direct
      detection of Babesia relies upon microscopic examination of patient blood smears,
      which is labor intensive, difficult to scale up, requires specific expertise and
      is hence, often not performed. In fact, a clinical laboratory examined only 23 of
      86 blood samples obtained from two different counties by microscopy. By
      considering individuals positive for Babesia infection when results from
      currently available microscopy, FISH or serological tests were positive, we found
      that our qPCR is highly sensitive (96.2%) and showed a specificity of 70.5% for
      Babesia. CONCLUSION: Robust qPCR using specific probes can be highly useful for
      efficient and appropriate diagnosis of babesiosis in patients in conjunction with
      conventional diagnostics, or as a stand-alone test, especially for donated blood
      screening. The use of a nucleic acid amplification test based screening of blood
      and blood products could prevent TTB.

PMID- 28088178
TI  - Health-related quality of life and associated factors in functionally independent
      older people.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is a key indicator of elderly
      people's health status that can be affected by different factors. However, little
      is known about which variables are associated with it in functionally independent
      elderly people. The aim of this project was to study HRQL and a wide variety of
      health, lifestyle, social and contextual aspects and their relation to HRQL in a
      sample of functionally independent, non-cognitively impaired community-dwelling
      adults, over 65 years of age, from a northern region of Spain. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study for which data was collected by face-to-face interviews with the
      selected individuals. HRQL was measured with the EuroQol-5D scale, consisting of
      a 5 item descriptive system and a visual analogue scale (VAS). VAS values lower
      than 70 were considered poor HRQL. Binary logistic regression was used to
      identify factors related to the outcome. RESULTS: Six hundred and thirty-four
      individuals were included in the study. The mean age was 74.8 (SD 6.7) years, 55%
      of the participants were women and 46% rated their HRQL as poor. Several
      variables were found to be significantly associated with a poor HRQL in the
      multivariate model, adjusted for age and sex: polypharmacy (OR: 2.32, 95% CI:
      1.62-3.31), the presence of sensory impairment (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.24-2.69), not
      being engaged in cognitively stimulating activities (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.03
      6.16), or in group social activities (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.11-2.22), low level of
      social support (OR: 3.12, 95%CI: 1.78-5.46) and the presence of obstacles in the
      closest home environment (OR: 1.83, 95%CI: 1.11-3.02). CONCLUSIONS: The study
      identified a set of health, social and contextual variables as strongly related
      to HRQL in functionally independent community-dwelling older people. The results
      highlight the multidimensional nature of HRQL. They also reveal the importance of
      a comprehensive assessment of HRQL when designing adequate health-related
      programmes aiming to enhance active and healthy ageing and delay the onset of
      dependence.

PMID- 28088179
TI  - Chronic constipation diagnosis and treatment evaluation: the "CHRO.CO.DI.T.E."
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to Rome criteria, chronic constipation (CC) includes
      functional constipation (FC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS
      C). Some patients do not meet these criteria (No Rome Constipation, NRC). The aim
      of the study was is to evaluate the various clinical presentation and management
      of FC, IBS-C and NRC in Italy. METHODS: During a 2-month period, 52 Italian
      gastroenterologists recorded clinical data of FC, IBS-C and NRC patients, using
      Bristol scale, PAC-SYM and PAC-QoL questionnaires. In addition,
      gastroenterologists were also asked to record whether the patients were
      clinically assessed for CC for the first time or were in follow up. Diagnostic
      tests and prescribed therapies were also recorded. RESULTS: Eight hundred seventy
      eight consecutive CC patients (706 F) were enrolled (FC 62.5%, IBS-C 31.3%, NRC
      6.2%). PAC-SYM and PAC-QoL scores were higher in IBS-C than in FC and NRC. 49.5%
      were at their first gastroenterological evaluation for CC. In 48.5% CC duration
      was longer than 10 years. A specialist consultation was requested in 31.6%, more
      frequently in IBS-C than in NRC. Digital rectal examination was performed in only
      56.4%. Diagnostic tests were prescribed to 80.0%. Faecal calprotectin, thyroid
      tests, celiac serology, breath tests were more frequently suggested in IBS-C and
      anorectal manometry in FC. More than 90% had at least one treatment suggested on
      chronic constipation, most frequently dietary changes, macrogol and fibers.
      Antispasmodics and psychotherapy were more frequently prescribed in IBS-C,
      prucalopride and pelvic floor rehabilitation in FC. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with
      IBS-C reported more severe symptoms and worse quality of life than FC and NRC.
      Digital rectal examination was often not performed but at least one diagnostic
      test was prescribed to most patients. Colonoscopy and blood tests were the "first
      line" diagnostic tools. Macrogol was the most prescribed laxative, and
      prucalopride and pelvic floor rehabilitation represented a "second line"
      approach. Diagnostic tests and prescribed therapies increased by increasing CC
      severity.

PMID- 28088180
TI  - Nuclear envelope structural proteins facilitate nuclear shape changes
      accompanying embryonic differentiation and fidelity of gene expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nuclear size and shape are specific to a cell type, function, and
      location, and can serve as indicators of disease and development. We previously
      found that lamin A/C and associated nuclear envelope structural proteins were
      upregulated when murine embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiated to primitive
      endoderm cells. Here we further investigated the morphological changes of nuclei
      that accompany this differentiation. RESULTS: The nuclei of undifferentiated wild
      type cells were found shaped as flattened, irregular ovals, whereas nuclei of
      Gata4-positive endoderm cells were more spherical, less flattened, and with a
      slightly reduced volume. The morphological change was confirmed in the
      trophectoderm and primitive endoderm lineages of E4.5 blastocysts, compared to
      larger and more irregularly shaped of the nuclei of the inner cell mass. We
      established ES cells genetically null for the nuclear lamina proteins lamin A/C
      or the inner nuclear envelope protein emerin, or compound mutant for both lamin
      A/C and emerin. ES cells deficient in lamin A/C differentiated to endoderm but
      less efficiently, and the nuclei remained flattened and failed to condense. The
      size and shape of emerin-deficient nuclei also remained uncondensed after
      treatment with RA. The emerin/lamin A/C double knockout ES cells failed to
      differentiate to endoderm cells, though the nuclei condensed but retained a
      generally flattened ellipsoid shape. Additionally, ES cells deficient for lamin
      A/C and/or emerin had compromised ability to undergo endoderm differentiation,
      where the differentiating cells often exhibited coexpression of pluripotent and
      differentiation markers, such as Oct3/4 and Gata4, respectively, indicating an
      infidelity of gene regulation. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that changes in
      nuclear size and shape, which are mediated by nuclear envelope structural
      proteins lamin A/C and/or emerin, also impact gene regulation and lineage
      differentiation in early embryos. Nevertheless, mice lacking both lamin A/C and
      emerin were born at the expected frequency, indicating their embryonic
      development is completed despite the observed protein deficiency.

PMID- 28088181
TI  - Acute and chronic kidney disease in elderly patients with hip fracture:
      prevalence, risk factors and outcome with development and validation of a risk
      prediction model for acute kidney injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is a common injury in older people with a high rate of
      postoperative morbidity and mortality. This patient group is also at high risk of
      acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), but little is known
      of the impact of kidney disease on outcome following hip fracture. METHODS: An
      observational cohort of consecutive patients with hip fracture in a large UK
      secondary care hospital. Predictive modelling of outcomes using development and
      validation datasets. Inclusion: all patients admitted with hip fracture with
      sufficient serum creatinine measurements to define acute kidney injury. Main
      outcome measures - development of acute kidney injury during admission; mortality
      (in hospital, 30-365 day and to follow-up); length of hospital stay. RESULTS:
      Data were available for 2848 / 2959 consecutive admissions from 2007-2011; 776
      (27.2%) male. Acute kidney injury occurs in 24%; development of acute kidney
      injury is independently associated with male sex (OR 1.48 (1.21 to 1.80),
      premorbid chronic kidney disease stage 3B or worse (OR 1.52 (1.19 to 1.93)), age
      (OR 3.4 (2.29 to 5.2) for >85 years) and greater than one major co-morbidities
      (OR 1.61 (1.34 to 1.93)). Acute kidney injury of any stage is associated with an
      increased hazard of death, and increased length of stay (Acute kidney injury:
      19.1 (IQR 13 to 31) days; no acute kidney injury 15 (11 to 23) days). A
      simplified predictive model containing Age, CKD stage (3B-5), two or more
      comorbidities, and male sex had an area under the ROC curve of 0.63 (0.60 to
      0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Acute kidney injury following hip fracture is common and
      associated with worse outcome and greater hospital length of stay. With the
      number of people experiencing hip fracture predicted to rise, recognition of risk
      factors and optimal perioperative management of acute kidney injury will become
      even more important.

PMID- 28088183
TI  - Incidence, aetiology and outcome of community-acquired acute kidney injury in
      medical admissions in Malawi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) from low-income
      countries is sparse. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence,
      severity, aetiology, and outcomes of community-acquired AKI in Malawi. METHODS:
      We conducted a prospective observational study of general medical admissions to a
      tertiary hospital in Blantyre between 27th April and 17th July 2015. All patients
      were screened on admission with a serum creatinine; those with creatinine above
      laboratory reference range were managed by the nephrology team. Hospital outcome
      was recorded in all patients. RESULTS: Eight hundred ninety-two patients were
      included; 188 (21 . 1%) had kidney disease on admission, including 153 (17 . 2%)
      with AKI (median age 41 years; 58 . 8% HIV seropositive). 60 . 8% of AKI was
      stage 3. The primary causes of AKI were sepsis and hypovolaemia in 133 (86 . 9%)
      cases, most commonly gastroenteritis (n = 29; 19 . 0%) and tuberculosis (n = 18;
      11 . 8%). AKI was multifactorial in 117 (76 . 5%) patients; nephrotoxins were
      implicated in 110 (71 . 9%). Inpatient mortality was 44 . 4% in patients with AKI
      and 13 . 9% if no kidney disease (p <0.0001). 63 . 2% of patients who recovered
      kidney function left hospital with persistent kidney injury. CONCLUSION: AKI
      incidence is 17 . 2% in medical admissions in Malawi, the majority is severe, and
      AKI leads to significantly increased in-hospital mortality. The predominant
      causes are infection and toxin related, both potentially avoidable and treatable
      relatively simply. Effective interventions are urgently required to reduce
      preventable young deaths from AKI in this part of the world.

PMID- 28088182
TI  - Overexpression of wheat ferritin gene TaFER-5B enhances tolerance to heat stress
      and other abiotic stresses associated with the ROS scavenging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), an important crop, is
      adversely affected by heat stress in many regions of the world. However, the
      molecular mechanisms underlying thermotolerance are largely unknown. RESULTS: A
      novel ferritin gene, TaFER, was identified from our previous heat stress
      responsive transcriptome analysis of a heat-tolerant wheat cultivar (TAM107).
      TaFER was mapped to chromosome 5B and named TaFER-5B. Expression pattern analysis
      revealed that TaFER-5B was induced by heat, polyethylene glycol (PEG), H2O2 and
      Fe-ethylenediaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (Fe-EDDHA). To confirm the
      function of TaFER-5B in wheat, TaFER-5B was transformed into the wheat cultivar
      Jimai5265 (JM5265), and the transgenic plants exhibited enhanced thermotolerance.
      To examine whether the function of ferritin from mono- and dico-species is
      conserved, TaFER-5B was transformed into Arabidopsis, and overexpression of TaFER
      5B functionally complemented the heat stress-sensitive phenotype of a ferritin
      lacking mutant of Arabidopsis. Moreover, TaFER-5B is essential for protecting
      cells against heat stress associated with protecting cells against ROS. In
      addition, TaFER-5B overexpression also enhanced drought, oxidative and excess
      iron stress tolerance associated with the ROS scavenging. Finally, TaFER-5B
      transgenic Arabidopsis and wheat plants exhibited improved leaf iron content.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that TaFER-5B plays an important role in
      enhancing tolerance to heat stress and other abiotic stresses associated with the
      ROS scavenging.

PMID- 28088184
TI  - Anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) response of imiquimod based toll like receptor 7
      ligand in hbv-positive human hepatocelluar carcinoma cell line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toll like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in innate immunity
      and various studies suggest that TLRs play a crucial role in pathogenesis of
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The present study aims in looking into the
      status of crucial host and viral gene expression on inciting TLR7. METHODS: The
      transcription of TLR7 pathway signaling molecules and HBV DNA viral load were
      quantified by Real Time-PCR after stimulation of TLR7 with its imiquimod based
      ligand, R837. Cell cycle analysis was performed using flow-cytometry. Expression
      of TLR7 and chief cell cycle regulator governing G1/S transition, p53 was also
      seen in liver biopsysss samples of CHB patients. HBV induced alteration in
      histone modifications in HepG2 cells and its restoration on TLR7 activation was
      determined using western blot. RESULTS: The TLR7 expression remains downregulated
      in HepG2.2.15 cells and in liver biopsy samples from CHB patients. Interestingly
      HBV DNA viral load showed an inverse relationship with the TLR7 expression in the
      biopsy samples. We also evaluated the anti-viral activity of R837, an agonist of
      TLR7. It was observed that there was a suppression of HBV replication and viral
      protein production upon TLR7 stimulation. R837 triggers the anti-viral action
      probably through the Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway. We also observed a
      downregulation of histone H3K9Me3 repression mark upon R837 treatment in HBV
      replicating HepG2.2.15 cells, mimicking that of un-infected HepG2 cells.
      Additionally, the G1/S cell cycle arrest introduced by HBV in HepG2.2.15 cells
      was released upon ligand treatment. CONCLUSION: The study thus holds a close
      insight into the changes in hepatocyte micro-environment on TLR7 stimulation in
      HBV infection.

PMID- 28088185
TI  - iGC-an integrated analysis package of gene expression and copy number alteration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the advancement in high-throughput technologies, researchers can
      simultaneously investigate gene expression and copy number alteration (CNA) data
      from individual patients at a lower cost. Traditional analysis methods analyze
      each type of data individually and integrate their results using Venn diagrams.
      Challenges arise, however, when the results are irreproducible and inconsistent
      across multiple platforms. To address these issues, one possible approach is to
      concurrently analyze both gene expression profiling and CNAs in the same
      individual. RESULTS: We have developed an open-source R/Bioconductor package
      (iGC). Multiple input formats are supported and users can define their own
      criteria for identifying differentially expressed genes driven by CNAs. The
      analysis of two real microarray datasets demonstrated that the CNA-driven genes
      identified by the iGC package showed significantly higher Pearson correlation
      coefficients with their gene expression levels and copy numbers than those genes
      located in a genomic region with CNA. Compared with the Venn diagram approach,
      the iGC package showed better performance. CONCLUSION: The iGC package is
      effective and useful for identifying CNA-driven genes. By simultaneously
      considering both comparative genomic and transcriptomic data, it can provide
      better understanding of biological and medical questions. The iGC package's
      source code and manual are freely available at
      https://www.bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/iGC.html .

PMID- 28088186
TI  - Concentration of fine needle aspirates similar to molecular method improves
      sensitivity of the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis in Addis Ababa,
      Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN) diagnosis has been a true challenge
      solely by clinical evidence in developing countries, due to limited the
      diagnostic facility on hand. However, the availability and affordability of
      available diagnostic tools in resource-limited settings like Ethiopia
      necessitates the quest for other techniques with added value over direct Z-N
      microscopy. Therefore, we aimed at to assess whether the concentration of lymph
      node aspirate similarly improves the detection rate of tuberculous lymphadenitis
      or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was conducted on
      132 individual subjects presumptive for tuberculous lymphadenitis from February
      to October 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Fine needle aspirate (FNA) samples were
      collected from the cases and cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) slants.
      Identification of species and strains of mycobacteria was made by region of
      difference (RD) based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data entry and statistical
      analyses were performed by SPSS version 20. The confidence level of 95% was used
      for statistical significance. RESULT: A total of 132 study subjects were included
      in our study. Of these 56.1% (74/132) were positive for M. tuberculosis on
      culture. The detection rate of direct smear microscopy and the concentration
      method were 29.5 and 65.2% respectively. The sensitivity of direct smear
      microscopy was 43.2%, for concentrated smear microscopy 94.5%, for PCR 93.2% and
      for cytomorphology 95.4%. The level of agreement of concentrated ZN smear
      microscopy was 0.62 which was very similar with kappa of 0.58 of molecular (PCR)
      technique. AFB positivity by the concentration method and molecular method was
      increased in caseous aspirates as compared to purulent and hemorrhagic aspirates
      though it was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.18) and (p = 0.62)
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The concentration of FNA (Fine Needle Aspirate)
      aspirates for acid-fast smear microscopy similarly improves the sensitivity of
      acid fast bacilli in diagnosing of TBLN.

PMID- 28088187
TI  - A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of combined calcitriol and
      ergocalciferol versus ergocalciferol alone in chronic kidney disease with
      proteinuria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: KDOQI guideline suggests that nutritional vitamin D should be
      supplemented in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients who have vitamin D
      insufficiency/deficiency. However, there are scarce data regarding the additional
      benefit of active vitamin D supplement in CKD patients who were receiving
      nutritional vitamin D supplement. This study was conducted to explore the effect
      of adding active vitamin D to nutritional vitamin D supplement on proteinuria and
      kidney function in CKD with vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. METHODS: This
      double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial was performed to answer the
      above question. Sixty-eight patients with CKD stage 3-4, urine protein to
      creatinine ratio (UPCR) > 1 g/g, and serum 25OH-D level < 30 ng/mL were enrolled.
      Patients were randomly assigned to receive 12-week treatment with oral
      ergocalciferol plus placebo (n = 36) or oral ergocalciferol plus calcitriol (n =
      32). RESULTS: The mean baseline values of UPCR of both groups were comparable
      (3.6 +/- 3.8 g/g in combined group and 3.5 +/- 3.0 g/g in ergocalciferol group).
      Following 12-week treatment, there were significant reductions in UPCR from
      baseline in both groups (2.3 +/- 2.1 g/g in combined group and 2.4 +/- 2.0 g/g in
      ergocalciferol group). The percentage reductions in UPCR of both groups were not
      significantly different. The mean eGFR and blood pressure did not differ between
      baseline and 12-week follow-up and between both groups. No severe hypercalcemia
      or serious side effects were noted in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The proteinuria
      lowering effect of ergocalciferol in CKD patients with vitamin D deficiency was
      demonstrated. Additional calcitriol supplement did not have more effects on
      proteinuria. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR)
      20140929002 ). Date of registration: September 27, 2014.

PMID- 28088188
TI  - Incidence and predictors of left ventricular remodeling among elderly Asian
      women: a community-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) remodeling is closely linked to the progression
      of heart failure. There are limited data on the epidemiology of new onset LV
      remodeling among elderly women, which requires further investigation. METHOD: We
      examined data from a community-based cohort of women aged > 65 years, who had
      received > 2 echocardiography scans from 2009 to 2014. Exclusion criteria for
      patients included prior echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular
      enlargement (LVE) or hypertrophy (LVH). LVE was defined as the index of left
      ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole to height, and LVH was defined as
      the left ventricular mass and thickness index which indicate hypertrophy.
      RESULTS: Of the 474 subjects (age 71.85 +/- 6.47 years), 49 (10.3%) developed
      LVH, while 55 (11.6%) developed LVE during the mean follow-up period of 5 years.
      Independent predictors of LVH included: central blood pressure (CBP, per 10 mmHg)
      [HR 1.094, 95% CI 1.011-1.202], BMI?25(kg/m 2)[HR 1.306, 95% CI 1.175-1.434], B
      type natriuretic peptide (BNP) >= 100 (pg/mL) [HR 1.635, 95% CI 1.107-3.311] and
      brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) >=16 m/s [HR 1.605, 95% CI 1.474
      2.039]. Predictors of LVE were CBP (per 10 mmHg) [HR 1.121, 95% CI 1.027-1.238],
      BMI?25(kg/m 2)[HR 1.302, 95% CI 1.173-1.444], Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (LDL-C) [HR 1.193, 95%CI 1.013-1.405] and E/e' ratio [HR 1.077, 95% CI 1.017
      1.140]. CONCLUSION: CBP and BMI were demonstrated to be independent and robust
      predictors of left ventricular remodeling among elderly women, including both LVE
      and LVH. BNP and baPWV were specifically related to the development of LVH,
      whereas LDL-C and E/e' ratio were related to LVE.

PMID- 28088189
TI  - MARS: improving multiple circular sequence alignment using refined sequences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A fundamental assumption of all widely-used multiple sequence
      alignment techniques is that the left- and right-most positions of the input
      sequences are relevant to the alignment. However, the position where a sequence
      starts or ends can be totally arbitrary due to a number of reasons: arbitrariness
      in the linearisation (sequencing) of a circular molecular structure; or
      inconsistencies introduced into sequence databases due to different linearisation
      standards. These scenarios are relevant, for instance, in the process of multiple
      sequence alignment of mitochondrial DNA, viroid, viral or other genomes, which
      have a circular molecular structure. A solution for these inconsistencies would
      be to identify a suitable rotation (cyclic shift) for each sequence; these
      refined sequences may in turn lead to improved multiple sequence alignments using
      the preferred multiple sequence alignment program. RESULTS: We present MARS, a
      new heuristic method for improving Multiple circular sequence Alignment using
      Refined Sequences. MARS was implemented in the C++ programming language as a
      program to compute the rotations (cyclic shifts) required to best align a set of
      input sequences. Experimental results, using real and synthetic data, show that
      MARS improves the alignments, with respect to standard genetic measures and the
      inferred maximum-likelihood-based phylogenies, and outperforms state-of-the-art
      methods both in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Our results show, among others,
      that the average pairwise distance in the multiple sequence alignment of a
      dataset of widely-studied mitochondrial DNA sequences is reduced by around 5%
      when MARS is applied before a multiple sequence alignment is performed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Analysing multiple sequences simultaneously is fundamental in
      biological research and multiple sequence alignment has been found to be a
      popular method for this task. Conventional alignment techniques cannot be used
      effectively when the position where sequences start is arbitrary. We present here
      a method, which can be used in conjunction with any multiple sequence alignment
      program, to address this problem effectively and efficiently.

PMID- 28088190
TI  - Total kidney and liver volume is a major risk factor for malnutrition in
      ambulatory patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
      (ADPKD), malnutrition may develop as renal function declines and the abdominal
      organs become enlarged. We investigated the relationship of intra-abdominal mass
      with nutritional status. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at a
      tertiary hospital outpatient clinic. Anthropometric and laboratory data including
      serum creatinine, albumin, and cholesterol were collected, and kidney and liver
      volumes were measured. Total kidney and liver volume was defined as the sum of
      the kidney and liver volumes and adjusted by height (htTKLV). Nutritional status
      was evaluated by using modified subjective global assessment (SGA). RESULTS: In a
      total of 288 patients (47.9% female), the mean age was 48.3 +/- 12.2 years and
      the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 65.3 +/- 25.3
      mL/min/1.73 m2. Of these patients, 21 (7.3%) were mildly to moderately
      malnourished (SGA score of 4 and 5) and 63 (21.7%) were at risk of malnutrition
      (SGA score of 6). Overall, patients with or at risk of malnutrition were older,
      had a lower body mass index, lower hemoglobin levels, and poorer renal function
      compared to the well-nourished group. However, statistically significant
      differences in these parameters were not observed in female patients, except for
      eGFR. In contrast, a higher htTKLV correlated with a lower SGA score, even in
      subjects with an eGFR >=45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Subjects with an htTKLV >=2340 mL/m
      showed an 8.7-fold higher risk of malnutrition, after adjusting for age,
      hemoglobin, and eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional risk was detected in 30% of
      ambulatory ADPKD patients with relatively good renal function. Intra-abdominal
      organomegaly was related to nutritional status independently from renal function
      deterioration.

PMID- 28088191
TI  - Predicting probable Alzheimer's disease using linguistic deficits and biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The manual diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders such as
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related Dementias has been a challenge. Currently,
      these disorders are diagnosed using specific clinical diagnostic criteria and
      neuropsychological examinations. The use of several Machine Learning algorithms
      to build automated diagnostic models using low-level linguistic features
      resulting from verbal utterances could aid diagnosis of patients with probable AD
      from a large population. For this purpose, we developed different Machine
      Learning models on the DementiaBank language transcript clinical dataset,
      consisting of 99 patients with probable AD and 99 healthy controls. RESULTS: Our
      models learned several syntactic, lexical, and n-gram linguistic biomarkers to
      distinguish the probable AD group from the healthy group. In contrast to the
      healthy group, we found that the probable AD patients had significantly less
      usage of syntactic components and significantly higher usage of lexical
      components in their language. Also, we observed a significant difference in the
      use of n-grams as the healthy group were able to identify and make sense of more
      objects in their n-grams than the probable AD group. As such, our best diagnostic
      model significantly distinguished the probable AD group from the healthy elderly
      group with a better Area Under the Receiving Operating Characteristics Curve
      (AUC) using the Support Vector Machines (SVM). CONCLUSIONS: Experimental and
      statistical evaluations suggest that using ML algorithms for learning linguistic
      biomarkers from the verbal utterances of elderly individuals could help the
      clinical diagnosis of probable AD. We emphasise that the best ML model for
      predicting the disease group combines significant syntactic, lexical and top n
      gram features. However, there is a need to train the diagnostic models on larger
      datasets, which could lead to a better AUC and clinical diagnosis of probable AD.

PMID- 28088192
TI  - Nucleotide diversity inflation as a genome-wide response to experimental lifespan
      extension in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evolutionary theory predicts that antagonistically selected alleles,
      such as those with divergent pleiotropic effects in early and late life, may
      often reach intermediate population frequencies due to balancing selection, an
      elusive process when sought out empirically. Alternatively, genetic diversity may
      increase as a result of positive frequency-dependent selection and genetic
      purging in bottlenecked populations. RESULTS: While experimental evolution
      systems with directional phenotypic selection typically result in at least local
      heterozygosity loss, we report that selection for increased lifespan in
      Drosophila melanogaster leads to an extensive genome-wide increase of nucleotide
      diversity in the selected lines compared to replicate control lines, pronounced
      in regions with no or low recombination, such as chromosome 4 and centromere
      neighborhoods. These changes, particularly in coding sequences, are most
      consistent with the operation of balancing selection and the antagonistic
      pleiotropy theory of aging and life history traits that tend to be
      intercorrelated. Genes involved in antioxidant defenses, along with multiple
      lncRNAs, were among those most affected by balancing selection. Despite the
      overwhelming genetic diversification and the paucity of selective sweep regions,
      two genes with functions important for central nervous system and memory, Ptp10D
      and Ank2, evolved under positive selection in the longevity lines. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, the 'evolve-and-resequence' experimental approach proves successful in
      providing unique insights into the complex evolutionary dynamics of genomic
      regions responsible for longevity.

PMID- 28088193
TI  - Invasive Cardiac Lipoma: a case report and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac lipomas are rare benign tumors of the heart. They are usually
      asymptomatic and are thus most often diagnosed on autopsies. Symptoms, when
      present, depend upon the location within the heart. Typical locations are the
      endocardium of the right atrium and the left ventricle. Diagnostic modality of
      choice is cardiac MRI. Treatment guidelines have not yet been established due to
      the very low prevalence of these tumors and are thus guided by the patient's
      symptomatology. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of an invasive cardiac
      lipoma, wherein the initial symptom of the patient was shortness of breath.
      Although the echocardiogram visualized the tumor in the right atrium, a cardiac
      MRI was performed for better tissue characterization. The MRI revealed a large,
      fat containing, septated mass in the right atrium with invasion into the inter
      atrial septum and inferior cavoatrial junction. There was also invasion of the
      coronary sinus along the inferior and left lateral aspect of the posterior
      atrioventricular groove. Although the mass appeared to represent a lipoma by
      imaging characteristics, the unusual extension into the coronary sinus led to
      consideration of a low-grade liposarcoma in the differential. Thus a pre
      operative biopsy was performed along with MDM2 gene amplification to rule out a
      liposarcoma preceding surgical excision. CONCLUSION: Cardiac lipomas are well
      characterized on cardiac MRI, which is the diagnostic modality of choice. Typical
      locations are the right atrium and the left ventricle. However, in those with
      atypical features such as invasion of the coronary sinus, pre-operative biopsy
      for histopathologic confirmation is imperative to exclude well-differentiated
      liposarcoma. Our patient with a simple lipoma underwent partial resection to
      relieve symptoms. We discuss prognosis and treatment of symptomatic cardiac
      lipomas.

PMID- 28088194
TI  - Testing a cognitive model to predict posttraumatic stress disorder following
      childbirth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One third of women describes their childbirth as traumatic and
      between 0.8 and 6.9% goes on to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The
      cognitive model of PTSD has been shown to be applicable to a range of trauma
      samples. However, childbirth is qualitatively different to other trauma types and
      special consideration needs to be taken when applying it to this population.
      Previous studies have investigated some cognitive variables in isolation but no
      study has so far looked at all the key processes described in the cognitive
      model. This study therefore aimed to investigate whether theoretically-derived
      variables of the cognitive model explain unique variance in postnatal PTSD
      symptoms when key demographic, obstetric and clinical risk factors are controlled
      for. METHOD: One-hundred and fifty-seven women who were between 1 and 12 months
      post-partum (M = 6.5 months) completed validated questionnaires assessing PTSD
      and depressive symptoms, childbirth experience, postnatal social support, trauma
      memory, peritraumatic processing, negative appraisals, dysfunctional cognitive
      and behavioural strategies and obstetric as well as demographic risk factors in
      an online survey. RESULTS: A PTSD screening questionnaire suggested that 5.7% of
      the sample might fulfil diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Overall, risk factors alone
      predicted 43% of variance in PTSD symptoms and cognitive behavioural factors
      alone predicted 72.7%. A final model including both risk factors and cognitive
      behavioural factors explained 73.7% of the variance in PTSD symptoms, 37.1% of
      which was unique variance predicted by cognitive factors. CONCLUSIONS: All
      variables derived from Ehlers and Clark's cognitive model significantly explained
      variance in PTSD symptoms following childbirth, even when clinical, demographic
      and obstetric were controlled for. Our findings suggest that the CBT model is
      applicable and useful as a way of understanding and informing the treatment of
      PTSD following childbirth.

PMID- 28088195
TI  - Automatic liver segmentation based on appearance and context information.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Automated image segmentation has benefits for reducing clinicians'
      workload, quicker diagnosis, and a standardization of the diagnosis. METHODS:
      This study proposes an automatic liver segmentation approach based on appearance
      and context information. The relationship between neighboring pixels in blocks is
      utilized to estimate appearance information, which is used for training the first
      classifier and obtaining the probability distribution map. The map is used for
      extracting context information, along with appearance features, to train the next
      classifier. The prior probability distribution map is achieved after iterations
      and refined through an improved random walk for liver segmentation without user
      interaction. RESULTS: The proposed approach is evaluated using CT images with
      eight contemporary approaches, and it achieves the highest VOE, RVD, ASD, RMSD
      and MSD. It also achieves a high average score of 76 using the MICCAI-2007 Grand
      Challenge scoring system. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental results show that the
      proposed method is superior to eight other state of the art methods.

PMID- 28088196
TI  - The antibacterial activity and mechanism of ginkgolic acid C15:1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the antibacterial activity and
      underlying mechanisms of ginkgolic acid (GA) C15:1 monomer using green
      fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled bacteria strains. RESULTS: GA presented
      significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria but generally
      did not affect the growth of Gram-negative bacteria. The studies of the
      antibacterial mechanism indicated that large amounts of GA (C15:1) could
      penetrate GFP-labeled Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in a short period of time, and
      as a result, led to the quenching of GFP in bacteria. In vitro results
      demonstrated that GA (C15:1) could inhibit the activity of multiple proteins
      including DNA polymerase. In vivo results showed that GA (C15:1) could
      significantly inhibit the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA and B. amyloliquefaciens
      proteins. CONCLUSION: We speculated that GA (C15:1) achieved its antibacterial
      effect through inhibiting the protein activity of B. amyloliquefaciens. GA
      (C15:1) could not penetrate Gram-negative bacteria in large amounts, and the
      lipid soluble components in the bacterial cell wall could intercept GA (C15:1),
      which was one of the primary reasons that GA (C15:1) did not have a significant
      antibacterial effect on Gram-negative bacteria.

PMID- 28088198
TI  - Does equity in healthcare spending exist among Indian states? Explaining regional
      variations from national sample survey data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Equity and justice in healthcare payment form an integral part of
      health policy and planning. In the majority of low and middle-income countries
      (LMICs), healthcare inequalities are further aggravated by Out of Pocket
      Expenditure (OOPE). This paper examines the pattern of health equity and regional
      disparities in healthcare spending among Indian states by applying Andersen's
      behavioural model of healthcare utilization. METHODS: The present study uses data
      from the 66th quinquennial round of Consumer Expenditure Survey, of the National
      Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), conducted in 2009-10 by Ministry of Statistics
      and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India (GoI). To measure
      equity and regional disparities in healthcare expenditure, states have been
      categorized under three heads on the basis of monthly OOPE i.e., Category A (OOPE
      > =INR 100); Category B (OOPE between INR 50 to 99) and Category C (OOPE < INR
      50). Multiple Generalised Linear Regression Model (GLRM) has been employed to
      explore the effect of various socio-economic covariates on the level of OOPE.
      RESULTS: The gap in the ratio of average healthcare spending between the poorest
      and richest households was maximum in Category A states (richest/poorest =
      14.60), followed by Category B (richest/poorest 11.70) and Category C
      (richest/poorest 11.40). Results also indicate geographical concentration of
      lower level healthcare spending among Indian states (e.g., Odisha, Chhattisgarh
      and all the north-eastern states). Results from the multivariate analysis suggest
      that people residing in urban areas, having higher economic status, belonging to
      non-Muslim communities, non-Scheduled Tribes (STs), and non-poor households spend
      more on healthcare than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of various
      efforts by the government to reduce the burden of healthcare spending, widespread
      inequalities in healthcare expenditure are prevalent. Households with high
      healthcare needs (SCs/STs, and the poor) are in a more disadvantaged position in
      terms of spending on health care. It has also been observed that spending on
      healthcare was comparatively lower among backward or isolated states. No doubt,
      the overall social security measures should be enhanced, but at the same time,
      looking at the regional differences, more priority should be assigned to the
      disadvantaged states to reduce the burden of OOPE. It is proposed that there is
      need to increase government spending, especially for the disadvantaged states and
      population, to minimise the burden of OOPE.

PMID- 28088197
TI  - Production of human pro-relaxin H2 in the yeast Pichia pastoris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initially known as the reproductive hormone, relaxin was shown to
      possess other therapeutically useful properties that include extracellular matrix
      remodeling, anti-inflammatory, anti-ischemic and angiogenic effects. All these
      findings make relaxin a potential drug for diverse medical applications. Its
      precursor, pro-relaxin, is an 18 kDa protein, that shows activity in in vitro
      assays. Since extraction of relaxin from animal tissues raises several issues,
      prokaryotes and eukaryotes were both used as expression systems for recombinant
      relaxin production. Most productive results were obtained when using Escherichia
      coli as a host for human relaxin expression. However, in such host, relaxin
      precipitated in the form of inclusion bodies and, therefore, required several
      expensive recovery steps as cell lysis, refolding and reduction. RESULTS: To
      overcome the issues related to prokaryotic expression here we report the
      production and purification of secreted human pro-relaxin H2 by using the
      methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris as expression host. The methanol inducible
      promoter AOX1 was used to drive expression of the native and histidine tagged
      forms of pro-relaxin H2 in dual phase fed-batch experiments on the 22 L scale.
      Both protein forms presented the correct structure, as determined by mass
      spectrometry and western blotting analyses, and demonstrated to be biologically
      active in immune enzymatic assays. The presence of the tag allowed to simplify
      pro-relaxin purification obtaining higher purity. CONCLUSIONS: This work presents
      a strategy for microbial production of recombinant human pro-relaxin H2 in Pichia
      pastoris that allowed the obtainment of biologically active pro-hormone, with a
      final concentration in the fermentation broth ranging between 10 and 14 mg/L of
      product, as determined by densitometric analyses.

PMID- 28088199
TI  - Strategies to reduce the stigma toward people with mental disorders in Iran:
      stakeholders' perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stigma affects all aspects of mental disorders, and is the most
      important risk factor for promoting mental health. The aim of this study was to
      explore strategies effective in reducing the stigma toward people with mental
      disorders in Iran. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted from 2013 to
      2016. All participants were recruited by purposive sampling method. The majority
      of them were stakeholders of mental health in Iran. Data were collected through
      eight individual interviews, two focus groups, and six written narratives. The
      data were collected, coded and analyzed simultaneously. Content analysis was
      employed to analyze the qualitative interview data. RESULTS: The major themes
      that emerged were: "Emphasis on education and changing attitudes", "Changing the
      culture", "Promoting supportive services", "Role of various organizations and
      institutions", "Integrated reform of structures and policies to improve the
      performance of custodians", and "Evidence-based actions". CONCLUSIONS: This study
      did not investigate the extent of stigma or its origins, rather it examines
      strategies appropriate for implementation in Iran. Additional studies are needed
      to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for reducing the stigma attached to
      patients with mental disorders.

PMID- 28088200
TI  - Vitamin D status among the elderly Chinese population: a cross-sectional analysis
      of the 2010-2013 China national nutrition and health survey (CNNHS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D inadequacy is common among the elderly, especially within
      the Asian population. The vitamin D status among healthy adults in the elderly
      Chinese population was evaluated. METHODS: A total of 6014 healthy adults aged 60
      years or older (2948 men, 3066 women) participated in this descriptive cross
      sectional analysis. Possible predictors of vitamin D inadequacy were evaluated
      via multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The median serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were 61.0 nmol/l (interquartile range (IQR)
      44.3-80.6, range 5.1-154.5) for men and 53.7 nmol/l (IQR 38.8-71.0, range 6.0
      190.0) for women, with 34.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32.4-35.8) of men and
      44.0% (95% CI 42.2-45.8) of women presenting vitamin D inadequacy (25(OH)D <50
      nmol/l). According to the multivariate logistic regression analyses, vitamin D
      inadequacy was positively correlated with female gender (P <0.0001), underweight
      (P = 0.0259), the spring season (P <0.0001), low ambient UVB levels (P <0.0001)
      and living in large cities (P = 0.0026). For men, vitamin D inadequacy was
      positively correlated with the spring season (P = 0.0015), low ambient UVB levels
      (P <0.0001) and living in large cities (P = 0.0022); for women, vitamin D
      inadequacy was positively correlated with the spring season (P = 0.0005) and low
      ambient UVB levels (P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D inadequacy is prevalent
      among the elderly population in China. Because residing in regions with low
      ambient UVB levels increases the risk of vitamin D inadequacy both for men and
      women, vitamin D supplementation and sensible sun exposure should be encouraged,
      especially during the cooler seasons. Further studies are required to determine
      the optimal vitamin D intake and sun exposure levels to maintain sufficient
      vitamin D levels in the elderly Chinese population.

PMID- 28088201
TI  - Anti-allodynic effect of Buja in a rat model of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral
      neuropathy via spinal astrocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines suppression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin, a widely used anticancer drug against metastatic
      colorectal cancer, can induce acute peripheral neuropathy, which is characterized
      by cold and mechanical allodynia. Activation of glial cells (e.g. astrocytes and
      microglia) and increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1beta and TNF
      alpha) in the spinal cord play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic
      pain. Our previous study demonstrated that Gyejigachulbu-Tang (GBT), a herbal
      complex formula, alleviates oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in rats by
      suppressing spinal glial activation. However, it remains to be elucidated whether
      and how Buja (Aconiti Tuber), a major ingredient of GBT, is involved in the
      efficacy of GBT. METHODS: Cold and mechanical allodynia induced by an oxaliplatin
      injection (6 mg/kg, i.p.) in Sprauge-Dawley rats were evaluated by a tail
      immersion test in cold water (4  degrees C) and a von Frey hair test,
      respectively. Buja (300 mg/kg) was orally administrated for five consecutive days
      after the oxaliplatin injection. Glial activation in the spinal cord was
      quantified by immunohistochemical staining using GFAP (for astrocytes) and Iba-1
      (for microglia) antibodies. The amount of spinal pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL
      1beta and TNF-alpha, were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Significant behavioral
      signs of cold and mechanical allodynia were observed 3 days after an oxaliplatin
      injection. Oral administration of Buja significantly alleviated oxaliplatin
      induced cold and mechanical allodynia by increasing the tail withdrawal latency
      to cold stimuli and mechanical threshold. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the
      activation of astrocytes and microglia and the increase of the IL-1beta and TNF
      alpha levels in the spinal cord after an oxaliplatin injection. Administration of
      Buja suppressed the activation of spinal astrocytes without affecting microglial
      activation and down-regulated both IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels in the spinal
      cord. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that Buja has a potent anti-allodynic
      effect in a rat model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain, which is
      associated with the inhibition of activation of astrocytes and release of pro
      inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. Thus, our findings suggest that
      administration of Buja could be an alternative therapeutic option for the
      management of peripheral neuropathy, a common side-effect of oxaliplatin.

PMID- 28088202
TI  - Association between depression and fruit and vegetable consumption among adults
      in South Asia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years there has been a growing research interest regarding
      the impact of dietary behaviour on mental health outcomes. The present study
      aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable (F&V)
      consumption and depression in three south Asian countries- Bangladesh, India and
      Nepal. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were obtained from World Health Survey of
      WHO conducted during 2002-04. In total 14,133 adult subjects (Bangladesh 3262,
      India 7594, Nepal 3277) aged 18 years and above were included in the study.
      Outcome variables were Self-Reported Depression (SRD) during last 30 days and 12
      months. Multivariable regression methods were used to explore the association
      between F&V consumption and depression. RESULTS: Prevalence of Self-Reported
      Depression during past 12 months were respectively 39%, 17.7%, and 49.9% for
      Bangladesh, India and Nepal. In India, those who consumed less than five servings
      of vegetables were respectively 41% [AOR = 1.41; 95%CI = 0.60-3.33] and 57% [AOR
      = 1.57; 95%CI = 0.93-2.64] more likely to report severe-extreme and mild-moderate
      depression during past 30 days compared to those who consumed five servings a
      day. Regarding fruit consumption, compared to those who consumed five servings a
      day, the odds of severe-extreme and mild-moderate SRD were respectively 3.5 times
      [AOR = 3.48; 95%CI = 1.216-10.01] and 45% [AOR = 1.44; 95%CI = 0.89-2.32] higher
      in Bangladesh, and 2.9 times [AOR = 2.92; 95%CI = 1.12-7.64] and 42% higher [AOR
      = 1.41; 95%CI = 0.89-2.24] in Nepal compared to those who consumed less than five
      servings a day during last 30 days. CONCLUSION: Daily intake of less than five
      servings of F&V was associated with higher odds of depression. Nutrition programs
      aimed at promoting F&V consumption might prove beneficial to reduce the
      prevalence of depression in south Asian population. Further studies are required
      to understand the factors limiting the adequate consumption of F&V.

PMID- 28088203
TI  - A 3-Arm randomised controlled trial of Communicating Healthy Beginnings Advice by
      Telephone (CHAT) to mothers with infants to prevent childhood obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With an increasing prevalence of obesity in young children globally,
      there is an urgent need for the development of effective early interventions. A
      previous Healthy Beginnings Trial using a nurse-led home visiting program has
      demonstrated that providing mothers with evidence-based advice can improve
      maternal practice regarding obesity prevention, and can reduce Body Mass Index
      (BMI) in the first few years of life. However, the costs for scale-up of home
      visiting limit its population reach. This trial aims to determine the efficacy of
      Communicating Healthy Beginnings Advice by Telephone (CHAT) to mothers with
      infants in improving infant feeding practices and preventing the early onset of
      childhood overweight and obesity. METHODS/DESIGN: We propose a 3-arm randomised
      controlled trial (RCT) with a consecutive sample of 1056 mothers with their
      newborn children in New South Wales (NSW) Australia. Pregnant women who are
      between weeks 28 and 34 of their pregnancy will be invited to participate in the
      CHAT trial. Informed consent will be obtained, and after baseline data
      collection, participants will be randomly allocated to the telephone
      intervention, text messaging intervention, or the control group. The intervention
      comprises telephone consultations or text messages, together with 6 intervention
      packages being mailed at specific times from the third trimester of pregnancy
      until 12 months post birth. The main trial outcome measures include a) duration
      of breastfeeding, b) timing of introduction of solids, c) nutrition behaviours,
      physical activity and television viewing, and d) weight and BMI z-score at 12 and
      24 months, e) cost-effectiveness, as well as f) feasibility and acceptability of
      the interventions. DISCUSSION: The results will ascertain whether early
      intervention using telephone consultation or text messaging together with staged
      mailed intervention resources can be feasible and effective in improving infant
      feeding practices, physical activity and reducing children's BMI in the early
      years of life. If proven to be feasible, effective as well as cost-effective, the
      trial results will inform a series of recommendations for policy and practice
      related to promoting healthy infant feeding and physical activity in young
      children in the first years of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The CHAT Trial is
      registered with the Australian Clinical Trial Registry ( ACTRN12616001470482p ).
      It was registered on October 21, 2016.

PMID- 28088204
TI  - The ecology of medical care on an isolated island in Okinawa, Japan: a
      retrospective open cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the ecology of medical care on an isolated
      island with limited access to secondary care, and to evaluate the gatekeeping
      function of the island's primary care clinic through comparison with a previous
      nationwide survey. METHODS: We conducted this retrospective, open cohort study on
      Iheya, an isolated island in Okinawa Prefecture that has one primary care clinic.
      We considered Iheya as unique location in which to examine the role of primary
      care in Japan. Participants were patients who visited the island's clinic between
      February 1, 2013 and January 31, 2014. We calculated the number of visits to the
      clinic and referrals to off-island medical facilities using electronic medical
      records. We also compared data for Iheya with a nationwide survey conducted in
      2003. RESULTS: Iheya had 1314 inhabitants in 2013. Of the 5682 visits to the
      clinic in the 1-year study period, 290 people were referred to off-island medical
      institutions. There were 64 referrals to emergency departments; of these, 57
      people were admitted to hospital. The rate of visits to the clinic per month per
      1000 inhabitants was 360.4 visits (95% confidence interval: 351.0-369.7). Of
      these, 18.4 (16.3-20.5) were referred off-island, with 4.1 (3.1-5.1) referrals to
      emergency departments and 3.6 (2.6-4.6) hospitalizations. Despite the high
      incidence of visits to the primary care clinic, the rates of hospital-based
      outpatient clinic visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations were
      lower than rates reported in a previous Japanese study. CONCLUSIONS: This
      suggests that several dimensions of primary care, its gatekeeping function in
      particular, are likely to play important roles in this geographical setting.

PMID- 28088205
TI  - Quercetin improves macrophage reverse cholesterol transport in apolipoprotein E
      deficient mice fed a high-fat diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quercetin, one of the most widely distributed flavonoids in plants,
      has been demonstrated to reduce hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerotic lesion
      formation. Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) plays a crucial role in exporting
      cholesterol from peripheral cells, which is one mechanism utilized in the
      prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to
      investigate whether quercetin reduces lipid accumulation by improving RCT in
      vivo. METHODS: Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet were used to
      investigate the effect of quercetin on RCT by an isotope tracing method, and the
      underlying mechanisms were clarified by molecular techniques. RESULTS: These
      novel results demonstrated that quercetin significantly improved [3H]-cholesterol
      transfer from [3H]-cholesterol-loaded macrophages to the plasma (approximately
      34% increase), liver (30% increase), and bile (50% increase) and finally to the
      feces (approximately 40% increase) for excretion in apolipoprotein E-deficient
      mice fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, quercetin markedly increased the
      cholesterol accepting ability of plasma and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and
      dramatically decreased the content of malondialdehyde in plasma and oxidized
      phosphocholine carried by HDL. Therefore, the underlying mechanisms of quercetin
      in improving RCT may be partially due to the elevated cholesterol accepting
      ability of HDL, the increased expression levels of proteins related to RCT, such
      as ATP-binding cassettes (ABC) A1 and G1, and the improved antioxidant activity 
      of HDL . CONCLUSION: Quercetin accelerates RCT in an atherosclerosis model, which
      is helpful in clarifying the lipid-lowering effect of quercetin.

PMID- 28088207
TI  - Cytokine and neuropeptide levels are associated with pain relief in patients with
      chronically painful total knee arthroplasty: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few studies with an assessment of the levels of cytokines
      or neuropeptides as correlates of pain and pain relief in patients with painful
      joint diseases. Our objective was to assess whether improvements from baseline to
      2-months in serum cytokine, chemokine and substance P levels were associated with
      clinically meaningful pain relief at 2-months post-injection in patients with
      painful total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Using data from randomized trial
      of 60 TKAs, we assessed the association of change in cytokine/chemokine/Substance
      P levels with primary study outcome, clinically important improvement in Western
      Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale at 2-months post
      injection using Student's t-tests and Spearman's correlation coefficient (non
      parametric). Patients were categorized as pain responders (20-point reduction or
      more on 0-100 WOMAC pain) vs. pain non-responders. Sensitivity analysis used 0-10
      daytime pain numeric rating scale (NRS) instead of WOMAC pain subscale. RESULTS:
      In a pilot study, compared to non-responders (n = 23) on WOMAC pain scale at 2
      months, pain responders (n = 12) had significantly greater increase in serum
      levels of IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, eotaxin, interferon gamma and TNF-alpha from
      baseline to 2-months post-injection (p < 0.05 for all). Change in several
      cytokine/chemokine and substance P levels from pre-injection to 2-month follow-up
      correlated significantly with change in WOMAC pain with correlation coefficients
      ranging -0.37 to -0.51: IL-2, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-16, IL-12p, GCSF, IFN gamma,
      IP-10, MCP, MIP1b, TNF-alpha and VEGF (n = 35). Sensitivity analysis showed that
      substance P decreased significantly more from baseline to 2-months in the pain
      responders (0.54 +/- 0.53; n = 10) than in the pain non-responders (0.48 +/-
      1.18; n = 9; p = 0.023) and that this change in serum substance P correlated
      significantly with change in daytime NRS pain, correlation coefficient was 0.53
      (p = 0.021; n = 19). Findings should be interpreted with caution, since cytokine
      analyses were performed for a sub-group of the entire trial population.
      CONCLUSION: Serum cytokine, chemokine and Substance P levels correlated with pain
      response in patients with painful TKA after an intra-articular injection in a
      randomized trial.

PMID- 28088206
TI  - Comparing accelerometer, pedometer and a questionnaire for measuring physical
      activity in bronchiectasis: a validity and feasibility study?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are challenges for researchers and clinicians to select the
      most appropriate physical activity tool, and a balance between precision and
      feasibility is needed. Currently it is unclear which physical activity tool
      should be used to assess physical activity in Bronchiectasis. The aim of this
      research is to compare assessment methods (pedometer and IPAQ) to our criterion
      method (ActiGraph) for the measurement of physical activity dimensions in
      Bronchiectasis (BE), and to assess their feasibility and acceptability. METHODS:
      Patients in this analysis were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. The ActiGraph
      and pedometer were worn for seven consecutive days and the IPAQ was completed for
      the same period. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20 (IBM).
      Descriptive statistics were used; the percentage agreement between ActiGraph and
      the other measures were calculated using limits of agreement. Feedback about the
      feasibility of the activity monitors and the IPAQ was obtained. RESULTS: There
      were 55 (22 male) data sets available. For step count there was no significant
      difference between the ActiGraph and Pedometer, however, total physical activity
      time (mins) as recorded by the ActiGraph was significantly higher than the
      pedometer (mean +/- SD, 232 (75) vs. 63 (32)). Levels of agreement between the
      two devices was very good for step count (97% agreement); and variation in the
      levels of agreement were within accepted limits of +/-2 standard deviations from
      the mean value. IPAQ reported more bouted- moderate - vigorous physical activity
      (MVPA) [mean, SD; 167(170) vs 6(9) mins/day], and significantly less sedentary
      time than ActiGraph [mean, SD; 362(115) vs 634(76) vmins/day]. There were low
      levels of agreement between the two tools (57% sedentary behaviour; 0% MVPA10+),
      with IPAQ under-reporting sedentary behaviour and over-reporting MVPA10+ compared
      to ActiGraph. The monitors were found to be feasible and acceptable by
      participants and researchers; while the IPAQ was accepta ble to use, most
      patients required assistance to complete it. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate measurement of
      physical activity is feasible in BE and will be valuable for future trials of
      therapeutic interventions. ActiGraph or pedometer could be used to measure simple
      daily step counts, but ActiGraph was superior as it measured intensity of
      physical activity and was a more precise measure of time spent walking. The IPAQ
      does not appear to represent an accurate measure of physical activity in this
      population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registration Number NCT01569009 :
      Physical Activity in Bronchiectasis.

PMID- 28088208
TI  - Stirring the motivational soup: within-person latent profiles of motivation in
      exercise.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to use a person-oriented
      analytical approach to identify latent motivational profiles, based on the
      different behavioural regulations for exercise, and to examine differences in
      satisfaction of basic psychological needs (competence, autonomy and relatedness)
      and exercise behaviour across these motivational profiles. METHODS: Two samples,
      consisting of 1084 and 511 adults respectively, completed exercise-related
      measures of behavioural regulation and psychological need satisfaction as well as
      exercise behaviour. Latent profile analyses were used to identify motivational
      profiles. RESULTS: Six profiles, representing different combinations of
      regulations for exercise, were found to best represent data in both samples. Some
      profiles were found in both samples (e.g., low motivation profile, self
      determined motivation profile and self-determined with high introjected
      regulation profile), whereas others were unique to each sample. In line with the
      Self-Determination Theory, individuals belonging to more self-determined profiles
      demonstrated higher scores on need satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The results support
      the notions of motivation being a multidimensional construct and that people have
      different, sometimes competing, reasons for engaging in exercise. The benefits of
      using person-oriented analyses to examine within-person interactions of
      motivation and different regulations are discussed.

PMID- 28088209
TI  - Pulmonary embolism in non-brain tumor patients after surgery-a retrospective
      study in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence rate of pulmonary emboli (PE) is high in tumor
      patients; however, the morbidity and mortality associated with the development of
      PE after tumor surgery are unknown. We studied the clinical profiles and outcomes
      of patients with PE after non-brain tumor surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively
      screened 55,967 patients who underwent non-brain tumor surgery at the Peking
      University Cancer Hospital from January 2008 to June 2015. Among them, 76
      patients who were diagnosed with PE were enrolled in our study. Factors impacting
      the overall survival at 90 days were analyzed. A Kaplan-Meier curve was plotted
      for time to death or until day 90. Cox proportional hazard modeling was performed
      for univariate- and multivariate-adjusted factor analyses. RESULTS: The morbidity
      rate was approximately 135.8 per 100,000 non-brain tumor surgery patients
      (possibly underestimated). When treated, seven patients had major bleeding, and
      14 patients had clinically relevant non-major bleeding, which represented 9.2 and
      18.4% of all the patients, respectively. The 3-month overall mortality rate was
      11.8% in our study. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE
      II) score and platelet distribution width (PDW) were independent risk factors for
      the prognosis of PE after non-brain surgery (P values of 0.001 and 0.016,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of PE in non-brain tumor surgical patients
      remained a challenge due to the high bleeding rate. The APACHE II score and PDW
      were independent prognostic factors of survival in patients with PE after non
      brain tumor surgery; however, the study power was limited.

PMID- 28088210
TI  - Endothelial function in children with a history of henoch schonlein purpura.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is the most common form of
      systemic vasculitis in children, the long term effect of HSP on endothelial
      function is still not clear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long term
      effect of HSP on endothelial function in children and adolescents. METHODS: This
      research was an observational prospective study. The study group comprised of 19
      children diagnosed with HSP. The minimum interval between the diagnosis with HSP
      and endothelial testing was 5 months. Endothelial function evaluation was
      assessed by a noninvasive technology named peripheral arterial tonometry, using
      an EndoPATTM device. This method measures blood flow in the limb, in response to
      arterial occlusion, and calculates a Reactive Hyperemic Index (RHI) as an index
      of endothelial function. RHI values of the study group were compared to those of
      a known control group. RESULTS: Nineteen children and adolescents with HSP
      underwent endothelial function studies. Endothelial function was compared to that
      of a known control group comprising of 23 healthy children and adolescents. The
      two groups had similar characteristics, including age, male to female ratio,
      height, weight and BMI. Mean RHI was 1.81 in the study group, and 1.87 in the
      control group (p = 0.18). Linear regression of the study group, showed a positive
      correlation between the time interval from HSP diagnosis to participation in the
      study, and between the RHI value (r = 0.542, p = 0.016). RHI levels were
      significantly higher in patients who had endothelial function measured more than
      6 years since the diagnosis of HSP compared with those patients with less than 6
      years follow up (1.98 + 0.74 vs. 1.38 +/- 0.43 P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest that HSP causes short term endothelial dysfunction that improves
      with time.

PMID- 28088211
TI  - Innovation contests to promote sexual health in China: a qualitative evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Innovation contests call on non-experts to help solve problems. While
      these contests have been used extensively in the private sector to increase
      engagement between organizations and clients, there is little data on the role of
      innovation contests to promote health campaigns. We implemented an innovation
      contest in China to increase sexual health awareness among youth and evaluated
      community engagement in the contest. METHODS: The sexual health image contest
      consisted of an open call for sexual health images, contest promotion activities,
      judging of entries, and celebrating contributions. Contest promotion activities
      included in-person and social media feedback, classroom didactics, and community
      driven activities. We conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with a purposive
      sample to ensure a range of participant scores, experts and non-expert
      participants, submitters and non-submitters. Transcripts of each interview were
      coded with Atlas.ti and evaluated by three reviewers. RESULTS: We identified
      stages of community engagement in the contest which contributed to public health
      impact. Community engagement progressed across a continuum from passive,
      moderate, active, and finally strong engagement. Engagement was a dynamic process
      that appeared to have little relationship with formally submitting an image to
      the contest. Among non-expert participants, contest engagement increased
      knowledge, healthy attitudes, and empowered participants to share ideas about
      safe sex with others outside of the contest. Among experts who helped organize
      the contest, the process of implementing the contest fostered multi-sectoral
      collaboration and re-oriented public health leadership towards more patient
      centered public health campaigns. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest
      that innovation contests may be a useful tool for public health promotion by
      enhancing community engagement and re-orienting health campaigns to make them
      more patient-centered.

PMID- 28088212
TI  - Ultrasensitive detection of oncogenic human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal
      tissue swabs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) caused
      by oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is rising worldwide. HPV-OPSCC is
      commonly diagnosed by RT-qPCR of HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins or by p16
      immunohistochemistry (IHC). Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has been recently
      reported as an ultra-sensitive and highly precise method of nucleic acid
      quantification for biomarker analysis. To validate the use of a minimally
      invasive assay for detection of oncogenic HPV based on oropharyngeal swabs using
      ddPCR. Secondary objectives were to compare the accuracy of ddPCR swabs to fresh
      tissue p16 IHC and RT-qPCR, and to compare the cost of ddPCR with p16 IHC.
      METHODS: We prospectively included patients with p16+ oral cavity/oropharyngeal
      cancer (OC/OPSCC), and two control groups: p16- OC/OPSCC patients, and healthy
      controls undergoing tonsillectomy. All underwent an oropharyngeal swab with ddPCR
      for quantitative detection of E6 and E7 mRNA. Surgical specimens had p16 IHC
      performed. Agreement between ddPCR and p16 IHC was determined for patients with
      p16 positive and negative OC/OPSCC as well as for healthy control patients. The
      sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR of oropharyngeal swabs were calculated
      against p16 IHC for OPSCC. RESULTS: 122 patients were included: 36 patients with
      p16+OPSCC, 16 patients with p16-OPSCC, 4 patients with p16+OCSCC, 41 patients
      with p16-OCSCC, and 25 healthy controls. The sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR
      of oropharyngeal swabs against p16 IHC were 92 and 98% respectively, using 20-50
      times less RNA than that required for conventional RT-qPCR. Overall agreement
      between ddPCR of tissue swabs and p16 of tumor tissue was high at K = 0.826
      [0.662-0.989]. CONCLUSION: Oropharyngeal swabs analyzed by ddPCR is a
      quantitative, rapid, and effective method for minimally invasive oncogenic HPV
      detection. This assay represents the most sensitive and accurate mode of HPV
      detection in OPSCC without a tissue biopsy in the available literature.

PMID- 28088213
TI  - Glycine-alanine dipeptide repeat protein contributes to toxicity in a zebrafish
      model of C9orf72 associated neurodegeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most frequent genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration
      (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the expansion of a GGGGCC
      hexanucleotide repeat in a non-coding region of the chromosome 9 open reading
      frame 72 (C9orf72) locus. The pathological hallmarks observed in C9orf72 repeat
      expansion carriers are the formation of RNA foci and deposition of dipeptide
      repeat (DPR) proteins derived from repeat associated non-ATG (RAN) translation.
      Currently, it is unclear whether formation of RNA foci, DPR translation products,
      or partial loss of C9orf72 predominantly drive neurotoxicity in vivo. By using a
      transgenic approach in zebrafish we address if the most frequently found DPR in
      human ALS/FTLD brain, the poly-Gly-Ala (poly-GA) protein, is toxic in vivo.
      METHOD: We generated several transgenic UAS responder lines that express either
      80 repeats of GGGGCC alone, or together with a translation initiation ATG codon
      forcing the translation of GA80-GFP protein upon crossing to a Gal4 driver. The
      GGGGCC repeat and GA80 were fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) lacking a
      start codon to monitor protein translation by GFP fluorescence. RESULTS:
      Zebrafish transgenic for the GGGGCC repeat lacking an ATG codon showed very mild
      toxicity in the absence of poly-GA. However, strong toxicity was induced upon ATG
      initiated expression of poly-GA, which was rescued by injection of an antisense
      morpholino interfering with start codon dependent poly-GA translation. This
      morpholino only interferes with GA80-GFP translation without affecting repeat
      transcription, indicating that the toxicity is derived from GA80-GFP. CONCLUSION:
      These novel transgenic C9orf72 associated repeat zebrafish models demonstrate
      poly-GA toxicity in zebrafish. Reduction of poly-GA protein rescues toxicity
      validating this therapeutic approach to treat C9orf72 repeat expansion carriers.
      These novel animal models provide a valuable tool for drug discovery to reduce
      DPR associated toxicity in ALS/FTLD patients with C9orf72 repeat expansions.

PMID- 28088214
TI  - Determinants and materno-fetal outcomes related to cesarean section delivery in
      private and public hospitals in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the well-established morbidity, mortality, long-term effects,
      and unnecessary extra-cost burden associated with cesarean section delivery (CSD)
      worldwide, its rate has grown exponentially. This has become a great topical
      challenge for the international healthcare community and individual countries.
      Estimated at three times the acceptable rate as defined by the World Health
      Organization in 1985, the continued upward trend has been fuelled by higher
      income countries. Some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have now taken
      the lead, and the factors contributing to this situation are poorly understood.
      The expansion of the private healthcare sector may be playing a significant role.
      Distinguishing between the public and private hospitals' role is critical in this
      investigation as it has not yet been approached. This review aims to
      systematically synthesize knowledge on the determinants of the CSD rate rise in
      private and public hospitals in LMICs and to investigate materno-fetal and
      materno-infant outcomes of CSD in perinatal period, between private and public
      hospitals. METHODS/DESIGN: We will include studies published in English, French,
      Spanish, and Portuguese since 2000, using any experimental design, including
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, quasi-experimental, before and
      after studies, and interrupted time series. Outcomes of interest are the
      determinants of CSD and materno-fetal and materno-infant outcomes. We will only
      include studies carried out in private and public hospitals in LMICs. The
      literature searches will be conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE,
      Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane database, LILACS, and HINARI. We will also include
      unpublished studies in the gray literature (theses and technical reports). Using
      the two-person approach, two independent review authors will screen eligible
      articles, extract data, and assess risk of bias. Disagreements will be resolved
      through discussion with a third author. Results will be presented as structured
      summaries of the included studies. If possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted
      and, subsequently, an analysis for heterogeneity will be implemented. DISCUSSION:
      The proposed systematic review of the CSD rate rise will provide up-to-date
      evidence in regard to differences in proportions, determinants, and materno-fetal
      and materno-infant outcomes in perinatal period, between private and public
      hospitals in LMICs. We believe that this knowledge synthesis will help to shed
      light on the evidence and support evidence-informed decision-making with a view
      to addressing the issue in LMICs. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO
      CRD42016036871.

PMID- 28088215
TI  - Non-associative versus associative learning by foraging predatory mites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Learning processes can be broadly categorized into associative and
      non-associative. Associative learning occurs through the pairing of two
      previously unrelated stimuli, whereas non-associative learning occurs in response
      to a single stimulus. How these two principal processes compare in the same
      learning task and how they contribute to the overall behavioural changes brought
      about by experience is poorly understood. We tackled this issue by scrutinizing
      associative and non-associative learning of prey, Western flower thrips
      Frankliniella occidentalis, by the predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus. We
      compared the behaviour of thrips-experienced and -naive predators, which, early
      in life, were exposed to either thrips with feeding (associative learning),
      thrips without feeding (non-associative learning), thrips traces on the surface
      (non-associative learning), spider mites with feeding (thrips-naive) or spider
      mite traces on the surface (thrips-naive). RESULTS: Thrips experience in early
      life, no matter whether associative or not, resulted in higher predation rates on
      thrips by adult females. In the no-choice experiment, associative thrips
      experience increased the predation rate on the first day, but shortened the
      longevity of food-stressed predators, a cost of learning. In the choice
      experiment, thrips experience, no matter whether associative or not, increased
      egg production, an adaptive benefit of learning. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows
      that both non-associative and associative learning forms operate in foraging
      predatory mites, N. californicus. The non-rewarded thrips prey experience
      produced a slightly weaker, but less costly, learning effect than the rewarded
      experience. We argue that in foraging predatory mites non-associative learning is
      an inevitable component of associative learning, rather than a separate process.

PMID- 28088216
TI  - Immunohistochemical features of giant cell ependymoma of the filum terminale with
      unusual clinical and radiological presentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Giant cell ependymoma of the filum terminale is a rare variant,
      generally manifested as a well-circunscribed intradural mass with an indolent
      biological behavior. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 48-year-old
      Mexican female who non-relevant past medical history, that developed a GCE of the
      filum terminale. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed the
      presence of an intra-axial tumor extending from L3 to L5 with extra-medullary
      invasion. Therefore the tumor was considered unresectable and only incisional
      biopsy was obtained, establishing the tentative diagnosis of a poorly
      differentiated neoplasia. A second evaluation of the case revealed the presence
      of numerous non-cohesive pleomorphic giant cells with intranuclear inclusions and
      broad eosinophilic cytoplasm, alternating with intermediate size cells with
      round, hyperchromatic nuclei and forming a perivascular pseudo-rosettes pattern.
      The ependymal phenotype was supported by light microscopy and corroborated by
      immunohistochemistry analysis. The patient was subsequently treated with
      radiotherapy 54Gy. She is alive after a 27-month follow-up, with residual
      disease, difficulty ambulating and pain. CONCLUSIONS: GCE of filum terminale may
      have an atypical clinical and radiological presentation, albeit with invasive
      characteristics and anaplasia on histologic analysis. However, its biological
      behavior is indolent and associated to longer survival. Due to the presence of
      giant cells, the differential diagnosis of other primary neoplasias at that site
      were considered, including paraganglioma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath
      tumors as well as metastatic malignant melanoma, adrenal carcinoma, thyroid gland
      carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, that may all harbor giant cells.

PMID- 28088217
TI  - Surgical treatment of upper cervical spine metastases: a retrospective study of
      39 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of upper cervical spine metastases are
      controversial up to now. By summarizing and analyzing the clinical data of the
      upper cervical spine involved metastases treated surgically in our center, we
      mainly aimed to investigate the surgical decisions and outcomes so as to provide
      more references for the clinical treatment of this special and complex spine
      metastasis. METHODS: We evaluated the patients' pre- and post-operative neck pain
      and neurologic function with paired t test, followed by the statistics of the
      selection of surgical approaches, ways of reconstruction, and related
      complications. Moreover, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was adopted to
      analyze the patients' survival according to different growth group (rapid,
      moderate, and slow). RESULTS: There were 39 patients with atlantoaxial metastases
      in this study. The most common symptom (94.87%) was occipital-cervical pain,
      which relieved greatly after surgical interventions (p < 0.01). The metastases
      mainly resulted from lung cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer with an incidence of
      38.46 and 10.26%, respectively. As to different growth group, the rapid-growth
      tumors accounted for 69.23% in all atlantoaxial metastases. Tumor resection and
      stabilization were performed mainly via the combined anterior and posterior
      approach (66.67%). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rate at the last
      follow-up was 58.5, 40, and 28.3%, respectively, with a median survival time of
      18 months. The rate of complications associated with the surgical intervention
      was 12.82% (5/39), which is lower than that of the previous reports and generally
      controllable. CONCLUSIONS: Relatively radical interventions with surgery for
      upper cervical spine metastases offered satisfactory outcomes with a low
      mortality. Together with adjuvant therapy, surgical treatment benefits patients
      with atlantoaxial metastases by relieving regional pain, restoring or improving
      the neurologic function, stabilizing the quality of life, and prolonging the
      survival time of such patients.

PMID- 28088219
TI  - The unhealthy food environment does not modify the association between obesity
      and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Los
      Angeles County.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
      has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, but not much is known about the
      mechanisms behind this association. The objective of this study was to determine
      if the neighborhood density of unhealthy food outlets modifies the association
      between obesity and participation in SNAP. METHODS: Data comes from the first
      wave of the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey; included are a subsample
      of adults (18+ years) who were SNAP participants or eligible non-participants (N
      = 1,176). We carried out multilevel analyses with obesity (BMI >= 30 Kg/m2), SNAP
      participation, and the neighborhood density of unhealthy food outlets as
      dependent, independent and modifying variables, respectively, controlling for
      age, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, working status, mental health, and
      neighborhood poverty. RESULTS: SNAP participants had double the odds of obesity
      compared to eligible non-participants (OR = 2.02; 95%CI = 1.44-2.83). However,
      the neighborhood density of unhealthy food outlets did not modify this
      association. CONCLUSIONS: SNAP participation was associated with higher odds of
      obesity in our primarily Hispanic sample in Los Angeles County, with no effect
      modification found for the unhealthy portion of the food environment. More
      research is needed with additional food environment measures to confirm our null
      findings. Additional research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking SNAP
      participation and obesity as they remain unclear.

PMID- 28088218
TI  - Spinal versus general anaesthesia in surgery for inguinodynia (SPINASIA trial):
      study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic inguinodynia (groin pain) is a common complication following
      open inguinal hernia repair or a Pfannenstiel incision but may also be
      experienced after other types of (groin) surgery. If conservative treatments are
      to no avail, tailored remedial surgery, including a neurectomy and/or a (partial)
      meshectomy, may be considered. Retrospective studies in patients with chronic
      inguinodynia suggested that spinal anaesthesia is superior compared to general
      anaesthesia in terms of pain relief following remedial operations. This
      randomised controlled trial is designed to study the effect of type of
      anaesthesia (spinal or general) on pain relief following remedial surgery for
      inguinodynia. METHODS: A total of 190 adult patients who suffer from unacceptable
      chronic (more than 3 months) inguinodynia, as subjectively judged by the patients
      themselves, are included. Only patients scheduled to undergo a neurectomy and/or
      a meshectomy by an open approach are considered for inclusion and randomised to
      spinal or general anaesthesia. Patients are excluded if pain is attributable to
      abdominal causes or if any contraindications for either type of anaesthesia are
      present. Primary outcome is effect of type of anaesthesia on pain relief.
      Secondary outcomes include patient satisfaction, quality of life, use of
      analgesics and (in)direct medical costs. Patient follow-up period is one year.
      DISCUSSION: The first patient was included in January 2016. The expected trial
      deadline is December 2019. Potential effects are deemed related to the entire
      setting of type of anaesthesia. Since any setting is multifactorial, all of these
      factors may influence the outcome measures. This is the first large randomised
      controlled trial comparing the two most frequently used anaesthetic techniques in
      remedial surgery for groin pain. There is a definite need for evidence-based
      strategies to optimise results of these types of surgery. Besides pain relief,
      other important patient-related outcome measures are assessed to include
      patient's perspectives on outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol (protocol
      number NL54115.015.15 ) is approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Maxima
      Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. The study protocol was registered at
      www.trialregister.nl (NTR registration number: 5586) on 15 January 2016.

PMID- 28088220
TI  - Anti-inflammatory potential of ellagic acid, gallic acid and punicalagin A&B
      isolated from Punica granatum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Punica granatum (pomegranate), an edible fruit originating in the
      Middle East, has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of pain and
      inflammatory conditions such as peptic ulcer. The numerous risks associated with
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treatment of pain and
      inflammation give rise to using medicinal herbs as alternative therapies. This
      study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of isolated compounds from
      the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of P. granatum by determination of their
      inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS), stimulated nitric oxide (NO),
      prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cyclooxxgenase-2 (COX-2)
      release from RAW264.7 cells. METHODS: The compounds ellagic acid, gallic acid and
      punicalagin A&B were isolated from EtOAc by high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) and further identified by mass spectrometry (MS). The
      inhibitory effect of ellagic acid, gallic acid and punicalagin A&B were evaluated
      on the production of LPS-induced NO by Griess reagent, PGE-2 and IL-6 by
      immunoassay kit and prostaglandin E2 competitive ELISA kit, and COX-2 by Western
      blotting. RESULTS: Ellagic acid, gallic acid and punicalagin A&B potentially
      inhibited LPS-induced NO, PGE-2 and IL-6 production. CONCLUSION: The results
      indicate that ellagic acid, gallic acid and punicalagin may be the compounds
      responsible for the anti-inflammatory potential of P. granatum.

PMID- 28088221
TI  - Role of pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy in abandoned radical hysterectomy
      in cervical cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) occupies fourth place in cancer incidence and
      mortality worldwide in women, with 560,505 new cases and 284,923 deaths per year.
      Approximately, nine of every ten (87%) take place in developing countries. When a
      macroscopic nodal involvement is discovered during a radical hysterectomy (RH),
      there is controversy in the literature between resect macroscopic lymph node
      compromise or abandonment of the surgery and sending the patient for standard
      chemo-radiotherapy treatment. The objective of this study is to compare the
      prognosis of patients with CC whom RH was abandoned and bilateral pelvic
      lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed with that of
      patients who were only biopsied or with removal of a suspicious lymph node,
      treated with concomitant radiotherapy/chemotherapy in the standard manner.
      METHODS: A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted in two institutions
      from Mexico and Colombia. Clinical records of patients with early-stage CC
      programmed for RH with an intraoperative finding of pelvic lymph, para-aortic
      nodes, or any extracervical involvement that contraindicates the continuation of
      surgery were obtained. Between January 2007 and December 2012, 42 clinical
      patients complied with study inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis.
      RESULTS: In patients with CC whom RH was abandoned due to lymph node affectation,
      there is no difference in overall survival or in disease-free period between
      systematic lymphadenectomy and tumor removal or lymph node biopsy, in pelvic
      lymph nodes as well as in para-aortic lymph nodes, when these patients receive
      adjuvant treatment with concomitant radiotherapy/chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This
      is a hypothesis-generator study; thus, the recommendation is made to conduct
      randomized prospective studies to procure better knowledge on the impact of
      bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy on this group of patients.

PMID- 28088222
TI  - Clinical importance of personality difficulties: diagnostically sub-threshold
      personality disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current categorical classification of personality disorders has been
      criticized for overlooking the dimensional nature of personality and that it may
      miss some sub-threshold personality disturbances of clinical significance. We
      aimed to evaluate the clinical importance of these conditions. For this, we used
      a simple four-level dimensional categorization based on the severity of
      personality disturbance. METHODS: The sample consisted of 352 patients admitted
      to mental health services. All underwent diagnostic assessments (SCID-I and SCID
      II) and filled in questionnaires concerning their social situation and childhood
      adversities, and other validated tools, including the Beck Depression Inventory
      (BDI), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), health-related quality
      of life (15D), and the five-item Mental Health Index (MHI-5). The patients were
      categorized into four groups according to the level of personality disturbance: 0
      = No personality disturbance, 1 = Personality difficulty (one criterion less than
      threshold for one or more personality disorders), 2 = Simple personality disorder
      (one personality disorder), and 3 = Complex/Severe personality disorder (two or
      more personality disorders or any borderline and antisocial personality
      disorder). RESULTS: The proportions of the groups were as follows: no personality
      disturbance 38.4% (n = 135), personality difficulty 14.5% (n = 51), simple
      personality disorder 19.9% (n = 70), and complex/severe personality disorder
      24.4% (n = 86). Patients with no personality disturbance were significantly
      differentiated (p < 0.05) from the other groups regarding the BDI, 15D, and MHI-5
      scores as well as the number of Axis I diagnoses. Patients with complex/severe
      personality disorders stood out as being worst off. Social dysfunction was
      related to the severity of the personality disturbance. Patients with a
      personality difficulty or a simple personality disorder had prominent symptoms
      and difficulties, but the differences between these groups were mostly non
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: An elevated severity level of personality disturbance
      is associated with an increase in psychiatric morbidity and social dysfunction.
      Diagnostically sub-threshold personality difficulties are of clinical
      significance and the degree of impairment corresponds to actual personality
      disorders. Since these two groups did not significantly differ from each other,
      our findings also highlight the complexity related to the use of diagnostic
      thresholds for separate personality disorders.

PMID- 28088223
TI  - Predictors of long term use of psychiatric services of patients with recent-onset
      schizophrenia: 12 years follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to investigate predictors of long term use of
      psychiatric services of patients with recent-onset schizophrenia. METHODS: A
      cohort of 50 clinically stable patients with recent-onset schizophrenia was
      included in a randomized controlled trial comparing early integrated treatment
      with treatment as usual. Recent onset was defined as emergence of psychotic
      symptoms for the first time during the preceding 2 years. The follow up period
      was from the date of randomization and until 12 years after termination of
      treatment trial, 14 years forward. RESULTS: Score on Brief psychiatric rating
      scale both at baseline and after 2 years of treatment, suicide attempts during 2
      years of treatment and being an inpatient during 2 years of treatment were
      significant predictors of long term use of services. CONCLUSION: High score on
      Brief psychiatric rating scale, suicide attempts and being admitted as inpatient
      early in the course of schizophrenia are possible predictors of long term use of
      services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00184509 . Registered 15
      September 2005.

PMID- 28088224
TI  - Clinical analysis of Krukenberg tumours in patients with colorectal cancer-a
      review of 57 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A Krukenberg tumour (KT) is defined as an ovarian metastasis from a
      gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma and suggests a terminal condition. This study
      aimed to identify the prognostic factors affecting the survival of patients with
      KTs of colorectal origin who receive cytoreductive surgery. METHODS: Medical
      records of patients who had received cytoreductive surgery and had been
      pathologically diagnosed with KT of colorectal origin in two centres were
      reviewed. Information about the patients' clinicopathological features and follow
      up visit were collected. Factors influencing patient survival were analysed.
      RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included in this study. The median survival
      time was 35 months. Five-year overall survival was 25%. Patients who had
      recurrence 2 years after resection of the primary tumour, achieved complete
      cytoreduction, had metastases confined to the pelvis, had no lymph node
      involvement, and received systemic chemotherapy had a significantly longer median
      survival than those who had recurrence at the same time as resection of the
      primary tumour (P = 0.027), received incomplete cytoreduction (P < 0.001), had
      metastases beyond the pelvis (P < 0.001), had lymph node involvement (P = 0.011),
      and did not receive systemic chemotherapy (P = 0.006) on log-rank test. Less
      extensive metastatic disease, achievement of complete cytoreduction, and use of
      systemic chemotherapy were significantly associated with improved prognosis on
      multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Cytoreductive surgery may confer survival
      benefits in patients with KTs of colorectal origin who attain complete
      cytoreduction and whose metastases are confined to the pelvis and when combined
      with active systemic chemotherapy.

PMID- 28088225
TI  - Using low-cost drones to map malaria vector habitats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing awareness that if we are to achieve the ambitious
      goal of malaria elimination, we must compliment indoor-based vector control
      interventions (such as bednets and indoor spraying) with outdoor-based
      interventions such as larval source management (LSM). The effectiveness of LSM is
      limited by our capacity to identify and map mosquito aquatic habitats. This study
      provides a proof of concept for the use of a low-cost (< $1000) drone (DJI
      Phantom) for mapping water bodies in seven sites across Zanzibar including
      natural water bodies, irrigated and non-irrigated rice paddies, peri-urban and
      urban locations. RESULTS: With flying times of less than 30 min for each site,
      high-resolution (7 cm) georeferenced images were successfully generated for each
      of the seven sites, covering areas up to 30 ha. Water bodies were readily
      identifiable in the imagery, as well as ancillary information for planning LSM
      activities (access routes to water bodies by road and foot) and public health
      management (e.g. identification of drinking water sources, mapping individual
      households and the nature of their construction). CONCLUSION: The drone-based
      surveys carried out in this study provide a low-cost and flexible solution to
      mapping water bodies for operational dissemination of LSM initiatives in mosquito
      vector-borne disease elimination campaigns. Generated orthomosaics can also be
      used to provide vital information for other public health planning activities.

PMID- 28088226
TI  - Use of an intraoperative navigation system for retrieving a broken dental
      instrument in the mandible: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A fracture of root canal instruments, with a fractured piece
      protruding beyond the apex, is a troublesome incident during an endodontic
      treatment. Locating and retrieving them represents a challenge to maxillofacial
      surgeons because it is difficult to access due to the proximity between the
      foreign body and vital structures. Although safe and accurate for surgery,
      radiographs and electromagnetic devices do not provide a precise three
      dimensional position. In contrast, computer-aided navigation provides a
      correlation between preoperatively collected data and intraoperatively
      encountered anatomy. However, using a navigation system for mandible treatment is
      difficult as the mobile nature of the mandible complicates its synchronization
      with the preoperative imaging data during surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: This report
      describes a case of a dental instrument breakage in the mandible during an
      endodontic treatment for a restorative dental procedure in a 65-year-old Japanese
      woman. The broken dental instrument was removed using a minimally invasive
      approach with a surgical navigation system and an interocclusal splint for a
      stable, identically repeatable positioning of the mandible. Using the three
      dimensional position of the navigation probe, a location that best approximated
      the most anterior extent of the fragment was selected. A minimally invasive
      vestibular incision was made at this location, a subperiosteal reflection was
      performed, and the foreign body location was confirmed using a careful navigation
      system. The instrument was carefully visualized and extruded from the apical to
      the tooth crown side and was then removed using mosquito forceps through the
      medullary cavity of the crown side of the tooth. Follow-up was uneventful; her
      clinical course was good. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a surgical navigation system
      together with an interocclusal splint enabled the retrieval of a broken dental
      instrument in a safe and minimally invasive manner without damaging the
      surrounding vital structures.

PMID- 28088227
TI  - Simplified Chinese version of the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) for patients who
      underwent joint arthroplasty: cross-cultural adaptation and validation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) is a newly developed health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire designed to evaluate the awareness after
      total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study cross-culturally adapted and
      psychometrically validated a simplified Chinese version of the FJS (SC-FJS).
      METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to the internationally
      recognized guidelines. One-hundred and fifty participants who underwent primary
      TKA were recruited in this study. Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlations
      were used to determine reliability. Construct validity was analyzed by evaluating
      the correlations between SC-FJS and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome
      Score (KOOS) and the short form (36) health survey (SF-36). RESULTS: Each of the
      12 items was properly responded and correlated with the total items. SC-FJS had
      excellent reliability [Cronbach's alpha = 0.907, intra-class correlation
      coefficient (ICC) = 0.970, 95% CI 0.959-0.978). Elimination of any one item in
      all did not result in a value of Cronbach's alpha of <0.80. SC-FJS had a high
      correlation with symptoms (0.67, p < 0.001) and pain (0.60, p < 0.001) domains of
      KOOS and social functioning (0.66, p < 0.001) domain of SF-36, and it also
      moderately correlated with function in daily living (0.53, p < 0.001) and
      function in sport and recreation (0.40, p < 0.001) domains of KOOS, and physical
      subscale of SF-36 (0.49-0.53, p < 0.001) but had a low (r = 0.20) or not
      significant (p > 0.05) correlation with mental subscale of SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: SC
      FJS demonstrated excellent acceptability, internal consistency, reliability, and
      construct validity, which can be recommended for patients who underwent joint
      arthroplasty in Mainland China.

PMID- 28088228
TI  - The loss-of-function mutations and down-regulated expression of ASB3 gene promote
      the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box protein 3 (ASB3) is a member of ASB
      family and contains ankyrin repeat sequence and SOCS box domain. Previous studies
      indicated that it mediates the ubiquitination and degradation of tumor necrosis
      factor receptor 2 and is likely involved in inflammatory responses. However, its
      effects on oncogenesis are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects
      of ASB3 on the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: We used
      next-generation sequencing or Sanger sequencing to detect ASB3 mutations in CRC
      specimens or cell lines, and used real-time quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical or immunofluorescence assay
      to determine gene expression. We evaluated cell proliferation by MTT and colony
      formation assays, tested cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry, and assessed
      cell migration and invasion by transwell and wound healing assays. We also
      performed nude mouse experiments to evaluate tumorigenicity and hepatic
      metastasis potential of tumor cells. RESULTS: We found that ASB3 gene was
      frequently mutated (5.3%) and down-regulated (70.4%) in CRC cases. Knockdown of
      endogenous ASB3 expression promoted CRC cell proliferation, migration, and
      invasion in vitro and facilitated tumorigenicity and hepatic metastasis in vivo.
      Conversely, the ectopic overexpression of wild-type ASB3, but not that of ASB3
      mutants that occurred in clinical CRC tissues, inhibited tumor growth and
      metastasis. Further analysis showed that ASB3 inhibited CRC metastasis likely by
      retarding epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which was characterized by the up
      regulation of beta-catenin and E-cadherin and the down-regulation of
      transcription factor 8, N-cadherin, and vimentin. CONCLUSION: ASB3 dysfunction
      resulted from gene mutations or down-regulated expression frequently exists in
      CRC and likely plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC.

PMID- 28088229
TI  - Clinicopathologic significance of TRAP1 expression in colorectal cancer: a large
      scale study of human colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the major cause of cancer mortality, despite
      development of therapeutic strategies. The novel marker tumor necrosis factor
      receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondrial heat shock protein that
      has been related to drug resistance and protection from apoptosis in colorectal
      cancer. This study aims to delineate the clinicopathologic significance of TRAP1
      expression in colorectal cancer. METHODS: Seven-hundred and fourteen FFPE tissues
      were collected from colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery from
      February 2002 to July 2011 at Dong-A University Medical Center, Busan, South
      Korea. We performed TRAP1 immunohistochemistry using tissue microarray, and
      divided into two groups, TRAP1 high expression group and low expression group.
      Statistical analysis was utilized to evaluate the association of TRAP1 with
      clinicopathologic characteristics and disease-specific survival of patients.
      RESULTS: High TRAP1 expression was observed in 564 cases (79%) and low expression
      was 150 cases (21%). TRAP1 expression was significantly increased in colorectal
      cancer with advanced pathologic T-stage compared with that in early T-stage (p =
      0.008). By univariate survival analysis, high TRAP1 expression was significantly
      associated with worse disease-specific survival (p = 0.01). But, TRAP1 expression
      was marginally associated with lymph node involvement and tumor differentiation
      (p = 0.085, p = 0.082, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that TRAP1
      expression (hazard ratio, 1.947; 95% CI, 1.270 to 2.984; p = 0.002), and
      pathologic T stage (hazard ratio, 3.190; 95% CI, 1.275 to 7.983; p = 0.013) were
      independent prognostic factors for colorectal adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Here,
      we found that overexpression of TRAP1 might contribute to tumor cell local
      invasion of colorectal cancer. The association between TRAP1 overexpression and
      worse disease-specific survival also suggested that TRAP1 protein expression
      might have oncogenic role. Consequently, our data demonstrated that TRAP1
      expression was a good prognostic biomarker for depth of invasion and disease
      specific survival in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 28088230
TI  - Relationship between the uptake of 18F-borono-L-phenylalanine and L-[methyl-11C]
      methionine in head and neck tumors and normal organs.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the
      distribution of 4-borono-2-18F-fluoro-phenylalanine (18F-BPA) and L-[methyl-11C]
      methionine (11C-Met) in normal organs and tumors and to evaluate the usefulness
      of 11C-Met/PET in screening potential candidates for boron neutron capture
      therapy (BNCT). MATERIAL METHODS: Seven patients who had at least one
      histologically confirmed head and neck tumor were included in this study. They
      underwent both whole-body 18F-BPA-PET/CT and 11C-Met-PET/CT within a span of 6
      months. Uptake was evaluated using the maximum standardized uptake value
      (SUVmax). Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed within the tumors and target
      organs of brain, thyroid, submandibular gland, lung, liver, esophagus, stomach
      pancreas, spleen, muscle, and bone marrow. RESULTS: The tumor SUVmax of FBPA and
      11C-Met showed strong correlation (r 2 = 0.72, P = 0.015). Although 18F-BPA and
      11C-Met showed markedly different uptake in some organs (submandibular gland,
      liver, heart, stomach pancreas, spleen, and bone marrow), the uptake of 11C-Met
      was consistently higher than that of 18F-BPA in these cases. CONCLUSION: 11C-Met
      PET/CT might be used instead of 18F-BPA PET/CT to predict the accumulation of 10B
      in tumors and to select candidates for BNCT. However, it would not be suitable
      for evaluating accumulation in some normal organs. Therefore, the 18F-BPA-PET
      study remains a prerequisite for BNCT. This is the first report of the
      correlation between 18F-BPA and 11C-Met accumulation.

PMID- 28088232
TI  - Utilization of mobile phones for accessing menstrual regulation services among
      low-income women in Bangladesh: a qualitative analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As many as one-third of all pregnancies in Bangladesh are unplanned,
      with nearly one-half of these pregnancies ending in either menstrual regulation
      (MR) or illegal clandestine abortion. Although MR is provided free of charge, or
      at a nominal cost, through the public sector and various non-profits
      organizations, many women face barriers in accessing safe, affordable MR and post
      MR care. Mobile health (mHealth) services present a promising platform for
      increasing access to MR among low-income women at risk for clandestine abortion.
      We sought to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding mHealth
      of both MR clients and formal and informal sexual and reproductive healthcare
      providers in urban and rural low-income settlements in Bangladesh. METHODS: A
      total of 58 interviews were conducted with MR clients, formal MR providers, and
      informal MR providers in four low-income settlements in the Dhaka and Sylhet
      districts of Bangladesh. Interview data was coded and qualitatively analysed for
      themes using standard qualitative research practices. RESULTS: Our findings
      suggest that low-income MR clients in Bangladesh have an inadequate understanding
      of how to use their mobile phones to obtain health service information or
      counselling related to MR, and correspondingly low levels of formal or informal
      mHealth service utilization. Few were aware of any formal mHealth services in
      place in their communities, despite the fact that providers stated that hotlines
      were available. Overall, MR clients expressed positive opinions of mHealth
      services as a means of improving women's access to affordable and timely MR.
      Formal and informal MR providers believed that mobile phones had benefits with
      respect to information dissemination and making appointments, but emphasized the
      necessity of in-person consultations for effective sexual and reproductive
      healthcare. CONCLUSIONS: We report low utilization yet high acceptability of
      mHealth services among low-income MR clients in Bangladesh. Expanding formal and
      informal mHealth services targeted towards MR - and increasing publicity of these
      services in low-income communities - may help increase timely access to accurate
      MR information and formal providers among women at risk for clandestine abortion.
      While expanding formal and informal mHealth services for SRHR in Bangladesh may
      be useful in disseminating information about MR and connecting women with formal
      providers, in-person visits remain necessary for adequate treatment.

PMID- 28088231
TI  - Efficacy of gabapentin for prevention of postherpetic neuralgia: study protocol
      for a randomized controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic neuropathic pain that
      results from alterations of the peripheral nervous system in areas affected by
      the herpes zoster virus. The symptoms include pain, paresthesia, dysesthesia,
      hyperalgesia, and allodynia. Despite the availability of pharmacological
      treatments to control these symptoms, no treatments are available to control the
      underlying pathophysiology responsible for this disabling condition.
      METHODS/DESIGN: Patients with herpes zoster who are at least 50 years old and
      have a pain score of 4 or higher on a visual analogue scale (VAS) will be
      recruited. The aim is to recruit 134 patients from the practices of general
      physicians. Participants will be randomized to receive gabapentin to a maximum of
      1800 mg/day for 5 weeks or placebo. Both arms will receive 1000-mg caplets of
      valacyclovir three times daily for 7 days (initiated within 72 h of the onset of
      symptoms) and analgesics as needed. The primary outcome measure is the percentage
      of patients with a VAS pain score of 0 at 12 weeks from rash onset. The secondary
      outcomes measures are changes in quality of life (measured by the SF-12
      questionnaire), sleep disturbance (measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep
      Scale), and percentage of patients with neuropathic pain (measured by the Douleur
      Neuropathique in 4 Questions). DISCUSSION: Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant type
      of analgesic that could prevent the onset of PHN by its antihypersensitivity
      action in dorsal horn neurons. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry identifier:
      ISRCTN79871784 . Registered on 2 May 2013.

PMID- 28088233
TI  - Successful recovery from a subclavicular ulcer caused by lenvatinib for thyroid
      cancer: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are currently no effective therapeutic methods for locally
      recurrent, metastatic, or progressive radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory
      differentiated thyroid cancer. However, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors
      (TKIs) such as lenvatinib or sorafenib have been approved for patients with RAI
      refractory differentiated thyroid cancer as a second targeted therapy, and these
      agents can prolong patient survival. However, several cases have been reported
      that TKIs have caused fatal complications such as fistula formation or bleeding.
      CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 53-year-old woman, who underwent
      repeated neck dissections and RAI therapy after total thyroidectomy in an outside
      hospital. Pathology revealed a papillary carcinoma of the tall cell variant.
      Locoregional recurrence was not under control; therefore, she visited our
      hospital. Although surgery was performed for locoregional recurrences three times
      in our hospital, they were not under control and distant metastases were found in
      the lung and bone a year later. Therefore, although sorafenib was initiated, the
      locoregional recurrence progressed 6 months later and computed tomography (CT)
      showed a 7-cm mass in the right subclavicular lesion. Lenvatinib was started at a
      dose of 24 mg daily. However, although tumor was rapidly reduced, an ulcer
      occurred in the right subclavicular lesion and was gradually increasing in size.
      The pulsation of subclavicular artery was found in the deep portion of the ulcer.
      Therefore, a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was transplanted to cover the
      ulcer. Lenvatinib was an antiangiogetic TKI; therefore, it was preoperatively
      discontinued for 8 days and postoperatively for 12 days. The postoperative course
      was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Fistula formation or bleeding is known to be a
      severe side effect of antiangiogenic TKIs such as lenvatinib or sorafenib. There
      is a possibility that severe complications can occur when initiating TKIs in
      patients whose tumor has invaded into the skin, vessels, trachea, esophagus, and
      other areas. Therefore, it is necessary to use antiangiogenic TKIs very
      carefully. It is important to determine the appropriate time to start TKIs;
      however, there is no established protocol for this, and it is a problem that
      needs urgent attention.

PMID- 28088234
TI  - Stability-based validation of dietary patterns obtained by cluster analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cluster analysis is a data-driven method used to create clusters of
      individuals sharing similar dietary habits. However, this method requires
      specific choices from the user which have an influence on the results. Therefore,
      there is a need of an objective methodology helping researchers in their
      decisions during cluster analysis. The objective of this study was to use such a
      methodology based on stability of clustering solutions to select the most
      appropriate clustering method and number of clusters for describing dietary
      patterns in the NESCAV study (Nutrition, Environment and Cardiovascular Health),
      a large population-based cross-sectional study in the Greater Region (N = 2298).
      METHODS: Clustering solutions were obtained with K-means, K-medians and Ward's
      method and a number of clusters varying from 2 to 6. Their stability was assessed
      with three indices: adjusted Rand index, Cramer's V and misclassification rate.
      RESULTS: The most stable solution was obtained with K-means method and a number
      of clusters equal to 3. The "Convenient" cluster characterized by the consumption
      of convenient foods was the most prevalent with 46% of the population having this
      dietary behaviour. In addition, a "Prudent" and a "Non-Prudent" patterns
      associated respectively with healthy and non-healthy dietary habits were adopted
      by 25% and 29% of the population. The "Convenient" and "Non-Prudent" clusters
      were associated with higher cardiovascular risk whereas the "Prudent" pattern was
      associated with a decreased cardiovascular risk. Associations with others factors
      showed that the choice of a specific dietary pattern is part of a wider lifestyle
      profile. CONCLUSION: This study is of interest for both researchers and public
      health professionals. From a methodological standpoint, we showed that using
      stability of clustering solutions could help researchers in their choices. From a
      public health perspective, this study showed the need of targeted health
      promotion campaigns describing the benefits of healthy dietary patterns.

PMID- 28088236
TI  - Economic burden of family caregiving for elderly population in southern Ghana:
      the case of a peri-urban district.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health systems in low and lower-middle income countries, particularly
      in sub-Sahara Africa, often lack the specialized personnel and infrastructure to
      provide comprehensive care for elderly/ageing populations. Close-to-client
      community-based approaches are a low-cost way of providing basic care and social
      support for elderly populations in such resource-constrained settings and family
      caregivers play a crucial role in that regard. However, family caregiving duties
      are often unremunerated and their care-related economic burden is often
      overlooked though this knowledge is important in designing or scaling up
      effective interventions. The objective of this study, therefore, was to estimate
      the economic burden of family caregiving for the elderly in southern Ghana.
      METHODS: The study was a retrospective cross-sectional cost-of-care study
      conducted in 2015 among family caregivers for elderly registered for a support
      group in a peri-urban district in southern Ghana. A simple random sample of 98
      respondents representative of the support group members completed an interviewer
      administered questionnaire. Costs were assessed over a 1-month period. Direct
      costs of caregiving (including out-of-pocket costs incurred on health care) as
      well as productivity losses (i.e. indirect cost) to caregivers were analysed.
      Intangible costs were assessed using the 12-item Zarit burden interview (ZBI)
      tool and the financial cost dimension of the cost of care index. RESULTS: The
      estimated average cost of caregiving per month was US$186.18, 66% of which was
      direct cost. About 78% of the family caregivers in the study reported a high
      level of caregiving burden (as measured with the ZBI) with females reporting a
      relatively higher level than males. Further, about 87% of the family caregivers
      reported a high level of financial stress as a result of caregiving for their
      elderly relative. CONCLUSION: The study shows that support/caregiving for elderly
      populations imposes economic burden on families, potentially influencing the
      economic position of families with attendant implications for equity and future
      family support for such vulnerable populations.

PMID- 28088235
TI  - The sense behind retroviral anti-sense transcription.
AB  - Retroviruses are known to rely extensively on the expression of viral proteins
      from the sense proviral genomic strand. Yet, the production of regulatory
      retroviral proteins from antisense-encoded viral genes is gaining research
      attention, due to their clinical significance. This report will discuss what is
      known about antisense transcription in Retroviridae, and provide new information
      about antisense transcriptional regulation through a comparison of Human
      Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human T-cell Lymphotrophic Virus (HTLV-1) and
      endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK) long terminal repeats (LTRs). We will attempt to
      demonstrate that the potential for antisense transcription is more widespread
      within retroviruses than has been previously appreciated, with this feature being
      the rule, rather than the exception.

PMID- 28088237
TI  - Association between diabetes mellitus and multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis: a
      protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has emerged as a
      challenge to global tuberculosis (TB) control and remains a major public health
      concern in many countries. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an increasingly recognized
      comorbidity that can both accelerate TB disease and complicate its treatment. The
      aim of this study is to summarize available evidence on the association of DM and
      MDR-TB among TB patients and to provide a pooled estimate of risks. METHODS: All
      studies published in English before October 2016 will be searched using
      comprehensive search strings through PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and WHO
      Global Health Library databases which have reported the association of DM and MDR
      TB in adults with TB (age > =15). Two authors will independently collect detailed
      information using structured data abstraction form. The quality of studies will
      be checked using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort and case-control studies and
      the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool for cross-sectional studies.
      Heterogeneity between included studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic.
      We will check potential publication bias by visual inspection of the funnel plot
      and Egger's regression test statistic. We will use the random effects model to
      compute a pooled estimate. DISCUSSION: Increases in the burden of non
      communicable diseases and aging populations are changing the importance of
      different risk factors for TB, and the profile of comorbidities and clinical
      challenges for people with TB. Although classic risk factors and comorbidities
      such as overcrowding, under-nutrition, silicosis, and HIV infection are crucial
      to address, chronic conditions like diabetes are important factors that impair
      host defenses against TB. Thus, undertaking integrated multifaceted approach is
      remarkably necessary for reducing the burden of DM and successful TB treatment
      outcome. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016045692 .

PMID- 28088238
TI  - Lymph node pooling: a feasible and efficient method of lymph node molecular
      staging in colorectal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathologic lymph node staging is becoming a deficient method in the
      demanding molecular era. Nevertheless, the use of more sensitive molecular
      analysis for nodal staging is hampered by its high costs and extensive time
      requirements. Our aim is to take a step forward in colon cancer (CC) lymph node
      (LN) pathology diagnosis by proposing a feasible and efficient molecular method
      in routine practice using reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification (RT-LAMP). RESULTS: Molecular detection of tumor cytokeratin 19
      (CK19) mRNA with RT-LAMP was performed in 3206 LNs from 188 CC patients using two
      methods: individual analysis of 1449 LNs from 102 patients (individual cohort),
      and pooled LN analysis of 1757 LNs from 86 patients (pooling cohort). A median of
      13 LNs (IQR 10-18) per patient were harvested in the individual cohort, and 18
      LNs (IQR 13-25) per patient in the pooling cohort (p <= 0.001). The median of
      molecular assays performed in the pooling cohort was 2 per patient (IQR 1-3),
      saving a median of 16 assays/patient. The number of molecular assays performed in
      the individual cohort was 13 (IQR 10-18), corresponding to the number of LNs to
      be analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of the pooling method for LN
      involvement (assessed by hematoxylin and eosin) were 88.9% (95% CI 56.5-98.0) and
      79.2% (95% CI 68.9-86.8), respectively; concordance, 80.2%; PPV, 33.3%; NPV,
      98.4%. The individual method had 100% sensitivity (95% CI 72.2-100), 44.6%
      specificity (95% CI 34.8-54.7), 50% concordance, 16.4% PPV, and 100% NPV. The
      amount of tumor burden detected in all LNs of a case, or total tumor load (TTL)
      was similar in both cohorts (p = 0.228). CONCLUSIONS: LN pooling makes it
      possible to analyze a high number of LNs from surgical colectomies with few
      molecular tests per patient. This approach enables a feasible means to integrate
      LN molecular analysis from CC specimens into pathology diagnosis and provides a
      more accurate LN pathological staging with potential prognostic implications.

PMID- 28088240
TI  - Feasibility of an altruistic sperm donation program in Canada: results from a
      population-based model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stringent donor-screening criteria and legislation prohibiting
      payment for donor gametes have contributed to the radical decline of donor
      insemination (DI) using sperm provided by Canadian men. Thus, many individuals
      rely on imported sperm. This paper examines the feasibility of an altruistic
      sperm donation (ASD) program to meet the needs of Canadians. METHODS: Using
      Canadian census data, published literature and expert opinions, two population
      based, top-down mathematical models were developed to estimate the supply and
      demand for donor sperm and the feasibility of an ASD program. RESULTS: It was
      estimated that 63 donors would pass Canadian screening criteria, which would
      provide 1,575 donations. The demand for DI by women was 7,866 samples (4,319 same
      sex couples, 1,287 single women and 2,260 heterosexual couples). CONCLUSION:
      Considerable effort would be necessary to create the required increase in
      awareness of the program and change in societal behaviour towards sperm donation
      for an ASD program to be feasible in Canada.

PMID- 28088239
TI  - Towards interruption of schistosomiasis transmission in sub-Saharan Africa:
      developing an appropriate environmental surveillance framework to guide and to
      support 'end game' interventions.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a waterborne parasitic disease in sub-Saharan Africa,
      particularly common in rural populations living in impoverished conditions. With
      the scale-up of preventive chemotherapy, national campaigns will transition from
      morbidity- to transmission-focused interventions thus formal investigation of
      actual or expected declines in environmental transmission is needed as 'end game'
      scenarios arise. Surprisingly, there are no international or national guidelines
      to do so in sub-Saharan Africa. Our article therefore provides an introduction to
      key practicalities and pitfalls in the development of an appropriate
      environmental surveillance framework. In this context, we discuss how strategies
      need to be adapted and tailored to the local level to better guide and support
      future interventions through this transition. As detection of egg-patent
      infection in people becomes rare, careful sampling of schistosome larvae in
      freshwater and in aquatic snails with robust species-specific DNA assays will be
      required. Appropriate metrics, derived from observed prevalence(s) as compared
      with predetermined thresholds, could each provide a clearer insight into
      contamination- and exposure-related dynamics. Application could be twofold, first
      to certify areas currently free from schistosomiasis transmission or second to
      red-flag recalcitrant locations where extra effort or alternative interventions
      are needed.

PMID- 28088241
TI  - Perceptions of mistreatment among trainees vary at different stages of clinical
      training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mistreatment of trainees remains a frequently reported phenomenon in
      medical education. One barrier to creating an educational culture of respect and
      professionalism may be a lack of alignment in the perceptions of mistreatment
      among different learners. Through the use of clinical vignettes, our aim was to
      assess the perceptions of trainees toward themes of potential mistreatment at
      different stages of training. METHODS: Based on observations from external
      experts embedded in the clinical learning environment, six thematic areas of
      potential mistreatment were identified: verbal abuse, specialty-choice
      discrimination, non-educational tasks, withholding/denying learning
      opportunities, neglect and gender/racial insensitivity. Corresponding clinical
      vignettes were created and distributed to 1) medical students, 2) incoming
      interns, 3) residents/fellows. Perceptions of the appropriateness of the
      interactions depicted in the vignettes were measured on a 5-point Likert scale.
      Scores were categorized into neutral or appropriate (<=3) or inappropriate (i.e.
      mistreatment) (>3) and compared using chi-squared tests. RESULTS: Four hundred
      twenty seven trainees participated (182 students, 120 interns, 125
      residents/fellows). Proportions of students perceiving mistreatment differed
      significantly from those of interns and residents/fellows in domains of verbal
      abuse, specialty discrimination and gender/racial insensitivity (p < 0.05). In
      scenarios comparing interns to residents/fellows, no significant differences were
      noted in perceptions of mistreatment in the domains of non-educational tasks,
      withholding learning and neglect. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of mistreatment differ
      at different developmental stages of medical training. After exposure to the
      clinical learning environment, perceptions of incoming interns did not differ
      from those of residents/fellows, implicating clinical rotations as a key period
      in indoctrinating students into the prevailing culture. More longitudinal studies
      are needed to confirm or better examine this phenomenon.

PMID- 28088242
TI  - Differences in spatial distributions of iron supplementation use among pregnant
      women and associated factors in Ethiopia: evidence from the 2011 national
      population based survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron supplementation during pregnancy prevents against low birth
      weight, incidence of prematurity and postpartum hemorrhage. However, the coverage
      of iron supplementation is still low in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate
      the spatial variations and associated factors of iron supplementation during
      pregnancy using the 2011 national demographic and health survey data. METHODS:
      This study used secondary data from the 2011 Ethiopian demographic and health
      survey. The survey was cross sectional and used a multistage cluster sampling
      procedure. A logistic regression statistical model using adjusted odds ratio
      (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the associated
      factors. Getis-Ord G-statistic was used to identify high and low hotspot areas of
      iron tablet supplementation during pregnancy. RESULTS: The coverage of iron
      tablet supplementation was 17.1% [95%CI: (16.3-17.9)] with the highest coverage
      of 38.9% [95%CI: (32.4--46.1)] in Addis Ababa followed by Tigray regional state
      with 33.8% [95%CI: (29.9-38.00)]. The lowest coverage was found in Oromiya
      regional state at 11.9% [95%CI: (10.7-13.0)]. Multivariable analysis showed that
      mothers who were aware of the Community Conversation Program had 20% [AOR = 1.2;
      95% CI: (1.04-1.4)] higher odds of taking iron tablets. The odds of taking iron
      tablets was 2.9 times [AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: (2.3-3.7)] higher among those who took
      deworming tablets. Those mothers who attended the minimum four antenatal visits
      recommended by WHO were 3.9 times [AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: (3.3-4.6)] more likely and
      those mothers in the age group 31-49 years were 2.9 times [AOR = 2.9; 95% CI:
      (1.1-7.4)] more likely to use iron tablets as compared to those mothers who did
      not attend antenatal care and mothers in the age group less than 20 years.
      Mothers having a family size of 10 and above had 32% [AOR = 0.68; 95% CI: (0.49
      0.97)] lower odds of taking iron tablets during pregnancy. The spatial analysis
      found that only northern, central and eastern parts of Ethiopia were identified
      as hotspots of iron supplementation. CONCLUSION: Iron supplementation use was not
      equally distributed in Ethiopia, with relatively higher prevalence in Tigray,
      Addis Ababa and Harari regional states. Attention should be given to younger age
      mothers, mothers with large family size and mothers who reside in areas with low
      coverage of iron tablet distribution. Promotion of antenatal care services based
      on the WHO standard can be used as an intervention for improving iron
      supplementation during pregnancy.

PMID- 28088243
TI  - Reducing sedentary time in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes: process evaluation
      of the STAND (Sedentary Time ANd Diabetes) RCT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reducing sedentary behaviour may have important health implications.
      This study evaluated the potential enablers and barriers for outcomes of a
      randomised controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate a pragmatic education
      based intervention designed to reduce sedentary (sitting) behaviour in young
      adults at high risk of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Data were collected from
      participants in the intervention group immediately after an educational workshop
      addressing sedentary time and diabetes risk (n = 71), through phone interviews 6
      weeks (n = 45) after the workshop, and at the conclusion of the 12-month trial (n
      = 10). The two education session facilitators were also interviewed about the
      intervention. RESULTS: The RCT showed no difference in sedentary time at 12
      months between intervention and control arms. The lack of behaviour change
      appeared not to be attributed to the workshops, which were well led and very
      favourably received according to feedback. However, factors contributing to this
      lack of behaviour change include lack of perceived health risk from baseline
      measures feedback; the preference to adopt physically active behaviours rather
      than to sit less; certain barriers to sitting less; motivational drift after the
      3-month follow-up measurements where participants had no contact for a further 9
      months; and, for some, unreliability of the self-monitoring tool. CONCLUSIONS:
      The workshop was well led and well received by the attendees but future
      interventions need to consider more contact with participants, discuss any
      specific benefits around simply standing to reduce sitting time, address the
      barriers to sitting less, and provide a more user-friendly and reliable self
      monitoring tool. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current controlled trials ISRCTN08434554 ,
      MRC project 91409. Registered retrospectively on 22 February 2011.

PMID- 28088244
TI  - Study of the variability of scapular inclination and the glenoid version -
      considerations for preoperative planning: clinical-radiological study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preoperative planning with the aid of imaging methods is a principal
      factor in successful surgery on the shoulder. This work aims to evaluate the
      variability of glenoid version, spiralling twist and scapular inclination in
      relation to the frontal axis. Studies focusing on measuring the variability of
      scapular inclination in the standardised rest position are lacking in the
      literature. METHODS: We evaluated 104 CT scans of the shoulder. We measured the
      glenoid version with respect to the scapular axis at three levels. We measured
      the scapular inclination angle in relation to the sagittal plane and we
      determined scapular inclination in relation to the frontal axis. Statistical
      evaluation was performed using the marginal linear model and parameters were
      estimated using the generalised least squares method, which enables the
      dependency of measurements performed on the same subject to be taken into
      consideration. RESULTS: The highest values of retroversion are attained by the
      glenoid in the cranial section (average -9.96 degrees , range -29.7 to +13.2
      degrees ). Proof of the spiralling twist is the decline in retroversion at the
      centre of the glenoid (average -2.09 degrees , range -16.7 to +11.6 degrees ).
      Retroversion decreases further in the inferior direction (average -0.5 degrees ,
      range -20.9 to +17.5 degrees ). The average thoracoscapular angle is 45.46
      degrees , ranging from 13.1 to 69.0 degrees . The average scapular inclination in
      relation to the frontal plane is 44.54 degrees , ranging from 21.0 to76.9 degrees
      . CONCLUSIONS: During preoperative planning, the surgeon should take into
      consideration not only the glenoid version in relation to the scapular axis, but
      also the value of the scapular inclination so as to eliminate possible surgical
      errors, optimise prosthesis implantation and thus decrease the risk of functional
      restrictions of the joint. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethics Committee for
      Multi-Centric Clinical Trials (EK-554/14,29thApril 2014).

PMID- 28088245
TI  - The value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in characterizing complex ovarian
      tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate the utility of dynamic contrast
      enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in the differentiation of malignant, borderline, and
      benign complex ovarian tumors. METHODS: DCE-MRI data of 102 consecutive complex
      ovarian tumors (benign 15, borderline 16, and malignant 71), confirmed by surgery
      and histopathology, were analyzed retrospectively. The patterns (I, II, and III)
      of time-signal intensity curve (TIC) and three semi-quantitative parameters,
      including enhancement amplitude (EA), maximal slope (MS), and time of half rising
      (THR), were evaluated and compared among benign, borderline, and malignant
      ovarian tumors. The types of TIC were compared by Pearson Chi-square chi 2
      between malignant and benign, borderline tumors. The mean values of EA, MS, and
      THR were compared using one-way ANOVA or nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test.
      RESULTS: Fifty-nine of 71 (83%) malignant tumors showed a type-III TIC; 9 of 16
      (56%) borderline tumors showed a type-II TIC, and 10 of 15 (67%) benign tumors
      showed a type-II TIC, with a statistically significant difference between
      malignant and benign tumors (P < 0.001) and between malignant and borderline
      tumors (P < 0.001). MS was significantly higher in malignant tumors than in
      benign tumors and in borderline than in benign tumors (P < 0.001, P = 0.013,
      respectively). THR was significantly lower in malignant tumors than in benign
      tumors and in borderline than in benign tumors (P < 0.001, P = 0.007,
      respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between
      malignant and borderline tumors in MS and THR (P = 0.19, 0.153) or among
      malignant, borderline, and benign tumors in EA (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DCE
      MRI is helpful for characterizing complex ovarian tumors; however, semi
      quantitative parameters perform poorly when distinguishing malignant from
      borderline tumors.

PMID- 28088246
TI  - Budget impact analysis of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b as a
      part of a Pentavalent vaccine in the childhood immunization schedule of Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health decision makers need to know the impact of the development of
      a new intervention on the public health and health care costs so that they can
      plan for economic and financial objectives. The aim of this study was to
      determine the budget impact of adding Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) as a
      part of a Pentavalent vaccine (Hib-HBV-DTP) to the national childhood
      immunization schedule of Iran. METHODS: An excel-based model was developed to
      determine the costs of including the Pentavalent vaccine in the national
      immunization program (NIP), comparing the present schedule with the previous one
      (including separate DTP and hepatitis B vaccines). The total annual costs
      included the cost of vaccination (the vaccine and syringe) and the cost of Hib
      treatment. The health outcome was the estimated annual cases of the diseases. The
      net budget impact was the difference in the total annual cost between the two
      schedules. Uncertainty about the vaccine effectiveness, vaccination coverage,
      cost of the vaccine, and cost of the diseases were handled through scenario
      analysis. RESULTS: The total cost of vaccination during 5 years was $18,060,463
      in the previous program and $67,774,786 in the present program. Inclusion of the
      Pentavalent vaccine would increase the vaccination cost about $49 million, but
      would save approximately $6 million in the healthcare costs due to reduction of
      disease cases and treatment costs. The introduction of the Pentavalent vaccine
      resulted in a net increase in the healthcare budget expenditure across all
      scenarios from $43.4 million to $50.7 million. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      study showed that the inclusion of the Pentavalent vaccine in the NIP of Iran had
      a significant impact on the health care budget and increased the financial burden
      on the government. Budget impact of including Pentavalent vaccine in the national
      immunization schedule of Iran?.

PMID- 28088247
TI  - First molecular identification of Echinococcus vogeli and Echinococcus granulosus
      (sensu stricto) G1 revealed in feces of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) from
      Acre, Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) (s.l.) and Echinococcus vogeli
      are causative agents of chronic zoonotic diseases such as cystic and polycystic
      echinococcosis, respectively. In Brazil, polycystic echinococcosis has a
      restricted geographical distribution in the North Region, while cystic
      echinococcosis is observed in the South Region. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris)
      fed with raw viscera represent a risk factor for E. granulosus (s.l.) infection
      in the South Region. Although this practice is frequent, it remains unclear
      whether domestic dogs are infected with E. vogeli in the state of Acre, located
      in the Amazon basin in the North Region of Brazil. The aim of this study was to
      investigate this gap in the polycystic echinococcosis epidemiology. METHODS:
      Sixty-five fecal samples were collected from the ground in five municipalities
      (Sena Madureira, n = 14; Rio Branco, n = 06; Bujari, n = 06; Xapuri, n = 30; and
      Epitaciolandia, n = 09) located in the state of Acre, northern Brazil. The
      samples were screened for parasites by copro-PCR using the cox1 gene associated
      with automated sequencing. RESULTS: Echinococcus vogeli was molecularly confirmed
      in a sample from Sena Madureira and E. granulosus (sensu stricto) (s.s.) (G1) in
      a sample from Rio Branco. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that molecular
      assays are useful in typing Echinococcus taxa from fecal samples of dogs in
      northern Brazil. The present study is the first molecular record of E. vogeli in
      domestic dogs found in the state of Acre, reinforcing their role as a source of
      infection for humans. Because E. granulosus (s.s.) (G1) was detected for the
      first time in the North Region, from the epidemiological standpoint this finding
      is highly relevant, because it expands the known geographical distribution, which
      was previously restricted to the South Region of Brazil.

PMID- 28088248
TI  - The spectrum of rheumatic in-patient diagnoses at a pediatric hospital in Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric rheumatic diseases are chronic illnesses that can cause
      considerable disease burden to children and their families. There is limited
      epidemiologic data on these diseases in East Africa. The aim of this study was to
      assess the spectrum of pediatric rheumatic diagnoses in an in-patient setting and
      determine the accuracy of ICD-10 codes in identifying these conditions. METHODS:
      Medical records from Gertrude's Children's Hospital in Kenya were reviewed for
      patients diagnosed with "diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective
      tissue" as per ICD-10 diagnostic codes assigned at discharge between January and
      December 2011. Cases were classified as "rheumatic" or "non-rheumatic". Accuracy
      of the assigned ICD-10 code was ascertained. Death records were reviewed.
      Longitudinal follow-up of "rheumatic" cases was done by chart review up to March
      2014. RESULTS: Twenty six patients were classified as having a "rheumatic"
      condition accounting for 0.32% of patients admitted. Of these, 11 (42.3%) had an
      acute inflammatory arthropathy, 6 (23.1%) had septic arthritis, 4 (15.4%) had
      Kawasaki disease, 2 (7.7%) had pyomyositis, and there was one case each of septic
      bursitis, rheumatic fever, and a non-specific soft tissue disorder. No cases of
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) were identified. One case of systemic lupus
      erythematosus was documented by death records. The agreement between the treating
      physician's discharge diagnosis and medical records ICD-10 code assignment was
      good (Kappa: 0.769). On follow-up, one child had recurrent knee swelling that was
      suspicious for JIA. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric rheumatic conditions represented 0.32%
      of admissions at a pediatric hospital in Kenya. Acute inflammatory arthropathies,
      septic arthritis and Kawasaki disease were the most frequent in-patient rheumatic
      diagnoses. Chronic pediatric rheumatic diseases were rare amongst this in-patient
      population. Despite limitations associated with the use of administrative
      diagnostic codes, they can be a first step in evaluating the spectrum of
      pediatric rheumatic conditions in Kenya and other countries in East Africa.

PMID- 28088249
TI  - Interactions of human microglia cells with Japanese encephalitis virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a neurotropic flavivirus causing
      mortality and morbidity in humans. Severe Japanese encephalitis cases display
      strong inflammatory responses in the central nervous system and an accumulation
      of viral particles in specific brain regions. Microglia cells are the unique
      brain-resident immune cell population with potent migratory functions and have
      been proposed to act as a viral reservoir for JEV. Animal models suggest that the
      targeting of microglia by JEV is partially responsible for inflammatory reactions
      in the brain. Nevertheless, the interactions between human microglia and JEV are
      poorly documented. METHODS: Using human primary microglia and a new model of
      human blood monocyte-derived microglia, the present study explores the
      interaction between human microglia and JEV as well as the role of these cells in
      viral transmission to susceptible cells. To achieve this work, vaccine-containing
      inactivated JEV and two live JEV strains were applied on human microglia.
      RESULTS: Live JEV was non-cytopathogenic to human microglia but increased levels
      of CCL2, CXCL9 and CXCL10 in such cultures. Furthermore, human microglia up
      regulated the expression of the fraktalkine receptor CX3CR1 upon exposure to both
      JEV vaccine and live JEV. Although JEV vaccine enhanced MHC class II on all
      microglia, live JEV enhanced MHC class II mainly on CX3CR1+ microglia cells.
      Importantly, human microglia supported JEV replication, but infectivity was only
      transmitted to neighbouring cells in a contact-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that human microglia may be a source of neuronal infection and
      sustain JEV brain pathogenesis.

PMID- 28088250
TI  - Pre-hospital treatment of bee and wasp induced anaphylactic reactions: a
      retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bee and wasp stings are among the most common triggers of anaphylaxis
      in adults representing around 20% of fatal anaphylaxis from any cause. Data of
      pre-hospital treatment of bee and wasp induced anaphylactic reactions are sparse.
      This study aimed to estimate the incidence of bee and wasp induced anaphylactic
      reactions, the severity of the reactions and to correlate the pre-hospital
      treatment with the severity of the anaphylactic reaction. METHODS: Retrospective
      and descriptive study based on data from the Mobile Emergency Care Units (MECUs)
      in the Region of Southern Denmark (2008 only for Odense and 2009-2014 for the
      whole region). Discharge summaries with diagnosis related to anaphylaxis
      according to the International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD-10) were
      reviewed to identify bee and wasp induced anaphylactic reactions. The severity of
      the anaphylactic reaction was assessed according to Sampson's severity score and
      Mueller's severity score. Treatment was evaluated in relation to administration
      of adrenaline, glucocorticoids and antihistamine. RESULTS: We identified 273
      cases (Odense 2008 n = 14 and Region of Southern Denmark 2009-2014 n = 259) of
      bee and wasp induced anaphylaxis. The Incidence Rate was estimated to 35.8 cases
      per 1,000,000 person year (95% CI 25.9-48.2) in the Region of Southern Denmark
      during 2009-2014. According to Sampson's severity score, 65% (n = 177) of the
      cases were graded as moderate to severe anaphylaxis (grade 3-5). Almost one third
      of cases could not be graded according to Mueller's severity score. Adrenaline
      was administrated in 54% (96/177) of cases with moderate to severe anaphylaxis
      according to Sampson's severity score, compared to 88% receiving intravenous
      glucocorticoids (p < 0.001) and 91% receiving intravenous antihistamines (p <
      0.001). Even in severe anaphylaxis (grade 5) adrenaline was administered in only
      80% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Treatment with adrenaline is not administered in
      accordance with international guidelines. However, making an assessment of the
      severity of the anaphylactic reaction is difficult in retrospective studies.

PMID- 28088251
TI  - Lucerastat, an iminosugar with potential as substrate reduction therapy for
      glycolipid storage disorders: safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in
      healthy subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lucerastat, an inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, has the
      potential to restore the balance between synthesis and degradation of
      glycosphingolipids in glycolipid storage disorders such as Gaucher disease and
      Fabry disease. The safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of oral lucerastat
      were evaluated in two separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      single- and multiple-ascending dose studies (SAD and MAD, respectively) in
      healthy male subjects. METHODS: In the SAD study, 31 subjects received placebo or
      a single oral dose of 100, 300, 500, or 1000 mg lucerastat. Eight additional
      subjects received two doses of 1000 mg lucerastat or placebo separated by 12 h.
      In the MAD study, 37 subjects received placebo or 200, 500, or 1000 mg b.i.d.
      lucerastat for 7 consecutive days. Six subjects in the 500 mg cohort received
      lucerastat in both absence and presence of food. RESULTS: In the SAD study, 15
      adverse events (AEs) were reported in ten subjects. Eighteen AEs were reported in
      15 subjects in the MAD study, in which the 500 mg dose cohort was repeated
      because of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values in 4 subjects, not
      observed in other dose cohorts. No severe or serious AE was observed. No
      clinically relevant abnormalities regarding vital signs and 12-lead
      electrocardiograms were observed. Lucerastat Cmax values were comparable between
      studies, with geometric mean Cmax 10.5 (95% CI: 7.5, 14.7) and 11.1 (95% CI: 8.7,
      14.2) MUg/mL in the SAD and MAD study, respectively, after 1000 mg lucerastat
      b.i.d. tmax (0.5 - 4 h) and t1/2 (3.6 - 8.1 h) were also within the same range
      across dose groups in both studies. Using the Gough power model, dose
      proportionality was confirmed in the SAD study for Cmax and AUC0-infinity, and
      for AUC0-12 in the MAD study. Fed-to-fasted geometric mean ratio for AUC0-12 was
      0.93 (90% CI: 0.80, 1.07) and tmax was the same with or without food, indicating
      no food effect. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of drug-related AEs did not increase with
      dose. No serious AEs were reported for any subject. Overall, lucerastat was well
      tolerated. These results warrant further investigation of substrate reduction
      therapy with lucerastat in patients with glycolipid storage disorders. SAD study
      was registered on clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT02944487 on the 24th
      of October 2016 (retrospectively registered). MAD study was registered on
      clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT02944474 on the 25th of October 2016
      (retrospectively registered). TRIAL REGISTRATION: A Study to Assess the Safety
      and Tolerability of Lucerastat in Subjects With Fabry Disease.
      Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02930655 .

PMID- 28088252
TI  - Quantification of Whey Protein Content in Infant Formulas by Sodium Dodecyl
      Sulfate-Capillary Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-CGE): Single-Laboratory Validation,
      First Action 2016.15.
AB  - Protein separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-capillary gel electrophoresis,
      followed by UV absorption at 220 nm, allows for the quantification of major
      proteins in raw milk. In processed dairy samples such as skim milk powder (SMP)
      and infant formulas, signals from individual proteins are less resolved, but
      caseins still migrate as one family between two groups of whey proteins. In the
      first group, alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin migrate as two distinct
      peaks. Lactosylated adducts show delayed migration times and interfere with peak
      separation, but both native and modified forms as well as other low-MW whey
      proteins still elute before the caseins. The second group contains high-MW whey
      proteins (including bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins) and
      elutes after the caseins. Caseins and whey proteins can thus be considered two
      distinct nonoverlapping families whose ratio can be established based on
      integrated areas without the need for a calibration curve. Because mass-to-area
      response factors for whey proteins and caseins are different, an area correction
      factor was determined from experimental measurement using SMP. Method performance
      assessed on five infant formulas showed RSDs of 0.2-1.2% (within day) and 0.5
      1.1% (multiple days), with average recoveries between 97.4 and 106.4% of added
      whey protein. Forty-three different infant formulas and milk powders were
      analyzed. Of the 41 samples with manufacturer claims, the measured whey protein
      content was in close agreement with declared values, falling within 5% of the
      declared value in 76% of samples and within 10% in 95% of samples.

PMID- 28088253
TI  - Integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in the era of
      precision medicine.
AB  - Precision medicine has received growing recognition from clinicians, health
      systems, and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as patients and policymakers,
      which will leave a major impact on the practice of medicine. Interestingly,
      traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides personalized medical treatment based
      on the theory of TCM characterized by holistic concept and pattern
      differentiation. This, to some extent, is similar to the personalized medical
      treatment of precision medicine. In China, TCM as well as Western medicine (WM)
      plays an important role in healthcare. In this article, the authors summarized
      the influence of precision medicine on current medical directions, the advantages
      of TCM in disease treatment, further development of precision medicine and the
      strategies for integration of TCM and WM under this new treatment approach. In
      addition, the authors discuss the perspective of precise medical diagnosis and
      treatment, precise prevention, and the complementary advantages of the
      integration of TCM and WM. Finally, the authors give their perspectives on the
      challenges and opportunities presented by precision medicine, in the context of
      further research toward the integration of TCM and WM.

PMID- 28088254
TI  - Role of dietary and lifestyle modifications in reflex epilepsy based on
      traditional Persian medicine.

PMID- 28088255
TI  - A review on different English versions of an ancient classic of Chinese medicine:
      Huang Di Nei Jing.
AB  - Huang Di Nei Jing (Nei Jing), one of the most important classical texts of
      traditional Chinese medicine, is the foundation upon which today's Chinese
      medicine principles are built. This seminal ancient classic has been translated
      into English many times by different scholars worldwide. The authors have found
      thirteen English versions, each of which has its own distinctive features. By
      reviewing different versions and research achievements of the English
      translation, the authors try to summarize the translation style, purpose, content
      and other features of each version, and point out each translation's weaknesses,
      strengths, or significance. The emerging of so many English versions of Nei Jing,
      an ancient and sophisticated text, shows that scholars have disparate
      understanding of its language and concepts. Additionally, different educational
      backgrounds, professions and goals of the translators will all contribute to
      different perspectives and approaches in the translation. It is understandable
      that so many versions of translation exist for such an ancient and important
      classic. However, to achieve truly accurate translation of ancient classical
      texts of Chinese medicine, all translators should abide by certain basic
      requirements and translation principles.

PMID- 28088256
TI  - Ethnobotanics used in folk medicine of Tamil culture in Sri Lanka: a scientific
      review.
AB  - Tamil culture has recognized the potential use of plant herbs for prevention and
      treatment of different diseases. These folk remedies have been practiced by Sri
      Lankan Tamils even after modernization. This review focuses on frequently used
      medicinal plants among Sri Lankan Tamil communities, such as Cuminum cyminum,
      Azadirechta indica, Coriandrum sativum, Sesamum indicum, Zingiber officinale,
      Trigonella foenum-graecum, Moringa oleifera, Plectranthus amboinicus, Allium
      sativum and Curcuma longa, for their documented medicinal properties, which
      include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory,
      antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antidiabetic and diuretic effects.

PMID- 28088257
TI  - Clinical and experimental research in antituberculosis drug-induced
      hepatotoxicity: a review.
AB  - Drug-induced liver injury is the common adverse effect seen in patients receiving
      antituberculosis drugs (ATDs). There are several risk factors associated with the
      development of hepatotoxicity in such patients. Though there have been
      appreciable efforts taken by carrying out studies investigating the efficacy of
      several natural and synthetic compounds in minimising this effect, the only
      choice available for clinicians is withdrawal of drugs. This review would give a
      precise idea of ATD-induced hepatotoxicity, its underlying mechanisms and
      alternative therapies for the same.

PMID- 28088258
TI  - Comparing outcomes from the two most recognized acupuncturist workforce surveys.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the informational consistency produced by the two most
      recent independent surveys and draw a conclusion whether the data would be
      sufficient for the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis and Bureau of
      Labor and Statistics consideration. METHODS: This paper compares workforce
      outcomes collected by the two most prominent acupuncture entities that have
      produced the most useful acupuncturist workforce data (California Acupuncture
      Board 2015 Occupational Analysis and the National Certification Commission of
      Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine(r) 2013 Job Analysis) at national and state
      levels. RESULTS: Findings based upon the most compatible survey questions showed
      the following: more than 70% of acupuncturists work fewer than 40 hours weekly;
      approximately 76% work in solo practice or in shared space with other
      acupuncturists; more than 70% of the national sample have been in practice 15
      years or less; and median income is between $40 000 and $50 000. A preponderance
      of acupuncturists is less than 50 years of age, and fewer than 15% of all
      respondents have been in practice more than 20 years. CONCLUSION: Basic workforce
      information is a necessary precursor for conducting workforce projections. It is
      useful to track the expansion or contraction of any given profession. Tracking
      influences subsequent planning for the profession based upon reliable and valid
      information about its growth. The ability of the profession to collect its own
      workforce data is paramount to workforce projection models. Any future survey
      should be a shared project that follows guidelines supported by the National
      Center for Health Workforce Analysis.

PMID- 28088259
TI  - Integration for coexistence? Implementation of intercultural health care policy
      in Ghana from the perspective of service users and providers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In spite of the World Health Organization's recommendations over the
      past decades, Ghana features pluralistic rather than truly integrated medical
      system. Policies about the integration of complementary medicine into the
      national health care delivery system need to account for individual-level
      involvement and cultural acceptability of care rendered by health care providers.
      Studies in Ghana, however, have glossed over the standpoint of the persons of the
      illness episode about the intercultural health care policy framework. This paper
      explores the health care users, and providers' experiences and attitudes towards
      the implementation of intercultural health care policy in Ghana. METHODS: In
      depth interviews, augmented with informal conversations, were conducted with 16
      health service users, 7 traditional healers and 6 health professionals in the
      Sekyere South District and Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data
      were thematically analysed and presented based on the a posteriori inductive
      reduction approach. RESULTS: Findings reveal a widespread positive attitude to,
      and support for integrative medical care in Ghana. However, inter-provider
      communication in a form of cross-referrals and collaborative mechanisms between
      healers and health professionals seldom occurs and remains unofficially
      sanctioned. Traditional healers and health care professionals are skeptical about
      intercultural health care policy mainly due to inadequate political commitment
      for provider education. The medical practitioners have limited opportunity to
      undergo training for integrative medical practice. We also find a serious
      mistrust between the practitioners due to the "diversity of healing approaches
      and techniques." Weak institutional support, lack of training to meet standards
      of practice, poor registration and regulatory measures as well as negative
      perception of the integrative medical policy inhibit its implementation in Ghana.
      CONCLUSION: In order to advance any useful intercultural health care policy in
      Ghana, the government's total commitment in informed training and provider
      education, enforcement of regulatory instrument and improved community engagement
      is needed. Evidence-based incorporation of traditional medical therapies into
      clinical practice will provide safer, faster and more effective health care for
      the underserved and resource-poor, particularly in the rural areas.

PMID- 28088260
TI  - Korean Chungtaejeon tea extract attenuates body weight gain in C57BL/6J-Lep ob/ob
      mice and regulates adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Traditional Korean Chungtaejeon (CTJ) tea is a type of fermented tea,
      which has received increasing attention in recent years because of its purported
      health benefits. The present study was designed to investigate the effect and
      mechanism of CTJ tea extract on body weight gain using C57BL/6J-Lep ob/ob mice
      and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, respectively. METHODS: The effects of CTJ on cell
      viability, lipid accumulation, and expression of protein and mRNA were measured
      in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide, oil red O staining, Western blotting, and reverse
      transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses. C57BL6J-Lep ob/ob mice were
      administered with CTJ (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) for ten weeks. Then, body
      weight, food intake, total cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured in ob/ob
      mice. RESULTS: CTJ tea extract treated at 250 MUg/mL (CTJ250) significantly
      suppressed lipid accumulation in the differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Likewise,
      CTJ250 significantly decreased the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptorgamma (PPARgamma), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, and
      adipocyte lipid-binding protein, and regulated the mRNA expression of PPARgamma,
      sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c gene, fatty acid synthase, adipocyte
      lipid-binding protein, hormone-sensitive lipase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase
      1, cluster of differentiation 36, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the
      differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mice administered with CTJ showed dose
      dependent decrease in body weight gain, starting from week 4 of the experiment.
      CTJ tea extract administered at 400 mg/kg body weight significantly decreased fat
      mass, food efficacy ratio, and levels of plasma triglyceride and total
      cholesterol. CONCLUSION: CTJ attenuated weight gain in ob/ob mice and regulated
      the activity of the molecules involved in adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1
      adipocytes. CTJ is a potentially valuable herbal therapy for the prevention of
      obesity and/or obesity-related disorders.

PMID- 28088262
TI  - Low rate of early implant failure is confirmed, but smoking and antidepressants
      are shown to be risk factors.

PMID- 28088261
TI  - Parquetina nigrescens leaves: chemical profile and influence on the physical and
      biochemical indices of sexual activity of male Wistar rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The leaves of Parquetina nigrescens have been claimed in folk medicine
      to be useful for managing sexual dysfunction, but there is inadequate scientific
      evidence for this claim. This investigation was conducted to assess the effects
      of aqueous leaf extract of Parquetina nigrescens (AEPN) in rats induced with
      sexual dysfunction. METHODS: Male rats were allocated into various groups after
      being induced into sexual dysfunction with paroxetine hydrochloride. The groups
      were treated with distilled water, PowMaxM (reference drug), and the AEPN at 20,
      40 and 80 mg/kg body weight (BW) respectively for 7 d. Frequencies of mount (MF),
      intromission (IF), ejaculation (EF), as well as latencies of mount (ML),
      intromission (IL) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) were progressively
      monitored with receptive female rats on days 1, 3 and 7. The precentage of
      mounted, intromitted, and ejaculated rats, intromission ratio (IR), copulatory
      efficiency (CE) and intercopulatory interval (ICI) were also computed. Standard
      methods were employed to determine the levels of serum luteinizing and follicle
      stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), testosterone, nitric oxide (NO) and the
      activity of phosphodiesterase V (PDE5). RESULTS: The plant contained alkaloids,
      saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, tannins, phlobatannins,
      cardenolides, phenolics, anthraquinones and triterpenes with alkaloids (2.32
      mg/g) occurring in greatest quantity while flavonoids, anthraquinones and
      cardenolides (0.01 mg/g, each) were the least. All the 20 standard amino acids
      were detected in the plant leaf, with the lowest concentration being 0.30 mg/g
      for methionine and the highest being 2.12 mg/g for cysteine. Furthermore, P.
      nigrescens leaves contained Na, K, Fe, Mg, Zn, Ca, Cu, Mn, P, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, and
      Co, with Fe present in the highest and Co the lowest concentrations. Paroxetine
      significantly (P<0.05) reduced MF, IF, EF, percentage mounted , intromitted,
      ejaculated, IR, CE, serum testosterone, LH, FSH and NO, while ML, IL, PEI, IF and
      PDE5 were significantly (P<0.05) increased and/or prolonged. The AEPN
      significantly reversed these paroxetine-treatment-related alterations with most
      profound activity at the highest dose of 80 mg/kg BW, similar to that of the
      PowMaxM-treated animals. CONCLUSION: The AEPN restored both the physical and
      biochemical indices of male sexual activity/competence via changes in
      reproductive hormones, NO and PDE5 activity. The pro-sexual activity, attributed
      to a myriad of mineral, amino acid and secondary metabolite constituents, was
      best at 80 mg/kg BW of AEPN.

PMID- 28088263
TI  - Insufficient evidence to claim that more frequent toothbrushing reduces the risk
      of developing new caries.

PMID- 28088264
TI  - No evidence of higher rates of implant failure in people with controlled
      diabetes.

PMID- 28088265
TI  - Ceramic inlays, onlays, and overlays have a high survival rate and a low rate of
      complications.

PMID- 28088266
TI  - Previous bad experience, propensity to anxiety, and pain expectations may be
      associated with fear and anxiety when undergoing tooth extractions.

PMID- 28088267
TI  - A meta-analysis of three identified single nucleotide polymorphisms at 1p13.3 and
      1q41 and their associations with lipid levels and coronary artery disease.
AB  - The aim of this meta-analysis was to detect whether three identified single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs646776, rs599839, and rs17465637) at 1p13.3
      and 1q41 are associated with lipid levels and the risk of coronary artery disease
      (CAD). Databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and BIOSIS were
      systematically searched. The pooled effects were expressed as odds ratio or
      standardized mean difference or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. A
      total of 14 studies with 57,916 patients were included in the meta-analysis.
      Pooled effects showed that the AA group of 1p13.3 rs599839 had higher total
      cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and lower high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels than the GA/GG group, and the CAD
      group had higher AA genotype frequency than the control group. The TT group of
      1p13.3 rs646776 had higher TC and LDLC levels and lower HDLC levels than the
      CT/CC group. The CAD group also had higher CC genotype frequency of 1q41
      rs17465637 than the control group. The SNPs of 1p13 rs599839 and rs646776 were
      associated with serum lipid levels. The genetic variants of 1p13 rs599839 and
      1q41 rs17465637 SNPs were prominently related to CAD, and the genetic variants of
      chromosome 1p13 promote the risk of CAD by increased TC and LDLC levels and
      decreased HDLC levels.

PMID- 28088268
TI  - Aberrant beta-catenin expression in urothelial carcinomas in blackfoot disease
      endemic areas.
AB  - Arsenic is a well-known toxic element and carcinogenic agent. The aim of this
      study was to investigate p63, E-cadherin, and beta-catenin proteins in urothelial
      carcinoma (UC) in both arsenic contaminated areas [so-called blackfoot disease
      (BFD) area] and non-BFD areas. The expressions of p63, E-cadherin, and beta
      catenin proteins in 20 UC cases of blackfoot disease and 22 UC cases in non-BFD
      areas were detected using immunohistochemical methods. The results revealed a
      high p63 expression in 20 (47.6%) UC cases and high E-cadherin expression in six
      (14.3%) UC cases. Expressions of p63 and E-cadherin showed no significant
      correlations with clinicopathologic parameters. However, all 20 BFD cases and 12
      of 22 (54.5%) non-BFD cases showed aberrant beta-catenin expression. Ten out of
      22 (45.5%) non-BFD cases also had normal membranous immunoreactivity. The beta
      catenin staining pattern significantly differed between cases in endemic and
      nonendemic areas of BFD (p=0.001). Tumor sites also significantly correlated with
      beta-catenin expression (p=0.044). In addition, membranous localization of beta
      catenin was lower in UC from BFD-endemic areas compared with those from non-BFD
      endemic areas. In conclusion, it is suggested that relocalization of beta-catenin
      from membrane to cytoplasm may be involved in the tumorigenesis of UC from BFD
      endemic areas.

PMID- 28088269
TI  - Association of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression with recurrences in primary spontaneous
      pneumothorax.
AB  - Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a common benign problem. However, PSP
      recurrence is still a troublesome complication for most patients. This study
      intended to determine the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in
      type II pneumocytes of patients with PSP and its relation with recurrence. Ninety
      one patients who had undergone needlescopic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
      wedge resection of lung with identifiable blebs for PSP were included in this
      study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to measure the expression of
      MMP-2 and MMP-9 in lung tissues of PSP patients. The results were further
      correlated with clinicopathological parameters and recurrence rates using chi
      square or Fisher's exact test. The value of MMP-2 and MMP-9 for overall
      recurrence was analyzed by univariate and multivariable Cox regression model. IHC
      data revealed that MMP-2 and MMP-9 staining was predominantly observed in type II
      pneumocytes of patients with PSP. We found that MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in
      PSP, especially male PSP patients, was significantly correlated with recurrence.
      In the univariate and multivariate analyses, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were statistically
      significant risk factors for overall recurrence in PSP patients. Therefore, high
      expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in type II pneumocytes show a positive
      correlation with PSP recurrence risk. Further studies are needed to validate
      whether reduction of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression may be a promising way for
      decreasing the risk of PSP recurrence in the future.

PMID- 28088270
TI  - Association of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and vitamin D receptor
      expression with the risk of keloid disease in a Chinese population.
AB  - Keloid disease (KD) is a benign fibroproliferative scarring condition of unknown
      etiopathogenesis. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and vitamin D
      receptor (VDR) have been shown to play important roles in the progression of
      tissue fibrosis; therefore, both these genes are potential susceptibility genes
      for KD. We aimed to determine whether the gene expression levels of PAI-1 and VDR
      are altered in Chinese KD patients. We measured the expression of PAI and VDR in
      human peripheral blood lymphocytes in 236 patients with keloid and 219 age- and
      sex-matched healthy controls by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
      We found that PAI-1 expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes was significantly
      higher in patients with KD than in control individuals (p < 0.0001), while VDR
      expression was significantly lower in KD patients than in control individuals (p
      < 0.0001). High levels of PAI-1 and low levels of VDR expression were
      significantly associated with an increased risk for KD. PAI-1 and VDR might play
      important roles in keloid development. Gene expression levels of PAI-1 and VDR
      may, therefore, be used as potential markers for the prediction of keloid
      development after scarring.

PMID- 28088271
TI  - ADAMTS-3, -13, -16, and -19 levels in patients with habitual abortion.
AB  - A disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase domain with thrombospondin-type 1 motifs
      (ADAMTS) protein superfamily includes 19 secreted metalloproteases. Proteolytic
      substrates of ADAMTS enzymes have been linked to reproductive function. The aim
      of this study was to investigate serum ADAMTS-3, -13, -16, and -19 levels in
      women with habitual abortions compared with those in healthy controls. A total of
      86 women were enrolled in this prospective case-control study. ADAMTS-3, -13, 
      16, and -19 values were recorded and analyzed in association with demographic and
      clinical parameters. There were no statistically significant differences between
      the two groups in terms of demographics. No statistically significant differences
      were observed between the groups with regard to ADAMTS-13 and -19 levels
      (p>0.05). However, ADAMTS-3 and -16 were significantly higher in the study group
      than in the control group (p=0.004 and p=0.005, respectively). To estimate
      habitual abortions using an area under receiver operating characteristic curve
      analysis, the cutoff values for ADAMTS-3 and -16 were found to be 87.28 ng/mL
      (sensitivity, 64.44%; specificity 68.29%) and 15.75 ng/mL (sensitivity, 66.67%;
      specificity 68.29%), respectively. In conclusion, the pregnancy-loss rate seems
      to be affected by both ADAMTS-3 and -16.

PMID- 28088272
TI  - Comparison of renal pelvic pressure and postoperative fever incidence between
      standard- and mini-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
AB  - This study was proposed to compare the clinical effectiveness of mini-tract
      percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) with standard-tract percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy (SPCNL) and verify whether MPCNL is associated with both higher
      renal pelvic pressure (RPP) and incidence of postoperative fever. A total of 228
      patients with kidney stone were randomly allocated to the MPCNL group (n=114) and
      SPCNL group (n=114). Both intraoperative and postoperative indexes along with the
      incidence of complications were compared between the two treatment groups. RPP
      was measured using a baroreceptor which was connected to an open-ended ureteric
      catheter during the operation of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The MPCNL group
      exhibited significantly longer average operation time, more average amount of
      flush water, and lesser average amount of bleeding during the operation than the
      SPCNL group (p<0.05). Moreover, significantly lesser average amount of
      postoperative serum creatinine, shorter average hospital stay, and more average
      amount of postoperative hemoglobin were observed in the MPCNL group than in the
      SPCNL group (p<0.05). MPCNL were more applicable to clear caliceal stones
      (p<0.05), whereas SPCNL were more effective for the removal of simple pelvic
      stones. The difference in the incidence of postoperative fever between the two
      treatment groups also appeared to be significant (p<0.05). Logistic regression
      provided solid evidence that both RPP and its accumulation time at which RPP>=30
      mmHg significantly affected the incidence of postoperative fever. MPCNL was
      correlated with both higher RPP and increased likelihood of postoperative fever
      compared with SPCNL.

PMID- 28088273
TI  - A real-world impact of cost-effectiveness of pegylated interferon/ribavarin
      regimens on treatment-naive chronic hepatitis C patients in Taiwan.
AB  - Treatments with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) has been standard-of
      care in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) (CHC) infection and
      reimbursed in Taiwan. However, the actual cost-effectiveness remains unclear. We
      aimed to evaluate a real-world cost-effectiveness for CHC patients treated with
      PEG-IFN/RBV by using a clinical cohort with linkage to the National Health
      Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The total and itemized medical-care
      expenses of outpatient visits of 117 treatment-naive CHC patients with linkage to
      the two million sampling of the National Health Insurance Research Database were
      collected. Four components of costs were assessed, including antiviral agents,
      nonantiviral agents, laboratory testing and consultation costs. The cost per
      sustained virological response (SVR) achieved was calculated to evaluate the cost
      effectiveness. The average cost per treatment in 117 naive Taiwanese CHC patients
      was $4620. With an overall SVR rate of 78.6%, the average cost per SVR was $5878.
      The average medical-care cost per treatment for 52 Genotype 1 (G1) patients was
      $5133, including $4420 for antivirals, $380 for nonantivirals, $302 for
      laboratory, and $78 for consultation, compared to $4209, $3635, $317, $233, and
      $56 for 65 Genotype 2 (G2) patients. With an SVR rate at 67.3% for G1 and 87.7%
      for G2 patients, the cost per SVR achieved was significantly higher in G1
      patients than those in G2 patients ($7627 vs. $4799, p = 0.001). In the current
      study, we provided the real-world cost-effectiveness of PEG-IFN/RBV for treatment
      naive CHC patients. The genotype-specific cost-effectiveness could enhance
      decision-making for policy-makers in the coming era of directly acting antiviral
      therapy.

PMID- 28088274
TI  - Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer.

PMID- 28088275
TI  - Late-onset nonlesional nondominant frontal lobe seizures presenting as ictal
      dyscalculia.

PMID- 28088276
TI  - Solid supports for extraction and preconcentration of proteins and peptides in
      microfluidic devices: A review.
AB  - Determination of proteins and peptides is among the main challenges of today's
      bioanalytical chemistry. The application of microchip technology in this field is
      an exhaustively developed concept that aims to create integrated and fully
      automated analytical devices able to quantify or detect one or several proteins
      from a complex matrix. Selective extraction and preconcentration of targeted
      proteins and peptides especially from biological fluids is of the highest
      importance for a successful realization of these microsystems. Incorporation of
      solid structures or supports is a convenient solution employed to face these
      demands. This review presents a critical view on the latest achievements in
      sample processing techniques for protein determination using solid supports in
      microfluidics. The study covers the period from 2006 to 2015 and focuses mainly
      on the strategies based on microbeads, monolithic materials and membranes. Less
      common approaches are also briefly discussed. The reviewed literature suggests
      future trends which are discussed in the concluding remarks.

PMID- 28088277
TI  - Immunoassays of chemically modified polysaccharides, glycans in glycoproteins and
      ribose in nucleic acids.
AB  - Glycosylation of proteins plays an important role in health and diseases. At
      present new simple and inexpensive methods of glycoprotein analysis are sought.
      We developed a monoclonal antibody Manost 2.1 in mice after immunization with the
      adduct of mannan with Os(VI)temed complex (temed is N,N,N',N'
      tetramethylethylenediamine). The specificity of this antibody to different
      biomolecules treated with Os(VI)temed was tested using dot blot immunoassay.
      Manost 2.1 showed specificity toward Os(VI)temed-modified polysaccharides,
      glycoproteins and ribonucleotide at the 3'-end in DNA. The antibody recognized
      neither the unmodified compounds nor the non-glycosylated proteins treated with
      Os(VI)temed. We also performed western blotting and Coomassie silver blue
      staining of mixtures of biomacromolecules treated with Os(VI)temed and identified
      specifically the modified glycoproteins. The immunochemical method using Manost
      2.1 was compared with electrochemical analyses based on redox signals of the
      Os(VI)temed adducts, with similar results in terms of sensitivity. This new
      antibody-based approach opens the door for rapid and inexpensive analysis of
      glycans and glycoproteins in various scientific and medical fields, including
      cancer research and the future application of glycoprotein detection in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28088278
TI  - Metabolomic analysis of urine samples by UHPLC-QTOF-MS: Impact of normalization
      strategies.
AB  - Among the various biological matrices used in metabolomics, urine is a biofluid
      of major interest because of its non-invasive collection and its availability in
      large quantities. However, significant sources of variability in urine
      metabolomics based on UHPLC-MS are related to the analytical drift and variation
      of the sample concentration, thus requiring normalization. A sequential
      normalization strategy was developed to remove these detrimental effects,
      including: (i) pre-acquisition sample normalization by individual dilution
      factors to narrow the concentration range and to standardize the analytical
      conditions, (ii) post-acquisition data normalization by quality control-based
      robust LOESS signal correction (QC-RLSC) to correct for potential analytical
      drift, and (iii) post-acquisition data normalization by MS total useful signal
      (MSTUS) or probabilistic quotient normalization (PQN) to prevent the impact of
      concentration variability. This generic strategy was performed with urine samples
      from healthy individuals and was further implemented in the context of a clinical
      study to detect alterations in urine metabolomic profiles due to kidney failure.
      In the case of kidney failure, the relation between creatinine/osmolality and the
      sample concentration is modified, and relying only on these measurements for
      normalization could be highly detrimental. The sequential normalization strategy
      was demonstrated to significantly improve patient stratification by decreasing
      the unwanted variability and thus enhancing data quality.

PMID- 28088279
TI  - Archaeometric analysis of Roman bronze coins from the Magna Mater temple using
      solid-state voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
AB  - Voltammetry of microparticles (VMP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
      (EIS) techniques, complemented by SEM-EDX and Raman spectroscopy, were applied to
      a set of 15 Roman bronze coins and one Tessera from the temple of Magna Mater
      (Rome, Italy). The archaeological site, dated back between the second half and
      the end of the 4th century A.D., presented a complicated stratigraphic context.
      Characteristic voltammetric patterns for cuprite and tenorite for sub
      microsamples of the corrosion layers of the coins deposited onto graphite
      electrodes in contact with 0.10 M HClO4 aqueous solution yielded a grouping of
      the coins into three main groups. This grouping was confirmed and refined using
      EIS experiments of the coins immersed in air-saturated mineral water using the
      reduction of dissolved oxygen as a redox probe. The electrochemical grouping of
      coins corroborated the complex stratigraphy of the archaeological site and, above
      all, the reuse of the coins during the later periods due to the economic issues
      related to the fall of the Roman Empire.

PMID- 28088280
TI  - Comparative study of colloidal gold and quantum dots as labels for multiplex
      screening tests for multi-mycotoxin detection.
AB  - Quantum dots (QDs) and colloidal gold nanoparticles (CG) were evaluated as labels
      for multiplex lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for determination of mycotoxins
      deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN) and T2/HT2-toxin (T2/HT2) in cereal
      matrices. Both developed assays were based on the same immunoreagents (except for
      the labels), therefore their analytical characteristics could be objectively
      compared. For both LFIAs antigens (DON-ovalbumin (OVA), ZEN-OVA and T2-OVA) and
      rabbit anti-mouse immunoglobulin were immobilized on a nitrocellulose membrane as
      three test lines and one control line, respectively. Depending on the LFIA,
      monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against DON, ZEN and T2 were conjugated with
      CdSeS/ZnS QDs or CG. T2 and HT2 were detected by one test line (T2-OVA) with an
      anti-T2 mAb which showed 110% cross-reactivity with HT2. Both tests were
      developed in accordance with the legal limits and were developed in such a way
      that they had the same cut-off limits of 1000 MUg kg-1, 80 MUg kg-1 and 80 MUg kg
      1 for DON, ZEN and T2/HT2, respectively in order to allow a correct comparison.
      Applicability of these assays was demonstrated by analysis of naturally
      contaminated wheat samples. The results demonstrate that both the LFIAs can be
      used as rapid, cost-effective and convenient qualitative tool for on-site
      screening for simultaneous detection of DON, ZEN and HT2/T2 in wheat without
      special instrumentation. However, the QD-based LFIA consumed less immunoreagents
      and was more sensitive and economically beneficial. In addition, the results were
      easier to interpret, resulting in a lower false negative rate (<5%) which was in
      good agreement with Commission Decision 2002/657/EC regarding the performance of
      analytical methods intended for screening purposes.

PMID- 28088281
TI  - Flow injection microfluidic device with on-line fluorescent derivatization for
      the determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water samples after solid phase
      extraction.
AB  - In this paper, a rapid and simple method using magnetic multi-walled carbon
      nanotubes (MWCNTS), as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent, was successfully
      developed for extraction and preconcentration trace amounts of Cr(III) in water
      samples. The synthesized magnetic-MWCNTs nanocomposite was characterized by
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A rhodamine derivative (R1) was synthesized
      and characterized as a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent derivatizing
      agent for Cr(III). After SPE procedure, Cr(III) analysis was performed by flow
      injection microfluidic chip with on-line fluorescent derivatization and laser
      induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy detection. The parameters, which affected
      the efficiency of the developed method were investigated and optimized. Under the
      optimized conditions, the method exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0-10.0 nM,
      with a detection limit of 0.094 nM and an enrichment factor of 38. Furthermore,
      real water samples were analyzed and good recoveries were obtained from 91.0 to
      101.6%.

PMID- 28088282
TI  - Conjugation site analysis of antibody-drug-conjugates (ADCs) by signature ion
      fingerprinting and normalized area quantitation approach using nano-liquid
      chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry.
AB  - Trastuzumab-MCC-DM1 (T-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that consists of
      a monoclonal antibody (mAb) trastuzumab non-cleavably linked to a cytotoxic drug
      DM1. During production, the DM1 agents were conjugated to the lysine residues of
      the mAb in a non-specific manner, yielding a heterogeneous mixture of ADC
      molecules that differ with respect to both the number and the conjugation sites
      of DM1 per mAb molecule. Since drug conjugation sites of ADC can significantly
      impact properties such as stability and pharmacokinetic behaviors, a rapid and
      reliable approach for conjugation site analysis of ADCs is highly demanded.
      Herein, we have employed a signature ion fingerprinting approach to specifically
      determine lysine residues with DM1 conjugation, and developed a normalized peak
      area quantitation method to characterize the percentage of DM1-conjugated lysine
      for each putative site using a T-DM1 biosimilar as a model drug. With this
      integrative approach, 38 lysine residues were identified with DM1 conjugation
      among 90 possible sites. More interestingly, we found that the T-DM1 biosimilar
      exhibited a specific preference of DM1-conjugation for several lysine residues,
      and such preference was consistent among three production batches. A molecular
      modeling approach was subsequently utilized to analyze all the conjugation sites,
      and revealed an intriguing correlation of the conjugated residue's
      microenvironment with the conjugation level. In summary, our study introduced an
      approach that is widely applicable to ADCs of interest for conjugation site
      analysis. Moreover, it suggests the necessity of performing conjugation site
      analysis for product and process characterization and also for routine use in lot
      release and stability testing of manufactured ADCs.

PMID- 28088283
TI  - Quantification of plasma sulfatides by mass spectrometry: Utility for
      metachromatic leukodystrophy.
AB  - Impaired sulfatide catabolism is the primary biochemical insult in patients with
      the inherited neurodegenerative disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), and
      sulfatide elevation in body fluids is useful in the diagnostic setting. Here we
      used mass spectrometry to quantify fourteen species of sulfatide, in addition to
      the deacetylated derivative, lyso-sulfatide, using high pressure liquid
      chromatography-electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry in both positive
      and negative ion mode. A single phase extraction of 0.01 mL of MLD plasma
      identified all 14 sulfatide species in the positive ion mode but none in the
      negative ion mode. Interrogation of seven major and seven hydroxylated molecular
      species, as well as lyso-sulfatide, identified the C18 isoform as the most
      informative for MLD. The C18 produced a linear response and was below the limit
      of quantification (<10 pmol mL-1) in control plasma with concentrations in MLD
      plasma ranging from 12 to 196 pmol mL-1. Serial plasma samples from an MLD
      patient post-therapeutic bone marrow transplant proved similar to non-disease
      controls with C18 sulfatide concentrations below the limit of quantification, as
      did samples from three individuals with an arylsulfatase A pseudodeficiency - a
      population variant which appears deficient upon enzymatic assay, without
      manifestation of disease. These findings emphasise the utility of the C18
      sulfatide species for the diagnosis of MLD and biochemical monitoring of MLD
      patients. Extension of this approach to a newborn screening card correctly
      identified an MLD patient at birth with elevated C18 sulfatide at levels almost
      double that present in the newborn card from his unaffected sibling, suggesting
      the methodology may have applicability for newborn screening.

PMID- 28088284
TI  - Improving accuracy and reproducibility of vibrational spectra for diluted
      solutions.
AB  - In what appears to be a trivial operation in which the averaged spectrum of
      solvent is subtracted from the spectra of solutions, can be a misleading step in
      improving reproducibility of vibrational spectra. Near-infrared spectra of pure
      water and glycine solutions were used to quantify instrumental and spectral
      variations, and examine its influence on the reproducibility of difference
      spectra over a wide concentration range. Significant improvements were observed
      (fourfold), in comparison with the most commonly applied technique that uses an
      averaged spectrum of solvent. We propose a new technique, in which subtraction of
      the closest spectrum of solvent involves calculating the smallest area under the
      subtracted curve, to extract the optimal outcome. These results reveal that,
      contrary to common practice, reproducibility for spectra of diluted solutions can
      bypass even instrumental baseline shifts and render results that are limited only
      by the noise originating from the instrument's sensor.

PMID- 28088285
TI  - Plasmon-enhanced fluorescence imaging with silicon-based silver chips for protein
      and nucleic acid assay.
AB  - Metal-enhanced fluorescence shows great potential for improving the sensitivity
      of fluoroscopy, which has been widely used in protein and nucleic acid detection
      for biosensor and bioassay applications. In comparison with the traditional glass
      supported metal nanoparticles (MNPs), the introduction of a silicon substrate has
      been shown to provide an increased surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)
      effect due to the coupling between the MNPs and the semiconducting silicon
      substrate. In this work, we further study the fluorescence-enhanced effect of the
      silicon-supported silver-island (Ag@Si) plasmonic chips. In particular, we
      investigate their practical application of improving the traditional immunoassay
      such as the biotin-streptavidin-based protein assay and the protein-/nucleic acid
      labeled cell and tissue samples. The protein assay shows a wavelength-dependent
      enhancement effect of the Ag@Si chip, with an enhancement factor ranging from 1.2
      (at 532 nm) to 57.3 (at 800 nm). Moreover, for the protein- and nucleic acid
      labeled cell and tissue samples, the Ag@Si chip provides a fluorescence
      enhancement factor of 3.0-4.1 (at 800 nm) and a significant improvement in the
      signal/background ratio for the microscopy images. Such a ready accommodation of
      the fluorescence-enhanced effect for the immunoassay samples with simple
      manipulations indicates broad potential for applications of the Ag@Si chip not
      only in biological studies but also in the clinical field.

PMID- 28088286
TI  - Sunshine Has Darkened my Worldview.

PMID- 28088287
TI  - Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 Deficiency Leads to Behavior
      Impairment with Monoaminergic and Synaptic Dysfunction.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 regulates IGF bioactivity,
      induces apoptosis, and inhibits cell growth independent of IGFs, but the
      functional role of IGFBP3 in the brain is not clear. In the present study, we
      revealed the effect of IGFBP3 on the brain by characterizing the phenotype of
      Igfbp3-null mice. Compared with wild-type mice, Igfbp3-null mice had
      significantly decreased IGF-1 content in the brain but no change in weights of
      brain and body. In Igfbp3-null mice, the number of dendritic spines was
      significantly reduced, and the dendritic diameter was thickening. In addition, in
      Igfbp3-null mice, a decrease in phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2 significantly
      reduced PSD-95 expression, and GAD65/67 expression was significantly decreased.
      These results indicate that IGFBP3 deficiency impairs neuronal structure and
      signaling. In behavioral studies, Igfbp3-null mice were hyperactive, and a Y-maze
      alternation test revealed impaired spatial working memory but no anxiety-like
      behavior. Monoaminergic analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography
      indicated that Igfbp3-null mice had lower levels of dopamine and serotonin
      compared with wild-type mice, suggesting an abnormal monoaminergic
      neurotransmission. In conclusion, our studies found that the deletion of IGFBP3
      results in behavioral impairments that are associated with abnormal synaptic
      function and monoaminergic neurotransmission, which helps to characterize the
      critical role of IGFBP3 in the brain.

PMID- 28088288
TI  - A Novel Mouse Model of Staphylococcus aureus Vascular Graft Infection:
      Noninvasive Imaging of Biofilm Development in Vivo.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus causes very serious infections of vascular grafts.
      Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of this disease is largely lacking because
      of the absence of representable models. Therefore, the aim of this study was to
      set up a mouse model of vascular graft infections that closely mimics the human
      situation. A catheter was inserted into the right carotid artery of mice, which
      acted as a vascular graft. Mice were infected i.v. using 8 different S. aureus
      strains, and development of the infection was followed up. Although all strains
      had varying abilities to form biofilm in vitro and different levels of virulence
      in mice, they all caused biofilm formation on the grafts. This graft infection
      was monitored using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18F-fluordeoxyglucose
      positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). MRI allowed the quantification of blood
      flow through the arteries, which was decreased in the catheter after infection.
      FDG-PET revealed high inflammation levels at the site of the catheter after
      infection. This model closely resembles the situation in patients, which is
      characterized by a tight interplay between pathogen and host, and can therefore
      be used for the testing of novel treatment, diagnosis, and prevention strategies.
      In addition, combining MRI and PET with microscopic techniques provides an
      appropriate way to characterize the course of these infections and to precisely
      analyze biofilm development.

PMID- 28088289
TI  - Effects of treatment with sucrose in drinking water on liver histology,
      lipogenesis and lipogenic gene expression in rats fed high-fiber diet.
AB  - We studied the influence of sucrose in drinking water on liver histology, fatty
      acid profile and lipogenic genes expression in rats maintained on high-fiber. The
      experimental groups were: control group (water) and sucrose group (sucrose
      solution in drinking water, 30% w/v). Liver histology of sucrose treated rats
      revealed steatosis and increased number of alphaSMA immunoreactive cells without
      the signs of fibrosis. Sucrose treatment increased de novo lipogenesis, lipid
      peroxidation and MUFA content and decreased PUFA content, C18:2n6 and C20:4n6
      content in total phospholipids and phosphatidylethanolamine and C18:2n6 content
      in cardiolipin. RT-qPCR revealed increase in Delta-9-desaturase and SREBP1c gene
      expression and decrease in the Delta-5-desaturase and elongase 5 expression.
      Treatment with sucrose extensively changes fatty acid composition of hepatic
      lipid and phospholipid classes including cardiolipin, increases oxidative stress
      and causes pathological changes in liver in rats maintained on high-fiber diet.

PMID- 28088290
TI  - Could post-weaning dietary chia seed mitigate the development of dyslipidemia,
      liver steatosis and altered glucose homeostasis in offspring exposed to a sucrose
      rich diet from utero to adulthood?
AB  - The present work analyzes the effects of dietary chia seeds during postnatal life
      in offspring exposed to a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) from utero to adulthood. At
      weaning, chia seed (rich in alpha-linolenic acid) replaced corn oil (rich in
      linoleic acid) in the SRD. At 150 days of offspring life, anthropometrical
      parameters, blood pressure, plasma metabolites, hepatic lipid metabolism and
      glucose homeostasis were analyzed. Results showed that chia was able to prevent
      the development of hypertension, liver steatosis, hypertriglyceridemia and
      hypercholesterolemia. Normal triacylglycerol secretion and triacylglycerol
      clearance were accompanied by an improvement of de novo hepatic lipogenic and
      carnitine-palmitoyl transferase-1 enzymatic activities, associated with an
      accretion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the total composition of liver
      homogenate. Glucose homeostasis and plasma free fatty acid levels were improved
      while visceral adiposity was slightly decreased. These results confirm that the
      incorporation of chia seed in the diet in postnatal life may provide a viable
      therapeutic option for preventing/mitigating adverse outcomes induced by an SRD
      from utero to adulthood.

PMID- 28088291
TI  - BCFA suppresses LPS induced IL-8 mRNA expression in human intestinal epithelial
      cells.
AB  - Branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) are components of common food fats and are
      major constituents of the normal term human newborn GI tract. Polyunsaturated
      fatty acids (PUFA) have been suggested to reduce the risk and development of
      inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD); however, little is known about the influence
      of BCFA on inflammation. We investigated the effect of BCFA on interleukin (IL)-8
      and NF-kappaB production in a human intestinal epithelial cell line (Caco-2).
      Cells were pre-treated with specific BCFA, or DHA, or EPA, and then activated
      with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both anteiso- and iso- BCFA reduce IL-8. Anteiso
      BCFA more effectively suppressed IL-8 than iso-BCFA in LPS stimulated Caco-2
      cells. However BCFA in general were less effective than DHA or EPA. Activated
      BCFA-treated cells expressed less of the cell surface Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR
      4) compared to controls. These are the first data to show the reduction of pro
      inflammatory markers in human cells mediated by BCFA.

PMID- 28088292
TI  - Human fetal intestinal epithelial cells metabolize and incorporate branched chain
      fatty acids in a structure specific manner.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) are constituents of
      gastrointestinal (GI) tract in healthy newborn human infants, reduce the
      incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a neonatal rat model, and are
      incorporated into small intestine cellular lipids in vivo. We hypothesize that
      BCFA are taken up, metabolized and incorporated into human fetal cells in vitro.
      METHODS: Human H4 cells, a fetal non-transformed primary small intestine cell
      line, were incubated with albumin-bound non-esterified anteiso-17:0, iso-16:0,
      iso-18:0 and/or iso-20:0, and FA profiles in lipid fractions were analyzed.
      RESULTS: All BCFA were readily incorporated as major constituents of cellular
      lipids. Anteiso-17:0 was preferentially taken up, and was most effective among
      BCFA tested in displacing normal (n-) FA. The iso BCFA were preferred in reverse
      order of chain length, with iso-20:0 appearing at lowest level. BCFA
      incorporation in phospholipids (PL) followed the same order of preference,
      accumulating 42% of FA as BCFA with no overt morphological signs of cell death.
      Though cholesterol esters (CE) are at low cellular concentration among lipid
      classes examined, CE had the greatest affinity for BCFA, accumulating 65% of FA
      as BCFA. BCFA most effectively displaced lower saturated FA. Iso-16:0, iso-18:0
      and anteiso-17:0 were both elongated and chain shortened by +/-C2. Iso-20:0 was
      chain shortened to iso-18:0 and iso-16:0 but not elongated. CONCLUSIONS:
      Nontransformed human fetal intestinal epithelial cells incorporate high levels of
      BCFA when they are available and metabolize them in a structure specific manner.
      These findings imply that specific pathways for handling BCFA are present in the
      lumen-facing cells of the human fetal GI tract that is exposed to vernix-derived
      BCFA in late gestation.

PMID- 28088293
TI  - The essentiality of arachidonic acid in addition to docosahexaenoic acid for
      brain growth and function.
AB  - The essentiality of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for
      growth and brain function using delta-6-desaturase knockout (D6D-KO) mice and a
      novel artificial rearing method was investigated. Newborn male wild type (WT) and
      homozygous D6D-KO pups were separated from their dams within 48h and fed
      artificial milk containing alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid (Cont), or
      supplemented with ARA, DHA or both (ARA+DHA). After weaning, each group was fed
      diets similar to artificial milk in fatty acid composition for 7 weeks. KO-Cont
      showed a lower body weight than WT-Cont. When ARA was added to the control diet,
      (KO-ARA and KO-ARA+DHA diets) the body weight gain was restored. The KO-DHA group
      was initially similar to the WT groups for the first 6 weeks, but afterwards
      their body weight was significantly lower. Brain weight in the 10 week old KO
      ARA+DHA group was significantly higher within the KO dietary groups. Motor
      activity of the KO-ARA and KO-ARA+DHA groups was elevated relative to the KO-Cont
      group but the KO-ARA+DHA group exhibited similar activity to the WT-Cont group.
      In the motor coordination ability test, the KO-Cont group performed significantly
      worse compared with the WT-Cont group. KO-ARA mice showed decreased motor
      coordination in spite of their increased motor activity. The best performance was
      observed in only KO-ARA+DHA mice. These experiments demonstrated that
      supplementation with only ARA or only DHA was insufficient for optimal
      development. ARA was essential for normal growth within the lactation period. In
      conclusion, only the combination of preformed ARA and DHA was capable of
      improving the dysfunction caused by D6D deficiency.

PMID- 28088294
TI  - Suitability of small diagnostic peripheral-blood samples for cell-therapy
      studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIMS: Primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are key
      components of cell-based therapies for blood disorders and are thus the authentic
      substrate for related research. We propose that ubiquitous small-volume
      diagnostic samples represent a readily available and as yet untapped resource of
      primary patient-derived cells for cell- and gene-therapy studies. METHODS: In the
      present study we compare isolation and storage methods for HSPCs from normal and
      thalassemic small-volume blood samples, considering genotype, density-gradient
      versus lysis-based cell isolation and cryostorage media with different serum
      contents. Downstream analyses include viability, recovery, differentiation in
      semi-solid media and performance in liquid cultures and viral transductions.
      RESULTS: We demonstrate that HSPCs isolated either by ammonium-chloride potassium
      (ACK)-based lysis or by gradient isolation are suitable for functional analyses
      in clonogenic assays, high-level HSPC expansion and efficient lentiviral
      transduction. For cryostorage of cells, gradient isolation is superior to ACK
      lysis, and cryostorage in freezing media containing 50% fetal bovine serum
      demonstrated good results across all tested criteria. For assays on freshly
      isolated cells, ACK lysis performed similar to, and for thalassemic samples
      better than, gradient isolation, at a fraction of the cost and hands-on time. All
      isolation and storage methods show considerable variation within sample groups,
      but this is particularly acute for density gradient isolation of thalassemic
      samples. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the suitability of small-volume
      blood samples for storage and preclinical studies, opening up the research field
      of HSPC and gene therapy to any blood diagnostic laboratory with corresponding
      bioethics approval for experimental use of surplus material.

PMID- 28088295
TI  - Keeping the Momentum: A Reflection on 2016, and a Look Forward to 2017.

PMID- 28088296
TI  - 9th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries and XIX Brazilian Congress of
      Toxicology.

PMID- 28088297
TI  - Corrigendum to "Both Immediate and Delayed Intracavernous Injection of Autologous
      Adipose-derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Enhances Recovery of Erectile Function
      in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury" [Eur Urol 2012;62:720-7].

PMID- 28088298
TI  - Retraction notice to "Synthesis and characterization of silver sulfide
      nanoparticles for photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications" [J. Photochem.
      Photobiol. B Biol., 141 (2014) 235-240].

PMID- 28088299
TI  - Retraction notice to "Influence of humic acid on the stability and bacterial
      toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles in water" [J. Photochem. Photobiol. B Biol.,
      153 (2015) 289-295].

PMID- 28088301
TI  - Methocarbamol use is associated with decreased hospital length of stay in trauma
      patients with closed rib fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of
      methocarbamol on hospital length of stay in patients with closed rib fracture
      injuries. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in an academic
      medical center in the United States. Adult trauma patients, who sustained closed
      rib fractures, were included. Patients were categorized based on whether they
      received methocarbamol or not during admission. The primary outcome of interest
      was time to hospital discharge in days (i.e. length of hospital stay). A Cox
      Proportional Hazards Model was constructed to determine if methocarbamol use was
      associated with a greater likelihood of earlier discharge. RESULTS: A total of
      592 patients were included in the final study cohort. Of these, 329 received
      methocarbamol and 263 did not receive methocarbamol. In the Cox Proportional
      Hazards Model methocarbamol use was associated with a greater likelihood of being
      discharged from the hospital (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.78, p < 0.001). .
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of methocarbamol after traumatic rib fractures may result in
      a reduction in the length of hospital stay.

PMID- 28088300
TI  - Cytoplasmic RNA-Protein Particles Exhibit Non-Gaussian Subdiffusive Behavior.
AB  - The cellular cytoplasm is a complex, heterogeneous environment (both spatially
      and temporally) that exhibits viscoelastic behavior. To further develop our
      quantitative insight into cellular transport, we analyze data sets of mRNA
      molecules fluorescently labeled with MS2-GFP tracked in real time in live
      Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. As shown previously, these
      RNA-protein particles exhibit subdiffusive behavior that is viscoelastic in its
      origin. Examining the ensemble of particle displacements reveals a Laplace
      distribution at all observed timescales rather than the Gaussian distribution
      predicted by the central limit theorem. This ensemble non-Gaussian behavior is
      caused by a combination of an exponential distribution in the time-averaged
      diffusivities and non-Gaussian behavior of individual trajectories. We show that
      the non-Gaussian behavior is a consequence of significant heterogeneity between
      trajectories and dynamic heterogeneity along single trajectories. Informed by
      theory and simulation, our work provides an in-depth analysis of the complex
      diffusive behavior of RNA-protein particles in live cells.

PMID- 28088302
TI  - The CYP79A1 catalyzed conversion of tyrosine to (E)-p-hydroxyphenylacetaldoxime
      unravelled using an improved method for homology modeling.
AB  - The vast diversity and membrane-bound nature of plant P450s makes it challenging
      to study the structural characteristics of this class of enzymes especially with
      respect to accurate intermolecular enzyme-substrate interactions. To address this
      problem we here apply a modified hybrid structure strategy for homology modeling
      of plant P450s. This allows for structural elucidation based on conserved motifs
      in the protein sequence and secondary structure predictions. We modeled the well
      studied Sorghum bicolor cytochrome P450 CYP79A1 catalyzing the first step in the
      biosynthesis of the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin. Docking experiments identified
      key regions of the active site involved in binding of the substrate and
      facilitating catalysis. Arginine 152 and threonine 534 were identified as key
      residues interacting with the substrate. The model was validated experimentally
      using site-directed mutagenesis. The new CYP79A1 model provides detailed insights
      into the mechanism of the initial steps in cyanogenic glycoside biosynthesis. The
      approach could guide functional characterization of other membrane-bound P450s
      and provide structural guidelines for elucidation of key structure-function
      relationships of other plant P450s.

PMID- 28088303
TI  - [Letter to the editor: Spinal subarachnoid hematoma after-spinal anesthesia: case
      report [Rev Bras Anestesiol 2016]].

PMID- 28088304
TI  - Mechanical biomarkers of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis diagnosis and
      severity grading: Discovery phase.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate, as a discovery phase, if 3D knee kinematics assessment
      parameters can serve as mechanical biomarkers, more specifically as diagnostic
      biomarker and burden of disease biomarkers, as defined in the Burden of Disease,
      Investigative, Prognostic, Efficacy of Intervention and Diagnostic classification
      scheme for osteoarthritis (OA) (Altman et al., 1986). These biomarkers consist of
      a set of biomechanical parameters discerned from 3D knee kinematic patterns,
      namely, flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and tibial internal/external
      rotation measurements, during gait recording. METHODS: 100 medial compartment
      knee OA patients and 40 asymptomatic control subjects participated in this study.
      OA patients were categorized according to disease severity, by the Kellgren and
      Lawrence grading system. The proposed biomarkers were identified by incremental
      parameter selection in a regression tree of cross-sectional data. Biomarker
      effectiveness was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis,
      namely, the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS:
      Diagnostic biomarkers were defined by a set of 3 abduction/adduction kinematics
      parameters. The performance of these biomarkers reached 85% for the AUC, 80% for
      sensitivity and 90% for specificity; the likelihood ratio was 8%. Burden of
      disease biomarkers were defined by a 3-decision tree, with sets of kinematics
      parameters selected from all 3 movement planes. CONCLUSION: The results
      demonstrate, as part of a discovery phase, that sets of 3D knee kinematic
      parameters have the potential to serve as diagnostic and burden of disease
      biomarkers of medial compartment knee OA.

PMID- 28088305
TI  - Inertial particle dynamics in large artery flows - Implications for modeling
      arterial embolisms.
AB  - The complexity of inertial particle dynamics through swirling chaotic flow
      structures characteristic of pulsatile large-artery hemodynamics renders
      significant challenges in predictive understanding of transport of such
      particles. This is specifically crucial for arterial embolisms, where knowledge
      of embolus transport to major vascular beds helps in disease diagnosis and
      surgical planning. Using a computational framework built upon image-based CFD and
      discrete particle dynamics modeling, a multi-parameter sampling-based study was
      conducted on embolic particle dynamics and transport. The results highlighted the
      strong influence of material properties, embolus size, release instance, and
      embolus source on embolus distribution to the cerebral, renal and mesenteric, and
      ilio-femoral vasculature beds. The study also isolated the importance of shear
      gradient lift, and elastohydrodynamic contact, in affecting embolic particle
      transport. Near-wall particle re-suspension due to lift alters aortogenic embolic
      particle dynamics significantly as compared to cardiogenic. The observations
      collectively indicated the complex interplay of particle inertia, fluid-particle
      density ratio, and wall collisions, with chaotic flow structures, which render
      the overall motion of the particles to be non-trivially dispersive in nature.

PMID- 28088306
TI  - Ventricular fibrillation occurring after atrioventricular node ablation despite
      minimal difference between pre- and post-ablation heart rates.
AB  - We report the case of an 82-year-old man presenting with ventricular fibrillation
      (VF) occurring acutely after atrioventricular node (AVN) ablation. This patient
      had severe valvular cardiomyopathy, chronic atrial fibrillation (AF), and
      underwent prior to the AVN ablation a biventricular implantable cardiac
      defibrillator positioning. The VF was successfully cardioverted with one external
      electrical shock. What makes this presentation original is that the pre-ablation
      spontaneous heart rate in AF was slow (84 bpm), and that VF occurred after
      ablation despite a minimal heart rate drop of only 14 bpm. VF is the most feared
      complication of AVN ablation, but it had previously only been described in case
      of acute heart rate drop after ablation of at least 30 bpm (and more
      frequently>50 bpm). This case report highlights the fact that VF may occur after
      AVN ablation regardless of the heart rate drop, rendering temporary fast
      ventricular pacing mandatory whatever the pre-ablation heart rate.

PMID- 28088307
TI  - In-office fabrication of a definitive cast and duplication of an interim implant
      supported fixed acrylic resin complete denture.
AB  - The information contained in an interim implant-supported fixed acrylic resin
      complete denture is a starting point for fabricating the definitive restoration.
      Duplicating this information in an expedient, precise, and sanitary fashion is
      desirable so that the interim restoration can be returned to the waiting patient.
      A technique is described to fabricate an accurate definitive polyvinyl siloxane
      cast with laboratory analogs bonded to a prepolymerized, dimensionally stable,
      composite resin baseplate. A screw-retained polyvinyl siloxane duplication of the
      interim denture is related to this cast. This combination allows for most of the
      relevant information of the interim denture to be communicated to the dental
      laboratory.

PMID- 28088308
TI  - Effect of various polishing systems on the surface roughness and phase
      transformation of zirconia and the durability of the polishing systems.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although many systems are used to polish zirconia, a
      comparison of the performance of zirconia and feldspathic porcelain polishing
      systems is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare
      the effects of 3 polishing systems on surface roughness, zirconia phase
      transformation, and durability of the polishing systems when applied to zirconia
      and feldspathic porcelain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three polishing systems were
      evaluated: Z1, a zirconia polishing system; Z2, a zirconia polishing system, and
      F1, a feldspathic porcelain polishing system. Three ceramic systems were
      evaluated: PR and ZM zirconia specimens (diameter 15 mm, height 2 mm; 23
      specimens each) and CB feldspathic porcelain specimens of the same size (15
      specimens). A rough surface was created on the 3 types of specimens (15 specimens
      each) to model an occlusal adjustment under the same conditions. Polishing was
      carried out with the 3 polishing systems for 2 minutes each. Surface roughness
      was measured with a 3-dimensional (3D) optical profiler. The surface was also
      observed with a scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis was
      performed for 8 PR or ZM zirconia specimens polished by using the Z1 and Z2
      systems for 8 minutes to evaluate the phase transformation of zirconia before,
      during, and after polishing. These specimens were compared and analyzed for phase
      transformation that might have occurred during the polishing of the specimens.
      After finishing the surface roughness experiment and the phase transformation
      experiment, the volumes of the polishers were measured with a 3D volume scanner
      and compared with those before the experiments to evaluate the durability of the
      polishing system. A statistical analysis of all data was performed using 2-way
      ANOVA and the Tukey honest significant difference test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The
      2 zirconia polishing systems (Z1, Z2) created a significantly (P<.001) smoother
      surface, regardless of the type of specimens used for polishing, than the
      feldspathic porcelain polishing system (F1). When polishing treatment was carried
      out on zirconia specimens for 8 minutes, the maximum percentages of monoclinic
      phase increased by 0.03% in the Z1 system and by 0.09% in the Z2 system. The
      volume change for the durability evaluation of the polishing system was 13.35 and
      29.37% in the Z1 system, 2.05 and 5.92% in the Z2 system, and 3.60 and 4.95% in
      the F1 system, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia polishing systems created a
      smoother surface on zirconia than the feldspathic porcelain polishing system. No
      significant changes in the phase transformation of zirconia were found before and
      after polishing. Each polishing system showed different levels of wear
      resistance.

PMID- 28088309
TI  - [New therapy outlooks in Hodgkin lymphoma].
AB  - Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a curable disease in 80% of advanced and 90%
      of localized stages. An improvement of the HL curability is still possible with
      the emergence of first-line therapy with a better balance between efficacy and
      toxicity and early identification patients with high risk of failure requiring
      specific treatment. 18FDG PET-CT gained a major role in the baseline staging and
      response assessment to HL treatment. The prognostic value of early PET-CT allowed
      to develop PET-CT guided therapies able to optimize the balance between efficacy
      and toxicity including the modulation of the chemotherapy intensity or the
      omission of radiotherapy for some localized diseases. New drugs emerged in the
      treatment of relapse or refractory HL (brentuximab vedotine [BV], immunological
      checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD1). Although their place in the strategies of salvage
      therapy is still debated several trials have reported relevant efficacy in some
      unmet medical need: refractory patients or relapses after auto/allograft. This
      review addresses the questions of PET-CT-based therapeutic strategies in first
      line and the impact of new drugs targeting the micro-environment (anti-PD1) or
      the Hodgkin Reed Sternberg cells (BV).

PMID- 28088310
TI  - Performance limitations of networked control systems with quantization and packet
      dropouts.
AB  - This paper investigates the problem of optimal tracking performance of networked
      control systems (NCSs) with quantization and packet-dropouts. The system under
      consideration is linear time-invariant (LTI), multi-input multi-output (MIMO),
      where an H2 norm of error signal between the reference input and the system
      output is used as the tracking performance index. The impacts of packet-dropouts
      in the communication channel and the quantized input and output are studied. The
      goal is to obtain the minimal error in tracking a random signal, by searching
      through all possible stabilizing two-parameter controllers. It is shown that, the
      minimum value of tracking error is closely related to the reference input signal
      direction, the non-minimum phase zeros and unstable poles of the given plant,
      including the locations and directions. We also demonstrated the quantization
      error and the packet-dropouts may degrade the tracking performance. A typical
      example is given to evaluate the theoretical results.

PMID- 28088311
TI  - Prevalence of preoperative penile abnormalities among voluntary male medical
      circumcision patients in Swaziland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circumcision has been found to be an effective strategy for lowering
      the transmission of HIV in Africa. The Luke Commission, a mobile hospital
      outreach program, has used this information to decrease the rate of HIV in
      Swaziland by performing voluntary male medical circumcisions throughout the
      country. During many of these circumcisions, genital medical conditions and
      penile abnormalities are simultaneously discovered and corrected. PURPOSE: The
      goal of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of penile abnormalities
      discovered and treated during voluntary male medical circumcisions performed by
      The Luke Commission (TLC) throughout rural Swaziland. BASIC PROCEDURES: We
      completed a retrospective analysis of all male patients who underwent voluntary
      male medical circumcision performed by TLC during a period from June-August,
      2014. The penile abnormalities included: phimosis, paraphimosis, epispadias,
      hypospadias, ulcers, balanitis, torsion, and foreskin adherent to the glans. MAIN
      FINDINGS: Of 929 total circumcisions, 771 (83%) patients had at least one pre
      existing penile abnormality identified during their examinations and procedures,
      totaling 1110 abnormalities. Three specific abnormalities were detected -
      phimosis, adherent foreskin, and hypospadias. The 6-12 and 13-19 age groups had
      adequate sample sizes to yield precise estimates of prevalence (age group 6-12:
      87% (95% confidence interval [CI]=84-90%; age group 13-19: 79% (95% CI=74-84%).
      PRINCIPLE CONCLUSIONS: The Luke Commission is improving the lives of children and
      adults with limited access to healthcare through regular preoperative evaluations
      during male circumcision, and the organization is setting an example for other
      international healthcare groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Type of Study: Prognostic
      Study, Level II.

PMID- 28088312
TI  - Dementia in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Dementia can occur in a substantial number of patients with Parkinson's disease
      with a point prevalence close to 30%. The cognitive profile is characterized by
      predominant deficits in executive, visuospatial functions, attention and memory.
      Behavioral symptoms are frequent such as apathy, visual hallucinations and
      delusions. The most prominent associated pathology is Lewy body-type and
      biochemical deficit is cholinergic. Placebo-controlled randomized trials with
      cholinesterase inhibitors demonstrated modest but significant benefits in
      cognition, behavioral symptoms and global functions.

PMID- 28088313
TI  - q-Space Myelin Map imaging for longitudinal analysis of demyelination and
      remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients treated with fingolimod: A
      preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fingolimod (FTY) is an oral sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor
      modulator that reduces relapse and slows brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS)
      patients. In addition, FTY has been shown to enhance remyelination in certain
      animal models. OBJECTIVE: To analyze feasibility of a novel q-space Myelin Map
      imaging to monitor demyelination and remyelination under FTY treatment in MS
      patients. METHODS: Treatment outcomes of 24 consecutive MS patients treated with
      FTY were analyzed. A longitudinal analysis of q-space Myelin Map imaging was
      performed in a subset of these patients. RESULTS: During the treatment course
      (average of 16.1months), 10 patients (42%) exhibited improvement on the Expanded
      Disability Status Scale (EDSS) or maintained disability-free state ("optimal
      responders"). The average baseline age and EDSS score were significantly younger
      and milder in optimal responders compared to the rest of patients. A pilot
      longitudinal q-space Myelin Map study in 8 patients (including 4 optimal
      responders) showed that optimal responders tended to show signs of remyelination
      while exhibiting no newly evolved demyelinated lesions. CONCLUSION: FTY may
      improve disability in younger patients with milder MS, and absence of
      demyelination activity and presence of remyelination activity may in part be
      associated with such improvement. q-Space Myelin Map imaging is a clinically
      feasible modality to monitor demyelination and remyelination in MS patients.

PMID- 28088314
TI  - Is advanced paternal age a health risk for the offspring?
AB  - In this article we review the epidemiologic evidence for adverse health effects
      in offspring of fathers of advanced age. First the evidence regarding fetal
      survival is addressed, and afterward we review the evidence regarding morbidity
      in children with older fathers. The adverse conditions most consistently
      associated with increased paternal age are stillbirths, musculo-skeletal
      syndromes, cleft palate, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and retinoblastoma, and
      neurodevelopmental disorders in the autism spectrum and schizophrenia. Finally,
      we consider the public health impact of the increasing paternal age. We conclude
      that the adverse health effects in children that might be caused by the present
      increase in paternal age are severe but quantitatively of minor importance.
      However, identification of morbidities that are more frequent in offspring of
      older fathers, after having taken any maternal age effects and other confounding
      into account, may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis behind such
      conditions.

PMID- 28088315
TI  - Paris saponin-induced autophagy promotes breast cancer cell apoptosis via the
      Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
AB  - Paris saponins possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects.
      However, the anticancer effect of Paris saponins has not been well elucidated and
      the mechanisms underlying the potential function of Paris saponins in cancer
      therapy are needed to be further identify. In this study, we report that saponin
      compounds isolated from Paris polyphylla exhibited antitumor activity against
      breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Paris saponin XA-2 induced
      apoptosis in both cell lines, as evidenced by the activation of caspases and
      cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. The ability of XA-2 to induce autophagy
      was confirmed by acridine orange staining, accumulation of autophagosome-bound
      Long chain 3 (LC3)-II, and measurement of autophagic flux. XA-2-induced autophagy
      was observed to promote apoptosis by the combined treatment of breast cancer cell
      lines with XA-2 and autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine and bafilomycin A1,
      respectively. Moreover, we report a decrease in the levels of Akt/mTOR signaling
      pathway proteins, such as the phosphorylated forms of Akt, mTOR, P70S6K, and
      eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1). Taken
      together, these results provide important insights explaining the anticancer
      activity of Paris saponins and the potential development of XA-2 as a new
      therapeutic agent.

PMID- 28088316
TI  - Individual female differences in chemoattractant production change the scale of
      sea urchin gamete interactions.
AB  - Sperm selection by females is an important process influencing fertilization and,
      particularly in broadcast-spawning organisms, often occurs before sperm reach the
      egg. Waterborne sperm chemoattractants are one mechanism by which eggs
      selectively influence conspecific sperm behavior, but it remains an open question
      whether the eggs from different females produce different amounts of sperm
      chemoattractant, and how that might influence sperm behavior. Here, we quantify
      the differences in attractant production between females of the sea urchin
      species Lytechinus pictus and use computational models and microfluidic sperm
      chemotaxis assays to determine how differences in chemoattractant production
      between females affects their ability to attract sperm. Our study demonstrates
      that there is significant individual female variation in egg chemoattractant
      production, and that this variation changes the scope and strength of sperm
      attraction. These results provide evidence for the importance of individual
      female variability in differential sperm attraction and fertilization success.

PMID- 28088317
TI  - Neuropeptides-2015, Aberdeen University, Scotland.

PMID- 28088318
TI  - Correlation of the HPV detection, protein expression and DNA content in cutaneous
      pre-invasive and invasive carcinoma among Croatian patients.
AB  - Development of cutaneous carcinomas has been associated with HPV infection. There
      have been various reports on p16, p53 and pRb expression in cutaneous carcinomas
      and on its linkage to HPV status. Association of protein expression and HPV
      infection with DNA content is not clear. The aim of this study was to determine a
      possible correlation between HPV type, protein expression and DNA content in both
      pre-invasive and invasive squamous cell carcinoma, as well as differences between
      studied groups in these parameters. Sections of formalin fixed paraffin-embedded
      tumor tissue from 54 cases of Morbus Bowen (preinvasive cutaneous carcinoma) and
      41 cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin were subjected to HPV
      genotyping using Lipa (Line imuno probe assay), immunohistochemical staining for
      p16(INK4A), p53, pRb and prepared for flow cytometry DNA content analysis.
      Obtained data were analyzed in SPSS using Chi square test. Only p16 expression
      showed statistically significant differences in studied groups. Statistically
      significant correlations were found only in MB between parameters HPV-p53, p53
      pRb and p53-p16. Our results suggest different virus-induced pathobiology
      pathways for different cutaneous carcinoma groups.

PMID- 28088319
TI  - ERCC1 and ERCC2 as predictive biomarkers to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in
      colorectal cancer patients from Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of Excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1)
      and group 2 (ERCC2) expression levels on the efficacy of oxaliplatin-based
      chemotherapy is still controversial. The present study was conducted to determine
      the predictive value of these molecular biomarkers in stage III and IV colorectal
      cancer (CRC) patients receiving oxaliplatin (OX)-based chemotherapy as first-line
      treatment. METHODS: The study included 80 CRC patients who received first line
      oxaliplatin based chemotherapy The expression levels of ERCC1 and ERCC2-mRNA and
      proteins were determined in the primary tumors by quantitative real time reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC);
      respectively. The results of mRNA expression were correlated with patients'
      characteristics, response to treatment, overall- and event free survival (OS &
      EFS). RESULTS: Sixty four out of the 80 patients were legible for assessment of
      ERCC1 and ERCC2 expression. The cut-off levels of ERCC1and ERCC2-RNA were 3.8*10
      3& 4.6*10-3; respectively. Reduced ERCC1 and ERCC2 RNA expressions were detected
      in 50 (78.1%) and 48 (75%) cases, respectively whereas reduced proteins were
      detected in 48 cases (75%) for ERCC1 and ERCC2. After The median follow up period
      was 30.5months (range: 7-104months), Patients with low mRNAERCC1levels showed
      significantly longer OS (p=0.011) and EFS (p?0.001). However, no significant
      relation was found between ERCC2 levels and OS or EFS. In multivariate analysis
      performance status (PS), stage of the disease and ERCC1-mRNA expression were
      independent prognostic factors for EFS whereas tumor histology and stage of the
      disease were independent factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS: ERCC1 expression levels may
      help in selecting patients who benefit from oxaliplatin chemotherapy in stage III
      & IV CRC. Further large trials are needed to validate these data.

PMID- 28088322
TI  - Failure to rescue and preventability: Striving for the impossible?

PMID- 28088321
TI  - Surgeon-, pathologist-, and hospital-level variation in suboptimal lymph node
      examination after colectomy: Compartmentalizing quality improvement strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goals of this study were to characterize the variation in
      suboptimal lymph node examination for patients with colon cancer across
      individual surgeons, pathologists, and hospitals and to examine if this variation
      affects 5-year, disease-specific survival. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study
      was conducted by merging the New York State Cancer Registry with the Statewide
      Planning & Research Cooperative System, Medicaid, and Medicare claims to identify
      resections for stages I-III colon cancer from 2004-2011. Multilevel logistic
      regression models characterized variation in suboptimal lymph node examination
      (<12 lymph nodes). Multilevel competing-risks Cox models were used for survival
      analyses. RESULTS: The overall rate of suboptimal lymph node examination was 32%
      in 12,332 patients treated by 1,503 surgeons and 814 pathologists at 187
      hospitals. Patient-level predictors of suboptimal lymph node examination were
      older age, male sex, nonscheduled admission, lesser stage, and left colectomy
      procedure. Hospital-level predictors of suboptimal lymph node examination were a
      nonacademic status, a rural setting, and a low annual number of resections for
      colon cancer. The percent of the total clustering variance attributed to
      surgeons, pathologists, and hospitals was 8%, 23%, and 70%, respectively.
      Increasing the pathologist and hospital-specific rates of suboptimal lymph node
      examination were associated with worse 5-year, disease-specific survival.
      CONCLUSION: There was a large variation in suboptimal lymph node examination
      between surgeons, pathologists, and hospitals. Collaborative efforts that promote
      optimal examination of lymph nodes may improve prognosis for colon cancer
      patients. Given that 93% of the variation was attributable to pathologists and
      hospitals, endeavors in quality improvement should focus on these 2 settings.

PMID- 28088323
TI  - Vanishing leg ulcers.

PMID- 28088320
TI  - Quantifying lipid changes in various membrane compartments using lipid binding
      protein domains.
AB  - One of the largest challenges in cell biology is to map the lipid composition of
      the membranes of various organelles and define the exact location of processes
      that control the synthesis and distribution of lipids between cellular
      compartments. The critical role of phosphoinositides, low-abundant lipids with
      rapid metabolism and exceptional regulatory importance in the control of almost
      all aspects of cellular functions created the need for tools to visualize their
      localizations and dynamics at the single cell level. However, there is also an
      increasing need for methods to determine the cellular distribution of other
      lipids regulatory or structural, such as diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, or
      other phospholipids and cholesterol. This review will summarize recent advances
      in this research field focusing on the means by which changes can be described in
      more quantitative terms.

PMID- 28088324
TI  - Protective effect of sugar cane extract against dextran sulfate sodium-induced
      colonic inflammation in mice.
AB  - Sugar cane extract (SCE) exhibits various biological effects and has been
      reported to enhance animal growth performance. However, the effect of SCE on
      inflammation in animals is still obscure. To study the effects and underlying
      mechanism of SCE on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colonic inflammation,
      forty female ICR mice (26.63+/-0.19g, 6-week-old) were assigned into four groups:
      a control group (Cont), a DSS-challenged group (DSS), a SCE-supplemented group
      (SCE), and a DSS+SCE group (DSS+SCE). Mice in Cont group and DSS group were fed
      basic diet and other mice received 1% SCE supplemented in basic diet from 6-week
      to 8-week-old. Mice in DSS and DSS+SCE groups were also given a 4% DSS solution
      from 7-week to 8-week-old via drinking water to induce colonic inflammation.
      After 2 weeks, mice were sacrificed and samples were collected. The results
      showed that dietary SCE alleviated DSS induced growth suppression, splenic
      damage, colonic histological changes, colonic inflammation, oxidative stress, and
      colonic dysfunction of tight junctions. Meanwhile, the DSS exposure activated
      nuclear transcription factor kappa B p65 and inhibited nuclear factor E2-related
      factor 2 (Nrf2), while SCE markedly attenuated the DSS-promoted effect on the p65
      nuclear accumulation and the DSS-inhibited effect on the Nrf2 nuclear
      accumulation. In conclusion, SCE conferred a protective role in the DSS-induced
      inflammation and the mechanism might be associated with the activated signals of
      the nuclear factor kappa B p65 and Nrf2.

PMID- 28088325
TI  - Molecular dynamics simulations of ternary lipid bilayers containing plant sterol
      and glucosylceramide.
AB  - An atomic-level molecular dynamics simulation was carried out to study the
      effects of a plant sterol (sitosterol) and glucosylceramide (GlcCer) on a 1,2
      dilinoleoylposphocholine (DLiPC) membrane. Initially, a membrane containing
      50mol% sitosterol was compared with that containing the same ratio of
      cholesterol. These simulations showed differential condensing and ordering
      effects of sitosterol and cholesterol, with cholesterol being slightly more
      efficient than sitosterol in packing the membrane more tightly to a liquid
      ordered phase. By incorporation of 9.3% GlcCer on DLiPC/sterol membrane no
      notable change was observed in terms of area per lipid, bilayer thickness, order
      parameter and lateral diffusion. Some clusters of GlcCer/sterol were observed at
      higher ratio of GlcCer (15.5%), supporting the existence of GlcCer/sitosterol
      enriched Lo-domains on the nanometer scale in the plant lipid mixture.

PMID- 28088326
TI  - Acute kidney injury due to tropical infectious diseases and animal venoms: a tale
      of 2 continents.
AB  - South and Southeast Asia and Latin American together comprise 46 countries and
      are home to approximately 40% of the world population. The sociopolitical and
      economic heterogeneity, tropical climate, and malady transitions characteristic
      of the region strongly influence disease behavior and health care delivery. Acute
      kidney injury epidemiology mirrors these inequalities. In addition to hospital
      acquired acute kidney injury in tertiary care centers, these countries face a
      large preventable burden of community-acquired acute kidney injury secondary to
      tropical infectious diseases or animal venoms, affecting previously healthy young
      individuals. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical picture, prevention,
      risk factors, and pathophysiology of acute kidney injury associated with tropical
      diseases (malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, and yellow fever) and
      animal venom (snakes, bees, caterpillars, spiders, and scorpions) in tropical
      regions of Asia and Latin America, and discusses the potential future challenges
      due to emerging issues.

PMID- 28088327
TI  - CFTR impairment upregulates c-Src activity through IL-1beta autocrine signaling.
AB  - Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis
      transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Previously, we found several
      genes showing a differential expression in CFDE cells (epithelial cells derived
      from a CF patient). One corresponded to c-Src; its expression and activity was
      found increased in CFDE cells, acting as a signaling molecule between the CFTR
      activity and MUC1 overexpression. Here we report that bronchial IB3-1 cells (CF
      cells) also showed increased c-Src activity compared to 'CFTR-corrected' S9
      cells. In addition, three different Caco-2 cell lines, each stably transfected
      with a different CFTR-specific shRNAs, displayed increased c-Src activity. The IL
      1beta receptor antagonist IL1RN reduced the c-Src activity of Caco-2/pRS26 cells
      (expressing a CFTR-specific shRNA). In addition, increased mitochondrial and
      cellular ROS levels were detected in Caco-2/pRS26 cells. ROS levels were
      partially reduced by incubation with PP2 (c-Src inhibitor) or IL1RN, and further
      reduced by using the NOX1/4 inhibitor GKT137831. Thus, IL-1beta->c-Src and IL
      1beta->NOX signaling pathways appear to be responsible for the production of
      cellular and mitochondrial ROS in CFTR-KD cells. In conclusion, IL-1beta
      constitutes a new step in the CFTR signaling pathway, located upstream of c-Src,
      which is stimulated in cells with impaired CFTR activity.

PMID- 28088328
TI  - Altered myocyte contractility and calcium homeostasis in alpha-myosin heavy chain
      point mutations linked to familial dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Mutations in the human cardiac motor protein beta-myosin heavy chain (betaMHC)
      have been long recognized as a cause of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
      Recently, mutations (P830L and A1004S) in the less abundant but faster isoform
      alpha-myosin heavy chain (alphaMHC) have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy
      (DCM). In this study, we sought to determine the cellular contractile phenotype
      associated with these point mutations. Ventricular myocytes were isolated from 2
      month male Sprague Dawley rats. Cells were cultured in M199 media and infected
      with recombinant adenovirus containing the P830L or the A1004S mutant human
      alphaMHC at a MOI of 500 for 18 h. Uninfected cells (UI), human betaMHC (MOI 500,
      18 h), and human alphaMHC (MOI 500, 18 h) were used as controls. Cells were
      loaded with fura-2 (1 MUM, 15 min) after 48 h. Sarcomere shortening and calcium
      transients were recorded in CO2 buffered M199 media (36 degrees +/-1 C) with and
      without 10 nM isoproterenol (Iso). The A1004S mutation resulted in decreased peak
      sarcomere shortening while P830L demonstrated near normal shortening kinetics at
      baseline. In the presence of Iso, the A1004S sarcomere shortening was identical
      to the betaMHC shortening while the P830L was identical to the alphaMHC control.
      All experimental groups had identical calcium transients. Despite a shared
      association with DCM, the P830L and A1004S alphaMHC mutations alter myocyte
      contractility in completely different ways while at the same preserving peak
      intracellular calcium.

PMID- 28088329
TI  - Introduction for the special issue on the chemistry of redox signaling.

PMID- 28088330
TI  - Genomic insights in gynecologic cancer.
AB  - Recent technological advances in DNA sequencing have enabled a remarkably
      detailed understanding of the molecular changes that define gynecologic and other
      cancers. Several groups have carried out large-scale genomic analyses of ovarian,
      uterine, and most recently, cervical cancer. These analyses have led to new
      insights into the molecular changes characterizing these cancers, which provide
      insight into clinical outcomes. These molecular characterizations have similarly
      led to new genomic-based classification schemas, which may better stratify
      clinical outcomes, help prognosticate and guide treatments. Discovery of
      characteristic mutations may also provide potential new targets for molecularly
      targeted chemotherapies, as has been already described with poly-ADP ribose
      polymerase inhibitors and ovarian cancer. The purpose of this article is to
      provide an overview of the defining molecular abnormalities and markers in
      gynecologic cancer, to discuss the clinical implications, and to provide a
      comprehensive view of the current state of genomic knowledge in gynecologic
      cancer.

PMID- 28088331
TI  - Eicosapentaenoic acid ameliorates palmitate-induced lipotoxicity via the AMP
      kinase/dynamin-related protein-1 signaling pathway in differentiated H9c2
      myocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggested the preferable effects of
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid) against cardiac
      lipotoxicity, which worsens cardiac function by means of excessive serum free
      fatty acids due to chronic adrenergic stimulation under heart failure.
      Nonetheless, the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we
      focused on dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp1) as a possible modulator of the EPA
      mediated cardiac protection against cardiac lipotoxicity, and investigated the
      causal relation between AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Drp1. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: When differentiated H9c2 myocytes were exposed to palmitate (PAL;
      saturated fatty acid, 400uM) for 24h, these myocytes showed activation of
      caspases 3 and 7, enhanced caspase 3 cleavage, depolarized mitochondrial membrane
      potential, depleted intracellular ATP, and enhanced production of intracellular
      reactive oxygen species. These changes suggested lipotoxicity due to excessive
      PAL. PAL enhanced mitochondrial fragmentation with increased Drp1 expression, as
      well. EPA (50uM) restored the PAL-induced apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction,
      and mitochondrial fragmentation with increased Drp1 expression by PAL. EPA
      activated phosphorylation of AMPK, and pharmacological activation of AMPK by 5
      aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide ameliorated the PAL-induced
      apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and downregulated Drp1. An AMPK knockdown
      via RNA interference enhanced Drp1 expression and attenuated the protective
      effects of EPA against the PAL-induced lipotoxicity. CONCLUSION: EPA ameliorates
      the PAL-induced lipotoxicity via AMPK activation, which subsequently suppresses
      mitochondrial fragmentation and Drp1 expression. Our findings may provide new
      insights into the molecular mechanisms of EPA-mediated myocardial protection in
      heart failure.

PMID- 28088332
TI  - Manipulation of tumor oxygenation and radiosensitivity through modification of
      cell respiration. A critical review of approaches and imaging biomarkers for
      therapeutic guidance.
AB  - Tumor hypoxia has long been considered as a detrimental factor for the response
      to irradiation. In order to improve the sensitivity of tumors cells to radiation
      therapy, tumor hypoxia may theoretically be alleviated by increasing the oxygen
      delivery or by decreasing the oxygen consumption by tumor cells. Mathematical
      modelling suggested that decreasing the oxygen consumption should be more
      efficient than increasing oxygen delivery in order to alleviate tumor hypoxia. In
      this paper, we review several promising strategies targeting the mitochondrial
      respiration for which alleviation of tumor hypoxia and increase in sensitivity to
      irradiation have been demonstrated. Because the translation of these approaches
      into the clinical arena requires the use of pharmacodynamics biomarkers able to
      identify shift in oxygen consumption and tumor oxygenation, we also discuss the
      relative merits of imaging biomarkers (Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic
      Resonance) that may be used for therapeutic guidance. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled Mitochondria in Cancer, edited by Giuseppe Gasparre,
      Rodrigue Rossignol and Pierre Sonveaux.

PMID- 28088333
TI  - Mitochondrial uncoupling in cancer cells: Liabilities and opportunities.
AB  - Acquisition of the endosymbiotic ancestor of mitochondria was a critical event in
      eukaryote evolution. Mitochondria offered an unparalleled source of metabolic
      energy through oxidative phosphorylation and allowed the development of
      multicellular life. However, as molecular oxygen had become the terminal electron
      acceptor in most eukaryotic cells, the electron transport chain proved to be the
      largest intracellular source of superoxide, contributing to macromolecular
      injury, aging, and cancer. Hence, the 'contract of endosymbiosis' represents a
      compromise between the possibilities and perils of multicellular life. Uncoupling
      proteins (UCPs), a group of the solute carrier family of transporters, may remove
      some of the physiologic constraints that link mitochondrial respiration and ATP
      synthesis by mediating inducible proton leak and limiting oxidative cell injury.
      This important property makes UCPs an ancient partner in the metabolic adaptation
      of cancer cells. Efforts are underway to explore the therapeutic opportunities
      stemming from the intriguing relationship of UCPs and cancer. This article is
      part of a Special Issue entitled Mitochondria in Cancer, edited by Giuseppe
      Gasparre, Rodrigue Rossignol and Pierre Sonveaux.

PMID- 28088334
TI  - Subtype identification of human Blastocystis spp. isolated from Lao People's
      Democratic Republic.
AB  - Blastocystis sp. is the most common protist found in the intestinal tract of
      humans and animals. Blastocystis subtypes (STs) are classified based on the
      molecular phylogeny of the small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rDNA). At least 17
      Blastocystis STs have been reported and, of these, STs 1-9 have been found in
      humans. This study revealed the presence of human Blastocystis STs in Lao
      People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Fecal samples were collected from
      apparently healthy people from the central province of Khammouane and the
      southern province of Champasak. Fresh fecal samples, found to be positive for
      Blastocystis using microscopy, were individually cultured in Jones' medium and
      each sample was used for the amplification and sequencing of a fragment of SSU
      rDNA. BLAST searches and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the distribution of four
      Blastocystis STs: ST1 (64%), ST2 (8%), ST3 (24%) and ST7 (4%). This is the first
      report to provide molecular data revealing the prevalence of Blastocystis STs in
      apparently healthy people from Lao PDR.

PMID- 28088335
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28088336
TI  - Human basophils may not undergo modulation by DC-SIGN and mannose receptor
      targeting immunotherapies due to absence of receptors.

PMID- 28088337
TI  - Stressed brain, stressed heart?

PMID- 28088339
TI  - Evidence-based management of systemic sclerosis: Navigating recommendations and
      guidelines.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare heterogeneous connective tissue
      disease. Recommendations addressing the major issues in the management of SSc
      including screening and treatment of organ complications are needed. METHODS: The
      updated European League Against Rheumatism/European Scleroderma Trial and
      Research (EULAR/EUSTAR) and the British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) and British
      Health Professionals in Rheumatology (BHPR) guidelines were compared and
      contrasted. RESULTS: The updated EULAR/EUSTAR guidelines focus specifically on
      the management of SSc features and include data on newer therapeutic modalities
      and mention a research agenda. These recommendations are pharmacologic, with few
      guidelines regarding investigations and non-pharmacologic management.
      Recommendations from BSR/BHPR are similar to the organ manifestations mentioned
      in the EULAR/EUSTAR recommendations, and expand on several domains of treatment,
      including general measures, non-pharmacologic treatment, cardiac involvement,
      calcinosis, and musculoskeletal features. The guidelines usually agree with one
      another. Limitations include the lack of guidance for combination or second-line
      therapy, algorithmic suggestions, the absence of evidence-based recommendations
      regarding the treatment of specific complications (i.e., gastric antral ectasia
      and erectile dysfunction). Consensus for when to treat interstitial lung disease
      in SSc is lacking. There are differences between Europe and North American
      experts due to access and indications for certain therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Care
      gaps in SSc have been demonstrated so the EULAR/EUSTAR and BSR/BHP guidelines can
      promote best practices. Certain complications warrant active investigation to
      further improve outcomes in SSc and future updates of these recommendations. Care
      gaps in SSc have been demonstrated so the EULAR/EUSTAR and BSR/BHP guidelines can
      promote best practices. Certain complications warrant active investigation to
      further improve outcomes in SSc.

PMID- 28088338
TI  - Relation between resting amygdalar activity and cardiovascular events: a
      longitudinal and cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emotional stress is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular
      disease. We imaged the amygdala, a brain region involved in stress, to determine
      whether its resting metabolic activity predicts risk of subsequent cardiovascular
      events. METHODS: Individuals aged 30 years or older without known cardiovascular
      disease or active cancer disorders, who underwent 18F-fluorodexoyglucose PET/CT
      at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA, USA) between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec
      31, 2008, were studied longitudinally. Amygdalar activity, bone-marrow activity,
      and arterial inflammation were assessed with validated methods. In a separate
      cross-sectional study we analysed the relation between perceived stress,
      amygdalar activity, arterial inflammation, and C-reactive protein. Image analyses
      and cardiovascular disease event adjudication were done by mutually blinded
      researchers. Relations between amygdalar activity and cardiovascular disease
      events were assessed with Cox models, log-rank tests, and mediation (path)
      analyses. FINDINGS: 293 patients (median age 55 years [IQR 45.0-65.5]) were
      included in the longitudinal study, 22 of whom had a cardiovascular disease event
      during median follow-up of 3.7 years (IQR 2.7-4.8). Amygdalar activity was
      associated with increased bone-marrow activity (r=0.47; p<0.0001), arterial
      inflammation (r=0.49; p<0.0001), and risk of cardiovascular disease events
      (standardised hazard ratio 1.59, 95% CI 1.27-1.98; p<0.0001), a finding that
      remained significant after multivariate adjustments. The association between
      amygdalar activity and cardiovascular disease events seemed to be mediated by
      increased bone-marrow activity and arterial inflammation in series. In the
      separate cross-sectional study of patients who underwent psychometric analysis
      (n=13), amygdalar activity was significantly associated with arterial
      inflammation (r=0.70; p=0.0083). Perceived stress was associated with amygdalar
      activity (r=0.56; p=0.0485), arterial inflammation (r=0.59; p=0.0345), and C
      reactive protein (r=0.83; p=0.0210). INTERPRETATION: In this first study to link
      regional brain activity to subsequent cardiovascular disease, amygdalar activity
      independently and robustly predicted cardiovascular disease events. Amygdalar
      activity is involved partly via a path that includes increased bone-marrow
      activity and arterial inflammation. These findings provide novel insights into
      the mechanism through which emotional stressors can lead to cardiovascular
      disease in human beings. FUNDING: None.

PMID- 28088340
TI  - The role of magnetic resonance imaging techniques in evaluation and management of
      the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool in the evaluation of
      neuromuscular disorders. MRI accurately demonstrates muscle oedema, atrophy,
      subcutaneous pathology and fatty infiltration and also highlights the
      distribution of muscle involvement. This review examines the role of MRI in
      evaluation of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), a heterogeneous
      group of autoimmune conditions characterised by muscle inflammation and a variety
      of extra-muscular manifestations. MRI has a clear role in aiding diagnosis of
      these conditions, guiding muscle biopsy, differentiating subtypes of IIM using a
      pattern-based approach, and monitoring disease activity in a longitudinal
      fashion. Whole body MRI is an emerging technique that offers several advantages
      over regional MRI, but is not currently widely available. We will also consider
      newer MRI techniques which provide detailed information regarding the metabolism,
      function and structure of muscle, although their use is restricted to research
      purposes at present.

PMID- 28088343
TI  - First confirmed report of a bacterial brood disease in stingless bees.
AB  - Susceptibility to brood pathogens in eusocial stingless bees (Meliponini),
      alternative pollinators to honey bees, is unknown. Brood losses in managed
      colonies of the Australian stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria, were studied
      over 20months. We isolated a disease-causing bacterium, Lysinibacillus sphaericus
      (Firmicutes, Bacillaceae), from worker and queen larvae, brood cell provisions
      and honey stores. Pathogenicity experiments confirmed this bacterium as the
      causal organism. It took 22days from infection to first appearance of brood
      disease symptoms. This is the first confirmed record of a brood pathogen in
      stingless bees.

PMID- 28088341
TI  - Evaluation of an In-house indirect ELISA for detection of antibody against
      haemorrhagic septicemia in Asian elephants.
AB  - Pasteurella multocida causes haemorrhagic septicemia in livestock and wild
      animals, including elephants. The disease has been reported in Asian elephants in
      India and Sri Lanka, but to date there have been no reported cases in Thailand.
      ELISA or indirect hemagglutination assays (IHA) have been demonstrated to be able
      to detect the antibody against the disease in cattle, but no data are available
      for elephants. The present study reports a novel in-house indirect ELISA for
      antibody detection of haemorrhagic septicemia in Asian elephants, and evaluates
      the sensitivity and specificity of the method using a Bayesian approach. The
      characteristics of ELISA and IHA were analyzed using a one population Bayesian
      model assuming conditional dependence between these two diagnostic tests. The IHA
      was performed as recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
      manual for haemorrhagic septicemia. An in-house indirect ELISA was developed with
      a heat extract antigen of P. multocida strain M-1404 (serovar B:2) as a coating
      antigen and rabbit anti-immunoglobulin G conjugated with horseradish peroxidase
      (eIgG-HRP). The checkerboard titration method was done using elephant sera
      immunized with P. multocida bacterin and negative sera from colostrum-deprived
      elephant calves. The concentrations of heat extract antigen (160MUg/ml), sample
      serum (1:100), and eIgG-HRP (1:1000) were optimal for the assay. The calculated
      cut-off value was 0.103. Of the elephant sera, 50.59% (43/85) were considered
      seropositive by ELISA. The sensitivity of the ELISA test was higher than that of
      the IHA test [median=86.5%, 95% posterior probability interval (PPI)=52.5-98.9%]
      while the specificity was lower (median=54.1%, PPI=43.6-64.7%). The median
      sensitivity and specificity of IHA were 80.5% (PPI=43.8-98.0%) and 78.4%
      (PPI=69.0-87.0%), respectively. These findings suggest that our in-house indirect
      ELISA can be used as a tool to detect the antibody against haemorrhagic
      septicemia in Asian elephants.

PMID- 28088342
TI  - Nanoparticle standards for immuno-based quantitation of alpha-synuclein oligomers
      in diagnostics of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by
      symptoms such as rigor, tremor and bradykinesia. A reliable and early diagnosis
      could improve the development of early therapeutic strategies before death of
      dopaminergic neurons leads to the first clinical symptoms. The sFIDA (surface
      based fluorescence intensity distribution analysis) assay is a highly sensitive
      method to determine the concentration of alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) oligomers
      which are presumably the major toxic isoform of alpha-syn and potentially the
      most direct biomarker for PD. Oligomer-based diagnostic tests require standard
      molecules that closely mimic the native oligomer. This is particularly important
      for calibration and assessment of inter-assay variation. In this study, we
      generated a standard in form of alpha-syn coated silica nanoparticles (alpha-syn
      SiNaPs) that are in the size range of alpha-syn oligomers and provide a defined
      number of alpha-syn epitopes. The preparation of the sFIDA assay was realized on
      an automated platform to allow handling of high number of samples and reduce the
      effects of human error. The assay outcome was analyzed by determination of
      coefficient of variation and linearity for the applied alpha-syn-SiNaPs
      concentrations. Additionally, the limit of detection and lower limit of
      quantification were determined yielding concentrations in the lower femtomolar
      range.

PMID- 28088344
TI  - Design control considerations for biologic-device combination products.
AB  - Combination products are therapeutic and diagnostic medical products that combine
      drugs, devices, and/or biological products with one another. Historically,
      biologics development involved identifying efficacious doses administered to
      patients intravenously or perhaps by a syringe. Until fairly recently, there has
      been limited focus on developing an accompanying medical device, such as a
      prefilled syringe or auto-injector, to enable easy and more efficient delivery.
      For the last several years, and looking forward, where there may be little to
      distinguish biologics medicines with relatively similar efficacy profiles, the
      biotechnology market is beginning to differentiate products by patient-focused,
      biologic-device based combination products. As innovative as biologic-device
      combination products are, they can pose considerable development, regulatory, and
      commercialization challenges due to unique physicochemical properties and special
      clinical considerations (e.g., dosing volumes, frequency, co-medications, etc.)
      of the biologic medicine. A biologic-device combination product is a marriage
      between two partners with "cultural differences," so to speak. There are clear
      differences in the development, review, and commercialization processes of the
      biologic and the device. When these two cultures come together in a combination
      product, developers and reviewers must find ways to address the design controls
      and risk management processes of both the biologic and device, and knit them into
      a single entity with supporting product approval documentation. Moreover, digital
      medicine and connected health trends are pushing the boundaries of combination
      product development and regulations even further. Despite an admirable
      cooperation between industry and FDA in recent years, unique product
      configurations and design features have resulted in review challenges. These
      challenges have prompted agency reviewers to modernize consultation processes,
      while at the same time, promoting development of innovative, safe and effective
      combination products. It remains the manufacturer's responsibility to comply with
      the relevant requirements and regulations, and develop good business practices
      that clearly describe how these practices comply with FDA's final rule (21 CFR
      Part 4) and aligns with the company's already established quality system.

PMID- 28088346
TI  - Msi1 promotes tumor progression by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in
      cervical cancer.
AB  - Musashi1 (Msi1) is an RNA-binding protein that has been reported to be a pivotal
      regulator in tumorigenesis and progression in several cancers. However, its
      function and mechanism in cervical cancer is still unknown. In this study, Msi1
      expression was found elevated in cervical cancers by immunohistochemistry and
      correlated with poor outcomes. Then, endogenous Msi1 was silenced in cervical
      cancer cell lines by short hairpin RNA, and its function and mechanism were
      determined. The results showed that the silencing of Msi1 in SiHa and HeLa cells
      inhibited the cells' migratory and invasive abilities in vitro and tumor
      progression in vivo. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were down
      regulated, and Wnt activity was inhibited by the silencing of Msi1. In clinical
      tissues, positive correlations between Msi1 and EMT markers were found. In
      conclusion, Msi1, a diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target, promoted
      the EMT progression through activation of the Wnt signaling pathway in cervical
      cancers, thereby contributing to poor prognosis.

PMID- 28088345
TI  - Phenotypic characterization of perivascular myoid cell neoplasms, using myosin
      1B, a newly identified human pericyte marker.
AB  - Our aims were to identify pericyte-specific markers for the analysis of formalin
      fixed, paraffin-embedded human tissue samples, and to characterize perivascular
      myoid cell neoplasms phenotypically. Previously identified pericyte markers
      failed to distinguish pericytes from other cellular types, such as vascular
      smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) and fibroblasts, in immunohistochemistry analysis.
      However, we compared gene expression profiles between pericytes, vSMCs, and
      fibroblasts, and performed human skin vasculature immunohistochemistry analysis,
      which led to the identification of myosin 1B (MYO1B) as a novel pericyte marker.
      Afterward, we investigated the expression levels of MYO1B and h-caldesmon (h-CD)
      in perivascular myoid cell neoplasms, angioleiomyomas (n=28), glomus tumors
      (n=23), and myopericytomas (n=3). Angioleiomyomas were shown to contain MYO1B
      negative and h-CD-positive (MYO1B-hCD+) tumor cells, with vSMC features. Glomus
      tumors were predominantly composed of the MYO1B+hCD+ tumor cells, with the
      intermediate features between pericytes and vSMCs, whereas MYO1B+hCD- tumor cells
      with pericytic features and/or the MYO1B-hCD+ tumor cells with vSMC features were
      frequently found in these tumors. The perivascular concentric pattern of 2
      myopericytoma cases was composed of MYO1B+hCD+ tumor cells, whereas that of one
      myopericytoma contained MYO1B-hCD+ tumor cells. These results indicate that the
      ability to distinguish between these cell types may allow us to understand the
      differentiation and origin of perivascular myoid cell neoplasms. This is the
      first study to identify cell properties of perivascular myoid cell neoplasms by
      using a pericyte-specific marker with considerably lower expression in vSMCs and
      fibroblasts.

PMID- 28088347
TI  - Disparity configuration influences depth discrimination in naive adults, but not
      in children.
AB  - We report a series of experiments in which we assess depth discrimination
      performance in adults and children using a disparity-balanced target
      configuration to avoid the effects of anticipatory vergence eye movements. In our
      first study we found that children outperformed adults by a substantial margin,
      and the adults were consistently near chance. This was surprising given that we
      initially tested naive adults to provide a benchmark for the children's data, and
      all observers met the criterion for stereoacuity. In subsequent experiments we
      recruited groups of inexperienced adult observers and assessed the role of a wide
      range of spatial and temporal factors in this apparent deficit. We found that the
      adult performance remained poor in spite of changes to the stimulus layout,
      exposure duration, and spatial scale. The only manipulations that improved
      performance were those that limited the binocular disparity to a single sign. We
      conclude that these data reflect a form of involuntary disparity pooling that
      makes it difficult for naive observers to judge depth from disparity from
      multiple targets. The absence of this effect in children likely reflects the late
      maturation of global processes and depth cue integration.

PMID- 28088348
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of Kukoamine A against cerebral ischemia via antioxidant
      and inactivation of apoptosis pathway.
AB  - Kukoamine A (KuA) is a bioactive compound, which is known for a hypotensive
      effect. Recent studies have shown that KuA has anti-oxidative effect and anti
      apoptosis stress in vitro. However, its neuroprotective effect in rats with
      cerebral ischemia is still unclear. In the study, we investigated whether KuA
      could attenuate cerebral ischemia induced by permanent middle cerebral artery
      occlusion (pMCAO) in rats. Results revealed that KuA could significantly reduce
      infarct volume both pre-treatment and post-treatment, and increase corresponding
      Garcia neurological scores. Acute KuA postconditioning not only significantly
      reduced cerebral infarct volume, brain water content and improved neurological
      deficit scores, but also decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells. Moreover,
      it markedly increased the activities of Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD, reduced levels of
      MDA and H2O2. Increased expressions of caspase-3, cytochrome c and the ratio of
      Bax/Bcl-2 were significantly alleviated with KuA treatment. These findings
      demonstrated that KuA was able to protect the brain against injury induced by
      pMCAO via mitochondria mediated apoptosis signaling pathway.

PMID- 28088349
TI  - Stroke biomarkers in clinical practice: A critical appraisal.
AB  - Biomarkers provide critical mechanistic insights to key biologic processes that
      occur during cerebral ischemia which, when carefully applied, can improve
      clinical decision-making in acute stroke management. The translation of a blood
      based biomarker in ischemic stroke to clinical practice is challenging, in part,
      due to the complexity of ischemic stroke pathogenesis and the presence of a blood
      brain barrier that restricts the release of brain-specific markers into the
      circulation. The pathologic and clinical aspects of ischemic stroke are described
      in this review, where a non-exhaustive list of biomarkers that interrogate
      different aspects of ischemic stroke such as oxidative damage, inflammation,
      thrombus formation, cardiac function and brain injury are described. The
      potential roles of these biomarkers are further examined under different clinical
      scenarios aimed at (1) averting the risk of hemorrhagic transformation, (2)
      identifying individuals at risk of early neurologic deterioration and malignant
      infarction, (3) aiding in the diagnosis of ischemic stroke and its
      differentiation from other stroke mimics, (4) guiding the search for stroke
      etiology, and (5) assessing stroke risk within the community. Researchers should
      explore the roles of stroke biomarkers to enhance clinical decision-making that
      is presently largely based on intuition and subjective reasoning.

PMID- 28088350
TI  - The emotive nature of conflict monitoring in the medial prefrontal cortex.
AB  - The detection of conflict between incompatible impulses, thoughts, and actions is
      a ubiquitous source of motivation across theories of goal-directed action. In
      this overview, we explore the hypothesis that conflict is emotive, integrating
      perspectives from affective science and cognitive neuroscience. Initially, we
      review evidence suggesting that the mental and biological processes that monitor
      for information processing conflict-particularly those generated by the anterior
      midcingulate cortex-track the affective significance of conflict and use this
      signal to motivate increased control. In this sense, variation in control
      resembles a form of affect regulation in which control implementation counteracts
      the aversive experience of conflict. We also highlight emerging evidence
      proposing that states and dispositions associated with acceptance facilitate
      control by tuning individuals to the emotive nature of conflict, before proposing
      avenues for future research, including investigating the role of affect in
      reinforcement learning and decision making.

PMID- 28088351
TI  - Neural activity reveals perceptual grouping in working memory.
AB  - There is extensive evidence that the contralateral delay activity (CDA), a scalp
      recorded event-related brain potential, provides a reliable index of the number
      of objects held in visual working memory. Here we present evidence that the CDA
      not only indexes visual object working memory, but also the number of locations
      held in spatial working memory. In addition, we demonstrate that the CDA can be
      predictably modulated by the type of encoding strategy employed. When individual
      locations were held in working memory, the pattern of CDA modulation mimicked
      previous findings for visual object working memory. Specifically, CDA amplitude
      increased monotonically until working memory capacity was reached. However, when
      participants were instructed to group individual locations to form a
      constellation, the CDA was prolonged and reached an asymptote at two locations.
      This result provides neural evidence for the formation of a unitary
      representation of multiple spatial locations.

PMID- 28088352
TI  - Mutations at the Darkener of Apricot locus modulate pheromone production and sex
      behavior in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Mutations at the Darkener of Apricot (Doa) locus of Drosophila melanogaster alter
      sexual differentiation by disrupting sex-specific splicing of doublesex pre-mRNA,
      a key regulator of sex determination. Here, we study the effect of seven Doa
      alleles and several trans-heterozygous combinations on pheromones and courtship
      behavior. The cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile was slightly masculinized in
      females, with an accumulation of shorter compounds (C23 and C25) and a reduction
      in longer compounds (C27 and C29). The profile was feminized in males. Female
      cuticular profiles showed fewer dienes and female pheromones in six alleles and
      in the trans-heterozygotes and showed more male pheromones (tricosene and
      pentacosene) in three alleles (DEM, E786 and HD) and in all trans-heterozygotes.
      Courtship was severely affected in Doa males; in particular, males made fewer
      copulation attempts and copulated less with both control and Doa females. These
      results suggest that Doa could modulate pheromone production and sex behavior by
      altering sexual differentiation in the cuticle and the nervous system.

PMID- 28088353
TI  - Expansion and differentiation of IgM+ B cells in the rainbow trout peritoneal
      cavity in response to different antigens.
AB  - To date, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection seems to be the most effective
      vaccination route in aquaculture, as many i.p. administered fish vaccines are
      capable of conferring strong and long-lasting immune responses. Despite this, how
      peritoneal leukocytes are regulated upon antigen encounter has only been scarcely
      studied in fish. Although, in the past, myeloid cells were thought to be the main
      responders to peritoneal inflammation, a recent study revealed that IgM+ B cells
      are one of the main cell types in the teleost peritoneal cavity in response to
      pathogenic bacteria. Thus, in the current work, we have focused on establishing
      how IgM+ B cells are recruited into the peritoneum in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
      mykiss) comparing different antigens: Escherichia coli as a bacterial model, E.
      coli-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus
      (VHSV). In addition to studying their capacity to dominate the peritoneal cavity,
      we have established how these IgM+ B cells are regulated in response to the
      different antigens, determining their levels of IgM secretion, surface MHC II
      expression, cell size and phagocytic abilities. Our results reveal that IgM+ B
      cells are one of the main cell types amplified in the peritoneum in response to
      either bacterial or viral antigens and that these immunogenic stimulations
      provoke a differentiation of some of these cells towards plasmablasts/plasma
      cells whereas others seem to be implicated in antigen presentation. These
      findings contribute to a better understanding of the immune processes that
      regulate peritoneal inflammation in teleost fish.

PMID- 28088354
TI  - Uncovering oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) as a target of the anti-enteroviral
      compound TTP-8307.
AB  - The genus Enterovirus (e.g. poliovirus, coxsackievirus, rhinovirus) of the
      Picornaviridae family of positive-strand RNA viruses includes many important
      pathogens linked to a range of acute and chronic diseases for which no approved
      antiviral therapy is available. Targeting a step in the life cycle that is highly
      conserved provides an attractive strategy for developing broad-range inhibitors
      of enterovirus infection. A step that is currently explored as a target for the
      development of antivirals is the formation of replication organelles, which
      support replication of the viral genome. To build replication organelles,
      enteroviruses rewire cellular machinery and hijack lipid homeostasis pathways.
      For example, enteroviruses exploit the PI4KIIIbeta-PI4P-OSBP pathway to direct
      cholesterol to replication organelles. Here, we uncover that TTP-8307, a known
      enterovirus replication inhibitor, acts through the PI4KIIIbeta-PI4P-OSBP pathway
      by directly inhibiting OSBP activity. However, despite a shared mechanism of TTP
      8307 with established OSBP inhibitors (itraconazole and OSW-1), we identify a
      number of notable differences between these compounds. The antiviral activity of
      TTP-8307 extends to other viruses that require OSBP, namely the picornavirus
      encephalomyocarditis virus and the flavivirus hepatitis C virus.

PMID- 28088355
TI  - KIR genes and HLA class I ligands in a Caucasian Brazilian population with
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) can occur anywhere in the colon or rectum and represents
      the third most common cancer in the world in both sexes. Natural killer cells
      (NK) are part of the innate immune system recognizing class I HLA molecules on
      target cells through their membrane receptors, called killer cell immunoglobulin
      like receptors (KIR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the association
      between the KIR genes and HLA ligands in patients with colorectal cancer and
      healthy controls. We examined the polymorphism of 16 KIR genes and their HLA
      ligands in 154 caucasoid CRC patients and 216 controls. When both groups were
      compared, no significant differences were found for HLA ligands and KIR genes
      after Bonferroni correction. However, the Bx haplotypes (heterozygous and
      homozygous for the haplotype B) were more frequent in controls, when compared
      with patients. These findings suggest that individuals with Bx haplotypes could
      have some protection to colorectal cancer. The hypothesis is not related with the
      presence of a special KIR gene and HLA ligand related to the disease, but to the
      presence of several activating genes in the individuals with no better action of
      one in relation to other. Further studies to confirm this observation are
      warranted.

PMID- 28088356
TI  - Advancing the prediction accuracy of protein-protein interactions by utilizing
      evolutionary information from position-specific scoring matrix and ensemble
      classifier.
AB  - Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) are essential to most biological processes
      and play a critical role in most cellular functions. With the development of high
      throughput biological techniques and in silico methods, a large number of PPI
      data have been generated for various organisms, but many problems remain
      unsolved. These factors promoted the development of the in silico methods based
      on machine learning to predict PPIs. In this study, we propose a novel method by
      combining ensemble Rotation Forest (RF) classifier and Discrete Cosine Transform
      (DCT) algorithm to predict the interactions among proteins. Specifically, the
      protein amino acids sequence is transformed into Position-Specific Scoring Matrix
      (PSSM) containing biological evolution information, and then the feature vector
      is extracted to present protein evolutionary information using DCT algorithm;
      finally, the ensemble rotation forest model is used to predict whether a given
      protein pair is interacting or not. When performed on Yeast and H. pylori data
      sets, the proposed method achieved excellent results with an average accuracy of
      98.54% and 88.27%. In addition, we achieved good prediction accuracy of 98.08%,
      92.75%, 98.87% and 98.72% on independent data sets (C.elegans, E.coli, H.sapiens
      and M.musculus). In order to further evaluate the performance of our method, we
      compare it with the state-of-the-art Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier and
      get good results. As a web server, the source code and Yeast data sets used in
      this article are freely available at http://202.119.201.126:8888/DCTRF/.

PMID- 28088357
TI  - Joint genome-wide prediction in several populations accounting for randomness of
      genotypes: A hierarchical Bayes approach. II: Multivariate spike and slab priors
      for marker effects and derivation of approximate Bayes and fractional Bayes
      factors for the complete family of models.
AB  - This study corresponds to the second part of a companion paper devoted to the
      development of Bayesian multiple regression models accounting for randomness of
      genotypes in across population genome-wide prediction. This family of models
      considers heterogeneous and correlated marker effects and allelic frequencies
      across populations, and has the ability of considering records from non-genotyped
      individuals and individuals with missing genotypes in any subset of loci without
      the need for previous imputation, taking into account uncertainty about imputed
      genotypes. This paper extends this family of models by considering multivariate
      spike and slab conditional priors for marker allele substitution effects and
      contains derivations of approximate Bayes factors and fractional Bayes factors to
      compare models from part I and those developed here with their null versions.
      These null versions correspond to simpler models ignoring heterogeneity of
      populations, but still accounting for randomness of genotypes. For each marker
      loci, the spike component of priors corresponded to point mass at 0 in RS, where
      S is the number of populations, and the slab component was a S-variate Gaussian
      distribution, independent conditional priors were assumed. For the Gaussian
      components, covariance matrices were assumed to be either the same for all
      markers or different for each marker. For null models, the priors were simply
      univariate versions of these finite mixture distributions. Approximate algebraic
      expressions for Bayes factors and fractional Bayes factors were found using the
      Laplace approximation. Using the simulated datasets described in part I, these
      models were implemented and compared with models derived in part I using measures
      of predictive performance based on squared Pearson correlations, Deviance
      Information Criterion, Bayes factors, and fractional Bayes factors. The
      extensions presented here enlarge our family of genome-wide prediction models
      making it more flexible in the sense that it now offers more modeling options.

PMID- 28088358
TI  - The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist fenofibrate
      attenuates alcohol self-administration in rats.
AB  - Fibrates are a class of medications used to treat hypercholesterolemia and
      dyslipidemia that target nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors
      (PPARs). Studies have shown the PPARalpha agonist fenofibrate decreases voluntary
      EtOH consumption however its impact on the reinforcing and motivational effects
      of EtOH is unknown. We evaluated the ability of fenofibrate (25, 50 and 100
      mg/kg), to alter EtOH (10%, w/v) and sucrose (2%, w/v) operant self
      administration in rats under a FR2 schedule of reinforcement over four days and
      under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule on day five of treatment. Results showed
      fenofibrate dose-dependently decreased EtOH self-administration under both
      schedules of reinforcement with the greatest effects seen after four to five days
      of treatment. Fenofibrate decreased responding for sucrose only under the PR
      schedule of reinforcement and this effect was not dose-dependent. These findings
      provide further evidence for fenofibrate as a potential treatment for alcohol use
      disorder in humans.

PMID- 28088359
TI  - Argentation chromatography coupled to ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry for
      the separation of a heavy crude oil.
AB  - Simplification of highly complex mixtures such as crude oil by using
      chromatographic methods makes it possible to get more detailed information about
      the composition of the analyte. Separation by argentation chromatography can be
      achieved based on the interaction of different strength between the silver ions
      (Ag+) immobilized through a spacer on the silica gel surface and the pi-bonds of
      the analytes. Heavy crude oils contain compounds with a high number of
      heteroatoms (N, O, S) and a high degree of unsaturation thus making them the
      perfect analyte for argentation chromatography. The direct coupling of
      argentation chromatography and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry allows to
      continuously tracking the separation of the many different compounds by retention
      time and allows sensitive detection on a molecular level. Direct injection of a
      heavy crude oil into a ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometer showed components
      with DBE of up to 25, whereas analytes with DBE of up to 35 could be detected
      only after separation with argentation chromatography. The reduced complexity
      achieved by the separation helps increasing the information depth.

PMID- 28088360
TI  - Hollow porous ionic liquids composite polymers based solid phase extraction
      coupled online with high performance liquid chromatography for selective analysis
      of hydrophilic hydroxybenzoic acids from complex samples.
AB  - Polar and hydrophilic properties of hydroxybenzoic acids usually made them
      coelute with interferences in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
      analysis. Then selective analysis of them was necessary. Herein, hollow porous
      ionic liquids composite polymers (PILs) based solid phase extraction (SPE) was
      firstly fabricated and coupled online with HPLC for selective analysis of
      hydroxybenzoic acids from complex matrices. Hollow porous PILs were firstly
      synthesized using Mobil Composition of Matter No. 48 (MCM-48) spheres as
      sacrificial support, 1-vinyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (VMIM+Cl-) as monomer,
      and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross-linker. Various parameters
      affecting synthesis, adsorption and desorption behaviors were investigated and
      optimized. Steady-state adsorption studies showed the resulting hollow porous
      PILs exhibited high adsorption capacity, fast adsorption kinetics, and excellent
      specific adsorption. Subsequently, the application of online SPE system was
      studied by selective analysis of protocatechuic acid (PCA), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid
      (4-HBA), and vanillic acid (VA) from Pollen Typha angustifolia. The obtained
      limit of detection (LOD) varied from 0.002 to 0.01MUg/mL, the linear range (0.05
      5.0MUg/mL) was wide with correlation coefficient (R) from 0.9982 to 0.9994, and
      the average recoveries at three spiking levels ranged from 82.7 to 102.4%, with
      column-to-column relative standard deviation (RSD) below 8.1%. The proposed
      online method showed good accuracy, precision, specificity and convenience, which
      opened up a universal and efficient route for selective analysis of
      hydroxybenzoic acids from complex samples.

PMID- 28088361
TI  - Purification and characterisation of dsRNA using ion pair reverse phase
      chromatography and mass spectrometry.
AB  - RNA interference has provided valuable insight into a wide range of biological
      systems and is a powerful tool for the analysis of gene function. The
      exploitation of this pathway to block the expression of specific gene targets
      holds considerable promise for the development of novel RNAi-based insect
      management strategies. In addition, there are a wide number of future potential
      applications of RNAi to control agricultural insect pests as well as its use for
      prevention of diseases in beneficial insects. The potential to synthesise large
      quantities of dsRNA by in-vitro transcription or in bacterial systems for RNA
      interference applications has generated significant demand for the development
      and application of high throughput analytical tools for the rapid extraction,
      purification and analysis of dsRNA. Here we have developed analytical methods
      that enable the rapid purification of dsRNA from associated impurities from
      bacterial cells in conjunction with downstream analyses. We have optimised TRIzol
      extractions in conjunction with a single step protocol to remove contaminating
      DNA and ssRNA, using RNase T1/DNase I digestion under high-salt conditions in
      combination with solid phase extraction to purify the dsRNA. In addition, we have
      utilised and developed IP RP HPLC for the rapid, high resolution analysis of the
      dsRNA. Furthermore, we have optimised base-specific cleavage of dsRNA by RNase A
      and developed a novel method utilising RNase T1 for RNase mass mapping approaches
      to further characterise the dsRNA using liquid chromatography interfaced with
      mass spectrometry.

PMID- 28088363
TI  - Seasonal variations of U.S. mortality rates: Roles of solar ultraviolet-B doses,
      vitamin D, gene exp ression, and infections.
AB  - Death rates in the U.S. show a pronounced seasonality. The broad seasonal
      variation shows about 25% higher death rates in winter than in summer with an
      additional few percent increase associated with the Christmas and New Year's
      holidays. A pronounced increase in death rates also starts in mid-September,
      shortly after the school year begins. The causes of death with large
      contributions to the observed seasonality include diseases of the circulatory
      system; the respiratory system; the digestive system; and endocrine, nutritional,
      and metabolic diseases. Researchers have identified several factors showing
      seasonal variation that could possibly explain the seasonal variations in
      mortality rate. These factors include seasonal variations in solar ultraviolet
      B(UVB) doses and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, gene
      expression, ambient temperature and humidity, UVB effects on environmental
      pathogen load, environmental pollutants and allergens, and photoperiod (or length
      of day). The factors with the strongest support in this analysis are seasonal
      variations in solar UVB doses and 25(OH)D concentrations. In the U.S., population
      mean 25(OH)D concentrations range from 21ng/mL in March to 28ng/mL in August.
      Measures to ensure that all people had 25(OH)D concentrations >36ng/mL year round
      would probably reduce death rates significantly.

PMID- 28088362
TI  - Molecular characterization of a novel orthomyxovirus from rainbow and steelhead
      trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
AB  - A novel virus, rainbow trout orthomyxovirus (RbtOV), was isolated in 1997 and
      again in 2000 from commercially-reared rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in
      Idaho, USA. The virus grew optimally in the CHSE-214 cell line at 15 degrees C
      producing a diffuse cytopathic effect; however, juvenile rainbow trout exposed to
      cell culture-grown virus showed no mortality or gross pathology. Electron
      microscopy of preparations from infected cell cultures revealed the presence of
      typical orthomyxovirus particles. The complete genome of RbtOV is comprised of
      eight linear segments of single-stranded, negative-sense RNA having highly
      conserved 5' and 3'-terminal nucleotide sequences. Another virus isolated in 2014
      from steelhead trout (also O. mykiss) in Wisconsin, USA, and designated SttOV was
      found to have eight genome segments with high amino acid sequence identities (89
      99%) to the corresponding genes of RbtOV, suggesting these new viruses are
      isolates of the same virus species and may be more widespread than currently
      realized. The new isolates had the same genome segment order and the closest
      pairwise amino acid sequence identities of 16-42% with Infectious salmon anemia
      virus (ISAV), the type species and currently only member of the genus Isavirus in
      the family Orthomyxoviridae. However, pairwise comparisons of the predicted amino
      acid sequences of the 10 RbtOV and SttOV proteins with orthologs from
      representatives of the established orthomyxoviral genera and a phylogenetic
      analysis using the PB1 protein showed that while RbtOV and SttOV clustered most
      closely with ISAV, they diverged sufficiently to merit consideration as
      representatives of a novel genus. A set of PCR primers was designed using
      conserved regions of the PB1 gene to produce amplicons that may be sequenced for
      identification of similar fish orthomyxoviruses in the future.

PMID- 28088364
TI  - Antibodies: From novel repertoires to defining and refining the structure of
      biologically important targets.
AB  - Antibodies represent a highly successful class of molecules that bind a wide
      range of targets in therapeutic-, diagnostic- and research-based applications.
      The antibody repertoire is composed of the building blocks required to develop an
      effective adaptive immune response against foreign insults. A number of species
      have developed novel genetic and structural mechanisms from which they derive
      these antibody repertoires, however, traditionally antibodies are isolated from
      human, and rodent sources. Due to their high-value therapeutic, diagnostic,
      biotechnological and research applications, much innovation has resulted in
      techniques and approaches to isolate novel antibodies. These approaches are
      bolstered by advances in our understanding of species immune repertoires, next
      generation sequencing capacity, combinatorial antibody discovery and high
      throughput screening. Structural determination of antibodies and antibody-antigen
      complexes has proven to be pivotal to our current understanding of the immune
      repertoire for a range of species leading to advances in man-made libraries and
      fine tuning approaches to develop antibodies from immune-repertoires.
      Furthermore, the isolation of antibodies directed against antigens of importance
      in health, disease and developmental processes, has yielded a plethora of
      structural and functional insights. This review highlights the significant
      contribution of antibody-based crystallography to our understanding of adaptive
      immunity and its application to providing critical information on a range of
      human-health related indications.

PMID- 28088365
TI  - Stem cells for ALS: An overview of possible therapeutic approaches.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an unusual, fatal, neurodegenerative
      disorder leading to the loss of motor neurons. After diagnosis, the average
      lifespan ranges from 3 to 5 years, and death usually results from respiratory
      failure. Although the pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear, multiple factors are
      thought to contribute to the progression of ALS, such as network interactions
      between genes, environmental exposure, impaired molecular pathways and many
      others. The neuroprotective properties of neural stem cells (NSCs) and the
      paracrine signaling of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been examined in
      multiple pre-clinical trials of ALS with promising results. The data from these
      initial trials indicate a reduction in the rate of disease progression. The
      mechanism through which stem cells achieve this reduction is of major interest.
      Here, we review the to-date pre-clinical and clinical therapeutic approaches
      employing stem cells, and discuss the most promising ones.

PMID- 28088366
TI  - Serum levels of Glial fibrillary acidic protein in Chinese children with autism
      spectrum disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has been studied in many
      neurological diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential
      role of GFAP in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by
      measuring serum circulating levels of GFAP and comparing them with age and gender
      matched typical development children. METHODS: A total of one hundred and fifty 2
      6 years old Chinese children (75 confirmed autism cases and 75 their age-gender
      matched typical development children) participated in this study. Serum levels of
      GFAP were assayed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods, and severity of
      ASD was evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) Score. RESULTS:
      The results indicated that the mean serum GFAP level was significantly (P<0.001)
      higher in autistic children as compared to controls (1.71+/-0.53ng/ml vs. 0.99+/
      0.25ng/ml). There was a significant positive association between serum GFAP
      levels and CARS scores (r [Pearson]=0.390, P=0.001). Based on the Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cut-off value of serum GFAP
      levels as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of autism was projected to be
      1.28ng/ml which yielded a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 88.4%, the
      area under the curve was 0.895(95%CI, 0.844-0.947). Further, an increased risk of
      ASD was associated with GFAP levels >1.28ng/ml (adjusted OR 9.88, 95% CI: 3.32
      17.82) in the multivariate logistic analysis model. CONCLUSION: The data
      indicates that serum GFAP levels may be associated with severity of ASD among
      Chinese children, suggesting the hypothesis that increased serum levels of GFAP
      could be implicated in the pathophysiology of autism in Chinese children.

PMID- 28088367
TI  - Assignment of C1q-binding HLA antibodies as unacceptable HLA antigens avoids
      positive CDC-crossmatches prior to transplantation of deceased donor organs.
AB  - Soon, a virtual crossmatch shall replace the complement-dependent cytotoxicity
      (CDC) allocation crossmatch in the Eurotransplant region. To prevent positive CDC
      crossmatches in the recipient centre, careful definition of unacceptable antigens
      is necessary. For highly sensitized patients, this is difficult by CDC alone.
      Assignment of all antibodies detected by sensitive assays, however, could prevent
      organ allocation. To assess the usefulness of the Luminex C1q-assay to prevent
      positive CDC-crossmatches, all CDC-crossmatches performed prior to deceased
      kidney transplantation in a 16-month-period were reviewed. Sera causing positive
      crossmatches were investigated by the C1q-assay. 31 out of 1432 crossmatches
      (2.2%) were positive. Sera involved in 26 positive crossmatches were available.
      C1q-binding donor-specific antibodies were detected in 19 sera (73.1%). The other
      sera were from recipients without any HLA antibodies detectable by CDC or common
      solid phase assays. Three patients had known Non-HLA antibodies causing positive
      CDC-results. Four crossmatches were only weak positive. Therefore, avoidance of
      donors with HLA antigens against whom C1q-binding antibodies were detected would
      have prevented all positive crossmatches due to HLA antibodies. Provided that all
      HLA specificities against which antibodies are detected by the Luminex C1q-assay
      are considered as unacceptable antigens, CDC-crossmatches prior to
      transplantation might safely be omitted in many patients. They should be
      maintained in highly immunized patients, however, for whom assignment of all C1q
      positive antibodies as unacceptable antigens could lead to a significant delay or
      even prevention of transplantation.

PMID- 28088368
TI  - Pollutants and biomarker responses in two reef fish species (Haemulon
      aurolineatum and Ocyurus chrysurus) in the Southern Gulf of Mexico.
AB  - The environmental quality differences between two groups of reefs in the Veracruz
      Reef System were evaluated. The North group of reefs is very close to Veracruz,
      an urban and port zone, whereas the South group is more isolated, with minor
      anthropogenic disturbances. To prove the hypothesis that the North group is more
      affected by anthropogenic activities, the concentrations of hydrocarbons in
      liver, metals and metalloids such as Se, As, Ba, Cd, Hg and V in muscle, and PAH
      metabolites in bile were evaluated, and related to biomarkers (transcript
      abundance of cytochrome P4501A, Vitellogenin, and Glutathione-S-transferase) in
      two species of fish: Haemulon aurolineatum and Ocyurus chysurus. H. aurolineatum
      presents the highest concentrations for many pollutants, but O. chysurus shows
      the most significant differences in pollutant concentrations and biomarkers
      between the two reef groups, suggesting that this species could be used as a
      sentinel in future studies in the Gulf of Mexico.

PMID- 28088369
TI  - Assessment of human-induced change and biological risk posed by contaminants in
      estuarine/harbour sediments: Sydney Harbour/estuary (Australia).
AB  - A rapid, simple yet scientifically sound scheme providing two important types of
      information used in assessment of estuarine sediments is presented. The mean
      enrichment quotient (MEQ) (fine contemporary sediment metal concentration/fine
      fraction background metal concentration) for Cu, Pb and Zn provides the magnitude
      of human-induced change, (deviation from the pristine condition), while sediment
      quality guidelines (SQGs) assess the risk posed by sedimentary contaminants to
      the benthic community. Maximum metal enrichment for sediment in Sydney estuary
      (Australia) is >100 times for Cu, Pb and Zn and the MEQ is >10 times for most of
      the estuary. Adverse effect on benthic populations due to Cu, Pb and Zn are
      expected in 2%, 50% and 36% of the waterway, respectively. SQGs for contaminant
      mixtures predict ~2% of the estuary has the highest risk of adverse effects,
      while 25% has intermediate risk. The scheme is well suited to initial assessments
      of estuarine sediments worldwide.

PMID- 28088370
TI  - Predator-prey interaction between muricid gastropods and mussels under ocean
      acidification.
AB  - Predation of the muricid gastropod Thais clavigera on two-sized groups of the
      mussel Brachidontes variabilis was studied under three pCO2 levels, 380, 950, and
      1250MUatm. At 950MUatm pCO2 level, the prey handling time decreased significantly
      and large-sized B. variabilis were preferred by T. clavigera. However, the prey
      consumption rate was independent of pCO2 levels, although the prey searching time
      increased significantly at elevated pCO2. These findings indicated that the
      predator-prey interaction between T. clavigera and B. variabilis was altered
      under ocean acidification, which will have a long-term impact on the population
      dynamics of the interacting species.

PMID- 28088371
TI  - A quality by design (QbD) study on enoxaparin sodium loaded polymeric
      microspheres for colon-specific delivery.
AB  - The aim of this study was to apply quality by design (QbD) for pharmaceutical
      development of enoxaparin sodium microspheres for colon-specific delivery. The
      Process Parameters (CPPs) and Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) were identified.
      A central composite experimental design was used in order to develop the design
      space of microspheres for colon-specific delivery that have the desired Quality
      Target Product Profile (QTPP). The CPPs studied were Eudragit(r) FS
      30D/Eudragit(r) RS-PO ratio, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) concentration and sodium
      chloride (NaCl) concentration. The encapsulation efficiency increased with NaCl
      concentration increase, the percentages of enoxaparin sodium reaching 94% for
      some formulations. Increasing the ratio Eudragit(r) FS-30D/Eudragit(r) RS-PO
      ensured a relatively complete release of enoxaparin sodium in the environment
      simulating the colonic pH. Based on these results, the optimum conditions were
      decided and the optimum formulation was prepared. The results obtained for the
      latter in terms of in vitro enoxaparin sodium release were good, the
      microparticles releasing only 9.42% enoxaparin sodium in acidic environment and
      15.16% in the medium which simulated duodenal pH, but allowing the release of up
      to 89.24% in the medium which simulated colonic pH. The in vitro release profile
      of enoxaparin sodium was close to the ideal one, therefore the system was
      successfully designed using QbD approach.

PMID- 28088372
TI  - Nanoformulation of dual bexarotene-tailed phospholipid conjugate with high drug
      loading.
AB  - Bexarotene (Bex), a synthetic retinoid X receptor-selective activator, has been
      proved to be an efficacious chemotherapeutic agent. But, its clinical application
      is limited due to the poor solubility. In this report, dual bexarotene-tailed
      phospholipid (DBTP) conjugate based nanovesicles were prepared in order to
      develop new nanoformulation. DBTP conjugate was first synthesized by conjugating
      two Bex molecules with glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) through facial
      esterification. The amphiphilic DBTP nanovesicles were prepared without any
      additive by reverse-phase evaporation method. They were characterized by dynamic
      light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results
      revealed that the DBTP nanovesicles have a spherical structure with an average
      diameter approximately 138.7nm and a negatively charged surface (-33.3+/-2.5mV).
      The loading efficiency of Bex is 76wt% after a simple calculation. In vitro
      degradation of DBTP nanovesicles and the release of Bex were further studied in
      detail. The results demonstrated that DBTP nanovesicles were stable in neutral
      environment but degraded in a weakly acidic condition and released parent drug
      Bex effectively. Cellular uptake was investigated by confocal laser scanning
      microscope (CLSM) and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). The
      results demonstrated the successful internalization and intracellular release of
      DBTP nanovesicles. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity analysis and apoptosis of the
      nanovesicles showed higher antitumor activities compared with free Bex. In a
      conclusion, DBTP nanovesicles could be an effective nanoformulation of Bex.

PMID- 28088373
TI  - Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for the prediction
      of non-union consolidation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non-union perfusion can be visualized with dynamic contrast
      enhanced (DCE) MRI. This study evaluated DCE-MRI to predict non-union
      consolidation after surgery and detect factors that affect bone healing.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2015 non-union perfusion was
      prospectively quantified in 205 patients (mean age, 51.5 years, 129 men, 76
      women) before intervention and at 6, 12, 26, 52 and more weeks follow-up. DCE-MRI
      results were related to the osseous consolidation, the ability to predict
      successful outcome was estimated by ROC analysis. The relevance of the body mass
      index (BMI) and the non-union severity score (NUSS) to the healing process was
      assessed. RESULTS: Tibial (n=99) and femoral (n=76) non-unions were most common.
      Consolidation could be assessed in 169 patients, of these 103 (61%) showed
      eventual healing and demonstrated higher perfusion than in failed consolidation
      at 6 (p=0.0226), 12 (p=0.0252) and 26 (p=0.0088) weeks follow-up. DCE-MRI at 26
      weeks follow-up predicted non-union consolidation with a sensitivity of 75% and a
      specificity of 87% (false classification rate 19%). Higher BMI (p=0.041) and NUSS
      (p<0.0001) were associated with treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: DCE-MRI perfusion
      analysis after non-union surgery predicts successful outcome and could facilitate
      the decision of early intervention. NUSS and BMI are important prognostic factors
      concerning consolidation.

PMID- 28088374
TI  - Fibrinogen in traumatic haemorrhage: A narrative review.
AB  - Haemorrhage in the setting of severe trauma is associated with significant
      morbidity and mortality. There is increasing awareness of the important role
      fibrinogen plays in traumatic haemorrhage. Fibrinogen levels fall precipitously
      in severe trauma and the resultant hypofibrinogenaemia is associated with poor
      outcomes. Hence, it has been postulated that early fibrinogen replacement in
      severe traumatic haemorrhage may improve outcomes, although, to date there is a
      paucity of high quality evidence to support this hypothesis. In addition there is
      controversy regarding the optimal method for fibrinogen supplementation. We
      review the current evidence regarding the role of fibrinogen in trauma, the
      rationale behind fibrinogen supplementation and discuss current research.

PMID- 28088375
TI  - Two stage management of Cierny-Mader type IV chronic osteomyelitis of the long
      bones.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cierny-Mader (C-M) type IV chronic osteomyelitis represents a
      complex clinical challenge with permeation of extensive bone and soft tissue
      involvement. Aggressive debridement through viable tissue margin includes en bloc
      resection improves the odds of eradication of infection, which creates large bone
      and soft tissue loss in treating this type of osteomyelitis. The potentially
      large defects increase reconstruction problems with traditional reconstruction
      technique. The newly staged induced membrane technique presents length
      independent, potential as an alternative reconstruction method for segmental bone
      defects due to type IV chronic osteomyelitis. The purpose of this study was to
      assess the result and related factors of C-M type IV chronic osteomyelitis
      treated with staged methods of aggressive debridement and induced membrane
      technique. METHODS: From January 2012 to January 2014, 36 consecutive adult
      patients of C-M type IV chronic osteomyelitis were treated by this staged method
      in our clinical center with a minimum of 2-years follow-up. The clinical and
      imaging results were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Five patients had a
      second debridement and eight needed a local flap transfer to cover the wound in
      the first stage. Patients formed a mean of 5.5cm (range: 2-10.9) segmental bone
      defect; Sixteen patients had autograft and twenty had autograft mixed allograft
      in the second stage. The mean follow-up time was 29.5 months (range: 24-45). No
      patients required amputation. Bone union was achieved in all patients. Clinical
      eradication of osteomyelitis was achieved in 35 (97%) patients, 35 (97%) patients
      were able to walk independently, and 31patients (86%) returned to work. Patients
      returned to a mean of 82% (46.3%-100%) lower extremity function. Bone union time
      was not dependent on the length of bone defect, but associated with the infection
      site (p=0.005) and age (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Staged methods of aggressive
      debridement and induced membrane technique seems to be a simple, reliable and
      effective for the treatment of C-M type IV chronic osteomyelitis. Advanced age
      and poor soft tissue envelope may have adverse affects and are relative
      contraindications. The combined assessment and management of such patients with a
      plastic surgeon are advocated.

PMID- 28088376
TI  - How early must an acute Achilles tendon rupture be repaired?
AB  - An acute Achilles tendon rupture is the most common tendon rupture of the lower
      extremities, yet the optimal timing for an early surgical repair is unclear. To
      identify the optimal time for an early surgical repair with favorable results, we
      evaluated the isokinetic muscle strength and clinical outcomes of early surgical
      repairs of acute Achilles tendon ruptures performed at different time points
      after injury. Between January 2011 and July 2015, a total of 65 patients
      underwent an acute Achilles tendon rupture repair within 1 week after injury. To
      compare the outcomes at different time points post-injury, we divided patients
      into 3 groups: group 1, surgical treatment at <=24h; group 2, surgery at >=24h
      and <=48h; and group 3, surgery at >=48 hours and <=1 week. The isokinetic muscle
      strength in both ankles were measured using a Cybex dynamometer, and the Achilles
      tendon total rupture score, the modified Tegner scoring system, the visual analog
      scale was used to assess clinical outcomes. Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact
      tests were used to compare multiple results in the 3 groups. No significant
      differences were found among the groups in terms of ankle isokinetic muscle
      strength or clinical outcome scores (P>0.05). The complication rate was low in
      all groups. There were no significant differences in isokinetic muscle strength
      or clinical outcomes following acute Achilles tendon rupture repairs performed
      within 1 week after injury.

PMID- 28088377
TI  - Intracapsular hip fractures in the elderly. Do we know what is important?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip fractures in the elderly are a common reason for admission to the
      department of orthopaedic surgery, this condition asks an important part of
      health resources and is associated with high levels of co-morbidity and
      mortality. Many improvements have been introduced in the treatment of these
      patients, preoperative regional analgesia, intensive physical therapy,
      interdisciplinary care program; but still remain unresolved gaps. The aim of this
      study is to document the natural history of early versus delayed surgical
      intervention in elderly patients with hip fractures and to establish the
      prognostic factors of mortality and walking ability after discharge. METHODS: A
      sample of 499 patients admitted in our Institution was prospectively reviewed
      between February 2008 and February 2013. Preoperatively characteristics and
      functional data were assessed in relation with time to surgery (focused on
      mortality and ability to walk at first year). RESULTS: The ability to walk and
      activities of daily living (functional results) were not associated with surgical
      delays (surgery before 24h from admission, surgery among 24h and 72h from
      admission and surgery later than 72h). However, ASA class, Parkinson disease and
      age were significantly associated with poor functional results. In the same way,
      mortality at 1year was not associated with time to surgery, but ASA class was
      associated with significant risk factor of 1 year-mortality. CONCLUSIONS: ASA
      class, Parkinson disease and age are independent predictor of poor functional
      outcomes after intracapsular hip fracture. In addition, ASA class is an
      independent predictor of mortality. Patients with poor functional status before
      fracture and older than 75 years would benefit from geriatric and rehabilitation
      intervention immediately after surgery.

PMID- 28088378
TI  - Antimicrobial coated implants in trauma and orthopaedics-A clinical review and
      risk-benefit analysis.
AB  - Implant-associated infections remain a major issue in orthopaedics and
      antimicrobial functionalization of the implant surface by antibiotics or other
      anti-infective agents have gained interest. The goal of this article is to
      identify antimicrobial coatings, for which clinical data are available and to
      review their clinical need, safety profile, and their efficacy to reduce
      infection rates. PubMed database of the National Library of Medicine was searched
      for clinical studies on antimicrobial coated implants for internal fracture
      fixation devices and endoprostheses for bone surgery, for which study design,
      level of evidence, biocompatibility, development of resistance, and effectiveness
      to reduce infection rates were analyzed. Four different coating technologies were
      identified: gentamicin poly(d, l-lactide) coating for tibia nails, one high
      (MUTARS(r)) and one low amount silver (Agluna) technology for tumor
      endoprostheses, and one povidone-iodine coating for titanium implants. There was
      a total of 9 published studies with 435 patients, of which 7 studies were case
      series (level IV evidence) and 2 studies were case control studies (level III
      evidence). All technologies were reported with good systemic and local
      biocompatibility, except the development of local argyria with blue to bluish
      grey skin discoloration after the use of silver MUTARS(r) megaendoprostheses. For
      the local use of gentamicin, there is contradictory data on the risk of emergence
      of gentamicin-resistance strains, a risk that does not seem to exist for silver
      and iodine based technologies. Regarding reduction of infection rates, one case
      control study showed a significant reduction of infection rates by Agluna silver
      coated tumor endoprostheses. Based on socio-economic data, there is a strong need
      for improvement of infection prevention and treatment strategies, including
      implant coatings, in fracture care, primary and revision arthroplasty, and bone
      tumor surgery. The reviewed gentamicin, silver Agluna, and povidone-iodine
      technologies have shown a good risk benefit ratio for patients. Further data from
      randomized control trials are desirable, although this will remain challenging in
      the context of infection prevention due to the required large sample size of such
      studies.

PMID- 28088379
TI  - Outcome following use of the Achillon jig for the repair of acutely ruptured
      Achilles tendons.
AB  - We report a series of 143 patients who underwent limited open Achilles tendon
      repair using the Achillon device at a mean follow-up of 25 months. All patients
      attending our institution with a diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture were
      considered for operative repair using the Achillon jig unless they declined
      surgery or met the exclusion criteria. Following surgery patients were contacted
      and asked to complete an Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS). The clinical
      records were reviewed for evidence of complications, demographic information and
      evidence of re-rupture. Statistical analysis of subgroups including age at
      presentation, delay to surgery and patients with complications was carried out
      using the Kruskal Wallis non-parametric test. We report no re-ruptures at a mean
      of 25 months (minimum 12 months) following surgery. The mean ATRS score was
      84/100 (range 15-100). There was no statistical significance between any of the
      subgroups analyzed. In conclusion, acute Achilles repair using the Achillon jig
      is safe, with a low re-rupture rate, excellent ATRS scores at a minimum of 12
      months post-operatively and low complications. The incidence of sural nerve
      injury is much lower than published series of percutaneous Achilles tendon repair
      without the use of a jig.

PMID- 28088380
TI  - Aquatic Exercise Therapy for People With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of aquatic exercise therapy on gait
      variability and disability compared with usual care for people with Parkinson
      disease (PD). DESIGN: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING:
      Community-based hydrotherapy pool. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with PD (Hoehn-Yahr
      stages I-III) (N=21). INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to
      either an aquatic exercise therapy group (45min, twice a week for 6wk) or a group
      that received usual care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was
      gait variability as measured using a motion capture system. Secondary outcomes
      were quality of life measured on the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 and
      freezing of gait and motor disability quantified by the Unified Parkinson's
      Disease Rating Scale. Feasibility was evaluated by measuring safety, adverse
      events, and participant satisfaction. RESULTS: People in the aquatic therapy
      group and usual care group showed similar small improvements in gait variability.
      The aquatic therapy group showed greater improvements in disability than the
      usual care group (P<.01). No differences between groups or over time were
      identified for freezing of gait or quality of life. Aquatic therapy sessions were
      safe and enjoyable with no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Aquatic therapy appears
      feasible and safe for some people in the early stages of PD.

PMID- 28088381
TI  - Long-Term Neurobehavioral Symptoms and Return to Productivity in Operation
      Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans With and Without Traumatic
      Brain Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom
      (OEF/OIF) veterans who underwent the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury
      Evaluation (CTBIE), differences between the traumatic brain injury (TBI) and non
      TBI subgroups, and factors associated with return to productivity (RTP). DESIGN:
      Retrospective medical record review. SETTING: Medical center. PARTICIPANTS:
      Medical records of OEF/OIF veterans (N=236) who underwent the CTBIE between 2009
      and 2013. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic
      characteristics, injury history, clinical presentation, and factors associated
      with RTP. RESULTS: Veteran sample included 90.7% men, was 45.3% white and 34.7%
      black, with half of Hispanic origin, and had a mean age of 33 years. The mean
      time since injury was approximately 4 years. Reported symptoms were high, with
      >90% reporting anxiousness, irritability, sleep difficulty, forgetfulness, and
      headaches. TBI diagnosis was found in 163 veterans (69%). The TBI subgroup was
      younger (TBI: 32.5y vs non-TBI: 34.9y; P=.02), reported a greater number of
      injuries (P<.001), and had significantly higher rates of half of the reported
      symptoms. Greatest differences were noted with forgetfulness (TBI: 95.7% vs non
      TBI: 79.5%; P<.001), poor concentration (TBI: 90.2% vs non-TBI: 76.7%; P=.007),
      and headaches (TBI: 93.9% vs non-TBI: 83.6%; P=.014). RTP was 60.6% for the total
      veteran population. Factors associated with RTP were race (white) (odds ratio
      [OR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-3.55; P=.018), sensitivity to
      light (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.17-5.66; P=.018), and fatigue (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.51
      8.95; P=.004). Veterans that did RTP were 3 times less likely to report
      depression (OR, .32; 95% CI, .12-.85; P=.022). CONCLUSIONS: Veterans reported a
      substantial number of lingering symptoms, with a higher prevalence in veterans
      with TBI. Veterans with reported depression were less likely to RTP. Future
      research should focus on the relation between depression and non-RTP and the
      effectiveness of Department of Veterans Affairs services.

PMID- 28088382
TI  - Functional Electrical Stimulation for Foot Drop in Multiple Sclerosis: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect on Gait Speed.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy of functional electrical stimulation (FES) used
      for foot drop in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) on gait speed in short and
      long walking performance tests. DATA SOURCES: Five databases (Cochrane Library,
      CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed) and reference lists were searched. STUDY
      SELECTION: Studies of both observational and experimental design where gait speed
      data in pwMS could be extracted were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were
      independently extracted and recorded. Methodologic quality was assessed using the
      Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nineteen studies
      (described in 20 articles) recruiting 490 pwMS were identified and rated as
      moderate or weak, with none gaining a strong rating. All studies rated weak for
      blinding. Initial and ongoing orthotic and therapeutic effects were assessed
      regarding the effect of FES on gait speed in short and long walking tests. Meta
      analyses of the short walk tests revealed a significant initial orthotic effect
      (t=2.14, P=.016), with a mean increase in gait speed of .05m/s, and ongoing
      orthotic effect (t=2.81, P=.003), with a mean increase of .08m/s. There were no
      initial or ongoing effects on gait speed in long walk tests and no therapeutic
      effect on gait speed in either short or long walk tests. CONCLUSIONS: FES used
      for foot drop has a positive initial and ongoing effect on gait speed in short
      walking tests. Further fully powered randomized controlled trials comparing FES
      with alternative treatments are required.

PMID- 28088383
TI  - Evaluating the role of astrocytes on beta-estradiol effect on seizures of
      Pilocarpine epileptic model.
AB  - Epilepsy with periodic and unpredictable seizures is associated with hippocampal
      glutamate toxicity and tissue reorganization. Astrocytes play an important role
      in mediating the neuroprotective effects of estradiol and reducing seizure
      severity. Accordingly, the protective effects of low and high doses of estradiol
      on behavioral, astrocytic involvement and neuronal survival aspects of
      Pilocarpine-induced epilepsy were investigated. Lithium- Pilocarpine (30mg/kg)
      model was used to provoke epilepsy. Betaeta-estradiol (2,40MUg/ul) was injected
      subcutaneously from 48 before to 48h after seizure induction. Behavioral
      convulsions were then monitored and recorded on the day of induction. Four weeks
      later, glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and the astrocyte transporter GLT-1
      expression of the hippocampus were measured. Moreover, hippocampal glutamate and
      GABA were evaluated to study excitability changes. Finally, neuronal counting in
      the hippocampus was also performed using Nissl staining. The latency for
      generalized clonic (GC) convulsions significantly increased while the rate of GC
      and death significantly reduced due to beta-estradiol treatment. GS activity and
      GLT-1 expression increased in the groups receiving the high dose of beta
      estradiol and Pilocarpine. Furthermore, the amount of both GABA and glutamate
      content decreased due to high dose of estradiol, while only GABA increased in
      Pilocarpine treated rats. Finally, administration of beta-estradiol with low and
      high doses increased and improved the density of nerve cells. It is concluded
      that chronic administration beta-estradiol has anticonvulsant and neuroprotective
      properties which are plausibly linked to astrocytic activity.

PMID- 28088384
TI  - The signalling mechanisms of a novel mitochondrial complex I inhibitor prevent
      lipid accumulation and attenuate TNF-alpha-induced insulin resistance in vitro.
AB  - RTC-1 has recently been identified as a member of a new class of anti-diabetic
      compounds acting through the inhibition of complex I of the mitochondrial
      respiratory chain (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) to improve glucose handling
      and inhibit weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The exact mechanism by
      which the reduced activity of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, in response to RTC
      1, promotes these improved metabolic parameters remains to be established.
      Through extensive in vitro analysis, new molecular insights into these downstream
      signalling pathways have been obtained. RTC-1-induced inhibition of
      NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase was found to promote glucose uptake in C2C12
      myotubes in vitro, through the activation of the Akt substrate of 160kDa (AS160),
      in response to the increased activity of Akt and AMP-activated protein kinase
      (AMPK). RTC-1-induced phosphorylation of the AMPK substrate, acetyl-CoA
      carboxylase (ACC) in vitro, was associated with a decrease in lipid accumulation
      in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and murine mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). The novel
      compound also prevented tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced insulin
      resistance and demonstrated insulin sensitising effects in C2C12 myotubes. Taken
      together, these results present a systematic analysis of the signalling
      mechanisms responsible for the potent anti-diabetic and anti-obesogenic effects
      of this modulator of mitochondrial function, strengthening the potential use of
      such compounds for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

PMID- 28088385
TI  - Flavonoid derivative (Fla-CN) inhibited adipocyte differentiation via activating
      AMPK and up-regulating microRNA-27 in 3T3-L1 cells.
AB  - Fla-CN (3-O-[(E)-4-(4-cyanophenyl)-2-oxobut-3-en-1-yl] kaempferol) is a semi
      synthesized flavonoid derivative of tiliroside which exhibited anti-diabetic
      effect in vivo. Our previous study revealed the role of Fla-CN in anti-obesity
      and anti-diabetes in vivo, but the underlying mechanism remained to be addressed.
      The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of anti-adipogenesis in
      vitro. Fla-CN markedly inhibited intracellular lipid accumulation in a dose
      dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect was mainly limited to the early stage
      of adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Further investigations revealed that Fla
      CN up-regulated the expression level of miR-27a/b and suppressed its target genes
      expression including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma)
      and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha). Furthermore, the
      phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was also enhanced by Fla
      CN in pre-adipocyte differentiation. These effects were abolished when cells were
      treated with miR-27a/b inhibitor and AMPK inhibitor Compound C. Additionally, Fla
      CN reduced the expressions of adipocyte-specific genes such as sterol regulatory
      element-binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and
      adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2). In conclusion, these results
      suggested a mechanism of Fla-CN for adipocyte differentiation inhibition of 3T3
      L1 cells through miR-27a/b induction and AMPK activation.

PMID- 28088386
TI  - Trypsin induces biphasic muscle contraction and relaxation via transient receptor
      potential vanilloid 1 and neurokinin receptors 1/2 in porcine esophageal body.
AB  - Duodenal reflux of fluids containing trypsin relates to refractory
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Esophageal peristalsis and clearance are
      important factors in GERD pathogenesis. However, the function of trypsin in
      esophageal body contractility is not fully understood. In this study, effects of
      trypsin on circular smooth muscle (CSM) and longitudinal smooth muscle (LSM) of
      the porcine esophageal body were examined. Trypsin elicited a concentration
      dependent biphasic response, a major contraction and a subsequent relaxation only
      in CSM. In CSM, contraction occurred at trypsin concentrations of 100nM and
      relaxation at 1MUM. A proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)2 activating peptide,
      SLIGKV-NH2 (1mM), induced a monophasic contraction. Those responses were
      unaffected by tetrodotoxin though abolished by the gap junction uncouplers
      carbenoxolone and octanol. They were also partially inhibited by a transient
      receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) antagonist and abolished by
      combination of neurokinin receptor 1 (NK1) and NK2 antagonists, but not by an NK3
      antagonist, suggesting a PAR2-TRPV1-substance P pathway in sensory neurons.
      Substance P (100nM), an agonist for various NK receptors (NK1, NK2 and NK3) with
      differing affinities, induced significant contraction in CSM, but not in LSM. The
      contraction was also blocked by the combination of NK1 and NK2 antagonists, but
      not by the NK3 antagonist. Moreover, substance P-induced contractions were
      unaffected by the TRPV1 antagonist, but inhibited by a gap junction uncoupler. In
      conclusion, trypsin induced a biphasic response only in CSM and this was mediated
      by PAR2, TRPV1 and NK1/2. Gap junctions were indispensable in this tachykinin
      induced response.

PMID- 28088387
TI  - SIRT2 mediated antitumor effects of shikonin on metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - SIRT2 is involved in the development of a variety of cancers. Shikonin is a
      natural compound that is known to have antitumor effects. This study aims to
      assess the effects of shikonin on the development and metastatic progression of
      colorectal cancer (CRC) through regulation of SIRT2 expression and whether this
      effect is related to the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated
      kinases (ERKs). The results demonstrated that SIRT2 is downregulated in CRC
      biopsy samples (n=31) compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT,
      n=26). Furthermore, CRC metastases were positive for SIRT2 despite a lack of
      expression in the primary tumor. In addition, data from an in vitro assay
      revealed that overexpression of SIRT2 inhibited the proliferation and metastatic
      progression of SW480 cells while blocking of SIRT2 expression induced the
      proliferation and metastatic progression of HT29 cells. Shikonin inhibited the
      viability, migration and invasion of SW480 cells and it also inhibited the tumor
      growth in the nude mice model; while AGK2 (a specific inhibitor of SIRT2)
      reversed these effects. Epidermal growth factor (EGF, an activator of ERK) and
      ERK-overexpression inhibited the effects of shikonin on SIRT2 expression,
      proliferation and metastasis in SW480 cells. However, this proliferative effect
      of EGF was reversed by SIRT2 overexpression. In conclusion, these results suggest
      that SIRT2 is a new therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC. The antitumor
      effects of shikonin on CRC seem to be mediated by SIRT2 upregulation via phospho
      ERK inhibition.

PMID- 28088388
TI  - Activation of GR but not PXR by dexamethasone attenuated acetaminophen
      hepatotoxicities via Fgf21 induction.
AB  - Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling is indispensable for cell growth and
      development, and plays important roles in drug metabolism. Fibroblast growth
      factor (Fgf) 21, an important regulator of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism,
      plays a cytoprotective role by attenuating toxicities induced by chemicals such
      as dioxins, acetaminophen (APAP), and alcohols. The present study investigates
      the impact of dexamethasone (DEX)-activated GR on Fgf21 expression and how it
      affects the progression of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Our results showed that
      DEX dose/concentration- and time-dependently increased Fgf21 mRNA and protein
      expression in mouse liver as well as cultured mouse and human hepatoma cells. By
      using PXR-null mouse model, we demonstrated that DEX induced Fgf21 expression by
      a PXR-independent mechanism. In cultured mouse and human hepatoma cells,
      inhibition of GR signaling, by RU486 (Mifepristone) or GR silencing using GR
      specific siRNA, attenuated DEX-induced Fgf21 expression. In addition, DEX
      increased luciferase reporter activity driven by the 3.0-kb mouse and human
      Fgf21/FGF21 gene promoter. Further, ChIP-qPCR assays demonstrated that DEX
      increased the binding of GR to the specific cis-regulatory elements located in
      the 3.0-kb mouse and human Fgf21/FGF21 gene promoter. Pretreatment of 2mg/kg DEX
      ameliorated APAP-induced liver injury in wild-type but not Fgf21-null mice. In
      conclusion, via GR activation, DEX induced Fgf21 expression in mouse liver and
      human hepatoma cells.

PMID- 28088390
TI  - Brodifacoum poisoning: A clear and present danger to public health in the USA.

PMID- 28088389
TI  - Nalfurafine is a G-protein biased agonist having significantly greater bias at
      the human than rodent form of the kappa opioid receptor.
AB  - Nalfurafine is a moderately selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) analgesic with
      low incidence of dysphoric side effects in clinical development for the treatment
      of uremic pruritis. The basis for its reduced dysphoric effect compared to other
      KOR agonists is not clear, but prior studies suggest that the aversive properties
      of KOR agonists require p38alpha MAPK activation through an arrestin-dependent
      mechanism. To determine whether nalfurafine is a functionally selective KOR
      agonist, we measured its potency to activate the G protein-dependent early phase
      of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and the
      arrestin-dependent late phase of p38 MAPK signaling. Nalfurafine was
      approximately 250 fold more potent for ERK1/2 activation as compared to p38 MAPK
      activation in human KOR (hKOR) expressing HEK293 cells, and approximately 20 fold
      more potent for ERK1/2 activation than p38 activation in rodent KOR (rKOR)
      expressing HEK293 cells. The 10-fold greater G-bias at the hKOR than rKOR was
      unexpected, however the G protein biased effect of nalfurafine is consistent with
      its reduced dysphoric effects in human and rodent models. Although nalfurafine is
      reported to have low receptor selectivity in radioligand binding assays, its
      antinociceptive effect was blocked by the selective KOR antagonist
      norbinaltorphimine. Nalfurafine pretreatment also resulted in a KOR-dependent and
      mu opioid receptor-independent reduction in scratching induced by 5'-GNTI. These
      findings suggest that nalfurafine is a functionally selective KOR agonist and
      that KOR agonists able to selectively activate G protein signaling without
      activating p38alpha MAPK may have therapeutic potential as non-dysphoric
      antipruritic analgesics.

PMID- 28088391
TI  - Changes in the cerebellar and cerebro-cerebellar circuit in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Currently, 422 million adults suffer from diabetes worldwide, leading to
      tremendous disabilities and a great burden to families and society. Functional
      and structural MRIs have demonstrated that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM) exhibit abnormalities in brain regions in the cerebral cortex. However,
      the changes of cerebellar anatomical connections in diabetic patients remains
      unclear. In the current study, diffusion tensor imaging deterministic
      tractography and statistical analysis were employed to investigate abnormal
      cerebellar anatomical connections in diabetic patients. This is the first study
      to investigate the altered cerebellar anatomical connectivity in T2DM patients.
      Decreased anatomical connections were found in the cerebellar and cerebro
      cerebellar circuits of T2DM patients, providing valuable new insights into the
      potential neuro-pathophysiology of diabetes-related motor and cognitive deficits.

PMID- 28088392
TI  - Benefits of Oxygen Saturation Targeting Trials: Oximeter Calibration Software
      Revision and Infant Saturations.
AB  - It has been reported in the 3 Benefits of Oxygen Saturation Targeting (BOOST-II)
      trials that changes in oximeter calibration software resulted in clearer
      separation between the oxygen saturations in the two trial target groups. A
      revised analysis of the published BOOST-II data does not support this conclusion.

PMID- 28088393
TI  - Discoid Skin Rash in a Preterm Infant.

PMID- 28088394
TI  - Tinea in Tots: Cases and Literature Review of Oral Antifungal Treatment of Tinea
      Capitis in Children under 2 Years of Age.

PMID- 28088395
TI  - Lactate and Lactate: Pyruvate Ratio in the Diagnosis and Outcomes of Pediatric
      Acute Liver Failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of blood lactate and lactate: pyruvate molar
      ratio (L:P) as a screen for mitochondrial, respiratory chain, or fatty acid
      oxidation disorders in children with pediatric acute liver failure (PALF); to
      determine whether serum lactate >= 2.5 mmol/L or L:P  >= 25 correlated with
      biochemical variables of clinical severity; and to determine whether lactate or
      L:P is associated with clinical outcome at 21 days. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      review of demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data for PALF study
      group participants who had lactate and pyruvate levels collected on the same day.
      RESULTS: Of 986 participants, 110 had lactate and pyruvate levels collected on
      the same day. Of the 110, the etiology of PALF was a mitochondrial disorder in 8
      (7%), indeterminate in 65 (59%), and an alternative diagnosis in 37 (34%).
      Lactate, pyruvate, and L:P were similar among the 3 etiologic groups. There was
      no significant association between the initial lactate or L:P and biochemical
      variables of clinical severity or clinical outcome at 21 days. CONCLUSIONS: A
      serum lactate >= 2.5 mmol/L and/or elevated L:P was common in all causes of PALF,
      not limited to those with a mitochondrial etiology, and did not predict 21-day
      clinical outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00986648.

PMID- 28088396
TI  - Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis in Association with Secondary Hemophagocytic
      Lymphohistiocytosis.
AB  - Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare diffuse lung disease in the
      pediatric population. There are currently few cases documenting hemophagocytic
      lymphohistiocytosis as a cause for secondary PAP. We describe an ex-preterm child
      with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, complicated by PAP and
      hypoxemic respiratory failure.

PMID- 28088397
TI  - Antibiotics in Pregnancy Increase Children's Risk of Otitis Media and Ventilation
      Tubes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the association between antibiotic intake in pregnancy and
      the development of otitis media and placement of ventilation tubes (VTs) in the
      offspring under the hypothesis that antibiotics in pregnancy may alter the
      offspring's propensity for disease. STUDY DESIGN: Data from the 700 children in
      the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 unselected birth
      cohort study were used. Information on maternal antibiotic use and other
      exposures during pregnancy was collected prospectively from interviews and
      validated in national registries. Otitis media episodes were registered in a
      prospective diary for 3 years. Information regarding children's VTs was obtained
      from national registries. RESULTS: There were 514 children who had diary
      information and were included in the analysis regarding otitis media episodes.
      For VTs analysis, 699 children were included. Thirty-seven percent of the mothers
      received antibiotics during pregnancy, and this was associated with increased
      risk of otitis media (adjusted hazard ratio 1.30; 95% CI 1.04-1.63; P = .02). The
      risk of receiving VTs was especially associated with third trimester antibiotics
      (adjusted hazard ratio 1.60; 95% CI 1.08-2.36, P = .02). The risk of otitis media
      increased with increasing number of treatments (per-level adjusted hazard ratio
      1.20; 95% CI 1.04-1.40; P = .02), but for VTs this association was not
      significant after adjustment. CONCLUSION: Maternal use of antibiotics during
      pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of otitis media and VT insertions
      in the offspring. Antibiotics late in pregnancy mainly contributed to these
      effects, pointing toward potential transmission of an unfavorable microbiome from
      mother to child.

PMID- 28088399
TI  - The Timing of Pertussis Cases in Unvaccinated Children in an Outbreak Year:
      Oregon 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether, during a 2012 pertussis outbreak, unvaccinated and
      poorly vaccinated cases occurred earlier on a community level. STUDY DESIGN:
      Pediatric pertussis among children 2 months to 10 years of age in the Oregon
      Sentinel Surveillance region during an epidemic starting at the beginning of 2012
      were stratified by immunization status, age, zip code, and calendar date of
      disease onset. Differences in median onset as days between fully or mostly
      vaccinated, poorly vaccinated, and unvaccinated cases were examined overall and
      within local zip code areas. Disease clusters also were examined using SatScan
      analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 351 pertussis cases occurred among children aged 2
      months to 10 years of age residing in 72 distinct zipcodes. Among unvaccinated or
      poorly vaccinated cases, their median date of onset was at calendar day 117
      (April 26, 2012), whereas for those who were fully or mostly vaccinated the
      median date of onset was 41 days later, at day 158 (June 6, 2012). Within each
      local zip code area, the unvaccinated cases were 3.2 times more likely than
      vaccinated cases to have earlier median dates of onset (95% CI 2.9-3.6).
      CONCLUSION: In this outbreak, pertussis cases among unvaccinated children
      represented an earlier spread of disease across local areas. Controlling
      outbreaks may require attention to the composition and location of the
      unvaccinated.

PMID- 28088398
TI  - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Adolescents with Functional Somatic
      Syndromes: A Pilot Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a mindfulness-based stress reduction
      (MBSR) program for adolescents with widespread chronic pain and other functional
      somatic symptoms and to make preliminary assessments of its clinical utility.
      STUDY DESIGN: Three cohorts of subjects completed an 8-week MBSR program. Child-
      and parent-completed measures were collected at baseline and 8 and 12 weeks
      later. Measures included the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), the
      Fibromyalgia/Symptom Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQR/SIQR), the Pediatric
      Quality of Life Inventory, the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale (MASC2), and the
      Perceived Stress Scale. Subjects and parents were interviewed following the
      program to assess feasibility. RESULTS: Fifteen of 18 subjects (83%) completed
      the 8-week program. No adverse events occurred. Compared with baseline scores,
      significant changes were found in mean scores on the FDI (33% improvement, P =
      .026), FIQR/SIQR (26% improvement, P = .03), and MASC2 (child: 12% improvement, P
      = .02; parent report: 17% improvement, P = .03) at 8 weeks. MASC2 scores (child
      and parent) and Perceived Stress Scale scores were significantly improved at 12
      weeks. More time spent doing home practice was associated with better outcomes in
      the FDI and FIQR/SIQR (44% and 26% improvement, respectively). Qualitative
      interviews indicated that subjects and parents reported social support as a
      benefit of the MBSR class, as well as a positive impact of MBSR on activities of
      daily living, and on pain and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: MBSR is a feasible and
      acceptable intervention in adolescents with functional somatic syndromes and has
      preliminary evidence for improving functional disability, symptom impact, and
      anxiety, with consistency between parent and child measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02190474.

PMID- 28088400
TI  - Hospitalizations for Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Vaccine-Preventable
      Infections in the First 2 Years After Pediatric Liver Transplant.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine in liver transplant recipients at centers participating in
      the Pediatric Health Information System dataset the number of hospitalizations
      for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and vaccine-preventable infections (VPIs)
      in the first 2 years after transplantation, morbidity and mortality associated
      with these hospitalizations, and costs associated with these hospitalizations.
      STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of patients <18 years of age who
      underwent liver transplantation at a Pediatric Health Information System center
      between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2012. Hospitalizations for RSV/VPIs
      during the first 2 years post-transplant were ascertained using International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis
      codes. Data were collected on clinical care, outcomes, and costs during these
      hospitalizations. RESULTS: There were 2554 liver transplant recipients
      identified; 415 patients (16.3%) had 544 cases of RSV/VPIs. RSV, rotavirus, and
      influenza were the most common infections resulting in hospitalization. Ninety
      two patients (3.6%) had RSV/VPI during their transplant hospitalization.
      Transplant hospitalizations complicated by RSV/VPI were longer (44 days vs. 21
      days; P < .001), had higher rejection rates (37% vs. 26%; P = .02), and were more
      expensive ($259 697 vs. $190 860; P < .001). Multivariate analyses identified age
      <2 years at transplant (P < .001) and multivisceral recipient (P = .04) as
      predictors of a hospitalization for RSV. CONCLUSIONS: VPIs occurred in 1 of 6
      liver transplant recipients in the first 2 years post-transplant, a significantly
      higher rate than in the general pediatric population. These hospitalizations had
      substantial morbidity, mortality, and costs, demonstrating the importance of
      vaccinating patients before transplantation.

PMID- 28088401
TI  - Pharmacological rescue of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in a mouse model of X
      linked intellectual disability.
AB  - Oligophrenin-1 (OPHN1) is a Rho GTPase activating protein whose mutations cause X
      linked intellectual disability (XLID). How loss of function of Ophn1 affects
      neuronal development is only partly understood. Here we have exploited adult
      hippocampal neurogenesis to dissect the steps of neuronal differentiation that
      are affected by Ophn1 deletion. We found that mice lacking Ophn1 display a
      reduction in the number of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus. A significant
      fraction of the Ophn1-deficient newly generated neurons failed to extend an axon
      towards CA3, and showed an altered density of dendritic protrusions. Since Ophn1
      deficient mice display overactivation of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) and
      protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, we administered a clinically approved ROCK/PKA
      inhibitor (fasudil) to correct the neurogenesis defects. While administration of
      fasudil was not effective in rescuing axon formation, the same treatment
      completely restored spine density to control levels, and enhanced the long-term
      survival of adult-born neurons in mice lacking Ophn1. These results identify
      specific neurodevelopmental steps that are impacted by Ophn1 deletion, and
      indicate that they may be at least partially corrected by pharmacological
      treatment.

PMID- 28088402
TI  - Historical relationships of three enigmatic phasianid genera (Aves: Galliformes)
      inferred using phylogenomic and mitogenomic data.
AB  - The phylogeny of the Phasianidae (pheasants, partridges, and allies) has been
      studied extensively. However, these studies have largely ignored three enigmatic
      genera because of scarce DNA source material and limited overlapping phylogenetic
      data: blood pheasants (Ithaginis), snow partridges (Lerwa), and long-billed
      partridges (Rhizothera). Thus, phylogenetic positions of these three genera
      remain uncertain in what is otherwise a well-resolved phylogeny. Previous studies
      using different data types place Lerwa and Ithaginis in similar positions, but
      the absence of overlapping data means the relationship between them could not be
      inferred. Rhizothera was originally described in the genus Perdix (true
      partridges), although a partial cytochrome b (CYB) sequence suggests it is sister
      to Pucrasia (koklass pheasant). To identify robust relationships among Ithaginis,
      Lerwa, Rhizothera, and their phasianid relatives, we used 3692 ultra-conserved
      element (UCE) loci and complete mitogenomes from 19 species including previously
      hypothesized relatives of the three focal genera and representatives from all
      major phasianid clades. We used DNA extracted from historical specimen toepads
      for species that lacked fresh tissue in museum collections. Maximum likelihood
      and multispecies coalescent UCE analyses strongly supported Lerwa sister to a
      large clade which included Ithaginis at its base, and also including turkey,
      grouse, typical pheasants, tragopans, Pucrasia, and Perdix. Rhizothera was also
      in this clade, sister to a diverse group comprising Perdix, typical pheasants,
      Pucrasia, turkey and grouse. Mitogenomic genealogies differed from UCEs
      topologies, supporting a sister relationship between Ithaginis and Lerwa rather
      than a grade. The position of Rhizothera using mitogenomes depended on analytical
      choices. Unpartitioned and codon-based analyses placed Rhizothera sister to a
      tragopan clade, whereas a partitioned DNA model of the mitogenome was congruent
      with UCE results. In all mitogenome analyses, Pucrasia was sister to a clade
      including Perdix and the typical pheasants with high support, in contrast to UCEs
      and published nuclear intron data. Due to the strong support and consistent
      topology provided by all UCE analyses, we have identified phylogenetic
      relationships of these three enigmatic, poorly-studied, phasianid taxa.

PMID- 28088403
TI  - Ginkgo fruit extract as an additive to modify rumen microbiota and fermentation
      and to mitigate methane production.
AB  - Ginkgo fruit, an unused byproduct of the ginkgo nut industry, contains
      antimicrobial compounds known as anacardic acids. Two major cultivars of ginkgo,
      Kyuju (K) and Tokuro (T), were evaluated for their potential as a feed additive
      for ruminants. In batch culture, we incubated a mixture of hay and concentrate in
      diluted rumen fluid with or without 1.6% (fruit equivalent) ginkgo fruit extract.
      We conducted another series of batch culture studies to determine the dose
      response of fermentation. We also conducted continuous culture using the rumen
      simulation technique (RUSITEC) with cultivar K and carried out a pure culture
      study to monitor the sensitivity of 17 representative rumen bacterial species to
      ginkgo extract and component phenolics. Although both K and T extracts led to
      decreased methane and increased propionate production, changes were more apparent
      with K extract, and were dose-dependent. Total gas production was depressed at
      doses >=3.2%, suggesting that 1.6% was the optimal supplementation level. In
      RUSITEC fermentation supplemented with 1.6% ginkgo K, methane decreased by 53%
      without affecting total gas or total VFA production, but with decreased acetate
      and increased propionate. Disappearance of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber,
      and acid detergent fiber were not affected by ginkgo, but ammonia levels were
      decreased. Quantitative PCR indicated that the abundance of protozoa, fungi,
      methanogens, and bacteria related to hydrogen and formate production decreased,
      but the abundance of bacteria related to propionate production increased. MiSeq
      analysis (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA) confirmed these bacterial changes and
      identified archaeal community changes, including a decrease in Methanobrevibacter
      and Methanomassiliicoccaceae and an increase in Methanoplanus. Pure culture study
      results supported the findings for the above bacterial community changes. These
      results demonstrate that ginkgo fruit can modulate rumen fermentation toward
      methane mitigation and propionate enhancement via microbial selection.

PMID- 28088404
TI  - Variation in fat globule size in bovine milk and its prediction using mid
      infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to investigate the sources of variation in milk
      fat globule (MFG) size in bovine milk and its prediction using mid-infrared (MIR)
      spectroscopy. Mean MFG size was measured in 2,076 milk samples from 399 Ayrshire,
      Brown Swiss, Holstein, and Jersey cows, and expressed as volume moment mean
      (D[4,3]) and surface moment mean (D[3,2]). The mid-infrared spectra of the
      samples and milk performance data were also recorded during routine milk
      recording and testing. The effects of breed, herd nested within breed, days in
      milk, season, milking period, age at calving, parity, and individual animal on
      the variation observed in MFG size were investigated. Breed, herd nested within
      breed, days in milk, season, and milking period significantly affected mean MFG
      size. Milk fat globule size was the largest at the beginning of lactation and
      subsequently decreased. Milk samples with the smallest MFG on average came from
      Holstein cows, and those with the largest were from Jersey and Brown Swiss cows.
      Partial least squares regression was used to predict MFG size from MIR spectra of
      samples with a calibration data set containing 2,034 and 2,032 samples for D[4,3]
      and D[3,2], respectively. Coefficients of determination of cross validation for
      D[4,3] and D[3,2] prediction models were 0.51 and 0.54, respectively. The
      associated ratio of performance deviation values were 1.43 and 1.48 for D[4,3]
      and D[3,2], respectively. With these models, individual mean MFG size could not
      be accurately predicted, but results may be sufficient to screen samples for
      having either small or large MFG on average. Significant but low correlations of
      D[4,3] and D[3,2] with milk fat yield were estimated (0.16 and 0.21,
      respectively). Significant and moderate Pearson correlation coefficients for fat
      percent with D[4,3] and D[3,2] were assessed (0.34 and 0.36, respectively). This
      correlation was greater between milk fat percentage and predicted MFG size than
      with measured MFG size with coefficients of 0.47 and 0.49 for D[4,3] and D[3,2],
      respectively. The MIR prediction equations are potentially overusing the
      correlation between fat and MFG size and exploiting the strong relationship
      between the MIR spectra and total milk fat. However, the predictions of MFG size
      are able to determine variation in mean globule size beyond what would be
      achieved just by looking at the correlation with fat production.

PMID- 28088405
TI  - Evaluation of factors associated with immunoglobulin G, fat, protein, and lactose
      concentrations in bovine colostrum and colostrum management practices in
      grassland-based dairy systems in Northern Ireland.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to investigate colostrum feeding practices and
      colostrum quality on commercial grassland-based dairy farms, and to identify
      factors associated with colostrum quality that could help inform the development
      of colostrum management protocols. Over 1 yr, background information associated
      with dairy calvings and colostrum management practices were recorded on 21
      commercial dairy farms. Colostrum samples (n = 1,239) were analyzed for fat,
      protein, lactose, and IgG concentration. A subset was analyzed for somatic cell
      count and total viable bacteria count. Factors associated with nutritional and
      IgG concentrations were determined using both univariate and multivariate models.
      This study found that 51% of calves were administered their first feed of
      colostrum via esophageal tube, and the majority of calves (80%) were fed >2 L of
      colostrum at their first feed (mean = 2.9 L, SD = 0.79), at a mean time of 3.2 h
      (SD 4.36) after birth, but this ranged across farms. The mean colostral fat,
      protein, and lactose percentages and IgG concentrations were 6.4%, 14%, 2.7%, and
      55 mg/mL, respectively. The mean somatic cell count and total viable count were
      6.3 log10 and 6.1 log10, respectively. Overall, 44% of colostrum samples
      contained <50 mg/mL IgG, and almost 81% were in excess of industry guidelines
      (<100,000 cfu/mL) for bacterial contamination. In the multivariate model, IgG
      concentration was associated with parity and time from parturition to colostrum
      collection. The nutritional properties of colostrum were associated with parity,
      prepartum vaccination, season of calving, and dry cow nutrition. The large
      variation in colostrum quality found in the current study highlights the
      importance of routine colostrum testing, and now that factors associated with
      lower-quality colostrum on grassland-based dairy farms have been identified,
      producers and advisers are better informed and able to develop risk-based
      colostrum management protocols.

PMID- 28088406
TI  - Short communication: Effects of vacuum freeze-drying on inactivation of
      Cronobacter sakazakii ATCC29544 in liquid media with different initial inoculum
      levels.
AB  - Vacuum freeze-drying is an important food-processing technology for valid
      retention of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Cronobacter sakazakii has been
      reported to be associated with severe infections in neonates through consumption
      of contaminated powdered infant formula. In this study, effects of vacuum freeze
      drying treatment for 12, 24, and 36 h on inactivation of C. sakazakii with
      different initial inoculum levels in sterile water, tryptic soy broth (TSB), skim
      milk, and whole milk were determined. Results indicated that the lethality rate
      of C. sakazakii in each sample increased with the extension of vacuum freeze
      drying time. With initial inoculum levels of 102 and 103 cfu/mL, the survival of
      C. sakazakii in different liquid media was significantly affected by vacuum
      freeze-drying for 12, 24, and 36 h. In addition, the lethality rates of C.
      sakazakii in whole milk, skim milk, and TSB was significantly reduced compared
      with those in sterile water. Furthermore, whole milk showed the strongest
      protective role for C. sakazakii cells, followed by skim milk and TSB medium.
      Using the scanning electron microscope, the intracellular damage and obvious
      distortion of C. sakazakii cells were observed after vacuum freeze-drying for 24
      and 36 h compared with the untreated sample, and the injured cells increased with
      the extension of vacuum-drying time. We concluded that inactivation of vacuum
      freeze-drying on C. sakazakii cells is related to the food matrix, and a
      combination with other methods for inactivating C. sakazakii is required for
      ensuring microbial safety of powdered infant formula.

PMID- 28088407
TI  - Far-off and close-up dry matter intake modulate indicators of immunometabolic
      adaptations to lactation in subcutaneous adipose tissue of pasture-based
      transition dairy cows.
AB  - The common practice of increasing dietary energy density during the close-up dry
      period (last ~3 wk prepartum) has been recently associated with a higher
      incidence of metabolic disorders after calving. Despite these reports, over
      feeding of metabolizable energy (ME) during the far-off, nonlactating period is a
      common management policy aimed at achieving optimum calving body condition score
      (BCS) in pasture-based systems, as cows are generally thinner than total mixed
      ration cows at the end of lactation. Our hypothesis was that both far-off and
      close-up overfeeding influence the peripartum adipose tissue changes associated
      with energy balance and inflammatory state. Sixty mid-lactation, grazing dairy
      cows of mixed age and breed were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups that were
      managed through late lactation to achieve a low and high BCS (approximately 4.25
      and 5.0 on a 10-point scale) at dry-off. The low BCS cows were then overfed ME to
      ensure that they achieved the same BCS as the higher BCS group by calving. Within
      each rate of BCS gain treatment, cows were offered 65, 90, or 120% of their pre
      calving ME requirements for 3 wk pre-calving in a 2 * 3 factorial arrangement of
      treatments (i.e., 10 cows/treatment). Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected
      via biopsy at -1, 1, and 4 wk relative to parturition. Quantitative PCR was used
      to measure mRNA and microRNA expression of targets related to adipogenesis and
      inflammation. Cows overfed in the far-off period had increased expression of miR
      143 and miR-378 prepartum (-1 wk) indicating greater adipogenesis, consistent
      with their rapid gain in BCS following dry-off. Furthermore, the lower postpartum
      expression of IL6, TNF, TLR4, TLR9, and miR-145, and a higher abundance of miR
      99a indicated lower body fat mobilization in early lactation in the same group.
      In the close-up period, feeding either 65 or 120% of ME requirements caused
      changes in FASN, IL1B, IL6R, TLR9, and the microRNA miR-143, miR-155, and miR
      378. Their respective expression patterns indicate a tentative negative-feedback
      mechanism in metabolically compromised, feed-restricted cows, and a possible
      immune-related stimulation of lipolysis in apparently static adipocytes in
      overfed cows. Data from cows fed 90% of ME requirements indicate the existence of
      a balance between lipolytic (inflammatory-related) and anti-lipolytic signals, to
      prime the mobilization machinery in light of imminent lactation. Overall, results
      indicate that far-off dry cow nutrition influences peripartum adipose tissue
      metabolism, with neither strategy negatively affecting the physiological
      adaptation to lactation. Furthermore, to ensure a favorable transition, cows
      should be subjected to a small feed restriction in the close-up period,
      irrespective of far-off nutritional management.

PMID- 28088408
TI  - The effects of adding fat to diets of lactating dairy cows on total-tract neutral
      detergent fiber digestibility: A meta-analysis.
AB  - The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the effects of supplemental
      fat on fiber digestibility in lactating dairy cattle. Published papers that
      evaluated the effects of adding fat to the diets of lactating dairy cattle on
      total-tract neutral detergent fiber digestibility (ttNDFd) and dry matter intake
      (DMI) were compiled. The final data set included 108 fat-supplemented treatment
      means, not including low-fat controls, from 38 publications. The fat-supplemented
      treatment means exhibited a wide range of ttNDFd (49.4% +/- 9.3, mean +/-
      standard deviation) and DMI (21.3 kg/d +/- 3.5). Observations were summarized as
      the difference between the treatment means for fat-supplemented diets minus their
      respective low-fat control means. Additionally, those differences were divided by
      the difference in diet fatty acid (FA) concentration between the treatment and
      control diets. Treatment means were categorized by the type of fat supplement.
      Supplementing 3% FA in the diet as medium-chain fats (containing predominately 12
      and 14-carbon saturated FA) or unsaturated vegetable oil decreased ttNDFd by 8.0
      and 1.2 percentage units, respectively. Adding 3% calcium salts of long-chain FA
      or saturated fats increased ttNDFd by 3.2 and 1.3 percentage units, respectively.
      No other fat supplement type affected ttNDFd. Except for saturated fats and
      animal-vegetable fats, supplementing dietary fat decreased DMI. When the values
      for changes in ttNDFd are regressed on changes in DMI there was a positive
      relationship, though the coefficient of determination is only 0.20. When changes
      in ttNDFd were regressed on changes in DMI, within individual fat supplement
      types, there was no relationship within calcium salt supplements. There was a
      positive relationship between changes in ttNDFd and changes in DMI for saturated
      fats. Neither relationship suggested that the increased ttNDFd with calcium salts
      or saturated FA was due to decreased DMI for these fat sources. A subset of the
      means included measured ruminal neutral detergent fiber digestion. Analysis of
      this smaller data set did not suggest that ruminal neutral detergent fiber
      digestibility is depressed by fat supplementation more than ttNDFd. Adding fats,
      other than those with medium-chain FA, consistently increased digestible energy
      density of the diet. However, due to reduced DMI, this increased energy density
      may not result in increased digestible nutrient intake.

PMID- 28088409
TI  - Genome-wide association analysis and pathways enrichment for lactation
      persistency in Canadian Holstein cattle.
AB  - Lactation persistency (LP), defined as the rate of declining milk yield after
      milk peak, is an economically important trait for dairy cattle. Improving LP is
      considered a good alternative method for increasing overall milk production
      because it does not cause the negative energy balance and other health issues
      that cows experience during peak milk production. However, little is known about
      the biology of LP. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) and pathway enrichment
      were used to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying LP. The GWAS was performed
      using a univariate regression mixed linear model on LP data of 3,796 cows and
      44,100 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Eight and 47 SNP were significantly
      and suggestively associated with LP, respectively. The 2 most important
      quantitative trait loci regions for LP were (1) a region from 106 to 108 Mb on
      Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 5, where the most significant SNP (ARS-BFGL-NGS-2399)
      was located and also formed a linkage disequilibrium block with 3 other SNP; and
      (2) a region from 29.3 to 31.3 Mb on BTA 20, which contained 3 significant SNP.
      Based on physical positions, MAN1C1, MAP3K5, HCN1, TSPAN9, MRPS30, TEX14, and
      CCL28 are potential candidate genes for LP because the significant SNP were
      located in their intronic regions. Enrichment analyses of a list of 536 genes in
      0.5-Mb flanking regions of significant and suggestive SNP indicates that
      synthesis of milk components, regulation of cell apoptosis processes and insulin,
      and prolactin signaling pathways are important for LP. Upstream regulators
      relevant for LP positional candidate genes were prolactin (PRL), peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine
      kinase 2 (ERBB2). Several networks related to cellular development, proliferation
      and death were significantly enriched for LP positional candidate genes. In
      conclusion, this study detected several SNP, genes, and interesting regions for
      fine mapping and validation of candidate genes and SNP for potential use in
      selection for improved LP. This study also provided further insights on the
      biology of LP which will help to prioritize selected candidate genes for
      functional validation and application.

PMID- 28088410
TI  - Short communication: Sodium salicylate negatively affects rumen fermentation in
      vitro and in situ.
AB  - Administration of sodium salicylate (SS) to cows in early lactation has a
      positive effect on whole-lactation milk production but a negative effect on
      metabolism in some cases. The objective of this trial was to determine whether SS
      directly affects rumen fermentation. Experiment 1 was designed to investigate the
      effects of direct inclusion of SS in a 24-h batch culture, and experiment 2 was
      designed to test the fermentative ability of rumen fluid from heifers who had
      received SS. In experiment 1, we combined strained and pooled rumen fluid from 3
      heifers in a 2:1 ratio with McDougall's buffer, and added 150 mL of the inoculum
      to each flask (n = 5/treatment) with 2.5 g of fermentation substrate similar to a
      lactating cow ration, ground to 1 mm. We then added premixed treatments (1-mL
      volume) to achieve the desired final amount of SS (CON1 = 0 mg, LOW = 125 mg, MED
      = 250 mg, HI = 375 mg). In experiment 2, 6 heifers (n = 3/treatment) were
      drenched daily for 3 d, either with 62.5 g of SS dissolved in water (SAL) or an
      equal volume of water (CON2). Rumen fluid was collected from each heifer and was
      not pooled. After the fluid was mixed 2:1 with McDougall's buffer, 150 mL of
      inoculum was added to the fermentation flasks (n = 4/heifer) with 2.5 g of
      fermentation substrate. This experiment was performed the day before SS treatment
      began and repeated 1, 13, and 35 d after the end of the treatment period. We also
      performed an in situ experiment at each of these time points. In the first
      experiment, inclusion of SS resulted in a decrease in dry matter disappearance
      (DMD) over 24 h, as well as an increase in final pH. We detected no difference
      between treatments for gas production asymptotic volume, rate, or lag. In the
      second experiment, we detected a significant treatment * day interaction for DMD:
      we observed no difference between groups during a 24-h batch culture on the day
      following treatment, but SAL resulted in lower DMD on d 13 and d 35. We detected
      no treatment effect on the final pH of the batch culture or on any gas-production
      parameters. We observed a tendency for SAL to decrease the DMD rate in situ on
      the day after treatment. These results indicate that SS administration has a
      negative effect on rumen microorganisms.

PMID- 28088411
TI  - Standardization of milk infrared spectra for the retroactive application of
      calibration models.
AB  - The objective of this study was to standardize the infrared spectra obtained over
      time and across 2 milk laboratories of Canada to create a uniform historical
      database and allow (1) the retroactive application of calibration models for
      prediction of fine milk composition; and (2) the direct use of spectral
      information for the development of indicators of animal health and efficiency.
      Spectral variation across laboratories and over time was inspected by principal
      components analysis (PCA). Shifts in the PCA scores were detected over time,
      leading to the definition of different subsets of spectra having homogeneous
      infrared signal. To evaluate the possibility of using common equations on spectra
      collected by the 2 instruments and over time, we developed a standardization
      (STD) method. For each subset of data having homogeneous infrared signal, a total
      of 99 spectra corresponding to the percentiles of the distribution of the
      absorbance at each wavenumber were created and used to build the STD matrices.
      Equations predicting contents of saturated fatty acids, short-chain fatty acids,
      and C18:0 were created and applied on different subsets of spectra, before and
      after STD. After STD, bias and root mean squared error of prediction decreased by
      66% and 32%, respectively. When calibration equations were applied to the
      historical nonstandardized database of spectra, shifts in the predictions could
      be observed over time for all investigated traits. Shifts in the distribution of
      the predictions over time corresponded to the shifts identified by the inspection
      of the PCA scores. After STD, shifts in the predicted fatty acid contents were
      greatly reduced. Standardization reduced spectral variability between instruments
      and over time, allowing the merging of milk spectra data from different
      instruments into a common database, the retroactive use of calibrations
      equations, or the direct use of the spectral data without restrictions.

PMID- 28088412
TI  - Short communication: Urea hydrolysis in dairy cattle manure under different
      temperature, urea, and pH conditions.
AB  - The objective of the study was to quantify the rate of urea hydrolysis in dairy
      cattle manure under different initial urea concentration, temperature, and pH
      conditions. In particular, by varying all 3 factors simultaneously, the
      interactions between them could also be determined. Fresh feces and artificial
      urine solutions were combined into a slurry to characterize the rate of urea
      hydrolysis under 2 temperatures (15 degrees C and 35 degrees C), 3 urea
      concentrations in urine solutions (500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg of urea-N/dL), and 3
      pH levels (6, 7, and 8). Urea N concentration in slurry was analyzed at 0.0167,
      1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h after initial mixing. A nonlinear mixed
      effects model was used to determine the effects of urea concentration, pH, and
      temperature treatments on the exponential rate of urea hydrolysis and to predict
      the hydrolysis rate for each treatment combination. We detected a significant
      interaction between pH and initial urea level. Increasing urea concentration from
      1,000 to 1,500 mg of urea-N/dL decreased the rate of urea hydrolysis across all
      pH levels. Across all pH and initial urea levels, the rate of urea hydrolysis
      increased with temperature, but the effect of pH was only observed for pH 6
      versus pH 8 at the intermediate initial urea concentration. The fast rates of
      urea hydrolysis indicate that urea was almost completely hydrolyzed within a few
      hours of urine mixing with feces. The estimated urea hydrolysis rates from this
      study are likely maximum rates because of the thorough mixing before each
      sampling. Although considerable mixing of feces and urine occurs on the barn
      floor of commercial dairy operations from cattle walking through the manure, such
      mixing may be not as quick and thorough as in this study. Consequently, the urea
      hydrolysis rates from this study indicate the maximum loss of urea and should be
      accounted for in management aimed at mitigating ammonia emissions from dairy
      cattle manure under similar urea concentration, pH, and temperature conditions
      reported in this experiment.

PMID- 28088413
TI  - Short communication: Associations between feed push-up frequency, feeding and
      lying behavior, and milk yield and composition of dairy cows.
AB  - Feeding management factors have great potential to influence activity patterns
      and feeding behavior of dairy cows, which may have implications for performance.
      The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of feed push-up frequency
      on the behavioral patterns of dairy cows, and to determine associations between
      behavior and milk yield and composition. Lactating Holstein dairy cows (n = 28,
      parity = 1.9 +/- 1.1; mean +/- SD) were housed in tiestalls, milked twice per
      day, and offered ad libitum access to water and a total mixed ration (containing,
      on a dry matter basis: 25% corn silage, 25% grass/alfalfa haylage, 30% high
      moisture corn, and 20% protein/mineral supplement), provided twice per day. Cows
      were divided into 2 groups of 14 (balanced by days in milk, milk production, and
      parity) and individually exposed to each of 2 treatments in a crossover design
      with 21-d periods; treatment 1 had infrequent feed push-up (3*/d), whereas
      treatment 2 had frequent feed push-up (5*/d). During the last 7 d of each period,
      dry matter intake and milk production were recorded and lying behavior was
      monitored using electronic data loggers. During the last 2 d of each period, milk
      samples were collected for analysis of protein and fat content and feed samples
      of fresh feed and orts were collected for particle size analysis. The particle
      size separator had 3 screens (19, 8, and 1.18 mm) and a bottom pan, resulting in
      4 fractions (long, medium, short, fine). Sorting was calculated as the actual
      intake of each particle size fraction expressed as a percentage of the predicted
      intake of that fraction. Feed push-up frequency had no effect on lying time [11.4
      +/- 0.37 h/d; mean +/- standard error (SE)], milk production (40.2 +/- 1.28 kg/d)
      and composition (milk protein: 3.30 +/- 0.048%; milk fat: 3.81 +/- 0.077%), or
      feed sorting. Cows sorted against long particles (78.0 +/- 2.2%) and for short
      (102.6 +/- 0.6%) and fine (108.4 +/- 0.9%) particles. Milk fat content decreased
      by 0.1 percentage points for every 10% increase in sorting against long particles
      and was not associated with lying behavior or other cow-level factors. Milk
      protein content decreased by 0.03 percentage points for every hour decrease in
      lying time and by 0.04 percentage points for every 10% increase in sorting
      against long particles. These results suggest that sorting against long ration
      particles may negatively affect milk composition. Additionally, we did not find
      that altering feed push-up frequency affected feed sorting or cow standing and
      lying patterns.

PMID- 28088414
TI  - Social dominance in prepubertal dairy heifers allocated in continuous competitive
      dyads: Effects on body growth, metabolic status, and reproductive development.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare the body weight (BW) and size,
      metabolic status, and reproductive development of dominant and subordinate
      prepubertal dairy heifers allocated in competitive dyads. Sixteen Holstein and
      Jersey * Holstein prepubertal heifers (means +/- SEM; 250.8 +/- 9.8 d; 208.5 +/-
      13.9 kg of BW) were assigned to 8 homogeneous dyads according to breed, age, and
      BW. Dyads were housed in pens separated 1 m from each other during 120 d,
      receiving a total mixed ration on a 5% restriction of their potential dry matter
      intake, and had access to the same feeder (60 cm) throughout the experiment.
      Dominant and subordinate heifers were defined based on the winning agonistic
      interactions in each dyad. Body development was recorded every 20 d in all
      heifers, and blood samples were collected on the same days to determine endocrine
      and metabolic status. The maximum follicle diameter, number of follicles >6 mm,
      and the presence of corpus luteum were observed weekly by ultrasound. Heifer BW
      (269.3 vs. 265.3 +/- 1.5 kg) and average daily gains (0.858 vs. 0.770 +/- 0.02
      kg/d) were greater in dominant than subordinate heifers. On d 30, 37, and 53,
      dominant heifers had more follicles than subordinate heifers, and maximum
      follicle diameter was greater in dominant than in subordinate heifers (10.0 vs.
      9.0 +/- 0.3 mm). Dominant heifers achieved puberty earlier than subordinate
      heifers (313.9 +/- 4.9 vs. 329.6 +/- 5.7 d) with similar BW (279.4 +/- 2.6 vs.
      277.4 +/- 5.8 kg). Glucose concentrations were greater in dominant than
      subordinate heifers (89.2 vs. 86.8 +/- 1.2 mg/dL), but cholesterol concentrations
      were greater in subordinate than dominant heifers (86.1 vs. 90.2 +/- 2.6 mg/dL).
      We concluded that, under continuous competitive situations, dominant heifers were
      more precocious than subordinate ones, achieving an earlier puberty. Dominant
      heifers had greater body growth and glucose concentrations than subordinate
      heifers, which may be responsible, at least in part, for the differences on
      reproductive development between heifers of different social status.

PMID- 28088415
TI  - Qualitative and quantitative identification of adulteration of milk powder using
      DNA extracted with a novel method.
AB  - The extraction of high-quality DNA from processed dairy products is often the
      crucial step in an authentication process by PCR-based methods. In this study, we
      optimized a novel DNA extraction method for milk powder and used the extracted
      DNA for identification of milk powder based on PCR analysis. The DNA quality was
      assessed by amplifying target sequences from mitochondrial genes, as well as by
      monitoring the yield, purity, and integrity of the extracted DNA. In addition, a
      laboratory adulteration model of milk powder was detected by PCR-based methods
      (PCR and real-time PCR) using primers targeting the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene.
      Results showed that a sufficient amount and quality of DNA could be isolated from
      milk powder with this method. Both PCR and real-time PCR detection of cow milk
      compositions in goat milk powder further confirmed the DNA extracted with this
      extraction method could be widely used in addressing milk powder adulterant by a
      PCR-based method.

PMID- 28088416
TI  - Space allowance influences individually housed Holstein bull calf innate immune
      measures and standing behaviors after castration at 3 weeks of age.
AB  - Dairy calves in the Southwest regions of the United States are typically raised
      individually in wooden hutches with 1.23 m2 of space. The objective of the study
      was to determine if increased space allowance in wooden hutches influences
      measures of innate immunity and behaviors of Holstein bull calves pre- and
      postcastration. Calves were randomly assigned at 4 d of age to conventional
      (CONV; 1.23 m2 of space; n = 18), moderate (MOD; 1.85 m2 space; n = 17), or
      maximized space allowance (MAX; 3.71 m2 space; n = 19) in hutches. Calves were
      surgically castrated at 24 d of age. Peripheral whole blood samples were
      collected at -1, +1, +5, and +12 d of castration. Accelerometer loggers (n = 16
      calves per treatment) were used from -3 to +5 d of castration to assess standing
      behaviors. All calves decreased total standing duration the day of castration
      versus precastration. Overall, MAX spent the most time in the stand position
      postcastration versus CONV and MOD. Within treatments, MOD and MAX had increased
      plasma cortisol 1 d postcastration versus precastration. A treatment * time
      tendency was observed for cortisol at 12 d postcastration; MAX had the least
      circulating cortisol. A treatment * time tendency for circulating haptoglobin
      (Hp) was observed and Hp was greatest among CONV 1 d pre- and 12 d
      postcastration. Compared with precastration, CONV had increased Hp at 1, 5, and
      12 d, whereas MOD had increased Hp at 5 d, and Hp remained similar within MAX. A
      treatment * time tendency for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from
      lipopolysaccharide-stimulated whole blood was observed; at 1 d postcastration,
      MOD had the most TNF-alpha, whereas MAX had the least. Within MAX, calves had
      increased TNF-alpha from precastration to 5 d postcastration. A treatment * time
      interaction was observed for whole blood bactericidal activity against
      Escherichia coli (WB anti-E). The CONV tended to have the greatest WB anti-E at d
      -1, but at d 1 and 5 postcastration, CONV had the least WB anti-E. Overall, MAX
      had less intensity of neutrophil oxidative burst versus CONV and MOD. The lower
      response of neutrophil oxidative burst and slower Hp secretion after castration
      is indicative that the wound site likely had less microbial exposure. The
      findings of this study suggest that calves housed with more space are potentially
      at less risk of too much inflammation after castration, which may likely be due
      to the effects of increased space on hide cleanliness and increased standing
      time.

PMID- 28088417
TI  - Milk fat threshold determination and the effect of milk fat content on consumer
      preference for fluid milk.
AB  - Milk consumption in the United States has been in decline since the 1960s. Milk
      fat plays a critical role in sensory properties of fluid milk. The first
      objective of this study was to determine the change in percent milk fat needed to
      produce a detectable or just noticeable difference (JND) to consumers in skim,
      1%, 2%, and whole milks. The second objective was to evaluate how milk fat
      affected consumer preferences for fluid milk. Threshold tests were conducted to
      determine the JND for each reference milk (skim, 1%, 2%, and whole milk), with a
      minimum of 60 consumers for each JND. The JND was determined for milks by visual
      appearance without tasting and tasting without visual cues. Serving temperature
      effect (4, 8, or 15 degrees C) on tasting JND values were also investigated. The
      established JND values were then used to conduct ascending forced-choice
      preference tests with milks. Consumers were assigned to 3 groups based on self
      reported milk consumption: skim milk drinkers (n = 59), low-fat milk drinkers
      (consumed 1% or 2% milk, n = 64), and whole milk drinkers (n = 49). Follow-up
      interviews were conducted where consumers were asked to taste and explain their
      preference between milks that showed the most polarization within each consumer
      segment. Descriptive sensory analysis was performed on the milks used in the
      follow-up interviews to quantify sensory differences. Visual-only JND were lower
      than tasting-only JND values. Preference testing revealed 3 distinct preference
      curves among the consumer segments. Skim milk drinkers preferred skim milk and up
      to 2% milk fat, but disliked milk higher in fat due to it being "too thick," "too
      heavy," "flavor and texture like cream," "too fatty," and "looks like half and
      half." Low-fat milk drinkers preferred 2% milk up to 3.25% (whole milk), but then
      disliked higher milk fat content. Whole milk drinkers preferred whichever milk
      was higher in milk fat regardless of how high the fat content was, distinct from
      skim and low-fat milk drinkers. The findings of this study provide insights on
      sensory characteristics of milk fat in fluid milk and consumer sensory perception
      of these properties. These results also provide insights on how the industry
      might adjust milk fat references for adjusting milk sensory properties to
      increase milk preference and remain within the standards of identity of milk.

PMID- 28088418
TI  - Laboratory silo type and inoculation effects on nutritional composition,
      fermentation, and bacterial and fungal communities of oat silage.
AB  - The objectives were to evaluate (1) the use of 2 types of experimental silos (S)
      to characterize whole-crop oat (Avena sativa L.) silage with or without addition
      of an inoculant (I), and (2) the effect of inoculation on the microbial community
      structure of oats ensiled using only plastic bucket silos (BKT). From each of 6
      sections in a field, oats were harvested, treated (INO) or not (CON) with
      inoculant, packed into 19-L BKT or vacuum bags (BG), and ensiled for 217 d. The
      inoculant added contained Lactobacillus buchneri and Pediococcus pentosaceus (4 *
      105 and 1 * 105 cfu/g of fresh oats, respectively). The experimental design was a
      complete randomized design replicated 6 times. Treatment design was the factorial
      combination of 2 S * 2 I. Some differences existed between BG versus BKT at silo
      opening (217 d), including a decreased CP (7.73 vs. 7.04 +/- 0.247% of DM) and
      ethanol (1.93 vs. 1.55 +/- 0.155) and increased lactic acid (4.28 vs. 3.65 +/-
      0.241), respectively. Also, WSC and mold counts were reduced in BG versus BKT for
      CON (1.78 vs. 2.70 +/- 0.162% of DM and 0.8 vs. 2.82 +/- 0.409 log cfu/fresh g)
      but not for INO (~1.53 and 1.55), respectively. Application of INO increased DM
      recovery (96.1 vs. 92.9 +/- 0.63%), aerobic stability (565 vs. 133 +/- 29.2 h),
      acetic acid (2.38 vs. 1.22 +/- 0.116% of DM), and reduced NDF (65.0 vs. 67.0 +/-
      0.57), ADF (36.7 vs. 38.1 +/- 0.60), ethanol (0.63 vs. 2.85 +/- 0.155), and yeast
      counts (1.10 vs. 4.13 +/- 0.484 log cfu/fresh g) in INO versus CON, respectively.
      At d 0, no differences were found for S and I on the nutritional composition and
      background microbial counts. Leuconostocaceae (82.9 +/- 4.27%) and
      Enterobacteriaceae (15.2 +/- 3.52) were the predominant bacterial families and
      unidentified sequences were predominant for fungi. A higher relative abundance of
      the Davidiellaceae fungal family (34.3 vs. 19.6 +/- 4.47) was observed in INO
      versus CON. At opening (217 d), INO had a lower relative abundance of
      Leuconostocaceae (42.3 vs. 95.8 +/- 4.64) and higher Lactobacillaceae (57.4 vs.
      3.9 +/- 4.65) versus CON. Despite several differences were found between BKT and
      BG, both techniques can be comparable for characterizing effects of INO on the
      most basic measures used in silage evaluation. The use of inoculant improved oat
      silage quality partially by a shift in the bacterial community composition during
      ensiling, which mainly consisted of an increased relative abundance of
      Lactobacillaceae and reduction of Leuconostocaceae relative to CON.

PMID- 28088419
TI  - Hexanal as biomarker for milk oxidative stress induced by copper ions.
AB  - Milk flavor varies greatly due to oxidative stress during storage. Several
      studies have documented the use of volatile biomarkers for determining milk
      oxidation, but only a few have focused on the development of inline procedures
      enabling the monitoring of milk oxidative stress. In this work, oxidative stress
      was induced in pasteurized milk samples by spiking increasing concentrations of
      copper ions (from 0 to 32 mg.L-1). During storage (4 degrees C), hexanal
      evolution was monitored by a proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer. The mass
      fragment m/z 83 was selected as a biomarker for hexanal determination. Its
      intensity evolved with a sigmoidal trend, showing a maximum rate proportional to
      the Cu2+ content in milk. The proposed approach is simple, fast (up to 120
      sample/h), sensitive (8.8 MUg.m-3 per MUM hexanal in the sample), with low limit
      of detection (0.5 MUM, determined as 3 times the standard deviation divided by
      the slope of a calibration line), precise (<6%), with good recovery (99-104%),
      and noninvasive. The method can be used for laboratory screening of milk
      susceptibility toward oxidation or for quality control in the processing line.

PMID- 28088420
TI  - Exploring expert opinion on the practicality and effectiveness of biosecurity
      measures on dairy farms in the United Kingdom using choice modeling.
AB  - Biosecurity, defined as a series of measures aiming to stop disease-causing
      agents entering or leaving an area where farm animals are present, is very
      important for the continuing economic viability of the United Kingdom dairy
      sector, and for animal welfare. This study gathered expert opinion from farmers,
      veterinarians, consultants, academics, and government and industry
      representatives on the practicality and effectiveness of different biosecurity
      measures on dairy farms. The study used best-worst scaling, a technique that
      allows for greater discrimination between choices and avoids the variability in
      interpretation associated with other methods, such as Likert scales and ranking
      methods. Keeping a closed herd was rated as the most effective measure overall,
      and maintaining regular contact with the veterinarian was the most practical
      measure. Measures relating to knowledge, planning, and veterinary involvement;
      buying-in practices; and quarantine and treatment scored highly for effectiveness
      overall. Measures relating to visitors, equipment, pest control, and hygiene
      scored much lower for effectiveness. Overall, measures relating to direct animal
      to-animal contact scored much higher for effectiveness than measures relating to
      indirect disease transmission. Some of the most effective measures were also
      rated as the least practical, such as keeping a closed herd and avoiding nose-to
      nose contact between contiguous animals, suggesting that real barriers exist for
      farmers when implementing biosecurity measures on dairy farms. We observed
      heterogeneity in expert opinion on biosecurity measures; for example,
      veterinarians rated the effectiveness of consulting the veterinarian on
      biosecurity significantly more highly than dairy farmers, suggesting a greater
      need for veterinarians to promote their services on-farm. Still, both groups
      rated it as a practical measure, suggesting that the farmer-veterinarian
      relationship holds some advantages for the promotion of biosecurity.

PMID- 28088421
TI  - The influence of ultra-pasteurization by indirect heating versus direct steam
      injection on skim and 2% fat milks.
AB  - Fluid milk is traditionally pasteurized by high temperature, short time (HTST)
      pasteurization, which requires heating to at least 72 degrees C for 15 s. Ultra
      pasteurization (UP) extends milk shelf life and is defined as heating to at least
      138 degrees C for 2 s. The UP process can be done by indirect heating (IND) or by
      direct steam injection (DSI). The influence of these 2 UP methods on milk flavor
      has not been widely investigated. The objective of this study was to compare the
      effect of HTST, IND-UP, and DSI-UP on sensory perception of fluid milk. Raw skim
      and standardized 2% milks were pasteurized at 140 degrees C for 2.3 s by IND or
      DSI or by HTST (78 degrees C, 15 s) and homogenized at 20.7 MPa. The processed
      milks were stored in light-shielded opaque high-density polyethylene containers
      at 4 degrees C and examined by descriptive analysis and microbial analysis on d
      3, 7, and 14. Furosine and serum protein denaturation analyses were performed on
      d 0 and 14 as an indicator of heat treatment. Last, consumer acceptance testing
      was conducted at d 10, with adults (n = 250) and children (ages 8 to13 y, n =
      100) who were self-reported consumers of skim or 2% milk; consumers only received
      samples for either skim or 2% milk. The entire experiment was repeated in
      triplicate. Milks treated by HTST had lower cooked flavor than either UP milk.
      Milks heated by DSI-UP were characterized by sulfur or eggy and cooked flavors,
      whereas IND-UP milks had higher sweet aromatic and sweet taste compared with DSI
      UP milk. Aromatic flavor intensities of all milks decreased across 14 d of
      storage. Furosine concentrations and serum protein denaturation were highest for
      the IND treatments, followed by DSI and HTST. Furosine content in both skim and
      2% milk increased with time, but the increase was faster in IND-UP skim milk.
      Adult and child consumers preferred HTST milk over either UP milk, regardless of
      fat content. Ultra-pasteurization by IND or DSI did not affect consumer
      acceptance at 10 d postprocessing, but traditional HTST milks were preferred by
      consumers of all ages.

PMID- 28088422
TI  - Effects of clay after an aflatoxin challenge on aflatoxin clearance, milk
      production, and metabolism of Holstein cows.
AB  - Oral supplementation of clay to dairy cattle has been reported to reduce toxicity
      of aflatoxin (AF) in contaminated feed. The objective of this study was to
      determine the effects of 3 concentrations of dietary clay supplementation in
      response to an AF challenge. Ten multiparous rumen-cannulated Holstein cows [body
      weight (mean +/- SD) = 669 +/- 20 kg and 146 +/- 69 d in milk], were assigned to
      1 of 5 treatments in a randomized replicated 5 * 5 Latin square design balanced
      to measure carryover effects. Periods (21 d) were divided in an adaptation phase
      (d 1 to 14) and a measurement phase (d 15 to 21). From d 15 to 17, cows received
      an AF challenge. The challenge consisted of 100 MUg of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)/kg of
      dietary dry matter intake (DMI). The material was fitted into 10-mL gelatin
      capsules and administered into the rumen through a rumen-cannula based on the
      average DMI obtained on d 12 to 14. Treatments were no clay plus an AF challenge
      (POS); 3 different concentrations of clay (0.5, 1, or 2% of dietary DMI) plus an
      AF challenge; and a control consisting of no clay and no AF challenge (C).
      Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS
      Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Two contrasts, CONT1 (POS vs. C) and CONT2 (POS vs.
      the average of 0.5, 1, and 2% clay), were compared along with the linear and
      quadratic treatment effects (POS, 0.5%, 1%, 2%). Cows supplemented with clay had
      lower AF excretion in milk as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1; 0.5% = 20.83 MUg/d, 1% = 22.82
      MUg/d, and 2% = 16.51 MUg/d) and AF transfer from rumen fluid to milk (AFM1; 0.5%
      = 1.01%, 1% = 0.98%, and 2% = 0.74%) compared with cows in POS (AFM1 = 27.81
      MUg/d and AF transfer = 1.37%, CONT2). Similarly, concentrations of AFM1 in milk
      (0.5% = 0.35 MUg/kg, 1% = 0.30 MUg/kg, 2% = 0.25 MUg/kg), AFB1 in feces (0.5% =
      1.79 MUg/g, 1% = 1.52 MUg/kg, 2% = 1.48 MUg/kg), and AFB1 in rumen fluid (0.5% =
      0.05 MUg/kg, 1% = 0.02 MUg/kg, 2% = 0.02 MUg/kg) were reduced in cows fed clay
      compared with POS (0.43 MUg/kg, 2.78 MUg/kg, and 0.10 MUg/kg, respectively,
      CONT2). Cows supplemented with clay tended to have lower 3.5% fat-corrected milk
      [0.5% = 38.2 kg, 1% = 39.3 kg, 2% = 38.4 kg, standard error of the mean (SEM) =
      1.8] than cows in POS (41.3 kg; SEM = 1.8; CONT2). Plasma superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) concentration tended to be lower for cows fed clay in the diet (0.5% = 2.16
      U/mL, 1% = 1.90 U/mL, 2% = 2.3 U/mL; SEM = 0.3) than for cows in POS (2.72 U/mL;
      CONT2). Additionally, when cows were exposed to AF without clay in the diet,
      plasma concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) decreased from 84.23
      (C) to 79.17 (POS) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) decreased from 91.02 (C) to
      75.81 (POS). In conclusion, oral supplementation of clay reduced the transfer of
      AF from the rumen to milk and feces.

PMID- 28088423
TI  - Effects of rumen-protected Capsicum oleoresin on productivity and responses to a
      glucose tolerance test in lactating dairy cows.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of rumen
      protected Capsicum oleoresin (RPC) supplementation on feed intake, milk yield and
      composition, nutrient utilization, fecal microbial ecology, and responses to a
      glucose tolerance test in lactating dairy cows. Nine multiparous Holstein cows
      were used in a replicated 3 * 3 Latin square design balanced for residual effects
      with three 28-d periods. Each period consisted of 14 d for adaptation and 14 d
      for data collection and sampling. Treatments were 0 (control), 100, and 200 mg of
      RPC/cow per day. They were mixed with a small portion of the total mixed ration
      and top-dressed. Glucose tolerance test was conducted once during each
      experimental period by intravenous administration of glucose at a rate of 0.3
      g/kg of body weight. Dry matter intake was not affected by RPC. Milk yield tended
      to increase for RPC treatments compared to the control. Feed efficiency was
      linearly increased by RPC supplementation. Concentrations of fat, true protein,
      and lactose in milk were not affected by RPC. Apparent total-tract digestibility
      of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein was linearly increased, and
      fecal nitrogen excretion was linearly decreased by RPC supplementation. Rumen
      protected Capsicum oleoresin did not affect the composition of fecal bacteria.
      Glucose concentration in serum was not affected by RPC supplementation post
      glucose challenge. However, compared to the control, RPC decreased serum insulin
      concentration at 5, 10, and 40 min post glucose challenge. The area under the
      insulin concentration curve was also decreased 25% by RPC. Concentration of
      nonesterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate in serum were not affected by
      RPC following glucose administration. In this study, RPC tended to increase milk
      production and increased feed efficiency in dairy cows. In addition, RPC
      decreased serum insulin concentration during the glucose tolerance test, but
      glucose concentration was not affected by treatment.

PMID- 28088424
TI  - Comparison between conjugated linoleic acid and essential fatty acids in
      preventing oxidative stress in bovine mammary epithelial cells.
AB  - Some in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated protective effects of
      conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers against oxidative stress and lipid
      peroxidation. However, only a few and conflicting studies have been conducted
      showing the antioxidant potential of essential fatty acids. The objectives of the
      study were to compare the effects of CLA to other essential fatty acids on the
      thiol redox status of bovine mammary epithelia cells (BME-UV1) and their
      protective role against oxidative damage on the mammary gland by an in vitro
      study. The BME-UV1 cells were treated with complete medium containing 50 MUM of
      cis-9,trans-11 CLA, trans-10,cis-12 CLA, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic
      acid, and linoleic acid. To assess the cellular antioxidant response,
      glutathione, NADPH, and gamma-glutamyl-cysteine ligase activity were measured 48
      h after addition of fatty acids (FA). Intracellular reactive oxygen species and
      malondialdehyde production were also assessed in cells supplemented with FA.
      Reactive oxygen species production after 3 h of H2O2 exposure was assessed to
      evaluate and to compare the potential protection of different FA against H2O2
      induced oxidative stress. All FA treatments induced an intracellular GSH
      increase, matched by high concentrations of NADPH and an increase of gamma
      glutamyl-cysteine ligase activity. Cells supplemented with FA showed a reduction
      in intracellular malondialdehyde levels. In particular, CLA isomers and linoleic
      acid supplementation showed a better antioxidant cellular response against
      oxidative damage induced by H2O2 compared with other FA.

PMID- 28088425
TI  - Short communication: Staphylococcus aureus infection modulates expression of drug
      transporters and inflammatory biomarkers in mouse mammary gland.
AB  - Mastitis is the most common disease in dairy herds worldwide and is often caused
      by Staphylococcus aureus. Little is known about the effect of mastitis on
      transporters in the mammary gland and the effect on transporter-mediated
      secretion of drugs into milk. We studied gene expressions of ATP-binding cassette
      and solute carrier transporters in S. aureus-infected mammary glands of mice. On
      d 7 of lactation, NMRI mice were inoculated with 1,000 cfu of S. aureus in 2
      mammary glands and with a saline vehicle in 2 control glands. Gene expression of
      the transporters, Bcrp, Mdr1, Mrp1, Oatp1a5, Octn1, and Oct1, and of Csn2, the
      gene encoding beta-casein, were determined in mammary glands at 72 h after
      treatment. As biomarkers of the inflammatory response gene, expressions of the
      cytokines Il6, Tnfalpha, and the chemokine Cxcl2 were measured. Despite a high
      individual variation between the 6 animals, some characteristic patterns were
      evident. The 3 inflammatory biomarkers were upregulated in all animals; Csn2 was
      downregulated compared with controls in all animals, although not statistically
      significantly. Both Mrp1 and Oatp1a5 were statistically significantly upregulated
      and Bcrp was downregulated. Gene expression of Bcrp followed the expression of
      Csn2 in each of the animals, indicating a possible co-regulation. The findings
      demonstrate that S. aureus infection has an effect on expression of drug
      transporters in the mammary gland, which may affect secretion of drugs into milk
      and efficacy of drug therapy.

PMID- 28088426
TI  - Propensity-matched comparison of video-assisted thoracoscopic with thoracotomy
      lobectomy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for
      locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer could be performed safely and with
      acceptable long-term outcomes by our improved technique and compared with
      standard thoracotomy lobectomy in a well-balanced population. METHODS: Patients
      with clinical stage II and III A non-small cell lung cancers who received
      lobectomy were reviewed. Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomies were all
      performed with Wang's technique by the surgeons who had overcome the learning
      curve and achieved proficiency. By using propensity-matched analysis,
      perioperative outcomes and long-term survival were compared. RESULTS: Matching
      based on propensity scores produced 120 patients in each group. Conversion rate
      to thoracotomy was 11.7%. After thoracoscopic lobectomy, hospital length of stay
      was shorter compared with thoracotomy (9.2 vs 12 days; P = .014) despite similar
      rates of postoperative complications (30/125 [25%] vs 34/125 [28.3%]; P = .56).
      Disease-free survival (49.1% vs 42.2%; P = .40) and overall survival (55.0% vs
      57.1%; P = .73) at 5 years were similar between groups. Although advanced
      pathologic stage (hazard ratio [HR], 2.018; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.330
      3.062) and no postoperative chemotherapy (HR, 1.880; 95% CI, 1.236-2.858) were
      independently associated with increased hazard of death in multivariable Cox
      regression at each time point in follow-up, thoracoscopic lobectomy was not (HR,
      1.075; 95% CI, 0.714-1.620; P = .73). CONCLUSIONS: With continued experience and
      optimized technique, video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy can be performed in
      the majority of cases without compromising perioperative outcomes and oncologic
      efficacy.

PMID- 28088427
TI  - Temperature during operations on the aortic arch: How low should we go?

PMID- 28088428
TI  - Aortic floating thrombus detected by computed tomography angiography
      incidentally: Five cases and a literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the findings of aortic floating thrombus (AFT) on computed
      tomography angiography (CTA) for a definitive, timely diagnosis and to select a
      reasonable management course to improve prognosis. METHOD: We retrospectively
      analyzed imaging findings of 5 patients with AFT detected by CTA, including
      location, morphology, size, involved aortic segment, concomitant embolism, stent,
      and dynamic changes during the follow-up. RESULTS: Seven lesions were detected in
      the initial CTA studies of the 5 patients: 5 aortic intraluminal floating thrombi
      (3 patients) and 2 aortic in-stents floating thrombi (ASFTs; 2 patients). One
      aortic intraluminal floating thrombus was located in the right anterior wall of
      the ascending aorta and 2 in the aortic isthmus. Interval increasing in size of
      the splenic embolism and a new renal segmental artery embolism were noted in 1
      patient after 7 days anticoagulation therapy. One ASFT was located in the
      original narrowing part of the aortic stent and another in the overlap of the
      stents. During the follow-up, some lesions disappeared, whereas the morphology
      and size varied in others. Four new ASFTs occurred. All the lesions were attached
      to the focal thickened inner walls of the stents with the free-floating portions
      along the direction of blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: AFT is a rare, life-threatening
      disease. Abnormal coagulation function, aortic disease, and history of aortic
      stent implantation are the potential predictors for AFT. CTA scanning can depict
      the lesions clearly and evaluate curative efficacy. The therapeutic strategy
      should be based on the etiology and the patient's physical condition, whereas the
      preferred treatment is conservative medication.

PMID- 28088429
TI  - Discussion.

PMID- 28088430
TI  - Flipping the classroom: Case-based learning, accountability, assessment, and
      feedback leads to a favorable change in culture.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The 88-week Thoracic Surgery Curriculum is challenging to implement
      because of the large content in a traditional lecture format. This study
      investigates flipping the classroom by using a case-based format designed to
      stimulate resident preparation and engagement. METHODS: The didactic conference
      format was altered. Curricular reading assignments, case review, and conference
      participation prepared residents for novel formative assessment quizzes. Ten
      residents participated, and faculty served as controls. Scores were compared with
      the use of linear regression adjusted for clustering of responses for each
      person. A survey was administered to determine impressions of this educational
      technique. RESULTS: A majority of residents completed curricular readings (82%)
      and reviewed case presentations (79%). Resident performance initially lagged
      behind faculty but exceeded faculty performance by the conclusion (interaction P
      = .047). Junior resident overall performance was superior to senior residents
      over the entire analysis (P = .026); however, both groups improved over time
      similarly (P = .34) Increased reading from the curriculum (5% increase per level,
      P = .001) and case presentation review (6% increase per level, P < .0001) were
      associated with improved quiz performance. Residents presenting cases at their
      session performed no better than other quiz-takers for the same session (P =
      .38). The majority of residents viewed this method favorably. CONCLUSIONS: This
      method stimulated increased resident participation and engagement in this pilot
      study. Assessment scores increased at both resident levels, and resident
      performance exceeded faculty performance with time. By using experiential
      learning principles, flipping the classroom in this manner may improve
      educational culture by enhancing accountability, assessment, and feedback.

PMID- 28088431
TI  - Author Reply.

PMID- 28088432
TI  - Detection of Upper Tract Urothelial Malignancies by Computed Tomography Urography
      in Patients Referred for Hematuria at a Large Tertiary Referral Center.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the age-stratified prevalence of upper tract urothelial
      malignancies diagnosed on computed tomography urography in a large cohort of
      patients referred for initial evaluation of hematuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 1123 consecutive adults without a history of urothelial cancer underwent
      initial computed tomography urography for gross hematuria (n = 652), microscopic
      hematuria (n = 457), or unspecified hematuria (n = 14) at a single institution
      from October 2006 to October 2012. Imaging findings suggestive of urothelial
      lesions were correlated with clinical information, including cystoscopy,
      cytology, and surgical pathology reports. Patients subsequently diagnosed with
      urothelial cancer following a normal radiographic evaluation were identified and
      analyzed. Age, gender, smoking history, and location and type of malignancy were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Upper tract urothelial cancer was detected in 4 (0.36%)
      patients, with a mean age of 66.5 years. All 4 patients presented with gross
      hematuria and were current or former smokers. None of the 535 patients under age
      55 who underwent computed tomography urography were diagnosed with upper tract
      disease regardless of age, smoking history, or degree of hematuria. Likewise, no
      upper tract cancers were detected in patients referred for microscopic hematuria,
      regardless of age. CONCLUSION: Detection of upper tract urothelial cancer by
      computed tomography urography is exceedingly rare in patients presenting at a
      tertiary referral center with hematuria, particularly in the lower risk strata
      (younger age, microscopic hematuria). Further investigation into risk-stratified
      approaches to imaging for hematuria workup is warranted to minimize unnecessary
      costs and radiation exposure.

PMID- 28088433
TI  - Author Reply.

PMID- 28088434
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 28088435
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 28088436
TI  - Injury severity, sex, and transfusion volume, but not transfusion ratio, predict
      inflammatory complications after traumatic injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood component (packed red blood cells [PRBC], fresh frozen plasma
      [FFP], platelets [PLT]) ratios transfused in a 1:1:1 fashion are associated with
      survival after trauma; the relationship among blood component ratios and
      inflammatory complications after trauma is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the relationship among blood component ratios (1:1 vs other for PRBC:FFP
      and PRBC:PLT) and inflammatory complications (primary outcome) in patients with
      major trauma. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a multi-institution database (N =
      1538). Survival methods were used to determine the relationship among blood
      component ratios and inflammatory complications. RESULTS: Patients were primarily
      male (68%), Caucasians (89%), aged 39 +/- 14 years, involved in a motor vehicle
      collision (53%). Eighty-six percent of patients developed an inflammatory
      complication; 76% developed organ failure, 27% ventilator-associated pneumonia,
      and 24% acute respiratory distress syndrome. Injury severity, sex, and total PRBC
      transfusion volume, not blood component ratio, predicted inflammatory
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: Increased understanding of factors associated with
      inflammation after trauma and PRBC transfusion is needed.

PMID- 28088437
TI  - Safety and feasibility of PCI in patients undergoing TAVR: A systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - We aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of PCI (percutaneous coronary
      intervention) for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) by performing a meta-analysis. A
      systemic search of the database was performed. Studies were included comparing
      TAVR versus TAVR with PCI for significant CAD in patients undergoing TAVR for
      severe aortic stenosis. The primary outcome was 30 day mortality and secondary
      outcomes were myocardial infarction, stroke, life threatening bleeding, major
      access site vascular complications and renal failure. There were no significant
      differences in 30 day and six months-one year mortality between TAVR and TAVR
      with PCI group. There were also no significant differences in myocardial
      infarction, stroke, and life threatening bleeding and major access site vascular
      complications between the two groups. PCI in addition to TAVR in patients with
      concomitant severe aortic stenosis and CAD is safe and feasible and does not
      increase procedural risk.

PMID- 28088438
TI  - A Snapshot of Urban Adolescent Women's Contraceptive Knowledge at the Onset of a
      Community Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Promotion Initiative.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To contextualize young women's knowledge and attitudes regarding
      contraception at the outset of an intervention promoting long-acting reversible
      contraceptive (LARC) use for teen pregnancy prevention. DESIGN AND SETTING: Our
      intervention was on the basis of diffusion of innovation theory, and at the
      outset we were interested in likely early adopters' existing knowledge and
      attitudes toward contraception. This mixed methods study consisted of focus
      groups within positive youth development programs in Rochester, New York; we
      discussed young women's knowledge and sources of information for all US Food and
      Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods. PARTICIPANTS: Seven focus
      groups and 24 female adolescent participants aged 15-19 years. INTERVENTIONS AND
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative ranking of all contraceptive methods;
      qualitative themes from focus group discussions. RESULTS: Our findings showed a
      high level of knowledge about a select group of methods, which included LARC
      methods, and that participants received contraceptive information from peers and
      family. Participants had more concerns than positive impressions regarding the
      effectiveness, safety, practicality, and partner reception of the contraceptive
      methods, with the exception of the condom. Quantitatively, the condom received
      the highest average rating. CONCLUSION: The importance of personal anecdotes in
      our findings supports the use of outreach and information campaigns; providing
      medically accurate information and spreading positive personal anecdotes will be
      key to improving young women's impressions of the safety and acceptability of
      LARC use. This snapshot of contraceptive knowledge indicates that young women can
      be mature, informed consumers of sexual and reproductive health care, and through
      diffusion of innovation could be key players in promoting the most effective
      means of pregnancy prevention.

PMID- 28088439
TI  - Antimicrobial activity of photodynamic therapy in combination with colistin
      against a pan-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from burn patient.
AB  - Nosocomially-acquired multi-, extensively-, and pandrug resistant (MDR, XDR, and
      PDR) strains of microorganisms such as Acinetobacter baumannii remain a serious
      cause of infection and septic mortality in burn patients. Treatment of patients
      with nosocomial burn wound infections is often complicated by drug-resistant
      strains of A. baumannii. Today, many researchers are focusing on the
      investigation of novel non-antibiotic strategies such as photodynamic therapy
      (PDT). We report a new PDT strategy that suppresses colistin resistance in PDR A.
      baumannii by interfering with the expression of a pmrA/pmrB two-component system.
      In the current study, A. baumannii with a PDR feature isolated from a burn
      patient was used as a test strain. PDT was carried out using toluidine blue O
      (TBO) and light-emitting diode (LED) as a photosensitizer and radiation source,
      respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were assessed for cells
      surviving PDT. The effects of sub-lethal PDT (sPDT) on the expression of the
      pmrA/pmrB two-component signal transduction system were evaluated by real-time
      quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Results of drug susceptibly testing (DST)
      in LED and TBO groups separately showed that the bacteria were resistant to all
      tested antibiotics, while the DST result of the LED+TBO group showed highly
      declining bacterial growth when compared with the control group. Reduction in the
      expression of pmrA and pmrB was observed in the treated strains after sPDT. This
      represents the first conclusive example of a direct role for the PDT in breaking
      antibiotic resistance by directly modulating two-component system activity.

PMID- 28088442
TI  - The in vivo fate of nanocrystals.
AB  - There has been significant research interest in, and development of, nanocrystals
      in recent years for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs via various
      routes. However, there is a common misinterpretation of nanocrystallization as an
      approach to modulate, and more specifically to enhance, the dissolution of drug
      crystals. Nevertheless, it is possible for nanocrystals to interact with
      biological tissues because nanocrystals can survive for a longer duration in vivo
      compared with solution counterparts. Therefore, understanding the in vivo fate of
      nanocrystals and determining its contribution to efficacy is of tremendous
      significance for optimizing the performance of nanocrystals. Here, we critically
      review the general hypotheses related to the in vivo fate of nanocrystals.

PMID- 28088440
TI  - Intersections of post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanisms with
      intermediary metabolism.
AB  - Intermediary metabolism studies have typically concentrated on four major
      regulatory mechanisms-substrate availability, allosteric enzyme regulation, post
      translational enzyme modification, and regulated enzyme synthesis. Although
      transcriptional control has been a big focus, it is becoming increasingly evident
      that many post-transcriptional events are deeply embedded within the core
      regulatory circuits of enzyme synthesis/breakdown that maintain metabolic
      homeostasis. The prominent post-transcriptional mechanisms affecting intermediary
      metabolism include alternative pre-mRNA processing, mRNA stability and
      translation control, and the more recently discovered regulation by noncoding
      RNAs. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in our understanding of
      these diverse mechanisms at the cell-, tissue- and organismal-level. We also
      highlight the dynamics, complexity and non-linear nature of their regulatory
      roles in metabolic decision making, and deliberate some of the outstanding
      questions and challenges in this rapidly expanding field.

PMID- 28088441
TI  - Resveratrol limits epithelial to mesenchymal transition through modulation of
      KHSRP/hnRNPA1-dependent alternative splicing in mammary gland cells.
AB  - Resveratrol (RESV) is a natural polyphenolic compound endowed with anti
      inflammatory, anti-proliferative, as well as pro-apoptotic activities that make
      it a potential anti-tumor compound. Here we show that RESV counteracts the TGF
      beta-induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) phenotype in mammary
      gland cells and affects the alternative exon usage of pre-mRNAs that encode
      crucial factors in adhesion and migration -including CD44, ENAH, and FGFR2- in a
      panel of immortalized and transformed mammary gland cells. RESV causes a shift
      from the mesenchymal-specific forms of these factors to the respective epithelial
      forms and increases the expression of the RNA-binding proteins KHSRP and hnRNPA1.
      From a mechanistic point of view, we show that the combined silencing of KHSRP
      and hnRNPA1 prevents the RESV-dependent inclusion of the epithelial-type exons in
      the Cd44 pre-mRNA. Our findings support an unexpected regulatory mechanism where
      RESV limits EMT by controlling gene expression at post-transcriptional level.

PMID- 28088443
TI  - Quantifying confidence in the reporting of metabolic biotransformations.
AB  - How confident can we be in the assignment of metabolite structures? Are the
      analytical techniques used sufficient to support hypotheses about what is being
      formed? In this Feature, we discuss the results of an extensive survey into the
      analytical techniques used, and their value in the characterisation of
      metabolites. The survey covers the structures of over 16000 metabolites formed
      from 1732 query compounds, covering over 35 years of the literature and a variety
      of journals. The value of different characterisation techniques is considered,
      alongside or in the absence of synthetic standards. The changes in analytical
      techniques used over time are briefly considered, and a metric for the confidence
      that a claimed metabolite has been confirmed is proposed.

PMID- 28088444
TI  - Feeding recombinant E. coli with GST-mBmKTX fusion protein increases the
      fecundity and lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Scorpion venom could be a useful treatment for a variety of diseases, such as
      cancer, epilepsy and analgesia. BmKTX is a polypeptide extracts from scorpion
      venom (PESV), which have attracted much attention from researchers in recent
      years. mBmKTX is a mutant polypeptide according to the amino acid sequence of
      BmKTX. We expressed it with the vector pGEX-4T-1 in Escherichia coli, and
      Caenorhabditis elegans were used as the animal model and fed with the strains. In
      this study, the expression of pGEX-mBmKTX was analyzed by SDS-PAGE, and GST
      mBmKTX purified from pGEX-mBmKTX as a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-tagged
      fusion protein is approximately 30kDa. The secondary structure prediction shows
      that mBmKTX is mainly composed of approximately 13% beta-sheet and 86% loop. A
      food clearance assay and brood size assay indicated that the worms fed pGEX
      mBmKTX ate more and had greater fecundity than those fed the empty vector. A
      lifespan analysis demonstrated that mBmKTX could significantly prolong the
      lifespan of C. elegans, with an increase of 22.5% compared with the control.
      Behavioral assays confirmed that mBmKTX had no influence on the locomotion of C.
      elegans. In addition, microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR
      demonstrated that there are 320 differentially expressed genes, 182 of which are
      related to reproduction, growth and lifespan. In conclusion, the data suggested
      that mBmKTX has potential utility for increasing fecundity and animal survival.

PMID- 28088445
TI  - Synthesis and exploration of novel radiolabeled bombesin peptides for targeting
      receptor positive tumor.
AB  - Increasing evidence of peptide receptor overexpression in various cancer cells,
      warrant the development of receptor specific radiolabeled peptides for molecular
      imaging and therapy in nuclear medicine. Gastrin-releasing-peptide (GRP)
      receptor, are overexpressed in a variety of human cancer cells. The present study
      report the synthesis and biological evaluation of new bombesin (BBN) analogs,
      HYNIC-Asp-[Phe13]BBN(7-13)-NH-CH2-CH2-CH3:BA1, HYNIC-Pro-[Tyr13Met14]BBN(7
      14)NH2:BA2 as prospective tumor imaging agent with compare to BBN(7-14)NH2:BS as
      standard. The pharmacophores were radiolabeled in high yields with 99mTc,
      characterized for their stability in serum and saline, cysteine/histidine and
      were found to be substantially stable. Internalization/externalization and
      receptor binding studies were assessed using MDA-MB-231 cells and showed high
      receptor binding-affinity and favourable internalization. Fluorescence studies
      revealed that BA1 changed the morphology of the cells and could localize in the
      nucleus more effectively than BA2/BS. Cell-viability studies displayed
      substantial antagonistic and nuclear-internalization effect of BA1. BA1 also
      exhibited antiproliferative effect on MDA-MB-231 cell by inducing apoptosis. In
      vivo behaviour of the radiopeptides was evaluated in GRP receptor positive tumor
      bearing mice. The 99mTc-BA1/99mTc-BA2 demonstrated rapid blood/urinary clearance
      through the renal pathway and comparatively more significant tumor uptake image
      and favourable tumor-to-non-target ratios provided by 99mTc-BA1. The specificity
      of the in vivo uptake was confirmed by co-injection with BS. Moreover, 99mTc-BA1
      provided a much clearer tumor image in scintigraphic studies than others. Thus
      the combination of favourable in vitro and in vivo properties renders BA1 as more
      potential antagonist bombesin-peptide for targeting GRP-receptor positive tumor.
      These properties are encouraging to carry out further experiments for non
      invasive receptor targeting potential diagnostinc and therapeutic agent for
      tumors.

PMID- 28088446
TI  - Identification and characterization of cell-bound membrane vesicles.
AB  - In contrast to the released/circulating membrane vesicles (extracellular
      vesicles), cell-bound membrane vesicles are poorly identified and characterized.
      In this study, cell-bound membrane vesicles on human umbilical vein endothelial
      cells (HUVECs) and human hepatoma HepG-2 cells were investigated. We identified
      that cell-bound membrane vesicles are not co-localized with the major markers for
      extracellular vesicles (e.g. phosphatidylserine, CD63, CD107alpha, CD31, and DNA
      fragments for the three well-known types of extracellular vesicles) and for
      intracellular organelles with similar sizes (e.g. MitoTracker and LAMP1/LAMP3 for
      mitochondria and multivesicular bodies or lysosomes, respectively). The data
      imply that cell-bound membrane vesicles are neither the precursors of
      extracellular vesicles nor a false structure pushed up by an intracellular
      organelle but probably a novel unknown structure in the plasma membrane.
      Moreover, we revealed that cell-bound membrane vesicles are resistant to various
      detergents including but probably not limited to Triton X-100, SDS, and saponin.
      We further characterized that these unique vesicles are soluble in organic
      solvents (e.g. chloroform-methanol mixture and ethanol) which can be prevented by
      a lipid-stabilizing fixative (e.g. OsO4) and that they are co-localized with, but
      do not monopolize, the major markers (e.g. caveolin-1 and GM1) for lipid rafts (a
      nano-sized detergent-resistant domains in the plasma membrane). The data imply
      that cell-bound membrane vesicles contain the lipid component and lipid rafts.
      Involvement of other specific unknown components might explain the detergent
      resistance of cell-bound membrane vesicles. Further research will mainly depend
      on the establishment of an effective approach for isolation/purification of these
      vesicles from the plasma membrane.

PMID- 28088447
TI  - Differential binding of monovalent cations to KcsA: Deciphering the mechanisms of
      potassium channel selectivity.
AB  - This work explores whether the ion selectivity and permeation properties of a
      model potassium channel, KcsA, could be explained based on ion binding features.
      Non-permeant Na+ or Li+ bind with low affinity (millimolar KD's) to a single set
      of sites contributed by the S1 and S4 sites seen at the selectivity filter in the
      KcsA crystal structure. Conversely, permeant K+, Rb+, Tl+ and even Cs+ bind to
      two different sets of sites as their concentration increases, consistent with
      crystallographic evidence on the ability of permeant species to induce
      concentration-dependent transitions between conformational states (non-conductive
      and conductive) of the channel's selectivity filter. The first set of such sites,
      assigned also to the crystallographic S1 and S4 sites, shows similarly high
      affinities for all permeant species (micromolar KD's), thus, securing
      displacement of potentially competing non-permeant cations. The second set of
      sites, available only to permeant cations upon the transition to the conductive
      filter conformation, shows low affinity (millimolar KD's), thus, favoring cation
      dissociation and permeation and results from the contribution of all S1 through
      S4 crystallographic sites. The differences in affinities between permeant and non
      permeant cations and the similarities in binding behavior within each of these
      two groups, correlate fully with their permeabilities relative to K+, suggesting
      that binding is an important determinant of the channel's ion selectivity.
      Conversely, the complexity observed in permeation features cannot be explained
      just in terms of binding and likely relates to reported differences in the
      occupancy of the S2 and S3 sites by the permeant cations.

PMID- 28088448
TI  - Fast formation of low-defect-density tethered bilayers by fusion of multilamellar
      vesicles.
AB  - A facile and reproducible preparation of surface-supported lipid bilayers is
      essential for fundamental membrane research and biotechnological applications. We
      demonstrate that multilamellar vesicles fuse to molecular-anchor-grafted surfaces
      yielding low-defect-density, tethered bilayer membranes. Continuous bilayers are
      formed within 10min, while the electrically insulating bilayers with <0.1MUm-2
      defect density can be accomplished within 60min. Surface plasmon resonance
      spectroscopy indicates that an amount of lipid material transferred from vesicles
      to a surface is inversely proportional to the density of an anchor, while the
      total amount of lipid that includes tethered and transferred lipid remains
      constant within 5% standard error. This attests for the formation of intact
      bilayers independent of the tethering agent density. Neutron reflectometry (NR)
      revealed the atomic level structural details of the tethered bilayer showing,
      among other things, that the total thickness of the hydrophobic slab of the
      construct was 3.2nm and that the molar fraction of cholesterol in lipid content
      is essentially the same as the molar fraction of cholesterol in the multilamellar
      liposomes. NR also indicated the formation of an overlayer with an effective
      thickness of 1.9nm. These overlayers may be easily removed by a single rinse of
      the tethered construct with 30% ethanol solution. Fast assembly and low residual
      defect density achievable within an hour of fusion makes our tethered bilayer
      methodology an attractive platform for biosensing of membrane damaging agents,
      such as pore forming toxins.

PMID- 28088449
TI  - The role of SUMOylation in ageing and senescent decline.
AB  - Posttranslational protein modifications are playing crucial roles in essential
      cellular mechanisms. SUMOylation is a reversible posttranslational modification
      of specific target proteins by the attachment of a small ubiquitin-like protein.
      Although the mechanism of conjugation of SUMO to proteins is analogous to
      ubiquitination, it requires its own, specific set of enzymes. The consequences of
      SUMOylation are widely variable, depending on the physiological state of the cell
      and the attached SUMO isoform. Accumulating recent findings have revealed a
      prominent role of SUMOylation in molecular pathways that govern senescence and
      ageing. Here, we review the link between SUMO attachment events and cellular
      processes that influence senescence and ageing, including promyelocytic leukaemia
      (PML) nuclear body and telomere function, autophagy, reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) homeostasis and growth factor signalling.

PMID- 28088450
TI  - Assessment of ganglioside age-related and topographic specificity in human brain
      by Orbitrap mass spectrometry.
AB  - The gangliosides (GGs) of the central nervous system (CNS) exhibit age and
      topographic specificity and these patterns may correlate with the functions and
      pathologies of the brain regions. Here, chloroform extraction, nanoelectrospray
      (nanoESI) negative ionization, together with Orbitrap high resolution mass
      spectrometry (MS) determined the topographic and age-related GG specificity in
      normal adult human brain. Mapping of GG mixtures extracted from 20 to 82 year old
      frontal and occipital lobes revealed besides a decrease in the GG number with
      age, a variability of sialylation degree within the brain regions. From the 111
      species identified, 105 were distinguished in the FL20, 74 in OL20, 46 in FL82
      and 56 in OL82. The results emphasize that within the juvenile brain, GG species
      exhibit a higher expression in the FL than in OL, while in the aged brain the
      number of GG species is higher in the OL. By applying MS/MS analysis, the
      generated fragment ions confirmed the incidence of GT1c (d18:1/18:0) and GT1c
      (d18:1/20:0) in the investigated samples. The present findings are of major value
      for further clinical studies carried out using Orbitrap MS in order to correlate
      gangliosides with CNS disorders.

PMID- 28088451
TI  - Efficient sortase-mediated N-terminal labeling of TEV protease cleaved
      recombinant proteins.
AB  - A major challenge in attaching fluorophores or other handles to proteins is the
      availability of a site-specific labeling strategy that provides stoichiometric
      modification without compromising protein integrity. We developed a simple
      approach that combines TEV protease cleavage, sortase modification and affinity
      purification to N-terminally label proteins. To achieve stoichiometrically
      labeled protein, we included a short affinity tag in the fluorophore-containing
      peptide for post-labeling purification of the modified protein. This strategy can
      be easily applied to any recombinant protein with a TEV site and we demonstrate
      this on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Membrane Scaffold Protein
      (MSP) constructs.

PMID- 28088452
TI  - Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with combination of methotrexate and
      Tripterygium wilfordii: A meta-analysis.
AB  - AIMS: Extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), a traditional Chinese
      herbal medicine, have been widely used for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in
      combination with methotrexate (MTX) in China for several decades. However, the
      efficacy and safety of MTX plus TwHF treatment remain unclear. MAIN METHODS: A
      comprehensive search of databases in both Chinese and English was performed. Data
      from the selected studies were extracted and analyzed independently by two
      authors. KEY FINDINGS: Six randomized controlled trials were included in the
      final analysis with a total of 643 patients. All trials added TwHF (in the form
      of Tripterygium glycosides) to the MTX-based therapy. For efficacy, the addition
      of TwHF increased 50% responder rates (RR) (RR 1.337, 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.188-1.505, P<0.001), and it reduced swollen and tender joint counts,
      shortened the duration of morning stiffness, decreased the erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate, and decreased the level of C-reactive protein and rheumatoid
      factor. For safety, the addition of TwHF did not increase the rate of adverse
      events (RR 0.824, 95% CI: 0.635-1.068, P=0.143). SIGNIFICANCE: MTX plus TwHF
      therapy may be a more effective and similar safe strategy for treating RA
      compared to MTX monotherapy. Further large clinical trials to investigate the
      TwHF add-on therapy are warranted.

PMID- 28088453
TI  - Improving the translation of novel biomarkers to clinical practice: The story of
      cystatin C implementation in Canada: A professional practice column.

PMID- 28088454
TI  - Alpha-l-iduronidase and arylsulfatase B in dried blood spots on filter paper:
      Biochemical parameters and time stability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to assess the biochemical parameters of
      the enzymes alpha-l-iduronidase (IDUA) and arylsulfatase B (ASB), which are
      deficient in mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) I and VI, respectively, in dried blood
      spot (DBS) samples impregnated on filter paper. METHODS AND RESULTS: The optimal
      pH, Km, and Vmax of IDUA and ASB in DBS are hereby presented. After these
      analyses, the reference values for the activities of these enzymes in DBS with
      cutoff of 3.65nmol/h/mL for IDUA and 6.80nmol/h/mL for ASB were established. The
      research also showed that the stability (21days) of the IDUA activity is lower
      than ASB, which maintained its enzymatic activity stable up until 60days of
      analysis, after impregnating the filter paper with blood. CONCLUSION: Currently,
      DBS ensures important advantages in handling storage and transportation of
      samples with respect to neonatal screening programs. This study contributes to
      characterizing and differentiating the biochemistry of deficient enzymes in MPSs
      I and VI of DBS samples.

PMID- 28088455
TI  - Statistical Considerations Concerning Dissimilar Regulatory Requirements for
      Dissolution Similarity Assessment. The Example of Immediate-Release Dosage Forms.
AB  - When performing in vitro dissolution testing, especially in the area of
      biowaivers, it is necessary to follow regulatory guidelines to minimize the risk
      of an unsafe or ineffective product being approved. The present study examines
      model-independent and model-dependent methods of comparing dissolution profiles
      based on various compared and contrasted international guidelines. Dissolution
      profiles for immediate release solid oral dosage forms were generated. The test
      material comprised tablets containing several substances, with at least 85% of
      the labeled amount dissolved within 15 min, 20-30 min, or 45 min. Dissolution
      profile similarity can vary with regard to the following criteria: time point
      selection (including the last time point), coefficient of variation, and
      statistical method selection. Variation between regulatory guidance and
      statistical methods can raise methodological questions and result potentially in
      a different outcome when reporting dissolution profile testing. The harmonization
      of existing guidelines would address existing problems concerning the
      interpretation of regulatory recommendations and research findings.

PMID- 28088456
TI  - Development of a Predictive Model for the Long-Term Stability Assessment of Drug
      In-Adhesive Transdermal Films Using Polar Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives as
      Carrier/Matrix.
AB  - Drug crystallization in transdermal drug delivery systems is a critical quality
      defect. The impact of drug load and hydration on the physical stability of polar
      (acrylic) drug-in-adhesive (DIA) films was investigated with the objective to
      identify predictive formulation parameters with respect to drug solubility and
      long-term stability. Medicated acrylic films were prepared over a range of drug
      concentrations below and above saturation solubility and were characterized by
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry,
      polarized microscopy, and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) analysis. Physical
      stability of medicated films was monitored over 4 months under different storage
      conditions and was dependent on solubility parameters, Gibbs free energy for drug
      phase transition from the amorphous to the crystalline state, and relative
      humidity. DVS data, for assessing H-bonding capacity experimentally, were
      essential to predict physical stability at different humidities and were used
      together with Gibbs free energy change and the Hoffman equation to develop a new
      predictive thermodynamic model to estimate drug solubility and stability in DIA
      films taking into account relative humidity.

PMID- 28088457
TI  - Preformulation Characterization, Stabilization, and Formulation Design for the
      Acrylodan-Labeled Glucose-Binding Protein SM4-AC.
AB  - This study describes the physicochemical characterization, stabilization, and
      formulation design of SM4-AC, an acrylodan-labeled glucose/galactose-binding
      protein for use in a continuous glucose monitoring device. The physical stability
      profile of SM4-AC as a function of pH and temperature was monitored using a
      combination of biophysical techniques and the resulting physical stability
      profile was visualized using an empirical phase diagram. Forced degradation
      chemical stability studies (Asn deamidation, Met oxidation) of SM4-AC were
      performed using a combination of capillary isoelectric focusing, peptide mapping,
      and reversed-phase HPLC. Differential scanning fluorimetry was then employed to
      screen various pharmaceutical excipients for their ability to physically
      stabilize SM4-AC. An optimized formulation of 20% sucrose and 2.5 mM calcium
      chloride in 10 mM MES buffer, 150 mM NaCl at pH 6.0 increased the conformational
      stability of SM4-AC by 15 degrees C. Accelerated and real-time stability studies
      were setup to compare the SM4-AC protein's physicochemical stability and glucose
      binding activity in 2 formulations for up to 12 months. SM4-AC in an optimized
      formulation (vs the original formulation) showed improved physical stability, and
      similar chemical stability and glucose binding activity profiles during storage
      up to 52 weeks at various temperatures.

PMID- 28088458
TI  - Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma functionalized dental implant for
      enhancement of bacterial resistance and osseointegration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Even though roughened titanium (Ti) and Ti alloys have been clinically
      used as dental implant, they encourage bacterial adhesion, leading to failure of
      the initial stability. Here, the non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet
      (NTAPPJ) functionalized Ti and Ti alloy were investigated to promote cellular
      activities but inhibit the initial attachment of the adherent pioneer bacterium,
      Streptococcus sanguinis, without topographical changes. METHODS: After the
      produced radicals from NTAPPJ were characterized, bacterial adhesion to specimens
      was assessed by PrestoBlue assay and live-dead staining with or without the
      NTAPPJ functionalizing. After the surface was characterized using optical
      profilometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle analysis, the
      ions released from the specimens were investigated. In vitro initial cell
      attachment (4h or 24h) with adhesion images and alkaline phosphatase activity
      (ALP, 14 days) measurements were performed using rat bone marrow-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells. RESULTS: The initial bacterial adhesion to the Ti and Ti
      alloy was significantly inhibited after NTAPPJ functionalizing (p<0.05) compared
      to those without NTAPPJ functionalizing. The bacterial adhesion-resistance effect
      was induced by carbon cleaning, which was dependent on the working gas used on
      the Ti specimens (nitrogen>ammonia and air, p<0.05). The initial cell adhesion
      with well-developed vinculin localization and consequent ALP activity at 14days
      to the NTAPPJ-functionalized specimens were superior to the non-treated
      specimens. SIGNIFICANCE: For the promising success of dental implants, NTAPPJ
      functionalizing is suggested as a novel surface modification technique; this
      technique can help ensure the success of integration between the dental implants
      and bone tissues with less concern of inflammation.

PMID- 28088459
TI  - Strain development in bulk-filled cavities of different depths characterized
      using a non-destructive acoustic emission approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) To evaluate the effect of cavity depth and composite type on the
      interfacial debonding in bulk-filled cavities. (2) To correlate the theoretical
      shrinkage stress and the level of interfacial debonding determined by acoustic
      emission (AE). METHODS: 80 sound molars were divided in two groups to receive a
      Class-I cavity (3.5*3.5mm) with 2.5- or 4.0-mm depth. The cavities were restored
      with either a conventional paste-like (Filtek Z100, 3M ESPE), a conventional
      flowable (G-aenial Universal Flo, GC), a bulk-fill paste-like (Tetric EvoCeram
      Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent) or a bulk-fill flowable (SDR, Dentsply) composite
      (n=10). AE signals were recorded from the start of curing for 20min. The
      cumulative number of AE events was correlated with the theoretical maximum
      shrinkage stress induced by each composite. Two samples from each group were
      scanned using micro-computed tomography (MUCT) and qualitatively evaluated.
      RESULTS: Both composite type and cavity depth had a significant influence on the
      number of AE. The conventional paste-like composite generated significantly more
      AE than the other composites. The AE number increased sigmoidally in function of
      time, with a more rapid increase after a few seconds for the conventional
      composites than for the bulk-fill composites. A strong linear correlation was
      found between the predicted shrinkage stress values and the total number of AE
      events for both cavities depth. Representative MUCT images showed larger de
      bonding areas for 4.0-mm cavities and for conventional composites. SIGNIFICANCE:
      Premature interfacial or cohesive cracks can already develop during
      placement/curing of the composite. This might compromise the restoration
      integrity and in turn affect its survival in the long term. The amount AE events
      increased linearly with the theoretical maximum shrinkage stress of the
      composites.

PMID- 28088460
TI  - Ultrasound-Mediated Delivery of RNA to Colonic Mucosa of Live Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is a challenge to deliver nucleic acids to gastrointestinal
      (GI) tissues due to their size and need for intracellular delivery. They are also
      extremely susceptible to degradation by nucleases, which are ubiquitous in the GI
      tract. We investigated whether ultrasound, which can permeabilize tissue through
      a phenomenon known as transient cavitation, can be used to deliver RNA to the
      colonic mucosa of living mice. METHODS: We investigated delivery of fluorescently
      labeled permeants to colon tissues of Yorkshire pigs ex vivo and mice in vivo.
      Colon tissues were collected and fluorescence was measured by confocal
      microscopy. We then evaluated whether ultrasound is effective in delivering small
      interfering (si)RNA to C57BL/6 mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis.
      Some mice were given siRNA against tumor necrosis factor (Tnf) mRNA for 6 days;
      colon tissues were collected and analyzed histologically and TNF protein levels
      measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Feces were collected and assessed
      for consistency and occult bleeding. We delivered mRNA encoding firefly
      luciferase to colons of healthy C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS: Exposure of ex vivo pig
      colon tissues to 20 kHz ultrasound for 1 minute increased the level of delivery
      of 3 kDa dextran 7-fold compared with passive diffusion (P = .037); 40 kHz
      ultrasound application for 0.5 seconds increased the delivery 3.3-fold in living
      mice (P = .041). Confocal microscopy analyses of colon tissues from pigs revealed
      regions of punctuated fluorescent dextran signal, indicating intracellular
      delivery of macromolecules. In mice with colitis, ultrasound delivery of
      unencapsulated siRNA against Tnf mRNA reduced protein levels of TNF in colon
      tissues, compared with mice with colitis given siRNA against Tnf mRNA without
      ultrasound (P <= .014), and reduced features of inflammation (P <= 4.1 * 10-5).
      Separately, colons of mice administered an mRNA encoding firefly luciferase with
      ultrasound and the D-luciferin substrate had levels of bioluminescence 11-fold
      greater than colons of mice given the mRNA alone (P = .0025). Ultrasound
      exposures of 40 kHz ultrasound for 0.5 seconds were well tolerated, even in mice
      with acute colitis. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound can be used to deliver mRNAs and
      siRNAs to the colonic mucosa of mice and knock down expression of target mRNAs.

PMID- 28088461
TI  - Changes in the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Nonalcoholic
      Steatohepatitis, and Alcoholic Liver Disease Among Patients With Cirrhosis or
      Liver Failure on the Waitlist for Liver Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Concurrent to development of more effective drugs for
      treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, there has been an increase in the
      incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Data indicate that liver
      transplantation prolongs survival times of patient with acute hepatitis
      associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We compared data on disease
      prevalence in the population with data from liver transplantation waitlists to
      evaluate changes in the burden of liver disease in the United States. METHODS: We
      collected data on the prevalence of HCV from the 2010 and 2013-2014 cycles of the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We also collected data from the
      HealthCore Integrated Research Database on patients with cirrhosis and chronic
      liver failure (CLF) from 2006 through 2014, and data on patients who received
      transplants from the United Network for Organ Sharing from 2003 through 2015. We
      determined percentages of new waitlist members and transplant recipients with HCV
      infection, stratified by indication for transplantation, modeling each calendar
      year as a continuous variable using the Spearman rank correlation, nonparametric
      test of trends, and linear regression models. RESULTS: In an analysis of data
      from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2014), we found
      that the proportion of patients with a positive HCV antibody who had a positive
      HCV RNA was 0.5 (95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.55); this value was
      significantly lower than in 2010 (0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.73) (P =
      .03). Data from the HealthCore database revealed significant changes (P < .05 for
      all) over time in percentages of patients with compensated cirrhosis (decreases
      in percentages of patients with cirrhosis from HCV or ALD, but increase in
      percentages of patients with cirrhosis from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]),
      CLF (decreases in percentages of patients with CLF from HCV or ALD, with an
      almost 3-fold increase in percentage of patients with CLF from NASH), and
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (decreases in percentages of patients with HCC
      from HCV or ALD and a small increase in HCC among persons with NASH). Data from
      the United Network for Organ Sharing revealed that among patients new to the
      liver transplant waitlist, or undergoing liver transplantation, for CLF, there
      was a significant decrease in the percentage with HCV infection and increases in
      percentages of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or ALD. Among
      patients new to the liver transplant waitlist or undergoing liver transplantation
      for HCC, proportions of those with HCV infection, nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease, or ALD did not change between 2003 and 2015. CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis
      of 3 different databases (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,
      HealthCore, and United Network for Organ Sharing), we found the proportion of
      patients on the liver transplant waitlist or undergoing liver transplantation for
      chronic HCV infection to be decreasing and fewer patients to have cirrhosis or
      CLF. However, the percentages of patients on the waitlist or receiving liver
      transplants for NASH or ALD are increasing, despite different relative burdens of
      disease among the entire population of patients with cirrhosis.

PMID- 28088462
TI  - Activation of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1alpha Subunit Pathway in Steatotic
      Liver Contributes to Formation of Cholesterol Gallstones.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha subunit (HIF1A) is a
      transcription factor that controls the cellular response to hypoxia and is
      activated in hepatocytes of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD). NAFLD increases the risk for cholesterol gallstone disease by unclear
      mechanisms. We studied the relationship between HIF1A and gallstone formation
      associated with liver steatosis. METHODS: We performed studies with mice with
      inducible disruption of Hif1a in hepatocytes via a Cre adenoviral vector
      (inducible hepatocyte-selective HIF1A knockout [iH-HIFKO] mice), and mice without
      disruption of Hif1a (control mice). Mice were fed a diet rich in cholesterol and
      cholate for 1 or 2 weeks; gallbladders were collected and the number of
      gallstones was determined. Livers and biliary tissues were analyzed by histology,
      quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction,
      immunohistochemistry, and immunoblots. We measured concentrations of bile acid,
      cholesterol, and phospholipid in bile and rates of bile flow. Primary hepatocytes
      and cholangiocytes were isolated and analyzed. HIF1A was knocked down in Hepa1-6
      cells with small interfering RNAs. Liver biopsy samples from patients with NAFLD,
      with or without gallstones, were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Control mice fed a diet rich in cholesterol
      and cholate developed liver steatosis with hypoxia; levels of HIF1A protein were
      increased in hepatocytes around central veins and 90% of mice developed
      cholesterol gallstones. Only 20% of the iH-HIFKO mice developed cholesterol
      gallstones. In iH-HIFKO mice, the biliary lipid concentration was reduced by 36%,
      compared with control mice, and bile flow was increased by 35%. We observed
      increased water secretion from hepatocytes into bile canaliculi to mediate these
      effects, resulting in suppression of cholelithogenesis. Hepatic expression of
      aquaporin 8 (AQP8) protein was 1.5-fold higher in iH-HIFKO mice than in control
      mice. Under hypoxic conditions, cultured hepatocytes increased expression of
      Hif1a, Hmox1, and Vegfa messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and down-regulated expression of
      AQP8 mRNA and protein; AQP8 down-regulation was not observed in cells with
      knockdown of HIF1A. iH-HIFKO mice had reduced inflammation and mucin deposition
      in the gallbladder compared with control mice. Liver tissues from patients with
      NAFLD with gallstones had increased levels of HIF1A, HMOX1, and VEGFA mRNAs,
      compared with livers from patients with NAFLD without gallstones. CONCLUSIONS: In
      steatotic livers of mice, hypoxia up-regulates expression of HIF1A, which reduces
      expression of AQP8 and concentrates biliary lipids via suppression of water
      secretion from hepatocytes. This promotes cholesterol gallstone formation. Livers
      from patients with NAFLD and gallstones express higher levels of HIF1A than
      livers from patients with NAFLD without gallstones.

PMID- 28088463
TI  - Stress-induced EGF receptor signaling through STAT3 and tumor progression in
      triple-negative breast cancer.
AB  - Elevated STAT3 activity is a hallmark of many epithelial carcinomas particularly
      in breast cancers where it is known to contribute to tumor progression through a
      variety of context-dependent biological responses. However, its role downstream
      of stress-exposed EGF receptors (EGFR) that are transactivated in endosomes
      independent of exogenous ligand has not been studied. This review discusses how
      STAT3 signaling induced by therapeutic stress in EGFR-driven triple-negative
      breast cancers (TNBC) might override normal epithelial homeostatic mechanisms and
      provide a survival advantage for tumor cells before they leave the primary tumor
      and spread to distant sites. Despite continued improvements in breast cancer
      treatment strategies, TNBC is still associated with poor prognosis and high risk
      of distant recurrence and death. Understanding EGFR-STAT3 signaling mechanisms
      regulating the earliest steps of tumor progression is a key to discovery of new
      targeted therapies against TNBC.

PMID- 28088464
TI  - Microparticles: Inflammatory and haemostatic biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary
      Syndrome.
AB  - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a chronic low-grade
      inflammation and predisposition to hemostatic and atherosclerotic complications.
      This case-control study evaluated the microparticles (MPs) profile in patients
      with the PCOS and related these MPs to clinical and biochemical parameters. MPs
      derived from platelets (PMPs), leuckocytes (LMPs) and endothelial cells (EMPs)
      were evaluated, as well as MPs expressing tissue factor (TFMPs), by flow
      cytometry, comparing women with PCOS (n = 50) and a healthy control group (n =
      50). PCOS women presented increased total MPs, PMPs, LMPs and EMPs levels when
      compared to control group (all p < 0.05). TFMPs was similar between the groups (p
      = 0.379). In conclusion, these MPs populations could be useful biomarkers for
      association with thrombosis and cardiovascular disease in PCOS women.

PMID- 28088465
TI  - Neuronal effects of thyroid hormone metabolites.
AB  - Thyroid hormones and their metabolites are active regulators of gene expression,
      mitochondrial function and various other physiological actions in different
      organs and tissues. These actions are mediated by a spatio-temporal regulation of
      thyroid hormones and metabolites within a target cell. This spatio-temporal
      resolution as well as classical and non-classical actions of thyroid hormones and
      metabolites is accomplished and regulated on multiple levels as uptake, local
      activation and signaling of thyroid hormones. In this review, we will give an
      overview of the systems involved in regulating the presence and activity of
      thyroid hormones and their metabolites within the brain, specifically in neurons.
      While a wealth of data on thyroxin (T4) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) in the
      brain has been generated, research into the presence of action of other thyroid
      hormone metabolites is still sparse and requires further investigations.

PMID- 28088466
TI  - Teneurin-2 (TENM2) deficiency induces UCP1 expression in differentiating human
      fat cells.
AB  - Under certain conditions UCP1 expressing adipocytes arise in white adipose tissue
      depots of both mice and humans. It is still not fully understood whether these
      cells differentiate de novo from specific progenitor cells or if they
      transdifferentiate from mature white adipocytes. Performing expression pattern
      analysis comparing adipocyte progenitor cells from deep and subcutaneous neck
      adipose tissue, we recently identified teneurin-2 (TENM2) enriched in white
      adipocyte progenitor cells. Here we tested whether TENM2 deficiency in adipocyte
      progenitor cells would lead to a brown adipocyte phenotype. By targeting TENM2 in
      SGBS preadipocytes using siRNA, we demonstrate that TENM2 knockdown induces both
      UCP1 mRNA and protein expression upon adipogenic differentiation without
      affecting mitochondrial mass. Furthermore, TENM2 knockdown in human SGBS
      adipocytes resulted in increased basal and leak mitochondrial respiration. In
      line with our previous observation these data suggest that TENM2 deficiency in
      human adipocyte precursors leads to induction of brown adipocyte marker genes
      upon adipogenic differentiation.

PMID- 28088467
TI  - STAT3 signaling mediates tumour resistance to EGFR targeted therapeutics.
AB  - Several EGFR inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical assessment or are
      approved for the clinical management of patients with varying tumour types.
      However, treatment often results in a lack of response in many patients. The
      majority of patients that initially respond eventually present with tumours that
      display acquired resistance to the original therapy. A large number of receptor
      tyrosine and intracellular kinases have been implicated in driving signaling that
      mediates this tumour resistance to anti-EGFR targeted therapy, and in a few cases
      these discoveries have led to overall changes in prospective tumour screening and
      clinical practice (K-RAS in mCRC and EGFR T790M in NSCLC). In this mini-review,
      we specifically focus on the role of the STAT3 signaling axis in providing both
      intrinsic and acquired resistance to inhibitors of the EGFR. We also focus on
      STAT3 pathway targeting in an attempt to overcome resistance to anti-EGFR
      therapeutics.

PMID- 28088468
TI  - Hypothalamic effects of thyroid hormone.
AB  - Thyroid hormone (TH) is a key driver of metabolism in mammals. Plasma
      concentrations of TH are kept within a narrow range by negative feedback
      regulation in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Plasma TH
      concentrations are an important determinant of metabolic processes in liver and
      brown adipose tissue (BAT). In addition to endocrine effects of TH derived from
      the circulation, recent studies have demonstrated additional neural routes for
      intrahypothalamic thyroid hormone to regulate metabolism in liver and BAT via the
      sympathetic and parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
      This review provides an overview of studies reporting metabolic effects of
      selective administration of T3 within hypothalamic nuclei including the
      paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the ventromedial nucleus (VMH), the arcuate
      nucleus (Arc), and the anterior hypothalamic area (AHA). This overview of the
      literature suggests that intrahypothalamic T3 can have profound effects on
      hepatic glucose production and insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure in BAT,
      cardiovascular function and feeding behavior. As the experiments have been
      performed in experimental animals exclusively, and the timing and route of T3
      administration may be an important determinant of effect size, the clinical
      relevance of these metabolic effects in the chronic setting remains to be
      established.

PMID- 28088469
TI  - Estrogen induced expression of tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 in MCF7 cells
      involves lysine-specific demethylase 1.
AB  - Hormone-sensitive cancers can be influenced by estrogens, a process usually
      mediated through the estrogen receptor (ER). Tissue factor pathway inhibitor type
      2 (TFPI-2) is a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor involved in regulating the
      extracellular matrix. The present study demonstrates that the expression of TFPI
      2 can be induced by estrogens. Breast cancer data from GOBO displayed increased
      levels of TFPI-2 and increased survival in patients with ERalpha+ tumors.
      Treatment of MCF7 cells (ERalpha+) with 17beta-estradiol (E2) or 17alpha-ethinyl
      estradiol (EE2) increased TFPI-2 mRNA and protein levels. This effect was
      mitigated with fulvestrant and by knocking down ERalpha, indicating that estrogen
      mediated TFPI-2 induction was through ERalpha. Upon knock down of DNA cytosine-5
      methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) or lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) in MCF7
      cells, reduced effect of E2 on TFPI-2 mRNA levels was observed. Our data thus
      suggest that estrogen induced TFPI-2 expression in MCF7 cells is mediated by
      ERalpha and also by the action of LSD1.

PMID- 28088470
TI  - The effects of dietary kefir and low molecular weight sodium alginate on serum
      immune parameters, resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae and growth
      performance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
AB  - The present study evaluates the effects of dietary kefir and low molecular weight
      sodium alginate (LWMSA) (singular or combined) on non-specific immune response,
      disease resistance and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis
      niloticus). Fish with average weight of 18.60 +/- 0.04 g were supplied and
      randomly stocked in sixteen glass tanks (150 L) at density of 20 fish per tank.
      Fish were fed experimental diets as follows: 0 g kg-1 LMWSA (Control, Diet 1), 10
      g kg-1 LMWSA (Diet 2), 40 g kg-1 kefir (Diet 3), and 10 g kg-1 LMWSA + 40 g kg-1
      kefir (Diet 4) for 50 days. At the end of the feeding trial, serum lysozyme (SL),
      phagocytosis (PI), respiratory burst (RB), and alternative complement (ACH50)
      activities as well as growth performance were measured. Singular and combined
      administration of kefir and low molecular weight sodium alginate (LMWSA)
      significantly increased serum SL, PI, RB, and ACH50 activities compared control
      group (P < 0.05); the highest innate immune responses were observed in fish fed
      combinational diet (kefir + LMWSA) (P < 0.05). The results of experimental
      challenge revealed significantly higher resistance against Streptococcus
      agalactiae in fish fed supplemented diets and the highest post challenge survival
      rate was observed in synbiotic diet (P < 0.05). Similar results obtained in case
      of growth parameters. Feeding on supplemented diet significantly improved SGR and
      FCR and the highest growth parameters was observed in fish fed synbiotic diet (P
      < 0.05). These finding revealed that combined administration of dietary kefir and
      LMWSA can be considered for improving immune response, disease resistance and
      growth performance of Nile tilapia.

PMID- 28088471
TI  - Effects of Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists on sensitivity to
      reinforcer magnitude and delayed reinforcement in a delay-discounting task in
      rats: Contribution of delay presentation order.
AB  - Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) blockade has been shown to decrease
      impulsive choice, as measured in delay discounting. However, several variables
      are known to influence an animal's discounting, including sensitivity to delayed
      reinforcement and sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude. The goal of this
      experiment was to determine the effects of mGluR1, as well as mGluR5, antagonism
      on these parameters. Forty Sprague Dawley rats were trained in delay discounting,
      in which consistently choosing a small, immediate reward reflects impulsive
      choice. For half of the rats, the delay to the large reinforcer increased across
      blocks of trials, whereas the delay decreased across the session for half of the
      rats. Following training, half of the rats received injections of the mGluR1
      antagonist JNJ 16259685 (JNJ; 0, 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0mg/kg; i.p), and half received
      injections of the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP (0, 1.0, 3.0, or 10.0mg/kg; i.p.).
      Administration of JNJ increased sensitivity to delayed reinforcement (i.e.,
      promoted impulsive choice), regardless of which schedule was used. However, the
      order in which delays were presented modulated the effects of JNJ on sensitivity
      to reinforcer magnitude. Specifically, JNJ decreased sensitivity to reinforcer
      magnitude in rats trained on the descending schedule only. MPEP did not alter
      sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude or sensitivity to delayed reinforcement.
      These results show that mGluR1 is an important mediator of impulsive choice, and
      they provide further evidence that delay order presentation is an important
      variable that influences drug effects in delay discounting.

PMID- 28088472
TI  - Cholesterol and ergosterol affect the activity of Staphylococcus aureus
      antibiotic efflux pumps.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ergosterol on steroids and
      cholesterol efflux pumps in multidrug resistant strains of S. aureus. Were used
      RN4220 harboring plasmid pUL5054, which carries the gene encoding the MsrA
      macrolide efflux protein; and IS-58, which possesses the TetK tetracycline efflux
      protein; 1199B resists hydrophilic fluoroquinolones via a NorA-mediated mechanism
      and wild strain 1199B. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined
      and the evaluation of possible inhibition of efflux pumps by reduction of MIC.
      Some of the detrimental effects on bacterial cells can be attributed to the
      detergent properties of cholesterol and ergosterol on account of their
      amphipathic structure. Besides the cholesterol did not affect directly the pump
      structure, a synergism was observed, maybe due the interaction with the cell
      membrane and interference in the lipid bilayer.

PMID- 28088473
TI  - Endothelium adhesion molecules ICAM-1, ICAM-2, VCAM-1 and VLA-4 expression in
      leprosy.
AB  - Leprosy triggers a complex relationship between the pathogen and host immune
      response. Endothelium plays an important role in this immune response by directly
      influencing cell migration to infected tissues. The objective of this work is to
      investigate the possible role of endothelium in M. leprae infection, correlating
      the characteristics of endothelial markers with the expression pattern of
      cytokines. Thirty-six skin biopsy samples were cut into 5-MUm thick sections and
      stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Ziehl-Neelsen for morphological analysis and
      then submitted to immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies
      against ICAM-1, ICAM-2, VCAM-1, and VLA-4. Immunostaining for ICAM-1 showed a
      significantly larger number of stained endothelial cells in the tuberculoid
      leprosy (9.92 +/- 1.11 cells/mm2) when compared to lepromatous samples (5.87 +/-
      1.01 cells/mm2) and ICAM-2 revealed no significant difference in the number of
      endothelial cells expressing this marker between the tuberculoid (13.21 +/- 1.27
      cells/mm2) and lepromatous leprosy (14.3 +/- 1.02 cells/mm2). VCAM-1
      immunostained showed 18.28 +/- 1.46/mm2 cells in tuberculoid leprosy and 10.67 +/
      1.25 cells/mm2 in the lepromatous leprosy. VLA-4 exhibited 22.46 +/- 1.38
      cells/mm2 in the tuberculoid leprosy 16.04 +/- 1.56 cells/mm2 in the lepromatous
      leprosy. Samples with characteristics of the tuberculoid leprosy exhibited a
      larger number of cells stained with ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and VLA-4, demonstrating the
      importance of these molecules in the migration and selection of cells that reach
      the inflamed tissue.

PMID- 28088474
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurement in predicting
      cough-variant asthma and eosinophilic bronchitis in adults with chronic cough: A
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individual studies have suggested the utility of fractional exhaled
      nitric oxide (Feno) measurement in detecting cough-variant asthma (CVA) and
      eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) in patients with chronic cough. OBJECTIVE: We sought
      to obtain summary estimates of diagnostic test accuracy of Feno measurement in
      predicting CVA, EB, or both in adults with chronic cough. METHODS: Electronic
      databases were searched for studies published until January 2016, without
      language restriction. Cross-sectional studies that reported the diagnostic
      accuracy of Feno measurement for detecting CVA or EB were included. Risk of bias
      was assessed with Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. Random
      effects meta-analyses were performed to obtain summary estimates of the
      diagnostic accuracy of Feno measurement. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies involving
      2187 adults with chronic cough were identified. Feno measurement had a moderate
      diagnostic accuracy in predicting CVA in patients with chronic cough, showing the
      summary area under the curve to be 0.87 (95% CI, 0.83-0.89). Specificity was
      higher and more consistent than sensitivity (0.85 [95% CI, 0.81-0.88] and 0.72
      [95% CI, 0.61-0.81], respectively). However, in the nonasthmatic population with
      chronic cough, the diagnostic accuracy to predict EB was found to be relatively
      lower (summary area under the curve, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.77-0.84]), and specificity
      was inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analyses indicated the diagnostic
      potential of Feno measurement as a rule-in test for detecting CVA in adult
      patients with chronic cough. However, Feno measurement may not be useful to
      predict EB in nonasthmatic subjects with chronic cough. These findings warrant
      further studies to validate the roles of Feno measurement in clinical practice of
      patients with chronic cough.

PMID- 28088475
TI  - Role of some vasoactive mediators in scorpion envenomed children: Possible
      relation to envenoming outcome.
AB  - Scorpion envenomation causes an autonomic storm resulting in changes in the
      vasoactive mediators' levels which lead to myocardial damage, cardiovascular
      disturbances, peripheral circulatory failure, pulmonary edema, multi-system-organ
      failure and death. The study aimed to determine the circulating levels of
      adrenaline, noradrenaline, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), Angiotensin II
      (Ang II), kallikrein enzyme, nitric oxide (NO), aldosterone, and electrolytes
      Na+, K+ and Ca+2 in scorpion envenomed children and to evaluate the potential
      relation between these vasoactive mediators, the severity of scorpion envenoming
      and the clinical outcome of envenomed children. Forty envenomed children (22 mild
      and 18 severe cases) along with 10 healthy control children were enrolled in the
      study. The circulating levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, Ang II, ACE,
      kallikrein enzyme, and NO were determined by ELISA, and spectrophotometric assays
      on admission and 24 h later. On admission, serum aldosterone, and electrolytes;
      Na+, K+ and Ca+2 were determined by RIA, Flame photometer and Flame atomic
      absorption respectively. All envenomed children showed significant surge of
      adrenaline, noradrenaline, ACE, Ang II, aldosterone, NO and Na+, that
      concomitantly faced by significant reduction in kallikrein, K+ and Ca+2 on
      admission. Twenty four hours later, all envenomed children continued to show
      significant elevation of ACE, Ang II and NO. The severely envenomed children
      showed considerable reduction in circulating levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline,
      ACE and Ang II, while dramatic increase in kallikrein activity was reported in
      comparison to mildly envenomed children after 24 h of medical care. Also, NO
      exhibited considerable accumulation in non survivors, on admission, that was
      persistent for the subsequent 24 h and was accompanied by high kallikrein, low
      catecholamines and Ang II levels compared to survivors. Finally, the hypertensive
      cases showed substantial higher levels of catecholamine, ACE and Ang II, 24 h
      after admission. These findings indicated that, disturbances of the studied
      vasoactive mediators were common in scorpion envenomed children and may account
      for several inflammatory manifestations and clinical outcome. ACE inhibitors
      could be considered as possible therapeutic agent in victims with prominent
      increase in ACE and Ang II while kallikrein inhibitor and antioxidants may be
      effective in the treatment of late hypotensive ones.

PMID- 28088476
TI  - A chimeric protein of abrin and Abrus precatorius agglutinin that neutralizes
      abrin mediated lethality in mice.
AB  - Abrin, a type II ribosome inactivating protein from the Abrus precatorius plant,
      is extremely toxic. It has been shown to be 75 times more potent than its
      infamous sister toxin, ricin and their potential use in bio-warfare is a cause of
      major concern. Although several vaccine candidates are under clinical trials for
      ricin, none are available against abrin. The present study proposes a chimeric
      protein, comprising of 1-123 amino acids taken from the A chain of abrin and 124
      175 amino acids from Abrus precatorius agglutinin A chain, as a vaccine candidate
      against abrin intoxication. The design was based on the inclusion of the
      immunogenic region of the full length protein and the minimal essential folding
      domains required for inducing neutralizing antibody response. The chimera also
      contains the epitope for the only two neutralizing antibodies; D6F10 and A7C4,
      reported against abrin till now. Active immunization with the chimera protected
      all the mice challenged with 45 X LD50 of abrin. Also, passive transfer of
      antibodies raised against the chimera rescued all mice challenged with 50 X LD50
      of toxin. Hence the chimeric protein appears to be a promising vaccine candidate
      against abrin induced lethality.

PMID- 28088477
TI  - Selected scorpion toxin exposures induce cytokine release in human peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells.
AB  - A cytokine screening on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
      stimulated with selected scorpion toxins (ScTx's) was performed in order to
      evaluate their effect on human immune cells. The ScTx's chosen for this report
      were three typical buthid scorpion venom peptides, one with lethal effects on
      mammals Centruroides suffussus suffusus toxin II (CssII), another, with lethal
      effects on insects and crustaceans Centruroides noxius toxin 5 (Cn5), and one
      more without lethal effects Tityus discrepans toxin (Discrepin). A Luminex
      multiplex analysis was performed in order to determine the amounts chemokines and
      cytokines IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12-p40, IL-13, interferon
      alpha (IFN-alpha), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha TNF
      alpha, and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) secreted from human PBMCs
      exposed to these toxins. Although, the ScTx Cn5 is not lethal for mammals, it was
      able to induce the secretion of cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, IL-10
      and IP-10 in comparison to the lethal CssII, which was able to induce only IP-10
      secretion. Discrepin also was able to induce only IP-10. Interestingly, only low
      amounts of interferons alpha and beta were induced in the presence of the ScTx's
      assayed. In a synergic experiment, the combination of Discrepin and Cn5 displayed
      considerable reverse effects on induction of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha,
      but they had a slight synergic effect on IP-10 cytokine production in comparison
      with the single effect obtained with the Cn5 alone. Thus, the results obtained
      suggest that the profile of secreted cytokines promoted by ScTx Cn5 is highly
      related with a cytokine storm event, and also it suggests that the mammalian
      lethal neurotoxins are not solely responsible of the scorpion envenomation
      symptomatology.

PMID- 28088478
TI  - Comparison of the adjuvant activity of emulsions with different physicochemical
      properties on the antibody response towards the venom of West African carpet
      viper (Echis ocellatus).
AB  - Adjuvant emulsions are widely used to enhance the antibody response of the
      animals used as immunoglobulin source for producing antivenoms. Usually, the
      adjuvant activity of emulsions is attributed both to their ability to trigger
      "danger" signals from cells in which they induce death, and to form depots from
      which immunogens are slowly released. However, there is contradictory evidence
      suggesting that adjuvant activity of emulsions is independent of the dispersion
      type and the rate of immunogen release. In order to test how physical properties
      of emulsions, composed of mineral oil and water, affect their ability to enhance
      the antibody response towards snake venoms, we compared water-in-oil (W/O)
      emulsions prepared at volume ratios of 70/30, 50/50 or 30/70, a 50/50 oil-in
      water (O/W) emulsion, and a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) multiple emulsion.
      Comparison included their droplet-size, viscosity, rate of immunogen release and
      ability to enhance the antibody response of mice immunized with the venom of the
      African viperid snake Echis ocellatus. It was found that all emulsions released a
      low amount of venom, and that the 50/50 (W/O) and the multiple emulsion (W/O/W)
      were those that induced the higher anti-venom antibody response. Our results
      suggest that the ability of emulsions to enhance the anti-venom response is not
      associated to their ability to form depots from which the venom is slowly
      released.

PMID- 28088479
TI  - Three-Dimensional Structure of Full-Length NtrX, an Unusual Member of the NtrC
      Family of Response Regulators.
AB  - Bacteria sense and adapt to environmental changes using two-component systems.
      These signaling pathways are formed by a histidine kinase that phosphorylates a
      response regulator (RR), which finally modulates the transcription of target
      genes. The bacterium Brucella abortus codes for a two-component system formed by
      the histidine kinase NtrY and the RR NtrX that participates in sensing low oxygen
      tension and generating an adaptive response. NtrX is a modular protein with REC,
      AAA+, and DNA-binding domains, an architecture that classifies it among the NtrC
      subfamily of RRs. However, it lacks the signature GAFTGA motif that is essential
      for activating transcription by the mechanism proposed for canonical members of
      this subfamily. In this article, we present the first crystal structure of full
      length NtrX, which is also the first structure of a full-length NtrC-like RR with
      all the domains solved, showing that the protein is structurally similar to other
      members of the subfamily. We also report that NtrX binds nucleotides and the
      structures of the protein bound to ATP and ADP. Despite binding ATP, NtrX does
      not have ATPase activity and does not form oligomers in response to
      phosphorylation or nucleotide binding. We also identify a nucleotide sequence
      recognized by NtrX that allows it to bind to a promoter region that regulates its
      own transcription and to establish a negative feedback mechanism to modulate its
      expression. Overall, this article provides a detailed description of the NtrX RR
      and supports that it functions by a mechanism different to classical NtrC-like
      RRs.

PMID- 28088481
TI  - SAXS Structural Studies of Dps from Deinococcus radiodurans Highlights the
      Conformation of the Mobile N-Terminal Extensions.
AB  - The radiation-resistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans contains two DNA
      binding proteins from starved cells (Dps): Dps1 (DR2263) and Dps2 (DRB0092).
      These are suggested to play a role in DNA interaction and manganese and iron
      storage. The proteins assemble as a conserved dodecameric structure with
      structurally uncharacterised N-terminal extensions. In the case of DrDps1, these
      extensions have been proposed to be involved in DNA interactions, while in
      DrDps2, their function has yet to be established. The reported data reveal the
      relative position of the N-terminal extensions to the dodecameric sphere in
      solution for both Dps. The low-resolution small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
      results show that the N-terminal extensions protrude from the spherical shell of
      both proteins. The SAXS envelope of a truncated form of DrDps1 without the N
      terminal extensions appears as a dodecameric sphere, contrasting strongly with
      the protrusions observed in the full-length models. The effect of iron
      incorporation into DrDps2 was investigated by static and stopped-flow SAXS
      measurements, revealing dynamic structural changes upon iron binding and core
      formation, as reflected by a quick alteration of its radius of gyration. The
      truncated and full-length versions of DrDps were also compared on the basis of
      their interaction with DNA to analyse functional roles of the N-terminal
      extensions. DrDps1 N-terminal protrusions appear to be directly involved with
      DNA, whilst those from DrDps2 are indirectly associated with DNA binding.
      Furthermore, detection of DrDps2 in the D. radiodurans membrane fraction suggests
      that the N-terminus of the protein interacts with the membrane.

PMID- 28088480
TI  - Sensing Membrane Curvature in Macroautophagy.
AB  - In response to intracellular stress events ranging from starvation to pathogen
      invasion, the cell activates one or more forms of macroautophagy. The key event
      in these related pathways is the de novo formation of a new organelle called the
      autophagosome, which either surrounds and sequesters random portions of the
      cytoplasm or selectively targets individual intracellular challenges. Thus, the
      autophagosome is a flexible membrane platform with dimensions that ultimately
      depend upon the target cargo. The intermediate membrane, termed the phagophore or
      isolation membrane, is a cup-like structure with a clear concave face and a
      highly curved rim. The phagophore is largely devoid of integral membrane
      proteins; thus, its shape and size are governed by peripherally associated
      membrane proteins and possibly by the lipid composition of the membrane itself.
      Growth along the phagophore rim marks the progress of both organelle expansion
      and ultimately organelle closure around a particular cargo. These two properties,
      a reliance on peripheral membrane proteins and a structurally distinct membrane
      architecture, suggest that the ability to target or manipulate membrane curvature
      might be an essential activity of proteins functioning in this pathway. In this
      review, we discuss the extent to which membranes are naturally curved at each of
      the cellular sites believed to engage in autophagosome formation, review basic
      mechanisms used to sense this curvature, and then summarize the existing
      literature concerning which autophagy proteins are capable of curvature
      recognition.

PMID- 28088482
TI  - Combined spatiotemporal ICA (stICA) for continuous and dynamic lag structure
      analysis of MREG data.
AB  - This study investigated lag structure in the resting-state fMRI by applying a
      novel independent component (ICA) method to magnetic resonance encephalography
      (MREG) data. Briefly, the spatial ICA (sICA) was used for defining the frontal
      and back nodes of the default mode network (DMN), and the temporal ICA (tICA),
      which is enabled by the high temporal resolution of MREG (TR=100ms), was used to
      separate both neuronal and physiological components of these two spatial map
      regions. Subsequently, lag structure was investigated between the frontal
      (DMNvmpf) and posterior (DMNpcc) DMN nodes using both conventional method with
      all-time points and a sliding-window approach. A rigorous noise exclusion
      criterion was applied for tICs to remove physiological pulsations, motion and
      system artefacts. All the de-noised tICs were used to calculate the null
      distributions both for expected lag variability over time and over subjects. Lag
      analysis was done for the three highest correlating denoised tICA pairs. Mean
      time lag of 0.6s (+/- 0.5 std) and mean absolute correlation of 0.69 (+/- 0.08)
      between the highest correlating tICA pairs of DMN nodes was observed throughout
      the whole analyzed period. In dynamic 2min window analysis, there was large
      variability over subjects as ranging between 1-10sec. Directionality varied
      between these highly correlating sources an average 28.8% of the possible number
      of direction changes. The null models show highly consistent correlation and lag
      structure between DMN nodes both in continuous and dynamic analysis. The mean
      time lag of a null-model over time between all denoised DMN nodes was 0.0s and,
      thus the probability of having either DMNpcc or DMNvmpf as a preceding component
      is near equal. All the lag values of highest correlating tICA pairs over subjects
      lie within the standard deviation range of a null-model in whole time window
      analysis, supporting the earlier findings that there is a consistent temporal lag
      structure across groups of individuals. However, in dynamic analysis, there are
      lag values exceeding the threshold of significance of a null-model meaning that
      there might be biologically meaningful variation in this measure. Taken together
      the variability in lag and the presence of high activity peaks during strong
      connectivity indicate that individual avalanches may play an important role in
      defining dynamic independence in resting state connectivity within networks.

PMID- 28088483
TI  - Physiology recording with magnetic field probes for fMRI denoising.
AB  - Physiological noise originating in cardiovascular and respiratory processes is a
      substantial confound in BOLD fMRI. When unaccounted for it reduces the temporal
      SNR and causes error in inferred brain activity and connectivity. Physiology
      correction typically relies on auxiliary measurements with peripheral devices
      such as ECG, pulse oximeters, and breathing belts. These require direct skin
      contact or at least a tight fit, impairing subject comfort and adding to the
      setup time. In this work, we explore a touch-free alternative for physiology
      recording, using magnetic detection with NMR field probes. Placed close to the
      chest such probes offer high sensitivity to cardiovascular and respiratory
      dynamics without mechanical contact. This is demonstrated by physiology
      regression in a typical fMRI scenario at 7T, including validation against
      standard devices. The study confirms essentially equivalent performance of noise
      models based on conventional recordings and on field probes. It is shown that the
      field probes may be positioned in the subject's back such that they could be
      readily integrated in the patient table.

PMID- 28088485
TI  - Semantic attributes are encoded in human electrocorticographic signals during
      visual object recognition.
AB  - Non-invasive neuroimaging studies have shown that semantic category and attribute
      information are encoded in neural population activity. Electrocorticography
      (ECoG) offers several advantages over non-invasive approaches, but the degree to
      which semantic attribute information is encoded in ECoG responses is not known.
      We recorded ECoG while patients named objects from 12 semantic categories and
      then trained high-dimensional encoding models to map semantic attributes to
      spectral-temporal features of the task-related neural responses. Using these
      semantic attribute encoding models, untrained objects were decoded with
      accuracies comparable to whole-brain functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
      (fMRI), and we observed that high-gamma activity (70-110Hz) at basal
      occipitotemporal electrodes was associated with specific semantic dimensions
      (manmade-animate, canonically large-small, and places-tools). Individual patient
      results were in close agreement with reports from other imaging modalities on the
      time course and functional organization of semantic processing along the ventral
      visual pathway during object recognition. The semantic attribute encoding model
      approach is critical for decoding objects absent from a training set, as well as
      for studying complex semantic encodings without artificially restricting stimuli
      to a small number of semantic categories.

PMID- 28088484
TI  - Optimal trajectories of brain state transitions.
AB  - The complexity of neural dynamics stems in part from the complexity of the
      underlying anatomy. Yet how white matter structure constrains how the brain
      transitions from one cognitive state to another remains unknown. Here we address
      this question by drawing on recent advances in network control theory to model
      the underlying mechanisms of brain state transitions as elicited by the
      collective control of region sets. We find that previously identified attention
      and executive control systems are poised to affect a broad array of state
      transitions that cannot easily be classified by traditional engineering-based
      notions of control. This theoretical versatility comes with a vulnerability to
      injury. In patients with mild traumatic brain injury, we observe a loss of
      specificity in putative control processes, suggesting greater susceptibility to
      neurophysiological noise. These results offer fundamental insights into the
      mechanisms driving brain state transitions in healthy cognition and their
      alteration following injury.

PMID- 28088486
TI  - Pharmacological targeting of adenosine receptor signaling.
AB  - Adenosine receptor signaling plays important roles in normal physiology, but is
      also known to modulate the development or progression of several different
      diseases. The design of new, efficient, and safe pharmacological approaches to
      target the adenosine system may have considerable therapeutic potential, but is
      also associated with many challenges. This review summarizes the main challenges
      of adenosine receptor targeted treatment including tolerance, disease stage, cell
      type-specific effects, caffeine intake, adenosine level assessment and receptor
      distribution in vivo. Moreover, we discuss several potential ways to overcome
      these obstacles (i.e., the use of partial agonists, indirect receptor targeting,
      allosteric enhancers, prodrugs, non-receptor-mediated effects, neoreceptors,
      conditional knockouts). It is important to address these concerns during
      development of new and successful therapeutic approaches targeting the adenosine
      system.

PMID- 28088488
TI  - Average activity, but not variability, is the dominant factor in the
      representation of object categories in the brain.
AB  - To categorize the perceived objects, brain utilizes a broad set of its resources
      and encoding strategies. Yet, it remains elusive how the category information is
      encoded in the brain. While many classical studies have sought the category
      information in the across-trial-averaged activity of neurons/neural populations,
      several recent studies have observed category information also in the within
      trial correlated variability of activities between neural populations (i.e.
      dependent variability). Moreover, other studies have observed that independent
      variability of activity, which is the variability of the measured neural activity
      without any influence from correlated variability with other neurons/populations,
      could also be modulated for improved categorization. However, it was unknown how
      important each of the three factors (i.e. average activity, dependent and
      independent variability of activities) was in category encoding. Therefore, we
      designed an EEG experiment in which human subjects viewed a set of object
      exemplars from four categories. Using a computational model, we evaluated the
      contribution of each factor separately in category encoding. Results showed that
      the average activity played a significant role while the independent variability,
      although effective, contributed moderately to the category encoding. The inter
      channel dependent variability showed an ignorable effect on the encoding. We also
      investigated the role of those factors in the encoding of variations which showed
      similar effects. These results imply that the brain, rather than variability,
      seems to use the average activity to convey information on the category of the
      perceived objects.

PMID- 28088489
TI  - Does MHC Class I Chain-Related Gene A Matter?
AB  - In this issue of Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Askar et al.
      evaluate the association of MHC class I chain-related gene A (MICA) polymorphisms
      with the development of graft-versus host-disease (GVHD) after unrelated donor
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) [1]. Prior reports have provided
      conflicting results, leaving the effect of MICA donor-recipient mismatch in HCT
      unanswered.

PMID- 28088487
TI  - Adenosine receptors and caffeine in retinopathy of prematurity.
AB  - Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of childhood blindness in the
      world and is caused by oxygen-induced damage to the developing retinal
      vasculature, resulting in hyperoxia-induced vaso-obliteration and subsequent
      delayed retinal vascularization and hypoxia-induced pathological
      neovascularization driven by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling
      pathway in retina. Current anti-VEGF therapy has shown some effective in a
      clinical trial, but is associated with the unintended effects on delayed eye
      growth and retinal vasculature development of preterm infants. Notably, cellular
      responses to hypoxia are characterized by robust increases in extracellular
      adenosine production and the markedly induced adenosine receptors, which provide
      a novel target for preferential control of pathological angiogenesis without
      affecting normal vascular development. Here, we review the experimental evidence
      in support of adenosine receptor-based therapeutic strategy for ROP, including
      the aberrant adenosine signaling in oxygen-induced retinopathy and the role of
      three adenosine receptor subtypes (A1R, A2AR, A2BR) in development and treatment
      of ROP using oxygen-induced retinopathy models. The clinical and initial animal
      evidence that implicate the therapeutic effect of caffeine (a non-selective
      adenosine receptor antagonist) in treatment of ROP are highlighted. Lastly, we
      discussed the translational potential as well therapeutic advantage of adenosine
      receptor- and caffeine-based therapy for ROR and possibly other proliferative
      retinopathy.

PMID- 28088490
TI  - Microwave-based treatments of wheat kernels do not abolish gluten epitopes
      implicated in celiac disease.
AB  - Microwave based treatment (MWT) of wet wheat kernels induced a striking reduction
      of gluten, up to <20 ppm as determined by R5-antibodybased ELISA, so that wheat
      could be labeled as gluten-free. In contrast, analysis of gluten peptides by G12
      antibody-based ELISA, mass spectrometry-based proteomics and in vitro assay with
      T cells of celiac subjects, indicated no difference of antigenicity before and
      after MWT. SDS-PAGE analysis and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that MWT simply
      induced conformational modifications, reducing alcohol solubility of gliadins and
      altering the access of R5-antibody to the gluten epitopes. Thus, MWT neither
      destroys gluten nor modifies chemically the toxic epitopes, contradicting the
      preliminary claims that MWT of wheat kernels detoxifies gluten. This study
      provides evidence that R5-antibody ELISA alone is not effective to determine
      gluten in thermally treated wheat products. Gluten epitopes in processed wheat
      should be monitored using strategies based on combined immunoassays with T cells
      from celiacs, G12-antibody ELISA after proteolysis and proper molecular
      characterization.

PMID- 28088491
TI  - Toxicogenetic study of Persea americana fruit pulp oil and its effect on genomic
      instability.
AB  - Persea americana Mill., commonly known as avocado, is a tree native to Central
      America that is widely used as a food source and for the treatment of diseases.
      This plant has various biological properties such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory
      and total cholesterol-lowering activity. In view of its pharmacological
      potential, we conducted a toxicogenetic study of the fruit pulp oil of P.
      americana (PAO) and investigated its influence on genotoxicity induced by methyl
      methanesulfonate (MMS) and doxorubicin. V79 cells and Swiss mice were used for
      the assays. The results showed no genotoxic effects of PAO in the in vitro or in
      vivo test systems. However, the highest PAO dose tested led to an increase in the
      levels of aspartate aminotransferase, indicating hepatic/tissue damage. This
      effect may be related to high concentrations of palmitic acid, the main component
      of PAO. Furthermore, PAO was effective in reducing the chromosome damage induced
      by MMS and doxorubicin. These results contribute to the safety assessment of PAO
      as a medicinal plant for human use.

PMID- 28088493
TI  - Apoptosis induced by the methanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge in non
      small cell lung cancer through PTEN-mediated inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, a well-known
      traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) plant, has been used to treat cardiovascular
      diseases since thousands of years. Many studies reported that the active
      component tanshinones displayed a variety of biological activities: anti
      thrombous, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor
      promoting. But the mechanism of how the active components working still need to
      be clarified. The anti-tumor effect of compounds of tanshinone (CTN), the
      methanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge roots, was investigated. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the effects of CTN on the growth inhibition,
      apoptosis and molecular targets of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: CTN-induced cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. The
      cell survival was evaluated using clonogenic survival assay. The morphology of
      Glc-82 cells after treatment with CTN was determined by fluorescence microscopy.
      Cell cycle distribution was revealed by flow cytometry. The apoptotic cells were
      quantified with annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry, and observed using
      Hoechst 33258 staining and TUNEL assays. The expression levels of proteins were
      analyzed using western blot. Tumor growth was assessed by subcutaneous
      inoculation of cells into BALB/c nude mice. RESULTS: CTN inhibited the
      proliferation of NSCLC in a dose-dependent manner and induced both early and late
      apoptosis. Treatment of Glc-82 cells with CTN (5-80MUg/ml) significantly (p<0.05)
      suppressed the cell proliferation in a concentration and time-dependent manner.
      CTN induced significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent apoptosis of Glc-82 cells.
      Cell cycle assay showed that CTN induced a G2/M phase arrest, and significantly
      (p<0.05) increased expression of p53 and p21, actived caspase-3/9 and PARP1,
      which suggest the involvement of the mitochondria in the apoptotic signals. In
      addition, CTN decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, Bcl-xl
      and increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Result also showed
      that CTN could increase expression levels of PTEN, and reduce the phosphorylated
      levels of Akt (protein kinase B) on Thr 308 and Ser 473 domain. In vivo assay
      showed that the antitumor effect of CTN was significantly augmented without
      increasing toxicity in nude mice bearing Glc-82 xenograft. CONCLUSION: The
      PTEN/Akt signaling axis is defined as a critical pathway regulated by PTEN in
      NSCLC. CTN, the methanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, are the active
      compounds as shown by their ability to induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial
      pathway of apoptosis and PTEN-mediated inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway. CTN could
      inhibit tumor growth more efficiently, which supports the ethno-medicinal use of
      this herb as an alternative or complementary therapy for NSCLC.

PMID- 28088492
TI  - Pikuni-Blackfeet traditional medicine: Neuroprotective activities of medicinal
      plants used to treat Parkinson's disease-related symptoms.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial
      neurodegenerative disorder affecting 5% of the population over the age of 85
      years. Current treatments primarily involve dopamine replacement therapy, which
      leads to temporary relief of motor symptoms but fails to slow the underlying
      neurodegeneration. Thus, there is a need for safe PD therapies with
      neuroprotective activity. In this study, we analyzed contemporary herbal
      medicinal practices used by members of the Pikuni-Blackfeet tribe from Western
      Montana to treat PD-related symptoms, in an effort to identify medicinal plants
      that are affordable to traditional communities and accessible to larger
      populations. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aims of this study were to (i) identify
      medicinal plants used by the Pikuni-Blackfeet tribe to treat individuals with
      symptoms related to PD or other CNS disorders, and (ii) characterize a subset of
      the identified plants in terms of antioxidant and neuroprotective activities in
      cellular models of PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interviews of healers and local
      people were carried out on the Blackfeet Indian reservation. Plant samples were
      collected, and water extracts were produced for subsequent analysis. A subset of
      botanical extracts was tested for the ability to induce activation of the Nrf2
      mediated transcriptional response and to protect against neurotoxicity elicited
      by the PD-related toxins rotenone and paraquat. RESULTS: The ethnopharmacological
      interviews resulted in the documentation of 26 medicinal plants used to treat
      various ailments and diseases, including symptoms related to PD. Seven botanical
      extracts (out of a total of 10 extracts tested) showed activation of Nrf2
      mediated transcriptional activity in primary cortical astrocytes. Extracts
      prepared from Allium sativum cloves, Trifolium pratense flowers, and Amelanchier
      arborea berries exhibited neuroprotective activity against toxicity elicited by
      rotenone, whereas only the extracts prepared from Allium sativum and Amelanchier
      arborea alleviated PQ-induced dopaminergic cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      highlight the potential clinical utility of plants used for medicinal purposes
      over generations by the Pikuni-Blackfeet people, and they shed light on
      mechanisms by which the plant extracts could slow neurodegeneration in PD.

PMID- 28088494
TI  - The N-butyl alcohol extract from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flowers enhances
      healing potential on rat excisional wounds.
AB  - ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (HRS), a folk medicine
      named Zhujin in China, possess anti-tumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, low
      density lipoprotein oxidation prevention and macrophage death prevention effects.
      The leaves and red flowers of HRS have been traditionally used to treat with
      furuncle and ulceration. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the efficacy and
      possible mechanism of the N-butyl alcohol extract of HRS (NHRS) red flowers in
      wound healing by analyzing the collagen fiber deposition, angiogenic activity and
      macrophages action of the NHRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an excisional wound
      healing model in rats, different concentrations of NHRS, or recombinant bovine
      basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF), were respectively applied twice daily for
      9 days. Histopathology was assessed on day 9 via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and
      Masson's trichrome (MT) staining, and immunohistochemistry for vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)
      and CD68. Immunomodulation by NHRS was evaluated by a carbon clearance test in
      mice. RESULTS: Wound healing post-surgery was greater in the rbFGF-control, NHRS
      M and MHRS-H groups than in the model and 5% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)-control
      groups after the third day. By the sixth day the wound contraction of NHRS-M and
      MHRS-H groups was much higher than the rbFGF-control group. HE and MT staining
      revealed that epithelialization, fibroblast distribution, collagen deposition of
      NHRS-M- and NHRS-H-control groups were significantly higher than the model group.
      Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed more intense staining of VEGF, TGF-beta1
      and CD68 in the rbFGF- and NHRS-control groups, compared to that in model and 5%
      DMSO-control groups. The clearance and phagocytic indices of NHRS-M- and NHRS-H
      control groups were significantly higher than that of the carboxyl methyl
      cellulose (CMC) group in mice. CONCLUSION: NHRS accelerates wound repair via
      enhancing the macrophages activity, accelerating angiogenesis and collagen fiber
      deposition response mediated by VEGF and TGF-beta1.

PMID- 28088495
TI  - Interaction strength between different grazers and macroalgae mediated by ocean
      acidification over warming gradients.
AB  - Since the past century, rising CO2 levels have led to global changes (ocean
      warming and acidification) with subsequent effects on marine ecosystems and
      organisms. Macroalgae-herbivore interactions have a main role in the regulation
      of marine community structure (top-down control). Gradients of warming prompt
      complex non-linear effects on organism metabolism, cascading into altered trophic
      interactions and community dynamics. However, not much is known on how will
      acidification and grazer assemblage composition shape these effects. Within this
      context, we aimed to assess the combined effects of warming gradients and
      acidification on macroalgae-herbivore interactions, using three cosmopolitan
      species, abundant in the Iberian Peninsula and closely associated in nature: the
      amphipod Melita palmata, the gastropod Gibbula umbilicalis, and the green
      macroalga Ulva rigida. Under two CO2 treatments (DeltaCO2 ? 450 MUatm) across a
      temperature gradient (13.5, 16.6, 19.9 and 22.1  degrees C), two mesocosm
      experiments were performed to assess grazer consumption rates and macroalgae
      herbivore interaction, respectively. Warming (Experiment I and II) and
      acidification (Experiment II) prompted negative effects in grazer's survival and
      species-specific differences in consumption rates. M. palmata was shown to be the
      stronger grazer per biomass (but not per capita), and also the most affected by
      climate stressors. Macroalgae-herbivore interaction strength was markedly shaped
      by the temperature gradient, while simultaneous acidification lowered thermal
      optimal threshold. In the near future, warming and acidification are likely to
      strengthen top-down control, but further increases in disturbances may lead to
      bottom-up regulated communities. Finally, our results suggest that grazer
      assemblage composition may modulate future macroalgae-herbivore interactions.

PMID- 28088496
TI  - Endogenous thrombin potential changes during the first cycle of oral
      contraceptive use.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk increases within months of
      combination oral contraceptive (COC) initiation. Because elevated endogenous
      thrombin potential (ETP) has been found in several studies to be a VTE risk
      factor, we evaluated the extent of ETP changes during the initial cycle of an
      ethinyl estradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG) COC. We also assessed the
      relationship between ETP changes and systemic EE and LNG concentrations. STUDY
      DESIGN: Participants provided multiple blood samples during a first 21-day cycle
      of a 30-mcg EE/150-mcg LNG COC and after a further 7 days without an active COC.
      Thrombin generation measured with and without addition of activated protein C
      (APC) yielded ETP+APC and ETP-APC and the normalized APC sensitivity ratio
      (nAPCsr). EE and LNG pharmacokinetic analyses were conducted over 24 h after the
      first COC tablet and again at steady state. RESULTS: Thrombin generation was
      determined in 16 of the 17 women who completed the study. Mean ETP-APC increased
      steadily to 21% above baseline at 24 h after the 6th COC tablet (COC624; p<.001)
      and to 28% above baseline at steady state (COC21; p<.001). The percentage
      increase in mean ETP+APC was considerably more - 54% at COC624 and 79% at steady
      state. Mean nAPCsr increased by 28% at COC624 and by 41% at steady state. Higher
      concentrations of EE or LNG were not correlated with greater increases in ETP.
      CONCLUSIONS: ETP increases during the first COC cycle were substantial.
      IMPLICATIONS: The early increases in ETP may provide biological support for the
      rapid increase in VTE risk during initial COC use. The lack of association
      between this clotting system perturbation and the systemic EE concentration is
      surprising and deserves further study.

PMID- 28088497
TI  - Offering the full range of contraceptive options: a survey of interest in
      vasectomy training in the US family planning community.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess current practices regarding female and male sterilization
      counseling and provision, as well as determine interest in providing vasectomy
      among family planning specialists. METHODS: Members of the US-based network of
      family planning fellowship physicians (current fellows, graduates and faculty)
      received a Web-based survey from November 2015 through January 2016 regarding
      current sterilization preferences and practices, as well as interest in obtaining
      training in vasectomy counseling and procedure. RESULTS: Nearly 60% (n=178/302)
      of family planning fellowship providers responded to the survey. While 62%
      (111/178) of respondents reported counseling their patients about vasectomy at
      least most of the time and 57% (102/178) recommended vasectomy over female
      sterilization, few (8/178; 4 trained in family medicine and 4 trained in
      obstetrics and gynecology) had performed a vasectomy in the last year. Nearly 90%
      (158/178) of respondents were somewhat or very interested in receiving training
      on vasectomy counseling; 58% (103/178) desired procedural training. Desire for
      training was associated with being male and receiving residency training in
      family medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Few family planning fellowship physicians provide
      vasectomy, and the majority expressed being at least somewhat interested in
      receiving further training. IMPLICATIONS: Vasectomy is more effective, safer and
      less expensive than female sterilization but is less common than female
      sterilization. One barrier to vasectomy access is the low number of vasectomy
      providers. Creating a structured vasectomy training program through the family
      planning fellowship may help to increase the number of vasectomy providers.

PMID- 28088498
TI  - Vaginal misoprostol prior to intrauterine device insertion in women delivered
      only by elective cesarean section: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study aims to evaluate if vaginal misoprostol (400 mcg)
      administered prior to intrauterine device (IUD) insertion increases the ease and
      success of insertion among women who had delivered only by elective cesarean
      delivery (CD). STUDY DESIGN: The current study was a randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled trial conducted in Assiut Women's Health Hospital, Egypt,
      between the 1st of April 2015 and the 31st of March 2016 and included women who
      delivered only by elective CD. One hundred forty women were randomized into two
      groups; misoprostol group received two misoprostol 400-mcg tablets vaginally, and
      placebo group received two placebo tablets 3 h before a copper T380A IUD
      insertion. The primary outcome measure was the difference in the ease of
      insertion score using a 10-cm visual analog scale between both groups with 0=very
      easy insertion, and 10=terribly difficult insertion. RESULTS: The ease of
      insertion score was lower in the misoprostol group (2.2+/-0.5 vs. 4.2+/-0.5,
      p=.0001) with higher number of successful IUD insertions than the placebo group
      (69 [98.6%] vs. 61 [87.1%], p=.009). The mean pain score reported by the women
      was lower in misoprostol group (2.7+/-0.6 vs. 4.3+/-0.8) with higher level of
      satisfaction from the whole procedure (8.9+/-0.4 vs. 7.9+/-0.2) with p=.001 for
      both. CONCLUSIONS: Misoprostol 400 mcg vaginally prior to IUD insertion eases and
      increase the success of insertion with reduction of pain among women who had
      delivered only by elective CD. IMPLICATIONS: The use of vaginal misoprostol
      before IUD insertion in women who had never delivered vaginally before may
      increase the ease and success of insertion. Moreover, it may reduce the pain felt
      by women during the procedure.

PMID- 28088499
TI  - Initial uncertainty impacts statistical learning in sound sequence processing.
AB  - This paper features two studies confirming a lasting impact of first learning on
      how subsequent experience is weighted in early relevance-filtering processes. In
      both studies participants were exposed to sequences of sound that contained a
      regular pattern on two different timescales. Regular patterning in sound is
      readily detected by the auditory system and used to form "prediction models" that
      define the most likely properties of sound to be encountered in a given context.
      The presence and strength of these prediction models is inferred from changes in
      automatically elicited components of auditory evoked potentials. Both studies
      employed sound sequences that contained both a local and longer-term pattern. The
      local pattern was defined by a regular repeating pure tone occasionally
      interrupted by a rare deviating tone (p=0.125) that was physically different (a
      30msvs. 60ms duration difference in one condition and a 1000Hz vs. 1500Hz
      frequency difference in the other). The longer-term pattern was defined by the
      rate at which the two tones alternated probabilities (i.e., the tone that was
      first rare became common and the tone that was first common became rare). There
      was no task related to the tones and participants were asked to ignore them while
      focussing attention on a movie with subtitles. Auditory-evoked potentials
      revealed long lasting modulatory influences based on whether the tone was
      initially encountered as rare and unpredictable or common and predictable. The
      results are interpreted as evidence that probability (or indeed predictability)
      assigns a differential information-value to the two tones that in turn affects
      the extent to which prediction models are updated and imposed. These effects are
      exposed for both common and rare occurrences of the tones. The studies contribute
      to a body of work that reveals that probabilistic information is not faithfully
      represented in these early evoked potentials and instead exposes that
      predictability (or conversely uncertainty) may trigger value-based learning
      modulations even in task-irrelevant incidental learning.

PMID- 28088501
TI  - A review of reproductive and developmental toxicity of silver nanoparticles in
      laboratory animals.
AB  - We summarized significant effects reported in the literature on the reproductive
      and developmental toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in laboratory animals.
      AgNPs showed testicular/sperm toxicity in males and ovarian and embryonic
      toxicity in females. Maternal injection of AgNPs delayed physical development and
      impaired cognitive behavior in offspring. Ag was accumulated in the testes after
      administration of AgNPs. AgNPs were identified in the visceral yolk sac after
      administration during early gestation in mice. Radiolabeled AgNPs were detected
      in placenta, breast milk, and pre- and postnatal offspring after injection during
      late gestation in rats. Ag in the ionic form, and possibly also particles, was
      suggested to be bioavailable. Although this review provides initial information
      on the potential reproductive and developmental toxicity of AgNPs, data is still
      very limited. Further studies using state-of-the-art methodologies and the
      relevant routes and doses for human exposure are required.

PMID- 28088500
TI  - Voice emotion perception and production in cochlear implant users.
AB  - Voice emotion is a fundamental component of human social interaction and social
      development. Unfortunately, cochlear implant users are often forced to interface
      with highly degraded prosodic cues as a result of device constraints in
      extraction, processing, and transmission. As such, individuals with cochlear
      implants frequently demonstrate significant difficulty in recognizing voice
      emotions in comparison to their normal hearing counterparts. Cochlear implant
      mediated perception and production of voice emotion is an important but
      relatively understudied area of research. However, a rich understanding of the
      voice emotion auditory processing offers opportunities to improve upon CI
      biomedical design and to develop training programs benefiting CI performance. In
      this review, we will address the issues, current literature, and future
      directions for improved voice emotion processing in cochlear implant users.

PMID- 28088503
TI  - Evidence for splice transcript variants of TMEM165, a gene involved in CDG.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Defects in TMEM165 gene cause a type-II Congenital Disorder of
      Glycosylation affecting Golgi glycosylation processes. TMEM165 patients exhibit
      psychomotor retardation, important osteoporosis, scoliosis, irregular epiphyses
      and thin bone cortex. TMEM165 protein is highly conserved in evolution and
      belongs to the family of UPF0016 membrane proteins which could be an unique group
      of Ca2+/H+ antiporters regulating Ca2+ and pH homeostasis and mainly localized in
      the Golgi apparatus. METHODS: RT-PCR from human brain tissues revealed TMEM165
      splice-transcript variants. mRNA expression was analyzed by RT-Q-PCR. Expression
      plasmids allowed us to visualize isoform proteins and their subcellular
      localization. Their functions on glycosylation were achieved by looking at the
      gel mobility of highly glycosylated proteins in cells overexpressing isoforms.
      RESULTS: In this study, we highlight, as previously shown for other ion channels,
      the existence of TMEM165 splice-transcripts isoforms, in particular the Short
      Form (SF) and the Long-Form (LF) transcripts, leading to a 129 aa and 259 aa
      protein isoform, respectively. These proteins both localize in the endoplasmic
      reticulum and have different effects on glycosylation compared to the wild-type
      protein (324 aa). We also point out that the SF is expressed at low levels in all
      human cells and tissues checked, excepted in brain, and forms homodimer. The LF
      was only expressed in the temporal lobe of human brain. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The
      finding of numerous splice variants could lead to a family of TMEM165 isoforms.
      This family of TMEM165 splice transcripts could participate in the fine
      regulation of TMEM165 isoforms' functions and localizations.

PMID- 28088502
TI  - The nucleotide changes within HBV core promoter/precore during the first 12weeks
      of nucleos(t)ide treatment might be associated with a better virological
      response.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the dynamic changes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) core
      promoter/precore (CP/preC) sequences during antiviral treatment and their
      associations with virological responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The baseline and
      12-week CP/preC sequences (nts 1655-2014) were obtained from 52 chronic hepatitis
      B patients with positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), who received a 104-week
      lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil combination therapy. The mutations within the
      CP/preC were analyzed against genotype specific reference sequences. The
      nucleotide change rates in individuals during therapy were analyzed in a pairwise
      comparison manner. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of the mutation
      rate at each nucleotide site between baseline and week 12 of treatment (P>0.05).
      The mutation rates of A1762T/G1764A and G1896A were found to decrease from 46.2%
      (24/52) at baseline to 36.5% (19/52) at week 12 (P=0.426) and from 28.8% (15/52)
      to 21.2% (11/52) (P=0.497), respectively. The nucleotide change rates varied from
      0.0% - 7.8% in individuals [0.0% in Group 1 (N=26); 0.3% - 7.8% in Group 2
      (N=26)] during the first 12-week treatment. HBV DNA levels in Group 2 were
      significantly lower than those in Group 1 throughout therapy (P<0.01) (e.g.,
      1.5+/-1.3log10 IU/ml vs. 2.6+/-1.0log10 IU/ml at week 104, P=0.001). At week 104
      the rates of HBV DNA undetectable and HBeAg loss in Group 2 were significantly
      higher than those in Group 1 (P<0.05). Along with the increased nucleotide change
      rates, the rate of HBV DNA undetectable at week 104 tended to increase (odds
      ratio=0.323, 95% confidence interval=0.138-0.758, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggested that the nucleotide changes within HBV CP/preC region during
      the first 12-week treatment might be associated with a better virological
      response.

PMID- 28088504
TI  - Novel insights into the transport mechanism of the human amino acid transporter
      LAT1 (SLC7A5). Probing critical residues for substrate translocation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: LAT1 (SLC7A5) is the transport competent unit of the heterodimer
      formed with the glycoprotein CD98 (SLC3A2). It catalyzes antiport of His and some
      neutral amino acids such as Ile, Leu, Val, Cys, Met, Gln and Phe thus being
      involved in amino acid metabolism. Interestingly, LAT1 is over-expressed in many
      human cancers that are characterized by increased demand of amino acids.
      Therefore LAT1 was recently acknowledged as a novel target for cancer therapy.
      However, knowledge on molecular mechanism of LAT1 transport is still scarce.
      METHODS: Combined approaches of bioinformatics, site-directed mutagenesis,
      chemical modification, and transport assay in proteoliposomes, have been adopted
      to unravel dark sides of human LAT1 structure/function relationships. RESULTS: It
      has been demonstrated that residues F252, S342, C335 are crucial for substrate
      recognition and C407 plays a minor role. C335 and C407 cannot be targeted by SH
      reagents. The transporter has a preferential dimeric structure and catalyzes an
      antiport reaction which follows a simultaneous random mechanism. CONCLUSIONS:
      Critical residues of the substrate binding site of LAT1 have been probed. This
      site is not freely accessible by molecules other than substrate. Similarly to
      LeuT, K+ has some regulatory properties on LAT1. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The
      collected data represent a solid basis for deciphering molecular mechanism
      underlying LAT1 function.

PMID- 28088505
TI  - Gaps in the Public's Knowledge About Chronic Pain: Representative Sample of
      Hispanic Residents From 5 States.
AB  - : Educating the general public about chronic pain and its care is a national
      health priority. We evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) of a 5
      state, population-based sample of Hispanic individuals aged 35 to 75 years
      without chronic pain, representing more than 8.8 million persons. A Web-based
      survey assessed KAB using an adapted version of the Survey of Pain Attitudes
      Brief and self-reported knowledge about chronic pain (nothing, a little, a lot).
      In unweighted analyses of participants (N = 349), the mean age was 52.0 (+/-10.6)
      years, 54% were women, 53% preferred Spanish, and 39% did not graduate from high
      school. More participants reported knowing nothing about chronic pain (24%) than
      a lot (12%). In weighted logistic models with knowing nothing as the reference,
      knowing a lot was associated with greater KAB for chronic pain-related emotions,
      functioning, and cure (all P < .01) but poorer KAB about pain medications (P <
      .001). Associations were similar for those knowing a little. Men and women
      preferring Spanish had poorer KAB about pain medications than men preferring
      English (both P < .001). In view of Hispanic individuals' disparities in chronic
      pain care, these data underscore the need for effective public educational
      campaigns about chronic pain. PERSPECTIVE: In this 5-state representative sample
      of Hispanic individuals without chronic pain, one-quarter reported knowing
      nothing about chronic pain and had poorer KAB about multiple aspects of this
      disease. This study reinforces the need to evaluate and address gaps in the
      general public's knowledge about chronic pain.

PMID- 28088506
TI  - Linguistic Indicators of Pain Catastrophizing in Patients With Chronic
      Musculoskeletal Pain.
AB  - : The present study examined markers of pain catastrophizing in the word use of
      patients with chronic pain. Patients (N = 71) completed the Pain Catastrophizing
      Scale and wrote about their life with pain. Quantitative word count analysis
      examined whether the essays contained linguistic indicators of catastrophizing.
      Bivariate correlations showed that catastrophizing was associated with greater
      use of first person singular pronouns, such as "I" (r = .27, P <= .05) and
      pronouns referencing other people (r = .28, P <= .05). Catastrophizing was
      further significantly associated with greater use of sadness (r = .35, P <= .01)
      and anger (r = .30, P <= .05) words. No significant relationships with positive
      emotion and cognitive process words were evident. Controlling for patients'
      engagement in the writing task, gender, age, pain intensity, and neuroticism in
      multiple regression, the linguistic categories together uniquely explained 13.6%
      of the variance in catastrophizing (P <= .001). First person singular pronouns
      (beta = .24, P <= .05) and words relating to sadness (beta = .25, P <= .05) were
      significant, and pronouns referencing other people (beta = .19, P <= .10) were
      trending. The results suggest that pain catastrophizing is associated with a
      "linguistic fingerprint" that can be discerned from patients' natural word use.
      PERSPECTIVE: Quantitative word count analysis examined whether pain
      catastrophizing is reflected in patients' written essays about living with pain.
      Catastrophizing was associated with more first person singular pronouns, more
      pronouns referencing other people, and more expressions of sadness and anger. The
      results can help understand how catastrophizing translates into communicative
      behaviors.

PMID- 28088507
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes and Opioid Use in Outpatients With Chronic Pain.
AB  - : The Weill Cornell Medical College Pain Registry database contains patient
      characteristics, treatments, and outcomes for a prospective cohort of 1,159
      chronic pain patients who were seen at the Weill Cornell Medical College Pain
      Medicine outpatient clinic from July 8, 2011 to December 10, 2014. Patients aged
      45 to 64 years comprised 43% followed by age >= 65 years at 37%. Fifty-eight
      percent were female. Average pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory) was reported
      as mild by 22.3% of patients, moderate by 34.7%, and severe by 43.0%. For each
      pain intensity category, patient's report of average percent pain relief and
      health state (EuroQOL 5 Dimensions) was inversely related to average pain
      intensity category, whereas measures of pain interference, number of worst pain
      locations, and physical and psychological distress were directly related to pain
      intensity category. Seventy-seven percent of patients received an opioid at 1 or
      more clinic encounters. Median daily opioid dose in morphine equivalents was 55
      with a range from 2 to 1,145 morphine equivalents. Regression analysis revealed
      that being male was associated with greater likelihood of an opioid ordered and
      higher average dosage than being female. The registry can identify patient
      characteristics and treatments that provide new insights into chronic pain
      management. PERSPECTIVE: This article describes results of analyses of patient
      reported outcomes and patient-related electronic health record data collected
      under standard of care from a prospective cohort of chronic pain outpatients at a
      New York City pain management clinic. The registry provides an opportunity to
      learn how to improve individualized chronic pain management.

PMID- 28088508
TI  - Relationship Between Central Retinal Vessel Trunk Location and Visual Field Loss
      in Glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the relationship between horizontal central retinal vessel
      trunk location (CRVTL) on glaucomatous optic discs and sector-specific visual
      field (VF) loss. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: CRVTL of
      421 eyes from 421 patients was manually tracked on the horizontal optic disc axis
      on fundus images. Focal circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness
      (cpRNFLT) measurements were extracted from optical coherence tomography (OCT).
      The relationship between focal visual field (VF) loss and CRVTL and focal cpRNFLT
      was studied by linear regression models. Furthermore, we related central VF loss
      to CRVTL and focal cpRNFLT separately for mild (VF mean deviation [MD] >=-6 dB),
      moderate (-12 dB <= MD <-6 dB), and severe (MD <-12 dB) glaucoma. RESULTS: CRVTL
      nasalization was significantly correlated only to central VF loss (Garway-Heath
      scheme [central 6 locations, C6]: correlation: r = -0.16, P < .001; macular
      vulnerability zone [central 2 locations, C2]: r = -0.14, P = .003; central 4
      locations [C4]: r = -0.17, P < .001). While focal cpRNFLT at the sectors
      corresponding to C2 and C6 was significantly correlated to the respective VF
      sectors as well (C2: r = 0.15, P = .002; C6: r = 0.10, P = .03), multivariate
      models combining cpRNFLT and CRVTL substantially improved structure-function
      models compared with cpRNFLT alone (likelihood ratio tests, C2 and C6: P < .001).
      The correlations between CRVTL and central VF loss of C4 were -0.11 (P = .04), 
      0.39 (P = .01), and -0.63 (P = .002) for mild, moderate, and severe glaucoma,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CRVTL nasalization is significantly and exclusively
      correlated to central VF loss for all glaucoma severities independent of cpRNFLT,
      and thus might be a structural biomarker of central VF loss.

PMID- 28088509
TI  - Choroidal Neovascularization in Malattia Leventinese Diagnosed Using Optical
      Coherence Tomography Angiography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) with
      traditional multimodal imaging in patients with Malattia Leventinese. DESIGN:
      Retrospective case series. METHODS: Eight eyes of 4 consecutive patients with
      Malattia Leventinese were retrospectively studied. All patients underwent a
      complete ophthalmologic examination including color fundus photography,
      fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies, spectral-domain optical
      coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography. RESULTS: The
      choriocapillaris segmentation of OCT-A revealed the presence of a hyperflow
      signal corresponding to active choroidal neovascularization in 3 eyes and
      inactive choroidal neovascularization in 1 eye. Traditional multimodal imaging
      did not show each vascular layer and any leakage in these cases. CONCLUSION: OCT
      A, unlike traditional multimodal imaging, helps diagnose choroidal
      neovascularization in patients with Malattia Leventinese suffering from
      metamorphopsia and reduced visual acuity.

PMID- 28088510
TI  - Association Between Nocturnal Blood Pressure Dips and Optic Disc Hemorrhage in
      Patients With Normal-Tension Glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dips on the
      occurrence of optic disc hemorrhage (ODH) in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG)
      patients and determine whether ODH is associated with greater likelihood of
      visual field progression (VFP). DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. METHODS:
      This study enrolled 698 eyes of 349 consecutive NTG patients who were >=40 years
      old, underwent 24-hour intraocular pressure and ambulatory BP monitoring in the
      habitual position, were examined for ODH every 4-6 months with optic disc
      photography, and had >=5 reliable visual field tests with minimum follow-up of 3
      years. NTG patients were classified into 2 groups: "nonphysiologic" dippers,
      including nondippers and overdippers, and "physiologic" dippers. Odds ratios for
      the association between the "nonphysiologic" group and ODH were calculated using
      logistic regression models. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to compare
      outcomes with reference to the presence of ODH for VFP. RESULTS: Overall, ODH and
      VFP were detected in 107 (15.3%) eyes and 60 (8.6%) eyes among total 698 eyes,
      respectively. Overdippers showed a significantly greater frequency of ODH than
      nondippers or dippers. Being an overdipper was a significant and an independent
      risk factor for ODH occurrence during follow-up. The rates of VFP were 6%, 7%,
      and 24% for dippers, nondippers, and overdippers, respectively. Eyes with ODH
      were associated with greater likelihoods of subsequent VFP than those without.
      VFP occurred only in eyes with ODH. CONCLUSIONS: Being an overdipper is a
      significant risk factor for ODH in NTG eyes. The detection of ODH during follow
      up is a potent predictor of future VFP.

PMID- 28088511
TI  - EGFR L858M/L861Q cis Mutations Confer Selective Sensitivity to Afatinib.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed to treat
      patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers. However, the therapeutic efficacy of TKIs
      in patients with uncommon EGFR mutations remains unclear. METHODS: Next
      generation sequencing was performed on a patient's lung adenocarcinoma tumor
      sample, revealing rare combined in cis (on the same allele) EGFR mutations.
      Stable Ba/F3 and NIH-3T3 cell lines harboring the mutations were established to
      investigate the effect of first-, second-, and third-generation EGFR TKIs on cell
      proliferation by MTS assay and EGFR phosphorylation by Western blotting. RESULTS:
      EGFR L858M/L861Q mutations in cis were detected in the tumor of a patient with
      NSCLC. The patient demonstrated primary resistance to erlotinib and was
      subsequently treated with afatinib, which caused tumor regression. In in vitro
      studies, first- and third-generation TKIs exhibited a decreased capacity to
      prevent EGFR phosphorylation and inhibit cell proliferation in EGFR L858M/L861Q
      cells compared with cells harboring the common EGFR L858R point mutation. In
      contrast, afatinib treatment reduced proliferation and inhibited EGFR
      phosphorylation in L858M/L861Q- and L858R-mutant cells at similar concentrations.
      CONCLUSIONS: Afatinib may be a beneficial therapeutic option for a subset of
      patients with lung cancer who harbor rare EGFR mutations in their tumors.
      Understanding how uncommon mutations affect protein structure and TKI binding
      will be important for identifying effective targeted therapies for these
      patients.

PMID- 28088512
TI  - ROS1 Fusions Rarely Overlap with Other Oncogenic Drivers in Non-Small Cell Lung
      Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chromosomal rearrangements involving the gene ROS1 define a
      distinct molecular subset of NSCLCs with sensitivity to ROS1 inhibitors. Recent
      reports have suggested a significant overlap between ROS1 fusions and other
      oncogenic driver alterations, including mutations in EGFR and KRAS. METHODS: We
      identified patients at our institution with ROS1-rearranged NSCLC who had
      undergone testing for genetic alterations in additional oncogenes, including
      EGFR, KRAS, and anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase gene (ALK).
      Clinicopathologic features and genetic testing results were reviewed. We also
      examined a separate database of ROS1-rearranged NSCLCs identified through the
      commercial FoundationOne assay (Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA). RESULTS:
      Among 62 patients with ROS1-rearranged NSCLC evaluated at our institution, none
      harbored concurrent ALK fusions (0%) or EGFR activating mutations (0%). KRAS
      mutations were detected in two cases (3.2%), one of which harbored a concurrent
      noncanonical KRAS I24N mutation of unknown biological significance. In a separate
      ROS1 fluorescence in situ hybridization-positive case, targeted sequencing failed
      to confirm a ROS1 fusion but instead identified a KRAS G13D mutation. No
      concurrent mutations in B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase gene
      (BRAF), erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 gene (ERBB2), phosphatidylinositol-4,5
      bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha gene (PIK3CA), AKT/serine threonine
      kinase 1 gene (AKT1), or mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 gene (MAP2K1)
      were detected. Analysis of an independent data set of 166 ROS1-rearranged NSCLCs
      identified by FoundationOne demonstrated rare cases with co-occurring driver
      mutations in EGFR (one of 166) and KRAS (three of 166) and no cases with co
      occurring ROS1 and ALK rearrangements. CONCLUSIONS: ROS1 rearrangements rarely
      overlap with alterations in EGFR, KRAS, ALK, or other targetable oncogenes in
      NSCLC.

PMID- 28088513
TI  - An Immunogram for the Cancer-Immunity Cycle: Towards Personalized Immunotherapy
      of Lung Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The interaction of immune cells and cancer cells shapes the
      immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. For successful cancer immunotherapy,
      comprehensive knowledge of antitumor immunity as a dynamic spatiotemporal process
      is required for each individual patient. To this end, we developed an immunogram
      for the cancer-immunity cycle by using next-generation sequencing. METHODS: Whole
      exome sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed in 20 patients with NSCLC (12
      with adenocarcinoma, seven with squamous cell carcinoma, and one with large cell
      neuroendocrine carcinoma). Mutated neoantigens and cancer germline antigens
      expressed in the tumor were assessed for predicted binding to patients' human
      leukocyte antigen molecules. The expression of genes related to cancer immunity
      was assessed and normalized to construct a radar chart composed of eight axes
      reflecting seven steps in the cancer-immunity cycle. RESULTS: Three immunogram
      patterns were observed in patients with lung cancer: T-cell-rich, T-cell-poor,
      and intermediate. The T-cell-rich pattern was characterized by gene signatures of
      abundant T cells, regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells,
      checkpoint molecules, and immune-inhibitory molecules in the tumor, suggesting
      the presence of antitumor immunity dampened by an immunosuppressive
      microenvironment. The T-cell-poor phenotype reflected lack of antitumor immunity,
      inadequate dendritic cell activation, and insufficient antigen presentation in
      the tumor. Immunograms for both the patients with adenocarcinoma and the patients
      with nonadenocarcinoma tumors included both T-cell-rich and T-cell-poor
      phenotypes, suggesting that histologic type does not necessarily reflect the
      cancer immunity status of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The patient-specific landscape
      of the tumor microenvironment can be appreciated by using immunograms as
      integrated biomarkers, which may thus become a valuable resource for optimal
      personalized immunotherapy.

PMID- 28088514
TI  - Assessing the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of an
      integrated approach to smoking cessation for new and expectant fathers: The Dads
      in Gear study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence related to the effects of tobacco exposure in pregnancy and
      on infant and child health have focused on women's smoking cessation. Less often
      addressed is men's smoking, which when continued in fatherhood, reduces the
      chances of female partners' cessation and can negatively impact children's health
      as well as men's health. Dads in Gear (DIG) is an innovative program designed
      specifically for new fathers who want to reduce and quit smoking that includes
      three components: smoking cessation, fathering, and physical activity. The over
      arching purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the DIG program
      and provide estimates of program efficacy. The purpose of this article is to
      describe the rationale and protocol for evaluating the DIG program's feasibility,
      acceptability and potential effectiveness. METHODS: Using a prospective, non
      comparative design, the DIG program will be implemented and evaluated in six
      communities. The program will be offered by trained facilitators to fathers who
      currently smoke and want to quit. The RE-AIM framework will guide the evaluation.
      Open-ended questions in participant surveys, and semi-structured interviews and
      weekly telephone de-briefs with facilitators will provide data for a process
      evaluation. Estimates of effectiveness include smoking behavior, fathering and
      physical activity measures at baseline, end of program, and 3-month follow up.
      CONCLUSION: The DIG program could support positive changes with respect to
      smoking cessation, physical activity and overall health for men. These effects
      could also promote family health. The program might also provide an effective
      model for engaging men in other health behavior change.

PMID- 28088515
TI  - The membrane-tethered NAC transcription factor, AtNTL7, contributes to ER-stress
      resistance in Arabidopsis.
AB  - We screened for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-resistant mutants among 25
      mutants of the Arabidopsis NTL (NAC with Transmembrane motif 1-Like) family. We
      identified a novel mutant, SALK_044777, showing strong resistance to ER stress.
      RT-PCR and genomic DNA sequence analyses identified the mutant as atntl7, which
      harbors a T-DNA insertion in the fourth exon of AtNTL7. Two other atntl7-mutant
      alleles, in which T-DNA was inserted in the second exon and third intron of
      AtNTL7, respectively, showed ER-stress sensitive phenotypes, suggesting that
      SALK_044777 is a gain-of-function mutant. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing
      AtNTL7 showed strong ER-stress resistance. Our findings suggest that AtNTL7
      fragment is cleaved from the ER membrane under ER stress and translocates into
      the nucleus to induce downstream ER-stress responsive genes.

PMID- 28088516
TI  - Structural study of the effects of mutations in proteins to identify the
      molecular basis of the loss of local structural fluidity leading to the onset of
      autoimmune diseases.
AB  - Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) are crucial in most of the biological
      processes and PPI dysfunctions are known to be associated with the onsets of
      various diseases. One of such diseases is the auto-immune disease. Auto-immune
      diseases are one among the less studied group of diseases with very high
      mortality rates. Thus, we tried to correlate the appearances of mutations with
      their probable biochemical basis of the molecular mechanisms leading to the onset
      of the disease phenotypes. We compared the effects of the Single Amino Acid
      Variants (SAVs) in the wild type and mutated proteins to identify any structural
      deformities that might lead to altered PPIs leading ultimately to disease onset.
      For this we used Relative Solvent Accessibility (RSA) as a spatial parameter to
      compare the structural perturbation in mutated and wild type proteins. We
      observed that the mutations were capable to increase intra-chain PPIs whereas
      inter-chain PPIs would remain mostly unaltered. This might lead to more intra
      molecular friction causing a deleterious alteration of protein's normal function.
      A Lyapunov exponent analysis, using the altered RSA values due to polymorphic and
      disease causing mutations, revealed polymorphic mutations have a positive mean
      value for the Lyapunov exponent while disease causing mutations have a negative
      mean value. Thus, local spatial stochasticity has been lost due to disease
      causing mutations, indicating a loss of structural fluidity. The amino acid
      conversion plot also showed a clear tendency of altered surface patch residue
      conversion propensity than polymorphic conversions. So far, this is the first
      report that compares the effects of different kinds of mutations (disease and non
      disease causing polymorphic mutations) in the onset of autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 28088517
TI  - Osborne-Mendel rats simultaneously develop cardiac and renal dysfunction, left
      atrial thrombosis, peripheral artery occlusion, and ascending aortic dissection.
AB  - Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) is strongly associated with onsets of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD), the pathogenic mechanism between these diseases has
      not been fully understood. To develop and validate new therapeutic strategies for
      this complication, appropriate experimental models that reflect the complexity of
      the underlying pathophysiology are needed. The Osborne-Mendel (OM) rat was
      identified as an atherosclerosis-prone and a premature-death rat strain among 16
      inbred rat strains when fed high-cholesterol containing diet. When fed high
      cholesterol diet, OM rats showed simultaneous occurrence of aortic aneurysm,
      aortic dissection, peripheral artery occlusion, and left atrial thrombosis. OM
      rats had significantly lower max dP/dt and higher min dP/dt than F344 rats did,
      indicating impaired left ventricle contractility and relaxation. OM rats
      developed renal dysfunction, showing increased urinary albumin excretion. OM rats
      also showed mild hypertension, decreased endothelial function, and enhanced
      coagulation and platelet aggregation, compared with F344 rats. We now report that
      OM rat would be a novel spontaneous animal model which simultaneously
      demonstrates cardiac and renal dysfunction, and CVD events. This model could be a
      useful model for the pre-clinical testing of pharmacological therapies and could
      provide new insight into potential targets and pathways for the treatment of CKD
      and CVD.

PMID- 28088518
TI  - S100A8 protein attenuates airway hyperresponsiveness by suppressing the
      contraction of airway smooth muscle.
AB  - Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a major clinical problem in allergic asthma
      mainly caused by the hypercontractility of airway smooth muscles (ASM). S100A8 is
      an important member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family with a potential
      to regulate cell contractility. Here, we analyze the potential of S100A8 to
      regulate allergen-induced AHR and ASM contraction. Treatment with recombinant
      S100A8 (rS100A8) diminished airway hyperresponsiveness in OVA-sensitized rats.
      ASM contraction assays showed that rS100A8 reduced hypercontractility in both
      isolated tracheal rings and primary ASM cells treated by acetylcholine. rS100A8
      markedly rescued the phosphorylation level of myosin light chain induced by
      acetylcholine in ASM cells. These results show that rS100A8 plays a protective
      role in regulating AHR in asthma by inhibiting ASM contraction. These results
      support S100A8 as a novel therapeutic target to control ASM contraction in
      asthma.

PMID- 28088519
TI  - Phytochemicals as multi-target inhibitors of the inflammatory pathway- A modeling
      and experimental study.
AB  - The arachidonic acid pathway consists of several enzymes and targeting them is
      favored for developing anti-inflammatory drugs. However, till date the current
      drugs are generally active against a single target, leading to undesirable side
      effects. Phytochemicals are known to inhibit multiple targets simultaneously and
      hence, an attempt is made here to investigate their suitability. A pharmacophore
      based study is performed with three sets of reported phytochemicals namely, dual
      5-LOX/mPGES1, alkaloids and FLAP inhibitors. The analysis indicated that
      phenylpropanoids (including ferulic acid) and benzoic acids derivatives, and
      berberine mapped onto these pharmacophores with three hydrophobic centroids and
      an acceptor feature. 2,4,5-trimethoxy (7) and 3,4-dimethoxy cinnamic acids (8)
      mapped onto all the three pharmacophores. Experimental studies indicated that
      berberine inhibited 5-LOX (100 MUM) and PGE2 (50 MUM) production by 72.2 and
      72.0% and ferulic acid by 74.3 and 54.4% respectively. This approach offers a
      promising theoretical combined with experimental strategy for designing novel
      molecules against inflammatory enzymes.

PMID- 28088520
TI  - Palmitic acid increases invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells AsPC-1 through
      TLR4/ROS/NF-kappaB/MMP-9 signaling pathway.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malady with proclivity for early
      metastasis. Overexpression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic malignancy, correlates to
      tumor size, lymph node involvement, venous invasion and pathological stage.
      Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are natural TLR4 ligands that have been shown to
      increase the invasive ability of PC cells. However, rapid inactivation of
      circulating LPS and low systemic absorption of inhaled LPS from the
      bronchoalveolar compartment make other agonists such as saturated fatty acids
      more suitable to be considered for TLR4-related cell invasiveness. Interestingly,
      PC risk was strongly associated to intake of saturated fat from animal food
      sources, in particular to consumption of saturated palmitic acid (PA). In the
      present study, we investigated the influence of PA on the invasive capacity of
      human PC cells AsPC-1. Using specific inhibitors, we found that PA stimulation of
      these tumor cells induced a TLR4-mediated cell invasion. Our results also
      indicate that the signaling events downstream of TLR4 involved generation of
      reactive oxygen species, activation of nuclear factor-kappa beta, and secretion
      and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Furthermore, PA stimulation
      decreased the levels of the micro RNA 29c (miR-29c). Of note, while inhibition of
      miR-29c increased MMP-9 mRNA levels, MMP-9 secretion and activation, and
      invasiveness, miR-29c mimic abrogated all these PA-stimulated effects. These
      results strongly suggest that miR-29c could be an attractive potential
      pharmacological agent for antitumoral therapy in PC.

PMID- 28088521
TI  - Signal peptidase I processed secretory signal sequences: Selection for and
      against specific amino acids at the second position of mature protein.
AB  - Signal peptides direct proteins from the cytoplasm to the periplasm. These N
      terminal peptides are cleaved upon entry to the periplasm by either signal
      peptidase I, or signal peptidase II for lipoproteins. Signal peptidase I is a
      serine protease that has either a serine-lysine or serine-histidine catalytic
      dyad present in the active site. The recognition site for signal peptide cleavage
      by signal peptidase I has been defined primarily by an Ala-X-Ala motif at the C
      terminal end of the signal peptide, one amino acid away from the cleavage site.
      We used a verified set of signal peptidase I cleaved proteins from E. coli to
      look for novel conserved features, focusing on the N-terminus of the mature
      protein. We observed a striking bias for the presence of acidic residues at
      second position of the mature protein (P2'), and a complete absence of aromatic
      amino acids at the same position. Whole genome analysis of the predicted set of
      all E. coli and B. subtilis secreted proteins confirmed the same strong bias for
      acidic residues at P2' of the mature protein, and against aromatic amino acids at
      the same position. When these studies were extended to archaeal genomes (M.
      voltae and S. tokodaii) and the yeast genome from S. cerevisiae, this bias was
      not observed. E. coli and B. subtilis primarily express a signal peptidase I
      contains a serine-lysine catalytic dyad, whilst those of archaeal and eukaryotic
      origin generally have a serine-histidine catalytic dyad. This difference may
      explain the differential bias for acidic residues and against aromatic residues
      at P2'. These observations suggest additional key residues that may favor or
      prevent signal sequence recognition or cleavage by signal peptidase I, and
      thereby facilitate more accurate in silico prediction of signal peptidase I
      cleavage sites.

PMID- 28088522
TI  - Down-regulation of GJA3 is associated with lens epithelial cell apoptosis and age
      related cataract.
AB  - Lens epithelial cell apoptosis is regarded as the common molecular basis of the
      initiation and subsequent progression of cataract. Recent studies have shown that
      Oxidative radicals derived from H2O2 causes lens epithelial cell apoptosis, While
      much work still needs to be done to elucidate this important mechanism of lens
      epithelial cell apoptosis induced by H2O2. The present study investigated the
      effect of human lens epithelial cell (SRA01/04) apoptosis induced by H2O2 and the
      possible molecular mechanism involved. Our data in this report has validated that
      H2O2 is an effective inducer of lens epithelial cells apoptosis, with the
      concentrations of H2O2 (100 MUM). Moreover, we revealed that the down regulation
      of the GJA3 gene was associated with H2O2-induced lens epithelial cells
      apoptosis. Over-expression of GJA3 gene restrained the lens epithelial cells
      apoptosis induced by H2O2. Furthermore, GJA3 V44 M mutation partly inhibited the
      capacity of GJA3 to suppress apoptosis induced by H2O2 in SRA01/04 cells,
      eliciting the critical role of GJA3 in H2O2-induced lens epithelial cells
      apoptosis. The in vivo results indicated that down-regulation of GJA3 in lens
      epithelial cells was associated with age-related cataract genesis. Data from this
      study established the association of GJA3 down regulation with lens epithelial
      cells apoptosis and age-related cataract genesis.

PMID- 28088523
TI  - The selective cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1R) antagonist montelukast
      regulates extracellular matrix remodeling.
AB  - Scar formation after filtration surgery of glaucoma is mainly caused by excessive
      synthesis of new extracellular matrix (ECM) and contraction of subconjunctival
      tissue mediated by human Tenon fibroblasts (HTFs) and the transforming growth
      factor (TGF-beta1). Montelukast, a potent and specific cysteinyl leukotriene
      receptor 1 (cysLT1R) antagonist, is a licensed drug clinically used for the
      treatment of bronchial asthma. In this study, we investigated the effects of
      montelukast on the contractility of HTFs cultured in a three-dimensional collagen
      gel. We found that cysLT1R was expressed in HTFs. Interestingly, the expression
      of cysLT1R was increased in response to TGF-beta1 in a dose dependent manner,
      suggesting its potential role in TGF-beta1 induced fibrosis. Importantly, we
      found that montelukast inhibited TGF-beta1-induced collagen gel contraction
      mediated by HTFs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In addition, TGF
      beta1-induced expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3, generation of fibronectin and type I
      collagen production, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin phosphorylation in
      HTFs were also ameliorated by montelukast in a dose dependent manner. These
      results suggested that montelukast might provide therapeutic possibilities for
      inhibition of scar formation after such surgery.

PMID- 28088524
TI  - Possible roles of the transcription factor Nrf1 (NFE2L1) in neural homeostasis by
      regulating the gene expression of deubiquitinating enzymes.
AB  - The transcription factor Nrf1 (NFE2L1) maintains protein homeostasis
      (proteostasis) by regulating the gene expression of proteasome subunits in
      response to proteasome inhibition. The deletion of the Nrf1 gene in neural
      stem/progenitor cells causes severe neurodegeneration due to the accumulation of
      ubiquitinated proteins in Purkinje cells and motor neurons (Nrf1 NKO mice).
      However, the molecular mechanisms governing this neurodegenerative process remain
      unclear. We demonstrate herein that the loss of Nrf1 leads to the reduced gene
      expression of the deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) but not proteasome subunits in
      Nrf1 NKO mice between P7 and P18. First, we show that K48-linked
      polyubiquitinated proteins accumulate in Nrf1-deficient Purkinje cells and
      cerebral cortex neurons. Nevertheless, loss of Nrf1 does not alter the expression
      and proteolytic activity of proteasome. A significantly reduced expression of
      deubiquitinating enzymes was also demonstrated in Nrf1-deficient cerebellar
      tissue using microarray analysis. The genome database further reveals species
      conserved ARE, a Nrf1 recognition element, in the regulatory region of certain
      DUB genes. Furthermore, we show that Nrf1 can activate Usp9x gene expression
      related to neurodegeneration. Altogether these findings suggest that
      neurodegeneration in Nrf1 NKO mice may stem from the dysfunction of the ubiquitin
      mediated regulation of neuronal proteins.

PMID- 28088525
TI  - Miles Away Milestones: A Framework for Assessment of Pediatric Residents During
      Global Health Rotations.

PMID- 28088526
TI  - Subcutaneous immunization with Streptococcus pneumoniae GAPDH confers effective
      protection in mice via TLR2 and TLR4.
AB  - The surface localized Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) of
      Streptococcus pneumoniae is best known as housekeeping protein. Currently, GAPDH
      has been recognized as moonlighting protein and virulent factor. Therefore, we
      investigate whether GAPDH can act as a suitable vaccine candidate protein to
      prevent pneumococcal infection. In this study, mice received subcutaneous
      vaccination with recombinant GAPDH followed by challenge with D39 and 19F showing
      higher survival rate and lower bacterial loads in nasal washes and lung
      homogenates than control. Meanwhile, high titers of rGAPDH specific antibody and
      elevated titers of IgG subtype indicated that rGAPDH could elicit immune response
      in mice. Then, we investigated the mechanism that immunization with rGAPDH
      conferred protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae in host. In vitro
      experiments, rGAPDH induced phenotypic and functional maturation of BMDCs,
      because the high expression of CD40, CD86 and MHC II and the production of IL
      12p70, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were observed after treatment with rGAPDH. However, the
      costimulatory molecules and cytokines declined significantly in TLR2-/- and TLR4
      /- mice, indicating rGAPDH can be a potential ligand for both TLR2 and TLR4.
      Subsequent investigations suggested that rGAPDH could also activate the
      phosphorylation of MAPKs, PI3K-Akt and NF-kappaB. Meantime, upregulation of mir
      146a and downregulation of mir-27a in BMDCs were observed. Taken together, our
      findings confirm that rGAPDH, a housekeeping protein, is also qualified as a
      vaccine candidate protein and rGAPDH activates BMDCs in a TLR2 and TLR4 dependent
      manner.

PMID- 28088527
TI  - Navigation in the electronic health record: A review of the safety and usability
      literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Inefficient navigation in electronic health records has been shown to
      increase users' cognitive load, which may increase potential for errors, reduce
      efficiency, and increase fatigue. However, navigation has received insufficient
      recognition and attention in the electronic health record (EHR) literature as an
      independent construct and contributor to overall usability. Our aims in this
      literature review were to (1) assess the prevalence of navigation-related topics
      within the EHR usability and safety research literature, (2) categorize types of
      navigation actions within the EHR, (3) capture relationships between these
      navigation actions and usability principles, and (4) collect terms and concepts
      related to EHR navigation. Our goal was to improve access to navigation-related
      research in usability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We applied scoping literature
      review search methods with the assistance of a reference librarian to identify
      articles published since 1996 that reported evaluation of the usability or safety
      of an EHR user interface via user test, analytic methods, or inspection methods.
      The 4336 references collected from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Engineering Village, and
      expert referrals were de-duplicated and screened for relevance, and navigation
      related concepts were abstracted from the 21 articles eligible for review using a
      standard abstraction form. RESULTS: Of the 21 eligible articles, 20 (95%)
      mentioned navigation in results and discussion of usability evaluations.
      Navigation between pages of the EHR was the more frequently documented type of
      navigation (86%) compared to navigation within a single page (14%). Navigation
      actions (e.g., scrolling through a medication list) were frequently linked to
      specific usability heuristic violations, among which flexibility and efficiency
      of use, recognition rather than recall, and error prevention were most common.
      DISCUSSION: Discussion of navigation was prevalent in results across all types of
      evaluation methods among the articles reviewed. Navigating between multiple
      screens was frequently identified as a usability barrier. The lack of standard
      terminology created some challenges to identifying and comparing articles.
      CONCLUSION: We observed that usability researchers are frequently capturing
      navigation-related issues even in articles that did not explicitly state
      navigation as a focus. Capturing and synthesizing the literature on navigation is
      challenging because of the lack of uniform vocabulary. Navigation is a potential
      target for normative recommendations for improved interaction design for safer
      systems. Future research in this domain, including development of normative
      recommendations for usability design and evaluation, will be facilitated by
      development of a standard terminology for describing EHR navigation.

PMID- 28088528
TI  - Study of the involved sorption mechanisms of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) species onto
      dried Salvinia auriculata biomass.
AB  - Removal of Cr(VI) species by dried biomass of the aquatic macrophyte Salvinia
      auriculata was studied in order to understand the involved sorption mechanisms.
      Kinetic tests were carried out under the conditions such as concentration range
      of Cr(VI) from 50 to 250 mg L-1 and a temperature of 30  degrees C. Modification
      of the biosorbent by the presence of Cr(VI) species was assessed by analysis of
      its porosity, density and infrared molecular absorption spectrum. A series of
      experimental approaches involving directed chemical modifications on the
      biosorbent surface was performed. The main functional groups involved in the
      sorption mechanisms were identified. The gas sorption analyser was applied and
      proved that a strong chemical effect of Cr(VI) species on the surface took place,
      resulting in a leaching organic matter with an obvious and significant increase
      in the porosity parameters. The intra-particle diffusion model revealed different
      mass transfer zones into the adsorbent during Cr(VI) removal. New combined
      Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm was the best to fit the equilibrium
      data of Cr(VI) species removal. Finally, Cr(VI) removal was mainly mediated by a
      redox process where Cr(III) species were formed.

PMID- 28088529
TI  - Effect of water chemistry on disinfection by-product formation in the complex
      surface water system.
AB  - The relationship between the disinfection by-products (DBPs) formed with
      chlorination and chloramination techniques and the water chemistry of Haihe River
      was compared. Samples were collected at 28 different points within the mainstream
      and tributaries of the river. The DBPs investigated include trihalomethanes
      (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), haloacetonitriles (HANs), haloketones (HKs), and
      trichloronitromethane. THMs formed when the samples were chlorinated mostly
      exceeded 100 and 600 MUg/L in the mainstream and tributaries and in the estuary,
      respectively. A similar trend was obtained for HAAs whose concentrations exceeded
      150 MUg/L in almost all samples. The amounts of DBPs formed when the samples were
      chloraminated were much lower than when chlorination was used. The concentrations
      and species of THMs and HAAs in samples collected from sites near the estuary
      were different from those in samples collected from the mainstream, which may be
      due to high concentrations of Cl- and Br-. Although natural organic matter is the
      major cause of DBP formation during water disinfection, this study shows that
      other water chemistry factors such as salt composition and concentrations may
      also considerably affect the formation of DBPs in natural aquatic systems.

PMID- 28088530
TI  - Distribution of antibiotic resistance in the effluents of ten municipal
      wastewater treatment plants in China and the effect of treatment processes.
AB  - Municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents represent an important
      contamination source of antibiotic resistance, threatening the ecological safety
      of receiving environments. In this study, the release of antibiotic resistance to
      sulfonamides and tetracyclines in the effluents of ten WWTPs in China was
      investigated. Results indicate that the concentrations of antibiotic-resistant
      bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) ranged from 1.1 * 101 to
      8.9 * 103 CFU mL-1 and 3.6 * 101 (tetW) to 5.4 * 106 (tetX) copies mL-1,
      respectively. There were insignificant correlations of the concentrations of ARB
      and ARGs with those of corresponding antibiotics. Strong correlations were
      observed between the total concentrations of tetracycline resistance genes and
      sulfonamide resistance genes, and both of which were significantly correlated
      with intI1 concentrations. Statistical analysis of the effluent ARG
      concentrations in different WWTPs revealed an important role of disinfection in
      eliminating antibiotic resistance. The release rates of ARB and ARGs through the
      effluents of ten WWTPs ranged from 5.9 * 1012 to 4.8 * 1015 CFU d-1 and 6.4 *
      1012 (tetW) to 1.7 * 1018 (sul1) copies d-1, respectively. This study helps the
      effective assessment and scientific management of ecological risks induced by
      antibiotic resistance discharged from WWTPs.

PMID- 28088532
TI  - Comparison of an anaerobic feed and split anaerobic-aerobic feed on granular
      sludge development, performance and ecology.
AB  - The retrofitting of existing wastewater sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) to
      select for rapid-settling aerobic granular sludge (AGS) over floc-based
      conventional activated sludge (CAS), could be a viable option to decrease reactor
      cycle time and increase hydraulic capacity. Successful CAS-to-AGS conversion has
      previously been shown to be highly dependent on having a dedicated anaerobic
      feed, which presents additional engineering challenges when retrofitting SBRs. In
      this study we compared the performance of a split anaerobic-aerobic (An-Aer) feed
      with that of a traditional dedicated anaerobic feed regarding AGS formation and
      stability, nitrogen removal performance and microbial ecology. Using pilot
      trials, we showed that AGS could be established and maintained when using a split
      An-Aer feed at low organic loading rates analogous to that of a parallel full
      scale conventional SBR. Additionally, we showed that AGS start-up time and
      nitrogen removal performance were comparable under a split An-Aer feed and
      dedicated anaerobic feed. Microbial ecology characterisations based on whole-of
      community 16S rRNA profiles and targeted analysis of functional genes specific
      for nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms, showed that the two different
      feed strategies had only subtle impacts on both the overall community composition
      and functional ecology. A much greater divergence in microbial ecology was seen
      when comparing AGS with CAS. Data presented here will be of value to those
      planning to retrofit existing CAS-based SBRs to operate with AGS and demonstrates
      the viability of using a more cost-effective split An-Aer feed configuration over
      a dedicated anaerobic feed.

PMID- 28088531
TI  - The effect of dissolved organic matter on soybean peroxidase-mediated removal of
      triclosan in water.
AB  - Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is ubiquitous in water and involved in numerous
      important chemical processes in aqueous systems, enabling it a unique challenge
      for a variety of water treatment processes. Soybean peroxidase (SBP)-based
      enzymatic process, as a promising treatment technique, has been successfully
      applied to remove pollutants in wastewaters such as coal-tar and refinery
      wastewater. In this study, the effect of DOM on the removal of polychlorinated
      aromatic antimicrobials triclosan (TCS) by SBP was investigated. Our results
      suggested that DOM significantly suppressed the catalytic performance of SBP to
      TCS, presumably resulting from the competition of the phenolic moiety in DOM
      structure as the active substrate of SBP via the analysis of excitation emission
      matrix (EEM) spectra of DOM. Although the product species of TCS in SBP-mediated
      system with DOM has no change compared with the system without DOM, the yields of
      self-coupling products relative to total transformed TCS were remarkably reduced
      in the presence of DOM, suggesting that DOM participated in the oxidative
      coupling reactions. Cross-coupling between TCS and DOM was also verified using
      guaiacol as a model DOM constituent. Moreover, the products including self
      coupling products and co-polymers in SBP-mediated TCS reaction system with DOM
      were innocuous through growth inhibition assay of S. obliquus.

PMID- 28088533
TI  - Anti-HMGCR and anti-DFS70 antibodies immunofluorescence patterns.

PMID- 28088534
TI  - The social transmission of metacontrol policies: Mechanisms underlying the
      interpersonal transfer of persistence and flexibility.
AB  - Humans often face binary cognitive-control dilemmas, with the choice between
      persistence and flexibility being a crucial one. Tackling these dilemmas requires
      metacontrol, i.e., the control of the current cognitive-control policy. As
      predicted from functional, psychometric, neuroscientific, and modeling
      approaches, interindividual variability in metacontrol biases towards persistence
      or flexibility could be demonstrated in metacontrol-sensitive tasks. These biases
      covary systematically with genetic predispositions regarding mesofrontal and
      nigrostriatal dopaminergic functioning and the individualistic or collectivistic
      nature of the cultural background. However, there is also evidence for mood- and
      meditation-induced intraindividual variability (with negative mood and focused
      attention meditation being associated with a bias towards persistence, and
      positive mood and open-monitoring meditation being associated with a bias towards
      flexibility), suggesting that genetic and cultural factors do not determine
      metacontrol settings entirely. We suggest a theoretical framework that explains
      how genetic predisposition and cultural learning can lead to the implementation
      of metacontrol defaults, which however can be shifted towards persistence or
      flexibility by situational factors.

PMID- 28088535
TI  - Neurobiological consequences of juvenile stress: A GABAergic perspective on risk
      and resilience.
AB  - ALBRECHT, A., MULLER, I., ARDI, Z., CALISKAN, G., GRUBER, D., IVENS, S., SEGAL,
      M., BEHR, J., HEINEMANN, U., STORK, O., and RICHTER-LEVIN, G. Neurobiological
      consequences of juvenile stress: A GABAergic perspective on risk and resilience.
      NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV XXX-XXX, 2016.- Childhood adversity is among the most
      potent risk factors for developing mood and anxiety disorders later in life.
      Therefore, understanding how stress during childhood shapes and rewires the brain
      may optimize preventive and therapeutic strategies for these disorders. To this
      end, animal models of stress exposure in rodents during their post-weaning and
      pre-pubertal life phase have been developed. Such 'juvenile stress' has a long
      lasting impact on mood and anxiety-like behavior and on stress coping in
      adulthood, accompanied by alterations of the GABAergic system within core regions
      for the stress processing such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and
      hippocampus. While many regionally diverse molecular and electrophysiological
      changes are observed, not all of them correlate with juvenile stress-induced
      behavioral disturbances. It rather seems that certain juvenile stress-induced
      alterations reflect the system's attempts to maintain homeostasis and thus
      promote stress resilience. Analysis tools such as individual behavioral profiling
      may allow the association of behavioral and neurobiological alterations more
      clearly and the dissection of alterations related to the pathology from those
      related to resilience.

PMID- 28088536
TI  - Targeting sonic hedgehog signaling in neurological disorders.
AB  - Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling influences neurogenesis and neural patterning
      during the development of central nervous system. Dysregulation of Shh signaling
      in brain leads to neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorder,
      depression, dementia, stroke, Parkinson's diseases, Huntington's disease,
      locomotor deficit, epilepsy, demyelinating disease, neuropathies as well as brain
      tumors. The synthesis, processing and transport of Shh ligand as well as the
      localization of its receptors and signal transduction in the central nervous
      system has been carefully reviewed. Further, we summarize the regulation of small
      molecule modulators of Shh pathway with potential in neurological disorders. In
      conclusion, further studies are warranted to demonstrate the potential of
      positive and negative regulators of the Shh pathway in neurological disorders.

PMID- 28088537
TI  - Mouse models of frontotemporal dementia: A comparison of phenotypes with clinical
      symptomatology.
AB  - Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common cause of young onset
      dementia. It is increasingly recognized that there is a clinical continuum
      between FTD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). At a clinical, pathological
      and genetic level there is much heterogeneity in FTD, meaning that our
      understanding of this condition, pathophysiology and development of treatments
      has been limited. A number of mouse models focusing predominantly on
      recapitulating neuropathological and molecular changes of disease have been
      developed, with most transgenic lines expressing a single specific protein or
      genetic mutation. Together with the species-typical presentation of functional
      deficits, this makes the direct translation of results from these models to
      humans difficult. However, understanding the phenotypical presentations in mice
      and how they relate to clinical symptomology in humans is essential for advancing
      translation. Here we review current mouse models in FTD and compare their
      phenotype to the clinical presentation in patients.

PMID- 28088538
TI  - Perceived parental alcohol problems and drinking patterns in youth: A cross
      sectional study of 69,030 secondary education students in Denmark.
AB  - The aim of the study was to examine whether young people with parental alcohol
      problems have different drinking patterns than those without parental alcohol
      problems. Further, we examined whether the association between parental alcohol
      problems and young people's drinking patterns differed depending on the gender of
      the child and the parent, and whether more severe parental alcohol problems and
      cohabitation with the parent with alcohol problems was associated with earlier
      and heavier drinking patterns. Data came from the Danish National Youth Study
      2014, a web-based national survey. 75,025 high school and vocational school
      students (15-25years) participated. Drinking patterns were investigated by the
      following outcomes: non-drinking, weekly alcohol consumption, frequent binge
      drinking, and early intoxication debut age. The main predictor variables were
      perceived parental alcohol problems, gender of the parent with alcohol problems,
      cohabitation with a parent with alcohol problems and severity of the parents'
      alcohol problems. Young people with parental alcohol problems had a higher weekly
      alcohol consumption (boys: 15.2 vs. 13.9 drinks per week; girls: 11.6 vs. 10.2
      drinks per week), higher odds of early intoxication debut age (boys: OR=1.68 [95%
      CI 1.50-1.89]; girls: OR 1.95 [95% CI 1.79-2.14]), and more frequent binge
      drinking (boys, OR=1.16 [95% CI 1.04-1.29]; girls, OR=1.21 [95% CI 1.11-1.32])
      compared to young people without parental alcohol problems. In conclusion, this
      study shows that young people with perceived parental alcohol problems have an
      earlier intoxication debut age, binge drink more frequently, and drink larger
      quantities per week than young people without perceived parental alcohol
      problems.

PMID- 28088539
TI  - The DNA damage response of C. elegans affected by gravity sensing and
      radiosensitivity during the Shenzhou-8 spaceflight.
AB  - Space radiation and microgravity are recognized as primary and inevitable risk
      factors for humans traveling in space, but the reports regarding their
      synergistic effects remain inconclusive and vary across studies due to
      differences in the environmental conditions and intrinsic biological sensitivity.
      Thus, we studied the synergistic effects on transcriptional changes in the global
      genome and DNA damage response (DDR) by using dys-1 mutant and ced-1 mutant of C.
      elegans, which respectively presented microgravity-insensitivity and
      radiosensitivity when exposure to spaceflight condition (SF) and space radiation
      (SR). The dys-1 mutation induced similar transcriptional changes under both
      conditions, including the transcriptional distribution and function of altered
      genes. The majority of alterations were related to metabolic shift under both
      conditions, including transmembrane transport, lipid metabolic processes and
      proteolysis. Under SF and SR conditions, 12/14 and 10/13 altered pathways,
      respectively, were both grouped in the metabolism category. Out of the 778 genes
      involved in DDR, except eya-1 and ceh-34, 28 altered genes in dys-1 mutant showed
      no predicted protein interactions, or anti-correlated miRNAs during spaceflight.
      The ced-1 mutation induced similar changes under SF and SR; however, these
      effects were stronger than those of the dys-1 mutant. The additional genes
      identified were related to phosphorous/phosphate metabolic processes and growth
      rather than, metabolism, especially for environmental information processing
      under SR. Although the DDR profiles were significantly changed under both
      conditions, the ced-1 mutation favored DNA repair under SF and apoptosis under
      SR. Notably, 37 miRNAs were predicted to be involved in the DDR. Our study
      indicates that, the dys-1 mutation reduced the transcriptional response to SF,
      and the ced-1 mutation increased the response to SR, when compared with the wild
      type C. elegans. Although some effects were due to radiosensitivity,
      microgravity, depending on the dystrophin, exerts predominant effects on
      transcription in C. elegans during short-duration spaceflight.

PMID- 28088540
TI  - Multiplexed site-specific genome engineering for overproducing bioactive
      secondary metabolites in actinomycetes.
AB  - Actinomycetes produce a large variety of pharmaceutically active compounds, yet
      production titers often require to be improved for discovery, development and
      large-scale manufacturing. Here, we describe a new technique, multiplexed site
      specific genome engineering (MSGE) via the 'one integrase-multiple attB sites'
      concept, for the stable integration of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene
      clusters (BGCs). Using MSGE, we achieved five-copy chromosomal integration of the
      pristinamycin II (PII) BGC in Streptomyces pristinaespiralis, resulting in the
      highest reported PII titers in flask and batch fermentations (2.2 and 2g/L,
      respectively). Furthermore, MSGE was successfully extended to develop a panel of
      powerful Streptomyces coelicolor heterologous hosts, in which up to four copies
      of the BGCs for chloramphenicol or anti-tumour compound YM-216391 were
      efficiently integrated in a single step, leading to significantly elevated
      productivity (2-23 times). Our multiplexed approach holds great potential for
      robust genome engineering of industrial actinomycetes and novel drug discovery by
      genome mining.

PMID- 28088541
TI  - Secretory pathway optimization of CHO producer cells by co-engineering of the
      mitosRNA-1978 target genes CerS2 and Tbc1D20.
AB  - Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are the most commonly used host for the
      production of biopharmaceuticals. Although transcription and translation
      engineering strategies have been employed to generate high-producer cell clones,
      the secretory pathway still remains a bottleneck in cellular productivity. In
      this study we show that ectopic expression of a human mitochondrial genome
      encoded small RNA (mitosRNA-1978) in an IgG expressing CHO cell line strongly
      improved specific productivity by functioning in a microRNA-like fashion. By next
      generation sequencing we identified two endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized
      proteins, Ceramide Synthase 2 (CerS2) and the Rab1 GAP Tbc domain family member
      20 (Tbc1D20), as target genes of mitosRNA-1978. Combined transient siRNA-mediated
      knockdown of CerS2 and Tbc1D20 resulted in increased specific productivity of CHO
      IgG cells, thus recapitulating the mitosRNA-1978 phenotype. In support of a
      function in vesicular trafficking at the level of the ER, we provide evidence for
      altered cellular ceramide composition upon CerS2 knockdown and increased activity
      of Rab1 in CHO-IgG cells depleted of Tbc1D20. Importantly, in a fed-batch
      process, the combined stable knockdown of CerS2 and Tbc1D20 in CHO-IgG cells
      resulted in dramatically increased antibody production which was accompanied by
      enhanced cell growth. Thus, by identifying mitosRNA-1978 target genes in
      combination with an informed shRNA-mediated co-engineering approach we
      successfully optimized the secretory capacity of CHO producer cells used for the
      manufacturing of therapeutic proteins.

PMID- 28088542
TI  - Interaction of earthworms-microbe facilitating biofilm dewaterability performance
      during wasted activated sludge reduction and stabilization.
AB  - Sludge dewaterability was chemically and morphologically explored during sewage
      sludge treatment by vermifiltration. The results, with a conventional biofilter
      (BF, no earthworms) as a control, demonstrated that the capillary suction
      time(CST) and specific resistance of filtration(SRF) of vermifilter (VF, with
      earthworms) treated sludge were 64.9+/-1.7s and (23.1+/-1.3)*1012m/kg,16.8% and
      36.0% lower than that of the BF, respectively. Additionally, the VF could
      efficiently decompose loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS),
      releasing more water trapped inside biofilm. Furthermore, the VF enable to reduce
      the electrostatic repulsive forces between particles, verified by 9.61+/-0.19mV
      of the absolute value of zeta potential, 19.6% lower than that of the BF.
      Notably, based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, the fractal
      dimension (Df) of sludge floc structure stated that more small and loose sludge
      flocs tended to aggregate into bigger inorganic particles. Therefore sludge flocs
      with highly compacted structure and smooth surface can transform part of vicinal
      water and water of hydration into easier-removed interstitial water, improving
      the dewaterability.

PMID- 28088543
TI  - Transformation of terrestrial organic matter along thermokarst-affected
      permafrost coasts in the Arctic.
AB  - The changing climate in the Arctic has a profound impact on permafrost coasts,
      which are subject to intensified thermokarst formation and erosion. Consequently,
      terrestrial organic matter (OM) is mobilized and transported into the nearshore
      zone. Yet, little is known about the fate of mobilized OM before and after
      entering the ocean. In this study we investigated a retrogressive thaw slump
      (RTS) on Qikiqtaruk - Herschel Island (Yukon coast, Canada). The RTS was
      classified into an undisturbed, a disturbed (thermokarst-affected) and a
      nearshore zone and sampled systematically along transects. Samples were analyzed
      for total and dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (TOC, DOC, TN, DN), stable
      carbon isotopes (delta13C-TOC, delta13C-DOC), and dissolved inorganic nitrogen
      (DIN), which were compared between the zones. C/N-ratios, delta13C signatures,
      and ammonium (NH4-N) concentrations were used as indicators for OM degradation
      along with biomarkers (n-alkanes, n-fatty acids, n-alcohols). Our results show
      that OM significantly decreases after disturbance with a TOC and DOC loss of 77
      and 55% and a TN and DN loss of 53 and 48%, respectively. C/N-ratios decrease
      significantly, whereas NH4-N concentrations slightly increase in freshly thawed
      material. In the nearshore zone, OM contents are comparable to the disturbed
      zone. We suggest that the strong decrease in OM is caused by initial dilution
      with melted massive ice and immediate offshore transport via the thaw stream. In
      the mudpool and thaw stream, OM is subject to degradation, whereas in the slump
      floor the nitrogen decrease is caused by recolonizing vegetation. Within the
      nearshore zone of the ocean, heavier portions of OM are directly buried in marine
      sediments close to shore. We conclude that RTS have profound impacts on coastal
      environments in the Arctic. They mobilize nutrients from permafrost,
      substantially decrease OM contents and provide fresh water and nutrients at a
      point source.

PMID- 28088544
TI  - Off-site impacts of wildfires on aquatic systems - Biomarker responses of the
      mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki.
AB  - The number of wildfires has markedly increased in Mediterranean Europe, including
      in Portugal. Wildfires are environmentally concerning, not only due to the loss
      of biodiversity and forest area, but also as a consequence of environmental
      contamination by specific compounds including metals and polycyclic aromatic
      compounds (PAHs). These contaminants, mostly bound to ashes, can reach downstream
      water bodies, namely through surface runoff, being ultimately dispersed by vast
      areas and contacting with aquatic biota. Being toxicologically noteworthy, the
      potential toxic outcomes of the input of such chemicals across the aquatic
      compartment must be characterized. In this context, the present study used a
      biomarker-based approach to find early-warning signals of toxicity triggered by
      the exposure of the mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, to affected aqueous runoff
      and stream water samples collected from a forest burnt area. The chemical
      analysis revealed concerning levels of metals and polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons in both runoff and stream water samples. Biological responses
      elicited by the collected samples showed the occurrence of pro-oxidative
      modifications, specifically driven by enzymatic forms involved in the metabolism
      of glutathione. Despite these effects, no further signs of involvement of metals
      and PAHs were elicited in terms of neurotoxicity. The overall set of data
      implicates chemicals resulting from wildfires in clear deleterious effects in
      exposed fish.

PMID- 28088545
TI  - How do people's perceptions and climatic disaster experiences influence their
      daily behaviors regarding adaptation to climate change? - A case study among
      young generations.
AB  - Adaptation is a commonly applied strategy used to address individual behavior
      changes, in response to climate change. However, in-depth, evidence-based
      investigations of the relationships among individual perceptions, climatic
      disaster experiences, and daily behaviors regarding adaptation to climate change
      remain to be conducted. We obtained survey data from 488 respondents in
      southwestern China, a region prone to frequent and severe droughts, to assess
      factors that influence adaptive behaviors and to identify their pathways. We
      applied Construal Level Theory (CLT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to
      differentiate between respondents' high-level abstract construals and their low
      level concrete construals. We analyzed the influences of these two levels of
      perception, combined with drought experiences on water-saving behaviors. We
      developed a structural equation model to estimate the correlation coefficients of
      the latent and observed variables in the structural process linked to the
      respondents' adaptive behaviors. The results found that a concrete perception of
      saving water plays a more significant part than an abstract perception of climate
      change in prompting specific adaptive behaviors. Improving public perceptions of
      climate change might increase the desirability of adaptation, whereas improving
      perceptions of water saving might increase the feasibility of implementing
      adaptive measures. Experience influenced individual behaviors, but that influence
      was indirect through its effects on perceptions.

PMID- 28088546
TI  - Product vs corporate carbon footprint: Some methodological issues. A case study
      and review on the wine sector.
AB  - Carbon footprint (CF) is nowadays one of the most widely used environmental
      indicators. The scope of the CF assessment could be corporate (when all
      production processes of a company are evaluated, together with upstream and
      downstream processes following a life cycle approach) or product (when one of the
      products is evaluated throughout its life cycle). Our hypothesis was that usually
      product CF studies (PCF) collect corporate data, because it is easier for
      companies to obtain them than product data. Six main methodological issues to
      take into account when collecting corporate data to be used for PCF studies were
      postulated and discussed in the present paper: fugitive emissions, credits from
      waste recycling, use of "equivalent factors", reference flow definition,
      accumulation and allocation of corporate values to minor products. A big project
      with 18 wineries, being wine one of the most important agri-food products
      assessed through CF methodologies, was used to study and to exemplify these 6
      methodological issues. One of the main conclusions was that indeed, it is
      possible to collect corporate inventory data in a per year basis to perform a
      PCF, but having in mind the 6 methodological issues described here. In the
      literature, most of the papers are presenting their results as a PCF, while they
      collected company data and obtained, in fact, a "key performance indicator" (ie.,
      CO2eq emissions per unit of product produced), which is then used as a product
      environmental impact figure. The methodology discussed in this paper for the wine
      case study is widely applicable to any other product or industrial activity.

PMID- 28088547
TI  - Traffic-related trace elements in soils along six highway segments on the Tibetan
      Plateau: Influence factors and spatial variation.
AB  - The accumulation of traffic-related trace elements in soil as the result of
      anthropogenic activities raises serious concerns about environmental pollution
      and public health. Traffic is the main source of trace elements in roadside soil
      on the Tibetan Plateau, an area otherwise devoid of industrial emissions. Indeed,
      the rapid development of tourism and transportation in this region means it is
      becoming increasingly important to identify the accumulation levels, influence
      distance, spatial distribution, and other relevant factors influencing trace
      elements. In this study, 229 soil samples along six segments of the major
      transportation routes on the Tibetan Plateau (highways G214, S308, and G109),
      were collected for analysis of eight trace elements (Cr, Co, Ni, As, Cu, Zn, Cd,
      and Pb). The results of statistical analyses showed that of the eight trace
      elements in soils, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were primarily derived from traffic. The
      relationship between the trace element accumulation levels and the distance from
      the roadside followed an exponential decline, with the exception of Segment 3,
      the only unpaved gravel road studied. In addition, the distance of influence from
      the roadside varied by trace element and segment, ranging from 16m to 144m.
      Background values for each segment were different because of soil heterogeneity,
      while a number of other potential influencing factors (including traffic volume,
      road surface material, roadside distance, land cover, terrain, and altitude) all
      had significant effects on trace-element concentrations. Overall, however,
      concentrations along most of the road segments investigated were at, or below,
      levels defined as low on the Nemero Synthesis index.

PMID- 28088548
TI  - Soil carbon dioxide emissions from a rubber plantation on tropical peat.
AB  - Land-use change in tropical peatland potentially results in a large amount of
      carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions owing to drainage, which lowers groundwater level
      (GWL) and consequently enhances oxidative peat decomposition. However, field
      information on carbon balance is lacking for rubber plantations, which are
      expanding into Indonesia's peatlands. To assess soil CO2 emissions from an eight
      year-old rubber plantation established on peat after compaction, soil CO2 efflux
      was measured monthly using a closed chamber system from December 2014 to December
      2015, in which a strong El Nino event occurred, and consequently GWL lowered
      deeply. Total soil respiration (SR) and oxidative peat decomposition (PD) were
      separately quantified by trenching. In addition, peat surface elevation was
      measured to determine annual subsidence along with GWL. With GWL, SR showed a
      negative logarithmic relationship (p<0.01), whereas PD showed a strong negative
      linearity (p<0.001). Using the significant relationships, annual SR and PD were
      calculated from hourly GWL data to be 3293+/-1039 and 1408+/-214gCm-2yr-1 (mean+/
      1 standard deviation), respectively. PD accounted for 43% of SR on an annual
      basis. SR showed no significant difference between near and far positions from
      rubber trees (p>0.05). Peat surface elevation varied seasonally in almost
      parallel with GWL. After correcting for GWL difference, annual total subsidence
      was determined at 5.64+/-3.20 and 5.96+/-0.43cmyr-1 outside and inside the
      trenching, respectively. Annual subsidence only through peat oxidation that was
      calculated from the annual PD, peat bulk density and peat carbon content was
      1.50cmyr-1. As a result, oxidative peat decomposition accounted for 25% of total
      subsidence (5.96cmyr-1) on average on an annual basis. The contribution of peat
      oxidation was lower than those of previous studies probably because of compaction
      through land preparation.

PMID- 28088549
TI  - Redistribution of elements between wastes and organic-bearing material in the
      dispersion train of gold-bearing sulfide tailings: Part I. Geochemistry and
      mineralogy.
AB  - Migration and redistribution of elements during prolonged interaction of cyanide
      wastes with the underlying natural organic-bearing material have been studied in
      two ~40cm deep cores that sample primary ores and their weathering profile
      (wastes I and II, respectively) in the dispersion train of gold-bearing sulfide
      tailings in Siberia. Analytical results of SR-XRF, whole-rock XRF, AAS, CHNS, and
      SEM measurements of core samples show high K, Sr, Ti, and Fe enrichments and
      correlation of P2O5 and Mn with LOI and Corg. Organic material interlayered or
      mixed with the wastes accumulates Cu, Zn, Se, Cd, Ag, Au, and Hg. The peat that
      contacts wastes II bears up to 3wt.% Zn, 1000g/t Se, 100g/t Cd, and 8000g/t Hg.
      New phases of Zn and Hg sulfides and Hg selenides occur as abundant sheaths over
      bacterial cells suggesting microbial mediation in sorption of elements. Organic
      bearing material in the cores contains 10-30g/t Au in 2-5cm thick intervals, both
      within and outside the intervals rich in sulfides and selenides. Most of gold is
      invisible but reaches 345g/t and forms 50nm to 1.5MUm Au0 particles in a thin 2
      3cm interval of organic remnants mixed with wastes I. Vertical and lateral
      infiltration of AMD waters in peat and oxidative dissolution of wastes within the
      dispersion train of the Ursk tailings lead to redistribution of elements and
      their accumulation by combined physical (material's permeability, direction AMD),
      chemical (complexing, sorption by organic matter and Fe(III) hydroxides) and
      biochemical (metabolism of sulfate-reducing bacteria) processes. The accumulated
      elements form secondary sulfates, and Hg and Zn selenides. The results provide
      insights into accumulation of elements in the early history of coal and black
      shale deposits and have implications for remediation of polluted areas and for
      secondary enrichment technologies.

PMID- 28088551
TI  - Individual and sex differences in high and low responder phenotypes.
AB  - Individual differences in responses to a novel environment are an important tool
      to predict predisposition to neuropsychiatric disorders. One way to examine
      individual differences involves classifying animals based on locomotion in a
      novel context. In this study we focused on individual and sex differences by
      categorizing female and male mice as high (HR) or low responders (LR) on the
      basis of open field locomotion. We then assessed whether groups differed on
      behavioral measures of spontaneous alternations, anxiety, depression and
      contextual fear conditioning. In the Y-maze, we observed no differences across
      HR/LR or sex on spontaneous alternations, but HR displayed more locomotion. HR
      male mice showed less anxiety-like behavior in the light-dark test but not the
      elevated plus maze. We observed no differences in the forced swim test across
      HR/LR, although males exhibited greater depression-like behavior overall. HR mice
      exhibited less contextual fear memory compared to LR regardless of sex. Principal
      component analyses suggested sex-specific patterns of behaviors across tests,
      with female responses within individual tests tending to load together. In
      females anxiety- and depression-like behaviors explained a large part of the
      variance observed across tests in our battery, whereas male behavior was
      primarily explained by variables related to locomotion.

PMID- 28088550
TI  - Novel involvement of miR-522-3p in high-mobility group box 1-induced
      prostaglandin reductase 1 expression and reduction of phagocytosis.
AB  - Resolution of inflammation is important for physiological homeostasis. Chronic
      inflammatory diseases may be caused by abnormal resolution of inflammation.
      However, what causes a failure of inflammatory resolution is unclear. Here we
      investigated the involvement of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein in the
      control of inflammatory resolution as an 'anti-resolution factor'. We first
      confirmed the increased expression of HMGB1 and prostaglandin reductase 1 (PTGR1)
      in inflammatory conditions and HMGB1-mediated regulation of the expression of
      PTGR1. The inhibition of phagocytosis by HMGB1 was abrogated by PTGR1 silencing.
      PTGR1 was a direct target of miR522-3p and its expression was regulated by miRNA
      522-3p inhibitor or mimic. Finally, miR-522-3p had an important role in the
      regulation of PTGR1 expression by HMGB1. The data indicates that HMGB1-miR-522-3p
      PTGR1 axis may be involved in the abnormal resolution of inflammation and
      suggests that this mechanism might be a target for modulation of chronic
      inflammatory disorder.

PMID- 28088552
TI  - Antipredator tactics are largely maternally controlled in goitered gazelle, a
      hider ungulate.
AB  - Predation is usually the primary cause of infant death among ungulate species,
      with the annual variation in the survival of neonates over their first summer a
      major factor in the population dynamics of many ungulates. Consequently, the
      maternal rearing strategy of a species is crucial for its reproductive success.
      Since the roles mothers and fawns play in the implementation of antipredator
      strategies in hider species have been poorly understood until now, this paper
      considers this behavior in the goitered gazelle, which is a typical hider
      species. I found that within the first month after birth goitered gazelle mothers
      largely controlled the behavior of their fawns both during the active period
      (determining the timing of separation and reunion with fawns, movement direction
      and speed, and bed site location) and the hiding period (keeping the hiding fawns
      under continuous watch from a distance, especially right after birth). With age
      the fawns' mobility increased and cases of independent behavior of fawns apart
      from their mothers were found more often, though females continued to control
      their fawns' behaviors. The main elements of the goitered gazelles' maternal care
      strategy - generally related to protecting fawns from potential predator attack -
      are very similar to other hider species in both bovids and cervids, which
      demonstrates a standard set of maternal care behaviors, irrespective of predator
      type or its behavioral peculiarities. Such maternal behaviors, however, likely
      only decrease the predation losses to a certain extent.

PMID- 28088554
TI  - WITHDRAWN: MicroRNA-99a Suppresses Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Induces
      G1-phase Cell Cycle Arrest via Targeting Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor
      Pathway in Renal Cell Carcinoma 786-0 and OS-RC-2 Cells.
AB  - This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor.
      The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier
      Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at
      http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

PMID- 28088553
TI  - The influence of landmark stability on control by occasion setters.
AB  - In an operant serial feature-positive procedure, an occasion setter (OSX) signals
      that a response will be reinforced in the presence of a second stimulus (e.g., a
      discriminative stimulus, A). During a transfer test, the OS is paired with a
      different discriminative stimulus. Experiment 1a tested transfer effects in a
      touchscreen-based spatial occasion setting task with pigeons. During training,
      four OSs (OSW, OSX, OSY, and OSZ) were paired on separate trials with landmark A
      (LMA) or B (LMB) and the opportunity for a reinforced response at one location to
      the immediate left (R1) or right (R2) of the LM (OSW->LMA:R1, OSX->LMA:R2, OSY
      >LMB:R1, OSZ->LMB:R2). Training also included non-reinforced trials of LMA and
      LMB alone (LMA- and LMB-) and trials of a non-modulated LM with R1 and R2
      reinforced across separate trials (LMC:R1 and LMC:R2). After training, the number
      and spatial location of responses during test trials of a LM paired with the same
      OS as in training did not differ reliably from transfer tests of an OS paired
      with a different, modulated LM (OSW->LMB and OSY->LMA), but did differ from
      transfer to the non-modulated LM (OSX->LMC). Experiment 1b utilized the same
      pigeons and training with LMB to test the degree to which the spatial stability
      of a LM influenced transfer. Retraining with LMA was intended to establish it as
      a non-modulated, stable LM (LMA:R2). Subsequent tests with LMA revealed reduced
      modulation by the formerly trained OS (OSW), and complete disruption of
      modulation of spatial location during transfer with a different OS (OSY). These
      findings further our understanding of the conditions under which OSs may develop
      and transfer modulation.

PMID- 28088555
TI  - Injury in Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injury Is Membranobulbar: Fact or Myth.
AB  - Pelvic fracture urethral injuries commonly result from motor vehicle collisions,
      and the mechanism of injury conventionally thought was a shearing injury at the
      membranous urethra, which would destroy the striated sphincter. Continence would
      therefore depend on the bladder neck. Striated sphincter and the site of injury
      have not been shown clearly on preoperative imaging. We demonstrate our protocol
      of performing magnetic resonance imaging whereby the membranous sphincter is seen
      intact and the injury is shown to be at the membranobulbar junction contrary to
      conventional belief. This suggests that surgical reconstruction can be
      undertaken, preserving both sphincter mechanisms and improving postoperative
      continence.

PMID- 28088556
TI  - Regulation of Docetaxel Sensitivity in Prostate Cancer Cells by hsa-miR-125a-3p
      via Modulation of Metastasis-Associated Protein 1 Signaling.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the potential downstream targets of hsa-miR-125a-3p, a
      mature form of miR-125a, during the pathogenesis of chemoresistance in prostate
      cancer (PCa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression levels of hsa-miR-125a-3p
      were assessed in chemoresistant PCa tissues and experimentally established
      chemoresistant cells using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction. The effect of hsa-miR-125a-3p knockdown or hsa-miR-125a-3p
      overexpression on the Dox-induced cell death was evaluated using apoptosis ELISA
      in chemosensitive PC-3 cells or in chemoresistant PC-3 cells (PC-3R). Finally,
      using multiple assays, the regulation of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1),
      an essential component of the Mi-2-nucleosome remodeling deacetylation complex,
      by hsa-miR-125a-3p was studied at both molecular and functional levels. RESULTS:
      The expression of hsa-miR-125a-3p was significantly downregulated in
      chemoresistant PCa tissues and cells. Inhibition of hsa-miR-125a-3p significantly
      increased docetaxel (Dox) resistance in PC-3 cells, whereas upregulation of hsa
      miR-125a-3p effectively reduced Dox resistance in PC-3R, suggesting that this
      microRNA (miRNA) may act as a tumor suppressor along the pathogenesis of drug
      resistance. Mechanistically, hsa-miR-125a-3p induced apoptosis and Dox
      sensitivity in PCa cells through regulating MTA1. CONCLUSION: Our results
      collectively indicate that miRNA-MTA1 can form a delicate regulatory loop to
      maintain a bistable state in the Dox chemosensitivity, and future endeavor in
      this filed should provide important clues to develop miRNA-based therapies that
      benefit advanced PCa patients through modulating the functional status of MTA1.

PMID- 28088557
TI  - Meta-analysis of organizational skills interventions for children and adolescents
      with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to problems with attention and hyperactivity, children
      with ADHD present with poor organizational skills required for managing time and
      materials in academic projects. Organizational skills training (OST) has been
      increasingly used to address these deficits. We conducted a systematic review and
      meta-analysis of OST in children with ADHD. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this
      study was to systematically review the evidence of the effects of OST for
      children with ADHD for organizational skills, attention, and academic
      performance. METHODS: We searched 3 electronic databases to locate randomized
      controlled trials published in English in peer-reviewed journals comparing OST
      with parent education, treatment-as-usual, or waitlist control conditions.
      Standardized mean difference effect sizes from the studies were statistically
      combined using a random-effects meta-analyses across six outcomes: teacher- and
      parent-rated organizational skills, teacher- and parent-rated inattention,
      teacher-rated academic performance, and Grade Point Average (GPA). Risk of bias
      was assessed for randomization, allocation concealment, blinding of participants
      and treatment personnel, blinding of outcome assessors, incomplete outcome data,
      and selective outcome reporting. RESULTS: Twelve studies involving 1054 children
      (576 treatment, 478 control) were included in the meta-analyses. Weighted mean
      effect sizes for teacher- and parent-rated outcome measures of organizational
      skills were g=0.54 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.91) and g=0.83 (95% CI 0.32 to 1.34),
      respectively. Weighted mean effect sizes of teacher- and parent-rated symptoms of
      inattention were g=0.26 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.52) and g=0.56 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.74),
      respectively. Weighted standardized mean effect size for teacher-rated academic
      performance and GPA were g=0.33 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.51) and g=0.29 (95% CI 0.07 to
      0.51), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: OST leads to moderate improvements in
      organizational skills of children with ADHD as rated by teachers and large
      improvements as rated by parents. More modest improvements were observed on the
      ratings of symptoms of inattention and academic performance. PROTOCOL
      REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42015019261).

PMID- 28088558
TI  - The effects of upper body exercise across different levels of blood flow
      restriction on arterial occlusion pressure and perceptual responses.
AB  - Recent studies have investigated relative pressures that are applied during blood
      flow restriction exercise ranging from 40%-90% of resting arterial occlusion
      pressure; however, no studies have investigated relative pressures below 40%
      arterial occlusion pressure. The purpose of this study was to characterize the
      cardiovascular and perceptual responses to different levels of pressures. Twenty
      six resistance trained participants performed four sets of unilateral elbow
      flexion exercise using 30% of their 1RM in combination with blood flow
      restriction inflated to one of six relative applied pressures (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%,
      50%, 90% arterial occlusion pressure). Arterial occlusion pressure was measured
      before (pre) and immediately after the last set of exercise at the radial artery.
      RPE and discomfort were taken prior to (pre) and following each set of exercise.
      Data presented as mean (95% CI) except for perceptual responses represented as
      the median (25th, 75th percentile). Arterial occlusion pressure increased from
      pre to post (p<0.001) in all conditions but was augmented further with higher
      pressures [e.g. 0%: 36 (30-42) mmHg vs. 10%: 39 (34-44) mmHg vs. 90% 46 (41-52)
      mmHg]. For RPE and discomfort, there were significant differences across
      conditions for all sets of exercise (p<0.01) with the ratings of RPE [e.g. 0%:
      14.5 (13, 17) vs. 10%: 13.5 (12, 17) vs. 90%: 17 (14.75, 19) during last set] and
      discomfort [e.g. 0%: 3.5 (1.5, 6.25) vs. 10%: 3 (1, 6) vs. 90%: 7 (4.5, 9) during
      last set] generally being greater at the higher restriction pressures. All of
      these differences at the higher restriction pressures occurred despite completing
      a lower total volume of exercise. Applying higher relative pressures results in
      the greatest cardiovascular response, higher perceptual ratings, and greater
      decrease in exercise volume compared to lower restriction pressures. Therefore,
      the perceptual responses from lower relative pressures may be more appealing and
      provide a safer and more tolerable stimulus for individuals.

PMID- 28088559
TI  - Increased expression of carbon monoxide-producing enzymes in the MPOA after
      sexual experience in male rats.
AB  - The hypothalamus contains numerous nuclei involved in the regulation of
      reproductive, stress, circadian, and homeostatic behaviors, with many of these
      nuclei concentrated within the preoptic and anterior regions. The gaseous
      neurotransmitter, nitric oxide (NO), has already been shown to have an important
      regulatory role within the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the anterior
      hypothalamus, where it facilitates sexual behaviors. However, little is known
      about the role of other gaseous neurotransmitters in this area. Here, we report
      that the carbon monoxide (CO) producing enzymes HO-1 and HO-2 are present in the
      MPOA and are differentially influenced by sexual experience in a manner similar
      to that previously reported for NO enzymes. Immunohistochemical staining of
      brains collected after 0, 1, or 7 sexual experiences reveals that HO-1 is
      expressed transiently after the first sexual experience, while HO-2 increases
      only with repeated experience. This increase appears to be specific to the MPOA,
      as nearby brain areas do not exhibit this degree or pattern of expression. We
      observed a transient increase in HO-2 colocalization with neuronal nitric oxide
      synthase (nNOS) after a single sexual experience, but these cells appear to be
      otherwise disparate, despite the fact that both express within the central
      nucleus of the MPOA. Together, these findings suggest that endogenous CO may be
      behaviorally relevant within the MPOA and that CO and NO may be differentially
      regulated there.

PMID- 28088560
TI  - Role of comorbidities and in-hospital complications in short-term status
      epilepticus outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: pre-morbid patient conditions and hospitalization complications
      possibly play a role in status epilepticus short-term outcome, although evidence
      is incomplete and non-conclusive. The study's aim was to define whether
      comorbidities and in-hospital complications arising after status epilepticus
      affect its prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective single center study was carried
      out. All selected patients were adults presenting an EEG-proven status
      epilepticus episode between 2003 and 2014. Medical charts were comprehensively
      reviewed. In-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay represented study
      outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-three subjects met the inclusion criteria.
      Seventy-one cases (41%) developed infections and 59 (34%) non-infectious
      complications. Median hospital stay was 16days and overall in-hospital mortality
      was 44%. Multivariate analysis revealed the association between in-hospital
      mortality and the following comorbidities: history of diabetes mellitus (Odds
      ratio=7.89, p=0.002) and evidence of extracranial malignancy (Odds ratio=10.28,
      p=0.009). Complications were not associated to death after multivariate
      statistics, which instead displayed systemic inflammatory response syndrome
      significance (Odds ratio=12.90, p<0.001). Infections and non-infectious
      complications were associated with longer hospital stay (p=0.025 and p=0.01
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: status epilepticus management is a multifaceted
      problem. RESULTS: suggest that some pre-morbid patient conditions and in-hospital
      adverse events play an unfavorable prognostic role. This preliminary information
      may help clinicians optimize preventive and therapeutic strategies to guarantee
      patients the best chances of survival.

PMID- 28088561
TI  - Mutant DD genotype of NFKB1 gene is associated with the susceptibility and
      severity of coronary artery disease.
AB  - Nuclear factor kappaappa B (NF-kappaB) is an important transcription factor in
      the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent evidence
      suggests that -94 ATTG ins/del mutant in the promoter of NFKB1 gene is an
      essential functional mutant. The present study demonstrated the frequencies of
      the del/del (DD) genotype and del (D) allele were significantly higher in CAD
      patients than in controls. CAD patients carrying mutant DD genotype had worse
      stenosis of diseased coronary arteries compared to those carrying ins/ins (II) or
      ins/del (ID) genotype. Plasma levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)
      were lower, while inflammatory cytokine incnterlukin-6 (IL-6) was higher in CAD
      patients with DD genotype than those with II or ID genotype (both P<0.05). In
      vitro study showed that mutant human umbilical vein endothelial cells (DD
      genotype HUVECs) were more susceptible to H2O2-induced apoptosis, which was
      accompanied with a decreased Bcl-2 expression. Further, mutant HUVECs had lower
      eNOS but higher IL-6 mRNA levels and decreased phosphorylation of eNOS under H2O2
      stimulation (both P<0.05). Compared to wild type cells (II genotype),
      significantly downregulated protein expression of total NF-kappaB p50 subunit
      were observed in mutant HUVECs with or without oxidative stress, and a lower
      expression of unclear p50 was associated with a decreased p50 nuclear
      translocation in mutant HUVECs versus wild type cells under H2O2-stimulation
      (both P<0.05). In conclusion, mutant DD genotype of NFKB1 gene is associated with
      the risk and severity of CAD. Dwonregulation of NF-kappaB p50 subunit leads to
      exacerbated endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis and enhanced inflammatory
      response that is the potential underlying mechanism.

PMID- 28088562
TI  - The effect of high temperature sol-gel polymerization parameters on the
      microstructure and properties of hydrophobic phenol-formaldehyde/silica hybrid
      aerogels.
AB  - Phenol-formaldehyde/silica hybrid aerogels with different degree of
      hydrophobicity were successfully synthesized via high temperature sol-gel
      polymerization. Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) were
      used as precursor and co-precursor of the hydrophobic silica-based phase,
      respectively. The hydrolysis step of silica based sols were conducted by acid
      catalyzed reactions and HCl was used as hydrolysis catalyst. The chemical
      structure of prepared hybrid aerogels was characterized by Fourier Transform
      Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The effect of MTES/TEOS proportion and catalyst
      content on the morphology and microstructure of samples were investigated by FE
      SEM and C, Si mapping analysis. The acid catalyzed hydrolysis of TEOS and MTES
      sols leads to formation of a sol with primarily silica particles in the organic
      inorganic hybrid sol and varying colloid growth mechanisms were occurred with
      change in MTES and HCl molar ratio. With the increasing of MTES content, the
      microstructure of samples changed from uniform colloidal network, core-shell
      structure to polymeric structure with a huge phase separation. The increasing of
      HCl mole fraction leads to smaller particle size. Moreover, the shrinkage of
      samples was decreased and water contact angles of the resulted aerogels were
      increased from 40 to 156.8 degrees  with the increases of MTES content.

PMID- 28088563
TI  - A novel fabrication of a high performance SiO(2)-graphene oxide (GO) nanohybrids:
      Characterization of thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites filled with SiO(2)
      GO nanohybrids.
AB  - In this study it has been aimed to enhance the thermal resistance of epoxy
      coating through incorporation of SiO2-GO nanohybrids. SiO2-GO nanohybrids were
      synthesized through one-step sol-gel route using a mixture of
      Tetraethylorthosilane (TEOS) and 3-Aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) silanes.
      The SiO2-GO nanohybrids were prepared at various hydrolysis times of 24, 48 and
      72h. Then 0.2wt.% of GO and SiO2-GO nanohybrids were separately incorporated into
      the epoxy coating. Results revealed that amino functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles
      with particle size around 20-30nm successfully synthesized on the basal plane of
      GO. Results showed significant improvement of dispersion and interfacial
      interactions between nanohybrids and epoxy composite arising from covalent
      bonding between the SiO2-GO and the epoxy matrix. It was found that the thermal
      resistance of SiO2-GO nanohybrids and SiO2-GO/Epoxy nanocomposite was noticeably
      higher than GO and epoxy matrix, respectively.

PMID- 28088564
TI  - Doping and vacancy effects of graphyne on SO2 adsorption.
AB  - The adsorption of sulfur dioxide (SO2) on pristine and modified graphyne
      (including boron- or nitrogen- doping and introducing a single carbon atom
      defect) was investigated by density functional theory calculations. The
      structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of graphyne were changed
      according to the dopant atom site of doping and vacancy. SO2 adsorption was
      obviously affected by modification of graphyne. SO2 weakly interacted with
      pristine and nitrogen-doped graphynes. Boron doping at the sp-hybridized carbon
      site and introducing a single carbon atom vacancy in graphyne brought about a
      dramatic enhancement in SO2 adsorption. The strongly chemisorbed SO2 at these
      active sites caused deformation of the graphyne structure and electron
      redistribution, which induced changes in the conductivity and magnetism of
      graphynes.

PMID- 28088565
TI  - Rapid microwave-assisted growth of silver nanoparticles on 3D graphene networks
      for supercapacitor application.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) grown on a three dimensional (3d) graphene networks
      (GNs) has been successfully prepared by an efficient and rapid microwave-assisted
      growth process to form GNs/AgNPs nanocomposite electrode materials for
      supercapacitor application. The 3d nature of the used GNs offers a unique
      architecture, which creates an efficient conduction networks and maximum
      utilization of space and interface, and acts as a conductive layer for the
      deposited AgNPs. The electrochemical performances of the fabricated electrode
      were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge and
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Specifically, the optimal
      GNs/AgNPs nanocomposite exhibits remarkable performances with a high specific
      capacitance of 528Fg-1 at a current density of 1Ag-1 and excellent capacitance
      retention of ~93% after 3000cycles. Moreover, this microwave-assisted growth
      strategy of AgNPs is simple and effective, which could be extended to the
      construction of other three dimensional graphene based metallic composites for
      energy storage and conversion applications.

PMID- 28088567
TI  - Simple fabrication of zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-8/polymer composite
      beads by phase inversion method for efficient oil sorption.
AB  - Zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-8 beads of 2-3mm in diameter were prepared
      using a simple one-step phase inversion method. The beads were fabricated by
      different amounts of ZIF-8 to polyether sulfone (PES) ratios. ZIF-8 played the
      role of an adsorbent while PES acted as a binder in the composite matrix to keep
      the ZIF-8 particles. Since ZIF-8 is highly hydrophobic, the beads floated on
      water and adsorbed oil droplets successfully. This efficient oil adsorption is
      attributed to the hydrophobicity and high surface area of ZIF-8 particles which
      can effectively adsorb oil droplets. Different characterization techniques were
      used to understand the textural properties of the composite beads. The FESEM
      analysis showed that ZIF-8 particles were well coated and dispersed into the
      polymer bead composites and some pores are created on the beads surface at higher
      loadings which facilitated high oil sorption. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption
      indicated that ZIF-8/PES beads had very high surface area which makes them
      suitable for adsorption applications. The ZIF-8/PES beads demonstrate easy
      handling and recycling compared to ZIF-8 powder and showed superior buoyancy and
      oil sorption capacity compared with natural sorbents like activated carbon. This
      study shows the phase inversion method can be applied to produce a variety of
      functional composite bead materials for specific applications like adsorption.

PMID- 28088566
TI  - Removal of salicylic acid as an emerging contaminant by a polar nano-dendritic
      adsorbent from aqueous media.
AB  - A polar nano-dendritic adsorbent containing amine groups (SAPAMAA) was
      synthesized onto the nanoparticles of SiO2Al2O3 and its uptake of salicylic acid
      (SA) from the synthetic and real water was investigated. The synthesized
      nanomaterials were fully studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (1H NMR
      and 13C NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), zeta potential
      (zeta), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES),
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
      Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and elemental analysis. Various parameters such as
      the effect of the contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial SA concentrations,
      effect of solution's temperature, interfering ions, the hydrophobicity of the
      nanoadsorbent and initial pH were assessed. The contact time to approach
      equilibrium for higher adsorption was 15min (252.8mgg-1). The isotherms could be
      fitted by Sips model (with the average relative error of 6.6) and the kinetic
      data could be characterized by pseudo-second-order rate equation (with the
      average relative error of 13.0), implying chemical adsorption as the ratelimiting
      step of uptake process which was supported by the experimental data from the
      effect of interfering ions, zeta potential, and altering of the adsorbent's
      hydrophobicity. The uptake capacities decreased with temperature increasing, and
      showed that the uptake of SA was chemically exothermic in nature between 15 and
      80 degrees C. In addition, the spent SAPAMAA could be regenerated by the removal
      of adsorbed SA with NaOH and ethanol to regain the original SAPAMAA, the
      regenerated SAPAMAA also exhibited the high adsorption capacity after 10 runs.
      Moreover, SAPAMAA could also be applied to uptake SA from a real water (Anzali
      lagoon water). We envisage that the prepared nano-dendritic with remarkable
      characteristics such as environmentally friendly, low-cost, easy preparation in
      large quantity, high mechanical and chemical stability will play a significant
      role in developing a new generation of emerging contaminants adsorbent.

PMID- 28088568
TI  - Nanostructured tin oxide films: Physical synthesis, characterization, and gas
      sensing properties.
AB  - Nanostructured tin oxide (SnO2) films are synthesized using physical method i.e.
      thermal evaporation and are further characterized with X-ray diffraction, X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron
      microscopy, and atomic force microscopy measurement techniques for confirming its
      structure and morphology. The chemiresistive properties of SnO2 films are studied
      towards different oxidizing and reducing gases where these films have
      demonstrated considerable selectivity towards oxidizing nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
      gas with a maximum response of 403% to 100ppm @200 degrees C, and fast response
      and recovery times of 4s and 210s, respectively, than other test gases. In
      addition, SnO2 films are enabling to detect as low as 1ppm NO2 gas concentration
      @200 degrees C with 23% response enhancement. Chemiresistive performances of SnO2
      films are carried out in the range of 1-100ppm and reported. Finally, plausible
      adsorption and desorption reaction mechanism of NO2 gas molecules with SnO2 film
      surface has been thoroughly discussed by means of an impedance spectroscopy
      analysis.

PMID- 28088569
TI  - Design of beta-cyclodextrin modified TiO(2) nanotubes for the adsorption of
      Cu(II): Isotherms and kinetics study.
AB  - This paper builds on previous literature showing the interesting adsorptive
      properties of TiO2 nanotubes. It further explores the positive effect of beta
      cyclodextrin on these properties. Hence, beta-cyclodextrin modified TiO2
      nanotubes were successfully prepared and characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption
      at 77K, Raman, FTIR-ATR, 1H NMR, TEM and EPR. The adsorptive interaction of
      Cu(II) with materials was investigated in aqueous solution at pH 9.25 (NH4+/NH3).
      The main conclusion is that copper(II)-ammonia complexation equilibria play an
      important role in the adsorption process. The beta-cyclodextrin was found to
      improve the Cu(NH3)42+ adsorption mainly by retarding its precipitation to high
      concentrations values (>400mgL-1). Adsorption experimental data showed good fit
      with the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir isotherm model.

PMID- 28088570
TI  - Achillea millefolium L. extract mediated green synthesis of waste peach kernel
      shell supported silver nanoparticles: Application of the nanoparticles for
      catalytic reduction of a variety of dyes in water.
AB  - In this paper, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are synthesized using Achillea
      millefolium L. extract as reducing and stabilizing agents and peach kernel shell
      as an environmentally benign support. FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, X
      ray Diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM),
      Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Thermo gravimetric-differential
      thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to
      characterize peach kernel shell, Ag NPs, and Ag NPs/peach kernel shell. The
      catalytic activity of the Ag NPs/peach kernel shell was investigated for the
      reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), Methyl Orange (MO), and Methylene Blue (MB) at
      room temperature. Ag NPs/peach kernel shell was found to be a highly active
      catalyst. In addition, Ag NPs/peach kernel shell can be recovered and reused
      several times with no significant loss of its catalytic activity.

PMID- 28088571
TI  - Theophylline-assisted, eco-friendly synthesis of PtAu nanospheres at reduced
      graphene oxide with enhanced catalytic activity towards Cr(VI) reduction.
AB  - Theophylline as a naturally alkaloid is commonly employed to treat asthma and
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Herein, a facile theophylline-assisted
      green approach was firstly developed for synthesis of PtAu nanospheres/reduced
      graphene oxide (PtAu NSs/rGO), without any surfactant, polymer, or seed involved.
      The obtained nanocomposites were applied for the catalytic reduction and removal
      of highly toxic chromium (VI) using formic acid as a model reductant at 50
      degrees C, showing the significantly enhanced catalytic activity and improved
      recyclability when compared with commercial Pt/C (50%) and home-made Au
      nanocrystals supported rGO (Au NCs/rGO). It demonstrates great potential
      applications of the catalyst in wastewater treatment and environmental
      protection. The eco-friendly route provides a new platform to fabricate other
      catalysts with enhanced catalytic activity.

PMID- 28088572
TI  - BCS class IV drugs: Highly notorious candidates for formulation development.
AB  - BCS class IV drugs (e.g., amphotericin B, furosemide, acetazolamide, ritonavir,
      paclitaxel) exhibit many characteristics that are problematic for effective oral
      and per oral delivery. Some of the problems associated include low aqueous
      solubility, poor permeability, erratic and poor absorption, inter and intra
      subject variability and significant positive food effect which leads to low and
      variable bioavailability. Also, most of the class IV drugs are substrate for P
      glycoprotein (low permeability) and substrate for CYP3A4 (extensive pre systemic
      metabolism) which further potentiates the problem of poor therapeutic potential
      of these drugs. A decade back, extreme examples of class IV compounds were an
      exception rather than the rule, yet today many drug candidates under development
      pipeline fall into this category. Formulation and development of an efficacious
      delivery system for BCS class IV drugs are herculean tasks for any formulator.
      The inherent hurdles posed by these drugs hamper their translation to actual
      market. The importance of the formulation composition and design to successful
      drug development is especially illustrated by the BCS class IV case. To be
      clinically effective these drugs require the development of a proper delivery
      system for both oral and per oral delivery. Ideal oral dosage forms should
      produce both a reasonably high bioavailability and low inter and intra subject
      variability in absorption. Also, ideal systems for BCS class IV should produce a
      therapeutic concentration of the drug at reasonable dose volumes for intravenous
      administration. This article highlights the various techniques and upcoming
      strategies which can be employed for the development of highly notorious BCS
      class IV drugs. Some of the techniques employed are lipid based delivery systems,
      polymer based nanocarriers, crystal engineering (nanocrystals and co-crystals),
      liquisolid technology, self-emulsifying solid dispersions and miscellaneous
      techniques addressing the P-gp efflux problem. The review also focuses on the
      roadblocks in the clinical development of the aforementioned strategies such as
      problems in scale up, manufacturing under cGMP guidelines, appropriate quality
      control tests, validation of various processes and variable therein etc. It also
      brings to forefront the current lack of regulatory guidelines which poses
      difficulties during preclinical and clinical testing for submission of NDA and
      subsequent marketing. Today, the pharmaceutical industry has as its disposal a
      series of reliable and scalable formulation strategies for BCS Class IV drugs.
      However, due to lack of understanding of the basic physical chemistry behind
      these strategies formulation development is still driven by trial and error.

PMID- 28088573
TI  - Heat shock proteins and cancer: How can nanomedicine be harnessed?
AB  - Heat shock protein (hsp90) is an interesting target for cancer therapy because it
      is involved in the folding and stabilization of numerous proteins, including many
      that contribute to the development of cancer. It is part of the chaperone
      machinery that includes other heat shock proteins (hsp70, hsp27, hsp40) and is
      mainly localized in the cytosol, although many analogues or isoforms can be found
      in mitochondrion, endoplasmic reticulum and the cell membrane. Many potential
      inhibitors of hsp90 have been tested for cancer therapy but their usefulness is
      limited by their poor solubility in water and their ability to reach the target
      cells and the correct intracellular compartment. Nanomedicine, the incorporation
      of active molecules into an appropriate delivery system, could provide a solution
      to these drawbacks. In this review, we explain the rationale for using
      nanomedicine for this sort of cancer therapy, considering the properties of the
      chaperone machinery and of the different hsp90 analogues. We present some results
      that have already been obtained and put forward some strategies for delivery of
      hsp90 analogues to specific organelles.

PMID- 28088574
TI  - Time dependence of the enhancement effect of chemical enhancers: Molecular
      mechanisms of enhancing kinetics.
AB  - Chemical enhancers are widely used for facilitating drug penetration in
      transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS). However, there is a lack of knowledge
      about how the enhancement effect changes over time. In this study, on the basis
      of kinetic parameters of enhancement effect, molecular details of the dynamic
      enhancement process was described and a new hypothesis of the recovery mechanism
      of the skin barrier function was proposed. Using pretreated skin and flurbiprofen
      patch, the effects of Azone (AZ) and menthyl decanoate (MT-10) were evaluated
      with in vitro permeation experiment and further confirmed by confocal laser
      scanning microscopy (CLSM) and TEWL. The results showed that the enhancement
      ratio (ER) increased firstly, then reached a plateau and finally decreased. The
      enhancement effect of MT-10 was slower (Tonset, MT-10>Tonset, AZ), weaker (ERmax,
      MT-10<ERmax, AZ) and shorter (Teff, MT-10<Teff, AZ) than that of AZ. According to
      the results of CLSM, ATR-FTIR and molecular dynamic simulation, the dynamic
      enhancement effect was caused by the variation of the diffusion coefficient of
      intercellular lipid in the stratum corneum (SC), which was dependent on the
      affinity between enhancers and lipid. Moreover, the skin barrier function
      recovered although a large amount of enhancers still existed in the SC.
      Additionally, according to the results of ATR-FTIR, molecular docking and skin
      retention study, the dynamic effect of AZ on the skin protein only induced skin
      irritation but showed no influence on drug penetration, so did the amount of the
      enhancer. In conclusion, dynamic enhancement effect was caused by the dynamic
      effect of the enhancer on the SC intercellular lipid, and the skin barrier
      function recovered by accepting the enhancer as a new component of the lipid
      bilayer.

PMID- 28088575
TI  - A study on growth and pyrolysis characteristics of microalgae using
      Thermogravimetric Analysis-Infrared Spectroscopy and synchrotron Fourier
      Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.
AB  - This two-part study firstly investigated Tetraselmis suecica grown in different
      CO2 (0.04-15%v/v) concentration through indoor and outdoor cultivation systems. A
      high CO2 concentration led to a high lipid content, and low nitrogen and oxygen
      content, which are desirable for transport fuel production. Pyrolysis
      characteristics were investigated by TG-IR and synchrotron IR microscopy. The
      results show Tetraselmis suecica grown in 10%CO2 had the highest decomposition
      rate corresponding to more volatile products produced during the main thermal
      cracking stage and derived from protein-and lipid-corresponding functional
      groups. Moreover, a high reaction temperature and CO2 concentration resulted in a
      low retention of surface functional groups. The nitrogen functional groups
      initially decomposed at a temperature range of 250-300 degrees C and still
      remained at 550 degrees C, while the lipid-corresponding functional groups
      completely disappeared at a temperature range of 400-500 degrees C. Besides, the
      decomposition of chemical components followed the order of carbohydrate, protein
      and lipid.

PMID- 28088576
TI  - Lid domain plasticity and lipid flexibility modulate enzyme specificity in human
      monoacylglycerol lipase.
AB  - Human monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a membrane-interacting enzyme that
      generates pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. For this reason, MAGL inhibition
      is a promising strategy to treat pain, cancer, and neuroinflammatory diseases.
      MAGL can hydrolyze monoacylglycerols bearing an acyl chain of different lengths
      and degrees of unsaturation, cleaving primarily the endocannabinoid 2
      arachidonoylglycerol. Importantly, the enzymatic binding site of MAGL is confined
      by a 75-amino-acid-long, flexible cap domain, named 'lid domain', which is
      structurally similar to that found in several other lipases. However, it is
      unclear how lid domain plasticity affects catalysis in MAGL. By integrating
      extensive molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations with
      mutagenesis and kinetic experiments, we here define a lid-domain-mediated
      mechanism for substrate selection and binding in MAGL catalysis. In particular,
      we clarify the key role of Phe159 and Ile179, two conserved residues within the
      lid domain, in regulating substrate specificity in MAGL. We conclude by proposing
      that other structurally related lipases may share this lid-domain-mediated
      mechanism for substrate specificity.

PMID- 28088577
TI  - Analyze the beta waves of electroencephalogram signals from young musicians and
      non-musicians in major scale working memory task.
AB  - Electroencephalograms can record wave variations in any brain activity. Beta
      waves are produced when an external stimulus induces logical thinking,
      computation, and reasoning during consciousness. This work uses the beta wave of
      major scale working memory N-back tasks to analyze the differences between young
      musicians and non-musicians. After the feature analysis uses signal filtering,
      Hilbert-Huang transformation, and feature extraction methods to identify
      differences, k-means clustering algorithm are used to group them into different
      clusters. The results of feature analysis showed that beta waves significantly
      differ between young musicians and non-musicians from the low memory load of
      working memory task.

PMID- 28088578
TI  - The effect of long-term hindlimb unloading on the expression of risk neurogenes
      encoding elements of serotonin-, dopaminergic systems and apoptosis; comparison
      with the effect of actual spaceflight on mouse brain.
AB  - The study of spaceflight effects on the brain is technically complex concern;
      complicated by the problem of applying an adequate ground model. The most-widely
      used experimental model to study the effect of microgravity is the tail
      suspension hindlimb unloading model; however, its compliance with the effect of
      actual spaceflight on the brain is still unclear. We evaluated the effect of one
      month hindlimb unloading on the expression of genes related to the brain
      neuroplasticity-brain neutotrophic factors (Gdnf, Cdnf), apoptotic factors (Bcl
      xl, Bax), serotonin- and dopaminergic systems (5-HT2A, Maoa, Maob, Th, D1r,
      Comt), and compared the results with the data obtained on mice that spent one
      month in spaceflight on Russian biosatellite Bion-M1. No effect of hindlimb
      unloading was observed on the expression of most genes, which were considered as
      risk neurogenes for long-term actual spaceflight. The opposite effect of hindlimb
      unloading and spaceflight was found on the level of mRNA of D1 dopamine receptor
      and catechol-O-methyltransferase in the striatum. At the same time, the
      expression of Maob in the midbrain decreased, and the expression of Bcl-xl genes
      increased in the hippocampus, which corresponds to the effect of spaceflight.
      However, the hindlimb unloading model failed to reproduce the majority of effects
      of long-term spaceflight on serotonin-, dopaminergic systems and some apoptotic
      factors.

PMID- 28088579
TI  - The microRNA-449 family inhibits TGF-beta-mediated liver cancer cell migration by
      targeting SOX4.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Modulation of microRNA expression is a potential treatment for
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the epigenetically regulated microRNA
      449 family (miR-449a, miR-449b, miR-449c) was characterized with regards to its
      functional effects and target genes in HCC. METHODS: After transfection of miR
      449a, miR-449b, and/or miR-449c, tumor-relevant functional effects were analyzed
      using in vitro assays and a xenograft mouse model. Binding specificities, target
      genes, and regulated pathways of each miRNA were identified by microarray
      analyses. Target genes were validated by luciferase reporter assays and
      expression analyses in vitro. Furthermore, target gene expression was analyzed in
      61 primary human HCCs compared to normal liver tissue. RESULTS: Tumor suppressive
      effects, binding specificities, target genes, and regulated pathways of miR-449a
      and miR-449b differed from those of miR-449c. Transfection of miR-449a, miR-449b,
      and/or miR-449c inhibited cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis,
      and reduced tumor growth to different extents. Importantly, miR-449a, miR-449b,
      and, to a lesser degree, miR-449c directly targeted SOX4, which codes for a
      transcription factor involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and HCC
      metastasis, and thereby inhibited TGF-beta-mediated cell migration. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study provides detailed insights into the regulatory network of the
      epigenetically regulated miRNA-449 family and, for the first time, describes
      distinct tumor suppressive effects and target specificities of miR-449a, miR
      449b, and miR-449c. Our results indicate that particularly miR-449a and miR-449b
      may be considered for miRNA replacement therapy to prevent HCC progression and
      metastasis. LAY SUMMARY: In this study, we demonstrated that the microRNA-449
      family acts as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer by causing cell death and
      inhibiting cell migration. These effects are caused by downregulation of the
      oncogene SOX4, which is frequently overexpressed in liver cancer. We conclude
      that the microRNA-449 family may be a target for liver cancer therapy.

PMID- 28088580
TI  - Anticoagulation in chronic liver disease.
AB  - In this Grand Round presentation, the case of a man with decompensated liver
      disease is described. He subsequently developed a fatal pulmonary embolism, which
      may not have occurred if he had been prescribed prophylactic anticoagulation to
      prevent venous thromboembolic disease. The burden of thrombotic disease in those
      with chronic liver disease is discussed, before a more detailed analysis of the
      current evidence, safety data, and clinical dilemmas regarding the use of
      anticoagulation in patients with chronic liver disease. Finally, the future
      directions within this field are explored.

PMID- 28088582
TI  - RIPK1 protects hepatocytes from Kupffer cells-mediated TNF-induced apoptosis in
      mouse models of PAMP-induced hepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The severity of liver diseases is exacerbated by the death of
      hepatocytes, which can be induced by the sensing of pathogen associated molecular
      patterns (PAMPs) derived from the gut microbiota. The molecular mechanisms
      regulating these cell death pathways are poorly documented. In this study, we
      investigated the role of the receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a
      protein known to regulate cell fate decisions, in the death of hepatocytes using
      two in vivo models of PAMP-induced hepatitis. METHODS: Hepatitis was induced in
      mice by independent injections of two different bacterial PAMPs:
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and unmethylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-DNA)
      motifs. The role of RIPK1 was evaluated by using mice specifically lacking RIPK1
      in liver parenchymal cells (Ripk1LPC-KO). Administration of liposome-encapsulated
      clodronate served to investigate the role of Kupffer cells in the establishment
      of the disease. Etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-decoy receptor, was
      used to study the contribution of TNF-alpha during LPS-mediated liver injury.
      RESULTS: Whereas RIPK1 deficiency in liver parenchymal cells did not trigger
      basal hepatolysis, it greatly sensitized hepatocytes to apoptosis and liver
      damage following a single injection of LPS or CpG-DNA. Importantly, hepatocyte
      death was prevented by previous macrophage depletion or by TNF inhibition.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the pivotal function of RIPK1 in maintaining
      liver homeostasis in conditions of macrophage-induced TNF burst in response to
      PAMPs sensing. LAY SUMMARY: Excessive death of hepatocytes is a characteristic of
      liver injury. A new programmed cell death pathway has been described involving
      upstream death ligands such as TNF and downstream kinases such as RIPK1. Here, we
      show that in the presence of LPS liver induced hepatic injury was due to
      secretion of TNF by liver macrophages, and that RIPK1 acts as a powerful
      protector of hepatocyte death. This newly identified pathway in the liver may be
      helpful in the management of patients to predict their risk of developing acute
      liver failure.

PMID- 28088581
TI  - A stepwise algorithm using an at-a-glance first-line test for the non-invasive
      diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Chronic liver diseases (CLD) are common, and are therefore
      mainly managed by non-hepatologists. These physicians lack access to the best non
      invasive tests of liver fibrosis, and consequently cannot accurately determine
      the disease severity. Referral to a hepatologist is then needed. We aimed to
      implement an algorithm, comprising a new first-line test usable by all
      physicians, for the detection of advanced liver fibrosis in all CLD patients.
      METHODS: Diagnostic study: 3754 CLD patients with liver biopsy were 2:1
      randomized into derivation and validation sets. Prognostic study: longitudinal
      follow-up of 1275 CLD patients with baseline fibrosis tests. RESULTS: Diagnostic
      study: the easy liver fibrosis test (eLIFT), an "at-a-glance" sum of points
      attributed to age, gender, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST), platelets and prothrombin time, was developed for the diagnosis of
      advanced fibrosis. In the validation set, eLIFT and fibrosis-4 (FIB4) had the
      same sensitivity (78.0% vs. 76.6%, p=0.470) but eLIFT gave fewer false positive
      results, especially in patients >=60years old (53.8% vs. 82.0%, p<0.001), and was
      thus more suitable as screening test. FibroMeter with vibration controlled
      transient elastography (VCTE) was the most accurate among the eight fibrosis
      tests evaluated. The sensitivity of the eLIFT-FMVCTE algorithm (first-line eLIFT,
      second-line FibroMeterVCTE) was 76.1% for advanced fibrosis and 92.1% for
      cirrhosis. Prognostic study: patients diagnosed as having "no/mild fibrosis" by
      the algorithm had excellent liver-related prognosis with thus no need for
      referral to a hepatologist. CONCLUSION: The eLIFT-FMVCTE algorithm extends the
      detection of advanced liver fibrosis to all CLD patients and reduces unnecessary
      referrals of patients without significant CLD to hepatologists. LAY SUMMARY:
      Blood fibrosis tests and transient elastography accurately diagnose advanced
      liver fibrosis in the large population of patients having chronic liver disease,
      but these non-invasive tests are only currently available in specialized centers.
      We have developed an algorithm including the easy liver fibrosis test (eLIFT), a
      new simple and widely available blood test. It is used as a first-line procedure
      that selects at-risk patients who need further evaluation with the
      FibroMeterVCTE, an accurate fibrosis test combining blood markers and transient
      elastography result. This new algorithm, called the eLIFT-FMVCTE, accurately
      identifies the patients with advanced chronic liver disease who need referral to
      a specialist, and those with no or mild liver lesions who can remain under the
      care of their usual physician. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: No registration
      (analysis of pooled data from previously published diagnostic studies).

PMID- 28088583
TI  - Environmental carcinogenesis and pH homeostasis: Not only a matter of
      dysregulated metabolism.
AB  - According to the World Health Organization, around 20% of all cancers would be
      due to environmental factors. Among these factors, several chemicals are indeed
      well recognized carcinogens. The widespread contaminant benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P),
      an often used model carcinogen of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons' family,
      has been suggested to target most, if not all, cancer hallmarks described by
      Hanahan and Weinberg. It is classified as a group I carcinogen by the
      International Agency for Research on Cancer; however, the precise intracellular
      mechanisms underlying its carcinogenic properties remain yet to be thoroughly
      defined. Recently, the pH homeostasis, a well known regulator of carcinogenic
      processes, was suggested to be a key actor in both cell death and Warburg-like
      metabolic reprogramming induced upon B[a]P exposure. The present review will
      highlight those data with the aim of favoring research on the role of H+ dynamics
      in environmental carcinogenesis.

PMID- 28088584
TI  - Proton pump inhibition and cancer therapeutics: A specific tumor targeting or it
      is a phenomenon secondary to a systemic buffering?
AB  - One of the unsolved mysteries in oncology includes the strategies that cancer
      cells adopt to cope with an adverse microenvironment. However, we knew, from the
      Warburg's discovery that through their metabolism based on sugar fermentation,
      cancer cells acidify their microenvironment and this progressive acidification
      induces a selective pressure, leading to the development of very malignant cells
      entirely armed to survive in the hostile microenvironment generated by their own
      metabolism. In the last decades a primordial role for proton exchangers has been
      supported as a key tumor advantage in facing off the acidic milieu. Proton
      exchangers do not allow intracellular acidification through a continuous
      elimination of H+ either outside the cells or within the internal vacuoles. This
      article wants to comment a translational process through that led to the
      preclinical demonstration that a class of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) exploited
      worldwide for peptic ulcer treatment and gastroprotection are indeed powerful
      chemosensitizers as well. In this process we achieved the clinical proof of
      concept that PPI may well be included in new anti-cancer strategies with a solid
      background and rationale.

PMID- 28088585
TI  - Nocardiosis in the south of France over a 10-years period, 2004-2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nocardiosis is a rare disease with polymorphic presentations. The
      epidemiology and clinical presentation could change with the increasing number of
      immunocompromised patients. METHODS: The medical records and microbiological data
      of patients affected by nocardiosis and treated at the university hospitals of
      Marseille between 2004 and 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The cases
      of 34 patients infected by Nocardia spp during this period were analyzed. The
      main underlying conditions were transplantation (n=15), malignancy (n=9), cystic
      fibrosis (n=4), and immune disease (n=3); no immunodeficiency condition was
      observed for three patients. No case of AIDS was observed. At diagnosis, 61.8%
      had received steroids for over 3 months. Four clinical presentations were
      identified, depending on the underlying condition: the disseminated form (50.0%)
      and the visceral isolated form (26.5%) in severely immunocompromised patients,
      the bronchial form (14.7%) in patients with chronic lung disease, and the
      cutaneous isolated form (8.8%) in immunocompetent patients. Nocardia farcinica
      was the main species identified (26.5%). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was
      prescribed in 68.0% of patients, and 38.0% underwent surgery. Mortality was
      11.7%, and the patients who died had disseminated or visceral nocardiosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation and outcome of nocardiosis depend on the
      patient's initial immune status and underlying pulmonary condition. Severe forms
      were all iatrogenic, occurring after treatments altering the immune system.

PMID- 28088586
TI  - A Case-control Study of Risk Sources for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia
      Syndrome in Hubei Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), an emerging
      infectious disease caused by a novel bunyavirus, was discovered in rural areas of
      Central China in 2009. METHODS: A case-control study based on hospital data was
      applied to detect the potential risk sources for SFTS in SFTS-endemic counties in
      Hubei Province. Cases were defined as hospitalized SFTSV confirmed patients.
      Controls were randomly selected from non-SFTSV patients in the same hospital ward
      within 2 weeks of inclusion of the cases, and they were matched by age (+/- 5
      years) and gender according to 1:2 matching condition. RESULTS: 68 cases and 136
      controls participated in this study. In multivariate analysis, "Contact with
      cattle tick" was the major risk source (Conditional Logistic Regression OR
      MH=8.62, 95% CI=1.79-41.51), outdoor activities and working in weeds or hillside
      fields could increase risk of cattle tick contact and SFTS infection (Conditional
      Logistic Regression OR-MH=8.82, 95% CI=1.69-46.05, P value=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our
      results suggested cattle might be dominant hosts in SFTS-endemic regions in Hubei
      Province, which provided clues to transmission mechanism of "vectors, host
      animals, and humans", thus more effectively preventing and controlling the
      disease.

PMID- 28088587
TI  - Late-onset neonatal sepsis in Arab states in the Gulf region: two-year
      prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of late-onset sepsis
      (LOS) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Arab states in the Gulf region
      and to describe the main causative organisms and their antibiotic resistance.
      METHODS: This observational prospective cohort study was conducted over a 2-year
      period in five NICUs in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. LOS
      was defined as the growth of a single potentially pathogenic organism from blood
      or cerebrospinal fluid in infants >3days of age with clinical and laboratory
      findings consistent with infection. RESULTS: Seven hundred and eighty-five cases
      of LOS occurred among 67 474 live births. The overall incidence of LOS was 11.63
      (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.84-12.47) per 1000 live births, or 56.14 (95% CI
      52.38-60.08) per 1000 admissions. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Klebsiella
      spp were the most common organisms, causing 272 (34.65%) and 179 (22.80%) of LOS
      cases, respectively. No evidence of a seasonal variation in the incidence of
      Klebsiella spp or in the incidence of all Gram-negative organisms was found. More
      than half of the Klebsiella spp were resistant to third-generation
      cephalosporins. CONCLUSION: LOS poses a major burden in this area, which could be
      due to the increasing care of premature babies. Gram-negative organisms,
      particularly Klebsiella spp, are having an increasing role in LOS in this region,
      with high levels of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. NICUs in the
      area should create a platform through which to share experience in reducing
      neonatal sepsis and contribute to a common antibiotic stewardship program.

PMID- 28088588
TI  - Dengue infection in pregnancy and its impact on the placenta.
AB  - A histopathological and immunohistochemical study was conducted in placental
      tissues and retained products of conception from 24 patients with confirmed
      dengue infection during pregnancy. The immunohistochemical assay was positive for
      dengue virus in 19 placental and three ovular remnants analyzed. The light
      microscopic findings were signs of hypoxia, choriodeciduitis, deciduitis and
      intervillositis and the viral antigens were found in cytoplasmic of the
      trophoblast, villous stroma and decidua. Our results suggest that
      immunohistochemistry could be used as a laboratory confirmation method for dengue
      in pregnant women, especially in endemic areas when embedded material is the only
      material available.

PMID- 28088589
TI  - Analysis of laboratory testing results for Chlamydia trachomatis infection in an
      STI clinic in India: Need for extragenital screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extragenital sites are believed to serve as hidden reservoirs for
      ongoing transmission of infection. In addition, treatment for rectal Chlamydia
      infection is different from that of genital Chlamydia infection. Many cases may
      be missed if only genital testing is performed. METHODS: Between September 2015
      and August 2016, all male and female attendees at an STI clinic of a tertiary
      care hospital with genital and or extragenital discharge were screened for CT
      infection. Samples included endocervical swabs in women, urethral swabs and urine
      samples in men. Rectal and pharyngeal samples were collected wherever indicated.
      RESULTS: Of total of 439 samples collected from 417 patients (245 women and 172
      men), samples from women had a high positivity rate than men. (13.6% and 11%).
      High rates of rectal CT was detected nearly 30.43%. All rectal positive cases
      except one had no concomitant genital infection. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of
      extragenital Chlamydia is increasing in men as well as women. What needs to be
      stressed on is the sexual behaviour of an individual and not the sexual identity.
      Further studies are needed to help formulate guidelines and recommendations for
      extragenital screening in a population.

PMID- 28088590
TI  - Human papillomavirus genotypes 68 and 58 are the most prevalent genotypes in
      women from quilombo communities in the state of Maranhao, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) types and
      behavioral characteristics related to cytological abnormalities in women
      descendants of slaves, who live in isolated communities known as quilombos in the
      state of Maranhao, Brazil. METHODS: Cervicovaginal specimens of 353 women were
      analyzed by conventional cytology and genotyping. HPV detection and genotyping
      was performed using a linear array HPV genotyping test kit. Behavioral factors
      and their association with cytological abnormalities were analyzed, as well as
      the association between cytological abnormalities and HPV infection. RESULTS: The
      frequency of HPV infection was 13%, and infection with high-risk HPV types was
      more frequent than with low-risk types (10.2% vs. 2.8%). The most prevalent
      genotypes were HPV 68 (3.1%) and HPV 58 (2.6%). HPV-positive women were 6.5 times
      more likely than HPV-negative women to be diagnosed with cytological
      abnormalities. There was a significant association between HPV infection and the
      presence of cytological abnormalities in women 31-40 years of age and in women 51
      60 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: A distinct profile of high-risk HPV genotypes was
      detected, with predominance of types 68 and 58. It is possible that the results
      of the present study are due to specific characteristics of the population, which
      is geographically isolated and maintains conservative sexual habits.

PMID- 28088591
TI  - Specific agreement on dichotomous outcomes can be calculated for more than two
      raters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: For assessing interrater agreement, the concepts of observed agreement
      and specific agreement have been proposed. The situation of two raters and
      dichotomous outcomes has been described, whereas often, multiple raters are
      involved. We aim to extend it for more than two raters and examine how to
      calculate agreement estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). STUDY DESIGN
      AND SETTING: As an illustration, we used a reliability study that includes the
      scores of four plastic surgeons classifying photographs of breasts of 50 women
      after breast reconstruction into "satisfied" or "not satisfied." In a simulation
      study, we checked the hypothesized sample size for calculation of 95% CIs.
      RESULTS: For m raters, all pairwise tables [ie, m (m - 1)/2] were summed. Then,
      the discordant cells were averaged before observed and specific agreements were
      calculated. The total number (N) in the summed table is m (m - 1)/2 times larger
      than the number of subjects (n), in the example, N = 300 compared to n = 50
      subjects times m = 4 raters. A correction of n?(m - 1) was appropriate to find
      95% CIs comparable to bootstrapped CIs. CONCLUSION: The concept of observed
      agreement and specific agreement can be extended to more than two raters with a
      valid estimation of the 95% CIs.

PMID- 28088592
TI  - A systematic review found that deviations from intention-to-treat are common in
      randomized trials and systematic reviews.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics, and estimate the incidence, of
      trials included in systematic reviews deviating from the intention-to-treat (ITT)
      principle. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A 5% random sample of reviews were selected
      (Medline 2006-2010). Trials from reviews were classified based on the ITT: (1)
      ITT trials (trials reporting standard ITT analyses); (2) modified ITT (mITT)
      trials (modified ITT; trials deviating from standard ITT); or (3) no ITT trials.
      RESULTS: Of 222 reviews, 81 (36%) included at least one mITT trial. Reviews with
      mITT trials were more likely to contain trials that used placebo, that
      investigated drugs, and that reported favorable results. The incidence of reviews
      with mITT trial ranged from 29% (17/58) to 48% (23/48). Of the 2,349 trials, 597
      (25.4%) were classified as ITT trials, 323 (13.8%) as mITT trials, and 1,429
      (60.8%) as no ITT trials. The mITT trials were more likely to have reported
      exclusions compared to studies classified as ITT trials and to have received
      funding. CONCLUSION: The reporting of the type of ITT may differ according to the
      clinical area and the type of intervention. Deviation from ITT in randomized
      controlled trials is a widespread phenomenon that significantly affects
      systematic reviews.

PMID- 28088593
TI  - Additional considerations are required when preparing a protocol for a systematic
      review with multiple interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The number of systematic reviews that aim to compare multiple
      interventions using network meta-analysis is increasing. In this study, we
      highlight aspects of a standard systematic review protocol that may need
      modification when multiple interventions are to be compared. STUDY DESIGN AND
      SETTING: We take the protocol format suggested by Cochrane for a standard
      systematic review as our reference and compare the considerations for a pairwise
      review with those required for a valid comparison of multiple interventions. We
      suggest new sections for protocols of systematic reviews including network meta
      analyses with a focus on how to evaluate their assumptions. We provide example
      text from published protocols to exemplify the considerations. CONCLUSION:
      Standard systematic review protocols for pairwise meta-analyses need extensions
      to accommodate the increased complexity of network meta-analysis. Our suggested
      modifications are widely applicable to both Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic
      reviews involving network meta-analyses.

PMID- 28088594
TI  - The number of primary events per variable affects estimation of the
      subdistribution hazard competing risks model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of the number of events per variable (EPV) on
      the accuracy of estimated regression coefficients, standard errors, empirical
      coverage rates of estimated confidence intervals, and empirical estimates of
      statistical power when using the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard regression
      model to assess the effect of covariates on the incidence of events that occur
      over time in the presence of competing risks. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Monte
      Carlo simulations were used. We considered two different definitions of the
      number of EPV. One included events of any type that occurred (both primary events
      and competing events), whereas the other included only the number of primary
      events that occurred. RESULTS: The definition of EPV that included only the
      number of primary events was preferable to the alternative definition, as the
      number of competing events had minimal impact on estimation. In general, 40-50
      EPV were necessary to ensure accurate estimation of regression coefficients and
      associated quantities. However, if all of the covariates are continuous or are
      binary with moderate prevalence, then 10 EPV are sufficient to ensure accurate
      estimation. CONCLUSION: Analysts must base the number of EPV on the number of
      primary events that occurred.

PMID- 28088595
TI  - Clinical trial registration was not an indicator for low risk of bias.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of registered trials and to evaluate the
      risk of bias between registered and unregistered clinical trials. STUDY DESIGN
      AND SETTING: The Cochrane Gynecology and Fertility Group's specialized register
      was searched on November 5, 2015, for randomized controlled trials published from
      2010 to 2014. Studies were selected if they had randomized women or men for
      fertility treatments, were published in full text and written in English. Two
      reviewers then independently assessed trial registration status for each trial,
      by searching the publication, trial registries, and by contacting the original
      authors. RESULTS: Of 693 eligible randomized controlled trials, only 44% were
      found to be registered. Unregistered clinical trials had smaller sample sizes
      than registered trials (P < 0.001). A random subsample of 125 registered and 125
      unregistered trials was assessed for risk of bias using five of the Cochrane Risk
      of Bias "domains." Registered and unregistered trials differed in their risk of
      bias for random sequence generation (P = 0.001), allocation concealment (P =
      0.003), and selective reporting (P < 0.001) but not blinding or incomplete
      outcome data (P > 0.05) domains. Only 54 (43.2%) of the 125 registered trials
      were registered prospectively. This study has the following limitations. Only
      English language trials were included in this review. We were unable to obtain
      protocols for the unregistered trials and therefore were unable to assess the
      risk of bias in the selective reporting domain. CONCLUSIONS: All available trials
      should be included in systematic reviews and assessed for risk of bias as there
      are both registered trials with high risk of bias and unregistered trials with
      low risk of bias and by excluding unregistered trials more than half of the
      available evidence will be lost.

PMID- 28088596
TI  - Indirect evidence of reporting biases was found in a survey of medical research
      studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore indirect evidence of reporting biases by examining the
      distribution of P-values reported in published medical articles and to compare P
      values distributions across different contexts. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We
      selected a random sample (N = 1,500) of articles published in PubMed in March
      2014. We extracted information on study type, design, medical discipline, and P
      values for the first reported outcome and primary outcome (if specified) from
      each article. We plotted the P-values transformed to the z-score scale and used
      caliper tests to investigate threshold effects. RESULTS: Out of the 1,500
      randomly selected records, 758 (50.5%) were included. We retrieved or calculated
      758 P-values for first reported outcomes and 389 for primary outcomes (specified
      in only 51% of included studies). The first reported and the primary outcome
      differed in 28% (110/389) of the included studies. The distributions of P-values
      for first reported outcomes and primary outcomes showed a notable discontinuity
      at the common thresholds of statistical significance (P-value = 0.05 and P-value
      = 0.01). We also found marked discontinuities in the distributions of z-scores
      across various medical disciplines, study designs, and types. CONCLUSION:
      Reporting biases are still common in medical research. We discuss their
      implications, strategies to detect them, and recommended practices to avoid them.

PMID- 28088597
TI  - Phase II Randomized Trial of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy to Decrease Surgical
      Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Laparotomy for Gastrointestinal,
      Pancreatic, and Peritoneal Surface Malignancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a major source of morbidity
      and cost after resection of intra-abdominal malignancies. Negative-pressure wound
      therapy (NPWT) has been reported to significantly reduce SSIs when applied to the
      closed laparotomy incision. This article reports the results of a randomized
      clinical trial examining the effect of NPWT on SSI rates in surgical oncology
      patients with increased risk for infectious complications. STUDY DESIGN: From
      2012 to 2016, two hundred and sixty-five patients who underwent open resection of
      intra-abdominal neoplasms were stratified into 3 groups: gastrointestinal (n =
      57), pancreas (n = 73), or peritoneal surface (n = 135) malignancy. They were
      randomized to receive NPWT or standard surgical dressing (SSD) applied to the
      incision from postoperative days 1 through 4. Primary outcomes of combined
      incisional (superficial and deep) SSI rates were assessed up to 30 days after
      surgery. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in superficial SSIs
      (12.8% vs 12.9%; p > 0.99) or deep SSI (3.0% vs 3.0%; p > 0.99) rates between the
      SSD and NPWT groups, respectively. When stratified by type of surgery, there were
      still no differences in combined incisional SSI rates for gastrointestinal (25%
      vs 24%; p > 0.99), pancreas (22% vs 22%; p > 0.99), and peritoneal surface
      malignancy (9% vs 9%; p > 0.99) patients. When performing univariate and
      multivariate logistic regression analysis of demographic and operative factors
      for the development of combined incisional SSI, the only independent predictors
      were preoperative albumin (p = 0.0031) and type of operation (p = 0.018).
      CONCLUSIONS: Use of NPWT did not significantly reduce incisional SSI rates in
      patients having open resection of gastrointestinal, pancreatic, or peritoneal
      surface malignancies. Based on these results, at this time NPWT cannot be
      recommended as a therapeutic intervention to decrease infectious complications in
      these patient populations.

PMID- 28088598
TI  - Are the Current Guidelines for the Surgical Management of Intraductal Papillary
      Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Adequate? A Multi-Institutional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy persists regarding the management of patients with
      intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). International consensus
      guidelines stratify patients into high-risk, worrisome, and low risk categories.
      STUDY DESIGN: The medical records of 7 institutions were reviewed for patients
      who underwent surgical management of IPMN between 2000 and 2015. RESULTS: There
      were 324 patients included in the analysis; 60.4% of patients had main-duct/mixed
      type, and 39.7% had branch-duct IPMN. The median cyst size was 2.65 cm, invasive
      cancer (IC) or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) was present in 42% (n = 136); 68.9% of
      patients with high-risk, 40.0% of patients with worrisome, and 24.6% of patients
      with low risk features exhibited HGD/IC. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that
      only 1 of 3 high-risk features and 2 of 7 worrisome features predicted the
      presence of HGD/IC. Positive predictive values for HGD/ IC in patients with
      obstructive jaundice and lymphadenopathy were 0.83 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.94) and 0.69
      (95% CI 0.39 to 0.91), respectively. In the absence of high-risk features, HGD/IC
      was still present in 57.4% of patients with 2 or more worrisome features.
      Regression analysis demonstrated that each additional worrisome factor present
      was additive in predicting HGD/IC in a linear fashion (odds ratio 1.39; 95% CI
      1.08 to 1.80; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that the current
      consensus guidelines for surgical resection of IPMN may not adequately stratify
      and identify patients at risk for having HGD or invasive cancer. Patients with
      multiple worrisome features, in the absence of high-risk factors, should be
      considered for resection.

PMID- 28088599
TI  - Southern Surgical Association: A Tradition of Mentorship in Translational
      Research.

PMID- 28088600
TI  - Development and Validation of a Methodology to Reduce Mortality Using the
      Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program Risk Calculator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To identify patients with a high risk of 30-day mortality after
      elective surgery, who may benefit from referral for tertiary care, an institution
      specific process using the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      (VASQIP) Risk Calculator was developed. The goal was to develop and validate the
      methodology. Our hypothesis was that the process could optimize referrals and
      reduce mortality. STUDY DESIGN: A VASQIP risk score was calculated for all
      patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery at a single Veterans Affairs (VA)
      facility. After statistical analysis, a VASQIP risk score of 3.3% predicted
      mortality was selected as the institutional threshold for referral to a tertiary
      care center. The model predicted that 16% of patients would require referral, and
      30-day mortality would be reduced by 73% at the referring institution. The main
      outcomes measures were the actual vs predicted referrals and mortality rates at
      the referring and receiving facilities. RESULTS: The validation included 565
      patients; 90 (16%) had VASQIP risk scores greater than 3.3% and were identified
      for referral; 60 consented. In these patients, there were 16 (27%) predicted
      mortalities, but only 4 actual deaths (p = 0.007) at the receiving institution.
      When referral was not indicated, the model predicted 4 mortalities (1%), but no
      actual deaths (p = 0.1241). CONCLUSIONS: These data validate this methodology to
      identify patients for referral to a higher level of care, reducing mortality at
      the referring institutions and significantly improving patient outcomes. This
      methodology can help guide decisions on referrals and optimize patient care.
      Further application and studies are warranted.

PMID- 28088601
TI  - Mid-Term Outcomes in Patients with Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the
      Great Arteries: A Single Center Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal management of patients with congenitally corrected
      transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is unclear. The goal of this study
      was to compare the outcomes in patients with ccTGA undergoing different
      management strategies. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with ccTGA believed suitable for
      biventricular circulation, treated between 1995 and 2016, were included. The
      cohort was divided into 4 groups: systemic right ventricle (RV) (patients without
      surgical intervention or with a classic repair), anatomic repair, Fontan
      palliation, and patients receiving only a pulmonary artery band (PAB) or a shunt.
      Transplant-free survival from presentation was calculated for each group.
      RESULTS: The cohort included 97 patients: 45 (46%) systemic RV, 26 (27%) anatomic
      repair, 9 (9%) Fontan, and 17 (18%) PAB/shunt. Median age at presentation was 2
      months (range 0 days to 69 years) and median follow-up was 10 years (1 month to
      28 years). At initial presentation, 10 (11%) patients had any RV dysfunction (8
      mild, 2 severe), and 16 (18%) patients had moderate or severe tricuspid
      regurgitation (TR). During the study, 10 (10%) patients died, and 3 (3%) patients
      underwent transplantation. At last follow-up, 11 (11%) patients were in New York
      Heart Association class III/IV, 5 (5%) had moderate or severe systemic ventricle
      dysfunction, and 16 (16%) had moderate or severe systemic atrioventricular valve
      regurgitation. Transplant-free survivals at 10 years were 93%, 86%, 100%, and 79%
      for systemic RV, anatomic repair, Fontan palliation, and PAB/shunt, respectively
      (p = 0.33). On multivariate analysis, only systemic RV dysfunction was associated
      with a higher risk for death or transplant (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Transplant
      free survival in ccTGA appears to be similar between patients with a systemic RV,
      anatomic repair, and Fontan procedure. Systemic RV dysfunction is a risk factor
      for death and transplant.

PMID- 28088602
TI  - Aggressive Surgical Approach to the Management of Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Report
      of 1,000 Surgical Cytoreductions by a Single Institution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms. Our group has
      treated more than 2,000 NET patients and has performed more than 1,000 surgical
      cytoreductive procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Records of 834 NET patients who underwent
      surgical cytoreduction at our institution were reviewed. Demographic information,
      intraoperative findings, extent of disease, complications, and survival rates
      were calculated. RESULTS: Eight hundred patients underwent 1,001 cytoreductive
      operations. Sixty-five percent had small bowel primaries. One hundred and thirty
      eight patients presented with an unknown primary site, which was localized
      intraoperatively in 89% of these cases. The intraoperative complication rate was
      9%. The incidence of intraoperative carcinoid crisis was 1%. Mean +/- SD
      operative time was 368 +/- 146 minutes. Mean +/- SD hospital stay was 9 +/- 10
      days. Minor postoperative complications occurred after 43% of procedures and
      major postoperative complications were noted after 19% of procedures. The 30-day
      postoperative mortality rate was 2%. Median overall survival (OS) for patients
      with pancreatic NETs was 124 months. The 5-, 10-, and 20-year OS rates for
      patients with pancreatic NETs were 67%, 51%, and 36%, respectively. The life
      expectancy difference (between OS and actuarial survival) after surgical
      cytoreduction for patients with pancreatic NETs was 16.6 years. Median OS for
      patients with small bowel NETs was 161 months. The 5-, 10-, and 20-year OS rates
      for patients with small bowel NETs were 84%, 67% and 31%, respectively. The life
      expectancy difference after surgical cytoreduction for patients with small bowel
      NETs was 11.7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical cytoreduction in NET patients has low
      morbidity and mortality rates and results in prolonged survival. We believe that
      surgical cytoreduction should play a major role in the care of patients with
      NETs.

PMID- 28088603
TI  - Hospital Readmissions after Surgery: How Important Are Hospital and Specialty
      Factors?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital readmission rates after surgery can represent an overall
      hospital effect or a combination of specialty and patient effects. We
      hypothesized that hospital readmission rates for procedures within specialties
      were more strongly correlated than rates across specialties within the same
      hospital. STUDY DESIGN: For general, orthopaedic, and vascular specialties at
      Veterans Affairs hospitals during 2008 to 2014, 30-day risk-adjusted readmission
      rates were estimated for 6 high-volume procedures and each specialty.
      Relationships were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS:
      At 84 hospitals, 64,724 orthopaedic, 24,963 general, and 10,399 vascular
      inpatient procedures were performed; mean readmission rates were 6.3%, 13.6%, and
      16.4%, respectively. There was no correlation between specialty-specific adjusted
      hospital readmission rates: general and orthopaedic (r = 0.21; p = 0.06), general
      and vascular (r = 0.15; p = 0.19), and vascular and orthopaedic surgery (r =
      0.07; p = 0.55). Within specialties, we found modest correlations between knee
      and hip arthroplasty readmission rates (r = 0.39; p < 0.01) and colectomy and
      ventral hernia repair (r = 0.24; p = 0.03), but not between lower-extremity
      bypass and endovascular aortic repair (r = 0.13; p = 0.26). Overall, controlling
      for patient-level factors, 1.9% of the variation in readmissions was attributable
      to specialty-level factors; only 0.6% was attributable to hospital-level factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hospital readmission rates for orthopaedic, vascular, and general
      surgery were not correlated between specialties; within each of the 3
      specialties, modest correlations were found between 2 procedures within 2 of
      these specialties. These findings suggest that hospital surgical readmission
      rates are primarily explained by patient- and procedure-specific factors and less
      by broader specialty and/or hospital effects.

PMID- 28088604
TI  - ALBA Screening Instrument (ASI): A brief screening tool for Lewy Body Dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases is essential for
      treatment and proper care of these patients. Screening tools available today are
      effective for several types of dementia. However, there is no one specific for
      Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to present a tool
      for early detection of LBD, accessible even for non-medical staff. METHODS: We
      stratified subjects (MMSE>20) into four groups: health controls (HC), Mild
      Cognitive Impairment (MCI), LBD and other dementias (Alzheimer and vascular). All
      subjects (age range 50-90) were examined with a comprehensive neuropsychological
      and neuropsychiatric evaluation, as well as neuroimaging to differentiate
      diagnosis between groups, fulfilling corresponding criteria. Both neurologists
      and neuropsychologists were blind to the performance on clinical evaluations and
      ASI, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the instrument were
      determined to differentiate LBD from other groups. RESULTS: We evaluated 427
      subjects, 91 HC, 140 with MCI and 196 with dementia. In the dementia group, 75
      were diagnosed with LBD and 121 with other dementias. ASI total score was 12.7+/
      0.4 for LBD, 2.9+/-0.2 for HC, 5+/-0.7 for MCI, and 5.4+/-2.6 for other causes of
      dementia. ROC curve analysis showed a sensitivity of 90.7% and a specificity of
      93.6% stands, with 9 as the cutoff with better test performance compared against
      other groups. CONCLUSION: ASI is a brief screening tool for LBD with high
      sensitivity and specificity and useful even for non-medical staff.

PMID- 28088605
TI  - Comparison of the anterior chamber angle structure between children and adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the anterior chamber structure in children and adults
      with a similar axial length (AL). METHODS: A total of 50 children (mean age, 7.1
      +/- 3.3 years; range, 3-16) with mainly refractive error and 50 adults (mean age,
      73.7 +/- 7.8 years; range, 50-85) with short AL were included. The mean AL was
      22.21 +/- 0.88 mm (range, 20.67-23.97 mm) in children; 22.34 +/- 0.53 mm (range,
      20.50-22.96 mm), in adults. The corneal curvature, spherical equivalent, AL,
      central corneal thickness (CCT), inter-scleral spur distance, perpendicular
      distance, anterior chamber depth (ACD), angle opening distance (AOD), and lens
      vault were measured. An independent t test and a stepwise regression analysis
      were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There were no significant differences
      between groups in AL, spherical equivalent, and perpendicular distance. By
      comparison, the children had larger corneal curvature (children:adults =
      7.70:7.40 mm), longer inter-scleral spur distance (11.65:11.20 mm), greater CCT
      (560:522 MUm), deeper anterior chamber (3.05:2.53 mm), and larger AOD (0.56:0.37
      mm) than adults (all P < 0.01). The lens vault was smaller in the children than
      in the adults (0.04:0.54, P < 0.01). The predictive factors for lens vault were
      the ACD (coefficient = -0.407), inter-scleral spur distance (0.307), AOD (
      0.650), group (children, -0.108) and corneal curvature (-0.214). The predictive
      factors for the AOD were the lens vault (-0.310), inter-scleral spur distance
      (0.140), and corneal curvature (-0.143). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the anterior
      chamber angle (the semicircle structure of the anterior segment) in children was
      larger than in adults. This may partially explain why, despite having a short AL,
      children rarely develop primary angle closure.

PMID- 28088606
TI  - Choice of factor VIII/IX regimen in adolescents and young adults with severe or
      moderately severe haemophilia. A French national observational study (ORTHem 15
      25).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The value and challenges of long-term prophylaxis (LTP) in
      adolescents and young adults need further characterisation. AIM: To determine the
      proportions of adolescents and young adults with severe or moderately severe
      haemophilia in France under LTP and treatment on demand (OD). METHODS: Patients
      15 to 25years old with haemophilia A or B, factor VIII/IX <=2% and no current
      inhibitor could be included if they had been under factor VIII/IX treatment at
      least 12months and kept a treatment and bleeding diary. RESULTS: LTP was
      administered to 169/212 patients (79.7%) and OD treatment to 40/212 patients
      (18.9%). The most frequent reasons for initiating LTP were joint bleeding, target
      joints and frequent bleeds; whereas OD treatment was most often selected on the
      basis of mild bleeding phenotype or because of constraints on LTP. The mean
      annual bleed rate (ABR) in the OD group (6.33) was higher than in the LTP group
      (3.07, p<0.001). Mean ABR did not differ significantly between age strata (15-18,
      >18-21 and >21-25years), but was significantly higher for patients with severe
      haemophilia (4.02) as compared to those with moderate haemophilia (1.97,
      p=0.002). No significant difference was observed in mean ABR for joint bleeds
      between the LTP and OD groups. Physician reported LTP compliance was good or
      excellent in 97.0% of patients. CONCLUSION: LTP is the predominant factor VIII/IX
      treatment among adolescents and young adults with severe or moderately severe
      haemophilia in France. LTP was associated with low ABR and high compliance.

PMID- 28088607
TI  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation leads to a restoration of von Willebrand
      factor (VWF) abnormalities in patients with severe aortic stenosis - Incidence
      and relevance of clinical and subclinical VWF dysfunction in patients undergoing
      transfemoral TAVI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we sought to analyze the incidence and relevance of
      von Willebrand factor (VWF) abnormalities in patients undergoing transcatheter
      aortic valve implantation (TAVI), especially on perioperative bleeding.
      Furthermore, we hypothesized that, similar to aortic valve surgery, TAVI results
      in a restoration of VWF abnormalities. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a
      prospective analysis of periinterventional VWF parameters in 74 patients (80+/
      7years, female in 37.5%) undergoing transfemoral TAVI for severe symptomatic
      aortic valve stenosis. At baseline, VWF:Ag was 210+/-90IU/dl with a mean VWF
      activity of 166+/-106IU/dl; activity-to-antigen ratio was 0.85+/-0.45. Heyde's
      syndrome (severe aortic stenosis plus GI bleeding from angiodyplasia) was
      observed in 2/74 (2.7%). Whereas preprocedural loss of high-molecular-weight
      (HMW) VWF multimers was found in thirty-six patients (48.6%), none of the
      patients fulfilled criteria for possible acquired VW syndrome. After TAVI, an
      increase of both VWF:Ag and activity compared to baseline was observed (p<0.01).
      In patients with HMW multimer loss, post-interventional recovery of multimers
      occurred in all cases. In the two patients with Heyde's syndrome, a trend towards
      reduced VWF:Ag was seen, with loss of HMW multimers in one patient. Of interest,
      all patients suffering from periprocedural major bleeding (5/74; 6.8%) exhibited
      activity-to-antigen ratios <0.7, indicating subclinical VWF dysfunction.
      CONCLUSION: Whereas clinically relevant VWF dysfunction is rare, loss of HMW VWF
      multimers is common in TAVI patients. Similar to surgery, TAVI leads to a
      restoration of this loss. Furthermore, VWF parameters may be useful parameter to
      evaluate risk of periprocedural bleeding.

PMID- 28088608
TI  - Gene analysis of six cases of congenital protein S deficiency and functional
      analysis of protein S mutations (A139V, C449F, R451Q, C475F, A525V and
      D599TfsTer13).
AB  - Congenital deficiency of protein S (PS), an anticoagulant factor, leads to venous
      thrombosis, with onset predominantly beginning in adolescence. In the present
      study, gene analysis of six unrelated Japanese families diagnosed with congenital
      PS deficiency identified five missense mutations in the PROS1 gene - c.757C>T
      (Ala139Val; A139V), c.1346 G>T (Cys449Phe; C449F), c.1352G>A (Arg451Gln; R451Q),
      c.1424G>T (Cys475Phe; C475F) and c.1574C>T (Ala525Val; A525V) - and one
      frameshift mutation, c.2135delA (Asp599ThrfsTer13; D599TfsTer13). C449F, R451Q,
      A525V and D599TfsTer13 are novel mutations. Results from ELISA to measure PS
      antigen levels in culture supernatant showed that the A139V variant was similar
      to wild-type, but other variants showed reductions when compared with wild-type.
      Results from pulse-chase analysis confirmed that the A139V variant exhibited
      secretion equivalent to wild-type, but for the other variants, there was no
      extracellular secretion, and it had nearly all been degraded inside the cell
      within six hours. Results from pulse-chase analysis using proteasome inhibitors
      also showed that intracellular degradation of mutant protein was inhibited.
      Activity of the A139V variant was decreased to 71% of wild-type, and the
      phospholipid binding capacity fell to as low as 45%. These results suggest that
      although the A139V variant has normal secretion, it has abnormal phospholipid
      binding capacity, and therefore causes type II PS deficiency, in which PS
      activity is decreased. It is also thought that with the other variants,
      misfolding due to amino acid mutations causes nearly all PS to be degraded
      intracellularly, therefore leading to type I PS deficiency.

PMID- 28088609
TI  - Leukemia inhibitory factor impairs structural and neurochemical development of
      rat visual cortex in vivo.
AB  - Minipump infusions into visual cortex in vivo at the onset of the critical period
      have revealed that the proinflammatory cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)
      delays the maturation of thalamocortical projection neurons of the lateral
      geniculate nucleus, and tecto-thalamic projection neurons of the superior
      colliculus, and cortical layer IV spiny stellates and layer VI pyramidal neurons.
      Here, we report that P12-20 LIF infusion inhibits somatic maturation of pyramidal
      neurons and of all interneuron types in vivo. Likewise, DIV 12-20 LIF treatment
      in organotypic cultures prevents somatic growth GABA-ergic neurons. Further,
      while NPY expression is increased in the LIF-infused hemispheres, the expression
      of parvalbumin mRNA and protein, Kv3.1 mRNA, calbindin D-28k protein, and GAD-65
      mRNA, but not of GAD-67 mRNA or calretinin protein is substantially reduced.
      Also, LIF treatment decreases parvalbumin, Kv3.1, Kv3.2 and GAD-65, but not GAD
      67 mRNA expression in OTC. Developing cortical neurons are known to depend on
      neurotrophins. Indeed, LIF alters neurotrophin mRNA expression, and prevents the
      growth promoting action of neurotophin-4 in GABA-ergic neurons. The results imply
      that LIF, by altering neurotrophin expression and/or signaling, could counteract
      neurotrophin-dependent growth and neurochemical differentiation of cortical
      neurons.

PMID- 28088610
TI  - The effects of voluntary wheel running on neuroinflammatory status: Role of
      monocyte chemoattractant protein-1.
AB  - The health benefits of exercise and physical activity (PA) have been well
      researched and it is widely accepted that PA is crucial for maintaining health.
      One of the mechanisms by which exercise and PA exert their beneficial effects is
      through peripheral immune system adaptations. To date, very few studies have
      looked at the regulation of neuroimmune reactions in response to PA. We studied
      the effect of voluntary wheel running (VWR) on pro- and anti-inflammatory
      cytokine levels, patterns of glial cell activation and expression of immune
      receptors in the brains of female C57BL/6 mice. By using homozygous monocyte
      chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 null mice, we investigated the role of this key
      immunoregulatory cytokine in mediating VWR-induced neuroinflammatory responses.
      We demonstrated that, compared to their sedentary counterparts, C57BL/6 mice
      exposed for seven weeks to VWR had increased levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory
      cytokines, markers of glial cell activation and a trend towards increased
      expression of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 in the brain. Measurements of serum
      cytokines revealed that the alterations in brain cytokine levels could not be
      explained by the effects of PA on peripheral cytokine levels. We propose that the
      modified neuroimmune status observed in the VWR group represents an activated
      immune system, as opposed to a less activated immune system in the sedentary
      group. Since MCP-1 knockout mice displayed differing patterns of pro- and anti
      inflammatory brain cytokine expression and glial activation when compared to
      their wild-type counterparts, we concluded that the effects of VWR on neuroimmune
      reactions may be modulated by MCP-1. These identified immunomodulatory effects of
      PA in the brain could contribute to the observed positive relationship between
      physically active lifestyles and a reduced risk for a number of neurodegenerative
      diseases that possess a significant neuroinflammatory component.

PMID- 28088611
TI  - Lactobacillus paracasei modulates LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine release by
      monocyte-macrophages via the up-regulation of negative regulators of NF-kappaB
      signaling in a TLR2-dependent manner.
AB  - The application of the probiotic lactobacillus is suggested in the treatment of
      some inflammatory diseases of intestines due to its potential ability to
      attenuate inflammation. However, the mechanism is not completely understood. In
      PBMCs, Lactobacillus paracasei (L. Paracasei) down-regulated the LPS-induced
      production of TNF-alpha and IL-6. Using a macrophage-like differentiated THP-1
      cell line induced by PMA, we investigated the effect of L. paracasei on the
      production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by monocyte-macrophages. Treatment of
      the differentiated THP-1 cells with L. paracasei either concurrently with or
      before LPS challenge attenuated the LPS-induced secretion of TNF-alpha and IL
      1beta. This effect was due to a decrease in IkappaB phosphorylation and NF-kappaB
      nuclear translocation. Furthermore, treatment of the differentiated THP-1 cells
      with L. paracasei induced the expression of negative regulators of the NF-kappaB
      signaling pathway, including the deubiquitinating enzyme A20, suppressor of
      cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1, SOCS3, and IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) 3.
      Pretreatment with an IRAK4 inhibitor suppressed the L. paracasei-induced
      expression of these negative regulators and further increased the LPS-mediated
      expressions of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Moreover, treatment with an antibody
      against Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 reversed the effect of L. paracasei on
      inducing negative regulators and inhibiting TNF-alpha and IL-1beta productions.
      Our findings suggest that L. paracasei inhibits the production of pro
      inflammatory cytokines by monocyte-macrophages via the induction of negative
      regulators of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in a TLR2-IRAK4-dependent manner.

PMID- 28088612
TI  - Alterations in cytokine gene expression profile in colon mucosa of Inflammatory
      Bowel Disease patients on different therapeutic regimens.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is assumed to be caused by genetic and
      environmental factors that interact together in promoting intestinal immune
      dysregulation where cytokines have validated role. However, the underlying
      intimate mechanisms in the human IBD involving cytokines still needs to be
      supplemented especially in the clinical context. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the expression of some inflammatory and regulatory cytokines (IL-17A,
      IL-23, IL-6, TGFbeta1, and IL-10) as well as of the transcription factor FoxP3 in
      mucosal samples of IBD and non-IBD patients. We assessed the mRNA relative
      quantities (RQ) of the above-mentioned cytokines and the transcription factor
      FoxP3 in paired colonic samples (inflamed and adjacent normal mucosa) from 37
      patients with IBD and in normal mucosal tissue in 12 persons without IBD by
      performing a qRT-PCR assay and tested the protein levels of target cytokines in
      serum samples. The patients were divided into three groups: without any therapy
      (n=10), on 5-ASA (n=11) and on immunosuppressants (Azathioprine+/-5
      ASA/corticosteroids) (n=16) in order to compare the RQ values for each
      therapeutic group. All investigated genes were found upregulated in the inflamed
      mucosa of IBD patients in the following order: IL-6>FoxP3>TGFbeta1>IL-23>IL
      17A>IL-10. We also observed that the gene expression of FoxP3 and IL-6 were
      substantially higher in the inflamed mucosal tissue of the IBD patients than the
      adjacent normal mucosa (p=0.035, p=0.03 respectively). Differences between higher
      mRNA expression of FoxP3 and IL-6 in inflamed tissue were considered significant
      in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (p=0.011, p=0.000 respectively) and with
      Crohn's disease (CD) (p=0.008, p=0.000 respectively) in comparison to the normal
      mucosa of non-IBD persons and we found increased TGFbeta1 in CD patients alone
      (p=0.041). Furthermore, IL-6 and TGFbeta1 were overexpressed (RQ>10) in non
      inflamed mucosa from IBD patients compared to the normal mucosa from the
      controls. When we compared the gene expression for paired mucosa in the
      immunosuppressive treated group with the 5-ASA treated group we observed opposite
      changes in IL-6 and TGFbeta1 expression. Additionally, we found higher serum
      levels of IL-23 (p=0.008), TGFbeta1 and IL-6 in IBD patients compared to non-IBD
      patients. The obtained specific expression profile consisting of IL-6, TGFbeta1,
      IL-10 and FoxP3 may represent a transcriptional hallmark for IBD. Furthermore, we
      found that treatment with immunosuppressive therapy was more beneficial for
      driving cytokine expression to restore immune regulation in patients with IBD,
      unlike the 5-ASA therapy.

PMID- 28088613
TI  - Adipocyte and epidermal fatty acid-binding protein serum concentrations in
      patients with lipodystrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lipodystrophy (LD) syndromes are associated with diabetes mellitus,
      hypertriglyceridemia, and coronary artery disease. One pathogenetic factor of LD
      is dysregulation of several adipokines. However, the insulin resistance- and
      dyslipidemia-promoting adipokines adipocyte (AFABP) and epidermal (EFABP) fatty
      acid-binding protein have not been investigated in non-HIV-associated LD so far.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of AFABP and EFABP
      serum concentrations in 37 LD patients and 37 age-, gender-, and body mass index
      matched healthy controls. Moreover, AFABP and EFABP were correlated to clinical
      and biochemical parameters of inflammation, glucose control, and lipid
      metabolism. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in median circulating
      AFABP and EFABP levels between LD patients (21.7MUg/l and 7.5MUg/l, respectively)
      and healthy controls (24.5MUg/l and 8.6MUg/l, respectively). Neither AFABP nor
      EFABP were related to markers of impaired glucose control or lipid metabolism.
      Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive and independent association
      of AFABP with gender, serum leptin levels, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS:
      Circulating levels of AFABP and EFABP are not decreased in LD despite adipose
      tissue loss in contrast to other adipokines including leptin and adiponectin.

PMID- 28088615
TI  - Cloning, heterologous expression and biochemical characterization of a non
      specific endoglucanase family 12 from Aspergillus terreus NIH2624.
AB  - The cellulases from Glycoside Hydrolyses family 12 (GH12) play an important role
      in cellulose degradation and plant cell wall deconstruction being widely used in
      a number of bioindustrial processes. Aiming to contribute toward better
      comprehension of these class of the enzymes, here we describe a high-yield
      secretion of a endoglucanase GH12 from Aspegillus terreus (AtGH12), which was
      cloned and expressed in Aspergillus nidulans strain A773. The purified protein
      was used for complete biochemical and functional characterization. The optimal
      temperature and pH of the enzyme were 55 degrees C and 5.0 respectively, which
      has high activity against beta-glucan and xyloglucan and also is active toward
      glucomannan and CMC. The enzyme retained activity up to 60 degrees C. AtGH12 is
      strongly inhibited by Cu2+, Fe2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, Zn2+ and EDTA, whereas K+,
      Tween, Cs+, DMSO, Triton X-100 and Mg2+ enhanced the enzyme activity.
      Furthermore, SAXS data reveal that the enzyme has a globular shape and CD
      analysis demonstrated a prevalence of a beta-strand structure corroborating with
      typical beta-sheets fold commonly found for other endoglucanases from GH12
      family.

PMID- 28088614
TI  - CCAAT/Enhancer-binding protein beta promotes pathogenesis of EAE.
AB  - The CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein beta (C/EBPbeta) transcription factor is
      activated by multiple inflammatory stimuli, including IL-17 and LPS, and
      C/EBPbeta itself regulates numerous genes involved in inflammation. However, the
      role of C/EBPbeta in driving autoimmunity is not well understood. Here, we
      demonstrate that Cebpb-/- mice are resistant to EAE. Cebpb-/- mice exhibited
      reduced lymphocyte and APC infiltration into CNS following EAE induction.
      Furthermore, MOG-induced Th17 cytokine production was impaired in draining LN,
      indicating defects in Th17 cell priming. In vitro Th17 polarization studies
      indicated that T cell responses are not inherently defective, instead supporting
      the known roles for C/EBPbeta in myeloid lineage cell activation as the likely
      mechanism for defective Th17 priming in vivo. However, we did uncover an
      unexpected role for C/EBPbeta in regulating ll23r expression in APCs. ChIP assays
      confirmed that C/EBPbeta binds directly to the Il23r gene promoter in dendritic
      cells and Th17 cells. These data establish C/EBPbeta as a key driver of
      autoimmune inflammation in EAE, and propose a novel role for C/EBPbeta in
      regulation of IL-23R expression.

PMID- 28088616
TI  - Patient agency and contested notions of disability in social assistance
      applications in South Africa.
AB  - Problems in fairly allocating welfare and health resources are very often located
      in the spaces where citizens interact directly with state workers. This study
      draws on observations of doctor-patient encounters in disability assessments for
      the South African disability grant (DG) to examine how doctor-patient
      interactions and patient agency shape social welfare allocation in a context of
      high poverty and inequality. Data were gathered via interviews with healthcare
      workers and observations of doctor-patient interactions in twelve clinics and
      three hospitals in the Western Cape province between October 2013 and August
      2014. Twenty-four doctors were interviewed, of whom seventeen were observed
      conducting a total of 216 consultations with patients. Two training sessions of
      DG assessors were also observed. Findings show that interactions between doctors
      and patients are sites of negotiation and contestation over rights to social
      assistance. Claimants' understanding of disability differed from biomedical and
      bureaucratic definitions. Patients attempted to influence doctors' decisions
      through narratives of suffering and performances of disability. Others used
      verbal or physical abuse as a form of protest against perceived unfair treatment.
      To defend themselves from these pressures and maintain authority in these
      interactions, doctors employed coping strategies that distanced and objectified
      claimants. This resulted in strained doctor-patient relationships and made the DG
      system confusing to the public. This demonstrates the importance of considering
      trust, power dynamics and the exercise of agency by both patients and providers
      in understanding policy implementation.

PMID- 28088617
TI  - Assessing physician productivity following Norwegian hospital reform: A panel and
      data envelopment analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although health care reforms may improve efficiency at the macro
      level, less is known regarding their effects on the utilization of health care
      personnel. Following the 2002 Norwegian hospital reform, we studied the
      productivity of the physician workforce and the effect of personnel mix on this
      measure in all nineteen Norwegian hospitals from 2001 to 2013. METHODS: We used
      panel analysis and non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) to study
      physician productivity defined as patient treatments per full-time equivalent
      (FTE) physician. Resource variables were FTE and salary costs of physicians,
      nurses, secretaries, and other personnel. Patient metrics were number of patients
      treated by hospitalization, daycare, and outpatient treatments, as well as
      corresponding diagnosis-related group (DRG) scores accounting for differences in
      patient mix. Research publications and the fraction of residents/FTE physicians
      were used as proxies for research and physician training. RESULTS: The number of
      patients treated increased by 47% and the DRG scores by 35%, but there were no
      significant increases in any of the activity measures per FTE physician. Total
      DRG per FTE physician declined by 6% (p < 0.05). In the panel analysis, more
      nurses and secretaries per FTE physician correlated positively with physician
      productivity, whereas physician salary was neutral. In 2013, there was a 12%-80%
      difference between the hospitals with the highest and lowest physician
      productivity in the differing treatment modalities. In the DEA, cost efficiency
      did not change in the study period, but allocative efficiency decreased
      significantly. Bootstrapped estimates indicated that the use of physicians was
      too high and the use of auxiliary nurses and secretaries was too low.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our measures of physician productivity declined from 2001 to 2013.
      More support staff was a significant variable for predicting physician
      productivity. Personnel mix developments in the study period were unfavorable
      with respect to physician productivity.

PMID- 28088618
TI  - Modelling possible causality in the associations between unemployment, cannabis
      use, and alcohol misuse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been considerable interest in the extent to which substance
      use and unemployment may be related, particularly the causal pathways that may be
      involved in these associations. It has been argued that these associations may
      reflect social causation, in which unemployment influences substance use, or that
      they may reflect social selection, in which substance use increases the risk of
      becoming and remaining unemployed. The present study sought to test these
      competing explanations. METHODS: Data from the Christchurch Health and
      Development Study, featuring a longitudinal birth cohort, were used to model the
      associations between unemployment and both cannabis and alcohol. Data on patterns
      of unemployment, involvement with cannabis, and symptoms of alcohol use disorder
      were examined from ages 18-35 years. The associations between unemployment and
      both cannabis dependence and alcohol use disorder (AUD) were modelled using
      conditional fixed-effects regression models, augmented by time-dynamic covariate
      factors. RESULTS: The analyses showed evidence of possible reciprocal causal
      processes in the association between unemployment and cannabis dependence, in
      which unemployment of at least three months' duration significantly (p < 0.0001)
      increased the risk of cannabis dependence, and cannabis dependence significantly
      (p < 0.0001) increased the risk of being unemployed. Similar evidence was found
      for the associations between unemployment and AUD, although these associations
      were smaller in magnitude. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings support both social
      causation and social selection arguments, by indicating that unemployment plays a
      causal role in substance misuse, and that it is also likely that a reverse causal
      process whereby substance misuse increases the risk of unemployment.

PMID- 28088619
TI  - Pappa Ante Portas: The effect of the husband's retirement on the wife's mental
      health in Japan.
AB  - The "Retired Husband Syndrome", that affects the mental health of wives of
      retired men around the world, has been anecdotally documented but never formally
      investigated. Using Japanese micro-data and the exogenous variation across
      cohorts in the maximum age of guaranteed employment induced by a 2006 Japanese
      reform, we estimate that the husband's earlier retirement significantly increases
      the probability that the wife reports symptoms related to the syndrome. We also
      find that retirement has a negative effect both on the household's economic
      situation and on the husband's own mental health, and that the higher economic
      distress contributes to reducing the wife's mental health.

PMID- 28088620
TI  - Relations between neighbourhood socioeconomic status and birth outcomes are
      mediated by maternal weight.
AB  - Lower neighbourhood-level socioeconomic status (SES) has been repeatedly
      associated with an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, even after
      controlling for individual-level SES. Few studies have empirically assessed
      potential mechanisms underlying the associations. The objectives of this study
      were to (1) examine relations between neighbourhood SES and birth outcomes, and
      (2) explore if maternal weight variables mediated these relations. Data came from
      a provincial prospective pregnancy cohort study in Canada. Census data was used
      to create a continuous measure of neighbourhood SES. Using information from
      maternal questionnaires and medical records, two mediators (pre-pregnancy body
      mass index (BMI), and gestational weight gain (GWG)) and five birth outcomes
      (preterm birth, low birth weight, macrosomia, small for gestational age (SGA),
      large for gestational age (LGA)) were examined. After adjusting for individual
      level covariates, mediation analyses supported significant associations between
      lower neighbourhood SES and increased risk of macrosomia (b = 0.1183, 95% BCa CI:
      0.0607-0.1896) and LGA (b = 0.0565, 95% BCa CI: 0.0040-0.1186) through higher pre
      pregnancy BMI. Significant associations were also observed between neighbourhood
      SES and macrosomia, LGA, and preterm birth (b = 0.0105, 95% BCa CI: 0.0014
      0.0246) through pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG in tandem; pairwise comparisons
      suggested that associations with macrosomia and LGA through pre-pregnancy BMI
      alone were significant over associations through pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG
      together. These findings add to a growing body of literature assessing potential
      mechanisms underlying relations between neighbourhood SES and adverse birth
      outcomes, and suggest that neighbourhood-level SES may influence birth outcomes
      through maternal weight.

PMID- 28088621
TI  - 4-hydroxynonenal causes impairment of human subcutaneous adipogenesis and
      induction of adipocyte insulin resistance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Increased adipose production of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a
      bioreactive aldehyde, directly correlates with obesity and insulin resistance.
      The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of 4-HNE in mediating adipocyte
      differentiation and function in two metabolically distinct obese groups; the
      insulin sensitive (IS) and the insulin resistant (IR). METHODS: Subcutaneous (SC)
      adipose tissues were obtained from eighteen clinically well characterized obese
      premenopausal women undergoing weight reduction surgery. Cellular distribution of
      4-HNE in the form of protein adducts was determined by immunohistochemistry in
      addition to its effect on oxidative stress, cell growth, adipogenic capacity and
      insulin signaling in preadipocytes derived from the IS and IR participants.
      RESULTS: 4-HNE was detected in the SC adipose tissue in different cell types with
      the highest level detected in adipocytes and blood vessels. Short and long-term
      in vitro treatment of SC preadipocytes with 4-HNE caused inhibition of their
      growth and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant
      enzymes. Repeated 4-HNE treatment led to a greater reduction in the adipogenic
      capacity of preadipocytes from IS subjects compared to IR and caused
      dephosphorylation of IRS-1 and p70S6K while activating GSK3alpha/beta and BAD,
      triggering an IR phenotype. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that 4-HNE-induced
      oxidative stress plays a role in the regulation of preadipocyte growth,
      differentiation and insulin signaling and may therefore contribute to adipose
      tissue metabolic dysfunction associated with insulin resistance.

PMID- 28088622
TI  - Reactive oxygen species and cancer paradox: To promote or to suppress?
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a group of highly reactive ions and molecules, are
      increasingly being appreciated as powerful signaling molecules involved in the
      regulation of a variety of biological processes. Indeed, their role is
      continuously being delineated in a variety of pathophysiological conditions. For
      instance, cancer cells are shown to have increased ROS levels in comparison to
      their normal counterparts. This is partly due to an enhanced metabolism and
      mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells. The escalated ROS generation in cancer
      cells contributes to the biochemical and molecular changes necessary for the
      tumor initiation, promotion and progression, as well as, tumor resistance to
      chemotherapy. Therefore, increased ROS in cancer cells may provide a unique
      opportunity to eliminate cancer cells via elevating ROS to highly toxic levels
      intracellularly, thereby, activating various ROS-induced cell death pathways, or
      inhibiting cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy. Such results can be achieved
      by using agents that either increase ROS generation, or inhibit antioxidant
      defense, or even a combination of both. In fact, a large variety of anticancer
      drugs, and some of those currently under clinical trials, effectively kill cancer
      cells and overcome drug resistance via enhancing ROS generation and/or impeding
      the antioxidant defense mechanism. This review focuses on our current
      understanding of the tumor promoting (tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, invasion and
      metastasis, and chemoresistance) and the tumor suppressive (apoptosis, autophagy,
      and necroptosis) functions of ROS, and highlights the potential mechanism(s)
      involved. It also sheds light on a very novel and an actively growing field of
      ROS-dependent cell death mechanism referred to as ferroptosis.

PMID- 28088623
TI  - A novel role of topical iodine in skin: Activation of the Nrf2 pathway.
AB  - For a long time iodine has been used as an active dermal agent in the treatment
      of inflammatory, immune-mediated and infectious diseases. Moreover, topical
      iodine application has been reported to provide protection against sulfur-mustard
      induced skin lesions, heat-induced and acid-induced skin burns in both haired
      guinea-pigs and mouse ear swelling models. However, the exact mechanism of action
      underlying these benefits of iodine has not yet been elucidated. In the current
      study, a novel mechanism of action by which iodine provides skin protection and
      relief, based on its electrophilic nature, is suggested. This study demonstrates
      that both iodine and iodide are capable of activating the Nrf2 pathway in human
      skin. As a result, skin protection against UVB-induced damage was acquired and
      the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8) from LPS-challenged skin
      was reduced. Iodide role in the enhanced activation of this pathway is
      demonstrated. The mode of action by which iodine and iodide activate the Nrf2
      pathway is discussed.

PMID- 28088624
TI  - Oxidative Phospholipidomics in health and disease: Achievements, challenges and
      hopes.
AB  - Phospholipid peroxidation products are recognized as important bioactive lipid
      mediators playing an active role as modulators in signalling events in
      inflammation, immunity and infection. The biochemical responses are determined by
      the oxidation structural features present in oxPL modulating biophysical and
      biological properties in model membranes and lipoproteins. In spite of the
      extensive work conducted with model systems over the last 20 years, the study of
      oxPL in biological systems has virtually stagnated. In fact, very little is known
      concerning the predominant oxPL in fluids and tissues, their basal levels, and
      any variations introduced with age, gender and ethnicity in health and disease.
      In consequence, knowledge on oxPL has not yet translated into clinical
      diagnostic, in the early and timely diagnosis of "silent" diseases such as
      atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, or as prognosis tools in disease
      stratification and particularly useful in the context of multimorbidities. Their
      use as therapeutic solutions or the development of innovative functional
      biomaterials remains to be explored. This review summarizes the achievements made
      in the identification of oxPL revealing an enormous structural diversity. A brief
      overview of the challenges associated with the analysis of such diverse array of
      products is given and a critical evaluation on key aspects in the analysis
      pipeline that need to be addressed. Once these issues are addressed, Oxidative
      Phospholipidomics will hopefully lead to major breakthrough discoveries in
      biochemistry, pharmaceutical, and clinical areas for the upcoming 20 years. This
      article is part of Special Issue entitled 4-Hydroxynonenal and Related Lipid
      Oxidation Products.

PMID- 28088626
TI  - Characterization and source apportionment of PM2.5 based on error estimation from
      EPA PMF 5.0 model at a medium city in China.
AB  - Heze city, a medium-size city in Shandong province, Eastern China. Ambient PM2.5
      samples were collected in urban area of Heze from August 2015 to April 2016, and
      chemical species and sources of PM2.5 were investigated in this paper. The
      results indicated that the average concentration of PM2.5 was 100.9 MUg/m3 during
      the sampling period, and the water-soluble ions, carbonaceous species included
      elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC), as well as elements contributed
      32.7-51.7%, 16.3% and 12.5%, respectively, to PM2.5. Pearson's correlation
      analysis showed that the existing form of NH4+ was more complex and diverse in
      spring/summer, and ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate and ammonium hydrogen
      sulfate might be major form of NH4+ in autumn/winter. Correlation analysis
      between PM2.5 and SO42-/NO3-, PM2.5 and OC/EC during different seasons suggested
      that mobile sources might make an important impact on the increase of PM2.5
      concentrations in spring/summer, and stationary sources might play a critical
      role on the increase of PM2.5 concentrations in autumn/winter. Seven factors were
      selected in Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) models analysis based on the
      Error Estimation (EE) diagnostics during different seasons. Secondary source had
      the highest contribution to PM2.5 in Heze for the whole year, and followed by
      coal combustion, vehicle exhaust, soil dust, construction dust, biomass burning
      and metal manufacturing, and their annual contributions to PM2.5 were 26.5%,
      17.2%, 16.5%, 11.5%, 7.7%, 7.0% and 3.8%, respectively. The air masses that were
      originated from Mongolia reflected the features of large-scale and long-distance
      air transport; while the air masses that began in Jiangsu, Shandong and Henan
      showed the features of small-scale and short-distance. Shandong, Henan and
      Jiangsu were identified as the major potential sources-areas of PM2.5 by using
      potential source contribution function (PSCF) and concentration-weighted
      trajectory (CWT) models.

PMID- 28088625
TI  - Absence of DJ-1 causes age-related retinal abnormalities in association with
      increased oxidative stress.
AB  - Oxidative stress alters physiological function in most biological tissues and can
      lead to cell death. In the retina, oxidative stress initiates a cascade of events
      leading to focal loss of RPE and photoreceptors, which is thought to be a major
      contributing factor to geographic atrophy. Despite these implications, the
      molecular regulation of RPE oxidative stress under normal and pathological
      conditions remains largely unknown. A better understanding of the mechanisms
      involved in regulating RPE and photoreceptors oxidative stress response is
      greatly needed. To this end we evaluated photoreceptor and RPE changes in mice
      deficient in DJ-1, a protein that is thought to be important in protecting cells
      from oxidative stress. Young (3 months) and aged (18 months) DJ-1 knockout (DJ-1
      KO) and age-matched wild-type mice were examined. In both group of aged mice,
      scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) showed the presence of a few autofluorescent
      foci. The 18 month-old DJ-1 KO retinas were also characterized by a noticeable
      increase in RPE fluorescence to wild-type. Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      imaging demonstrated that all retinal layers were present in the eyes of both DJ
      1 KO groups. ERG comparisons showed that older DJ-1 KO mice had reduced
      sensitivity under dark- and light-adapted conditions compared to age-matched
      control. Histologically, the RPE contained prominent vacuoles in young DJ-1 KO
      group with the appearance of enlarged irregularly shaped RPE cells in the older
      group. These were also evident in OCT and in whole mount RPE/choroid preparations
      labeled with phalloidin. Photoreceptors in the older DJ-1 KO mice displayed
      decreased immunoreactivity to rhodopsin and localized reduction in cone markers
      compared to the wild-type control group. Lower levels of activated Nrf2 were
      evident in retina/RPE lysates in both young and old DJ-1 KO mouse groups compared
      to wild-type control levels. Conversely, higher levels of protein carbonyl
      derivatives and iNOS immunoreactivity were detected in retina/RPE lysates from
      both young and old DJ-1 KO mice. These results demonstrate that DJ-1 KO mice
      display progressive signs of retinal/RPE degeneration in association with higher
      levels of oxidative stress markers. Collectively this analysis indicates that DJ
      1 plays an important role in protecting photoreceptors and RPE from oxidative
      damage during aging.

PMID- 28088627
TI  - The telomere-binding protein TRF2 is required for metronomic therapeutic effects
      of gemcitabine and capecitabine.
AB  - Gemcitabine and capecitabine are two effective anticancer agents against solid
      tumors. The pharmacological mechanisms have been known as incorporation into DNA
      and thereby inhibition of DNA synthesis. When used as metronomic chemotherapy,
      they may inhibit angiogenesis and induce immunity. In our previous study, we
      showed that low-dose gemcitabine caused telomere shortening by stabilizing TRF2
      that was required for XPF-dependent telomere loss. In this report, we established
      a SKOV3.ip1 ascites cell model. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with low-dose
      gemcitabine (GEM) or capecitabine (CAP). Both GEM and CAP caused telomere
      shortening and increased expression of TRF2 with improved ascites in nude mice
      and decreased in vitro clonogenic activity. TRF2 knockdown altered telomeres to a
      shortened but new status that may evade XPF-dependent telomere loss and conferred
      resistance of SKOV3.ip1 ascites cells to low-dose GEM and CAP. Our study provides
      a new mechanism of metronomic chemotherapy i.e. TRF2 is required for metronomic
      therapeutic effects of gemcitabine and capecitabine.

PMID- 28088628
TI  - Methods needed to measure predictive accuracy: A study of diabetic patients.
AB  - Diabetes is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality and it can
      result in several complications such as kidney failure, heart failure, stroke,
      and blindness making it a major medical and public health concern in the United
      States. Statistical methods are important to detect risk factors and identify the
      best sampling plan to determine predictive bounds for diabetic patients' data.
      The main objective of this paper is to identify the best fit bootstrapping
      sampling method and to draw the predictive bound considering diabetes patient
      data. A random sample was used from the National Health and Nutritional
      Examination Survey (NHANES) for this study. We found that there were significant
      relationships between age, marital status, and race/ethnicity with diabetes
      status (p<0.001) and no relationship was observed between gender and diabetes
      status. We ran the logistic regression to identify the risk factors from the
      data. We identified that the significant risk factors are age (p<0.001), total
      protein (p<0.001), fast food (p<0.0339), and direct HDL (p<0.001). This study
      provides evidence that the parametric bootstrapping method is the best fit method
      compared with other methods to estimate the predictive error bounds. These
      findings will be of great significance for identifying the best sampling methods,
      which can increase the statistical accuracy of laboratory clinical research of
      diabetes. This will also allow for the determination of precise risk factors that
      will best represent the data by detecting mild and extreme outliers from disease
      observations. Therefore, these results will be useful for researchers and
      clinicians to select the best sampling methods to study diabetes and other
      diseases in order to maximize the accuracy of their results. This article is part
      of a Special Issue entitled: Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Quality in
      Diabetes/Obesity and Critical Illness Spectrum of Diseases - edited by P.
      Hemachandra Reddy.

PMID- 28088629
TI  - Induction of hypothyroidism during early postnatal stages triggers a decrease in
      cognitive performance by decreasing hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
AB  - Thyroid hormones are vital in the control of multiple body functions, including
      the correct performance of the brain. Multiple diseases are associated with
      thyroid gland functioning, including hypothyroidism. To date, little is known
      regarding the effects of the establishment of this condition at a young age on
      brain function. Here, we evaluated the effect of hypothyroidism in an early
      postnatal stage in cognitive abilities with focus on the hippocampus. In our
      model, hypothyroidism was induced in young rats at 21days of age using 0.05% 6
      propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) for 4weeks reaching significantly lower levels of fT4
      (control: 1.337ng/dL+/-0.115, PTU: 0.050ng/dL+/-0.001). Following the induction
      of hypothyroidism, several cognitive tasks were assessed to investigate the
      effects of hypothyroidism on cognition performance. We determined that
      hypothyroidism triggers a significant dysfunction in learning and memory
      processes observed in the Morris Water Maze were the latency times were higher in
      PTU rats (controls: 37s; PTU: 57s). The cognitive impairment was correlated with
      a reduction in hippocampal plasticity with respect to both long-term potentiation
      (LTP) (control: 1.45, PTU: 1.00) and depression (LTD) (control: 0.71, PTU: 1.01).
      Furthermore, a decrease in the rate of glucose utilization (control: 223nmol*mg
      of protein, PTU:148nmol*mg of protein) was observed, along with an increase in
      oxidative stress and a decrease in MAP2 marker in the hippocampus. Our findings
      suggest that the induction of hypothyroidism in a young rat model alters numerous
      functions at the level of the hippocampus.

PMID- 28088630
TI  - Support-dependent active species formation for CuO catalysts: Leading to
      efficient pollutant degradation in alkaline conditions.
AB  - Redox metal ions play the crucial role in versatile advanced oxidation
      technologies, in which controlling the active species formation through catalyst
      design is one of the key challenges in oxidant utilization. This work describes
      an example of different active species formations in CuO-mediated degradation
      just because of supporting material differences. Although three CuO catalysts
      were prepared by similar procedures, it was found that CuO-MgO catalyst
      demonstrated high efficiency in phenol degradation with bicarbonate activated
      H2O2, in which the superoxide radical is crucial, while hydroxyl radical and
      singlet oxygen are ignorable. For the CuO-MgO-Al2O3 and CuO-Al2O3 catalysts, the
      degradation proceeds by popular hydroxyl radical based process, however, the
      efficiency was poor. The EPR experiments also confirmed the absence of hydroxyl
      radical in CuO-MgO system but its presence in CuO-MgO-Al2O3 and CuO-Al2O3 system.
      The high catalytic efficiency with ignorable hydroxyl radical in the CuO-MgO
      system leads us to propose that an alternative Cu(III) species dominates the
      degradation. The basic MgO support may facilitate the formation of the Cu(III)
      species, whereas the neutral MgO-Al2O3 and acidic Al2O3 supports are unable to
      stabilize the high valent Cu(III) species, leading to the common hydroxyl radical
      mechanism with low efficiency of H2O2 in alkaline conditions.

PMID- 28088631
TI  - An ESIPT-based two-photon fluorescent probe detection of hydrogen peroxide in
      live cells and tissues.
AB  - A variety of diseases associated with human aging, which have a strong oxidative
      stress, but connecting age-related diseases and oxidative stress of the basic
      molecular mechanisms still insufficiently understood. Oxidative stress origins
      from the unregulated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxidative
      damaging to tissues and organs from subsequent oxidation-reduction chemistry by
      cellular mismanagement. In particular, H2O2 is a major by-product of ROS in live
      organisms and a common marker for oxidative stress, and its dynamic equilibrium
      can have various physiological and pathological consequences. H2O2 is a small
      molecule, but it is an essential oxygen metabolite in living systems and acts as
      an important compound in cellular signal transduction by reversible oxidation of
      proteins. To quantitatively detect of H2O2 in biosystems, herein, we adopted a 2
      (2'-hydroxyphenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone (HPQ), a small organic fluorophore known
      for its luminescence mechanism through excited-state intramolecular proton
      transfer (ESIPT). HPQ was employed as a precursor to develop a turn-on probe (HPQ
      H) for bioimaging applications. After cleavaging the boronic ester moiety by
      H2O2, HPQ-H releases a HPQ fluorophore which shows a 45-fold fluorescence
      intensity enhancement with high sensitivity and selectivity over other reactive
      oxygen species (ROS), and a high resolution imaging and large tissue-imaging
      depth (70-170MUm) in living cells and tissues images under two-photon excitation
      (720nm).

PMID- 28088632
TI  - Nanosized complexation assemblies housed inside reverse micelles churn out
      monocytic delivery cores for bendamustine hydrochloride.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We explore a plausible method of targeting bendamustine hydrochloride
      (BM) to circulatory monocytes by exploiting their intrinsic endocytic/phagocytic
      capability. METHODS: We do so by complexation of sodium alginate and chitosan
      inside dioctyl sulfo succinate sodium (AOT) reverse micelles to form bendamustine
      hydrochloride loaded nanoparticles (CANPs). Dynamic light scattering,
      electrophoretic mobility and UV spectroscopy were used to detail intra-micellar
      complexation dynamics and to prove that drug was co-captured during interaction
      of carbohydrate polymers. A fluorescent conjugate of drug (RBM) was used to trace
      its intracellular fate after its loading into nanoparticles. RESULTS: CANPs were
      sized below 150nm, had 75% drug entrapment and negative zeta potential (-30mV).
      Confocal microscopy demonstrated that developed chitosan alginate nanoparticles
      had the unique capability to carry BM specifically to its site of action.
      Quantitative and mechanism based cell uptake studies revealed that monocytes had
      voracious capacity to internalize CANPs via simultaneous scavenger receptor based
      endocytic and phagocytic mechanism. Comparative in vitro pharmacokinetic studies
      revealed obtainment of significantly greater intracellular drug levels when cells
      were treated with CANPs. This caused reduction in IC50 (22.5+/-2.1MUg/mL),
      enhancement in G2M cell cycle arrest, greater intracellular reactive oxygen
      species generation, and increased apopotic potential of bendamustine
      hydrochloride in THP-1 cells. CONCLUSION: Selective monocytic targeting of
      bendamustine hydrochloride using carbohydrate constructs can prove advantageous
      in case of leukemic disorders displaying overabundance of such cells.

PMID- 28088633
TI  - Quantitative analysis of lab-to-lab variability in Caco-2 permeability assays.
AB  - In this study, Caco-2 permeability results from different laboratories were
      compared. Six different sets of apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) values
      reported in the literature were compared to experimental Papp obtained in our
      laboratory. The differences were assessed by determining the root mean square
      error (RMSE) values between the datasets, which reached levels as high as 0.581
      for the training set compounds, i.e. ten compounds with known effective human
      permeability (Peff). The consequences of these differences in Papp for prediction
      of oral drug absorption were demonstrated by introducing the Papp into the
      absorption and pharmacokinetics simulation software application GastroPlusTM for
      prediction of the fraction absorbed (Fa) in humans using calibrated "user-defined
      permeability models". The RMSE were calculated to assess the differences between
      the simulated Fa and experimental values reported in the literature. The RMSE for
      Fa simulated with the permeability model calibrated using experimental Papp from
      our laboratory was 0.128. When the calibration was performed using Papp from
      literature datasets, the RMSE values for Fa were higher in all cases except one.
      This study shows quantitative lab-to-lab variability of Caco-2 permeability
      results and the potential consequences this can have in the use of these results
      for predicting intestinal absorption of drugs.

PMID- 28088634
TI  - Chitosan-g-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymers as delivery carriers for
      intracameral pilocarpine administration.
AB  - This study reports, for the first time, the development of a chitosan-g-poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide) (Chi-PN) biodegradable in situ gelling delivery system for
      ocular pilocarpine administration through intracameral injection. The number of
      thermo-responsive polymer segments grafted onto the chitosan via carbodiimide
      mediated formation of amide linkages was greatly affected by varying the feeding
      amount of carboxyl-terminated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in the synthesis,
      thereby determining the phase transition temperature and enzymatic degradability
      of Chi-PN materials. The increase in grafting ratio facilitated temperature
      triggered gelation and drug encapsulation at physiological conditions.
      Additionally, the slow biodegradation process of delivery carriers was
      responsible for the delayed pilocarpine release, which allowed that the drug
      concentration could reach minimum therapeutic level for treating glaucoma during
      42days of the study. All of the synthesized Chi-PN carriers demonstrated good
      ocular biocompatibility with lens epithelial cell cultures. In a rabbit model of
      experimental glaucoma, the intraocular pressure-lowering and miotic as well as
      corneal endothelial preservation responses to pilocarpine strongly depended on
      the drug release profiles. It is concluded that injectable biodegradable chitosan
      based thermogels can be potentially utilized as intracameral biomaterials for
      extended release of antiglaucoma medications and improved performance of delivery
      carriers.

PMID- 28088635
TI  - Mucoadhesive amorphous solid dispersions for sustained release of poorly water
      soluble drugs.
AB  - The oral delivery of mucoadhesive patches has been shown to enhance the
      absorption of large molecules such as peptides. We hypothesized that this
      mechanism could have utility for poorly soluble small molecules by utilizing a
      mucoadhesive polymer as the matrix for an amorphous solid dispersion. Binary
      dispersions of itraconazole and carbomer (Carbopol 71G) were prepared utilizing a
      thermokinetic mixing process (KinetiSol Dispersing) and the physicochemical
      properties were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, calorimetry, and liquid
      chromatography. Adhesion of the dispersions to freshly excised porcine intestine
      was investigated with a texture analyzer. Minitablets were compressed from the
      optimal dispersion and further investigated in vitro and in vivo in rats.
      Thermokinetic mixing successfully processed amorphous dispersions up to 30% drug
      loading and each dispersion exhibited works of adhesion that were approximately
      an order of magnitude greater than a negative control in vitro. Ethylcellulose
      (EC) coated and uncoated minitablets prepared with the 30% drug load dispersion
      were delivered orally to rats and exhibited sustained release characteristics,
      with overall bioavailability greater for the uncoated minitablets compared to the
      EC-coated minitablets, similar to the rank order observed in our in vitro
      dissolution experiments. Necropsy studies showed that minitablets delivered with
      enteric-coated capsules targeted release to the distal small intestine and
      adhered to the intestinal mucosa, but the rat model presented limitations with
      respect to evaluating the overall performance. Based on the in vitro and in vivo
      results, further investigations in larger animals are a logical next step where
      fluid volumes, pH, and transit times are more favorable for the evaluated dosage
      forms.

PMID- 28088636
TI  - Comparison of mucoadhesive and cohesive features of poly(acrylic acid)-conjugates
      respective their molecular mass.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the impact of molecular mass as well as
      the differences between poly(acrylic acid)-thiol-conjugates (PAA100,250,450KDa)
      on their mucoadhesive and cohesive qualities. METHODS: Covalent attachment of
      cysteine (CYS), cysteamine (CYSM) and l-gluthathione (GSH) to poly(acrylic acid)
      was achieved by formation of amide bonds between primary amino group of the amino
      acid (in the case of cysteine and glutathione), respectively the amino group of
      the aminothiol cysteamine and carboxylic acid group of the polymer. Obtained
      polymer conjugates were evaluated in regard to their safety profile, mucoadhesive
      properties on the buccal mucosa by rotating cylinder, tensile strength and
      rheological investigations, respectively. Furthermore, stability, cohesive and
      water uptake studies were performed. KEY FINDINGS: Mucoadhesive studies revealed
      that maximum detachment force of PAACYS450 was 24.3-fold higher in comparison to
      the respective controls. Stability studies revealed for PAACYS450 a 50.2-fold
      higher stability compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Taken together, among all
      polymers tested, PAACYS450 evinced the most favorable qualities regarding
      mucoadhesion and cohesion, followed by PAACYSM450 and PAACYS250.

PMID- 28088637
TI  - Multi-scale control influences sense of agency: Investigating intentional binding
      using event-control approach.
AB  - Control exercised by humans through interactions with the environment is critical
      for sense of agency. Here, we investigate how control at multiple levels
      influence implicit sense of agency measured using intentional binding.
      Participants are asked to hit a moving target using a joystick with noisy control
      followed by an intentional binding task initiated by the target hitting action.
      Perceptual-motor level control was manipulated through noise in the joystick
      controller (experiment 1) and goal-level control in terms of feedback about
      successful hit (experiments 2a and 2b). In the first experiment, intentional
      binding increased with amount of joystick control only when goal was not achieved
      and independent otherwise suggesting that the two levels interact hierarchically.
      In the second experiment, the estimated duration was dependent on when
      participants knew about goal completion. The results are similar to those
      obtained with explicit measures of sense of agency indicating that multi-scale
      event control influences agency.

PMID- 28088638
TI  - The DLNO/DLCO ratio: Physiological significance and clinical implications.
AB  - DLNO/DLCO directly measures the ratio of the diffusing capacities of the lung for
      nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). In terms of the Roughton and Forster
      (1957) equation, 1/DL=1/Dm+1/thetaVc, where Dm is the membrane (Dm) and thetaVc
      is the red cell component of the overall diffusing conductance (DL); DLNO mostly
      reflects the Dm component and DLCO the thetaVc red cell component. The DLNO/DLCO
      ratio is positively related to the DmCO/Vc ratio and the CO red cell resistance
      (1/thetaCOVc) as a percentage of the total resistance (1/DLCO), independent of
      the absolute values of DLNO or DLCO. In clinical studies, a raised DLNO/DLCO
      ratio (>=110% predicted versus a control group), plus a low DLNO and DLCO (<67%
      pred), predicts pulmonary vascular disease, while a low DLNO/DLCO ratio, with
      similarly reduced DLNO and DLCO, is associated with interstitial lung disease
      with fibrosis. More clinical studies are needed, and reference values need to be
      better defined.

PMID- 28088639
TI  - Docosahexaenoic acid loaded lipid nanoparticles with bactericidal activity
      against Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid present in fish
      oil, has been described as a promising molecule to the treatment of Helicobacter
      pylori gastric infection. However, due to its highly unsaturated structure, DHA
      can be easily oxidized loosing part of its bioactivity. This work aims the
      nanoencapsulation of DHA to improve its bactericidal efficacy against H. pylori.
      DHA was loaded into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) produced by hot
      homogenization and ultrasonication using a blend of lipids (Precirol ATO5(r),
      Miglyol-812(r)) and a surfactant (Tween 60(r)). Homogeneous NLC with 302+/-14nm
      diameter, -28+/-3mV surface charge (dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering)
      and containing 66+/-7% DHA (UV/VIS spectroscopy) were successfully produced.
      Bacterial growth curves, performed over 24h in the presence of different DHA
      concentrations (free or loaded into NLC), demonstrated that nanoencapsulation
      enhanced DHA bactericidal effect, since DHA-loaded NLC were able to inhibit H.
      pylori growth in a much lower concentrations (25MUM) than free DHA (>100MUM).
      Bioimaging studies, using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and also
      imaging flow cytometry, demonstrated that DHA-loaded NLC interact with H. pylori
      membrane, increasing their periplasmic space and disrupting membrane and allowing
      the leakage of cytoplasmic content. Furthermore, the developed nanoparticles are
      not cytotoxic to human gastric adenocarcinoma cells at bactericidal
      concentrations. DHA-loaded NLC should, therefore, be envisaged as an alternative
      to the current treatments for H. pylori infection.

PMID- 28088640
TI  - Bioethanol production from cellulosic hydrolysates by engineered industrial
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Even though industrial yeast strains exhibit numerous advantageous traits for the
      production of bioethanol, their genetic manipulation has been limited. This study
      demonstrates that an industrial polyploidy Saccharomyces cerevisiae JHS200 can be
      engineered through Cas9 (CRISPR associated protein 9)-based genome editing.
      Specifically, we generated auxotrophic mutants and introduced a xylose metabolic
      pathway into the auxotrophic mutants. As expected, the engineered strain (JX123)
      enhanced ethanol production from cellulosic hydrolysates as compared to other
      engineered haploid strains. However, the JX123 strain produced substantial
      amounts of xylitol as a by-product during xylose fermentation. Hypothesizing that
      the xylitol accumulation might be caused by intracellular redox imbalance from
      cofactor difference, the NADH oxidase from Lactococcus lactis was introduced into
      the JX123 strain. The resulting strain (JX123_noxE) not only produced more
      ethanol, but also produced xylitol less than the JX123 strain. These results
      suggest that industrial polyploidy yeast can be modified for producing biofuels
      and chemicals.

PMID- 28088641
TI  - Pathophysiological and behavioral effects of systemic inflammation in aged and
      diseased rodents with relevance to delirium: A systematic review.
AB  - Delirium is a frequent outcome for aged and demented patients that suffer a
      systemic inflammatory insult. Animal models that reconstruct these etiological
      processes have potential to provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology
      of delirium. Therefore, we systematically reviewed animal studies in which
      systemic inflammation was superimposed on aged or diseased animal models. In
      total, 77 studies were identified. Aged animals were challenged with a bacterial
      endotoxin in 29 studies, 25 studies superimposed surgery on aged animals, and in
      6 studies a bacterial infection, Escherichia coli (E. coli), was used. Diseased
      animals were challenged with a bacterial endotoxin in 15 studies, two studies
      examined effects of the cytokine IL-1beta, and one study used
      polyinosinic:polycytidilic acid (poly I:C). This systematic review analyzed the
      impact of systemic inflammation on the production of inflammatory and neurotoxic
      mediators in peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and on the central
      nervous system (CNS). Moreover, concomitant behavioral and cognitive symptoms
      were also evaluated. Finally, outcomes of behavioral and cognitive tests from
      animal studies were compared to features and symptoms present in delirious
      patients.

PMID- 28088642
TI  - Anti-RAGE antibody selectively blocks acute systemic inflammatory responses to
      LPS in serum, liver, CSF and striatum.
AB  - Systemic inflammation induces transient or permanent dysfunction in the brain by
      exposing it to soluble inflammatory mediators. The receptor for advanced
      glycation endproducts (RAGE) binds to distinct ligands mediating and increasing
      inflammatory processes. In this study we used an LPS-induced systemic
      inflammation model in rats to investigate the effect of blocking RAGE in serum,
      liver, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain (striatum, prefrontal cortex, ventral
      tegmental area and substantia nigra). Intraperitoneal injection of RAGE antibody
      (50MUg/kg) was followed after 1h by a single LPS (5mg/kg) intraperitoneal
      injection. Twenty-four hours later, tissues were isolated for analysis. RAGE
      antibody reduced LPS-induced inflammatory effects in both serum and liver; the
      levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta) were decreased and the
      phosphorylation/activation of RAGE downstream targets (ERK1/2, IkappaB and p65)
      in liver were significantly attenuated. RAGE antibody prevented LPS-induced
      effects on TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in CSF. In striatum, RAGE antibody inhibited
      increases in IL-1beta, Iba-1, GFAP, phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-tau (ser202), as
      well as the decrease in synaptophysin levels. These effects were caused by
      systemic RAGE inhibition, as RAGE antibody did not cross the blood-brain barrier.
      RAGE antibody also prevented striatal lipoperoxidation and activation of
      mitochondrial complex II. In conclusion, blockade of RAGE is able to inhibit
      inflammatory responses induced by LPS in serum, liver, CSF and brain.

PMID- 28088643
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of bio-catalysis of heme extraction from hemoglobin.
AB  - Red blood cell hemolysis in sickle cell disease (SCD) releases free hemoglobin.
      Extracellular hemoglobin and its degradation products, free heme and iron, are
      highly toxic due to oxidative stress induction and decrease in nitric oxide
      availability. We propose an approach that helps to eliminate extracellular
      hemoglobin toxicity in SCD by employing a bacterial protein system that evolved
      to extract heme from extracellular hemoglobin. NEAr heme Transporter (NEAT)
      domains from iron-regulated surface determinant proteins from Staphylococcus
      aureus specifically bind free heme as well as facilitate its extraction from
      hemoglobin. We demonstrate that a purified NEAT domain fused with human
      haptoglobin beta-chain is able to remove heme from hemoglobin and reduce heme
      content and peroxidase activity of hemoglobin. We further use molecular dynamics
      (MD) simulations to resolve molecular pathway of heme transfer from hemoglobin to
      NEAT, and to elucidate molecular mechanism of such heme transferring process. Our
      study is the first of its kind, in which simulations are employed to characterize
      the process of heme leaving hemoglobin and subsequent rebinding with a NEAT
      domain. Our MD results highlight important amino acid residues that facilitate
      heme transfer and will guide further studies for the selection of best NEAT
      candidate to attenuate free hemoglobin toxicity.

PMID- 28088645
TI  - Towards solving the hard problem of consciousness: The varieties of brain
      resonances and the conscious experiences that they support.
AB  - The hard problem of consciousness is the problem of explaining how we experience
      qualia or phenomenal experiences, such as seeing, hearing, and feeling, and
      knowing what they are. To solve this problem, a theory of consciousness needs to
      link brain to mind by modeling how emergent properties of several brain
      mechanisms interacting together embody detailed properties of individual
      conscious psychological experiences. This article summarizes evidence that
      Adaptive Resonance Theory, or ART, accomplishes this goal. ART is a cognitive and
      neural theory of how advanced brains autonomously learn to attend, recognize, and
      predict objects and events in a changing world. ART has predicted that "all
      conscious states are resonant states" as part of its specification of mechanistic
      links between processes of consciousness, learning, expectation, attention,
      resonance, and synchrony. It hereby provides functional and mechanistic
      explanations of data ranging from individual spikes and their synchronization to
      the dynamics of conscious perceptual, cognitive, and cognitive-emotional
      experiences. ART has reached sufficient maturity to begin classifying the brain
      resonances that support conscious experiences of seeing, hearing, feeling, and
      knowing. Psychological and neurobiological data in both normal individuals and
      clinical patients are clarified by this classification. This analysis also
      explains why not all resonances become conscious, and why not all brain dynamics
      are resonant. The global organization of the brain into computationally
      complementary cortical processing streams (complementary computing), and the
      organization of the cerebral cortex into characteristic layers of cells (laminar
      computing), figure prominently in these explanations of conscious and unconscious
      processes. Alternative models of consciousness are also discussed.

PMID- 28088644
TI  - Tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced apoptosis and necroptosis in endothelial
      cells: Roles of NOX4 and mitochondrion.
AB  - Oxidative stress causes endothelial death while underlying mechanisms remain
      elusive. Herein, the pro-death effect of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) was
      investigated with low concentration (50MUM) of t-BHP (t-BHPL) and high
      concentration (500MUM) of t-BHP (t-BHPH). Both t-BHPL and t-BHPH induced
      endothelial cell death was determined. T-BHPL induced caspase-dependent apoptosis
      and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which was inhibited by N-acetyl-L
      cysteine (NAC). Furthermore, NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI),
      NOX4 siRNA, and NOX4 inhibitor GKT137831 reduced t-BHPL-induced ROS generation
      while mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors rotenone (Rot), 2
      thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA), and antimycin A (AA) failed to do so. NOX4
      overexpression resulted in increased ROS generation and Akt expression but
      decreased sensitivity to t-BHPL. In contrast, T-BHPH induced LDH release, PI
      uptake, and cell translucent cytoplasm. RIP1 inhibitor necrostatin-1 (Nec-1),
      MLKL inhibitor necrosulfonamide (NSA) and silencing RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL
      inhibited t-BHPH-induced cell death while pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK showed
      no effect. T-BHPH-induced ROS production was inhibited by TTFA, AA and Rot while
      DPI showed no effect. T-BHPH induced RIP1/RIP3 interaction, which was decreased
      by Rot, TTFA, and AA. Silence RIP1 and RIP3 but not MLKL inhibited t-BHPH-induced
      mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decrease and ROS production. Moreover,
      P38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reversed both t-BHPL and t-BHPH-induced cell death
      while inhibitors for ERKs and JNKs showed no obvious effect. These data suggested
      that t-BHP induced both apoptosis and necroptosis in endothelial cells which was
      mediated by ROS and p38MAPK. ROS derived from NADPH oxidase and mitochondria
      contributed to t-BHPL and t-BHPH-induced apoptosis and necroptosis, respectively.

PMID- 28088646
TI  - Bone microarchitecture in adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower areal bone
      mineral density (aBMD) than typically developing controls (TDC). Studies of
      volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone microarchitecture provide information about
      fracture risk beyond that provided by aBMD but are currently lacking in ASD.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess ultradistal radius and distal tibia vBMD, bone
      microarchitecture and strength estimates in adolescent boys with ASD compared to
      TDC. DESIGN/METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 34 boys (16 ASD, 18 TDC) that
      assessed (i) aBMD at the whole body (WB), WB less head (WBLH), hip and spine
      using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), (ii) vBMD and bone microarchitecture at
      the ultradistal radius and distal tibia using high-resolution peripheral
      quantitative CT (HRpQCT), and (iii) bone strength estimates (stiffness and
      failure load) using micro-finite element analysis (FEA). We controlled for age in
      all groupwise comparisons of HRpQCT and FEA measures. Activity questionnaires,
      food records, physical exam, and fasting levels of 25(OH) vitamin D and bone
      markers (C-terminal collagen crosslinks and N-terminal telopeptide (CTX and NTX)
      for bone resorption, N-terminal propeptide of Type 1 procollagen (P1NP) for bone
      formation) were obtained. RESULTS: ASD participants were slightly younger than
      TDC participants (13.6 vs. 14.2years, p=0.44). Tanner stage, height Z-scores and
      fasting serum bone marker levels did not differ between groups. ASD participants
      had higher BMI Z-scores, percent body fat, IGF-1 Z-scores, and lower lean mass
      and aBMD Z-scores than TDC at the WB, WBLH, and femoral neck (P<0.1). At the
      radius, ASD participants had lower trabecular thickness (0.063 vs. 0.070mm,
      p=0.004), compressive stiffness (56.7 vs. 69.7kN/mm, p=0.030) and failure load
      (3.0 vs. 3.7kN, p=0.031) than TDC. ASD participants also had 61% smaller cortical
      area (6.6 vs. 16.4mm2, p=0.051) and thickness (0.08 vs. 0.22mm, p=0.054) compared
      to TDC. At the tibia, ASD participants had lower compressive stiffness (183 vs.
      210kN/mm, p=0.048) and failure load (9.4 vs. 10.8kN, p=0.043) and 23% smaller
      cortical area (60.3 vs. 81.5mm2, p=0.078) compared to TDC. A lower proportion of
      ASD participants were categorized as "very physically active" (20% vs. 72%,
      p=0.005). Differences in physical activity, calcium intake and IGF-1
      responsiveness may contribute to group differences in stiffness and failure load.
      CONCLUSION: Bone microarchitectural parameters are impaired in ASD, with
      reductions in bone strength estimates (stiffness and failure load) at the
      ultradistal radius and distal tibia. This may result from lower physical activity
      and calcium intake, and decreased IGF-1 responsiveness.

PMID- 28088647
TI  - The developmental relationship between specific cognitive domains and grey matter
      in the cerebellum.
AB  - There is growing evidence that the cerebellum is involved in cognition and
      cognitive development, yet little is known about the developmental relationship
      between cerebellar structure and cognitive subdomains in children. We used voxel
      based morphometry to assess the relationship between cerebellar grey matter (GM)
      and language, reading, working memory, executive function, and processing speed
      in 110 individuals aged 8-17 years from the Pediatric Imaging, Neurocognition,
      and Genetics (PING) Study. Further, we examined the effect of age on the
      relationships between cerebellar GM and cognition. Higher scores on vocabulary,
      reading, working memory, and set-shifting were associated with increased GM in
      the posterior cerebellum (lobules VI-IX), in regions which are typically engaged
      during cognitive tasks in healthy adults. For reading, working memory, and
      processing speed, the relationship between cerebellar GM and cognitive
      performance changed with age in specific cerebellar subregions. As in adults,
      posterior lobe cerebellar GM was associated with cognitive performance in a
      pediatric population, and this relationship mirrored the known developmental
      trajectory of posterior cerebellar GM. These findings provide further evidence
      that specific regions of the cerebellum support cognition and cognitive
      development, and suggest that the strength of this relationship depends on
      developmental stage.

PMID- 28088649
TI  - Fumarate reductase superfamily: A diverse group of enzymes whose evolution is
      correlated to the establishment of different metabolic pathways.
AB  - Fumarate and succinate are known to be present in prebiotic systems essential for
      the origin of life. The fumarate and succinate interconversion reactions have
      been conserved throughout evolution and are found in all living organisms. The
      fumarate and succinate interconversion is catalyzed by the enzymes succinate
      dehydrogenase (SDH) and fumarate reductase (FRD). In this work we show that SDH
      and FRD are part of a group of enzymes that we propose to designate "fumarate
      reductase superfamily". Our results demonstrate that these enzymes emerged from a
      common ancestor and were essential in the development of metabolic pathways
      involved in energy transduction.

PMID- 28088648
TI  - The influence of 5-HTTLPR transporter genotype on amygdala-subgenual anterior
      cingulate cortex connectivity in autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Social deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are linked to amygdala
      functioning and functional connection between the amygdala and subgenual anterior
      cingulate cortex (sACC) is involved in the modulation of amygdala activity.
      Impairments in behavioral symptoms and amygdala activation and connectivity with
      the sACC seem to vary by serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5
      HTTLPR) variant genotype in diverse populations. The current preliminary
      investigation examines whether amygdala-sACC connectivity differs by 5-HTTLPR
      genotype and relates to social functioning in ASD. A sample of 108 children and
      adolescents (44 ASD) completed an fMRI face-processing task. Youth with ASD and
      low expressing 5-HTTLPR genotypes showed significantly greater connectivity than
      youth with ASD and higher expressing genotypes as well as typically developing
      (TD) individuals with both low and higher expressing genotypes, in the comparison
      of happy vs. baseline faces and happy vs. neutral faces. Moreover, individuals
      with ASD and higher expressing genotypes exhibit a negative relationship between
      amygdala-sACC connectivity and social dysfunction. Altered amygdala-sACC coupling
      based on 5-HTTLPR genotype may help explain some of the heterogeneity in neural
      and social function observed in ASD. This is the first ASD study to combine
      genetic polymorphism analyses and functional connectivity in the context of a
      social task.

PMID- 28088651
TI  - Limitations in biexponential fitting of NMR inversion-recovery curves.
AB  - NMR relaxation agents have long been employed as contrast agents in MRI. In many
      cases, the contrast agent is confined to either (i) the vascular and/or
      extracellular compartment (EC), as is the case with gadolinium(III)-based agents,
      or (ii) the intracellular compartment (IC), as is the case with manganese(II)
      ions. The compartmentalization of contrast agents often results in tissue-water
      1H relaxation profiles that are well modeled as biexponential. It has long been
      recognized that water exchange between compartments modifies the biexponential
      relaxation parameters (amplitudes and rate constants) from those that would be
      found in the absence of exchange. Nevertheless, interpretation in terms of an
      "apparent" two-compartment biophysical model, apparent EC vs. apparent IC, can
      provide insight into tissue structure and function, and changes therein, in the
      face of physiologic challenge. The accuracy of modeling biexponential data is
      highly dependent upon the amplitudes, rate constants, and signal-to-noise
      characterizing the data. Herein, simulated (in silico) inversion-recovery
      relaxation data are modeled by standard, nonlinear-least-squares analysis and the
      error in parameter values assessed for a range of amplitudes and rate constants
      characteristic of in vivo systems following administration of contrast agent. The
      findings provide guidance for laboratories seeking to exploit contrast-agent
      driven, biexponential relaxation to differentiate MRI-based compartmental
      properties, including the apparent diffusion coefficient.

PMID- 28088650
TI  - Assessing the identity and expression level of the cytochrome P450 20A1 (CYP20A1)
      gene in the BPA-, BDE-47, and WAF-exposed copepods Tigriopus japonicus and
      Paracyclopina nana.
AB  - CYP20A1 is a member of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily, identified as an
      orphan P450 without any assigned biological function; hence, its continued status
      as an "orphan" gene. In order to address this shortcoming in our understanding of
      this superfamily, we sought to characterize the CYP20A1 gene in the copepods
      Tigriopus japonicus (Tj-CYP20A1) and Paracyclopina nana (Pn-CYP20A1) at their
      mRNA transcriptional level. We assessed the response of this gene's expression in
      various developmental stages and in response to treatment with bisphenol A (BPA),
      2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), and water accommodated fractions
      (WAFs) of crude oil. As shown in the vertebrate CYP20A1, both Tj-CYP20A1 and Pn
      CYP20A1 contained characteristic conserved motifs and domain regions (I helix, K
      helix and heme-binding motifs) with unusual amino acid sequences apparent in
      their gene structure. Also molecular characterization of the putative responsive
      elements in the promoter regions was performed. We observed transcriptional up
      regulation of these genes during post-embryonic developmental stages including
      sex-specific up-regulation in adults. In addition, concentration- and time
      dependent mRNA transcripts in response to xenobiotics (BPA, BDE-47, and WAFs)
      were seen. This study focuses on the molecular elucidation of CYP20A1 genes and
      their interactions with xenobiotics in the copepods T. japonicus and P. nana that
      provides important insight into the biological importance of CYP20A1 in
      invertebrates.

PMID- 28088652
TI  - Convergence of interoception, emotion, and social cognition: A twofold fMRI meta
      analysis and lesion approach.
AB  - Guided by indirect evidence, recent approaches propose a tripartite crosstalk
      among interoceptive signaling, emotional regulation, and low-level social
      cognition. Here we examined the neurocognitive convergence of such domains.
      First, we performed three meta-analyses of functional magnetic resonance imaging
      studies to identify which areas are consistently coactivated by these three
      systems. Multi-level Kernel Density Analysis (MKDA) revealed major overlaps in
      the right anterior insular and frontotemporal regions (viz., the orbitofrontal
      and inferior frontal gyri, the amygdala, and mid temporal lobe/subcortical
      structures). Second, we explored such domains in patients with fronto-insulo
      temporal damage. Relative to controls, the patients showed behavioral impairments
      of interoception, emotional processing, and social cognition, with preservation
      of other cognitive functions. Convergent results from both studies offer direct
      support for a model of insular-frontotemporal regions integrating interoception,
      emotion, and social cognition.

PMID- 28088654
TI  - Transcriptional response of skeletal muscle to a low protein perinatal diet in
      rat offspring at different ages: The role of key enzymes of glucose-fatty acid
      oxidation.
AB  - Skeletal muscle is a plastic tissue during development with distinctive acute and
      chronic response to maternal protein restriction. This study evaluated gene and
      protein expression of key-enzymes of glycolytic pathway (HK2, PFK, PDK4 and CS),
      and fatty acid oxidation (CPT1 and beta-HAD) of two different types of skeletal
      muscle [soleus and extensor digitorium longus (EDL)] from offspring rats at 30
      and 90 days of age, exposed to maternal isoenergetic low protein diet throughout
      gestation and lactation. Pups from dams fed 17% protein diet (n=5, normal
      protein, Np), and low protein pups from dams fed 8% casein diet (low protein, Lp,
      n=5) were evaluated. Offspring were sacrificed either 30 or 90 days old. Soleus
      and EDL were analyzed for mRNA and protein expression by quantitative PCR and
      western blotting, respectively. Soleus was more affected by Lp maternal diet at
      90 days by down-regulation of key enzymes of glycolytic pathway, in particular
      HK2 and PDK4 with a concomitant reduction of beta-HAD mRNA. For EDL, the effects
      of Lp maternal diet were more pronounced at 30 days, as the transcriptional key
      enzymes of glycolytic pathway were down-regulated. One important finding was that
      the observed acute (30 days) transcriptional changes did not remain in adult Lp
      rats (90 days), except for PDK4. The robust PDK4 mRNA down-regulation, observed
      in both soleus and EDL, and at both ages, and the consequent down-regulation of
      the PDK4 protein expression can be responsible for a state of reduced metabolic
      flexibility of skeletal muscle in response to maternal low protein diet.

PMID- 28088653
TI  - Immune stimulation during chemotherapy increases incidence of acute graft versus
      host disease in acute myeloid leukemia: A study on behalf of SFGM-TC and ALFA.
AB  - 60-70% of AML patients have an indication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (allo-HSCT) during their treatment. Graft versus host disease
      (GvHD), the major cause of mortality and comorbidities post-transplantation,
      develops by immunological mechanism and decides greatly prognosis and quality of
      life (QoL) of graft recipient. Current GvHD prophylaxis is not personalized.
      Infections, toxicities and leukemic infiltration complicate the first
      chemotherapy phases prior to allo-HSCT. They, to certain extent, induce local
      immune stimulation. Impact of immune stimulation of this period on incidence of
      GvHD has not been evaluated. We retrospectively studied 238 AML patients
      transplanted at first remission from 21 French centers in the ALFA-0702 protocol
      and found that cutaneous and digestive immune stimulation during induction
      increases the incidence of skin and gut aGVHD, respectively. Furthermore,
      prolonged febrile duration correlates with elevated incidence of grade II-IV
      aGvHD. Thus, we identified a group of patients with higher risk of aGvHD. The
      benefit of personalized GvHD prophylaxis should be explored in a prospective
      cohort to decrease incidence of aGvHD in these patients and improve their QoLs.

PMID- 28088655
TI  - Insurance based lie detection: Enhancing the verifiability approach with a model
      statement component.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Verifiability Approach (VA) is verbal lie detection tool that has
      shown promise when applied to insurance claims settings. This study examined the
      effectiveness of incorporating a Model Statement comprised of checkable
      information to the VA protocol for enhancing the verbal differences between liars
      and truth tellers. METHOD: The study experimentally manipulated supplementing (or
      withholding) the VA with a Model Statement. It was hypothesised that such a
      manipulation would (i) encourage truth tellers to provide more verifiable details
      than liars and (ii) encourage liars to report more unverifiable details than
      truth tellers (compared to the no model statement control). As a result, it was
      hypothesized that (iii) the model statement would improve classificatory accuracy
      of the VA. Participants reported 40 genuine and 40 fabricated insurance claim
      statements, in which half the liars and truth tellers where provided with a model
      statement as part of the VA procedure, and half where provide no model statement.
      RESULTS: All three hypotheses were supported. In terms of accuracy, the model
      statement increased classificatory rates by the VA considerably from 65.0% to
      90.0%. CONCLUSION: Providing interviewee's with a model statement prime
      consisting of checkable detail appears to be a useful refinement to the VA
      procedure.

PMID- 28088656
TI  - Low-dose aspirin use and survival in breast cancer patients: A nationwide cohort
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preclinical evidence from breast cancer cell lines and animal models
      suggest that aspirin could have anti-cancer properties. In a large breast cancer
      patient cohort, we investigated whether post-diagnostic low-dose aspirin use was
      associated with a reduction in the risk of breast cancer-specific mortality.
      METHODS: We identified 15,140 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients within the
      Scottish Cancer Registry. Linkages to the Scottish Prescribing Information System
      provided data on dispensed medications and breast cancer-specific deaths were
      identified from National Records of Scotland Death Records. Time-dependent Cox
      regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs for
      breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality by post-diagnostic low-dose
      aspirin use. HRs were adjusted for a range of potential confounders including age
      at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, cancer stage, grade, cancer treatments received,
      comorbidities, socioeconomic status and use of statins. Secondary analysis
      investigated the association between pre-diagnostic low-dose aspirin use and
      breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Post-diagnostic users of
      low-dose aspirin appeared to have increased breast cancer-specific mortality
      compared with non-users (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.26, 1.65) but this association was
      entirely attenuated after adjustment for potential confounders (adjusted HR 0.92,
      95% CI 0.75, 1.14). Findings were similar in analysis by increasing duration of
      use and in analysis of pre-diagnostic low-dose aspirin use. CONCLUSION: In this
      large nationwide study of breast cancer patients, we found little evidence of an
      association between post-diagnostic low-dose aspirin use and cancer-specific
      mortality.

PMID- 28088657
TI  - Early adulthood body mass index, cumulative smoking, and esophageal
      adenocarcinoma survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking and obesity are esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) risk factors.
      However, the same risk factors may also affect biological aggressiveness and
      cancer outcomes. Our study evaluated the combined effects of early-adulthood
      obesity and cumulative smoking on the EAC survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In two
      EAC cohorts, Toronto (TO; N=235) and Boston (BO; N=329), associations between
      early adulthood body mass index (EA-BMI), BMI at 1year prior to diagnosis (BMI
      1), and smoking with overall survival (OS) were assessed using Cox proportional
      hazard models, adjusted for relevant covariates. RESULTS: Both cohorts were
      predominantly Caucasian (89%), male (88%), ever-smokers (73%) with locally
      advanced/metastatic EAC (78%), and good ECOG performance status (90%); median
      packyears was 34; median EA-BMI, 24; median BMI-1, 25. No relationships with
      survival were found with BMI-1. For smoking and EA-BMI, TO, BO, and combined TO
      BO analyses showed similar associations: smoking conferred worse OS in the
      combined TO-BO cohort, with adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of 1.22 (95%CI: 1.15
      1.43;p<0.0001) for each 20 pack-year increase. Likewise, EA-BMI >=25 was
      associated with worse OS (EA-BMI of 25-<30, aHR=1.84,95%CI: 1.37-2.48; and EA
      BMI>30, aHR=2.78, 95%CI: 1.94-3.99). Risk of death was also increased in remotely
      underweight patients with EA-BMI<18.5 (aHR=2.03,95%CI: 1.27-3.24), when compared
      to normal-EA-BMI (18<=EA-BMI<25). CONCLUSIONS: Two key modifiable behaviors,
      elevated BMI in early adulthood and heavy cumulative smoking history are
      independently associated with increased mortality risk in two North American
      cohorts of EAC patients.

PMID- 28088659
TI  - Altered cerebral insulin response in transgenic mice expressing the epsilon-4
      allele of the human apolipoprotein E gene.
AB  - Apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 (APOEepsilon4 or APOE4), an allelic variation of the
      APOE gene, not only increases the risk of developing the late-onset form of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD), but also influences the outcome of treatment. Indeed,
      data from clinical studies show that the beneficial effect of insulin on
      cognition is blunted in APOE4 carriers. To investigate how APOE impacts insulin
      response, we assessed the effects of an acute insulin injection in APOE3- and
      APOE4-targeted replacement mice that respectively express the human APOE3 or
      APOE4 isoform instead of the endogenous murine ApoE protein. We evaluated
      cognition, insulin signaling and proteins implicated in Abeta transport and tau
      phosphorylation in the cortex and brain capillaries. We found that a single acute
      insulin injection increased Akt pSer473 in APOE4 compared to APOE3 mice (+113%
      versus +78.5%), indicating that APOE4 carriage potentiates activation of insulin
      upstream signaling pathway in the brain. Insulin also led to decreased
      concentrations of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) in brain
      capillaries in both groups of mice. Moreover, higher phosphorylation of tau at
      Ser202, one of the key markers of AD neuropathology, was observed in insulin
      injected APOE4 mice (+44%), consistent with findings in human APOE4 carriers
      (+400% compared to non-carriers). Therefore, our data suggest that APOE4 carriage
      leads to an increased insulin-induced activation of cerebral Akt pathway,
      associated with higher AD-like tau neuropathology. Our results provide evidence
      of altered insulin signaling in APOE4 carriers as well as a possible mechanism to
      explain the absence of cognitive benefit from insulin therapy in these
      individuals.

PMID- 28088658
TI  - Exposure to chronic early-life stress lastingly alters the adipose tissue, the
      leptin system and changes the vulnerability to western-style diet later in life
      in mice.
AB  - Early-life stress (ES) increases the vulnerability to develop psychopathologies
      and cognitive decline in adulthood. Interestingly, this is often comorbid with
      metabolic disorders, such as obesity. However, it is unclear whether ES leads to
      lasting metabolic changes and to what extent this is associated with the ES
      induced cognitive impairments. Here, we used an established chronic ES mouse
      model (from postnatal day (P) 2 to P9) to investigate the short- and long-term
      effects of ES exposure on parameters of the adipose tissue and the leptin system
      (i.e. circulating levels and gene expression of leptin and its receptor) in both
      sexes. Immediately following ES, the offspring exhibited reductions in white
      adipose tissue (WAT) mass, plasma leptin levels and in leptin mRNA expression in
      WAT. Furthermore, ES exposure led to increased brown adipose tissue and browning
      of WAT, which was evident by a drastic increase in uncoupling protein 1 mRNA
      expression in the inguinal WAT at P9. Notably, the ES-induced reductions in WAT
      mass, plasma leptin and leptin expression in WAT were sustained into adulthood
      and were accompanied by changes in body fat distribution, such as a higher ratio
      between mesenteric WAT and other WATs. Interestingly, while ES exposure increased
      leptin receptor mRNA expression in the choroid plexus, it was unaltered in the
      hippocampus. This suggests an adaptation to maintain central leptin homeostasis
      following ES exposure. In addition, chronic ES exposure resulted in the well
      established cognitive impairment in object recognition performance during
      adulthood, which correlated positively with reductions in WAT mass observed in
      male, but not in female mice. Finally, to assess if ES leads to a different
      metabolic phenotype in a moderate obesogenic environment, we measured body fat
      accumulation of control and ES-exposed mice in response to a moderate western
      style diet (WSD) that was provided during adulthood. ES-exposed mice subjected to
      WSD exhibit a higher increase in adiposity when compared to controls, suggesting
      that ES exposure might result in a higher vulnerability to develop obesity in a
      moderate obesogenic environment. To conclude, chronic ES exposure alters
      parameters of the adipose tissue, leads to central adaptations in leptin
      regulation and results in higher fat accumulations when exposed to a WSD
      challenge later in life. A better understanding of these metabolic effects
      induced by ES might open up new avenues for therapeutic (e.g. nutritional)
      interventions.

PMID- 28088660
TI  - Processes of anticipatory postural adjustment and step movement of gait
      initiation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether the anticipatory postural
      adjustment (APA) and focal step movement of gait initiation are produced as a
      single process or different processes and whether the APA receives an inhibitory
      drive from the ongoing stop process of gait initiation. Healthy humans initiated
      gait in response to a first visual cue that instructed the initial swing leg. In
      some trials, a switch or stop cue was also provided after the first cue. When the
      stop cue was provided, participants withheld gait initiation. When the switch cue
      was provided, participants immediately switched the initial swing leg. In both
      the stop and switch tasks, the APA in response to the first cue, represented by
      the S1 period of the displacement of the center of pressure, appeared in more
      than half of the trials in which the withholding of gait initiation or switching
      of the initial swing leg was successfully completed. These findings indicate that
      the APA and focal step movement of gait initiation are produced as a dual
      process. In trials in which the APA in response to the first cue appeared, the
      amplitude and duration of the APA were decreased when the participants switched
      the initial swing leg or withheld gait initiation. This finding indicates that
      the ongoing stop process of gait initiation produces an inhibitory drive over the
      APA. The decreases in the amplitude and duration of the APA during the switching
      of the initial swing leg were similar to those during the withholding of gait
      initiation; moreover, the decreases during the switching of the initial swing leg
      were positively correlated with the decreases during the withholding of gait
      initiation. Thus, the stop processes during switching the initial swing leg and
      withholding gait initiation likely share a common inhibitory mechanism over the
      APA.

PMID- 28088661
TI  - Reduced cortical voluntary activation during bilateral knee extension.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Reduced neural drive is mainly thought to explain the bilateral
      deficit phenomenon, i.e. the difference in maximal isometric voluntary
      contraction (MVC) between unilateral and bilateral contractions. The aim of the
      present study was to further document if bilateral knee extension is associated
      with changes in voluntary activation level assessed by both peripheral nerve
      electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation. METHODS: Fourteen
      subjects performed unilateral and bilateral knee extensions with both
      superimposed femoral electrical nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic
      stimulation in order to assess voluntary activation (VAFNES) and cortical
      voluntary activation (VATMS), respectively. RESULTS: There was no difference in
      MVC force of the tested leg when involved in unilateral and bilateral knee
      extensions (p=0.87). However, a significantly reduced VAFNES (-2.1+/-2.4%;
      p=0.01) and VATMS (-1.6+/-2.7%; p=0.04) have been evidenced during bilateral knee
      extension. DISCUSSION: It is hypothesized that counterbalances could have masked
      the decrease of voluntary activation during bilateral contraction.

PMID- 28088662
TI  - Metabolic profiles of exudates from chronic leg ulcerations.
AB  - Chronic leg ulceration is a disease usually associated with other comorbidities,
      and significantly reduces patient quality of life. Infected leg ulcers can lead
      to limb-threatening sequelae or mortality. Leg ulcerations are colonized by a
      number of microbes that are able to cause life-threating infections in
      susceptible patients. Wound exudate is a body fluid that collects metabolites
      from patient eukaryotic cells and from prokaryotic bacterial communities
      inhabiting the wound. This study aimed at identification of metabolites in
      exudates collected from chronic leg ulcers, and correlation of this metabolome
      with patient comorbidities and microbiological status of the wound. By means of
      NMR spectroscopy we detected 42 metabolites of microbial or patient origin. The
      metabolites that were in abundance in exudates analyzed were lactate, lysine, and
      leucine. Metabolites were associated with the presence of neutrophils in wounds
      and destruction of high quantities of microbes, but also with hypoxia typical for
      venous insufficiency. The combination of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
      technique and partial least squares discriminant analysis allowed us to further
      discriminate groups of metabolites with regards to potential clinical meaning.
      For example, to discriminate between S.aureus versus all other isolated microbial
      species, or between patients suffering from type I or II diabetes versus patients
      without diabetes. Therefore, wound exudate seems to be highly applicable material
      for discriminant analysis performed with the use of NMR technique to provide for
      rapid metabolomics of chronic wound status.

PMID- 28088663
TI  - Development and validation of a sensitive and fast UPLC-MS/MS method for
      simultaneous determination of seven bioactive compounds in rat plasma after oral
      administration of Guizhi-gancao decoction.
AB  - Rapid, sensitive, selective and accurate UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and
      fully validated for simultaneous determination of cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid,
      2-methoxy cinnamic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin
      and isoliquiritin in rat plasma after oral administration of Guizhi-gancao
      decoction. Plasma samples were processed with a simple protein precipitation
      technique using acetonitrile, followed by chromatographic separation using a
      Thermo Hypersil GOLD C18 column. A 11.0min linear gradient elution was used at a
      flow rate of 0.2mL/min with a mobile phase of 0.1% acetic acid containing 0.2mM
      ammonium acetate in water and acetonitrile. The analytes and internal standard,
      schisandrin, were detected using both positive and negative ion electrospray
      ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The developed method was
      validated for intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision whose values fell in
      the acceptable limits. Matrix effect was found to be minimal. Recovery efficiency
      of all the analytes was found to be >60%. Stability results showed that the
      analytes were stable at all the conditions. This validated method was
      successfully used to study the pharmacokinetics of multiple compounds in rat
      plasma after oral administration of Guizhi-gancao decoction.

PMID- 28088664
TI  - Powerful combination of analytical and chemometric methods for the
      photodegradation of 5-Fluorouracil.
AB  - The photodegradation of the antineoplastic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) under the
      action of UV light was studied using UV-vis spectroscopy and High Performance
      Liquid Chromatography coupled to Diode Array Detector and High Resolution Mass
      Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-HRMS). To analyze, integrate and interpret the degradation
      kinetics, the Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS)
      chemometric method has been applied. The high complexity of the photodegradation
      process of this drug involving up to seven different photoproducts showed the
      advantages of the proposed approach which provides simultaneously mechanistic and
      structural information explaining the 5-FU photodegradability. Moreover, this
      study provides a new tool to be used for elucidating the photodegradation
      kinetics at real time.

PMID- 28088665
TI  - Influenza A(H1N1)pdm 2009 and influenza B virus co-infection in hospitalized and
      non-hospitalized patients during the 2015-2016 epidemic season in Israel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza A and B viruses co-infections are rare events and mainly
      occurred in immunocompromised patients. OBJECTIVES: In this study we report an
      unusually high occurrence of influenza A (H1N1)pdm 2009 and influenza B virus co
      infections during the epidemic year 2015-2016. STUDY DESIGN: Nasopharyngeal swabs
      were collected from 1919 patients visiting 26 outpatient clinics distributed
      throughout Israel and presenting with influenza-like illness. In addition,
      hospitalized patient tested for influenza viruses were also included in the
      study. Patients samples collected between October 2015 and April 2016 were tested
      for the presence of influenza viruses by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Of the 1919
      patient samples tested, 11 (0.6%) were co-infected with both influenza A(H1N1)pdm
      2009 and influenza B/Victoria viruses. Similar observation was noted in four
      hospitalized patients during the same period. Patients at ages 1-72 years, and
      their clinical symptoms were similar to that of patients infected with either
      influenza A or B viruses. Of all patients, only one hospitalized patient was
      immunocompromised. IN CONCLUSION: Co-infection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm 2009 and
      influenza B viruses is an increasingly recognized phenomenon. This co-infection
      can occur not only in immunocompromised individuals, but also in immunocompetent
      patients. Although co-infection appears to be a rare event, it may still play a
      role in the epidemiology, pathogenicity and evolution of influenza viruses.

PMID- 28088666
TI  - Vocal emotion decoding in the subthalamic nucleus: An intracranial ERP study in
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Using intracranial local field potential (LFP) recordings in patients with
      Parkinson's disease (PD) undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS), we explored the
      electrophysiological activity of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in response to
      emotional stimuli in the auditory modality. Previous studies focused on the
      influence of visual stimuli. To this end, we recorded LFPs within the STN in
      response to angry, happy, and neutral prosodies in 13 patients with PD who had
      just undergone implantation of DBS electrodes. We observed specific modulation of
      the right STN in response to anger and happiness, as opposed to neutral prosody,
      occurring at around 200-300ms post-onset, and later at around 850-950ms post
      onset for anger and at around 3250-3350ms post-onset for happiness. Taken
      together with previous reports of modulated STN activity in response to emotional
      visual stimuli, the present results appear to confirm that the STN is involved in
      emotion processing irrespective of stimulus valence and sensory modality.

PMID- 28088668
TI  - Near-infrared light triggered drug delivery system for higher efficacy of
      combined chemo-photothermal treatment.
AB  - : The combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy is a promising
      strategy for cancer treatment. In the present study, indocyanine green (ICG), a
      widely used near-infrared (NIR) dye in photothermal therapy, and chemotherapeutic
      drug-doxorubicin (DOX) were loaded within the nanoparticles of novel designed
      arylboronic ester and cholesterol modified hyaluronic acid (PPE-Chol1-HA),
      denoted as PCH-DI. We take advantage of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production
      capability of ICG and ROS-sensitivity of arylboronic ester to realize
      controllable drug release. It was confirmed that PCH-DI exhibited remarkable
      photothermal effect and light-triggered faster release of DOX with NIR laser
      irradiation. DOX in PCH-DI/Laser group exhibited the most efficient nucleus
      binding toward HCT-116 colon cells in vitro. Furthermore, enhanced cytotoxicity
      and promoted tumor growth suppression effect of PCH-DI on HCT-116 tumor xenograft
      nude mice and AOM-induced murine orthotopic colorectal cancer model was achieved
      under NIR laser irradiation. Thus, the co-delivery system based on PCH appears to
      be a promising platform for the combined chemo-photothermal therapy in tumor
      treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In case of chemo-photothermal combination
      therapy, the synchronism of treatments plays an important role in achieving
      expected antitumor efficiency. In this study, a light triggered ROS mediated drug
      delivery system was developed with the help of ROS-sensitive moieties of
      arylboronic ester and ROS producer of ICG. We innovatively make use of the ROS
      production capability of ICG under NIR laser irradiation to promote a faster
      release of DOX resulting from swelling of PCH-DI due to the presence of
      arylboronic ester. Intracellular ROS detection demonstrated that ROS level of PCH
      I increased under irradiation. Moreover, the faster release behavior of DOX from
      PCH-DI with NIR laser irradiation was confirmed by the in vitro drug release and
      cellular uptake study. Meanwhile, local hyperthermia was verified by photothermal
      effect tests. Therefore, the synchronism of the combination therapy was achieved
      via light triggered faster release of DOX (chemo-therapy) and local hyperthermia
      (thermal-therapy) using PCH-DI under irradiation. It was reasonable to attribute
      the efficient anti-tumor efficiency of PCH-DI both in vitro and in vivo to the
      enhanced synergistic effect of chemo-photothermal combination therapy with
      realization of synchronism. To this end, this novel co-delivery system has
      provided a promising solution for achieving the synchronism of treatment to
      strengthen the efficiency of combination therapy.

PMID- 28088669
TI  - Micro-mechanical properties of the tendon-to-bone attachment.
AB  - : The tendon-to-bone attachment (enthesis) is a complex hierarchical tissue that
      connects stiff bone to compliant tendon. The attachment site at the micrometer
      scale exhibits gradients in mineral content and collagen orientation, which
      likely act to minimize stress concentrations. The physiological micromechanics of
      the attachment thus define resultant performance, but difficulties in sample
      preparation and mechanical testing at this scale have restricted understanding of
      structure-mechanical function. Here, microscale beams from entheses of wild type
      mice and mice with mineral defects were prepared using cryo-focused ion beam
      milling and pulled to failure using a modified atomic force microscopy system.
      Micromechanical behavior of tendon-to-bone structures, including elastic modulus,
      strength, resilience, and toughness, were obtained. Results demonstrated
      considerably higher mechanical performance at the micrometer length scale
      compared to the millimeter tissue length scale, describing enthesis material
      properties without the influence of higher order structural effects such as
      defects. Micromechanical investigation revealed a decrease in strength in
      entheses with mineral defects. To further examine structure-mechanical function
      relationships, local deformation behavior along the tendon-to-bone attachment was
      determined using local image correlation. A high compliance zone near the
      mineralized gradient of the attachment was clearly identified and highlighted the
      lack of correlation between mineral distribution and strain on the low-mineral
      end of the attachment. This compliant region is proposed to act as an energy
      absorbing component, limiting catastrophic failure within the tendon-to-bone
      attachment through higher local deformation. This understanding of tendon-to-bone
      micromechanics demonstrates the critical role of micrometer scale features in the
      mechanics of the tissue. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The tendon-to-bone attachment
      (enthesis) is a complex hierarchical tissue with features at a numerous scales
      that dissipate stress concentrations between compliant tendon and stiff bone. At
      the micrometer scale, the enthesis exhibits gradients in collagen and mineral
      composition and organization. However, the physiological mechanics of the
      enthesis at this scale remained unknown due to difficulty in preparing and
      testing micrometer scale samples. This study is the first to measure the tensile
      mechanical properties of the enthesis at the micrometer scale. Results
      demonstrated considerably enhanced mechanical performance at the micrometer
      length scale compared to the millimeter tissue length scale and identified a high
      compliance zone near the mineralized gradient of the attachment. This
      understanding of tendon-to-bone micromechanics demonstrates the critical role of
      micrometer scale features in the mechanics of the tissue.

PMID- 28088670
TI  - Fibrin hydrogels induce mixed dorsal/ventral spinal neuron identities during
      differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - : We hypothesized that generating spinal motor neurons (sMNs) from human induced
      pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural aggregates (NAs) using a chemically
      defined differentiation protocol would be more effective inside of 3D fibrin
      hydrogels compared to 2D poly-L-ornithine(PLO)/laminin-coated tissue culture
      plastic surfaces. We performed targeted RNA-Seq using next generation sequencing
      to determine the substrate-specific differences in gene expression that regulate
      cell phenotype. Cells cultured on both substrates expressed sMN genes CHAT and
      MNX1, though persistent WNT signaling contributed to a higher expression of genes
      associated with interneurons in NAs cultured in 3D fibrin scaffolds. Cells in
      fibrin also expressed lower levels of astrocyte progenitor genes and higher
      levels of the neuronal-specific gene TUBB3, suggesting a purer population of
      neurons compared to 2D cultures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fibrin scaffolds can
      support the neuronal differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. This study
      provides insight into how fibrin hydrogels affect neuronal induction by analyzing
      of the signaling pathways activated during the differentiation process. These
      insights can then be used to tailor the properties of these hydrogels to optimize
      the generation of sMNs for regenerative medicine applications.

PMID- 28088671
TI  - Melatonin attenuates titanium particle-induced osteolysis via activation of
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
AB  - : Wear debris-induced inhibition of bone regeneration and extensive bone
      resorption were common features in peri-prosthetic osteolysis (PPO). Here, we
      investigated the effect of melatonin on titanium particle-stimulated osteolysis
      in a murine calvariae model and mouse-mesenchymal-stem cells (mMSCs) culture
      system. Melatonin inhibited titanium particle-induced osteolysis and increased
      bone formation at osteolytic sites, confirmed by radiological and
      histomorphometric data. Furthermore, osteoclast numbers decreased dramatically in
      the low- and high-melatonin administration mice, as respectively, compared with
      the untreated animals. Melatonin alleviated titanium particle-induced depression
      of osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization in mMSCs. Mechanistically,
      melatonin was found to reduce the degradation of beta-catenin, levels of which
      were decreased in presence of titanium particles both in vivo and in vitro. To
      further ensure whether the protective effect of melatonin was mediated by the
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, ICG-001, a selective beta-catenin inhibitor,
      was added to the melatonin-treated groups and was found to attenuate the effect
      of melatonin on mMSC mineralization. We also demonstrated that melatonin
      modulated the balance between receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand
      and osteoprotegerin via activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. These
      findings strongly suggest that melatonin represents a promising candidate in the
      treatment of PPO. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Peri-prosthetic osteolysis,
      initiated by wear debris-induced inhibition of bone regeneration and extensive
      bone resorption, is the leading cause for implant failure and reason for revision
      surgery. In the current study, we demonstrated for the first time that melatonin
      can induce bone regeneration and reduce bone resorption at osteolytic sites
      caused by titanium-particle stimulation. These effects might be mediated by
      activating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway and enhancing osteogenic
      differentiation. Meanwhile, the ability of melatonin to modulate the balance
      between receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand and osteoprotegerin
      mediated by Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, thereby suppressing
      osteoclastogenesis, may be implicated in the protective effects of melatonin on
      titanium-particle-induced bone resorption. These results suggested that melatonin
      can be considered as a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and
      treatment of peri-prosthetic osteolysis.

PMID- 28088672
TI  - Using discrete multi-physics for detailed exploration of hydrodynamics in an in
      vitro colon system.
AB  - We developed a mathematical model that describes the motion of viscous fluids in
      the partially-filled colon caused by the periodic contractions of flexible walls
      (peristalsis). In-vitro data are used to validate the model. The model is then
      used to identify two fundamental mechanisms of mass transport: the surfing mode
      and the pouring mode. The first mechanism is faster, but only involves the
      surface of the liquid. The second mechanism causes deeper mixing, and appears to
      be the main transport mechanism. Based on the gained understanding, we propose a
      series of measures that can improve the reliability of in-vitro models. The
      tracer in PET-like experiments, in particular, should not be injected in the
      first pocket, and its viscosity should be as close as possible to that of the
      fluid. If these conditions are not met, the dynamics of the tracer and the fluid
      diverge, compromising the accuracy of the in-vitro data.

PMID- 28088667
TI  - Cell-laden hydrogels for osteochondral and cartilage tissue engineering.
AB  - : Despite tremendous advances in the field of regenerative medicine, it still
      remains challenging to repair the osteochondral interface and full-thickness
      articular cartilage defects. This inefficiency largely originates from the lack
      of appropriate tissue-engineered artificial matrices that can replace the damaged
      regions and promote tissue regeneration. Hydrogels are emerging as a promising
      class of biomaterials for both soft and hard tissue regeneration. Many critical
      properties of hydrogels, such as mechanical stiffness, elasticity, water content,
      bioactivity, and degradation, can be rationally designed and conveniently tuned
      by proper selection of the material and chemistry. Particularly, advances in the
      development of cell-laden hydrogels have opened up new possibilities for cell
      therapy. In this article, we describe the problems encountered in this field and
      review recent progress in designing cell-hydrogel hybrid constructs for promoting
      the reestablishment of osteochondral/cartilage tissues. Our focus centers on the
      effects of hydrogel type, cell type, and growth factor delivery on achieving
      efficient chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. We give our perspective on developing
      next-generation matrices with improved physical and biological properties for
      osteochondral/cartilage tissue engineering. We also highlight recent advances in
      biomanufacturing technologies (e.g. molding, bioprinting, and assembly) for
      fabrication of hydrogel-based osteochondral and cartilage constructs with complex
      compositions and microarchitectures to mimic their native counterparts. STATEMENT
      OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite tremendous advances in the field of regenerative
      medicine, it still remains challenging to repair the osteochondral interface and
      full-thickness articular cartilage defects. This inefficiency largely originates
      from the lack of appropriate tissue-engineered biomaterials that replace the
      damaged regions and promote tissue regeneration. Cell-laden hydrogel systems have
      emerged as a promising tissue-engineering platform to address this issue. In this
      article, we describe the fundamental problems encountered in this field and
      review recent progress in designing cell-hydrogel constructs for promoting the
      reestablishment of osteochondral/cartilage tissues. Our focus centers on the
      effects of hydrogel composition, cell type, and growth factor delivery on
      achieving efficient chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. We give our perspective on
      developing next-generation hydrogel/inorganic particle/stem cell hybrid
      composites with improved physical and biological properties for
      osteochondral/cartilage tissue engineering. We also highlight recent advances in
      biomanufacturing and bioengineering technologies (e.g. 3D bioprinting) for
      fabrication of hydrogel-based osteochondral and cartilage constructs.

PMID- 28088673
TI  - Relationship between neonatal gastroschisis and maternal body mass index in a
      United Kingdom population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that gastroschisis is associated with low
      maternal body mass index (BMI). We tested this hypothesis in the UK. STUDY
      DESIGN: We studied cases of gastroschisis ascertained from the regional fetal
      congenital anomaly register. We compared each affected mother with two controls
      from the birth register and maternity database. The first control was the next
      mother to deliver in the hospital, representing the normal population of mothers.
      The second control was the next mother to deliver an unaffected child whose age
      was within one year of that of the index case controlling for maternal age.
      RESULTS: There was a strong inverse association between maternal age and
      gastroschisis. An inverse association between gastroschisis and birth order was
      eliminated by adjustment for maternal age. The average age of mothers of affected
      children was 22.1 years; of the next delivery control was 28.8 years, and of the
      age matched control was 22.2 years. A weak non-statistically significant negative
      association between BMI and gastroschisis was further weakened by adjustment for
      maternal age. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the previously reported association
      between low maternal age and gastroschisis but suggest that within our UK
      population the link between low BMI and gastroschisis reported elsewhere is
      explained by younger mothers being thinner.

PMID- 28088674
TI  - People's reasons for wanting to complete probation: Use and predictive validity
      in an e-health intervention.
AB  - The criminal justice system tends to emphasize external contingencies (e.g.,
      fees, jail time) to motivate offender compliance. However, people's reasons for
      desistance vary considerably. This study evaluated the acceptability, utility,
      and predictive validity of questions that ask about people's reasons for wanting
      to successfully complete probation. Substance-using probationers (N=113)
      participated in a web-based computer intervention that targeted substance use and
      treatment initiation. Questions around seven dimensions of reasons for completing
      probation were developed to provide tailored feedback during the web-based
      program. A principle components factor analysis found that survey items loaded
      onto two distinct factors. Factor one, "Tangible Loss" focused on external and
      present-focused reasons. Factor two, "Better Life" focused on internal and future
      focused reasons. There was a significant negative association between Better Life
      scores and days of substance use after two months (beta=-0.31, SE=0.13, p<0.05).
      There was a significant positive association with Better Life scores and days of
      treatment attendance (beta=1.46, SE=0.26, p<0.001). Tangible Loss scores were no
      associated with substance use and treatment attendance. These findings may help
      to create more effective motivational tracks in e-health interventions, and may
      complement traditional motivation measures with an explicit focus on people's
      stated reasons for wanting to complete probation.

PMID- 28088675
TI  - Involvement of water channel Aquaporin 5 in H2S-induced pulmonary edema.
AB  - Acute exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) poses a significant threat to life, and
      the lung is one of the primary target organs of H2S. However, the mechanisms
      involved in H2S-induced acute pulmonary edema are poorly understood. This study
      aims to investigate the effects of H2S on the expression of water channel
      aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and to elucidate the signaling pathways involved in AQP5
      regulation. In an in vivo study, C57BL6 mice were exposed to sub-lethal
      concentrations of inhaled H2S, and histological injury of the lungs and
      ultrastructure injury of the epithelial cells were evaluated. With real-time PCR
      and western blot assays, we found that H2S exposure contributed to a significant
      decrease in AQP5 expression both in murine lung tissue and the A549 cell line,
      and the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways were demonstrated to be implicated
      in AQP5 regulation. Therefore, adjusting AQP5 protein levels could be considered
      a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of APE induced by H2S and other
      hazardous gases.

PMID- 28088676
TI  - Structure of O-specific polysaccharide of Oligotropha carboxidovorans OM5 - a
      wastewater bacterium.
AB  - Oligotropha carboxidovorans strain OM5 (previously known as Pseudomonas
      carboxydovorans OM5) is a rod-shaped Gram-negative bacterium isolated from
      wastewater. This bacterium is able to live in aerobic and, facultatively, in
      autotrophic conditions. For autotrophic growth, the bacteria can utilize carbon
      monoxide or hydrogen as a source of energy. The O-specific polysaccharide
      isolated from O. carboxidovorans OM5 lipopolysaccharide was structurally
      characterized using chemical analyses, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF
      mass spectrometry techniques. The polysaccharide was found to be a homopolymer
      built up of 3-O-methyl-alpha-d-mannose residues linked by (1 -> 2)-glycosidic
      bonds. The degree of polymerization of high-molecular-weight polysaccharide was
      estimated at approximately 35-40 units. The structure of the homopolymer is
      depicted below: [Formula: see text].

PMID- 28088677
TI  - The relationship between children's sensitivity to dominant and non-dominant
      patterns of lexical stress and reading accuracy.
AB  - This study reports on a new task for assessing children's sensitivity to lexical
      stress for words with different stress patterns and demonstrates that this task
      is useful in examining predictors of reading accuracy during the elementary
      years. In English, polysyllabic words beginning with a strong syllable exhibit
      the most common or dominant pattern of lexical stress (e.g., "coconut"), whereas
      polysyllabic words beginning with a weak syllable exhibit a less common non
      dominant pattern (e.g., "banana"). The new Aliens Talking Underwater task
      assesses children's ability to match low-pass filtered recordings of words to
      pictures of objects. Via filtering, phonetic detail is removed but prosodic
      contour information relating to lexical stress is retained. In a series of two
      alternative forced choice trials, participants see a picture and are asked to
      choose which of two filtered recordings matches the name of that picture; one
      recording exhibits the correct lexical stress of the target word, and the other
      recording reverses the pattern of stress over the initial two syllables of the
      target word rendering it incorrect. Target words exhibit either dominant stress
      or non-dominant stress. Analysis of data collected from 192 typically developing
      children aged 5 to 12years revealed that sensitivity to non dominant lexical
      stress was a significant predictor of reading accuracy even when age and
      phonological awareness were taken into account. A total of 76.3% of variance in
      children's reading accuracy was explained by these variables.

PMID- 28088679
TI  - Post-event processing in social anxiety disorder: Examining the mediating roles
      of positive metacognitive beliefs and perceptions of performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-event processing (PEP) is defined as repetitive negative
      thinking following anxiety provoking social events. PEP is thought to maintain
      anxiety symptoms in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) but little is known about the
      specific factors that contribute to the maintenance of PEP. AIMS: The current
      study investigated how perceptions of performance and positive metacognitive
      beliefs might contribute to the persistence of PEP. METHOD: Participants with SAD
      (n = 24) as well as anxious (n = 24) and healthy (n = 25) control participants
      completed a standardized social performance task in the lab. Their engagement in
      PEP and perceptions of performance were assessed in the week that followed.
      RESULTS: Immediately following the social task, individuals with SAD rated their
      performance more negatively and endorsed a greater number of positive
      metacognitive beliefs about PEP than did participants in both control groups.
      Importantly, both metacognitive beliefs and initial negative self-ratings of
      performance mediated the relationship between group status and PEP in the days
      following the event. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with cognitive and
      metacognitive models of SAD and enhance our understanding of the cognitive
      processes which may function to initiate and maintain negative thinking patterns
      in SAD.

PMID- 28088678
TI  - Three-dimensional lumbar segment movement characteristics during paediatric
      cerebral palsy gait.
AB  - Kinematic analysis of the trunk during cerebral palsy (CP) gait has been well
      described. In contrast, movement of the lumbar spine is generally ignored. This
      is most likely due to the complex nature of the spine. As an alternative to using
      complex sensor protocols, this study modelled the lumbar region as a single
      segment and investigated characteristic patterns of movement during CP gait. In
      addition, the impact of functional level of impairment and the relationship with
      lower lumbar spinal loading were examined. Fifty-two children with CP (26 GMFCS I
      and 26 GMFCS II) and 26 controls were recruited. A full barefoot 3-dimensional
      kinematic and kinetic analysis were conducted. Lumbar segment movement
      demonstrated increased forward flexion for CP children. This movement became more
      pronounced according to GMFCS level with GMFCS II children demonstrating
      increases of up to 8 degrees . In addition, a moderate correlation was present
      between lumbar flexion/extension and L5/S1 sagittal moments (r=0.427 in the
      global frame and r=0.448 with respect to the pelvis, p<0.01). Children with CP
      demonstrated increased movement of the lumbar region compared to TD, with
      movement becoming more excessive as GMFCS level increased. Excessive forward
      flexion and loading at the lumbar spine were linked. However, the moderate
      correlation suggests other contributors to increased loading were present. In
      conclusion, this study is a first step at identifying how lumbar segment movement
      is altered during CP gait.

PMID- 28088680
TI  - The influence of patient, caregiver, and family factors on symptoms of anxiety
      and depression in children and adolescents with intractable epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the association of caregiver and family
      factors with symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents with
      medically refractory localization-related epilepsy (i.e., failed at least two
      epilepsy medications). METHOD: Forty-four children (ages 6-11years) and 65
      adolescents (ages 12-18years) and their parents participated in this
      multicentered, observational, cross-sectional study. Univariable and
      multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate the influence of multiple
      patient, caregiver, and family characteristics on self-reported symptoms of
      anxiety and depression in the children and adolescents. RESULTS: Among children,
      depressive symptoms were associated with a lower proportion of life with seizures
      (beta=.344, p=.022), caregiver depression (beta=.462, p=.002), poorer family
      relationships (beta=.384, p=.010), and poorer family mastery and social support
      (beta=.337, p=.025); in multivariable analysis, proportion of life with epilepsy
      and parental depression remained significant. No significant predictors of
      anxiety were found among children. Among adolescents, depressive symptoms were
      associated with caregiver unemployment (beta=.345, p=.005) and anxiety
      (beta=.359, p=.003), low household income (beta=.321, p=.012), poorer family
      mastery and social support (beta=.334, p=.007), and greater family demands
      (beta=.326, p=.008); in multivariable analysis, caregiver unemployment and
      anxiety remained significant. Greater anxiety symptoms among adolescents were
      associated with females (beta=.320, p=.009) and caregiver depression (beta=.246,
      p=.048) and anxiety (beta=.392, p=.001) and poorer family mastery and social
      support (beta=.247, p=.047); in multivariable analysis, female sex and caregiver
      anxiety remained significant. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings highlight the central
      role of caregiver psychopathology, which is amenable to intervention, on children
      and adolescents' symptoms of anxiety and depression. Addressing caregiver
      psychopathology may improve children and adolescents' quality of life even if
      seizure control is not attained.

PMID- 28088681
TI  - Maintenance effects of working memory intervention (Cogmed) in children with
      symptomatic epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To extend previous research documenting the benefits of working memory
      (WM) intervention (Cogmed) immediately post-intervention in children with
      epilepsy by assessing the 3-month maintenance effects. METHODS: Participants
      involved in a previous randomized clinical trial (RCT) were invited to
      participate if they completed Cogmed within the last 3months (n=15) and
      additional participants (n=13) were prospectively recruited. Standardized
      assessments of near-transfer effects (i.e., visual and auditory attention and WM)
      were completed prior to and immediately after intervention and at 3-month follow
      up. An additional measure assessing the far-transfer effect of fluid reasoning
      was administered prior to intervention and at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS:
      Participants exhibited gains in auditory and visual attention and WM immediately
      following intervention and gains were generally sustained at 3-month follow-up.
      Intervention did not improve visual-verbal WM or fluid reasoning. The clinical
      variables studied (i.e., age of seizure onset, seizure frequency, epilepsy
      duration, and overall intellectual functioning) did not elucidate reliable
      relationships with intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Working memory training is possibly
      efficacious in improving related skills which are maintained for 3months in
      children with active epilepsy. No transfer to fluid reasoning was documented.
      Further investigation by means of a large-scale RCT which includes a placebo and
      both objective and subjective measures of the impact of training on daily
      functioning is warranted.

PMID- 28088682
TI  - Female sexual function mediates the effects of medication adherence on quality of
      life in people with epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the mediating effects of
      female sexual functioning in the association between medication adherence and
      quality of life (QoL) in Iranian women with epilepsy (WWE). METHODS: Women's
      sexual functioning was measured using Female Sexual Function Index; QoL using
      Quality of Life in Epilepsy; epilepsy severity using Liverpool Seizure Severity
      Scale; subjective medication adherence using Medication Adherence Report Scale;
      and objective medication adherence using serum level for antiepileptic drugs in
      567 WWE. Medication adherence was measured at baseline, while women's sexual
      functioning, QoL, and epilepsy severity were measured at the 6-month follow-up.
      Structural equation modeling and regression models were conducted to examine the
      mediating role of women's sexual functioning. RESULTS: The mediating effects of
      sexual functioning in the relationship between medication adherence (including
      subjective and objective measures) and QoL were supported in the total score of
      Female Sexual Function Index (coefficient=0.415, SE=0.117, p<0.001 for subjective
      medication adherence; coefficient=1.980, SE=0.446, p<0.001 for objective
      medication adherence). Seizure severity was significantly associated with QoL but
      only when objective medication adherence was measured (coefficient=-0.094,
      SE=0.036, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Our results extended the importance of medication
      adherence from symptom reduction to the beneficial effects of women's sexual
      functioning and QoL. Health care providers should be aware of these additional
      benefits of medication adherence and use these arguments to encourage female
      patients to take their medication, which can eventually increase their sexual
      satisfaction and overall QoL.

PMID- 28088683
TI  - Effects of protease-activated receptor 1 inhibition on anxiety and fear following
      status epilepticus.
AB  - Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is an important contributor to the
      pathogenesis of a variety of brain disorders associated with a risk of epilepsy
      development. Using the lithium-pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE),
      we recently showed that inhibition of this receptor during the first ten days
      after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) results in substantial anti
      epileptogenic and neuroprotective effects. As PAR1 is expressed in the central
      nervous system regions of importance for processing emotional reactions,
      including amygdala and hippocampus, and TLE is frequently associated with a
      chronic alteration of the functions of these regions, we tested the hypothesis
      that PAR1 inhibition could modulate emotionally driven behavioral responses of
      rats experiencing SE. We showed that SE induces a chronic decrease in the
      animals' anxiety-related behavior and an increase of locomotor activity. PAR1
      inhibition after SE abolished the alteration of the anxiety level but does not
      affect the increase of locomotor activity in the open field and elevated plus
      maze tests. Moreover, while PAR1 inhibition produces an impairment of memory
      recall in the context fear conditioning paradigm in the control group, it
      substantially improves contextual and cued fear learning in rats experiencing SE.
      These data suggest that PAR1-dependent signaling is involved in the mechanisms
      underlying emotional disorders in epilepsy.

PMID- 28088684
TI  - Changes in electroencephalographic characteristics and blood-brain barrier
      permeability in WAG/Rij rats with cortical dysplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of cortical dysplasia (CD) on
      electrophysiology and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in WAG/Rij rats with
      genetic absence epilepsy. METHODS: Pregnant WAG/Rij rats were exposed to 145cGy
      of gamma-irradiation on embryonic day 17 to induce CD. An electroencephalogram
      was recorded from cortices subdurally in the offspring of the pregnant animals.
      Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used as determinant of BBB permeability.
      RESULTS: A massive tissue loss in the cerebral cortex was seen in WAG/Rij rats
      with CD (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the number and duration of
      spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs) and an increase in the frequency of SWDs in the
      WAG/Rij rats with CD when compared with the properties of SWDs in intact WAG/Rij
      rats (p<0.01). Ultrastructurally, the accumulation of HRP reaction products in
      the cerebral cortex and thalamus of WAG/Rij rats was significantly higher than
      that of control values (p<0.01). The accumulation of HRP reaction products in the
      cerebral cortex and thalamus regions of WAG/Rij rats with CD increased and was
      higher than that of the control and WAG/Rij animals (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: In our
      study, we showed that number and duration of SWDs decreased and SWD frequency
      increased in WAG/Rij rats with CD, suggesting a shift in seizure pattern. The
      association of these alterations with significant loss of cortical thickness and
      increased BBB permeability to HRP tracer may represent a causal relation of the
      EEG abnormalities with cerebral structural changes in these animals.

PMID- 28088685
TI  - A semi-interpenetrating network of polyacrylamide and recombinant basement
      membrane allows pluripotent cell culture in a soft, ligand-rich microenvironment.
AB  - The physical properties of the extracellular matrix play an essential role in
      guiding stem cell differentiation and tissue morphogenesis both in vivo and in
      vitro. Existing work to investigate the role of matrix mechanics in directing
      stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation has been limited by
      the poor attachment and survival of human pluripotent cells cultured on soft
      matrices (Young's modulus E ? 1000 Pa). To address this limitation we developed a
      protocol for generating semi-interpenetrating networks of polyacrylamide and
      recombinant basement membrane. Using these materials, we found that human
      embryonic stem cells (hESCs) remained proliferative and pluripotent even when
      grown in small colonies and on surfaces ranging in stiffness from 150 to 12000
      Pa, spanning the range of tissue stiffnesses likely to be encountered in the
      embryo. Considerable recent attention has focused on the role of the
      transcriptional coactivator and Hippo effector YAP in regulating differentiation
      and cell proliferation both in the early embryo and in vitro. We found that while
      YAP localized to the nucleus on substrates of E ? 1000 Pa, its localization was
      heterogeneous on substrates of moduli ? 450 Pa, with predominantly nuclear
      localization at the colony periphery and mixed cytoplasmic and nuclear
      localization for cells in the colony interior, a pattern reminiscent of YAP
      subcellular localization in the inner cell mass (ICM) of the early embryo. In
      addition, hESC colony dynamics were highly responsive to substrate stiffness,
      with cells assembling into monolayers, multilayer structures, and transient,
      hollow rosettes in response to decreasing substrate stiffnesses in the range of
      12000 to 150 Pa. We suggest that soft, ligand-rich substrates such as are
      described here provide a promising means of recapitulating aspects of early
      mammalian development that are otherwise inaccessible, and more broadly may be
      useful in the derivation of complex tissues from pluripotent cells in an in vitro
      setting.

PMID- 28088686
TI  - Immune history and influenza virus susceptibility.
AB  - Antibody responses to influenza viruses are critical for protection, but the ways
      in which repeated viral exposures shape antibody evolution and effectiveness over
      time remain controversial. Early observations demonstrated that viral exposure
      history has a profound effect on the specificity and magnitude of antibody
      responses to a new viral strain, a phenomenon called 'original antigenic sin.'
      Although 'sin' might suppress some aspects of the immune response, so far there
      is little indication that hosts with pre-existing immunity are more susceptible
      to viral infections compared to naive hosts. However, the tendency of the immune
      response to focus on previously recognized conserved epitopes when encountering
      new viral strains can create an opportunity cost when mutations arise in these
      conserved epitopes. Hosts with different exposure histories may continue to
      experience distinct patterns of infection over time, which may influence
      influenza viruses' continued antigenic evolution. Understanding the dynamics of B
      cell competition that underlie the development of antibody responses might help
      explain the low effectiveness of current influenza vaccines and lead to better
      vaccination strategies.

PMID- 28088687
TI  - Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Profiling Identifies Epigenetic Signatures of
      Uterine Carcinosarcoma.
AB  - Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a form of endometrial cancer simultaneously
      exhibiting carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements, but the underlying molecular
      and epigenetic basis of this disease is poorly understood. We generated complete
      DNA methylomes for both the carcinomatous and the sarcomatous components of three
      UCS samples separated by laser capture microdissection and compared DNA
      methylomes of UCS with those of normal endometrium as well as methylomes derived
      from endometrioid carcinoma, serous endometrial carcinoma, and endometrial
      stromal sarcoma. We identified epigenetic lesions specific to carcinosarcoma and
      specific to its two components. Hallmarks of DNA methylation abnormalities in UCS
      included global hypomethylation, especially in repetitive elements, and
      hypermethylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters. Among these, aberrant DNA
      methylation of MIR200 genes is a key feature of UCS. The carcinoma component of
      UCS was characterized by hypermethylation of promoters of EMILIN1, NEFM, and
      CLEC14A, genes that are associated with tumor vascularization. In contrast, DNA
      methylation changes of PKP3, FAM83F, and TCP11 were more characteristic of the
      sarcoma components. Our findings highlight the epigenetic signatures that
      distinguish the two components of UCS, providing a valuable resource for
      investigation of this disease.

PMID- 28088688
TI  - Randomized Phase III Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Adjuvant CAPOX with
      or without Bevacizumab in Patients after Resection of Colorectal Liver
      Metastases: HEPATICA study.
AB  - Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF). Recurrence after resection of colorectal liver metastases
      (CRLMs), presumably caused by VEGF-mediated outgrowth of micrometastases, might
      decrease when VEGF is inhibited. This study examines the efficacy and safety of
      adding bevacizumab to an adjuvant regimen of CAPOX in patients undergoing radical
      resection for their CRLMs. Patients with resected CRLMs were randomized after
      surgery to receive CAPOX and bevacizumab (arm A) or CAPOX alone (arm B) as
      adjuvant treatment. CAPOX was given in both arms for a total of eight cycles.
      Bevacizumab was administered for 16 cycles. The primary end point was disease
      free survival (DFS). Secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), toxicity, and
      quality of life (QoL). In total, 79 patients were randomized. At the time of
      analysis, 23 events were encountered in arm A and 20 in arm B. One-year DFS rate
      was 79% [95% confidence interval (CI): 68%-93%] and 68% (95% CI: 55%-85%) for arm
      A and B, respectively (P=.89). Toxicity was evaluated for 75 patients. No
      significant differences in toxicity between the two arms were found. QoL scores
      were higher in arm A, of which emotional functioning and global QoL scores were
      significant. Adding bevacizumab to a CAPOX regimen in patients undergoing a
      resection for their CLM is safe and showed higher QoL scores compared with CAPOX
      alone. Because of premature closure of the study, conclusions about the effect on
      DFS of additional VEGF inhibition in this setting could not yet be made.

PMID- 28088689
TI  - Syntheses, structures and fluorescence properties of three rare-earth containing
      docosatungstates.
AB  - Three rare-earth containing docosatungstates
      Na3H2[RE(H2O)4][RE(H2O)5]2[W22O74H2].36H2O [RE=DyIII (1), HoIII (2), YIII (3)]
      have been synthesized by reaction of Na2WO4.2H2O, dimethylamine hydrochloride
      (DMAHC) and RE(NO3)3.6H2O in the aqueous solution and characterized by elemental
      analyses, IR spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, powder X-ray diffraction
      (PXRD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1-3 are isomorphous and each
      molecular unit consists of a S-shaped docosatungstate [W22O74H2]14- polyoxoanion
      with two supporting [RE(H2O)5]3+ cations and one disordered [RE(H2O)4]3+ cation.
      The [W22O74H2]14- polyoxoanion can be viewed as combination of two
      hendecatungstate [W11O38H]9- subunits in the staggered fashion by sharing two MU2
      O atoms. The TG curves of 1-3 reveal the one-step weight loss between 25 degrees
      C to 700 degrees C. Moreover, both 1 and 2 demonstrate the characteristic
      luminescence emission behaviors of the corresponding RE3+ ions and their lifetime
      decay curves can be well fitted to the double exponential function. In addition,
      the CIE chromaticity coordinates of 1 and 2 have been obtained based on their
      corresponding emission spectra, and their dominant wavelengths and color purities
      have been also calculated.

PMID- 28088690
TI  - Electrochemical studies of DNA interaction and antimicrobial activities of MnII,
      FeIII, CoII and NiII Schiff base tetraazamacrocyclic complexes.
AB  - Tetraazamacrocyclic complexes of MnII, FeIII, CoII and NiII have been synthesized
      by template method. These tetraazamacrocycles have been analyzed with various
      techniques like molar conductance, IR, UV-vis, mass spectral and cyclic
      voltammetric studies. On the basis of all these studies, octahedral geometry has
      been assigned to these tetraazamacrocyclic complexes. The DNA binding properties
      of these macrocyclic complexes have been investigated by electronic absorption
      spectra, fluorescence spectra, cyclic voltammetric and differential pulse
      voltammetric studies. The cyclic voltammetric data showed that ipc and ipa were
      effectively decreased in the presence of calf thymus DNA, which is a strong
      evidence for the interaction of these macrocyclic complexes with the calf thymus
      DNA (ct-DNA). The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant found in the
      order: KCoII>KNiII>KMnII which indicates that CoII macrocyclic complex has formed
      a strong intercalated intermediate. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant (KSV) and
      voltammetric binding constant were found in the order
      KSV(CoII)>KSV(NiII)>KSV(MnII) and K+(CoII)>K+(NiII)>K+(MnII) which shows that
      CoII macrocyclic complex exhibits the high interaction affinity towards ct-DNA by
      the intercalation binding. Biological studies of the macrocyclic complexes
      compared with the standard drug like Gentamycin, have shown antibacterial
      activities against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. cereus, S. aureus and antifungal
      activity against C. albicans.

PMID- 28088691
TI  - Stability effect of cholesterol-poly(acrylic acid) in a stimuli-responsive
      polymer-liposome complex obtained from soybean lecithin for controlled drug
      delivery.
AB  - The development of polymer-liposome complexes (PLCs), in particular for
      biomedical applications, has grown significantly in the last decades. The
      importance of these studies comes from the emerging need in finding intelligent
      controlled release systems, more predictable, effective and selective, for
      applications in several areas, such as treatment and/or diagnosis of cancer,
      neurological, dermatological, ophthalmic and orthopedic diseases, gene therapy,
      cosmetic treatments, and food engineering. This work reports the development and
      characterization of a pH sensitive system for controlled release based on PLCs.
      The selected hydrophilic polymer was poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) synthesized by atom
      transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with a cholesterol (CHO) end-group to
      improve the anchoring of the polymer into the lipid bilayer. The polymer was
      incorporated into liposomes formulated from soybean lecithin and stearylamine,
      with different stearylamine/phospholipid and polymer/phospholipid ratios (5, 10
      and 20%). The developed PLCs were characterized in terms of particle size,
      polydispersity, zeta potential, release profiles, and encapsulation efficiency.
      Cell viability studies were performed to assess the cytotoxic potential of PLCs.
      The results showed that the liposomal formulation with 5% of stearylamine and 10%
      of polymer positively contribute to the stabilization of the complexes.
      Afterwards, the carboxylic acid groups of the polymer present at the surface of
      the liposomes were crosslinked and the same parameters analyzed. The crosslinked
      complexes showed to be more stable at physiologic conditions. In addition, the
      release profiles at different pHs (2-12) revealed that the obtained complexes
      released all their content at acidic conditions. In summary, the main
      accomplishments of this work are: (i) innovative synthesis of cholesterol
      poly(acrylic acid) (CHO-PAA) by ATRP; (ii) stabilization of the liposomal
      formulation by incorporation of stearylamine and CHO-PAA; (iii) new approach for
      CHO-PAA crosslinking, resulting in more stable PLCs at physiological conditions;
      (iv) destabilization of PLCs upon slight changes of pH, showing their pH
      sensitivity; and (v) the PLCs do not exhibit cellular toxicity.

PMID- 28088692
TI  - Evaluation of motor and cognitive development among infants exposed to HIV.
AB  - This study of a prospective and cross-sectional nature compared the motor and
      cognitive development of HIV-exposed and unexposed infants in their first
      18months of age. 40 infants exposed to HIV and antiretroviral therapy
      (Experimental Group - EG) and 40 unexposed infants (Control Group - CG)
      participated in the study. They were divided into four age groups of 4, 8, 12 and
      18months old, with 10 infants from EG and 10 from CG in each group. The infants
      were evaluated once on motor and cognitive development by the Bayley Scale of
      Infant and Toddler Development. Performance category grading and comparisons
      among scaled score, composite score and percentile rank were held. There was
      significant group effect for scores in motor and cognitive domains showing lower
      scores for EG regardless of age. In comparison to the CG, the EG presented lower
      scores for cognitive domain at 8 and 18months. In the performance categories, all
      infants were classified at or above the average for motor and cognitive
      development, except of one EG-18month old infant classified as borderline for
      motor development. Infants exposed to HIV and antiretroviral therapy own adequate
      cognitive and motor development in the first 18months. However, the lower scores
      found, particularly on the 8th and 18th month for cognitive development, may
      indicate future problems, highlighting the need for systematic follow-up of this
      population.

PMID- 28088693
TI  - Reinforcement of a PMMA resin for interim fixed prostheses with silica
      nanoparticles.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fractures in long span provisional/interim restorations are a common
      complication. Adequate fracture toughness is necessary to resist occlusal forces
      and crack propagation, so these restorations should be constructed with materials
      of improved mechanical properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      possible reinforcement of neat silica nanoparticles and trietoxyvinylsilane
      modified silica nanoparticles in a PMMA resin for fixed interim restorations.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Composite PMMA-Silica nanoparticles powders were mixed
      with PMMA liquid and compact bar shaped specimens were fabricated according to
      the British standard BS EN ISO 127337:2005. The single-edge notched method was
      used to evaluate fracture toughness (three-point bending test), while the dynamic
      thermomechanical properties (Storage Modulus, Loss Modulus, tandelta) of a series
      of nanocomposites with different amounts of nanoparticles (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%,
      1% w.t.) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed and the statistically
      significant level was set to p<0.05. RESULTS: The fracture toughness of all
      experimental composites was remarkably higher compared to control. There was a
      tendency to decrease of fracture toughness, by increasing the concentration of
      the filler. No statistically significant differences were detected among the
      modified/unmodified silica nanoparticles. Dynamic mechanical properties were also
      affected. By increasing the silica nanoparticles content an increase in Storage
      Modulus was recorded, while Glass Transition Temperature was shifted at higher
      temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: Under the limitations of this in-vitro study, it can
      be suggested that both neat silica nanoparticles and trietoxyvinylsilane-modified
      silica nanoparticles, especially at low concentrations, may enhance the overall
      performance of fixed interim prostheses, as can effectively increase the fracture
      toughness, the elastic modulus and the Glass Transition Temperature of PMMA
      resins used in fixed provisional restorations.

PMID- 28088695
TI  - Deep metabolome annotation in natural products research: towards a virtuous cycle
      in metabolite identification.
AB  - Natural products (NPs) research is changing and rapidly adopting cutting-edge
      tools, which radically transform the way to characterize extracts and small
      molecules. With the innovations in metabolomics, early integration of deep
      metabolome annotation information allows to efficiently guide the isolation of
      valuable NPs only and, in parallel, to generate massive metadata sets for the
      study of given extracts under various perspectives. This is the case for
      chemotaxonomy studies where common biosynthetic traits among species can be
      evidenced, but also for drug discovery purpose where such traits, in combination
      with bioactivity studies on extracts, may evidence bioactive molecules even
      before their isolation. One of the major bottlenecks of such studies remains the
      level of accuracy at which NPs can be identified. We discuss here the
      advancements in LC-MS and associated mining methods by addressing what would be
      ideal and what is achieved today. We propose future developments for reinforcing
      generic NPs databases both in the spectral and structural dimensions by heading
      towards a virtuous metabolite identification cycle allowing annotation of both
      known and unreported metabolites in an iterative manner. Such approaches could
      significantly accelerate and improve our knowledge of the huge chemodiversity
      found in nature.

PMID- 28088694
TI  - Metabolic network modeling with model organisms.
AB  - Flux balance analysis (FBA) with genome-scale metabolic network models (GSMNM)
      allows systems level predictions of metabolism in a variety of organisms.
      Different types of predictions with different accuracy levels can be made
      depending on the applied experimental constraints ranging from measurement of
      exchange fluxes to the integration of gene expression data. Metabolic network
      modeling with model organisms has pioneered method development in this field. In
      addition, model organism GSMNMs are useful for basic understanding of metabolism,
      and in the case of animal models, for the study of metabolic human diseases.
      Here, we discuss GSMNMs of most highly used model organisms with the emphasis on
      recent reconstructions.

PMID- 28088697
TI  - Vertical distribution of 236U in the North Pacific Ocean.
AB  - The first extensive study on 236U in the North Pacific Ocean has been conducted.
      The vertical distribution of 236U/238U isotopic ratios and the 236U
      concentrations were analysed on seven depth profiles, and large variations with
      depth were found. The range of 236U/238U isotopic ratios was from (0.09 +/- 0.03)
      * 10-10 to (14.1 +/- 2.2) * 10-10, which corresponds to 236U concentrations of
      (0.69 +/- 0.24) * 105 atoms/kg and (119 +/- 21) * 105 atoms/kg, respectively. The
      variations in 236U concentrations could mainly be attributed to the different
      water masses in the North Pacific Ocean and their formation processes. Uranium
      236 inventories on the water column of each sampling station were calculated and
      varied between (3.89 +/- 0.08) * 1012 atoms/m2 and (7.03 +/- 0.50) * 1012
      atoms/m2, which is lower than in former studies on comparable latitudes in the
      North Atlantic Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The low inventories of 236U found for
      the North Pacific Ocean in this study can be explained by the lack of additional
      input sources of artificial radionuclides, apart from global and regional/local
      fallout. This study expands the use of 236U as oceanographic circulation tracer
      to yet another ocean basin and shows that this isotope can be used for tracing
      circulation patterns of water masses in the Pacific Ocean.

PMID- 28088696
TI  - Cell-selective proteomics for biological discovery.
AB  - Cells alter the proteome to respond to environmental and developmental cues.
      Global analysis of proteomic responses is of limited value in heterogeneous
      environments, where there is no 'average' cell. Advances in sequencing, protein
      labeling, mass spectrometry, and data analysis have fueled recent progress in the
      investigation of specific subpopulations of cells in complex systems. Here we
      highlight recently developed chemical tools that enable cell-selective proteomic
      analysis of complex biological systems, from bacterial pathogens to whole
      animals.

PMID- 28088698
TI  - Metformin enhancing the antitumor efficacy of carboplatin against Ehrlich solid
      carcinoma grown in diabetic mice: Effect on IGF-1 and tumoral expression of IGF-1
      receptors.
AB  - Diabetes has been listed as a risk factor for various types of cancer. Cancer
      cell development can be promoted by increased levels of IGF-1 and
      hyperinsulinemia that are associated with diabetes type II. Metformin is an anti
      diabetic agent and its potential antitumor impact has become the objective of
      numerous studies. In this vein, we hypothesize that using metformin in diabetes
      type II mice may synergistic with carboplatin for reducing the risk of cancer.
      Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antitumor activity of
      metformin against solid EAC tumor growth in female diabetic mice and its
      potential pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects with clarification of its
      inconclusive biological mechanisms. Mice were assigned into nine groups; normal
      control, diabetic control, diabetic plus EAC control, EAC control, and treated
      groups received carboplatin and/or metformin (100, 200mg/kg). Metformin
      administration especially with high dose potentiated the antitumor activity of
      carboplatin displayed by increased pro-apoptotic activators "caspase-3 and bax"
      and reduced anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2. This was confirmed by the
      histopathological scores. Moreover, the combination therapy was effective in
      attenuating the expression of the pro-angiogenic mediator "VEGF" and the
      microvessel density as revealed by the CD34. Additionally, this combination down
      regulated the high levels of the mutagenic element "IGF-1" and its receptor
      expression, and attenuated the intensity of inflammatory mediators. In
      conclusion, it was found that metformin therapy could enhance apoptotic marker,
      and suppress the neovascularization and proliferation process. This clarified the
      ability of metformin to support carboplatin activity in reducing tumor
      progression in type II diabetes.

PMID- 28088699
TI  - Procyanidin B2 gallates inhibit IFN-gamma and IL-17 production in T cells by
      suppressing T-bet and RORgammat expression.
AB  - Procyanidins are widely found in plants and have anti-inflammatory activities.
      Procyanidin B2 (PCB2) inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines in
      macrophages. However, there has been no study that has attempted to determine the
      effects of PCB2 gallates on T cell functions. In the present study, murine
      splenocytes were isolated and treated with PCB2 or PCB2 gallates in the presence
      of an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb). PCB2 gallates, but not PCB2, inhibited
      proliferation and T cell activation of splenocytes after stimulation with the
      anti-CD3 mAb. In addition, PCB2 gallates, particularly 3,3"-di-O-gallate (3,3"-di
      OG), significantly inhibited production of interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin
      (IL)-12p40, and IL-17 in splenocytes, but did not suppress IL-10 production.
      Intracellular staining revealed that the expression of IFN-gamma and IL-17 in
      both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was obviously decreased by PCB2 3,3"-di-OG compared
      with PCB2, PCB2 3-OG, and PCB2 3"-OG. Treatment of isolated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells
      with procyanidins in the presence of the anti-CD3 mAb led to significant
      inhibition of IFN-gamma production by PCB2 3,3"-di-OG in both cell types.
      Furthermore, PCB2 3,3"-di-OG suppressed the expression of transcription factors T
      bet and RORgammat that regulate IFN-gamma and IL-17, respectively. In conclusion,
      we revealed a new mechanism through which PCB2 gallates inhibit IFN-gamma and IL
      17 production in T cells by down-regulation of T-bet and RORgammat expression.
      Our results suggest that PCB2 gallates have a potential role in Th1/Th17-mediated
      diseases such as inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 28088700
TI  - Chlorogenic acid ameliorated concanavalin A-induced hepatitis by suppression of
      Toll-like receptor 4 signaling in mice.
AB  - Chlorogenic acid (CGA), one of the most abundant dietary polyphenolic compounds,
      has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory ability. However, the
      hepatoprotective effects and molecular mechanisms of CGA on concanavalin A (Con
      A)-induced hepatitis have not been explored. In the present study, we found that
      pretreatment with CGA dose-dependently inhibited the elevation of plasma
      aminotransferases and alleviated hepatic pathological damage as well as
      hepatocyte apoptosis in Con A-exposed mice. Additionally, CGA markedly suppressed
      the production of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)
      gamma, alleviated the infiltration of hepatic macrophages, neutrophils, and
      activated CD4+ T lymphocytes in Con A-primed mice. Moreover, CGA downregulated
      Con A-induced hepatic expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and ELAM
      1) mRNA and protein, and inhibited Con A-activated Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4
      signal molecules including TLR4, p-IRAK1, p-IkappaB, and p-p38. Finally, our
      results also showed that CGA exhibited a therapeutic effect, which CGA
      posttreatment improved hepatic damage at 1, 3, and 6h after Con A. Taken
      together, these data suggested that CGA could effectively prevent mice from Con A
      induced hepatitis, which might be through suppressing the activation of TLR4
      signaling, downregulating the expression of adhesion molecules, and alleviating
      the infiltration and activation of hepatic leukocytes and the production of pro
      inflammatory cytokines.

PMID- 28088701
TI  - Testing the causal theory of reference.
AB  - Theories of reference are a crucial research topic in analytic philosophy. Since
      the publication of Kripke's Naming and Necessity, most philosophers have endorsed
      the causal/historical theory of reference. The goal of this paper is twofold: (i)
      to discuss a method for testing experimentally the causal theory of reference for
      proper names by investigating linguistic usage and (ii) to present the results
      from two experiments conducted with that method. Data collected in our
      experiments confirm the causal theory of reference for people proper names and
      for geographical proper names. A secondary but interesting result is that the
      semantic domain affects reference assignment: while with people proper names
      speakers tend to assign the semantic reference, with geographical proper names
      they are prompted to assign the speaker's reference.

PMID- 28088702
TI  - The social nature of overimitation: Insights from Autism and Williams syndrome.
AB  - When imitating novel actions, typically developing preschoolers often copy
      components of the demonstration that are unrelated to the modeled action's goal,
      a phenomenon known as 'overimitation'. According to the social motivation
      account, overimitation fulfills social affiliation motives (i.e., the imitator's
      drive to experience social connectedness with the demonstrator and the social
      context). Conversely, according to the social-cognitive account, overimitation
      reflects overattribution of causal relevance (i.e., the imitator's failure to
      appreciate that some components of the demonstration are not relevant to the
      action's outcome). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and William syndrome (WS) are
      characterized by reduced and enhanced spontaneous social motivation,
      respectively, as well as similar impairments in social-cognition, thus providing
      helpful test cases to understand the nature of overimitation. Using a novel eye
      tracking paradigm, we examined overimitation in 31 preschoolers with ASD, 18 age-
      and IQ-matched peers with WS, and 19 age-matched typically developing children.
      We found that children with WS and typically developing children were more likely
      to overimitate, and to increase their attention to the model's face during
      demonstration of causally irrelevant actions, compared to those with ASD. These
      findings will be discussed in the context of support for the social-motivational
      account of overimitation.

PMID- 28088703
TI  - Dopaminergic rules of engagement for memory in Drosophila.
AB  - Dopamine is associated with a variety of conserved responses across species
      including locomotion, sleep, food consumption, aggression, courtship, addiction
      and several forms of appetitive and aversive memory. Historically, dopamine has
      been most prominently associated with dynamics underlying reward, punishment, or
      salience. Recent emerging evidence from Drosophila supports a role in all of
      these functions, as well as additional roles in the interplay between external
      sensation and internal states and forgetting of the very memories dopamine helped
      encode. We discuss how cell-specific resolution and manipulation are elucidating
      the rules of dopamine's involvement in encoding valence and memory.

PMID- 28088704
TI  - An examination of the anxiolytic effects of exercise for people with anxiety and
      stress-related disorders: A meta-analysis.
AB  - The literature regarding exercise for people with established anxiety disorders
      is equivocal. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta
      analysis investigating the benefits of exercise compared to usual treatment or
      control conditions in people with an anxiety and/or stress-related disorders.
      Major electronic databases were searched from inception until December/2015 and a
      random effect meta-analysis conducted. Altogether, six randomized control trials
      (RCTs) including 262 adults (exercise n=132, 34.74 [9.6] years; control n=130,
      37.34 [10.0] years) were included. Exercise significantly decreased anxiety
      symptoms more than control conditions, with a moderate effect size (Standardized
      Mean Difference=-0.582, 95%CI -1.0 to -0.76, p=0.02). Our data suggest that
      exercise is effective in improving anxiety symptoms in people with a current
      diagnosis of anxiety and/ or stress-related disorders. Taken together with the
      wider benefits of exercise on wellbeing and cardiovascular health, these findings
      reinforce exercise as an important treatment option in people with anxiety/stress
      disorders.

PMID- 28088705
TI  - Ultrasonic compaction of granular geological materials.
AB  - It has been shown that the compaction of granular materials for applications such
      as pharmaceutical tableting and plastic moulding can be enhanced by ultrasonic
      vibration of the compaction die. Ultrasonic vibrations can reduce the compaction
      pressure and increase particle fusion, leading to higher strength products. In
      this paper, the potential benefits of ultrasonics in the compaction of geological
      granular materials in downhole applications are explored, to gain insight into
      the effects of ultrasonic vibrations on compaction of different materials
      commonly encountered in sub-sea drilling. Ultrasonic vibrations are applied,
      using a resonant 20kHz compactor, to the compaction of loose sand and drill waste
      cuttings derived from oolitic limestone, clean quartz sandstone, and slate
      phyllite. For each material, a higher strain for a given compaction pressure was
      achieved, with higher sample density compared to that in the case of an absence
      of ultrasonics. The relationships between the operational parameters of
      ultrasonic vibration amplitude and true strain rate are explored and shown to be
      dependent on the physical characteristics of the compacting materials.

PMID- 28088706
TI  - Topological imaging in bounded elastic media.
AB  - Detecting, imaging and sizing defects in a bounded elastic medium is still a
      difficult task, especially when access is complex. Adjoint methods simplify the
      task as they take advantage of prior information such as the geometry and
      material properties. However, they still reveal a number of important
      limitations. Artifacts observed on the conventional topological energy image
      result from wave interactions with the boundaries of the inspected medium. The
      paper describes a method for addressing these artifacts, which involves forward
      and adjoint fields specified in terms of the boundary conditions. Modified
      topological energies are then defined according to the type of analyzed flaw
      (open slit or inclusion). Comparison of the numerical results with the
      experimental data confirms the relevance of the approach.

PMID- 28088707
TI  - DNA sensing and immune responses in cancer therapy.
AB  - The identification of critical DNA sensors and their pathways has led to
      revealing the central role of DNA sensing in immune system. It has been initially
      demonstrated that DNA sensing and immune responses have high impacts on the
      development and prevention of infection and inflammatory. In addition to toll
      like receptor pathways, there is now also emerging evidence that cytosolic enzyme
      cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is essential for the recognition of not only
      pathogen-derived DNA but also tumor DNA for innate sensing. The strategies
      through activating DNA sensing pathways toward enhancing antitumor immunity have
      shown promise and are further tested in clinical studies. Here, we highlight
      recent progresses in understanding mechanisms activated by DNA sensing mediated
      immune responses in cancer therapy.

PMID- 28088708
TI  - Germinal centers: programmed for affinity maturation and antibody
      diversification.
AB  - The seminal discovery by Eisen that antibodies undergo improvements in antigen
      binding affinity over the course of an immune response led to a long running
      search for the underlying mechanism. Germinal centers in lymphoid organs are now
      recognized to be critically involved in this phenomenon, known as antibody
      affinity maturation. As well as improving in affinity for specific epitopes, some
      antibody responses maintain or even increase their breadth of antigen-recognition
      over time. This has led to another intense line of research aimed at
      understanding how broadly neutralizing anti-pathogen responses are generated.
      Recent work indicates that germinal centers also play an important role in the
      diversification process. We discuss current understanding of how germinal centers
      are programmed to support both affinity maturation and antibody diversification.

PMID- 28088709
TI  - Characterization of smokeless powders using multiplexed collision-induced
      dissociation mass spectrometry and chemometric procedures.
AB  - This work demonstrates a non-targeted mass spectrometry approach for
      identification of organic compounds in smokeless powders. Unburned powders were
      removed from various commercial ammunitions of different brand, primer
      composition, caliber, and age. The unburned powders and corresponding fired
      residues were analyzed by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical
      ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-TOFMS). Multiplexed
      collision-induced dissociation was performed at increasing collision potentials
      resulting in successive fragmentation that provided structural information for
      compound identification in a non-targeted manner. Nine compounds were identified
      in the powders, including akardite II, ethyl centralite, diphenylamine, N
      nitrosodiphenylamine, and dibutyl phthalate. Multivariate statistical procedures
      were performed to first investigate association and discrimination of the
      unburned powders. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the chemical profiles
      suggested nine distinct groups of powders, according to the dominant organic
      compounds present. The clusters formed in hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)
      were mostly in agreement with PCA groupings although HCA provided a metric to
      quantify the similarity. Finally, association of the fired residue to the
      corresponding unburned powder was possible although the success was highly
      dependent on the composition of the unburned powder and the extent of compound
      depletion as a result of firing.

PMID- 28088710
TI  - Short range shooting distance estimation using variable pressure SEM images of
      the surroundings of bullet holes in textiles.
AB  - Modifications of cotton and polyester textiles due to shots fired at short range
      were analyzed with a variable pressure scanning electron microscope (VP-SEM).
      Different mechanisms of fiber rupture as a function of fiber type and shooting
      distance were detected, namely fusing, melting, scorching, and mechanical
      breakage. To estimate the firing distance, the approximately exponential decay of
      GSR coverage as a function of radial distance from the entrance hole was
      determined from image analysis, instead of relying on chemical analysis with EDX,
      which is problematic in the VP-SEM. A set of backscattered electron images, with
      sufficient magnification to discriminate micrometer wide GSR particles, was
      acquired at different radial distances from the entrance hole. The atomic number
      contrast between the GSR particles and the organic fibers allowed to find a
      robust procedure to segment the micrographs into binary images, in which the
      white pixel count was attributed to GSR coverage. The decrease of the white pixel
      count followed an exponential decay, and it was found that the reciprocal of the
      decay constant, obtained from the least-square fitting of the coverage data,
      showed a linear dependence on the shooting distance.

PMID- 28088711
TI  - Surgery for chronic mesh infection occurred 10 years after sacrectomy - Mesh
      resection and mesentric leaf repair: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sacrectomy to treat malignant tumors is often results in large
      pelvic defects to require reconstruction, using a prosthetic mesh. Importance is
      to avoid its direct contact of mesh with intestine to prevent adhesion between
      them. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 83-year old woman who was diagnosed with a mesh
      infection caused by a small bowel penetration 10 years after sacrectomy combined
      with mesh reconstruction for chordoma. In the first operation, because of
      incomplete re-peritonealization due to a large defect in the retroperitoneum, a
      mesh unavoidably was compelled to contact with the small intestine. We subtotally
      removed the mesh and performed mesentric leaf repair of the pelvic defect. The
      postoperative course was complicated by infection of the pelvis. She was
      discharged 59days after surgery with a little purulent discharge from perineal
      wound, which was persisted for two years after operation. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION:
      We used the mesenteric leaf to repair the pelvic defect at the operation. This
      procedure might be the best alternative, when the use of mesh has to be avoided
      like present case. To our knowledge, this is the first report of mesh infection
      after sacrectomy, so we report herein.

PMID- 28088712
TI  - A referential theory of the repetition-induced truth effect.
AB  - People are more likely to judge repeated statements as true compared to new
      statements, a phenomenon known as the illusory truth effect. The currently
      dominant explanation is an increase in processing fluency caused by prior
      presentation. We present a new theory to explain this effect. We assume that
      people judge truth based on coherent references for statements in memory. Due to
      prior presentation, repeated statements have more coherently linked references;
      thus, a repetition-induced truth effect follows. Five experiments test this
      theory. Experiment 1-3 show that both the amount and the coherence of references
      for a repeated statement influence judged truth. Experiment 4 shows that people
      also judge new statements more likely "true" when they share references with
      previously presented statements. Experiment 5 realizes theoretically predicted
      conditions under which repetition should not influence judged truth. Based on
      these data, we discuss how the theory relates to other explanations of repetition
      induced truth and how it may integrate other truth-related phenomena and belief
      biases.

PMID- 28088713
TI  - The effects of utterance timing and stimulation of left prefrontal cortex on the
      production of referential expressions.
AB  - We examined the relationship between the timing of utterance initiation and the
      choice of referring expressions, e.g., pronouns (it), zeros (...and went down),
      or descriptive NPs (the pink pentagon). We examined language production in
      healthy adults, and used anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to
      test the involvement of the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the timing of
      utterance production and the selection of reference forms in a discourse context.
      Twenty-two subjects (11 anodal, 11sham) described fast-paced actions, e.g. The
      gray oval flashes, then it moves right 2 blocks. We only examined trials in
      contexts that supported pronoun/zero use. For sham participants, pronouns/zeros
      increased on trials with longer latencies to initiate the target utterance, and
      trials where the previous trial was short. We argue that both of these conditions
      enabled greater message pre-planning and greater discourse connectedness: The
      strongest predictor of pronoun/zero usage was the presence of a connector word
      like and or then, which was also tended to occur on trials with longer latencies.
      For the anodal participants, the latency effect disappeared. PFC stimulation
      appeared to enable participants to produce utterances with greater discourse
      connectedness, even while planning incrementally.

PMID- 28088714
TI  - Children's and adults' use of verbal information to visually anticipate others'
      actions: A study on explicit and implicit social-cognitive processing.
AB  - According to recent theories, social cognition is based on two different types of
      information-processing; an implicit or action-based one and an explicit or verbal
      one. The present study examined whether implicit and explicit social-cognitive
      information processing interact with each other by investigating young children's
      and adults' use of verbal (i.e., explicit) information to predict others'
      actions. Employing eye-tracking to measure anticipatory eye-movements as a
      measure of implicit processing, Experiment 1 presented 1.5-, 2.5-, and 3.5-year
      old children as well as adults with agents who announced to move to either of two
      possible targets. The results show that only the 3.5-year-old children and
      adults, but not the 1.5- and 2.5-year-old children were able to use verbal
      information to correctly anticipate others' actions. Yet, Experiments 2 and 3
      showed that 2.5-year-old children were able to use explicit information to give a
      correct explicit answer (Experiment 2) and that they were able to use statistical
      information to anticipate the other's actions (Experiment 3). Overall, the study
      is in line with theoretical claims that two types of information-processing
      underlie human social cognition. It shows that these two inform each other by
      3years of age.

PMID- 28088715
TI  - Micropollutant-induced tolerance of in situ periphyton: Establishing causality in
      wastewater-impacted streams.
AB  - The overarching aim of this field study was to examine causal links between in
      situ exposure to complex mixtures of micropollutants from wastewater treatment
      plants and effects on freshwater microbial communities in the receiving streams.
      To reach this goal, we assessed the toxicity of serial dilutions of
      micropollutant mixtures, extracted from deployed passive samplers at the
      discharge sites of four Swiss wastewater treatment plants, to in situ periphyton
      from upstream and downstream of the effluents. On the one hand, comparison of the
      sensitivities of upstream and downstream periphyton to the micropollutant
      mixtures indicated that algal and bacterial communities composing the periphyton
      displayed higher tolerance towards these micropollutants downstream than
      upstream. On the other hand, molecular analyses of the algal and bacterial
      structure showed a clear separation between upstream and downstream periphyton
      across the sites. This finding provides an additional line of evidence that
      micropollutants from the wastewater discharges were directly responsible for the
      change in the community structure at the sampling sites by eliminating the
      micropollutant-sensitive species and favouring the tolerant ones. What is more,
      the fold increase of algal and bacterial tolerance from upstream to downstream
      locations was variable among sampling sites and was strongly correlated to the
      intensity of contamination by micropollutants at the respective sites. Overall,
      our study highlights the sensitivity of the proposed approach to disentangle
      effects of micropollutant mixtures from other environmental factors occurring in
      the field and, thus, establishing a causal link between exposure and the observed
      ecological effects on freshwater microbial communities.

PMID- 28088716
TI  - Unveiling the transformation and bioavailability of dissolved organic matter in
      contrasting hydrothermal vents using fluorescence EEM-PARAFAC.
AB  - The submarine hydrothermal systems are extreme environments where active cycling
      of dissolved organic matter (DOM) may occur. However, little is known about the
      optical properties and bioavailability of hydrothermal DOM, which could provide
      valuable insights into its transformation processes and biogeochemical
      reactivity. The quantity, quality, and bioavailability of DOM were investigated
      for four very different hydrothermal vents east of Taiwan, using dissolved
      organic carbon (DOC), absorption spectroscopy, and fluorescence excitation
      emission matrices-parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC). The DOC and absorption
      coefficient a280 were both lower in the two hydrothermal vents off the Orchid
      Island and on the Green Island than in the surrounding seawater and the two vents
      off the Kueishantao Island, indicating effective removals of DOM in the former
      two hydrothermal systems owing to possible adsorption/co-precipitation and
      thermal degradation respectively. The four hydrothermal DOM showed notable
      differences in the absorption spectral slope S275-295, humification index HIX,
      biological index BIX, EEM spectra, and the relative distributions of seven
      PARAFAC components. The results demonstrated a high diversity of chemical
      composition and transformation history of DOM under contrasting hydrothermal
      conditions. The little change in the hydrothermal DOC after 28-day microbial
      incubations indicated a low bioavailability of the bulk DOM, and different
      PARAFAC components showed contrasting bioavailability. The results have profound
      implications for understanding the biogeochemical cycling and environmental
      effects of hydrothermal DOM in the marine environments.

PMID- 28088717
TI  - Removal of antibiotic resistance genes from wastewater treatment plant effluent
      by coagulation.
AB  - Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), as emerging environmental contaminants, have
      become a threat to human health. Recent studies have demonstrated that the
      effluent from wastewater treatment plants is a significant point source of ARGs
      released into the environment. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness
      of coagulation technology in the removal of ARGs from treated wastewater.
      Specifically, we measured the removal of five ARGs (two sulfonamide resistance
      genes, sulI and sulII, and three tetracycline resistance genes, tetO, tetW and
      tetQ) and the class 1 integron intI1 gene via the application of two coagulants:
      FeCl3 and polyferric chloride (PFC). Moreover, the removal of dissolved organic
      carbon (DOC), NH3N and total phosphorus (TP) in the coagulation process was
      investigated. The coagulation process effectively removed ARGs from the effluent
      with 0.5-log to 3.1-log reductions. Significant removal correlations were
      observed between dissolved NH3N and DOC, intI1 and sulI, sulII and tetO, sulII
      and tetW, and tetO and tetW, implying that the co-removal of DOC, dissolved NH3N,
      the intI1 gene and different ARGs played an important role in ARG loss during
      coagulation with Fe-based coagulants. These results indicate that coagulation may
      play a promising role in ARG reduction in wastewater treatment plants.

PMID- 28088718
TI  - Highly efficient inactivation of bacteria found in drinking water using chitosan
      bentonite composites: Modelling and breakthrough curve analysis.
AB  - Disinfection of bacterially-contaminated drinking water requires a robust and
      effective technique and can be achieved by using an appropriate disinfectant
      material. The advanced use of nanomaterials is observed as an alternative and
      effective way for the disinfection process and water treatment as a whole. Hence,
      the inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) using chitosan-Bentonite (Cts
      Bent) composites was studied in a fixed bed column. Cts-Bent composites were
      synthesized using in situ cross-linking method using Bent-supported silver and
      zinc oxide nanoparticles. These composites were characterized by Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy,
      and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The effect of the composite bed mass, initial
      concentration of bacteria, and flow rate on the bacterial inactivation was
      investigated. The characterization results revealed that the composites were
      successfully prepared and confirmed the presence of both silver and zinc oxide
      nanoparticles in the chitosan matrix. The growth curves of E. coli were expressed
      as breakthrough curves, based on the logistic, Gompertz, and Boltzmann models.
      The breakthrough time and processed volume of treated water at breakthrough were
      used as performance indicators, which revealed that the composites performed best
      at low bacterial concentration and flow rate and with substantial bed mass. The
      chitosan composites were found to be highly effective, which was demonstrated
      when no bacteria were observed in the effluent sample within the first 27 h of
      analysing river water. All the models were suitable for adequately describing and
      reproducing the experimental data with a sigmoidal pattern. Therefore, the
      prepared composite is showing potential to work as a disinfectant and provide an
      alternative solution for water disinfection; hence this study should propel
      further research of the same or similar materials.

PMID- 28088719
TI  - Low temperature MBBR nitrification: Microbiome analysis.
AB  - This study aims to investigate post carbon removal moving bed biofilm reactor
      (MBBR) nitrification through the transition from 20  degrees C to 1  degrees C
      and during through long term operation at 1  degrees C. Four pilot nitrifying
      MBBR reactors were operated at various ammonia loading rates to elucidate the
      temperature effects on ammonia removal rates, cell viability and bacterial
      communities. The transition from 20  degrees C to 1  degrees C and during long
      term operation at 1  degrees C were modeled using Arrhenius temperature
      correction coefficients. Specifically, the steady state removal rates at 1 
      degrees C on average were 22.8% of the maximum ammonia removal rate at 20 
      degrees C, which corresponds to an Arrhenius temperature correction of 1.086
      during steady operation at 1  degrees C. The microbial communities of the
      nitrifying MBBR biofilm were shown to be significantly more diverse at 20 
      degrees C as compared to 1  degrees C operation. Although less diverse at 1 
      degrees C, 2000 species of bacteria were identified in the nitrifying biofilm
      during operation at this low temperature. Nitrosomonads were shown to be the
      dominant ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and Nitrospira was shown to be the
      dominant nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) in all the pilot MBBR reactors at all
      temperatures. The performance of the post carbon removal nitrifying MBBR systems
      were shown to be enhanced at 1  degrees C by an increase in the viable embedded
      biomass as well as thicker biofilm. This effectively increases the number of
      viable cell present during low temperature operation, which partially compensates
      for the significant decrease in rate of ammonia removal per nitrifying cell.
      Operation at the highest loading conditions tested in this study at 1  degrees C
      were shown to reduce the ammonia removal rate compared to lower loading
      conditions at 1  degrees C. The lower performance at higher loading conditions at
      1  degrees C demonstrated an enrichment in the stress response metagenomics
      pathways of the system.

PMID- 28088720
TI  - Role of dissolved Mn(III) in transformation of organic contaminants: Non
      oxidative versus oxidative mechanisms.
AB  - Mn(III) is a strong oxidant for one electron transfer, which may be important in
      the transformation of organic contaminants during water/wastewater treatment and
      biogeochemical redox processes. This study explored the reaction mechanisms of
      dissolved Mn(III) with organics. The role of dissolved Mn(III) either as a
      catalyst or an oxidant in reactions with organics was recognized. Aquo and/or
      hydroxo (or free) Mn(III), generated from the bisulfite activated permanganate
      process, facilitated efficient N-dealkylation of atrazine via a beta-elimination
      mechanism, resulting no net redox reaction. In contrast, free Mn(III) degraded 4
      chlorophenol via intramolecular redox processes, the same as hydroxyl radical
      (OH), resulting in dechlorination,OH substitution, ring-opening and
      mineralization. Mn(III)-pyrophosphate compounds did not react with atrazine
      because complexation by pyrophosphate rendered Mn(III) unable to bond with
      atrazine, thus the electron and proton transfers between the reactants couldn't
      occur. However, it degraded 4-chlorophenol at a slower rate compared to free
      Mn(III), due to its reduced oxidation potential. These results showed two
      distinct mechanisms on the degradation of organic contaminants and the insights
      may be applied in natural manganese-rich environments and water treatment
      processes with manganese compounds.

PMID- 28088721
TI  - Modeling biosolids drying through a laminated hydrophobic membrane.
AB  - The adaptation of the membrane distillation process as a low-cost and sustainable
      approach to biosolids drying and stabilization is investigated, which may have
      application in container-based sanitation systems proposed in low-income urban
      regions. Three-layer laminated, breathable, hydrophobic membranes enclose the
      biosolids, facilitating drying but preventing transport of contaminants. The
      membranes used in this process are non-wetting with pore spaces that only allow
      vapor transport. Water vapor can be expelled due to a moderate vapor pressure
      gradient. Other constituents, including both particulate and dissolved matter are
      retained. The permeate, therefore, is expected to be of high purity and pathogen
      free. This study presents experimental results showing usable rates of moisture
      transfer through the laminated hydrophobic membranes with temperature gradients,
      DeltaT = -2  degrees C, corresponding to the condition that biosolids do not
      receive external heating in which laminate-enclosed biosolids are 2  degrees C
      cooler than outside, as well as conditions that samples are 2  degrees C and 10 
      degrees C warmer than the ambient temperature (DeltaT = 2 and 10  degrees C,
      respectively). The conditions result in reduction in the moisture content of the
      laminate-enclosed biosolids from about 97% to 12-30% and the permeate is observed
      to be free of fecal coliforms, indicator organisms for pathogens. The initial
      constant-rate drying period is described well with a stagnant film model that
      accounts for different temperature gradients, laminate surface area, and ambient
      relative humidity. The proposed model may be used to assess the feasibility of
      incorporating laminated hydrophobic membranes to enhance biosolids drying in
      container-based sanitation systems as well as other applications.

PMID- 28088722
TI  - In situ denitrification and DNRA rates in groundwater beneath an integrated
      constructed wetland.
AB  - Evaluation of the environmental benefits of constructed wetlands (CWs) requires
      an understanding of their impacts on the groundwater quality under the wetlands.
      Empirical mass-balance (nitrogen in/nitrogen out) approaches for estimating
      nitrogen (N) removal in CWs do not characterise the final fate of N; where
      nitrate (NO3--N) could be reduced to either ammonium (NH4+-N) or N2 with the
      potential for significant production of N2O. Herein, in situ denitrification and
      DNRA (dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium) rates were measured in
      groundwater beneath cells of an earthen lined integrated constructed wetland
      (ICW, used to remove the nutrients from municipal wastewater) using the 15N
      enriched NO3--N push-pull method. Experiments were conducted utilising replicated
      (n = 3) shallow (1 m depth) and deep (4 m depth) piezometers installed along two
      control planes. These control planes allowed for the assessment of groundwater
      underlying high (Cell 2, septic tank waste) and low (Cell 3) load cells of the
      ICW. Background piezometers were also installed off-site. Results showed that
      denitrification (N2O-N + N2-N) and DNRA were major NO3--N consumption processes
      accounting together for 54-79% of the total biochemical consumption of the
      applied NO3--N. Of which 14-16% and 40-63% were consumed by denitrification and
      DNRA, respectively. Both processes differed significantly across ICW cells
      indicating that N transformation depends on nutrient loading rates and were
      significantly higher in shallow compared to the deep groundwater. In such a
      reduced environment (low dissolved oxygen and low redox potential), higher DNRA
      over the denitrification rate can be attributed to the high C concentration and
      high TC/NO3--N ratio. Low pH (6.5-7.1) in this system might have limited
      denitrification to some extent to an incomplete state, evidenced by a high N2O
      N/(N2O-N+N2-N) ratio (0.35 +/- 0.17, SE). A relatively higher N2O-N/(N2O-N+N2-N)
      ratio and higher DNRA rate over denitrification, suggest that the end products of
      N transformations are reactive. This N2O can be consumed to N2 and/or emitted to
      the atmosphere. The DNRA rate and accumulation of NH4+-N indicated that the ICW
      created a suitable groundwater biogeochemical environment that enhanced NO3--N
      reduction to NH4+-N. This study showed that CWs significantly influence NO3--N
      attenuation to reactive forms of N in the groundwater beneath them and that
      solely focusing on within wetland NO3--N attenuation can underestimate the
      environmental benefits of wetlands.

PMID- 28088723
TI  - Discovery and metagenomic analysis of an anammox bacterial enrichment related to
      Candidatus "Brocadia caroliniensis" in a full-scale glycerol-fed nitritation
      denitritation separate centrate treatment process.
AB  - A distinctive red biofilm was observed in a glycerol-fed digester liquid effluent
      treatment process coupling partial nitrification (nitritation) and partial
      denitrification (denitritation) processes. Based on initial phylogenetic
      screening using 16S rRNA clone libraries and quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction, the biofilm was enriched in novel anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria
      (AMX/anammox) closely related to Candidatus "Brocadia caroliniensis". The
      metabolic functionality of the C. "Brocadia caroliniensis" enrichment was further
      explored using high-throughput sequencing and de novo metagenome assembly. The
      population anammox genome that was binned from the metagenome consisted of 209
      contigs with a total of 3.73 Mbp consensus sequences having 43.3% GC content, and
      27.4 average coverage depth. The assembled metagenome bin was comprised of 3582
      open reading frames (ORFs). Based on 16S rRNA similarity the binned metagenome
      was closely related with Candidatus "Brocadia caroliniensis", Candidatus
      "Brocadia fulgida", planctomycete KSU-1, and Candidatus "Kuenenia
      stuttgartiensis" with 99%, 96%, 92% and 93% similarity, respectively. Essential
      genes in anammox metabolic functions including ammonium and nitrite transport,
      hydrazine synthesis, electron transfer for catabolism, and inorganic carbon
      fixation, among several other anabolic pathways, were also observed in the
      population genome of the C. "Brocadia caroliniensis" related enrichment. Our
      results demonstrate the wider profusion of anammox bacteria in engineered
      nitrogen removal systems than expected. The utility of metagenomics approaches to
      deciphering such novel functionality in these systems is also highlighted.

PMID- 28088724
TI  - The effect of urban growth on landscape-scale restoration for a fire-dependent
      songbird.
AB  - A landscape-scale perspective on restoration ecology has been advocated, but few
      studies have informed restoration with landscape metrics or addressed broad-scale
      threats. Threats such as urban growth may affect restoration effectiveness in a
      landscape context. Here, we studied longleaf pine savanna in the rapidly
      urbanizing southeastern United States where a habitat-specialist bird, Bachman's
      sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis), is closely associated with savanna vegetation
      structure and frequent fire. Our objectives were to construct a species
      distribution model for Bachman's sparrow, determine the relationship between fire
      and urbanization, quantify the urban growth effect (2010-2090), identify
      potential restoration areas, and determine the interaction between restoration
      potential and urban growth by 2050. Number of patches, patch size, and isolation
      metrics were used to evaluate scenarios. The species distribution model was 88%
      accurate and emphasized multiscale canopy cover characteristics, fire, and
      percent habitat. Fires were less common <600 m from urban areas, and this fire
      suppression effect exacerbated urban growth effects. For restoration scenarios,
      canopy cover reduction by 30% resulted in nearly double the amount of habitat
      compared to the prescribed fire scenario; canopy cover reduction resulted in
      larger patch sizes and less patch isolation compared to current conditions. The
      effect of urban growth on restoration scenarios was unequal. Seventy-four percent
      of restoration areas from the prescribed fire scenario overlapped with projected
      urban growth, whereas the canopy cover reduction scenario only overlapped by 9%.
      We emphasize the benefits of simultaneously considering the effects of urban
      growth and landscape-scale restoration potential to promote a landscape with
      greater patch sizes and less isolation.

PMID- 28088725
TI  - Risk management, financial evaluation and funding for wastewater and stormwater
      reuse projects.
AB  - This paper has considered risk management, financial evaluation and funding in
      seven Australian wastewater and stormwater reuse projects. From the investigated
      case studies it can be seen that responsible parties have generally been well
      equipped to identify potential risks. In relation to financial evaluation methods
      some serious discrepancies, such as time periods for analysis, and how stormwater
      benefits are valued, have been identified. Most of the projects have required
      external, often National Government, funding to proceed. As National funding is
      likely to become less common in the future, future reuse projects may need to be
      funded internally by the water industry. In order to enable this the authors
      propose that the industry requires (1) a standard project evaluation process, and
      (2) an infrastructure funders' forum (or committee) with representation from both
      utilities and regulators, in order to compare and prioritise future reuse
      projects against each other.

PMID- 28088726
TI  - Fabrication of highly hydrophilic filter using natural and hydrothermally treated
      mica nanoparticles for efficient waste oil-water separation.
AB  - For the effective oil/water separation, a novel superhydrophilic (underwater
      superoleophobic) filter is fabricated with the naturally and hydrothermally
      treated mica particles. To fabricate a double layered filter, hydrothermally
      treated mica particles were initially electrodeposited on a stainless steel mesh
      and a natural mica particles were sprayed on the first hydrothermally deposited
      mica layer. The double layered mica coated membrane showed superamphiphilic and
      superhydrophilic/superoleophobic (contact angle >159 degrees ) characteristics in
      air and underwater respectively. The membrane can separate range of oil-water
      mixtures with oil/water separation efficiency over ~99%. Properties of double
      layered mica membrane were investigated and noted that the surface adhesion
      properties of mica is enhanced by the hydrothermal treatment of mica and the
      higher roughness of the mica layer is maintained by the natural mica.

PMID- 28088727
TI  - Representativeness of clinical PET study participants with schizophrenia: A
      systematic review.
AB  - While positron emission tomography (PET) studies have provided invaluable data on
      antipsychotic effects, selection bias remains a serious concern. A systematic
      review of PET studies that measured dopamine D2 receptor blockade with
      antipsychotics was conducted to examine their inclusion/exclusion criteria, using
      PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov (last search, September 2016). PET studies
      were included if they measured D2 receptor occupancy in patients with
      schizophrenia and included introduction of antipsychotic treatment or
      antipsychotic regimen change in a systematic manner. Twenty-six studies were
      identified. Age limit was included in 13 studies; one study solely included
      geriatric patients while others targeted younger adults. Eleven, 6, and 3 studies
      specifically targeted clinically stable patients, patients with severe
      psychopathology, and antipsychotic-free patients, respectively. Nineteen and 18
      studies excluded patients with physical comorbidity and substance abuse,
      respectively. As a result, the mean age of subjects ranged from 23 to 42 years
      when one study that targeted geriatric patients was excluded. Mean Positive and
      Negative Syndrome Scale total scores ranged from 54 to 95. No comparison active
      drug or placebo arm was employed in 24 studies. Blind assessment of
      symptomatology was performed in 5 studies. In general, subjects participating in
      clinical PET studies were relatively young, presented with mild symptomatology,
      and were free from substance abuse or physical comorbidities. These
      characteristics need to be taken into account when clinical PET data are
      interpreted. On the other hand, it should also be noted that this study was only
      qualitative and conservative interpretation is necessary for possibility of
      subjective bias.

PMID- 28088729
TI  - New insights into AOX2 transcriptional regulation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
AB  - A feature of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in plants, some protists
      and many fungi is the presence of two terminal oxidases, the energy-conserving
      cytochrome oxidase and another termed alternative oxidase (AOX). AOX branches
      from the main respiratory chain, directly coupling the oxidation of ubiquinol
      with reduction of oxygen to water. The AOX genes can be divided into two discrete
      subfamilies, AOX1 and AOX2. Although AOX has been proposed to play essential
      roles in stress tolerance of organisms, the role of subfamily AOX2 is largely
      unknown. In the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, two genes have been
      identified that encode for AOX, AOX1 and AOX2. To test AOX2 transcriptional
      regulation in this alga, we used a real-time PCR analysis and an artificial
      microRNA approach. The C. reinhardtii AOX2 gene is up-regulated by oxygen or
      copper deprivation. Moreover, in dark-adapted unstressed cells, AOX2 is induced.
      Together, our results imply that the AOX2 gene is a stress-inducible and is
      regulated by the copper response regulator 1 (CRR1), probably together with yet
      unknown regulatory factor(s).

PMID- 28088728
TI  - The association between insomnia-related sleep disruptions and cognitive
      dysfunction during the inter-episode phase of bipolar disorder.
AB  - Sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction are two domains of impairment during
      inter-episode bipolar disorder. Despite evidence demonstrating the importance of
      sleep for cognition in healthy and sleep-disordered samples, this link has been
      minimally examined in bipolar disorder. The present study tested the association
      between insomnia-related sleep disruptions and cognitive dysfunction during inter
      episode bipolar disorder. Forty-seven participants with bipolar disorder and a
      comorbid insomnia diagnosis (BD-Insomnia) and 19 participants with bipolar
      disorder without sleep disturbance in the last six months (BD-Control)
      participated in the study. Two domains of cognition were assessed: working memory
      and verbal learning. Insomnia-related sleep disruptions were assessed both
      categorically (i.e., insomnia diagnosis) and dimensionally (i.e., total wake
      time, total sleep time, total wake time variability, and total sleep time
      variability). Hierarchical linear regressions, adjusting for participant age,
      demonstrated that insomnia diagnosis did not have an independent or interactive
      effect on cognition. However, regardless of insomnia diagnosis, greater total
      sleep time variability predicted poorer working memory and verbal learning
      performance. Further, following sleep treatment, a reduction in total wake time
      predicted improved working memory performance and a reduction in total sleep time
      variability predicted improved verbal learning performance. These findings raise
      the possibility that sleep disturbance may contribute to cognitive dysfunction in
      bipolar disorder and highlight the importance of treating sleep disturbance in
      bipolar disorder.

PMID- 28088730
TI  - Dramatic response to pyridoxine in a girl with absence epilepsy with ataxia
      caused by a de novo CACNA1A mutation.

PMID- 28088731
TI  - Biological properties of citral and its potential protective effects against
      cytotoxicity caused by aspirin in the IEC-6 cells.
AB  - Citral, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal, is a key component of several essential oils
      extracted from lemon-scented herbal plants. The present study was designed to
      investigate the antioxidant activities of citral and assess its possible
      protective effects against aspirin-induced toxicity in vitro. We used IEC-6 cells
      (rat small intestine epithelial cells). The antioxidant activities were
      determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), beta-carotene/linoleic acid
      and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Cytotoxicity was evaluated by cell
      viability, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) production and
      by the expression of MAPKs (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases) pathways.
      According to results, citral showed an important antioxidant activity. It
      inhibited the oxidation of linoleic acid, a moderate DPPH was found and it showed
      a Ferric reducing antioxidant potential with an EC50 value of 125+/-28.86MUg/mL.
      Then, the co-treatment of aspirin with citral significantly decreased the aspirin
      induced cell death, and the MDA level. It modulated the superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities. Also, the activation of MAPKs was
      attenuated by citral. These findings suggest that citral can protect IEC-6 cells
      against aspirin-induced oxidative stress that may help to discover new chemicals
      out of natural antioxidant substances.

PMID- 28088732
TI  - Apelin-13 protects rat primary cortical glia-neuron co-culture against
      pentylenetetrazole-induced toxicity.
AB  - In spite of recent advances in the treatment of epilepsy, up to 35% of people
      living with the condition do not respond to accessible anti-epileptic drugs
      (AEDs) and continue to experience regular, devastating and potentially life
      threatening seizures. Neuronal death is a significant feature of epilepsy in
      humans and experimental models. It has been reported that apelin, an endogenous
      ligand for the angiotensin-1-like receptor (APJ), has anticonvulsive as well as
      protective effects in some neurodegenerative situations. In the current study, we
      investigated the effects of apelin-13 on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced
      neurotoxicity in rat's brain primary culture. Cell injury was induced by 20mM PTZ
      and the cells viability was examined by MTT assay. Intracellular calcium,
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were
      determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry methods. Markers of apoptosis were
      determined by immunohistochemistry. The data showed that PTZ caused a loss of
      cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, intracellular
      reactive oxygen species, intracellular calcium, COX-2 and caspase-3 positive
      cells were increased in PTZ-treated cells. Incubation of the cells with aplein-13
      (10MUM) elicited protective effect and reduced markers of cell damage and death.
      The results suggest that apelin-13 has protective effects against PTZ-induced
      toxicity and such effects are accompanied by its calcium blocking, antioxidant
      and, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.

PMID- 28088733
TI  - Long non-coding RNA UC001kfo promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and
      metastasis by targeting alpha-SMA.
AB  - Several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been investigated and found to be
      correlated with the behaviours and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC);
      Specifically, we revealed that the lncRNA UC001kfo was differentially expressed
      in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues using lncRNA microarrays, but
      its functional role in cancers, including HCC, has not yet been elucidated. The
      present study found that the expression of UC001kfo was upregulated in HCC
      tissues and cell lines in comparison with tumour-adjacent tissues and normal
      hepatocytes, respectively. In addition, a high UC001kfo level was determined to
      be correlated with macro-vascular invasion and TNM stage of HCC. Specifically,
      patients with high UC001kfo expression displayed a significantly lower overall
      survival rate and progression-free survival rate. Moreover, both univariate and
      multivariate COX regression analyses identified TNM stage and high UC001kfo
      expression as risk factors for poor prognosis in HCC patients. In addition,
      UC001kfo was verified to promote the proliferation, metastasis and epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells in both in vitro and in vivo assays.
      Mechanistically, alpha-SMA was indicated as a potential target gene of UC001kfo
      in mediating HCC metastasis. In conclusion, UC001kfo promotes HCC proliferation
      and metastasis by targeting alpha-SMA, and UC001kfo may potentially serve as a
      prognostic marker and a therapeutic target for treatment of HCC.

PMID- 28088734
TI  - In vivo and in silico sedative-hypnotic like activity of 7-methyljuglone isolated
      from Diospyros lotus L.
AB  - Diospyros lotus L. possesses different therapeutic activities such as
      antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-microbial and sedative. However, no studies
      on the sedative-hypnotic activity of 7-methyljuglone are reported. In the present
      study, we have evaluated in vivo the anxiolytic-hypnotic like effects of 7
      methyljuglone in mice with open field and phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time
      tests. We have also assessed in silico the involvement of GABAA, GABAB and 5HT1
      neurotransmission in its mechanism of action. The intraperitoneal administration
      of 7-methyljuglone (2.5-10mg/kg) reduce significantly the number of crossed lines
      in mice open field test and concomitantly it shown a significant activity in term
      of onset of sleeping time and also in its duration. Moreover, 7-methyljuglone
      demonstrated in silico an interesting interaction with GABAA but not GABAB and
      5HT1binding sites. All of these results, taken together, 7-methyljuglone may be
      an innovative candidate for designing new pharmaceutical and therapeutic
      applications.

PMID- 28088735
TI  - Long non-coding RNA CCAT1 promotes human retinoblastoma SO-RB50 and Y79 cells
      through negative regulation of miR-218-5p.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory role and potential mechanism of long non
      coding RNAs (lncRNA) in human retinoblastoma (RB). METHODS: The lncRNA profile in
      RB tissues were analyzed by microarray and quantitative reverse transcription PCR
      (qRT-PCR). One of the identified lncRNAs (LncRNA CCAT1) was selected for further
      experiments. SO-RB50 and Y79 cells were transfected with negative control, siRNA
      targeting lncRNA CCAT1 (si-CCAT1) and si-CCAT1+miR218-5p inhibitor, respectively.
      lncRNA CCAT1 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation, migration
      and invasion were detected by CCK8, wound scratching, and transwell assay,
      respectively. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were assessed by flow
      cytometry. Apoptosis- (cle-caspase-3, cle-caspase-9, Bax and Bcl-2) and cell
      cycle-related protein expression (cyclin B1, CDC2 and p-CDC2 (Thr161)) were
      analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: lncRNA CCAT1 expression in SO-RB50 and Y79
      cells was significantly inhibited after si-CCAT1 transfection (P<0.01). Both RB
      cells exhibited significantly reduced proliferation, migration and invasion
      abilities, but markedly increased apoptosis at 48h after si-CCAT1 transfection
      (P<0.05 or 0.01). RB cells in si-CCAT1+miR218-5p inhibitor group had
      significantly higher proliferation, migration and invasion, but notably lower
      apoptosis compared with si-CCAT1 group at 24 and 48h after transfection (all
      P<0.05 or 0.01). si-CCAT1 significantly increased the expression of cle-caspase
      3, cle-caspase-9, Bax, but decreased Bcl-2 expression (P<0.01). The proportion of
      G2/M SO-RB50 and Y79 cells in siCCAT1 group was significantly increased compared
      with negative control group (P<0.01). LncRNA CCAT1 interference significantly
      reduced the expression of cyclin B1, CDC2 and p-CDC2 (Thr161) (P<0.01).
      CONCLUSION: LncRNA CCAT1 promotes the proliferation migration and invasion, and
      reduces cell apoptosis of SO-RB50 and Y79 cells, probably through negative
      modulation of miR-218-5p. Our study suggested lncRNA CCAT1 as a potential
      biomarker and therapeutic target for RB.

PMID- 28088736
TI  - LncRNA CCAT2 promotes tumorigenesis by over-expressed Pokemon in non-small cell
      lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the most important
      death-related diseases, with poor effective diagnosis and less therapeutic
      biomarkers. LncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) was identified as
      an oncogenic lncRNA and over-expressed in many tumor cells. The aims of this
      study were to detect the correlation between CCAT2 and its regulatory genes and
      then explore the potential mechanism between them in NSCLC. METHODS: In this
      study, qRT-PCR was used to detect CCAT2, Pokemon and p21 expression. Western-blot
      was used to detect protein levels of Pokemon and p21. CCK-8 assay and Transwell
      chambers were used to assess cell viability and invasion. RESULTS: CCAT2 and
      Pokemon were over-expressed in NSCLC tissue and cells. In NSCLC cells, CCAT2
      knockdown significantly decreased cell viability and invasion as well as Pokemon
      expression, but increased the expression of p21; then CCAT2 overexpression
      revealed an opposite result. In addition, over-expressed Pokemon reversed the
      results that induced by si-CCAT2, while down-regulation of Pokemon significantly
      reversed the results that induced by CCAT2 overexpression. CONCLUSION: The
      results indicated that CCAT2 promotes tumorigenesis by over-expression of
      Pokemon, and the potential mechanism might relate to the Pokemon related gene
      p21.

PMID- 28088737
TI  - The hemostatic effect study of Cirsium setosum on regulating alpha1-ARs via
      mediating norepinephrine synthesis by enzyme catalysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cirsium setosum (CS) is the aboveground part of Cephalanoplos segetum
      Kitam. Although it has been used as a hemostatic treatment for thousands of years
      and is still in use today, the mechanism of CS on regulating ARs is still not
      clear. PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to clarify the mechanism of CS on
      regulating ARs. METHODS: We developed a simple method based on UPLC/Q-TOF MS
      combined adrenergic receptor dual-luciferase reporter assay systems for the rapid
      determination of active constituents in CS. The mechanism of tyramine, the main
      active component for regulating ARs, was further investigated by an in vitro
      norepinephrine biotransformation test and in vivo vaso activity tests. RESULTS:
      Two phenethylamine ARs regulators (tyramine and N-methyltyramine) in CS were
      characterized, and it was found that tyramine could induce vasoconstriction via
      regulation of alpha1-ARs by mediating norepinephrine synthesis. CONCLUSION: The
      hemostatic effect of CS is associated with tyramine and N-methyltyramine, via
      regulation of alpha1-ARs, and the mechanism of tyramine is related to mediating
      norepinephrine synthesis by enzyme catalysis.

PMID- 28088738
TI  - Piperine modulates isoproterenol induced myocardial ischemia through antioxidant
      and anti-dyslipidemic effect in male Wistar rats.
AB  - Myocardial infarction due to ischemia accounts for majority of deaths among
      cardiovascular disorders. Isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction and
      the protection offered by piperine was investigated in the present report. Lipid
      profile analysis by determining the levels of cholesterol, phospholipids,
      triglycerides and lipoproteins in serum and heart tissues showed anti
      dyslipidemic action of piperine against ISO induced myocardial injury by
      modulating the ISO induced altered lipid profiles, maintaining to near control
      values. ISO treatment increased TBARS levels, PCC, serum markers of heart,
      depleted antioxidant status (GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx and GST) in tissues and, total,
      protein- and non-protein-sulfhydryl levels in serum and heart tissues. Piperine
      pre-treatment decreased the levels of serum markers, lipid peroxidation and PCC
      with increased antioxidant status in the heart tissues of ISO administered rats.
      Increased levels of the glycoprotein components in serum and decreased levels in
      heart tissues upon ISO administration were restored to near normal levels by
      piperine pre-treatment. Our present reports also showed the modulatory effect of
      piperine on membrane bound ATPase's showing protection against ISO induced
      changes in membrane fluidity. The present study proved piperine as a potent
      therapeutic agent with its antioxidant and anti-dyslipidemic action against ISO
      induced myocardial infarction.

PMID- 28088739
TI  - The effects of rurality on substance use disorder diagnosis: A multiple-groups
      latent class analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rates of accidental overdose mortality from substance use disorder
      (SUD) have risen dramatically in the United States since 1990. Between 1999 and
      2004 alone rates increased 62% nationwide, with rural overdose mortality
      increasing at a rate 3 times that seen in urban populations. Cultural differences
      between rural and urban populations (e.g., educational attainment, unemployment
      rates, social characteristics, etc.) affect the nature of SUD, leading to
      disparate risk of overdose across these communities. METHODS: Multiple-groups
      latent class analysis with covariates was applied to data from the 2011 and 2012
      National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n=12.140) to examine potential
      differences in latent classifications of SUD between rural and urban adult (aged
      18years and older) populations. Nine drug categories were used to identify latent
      classes of SUD defined by probability of diagnosis within these categories. Once
      the class structures were established for rural and urban samples, posterior
      membership probabilities were entered into a multinomial regression analysis of
      socio-demographic predictors' association with the likelihood of SUD latent class
      membership. RESULTS: Latent class structures differed across the sub-groups, with
      the rural sample fitting a 3-class structure (Bootstrap Likelihood Ratio Test P
      value=0.03) and the urban fitting a 6-class model (Bootstrap Likelihood Ratio
      Test P value<0.0001). Overall the rural class structure exhibited less diversity
      in class structure and lower prevalence of SUD in multiple drug categories (e.g.
      cocaine, hallucinogens, and stimulants). CONCLUSIONS: This result supports the
      hypothesis that different underlying elements exist in the two populations that
      affect SUD patterns, and thus can inform the development of surveillance
      instruments, clinical services, and prevention programming tailored to specific
      communities.

PMID- 28088740
TI  - Associations between adverse childhood experiences, student-teacher
      relationships, and non-medical use of prescription medications among adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Few studies have investigated associations between adverse childhood
      experiences (ACE) and nonmedical use of prescription medication (NMUPM) in
      population-based samples of adolescents, and even fewer have examined whether
      promotive factors might buffer these effects. The present study assesses the
      direct effects of ACE and positive student-teacher relationships on NUMPD and
      whether positive student-teacher relationships moderate this association. DESIGN:
      Data were from the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), an in-school survey
      administered every three years to students throughout Minnesota. The analytic
      sample (n=104,332) was comprised of 8th, 9th, and 11th graders. RESULTS:
      Approximately 3% of students acknowledged past year NMUPM, the majority of whom
      reported at least one ACE. The most frequently used prescription drug was
      Ritalin/ADHD medications (1.71%) followed by opiate-based painkillers (1.67%),
      tranquilizers (0.92%), and stimulants (0.75%). Students who reported any use
      tended to use more than one medication. For every additional ACE, there was a
      56%, 51%, 47%, and 52% increase in the odds of past year stimulant use, ADHD
      medication, pain reliever, and tranquilizer use, respectively. The estimated rate
      of the number of prescription drugs used increased by 62% for every additional
      ACE. Positive student- teacher relationships buffered the association between ACE
      and NMUPD, especially at higher levels of ACEs. CONCLUSION: Our findings have
      important implications for prevention work. Training educators to recognize
      trauma symptomology and cultivating strong student-teacher relationships are
      important considerations for future school-based substance use prevention
      initiatives.

PMID- 28088741
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of fentanyl-contaminated heroin exposure among young
      adults who use prescription opioids non-medically.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rate of overdose deaths caused by fentanyl-contaminated heroin
      (FCH) use is increasing rapidly in the United States. We examined risk factors
      for exposure to FCH and experiences with FCH use among young adult non-medical
      prescription opioids (NMPO) users. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Rhode
      Island Young Adult Prescription Drug Study (RAPiDS), which enrolled young adults
      aged 18 to 29 reporting prior 30day NMPO use between January 2015 and February
      2016. Participants completed questionnaires ascertaining drug use patterns and
      risk behaviors, including FCH exposure. Logistic regression was used to assess
      factors associated with known or suspected FCH exposure. RESULTS: Of 199
      participants, the median age was 25 (IQR: 22, 27), 130 (65.3%) were male, and 122
      (61.3%) were of White, non-Hispanic race/ethnicity. In total, 22 (11%) reported
      known or suspected FCH exposure in the prior six months. Several drug use
      patterns and risk behaviors were associated with FCH exposure, including: regular
      heroin and cocaine use; diverted pharmaceutical fentanyl use in the prior six
      months; NMPO use to avoid withdrawal symptoms; longer duration of NMPO use;
      regular injection drug use; and prior overdose (all p<0.001). Among participants
      who reported FCH exposure, 59% were unaware that their heroin was contaminated
      with fentanyl prior to last use, 59% reported that FCH provides a better high,
      and all recognized that fentanyl increases overdose risk. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure
      to fentanyl-contaminated heroin is an emerging trend among young adult NMPO users
      in Rhode Island. Overdose prevention programs addressing FCH use are urgently
      needed.

PMID- 28088742
TI  - Patterns of drug use and HIV infection among adults in a nationally
      representative sample.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about drug use patterns among people living with HIV
      in comparison to an uninfected group in the general population. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the association between legal and illegal drug use and
      HIV infection in a nationally representative sample of adults in the United
      States. METHODS: Public use data files (2005-2014) from the National Survey on
      Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) were used. Respondents were asked whether a medical
      professional had ever told them that they had HIV/AIDS. Ever (lifetime), past
      year, and past month use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin,
      hallucinogens, inhalants, and nonmedical use of psychotherapeutics was assessed.
      Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of the
      relationship between drug use and HIV infection, adjusting for demographics.
      RESULTS: Of 377,787 respondents age 18 and older, 548 (0.19%) were categorized as
      HIV-infected. Ever use of cigarettes, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, heroin,
      hallucinogens, inhalants, and psychotherapeutics was higher in HIV-infected
      individuals compared to HIV-uninfected individuals after adjustment for sex, age,
      race/ethnicity, education, total family income, and marital status. Past year and
      past month use was also higher for HIV-infected individuals for all substances
      aside from alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample, there are
      higher levels of drug use and DSM-IV dependence among the HIV-infected population
      compared to the HIV-uninfected population. This is of concern because drug use
      and dependence can impede engagement in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral
      therapy.

PMID- 28088743
TI  - Socioeconomic differences in adolescent substance abuse treatment participation
      and long-term outcomes.
AB  - Socioeconomic status (SES) has been consistently linked to poorer access,
      utilization and outcomes of health care services, but this relationship has been
      understudied in adolescent substance abuse treatment research. This study
      examined SES differences in adolescent's treatment participation and long-term
      outcomes of abstinence and 12-step attendance over five years after treatment.
      Data are from 358 adolescents (ages 13-18) who were recruited at intake to
      substance abuse treatment between 2000 and 2002 at four Kaiser Permanente
      Northern California outpatient treatment programs. Follow-up interviews of
      adolescents and their parents were conducted at 1, 3, and 5years, with over 80%
      response rates across time points. Using parent SES as a proxy for adolescent
      SES, no socioeconomic differences were found in treatment initiation, treatment
      retention, or long-term abstinence from alcohol or drugs. Parent education, but
      not parent income, was significantly associated with 12-step attendance post
      treatment such that adolescents with higher parent education were more likely to
      attend than those with lower parent education. Findings suggest a lack of
      socioeconomic disparities in substance abuse treatment participation in
      adolescence, but potential disparities in post-treatment 12-step attendance
      during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

PMID- 28088744
TI  - Self-concept mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and
      abstinence motivation as well as self-efficacy among drug addicts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Childhood maltreatment is widely accepted as a risk factor for drug
      addiction from adolescence to adulthood. However, the influence of childhood
      maltreatment on drug treatment related variables, such as drug abstinence
      motivation and self-concept, as well as self-efficacy, remains unclear. This
      study aims at exploring whether self-concept mediates the relationship between
      childhood maltreatment and abstinence motivation, as well as self-efficacy, among
      drug addicts. METHODS: This study involves 816 (550 males, 226 females, mean
      age=34.59, range=16-58 years) drug addicts from compulsory detoxification units.
      Participants completed questionnaires, including the childhood trauma
      questionnaire 28 - item short form (CTQ - SF), Tennessee self-concept scale
      (TSCS), general self-efficacy scale (GSES), and drug abstinence motivation
      questionnaire (DAMQ). RESULTS: The structural equation model (SEM) analysis,
      including total and specific forms of maltreatment scores, showed that childhood
      maltreatment was negatively associated with self-concept, self-efficacy, and
      abstinence motivation. Self-concept was positively associated with self-efficacy
      and abstinence motivation. Conversely, significant association between self
      efficacy and abstinence motivation did not exist. An indirect analysis showed
      that self-concept mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and
      self-efficacy. Critically, self-concept arbitrated the relationship between
      childhood maltreatment and abstinence motivation. The indirect effect of self
      concept between childhood maltreatment and abstinence motivation still existed
      when the total scores of maltreatment were replaced by the scores of specific
      forms of maltreatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that self-concept
      is a critical factor in understanding the relationship between childhood
      maltreatment and abstinence motivation, as well as self-efficacy, among drug
      addicts. Improving the sense of self-worth may be an effective intervention
      therapy among drug addicts with childhood maltreatment history.

PMID- 28088745
TI  - Health-compromising practices of undergraduate college students: Examining
      racial/ethnic and gender differences in characteristics of prescription stimulant
      misuse.

PMID- 28088746
TI  - Development of a screening questionnaire for DSM-5 intermittent explosive
      disorder (IED-SQ).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to develop and test a screening approach to
      identify individuals with DSM-5 Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), a disorder
      of recurrent, problematic, impulsive aggression. METHODS: A screening approach to
      diagnose DSM-5 IED (IED-SQ) was developed by combining items related to life
      history of aggression and items related to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for IED.
      In study 1, the IED-SQ was studied in 72 adult participants; 33 that met DSM-5
      criteria for lifetime IED and 39 that did not. In study 2, the IED-SQ was given
      to 740 undergraduates at a US university. Measures of aggression and anger
      expression and anger control were assessed in both studies. RESULTS: In study 1,
      the IED-SQ demonstrated strong concordance with the best estimate diagnoses
      (Kappa =.80) for lifetime IED by DSM-5 criteria and good test-retest reliability
      (kappa =0.71). In study 2, the IED-SQ identified 4.3% of the undergraduate sample
      as meeting DSM-5 criteria for lifetime IED, a rate comparable to that in recent
      epidemiological studies. Participants identified as meeting DSM-5 criteria for
      lifetime IED, in both studies, had higher aggression scores, and higher anger
      expression, and lower anger control scores, compared to participants that did not
      meet DSM-5 criteria for lifetime IED. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the
      IED-SQ is a useful screening tool that can quickly identify the presence of IED
      by DSM-5 criteria in adults.

PMID- 28088747
TI  - Decreased S100B serum levels after treatment in bipolar patients in a manic
      phase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that patients with bipolar disorder
      might have brain damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum
      levels of brain injury biomarkers and S100A10 in bipolar patients in a manic
      phase, and evaluate the changes in S100B, neuron specific enolase (NSE), heat
      shock protein 70 (HSP70) and S100A10 after treatment. METHOD: We consecutively
      enrolled 17 bipolar inpatients in a manic phase and 30 healthy subjects. Serum
      brain injury biomarkers and S100A10 were measured with assay kits. All patients
      were evaluated by examining the correlation between brain injury biomarkers and
      Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scores. RESULT: We found significantly decreased
      S100B levels only in bipolar manic patients after treatment (p=0.002), but S100B
      levels were not significantly different from those in healthy controls (p>0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Our results indicate there were decreased S100B serum levels in
      bipolar patients in a manic phase after treatment and that increased serum S100B
      levels might be a possible indicator of transient disruption of the blood-brain
      barrier in bipolar patients in a manic phase.

PMID- 28088748
TI  - A DNA probe based on phosphorescent resonance energy transfer for detection of
      transgenic 35S promoter DNA.
AB  - A QDs-DNA nano-probe was made by combining Mn-doped ZnS room-temperature
      phosphorescence (RTP) quantum dots (QDs) and DNA. Then an RTP sensor for
      quantitative detection of genetically-modified mark sequence cauliflower mosaic
      virus 35S promoter (Ca MV 35S) DNA was built on basis of phosphorescent resonance
      energy transfer (PRET). The underlying principles were that a QDs-DNA water
      soluble nano-probe was built by connecting single-strand DNA to the surfaces of
      QDs via a ligand exchange method. This probe had good RTP performance and could
      well identify Ca MV 35S. Thereby, the simple, rapid and efficient detection of
      genetically-modified organisms was realized. With the increase of target DNA
      sequence, the phosphorescent intensity of QDs was gradually reduced due to the
      energy transfer between QDs and the organic quencher BHQ2. This sensor had a
      detection limit of 4.03nM and a detection range of 12-300nM. Moreover, this
      sensor had high selectivity. This sensor could effectively detect the target DNA
      compared with mismatched and random sequences. Thus, this method is very
      promising for biological analysis.

PMID- 28088749
TI  - Dual-channel probe of carbon dots cooperating with gold nanoclusters employed for
      assaying multiple targets.
AB  - Herein, carbon dots (CD@Papain) from papain have been originally synthesized in
      aqueous solution along with a quantum yield of 6.2%, and showed cyan fluorescence
      at 435nm. Meanwhile, papain-templated Au nanoclusters (AuNCs@Papain) were
      prepared with the same precursor. On the basis of the two types of nanomaterials,
      CD@Papain and AuNCs@Papain have been designed to assemble as one nanosensor
      (termed as CD-AuNCs@Papain) through a typical cross-linking reaction.
      Significantly, it not only emitted the dual-emission fluorescent signals with the
      same excitation, but also can assay multiple targets through exhibiting cyan,
      yellow, and red emission respectively. Thereby, H2O2, doxycycline and I- can be
      detected by CD-AuNCs@Papain. The mechanism of the fluorescence variations of CD
      AuNCs@Papain: Au(0) of CD-AuNCs@Papain oxidized as Au(I) by H2O2, the formation
      of hydrogen bonds between the CD-AuNCs@Papain and I-, the inner filter effect
      (IFE) occurring caused by tetracyclines. Meanwhile, the detection limits of H2O2,
      doxycycline and I- were obtained as 0.3nM, 0.2nM, and 0.6nM at a signal-to-ratio
      of 3, respectively. These results suggested that the nanoprobe here has provided
      the possibility for rapidly assaying multiple targets with the acceptable
      selectivity.

PMID- 28088750
TI  - Continuous minimally-invasive alcohol monitoring using microneedle sensor arrays.
AB  - The present work describes an attractive skin-worn microneedle sensing device for
      the minimally invasive electrochemical monitoring of subcutaneous alcohol. The
      device consists of an assembly of pyramidal microneedle structures integrated
      with Pt and Ag wires, each with a microcavity opening. The microneedle aperture
      was modified by electropolymerizing o-phenylene diamine onto the Pt wire
      microtransducer, followed by the immobilization of alcohol oxidase (AOx) in an
      intermediate chitosan layer, along with an outer Nafion layer. The resulting
      microneedle-based enzyme electrode displays an interference-free ethanol
      detection in artificial interstitial fluid without compromising its sensitivity,
      stability and response time. The skin penetration ability and the efficaciousness
      of the biosensor performance towards subcutaneous alcohol monitoring was
      substantiated by the ex vivo mice skin model analysis. Our results reveal that
      the new microneedle sensor holds considerable promise for continuous non-invasive
      alcohol monitoring in real-life situations.

PMID- 28088751
TI  - Chip-based digital surface plasmon resonance sensing platform for ultrasensitive
      biomolecular detection.
AB  - A chip-based ultrasensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor in a
      checkerboard nanostructure on plastic substrates is presented for digital
      detection. The sensing elements on the checkerboard are composed of silver-capped
      nanoslit arrays, which were fabricated using the thermal-embossing nanoimprint
      method, to meet the demand for low-cost and rapid fabrication. Sharp Fano
      resonances in the optimized nanoslit arrays provide high-intensity sensitivities
      (20,000% per refractive index unit), with an element size of 12.5um. The
      polarization-dependent transmission in the checkerboard pattern produces optical
      isolation between sensing elements and results in a crosstalk lower than 1%.
      Protein-antibody experiments demonstrated that the digital detection limit was up
      to 1pg/mL, which is approximately 1000 times lower than that of conventional
      analog detection. For a 140um*140um checkerboard pattern, the dynamic range was
      approximately 100 times higher than that of conventional surface plasmon
      resonance measurements. This new digital detection method is very useful for
      detecting ultralow concentrations of analytes with a nonuniform distribution on
      the sensor surface.

PMID- 28088754
TI  - Top considerations for creating bioinformatics software documentation.
AB  - Investing in documenting your bioinformatics software well can increase its
      impact and save your time. To maximize the effectiveness of your documentation,
      we suggest following a few guidelines we propose here. We recommend providing
      multiple avenues for users to use your research software, including a navigable
      HTML interface with a quick start, useful help messages with detailed explanation
      and thorough examples for each feature of your software. By following these
      guidelines, you can assure that your hard work maximally benefits yourself and
      others.

PMID- 28088752
TI  - Microfluidic approaches for isolation, detection, and characterization of
      extracellular vesicles: Current status and future directions.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived vesicles present in body fluids
      that play an essential role in various cellular processes, such as intercellular
      communication, inflammation, cellular homeostasis, survival, transport, and
      regeneration. Their isolation and analysis from body fluids have a great clinical
      potential to provide information on a variety of disease states such as cancer,
      cardiovascular complications and inflammatory disorders. Despite increasing
      scientific and clinical interest in this field, there are still no standardized
      procedures available for the purification, detection, and characterization of
      EVs. Advances in microfluidics allow for chemical sampling with increasingly high
      spatial resolution and under precise manipulation down to single molecule level.
      In this review, our objective is to give a brief overview on the working
      principle and examples of the isolation and detection methods with the potential
      to be used for extracellular vesicles. This review will also highlight the
      integrated on-chip systems for isolation and characterization of EVs.

PMID- 28088755
TI  - Hispanic mothers' beliefs regarding HPV vaccine series completion in their
      adolescent daughters.
AB  - Rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series completion among adolescent
      Hispanic females in Texas in 2014 (~39%) lag behind the Healthy People 2020 goal
      (80%). This qualitative study identifies Hispanic mothers' salient behavioral,
      normative and control beliefs regarding having their adolescent daughters
      complete the vaccine series. Thirty-two mothers of girls (aged 11-17) that had
      received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, completed in-depth interviews. Six
      girls had received one dose of the HPV vaccine, 10 girls had received two doses,
      and 16 girls had received all three doses. The questions elicited salient: (i)
      experiential and instrumental attitudes (behavioral beliefs); (ii) supporters and
      non-supporters (normative beliefs) and (iii) facilitators and barriers (control
      beliefs). Directed content analysis was employed to select the most salient
      beliefs. Mothers: (i) expressed salient positive feelings (e.g. good, secure,
      happy and satisfied); (ii) believed that completing the series resulted in
      positive effects (e.g. protection, prevention); (iii) believed that the main
      supporters were themselves, their daughter's father and doctor with some of their
      friends not supporting series completion and (iv) believed that vaccine
      affordability, information, transportation, ease of scheduling and keeping
      vaccination appointments and taking their daughter's immunization card to
      appointments were facilitators. This study represents the first step in building
      theory-based framework of vaccine series completion for this population. The
      beliefs identified provide guidance for health care providers and intervention
      developers.

PMID- 28088756
TI  - Super-refractory Status Epilepticus with Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a Child with
      HIV Infection.

PMID- 28088753
TI  - Mitochondrial redox plays a critical role in the paradoxical effects of NAPDH
      oxidase-derived ROS on coronary endothelium.
AB  - AIMS: There are conflicting reports on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      i.e. beneficial vs. harmful, in vascular endothelium. Here, we aim to examine
      whether duration of exposure to ROS and/or subcellular ROS levels are responsible
      for the apparently paradoxical effects of oxidants on endothelium. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We have recently generated binary (Tet-ON/OFF) conditional transgenic
      mice (Tet-Nox2:VE-Cad-tTA) that can induce 1.8 +/- 0.42-fold increase in NADPH
      oxidase (NOX)-derived ROS specifically in vascular endothelium upon withdrawal of
      tetracycline from the drinking water. Animals were divided in two groups: one
      exposed to high endogenous ROS levels for 8 weeks (short-term) and the other for
      20 weeks (long-term). Using endothelial cells (EC) isolated from mouse hearts
      (MHEC), we demonstrate that both short-term and long-term increase in NOX-ROS
      induced AMPK-mediated activation of eNOS. Interestingly, although endothelium
      dependent nitric oxide (NO)-mediated coronary vasodilation was significantly
      increased after short-term increase in NOX-ROS, coronary vasodilation was
      drastically reduced after long-term increase in ROS. We also show that short-term
      ROS increase induced proliferation in EC and angiogenic sprouting in the aorta.
      In contrast, long-term increase in cytosolic ROS resulted in nitrotyrosine
      mediated inactivation of mitochondrial (mito) antioxidant MnSOD, increase in mito
      ROS, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim), decreased EC
      proliferation and angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that NOX-derived
      ROS results in increased mito-ROS. Whereas short-term increase in mito-ROS was
      counteracted by MnSOD, long-term increase in ROS resulted in nitrotyrosine
      mediated inactivation of MnSOD, leading to unchecked increase in mito-ROS and
      loss of Deltapsim followed by inhibition of endothelial function and
      proliferation.

PMID- 28088757
TI  - Challenges in neonatal transport in Jamaica: A resource-limited setting.
AB  - Aim: This study aimed to determine challenges associated with neonatal transport
      in Jamaica, a resource-limited setting. Methods: This was a prospective
      descriptive study of neonates transported to the University Hospital of the West
      Indies (UHWI) over a 15 month period. Data on the clinical status of the neonates
      before, during and at the end of transport, as well as on accompanying staff and
      equipment, were collected. Neonatal demographics, reason for transfer and outcome
      at 48 h and at discharge were also collected. Descriptive analyses were
      performed. Results: Fifty neonates were transferred to the UHWI; the most common
      reason for transfer was for respiratory support [30 (60%)]. The most common mode
      of transport was by road ambulance [42 (84%)]. Seventeen (34%) neonates
      experienced at least one adverse event during transport. On arrival, 27 (54%)
      neonates required warming, 42 (84%) fluid resuscitation and 14 (28%)
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Eighteen (36%) neonates died. The need for
      CPR on arrival predicted mortality (odds ratio: 2.3, confidence interval: 0.01
      0.75, p = 0.02). A lack of appropriate equipment and adequately trained personnel
      was also noted. Conclusion: Ensuring pre-transport stabilization of neonates, the
      availability of adequately trained staff and the provision of appropriate
      equipment must be urgently addressed to improve the outcome of neonatal transport
      in resource-limited settings like Jamaica.

PMID- 28088758
TI  - C5-substituents of uridines and 2-thiouridines present at the wobble position of
      tRNA determine the formation of their keto-enol or zwitterionic forms - a factor
      important for accuracy of reading of guanosine at the 3?-end of the mRNA codons.
AB  - Modified nucleosides present in the wobble position of the tRNA anticodons
      regulate protein translation through tuning the reading of mRNA codons. Among 40
      of such nucleosides, there are modified uridines containing either a sulfur atom
      at the C2 position and/or a substituent at the C5 position of the nucleobase
      ring. It is already evidenced that tRNAs with 2-thiouridines at the wobble
      position preferentially read NNA codons, while the reading mode of the NNG codons
      by R5U/R5S2U-containing anticodons is still elusive. For a series of 18 modified
      uridines and 2-thiouridines, we determined the pKa values and demonstrated that
      both modifying elements alter the electron density of the uracil ring and
      modulate the acidity of their N3H proton. In aqueous solutions at physiological
      pH the 2-thiouridines containing aminoalkyl C5-substituents are ionized in ca.
      50%. The results, confirmed also by theoretical calculations, indicate that the
      preferential binding of the modified units bearing non-ionizable 5-substituents
      to guanosine in the NNG codons may obey the alternative C-G-like (Watson-Crick)
      mode, while binding of those bearing aminoalkyl C5-substituents (protonated under
      physiological conditions) and especially those with a sulfur atom at the C2
      position, adopt a zwitterionic form and interact with guanosine via a 'new
      wobble' pattern.

PMID- 28088759
TI  - How accurate are accurate force-fields for B-DNA?
AB  - Last generation of force-fields are raising expectations on the quality of
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of DNA, as well as to the belief that
      theoretical models can substitute experimental ones in several cases. However
      these claims are based on limited benchmarks, where MD simulations have shown the
      ability to reproduce already existing 'experimental models', which in turn, have
      an unclear accuracy to represent DNA conformation in solution. In this work we
      explore the ability of different force-fields to predict the structure of two new
      B-DNA dodecamers, determined herein by means of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance
      (NMR). The study allowed us to check directly for experimental NMR observables on
      duplexes previously not solved, and also to assess the reliability of
      'experimental structures'. We observed that technical details in the annealing
      procedures can induce non-negligible local changes in the final structures. We
      also found that while not all theoretical simulations are equally reliable, those
      obtained using last generation of AMBER force-fields (BSC1 and BSC0OL15) show
      predictive power in the multi-microsecond timescale and can be safely used to
      reproduce global structure of DNA duplexes and fine sequence-dependent details.

PMID- 28088760
TI  - USP15 regulates dynamic protein-protein interactions of the spliceosome through
      deubiquitination of PRP31.
AB  - Post-translational modifications contribute to the spliceosome dynamics by
      facilitating the physical rearrangements of the spliceosome. Here, we report
      USP15, a deubiquitinating enzyme, as a regulator of protein-protein interactions
      for the spliceosome dynamics. We show that PRP31, a component of U4 snRNP, is
      modified with K63-linked ubiquitin chains by the PRP19 complex and
      deubiquitinated by USP15 and its substrate targeting factor SART3. USP15SART3
      makes a complex with USP4 and this ternary complex serves as a platform to
      deubiquitinate PRP31 and PRP3. The ubiquitination and deubiquitination status of
      PRP31 regulates its interaction with the U5 snRNP component PRP8, which is
      required for the efficient splicing of chromosome segregation related genes,
      probably by stabilizing the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP complex. Collectively, our data
      suggest that USP15 plays a key role in the regulation of dynamic protein-protein
      interactions of the spliceosome.

PMID- 28088762
TI  - The super-n-motifs model: a novel alignment-free approach for representing and
      comparing RNA secondary structures.
AB  - Motivation: Comparing ribonucleic acid (RNA) secondary structures of arbitrary
      size uncovers structural patterns that can provide a better understanding of RNA
      functions. However, performing fast and accurate secondary structure comparisons
      is challenging when we take into account the RNA configuration (i.e. linear or
      circular), the presence of pseudoknot and G-quadruplex (G4) motifs and the
      increasing number of secondary structures generated by high-throughput probing
      techniques. To address this challenge, we propose the super-n-motifs model based
      on a latent analysis of enhanced motifs comprising not only basic motifs but also
      adjacency relations. The super-n-motifs model computes a vector representation of
      secondary structures as linear combinations of these motifs. Results: We
      demonstrate the accuracy of our model for comparison of secondary structures from
      linear and circular RNA while also considering pseudoknot and G4 motifs. We show
      that the super-n-motifs representation effectively captures the most important
      structural features of secondary structures, as compared to other representations
      such as ordered tree, arc-annotated and string representations. Finally, we
      demonstrate the time efficiency of our model, which is alignment free and capable
      of performing large-scale comparisons of 10 000 secondary structures with an
      efficiency up to 4 orders of magnitude faster than existing approaches.
      Availability and Implementation: The super-n-motifs model was implemented in C
      ++. Source code and Linux binary are freely available at
      http://jpsglouzon.github.io/supernmotifs/ . Contact:
      Shengrui.Wang@Usherbrooke.ca. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics o nline.

PMID- 28088761
TI  - Amplification of unscheduled DNA synthesis signal enables fluorescence-based
      single cell quantification of transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair.
AB  - Nucleotide excision repair (NER) comprises two damage recognition pathways:
      global genome NER (GG-NER) and transcription-coupled NER (TC-NER), which remove a
      wide variety of helix-distorting lesions including UV-induced damage. During NER,
      a short stretch of single-stranded DNA containing damage is excised and the
      resulting gap is filled by DNA synthesis in a process called unscheduled DNA
      synthesis (UDS). UDS is measured by quantifying the incorporation of nucleotide
      analogues into repair patches to provide a measure of NER activity. However, this
      assay is unable to quantitatively determine TC-NER activity due to the low
      contribution of TC-NER to the overall NER activity. Therefore, we developed a
      user-friendly, fluorescence-based single-cell assay to measure TC-NER activity.
      We combined the UDS assay with tyramide-based signal amplification to greatly
      increase the UDS signal, thereby allowing UDS to be quantified at low UV doses,
      as well as DNA-repair synthesis of other excision-based repair mechanisms such as
      base excision repair and mismatch repair. Importantly, we demonstrated that the
      amplified UDS is sufficiently sensitive to quantify TC-NER-derived repair
      synthesis in GG-NER-deficient cells. This assay is important as a diagnostic tool
      for NER-related disorders and as a research tool for obtaining new insights into
      the mechanism and regulation of excision repair.

PMID- 28088763
TI  - Scater: pre-processing, quality control, normalization and visualization of
      single-cell RNA-seq data in R.
AB  - Motivation: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is increasingly used to study
      gene expression at the level of individual cells. However, preparing raw sequence
      data for further analysis is not a straightforward process. Biases, artifacts and
      other sources of unwanted variation are present in the data, requiring
      substantial time and effort to be spent on pre-processing, quality control (QC)
      and normalization. Results: We have developed the R/Bioconductor package scater
      to facilitate rigorous pre-processing, quality control, normalization and
      visualization of scRNA-seq data. The package provides a convenient, flexible
      workflow to process raw sequencing reads into a high-quality expression dataset
      ready for downstream analysis. scater provides a rich suite of plotting tools for
      single-cell data and a flexible data structure that is compatible with existing
      tools and can be used as infrastructure for future software development.
      Availability and Implementation: The open-source code, along with installation
      instructions, vignettes and case studies, is available through Bioconductor at
      http://bioconductor.org/packages/scater . Contact: davis@ebi.ac.uk. Supplementary
      information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28088764
TI  - Prevalence and long-term prognosis of patients with 'narrower than normal' QRS
      complexes.
AB  - Aims: Very narrow QRS have been reported in sudden death survivors but prevalence
      and prognosis role of narrow QRS is unknown. Methods and results: 546 healthy men
      between 50 and 60 years (group 1) and 373 similar patients with coronary artery
      disease (368 men, group 2) underwent signal averaged ECG (SA-ECG) allowing
      precise measurement of QRS duration. All cause-mortality was determined after 18
      +/- 3 years follow-up. Mean QRS duration was 97 +/- 13 ms in group 1 and 103 +/-
      16 ms in group 2. Tenth percentile was 84 ms in group 1 and 85 ms in group 2. All
      cause-mortality in group 1 was 10.4% (57/546): 6/85 in case of QRS <85 ms (7%)
      and 2/23 (9%) in case of QRS >120 ms (ns). HR for all-cause mortality was 0.75
      (95% CI 0.32-1.76, P = 0.52) for QRS <85 ms and 0.86 (95% CI 0.21-3.53, P = 0.84)
      for QRS >120 ms. All cause mortality in group 2 was 29% (109/373): 7/44 in case
      of QRS <85 ms (16%) and 22/44 (50%) in case of QRS >120 ms (P = 0.002). HR for
      all-cause mortality was 0.65 (95% CI 0.29-1.45, P = 0.29) for QRS <85 ms and 1.73
      (95% CI 1.02-2.94, P = 0.05) for QRS >120 ms. Conclusion: QRS duration <80-85 ms
      can be observed in a significant proportion of middle-aged healthy males and in
      similar patients with ischemic heart disease. Narrow QRS were not linked to
      prognosis in any group.

PMID- 28088765
TI  - Allo-allo-triploid Sphagnum * falcatulum: single individuals contain most of the
      Holantarctic diversity for ancestrally indicative markers.
AB  - Background and Aims: Allopolyploids exhibit both different levels and different
      patterns of genetic variation than are typical of diploids. However, scant
      attention has been given to the partitioning of allelic information and diversity
      in allopolyploids, particularly that among homeologous monoploid components of
      the hologenome. Sphagnum * falcatulum is a double allopolyploid peat moss that
      spans a considerable portion of the Holantarctic. With monoploid genomes from
      three ancestral species, this organism exhibits a complex evolutionary history
      involving serial inter-subgeneric allopolyploidizations. Methods: Studying
      populations from three disjunct regions [South Island (New Zealand); Tierra de
      Fuego archipelago (Chile, Argentina); Tasmania (Australia)], allelic information
      for five highly stable microsatellite markers that differed among the three
      (ancestral) monoploid genomes was examined. Using Shannon information and
      diversity measures, the holoploid information, as well as the information within
      and among the three component monoploid genomes, was partitioned into separate
      components for individuals within and among populations and regions, and those
      information components were then converted into corresponding diversity measures.
      Key Results: The majority (76 %) of alleles detected across these five markers
      are most likely to have been captured by hybridization, but the information
      within each of the three monoploid genomes varied, suggesting a history of
      recurrent allopolyploidization between ancestral species containing different
      levels of genetic diversity. Information within individuals, equivalent to the
      information among monoploid genomes (for this dataset), was relatively stable,
      and represented 83 % of the grand total information across the Holantarctic, with
      both inter-regional and inter-population diversification each accounting for
      about 5 % of the total information. Conclusions: Sphagnum * falcatulum probably
      inherited the great majority of its genetic diversity at these markers by
      reticulation, rather than by subsequent evolutionary radiation. However, some
      post-hybridization genetic diversification has become fixed in at least one
      regional population. Methodology allowing statistical analysis of any ploidy
      level is presented.

PMID- 28088766
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus CC395 harbours a novel composite staphylococcal cassette
      chromosome mec element.
AB  - Background: CoNS species are likely reservoirs of the staphylococcal cassette
      chromosome mec (SCC mec ) in Staphylococcus aureus . S . aureus CC395 is unique
      as it is capable of exchanging DNA with CoNS via bacteriophages, which are also
      known to mediate transfer of SCC mec . Objectives: To analyse the structure and
      putative origin of the SCC mec element in S . aureus CC395. Methods: The only
      MRSA CC395 strain described in the literature, JS395, was subjected to WGS, and
      its SCC mec element was compared with those found in CoNS species and other S.
      aureus strains. Results: JS395 was found to carry an unusually large 88 kb
      composite SCC mec element. The 33 kb region downstream of orfX harboured a type V
      SCC mec element and a CRISPR locus, which was most similar to those found in the
      CoNS species Staphylococcus capitis and Staphylococcus schleiferi . A 55 kb SCC
      element was identified downstream of the type V SCC mec element and contained a
      mercury resistance region found in the composite SCC element of some
      Staphylococcus epidermidis and S . aureus strains, an integrated S . aureus
      plasmid containing genes for the detoxification of cadmium and arsenic, and a
      stretch of genes that was partially similar to the type IVg SCC mec element found
      in a bovine S . aureus strain. Conclusions: The size and complexity of the SCC
      mec element support the idea that CC395 is highly prone to DNA uptake from CoNS.
      Thus CC395 may serve as an entry point for SCC mec and SCC structures into S .
      aureus .

PMID- 28088767
TI  - Pharmacokinetic study of anidulafungin in ICU patients with intra-abdominal
      candidiasis.
AB  - Background: Only limited pharmacokinetic data are available for anidulafungin in
      ICU patients, especially in patients treated for severe intra-abdominal infection
      (IAI). Methods: This was a prospective multicentre observational study in ICU
      patients with suspected yeast IAI. All patients received an intravenous loading
      dose of 200 mg of anidulafungin, followed by 100 mg/day. Thirteen blood samples
      were drawn between day 1 and day 5 for pharmacokinetic analysis. Samples were
      analysed by an HPLC-tandem MS method. Demographics and SAPS2 and SOFA scores were
      recorded. Results: Fourteen patients with a median age (IQR) of 62 years (48-70)
      and with a mean BMI of 30.5 kg/m 2 were included from three centres; 57.1% were
      women. Their median (IQR) SAPS2 score was 54 (45-67) and their median (IQR) SOFA
      score was 8 (7-12). Six patients with community-acquired IAI and eight patients
      with nosocomial-acquired IAI were included. Twelve yeasts were isolated: six
      Candida albicans , two Candida glabrata , two Candida tropicalis , one Candida
      parapsilosis and one Candida krusei . Pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows
      [mean (% coefficient of variation)]: C max (mg/L) = 6.0 (29%); T max (h) = 1.6
      (25.8%); C min (mg/L) = 3.2 (36.8%); AUC 0-24 (mg.h/L) = 88.9 (38.6%); t 1/2 (h)
      = 42.1 (68.2%); CL (L/h) = 1.2 (42.3%); and V (L) = 72.8 (87.8%). A two
      compartment model best described the anidulafungin concentrations in the
      population pharmacokinetic study. Conclusions: The pharmacokinetic parameters of
      anidulafungin in critically ill ICU patients with complicated IAI are similar to
      those observed in the literature. However, an increased V and a longer t 1/2 were
      observed in this study. (EudraCT No. 2010-018695-25).

PMID- 28088768
TI  - In vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam against urinary isolates from patients
      in a Phase 3 clinical trial programme for the treatment of complicated urinary
      tract infections.
AB  - Objectives: To evaluate the in vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam relative
      to comparator agents against Gram-negative isolates from a Phase 3 clinical trial
      programme for complicated urinary tract infections (RECAPTURE). Methods: The in
      vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam was evaluated against 840 Gram-negative
      pathogens isolated at baseline from 1033 randomized patients in two pivotal Phase
      3 clinical trials for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections. The
      trials were conducted in 160 institutions from 25 countries worldwide.
      Susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution at a central
      laboratory according to CLSI methodologies. Results: Overall,
      ceftazidime/avibactam showed significant activity against the Enterobacteriaceae
      and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC 90 values of 0.5 and 8 mg/L, respectively.
      Against the most common Enterobacteriaceae, MIC 90 values were 0.25 mg/L for
      Escherichia coli , 1 mg/L for Klebsiella pneumoniae , 0.06 mg/L for Proteus
      mirabilis and 2 mg/L for Enterobacter cloacae . The ceftazidime/avibactam MIC 90
      for 154 ceftazidime-non-susceptible isolates of Enterobacteriaceae was 1 mg/L and
      the ceftazidime/avibactam MIC 90 for 15 non-susceptible isolates of P. aeruginosa
      was 64 mg/L. There was a significant reduction in the ceftazidime/avibactam MIC
      relative to ceftazidime alone for most of the Enterobacteriaceae isolates.
      Conclusions: The ceftazidime/avibactam in vitro activity against these clinical
      urinary tract isolates demonstrates the potential utility of the drug in
      complicated urinary tract infections.

PMID- 28088769
TI  - Ultradeep sequencing detection of the R263K integrase inhibitor drug resistance
      mutation.

PMID- 28088770
TI  - A novel disrupted mcr-1 gene and a lysogenized phage P1-like sequence detected
      from a large conjugative plasmid, cultured from a human atypical enteropathogenic
      Escherichia coli (aEPEC) recovered in China.

PMID- 28088771
TI  - Do we still need cross-sectional studies in Nephrology? Yes we do!
AB  - Cross-sectional studies represent the second line of evidence (after case
      reports) in the ladder of evidence aimed at defining disease aetiology. This
      study design is used to generate hypotheses about the determinants of a given
      disease but also to investigate the accuracy of diagnostic tests and to assess
      the burden of a given disease in a population. The intrinsic limitation of cross
      sectional studies, when applied to generate aetiological hypotheses, is that both
      the exposure under investigation and the disease of interest are measured at the
      same point in time. For this reason, generally the cross-sectional design does
      not provide definitive proofs about cause-and-effect relationships. An advantage
      of cross-sectional studies in aetiological and diagnostic research is that they
      allow researchers to consider many different putative risk factors/diagnostic
      markers at the same time. For example, in a hypothetical study aimed at
      generating hypotheses about the risk factors for left ventricular hypertrophy
      (LVH) in patients with chronic kidney disease, investigators could look at
      several risk factors as potential determinants of LVH (age, gender, cholesterol,
      blood pressure, inflammation, etc.) with minimal or no additional costs. In this
      article, we make examples derived from the nephrology literature to show the
      usefulness of cross-sectional studies in clinical and epidemiological research.

PMID- 28088772
TI  - Thrombospondin immune regulation and the kidney.
AB  - Most therapeutic attempts to prevent the progression of kidney diseases have been
      based on interventions to inhibit the production of transforming growth factor
      beta (TGF-beta). Thrombospondins (TSPs) play an important role in activating TGF
      beta. In the healthy kidney, two TSPs are expressed, TSP1 and TSP2, which exert
      contrasting effects. While TSP1 is a major activator of TGF-beta in renal cells
      and exerts pro-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo, TSP2 lacks the
      ability for TGF-beta activation but regulates matrix remodeling and inflammation
      in experimental kidney disease. The effects of TSPs in the kidney have been
      mostly investigated by using the murine model of unilateral ureteral obstruction.
      In this model, TSP1 expression is increased along with the development of
      interstitial fibrosis and TGF-beta. Relief of the obstruction gradually improves
      renal function and decreases the expression in TSP1 and TGF-beta1. Several
      inhibitors of TSP1 prevented progressive interstitial fibrosis in murine models
      of ureteral obstruction, suggesting that control of latent TGF-beta activation by
      inhibiting TSP1 might represent a novel potential target for preventing renal
      interstitial fibrosis. However, further studies are needed to assess whether TSP1
      mediated TGF-beta activation can be safely used in humans. In fact, TSPs normally
      act to suppress tumors in vivo. Moreover, TGF-beta can exert a pivotal function
      in the immune system, as it may induce the production of regulatory T cells and
      suppress B cell responses. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in TGF
      beta regulation may help in finding effective treatments of tissue fibrosis,
      cancer and autoimmune disease.

PMID- 28088773
TI  - Epidemiology and outcome of acute pancreatitis in end-stage renal disease
      dialysis patients: a 10-year national cohort study.
AB  - Background: The objective of this study is to determine the incidence and
      severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in patients with end-stage renal disease
      (ESRD) on dialysis and whether the dialysis modality [hemodialysis (HD) versus
      peritoneal dialysis (PD)] confers a higher risk for AP as well as complications
      or mortality related to AP. Methods: We analyzed national health insurance claims
      data of 67 078 ESRD patients initiating dialysis between 1999 and 2007 in Taiwan.
      All patients were followed up from the start of their dialysis to first AP
      diagnosis, death, end of dialysis or 31 December 2008. Cox proportional hazards
      models were used to identify risk factors. Results: The cumulative incidence
      rates of AP were 0.6, 1.7, 2.6, 3.4 and 4% at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 years,
      respectively. ESRD patients on HD and PD had an AP incidence of 5.11 and 5.86 per
      1000 person-years, respectively. Independent risk factors for AP in this
      population were being elderly, being female, having biliary stones or liver
      disease, and being on PD. Severe AP occurred in 44.9% of the HD patients and in
      36% of the PD patients. Patients with AP on HD had a higher incidence of upper
      gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding than those on PD (P = 0.002). In contrast, those
      with AP on PD had a higher incidence of need for total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
      support than those on HD (P = 0.072). Overall in-hospital mortality was 8.1%. The
      risk factors for mortality after an AP attack were male gender, increased age, AP
      severity, and the presence of diabetes mellitus or liver disease. Conclusions:
      ESRD patients on PD were at higher risk for AP than those on HD. HD patients with
      AP attacks had a greater incidence of UGI bleeding and PD patients with AP
      attacks a more frequent need for TPN support.

PMID- 28088774
TI  - Association between e-alert implementation for detection of acute kidney injury
      and outcomes: a systematic review.
AB  - Background: Electronic alerts (e-alerts) for acute kidney injury (AKI) in
      hospitalized patients are increasingly being implemented; however, their impact
      on outcomes remains uncertain. Methods: We performed a systematic review.
      Electronic databases and grey literature were searched for original studies
      published between 1990 and 2016. Randomized, quasi-randomized, observational and
      before-and-after studies that included hospitalized patients, implemented e
      alerts for AKI and described their impact on one of care processes, patient
      centred outcomes or resource utilization measures were included. Results: Our
      search yielded six studies ( n  = 10 165 patients). E-alerts were generally
      automated, triggered through electronic health records and not linked to clinical
      decision support. In pooled analysis, e-alerts did not improve mortality [odds
      ratio (OR) 1.05; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.84-1.31; n  = 3 studies; n  =
      3425 patients; I 2  =   0%] or reduce renal replacement therapy (RRT) use (OR
      1.20; 95% CI, 0.91-1.57; n  = 2 studies; n  = 3236 patients; I 2  =   0%).
      Isolated studies reported improvements in selected care processes. Pooled
      analysis found no significant differences in prescribed fluid therapy.
      Conclusions: In the available studies, e-alerts for AKI do not improve survival
      or reduce RRT utilization. The impact of e-alerts on processes of care was
      variable. Additional research is needed to understand those aspects of e-alerts
      that are most likely to improve care processes and outcomes.

PMID- 28088775
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of glycated hemoglobin for post-transplantation diabetes
      mellitus after kidney transplantation: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Background: Early detection of post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM)
      allows prompt clinical and pharmacological interventions, reducing the chance of
      adverse outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine
      the overall diagnostic accuracy of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for the diagnosis
      of renal PTDM. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and SCOPUS up to June 2016.
      Studies that included adults without previous diabetes were selected if they
      reported an oral glucose tolerance test as a reference test, HbA1c levels
      measured by standardized methods and data necessary for drawing 2 * 2 tables. A
      bivariate model was used to calculate the pooled estimates. Results: Based on
      2057 kidney recipients from six studies, an HbA1c cut-off point of 6.5% in early
      months after transplant resulted in sensitivity of 0.48 [95% confidence interval
      (95% CI) 0.31-0.65], specificity of 0.96 (95% CI 0.95-0.97), positive likelihood
      ratio (PLR) of 12.0 (95% CI 7.4-19.5) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.54
      (95% CI 0.38-0.77). Based on 1888 kidney recipients from four studies, an HbA1c
      cut-off point of 6.2% early after transplant resulted in sensitivity of 0.76 (95%
      CI 0.49-0.91), specificity of 0.89 (95% CI 0.86-0.92), PLR of 7.18 (95% CI 5.29
      9.75) and NLR of 0.27 (95% CI 0.11-0.65). Conclusion: HbA1c cut-off points of
      6.5% and 6.2% presented high specificity but low/moderate sensitivity to diagnose
      PTDM.

PMID- 28088776
TI  - Prognostic utility of estimated albumin excretion rate in chronic kidney disease:
      results from the Study of Heart and Renal Protection.
AB  - Background: Estimated albumin excretion rate (eAER) provides a better estimate of
      24-h albuminuria than albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR). However, whether eAER is
      superior to ACR in predicting end-stage renal disease (ESRD), vascular events
      (VEs) or death is uncertain. Methods: The prognostic utility of ACR and eAER
      (estimated from ACR, sex, age and race) to predict mortality, ESRD and VEs was
      compared using Cox proportional hazards regression among 5552 participants with
      chronic kidney disease in the Study of Heart and Renal Protection, who were not
      on dialysis at baseline. Results: During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 1959
      participants developed ESRD, 1204 had a VE and 1130 died (641 from a non
      vascular, 369 from a vascular and 120 from an unknown cause). After adjustment
      for age, sex and eGFR, both ACR and eAER were strongly and similarly associated
      with ESRD risk. The average relative risk (RR) per 10-fold higher level was 2.70
      (95% confidence interval 2.45-2.98) for ACR and 2.67 (2.43-2.94) for eAER.
      Neither ACR nor eAER provided any additional prognostic information for ESRD risk
      over and above the other. For VEs, there were modest positive associations
      between both ACR and eAER and risk [adjusted RR per 10-fold higher level 1.37
      (1.22-1.53) for ACR and 1.36 (1.22-1.52) for eAER]. Again, neither measure added
      prognostic information over and above the other. Similar results were observed
      when ACR and eAER were related to vascular mortality [RR per 10-fold higher
      level: 1.64 (1.33-2.03) and 1.62 (1.32-2.00), respectively] or to non-vascular
      mortality [1.53 (1.31-1.79) and 1.50 (1.29-1.76), respectively]. Conclusions: In
      this study, eAER did not improve risk prediction of ESRD, VEs or mortality.

PMID- 28088777
TI  - Causes and characteristics of medical student referrals to a professional
      behaviour board.
AB  - Objectives: To describe the nature of unprofessional behaviour displayed by
      medical students, as well as the characteristics of students referred to the
      professional behaviour board. Methods: A descriptive mixed methods approach was
      taken, in which qualitative data on unprofessional behaviour, as well as
      quantitative data on the demographics of referred students were collected during
      the study period between June 1, 2009 and January 1, 2014. In order to compare
      the referred students with the total student population, data on gender,
      nationality and phase in the curriculum of the total student population,
      collected from the student administration desk, were also used. Results: In the
      study period, a total of 107 referrals were reported, concerning 93 different
      students (3% of the total student population). Sixty-five of the 107 referrals
      (61%) concerned male students. Thirty referrals (28%) concerned non-Dutch
      students. Most referrals (71%) occurred during clinical rotations. The referrals
      were equally distributed over three professional behaviour domains: dealing with
      oneself, dealing with others, and dealing with tasks/work. 'Withdrawn behaviour'
      was reported 17 times, 'insufficient Dutch language proficiency' 14 times,
      'impertinent emails' 9 times and 'placing privacy-sensitive photos on the
      internet' 3 times. Conclusions: Although only a minority of students are referred
      to a professional behaviour board, this study shows that student characteristics
      such as gender and nationality may correlate to a higher incidence of
      unprofessional behaviour. Further explanatory and exploratory research is needed
      to unravel this relationship, and to study the influence of curriculum reforms on
      these relationships, respectively.

PMID- 28088778
TI  - Implementing and tailoring a western-developed communication skills training
      program for graduate medical trainees in Qatar.

PMID- 28088779
TI  - Comprehensive proteome analysis of lysosomes reveals the diverse function of
      macrophages in immune responses.
AB  - Phagocytosis and autophagy in macrophages have been shown to be essential to both
      innate and adaptive immunity. Lysosomes are the main catabolic subcellular
      organelles responsible for degradation and recycling of both extracellular and
      intracellular material, which are the final steps in phagocytosis and autophagy.
      However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lysosomal functions after infection
      remain obscure. In this study, we conducted a quantitative proteomics analysis of
      the changes in constitution and glycosylation of proteins in lysosomes derived
      from murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells treated with different types of pathogens
      comprising examples of bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, L. m), DNA viruses
      (herpes simplex virus type-1, HSV-1) and RNA viruses (vesicular stomatitis virus,
      VSV). In total, 3,704 lysosome-related proteins and 300 potential glycosylation
      sites on 193 proteins were identified. Comparative analysis showed that the
      aforementioned pathogens induced distinct alterations in the proteome of the
      lysosome, which is closely associated with the immune functions of macrophages,
      such as toll-like receptor activation, inflammation and antigen-presentation. The
      most significant changes in proteins and fluctuations in glycosylation were also
      determined. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that the changes in
      expression of these proteins were undetectable at the whole cell level. Thus, our
      study provides unique insights into the function of lysosomes in macrophage
      activation and immune responses.

PMID- 28088780
TI  - National survey of China's oncologists' knowledge, attitudes, and clinical
      practice patterns on complementary and alternative medicine.
AB  - It is common for cancer patients to use complementary and alternative medicine
      (CAM). This study was designed to explore China's oncologists' knowledge,
      attitudes and clinical practices regarding CAM use by their patients. An online
      survey was conducted of China's oncologists. Among 11,270 participants who
      completed the online survey, 6,007 (53.3%) were identified as oncologists. Most
      were men (75.2%), with a mean age of 33.4 (standard deviation: 6.5) years. The
      6,007 oncologists discussed with 36.5% of their patients about CAM. Most of them
      (75.6%) did not want to initiate discussions due to lack of knowledge on CAM.
      Oncologists estimated that 40.0% of their patients used CAM treatments.
      Oncologists reported that 28.7% of their patients underwent anticancer therapy
      with the concurrent use of CAM. Four out of five of the responding oncologists
      self-reported inadequate knowledge and only 22.0% reported receiving professional
      education on CAM. Nearly half (44.9%) of the oncologists believed CAM treatment
      was effective for symptoms and treatment of cancer. Physician factors associated
      with initiating discussions with patients about CAM use included sex, age (>= 33
      years), medical license for traditional Chinese medicine, enough knowledge and
      professional education experience. China's oncologists infrequently discussed
      with their patients about CAM due to lack of knowledge. Most of the oncologists
      did not encourage CAM use.

PMID- 28088781
TI  - MiR-30c-5p ameliorates hepatic steatosis in leptin receptor-deficient (db/db)
      mice via down-regulating FASN.
AB  - Approximately 15-40% of the general adult population suffers from non-alcoholic
      fatty liver disease (NAFLD) worldwide. However, no drug is currently licensed for
      its treatment. In this study, we observed a significant reduction of miR-30c-5p
      in the liver of leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice. Remarkably, recombinant
      adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated delivery of miR-30c-5p was sufficient to
      attenuate triglyceride accumulation and hepatic steatosis in db/db mice. Through
      computational prediction, KEGG analysis and Ago2 co-immunoprecipitation, we
      identified that miR-30c-5p directly targeted fatty acid synthase, a key enzyme in
      fatty acid biosynthesis. Moreover, down-regulation of FASN by siRNA attenuated
      some key features of NAFLD, including decreased triglyceride accumulate and lipid
      deposition. Our findings reveal a new role of miR-30c-5p in counterbalancing
      fatty acid biosynthesis, which is sufficient to attenuate triglyceride
      accumulation and hepatic steatosis in db/db mice.

PMID- 28088782
TI  - PDE5 inhibitors enhance the lethality of [pemetrexed + sorafenib].
AB  - The combination of pemetrexed and sorafenib has significant clinical activity
      against a wide variety of tumor types in patients and the present studies were
      performed to determine whether sildenafil enhances the killing potential of
      [pemetrexed + sorafenib]. In multiple genetically diverse lung cancer cell lines,
      sildenafil enhanced the lethality of [pemetrexed + sorafenib]. The three-drug
      combination reduced the activities of AKT, mTOR and STAT transcription factors;
      increased the activities of eIF2alpha and ULK-1; lowered the expression of MCL-1,
      BCL-XL, thioredoxin and SOD2; and increased the expression of Beclin1. Enhanced
      cell killing by sildenafil was blocked by inhibition of death receptor signaling
      and autophagosome formation. Enforced activation of STAT3 and AKT or inhibition
      of JNK significantly reduced cell killing. The enhanced cell killing caused by
      sildenafil was more reliant on increased PKG signaling than on the generation of
      nitric oxide. In vivo sildenafil enhanced the anti-tumor properties of
      [pemetrexed + sorafenib]. Based on our data we argue that additional clinical
      studies combining pemetrexed, sorafenib and sildenafil are warranted.

PMID- 28088784
TI  - A phase I clinical study of autologous dendritic cell therapy in patients with
      relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
AB  - Cellular immunotherapy is emerging as a potential immunotherapeutic modality in
      multiple myeloma (MM). We have developed potent immunotherapeutic agent (VAX
      DC/MM) generated by dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with autologous myeloma cells
      irradiated with ultraviolet B. In this study, we evaluated the safety and
      efficacy of VAX-DC/MM in patients with relapsed or refractory MM. This trial
      enrolled relapsed or refractory MM patients who had received both thalidomide-
      and bortezomib-based therapies. Patients received the intradermal VAX-DC/MM
      injection every week for 4 weeks. Patients were treated with 5 * 106 or 10 * 106
      cells, with nine patients treated at a higher dose. The median time from
      diagnosis to VAX-DC/MM therapy was 56.6 months (range, 28.5-130.5). Patients had
      received a median of five prior treatments, and 75% had received autologous stem
      cell transplantation. VAX-DC therapy was well-tolerated, and the most frequent
      adverse events were local reactions at the injection site and infusion-related
      reactions. In seven of nine patients who received 10*106 cells, an immunological
      response (77.8%) was observed by interferon-gamma ELISPOT assay or a mixed
      lymphocyte reaction assay for T-cell proliferation. The clinical benefit rate was
      66.7% including one (11.1%) with minor response and five (55.6%) with stable
      disease; three (33.3%) patients showed disease progression. In conclusion, VAX
      DC/MM therapy was well-tolerated, and had disease-stabilizing activity in heavily
      pretreated MM cases. Further studies are needed to increase the efficacy of VAX
      DC/MM in patients with MM.

PMID- 28088783
TI  - alpha-Asarone blocks 7beta-hydroxycholesterol-exposed macrophage injury through
      blocking elF2alpha phosphorylation and prompting beclin-1-dependent autophagy.
AB  - Macrophage apoptosis is salient in advanced atherosclerotic lesions and is
      induced by several stimuli including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This
      study examined that alpha-asarone present in purple perilla abrogated macrophage
      injury caused by oxysterols via ER stress- and autophagy-mediated mechanisms.
      Nontoxic alpha-asarone at 1-20 MUM attenuated 7beta-hydroxycholesterol-induced
      activation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha in macrophages leading to C/EBP
      homologous protein (CHOP) expression and apoptosis due to sustained ER stress.
      The alpha-asarone treatment increased the formation of autophagolysosomes
      localizing in perinuclear regions of 7beta-hydroxycholesterol-exposed
      macrophages. Consistently, this compound promoted the induction of the key
      autophagic proteins of beclin-1, vacuolar protein sorting 34 and p150 responsible
      for vesicle nucleation, and prompted the conversion of microtubule-associated
      protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 and the induction of p62, neighbor of BRCA1 and
      autophagy-related (Atg) 12-Atg5-Atg16L conjugate involved in phagophore expansion
      and autophagosome formation. Additionally, alpha-asarone increased ER
      phosphorylation of bcl-2 facilitating beclin-1 entry to autophagic process.
      Furthermore, the deletion of Atg5 or beclin-1 gene enhanced apoptotic CHOP
      induction. Collectively, alpha-asarone-stimulated autophagy may be potential
      multi-targeted therapeutic avenues in treating ER stress-associated macrophage
      apoptosis.

PMID- 28088785
TI  - The IgH locus 3' cis-regulatory super-enhancer co-opts AID for allelic
      transvection.
AB  - Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) alleles have ambivalent relationships: they
      feature both allelic exclusion, ensuring monoallelic expression of a single
      immunoglobulin (Ig) allele, and frequent inter-allelic class-switch recombination
      (CSR) reassembling genes from both alleles. The IgH locus 3' regulatory region
      (3'RR) includes several transcriptional cis-enhancers promoting activation
      induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-dependent somatic hypermutation (SHM) and CSR,
      and altogether behaves as a strong super-enhancer. It can also promote
      deregulated expression of translocated oncogenes during lymphomagenesis. Besides
      these rare, illegitimate and pathogenic interactions, we now show that under
      physiological conditions, the 3'RR super-enhancer supports not only legitimate
      cis- , but also trans-recruitment of AID, contributing to IgH inter-allelic
      proximity and enabling the super-enhancer on one allele to stimulate biallelic
      SHM and CSR. Such inter-allelic activating interactions define transvection, a
      phenomenon well-known in drosophila but rarely observed in mammalian cells, now
      appearing as a unique feature of the IgH 3'RR super-enhancer.

PMID- 28088786
TI  - EZH2 inhibition suppresses endometrial cancer progression via miR-361/Twist axis.
AB  - EZH2 inhibition and reactivation of tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) represent
      attractive anti-cancer therapeutic strategies. We found that EZH2-suppressed let
      7b and miR-361, two likely tumor suppressors, inhibited endometrial cancer (EC)
      cell proliferation and invasion, and abrogated cancer stem cell-like properties.
      In EC cells, EZH2 induced and functioned together with YY1 to epigenetically
      suppress miR-361, which upregulated Twist, a direct target of miR-361. Treating
      EC cells with GSK343, a specific EZH2 inhibitor, mimicked the effects of siRNA
      mediated EZH2 knockdown, upregulating miR-361 and downregulating Twist
      expression. Combining GSK343 with 5 AZA-2'-deoxycytidine synergistically
      suppressed cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and decreased tumor size and
      weight in EC cell xenografted mice. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of 24
      primary EC tissues showed that lower let-7b and miR-361 levels were associated
      with worse patient outcomes. These results were validated in a larger EC patient
      dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Our findings suggest that EZH2 drives EC
      progression by regulating miR-361/Twist signaling, and support EZH2 inhibition as
      a promising anti-EC therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 28088787
TI  - HINT2 downregulation promotes colorectal carcinoma migration and metastasis.
AB  - Histidine triad nucleotide-binding 2 (HINT2), a member of the histidine triad
      proteins family, sensitizes cells to apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Here,
      we showed that HINT2 expression is lower in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and
      metastasis tissues than in normal colorectal tissues, and that HINT2 abundance is
      inversely correlated with CRC tumor stage. Treating CRC cells with 5-aza-2'
      deoxycytidine, a demethylating agent, upregulated HINT2, suggesting HINT2
      downregulation is caused by methylation of the gene promoter. HINT2
      downregulation increased tumor migration and invasion in vitro, promoted CRC cell
      metastasis in vivo, and increased expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) markers. Furthermore, HINT2 downregulation depended on hypoxia
      inducible factor (HIF)-2alpha-mediated transcriptional activation of zinc finger
      E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). These results suggest that HINT2 downregulation
      promotes HIF-2alpha expression, which induces EMT and enhances CRC cell migration
      and invasion. HINT2 may thus a useful clinical indicator of CRC progression and
      metastasis risk.

PMID- 28088788
TI  - Dual SYK/JAK inhibition overcomes ibrutinib resistance in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia: Cerdulatinib, but not ibrutinib, induces apoptosis of tumor cells
      protected by the microenvironment.
AB  - Ibrutinib (BTK inhibitor) has generated remarkable responses in CLL. However, the
      drug, to a large extent, does not cause cell death directly and does not
      eradicate CLL malignant clones. Inability to eradicate CLL has fostered
      resistance generation. Once patients become resistant, they do poorly with a
      median survival of 3-4 months. Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to prevent
      resistance, improve treatment outcome and ultimately cure the disease. Herein, we
      explore dual targeting of the BCR and JAK-STAT pathways with a novel single
      agent, cerdulatinib, which selectively inhibits both SYK (a BCR component) and
      JAK kinases. We demonstrated that cerdulatinib delivered potent tumor inhibition
      in 60 primary CLL patient samples, especially in those with poor prognostic
      indicators. Importantly, cerdulatinib, but not ibrutinib, is able to overcome the
      support of microenvironment and induces CLL cell death at clinically achievable
      concentrations. Notably, cerdulatinib blocked proliferation of ibrutinib
      resistant primary CLL cells and of BTKC481S-transfected/ibrutinib-resistant
      lymphoma cells. These anti-tumor effects are well correlated with the inhibition
      of BCR and JAK-STAT signaling and downstream inhibition of the functions of AKT,
      ERK and NFkappaB. Collectively, our results show that simultaneous targeting of
      BCR and JAK-STAT pathways is a more effective strategy relative to single BTK
      inhibition.

PMID- 28088789
TI  - Gprc5a-knockout mouse lung epithelial cells predicts ceruloplasmin, lipocalin 2
      and periostin as potential biomarkers at early stages of lung tumorigenesis.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. As most of lung cancer patients
      were diagnosed with the advanced stage, early detection is considered as the most
      effective strategy to reduce high mortality. Thus, it is desirable to identify
      specific biomarkers at early stages of lung tumorigenesis. GPRC5A is a lung tumor
      suppressor gene. GPRC5A deficiency is linked to lung cancer development. We
      hyposthesized that, dysregulated gene expression that results from Gprc5a
      deficiency may provide potential biomarkers at early stages of lung
      tumorigenesis. By analysis of top 20 upregulated genes in mouse tracheal
      epithelial cells (MTEC) of Gprc5a knockout (KO) vs wild-type (WT), we found that
      ceruloplasmin, lipocalin-2, and periostin are not only upregulated in lung
      epithelial cells of Gprc5a-ko mice, but also expressed at high levels in lung
      tumor tissues of Gprc5a-ko mice. This suggests that increased expression of these
      genes is associated with lung tumorigenesis. Importantly, expression of
      ceruloplasmin, lipocalin-2, and periostin has also been found to be significantly
      increased, both at mRNA and protein levels, in the lung tissues from NSCLC
      patients, which is correlated with repressed GPRC5A. Thus, dysregulated
      ceruloplasmin, lipocalin-2, and periostin may be used as potential biomarkers at
      early stages of lung tumorigenesis.

PMID- 28088790
TI  - Intraperitoneal immunotherapy with T cells stably and transiently expressing anti
      EpCAM CAR in xenograft models of peritoneal carcinomatosis.
AB  - The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is overexpressed in a wide variety
      of tumor types, including peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from gastrointestinal
      and gynecological malignancies. To develop a chimeric antigen receptor T (CART)
      cell therapy approach to treat patients with end-stage PC, we constructed third
      generation CARs specific to EpCAM using the 4D5MOC-B single chain variable
      fragment. CART cells were generated with lentiviral transduction and exhibited
      specific in vitro killing activity against EpCAM-positive human ovarian and
      colorectal cancer cells. A single intraperitoneal injection of the CART cells
      eradicated established ovarian xenografts and resulted in significantly prolonged
      animal survival. Since EpCAM is also expressed on normal epithelium, anti-EpCAM
      CART cells were generated by mRNA electroporation that display a controlled
      cytolytic activity with a limited CAR expression duration. Multiple repeated
      infusions of these RNA CAR-modified T cells delayed disease progression in
      immunodeficient mice bearing well-established peritoneal ovarian and colorectal
      xenografts. Thus, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of using anti-EpCAM
      CAR-expressing T cells for local treatment of PC in mice. The possibility of
      using this approach for clinical treatment of EpCAM-positive gastrointestinal and
      gynecological malignancies warrants further validation.

PMID- 28088791
TI  - Sinomenine hydrochloride inhibits breast cancer metastasis by attenuating
      inflammation-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stemness.
AB  - Sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) has been investigated for its anti-tumor growth
      effect. We have previously reported that SH inhibited breast cancer cell
      proliferation via MAPKs signaling. However, whether SH could inhibit tumor
      metastasis has not been fully explored. In this study, we found that SH
      suppressed the metastasis potential of breast cancer cells. The wound healing and
      transwell assays showed that SH inhibited the migration and invasion ability of
      both 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The orthotopic mouse model of 4T1
      and the experimental mouse model of MDA-MB-231-luc (MDA-MB-231 cell line
      expressing firefly luciferase) demonstrated that SH treatment inhibited breast
      cancer metastasis by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and
      cancer stem cell (CSC) properties without obvious hepatotoxicity and renal
      toxicity. We also found that SH decreased spleen volume and weight in both mouse
      models, especially in the 4T1 mouse model. IL-6, a strong inflammatory factor
      causing EMT, was remarkably reduced. Overall, this anti-metastasis effect of SH
      could be possibly caused by attenuating inflammatory reaction, which led to
      inhibition of EMT and CSC characteristics of breast cancer cells. This study,
      together with our previous one, provides more evidence of SH as a potential drug
      for breast cancer therapy.

PMID- 28088792
TI  - Impact of NUDT15 polymorphisms on thiopurines-induced myelotoxicity and
      thiopurines tolerance dose.
AB  - Thiopurines are widely used as anticancer and immunosuppressive agents. However,
      life-threatening myelotoxicity has been noticed and largely explained by genetic
      variations, including NUDT15 polymorphisms (e.g., rs116855232). In this study, we
      conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the impact of rs116855232 on thiopurines
      induced myelotoxicity susceptibility (1752 patients from 7 independent cohorts),
      as well as on thiopurines intolerance dose (2745 patients from 13 cohorts).
      Variant allele of rs116855232 contributes 7.86-fold (P < 0.00001, 95% CI: 6.13
      10.08) higher risk to develop leucopenia with high specificity (91.74%) and
      sensitivity (43.19%), and lower thiopurines intolerance dose (P < 0.00001).
      Through bioinformatics prediction, amino acid changes induced by genetic variants
      are considered to reduce the stability, and break an alpha helix of NUDT15, which
      is part of the thiopurine binding pocket. Additionally, we conduct an expression
      quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis for NUDT15, and find a promoter-located
      eQTL signal (rs554405994), which may act as a potential marker to predict
      thiopurines-induced myelotoxicity. In conclusion, genetic polymorphisms in NUDT15
      are strongly associated with adverse drug reaction (ADR) of thiopurines, although
      more evidences are needed to determine values of all functional NUDT15
      polymorphisms for clinical regimen, rs116855232 should be considered as a highly
      credible pharmacogenetic indicator for thiopurines using espcially is Asians.

PMID- 28088793
TI  - HnRNP-L mediates bladder cancer progression by inhibiting apoptotic signaling and
      enhancing MAPK signaling pathways.
AB  - Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNP-L) is a promoter of various
      kinds of cancers, but its actions in bladder cancer (BC) are unclear. In this
      study, we investigated the function and the underlying mechanism of hnRNP-L in
      bladder carcinogenesis. Our results demonstrated that enhanced hnRNP-L expression
      in BC tissues was associated with poor overall survival of BC patients. Depletion
      of hnRNP-L significantly suppressed cell proliferation in vitro and inhibited
      xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, downregulation of hnRNP-L resulted
      in G1-phase cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptosis accompanied by inhibition of
      EMT and cell migration. All these cellular changes were reversed by ectopic
      expression of hnRNP-L. Deletion of hnRNP-L resulted in decreased expression of
      Bcl-2, enhanced expression of caspases-3, -6 and -9 and inhibition of the MAPK
      signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate that hnRNP-L contributes to poor
      prognosis and tumor progression of BC by inhibiting the intrinsic apoptotic
      signaling and enhancing MAPK signaling pathways.

PMID- 28088794
TI  - The Lack of Association between FCN2 Gene Promoter Region Polymorphisms and
      Dental Caries in Polish Children.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the association of single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding ficolin-2 protein (FCN2 gene) at
      positions -986 (rs17514136), -602 (rs3124953), and -4 (rs3124952) with dental
      caries in Polish children. Two hundred and sixty Polish Caucasian children aged
      15 years were enrolled in this study: 82 with "higher" caries experience (DMFT
      >5) and 178 with "lower" caries experience (DMFT <=5). In addition, subjects with
      caries experience (DMFT >=1) and caries-free subjects (DMFT = 0) were compared.
      FCN2 SNPs were genotyped with PCR-RFLP methods. There were no significant
      differences in the genotype, allele, or haplotype distributions in 3 analyzed
      SNPs of the FCN2 gene between children with "higher" and those with "lower"
      caries experience as well as between children with caries experience and caries
      free children. In conclusion, we did not find any association of FCN2 promoter
      polymorphisms at positions -986, -602, and -4 with dental caries in Polish
      children.

PMID- 28088795
TI  - Influence of Intracranial Air on Electrode Position and Clinical Outcomes
      following Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The introduction of intracranial air during deep brain stimulation
      (DBS) surgery is believed to negatively impact targeting accuracy and clinical
      outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the relationship between intracranial air (ICA)
      volumes, targeting accuracy, and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing
      subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS for Parkinson's disease. METHODS: ICA in 73
      consecutive STN DBS cases (146 leads) was measured by high-resolution CT and
      correlated with proximal lead bowing, electrode displacement, targeting accuracy,
      and clinical outcomes at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: There was a statistically
      significant correlation of ICA volume (mean +/- SEM: 21.3 +/- 13.7 cm3) and
      proximal lead bowing (2.8 +/- 1.4 mm, r = 0.34, p = 0.01). There was no
      significant correlation of ICA with targeting error (2.0 +/- 1.2 mm), distal
      contact deviation (1.2 +/- 0.7 mm), motor Movement Disorder Society-Unified
      Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III improvement at 6 months (42.3 +/- 4.5%)
      or 12 months (30.3 +/- 7.7%), or dopaminergic medication reduction at 6 months
      (44.7+/- 4.2%) or 12 months (32.9 +/- 5.9%). Comparison of top and bottom ICA
      quintile extremes also revealed no differences in these measures. CONCLUSIONS:
      Though the proximal DBS lead bends in association with ICA, movement of the
      distal contact, targeting error, and clinical outcomes are not affected by ICA.
      This unexpected finding is maintained at ICA quintile extremes.

PMID- 28088796
TI  - Lung Ultrasound and Chest X-Rays: Together to Improve the Diagnosis.

PMID- 28088797
TI  - Automated Interpretation of Pulmonary Function Tests in Adults with Respiratory
      Complaints.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of pulmonary function tests is primarily based on expert
      opinion and international guidelines. Current interpretation strategies are using
      predefined cutoffs for the description of a typical pattern. OBJECTIVES: We aimed
      to explore the predicted disease outcome based on the American Thoracic
      Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) interpreting strategy.
      Subsequently, we investigated whether an unbiased machine learning framework
      integrating lung function with clinical variables may provide alternative
      decision trees resulting in a more accurate diagnosis. METHODS: Our study
      included data from 968 subjects admitted for the first time to a pulmonary
      practice. The final clinical diagnosis was based on the combination of complete
      pulmonary function with the investigations that were decided at the physician's
      discretion. Clinical diagnoses were separated into 10 different groups and
      validated by an expert panel. RESULTS: The ATS/ERS algorithm resulted in a
      correct diagnostic label in 38% of the subjects. Chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) was detected with an acceptable accuracy (74%), whereas all other
      diseases were poorly identified. The new data-based decision tree improved the
      general accuracy to 68% after 10-fold cross-validation when detecting the most
      common lung diseases, with a significantly higher positive predictive value and
      sensitivity for COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease, and neuromuscular
      disorder (83/78, 66/82, 52/59, and 100/54%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      show that the current algorithms for lung function interpretation can be improved
      by a computer-based choice of lung function and clinical variables and their
      decision-making thresholds.

PMID- 28088798
TI  - The Intracranial-B2LEED3S Score and the Risk of Intracranial Hemorrhage in
      Ischemic Stroke Patients Under Antiplatelet Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic antiplatelet therapy in the post-acute phase of non
      cardioembolic ischemic stroke is limited by the risk of intracranial hemorrhage
      (ICH) complications. METHODS: We developed an ICH risk score based on the PERFORM
      trial cohort (n = 19,100), which included patients with a non-cardioembolic
      ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, and externally validated this score
      in one contemporary trial of very similar size and inclusion criteria, the
      PRoFESS trial (n = 20,332 patients). Outcome was ICH over 2 years. A Cox
      proportional-hazard regression analysis identified risk factors. Discrimination
      was quantified with c-statistics and calibration was assessed by comparing
      predicted and observed ICH risk in PERFORM and PRoFESS. RESULTS: ICH occurred
      within 2 years in 263 (1.4%) patients in PERFORM trial and in 246 (1.2%) patients
      in PRoFESS trial. A 13-point score based on 9 items (Intracranial-B2LEED3S score 
      low body mass index, blood pressure, lacune, elderly, Asian ethnicity, coronary
      artery or cerebrovascular disease history, dual antithrombotic agent or oral
      anticoagulant, gender) was derived from the PERFORM trial. In PERFORM, the
      observed 2-year ICH risk varied from 0.75% in low-risk (score <=2) to 2.44% in
      high-risk patients (score >=5) with an acceptable calibration but a low
      discrimination both in PERFORM (c-statistic 0.64, 95% CI 0.61-0.68) and on
      external validation in PRoFESS (0.58, 95% CI 0.55-0.62). CONCLUSION: The
      Intracranial-B2LEED3S score helps identify patients who are at a high risk of
      bleeding. However, other variables need to be identified to improve the score
      (e.g., microbleeds) (Clinical Trial Registration Information ISRCTN66157730).
      URL:
      http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN66157730?totalResults=5&pageSize=10&page=1&searchType
      basic
      search&offset=3&q=&filters=conditionCategory%3ACirculatory+System%2CrecruitmentCo
      ntry%3ATaiwan%2CrecruitmentCountry%3AAustria&sort=.

PMID- 28088799
TI  - Use of Spinal Cord Diffusion Tensor Imaging to Quantify Neural Ablation and
      Evaluate Outcome after Percutaneous Cordotomy for Intractable Cancer Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up to 20% of patients experience only partial pain relief after
      percutaneous cordotomy for cancer pain. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether diffusion
      tensor imaging (DTI) can quantify neural ablation and help evaluate early
      postoperative outcomes after cordotomy. METHODS: Patients undergoing percutaneous
      CT-guided cordotomy for intractable cancer pain were prospectively studied. Pre-
      and postoperative assessment was made using the visual analog scale (VAS) on pain
      and the pain severity scores of the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form. On
      postoperative day 1, DTI images of the high cervical spinal cord were obtained.
      DTI metrics were correlated with the number of ablations as well as early
      postoperative pain outcomes. RESULTS: Seven patients (4 male, mean age 53.8 +/-
      4.6 years) were studied. Fractional anisotropy of the hemicord was significantly
      lower on the side of the lesion as compared to the contralateral side (0.54 +/-
      0.03 vs. 0.63 +/- 0.03, p < 0.001). Mean diffusivity correlated with the
      improvement in the VAS score at 1 week (r = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.34-1.00, p = 0.008),
      as well as the change in pain severity scores at 1 week (r = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.82
      1.00, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DTI metrics are sensitive to the number of
      ablations as well as early improvement in pain scores after cordotomy. DTI of the
      cervical spinal cord is a potential biomarker of neural ablation after
      percutaneous cordotomy for intractable cancer pain.

PMID- 28088800
TI  - Repeatability and Reproducibility of Foveal Avascular Zone Area Measurements
      Using AngioPlex Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in
      Healthy Subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the repeatability and
      reproducibility of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area measurements using AngioPlex
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography in normal
      subjects. METHODS: Twenty-two healthy subjects (25 eyes) underwent FAZ area
      measurements with AngioPlex OCT. Each volunteer was separately examined 3
      consecutive times by the 2 experienced observers. The FAZ area was measured using
      ImageJ software. Intraobserver repeatability was evaluated by calculating the
      coefficient of variation (CoV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
      Interobserver reproducibility was also assessed using the Bland-Altman test and
      concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). RESULTS: The FAZ areas were measured
      as 0.373 +/- 0.109 and 0.377 +/- 0.112 mm2 by observers 1 and 2, respectively.
      The repeatability assessment of the FAZ area measurements yielded CoV values of
      0.029 and 0.034 and ICC values of 0.997 and 0.996 by observers 1 and 2,
      respectively. The mean difference between the 2 observers was 0.004. CCC values
      ranged from 0.9705 to 0.9844. CONCLUSIONS: The FAZ area measurements obtained
      using AngioPlex OCT showed a good repeatability and reproducibility in healthy
      subjects. Excellent reliability makes AngioPlex OCT a valid device for measuring
      the FAZ area.

PMID- 28088801
TI  - Natural History of Untreated Hemifacial Spasm: A Study of 104 Consecutive
      Patients over 5 Years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The natural history without treatment of a large series of hemifacial
      spasm (HFS) patients has not been well-documented. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      study was to characterize the natural history and clinical outcome in patients
      with HFS. METHODS: The initial visits of all 2,155 patients and the diagnosis of
      HFS took place between 2001 and 2010. In 1,775 of the patients, compressing
      vessels were identified on magnetic resonance imaging. Of these, we excluded
      1,469 patients (82.8%) who received microvascular decompression, 101 (5.7%) who
      continued to visit the clinic for botulinum toxin injections, and 9 (0.5%) who
      died or suffered from other diseases. Ninety-two (5.2%) of the patients were lost
      to follow-up; the remaining 104 were followed up for 5-42 years (mean 12 years)
      after the onset of the symptoms of HFS. RESULTS: The condition was aggravated in
      11 (10.6%) of the 104 patients and stationary in 40 (38.5%) for 6-42 years (mean
      13 years). Ten (9.6%) improved partially for 7-18 years (mean 11 years). Forty
      three (41.3%) were in remission for between 2 months and 23 years (mean 6.4
      years) after onset and required no further treatment for 5 months to 13 years
      (mean 5.7 years). CONCLUSION: This study provides useful information to HFS
      patients for understanding the disease and determining treatment.

PMID- 28088802
TI  - Interplay between Cortical Spreading Depolarization and Seizures.
AB  - Cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) is an electrophysiologic phenomenon found
      mostly in the setting of neurologic injury resulting in the disturbance of ion
      homeostasis and leading to changes in the local vascular response. The
      bioelectric etiology of CSD shares similarities to those in epileptic disorders,
      yet the relationship between seizures and CSD is unclear, with several studies
      observing cortical depression before, during, and after seizure activity, thus
      obscuring our understanding of whether CSD activity potentiates or limits
      seizures and vice versa. Cortical sampling has exhibited how the redistribution
      of ion concentrations in the intra- and extracellular environments interplay
      between the excitation of seizures and the electrical depression of CSD. Modeling
      of both environments has suggested that CSD synchronizes the affected tissue,
      creating a favorable environment for seizure activity; however, other studies
      have demonstrated the opposite: epileptiform activity initiating waves of CSD.
      Further studies have underscored the role of the vascular response and subsequent
      ischemia in CSD that contributes to epileptogenesis. Investigations in migraine,
      traumatic brain injury, and other neurologic injuries suggest that several drugs
      may target CSD. Manipulations in the occurrence and nature of CSD can potentially
      alter the threshold for seizure activity, and perhaps minimize immediate and long
      term sequelae associated with epilepsy.

PMID- 28088803
TI  - Small versus Large Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm: Concerns with the Site of
      Aneurysm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although size is one of the strongest predictors, small aneurysms
      often rupture. We compared the characteristics of small and large ruptured
      intracranial aneurysms (RIAs) according to their location to find the factors
      associated with small RIAs in each location. METHODS: Patients with subarachnoid
      hemorrhage due to saccular RIAs were consecutively enrolled. The sizes were
      dichotomized as small (<5 mm) or large, and the location was classified as
      paraclinoid-distal internal carotid artery, sidewalls of anterior or middle
      cerebral artery (MCA; sidewall), MCA-bifurcation, anterior or posterior
      communicating artery (Acom or Pcom, respectively), and posterior circulation
      RIAs. Independent factors associated with small RIAs compared to large RIAs were
      investigated in each location. RESULTS: Small RIAs were observed in 384 of 791
      patients (48.5%), and were most commonly located at Acom (17.1%) followed by Pcom
      (9.0%) and sidewalls (7.2%). Female sex (OR 3.038; 95% CI 2.099-4.395), young age
      (OR 0.971; 95% CI 0.958-0.985), hypertension (OR 1.412; 95% CI 1.033-1.930) and
      multiple aneurysms (OR 1.942; 95% CI 1.335-2.824) were associated with small
      RIAs. By location, sidewall aneurysms (OR 2.183; 95% CI 1.049-4.542) were
      associated with small RIAs, whereas MCA-bifurcation (OR 0.318; 95% CI 0.168
      0.599) and Pcom aneurysms (OR 0.511; 95% CI 0.277-0.944) were associated with
      large RIAs. The presence of multiple aneurysms (OR 4.69; 95% CI 1.45-21.19) was
      associated with small RIAs at sidewalls, and young age, female sex, hypertension
      and the presence of bilateral A1 (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.09-3.13) were associated with
      small RIAs at Acom. Acom RIAs with bilateral A1 was smaller than those with
      unilateral A1 (4.7 +/- 2.1 vs. 5.8 +/- 2.6 mm; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Intracranial aneurysms which rupture below 5 mm are not uncommon, and the factors
      associated with small-sized RIAs differ according to location. Sidewall
      aneurysms, with multiple aneurysms and Acom aneurysms with bilateral A1 may
      rupture even at small size.

PMID- 28088804
TI  - Monitoring Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients with Obesity Hypoventilation
      Syndrome: Comparison between Ventilator Built-in Software and Respiratory
      Polygraphy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polygraphy (PG) remains the standard method of assessing noninvasive
      ventilation (NIV) effectiveness. Built-in software (BIS) of recent NIV equipment
      provides estimates of some ventilator parameters, but their usefulness is
      unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the reliability of BIS compared with PG in a
      cohort of obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) patients on NIV. METHODS: Thirty
      stable OHS patients on NIV were evaluated in an outpatient setting with
      simultaneous PG and BIS recordings. The automated apnea-hypopnea event index
      (EIAUT) provided by Rescan and manual scoring based on available traces obtained
      from the software (EIBIS) were compared with manual PG scoring (EIPG). Each
      manual scoring was separately performed by 2 trained operators. Agreement between
      the 2 operators was assessed using the kappa coefficient. Pearson correlation and
      Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate agreement between EIAUT, EIBIS, and
      EIPG. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases were valid for analysis (age +/-61 years, 17
      men). All patients were ventilated in the spontaneous/timed mode (mean
      inspiratory positive airway pressure 17 +/- 3 cm H2O, mean expiratory positive
      airway pressure 10 +/- 3 cm H2O). Cohen's kappa agreement between the operators
      was 0.7 for EIBIS and 0.84 for EIPG. EIBIS showed good correlation with EIPG (r2
      = 0.79 p < 0.001), better than scoring provided by the automated analysis (r2 =
      0.71, p < 0.006 for EIAUT vs. EIPG). CONCLUSIONS: In stable OHS patients on NIV,
      unattended home-based monitoring using Rescan is reproducible and reliable to
      assess quality of ventilation when compared with PG. In addition, manual scoring
      of events using data obtained with this device is more consistent than software
      based automated analysis.

PMID- 28088806
TI  - Effects of Aloe Sterol Supplementation on Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and
      Collagen Score: A 12-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Our previous study confirmed that Aloe sterol stimulates
      collagen and hyaluronic acid production in human dermal fibroblasts. This study
      aims to investigate whether Aloe sterol intake affects skin conditions. METHODS:
      We performed a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to
      evaluate the effects of oral Aloe sterol supplementation on skin elasticity,
      hydration, and the collagen score in 64 healthy women (age range 30-59 years;
      average 44.3 years) who were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or an
      Aloe sterol-supplemented yogurt. Skin parameters were measured and ultrasound
      analysis of the forearm was performed. RESULTS: ANCOVA revealed statistical
      differences in skin moisture, transepidermal water loss, skin elasticity, and
      collagen score between the Aloe sterol and placebo groups. The gross elasticity
      (R2), net elasticity (R5), and biological elasticity (R7) scores of the Aloe
      sterol group significantly increased with time. In addition, skin fatigue area
      F3, which is known to decrease with age and fatigue, also increased with Aloe
      sterol intake. Ultrasound echogenicity revealed that the collagen content in the
      dermis increased with Aloe sterol intake. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that
      continued Aloe sterol ingestion contributes to maintaining healthy skin.

PMID- 28088805
TI  - A Retrospective Analysis of Stereoelectroencephalography and Subdural
      Electroencephalography for Preoperative Evaluation of Intractable Epilepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different methods for intracranial electrode recording have various
      advantages and disadvantages, and controversy exists regarding the complications
      of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and subdural EEG. OBJECTIVE: The purpose
      of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of SEEG by comparing it
      with subdural EEG. METHODS: Data from 100 patients who underwent SEEG (n = 48)
      and subdural EEG (n = 52) to evaluate the epileptogenic zone were collected from
      June 2011 to June 2015. The evaluation results, surgical outcomes, and
      complications were compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted
      between the SEEG and subdural EEG groups in identifying the epileptogenic zone or
      undergoing epileptic surgery. Of the 88 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery
      after assessment, 59.5% in the SEEG group and 52.2% in the subdural EEG group
      became seizure free. No significant differences in postoperative seizure control
      or intelligence improvement were noted. The overall complication rate in SEEG
      patients (8/48; 16.7%) was lower than that in subdural EEG patients (13/52; 25%),
      particularly for hemorrhage and infection (4.2 vs. 17.3%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      This retrospective review indicates that SEEG has low associated complications,
      particularly regarding hemorrhage and infection. SEEG is a safe and effective
      method for intracranial monitoring.

PMID- 28088807
TI  - Posterior versus Anterior Circulation Stroke in Young Adults: A Comparative Study
      of Stroke Aetiologies and Risk Factors in Stroke among Young Fabry Patients
      (sifap1).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although 20-30% of all strokes occur in the posterior circulation,
      few studies have explored the characteristics of patients with strokes in the
      posterior compared to the anterior circulation so far. Especially data on young
      patients is missing. METHODS: In this secondary analysis of data of the
      prospective multi-centre European sifap1 study that investigated stroke and
      transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients aged 18-55 years, we compared vascular
      risk factors, stroke aetiology, presence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH)
      and cerebral microbleeds (CMB) between patients with ischaemic posterior
      circulation stroke (PCS) and those having suffered from anterior circulation
      stroke (ACS) based on cerebral MRI. RESULTS: We diagnosed PCS in 612 patients
      (29.1%, 407 men, 205 women) and ACS in 1,489 patients (70.9%). Their age (median
      46 vs. 47 years, p = 0.205) and stroke severity (modified Rankin Scale: both 2, p
      = 0.375, Barthel Index 90 vs. 85, p = 0.412) were similar. PCS was found to be
      more frequent among the male gender (66.5 vs. 60.1% with ACS, p = 0.003).
      Vertebral artery (VA) dissection was more often the cause of PCS (16.8%) than was
      carotid artery dissection of ACS (7.9%, p < 0.001). Likewise, small vessel
      disease (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment [TOAST] = 3, PCS: 14.7%,
      ACS: 11.8%) and stroke of other determined aetiology (TOAST = 4, PCS: 24.5%, ACS:
      16.0%) were more frequent in those with PCS. Furthermore, patent foramen ovale
      (PFO; PCS: 31.1%, ACS: 25.4%, p = 0.029) was more often detected in patients with
      PCS. In contrast, large-artery atherosclerosis (TOAST = 1, PCS: 15.4%, ACS:
      22.2%) and cardio-embolic stroke (TOAST = 2, PCS: 15.6%, ACS: 18.0%) were less
      frequent in those with PCS (p < 0.001) as were preceding cerebrovascular events
      (10.1 vs. 14.1%, p = 0.014), TIA (4.8 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.016) and smoking (53.2 vs.
      61.0%, p = 0.001). The presence, extent, and location of WMH and CMB did not
      differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested a different pattern
      of aetiology and risk factors in young patients with PCS compared to those with
      ACS. These findings especially call for a higher awareness of VA dissection and
      potentially for more weight of a PFO as a risk factor in young patients with PCS.
      Clinical trial registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00414583.

PMID- 28088808
TI  - Shunt Surgery in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Aided by Electromagnetic
      Navigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by
      increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and normal or slit ventricles.
      Lumboperitoneal shunting had been favored by many investigators for CSF diversion
      in IIH for decades; however, it has been associated with various side effects.
      Because of the small ventricular size adequate positioning of a ventricular
      catheter is challenging. OBJECTIVES: Here, we investigated the usefulness of
      electromagnetic (EM)-guided ventricular catheter placement for
      ventriculoperitoneal shunting in IIH. METHODS: Eighteen patients with IIH were
      included in this study. The age of patients ranged from 5 to 58 years at the time
      of surgery (mean age: 31.8 years; median: 29 years). There were 2 children (5 and
      11 years old) and 16 adults. Inclusion criteria for the study were an established
      clinical diagnosis of IIH, lack of improvement with medication, and the presence
      of small ventricles. In all patients EM-navigated placement of the ventricular
      catheter was performed using real-time tracking of the catheter tip for exact
      positioning close to the foramen of Monro. Postoperative CT scans were correlated
      with intraoperative screen shots to validate the position of the catheter.
      RESULTS: In all patients EM-navigated ventricular catheter placement was achieved
      with a single pass. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.
      Postoperative imaging confirmed satisfactory positioning of the ventricular
      catheter. No proximal shunt failure was observed during the follow-up at a mean
      of 41.5 months (range: 7-90 months, median: 40.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: EM
      navigated ventricular catheter placement in shunting for IIH is a safe and
      straightforward technique. It obviates the need for sharp head fixation, the head
      of the patient can be moved during surgery, and it may reduce the revision rate
      during follow-up.

PMID- 28088809
TI  - Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1), Partly Related to Vascular
      Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and Microvessel Density, is an
      Independent Prognostic Factor for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the correlation between FGFR1 and clinical
      features, including survival analysis and the promotion of angiogenesis by
      fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and vascular endothelial growth
      factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). FGFR1 gene amplification has been found in non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the prognostic value of FGFR1 and the
      correlation between FGFR1 and clinical features are still controversial. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS A total of 92 patients with NSCLC who underwent R0 resection between
      July 2006 and July 2008 were enrolled in the study. The expression of FGFR1,
      VEGFR2, and CD34 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlations between
      the aforementioned markers and the patients' clinical features were analyzed by
      the chi-square test. The impact factors of prognosis were evaluated by Cox
      regression analyses. RESULTS The expression ratios of FGFR1 and VEGFR2 were 26.1%
      and 43.4%, respectively. The intensity of FGFR1 expression was related to VEGFR2
      and histopathology. To some extent, the average microvessel density (MVD) had
      correlation to the expression of FGFR1 and VGEFR2. The pathological stages III-IV
      and high expression of FGFR1 were found to be independent prognostic factors.
      CONCLUSIONS The expression intensity of FGFR1 and VEGFR2 was associated with MVD,
      and the expression of FGFR1 is one of the independent prognostic indicators for
      NSCLC.

PMID- 28088810
TI  - Leptin Influences Healing in the Sprague Dawley Rat Fracture Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND Leptin plays a crucial role in bone metabolism, and its level is
      related to bone callus formation in the fracture repair process. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the effect of recombinant leptin on the healing
      process of femoral fractures in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-eight male
      Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with an average body weight of 389 g (range: 376-398 g)
      and an average age of 10 weeks were included in this animal research, and all
      rats were randomly divided into two major groups. Then standardized femur
      fracture models were implemented in all SD rats. Rats in the control group were
      treated with only 0.5 mL of physiological saline, and rats in the experimental
      group were treated with recombinant leptin 5 MUg/kg/d along with the same 0.5 mL
      of physiological saline for 42 days intraperitoneally. At the same time, each
      major group was evenly divided into three parallel subgroups for each parallel
      bone evaluation separately at the second, fourth, and sixth weeks. Each subgroup
      included eight rats. RESULTS The total radiological evaluation results showed
      that the healing progress of femoral fracture in the experimental group was
      superior to that in the control group from the fourth week. At the sixth week,
      experimental group rats began to present significantly better femoral fracture
      healing progress than that of the control group rats. Results of biomechanics
      show the ultimate load (N) and deflection ultimate load (mm) of the experimental
      group rats was significantly increased compared with that of the control group
      rats from the fourth week. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that leptin may have a
      positive effect on SD rat femur fracture healing.

PMID- 28088811
TI  - Secondary Hypertension, Erythrocytosis, and Unilateral Renal Cystic Disease in a
      Submariner: A Case Report.
AB  - Erythrocytosis, or increased red blood cell mass, may be primary as in the case
      of polycythemia vera (PV), or secondary due to a variety of causes related to
      erythropoietin (EPO) secretion and hypoxia. Chronic pulmonary disease and certain
      EPO-secreting tumors should be addressed and excluded early during the course of
      evaluation for a patient presenting with increased red blood cell mass. Inclusion
      of the JAK2 V617F gene mutation in the recent World Health Organization criteria
      for the diagnosis of PV allows for facilitated diagnosis and guides therapy. EPO
      levels can be helpful in diagnosis and guiding therapy, but in the case of cystic
      renal diseases, EPO levels are often not elevated, creating diagnostic
      uncertainty. This report describes a case of symptoms directly attributable to
      erythrocytosis in the setting of negative JAK2 mutation and normal EPO levels.
      The subsequent discovery of a large cystic renal kidney and PV were the leading
      diagnostic considerations.

PMID- 28088812
TI  - Learning Curves of Emergency Tourniquet Use Exploring for Utility in Training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency tourniquet use to control hemorrhage from limb wounds is
      associated with improved survival and control of shock. In 2013, we introduced a
      way to measure learning curves of tourniquet users. With a dataset from an
      unrelated study, we had an opportunity to explore learning in detail. The study
      aim was to generate hypotheses about measurement methods in the learning of
      tourniquet users. METHODS: We gathered data from a previous experiment that
      yielded a convenient sample of repeated tourniquet applications used as a marker
      of learning. Data on consecutive applications on a manikin were used in the
      current report and were associated with two users, three models of tourniquet,
      and six metrics (i.e., effectiveness, pulse cessation, blood loss, time to
      effectiveness, windlass turn number, and pressure applied). There were 840 tests
      (140 tests per user, two users, three models). RESULTS: Unique characteristics of
      learning were associated with each user. Hypotheses generated included the
      following: trainee learning curves can vary in shape (e.g., flat, curved) by
      which metric of learning is chosen; some metrics may show much learning, whereas
      others show almost none; use of more than one metric may assess more
      comprehensively than using only one metric but may require more assessment time;
      number of uses required can vary by instructional goal (e.g., expertise,
      competence); awareness of the utility of specific metrics may vary by instructor;
      and some, but not all, increases in experience are associated with improved
      performance. CONCLUSIONS: This first-aid study generated hypotheses about
      caregiver learning for further study of tourniquet education and standards.

PMID- 28088813
TI  - Significant Pressure Loss Occurs Under Tourniquets Within Minutes of Application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pressure decreases occur after tourniquet application, risking
      arterial occlusion loss. Our hypothesis was that the decreases could be
      mathematically described, allowing creation of evidence-based, tourniquet
      reassessment- time recommendations. METHODS: Four tourniquets with width (3.8cm,
      3.8cm, 13.7cm, 10.4cm), elasticity (none, none, mixed elastic/nonelastic,
      elastic), and mechanical advantage differences (windlass, ratchet, inflation,
      recoil) were applied to 57.5cm-circumference 10% and 20% ballistic gels for 600
      seconds and a 57.5cmcircumference thigh and 31.5cm-circumference arm for 300
      seconds. Time 0 target completion-pressures were 262mmHg and 362mmHg. RESULTS:
      Two-phase decay equations fit the pressure-loss curves. Tourniquet type, gel or
      limb composition, circumference, and completionpressure affected the curves.
      Curves were clinically significant with the nonelastic Combat Application
      Tourniquet (C-A-T), nonelastic Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet (RMT), and mixed
      elastic/nonelastic blood pressure cuff (BPC), and much less with the elastic
      Stretch Wrap And Tuck-Tourniquet (SWATT). At both completion-pressures, pressure
      loss was faster on 10% than 20% gel, and even faster and greater on the thigh.
      The 362mmHg completion-pressure had the most pressure loss. Arm curves were
      different from thigh but still approached plateau pressure losses (maximal
      calculated losses at infinity) in similar times. With the 362mmHg completion
      pressure, thigh curve plateaus were -68mmHg C-A-T, -62mmHg RMT, -34mmHg BPC, and 
      13mmHg SWATT. The losses would be within 5mmHg of plateau by 4.67 minutes C-A-T,
      6.00 minutes RMT, 4.98 minutes BPC, and 6.40 minutes SWATT and within 1mmHg of
      plateau by 8.18 minutes C-A-T, 10.52 minutes RMT, 10.07 minutes BPC, and 17.68
      minutes SWATT. Timesequenced images did not show visual changes during the
      completion to 300 or 600 seconds pressure-drop interval. CONCLUSION: Proper
      initial tourniquet application does not guarantee maintenance of arterial
      occlusion. Tourniquet applications should be reassessed for arterial occlusion 5
      or 10 minutes after application to be within 5mmHg or 1mmHg of maximal pressure
      loss. Elastic tourniquets have the least pressure loss.

PMID- 28088814
TI  - Postural Stability of Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen With Tactical Gear.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The US Naval Special Warfare's Special Warfare Combatant-Craft
      Crewmen (SWCC) operate on small, high-speed boats while wearing tactical gear
      (TG). The TG increases mission safety and success but may affect postural
      stability, potentially increasing risk for musculoskeletal injury. Therefore, the
      purpose of this study was to examine the effects of TG on postural stability
      during the Sensory Organization Test (SOT). METHODS: Eight SWCC performed the SOT
      on NeuroCom's Balance Manager with TG and with no tactical gear (NTG). The status
      of gear was performed in randomized order. The SOT consisted of six different
      conditions that challenge sensory systems responsible for postural stability.
      Each condition was performed for three trials, resulting in a total of 18 trials.
      RESULTS: Overall performance, each individual condition, and sensory system
      analysis (somatosensory, visual, vestibular, preference) were scored. Data were
      not normally distributed therefore Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to
      compare each variable (rho = .05). No significant differences were found between
      NTG and TG tests. No statistically significant differences were detected under
      the two TG conditions. This may be due to low statistical power, or potentially
      insensitivity of the assessment. Also, the amount and distribution of weight worn
      during the TG conditions, and the SWCC's unstable occupational platform, may have
      contributed to the findings. The data from this sample will be used in future
      research to better understand how TG affects SWCC. CONCLUSION: The data show that
      the addition of TG used in our study did not affect postural stability of SWCC
      during the SOT. Although no statistically significant differences were observed,
      there are clinical reasons for continued study of the effect of increased load on
      postural stability, using more challenging conditions, greater surface
      perturbations, dynamic tasks, and heavier loads.

PMID- 28088815
TI  - Trigger-Point Dry Needling for the SOF Medic.
AB  - We propose that trigger-point dry needle (TrP-DN) therapy is an effective low
      risk treatment for pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrP), and
      should be incorporated into the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Medic's scope of
      practice. Furthermore, TrP-DN therapy can be used as a treatment adjunct on the
      SOF continuum of care, providing analgesia and increased tolerance for
      rehabilitative therapy, thereby facilitating improved patient outcomes and faster
      return to operational readiness. The incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in the
      SOF community is discussed, as are available treatment options TrP-DN methods, a
      case study of a Soldier deployed to Afghanistan, the science behind the subject
      of MTrP and TrP-DN, and the risks associated with TrP-DN and how we can mitigate
      them effectively. Caution should be used in the interpretation of a body of
      literature based largely on case studies. Although the amount of published
      evidence in support of the potential benefits of TrP-DN is growing, larger,
      randomized, placebo-controlled trials and studies that evaluate the effects of
      TrP-DN in a methodologically rigorous and statistically significant way are
      needed. Based on anecdotal evidence of and personal experience with the success
      of the therapy, as well as its growing use within both civilian and military
      medicine, the possible therapeutic benefit of TrP-DN is relevant for the SOF
      community.

PMID- 28088816
TI  - Continuous One-Arm Kettlebell Swing Training on Physiological Parameters in US
      Air Force Personnel: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of
      continuous one-arm kettlebell (KB) swing training on various US Air Force
      physical fitness testing components. Thirty trained male (n = 15) and female (n =
      15) US Air Force (USAF) personnel volunteered and were sequentially assigned to
      one of three groups based on 1.5-mile run time: (1) KB one-arm swing training,
      (2) KB one-arm swing training plus highintensity running (KB + run), and (3)
      traditional USAF physical training (PT) according to Air Force Instruction 36
      2905. METHODS: The following measurements were made before and after 10 weeks of
      training: 1.5-mile run, 1-minute maximal push-ups, 1-minute maximal situps,
      maximal grip strength, pro agility, vertical jump, 40-yard dash, bodyweight, and
      percent body fat. Subjects attended three supervised exercise sessions per week
      for 10 weeks. During each exercise session, all groups performed a 10-minute
      dynamic warm-up followed by either (1) 10 minutes of continuous KB swings, (2) 10
      minutes of continuous kettlebell swings plus 10 minutes of high-intensity
      running, or (3) 20 minutes of moderate intensity running plus push-ups and sit
      ups. Average and peak heart rate were recorded for each subject after all
      sessions. Paired t tests were conducted to detect changes from pretesting to
      posttesting within each group and analysis of variance was used to compare
      between-group variability (rho <= .05). RESULTS: Twenty subjects completed the
      study. There were no statistically significant changes in 1.5-mile run time
      between or within groups. The 40- yard dash significantly improved within the KB
      swing (rho <= .05) and KB + run group (rho <= .05); however, there were no
      significant differences in the traditional PT group (rho <= .05) or between
      groups. Maximal push-ups significantly improved in the KB + run group (rho <=
      .05) and trends toward significant improvements in maximal push-ups were found in
      both the KB (rho = .057) and traditional PT (rho = .067) groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study suggests that continuous KB swing training may be used by airmen as a
      high-intensity, low-impact alternative to traditional USAF PT to maintain aerobic
      fitness and improve speed and maximal push-ups.

PMID- 28088817
TI  - Mitigating Exertional Heat Illness in Military Personnel: The Science Behind a
      Rice-Based Electrolyte and Rehydration Drink.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exertional heat illness continues to be prevalent among members of
      active duty personnel, especially those in specific military occupational
      specialties such as loadmasters, flight crew, flight maintainers, and Special
      Operations Forces. Therefore, the primary objective of this article was to
      elucidate the various oral rehydration solutions (ORSs) on the market that are
      used to mitigate exertional heat illness (EHI) in military personnel, and to
      focus on the science behind a ricebased electrolyte drink, CeraSport(r),
      currently used by US military personnel in mitigating EHI during sustained
      training operations in high-heat environments. METHODS: A search of the
      literature (through March 2016) was performed using PubMed and ProQuest, in
      addition to searching bibliographies and text books. We reviewed 63 articles and
      three texts. Articles were limited to those published in English and to studies
      that used only carbohydrates (e.g., no amino acids) and drinks reported to be
      used by the military in field training and deployment. CONCLUSION: Heat illness
      is prevalent among military personnel operating in high-heat environments and a
      variety of ORSs and sports drinks are available to help mitigate this. However,
      CeraSport, compared with other ORSs and sports drinks, may offer benefits such as
      faster gastric emptying rates and improved absorption from the gastrointestinal
      tract, which can provide rapidly available carbohydrate substrates for energy
      needs, and increased water retention for maintenance of blood plasma volume.

PMID- 28088818
TI  - Red-Green Versus Blue Tactical Light: A Direct, Objective Comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Success in Special Operations Forces medicine (SOFMED) depends on
      maximizing visual capability without compromising the provider or casualty when
      under fire. There is no single light that has been deemed "ideal" for all SOFMED
      environments. METHODS: We used the Farnsworth-Munsell (FM) hue test to determine
      color vision of normal subjects under white, red-green, and blue flashlights to
      determine color discrimination. Then we used a timed color-determination visual
      test to determine how quickly normal subjects can identify color correctly. We
      had subjects perform a simulated surgery illuminated by a normal white-light
      source, then by red-green or blue light-emitting diode (LED) tactical light.
      RESULTS: The total error score for white light was 49.714, 272.923 for red/green
      light, and 531.4 for blue light. The subjective perception of simulated trauma
      wounds was not substantially different with red-green LED tactical light when
      compared with white LED light. However, simulated surgery under the blue LED was
      more difficult compared with simulated surgery under the red-green LED light.
      CONCLUSION: Red-green was a superior light source for SOFMED and military first
      responders in this study, especially, where light was required to allow accurate
      and efficient application of Tactical Combat Casualty Care to injured personnel.

PMID- 28088819
TI  - Pretrauma Interventions in Force Health Protection: Introducing the "Left of
      Bang" Paradigm.

PMID- 28088820
TI  - Caffeine and Performance.
AB  - The role of caffeine in enhancing performance has been studied for years, and
      there is no doubt that caffeine can be performance enhancing. Also, a wealth of
      information allows for an interesting distinction between physical and cognitive
      performance. Most adults in America consume moderate doses of caffeine in various
      forms on a daily basis as caffeine is typically found in coffee, tea, soft
      drinks, dietary supplements, energy drinks, energy shots, and chocolate, as well
      as over-the-counter pills and gums. Although caffeine is readily available and
      widely consumed, when using it to enhance performance, a few factors should be
      considered. The authors discuss caffeine use among Servicemembers, its properties
      and effects on physical and cognitive performance, how to use it to optimize
      performance, and, finally, some of safety and regulatory considerations. The
      bottom line is that all individuals do not respond the same way to caffeine and
      their response depends on how the body uses and breaks down caffeine. Thus, as a
      user, you should monitor your own responses and performance changes when using
      caffeine based on the general recommendations provided.

PMID- 28088821
TI  - Tularemia.

PMID- 28088822
TI  - Load Carriage-Related Paresthesias: Part 1: Rucksack Palsy and Digitalgia
      Paresthetica.
AB  - This is the first of a two-part article discussing loadcarriage- related
      paresthesias, including brachial plexus lesions (rucksack palsy), digitalgia
      paresthetica, and meralgia paresthetica. Paresthesias are sensations of numbness,
      burning, and/or tingling, usually experienced as a result of nerve injury,
      compression, traction, or irritation. Rucksack palsy is a traction or compression
      injury to the brachial plexus, caused by the shoulder straps of the rucksack. The
      patient presents with paresthesia, paralysis, cramping with pain, and muscle
      weakness of the upper limb. Muscle-strength losses appear to be greater in those
      carrying heavier loads. Hypothetical risk factors for rucksack palsy include
      improper load distribution, longer carriage distances, and load weight. Nerve
      traction, compression, and symptoms may be reduced by use of a rucksack hip belt;
      wider, better-padded, and proper adjustment of the shoulder straps; reduction of
      weight in the rucksack; a more symmetric distribution of the load; and resistance
      training to improve the strength and hypertrophy of the shoulder muscles.
      Assessment and neck joint and nerve mobilization may relieve brachial plexus
      tension and reduce symptoms. Another load-carriage-related disorder is digitalgia
      paresthetica, likely caused by compression of the sensory digital nerves in the
      foot during load carriage. Patients have paresthesia in the toes. Although no
      studies have demonstrated effective prevention measures for digitalgia
      paresthetica, reducing loads and march distances may help by decreasing the
      forces and repetitive stress on the foot and lower leg. Specialty evaluations by
      a physical therapist, podiatrist, or other healthcare provider are important to
      rule out entrapment neuropathies such as tarsal tunnel syndrome. Part 2 of this
      article will discuss meralgia paresthetica.

PMID- 28088823
TI  - Garlic Burn to the Face.
AB  - Topical burns from the use of garlic have been reported rarely in the medical
      literature. Most cases have resulted from the use of naturopathic or home remedy
      treatments. A 20-year-old male military Servicemember presented to a military
      wound care clinic 7 days after applying a homemade topical preparation of garlic
      to the zygomatic region of the right side of his face. The patient had consulted
      the Internet for treatment of a minor skin lesion in that area. He created a
      garlic paste, applied it to the affected area, and covered it with a dressing.
      Twelve hours later, he noted an intense burning sensation where he had applied
      the garlic paste. After the initial blistering, the patient recovered without any
      additional treatment. Second-degree burns were an unintended consequence of the
      use of garlic as a home remedy.

PMID- 28088825
TI  - Prolonged Field Care for the Winter 2016 Edition.

PMID- 28088824
TI  - The Hidden Complexity of Biological "Dirty Bombs": Implications for Special
      Operations Medical Personnel.
AB  - The recent capture of a terrorist in Belgium carrying explosives, fecal matter,
      and animal tissue may indicate a shift from conventional weapons to crude
      bacteriological preparations as instruments of terror. It is important to note
      that although such weapons lack technological sophistication, bacteria are
      inherently complex, unpredictable, and undetectable in the field. Therefore, it
      is important that Special Operations medical personnel understand the
      complications that such seemingly simple devices can add to the treatment of
      casualties in the field and subsequent evaluation in the clinic.

PMID- 28088826
TI  - Management of Burn Wounds Under Prolonged Field Care.

PMID- 28088827
TI  - Prolonged Field Care of a Casualty With Penetrating Chest Trauma.
AB  - As Special Operations mission sets shift to regions with less coalition medical
      infrastructure, the need for quality long-term field care has increased. More and
      more, Special Operations Medics will be expected to maintain casualties in the
      field well past the "golden hour" with limited resources and other tactical
      limitations. This case report describes an extended-care scenario (>12 hours) of
      a casualty with a chest wound, from point of injury to eventual casualty
      evacuation and hand off at a Role II facility. This case demonstrates the
      importance of long-term tactical medical considerations and the effectiveness of
      minimal fluid resuscitation in treating penetrating thoracic trauma.

PMID- 28088828
TI  - Telemedicine to Reduce Medical Risk in Austere Medical Environments: The Virtual
      Critical Care Consultation (VC3) Service.
AB  - One of the core capabilities of prolonged field care is telemedicine. We
      developed the Virtual Critical Care Consult (VC3) Service to provide Special
      Operations Forces (SOF) medics with on-demand, virtual consultation with
      experienced critical care physicians to optimize management and improve outcomes
      of complicated, critically injured or ill patients. Intensive-care doctors staff
      VC3 continuously. SOF medics access this service via phone or e-mail. A single
      phone call reaches an intensivist immediately. An e-mail distribution list is
      used to share information such as casualty images, vital signs flowsheet data,
      and short video clips, and helps maintain situational awareness among the VC3
      critical care providers and other key SOF medical leaders. This real-time support
      enables direct communication between the remote provider and the clinical subject
      matter expert, thus facilitating expert management from near the point of injury
      until definitive care can be administered. The VC3 pilot program has been
      extensively tested in field training exercises and validated in several real
      world encounters. It is an immediately available capability that can reduce
      medical risk and is scalable to all Special Operations Command forces.

PMID- 28088829
TI  - Case of a 5-Year-Old Foreign National Who Sustained Penetrating Abdominal Trauma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Review application of telemedicine support for penetrating trauma.
      Clinical context: Special Operations Resuscitation Team (SORT) deployed in Africa
      Area of Responsibility (AOR) Organic expertise: Internal Medicine physician, two
      Special Operations Combat medics (SOCMs), and one radiology technician Closest
      surgical support: Non-US surgical support 20km away; a nonsurgeon who will
      perform surgeries; neighboring country partner-force surgeon 2 hours by fixedwing
      flight. Earliest evacuation: Evacuated 4 days after presentation to a neighboring
      country with surgical capability.

PMID- 28088830
TI  - Embedded Fragment Removal and Wound Debridement in a Non-US Partner Force
      Soldier.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Review application of telemedicine support for removal of fragment and
      wound management. Clinical context: Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alpha
      deployed in Central Command area of responsibility operating out of a small aid
      station ("house" phase of prolonged field care) Organic expertise: 18D Special
      Operations Combat medic Closest medical support: Combined Joint Special
      Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) surgeon located in another country; thus, all
      consults were either via telephone or over Secret Internet Protocol Router e
      mail. Earliest evacuation: NA.

PMID- 28088831
TI  - Ultrasound-Guided Triage.

PMID- 28088832
TI  - From the Trails of Afghanistan to the Streets of America: COL (Ret) Andy Pennardt
      on Frontline Medical Care.

PMID- 28088833
TI  - Portuguese 2nd Parachute Battalion.

PMID- 28088834
TI  - Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care 7-8 September 2016: Meeting
      Highlights.

PMID- 28088835
TI  - National TEMS Initiative and Council NTIC Competency Domains/The TACMED
      Challenge!

PMID- 28088836
TI  - Upregulation of long noncoding RNA TUG1 promotes cervical cancer cell
      proliferation and migration.
AB  - Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a novel class of transcripts that have critical
      roles in carcinogenesis and progression, have emerged as important gene
      expression modulators. Recent evidence indicates that lncRNA taurine-upregulated
      gene 1 (TUG1) functions as an oncogene in numerous types of human cancers.
      However, its function in the development of cervical cancer remains unknown. The
      aim of this research was to investigate the clinical significance and biological
      functions of TUG1 in cervical cancer. TUG1 was found to be significantly
      upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and four cervical cancer cell lines by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Elevated TUG1
      expression was correlated with larger tumor size, advanced international
      federation of gynecology and obstetrics (FIGO) stage, poor differentiation, and
      lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, knockdown of TUG1 suppressed cell
      proliferation with activation of apoptosis, in part by regulating the expression
      of Bcl-2 and caspase-3. Silencing of TUG1 inhibited cell migration and invasion
      via the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Taken together,
      our findings indicate that TUG1 acts as an oncogene in cervical cancer and may
      represent a novel therapeutic target.

PMID- 28088837
TI  - Disease severity classification using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging
      data of cartilage in femoroacetabular impingement.
AB  - Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which subtle deformities of
      the femoral head and acetabulum (hip socket) result in pathological abutment
      during hip motion. FAI is a common cause of hip pain and can lead to acetabular
      cartilage damage and osteoarthritis. For some patients with FAI, surgical
      intervention is indicated, and it can improve quality of life and potentially
      delay the onset of osteoarthritis. For other patients, however, surgery is
      contraindicated because significant cartilage damage has already occurred.
      Unfortunately, current imaging modalities (X-rays and conventional MRI) are
      subjective and lack the sensitivity to distinguish these two groups reliably. In
      this paper, we describe the pairing of T2* mapping data (an investigational,
      objective MRI sequence) and a spatial proportional odds model for surgically
      obtained ordinal outcomes (Beck's scale of cartilage damage). Each hip in the
      study is assigned its own spatial dependence parameter, and a Dirichlet process
      prior distribution permits clustering of said parameters. Using the fitted model,
      we produce a six-color, patient-specific predictive map of the entire acetabular
      cartilage. Such maps will facilitate patient education and clinical decision
      making. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28088838
TI  - Re-evaluation of Phenotypic Expression in Differentiated-type Early
      Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach.
AB  - A total of 313 cases of differentiated-type early gastric adenocarcinomas,
      including 113 cases of small-sized carcinoma (5< * <=10 mm) and 121 cases of
      microcarcinoma (0< * <=5 mm), were examined immunohistochemically to clarify the
      phenotypic expressions. They were classified into four categories (gastric
      phenotype (G-type), intestinal phenotype, gastrointestinal phenotype, and null
      phenotype) by a two-step process: the phenotype based on an immunoprofile of
      mucin core proteins (MUCs) with CDX2 (w/.CDX2-assessment); and the phenotype of
      MUCs only (w/o.CDX2-assessment). CDX2 expression was observed in 89.1% (279/313);
      it was highly expressed in 87.6% (106/121) of microcarcinomas. MUC2 expression
      increased as tumor size increased (P < 0.05). Compared with w/o.CDX2-assessment,
      w/.CDX2-assessment showed significantly fewer G-type carcinomas (P < 0.05). Each
      phenotype marker was less expressed in the submucosal part than in the mucosal
      part. In conclusion, CDX2 was a sensitive marker for assessing intestinal
      phenotype. A large portion of the early differentiated-type adenocarcinomas
      expressed CDX2 from the very early stage of carcinogenesis, and the proportion of
      G-type was unexpectedly low. Lower expression of each phenotype marker was
      considered the cause of phenotype alteration during submucosal invasion.

PMID- 28088839
TI  - Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of the PDE4 Inhibitor TAK-648 in Type 2
      Diabetes: Early Translational Approaches for Human Dose Prediction.
AB  - TAK-648 is a PDE4 inhibitor with demonstrated preclinical antidiabetic
      properties. Our objective was to develop a translational
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model for human type 2 diabetes (T2D)
      dose prediction using HbA1c results from a db/db mouse study. Estimated
      parameters in combination with tPDE4i values calculated for the clinical
      roflumilast dose of 500 MUg were used to translate preclinical effects of TAK-648
      to required exposure in humans. A first-in-human study with single TAK-648 doses
      of 0.05-0.85 mg in healthy volunteers yielded mean maximum TAK-648 concentrations
      (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) values from 0.62-11.9 MUg/L and 4.58-93.8
      MUg*h/L, respectively. Based on the performed pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic
      analysis and clinical PK results, clinical efficacy would be expected at a daily
      dose of 0.1 mg, which is well within the investigated clinical dose range. This
      result significantly enhanced the confidence in TAK-648 for type 2 diabetes
      treatment and underlines the necessity of translational approaches in early
      preclinical phases.

PMID- 28088840
TI  - Evaluation of a Short-term Training Program in Bedside Emergency Ultrasound in
      Southwestern Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a short-term training program in emergency
      ultrasound on physician skills and attitudes in southwestern Tanzania. METHODS:
      Eight registrar physicians at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital (Mbeya, Tanzania)
      underwent a 5-day course in bedside emergency ultrasound, focusing primarily on
      the focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination, including didactic
      sessions, practical sessions, and on-job training. The impact on ultrasound
      knowledge was assessed by pretest and posttest evaluations. Provider skill was
      evaluated by a standardized observed simulated patient encounter. Attitudes
      toward ultrasound training, utility, and self-confidence were assessed by a post
      training questionnaire. RESULTS: All 8 physicians who began the training
      completed the course and successfully passed their objective structured clinical
      examination. There was a statistically significant improvement in written
      ultrasound test scores from 31% to 66% (P < .01) after the course. Most trainees
      felt confident performing and interpreting a basic focused assessment with
      sonography for trauma examination at the end of the course, and 7 of 8 stated
      that they would consider paying tuition for similar courses in the future. Main
      concerns with the course revolved around insufficient time dedicated to
      practicing under supervision. CONCLUSIONS: Registrar physicians in Tanzania can
      effectively learn basic emergency ultrasound skills in a short-term training
      program. Similar future programs may consider heavier emphasis on practical hands
      on training with experts. Ongoing data collection is required to understand the
      true impact of such training on long-term ultrasound use and patient outcomes.

PMID- 28088842
TI  - Unbiased split variable selection for random survival forests using maximally
      selected rank statistics.
AB  - The most popular approach for analyzing survival data is the Cox regression
      model. The Cox model may, however, be misspecified, and its proportionality
      assumption may not always be fulfilled. An alternative approach for survival
      prediction is random forests for survival outcomes. The standard split criterion
      for random survival forests is the log-rank test statistic, which favors
      splitting variables with many possible split points. Conditional inference
      forests avoid this split variable selection bias. However, linear rank statistics
      are utilized by default in conditional inference forests to select the optimal
      splitting variable, which cannot detect non-linear effects in the independent
      variables. An alternative is to use maximally selected rank statistics for the
      split point selection. As in conditional inference forests, splitting variables
      are compared on the p-value scale. However, instead of the conditional Monte
      Carlo approach used in conditional inference forests, p-value approximations are
      employed. We describe several p-value approximations and the implementation of
      the proposed random forest approach. A simulation study demonstrates that
      unbiased split variable selection is possible. However, there is a trade-off
      between unbiased split variable selection and runtime. In benchmark studies of
      prediction performance on simulated and real datasets, the new method performs
      better than random survival forests if informative dichotomous variables are
      combined with uninformative variables with more categories and better than
      conditional inference forests if non-linear covariate effects are included. In a
      runtime comparison, the method proves to be computationally faster than both
      alternatives, if a simple p-value approximation is used. Copyright (c) 2017 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28088841
TI  - Intracellular fate of Ureaplasma parvum entrapped by host cellular autophagy.
AB  - Genital mycoplasmas, including Ureaplasma spp., are among the smallest human
      pathogenic bacteria and are associated with preterm birth. Electron microscopic
      observation of U. parvum showed that these prokaryotes have a regular, spherical
      shape with a mean diameter of 146 nm. U. parvum was internalized into HeLa cells
      by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and survived for at least 14 days around the
      perinuclear region. Intracellular U. parvum reached endosomes in HeLa cells
      labeled with EEA1, Rab7, and LAMP-1 within 1 to 3 hr. After 3 hr of infection, U.
      parvum induced the cytosolic accumulation of galectin-3 and was subsequently
      entrapped by the autophagy marker LC3. However, when using atg7-/- MEF cells,
      autophagy was inadequate for the complete elimination of U. parvum in HeLa cells.
      U. parvum also colocalized with the recycling endosome marker Rab11. Furthermore,
      the exosomes purified from infected HeLa cell culture medium included U. parvum.
      In these purified exosomes ureaplasma lipoprotein multiple banded antigen, host
      cellular annexin A2, CD9, and CD63 were detected. This research has successfully
      shown that Ureaplasma spp. utilize the host cellular membrane compartments
      possibly to evade the host immune system.

PMID- 28088843
TI  - Evaluating surrogate marker information using censored data.
AB  - Given the long follow-up periods that are often required for treatment or
      intervention studies, the potential to use surrogate markers to decrease the
      required follow-up time is a very attractive goal. However, previous studies have
      shown that using inadequate markers or making inappropriate assumptions about the
      relationship between the primary outcome and surrogate marker can lead to
      inaccurate conclusions regarding the treatment effect. Currently available
      methods for identifying and validating surrogate markers tend to rely on
      restrictive model assumptions and/or focus on uncensored outcomes. The ability to
      use such methods in practice when the primary outcome of interest is a time-to
      event outcome is difficult because of censoring and missing surrogate information
      among those who experience the primary outcome before surrogate marker
      measurement. In this paper, we propose a novel definition of the proportion of
      treatment effect explained by surrogate information collected up to a specified
      time in the setting of a time-to-event primary outcome. Our proposed approach
      accommodates a setting where individuals may experience the primary outcome
      before the surrogate marker is measured. We propose a robust non-parametric
      procedure to estimate the defined quantity using censored data and use a
      perturbation-resampling procedure for variance estimation. Simulation studies
      demonstrate that the proposed procedures perform well in finite samples. We
      illustrate the proposed procedures by investigating two potential surrogate
      markers for diabetes using data from the Diabetes Prevention Program. Copyright
      (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28088844
TI  - Role of contrast CT for the diagnosis and the prognosis of suspected LVAD
      thrombosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need for further studies evaluating the role of
      imaging modalities in the management of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
      thrombosis. This study reviews the role of computed tomography (CT) in the
      diagnosis of suspected LVAD thrombosis. METHODS: All contrast chest CTs performed
      in patients with suspected LVAD thrombosis at the University of Minnesota between
      January 2008 and April 2014 were reviewed. Significant CT findings were
      identified, operative notes were reviewed, and patient outcomes were reported.
      RESULTS: A total of 32 contrast chest CT examinations were performed in 24
      patients with suspected LVAD thrombosis. LVAD thrombus was identified on CT in
      two patients (one in the outflow graft and one in the inflow cannula), and
      complications were found in two patients (one with inflow cannula malposition and
      one with outflow graft stenosis at aortic anastomosis site). Thirteen patients
      (67%) underwent LVAD explantation for clinically presumed LVAD thrombosis (LVAD
      exchange in seven, orthotopic heart transplant in six). LVAD thrombus was
      confirmed at the time of surgery in eight patients (62%; six in the motor, two in
      the outflow graft). CONCLUSIONS: CT has a low sensitivity but high specificity
      for detecting LVAD thrombus. The sensitivity is higher, but still modest for the
      detection of thrombus in the outflow cannula.

PMID- 28088845
TI  - '...it shows that there's no limits': the psychological impact of co-production
      for experts by experience working in youth mental health.
AB  - Co-production is commonly conceptualised as a more equal sharing of power and
      decision-making between a dichotomy of service user and service provider, each
      bringing valuable and different assets to the process. Experts by experience lie
      in the overlap between this conceptually created duality, providing the services
      they now do by virtue of having once used services themselves. Previous related
      studies suggest that their involvement in co-production could impact positively
      on their social capital, self-esteem, self-efficacy and life skills. However, no
      studies have been explicitly psychological or phenomenological in nature, and the
      theoretical basis for such outcomes remains under-developed. This
      phenomenological study explored the psychological impact of co-production for
      young people who were paid experts by experience for a young person's mental
      health charity in a large and diverse urban area in the UK, looking at the what
      of psychological impact, as well as the theoretical why and how. Semi-structured
      interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of five males, with a mean
      age of 25 years. Interpretative phenomenological analysis yielded three master
      themes: the co-production approach, I'm a professional and identities in
      transition. Participants valued a collegiate organisational approach that
      prioritised empowerment, agency and equality between experts by experience and
      'experts by qualification', leading to a positive impact on their self-efficacy
      and self-esteem. Co-production impacted fundamentally on their identity
      structure, enabling them to explore a new identity as a 'professional'. The
      results are framed within identity process theory and point to the potential
      benefits of this model to co-production.

PMID- 28088846
TI  - Fermi Level Pinning at Electrical Metal Contacts of Monolayer Molybdenum
      Dichalcogenides.
AB  - Electrical metal contacts to two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting transition metal
      dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are found to be the key bottleneck to the realization of
      high device performance due to strong Fermi level pinning and high contact
      resistances (Rc). Until now, Fermi level pinning of monolayer TMDCs has been
      reported only theoretically, although that of bulk TMDCs has been reported
      experimentally. Here, we report the experimental study on Fermi level pinning of
      monolayer MoS2 and MoTe2 by interpreting the thermionic emission results. We also
      quantitatively compared our results with the theoretical simulation results of
      the monolayer structure as well as the experimental results of the bulk
      structure. We measured the pinning factor S to be 0.11 and -0.07 for monolayer
      MoS2 and MoTe2, respectively, suggesting a much stronger Fermi level pinning
      effect, a Schottky barrier height (SBH) lower than that by theoretical
      prediction, and interestingly similar pinning energy levels between monolayer and
      bulk MoS2. Our results further imply that metal work functions have very little
      influence on contact properties of 2D-material-based devices. Moreover, we found
      that Rc is exponentially proportional to SBH, and these processing parameters can
      be controlled sensitively upon chemical doping into the 2D materials. These
      findings provide a practical guideline for depinning Fermi level at the 2D
      interfaces so that polarity control of TMDC-based semiconductors can be achieved
      efficiently.

PMID- 28088847
TI  - Vapor and Gas-Bubble Growth Dynamics around Laser-Irradiated, Water-Immersed
      Plasmonic Nanoparticles.
AB  - Microbubbles produced by exposing water-immersed metallic nanoparticles to
      resonant light play an important role in emerging and efficient plasmonic
      enhanced processes for catalytic conversion, solar energy harvesting, biomedical
      imaging, and cancer therapy. How do these bubbles form, and what is their gas
      composition? In this paper, the growth dynamics of nucleating bubbles around
      laser-irradiated, water-immersed Au plasmonic nanoparticles are studied to
      determine the exact origin of the occurrence and growth of these bubbles. The
      microbubbles' contact angle, footprint diameter, and radius of curvature were
      measured in air-equilibrated water (AEW) and degassed water (DGW) with fast
      imaging. Our experimental data reveals that the growth dynamics can be divided
      into two regimes: an initial bubble nucleation phase (regime I, < 10 ms) and,
      subsequently a bubble growth phase (regime II). The explosive growth in regime I
      is identical for AEW and DGW due to the vaporization of water. However, the
      slower growth in regime II is distinctly different for AEW and DGW, which is
      attributed to the uptake of dissolved gas expelled from the water around the hot
      nanoparticle. Our scaling analysis reveals that the bubble radius scales with
      time as R(t) ? t1/6 for both AEW and DGW in the initial regime I, whereas in the
      later regime II it scales as R(t) ? t1/3 for AEW and is constant for perfectly
      degassed water. These scaling relations are consistent with the experiments.

PMID- 28088848
TI  - Mercury Bioaccumulation in Estuarine Fishes: Novel Insights from Sulfur Stable
      Isotopes.
AB  - Estuaries are transitional habitats characterized by complex biogeochemical and
      ecological gradients that result in substantial variation in fish total mercury
      concentrations (THg). We leveraged these gradients and used carbon (delta13C),
      nitrogen (delta15N), and sulfur (delta34S) stable isotopes to examine the
      ecological and biogeochemical processes underlying THg bioaccumulation in fishes
      from the San Francisco Bay Estuary. We employed a tiered approach that first
      examined processes influencing variation in fish THg among wetlands, and
      subsequently examined the roles of habitat and within-wetland processes in
      generating larger-scale patterns in fish THg. We found that delta34S, an
      indicator of sulfate reduction and habitat specific-foraging, was correlated with
      fish THg at all three spatial scales. Over the observed ranges of delta34S, THg
      concentrations in fish increased by up to 860% within wetlands, 560% among
      wetlands, and 291% within specific impounded wetland habitats. In contrast,
      delta13C and delta15N were not correlated with THg among wetlands and were only
      important in low salinity impounded wetlands, possibly reflecting more diverse
      food webs in this habitat. Together, our results highlight the key roles of
      sulfur biogeochemistry and ecology in influencing estuarine fish THg, as well as
      the importance of fish ecology and habitat in modulating the relationships
      between biogeochemical processes and Hg bioaccumulation.

PMID- 28088849
TI  - Effect of Gallium Exposure in Arabidopsis thaliana is Similar to Aluminum Stress.
AB  - Although gallium (Ga) is a rare element, it is widely used in semiconductor
      devices. Ga contamination of the environment has been found in semiconductor
      producing countries. Here, the physiological and molecular impacts of Ga in the
      model plant Arabidopsis thaliana were investigated in medium culture. The primary
      symptom of Ga toxicity is inhibition of root growth. The increased production of
      malondialdehyde (MDA) suggests that Ga stress could cause oxidative damage in
      plants. Roots were the main Ga accumulating sites. The distinctive Ga granules
      were deposited within the intercellular space in roots. The granules are Ga(OH)3
      precipitation, which indicates immobilization or limited translocation of Ga in
      A. thaliana. Ga stress induces root secretion of organic acids such as citrate
      and malate. The expression of the transporters AtALMT and AtMATE, responsible for
      citrate and malate secretion, respectively, were elevated under Ga stress, so the
      secretion may play a role in the resistance. Indeed, supplying exogenous citrate
      significantly enhanced Ga tolerance. The overall response to Ga exposure in A.
      thaliana is highly similar to that with aluminum stress. Our findings provide
      information for risk assessment in Ga-contaminated soil.

PMID- 28088850
TI  - Importance of Interlayer Equivalent Pores for Anion Diffusion in Clay-Rich
      Sedimentary Rocks.
AB  - The anion exclusion behavior in two different clay stones, Opalinus Clay (OPA)
      and Helvetic Marl (HM), was studied using a well-established experimental through
      diffusion technique. The ionic strength of the pore water was varied between 0.01
      and 5 M to evaluate its effect on the diffusion of HTO and 36Cl-. The total
      porosity determined by HTO-diffusion was independent of the ionic strength, while
      the anion accessible porosity varies with the ionic strength of the pore water.
      In the case of Opalinus Clay, the anion accessible porosity increases from 3% at
      low ionic strength (0.01 M) up to 8.4% at high ionic strength (5 M), whereas the
      anion accessible porosity of Helvetic Marl increases from 0.6% up to only 1.1%.
      The anion exclusion effect in HM is thus more pronounced than that in OPA, even
      at high ionic strength. This observation can be correlated to differences in
      mineralogy and to the fact that HM has a larger fraction of interlayer equivalent
      pores. Interlayer equivalent pores are small pores in compressed clay stones that
      are small enough to have, because of overlapping electric double layers,
      properties similar to those of interlayers and are therefore rather inaccessible
      for anions.

PMID- 28088851
TI  - Monitoring the Reaction Process During the S2 -> S3 Transition in Photosynthetic
      Water Oxidation Using Time-Resolved Infrared Spectroscopy.
AB  - Photosynthetic water oxidation performed at the Mn4CaO5 cluster in photosystem II
      plays a crucial role in energy production as electron and proton sources
      necessary for CO2 fixation. Molecular oxygen, a byproduct, is a source of the
      oxygenic atmosphere that sustains life on earth. However, the molecular mechanism
      of water oxidation is not yet well-understood. In the reaction cycle of
      intermediates called S states, the S2 -> S3 transition is particularly important;
      it consists of multiple processes of electron transfer, proton release, and water
      insertion, and generates an intermediate leading to O-O bond formation. In this
      study, we monitored the reaction process during the S2 -> S3 transition using
      time-resolved infrared spectroscopy to clarify its molecular mechanism. A change
      in the hydrogen-bond interaction of the oxidized YZ* radical, an immediate
      electron acceptor of the Mn4CaO5 cluster, was clearly observed as a ~100 MUs
      phase before the electron-transfer phase with a time constant of ~350 MUs. This
      observation provides strong experimental evidence that rearrangement of the
      hydrogen-bond network around YZ*, possibly due to the movement of a water
      molecule located near YZ* to the Mn site, takes place before the electron
      transfer. The electron transfer was coupled with proton release, as revealed by a
      relatively high deuterium kinetic isotope effect of 1.9. This proton release,
      which decreases the redox potential of the Mn4CaO5 cluster to facilitate electron
      transfer to YZ*, was proposed to determine, as a rate-limiting step, the
      relatively slow electron-transfer rate of the S2 -> S3 transition.

PMID- 28088852
TI  - Plasmonic Imaging of Surface Electrochemical Reactions of Single Gold Nanowires.
AB  - Nanomaterials have been widely used in energy and sensing applications because of
      their unique chemical and physical properties, especially their surface
      reactions. Measuring the local reactions of individual nanomaterials, however,
      has been an experimental challenge. Here we report on plasmonic imaging of
      surface electrochemical reactions of individual gold nanowires (AuNWs). We coated
      a gold thin film (plasmonic sensing layer) with a dielectric layer (Cytop) with
      refractive index close to that of water, and then a graphene layer for electrical
      contact. This design removed the interference from the sensing layer while
      preserving sharp surface plasmon resonance, which allowed us to obtain cyclic
      voltammograms of surface electrochemistry of individual AuNWs for the first time.
      We also investigated the difference in the electrochemical reactions of AuNWs and
      Au surfaces, and local distribution of electrochemical activities within a single
      AuNW.

PMID- 28088853
TI  - The Formation of Ti-H Species at Interface Is Lethal to the Efficiency of TiO2
      Based Dye-Sensitized Devices.
AB  - TiO2-based dye-sensitization cycle is one of the basic strategies for the
      development of solar energy applications. Although the power conversion
      efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized devices has been improved through constant
      attempts, the intrinsically fatal factor that leads to the complete failure of
      the PCE of TiO2-mediated dye-sensitized devices has not yet been determined.
      Here, by using isotopically labeled MAS-1H NMR, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy (separate
      H/D and 48Ti/49Ti experiments), and ESR, we revealed that the accumulative
      formation of Ti-H species on the TiO2 surface is the intrinsic cause of the PCE
      failure of TiO2-based dye-sensitization devices. Such a Ti-H species is generated
      from the reduction of hydrogen ions (mostly released from dye carboxyl groups or
      organic electrolyte) accompanied by electron injection on the surface of TiO2,
      which deteriorates the PCE mainly by reducing the electrical conductivity of the
      TiO2 (by a maximum of ~80%) and the hydrophilic nature of the TiO2 surface
      (contact angle increased).

PMID- 28088854
TI  - Conjugated Covalent Organic Frameworks via Michael Addition-Elimination.
AB  - Dynamic covalent chemistry enables self-assembly of reactive building blocks into
      structurally complex yet robust materials, such as covalent organic frameworks
      (COFs). However, the synthetic toolbox used to prepare such materials, and thus
      the spectrum of attainable properties, is very limited. For pi-conjugated COFs,
      the Schiff base condensation of aldehydes and amines is the only general dynamic
      reaction, but the resulting imine-linked COFs display only a moderate electron
      delocalization and are susceptible to hydrolysis, particularly in acidic
      conditions. Here we report a new dynamic polymerization based on Michael addition
      elimination reaction of structurally diverse beta-ketoenols with amines, and use
      it to prepare novel two-dimensional (2D) pi-conjugated COFs, as crystalline
      powders and exfoliated micron-size sheets. pi-Conjugation is manifested in these
      COFs in significantly reduced band gap (1.8-2.2 eV), solid state luminescence and
      reversible electrochemical doping creating midgap (NIR absorbing) polaronic
      states. The beta-ketoenamine moiety enables protonation control of electron
      delocalization through the 2D COF sheets. It also gives rise to direct sensing of
      triacetone triperoxide (TATP) explosive through fluorescence quenching.

PMID- 28088855
TI  - Atom-Economic Synthesis of Pentaleno[2,1-b]indoles via Tandem Cyclization of
      Alkynones Initiated by Aminopalladation.
AB  - An atom-economic Pd(OAc)2-catalyzed tandem cyclization of alkynones to synthesize
      pentaleno[2,1-b]indoles was developed efficiently. In the formed tetracyclic
      indole framework, two neighboring stereocenters, one being all-carbon quaternary,
      are being constructed in a single process with excellent diastereoselectivity.
      This reaction was initiated by aminopalladation of alkynes and quenched by
      addition to the intramolecular carbonyl groups.

PMID- 28088856
TI  - Hollow Carbon Spheres with Abundant Micropores for Enhanced CO2 Adsorption.
AB  - The interest in the design and controllable fabrication of hollow carbon spheres
      (HCSs) emanates from their tremendous potential applications in adsorption,
      energy conversion and storage, and catalysis. However, the effective synthesis of
      uniform HCSs with high surface area and abundant micropores remains a challenge.
      In this work, HCSs with tunable microporous shells were rationally synthesized
      via the hard-template method using resorcinol (R) and formaldehyde (F) as a
      carbon precursor. HCSs with a very high surface area (1369 m2/g) and abundant
      micropores (0.53 cm3/g) can be obtained with the assistance of additional
      inorganic silanes (TEOS) simultaneously with the carbon source (RF).
      Interestingly, the extra-abundant micropores showed favorable adsorption for CO2,
      resulting in a 1.5 times increase in the CO2 adsorption capacity compared to that
      of normal HCSs under the same conditions. Meanwhile, these HCSs hold potential
      for use in the separation of gases such as CO2 and N2.

PMID- 28088857
TI  - Methane Activation by Tantalum Carbide Cluster Anions Ta2C4.
AB  - Methane activation by transition metals is of fundamental interest and practical
      importance, as this process is extensively involved in the natural gas conversion
      to fuels and value-added chemicals. While single-metal centers have been well
      recognized as active sites for methane activation, the active center composed of
      two or more metal atoms is rarely addressed and the detailed reaction mechanism
      remains unclear. Here, by using state-of-the-art time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry, cryogenic anion photoelectron imaging spectroscopy, and quantum
      chemical calculations, the cooperation of the two Ta atoms in a dinuclear carbide
      cluster Ta2C4- for methane activation has been identified. The C-H bond
      activation takes place predominantly around one Ta atom in the initial stage of
      the reaction and the second Ta atom accepts the delivered H atom from the C-H
      bond cleavage. The well-resolved vibrational spectra of the cryogenically cooled
      anions agree well with theoretical simulations, allowing the clear
      characterization of the structure of Ta2C4- cluster. The reactivity comparison
      between Ta2C4- cluster and the carbon-less analogues (Ta2C3- and Ta2C2-)
      demonstrated that the cooperative effect of the two metal atoms can be well tuned
      by the carbon ligands in terms of methane activation and transformation.

PMID- 28088858
TI  - From Blue to Green: Fine-Tuning of Photoluminescence and Electrochemiluminescence
      in Bifunctional Organic Dyes.
AB  - We describe the synthesis, computational analysis, photophysics, electrochemistry
      and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of a series of compounds formed of two
      triphenylamines linked by a fluorene or spirobifluorene bridge. The phenylamine
      moieties were modified at the para-position of the two external rings by electron
      withdrawing or electron-donating substituents. These modifications allowed for
      fine-tuning of the photoluminescence (PL) and ECL emission from blue to green,
      with an overall wavelength span of 73 (PL) and 67 (ECL) nm, respectively. For all
      compounds, we observed a very high PL quantum yield (79-89%) and formation of
      stable radical ions. The ECL properties were investigated by direct annihilation
      of the electrogenerated radical anion and radical cation. The radical-ion
      annihilation process is very efficient and causes an intense greenish-blue ECL
      emission, easily observable even by naked eye, with quantum yield higher than the
      standard 9,10-diphenylanthracene. The ECL spectra show one single band that
      almost matches the PL band. Because the energy of the annihilation reaction is
      higher than that required to form the singlet excited state, the S-route is
      considered the favored pathway followed by the ECL process in these molecules.
      All these features point to this type of molecular system as promising for ECL
      applications.

PMID- 28088859
TI  - Determination of the Geographical Origin of All Commercial Hake Species by Stable
      Isotope Ratio (SIR) Analysis.
AB  - The determination of the geographical origin of food products is relevant to
      comply with the legal regulations of traceability, to avoid food fraud, and to
      guarantee food quality and safety to the consumers. For these reasons, stable
      isotope ratio (SIR) analysis using an isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS)
      instrument is one of the most useful techniques for evaluating food traceability
      and authenticity. The present study was aimed to determine, for the first time,
      the geographical origin for all commercial fish species belonging to the
      Merlucciidae family using SIR analysis of carbon (delta13C) and nitrogen
      (delta15N). The specific results enabled their clear classification according to
      the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) fishing areas,
      latitude, and geographical origin in the following six different clusters:
      European, North African, South African, North American, South American, and
      Australian hake species.

PMID- 28088860
TI  - Combined Experimental and Computational Study on the Unimolecular Decomposition
      of JP-8 Jet Fuel Surrogates. I. n-Decane (n-C10H22).
AB  - Exploiting a high temperature chemical reactor, we explored the pyrolysis of
      helium-seeded n-decane as a surrogate of the n-alkane fraction of Jet Propellant
      8 (JP-8) over a temperature range of 1100-1600 K at a pressure of 600 Torr. The
      nascent products were identified in situ in a supersonic molecular beam via
      single photon vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization coupled with a mass
      spectroscopic analysis of the ions in a reflectron time-of-flight mass
      spectrometer (ReTOF). Our studies probe, for the first time, the initial reaction
      products formed in the decomposition of n-decane-including radicals and thermally
      labile closed-shell species effectively excluding mass growth processes. The
      present study identified 18 products: molecular hydrogen (H2), C2 to C7 1-alkenes
      [ethylene (C2H4) to 1-heptene (C7H14)], C1-C3 radicals [methyl (CH3), vinyl
      (C2H3), ethyl (C2H5), propargyl (C3H3), allyl (C3H5)], small C1-C3 hydrocarbons
      [methane (CH4), acetylene (C2H2), allene (C3H4), methylacetylene (C3H4)], along
      with higher-order reaction products [1,3-butadiene (C4H6), 2-butene (C4H8)]. On
      the basis of electronic structure calculations, n-decane decomposes initially by
      C-C bond cleavage (excluding the terminal C-C bonds) producing a mixture of alkyl
      radicals from ethyl to octyl. These alkyl radicals are unstable under the
      experimental conditions and rapidly dissociate by C-C bond beta-scission to split
      ethylene (C2H4) plus a 1-alkyl radical with the number of carbon atoms reduced by
      two and 1,4-, 1,5-, 1,6-, or 1,7-H shifts followed by C-C beta-scission producing
      alkenes from propene to 1-octene in combination with smaller 1-alkyl radicals.
      The higher alkenes become increasingly unstable with rising temperature. When the
      C-C beta-scission continues all the way to the propyl radical (C3H7), it
      dissociates producing methyl (CH3) plus ethylene (C2H4). Also, at higher
      temperatures, hydrogen atoms can abstract hydrogen from C10H22 to yield n-decyl
      radicals, while methyl (CH3) can also abstract hydrogen or recombine with
      hydrogen to form methane. These n-decyl radicals can decompose via C-C-bond beta
      scission to C3 to C9 alkenes.

PMID- 28088861
TI  - Ultrasensitive Label-Free Nanosensing and High-Speed Tracking of Single Proteins.
AB  - Label-free detection, analysis, and rapid tracking of nanoparticles is crucial
      for future ultrasensitive sensing applications, ranging from understanding of
      biological interactions to the study of size-dependent classical-quantum
      transitions. Yet optical techniques to distinguish nanoparticles directly among
      their background remain challenging. Here we present amplified interferometric
      scattering microscopy (a-iSCAT) as a new all-optical method capable of detecting
      individual nanoparticles as small as 15 kDa proteins that is equivalent to half a
      GFP. By balancing scattering and reflection amplitudes the interference contrast
      of the nanoparticle signal is amplified 1 to 2 orders of magnitude. Beyond high
      sensitivity, a-iSCAT allows high-speed image acquisition exceeding several
      hundreds of frames-per-second. We showcase the performance of our approach by
      detecting single Streptavidin binding events and by tracking single Ferritin
      proteins at 400 frames-per-second with 12 nm localization precision over seconds.
      Moreover, due to its extremely simple experimental realization, this advancement
      finally enables a cheap and routine implementation of label-free all-optical
      single nanoparticle detection platforms with sensitivity operating at the single
      protein level.

PMID- 28088863
TI  - Detection of Multiconfigurational States of Hydrogen-Passivated Silicene
      Nanoclusters.
AB  - Utilizing density functional theory (DFT) and a complete active space self
      consistent field (CASSCF) approach,we study the electronic properties of
      rectangular silicene nano clusters with hydrogen passivated edges denoted by H
      SiNCs (nz,na), with nz and na representing the zigzag and armchair directions,
      respectively. The results show that in the nz direction, the H-SiNCs prefer to be
      in a singlet (S = 0) ground state for nz > na. However, a transition from a
      singlet (S = 0) to a triplet (S = 1) ground state is revealed for na > nz.
      Through the calculated Raman spectrum, the S = 0 and S = 1 ground states can be
      observed by the E2g (G) and A (D) Raman modes. Furthermore, H-SiNC clusters are
      shown to have HOMO-LUMO (HL) energy gaps, which decrease as a function of na and
      nz for S = 0 and S = 1 states. The H-SiNC with a S = 1 ground state can be
      potentially used for silicene-based spintronic devices.

PMID- 28088862
TI  - Self-Assembling Peptide Epitopes as Novel Platform for Anticancer Vaccination.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to improve the immunogenicity of peptide epitope
      vaccines using novel nanocarriers based on self-assembling materials. Several
      studies demonstrated that peptide antigens in nanoparticulate form induce
      stronger immune responses than their soluble forms. However, several issues such
      as poor loading and risk of inducing T cell anergy due to premature release of
      antigenic epitopes have challenged the clinical success of such systems. In the
      present study, we developed two vaccine delivery systems by appending a self
      assembling peptide (Ac-AAVVLLLW-COOH) or a thermosensitive polymer poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAm) to the N-terminus of different peptide antigens
      (OVA250-264, HPV-E743-57) to generate self-assembling peptide epitopes (SAPEs).
      The obtained results showed that the SAPEs were able to form nanostructures with
      a diameter from 20 to 200 nm. The SAPEs adjuvanted with CpG induced and expanded
      antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in mice. Furthermore, tumor-bearing mice vaccinated
      with SAPEs harboring the HPV E743-57 peptide showed a delayed tumor growth and an
      increased survival compared to sham-treated mice. In conclusion, self-assembling
      peptide based systems increase the immunogenicity of peptide epitope vaccines and
      therefore warrants further development toward clinical use.

PMID- 28088864
TI  - Integrated, High-Throughput, Multiomics Platform Enables Data-Driven Construction
      of Cellular Responses and Reveals Global Drug Mechanisms of Action.
AB  - An understanding of how cells respond to perturbation is essential for biological
      applications; however, most approaches for profiling cellular response are
      limited in scope to pre-established targets. Global analysis of molecular
      mechanism will advance our understanding of the complex networks constituting
      cellular perturbation and lead to advancements in areas, such as infectious
      disease pathogenesis, developmental biology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and
      toxicology. We have developed a high-throughput multiomics platform for
      comprehensive, de novo characterization of cellular mechanisms of action.
      Platform validation using cisplatin as a test compound demonstrates
      quantification of over 10 000 unique, significant molecular changes in less than
      30 days. These data provide excellent coverage of known cisplatin-induced
      molecular changes and previously unrecognized insights into cisplatin resistance.
      This proof-of-principle study demonstrates the value of this platform as a
      resource to understand complex cellular responses in a high-throughput manner.

PMID- 28088865
TI  - Mass Spectrometry of Intact Proteins Reveals +98 u Chemical Artifacts Following
      Precipitation in Acetone.
AB  - Protein precipitation in acetone is frequently employed ahead of mass
      spectrometry for sample preconcentration and purification. Unfortunately, acetone
      is not chemically inert; mass artifacts have previously been observed on glycine
      containing peptides when exposed to acetone under acidic conditions. We herein
      report a distinct chemical modification occurring at the level of intact proteins
      when incubated in acetone. This artifact manifests as one or more satellite peaks
      in the MS spectrum of intact protein, spaced 98 u above the mass of the
      unmodified protein. Other artifacts (+84, +112 u) also appear upon incubation of
      proteins or peptides in acetone. The reaction is pH-sensitive, being suppressed
      when proteins are exposed to acetone under acidic conditions. The +98 u artifact
      is speculated to originate through an intermediate product of aldol condensation
      of acetone to form diacetone alcohol and mesityl oxide. A +98 u product could
      originate from nucleophilic attack on mesityl oxide or through condensation with
      diacetone alcohol. Given the extent of modification possible upon exposure of
      proteins to acetone, particularly following overnight solvent exposure or
      incubation at room temperature, an awareness of the variables influencing this
      novel modification is valued by proteomics researchers who employ acetone
      precipitation for protein purification.

PMID- 28088866
TI  - Combined Experimental and Computational Study on the Unimolecular Decomposition
      of JP-8 Jet Fuel Surrogates. II: n-Dodecane (n-C12H26).
AB  - We investigated temperature-dependent products in the pyrolysis of helium-seeded
      n-dodecane, which represents a surrogate of the n-alkane fraction of Jet
      Propellant-8 (JP-8) aviation fuel. The experiments were performed in a high
      temperature chemical reactor over a temperature range of 1200 K to 1600 K at a
      pressure of 600 Torr, with in situ identification of the nascent products in a
      supersonic molecular beam using single photon vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)
      photoionization coupled with the analysis of the ions in a reflectron time-of
      flight mass spectrometer (ReTOF). For the first time, the initial decomposition
      products of n-dodecane-including radicals and thermally labile closed-shell
      species-were probed in experiments, which effectively exclude mass growth
      processes. A total of 15 different products were identified, such as molecular
      hydrogen (H2), C2 to C7 1-alkenes [ethylene (C2H4) to 1-heptene (C7H14)], C1-C3
      radicals [methyl (CH3), ethyl (C2H5), allyl (C3H5)], small C1-C3 hydrocarbons
      [acetylene (C2H2), allene (C3H4), methylacetylene (C3H4)], as well as the
      reaction products [1,3-butadiene (C4H6), 2-butene (C4H8)] attributed to higher
      order processes. Electronic structure calculations carried out at the
      G3(CCSD,MP2)//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory combined with RRKM/master
      equation of rate constants for relevant reaction steps showed that n-dodecane
      decomposes initially by a nonterminal C-C bond cleavage and producing a mixture
      of alkyl radicals from ethyl to decyl with approximately equal branching ratios.
      The alkyl radicals appear to be unstable under the experimental conditions and to
      rapidly dissociate either directly by C-C bond beta-scission to produce ethylene
      (C2H4) plus a smaller 1-alkyl radical with the number of carbon atoms diminished
      by two or via 1,5-, 1,6-, or 1,7- 1,4-, 1,9-, or 1,8-H shifts followed by C-C
      beta-scission producing alkenes from propene to 1-nonene together with smaller 1
      alkyl radicals. The stability and hence the branching ratios of higher alkenes
      decrease as temperature increases. The C-C beta-scission continues all the way to
      the propyl radical (C3H7), which dissociates to methyl (CH3) plus ethylene
      (C2H4). In addition, at higher temperatures, another mechanism can contribute, in
      which hydrogen atoms abstract hydrogen from C12H26 producing various n-dodecyl
      radicals and these radicals then decompose by C-C bond beta-scission to C3 to C11
      alkenes.

PMID- 28088867
TI  - The political use of psychiatry: A comparison between totalitarian regimes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After the end of Second World War, the recent experience of the Nazi
      horrors stimulated a debate about the political use of psychiatry. Over the
      years, the focus shifted on major dictatorships of the time and especially on
      Soviet Union. AIMS: This article aims to provide a critical review of the ways in
      which psychiatry was used by totalitarian regimes of the 20th century. METHODS:
      We summarized relevant literature about political use of psychiatry in
      totalitarian regimes of the 20th century, with particular focus on Fascism,
      Nazism, Argentina dictatorship, Soviet Union and China. RESULTS: One of the
      features that are common to most of the dictatorships is that the use of
      psychiatry has become more prominent when the regimes have had the need to make
      more acceptable the imprisonment of enemies in the eyes of the world. This for
      example happened in the Nazi regime when sterilization and killing of psychiatric
      patients was explained as a kind of euthanasia, or in the Soviet Union after the
      formal closure of the corrective labor camps and the slow resumption of relations
      with the capitalistic world, or in China to justify persecution of religious
      minorities and preserve economic relations with Western countries. CONCLUSION:
      Psychiatry has been variously used by totalitarian regimes as a means of
      political persecution and especially when it was necessary to make acceptable to
      public opinion the imprisonment of political opponents.

PMID- 28088868
TI  - Prognostic values of Ki-67 in neoadjuvant setting for breast cancer: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: To assess the prognostic values of Ki-67 in neoadjuvant setting for breast
      cancer patients. METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE were searched. Revman software was
      used to conduct random-effect model meta-analysis. RESULTS: 49 studies (14,076
      patients) were included. High Ki-67 before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      were associated with worse overall survival (OS; before: hazard ratio [HR]: 2.29;
      95% CI: 1.42-3.69; after: HR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.82-2.75) and disease-free survival
      (DFS; before: HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.23-1.95; after: HR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.83-2.37).
      Low/no reduction or increase might be associated with worse DFS (HR: 2.13; 95%
      CI: 1.51-3.02) and OS. CONCLUSION: Ki-67 before and after neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy, as well as the change could predict the prognosis for breast cancer
      patients.

PMID- 28088869
TI  - Moving from Public Health Failure to Opportunity.

PMID- 28088870
TI  - Fatal Relapse of Myelodysplastic Syndrome in a Patient with HIV/Hepatitis C
      Coinfection Treated with Simeprevir/Sofosbuvir.
AB  - Registrational studies and observational cohorts clearly suggest sustained
      virologic response (SVR) rates in HIV-/hepatitis C-coinfected patients are
      similar to monoinfected patients when utilizing interferon-free regimens, and
      this can be accomplished with agents that are well tolerated with minimal adverse
      events. These randomized trials that led to the approval of several of our new
      direct-acting antiviral agents, however, specifically excluded patients who had
      significant comorbidities and none to our knowledge accepted patients with a
      history of cancer. Therefore, the effect of treatment of active hepatitis C in
      such patients and the effect on preexisting neoplasia are relatively unknown. We
      prospectively followed a 62-year-old male coinfected with HIV/hepatitis C who had
      a history of anal squamous cell carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, renal cell
      carcinoma all clinically cured and a myelodysplastic syndrome that was in
      remission. The patient achieved an SVR of hepatitis C with simeprevir/sofosbuvir
      without ribavirin and died shortly thereafter of a fatal relapse of his
      previously clinically controlled myelodysplastic syndrome.

PMID- 28088871
TI  - Herbal Medicine Practices of Patients With Liver Cancer in Peru: A Comprehensive
      Study Toward Integrative Cancer Management.
AB  - RATIONALE: The highest burden of liver cancer occurs in developing countries,
      where the use of herbal medicine (HM) is still widespread. Despite this trend,
      few studies have been conducted to report HM practices of patients with a hepatic
      tumor in the developing world. Hence, this study aimed to document the use of HM
      among patients with liver cancer in Peru. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A comparative
      behavioral epidemiological survey was conducted among liver cancer patients
      attending the National Cancer Institute of Peru. Information was obtained by
      direct interviews based on a semistructured questionnaire. The use of HM in
      Peruvian liver cancer patients was reported, first, regarding general consumption
      prior to the onset of disease, and second, after the appearance of symptoms that
      patients would relate to their tumor. In parallel, general consumption of HM in
      noncancerous people was assessed as a comparative figure. A correspondence
      analysis was performed to reveal potential associations between the symptoms of
      cancer and the specific use of HM. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients and 117
      noncancerous individuals participated in the survey. Overall, 68.3% of the people
      interviewed claimed to use HM on a regular basis for general health preservation.
      Furthermore, 56.8% of the patients turned to plants first to treat the disorders
      for which they later came to the cancer care center. When compared with the
      number of plant species used routinely (n = 78), a selection of plants was made
      by patients in response to the symptoms of cancer (n = 46). At least 2 plant
      species, Aloe vera and Morinda citrifolia, were significantly associated with the
      treatment of liver cancer-related symptoms in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS: The
      present study is the first survey on the HM practices of patients with liver
      cancer in Latin America and, more broadly, in the developing world. Our findings
      confirm that HM remains one of the principal primary health care resources in
      Peru, even for a severe disease like liver cancer. These traditional,
      complementary and alternative medicine practices should be taken into
      consideration in Peruvian health programs aiming to educate the population in
      cancer prevention and treatment, as well as integrative cancer management.

PMID- 28088872
TI  - Prognostic prediction by liver tissue proteomic profiling in patients with
      colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - AIM: To obtain proteomic profiles in patients with colorectal liver metastases
      (CRLM) and identify the relationship between profiles and the prognosis of CRLM
      patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: Prognosis prediction (favorable or unfavorable
      according to Fong's score) by a classification and regression tree algorithm of
      surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization TOF-MS proteomic profiles from
      cryopreserved CRLM (patients) and normal liver tissue (controls). RESULTS: The
      protein peak 7371 m/z showed the clearest differences between CRLM and control
      groups (94.1% sensitivity, 100% specificity, p < 0.001). The algorithm that best
      differentiated favorable and unfavorable groups combined 2970 and 2871 m/z
      protein peaks (100% sensitivity, 90% specificity). CONCLUSION: Proteomic
      profiling in liver samples using classification and regression tree algorithms is
      a promising technique to differentiate healthy subjects from CRLM patients and to
      classify the severity of CRLM patients.

PMID- 28088873
TI  - Developmental Changes in Ultradian Sleep Cycles across Early Childhood.
AB  - Nocturnal human sleep is composed of cycles between rapid eye movement (REM)
      sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep. In adults, the structure of ultradian cycles
      between NREM and REM sleep is well characterized; however, less is known about
      the developmental trajectories of ultradian sleep cycles across early childhood.
      Cross-sectional studies indicate that the rapid ultradian cycling of active-quiet
      sleep in infancy shifts to a more adult-like pattern of NREM-REM sleep cycling by
      the school-age years, yet longitudinal studies elucidating the details of this
      transition are scarce. To address this gap, we examined ultradian cycling during
      nocturnal sleep following 13 h of prior wakefulness in 8 healthy children at 3
      longitudinal points: 2Y (2.5-3.0 years of age), 3Y (3.5-4.0 years of age), and 5Y
      (5.5-6.0 years of age). We found that the length of ultradian cycles increased
      with age as a result of increased NREM sleep episode duration. In addition, we
      observed a significant decrease in the number of NREM sleep episodes as well as a
      nonsignificant trend for a decrease in the number of cycles with increasing age.
      Together, these findings suggest a concurrent change in which cycle duration
      increases and the number of cycles decreases across development. We also found
      that, consistent with data from adolescents and adults, the duration of NREM
      sleep episodes decreased with time since lights-off whereas the duration of REM
      sleep episodes increased over this time period. These results indicate the
      presence of circadian modulation of nocturnal sleep in preschool children. In
      addition to characterizing changes in ultradian cycling in healthy children ages
      2 to 5 years, this work describes a developmental model that may provide insights
      into the emergence of normal adult REM sleep regulatory circuitry as well as
      potential trajectories of dysregulated ultradian cycles such as those associated
      with affective disorders.

PMID- 28088875
TI  - Goldstein et al.'s Secondary Analysis of Progesterone Clinical Trial for
      Traumatic Brain Injury Can Only Reflect the Same Trial Design Flaws: A Response
      to "Very Early Administration of Progesterone Does Not Improve Neuropsychological
      Outcomes in Subjects with Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury".

PMID- 28088876
TI  - Desolventizing of Jatropha curcas oil from azeotropes of solvents using ceramic
      membranes.
AB  - The separation of Jatropha curcas oil from azeotropes of ethyl alcohol-n-hexane
      and isopropyl alcohol-n-hexane using ceramic membranes with different cutoffs (5,
      10 and 20 kDa) is presented. The mass ratios of oil:azeotropes (O:S) studied were
      1:3 for feeding pressures of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 MPa, and 1:1 for the feeding
      pressure of 0.1 MPa. Isopropyl alcohol was the best solvent for the membranes
      conditioning to permeate n-hexane (240 kg/m2 h). In the separation of J. curcas
      oil and azeotropes of solvents, both membranes showed oil retention and total
      flux decreases with time. Overall, the lowest decrease in the retentions was
      reached in the 5 kDa membrane, while the lowest decrease in the total flux was
      reached in the 20 kDa. In the separation of oil and ethyl alcohol-n-hexane
      azeotrope, the best retention at 60 min of the process was equal to 17.3 wt% in
      the 20 kDa membrane at 0.3 MPa and O:S ratio equalled to 1:3. In this condition,
      the total permeate flux was 17.5 kg/m2 h. Different retentions and permeabilities
      are provided when changing the O:S ratio, the feeding pressure and the molecular
      weight cutoff of membranes.

PMID- 28088874
TI  - A Clinical Validation of Self-Reported Periodontitis Among Participants in the
      Black Women's Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the validity of self-report of
      periodontal disease in African Americans. The Black Women's Health Study (BWHS),
      a United States national cohort study of 59,000 black women followed via mailed
      questionnaires since 1995, offered the opportunity to clinically validate self
      reported periodontitis among a sample of participants. METHODS: Oral health
      questionnaires were sent to study participants residing in Massachusetts.
      Respondents living in the Boston metro area were invited for clinical
      examination. Self-reports were compared with clinical data obtained from the 77
      women (mean age: 59 years) who were examined. The authors examined the predictive
      ability of individual and combined questionnaire items with respect to clinical
      periodontal disease severity. Validation parameters were calculated for each
      question, and receiver operating characteristic statistics were generated to
      compare questionnaire items. RESULTS: Periodontitis prevalence in the validation
      sample was 24% for severe periodontitis and 61% for moderate disease. Performance
      of individual questionnaire items with respect to predicting periodontitis was
      better for severe compared with moderate disease. Combinations of questionnaire
      items improved the predictive ability with respect to severe disease beyond that
      of individual questionnaire items. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of severe
      periodontitis was similar to other age-comparable populations, without regard for
      race or sex, whereas prevalence of total periodontitis (moderate and severe)
      among women of similar age and/or race was much higher. Predictive ability of
      questionnaire items assessed in the BWHS was similar to that in other studies.

PMID- 28088877
TI  - The Concerted Action of Type 2 and Type 3 Deiodinases Regulates the Cell Cycle
      and Survival of Basal Cell Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroid hormones (THs) mediate pleiotropic cellular processes
      involved in metabolism, cellular proliferation, and differentiation. The
      intracellular hormonal environment can be tailored by the type 1 and 2 deiodinase
      enzymes D2 and D3, which catalyze TH activation and inactivation respectively. In
      many cellular systems, THs exert well-documented stimulatory or inhibitory
      effects on cell proliferation; however, the molecular mechanisms by which they
      control rates of cell cycle progression have not yet been entirely clarified. We
      previously showed that D3 depletion or TH treatment influences the proliferation
      and survival of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cells. Surprisingly, we also found
      that BCC cells express not only sustained levels of D3 but also robust levels of
      D2. The aim of the present study was to dissect the contribution of D2 to TH
      metabolism in the BCC context, and to identify the molecular changes associated
      with cell proliferation and survival induced by TH and mediated by D2 and D3.
      METHODS: We used the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to genetically deplete D2 and D3 in
      BCC cells and studied the consequences of depletion on cell cycle progression and
      on cell death. Cell cycle progression was analyzed by fluorescence activated cell
      sorting analysis of synchronized cells, and the apoptosis rate by annexin V
      incorporation. RESULTS: Mechanistic investigations revealed that D2 inactivation
      accelerates cell cycle progression thereby enhancing the proportion of S-phase
      cells and cyclin D1 expression. Conversely, D3 mutagenesis drastically suppressed
      cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of BCC cells. Furthermore, the basal
      apoptotic rate was oppositely regulated in D2- and D3-depleted cells. CONCLUSION:
      Our results indicate that BCC cells constitute an example in which the TH signal
      is finely tuned by the concerted expression of opposite-acting deiodinases. The
      dual regulation of D2 and D3 expression plays a critical role in cell cycle
      progression and cell death by influencing cyclin D1-mediated entry into the G1-S
      phase. These findings reinforce the concept that TH is a potential therapeutic
      target in human BCC.

PMID- 28088878
TI  - What potential do aptamers hold in therapeutic delivery?

PMID- 28088879
TI  - The biopharmaceutical classification system of excipients.
AB  - The increasing number of new chemical entities is bringing new challenges to the
      field of drug delivery. These drugs present bioavailability issues that are
      frequently associated with intestinal metabolism or efflux mechanisms. Some
      excipients, particularly surfactants, have demonstrated a capacity to interfere
      with these mechanisms, improving drug bioavailability. Consequently, these
      excipients can no longer be considered as inert and should be subject to special
      considerations from a regulatory perspective. In the present manuscript, the
      state-of-the-art research related to these abilities of excipients to interfere
      with intestinal metabolism and efflux mechanisms are presented and discussed.
      Here, a biopharmaceutical classification system of excipients is proposed for the
      first time as a tool in the development of new products and for regulatory
      purposes.

PMID- 28088881
TI  - An industry update: the latest developments in therapeutic delivery.
AB  - This Industry Update covers the period from 1 October through to 31 October 2016,
      and is based on information sourced from company press releases, scientific
      literature, patents and various news websites. The month saw several news items
      covering drug-delivery devices, including a new sensor to monitor and support the
      use of inhalers; launch in the UK of a new autoinjector for Cimzia(r), UCB's
      rheumatoid arthritis drug; and approval of Roche's Lucentis(r) in a prefilled
      syringe. Research was also published to show the value of continuous blood
      pressure monitoring in dementia management. Astellas announced the acquisition of
      German pharmaceutical company Ganymed while Sunovion completed its purchase of
      Cynapsus. A new EU-funded collaboration was announced looking at the value of PET
      based biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease. GSK gained USA approval for its shingles
      vaccine, but Novo Nordisk and Sanofi received complete response letters from the
      US FDA, requiring further information before regulatory review of their drug
      submissions can be completed. The UK's NICE concluded that a drug marketed by BMS
      to treat a common type of lung cancer was not cost-effective and Cornell
      University announced results showing that its nanoparticle technology, originally
      developed as a tumor biomarker, could be effective in directly treating the
      disease.

PMID- 28088880
TI  - Recent advances in light-responsive on-demand drug-delivery systems.
AB  - The convergence of wearable sensors and personalized medicine enhance the ability
      to sense and control the drug composition and dosage, as well as location and
      timing of administration. To date, numerous stimuli-triggered smart drug-delivery
      systems have been developed to detect changes in light, pH, temperature,
      biomolecules, electric field, magnetic field, ultrasound and mechanical forces.
      This review examines the major advances within the last 5 years for the three
      most common light-responsive drug delivery-on-demand strategies: photochemical,
      photoisomerization and photothermal. Examples are highlighted to illustrate
      progress of each strategy in drug delivery applications, and key limitations are
      identified to motivate future research to advance this important field.

PMID- 28088882
TI  - Diabetes management strategies: can nanoparticles be used to therapeutically
      deliver insulin?

PMID- 28088883
TI  - Candesartan cilexetil loaded nanodelivery systems for improved oral
      bioavailability.
AB  - Candesartan cilexetil (CC), an antihypertensive drug, has low oral
      bioavailability due to poor solubility and hepatic first-pass metabolism. These
      are major limitations in oral delivery of CC. Several approaches are known to
      reduce the problems of solubility and improve the bioavailability of CC. Among
      various approaches, nanotechnology-based delivery of CC has potential to overcome
      the challenges associated with the oral administration. This review focuses on
      various nano-based delivery systems available and tried for improving the aqueous
      solubility, dissolution and consequently bioavailability of CC upon oral
      administration. Of all, solid lipid nanoparticles appear to be promising delivery
      system, based on current reported results, for delivery of CC, as this system
      improved the oral bioavailability and possessed prolonged pharmacodynamic effect.

PMID- 28088884
TI  - Dual Raltegravir-Etravirine Combination as Maintenance Regimen in Virologically
      Suppressed HIV-1-Infected Patients.
AB  - Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)- and protease inhibitor (PI)
      sparing antiretroviral regimens may be useful in selected human immune deficiency
      virus (HIV)-infected patients with resistance or intolerance to these drug
      classes. This was an observational prospective study of patients on suppressive
      antiretroviral therapy containing two NRTIs plus one ritonavir-boosted PI who
      switched to a dual regimen containing raltegravir plus etravirine. Patients were
      required not to have prior virological failure to raltegravir and to have
      efficacy of etravirine shown through the genotypic resistance assay in case of
      prior non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) virological failure.
      As a whole, 38 patients were enrolled. The mean duration of current regimen was
      4.3 years, and the reason for simplification was toxicity in 29 patients and
      resistance to NRTIs in 9 patients. After switching, the percentage of patients
      with HIV RNA <20 copies/ml at week 48 was 81.6% in the intent-to-treat-exposed
      analysis. The switch led to a significant reduction in the mean serum
      triglyceride levels (-81.2 mg/dl), in the mean total cholesterol levels (-44.3
      mg/dl), and in the prevalence of tubular proteinuria (-30.2%), with a significant
      increase in the mean phosphoremia (+0.52 mg/dl) and in both mean lumbar and
      femoral neck bone mineral density (+6.5% and +4.7%, respectively). Two patients
      (5.2%) had virological failure due to suboptimal adherence, and five subjects
      (13.1%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events. In our study,
      simplification to the dual-therapy raltegravir plus etravirine was associated
      with a good efficacy and tolerability, in addition to a favorable effect on
      kidney, bone, and serum lipids.

PMID- 28088885
TI  - [Androgen receptor-mediated processes in castrate-resistant metastatic prostate
      cancer].
AB  - In the past six years, five new drugs have been approved by the FDA for the
      treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. While the disease
      itself still remains incurable, the sequential use of these drugs can
      significantly prolong survival while maintaining good quality of life. Research
      from the past decade made it clear that androgen receptor-mediated processes play
      a central part in the progression of the disease. Hormonal mechanisms related to
      androgen-receptors can remain active until late stages of the disease. A deeper
      understanding of these mechanisms has led to the introduction of new endocrine
      therapies, which resulted in a change of the nomenclature. The identification and
      remodelling of androgen receptor mutations that are responsible for primary and
      secondary resistance developing during the new therapies can pave the way to new
      and more efficient androgen receptor inhibitor treatments. The aim of the review
      is to present the pathophysiology of the androgen receptor signaling axis at the
      receptor level, to review FDA-approved drugs and to draw attention to the most
      promising developments in the treatment of this disease. Orv. Hetil., 2017,
      158(2), 42-49.

PMID- 28088886
TI  - [Tongue necrosis as an uncommon manifestation of temporal arteritis].
AB  - Authors present a rare manifestation of the temporal arteritis, wich caused
      initial diagnostic difficulties, but it responded well for corticosteroid
      treatment. The features of the disease, pathogenesis, possible therapy are
      briefly summarized beside the description of clinical course. Orv. Hetil., 2017,
      158(2), 77-80.

PMID- 28088887
TI  - [Improvement of lumbal motor control and trunkmuscle conditions with a novel low
      back pain prevention exercise program].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ballet dancers often suffer from low back pain. AIM: Low back pain
      can be reduced by strengthening the core muscles with the help of a special
      exercise program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study 62 ballet dancer women
      (average age: 14.89 +/- 1.21 years) were included. Intervention group: n = 30
      participant, average age: 14.86 +/- 1.00 years, control group: n = 32
      participant, average age: 14.91 +/- 1.37 years. We examined the pain intensity
      that occurs during training with visual analog scale, the habitual posture with
      photogrammetry, the abdominal muscle strength with Kraus-Weber test, the static
      muscle strength of the trunk muscles with core test and the lumbar motor control
      with leg lowering test. The intervention group did a trunk prevented exercise
      program during 3 months, and then we examined them again. RESULTS: In the
      intervention group the intensity of pain significantly decreased (VAS1: p =
      0.012; VAS2: p = 0.021), the abdominal muscle strength significantly improved (K
      W. B: p=0.025; K-W. C: p<0.001), the static muscle strength of trunk muscles
      significantly increased (Core-test: p<0.001) and the lumbar motor control
      significantly improved in both legs (Leg low. R.: p<0.001; Leg low. L.: p<0.001).
      Also, the habitual posture greatly improved (frontal view: 34.78%, side view:
      52.17%). CONCLUSION: In ballet dancers with a special exercise program, which
      improves the conditions of trunk muscles, the motor control of lumbar regions can
      be improved and the lower back pain and the incidence of injuries can be reduced.
      Orv., Hetil., 2017, 158(2), 58-66.

PMID- 28088888
TI  - [Smoking trajectories among Hungarian adolescents].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Understanding adolescent smoking trajectories is necessary for
      tailored prevention programs. AIM: To identify adolescent cigarette use patterns
      and risk factors of smoking trajectories by a longitudinal study. METHOD: We
      conducted a three-year prospective survey in two age cohorts (6th and 9th school
      grades) of metropolitan adolescents (n = 1,092) with yearly data collection by
      self-administered questionnaires. Five smoking trajectory groups were defined by
      cigarette smoking data. RESULTS: 67.5% of the sample remained nonsmoker, 11.3%
      smoked all the time, 14.3% were initiators, 3.3% quitters and 3.7% experimenters.
      Members of smoking trajectory groups differed significantly from each other
      according to number of smoking friends, parental smoking, family structure,
      academic achievement and weekly allowance at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Concerning
      tobacco prevention programs, adolescents are not homogenous population, because
      distinct set of risk factors are highlighted in their different smoking behavior
      groups. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(2), 67-76.

PMID- 28088889
TI  - [Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis].
AB  - Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurs most commonly in cirrhotic patients with
      ascites. Pathogens get into the circulation by intestinal translocation and
      colonize in peritoneal fluid. Diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is
      based on elevated polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in the ascites (>0,25 G/L).
      Ascites culture is often negative but aids to get information about antibiotic
      sensitivity in positive cases. Treatment in stable patient can be intravenous
      then orally administrated ciprofloxacin or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, while in
      severe cases intravenous III. generation cephalosporin. Nosocomial spontaneous
      bacterial peritonitis often caused by Gram-positive bacteria and multi-resistant
      pathogens can also be expected thus carbapenem should be the choice of the
      empiric treatment. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered. Norfloxacin is
      used most commonly, but changes are expected due to increase in quinolone
      resistance. As a primary prophylaxis, a short-term antibiotic treatment is
      recommended after gastrointestinal bleeding for 5 days, while long-term
      prophylaxis is for patients with low ascites protein, and advanced disease (400
      mg/day). Secondary prophylaxis is recommended for all patients recovered from
      spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Due to increasing antibiotic use of
      antibiotics prophylaxis is debated to some degree. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(2), 50
      57.

PMID- 28088890
TI  - Nanoparticles as a Carrier System for Drug Delivery Across Blood Brain Barrier.
AB  - Brain, the centre of the nervous system and an integral part the body, is
      protected by two anatomical and physiological barriers- Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
      and Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier (BCSFB). Blood-Brain Barrier is a very
      complex and highly organized multicellular structure that shields the brain from
      harmful substances and invading organisms from the bloodstream and thus offering
      protection against various brain diseases and injuries. However, it also impede
      the effective delivery of drug to the brain, thus, preventing treatment of
      numerous neurological disorders. Even though various traditional approaches such
      as Intra-Cerebro-Ventricular (ICV) injection, use of implants, disruption of BBB
      and use of prodrugs have achieved some success in overcoming these barriers,
      researchers are continuously working for promising alternatives for improved
      brain drug delivery. Recent breakthroughs in the field of nanotechnology provide
      an appropriate solution to problems associated with these delivery approaches and
      thus can be effectively used to treat a wide variety of brain diseases. Thus,
      nanotechnology promises to bring a great future to the individuals with various
      brain disorders. This review provides a brief overview of various brain drug
      delivery approaches along with limitations. In addition, the significance of
      nanoparticles as drug carrier systems for effective brain specific drug delivery
      has been highlighted. To show the complexity of the problems to be overcome for
      improved brain drug delivery, a concise intercellular classification of the BBB
      along with general transport routes across it is also included.

PMID- 28088891
TI  - Recent Advances in Developing Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Cancer Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIM: Photosensitizers are key molecules used in photodynamic cancer
      therapy (PDT), which is an effective therapeutic modality option for several
      diseases and nononcological disorders. Due to its lower systemic toxicity and its
      ability to destroy tumors selectively, PDT has been considered as clinical avenue
      for the treatment of several cancers. METHODS & RESULTS: Three essential elements
      are involved in a PDT procedure: a photosensitizer, light of a specific
      wavelength, and singlet oxygen. However, the properties of conventional
      photosensitizers exhibit some drawbacks that may limit their use. Nanoparticles
      can provide significant benefits that counter these drawbacks and enable higher
      efficiency and biosafety. With the development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles
      have been used to encapsulate photosensitizers to enhance the phototoxic and
      pharmacokinetic properties of these agents. CONCLUSION: Here, the main motivation
      for this review is to summarize recent progress in the development of
      photosensitizers, in particular, photosensitizers with nanoparticle
      modifications. In addition, we reviewed the clinical treatment of several
      diseases using photosensitizers formulated with nanoparticles, with the overall
      goal of aiding the design and development of novel photosensitizers.

PMID- 28088892
TI  - Interventions to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Children with Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in improved glycemic control, the magnitude
      of lifetime risk from premature cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 1
      diabetes remains at least 10 fold higher than in the general population. The
      availability of lipoprotein fractionation has allowed the spotlight for this
      increased risk to shift from dysglycemia to diabetes-induced dyslipidemia
      associated with insulin resistance. Interventions designed to simultaneously
      improve both factors can have distinct and additive effects on slowing the
      initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. As fullblown
      cardiovascular disease is not evident during childhood, there is a critical need
      to identify the most predictable surrogate markers that could assign elevated
      risk, as well as the design of safe and targeted interventions that could improve
      outcomes in this population. CONCLUSION: This review will examine the evidence
      supporting the notion that cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetes is
      associated with significant insulin resistance and it begins in childhood, making
      it necessary to design rational clinical trials that will significantly reduce
      risk in this population.

PMID- 28088893
TI  - Intervention for Cardiac Repair: A Clinical Perspective.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Damage to
      the heart resulting from cardiovascular disease leads to gradual loss of function
      and reduced quality of life. Cardiac injury is particularly debilitating, more so
      than injury to any other organ, given our current inability to either generate
      new and functional cardiac tissue or to mimic the actions of the heart using
      external devices. Advances in the field of stem cells and genetics have paved the
      way for the development of a variety of novel therapies. A number of these
      therapies have shown great promise in regenerating cardiac tissue in non-human
      disease models and some have progressed towards clinical trials. Given the rapid
      progress and emergence of novel targets for therapy, it is perhaps timely that we
      assess the practicality of these techniques and their potential for translation
      to bedside. Hence, this review aims to outline the major therapies in development
      and to provide insight into the feasibility of the respective techniques with the
      hope that research can be steered towards developing therapies with greater
      potential of being employed at the bedside.

PMID- 28088894
TI  - Clinical Significance of the Sympathetic Nervous System in the Development and
      Progression of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is defined as a complex disease
      of clinically characterized by elevated pulmonary pressure eventually resulting
      in right heart failure and premature death. To date, PAH still remains a life
      threatening disease. Published evidence suggests that patients with PAH present
      profound sympathetic nervous system abnormalities and sympathetic activity has
      been shown to be increased. The mechanism of PAH is still complex and poorly
      understood. RESULTS: Some data have showed that adrenoceptors are involved in the
      process of the pathology and have different functions in the progression of PAH
      followed by heart failure. Alpha-adrenergic receptors mediate most excitatory
      effects and induce growth of smooth muscle cells and adventitial fibroblasts via
      complex cellular and molecular mechanisms. However, beta-adrenergic receptor
      mainly detected in endothelial layer commonly exerts relaxation effects on
      pulmonary artery. In addition, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2, the primary G
      protein-coupled receptor kinase expressed in the heart, has been shown to be
      increased, resulting in the distinctive loss of inotropic reserve and functional
      capacity of the failing heart according to the activation of sympathetic nervous
      system. CONCLUSION: Here, we summarize the relevant available studies describing
      the roles of sympathetic nervous system in the progression of PAH.

PMID- 28088895
TI  - Investigating Physical, Psychological and Social Well-being of Older Persons in
      Jordan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Older persons are overwhelmed with psychological stressors due to
      requirements related to the management of their health problems. The purpose of
      this study was to investigate physical, psychological and social wellbeing of
      older persons. METHOD: Cross-sectional explorative design used convenience sample
      of 1058 older persons in Jordan. Data was collected in regard to physical,
      psychological and social wellbeing using selfreported format. RESULTS: The three
      most bothered physical symptoms are; pain in arms, legs, or joints; feeling tired
      or having low energy; and back pain with percentages of 71.5% (n=756), 69.6%
      (n=737), and 62.2% (n=754), respectively. Older persons had slight to mild level
      of depression (M = 17.9, SD = 7.7), moderate to high level of life satisfaction
      (M=24.1, SD=5.6), moderate level perception of social support, and mild to
      moderate level psychological distress (M = 39.1 (SD = 11.3). Depression among
      participants has significant and positive association with sleep disturbance (r =
      .21, p < .001), psychological distress level (r =.50, p <.001). There was a
      significant difference between males and females in depression (t = -4.40, p
      <.001), psychological distress (t = -3.38, p <.001), life satisfaction (t = 2.09,
      p = .04) and sleep disturbances (t = -2.16, p = .03). CONCLUSION: Older persons
      are in need for periodic assessment for their psychosocial wellbeing in their
      routine checkups and visits to outpatients units. Research is needed to
      investigate impact of psychological and social wellbeing on other biological and
      health care related issues such as access and utilization of care and quality of
      life among older persons.

PMID- 28088896
TI  - Formulation and Optimization of Lansoprazole Pellets Using Factorial Design
      Prepared by Extrusion-Spheronization Technique Using Carboxymethyl Tamarind
      Kernel Powder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the present study, Lansoprazole pellets were prepared employing a
      novel excipient Carboxymethyl tamarind kernel powder (CMTKP) using extrusion
      spheronization technique. Various research studies including patents have been
      carried out on this polymer. Pellet formulation was optimized for formulation
      parameters (concentration of microcrystalline cellulose, CMTKP, croscarmellose
      sodium and isopropyl alcohol). METHODS: Process parameters (speed and duration of
      spheronization) were optimized using factorial design. The pellets were evaluated
      for yield, bulk and tapped density, particle size, hardness, drug content,
      disintegration time and drug release. RESULTS: The optimized batch showed 93.53%
      yield, 0.307 kg/cm2 hardness, 2.15 mm average particle size, 292 sec
      disintegration time and 90.46% drug content. CONCLUSION: Drug release of the
      optimized batch (2F7) and marketed formulation (LANZOL cap) was found to be
      82.33% and 80.07%, respectively. An accelerated study indicated that optimized
      formulation was stable.

PMID- 28088897
TI  - Multiplex-PCR As a Rapid and Sensitive Method for Identification of Meat Species
      in Halal-Meat Products.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Species identification and authentication in meat products are
      important subjects for ensuring the health of consumers. The multiplex-PCR
      amplification and species- specific primer set were used for the identification
      of horse, donkey, pig and other ruminants in raw and processed meat products.
      METHODS: Oligonucleotid primers were designed and patented for amplification of
      species-specific mitochondrial DNA sequences of each species and samples were
      prepared from binary meat mixtures. RESULTS: The results showed that meat species
      were accurately determined in all combinations by multiplex-PCR, and the
      sensitivity of this method was 0.001 ng, rendering this technique open to and
      suitable for use in industrial meat products. It is concluded that more fraud is
      seen in lower percentage industrial meat products than in higher percentage ones.
      There was also more fraud found in processed products than in raw ones.
      CONCLUSION: This rapid and useful test is recommended for quality control firms
      for applying more rigorous controls over industrial meat products, for the
      benefit of target consumers.

PMID- 28088898
TI  - Metabolomic Shifts Following Play-Based Activity in Overweight Preadolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Play-based activities can be a positive intervention to increase
      participation of overweight children. Metabolomics can reveal elemental shifts in
      the metabolome, lending to potential mechanistic explanations behind improvements
      in physiological systems. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate dose-response urinary
      metabolomic signature shifts in overweight preadolescents following four or eight
      weeks of supervised play-based activity versus a typical summer break control
      group. We hypothesized that eight weeks of activity would cause the greatest
      shift in the metabolites. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-two recreationally active
      preadolescents (12 males, 10 females) were randomly assigned to a four-week (4w)
      or eight-week (8w) activity group or to a control group (C). Participants
      reported to the laboratory on two separate occasions during which descriptive
      characteristics were recorded and urine samples were obtained. Children in the 4w
      and 8w cohort were tested at the beginning and end of the four and eight weeks of
      a supervised play-based physical activity program where they were active for 6
      hours a day, 5 days a week. Children in the C group were tested before and after
      eight weeks of an unsupervised summer break. RESULTS: A valid supervised partial
      least squares discriminant analysis model was obtained between post-exercise
      subjects in 8w and C (3 components, R2X = 0.332, R2Y = 0.976, Q2 = 0.091). The
      eight week intervention yielded significant metabolomic changes in several
      identified compounds. CONCLUSION: When compared to a typical unsupervised summer
      break, a supervised play-based intervention provides enough of a stimulus for a
      shift in the metabolome.

PMID- 28088899
TI  - Editorial: Molecular Imaging in Dementia: From the State of the Art to the New
      Perspectives.

PMID- 28088900
TI  - Synaptic Plasticity, Dementia and Alzheimer Disease.
AB  - Neuroplasticity is not only shaped by learning and memory but is also a mediator
      of responses to neuron attrition and injury (compensatory plasticity). As an
      ongoing process it reacts to neuronal cell activity and injury, death, and
      genesis, which encompasses the modulation of structural and functional processes
      of axons, dendrites, and synapses. The range of structural elements that comprise
      plasticity includes long-term potentiation (a cellular correlate of learning and
      memory), synaptic efficacy and remodelling, synaptogenesis, axonal sprouting and
      dendritic remodelling, and neurogenesis and recruitment. Degenerative diseases of
      the human brain continue to pose one of biomedicine's most intractable problems.
      Research on human neurodegeneration is now moving from descriptive to mechanistic
      analyses. At the same time, it is increasing apparently that morphological
      lesions traditionally used by neuropathologists to confirm post-mortem clinical
      diagnosis might furnish us with an experimentally tractable handle to understand
      causative pathways. Consider the aging-dependent neurodegenerative disorder
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) which is characterised at the neuropathological level by
      deposits of insoluble amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in extracellular plaques and
      aggregated tau protein, which is found largely in the intracellular
      neurofibrillary tangles. We now appreciate that mild cognitive impairment in
      early AD may be due to synaptic dysfunction caused by accumulation of non
      fibrillar, oligomeric Abeta, occurring well in advance of evident widespread
      synaptic loss and neurodegeneration. Soluble Abeta oligomers can adversely affect
      synaptic structure and plasticity at extremely low concentrations, although the
      molecular substrates by which synaptic memory mechanisms are disrupted remain to
      be fully elucidated. The dendritic spine constitutes a primary locus of
      excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. These
      structures protruding from dendritic shafts undergo dynamic changes in number,
      size and shape in response to variations in hormonal status, developmental stage,
      and changes in afferent input. It is perhaps not unexpected that loss of spine
      density may be linked to cognitive and memory impairment in AD, although the
      underlying mechanism(s) remain uncertain. This article aims to present a critical
      overview of current knowledge on the bases of synaptic dysfunction in
      neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on AD, and will cover amyloid- and
      nonamyloid- driven mechanisms. We will consider also emerging data dealing with
      potential therapeutic approaches for ameliorating the cognitive and memory
      deficits associated with these disorders.

PMID- 28088901
TI  - Advanced Structure-activity Relationships Applied to Mentha spicata L. Subsp.
      spicata Essential Oil Compounds as AChE and NMDA Ligands, in Comparison with
      Donepezil, Galantamine and Memantine - New Approach in Brain Disorders
      Pharmacology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy is based on several natural and
      synthetic compounds that act as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and N-methyl-D
      aspartate receptor (NMDA) ligands that have limited efficiency in relieving AD
      symptoms. Recent studies show that inhibitors isolated from Mentha spicata L.
      subsp. spicata are promising for AD therapy. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify
      novel and more potent phytopharmaceutical compounds for AD treatment by taking
      into account the compounds from Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata essential oil.
      METHOD: We generated structure-activity relationship (SAR) models that predict
      the biological activities of 14 Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata compounds on
      AChE and NMDA by comparing their molecular features with those of the three
      conventional ligands: donepezil, galantamine and memantine. RESULTS: The most
      relevant descriptors for predicting the biological activities of considered
      compounds are solvent accessible area and their subdivided, hydrophobicity,
      energy of frontier molecular orbitals and counts of the aromatic ring and
      rotatable bounds. 1,8-cineole, the main compound from Mentha spicata L. subsp.
      spicata essential oil, resulted to be similar with memantine and dissimilar with
      donepezil in respect to hidrophobicity (logP1,8-cineole=2.95, logPmemantine=2.81,
      logPdonepezil=4.11), the energy of LUMO (eLUMO1,8-cineole=3.01 eV,
      eLUMOmemantine=3.35 eV, eLUMOdonepezil=-0.35 eV) and the solvent accessible
      surface areas over all hydrophobic (SA_H1,8-cineole= 350 A2, SA_Hmemantine= 358
      A2, SA_Hdonepezil= 655 A2) or polar atoms (SA_P1,8-cineole= 4 A2,
      SA_Pmemantine=10 A2, SA_Pdonepezil=44.62 A2). CONCLUSION: Our results point
      towards 1,8-cineole as a good candidate for NMDA antagonism, with a weaker AChE
      inhibitory effect. Our results may be useful in establishing new therapeutic
      strategies for neurological disorders.

PMID- 28088902
TI  - Brain Tumor Segmentation Using Deep Belief Networks and Pathological Knowledge.
AB  - In this paper, we propose an automatic brain tumor segmentation method based on
      Deep Belief Networks (DBNs) and pathological knowledge. The proposed method is
      targeted against gliomas (both low and high grade) obtained in multi-sequence
      magnetic resonance images (MRIs). Firstly, a novel deep architecture is proposed
      to combine the multi-sequences intensities feature extraction with classification
      to get the classification probabilities of each voxel. Then, graph cut based
      optimization is executed on the classification probabilities to strengthen the
      spatial relationships of voxels. At last, pathological knowledge of gliomas is
      applied to remove some false positives. Our method was validated in the Brain
      Tumor Segmentation Challenge 2012 and 2013 databases (BRATS 2012, 2013). The
      performance of segmentation results demonstrates our proposal providing a
      competitive solution with stateof- the-art methods.

PMID- 28088903
TI  - Antitubercular Marine Natural Products.
AB  - Due to the importance of nature as a source of new drug candidates, the purpose
      of this article is to emphasize the marine natural products, which exhibit
      antitubercular activity, published between January 2000 and May 2016, with 138
      quotations to 250 compounds obtained from marine resources. These metabolites are
      organized by chemical constitution and named as simple alkyl lipids derivatives,
      aromatics derivatives, peptides, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, macrolides, and
      polycyclic polyketides.

PMID- 28088904
TI  - Fc-fusion Proteins in Therapy: An Updated View.
AB  - Fc-fusion proteins are composed of Fc region of IgG antibody (Hinge-CH2-CH3) and
      a desired linked protein. Fc region of Fc-fusion proteins can bind to neonatal Fc
      receptor (FcRn) thereby rescuing it from degradation. The first therapeutic Fc
      fusion protein was introduced for the treatment of AIDS. The molecular designing
      is the first stage in production of Fc-fusion proteins. The amino acid residues
      in the Fc region and linked protein are very important in the bioactivity and
      affinity of the fusion proteins. Although, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are
      the top selling biologics but the application of therapeutic Fc-fusion proteins
      in clinic is in progress and among these medications Etanercept is the most
      effective in therapy. At present, eleven Fc-fusion proteins have been approved by
      FDA. There are novel Fc-fusion proteins which are in pre-clinical and clinical
      development. In this article, we review the molecular and biological
      characteristics of Fc-fusion proteins and then further discuss the features of
      novel therapeutic Fc-fusion proteins.

PMID- 28088905
TI  - Update on Recent Developments in Small Molecular HIV-1 RNase H Inhibitors (2013
      2016): Opportunities and Challenges.
AB  - Combinations of antiretroviral drugs are successfully used to treat HIV-infected
      patients. However, drug resistance is a major problem that makes discovery of new
      antiretroviral drugs an ongoing priority. The ribonuclease H (RNase H) activity
      of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase catalyzes the selective hydrolysis of the RNA
      strand of RNA:DNA heteroduplex replication intermediates, and represents an
      attractive unexploited target for drug development. This review reports on recent
      progress in the characterization of HIV-1 RNase H inhibitors from 2013 to 2016,
      describing their chemical structures, structureactivity relationship and binding
      modes. Focus is given to emerging medicinal chemistry principles and insights
      into the discovery and development of RNase H inhibitors.

PMID- 28088906
TI  - Epratuzumab and Blinatumomab as Therapeutic Antibodies for Treatment of Pediatric
      Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Current Status and Future Perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 85% of children affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      (ALL) are successfully treated; however relapse remains a remarkable clinical
      concern, with 50-60% of relapsing patients facing a fatal outcome. Management of
      relapsed patients includes standardized intensive risk-adapted regimens based on
      conventional drugs, and hematopoietic stem cells transplantation for patients
      with unfavourable features. Biological drugs, in particular the monoclonal
      antibody epratuzumab and the bi-functional recombinant single chain peptide
      blinatumomab, have been recently recognized as novel potential agents to be
      integrated in salvage ALL therapy to further improve rescue outcome. METHODS: A
      systematic search of peer-reviewed scientific literature and clinical trials in
      public databases has been carried out. Both clinical and pre-clinical studies
      have been included to summarize recent evidence on epratuzumab and blinatumomab
      for salvage ALL therapy. RESULTS: Sixty-two papers and 25 clinical trials were
      included. Although not all patients responded properly to these agents, their use
      in relapsed and refractory pediatric ALL seems promising. CONCLUSION: Phase 3
      studies have recently begun and more consistent results about epratuzumab and
      blinatumomab safety and efficacy in comparison to conventional therapies are
      expected in the next years. Epratuzumab seems safe in the dosing scheme proposed
      in ALL, but its efficacy over the conventional chemotherapy is still
      questionable. Blinatumomab has shown promising results in high risk cases such as
      elder adult patients and conclusive studies on pediatric ALL are needed. Patient
      inter-individual variability to these agents has not been investigated in depth,
      but this issue needs to be addressed, in particular for blinatumomab.

PMID- 28088908
TI  - Editorial: From Current Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease
      Towards Earlier Diagnostic Markers and Treatment Targets.

PMID- 28088907
TI  - Tofacitinib, an Oral Janus Kinase Inhibitor: Perspectives in Dermatology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tofacitinib (formerly known as CP-690,550, CP690550, tasocitinib), a
      novel selective immunosuppressant, is a small molecule classified as Janus kinase
      inhibitor. The aim of this review article is to present updated data summary on
      the tofacitinib in the field of dermatology. METHOD: We undertook a structured
      search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed scientific articles,
      including review articles, original research articles as well as case report
      articles based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Technical reports on tofacitinib
      from U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medical Agency were also
      included. RESULTS: Forty-three papers were included in this review. We report
      current data on tofacitinib chemical properties, pharmacology, non-clinical
      toxicity, as well as efficacy and safety in potential new indications in
      dermatology: psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis and nail
      dystrophy associated with alopecia areata. CONCLUSION: JAK/STAT pathway has an
      important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, alopecia areata, atopic
      dermatitis, and vitiligo. Despite encouraging efficacy, due to concerns about the
      overall safety profile of tofacitinib, additional studies will have to determine
      the adequate risk-to-benefit ratio.

PMID- 28088909
TI  - Synergistic Interaction Between Heme Oxygenase (HO) and Nuclear-Factor E2-
      Related Factor-2 (Nrf2) against Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Related
      Diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nuclear factor-erythroid related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a master
      regulator of transcriptional activation of anti-oxidants in cells. Similarly,
      heme oxygenase (HO) is a cytoprotective protein with anti-oxidant effects. This
      review article will shed more light on the interaction between Nrf2 and HO.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: A PubMed search was done for recent articles on Nrf2 and HO.
      These studies suggested that under normal physiological conditions, Nrf2 is bound
      within the cytoplasm to its repressor, Kelch-like ECHassociated protein (Keap1),
      an oxidative stress sensor. Upon activation, Nrf2 translocates to the nucleus and
      binds to the antioxidant-response-element located at the promoter region of some
      anti-oxidants including the cytoprotective protein HO. Since the HO-1 gene
      harbors binding site for Nrf2, mutual stimulatory and regulatory effects between
      Nrf2 and HO-1 have been reported. Accordingly, the interaction between Nrf2 and
      HO-1 has been implicated in the regulation of many physiological anti-oxidants
      including superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, peroxidase,
      NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase, and thioredoxin. CONCLUSION: Although an
      overwhelming body of evidence has underscored unique anti-oxidant attributes of
      HO- 1 and Nrf2, emerging evidence suggests that the cytoprotective activities of
      Nrf2 and HO-1 may be attributed, at least in part, to the potentiation of
      different anti-oxidants in physiological mileu. Since Nrf2 binds to the
      antioxidant responsive element of HO-1, the coordinated regulation of Nrf2 and
      keap1 by the HO-system may constitute the basis of many physiological effects of
      HO-1 including its effects against oxidative stress and inflammation in a wide
      spectrum of cardiovascular, cardio-metabolic and other related diseases.

PMID- 28088910
TI  - Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i): Their Role in Cardiometabolic
      Risk Management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a novel
      category of oral antidiabetic drugs that inhibit renal glucose reabsorption and
      increase renal glucose excretion, thus lowering plasma glucose levels. This
      unique mechanism of SGLT2i action is insulin independent, thus improving glycemic
      control without promoting hypoglycemia in the absence of exogenously administered
      insulin. METHODS: The present narrative review addresses the putative
      associations between SGLT2i and several cardiovascular (CV) and microvascular
      risk factors, as well as their effects on cardiac and renal function. RESULTS:
      SGLT2i improve several CV risk factors, including fasting and postprandial plasma
      glucose levels, lipids, blood pressure, body weight, serum uric acid and arterial
      stiffness. These drugs may also favorably modulate cardiac and renal function via
      their effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, diuresis, fluid and sodium
      retention, myocardial function, vascular resistance and 'fuel' metabolism. In the
      EMPA-REG OUTCOME study, the first published large CV outcome SGLT2i trial,
      empagliflozin significantly reduced the primary composite outcome (i.e. CV death,
      nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke) and all-cause death as well as
      hospitalization for heart failure. In addition, empagliflozin was associated with
      a slower progression of kidney disease and lower rates of clinically relevant
      renal events than was placebo when added to standard care in patients at high CV
      risk. CONCLUSION: Multiple metabolic benefits may account for the positive
      clinical outcomes in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME study. Ongoing CV outcome trials
      involving other SGLT2i will help establish whether the reported CV and
      microvascular risk benefits are compound-specific or drug class effects.

PMID- 28088911
TI  - Microbubbles: A Novel Strategy for Chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultrasound microbubbles have conventionally been used for diagnostic
      purposes. In recent years, however, new types of microbubbles have emerged as
      important carriers for drug delivery. Moreover, studies have shown that
      ultrasound microbubbles can serve as valuable and noninvasive tools in cancer
      therapy; thus the use of ultrasound microbubbles to deliver chemotherapeutic
      drugs to malignant tissues is a promising possibility. METHODS: In this review,
      we briefly describe the status of ultrasound microbubbles in clinical practice
      and then discuss the development of targeted microbubbles. Finally, we consider
      novel strategies for the use of microbubbles in cancer therapy. RESULTS: Many
      different kinds of microbubbles are emerged. Novel strategies of ultrasound
      microbubble have been shown to be effective in cancer therapy. CONCLUSION:
      Although many problems need to be solved in the future, the ultrasound drugs
      loaded microbubbles still have strong potential for the use in clinical cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 28088912
TI  - Melatonin as a Therapeutic Resource for Inflammatory Visual Diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uveitis and optic neuritis are prevalent ocular inflammatory
      diseases, and highly damaging ocular conditions. Both diseases are currently
      treated with corticosteroids, but they do not have adequate efficacy and are
      often associated with severe side effects. Thus, uveitis and optic neuritis
      remain a challenging field to ophthalmologists and a significant public health
      concern. OBJECTIVE: This review summarizes findings showing the benefits of a
      treatment with melatonin in experimental models of these inflammatory ocular
      diseases. RESULTS: Oxidative and nitrosative damage, tumor necrosis factor, and
      prostaglandin production have been involved in the pathogeny of uveitis and optic
      neuritis. Melatonin is an efficient antioxidant and antinitridergic, and has the
      ability to reduce prostaglandin and tumor necrosis factor levels both in the
      retina and optic nerve. Moreover, melatonin not only prevents functional and
      structural consequences of experimental uveitis and optic neuritis, but it is
      also capable of suppressing the actively ongoing ocular inflammatory response.
      CONCLUSIONS: Since melatonin protects ocular tissues against inflammation, it
      could be a potentially useful anti-inflammatory therapy in ophthalmology.

PMID- 28088913
TI  - A Comparative Study of Short Term Efficacy of Aripiprazole and Risperidone in
      Schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the short term anti-schizophrenic efficacy and side effect
      profile of aripiprazole with risperidone. METHODOLOGY: The study was a non
      randomized, naturalistic, rater blinded, prospective, 8-12 weeks, comparative
      trial between the risperidone and aripiprazole in patients with schizophrenia.
      Patients already getting treatment with aripiprazole (10 to 30 mg/day) or
      risperidone (3 to 8mg/day) were recruited. Mini International Neuropsychiatric
      Interview (MINI) Plus, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Abnormal
      Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Simpson Angus Scale (SAS), Udvalg for Klinske
      Undersogelser (UKU) Scale, Clinical Global Impression-severity scales were
      administered by principal investigator on the day of recruitment. Anthropometric
      measurements (height, weight, BMI, waist, hip, waist circumference) blood
      pressure and pulse rate were measured on day 1 and during follow up. All tests
      except MINI plus were administered again after 8-12weeks. RESULTS: Both
      aripiprazole and risperidone treated patients have shown significant improvement
      on positive and negative symptoms but there was no statistically significant
      difference between the two groups. Mean improvement in patient rated improvement
      scale score showed a trend towards significance favoring aripiprazole. Common
      adverse events (seen in >= 5% of patients) as assessed by the UKU Scale occurred
      more frequently in the risperidone group than in the aripiprazole group. Drug
      induced extra pyramidal symptoms were more common in risperidone treated
      patients. Aripiprazole showed less treatment emerged weight gain. CONCLUSION:
      Aripiprazole is equally efficacious and better tolerated than risperidone in
      patients with schizophrenia over a short-term period of eight weeks. Aripiprazole
      showed better patient satisfaction and side effect profile.

PMID- 28088915
TI  - Evaluation of microRNA Stability in Plasma and Serum from Healthy Dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early and specific detection of cancer is of great importance for
      successful treatment of the disease. New biomarkers, such as microRNAs, could
      improve treatment efficiency and survival ratio. In human medicine, deregulation
      of microRNA profiles in circulation has shown great potential as a new type of
      biomarker for cancer diagnostics. There are, however, few studies of circulating
      microRNAs in dogs. Extracellular circulating microRNAs have shown a high level of
      stability in human blood and other body fluids. Nevertheless, there are still
      important issues to be solved before microRNAs can be applied routinely as a
      clinical tool, one of them being their stability over time in media commonly used
      for blood sampling. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the stability of microRNA levels in
      plasma and serum from healthy dogs after storage at room temperature for
      different time points before being processed. METHODS: The levels of four
      microRNAs (cfa-let-7a, cfa-miR-16, cfa-miR-23a and cfa-miR-26a) known to be
      stably expressed from other canine studies, have been measured by quantitative
      real-time PCR (qPCR). RESULTS: MicroRNA levels were found sufficiently stable for
      gene profiling in serum- and plasma stored at room temperature for 1 hour but not
      for samples stored at room temperature for 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Storage at room
      temperature of serum and plasma samples intended for microRNA profiling should be
      kept for a minimum period of time before proceeding with RNA isolation. For the
      four microRNAs investigated in the present study, we did not find significant
      differences in microRNA levels between serum and plasma samples from the same
      time point.

PMID- 28088916
TI  - An Increasing Threat in an Iranian Referral Children's Hospital: Multidrug
      Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important nosocomial
      pathogen in the past decades. Due to the prevalence of A. baumannii across the
      world, suitable typing methods to investigate the epidemiological distribution of
      the organism have been developed. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      epidemiological and molecular diversity of A. baumannii strains isolated from
      nosocomial infections of hospitalized children in Children Medical Center
      Hospital (CMC), an Iranian referral hospital, in Tehran, Iran. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A total of 27 non-duplicate clinical A. baumannii isolates were
      collected during October 2013 to March 2014 and tested for antimicrobial
      resistance to several antibiotic agents. The genetic similarity of the strains
      was investigated by amplification of Random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase
      chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) method. RESULTS: One predominant RAPD profile (type B)
      was identified in 15 strains (56% of all typed isolates). Other clusters depicted
      in the dendrogram, namely A, C, and D comprised 6 (22%), 5 (19%) and 1 (3%)
      isolates, respectively. All A. baumannii strains were resistant to all
      antibiotics except colistin. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the clonal spread
      of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in our hospital. Therefore, the factors
      responsible for dissemination of such isolates need to be identified, controlled,
      and prevented to avoid major outbreaks.

PMID- 28088914
TI  - Diverse Functions and Mechanisms of Pericytes in Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Every year, strokes take millions of lives and leave millions of
      individuals living with permanent disabilities. Recently more researchers embrace
      the concept of the neurovascular unit (NVU), which encompasses neurons,
      endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, astrocyte, microglia, and the extracellular
      matrix. It has been well-documented that NVU emerged as a new paradigm for the
      exploration of mechanisms and therapies in ischemic stroke. To better understand
      the complex NVU and broaden therapeutic targets, we must probe the roles of
      multiple cell types in ischemic stroke. The aims of this paper are to introduce
      the biological characteristics of brain pericytes and the available evidence on
      the diverse functions and mechanisms involving the pericytes in the context of
      ischemic stroke. METHODS: Research and online content related to the biological
      characteristics and pathophysiological roles of pericytes is review. The new
      research direction on the Pericytes in ischemic stroke, and the potential
      therapeutic targets are provided. RESULTS: During the different stages of
      ischemic stroke, pericytes play different roles: 1) On the hyperacute phase of
      stroke, pericytes constriction and death may be a cause of the no-reflow
      phenomenon in brain capillaries; 2) During the acute phase, pericytes detach from
      microvessels and participate in inflammatory-immunological response, resulting in
      the BBB damage and brain edema. Pericytes also provide benefit for
      neuroprotection by protecting endothelium, stabilizing BBB and releasing
      neurotrophins; 3) Similarly, during the later recovery phase of stroke, pericytes
      also contribute to angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and thereby promote neurological
      recovery. CONCLUSION: This emphasis on the NVU concept has shifted the focus of
      ischemic stroke research from neuro-centric views to the complex interactions
      within NVU. With this new perspective, pericytes that are centrally positioned in
      the NVU have been widely studied in ischemic stroke. More work is needed to
      elucidate the beneficial and detrimental roles of brain pericytes in ischemic
      stroke that may serve as a basis for potential therapeutic targets.

PMID- 28088917
TI  - Effects of heart valve prostheses on phase contrast flow measurements in
      Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance - a phantom study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance is often used to evaluate patients
      after heart valve replacement. This study systematically analyses the influence
      of heart valve prostheses on phase contrast measurements in a phantom trial.
      METHODS: Two biological and one mechanical aortic valve prostheses were
      integrated in a flow phantom. B0 maps and phase contrast measurements were
      acquired at a 1.5 T MR scanner using conventional gradient-echo sequences in
      predefined distances to the prostheses. Results were compared to measurements
      with a synthetic metal-free aortic valve. RESULTS: The flow results at the level
      of the prosthesis differed significantly from the reference flow acquired before
      the level of the prosthesis. The maximum flow miscalculation was 154 ml/s for one
      of the biological prostheses and 140 ml/s for the mechanical prosthesis.
      Measurements with the synthetic aortic valve did not show significant deviations.
      Flow values measured approximately 20 mm distal to the level of the prosthesis
      agreed with the reference flow for all tested all prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: The
      tested heart valve prostheses lead to a significant deviation of the measured
      flow rates compared to a reference. A distance of 20 mm was effective in our
      setting to avoid this influence.

PMID- 28088918
TI  - Direct bladder hernia after indirect hernia repair in extremely low birth weight
      babies: two case reports and a review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is the most common surgical procedure in
      babies. Despite a meticulous technique, relapses may occur. The occurrence of a
      direct bladder wall hernia in relapses has never before been reported in the
      literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report two cases of direct bladder
      herniation: a white baby boy born after 25 weeks of gestation and a white baby
      boy born after 26 weeks of gestation. Both of the formerly extremely low birth
      weight babies were affected after open bilateral hernia repair. Recurrent hernias
      developed on the right side, and direct bladder herniation was identified
      intraoperatively. In one case, laparoscopy was applied to identify a supravesical
      type of hernia. Immaturity and a difficult postnatal course might have
      contributed to hernia relapse in these cases. CONCLUSIONS: Misinterpretation of
      bladder herniation might have disastrous consequences. Laparoscopy is a helpful
      tool in comparable cases.

PMID- 28088919
TI  - The Journal Impact Factor is under attack - use the CAPCI factor instead.
AB  - The uses and misuses of the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) have been thoroughly
      discussed in the literature. A few years ago, I predicted that JIF would soon be
      replaced, while another colleague argued the opposite. Over the past few months,
      attacks on JIF have intensified, with some publishing organizations gradually
      removing the indicator from their journals' websites. Here, I argue that most, if
      not all of the misuses of JIF are related to its name. The word "impact" should
      be removed, since it implies an influential attribute, either for the journals,
      their published papers, or their authors. I propose instead the use of a new
      name, the "CAPCI factor", standing for Citation Average Per Citable Item, which
      accurately describes what is represented by this measure.

PMID- 28088920
TI  - Cardiac strain findings in children with latent rheumatic heart disease detected
      by echocardiographic screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of patients with latent rheumatic heart disease by
      echocardiography presents a unique opportunity to prevent disease progression.
      Myocardial strain is a more sensitive indicator of cardiac performance than
      traditional measures of systolic function. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study
      was to test the hypothesis that abnormalities in myocardial strain may be present
      in children with latent rheumatic heart disease. METHODS: Standard
      echocardiography images with electrocardiogram gating were obtained from Ugandan
      children found to have latent rheumatic heart disease as well as control
      subjects. Traditional echocardiography measures of systolic function were
      obtained, and offline global longitudinal strain analysis was performed.
      Comparison between groups was performed using strain as a continuous (Mann
      Whitney U-test) and categorical (cut-off 5th percentile for age) variable.
      RESULTS: Our study included 14 subjects with definite rheumatic heart disease, 13
      with borderline rheumatic heart disease, and 112 control subjects. None of the
      subjects had abnormal left ventricular size or ejection fraction. Global
      longitudinal strain was lower than the 5th percentile in 44% of the subjects with
      any rheumatic heart disease (p=0.002 versus controls) and 57% of the subjects
      with definite rheumatic heart disease (p=0.03). The mean absolute strain values
      were significantly lower when comparing subjects with any rheumatic heart disease
      with controls (20.4+/-3.95 versus 22.4+/-4.35, p=0.025) and subjects with
      definite rheumatic heart disease with controls (19.9+/-4.25 versus 22.4+/-4.35,
      p=0.033). CONCLUSION: Global longitudinal strain is decreased in subjects with
      rheumatic heart disease in the absence of abnormal systolic function. Larger
      studies with longer-term follow-up are required to determine whether there is a
      role for strain to help better understand the pathophysiology of latent rheumatic
      heart disease.

PMID- 28088921
TI  - Red flags: a case series of clinician-family communication challenges in the
      context of CHD.
AB  - We describe three cases of newborns with complex CHD characterised by
      communication challenges. These communication challenges were categorised as
      patient, family, or system-related red flags. Strategies for addressing these red
      flags were proposed, for the goal of optimising care and improving quality of
      life in this vulnerable population.

PMID- 28088922
TI  - Restricting the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children in
      South Africa: are all nutrient profiling models the same?
AB  - The WHO has called for governments to improve children's food environment by
      implementing restrictions on the marketing of 'unhealthy' foods to children.
      Nutrient profiling (NP) models are used to define 'unhealthy' foods and support
      child-directed food marketing regulations. The aim of the present study was to
      assess the suitability of the South African NP model (SANPM), developed and
      validated for health claim regulations, for child-directed food marketing
      regulations. The SANPM was compared with four NP models specifically developed
      for such regulations. A representative list of 197 foods was compiled by
      including all foods advertised on South African free-to-air television channels
      in 2014 and foods commonly consumed by South African children. The nutritional
      information of the foods was sourced from food packaging, company websites and a
      food composition table. Each individual food was classified by each of the five
      NP models. The percentage of foods that would be allowed according to the
      different NP models ranged from 6 to 45 %; the models also varied considerably
      with regard to the type of foods allowed for marketing to children. The majority
      of the pairwise comparisons between the NP models yielded kappa statistics >0.4,
      indicating a moderate agreement between the models. An almost perfect pairwise
      agreement (kappa=0.948) existed between the SANPM and the UK Food Standards
      Agency model (United Kingdom Office of Communication nutrient profiling model), a
      model extensively tested and validated for such regulations. The SANPM is
      considered appropriate for child-directed food marketing regulations in South
      Africa.

PMID- 28088923
TI  - An assessment of the influence of macronutrients on growth performance and
      nutrient utilisation in broiler chickens by nutritional geometry.
AB  - The right-angled triangle mixture experiment was designed to include fourteen
      diets with different concentrations of starch, protein and lipid. Experimental
      diets were offered to male Ross 308 broiler chickens from 10 to 23 d after
      hatching, and response curves and surfaces were generated to illustrate the
      influence of macronutrients on growth performance and nutrient utilisations.
      Despite the primary function of macronutrients, especially protein, may not be
      providing energy, macronutrients were expressed as energy derived from starch,
      protein and fat for statistical purposes in the mixture design. Energy derived
      from lipid had a greater impact on feed intake than energy derived from starch
      and protein. When we compared the influence of starch and protein on feed intake,
      'equal distance rule' was observed, which means the animal consumes feed to the
      point on its respective nutritional rails where the shortage of starch exactly
      equals the surplus of consumed protein. Increasing the protein-derived energy
      intake increased weight gain in broiler chickens, whereas energy intake derived
      from starch and lipid had little impact on weight gain. Feed conversion ratio
      (FCR) may be reduced by either increasing protein energy intake or decreasing
      starch energy intake. As the slope of the contours was less than 1, the influence
      of starch energy intakes on FCR exceeded that of protein energy intakes. In
      conclusion, energy derived from protein is more important than non-protein energy
      in terms of weight gain, and a balance between protein and energy supplies is
      required for efficient muscle protein deposition.

PMID- 28088924
TI  - Microbiology of otitis media in Indigenous Australian children: review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review research addressing the polymicrobial aetiology of otitis
      media in Indigenous Australian children in order to identify research gaps and
      inform best practice in effective prevention strategies and therapeutic
      interventions. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: Studies of aspirated middle
      ear fluid represented a minor component of the literature reviewed. Most studies
      relied upon specimens from middle-ear discharge or the nasopharynx. Culture-based
      middle-ear discharge studies have found that non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae
      and Streptococcus pneumoniae predominate, with Moraxella catarrhalis,
      Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes isolated in a lower proportion
      of samples. Alloiococcus otitidis was detected in a number of studies; however,
      its role in otitis media pathogenesis remains controversial. Nasopharyngeal
      colonisation is a risk factor for otitis media in Indigenous infants, and
      bacterial load of otopathogens in the nasopharynx can predict the ear state of
      Indigenous children. CONCLUSION: Most studies have used culture-based methods and
      specimens from middle-ear discharge or the nasopharynx. Findings from these
      studies are consistent with international literature, but reliance on culture may
      incorrectly characterise the microbiology of this condition. Advances in genomic
      technologies are now providing microbiologists with the ability to analyse the
      entire mixed bacterial communities ('microbiomes') of samples obtained from
      Indigenous children with otitis media.

PMID- 28088925
TI  - A randomized controlled trial of Kundalini yoga in mild cognitive impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Global population aging will result in increasing rates of cognitive
      decline and dementia. Thus, effective, low-cost, and low side-effect
      interventions for the treatment and prevention of cognitive decline are urgently
      needed. Our study is the first to investigate the effects of Kundalini yoga (KY)
      training on mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: Older participants (>=55
      years of age) with MCI were randomized to either a 12-week KY intervention or
      memory enhancement training (MET; gold-standard, active control). Cognitive (i.e.
      memory and executive functioning) and mood (i.e. depression, apathy, and
      resilience) assessments were administered at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks.
      RESULTS: At baseline, 81 participants had no significant baseline group
      differences in clinical or demographic characteristics. At 12 weeks and 24 weeks,
      both KY and MET groups showed significant improvement in memory; however, only KY
      showed significant improvement in executive functioning. Only the KY group showed
      significant improvement in depressive symptoms and resilience at week 12.
      CONCLUSION: KY group showed short- and long-term improvements in executive
      functioning as compared to MET, and broader effects on depressed mood and
      resilience. This observation should be confirmed in future clinical trials of
      yoga intervention for treatment and prevention of cognitive decline
      (NCT01983930).

PMID- 28088926
TI  - Proxy rated quality of life of care home residents with dementia: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome for people with
      dementia living in care homes but usually needs to be rated by a proxy. We do not
      know if relative or paid carer proxy reports differ. We conducted the first
      systematic review and meta-analysis of data investigating whether and how these
      proxy reports of QoL differ. METHODS: We searched four databases: Medline,
      Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL in October 2015 with the terms: dementia, QoL,
      proxy, and care home. Included studies either compared proxy QoL ratings or
      investigated the factors associated with them. We meta-analyzed data comparing
      staff and family proxy rated QoL. RESULTS: We included 17/105 papers identified.
      We found no difference between global proxy ratings of QoL (n = 1,290; pooled
      effect size 0.06 (95% CI = -0.08 to 0.19)). Studies investigating factors
      associated with ratings (n = 3,537) found family and staff ratings correlated
      with the resident's physical and mental health. Staff who were more distressed
      rated resident QoL lower. Relatives rated it lower when the resident had lived in
      the care home for longer, when they observed more restraint, or contributed more
      to fees. CONCLUSIONS: Relatives and staff proxy QoL ratings share a clear
      relationship to resident health and overall ratings were similar. Rater-specific
      factors were, however, also associated with scores. Understanding why different
      raters consider the QoL of the same person differently is an important
      consideration when evaluating the meaning of proxy rated QoL. Proxy raters'
      backgrounds may affect their rating of QoL.

PMID- 28088927
TI  - Assessing understanding of relative clauses: a comparison of multiple-choice
      comprehension versus sentence repetition.
AB  - Although sentence repetition is considered a reliable measure of children's
      grammatical knowledge, few studies have directly compared children's sentence
      repetition performance with their understanding of grammatical structures. The
      current study aimed to compare children's performance on these two assessment
      measures, using a multiple-choice picture-matching sentence comprehension task
      and a sentence repetition task. Thirty-three typically developing children
      completed both assessments, which included relative clauses representing a range
      of syntactic roles. Results revealed a similar order of difficulty of
      constructions on both measures but little agreement between them when evaluating
      individual differences. Interestingly, repetition was the easier of the two
      measures, with children showing the ability to repeat sentences they did not
      understand. This discrepancy is primarily attributed to the additional processing
      load resulting from the design of multiple-choice comprehension tasks, and
      highlights the fact that these assessments are invoking skills beyond those of
      linguistic competence.

PMID- 28088929
TI  - Morphologic analysis of sperm from two neotropical primate species: comparisons
      between the squirrel monkeys Saimiri collinsi and Saimiri vanzolinii.
AB  - Sperm morphometry can be applied to identify different animal groups and species
      and to evaluate sperm quality. Furthermore, knowledge on species-specific
      differences will help to enhance biological information, as well as to develop
      efficient reproductive technologies. The aims in the present study were to
      describe sperm morphometry from the recently characterized species S. collinsi
      and S. vanzolinii, to verify if the morphometric sperm patterns are similar or
      different between both species, and to determine if the sperm morphometry is
      affected by the levels of sperm defects using the S. collinsi as a model. Semen
      was collected from S. collinsi (n = 10) and S. vanzolinii (n = 2) monkeys, and
      sperm was submitted to morphological analysis. From the 10 samples from S.
      collinsi, five presented sperm of poor quality and two subgroups were formed for
      this species, i.e. high and poor quality sperm. Data on sperm motility and vigour
      were analysed, as well morphometric parameters on sperm head and tail. It was
      observed the normal morphometry was correlated with high quality sperm. Poor
      quality sperm presented smaller and 7% more ellipticity in their head, when
      compared with high quality sperm. Sperm from S. vanzolinii presented larger head
      than those from S. collinsi, but tail lengths were similar. Sperm morphometry can
      be used as a complementary tool to predict sperm motility and vigour for the S.
      collinsi species, and S. collinsi appear as a suitable model for S. vanzolinii.

PMID- 28088928
TI  - Multi-modal MRI investigation of volumetric and microstructural changes in the
      hippocampus and its subfields in mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease,
      and dementia with Lewy bodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Volumetric atrophy and microstructural alterations in diffusion
      tensor imaging (DTI) measures of the hippocampus have been reported in people
      with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, no
      study to date has jointly investigated concomitant microstructural and volumetric
      changes of the hippocampus in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). METHODS: A total
      of 84 subjects (23 MCI, 17 DLB, 14 AD, and 30 healthy controls) were recruited
      for a multi-modal imaging (3T MRI and DTI) study that included neuropsychological
      evaluation. Freesurfer was used to segment the total hippocampus and delineate
      its subfields. The hippocampal segmentations were co-registered to the mean
      diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps obtained from the DTI
      images. RESULTS: Both AD and MCI groups showed significantly smaller hippocampal
      volumes compared to DLB and controls, predominantly in the CA1 and subiculum
      subfields. Compared to controls, hippocampal MD was elevated in AD, but not in
      MCI. DLB was characterized by both volumetric and microstructural preservation of
      the hippocampus. In MCI, higher hippocampal MD was associated with greater
      atrophy of the hippocampus and CA1 region. Hippocampal volume was a stronger
      predictor of memory scores compared to MD within the MCI group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Through a multi-modal integration, we report novel evidence that the hippocampus
      in DLB is characterized by both macrostructural and microstructural preservation.
      Contrary to recent suggestions, our findings do not support the view that DTI
      measurements of the hippocampus are superior to volumetric changes in
      characterizing group differences, particularly between MCI and controls.

PMID- 28088930
TI  - Adherence of older people with instability in vestibular rehabilitation
      programmes: prediction criteria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether demographic characteristics or balance
      examination findings can predict the adherence of older people with instability
      to a vestibular rehabilitation programme. METHODS: A prospective case-control
      study was conducted of 120 patients aged 65 years or more (mean age, 77.3 +/-
      6.33 years). Two groups were classified according to patients' adherence with the
      follow-up post-rehabilitation protocol. Analysed variables included: age, sex,
      body mass index, Timed Up and Go test findings, computerised dynamic
      posturography, Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores and Short Falls Efficacy Scale
      - International questionnaire results, number of falls, and type of vestibular
      rehabilitation. RESULTS: Two groups were established: adherents (99 individuals)
      and non-adherents (21 individuals). There were differences between the groups
      regarding: sex (female-to-male ratio of 4.8:1 in adherents and 1.63:1 in non
      adherents), age (higher in non-adherents) and voluntary movement posturographic
      test results (non-adherents had poorer scores). CONCLUSION: The patients most
      likely to abandon a vestibular rehabilitation programme are very elderly males
      with low scores for centre of gravity balancing and limits of stability.

PMID- 28088931
TI  - Development of medical treatment for eye injuries in the mainland of China over
      the past decade.
AB  - In the article, the development of medical treatment for eye injuries in the
      mainland of China was reviewed. According to the data provided in Eye Injury
      Vitrectomy Study (EIVS), 27% of 72 eyes with no light perception (NLP) gained
      recovery in term of antomy and visual function. Vitrectomy initiated at more than
      4 weeks after open eye injury is an independent risk factor for developing PVR.
      Prognosis of anatomy and visual function of the injured eye with PVR is markedly
      worse than that without PVR. Serious injuries of ciliary body, choroid and retina
      are three key parts of the eye with NLP. The concept that the treatment of the
      eye injury gradually focus on the whole globe is embodied. The data from 13575 in
      patients with traumatic eyes in 14 hospitals revealed that the rate of immediate
      enucleation was remarkable reduced with comparison of 20 years ago.

PMID- 28088932
TI  - Trauma of the globe: State of art in global and in China.
AB  - Current states of traumatic eye injury are reviewed in terms of epidemiology in
      the developing countries and developed countries, causes of the trauma, eye
      injury types, traumatic eye injury diagnostic methods and treatments. Trauma
      caused vision-threatening conditions such as open global injury, traumatic optic
      neuropathy and proliferative vitreoretinopathy are particularly discussed. Also
      the most updated clinic research in China as Eye Injury Vitrectomy Study is
      discussed. At the end, the current achievements and research in traumatic eye
      injury in the world are summerized.

PMID- 28088933
TI  - New classification of ocular foreign bodies.
AB  - Foreign bodies (FBs) in the eye are usually classified as intraocular (IOFB) or
      extraocular (EOFB). In IOFB the FB is within the eye ball and in EOFB it is
      outside. This classification seems oversimplified. Hence a new classification is
      proposed on the basis of FB locations, in which adnexal FBs (in orbit, lids, con-
      junctiva and lacrimal apparatus) are also included. These are further classified
      according to their exact location. FBs can also be classified in many other ways.
      Besides IOFB and EOFB, another condition IMFB (intramural foreign body) is also
      described. The FBs are situated within cornea or sclera and are neither IOFB nor
      EOFB. Ocular trauma also includes trauma to ocular adnexa and hence the terms
      IOFB and EOFB have been replaced by IGFB (intraglobal foreign body) and EGFB
      (extraglobal foreign body).

PMID- 28088934
TI  - Clinical diagnosis and treatment of intraorbital wooden foreign bodies.
AB  - PURPOSE: The intraorbital wooden foreign body is often misdiagnosed or missed on
      computed tomog- raphy (CT) scan, due to the invisible or unclear images. The
      residual foreign bodies often occur during surgical removal. The clinical
      manifestations, imaging features and treatment of intraorbital wooden foreign
      bodies were discussed in this study. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed 14 cases
      of intraorbital wooden foreign bodies managed at our hospital between January
      2007 and May 2015. All patients underwent orbital CT examination before surgery,
      and surgery was performed under general anesthesia with orbital wound debridement
      and suture, as well as exploration and removal of wooden foreign bodies. RESULTS:
      At first, 11 cases underwent removal of foreign bodies, including 1 case with
      incomplete removal and then receiving a secondary surgery. Foreign bodies were
      not found in three cases with preoperative misdiagnosis and orbital MRI found
      residual foreign bodies in the orbit. Operations were performed via primary wound
      approach in eight cases, conjunctival approach in two cases, and anterior
      orbitotomy in four cases. Postoperatively, one case was complicated with eye
      injuries, three cases with ocular muscle injuries, eight cases with visual loss,
      and eight cases with orbital abscess. The length of foreign bodies ranged from
      1.8 cm to 11.0 cm. The maximum of four foreign bodies were removed at the same
      time. CONCLUSION: Because the imaging of orbital wooden foreign bodies is complex
      and varied, MRI should be combined when they are invisible on CT scan. At the
      same time injuries trajectory and clinical mani- festations of patients should be
      taken into account. Surgical exploration should be extensive and thor- ough, and
      foreign bodies and orbital abscess must be cleared.

PMID- 28088935
TI  - Status of ocular trauma in hospitalized patients in Kashan, 2011: As a sample of
      industrial city.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ocular trauma is the third leading cause of hospitalization in
      ophthalmology patients, imposing direct and indirect physical and psychological
      costs on society. This study aims to investigate the status of ocular trauma in
      hospitalized patients in the industrialized city of Kashan in 2011. METHODS: This
      cross-sectional descriptive applied study was conducted in 2012 on patients
      hospitalized for ocular trauma. Data, including age, gender, occupation,
      education, timing of admission following accident, location of accident, type of
      injury, damaging instrument, and type of trauma, were collected using a
      questionnaire designed by a trained nurse, and analyzed using SPSS-16 software by
      means of means +/- standard deviation, frequency, and percentage for descriptive
      data and t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Chi-square and Fisher exact test
      for analysis at significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: In total, 82 patients
      were hospitalized due to ocular traumas. The majority of patients were male (65
      patients, 79.3%). Their mean age was (25.4 +/- 21.4) years, with an age range of
      20-40 years (30 patients, 36.6%). Hyphema was the most common injury (26
      patients, 25.5%), home was the most frequent incident location (32 patients,
      39%), and knife or other cutting tools were mostly responsible for injuries (18
      patients, 21.9%). Patients were hospitalized for 1e6 days, and the average length
      of stay in hospital was 2.63 days. Frequency distribution of injuries based on
      whether or not ruptures differed significantly among different age groups.
      CONCLUSION: The majority of ocular trauma occurred in young males. Knife was the
      principle culprit for eye injuries, followed by vehicles. To reduce such
      incidents, it is recommended that people be trained to avoid high-risk behaviors
      when using knives and to better heed driving rules and regulations.

PMID- 28088936
TI  - Endoscopic decompression of the optic canal for traumatic optic neuropathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a serious complication of head
      trauma with the incidence rate of 0.5%-5%. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the therapeutic efficacy of endoscopic decompression of the optic
      canal for optic nerve injuries. METHODS: In this study, 11 patients treated in
      our hospital from January 2009 to January 2015 with the visual loss resulting
      from TON were retrospectively reviewed for preoperative vision, visual evoked
      potential (VEP) scan, surgical approach, postoperative visual acuity,
      complications, and follow-up results. RESULTS: All these patients received
      endoscopic decompression of the optic canal. At the 3-month follow- up, the
      visual acuity improvement rate of the 11 patients was 45.5%. The vision acuity of
      2 cases improved from hand movement to 0.08 and 0.3 after operation. Another
      patient's vision acuity returned to 0.05 compared to light sensation
      preoperatively. Two cases had finger counting before surgery but they had a
      vision acuity of 0.4 and light sensation respectively after surgery. However, the
      other 6 cases' vision did not improve after surgery. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic
      decompression of the optic canal is an effective way to cure TON. VEP could be
      used as an important reference for preoperative and prognosis evaluation.
      Operative time after trauma is only a relative condition that may affect the
      therapeutic effect of optic canal decompression. Poor results of this procedure
      may be related to the severity of the optic nerve injury.

PMID- 28088937
TI  - Traumatic cardiac injury: Experience from a level-1 trauma centre.
AB  - PURPOSE: Traumatic cardiac injury (TCI) is a challenge for trauma surgeons as it
      provides a short thera- peutic window and the management is often dictated by the
      underlying mechanism and hemodynamic status. The current study is to evaluate the
      factors influencing the outcome of TCI. METHODS: Prospectively maintained
      database of TCI cases admitted at a Level-1 trauma center from July 2008 to June
      2013 was retrospectively analyzed. Hospital records were reviewed and statistical
      analysis was performed using the SPSS version 15. RESULTS: Out of 21 cases of
      TCI, 6 (28.6%) had isolated and 15 (71.4%) had associated injuries. Ratio be-
      tween blunt and penetrating injuries was 2:1 with male preponderance. Mean ISS
      was 31.95. Thirteen patients (62%) presented with features suggestive of shock.
      Cardiac tamponade was present in 12 (57%) cases and pericardiocentesis was done
      in only 6 cases of them. Overall 19 patients underwent surgery. Perioperatively 8
      (38.1%) patients developed cardiac arrest and 7 developed cardiac arrhythmia.
      Overall survival rate was 71.4%. Mortality was related to cardiac arrest (p =
      0.014), arrhythmia (p = 0.014), and hemorrhagic shock (p =0.04). The diagnostic
      accuracy of focused assessment by sonography in trauma (FAST) was 95.24%.
      CONCLUSION: High index of clinical suspicion based on the mechanism of injury,
      meticulous examination by FAST and early intervention could improve the overall
      outcome.

PMID- 28088938
TI  - Clinical analysis of 54 cases of large area soft tissue avulsion in the lower
      limb.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical curative effect of different treatment methods
      for large area avulsion injury in the lower limb. METHODS: Between January 2010
      and December 2013, 54 patients with large area avulsion injury in the lower limb
      were treated in the trauma center of our hospital, including 34 males and 20
      females with a mean age of 35.7 years (range, 16-65 years). The injury mechanism
      was traffic accident in 44 cases, hitting by heavy objects in 8 cases, and fall
      from height in 2 cases, involving 31 thighs, 19 legs and 4 feet involved. The
      sizes of the avulsed wounds ranged from 10 cm *15 cm to 50 cm *30 cm. There were
      16 cases combined with hemorrhagic shock, 5 with femoral fractures, and 7 with
      tibiofibula fractures. Averagely the patients were sent to our hospital within
      3.5 h (range, 1.5-10 h) after injury. For the 54 patients, three different
      surgical strategies were performed based on the wound area and condition of the
      avulsed skin: in Group A, 24 patients were treated by debridement and
      preservation of subcutaneous vascular network + vertical mattress suture of full
      thickness skin flap + tube drainage; in Group B, 25 patients were treated by
      split-thickness skin flap meshing and grafting + vacuum sealing drainage (VSD);
      and in Group C, the other 5 patients were treated by debridement and VSD at stage
      I + reattachment of autologous reserved frozen split-thickness skin graft at
      stage II. RESULTS: All the 54 patients recovered and were discharged eventually,
      without any deaths or amputees. In each group, there were no statistical
      differences (all p > 0.05) among different injury sites in terms of survival rate
      and length of hospital stay, except for the infection rate, which was much higher
      (p =0.000) at the leg area than that at the thigh (32.54% +/- 2.97% vs. 2.32% +/-
      2.34% in Group A and 50.00% +/- 0.00% vs. 0 in Group C) or the foot (50.00% +/-
      0.00% vs. 0 in Group C). Moreover comparison of the three surgical methods showed
      a significant different (all p < 0.05) between each other for all the three
      assessed parameters, i.e. flap survival rate, length of hospital stay, and
      infection rate. CONCLUSION: Treatment choices for skin avulsion on the lower limb
      should be based on the viability of the avulsed skin flap and the location of the
      wound. Proper choice can not only reduce the economic burden caused by using VSD,
      but also shorten the long hospital stay due to repeated wound dressing change or
      second stage surgery.

PMID- 28088939
TI  - Complications in the management of closed high-energy proximal tibial plateau
      fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report complications in the management of complex closed proximal
      tibial fractures. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the
      infectious and noninfectious complications encountered in the management of high
      energy Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures. All patients were
      treated at the level 1 trauma centre between January 2011 and March 2014. Sixty
      two patients were included in the study. The mean patient age was (43.16 +/-
      11.59) years with 60 males and 2 females. Infectious complications like
      superficial and deep infection, wound dehiscence, malalignment in the immediate
      postoperative period and in follow-up period were noted. RESULTS: The overall
      complication rate was 30.65% (19 out of 62). Infectious complications were noted
      in 20.97% cases (13/62). In majority of the cases (8/13), superficial infection
      was seen which managed with regular dressing and antibiotic administration. The
      patients (5/13) who had developed deep-seated infection were subjected to
      repeated debridements, flap coverage, implant removal or amputation depending
      upon the host response. Thirteen patients had experienced noninfectious
      complications. Hardware related complications were noticed in six patients and
      four among them received a secondary procedure. Malalignment was observed in
      seven patients but only single patient underwent subsequent operative
      intervention. CONCLUSION: Proximal tibial plateau fractures especially Shatzker
      type V and VI are associated with extensive soft tissue damage even in closed
      injuries. The complications encountered in the management of these fractures can
      be minimized with appropriate patient selection and minimal soft tissue
      dissection.

PMID- 28088940
TI  - Indirect reduction technique using a distraction support in minimally invasive
      percutaneous plate osteosynthesis of tibial shaft fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe an indirect reduction technique during minimally invasive
      percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) of tibial shaft fractures with the use
      of a distraction support. METHODS: Between March 2011 and October 2014, 52
      patients with a mean age of 48 years (16-72 years) sustaining tibial shaft
      fractures were included. All the patients underwent MIPPO for the fractures using
      a distraction support prior to insertion of the plate. Fracture angular deformity
      was assessed by goni- ometer measurement on preoperative and postoperative
      images. RESULTS: Preoperative radiographs revealed a mean of 7.6 degrees (1.2
      degrees -28 degrees ) angulation in coronal plane and a mean of 6.8 degrees (0.5
      degrees -19 degrees ) angulation in sagittal plane. Postoperative anteroposterior
      and lateral radio- graphs showed a mean of 0.8 degrees (0 degrees -4.0 degrees )
      and 0.6 degrees (0 degrees -3.6 degrees ) of varus/valgus and apex
      anterior/posterior angulation, respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative
      complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the distraction
      support during MIPPO of tibial shaft fractures is an effective and safe method
      with no associated complications.

PMID- 28088941
TI  - Fracture union in percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation in paediatric tibial shaft
      fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intramedullary Kirschner wires for the
      treatment of unstable tibial shaft fractures in children. METHODS: This
      prospective study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in
      Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College from June 2005 to June 2010. Sixty-six
      children having closed fracture of the tibial shaft with a mean age of 7.7 years
      (range, 2-14 years) were recruited from emergency and outpatient department. They
      were treated with percutaneous intramedullary Kirschner wires. The clinical
      results of our study were rated on the basis of the criteria of union, nonunion,
      delayed union or malunion. All children were followed for one year. RESULTS:
      Children achieved union in a mean time of 8 weeks (range, 6-10 weeks).
      Postoperatively, three children (4.55%) had delayed union, one (1.52%) valgus
      deformity of lower leg, three (4.55%) post- operative knee pain and twelve
      (18.18%) skin irritation at pin site.Wires were removed after 8-22 weeks without
      any complications. No patient was lost to follow-up. The results were excellent
      in 95.45% and good in 4.55% children. CONCLUSION: This technique is cost
      effective, simple, quick to perform, safe and reliable and avoids pro- longed
      hospitalization with good results.

PMID- 28088942
TI  - A distal-lock electromagnetic targeting device for intramedullary nailing:
      Suggestions and clinical experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe our clinical experience with a system named SureShot? Distal
      Targeting (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, USA) based on magnetic field presence and
      discuss our suggestions on this technique. METHODS: We analysed prospectively 47
      patients affected by humeral, tibial or femoral fractures, treated in our
      institution during a 3-year period of time (August 2010 to September 2013). We
      considered the following parameters: the time to set up, the time to position a
      single screw, the effectiveness of the system (drilling ad screwing), the
      irradiation exposure time during distal locking procedure and surgical
      complications. RESULTS: A total number of 96 screws were inserted. The mean
      preparation time of the device was 5.1 min +/- 2 min (range 3-10 min). The mean
      time for single screw targeting was 5.8 min +/- 2.3 min (range 4-18 min). No
      major complications occurred. Only a few locking procedures were needed to be
      practiced in order to obtain the required expertise with this targeting device.
      CONCLUSION: According to our results, this device is reliable and valid whenever
      the correct technique is followed. It is also user friendly, exposes to lower
      radiation and needs less surgical time compared to relative data from the
      literature. However, the surgeon should always be aware of how to use the free
      hand technique in case of malfunctioning of the system.

PMID- 28088944
TI  - Gastroduodenal artery aneurysm - A rare complication of traumatic pancreatic
      injury.
AB  - Aneurysm of gastroduodenal artery (GDA) is rare. Most reported cases are due to
      pancreatitis and atherosclerosis; however, those following pancreatic trauma have
      not been reported. We encoun- tered GDA aneurysm in a patient of blunt abdominal
      trauma, who had pancreatic contusion and retroduodenal air on contrast enhanced
      computed tomography of abdomen. Emergency laparotomy for suspected duodenal
      injury revealed duodenal wall and pancreatic head contusion, mild hemo-
      peritoneum and no evidence of duodenal perforation. In the postoperative period,
      the patient developed upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage on day 5. Repeat imaging
      revealed GDA aneurysm, which was managed successfully by angioembolization. This
      case highlights, one, delayed presen- tation of GDA aneurysm after blunt
      pancreatic trauma and two, its successful management using endovascular
      technique.

PMID- 28088943
TI  - Percutaneous poking reduction and fixation versus open reduction and fixation in
      the treatment of displaced calcaneal fractures for Chinese patients: A systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of percutaneous poking reduction and
      fixationwith open reduction and fixation in the treatment of displaced calcaneal
      fractures. METHODS: Reports of studies using case-controlled trials (CCT) to
      compare the percutaneous poking reduction and fixation with the open reduction
      and fixation in the management of calcaneal fractures were retrieved from the
      Cochrane Library, PubMed Database, CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang
      Data (from January of 2005 to August of 2015). Methodological quality of the
      trials was critically assessed, and relevant data were extracted. Statistical
      software Revman 5.0 was used for data-analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen articles were
      included in the meta-analysis. Comparison of the efficacy of percutaneous poking
      reduction and fixation with open reduction and fixation in the treatment of
      calcaneal fractures revealed statistical significance in the incidence of
      complications after operation [RR = 0.32, 95% CI (0.20, 0.5), p < 0.05]. However,
      there were neither statistical significance in the degrees of recovery for
      calcaneal Bohler angle [WMD = -1.65, 95% CI (-3.43, 0.14), p > 0.05] and
      calcaneal Gissane angle [WMD = -3.21, 95% CI (-6.75, 0.33), p > 0.05], nor
      statistical significance in the rate of good foot function after operation [RR=
      0.95, 95% CI (0.90, 1.00), p > 0.05]. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of calcaneal
      fractures, percutaneous poking reduction and fixation is su- perior to open
      reduction and fixation in terms of the incidence of postoperative complications.
      But both techniques can obtain satisfactory clinical function.

PMID- 28088945
TI  - Clinical analysis of thoracoscopic surgery combined with intraoperative
      autologous blood transfusion in the treatment of traumatic hemothorax.
AB  - From January 2013 to January 2015, 19 patients of traumatic hemothorax with
      hemorrhagic shock were treated in our department by thoracoscopic surgery
      combined with autologous blood transfusion. This study retrospectively analyzed
      the therapeutic effect and shared our experience. The average amount of blood
      transfused back was 662.41 ml +/- 269.15 ml. None of the patients developed
      transfusion reaction and were all discharged uneventfully. Thoracoscopic surgery
      combined with autologous blood trans- fusion is effective in the rescue of
      patients with progressive hemothorax and hemorrhagic shock. When corresponding
      indications are well managed, treatment for these patients is quicker, safer, and
      more effective.

PMID- 28088946
TI  - Effects of chlorogenic acid on intracellular calcium regulation in
      lysophosphatidylcholine-treated endothelial cells.
AB  - Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a major phospholipid component of oxidized low
      density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and is implicated in its atherogenic activity. This
      study investigated the effects of LPC on cell viability, intracellular calcium
      homeostasis, and the protective mechanisms of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). LPC increased intracellular calcium
      ([Ca2+]i) by releasing Ca2+ from intracellular stores and via Ca2+ influx through
      store-operated channels (SOCs). LPC also increased the generation of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) and decreased cell viability. The mRNA expression of
      Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel 1 was increased
      significantly by LPC treatment and suppressed by CGA. CGA inhibited LPC-induced
      Ca2+ influx and ROS generation, and restored cell viability. These results
      suggested that CGA inhibits SOC-mediated Ca2+ influx and ROS generation by
      attenuating TRPC1 expression in LPC-treated HUVECs. Therefore, CGA might protect
      endothelial cells against LPC injury, thereby inhibiting atherosclerosis. [BMB
      Reports 2017; 50(6): 323-328].

PMID- 28088947
TI  - Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/carbon monoxide (CO) axis suppresses RANKL-induced
      osteoclastic differentiation by inhibiting redox-sensitive NF-kappaB activation.
AB  - Heme oxygenase (HO-1) catalyzes heme to carbon monoxide (CO),
      biliverdin/bilirubin, and iron and is known to prevent the pathogenesis of
      several human diseases. We assessed the beneficial effect of heme degradation
      products on osteoclastogenesis induced by receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand
      (RANKL). Treatment of RAW264.7 cells with CORM-2 (a CO donor) and bilirubin, but
      not with iron, decreased RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, with CORM-2 having a
      more potent anti-osteogenic effect. CORM-2 also inhibited RANKLinduced
      osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic resorption activity in marrow-derived
      macrophages. Treatment with hemin, a HO-1 inducer, strongly inhibited RANKL
      induced osteoclastogenesis in wild-type macrophages, but was ineffective in HO
      1+/- cells. CORM-2 reduced RANKL-induced NFATc1 expression by inhibiting IKK
      dependent NF-kappaB activation and reactive oxygen species production. These
      results suggest that CO potently inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by
      inhibiting redox-sensitive NF-kappaB-mediated NFATc1 expression. Our findings
      indicate that HO-1/CO can act as an antiresorption agent and reduce bone loss by
      blocking osteoclast differentiation. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(2): 103-108].

PMID- 28088949
TI  - [Recent advancement of renal transplantation at home and abroad].

PMID- 28088948
TI  - Translation initiation mediated by nuclear cap-binding protein complex.
AB  - In mammals, cap-dependent translation of mRNAs is initiated by two distinct
      mechanisms: cap-binding complex (CBC; a heterodimer of CBP80 and 20)-dependent
      translation (CT) and eIF4E-dependent translation (ET). Both translation
      initiation mechanisms share common features in driving cap- dependent
      translation; nevertheless, they can be distinguished from each other based on
      their molecular features and biological roles. CT is largely associated with mRNA
      surveillance such as nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), whereas ET is
      predominantly involved in the bulk of protein synthesis. However, several recent
      studies have demonstrated that CT and ET have similar roles in protein synthesis
      and mRNA surveillance. In a subset of mRNAs, CT preferentially drives the cap
      dependent translation, as ET does, and ET is responsible for mRNA surveillance,
      as CT does. In this review, we summarize and compare the molecular features of CT
      and ET with a focus on the emerging roles of CT in translation. [BMB Reports
      2017; 50(4): 186-193].

PMID- 28088950
TI  - [Risk factors for acute rejection in living-donor kidney transplant recipients in
      China: a subgroup analysis of a multi-center, registry study].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate pre-and early post-transplantation risk factors for acute
      rejection(AR) in kidney recipients. Methods: This subgroup analysis of a multi
      center registry study was conducted on living-donor kidney transplant recipients
      in China with 10 years of follow-up. This study analyzed 1 255 recipients
      including 921 males(73.4%) and with a mean age of (33+/-10)years. Data from
      patients were first analyzed with univariate analysis and then multivariate
      analysis was used for finding out the potential risk factors of AR. Results: A
      total of 106(8.4%) patients were suspected with AR after kidney transplantation,
      while 1 149 patients were considered as non-AR. Multivariable analysis
      demonstrated a significant influence of recipient age and cold ischemia time(CIT)
      on the occurrence of AR(OR: 0.956, 95% CI: 0.923-0.990; OR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.002
      1.011, respectively). The frequency of severe infection was significantly higher
      in the AR group than non-AR group(38.7% vs 10.8%; P<0.000 1). The occurrence of
      new-onset diabetes mellitus and tumors was similar in the two groups.
      Conclusions: Recipient age and CIT are risk factors for AR after living-donor
      kidney transplantation. Reducing CIT and intensive management of younger
      recipient could benefit kidney transplant patients.

PMID- 28088951
TI  - [Noninvasive diagnostic and predictive value in renal transplant recipients with
      acute rejection by measurement of urine Fractalkine].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the relationship between early-stage renal acute
      rejection(AR) and the level of Fractalkine in urine, explore the diagnostic and
      noninvasive monitoring value in early stage after transplantation by measurement
      of urine Fractalkine. Methods: Urine samples were examined from renal transplant
      patients between January 2006 and October 2009. A total of 155 patients were
      enrolled, including 49 with biopsy-proved AR, 58 patients with stable renal
      function and no abnormal histological findings, 10 patients with subclinical
      rejection in protocol biopsy, 9 patients with biopsy-proven acute tubular
      necrosis and 29 patients with biopsy-proven chronic allograft nephropathy.
      Additionally, urine samples were also collected from 40 healthy controls.
      Fractalkine was measured in urine samples using a commercial human Fractalkine
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Immunohistochemistry for
      Fractalkine expression was performed on biopsies from renal transplant patients
      with AR and non-AR. Results: Forty-nine patients with AR excreted urinary
      Fractalkine at a significantly higher level than levels in patients with stable
      renal function and healthy controls[(429.1+/-56.1)vs (94.6+/-8.4), (84.5+/
      8.9)ng/mmol creatine, both P<0.001]. Patients with AR excreted urinary
      Fractalkine at a significantly higher level than levels in patients with acute
      tubular necrosis and chronic allograft nephropathy[(429.1+/-56.1)vs(133.0+/-9.8),
      (183.0+/-18.9)ng/mmol creatine, both P<0.001]. Receiver operating
      characteristic(ROC)curve was constructed to determine the discriminatory power of
      Fractalkine levels for diagnosis of AR. The area under ROC curve was 0.920(95%
      CI: 0.875-0.969, P<0.001), which showed that Fractalkine was a suitable marker
      for the diagnosis of AR. At a cut-off point of 157.5 ng/mmol creatinine, the
      sensitivity was 83.7% and the specificity was 84.5% (P<0.001). The dynamic level
      of urinary Fractalkine in AR patients within 3 weeks after transplantation
      fluctuated above 300 ng/mmol creatine, which is remarkably higher than patients
      with stable renal function (below 200 ng/mmol creatinine). Conclusions: As a
      noninvasive monitoring method, Fractalkine in urine may be a new approach for
      detection of AR as well as useful to predict response to antirejection therapy.
      It has good sensitivity and specificity. Besides, measurement of Fractalkine in
      urine is a simple, inexpensive method for the routine clinical monitoring after
      kidney transplantation.

PMID- 28088952
TI  - [Comparison of clinical outcomes between antithymocyte globulin and basiliximab
      in renal transplantation from donation after citizen death: a matched pair
      study].
AB  - Objective: To compare the safety and effectiveness between antithymocyte globulin
      (ATG) and basiliximab in deceased donor renal transplantation within matched
      groups where paired recipients received graft donations from same donors.
      Methods: A total of 124 cases of deceased donor kidney transplantation performed
      at Wuhan Tongji Hospital from January 2013 to November 2015 were retrospectively
      analyzed. Based upon their induction therapies, the recipients receiving graft
      donations from same donors were divided into two groups, namely ATG group (n=62)
      and basiliximab group (n=62). Clinical data were gathered and comparisons were
      made between the two groups. Results: Delayed graft function (DGF) implicated
      less patients in the ATG group (11, 17.7%) compared with basiliximab group (21,
      33.9%) (P=0.040). Duration of DGF was also significantly shorter in the ATG group
      than in the basiliximab group[(14.92+/-6.23) vs(20.26+/-7.89)days, P=0.048]. The
      rates of DGF were 5/18 in the ATG group and 10/15 in the basiliximab group
      (P=0.025), when subgrouping the patients with elevated risk factors (donor age
      >50 or a history of hypertension or graft cold ischemia time >24 h) for DGF. The
      acute rejection rates did not differ between the two groups significantly;
      comparable one-year graft and patient survival were observed between the ATG and
      basiliximab groups(all P>0.05). Conclusions: The duration of DGF and DGF rate
      after deceased donor renal transplantation is reduced by ATG, when compared with
      basiliximab. Moreover, in recipients with elevated risk factors for DGF, ATG
      diminishes DGF incidence significantly.

PMID- 28088953
TI  - [Research of mHLA-G and the receptor expression with kidney rejection and CMV
      active infection following kidney transplantation].
AB  - Objective: To study the expression of membrane HLA-G (mHLA-G) and the receptor
      immunoglobulin-like transcript 2(ILT2) on lymphocyte and find their association
      with rejection and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after renal transplantation.
      Methods: A total of 88 cases of renal transplant recipients for the first time
      from February 2014 to February 2016 were studied in this work. Recipients can be
      divided into rejection group (n=12) and stable renal function group (n=41)
      according to whether rejection occurred. Recipients only infected CMV not
      developed rejection were included in the CMV positive group (n=24). CMV negative
      group (n=11) including CMV negative recipients once infected CMV.The expression
      of mHLA-G and ILT2 on lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry, and the
      differences among different groups were analyzed. Results: The data showed that
      after renal transplantation, T and B lymphocytes mHLA-G expression rate was the
      lowest in the rejection group (0.42%+/-0.35%, 0.88%+/-0.47%), having significant
      difference with renal function stable group and CMV positive group (all P<0.01).
      In CMV positive group the expression of mHLA-G on T and B lymphocytes was the
      highest (1.31%+/-0.69%, 2.01%+/-0.91%), having significant difference with
      rejection group (P<0.001). The expression of mHLA-G on B cell was statistically
      significantly different between CMV positive group and CMV negative group
      (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ILT2 expression on B cell among
      the four groups (P>0.05). The expression rate of ILT2 on T cells was higher in
      the CMV positive group (36.91%+/-14.91%), having significant difference with the
      other three groups (P<0.01). Conclusions: Low expression of mHLA-G on T and B
      lymphocytes may predict rejection after renal transplantation. High expression of
      mHLA-G and ILT2 on lymphocytes is prone to CMV infection after renal
      transplantation .

PMID- 28088954
TI  - [Experiences of rescuing infective arterial hemorrhage and pseudoaneurysm in DCD
      kidney transplantation].
AB  - Objective: To summarize experiences of rescuing arterial hemorrhage and
      pseudoaneurysm caused by infection in donation after cardiac death (DCD) kidney
      transplantation. Methods: A total of 198 consecutive DCD kidney transplantations
      between 1 June 2013 and 30 July 2016 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat
      sen University were retrospectively analyzed. The means of rescuing infective
      arterial hemorrhage and pseudoaneurysm after operation and their therapeutic
      effects were summarized. Results: A total of 5 infective arterial hemorrhage, 2
      infective pseudoaneurysm with hemorrhage, and 1 infective pseudoaneurysm
      developed in 198 DCD kidney transplantation recipients with total morbidity of
      4.0%, and the morbidity of fungal infection accounted for 2.5%. One case received
      open surgical therapy. Two cases were treated with endovascular interventional
      therapy. Five cases received combined treatments of open surgery and endovascular
      intervention. Selective antibiotics were used based on drug sensitivity test
      postoperation. The wound was drained, and the drainage was repeatedly cultured to
      monitor the pathogen till the results turned to negative. Five patients received
      graft nephrectomy and were restored to hemodialysis. Two patients were
      successfully rescued with stable graft function. One case died. The mortality of
      patient was 1/8. Graft loss rate was 5/8. Both patients with stable graft
      function were mainly treated by intervention. Conclusions: Infective arterial
      hemorrhage and pseudoaneurysm were primary risk factors causing patient/graft
      death postoperation in DCD kidney transplantation. Endovascular therapy can be
      used as an effective rescuing method under the circumstance of infection. The
      measure allows opportunity of successfully rescuing kidney graft and deserves
      recommendation.

PMID- 28088955
TI  - [Effect of Kruppel like zinc finger transcription factor 2 on gamma
      glutamylcysteine synthetase in bronchial epithelial cells of chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease].
AB  - Objective: To research the regulation effects of Kruppel like zinc finger
      transcription factor 2 (KLF2) on gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) in
      airway epithelial cells of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods:
      (1) Human specimen experiment: lung tissue of pulmonary lobectomy patients with
      lung cancer with or without COPD was collected from Department of Thoracic
      Surgery of Hunan Cancer Hospital from December 2008 to December 2009. The
      patients were divided into COPD group and control group without COPD. The levels
      of KLF2, gamma-GCS mRNA and protein expression in lung tissues were measured by
      immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH). Then, the correlation
      between KLF2 and gamma-GCS mRNA and protein expression levels were analyzed, as
      well as the correlation between KLF2 or gamma-GCS protein and smoking index,
      percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second to predicted value (FEV1%),
      percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity
      (FVC/FEV1). (2) Animal experiment: the primary bronchial epithelial cells of rats
      were extracted by enzyme digestion. After 6 hours of incubation with 10% tobacco
      smoke extract (TSE), cellular glutathione (GSH) was measured by enzyme linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The cells were transfected by specific
      inhibitor of KLF2 through the liposom, which inhibited the protein expression of
      KLF2. Then, the cells were divided into KB group (blank control group without any
      treatment), KB+ TSE group (treated with TSE), NC group (control group transfected
      with miRNA), NC+ TSE group (treated with miRNA and TSE), 92a group (transfected
      with KLF2 inhibitor), 92a+ TSE group (treated with KLF2 inhibitor transfection
      and TSE) based in the treatment. After that, the changes of KLF2 and gamma-GCS
      mRNA and protein expression in the cells of each group were measured by reverse
      transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot method.
      Results: (1) Human specimen experiment: The expressions of KLF2 mRNA, protein and
      gamma-GCS mRNA, protein in the lung tissue of COPD patients were strong positive
      and higher than those in control group (0.32+/-0.04 vs 0.19+/-0.03, 0.35+/-0.05
      vs 0.22+/-0.03; 0.28+/-0.03 vs 0.16+/-0.03, 0.31+/-0.05 vs 0.21+/-0.03; all
      P<0.01). Linear correlation analysis showed that KLF2 mRNA and protein were
      positively correlated with gamma-GCS mRNA and protein (r=0.705, 0.722; both
      P<0.01). The KLF2 and gamma-GCS protein were positively correlated with smoking
      index, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC (r=0.552, 0.728, 0.670, and r=0.631, 0.727, 0.657; all
      P<0.01). (2) Animal experiment: The level of GSH in KB+ TSE group was
      significantly higher than that in KB group[(28.05+/-2.04) vs (7.27+/-0.33)
      nmol/mg, P<0.01]. The KLF2 mRNA, protein and gamma-GCS mRNA, protein in KB+ TSE
      group (1.715+/-0.026, 1.842+/-0.028 and 2.117+/-0.067, 1.879+/-0.065) were higher
      than those in KB group (1.130+/-0.017, 1.177+/-0.033 and 1.378+/-0.053, 1.177+/
      0.042; all P<0.05), and those in 92a group (0.472+/-0.028, 0.634+/-0.025 and
      0.582+/-0.025, 0.554+/-0.021) were significantly lower than those in KB group, NC
      group (1.047+/-0.056, 1.092+/-0.045 and 1.303+/-0.037, 1.252+/-0.037), and those
      in TSE+ 92a group (0.262+/-0.017, 0.288+/-0.017 and 0.337+/-0.022, 0.321+/-0.022)
      were significantly lower than those in KB+ TSE group, 92a group and NC+ TSE group
      (1.576+/-0.036, 1.646+/-0.066 and 1.948+/-0.093, 1.843+/-0.078) (all P<0.05).
      Conclusion: KLF2 exerts antioxidative effect by regulating the expression of
      gamma-GCS in the bronchial epithelial cells of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease.

PMID- 28088956
TI  - [Thoracic paravertebral block in the PACU for immediate postoperative pain relief
      after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the thoracic
      paravertebral block(TPVB) in the post postanesthesia care unit(PACU) for patients
      suffered moderate to severe pain after Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic
      Surgery(VATS). Methods: 78 atients who complained moderate to severe pain on
      arrival to PACU after VATS were randomly assigned into two groups: thoracic
      paravertebral block treatment group(P group) and sufentanil treatment group(S
      group). The VAS Pain score at rest and movement, heart rate, blood pressure, and
      pulse oximetry 1 hour after treatment and duration of patients staying in the
      PACU after treatment were recorded. VAS Pain score at rest and on coughing at 8,
      24 and 48 hours after treatment were closely monitored. Sufentanil comsumption,
      patient satisfaction and related complications were also recorded. Results: A
      successful TPVB was achieved in all patients in P group without puncture related
      complications. The VAS pain scores at rest and on coughing 1 hour, 8 hours, 24
      hours and 48 hours after treatment in P group were significantly lower than the
      patients in S group. Systolic blood pressure 1 hour after treatment in P group
      was also lower than the patients in S group(118mmHg+/-14mmHg vs 128 mmHg+/-14
      mmHg, P=0.021). SPO2 1 hour after treatment in P group was much higher than the
      patients in S group(95%+/-3% vs 92%+/-4%, P=0.015). The duration of patients
      staying in the PACU after treatment in both groups were similar. Sufentanil
      comsumption, rate of vomiting and nausea was significantly less and satisfaction
      was better in P group than thoses in S group. Conclusion: In the postanesthesia
      care unit, TPVB could provide effective and safe analgesia therapy for patients
      suffered from moderate to severe pain after VATS.

PMID- 28088957
TI  - [Application of lymph node labeling with carbon nanoparticles by preoperative
      endoscopic subserosal injection in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the application value of carbon lymph node tracing
      technique by preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection in laparoscopic radical
      gastrectomy. Methods: From June 2013 to February 2015, seventy eight patients
      with gastric cancer were enrolled and randomly divided into trial group and
      control group. Subserosal injection of carbon nanoparticles around the tumor was
      performed by preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection one day before the
      operation in trial group, while the patients routinely underwent laparoscopic
      gastrectomy in control group. Results of harvested lymph nodes, postoperative
      complications were compared between the two groups. Carbon nanoparticle-related
      side effect was also evaluated. Results: The average number of harvested lymph
      node in trial group was significantly higher than that in control group (35.5+/
      8.5 vs 29.5+/-6.5, P<0.05). The rate of overall black-dyed harvested lymph node
      was 74.7% (1 035/1 386) in trial group, the black-dyed lymph node rate in D1
      lymph node was 80.1%, which was significantly higher than that in D2 lymph node
      (69.8%, chi2=19.38, P<0.01). When comparing the lymph node with and without black
      dyed in trial group, the rate of metastasis lymph node was significantly higher
      in lymph node with black-dyed (17.3% vs 4.0%, chi2=38.67, P<0.01). There was no
      significant difference in postoperative complications rate between two group
      (trial group 10.2%; control group 12.8%, chi2=0.00, P>0.05), and no carbon
      nanoparticle-related side effect was observed. Conclusion: Given a higher
      harvested lymph node number and a similar rate of complications, preoperative
      endoscopic subserosal injection of carbon nanoparticles was safe and feasible.

PMID- 28088958
TI  - [Clinical effect analysis of endovascular repair for aortic pseudoaneurysms in 13
      cases].
AB  - Objective: To discuss the clinical safety and efficacyof endovascular aneurysm
      repair (EVAR) for aortic pseudoaneurysms. Methods: From October 2008 to October
      2015, 13 patients (11 male, 2 female, with a mean age of 55.6) with aortic
      pseudoaneurysms treated by EVAR wereenrolled. All the 13 casesunderwentcomputed
      tomographic arteriography (CTA). The etiology diagnosis withdescendingaortic
      pseudoaneurysms, infected abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysms, abdominal aortic
      pseudoaneurysmsin Behcet's syndrome, and uncertain reasons were 4, 4, 4, and 1
      case, respectively. Results: In this group, 14 stentswere planted.All the
      patients hadno accidents and complications in perioperative period.Twelve
      patients were successfully followed up, 1 patient died of recurrent abdominal
      aortic pseudoaneurysmsin Behcet's syndrome, and 1 patient with recurrent infected
      abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm wascured by pseudoaneurysm resection and extra
      anatomic bypass grafting. Concluson: EVAR is a safe and effective option for
      aortic pseudoaneurysms.

PMID- 28088959
TI  - [Effect of exendin-4 on lipid deposition in skeletal muscle of diet-induced obese
      mice and its underlying mechanism].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP
      1) receptor agonist, on reducing lipid deposition and improving insulin
      resistance in skeletal muscle and the underlying mechanisms in high-fat diet
      (HFD)-induced obese mice. Methods: Twelve male C57BL/6J mice were challenged with
      HFD for 12 weeks to induce obesity and then randomly divided into two groups:
      exendin-4 group (intraperitoneal injection of 24 nmol.kg-1.d-1 exendin-4 for 4
      weeks) and HFD group (intraperitoneal injection of normal saline for 4 weeks),
      with 6 mice in each group. Additional 6 mice were also selected as control group.
      Body weight, fasting blood glucose were recorded. Serum triglyceride (TG), total
      cholesterol (TC), insulin and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels were measured
      by enzyme-linked immunosobent assay (ELISA). Oil red O staining was used for
      morphologic changes of frozen sections from skeletal muscle. The protein levels
      of lipid metabolic pathway mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and
      insulin signailing pathway were determined by Western blot. Results: Compared
      with mice in HFD group, exendin-4 significantly decreased body weight[(37.68+/
      1.80) vs (46.03+/-5.00) g, P<0.025], fasting blood glucose[(5.40+/-0.33) vs
      (7.65+/-1.92) mmol/L, P<0.025], serum TG[(37.78+/-7.14) vs (80.76+/-34.22) mg/dl,
      P<0.025], TC[(180.13+/-18.75) vs (217.57+/-22.52) mg/dl, P<0.025],
      insulin[(0.58+/-0.01) vs (1.67+/-1.23) ng/ml, P<0.025]and skeletal muscle TG
      levels[(9.84+/-1.08) vs (19.35+/-7.44) mg/g, P<0.025]of obese mice. Oil red O
      staining revealed that exendin-4 alleviated the accumulation of larger lipid
      droplets in skeletal muscle. The protein expressions of lipolysis and lipid
      oxidation mediated by AMPK and insulin signailing pathway were up-regulated, and
      the protein expressions of lipogenesis mediated by AMPK were down-regulated after
      intervention of exendin-4. Conclusion: Exendin-4 reduces lipid deposition and
      insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of HFD-induced obese mice via activating
      AMPK and up-regulating insulin signailing pathway.

PMID- 28088960
TI  - [Role and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in cigarette smoke induced chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease related pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in
      rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) related pulmonary vascular
      remodeling. Methods: Twenty four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly
      divided into 4 groups: control group, cigarette smoke (CS) group, CS+ Sodium
      hydrosulfide (NaHS) group and CS+ DL-propargylglycine (PPG) group. Rats in
      control group were fed normally and breathed clear air, and for the rest groups,
      passive cigarette smoke inhalation method were adopted to establish COPD model.
      After 8 weeks, the rats in corresponding groups were treated by NaHS or PPG.
      After 16 weeks, the markers of pulmonary vascular remodeling in all groups were
      measured. Proliferation marker proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and
      oxidative stress marker 3-neurotrophin (3-NT) in all groups were measured by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Compared with control group, the airway
      resistance was increased (0.859+/-0.283 vs 0.578+/-0.088, P<0.05) and the
      pathological scores was much higher in CS group, which suggested that the COPD
      model was successful. The degree of small resistance pulmonary artery medial wall
      thickness and full vascular muscularization of CS group were much higher (0.54+/
      0.20 vs 0.37+/-0.12, 0.39+/-0.08; 0.61+/-0.16 vs 0.20+/-0.12, 0.34+/-0.13, all
      P<0.01)than control group and CS+ NaHS group, there was no significant difference
      between CS+ PPG group and CS group. In accordance with the results of
      morphometric analysis, the proliferation marker PCNA was more in CS group when
      compared with control group and CS+ NaHS group (0.27+/-0.08 vs 0.12+/-0.06,
      0.14+/-0.06, both P<0.05), there was no significant difference between CS+ PPG
      group and CS group. Furthermore, the IHC also showed that 3-NT significantly
      increased in CS group compared with control group and CS+ NaHS group (0.26+/-0.08
      vs 0.18+/-0.04, 0.19+/-0.06, both P<0.01), there was no significant difference
      between CS+ PPG group and CS group as well. In addition, the small resistance
      pulmonary artery medial wall thickness had strong correlation with the expression
      level of oxidative stress marker 3-NT (r=0.906, P<0.001). Conclusion: H2S
      significantly attenuates cigarette smoke induced COPD related pulmonary vascular
      remodeling, which could be related to its ability to decrease oxidative stress.

PMID- 28088961
TI  - [The clinical and prognostic significance of acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3
      ITD].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the clinical significance and prognosis factors of
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3 mutation-internal tandem duplication (FLT3
      ITD) and provide more evidence for prognosis evaluation in AML with FLT3-ITD.
      Methods: The clinical characteristics and outcomes of 98 AML with FLT3-ITD were
      analyzed. Results: In patients with FLT3-ITD positive AML, the median of WBC and
      peripheral blood blast at initial diagnosis were 58.2 (0.3-461.8) *109/L and 42.2
      (0-397.1) *109/L, respectively. The complete remission (CR) rate after one course
      induction therapy was 60.6% in 71 patients with intermediate or adverse risk. The
      primary refractory rate was 26.8% in 71 patients with intermediate or adverse
      risk. The lower number of peripheral blood blast was a favorable factor to
      achieve CR after one course induction therapy (P=0.009). CR after one course
      (HR=0.395, 95% CI 0.183-0.85, P=0.001) and allo-transplantation in CR1 (HR=0.180,
      95% CI 0.043-0.752, P=0.018) favored longer relapse-free survival (RFS). CR after
      one course (HR=0.251, 95% CI 0.121-0.523, P< 0.001) and lower number of
      peripheral blood blast (HR=0.219, 95% CI 0.088-0.545, P=0.003) favored longer
      overall survival (OS) in AML with FLT3-ITD. Conclusion: FLT3-ITD positive AML
      with lower number of peripheral blood blast has a relative favorable prognosis.
      CR after one course and allotransplantation in CR1 are important strategy to
      improve prognosis in AML with FLT3-ITD.

PMID- 28088962
TI  - [Efficacy and safety of Sorafenib as monotherapy to FLT3-ITD positive acute
      myeloid leukemia].
AB  - Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of Sorafenib as monotherapy to FLT3
      positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods: From April 2014 to December 2015,
      fourteen AML patients with FLT3 positive, 7 males and 7 females with a median age
      of 42 (range: 14-81) years old, were enrolled in this study. Of the 14 cases, 4
      were de novo cases, 9 refractory cases and 1 relapsed case, including 78.6%
      patients with severe complications and 57.1% patients with KPS score less than 60
      [the median KPS score was 45 (20-70) ]. The administration of Sorafenib was 400
      mg twice daily and Sorafenib was continued if tolerated. The treatment response
      was evaluated by MICM and the data were analyzed by paired samples t test before
      and after Sorafenib treatment. Results: The peripheral blood WBC count [4.2 (0.9
      11.8) *109/L vs 39.6 (2.3-209.5) *109/L, P<0.001 ], the percentage of peripheral
      blast cell [0.07 (0-0.54) vs 0.53 (0-0.94), P<0.001] and the percentage of bone
      marrow blast cell [0.266 (0.020-0.880) vs 0.604 (0.180-0.900), P=0.003] were
      significantly decreased after Sorafenib monotherapy compared with before. The
      overall response rate was 57.1% (8/14), including 5 cases (35.7%) with complete
      remission (CR). Of 4 de novo cases, 2 achieved CR, 1 with PR, 1 with NR; 3 of 10
      refractory and relapsed patients achieved CR and 2 cases achieved PR, 5 cases NR.
      The median duration of achieving molecular remission (FLT3-ITD negative) after
      Sorafenib was 46(33-72) days, and the median progression free survival (PFS) was
      53 (28-175) days. Conclusion: Sorafenib shows activity in FLT3-ITD mutation
      positive AML patients. Sorafenib monotherapy could be used as a treatment option
      for elderly patients or patients with severe complications, and refractory and
      relapsed patients with not suitable for intensive chemotherapy.

PMID- 28088963
TI  - [Clinical characteristics and prognosis in 12 patients with adult T cell
      leukemia/lymphoma confirmed by HTLV-1 provirus gene detection].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of adult T cell
      leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Methods: Peripheral blood samples from patients who
      were suspected as ATLL from March, 2013 to July, 2015, were collected for HTLV-1
      provirus genes detection in genomic DNA extraction by PCR. Cases showing positive
      results were confirmed as ATLL. Clinical and laboratory characteristics,
      therapeutic outcomes and survival evaluation were collected. Results: 12 out of
      23 suspected patients were confirmedly diagnosed as ATLL through HTLV-1 provirus
      genes detection by PCR. Eight patients were male and four patients were female.
      Median age was 51 (range 28-66) years old. All of those patients came from
      coastal cities of Fujian province where a HTLV-1 epidemic area locates. In the
      subtype classification of these 12 ATLL, 11 patients were classified as acute
      type and one case as lymphoma type ATLL. As one of the clinical characteristics
      of ATLL, ' flower cells ', with typical or atypical morphology had been observed
      in a high rate (81.8%). Clinical symptom such as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and
      lymphadenectasis were detected in most of patients, and hypercalcemia and
      elevated LDH were also noted commonly. The ATLL cells immunophenotype were
      typical, and the major subtype was CD4+ CD8- type. Confection of hepatitis B
      virus was detected in a high rate (54.5%). Ten patients received chemotherapy,
      and 2 cases in complete remission after chemotherapy received allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. At the end of the follow-up, 7 cases
      died, 4 cases survived, 1 case was lost, and the median survival was 2.8 (0.9
      10.8) months. We found a case had HTLV-1 provirus negative after transplantation.
      Conclusion: In the coastal area of Fujian Province, ATLL is not rare.
      Characteristics of those ATLL are typical. But prognosis is still unsatisfactory.

PMID- 28088964
TI  - [The influence of depression degree on regulatory T cells in patients with non-M3
      acute myeloid leukemia].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the influence of depression levels on regulatory T
      cells (Tregs) in patients with non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods: A
      total of 63 patients with primarily diagnostic non-M3 AML and 25 healthy controls
      were enrolled, and the levels of depression by using HADM score and the
      percentages of Tregs by flow cytometry were evaluated in pre-treatment and post
      treatment, respectively. Results: After every course of chemotherapy, the
      percentages of Tregs of PBMNC in AML showed the higher level of (6.48+/-1.81)%
      than those of (4.99+/-1.29)% in control (P= 0.001). There was no difference among
      different levels of depression groups after the first cycle. However, the
      percentages of Tregs increased with the worse of depression after the second and
      third cycles. Partial correlation analysis after adjusting age indicated that the
      percentages of Tregs showed no correlation with the levels of depression after
      the first cycle (correlation coefficient, 0.120, P=0.345), and showed the
      positive correlation with depression levels after the second and third cycles
      (correlation coefficient, 0.619 and 0.614, all P values <0.05). Conclusion: The
      depression levels showed an association with the percentages of Tregs in patients
      with non-M3 AML, which could be observed only after the second cycles of
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 28088965
TI  - [Hepatitis B complicated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura after
      interferon treatment: a case report].

PMID- 28088966
TI  - [Delayed hematologic response to immunosuppressive therapy in severe aplastic
      anemia].
AB  - Objective: To explore the characteristics of delayed hematologic response in
      very/severe aplastic anemia (V/SAA) patients who were treated with
      immunosuppressive treatment (IST) as first-line approach, and investigate the
      rationality of early salvage treatment in refractory patients. Methods: The data
      of V/SAA patients front-line treated with IST were retrospectively analyzed.
      Delayed response was defined as acquiring hematologic response between 6 and 12
      months after 1 course of IST. The clinical as well as hematologic characteristics
      of the delayed responded patients were investigated. Results: Of the 533
      patients, 45 (8.44%, 45/533) were delayed hematologic responders, which accounted
      for 29.03% (45/155) of the whole non-responders at 6 months. The quality of
      response in delayed responders analyzed at 12 months (chi2=62.616, P <0.001) and
      at the end of follow-up (chi2=6.299, P=0.043) was significantly worse than that
      of robust response group. There were more VSAA patients in delayed response group
      compared with robust response group (57.8% vs 38.3%, P=0.013), and all the
      baseline absolute reticulocyte (ARC) count, ARC proportion and absolute
      neutrophil count (ANC) were much lower than that in delayed response group.
      Multivariate analysis about the above 2 groups showed that the baseline ARC count
      <10*109/L significanty reduced the chance of hematologic response within 6 months
      [OR=3.641(95% CI 1.718-7.719) , P=0.001], and not any factor was found to predict
      delayed hematologic response in non-responders at 6 months. The 5-year overall
      survival of 76.50% (95% CI 71.6%-81.4%) and event free survival of 29.10%(95% CI
      25.2%-33.0% ) in non-responders at 6 months, both were worse than 97.6% (95% CI
      96.6%-98.6% ) and 84.0% (95% CI 81.1%-86.9% ) (P <0.001) of robust response
      group. Conclusion: The incidence of delayed hematologic response in V/SAA
      patients by IST is low. The quality of delayed response is not satisfactory and
      there is no effective means to predict the delayed response. It is reasonable to
      carry out salvage treatment as early as possible.

PMID- 28088967
TI  - [A phase I dose-escalating trial of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in
      combination with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone for aggressive non
      Hodgkin lymphoma].
AB  - Objective: To explore the maximum tolerated dose of pegylated liposomal
      doxorubicin (PLD) in combination with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and
      prednisone as a modified CHOP regimen for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
      Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma were
      eligible for this trial. PLD was administered in cycle 1 and categorized into 4
      dose level (30 mg/m2, 35 mg/m2, 40 mg/m2, 45 mg/m2 D1) according to a 3 + 3
      approach for dose-escalation. Doxorubin was used in cycles 2-6. In this
      combination regimen, the doses of cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m2 D1), vincristine
      (1.4 mg/m2 D1, maximum dose of 2 mg) and prednisone (100 mg D1-5) were fixed.
      Toxicities of cycle 1 were documented. Results: Totally, 21 patients were
      enrolled in this trial. Among them, 15 patients had T-cell lymphoma and 6 had B
      cell lymphoma. When the dose of PLD was escalated to the level of 45 mg/m2, 2 of
      3 patients developed grade 3 mucositis, which met the criteria of dose-limiting
      toxicity. Therefore, the dose was de-escalated for one level. At the level of 40
      mg/m2, only one among 12 patients had pneumonia and grade 4 neutropenia. In all
      dose levels, the grade 3/4 toxicities observed were neutropenia (13 cases, 61.9%
      ), mucositis (2 cases, 9.5% ), thrombocytopenia (1 case, 4.8%) and pneumonia (1
      case, 4.8%). Conclusion: When combined with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and
      prednisone as a combination regimen, the maximum tolerated dose of PLD was 40
      mg/m2.

PMID- 28088968
TI  - [Para-neoplastic autoimmune multi-organ syndrome associated with follicular
      lymphoma: a case report and literature review].
AB  - Objective: To broaden our knowledge of para-neoplastic autoimmune multi-organ
      syndrome (PAMS). Methods: A patient with PAMS associated with follicular lymphoma
      and bronchiolitis obliterans treated in our hospital was retrospectively analyzed
      and the clinical features of PAMS were reviewed. Results: A 49-year-old female
      patient suffered from painful ulcers in the oral cavity and vagina, dry cough and
      dyspnea. Imaging examinations suggested multiple lymph node enlargements.
      Inguinal lymph node biopsy revealed follicular lymphoma. Although the oral and
      vaginal ulcers went into remission with glucocorticoid and thalidomide therapy
      and follicular lymphoma gained partial remission with six cycles of R-CHOP
      (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone)
      chemotherapy, respiratory failure still progressed. Conclusion: PAMS should be
      considered in patients with unexplained oral mucosa ulcers and dyspnea, which
      didn't match with the chest image manifestations. Extensive work-up should be
      performed to find out the potential tumor after diagnosis of PAMS. Early
      diagnosis and complete removal of tumor were essential to PAMS treatment.

PMID- 28088969
TI  - [The clinical features of patients with lymphoplasmacytic diseases harboring
      MyD88 L265P mutation].
AB  - Objective: To explore the clinical features of lymphoplasmacytic diseases with
      MyD88 L265P mutation. Methods: To analyze the distribution of MYD88 L265P
      mutation in patients with lymphoplasmacytic diseases by using of ARMS PCR-CE.
      Results: There were 25(30.9%) MyD88 L265P mutated patients in 81 patients. The
      mutation was frequently observed in 14 patients with WM (77.8%, 14/18), 2
      patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (66.7%, 2/3), 1 acute lymphocytic
      leukemia patient (50.0%, 1/2), 3 multiple myeloma patients (30.0%, 3/10), 1
      patient with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (25%, 1/4), 3
      patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (13.0%, 3/23) and 1 lymphoma patient
      (4.8%, 1/21). 20 (80%, 20/25) patients were identified with IgM subtype. Compared
      with wild-type group of 56 cases, mutated patients were older (median age: 67
      years vs 55 years, P< 0.001), with lower WBC count (median count: 5.23 * 109/L vs
      10.80 * 109/L, P=0.001), lower HGB level (median count: 85 g/L vs 119 g/L,
      P<0.001). Conclusion: MyD88 L265P mutation was mainly observed in patients with
      IgM subtype lymphoplasmacytic diseases, and Waldenstrom' s macroglobulinemia was
      the most common disease. Compared with the wild-type group, patients with MyD88
      L265P mutation were older and had lower WBC count, lower level of HGB. However,
      further studies were needed to test the prognostic value of MyD88 L265P mutation.

PMID- 28088970
TI  - [TNFAIP3 deletion status in classical Hodgkin lymphoma and its relation to
      Epstein-Barr virus].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the TNFAIP3/A20 abnormalities and its association with
      Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL). Methods: Formalin
      fixed, paraffinembedded tissue blocks of 54 CHL patients were collected and
      subjected to the construction of tissue microarray (TMA) for further analyses.
      EBV status was evaluated by in situ hybridization (ISH) for EBER1/2 and
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti-LMP-1 antibody. Fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) and IHC were performed to determine the copy number
      alterations of TNFAIP3 and A20 protein expression respectively. Results: The
      concordance rate of IHC for LMP-1 and ISH for EBER1/2 was100%, and 25.9% (14/54)
      cases were identified with EBV infection. Immunohistochemistry analysis
      demonstrated 27.8% (15/54) cases with A20 expression deficiency. Of the 54 cases
      tested for A20 expression, 49 cases were simultaneously analyzed by FISH, which
      showed 10 (20.4% ) cases harboring TNFAIP3 deletion. However, discrepancy was
      observed between the results of A20 by IHC and TNFAIP3 deletion by FISH. Only 1
      case with TNFAIP3 deletion demonstrated complete loss of A20 immunoreactivity. In
      addition, comparison of the frequency of either A20 expression loss or TNFAIP3
      deletion between EBV-positive and-negative cases did not reveal any significance
      (P>0.05). Conclusion: TNFAIP3 deletion could be observed in both EBV-positive and
      - negative CHL cases. A20 expression by IHC could not confirm TNFAIP3 deletion by
      FISH, which might be related to the technical issues.

PMID- 28088971
TI  - [Eltrombopag for refractory thrombocytopenia in patients with allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in post-HSCT
      thrombocytopenia. Methods: A total of 10 patients who underwent post-HSCT
      thrombocytopenia at Peking University center, who had been treated with
      eltrombopag, were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Of the 10 cases, 5 males
      and 5 females with a median of 34 years old (range, 17-54 years), 5 patients were
      acute myeloid leukemia, 3 with acute lymphoid leukemia and 2 with severe aplastic
      anemia. Nine patients had undergone haplo-identical donor transplantation, and
      one patient was a matched related recipient. All patients had failed prior
      treatment for thrombocytopenia before eltrombopag started. The median time when
      eltrombopag started was 221 days (range, 73-917 days) after transplantation. Five
      patients (50%) had achieved CR. The cumulative incidence of 30-day CR was 35.7%.
      The median time to platelet recovery >= 50 * 109/L without transfusion support
      was 16 days (range, 10-56 days). At the last follow-up, three of the patients
      with CR had withdrawal eltrombopag and remained normal platelet counts. No
      patients experienced drug-related adverse events. Conclusion: Eltrombopag is
      effective and well tolerated in patients with refractory post-HSCT
      thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 28088972
TI  - [Critical roles of matrix metalloproteinases secreted by leukemic cells in the
      pathogenesis of central nervous system leukemia].
AB  - Objective: To observe the effects of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9
      secreted by leukemic cells on tight junction proteins ZO-1, claudin-5 and
      occluding and the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and explore the
      mechanisms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in leukemic cell infiltration of the central
      nervous system (CNS). Methods: The mRNA expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in
      leukemic cell lines SHI-1, HL-60 and U937 were detected by quantitative RT-PCR.
      The MMP inhibitor GM6001 was used to inhibit the secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9.
      RNA interference (RNAi) was used to knock down the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9.
      Zymography was used to analyze the secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the
      supernatant of different leukemia cell lines treated or untreated with drugs, as
      well as the RNAi-treated cells. An in vitro BBB model composed of human brain
      microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) was developed on a Matrigel-based
      insert. Cell invasion through a barrier of Matrigel-based human basement membrane
      and the BMVECs-based human BBB barrier was assayed to measure the invasive
      capacity and the capacity to breakdown the BBB of different leukemia cell lines
      treated or untreated with drugs, as well as the RNAi-treated cells. The
      morphologic changes of BMVECs after co-culture with different leukemia cell lines
      treated or untreated with drugs, as well as the RNAi-treated cells in vitro BBB
      models were observed by invert microscopy and tight junction proteins in these
      BMVECs were analyzed with a laser-scanning confocal microscope. Results: 1The
      mRNA expression in different leukemic cell lines shown a pronounced transcription
      of MMP-2 and - 9, and the transcriptional level in SHI-1 cells was the highest
      among all leukemic cell lines tested (P<0.01). The data of activities of MMP-2
      and -9 were consistent with the results of mRNA expression and SHI-1 displayed
      higher capacity of invasion (P<0.01). 2After incubation 24h with different
      leukemic cells, the BMVECs disrupted to loss cell-cell contacts and grew in
      single cell. Confocal imaging showed down-regulations of ZO-1, claudin-5 and
      occluding accompanied by the disruption of BBB in vitro models. SHI-1 cells had
      stronger alterations to BMVECs, tight junction proteins and the permeability of
      the BBB than HL-60 and U937 cells. However, GM6001 and the knock-down of MMP-2
      and MMP-9 altered the responses of BBB. They reduced the degradation of three
      tight junction proteins with a decreased permeability of BBB. Conclusion: MMP-2
      and MMP-9 secreted by leukemic cells could disrupt the BBB by degrading the tight
      junction proteins ZO-1, claudin-5 and occluding, which contributed the
      infiltration of leukemic cell into CNS.

PMID- 28088973
TI  - [Clinical characteristics of HIV-negative plasmablastic lymphoma].

PMID- 28088974
TI  - [Bortezomib, rituximab combined with chemotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma: two
      cases report and literature review].

PMID- 28088975
TI  - [Palliative radiotherapy for AIDS related diffuse large B cell lymphoma: a report
      of six cases with literature review].

PMID- 28088976
TI  - [Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on multiple myeloma growth
      inhibition and enhanced sensitivity of dexamethasone].

PMID- 28088977
TI  - [Osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with long time withdrawal of bisphosphonates
      in multiple myeloma: one case report].

PMID- 28088978
TI  - [Advances in genes mutation and pathophysiology of congenital sideroblastic
      anemia].

PMID- 28088979
TI  - [Value of PET-CT clinical application in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma].

PMID- 28088980
TI  - Indicators for continuous quality improvement for otitis media in primary health
      care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
AB  - Otitis media is a common, generally self-limiting childhood illness that can
      progress to severe disease and have lifelong sequelae, including hearing loss and
      developmental delays. Severe disease is disproportionately prevalent among
      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Primary health care is at the
      frontline of appropriate prevention and treatment. Continuous quality improvement
      in the prevention and management of important causes of morbidity in client
      populations is accepted best practice in primary health care and now a
      requirement of Australian Government funding to services providing care for
      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. To date, there have been no
      indicators for continuous quality improvement in the prevention and management of
      otitis media and its sequelae in primary health care. Through an expert group
      consensus process, seven evidence-based indicators, potentially extractable from
      electronic health records, have been developed. The development process and
      indicators are described.

PMID- 28088981
TI  - Hematopoiesis in aging: Current concepts and challenges.

PMID- 28088982
TI  - Accumulation of DNA damage in the aged hematopoietic stem cell compartment.
AB  - Aging is associated with loss of functional potential of multiple tissue systems,
      and there has been significant interest in understanding how tissue-specific
      cells contribute to this decline. DNA damage accumulation has been widely
      associated with aging in differentiated cell types. However, tissue-specific stem
      cells were once thought to be a geno-protected population, as damage accrued in a
      stem cell population has the potential to be inherited by differentiated progeny,
      as well as propagated within the stem cell compartment through self-renewal
      divisions. This review will discuss the evidence for DNA damage accumulation in
      the aged HSC compartment, potential drivers, and finally the consequences of the
      acquired damage.

PMID- 28088983
TI  - The epigenetic basis of hematopoietic stem cell aging.
AB  - Highly proliferative tissues such as the gut, skin, and bone marrow lose millions
      of cells each day to normal attrition and challenge from different biological
      adversities. To achieve a lifespan beyond the longevity of individual cell types,
      tissue-specific stem cells sustain these tissues throughout the life of a human.
      For example, the lifespan of erythrocytes is about 100 days and adults make about
      two million new erythrocytes every second. A small pool of hematopoietic stem
      cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow is responsible for the lifetime maintenance of
      these populations. However, there are changes that occur within the HSC pool
      during aging. Biologically, these changes manifest as blunted immune responses,
      decreased bone marrow cellularity, and increased risk of myeloid diseases.
      Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying dysfunction of aging HSCs is an
      important focus of biomedical research. With advances in modern health care, the
      average age of the general population is ever increasing. If molecular or
      pharmacological interventions could be discovered that rejuvenate aging HSCs, it
      could reduce the burden of age related immune system compromise as well as open
      up new opportunities for treatment of hematological disorders with regenerative
      therapy.

PMID- 28088985
TI  - Lymphocyte generation and population homeostasis throughout life.
AB  - Immune aging is a multi-faceted process that manifests as reduced competence to
      fight infections and malignant cells, as well as diminished tissue repair,
      unprovoked inflammation, and increased autoreactivity. The aging adaptive immune
      system, with its high complexity in functional cell subpopulations and diversity
      of B- and T-cell receptors, has to cope with the challenge of maintaining
      homeostasis while responding to exogenous stimuli and compensating for reduced
      generative capacity. With thymic involution, naive T cells begin to function as
      quasi-stem cells and maintain the compartment through peripheral homeostatic
      proliferation that shapes the T-cell repertoire through peripheral selection and
      the activation of differentiation pathways. Similarly, reduced generation of
      early B-cell progenitors alters the composition of the peripheral B-cell
      compartment with the emergence of a unique, auto-inflammatory B-cell subset,
      termed age-associated B cells (ABCs). These changes in T- and B-cell composition
      and function are core manifestations of immune aging.

PMID- 28088986
TI  - Age-associated changes in human hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Aging has a broad impact on the function of the human hematopoietic system. This
      review will focus primarily on the effect of aging on the human hematopoietic
      stem cell (HSC) population. With age, even though human HSCs increase in number,
      they have decreased self-renewal capacity and reconstitution potential upon
      transplantation. As a population, human HSCs become more myeloid-biased in their
      differentiation potential. This is likely due to the human HSC population
      becoming more clonal with age, selecting for myeloid-biased HSC clones. The HSC
      clones that come to predominate with age may also contain disease-causing genetic
      and epigenetic changes that confer an increased risk of developing into an age
      associated clonal hematopoietic disease, such as myelodysplastic syndrome,
      myeloproliferative disorders, or leukemia. The selection of these aged human HSC
      clones may be in part due to changes in the aging bone marrow microenvironment.
      While there have been significant advances in the understanding of the effect of
      aging on mouse hematopoiesis and mouse HSCs, we have comparatively less detailed
      analyses of the effect of aging on human HSCs. Continued evaluation of human HSCs
      in the context of aging will be important to determine how applicable the
      findings in mice and other model organisms are to the human clinical setting.

PMID- 28088984
TI  - The aging hematopoietic stem cell niche: Phenotypic and functional changes and
      mechanisms that contribute to hematopoietic aging.
AB  - The hematopoietic system has the remarkable ability to provide a lifelong supply
      of mature cells that make up the entire blood and immune system. However, similar
      to other adult stem cell niches, the hematopoietic system is vulnerable to the
      detrimental effects of aging. This is a substantial health concern as the trend
      for population aging continues to increase. Identifying mechanisms that underlie
      hematopoietic aging is vital for understanding hematopoietic-related diseases. In
      this review, we first discuss the cellular hierarchy of the hematopoietic system
      and the components that make up the surrounding hematopoietic niche. We then
      provide an overview of the major phenotypes associated with hematopoietic aging
      and discuss recent research investigating cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic
      mechanisms of hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) aging. We end by discussing the
      exciting new concept of possibly reversing the HSC aging process along with
      outstanding questions that remain to be answered.

PMID- 28088987
TI  - Molecular mechanisms underlying lineage bias in aging hematopoiesis.
AB  - Although hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have traditionally been thought to
      possess the ability to give rise to all the mature cell types in the
      hematopoietic system, this conception of hematopoiesis was based on evaluation of
      hematopoietic output from large numbers of HSCs using transplantation models. 
      More recent studies evaluating HSCs at the clonal or near-clonal level, both in
      transplantation studies and during in situ hematopoiesis, have established that
      individual HSCs can exhibit lineage bias, giving rise to myeloid-biased, lymphoid
      biased, or more balanced differentiation, with the proportion of myeloid-biased
      HSCs increasing with age.  This age-associated shift in lineage potential is
      associated with decreased cellular immunity and increased incidence of diseases
      with prominent inflammatory components including atherosclerosis, autoimmunity,
      neurodegenerative disease, and carcinogenesis. Understanding the molecular
      mechanisms that regulate this shift in linage bias therefore represents an
      important area of investigation in numerous human diseases.  In this review, we
      summarize our current understanding of the cell-intrinsic (autonomous) and cell
      extrinsic factors that regulate HSC lineage fate bias during aging.  In addition,
      we have attempted to bring attention to important caveats and unanswered
      questions related to the issue of HSC lineage bias to encourage explorations of
      these important lines of inquiry. Ultimately, we expect a comprehensive
      understanding of HSC lineage bias during aging to have important implications for
      human health, since strategies to alter lineage bias in old HSCs not only has the
      potential to restore immune function in the elderly, but also to reduce the
      incidence of inflammation-associated diseases, many for which there is a current
      unmet need for novel and more effective treatments.

PMID- 28088988
TI  - Clonal hematopoiesis.
AB  - Cancer results from multistep pathogenesis, yet the pre-malignant states that
      precede the development of many hematologic malignancies have been difficult to
      identify. Recent genomic studies of blood DNA from tens of thousands of people
      have revealed the presence of remarkably common, age-associated somatic mutations
      in genes associated with hematologic malignancies. These somatic mutations drive
      the expansion from a single founding cell to a detectable hematopoietic clone.
      Owing to the admixed nature of blood that provides a sampling of blood cell
      production throughout the body, clonal hematopoiesis is a rare view into the
      biology of pre-malignancy and the direct effects of pre-cancerous lesions on
      organ dysfunction. Indeed, clonal hematopoiesis is associated not only with
      increased risk of hematologic malignancy, but also with cardiovascular disease
      and overall mortality. Here we review rapid advances in the genetic understanding
      of clonal hematopoiesis and nascent evidence implicating clonal hematopoiesis in
      malignant and non-malignant age-related disease.

PMID- 28088989
TI  - Rejuvenation of aged hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Until recently, there was broad consensus in the stem cell aging field that the
      phenotype of aged hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is fixed-dominated by cell
      intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that cannot be altered by pharmacological or
      genetic means. The conventional thinking was that HSC aging could not be reverted
      by therapeutic intervention. This paradigm has started to shift dramatically,
      primarily because hallmarks of aged HSCs have been successfully reverted by
      distinct experimental approaches by multiple laboratories. We will discuss in
      this review these hallmarks of HSCs aging and the novel approaches that
      successfully ameliorated or even reverted aging-associated hallmarks of aged
      HSCs.

PMID- 28088990
TI  - Prevention and management of glucocorticoid-induced side effects: A comprehensive
      review: Infectious complications and vaccination recommendations.
AB  - Part 3 of this 4-part continuing medical education series reviews several
      important infectious complications of corticosteroid use, including a focus on
      pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and
      other infections, followed by a discussion of vaccination recommendations in
      immunosuppressed patients.

PMID- 28088991
TI  - Prevention and management of glucocorticoid-induced side effects: A comprehensive
      review: Ocular, cardiovascular, muscular, and psychiatric side effects and issues
      unique to pediatric patients.
AB  - The final article in this 4-part continuing medical education series reviews the
      ocular, cardiovascular, muscular, and psychiatric side effects of glucocorticoids
      and discusses side effects unique to pediatric patients.

PMID- 28088992
TI  - Prevalence of hormonal and endocrine dysfunction in patients with lichen
      planopilaris (LPP): A retrospective data analysis of 168 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on the pathophysiology and comorbidities associated with
      lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are limited.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of androgen
      excess in the postmenopausal LPP population, in relation to demographics and
      comorbidities. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of 413 patients with LPP,
      FFA, and LPP/FFA seen in the Department of Dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic
      Foundation in Ohio between 2005 and 2015 was conducted. Of this cohort, 168
      patients met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Androgen excess was identified in
      31.5% (n = 53) of the 168 patients with LPP and all subtypes (P < .001). Androgen
      deficiency was identified in 32.1% (n = 17) of the 53 patients with FFA (P <
      .001). The androgen excess group was significantly more likely to present with
      hirsutism, seborrheic dermatitis, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cysts, or a
      combination of these (P < .001). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by being
      retrospective. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that LPP is associated with
      androgen excess, and FFA is associated with androgen deficiency.

PMID- 28088993
TI  - Treatment of recalcitrant port-wine stains (PWS) using a combined pulsed dye
      laser (PDL) and radiofrequency (RF) energy device.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the treatment of choice for port-wine
      stains (PWS). Some PWS are recalcitrant to this modality. A number of reasons for
      PDL treatment resistance have been described, including inadequate heat
      generation. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated PDL combined with radiofrequency (RF) energy
      into a single device to target larger and deeper blood vessels and overcome PDL
      resistance. METHOD: This was an open-label, prospective, single-center
      investigation of a novel device combining RF energy with PDL conducted to treat
      recalcitrant PWS. Ten patients with 11 recalcitrant PWS were enrolled. Each PWS
      was divided into 5 treatment areas: PDL alone, RF alone, PDL+RF, RF+PDL, and
      untreated control. Patients underwent a maximum of 6 treatments, scheduled 4 to 6
      weeks apart with follow-up evaluation at 4 and 12 weeks after the final
      treatment. Colorimetry and standardized digital photography were performed at all
      visits. Lesional biopsy specimens were collected for selected patients. RESULTS:
      Areas treated with RF followed by PDL and PDL followed by RF showed the greatest
      improvement based on blinded review of digital photographs, reaching statistical
      significance (P value < .05) at the 12-week follow-up evaluation when compared
      with baseline. Adverse events, including purpura, erythema, edema, scabbing,
      crusting, and blistering, resolved without sequelae; a small residual scar was
      noted in 1 patient. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and short follow-up period are
      limitations. CONCLUSION: Combined RF/PDL technology is promising for the
      treatment of recalcitrant PWS.

PMID- 28088994
TI  - Impact of dermoscopy on an internet-based skin cancer triage system: Interim
      results of a randomized study.

PMID- 28088995
TI  - Frequency of total body skin examinations among US dermatologists.

PMID- 28088996
TI  - A systematic review of comorbidity indices used in the nonmelanoma skin cancer
      population.

PMID- 28088997
TI  - Predictors of actinic keratosis count in patients with multiple keratinocyte
      carcinomas: A cross-sectional study.

PMID- 28088998
TI  - Successful treatment of actinic keratoses using nonthermal atmospheric pressure
      plasma: A case series.

PMID- 28088999
TI  - Standard step sectioning of skin biopsy specimens diagnosed as superficial basal
      cell carcinoma frequently yields deeper and more aggressive subtypes.

PMID- 28089000
TI  - Incidence ratio of basal cell carcinoma to squamous cell carcinoma equalizes with
      age.

PMID- 28089001
TI  - The detection of human papillomavirus-16 in squamous cell carcinoma of the nail
      unit: A case series.

PMID- 28089002
TI  - Segmental hemangioma of the head and neck: High prevalence of PHACE syndrome.

PMID- 28089003
TI  - Treatment of myxoid cysts with intralesional photodynamic therapy: A case series.

PMID- 28089004
TI  - Elder mistreatment training gaps among dermatology resident physicians and
      opportunity to improve care of a vulnerable population: A cross-sectional study.

PMID- 28089005
TI  - Knowledge of dermatologic abbreviations: A survey of patients and physicians who
      are not dermatologists.

PMID- 28089006
TI  - Ethical dilemma in missed melanoma: What to tell the patient and other providers.

PMID- 28089007
TI  - Biomechanics in dermatology: Recent advances and future directions.
AB  - Biomechanics is increasingly being recognized as an important research area in
      dermatology. To highlight only a few examples, biomechanics has contributed to
      the development of novel topical therapies for aesthetic and medical purposes,
      enhanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of plantar melanoma, and provided
      insight into the epidemiology of psoriatic disease. This article summarizes the
      findings from recent studies to demonstrate the important role that biomechanics
      may have in dermatologic disease and therapy and places these biomechanical
      findings in a clinical context for the practicing physician. In addition, areas
      for future biomechanics research and development in dermatology are discussed.

PMID- 28089012
TI  - Multiple junctional nevi on the buttocks: An indicator of tanning bed use.

PMID- 28089013
TI  - Brimonidine tartrate 0.33% gel for the management of posttreatment erythema
      induced by laser skin resurfacing.

PMID- 28089014
TI  - The wingman flap: Bilateral closure of a supra-tip defect of the nose.

PMID- 28089015
TI  - Time and cost savings of the forceps tie.

PMID- 28089016
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Reporting adverse events related to cosmetic products.
AB  - The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an
      article that has already been published in Dermatitis, 27 (2016) 236-237, doi:
      10.1097/DER.0000000000000195. The duplicate article has therefore been
      withdrawn.The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at
      http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

PMID- 28089017
TI  - Reply to "Clusters of CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells help distinguish lupus
      alopecia from lichen planopilaris": Plasmacytoid dendritic cell content,
      clustering, and distribution pattern are useful parameters in differentiating
      lupus alopecia from lichen planopilaris.

PMID- 28089018
TI  - Reply to: "Plasmacytoid dendritic cell content, clustering, and distribution
      pattern are useful parameters in differentiating lupus alopecia from lichen
      planopilaris".

PMID- 28089019
TI  - Indoor tanning among New Jersey high school students before and after the
      enactment of youth access restrictions.

PMID- 28089020
TI  - Reply to: "Indoor tanning among New Jersey high school students before and after
      the enactment of youth access restrictions".

PMID- 28089021
TI  - Limitations and challenges of nail unit dermoscopy in longitudinal melanonychia.

PMID- 28089022
TI  - Reply to: "Limitations and challenges of nail unit dermoscopy in longitudinal
      melanonychia".

PMID- 28089023
TI  - Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of the Effects of Antidepressant Drugs in
      Stress-Susceptible Mice.

PMID- 28089024
TI  - A New Hope for Biological Insights Into Depression.

PMID- 28089025
TI  - Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and the Orbitofrontal Regulation of Behavior.

PMID- 28089026
TI  - The Habenula: Darkness, Disappointment, and Depression.

PMID- 28089027
TI  - Neurocognitive Markers of Depression.

PMID- 28089028
TI  - Editorial: The Central and Eastern European Proteomics Conferences: 10 Years
      Anniversary.

PMID- 28089029
TI  - Guidelines for privileging, credentialing, and proctoring to perform GI
      endoscopy.

PMID- 28089030
TI  - Negative result of capsule endoscopy in obscure GI bleeding: searching in the
      dark despite bright lights.

PMID- 28089031
TI  - Role of radiofrequency ablation in esophageal squamous dysplasia and early
      neoplasia.

PMID- 28089032
TI  - Rule of three for esophageal dilation: like the tortoise versus the rabbit, low
      and slow is our friend and our patients' win.

PMID- 28089033
TI  - What we don't know.

PMID- 28089034
TI  - Echoing concerns related to endoscope reprocessing.

PMID- 28089035
TI  - Duodenal endoscopic interventions for obesity and diabetes.

PMID- 28089036
TI  - Biliary bypass redux: lessons for the therapeutic endoscopist from the archives
      of surgery.

PMID- 28089037
TI  - The magnets are coming! Are we ready to swallow our capsules?

PMID- 28089038
TI  - Response.

PMID- 28089039
TI  - Helicobacter pylori-related metabolic syndrome as predictor of progression to
      esophageal carcinoma in a subpopulation-based Barrett's esophagus cohort.

PMID- 28089040
TI  - Antireflux stent for distal malignant biliary obstruction: some inspiration from
      a randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 28089041
TI  - Response.

PMID- 28089042
TI  - Molecular screening of xerophilic Aspergillus strains producing mycophenolic
      acid.
AB  - Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is the fungal secondary metabolite displaying several
      biological properties. Up to now, screening of fungal strains producing MPA has
      mainly been the result of the search of this molecule in their culture medium by
      chemical methods. Here we developed a molecular approach by targeting the
      expression level of the MpaC gene encoding the polyketide synthase, one of the
      key enzymes involved in the MPA synthesis. Thirty xerophilic Aspergillus strains
      were identified using the RNA polymerase II subunit and the beta-tubulin genes.
      Seven Aspergillus species were evidenced. The expression level of the MpaC gene
      was quantified and compared to the MPA production rate. Only Aspergillus
      pseudoglaucus and all the eight strains of this species produced MPA. While the
      MpaC gene was not expressed or weakly expressed in the MPA non-producing strains,
      all the A. pseudoglaucus strains presented a high level of expression of this
      gene. The highest expression level of the MpaC gene among the MPA non-producing
      strains was significantly lower than the lowest expression level of this gene in
      the MPA producing strains. To our knowledge, this is the first study that
      demonstrates the effectiveness of molecular approach for the screening of MPA
      producing species.

PMID- 28089043
TI  - Contrasting microsatellite diversity in the evolutionary lineages of Phytophthora
      lateralis.
AB  - Following recent discovery of Phytophthora lateralis on native Chamaecyparis
      obtusa in Taiwan, four phenotypically distinct lineages were discriminated: the
      Taiwan J (TWJ) and Taiwan K (TWK) in Taiwan, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) in North
      America and Europe and the UK in west Scotland. Across the four lineages, we
      analysed 88 isolates from multiple sites for microsatellite diversity. Twenty-one
      multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were resolved with high levels of diversity of the
      TWK and PNW lineages. No alleles were shared between the PNW and the Taiwanese
      lineages. TWK was heterozygous at three loci, whereas TWJ isolates were
      homozygous apart from one isolate, which exhibited a unique allele also present
      in the TWK lineage. PNW lineage was heterozygous at three loci. The evidence
      suggests its origin may be a yet unknown Asian source. North American and
      European PNW isolates shared all their alleles and also a dominant MLG,
      consistent with a previous proposal that this lineage is a recent introduction
      into Europe from North America. The UK lineage was monomorphic and homozygous at
      all loci. It shared its alleles with the PNW and the TWJ and TWK lineages, hence
      a possible origin in a recent hybridisation event between a Taiwan lineage and
      PNW cannot be ruled out.

PMID- 28089044
TI  - Cytological analysis of the effect of reactive oxygen species on sclerotia
      formation in Sclerotinia minor.
AB  - The Sclerotium is one of the most persistent organs in filamentous fungi. Control
      of sclerotial formation is promising in the prevention of sclerotial disease. In
      this study, cytological analyses of sclerotial development were conducted in
      Sclerotinia minor. Number and size of sclerotia were correlated with nutrient
      concentration of the media. Interruption of aeration by sealing with parafilm
      completely suppressed sclerotial formation. We also found that reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) generated two phases, i.e., hydrogen peroxide at sclerotial initial
      (SI) stage and O2- at outer layer of sclerotial development/mature stages, during
      sclerotial formation. Ultrastructural analyses revealed that ROS was prominently
      produced at the outer layer of sclerotia in sclerotial mature (SM) phase.
      Although most of the inhibitors for ROS generation enzymes were ineffective for
      sclerotial formation, ascorbic acid, one of the scavengers of hydrogen peroxide,
      inhibited melanin biosynthesis during sclerotial maturation stage. The mycelia
      sealed with parafilm, when exogenously sprayed with hydrogen peroxide, could not
      produce sclerotium. These results indicated that ROS generation during sclerotial
      formation is mainly involved in the production of melanin layer.

PMID- 28089045
TI  - Biotransformation of limonene by an endophytic fungus using synthetic and orange
      residue-based media.
AB  - Aroma and fragrances have high commercial value for use in food, cosmetics and
      perfumes. The biotransformation of terpenes by microorganisms represents an
      attractive alternative method for production of flavourings. Endophytic fungi
      offer a great potential for the production of several groups of compounds;
      however, few studies have evaluated the biotransformation of limonene. Following
      preliminary studies on the biotransformation of limonene, submerged fermentation
      was carried out using an endophytic fungus isolated from Pinus taeda and
      identified as Phomopsis sp. The presence of several biotransformation products
      was detected and identified by mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The studied strain
      showed a divergent metabolic behaviour, as compounds of interest such as alpha
      terpineol, carvone, and limoneno-1,2-diol were produced under different
      conditions. In addition to the minor metabolites terpinen-4-ol, menthol and
      carveol, this strain also produced major metabolites, including 0.536 g L-1
      carvone and 2.08 g L-1 limonene-1,2-diol in synthetic medium and 2.10 g L-1
      limonene-1,2-diol in a natural orange extract medium with single fed-batch, while
      the cyclic fed-batch resulted in concentrations less than 1 g L-1. Therefore, our
      study produced a wide variety of limonene derivatives at a high concentration
      using a natural medium and a newly isolated endophytic fungal strain.

PMID- 28089046
TI  - Deception Island, Antarctica, harbors a diverse assemblage of wood decay fungi.
AB  - Very little is known about fungal diversity in Antarctica as compared to other
      biomes and how these important organisms function in this unusual ecosystem.
      Perhaps one of the most unusual ecosystems is that of Deception Island; an active
      volcanic island part of the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula.
      Here we describe the fungal diversity associated with historic wood from
      structures on the island, which reveals a diverse fungal assemblage of known wood
      decay fungi as well as the discovery of undescribed species. The major group of
      wood decay fungi identified were species of Cadophora and as shown in previous
      studies in other geographic regions of Antarctica, they caused a soft-rot type of
      decay in the introduced woods. Additionally, unlike other areas of Antarctica
      that have been studied, filamentous basidiomycetes (Hypochniciellum spp. and
      Pholiota spp.) were also identified that have different modes of degradation
      including brown and white rot. Matches of fungal sequences to known species in
      temperate regions likely introduced on building materials indicates human
      influences and volcanic activity have greatly impacted fungal diversity. Lahars
      (mudslides from volcanic activity) have partially buried many of the structures
      and the buried environment as well as the moist, warm soils provided conditions
      conducive for fungal growth that are not found in other regions of Antarctica.
      The diverse assemblage of decay fungi and different forms of wood decomposition
      add to the difficulty of conserving wooden structures at these important polar
      heritage sites.

PMID- 28089047
TI  - CYPome of the conifer pathogen Heterobasidion irregulare: Inventory, phylogeny,
      and transcriptional analysis of the response to biocontrol.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of the pathogen,
      Heterobasidion annosum s.l., the conifer tree and the biocontrol fungus,
      Phlebiopsis gigantea have not been fully elucidated. Members of the cytochrome
      P450 (CYP) protein family may contribute to the detoxification of components of
      chemical defence of conifer trees by H. annosum during infection. Additionally,
      they may also be involved in the interaction between H. annosum and P. gigantea.
      A genome-wide analysis of CYPs in Heterobasidion irregulare was carried out
      alongside gene expression studies. According to the Standardized CYP Nomenclature
      criteria, the H. irregulare genome has 121 CYP genes and 17 CYP pseudogenes
      classified into 11 clans, 35 families, and 64 subfamilies. Tandem CYP arrays
      originating from gene duplications and belonging to the same family and subfamily
      were found. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the families of H. irregulare
      CYPs were monophyletic groups except for the family CYP5144. Microarray analysis
      revealed the transcriptional pattern for 130 transcripts of CYP-encoding genes
      during growth on culture filtrate produced by P. gigantea. The high level of P450
      gene diversity identified in this study could result from extensive gene
      duplications presumably caused by the high metabolic demands of H. irregulare in
      its ecological niches.

PMID- 28089048
TI  - Identification of A. arborescens, A. grandis, and A. protenta as new members of
      the European Alternaria population on potato.
AB  - Alternaria species, primarily the small-spored Alternaria alternata and the large
      spored Alternaria solani, are considered a serious threat to potato cultivation.
      To develop control strategies, it is important to gain insight into the
      Alternaria population. Based on the sequence analyses of the internal transcribed
      spacer region (ITS) and the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, the
      small-spored and large-spored Alternaria isolates could be separated from each
      other. Sequence analyses of the calmodulin gene and the RNA polymerase second
      largest subunit showed that besides A. solani also A. grandis and A. protenta
      were present in the large-spored Alternaria population. Sequence analyses of the
      Alternaria major allergen gene Alt a 1 and the elongation factor-alpha revealed
      that both A. alternata and species belonging to the Alternaria arborescens
      species complex were present in the small-spored Alternaria population.
      Furthermore, according to the histone h3 sequence the members of the A.
      arborescens species complex could be subdivided into two groups. Concerning the
      fitness, it was concluded that the mycelium growth rate of the large-spored
      isolates was significantly lower compared to the growth rate of the small-spored
      isolates. In contrast, the spore-germinating capacity and early growth of the
      large-spored isolates was greater compared to those of the small-spored isolates.
      Within the groups of small-spored and large-spored isolates there were no
      significant differences in fitness between the species.

PMID- 28089049
TI  - Variation in virulence of Beauveria bassiana and B. pseudobassiana to the pine
      weevil Pissodes nemorensis in relation to mycelium characteristics and virulence
      genes.
AB  - Entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria spp. have potential applications in the
      biocontrol of insect pests but little is known regarding their infectivity to the
      pine weevil Pissodes nemorensis. In this study, five isolates of Beauveria
      pseudobassiana and five isolates of Beauveria bassiana were tested for
      characteristics correlating with virulence on P. nemorensis. Isolate UAMH301 had
      the lowest mean lethal concentration value whereas the highest value was obtained
      with isolate LRC137. Growth rate was negatively correlated with virulence in B.
      bassiana, because isolate LRC137, the least virulent isolate, grew much more
      rapidly than the other B. bassiana isolates on SDYA. In contrast, its growth on a
      hyperosmotic medium was the slowest. Sporulation rate and conidial area were not
      correlated with virulence. Mycelial cell density was positively correlated with
      virulence in both species, and the four tested genes appear to be one-copy genes.
      Bbchit1 and Bbhog1, genes respectively encoding a chitinase and a protein kinase,
      induced relative expression levels were positively correlated with virulence in
      B. pseudobassiana. We discuss in terms of previous morphological, physiological
      and genetic parameters related to virulence in Beauveria and the importance of
      testing the expression of putative virulence genes in comparison with their basal
      transcript levels.

PMID- 28089050
TI  - Burns Open journal.

PMID- 28089051
TI  - Individualized Medicine in Ovarian Cancer: Are We There Yet?

PMID- 28089052
TI  - Corrigendum to 'Equivalency challenge: evaluation of Lipodox(r) as the generic
      equivalent for Doxil(r) in a human ovarian cancer orthotropic mouse model'
      [Gynecol. Oncol. 141 (2016) 357-363].

PMID- 28089053
TI  - Advances in neuromodulation in children: Current experience and future
      directions.

PMID- 28089054
TI  - The Perfect Resume.

PMID- 28089057
TI  - 25th Critical Care Transport Medicine Conference.

PMID- 28089055
TI  - Articles That May Change Your Practice: Prehospital Ultrasound.

PMID- 28089058
TI  - Inferior Wall Acute Myocardial Infarction: Not as Preload Dependent as Once
      Thought?

PMID- 28089059
TI  - Management of Hospitalized Asthmatic Children Before Transport.
AB  - Asthmatic children are at risk for respiratory failure and should be
      appropriately treated before transport. The objectives were to find out if the
      Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines for asthma treatment were followed in
      the emergency department (ED); to determine if additional treatment during
      transport or within the first 2 hours of admission was needed; and to compare the
      management of intubated asthmatics by the ED, transport team, and the intensive
      care unit (ICU) physician. The records for children diagnosed with acute asthma
      over 7 years who were transported by the intensive care transport team were
      reviewed. The use of albuterol, steroids, oxygen, heliox, continuous positive
      airway pressure or bilevel positive airway pressure, and ventilator settings was
      recorded. Two hundred seventy-nine children were 7 years (age, 5 mo-17 y), and
      62% were male. Eighty percent received oxygen, albuterol, and steroids in the ED.
      Heliox was initiated more often by the transport team when compared with the ED
      or hospital physician (77% vs. 7.7% vs. 15.3%, P < .0001). Forty-five were
      mechanically ventilated and were more likely to receive volume control (P <
      .0001) and higher rates (P = .007) in the ED than the ICU. We conclude that most
      children with acute asthma were treated with oxygen, albuterol, and steroids in
      the ED. If used, heliox was most likely started during transport. Intubated
      children were more likely to receive volume control with higher rates compared
      with lower rates and pressure control in the ICU.

PMID- 28089060
TI  - Evaluating Services at a Major Trauma Center Before Helipad Construction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Two of the 4 hospitals designated as major trauma centers in
      London, UK, currently operate on-site helicopter landing pads. King's College
      Hospital (KCH) is constructing a third. We evaluate current trauma services at
      King's College Hospital, before the helipad entering service, establishing
      baseline workload and mortality measures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed
      data from patients admitted January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015, to KCH after
      major trauma with on-scene helicopter emergency medical services involvement (N =
      427) using the Trauma Audit and Research Network database. RESULTS: The median
      Injury Severity Score of the cohort was 22 (interquartile range [IQR], 13-30).
      The median length of stay was 11 days (IQR, 5-24). Fifty-seven percent of the
      patients received intensive care unit (ICU) admission, with a median ICU length
      of stay (LOS) of 5 days (IQR, 2-12) in this subgroup. There was no significant
      difference in Injury Severity Score, LOS, or ICU LOS between 2014 and 2015. One
      hundred ninety-three patients (45.2%) underwent >= 1 operation, accounting for
      1,276.5 hours of operating room time in total. Cox proportional hazards
      regression showed no difference in survival outcomes between 2014 and 2015.
      CONCLUSION: Baseline workload and mortality measures were obtained, forming the
      basis of future service evaluation to assess the impact of helipad construction.

PMID- 28089061
TI  - Erratum to 'A Case Review: In-Flight Births Over a 4-Year Period in the Northern
      Territory, Australia' [Air Medical Journal 35(5):317-320].

PMID- 28089063
TI  - 16-Year-Old Female Near Hanging With Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema.

PMID- 28089064
TI  - Toward Zero Preventable Deaths.

PMID- 28089066
TI  - Evaluation and prevention of the negative matrix effect of terpenoids on
      pesticides in apples quantification by gas chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - The sample matrix can enhance the gas chromatography signal of pesticide residues
      relative to that obtained with the same concentration of pesticide in solvent.
      This paper is related to negative matrix effects observed in coupled gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry ion trap (GC/MS2) quantification of pesticides
      in concentrated extracts of apple peel prepared by the Quick Easy Cheap Effective
      Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method. It is focused on the pesticides most
      frequently used on the apple varieties studied, throughout the crop cycle, right
      up to harvest, to combat pests and diseases and to improve fruit storage
      properties. Extracts from the fleshy receptacle (flesh), the epiderm (peel) and
      fruit of three apple varieties were studied by high-performance thin-layer
      chromatography hyphenated with UV-vis light detection (HPTLC/UV visible). The
      peel extracts had high concentrations of triterpenic acids (oleanolic and ursolic
      acids), reaching 25mgkg-1, whereas these compounds were not detected in the flesh
      extracts (<0.05mgkg-1). A significant relationship has been found between the
      levels of these molecules and negative matrix effects in GC/MS2. The differences
      in the behavior of pesticides with respect to matrix effects can be accounted for
      by the physicochemical characteristics of the molecules (lone pairs, labile
      hydrogen, conjugation). The HPTLC/UV visible method developed here for the
      characterization of QuEChERS extracts acts as a complementary clean-up method,
      aimed to decrease the negative matrix effects of such extracts.

PMID- 28089067
TI  - Effect of mobile phase additives on solute retention at low aqueous pH in
      hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.
AB  - Trifluoracetic acid (TFA) added to the aqueous acetonitrile mobile phase induces
      some unexpected changes in the ionic component of retention in hydrophilic
      interaction separations when using Type B silica and amide-bonded silica columns.
      TFA use results in anion exchange properties which contrast with the cation
      exchange typically found with ammonium salt buffers. The significant cation
      exchange properties of silica hydride columns are also moderated by TFA. Similar
      behaviour was shown in a metal- free amide column operated on a system washed
      with a metal complexing agent, suggesting that adsorbed metal cations were not
      responsible for this anion exchange behaviour. Both suppression of silanol
      ionisation at low pH and ion pairing of bases with TFA could contribute to this
      effect. It is also possible that the column surface acquires some positive
      charges at the low pH of TFA. A surprising reversal of the properties of the
      columns back to predominately cation exchange behaviour was shown using
      methanesulfonic acid (MSA), which appears to be a stronger acid than TFA in high
      concentrations of acetonitrile. MSA maintains sufficient ionic strength in the
      mobile phase even at low concentrations, giving good peak shape, which could be
      useful for mass spectrometry detection. Besides giving different selectivity to
      TFA, MSA also gives different selectivity to that of ammonium salt buffers,
      suggesting it may be useful in manipulating the selectivity of a separation.
      Similar changes to the selectivity with TFA could be achieved by adding neutral
      methylsulfonate salts to the TFA mobile phase. While it is possible that
      methylsulfonate ions are retained on the stationary phase surface, experiments
      using ion pair reagents of opposite charge yielded the same results as MSA salts.
      It therefore seems more likely that the higher ionic strength of these solutions
      negates the influence of charges that may be formed in TFA solutions. Ion pairing
      effects with MSA are expected to be limited.

PMID- 28089068
TI  - The experimental design approach to eluotropic strength of 20 solvents in thin
      layer chromatography on silica gel.
AB  - The eluotropic strength on thin-layer silica plates was investigated for 20
      chromatographic grade solvents available in current market. 35 model compounds
      were used as test subjects in the investigation. The use of modern mixture
      screening design allowed to estimate each solvent as a separate elution
      coefficient with an acceptable error of estimation (0.0913 of RM value).
      Additional bootstrapping technique was used to check the distribution and
      uncertainty of eluotropic estimates, proving very similar confidence intervals to
      linear regression. Principal component analysis proved that the only one
      parameter (mean eluotropic strength) is satisfactory to describe the solvent
      property, as it explains almost 90% of variance of retention. The obtained
      eluotropic data can be good appendix to earlier published results and their
      values can be interpreted in context of RM differences.

PMID- 28089069
TI  - A sensitive gas chromatography detector based on atmospheric pressure chemical
      ionization by a dielectric barrier discharge.
AB  - In this work, we present a novel concept for a gas chromatography detector
      utilizing an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization which is initialized by a
      dielectric barrier discharge. In general, such a detector can be simple and low
      cost, while achieving extremely good limits of detection. However, it is non
      selective apart from the use of chemical dopants. Here, a demonstrator
      manufactured entirely from fused silica capillaries and printed circuit boards is
      shown. It has a size of 75*60*25mm3 and utilizes only 2W of power in total.
      Unlike other known discharge detectors, which require high-purity helium, this
      detector can theoretically be operated using any gas able to form stable ion
      species. Here, purified air is used. With this setup, limits of detection in the
      low parts-per-billion range have been obtained for acetone.

PMID- 28089070
TI  - Steric exclusion chromatography for purification of cell culture-derived
      influenza A virus using regenerated cellulose membranes and polyethylene glycol.
AB  - Steric exclusion chromatography has been used for the purification of proteins
      and bacteriophages using monoliths. The operation is carried out by mixing a
      crude sample containing the target species with a predetermined concentration and
      molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and loading it onto a non-reactive
      hydrophilic surface. Product capture occurs by the mutual steric exclusion of PEG
      between the product and the matrix. Selectivity is significantly influenced by
      target product size. Product elution is achieved by decreasing the PEG
      concentration. In this study, a 75cm2 cellulose membrane adsorber was used for
      the purification of a clarified and inactivated influenza A virus broth produced
      in a 5L bioreactor using suspension Madin Darby canine kidney cells. Product
      recovery was above 95% based on hemagglutination activity and single radial
      immunodiffusion assays. Maximum depletion of double stranded host cell DNA and
      total protein was 99.7% and 92.4%, respectively. Purified virus particles showed
      no aggregation with a monodisperse peak around 84nm. 250mL of the clarified
      inactivated virus broth was purified within 40min. The surface area productivity
      based on the recovery of the viral hemagglutinin antigen was 28-50mgm-2h-1
      depending on the feed and loading conditions.

PMID- 28089071
TI  - Lead, cadmium and mercury in cerebrospinal fluid and risk of amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis: A case-control study.
AB  - Exposure to neurotoxic chemicals such as pesticides, selenium, and heavy metals
      have been suggested to play a role in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS). We assessed exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury in 38 ALS
      patients (16 men and 22 females) and 38 hospital-admitted controls by using their
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) content as biomarker. We determined CSF heavy metal
      levels with inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry, according
      to a methodology specifically developed for this biological matrix. ALS patients
      had higher median values for Pb (155 vs. 132ng/L) but lower levels for Cd (36 vs.
      72ng/L) and Hg (196 vs. 217ng/L). In the highest tertile of exposure, ALS odds
      ratio was 1.39 (95% CI 0.48-4.25) for Pb, 0.29 (0.08-1.04) for Cd and 3.03 (0.52
      17.55) for Hg; however, no dose-response relation emerged. Results were
      substantially confirmed after conducting various sensitivity analyses, and after
      stratification for age and sex. Though interpretation of these results is limited
      by the statistical imprecision of the estimates, and by the possibility that CSF
      heavy metal content may not reflect long-term antecedent exposure, they do not
      lend support to a role of the heavy metals cadmium, lead and mercury in ALS
      etiology.

PMID- 28089072
TI  - The role of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in patients bridged to
      transplantation with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device: A
      propensity score matched analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) provide a significant
      mortality benefit for appropriately selected patients with advanced heart
      failure. ICDs are associated with a mortality benefit when used in patients with
      a pulsatile left ventricular assist device (LVAD). It is unclear whether patients
      with a continuous-flow LVAD (CF-LVAD) derive the same benefit. We sought to
      determine if the presence of an ICD provided a mortality benefit during CF-LVAD
      support as a bridge to transplantation. METHODS: Patients were identified in the
      United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry who underwent LVAD implantation
      as bridge to transplantation between May 2004 and April 2014, with follow-up
      through June 2014. Primary outcome was freedom from death while on CF-LVAD
      support with adjustment for complications requiring UNOS listing status upgrade.
      Secondary end-points included freedom from delisting while on CF-LVAD support and
      incidence of transplantation. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 2,990 patients,
      and propensity score matching identified 1,012 patients with similar propensity
      scores. There was no difference in survival during device support between
      patients with and without an ICD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.20; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 0.66-2.17; p = 0.55). Adjusting for device complications requiring
      a UNOS listing status upgrade had minimal influence (HR = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.60
      2.05; p = 0.74). There was no increased risk of delisting owing to being too sick
      for patients with an ICD (HR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.63-1.86; p = 0.78). Likewise, the
      probability of transplantation was similar (HR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.87-1.27; p =
      0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients bridged to transplantation with a CF-LVAD, the
      presence of an ICD did not reduce mortality.

PMID- 28089073
TI  - The H Index in Perspective.

PMID- 28089074
TI  - Does teaching of robotic partial nephrectomy affect renal function and
      perioperative outcomes?
AB  - PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy (PN) represents the treatment of choice for
      localized renal tumor<7cm. Minimally invasive approaches are considered standard
      of care in many institutions. Maintaining acceptable warm ischemic time (WIT)
      while teaching robotic PN (RPN) remains challenging. The goal of the present
      study was to assess the effect of teaching RPN on WIT and renal function in
      patients undergoing RPN. METHODS: Patients undergoing RPN for cT1-T2 renal tumors
      were included. RENAL nephrometry score was used to adjust for tumor complexity.
      Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were determined preoperatively, at day 2 and at
      >=3-month follow-up. Patients in whom the attending surgeon (staff) performed
      tumorectomy and renorraphy were compared with those in whom the fellow performed
      these steps. Primary outcomes were WIT and GFR decrease at follow-up visit.
      Morbidity and margin positivity represented secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Overall,
      69 patients (46 "staff" vs. 23 "fellow") were included. Patient's characteristics
      did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. In particular, RENAL score and
      preoperative GFR were similar between both groups. Mean WIT was 22+/-9 in the
      staff and 24+/-7 in the fellow group (P = 0.09). At follow-up, a GFR reduction of
      9% was observed in the staff group vs. 13% in the fellow group (P = 0.38).
      Complication rates (13% vs. 17%, P = 0.63) and positive margins (9% vs. 4%, P =
      0.47) did not differ significantly between staff and fellow. CONCLUSIONS: In our
      experience, teaching RPN with a strict supervision and stepwise standardized
      procedure was oncologically and functionally safe after 3 to 6 months of follow
      up.

PMID- 28089075
TI  - Conjunctival impression cytology evaluation of patients with dry eye disease
      using scleral contact lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate conjunctival impression cytology and HLADR expression
      changes after wearing scleral contact lenses (ScCLs) for moderate to severe dry
      eye disease (DED). DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: Forty
      one eyes from 25 patients with moderate to severe DED were evaluated for Esclera
      ScCL treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and slit-lamp findings were
      assessed. Impression cytology specimens were obtained from DED patients at the
      baseline and after wearing ScCLs for 12 months. The impression cytology specimens
      were analyzed using morphological results score, and HLA-DR positive cells were
      detected and quantified. The values were compared to assess the IC changes after
      wearing ScCLs. RESULTS: Forty-one eyes from 25 patients were fitted with ScCLs to
      manage DED. The underlying diseases were Stevens-Johnson syndrome (22 eyes),
      Sjogren's syndrome (11 eyes), graft-versus-host disease (2 eyes), dry eye after
      keratomileusis (2 eyes) and undifferentiated ocular surface disease (4 eyes). The
      HE-PAS impression cytology score did not differ significantly before and after
      wearing ScCLs for 12 months in DED patients (p>0.05). The percentage of eyes
      expressing the HLA-DR antigen in the temporal conjunctiva after wearing ScCL for
      12 months significantly increased in patients with Sjogren's syndrome (11.11% to
      66.66%; p=0.0498). In groups with Stevens Johnson syndrome and other ocular
      surface disorders, we did not observe statistically significant differences
      (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The ScCLs did not change the parameters used to evaluate
      inflammatory processes, which were measured using conjunctival impression
      cytology and HLA-DR expression, except in Sjogren syndrome, in which there was an
      unexpected increase in HLA expression.

PMID- 28089076
TI  - Comparative analyses of secreted proteins in plant pathogenic smut fungi and
      related basidiomycetes.
AB  - In the ten years since the genome sequence of the basidiomycete corn smut fungus
      Ustilago maydis was published, additional genomes of smut species infecting
      different hosts became available. In addition, the genomes of related Malassezia
      species causing skin diseases and of Pseudozyma species not known to infect
      plants were determined. As secreted proteins are critical virulence determinants
      in U. maydis we compare here the secretomes of 12 basidiomycete species to gain
      information about their composition and conservation. For this we classify
      secreted proteins into those with and without domains using InterPro scans.
      Homology among proteins is inferred by building clusters based on pairwise
      similarities and cluster presence is then assessed in the different species. We
      detect in particular a strong correspondence between the secretomes of Pseudozyma
      species and plant infecting smuts. Furthermore, we identify a high proportion of
      secreted proteins to be part of gene families and present an advancement of the
      CRISPR-Cas9 technology for simultaneous disruption of multiple genes in U. maydis
      using five genes of the eff1 family as example.

PMID- 28089077
TI  - The changing pattern of uterine contractions before and after fresh embryo
      transfer and its relation to clinical outcome.
AB  - In this prospective cohort study of 286 women undergoing fresh embryo transfer
      after IVF, uterine contraction frequency and direction were measured before (-5
      min), 5 min after (+5 min) and 60 min after (+60 min) embryo transfer. Mean +/-
      SD uterine contraction frequency at -5 min was 1.8 +/- 1.1 contractions per min,
      increasing significantly (P < 0.05) to 2.0 +/- 1.1 at +5 min, and returning back
      to baseline 1.8 +/- 1.1 at +60 min. At -5 min, the proportion of women the with
      retrograde, antegrade, indeterminate direction and absent contractions were 33%,
      44%, 17% and 6%; at +5 min, 40%, 42%, 13% and 5%, and at +60 min, 42%, 38%, 14%
      and 6%. No significant change was observed in the proportion of direction at
      these three time points. Logistic regression analysis showed live birth rate was
      significantly reduced in older women (P = 0.035) and in those with higher uterine
      contraction frequency at +5 min (P = 0.006). Frequency of uterine contraction
      immediately after embryo transfer (+5 min) seemed to be a significant predictor
      of IVF outcome and may help to identify women who could benefit from the use of
      muscle relaxant therapy to improve outcome.

PMID- 28089078
TI  - hucMSC Exosome-Derived GPX1 Is Required for the Recovery of Hepatic Oxidant
      Injury.
AB  - Exosomes are small biological membrane vesicles secreted by various cells,
      including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We previously reported that MSC-derived
      exosomes (MSC-Ex) can elicit hepatoprotective effects against toxicant-induced
      injury. However, the success of MSC-Ex-based therapy for treatment of liver
      diseases and the underlying mechanisms have not been well characterized. We used
      human umbilical cord MSC-derived exosome (hucMSC-Ex) administrated by tail vein
      or oral gavage at different doses and, in engrafted liver mouse models, noted
      antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects and rescue from liver failure. A single
      systemic administration of hucMSC-Ex (16 mg/kg) effectively rescued the recipient
      mice from carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver failure. Moreover, hucMSC-Ex
      derived glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1), which detoxifies CCl4 and H2O2, reduced
      oxidative stress and apoptosis. Knockdown of GPX1 in hucMSCs abrogated
      antioxidant and anti-apoptotic abilities of hucMSC-Ex and diminished the
      hepatoprotective effects of hucMSC-Ex in vitro and in vivo. Thus, hucMSC-Ex
      promote the recovery of hepatic oxidant injury through the delivery of GPX1.

PMID- 28089079
TI  - Repeated subarachnoid administrations of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells
      supported in autologous plasma improve quality of life in patients suffering
      incomplete spinal cord injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIMS: Cell therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) offers new
      hope for patients suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Ten patients
      with established incomplete SCI received four subarachnoid administrations of 30
      * 106 autologous bone marrow MSCs, supported in autologous plasma, at months 1,
      4, 7 and 10 of the study, and were followed until the month 12. Urodynamic,
      neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies were performed at months 6 and 12,
      and compared with basal studies. RESULTS: Variable improvement was found in the
      patients of the series. All of them showed some degree of improvement in
      sensitivity and motor function. Sexual function improved in two of the eight male
      patients. Neuropathic pain was present in four patients before treatment; it
      disappeared in two of them and decreased in another. Clear improvement in bladder
      and bowel control were found in all patients suffering previous dysfunction.
      Before treatment, seven patients suffered spasms, and two improved. Before cell
      therapy, nine patients suffered variable degree of spasticity, and 3 of them
      showed clear decrease at the end of follow-up. At this time, nine patients showed
      infra-lesional electromyographic recordings suggesting active muscle
      reinnervation, and eight patients showed improvement in bladder compliance. After
      three administrations of MSCs, mean values of brain-derived neurotrophic factor,
      glial-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin
      3 and 4 showed slight increases compared with basal levels, but without
      statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of repeated
      doses of MSCs by subarachnoid route is a well-tolerated procedure that is able to
      achieve progressive and significant improvement in the quality of life of
      patients suffering incomplete SCI.

PMID- 28089080
TI  - Salba-chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in the treatment of overweight and obese
      patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Preliminary findings indicate that consumption of Salba-chia
      (Salvia hispanica L.), an ancient seed, improves management of type 2 diabetes
      and suppresses appetite. The aim of this study was to assesse the effect of Salba
      chia on body weight, visceral obesity and obesity-related risk factors in
      overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A double-blind,
      randomized, controlled trial with two parallel groups involved 77 overweight or
      obese patients with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c: 6.5-8.0%; BMI: 25-40 kg/m2). Both
      groups followed a 6-month calorie-restricted diet; one group received 30 g/1000
      kcal/day of Salba-chia, the other 36 g/1000 kcal/day of an oat bran-based
      control. Primary endpoint was change in body weight over 6-months. Secondary
      endpoints included changes in waist circumference, body composition, glycemic
      control, C-reactive protein, and obesity-related satiety hormones. RESULTS: At 6
      months, participants on Salba-chia had lost more weight than those on control
      (1.9 +/- 0.5 kg and 0.3 +/- 0.4 kg, respectively; P = 0.020), accompanied by a
      greater reduction in waist circumference (3.5 +/- 0.7 cm and 1.1 +/- 0.7 cm,
      respectively; P = 0.027). C-reactive protein was reduced by 1.1 +/- 0.5 mg/L (39
      +/- 17%) on Salba-chia, compared to 0.2 +/- 0.4 mg/L (7 +/- 20%) on control (P =
      0.045). Plasma adiponectin on the test intervention increased by 6.5 +/- 0.7%,
      with no change observed on control (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      study, support the beneficial role of Salba-chia seeds in promoting weight loss
      and improvements of obesity related risk factors, while maintaining good glycemic
      control. Supplementation of Salba-chia may be a useful dietary addition to
      conventional therapy in the management of obesity in diabetes. REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01403571.

PMID- 28089081
TI  - Asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome - Literature review
      and contributions towards a Portuguese consensus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Phenotypic overlap between the two main chronic airway pulmonary
      diseases, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has been the
      subject of debate for decades, and recently the nomenclature of asthma-COPD
      overlap syndrome (ACOS) was adopted for this condition. The definition of this
      entity in the literature is, however, very heterogeneous, it is therefore
      important to define how it applies to Portugal. METHODS: A literature review of
      ACOS was made in a first phase resulting in the drawing up of a document that was
      later submitted for discussion among a panel of chronic lung diseases experts,
      resulting in reflexions about diagnosis, treatment and clinical guidance for ACOS
      patients. RESULTS: There was a consensus among the experts that the diagnosis of
      ACOS should be considered in the concomitant presence of: clinical manifestations
      characteristic of both asthma and COPD, persistent airway obstruction (post
      bronchodilator FEV1/FVC<0.7), positive response to bronchodilator test (increase
      in FEV1 of >=200mL and >=12% from baseline) and current or past history of
      smoking or biomass exposure. In reaching diagnosis, the presence of peripheral
      eosinophilia (>300eosinophils/MUL or >5% of leukocytes) and previous history of
      atopy should also be considered. The recommended first line pharmacological
      treatment in these patients is the ICS/LABA association; if symptomatic control
      is not achieved or in case of clinical severity, triple therapy with
      ICS/LABA/LAMA may be used. An effective control of the exposure to risk factors,
      vaccination, respiratory rehabilitation and treatment of comorbidities is also
      important. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of initial guidelines on ACOS, which can be
      applied in the Portuguese context, has an important role in the generation of a
      broad nationwide consensus. This will give, in the near future, a far better
      clinical, functional and epidemiological characterization of ACOS patients, with
      the ultimate goal of achieving better therapeutic guidance.

PMID- 28089082
TI  - Backcasting to identify food waste prevention and mitigation opportunities for
      infant feeding in maternity services.
AB  - Food waste in hospitals is of major concern for two reasons: one, healthcare
      needs to move toward preventative and demand led models for sustainability and
      two, food system sustainability needs to seek preventative measures such as diet
      adaptation and waste prevention. The impact of breast-milk substitute use on
      health services are well established in literature in terms of healthcare
      implications, cost and resourcing, however as a food demand and waste management
      issue little has been published to date. This paper presents the use of a desk
      based backcasting method to analyse food waste prevention, mitigation and
      management options within the Irish Maternity Service. Best practice in
      healthcare provision and waste management regulations are used to frame
      solutions. Strategic problem orientation revealed that 61% of the volume of ready
      to use breast-milk substitutes purchased by maternity services remains unconsumed
      and ends up as waste. Thirteen viable strategies to prevent and manage this waste
      were identified. Significant opportunities exist to prevent waste and also
      decrease food demand leading to both positive health and environmental outcomes.
      Backcasting methods display great promise in delivering food waste management
      strategies in healthcare settings, especially where evidenced best practice
      policies exist to inform solution forming processes. In terms of food waste
      prevention and management, difficulties arise in distinguishing between demand
      reduction, waste prevention and waste reduction measures under the current Waste
      Management Hierarchy definitions. Ultimately demand reduction at source requires
      prioritisation, a strategy which is complimentary to health policy on infant
      feeding.

PMID- 28089083
TI  - Bile-ated Cell Death Decreases Aortic Aneurysm Formation.

PMID- 28089084
TI  - Predicting the Need for Intra-operative Large Volume Blood Transfusions During
      Thoraco-abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is a complex procedure
      performed in patients at high cardiovascular risk. High volume intra-operative
      bleeding is often recorded, and the amount of intra-operative blood product
      transfusion is associated with relevant morbidity and mortality. The aim of the
      study was to identify pre-operative predictors of intra-operative large volume
      blood transfusions (LVBT) to stratify patients pre-operatively. METHODS: This was
      a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients who
      underwent open TAAA surgery at San Raffaele Scientific Institute from January
      2009 to December 2015. Intra-operative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions were
      administered to maintain a hematocrit of at least 30%. A LVBT was defined as a
      transfusion of at least four RBC units, corresponding to 1000 mL. RESULTS: The
      study population included 428 patients: 260 (61%) received fewer than 4 RBC
      units, and 168 (39%) were transfused with at least 4 RBC units. In patients who
      underwent LVBT, higher mortality was observed after surgery (p=.003), longer
      intensive care unit admission (p=.004), and longer mechanical ventilation
      compared with less transfused patients (p=.0002). The patients who received fewer
      units were administered a higher dose of heparin during the surgical operation
      compared with patients of the LVBT group: 3400+/-1100 vs. 2900+/-1300 IU
      (international units) (p=.0004). Pre-operative chronic renal failure (OR 1.8),
      the pre-operative haemoglobin value (OR 0.8), and the need for urgent or emergent
      surgery (OR 3.15) were independent predictors of LVBT on multivariate analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The identification of patients at risk of intra-operative LVBT
      during TAAA surgery is critical as these patients experience a worse outcome.
      Nevertheless, only few independent predictors are available for clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28089085
TI  - The timing of bone SPECT to predict osteonecrosis after internal fixation of
      femur neck fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone SPECT can be used after a femur neck fracture to assess the
      circulation of the femoral head in the immediate postoperative period because the
      blood supply is one of the major factors affecting bone uptake of radiotracer on
      bone scintigraphy. The purpose of our present study was to investigate whether
      osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OFH) after internal fixation of femoral neck
      fracture could be predicted by early and late bone SPECT. METHODS: This
      retrospective cohort study enrolled 44 patients (33 women; mean age, 66.9 years)
      who underwent surgical fixation for femoral neck fractures. Early and late bone
      SPECT images were obtained within 2 weeks postoperatively and at 3 months
      postoperatively. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 months (average,
      34 months). RESULTS: OFH developed in 9 out of 44 patients but no patient showed
      nonunion. Seventeen patients with normal femoral head uptake on early bone SPECT
      were healed. Of 27 patients with decreased femoral head uptake on early bone
      SPECT, 2 patients developed OFH on radiography before 3 months postoperatively,
      18 patients recovered to normal uptake on the late SPECT, and the remaining 7
      patients still showed decreased uptake on the late SPECT at 3 months
      postoperatively. All of these 7 cases finally developed OFH on radiography.
      CONCLUSION: Bone SPECT can reliably predict the possibility of OFH with after
      femoral neck fracture at least 3 months after surgery, while early bone SPECT
      showed low specificity. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical.

PMID- 28089086
TI  - Improved pressurized Marinelli beaker measurements of radioactive xenon in air.
AB  - INL has shown that a Marinelli beaker geometry can be used for the measurement of
      radioactive xenon in air using an aluminum Marinelli. A carbon fiber Marinelli
      was designed and constructed to improve overall performance. This composite
      Marinelli can withstand sample pressures of 276bar and achieve approximately a 4x
      performance improvement in the minimum detectable concentrations (MDCs) and
      concentration uncertainties. The MDCs obtained during a 24h assay for 133Xe,
      131mXe, and 135Xe are: 1.4, 13, and 0.35Bq/m3.

PMID- 28089087
TI  - Prevalence profile of odontogenic cysts and tumors on Brazilian sample after the
      reclassification of odontogenic keratocyst.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the reclassification
      of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) as a tumor on the prevalence profile of
      odontogenic cysts (OCs) and odontogenic tumors (OTs). STUDY DESIGN: Two referral
      Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology services in Brazil were evaluated. All cases
      diagnosed as OCs or OTs were selected and classified according to the 1992 WHO
      classification (cases before 2005 WHO classification of tumors excluding OKC) and
      the 2005 WHO classification of tumors, going forward including cases of
      odontogenic keratocyst tumor (KCOT). The frequency and prevalence of OCs and OTs
      were compared before and after the reclassification. RESULTS: Among 27,854 oral
      biopsies, 4920 (17.66%) were OCs and 992 (3.56%) were OTs. The prevalence of OTs
      before 2005 WHO classification of tumors was 2.04%, while the prevalence after
      2005 WHO classification was 11.51% (p < 0.0001). Before 2006, the most frequent
      tumor diagnosed was odontoma with 194 cases (39.67%), and after 2005 WHO
      classification of tumors the KCOT was the most frequent with 207 cases (41.07%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the prevalence of OTs after 2005 WHO is related to
      the improvement of pathology services and to the inclusion of KCOT in the OTs
      group.

PMID- 28089088
TI  - Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: Immunohistochemical
      examinations regarding the role of insulin-like growth factors and their binding
      proteins in the etiology of this disease.
AB  - Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is a benign disease of the joints without a known
      cause. It sometimes affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and is accompanied
      by pain, swelling, malocclusion, and crepitation. It has been divided into three
      stages by Milgram and is supposed to originate from the synovia and cartilage of
      a joint (Milgram, 1977b). The aim of this study was to examine an involvement of
      the insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I/-II) and their binding proteins (IGFBP-1
      to -6) in the etiology of this disease. Therefore 23 specimen of SC from 16
      patients were immunohistochemically stained and microscopically examined.
      Staining was assessed semiquantitatively: negative (-), weakly positive ((+)),
      moderately positive (+), strongly positive (++) and very strongly positive (+++).
      It could be seen that especially the chondro- and fibrocytes and the synovia
      showed positive staining for almost all IGFs and IGFBPs. The underlying tissue,
      consisting of connective tissue or chondroid matrix, was stained as well but more
      weakly so. We conclude that the IGF/IGFBP system seems to contribute to the
      pathogenesis of SC, especially IGF-I and -II, and their effects enhancing binding
      protein 5.

PMID- 28089089
TI  - 27Al-27Al double-quantum single-quantum MAS NMR: Applications to the structural
      characterization of microporous materials.
AB  - In this paper, we review and illustrate applications, reported in the literature
      or used in our group, of 27Al-27Al double-quantum single-quantum (DQ-SQ) MAS NMR
      experiments for the structural characterization of Al-containing microporous
      solids, namely zeolites, aluminophosphates and metal-organic frameworks.
      Information regarding the periodic frameworks or the localization of the various
      aluminum species in the materials are obtained from the analysis of the two
      dimensional NMR spectra, which allows getting local structural details sometimes
      inaccessible from other characterization technique. An application of 27Al-27Al
      of the DQ-SQ experiment for the detection of aluminum pairing in zeolite is
      shown.

PMID- 28089090
TI  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus:
      Effects of statins and antidiabetic drugs.

PMID- 28089091
TI  - Characteristics and processing of Pol IV-dependent transcripts in Arabidopsis.
AB  - RNAi is a highly conserved machinery in eukaryotes for transcriptional or post
      transcriptional silencing. In plants, RNA-directed DNA Methylation (RdDM) pathway
      deploys small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to target DNA methylation. This process
      is initiated by the plant-specific RNA polymerase IV (Pol IV) to produce RNA
      precursors that are later processed into siRNAs. Until recently, characterization
      of Pol IV transcript had been difficult due to its presumed rapid turnover. This
      review summarizes five recent reports on Pol IV-dependent RNAs that explore the
      biogenesis and features of Pol IV transcripts, as well as alternative dicer
      independent processing of Pol IV products.

PMID- 28089092
TI  - Treatment of de novo hepatitis C virus-related fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis
      after orthotopic heart transplantation by ledipasvir and sofosbuvir.

PMID- 28089093
TI  - Minimally Invasive Surgery for Evacuating the Intracerebral Hematoma in Early
      Stages Decreased Secondary Damages to the Internal Capsule in Dog Model of ICH
      Observed by Diffusion Tensor Imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diffusion tensor imaging was used to observe the effects of
      performing early minimally invasive surgery (MIS) on internal capsule in dog
      model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: Twenty-five male dogs were
      selected to prepare an ICH model, and then they were randomly distributed into a
      model control (MC) group (5 dogs) or an MIS group (20 dogs). In the MIS group,
      the intracerebral hematoma was evacuated by stereotactic minimally invasive
      procedures over 6 hours (5 dogs), 12 hours (5 dogs), 18 hours (5 dogs), or 24
      hours (5 dogs) after successful induction of ICH. The same procedure was
      performed in the MC group but without evacuating the hematoma. All the animals
      were sacrificed within 2 weeks after the hematoma was surgically evacuated. The
      neurologic deficit score and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were observed before
      and after the MIS. The perihematomal blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and
      the brain water content (BWC) were measured 2 weeks after the hematoma was
      surgically evacuated. RESULTS: The DTI demonstrated that integrity of the
      internal capsule restored largely after surgery and the fractional anisotropy
      (FA) values of the internal capsule on the hematoma side increased significantly
      as compared with those in the MC group or those before surgery in the same group.
      The postoperative ratios of FA values of each MIS subgroup increased compared
      with the MC group and those before surgery in the same subgroup before operation.
      The neurologic deficit score, the perihematomal BBB permeability, and the BWC of
      each MIS subgroup decreased significantly compared with those of the MC group.
      The 6-12-hour group displayed a more favorable result. CONCLUSIONS: Performing
      the MIS in the early stage (6-12 hours) after ICH could decrease the secondary
      damages to the internal capsule so as to promote the recovery of motor function.
      The optimal time window for MIS should be within 6-12 hours after onset of ICH.

PMID- 28089094
TI  - Postprandial Clearance of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Patients with
      Stroke Due to Atherosclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) is a contributor to
      atherosclerosis development. OxLDL formation increases in the postprandial state
      due to oxidative stress in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) and
      diabetes, but has not been studied in patients with atherosclerotic stroke. We
      aimed to determine differences in postprandial OxLDL in patients with
      atherosclerotic stroke compared to stroke from other causes. METHODS: Patients
      with ischemic stroke but no history of CAD (n = 42) were enrolled and categorized
      by stroke subtype as extracranial atherosclerosis (EC), n = 12; intracranial
      atherosclerosis (IC), n = 16; or other cause, n = 14. After fasting overnight,
      subjects consumed a standardized fat meal. OxLDL levels were measured at t = 0
      and t = 4 hours postprandial using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comparisons
      between the mean changes in OxLDL between the groups were performed using the
      analysis of variance procedure. RESULTS: The IC group had the highest mean
      baseline level of OxLDL and the greatest decline during the postprandial period.
      There was a trend toward a difference in the mean change in OxLDL between the 3
      groups (P = .0553). Subjects with atherosclerotic stroke (EC and IC groups) had
      higher fasting OxLDL and had a significant decline in OxLDL compared to those
      with stroke from other causes (P = .0164). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with stroke due
      to atherosclerosis, particularly intracranially, demonstrated high fasting OxLDL
      and a decline in OxLDL during the postprandial period. This decline in OxLDL may
      indicate an accelerated clearance of OxLDL resulting from meal-induced oxidative
      stress.

PMID- 28089095
TI  - Characteristics of Anatomy and Function of the Left Atrial Appendage and Their
      Relationships in Patients with Cardioembolic Stroke: A 3-Dimensional
      Transesophageal Echocardiography Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing attention is being paid to the left atrial appendage (LAA)
      in the context of risk stratification in cardioembolic stroke (CES) and the
      requirement for meticulous planning of percutaneous closure device implantation.
      However, detailed systematic assessment of the LAA remains limited. METHODS: This
      study evaluated the anatomy and function of LAA using 3-dimensional
      transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) on 194 consecutive patients older than
      50 years old hospitalized exclusively for CES. Patients were stratified into 3
      groups on the basis of cardiac rhythm: (1) chronic atrial fibrillation (AF), n =
      53; (2) paroxysmal AF, n = 26; and (3) no detected AF, n = 115. RESULTS:
      Significant differences between the groups were observed for anatomical (orifice
      area [OA], depth, diastolic volume) and functional parameters (ejection fraction
      [EF], flow velocity [FV]), as measured by 3D-TEE. The anatomical parameters were
      consistently the greatest, and functional parameters were the poorest, in the
      group with chronic AF. There were significant inverse correlations between them
      (r = -.33, P = .0003 for depth and EF; r = -.27, P = .0020 for depth and FV; r = 
      .22, P = .016 for OA and EF; and r = -.38, P < .0001 for OA and FV). CONCLUSIONS:
      LAA morphology and function were strongly affected by cardiac rhythm
      disturbances. Patients with chronic AF had the greatest LAA dimensions, areas,
      and volumes as well as the lowest LAA functions. An inverse correlation was
      observed between LAA size and function.

PMID- 28089096
TI  - The international development of second degree graduate entry nursing.

PMID- 28089097
TI  - A systematic approach for the chromatographic fractionation and purification of
      major steroid saponins in commercial extracts of Yucca schidigera Roezl.
AB  - Yucca schidigera Roezl. (yucca) is one of the major industrial sources of steroid
      saponins used as animal and human food additives. This work describes a new,
      systematic and reproducible three-step method by medium and high-pressure liquid
      chromatography (under RP, NP and RP conditions), for the isolation and
      purification of three groups of saponins, which were further purified in six sub
      fractions, and finally into twelve individual steroid saponins previously
      reported in Y. schidigera. In accordance to the increasing applications of yucca
      extracts, further analytical, biological and physicochemical studies are still
      required. The presented method is applicable to the preparation of steroids
      saponins previously reported in commercial extracts of Y. schidigera, both as
      highly purified mixtures of defined composition, including twelve pure
      components.

PMID- 28089098
TI  - Toward a collaborative model of pandemic preparedness and response: Taiwan's
      changing approach to pandemics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over time, as newly emerging infectious diseases have become
      increasingly common and more easily spread, it has become clear that traditional
      response mechanisms have proven inadequate to the task of prevention and control.
      PURPOSE: To explore whether enhanced cooperation with local government and
      community institutions can effectively supplement traditional state-centric
      public health epidemic responses. METHODS: Drawing on Taiwan as a case study, we
      assess the role of the whole-of-society approach to epidemic response as arises
      from the collaborative governance literature. The approach calls for enhanced
      cooperation, trust building, resource sharing and consensus-oriented decision
      making among multiple levels of government, business, non-profits, and the public
      in general. RESULTS: The Taiwan case illustrates the benefits of the whole-of
      society approach. Enhanced cooperation between state, local government and non
      state institutions, particularly neighborhood committees, has resulted in a
      strengthened, holistic epidemic preparedness and response infrastructure.
      CONCLUSION: The Taiwan case provides evidence that by implementing the whole-of
      society approach to pandemic preparedness and response governments can enhance
      their ability to manage future outbreaks. We recommend that governments beyond
      Taiwan's borders seriously consider adopting this approach.

PMID- 28089099
TI  - Clinical characteristics and outcome of invasive fungal infections in pediatric
      acute myeloid leukemia patients in a medical center in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infection (IFI) causes significant morbidity and
      mortality in patients with hematological malignancies, especially those with
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML), recurrent acute leukemia, high-risk acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia, and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation. The study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and
      outcome of IFIs in pediatric AML patients in a medical center in Taiwan. METHODS:
      We performed retrospective chart reviews. We enrolled pediatric AML patients who
      were admitted to National Taiwan University Hospital between January 2005 and
      December 2014. IFI was defined according to the European Organization for
      Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycosis Study Group 2008 consensus criteria.
      RESULTS: In total, 78 patients were included for analysis. Twenty two episodes of
      IFIs were identified in 16 patients. The incidence for IFIs was 20.5% (16/78),
      and no specific trend of increase or decrease was observed through the study
      period (p=0.374). Candida species caused the majority (59.1%) of IFIs. Prolonged
      neutropenia and elevated alanine aminotransferase and creatinine values were
      factors associated with IFIs (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.001, respectively).
      Patients with endotracheal intubation or inotropes usage had a higher probability
      of developing IFIs (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). The overall mortality of
      IFIs was 53% (8/15) over 10 years, and patients with pulmonary aspergillosis had
      the highest mortality (80%). CONCLUSION: IFIs continue to pose significant
      morbidity and mortality in pediatric AML patients, and patients with other
      hematology-oncology cancers. Recognition of factors associated with IFIs may help
      us early identify IFIs and promptly initiate antifungal therapy.

PMID- 28089100
TI  - Community-onset Clostridium difficile infection at a tertiary medical center in
      southern Taiwan, 2007-2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is well-known as the major
      cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitalized patients. Community-onset CDI (CO
      CDI) is an emerging threat. However, clinical information of CO-CDI in Taiwan
      remains scarce. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at a medical center
      in southern Taiwan. Symptomatic patients between 2007 and 2015 with C. difficile
      toxin or tcdB detected in stool were identified as CDI, and were classified as CO
      CDI [including community-associated CDI (CA-CDI) and community-onset health care
      facility-associated CDI (CO-HCFA-CDI)] and health care facility-onset CDI (HCFO
      CDI). RESULTS: Of 427 patients, 15 (3.5%) were CA-CDI, 49 (11.5%) CO-HCFA-CDI,
      and 363 (85.0%) HCFO-CDI. Despite major involvement of the elderly (mean age:
      66.1 years vs. 69.9 years, p = 0.46), no significant differences were noted
      between CA-CDI and CO-HCFA-CDI groups, except that solid organ cancer was more
      common in the CO-HCFA-CDI group. The CO-CDI group more often presented with
      abdominal pain but had shorter hospital stays and less exposure of proton-pump
      inhibitors or broad-spectrum antibiotics than the HCFO-CDI group did. The
      mortality rate related to CDI was 4.7% (3 patients) in the CO-CDI group. Despite
      a lower in-hospital mortality rate in the CO-CDI group (10.9% vs. 22.0%; p =
      0.04), the recurrence rate was similar (10.9% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: CO
      CDI is not common but associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.
      Physicians should put CDI into consideration among patients who present community
      onset fever, diarrhea, or abdominal pain alone or in combination.

PMID- 28089101
TI  - Reply to the letter regarding "early dual drainage combining transpapillary
      endotherapy and percutaneous catheter drainage in patients with pancreatic
      fistula associated with severe acute pancreatitis".

PMID- 28089102
TI  - Comparison of corticosteroid, autologous blood or sclerosant injections for
      chronic tennis elbow.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare three different ultrasound-guided injections for chronic
      tennis elbow. DESIGN: Assessor-blinded, randomized controlled comparative trial.
      METHODS: 44 patients with clinically diagnosed tennis elbow, confirmed by Doppler
      ultrasound, received under ultrasound guidance, a single corticosteroid injection
      (n=14), or two injections (separated by 4 weeks) of either autologous blood
      (n=14) or polidocanol (n=16). Clinical and ultrasound examination was performed
      at baseline, 4, 12 and 26 weeks. RESULTS: Complete recovery or much improvement
      was greater for corticosteroid injection than autologous blood and polidocanol at
      4 weeks (p<0.001, number needed to treat 1 (95% CI 1-2)). In contrast, at 26
      weeks corticosteroid was significantly worse than polidocanol (p=0.004, number
      needed to harm 2 (1-6)). Recurrence after corticosteroid injection was
      significantly higher than autologous blood or polidocanol (p=0.007, number needed
      to harm 2 (1-4)). Corticosteroid injection produced greater reduction in tendon
      thickness and vascularity than autologous blood at 4 weeks only. Compared to
      autologous blood, polidocanol reduced tendon thickness at 4 and 12 weeks and
      reduced echogenicity and hyperaemia after 12 or 26 weeks respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Injections of corticosteroid cannot be recommended over polidocanol
      or autologous blood, because despite beneficial short-term effect there were
      inferior long-term effects. Whether polidocanol or autologous blood injections
      are effective is unknown, especially as their global effect profiles are not
      unlike previously reported for wait-and-see.

PMID- 28089103
TI  - Pioglitazone with imatinib in CML may reduce residual disease.

PMID- 28089104
TI  - ImmunoScore predicts gastric cancer postsurgical outcome.

PMID- 28089105
TI  - Selumetinib for children with plexiform neurofibromas.

PMID- 28089106
TI  - "Edge-on" MOSkin detector for stereotactic beam measurement and verification.
AB  - Dosimetry in small radiation field is challenging and complicated because of dose
      volume averaging and beam perturbations in a detector. We evaluated the
      suitability of the "Edge-on" MOSkin (MOSFET) detector in small radiation field
      measurement. We also tested the feasibility for dosimetric verification in
      stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). "Edge-on"
      MOSkin detector was calibrated and the reproducibility and linearity were
      determined. Lateral dose profiles and output factors were measured using the
      "Edge-on" MOSkin detector, ionization chamber, SRS diode and EBT2 film.
      Dosimetric verification was carried out on two SRS and five SRT plans. In dose
      profile measurements, the "Edge-on" MOSkin measurements concurred with EBT2 film
      measurements. It showed full width at half maximum of the dose profile with
      average difference of 0.11mm and penumbral width with difference of +/-0.2mm for
      all SRS cones as compared to EBT2 film measurement. For output factor
      measurements, a 1.1% difference was observed between the "Edge-on" MOSkin
      detector and EBT2 film for 4mm SRS cone. The "Edge-on" MOSkin detector provided
      reproducible measurements for dose verification in real-time. The measured doses
      concurred with the calculated dose for SRS (within 1%) and SRT (within 3%). A set
      of output correction factors for the "Edge-on" MOSkin detector for small
      radiation fields were derived from EBT2 film measurement and presented. This
      study showed that the "Edge-on" MOSkin detector is a suitable tool for dose
      verification in small radiation field.

PMID- 28089107
TI  - Radiologist Contribution to Improved Nasogastric Tube Placement for Hospitalized
      Neurological Patients.

PMID- 28089108
TI  - Knowledge and attitudes of primary care nurses about the management of patients
      with insomnia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and performance of primary care
      nurses in the management of patients with insomnia. METHODS: Descriptive study.
      An online questionnaire was sent to all primary care nurses of the Majorca
      Primary Care Department between June-July 2014. MEASUREMENTS: sociodemographic
      variables, professional characteristics, tuition, usual clinical practice in the
      management of patients with insomnia. RESULTS: 138 nurses answered the
      questionnaire (47%). Most of them were women (92.8%), 50.42 years old (DE=8.9).
      The majority considered insomnia an important health problem. Only 11% had
      received some formative activity on insomnia in the last 5 years. Nearly half
      declares to ask patients about consequences of insomnia in their jobs and about
      habits that alter their sleep quality. 79.7% considered the possible adverse
      effects of insomnia drugs and take into consideration the age of patient (80.4%).
      The usual treatments were sleep hygiene (76%), phytotherapy (44.9%) and 22.4%
      cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy is considered effective and
      applicable by nurses (63.7%) and doctors (58%). Those nurses who attended courses
      in the last 5 years apply CBT more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses conduct a
      correct anamnesis and evaluation of patients with insomnia. However some
      therapies of known effectiveness, such as CBT, are still scarcely applied.

PMID- 28089109
TI  - A cross-sectional study of physical activity and arterial compliance: the effects
      of age and artery size.
AB  - Our study examined the relationship between habitual high levels of vigorous
      physical activity on large and small artery compliance via radial artery pulse
      wave analysis. Eighty-three healthy men (n = 44) and women (n = 39), aged 18-78
      years, were recruited as habitually less active (light-to-moderate exercise <=3
      times/wk) or habitually highly active (vigorous exercise >=5 times/wk). A
      multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction of age and
      activity level; habitual vigorous activity was associated with greater compliance
      in large and small arteries in older adults (40-78 years) and younger adults (18
      22 years). In the large and small arteries, we observed an age-associated
      decrease in arterial compliance (aged >= 40 years), though it appears to be less
      pronounced in the large artery among habitually highly active subjects. This
      study suggests that aging may be associated with declines in large and small
      artery compliance that can be attenuated by habitual vigorous activity.

PMID- 28089110
TI  - Recurrence after management of meatal balanitis xerotica obliterans.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We review outcomes after management of meatal balanitis xerotica
      obliterans (BXO). The primary outcome was recurrent meatal BXO. METHODS: A
      database comprising mostly hypospadias patients was queried for meatal BXO. The
      disease was confirmed histologically in all cases. Management included topical
      steroids and/or immunosuppressants, and/or surgical excision of BXO with two
      stage oral mucosa graft circumferential replacement urethroplasty. RESULTS: A
      total of 12 patients had meatal BXO (8 boys and 4 adults). Of these, 10 had
      hypospadias, two presenting without prior surgery and eight returning 5-30 years
      after one or multiple (n = 2) repairs. Another two boys did not have hypospadias:
      one developing BXO 10 years after newborn circumcision and the other having
      persistent meatal BXO following therapeutic circumcision. Topical and
      intraluminal steroids (1% betamethasone or clobetasol) and tacrolimus were used
      for >=12 weeks each as primary therapy or for meatal recurrence in a total of six
      cases. Complete response with resolution of white discoloration and relief of
      stranguria only occurred in two of the three receiving clobetasol, with follow up
      <=12 weeks. BXO excision and urethroplasty was done in 11 patients, 10 using oral
      mucosa grafts; one with a focal lesion and a negative frozen section had
      reoperative TIP. Of the 10 undergoing excision with two-stage replacement
      urethroplasty, six remain disease free at a mean follow-up of 23 months (8-48
      months), and four had recurrent stranguria and visible meatal BXO at a median of
      26 months (22-105 months). Three of the four with recurrences had additional
      treatment and one was lost to follow-up. All initially had topical steroids, and
      two also used tacrolimus, without clinical resolution. These three then underwent
      a second BXO excision and two-stage oral graft replacement urethroplasty. In two
      recurrences, BXO was found invading from the meatus proximally within oral mucosa
      (Figure). Of these three with secondary urethroplasties, two are free of disease
      at 6 and 18 months, and the third had another meatal recurrence 6 months after
      the second stage. DISCUSSION: We found topical steroids and immunosuppressants to
      have limited efficacy, with two clinical complete responses achieved only with
      clobetasol in patients with short follow-up. Forty percent of patients recurred
      at 2-9 years after visually complete BXO excision and two-stage oral mucosa graft
      replacement urethroplasty, and in two cases disease invaded into oral mucosa, the
      first well-documented cases of this occurrence.

PMID- 28089111
TI  - The molecular landscape of colitis-associated carcinogenesis.
AB  - In spite of the well-established histopathological phenotyping of IBD-associated
      preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions, their molecular landscape remains to be
      fully elucidated. Several studies have pinpointed the initiating role of
      longstanding/relapsing inflammatory insult on the intestinal mucosa, with the
      activation of different pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, IFN
      gamma), chemokines and metabolites of arachidonic acid resulting in the
      activation of key transcription factors such as NF-kappaB. Longstanding
      inflammation may also modify the intestinal microbiota, prompting the overgrowth
      of genotoxic microorganisms, which may act as further cancer promoters. Most of
      the molecular dysregulation occurring in sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis is
      documented in colitis-associated adenocarcinoma too, but marked differences have
      been established in both their timing and prevalence. Unlike sporadic cancers,
      TP53 alterations occur early in IBD-related carcinogenesis, while APC
      dysregulation emerges mainly in the most advanced stages of the oncogenic
      cascade. From the therapeutic standpoint, colitis-associated cancers are
      associated with a lower prevalence of KRAS mutations than the sporadic variant.
      Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin
      remodeling, and non-coding RNAs, are significantly involved in colitis-associated
      cancer development and progression. The focus now is on identifying diagnostic
      and prognostic biomarkers, with a view to ultimately designing patient-tailored
      therapies.

PMID- 28089112
TI  - Predictive Utility of the Total Glasgow Coma Scale Versus the Motor Component of
      the Glasgow Coma Scale for Identification of Patients With Serious Traumatic
      Injuries.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: The motor component of the Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) has been
      proposed as an easier-to-use alternative to the total GCS (tGCS) for field
      assessment of trauma patients by emergency medical services. We perform a
      systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the predictive utility of the tGCS
      versus the mGCS or Simplified Motor Scale in field triage of trauma for
      identifying patients with adverse outcomes (inhospital mortality or severe brain
      injury) or who underwent procedures (neurosurgical intervention or emergency
      intubation) indicating need for high-level trauma care. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE,
      Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Health and
      Psychosocial Instruments, and the Cochrane databases were searched through June
      2016 for English-language cohort studies. We included studies that compared the
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the tGCS versus
      the mGCS or Simplified Motor Scale assessed in the field or shortly after arrival
      in the emergency department for predicting the outcomes described above. Meta
      analyses were performed with a random-effects model, and subgroup and sensitivity
      analyses were conducted. RESULTS: We included 18 head-to-head studies of
      predictive utility (n=1,703,388). For inhospital mortality, the tGCS was
      associated with slightly greater discrimination than the mGCS (pooled mean
      difference in [AUROC] 0.015; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.009 to 0.022; I2=85%;
      12 studies) or the Simplified Motor Scale (pooled mean difference in AUROC 0.030;
      95% CI 0.024 to 0.036; I2=0%; 5 studies). The tGCS was also associated with
      greater discrimination than the mGCS or Simplified Motor Scale for nonmortality
      outcomes (differences in AUROC from 0.03 to 0.05). Findings were robust in
      subgroup and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: The tGCS is associated with
      slightly greater discrimination than the mGCS or Simplified Motor Scale for
      identifying severe trauma. The small differences in discrimination are likely to
      be clinically unimportant and could be offset by factors such as convenience and
      ease of use.

PMID- 28089113
TI  - [Calcium supplements and cardiovascular disease risk: End of the controversy?]

PMID- 28089115
TI  - Correlation of antimuscarinic acetylcholine receptor antibody titers and
      antidesmoglein antibody titers with the severity of disease in patients with
      pemphigus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody levels significantly correlate
      with disease severity at initial pemphigus diagnosis and during follow-up.
      However, it is not clear if they are just an epiphenomenon or a potential trigger
      of the known pathogenic process in pemphigus vulgaris. OBJECTIVE: We sought to
      assess the changes in anti-muscarinic (M3) AchR and anti-desmoglein (Dsg)
      antibody titers with therapy. METHODS: This was a hospital-based cohort study
      involving 45 patients with active pemphigus. Disease was graded clinically using
      Pemphigus Disease Area Index. Antibody titers were estimated using enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay at baseline, 3 months, and 15 months. RESULTS: All patients
      with pemphigus had significantly higher anti-M3 AchR titers when compared with a
      control group. Only 95.5% of patients had anti-Dsg1 antibodies and 84.4% of
      patients had anti-Dsg3 antibodies. A statistically significant reduction in all 3
      antibody titers from baseline to follow-up with treatment was observed. There was
      a good correlation between all 3 antibody titer and Pemphigus Disease Area Index
      score at baseline and after therapy and between anti-M3 AchR and anti-Dsg1
      antibody titers. LIMITATIONS: Sample size was small and follow-up period was
      short. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-M3 AchR antibodies are strongly associated with
      pemphigus. They significantly correlate with disease activity and their titers
      decline with therapy along with anti-Dsg antibodies.

PMID- 28089114
TI  - Genetic epidemiology of motor neuron disease-associated variants in the Scottish
      population.
AB  - Genetic understanding of motor neuron disease (MND) has evolved greatly in the
      past 10 years, including the recent identification of association between MND and
      variants in TBK1 and NEK1. Our aim was to determine the frequency of pathogenic
      variants in known MND genes and to assess whether variants in TBK1 and NEK1
      contribute to the burden of MND in the Scottish population. SOD1, TARDBP, OPTN,
      TBK1, and NEK1 were sequenced in 441 cases and 400 controls. In addition to 44
      cases known to carry a C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion, we identified 31
      cases and 2 controls that carried a loss-of-function or pathogenic variant. Loss
      of-function variants were found in TBK1 in 3 cases and no controls and,
      separately, in NEK1 in 3 cases and no controls. This study provides an accurate
      description of the genetic epidemiology of MND in Scotland and provides support
      for the contribution of both TBK1 and NEK1 to MND susceptibility in the Scottish
      population.

PMID- 28089116
TI  - Bullying and Sexual Discrimination in the Greek Health Care System.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Modern medicine is based on teamwork and communication. Bullying
      and discrimination can have a serious effect on these, affecting the standard of
      medical training and patient care. AIM: To determine the incidence of bullying
      and sex discrimination in the Greek health care system. METHODS: An online
      questionnaire was designed and circulated among Greek medical professionals.
      RESULTS: We received 1349 completed questionnaires with a response rate of 48%
      and with 45% of them being female. Equal opportunities in specialty training were
      reported by 55% of the participants. Female doctors in medicine and in surgery
      reported no equal opportunities at an incidence of 15% and 30%, respectively (p <
      0.001). Family obligations and lack of family support were considered as the main
      obstacles in female doctors' professional development by 92% and 59% of the
      participants, respectively. Both sexes appeared to have suffered from various
      forms of abusive behavior with characteristics that vary between them. Verbal
      abuse, threatening behavior, and sexual harassment were reported by 50%, 38%, and
      20%, respectively, with women being 3 times more likely to be victims of sexual
      harassment (34% vs. 9%, p < 0.001). Finally, the availability of official support
      mechanisms was reported in only 15% of the cases, whereas friends and colleagues
      were the main support for 46.17% of the cases. CONCLUSION: This is the first
      study attempting to preliminary describe the extent of bullying and sexual
      discrimination in the Greek national health care system. Despite the limitations
      of this study, it is imperative that more research is performed on this issue
      from the appropriate national authorities.

PMID- 28089117
TI  - Respiratory diseases in the marginal labour sectors: a call to action.

PMID- 28089119
TI  - Not outsider artists-just artists.

PMID- 28089118
TI  - Occupational lung diseases: from old and novel exposures to effective preventive
      strategies.
AB  - Occupational exposure is an important, global cause of respiratory disease.
      Unlike many other non-communicable lung diseases, the proximal causes of many
      occupational lung diseases are well understood and they should be amenable to
      control with use of established and effective approaches. Therefore, the risks
      arising from exposure to silica and asbestos are well known, as are the means of
      their prevention. Although the incidence of occupational lung disease has
      decreased in many countries, in parts of the world undergoing rapid economic
      transition and population growth-often with large informal and unregulated
      workforces-occupational exposures continue to impose a heavy burden of disease.
      The incidence of interstitial and malignant lung diseases remains unacceptably
      high because control measures are not implemented or exposures arise in novel
      ways. With the advent of innovative technologies, new threats are continually
      introduced to the workplace (eg, indium compounds and vicinal diketones). In
      developed countries, work-related asthma is the commonest occupational lung
      disease of short latency. Although generic control measures to reduce the risk of
      developing or exacerbating asthma are well recognised, there is still
      uncertainty, for example, with regards to the management of workers who develop
      asthma but remain in the same job. In this Review, we provide recommendations for
      research, surveillance, and other action for reducing the burden of occupational
      lung diseases.

PMID- 28089120
TI  - Population Genetics and Demography Unite Ecology and Evolution.
AB  - The interplay of ecology and evolution has been a rich area of research for
      decades. A surge of interest in this area was catalyzed by the observation that
      evolution by natural selection can operate at the same contemporary timescales as
      ecological dynamics. Specifically, recent eco-evolutionary research focuses on
      how rapid adaptation influences ecology, and vice versa. Evolution by non
      adaptive forces also occurs quickly, with ecological consequences, but
      understanding the full scope of ecology-evolution (eco-evo) interactions requires
      explicitly addressing population-level processes - genetic and demographic. We
      show the strong ecological effects of non-adaptive evolutionary forces and, more
      broadly, the value of population-level research for gaining a mechanistic
      understanding of eco-evo interactions. The breadth of eco-evolutionary research
      should expand to incorporate the breadth of evolution itself.

PMID- 28089121
TI  - Remarks about "A pediatric patient of hemorrhagic acute transverse myelitis".

PMID- 28089122
TI  - Reply to the remarks about "A pediatric patient of hemorrhagic acute transverse
      myelitis".

PMID- 28089123
TI  - Ticks and Borrelia in urban and peri-urban green space habitats in a city in
      southern England.
AB  - Ticks are becoming increasingly recognised as important vectors of pathogens in
      urban and peri-urban areas, including green space used for recreational
      activities. In the UK, the risk posed by ticks in such areas is largely unknown.
      In order to begin to assess the risk of ticks in urban/peri-urban areas in
      southern England, questing ticks were collected from five different habitat types
      (grassland, hedge, park, woodland and woodland edge) in a city during the spring,
      summer and autumn of 2013/2014 and screened for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.
      In addition, seasonal differences in B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence were also
      investigated at a single site during 2015. Ixodes ricinus presence and activity
      were significantly higher in woodland edge habitat and during spring surveys. DNA
      of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 18.1% of nymphs collected across the
      25 sites during 2013 and 2014 and two nymphs also tested positive for the newly
      emerging tick-borne pathogen B. miyamotoi. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. prevalence
      at a single site surveyed in 2015 were found to be significantly higher during
      spring and summer than in autumn, with B. garinii and B. valaisiana most commonly
      detected. These data indicate that a range of habitats within an urban area in
      southern England support ticks and that urban Borrelia transmission cycles may
      exist in some of the urban green spaces included in this study. Sites surveyed
      were frequently used by humans for recreational activities, providing opportunity
      for exposure to Borrelia infected ticks in an urban/peri-urban space that might
      not be typically associated with tick-borne disease transmission.

PMID- 28089124
TI  - Local-scale spatio-temporal distribution of questing Ixodes ricinus L. (Acari:
      Ixodidae)-A case study from a riparian urban forest in Wroclaw, SW Poland.
AB  - This paper presents the distribution of questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in suburban
      forest intensively visited by people. The local-scale observations conducted
      during a 4-year study at 99 plots (of 100m2 each) located throughout the entire
      area of a riparian urban forest, showed a high variation in the density of ticks
      from year to year. Although I. ricinus is generally permanent in the study area,
      spatial distribution of sample plots harbouring I. ricinus is variable, i.e.
      mainly random for adults and larvae, and random or clustered for nymphs. Among
      the most common plant species in the herb layer, there were not any species which
      had a statistically significant and constant impact on the occurrence of any of
      the development stages of I. ricinus. Also relations between the density of tick
      development stages and vegetation variables, including cover of the herb layer,
      total species number, species number of the herb layer, and percentage coverage
      of particular species, as well as ecological indices for light, soil moisture,
      reaction, and nutrients, did not show any constant and predictable pattern in
      subsequent years of the study. Only tree and shrub layers were found as variables
      positively affecting the density of ticks. Although small, suburban forests can
      be considered as tick-borne risk areas, it is impossible to determine in details
      areas of tick-borne risk.

PMID- 28089125
TI  - Long-Term Outcomes of Permanent Cement Spacers in the Infected Foot.
AB  - When osteomyelitis occurs in the infected foot, cement spacers have been used as
      a limb salvage tool. The aim of the present study was to assess the longevity and
      outcomes in high-risk, low-demand patients who have undergone resection of bone
      and subsequent placement of permanent antibiotic-eluting cement spacers in the
      foot. A retrospective review case series of 30 patients who had undergone
      placement of a permanent antibiotic-eluting cement spacer in the foot were
      evaluated for retention, spacer exchange, removal, amputation, and functional
      status. The minimum follow-up time for inclusion was 12 months. Two thirds of all
      patients had successful spacers (n = 20) that were either retained (n = 14) or
      successfully exchanged (n = 6). One third of all patients experienced spacer
      failure (n = 10) and required removal. Of the 10 patients requiring spacer
      removal, 4 underwent removal with subsequent arthrodesis and 6 underwent removal
      with subsequent pseudoarthrosis. Also, 8 of these patients (26.7%) required
      partial foot amputation of the ipsilateral foot. These amputations were not
      directly related to the use or removal of the spacer. The average time to spacer
      removal or partial amputation was 20.9 (range 0.2 to 60.9) months. The longest
      retained spacer in the foot was 76 months at the last follow-up visit. The
      longest exchanged spacer at the last follow-up visit was 111 months. All
      surviving patients were ambulatory at the last follow-up visit.

PMID- 28089126
TI  - The "All-Inside" Arthroscopic Brostrom Procedure Augmented With a Proximal Suture
      Anchor: An Innovative Technique.
AB  - Arthroscopic treatments of chronic lateral ankle stability have been reported in
      the literature. The authors report on an innovative technique augmenting the "All
      Inside" Arthroscopic Brostrom procedure with an additional suture anchor.

PMID- 28089127
TI  - Mini-Invasive Treatment for Brachymetatarsia of the Fourth Ray in Females:
      Percutaneous Osteotomy With Mini-Burr and External Fixation-A Case Series.
AB  - Brachymetatarsia is a rare disease defined by metatarsal shortening and
      characterized by aesthetic dissatisfaction with or without pain. The aim of our
      study was to evaluate the outcomes of fourth ray brachymetatarsia treated with
      percutaneous osteotomy using a mini-burr and gradual lengthening with external
      fixation. A total of 7 females were recruited for the study; 6 (85.71%) of whom
      had a bilateral deformity, for a total of 13 feet affected by fourth ray
      brachymetatarsia. Percutaneous diaphysis osteotomy with a mini-burr followed by
      metatarsal elongation was performed. Metatarsal lengthening was measured as the
      difference between the preoperative and postoperative length at external fixator
      removal. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society lesser toe
      metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score, patient satisfaction, restoration of
      Lelievre parabola, and treatment time were evaluated. Numerical data are reported
      as the mean +/- standard deviation and 95% confidence intervals. The Mann-Whitney
      U test was used to compare the changes in the AOFAS score with a level of
      significance of p < .05. The mean metatarsal lengthening was 17.46 +/- 4.89 (95%
      confidence interval [CI] 14.8 to 20.12) mm and the mean treatment time was 99.23
      +/- 8.53 (95% CI 94.59 to 103.87) days. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and
      Ankle Society lesser toe metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score improved
      significantly from 76.38 +/- 2.66 (95% CI 74.77 to 78.03) preoperatively to 86.46
      +/- 1.45 (95% CI 84.85 to 88.07) postoperatively (p < .01). In 12 of 13 feet
      (92.31%), the Lelievre parabola was restored, and the patients were satisfied
      with the clinical outcomes. The results of our study demonstrate that
      percutaneous osteotomy with the mini-burr and external fixation is an effective
      treatment for lengthening of fourth ray brachymetatarsia. Furthermore, we found
      good clinical and functional outcomes, high patient satisfaction, and a similar
      duration of treatment compared with other gradual lengthening procedures.

PMID- 28089128
TI  - Management of Paget's Disease of the Calcaneum.
AB  - The calcaneum is not the most common site for Paget's disease of bone, with only
      a few reports of monostotic involvement. We present 2 cases of Paget's disease of
      bone affecting the calcaneus, present an overview of the published data, and
      describe our management of these interesting cases.

PMID- 28089129
TI  - Kinematic Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Peroneal Tendon Subluxation with
      Intraoperative Correlation.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive modality of choice for the
      detection of static peroneal tendon pathologic features. The depiction of
      peroneal tendon subluxation using real-time kinematic MRI has not been previously
      reported. We describe the MRI and intraoperative correlation of peroneal tendon
      and retinacular pathologic findings, and the novel use of kinematic MRI in the
      illustration of peroneal tendon subluxation.

PMID- 28089130
TI  - Trends in Nutrient Content of Children's Menu Items in U.S. Chain Restaurants.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Restaurant food is widely consumed by children and is associated
      with poor diet quality. Although many restaurants have made voluntary commitments
      to improve the nutritional quality of children's menus, it is unclear whether
      this has led to meaningful changes. METHODS: Nutrients in children's menu items
      (n=4,016) from 45 chain restaurants were extracted from the nutrition information
      database MenuStat. Bootstrapped mixed linear models estimated changes in mean
      calories, saturated fat, and sodium in children's menu items between 2012 and
      2013, 2014, and 2015. Changes in nutrient content of these items over time were
      compared among restaurants participating in the Kids LiveWell initiative and non
      participating restaurants. Types of available children's beverages were also
      examined. Data were analyzed in 2016. RESULTS: There was a significant increase
      in mean beverage calories from 2012 to 2013 (6, 95% CI=0.8, 10.6) and from 2012
      to 2014 (11, 95% CI=3.7, 18.3), but no change between 2012 and 2015, and no
      differences in nutrient content of other items over time. Restaurants
      participating in Kids LiveWell reduced entree calories between 2012 and 2013 (
      24, 95% CI= -40.4, -7.2) and between 2012 and 2014 (-40, 95% CI= -68.1, -11.4)
      and increased side dish calories between 2012 and 2015 (49, 95% CI=4.6, 92.7)
      versus non-participating restaurants. Sugar-sweetened beverages consistently
      constituted 80% of children's beverages, with soda declining and flavored milks
      increasing between 2012 and 2015. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest little progress
      toward improving nutrition in children's menu items. Efforts are needed to engage
      restaurants in offering healthful children's meals.

PMID- 28089131
TI  - Transcriptome-wide identification and functional investigation of circular RNA in
      the teleost large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea).
AB  - Circular RNA (circRNA) was first reported over thirty years ago. With the
      development of high-throughput sequencing technologies, circRNA has been
      identified in an increasing number of species. However, few studies on circRNA
      have been reported in teleost fish. Accumulating transcriptome and phenotype data
      enable us to probe the biological functions of circRNA in fish species. Here, we
      report the identification of circRNAs from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data in large
      yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), a commercially important marine fish in
      China and East Asia. Using the computational identification, 975 circular RNAs
      were detected, of which three were validated by experiments. GO and KEGG analyses
      revealed the biological functions of genes hosting the circRNAs were enriched in
      the progression of translation initiation, macromolecule metabolism and binding.
      Notably, we found that many circRNAs in large yellow croaker had abundant
      microRNA-binding sites. A total of 363 the identified circRNAs had more than five
      miRNA-binding sites, among which twenty-two had more than ten binding sites for
      the miRNA-430 and the let-7 family. Our study confirmed the presence of circRNAs
      in large yellow croaker for the first time, providing a valuable reference for
      circRNA identification in fish species. Meanwhile, this work confirmed that the
      RNA-seq data from the traditional linear transcriptome library could be used for
      preliminary circRNA identification, which may offer an important reference for
      preliminary circRNA investigations in other species.

PMID- 28089132
TI  - Trajectories of mental and physical functioning among spouse caregivers of cancer
      survivors over the first five years following the diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identify the trajectories of physical and mental functioning among
      spouse caregivers of patients with cancer over the first five years post
      diagnosis and variables associated with low or deteriorating functioning.
      METHODS: Caregivers completed a survey at 6 months and 1, 2, 3.5, and 5 years
      post-patient diagnosis, including the SF-12 for quality of life (QOL). SF-12
      Mental Component Summary (MCS, n=299) and Physical Component Summary (PCS, n=300)
      scores were analyzed using SAS. RESULTS: Five trajectories for PCS were
      identified, the top three were: (a) high PCS (53.0%); (b) steady decline in PCS
      (17.0%); and (c) steady increase, but remaining below population norm (16.7%).
      Five trajectories for MCS were also identified, the top two being: (a) high MCS
      (45.8%) and (b) MCS comparable to population norm (27.8%). Variables associated
      with low or deteriorating QOL included depression, social support, coping,
      burden, and/or unmet needs. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to document
      spouse caregivers' QOL over the first five years post-patient diagnosis. Although
      many participants experienced high functioning, almost a third reported low or
      deteriorating mental or physical functioning. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Variables
      associated with low or deteriorating mental and physical functioning can be
      targeted in future interventions.

PMID- 28089133
TI  - 'You have a swelling': The language of cancer diagnosis and implications for
      cancer management in Kenya.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the ramifications of language as a vehicle of communication
      in the Kenyan healthcare system. METHODS: (1) A review of literature search on
      language access and health care in Kenya, using Scopus, Web of Science,
      Ebscohost, ProQuest and Google Scholar electronic databases. (2) Two illustrative
      case studies from a Nairobi based qualitative research project on family cancer
      caregivers' experiences. RESULTS: Evidence from the case studies shows that
      language barriers may hinder understanding of cancer diagnoses and consequently,
      the nature of interventions sought by family members as informal caregivers of
      cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate the significance of language in
      understanding cancer diagnosis as a basis for treatment seeking behaviour and
      specifically in light of the critical role played by informal caregivers in under
      resourced health care contexts. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: (1) The assumption that
      English and Swahili are adequate in communication in Kenyan health care contexts
      ought to be reviewed. (2) Further research and assessment of language needs as a
      basis for training of language interpreters in the Kenyan health care system is a
      necessity.

PMID- 28089134
TI  - Extended (alternate day) antipsychotic dosing and dopamine supersensitivity
      psychosis: A case report.

PMID- 28089135
TI  - Phenotypic continuum between autism and schizophrenia: Evidence from the Movie
      for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC).
AB  - Schizophrenic (SCZ) and autism (ASD) spectrum disorders share several features
      including social cognition impairments. In SCZ, the link between symptomatic
      dimensions and social cognition deficits remains unclear. The Movie for the
      Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) test, available in several languages
      including English, investigates mental state attribution capabilities in complex
      interpersonal situations. After its translation into French, we used MASC to
      direct compare social cognition in 36 young participants with SCZ to 19 with ASD
      and 20 healthy controls (HC) matched for gender, age (18-25y.o.) and level of
      education. The MASC discriminated each group from the others, patients with SCZ
      exhibiting difficulties compared to ASD (MASC total score 28.1 (4) and 24.2
      (6.6), respectively; p<.001). In the whole sample, MASC scores were inversely
      correlated with autistic traits, evaluated by autism quotient, and with
      disorganization symptoms. Finally, in SCZ, over-mentalizing difficulties were
      correlated with age at disease onset. Our results demonstrate the validity of the
      French version of the MASC and bring direct evidence supporting the hypothesis of
      a phenotypic continuum between autism and schizophrenia.

PMID- 28089136
TI  - Recent insights into biohydrogen production by microalgae - From biophotolysis to
      dark fermentation.
AB  - One of the best options to alleviate the problems associated with global warming
      and climate change is to reduce burning of fossil fuels and search for new
      alternative energy resources. In case of biodiesel and bioethanol production, the
      choice of feedstock and the process design influences the GHG emissions and
      appropriate methods need to be adapted. Hydrogen is a zero-carbon and energy
      dense alternative energy carrier with clean burning properties and biohydrogen
      production by microalgae can reduce production associated GHG emissions to a
      great extent. Biohydrogen can be produced through dark fermentation using sugars,
      starch, or cellulosic materials. Microalgae-based biohydrogen production is
      recently regarded as a promising pathway for biohydrogen production via
      photolysis or being a substrate for anaerobic fermentation. This review lists the
      methods of hydrogen production by microalgae. The enzymes involved and the
      factors affecting the biohydrogen production process are discussed. The
      bottlenecks in microalgae-based biohydrogen production are critically reviewed
      and future research areas in hydrogen production are presented.

PMID- 28089137
TI  - A comparison of cangrelor, prasugrel, ticagrelor, and clopidogrel in patients
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A network meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Newer P2Y12 inhibitors have more rapid onset of platelet inhibition
      compared with clopidogrel, especially the intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor cangrelor.
      Direct comparisons between cangrelor and oral P2Y12 inhibitors ticagrelor and
      prasugrel do not exist. Thus, we performed a network meta-analysis to directly
      and indirectly compare different P2Y12 inhibitors in patients undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: MEDLINE/PubMed and
      ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that
      compared at least two P2Y12 inhibitors including cangrelor, clopidogrel,
      prasugrel, and ticagrelor. Network meta-analysis with a Bayesian approach was
      performed to directly and indirectly compare the effects of the aforementioned
      P2Y12 inhibitors on clinical outcomes. Odds ratios with credible intervals (OR
      [CrIs]) were generated with random-effects models to compare outcomes. RESULTS:
      This analysis included 15 RCTs with 54,025 patients randomized to cangrelor
      (n=12,475), clopidogrel (n=26,903), prasugrel (n=7455), or ticagrelor (n=7192) at
      time of PCI. Patients had a mean age of 63+/-10, 74% were male, and 82% underwent
      PCI for acute coronary syndrome. No significant differences between cangrelor and
      clopidogrel were found with respect to cardiovascular death (OR 1.01 [CrI 0.23
      4.39]), myocardial infarction (OR 0.94 [CrI 0.69-1.25]), major adverse cardiac
      events (OR 0.91 [CrI 0.69-1.18]), stent thrombosis (OR 0.66 [CrI 0.37-1.19]), or
      major bleeding (OR 1.52 [CrI 0.79-2.98]). Rank probability data suggested that
      ticagrelor and prasugrel were better than cangrelor for reducing ischemic events,
      though these differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: Despite rapid platelet
      inhibition provided by cangrelor, newer oral P2Y12 inhibitors such as ticagrelor
      and prasugrel have comparable clinical outcomes.

PMID- 28089138
TI  - Bloodstream infections in children caused by carbapenem-resistant versus
      carbapenem-susceptible gram-negative microorganisms: Risk factors and outcome.
AB  - Carbapenems are often considered the last resort agents reserved for treatment of
      infections due to highly antimicrobial resistant organisms such as A. baumannii
      and P. aeruginosa. However, carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative (CRGN) pathogens
      have become much more prevalent in the last decade. The objective of this study
      was to determine risk factors for and outcome of bacteremia caused by Gram
      negative microorganisms in a pediatric tertiary-care hospital. Among 97 patients
      with hospital-acquired Gram-negative bacteremia, 66 patients with carbapenem
      susceptible Gram-negative pathogens (CSGN) were compared with the remaining 31
      with CRGN isolates. The overall clinical response and microbiological response
      rates were 83.3% and 43.9% in CSGN group, and 54.8% and 32.3% in CRGN group,
      respectively (P=0.002 and P=0.004, respectively). The treatment failure and
      relapse rates were 18.2% and 6.1% in CSGN group, and 38.7% and 6.5% in CRGN
      group, respectively (P=0.03 in each). The infection-related mortality rates were
      10.8% in the CSGN group and 32.3% in the CRGN group (P=0.01). The total length of
      stay in hospital before infection was longer in patients with CRGN bacteremia
      than that of the CSGN bacteremia (P=0.002). The extended spectrum antibiotic
      usage prior to infection was significantly different between the groups
      (P=0.008). Infections due to CRGN are generally associated with poorer patient
      outcomes. Longer hospital stay and extended spectrum antibiotic usage prior to
      infection are the most important risk factors for CRGN bacteremia in our cohort.

PMID- 28089139
TI  - Cannabidiol Claims and Misconceptions.
AB  - Once a widely ignored phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol now attracts great
      therapeutic interest, especially in epilepsy and cancer. As with many rising
      trends, various myths and misconceptions have accompanied this heightened public
      interest and intrigue. This forum article examines and attempts to clarify some
      areas of contention.

PMID- 28089140
TI  - Identifying Actionable, Evidence-Based Practices to Guide Adolescents' Eating.

PMID- 28089141
TI  - Stable emulsion (SE) alone is an effective adjuvant for a recombinant,
      baculovirus-expressed H5 influenza vaccine in healthy adults: A Phase 2 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza A viruses of the H5 subtype have been identified as
      important targets for development of vaccines. Achievement of potentially
      protective antibody responses against pandemic strains has usually required the
      use of adjuvants. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated a candidate A/Indonesia/05/2005 (H5)
      vaccine generated by baculovirus expression of recombinant hemagglutinin (HA)
      protein with or without stable emulsion (SE) as an adjuvant. METHODS: Healthy
      subjects 18-49years old were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive two doses of rHA at
      7.5ug per dose (no adjuvant), or 3.8ug, 7.5ug, or 15ug per dose formulated with
      2% SE separated by 21days, and serum from day 0, 21, 42, and 201 assessed by
      hemagglutination-inhibition. RESULTS: 341 subjects were enrolled in the study and
      321 received two doses of vaccine. Vaccination was well tolerated in all groups.
      After two doses, seroconversion was noted in only 9% (95% confidence interval 4%,
      17%) of recipients of unadjuvanted vaccine at 7.5ug, but in 70% (59%, 80%), 76%
      (65%, 85%), and 83% (73%, 91%) of those receiving adjuvanted vaccine at 3.8ug,
      7.5ug, or 15ug respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Stable emulsion alone is an effective
      adjuvant for rH5 vaccine in healthy adults. All three adjuvanted dose groups met
      the current criterion for seroconversion rate for pandemic vaccines. This dose
      ranging study also identified a group (15ug per dose formulated with 2% SE) that
      met the criteria for both seroconversion and percentage of subjects achieving an
      HI antibody titer?40. These Phase 2 data support the further clinical development
      of SE adjuvanted Panblok H5. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01612000. The
      protocol was approved by the relevant Institutional Review Board for each study
      site, and the study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki,
      International Conference of Harmonisation - Good Clinical Practice, and all
      applicable laws and regulations. All participants provided written informed
      consent before study procedures.

PMID- 28089142
TI  - Bedside Monitoring of Cerebral Energy State During Cardiac Surgery-A Novel
      Approach Utilizing Intravenous Microdialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study investigated whether the lactate-to-pyruvate (LP) ratio
      obtained by microdialysis (MD) of the cerebral venous outflow reflected a
      derangement of global cerebral energy state during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
      DESIGN: Interventional, prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Single-center,
      university teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 10 patients
      undergoing primary, elective coronary artery bypass grafting. INTERVENTIONS:
      Patients were randomized blindly to low mean arterial pressure (MAP) (40-60 mmHg;
      n = 5) or high MAP (60-80 mmHg; n = 5) during CPB. The MD catheters were
      positioned in a retrograde direction into the jugular bulb, and a reference
      catheter was inserted into the brachial artery. The correlations among LP ratio,
      MAP, data obtained from bifrontal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and
      postoperative neurologic outcome measures were assessed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: The correlated difference between pooled LP ratio (low and high MAP) of
      the jugular venous and the arterial blood was significant (LParterial 17 [15-20]
      v LPvenous 26 [23-27]; p = 0.0001). No cerebral desaturations (decrease in
      rSO2>20% from baseline) were observed in either group during CPB. In each group,
      50% of the patients showed significant cognitive decline (mini-mental state
      examination, 3 points) 2 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: The LP ratio of cerebral
      venous blood increased significantly during CPB, indicating compromised cerebral
      oxidative metabolism. Conventional monitoring of rSO2 by NIRS did not show a
      corresponding decrease in cerebral oxygenation. As the patients exhibited
      decreased cognitive functions after CPB, increases in jugular venous LP ratio may
      be a sensitive indicator of impending cerebral damage.

PMID- 28089143
TI  - Long-term mortality following Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (BSI) are associated
      with substantial short-term mortality. There is little data on long-term
      mortality associated with this BSI. AIM: To describe mortality rates up to one
      year post infection and the significant factors associated with death. METHODS:
      Positive blood cultures for P. aeruginosa were identified retrospectively from
      January 2008 to January 2011 at seven tertiary care hospitals. Extensive
      epidemiological, clinical and outcome data were obtained. FINDINGS: Three hundred
      and eighty-eight BSI episodes were included in the analysis. The majority of
      infections were hospital acquired. The most common patient comorbidities were
      haematological or oncological. Seventy-eight percent of the cohort had a medical
      device in situ in the preceding seven days. Sixty-one percent of the cohort
      received adequate empirical therapy. All-cause mortality was 4% at 48 h, 19% at
      one month and 38% at one year. Forty-eight-hour mortality was associated with non
      hospital-acquired infection, pulmonary comorbidity, recent corticosteroid
      therapy, and a Pitt bacteraemia score >2. Comorbidities became significantly
      associated with mortality from seven days post infection. Long-term mortality
      (defined as mortality at one year) was associated with female sex, haematological
      or oncological comorbidity, a Charlson comorbidity index >2 and recent
      corticosteroid therapy. CONCLUSION: The exact role of infection, from this highly
      virulent pathogen, in the cause of death over time needs to be studied further.
      It is not clear if patients are dying from or with P. aeruginosa BSI.

PMID- 28089145
TI  - Effect of exercise training on endothelial function in heart failure patients: A
      systematic review meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the development and progression
      of cardiovascular disease and heart failure (HF) and is associated with an
      increased risk of mortality. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is widely utilised to
      assess endothelial function and is improved with exercise training in heart
      failure patients. The aim of this meta-analysis is to quantify the effect of
      exercise training in patients with heart failure. BACKGROUND: A large number of
      studies now exist that have examined endothelial function in patients with heart
      failure. We sought to add to the current literature by quantifying the effect of
      exercise training on endothelial function. METHODS: We conducted database
      searches (PubMed, EMBASE, PROQUEST and Cochrane Trials Register to June 2016) for
      exercise based rehabilitation trials in heart failure, using search terms
      exercise training, endothelial function, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). RESULTS: The 16 included studies provided a
      total of 529 participants, 293 in an intervention and 236 in controls groups. FMD
      was improved with exercise training in exercise vs. control, SMD of 1.08 (95%CI
      0.70 to 1.46, p<0.00001). CONCLUSION: Overall exercise training improved
      endothelial function, assessed via FMD, and endothelial progenitor cells in heart
      failure patients.

PMID- 28089144
TI  - Essential role of ICAM-1 in aldosterone-induced atherosclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Elevated aldosterone is associated with increased risk of
      atherosclerosis complications, whereas treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor
      (MR) antagonists decreases the rate of cardiovascular events. Here we test the
      hypothesis that aldosterone promotes early atherosclerosis by modulating
      intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and investigate the
      molecular mechanisms by which aldosterone regulates ICAM-1 expression. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Apolipoprotein-E (ApoE)-/- mice fed an atherogenic diet and treated
      with aldosterone for 4weeks showed increased vascular expression of ICAM-1,
      paralleled by enhanced atherosclerotic plaque size in the aortic root. Moreover,
      aldosterone treatment resulted in increased plaque lipid and inflammatory cell
      content, consistent with an unstable plaque phenotype. ApoE/ICAM-1 double
      knockout (ApoE-/-/ICAM-1-/-) littermates were protected from the aldosterone
      induced increase in plaque size, lipid content and macrophage infiltration. Since
      aldosterone is known to regulate ICAM-1 transcription via MR in human endothelial
      cells, we explored MR regulation of the ICAM-1 promoter. Luciferase reporter
      assays performed in HUVECs using deletion constructs of the human ICAM-1 gene
      promoter showed that a region containing a predicted MR-responsive element (MRE)
      is required for MR-dependent transcriptional regulation of ICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS:
      Pro-atherogenic effects of aldosterone are mediated by increased ICAM-1
      expression, through transcriptional regulation by endothelial MR. These data
      enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism by which MR activation
      promotes atherosclerosis complications.

PMID- 28089146
TI  - Factors associated with development of coronary artery aneurysms after Kawasaki
      disease are similar for those treated promptly and those with delayed or no
      treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the risk is reduced, patients may develop coronary artery (CA)
      aneurysms after Kawasaki disease (KD) despite receiving intravenous
      immunoglobulin (IVIG) within 10days of symptom onset. Risk factors for CA
      aneurysms may differ compared to those patients with delayed or no treatment.
      METHODS: Patients diagnosed with KD between 1990 and 2013 were included. Patients
      with maximum coronary artery z-scores>5 were classified as having CA aneurysms.
      Separate multivariable regression models were used to determine factors
      associated with CA aneurysms for those with versus without prompt treatment.
      RESULTS: Of 1358 patients included, 83% (n=1126) were treated with IVIG within
      10days and 5% (n=53) developed CA aneurysms. Patients who had delayed (>10days)
      or no IVIG treatment were at increased odds of developing CA aneurysms (OR:
      3.1,95% CI: 1.9-5.1, p<0.001). For patients with prompt treatment with IVIG,
      factors associated with increased odds of CA aneurysms were: longer duration of
      fever prior to treatment (OR: 1.2/day, p=0.04), age<1year (OR: 3.9, p=0.001),
      higher pre-IVIG white blood cell count (OR: 1.05/*109/L, p=0.007), lower
      hemoglobin (OR: 1.4/g/L, p=0.004) and non-response to initial IVIG treatment (OR:
      2.5, p<0.001). For patients with delayed or no treatment, factors associated with
      increased odds of CA aneurysms were: males (OR: 5.4, p=0.009), age<1year (OR:
      29.9, p<0.001), and higher platelet count (OR: 1.4/100*1012/L, p=0.001). Delayed
      treatment with IVIG did not reduce the risk of CA aneurysms (OR: 1.9, p=0.28),
      and total duration of fever was not associated with CA aneurysms for this group
      (OR: 1.04/day, p=0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with the development of
      CA aneurysms are generally similar for those treated promptly versus those with
      delayed or no treatment. For those with delayed diagnosis, treatment with IVIG
      does not appear to be effective to prevent CA aneurysms.

PMID- 28089147
TI  - SeQuent Please vs. Pantera Lux drug coated balloon angioplasty in real life:
      Results from the Dusseldorf DCB registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In-stent restenosis (ISR) is still a major concern in interventional
      cardiology. Drug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty has been shown to be a
      promising option in treatment of ISR. However heterogeneity of different DCBs in
      suppression of neointimal growth has been described in a porcine model of
      coronary ISR. Therefore, in this registry analysis, we compared two frequently
      used paclitaxel eluting DCBs, the SeQuent Please and the Pantera Lux DCB.
      METHODS: 571 patients were treated with DCB angioplasty at the Heinrich-Heine
      University Dusseldorf between 2009 and 2012. Follow-up was conducted during
      ambulatory care at our department. Major adverse cardiac events (death,
      myocardial infarction [MI] and target lesion revascularization) were registered
      during hospitalization and follow-up. RESULTS: Patient characteristics, prior
      diseases, clinical presentation, ejection fraction, procedural success and lost
      for-follow-up did not differ between patients treated with the SeQuent Please
      and. The Pantera Lux DCB. MACE during hospital course were similar as well
      (Pantera Lux: 6 patients [1.6%] vs. SeQuent(r)Please: 3 patients [1.5%], relative
      risk 1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.3-4.2, P=0.93). Event free survival was
      significantly longer in patients treated with the Pantera Lux DCB as compared to
      SeQuent Please DCB (Hazard ratio: 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.43-0.98; P
      value of log-rank test: 0.0405). CONCLUSION: MACE free survival was longer in
      Pantera Lux DCB treated patients as compared to SeQuent Please treated patients.
      This finding has to be confirmed in future clinical trials.

PMID- 28089148
TI  - Percutaneous revascularization of chronic total occlusions: Rationale,
      indications, techniques, and the cardiac surgeon's point of view.
AB  - Chronic total occlusions (CTO) are frequently found in clinical practice, yet
      they are still undertreated, despite the frequent presence of clinical
      indications for revascularization. The presence of a CTO is a frequent cause of
      incomplete revascularization, which has been associated with worse long-term
      outcomes (including mortality), compared to complete revascularization. Such low
      rates of attempted revascularization can be attributed to a common misconception
      about the lack of benefit of CTO revascularization, combined with historically
      lower success rates and higher complication rates of CTO percutaneous coronary
      intervention. However, modern percutaneous techniques, devices and algorithms now
      allow successful CTO revascularization in approximately 90% of cases.
      Additionally, state-of-the-art surgical techniques offer complete
      revascularization and provide excellent long-term patency rates. The present
      review provides a critical appraisal of the literature supporting the rationale,
      indications, modalities and state-of-the-art techniques of CTO revascularization
      by both percutaneous and surgical approaches.

PMID- 28089149
TI  - Fasting glucose, NT-proBNP, treatment with eptifibatide, and outcomes in non-ST
      segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: An analysis from EARLY ACS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels
      have been linked to a more favorable glucometabolic profile. Little is known
      about the interaction of NT-proBNP and fasting glucose in non-ST-segment
      elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). METHODS: Fasting glucose and NT
      proBNP were measured in 2240 patients enrolled in the EARLY ACS trial.
      Multivariable Cox models were used to assess associations between fasting glucose
      and NT-proBNP and a 96-hour composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI),
      recurrent ischemia, or thrombotic bailout; 30-day death or MI; and 1-year
      mortality. RESULTS: In adjusted Cox models, neither NT-proBNP nor fasting glucose
      was associated with the 96-hour endpoint (p=0.95 and p=0.87). NT-proBNP was
      associated with 30-day death or MI (hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.02-1.22, p=0.02) and 1-year mortality (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.42-1.89,
      p<0.0001), but fasting glucose was associated only with 1-year death (HR 1.53,
      95% CI 1.08-2.16, p=0.02). NT-proBNP*glucose interaction terms were non
      significant in all models. As fasting glucose levels increased, the risk of 96
      hour and 30-day endpoints increased among patients who received early
      eptifibatide but not delayed, provisional use (pint=0.035 and pint=0.029). Higher
      NT-proBNP levels were associated with greater 30-day death or MI among patients
      who received early eptifibatide but not delayed, provisional use (pint=0.045).
      CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP and fasting glucose concentrations were associated with
      intermediate-term ischemic outcomes and may identify differential response to
      treatment with eptifibatide. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT00089895.

PMID- 28089150
TI  - Anticoagulant bridging in left-sided mechanical heart valve patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In preparation for an invasive procedure with a high bleeding risk,
      patients with a mechanical heart valve temporarily have to discontinue their
      anticoagulant therapy and are usually bridged with either intravenous
      unfractionated heparin (UFH) or subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).
      In this study we retrospectively analyzed the safety of UFH versus LMWH as
      bridging strategy in left-sided mechanical heart valve patients. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective multicenter study in four surgical centers in The
      Netherlands. Patients with a mechanical heart valve implantation bridged from
      January 2010 until January 2015 were included. The cumulative incidence of
      adverse events in the 30days following the procedure was recorded. Main outcomes
      were major bleeding according to International Society on Thrombosis and
      Haemostasis (ISTH) criteria, symptomatic thromboembolism, and mortality. RESULTS:
      In total, 238 (174 aortic, 42 mitral, 22 aortic+mitral) bridging episodes were
      included. The incidence of major bleeding was 16 (19%) events in the UFH group
      versus 29 (19%) events in the LMWH group (p=0.97). Incidences of thromboembolism
      were 2 (2.4%) versus 1 (0.6%). The incidence of death was 1 (1.2%) patient in the
      UFH group versus 3 (1.9%) patients in the LMWH group. More than 50% of all
      bleeding complications were categorized as a major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS:
      Bridging anticoagulation in patients with aortic and mitral mechanical valves is
      associated with considerable risk, but no difference was apparent between UFH and
      LMWH strategy. The rate of thromboembolism and death was low with either strategy
      and the vast majority of adverse events were bleedings.

PMID- 28089151
TI  - Influenza vaccination reduces hemorrhagic stroke risk in patients with atrial
      fibrillation: A population-based cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The risk of hemorrhagic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)
      is low but the consequences of its occurrence are extremely severe. In this
      study, we investigated the association of influenza vaccination with the risk of
      hemorrhagic stroke to develop an efficient strategy for reducing this risk in
      patients with AF. METHODS: In this study, data were retrieved from the Taiwan
      National Health Insurance Research Database. The study cohort comprised all
      patients who received a diagnosis of AF (n=14,454) before January 1, 2005 (index
      date) and were followed until December 31, 2012. Propensity scores were
      calculated using a logistic regression model to determine the effects of
      vaccination by accounting for covariates that predict receiving the intervention
      (vaccine). A time-dependent Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate
      the hazard ratios (HRs) for hemorrhagic stroke in vaccinated and unvaccinated
      patients with AF. RESULTS: The study population comprised 6570 patients who did
      (2547 [38.77%]) and did not receive (4023 [61.23%]) influenza vaccination. The
      adjusted HRs (aHRs) for hemorrhagic stroke were lower in the vaccinated patients
      than in the unvaccinated patients (influenza season, noninfluenza season, and all
      seasons: aHRs=0.97 [0.59-1.60], 0.51 [0.30-0.87], and 0.72 [0.50-1.03],
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination exerts dose-response and
      synergistic protective effects against hemorrhagic stroke in patients with AF who
      have a high risk of hemorrhagic stroke (i.e., male sex, age>=75years, Charlson
      comorbidity index >=3, and hypertension) and reduces the incidence of hemorrhagic
      stroke.

PMID- 28089152
TI  - Autonomic function in Takotsubo syndrome long after the acute phase.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although it is well documented that an exaggerated sympathetic
      stimulation plays a role in the development of Takotsubo Syndrome (TS) during the
      acute phase, only few studies have focused on autonomic adaptations in stress
      induced cardiomyopathy long after the acute phase. Aim of the study was to
      investigate whether an impairment of the autonomic function is still present long
      after a TS event. This was done by comparing the response to a maximal exercise
      test in TS patients after apparent recovery (>1-year after the acute event) with
      that obtained in healthy subjects and in post-myocardial infarction (post-MI)
      patients. METHODS: To assess heart rate recovery (HRR) and chronotropic response
      (CR), 24 TS patients, 25 healthy subjects and 22 post-MI patients underwent
      maximal exercise test, after at least 3 days of beta-blockers wash-out. RESULTS:
      HRR in TS patients (19.2+/-9.7bpm) was lower than in healthy subjects (27.7+/
      8.3, p=0.003), and similar to post-MI patients (19.3+/-8.4; p=0.99). A decreasing
      CR trend (p=0.06), higher in healthy subjects (72+/-13%) than in TS (65+/-22%)
      and post-MI (57+/-21%) patients, was also found. CONCLUSION: Compared to healthy
      subjects, TS patients showed a blunted parasympathetic reactivation after
      exercise, similar to that observed in post-MI patients, thereby suggesting that
      vagal control of heart rate after exercise is abnormal long after the acute
      presentation of TS.

PMID- 28089153
TI  - Temporal trends in management and outcomes of patients with acute coronary
      syndrome according to renal function.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent new therapeutic options have improved outcomes of acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. However, data regarding the incremental effect
      of the improved treatment on patients with renal dysfunction are limited. We
      sought to evaluate temporal trends in management and outcome of ACS patients
      according to renal function. METHODS: The study population consisted of all ACS
      patients enrolled in the Acute Coronary Syndromes Israeli Survey (ACSIS) during
      2002-2013. Patients were categorized as normal renal function, mild to moderate
      and severe renal insufficiency. Patient's characteristics, clinical data and
      outcomes were compared in each group between 2 time frames - early (2002-2006)
      vs. late (2008-2013). RESULTS: The study population included 11,234 patients.
      Regardless of renal function, patients enrolled in the recent surveys were more
      frequently selected for an invasive approach and were more commonly treated with
      guideline-based therapy. Among patients with normal renal function or mild to
      moderate renal dysfunction the improvement in treatment was associated with a
      significant reduction in 5-year mortality (10.1% vs. 12.6%, p=0.004, and 36% vs.
      41.9%, p=0.01, respectively). On the other hand, outcomes of patients with severe
      renal insufficiency were unchanged. Multivariate analysis showed that reperfusion
      was associated with 41% mortality reduction in patients with mild to moderate
      renal insufficiency (HR=0.59 CI 95 0.48-0.72, p<0.01%). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of
      ACS patients has improved over the past decade. Treatment improvement was
      associated with a significant mortality reduction in patients with normal renal
      function and mild to moderate renal dysfunction but not in patients with severe
      renal dysfunction.

PMID- 28089154
TI  - Pre-hospital electrocardiogram triage with telemedicine near halves time to
      treatment in STEMI: A meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis of non
      randomized studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A shorter time to treatment has been shown to be associated with
      lower mortality rates in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Several strategies
      have been adopted with the aim to reduce any delay in diagnosis of AMI: pre
      hospital triage with telemedicine is one of such strategies. We therefore aimed
      to measure the real effect of pre-hospital triage with telemedicine in case of
      AMI in a meta-analysis study. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of non
      randomized studies with the aim to quantify the exact reduction of time to
      treatment achieved by pre-hospital triage with telemedicine. Data were pooled and
      compared by relative time reduction and 95% C.I.s. A meta-regression analysis was
      performed in order to find possible predictors of shorter time to treatment.
      RESULTS: Eleven studies were selected and finally evaluated in the study. The
      overall relative reduction of time to treatment with pre-hospital triage and
      telemedicine was -38/-40% (p<0.001). Absolute time reduction was significantly
      correlated to time to treatment in the control groups (p<0.001), while relative
      time reduction was independent. A non-significant trend toward shorter relative
      time reductions was observed over years. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-hospital triage with
      telemedicine is associated with a near halved time to treatment in AMI. The
      benefit is larger in terms of absolute time to treatment reduction in populations
      with larger delays to treatment.

PMID- 28089155
TI  - Prognostic value of body mass index in transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A
      "J"-shaped curve.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether body mass index (BMI) is a prognostic
      indicator for long-term, all-cause mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter
      aortic valve implantation (TAVI). BACKGROUND: Obesity in patients with
      established cardiovascular disease has previously been identified as an indicator
      of good prognosis, a phenomenon known as the "obesity paradox". The prognostic
      significance of BMI in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AoS) undergoing TAVI
      is a matter of current debate, as published studies are scarce and their results
      conflicting. METHODS: This is an observational, retrospective study involving 770
      patients who underwent TAVI for AoS. The cohort was divided into three groups
      based on their BMI: normal weight (>=18.5 to <25kg/m2), overweight (>=25 to
      <30kg/m2) and obese (>=30kg/m2). The predictive effect of BMI on all-cause
      mortality 3years following TAVI intervention was analysed using a Cox regression.
      RESULTS: 155 patients died during follow-up. The overweight group (n=302,
      38.97%), experienced a lower mortality rate compared to the normal weight and
      obese groups (15.9% vs 25.7% and 21.0%, respectively [log-rank p-value=0.036]).
      After adjustment by logistic EuroSCORE, being overweight was found to be an
      independent protective factor against mortality (HR: 0.63 [95% CI: 0.42 to 0.94],
      p=0.024). This was not the case for obesity (HR: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.63 to 1.35],
      p=0.664). We therefore describe for the first time, a "J-shaped" regression curve
      describing the relationship between BMI and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: BMI is a
      predictive factor of all-cause mortality in AoS patients undergoing TAVI. This
      relationship takes the form of a "J-shaped" curve in which overweight patients
      are associated with the lowest mortality rate at follow-up.

PMID- 28089156
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 28089157
TI  - Genomic Profiling of Circulating Tumor DNA in Relapsed EGFR-mutated Lung
      Adenocarcinoma Reveals an Acquired FGFR3-TACC3 Fusion.

PMID- 28089158
TI  - Cardiac Dose and Survival After Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Early-stage
      Non-Small-cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent analyses have identified cardiac dose as an important
      predictor of overall survival (OS) after chemoradiation for locally advanced non
      small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the survival influence of the cardiac
      dose after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is unknown. We performed a dose
      volume histogram (DVH) analysis of patients treated with SBRT for early stage
      NSCLC to examine survival and cardiac toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      reviewed the medical records of patients who had undergone SBRT for early-stage
      NSCLC from June 2007 to June 2015 and documented the cardiac DVH parameters,
      including the maximum and mean dose and percentage of volume receiving >5, >10,
      >20, and >30 Gy (V5, V10, V20, and V30, respectively). The biologically effective
      doses and 2-Gy equivalent doses were also calculated. The DVH parameters were
      assessed as predictors of OS using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: We
      identified 102 patients with 118 treated tumors. At a median follow-up period of
      27.2 months (range, 9.8-72.5 months), the 2-year OS estimate was 70.4%. The
      cardiac DVH parameters were as follows: maximum dose, median, 14.2 Gy (range, 0.3
      77.8 Gy); mean dose, median, 1.6 Gy (range, 0-12.6 Gy); and V5, median, 8.7%
      (range, 0%-96.4%). We identified no correlation between OS and any cardiac dose
      parameter. No patient developed acute (within 3 months) cardiac toxicity. Four
      patients died of cardiac causes; all had had preexisting heart disease.
      CONCLUSION: In our cohort, cardiac dose was not a predictor of OS after lung
      SBRT, despite a subset of patients receiving high maximum cardiac doses. The
      findings from our limited cohort showed that high doses to small volumes of the
      heart appear safe. Analyses of larger patient cohorts with longer follow-up
      durations are needed to better delineate the safe cardiac DVH constraints for
      SBRT.

PMID- 28089159
TI  - Immunohistochemistry for EGFR Mutation Detection in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The sensitivity and specificity of immunohistochemistry (IHC) was
      compared with the standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for
      detecting common activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in
      non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Additionally, we evaluated predictive value
      of IHC EGFR mutation-positive status for EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)
      treatment outcome and estimated cost-effectiveness for the upfront IHC testing.
      METHODS: The trial included 79 consecutive EGFR mutation-positive and 29 EGFR
      mutation-negative NSCLC cases diagnosed with reflex PCR-based testing. Two
      mutation-specific antibodies against the most common exon 19 deletion, namely
      E746-A750del (clone SP111) and L858R mutation (clone SP125) were tested by using
      automated immunostainer. Sixty of 79 EGFR mutation-positive cases were treated
      with EGFR TKIs for advanced disease and included in treatment outcome analysis. A
      decision tree was used for the cost-effectiveness analysis. RESULTS: The overall
      sensitivity and specificity of the IHC-based method compared with the PCR-based
      method were 84.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.6-91.6) and 100% (95% CI 85.4
      100), respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall
      survival (OS) of patients with IHC-positive EGFR mutation status were highly
      comparable to the total cohort (PFS: 14.3 vs. 14.0 months; OS: 34.4 vs. 34.4
      months). The PCR and IHC cost ratio needs to be approximately 8-to-1 and 4-to-1
      in White and Asian populations, respectively, to economically justify upfront use
      of IHC. CONCLUSION: The trial confirmed an excellent specificity with fairly good
      sensitivity of IHC with mutation-specific antibodies for common EGFR mutations
      and the accuracy of IHC testing for predicting response to EGFR TKIs. The use of
      upfront IHC depends mainly on the population EGFR mutation positivity
      probability.

PMID- 28089160
TI  - Investigation of hexavalent chromium sorption in serpentine sediments.
AB  - In this study the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) by serpentine sediments
      was investigated in order to delineate Cr6+ sorption behavior in aquifers with
      ultramafic geologic background. Batch experiments were conducted in order to
      determine the influence of several parameters on Cr6+ removal, including the pH
      of the sediment solution, mineralogy, sediment's particle size and Cr6+ initial
      concentration. The results showed that Cr6+ removal was due to both adsorption
      and reduction phenomena. Reduction was attributed to the presence of a magnetic
      fraction in the sediment, mostly related to magnetite, which contributed almost
      50% of the total removal in the pH range 3-7. Adsorption behavior was dominated
      by the finer sediment fraction (d<0.075mm). The amount of Cr6+ adsorbed was
      constant in the pH range 3-7, while it decreased sharply in the range 7-8.5. Cr6+
      adsorption was found to increase and decrease proportionally with increasing
      initial Cr6+ concentration of and particle size, respectively. The linear
      Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were used to describe the
      experimental data, with Freundlich providing a better fit to determine
      distribution factors for transport modeling.

PMID- 28089161
TI  - Genome-wide gene expression patterns in dikaryon of the basidiomycete fungus
      Pleurotus ostreatus.
AB  - Dikarya is a subkingdom of fungi that includes Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. The
      gene expression patterns of dikaryon are poorly understood. In this study, we
      bred a dikaryon DK13*3 by mating monokaryons MK13 and MK3, which were from the
      basidiospores of Pleurotus ostreatus TD300. Using RNA-Seq, we obtained the
      transcriptomes of the three strains. We found that the total transcript numbers
      in the transcriptomes of the three strains were all more than ten thousand, and
      the expression profile in DK13*3 was more similar to MK13 than MK3. However, the
      genes involved in macromolecule utilization, cellular material synthesis, stress
      resistance and signal transduction were much more up-regulated in the dikaryon
      than its constituent monokaryons. All possible modes of differential gene
      expression, when compared to constituent monokaryons, including the
      presence/absence variation, and additivity/nonadditivity gene expression in the
      dikaryon may contribute to heterosis. By sequencing the urease gene poure
      sequences and mRNA sequences, we identified the monoallelic expression of the
      poure gene in the dikaryon, and its transcript was from the parental monokaryon
      MK13. Furthermore, we discovered RNA editing in the poure gene mRNA of the three
      strains. These results suggest that the gene expression patterns in dikaryons
      should be similar to that of diploids during vegetative growth.

PMID- 28089162
TI  - The Abductor Pollicis Longus Tendon as an Alternative Graft in Hand Surgery.
AB  - Initial treatment of damaged tendons after soft tissue trauma of the hand can be
      performed with primary tendon reconstruction or with tendon grafts if indicated.
      The most frequently used tendons are from the palmaris longus and plantaris
      muscles. Nonetheless, these muscles may not be present or their anatomic
      characteristics might not suitable for reconstructive procedures. Here, we
      present an alternative surgical technique for tendon reconstruction of the hand
      using abductor pollicis longus accessory tendons as grafts. The abductor pollicis
      longus can be considered an excellent choice of graft for tendon reconstruction
      of the hand because of its multiple bellies, ease of extraction, and limited
      donor site morbidity and the frequent absence of the palmaris longus tendon.

PMID- 28089163
TI  - Fragment-Specific Fixation Versus Volar Locking Plates in Primarily Nonreducible
      or Secondarily Redisplaced Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Controlled
      Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the patient-reported, clinical, and radiographic outcome of 2
      methods of internal fixation in distal radius fractures. METHODS: Fifty patients,
      mean age 56 years (range, 21-69 years) with primarily nonreducible or secondarily
      redisplaced distal radius fractures were randomized to open reduction internal
      fixation using volar locking plates (n = 25) or fragment-specific fixation (n =
      25). The patients were assessed on grip strength, range of motion, patient
      reported outcome (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), pain
      (visual analog scale), health-related quality of life (Short Form-12 [SF-12]),
      and radiographic evaluation. Grip strength at 12 months was the primary outcome
      measure. RESULTS: At 12 months, no difference was found in grip strength, which
      was 90% of the uninjured side in the volar plate group and 87% in the fragment
      specific fixation group. No differences were found in range of motion and the
      median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 5 in both
      groups. The overall complication rate was significant, 21% in the volar locking
      plate group, compared with 52% in the fragment-specific group. CONCLUSIONS: In
      treatment of primarily nonreducible or secondarily redisplaced distal radius
      fractures, volar locking plates and fragment-specific fixation both achieve good
      and similar patient-reported outcomes, although more complications were recorded
      in the fragment-specific group. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

PMID- 28089164
TI  - Low Median Nerve Palsy as Initial Manifestation of Churg-Strauss Syndrome.
AB  - Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) syndrome is typically characterized by forearm
      pain and partial or complete dysfunction of the AIN-innervated muscles. Although
      the exact etiology and pathophysiology of the disorder remain unclear, AIN
      syndrome is increasingly thought to be an inflammatory condition of the nerve
      rather than a compressive neuropathy because the symptoms often resolve
      spontaneously following prolonged observation. However, peripheral neuropathy can
      be 1 of the first symptoms of systemic vasculitis that needs early systemic
      immunotherapy to prevent extensive nerve damage. Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS;
      eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis) is 1 type of primary systemic
      vasculitis that frequently damages the peripheral nervous system. CSS-associated
      neuropathy usually involves nerves of the lower limb, and few studies have
      reported on the involvement of the upper limb alone. We report on a rare case of
      low median nerve palsy as the initial manifestation of CSS. The patient recovered
      well with early steroid treatment for primary systemic vasculitis.

PMID- 28089165
TI  - High-flow nasal cannula oxygen for reverting severe acute exacerbation of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease: A case report.

PMID- 28089166
TI  - Pediatric donation after controlled cardiac death (Maastricht type III donors).

PMID- 28089167
TI  - Diabetic self care practices in rural Mysuru, Southern Karnataka, India - A need
      for Diabetes Self Management Educational (DSME) program.
AB  - CONTEXT: Diabetes and its complications are the leading cause of morbidity and
      mortality in the world. Self care has emerged as a crucial element in the
      management of diabetes and a key factor associated with the quality of diabetic
      care. AIMS: The purpose of the study was to assess the self care activities of
      patients with Type II diabetes mellitus in a rural area of Mysuru district.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A community based cross sectional descriptive study was
      carried out among 400 diabetic patients in rural Mysore. METHODS AND MATERIAL:
      Self care Activities (Diet, exercise, self blood glucose monitoring, medication,
      foot care, smoking) were assessed using a pre designed and tested questionnaire.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Relevant descriptive analysis like percentages is
      carried out using SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS: Most of the diabetic patients had
      good compliance for medication (92.5%), followed by 72% for diabetic diet. Only
      27.75% of the diabetic patients participated in walking, 24.25% practised foot
      care, blood glucose monitoring by 24.75% and only 25.5% of them were current
      smokers. CONCLUSIONS: The rural diabetic patients are more adherent and compliant
      to medication and diabetic diet and less compliant to physical activity, foot
      care and self glucose monitoring.

PMID- 28089168
TI  - The relationship between dietary intake and other cardiovascular risk factors
      with blood pressure in individuals without a history of a cardiovascular event:
      Evidence based study with 5670 subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Raised blood pressure is a leading cause of morbidity and
      mortality worldwide; improved nutritional approaches to population-wide
      prevention are required.We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary
      intake and other cardiovascular risk factors with blood pressure in individuals
      without a history of a cardiovascular event in an Iranian cohort. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 5670 healthy subjects [approximately 40%
      (n=2179) males and 60% (n=3491) females] was undertaken in a sample from
      northeastern Iran. Subjects were recruited from an urban population, using a
      stratified-cluster method and derived from the Mashhad Stroke Heart
      Atherosclerosis Disorder (MASHAD) study, Mashhad, Iran. The age of the subjects
      was between 35 and 64 years. None of the subjects had a past history of major
      disease. RESULTS: The mean ages for the male and female subgroups were 50.1+/-
      8.1years and 48.2 +/-7.8 y respectively. Not unexpectedly, subjects without
      hypertension (HTN) were younger than those with established HTN. Individuals with
      HTN were significantly more adipose than those without (p<0.01). We found no
      significant differences in crude or total energy adjusted intake of nutrients
      between the three groups (p>0.05), except for crude and energy adjusted
      phosphorus intake (p<0.05) and crude intake of the cholesterol (p<0.05). There
      was a significant correlation between the dietary intake of total fatty acids,
      phosphorus and vitamin E with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic
      blood pressure (DBP). PUFA (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)], 1.56
      [1.05-1.06]; P<0.01), sodium (OR [95% CI], 1.00 [(1.00-1.01)]; P<0.01) and
      phosphorus (OR [95% CI], 1.00 [(1.00-1.01)]; P<0.01)were significant independent
      predictors of HTN after adjustment for energy intake. CONCLUSION: In our
      representative population from North-Eastern Iran, it appears that in adults
      without a history of cardiovascular disease, crude or energy adjusted intake of
      phosphorus and total fatty acid intake were significant determinants of BP,
      however we found no association between sodium and potassium intake with BP.

PMID- 28089169
TI  - The role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs) in affective disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among emerging treatments for depressive disorders several studies
      suggested that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs) supplementation can be
      used. However, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) differ
      in terms of biochemistry, metabolism and therapeutic effects. Therefore, a clear
      picture of their specific and different role on affective disorders has not yet
      emerged. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of n-3PUFAs on affective
      disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder and perinatal depression.
      METHODS: a comprehensive search on PUBMED, Medline and PsychINFO of all RCTs
      using n-3PUFAs patients with depressive symptoms published up to April 2016 was
      performed. We included trials that examined unipolar or bipolar disorder and
      trials that investigated depressive symptoms in relation to pregnancy. Trials
      were excluded if the depressive symptomatology was related to other primary
      organic diseases. RESULTS: 264 RCT studies were identified but only 36 met the
      inclusion criteria. First, it has been reported that n-3PUFAs supplementation
      might have clinical benefits on depressive symptoms. Second, EPA supplement,
      rather than DHA, seems to be more effective in treating major depression. Third,
      n-3PUFAs can have beneficial effects in bipolar depression but not in perinatal
      depression. CONCLUSIONS: there are only some evidence on the efficacy of n-3PUFAs
      in affective disorders especially to unipolar and bipolar depression not powered
      enough to confirm a therapeutic effect for affective disorder. Therefore, further
      studies with larger and more homogeneous samples, are required to confirm these
      effects.

PMID- 28089170
TI  - Iliolumbar artery: a useful pedicle for the iliac crest free flap in
      maxillofacial reconstruction.
AB  - The iliac crest free flap is commonly used in maxillofacial reconstruction, and
      is typically supplied by the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA). However, the
      iliolumbar artery is an alternative blood supply that can potentially be used in
      such reconstructions. We describe the anatomy of the iliolumbar artery and review
      publications about its clinical use. We raised four cadaveric iliac crest free
      flaps using both the DCIA and the iliolumbar artery to illustrate its use in
      reconstructing maxillofacial defects. It provided a longer pedicle for
      microvascular anastomosis than the DCIA, was more versatile in orientation of the
      flap, and allowed the chance of anastomosing both pedicles to "super-charge" the
      flap's blood supply. We describe a patient in whom this flap was used
      successfully, which shows that the iliolumbar artery is a suitable pedicle to
      augment (or replace) the DCIA in an iliac crest free flap.

PMID- 28089171
TI  - Protease Inhibitors of Parasitic Flukes: Emerging Roles in Parasite Survival and
      Immune Defence.
AB  - Protease inhibitors play crucial roles in parasite development and survival,
      counteracting the potentially damaging immune responses of their vertebrate
      hosts. However, limited information is currently available on protease inhibitors
      from schistosomes and food-borne trematodes. Future characterization of these
      molecules is important not only to expand knowledge on parasitic fluke biology
      but also to determine whether they represent novel vaccine and/or drug targets.
      Moreover, protease inhibitors from flukes may represent lead compounds for the
      development of a new range of therapeutic agents against inflammatory disorders
      and cancer. This review discusses already identified protease inhibitors of fluke
      origin, emphasizing their biological function and their possible future
      development as new intervention targets.

PMID- 28089172
TI  - Metal oxide nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents: a promise for the future.
AB  - Microbial infectious diseases are a global threat to human health. Excess and
      improper use of antibiotics has created antimicrobial-resistant microbes that can
      defy clinical treatment. The hunt for safe and alternate antimicrobial agents is
      on in order to overcome such resistant micro-organisms, and the birth of
      nanotechnology offers promise to combat infectious organisms. Over the past two
      decades, metal oxide nanoparticles (MeO-NPs) have become an attractive
      alternative source to combat microbes that are highly resistant to various
      classes of antibiotics. Their vast array of physicochemical properties enables
      MeO-NPs to act as antimicrobial agents through various mechanisms. Apart from
      exhibiting antimicrobial properties, MeO-NPs also serve as carriers of drugs,
      thus barely providing a chance for micro-organisms to develop resistance. These
      immense multiple properties exhibited by MeO-NPs will have an impact on the
      treatment of deadly infectious diseases. This review discusses the mechanisms of
      action of MeO-NPs against micro-organisms, safety concerns, challenges and future
      perspectives.

PMID- 28089173
TI  - Use of interactive iBooks for patient education in otology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Physicians in the ambulatory setting face challenges in adequately
      educating patients in a brief office encounter. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      efficacy of an iPad-based interactive educational module (iBook) in various
      otologic pathologies. METHODS: Patients presenting with symptoms of tinnitus,
      dizziness, hearing loss, or cochlear implant evaluation were included. In total,
      44 patients received the iBook and 22 patients served as controls. Prior to
      viewing the iBook, patients completed a pre-survey to assess baseline knowledge.
      After viewing the iBook, patients completed a post-survey to assess changes in
      perception and knowledge of their disease. Results were compared to that of the
      control group who did not receive iBook supplementation prior to being seen by
      the physician. RESULTS: Paired t-test analysis showed significant improvements
      (p<0.01) in both self-reported perception and concrete understanding in various
      concepts when compared to pre-iBook results. This was further compared to the
      control group, which showed a significant gain in factual knowledge (p=0.02).
      CONCLUSION: Patients who viewed the iBook, personalized to their diagnosis,
      displayed significantly improved understanding of their condition. Increased use
      of interactive educational modalities, such as the iBook, can be of benefit to an
      otologic practice in improving patient education and satisfaction.

PMID- 28089174
TI  - Neonatal acute kidney injury - Severity and recovery prediction and the role of
      serum and urinary biomarkers.
AB  - Neonatal acute kidney injury is common, in part due to incomplete renal
      maturation and also due to frequent exposure to risk factors for acute kidney
      injury such as perinatal asphyxia, extracorporeal-membrane-oxygenation, cardiac
      surgery, sepsis, prematurity and nephrotoxicity. However the current method by
      which acute kidney injury is diagnosed is sub-optimal and not universally
      accepted which impairs the accurate estimation of the true incidence of neonatal
      acute kidney injury. Serum Cystatin-C, urinary NGAL, KIM-1 and IL-18 are
      promising neonatal acute kidney injury biomarkers however the diagnosis of acute
      kidney injury remains serum creatinine/urine output-based in many studies.
      Emerging biomarkers which require further study in the neonatal population
      include netrin-1 and EGF. Increased awareness amongst clinicians of nephrotoxic
      medications being a modifiable risk factor for the development of neonatal acute
      kidney injury is imperative. The burden of chronic kidney failure following
      neonatal acute kidney injury is unclear and requires further study.

PMID- 28089175
TI  - Reduction of carcinomatosis risk using icodextrin as a carrier solution of
      intraperitoneal oxaliplatin chemotherapy.
AB  - There is no standard treatment in patients with high risk metachronous peritoneal
      carcinomatosis (PC) in colonic cancer, as perforated tumour or synchronous
      ovarian metastasis. Icodextrin 4% (ICDX), presently used to prevent postoperative
      abdominal adhesions, could inhibit the coactivation of the tumour cells and the
      microenvironment cells, associated with the development of PC. The aim of this
      study was to inhibit the formation of the PC in a murine model mimicking surgical
      situation using ICDX and intraperitoneal (IP) prophylactic chemotherapy. We
      created a model of growing PC in mice using cells of murine colonic cancer CT26.
      Cells and treatments were injected simultaneously. Five groups were created: CT26
      (control group), CT26 + ICDX (ICDX group), CT26 + chemotherapy (oxaliplatin and
      5FU) (chemo group), CT26 + chemotherapy + ICDX (ICDX chemo group), ICDX (toxicity
      group). At day 15, PC was evaluated with rodents PCI. In the chemo group, PCI was
      significantly lower than in the control group (3.2 versus 8.4, p = 0.02). ICDX
      had a synergetic effect on PC with chemotherapy; indeed PCI in ICDX chemo group
      was lower than in chemo group (1.4 versus 3.2, p = 0.04). There was no morbidity
      linked to ICDX in toxicity group. Safety of ICDX needs to be verified,
      particularly on colonic anastomosis before ICDX associated to IP chemotherapy
      could be used as a preventive treatment of PC in high risk patients. This
      prophylactic treatment is easy to use and would be administrated at the end of a
      curative surgery for a colonic cancer.

PMID- 28089176
TI  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: An unusual hepatic tumor mimicking liver
      abscess.

PMID- 28089177
TI  - Cell cycle-dependent positive and negative functions of Fun30 chromatin remodeler
      in DNA damage response.
AB  - The evolutionally conserved Fun30 chromatin remodeler in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      has been shown to contribute to cellular resistance to genotoxic stress inflicted
      by camptothecin (CPT), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and hydroxyurea (HU). Fun30
      aids in extensive DNA resection of DNA double stranded break (DSB) ends, which is
      thought to underlie its role in CPT-resistance. How Fun30 promotes MMS- or HU
      resistance has not been resolved. Interestingly, we have recently found Fun30 to
      also play a negative role in cellular tolerance to MMS and HU in the absence of
      the Rad5-dependent DNA damage tolerance pathway. In this report, we show that
      Fun30 acts to down regulate Rad9-dependent DNA damage checkpoint triggered by CPT
      or MMS, but does not affect Rad9-independent intra-S phase replication checkpoint
      induced by MMS or HU. These results support the notion that Fun30 contributes to
      cellular response to DSBs by preventing excessive DNA damage checkpoint
      activation in addition to its role in facilitating DNA end resection. On the
      other hand, we present evidence suggesting that Fun30's negative function in MMS-
      and HU-tolerance in the absence of Rad5 is not related to its regulation of
      checkpoint activity. Moreover, we find Fun30 to be cell cycle regulated with its
      abundance peaking in G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Importantly, we demonstrate
      that artificially restricting Fun30 expression to G2/M does not affect its
      positive or negative function in genotoxin-resistance, but confining Fun30 to S
      phase abolishes its functions. These results indicate that both positive and
      negative functions of Fun30 in DNA damage response occur mainly in G2/M phase.

PMID- 28089178
TI  - Hatchery workers' IgG antibody profiles to airborne bacteria.
AB  - Occupational exposure to high concentrations of airborne bacteria in poultry
      production is related to an increased risk of respiratory disorders. However,
      etiology and in particular microorganisms' potential role in pathogenesis still
      needs to be elucidated. Thus, detection of specific antibodies against
      occupational microbial antigens may lead to identification of potentially harmful
      species. For the purpose of IgG titer determination, indirect immunofluorescence
      on various bacterial isolates from duck hatchery air was combined with image
      based quantification of fluorescence intensity. Moreover, in addition to
      established assays with pure bacterial cultures, a new approach utilized complex
      bioaerosol samples for detection of anti-microbial antibodies in human sera by
      determination of percentages of antibody-bound cells in different serum
      dilutions. Mean titers in sera from hatchery workers and a non-exposed control
      group did not display significant differences for most tested isolates and
      application of comprehensive cluster analysis to entire titer data revealed no
      structure reflecting workers and controls group. Furthermore, determination of
      immunoreactivity to the complete microbial community in workplace air displayed
      similar proportions of antibody-bound cells in both groups. Although no general
      differences in immunoreaction patterns were observed, mean titers to a Proteus
      mirabilis isolate and to 3 of 4 distinct Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were
      higher in the group of hatchery workers than in the reference group indicating a
      potential applicability as exposure markers. We conclude, despite long term
      bioaerosol exposure, hatchery workers' IgG antibody profiles to tested antigens
      did not differ substantially from those of the control group. However, increased
      workers' titers to A. baumannii and clinical relevance of this species should
      lead to further investigations regarding potential involvement in pathogenesis of
      occupational respiratory disorders.

PMID- 28089179
TI  - Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and Aspirin Responsiveness.

PMID- 28089180
TI  - Enteric Coating and Aspirin Nonresponsiveness in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
      Mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A limitation of aspirin is that some patients, particularly those
      with diabetes, may not have an optimal antiplatelet effect. OBJECTIVES: The goal
      of this study was to determine if oral bioavailability mediates
      nonresponsiveness. METHODS: The rate and extent of serum thromboxane generation
      and aspirin pharmacokinetics were measured in 40 patients with diabetes in a
      randomized, single-blind, triple-crossover study. Patients were exposed to three
      325-mg aspirin formulations: plain aspirin, PL2200 (a modified-release lipid
      based aspirin), and a delayed-release enteric-coated (EC) aspirin. Onset of
      antiplatelet activity was determined by the rate and extent of inhibition of
      serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) generation. Aspirin nonresponsiveness was defined as
      a level of residual serum TXB2 associated with elevated thrombotic risk (<99.0%
      inhibition or TXB2 >3.1 ng/ml) within 72 h after 3 daily aspirin doses. RESULTS:
      The rate of aspirin nonresponsiveness was 15.8%, 8.1%, and 52.8% for plain
      aspirin, PL2200, and EC aspirin, respectively (p < 0.001 for both comparisons vs.
      EC aspirin; p = 0.30 for comparison between plain aspirin and PL2200). Similarly,
      56% of EC aspirin-treated subjects had serum TXB2 levels >3.1 ng/ml, compared
      with 18% and 11% of subjects after administration of plain aspirin and PL2200 (p
      < 0.0001). Compared with findings for plain aspirin and PL2200, this high rate of
      nonresponsiveness with EC aspirin was associated with lower exposure to
      acetylsalicylic acid (63% and 70% lower geometric mean maximum plasma
      concentration [Cmax] and 77% and 82% lower AUC0-t [area under the curve from time
      0 to the last time measured]) and 66% and 72% lower maximum decrease of TXB2,
      with marked interindividual variability. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of
      patients treated with EC aspirin failed to achieve complete inhibition of TXB2
      generation due to incomplete absorption. Reduced bioavailability may contribute
      to "aspirin resistance" in patients with diabetes. (Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of
      PL2200 Versus Enteric-Coated and Immediate Release Aspirin in Diabetic Patients;
      NCT01515657).

PMID- 28089181
TI  - Dynamic MR defecography of the posterior compartment: Comparison with
      conventional X-ray defecography.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to compare conventional X-ray defecography
      and dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) defecography in the diagnosis of pelvic floor
      prolapse of the posterior compartment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty women with a
      mean age of 65.5 years (range: 53-72 years) who underwent X-ray defecography and
      MR defecography for clinical suspicion of posterior compartment dysfunction, were
      included in this retrospective study. X-ray defecography and dynamic MR
      defecography were reviewed separately for the presence of pelvic organ prolapse.
      The results of the combination of X-ray defecography and MR defecography were
      used as the standard of reference. Differences in sensitivities between X-ray
      defecography and MR defecography were compared using the McNemar test. RESULTS:
      With the gold standard, we evidenced a total of 22 cases of peritoneocele (17
      elytroceles, 3 hedroceles and 2 elytroceles+hedroceles), including 15 cases of
      enterocele, 28 patients with rectocele including 16 that retained contrast, 37
      cases of rectal prolapse, and 11 cases of anismus. The sensitivities of X-ray
      defecography were 90.9% for the diagnosis of peritoneocele, 71.4% for rectocele,
      81.1% for rectal prolapse and 63.6% for anismus. The sensitivities of MR
      defecography for the same diagnoses were 86.4%, 78.6%, 62.2% and 63.6%,
      respectively. For all these pathologies, no significant differences between X-ray
      defecography and MR defecography were found. CONCLUSION: Dynamic MR defecography
      is equivalent to X-ray defecography for the diagnosis of abnormalities of the
      posterior compartment of the pelvic floor.

PMID- 28089182
TI  - More perfect?

PMID- 28089183
TI  - One patch or more? Defining success in treatment of post-dural puncture headache.

PMID- 28089184
TI  - Bone Wax Is Effective in Reducing Blood Loss After Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with major blood loss and
      blood transfusion is often required. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of
      bone wax in reducing blood loss and transfusion rates after TKA. METHODS: A
      prospective randomized controlled study that included 100 patients undergoing
      primary unilateral TKA with cement was conducted in a tertiary center between
      March 2014 and June 2014. The bone wax group received 2.5 g of bone wax, applied
      onto the uncovered bone around the prostheses and the nail holes before the
      tourniquet was released, whereas the control group had hemostasis achieved using
      electrocautery only. Total blood loss was calculated using the hemoglobin balance
      method. RESULTS: There were no demographic differences between the 2 groups. The
      preoperative serum hemoglobin levels were comparable between the 2 groups. The
      drop in serum hemoglobin levels at 24 h post-TKA was 1.6 +/- 0.9 and 2.1 +/- 1.1
      g/dL in the bone wax and control groups respectively (P = .021), while the drop
      in serum hemoglobin levels at 72 h post-TKA was 2.7 +/- 1.1 and 3.6 +/- 1.2 g/dL
      respectively (P = .013). Total blood loss at 72 h post-TKA was 987.9 and 1183.5
      mL for the bone wax and control groups respectively (P = .017). There was no
      adverse event associated with the use of bone wax at the 3-month follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: The application of bone wax in TKA was safe and effective for
      reducing total blood loss and maintaining higher hemoglobin levels.

PMID- 28089185
TI  - Joint Replacement Volume Positively Correlates With Improved Hospital Performance
      on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Metrics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is transitioning
      Medicare from a fee-for-service program into a value-based pay-for-performance
      program. In order to accomplish this goal, CMS initiated 3 programs that attempt
      to define quality and seek to reward high-performing hospitals and penalize poor
      performing hospitals. These programs include (1) penalties for hospital-acquired
      conditions (HACs), (2) penalties for excess readmissions for certain conditions,
      and (3) performance on value-based purchasing (VBP). The objective of this study
      was to determine whether high-volume total joint hospitals perform better in
      these programs than their lower-volume counterparts. METHODS: We analyzed data
      from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database on
      total New York State hospital discharges from 2013 to 2015 for total knee and
      total hip arthroplasty. This was compared to data from Hospital Compare on HAC's,
      excess readmissions, and VBP. From these databases, we identified 123 hospitals
      in New York, which participated in all 3 Medicare pay-for-performance programs
      and performed total joint replacements. RESULTS: Over the 3-year period spanning
      2013-2015, hospitals in New York State performed an average of 1136.59 total
      joint replacement surgeries and achieved a mean readmission penalty of 0.005909.
      The correlation coefficient between surgery volume and combined performance score
      was 0.277. Of these correlations, surgery volume and VBP performance, and surgery
      volume and combined performance showed statistical significance (P < .01).
      CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that there is a positive association between
      joint replacement volumes and overall hospital quality, as well as joint
      replacement volumes and VBP performance, specifically. These findings are
      consistent with previously reported associations between patient outcomes and
      procedure volumes. However, a relationship between joint replacement volume and
      HAC scores or readmission penalties could not be demonstrated.

PMID- 28089186
TI  - Predictors of Same-Day Discharge in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients and
      Risk Factors for Post-Discharge Complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Same-day (<24 h) discharge total joint arthroplasty (TJA) may be a
      safe and effective option for certain patients with end-stage osteoarthritis.
      Given the growing pressure to improve quality and lower TJA episode costs,
      surgeons must identify which TJA patients can be appropriately discharged home
      quickly and safely. This study identifies characteristics associated with same
      day discharge post-TJA as well as assesses risk factors for complications in this
      select patient population. METHODS: Bivariate and multivariate analyses were
      performed using perioperative variables from the 2011 to 2014 National Surgical
      Quality Improvement Program database. RESULTS: In total, 7474 primary TJAs among
      120,847 TJA patients were discharged within 24 h post-surgery. These patients
      were more likely to be younger (<50 years), male sex, American Society of
      Anesthesiologists class 1 or 2, and less likely to be obese or taking steroids (P
      < .05 for all). They were also less likely to have co-morbidities. Rates of
      severe adverse event (SAE) or unplanned readmission post-discharge were 1.3% and
      1.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified age >80 (odds ratio [OR]
      4.16, P = .001), smoking (OR 1.61, P = .03), bleeding-causing disorders (OR 2.56,
      P = .01), American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4 (OR 1.42, P < .05),
      and SAE pre-discharge (OR 13.13, P < .0001) as independent predictors for adverse
      events or readmission in this population. CONCLUSION: Patient characteristics, co
      morbidities, and SAEs pre-discharge can be used to assess potential for discharge
      within 24 h. The results of our analysis may be used to develop risk
      stratification tools for identification of patients that are truly appropriate
      for same-day discharge TJA.

PMID- 28089187
TI  - Effect of Periarticular Morphine Injection for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A
      Randomized, Double-Blind Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The periarticular multimodal cocktail injection including morphine is
      currently commonly used to treat postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA). Despite its analgesic effect, it is frequently reported to cause nausea
      and vomiting, which are adverse effects of opioids. This study aimed to assess
      the efficacy of morphine as a component of a multimodal cocktail injection for
      providing postoperative analgesia and alleviating swelling in patients who
      underwent TKA. METHODS: This is a prospective, single-center, randomized
      controlled trial involving 102 patients scheduled for unilateral TKA. A mixture
      of steroids, local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and
      epinephrine with or without morphine (10 mg) was injected to randomly assigned
      patients. Postoperative assessment was performed with all attending personnel and
      patients blinded to group assignment. Visual analog scale of pain, range of
      motion, nausea numerical rating scale, number of patients with vomiting, total
      dose of antiemetic drugs used, thigh swelling, the Western Ontario and McMaster
      Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, and adverse outcomes were compared
      between groups on postoperative days. RESULTS: Visual analog scale scores did not
      differ between the 2 groups at any postoperative time point. The nausea numerical
      rating scale scores during the postoperative period from 30 min to 9 h, the
      number of vomiting episodes, and the total dose of antiemetic drugs administered
      were significantly higher in the morphine group. The thigh girth, Western Ontario
      and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the incidence of
      complications were not different between groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this
      study suggested that addition of morphine to the multimodal cocktail injection is
      not effective for relieving postoperative pain, alleviating swelling, or
      improving range of motion, and results in nausea and vomiting.

PMID- 28089188
TI  - Barriers to providing maternity care to women with physical disabilities:
      Perspectives from health care practitioners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women with physical disabilities are known to experience disparities
      in maternity care access and quality, and communication gaps with maternity care
      providers, however there is little research exploring the maternity care
      experiences of women with physical disabilities from the perspective of their
      health care practitioners. OBJECTIVE: This study explored health care
      practitioners' experiences and needs around providing perinatal care to women
      with physical disabilities in order to identify potential drivers of these
      disparities. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 14
      health care practitioners in the United States who provide maternity care to
      women with physical disabilities, as identified by affiliation with disability
      related organizations, publications and snowball sampling. Descriptive coding and
      content analysis techniques were used to develop an iterative code book related
      to barriers to caring for this population. Public health theory regarding levels
      of barriers was applied to generate broad barrier categories, which were then
      analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Participant-reported barriers to
      providing optimal maternity care to women with physical disabilities were grouped
      into four levels: practitioner level (e.g., unwillingness to provide care),
      clinical practice level (e.g., accessible office equipment like adjustable exam
      tables), system level (e.g., time limits, reimbursement policies), and barriers
      relating to lack of scientific evidence (e.g., lack of disability-specific
      clinical data). CONCLUSION: Participants endorsed barriers to providing optimal
      maternity care to women with physical disabilities. Our findings highlight the
      needs for maternity care practice guidelines for women with physical
      disabilities, and for training and education regarding the maternity care needs
      of this population.

PMID- 28089189
TI  - Exploring the brain bases of dreaming. Commentary on "Beyond the neuropsychology
      of dreaming: Insights into the neural basis of dreaming with new techniques of
      sleep recording and analysis." Sleep Medicine Reviews.

PMID- 28089190
TI  - Positron emission tomography in the management of documented or suspected
      recurrent ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To prospectively evaluate the value of positron emission tomography
      (PET) or integrated computed tomography (CT) and PET (PET/CT) in the management
      of documented or suspected recurrent ovarian cancer. METHODS: Patients with
      ovarian cancer who had completed primary cytoreductive surgery and standard
      adjuvant chemotherapy were studied to evaluate the following indications: (1)
      CA125 elevation after complete remission with negative CT or magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) result; (2) post-therapy surveillance CT/MRI-detected suspicious
      lesions that guided biopsy was not feasible; (3) documented relapse for restaging
      prior to or after curative salvage therapy. The clinical impact of PET, as
      compared with those of CT/MRI, was determined on a per scan basis. RESULTS: From
      2002 to 2009, 73 patients were recruited, and 92 PET scans were performed. Up to
      June 2015, 53 patients had died of disease, four were alive with disease, and the
      remaining 16 were alive without disease. Among the 92 scans, PET had positive
      impacts in 72.8%, no clinical impacts in 21.7%, and negative impacts in 5.4%. For
      indication 1, the sensitivity and positive predictive value of PET in detecting
      recurrence were 80.0% and 92.3%, respectively. For indication 2, the sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PET were
      91.2%, 62.5%, 91.2%, and 62.5%, respectively. For indication 3, PET provided
      positive impact in 85.3% and negative impact in 2.9% of the 34 scans. CONCLUSION:
      PET has value in the management of suspected or documented recurrent ovarian
      cancer, with positive impacts on confirming recurrent status and offering a
      better treatment plan.

PMID- 28089191
TI  - Object shape dependency of in-plane resolution for iterative reconstruction of
      computed tomography.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate whether the in-plane resolution property
      of iterative reconstruction (IR) of computed tomography (CT) data is object shape
      dependent by testing columnar shapes with diameters of 3, 7, and 10cm (circular
      edge method) and a cubic shape with 5-cm side lengths (linear edge method). For
      each shape, objects were constructed of acrylic (contrast in Hounsfield units
      [DeltaHU]=120) as well as a soft tissue equivalent material (DeltaHU=50). For
      each shape, we measured the modulation transfer functions (MTFs) of IR and
      filtered back projection (FBP) using two multi-slice CT scanners at scan doses of
      5 and 10mGy. In addition, we evaluated a thin metal wire using the conventional
      method at 10mGy. For FBP images, the MTF results of the tested objects and the
      wire method showed substantial agreement, thus demonstrating the validity of our
      analysis technique. For IR images, the MTF results of different shapes were
      nearly identical for each object contrast and dose combination, and we did not
      observe shape-dependent effects of the resolution properties of either tested IR.
      We conclude that both the circular edge method and linear edge method are equally
      useful for evaluating the resolution properties of IRs.

PMID- 28089192
TI  - Commissioning Monte Carlo algorithm for robotic radiosurgery using cylindrical 3D
      array with variable density inserts.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To commission the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm based model of
      CyberKnife robotic stereotactic system (CK) and evaluate the feasibility of
      patient specific QA using the ArcCHECK cylindrical 3D-array (AC) with Multiplug
      inserts (MP). RESULTS: Four configurations were used for simple beam setup and
      two for patient QA, replacing water equivalent inserts by lung. For twelve
      collimators (5-60mm) in simple setup, mean (SD) differences between MC and
      RayTracing algorithm (RT) of the number of points failing the 3%/1mmgamma
      criteria were 1(1), 1(3), 1(2) and 1(2) for the four MP configurations. Tracking
      fiducials were placed within AC for patient QA. Single lung insert setup resulted
      in mean gamma-index 2%/2mm of 90.5% (range [74.3-95.9]) and 82.3% ([66.8-94.5])
      for MC and RT respectively, while 93.5% ([86.8-98.2]) and 86.2% ([68.7-95.4]) in
      presence of largest inhomogeneities, showing significant differences (p<0.05).
      DISCUSSION: After evaluating the potential effects, 1.12g/cc PMMA and 0.09g/cc
      lung material assignment showed the best results. Overall, MC-based model showed
      superior results compared to RT for simple and patient specific testing, using a
      2%/2mm criteria. Results are comparable with other reported commissionings for
      flattening filter free (FFF) delivery. Further improvement of MC calculation
      might be challenging as Multiplan has limited material library. CONCLUSIONS: The
      AC with Multiplug allowed for comprehensive commissioning of CyberKnife MC
      algorithm and is useful for patient specific QA for stereotactic body radiation
      therapy. MC calculation accuracy might be limited due to Multiplan's insufficient
      material library; still results are comparable with other reported commissioning
      measurements using FFF beams.

PMID- 28089193
TI  - Brake Reaction Time After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement and
      Labral Tear.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if a difference exists in brake reaction time (BRT) before
      and after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tear
      compared with age- and gender-matched controls. METHODS: Consecutive adult
      subjects undergoing primary hip arthroscopy were eligible for this prospective
      investigation. Individuals with symptomatic FAI and labral tear that underwent
      hip arthroscopy with minimum 8 weeks follow-up were included. BRT was measured
      using the RT-2S reaction time tester a maximum of 6 weeks preoperatively and
      every 2 weeks postoperatively for 8 weeks. Sit-to-stand test (STST) was measured
      at each BRT testing session. An age- and gender-matched control group without hip
      or lower extremity symptoms were selected and completed both BRT and STST.
      Continuous pre- and postoperative BRT values were compared with Mann-Whitney and
      analyses of variance. Association of BRT and STST tests was performed with
      Spearman correlation. An a priori sample size calculation determined that
      minimally 18 subjects per group (surgery group vs control group) were necessary
      to detect, with 80% power (difference of 0.2 seconds in BRT). RESULTS: Nineteen
      subjects (age 37.1 +/- 12.7 years, 10 women, 11 right hip) were analyzed. All
      subjects underwent arthroscopic labral repair and FAI correction. There was no
      difference between preoperative (604 +/- 148 milliseconds [ms]) and postoperative
      (608 ms 2 weeks; 566 ms 4 weeks; 559 ms 6 weeks; 595 ms 8 weeks) BRT. There was
      no difference between controls and subjects at any time point. There was a strong
      negative correlation between BRT and STST preoperatively and at 4 and 6 weeks
      postoperatively and a moderate negative correlation at 2 weeks postoperatively.
      CONCLUSIONS: After hip arthroscopy for FAI and labral tear, BRT is not different
      from preoperative values or that of controls. In addition, BRT had a significant
      correlation with STST in the first 6 weeks after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level II, diagnostic, prospective.

PMID- 28089194
TI  - Left ventricular global longitudinal strain predicts major adverse cardiac events
      and all-cause mortality in heart transplant patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) is a robust
      longitudinal myocardial deformation marker that is strongly affected by cardiac
      allograft vasculopathy (CAV), microvascular dysfunction, and acute cellular
      rejection (ACR). We evaluated graft deformation for risk stratification in long
      term heart transplant (HTx) patients. METHODS: The study included 196 patients
      who underwent HTx between 2011 and 2013. Patients underwent comprehensive
      echocardiography and coronary angiography. Previous rejection burden was
      assessed, and ACR grades were calculated. Patients were prospectively followed
      until February 24, 2016. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including coronary
      event, heart failure, treated rejection, and cardiovascular death, and all-cause
      mortality were recorded. RESULTS: During follow-up, 57 patients experienced MACE.
      Median follow-up was 1,035 (interquartile range [IQR] 856-1,124) days. Median
      time to first event was 534 (IQR 276-763) days. LVGLS was a strong predictor of
      MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-8.9, p < 0.0001) in
      patients with and without CAV. LVGLS was a strong predictor of all-cause
      mortality (HR 4.9, 95% CI 2.2-10.8, p < 0.0001). Left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF) also predicted MACE, but only in patients with CAV. No
      relationship between LVEF and all-cause mortality was seen. We obtained a strong
      MACE (HR 6.3, 95% CI 2.8-14.1, p < 0.0001) and all-cause mortality (HR 6.6, 95%
      CI 2.3-19.2, p < 0.0001) predictive model by combining LVGLS and restrictive left
      ventricular filling pattern (LVFP), which remained strong after adjustment for
      CAV, ACR score, hemoglobin, creatinine, and time since transplantation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of LVGLS strongly predicts MACE and mortality in long
      term HTx patients. Predictive ability was seen in patients with and without CAV.
      A combined model of left ventricular systolic deformation by LVGLS and diastolic
      graft performance by LVFP was a stronger model for prediction of MACE and all
      cause mortality.

PMID- 28089195
TI  - Cumulative volumetric analysis as a key criterion for the treatment of brain
      metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated diminished cognitive function, worse
      quality of life, and no overall survival benefit from the addition of adjuvant
      whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the
      management of brain metastases. This study analyzes the treatment outcome of SRS,
      specifically CyberKnife Radiosurgery, based on the total tumor volume compared to
      the absolute number of lesions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of hospital
      records at Virginia Hospital Center for patients with brain metastases who
      underwent CyberKnife Radiosurgery between June 2008 and June 2014 was performed.
      Previous treatment history, metastatic tumor dimensions, and outcomes were
      recorded. Predictors of neurological defects, local tumor progression, and
      overall survival were assessed with univariate and multivariate analysis.
      RESULTS: We identified 130 adult patients with a median age of 61.5years and a
      median follow-up of 7.1months. Unfavorable outcomes such as death, tumor
      progression, or neurological defect showed correlation with cumulative tumor
      volume greater than the median volume of 7cc (p<0.05). Worsening neurological
      defects showed an association with an increased number of lesions (p<0.02) and
      age (p<0.05). For local tumor progression, patients who have received WBRT were
      less likely to progress (.74, 95% CI, .48, 1.10), while those who received
      chemotherapy (1.48 95% CI, .98, 2.26), or surgery (1.56 95%, CI .98, 2.47)
      without WBRT were more likely to progress. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a
      cumulative tumor volume greater than 7cc correlates with worse outcomes following
      CyberKnife Radiosurgery. In addition, WBRT appears to have a role in improved
      survival for patients with increased tumor burden. A prospective study is
      warranted to validate these findings.

PMID- 28089196
TI  - Descriptive analysis of unplanned readmission and reoperation rates after
      intradural spinal tumor resection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord tumors (SCT) are relatively uncommon and usually
      require surgical treatment. Readmission within 30days after discharge is an
      important indicator of health care quality. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the rates and causes of unplanned readmissions and reoperations after
      SCT surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients' charts at a single
      center from May 2007 to September 2015 was completed. INCLUSION CRITERIA: history
      of laminectomy with excision of neoplasm in the spinal cord. EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
      (1) surgery outside the timeframe; (2) less than 19years old; (3) non-neoplastic
      intramural pathologies; (4) previous resection at the same location; (5)
      metastatic lesions. RESULTS: We found 131 patients that met criteria. Six
      patients (4.5%) were readmitted within 30days and two within 90days (1.5%). Four
      underwent reoperation: one for a cerebrospinal fluid leak, two for
      pseudomenigoceles, and one for repeat laminectomy. Resection of intramedullary
      tumors resulted in twice the risk of having one or more complications compared to
      extramedullary tumors (RR 2.0; 95% CI: 1.0-4.2; p=0.057), and nearly four times
      the risk of having a neurological complication (RR 3.8; 95% CI 1.5-9.5; p=0.005).
      CONCLUSION: This study analyzes readmission, reoperation and complication rates
      for the surgical care of SCT highlighting how SCT surgery is still involved with
      morbidity in experienced and specialized centers. This information is useful both
      for health care enhancement projects and for evidence-based patient counseling.

PMID- 28089197
TI  - Long-term follow-up analysis of microsurgical clip ligation and endovascular coil
      embolization for dorsal wall blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery.
AB  - : Blister aneurysms at non-branching sites of the dorsal internal carotid artery
      (dICA) are fragile, rare, and often difficult to treat. The purpose of this study
      is to address the demographics, treatment modalities, and long-term outcome of
      patients treated for dICA blister aneurysms. A retrospective review of medical
      records identified all consecutive patients who presented with a blister aneurysm
      from 2002 to 2011 at our institution. Eighteen patients (M=7, F=11; mean age:
      48.4+/-15.1years; range: 15-65years) harbored a total of 43 aneurysms, 25 of
      which were dorsal wall blister aneurysms of the ICA. Eleven (61.1%) patients
      presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and 10 (55.6%) patients
      had multiple aneurysms at admission. Twelve patients had 18 aneurysms that were
      treated microsurgically. Five (41.7%) of these patients had a single recurrence
      that was retreated with subsequent repeat clip ligation. Six patients had 7
      blister aneurysms that were treated with endovascularly. One (16.7%) of these
      patients had a single recurrence that was retreated with subsequent coil
      embolization. Postoperative vasospasm occurred in 8 (44.4%) patients, one of whom
      suffered from a stroke. This is one of the largest single-institution dICA
      blister aneurysm studies to date. There was no detected significant difference
      between microsurgical clip ligation and endovascular coil embolization in terms
      of surgical outcome. These blister aneurysms demonstrate a propensity to be
      associated with multiple cerebral aneurysms. Strict clinical and angiographic
      long-term follow-up may be warranted. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Blister
      aneurysms are focal wall defects covered by a thin layer of fibrous tissue and
      adventitia, lacking the usual collagenous layer. Due to their pathologically thin
      vessel wall, blister aneurysms are prone to rupture. The management of these rare
      and fragile aneurysms presents a number of challenges. Here, we address the long
      term outcome of patients treated for blister aneurysms at non-branching sites of
      the dICA. The presented data and analysis is imperative to determine the
      necessary strict long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up.

PMID- 28089198
TI  - Point-of-Care Detection Devices for Food Safety Monitoring: Proactive Disease
      Prevention.
AB  - Food safety has become an increasingly significant public concern in both
      developed and under-developed nations around the world; it increases morbidity,
      mortality, human suffering, and economic burden. This Opinion focuses on (i)
      examining the influence of pathogens and chemicals (e.g., food additives and
      pesticide residue) on food-borne illnesses, (ii) summarizing food hazards that
      are present in Asia, and (iii) summarizing the array of current point-of-care
      (POC) detection devices that have potential applications in food safety
      monitoring. In addition, we provide insight into global healthcare issues in both
      developing and under-developed nations with a focus on bridging the gap between
      food safety issues in the public sector (associated with relevant clinical cases)
      and the use of POC detection devices for food safety monitoring.

PMID- 28089199
TI  - Bioelectronic Nose: An Emerging Tool for Odor Standardization.
AB  - Odors are perceived differently as a function of individual human experience, and
      communicating about odors between individuals is therefore very difficult. There
      is a need to classify and standardize odors, but appropriate tools have not yet
      been developed. A bioelectronic nose mimics human olfaction and detects target
      molecules with high sensitivity and selectivity. This new tool has great
      potential in many applications and is expected to accelerate odor classification
      and standardization. In particular, a multiplexed bioelectronic nose can provide
      complex odor information using pattern recognition techniques, and could even
      reproduce odors via an integrated olfactory display system. We expect that a
      bioelectronic nose will be a useful tool for odor standardization by providing
      codes for odors that enable us to communicate odor information.

PMID- 28089200
TI  - Limitations of the Current Standards of Care for Treating Gout and Crystal
      Deposition in the Primary Care Setting: A Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: This article outlines several important issues regarding the management
      of patients with gout. The topics discussed include best practices for gout based
      on the most current guidelines, opportunities for improving gout management, and
      current and emerging therapies for gout. METHODS: [PubMed and Google Scholar
      databases] were search for all articles and trials published before 2016, using
      the key terms [hyperuricemia, gout, tophi, joint erosion, joint damage, treatment
      guidelines, American College of Rheumatology (ACR), European League Against
      Rheumatism (EULAR), flare, comorbidity, epidemiology, adherence, serum uric acid
      (sUA), monosodium urate (MSU), <6 mg/dL, MSU crystal formation, as well as
      individual drug names and classes of treatments of interest (allopurinol,
      febuxostat, colchicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)]. Studies were
      selected that presented data on gout treatment, including drugs under
      development, and on the management of gout from both the physician and patient
      perspectives. The reference lists of identified articles were searched manually
      for additional publications. FINDINGS: Gout, a progressive debilitating form of
      inflammatory arthritis, is caused by factors that elevate serum uric acid (sUA)
      levels, leading to hyperuricemia. Continued elevated sUA can result in monosodium
      urate crystal deposition in joints and soft tissues, causing acute and chronic
      inflammation. Crystal deposition can lead to chronic gout, with an increased
      number of flares, tophi development, and structural joint damage. The aims of
      gout treatment are to reduce the sUA level to <6 mg/dL, to inhibit the formation
      of new crystals, and to promote the dissolution of existing crystals. Gout is
      often poorly managed for several reasons, including a lack of adherence to
      treatment guidelines by health care providers, patients' poor adherence to
      therapy, and differences between a provider's and patient's perspectives
      regarding treatment. IMPLICATIONS: Patients need to be educated about their
      diagnosis and management of the disease, such as the importance of compliance
      with long-term treatment. Gout treatment may also confounded by contraindications
      to current standards of therapy and the limitations of current treatment
      paradigms. Recently approved medications, as well as drugs under development, may
      provide new ways for reaching the sUA target and also "curing" the disease.

PMID- 28089201
TI  - Recent Advances in Melanoma and Melanocyte Biology.

PMID- 28089202
TI  - Cryoballoon ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Catheter ablation (CA) provides the most effective treatment option for patients
      suffering from symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). The procedural cornerstone
      of all ablation strategies and for all entities of AF is the electrical isolation
      of the pulmonary veins (PV). CA with the use of radiofrequency (RF) in
      conjunction with a 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system is the most
      established ablation approach, but it demands a long learning curve and
      recurrences of AF are commonly the result of recovered PV conduction. As a
      consequence, novel ablation systems such as the Cryoballoon (CB) have been
      evolved aiming at facilitation and increased efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation
      (PVI). CB ablation is characterized by a short learning curve as well as short
      procedure times and demonstrated non-inferiority with regard to safety and
      efficacy when being directly compared to RF ablation for treatment of paroxysmal
      AF. However, RF ablation is first choice for treatment of persistent AF, in
      particular when expanded ablation strategies beyond PVI are intended in order to
      improve clinical outcomes.

PMID- 28089203
TI  - Carbon footprint and energy use of food waste management options for fresh fruit
      and vegetables from supermarkets.
AB  - Food waste is a problem with economic, environmental and social implications,
      making it both important and complex. Previous studies have addressed food waste
      management options at the less prioritised end of the waste hierarchy, but
      information on more prioritised levels is also needed when selecting the best
      available waste management options. Investigating the global warming potential
      and primary energy use of different waste management options offers a limited
      perspective, but is still important for validating impacts from the waste
      hierarchy in a local context. This study compared the effect on greenhouse gas
      emissions and primary energy use of different food waste management scenarios in
      the city of Vaxjo, Sweden. A life cycle assessment was performed for four waste
      management scenarios (incineration, anaerobic digestion, conversion and
      donation), using five food products (bananas, tomatoes, apples, oranges and sweet
      peppers) from the fresh fruit and vegetables department in two supermarkets as
      examples when treated as individual waste streams. For all five waste streams,
      the established waste hierarchy was a useful tool for prioritising the various
      options, since the re-use options (conversion and donation) reduced the
      greenhouse gas emissions and the primary energy use to a significantly higher
      degree than the energy recovery options (incineration and anaerobic digestion).
      The substitution of other products and services had a major impact on the results
      in all scenarios. Re-use scenarios where food was replaced therefore had much
      higher potential to reduce environmental impact than the energy recovery
      scenarios where fossil fuel was replaced. This is due to the high level of
      resources needed to produce food compared with production of fossil fuels, but
      also to fresh fruit and vegetables having a high water content, making them
      inefficient as energy carriers. Waste valorisation measures should therefore
      focus on directing each type of food to the waste management system that can
      substitute the most resource-demanding products or services, even when the whole
      waste flow cannot be treated with the same method.

PMID- 28089204
TI  - Effect of low aeration rate on simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in
      an intermittent aeration aged refuse bioreactor treating leachate.
AB  - Three intermittent aeration aged refuse bioreactors (ARBs), A, B, and C, with
      aeration rates of 670, 1340, and 2010L/m3 aged refuse.d in stage 1, and 670, 503,
      and 335L/m3 aged refuse.d in stage 2 were constructed to evaluate the effect of
      low aeration rate on leachate treatment by simultaneous nitrification and
      denitrification (SND). Results show that SND can be achieved and improved by
      reasonably adjusting the aeration rate of the ARB. In stage 1, the average
      chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rates of ARBs A, B, and C were 91%, 92%, and
      93%, respectively. The ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) removal rate of the three ARBs
      approached 100%. The total nitrogen (TN) average removal rates were 68%, 59%, and
      57%. The average SND efficiency values were 73%, 66%, and 65%. In stage 2, the
      COD removal rates of ARBs A, B, and C decreased from the original values of 85%,
      92%, and 93% to 84%, 81%, and 80%. The NH4+-N removal rate decreased from above
      99% to 90%-92% in ARB B and from above 99% to 87%-91% in ARB C. The TN removal
      rates of ARBs B and C increased to 59% and 53% on day 15 from the initial values
      of 49% and 43% and were maintained at 49%-61% and 50%-60%. The SND efficiency of
      ARBs B and C improved, and the average values were 68% and 70% after day 15.
      These values were higher than the 66% of ARB A during the same period.
      Comprehensively considering the COD, NH4+-N, TN removal rate, and SND efficiency,
      the optimal aeration rate of 670L/m3 aged refuse.d is therefore suggested in this
      study.

PMID- 28089205
TI  - On the power profiles of contact lenses measured with NIMO TR1504.

PMID- 28089206
TI  - [Detecting unknown geriatric problems in the elderly of Nuevo Leon].

PMID- 28089207
TI  - Delivery dilemmas: How drug cryptomarket users identify and seek to reduce their
      risk of detection by law enforcement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cryptomarkets represent an important drug market innovation by
      bringing buyers and sellers of illegal drugs together in a 'hidden' yet public
      online marketplace. We ask: How do cryptomarket drug sellers and buyers perceive
      the risks of detection and arrest, and attempt to limit them? METHODS: We analyse
      selected texts produced by vendors operating on the first major drug
      cryptomarket, Silk Road (N=600) alongside data extracted from the marketplace
      discussion forum that include buyer perspectives. We apply Fader's (2016)
      framework for understanding how drug dealers operating 'offline' attempt to
      reduce the risk of detection and arrest: visibility reduction, charge reduction
      and risk distribution. RESULTS: We characterize drug transactions on
      cryptomarkets as 'stretched' across time, virtual and physical space, and
      handlers, changing the location and nature of risks faced by cryptomarket users.
      The key locations of risk of detection and arrest by law enforcement were found
      in 'offline' activities of cryptomarket vendors (packaging and delivery drop
      offs) and buyers (receiving deliveries). Strategies in response involved either
      creating or disrupting routine activities in line with a non-offending identity.
      Use of encrypted communication was seen as 'good practice' but often not
      employed. 'Drop shipping' allowed some Silk Road vendors to sell illegal drugs
      without the necessity of handling them. CONCLUSION: Silk Road participants
      neither viewed themselves as immune to, nor passively accepting of, the risk of
      detection and arrest. Rational choice theorists have viewed offending decisions
      as constrained by limited access to relevant information. Cryptomarkets as
      'illicit capital' sharing communities provide expanded and low-cost access to
      information enabling drug market participants to make more accurate assessments
      of the risk of apprehension. The abundance of drug market intelligence available
      to those on both sides of the law may function to speed up innovation in illegal
      drug markets, as well as necessitate and facilitate the development of law
      enforcement responses.

PMID- 28089208
TI  - The reconstructive options for oropharyngeal defects in the transoral robotic
      surgery framework.
AB  - Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a fascinating new technique that has been
      proved to be a safe and feasible for selected oropharyngeal cancers. Furthermore,
      TORS offers several advantages in the treatment of locoregionally advanced
      cancers. Nevertheless, the careful selection of patients is the keypoint for a
      successful application of this therapeutic modality. However, the reconstruction
      of large oropharyngeal defects is challenging due to the restoration of
      velopharyngeal competency and swallowing. Moreover, the absence of mandibular
      splitting increases the difficulties faced by reconstructive surgeons. The
      paradigm for oropharyngeal reconstruction has undergone changes reflecting the
      overall change in the trend of the treatment alternatives over the last few
      decades. The flap choice and harvesting should be tailored in order to obtain
      significant advantages both in terms of function and should be easy to inset. In
      this review, we analysed the strengths and weaknesses of the various flaps used
      in the TORS framework.

PMID- 28089209
TI  - Assessment of seasonal variations in persistent organic pollutants across the
      region of Tuscany using passive air samplers.
AB  - Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured for an
      entire year in the region of Tuscany, Italy. Passive air samplers consisting of
      polyurethane foam (PUF) disks were deployed over four sampling periods of 3-5
      months from April 2008 to July 2009 in urban (n = 6) and rural (n = 4) sites. The
      aim of the study was to characterize the spatial and seasonal variations in
      selected POPs. The POP concentrations (pg m-3) in the air were dominated by
      dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and metabolites (DDTs) and polychlorinated
      biphenyls (?7PCBs). DDTs, and ?7PCBs showed a clear decreasing urban > rural
      gradient. The concentrations of DDTs and PCBs were up to 10 and 6 times higher,
      respectively, in urban sites than in rural sites. ?7PCBs showed a significant
      correlation with the urbanized areas located <5 km around the sampling sites. For
      hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), alpha-HCH concentrations were similar at both
      sampling sites and were found to be quite uniform during the four sampling
      periods. Seasonal fluctuations were observed for DDTs, and ?7PCBs, with the
      highest concentrations observed during period 4 (summer-spring); this is most
      likely due to a temperature-driven re-emission from local sources. These findings
      were also supported by an air back trajectory analysis in the study area. This
      study contributes new information about POP levels in the Italian atmosphere and
      demonstrates the feasibility of using PUF disks to simultaneously assess seasonal
      concentrations at different sampling sites.

PMID- 28089210
TI  - PM10 and PM2.5 chemical source profiles with optical attenuation and health risk
      indicators of paved and unpaved road dust in Bhopal, India.
AB  - Size classified (PM10 and PM2.5) paved and unpaved road dust chemical source
      profiles, optical attenuation and potential health risk from exposure to these
      sources are reported in this study. A total of 45 samples from 9 paved road and 6
      unpaved road sites located in and around Bhopal were re-suspended in the
      laboratory, collected onto filter substrates and subjected to a variety of
      chemical analyses. In general, road dust was enriched (compared to upper
      continental crustal abundance) in anthropogenic pollutants including Sb, Cu, Zn,
      Co, and Pb. Organic and elemental carbon (OC/EC) in PM10 and PM2.5 size fractions
      were 50-75% higher in paved road dust compared to their counterparts in unpaved
      road dust. Further, the results suggest that when it is not possible to include
      carbon fractions in source profiles, the inclusion of optical attenuation is
      likely to enhance the source resolution of receptor models. Additionally,
      profiles obtained in this study were not very similar to the US EPA SPECIATE
      composite profiles for PM10 and PM2.5, for both sources. Specifically, the mass
      fractions of Si, Fe, OC, and EC were most different between SPECIATE composite
      profiles and Bhopal composite profiles. An estimate of health indicators for
      Bhopal road dust revealed that although Cr was only marginally enriched, its
      inhalation may pose a health risk. The estimates of potential lifetime
      incremental cancer risk induced by the inhalation of Cr in paved and unpaved road
      dust (PM10 and PM2.5) for both adults and children were higher than the baseline
      values of acceptable risk. These results suggest that road dust Cr induced
      carcinogenic risk should be further investigated.

PMID- 28089211
TI  - Toxicity effects of an environmental realistic herbicide mixture on the seagrass
      Zostera noltei.
AB  - Worldwide seagrass declines have been observed due to multiple stressors. One of
      them is the mixture of pesticides used in intensive agriculture and boat
      antifouling paints in coastal areas. Effects of mixture toxicity are complex and
      poorly understood. However, consideration of mixture toxicity is more realistic
      and ecologically relevant for environmental risk assessment (ERA). The first aim
      of this study was to determine short-term effects of realistic herbicide mixture
      exposure on physiological endpoints of Zostera noltei. The second aim was to
      assess the environmental risks of this mixture, by comparing the results to
      previously published data. Z. noltei was exposed to a mixture of four herbicides:
      atrazine, diuron, irgarol and S-metolachlor, simulating the composition of
      typical cocktail of contaminants in the Arcachon bay (Atlantic coast, France).
      Three stress biomarkers were measured: enzymatic activity of glutathione
      reductase, effective quantum yield (EQY) and photosynthetic pigment composition
      after 6, 24 and 96 h. Short term exposure to realistic herbicide mixtures
      affected EQY, with almost 100% inhibition for the two highest concentrations, and
      photosynthetic pigments. Effect on pigment composition was detected after 6 h
      with a no observed effect concentration (NOEC) of 1 MUg/L total mixture
      concentration. The lowest EQY effect concentration at 10% (EC10) (2 MUg/L) and
      pigment composition NOEC with an assessment factor of 10 were above the maximal
      field concentrations along the French Atlantic coast, suggesting that there are
      no potential short term adverse effects of this particular mixture on Z. noltei.
      However, chronic effects on photosynthesis may lead to reduced energy reserves,
      which could thus lead to effects at whole plant and population level.
      Understanding the consequences of chemical mixtures could help to improve ERA and
      enhance management strategies to prevent further declines of seagrass meadows
      worldwide.

PMID- 28089212
TI  - Does particulate matter along roadsides interfere with plant reproduction? A
      comparison of effects of different road types on Cichorium intybus pollen
      deposition and germination.
AB  - The roadside habitat can be challenging for plants, which must maintain normal
      biological processes despite an influx of airborne pollutants. While the effects
      of many gases on plants have been quantified, the impacts of particulate
      pollutants have been relatively less studied. This is especially true of field
      experiments where particle dispersion may be influenced by meteorology and
      roadway use. We examined chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) along roadsides in the
      Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan area to assess particulate influence on plant
      pollination through stigmatic clogging. We compared flowers collected from plants
      situated along interstates, U.S. highways, state highways, and county roads as
      these different road-types vary in motor vehicle usage and thus should have
      varying levels of particulate deposition on flowers. We examined floral stigmas
      for total particulates, total pollen, and percentage of pollen tube germination
      to determine whether particulates may interfere with early reproductive
      processes. Our results suggest that there was minimal variation of particulate
      matter found on chicory stigmas among road-types. Furthermore, the deposition of
      particulates on stigmas based on road-type did not show a strong link to
      variation in pollen deposition and pollen germination. There was also no
      significant relationship between total particulate levels and pollen germination
      rates across all road types. Future studies should investigate other plant
      species that may be more sensitive to roadside pollution, such as economically
      important crops. Locations in which vehicle use is increasing and where
      pollutants are not regulated strictly should also be examined as the effects of
      airborne particulates in early plant reproduction would be expected to be more
      substantial in these areas.

PMID- 28089213
TI  - A genome-wide profiling of brain DNA hydroxymethylation in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism in brain aging and
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). The newly discovered 5-hydroxymethylcytosine mediates
      DNA demethylation, is highly abundant in the brain, and is dynamically regulated
      by life experiences. However, little is known about its genome-wide patterns and
      potential role in AD. METHODS: Using a genome-wide capture followed by high
      throughput sequencing, we studied the genome-wide distribution of 5
      hydroxymethylcytosine at specific genomic loci in human AD brain and identified
      differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) associated with AD pathology.
      RESULTS: We identified 517 DhMRs significantly associated with neuritic plaques
      and 60 DhMRs associated with neurofibrillary tangles. DNA hydroxymethylation in
      gene bodies was predominantly positively correlated with cis-acting gene
      expression. Moreover, genes showing differential hydroxymethylation were
      significantly enriched in neurobiological processes and clustered in functional
      gene ontology categories. DISCUSSION: Our results reveal a critical role of DNA
      hydroxymethylation in AD pathology and provide mechanistic insight into the
      molecular mechanisms underlying AD.

PMID- 28089215
TI  - Radiation-induced liver disease secondary to adjuvant therapy for extra-hepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma.

PMID- 28089214
TI  - Prevalence of chronic pancreatitis: Results of a primary care physician-based
      population study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on chronic pancreatitis prevalence are scanty and usually
      limited to hospital-based studies. AIM: Investigating chronic pancreatitis
      prevalence in primary care. METHODS: Participating primary care physicians
      reported the prevalence of chronic pancreatitis among their registered patients,
      environmental factors and disease characteristics. The data were centrally
      reviewed and chronic pancreatitis cases defined according to M-ANNHEIM criteria
      for diagnosis and severity and TIGAR-O classification for etiology. RESULTS:
      Twenty-three primary care physicians participated in the study. According to
      their judgment, 51 of 36.401 patients had chronic pancreatitis. After reviewing
      each patient data, 11 turned out to have definite, 5 probable, 19 borderline and
      16 uncertain disease. Prevalence was 30.2/100.000 for definite cases and
      44.0/100.000 for definite plus probable cases. Of the 16 patients with
      definite/probable diagnosis, 8 were male, with mean age of 55.6 (+/-16.7). Four
      patients had alcoholic etiology, 5 post-acute/recurrent pancreatitis, 6 were
      deemed to be idiopathic. Four had pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, 10 were
      receiving pancreatic enzymes, and six had pain. Most patients had initial stage
      and non-severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study investigating the
      prevalence of chronic pancreatitis in primary care. Results suggest that the
      prevalence in this context is higher than in hospital-based studies, with
      specific features, possibly representing an earlier disease stage.

PMID- 28089216
TI  - Diabetes is Associated with Severe Adverse Events in Multidrug-Resistant
      Tuberculosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a very common disease in Mexico, is a well
      known risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). However, it is not known by which extent
      DM predisposes to adverse events (AE) to anti-TB drugs and/or to worse outcomes
      in patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB
      (XDR-TB). The main objective of this study was to describe the outcomes of TB
      treatment, the impact of DM and the prevalence of AE in a cohort of patients with
      MDR-/XDR pulmonary TB treated at the national TB referral centre in Mexico City.
      RESULTS: Ninety patients were enrolled between 2010 and 2015: 73 with MDR-TB
      (81.1%), 11 with pre-XDR-TB (12.2%) and 6 (6.7%) with XDR-TB, including 49
      (54.4%) with DM, and 3 with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection
      (3.3%). In 98% of patients, diagnosis was made by culture and drug susceptibility
      testing, while in a single case the diagnosis was made by a molecular test. The
      presence of DM was associated with an increased risk of serious drug-related AEs,
      such as nephrotoxicity (Odds Ratio [OR]=6.5; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]:
      1.9-21.8) and hypothyroidism (OR=8.8; 95% CI: 1.8-54.2), but not for a worse
      outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that DM does not impact second-line TB
      treatment outcomes, but patients with DM have a higher risk of developing serious
      AEs to drug-resistant TB treatment, such as nephrotoxicity and hypothyroidism.

PMID- 28089217
TI  - The impact of inadequate health literacy on patient satisfaction, healthcare
      utilization, and expenditures among older adults.
AB  - Inadequate health literacy (HL) is associated with impaired healthcare choices
      leading to poor quality-of-care. Our primary purpose was to estimate the
      prevalence of inadequate HL among two populations of AARP(r) Medicare Supplement
      insureds: sicker and healthier populations; to identify characteristics of
      inadequate HL; and to describe the impact on patient satisfaction, preventive
      services, healthcare utilization, and expenditures. Surveys were mailed to
      insureds in 10 states. Multivariate regression models were used to identify
      characteristics and adjust outcomes. Among respondents (N = 7334), 23% and 16% of
      sicker and healthier insureds, respectively, indicated inadequate HL.
      Characteristics of inadequate HL included male gender, older age, more
      comorbidities, and lower education. Inadequate HL was associated with lower
      patient satisfaction, lower preventive service compliance, higher healthcare
      utilization and expenditures. Inadequate HL is more common among older adults in
      poorer health, further compromising their health outcomes; thus they may benefit
      from expanded educational or additional care coordination interventions.

PMID- 28089218
TI  - NKG2D Signaling: The Immune Subversive Side of HDAC3.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells are alerted to infected and transformed cells by local
      upregulation of ligands for the NK-activating receptor NKG2D. In a recent report,
      Greene et al. unveil a new mechanism that induces the expression of the NKG2D
      ligand retinoic acid early-inducible (RAE-1) in response to murine
      cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection through inhibition of casein kinase 2 (CK2), an
      activator of the repressor histone deacetylase HDAC3.

PMID- 28089219
TI  - Prognostic factors of epiretinal membranes: A systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epiretinal membranes (ERM) have been increasingly characterized
      with the advent of new optical coherence tomographies (OCTs). We intended to
      perform a systematic review regarding prognostic factors (PF) of ERM after
      surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review of electronic databases was
      performed (last date of search was 10 August 2015): Medline, Scopus, Google
      Scholar, clinicaltrials.gov and current controlled trials. Search queries
      included: "membrane", "pucker", "prognosis", "prognostic", "epiretinal",
      "epiretinienne". Inclusion criteria were: (1) primary purpose was to identify a
      PF of ERM; (2) prospective or retrospective study, case series (more than 10
      patients), or clinical trials; (3) follow-up of at least 3 months; (4) complete
      ophthalmological evaluation in each patient with visual acuity and OCT,
      preoperative and>=3months after surgery; (5) vitrectomy with ERM peeling
      performed in each patient. Eligibility criteria verification, data extraction and
      evaluation of risk of bias were performed according to Cochrane's
      recommendations. RESULTS: From 817 studies found, 21 were included (9
      prospective, 12 retrospective, 0 trials). In all studies, there was significant
      visual acuity improvement after surgery. The majority of the studies included
      pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with phacoemulsification. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: PF for visual acuity (VA) improvement after ERM surgery included:
      shorter duration of symptoms before surgery, lesser central foveal thickness at
      baseline identified by the OCT, good integrity of the inter segment/outer segment
      photoreceptor junction at baseline, and thinner ganglion cell inner plexiform
      layer at baseline. To avoid bias, studies should analyze VA separately if
      phacoemulsification is also performed. The knowledge of these PF may assist in
      planning surgery.

PMID- 28089220
TI  - [Paracentral acute middle maculopathy: Case report].

PMID- 28089221
TI  - [Sickle cell retinopathy].

PMID- 28089222
TI  - [Etiology and prognosis of the eye traumas by war weapons in the Senegalese
      army].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work is to identify the main weapons causing eye
      injuries during the campaigns of the Senegalese army in the south of the country,
      as well as the prognosis of these traumas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is
      retrospective and concerns soldiers wounded by the weapons of war during the
      exercise of their mission within the Senegalese armed forces of 1991 in 2005.
      They are mainly soldiers affected in the south of the country during a war,
      clashes with the rebels or in Guinea-Bissau during operation Gabou in 1998. And
      they were evacuated to the ophthalmology department of the Principal Hospital in
      Dakar, which is a level 3. RESULTS: Thirty-seven military all male, with an
      average age of 30.5 years. Forty-six eyes including 9 bilateral cases. The trauma
      agent is a burst of RPG7 shells in 62% of cases, mine explosion in 13.5%,
      offensive grenade 10.8%, assault rifle 5.7% and flame lance-roquette anti-char
      (LRAC) accounts for 8%. We noted a phthisis of the globe for 14 eyes (30.43%) and
      for 15 eyes (32.60%) a functional loss of the affected globe. Inability to fight
      was decided by 29 wounded soldiers (78.37% of the cases), sedentary employment in
      27 cases (72.97%) and 10 cases (27.03%) of reformed soldiers. DISCUSSION: In the
      conflict in southern Senegal, the RPG7 shell burst causes 62% of eye injuries.
      This RPG7 shell called "rebel weapon" is frequently used in conflicts in Africa.
      The prognosis of trauma with these types of weapons is severe. CONCLUSIONS: The
      combat goggles systematically integrated in the equipment of the Senegalese
      combatant, would be an invaluable contribution on the prevention of the
      traumatisms of the eye.

PMID- 28089223
TI  - [Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography appearance of a papillomacular
      retinal fold in a case of posterior microphthalmos].

PMID- 28089225
TI  - [Effectiveness of an individualised physiotherapy program versus group therapy on
      neck pain and disability in patients with acute and subacute mechanical neck
      pain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy in reducing neck pain and disability in an
      individualised physiotherapy treatment with group treatment in acute and subacute
      mechanical neck pain. DESIGN: Randomised clinical trial. LOCATION: Health Area of
      University Hospital Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 90
      patients diagnosed with mechanical neck pain of up to one month onset,
      distributed randomly into two groups: (i)individualised treatment; (ii)group
      treatment. INTERVENTION: The treatment consisted of 15 sessions of about
      60minutes for both groups. Individual treatment consisted of 15minutes of
      infrared heat therapy, 17minutes of massage, and analytical passive stretching of
      the trapezius muscles and angle of the scapula. The group treatment consisted of
      a program of active mobilisation, isometric contractions, self-stretching, and
      postural recommendations. MAIN MEASURES: Pain was measured at the beginning and
      end of treatment pain using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and an algometer
      applied on the trapezius muscles and angle of the scapula, and neck disability
      using the Neck Disability Index. RESULTS: Both treatments were statistically
      significant (P<.001) in improving all variables. Statistically significant
      differences (P<.001) were found for all of them in favour of individualised
      treatment compared to group treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute or
      subacute mechanical neck pain experienced an improvement in pain and neck
      disability after receiving either of the physiotherapy treatments used in our
      study, with the individual treatment being more effective than collective.

PMID- 28089226
TI  - [Coping and subjective burden in primary caregivers of dependent elderly
      relatives in Andalusia, Spain].
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyse the relationship between the type of coping and subjective
      burden in caregivers of dependent elderly relatives in Andalusia (Spain). DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study. LOCATION: Primary Health Care (autonomous community of
      Andalusia, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 198 primary caregivers
      of dependent elderly relatives. KEY MEASUREMENTS: Coping (Brief COPE), subjective
      burden (caregiver stress index), objective burden (functional capacity [Barthel
      Index], cognitive impairment [Pfeiffer Test], behavioural problems of the care
      recipient [Neuropsychiatric Inventory], and caregivers' dedication to caring),
      gender and kinship. RESULTS: Most caregivers were women (89.4%), daughters of the
      care recipient (57.1%), and shared home with him/her (69.7%). On controlling for
      objective burden, gender and kinship, it was found that subjective burden was
      positively associated with dysfunctional coping (beta=0.28; P<.001) and
      negatively with emotion-focused coping (beta=-0.25; P=.001), while no association
      was found with problem-focused coping. CONCLUSIONS: Dysfunctional coping may be a
      risk factor for subjective burden, and emotion-focused coping may be a protective
      factor for that subjective burden regardless of the objective burden, and gender
      and kinship of the caregivers.

PMID- 28089224
TI  - Loading of the medial meniscus in the ACL deficient knee: A multibody
      computational study.
AB  - The menisci of the knee reduce tibiofemoral contact pressures and aid in knee
      lubrication and nourishment. Meniscal injury occurs in half of knees sustaining
      anterior cruciate ligament injury and the vast majority of tears in the medial
      meniscus transpire in the posterior horn region. In this study, computational
      multibody models of the knee were derived from medical images and passive leg
      motion for two female subjects. The models were validated against experimental
      measures available in the literature and then used to evaluate medial meniscus
      contact force and internal hoop tension. The models predicted that the loss of
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) constraint increased contact and hoop forces in
      the medial menisci by a factor of 4 when a 100N anterior tibial force was
      applied. Contact forces were concentrated in the posterior horn and hoop forces
      were also greater in this region. No differences were found in contact or hoop
      tension between the intact and ACL deficient (ACLd) knees when only a 5Nm
      external tibial torque was applied about the long axis of the tibia. Combining a
      100N anterior tibial force and a 5Nm external tibial torque increased posterior
      horn contact and hoop forces, even in the intact knee. The results of this study
      show that the posterior horn region of the medial meniscus experiences higher
      contact forces and hoop tension, making this region more susceptible to injury,
      especially with the loss of anterior tibia motion constraint provided by the ACL.
      The contribution of the dMCL in constraining posterior medial meniscus motion, at
      the cost of higher posterior horn hoop tension, is also demonstrated.

PMID- 28089227
TI  - [Towards a multimorbidity care model in Primary Care].

PMID- 28089228
TI  - Intraplantar injection of sialidase reduces mechanical allodynia during
      inflammatory pain.
AB  - Sialic acids are highly charged glycoresidues that are attached to glycoproteins
      or glycosphingolipids, and they are associated with various biological functions.
      Gangliosides, sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids, are abundant in neural
      tissues and play important roles in the nervous system. Previous studies revealed
      that peripheral gangliosides are involved in nociceptive behavior and
      hyperalgesia. These observations prompted us to determine whether the sialic acid
      cleaving enzyme sialidase affects pain signaling. Intraplantar injection of
      sialidase reduced mechanical allodynia during complete Freund's adjuvant-induced
      inflammation. We also found that ganglioside induces mechanical allodynia in
      naive mice. These results suggest that sialyl conjugates in subcutaneous tissues
      modify allodynia.

PMID- 28089229
TI  - Immune checkpoint inhibition in malignant mesothelioma: Does it have a future?

PMID- 28089230
TI  - Metastatic fractures of long limb bones.
AB  - The diagnosis of pathological fracture should be considered routinely in patients
      with long limb-bone fractures. Investigations must be performed to establish the
      diagnosis of pathological fracture then to determine that the bone lesion is a
      metastasis. In over 85% of cases, the clinical evaluation combined with a
      detailed analysis of the radiographs is sufficient to determine that the fracture
      occurred at a tumour site. Aetiological investigations establish that the tumour
      is a metastasis. In some patients, the diagnosis of metastatic cancer antedates
      the fracture. When this is not the case, a diagnostic strategy should be devised,
      with first- to third-line investigations. When these fail to provide the
      definitive diagnosis, a surgical biopsy should be performed. The primaries most
      often responsible for metastatic bone disease are those of the breast, lung,
      kidney, prostate, and thyroid gland. However, the survival gains provided by
      newly introduced treatments translate into an increased frequency of bone
      metastases from other cancers. The optimal treatment of a pathological fracture
      is preventive. The Mirels score is helpful for determining whether preventive
      measures are indicated. When selecting a treatment for a pathological fracture,
      important considerations are the type of tumour, availability of effective
      adjuvant treatments, and general health of the patient. Metastatic fractures are
      best managed by a multidisciplinary team. The emergent treatment should start
      with optimisation of the patient's general condition, in particular by
      identifying and treating metabolic disorders (e.g., hypercalcaemia) and
      haematological disorders. Treatment decisions also depend on the above-listed
      general factors, location of the tumour, and size of the bony defect. Prosthetic
      reconstruction is preferred for epiphyseal fractures and internal fixation for
      diaphyseal fractures.

PMID- 28089231
TI  - [Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus despite postexposure
      prophylaxis: A review of the literature and description of 11 observations].
AB  - Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to a risk of developing cirrhosis
      and hepatocellular carcinoma. In France, where the prevalence of HBV is low,
      mother-to-child transmission is the cause of chronic infection in more than one
      third of cases. After exposure, the risk of chronic infection is the highest for
      newborns (90 %). The World Health Organization implemented a global immunization
      program in 1991, applied in France in 1994. A significant number of children are
      infected each year, however, and failure of postexposure prophylaxis is reported
      in 4-10 % of newborns. We report 11 children with chronic HBV infection due to
      failure of serovaccination, followed up in two centers between 1993 and 2015. We
      discuss maternal screening, serovaccination, and follow-up conditions, as well as
      the role of maternal viral load, amniocentesis, and mode of delivery as risk
      factors. These observations confirm that serovaccination failures are related to
      the nonobservance of recommendations for maternal screening or postexposure
      prophylaxis, and to a high maternal viral load (>106 copies/mL). We therefore
      recommend improving the screening strategy, with control of the hepatitis B
      antigen in early pregnancy, and discussion of treatment with a nucleoside analog
      during the last trimester of pregnancy. Serovaccination should be enforced. Its
      efficacy should be controlled when the child reaches 9 months of age, in order to
      organize the follow-up if infection occurs.

PMID- 28089233
TI  - Epicardial adipose tissue and myocardial ischemia assessed by computed tomography
      perfusion imaging and invasive fractional flow reserve.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active fat depot
      that is associated with incident coronary artery disease (CAD) and major adverse
      cardiovascular events. The relationship between EAT and myocardial ischemia
      remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between EAT volume and
      the presence of perfusion defects on myocardial computed tomographic perfusion
      imaging (CTP) and functional stenoses on invasive fractional flow-reserve (FFR).
      METHODS: Data were obtained from a previous prospective cross-sectional study in
      patients with suspected CAD. Patients underwent combined coronary computed
      tomography angiography (coronary CTA) and CTP followed by invasive coronary
      angiogram (ICA) and FFR within 14 days. FFR was performed in all major epicardial
      vessels unless they were angiographically smooth or occluded, with a threshold of
      <0.8 considered significant. EAT volume was quantified semi-automatically on
      coronary CTA. RESULTS: There were 38 patients included for analysis, mean age
      62.5 +/- 10.0 years, 68.4% male. Median EAT volume was 82.8 mL (interquartile
      range (IQR) 49.3 mL). FFR was interrogated in 73/114 (64%) vessels. There was no
      difference in EAT volumes in patients with and without CTP defects (84.4 mL, IQR:
      35.6 mL vs 81.1 mL, IQR: 53.1 mL, p = 0.7). There was also no difference in EAT
      volumes in patients with and without FFR-significant vessels (86.5 mL IQR: 36.6
      mL vs 79.1 mL IQR: 54.5 mL, p = 0.7) and no difference when analysed by number of
      CTP positive territories or FFR-significant vessels (p = 0.4 and p = 0.8
      respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated no observable relationship
      between EAT volume and perfusion defects on myocardial CT perfusion imaging or
      functional stenosis on invasive FFR.

PMID- 28089236
TI  - Letter to the Editor of Tanner, Philbin, Duval, Ellen, Kapogiannis, and
      Fortenberry (2016).

PMID- 28089235
TI  - Targeting Cutaneous Cannabinoid Signaling in Inflammation - A "High"-way to Heal?

PMID- 28089237
TI  - CLL: when the target of treatment is disease-related symptoms.

PMID- 28089239
TI  - Comparison of direct and optical laryngoscopy during simulated cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation.

PMID- 28089238
TI  - Ruxolitinib for symptom control in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a
      single-group, phase 2 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disease-related symptoms impair the quality of life of patients with
      chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) who do not require systemic therapy.
      Available therapies are not specifically aimed at symptom control. Because
      stimulation of the B-cell receptor activates JAK2 in CLL cells and the JAK2
      inhibitor ruxolitinib improves symptoms in patients with myelofibrosis, we
      postulated that ruxolitinib would improve disease-related symptoms in patients
      with CLL. We did a phase 2 trial of ruxolitinib to test this hypothesis. METHODS:
      Symptomatic patients with CLL who did not require systemic therapy were enrolled
      at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX, USA) between Sept 15, 2014, and Sept
      20, 2015. Participants were given 10 mg ruxolitinib orally twice a day. Scores on
      the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), CLL module of the MD Anderson Symptom
      Inventory (MDASI) and symptom-associated interference in daily activities, were
      assessed before treatment and after 3 months. This trial is ongoing and is
      registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02131584). FINDINGS: 41 patients (25
      previously untreated for CLL and 16 previously treated) were enrolled. At 3
      months, the mean percentage change from baseline in BFI score was 44.3% (SD 35.0,
      p<0.0001), in symptom interference score was 43.4% (51.5, p<0.0001), and in MDASI
      score was 42.1% (37.4, p<0.0001). 32 (78%) of the patients experienced 20% or
      greater reduction in the mean BFI, and 24 (59%) had a reduction of two units or
      more in worst fatigue score in past 24 hours as assessed by the BFI. The most
      comment grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia (n=2 [5%]), hypertension (n=2
      [5%]), insomnia (n=1 [2%]), tinnitus and dizziness (n=1 [2%]), and
      thrombocytopenia (n=1 [2%]). INTERPRETATION: In patients with CLL, ruxolitinib
      was associated with significant improvements in disease-related symptoms as
      measured by BFI, MDASI, and symptom interference scores. Further studies to test
      the therapeutic efficacy of ruxolitinib in CLL are warranted. FUNDING: Incyte,
      National Cancer Institute.

PMID- 28089240
TI  - Comparison of PaO2 and PaCO2 in arterial blood gas analysis between EcoLiteTM and
      conventional medium concentration face mask.

PMID- 28089241
TI  - Dynamic T-wave inversions in the setting of left bundle branch block.
AB  - We illustrate the case a patient with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and
      electrocardiogram (ECG) changes consistent with those described in Wellens'
      syndrome. The characteristic ECG findings of Wellens' syndrome identify patients
      who have a particularly high rate of important coronary events in the near
      future, however these findings have previously been described only in the setting
      of normal conduction. A review of Wellens' syndrome, its criteria and
      pathophysiology, and its proposed appearance in the setting of LBBB is presented.

PMID- 28089242
TI  - The impact of working as a medical scribe.

PMID- 28089243
TI  - The relation between GAD1 and PTSD symptoms: Shared risk for depressive symptoms.

PMID- 28089244
TI  - Synchronous Ipsilateral High Submuscular Placement of Prosthetic Balloons and
      Reservoirs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Synchronous ipsilateral high submuscular placement of artificial
      urinary sphincter (AUS) pressure-regulating balloons (PRBs) and inflatable penile
      prosthesis (IPP) reservoirs in a single submuscular tunnel is a novel strategy
      that could be advantageous for patients who have had major pelvic surgery. AIM:
      To report our initial experience with synchronous ipsilateral vs bilateral
      placement of AUS PRBs and IPP reservoirs in men undergoing implant surgery.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing synchronous AUS and
      IPP placement from 2007 through 2015 by a single surgeon at our tertiary center.
      Patients were stratified according to ipsilateral vs bilateral placement of the
      AUS PRB and IPP reservoir. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reoperation rates because of
      infectious or erosive complications and mechanical failure were assessed.
      RESULTS: Of the 968 implant surgeries during the study period, 47 men had
      synchronous device placement, of whom 17 (36%) underwent ipsilateral placement of
      the PRB and reservoir. During a median follow-up of 19 months (range = 1-84
      months), reoperations were necessary in 12 of 47 (26%) and were similar between
      groups (ipsilateral, 5 of 17, 29%; bilateral, 7 of 30, 23%; P = .73). Most
      reoperations were due to AUS-related complications (10 of 12, 83%) and nearly all
      patients with reoperation (10 of 12, 83%) had compromised urethras (ie, prior
      urethral surgery, radiation, or prior AUS implantation). The most common
      indication for reintervention was cuff erosion (4 of 47, 9%), with no difference
      between groups (ipsilateral, 3 of 17, 18%; bilateral, 1 of 30, 3%; P = .13).
      CONCLUSION: Synchronous ipsilateral high submuscular placement of urologic
      prosthetic balloons could safely facilitate prosthetic surgery in patients with a
      history of major pelvic and inguinal surgery.

PMID- 28089245
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of postmortem imaging vs autopsy-A systematic review.
AB  - Background Postmortem imaging has been used for more than a century as a
      complement to medico-legal autopsies. The technique has also emerged as a
      possible alternative to compensate for the continuous decline in the number of
      clinical autopsies. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of postmortem imaging for
      various types of findings, we performed this systematic literature review. Data
      sources The literature search was performed in the databases PubMed, Embase and
      Cochrane Library through January 7, 2015. Relevant publications were assessed for
      risk of bias using the QUADAS tool and were classified as low, moderate or high
      risk of bias according to pre-defined criteria. Autopsy and/or histopathology
      were used as reference standard. Findings The search generated 2600 abstracts, of
      which 340 were assessed as possibly relevant and read in full-text. After further
      evaluation 71 studies were finally included, of which 49 were assessed as having
      high risk of bias and 22 as moderate risk of bias. Due to considerable
      heterogeneity - in populations, techniques, analyses and reporting - of included
      studies it was impossible to combine data to get a summary estimate of the
      diagnostic accuracy of the various findings. Individual studies indicate,
      however, that imaging techniques might be useful for determining organ weights,
      and that the techniques seem superior to autopsy for detecting gas Conclusions
      and Implications In general, based on the current scientific literature, it was
      not possible to determine the diagnostic accuracy of postmortem imaging and its
      usefulness in conjunction with, or as an alternative to autopsy. To correctly
      determine the usefulness of postmortem imaging, future studies need improved
      planning, improved methodological quality and larger materials, preferentially
      obtained from multi-center studies.

PMID- 28089246
TI  - Identification and characterization of L-lysine decarboxylase from Huperzia
      serrata and its role in the metabolic pathway of lycopodium alkaloid.
AB  - Lysine decarboxylation is the first biosynthetic step of Huperzine A (HupA). Six
      cDNAs encoding lysine decarboxylases (LDCs) were cloned from Huperzia serrata by
      degenerate PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). One HsLDC isoform was
      functionally characterized as lysine decarboxylase. The HsLDC exhibited greatest
      catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km, 2.11 s-1 mM-1) toward L-lysine in vitro among all
      reported plant-LDCs. Moreover, transient expression of the HsLDC in tobacco
      leaves specifically increased cadaverine content from zero to 0.75 mg per gram of
      dry mass. Additionally, a convenient and reliable method used to detect the two
      catalytic products was developed. With the novel method, the enzymatic products
      of HsLDC and HsCAO, namely cadaverine and 5-aminopentanal, respectively, were
      detected simultaneously both in assay with purified enzymes and in transgenic
      tobacco leaves. This work not only provides direct evidence of the first two-step
      in biosynthetic pathway of HupA in Huperzia serrata and paves the way for further
      elucidation of the pathway, but also enables engineering heterologous production
      of HupA.

PMID- 28089247
TI  - [Mid gut neuroendocrine tumors: News on medical treatment].
AB  - CONTEXT: Mid gut neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are rare tumors whose incidence is
      increasing. Curative surgery remains the gold standard for the treatment of NETs
      of the small intestine. Surgery should be considered as soon as possible even if
      a metastatic stage is diagnosed. The management of unresectable well
      differentiated metastatic NETs of the small intestine recently changed with the
      publication of trials demonstrating the benefit of targeted therapies and
      metabolic radiotherapy, leading to a change of practices and update of French and
      international recommendations. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to
      present the recent data consisting of three phase III studies, which modify the
      management of well-differentiated metastatic midgut NETs and make an inventory of
      the available treatment options. DOCUMENTARY SOURCES: The documentary sources
      used were gathered through the PubMed website using keyword searching
      (neurendocrine tumor, mid gut, treatment). We also referred to recommendations of
      the European Society of neuroendocrine tumors (ENETS) trials presented at ESMO
      Congress 2015 (European Society for Medical Oncology). STUDY SELECTION: We
      excluded studies of exclusive extra-digestive NETs, poorly differentiated NETs,
      surgical treatments and phase I studies. RESULTS: We discussed three randomized
      phase III trials: CLARINET, RADIANT and NETTER studies. These studies
      demonstrated the efficacy of respectively somatostatin analogues, mTOR inhibitors
      and metabolic radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the validation by
      randomized studies of an mTOR inhibitor and metabolic radiotherapy in metastatic
      non-pancreatic digestive NETs unresectable well-differentiated grade of G1/2 in
      progression under somatostatin analogues.

PMID- 28089248
TI  - Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) deficiency augments
      BAFF production to promote lupus progression.
AB  - Sensing of nucleic acids by pattern recognition receptors is the key for the
      initiation and development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Triggering
      receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is a novel innate immune receptor,
      which can amplify Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced inflammatory responses.
      Although patients with lupus exhibit increased serum levels of soluble TREM-1
      (sTREM-1), the role of TREM-1 in SLE remains unknown. In current study, we found
      serum sTREM-1 levels were significantly increased in lupus patients and
      positively correlated with disease activity. Additionally, diseased B6.lpr mice
      had elevated TREM-1 in the serum, spleen, and lymph nodes. To investigate the
      role of TREM-1 in lupus, we established Trem-1-/-.lpr mice. Trem-1-/-.lpr mice
      exhibited lower survival rates and more severe lupus symptoms, including elevated
      proteinuria, serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels, renal immune complex depositions
      and lymphocyte subpopulation expansions in both the spleen and lymph nodes.
      Besides, Trem-1-/-.lpr mice expressed higher serum B cell-activating factor
      (BAFF) levels and lymph node dendritic cells (DCs) were the major source of
      increased BAFF. Activation of membrane-bound TREM-1 could suppress TLR9-induced
      BAFF expression in bone marrow-derived DCs of B6.lpr mice. Moreover, levels of
      sTREM-1, which could act as an antagonist of membrane-bound TREM-1, were
      positively correlated with levels of BAFF in the sera of lupus patients. Our
      findings suggest a novel modulatory role of TREM-1 in the pathogenesis of SLE.
      sTREM-1 production is a useful diagnostic marker and a molecular target for
      combination therapy of lupus.

PMID- 28089249
TI  - Redundant and fault-tolerant algorithms for real-time measurement and control
      systems for weapon equipment.
AB  - Because of the high availability requirements from weapon equipment, an in-depth
      study has been conducted on the real-time fault-tolerance of the widely applied
      Compact PCI (CPCI) bus measurement and control system. A redundancy design method
      that uses heartbeat detection to connect the primary and alternate devices has
      been developed. To address the low successful execution rate and relatively large
      waste of time slices in the primary version of the task software, an improved
      algorithm for real-time fault-tolerant scheduling is proposed based on the Basic
      Checking available time Elimination idle time (BCE) algorithm, applying a single
      neuron self-adaptive proportion sum differential (PSD) controller. The
      experimental validation results indicate that this system has excellent
      redundancy and fault-tolerance, and the newly developed method can effectively
      improve the system availability.

PMID- 28089250
TI  - Pathology of behavior in PD: What is known and what is not?
AB  - Abnormal behavior in Parkinson's disease (PD) stems from a complex orchestration
      of impaired neural networks that result from PD-related neurodegeneration across
      multiple levels. Typically, cellular and tissue abnormalities generate
      neurochemical changes and disrupt specific regions of the brain, in turn creating
      impaired neural circuits and dysfunctional global networks. The objective of this
      chapter is to provide an overview of the array of pathological changes that have
      been linked to different behavioral symptoms of PD such as depression, anxiety,
      apathy, fatigue, impulse control disorders, psychosis, sleep disorders and
      dementia.

PMID- 28089251
TI  - Mutations in MAPKBP1 Cause Juvenile or Late-Onset Cilia-Independent
      Nephronophthisis.
AB  - Nephronophthisis (NPH), an autosomal-recessive tubulointerstitial nephritis, is
      the most common cause of hereditary end-stage renal disease in the first three
      decades of life. Since most NPH gene products (NPHP) function at the primary
      cilium, NPH is classified as a ciliopathy. We identified mutations in a candidate
      gene in eight individuals from five families presenting late-onset NPH with
      massive renal fibrosis. This gene encodes MAPKBP1, a poorly characterized
      scaffolding protein for JNK signaling. Immunofluorescence analyses showed that
      MAPKBP1 is not present at the primary cilium and that fibroblasts from affected
      individuals did not display ciliogenesis defects, indicating that MAPKBP1 may
      represent a new family of NPHP not involved in cilia-associated functions.
      Instead, MAPKBP1 is recruited to mitotic spindle poles (MSPs) during the early
      phases of mitosis where it colocalizes with its paralog WDR62, which plays a key
      role at MSP. Detected mutations compromise recruitment of MAPKBP1 to the MSP
      and/or its interaction with JNK2 or WDR62. Additionally, we show increased DNA
      damage response signaling in fibroblasts from affected individuals and upon
      knockdown of Mapkbp1 in murine cell lines, a phenotype previously associated with
      NPH. In conclusion, we identified mutations in MAPKBP1 as a genetic cause of
      juvenile or late-onset and cilia-independent NPH.

PMID- 28089254
TI  - Volumetric Analysis of Carotid Plaque Components and Cerebral Microbleeds: A
      Correlative Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to explore the association between carotid
      plaque volume (total and the subcomponents) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive (male 53; median age 64) patients
      were retrospectively analyzed. Carotid arteries were studied by using a 16
      detector-row computed tomography scanner whereas brain was explored with a 1.5
      Tesla system. CMBs were studied using a T2*-weighted gradient-recalled echo
      sequence. CMBs were classified as from absent (grade 1) to severe (grade 4).
      Component types of the carotid plaque were defined according to the following
      Hounsfield unit (HU) ranges: lipid less than 60 HU; fibrous tissue from 60 to 130
      HU; calcification greater than 130 HU, and plaque volumes of each component were
      calculated. Each carotid artery was analyzed by 2 observers. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of CMBs was 35.3%. A statistically significant difference was observed
      between symptomatic (40%) and asymptomatic (11%) patients (P value = .001; OR =
      6.07). Linear regression analysis demonstrated an association between the number
      of CMBs and the symptoms (P = .0018). Receiver operating characteristics curve
      analysis found an association between the carotid plaque subcomponents and CMBs
      (Az = .608, .621, and .615 for calcified, lipid, and mixed components,
      respectively), and Mann-Whitney test confirmed this association in particular for
      the lipid components (P value = .0267). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study
      confirm the association between CMBs and symptoms and that there is an increased
      number of CMBs in symptomatic patients. Moreover, we found that an increased
      volume of the fatty component is associated with the presence and number of CMBs.

PMID- 28089253
TI  - Progressive Bilateral Vertebral Artery Dissection in a Case of Osteogenesis
      Imperfecta.
AB  - A 32-year-old woman with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) was admitted to the
      hospital because of a right-sided occipital headache and facial paresthesia. She
      was diagnosed with lateral medullary syndrome due to right vertebral artery (VA)
      dissection. She was treated conservatively without antithrombotic therapy. She
      developed subarachnoid hemorrhage because of contralateral VA dissection 18 days
      later. This clinical course may reflect the underlying weakness of the vessel
      wall in OI. In patients with OI, occlusion of a unilateral VA could cause
      dissection and subsequent rupture of the contralateral VA. Early surgical
      treatment for lesions of the VA is required in such cases.

PMID- 28089252
TI  - Practical Approaches for Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of Heart- and Blood
      Related Traits.
AB  - Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) allows for a comprehensive view of the sequence of
      the human genome. We present and apply integrated methodologic steps for
      interrogating WGS data to characterize the genetic architecture of 10 heart- and
      blood-related traits in a sample of 1,860 African Americans. In order to evaluate
      the contribution of regulatory and non-protein coding regions of the genome, we
      conducted aggregate tests of rare variation across the entire genomic landscape
      using a sliding window, complemented by an annotation-based assessment of the
      genome using predefined regulatory elements and within the first intron of all
      genes. These tests were performed treating all variants equally as well as with
      individual variants weighted by a measure of predicted functional consequence.
      Significant findings were assessed in 1,705 individuals of European ancestry.
      After these steps, we identified and replicated components of the genomic
      landscape significantly associated with heart- and blood-related traits. For two
      traits, lipoprotein(a) levels and neutrophil count, aggregate tests of low
      frequency and rare variation were significantly associated across multiple
      motifs. For a third trait, cardiac troponin T, investigation of regulatory
      domains identified a locus on chromosome 9. These practical approaches for WGS
      analysis led to the identification of informative genomic regions and also showed
      that defined non-coding regions, such as first introns of genes and regulatory
      domains, are associated with important risk factor phenotypes. This study
      illustrates the tractable nature of WGS data and outlines an approach for
      characterizing the genetic architecture of complex traits.

PMID- 28089255
TI  - Characterization of the Walch B3 glenoid in primary osteoarthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The type B3 glenoid is an addition to the Walch classification. A
      potential etiologic theory is that it is a progression of the B2. It is
      characterized by uniconcavity, absent paleoglenoid, medialization, retroversion,
      and subluxation. The purpose of this study was to describe the morphology of B3
      glenoids. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with B3 glenoids underwent 3-dimensional
      analysis of computed tomography data. Glenoid measurements (retroversion,
      inclination, medialization) and humeral head subluxation according to the
      scapular and glenoid planes were determined. The measured variables were compared
      between male and female patients. RESULTS: The mean B3 retroversion, inclination,
      and medialization were 24 degrees  +/- 7 degrees , 8 degrees  +/- 6 degrees 
      superior, and 14 +/- 4 mm, respectively. The mean posterior subluxation was 80%
      +/- 8% and 54% +/- 6% according to the scapular and glenoid planes, respectively.
      There were no differences in B3 characteristics between sexes (P > .05). A
      significant correlation existed between glenoid retroversion and humeral head
      subluxation relative to the scapular plane, with every 1 degrees  increase in
      retroversion translating to a 1% increase in subluxation (P < .001). In contrast,
      when referencing the glenoid plane, the humeral head remained concentric to the
      erosion. CONCLUSIONS: The B3 is uniconcave and retroverted. As glenoid
      retroversion increases, posterior humeral head subluxation significantly
      increases as referenced to the scapular plane; however, when referenced to the
      glenoid plane, the head remains concentric to the erosion. This appearance of
      "concentricity" is acquired secondary to the wear pattern, creating a uniconcave
      glenoid. Therefore, surgeons should be aware that the visualized concentricity is
      a product of the erosion pattern and thus may conceal a greater amount of
      subluxation potential.

PMID- 28089256
TI  - A comparative analysis of work-related outcomes after humeral hemiarthroplasty
      and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The return to work of young patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty
      is increasingly important. Whereas studies have shown superior outcomes of
      reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) compared with humeral hemiarthroplasty
      (HHA), no prior literature has compared RTSA with HHA in regard to return to
      work. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected shoulder
      arthroplasty registry was performed to analyze all patients who underwent RTSA or
      HHA at a single institution. A validated questionnaire evaluating return to work
      postoperatively was administered at baseline and at follow-up in addition to the
      American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and visual analog scale (VAS) pain surveys.
      RESULTS: The study included 40 RTSA and 41 HHA patients. The average age at
      surgery was 68.6 years in the RTSA group and 60.8 years in the HHA group (P <
      .001). Postoperatively, 65% of RTSA patients returned to work compared with 70.7%
      of HHA patients (P = .64). There was no significant difference in the time to
      return to work between the RTSA (2.3 months) and HHA (3.1 months) groups (P =
      .46). Both groups had statistically significant improvements in both the American
      Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and VAS scores. The improvement in pain on the VAS
      for patients undergoing RTSA (-5.6) trended toward significance compared with HHA
      (-4.2) (P = .056). CONCLUSION: Roughly two-thirds of patients undergoing either
      HHA or RTSA were able to return to work postoperatively, with no significant
      difference found between the 2 groups in terms of time to return to work, despite
      that patients undergoing RTSA were significantly older.

PMID- 28089257
TI  - The natural course of nonoperatively treated rotator cuff tears: an 8.8-year
      follow-up of tear anatomy and clinical outcome in 49 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The natural course of nonoperatively treated rotator cuff tears is
      not fully understood. We explored the long-term development of tear anatomy and
      assessed functional outcomes. METHODS: Eighty-nine small to medium-sized full
      thickness tears of the rotator cuff, all primarily treated by physiotherapy, were
      identified retrospectively. Twenty-three tears needed surgical treatment later
      on, and 17 patients were unable to meet for follow-up. The remaining 49 still
      unrepaired tears were re-examined after 8.8 (8.2-11.0) years with sonography. Re
      examination by magnetic resonance imaging was possible for 37 patients. Shoulder
      function was assessed with shoulder scores. Primary outcome measures were
      progression of tear size, muscle atrophy, and fatty degeneration and the Constant
      score (CS). RESULTS: Mean tear size increased by 8.3 mm in the anterior-posterior
      plane (P = .001) and by 4.5 mm in the medial-lateral plane (P = .001). Increase
      of tear size was -5 to +9.9 mm in 33 patients, 10 to 19.9 mm in 8 patients, and
      >=20 mm in 8 patients. The CS was 81 points for tear increases <20 mm and 58.5
      points for increases >=20 mm (P = .008). Muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration
      progressed in 18 and 15 of the 37 patients, respectively. In tears with no
      progression of atrophy, the CS was 82 points compared with 75.5 points in tears
      with progression (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic tear deterioration was found in
      the majority of patients, but it was often moderate. Large tear size increases
      and progression of muscle atrophy were correlated to a poorer functional outcome.

PMID- 28089258
TI  - The effect of scapular position on subacromial contact behavior: a cadaver study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with subacromial impingement were reported to show abnormal
      scapular positions during shoulder elevation. However, the relationship between
      the scapular positions and subacromial impingement is unclear. The purpose of
      this study was to biomechanically determine the effect of scapular position on
      subacromial contact behavior by using fresh frozen cadavers. METHODS: The peak
      contact pressure on the coracoacromial arch was measured with a flexible tactile
      force sensor in 9 fresh frozen cadaver shoulders. The measurement was performed
      during passive glenohumeral elevation in the scapular plane ranging from 30
      degrees  to 75 degrees . The scapular downward and internal rotations and
      anterior tilt were simulated by tilting the scapula in 5 degrees  increments up
      to 20 degrees . The measurement was also performed with combination of scapular
      downward and internal rotations and anterior tilt positions. RESULTS: The peak
      contact pressure decreased linearly with anterior tilt, and a significant
      difference between neutral scapular position (1.06 +/- 0.89 MPa) and anterior
      tilt by 20 degrees  (0.46 +/- 0.18 MPa) was observed (P < .05). However, the
      scapular positioning in the other directions did not change the peak contact
      pressure significantly. Furthermore, any combination of abnormal scapular
      positions did not affect peak contact pressure significantly. CONCLUSION:
      Scapular anterior tilt decreased peak contact pressure during passive shoulder
      elevation. In addition, scapular downward and internal rotations had little
      effect on peak contact pressure. The abnormal scapular motion reported in
      previous studies might not be directly related to symptoms caused by subacromial
      impingement.

PMID- 28089259
TI  - Prosthetic replacement for coronoid deficiency: report of three cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persistent elbow instability associated with coronoid deficiency is a
      difficult condition to treat. Several surgical techniques have been described for
      coronoid reconstruction, but the resulting outcomes have been unpredictable. We
      hypothesized that a coronoid prosthesis could restore elbow stability. METHODS: A
      nonanatomically shaped metallic coronoid prosthesis was custom designed for each
      of 3 patients. Each had a chronic fracture-subluxation with persistent
      instability, deficiencies of the coronoid, and compromise of the radial head.
      Each patient had undergone 2 to 4 prior failed operations. RESULTS: At a mean
      follow-up of 11 years (range, 10-12), 2 of the 3 patients were completely pain
      free; the third had a visual analog scale pain score not greater than 3/10. All 3
      maintained a stable joint, although a functional range of motion was not able to
      be maintained in any. Two patients rated themselves "improved" and 1 patient
      rated himself "almost normal" on the Summary Outcome Determination scale. All
      radiographic follow-up showed the coronoid prosthesis in proper position without
      loosening. CONCLUSION: Prosthetic replacement of the coronoid appears successful
      in restoring stability in chronically unstable elbows with coronoid deficiency.

PMID- 28089260
TI  - Are degenerative rotator cuff disorders a cause of shoulder pain? Comparison of
      prevalence of degenerative rotator cuff disease to prevalence of nontraumatic
      shoulder pain through three systematic and critical reviews.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS AND BACKGROUND: The role of degeneration is not well understood for
      rotator cuff pain. If age-related degenerative changes would be the cause of
      symptoms, degeneration would precede or concur with self-reported pain. We
      performed 3 systematic literature reviews. Our objectives were to determine the
      prevalence estimates for rotator cuff partial or complete tears (1) in cadavers
      and (2) in the general population and (3) to estimate the incidence/prevalence of
      self-reported nontraumatic shoulder pain in the general population in order to
      compare their respective age-related profiles. METHODS: We searched PubMed and
      ScienceDirect, including 2015, for cadaveric studies and transverse and
      longitudinal studies of the general population reporting the incidence/prevalence
      of rotator cuff disorders or nontraumatic shoulder pain, or both, according to
      age. The review process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
      Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results were interpreted visually.
      RESULTS: We found 6 cadaveric studies, 2 studies from the general population
      reporting complete tears, and 10 articles on nontraumatic shoulder pain in the
      general population that met our criteria. The profiles of degeneration vs. pain
      were very similar in early years. Although degenerative rotators cuff lesions
      increased gradually after 50 years, the incidence/prevalence of nontraumatic
      shoulder pain decreased after 65 years. CONCLUSION: The profile of age-related
      degenerative rotator cuff disorders fails to correlate systematically with self
      reported nontraumatic shoulder pain, particularly in older age; thus, it appears
      that degeneration should not be considered the primary source of the pain.
      Physical activity may play an important role in the production of the pain, a
      theory that warrants further study.

PMID- 28089261
TI  - Is previous nonarthroplasty surgery a risk factor for periprosthetic infection in
      primary shoulder arthroplasty?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of periprosthetic
      infection after primary shoulder arthroplasty (SA) in patients undergoing
      previous nonarthroplasty shoulder surgery compared with those without previous
      surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing primary SA at our
      institution between 1970 and 2012 were included in this study. The cohort
      consisted of 4577 patients treated with 2890 total SAs, 1233 hemiarthroplasties,
      and 454 reverse SAs; 813 (18%) patients had undergone prior nonarthroplasty
      shoulder surgery on the operative side. Patients with and without previous
      surgery were compared for postoperative periprosthetic infection. Univariate and
      multivariable analyses were used. RESULTS: Deep postoperative infection of the
      shoulder was diagnosed in 68 patients (1.49%). Of the 813 patients who had
      undergone previous surgery, 20 (2.46%) developed a deep postoperative infection.
      However, of the 3764 patients who did not have previous shoulder surgery, 48
      patients (1.28%) sustained deep shoulder infection. This difference was
      significant in both the univariate (P = .0094) and multivariate analyses (P =
      .0390). In addition, older age and female gender were significantly associated
      with a lower risk of deep postoperative infection (P = .0150 and P = .0074,
      respectively). A higher number of previous surgeries was also significantly
      associated with an increased risk of deep postoperative infection (P = .0272).
      CONCLUSIONS: The risk of infection after primary SA is significantly higher in
      patients with a history of prior non-arthroplasty-related surgery. This finding
      should be discussed with the patients before their surgery, and potential
      preoperative and intraoperative workup should be undertaken to identify at-risk
      patients.

PMID- 28089263
TI  - Adiponectin, orexin A and orexin B concentrations in the serum and uterine
      luminal fluid during early pregnancy of pigs.
AB  - Adiponectin is the most abundant adipose-released protein that circulates in
      human plasma at high concentrations. The neuropeptides orexin A (OXA, hypocretin
      1) and orexin B (OXB, hypocretin-2) are derived from a common precursor peptide,
      prepro-orexin and are produced mainly by neurons located in the lateral
      hypothalamus. It has been demonstrated that the peptides such as adiponectin and
      orexins have an important role in the regulation of energy metabolism and
      neuroendocrine functions. These hormones appear to be implicated in both normal
      and disturbed pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to determine
      adiponectin and orexin concentrations in the plasma and uterine luminal fluid
      (ULF) of pigs during early gestation and to explore the relationships between
      hormone concentrations and stages of pregnancy. The greatest plasma
      concentrations of adiponectin were observed on days 15-16 and 27-28 of pregnancy,
      and the least concentrations were on days 30-32 of gestation and on days 10-11 of
      the oestrous cycle. In ULF, adiponectin concentrations were greater on days 15-16
      of pregnancy and on days 10-11 of the oestrous cycle than on days 10-11 and days
      12-13 of pregnancy. The greatest OXA concentrations in the blood plasma were
      noted on days 10-16 of gestation, and the least OXA concentrations were on days
      27-32 of pregnancy and on days 10-11 of the oestrous cycle. Orexin A
      concentrations in ULF were greater on days 10-11 of the cycle than throughout
      pregnancy. Serum OXB concentrations were greatest on days 10-11 and 30-32 of
      pregnancy, and least on days 12-28 of gestation. The greatest OXB concentrations
      in ULF were on days 10-13 of gestation, and the least OXB concentrations were on
      days 15-16 of pregnancy. This is first study to demonstrate the presence of
      adiponectin and orexins in the serum and ULF during early pregnancy of pigs as
      well as the relationships between adiponectin and orexin concentrations and the
      stage of pregnancy. The fluctuations in adiponectin and orexin concentrations in
      the plasma and ULF suggest that the hormones present in ULF are mostly of local
      origin and that these hormones participate in the processes that accompany early
      pregnancy.

PMID- 28089264
TI  - Development and validation of the deep brain stimulation impairment scale (DBS
      IS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS)
      has considerable influence on motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease
      (PD). While improvements in motor functioning can be easily assessed with general
      quality of life questionnaires, the measurement of specific STN-DBS-associated
      impairments often remains insufficient. Hence, we aimed to develop a
      questionnaire that measures STN-DBS-related impairments. METHODS: The development
      of the (STN-)DBS Impairment Scale (DBS-IS) consisted of four steps. First, 30
      semi-structured interviews before, three and twelve months after STN-DBS-surgery
      were performed to create 76 items that relate to motor and non-motor functioning
      in STN-DBS PD patients. Second, pilot-testing led to a rewording of the questions
      for better understanding. Third, a first multicentre survey was performed to
      reduce items by applying principal component analysis (PCA). Fourth, a second
      multicentre survey was conducted to examine factor structure, reliability
      (internal consistency) and validity. RESULTS: After the first survey (N = 215),
      the PCA lead to a reduction of 54 items. After the second survey (N = 391),
      exploratory factor analysis determined six factors with 22 items: 1. Postural
      instability and gait difficulties (5 items), 2. Cognitive impairment (5 items),
      3. Speaking problems (3 items), 4. Apathy (3 items), 5. Impulsivity (3 items),
      and 6. Difficulties related to the DBS device (3 items). High reliability was
      reported for all subscales (Cronbach's alpha 0.71-0.90). Similarly, construct
      validity was high (r > 0.50, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With this new questionnaire
      patients can be followed-up and STN-DBS-specific problems might be adequately
      measured. Also, comparisons between patients with and without STN-DBS might be
      possible.

PMID- 28089265
TI  - Gender differences in Parkinson's disease depression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: 30-40% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience
      depression during their illness; identifying subtypes of depression and groups at
      risk remains a challenge in routine clinical care. One avenue that remains
      underexplored is the gender-specific profiles manifested in PD depression. We
      sought to explore this in a large sample of clinical PD patients. METHODS: 307
      patient records at a tertiary referral centre were reviewed for clinical and
      demographic factors. We used recursive partitioning to determine which items on
      the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were most useful in differentiating patients
      who scored in the depressed range (>=14) from those who scored in the non
      depressed range (<=13). We also used recursive partitioning to identify those BDI
      items that were most effective in differentiating depressed from non-depressed
      patients in both genders. RESULTS: We were able to identify a subset of items on
      the BDI that were most useful in partitioning depressed from non-depressed in the
      entire cohort. Partitioning of men and women with PD depression relied on
      different key BDI items, melancholy featuring prominently in women, while the
      more classical factors associated with depression in PD (apathy and loss of
      libido) featured more prominently in men. CONCLUSION: Unique factors not
      previously identified as core features of depression in PD were found most useful
      in partitioning depressed women from non-depressed women. This raises the
      possibility that a female-specific depressive profile has been under-appreciated
      in past work. Additional studies are required to discern how this may impact
      future research, diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 28089266
TI  - TRPC1, Orai1, and STIM1 in SOCE: Friends in tight spaces.
AB  - Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous Ca2+ entry pathway that is
      activated in response to depletion of ER-Ca2+ stores and critically controls the
      regulation of physiological functions in miscellaneous cell types. The transient
      receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) is the first member of the TRPC channel
      subfamily to be identified as a molecular component of SOCE. While TRPC1 has been
      shown to contribute to SOCE and regulate various functions in many cells, none of
      the reported TRPC1-mediated currents resembled ICRAC, the highly Ca2+-selective
      store-dependent current first identified in lymphocytes and mast cells. Almost a
      decade after the cloning of TRPC1 two proteins were identified as the primary
      components of the CRAC channel. The first, STIM1, is an ER-Ca2+ sensor protein
      involved in activating SOCE. The second, Orai1 is the pore-forming component of
      the CRAC channel. Co-expression of STIM1 and Orai1 generated robust ICRAC.
      Importantly, STIM1 was shown to also activate TRPC1 via its C-terminal polybasic
      domain, which is distinct from its Orai1-activating domain, SOAR. In addition,
      TRPC1 function critically depends on Orai1-mediated Ca2+ entry which triggers
      recruitment of TRPC1 into the plasma membrane where it is then activated by
      STIM1. TRPC1 and Orai1 form discrete STIM1-gated channels that generate distinct
      Ca2+ signals and regulate specific cellular functions. Surface expression of
      TRPC1 can be modulated by trafficking of the channel to and from the plasma
      membrane, resulting in changes to the phenotype of TRPC1-mediated current and
      [Ca2+]i signals. Thus, TRPC1 is activated downstream of Orai1 and modifies the
      initial [Ca2+]i signal generated by Orai1 following store depletion. This review
      will summarize the important findings that underlie the current concepts for
      activation and regulation of TRPC1, as well as its impact on cell function.

PMID- 28089268
TI  - Analysis of radioxenon and Krypton-85 at the BfS noble gas laboratory.
AB  - Proportional counters and a beta-gamma coincidence system and their performance
      characteristics are described, with emphasis on internal and external quality
      controls. Typical limits of detection (LD) are 8mBqm-3 for 85Kr and 4mBqm-3 for
      133Xe for the proportional counters, while for similar xenon volumes the LD for
      133Xe in the beta-gamma system is approximately 4 times lower. Results of
      comparative analyses agree above the limit of quantification. Xenon-133 levels in
      southern Germany are presently at or below the LD of the proportional counters,
      but above the LD of the beta-gamma system, which is now routinely used for
      analysis of environmental samples.

PMID- 28089267
TI  - Probes for monitoring regulated exocytosis.
AB  - Regulated secretion is a fundamental cellular process that serves diverse
      functions in neurobiology, endocrinology, immunology, and numerous other aspects
      of animal physiology. In response to environmental or biological cues, cells
      release contents of secretory granules into an extracellular medium to
      communicate with or impact neighboring or distant cells through paracrine or
      endocrine signaling. To investigate mechanisms governing stimulus-secretion
      coupling, to better understand how cells maintain or regulate their secretory
      activity, and to characterize secretion defects in human diseases, probes for
      tracking various exocytotic events at the cellular or sub-cellular level have
      been developed over the years. This review summarizes different strategies and
      recent progress in developing optical probes for monitoring regulated secretion
      in mammalian cells.

PMID- 28089269
TI  - Reference materials for neptunium determination.

PMID- 28089270
TI  - Coordinated underground measurements of gamma-ray emitting radionuclides for
      plasma physics research.
AB  - Forty-eight samples made of CaF2, LiF and YVO4 were placed inside the KSTAR
      Tokamak and irradiated by neutrons and charged particles from eight plasma
      pulses. The aim was to provide information for plasma diagnostics. Due to the
      short pulse durations, the activities induced in the samples were low and
      therefore measurements were performed in five low-background underground
      laboratories. Details of the underground measurements, together with data on the
      quality control amongst the radiometric laboratories, are presented.

PMID- 28089271
TI  - Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy at age 25: Where are we now and where we are
      going?

PMID- 28089272
TI  - Retention behavior of isomeric polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles in gas
      chromatography on stationary phases of different selectivity.
AB  - Retention indices for 48 polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs) were
      determined using gas chromatography with three different stationary phases: a 50%
      phenyl phase, a 50% liquid crystalline dimethylpolysiloxane (LC-DMPS) phase, and
      an ionic liquid (IL) phase. Correlations between the retention behavior on the
      three stationary phases and PASH geometry (L/B and T, i.e., length-to-breadth
      ratio and thickness, respectively) were investigated for the following four
      isomer sets: (1) 4 three-ring molecular mass (MM) 184Da PASHs, (2) 13 four-ring
      MM 234Da PASHs, (3) 10 five-ring MM 258Da PASHs, and (4) 20 five-ring MM 284Da
      PASHs. Correlation coefficients for retention on the 50% LC-DMPS vs L/B ranged
      from r=0.50 (MM 284Da) to r=0.77 (MM 234Da). Correlation coefficients for
      retention on the IL phase vs L/B ranged from r=0.31 (MM 234Da) to r=0.54 (MM
      284Da). Correlation coefficients for retention on the 50% phenyl vs L/B ranged
      from r=0.14 (MM 258Da) to r=0.59 (MM 284Da). Several correlation trends are
      discussed in detail for the retention behavior of PASH on the three stationary
      phases.

PMID- 28089273
TI  - High performance liquid chromatography analysis of 100-nm liposomal nanoparticles
      using polymer-coated, silica monolithic columns with aqueous mobile phase.
AB  - Recently, nanoparticles have garnered considerable attention, and the demand for
      a rapid and simple method for their analysis has increased accordingly. The
      bimodal pores (few MUm- and few tens nm-sized pores) of monolithic columns were
      thought to be suitable for the separation of nanoparticles and small molecules;
      however, the residual silanol groups on the column surface resulted in the strong
      adsorption of liposomes and hindered their analysis. To overcome this problem, we
      modified the surface of the silica monolith via a two-step process and developed
      three silica monolithic columns coated with three different polymers: glycidyl
      methacrylate (GMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and N-vinylpyrrolidone
      (VP). These were used for the analysis of 100-nm liposomal nanoparticles. Since
      15% polymer coating prevented the nanoparticle adsorption, liposomes
      (AmBisome(r)) and pegylated liposomes (DOXIL(r)) were eluted rapidly (within
      1min) using these columns, without using organic solvents in the mobile phase.
      Molecular leaching from the liposomes, as well as protein adsorption to the
      liposomes (corona formation) could be evaluated using the polymer-coated columns,
      thus illustrating their utility in the rapid and simple analysis of 100-nm
      liposomal nanoparticles.

PMID- 28089274
TI  - Retention behavior of alkyl-substituted polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycle
      isomers in gas chromatography on stationary phases of different selectivity.
AB  - Retention indices for 10 sets of alkyl-substituted polycyclic aromatic sulfur
      heterocycles (PASHs) isomers (total of 80 PASHs) were determined using gas
      chromatography with three different stationary phases: a 50% phenyl phase, a 50%
      liquid crystalline dimethylpolysiloxane (LC-DMPS) phase, and an ionic liquid (IL)
      phase. Correlations between the retention behavior on the three stationary phases
      and PASH geometry [length-to-breadth (L/B) and thickness (T)] were investigated
      for the following PASHs: 4 methyl-substituted dibenzothiophenes (DBTs), 3 ethyl
      substituted DBTs, 15 dimethyl-substituted DBTs, 8 trimethyl-substituted DBTs, 15
      methyl-substituted naphthothiophenes, 30 methyl-substituted
      benzonaphthothiophenes, and 5 methyl-substituted tetrapheno[1,12-bcd]thiophene.
      Correlation coefficients for retention on the 50% phenyl phase vs L/B ranged from
      r=-0.28 (MeBbN23Ts) to r=0.92 (EtDBTs). Correlation coefficients for retention on
      the IL phase vs L/B ranged from r=0.13 (MeN12Ts) to r=0.83 (EtDBTs). Correlation
      coefficients for retention on the 50% LC-DMPS phase vs L/B ranged from r=0.22
      (MeDBTs) to r=0.84 (TriMeDBTs).

PMID- 28089275
TI  - Microfluidic membrane suppressor module design and evaluation for capillary ion
      chromatography.
AB  - A microfluidic ion-suppression module for use in ion-exchange chromatography has
      been developed and evaluated. The device consists of an ion-exchange membrane
      clamped between two polymer chips featuring a 200*100MUm (width*depth) eluent
      channel (l=60mm), and a 300*150MUm regenerant channel (60mm), respectively. The
      suppression efficacy using a Nafion membrane was compared with that of a styrene
      sulfonate grafted fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) membrane. The latter was
      found to outperform Nafion in terms of lowest attainable background signal
      (suppression efficacy) and dynamic suppression range. Increasing the suppressor
      temperature or the sulfuric acid regenerant concentration led to an extension of
      the operational suppression range, this however at the cost of an increased
      background signal due to enhanced diffusion, inducing sulfate bleed. Under
      optimized operating conditions, the microfluidic suppressor provided a dynamic
      capacity of 0.35MUEq./min, being compatible with gradient separations applying up
      to 70mM KOH in combination with 400MUm i.d. capillary columns operated at the
      optimal flow velocity. The applicability of the miniaturized suppressor is
      demonstrated for both isocratic and gradient separations of mixtures of inorganic
      anions. Band-broadening characteristics of the suppressor were optimized with
      respect to a commercial capillary hollow-fiber suppressor, yielding comparable
      overall system efficiency, e.g., 8500 plates for nitrate recorded on a 150mm long
      capillary column. A second chip device was also constructed, featuring
      suppression at both sides of the eluent flow path. This double-sided suppressor
      allowed to increase sample throughput and operate at eluent flow rates of
      10MUL/min, while maintaining efficient suppression characteristics.

PMID- 28089276
TI  - Simultaneous separation of neutral and cationic analytes by one dimensional open
      tubular capillary electrochromatography using zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 as
      stationary phase.
AB  - Developing simple methods for separation of analytes that belong to different
      classes is of great importance. Herein, we developed a simple one-dimensional (1
      D) capillary electrochromatography method to demonstrate the simultaneous
      separation of target fractions that belong to two different classes (i.e.,
      cationic and neutral analytes) without switching buffer solution by a zeolitic
      imidazolate framework ZIF-8 coated capillary column. Owing to the difference of
      charge-to-mass ratio of the cationic analytes, the interaction of the cationic
      analytes and coating material ZIF-8 and the hydrophobic interactions between the
      neutral analytes and the microporous framework of ZIF-8, six cationic analytes
      and four neutral analytes were simultaneously separated in a single run by 1-D
      capillary electrochromatography. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the
      analytes migration time for intra-day, inter-day and column-to-column were in the
      range of 0.11-0.87%, 0.54-2.04% and 2.00-6.89% and the RSDs of the analytes peak
      area for intra-day, inter-day and column-to-column were in the range of 0.70
      4.45%, 1.33-6.20% and 2.27-11.88%. Additionally, the developed method was
      employed in the analysis of urine samples with satisfactory recoveries.

PMID- 28089277
TI  - Accurate determination of residual acrylic acid in superabsorbent polymer of
      hygiene products by headspace gas chromatography.
AB  - This work reports on a method for the determination of residual acrylic acid (AA)
      in the superabsorbent polymers for hygiene products by headspace analysis. It was
      based on water extraction for the polymer sample at a room temperature for 50min.
      Then, the AA in the extractant reacted with bicarbonate solution in a closed
      headspace sample vial, from which the carbon dioxide generated from the reaction
      (within 20min at 70 degrees C) was detected by gas chromatography (GC). It was
      found that there is adsorption partition equilibrium of AA between solid-liquid
      phases. Therefore, an equation for calculating the total AA content in the
      original polymers sample was derived based on the above phase equilibrium. The
      results show that the HS-GC method has good precision (RSD<2.51%) and good
      accuracy (recoveries from 93 to 105%); the limit of quantification (LOQ) was
      373mg/kg. The present method is rapid, accurate, and suitable for determining
      total residual acrylic acid in a wide variety of applications from processing of
      superabsorbent polymer to commercial products quality control.

PMID- 28089278
TI  - Estimating uptake of phthalate ester metabolites into the human nail plate using
      pharmacokinetic modelling.
AB  - There is a lack of knowledge regarding uptake of phthalate esters (PEs) and other
      chemicals into the human nail plate and thus, clarity concerning the suitability
      of human nails as a valid alternative matrix for monitoring long-term exposure.
      In particular, the relative importance of internal uptake of phthalate
      metabolites (from e.g. blood) compared to external uptake pathways is unknown.
      This study provides first insights into the partitioning of phthalate-metabolites
      between blood and nail using pharmacokinetic (PK) modelling and biomonitoring
      data from a Norwegian cohort. A previously published PK model (Lorber PK model)
      was used in combination with measured urine data to predict serum concentrations
      of DEHP and DnBP/DiBP metabolites at steady state. Then, partitioning between
      blood and nail was assessed assuming equilibrium conditions and treating the nail
      plate as a tissue, assuming a fixed lipid and water content. Although calculated
      as a worst-case scenario at equilibrium, the predicted nail concentrations of
      metabolites were lower than the biomonitoring data by factors of 44 to 1300
      depending on the metabolite. It is therefore concluded that internal uptake of
      phthalate metabolites from blood into nail is a negligible pathway and does not
      explain the observed nail concentrations. Instead, external uptake pathways are
      more likely to dominate, possibly through deposition of phthalates onto the
      skin/nail and subsequent metabolism. Modelling gaseous diffusive uptake of PEs
      from air to nail revealed that this pathway is unlikely to be important.
      Experimental quantification of internal and external uptake pathways of
      phthalates and their metabolites into the human nail plate is needed to verify
      these modelling results. However, based on this model, human nails are not a good
      indicator of internal human exposure for the phthalate esters studied.

PMID- 28089279
TI  - Perspective on pre- and post-natal agro-food exposure to persistent organic
      pollutants and their effects on quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue constitutes a continual source of internal exposure to
      organic pollutants (OPs). When fats mobilize during pregnancy and breastfeeding,
      OPs could affect foetal and neonatal development, respectively. SCOPE AND
      APPROACH: The main aim of this review is to deal with pre- and post-natal
      external exposure to organic pollutants and their effects on health, proposing
      prevention measures to reduce their risk. The goal is the development of a
      biomonitoring framework program to estimate their impact on human health, and
      prevent exposure by recommending some changes in personal lifestyle habits. KEY
      FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: It has been shown that new studies should be developed
      taking into account their cumulative effect and the factors affecting their body
      burden. In conclusion, several programs should continuously be developed by
      different health agencies to have a better understanding of the effect of these
      substances and to develop a unified public policy.

PMID- 28089280
TI  - Financial hardship on the path to Universal Health Coverage in the Gulf States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Countries globally are pursuing universal health coverage to ensure
      better healthcare for their populations and prevent households from catastrophic
      expenditure. The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have and
      continue to implement reforms to strengthen their health systems. A common theme
      between the countries is their pursuit of universal health coverage to provide
      access to necessary health care without exposing people to financial hardship.
      METHODS: Using nationally representative data from the Global Findex study, we
      sought to analyze the hardship faced by individuals from four high-income
      countries in the GCC. We estimated the weighted proportion of individuals
      borrowing for medical reasons and those who are not able to obtain emergency
      funds. We further examined variations in these outcomes by key socioeconomic
      factors. RESULTS: We found up to 11% of respondents borrowed money for medical
      purposes, double of that reported in other high-income countries. In contrast to
      affluent respondents, we found that respondents from deprived background were
      more likely to borrow money for medical purposes (adjusted odds ratio: 1.81,
      P<0.001) and expected to fail in obtaining emergency funds (adjusted odds ratio:
      4.03, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In moving forward with their reforms, GCC countries
      should adopt a financing strategy that addresses the health needs of poorer
      groups in their pursuit of universal health coverage.

PMID- 28089281
TI  - Features of public healthcare services provided to migrant patients in the
      Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region (Greece).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influx of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers into European
      Union (EU) countries, especially into Greece, in the last 20 years is an issue of
      growing concern and requires a rational approach. The aim of this study is to
      chart the use of public health services by the migrants of the Eastern Macedonia
      and Thrace Region, which forms the northeastern border of Greece. METHODS: We
      collected data from five of the six public hospitals in the specified region, and
      we carried out a per clinic cross tabulation analysis of admission diagnosis and
      citizenship variables in order to establish the frequency at which the various
      diagnoses emerge per distinct group of migrant and non-migrant patients in each
      clinic. The main limitation of the study was the lack of age-standardised data.
      An additional analysis of frequencies per clinic focusing on migrant patients
      yielded hospitalisation frequencies per country of origin. We also performed a t
      test to compare the average length of stay per clinic between the two groups.
      Finally, we utilised our available data to map the insurance status of migrant
      patients. RESULTS: The results have indicated that the hospitalisation rate of
      migrant patients due to chronic medical conditions is statistically significantly
      lower compared to non-migrant patients, while the opposite is true when looking
      at accident-related diagnoses, certain infectious diseases and medical conditions
      pertaining to depression and alcohol abuse. The comparisons of the average length
      of stay showed no overall differences between migrants and non-migrants. Only
      2.04% of the migrant patients were uninsured. CONCLUSIONS: One of the key issues
      raised by the influx of migrants settling in host countries is concerned with
      health policy. The knowledge afforded by the medical parameters that characterise
      the provision of healthcare to them and the findings of relevant studies can lead
      to a more efficient identification of health risk factors and more effective
      prevention and treatment. This knowledge also constitutes a particularly crucial
      and useful tool to help authorities shape their healthcare policies and modify
      national health systems, which are currently based on the size and
      characteristics of indigenous populations, to take into account the different
      conditions with regard to both the number of patients treated and the
      epidemiological characteristics of the migrants. A greater appreciation of the
      particular current and potential roles of non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
      can help to provide appropriate healthcare services to migrants, refugees and
      asylum-seekers, especially when these groups are excluded from the public health
      system.

PMID- 28089282
TI  - The likely effects of employer-mandated complementary health insurance on health
      coverage in France.
AB  - In France, access to health care greatly depends on having a complementary health
      insurance coverage (CHI). Thus, the generalisation of CHI became a core factor in
      the national health strategy created by the government in 2013. The first measure
      has been to compulsorily extend employer-sponsored CHI to all private sector
      employees on January 1st, 2016 and improve its portability coverage for
      unemployed former employees for up to 12 months. Based on data from the 2012
      Health, Health Care and Insurance survey, this article provides a simulation of
      the likely effects of this mandate on CHI coverage and related inequalities in
      the general population by age, health status, socio-economic characteristics and
      time and risk preferences. We show that the non-coverage rate that was estimated
      to be 5% in 2012 will drop to 4% following the generalisation of employer
      sponsored CHI and to 3.7% after accounting for portability coverage. The most
      vulnerable populations are expected to remain more often without CHI whereas non
      coverage will significantly decrease among the less risk averse and the more
      present oriented. With its focus on private sector employees, the policy is thus
      likely to do little for populations that would benefit most from additional
      insurance coverage while expanding coverage for other populations that appear to
      place little value on CHI.

PMID- 28089283
TI  - MYC Amplification as a Predictive Factor of Complete Pathologic Response to
      Docetaxel-based Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a standard treatment for stage II and III
      breast cancer. The identification of biomarkers that may help in the prediction
      of response to neoadjuvant therapies is necessary for a more precise definition
      of the best drug or drug combination to induce a better response. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We assessed the role of Ki67, hormone receptors expression, HER2, MYC
      genes and their protein status, and KRAS codon 12 mutations as predictor factors
      of pathologic response to anthracycline-cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by taxane
      docetaxel (T) neoadjuvant chemotherapy (AC+T regimen) in 51 patients with
      invasive ductal breast cancer. RESULTS: After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 82.4% of
      patients showed pathologic partial response, with only 9.8% showing pathologic
      complete response. In multivariate analysis, MYC immunoreactivity and high MYC
      gain defined as MYC/nucleus >= 5 were significant predictor factors for
      pathologic partial response. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve
      analysis, the ratio of 2.5 MYC/CEP8 (sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 89.1%)
      or 7 MYC/nuclei copies (sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 73.9%) as the best
      cutoff in predicting a pathologic complete response was identified. Thus, MYC may
      have a role in chemosensitivity to AC and/or docetaxel drugs. Additionally, MYC
      amplification may be a predictor factor of pathologic response to the AC+T
      regimen in patients with breast cancer. Moreover, patients with an increased
      number of MYC copies showed pathologic complete response to this neoadjuvant
      treatment more frequently. CONCLUSION: The analysis of MYC amplification may help
      in the identification of patients that may have a better response to AC+T
      treatment.

PMID- 28089284
TI  - [Bilateral congenital aniridia in ureteropelvic junction syndrome].

PMID- 28089285
TI  - Thick keratoconic cornea associated with posterior polymorphous corneal
      dystrophy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We herein report a case of bilateral unusually thick non-edematous
      keratoconic corneas with associated endothelial features of posterior
      polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD). CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 27
      year-old myopic woman who presented for refractive surgery. Slit lamp exam showed
      bilateral corneal protrusion with diffuse deep stromal and endothelial vesicular
      opacities and small paracentral bands. Topography showed generalized advanced
      corneal steepening in both eyes with increased anterior and posterior central
      corneal elevations in comparison to the best fit sphere. Ultrasound pachymetry
      showed central corneal thickness of 605MUm (RE) and 612MUm (LE). On specular
      biomicroscopy, cell density of 2503 cells/mm2 RE and 1526 cells/mm2 LE with
      significant cellular pleomorphism and polymegathism were noted. DISCUSSION:
      Clinical and paraclinical findings together suggest the presence of simultaneous
      keratoconus and PPCD. The literature has suggested an association between PPCD
      and steep cornea. Moreover, many reports have also described cases of associated
      PPCD and keratoconus with characteristic thinning and ectasia, in comparison to
      the unusual thick corneas noted in our patient, despite the absence of edema.
      Identification of genetics factors is further needed to clarify this association.
      CONCLUSION: This case describes a patient whose corneas present features of both
      keratoconus and PPCD and is unique due to the presence of increased corneal
      thickness despite the absence of edema.

PMID- 28089286
TI  - Historical perspective on the medical use of cannabis for epilepsy: Ancient times
      to the 1980s.
AB  - There has been a dramatic surge in the interest of utilizing cannabis for
      epilepsy treatment in the US. Yet, access to cannabis for research and therapy is
      mired in conflicting regulatory policies and shifting public opinion.
      Understanding the current state of affairs in the medical cannabis debate
      requires an examination of the history of medical cannabis use. From ancient
      Chinese pharmacopeias to the current Phase III trials of pharmaceutical grade
      cannabidiol, this review covers the time span of cannabis use for epilepsy
      therapy so as to better assess the issues surrounding the modern medical opinion
      of cannabis use. This article is part of a Special Issue titled Cannabinoids and
      Epilepsy.

PMID- 28089287
TI  - External ear melanoma: A 10 year assessment of management and outcomes.

PMID- 28089288
TI  - The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Antibiotic-Mediated Killing of Bacteria.
AB  - Recently, it was proposed that there is a common mechanism behind the activity of
      bactericidal antibiotics, involving the production of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS). However, the involvement of ROS in antibiotic-mediated killing has become
      the subject of much debate. In the present review, we provide an overview of the
      data supporting the ROS hypothesis; we also present data that explain the
      contradictory results often obtained when studying antibiotic-induced ROS
      production. For this latter aspect we will focus on the importance of taking the
      experimental setup into consideration and on the importance of some technical
      aspects of the assays typically used. Finally, we discuss the link between ROS
      production and toxin-antitoxin modules, and present an overview of implications
      for treatment.

PMID- 28089289
TI  - Evaluation of five serologic assays for bovine tuberculosis surveillance in
      domestic free-range pigs from southern Spain.
AB  - In countries where bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is still prevalent the contact among
      different animal species in extensive systems contributes to the circulation of
      Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) and other members of the Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis complex (MTC). Thus, free-range pigs can develop subclinical
      infections and may contribute to disease spread to bovine and wildlife.
      Serodiagnosis has been proposed as a screening tool for detecting infected pig
      herds; however, the value of this method to obtain an accurate diagnosis in this
      species is still not clear. In this study, sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp)
      estimates of four ELISAs and a lateral flow immunochromatographic antibody assay
      based on different M. bovis antigens, including MPB70 and MPB83 proteins, were
      evaluated in naturally infected domestic free-range pigs. For this purpose,
      submandibular lymph nodes and blood samples from 217 pigs from both TB-infected
      and historically negative farms were sampled at slaughterhouse and analysed by
      gross examination, histopathology, bacteriological culture and qPCR. Se and Sp
      estimates of the 5 evaluated assays ranged from 66.1% to 78% (CI95 from 52.6 to
      87.7%) and from 98.9% to 100% (CI95 from 93.8 to 100%), respectively. Results of
      our study suggest that all the evaluated assays could be used as a first
      screening tool to conduct bTB surveillance in domestic pigs at population level;
      however, animals from seropositive herds should later be surveyed by other
      methods in order to reduce false negative results.

PMID- 28089290
TI  - Assessing circumstances and causes of dairy cow death in Italian dairy farms
      through a veterinary practice survey (2013-2014).
AB  - A questionnaire survey about on farm dairy cow mortality was carried out among
      veterinary practitioners in Italy between January 2013 and May 2014. The study
      aimed at investigating the main circumstances of death in dairy cows (euthanasia,
      emergency slaughter or unassisted death), the primary causes and the risk factors
      of death. Out of 251 dead cows involved (across 137 farms), 54.6% died assisted
      and 45.4% were found dead. The main causes of death were metabolic/digestive
      disorders (22.3%) and mastitis/udder problems (17.1%), while in 14.7% of all
      cases, reasons of death were unknown. From the univariable generalised linear
      mixed models, dry cows showed a significantly higher odds to die unassisted
      compared to lactating cows (OR=3.2); dry cows also had higher odds of dying from
      unknown reasons (OR=11.7). Season was not significantly related to the risk of
      dying unassisted and for unknown reasons, but during the summer (characterised by
      hot and muggy weather in Northern Italy) cows died mostly for problems at
      calving. 54.2% of cows died during the first 30days in milk (DIM). Half of the
      multiparous cows that died, died in the first 29.5 DIM, while half of the
      primiparous cows that died, died in the first 50 DIM. Results pointed out that,
      especially in dry cows, around calving and during the summer, some failure in
      management practices and daily inspections may occur. Improvements should be done
      in monitoring activities and in recognising early symptoms of diseases among
      stockperson. In addition, in case of diagnosed diseases with poor prognosis,
      euthanasia procedures should be implemented to prevent cows from dying
      unassisted.

PMID- 28089291
TI  - Repair of stenosed neourethra using the proximal neourethral diverticulum - A
      technique in redo hypospadias surgery.
AB  - Neourethral diverticulum secondary to distal neourethral stenosis is not uncommon
      after proximal hypospadias repair. We describe a technique using the neo urethral
      diverticular roof and overlying skin as a composite flap to reconstruct the
      urethral stenosis distal to the diverticulum. The composite flap is advanced
      distally for reconstruction of the stenosed urethra either as a tube or as an
      onlay. Urethra at the diverticular bed is tubularized to reduce its caliber. This
      technique has yielded excellent results in three children. The tissue expansion
      caused by the obstructed urinary stream has been utilized to correct both
      neourethral diverticulum and stenosis.

PMID- 28089292
TI  - Assessing quality of life of patients with hypospadias: A systematic review of
      validated patient-reported outcome instruments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes have the potential to provide invaluable
      information for evaluation of hypospadias patients, aid in decision-making,
      performance assessment, and improvement in quality of care. To appropriately
      measure patient-relevant outcomes, well-developed and validated patient-reported
      outcome (PRO) instruments are essential. OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate
      existing PRO instruments designed to measure quality of life and/or satisfaction
      of individuals with hypospadias that have been developed and validated in a
      hypospadias population. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      PsycINFO, CINAHL and Health and Psychosocial Instruments was conducted in April
      2016. Two reviewers independently assessed studies and identified PRO instruments
      for inclusion. Data were extracted on study characteristics, instrument
      development and validation, and content domains. RESULTS: A total of 32 studies
      were included that used or described five PRO instruments: Hypospadias Objective
      Scoring Evaluation (HOSE), Pediatric Penile Perception Score (PPPS), Penile
      Perception Score (PPS), Genital Perception Scale (GPS) for adults, and GPS for
      children/adolescents. Instrument development and validation was limited. The
      majority of identified instruments focused on postoperative cosmetic
      satisfaction, with only one instrument considering urinary function, and no
      instruments evaluating sexual function and psychosocial sequelae. CONCLUSIONS:
      While many hypospadias studies have acknowledged the necessity of a patient
      reported element, few have used validated PRO instruments developed in a
      hypospadias population. Existing instruments to measure patient-reported outcomes
      in hypospadias require improvement in both the breadth of content and in their
      development and validation methodology.

PMID- 28089293
TI  - Response to commentary to 'Bleeding after circumcision is more likely in children
      with Lichen Sclerosus (Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans)'.

PMID- 28089294
TI  - The American Academy of Pediatrics Workforce Survey for the Section on Urology
      2015.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Division of
      Workforce and Medical Education Policy assumed the task of organizing the updated
      AAP Workforce Survey, which was modeled after the Future of Pediatric Education
      II study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate changes
      in practice patterns of all pediatric medical and surgical specialists over time,
      to facilitate advocacy work by the Academy at federal and state levels. STUDY
      DESIGN: The survey was sent to members of the AAP Section on Urology and the
      Society for Pediatric Urology between June and November 2014. The survey included
      general and sub-specialty-specific questions. Data analysis was performed using
      SPSS 18.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and measures
      of central tendency, were used to summarize all responses. RESULTS: A total of
      255 pediatric urologists returned the survey, giving a response rate of 56.4%.
      The specialty remained vibrant, and members remained content in their career
      choice. About two-thirds practiced in a full-time clinical setting, and had
      research, teaching, and/or administrative duties. About 75% reported no change in
      clinical volume or case complexity, although 50% reported an increase in their
      referral base. A 50% increase in minor cases and a 43.3% decrease in open cases
      were reported. Only 13% planned to retire within the next 3-6 years. The current
      job market for fellows was unrestricted for 51.3%, significantly restricted for
      location for 23.1%, and restricted with regard to practice type for 25.6%.
      Overall, 51%, 37%, and 13% of the respondents expressed the opinions that over
      the next 5 years, too many specialists in pediatric urology were currently being
      trained, just the right number, and too few, respectively. Medical student
      interest remained encouraging. DISCUSSION: One of the primary objectives of the
      survey was to gain insights into whether there was concordance between the number
      of trainees and the current and future job opportunities. Unfortunately, the main
      limitations of the survey were the questions on retirement and adding a partner.
      Since the survey was anonymous, there was a missed opportunity to direct fellows
      to specific job openings. In addition, every member of a large group may have
      individually responded, inflating the responses or, in some cases, negating the
      responses if the partners did not agree. CONCLUSION: Pediatric urologists have an
      overall sense of contentment of career choice, despite shifts in complex open
      surgical volume and increasing competition. Surveys that are not anonymous would
      provide specific geographical manpower needs.

PMID- 28089295
TI  - Inter-rater reliability of distal ureteral diameter ratio compared to grade of
      VUR.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) remains
      controversial, and reflux grade constitutes an important prognostic factor.
      Recent work has suggested that distal ureteral diameter ratio (UDR) is a
      predictive factor relative to clinical outcome independent of grade. Previous
      studies have noted significant inter-rater variability with grading of VUR. The
      present study compared inter-rater reliability of reflux grade and UDR in
      children with primary VUR. STUDY DESIGN: Four pediatric urologists independently
      reviewed, in a blinded fashion, voiding cystourethrograms. For each renal unit,
      grade was assigned according to the standardized international scale. The UDR was
      calculated by dividing the largest ureteral diameter within the false pelvis by
      the distance between L1-L3 vertebral bodies. Correlation within each rater was
      determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Reliability of VUR grade and
      UDR were calculated using two-way ANOVA model inter-rater agreement. RESULTS:
      Four independent raters reliably measured VUR grade (ICC = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78
      0.93) and UDR (ICC = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.92-0.97). While UDR and grade were equally
      reliable measures, UDR had a tighter confidence interval. For each rater, grade
      and UDR were well correlated (r = 0.73-0.84; P < 0.0001). For higher-grade
      reflux, grade was more variable than UDR (Summary Figure). Using empirical
      thresholds, the increased variability of grade compared with UDR may lead to
      significant differences in clinical decision-making among physicians (P = 0.022).
      DISCUSSION: Known discordance with grading reflux emphasizes the need for a more
      objective VUR measurement, as clinicians and parents often opt for clinical
      intervention based on both clinical course and the likelihood of spontaneous
      resolution. While ICC for UDR and grade were not significantly different, the
      confidence intervals for grade were wider due to greater variability among grade
      measurements. This suggests that using UDR measurements may lead to more accurate
      characterization of VUR and ultimately more consistent clinical decision-making
      across providers. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral diameter ratio has good inter-rater
      reliability among pediatric urologists, with less clinically relevant variability
      than VUR grade. Ureteral diameter ratio is a more objective and reliable measure
      than grade, and may be more useful in clinical decision-making.

PMID- 28089296
TI  - Commentary to "Prospective assessment of cosmesis before and after genital
      surgery".

PMID- 28089297
TI  - Time since discharge of 9mm cartridges by headspace analysis, part 1:
      Comprehensive optimisation and validation of a headspace sorptive extraction
      (HSSE) method.
AB  - Estimating the time since discharge of spent cartridges can be a valuable tool in
      the forensic investigation of firearm-related crimes. To reach this aim, it was
      previously proposed that the decrease of volatile organic compounds released
      during discharge is monitored over time using non-destructive headspace
      extraction techniques. While promising results were obtained for large-calibre
      cartridges (e.g., shotgun shells), handgun calibres yielded unsatisfying results.
      In addition to the natural complexity of the specimen itself, these can also be
      attributed to some selective choices in the methods development. Thus, the
      present series of paper aimed to more systematically evaluate the potential of
      headspace analysis to estimate the time since discharge of cartridges through the
      use of more comprehensive analytical and interpretative techniques. Specifically,
      in this first part, a method based on headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) was
      comprehensively optimised and validated, as the latter recently proved to be a
      more efficient alternative than previous approaches. For this purpose, 29
      volatile organic compounds were preliminary selected on the basis of previous
      works. A multivariate statistical approach based on design of experiments (DOE)
      was used to optimise variables potentially involved in interaction effects.
      Introduction of deuterated analogues in sampling vials was also investigated as
      strategy to account for analytical variations. Analysis was carried out by
      selected ion mode, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
      Results showed good chromatographic resolution as well as detection limits and
      peak area repeatability. Application to 9mm spent cartridges confirmed that the
      use of co-extracted internal standards allowed for improved reproducibility of
      the measured signals. The validated method will be applied in the second part of
      this work to estimate the time since discharge of 9mm spent cartridges using
      multivariate models.

PMID- 28089298
TI  - Gunshot wound trajectory analysis using forensic animation to establish relative
      positions of shooter and victim.
AB  - Forensic pathologists who autopsy the victims of gun violence are often called
      upon to answer questions in both criminal and civil proceedings about the
      relative position of the shooter and the victim. In this case report of an
      officer-involved shooting incident, the statement of the police officer appeared
      to be in direct contradiction to the statements of other eyewitnesses, the
      evidence at the scene, and the final resting position of the decedent's body.
      Trajectory analysis of two gunshot wound pathways (only one of which was
      instantaneously incapacitating) was performed to assess the veracity of the
      officer's statement and forensic animation was used to create a court exhibit. A
      discussion of the current peer-reviewed literature is included.

PMID- 28089299
TI  - The (non)sense of routinely analysing beta-hydroxybutyric acid in forensic
      toxicology casework.
AB  - Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) is a ketone body which is generated from fatty
      acids as an alternative energy source when glucose is not available.
      Determination of this compound may be relevant in the forensic laboratory as
      ketoacidosis - an elevated level of ketone bodies - may contribute to the cause
      of death. In this study, we aimed at determining the relevance of routinely
      implementing BHB analysis in the forensic toxicological laboratory, as BHB
      analysis typically requires an additional workload. We therefore performed an
      unbiased retrospective analysis of BHB in 599 cases, comprising 553 blood, 232
      urine and 62 vitreous humour samples. Cases with BHB concentrations above 100mg/L
      (in blood, urine and/or vitreous humour) were invariably associated with elevated
      levels of acetone, another ketone body, the detection of which is already
      implemented in most forensic laboratories using the gas chromatographic procedure
      for ethanol quantification. Our retrospective analysis did not reveal any
      positive case that had been missed initially and confirms that BHB analysis can
      be limited to acetone positive cases.

PMID- 28089300
TI  - Mitragynine concentrations in two fatalities.
AB  - Two cases of fatalities are reported of which the recreational use of Mitragyna
      speciosa ("kratom") could be confirmed. One of these cases presents with one of
      the highest postmortem mitragynine concentrations published to date. Our results
      show that even extremely high mitragynine blood concentrations following the
      consumption of kratom do not necessarily have to be the direct cause of death in
      such fatalities as a result of an acute overdose. The two cases are compared with
      regard to the differences in mitragynine concentrations detected and the role of
      mitragynine in the death of the subjects. Irrespective of the big differences in
      mitragynine concentrations in the postmortem blood samples, mitragynine was not
      the primary cause of death in either of the two cases reported here.
      Additionally, by rough estimation, a significant difference in ratio of
      mitragynine to its diastereomers in the blood and urine samples between the two
      cases could be seen.

PMID- 28089301
TI  - Time since discharge of 9mm cartridges by headspace analysis, part 2: Ageing
      study and estimation of the time since discharge using multivariate regression.
AB  - Estimating the time since discharge of spent cartridges can be a valuable tool in
      the forensic investigation of firearm-related crimes. To reach this aim, it was
      previously proposed that the decrease of volatile organic compounds released
      during discharge is monitored over time using non-destructive headspace
      extraction techniques. While promising results were obtained for large-calibre
      cartridges (e.g., shotgun shells), handgun calibres yielded unsatisfying results.
      In addition to the natural complexity of the specimen itself, these can also be
      attributed to some selective choices in the methods development. Thus, the
      present series of papers aimed to systematically evaluate the potential of
      headspace analysis to estimate the time since discharge of cartridges through the
      use of more comprehensive analytical and interpretative techniques. Following the
      comprehensive optimisation and validation of an exhaustive headspace sorptive
      extraction (HSSE) method in the first part of this work, the present paper
      addresses the application of chemometric tools in order to systematically
      evaluate the potential of applying headspace analysis to estimate the time since
      discharge of 9mm Geco cartridges. Several multivariate regression and pre
      treatment methods were tested and compared to univariate models based on non
      linear regression. Random forests (RF) and partial least squares (PLS) proceeded
      by pairwise log-ratios normalisation (PLR) showed the best results, and allowed
      to estimate time since discharge up to 48h of ageing and to differentiate
      recently fired from older cartridges (e.g., less than 5h compared to more than 1
      2 days). The proposed multivariate approaches showed significant improvement
      compared to univariate models. The effects of storage conditions were also tested
      and results demonstrated that temperature, humidity and cartridge position should
      be taken into account when estimating the time since discharge.

PMID- 28089302
TI  - Germinal Center Lymphocyte Ratios and Successful HIV Vaccines.
AB  - Current HIV vaccines are poor inducers of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). A
      recent study in Cell Reports used serial fine-needle aspirates from rhesus
      macaque lymph nodes following HIV-1 surface envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer
      immunization, generating a substantial production of HIV-1 nAbs. A remarkable
      correlation was found between antibody titers and a high frequency and ratio of
      germinal center B and T follicular helper (TFH) lymphocytes.

PMID- 28089303
TI  - Practical Polling for Prostate Cancer: AR-V7-based Treatment Selection.

PMID- 28089305
TI  - Reply to Thomas Zilli, Gilles Crehange and Olivier Chapet's Letter to the Editor
      re: Pascal Rischmann, Albert Gelet, Benjamin Riche, et al. Focal High Intensity
      Focused Ultrasound of Unilateral Localized Prostate Cancer: A Prospective
      Multicentric Hemiablation Study of 111 Patients. Eur Urol 2017;71:267-73.

PMID- 28089304
TI  - Management of Prostate Cancer in Elderly Patients: Recommendations of a Task
      Force of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology.
AB  - CONTEXT: Prostate cancer is the most frequent male cancer. Since the median age
      of diagnosis is 66 yr, many patients require both geriatric and urologic
      evaluation if treatment is to be tailored to individual circumstances including
      comorbidities and frailty. OBJECTIVE: To update the 2014 International Society of
      Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) guidelines on prostate cancer in men aged >70 yr. The
      update includes new material on health status evaluation and the treatment of
      localised, advanced, and castrate-resistant disease. DATA ACQUISITION: A
      multidisciplinary SIOG task force reviewed pertinent articles published during
      2013-2016 using search terms relevant to prostate cancer, the elderly, geriatric
      evaluation, local treatments, and castration-refractory/resistant disease. Each
      member of the group proposed modifications to the previous guidelines. These were
      collated and circulated. The final manuscript reflects the expert consensus. DATA
      SYNTHESIS: Elderly patients should be managed according to their individual
      health status and not according to age. Fit elderly patients should receive the
      same treatment as younger patients on the basis of international recommendations.
      At the initial evaluation, screening for cognitive impairment is mandatory to
      establish patient competence in making decisions. Initial evaluation of health
      status should use the validated G8 screening tool. Abnormal scores on the G8
      should lead to a simplified geriatric assessment that evaluates comorbid
      conditions (using the Cumulative Illness Score Rating-Geriatrics scale),
      dependence (Activities of Daily Living) and nutritional status (via estimation of
      weight loss). When patients are frail or disabled or have severe comorbidities, a
      comprehensive geriatric assessment is needed. This may suggest additional
      geriatric interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in geriatric evaluation and
      treatments for localised and advanced disease are contributing to more
      appropriate management of elderly patients with prostate cancer. A better
      understanding of the role of active surveillance for less aggressive disease is
      also contributing to the individualisation of care. PATIENT SUMMARY: Many men
      with prostate cancer are elderly. In the physically fit, treatment should be the
      same as in younger patients. However, some elderly prostate cancer patients are
      frail and have other medical problems. Treatment in the individual patient should
      be based on health status and patient preference.

PMID- 28089306
TI  - Effects of dynamic diffraction conditions on magnetic parameter determination in
      a double perovskite Sr2FeMoO6 using electron energy-loss magnetic chiral
      dichroism.
AB  - Electron energy-loss magnetic chiral dichroism (EMCD) spectroscopy, which is
      similar to the well-established X-ray magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy
      (XMCD), can determine the quantitative magnetic parameters of materials with high
      spatial resolution. One of the major obstacles in quantitative analysis using the
      EMCD technique is the relatively poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), compared to
      XMCD. Here, in the example of a double perovskite Sr2FeMoO6, we predicted the
      optimal dynamical diffraction conditions such as sample thickness,
      crystallographic orientation and detection aperture position by theoretical
      simulations. By using the optimized conditions, we showed that the SNR of
      experimental EMCD spectra can be significantly improved and the error of
      quantitative magnetic parameter determined by EMCD technique can be remarkably
      lowered. Our results demonstrate that, with enhanced SNR, the EMCD technique can
      be a unique tool to understand the structure-property relationship of magnetic
      materials particularly in the high-density magnetic recording and spintronic
      devices by quantitatively determining magnetic structure and properties at the
      nanometer scale.

PMID- 28089307
TI  - Corrigendum to "Beneficial effects of 5-fluorouracil and heparin-based portal
      infusion chemotherapy combined with mitomycin C and cisplatin after curative
      resection of pancreatic cancer" [Pancreatology 10 (2010) 250-258].

PMID- 28089308
TI  - Physicians' views and experiences of discussing weight management within routine
      clinical consultations: A thematic synthesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically search and synthesise qualitative studies of
      physicians' views and experiences of discussing weight management within a
      routine consultation. METHODS: A systematic search of four electronic databases
      identified 11,169 articles of which 16 studies met inclusion criteria. Quality
      was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool and a thematic
      synthesis conducted of extracted data. RESULTS: Four analytical themes were
      found: (1) physicians' pessimism about patients' weight loss success (2)
      physicians' feel hopeless and frustrated (3) the dual nature of the physician
      patient relationship (4) who should take responsibility for weight management.
      CONCLUSION: Despite clinical recommendations barriers remain during consultations
      between physicians and patients about weight management. Many of these barriers
      are potentially modifiable. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Improving training, providing
      clearer guidelines and placing a greater emphasis on collaboration within and
      between clinicians will help reduce barriers for both physicians and patients. In
      particular, there is an urgent need for more specialised training for physicians
      about weight management to promote knowledge and skills in behaviour change
      techniques and ways to broach sensitive topics without damaging patient
      relationships.

PMID- 28089309
TI  - Does patient coaching make a difference in patient-physician communication during
      specialist consultations? A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of a
      patient coach intervention on patient - physician communication in specialists
      consultations. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, PsycInfo, Cinahl and Embase were
      searched until November 2015. Included were papers describing interventions
      directed at adult outpatients in secondary care with a variety of somatic
      diseases. Outcomes had to be measured in communication effectivity from a
      patient's perspective. RESULTS: Seventeen publications met the inclusion criteria
      (involving 3787 patients), describing 13 unique interventions. Most interventions
      were single one-on-one sessions taking between 20 and 40min before consultation.
      Research quality in ten studies was high. These studies showed significant
      improvement on immediate, intermediate and long term patient - physician
      communication. CONCLUSION: We found limited evidence suggesting an improvement of
      patient - physician communication by having multiple patient coaching encounters
      during which questions are prepared and rehearsed and consultations are evaluated
      and reflected upon, sometimes supported by audio recording the consultation.
      PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The results of this review contribute to the (re-)design
      of an effective model for patient coaching, a profile and training approach of
      patient coaches. Future research should aim at determining which patients will
      benefit most from coaching interventions.

PMID- 28089310
TI  - Take the HEAT: A pilot study on improving communication with angry families.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the utility of an educational program
      consisting of a workshop based on the Take the HEAT communication strategy,
      designed specifically for addressing patients who are angry, using a novel tool
      to evaluate residents' skills in employing this method. METHODS: 33 first-year
      pediatric and internal medicine-pediatrics residents participated in the study.
      The workshop presented the Take the HEAT (Hear, Empathize, Apologize, Take
      action) strategy of communication. Communication skills were assessed through
      standardized patient encounters at baseline and post-workshop. Encounters were
      scored using a novel assessment tool. RESULTS: After the workshop, residents'
      Take the HEAT communication improved from baseline total average score 23.15 to
      total average score 25.36 (Z=-3.428, p<0.001). At baseline, empathy skills were
      the lowest. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient demonstrated substantial agreement
      (0.60 and 0.61) among raters using the tool. CONCLUSION: First-year pediatric
      trainees' communication with angry families improved with education focused on
      the Take the HEAT strategy. Poor performance by residents in demonstrating
      empathy should be explored further. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study
      demonstrates the utility of a brief communications curriculum aimed at improving
      pediatric residents' ability to communicate with angry families.

PMID- 28089312
TI  - Hunting down an evidence base for adolescent mental health.

PMID- 28089311
TI  - Sustaining program effectiveness after implementation: The case of the self
      management of well-being group intervention for older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Self-Management of Well-being (SMW) group intervention for older
      women was implemented in health and social care. Our aim was to assess whether
      effects of the SMW intervention were comparable with the original randomized
      controlled trial (RCT). Furthermore, we investigated threats to effectiveness,
      such as participant adherence, group reached, and program fidelity. METHODS: In
      the implementation study (IMP) 287 and RCT 142 women participated. We compared
      scores on self-management ability and well-being of the IMP and RCT. For
      adherence, drop-out rates and session attendance were compared. Regarding reach,
      we compared participants' baseline characteristics. Professionals completed
      questions regarding program fidelity. RESULTS: No significant differences were
      found on effect outcomes and adherence between IMP and RCT (all p>=0.135).
      Intervention effect sizes were equal (0.47-0.59). IMP participants were
      significantly less lonely and more likely to be married, but had lower well
      being. Most professionals followed the protocol, with only minimal deviations.
      CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of the SMW group intervention was reproduced after
      implementation, with similar participant adherence, minimal changes in the group
      reached, and high program fidelity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The SMW group
      intervention can be transferred to health and social care without loss of
      effectiveness. Implementation at a larger scale is warranted.

PMID- 28089313
TI  - Optimism, Pessimism, and Pragmatism: Musings on the Cost of Medical Innovation.

PMID- 28089314
TI  - Heart Failure Complicated by Atrial Fibrillation: Don't Bury the Beta-Blockers
      Just Yet.

PMID- 28089315
TI  - Racial Tension in Hypertension: Divergent Effects of African and European
      Ancestry on Cardiac Remodeling.

PMID- 28089316
TI  - Decreased Mortality With Beta-Blockers in Patients With Heart Failure and
      Coexisting Atrial Fibrillation: An AF-CHF Substudy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The impact of beta-blockers on mortality and hospitalizations was
      assessed in the largest randomized trial of patients with both atrial
      fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): the
      Atrial Fibrillation-Congestive Heart Failure trial. BACKGROUND: Although beta
      blockers are the cornerstone of therapy for HFrEF, a recent patient-level meta
      analysis cast doubt on their efficacy in patients with coexisting AF. METHODS:
      From a total of 1,376 subjects randomized in the AF-CHF trial, those without beta
      blockers at baseline were propensity matched to a maximum of 2 exposed patients.
      All absolute standardized differences after matching were <=10%. Primary analyses
      respected the intention-to-treat principle. In on-treatment sensitivity analyses,
      beta-blocker status was modeled as a time-dependent covariate. RESULTS: Baseline
      characteristics were comparable among the matched cohorts (mean age 70 +/- 11
      years, 81% male, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction 27 +/- 6%). During a
      median follow-up of 37 months, beta-blockers were associated with significantly
      lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.721, 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 0.549 to 0.945; p = 0.0180) but not hospitalizations (HR: 0.886; 95% CI:
      0.715 to 1.100; p = 0.2232). Similar results were obtained in sensitivity
      analyses that modeled beta-blockers as a time-dependent variable (HR: 0.668 for
      all-cause mortality; 95% CI: 0.511 to 0.874; p = 0.0032; HR: 0.814 for
      hospitalizations; 95% CI: 0.653 to 1.014; p = 0.0658). There were no significant
      interactions between beta-blockers and patterns (i.e., persistent vs. paroxysmal)
      or burden of AF with respect to mortality or hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: In
      propensity-matched analyses, beta-blockers were associated with significantly
      lower mortality but not hospitalizations in patients with HFrEF and AF,
      irrespective of the pattern or burden of AF. These results support current
      evidence-based recommendations for beta-blockers in patients with HFrEF, whether
      or not they have associated AF.

PMID- 28089317
TI  - Attitudes, perceptions and experiences of mealtimes among residents and staff in
      care homes for older adults: A systematic review of the qualitative literature.
AB  - Addressing problems associated with malnutrition in care home residents has been
      prioritized by researchers and decision-makers. This review aimed to better
      understand factors that may contribute to malnutrition by examining the
      attitudes, perceptions and experiences of mealtimes among care home residents and
      staff. Five databases were searched from inception to November 2015: Medline,
      Embase, PsychINFO, AMED, and the Cochrane Database. Forward and backward citation
      checking of included articles was conducted. Titles, abstracts, and full texts
      were screened independently by two reviewers and quality was assessed using the
      Wallace criteria. Thematic analysis of extracted data was undertaken. Fifteen
      studies were included in the review, encompassing the views and opinions of a
      total of 580 participants set in nine different countries. Four main themes were
      identified: (1) organizational and staff support, (2) resident agency, (3)
      mealtime culture, and (4) meal quality and enjoyment. Organizational and staff
      support was an over-arching theme, impacting all aspects of the mealtime
      experience. Mealtimes are a pivotal part of care home life, providing structure
      to the day and generating opportunities for conversation and companionship.
      Enhancing the mealtime experience for care home residents needs to take account
      of the complex needs of residents while also creating an environment in which
      individual care can be provided in a communal setting. PROSPERO Registration:
      CRD42015025890.

PMID- 28089318
TI  - Analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of epidural analgesia and its
      relationship with eutocic or dystocic delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies have demonstrated the difference in the verbal rating
      scale with regard to obstructed labour and induced labour, so that obstructed
      labour and foetal macrosomia have been related to a greater sensation of pain
      during labour, particularly in the first stage. Even the epidural analgesia is
      linked to the need for instrumented or caesarean section due to foetal
      obstruction. The goal of the study is to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness
      of epidural analgesia in normal versus obstructed labour. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      One hundred and eighty pregnant women were included in an observational,
      analytical, longitudinal and prospective study, that was performed in the
      Obstetrics Department of the Hospital Universitario Dexeus. All the nulliparous
      or multiparous over 36 weeks of pregnancy, after 3cm of cervical dilatation in
      spontaneous or induced labor were included. All the patients were given epidural
      analgesia according to protocol. RESULTS: The basic descriptive methods were used
      for the univariate statistical analysis of the sample and the Mann-Whitney U test
      was used for the comparison of means between both groups. The correlations
      between variables were studied by means of the Spearman coefficient of
      correlation. The differences regarded as statistically significant are those
      whose P<.05. CONCLUSION: In our population there were no statistically
      significant differences in the effectiveness of epidural analgesia in normal
      versus obstructed labour. Patients who got epidural analgesia and had obstructed
      labors have the same degree of verbal rating scale as patients that do not had
      obstructed labors (P>.05).

PMID- 28089319
TI  - Anesthesia management of accidental extubation in the prone position.

PMID- 28089320
TI  - Advances in operating room management. The role of operating room director.

PMID- 28089321
TI  - A single session of prefrontal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation
      does not modulate implicit task sequence learning and consolidation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is assumed to affect
      cortical excitability and dependent on the specific stimulation conditions either
      to increase or decrease learning. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to
      modulate implicit task sequence learning with tDCS. METHODS: As cortico-striatal
      loops are critically involved in implicit task sequence learning, tDCS was
      applied above the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). In Experiment 1,
      anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS was applied before the start of the sequence
      learning task. In Experiment 2, stimulation was applied during the sequence
      learning task. Consolidation of learning was assessed after 24 h. RESULTS: The
      results of both experiments showed that implicit task sequence learning occurred
      consistently but it was not modulated by different tDCS conditions. Similarly,
      consolidation measured after a 24 h-interval including sleep was also not
      affected by stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a single
      session of DLPFC tDCS is not sufficient to modulate implicit task sequence
      learning. This study adds to the accumulating evidence that tDCS may not be as
      effective as originally thought.

PMID- 28089322
TI  - A central giant cell granuloma in posterior part of maxilla-A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Central Giant Cell Granuloma (CGCG) is an intraosseous lesion
      consisting of cellular fibrous tissue that contains multiple foci of hemorrhage,
      aggregations of multinucleated giant cells and occasionally trabeculae of woven
      bone1. PRESENTATION OF CASE: we are presenting a case of Central Giant Cell
      Granuloma on Maxilla. Extra oral examination revealed a diffuse swelling on the
      left side of face causing slight obliteration of nasio - nasolabial labial fold
      resulting in facial asymmetry & Intraoral examination shows a purple expansile
      mass in the region of upper left 26, 27 and 28 edentulous areas. DISCUSSION:
      Giant Cell Granuloma is a rare bony lesion in the Head and Neck region. It is a
      non-odontogenic tumor never seen in any other bone of the skeleton. It most
      commonly affects maxilla followed by the mandible. CONCLUSION: There is no
      recurrence after a long follow up period. We concluded that conventional excision
      is to be considered as a best method to treat central giant cell granuloma.

PMID- 28089323
TI  - Neurophysiological monitoring of lumbar spinal nerve roots: A case report of
      postoperative deficit and literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has proven to
      help reduce the probability of postoperative neurological deficit for spinal
      deformity correctional surgeries. However, in rare cases new deficits may still
      happen. We report a surgical case in which the patient had postoperative
      paralysis. We would like to call for more case reports with postoperative
      neurological deficits as they present difficult clinical cases. PRESENTATION OF
      CASE: A 61-year-old male patient with severe thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis
      underwent posterior spinal correction and fusion with segmental T10-L5 pedicle
      screws and rods instrumentation with IONM. The only intraoperative event was a
      pedicle breach at left L3 which was detected by triggered electromyography (EMG)
      testing, and the pedicle screw was repositioned. Left lower extremity paralysis
      was observed upon patient awakening. He received rehabilitation treatment and had
      limited recovery of muscle strength. Partial lumbar nerve root injury was likely
      the cause of the paralysis. DISCUSSION: This is a case with new lumbar nerve root
      deficit, with positive EMG signal change, but negative somatosensory evoked
      potential (SSEP) and motor evoked potential (MEP) findings. We discuss the
      different neurophysiological modalities for monitoring lumbar spinal nerve root
      function. We review journal articles from the past two decades which reported
      lumbar root deficits, and list neuromonitoring events during the surgeries.
      CONCLUSION: Multimodality monitoring with spontaneous and electrically triggered
      EMG combined with SSEP and MEP may provide the best chance to detect lumbar nerve
      root injuries.

PMID- 28089324
TI  - The Peculiar Functions of the Bacterial Extracellular Matrix.
AB  - A biofilm is a common life form where bacterial cells crowd together surrounded
      by an extracellular matrix (ECM). Traditionally, the ECM is considered as a
      structural material that glues and shields the biofilm cells. Here we describe
      alternative functions of the ECM, highlighting how it benefits microbes beyond
      the biofilms. Next to protecting free-living cells, the ECM participates in
      signaling, migration, and genetic exchange either being freely shared with other
      species or being exclusive to siblings. Considering the structural and recently
      discovered functions of the ECM, we also attempt to revise its role in
      sociomicrobiology. In the light of recent findings, the canonical view on ECM as
      a passive structural material of biofilms should be revisited.

PMID- 28089326
TI  - Mechanical response of common millet (Panicum miliaceum) seeds under quasi-static
      compression: Experiments and modeling.
AB  - The common millet (Panicum miliaceum) seedcoat has a fascinating complex
      microstructure, with jigsaw puzzle-like epidermis cells articulated via wavy
      intercellular sutures to form a compact layer to protect the kernel inside.
      However, little research has been conducted on linking the microstructure details
      with the overall mechanical response of this interesting biological composite. To
      this end, an integrated experimental-numerical-analytical investigation was
      conducted to both characterize the microstructure and ascertain the microscale
      mechanical properties and to test the overall response of kernels and full seeds
      under macroscale quasi-static compression. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was
      utilized to examine the microstructure of the outer seedcoat and nanoindentation
      was performed to obtain the material properties of the seedcoat hard phase
      material. A multiscale computational strategy was applied to link the
      microstructure to the macroscale response of the seed. First, the effective
      anisotropic mechanical properties of the seedcoat were obtained from finite
      element (FE) simulations of a microscale representative volume element (RVE),
      which were further verified from sophisticated analytical models. Then,
      macroscale FE models of the individual kernel and full seed were developed. Good
      agreement between the compression experiments and FE simulations were obtained
      for both the kernel and the full seed. The results revealed the anisotropic
      property and the protective function of the seedcoat, and showed that the sutures
      of the seedcoat play an important role in transmitting and distributing loads in
      responding to external compression.

PMID- 28089325
TI  - Ecology of the Oral Microbiome: Beyond Bacteria.
AB  - Although great strides have been made in understanding the complex bacterial
      community inhabiting the human oral cavity, for a variety of (mainly technical)
      reasons the ecological contributions of oral fungi, viruses, phages, and the
      candidate phyla radiation (CPR) group of ultrasmall bacteria have remained
      understudied. Several recent reports have illustrated the diversity and
      importance of these organisms in the oral cavity, while TM7x and Candida albicans
      have served as crucial paradigms for CPR species and oral fungi, respectively. A
      comprehensive understanding of the oral microbiota and its influence on host
      health and disease will require a holistic view that emphasizes interactions
      among different residents within the oral community, as well as their interaction
      with the host.

PMID- 28089327
TI  - Ceruloplasmin gene expression profile changes in the rat mammary gland during
      pregnancy, lactation and involution.
AB  - Copper metabolism disturbances in mammary gland (MG) cells have severe
      consequences in newborns. The mechanism that controls the balance of copper in
      the MG has not been thoroughly characterized. Four primary copper homeostasis
      genes in mammals: (1) ceruloplasmin (Cp) encoding multifunction multicopper blue
      (ferr)oxidase; (2) CTR1 encoding high affinity copper importer 1; and (3 and 4)
      two similar genes encoding Cu(I)/Cu(II)-ATPases P1 type (ATP7A and ATP7B)
      responsible for copper efflux from the cells and metallation of cuproenzymes
      formed in the Golgi complex are expressed in MG. This study aimed to characterize
      expression of these genes during pregnancy, lactation and forced involution in
      the rat MG. We found that Cp anchored to the plasma membrane and ATP7A were
      expressed during pregnancy and lactation. Soluble Cp and ATP7B were highly
      expressed in lactating MG decreasing to its ending. CTR1 activity increased
      during MG growth and reached its maximum at postpartum and then it decreased
      until the end of lactation. During early forced MG involution, Cp gene expression
      persisted; while a form of Cp that lacked exon 18 appeared. We suggest that Cp
      gene expressional changes at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level
      reflect various physiological functions of Cp proteins during MG remodeling.

PMID- 28089328
TI  - Usefulness of Three-dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiograhy in the Localization
      of the Micra Leadless Pacemaker.

PMID- 28089329
TI  - In Morocco, the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem becomes a
      reality.

PMID- 28089330
TI  - Finite element analysis of implant-assisted removable partial dentures: Framework
      design considerations.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Connecting an acrylic resin base to both a metal framework
      and a rigidly fixed implant may affect the rotational displacement of the
      prosthesis during loading. PURPOSE: The purpose of this finite element analysis
      study was to analyze the effect of connecting a denture base metal framework to
      an implant with the aim of decreasing the rotational movement of an implant
      assisted removable partial denture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A mesial occlusal rest
      direct retainer and a distal occlusal rest direct retainer were modeled and
      adapted to incorporate a modified denture base metal framework in the connection
      area for each model. The stress and deformation patterns of the prosthesis
      structure were determined using finite element analysis and compared for both
      situations. RESULTS: A maximum von Mises stress of 923 MPa was observed on the
      metal framework of the prosthesis with a mesial occlusal rest, and the maximum
      value was 1478 MPa for the distal occlusal rest. A maximum von Mises stress of 17
      MPa occurred on the acrylic resin denture base for the mesial occlusal rest, and
      a maximum von Mises stress of 29 MPa occurred for the distal occlusal rest.
      CONCLUSIONS: The distal occlusal rest direct retainer is stiffer than the mesial
      design and undergoes approximately 66% less deformation. The modified denture
      base framework with an I-bar and distal occlusal rest design provides more
      effective support to the acrylic resin structure.

PMID- 28089331
TI  - Evaluation of marginal and internal adaptation of hybrid and nanoceramic systems
      with microcomputed tomography: An in vitro study.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The accuracy of recently introduced chairside computer
      aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) blocks is not well
      established, and marginal integrity and internal adaptation are not known.
      PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal and
      internal adaptation of hybrid and nanoceramics using microcomputed tomography (MU
      CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The marginal and internal adaptation of 3 polymer
      infiltrated ceramic-network (PICN) materials (Vita Enamic [VE]; Lava Ultimate
      [LU]; Vita Suprinity [VS]) were compared with lithium disilicate (IPS e.max.CAD,
      IPS). Ninety-six specimens (48 dies and 48 crowns) were prepared (n=12 each
      group) using a chairside CAD-CAM system. The restorations were scanned with MU
      CT, with 160 measurements made for each crown, and used in 2-dimensional (2D)
      analysis. The marginal adaptation of marginal discrepancy (MD), absolute marginal
      discrepancy (AMD), internal adaptation of shoulder area (SA), axial space (AS),
      and occlusal space (OS) were compared using appropriate statistical analysis
      methods (alpha=.05). Cement volumes were compared using 3D analysis. RESULTS: The
      IPS blocks showed higher MD (130 MUm), AMD (156 MUm), SA (111 MUm) (P<.05), AS
      (52 MUm), and OS (192 MUm) than the other blocks (P<.01). The adaptation values
      of VS were significantly lower than those of the IPS block (P<.05). The adaption
      values of the LU and VE blocks were significantly lower than those of others
      (P<.01) but were statistically similar to one another (P>.05). IPS had the
      largest cement space at 18 mm3 (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: The marginal and internal
      adaptation values were within a clinically acceptable range for all 3 hybrids and
      nanoceramics tested.

PMID- 28089332
TI  - Lithium silicate endocrown fabricated with a CAD-CAM system: A functional and
      esthetic protocol.
AB  - An endocrown restoration is an alternative approach to complete crowns with
      intraradicular cores or dowels for the restoration of endodontically treated
      teeth. Endocrowns conserve tooth structure and require fewer dental visits. This
      approach has been widely used, and various materials and techniques have been
      reported. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM)
      systems can generate and store libraries of teeth with various anatomies in their
      database, and diagnostic tooth waxing may not be required. However, occlusal
      adjustments after the cementation of indirect restorations are often frustrating.
      Thus, a rapid and efficient way of addressing this challenge is necessary. This
      clinical report presents a protocol for the fabrication and delivery of an
      endocrown by using the biogeneric design mode with lithium silicate-based ceramic
      adjusted before its complete sintering.

PMID- 28089333
TI  - Fit of interim crowns fabricated using photopolymer-jetting 3D printing.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The fit of interim crowns fabricated using 3-dimensional
      (3D) printing is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to
      evaluate the fit of interim crowns fabricated using photopolymer-jetting 3D
      printing and to compare it with that of milling and compression molding methods.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve study models were fabricated by making an impression
      of a metal master model of the mandibular first molar. On each study model,
      interim crowns (N=36) were fabricated using compression molding (molding group,
      n=12), milling (milling group, n=12), and 3D polymer-jetting methods. The crowns
      were prepared as follows: molding group, overimpression technique; milling group,
      a 5-axis dental milling machine; and polymer-jetting group using a 3D printer.
      The fit of interim crowns was evaluated in the proximal, marginal, internal
      axial, and internal occlusal regions by using the image-superimposition and
      silicone-replica techniques. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis tests
      were used to compare the results among groups (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Compared with
      the molding group, the milling and polymer-jetting groups showed more accurate
      results in the proximal and marginal regions (P<.001). In the axial regions, even
      though the mean discrepancy was smallest in the molding group, the data showed
      large deviations. In the occlusal region, the polymer-jetting group was the most
      accurate, and compared with the other groups, the milling group showed larger
      internal discrepancies (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Polymer-jet 3D printing
      significantly enhanced the fit of interim crowns, particularly in the occlusal
      region.

PMID- 28089334
TI  - Masticatory function and oral health-related quality of life in patients after
      partial maxillectomies with closed or open defects.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The healing pattern after surgical resection of tumors of
      the oral cavity involving the maxilla may vary from one patient to another. The
      result may be open communication between the oral and nasal cavities (open
      defect) or complete oronasal separation after healing of the defect area (closed
      defect). PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare masticatory
      function and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients with
      closed and open defects who had undergone a partial maxillectomy and were wearing
      dentomaxillary prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-eight participants who
      had undergone a partial maxillectomy and who were wearing dentomaxillary
      prostheses were enrolled between September 2014 and April 2016. Participants were
      assigned to 2 groups according to the type of defect after healing: 19
      participants had a closed defect, and 19 participants had an open defect.
      Masticatory function was evaluated objectively and subjectively. The objective
      measurement was food-mixing ability, which was assessed using color-changeable
      chewing gum. The subjective measurement was perceived mastication ability, rated
      as a masticatory score based on the patient's responses to a 35-item food intake
      questionnaire. OHRQoL was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment
      Index (GOHAI). The GOHAI questionnaire consists of 12 items reflecting 3
      hypothesized domains of the impact of oral disease: physical function,
      psychosocial function, and pain or discomfort. Differences in the scores obtained
      by the 3 measurements were compared between the 2 groups, using the Wilcoxon rank
      sum test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: No significant differences were seen between the 2
      groups in objective mixing ability, subjective masticatory score, or GOHAI
      (P>.05). Regarding the GOHAI physical function domain, only the swallowing item
      was significantly lower (P=.025) in participants with an open defect than in
      participants with a closed defect. Regarding the GOHAI psychological function
      domain, the item related to patients' psychological worries or concerns about
      their teeth, gingival tissue, or dentures was significantly lower (P=.045) in
      patients with an open defect than in those with a closed defect. Other items
      related to physical function, psychological function, and pain or discomfort were
      not significantly different (P>.05) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The closed
      or open defect in patients who had undergone a partial maxillectomy may not
      influence patients' masticatory function and overall OHRQoL if they have adequate
      prosthetic rehabilitation. However, special consideration should be given to
      patients with an open defect with regard to swallowing function and psychological
      concerns in order to improve their OHRQoL.

PMID- 28089335
TI  - Intrusion of maxillary molar using mini-implants: A clinical report and follow-up
      at 5 years.
AB  - This clinical report describes a straightforward alternative treatment for adult
      patients with extruded maxillary molars, who are reluctant to use fixed
      appliances and complex mechanics. The maxillary molar supereruption of a 57-year
      old woman was treated using buttons bonded to the buccal and palatal surfaces of
      the molars, 2 mini-implants, and elastomeric chains. The intrusion was achieved
      in 5 months. The treatment stability was observed for 5 years after treatment.

PMID- 28089336
TI  - A comparative study of additive and subtractive manufacturing for dental
      restorations.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Digital systems have recently found widespread application
      in the fabrication of dental restorations. For the clinical assessment of dental
      restorations fabricated digitally, it is necessary to evaluate their accuracy.
      However, studies of the accuracy of inlay restorations fabricated with additive
      manufacturing are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to
      evaluate and compare the accuracy of inlay restorations fabricated by using
      recently introduced additive manufacturing with the accuracy of subtractive
      methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The inlay (distal occlusal cavity) shape was
      fabricated using 3-dimensional image (reference data) software. Specimens were
      fabricated using 4 different methods (each n=10, total N=40), including 2
      additive manufacturing methods, stereolithography apparatus and selective laser
      sintering; and 2 subtractive methods, wax and zirconia milling. Fabricated
      specimens were scanned using a dental scanner and then compared by overlapping
      reference data. The results were statistically analyzed using a 1-way analysis of
      variance (alpha=.05). Additionally, the surface morphology of 1 randomly (the
      first of each specimen) selected specimen from each group was evaluated using a
      digital microscope. RESULTS: The results of the overlap analysis of the dental
      restorations indicated that the root mean square (RMS) deviation observed in the
      restorations fabricated using the additive manufacturing methods were
      significantly different from those fabricated using the subtractive methods
      (P<.05). However, no significant differences were found between restorations
      fabricated using stereolithography apparatus and selective laser sintering, the
      additive manufacturing methods (P=.466). Similarly, no significant differences
      were found between wax and zirconia, the subtractive methods (P=.986). The
      observed RMS values were 106 MUm for stereolithography apparatus, 113 MUm for
      selective laser sintering, 116 MUm for wax, and 119 MUm for zirconia. Microscopic
      evaluation of the surface revealed a fine linear gap between the layers of
      restorations fabricated using stereolithography apparatus and a grooved hole with
      inconsistent weak scratches when fabricated using selective laser sintering. In
      the wax and zirconia restorations, possible traces of milling bur passes were
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the accuracy of dental
      restorations fabricated using the additive manufacturing methods is higher than
      that of subtractive methods. Therefore, additive manufacturing methods are a
      viable alternative to subtractive methods.

PMID- 28089337
TI  - A procedure for directly measuring the physiologic rest position and occlusal
      vertical dimension.

PMID- 28089338
TI  - Lymphangitis From Scolopendra heros Envenomation: The Texas Redheaded Centipede.
AB  - Envenomation by Scolopendra heros, the Texas redheaded centipede, can present
      variably. Although transient pain and erythema are often treated conservatively,
      complications may include cellulitis, necrosis, myocardial infarction, and
      rhabdomyolysis. We present a case of an elderly man who came to the emergency
      department with lymphangitis and dermatitis secondary to a centipede sting that
      awoke him from sleep. It is important to recognize the potential of centipede
      envenomation to have severe local and systemic manifestations.

PMID- 28089339
TI  - Discovery of a murine model of clinical PAH: Mission impossible?
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a lung vascular disease characterized
      with a progressive increase of pulmonary vascular resistance and obliterative
      pulmonary vascular remodeling resulting in right heart failure and premature
      death. In this brief review, we document the recent advances in identifying
      genetically modified murine models of PH, with a focus on the recent discovery of
      the mouse model of Tie2 Cre-mediated deletion of prolyl hydroxylase 2, which
      exhibits progressive obliterative vascular remodeling, severe PAH, and right
      heart failure, thus recapitulating many of the features of clinical PAH. We will
      also discuss the translational potential of recent findings arising from
      experimental studies of murine PH models.

PMID- 28089340
TI  - Activation of NK cell cytotoxicity by aerosolized CpG-ODN/poly(I:C) against lung
      melanoma metastases is mediated by alveolar macrophages.
AB  - Controversies remain about NK cells direct responsiveness to Toll-like receptor
      (TLR) agonists or dependence on macrophages. In a melanoma lung metastasis model,
      aerosolized TLR9 and TLR3 agonists have been reported to induce antitumor
      immunity through NK cells activation. In the current study, we demonstrated that
      in vitro TLR9/TLR3 stimulation induced IFN-gamma secretion by NK cells, but an
      increase in their cytotoxicity was detected only after NK cells co-culture with
      in vitro TLR9/TLR3 agonists pretreated alveolar macrophages. Alveolar macrophages
      from melanoma lung metastases-bearing mice, treated with aerosolized TLR
      agonists, also promoted NK cell cytotoxicity. Activated NK cells from lungs of
      melanoma metastases-bearing mice that were given aerosolized TLR9/TLR3 agonists
      were able to polarize naive alveolar macrophages toward a M1-like phenotype. Our
      results demonstrate that activation of NK cells in the lung after TLR engagement
      is mediated by alveolar macrophages and that activated NK cells shape macrophage
      behavior.

PMID- 28089341
TI  - Neoadjuvant external beam radiation is associated with No benefit in overall
      survival for early stage pancreatic cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neoadjuvant protocols for early stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
      frequently involve external beam radiation used in combination with systemic
      chemotherapy. The benefit of radiation in these protocols has not been
      determined. METHODS: We examined patients with stage I and II PDAC within the
      National Cancer Data Base between 2006 and 2012. Propensity score matching was
      used to compare patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy including radiation
      (NCRT) to those receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy without radiation (NCT) prior
      to pancreaticoduodenectomy. RESULTS: Prior to matching, NCRT patients had higher
      rates of T3 tumors (P = 0.046) and vascular abutment (P < 0.001). Propensity
      score matching (1:1) yielded 397 patients per group. Patients treated with NCRT
      were more likely to have node negative resections (P < 0.001) but had increased
      rates of 90-day mortality (P = 0.015) and demonstrated a trend towards shorter
      overall survival (P = 0.0502) than those receiving NCT. CONCLUSION: In early
      stage PDAC, the addition of radiation to NCT is often utilized with more advanced
      disease and is associated with higher perioperative mortality and no long-term
      overall survival benefit.

PMID- 28089342
TI  - A Simulation-based, cognitive assessment of resident decision making during
      complex urinary catheterization scenarios.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study explores general surgery residents' decision making skills
      in uncommon, complex urinary catheter scenarios. METHODS: 40 residents were
      presented with two scenarios. Scenario A was a male with traumatic urethral
      injury and scenario B was a male with complete urinary blockage. Residents
      verbalized whether they would catheterize the patient and described the workup
      and management of suspected pathologies. Residents' decision paths were
      documented and analyzed. RESULTS: In scenario A, 45% of participants chose to
      immediately consult Urology. 47.5% named five diagnostic tests to decide if
      catheterization was safe. In scenario B, 27% chose to catheterize with a 16
      French Coude. When faced with catheterization failure, participants randomly
      upsized or downsized catheters. Chi-square analysis revealed no measurable
      consensus amongst participants. CONCLUSIONS: Residents need more training in
      complex decision making for urinary catheterization. The decision trees generated
      in this study provide a useful blueprint of residents' learning needs. SUMMARY:
      Exploration of general surgery residents' decision making skills in uncommon,
      complex urinary catheter scenarios revealed major deficiencies. The resulting
      decision trees reveal residents' learning needs.

PMID- 28089343
TI  - Assessment of microvascular endothelial function in type 1 diabetes using laser
      speckle contrast imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test whether laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) coupled with
      physiological post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and pharmacological
      iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) as local vasodilator stimuli could
      distinguish between cutaneous microvascular responses of Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM)'s
      patients with endothelial dysfunction and that of healthy controls. METHODS:
      Patients with T1DM aged >=12years completed a clinical-epidemiological
      questionnaire. Data detailing patients' such as daily insulin dose, duration of
      diabetes, and use of pharmaceuticals such as antihypertensive drugs and statins
      that could interfere with endothelial function were obtained. Vascular reactivity
      was assessed in the forearm by LSCI and PORH at baseline and during iontophoresis
      of ACh using increasing anodic currents of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180MUA in
      10second intervals. RESULTS: This study included 50 patients with T1DM and 30
      control subjects. The mean resting flux did not differ between patients and
      control subjects. T1DM patients exhibited endothelial dysfunction upon challenge
      with physiological or pharmacological stimuli. The microvascular response to both
      ACh and PORH (i.e., maximum response at peak and amplitude) were significantly
      reduced in patients with diabetes compared with control subjects (p<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that endothelium-dependent skin microvascular
      vasodilator responses are significantly impaired in patients with T1DM compared
      to healthy subjects investigated using LSCI coupled with ACh iontophoresis and
      PORH. Additionally, we find that LSCI is a promising methodology for studying
      physiological vascular reactivity in T1DM.

PMID- 28089344
TI  - Heparan sulfate storage in the cardiac conduction system triggers
      atrioventricular block.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the novel biological functions of heparan sulfate (HS) by
      clinic-pathologically studying a patient with paroxysmal atrioventricular (AV)
      block. PATIENT: A long-surviving male patient with Sanfilippo syndrome type A
      presented with paroxysmal AV block at age 33years. He then survived another
      2.5years after the onset of paroxysmal AV block and pacemaker implantation.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: His cardiac histopathological examination at autopsy showed
      HS storage in the cardiac conduction system (CCS), especially in the
      atrioventricular node (AVN)-His bundle branches. CONCLUSION: HS storage in the
      CCS might trigger AV block, arising from below the AVN-His bundle branches. This
      is the first description to indicate that HS might be an essential constituent of
      life-long CCS plasticity and that its storage in the CCS results in AV block.

PMID- 28089345
TI  - The insect spermatheca: an overview.
AB  - In the female insect, the spermatheca is an ectodermal organ responsible for
      receiving, maintaining, and releasing sperm to fertilize eggs. The number and
      morphology of spermathecae vary according to species. Within the spermathecal
      lumen, substances in the semen and secretions from the spermathecal gland nourish
      the sperm. Thus, the spermatheca provides an appropriate environment that ensures
      the long-term viability of sperm. Maintaining sperm viability for long periods
      within the spermatheca is crucial for insect reproductive success; however, the
      details of this process remain poorly understood. This review examines several
      aspects of and gaps in the current understanding of spermatheca biology,
      including morphology, function, reservoir filling, development, and biochemistry.
      Despite the importance of the spermatheca in insects, there is little information
      on the gland secretions and their role in the maintenance and protection of male
      gametes. Furthermore, in this review, we highlight the current information on
      spermathecal gland secretions and the likely roles they play in the maintenance
      and protection of sperm.

PMID- 28089346
TI  - Detection of unusual very-long-chain fatty acid and ether lipid derivatives in
      the fibroblasts and plasma of patients with peroxisomal diseases using liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry.
AB  - Metabolic changes occur in patients with peroxisomal diseases owing to
      impairments in the genes involved in peroxisome function. For diagnostic
      purposes, saturated very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) such as C24:0 and C26:0,
      phytanic acid, pristanic acid, and plasmalogens are often measured as metabolic
      hallmarks. As the direct pathology of peroxisomal disease is yet to be fully
      elucidated, we sought to explore the fatty acid species that accumulate in
      patients with peroxisomal diseases. We developed a method for detecting a range
      of fatty acids implicated in peroxisomal diseases such as Zellweger syndrome (ZS)
      and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). To this end, we employed an ultra
      performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) coupled with
      negatively charged electrospray ionization. Fatty acids from patients and control
      subjects were extracted from total lipids by acid-hydrolysis and compared. In
      accordance with previous results, the amounts of VLCFAs, phytanic acid, and
      pristanic acid differed between the two groups. We identified extremely long and
      highly polyunsaturated VLCFAs (ultra-VLC-PUFAs) such as C44:12 in ZS samples.
      Moreover, three unknown molecules were prominent in control samples but scarcely
      detectable in ZS samples. LC-MS/MS analysis identified these as 1-alkyl-sn
      glycerol 3-phosphates derived from ether lipids containing fatty alcohols such as
      C16:0, C18:0, or C18:1. Our method provides an approach to observing a wide range
      of lipid-derived fatty acids and related molecules in order to understand the
      metabolic changes involved in peroxisomal diseases. This technique can therefore
      be used in identifying metabolic markers and potential clinical targets for
      future treatment.

PMID- 28089347
TI  - Virtual screening and experimental validation identify novel modulators of
      nuclear receptor RXRalpha from Drugbank database.
AB  - Retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha), an important ligand-dependent transcription
      factor, plays a critical role in the development of various cancers and metabolic
      and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, RXRalpha represents one of the most
      important targets in modern drug discovery. In this study, Drugbank 2.0 with 1280
      old drugs were virtually screened by Glide according to the crystal structure of
      ligand-binding domain (LBP) of RXRalpha. 15 compounds selected were tested for
      their binding and transcriptional activity toward RXRalpha by Biacore and
      reporter gene assay, respectively. The identified new scafford ligand of
      RXRalpha, Pitavastatin (1), was chemically optimized. Our results demonstrated
      that statin compounds Pitavastatin (1) and Fluvastatin (4) could bind to the LBP
      of RXRalpha (KD=13.30MUM and 11.04MUM, respectively) and serve as transcriptional
      antagonists of RXRalpha. On the contrary, compound (12) (domperidone) and (13)
      (rosiglitazone maleate) could bind to the LBP of RXRalpha (KD=8.80MUM and
      15.01MUM, respectively) but serve as transcriptional agonists of RXRalpha.

PMID- 28089348
TI  - Shape-based virtual screening, synthesis and evaluation of novel pyrrolone
      derivatives as antiviral agents against HCV.
AB  - A ligand-based approach was applied to screen in silico a library of commercially
      available compounds, with the aim to find novel inhibitors of the HCV replication
      starting from the study of the viral NS3 helicase. Six structures were selected
      for evaluation in the HCV subgenomic replicon assay and one hit was found to
      inhibit the HCV replicon replication in the low micromolar range. A small series
      of new pyrrolone compounds was designed and synthesised, and novel structures
      were identified with improved antiviral activity.

PMID- 28089349
TI  - Development of new PTK7-targeting aptamer-fluorescent and -radiolabelled probes
      for evaluation as molecular imaging agents: Lymphoma and melanoma in vivo proof
      of concept.
AB  - Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that recognize molecular targets
      with high affinity and specificity. Aptamer that selectively bind to the protein
      tyrosine kinase-7 (PTK7) receptor, overexpressed on many cancers, has been
      labelled as probes for molecular imaging of cancer. Two new PTK7-targeting
      aptamer probes were developed by coupling frameworks from the fluorescent dye
      AlexaFluor647 or the 6-hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC) chelator-labelled to 99mTc.
      The derivatizations via a 5'-aminohexyl terminal linker were done at room
      temperature and under mild buffer conditions. Physicochemical and biological
      controls for both imaging agents were performed verifying the integrity of the
      aptamer-conjugates by HPLC. Recognition of melanoma (B16F1) and lymphoma (A20)
      mouse cell lines by the aptamer was studied using cell binding, flow cytometry
      and confocal microscopy. Finally, in vivo imaging studies in tumour-bearing mice
      were performed. The new probes were able to bind to melanoma and lymphoma cell
      lines in vitro, the in vivo imaging in tumour-bearing mice showed different
      uptake behaviours showing for the fluorescent conjugate good uptake by B cell
      lymphoma while the radiolabelled conjugate did not display tumour uptake due to
      its high extravascular distribution, and both showed rapid clearance properties
      in tumour-bearing mice.

PMID- 28089350
TI  - Rickettsia prowazekii methionine aminopeptidase as a promising target for the
      development of antibacterial agents.
AB  - Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) is a class of ubiquitous enzymes essential for
      the survival of numerous bacterial species. These enzymes are responsible for the
      cleavage of N-terminal formyl-methionine initiators from nascent proteins to
      initiate post-translational modifications that are often essential to proper
      protein function. Thus, inhibition of MetAP activity has been implicated as a
      novel antibacterial target. We tested this idea in the present study by targeting
      the MetAP enzyme in the obligate intracellular pathogen Rickettsia prowazekii. We
      first identified potent RpMetAP inhibitory species by employing an in vitro
      enzymatic activity assay. The molecular docking program AutoDock was then
      utilized to compare published crystal structures of inhibited MetAP species to
      docked poses of RpMetAP. Based on these in silico and in vitro screens, a subset
      of 17 compounds was tested for inhibition of R. prowazekii growth in a pulmonary
      vascular endothelial cell (EC) culture infection model system. All compounds were
      tested over concentration ranges that were determined to be non-toxic to the ECs
      and 8 of the 17 compounds displayed substantial inhibition of R. prowazekii
      growth. These data highlight the therapeutic potential for inhibiting RpMetAP as
      a novel antimicrobial strategy and set the stage for future studies in pre
      clinical animal models of infection.

PMID- 28089351
TI  - Longitudinal association between hippocampus atrophy and episodic-memory decline.
AB  - There is marked variability in both onset and rate of episodic-memory decline in
      aging. Structural magnetic resonance imaging studies have revealed that the
      extent of age-related brain changes varies markedly across individuals. Past
      studies of whether regional atrophy accounts for episodic-memory decline in aging
      have yielded inconclusive findings. Here we related 15-year changes in episodic
      memory to 4-year changes in cortical and subcortical gray matter volume and in
      white-matter connectivity and lesions. In addition, changes in word fluency,
      fluid IQ (Block Design), and processing speed were estimated and related to
      structural brain changes. Significant negative change over time was observed for
      all cognitive and brain measures. A robust brain-cognition change-change
      association was observed for episodic-memory decline and atrophy in the
      hippocampus. This association was significant for older (65-80 years) but not
      middle-aged (55-60 years) participants and not sensitive to the assumption of
      ignorable attrition. Thus, these longitudinal findings highlight medial-temporal
      lobe system integrity as particularly crucial for maintaining episodic-memory
      functioning in older age.

PMID- 28089352
TI  - Downregulation of miR-132/212 impairs S-nitrosylation balance and induces tau
      phosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - MicroRNA-132 is markedly downregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related
      tauopathies, and its levels are closely associated with tau pathology in AD.
      Whether and how miR-132 contributes to pathology in these neurodegenerative
      diseases remains unclear. Here, we show that miR-132 and its paralogue miR-212
      directly regulate the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) through
      the primate-specific binding site. Inhibition of miR-132 in primary human neurons
      and neural cells leads to increased NOS1 levels and triggers excessive production
      of nitric oxide, followed by aberrant S-nitrosylation (SNO) of specific proteins
      associated with neurodegeneration and tau pathology, such as cyclin-dependent
      kinase 5, dynamin-related protein 1, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase. This, in turn, increases tau phosphorylation at disease associated
      Ser396, Ser404, and Ser202 sites, and impairs neural viability. Our findings
      indicate that downregulation of miR-132/212 disturbs the balance of S
      nitrosylation and induces tau phosphorylation in a NOS1-dependent way, and
      thereby may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD and other tauopathies.

PMID- 28089353
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid mitochondrial DNA in the Alzheimer's disease continuum.
AB  - Low levels of cell-free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients have been identified and proposed as a
      novel biomarker for the disease. The lack of validation studies of previous
      results prompted us to replicate this finding in a comprehensive series of
      patients and controls. We applied droplet digital polymerase chain reaction in
      CSF specimens from 124 patients representing the AD spectrum and 140
      neurologically healthy controls. The following preanalytical and analytical
      parameters were evaluated: the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on mtDNA, the
      linearity of mtDNA load across serial dilutions, and the mtDNA levels in the
      diagnostic groups. We found a wide range of mtDNA copies, which resulted in a
      high degree of overlap between groups. Although the AD group presented
      significantly higher mtDNA counts, the receiver-operating characteristic analysis
      disclosed an area under the curve of 0.715 to distinguish AD patients from
      controls. MtDNA was highly stable with low analytical variability. In conclusion,
      mtDNA levels in CSF show a high interindividual variability, with great overlap
      within phenotypes and presents low sensitivity for AD.

PMID- 28089354
TI  - Primary biliary cholangitis-primary sclerosing cholangitis in an evolving overlap
      syndrome: A case report.

PMID- 28089355
TI  - Lymphocytic esophagitis: A rare finding in adult patients with dysphagia and food
      impaction.

PMID- 28089356
TI  - Insertions and Deletions Target Lineage-Defining Genes in Human Cancers.
AB  - Certain cell types function as factories, secreting large quantities of one or
      more proteins that are central to the physiology of the respective organ.
      Examples include surfactant proteins in lung alveoli, albumin in liver
      parenchyma, and lipase in the stomach lining. Whole-genome sequencing analysis of
      lung adenocarcinomas revealed noncoding somatic mutational hotspots near
      VMP1/MIR21 and indel hotspots in surfactant protein genes (SFTPA1, SFTPB, and
      SFTPC). Extrapolation to other solid cancers demonstrated highly recurrent and
      tumor-type-specific indel hotspots targeting the noncoding regions of highly
      expressed genes defining certain secretory cellular lineages: albumin (ALB) in
      liver carcinoma, gastric lipase (LIPF) in stomach carcinoma, and thyroglobulin
      (TG) in thyroid carcinoma. The sequence contexts of indels targeting lineage
      defining genes were significantly enriched in the AATAATD DNA motif and specific
      chromatin contexts, including H3K27ac and H3K36me3. Our findings illuminate a
      prevalent and hitherto unrecognized mutational process linking cellular lineage
      and cancer.

PMID- 28089357
TI  - Localization of Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 mRNA in the Colorectal Mucosa
      of Miniature Dachshunds with Inflammatory Colorectal Polyps.
AB  - Inflammatory colorectal polyps (ICRPs) are characterized by the formation of
      multiple or solitary polyps with marked neutrophil infiltration in the colorectal
      area, and are speculated to be a novel form of breed-specific canine idiopathic
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In human IBD, toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and
      TLR4 have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA in the
      colorectal mucosa of dogs with ICRPs by in-situ hybridization using an RNAscope
      assay. Samples of inflamed colorectal mucosa (n = 5) and non-inflamed mucosa (n =
      5) from miniature dachshunds (MDs) with ICRPs and colonic mucosa from healthy
      beagles (n = 5) were examined. TLR2 and TLR4 hybridization signals were localized
      to the colorectal epithelium, inflammatory cells and fibroblasts in the inflamed
      colorectal mucosa of affected dogs. The signals were significantly greater in
      inflamed colorectal epithelium compared with non-inflamed epithelium of MDs with
      ICRPs and healthy beagles (P <0.05). These results suggest that increased
      expression of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA in the inflamed colorectal mucosa results from
      not only inflammatory cell infiltration, but also the upregulation of TLR2 and
      TLR4 mRNA in the colonic epithelium.

PMID- 28089358
TI  - Complex febrile seizures-A systematic review.

PMID- 28089359
TI  - Transient and long-time kinetic responses of the cadaveric leg during internal
      and external foot rotation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the long-time and transient
      characteristics of the moment generated by external (ER) and internal (IR)
      rotation of the calcaneus with respect to the tibia. Two human cadaver legs were
      disarticulated at the knee joint while maintaining the connective tissue between
      the tibia and fibula. An axial rotation of 21 degrees  was applied to the
      proximal tibia to generate either ER or IR while the fibula was unconstrained and
      the calcaneus was permitted to translate in the transverse plane. These boundary
      conditions were intended to allow natural motion of the fibula and for the
      effective applied axis of rotation to move relative to the ankle and subtalar
      joints based on natural articular motions among the tibia, fibula, talus, and
      calcaneus. A load cell at the proximal tibia measured all components of force and
      moment. A quasi-linear model of the moment along the tibia axis was developed to
      determine the transient and long-time loads generated by this ER/IR. Initially
      neutral, everted, inverted, dorsiflexed, and plantarflexed foot orientations were
      tested. For the neutral position, the transient elastic moment was 16.5N-m for
      one specimen and 30.3N-m for the other in ER with 26.3 and 32.1N-m in IR. The
      long-time moments were 5.5 and 13.2N-m (ER) and 9.0 and 9.5N-m (IR). These loads
      were found to be transient over time similar to previous studies on other
      biological structures where the moment relaxed as time progressed after the
      initial ramp in rotation.

PMID- 28089360
TI  - Renal aspergillosis after liver transplant: Report of an unusual case.

PMID- 28089361
TI  - Solitary fibrous tumor of the gastroesophageal junction.

PMID- 28089362
TI  - Clinical pharmacokinetics of oral levofloxacin and sitafloxacin in epididymal
      tissue.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the penetration of fluoroquinolones
      into human epididymal tissue. METHODS: The penetration of levofloxacin (LVFX) 500
      mg or sitafloxacin (STFX) 100 mg into epididymal tissue was examined. Patients
      with prostate cancer who were referred for orchiectomy were included. LVFX 500 mg
      (n = 9) or STFX 100 mg (n = 9) was administered orally 1 h before orchiectomy,
      and 0.5 g of epididymal tissue and blood samples were collected simultaneously
      during surgery. Drug concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid
      chromatography, and patient characteristics and adverse events were analyzed.
      RESULTS: The mean ratio of the epididymal concentration to the serum
      concentration was 1.48 +/- 0.45 for LVFX and 1.54 +/- 0.81 for STFX. For LVFX,
      the simulated curves estimated the following: maximum concentrations (Cmax) of
      8.84 MUg/ml in serum and 14.1 MUg/g in epididymal tissue and area under the
      concentration-time curve for 24 h (AUC24) of 68.5 MUg h/ml in serum and 108.9 MUg
      h/g in epididymal tissue. For STFX, the Cmax was 1.22 MUg/ml in serum and 1.66
      MUg/g in epididymal tissue, and the AUC24 was 9.58 MUg h/ml in serum and 13.1 MUg
      h/g in epididymal tissue. Neither treatment-related adverse events nor
      postoperative urogenital infections were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study suggest that oral administration of LVFX 500 mg or STFX 100 mg
      achieves effective epididymal concentrations for treatment of epididymitis.

PMID- 28089363
TI  - Pertussis toxin targets the innate immunity through DAP12, FcRgamma, and MyD88
      adaptor proteins.
AB  - Activation of the innate immunity by adjuvants, such as pertussis toxin (PTX), in
      the presence of autoreactive lymphocytes and antigen mimicry is sufficient to
      trigger autoimmunity. Toll-like, C-type lectin, and immunglobulin-like receptors
      play an important role in the innate immunity by sensing a variety of microbial
      products through several adaptor proteins, including MyD88, DAP12, and FcRgamma.
      This study investigated the interaction between PTX and innate immune components.
      The direct interactions between coated PTX and receptor-fusion proteins were
      examined using ELISA-based binding assays. Functionally, PTX-binding receptors
      could be classified into two groups: inhibition (DAP12-coupled TREM2, ITIM
      bearing SIRPalpha, SIGNR1/SIGNR3/DCSIGN) and activation (MyD88-associated TLR4,
      DAP12-coupled LMIR5/CD300b, FcRgamma-coupled LMIR8/CD300c, CLEC9A, MGL-1). DAP12,
      MyD88, and FcRgamma were selected for further investigation. A comprehensive
      analysis of gene transcription showed that PTX up-regulated the expression of
      various inflammatory mediators. DAP12 deficiency resulted in reduction or
      enhancement of inflammatory responses in a cytokine-specific manner. PTX was able
      to activate the TREM2-DAP12 signalling pathway. PTX induced lower expression of
      inflammatory mediators in the absence of FcRgamma alone and substantially lost
      its inflammatory capacity in the absence of both FcRgamma and MyD88. PTX was able
      to activate the MyD88-NF-kappaB signalling pathway in the presence of TLR2 or
      TLR4. The inflammatory activity of PTX was completely lost by heating. These
      results demonstrate that PTX targets the innate immunity through DAP12, FcRgamma,
      and MyD88 providing new insights into the immunobiology of PTX.

PMID- 28089364
TI  - The impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on skeletal muscle depletion and
      preoperative sarcopenia in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preoperative skeletal muscle depletion or sarcopenia has been
      suggested to predict worse outcome after resection of colorectal liver
      metastases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy on preoperative skeletal muscle mass prior to liver
      resection. METHODS: Patients operated with liver resection for colorectal liver
      metastases between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Muscle mass was
      evaluated by measuring muscle area on a cross-sectional computed tomography image
      at the level of the third lumbar vertebra, and normalized for patient height,
      presenting a skeletal muscle index. RESULTS: Preoperative skeletal muscle mass
      was analysed in 225 patients, of whom 97 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In
      total 147 patients (65%) were categorized as sarcopenic preoperatively. Patients
      receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy decreased in skeletal muscle mass (decrease by
      5.5 (-1.1 to 11) % in skeletal muscle index, p < 0.001). Patients with muscle
      loss >5% during neoadjuvant chemotherapy were less likely to undergo adjuvant
      chemotherapy than others (68% vs 85%, p = 0.048). A >5% muscle loss did not
      result in worse overall (p = 0.131) or recurrence-free survival (p = 0.105).
      CONCLUSION: Skeletal muscle mass decreases during neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
      Skeletal muscle loss during neoadjuvant chemotherapy impairs the conditions for
      adjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 28089365
TI  - Gastric bleeding risk following spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy with
      excision of the splenic vessels: a long-term follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with resection of the splenic
      vessels (VR-SPDP) is an effective procedure. However, hemodynamic changes in
      splenogastric circulation may lead to the development of gastric varices (GV)
      with a risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. This retrospective study aimed to
      assess the long-term postoperative clinical follow-up of patients and review the
      late postoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) or endoscopic examination.
      METHODS: From 1988 to 2015, 48 consecutive VR-SPDP for benign or low-grade
      malignant disease were included. Late postoperative follow-up was undertaken with
      the use of a prospective database and assessment undertaken by CT and/or
      endoscopy. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 76 months (range: 12-334 months).
      Two patients were lost to follow-up. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurred in one
      patient. Endoscopy and abdominal CT showed submucosal GV in five patients. Ten
      patients had perigastric varices (27%), but none developed clinical complications
      from their varices. All varices occurred within one year after distal
      pancreatectomy and remained stable during follow-up. DISCUSSION: Asymptomatic
      varices frequently occurred in patients who underwent VR-SPDP, but bleeding risk
      seemed low. Abdominal CT could identify GV and distinguish submucosal varices
      with a higher risk of gastric bleeding.

PMID- 28089366
TI  - Limited reduction in uremic solute concentrations with increased dialysis
      frequency and time in the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Daily Trial.
AB  - The Frequent Hemodialysis Network Daily Trial compared conventional three-times
      weekly treatment to more frequent treatment with a longer weekly treatment time
      in patients receiving in-center hemodialysis. Evaluation at one year showed
      favorable effects of more intensive treatment on left ventricular mass, blood
      pressure, and phosphate control, but modest or no effects on physical or
      cognitive performance. The current study compared plasma concentrations of uremic
      solutes in stored samples from 53 trial patients who received three-times weekly
      in-center hemodialysis for an average weekly time of 10.9 hours and 30 trial
      patients who received six-times weekly in-center hemodialysis for an average of
      14.6 hours. Metabolomic analysis revealed that increased treatment frequency and
      time resulted in an average reduction of only 15 percent in the levels of 107
      uremic solutes. Quantitative assays confirmed that increased treatment did not
      significantly reduce levels of the putative uremic toxins p-cresol sulfate or
      indoxyl sulfate. Kinetic modeling suggested that our ability to lower solute
      concentrations by increasing hemodialysis frequency and duration may be limited
      by the presence of non-dialytic solute clearances and/or changes in solute
      production. Thus, failure to achieve larger reductions in uremic solute
      concentrations may account, in part, for the limited benefits observed with
      increasing frequency and weekly treatment time in Frequent Hemodialysis Daily
      Trial participants.

PMID- 28089367
TI  - A career in epilepsy.

PMID- 28089368
TI  - The transition from pediatric to adult care for youth with epilepsy: Basic
      biological, sociological, and psychological issues.
AB  - Transition from pediatric to adult health care for adolescents with epilepsy is
      challenging for the patient, family, and health care workers. This paper is the
      first of three that summarize the main findings from the 2nd Symposium on
      Transition in Epilepsies, held in Paris from June 14-25, 2016. In this paper we
      describe five basic themes that have an important effect on transition. First,
      there are important brain changes in adolescence that leave an imbalance between
      risk taking and pleasure seeking behaviors and frontal executive function
      compared with adults. Second, puberty is a major change during the transition
      age. The three most important but separate neuroendocrine axes involved in
      puberty are gonadarche (activation of the gonads), adrenarche (activation of
      adrenal androgen production), and activation of the growth hormone-insulin like
      growth factor. Third, sexual debut occurs during the transition years, and at an
      earlier age in adolescents with epilepsy than controls. Adult sexual performance
      is often unsatisfactory. Although AED-induced alterations in sexual hormones and
      temporal lobe epilepsy may play a role in hyposexuality, depression, anxiety, and
      other social factors appear most important. Fourth, psychological development is
      very important with an evolution from an early stage (ages 10-13years) with
      concrete thinking, to a middle stage (ages 14-17) with analytic and more abstract
      introspective thinking, and then to a late stage (ages 18-21) with at least the
      beginnings of adult reasoning. Epilepsy may derail this relatively orderly
      progression. Adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder may present with severe
      behavior problems that are sometimes related to undiagnosed epilepsy. Fifth, bone
      health in adolescence is critical to establish adequate mineralization for all of
      adult life. While AED interference with Vitamin D metabolism is important, there
      is evidence that the effects of AEDs on bone are more complex and involve changes
      in remodeling. Hence, some non-inducing AEDs may have a significant effect on
      bone health. All five of these themes lead to recommendations for how to approach
      adolescents and young adults during transition and some specific interventions to
      achieve maximum long-term adult independence and quality of life.

PMID- 28089369
TI  - Deciphering the Fringe-Mediated Notch Code: Identification of Activating and
      Inhibiting Sites Allowing Discrimination between Ligands.
AB  - Fringe proteins are beta3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases that modulate Notch
      activity by modifying O-fucose residues on epidermal growth factor-like (EGF)
      repeats of Notch. Mammals have three Fringes: Lunatic, Manic, and Radical. While
      Lunatic and Manic Fringe inhibit Notch1 activation from Jagged1 and enhance
      activation from Delta-like 1, Radical Fringe enhances signaling from both. We
      used a mass spectrometry approach to determine whether the variable effects of
      Fringes on Notch1 result from generation of unique glycosylation patterns on
      Notch1. We found that Lunatic and Manic Fringe modified similar sites on Notch1,
      while Radical Fringe modified a subset. Fringe modifications at EGF8 and EGF12
      enhanced Notch1 binding to and activation from Delta-like 1, while modifications
      at EGF6 and EGF36 (added by Manic and Lunatic but not Radical) inhibited Notch1
      activation from Jagged1. Combined, these results suggest that Fringe
      modifications "mark" different regions in the Notch1 extracellular domain for
      activation or inhibition.

PMID- 28089371
TI  - Branched-chain amino acids are associated with odd-chain fatty acids in
      normoglycaemic individuals.

PMID- 28089370
TI  - Single-Cell Multiomics: Multiple Measurements from Single Cells.
AB  - Single-cell sequencing provides information that is not confounded by genotypic
      or phenotypic heterogeneity of bulk samples. Sequencing of one molecular type
      (RNA, methylated DNA or open chromatin) in a single cell, furthermore, provides
      insights into the cell's phenotype and links to its genotype. Nevertheless, only
      by taking measurements of these phenotypes and genotypes from the same single
      cells can such inferences be made unambiguously. In this review, we survey the
      first experimental approaches that assay, in parallel, multiple molecular types
      from the same single cell, before considering the challenges and opportunities
      afforded by these and future technologies.

PMID- 28089372
TI  - Inhibition or deletion of 11beta-HSD1 does not increase angiogenesis in ischemic
      retinopathy.

PMID- 28089373
TI  - Clinical parameters affecting dapagliflozin response in patients with type 2
      diabetes.

PMID- 28089374
TI  - Epigenetic information in gametes: Gaming from before fertilization: Comment on
      "Epigenetic game theory: How to compute the epigenetic control of maternal-to
      zygotic transition" by Qian Wang et al.

PMID- 28089375
TI  - Viewpoints of high migratory tuna species ecology: Comment on "Physics of
      metabolic organization" by M. Jusup et al.

PMID- 28089376
TI  - Chemotherapy completion in elderly women with ovarian, primary peritoneal or
      fallopian tube cancer - An NRG oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study.
AB  - PURPOSE: A simple measure to predict chemotherapy tolerance in elderly patients
      would be useful. We prospectively tested the association of baseline Instrumental
      Activities of Daily Living (IADL) score with ability to complete 4 cycles of
      first line chemotherapy without dose reductions or >7days delay in elderly
      ovarian cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients' age >=70 along with
      their physicians chose between two regimens: CP (Carboplatin AUC 5, Paclitaxel
      135mg/m2) or C (Carboplatin AUC 5), both given every 3weeks either after primary
      surgery or as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with IADL and quality of life
      assessments performed at baseline, pre-cycle 3, and post-cycle 4. RESULTS: Two
      hundred-twelve women were enrolled, 152 selecting CP and 60 selecting C. Those
      who selected CP had higher baseline IADL scores (p<0.001). After adjusting for
      age and PS, baseline IADL was independently associated with the choice of regimen
      (p=0.035). The baseline IADL score was not found to be associated with completion
      of 4 cycles of chemotherapy without dose reduction or delays (p=0.21), but was
      associated with completion of 4 cycles of chemotherapy regardless of dose
      reduction and delay (p=0.008) and toxicity, with the odds ratio (OR) of grade 3+
      toxicity decreasing 17% (OR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.72-0.96; p=0.013) for each additional
      activity in which the patient was independent. After adjustment for chemotherapy
      regimen, IADL was also associated with overall survival (p=0.019) for patients
      receiving CP. CONCLUSION: Patients with a higher baseline IADL score (more
      independent) were more likely to complete 4 cycles of chemotherapy and less
      likely to experience grade 3 or higher toxicity.

PMID- 28089377
TI  - Phase II trial of albumin-bound paclitaxel and granulocyte macrophage colony
      stimulating factor as an immune modulator in recurrent platinum resistant ovarian
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulates
      immunity via recruitment of antigen presenting cells and tumor specific T-cell
      stimulation. Albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) followed by GM-CSF may
      enhance antitumor responses and prolong remissions in ovarian cancer. Immune
      phenotypes present before treatment may identify responders to chemo
      immunotherapy. METHODS: Recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian, peritoneal, or
      fallopian tube cancer patients received nab-paclitaxel, 100mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15
      followed by GM-CSF 250MUg days 16-26 every 28days for 6 planned cycles. The
      primary endpoint was remission duration compared to immediate prior remission.
      Peripheral blood was evaluated by flow cytometry and interferon-gamma ELISPOT.
      RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were enrolled. Six patients (29%) achieved a
      biochemical complete response and 9 (43%) a partial response for an overall
      response rate of 72%. Median time to progression was 4months and 10% of patients
      achieved longer remissions than the immediate prior regimen. Median overall
      survival (OS) was 16.8months. Fewer myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) at
      enrollment significantly associated with complete response (p=0.05). T-cell
      responses to IGF1R-p1332-1346 (r=0.827, p=0.0003) and IGF1R-p1242-1256 (r=0.850,
      p=0.0001) during treatment correlated with time to progression. CONCLUSIONS: Nab
      paclitaxel combined with GM-CSF demonstrated biochemical responses in a majority
      of patients, although responses were not sustained. This combination did not
      demonstrate an advantage in OS over prior studies of nab-paclitaxel monotherapy.
      Agents that modulate MDSC should be studied as potential adjuvants to therapy.
      Strategies to expand T cells recognizing tumor-associated antigens biologically
      significant in ovarian cancer should also continue to be investigated.

PMID- 28089379
TI  - Characterization of a novel DyP-type peroxidase from Streptomyces avermitilis.
AB  - DyP-type peroxidases are a heme peroxidase family with unique properties whose
      members are widely distributed from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. DyP-type
      peroxidases are subdivided into class P, I and V based on structure-based
      sequence alignment. Class V enzymes possess degradation activities for
      anthraquinone dyes, and include extra sequences compared with class P and I.
      Class V enzymes are mainly found in fungi, with only two such proteins, AnaPX and
      DyP2, reported in bacteria. Here, we heterologously expressed, purified and
      biochemically characterized SaDyP2 protein, predicted to belong to class V.
      SaDyP2 was purified as a ~50 kDa enzyme containing a heme cofactor and was found
      to oxidize the typical peroxidase substrates, ABTS and DMP. SaDyP2 was generally
      thermostable and exhibited a lower optimal pH, a feature typical of DyP-type
      peroxidases. It also degraded anthraquinone dyes, a specific substrate of DyP
      type peroxidases, although the kcat for SaDyP2 was lower than that for other
      class V enzymes. The Km value of SaDyP2 for anthraquinone dye was similar to that
      of other enzymes of this class. Homology modeling revealed that the structure of
      SaDyP2 best fit that of class V enzymes.

PMID- 28089378
TI  - Butyrate production under aerobic growth conditions by engineered Escherichia
      coli.
AB  - Butyrate is an important industrial platform chemical. Although several groups
      have reported butyrate production under oxygen-limited conditions by a native
      producer, Clostridium tyrobutylicum, and by a metabolically engineered
      Escherichia coli, efforts to produce butyrate under aerobic growth conditions
      have met limited success. Here, we constructed a novel butyrate synthetic pathway
      that functions under aerobic growth conditions in E. coli, by modifying the 1
      butanol synthetic pathway reported previously. The pathway consists of phaA
      (acetyltransferase) and phaB (NADPH-dependent acetoacetyl-CoA reductase) from
      Ralstonia eutropha, phaJ ((R)-specific enoyl-CoA hydratase) from Aeromonas
      caviae, ter (trans-enoyl-CoA reductase) from Treponema denticola, and endogenous
      thioesterase(s) of E. coli. To evaluate the potential of this pathway for
      butyrate production, culture conditions, including pH, oxygen supply, and
      concentration of inorganic nitrogen sources, were optimized in a mini-jar
      fermentor. Under the optimal conditions, butyrate was produced at a concentration
      of up to 140 mM (12.3 g/L in terms of butyric acid) after 54 h of fed-batch
      culture.

PMID- 28089381
TI  - PET/CT: underlying physics, instrumentation, and advances.
AB  - Since it was first introduced, the main goal of PET/CT has been to provide both
      PET and CT images with high clinical quality and to present them to radiologists
      and specialists in nuclear medicine as a fused, perfectly aligned image. The use
      of fused PET and CT images quickly became routine in clinical practice, showing
      the great potential of these hybrid scanners. Thanks to this success,
      manufacturers have gone beyond considering CT as a mere attenuation corrector for
      PET, concentrating instead on design high performance PET and CT scanners with
      more interesting features. Since the first commercial PET/CT scanner became
      available in 2001, both the PET component and the CT component have improved
      immensely. In the case of PET, faster scintillation crystals with high stopping
      power such as LYSO crystals have enabled more sensitive devices to be built,
      making it possible to reduce the number of undesired coincidence events and to
      use time of flight (TOF) techniques. All these advances have improved lesion
      detection, especially in situations with very noisy backgrounds. Iterative
      reconstruction methods, together with the corrections carried out during the
      reconstruction and the use of the point-spread function, have improved image
      quality. In parallel, CT instrumentation has also improved significantly, and 64-
      and 128-row detectors have been incorporated into the most modern PET/CT
      scanners. This makes it possible to obtain high quality diagnostic anatomic
      images in a few seconds that both enable the correction of PET attenuation and
      provide information for diagnosis. Furthermore, nowadays nearly all PET/CT
      scanners have a system that modulates the dose of radiation that the patient is
      exposed to in the CT study in function of the region scanned. This article
      reviews the underlying physics of PET and CT imaging separately, describes the
      changes in the instrumentation and standard protocols in a combined PET/CT
      system, and finally points out the most important advances in this hybrid imaging
      modality.

PMID- 28089380
TI  - Biotic Host-Pathogen Interactions As Major Drivers of Plastid Endosymbiosis.
AB  - The plastid originated 1.5 billion years ago through a primary endosymbiosis
      involving a heterotrophic eukaryote and an ancient cyanobacterium. Phylogenetic
      and biochemical evidence suggests that the incipient endosymbiont interacted with
      an obligate intracellular chlamydial pathogen that housed it in an inclusion.
      This aspect of the menage-a-trois hypothesis (MATH) posits that Chlamydiales
      provided critical novel transporters and enzymes secreted by the pathogens in the
      host cytosol. This initiated the efflux of photosynthate to both the inclusion
      lumen and host cytosol. Here we review the experimental evidence supporting the
      MATH and focus on chlamydial genes that replaced existing cyanobacterial
      functions. The picture emerging from these studies underlines the importance of
      chlamydial host-pathogen interactions in the metabolic integration of the primary
      plastid.

PMID- 28089383
TI  - [Long-term psychiatric hospitalizations].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term hospitalizations in psychiatry raise the question of
      desocialisation of the patients and the inherent costs. METHODS: Individual
      indicators were extracted from a medical administrative database containing full
      time psychiatric hospitalizations for the period 2011-2013 of people over 16
      years old living in the French region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. We calculated the
      proportion of people who had experienced a hospitalization with a duration of 292
      days or more during the study period. A bivariate analysis was conducted, then
      ecological data (level of health-care offer, the deprivation index and the size
      of the municipalities of residence) were included into a multilevel regression
      model in order to identify the factors significantly related to variability of
      long-term hospitalization rates. RESULTS: Among hospitalized individuals in
      psychiatry, 2.6% had had at least one hospitalization of 292 days or more during
      the observation period; the number of days in long-term hospitalization
      represented 22.5% of the total of days of full-time hospitalization in
      psychiatry. The bivariate analysis revealed that seniority in the psychiatric
      system was strongly correlated with long hospitalization rates. In the
      multivariate analysis, the individual indicators the most related to an increased
      risk of long-term hospitalization were: total lack of autonomy (OR=9.0; 95% CI:
      6.7-12.2; P<001); diagnoses of psychological development disorders (OR=9.7;
      CI95%: 4.5-20.6; P<.001); mental retardation (OR=4.5; CI95%: 2.5-8.2; P<.001):
      schizophrenia (OR=3.0; CI95%: 1.7-5.2; P<.001); compulsory hospitalization
      (OR=1.7; CI95%: 1.4-2.1; P<.001); having experienced therapeutic isolation
      (OR=1.8; CI95%: 1.5-2.1; P<.001). Variations of long-term hospitalization rates
      depending on the type of establishment were very high, but the density of
      hospital beds or intensity of ambulatory activity services were not significantly
      linked to long-term hospitalization. The inhabitants of small urban units had
      significantly less risk of long-term hospitalization than those of large cities.
      We found no influence of material and social deprivation in the long-term
      hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: Long-term hospitalization in psychiatry only
      concerns a minority of patients but represents the fifth of the total number of
      days of full-time hospitalization. The recent patients were significantly less
      exposed to the risk of having a long-term hospitalization.

PMID- 28089382
TI  - [Systematic revue of the tools for multiprofessional primary care teams
      assessment].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiprofessionnal teams in primary care are developing in many
      countries including France. These groups appear very heterogeneous regarding the
      level of integration and interprofessional cooperation. A systematic review of
      the literature was performed to screen the instruments which assess the
      organizational development of primary care groups. METHODS: Scientific literature
      was searched in the Pubmed database, gray literature was searched for on the
      Internet. The documents were selected by two independent investigators. The
      collected data included information on assessment instruments: origin, content,
      method of use, and validation process. RESULTS: Sixty-five documents involving 16
      assessment instruments were selected for the study. Twelve instruments have been
      developed in North America and 4 in Europe. Four instruments were evaluation
      questionnaires, 4 accreditation tools and 8 were maturity matrices. The maturity
      matrices were structured by levels of organizational development. Their use were
      effected by an individual self-assessment of each professional and then by
      consensus of the group in the presence of an external facilitator. The
      questionnaire and accreditation tools have organizations and use patterns
      variable. The number of questions ranged from 25 to 200 with a median of 80. The
      instruments were organized into 4 to 16 dimensions with a median of 7. Six common
      themes were identified: practice and staff management, quality development, data
      patient management, interprofessional cooperation, accessibility and continuity
      of care, and formation. The validation process of tools were variable and often
      incomplete. CONCLUSION: The set of assessment tools for primary care group is
      heterogeneous in purpose, content and mode of use. However, common themes were
      found for all tools. An evaluation questionnaire, in French, would be useful to
      monitor over time and evaluate the organizational development of centers and
      health houses in France.

PMID- 28089384
TI  - [Trends in social inequities in diabetes care in the Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur
      region of France between 2008 and 2011].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social inequities in healthcare are known to exist for the management
      of many chronic diseases in France, including diabetes. The recession that began
      in 2008 has led to increased income disparities but has it also exacerbated
      health inequities. The aim of this study was to describe trends in inequities in
      diabetes-related healthcare between 2008 and 2011 in the PACA region (Provence
      Alpes-Cote-d'Azur). METHODS: This analysis used two sources of data: the regional
      national health insurance fund (PACA region) reimbursement database and the socio
      demographic databases of the national statistics office (INSEE) for four full
      years (2008 to 2011). It included individuals who had been reimbursed for three
      purchases of oral diabetes drugs during the previous year and assessed the
      association between the median household income (weighted by number and age of
      household members) of each patient's municipality of residence and seven
      indicators of diabetes monitoring and care. Using adjusted mixed logistic models,
      including an interaction term between time (number of years) and the median
      household income of the municipality, we examined the performance of the
      indicators for each year. RESULTS: The total number of patients with diabetes in
      the 941 municipalities of the PACA region varied by year from 142,055 to 164,929.
      Models showed that living in a town with a high or intermediate household income
      was significantly associated with better performance of the seven indicators and
      that the interaction term was significant for six of them. The effect of the
      municipal median income decreased significantly between 2008 and 2011 for five
      indicators: HbA1c, LDL-cholesterol, microalbuminuria, ophthalmoscopy and diabetes
      specialist visit. CONCLUSION: Social inequities in diabetes-related healthcare
      persisted between 2008 and 2011 but appeared to be decreasing, despite the
      recession.

PMID- 28089385
TI  - Tailored telephone counselling to increase participation of underusers in a
      population-based colorectal cancer-screening programme with faecal occult blood
      test: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the involvement of general practitioners, the mailing of
      several recall letters and of the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) kit, the uptake
      remains insufficient in the French colorectal cancer-screening programme. Some
      studies have demonstrated a greater efficacy of tailored telephone counselling
      over usual care, untailored invitation mailing and FOBT kit mailing. We evaluated
      the feasibility and the effectiveness of telephone counselling on participation
      in the population-based FOBT colorectal cancer-screening programme implemented in
      Alsace (France). METHODS: Underusers were randomized into a control group with
      untailored invitation and FOBT kit mailing (n=19,756) and two intervention groups
      for either a computer-assisted telephone interview (n=9367), system for tailored
      promotion of colorectal cancer screening, or a telephone-based motivational
      interview (n=9374). RESULTS: Only 5691 (19.9%) people were actually counseled, so
      that there was no difference in participation between the intervention groups
      taken together (13.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [13.5-14.4]) and the control
      group (13.9%, 95% CI [13.4-14.4]) (P=1.0) in intent-to-treat analysis. However,
      in per-protocol analysis, participation was significantly higher in the two
      intervention groups than in the control group (12.9%, 95% CI [12.6-13.2])
      (P<0.01), with no difference between computer-assisted telephone interview
      (24.6%, 95% CI [22.7-26.4]) and motivational interview (23.6%, 95% CI [21.8
      25.4]) (P=0.44). CONCLUSION: There was no difference of effectiveness between
      tailored telephone counselling and untailored invitation and FOBT kit mailing on
      participation of underusers in an organized population-based colorectal cancer
      screening programme. A greater efficacy of telephone counselling, around twice
      that of invitation and FOBT kit mailing, was observed only in people who could
      actually be counseled, without difference between computer-assisted telephone
      interview and motivational interview. However, technical failures hampered
      telephone counselling, so that there was no difference in intent-to-treat
      analysis. The rate of technical success of telephone interviews should be
      evaluated, and enhanced if insufficient, before implementation of telephone
      counselling in population-based cancer screening programmes.

PMID- 28089386
TI  - Detection of urinary cell-free miR-210 as a potential tool of liquid biopsy for
      clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent findings show that cell-free miRNAs are stable in biological
      fluid. Urine provides an alternative to blood serum or plasma as a potential
      source of tumor biomarkers. MiR-210 is proven to be overexpressed in patients
      with a clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The purpose of this pilot study
      was to examine the urinary cell-free miR-210 as a potential tool of liquid biopsy
      for ccRCC. METHODS: Overall, 75 patients with a ccRCC and 45 control subjects
      without a cancer were included in this study. Urine samples were centrifuged
      twice and the cell-free urine supernanants were stored in -80 degrees C until
      use. A total of 350ul cell-free urine was used for the extraction of total RNA.
      The expression levels of these miRNAs were performed by using quantitative RT
      PCR. RESULTS: The level of urinary cell-free miR-210 was significantly higher in
      patients with ccRCC than in control subjects (P<0.001). The urinary cell-free miR
      210 yielded the areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.76
      in discriminating the patients with ccRCC from the control subjects with a
      sensitivity of 57.8% and a specificity of 80.0%. Moreover, the expression level
      of urinary cell-free miRNA-210 was significantly decreased in the patients a week
      after surgery (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Urinary cell-free miR-210 may be used as a
      potential tool of liquid biopsy for ccRCC diagnosis. Further studies are needed
      to confirm our results.

PMID- 28089388
TI  - Cortical bone thickness of the mandibular canal and implications for bilateral
      sagittal split osteotomy: a cadaveric study.
AB  - Preoperative delineation of the mandibular canal and surrounding cortical bone
      thickness is mandatory prior to bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). The
      cortical bone thickness of 101 cadaveric mandibles was measured to define the
      mandibular canal. The mandibles were cut at the anterior ramus, at the third,
      second, and first molar, and at the premolar. The cortical bone thickness was
      measured between the mandibular canal and inferior border, buccal cortex, and
      lingual cortex at each cutting point. No difference was found between the right
      and left sides of the mandible, or between males and females, with one exception:
      males were found to have thicker inferior cortical bone at the premolar site than
      females. The implications for BSSO are: (1) for sagittal bone cutting, the
      maximum cutting depth of the buccal cortex at the ramus is 4.5mm, at the second
      and third molars is 6.5mm, and at the first molar is 5mm; (2) for vertical bone
      cutting at the first molar, the maximum cutting depth from the inferior border is
      7.5mm. The measurement of cortical bone thickness from cadaveric mandibles
      provides useful preoperative information and confirms the results of computed
      tomography.

PMID- 28089387
TI  - Treatment of men with high-risk prostate cancer based on race, insurance
      coverage, and access to advanced technology.
AB  - PURPOSE: We characterized factors related to nondefinitive management (NDM) of
      patients with high-risk prostate cancer and assessed impact from race, insurance
      status, and facility-level volume of technologically advanced prostate cancer
      treatments (i.e., intensity-modulated radiation therapy, robotic-assisted
      laparoscopic radical prostatectomy) on this outcome. METHODS: We identified men
      with high-risk localized prostate cancer (based on D'Amico criteria) in the
      National Cancer Database (2010-2012). Primary outcome was NDM (i.e., delayed/no
      treatment with prostatectomy/radiation therapy or androgen-deprivation
      monotherapy). Treating facilities were classified by quartiles of proportions of
      patients treated with advanced technology. Multivariable regression estimated
      odds of primary outcome based on race, insurance status, and facility-level
      technology use, and evaluated for interactions between these covariates. RESULTS:
      Among 60,300 patients, 9,265 (15.4%) received NDM. This was more common among non
      White men (P<0.001), Medicaid/uninsured patients (P<0.001), and those managed at
      facilities in the lowest quartile of technology use (25.1% vs. 11.0% highest,
      P<0.001). Though NDM was common among non-White men with Medicaid/no insurance
      treated at low-technology centers (43% vs. 10% White, private/Medicare, high-tech
      facility; adjusted odds ratios = 7.18, P<0.001), this was less likely if this
      group was managed at a high-tech hospital (22% vs. 43% low-tech, P<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Technology use at a facility correlates with high-quality prostate
      cancer care and is associated with diminished disparities based on insurance
      status and patient race. More research is required to characterize other facility
      level factors explaining these findings.

PMID- 28089389
TI  - Three-dimensional finite element model to predict patterns of pterygomaxillary
      dysjunction during Le Fort I osteotomy.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether non-linear three-dimensional
      finite element analysis (3D-FEA) can be applied to simulate pterygomaxillary
      dysjunction during Le Fort I osteotomy (LFI) not involving a curved osteotome
      (LFI-non-COSep), and to predict potential changes in the fracture pattern
      associated with extending the cutting line. Computed tomography (CT) image data
      (100 snapshots) after LFI were converted to 3D-CT images. 3D-FEA models were
      built using preoperative CT matrix data and used to simulate pterygomaxillary
      dysjunction. The pterygomaxillary dysjunction patterns predicted by the 3D-FEA
      models of pterygomaxillary dysjunction were classified into three categories and
      compared to the pterygomaxillary dysjunction patterns observed in the
      postoperative 3D-CT images. Extension of the cutting line was also simulated
      using the 3D-FEA models to predict the risk and position of pterygoid process
      fracture. The rate of agreement between the predicted pterygomaxillary
      dysjunction patterns and those observed in the postoperative 3D-CT images was
      87.0% (kappa coefficient 0.79). The predicted incidence of pterygoid process
      fracture was higher for cutting lines that extended to the pterygomaxillary
      junction than for conventional cutting lines (odds ratio 4.75; P<0.0001). 3D-FEA
      can be used to predict pterygomaxillary dysjunction patterns during LFI-non-COSep
      and provides useful information for selecting safer procedures during LFI-non
      COSep.

PMID- 28089390
TI  - Quantitative Evaluation of the In Vivo Vocal Fold Medial Surface Shape.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Glottal insufficiency is a common clinical problem in
      otolaryngology and medialization laryngoplasty (ML) procedures remain the primary
      treatment modality. Although the goal of ML is to restore physiologic glottal
      posture and achieve optimal phonation, this posture has not been directly
      measured. In this study, we assessed glottal medial surface contour changes with
      selective activation of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles (ILMs). STUDY DESIGN:
      Basic science study using an in vivo canine hemilarynx model. METHODS: In an in
      vivo canine hemilarynx, India ink was used to mark fleshpoints in a grid-like
      fashion along the medial surface of the vocal fold and ILMs were activated in a
      graded manner. A right-angled prism provided two views of the medial surface,
      which were recorded using a high-speed camera and used to reconstruct the 3D
      posture deformations of the medial surface. RESULTS: Thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle
      activation results in initial inferomedial bulging and increased glottal channel
      thickness and then glottal adduction with a final rectangular glottal channel
      shape. Lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA) activation closes the posterior glottis but
      final posture remains slightly convergent. Together, TA + LCA forms a rectangular
      glottis with an increased glottal vertical thickness. Posterior cricoarytenoid
      activation results in abduction and a slightly divergent glottis, whereas
      cricothyroid activation elongates the glottis and reduces the glottal channel
      vertical thickness. CONCLUSIONS: A quantitative analysis of in vivo canine vocal
      fold medial surface upon activation of selective ILMs is provided. This may guide
      our therapeutic efforts during medialization laryngoplasty, as well as
      computational modeling of laryngeal physiology.

PMID- 28089391
TI  - CAMSAP3-dependent microtubule dynamics regulates Golgi assembly in epithelial
      cells.
AB  - The Golgi assembly pattern varies among cell types. In fibroblast cells, the
      Golgi apparatus concentrates around the centrosome that radiates microtubules;
      whereas in epithelial cells, whose microtubules are mainly noncentrosomal, the
      Golgi apparatus accumulates around the nucleus independently of centrosome.
      Little is known about the mechanisms behind such cell type-specific Golgi and
      microtubule organization. Here, we show that the microtubule minus-end binding
      protein Nezha/CAMSAP3 (calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated protein 3) plays
      a role in translocation of Golgi vesicles in epithelial cells. This function of
      CAMSAP3 is supported by CG-NAP (centrosome and Golgi localized PKN-associated
      protein) through their binding. Depletion of either one of these proteins
      similarly induces fragmentation of Golgi membranes. Furthermore, we find that
      stathmin-dependent microtubule dynamics is graded along the radial axis of cells
      with highest activity at the perinuclear region, and inhibition of this gradient
      disrupts perinuclear distribution of the Golgi apparatus. We propose that the
      assembly of the Golgi apparatus in epithelial cells is induced by a multi-step
      process, which includes CAMSAP3-dependent Golgi vesicle clustering and graded
      microtubule dynamics.

PMID- 28089392
TI  - [Views of the Spanish Paediatric Association Bioethics Committee on the refusal
      of essential and non-essential treatment in minors].
AB  - The conflicts that arise when minors or their legal representatives refuse to
      receive medical treatment considered necessary by the paediatrician pose a
      serious ethical dilemma and also have a considerable emotional impact. In order
      to adequately tackle this rejection of medical treatment, there is to identify
      and attempt to understand the arguments of the people involved, to consider the
      context in each individual case and be conversant with the procedure to follow in
      life-threatening scenarios, taking into account bioethical considerations and the
      legal framework.

PMID- 28089393
TI  - Poverty and private health expenditures in Italian households during the recent
      crisis.
AB  - The global financial crisis that began in 2008 had an overall effect on the
      health behaviours of Italian households. Aggregate private health expenditures
      have decreased while the citizens have increasingly been asked to share health
      costs. The reduction of households' health expenditure could have serious
      consequences for health, especially if it concerns the most vulnerable people.
      The aim of this paper is to analyse the relation between poverty and household
      health expenditure, considering regional and social group variations. The data
      used stem from the "Family Expenditure Survey" collected by the Italian
      Statistical Institute (ISTAT) from 1997 to 2013. Results of multivariate analysis
      controlling for potential socio-demographic confounders show that the propensity
      to spend for poor families is decreased in the last years compared to not poor
      households. Meanwhile, among the households who spend, the average expenditure in
      euro seems to have been more stable over time. This is an alarming signal for the
      health of the most vulnerable households. These conditions could result in a
      gradual deterioration of health in poor families, which is likely to increase the
      burden on health systems in future. Hence, at this moment public intervention
      does not seem able to alleviate this situation.

PMID- 28089394
TI  - Grinding damage assessment for CAD-CAM restorative materials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess surface/subsurface damage after grinding with diamond discs
      on five CAD-CAM restorative materials and to estimate potential losses in
      strength based on crack size measurements of the generated damage. METHODS: The
      materials tested were: Lithium disilicate (LIT) glass-ceramic (e.max CAD),
      leucite glass-ceramic (LEU) (Empress CAD), feldspar ceramic (VM2) (Vita Mark II),
      feldspar ceramic-resin infiltrated (EN) (Enamic) and a composite reinforced with
      nano ceramics (LU) (Lava Ultimate). Specimens were cut from CAD-CAM blocs and
      pair-wise mirror polished for the bonded interface technique. Top surfaces were
      ground with diamond discs of respectively 75, 54 and 18MUm. Chip damage was
      measured on the bonded interface using SEM. Fracture mechanics relationships were
      used to estimate fracture stresses based on average and maximum chip depths
      assuming these to represent strength limiting flaws subjected to tension and to
      calculate potential losses in strength compared to manufacturer's data. RESULTS:
      Grinding with a 75MUm diamond disc induced on a bonded interface critical chips
      averaging 100MUm with a potential strength loss estimated between 33% and 54% for
      all three glass-ceramics (LIT, LEU, VM2). The softer materials EN and LU were
      little damage susceptible with chips averaging respectively 26MUm and 17MUm with
      no loss in strength. Grinding with 18MUm diamond discs was still quite
      detrimental for LIT with average chip sizes of 43MUm and a potential strength
      loss of 42%. SIGNIFICANCE: It is essential to understand that when grinding glass
      ceramics or feldspar ceramics with diamond discs surface and subsurface damage
      are induced which have the potential of lowering the strength of the ceramic.
      Careful polishing steps should be carried out after grinding especially when
      dealing with glass-ceramics.

PMID- 28089395
TI  - Royal jelly ameliorates diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance by promoting
      brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in mice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Identification of thermogenic food ingredients is potentially a
      useful strategy for the prevention of obesity and related metabolic disorders. It
      has been reported that royal jelly (RJ) supplementation improves insulin
      sensitivity; however, its impacts on energy expenditure and adiposity remain
      elusive. We investigated anti-obesity effects of RJ supplementation and their
      relation to physical activity levels and thermogenic capacities of brown (BAT)
      and white adipose tissue (WAT). METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were fed under four
      different experimental conditions for 17 weeks: normal diet (ND), high fat diet
      (HFD), HFD with 5% RJ, and HFD with 5% honey bee larva powder (BL). Spontaneous
      locomotor activity, hepatic triglyceride (TG) content, and blood parameters were
      examined. Gene and protein expressions of thermogenic uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)
      and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COX-IV) in BAT and WAT were
      investigated by qPCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively. RESULTS:
      Dietary RJ, but not BL, suppressed HFD-induced accumulations of WAT and hepatic
      TG without modifying food intake. Consistently, RJ improved hyperglycemia and the
      homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Although dietary RJ
      and BL unchanged locomotor activity, gene and protein expressions of UCP1 and COX
      IV in BAT were increased in the RJ group compared to the other experimental
      groups. Neither the RJ nor BL treatment induced browning of WAT. CONCLUSION: Our
      results indicate that dietary RJ ameliorates diet-induced obesity, hyperglycemia,
      and hepatic steatosis by promoting metabolic thermogenesis in BAT in mice. RJ may
      be a novel promising food ingredient to combat obesity and metabolic disorders.

PMID- 28089396
TI  - Comparison between measured and perceived weight status in a nationally
      representative sample of Australian adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many individuals may not accurately perceive whether their weight
      status poses a health risk. This paper aimed to determine how accurately
      Australians perceived their weight status compared to objective measurements, and
      to determine what factors were associated with underestimating weight status.
      METHODS: Participants were 7947 non-pregnant adults from the 2011 to 2012
      Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, with complete data
      for self-reported and measured weight status. Multivariate logistic regression
      was used to examine associations between individual characteristics and accuracy
      of perceived weight status. RESULTS: Overall, 25.5% of the sample underestimated
      and 3.8% overestimated their weight status. Men were almost twice as likely as
      women to underestimate (34.0% vs 17.7%, p<0.001). In both sexes, underestimating
      weight status was strongly associated with higher waist circumference,
      satisfaction with weight and older age. In men, underestimation was associated
      with low education levels and being on a diet, and in women, underestimating
      weight status was associated with being born overseas and area-level
      disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS: At least a quarter of the adult population
      misperceives their weight status as healthy when in fact they are at increased
      risk of morbidity and mortality due to overweight and obesity. This may present a
      major barrier to prevention efforts.

PMID- 28089397
TI  - Challenges for critical raw material recovery from WEEE - The case study of
      gallium.
AB  - Gallium and gallium compounds are more frequently used in future oriented
      technologies such as photovoltaics, light diodes and semiconductor technology. In
      the long term the supply risk is estimated to be critical. Germany is one of the
      major primary gallium producer, recycler of gallium from new scrap and GaAs wafer
      producer. Therefore, new concepts for a resource saving handling of gallium and
      appropriate recycling strategies have to be designed. This study focus on options
      for a possible recycling of gallium from waste electric and electronic equipment.
      To identify first starting points, a substance flow analysis was carried out for
      gallium applied in integrated circuits applied on printed circuit boards and for
      LEDs used for background lighting in Germany in 2012. Moreover, integrated
      circuits (radio amplifier chips) were investigated in detail to deduce first
      approaches for a recycling of such components. An analysis of recycling barriers
      was carried out in order to investigate general opportunities and risks for the
      recycling of gallium from chips and LEDs. Results show, that significant gallium
      losses arose in primary production and in waste management. 93+/-11%, equivalent
      to 43,000+/-4700kg of the total gallium potential was lost over the whole primary
      production process until applied in electronic goods. The largest share of
      14,000+/-2300kggallium was lost in the production process of primary raw
      materials. The subsequent refining process was related to additional 6900+/
      3700kg and the chip and wafer production to 21,700+/-3200kg lost gallium. Results
      for the waste management revealed only low collection rates for related end-of
      life devices. Not collected devices held 300 +/- 200 kg gallium. Due to the fact,
      that current waste management processes do not recover gallium, further 80 +/- 10
      kg gallium were lost. A thermal pre-treatment of the chips, followed by a manual
      separation allowed an isolation of gallium rich fractions, with gallium mass
      fractions up to 35%. Here, gallium loads per chip were between 0.9 and 1.3mg.
      Copper, gold and arsenic were determined as well. Further treatment options for
      this gallium rich fraction were assessed. The conventional pyrometallurgical
      copper route might be feasible. A recovery of gold and gallium in combination
      with copper is possible due to a compatibility with this base-metal. But, a
      selective separation prior to this process is necessary. Diluted with other
      materials, the gallium content would be too low. The recycling of gallium from
      chips applied on printed circuit boards and LEDs used for background lighting is
      technically complex. Recycling barriers exist over the whole recycling chain. A
      forthcoming commercial implementation is not expected in nearer future. This
      applies in particular for chips carrying gallium.

PMID- 28089398
TI  - High temperature investigations on optimising the recovery of copper from waste
      printed circuit boards.
AB  - High temperature pyrolysis investigations were carried out on waste printed
      circuit boards (PCBs) in the temperature range 800-1000 degrees C under inert
      conditions, with an aim to determine optimal operating conditions for the
      recovery of copper. Pyrolysis residues were characterized using ICP-OES analysis,
      SEM/EDS and XRD investigations. Copper foils were successfully recovered after
      pyrolysis at 800 degrees C for 10-20 min; the levels of Pb and Sn present were
      found to be quite low and these were generally present near the foil edges. The
      relative proportions of Pb and Sn became progressively higher at longer heating
      times due to enhanced diffusion of these molten metals in solid copper. While a
      similar behaviour was observed at 900 degrees C, the pyrolysis at 1000 degrees C
      resulted in copper forming Cu-Sn-Pb alloys; copper foils could no longer be
      recovered. Optimal conditions were identified for the direct recovery of copper
      from waste PCBs with minimal processing. This approach is expected to make
      significant contributions towards enhancing material recovery, process efficiency
      and the environmental sustainability of recycling e-waste. Pyrolysis at lower
      temperatures, short heating times, coupled with reductions in process steps are
      expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and pollution associated with
      the handling and processing of waste PCBs.

PMID- 28089399
TI  - A mass balance model to estimate the rate of composting, methane oxidation and
      anaerobic digestion in soil covers and shallow waste layers.
AB  - Although CH4 oxidation in landfill soil covers is widely studied, the extent of
      composting and CH4 oxidation in underlying waste layers has been speculated but
      not measured. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a mass
      balance model to estimate the simultaneous rates of anaerobic digestion (rAD),
      CH4 oxidation (rOX) and composting (rCOM) in environments where O2 penetration is
      variable and zones of aerobic and anaerobic activity are intermingled. The
      modelled domain could include, as an example, a soil cover and the underlying
      shallow waste to a nominated depth. The proposed model was demonstrated on a
      blend of biogas from three separate known sources of gas representing the three
      reaction processes: (i) a bottle of laboratory grade 50:50% CH4:CO2 gas
      representing anaerobic digestion biogas; (ii) an aerated 250mL bottle containing
      food waste that represented composting activity; and (iii) an aerated 250mL
      bottle containing non-degradable graphite granules inoculated with methanotrophs
      and incubated with CH4 and O2 to represent methanotrophic activity. CO2, CH4, O2
      and the stable isotope 13C-CO2 were chosen as the components for the mass balance
      model. The three reaction rates, r (=rAD, rOX, rCOM) were calculated as fitting
      parameters to the overdetermined set of 4mass balance equations with the net flux
      of these components from the bottles q (= [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see
      text] , [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ) as inputs to the model. The
      coefficient of determination (r2) for observed versus modelled values of r were
      1.00, 0.97, 0.98 when the stoichiometry of each reaction was based on gas yields
      measured in the individual bottles and q was calculated by summing yields from
      the three bottles. r2 deteriorated to 0.95, 0.96, 0.87 when using an average
      stoichiometry from 11 incubations of each of the composting and methane oxidation
      processes. The significant deterioration in the estimation of rCOM showed that
      this output is highly sensitive to the evaluated stoichiometry coefficients for
      the reactions. r2 deteriorated further to 0.86, 0.77, 0.74 when using the average
      stoichiometry and experimental measurement of the composition and volume of the
      blended biogas to determine q. This was primarily attributed to average errors of
      8%, 7%, 11% and 14% in the measurement of [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see
      text] , [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] relative to the measurement
      of the same quantities from the individual bottles.

PMID- 28089400
TI  - Selective sequential separation of ABS/HIPS and PVC from automobile and
      electronic waste shredder residue by hybrid nano-Fe/Ca/CaO assisted ozonisation
      process.
AB  - The separation of plastics containing brominated flame retardants (BFR) like
      (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), and
      polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) from automobile and electronic waste shredder residue
      (ASR/ESR) are a major concern for thermal recycling. In laboratory scale tests
      using a hybrid nano-Fe/Ca/CaO assisted ozonation treatment has been found to
      selectively hydrophilize the surface of ABS/HIPS and PVC plastics, enhancing ABS
      wettability and thereby promoting its separation from ASR/ESR by means of froth
      flotation. The water contact angles, of ABS/HIPS and PVC decreased, about 18.7
      degrees , 18.3 degrees , and 17.9 degrees  in ASR and about 21.2 degrees , 20.7
      degrees , and 20.0 degrees  in ESR respectively. SEM-EDS, FT-IR, and XPS analyses
      demonstrated a marked decrease in [Cl] and a significant increase in the number
      of hydrophilic groups, such as CO, CO, and (CO)O, on the PVC or ABS surface.
      Under froth flotation conditions at 50rpm, about 99.1% of combined fraction of
      ABS/HIPS in ASR samples and 99.6% of ABS/HIPS in ESR samples were separated as
      settled fraction. After separation, the purity of the recovered combined ABS/HIPS
      fraction was 96.5% and 97.6% in ASR and ESR samples respectively. Furthermore, at
      150rpm a 100% PVC separation in the settled fraction, with 98% and 99% purity in
      ASR and ESR plastics, respectively. Total recovery of non-ABS/HIPS and PVC
      plastics reached nearly 100% in the floating fraction. Further, this process
      improved the quality of recycled ASR/ESR plastics by removing surface
      contaminants or impurities.

PMID- 28089401
TI  - Recycling organic wastes to agricultural land as a way to improve its quality: A
      field study to evaluate benefits and risks.
AB  - A field study was established to assess the effects of a sewage sludge (SS), a
      mixed municipal solid waste compost (MMSWC) and a compost produced from
      agricultural wastes (AWC), in a Vertisol, using Lolium multiflorum L. The
      amendments were applied for two consecutive years: 6, 12 and 24t dry matter ha-1
      for SS, and the amendment doses for MMSWC and AWC were calculated to deliver the
      same amount of organic matter (OM) per unit area. The amendments had significant
      beneficial effects on some soil properties (e.g. soil OM, NKjeldahl, extractable
      P and K), and on plant productivity parameters (e.g. biomass yield, chlorophyll,
      foliar area). For instance, soil OM increased from 0.78% to 1.71, 2.48 and 2.51%,
      after two consecutive years of application of 24t dry matter ha-1 of SS, MMSWC
      and AWC, respectively, while the plant biomass obtained increased from 7.75tha-1
      to 152.41, 78.14 and 29.26tha-1, for the same amendments. On the plant, effects
      were more pronounced for SS than for both compost applications, a consequence of
      its higher capacity to provide N to the plant in a readily available form.
      However, after two years of application, the effects on soil properties were more
      noticeable for both composts, as their OM is more resistant to mineralization,
      which endures their beneficial effects on soil. Cadmium, Cr, Ni and Pb pseudo
      total concentrations, were not affected significantly by the application of the
      organic wastes to soil, in all tested doses, neither their extractability by
      0.01M CaCl2. On the contrary, Cu and Zn pseudo-total concentrations increased
      significantly in the second year of the experiment, following the application of
      the higher rate of MMSWC and AWC, although their extractability remained very low
      (<0.5% of their pseudo-total fraction). Trace elements concentrations in the
      aboveground plant material were lower than their maximum tolerable levels for
      cattle, used as an indicator of risk of their entry into the human food chain.
      Despite these results, it is interesting to note that the SS promoted a
      significant increase in the foliar concentrations of Cu, Ni and Zn that did not
      happen in composts application, which can be explained by the reduction of the
      soil pH, as a consequence of SS degradation in soil. Concluding, if this type of
      organic wastes were to be used in a single application, the rate could be as high
      as 12 or even 24tha-1, however, if they are to be applied in an annual basis, the
      application rates should be lowered to assure their safe application (e.g. to
      6tha-1). Moreover, it is advisable to use more stable and mature organic wastes,
      which have longer lasting positive effects on soil characteristics.

PMID- 28089402
TI  - Aerobic composting of digested residue eluted from dry methane fermentation to
      develop a zero-emission process.
AB  - Digested residue remained at the end of a process for the production of fuel
      ethanol and methane from kitchen garbage. To develop a zero-emission process, the
      compostability of the digested residue was assessed to obtain an added-value
      fertilizer. Composting of the digested residue by adding matured compost and a
      bulking agent was performed using a lab-scale composting reactor. The composting
      process showed that volatile total solid (VTS) degradation mainly occurred during
      the first 13days, and the highest VTS degradation efficiency was about 27% at the
      end. The raw material was not suitable as a fertilizer due to its high NH4+ and
      volatile fatty acids (VFAs) concentration. However, the composting process
      produced remarkable results; the physicochemical properties indicated that highly
      matured compost was obtained within 62days of the composting process, and the
      final N concentration, NO3- concentration, and the germination index (GI) at the
      end of the composting process was 16.4gkg-1-TS, 9.7gkg-1-TS, and 151%,
      respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of ammonia oxidizers
      indicated that the occurrence of nitrification during the composting of digested
      residue was attributed to the activity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB).

PMID- 28089403
TI  - Consensus statement on the management of dyslipidaemias in adults.

PMID- 28089404
TI  - The SCHHS hip fracture clinical network experience-Improving care and outcomes
      through an interprofessional approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip fractures are a major global health care issue, with the 1.26
      million estimated cases in 1990 predicted to increase to 4.5 million by 2050.
      Varying models of care have been developed to improve outcomes following
      fragility hip fractures. Most of these care models embrace an interprofessional
      approach to care. Specialist orthopedic nurses play an important role in the
      management of fragility hip fracture patients and their contribution to the
      interprofessional health care team is an important predictor of patient outcomes.
      ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS)
      is compromised of four hospitals in South East Queensland, Australia however only
      one large regional hospital provides specialist hip fracture services.
      Approximately, 350 older hip fracture patients present to the Sunshine Coast
      Hospital & Health Service (SCHHS) each year. We used Hospital Health round table
      (HHRT) data to identify and assess key performance care and management of hip
      fracture patient and outcomes at SCHHS. The HHRT is a nonprofit membership
      organisation of health services across Australia and New Zealand that aims to
      provide opportunity for Health Services to achieve best practice, collect analyse
      and publish information, identify ways to improve and promote collaboration and
      networking. Exemplars of best practice are also identified in the data so that
      organizations can adopt similar models of care. HHRT data identified
      underperformance in management of hip fracture patients in a number of quality
      indicators at the study site, including length of stay (LOS), time to surgery and
      relative stay index (RSI). STRATEGIES FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: Following review
      of HHRT data key stakeholders undertook a quality improvement project and formed
      the Hip Fracture Clinical Network Group (HFCNG). This was established in 2013
      with the aim of improving outcomes and achieving key performance indicators for
      all elderly patients who sustain a hip fracture through active collaboration and
      regular communication between a broad group of key clinical stakeholders. RESULTS
      OF THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Following the implementation of the
      initiative the Relative Stay Index reduced from 88% in 2012/13 to 78% in 2014/15,
      and the average LOS reduced from 10.4 days to 8.6 days. The percentage of
      patients receiving surgery within 2 days rose from 85% to 96%; demonstrating
      consistent outperformance of the time to surgery key performance indicator of
      80%. The percentage of patients discharged to their place of usual residence
      increased from 45% to 54%. The rate of complications reduced slightly from 69% to
      66%. Rates of hospital acquired anaemia reduced from 20.7% to 15%. Detection of
      delirium rose over the reporting period from 22% to 34%, enabling rapid
      management. We noted during this period that there was no corresponding increase
      in readmission rates for this group of patients. These data reflect improvement
      to clinical documentation and the appropriate identification of cognitive
      changes. CONCLUSION: In this quality improvement report, we describe how key
      stakeholders were engaged to improve communication and collaboration, and how the
      use of a national benchmarking dataset enabled health care providers to identify
      care gaps and inconsistencies in clinical practice. This quality improvement
      project markedly improved collaboration, clinical practice and patient outcomes.

PMID- 28089406
TI  - Intervention Should not be the Thermopylae to Avoid Amputation: Commentary on
      "Not All Patients with Critical Limb Ischaemia Require Revascularisation".

PMID- 28089405
TI  - Use of Essential Oils Following Traumatic Burn Injury: A Case Study.
AB  - Hospital admissions related to burn injury reach 40,000 annually. Patients who
      experience extensive burns require longer hospital stays and are at increased
      risk for infection and hospital acquired conditions. This comparative case study
      is a two patient matched case control design that follows the hospital course of
      two children who experienced burn injuries. For one of these patients, with the
      consent of the child's parents, the grandmother treated her granddaughter with
      essential oils. Essential oils have the potential to inhibit microbial growth,
      support treatment of wounds, and facilitate healing. However, there have been no
      large scale studies on essential oils. Data for the two cases were retrieved from
      the electronic medical record at a Midwestern Pediatric Hospital. Retrieved data
      included burn site description, treatment for burns, number of days on the
      ventilator, white blood cell count, length of hospital stay, number of ICU days,
      infections diagnosed by positive culture and pain ratings. While the goals for
      treatment were the same for both children, the child who received only standard
      care was diagnosed with two blood stream infections and four hospital acquired
      conditions while the child who received supplemental treatment with essential
      oils did not develop any blood stream infections, was diagnosed with one hospital
      acquired condition, was in the PICU one day less, and had a four day shorter
      length of hospital stay. While these case findings are intriguing, research is
      needed to expand understanding of the role of essential oils in the treatment of
      burns.

PMID- 28089407
TI  - THE WORLD APHERESIS ASSOCIATION REGISTRY.

PMID- 28089408
TI  - The various assays for measuring activity states of factor VIIa in plasma and
      therapeutic products: Diagnostic value and analytical usefulness in various
      pathophysiological states.
AB  - The key coagulation factor FVII, and its activated form FVIIa, present a major
      interest for their role at the initiation phase of blood coagulation, and because
      they can activate all blood coagulation cascade, through the extrinsic, but also
      the intrinsic pathway. Blood activation initiated through FVII is first
      presented, as it is understood nowadays. Measurement of FVII and FVIIa were of
      main interest for epidemiological studies, but FVIIa contribution to assay
      results was only deduced. The introduction of specific FVIIa assays, functional
      or immunoassays, allowed measuring directly FVIIa without any interference of non
      activated FVII, or other coagulation factors or their activated forms. The
      various methods available, and their characteristics are presented, with a
      special focus on two assays developed by our group for FVIIa (a clotting one and
      a chromogenic one). The FVIIa clotting assay shows evident superiority for
      measuring its activity in plasma, in pathophysiological conditions. The normal
      range is <2.5ng/ml, which represents less than 0.5% of the FVII protein. FVIIa is
      elevated in some pathological states. The chromogenic assay is of interest for
      assigning the potency of FVIIa concentrates, as it has a higher dynamic range.
      Both assays are fully automatable on laboratory instruments, and standardized in
      a satisfactory manner thanks to the use of the FVIIa concentrate WHO
      International Standard (NIBSC). The various applications and usefulness of FVIIa
      laboratory assays are discussed, for the measurement of therapeutic products, or
      for following recoveries in treated patients, including hemophiliacs with
      inhibitors, patients with severe bleeding risk (liver diseases, surgery, trauma,
      ...), and lastly for measurement of its activity in therapeutic products.

PMID- 28089409
TI  - The Italian registry of therapeutic apheresis - 2015.
AB  - Data collection on apheresis activities in Italy throughout 2015 including
      techniques, clinical indications and adverse effects was performed by means of a
      SidEM model questionnaire (aggregate data). These data provided by 67 Apheresis
      Units from 17 Italian regions, albeit rough, are sufficiently informative, mainly
      in comparison with previous surveys on these statistics. PEx has been the most
      frequent technique for plasma removal/treatment (11787 procedures) followed by
      LDL-apheresis (927 procedures). ECP/photopheresis has been the most frequent
      cytapheresis procedure: 6,606 session, mainlyby using the off-line technique.Main
      indications for therapeutic apheresis are neurologic diseases, thrombotic
      microangiopathy and solid organ transplantation humoral rejection.The apheresis
      support activity to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation , the PBSC
      collection has been documented by 53 center: 3254 procedures in 2259 patients.
      Over all results have been positive: over 80% get better with therapy. Adverse
      effects, predominantly mild ones (i.e., paresthesia due to citrate-induced
      hypocalcemia), occurred in 7.9% of therapeutic sessions, of wich only 83 have
      been classified as severe (0.4%).

PMID- 28089410
TI  - Microparticle detection to guide platelet management for the reduction of
      platelet refractoriness in children - A study proposal.
AB  - Microparticles have been shown to shed from a variety of viable cells as a
      consequence of inflammatory processes, activation or physical stress. Seventy to
      90% of circulating microparticles are thought to be platelet-derived. The content
      of microparticles in blood collected from normal blood donors is highly variable
      and transfers into the final blood component. Elevated microparticle content
      (MPC) in donor blood might indicate an asymptomatic clinical condition of the
      donor which might affect the transfusion recipient, particularly pediatric
      patients. ThromboLUX is a new technology designed to routinely test biological
      samples for microparticle content. We compared MPC in platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
      of apheresis donors and the corresponding INTERCEPT-treated apheresis products
      (N=24). The MPCs in donor and product samples were correlated (r=0.74, P<0.001).
      Microparticles were significantly reduced after plasma replacement and INTERCEPT
      treatment. These findings are supported by phase contrast microscopy. Platelet
      transfusions given to patients with fever or systemic inflammation are less
      efficacious. In addition, transfusing heterogeneous platelets - concentrates with
      high MPC and activated platelets - to patients whose immune systems are activated
      might tip them over a threshold and cause platelet refractoriness. Restricting
      prophylactic platelet transfusions to homogeneous products - concentrates with
      resting platelets and therefore low MPC - may reduce the risk of refractoriness
      in cancer patients, especially children with immature immunity. To test this
      hypothesis we introduce an evaluation protocol for platelet management, i.e.,
      keeping a split inventory of homogeneous and heterogeneous platelets, and using
      only homogeneous platelets for prophylaxis as a strategy to reduce
      refractoriness.

PMID- 28089411
TI  - Apheresis Medicine education in the United States of America: State of the
      discipline.
AB  - Apheresis Medicine is a medical discipline that involves a variety of procedures
      (based on the targeted component to be removed or collected), indications
      (therapeutic vs. donation), and personnel (operators, management, and medical
      oversight). Apheresis services are accredited and/or regulated by a number of
      agencies and organizations. Given the complexity and the heterogeneity of
      apheresis services, it has been particularly challenging to formulate educational
      goals and define curriculums that easily cover all aspects of Apheresis Medicine.
      This review summarizes the current state of the discipline in the United States
      of America, and some of the challenges, strategies, and resources that Apheresis
      Medicine educators have used to ensure that Apheresis Medicine educational
      programs meet the health care needs of the relevant population within regulatory
      and accrediting entity frameworks.

PMID- 28089412
TI  - Whaddaya Know: A Guide to Uncertainty and Subjectivity in Structural Biology.
AB  - The methods of structural biology, while powerful, are technically complex.
      Although the Protein Data Bank (PDB) provides a repository that allows anyone to
      download any structure, many users would not appreciate the caveats that should
      be considered when examining a structure. Here, we describe several key
      uncertainties associated with the application of X-ray crystallography, NMR
      spectroscopy, single-particle electron microscopy (SPEM), and small-angle
      scattering (SAS) to biological macromolecules. The take-home message is that
      structures are not absolute truths - they are models that fit the experimental
      data and therefore have uncertainty and subjectivity associated with them. These
      uncertainties must be appreciated - careful reading of the associated paper, and
      any validation report provided by the structure database, is highly recommended.

PMID- 28089413
TI  - Relation of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction to Daily Ambient
      Temperature and Air Pollutant Levels in a Japanese Nationwide Percutaneous
      Coronary Intervention Registry.
AB  - Effects of daily fluctuation of ambient temperature and concentrations of air
      pollutants on acute cardiovascular events have not been well studied. From
      January 2011 to December 2012, a total of 56,863 consecutive ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who underwent primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention were registered from 929 institutes with median
      interinstitutional distance of 2.6 km. We constructed generalized linear mixed
      models in which the presence or absence of patients with STEMI per day per
      institute was included as a binomial response variable, with daily meteorologic
      and environmental data obtained from their respective observatories nearest to
      the institutes (median distance of 9.7 and 5.6 km) as the explanatory variables.
      Both lower mean temperature and increase in maximum temperature from the previous
      day were independently associated with the STEMI occurrence throughout the year
      (odds ratio [OR] 0.925, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.915 to 0.935, per 10
      degrees C, p <0.001; and OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.009 to 1.015, per  degrees C, p
      <0.001, respectively). Decrement in minimum temperature from -4 days to -3 days
      before the event date was marginally associated with the STEMI occurrence, only
      during the wintertime (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.982 to 0.999, per  degrees C, p =
      0.03). As for the air pollutants, nitrogen oxides and suspended particle matter
      were not correlated with the occurrence of STEMI after adjusting for the
      meteorologic and livelihood variables. Both the absolute value and relative
      change in the ambient temperature were associated with the occurrence of STEMI;
      the associations with the air pollutant levels were less clear after adjustment
      for these meteorologic variables in Japan.

PMID- 28089414
TI  - Acupressure effect on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Acupressure is a non-invasive treatment in which pressure is applied to specific
      body points. Following public health concerns about poor sleep quality and
      increasing interest in alternative treatments, a systematic review and a meta
      analysis were designed to evaluate the effects of acupressure on the quality of
      sleep. Ten English (PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL etc.) and five Chinese (CNKI, WANFANG
      etc.) databases were searched and the validity of the eligible studies was
      critically appraised. Thirty-two eligible randomized controlled trials of
      moderate to high quality which employed polysomnography, actigraphy, or self
      assessment sleep quality tools were included. We conducted a meta-analysis using
      a random effects model with the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) as the
      primary outcome measure (968 adult patients, 13 trials) for trials investigating
      the effects of traditional Chinese medicine acupressure compared with standard
      and sham treatments. We performed subgroup analyses to detect sources of
      heterogeneity, identify the use of acupoints in different populations and explore
      the contributions of PSQI domains to the total score change. Comparison with the
      sham group (7 trials with 385 patients) yielded low heterogeneity and an overall
      effect of 13%-19% improvement in the PSQI score (MD = -3.41, 95% CI -4.08, -2.75;
      I2 = 12%). Based on data from four trials (n = 250), sleep latency and sleep
      duration were most affected. No adverse effects were reported in any of the
      reviewed trials. Within the limitations of clinical heterogeneity, the results
      showed that even fragile populations such as the elderly and dialysis patients
      can benefit from acupressure. Standardized treatment protocols involved 3-5 kg of
      pressure for one to five minutes per acupoint, delivered three to seven times a
      week for three to four weeks with the HT7 (Shenmen) acupoint used in most
      procedures. A high risk of bias due to absence of blinding of patients and
      personnel remains a serious methodological challenge for acupressure trials and
      poses a main limitation to presented results. This review has been registered in
      PROSPERO (registration number CRD42015025013).

PMID- 28089415
TI  - Antimicrobial stewardship in the Federal Bureau of Prisons: Approaches from the
      national and local levels.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of national and local antimicrobial
      stewardship measures on overall antibiotic prescribing in the Federal Bureau of
      Prisons (BOP). SETTING: Care was delivered to more than 160,000 inmates in 122
      BOP facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION:
      Medical centers and health services clinics staffed by in-house medical staff,
      consultants, and specialists. Staffs include a variety of disciplines, including
      physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, infection control personnel,
      therapists, health services administrators, and institution executive staff.
      PRACTICE INNOVATION: Innovations occurred on 2 levels: local components were used
      to reinforce national initiatives. Local institutions used a multidisciplinary
      team approach including education and focused evaluations of all antibiotic
      prescriptions before dispensing. National initiatives included the development of
      a closed formulary, clinical practice guidelines, an antimicrobial stewardship
      group led by pharmacy, development of tools and strategies for institutions,
      inclusion in the BOP strategic plan, and a drug utilization evaluation.
      EVALUATION: This was a study of antimicrobial stewardship within BOP and the
      resultant impact on antibiotic prescriptions. In addition, one institution's
      antimicrobial stewardship methods were reviewed to determine the impact on
      antibiotic prescribing practices. RESULTS: The total number of antibiotic
      prescriptions in BOP-managed institutions in fiscal year (FY) 2010 (October 2009
      to September 2010) was 142,907 and progressively decreased to 105,832 in FY2015.
      The number of antibiotic prescriptions per 1000 inmates correspondingly decreased
      from 829 in FY2010 to 625 in FY2015. The overall number of antibiotic
      prescriptions as a percentage of total prescriptions decreased from 7.64% in
      FY2010 to 5.84% in FY2015. CONCLUSION: A robust multidisciplinary antimicrobial
      stewardship program has likely contributed to a decrease in both the total number
      and the rate of antibiotic prescriptions on a per-1000-patient basis in BOP.

PMID- 28089417
TI  - Venous sinus compromise after pre-sigmoid, transpetrosal approach for skull base
      tumors: A study on the asymptomatic incidence and report of a rare dural
      arteriovenous fistula as symptomatic manifestation.
AB  - The sigmoid sinus is routinely exposed and manipulated during pre-sigmoid,
      transpetrosal approaches to the skull base, but there is scant data available on
      the incidence of venous sinus compromise after surgery. We encountered a dural
      arteriovenous fistula as a result of sigmoid sinus occlusion and examined the
      incidence of venous sinus thrombosis or narrowing after transpetrosal surgeries.
      We performed a retrospective analysis of a series of patients treated by the
      senior surgeons (WCJ, MH, HJK), who underwent either a posterior petrosectomy or
      translabyrinthine approach for various skull base tumors. All available clinical
      and radiographic data were thoroughly examined in each patient to determine the
      post-operative fate of the venous sinuses. Of the 52 available patients, five
      patients were discovered post-operatively to have a narrowed or constricted
      sigmoid sinus ipsilateral to the surgery, whereas another five patients were
      diagnosed with asymptomatic sinus thrombosis either in the transverse or sigmoid
      or both. None of these patients experienced symptoms, nor were there any instance
      of ischemic or hemorrhagic complications. However, there was one additional
      patient who presented with pulsatile tinnitus 2years after surgery. His angiogram
      showed an occlusion of the ipsilateral sigmoid sinus and a posterior fossa dural
      arteriovenous fistula. A two-stage transvenous and transarterial embolization was
      successful in eliminating the fistula. Technical considerations to avoid sinus
      injuries during pre-sigmoid, transpetrosal surgery are discussed.

PMID- 28089418
TI  - Distant spread of a supratentorial glioblastoma to the spinal cord.
AB  - Extracranial spread from a glioblastoma is rare. We present a case of a 48year
      old man with a previously radiologically-stable left temporal lobe glioblastoma
      presenting with symptoms referrable to the spinal cord. MRI revealed a spinal
      cord lesion, with the differential including transverse myelitis and tumour. Open
      surgical biopsy revealed high-grade astrocytoma. Genetic analysis of both the
      supratentorial and spinal tumours revealed R132H IDH1 mutations, providing
      evidence that the spinal cord lesion had spread from the supratentorial tumour.

PMID- 28089416
TI  - Strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance in renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cell cancer (RCC) is a prevalent and lethal disease. At time of
      diagnosis, most patients present with localized disease. For these patients, the
      standard of care includes nephrectomy with close monitoring thereafter. While
      many patients will be cured, 5-year recurrence rates range from 30% to 60%.
      Furthermore, nearly one-third of patients present with metastatic disease at time
      of diagnosis. Metastatic disease is rarely curable and typically lethal.
      Cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation alone are incapable of controlling the
      disease. Extensive effort was expended in the development of cytokine therapies
      but response rates remain low. Newer agents targeting angiogenesis and mTOR
      signaling emerged in the 2000s and revolutionized patient care. While these
      agents improve progression free survival, the development of resistance is nearly
      universal. A new era of immunotherapy is now emerging, led by the checkpoint
      inhibitors. However, therapeutic resistance remains a complex issue that is
      likely to persist. METHODS AND PURPOSE: In this review, we systematically
      evaluate preclinical research and clinical trials that address resistance to the
      primary RCC therapies, including anti-angiogenesis agents, mTOR inhibitors, and
      immunotherapies. As clear cell RCC is the most common adult kidney cancer and has
      been the focus of most studies, it will be the focus of this review.

PMID- 28089419
TI  - Risk factors for respiratory failure of motor neuron disease in a multiracial
      Asian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motor neuron disease (MND) is a devastating degenerative disorder.
      Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common and severe form of MND.
      Respiratory failure arising from ventilator musculature atrophy is the most
      common cause of death for ALS patients. Exploring the factors correlated with
      respiratory failure can contribute to disease management. PURPOSE: To
      characterize the clinical features of MND and determine the factors that may
      affect respiratory failure of MND patients. METHODS: The case records of all MND
      patients seen in Singapore General Hospital (SGH) between January 2004 and
      December 2014 were examined. Demographic, clinical information were collected by
      reviewing case records. Mortality data, if not available from records, were
      obtained via phone call interview of family members. Demographic data and
      clinical treatments were compared between Respiratory support group and Non
      respiratory support group. RESULTS: There were 73 patients included in our study.
      49 (67.1%) patients died during follow-up. The mean age of onset was 58+/
      11.1years. With regard to treatment, 63% needed feeding support, and 42.5%
      required ventilation aid. The median overall survival was 36months from symptom
      onset. Chi-square tests showed there was significantly higher percentage of
      respiratory support needed in Chinese than in other races (P=0.016). Compared
      with non-feeding support patients, patients with feeding support were more likely
      to require assisted ventilation (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We report for the first
      time that the need of feeding support is significantly associated with assisted
      ventilation. Chinese MND patients may be more inclined to require respiratory
      support.

PMID- 28089421
TI  - Microbiology and treatment of brain abscess.
AB  - Brain abscess is a focal pyogenic infection of the brain's parenchyma. The most
      frequent intracranial locations (in descending order of frequency) are: frontal
      temporal, frontal-parietal, partial, cerebellar, and occipital lobes. The major
      predisposing factors are: an associated contiguous focus of infection, trauma,
      and hematogenous spread from a distant focus. The microbial etiology depends on
      the site of the primary infection; the patient's age, underlying condition, and
      immune status; and the geographic location. The organisms most commonly isolated
      are anaerobic bacteria, aerobic and microaerophilic streptococci,
      Enterobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Specimens obtained during surgery
      or stereotactic computerized axial tomography (CT) guided aspiration should be
      sent for aerobic, anaerobic, mycobacterial and fungal culture and, when
      indicated, for protozoa. Before abscess encapsulation and localization,
      antimicrobial therapy, accompanied by measures to control increasing intracranial
      pressure, are essential. Once an abscess has formed, surgical excision or
      drainage combined with prolonged antibiotics (usually 4-8weeks) remains the
      treatment of choice.

PMID- 28089420
TI  - Regression of intracranial meningioma following treatment with nivolumab: Case
      report and review of the literature.
AB  - The treatment of refractory meningiomas remains a challenge for both
      neurosurgeons and neuro-oncologists. There have been no clinical reports of the
      use or effects of anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with meningioma. We describe a
      patient whose intracranial meningioma decreased significantly in size after
      treatment with nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1, for a concomitant
      advanced lung cancer. This is the first clinical report suggesting that
      antibodies targeting PD-1 are effective in treating meningioma. It should
      encourage further research into the use of checkpoint inhibitors in meningioma.

PMID- 28089422
TI  - Low-magnitude mechanical signals and the spine: A review of current and future
      applications.
AB  - Animal and human studies demonstrate the anabolic properties of low-magnitude
      mechanical stimulation (LMMS) in its ability to improve bone formation by
      enhancing the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells and their subsequent
      commitment down an osteoblastic lineage. Response to mechanical strains as low as
      10MUE have been seen, illustrating the sensitivity of mechanosensory cells to
      mechanotransduction pathways. Applications to the spine include treatment of
      osteoporosis in preparation for instrumented fusion, fracture reduction in spinal
      cord injury patients to slow bone mineral density loss, and bone tissue
      engineering and enhancement of bone-implant osseointegration for pseudarthrosis
      and hardware failure. This review provides an overview of the fundamentals of
      LMMS, highlights the cellular basis and biomechanics of how mechanical strain is
      translated into bone formation, and then discusses current and potential
      applications of these concepts to spinal disorders. Mechanical signals represent
      a key regulatory mechanism in the maintenance and formation of bone. Developing
      practical clinical applications of these mechanotransduction pathways continues
      to be an important area of investigation in its relation to spinal pathology.

PMID- 28089423
TI  - Crossed cheiro-oral syndrome: A warning sign for medullary involvement and
      neurological deterioration.
AB  - Crossed cheiro-oral syndrome (CCOS) is characterized by crossed sensory
      disturbance confined to the unilateral perioral area and contralateral
      hand/finger(s). Although a few classical crossed sensory syndromes accurately
      predict brainstem or spinal involvement, the clinical significance of CCOS
      remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the etiology, localization and
      outcome of CCOS patients. The results showed that ischemic stroke is the
      exclusive cause of CCOS. The location of responsible stroke is pertinent to the
      middle or upper level of the lateral medulla oblongata medial to the lateral
      sulcus. The vascular supply is from the vertebral artery or the posterior
      inferior cerebellar artery. Half of the CCOS patients progressed to Wallenberg's
      syndrome and complicated with disabled daily living. However, no patient died
      during the follow-up period. A larger size and dorsal extension of the infarction
      correlated with neurological deterioration. Therefore, CCOS is an independent
      clinical sign of medullary involvement. It strongly predicts involvement at the
      lateral medulla oblongata, especially the ischemic stroke, and neurological
      deterioration. A rapid evaluation of the infarction location and vascular status
      is suggested in cases of CCOS.

PMID- 28089424
TI  - High-sensitivity troponins and prognosis of heart failure.

PMID- 28089425
TI  - [A comparison of various supraglottic airway devices for fiberoptical guided
      tracheal intubation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fiberoptical assisted intubation via placed supraglottic airway
      devices has been described as safe and easy procedure to manage difficult
      airways. However visualization of the glottis aperture is essential for
      fiberoptical assisted intubation. Various different supraglottic airway devices
      are commercially available and might offer different conditions for fiberoptical
      assisted intubation. The aim of this study was to compare the best obtainable
      view of the glottic aperture using different supraglottic airway devices.
      METHODS: With approval of the local ethics committee 52 adult patients undergoing
      elective anesthesia were randomly assigned to a supraglottic airway device
      (Laryngeal Tube, Laryngeal Mask Airway I-Gel, Laryngeal Mask Airway Unique,
      Laryngeal Mask Airway Supreme, Laryngeal Mask Airway Aura-once). After
      standardized induction of anaesthesia the supraglottic airway device was placed
      according to the manufacturers recommendations. After successful ventilation the
      position of the supraglottic airway device in regard to the glottic opening was
      examined with a flexible fiberscope. A fully or partially visible glottic
      aperture was considered as suitable for fiberoptical assisted intubation.
      Suitability for fiberoptical assisted intubation was compared between the groups
      (H-test, U-test; p<0.05). RESULTS: Demographic data was not different between the
      groups. Placement of the supraglottic airway device and adequate ventilation was
      successful in all attempts. Glottic view suitable for fiberoptical assisted
      intubation differed between the devices ranging from 40% for the laringeal tube
      (LT), 66% for the laryngeal mask airway Supreme, 70% for the Laryngeal Mask
      Airway I-Gel and 90% for both the Laryngeal Mask Airway Unique and the Laryngeal
      Mask Airway Aura-once. CONCLUSION: None of the used supraglottic airway devices
      offered a full or partial glottic view in all cases. However the Laryngeal Mask
      Airway Unique and the Laryngeal Mask Airway Aura-once seem to be more suitable
      for fiberoptical assisted intubation compared to other devices.

PMID- 28089426
TI  - Exchange of a HeartWare HVAD to a HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device.

PMID- 28089427
TI  - Right-to-left inverted living-donor lobar lung transplantation combined with
      sparing of native right upper lobe.

PMID- 28089428
TI  - New Uses for Old Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonar disease and
      Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

PMID- 28089429
TI  - Diagnosis and quantification of fibrosis, steatosis, and hepatic siderosis
      through multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of liver fibrosis is the common denominator in numerous
      chronic liver diseases that can progress to fibrosis and hepatocellular
      carcinoma. Most important, with respect to frequency, are viral hepatitis and non
      alcoholic fatty liver disease, the prevalence of which is increasing in epidemic
      proportions. Liver biopsy, albeit imperfect, continues to be the criterion
      standard, but in many clinical situations tends to be replaced with noninvasive
      imaging methods. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present article was to describe our
      imaging department experience with magnetic resonance elastography and to analyze
      and discuss recently published results in gastroenterology, hepatology, and
      radiology from other authors in the literature, complemented with a PubMed search
      covering the last 10 years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance
      elastography is an efficacious, noninvasive method with results that are
      concordant with liver biopsy. It is superior to ultrasound elastography because
      it evaluates a much greater volume of hepatic tissue and shows the often
      heterogeneous lesion distribution. The greatest advantage of the magnetic
      resonance protocol described is the fact that it quantifies fibrosis, fat
      content, and iron content in the same 25min examination specifically directed for
      that purpose, resulting in a favorable cost-benefit ratio for the patient and/or
      institution.

PMID- 28089430
TI  - High variability of expression profiles of homeologous genes for Wnt, Hh, Notch,
      and Hippo signaling pathways in Xenopus laevis.
AB  - Cell signaling pathways, such as Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, and Hippo, are
      essential for embryogenesis, organogenesis, and tissue homeostasis. In this
      study, we analyzed 415 genes involved in these pathways in the allotetraploid
      frog, Xenopus laevis. Most genes are retained in two subgenomes called L and S
      (193 homeologous gene pairs and 29 singletons). This conservation rate of
      homeologs is much higher than that of all genes in the X. laevis genome (86.9% vs
      60.2%). Among singletons, 24 genes are retained in the L subgenome, a rate
      similar to the average for all genes (82.8% vs 74.6%). In addition, as general
      components of signal transduction, we also analyzed 32 heparan sulfate
      proteoglycan (HSPG)-related genes and eight TLE/Groucho transcriptional
      corepressors-related genes. In these gene sets, all homeologous pairs have been
      retained. Transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq data from developmental stages and
      adult tissues demonstrated that most homeologous pairs of signaling components
      have variable expression patterns, in contrast to the conservative expression
      profiles of homeologs for transcription factors. Our results indicate that
      homeologous gene pairs for cell signaling regulation have tended to become
      subfunctionalized after allotetraploidization. Diversification of signaling
      pathways by subfunctionalization of homeologs may enhance environmental
      adaptability. These results provide insights into the evolution of signaling
      pathways after polyploidization.

PMID- 28089431
TI  - Adults with developmental dyslexia show selective impairments in time-based and
      self-initiated prospective memory: Self-report and clinical evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prospective memory (PM; memory for delayed intentions) would seem to
      be impaired in dyslexia but evidence is currently limited in scope. AIMS: There
      is a need, therefore, firstly, to explore PM under controlled conditions using a
      broader range of PM tasks than used previously and, secondly, to determine
      whether objectively measured and self-reported PM problems can be found in the
      same individuals with dyslexia. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The responses of 30
      adults with dyslexia were compared with those of 30 IQ-matched adults without
      dyslexia on a self-report and a clinical measure of PM. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS:
      Dyslexia-related deficits were shown on the clinical measure overall and, more
      particularly, when PM responses had to be made to cues based on time rather than
      environmental events. Adults with dyslexia were also more likely to forget to
      carry out an intention under naturalistic conditions 24h later. On the self
      report questionnaire, the group with dyslexia reported significantly more
      frequent problems with PM overall, despite using more techniques to aid their
      memory. In particular, problems were identified with longer-term PM tasks and PM
      which had to be self-initiated. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Dyslexia-related PM
      deficits were found under both laboratory and everyday conditions in the same
      participants; the first time that this has been demonstrated. These findings
      support previous experimental research which has highlighted dyslexia-related
      deficits in PM when the enacting of intentions is based on time cues and/or has
      to be self-initiated rather than being in prompted by environmental events.

PMID- 28089432
TI  - Daily living pain assessment in children with autism: Exploratory study.
AB  - This study aims to broaden knowledge about pain expression and assessment in
      daily life situations in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The goals
      are to provide a description of the responses of the GED-DI, the French version
      of the NCCPC, and to test the internal structure validity of this scale. Thirty
      five children with ASD were included in this study (mean age=58months; mean
      developmental age=32months). The French version of the NCCPC was filled in by
      parents. Descriptive analysis of responses shows that children with ASD express
      pain through varied and common behaviours, related to different expressive
      markers (vocal, facial, activity, etc.). Behaviours more specific to the
      symptomology and disturbances of ASD are also displayed. A four-factor solution
      (negative emotional reaction, idiosyncratic expression, hyper-vigilance reaction,
      pain expression) emerges from an exploratory factor analysis that explains 54.4%
      of the total variance. Correlation coefficients show good psychometric qualities
      in terms of internal consistency, factorial validity and discriminant validity.
      This study provides new data about pain expression in daily life situations and
      shows that the French version of NCCPC adjusted to ASD children is relevant to
      assess pain in daily life situations.

PMID- 28089433
TI  - Derivation and validation of a scoring system for predicting nonalcoholic
      steatohepatitis in Taiwanese patients with severe obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is common in severely obese
      Asians and may progress to advanced liver disease. Although invasive, liver
      biopsy is the gold standard for NASH diagnosis. Scoring systems for predicting
      NASH in obese Asians are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a scoring
      system to predict NASH in Taiwanese patients with severe obesity. SETTING:
      University hospital, Taiwan. METHODS: Preoperative clinical and laboratory data
      were obtained from 180 severely obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery.
      NASH was evaluated by liver histopathology. Patients were divided into 2 groups:
      a derivation cohort (n = 120) and a validation cohort (n = 60). RESULTS: Of the
      180 patients, 91 (50.6%) had NASH. Multivariate analysis identified body mass
      index (BMI), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triglyceride as independent
      predictors for NASH in the derivation group. A weighted sum of the score was: [(1
      for presence of 45 kg/m2 ? BMI>40 kg/m2) or (2 for presence of BMI>45 kg/m2)+(2
      for presence of ALT>40 IU/L)+(1 for presence of triglyceride>140 mg/L)]. The area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve of this model was .80 and .82
      in derivation and validation cohort, respectively. Patients were further divided
      into low- and high-risk for NASH by using a cutoff score of 3. Diagnostic
      accuracy was 74% and 80% in derivation and validation cohorts, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: We developed and subsequently validated a simple clinical scoring
      system incorporating BMI, ALT, and triglyceride to predict NASH in Taiwanese
      patients with severe obesity.

PMID- 28089434
TI  - Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus after laparoscopic sleeve
      gastrectomy: a possible, underestimated long-term complication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Morbidly obese patients are affected by gastroesophageal reflux
      disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia (HH) more frequently than lean patients. Because
      of conflicting results, the indication to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in patients
      with GERD is still debated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of GERD on the
      basis of clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data in patients undergoing SG.
      SETTINGS: University hospital, Rome, Italy. METHODS: From July 2007 to January
      2010, 162 patients underwent primary SG. Preoperatively all patients underwent
      visual analogue scale (VAS) evaluation of GERD symptoms, proton pump inhibitors
      (PPIs) consumption recording, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Stomach
      resection started 6 cm from pylorus on a 48Fr bougie. Staple line was reinforced
      by an oversewing suture. A postoperative clinical control with VAS evaluation,
      PPI consumption, and EGD was proposed to all patients. Three patients were
      excluded because of the occurrence of major postoperative complications. RESULTS:
      A total of 110 patients accepted to take part in the study (follow-up rate:
      69.1%). At a mean 58 months of follow-up, incidence of GERD symptoms, VAS mean
      score, and PPI intake significantly increased compared with preoperative values
      (68.1% versus 33.6%: P<.0001; 3 versus 1.8: P = .018; 57.2% versus 19.1%:
      P<.0001) At EGD, an upward migration of the "Z" line and a biliary-like
      esophageal reflux was found in 73.6% and 74.5% of cases, respectively. A
      significant increase in the incidence and in the severity of erosive esophagitis
      (EE) was evidenced, whereas nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE) was newly
      diagnosed in 19 patients (17.2%). No significant correlations were found between
      GERD symptoms and endoscopic findings. CONCLUSION: In the present series the
      incidence of EE and of BE in SG patients was considerably higher than that
      reported in the current literature, and it was not related to GERD symptoms.
      Endoscopic surveillance after SG should be advocated irrespective of the presence
      of GERD symptoms.

PMID- 28089435
TI  - Jejunal gluconeogenesis associated with insulin resistance level and its
      evolution after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal gluconeogenesis (GNG) may play an important role in
      glucose homeostasis, but there is little information about the condition in
      humans. OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between intestinal GNG and insulin
      resistance, its association with the evolution of morbidly obese patients after
      bariatric surgery, and the effect of insulin and or leptin. SETTING: Regional
      university hospital, Malaga (Spain). METHODS: Jejunal mRNA expression of genes
      involved in GNG was analyzed in 3 groups of morbidly obese patients who underwent
      Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: with low insulin resistance (MO-low-IR), with high
      insulin resistance (MO-high-IR), and with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin
      (MO-metf-T2D). Also, intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) from MO-low-IR were
      incubated with different doses of insulin and or leptin. RESULTS: In MO-high-IR,
      glutaminase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose 6-phosphatase (G6
      Pase), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC
      1 alpha), and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins 1 c (SREBP-1 c)
      expressions were significantly higher than in MO-low-IR. In MO-metf-T2 D, only
      PEPCK was significantly lower than in MO-high-IR. In IEC, an incubation with a
      high glucose and insulin dose produced an increase of PEPCK and SREBP-1 c, and a
      decrease of glutaminase, fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), and PGC-1 alpha
      expression. At high doses of leptin, G6 Pase and FBPase were significantly
      increased. The improvement of insulin resistance 3 months after bariatric surgery
      was positively associated with high G6 Pase and FBPase expression. CONCLUSION:
      mRNA expression of genes involved in GNG is increased in the jejunum of MO-high
      IR, and regulated by insulin and or leptin. High mRNA expression of genes
      involved in GNG is associated with a better evolution of insulin resistance after
      bariatric surgery.

PMID- 28089436
TI  - The significance of histologic examination of gastrectomy specimens: a
      clinicopathologic study of 511 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is quickly becoming the preferred procedure
      for bariatric surgery. According to the American Society for Metabolic and
      Bariatric Surgery guidelines, routine preoperative upper gastrointestinal
      endoscopies are not recommended universally for bariatric surgery. Some studies
      have shown that the histologic examination of SG specimens is insignificant and
      not a cost-effective practice. However, some speculate SG examination may unveil
      pertinent findings and prevent further progression of precursor lesions.
      OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the clinically significant or actionable
      lesions that can be revealed with SG examination. SETTING: Tufts Medical Center,
      Boston, USA. RESULTS: We analyzed 511 SG specimens obtained during bariatric
      surgery. Incidental findings were grouped in 2 categories: clinically
      significant/actionable and minor lesions. The clinically significant lesions
      accounted for 5.8%. This category included 5 cases of gastrointestinal stromal
      tumor; one case of MALT lymphoma; 4 cases of autoimmune gastritis with
      concomitant pancreatic metaplasia or neuroendocrine dysplasia. Intestinal
      metaplasia without dysplasia was identified in 3 cases; 14 cases of Helicobacter
      pylori associated active gastritis; 1 case of iron pill induced gastritis and 1
      case of gastric glandular siderosis. The minor lesions accounted for 6.3%,
      showing findings other than chronic gastritis. This category included 19 cases of
      fundic polyps and 1 case of hyperplastic polyp; one case of leiomyoma; 11 cases
      of H pylori negative active gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of
      histopathology results after SG showed no significant changes. However, a few
      cases had clinically significant lesions in seemingly healthy patients, altering
      patient's postoperative management.

PMID- 28089437
TI  - Systems innovation model: an integrated interdisciplinary team approach pre- and
      post-bariatric surgery at a veterans affairs (VA) medical center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Provision of bariatric surgery in the Veterans Health Administration
      must account for obese veterans' co-morbidity burden and the geographically
      dispersed location of patients relative to Veterans Affairs (VA) bariatric
      centers. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a collaborative, integrated, interdisciplinary
      bariatric team of surgeons, bariatricians, psychologists, dieticians, and
      physical therapists working in a hub-and-spokes care model, for pre- and post
      bariatric surgery assessment and management. METHODS: This is a description of an
      interdisciplinary clinic and bariatric program at a VA healthcare system and a
      report on program evaluation findings. Retrospective data of a prospective
      database was abstracted. For program evaluation, we abstracted charts to
      characterize patient data and conducted a patient survey. RESULTS: Since 2009,
      181 veterans have undergone bariatric surgery. Referrals came from 7 western U.S.
      states. Mean preoperative body mass index was 46 kg/m2 (maximum 71). Mean age was
      53 years, with 33% aged>60 years; 79% were male. Medical co-morbidity included
      diabetes (70%), hypertension (85%), and lower back or extremity joint pain (84%).
      A psychiatric diagnosis was present in 58%. At 12 months, follow-up was 81% and
      percent excess body mass index loss was 50.5%. Among 54 sequential clinic
      patients completing anonymous surveys, overall satisfaction with the
      interdisciplinary team approach and improved quality of life were high (98% and
      94%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The integrated, interdisciplinary team approach
      using a hub-and-spokes model is well suited to the VA bariatric surgery
      population, with its heavy burden of medical and mental health co-morbidity and
      its system of geographically dispersed patients receiving treatment at specialty
      centers. As the VA seeks to expand the use of bariatric surgery as an option for
      obese veterans, interdisciplinary models crafted to address case complexity, care
      coordination, and long-term outcomes should be part of policy planning efforts.

PMID- 28089438
TI  - A retrospective comparison of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch with
      single anastomosis duodenal switch (SIPS-stomach intestinal pylorus sparing
      surgery) at a single institution with two year follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The traditional duodenal switch is performed using a Roux-en-Y
      configuration. This procedure has proven to be the most effective procedure for
      long-term weight loss and co-morbidity reduction. Recently, stomach intestinal
      pylorus sparing surgery (SIPS) has been introduced as a simpler and potentially
      safer variation of the duodenal switch (DS). It is a single anastomosis end-to
      side proximal duodeno-ileal bypass with a sleeve gastrectomy. In this study, we
      compare our outcomes between biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD
      DS) and SIPS at 2 years. SETTING: This is a retrospective analysis from a single
      surgeon at a single private institution. METHODS: We analyzed data from 182
      patients retrospectively, 62 patients underwent BPD-DS while 120 other patients
      underwent SIPS between September 2011 and March 2015. A subset analysis was
      performed comparing data from both procedures to evaluate weight loss and
      complications. RESULTS: Of 182 patients, 156 patients were beyond 1 year
      postoperative mark and 99 patients were beyond 2 year postoperative mark. Five
      patients were lost to follow-up. None of our patients had complications resulting
      in death. BPD-DS and SIPS had statistically similar weight loss at 3 months but
      percent excess weight loss (%EWL) was more with BPD-DS than SIPS at 6, 9, 12, 18,
      and 24 months. Patient lost a mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.3 (follow-up: 69%)
      and 20.3 kg/m2 (follow-up: 71%) at 2 years from the BPD-DS and SIPS surgery,
      respectively. However, patients who had undergone SIPS procedure had
      significantly shorter operative time, shorter length of stay, fewer perioperative
      and postoperative complications than BPD-DS (P<.001). Interestingly, even though
      BPD-DS patients lost slightly more weight, the actual final BMI for SIPS group
      was lower than BPD-DS group (25.6 versus 26.9) (P<.05). There was no statistical
      difference between 2 groups for postoperative nutritional data such as vitamins
      D, B1, B12, serum calcium, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin
      (HbA1C), insulin, serum albumin, serum total protein, and lipid panel.
      CONCLUSION: The SIPS is a simplified DS procedure. The SIPS eliminates one
      anastomosis and compared with BPD-DS has fewer perioperative and postoperative
      complications, shorter operative time and length of stay, and similar nutritional
      results at 2 years. However, weight loss was more with BPD-DS. A fair criticism
      is that the vast majority of BPD-DS cases were done before the SIPS cases. As a
      result, experience and learning curve cannot be completely dismissed when viewing
      postoperative complications.

PMID- 28089439
TI  - Evaluating the effect of operative technique on leaks after laparoscopic sleeve
      gastrectomy: a case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of operative technique on staple line leaks after
      laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). BACKGROUND: Staple-line leaks after LSG
      are a major source of morbidity and mortality. Variations in operative technique
      exist; however, their effect on leaks is poorly understood. METHODS: We analyzed
      data from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative (MBSC) to perform a case
      control study comparing patients who had a clinically significant leak after
      undergoing a primary LSG to those who did not. A total of 45 patients with leaks
      were identified between January 2007 and December 2013. The leak group was
      matched 1:2 to a control group based on procedure type, age, body mass index,
      sex, and year the procedure was performed. Technique-specific factors were
      assessed by reviewing operative notes from all primary bariatric procedures in
      our study population. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify
      techniques associated with leaks. To increase the power of our analysis, we used
      a significance level of .10. RESULTS: Leak rates with LSG have decreased over the
      past 5 years (1.18% to .36%) as annual case volume has increased (846 cases/yr to
      4435 cases/yr). Surgeons who performed 43 or more cases per year had a leak
      rate<1%. Leaks were more common among cases requiring a blood transfusion (26.2%
      versus 1.08%, P = .0031) and when cases were converted to open surgery (7.14%
      versus 0%, P = .0741). However, there was no significant difference in operative
      time between cases involving a leak and their matched controls (95.4 min versus
      87.1 min, P = .1197). Oversewing of the staple line was the only technique
      associated with less leaks after controlling for confounding factors (OR .397 CI
      .174, .909, P = .0665). Notably, surgeons who oversewed routinely were also found
      to have higher case volume (307 versus 140, P = .0216) and less overall
      complication rates (4.81% versus 7.95%, P = .0027). Furthermore, oversewing
      technique varied widely as only 22.6% of cases involved oversewing of the entire
      staple line. CONCLUSION: Despite considerable variation in operative technique,
      leak rates with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy have decreased over time as
      operative volume has increased. Oversewing of the staple line was associated with
      fewer leaks, but specific suturing technique was not uniform and oversewing was
      performed routinely by more experienced surgeons with higher case volumes and
      less complication rates overall. Before standardizing surgical technique one must
      take into account variations in surgeon skill and experience.

PMID- 28089440
TI  - Taiji Train the Trainers Curriculum: Increasing the Work Force to Decrease Falls
      in the Elderly.

PMID- 28089441
TI  - Prognostic Implications of Monosomies in Patients With Multiple Myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytogenetic analysis aides in risk stratification for patients with
      multiple myeloma (MM). Although several cytogenetic aberrations have been
      reported to be prognostic, less is known about the association between the
      presence of monosomies and prognosis. The present study evaluated the prevalence
      and prognostic implications of monosomies in patients with MM. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Karyotypes were determined using conventional cytogenetics and
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The prognostic effect of monosomies
      was evaluated by comparison with the clinical factors in MM patients with normal
      karyotypes. RESULTS: Karyotypes were successfully determined in 167 of the 170
      patients with MM. Of these 167 patients, 52 (31.1%) had abnormal karyotypes.
      Univariable analyses showed that a normal karyotype, hypodiploidy, monosomies of
      chromosomes 13 and 16, deletion or monosomy of 13q14, and loss of X detected by
      metaphase analysis were each associated with reduced progression-free survival (P
      < .05 for each). Univariable analyses showed that a normal karyotype,
      hypodiploidy, monosomies of chromosomes 13 and 16, deletion or monosomy of 13q14
      detected by metaphase analysis and FISH-determined RB1 (13q)/TP53 (17p) deletion
      were each associated with reduced overall survival (P < .05 for each).
      Multivariable analysis showed that hypodiploidy detected by metaphase analysis
      was independently prognostic of shorter progression-free survival (P < .05 for
      each) and that hypodiploidy, monosomy 16, and loss of Y chromosome and FISH
      determined TP53 (17p) deletion were associated with reduced overall survival (P <
      .05 for each). CONCLUSION: In addition to known cytogenetic abnormalities, such
      as monosomy 13, hypodiploidy, and TP53 (17p) deletion, monosomy 16 and loss of
      the Y chromosome have adverse prognostic implications in patients with MM.

PMID- 28089443
TI  - Prevention of paediatric nosocomial infections: adapting before acting.

PMID- 28089444
TI  - Health-care-associated infections in neonates, children, and adolescents: an
      analysis of paediatric data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and
      Control point-prevalence survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2011-12, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
      (ECDC) held the first Europe-wide point-prevalence survey of health-care
      associated infections in acute care hospitals. We analysed paediatric data from
      this survey, aiming to calculate the prevalence and type of health-care
      associated infections in children and adolescents in Europe and to determine risk
      factors for infection in this population. METHODS: Point-prevalence surveys took
      place from May, 2011, to November, 2012, in 1149 hospitals in EU Member States,
      Iceland, Norway, and Croatia. Patients present on the ward at 0800 h on the day
      of the survey and who were not discharged at the time of the survey were
      included. Data were collected by locally trained health-care workers according to
      patient-based or unit-based protocols. We extracted data from the ECDC database
      for all paediatric patients (age 0-18 years). We report adjusted prevalence for
      health-care-associated infections by clustering at the hospital and country
      level. We also calculated risk factors for development of health-care-associated
      infections with use of a generalised linear mixed-effects model. FINDINGS: We
      analysed data for 17 273 children and adolescents from 29 countries. 770 health
      care-associated infections were reported in 726 children and adolescents,
      corresponding to a prevalence of 4.2% (95% CI 3.7-4.8). Bloodstream infections
      were the most common type of infection (343 [45%] infections), followed by lower
      respiratory tract infections (171 [22%]), gastrointestinal infections (64 [8%]),
      eye, ear, nose, and throat infections (55 [7%]), urinary tract infections (37
      [5%]), and surgical-site infections (34 [4%]). The prevalence of infections was
      highest in paediatric intensive care units (15.5%, 95% CI 11.6-20.3) and neonatal
      intensive care units (10.7%, 9.0-12.7). Independent risk factors for infection
      were age younger than 12 months, fatal disease (via ultimately and rapidly fatal
      McCabe scores), prolonged length of stay, and the use of invasive medical
      devices. 392 microorganisms were reported for 342 health-care-associated
      infections, with Enterobacteriaceae being the most frequently found (113 [15%]).
      INTERPRETATION: Infection prevention and control strategies in children should
      focus on prevention of bloodstream infections, particularly among neonates and
      infants. FUNDING: None.

PMID- 28089445
TI  - Traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the vertebral artery.

PMID- 28089446
TI  - STK40 Is a Pseudokinase that Binds the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase COP1.
AB  - Serine/threonine kinase 40 (STK40) was originally identified as a distant homolog
      of Tribbles-family proteins. Despite accumulating data attesting to the
      importance of STK40 in a variety of different physiologic processes, little is
      known about its biological activity or mechanism of action. Here, we show that
      STK40 interacts with Constitutive Photomorphogenic Protein 1 (COP1), relying
      primarily on a C-terminal sequence analogous to the motif found in Tribbles
      proteins. In order to further elucidate structure-function relationships in
      STK40, we determined the crystal structure of the STK40 kinase homology domain at
      2.5 A resolution. The structure, together with ATP-binding assay results, show
      that STK40 is a pseudokinase, in which substitutions of conserved residues within
      the kinase domain prevent ATP binding. Although the structure of the kinase
      homology domain diverges from the analogous region of Trib1, the results reported
      here suggest functional parallels between STK40 and Tribbles-family proteins as
      COP1 adaptors.

PMID- 28089447
TI  - Networks of Dynamic Allostery Regulate Enzyme Function.
AB  - Many protein systems rely on coupled dynamic networks to allosterically regulate
      function. However, the broad conformational space sampled by non-coherently
      dynamic systems has precluded detailed analysis of their communication
      mechanisms. Here, we have developed a methodology that combines the high
      sensitivity afforded by nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation techniques and
      single-site multiple mutations, termed RASSMM, to identify two allosterically
      coupled dynamic networks within the non-coherently dynamic enzyme cyclophilin A.
      Using this methodology, we discovered two key hotspot residues, Val6 and Val29,
      that communicate through these networks, the mutation of which altered active
      site dynamics, modulating enzymatic turnover of multiple substrates. Finally, we
      utilized molecular dynamics simulations to identify the mechanism by which one of
      these hotspots is coupled to the larger dynamic networks. These studies confirm a
      link between enzyme dynamics and the catalytic cycle of cyclophilin A and
      demonstrate how dynamic allostery may be engineered to tune enzyme function.

PMID- 28089448
TI  - Structural Basis for the Interaction of a Human Small Heat Shock Protein with the
      14-3-3 Universal Signaling Regulator.
AB  - By interacting with hundreds of protein partners, 14-3-3 proteins coordinate
      vital cellular processes. Phosphorylation of the small heat shock protein, HSPB6,
      within its intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain activates its interaction
      with 14-3-3, ultimately triggering smooth muscle relaxation. After analyzing the
      binding of an HSPB6-derived phosphopeptide to 14-3-3 using isothermal calorimetry
      and X-ray crystallography, we have determined the crystal structure of the
      complete assembly consisting of the 14-3-3 dimer and full-length HSPB6 dimer and
      further characterized this complex in solution using fluorescence spectroscopy,
      small-angle X-ray scattering, and limited proteolysis. We show that selected
      intrinsically disordered regions of HSPB6 are transformed into well-defined
      conformations upon the interaction, whereby an unexpectedly asymmetric structure
      is formed. This structure provides the first atomic resolution snapshot of a
      human small HSP in functional state, explains how 14-3-3 proteins sequester their
      regulatory partners, and can inform the design of small-molecule interaction
      modifiers to be used as myorelaxants.

PMID- 28089449
TI  - Transferase Versus Hydrolase: The Role of Conformational Flexibility in Reaction
      Specificity.
AB  - Active in the aqueous cellular environment where a massive excess of water is
      perpetually present, enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an electrophile to a
      non-water nucleophile (transferases) require specific strategies to inhibit
      mechanistically related hydrolysis reactions. To identify principles that confer
      transferase versus hydrolase reaction specificity, we exploited two enzymes that
      use highly similar catalytic apparatuses to catalyze the transglycosylation (a
      transferase reaction) or hydrolysis of alpha-1,3-glucan linkages in the cyclic
      tetrasaccharide cycloalternan (CA). We show that substrate binding to non
      catalytic domains and a conformationally stable active site promote CA
      transglycosylation, whereas a distinct pattern of active site conformational
      change is associated with CA hydrolysis. These findings defy the classic view of
      induced-fit conformational change and illustrate a mechanism by which a stable
      hydrophobic binding site can favor transferase activity and disfavor hydrolysis.
      Application of these principles could facilitate the rational reengineering of
      transferases with desired catalytic properties.

PMID- 28089450
TI  - A Structural Model for Vinculin Insertion into PIP2-Containing Membranes and the
      Effect of Insertion on Vinculin Activation and Localization.
AB  - Vinculin, a scaffolding protein that localizes to focal adhesions (FAs) and
      adherens junctions, links the actin cytoskeleton to the adhesive super-structure.
      While vinculin binds to a number of cytoskeletal proteins, it can also associate
      with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to drive membrane association.
      To generate a structural model for PIP2-dependent interaction of vinculin with
      the lipid bilayer, we conducted lipid-association, nuclear magnetic resonance,
      and computational modeling experiments. We find that two basic patches on the
      vinculin tail drive membrane association: the basic collar specifically
      recognizes PIP2, while the basic ladder drives association with the lipid
      bilayer. Vinculin mutants with defects in PIP2-dependent liposome association
      were then expressed in vinculin knockout murine embryonic fibroblasts. Results
      from these analyses indicate that PIP2 binding is not required for localization
      of vinculin to FAs or FA strengthening, but is required for vinculin activation
      and turnover at FAs to promote its association with the force transduction FA
      nanodomain.

PMID- 28089451
TI  - Crystallogenesis of Membrane Proteins Mediated by Polymer-Bounded Lipid
      Nanodiscs.
AB  - For some membrane proteins, detergent-mediated solubilization compromises protein
      stability and functionality, often impairing biophysical and structural analyses.
      Hence, membrane-protein structure determination is a continuing bottleneck in the
      field of protein crystallography. Here, as an alternative to approaches mediated
      by conventional detergents, we report the crystallogenesis of a recombinantly
      produced membrane protein that never left a lipid bilayer environment. We used
      styrene-maleic acid (SMA) copolymers to solubilize lipid-embedded proteins into
      SMA nanodiscs, purified these discs by affinity and size-exclusion
      chromatography, and transferred proteins into the lipidic cubic phase (LCP) for
      in meso crystallization. The 2.0-A structure of an alpha-helical seven
      transmembrane microbial rhodopsin thus obtained is of high quality and virtually
      identical to the 2.2-A structure obtained from traditional detergent-based
      purification and subsequent LCP crystallization.

PMID- 28089453
TI  - Serum uromodulin is a predictive biomarker for cardiovascular events and overall
      mortality in coronary patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uromodulin is a protein produced exclusively by the kidneys and
      present in urine and blood. In contrast to weak and in part contradictory study
      data on uromodulin in urine samples, the analysis of serum samples recently
      proved uromodulin's value as superior biomarker for ongoing kidney disease.
      Whether serum uromodulin is associated with cardiovascular event risk and whether
      it has predictive power for overall mortality is still unknown and has been
      evaluated in the present study. METHODS: We measured uromodulin in a series of
      529 patients without acute coronary syndrome undergoing coronary angiography for
      the evaluation of established or suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD)
      and prospectively recorded mortality as well as cardiovascular events in our
      patients during a follow-up of up to 8years. RESULTS: We recorded 95 deaths and
      145 cardiovascular events over 8years. Serum uromodulin proved protective for
      overall mortality (HR=0.56 [95%CI 0.43-0.72]; p<0.001), even after full
      adjustment including eGFR, current smoking, diabetes, and CAD status (adj.
      HR=0.57 [95%CI 0.37-0.89]; p=0.014). Patients in the lowest tertile of serum
      uromodulin had a significantly higher cardiovascular event risk compared to
      patients in the medium and highest tertile (HR=of 1.45 (95%CI 1.04-2.02,
      p=0.027). The ratio between creatinine and uromodulin was significantly
      associated with kidney function (r=-0.322; p<0.001) and significantly predicted
      the incidence of cardiovascular events (HR of 1.26 [95%CI 1.12-1.41], p<0.001)
      and major cardiovascular events (HR of 1.37 [95%CI 1.21-1.56], p<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: We conclude that serum uromodulin is a valuable biomarker to predict
      overall mortality and cardiovascular events.

PMID- 28089452
TI  - Co-Folding of a FliF-FliG Split Domain Forms the Basis of the MS:C Ring Interface
      within the Bacterial Flagellar Motor.
AB  - The interface between the membrane (MS) and cytoplasmic (C) rings of the
      bacterial flagellar motor couples torque generation to rotation within the
      membrane. The structure of the C-terminal helices of the integral membrane
      protein FliF (FliFC) bound to the N terminal domain of the switch complex protein
      FliG (FliGN) reveals that FliGN folds around FliFC to produce a topology that
      closely resembles both the middle and C-terminal domains of FliG. The interface
      is consistent with solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance, small-angle X-ray
      scattering, in vivo interaction studies, and cellular motility assays. Co-folding
      with FliFC induces substantial conformational changes in FliGN and suggests that
      FliF and FliG have the same stoichiometry within the rotor. Modeling the
      FliFC:FliGN complex into cryo-electron microscopy rotor density updates the
      architecture of the middle and upper switch complex and shows how domain
      shuffling of a conserved interaction module anchors the cytoplasmic rotor to the
      membrane.

PMID- 28089454
TI  - The role of adenosine challenge in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: A
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIMS: Adenosine may unmask dormant PV conduction and facilitate consolidation of
      PV isolation. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the impact of adenosine
      administration on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PVI. METHODS:
      References and electronic databases reporting AF ablation and adenosine following
      PVI were searched through to 22nd November 2015. The impact of adenosine on
      freedom from AF was assessed in twenty publications after radiofrequency ablation
      (RFA), and in four publications after cryoablation to achieve PVI. Relative risks
      were calculated and combined in a meta-analysis using random effects modeling.
      RESULTS: In patients undergoing RFA with adenosine challenge, there was a
      significant reduction in freedom from AF in patients with versus without
      adenosine induced reconnection (RR 0.86; 95%CI 0.77-0.98; p=0.02) particularly if
      no further ablation was performed (RR 0.66; 95%CI 0.50-0.87; p<0.01). There was
      no difference when comparing outcomes in studies of routine adenosine challenge
      vs no adenosine (RR 1.07; 95%CI 0.93-1.22; p=0.36). There was a non-significant
      trend to an increase in freedom from AF in patients receiving routine adenosine
      challenge (RR 1.18 95%CI 0.99-1.42; p=0.07) in non-randomized studies using
      cryoablation. CONCLUSION: Adenosine induced PV reconnection following PVI is
      associated with a significant increase in AF recurrence, particularly if the
      reconnection sites are not targeted for ablation. The routine use of adenosine
      may be beneficial in AF ablation if given early post-PVI, at sufficient dose and
      reconnection is ablated.

PMID- 28089455
TI  - Comparison of transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the newest-generation
      Sapien 3 vs. Direct Flow Medical valve in a single center cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The latest generation transcatheter heart valves including Edwards
      Sapien 3 (ES3) and Direct Flow Medical (DFM) were designed to allow precise
      implantation at the intended position and to minimize prosthesis dysfunction as
      well as procedural complications. Our aim was to compare short-term functional
      and clinical outcomes of these 2 transcatheter aortic valve systems. METHODS: Of
      174 patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation
      (TAVI) at our institution between August 2013 and June 2015, 113 were treated
      with ES3 and 61 with DFM. Device success, residual aortic regurgitation and early
      safety endpoints were defined according to the updated VARC-2 criteria and
      prespecified as primary endpoints. RESULTS: Patients treated with ES3 had a
      significantly higher rate of procedural success (ES3 94% vs. DFM 79%, p=0.005),
      mainly driven by lower postprocedural gradients (ES3 8.6+/-0.5mmHg vs. DFM 14.6+/
      1.4mmHg by invasive recordings; p=0.00012) and no incidence of more than mild
      aortic regurgitation. The occurrence of safety endpoints at 30days was low and
      comparable in the DFM vs. ES3 group (ES3 88% vs. DFM 95% of patients without
      endpoints, p=0.26). No significant differences were observed in 30day mortality,
      stroke or the incidence of new permanent pacemaker implantation. CONCLUSIONS:
      These single-center experience data show a higher rate of device success for ES3
      treated patients, while 30day safety outcome was similar in both groups. Long
      term follow-up and larger scale multicenter experience will have to assess
      possible effects of these observations on long-term clinical outcomes.

PMID- 28089456
TI  - Protective effects of exercise training on endothelial dysfunction induced by
      total sleep deprivation in healthy subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep loss is a risk factor for cardiovascular events mediated
      through endothelial dysfunction. AIMS: To determine if 7weeks of exercise
      training can limit cardiovascular dysfunction induced by total sleep deprivation
      (TSD) in healthy young men. METHODS: 16 subjects were examined during 40-h TSD,
      both before and after 7weeks of interval exercise training. Vasodilatation
      induced by ACh, insulin and heat (42 degrees C) and pulse wave velocity (PWV),
      blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were assessed before TSD (controlday), during
      TSD, and after one night of sleep recovery. Biomarkers of endothelial activation,
      inflammation, and hormones were measured from morning blood samples. RESULTS:
      Before training, ACh-, insulin- and heat-induced vasodilatations were
      significantly decreased during TSD and recovery as compared with the control day,
      with no difference after training. Training prevented the decrease of ACh-induced
      vasodilation related to TSD after sleep recovery, as well as the PWV increase
      after TSD. A global lowering effect of training was found on HR values during
      TSD, but not on blood pressure. Training induces the decrease of TNF-alpha
      concentration after TSD and prevents the increase of MCP-1 after sleep recovery.
      Before training, IL-6 concentrations increased. Cortisol and testosterone
      decreased after TSD as compared with the control day, while insulin and E
      selectin increased after sleep recovery. No effect of TSD or training was found
      on CRP and sICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy young men, a moderate to high
      intensity interval training is effective at improving aerobic fitness and
      limiting vascular dysfunction induced by TSD, possibly through pro-inflammatory
      cytokine responses.(ClinicalTrial:NCT02820649).

PMID- 28089457
TI  - A meta-analysis of add-on use of spironolactone in patients with resistant
      hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of add-on use of spironolactone in patients with
      resistant hypertension has been investigated in several small studies. We
      performed this meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of add-on use of
      spironolactone in these patients. METHODS: We searched Pubmed, Web of Science,
      and Cochrane Central for all published studies evaluating add-on use of
      spironolactone in patients with resistant hypertension. Only randomized
      controlled trials determining antihypertensive effects of spironolactone were
      considered. RESULTS: The antihypertensive effects were assessed in 869 patients
      included in 4 trials with a mean follow-up of 12+/-3weeks. The reduction of
      systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) in patients treated with
      spironolactone was greater than placebo (weighted mean differences (WMD) for SBP 
      16.67mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI), -27.54, -5.80), p<0.01; WMD for DBP 
      6.11mmHg (95% CI, -9.34, -2.88), p<0.001), respectively. The rates of serious
      adverse effects or patient withdrawals from the trials tended to be higher in
      patients treated with spironolactone than placebo (WMD for odds ratio 2.11 (95%
      CI, 0.98, 4.53), p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides the evidence
      that add-on use of spironolactone in patients with resistant hypertension is
      effective in lowering SBP and DBP, suggesting an add-on use of spironolactone as
      fourth line therapy in patients with resistant hypertension.

PMID- 28089458
TI  - Impact of interaction of diabetes mellitus and impaired renal function on
      prognosis and the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
AB  - BACKGROUND: In high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common
      comorbidity. It is known to increase the risk of arteriosclerosis and adversely
      affect morbidity, mortality for all types of cardiovascular disease, and post
      procedural outcome after percutaneous and surgical procedures. Moreover, DM is
      known to facilitate the genesis of renal failure (RF). Pre-existing RF seems to
      increase the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a powerful short- and
      midterm predictor of mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. Therefore, the aim of
      the present study was to investigate the impact of DM on AKI, short- and midterm
      prognosis after TAVR, especially in patients with pre-existing RF. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: In 337(30%) of 1109 patients DM was documented. The incidence of RF at
      baseline (GFR <60mL/min) was statistically similar in both patient groups (no DM
      vs. DM: 54% vs. 61%; p=0.057). Also, the incidence of AKI stage 3 was similar in
      all patients (no DM vs. DM: 1.6% vs. 1.8%; p=0.799). There were no significant
      differences regarding the procedure-related complications according to VARC-2 and
      mortality between patients neither with nor without DM. Even after
      differentiating patients according to baseline renal function, similar incidence
      of AKI and midterm mortality were documented. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing
      TAVR, neither in case of preserved nor impaired renal function, we couldn't find
      any evidence for influence of DM on overall acute and midterm prognosis nor the
      incidence of AKI.

PMID- 28089460
TI  - Idiopathic gingival papillokeratosis with crypt formation, a report of 7 cases of
      a previously undescribed entity: possible unusual oral epithelial nevus?
AB  - We report 7 cases of hitherto undescribed keratotic papillary plaques of
      uncertain etiology involving the gingiva. All 7 cases presented on the anterior
      maxillary attached gingiva of patients in the second decade. The lesions were
      asymptomatic and 86% (6 of 7 cases) presented in a bilateral symmetric
      distribution. Microscopically, the lesions exhibited parakeratosis and papillary
      acanthosis with parakeratin-filled crypts. No specific etiology such as a
      factitial habit or a common exogenous agent has been identified. The possibility
      of a developmental etiology such as an oral epithelial nevus cannot be entirely
      excluded. We propose the descriptive term idiopathic gingival papillokeratosis
      with crypt formation (IGPC) for this condition.

PMID- 28089459
TI  - Effect of renal denervation on kidney function in patients with chronic kidney
      disease.
AB  - AIMS: Renal denervation (RDN) can reduce blood pressure (BP) and slow the decline
      of renal function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) up to one year. Whether this
      effect is maintained beyond 12months and whether the magnitude of BP reduction
      affects estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is unknown. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We examined eGFR in 46 CKD patients (baseline eGFR <=60mL/min/1.73m2) on
      a yearly basis from 60months before to 3, 6, 12 and 24months after RDN.
      Ambulatory BP was measured before and after RDN. Linear mixed models analysis
      demonstrated a significant progressive decline in eGFR from months 60 to 12months
      (-15.47+/-1.98mL/min/1.73m2, P<0.0001) and from 12months to baseline prior to RDN
      (-3.41+/-1.64mL/min/1.73m2, P=0.038). Compared to baseline, RDN was associated
      with improved eGFR at 3months (+3.73+/-1.64mL/min/1.73m2, P=0.02) and no
      significant changes at 6 (+2.54+/-1.66mL/min/1.73m2, P=0.13), 12 (+1.78+/
      1.64mL/min/1.73m2, P=0.28), and 24 (-0.24+/-2.24mL/min/1.73m2, P=0.91) months
      post procedure were observed. RDN significantly reduced daytime SBP from baseline
      to 24months post procedure (148+/-19 vs 136+/-17mmHg, P=0.03) for the entire
      cohort. Changes in SBP were unrelated to the eGFR changes at 6 (r=0.033, P=0.84),
      12 (r=0.01, P=0.93) and 24months (r=-0.42, P=0.17) follow-up. CONCLUSION: RDN can
      slow further deterioration of renal function irrespective of BP lowering effects
      in CKD. RDN-induced inhibition of sympathetic outflow to the renal vascular bed
      may account for improved eGFR via alterations of intrarenal and glomerular
      hemodynamics.

PMID- 28089461
TI  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia in association with a ranula: a report and review of
      the literature.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), an indolent neoplasm of B lymphocytes, is the
      most common adult leukemia in the Western Hemisphere. Despite this, however, the
      intraoral presentation of CLL is quite rare. We report the case of an 83-year-old
      woman with CLL incidentally involving minor salivary glands in association with a
      ranula (floor-of-mouth mucocele).

PMID- 28089462
TI  - Destructive soft tissue mass in the maxilla/maxillary sinus.

PMID- 28089463
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of the selective phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor,
      cilostazol, and antioxidants, enzymatically-modified isoquercitrin and alpha
      lipoic acid, reduce dextran sulphate sodium-induced colorectal mucosal injury in
      mice.
AB  - Developing effective treatments and preventing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
      are urgent challenges in improving patients' health. It has been suggested that
      platelet activation and reactive oxidative species generation are involved in the
      pathogenesis of IBD. We examined the inhibitory effects of a selective
      phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, cilostazol (CZ), and two antioxidants,
      enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), against
      dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. BALB/c mice were treated with 0.3%
      CZ, 1.5% EMIQ, and 0.2% ALA in their feed. Colitis was induced by administering
      5% DSS in drinking water for 8days. The inhibitory effects of these substances
      were evaluated by measuring relevant clinical symptoms (faecal blood, diarrhoea,
      and body weight loss), colon length, plasma cytokine and chemokine levels, whole
      genome gene expression, and histopathology. Diarrhoea was suppressed by each
      treatment, while CZ prevented shortening of the colon length. All treatment
      groups exhibited decreased plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha compared with the DSS group. Microarray analysis
      showed that cell adhesion, cytoskeleton regulation, cell proliferation, and
      apoptosis, which might be related to inflammatory cell infiltration and mucosal
      healing, were affected in all the groups. DSS-induced mucosal injuries such as
      mucosal loss, submucosal oedema, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the distal
      colon were prevented by CZ or antioxidant treatment. These results suggest that
      anti-inflammatory effects of these agents reduced DSS-induced mucosal injuries in
      mice and, therefore, may provide therapeutic benefits in IBD.

PMID- 28089464
TI  - Temperature-dependent conformational variation of chromophoric dissolved organic
      matter and its consequent interaction with phenanthrene.
AB  - Temperature variation caused by climate change, seasonal variation and geographic
      locations affects the physicochemical compositions of chromophoric dissolved
      organic matter (CDOM), resulting in difference in the fates of CDOM-related
      environmental pollutants. Exploration into the thermal induced structural
      transition of CDOM can help to better understand their environmental impacts, but
      information on this aspect is still lacking. Through integrating fluorescence
      excitation-emission matrix coupled parallel factor analysis with synchronous
      fluorescence two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy, this study provides an in
      depth insight into the temperature-dependent conformational transitions of CDOM
      and their impact on its hydrophobic interaction with persistent organic
      pollutants (with phenanthrene as an example) in water. The fluorescence
      components in CDOM change linearly to water temperature with different extents
      and different temperature regions. The thermal induced transition priority in
      CDOM is protein-like component -> fulvic-like component -> humic-like component.
      Furthermore, the impact of thermal-induced conformational transition of CDOM on
      its hydrophobic interaction with phenanthrene is observed and explored. The
      fluorescence-based analytic results reveal that the conjugation degree of the
      aromatic groups in the fulvic- and humic-like substances, and the unfolding of
      the secondary structure in the protein-like substances with aromatic structure,
      contribute to the conformation variation. This integrated approach jointly
      enhances the characterization of temperature-dependent conformational variation
      of CDOM, and provides a promising way to elucidate the environmental behaviours
      of CDOM.

PMID- 28089465
TI  - Differential bioaccumulation patterns of nanosized and dissolved silver in a land
      snail Achatina fulica.
AB  - With the increasing application in antimicrobial products, silver nanoparticles
      (AgNP) are inevitably released into the terrestrial environment, and pose
      potential risks to invertebrates such as land snails Achatina fulica, which take
      up AgNP from food and water. Here we differentiate Ag uptake biodynamic between
      Ag forms (i.e., PVP-AgNP vs. AgNO3) and between exposure pathways. Snails
      assimilated Ag efficiently from lettuce leaves pre-exposed to AgNP, with
      assimilation efficiencies (AEs) averaging 62-85% and food ingestion rates of 0.11
      +/- 0.03 g g-1 d-1. Dietary Ag bioavailability was independent on Ag forms, as
      revealed by comparable AEs between AgNP and AgNO3. However, the uptake rate
      constant from water was much lower for AgNP relative to AgNO3 (2 * 10-4 vs. 0.12
      L g-1 d-1). The elimination rate constants were 0.0093 +/- 0.0037 d-1 for AgNP
      and 0.019 +/- 0.0077 d-1 for AgNO3. Biodynamic modeling further showed that
      dietary exposure was the dominant uptake pathway for AgNP in most circumstances,
      while for AgNO3 the relative importance of waterborne and dietary exposure
      depended on Ag concentrations in food and water. Our findings highlight the
      importance of dietary uptake of AgNP during bioaccumulation, which should be
      considered in the risk assessment of these nanoparticles.

PMID- 28089466
TI  - Contaminants of emerging concern in Caspian tern compared to herring gull eggs
      from Michigan colonies in the Great Lakes of North America.
AB  - A broad suite of 87 contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including 26
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 23 non-PBDEs halogenated FRs (NPHFRs), 16
      organophosphate esters (OPEs), 4 perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs), 13
      perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and 5 emerging perfluoroalkyl acids
      (PFAAs) or precursors, were determined in 30 individual Caspian tern (listed as a
      threatened species in the U.S. State of Michigan) eggs collected in 2013 and 2014
      from Michigan nesting sites on Two Tree Island (St, Mary's River), Charity Reef
      (Saginaw Bay) and Channel-Shelter Island (a Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) in
      Saginaw Bay). The same CEC suite was determined in 10 herring gull eggs on the
      Pipe Island Twins in the lower St. Mary's River. In tern eggs, the order of
      concentrations were SigmaPFSA (mean: 793 ng/g wet weight (ww); range: 116-4690
      ng/g ww) > SigmaPFCAs (131; 30.4-506 ng/g ww) ~ SigmaPBDEs (86.7; 32.4-189 ng/g
      ww) " SigmaNPHFRs (0.67; ND-4.3 ng/g ww) ~ SigmaOPEs (0.46; ND-2.89 ng/g ww).
      Compared to gull eggs collected from the same area, tern egg exposure contained
      significantly lower concentrations of SigmaPBDE, but with up to 10 times greater
      mean concentrations of SigmaPFSAs and SigmaPFCAs. This study highlights the
      importance of consistent monitoring in eggs of different Great Lakes birds of
      PBDEs, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexane
      sulfonate (PFEtCHxS) given that: 1) PBDE concentrations in all analyzed avian
      eggs exceeded or approached a concentration of 29 ng/g ww, which for birds is the
      current Canadian FEQG (Federal Environmental Quality Guideline); 2) SigmaPBDE
      concentrations were comparable to lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC)
      values reported in the literature; 3) PFOS concentrations in Caspian tern eggs
      were extremely high with many eggs across sites exceeding 1 ppm, and with the
      greatest being up to 4.7 ppm; and 4) PFEtCHxS, a potentially persistent and
      bioaccumulative substance, showed a detection frequency of 100% in 40 of the
      analyzed eggs.

PMID- 28089467
TI  - The Evolution of Implant Design Decreases the Incidence of Lateral Release in
      Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Appropriate balancing of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) using a
      lateral release can help to prevent patellar instability in total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA). Contemporary total knee implant designs are characterized by
      enhanced trochlear geometry more similar to native knee anatomy to minimize
      instability and reduce utilization of a lateral release. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed consecutive TKA cases from a single senior surgeon's
      practice with 3 successive total knee designs: the Press-Fit Condylar (PFC), the
      Sigma, and the ATTUNE (DePuy, Warsaw, IN). We evaluated the use of lateral
      release with each implant type to determine if design changes have improved
      patellar stability, reducing the need for lateral release. We used multivariate
      analysis to determine the association between implant type and lateral release,
      adjusting for age, sex, preoperative alignment, and bearing type. RESULTS: We
      evaluated 1991 records of primary TKAs performed from 1980-2015. As compared with
      the ATTUNE, the adjusted odds of lateral release were greater for patients
      receiving PFC implants (Odds ratio [OR] 6.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      3.85,10.49) and Sigma implants (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.26, 3.23). In addition, fixed
      bearing implants were associated with greater adjusted odds of lateral release
      (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.24, 2.62). CONCLUSION: We found that older knee implants were
      associated with higher use of lateral release, with successive designs the need
      for lateral release to balance the PFJ decreased. Continued design improvements
      to match the native knee anatomy may further improve the stability of the PFJ in
      future designs.

PMID- 28089468
TI  - OBTAIN A: Outcome Benefits of Tranexamic Acid in Hip Arthroplasty. A Randomized
      Double-Blinded Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined whether the blood conserving effect of tranexamic acid
      (TXA) in total hip arthroplasty using the direct anterior approach, translates to
      an effect on functional outcomes in the perioperative period. METHODS: We
      conducted a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
      One hundred one patients were randomized to receive either TXA or an equivalent
      volume of normal saline. The primary outcome measure was thigh swelling.
      Secondary outcome measures included, visual analogue pain score, timed up and go
      test, a 10 meter walk test, and length of stay. Blood loss and the incidence of
      blood transfusions were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences between the primary outcome of thigh swelling or the
      secondary outcome measures of postoperative pain nor mobility. There was a
      significant reduction in length of stay for those that received TXA 3.58 days
      (0.84) compared with the control group 4.27 days (0.98) (P < .001). There was
      significantly less intraoperative blood loss observed in the TXA group (0.460L SD
      0.228) compared with the control group (0.687L SD 0.283L) (P < .001). The
      estimated blood loss was also significantly less in the TXA group (1.084L SD
      0.440) compared with the control group (1.394 L SD 0.426). CONCLUSION: TXA is an
      effective agent in reducing blood loss in total hip arthroplasty using the
      anterior approach. The blood conserving effect of TXA was not associated with
      improved postoperative recovery across the measures of pain and mobility.
      Administration of TXA may have a positive effect on reducing the duration of
      inpatient stays.

PMID- 28089469
TI  - Does Barbed Suture Lower Cost and Improve Outcome in Total Knee Arthroplasty? A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wound closure is key to prevent infection, facilitate immediate
      rehabilitation, and improve efficiency of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
      Continuous knotless suturing with barbed suture can potentially save time and
      distribute tension more evenly. However, its role in TKA in terms of cost
      effectiveness and wound complications is not clear. This study aims at comparing
      barbed and traditional sutures' wound closure time and cost in primary TKA.
      METHODS: One hundred nine knees were randomized into either barbed or traditional
      group. Synthetic absorbable sutures (Vicryl, Ethicon Inc) and bidirectional
      barbed sutures (Stratafix, Ethicon Inc) were used. Arthrotomy and subcutaneous
      wound closure time, wound complications, and rehabilitation parameters in terms
      of range of motion and Knee Society Score were compared. Patients were followed
      up to 3 months. RESULTS: Traditional sutures had significantly more positive leak
      tests (10 vs 2, P value <.05) and wound complications (11 vs 2, P value <.05). No
      differences in range of motion and Knee Society Score were noted. Arthrotomy and
      subcutaneous closure time were significantly shorter with barbed sutures
      (arthrotomy 325 seconds vs 491 seconds; subcutaneous 306 seconds vs 381 seconds,
      P value <.05). Concerning cost of suture material and operation time, barbed
      suture on average saved USD 48.7 per TKA in our local institute. CONCLUSION:
      Bidirectional barbed suture improves the cost-effectiveness of TKA through
      reducing wound closure time and wound complications.

PMID- 28089470
TI  - Conversion Hip Arthroplasty in Failed Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fracture: A
      Propensity Score Matching Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conversion hip arthroplasty is a salvage procedure for failed
      internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures. However, the technical
      difficulties and perioperative morbidity of conversion arthroplasty are
      uncertain. METHODS: We compared the type of arthroplasty (total hip arthroplasty
      or hemiarthroplasty), operative parameters, perioperative morbidity, 1-year
      mortality, implant stability, and clinical results of 33 conversion hip
      arthroplasties due to a failed internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture
      with those of a matched control group of 33 primary hip arthroplasties due to the
      same fracture. Propensity score was used for the control matching of gender, age,
      and body mass index. RESULTS: Total hip arthroplasty was more frequently
      performed in the conversion group (10/33) compared to the primary group (3/33) (P
      = .016). The operation time, perioperative blood loss, amount of transfusion, and
      risk of femoral fracture during the operation were increased in the conversion
      group. The overall 1-year mortality was 3% (1 patient) in the conversion group
      and 9% (3 patients) in the primary group (P = .307). At a mean of 3-year follow
      up, there was no significant difference in clinical results and none of the
      implants were loose in both groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with failed internal
      fixation of intertrochanteric fracture, conversion hip arthroplasty should be
      planned and executed, bearing in mind the increased operative morbidities
      corresponding to operation time, perioperative blood loss, requirement of
      transfusion, and intraoperative femoral fracture.

PMID- 28089471
TI  - Infantile haemangioma.
AB  - With a prevalence of 4.5%, infantile haemangiomas are the most common benign
      tumours of infancy, arising in the first few weeks of life and exhibiting a
      characteristic sequence of growth and spontaneous involution. Most infantile
      haemangiomas do not require therapy. However, to identify at-risk haemangiomas,
      close follow-up is crucial in the first weeks of life; 80% of all haemangiomas
      reach their final size by 3 months of age. The main indications for treatment are
      life-threatening infantile haemangioma (causing heart failure or respiratory
      distress), tumours posing functional risks (eg, visual obstruction, amblyopia, or
      feeding difficulties), ulceration, and severe anatomic distortion, especially on
      the face. Oral propranolol is now the first-line treatment, which should be
      administered as early as possible to avoid potential complications. Haemangioma
      shrinkage is rapidly observed with oral propranolol, but a minimum of 6 months of
      therapy is recommended.

PMID- 28089472
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28089473
TI  - Box- or Virtual-Reality Trainer: Which Tool Results in Better Transfer of
      Laparoscopic Basic Skills?-A Prospective Randomized Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Simulation training improves laparoscopic performance. Laparoscopic
      basic skills can be learned in simulators as box- or virtual-reality (VR)
      trainers. However, there is no clear recommendation for either box or VR trainers
      as the most appropriate tool for the transfer of acquired laparoscopic basic
      skills into a surgical procedure. DESIGN: Both training tools were compared,
      using validated and well-established curricula in the acquirement of basic
      skills, in a prospective randomized trial in a 5-day structured laparoscopic
      training course. Participants completed either a box- or VR-trainer curriculum
      and then applied the learned skills performing an ex situ laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy on a pig liver. The performance was recorded on video and
      evaluated offline by 4 blinded observers using the Global Operative Assessment of
      Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score. Learning curves of the various exercises
      included in the training course were compared and the improvement in each
      exercise was analyzed. SETTING: Surgical Skills Lab of the Department of General
      and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Muenster. PARTICIPANTS: Surgical
      novices without prior surgical experience (medical students, n = 36). RESULTS:
      Posttraining evaluation showed significant improvement compared with baseline in
      both groups, indicating acquisition of laparoscopic basic skills. Learning curves
      showed almost the same progression with no significant differences. In simulated
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy, total GOALS score was significantly higher for the
      box-trained group than the VR-trained group (box: 15.31 +/- 3.61 vs. VR: 12.92 +/
      3.06; p = 0.039; Hedge's g* = 0.699), indicating higher technical skill levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite both systems having advantages and disadvantages, they can
      both be used for simulation training for laparoscopic skills. In the setting with
      2 structured, validated and almost identical curricula, the box-trained group
      appears to be superior in the better transfer of basic skills into an
      experimental but structured surgical procedure.

PMID- 28089474
TI  - What Happened to the Complication? The Importance of ACS NSQIP Pediatric in
      Optimizing Quality Improvement Initiatives for Resident Education.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conference is considered the golden hour
      of surgical education. Most training programs lack standardized methods to
      evaluate self-reported outcomes and contributions to resident education. The
      purpose of this study was to determine whether residents underreport pediatric
      postoperative complications thereby limiting a comprehensive educational
      opportunity and the ability to adequately perform quality improvement during M&M
      conference. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of resident reports submitted to the
      M&M committee at an academic medical center was conducted over 1 year. All
      complications were compared to the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Pediatric
      National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data abstracted over the
      same period. A descriptive analysis of perioperative events was performed.
      SETTING: This study was conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina
      Medical Center and MUSC Children's Hospital, an academic tertiary care center
      located in Charleston, South Carolina. RESULTS: Overall, 81 complications were
      captured. Resident and NSQIP databases captured 27 (33%) and 68 (84%)
      complications, respectively. Residents were more likely to report major
      complications. More common sources of postoperative morbidity, including surgical
      site infection and transfusion, were underreported at 20% and 5%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Resident reporting inadequately captures the full complement of
      pediatric perioperative complications. NSQIP-abstracted data serve as a useful
      adjunct to traditional M&M reporting in capturing complications underreported by
      trainees.

PMID- 28089475
TI  - Desensitization to acetazolamide in a patient with previous antimicrobial
      sulfonamide allergy.

PMID- 28089476
TI  - Serum Asymmetric and Symmetric Dimethylarginine and Morbidity and Mortality in
      Hemodialysis Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asymmetric (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) are putative
      uremic toxins that may exert toxicity by a number of mechanisms, including
      impaired nitric oxide synthesis and generation of reactive oxygen species. The
      study goal was to determine the association between these metabolites and
      cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis patients. STUDY DESIGN: Post hoc analysis
      of the Hemodialysis (HEMO) Study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 1,276 prevalent
      hemodialysis patients with available samples 3 to 6 months after randomization.
      PREDICTOR: ADMA and SDMA measured in stored specimens. OUTCOMES: Cardiac death,
      sudden cardiac death, first cardiovascular event, and any-cause death.
      Association with predictors analyzed using Cox regression adjusted for potential
      confounders (including demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbid
      conditions, albumin level, and residual kidney function). RESULTS: Mean age of
      patients was 57+/-14 (SD) years, 63% were black, and 57% were women. Mean ADMA
      (0.9+/-0.2MUmol/L) and SDMA levels (4.3+/-1.4MUmol/L) were moderately correlated
      (r=0.418). Higher dialysis dose or longer session length were not associated with
      lower predialysis ADMA or SDMA concentrations. In fully adjusted models, each
      doubling of ADMA level was associated with higher risk (HR per 2-fold higher
      concentration; 95% CI) of cardiac death (1.83; 1.29-2.58), sudden cardiac death
      (1.79; 1.19-2.69), first cardiovascular event (1.50; 1.20-1.87), and any-cause
      death (1.44; 1.13-1.83). Compared to the lowest ADMA quintile (<0.745 MUmol/L),
      the highest ADMA quintile (>=1.07MUmol/L) was associated with higher risk (HR;
      95% CI) of cardiac death (2.10; 1.44-3.05), sudden cardiac death (2.06; 1.46
      2.90), first cardiovascular event (1.75; 1.35-2.27), and any-cause death (1.56;
      1.21-2.00). SDMA level was associated with higher risk for cardiac death (HR,
      1.40; 95% CI, 1.03-1.92), but this was no longer statistically significant after
      adjusting for ADMA level (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.86-1.68). LIMITATIONS: Single time
      point measurement of ADMA and SDMA. CONCLUSIONS: ADMA and, to a lesser extent,
      SDMA levels are associated with cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis patients.

PMID- 28089477
TI  - Bioimpedance and Fluid Status in Children and Adolescents Treated With Dialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessment of hydration status in patients with chronic kidney
      failure treated by dialysis is crucial for clinical management decisions.
      Dilution techniques are considered the gold standard for measurement of body
      fluid volumes, but they are unfit for day-to-day care. Multifrequency
      bioimpedance has been shown to be of help in clinical practice in adults and its
      use in children and adolescents has been advocated. We investigated whether
      application of multifrequency bioimpedance is appropriate for total-body water
      (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) measurement in children and adolescents on
      dialysis therapy. STUDY DESIGN: A study of diagnostic test accuracy. SETTING &
      PARTICIPANTS: 16 young dialysis patients (before a hemodialysis session or after
      peritoneal dialysis treatment) from the Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico,
      Milan, Italy, and the Emma Children's Hospital-Academic Medical Center,
      Amsterdam, the Netherlands. INDEX TEST: TBW and ECW volumes assessed by
      multifrequency bioimpedance. REFERENCE TESTS: TBW and ECW volumes measured by
      deuterium and bromide dilution, respectively. RESULTS: Mean TBW volumes
      determined by multifrequency bioimpedance and deuterium dilution were 19.2+/-8.7
      (SD) and 19.3+/-8.3L, respectively; Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias
      between the 2 methods of -0.09 (95% limits of agreement, -2.1 to 1.9) L. Mean ECW
      volumes were 8.9+/-4.0 and 8.3+/-3.3L measured by multifrequency bioimpedance and
      bromide dilution, respectively; mean bias between the 2 ECW measurements was +0.6
      (95% limits of agreement, -2.3 to 3.5). LIMITATIONS: Participants ingested the
      deuterated water at home without direct supervision by investigators, small
      number of patients, repeated measurements in individual patients were not
      performed. CONCLUSIONS: Multifrequency bioimpedance measurements were unbiased
      but imprecise in comparison to dilution techniques. We conclude that
      multifrequency bioimpedance measurements cannot precisely estimate TBW and ECW in
      children receiving dialysis.

PMID- 28089478
TI  - The Clinical Course of Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome With Onset in Adulthood
      or Late Adolescence: A Case Series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the treatment and outcome of adult-onset
      minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). We retrospectively studied 125 patients
      who had MCNS with onset in either adulthood or late adolescence. Presenting
      characteristics, duration of initial treatment and response to treatment, relapse
      patterns, complications, and long-term outcome were studied. STUDY DESIGN: Case
      series. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Patients with new-onset nephrotic syndrome 16
      years or older and a histologic diagnosis of MCNS in 1985 to 2011 were identified
      from pathology records of 10 participating centers. OUTCOMES: Partial and
      complete remission, treatment resistance, relapse, complications, renal survival.
      RESULTS: Corticosteroids were given as initial treatment in 105 (84%) patients.
      After 16 weeks of corticosteroid treatment, 92 (88%) of these patients had
      reached remission. Median time to remission was 4 (IQR, 2-7) weeks. 7 (6%)
      patients initially received cyclophosphamide with or without corticosteroids, and
      all attained remission after a median of 4 (IQR, 3-11) weeks. 13 (10%) patients
      reached remission without immunosuppressive treatment. One or more relapses were
      observed in 57 (54%) patients who received initial corticosteroid treatment.
      Second-line cyclophosphamide resulted in stable remission in 57% of patients with
      relapsing MCNS. Acute kidney injury was observed in 50 (40%) patients. Recovery
      of kidney function occurred almost without exception. Arterial or venous
      thrombosis occurred in 11 (9%) patients. At the last follow-up, 113 (90%)
      patients were in remission and had preserved kidney function. 3 patients with
      steroid-resistant MCNS progressed to end-stage renal disease, which was
      associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions on repeat biopsy.
      LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design, variable treatment protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The
      large majority of patients who had MCNS with onset in adulthood or late
      adolescence were treated with corticosteroids and reached remission, but many had
      relapses. Cyclophosphamide resulted in stable remission in many patients with
      relapses. Significant morbidity was observed due to acute kidney injury and other
      complications. Progression to end-stage renal disease occurred in a few patients
      and was explained by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

PMID- 28089479
TI  - Estimation of radiation-induced secondary cancer risks for early-stage non-small
      cell lung cancer patients after stereotactic body radiation therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated radiation-induced secondary lung cancer
      risks for the lung and the breast from stereotactic body radiation therapy
      treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer with different radiation
      therapy treatment modalities. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ten patients (5 men and 5
      women) with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who received definitive
      stereotactic body radiation therapy treatments were retrospectively selected. For
      each patient, two 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) plans using
      6- and 10-MV photons, respectively; a helical tomotherapy (HT) plan; and 2
      volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans using 1 and 2 arcs, respectively,
      were generated. The excess absolute risk (EAR) for secondary cancer occurrence
      was calculated using 3 organ equivalent dose models: the linear-exponential
      model, the plateau model, and the linear model for prescription dose range of 30
      to 70 Gy. RESULTS: The 3D-CRT plans showed significantly lower monitor units
      compared with the rotational intensity modulate radiation therapy plans. Based on
      each of the 3 organ equivalent dose models, HT and VMAT plans showed comparable
      average EARs to both the lung and the breast compared with the 3D-CRT plans in
      the prescription dose range of 30 to 70 Gy. At a prescription dose of 50 Gy and
      using the linear-exponential model, the average lung EAR estimation ranged from
      15.7 +/- 5.3 to 16.0 +/- 6.5 per 10,000 patients per year with the 5 delivery
      techniques, and the average EAR estimation for the breast ranged from 18.0 +/-
      14.0 to 21.0 +/- 15.0 per 10,000 patients per year. The secondary cancer risk
      increased approximately linearly with mean organ dose. The 3D-CRT plans showed
      significantly higher secondary cancer risk for the ipsilateral lung and lower
      risk for the contralateral lung compared with the HT and VMAT plans. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rotational intensity modulate radiation therapy techniques including helical
      tomotherapy and VMAT do not increase secondary cancer risks for the lung or the
      breast compared with 3D-CRT techniques, despite higher monitor units used.

PMID- 28089480
TI  - Deep inspiration breath-hold produces a clinically meaningful reduction in
      ipsilateral lung dose during locoregional radiation therapy for some women with
      right-sided breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of the work described here was to determine whether deep
      inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) produces a clinically meaningful reduction in
      pulmonary dose compared with free breathing (FB) during locoregional radiation
      for right-sided breast cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four-field, modified-wide
      tangent plans with full nodal coverage were developed for 30 consecutive patients
      on paired DIBH and FB CT scans. Nodes were contoured according to European
      Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology guidelines. Plan metrics were compared
      using Wilcoxon signed-rank testing. RESULTS: In 21 patients (70%), there was a
      >=5% reduction in ipsilateral lung V20Gy with DIBH compared with FB. The mean
      decrease in ipsilateral lung V20Gy was 7.8% (0%-20%, P < .001). The mean lung
      dose decreased on average by 3.4 Gy with DIBH (-0.2 to 9.1, P < .001). The mean
      reduction in liver volume receiving 50% of the prescribed dose was 42.3 cm3 (0
      178.9 cm3, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: DIBH reduced ipsilateral lung V20Gy by >=5% in
      the majority of patients. For some patients, the volume of liver receiving a
      potentially toxic dose decreased with DIBH. DIBH should be available as a
      treatment strategy to reduce ipsilateral lung V20Gy prior to compromising
      internal mammary chain nodal coverage for patients with right-sided breast cancer
      during locoregional radiation therapy if the V20Gy on FB exceeds 30%.

PMID- 28089481
TI  - Recommendations for MRI-based contouring of gross tumor volume and organs at risk
      for radiation therapy of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Local recurrence is a common and morbid event in patients with
      unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A more conformal and targeted radiation
      dose to the macroscopic tumor in nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer is likely to
      reduce acute toxicity and improve local control. Optimal soft tissue contrast is
      required to facilitate delineation of a target and creation of a planning target
      volume with margin reduction and motion management. Magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) offers considerable advantages in optimizing soft tissue delineation and is
      an ideal modality for imaging and delineating a gross tumor volume (GTV) within
      the pancreas, particularly as it relates to conformal radiation planning.
      Currently, no guidelines have been defined for the delineation of pancreatic
      tumors for radiation therapy treatment planning. Moreover, abdominal MRI
      sequences are complex and the anatomy relevant to the radiation oncologist can be
      challenging. The purpose of this study is to provide recommendations for
      delineation of GTV and organs at risk (OARs) using MRI and incorporating multiple
      MRI sequences. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Five patients with pancreatic cancer and 1
      healthy subject were imaged with MRI scans either on 1.5T or on 3T magnets in 2
      separate institutes. The GTV and OARs were contoured for all patients in a
      consensus meeting. RESULTS: An overview of MRI-based anatomy of the GTV and OARs
      is provided. Practical contouring instructions for the GTV and the OARs with the
      aid of MRI were developed and included in these recommendations. In addition,
      practical suggestions for implementation of MRI in pancreatic radiation treatment
      planning are provided. CONCLUSIONS: With this report, we attempt to provide
      recommendations for MRI-based contouring of pancreatic tumors and OARs. This
      could lead to better uniformity in defining the GTV and OARs for clinical trials
      and in radiation therapy treatment planning, with the ultimate goal of improving
      local control while minimizing morbidity.

PMID- 28089482
TI  - Efficacy of multiple fraction conventional radiation therapy for painful
      uncomplicated bone metastases: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy is effective for painful uncomplicated bone
      metastases, with multiple fraction radiation therapy (MFRT) administered
      frequently. The optimal dose for MFRT to yield maximum pain relief remains
      unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to determine pain response across
      MFRT doses. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE(R) <1946
      to July Week 3 2016>, Embase Classic & Embase <1947 to 2016Week 30> and Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials <June 2016>. Pain response rates and the
      side effects for MFRT doses were extracted. RESULTS: From the 3719 articles
      identified from the search, 17 were included for quantitative synthesis. 22.5Gy/5
      had the highest overall response (OR) rate, 30Gy/15 had better complete response
      (CR) rate and 20Gy/2 had better partial response (PR) rate. Only 4 of the 17
      included studies directly compared MFRT doses with each other - one reported
      marginally-better OR for 24Gy/6 over 20Gy/2; another found 20Gy/10 to be slightly
      more efficacious than 30Gy/15 and 22.5Gy/5 for OR. Two randomized trials compared
      20Gy/5 and 30Gy/10 - one favored 20Gy/5 while the other concluded 30Gy/10 to be
      the better option. The overall rate of GI toxicities, nausea, and vomiting did
      not differ greatly between MFRT doses. CONCLUSION: No major difference exists
      between the schedules and toxic events studied in these trials. This is
      consistent with the wealth of randomized data which show no dose response for
      pain relief after radiotherapy for metastatic bone pain.

PMID- 28089483
TI  - Patterns of failure after radiotherapy for pediatric patients with intracranial
      ependymoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the patterns of failure after radiotherapy for pediatric
      intracranial ependymoma and their correlation with dose parameters. METHODS:
      Between 2000 and 2013, 206 patients were treated in France. MRI scans at relapse
      were registered to the original planning CTs for topographic analysis of failure
      patterns. To compare relapse patients (RP) with non relapse patients (NRP),
      several dose parameters were derived from dose volume histograms. RESULTS: Over a
      median follow-up of 53.8months, 84 patients presented with relapse. Topographic
      analysis showed 50 patients with local relapse in the radiation field, 6 in the
      edge of field, 6 locoregional outside the field, 10 in the spine, 5
      supratentorial and 7 local and distant. The median coverage, target coverage and
      homogeneity indices did not differ significantly between RP and NRP. The median
      volume of in-field relapse was 1.25cc [0.11, 27], with a median dose of 57.83Gy
      [50.04, 61.69]. CONCLUSIONS: Local relapse in the tumor bed and the higher dose
      regions was the predominant pattern of failure. Improving coverage of the target
      volume and increasing the dose to the high radioresistant regions, taking into
      consideration other clinical and biological pronostic factors, may be an
      effective way of reducing local failures.

PMID- 28089484
TI  - Dosimetric parameters correlate with duodenal histopathologic damage after
      stereotactic body radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer: Secondary analysis of a
      prospective clinical trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prospectively assess relationships between dosimetric parameters and
      histopathologic/clinical duodenal toxicities in patients on a phase I trial for
      pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Forty-six borderline resectable/unresectable patients
      were enrolled on a prospective trial testing neoadjuvant gemcitabine/5
      fluorouracil followed by SBRT (5 daily fractions of 5-8Gy) and concurrent
      nelfinavir. Post-SBRT surgery was performed in 13 resectable patients, which
      constituted the patient population herein. Pathologic duodenal damage was
      assessed using predetermined criteria: 1, no/minimal; 2, moderate; and 3, marked
      damage. Clinical toxicities were assessed per the Clinical Terminology Criteria
      for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Duodenal dosimetric parameters included V5-V40 and
      mean/maximum doses. Spearman correlation and linear regression evaluated
      associations between dosimetric parameters and clinical/pathologic duodenal
      toxicity. RESULTS: The median duodenal mean and maximum doses were 20 and 37Gy.
      Median duodenal V5-V40 were 64, 62, 52, 39, 27, 14, 5 and 0cc, respectively. The
      median duodenal damage score was 2 (four 1, eight 2, and one 3). Higher duodenal
      damage scores correlated with higher duodenal mean doses (r=0.75, p=0.003), V35
      (r=0.61, p=0.03), V30 (r=0.67, p=0.01), V25 (r=0.68, p=0.01), V20 (r=0.56,
      p=0.05), and the planning target volume (PTV) mean (r=0.59, p=0.03) and maximum
      (r=0.61, p=0.03) doses. Clinical toxicities did not correlate with dosimetric
      parameters or duodenal pathologic damage. CONCLUSIONS: Duodenal histologic damage
      correlates with mean duodenal dose, V20-V35, and PTV mean/maximum doses.

PMID- 28089485
TI  - Perceptual Error Analysis of Human and Synthesized Voices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the quality of synthesized voices through
      listeners' skills in discriminating human and synthesized voices. STUDY DESIGN:
      Prospective study. METHODS: Eighteen human voices with different types and
      degrees of deviation (roughness, breathiness, and strain, with three degrees of
      deviation: mild, moderate, and severe) were selected by three voice specialists.
      Synthesized samples with the same deviations of human voices were produced by the
      VoiceSim system. The manipulated parameters were vocal frequency perturbation
      (roughness), additive noise (breathiness), increasing tension, subglottal
      pressure, and decreasing vocal folds separation (strain). Two hundred sixty-nine
      listeners were divided in three groups: voice specialist speech language
      pathologists (V-SLPs), general clinician SLPs (G-SLPs), and naive listeners
      (NLs). The SLP listeners also indicated the type and degree of deviation.
      RESULTS: The listeners misclassified 39.3% of the voices, both synthesized
      (42.3%) and human (36.4%) samples (P = 0.001). V-SLPs presented the lowest error
      percentage considering the voice nature (34.6%); G-SLPs and NLs identified almost
      half of the synthesized samples as human (46.9%, 45.6%). The male voices were
      more susceptible for misidentification. The synthesized breathy samples generated
      a greater perceptual confusion. The samples with severe deviation seemed to be
      more susceptible for errors. The synthesized female deviations were correctly
      classified. The male breathiness and strain were identified as roughness.
      CONCLUSION: VoiceSim produced stimuli very similar to the voices of patients with
      dysphonia. V-SLPs had a better ability to classify human and synthesized voices.
      VoiceSim is better to simulate vocal breathiness and female deviations; the male
      samples need adjustment.

PMID- 28089486
TI  - Molecular genetics of human obesity: A comprehensive review.
AB  - Obesity and its related health complications is a major problem worldwide.
      Hypothalamus and their signalling molecules play a critical role in the
      intervening and coordination with energy balance and homeostasis. Genetic factors
      play a crucial role in determining an individual's predisposition to the weight
      gain and being obese. In the past few years, several genetic variants were
      identified as monogenic forms of human obesity having success over common
      polygenic forms. In the context of molecular genetics, genome-wide association
      studies (GWAS) approach and their findings signified a number of genetic variants
      predisposing to obesity. However, the last couple of years, it has also been
      noticed that alterations in the environmental and epigenetic factors are one of
      the key causes of obesity. Hence, this review might be helpful in the current
      scenario of molecular genetics of human obesity, obesity-related health
      complications (ORHC), and energy homeostasis. Future work based on the clinical
      discoveries may play a role in the molecular dissection of genetic approaches to
      find more obesity-susceptible gene loci.

PMID- 28089488
TI  - High global prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy and fetal alcohol syndrome
      indicates need for urgent action.

PMID- 28089487
TI  - Estimation of national, regional, and global prevalence of alcohol use during
      pregnancy and fetal alcohol syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol use during pregnancy is the direct cause of fetal alcohol
      syndrome (FAS). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use during
      pregnancy and FAS in the general population and, by linking these two indicators,
      estimate the number of pregnant women that consumed alcohol during pregnancy per
      one case of FAS. METHODS: We began by doing two independent comprehensive
      systematic literature searches using multiple electronic databases for original
      quantitative studies that reported the prevalence in the general population of
      the respective country of alcohol use during pregnancy published from Jan 1,
      1984, to June 30, 2014, or the prevalence of FAS published from Nov 1, 1973, to
      June 30, 2015, in a peer-reviewed journal or scholarly report. Each study on the
      prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy was critically appraised using a
      checklist for observational studies, and each study on the prevalence of FAS was
      critically appraised by use of a method specifically designed for systematic
      reviews addressing questions of prevalence. Studies on the prevalence of alcohol
      use during pregnancy and/or FAS were omitted if they used a sample population not
      generalisable to the general population of the respective country, reported a
      pooled estimate by combining several studies, or were published in iteration.
      Studies that excluded abstainers were also omitted for the prevalence of alcohol
      use during pregnancy. We then did country-specific random-effects meta-analyses
      to estimate the pooled prevalence of these indicators. For countries with one or
      no empirical studies, we predicted prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy
      using fractional response regression modelling and prevalence of FAS using a
      quotient of the average number of women who consumed alcohol during pregnancy per
      one case of FAS. We used Monte Carlo simulations to derive confidence intervals
      for the country-specific point estimates of the prevalence of FAS. We estimated
      WHO regional and global averages of the prevalence of alcohol use during
      pregnancy and FAS, weighted by the number of livebirths per country. The review
      protocols for the prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy (CRD42016033835) and
      FAS (CRD42016033837) are available on PROSPERO. FINDINGS: Of 23 470 studies
      identified for the prevalence of alcohol use, 328 studies were retained for
      systematic review and meta-analysis; the search strategy for the prevalence of
      FAS yielded 11 110 studies, of which 62 were used in our analysis. The global
      prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy was estimated to be 9.8% (95% CI 8.9
      11.1) and the estimated prevalence of FAS in the general population was 14.6 per
      10 000 people (95% CI 9.4-23.3). We also estimated that one in every 67 women who
      consumed alcohol during pregnancy would deliver a child with FAS, which
      translates to about 119 000 children born with FAS in the world every year.
      INTERPRETATION: Alcohol use during pregnancy is common in many countries and as
      such, FAS is a relatively prevalent alcohol-related birth defect. More effective
      prevention strategies targeting alcohol use during pregnancy and surveillance of
      FAS are urgently needed. FUNDING: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (no
      external funding was sought).

PMID- 28089489
TI  - Long non-coding RNAs are associated with spatiotemporal gene expression profiles
      in the marine gastropod Tegula atra.
AB  - Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play diverse
      roles in cellular processes, including in the regulation of embryogenesis and
      growth. However, little is known about the role of lncRNAs in marine
      invertebrates inhabiting changing environments. Therefore, the aim of this study
      was to present the first characterization of lncRNAs in an intertidal marine
      gastropod. Specifically, Tegula atra individuals were sampled in four sites of
      the central-northern Chilean coastline (28-31 degrees ) during summer and winter.
      A pipeline was constructed, and 3524 putative lncRNAs were identified from
      transcriptome databases specific to T. atra. These lncRNAs exhibited
      characteristics common to known lncRNAs, including a length shorter than coding
      sequences, low GC-content, and low sequence conservation. Expression analyses
      revealed that lncRNAs varied more in the summer. Furthermore, a majority of the
      differentially expressed lncRNAs were found in the southernmost population, the
      seasonal temperatures of which varied the greatest among all groups.
      Additionally, co-expression analysis found some lncRNAs strongly correlated with
      coding genes involved in the environmental stress response, such as heat shock
      proteins and metalloproteins. In contrast, other lncRNA expressions were strongly
      uncorrelated with genes involved in lipid/carbohydrates metabolism and cell-cell
      communication. This study provides the first large-scale characterization of
      lncRNAs in a marine gastropod, with results suggesting a putative role of lncRNAs
      in thermal tolerance, as well as an association with molecular mechanisms
      involved in the local adaptations of marine invertebrate populations.

PMID- 28089490
TI  - Dynamic Plant-Plant-Herbivore Interactions Govern Plant Growth-Defence
      Integration.
AB  - Plants downregulate their defences against insect herbivores upon impending
      competition for light. This has long been considered a resource trade-off, but
      recent advances in plant physiology and ecology suggest this mechanism is more
      complex. Here we propose that to understand why plants regulate and balance
      growth and defence, the complex dynamics in plant-plant competition and plant
      herbivore interactions needs to be considered. Induced growth-defence responses
      affect plant competition and herbivore colonisation in space and time, which has
      consequences for the adaptive value of these responses. Assessing these complex
      interactions strongly benefits from advanced modelling tools that can model
      multitrophic interactions in space and time. Such an exercise will allow a
      critical re-evaluation why and how plants integrate defence and competition for
      light.

PMID- 28089491
TI  - Satellite and central transitions selective 1H/{27Al} D-HMQC experiments at very
      fast MAS for quadrupolar couplings determination.
AB  - Recent study has demonstrated the application of the proton-detected
      heteronuclear multi-quantum coherence (HMQC) at ultrafast Magic Angle Spinning
      (MAS) to probe quadrupolar nuclei including 14N and 35Cl. In addition, for half
      integer quadrupolar nucleus like 35Cl, the quadrupolar product can be calculated
      based on the shift difference between the center band of satellite transition
      (ST) and the central transition (CT) peaks. The applicability of this technique
      is further investigated on spin I=5/2, namely 27Al nucleus, and kaolin is chosen
      as the testing sample. However this study is not straightforward owing to a spin
      quantum number I=5/2 of 27Al nucleus and a small quadrupolar coupling of kaolin.
      Furthermore, very fast MAS, which is mandatory for proton-detected experiment to
      suppress 1H-1H homonuclear dipolar interactions, introduces additional
      complexities. It induces the partial overlap of CT and the center band of inner
      ST (ST1) resonance in addition to the insufficiency of CT-selective excitation by
      soft-pulse irradiation. In the current work, we employ the constant-time D-HMQC
      experiment, in which the duration between two recoupling blocks is fixed to a
      constant value and the arbitrary t1 increment can be used within this duration.
      This constant-time D-HMQC enables the precise determination of CT and ST
      resonance shifts through CT- and ST-selective observations by the indirect
      spectral width (i) with asynchronized sampling to the top of rotational-echoes
      for STs and (ii) three times larger than the spinning frequency, respectively. We
      also numerically and experimentally develop a satellite-selective excitation
      technique, in which the radio frequency field is applied to the first spinning
      sideband of ST1 resonance. The satellite-selective 1D single pulse and 2D
      conventional D-HMQC experiments are demonstrated. The quadrupolar product of 27Al
      nucleus extracted from the resulting spectra is in good agreement with the
      literature.

PMID- 28089492
TI  - A Safer, Healthier U.S.: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009
      2016.

PMID- 28089493
TI  - Recent advances of stroke thrombolysis in Taiwan: A successful interaction
      between physicians, regulators, and National Health Insurance Administration.

PMID- 28089494
TI  - Downregulation of miR-1 enhances tumorigenicity and invasiveness in oral squamous
      cell carcinomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Cumulative evidence suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) function
      as biosignatures of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). However, the functional
      roles of miR-1 as well as its downstream targets in the regulation of
      tumorigenicity in OSCC remain unclear. METHODS: miRNAs RT-PCR analysis was
      performed to identify miR-1 as a putative candidate on mediating invasiveness of
      OSCC cells. Consequently, we elucidated the tumorigenicity of OSCC cells with miR
      1 downregulation or overexpression, respectively. Finally, miR-1 on OSCC tumor
      tissues was examined. RESULTS: miR-1 levels were significantly downregulated in
      the malignant OSCC cells. Overexpression of miR-1 significantly reduced
      migration/invasiveness of OSCC cells. In addition, overexpression of miR-1
      decreased cancer stem cells properties. Conversely, downregulation of miR-1
      promotes migration and invasiveness in OSCC cells. We have shown that miR-1 is
      able to target Slug, suppressing their expression. Clinically, lower miR-1
      expression was found in patients with advanced nodal metastasis OSCC. CONCLUSION:
      miR-1 as novel biosignatures in OSCC lymph node metastatic patients, supporting
      the development of novel strategies for OSCC treatment.

PMID- 28089495
TI  - Assessment of the Isometry of the Anterolateral Ligament in a 3-Dimensional
      Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography Simulation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To simulate the most isometric insertion points of the anterolateral
      ligament (ALL) in a weight-bearing 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) model
      using previously published anatomic landmarks and to define radiographic
      landmarks, which make for an easier identification of the optimal insertion
      points. METHODS: The most isometric femoral insertion points were analyzed for 10
      individuals, using data of weight-bearing CT scans in increasing knee flexion
      positions. An automatic string generation algorithm helped identify isometrically
      optimal points using an isometric score (0 indicating optimal isometry).
      Subsequently, a general femoral insertion point was determined, which preserved
      the isometry in all tested individuals. Based on the femoral insertion point, we
      assessed the influence of varying tibial insertion points on the isometric
      behavior of the ALL. RESULTS: The defined femoral insertion point, which
      preserved the isometry in all analyzed individuals, had a median isometric score
      between 0.167 * 10-3 and 0.559 * 10-3. The average distance from the most
      prominent point of the lateral epicondyle was 9.7 mm (standard deviation [SD],
      1.6) in a straight superior direction. In a straight lateral radiographic view,
      this point is located exactly at the intersection of a tangent set between the
      posterior cortex of the femur and a second perpendicular line intersecting at the
      level of the most (superior-) posterior point of the Blumensaat line. The best
      isometric behavior was found on the anatomically defined mean tibial insertion
      point, located at 37% of the width of the tibial plateau, which worsened
      gradually if corrected to anterior or posterior. CONCLUSIONS: We determined
      femoral and tibial insertion points as well as radiographic landmarks for the
      reconstruction of the ALL that are based on published anatomic descriptions and
      preserve isometry in all analyzed individuals in this study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      This study provides new information, which might be helpful to define
      isometrically optimal insertion points for ALL reconstruction.

PMID- 28089496
TI  - Cell Toxicity in Fibroblasts, Tenocytes, and Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells-A
      Comparison of Necrosis and Apoptosis-Inducing Ability in Ropivacaine,
      Bupivacaine, and Triamcinolone.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the ability of ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and triamcinolone to
      induce apoptosis and necrosis in fibroblasts, tenocytes, and human mesenchymal
      stem cells. METHODS: Human dermal fibroblasts, adipose-derived human mesenchymal
      stem cells (hMSCs), and tenocytes gained from the rotator cuff tendon were seeded
      with a cell density of 0.5 * 104/cm2. One specimen of ropivacaine, bupivacaine,
      and triamcinolone was tested separately on the cells with separate concentrations
      of 0.5%, 0.25%, and 0.125% for each specimen. The negative control received no
      agent, only a change of medium. The incubation period for each agent was 30
      minutes. After a change of medium and 1 hour, 24 hours, and 7 days of incubation,
      104 cells were harvested and analyzed via fluorescence-activated cell sorting
      with double-staining with annexin V and propidium iodide. Statistical analysis to
      determine significant difference (P < .05) between the groups with SPSS
      statistics 23 through one-way analysis of variance with a univariate general
      linear model was performed. RESULTS: Bupivacaine showed necrosis-inducing effects
      on fibroblasts and tenocytes, with the necrotic effect peaking at 0.5% and 0.25%.
      Ropivacaine and triamcinolone caused no significant necrosis. Compared with
      fibroblasts and tenocytes, hMSCs did not show significant necrotic or apoptotic
      effects after exposure to bupivacaine. Overall, no significant differences in
      apoptosis were detected between different cell lines, varying concentrations, or
      time measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Bupivacaine 0.5% and 0.25% have the most necrosis
      inducing effects on fibroblasts and tenocytes. Ropivacaine caused less necrosis
      than bupivaine. Compared with fibroblasts and tenocytes, hMSCs were not affected
      by necrosis using any of the tested agents. A significant apoptosis-inducing
      effect could not be detected for the different cell lines. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Possible cell toxicity raises questions of concern for intra-articular injections
      using local anesthetics and corticosteroids. The present study demonstrates the
      necrotic and apoptotic effects of ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and triamcinolone and
      may give recommendations for intra-articular use of local anesthetics and
      corticosteroids.

PMID- 28089497
TI  - Biomechanical Comparison of Standard and Linked Single-Row Rotator Cuff Repairs
      in a Human Cadaver Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time zero cyclic and
      failure loading properties of a linked single-row rotator cuff repair compared
      with a standard simple suture single-row repair using triple-loaded suture
      anchors. METHODS: Eighteen human cadaveric shoulders from 9 matched pairs were
      dissected, and full-thickness supraspinatus tears were created. The tendon cross
      sectional area was recorded. In each pair, one side was repaired with a linked
      single-row construct and the other with a simple suture single-row construct,
      both using 2 triple-loaded suture anchors. After preloading, specimens were
      cycled to 1 MPa of effective stress at 1 Hz for 500 cycles, and gap formation was
      recorded with a digital video system. Samples were then loaded to failure, and
      modes of failure were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in
      peak gap formation between the control and linked constructs (3.6 +/- 0.9 mm and
      3.6 +/- 1.2 mm, respectively; P = .697). Both constructs averaged below a 5-mm
      cyclic failure threshold. There was no statistical difference in ultimate load to
      failure between the control and linked repair (511.1 +/- 139.0 N and 561.2 +/-
      131.8 N, respectively; P = .164), and both groups reached failure at loads
      similar to previous studies. Constructs failed predominantly via tissue tearing
      parallel to the medial suture line. CONCLUSIONS: The linked repair performed
      similarly to the simple single-row repair. Both constructs demonstrated high
      ultimate load to failure and good resistance to gap formation with cyclic
      loading, validating the time zero strength of both constructs in a human
      cadaveric model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The linked repair provided equivalent
      resistance to gap formation and failure loads compared with simple suture single
      row repairs with triple-loaded suture anchors. This suggests that the linked
      repair is a simplified rip-stop configuration using the existing suture that may
      perform similarly to current rotator cuff repair techniques.

PMID- 28089498
TI  - Anticoagulants in ischemia-guided management of non-ST-elevation acute coronary
      syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most recent joint guidelines from the American Heart Association
      (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) on the management of non-ST
      elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) are a result of a substantial and
      considered undertaking, and those involved deserve much recognition for their
      efforts. However, the handling of anticoagulants seems somewhat inadequate, and
      this is a highly-relevant matter when managing NSTE-ACS. OBJECTIVE OF THE REVIEW:
      Among areas of potential uncertainty, emergency medicine professionals might
      still be left wondering about the particulars of anticoagulant therapy when
      pursuing ischemia-guided management of NSTE-ACS (that is, managing NSTE-ACS
      without an intent for early invasive measures, such as coronary angiography and
      revascularization). This review seeks to provide insight into this question.
      DISCUSSION: Relevant clinical trials are appraised and translated into clinical
      context for emergency medicine professionals, including the implications of
      noteworthy advancements in the management of NSTE-ACS. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      current guidelines from the AHA and ACC suggest enoxaparin has better evidence
      than other anticoagulants in the setting of NSTE-ACS management, careful review
      of the evidence shows this is not actually clearly supported by the available
      evidence in the era of contemporary management. Unless and until better
      contemporary data emerge, emergency medicine professionals must carefully weigh
      the available evidence, its limitations, and the possible clinical implications
      of the various anticoagulant options when managing NSTE-ACS.

PMID- 28089499
TI  - The stability of gadolinium-based contrast agents in human serum: A reanalysis of
      literature data and association with clinical outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To reanalyze literature data of gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents
      (GBCAs) in plasma with a kinetic model of dissociation to provide a comprehensive
      assessment of equilibrium conditions for linear GBCAs. METHODS: Data for the
      release of Gd from GBCAs in human serum was extracted from a previous report in
      the literature and fit to a kinetic dissociation/association model. The
      conditional stabilities (logKcond) and percent intact over time were calculated
      using the model rate constants. The correlations between clinical outcomes and
      logKcond or other stability indices were determined. RESULTS: The release curves
      for Omniscan(r), gadodiamide, OptiMARK(r), gadoversetamide Magnevist(r) and
      Multihance(r) were extracted and all fit well to the kinetic model. The logKconds
      calculated from the rate constants were on the order of ~4-6, and were not
      significantly altered by excess ligand or phosphate. The stability constant based
      on the amount intact by the initial elimination half-life of GBCAs in plasma
      provided good correlation with outcomes observed in patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Estimation of the kinetic constants for GBCA dissociation/association revealed
      that their stability in physiological fluid is much lower than previous
      approaches would suggest, which correlates well with deposition and
      pharmacokinetic observations of GBCAs in human patients.

PMID- 28089500
TI  - C-reactive Protein may Predict the Recurrence of Appendicitis in Children
      Formerly with Appendiceal Mass after Successful Non-operative Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study identified factors associated with the recurrence of
      appendicitis in children with appendiceal masses after successful nonsurgical
      treatment. METHODS: In this retrospective study, children who were diagnosed as
      having appendiceal masses after undergoing conservative treatment between 2000
      and 2014 were enrolled and the medical records of those who did not undergo an
      interval appendectomy were reviewed. The clinical features and outcomes of
      patients with and those without recurrent appendicitis were compared. Regression
      analysis was used to identify risk factors of appendicitis recurrence. RESULTS:
      Seventy patients were included and successfully discharged after receiving
      nonsurgical treatment for appendiceal masses. Of the patients, 35 (50.0%)
      developed recurrent appendicitis and 85.7% (30/35) recurrences developed within 3
      months. Multivariate analyses showed that patients with a higher serum C-reactive
      protein (CRP) level and peritonitis more frequently developed recurrence. The
      appendicitis recurrence rate was significantly higher in the patients with CRP
      levels of >=103 mg/L with an odds ratio of 16.9 or in those with peritonitis with
      an odds ratio of 4.9. CONCLUSION: Children with appendiceal masses who develop
      peritonitis or have CRP levels of >=103 mg/L have a higher recurrence rate of
      appendicitis and should undergo an interval appendectomy.

PMID- 28089501
TI  - Effectiveness of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in psoriatic
      arthritis: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the clinical heterogeneity of psoriatic arthritis (PsA),
      recommendations have been developed by international groups to guide therapeutic
      decisions of the rheumatologist. The objective of the current systematic review
      (RS) was to evaluate the evidence of efficacy of disease-modifying antirheumatic
      drugs (DMARDs) in PsA. METHODS: Literature search in Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane
      Library, from 2008 to 2014. We included RS, randomized clinical trials and
      observational studies, in patients with PsA and an evaluation of efficiency of
      conventional DMARDs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide), according to the
      following outcomes: peripheral and axial symptoms; peripheral radiological
      damage; enthesitis according to power Doppler ultrasound or magnetic resonance
      imaging (enthesitis count before and after therapy); dactylitis; uveitis.
      RESULTS: Title and abstract were used to retrieve 1,662 documents for this review
      (Medline, n=433; EMBASE n=1,132; Cochrane, n=97), and 48 studies were selected
      for detailed reading; finally, 8 studies were included. CONCLUSIONS: Since the
      studies included are not robust, and there are arguments to support the
      effectiveness of methotrexate, the evidence observed with the treatment of DMARDs
      in PsA is not conclusive.

PMID- 28089502
TI  - An extended fatty liver index to predict non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, there is a strong interest in non-invasive
      markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our hypothesis was that the
      fold-change in plasma triglycerides (TG) during a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test
      (fold-change TGOGTT) in concert with blood glucose and lipid parameters, and the
      rs738409 C>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in PNPLA3 might improve the
      power of the widely used fatty liver index (FLI) to predict NAFLD. METHODS: The
      liver fat content of 330 subjects was quantified by 1H-magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy. Blood parameters were measured during fasting and after a 2-h OGTT.
      A subgroup of 213 subjects underwent these measurements before and after 9 months
      of a lifestyle intervention. RESULTS: The fold-change TGOGTT was closely
      associated with liver fat content (r=0.51, P<0.0001), but had less power to
      predict NAFLD (AUROC=0.75) than the FLI (AUROC=0.79). Not only was the fold
      change TGOGTT independently associated with liver fat content and NAFLD, but so
      also were the 2-h blood glucose level and rs738409 C>G SNP in PNPLA3. In fact, a
      novel index (extended FLI) generated from these and the usual FLI parameters
      considerably increased its power to predict NAFLD (AUROC=0.79-0.86). The extended
      FLI also increased the power to predict changes in liver fat content with a
      lifestyle intervention (n=213; standardized beta coefficient: 0.23-0.29).
      CONCLUSION: This study has provided novel data confirming that the OGTT-derived
      fold-change TGOGTT and 2-h glucose level, together with the rs738409 C>G SNP in
      PNPLA3, allow calculation of an extended FLI that considerably improves its power
      to predict NAFLD.

PMID- 28089503
TI  - Comparison of two techniques of adiponectin assay, ELISA and immunoturbidimetry:
      Should we move towards standardization?

PMID- 28089504
TI  - Review: Nutrient sulfate supply from mother to fetus: Placental adaptive
      responses during human and animal gestation.
AB  - Nutrient sulfate has numerous roles in mammalian physiology and is essential for
      healthy fetal growth and development. The fetus has limited capacity to generate
      sulfate and relies on sulfate supplied from the maternal circulation via
      placental sulfate transporters. The placenta also has a high sulfate requirement
      for numerous molecular and cellular functions, including sulfate conjugation
      (sulfonation) to estrogen and thyroid hormone which leads to their inactivation.
      Accordingly, the ratio of sulfonated (inactive) to unconjugated (active) hormones
      modulates endocrine function in fetal, placental and maternal tissues. During
      pregnancy, there is a marked increase in the expression of genes involved in
      transport and generation of sulfate in the mouse placenta, in line with
      increasing fetal and placental demands for sulfate. The maternal circulation also
      provides a vital reservoir of sulfate for the placenta and fetus, with maternal
      circulating sulfate levels increasing by 2-fold from mid-gestation. However,
      despite evidence from animal studies showing the requirement of maternal sulfate
      supply for placental and fetal physiology, there are no routine clinical
      measurements of sulfate or consideration of dietary sulfate intake in pregnant
      women. This is also relevant to certain xenobiotics or pharmacological drugs
      which when taken by the mother use significant quantities of circulating sulfate
      for detoxification and clearance, and thereby have the potential to decrease
      sulfonation capacity in the placenta and fetus. This article will review the
      physiological adaptations of the placenta for maintaining sulfate homeostasis in
      the fetus and placenta, with a focus on pathophysiological outcomes in animal
      models of disturbed sulfate homeostasis.

PMID- 28089505
TI  - Corrigendum to "Maternal plasma antioxidant status in the first trimester of
      pregnancy and development of obstetric complications" [YPLAC (47C) (2016) 37-45].

PMID- 28089506
TI  - Evaluation of the predictive value of placental vascularisation indices derived
      from 3-Dimensional power Doppler whole placental volume scanning for prediction
      of pre-eclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Pre-eclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and
      mortality. This systematic review aims to evaluate the ability of placental
      vascularisation indices (PVIs) derived from 3D power Doppler whole placental
      volume scanning to predict early, late and any-onset pre-eclampsia (PE). The
      following databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science. Studies
      selected for inclusion measured PVIs: Vascularisation Index (%) (VI) and/or Flow
      Index (FI) and/or Vascularisation Flow Index (VFI) derived from 3D power Doppler
      whole placental volume scanning via Virtual Organ Computer-aided Analysis (VOCAL)
      technique prior to diagnosis of PE. A total of 667 records were screened with
      five eligible studies included. A narrative review of all studies was undertaken
      and three studies with sufficient data were included in a meta-analysis. This
      review, the first of its kind to evaluate the predictive value of PVIs for PE,
      reports significantly lower first trimester PVIs across a range of studies in
      women who develop PE. Mean differences in vascularisation indices in PE and non
      PE pregnancies were: VI -2.93% (95% CI -5.84,-0.01), FR -2.83 (95% CI -3.97,
      1.69) and VFI -0.93 (95% CI -1.6,-0.25), respectively. While only two studies
      reported sensitivity and specificity data, VI and VFI most accurately predicted
      early onset PE, and VFI predicted PE in high risk women. Further research is
      required to validate these findings in different study populations and to examine
      the performance of PVIs within combined screening models for PE.

PMID- 28089507
TI  - Gastrointestinal Perforation and Fistula Formation in 5 Patients With Colorectal
      Cancer During Treatment With Regorafenib.

PMID- 28089508
TI  - A reply to Douze and Delagnes's 'The pattern of emergence of a Middle Stone Age
      tradition at Gademotta and Kulkuletti (Ethiopia) through convergent tool and
      point technologies' [J. Hum. Evol. 91 (2016) 93-121].
AB  - Douze and Delagnes (2016) revisit Middle Stone Age (MSA) lithic assemblages from
      the Gademotta Formation (Fm.), Ethiopia. Their analysis of selected assemblages
      from three of the 1972 excavations expands the original typo-technological
      interpretations by Wendorf and Schild (1974). We particularly welcome their
      evaluation of our recent inferences about the function of pointed artifacts and
      technological patterns in the Gademotta Fm. (Sahle et al., 2013, 2014). However,
      we find several arguments and conclusions in Douze and Delagnes (2016) to be
      rather unconvincing and irreconcilable with results from analyses of whole
      assemblages (Wendorf and Schild, 1974; Sahle et al., 2013, 2014). Specifically,
      their summary attribution of all early MSA burin-like fractures on the distal
      tips of pointed artifacts to intentional resharpening blows, and their use of
      this pattern as a technological "chrono-marker" unique to the region are
      untenable. Here, we highlight these issues in the hopes of a clearer
      understanding of the evident technological patterns in the Gademotta Fm.

PMID- 28089509
TI  - Occult external iliac vein injury after anterior dislocation of the sacroiliac
      joint in adult patient.
AB  - Anterior dislocation of the sacroiliac joint, characterized by dislocation of the
      ilium anterior to the sacrum, is a subtype of complete posterior pelvic ring
      disruption. This injury occurs mostly in children. We present an adult patient
      with anterior dislocation of the sacroiliac joint. It was associated with
      numerous complications. To the best of our knowledge, it is only the second case
      reported in the literature.

PMID- 28089510
TI  - A novel computer-based method for measuring the acetabular angle on hip
      radiographs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to propose a new computer based method for
      measuring acetabular angles on hip radiographs and to assess its practicality,
      sensitivity and reliability for acetabular angle measurement. METHODS: A total of
      314 acetabulum were assessed on 157 pelvic X-ray images. Acetabular angles were
      measured with both the conventional method (Method 1) and our proposed method
      (Method 2). All the Acetabular Index (AI) angle, Acetabular Angle (AA) and
      Acetabular Center (ACM) angle were measured with both methods. RESULTS: The mean
      AI angle for Method 1 is 11.02 degrees  +/- 2.7 degrees  and the mean AI angle
      for Method 2 is 10.08 degrees  +/- 1.88 degrees , the mean AA angle for Method 1
      is 39.5 degrees  +/- 5.3 degrees  and the mean AA angle for Method 2 is 39.36
      degrees  +/- 4.68 degrees , the mean ACM angle for Method 1 is 50.5 degrees  +/-
      6.01 degrees  and the mean ACM angle for Method 2 is 55.42 degrees  +/- 12.43
      degrees . CONCLUSION: Our novel automated method appear to be reliable and
      practical for acetabular angle measurement on hip radiographs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level III, Diagnostic study.

PMID- 28089511
TI  - The Descending Diencephalic Dopamine System Is Tuned to Sensory Stimuli.
AB  - The vertebrate diencephalic A11 system provides the sole dopaminergic innervation
      of hindbrain and spinal cord and has been implicated in modulation of locomotion
      and sensory processes. However, the exact contributions of sensory stimuli and
      motor behavior to A11 dopaminergic activity remain unclear. We recorded cellular
      calcium activity in four anatomically distinct posterior tubercular A11-type
      dopaminergic subgroups and two adjacent hypothalamic dopaminergic groups in
      GCaMP7a-transgenic, semi-restrained zebrafish larvae. Our analyses reveal the
      contributions of different sensory modalities and motor states to dopaminergic
      activity. Each posterior tubercular and hypothalamic subgroup showed distinct
      activity patterns, while activity was synchronous within individual subgroups.
      Caudal and dorsomedial hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons are activated following
      vigorous tail movements and stay active for about 10 s, revealing predominantly
      post-motor activity. In contrast, posterior tubercular dopaminergic neurons are
      predominantly sensory driven, with subgroups differentially responding to
      different tactile or visual sensory modalities. In the anterior subgroups,
      neuronal response magnitudes are tuned to tactile stimulus intensities, revealing
      features similar to sensory systems. We identify the lateral line system as
      source for this tactile tuning. In contrast, the posterior subgroup is responsive
      to distinct moving visual stimuli. Specifically, translational forward stimuli,
      which may indicate insufficient rheotaxis and drift, induce dopaminergic
      activity, but backward or rotational stimuli not. The activation of posterior
      tubercular dopaminergic neurons by sensory stimuli, and their projections onto
      peripheral mechanosensory systems, suggests a participation of A11-type neurons
      in the feedback regulation of sensory systems. Together with the adjacent
      hypothalamic neurons, they may serve to set basic behavioral states.

PMID- 28089512
TI  - Paleozoic Nymphal Wing Pads Support Dual Model of Insect Wing Origins.
AB  - The appearance of wings in insects, early in their evolution [1], has been one of
      the more critical innovations contributing to their extraordinary diversity.
      Despite the conspicuousness and importance of wings, the origin of these
      structures has been difficult to resolve and represented one of the "abominable
      mysteries" in evolutionary biology [2]. More than a century of debate has boiled
      the matter down to two competing alternatives-one of wings representing an
      extension of the thoracic notum, the other stating that they are appendicular
      derivations from the lateral body wall. Recently, a dual model has been supported
      by genomic and developmental data [3-6], representing an amalgamation of elements
      from both the notal and pleural hypotheses. Here, we reveal crucial information
      from the wing pad joints of Carboniferous palaeodictyopteran insect nymphs using
      classical and high-tech techniques. These nymphs had three pairs of wing pads
      that were medially articulated to the thorax but also broadly contiguous with the
      notum anteriorly and posteriorly (details unobservable in modern insects),
      supporting their overall origin from the thoracic notum as well as the expected
      medial, pleural series of axillary sclerites. Our study provides support for the
      formation of the insect wing from the thoracic notum as well as the already known
      pleural elements of the arthropodan leg. These results support the unique, dual
      model for insect wing origins and the convergent reduction of notal fusion in
      more derived clades, presumably due to wing rotation during development, and they
      help to bring resolution to this long-standing debate.

PMID- 28089513
TI  - Human Disruption of Coral Reef Trophic Structure.
AB  - The distribution of biomass among trophic levels provides a theoretical basis for
      understanding energy flow and the hierarchical structure of animal communities.
      In the absence of energy subsidies [1], bottom-heavy trophic pyramids are
      expected to predominate, based on energy transfer efficiency [2] and empirical
      evidence from multiple ecosystems [3]. However, the predicted pyramid of biomass
      distribution among trophic levels may be disrupted through trophic replacement by
      alternative organisms in the ecosystem, trophic cascades, and humans
      preferentially impacting specific trophic levels [4-6]. Using empirical data
      spanning >250 coral reefs, we show how trophic pyramid shape varies given human
      mediated gradients along two orders of magnitude in reef fish biomass. Mean
      trophic level of the assemblage increased modestly with decreasing biomass,
      contrary to predictions of fishing down the food web [7]. The mean trophic level
      pattern is explained by trophic replacement of herbivorous fish by sea urchins at
      low biomass and the accumulation of slow-growing, large-bodied, herbivorous fish
      at high biomass. Further, at high biomass, particularly where fishers are not
      selectively removing higher trophic level individuals, a concave trophic
      distribution emerges. The concave trophic distribution implies a more direct link
      between lower and upper trophic levels, which may confer greater energy
      efficiency. This trophic distribution emerges when community biomass exceeds ~650
      kg/ha, suggesting that fisheries for upper trophic level species will only be
      supported under lightly fished scenarios.

PMID- 28089514
TI  - Reproductive Conflict and the Evolution of Menopause in Killer Whales.
AB  - Why females of some species cease ovulation prior to the end of their natural
      lifespan is a long-standing evolutionary puzzle [1-4]. The fitness benefits of
      post-reproductive helping could in principle select for menopause [1, 2, 5], but
      the magnitude of these benefits appears insufficient to explain the timing of
      menopause [6-8]. Recent theory suggests that the cost of inter-generational
      reproductive conflict between younger and older females of the same social unit
      is a critical missing term in classical inclusive fitness calculations (the
      "reproductive conflict hypothesis" [6, 9]). Using a unique long-term dataset on
      wild resident killer whales, where females can live decades after their final
      parturition, we provide the first test of this hypothesis in a non-human animal.
      First, we confirm previous theoretical predictions that local relatedness
      increases with female age up to the end of reproduction. Second, we construct a
      new evolutionary model and show that given these kinship dynamics, selection will
      favor younger females that invest more in competition, and thus have greater
      reproductive success, than older females (their mothers) when breeding at the
      same time. Third, we test this prediction using 43 years of individual-based
      demographic data in resident killer whales and show that when mothers and
      daughters co-breed, the mortality hazard of calves from older-generation females
      is 1.7 times that of calves from younger-generation females. Intergenerational
      conflict combined with the known benefits conveyed to kin by post-reproductive
      females can explain why killer whales have evolved the longest post-reproductive
      lifespan of all non-human animals.

PMID- 28089515
TI  - Navigation through the Plasma Membrane Molecular Landscape Shapes Random
      Organelle Movement.
AB  - Eukaryotic plasma membrane organization theory has long been controversial, in
      part due to a dearth of suitably high-resolution techniques to probe molecular
      architecture in situ and integrate information from diverse data streams [1].
      Notably, clustered patterning of membrane proteins is a commonly conserved
      feature across diverse protein families (reviewed in [2]), including the SNAREs
      [3], SM proteins [4, 5], ion channels [6, 7], and receptors (e.g., [8]). Much
      effort has gone into analyzing the behavior of secretory organelles [9-13], and
      understanding the relationship between the membrane and proximal organelles [4,
      5, 12, 14] is an essential goal for cell biology as broad concepts or rules may
      be established. Here we explore the generally accepted model that vesicles at the
      plasmalemma are guided by cytoskeletal tracks to specific sites on the membrane
      that have clustered molecular machinery for secretion [15], organized in part by
      the local lipid composition [16]. To increase our understanding of these
      fundamental processes, we integrated nanoscopy and spectroscopy of the secretory
      machinery with organelle tracking data in a mathematical model, iterating with
      knockdown cell models. We find that repeated routes followed by successive
      vesicles, the re-use of similar fusion sites, and the apparently distinct vesicle
      "pools" are all fashioned by the Brownian behavior of organelles overlaid on
      navigation between non-reactive secretory protein molecular depots patterned at
      the plasma membrane.

PMID- 28089516
TI  - Environmental Geometry Aligns the Hippocampal Map during Spatial Reorientation.
AB  - When a navigator's internal sense of direction is disrupted, she must rely on
      external cues to regain her bearings, a process termed spatial reorientation.
      Extensive research has demonstrated that the geometric shape of the environment
      exerts powerful control over reorientation behavior, but the neural and cognitive
      mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well understood. Whereas some
      theories claim that geometry controls behavior through an allocentric mechanism
      potentially tied to the hippocampus, others postulate that disoriented navigators
      reach their goals by using an egocentric view-matching strategy. To resolve this
      debate, we characterized hippocampal representations during reorientation. We
      first recorded from CA1 cells as disoriented mice foraged in chambers of various
      shapes. We found that the alignment of the recovered hippocampal map was
      determined by the geometry of the chamber, but not by nongeometric cues, even
      when these cues could be used to disambiguate geometric ambiguities. We then
      recorded hippocampal activity as disoriented mice performed a classical goal
      directed spatial memory task in a rectangular chamber. Again, we found that the
      recovered hippocampal map aligned solely to the chamber geometry. Critically, we
      also found a strong correspondence between the hippocampal map alignment and the
      animal's behavior, making it possible to predict the search location of the
      animal from neural responses on a trial-by-trial basis. Together, these results
      demonstrate that spatial reorientation involves the alignment of the hippocampal
      map to local geometry. We hypothesize that geometry may be an especially salient
      cue for reorientation because it is an inherently stable aspect of the
      environment.

PMID- 28089517
TI  - Hypoxia Induces a HIF-1-Dependent Transition from Collective-to-Amoeboid
      Dissemination in Epithelial Cancer Cells.
AB  - Cancer metastases arise from a multi-step process that requires metastasizing
      tumor cells to adapt to signaling input from varying tissue environments [1]. As
      an early metastatic event, cancer cell dissemination occurs through different
      migration programs, including multicellular, collective, and single-cell
      mesenchymal or amoeboid migration [2-4]. Migration modes can interconvert based
      on changes in cell adhesion, cytoskeletal mechanotransduction [5], and/or
      proteolysis [6], most likely under the control of transcriptional programs such
      as the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [7, 8]. However, how plasticity
      of tumor cell migration and EMT is spatiotemporally controlled and connected upon
      challenge by the tumor microenvironment remains unclear. Using 3D cultures of
      collectively invading breast and head and neck cancer spheroids, here we identify
      hypoxia, a hallmark of solid tumors [9], as an inducer of the collective-to
      amoeboid transition (CAT), promoting the dissemination of amoeboid-moving single
      cells from collective invasion strands. Hypoxia-induced amoeboid detachment was
      driven by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), followed the downregulation of E
      cadherin, and produced heterogeneous cell subsets whose phenotype and migration
      were dependent (~30%) or independent (~70%) of Twist-mediated EMT. EMT-like and
      EMT-independent amoeboid cell subsets showed stable amoeboid movement over hours
      as well as leukocyte-like traits, including rounded morphology, matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-independent migration, and nuclear deformation. Cancer
      cells undergoing pharmacological stabilization of HIFs retained their
      constitutive ability for early metastatic seeding in an experimental model of
      lung metastasis, indicating that hypoxia-induced CAT enhances cell release rather
      than early organ colonization. Induced by metabolic challenge, amoeboid movement
      may thus constitute a common endpoint of both EMT-dependent and EMT-independent
      cancer dissemination programs.

PMID- 28089518
TI  - Transcriptional Pre-patterning of Drosophila Gastrulation.
AB  - Gastrulation of the Drosophila embryo is one of the most intensively studied
      morphogenetic processes in animal development [1-4]. Particular efforts have
      focused on the formation of the ventral furrow, whereby ~1,000 presumptive
      mesoderm cells exhibit coordinated apical constrictions that mediate invagination
      [5, 6]. Apical constriction depends on a Rho GTPase signaling pathway (T48/Fog)
      that is deployed by the developmental regulatory genes twist and snail [7-10]. It
      is thought that coordinate mesoderm constriction depends on high levels of myosin
      along the ventral midline, although the basis for this localization is uncertain.
      Here, we employ newly developed quantitative imaging methods to visualize the
      transcriptional dynamics of two key components of the Rho signaling pathway in
      living embryos, T48 and Fog. Both genes display dorsoventral (DV) gradients of
      expression due to differential timing of transcription activation. Transcription
      begins as a narrow stripe of two or three cells along the ventral midline,
      followed by progressive expansions into more lateral regions. Quantitative image
      analyses suggest that these temporal gradients produce differential spatial
      accumulations of t48 and fog mRNAs along the DV axis, similar to the distribution
      of myosin activity. We therefore propose that the transcriptional dynamics of t48
      and fog expression foreshadow the coordinated invagination of the mesoderm at the
      onset of gastrulation.

PMID- 28089520
TI  - The association between family caregivers' involvement in managing older adults'
      medications and caregivers' information-seeking behavior.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: 1) To explore the association between family caregivers' involvement
      in managing care recipients' medications and their information-seeking behavior
      related to caregiving; and 2) to examine the sources used by caregivers when
      seeking information. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data
      from 2 national studies, the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS)
      and its supplement, the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC), was conducted. A
      nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults (>=65 years of age)
      completed NHATS interviews, and a sample of their family caregivers participated
      in NSOC. Caregiver involvement in medication management was assessed with the use
      of 2 items asking caregivers if they helped keep track of care recipients'
      medications or helped with injecting medications. Information seeking was
      assessed with the use of an item asking caregivers if they ever looked for
      caregiving-related information. RESULTS: Out of 1367 caregivers interviewed, 54%
      reported helping to keep track of care recipients' medications and 8.7% assisting
      with injecting medications. Approximately 10.2% (n = 149) of caregivers reported
      seeking information to help them care for their care recipients. Caregivers
      sought information primarily on their own either through online resources or
      asking friends or relatives (73.3%). Sixty-four percent also sought information
      from medical providers or social workers. Adult children of caregivers were more
      likely to seek information for their older adult parents, based on bivariate
      analysis (P <0.01). In multivariable-adjusted models, caregivers who helped to
      keep track of medications had 2.30 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18 to 4.51)
      times higher odds of seeking information to help them to provide care for their
      care recipients. Caregivers helping with injecting medications were less likely
      to seek information (odds ratio 0.32, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Specific
      caregiver responsibilities, such as assisting with medication management
      activities, are associated with caregivers' information-seeking behavior related
      to care recipients' health. Health care providers, including pharmacists, can
      play an important role in helping caregivers to identify proper resources for
      information and in educating them about medication management.

PMID- 28089519
TI  - Role of Nhp6 and Hmo1 in SWI/SNF occupancy and nucleosome landscape at gene
      regulatory regions.
AB  - Diverse chromatin modifiers are involved in regulation of gene expression at the
      level of transcriptional regulation. Among these modifiers are ATP-dependent
      chromatin remodelers, where the SWI/SNF complex is the founding member. It has
      been observed that High Mobility Group (HMG) proteins can influence the activity
      of a number of these chromatin remodelers. In this context, we have previously
      demonstrated that the yeast HMG proteins Nhp6 and Hmo1 can stimulate SWI/SNF
      activity. Here, we studied the genome-wide binding patterns of Nhp6, Hmo1 and the
      SWI/SNF complex, finding that most of gene promoters presenting high occupancy of
      this complex also display high enrichment of these HMG proteins. Using deletion
      mutant strains we demonstrate that binding of SWI/SNF is significantly reduced at
      numerous genomic locations by deletion of NHP6 and/or deletion of HMO1. Moreover,
      alterations in the nucleosome landscape take place at gene promoters undergoing
      reduced SWI/SNF binding. Additional analyses show that these effects also
      correlate with alterations in transcriptional activity. Our results suggest that,
      besides the ability to stimulate SWI/SNF activity, these HMG proteins are able to
      assist the loading of this complex onto gene regulatory regions.

PMID- 28089521
TI  - Trends in naloxone prescriptions prescribed after implementation of a National
      Academic Detailing Service in the Veterans Health Administration: A preliminary
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of the U.S. Veterans Health Administration
      (VA) National Academic Detailing Service alongside the Opioid Overdose Education
      and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) program on naloxone prescriptions prescribed
      from October 2014 to September 2016. METHODS: A retrospective, repeated measures
      cohort study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a real-world
      application of academic detailing (AD) alongside OEND on providers' outpatient
      naloxone prescribing from October 2014 to September 2016. Outcome was the number
      of naloxone prescriptions prescribed per month per provider. During the study
      period, VA providers were aware of OEND, but may not have been exposed to
      academic detailing. Therefore, providers were categorized as exposed when the
      first OEND-specific academic detailing session was provided during the study
      period. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the association
      between exposure to academic detailing and monthly naloxone prescriptions
      prescribed while taking into account the correlation within each provider.
      Incident rate ratios with 95% CIs were reported. RESULTS: Seven hundred fifty
      (22.6%) of 3313 providers received at least 1 OEND-specific academic detailing
      visit. At 1 year, the average number of naloxone prescriptions per month was 3
      times greater in AD-exposed providers compared with AD-unexposed providers (95%
      CI 2.0-5.3); and at 2 years, the average number of naloxone prescriptions was 7
      times greater (95% CI 3.0-17.9). Moreover, the average difference in naloxone
      prescribing from baseline to 2 years was 7.1% greater in AD-exposed providers
      compared with AD-unexposed providers (95% CI 2.0%-12.5%). CONCLUSIONS: This
      preliminary analysis provides the first evidence that academic detailing
      influenced naloxone prescribing rates in a large, integrated health care system
      at 1 and 2 years. In addition, AD-exposed providers had a higher average
      difference in naloxone prescribing rate compared with AD-unexposed providers
      after 2 years of follow-up.

PMID- 28089522
TI  - The impact of medication synchronization on quality care criteria in an
      independent community pharmacy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of a comprehensive medication synchronization
      program in an independent community pharmacy by (1) evaluating changes in
      Electronic Quality Improvement Platform for Plans and Pharmacies (EQuIPP) scores
      and (2) examining the change in monthly prescription volume. SETTING: Independent
      community pharmacy in Morgantown, WV. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Waterfront Family
      Pharmacy is a single-location independent community pharmacy located in
      Morgantown, WV. The pharmacy consists of four full-time pharmacists and is the
      primary practice site for one community pharmacy PGY-1 resident. The pharmacy
      provides a variety of clinical services, including vaccine administration,
      medication therapy management, and diabetes education services. PRACTICE
      INNOVATION: In September 2014, Waterfront Family Pharmacy started a comprehensive
      medication synchronization program. EVALUATION: Change in Electronic Quality
      Improvement Platform for Plans and Pharmacies (EQuIPP) scores and change in
      monthly prescription volume. RESULTS: At the end of 6 months there was
      improvement in all targeted EQuIPP scores. There was a 7% improvement in
      proportion of days covered (PDC) for cholesterol-reducing agents, a 9.5%
      improvement in PDC for oral glycemic agents, a 1.2% improvement in PDC for renin
      angiotensin system antagonists, and a 1.8% reduction in the use of high-risk
      medications in the elderly. There was also an average increase in monthly
      prescription volume of 4.8% over the first 6 months after the implementation of
      the comprehensive medication synchronization program. CONCLUSION: The
      implementation of a comprehensive medication synchronization program in an
      independent community pharmacy may result in benefits including improved EQuIPP
      scores and increased prescription volume.

PMID- 28089523
TI  - Corrigendum to "Inflammation and frailty in the elderly: A systematic review and
      meta-analysis" [Ageing Res Rev. 31 (2016) 1-8].

PMID- 28089524
TI  - How Oral Contraceptives Impact Social-Emotional Behavior and Brain Function.
AB  - Millions of women worldwide use oral contraceptives ('the pill'; OCs), often
      starting at a pubertal age when their brains are in a crucial developmental
      stage. Research into the social-emotional effects of OCs is of utmost importance.
      In this review, we provide an overview of studies that have emerged over the past
      decade investigating how OCs, and their main ingredients estradiol (E) and
      progesterone (P), influence social-emotional behaviors and underlying brain
      functions. Based on this overview, we present a heuristic model that postulates
      that OCs modulate core social-emotional behaviors and brain systems. Research
      domains and challenges for the future, as well as implications, are discussed.

PMID- 28089525
TI  - Radiotherapeutic management of vestibular schwannomas using size- and location
      adapted fractionation regimens to maximize the therapeutic ratio.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated and compared the radiographic and clinical outcomes of
      patients with vestibular schwannomas treated with single fraction stereotactic
      radiosurgery (SRS), 5 fractions of hypofractionated stereotactic radiation
      therapy (hSRT), or 25 to 30 fractions of conventionally fractionated stereotactic
      radiation therapy (cfSRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifty-six patients treated with
      LINAC-based SRS (median, 12.5 Gy), hSRT (25 Gy), or cfSRT (median, 54 Gy) were
      retrospectively reviewed. Fractionation was based on the size of the tumor,
      proximity to the brainstem, and potential risk of neurological sequelae. Median
      follow-up time was 55.2 months. RESULTS: The pretreatment median tumor diameter
      was significantly smaller for SRS (1.14 cm) compared with hSRT (1.7 cm) (P = .03)
      and cfSRT (2.0 cm) (P < .001). The overall local tumor control was 96.4%: 100%
      SRS, 100% hSRT, and 90% cfSRT (P = .19). Tumor regression was observed in 53.3%
      of SRS, 76.2% of hSRT, and 90% of cfSRT (P = .05). There was less transient
      expansion of tumors treated with cfSRT (5%) than with SRS (53.3%) or hSRT (28.6%)
      (P = .005). The median time to regression was 13.8 months for SRS, 14.2 months
      for hSRT, and 5.5 months for cfSRT (P = .34). There was a 3.6% incidence of grade
      3 trigeminal neuropathy, but there was no grade 3 facial neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS:
      All 3 regimens demonstrated similar excellent local control with minimal
      toxicity; however, the ability of hSRT to treat larger tumors with comparable
      outcomes to SRS and greater patient convenience when compared with cfSRT suggest
      that hSRT may offer the optimal treatment approach.

PMID- 28089526
TI  - A feasibility study of 2-mm bolus for postmastectomy radiation therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the use of daily
      2-mm bolus in patients undergoing postmastectomy radiation without reconstruction
      using optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry and weekly assessment of skin
      toxicity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We prospectively collected data from the first
      49 women treated with a daily 2-mm Superflab bolus during their postmastectomy
      radiation therapy from 2013 to 2016 at The University of Chicago Comprehensive
      Cancer Center at Silver Cross. Within the first 3 days of starting radiation
      therapy, we measured the surface dose in vivo at 5 anatomical locations under the
      2-mm bolus on the chest wall. We assessed weekly the acute skin toxicity during
      radiation using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. Patients
      with reconstruction before radiation therapy were excluded. RESULTS: Forty-nine
      women with a mean age of 54.3 years were treated with daily 2-mm bolus to the
      chest wall following mastectomy. Median follow-up was 32.7 weeks. The mean
      percentages of prescribed dose (standard deviation) for the median, central,
      lateral, superior, and inferior optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters were
      100.1% (5.6%), 108.1% (6.7%), 98.1% (6.5%), 102.6% (8.9%), and 106.3% (6.6%),
      respectively. The majority (71.4%) of women experienced a maximum acute National
      Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria skin toxicity score of 2, with only
      12.2% experiencing a score of 3. There were no grade 4 toxicities. There were no
      local recurrences during our follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: A daily 2-mm bolus is
      a feasible regimen for chest wall bolus during postmastectomy radiation therapy
      with acceptable dose buildup and skin toxicity.

PMID- 28089527
TI  - MRI in radiotherapy for lung cancer: A free-breathing protocol at 3T.
AB  - Imaging plays a significant role in radiation therapy. Improvements in treatment
      delivery require sophisticated imaging technologies to define tumor volume
      accurately. Magnetic resonance imaging scans can provide morphological and
      functional information and are increasingly being used in imaging for radiation
      therapy; however, for lung cancer, most protocols are based on breath-hold
      imaging and noncompliance to breath-hold maneuver can lead to significant
      artifacts. For patients presenting for lung cancer radiation therapy, maintaining
      a breath hold can be impossible. This paper describes a completely free-breathing
      lung magnetic resonance imaging protocol for use in radiation therapy for lung
      cancer.

PMID- 28089528
TI  - Hydrogel spacer distribution within the perirectal space in patients undergoing
      radiotherapy for prostate cancer: Impact of spacer symmetry on rectal dose
      reduction and the clinical consequences of hydrogel infiltration into the rectal
      wall.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hydrogel prostate-rectum spacers, biomaterials placed between the
      prostate and rectum, continue to gain interest as a method to reduce or limit
      rectal dose during dose escalated prostate cancer radiation therapy. Because the
      spacer is initially injected into the perirectal space as a liquid, the final
      distribution can vary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate hydrogel spacer
      (SpaceOAR system) implantation and distribution from a recent prospective
      randomized control trial and correlate spacer symmetry with rectal dose reduction
      as well as rectal wall infiltration (RWI) to acute and late toxicity. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sets of 149 patients enrolled
      in a prospective clinical trial who received transperineal spacer injection were
      assessed for hydrogel spacer midline symmetry and RWI using a semiqualitative
      scoring system. Symmetry was then correlated to rectal dose reduction using a
      Student t test (1-tailed, paired), whereas a Fisher exact test was used to
      correlate RWI with acute and late rectal toxicity. All patients had control
      treatment plans created before spacer injection. RESULTS: Hydrogel spacer was
      symmetrically placed at midline for 71 (47.7%) patients at the prostate midgland
      as well as 1 cm superior and inferior to midgland. The remaining 78 (50.9%)
      patients had some level of asymmetry, with only 2 (1.3%) having far lateral
      distribution (ie, >2 cm) of hydrogel spacer. As the hydrogel spacer became more
      asymmetric, the level of rectal dose reduction relative to their control plans
      decreased. However, all but the most asymmetrical 1.3% had significant rectal
      dose reduction (P < .05). Rectal wall hydrogel spacer infiltration was seen in 9
      (6.0%) patients. There was no correlation between RWI and procedure-related
      adverse events or acute/late rectal toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Significant reduction
      of rectal dose can still be achieved even in the setting of asymmetric hydrogel
      spacer placement. RWI does not correlate with patient complications.

PMID- 28089529
TI  - Material characterization of the MSWI bottom ash as a function of particle size.
      Effects of glass recycling over time.
AB  - Differences during the last 15years in materials' composition in Municipal Solid
      Waste Incineration (MSWI) regarding bottom ash (BA) were assessed as a function
      of particle size (>16, 8-16, 4-8, 2-4, 1-2 and 0-1mm). After sieving, fractions
      >2mm were carefully washed in order to separate fine particles adhering to bigger
      particles. The characterization took into account five types of materials: glass
      (primary and secondary), ceramics (natural and synthetic), non-ferrous metals,
      ferrous metals and unburned organic matter. The evaluation was performed through
      a visual (>2mm) and chemical (0-2mm) classification. Results showed that total
      weight of glass in the particles over 16mm has decreased with respect to 1999.
      Moreover, the content of glass (primary and secondary) in BA was estimated to be
      60.8wt%, with 26.4wt% corresponding to primary glass in >2mm size fractions.
      Unlike 1999, in which glass was the predominant material, ceramics are currently
      the major phase in bottom ash (BA) coarse fractions. As for the metals, respect
      to 1999, results showed a slight increase in all size fractions. The greatest
      content (>22wt%) of ferromagnetic was observed for the 2-4mm size fraction while
      the non-ferrous type was almost non-existent in particles over 16mm, remaining
      below 10wt% for the rest fractions. In the finest fractions (<2mm), about 60 to
      95% of non-ferrous metals corresponded to metallic aluminium. The results from
      the chemical characterization also indicated that the finest fractions
      contributed significantly to the total heavy metals content, especially for Pb,
      Zn, Cu, Mn and Ti.

PMID- 28089530
TI  - Algae-mediated removal of selected pharmaceutical and personal care products
      (PPCPs) from Lake Mead water.
AB  - The persistence and fate of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in
      the Lake Mead ecosystem are particularly important considering the potential
      ecological risks and human health impacts. This study evaluated the removal of
      five common PPCPs (i.e., trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine,
      ciprofloxacin, and triclosan) from Lake Mead water mediated by the green alga
      Nannochloris sp. The results from the incubation studies showed that trimethoprim
      and carbamazepine were highly resistant to uptake in the algal cultural medium
      and were measured at approximately 90%-100% of the applied dose after 14days of
      incubation. Sulfamethoxazole was found relatively persistent, with >60% of the
      applied dose remaining in the water after 14days, and its removal was mainly
      caused by algae-mediated photolysis. However, ciprofloxacin and triclosan
      dissipated significantly and nearly 100% of the compounds were removed from the
      water after 7days of incubation under 24h of light. Ciprofloxacin and triclosan
      were highly susceptible to light, and their estimated half-lives were 12.7hours
      for ciprofloxacin and 31.2hours for triclosan. Algae-mediated sorption
      contributed to 11% of the removal of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, 13% of
      the removal of carbamazepine, and 27% of the removal of triclosan from the lake
      water. This research showed that 1) trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and
      carbamazepine are quite persistent in aquatic environments and may potentially
      affect human health via drinking water intake; 2) photolysis is the dominant
      pathway to remove ciprofloxacin from aquatic ecosystems, which indicates that
      ciprofloxacin may have lower ecological risks compared with other PPCPs; and 3)
      triclosan can undergo photolysis as well as algae-mediated uptake and it may
      potentially affect the food web because of its high toxicity to aquatic species.

PMID- 28089531
TI  - Predicting the particle size distribution of eroded sediment using artificial
      neural networks.
AB  - Water erosion causes soil degradation and nonpoint pollution. Pollutants are
      primarily transported on the surfaces of fine soil and sediment particles.
      Several soil loss models and empirical equations have been developed for the size
      distribution estimation of the sediment leaving the field, including the
      physically-based models and empirical equations. Usually, physically-based models
      require a large amount of data, sometimes exceeding the amount of available data
      in the modeled area. Conversely, empirical equations do not always predict the
      sediment composition associated with individual events and may require data that
      are not always available. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a
      model to predict the particle size distribution (PSD) of eroded soil. A total of
      41 erosion events from 21 soils were used. These data were compiled from previous
      studies. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to identify the
      main variables controlling sediment PSD. These variables were the particle size
      distribution in the soil matrix, the antecedent soil moisture condition, soil
      erodibility, and hillslope geometry. With these variables, an artificial neural
      network was calibrated using data from 29 events (r2=0.98, 0.97, and 0.86; for
      sand, silt, and clay in the sediment, respectively) and then validated and tested
      on 12 events (r2=0.74, 0.85, and 0.75; for sand, silt, and clay in the sediment,
      respectively). The artificial neural network was compared with three empirical
      models. The network presented better performance in predicting sediment PSD and
      differentiating rain-runoff events in the same soil. In addition to the quality
      of the particle distribution estimates, this model requires a small number of
      easily obtained variables, providing a convenient routine for predicting PSD in
      eroded sediment in other pollutant transport models.

PMID- 28089532
TI  - Refining health risk assessment by incorporating site-specific background
      concentration and bioaccessibility data of Nickel in soil.
AB  - Risk assessment of Nickel (Ni) in a brownfield site contaminated was refined by
      incorporating the site-specific background level (SSBL) derived using multiple
      lines of evidence technology and bioaccessibility measured by the Unified
      Bioaccessibility Method (UBM) and Inhalation Bioaccessibility Method (IBM). The
      results revealed that the SSBL was 80mg/kg, which was much higher than the
      general soil screening value (GSSL) (50mg/kg) and more than two times regional
      background level reported for Tianjing (33mg/kg). The average bioaccessibility
      for the gastric and intestinal phases was 24.2% (8.6%-54.4%) and 12.6% (7.7%
      17.1%), respectively. In simulated lung fluid, only 2.1% (1.0%-4.6%) of Ni in the
      soil particle was bioaccessible. The amount of samples exceeding the acceptable
      level was reduced by 50% when SSBL, other than GSSL, was used as the screening
      value. Moreover, the site-specific target level (SSTL) under acceptable risk
      level was increased from 94mg/kg to 283mg/kg when bioaccessibility was
      considered, and the amount of samples above SSTL was reduced to 10%. The study
      indicated that incorporating site-specific background levels and bioaccessibility
      data of contaminants in a given site has the potential to support health risk
      assessment decisions and can reduce the remediation cost greatly.

PMID- 28089533
TI  - Bias and association of sediment organic matter source apportionment indicators:
      A case study in a eutrophic Lake Chaohu, China.
AB  - The sources of sediment organic matter (SOM) could be explained by various
      indicators. To test their biases and associations, the present study determined
      multiple indicators for SOM source apportionment, including elemental analysis
      (carbon and nitrogen, and their stable isotope delta13C and delta15N), n-alkanes
      compositions as well as derivative indicators (e.g., terrigenous to aquatic
      ratio), and carbon isotopes of n-alkane in Lake Chaohu, a eutrophic lake. The
      spatial variation of anthropogenic effects could be revealed by SOM elemental
      variations. The n-alkanes of all samples had a bimodal distribution with the 1st
      peak at n-alkane with 17 carbons (C17) and the 2nd predominant peak at C29. The
      parity advantage index of n-alkanes indicated that the sediments had mixed
      characteristics of both endogenous and terrigenous sources. Some n-alkanes
      indicators also revealed eutrophication characteristics of dominant algae in Lake
      Chaohu. SOM received a mixed contribution of plankton (I), low-latitude
      terrestrial high-grade plants (II) and microbial material (III) as indicated by
      isotopic compositions of long-chain n-alkane. Multiport element model (MEM)
      showed the contribution of self-generated sources of organic matter in Lake
      Chaohu is >50%, indicating the historic serious eutrophication in Lake Chaohu.
      The main sources of SOM in the eastern part of the lake were algae and
      terrestrial input, with little input from microbes, and the contribution from
      algae decreased from west to east. The multiple indicators' judgment by MEM and
      principle component analysis (PCA) was of ecological significance and proposed
      because they offered scientific tools for disclosing the historic variations of
      SOM as well as their sources.

PMID- 28089534
TI  - In-situ measurements of light-absorbing impurities in snow of glacier on Mt.
      Yulong and implications for radiative forcing estimates.
AB  - The Tibetan Plateau (TP) or the third polar cryosphere borders geographical
      hotspots for discharges of black carbon (BC). BC and dust play important roles in
      climate system and Earth's energy budget, particularly after they are deposited
      on snow and glacial surfaces. BC and dust are two kinds of main light-absorbing
      impurities (LAIs) in snow and glaciers. Estimating concentrations and
      distribution of LAIs in snow and glacier ice in the TP is of great interest
      because this region is a global hotspot in geophysical research. Various snow
      samples, including surface aged-snow, superimposed ice and snow meltwater samples
      were collected from a typical temperate glacier on Mt. Yulong in the snow melt
      season in 2015. The samples were determined for BC, Organic Carbon (OC)
      concentrations using an improved thermal/optical reflectance (DRI Model 2001)
      method and gravimetric method for dust concentrations. Results indicated that the
      LAIs concentrations were highly elevation-dependent in the study area. Higher
      contents and probably greater deposition at relative lower elevations (generally
      <5000masl) of the glacier was observed. Temporal difference of LAIs contents
      demonstrated that LAIs in snow of glacier gradually increased as snow melting
      progressed. Evaluations of the relative absorption of BC and dust displayed that
      the impact of dust on snow albedo and radiative forcing (RF) is substantially
      larger than BC, particularly when dust contents are higher. This was verified by
      the absorption factor, which was <1.0. In addition, we found the BC-induced
      albedo reduction to be in the range of 2% to nearly 10% during the snow melting
      season, and the mean snow albedo reduction was 4.63%, hence for BC contents
      ranging from 281 to 894ngg-1 in snow of a typical temperate glacier on Mt.
      Yulong, the associated instantaneous RF will be 76.38-146.96Wm-2. Further
      research is needed to partition LAIs induced glacial melt, modeling researches in
      combination with long-term in-situ observations of LAIs in glaciers is also
      urgent needed in the future work.

PMID- 28089535
TI  - Farmer attitudes and perceptions to the re-use of fertiliser products from
      resource-oriented sanitation systems - The case of Vellore, South India.
AB  - Relatively little research has been conducted to date on farmer attitudes towards
      the use of fertilisers from resource-oriented sanitation systems. This study
      employed a psycho-sociological approach to identify factors that encourage, or
      discourage, negative and positive attitudes to human waste recycling among
      farmers in southern India. A survey involving face-to-face interviews was
      performed with 120 randomly sampled farmers, taking into account the following
      factors: gender, age, religion, caste, type of farming, farm size, annual income
      and farming history. Variations in variables (chi2 and ANOVA) were considered
      statistically significant if p-value was <0.05. When asked whether they thought
      human wastes could be used as fertiliser, of the farmers who expressed an opinion
      59% were positive to re-use of urine and 46% to re-use of human faeces. Farmers
      in Vellore appeared to display what we term, a 'not-in-my-circle' syndrome, as
      they would prefer their neighbours to use human urine rather than their friends,
      family and colleagues. The main factors that motivated farmers to respond
      positively to re-use of urine were improved soil quality and potential cost
      savings from reduced use of chemical fertilisers. Fear of crop die-off, fear of
      being ridiculed and uncertainty over consumer marketplace behaviour were
      significant factors among farmers with a negative attitude. Furthermore, the
      survey responses indicated that besides socio-demographic factors, other factors
      such as 'trust' might have to be taken into consideration when planning and
      implementing nutrient recycling programmes. Early dialogue, continuous
      interaction and integration of user stakeholders (producers and consumers) in
      conceptualisation, design and implementation of nutrient recycling programmes are
      essential to ensure future success and wider adoption.

PMID- 28089536
TI  - Out of Sight, out of Mind; Subcutaneous, Visceral, and Epicardial Adipose Tissue.

PMID- 28089537
TI  - Correction to the Article by Dalama et al. "New Oral Hypoglycemic Agents and
      Cardiovascular Risk. Crossing the Metabolic Border". Rev Esp Cardiol.
      2016;69:1088-1097.

PMID- 28089538
TI  - Carotid artery dissection secondary to carotid artery trauma caused by giant C1
      transverse process.

PMID- 28089539
TI  - Reperfusion therapy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke caused by cervical
      artery dissection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is responsible for up to 20% of
      all ischaemic strokes in patients younger than 45. The benefits of acute-phase
      reperfusion therapy in these patients have yet to be confirmed. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective review of patients with CAD admitted to a comprehensive
      stroke centre between 2010 and 2015. We recorded baseline clinical
      characteristics, treatments, functional outcomes, and mortality. RESULTS: We
      identified 35 cases of CAD (23 carotid/12 vertebral); mean age was 43.5 +/- 9.5
      years and 67.7% were men. Ten patients (32.3%) had a history of trauma. The most
      frequent risk factors were arterial hypertension (29%) and smoking (35.5%). The
      most common clinical presentation was ischaemic stroke (29 patients, 93.5%). The
      median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 6 (range, 0
      41). The most frequently used diagnostic method was CT angiography (74.2%),
      followed by MRI (64.5%) and digital subtraction angiography (45.6%). Seven
      patients (22.6%) were treated with intravenous fibrinolysis and 11 (35.5%) with
      endovascular treatment plus intravenous fibrinolysis; at 3 months, functional
      independence (modified Rankin Scale scores 0-2) was achieved by 57.1% and 63.6%
      of these cases, respectively. One patient died (3.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In our
      sample, the most common form of presentation of CAD was ischaemic stroke.
      Reperfusion therapy seems to be a safe and effective option for these patients,
      and outcomes resemble those of other patients with ischaemic stroke. Larger
      comparative studies are necessary to better assess response to reperfusion
      therapy in acute ischaemic stroke.

PMID- 28089540
TI  - Aberrant CDX2 expression in hepatocellular carcinomas: an important diagnostic
      pitfall.
AB  - CDX2 is a sensitive and specific marker of intestinal differentiation. It is
      routinely used in surgical pathology, as its expression within a tumor favors an
      origin within the gastrointestinal tract. We had anecdotally encountered
      occasional hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) that were CDX2 positive. CDX2
      expression in HCC has not yet been reported, but it has also not been examined in
      detail. Therefore, we evaluated CDX2 expression in a large number of resected
      HCCs. Full tumor sections from 172 resected HCCs and 6 resected fibrolamellar
      carcinomas (FLCs) were stained for CDX2. Nine (5.2%) of 172 HCCs were positive
      for CDX2, whereas all 6 FLCs were negative. CDX2 expression in HCCs was more
      commonly seen in poorly differentiated tumors (5 of 16 cases, 31%) than well and
      moderately differentiated tumors (4 of 156 cases, 2.5%), P = .0004. No other
      statistically significant correlations were observed (P>.05). Results of our
      study show that a small subset (5%) of HCCs can be CDX2 positive. Awareness of
      this phenomenon is important because CDX2 expression in a liver tumor does not
      completely exclude a diagnosis of HCC.

PMID- 28089541
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) is a marker that
      predicts presence of invasion in papillary biliary tumors.
AB  - Biliary tumors showing intraductal papillary growth (Pap-BTs) include intraductal
      papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) and papillary cholangiocarcinoma (CC).
      A differential diagnosis between IPNB and papillary CC currently remains
      challenging. The aim of the present study is to identify histological features
      and immunohistochemical markers of malignant potential such as tumor invasion in
      Pap-BTs. Subjects comprised 37 patients with Pap-BT (intrahepatic and perihilar
      [proximal], 27: 17 noninvasive and 10 invasive; distal, 10: all invasive). We
      examined histological features and the expression of p53, enhancer of zeste
      homolog 2, insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3), and DNA
      methyltransferase-1 in the intraductal area in Pap-BTs. Noninvasive Pap-BT was
      characterized by the presence of a low-grade dysplastic area, edematous stroma,
      and the absence of necrosis. The expression of p53, enhancer of zeste homolog 2,
      IMP3, and DNA methyltransferase-1 was significantly weaker in noninvasive Pap-BTs
      than in invasive Pap-BTs (P<.01). Diffuse cytoplasmic IMP3 expression was absent
      in noninvasive Pap-BTs. IMP3 showed the greatest specificity to predict a
      presence of invasion. A heatmap demonstrated that proximal noninvasive Pap-BTs
      and distal Pap-BTs may be completely different. In bile duct biopsies, the
      expression of IMP3 was the most precise predictor of invasion in Pap-BTs. In
      conclusion, Pap-BTs may be separated into 3 subgroups: (1) proximal noninvasive
      Pap-BT, corresponding to IPNB; (2) distal invasive Pap-BT, corresponding to
      papillary CC; and (3) the remaining Pap-BT including IPNB with associated
      adenocarcinomas, based on histological and immunohistochemical features. IMP3 may
      be a useful marker for predicting invasion in Pap-BT.

PMID- 28089542
TI  - Parallelization and High-Performance Computing Enables Automated Statistical
      Inference of Multi-scale Models.
AB  - Mechanistic understanding of multi-scale biological processes, such as cell
      proliferation in a changing biological tissue, is readily facilitated by
      computational models. While tools exist to construct and simulate multi-scale
      models, the statistical inference of the unknown model parameters remains an open
      problem. Here, we present and benchmark a parallel approximate Bayesian
      computation sequential Monte Carlo (pABC SMC) algorithm, tailored for high
      performance computing clusters. pABC SMC is fully automated and returns reliable
      parameter estimates and confidence intervals. By running the pABC SMC algorithm
      for ~106 hr, we parameterize multi-scale models that accurately describe
      quantitative growth curves and histological data obtained in vivo from individual
      tumor spheroid growth in media droplets. The models capture the hybrid
      deterministic-stochastic behaviors of 105-106 of cells growing in a 3D
      dynamically changing nutrient environment. The pABC SMC algorithm reliably
      converges to a consistent set of parameters. Our study demonstrates a proof of
      principle for robust, data-driven modeling of multi-scale biological systems and
      the feasibility of multi-scale model parameterization through statistical
      inference.

PMID- 28089543
TI  - Optimal Regulatory Circuit Topologies for Fold-Change Detection.
AB  - Evolution repeatedly converges on only a few regulatory circuit designs that
      achieve a given function. This simplicity helps us understand biological
      networks. However, why so few circuits are rediscovered by evolution is unclear.
      We address this question for the case of fold-change detection (FCD): a response
      to relative changes of input rather than absolute changes. Two types of FCD
      circuits recur in biological systems-the incoherent feedforward and non-linear
      integral-feedback loops. We performed an analytical screen of all three-node
      circuits in a class comprising ~500,000 topologies. We find that FCD is rare, but
      still there are hundreds of FCD topologies. The two experimentally observed
      circuits are among the very few minimal circuits that optimally trade off speed,
      noise resistance, and response amplitude. This suggests a way to understand why
      evolution converges on only few topologies for a given function and provides FCD
      designs for synthetic construction and future discovery.

PMID- 28089544
TI  - Effects of delivery mode and sociodemographic factors on postpartum stress
      urinary incontinency in primipara women: A prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the frequency of postpartum stress urinary incontinence
      (SUI) in women undergoing vaginal delivery or elective cesarean section and to
      investigate the sociodemographic determinants of SUI in a sample of Iranian
      patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was performed during a 1-year
      period from 2014 to 2015 including 286 healthy nulliparous women in the third
      trimester of pregnancy without prepregnancy urinary incontinence. Participants
      were categorized based on the mode of delivery, i.e., vaginal delivery (n=148)
      and elective cesarean section (n=138). SUI was evaluated in all the participants
      before delivery and at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after delivery using a
      previously validated Persian questionnaire. The frequency of postpartum SUI was
      recorded in both study groups and was compared between them. We also determined
      the sociodemographic determinants of SUI. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were
      comparable. The frequency of postpartum SUI was significantly higher in vaginal
      delivery than in cesarean section after a 1-month (p<0.001), 6-month (p<0.001),
      and 12-month (p<0.001) period. Age was found to be associated with increased
      frequency of postpartum SUI in both vaginal delivery (p=0.021, r=0.286) and
      cesarean section groups (p=0.043, r=0.125). SUI was associated with tool-assisted
      vaginal delivery (p<0.001) and episiotomy (p<0.001). The birth weight was
      positively correlated with increased frequency of postpartum SUI in both vaginal
      delivery (p=0.011, r=0.546) and cesarean section (p=0.034, r=0.311). Patients
      with SUI had a significantly higher body mass index than the normal individuals
      (p=0.038). SUI was associated with lower income (p=0.028) and lower neighborhood
      residence (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: Vaginal delivery is associated with a twofold
      increased risk of postpartum SUI in primipara women compared with elective
      cesarean section. Age and birth weight are the main risk factors of postpartum
      SUI in both modes of delivery. Tool-assisted delivery and episiotomy were
      determined as the risk factors of postpartum SUI in vaginal delivery.

PMID- 28089545
TI  - The risk factors and prognostic factors of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

PMID- 28089546
TI  - Expression of interleukin-6 by a recombinant rabies virus enhances its
      immunogenicity as a potential vaccine.
AB  - Several studies have confirmed that interleukin-6 (IL6) mediates multiple
      biological effects that enhance immune responses when used as an adjuvant. In the
      present study, recombinant rabies virus (RABV) expressing canine IL6 (rHEP-CaIL6)
      was rescued and its pathogenicity and immunogenicity were investigated in mice.
      We demonstrated that mice received a single intramuscular immunization with rHEP
      CaIL6 showed an earlier increase and higher maximum titres of virus-neutralizing
      antibody (VNA) as well as anti-RABV antibodies compared with mice immunized with
      the parent strain. Moreover, survival rates of mice immunized with rHEP-CaIL6
      were higher compared with mice immunized with parent HEP-Flury according to the
      challenge assay. Flow cytometry further confirmed that immunization with rHEP
      CaIL6 induced the strong recruitment of mature B cells and CD8+ T cells to lymph
      nodes, which may partially explain the high levels of VNA and enhanced cellular
      immunity. Quantitative real-time PCR indicated that rHEP-CaIL6 induced stronger
      inflammatory and immune responses in the central nervous system, which might have
      allowed virus clearance in the early infection phase. Furthermore, mice infected
      intranasally with rHEP-CaIL6 developed no clinical symptoms while mice infected
      with HEP-Flury showed piloerection. In summary, these data indicate that rHEP
      CaIL6 induces a strong, protective immune response with a good safety profile.
      Therefore, a recombinant RABV strain expressing canine IL6 may aid the
      development of an effective, safe attenuated rabies vaccine.

PMID- 28089547
TI  - Antibody profiles to wheat germ cell-free system synthesized Plasmodium
      falciparum proteins correlate with protection from symptomatic malaria in Uganda.
AB  - The key targets of protective antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum remain
      largely unknown. In this study, we determined immunoreactivity to 1827
      recombinant proteins derived from 1565 genes representing ~30% of the entire P.
      falciparum genome, for identification of novel malaria vaccine candidates. The
      recombinant proteins were expressed by wheat germ cell-free system, a platform
      that can synthesize quality plasmodial proteins that elicit biologically active
      antibodies in animals. Sera were obtained from indigenous residents of a malaria
      endemic region in Northern Uganda who were enrolled at the start of a rainy
      season and prospectively monitored for symptomatic malaria episodes for a year.
      Immunoreactivity to sera was determined by AlphaScreen; a homogeneous high
      throughput system that detects protein interactions. Our analysis revealed
      antibody responses to 128 proteins that significantly associated with protection
      from symptomatic malaria. From 128 proteins, 53 were down-selected as the most
      plausible targets of host protective immune response by virtue of having a
      predicted signal peptide and/or transmembrane domain(s), or confirmed
      localization on the parasite surface. The 53 proteins comprised of not only
      previously characterized vaccine candidates but also uncharacterized proteins.
      Proteins involved in erythrocyte invasion; RON4, RON2 and CLAG3.1 and pre
      erythrocytic proteins; SIAP-2, TRAP and CelTOS, were recommended for
      prioritization for further evaluation as vaccine candidates. The findings clearly
      demonstrate that generation of the protein library using the wheat germ cell-free
      system coupled with high throughput immunoscreening with AlphaScreen offers new
      options for rational discovery and selection of potential malaria vaccine
      candidates.

PMID- 28089550
TI  - Assessment of microplastic-sorbed contaminant bioavailability through analysis of
      biomarker gene expression in larval zebrafish.
AB  - Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in marine ecosystems. Because toxicants (termed
      here "co-contaminants") can sorb to MPs, there is potential for MPs to alter co
      contaminant bioavailability. Our objective was to demonstrate sorption of two co
      contaminants with different physicochemistries [phenanthrene (Phe),
      log10Kow=4.57; and 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2), log10Kow=3.67] to MPs; and
      assess whether co-contaminant bioavailability was increased after MP settlement.
      Bioavailability was indicated by gene expression in larval zebrafish. Both Phe
      and EE2 sorbed to MPs, which reduced bioavailability by a maximum of 33% and 48%
      respectively. Sorption occurred, but was not consistent with predictions based on
      co-contaminant physicochemistry (Phe having higher log10Kow was expected to have
      higher sorption). Contaminated MPs settled to the bottom of the exposures did not
      lead to increased bioavailability of Phe or EE2. Phe was 48% more bioavailable
      than predicted by a linear sorption model, organism-based measurements therefore
      contribute unique insight into MP co-contaminant bioavailability.

PMID- 28089548
TI  - Nanoformulation of synergistic TLR ligands to enhance vaccination against
      Entamoeba histolytica.
AB  - Diarrheal infectious diseases represent a major cause of global morbidity and
      mortality. There is an urgent need for vaccines against diarrheal pathogens,
      especially parasites. Modern subunit vaccines rely on combining a highly purified
      antigen with an adjuvant to increase their efficacy. In the present study, we
      evaluated the ability of a nanoliposome adjuvant system to trigger a strong
      mucosal immune response to the Entamoeba histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin LecA
      antigen. CBA/J mice were immunized with alum, emulsion or liposome based
      formulations containing synthetic TLR agonists. A liposome formulation containing
      TLR4 and TLR7/8 agonists was selected based on its ability to generate intestinal
      IgA, plasma IgG2a/IgG1, IFN-gamma and IL-17A. Immunization with a mucosal prime
      followed by a parenteral boost generated a high mucosal IgA response that
      inhibited adherence of parasites to mammalian cells. Inclusion of the immune
      potentiator all-trans retinoic acid in the regimen further improved the mucosal
      IgA response. Immunization protected from infection with up to 55% efficacy. Our
      results show that a nanoliposome delivery system containing TLR agonists is a
      promising prospect for the development of vaccines against enteric pathogens,
      especially when a multifaceted immune response is desired.

PMID- 28089549
TI  - Modified live infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccine delays infection of
      neonatal broiler chickens with variant IBDV compared to turkey herpesvirus (HVT)
      IBDV vectored vaccine.
AB  - Chickens are commonly processed around 35-45days of age in broiler chicken
      industry hence; diseases that occur at a young age are of paramount economic
      importance. Early age infection with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV)
      results in long-lasting immunosuppression and profound economic losses. To our
      knowledge, this is the first study comparing the protection efficacy of modified
      live (MdLV) IBDV and herpesvirus turkey (HVT)-IBDV vaccines against early age
      variant IBDV (varIBDV) infection in chicks. Experiments were carried out in IBDV
      maternal antibody (MtAb) positive chicks (n=330), divided into 6 groups (n=50
      60/group), namely Group 1 (saline), Group 2 (saline+varIBDV), Group 3 (HVT-IBDV),
      Group 4 (HVT-IBDV+varIBDV), Group 5 (MdLV) and Group 6 (MdLV+varIBDV). HVT-IBDV
      vaccination was given via the in ovo route to 18-day-old embryonated eggs. MdLV
      was administered via the subcutaneous route in day-old broilers. Group 2, Group 4
      and Group 6 were orally challenged with varIBDV (SK-09, 3*103 EID50) at day 6
      post-hatch. IBDV seroconversion, bursal weight to body weight ratio (BBW) and
      bursal histopathology were assessed at 19 and 35days of age. Histopathological
      examination at day 19 revealed that varIBDV-SK09 challenge caused severe bursal
      atrophy and lower BBW in HVT-IBDV but not in MdLV vaccinated chicks. However by
      day 35, all challenged groups showed bursal atrophy and seroconversion.
      Interestingly, RT-qPCR analysis after varIBDV-SK09 challenge demonstrated an
      early (9days of age) and significantly high viral load (~5744 folds) in HVT-IBDV
      vaccinated group vs unvaccinated challenged group (~2.25 folds). Furthermore,
      flow cytometry analysis revealed inhibition of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell response
      (CD44-downregulation) and decreased splenic lymphocytes counts in chicks after
      HVT-IBDV vaccination. Overall, our data suggest that MdLV delays varIBDV
      pathogenesis, whereas, HVT-IBDV vaccine is potentially immunosuppressive, which
      may increase the risk of early age varIBDV infection in broilers.

PMID- 28089551
TI  - Seasonal circulation assessments of the Northern Arabian/Persian Gulf.
AB  - Due to the continuous human activities linked to economic expansion in the
      Arabian Gulf area (also known as Persian Gulf), various activities have had an
      adverse impact on the coastal environment. Furthermore, reduction of
      precipitation and river flows has resulted in alterations to the hydro
      environment regime at various levels. The current study uses a detailed numerical
      model that was validated with recent field measurements to determine the
      comprehensive seasonal circulations of the Northern Arabian/Persian Gulf (NAG).
      The seasons were studied individually using a three-dimensional setup and by
      considering the baroclinic effects and meteorological forcing. It was found that
      the NAG exhibits distinctive circulation characteristics each season. In winter,
      a dense water mass that forms near Kuwait flows toward the southeast near-bed,
      whereas relatively weak Indian Ocean Surface Waters (IOSW) flow along the Iranian
      coast and, to a lesser extent, oppose these currents. In spring, the southeast
      near bed circulations are weaker, while the IOSW is in highest conditions
      reaching the northern latitudes of the Gulf without being significantly diluted.
      In summer, a thermocline develops, particularly at the main axis of the NAG, and
      increases the chances of upwelling. The surface water during this season is
      significantly controlled by wind. Most distinctive, a non-uniform flow is evident
      at the offshore regions along the Arabian coast due to strong density gradients.
      In the fall, the circulations are relatively weaker compared to other seasons;
      however, cyclonic features are evident at the southeast of the estuary. Well
      known counter clockwise circulations NAG are evident throughout the season, but
      at various strengths; summer is the most active season, while fall is the least
      active season. In a similar manner, the along shore current varied spatially and
      temporally throughout the seasons.

PMID- 28089552
TI  - Plankton resting stages in recent sediments of Haifa port, Israel (Eastern
      Mediterranean) - Distribution, viability and potential environmental
      consequences.
AB  - Resting stages of plankton were sampled in the surficial sediments in the port of
      Haifa, Israel, on the eve of a major port enlargement project. We recorded the
      structure of the assemblages and examined their relationship with different
      environments within the port. Our findings reveal a remarkably high diversity
      coupled with low density and the highest number of oligotrich ciliate cyst types
      recorded from marine sediments. Near the eutrophic and highly polluted zone of
      the Kishon estuary ciliates were more abundant than elsewhere in the port,
      whereas dinoflagellates' abundance was reduced, and these trends held true both
      for full and empty cysts. Some harmful or potentially toxic species, such as
      Scrippsiella acuminata, were widespread in the port. The toxigenic species
      include Alexandrium minutum, Gymnodinium uncatenatum and Lingulodinium polyedrum.
      Active cells of the unarmoured, bloom-forming Akashiwo sanguinea were identified
      in the cultures obtained from the incubated sediments.

PMID- 28089553
TI  - Plastic debris straps on threatened blue shark Prionace glauca.
AB  - Juveniles of blue shark Prionace glauca caught in pelagic longlines targeting
      tuna and swordfish in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea were found
      entangled with plastic straps around their gill region. The plastic debris were
      identified as strapping bands and caused several degrees of injuries on the
      dorsal musculature and pectoral fins. They were also obstructing the gill slits
      probably causing breathing issues. These records were uploaded in the web site
      seawatchers.org, and highlight the potential of citizen science in revealing the
      occurrence of such problems which could help to measure the effects of plastic
      debris on marine life.

PMID- 28089554
TI  - Synthesis, antioxidant and antimelanogenic activities of PEGylated alpha
      tocopheryl lipoate conjugates.

PMID- 28089555
TI  - Epstein-Barr virus and renal transplantation.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma herpesvirus associated with diseases ranging
      from asymptomatic viremia to post-transplant malignancies in kidney transplant
      recipients. EBV specifically is associated with post-transplantation
      lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), in kidney transplant recipients, with
      increased risk in EBV seronegative patients with EBV seropositive donors on
      intensified immunosuppression. The diagnosis of PTLD relies on clinical suspicion
      plus tissue biopsy with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of blood
      currently used for risk determination in high-risk recipients. Therapeutic
      strategies for PTLD include reduction of immunosuppression, chemotherapy and
      rituximab, and consideration of sirolimus-based immunosuppression. Antivirals
      such as ganciclovir are used to prevent reactivation of cytomegalovirus and other
      herpes viruses but are not onco-therapeutic. Radiation therapy or surgery is
      indicated for bulky, disseminated or recalcitrant disease. Prognosis varies
      depending on the type of malignancy identified and stage of disease.

PMID- 28089556
TI  - Larval stages of Neoplagioporus elongatus (Goto and Ozaki, 1930) (Opecoelidae:
      Plagioporinae), with notes on potential second intermediate hosts.
AB  - The morphology of sporocysts and cercariae of Neoplagioporus elongatus (Goto and
      Ozaki, 1930) is described for the first time. A cotylomicrocercous cercaria
      obtained from the sorbeoconch snail Semisulcospira nakasekoae was confirmed to be
      the cercaria of N. elongatus, based on the degree of sequence identity of the COI
      gene to that of adult worms. Freshwater annelids (oligochaetes and leeches) and
      some aquatic insects (odonates) were demonstrated experimentally to be potential
      second intermediate hosts.

PMID- 28089558
TI  - Startle suppression after mild traumatic brain injury is associated with an
      increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive gliosis and neuronal loss in the
      caudal pontine reticular nucleus.
AB  - Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can produce somatic symptoms such as headache,
      dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances and sensorimotor dysfunction. Sensorimotor
      function can be measured by tests such as the acoustic startle reflex (ASR), an
      evolutionarily conserved defensive response to a brief yet sharp acoustic
      stimulus. mTBI produces a long-lasting suppression of ASR in rodents and humans;
      however, the mechanism of this suppression is unknown. The present study examined
      whether inflammatory processes in the brainstem (particularly the caudal pontine
      reticular nucleus, PnC) could account for the suppression of ASR after mTBI,
      because the PnC is an essential nucleus of the ASR circuit. Furthermore, while
      inflammation after mTBI is commonly observed in brain regions proximal to the
      site of impact (cortex and hippocampus), the effects of mTBI in brainstem
      structures remains largely understudied. The present study demonstrated a
      suppression of ASR one day after injury and lasting at least three weeks after an
      mTBI, replicating previous findings. Within the PnC, transient elevations of IL
      1beta and TNF-alpha mRNA were observed at one day after injury, while IL-1alpha
      mRNA exhibited a delayed increase at three weeks after injury. Reactive gliosis
      (via IBA-1-ir for microglia and GFAP-ir for astrocytes) were also observed in the
      PnC, at one day and seven days after injury, respectively. Finally, the number of
      giant neurons (the major functional cell population in the PnC) was decreased
      three weeks after injury. The results indicate that glial activation precedes
      neuronal loss in the PnC, and correlates with the behavioral suppression of the
      ASR. The results also raise implications for brainstem involvement in the
      development of post-traumatic symptoms.

PMID- 28089557
TI  - Lower total and regional grey matter brain volumes in youth with perinatally
      acquired HIV infection: Associations with HIV disease severity, substance use,
      and cognition.
AB  - Despite improved survival due to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), youth
      with perinatally-acquired HIV (PHIV) show cognitive deficits and developmental
      delay at increased rates. HIV affects the brain during critical periods of
      development, and the brain may be a persistent reservoir for HIV due to
      suboptimal blood brain barrier penetration of cART. We conducted structural
      magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and cognitive testing in 40 PHIV youth (mean
      age=16.7years) recruited from the NIH Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS) who
      are part of the first generation of PHIV youth surviving into adulthood.
      Historical and current HIV disease severity and substance use measures were also
      collected. Total and regional cortical grey matter brain volumes were compared to
      a group of 334 typically-developing, HIV-unexposed and uninfected youth
      (frequency-matched for age and sex) from the Pediatric Imaging, Neurocognition,
      and Genetics (PING) study (mean age=16.1years). PHIV youth had smaller (2.8-5.1%)
      total and regional grey matter volumes than HIV-unexposed and uninfected youth,
      with smallest volumes seen among PHIV youth with higher past peak viral load (VL)
      and recent unsuppressed VL. In PHIV youth, worse cognitive performance correlated
      with smaller volumes. This pattern of smaller grey matter volumes suggests that
      PHIV infection may influence brain development and underlie cognitive dysfunction
      seen in this population. Among PHIV youth, smaller volumes were also linked to
      substance use (alcohol use: 9.0-13.4%; marijuana use: 10.1-16.0%). In this study,
      collection of substance use information was limited to the PHIV cohort; future
      studies should also collect substance use information in controls to further
      address interactions between HIV and substance use on brain volume.

PMID- 28089559
TI  - Microglia-derived neuregulin expression in psychiatric disorders.
AB  - Several studies have revealed that neuregulins (NRGs) are involved in brain
      function and psychiatric disorders. While NRGs have been regarded as neuron- or
      astrocyte-derived molecules, our research has revealed that microglia also
      express NRGs, levels of which are markedly increased in activated microglia.
      Previous studies have indicated that microglia are activated in the brains of
      individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, we investigated
      microglial NRG mRNA expression in multiple lines of mice considered models of
      ASD. Intriguingly, microglial NRG expression significantly increased in BTBR and
      socially-isolated mice, while maternal immune activation (MIA) mice exhibited
      identical NRG expression to controls. Furthermore, we observed a positive
      correlation between NRG expression in microglia and peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs) in mice, suggesting that NRG expression in human PBMCs may mirror
      microglia-derived NRG expression in the human brain. To translate these findings
      for application in clinical psychiatry, we measured levels of NRG1 splice-variant
      expression in clinically available PBMCs of patients with ASD. Levels of NRG1
      type III expression in PBMCs were positively correlated with impairments in
      social interaction in children with ASD (as assessed using the Autistic
      Diagnostic Interview-Revised test: ADI-R). These findings suggest that immune
      cell-derived NRGs may be implicated in the pathobiology of psychiatric disorders
      such as ASD.

PMID- 28089560
TI  - Critical role of P2X7 receptors in the neuroinflammation and cognitive
      dysfunction after surgery.
AB  - Postoperative cognitive dysfunction worsens patient outcome after surgery.
      Neuroinflammation is a critical neuropathological process for it. We determined
      the role of P2X7 receptors, proteins that participate in inflammatory response,
      in the neuroinflammation induction after surgery, and whether the choice of
      volatile anesthetics affects its occurrence. Eight-week old C57BL/6J or P2X7
      receptor knockout male mice were subjected to right carotid arterial exposure
      under anesthesia with 1.8% isoflurane, 2.5% sevoflurane or 10% desflurane. They
      were tested by Barnes maze and fear conditioning from 2weeks after the surgery.
      Hippocampus was harvested 6h, 24h and 7days after the surgery for
      immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. Mice with surgery under
      anesthesia with isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane took longer than control
      mice to identify the target box 1 or 8days after the training sessions in Barnes
      maze. Mice anesthetized by isoflurane or sevoflurane, but not by desflurane, had
      less freezing behavior than control mice in fear conditioning test. Mice with
      surgery and anesthesia had increased ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1
      and interleukin 1beta in the hippocampus but this increase was smaller in mice
      anesthetized with desflurane than mice anesthetized with isoflurane. Mice with
      surgery had increased P2X7 receptors and its downstream molecule caspase 1.
      Inhibition or knockout of P2X7 receptors attenuated surgery and anesthesia
      induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. We conclude that surgery
      under desflurane anesthesia may have reduced neuroinflammation and cognitive
      impairment compared with surgery under isoflurane anesthesia. P2X7 receptors may
      mediate the neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment after surgery.

PMID- 28089561
TI  - Characterizing Deep White Matter Hyperintensities in Patients with Symptomatic
      Isolated Cortical Superficial Siderosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patient with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) presenting with
      lobar hemorrhage (LH), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) white matter
      hyperintensities (WMH) tend to be predominant in posterior regions with the
      "multiple subcortical spots" WMH pattern as the most frequent topographical WMH
      pattern. Our aim was to analyze WMH severity and topographical distribution in
      patients with cortical superficial siderosis (CSS). METHODS: We retrospectively
      analyzed MRIs from consecutive symptomatic isolated (i.e., without LH) CSS and LH
      CAA (with or without associated CSS) patients. We analyzed baseline clinical
      characteristics including age, history of hypertension, diabetes,
      hypercholesterolemia, and pre-existing cognitive deficit. The presence of lobar
      microbleeds (MB) was scored on T2*. FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery)
      WMH severity (using the Fazekas scale) and topographical distribution (using
      [slightly modified] earlier described WMH patterns) were analyzed and compared
      between both groups. RESULTS: Twenty CSS and 63 LH-CAA patients were analyzed.
      Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between both groups, except for
      hypercholesterolemia less frequently present in the CSS group (P = .026). Lobar
      MB were significantly less frequently present in the CSS group (P < .01), and CSS
      was more frequently focal in the CSS group compared with LH-CAA patients with
      associated CSS (P = .03). Mean Fazekas scale was significantly lower in CSS
      patients (P = .011). WMH patterns did not differ between both groups, with the
      multiple subcortical spots pattern as the most frequently observed pattern.
      CONCLUSIONS: Relative severe WMH scores and similar topographical distribution in
      CSS patients argue for WMH as a CAA-related feature in these patients with
      isolated CSS, adding level of evidence that isolated CSS could correspond to
      early manifestations of CAA.

PMID- 28089562
TI  - Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials: An Opportunity for Improved
      Design of Stroke Reperfusion Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern clinical trials in stroke reperfusion fall into 2 categories:
      alternative systemic pharmacological regimens to alteplase and "rescue"
      endovascular approaches using targeted thrombectomy devices and/or medications
      delivered directly for persistently occluded vessels. Clinical trials in stroke
      have not evaluated how initial pharmacological thrombolytic management might
      influence subsequent rescue strategy. A sequential multiple assignment randomized
      trial (SMART) is a novel trial design that can test these dynamic treatment
      regimens and lead to treatment guidelines that more closely mimic practice. AIM:
      To characterize a SMART design in comparison to traditional approaches for stroke
      reperfusion trials. METHODS: We conducted a numerical simulation study that
      evaluated the performance of contrasting acute stroke clinical trial designs of
      both initial reperfusion and rescue therapy. We compare a SMART design where the
      same patients are followed through initial reperfusion and rescue therapy within
      1 trial to a standard phase III design comparing 2 reperfusion treatments and a
      separate phase II futility design of rescue therapy in terms of sample size,
      power, and ability to address particular research questions. RESULTS: Traditional
      trial designs can be well powered and have optimal design characteristics for
      independent treatment effects. When treatments, such as the reperfusion and
      rescue therapies, may interact, commonly used designs fail to detect this. A
      SMART design, with similar sample size to standard designs, can detect treatment
      interactions. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SMART designs to investigate effective and
      realistic dynamic treatment regimens is a promising way to accelerate the
      discovery of new, effective treatments for stroke.

PMID- 28089563
TI  - Diagnostic and Prognostic Relevance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and
      Electrophysiological Findings in Acute Spinal Ischemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to classify the rare entity of spontaneous spinal
      ischemia with clinical, magnetic resonance-tomographic, and electrophysiological
      parameters to determine criteria for outcome prediction. METHODS: We analyzed the
      stroke registry database of the University Hospital Mannheim, Germany, from 2004
      to 2010 for patients with a diagnosis of vascular spinal cord ischemia. RESULTS:
      Ten patients were identified (mean age 65 years [range 50-83], 5 women). In 5
      patients an etiology was found. Spinal diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance
      imaging revealed acute ischemia in 7 patients at initial imaging and this
      diagnosis was confirmed during the first week in the remaining 3 patients.
      Electrophysiological studies showed abnormal motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in 8
      patients and abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) in 7 patients.
      After rehabilitation, 5 patients had regained walking ability, whereas 5 patients
      stayed wheelchair bound. All patients with unfavorable outcome (American Spinal
      Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment score [AIS] score of <=C) showed severe
      pyramidal tract lesions in MEPs during the first week. All patients with normal
      MEPs had an excellent outcome (AIS of E, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion
      weighted imaging (DWI) is a useful tool to confirm acute spinal ischemia
      suspected in patients within the first days after symptom onset. Poor outcome was
      associated with severe electrophysiological abnormalities in MEPs and SSEPs.
      Normal MEPs were significantly predictive of an excellent prognosis. A multimodal
      diagnostic approach combining DWI and electrophysiological evaluation facilitates
      the prediction of the individual clinical outcome.

PMID- 28089564
TI  - Cardiorespiratory Fitness after Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Ischemic
      Stroke: Baseline Data of the MoveIT Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is reduced in patients with stroke.
      It is unclear whether it is also reduced in patients with a transient ischemic
      attack (TIA) or minor stroke. We investigated the CRF in patients with a recent
      TIA or minor stroke and explored which determinants are associated with a lower
      fitness. METHODS: In 113 patients with a recent TIA or minor ischemic stroke (64
      (SD = 10) years of age; 49 (IQR 27-86) days post TIA or stroke), the peak oxygen
      consumption (VO2peak) was determined in a symptom-limited ramp exercise test.
      Physical activity level, vascular risk factors, history of vascular or pulmonary
      disease, and stroke characteristics were recorded at inclusion and related to the
      VO2peak. RESULTS: Mean VO2peak was 22 mL/kg/min (SD = 6), which is the fifth
      percentile of age- and sex-related normative values. Increasing age and female
      sex were associated with a lower VO2peak (B (95% CI): per 10 years -2.57
      mL/kg/min (-3.75; -1.40) and female sex -5.84 mL/kg/min (-8.06; -3.62)). Age- and
      sex-adjusted linear regression analyses showed that a history of cardiovascular
      disease and pulmonary disease was associated with a lower VO2peak. In addition, a
      lower level of physical activity, hypertension, smoking, and overweight were
      associated with a lower VO2peak. History of stroke and stroke characteristics
      were not related to VO2peak. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with a recent
      TIA or minor ischemic stroke have a poor CRF. Our findings suggest that premorbid
      cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and vascular risk factors, but not TIA- or
      stroke-related factors, contribute to a reduced CRF.

PMID- 28089565
TI  - FGF21 Is an Exocrine Pancreas Secretagogue.
AB  - The metabolic stress hormone FGF21 is highly expressed in exocrine pancreas,
      where its levels are increased by refeeding and chemically induced pancreatitis.
      However, its function in the exocrine pancreas remains unknown. Here, we show
      that FGF21 stimulates digestive enzyme secretion from pancreatic acinar cells
      through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism that requires signaling through a
      tyrosine kinase receptor complex composed of an FGF receptor and beta-Klotho.
      Mice lacking FGF21 accumulate zymogen granules and are susceptible to pancreatic
      ER stress, an effect that is reversed by administration of recombinant FGF21.
      Mice carrying an acinar cell-specific deletion of beta-Klotho also accumulate
      zymogen granules but are refractory to FGF21-stimulated secretion. Like the
      classical post-prandial secretagogue, cholecystokinin (CCK), FGF21 triggers
      intracellular calcium release via PLC-IP3R signaling. However, unlike CCK, FGF21
      does not induce protein synthesis, thereby preventing protein accumulation. Thus,
      pancreatic FGF21 is a digestive enzyme secretagogue whose physiologic function is
      to maintain acinar cell proteostasis.

PMID- 28089566
TI  - Metformin Inhibits Hepatic mTORC1 Signaling via Dose-Dependent Mechanisms
      Involving AMPK and the TSC Complex.
AB  - Metformin is the most widely prescribed drug for the treatment of type 2
      diabetes. However, knowledge of the full effects of metformin on biochemical
      pathways and processes in its primary target tissue, the liver, is limited. One
      established effect of metformin is to decrease cellular energy levels. The AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      complex 1 (mTORC1) are key regulators of metabolism that are respectively
      activated and inhibited in acute response to cellular energy depletion. Here we
      show that metformin robustly inhibits mTORC1 in mouse liver tissue and primary
      hepatocytes. Using mouse genetics, we find that at the lowest concentrations of
      metformin that inhibit hepatic mTORC1 signaling, this inhibition is dependent on
      AMPK and the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) protein complex (TSC complex).
      Finally, we show that metformin profoundly inhibits hepatocyte protein synthesis
      in a manner that is largely dependent on its ability to suppress mTORC1
      signaling.

PMID- 28089567
TI  - Adipose Tissue CLK2 Promotes Energy Expenditure during High-Fat Diet Intermittent
      Fasting.
AB  - A promising approach to treating obesity is to increase diet-induced
      thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT), but the regulation of this process
      remains unclear. Here we find that CDC-like kinase 2 (CLK2) is expressed in BAT
      and upregulated upon refeeding. Mice lacking CLK2 in adipose tissue exhibit
      exacerbated obesity and decreased energy expenditure during high-fat diet
      intermittent fasting. Additionally, tissue oxygen consumption and protein levels
      of UCP1 are reduced in CLK2-deficient BAT. Phosphorylation of CREB, a
      transcriptional activator of UCP1, is markedly decreased in BAT cells lacking
      CLK2 due to enhanced CREB dephosphorylation. Mechanistically, CREB
      dephosphorylation is rescued by the inhibition of PP2A, a phosphatase that
      targets CREB. Our results suggest that CLK2 is a regulatory component of diet
      induced thermogenesis in BAT through increased CREB-dependent expression of UCP1.

PMID- 28089568
TI  - Inhibition of Intracellular Triglyceride Lipolysis Suppresses Cold-Induced Brown
      Adipose Tissue Metabolism and Increases Shivering in Humans.
AB  - Indirect evidence from human studies suggests that brown adipose tissue (BAT)
      thermogenesis is fueled predominantly by fatty acids hydrolyzed from
      intracellular triglycerides (TGs). However, no direct experimental evidence to
      support this assumption currently exists in humans. The aim of this study was to
      determine the role of intracellular TG in BAT thermogenesis, in cold-exposed men.
      Using positron emission tomography with 11C-acetate and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose,
      we showed that oral nicotinic acid (NiAc) administration, an inhibitor of
      intracellular TG lipolysis, suppressed the cold-induced increase in BAT oxidative
      metabolism and glucose uptake, despite no difference in BAT blood flow. There was
      a commensurate increase in shivering intensity and shift toward a greater
      reliance on glycolytic muscle fibers without modifying total heat production.
      Together, these findings show that intracellular TG lipolysis is critical for BAT
      thermogenesis and provides experimental evidence for a reciprocal role of BAT
      thermogenesis and shivering in cold-induced thermogenesis in humans.

PMID- 28089570
TI  - Use of augmented reality in laparoscopic gynecology to visualize myomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the use of augmented reality (AR) in gynecology. DESIGN: AR
      is a surgical guidance technology that enables important hidden surface
      structures to be visualized in endoscopic images. AR has been used for other
      organs, but never in gynecology and never with a very mobile organ like the
      uterus. We have developed a new AR approach specifically for uterine surgery and
      demonstrated its use for myomectomy. SETTING: Tertiary university hospital.
      PATIENT(S): Three patients with one, two, and multiple myomas, respectively.
      INTERVENTION(S): AR was used during laparoscopy to localize the myomas. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Three-dimensional (3D) models of the patient's uterus and
      myomas were constructed before surgery from T2-weighted magnetic resonance
      imaging. The intraoperative 3D shape of the uterus was determined. These models
      were automatically aligned and "fused" with the laparoscopic video in real time.
      RESULT(S): The live fused video made the uterus appear semitransparent, and the
      surgeon can see the location of the myoma in real time while moving the
      laparoscope and the uterus. With this information, the surgeon can easily and
      quickly decide on how best to access the myoma. CONCLUSION(S): We developed an AR
      system for gynecologic surgery and have used it to improve laparoscopic
      myomectomy. Technically, the software we developed is very different to
      approaches tried for other organs, and it can handle significant challenges,
      including image blur, fast motion, and partial views of the organ.

PMID- 28089569
TI  - Prevention of Dietary-Fat-Fueled Ketogenesis Attenuates BRAF V600E Tumor Growth.
AB  - Lifestyle factors, including diet, play an important role in the survival of
      cancer patients. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenic links
      between diet and particular oncogenic mutations in human cancers remain unclear.
      We recently reported that the ketone body acetoacetate selectively enhances BRAF
      V600E mutant-dependent MEK1 activation in human cancers. Here we show that a high
      fat ketogenic diet increased serum levels of acetoacetate, leading to enhanced
      tumor growth potential of BRAF V600E-expressing human melanoma cells in xenograft
      mice. Treatment with hypolipidemic agents to lower circulating acetoacetate
      levels or an inhibitory homolog of acetoacetate, dehydroacetic acid, to
      antagonize acetoacetate-BRAF V600E binding attenuated BRAF V600E tumor growth.
      These findings reveal a signaling basis underlying a pathogenic role of dietary
      fat in BRAF V600E-expressing melanoma, providing insights into the design of
      conceptualized "precision diets" that may prevent or delay tumor progression
      based on an individual's specific oncogenic mutation profile.

PMID- 28089572
TI  - Morphology matters: are all euploid blastocysts created equal?

PMID- 28089571
TI  - Normo- and hyperandrogenic women with polycystic ovary syndrome exhibit an
      adverse metabolic profile through life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the metabolic profiles of normo- and hyperandrogenic women
      with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with those of control women at different
      ages during reproductive life. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Not
      applicable. PATIENT(S): In all, 1,550 women with normoandrogenic (n = 686) or
      hyperandrogenic (n = 842) PCOS and 447 control women were divided into three age
      groups: <30, 30-39, and >39 years). INTERVENTIONS(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose,
      insulin, cholesterol, lipoproteins, triglycerides and high-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein. RESULT(S): Both normo- and hyperandrogenic women with PCOS were more
      obese, especially abdominally. They had increased serum levels of insulin
      (fasting and in oral glucose tolerance tests), triglycerides, low-density
      lipoprotein, and total cholesterol, higher blood pressure, and lower high-density
      lipoprotein levels independently from BMI compared with the control population as
      early as from young adulthood until menopause. The prevalence of metabolic
      syndrome was two- to fivefold higher in women with PCOS compared with control
      women, depending on age and phenotype, and the highest prevalence was observed in
      hyperandrogenic women with PCOS at late reproductive age. CONCLUSION(S): When
      evaluating metabolic risks in women with PCOS, androgenic status, especially
      abdominal obesity and age, should be taken into account, which would allow
      tailored management of the syndrome from early adulthood on.

PMID- 28089573
TI  - What is a difficult transfer? Analysis of 7,714 embryo transfers: the impact of
      maneuvers during embryo transfers on pregnancy rate and a proposal of objective
      assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the relationship between the degree of difficulty of ET
      and pregnancy rate (PR), with a view to proposing an algorithm for the objective
      assessment of ET. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational study. SETTING: In vitro
      fertilization unit. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing assisted reproductive technology
      (ART) with ET after IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in whom fresh embryo
      transfer or frozen-thawed embryo transfer was performed. INTERVENTION(S): None.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). RESULT(S): A total of
      7,714 ETs were analyzed. The CPR was significantly higher in the cases of easy ET
      compared with difficult ET (38.2% vs. 27.1%). Each instrumentation needed to
      successfully deposit the embryos in the fundus involves a progressive reduction
      in the CPR: use of outer catheter sheath (odds ratio [OR] 0.89; 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.79-1.01), use of Wallace stylet (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.62-0.81), use
      of tenaculum (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.36-0.79). Poor ultrasound visualization
      significantly diminish the CPR. CONCLUSION(S): The CPR decreases progressively
      with the use of additional maneuvers during ET. An objective classification of
      the instrumentation applied during ET is proposed.

PMID- 28089574
TI  - Does preoperative antimullerian hormone level influence postoperative pregnancy
      rate in women undergoing surgery for severe endometriosis?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative pregnancy rates as they relate to presurgery
      antimullerian hormone (AMH) level in patients with stage 3 and 4 endometriosis.
      DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study using data prospectively recorded in the
      North-West Inter-Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis (CIRENDO)
      database. SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): One hundred
      eighty patients with stage 3 and 4 endometriosis and pregnancy intention, managed
      from June 2010 to March 2015, were divided into two groups according to their
      preoperative AMH levels: group A (AMH >=2 ng/mL) and group B (AMH <2 ng/mL).
      INTERVENTION(S): Surgical procedure involved ovarian endometrioma ablation by
      plasma energy along with resection of various localizations of the disease.
      Postoperative conception was either spontaneous or used assisted reproductive
      technology, depending on patient characteristics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
      Patient characteristics, preoperative symptoms, infertility history,
      intraoperative findings, and probability of pregnancy were recorded and compared
      between the two groups. RESULT(S): Among 180 women enrolled in the study, 134
      (74.4%) were assigned to group A and 46 (25.6%) to group B. The women's ages
      were, respectively, 30 +/- 3.8 and 32 +/- 4.6 years. Pregnancy was achieved by
      134 (74.4%) patients, and conception was spontaneous in 74 of them (55.2%).
      Pregnancy rates in groups A and B were, respectively, 74.6% (100 women) and 73.9%
      (34 women), while spontaneous conception represented 54% (54 women) and 58.8% (20
      women). The probability of pregnancy at 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery in
      groups A and B was comparable, respectively, 65% (95% confidence interval [CI],
      55%-75%), 77% (95% CI, 86%-68%), and 83% (95% CI, 90%-75%) versus 50% (95% CI,
      69%-34%), 77% (95% CI, 90%-61%), and 83% (95% CI, 94%-68%). Supplementary
      analysis in women with normal (>=2 ng/mL), low (1-1.99 ng/mL), and very low (<1
      ng/mL) AMH level showed an inverse relationship between AMH level, age, and
      antecedents of miscarriage; however, postoperative pregnancy rates were
      comparable among the three groups at 12 and 24 months, respectively, 59.5% (95%
      CI, 49.3%-70%) and 77.4% (95% CI, 68%-85.4%); 57.1% (95% CI, 34%-83%) and 78.6%
      (95% CI, 55.2%-94.8%); and 46.7% (95% CI, 25.6%-73.7%) and 73.3% (95% CI, 50.4%
      91.7%). CONCLUSION(S): The probability of postoperative pregnancy was comparable
      between women with low and normal AMH level who were managed for stage 3 and 4
      endometriosis and who were a mean age of 30 years. However, the small sample size
      might have been unable to detect differences in pregnancy and live-birth rates
      between the two groups. As the majority of pregnancies were spontaneous, our
      results suggest that surgical management may be offered to young patients with
      severe endometriosis and reduced ovarian reserve with good fertility outcomes.

PMID- 28089575
TI  - Association of uterine fibroids and pregnancy outcomes after ovarian stimulation
      intrauterine insemination for unexplained infertility.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of non-cavity-distorting uterine
      fibroids and pregnancy outcomes after ovarian stimulation-intrauterine
      insemination (OS-IUI) in couples with unexplained infertility. DESIGN: Secondary
      analysis from a prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial investigating
      fertility outcomes after OS-IUI. SETTING: Reproductive Medicine Network clinical
      sites. PATIENT(S): Nine hundred couples with unexplained infertility who
      participated in the Assessment of Multiple Intrauterine Gestations from Ovarian
      Stimulation (AMIGOS) clinical trial. INTERVENTION(S): Participants were
      randomized to one of three arms (clomiphene citrate, letrozole, or
      gonadotropins), and treatment was continued for up to four cycles or until
      pregnancy was achieved. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S): Conception (serum hCG
      increase), clinical pregnancy (fetal cardiac activity), and live birth rates.
      RESULT(S): A total of 102/900 participants (11.3%) had at least one documented
      fibroid and a normal uterine cavity. Women with fibroids were older, more likely
      to be African American, had a greater uterine volume, lower serum antimullerian
      hormone levels, and fewer antral follicles than women without fibroids. In
      conception cycles, clinical pregnancy rates were significantly lower in
      participants with fibroids than in those without uterine fibroids. Pregnancy loss
      before 12 weeks was more likely in African American women with fibroids compared
      with non-African American women with fibroids. There was no difference in
      conception and live birth rates in subjects with and without fibroids.
      CONCLUSION(S): No differences were observed in conception and live birth rates in
      women with non-cavity-distorting fibroids and those without fibroids. These
      findings provide reassurance that pregnancy success is not impacted in couples
      with non-cavity-distorting fibroids undergoing OS-IUI for unexplained
      infertility. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01044862.

PMID- 28089576
TI  - Conditional deletion of pejvakin in adult outer hair cells causes progressive
      hearing loss in mice.
AB  - Mutations in the Pejvakin (Pjvk) gene cause autosomal recessive hearing loss
      DFNB59 with audiological features of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD)
      or cochlear dysfunction. The precise mechanisms underlying the variable clinical
      phenotypes of DFNB59 remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that mice with
      conditional ablation of the Pjvk gene in all sensory hair cells or only in outer
      hair cells (OHCs) show similar auditory phenotypes with early-onset profound
      hearing loss. By contrast, loss of Pjvk in adult OHCs causes a slowly progressive
      hearing loss associated with OHC degeneration and delayed loss of inner hair
      cells (IHCs), indicating a primary role for pejvakin in regulating OHC function
      and survival. Consistent with this model, synaptic transmission at the IHC ribbon
      synapse is largely unaffected in sirtaki mice that carry a C-terminal deletion
      mutation in Pjvk. Using the C-terminal domain of pejvakin as bait, we identified
      in a cochlear cDNA library ROCK2, an effector for the small GTPase Rho, and the
      scaffold protein IQGAP1, involved in modulating actin dynamics. Both ROCK2 and
      IQGAP1 associate via their coiled-coil domains with pejvakin. We conclude that
      pejvakin is required to sustain OHC activity and survival in a cell-autonomous
      manner likely involving regulation of Rho signaling.

PMID- 28089578
TI  - Dual influences of early-life maternal deprivation on histone deacetylase
      activity and recognition memory in rats.
AB  - Exposure to stress early in life may negatively impact nervous system
      functioning, including increasing the proneness to learning and memory
      impairments later in life. Maternal deprivation, a model of early-life stress,
      hinders memory in adult rats and lessens brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
      levels in the hippocampus in a very heterogeneous way among individuals. The main
      goal of the present study was to investigate the possible epigenetic modulation
      underlying recognition memory impairment and reduced BDNF levels in the
      hippocampus of adult maternally deprived rats. We also evaluated the potential
      ameliorating properties of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, sodium
      butyrate, on memory deficits and BDNF changes related to maternal deprivation.
      Maternally deprived animals were categorized as 'inferior learners' and 'superior
      learners' according to their performance in object recognition memory task in
      comparison to controls. Results indicated that HDAC activity was higher in
      individuals submitted to maternal deprivation with the worst cognitive
      performance (inferior learners). Acute administration of sodium butyrate
      increased histone H3 acetylation and BDNF levels, and restored recognition memory
      in maternally deprived animals with the worst cognitive performance. Moreover, we
      also showed that there is a positive correlation between BDNF levels and memory
      performance. Taken together, the results indicated that HDAC inhibitors could be
      considered as a possible therapeutic agent to improve cognitive performance in
      inferior learners. Further studies need to be conducted for a better
      comprehension of the mechanisms related to persistent alterations observed in
      adult life induced by early stressful circumstances and those leading to
      resilience.

PMID- 28089577
TI  - Neutralizing anti-interleukin-1beta antibodies reduce ischemia-related
      interleukin-1beta transport across the blood-brain barrier in fetal sheep.
AB  - Hypoxic ischemic insults predispose to perinatal brain injury. Pro-inflammatory
      cytokines are important in the evolution of this injury. Interleukin-1beta (IL
      1beta) is a key mediator of inflammatory responses and elevated IL-1beta levels
      in brain correlate with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes after brain injury.
      Impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) function represents an important component of
      hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in the fetus. In addition, ischemia-reperfusion
      increases cytokine transport across the BBB of the ovine fetus. Reducing pro
      inflammatory cytokine entry into brain could represent a novel approach to
      attenuate ischemia-related brain injury. We hypothesized that infusions of
      neutralizing IL-1beta monoclonal antibody (mAb) reduce IL-1beta transport across
      the BBB after ischemia in the fetus. Fetal sheep were studied 24-h after 30-min
      of carotid artery occlusion. Fetuses were treated with placebo- or anti-IL-1beta
      mAb intravenously 15-min and 4-h after ischemia. Ovine IL-1beta protein expressed
      from IL-1beta pGEX-2T vectors in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL-21 cells was
      produced, purified, and radiolabeled with 125I. BBB permeability was quantified
      using the blood-to-brain transfer constant (Ki) with 125I-radiolabeled-IL-1beta.
      Increases in anti-IL-1beta mAb were observed in the brain of the mAb-treated
      group (P<0.001). Blood-to-brain transport of 125I-IL-1beta was lower (P<0.04)
      across brain regions in the anti-IL-1beta mAb-treated than placebo-treated
      ischemic fetuses. Plasma 125I-IL-1beta counts were higher (P<0.001) in the anti
      IL-1beta mAb- than placebo-treated ischemic fetuses. Systemic infusions of anti
      IL-1beta mAb reduce IL-1beta transport across the BBB after ischemia in the ovine
      fetus. Our findings suggest that conditions associated with increases in systemic
      pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurodevelopmental impairment could benefit from
      an anti-cytokine therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 28089579
TI  - Information Architecture for Perinatal Registration in the Netherlands.
AB  - In the Netherlands, the perinatal registry has undergone significant changes in
      the past decades. The purpose of this article is to describe the current health
      care information architecture for the national perinatal registry, including how
      the national data set is arranged and how electronic messages are used to submit
      data. We provide implications for women's health care providers based on the
      creation and implementation of the Dutch perinatal registry system.

PMID- 28089580
TI  - Medium optimization based on yeast's elemental composition for glutathione
      production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The production of glutathione (GSH) or GSH enriched yeast is still in the focus
      of research driven by a high industrial interest. In this study, an optimal
      growth rate for GSH production via Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sa-07346 was
      investigated. To further improve the fermentation process in a way that it is
      independent of lots, the influence of different WMIX medium compositions on
      biomass and GSH production was studied. Thereby, the fermentation medium was
      adjusted based on yeast's elemental composition. The resulting chemically defined
      fermentation medium led to high cell densities in fed-batches. Therefore, it has
      the potential to be applied successfully for other high cell density yeast
      fermentation processes. As cysteine is the key component for GSH production,
      different cysteine addition strategies were studied and finally, a continuous
      cysteine feeding was applied in the late stage of fermentation. Thereby, a GSH
      concentration of 1459 +/- 57 mg/l was reached by continuously feeding cysteine,
      which meant an increase to 253% compared to the control without cysteine addition
      (577 mg/l GSH).

PMID- 28089581
TI  - Accountability studies of air pollution and health effects: lessons learned and
      recommendations for future natural experiment opportunities.
AB  - To address limitations of observational epidemiology studies of air pollution and
      health effects, including residual confounding by temporal and spatial factors,
      several studies have taken advantage of 'natural experiments', where an
      environmental policy or air quality intervention has resulted in reductions in
      ambient air pollution concentrations. Researchers have examined whether the
      population impacted by these air quality improvements, also experienced
      improvements in various health indices (e.g. reduced morbidity/mortality). In
      this paper, I review key accountability studies done previously and new studies
      done over the past several years in Beijing, Atlanta, London, Ireland, and other
      locations, describing study design and analysis strengths and limitations of
      each. As new 'natural experiment' opportunities arise, several lessons learned
      from these studies should be applied when planning a new accountability study.
      Comparison of health outcomes during the intervention to both before and after
      the intervention in the population of interest, as well as use of a control
      population to assess whether any temporal changes in the population of interest
      were also seen in populations not impacted by air quality improvements, should
      aid in minimizing residual confounding by these long term time trends. Use of
      either detailed health records for a population, or prospectively collected data
      on relevant mechanistic biomarkers coupled with such morbidity/mortality data may
      provide a more thorough assessment of if the intervention beneficially impacted
      the health of the community, and if so by what mechanism(s). Further, prospective
      measurement of a large suite of air pollutants may allow a more thorough
      understanding of what pollutant source(s) is/are responsible for any health
      benefit observed. The importance of using multiple statistical analysis methods
      in each paper and the difference in how the timing of the air pollution/outcome
      association may impact which of these design features is most important is also
      discussed. Based on these and other lessons learned, researchers may provide a
      more epidemiologically rigorous evaluation of cause-specific health impacts of an
      air quality intervention or action.

PMID- 28089582
TI  - A model for screening and prioritizing consumer nanoproduct risks: A case study
      from South Africa.
AB  - The potential risks of the increasing variety and volume of engineered
      nanomaterials (ENMs) entering into the ecosystem remain poorly quantified. In
      recent years, information essential to evaluate the ecological risks of ENMs has
      increased. However, the data are highly fragmented, limited, or severely lacking.
      This limits the usefulness of the information to support holistic screening and
      prioritization of potentially harmful ENMs. To screen and prioritize ENMs risks,
      we adopted a two-phased approach. First, a holistic framework model was developed
      to integrate a diverse set of factors aimed to assess the potential hazard,
      exposure, and in turn, risk to the ecosystem of ENMs from a given consumer
      nanoproduct. Secondly, using published literature we created a database of
      consumer nanoproduct categories, and types based on embedded ENMs type. The
      database consisted of eight consumer product categories, eleven different types
      of ENMs, and twenty-three nanoproduct types. The model results indicates the
      largest quantities of ENMs were released from sunscreens, textiles, cosmetics and
      paints with dominant ENMs quantities in descending order (based on quantity) as
      nTiO2>nZnO>nSiO2>nAg, and nFe2O3. In addition, according to the results from this
      study, nAg from washing machine were found to likely the highest risk to the
      environment. Overall, our model-derived results based on the case study
      illustrated: (i) the holistic framework's ability to screen, prioritize, rank,
      and compare ENMs potential exposure and risks among different nanoproducts
      categories and types, (ii) the derived risk estimations could support nanowastes
      classification with likelihood of non-uniformity of nanowastes classes even from
      the same nanoproduct category (e.g. cosmetics), and (iii) the lack of a mass
      based criteria specific for EMNs impedes realistic exposure and risk evaluation
      in the ecological systems.

PMID- 28089583
TI  - Association of prenatal and childhood PBDE exposure with timing of puberty in
      boys and girls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants are endocrine
      disrupting chemicals that exhibit estrogenic and androgenic properties and may
      affect pubertal timing. METHODS: Study subjects were participants between 1999
      and 2013 in the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of
      Salinas (CHAMACOS), a longitudinal cohort study of predominantly Mexican origin
      families in Northern California. We measured serum concentrations of four PBDEs
      (BDE-47, -99, -100, -153) in blood collected from mothers during pregnancy
      (N=263) and their children at age 9years (N=522). We determined timing of
      pubertal onset in 309 boys and 314 girls using clinical Tanner staging every
      9months between 9 and 13years of age, and timing of menarche by self-report. We
      used Poisson regression for relative risk (RR) of earlier puberty and parametric
      survival analysis for time ratios (TR) of pubertal milestones. RESULTS: Prenatal
      concentrations of all 4 congeners and ?PBDEs were associated with later menarche
      in girls (RRearlier menarche=0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.3, 0.9 for
      ?PBDEs) but earlier pubic hair development in boys (RRearlier pubarche=2.0, 95%
      CI: 1.3, 3.3 for ?PBDEs). No associations were seen between prenatal exposure and
      girls' breast or pubic hair development or boys' genital development. Childhood
      PBDE exposure was not associated with any measure of pubertal timing, except for
      an association of BDE-153 with later menarche. CONCLUSIONS: We found that
      prenatal PBDE exposure was associated with later menarche in girls but earlier
      pubarche in boys, suggesting opposite pubertal effects in girls and boys.

PMID- 28089584
TI  - Pterostilbene attenuates high glucose-induced oxidative injury in hippocampal
      neuronal cells by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2.
AB  - In the present study, neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells were used to investigate the
      mechanisms mediating the potential protective effects of pterostilbene (PTE)
      against mitochondrial metabolic impairment and oxidative stress induced by
      hyperglycemia for mimicking the diabetic encephalopathy. High glucose medium
      (100mM) decreased cellular viability after 24h incubation which was evidenced by:
      (i) reduced mitochondrial complex I and III activities; (ii) reduced
      mitochondrial cytochrome C; (iii) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      generation; (iv) decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim); and (v)
      increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. PTE (2.5, 5, and 10MUM for 24h) was
      nontoxic and induced the nuclear transition of Nrf2. Pretreatment of PTE (2.5, 5,
      and 10MUM for 2h) displayed a dose-dependently neuroprotective effect, as
      indicated by significantly prevented high glucose-induced loss of cellular
      viability, generation of ROS, reduced mitochondrial complex I and III activities,
      reduced mitochondrial cytochrome C, decreased DeltaPsim, and increased LDH
      levels. Moreover, the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2
      (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were elevated
      after PTE treatment. In addition, the elevation of nuclear Nrf2 by PTE treatment
      (10MUM for 2h) was abolished by Nrf2 siRNA. Importantly, Nrf2 siRNA induced the
      opposite changes in mitochondrial complex I and III activities, mitochondrial
      cytochrome C, reactive species generation, DeltaPsim, and LDH. Overall, the
      present findings were the first to show that pterostilbene attenuated high
      glucose-induced central nervous system injury in vitro through the activation of
      Nrf2 signaling, displaying protective effects against mitochondrial dysfunction
      derived oxidative stress.

PMID- 28089585
TI  - The impact of intelligence on memory and executive functions of children with
      temporal lobe epilepsy: Methodological concerns with clinical relevance.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with TLE are prone to have lower IQ scores than healthy
      controls. Nevertheless, the impact of IQ differences is not usually considered in
      studies that compared the cognitive functioning of children with and without
      epilepsy. This study aimed to determine the effect of using IQ as a covariate on
      memory and attentional/executive functions of children with TLE. METHODS: Thirty
      eight children and adolescents with TLE and 28 healthy controls paired as to age,
      gender, and sociodemographic factors were evaluated with a comprehensive
      neuropsychological battery for memory and executive functions. The authors
      conducted three analyses to verify the impact of IQ scores on the other cognitive
      domains. First, we compared performance on cognitive tests without controlling
      for IQ differences between groups. Second, we performed the same analyses, but we
      included IQ as a confounding factor. Finally, we evaluated the predictive value
      of IQ on cognitive functioning. RESULTS: Although patients had IQ score in the
      normal range, they showed lower IQ scores than controls (p = 0.001). When we did
      not consider IQ in the analyses, patients had worse performance in verbal and
      visual memory (short and long-term), semantic memory, sustained, divided and
      selective attention, mental flexibility and mental tracking for semantic
      information. By using IQ as a covariate, patients showed worse performance only
      in verbal memory (long-term), semantic memory, sustained and divided attention
      and in mental flexibility. IQ was a predictor factor of verbal and visual memory
      (immediate and delayed), working memory, mental flexibility and mental tracking
      for semantic information. CONCLUSION: Intelligence level had a significant impact
      on memory and executive functioning of children and adolescents with TLE without
      intellectual disability. This finding opens the discussion of whether IQ scores
      should be considered when interpreting the results of differences in cognitive
      performance of patients with epilepsy compared to healthy volunteers.

PMID- 28089586
TI  - Natural uranium impairs the differentiation and the resorbing function of
      osteoclasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uranium is a naturally occurring radionuclide ubiquitously present in
      the environment. The skeleton is the main site of uranium long-term accumulation.
      While it has been shown that natural uranium is able to perturb bone metabolism
      through its chemical toxicity, its impact on bone resorption by osteoclasts has
      been poorly explored. Here, we examined for the first time in vitro effects of
      natural uranium on osteoclasts. METHODS: The effects of uranium on the RAW 264.7
      monocyte/macrophage mouse cell line and primary murine osteoclastic cells were
      characterized by biochemical, molecular and functional analyses. RESULTS: We
      observed a cytotoxicity effect of uranium on osteoclast precursors. Uranium
      concentrations in the MUM range are able to inhibit osteoclast formation, mature
      osteoclast survival and mineral resorption but don't affect the expression of the
      osteoclast gene markers Nfatc1, Dc-stamp, Ctsk, Acp5, Atp6v0a3 or Atp6v0d2 in RAW
      274.7 cells. Instead, we observed that uranium induces a dose-dependent
      accumulation of SQSTM1/p62 during osteoclastogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: We show here
      that uranium impairs osteoclast formation and function in vitro. The decrease in
      available precursor cells, as well as the reduced viability of mature osteoclasts
      appears to account for these effects of uranium. The SQSTM1/p62 level increase
      observed in response to uranium exposure is of particular interest since this
      protein is a known regulator of osteoclast formation. A tempting hypothesis
      discussed herein is that SQSTM1/p62 dysregulation contributes to uranium effects
      on osteoclastogenesis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: We describe cellular and molecular
      effects of uranium that potentially affect bone homeostasis.

PMID- 28089587
TI  - Development of 111In-labeled exendin(9-39) derivatives for single-photon emission
      computed tomography imaging of insulinoma.
AB  - Insulinoma is a tumor derived from pancreatic beta-cells, and the resulting
      hyperinsulinemia leads to characteristic hypoglycemia. Recent studies have
      reported the frequent overexpression of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R)
      in human insulinomas, suggesting that the binding of a radiolabeled compound to
      GLP-1R is useful for the imaging of such tumors. Exendin(9-39), a fragment
      peptide of exendin-3 and -4, binds GLP-1R with high affinity and acts as an
      antagonist. Accordingly, radiolabeled exendin(9-39) derivatives have also been
      investigated as insulinoma imaging probes that might be less likely to induce
      hypoglycemia. In this study, we synthesized a novel indium-111 (111In)-benzyl
      diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (111In-BnDTPA)-conjugated exendin(9-39), 111In
      BnDTPA-exendin(9-39), and evaluated its utility as a probe for the SPECT imaging
      of insulinoma. natIn-BnDTPA-exendin(9-39) exhibited a high affinity for GLP-1R
      (IC50=2.5nM), stability in plasma, and a specific activity that improved
      following reactions with a solvent and solubilizer. Regarding the in vivo
      biodistribution of 111In-BnDTPA-exendin(9-39) in INS-1 tumor-bearing mice, high
      uptake levels were observed in tumors (14.6%ID/g at 15min), with corresponding
      high tumor-to-blood (T/B), tumor-to-muscle (T/M), and tumor-to-pancreas (T/P)
      ratios (T/B=2.55, T/M=22.7, T/P=2.7 at 1h). The pre-administration of excess
      nonradioactive exendin(9-39) significantly reduced accumulation in both the tumor
      and pancreas (76% and 68% inhibition, respectively) at 1h after 111In-BnDTPA
      exendin(9-39) injection, indicating that the GLP-1R mediated a majority of 111In
      BnDTPA-exendin(9-39) uptake in the tumor and pancreas. Finally, 111In-BnDTPA
      exendin(9-39) SPECT/CT studies in mice yielded clear images of tumors at 30min
      post-injection. These results suggest that 111In-BnDTPA-exendin(9-39) could be a
      useful SPECT molecular imaging probe for the detection and exact localization of
      insulinomas.

PMID- 28089588
TI  - Discovery of a novel series of N-hydroxypyridone derivatives protecting
      astrocytes against hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity via improved mitochondrial
      functionality.
AB  - Astrocytes play a key role in brain homeostasis, protecting neurons against
      neurotoxic stimuli such as oxidative stress. Therefore, the neuroprotective
      therapeutics that enhance astrocytic functionality has been regarded as a
      promising strategy to reduce brain damage. We previously reported that
      ciclopirox, a well-known antifungal N-hydroxypyridone compound, protects
      astrocytes from oxidative stress by enhancing mitochondrial function. Using the N
      hydroxypyridone scaffold, we have synthesized a series of cytoprotective
      derivatives. Mitochondrial activity assay showed that N-hydroxypyridone
      derivatives with biphenyl group have comparable to better protective effects than
      ciclopirox in astrocytes exposed to H2O2. N-hydroxypyridone derivatives,
      especially 11g, inhibited H2O2-induced deterioration of mitochondrial membrane
      potential and oxygen consumption rate, and significantly improved cell viability
      of astrocytes. The results indicate that the N-hydroxypyridone motif can provide
      a novel cytoprotective scaffold for astrocytes via enhancing mitochondrial
      functionality.

PMID- 28089589
TI  - Synthesis, anticholinesterase activity and molecular modeling study of novel
      carbamate-substituted thymol/carvacrol derivatives.
AB  - New thymol and carvacrol derivatives with the carbamate moiety were synthesized
      and their inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and
      butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were evaluated. 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenyl(3
      fluorophenyl)carbamate (29) was found to be the most potent AChE inhibitor with
      IC50 values of 2.22MUM, and 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenyl (4-fluorophenyl)carbamate
      (30) exhibited the strongest inhibition against BuChE with IC50 value of 0.02MUM.
      Additionally, the result of H4IIE hepatoma cell toxicity assay for compounds 18,
      20, 29, 30 and 35 showed negligible cell death at 0.07-10MUM. Moreover in order
      to better understand the inhibitory profiles of these molecules, molecular
      modeling studies were applied. Binding poses of studied compounds at the binding
      pockets of AChE and BuChE targets were determined. Predicted binding energies of
      these compounds as well as structural and dynamical profiles of molecules at the
      target sites were estimated using induced fit docking (IFD) algorithms and post
      processing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations methods (i.e., Molecular mechanics
      Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) approaches).

PMID- 28089590
TI  - Using the presurgical psychological evaluation to predict 5-year weight loss
      outcomes in bariatric surgery patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychosocial factors contribute to poorer weight loss outcomes
      following bariatric surgery; however, findings on associations between
      preoperative psychiatric diagnoses, psychological testing, and weight loss are
      inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: Examine associations between presurgical psychiatric
      diagnoses derived from a semi-structured clinical interview and test scores from
      the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality-Inventory-2 - Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF)
      and 5-year Body Mass Index (BMI) outcomes. SETTING: Cleveland Clinic Bariatric
      and Metabolic Institute METHODS: 446 consecutively consented patients who
      underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at least 5 years prior were included
      in the study. A majority were women (74.2%) and Caucasian (66.2%). Patients' mean
      presurgical BMI was 49.14 kg/m2 [SD = 9.50 kg/m2]. Psychiatric diagnoses were
      obtained from a presurgical, semi-structured clinical interview and all
      participants were administered the MMPI-2-RF at their presurgical evaluations.
      BMIs were collected at 4 postoperative time points across a 5-year trajectory.
      This prospective design utilized latent growth curve modeling. RESULTS: Older
      patients evidenced a slower rate of BMI reduction over time. A presurgical
      diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder predicted higher BMIs at the 5-year outcome.
      Scores on MMPI-2-RF measures of emotional and behavioral dysfunction domains
      incrementally predicted poorer weight loss outcomes. CONCLUSION: Preoperative
      indicators of psychopathology, notably indicators that are dimensional in nature,
      are important in predicting postoperative outcomes. Closer follow-up with
      patients who evidence presurgical psychological factors, both before and after
      surgery, may help improve outcomes.

PMID- 28089591
TI  - Evaluation of incidence of cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery in subjects
      treated or not treated with ursodeoxycholic acid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to prevent gallstone formation
      after gastric bypass (RYGB) is still debated. Furthermore, only 1 study has
      assessed the effectiveness of UDCA after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) with mitigated
      results. OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence of cholelithiasis (CL) between
      patients treated or not treated with UDCA after RYGB and SG. SETTING: University
      hospital, France. METHODS: Since January 2008, a postoperative ultrasound
      monitoring was scheduled for all patients without previous cholecystectomy who
      underwent bariatric surgery in our institution. Patients who underwent at least 1
      ultrasound in the first postoperative year (+/-6 months) were included. We
      started to systematically prescribe UDCA (500 mg/d) for 6 months postoperatively,
      in February 2012 for RYGB (once or twice daily) and in October 2013 for SG (once
      daily). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 13.0+/-3.4 months. The incidence of CL was
      32.5% in the 117 nontreated RYGB and 25.5% in the 51 nontreated SG. It was
      reduced to 2.4% in the 42 SG treated once daily (P = .005), to 5.7% in the 87
      RYGB with 250 mg twice daily (P<.001), but only to 18.6% in the 102 RYGB with 500
      mg once daily (P = .03). CONCLUSION: UDCA 500 mg once daily for 6 months is
      efficient to prevent CL 1 year after SG, but the twice-daily doses seem to be
      more effective after RYGB. The effectiveness of UDCA once daily after SG and the
      superiority of the twice-daily doses after RYGB should be confirmed with more
      patients and longer follow-up.

PMID- 28089592
TI  - Stapleless laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Preliminary report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) as a single-stage procedure for
      the treatment of morbid obesity is becoming increasingly popular. In undeveloped
      countries, the linear staples required to create the sleeve are not always
      available because of their high cost. As an alternative to the staples, the
      bipolar vessel sealer device could be used in bariatric surgery to divide and
      temporarily seal the stomach. SETTINGS: Universidad Central de Venezuela,
      Caracas, Venezuela. METHODS: Between May 2015 and July 2016, 9 patients with a
      mean body mass index of 38.2 kg/m2 were submitted to a stapleless laparoscopic SG
      using the bipolar vessel sealer for the gastric division. The sleeve was
      performed over a 42 French bougie and closed with 2 layers of running sutures.
      Surgical time, morbidity, hospital stay, and excess weight loss were
      prospectively collected. RESULTS: Mean operative time and hospital stay were 117
      min and 2.3 days. There was no major morbidity but 2 patients presented a basal
      atelectasis, which was solved by medical treatment without consequences. After a
      mean follow up of 6.8 months the mean excess weight loss was 78.4%. CONCLUSION:
      The technique of stapleless laparoscopic SG presented in this report is a valid
      alternative when these devices are not available. Large series with long-term
      follow-up are necessary to make definitive conclusions.

PMID- 28089593
TI  - Physician Knowledge and Attitudes About Hepatitis A and Current Practices
      Regarding Hepatitis A Vaccination Delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess physicians': 1) knowledge and attitudes about hepatitis A
      disease and hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine, 2) child care and school HepA vaccine
      mandates, 3) practices related to HepA vaccine delivery, 4) factors associated
      with strongly recommending HepA vaccine to all 1- to 2-year-olds, and 5)
      feasibility of implementing HepA catch-up vaccination at health maintenance
      visits. METHODS: A national survey was conducted among representative networks of
      pediatricians and family medicine physicians (FMs) from March to June, 2014 via e
      mail or mail on the basis of provider preference. RESULTS: Response rates were
      81% (356 of 440) among pediatricians and 75% (348 of 464) among FMs. Less than
      50% correctly identified that hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is usually
      asymptomatic in young children and that morbidity from HAV disease increases with
      age. Ninety-two percent of pediatricians and 59% of FMs strongly recommend HepA
      vaccine for all 1- to 2-year-olds. In addition to practice specialty, belief that
      HepA vaccine is required for kindergarten enrollment was the most robust
      predictor of strong physician recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Gaps in knowledge
      regarding HAV infection and hepatitis A recommendations and lack of a strong
      recommendation for routine HepA vaccination of young children among FMs likely
      contribute to suboptimal coverage. Closing knowledge gaps and addressing barriers
      that prevent all physicians from strongly recommending HepA vaccine to 1- to 2
      year-olds could help increase HepA vaccine coverage and ultimately improve
      population protection against HAV infection.

PMID- 28089594
TI  - Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-sensitive Exon 19
      Insertion and Exon 20 Insertion in Patients With Advanced Non-Small-cell Lung
      Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical responsiveness to epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      patients with exon 19 insertion and the specific exon 20 insertion (A763_Y764
      insFQEA) are still not well known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed cancer
      specimens taken from NSCLC patients for EGFR mutations using RNA reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction or direct DNA sequencing. The clinical
      course and responsiveness to an EGFR TKI in patients with EGFR exon 19 insertion
      or exon 20 insertion (A763_Y764 insFQEA) were recorded. The published data
      regarding these mutations were also reviewed. RESULTS: From September 1995 to May
      2015, we found 4 patients with an EGFR exon 19 insertion and 6 patients with an
      EGFR exon 20 insertion (A763_Y764 insFQEA) at the National Taiwan University
      Hospital. Among patients with an exon 19 insertion, 3 received an EGFR TKI. Of
      the 3 patients, 1 had a partial response, 1 had stable disease, and 1 had
      progressive disease. Of the 6 patients with the exon 20 insertion (A763_Y764
      insFQEA), 3 received an EGFR TKI. Of those 3 patients, 2 had a partial response
      and 1 had progressive disease. A review of the published data, together with the
      data from our patients, patients with an exon 19 insertion and treated with an
      EGFR TKI (n = 18) had a response rate of 56% and a median time to progression of
      10.4 months. Patients with the exon 20 insertion (A763_Y764 insFQEA) and treated
      with an EGFR TKI (n = 11) had a response rate of 73% and a median time to
      progression of 5.0 months. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced NSCLC bearing the EGFR exon 19
      insertion or exon 20 insertion (A763_Y764 insFQEA) is sensitive to EGFR TKIs.

PMID- 28089595
TI  - Percutaneous Plating of Weber B Fibular Fractures.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to describe a minimally invasive
      percutaneous technique for plating Weber B distal fibular fractures and to
      evaluate its efficacy by measuring patient outcomes and hardware removal rates.
      The data from 17 patients undergoing percutaneous plating of a distal fibular
      (Weber B) fracture were prospectively studied. A 4- to 6-hole semitubular plate
      with 3 screws was used for percutaneously plating. The Roles and Maudsley score
      was used to assess the patients' activity level. All fibular fractures had healed
      clinically and radiographically by 8 weeks after surgery. The postoperative Roles
      and Maudsley scores had improved significantly. The time required to return to
      activity was 4.3 +/- 2.0 months. Hardware removal was required in 3 patients
      during the study period, which had an average of almost 4 years postoperatively.
      The results of the present study have demonstrated that percutaneous plating is
      an effective surgical option for treating Weber B distal fibular fractures.

PMID- 28089596
TI  - Processing of metacaspase 2 from Trypanosoma brucei (TbMCA2) broadens its
      substrate specificity.
AB  - Metacaspases are members of the cysteine peptidase family and may be implicated
      in programmed cell death in plants and lower eukaryotes. These proteases exhibit
      calcium-dependent activity and specificity for arginine residues at P1. In
      contrast to caspases, they do not require processing or dimerization for
      activity. Indeed, unprocessed metacaspase-2 of Trypanosoma brucei (TbMCA2) is
      active; however, it has been shown that cleavages at Lys55 and Lys268 increase
      TbMCA2 hydrolytic activity on synthetic substrates. The processed TbMCA2
      comprises 3 polypeptide chains that remain attached by non-covalent bonds.
      Replacement of Lys55 and Lys268 with Gly via site-directed mutagenesis results in
      non-processed but enzymatically active mutant, TbMCA2 K55/268G. To investigate
      the importance of this processing for the activity and specificity of TbMCA2, we
      performed activity assays comparing the non-processed mutant (TbMCA2 K55/268G)
      with the processed TbMCA2 form. Significant differences between TbMCA2 WT
      (processed form) and TbMCA2 K55/268G (non-processed form) were observed.
      Specifically, we verified that although non-processed TbMCA2 is active when
      assayed with small synthetic substrates, the TbMCA2 form does not exhibit
      hydrolytic activity on large substrates such as azocasein, while processed TbMCA2
      is able to readily digest this protein. Such differences can be relevant for
      understanding the physiological regulation and function of TbMCA2.

PMID- 28089597
TI  - Magnesium and calcium ions differentially affect human serine racemase activity
      and modulate its quaternary equilibrium toward a tetrameric form.
AB  - Serine racemase is the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate dependent enzyme that catalyzes
      both production and catabolism of d-serine, a co-agonist of the NMDA glutamate
      receptors. Mg2+, or, alternatively, Ca2+, activate human serine racemase by
      binding both at a specific site and - as ATP-metal complexes - at a distinct ATP
      binding site. We show that Mg2+ and Ca2+ bind at the metal binding site with a
      4.5-fold difference in affinity, producing a similar thermal stabilization and
      partially shifting the dimer-tetramer equilibrium in favour of the latter. The
      ATP-Ca2+ complex produces a 2-fold lower maximal activation in comparison to the
      ATP-Mg2+ complex and exhibits a 3-fold higher EC50. The co-presence of ATP and
      metals further stabilizes the tetramer. In consideration of the cellular
      concentrations of Mg2+ and Ca2+, even taking into account the fluctuations of the
      latter, these results point to Mg2+ as the sole physiologically relevant ligand
      both at the metal binding site and at the ATP binding site. The stabilization of
      the tetramer by both metals and ATP-metal complexes suggests a quaternary
      activation mechanism mediated by 5'-phosphonucleotides similar to that observed
      in the distantly related prokaryotic threonine deaminases. This allosteric
      mechanism has never been observed before in mammalian fold type II pyridoxal 5'
      phosphate dependent enzymes.

PMID- 28089598
TI  - Impact of Focused Intraoperative Transthoracic Echocardiography by
      Anesthesiologists on Management in Hemodynamically Unstable High-Risk Noncardiac
      Surgery Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Focused transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is used perioperatively
      for surgical patients. Intraoperative application of TTE is feasible, but its
      benefits remain unclear. The intention of this study was to investigate the
      effect of intraoperative TTE on the management of high-risk noncardiac surgery
      patients. DESIGN: A prospective interventional study. SETTING: Single-center
      university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty consecutive hemodynamically unstable
      high-risk patients anesthetized for noncardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Focused
      TTE was performed on hemodynamically unstable anesthetized patients whenever
      circulatory instability (defined as hypotension or low cardiac output) occurred
      intraoperatively. A cardiac output monitoring system using pulse contour analysis
      was established before induction of anesthesia. The intended therapy for
      stabilizing the patient was documented; however, the management actually
      administered was guided by the results of the TTE. Differences between the 2
      lines of management were documented and analyzed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Intraoperative TTE was applied successfully in all 50 unstable patients. In 33
      patients (66%, 95% confidence interval, 52.11-77.61) TTE led to a change of
      management. Altogether, 82 episodes of hemodynamic instability were recorded,
      including 38 episodes (46.34%, 95% confidence interval, 35.95-57.06) in which TTE
      led to a change of treatment. The most common pathologic finding was hypovolemia
      (66%); in contrast, in 22%, right-heart overload or right-heart failure (4%) was
      detected. CONCLUSIONS: Focused TTE by anesthesiologists can provide new
      information that may alter the hemodynamic management of unstable high-risk
      noncardiac surgery patients in the operating room.

PMID- 28089599
TI  - Impact of Oral Chlorhexidine on Bloodstream Infection in Critically Ill Patients:
      Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oropharyngeal overgrowth of microorganisms in the critically ill is a
      risk factor for lower respiratory tract infection and subsequent invasion of the
      bloodstream. Oral chlorhexidine has been used to prevent pneumonia, but its
      effect on bloodstream infection never has been assessed in meta-analyses. The
      authors explored the effect of oral chlorhexidine on the incidence of bloodstream
      infection, the causative microorganism, and on all-cause mortality in critically
      ill patients. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies.
      SETTING: Intensive care unit. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised critically ill
      patients receiving oral chlorhexidine (test group) and placebo or standard oral
      care (control group). INTERVENTIONS: PubMed and the Cochrane Register of
      Controlled Trials were searched. Odds ratios (ORs) were pooled using the random
      effects model. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Five studies including 1,655
      patients (832 chlorhexidine and 823 control patients) were identified. The
      majority of information was from studies at low or unclear risk bias; 1 study was
      at high risk of bias. Bloodstream infection and mortality were not reduced
      significantly by chlorhexidine (OR 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-1.50
      and OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.31-1.53, respectively). In the subgroup of surgical, mainly
      cardiac, patients, chlorhexidine reduced bloodstream infection (OR 0.47; 95% CI
      0.22-0.97). Chlorhexidine did not affect any microorganism significantly.
      CONCLUSION: In critically ill patients, oropharyngeal chlorhexidine did not
      reduce bloodstream infection and mortality significantly and did not affect any
      microorganism involved. The presence of a high risk of bias in 1 study and
      unclear risk of bias in others may have affected the robustness of these
      findings.

PMID- 28089600
TI  - Perioperative Aspirin in Cardiac and Noncardiac Surgery.

PMID- 28089601
TI  - Corrigendum to "Behavioural and neurochemical consequences of chronic gut
      microbiota depletion during adulthood in the rat" [Neuroscience 339 (2016) 463
      477].

PMID- 28089602
TI  - Particle swarm optimizer for weighting factor selection in intensity-modulated
      radiation therapy optimization algorithms.
AB  - In inverse treatment planning of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT),
      the objective function is typically the sum of the weighted sub-scores, where the
      weights indicate the importance of the sub-scores. To obtain a high-quality
      treatment plan, the planner manually adjusts the objective weights using a trial
      and-error procedure until an acceptable plan is reached. In this work, a new
      particle swarm optimization (PSO) method which can adjust the weighting factors
      automatically was investigated to overcome the requirement of manual adjustment,
      thereby reducing the workload of the human planner and contributing to the
      development of a fully automated planning process. The proposed optimization
      method consists of three steps. (i) First, a swarm of weighting factors (i.e.,
      particles) is initialized randomly in the search space, where each particle
      corresponds to a global objective function. (ii) Then, a plan optimization solver
      is employed to obtain the optimal solution for each particle, and the values of
      the evaluation functions used to determine the particle's location and the
      population global location for the PSO are calculated based on these results.
      (iii) Next, the weighting factors are updated based on the particle's location
      and the population global location. Step (ii) is performed alternately with step
      (iii) until the termination condition is reached. In this method, the evaluation
      function is a combination of several key points on the dose volume histograms.
      Furthermore, a perturbation strategy - the crossover and mutation operator hybrid
      approach - is employed to enhance the population diversity, and two arguments are
      applied to the evaluation function to improve the flexibility of the algorithm.
      In this study, the proposed method was used to develop IMRT treatment plans
      involving five unequally spaced 6MV photon beams for 10 prostate cancer cases.
      The proposed optimization algorithm yielded high-quality plans for all of the
      cases, without human planner intervention. A comparison of the results with the
      optimized solution obtained using a similar optimization model but with human
      planner intervention revealed that the proposed algorithm produced optimized
      plans superior to that developed using the manual plan. The proposed algorithm
      can generate admissible solutions within reasonable computational times and can
      be used to develop fully automated IMRT treatment planning methods, thus reducing
      human planners' workloads during iterative processes.

PMID- 28089603
TI  - Melatonin inhibits snake venom and antivenom induced oxidative stress and
      augments treatment efficacy.
AB  - Snakebite is a neglected health hazard. Its patho-physiology has largely been
      focused on systemic and local toxicities; whereas, venom and antivenom induced
      oxidative stress has long been ignored. Antivenom therapy although neutralizes
      venom lethality and saves many lives, remains ineffective against oxidative
      stress. This prompted us to complement antivenom with an antioxidant molecule
      melatonin that would protect against oxidative stress and increase the efficacy
      of the existing snakebite therapy. Here we show that D. russelli and E. carinatus
      venoms induce strong oxidative stress that persists even after antivenom
      administration in mice model. Additionally, antivenoms also induce oxidative
      stress. Polyvalent antivenom induce more oxidative stress than monovalent
      antivenom. Strikingly, antivenom and melatonin together not only inhibit venom
      and antivenom induced oxidative stress but also significantly reduce the
      neutralizing antivenom dose. This study provides a therapeutic potential for
      enhancing the existing snakebite therapy. The combined treatment of
      antivenom+melatonin would prevent the upsurge of oxidative stress as well as
      minimize the antivenom load. Thus the investigation offers immense scope for
      physicians and toxinologists to reinvestigate, design new strategies and think
      beyond the conventional mode of antivenom therapy.

PMID- 28089604
TI  - Clonality and resistance features of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates: Comparison
      of ICU and burn-ward isolates.

PMID- 28089605
TI  - Commentary to "Urinary continence outcome following vaginoplasty in patients with
      congenital adrenal hyperplasia".

PMID- 28089606
TI  - Parasacral transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (PTENS) once a week for
      the treatment of overactive bladder in children: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Overactive bladder (OAB) is the most prevalent voiding disorder in
      childhood, and its main manifestation is urinary urgency. In general, urotherapy
      and anticholinergics are the first choices of treatment. Parasacral
      Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (PTENS) was introduced as an
      alternative for the treatment of detrusor overactivity in children, but treatment
      protocols described to date require several sessions per week or long-lasting
      sessions, making it difficult for the child to adhere to the treatment. Thus,
      this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PTENS in single weekly sessions
      in the treatment of OAB in children. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, randomized
      controlled trial included 16 children with OAB. Children were divided into two
      groups: CG (urotherapy and electrical stimulation placebo) and EG (urotherapy and
      PTENS). For both groups, therapy was delivered in 20 weekly sessions, of duration
      20 min each. Placebo electrical stimulation was done in the scapular area. The
      children were evaluated prior to treatment (T1), at the end of the 20 sessions
      (T2), and 60 days after the completion of treatment (T3), with a 3-day voiding
      diary, visual analogue scale (VAS), Rome III diagnostic criteria, and the Bristol
      Scale. RESULTS: The groups were similar in age, gender, and ethnicity. In the
      initial assessment, all children, in both groups, had urgency and incontinence,
      50% in each group had constipation, and enuresis was present in seven children
      (87.5%) in the EG and six (75%) in the CG. No differences were found between the
      groups regarding the volumetric measurements made in the voiding diary, urinary
      frequency and constipation evaluated by the Rome III criteria and the Bristol
      Scale. Sixty days after treatment, a significant improvement was found in the EG
      group (p = 0.03) regarding urgency (Table), as well as an increase in dry nights
      in those presenting with enuresis (p = 0.03). No difference was noted regarding
      urinary incontinence (Table). At the end of 20 sessions and after 60 days of
      treatment, those responsible for the children in the EG perceived greater
      improvement in symptoms measured by the VAS (p = 0.05 and 0.04, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results demonstrate that PTENS performed in single
      weekly sessions is effective in treating the bladder for symptoms of urinary
      urgency and enuresis, and in the perception of those responsible for the
      children. Further studies with larger populations are needed to corroborate these
      results.

PMID- 28089607
TI  - Estimates of nasal airflow at the nasal cycle mid-point improve the correlation
      between objective and subjective measures of nasal patency.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The nasal cycle represents a significant challenge when comparing
      pre- and post-surgery objective measures of nasal airflow. METHODS: Computational
      fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of nasal airflow were conducted in 12 nasal
      airway obstruction patients showing significant nasal cycling between pre- and
      post-surgery computed tomography scans. To correct for the nasal cycle, mid-cycle
      models were created virtually. Subjective scores of nasal patency were obtained
      via the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and unilateral visual analog
      scale (VAS). RESULTS: The correlation between objective and subjective measures
      of nasal patency increased after correcting for the nasal cycle. In contrast to
      biophysical variables in individual patients, cohort averages were not
      significantly affected by the nasal cycle correction. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to
      correct for the confounding effect of the nasal cycle is a key element that
      future virtual surgery planning software for nasal airway obstruction will need
      to account for when using anatomic models based on single instantaneous imaging.

PMID- 28089608
TI  - Piloting the United Kingdom 'Prescribing Safety Assessment' with pharmacist
      prescribers in Scotland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prescribing is a complex task requiring considerable knowledge and
      skills. The Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) was developed by the British
      Pharmacological Society and the United Kingdom (UK) Medical Schools Council.
      Between February and June 2014, over 7000 final year medical students undertook
      the PSA, with an overall pass rate of 94%. Independent prescribing for suitably
      trained pharmacists was introduced in the UK in 2006. To date there has been
      little focus on any objective measures of prescribing safety. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the PSA performance of a pilot group of pharmacist prescribers in
      Scotland relative to medical students and to test the feasibility and
      acceptability of running the PSA. METHODS: A group of 59 pharmacist prescribers
      took part in ten events. The PSA consisted of 30 questions to be completed over
      60 min. All questions had been used in the 2014 assessments for final year
      medical students. The PSA was undertaken online under invigilated conditions,
      mirroring the medical student assessment. One month later, participants were
      invited to complete an online evaluation questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean overall
      PSA scores (+/-SD) were 87.5% +/- 8.7 (range 52-98) compared to a 88.5% for
      medical students. Based on an Angoff passmark of 76.0%, 53 pharmacists (89.8%)
      passed compared to an overall pass rate in PSA 2014 of 94%. Pharmacists performed
      equivalently to medical students in all assessment areas, with a slightly lower
      performance in the prescribing, drug monitoring and data interpretation questions
      offset by better performance in prescription review and adverse drug reactions.
      Feedback was positive in relation to appropriateness, relevance and level of
      difficulty of the PSA although several commented that they were practicing in
      very specific clinical areas. CONCLUSION: These pilot events have benchmarked the
      PSA performance of pharmacist prescribers with final year medical students, and
      feedback confirmed feasibility and acceptability.

PMID- 28089610
TI  - Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Exercise Training in the United States.
AB  - The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the descriptive
      epidemiology of physical activity (PA) and exercise training in the United
      States. Overall, there is a low prevalence of meeting the current PA guidelines
      in all age, sex and race/ethnic groups. Among adults the prevalence of meeting
      the aerobic component of the guidelines is approximately 51%, whereas the
      prevalence of meeting both the aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines is
      approximately 23%. Approximately 27% of high school students meet the aerobic
      component of the pediatric guidelines (60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous
      activity), and the proportion of youth meeting the guidelines decreases with
      advancing age. Further research is required to promote physically active
      lifestyles across the age spectrum in order to achieve optimal health benefits
      for the overall population.

PMID- 28089609
TI  - De-immunized and Functional Therapeutic (DeFT) versions of a long lasting
      recombinant alpha interferon for antiviral therapy.
AB  - Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) exerts potent antiviral, immunomodulatory, and
      antiproliferative activity and have proven clinical utility in chronic hepatitis
      B and C virus infections. However, repeated IFN-alpha administration induces
      neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against the therapeutic in a significant number of
      patients. Associations between IFN-alpha immunogenicity and loss of efficacy have
      been described. So as to improve the in vivo biological efficacy of IFN-alpha, a
      long lasting hyperglycosylated protein (4N-IFN) derived from IFN-alpha2b wild
      type (WT-IFN) was developed. However, in silico analysis performed using
      established in silico methods revealed that 4N-IFN had more T cell epitopes than
      WT-IFN. In order to develop a safer and more efficient IFN therapy, we applied
      the DeFT (De-immunization of Functional Therapeutics) approach to producing
      functional, de-immunized versions of 4N-IFN. Using the OptiMatrix in silico tool
      in ISPRI, the 4N-IFN sequence was modified to reduce HLA binding potential of
      specific T cell epitopes. Following verification of predictions by HLA binding
      assays, eight modifications were selected and integrated in three variants: 4N
      IFN(VAR1), (VAR2) and (VAR3). Two of the three variants (VAR1 and VAR3) retained
      anti-viral function and demonstrated reduced T-cell immunogenicity in terms of T
      cell proliferation and Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels, when compared to controls
      (commercial NG-IFN (non-glycosylated), PEG-IFN, WT-IFN and 4N-IFN). It was
      previously demonstrated that N-glycosylation improved IFN-alpha pharmacokinetic
      properties. Here, we further reduce immunogenicity as measured in vitro using T
      cell assays and cytokine profiling by modifying the T cell epitope content of a
      protein (de-immunizing). Taking into consideration the present results and
      previously reported immunogenicity data for commercial IFN-alpha2b variants, 4N
      IFN(VAR1) and 4N-IFN-4N(VAR3) appear to be promising candidates for improved IFN
      alpha therapy of HCV and HBV.

PMID- 28089611
TI  - Government's Role in Promoting Healthy Living.
AB  - Worldwide, poor lifestyle behaviors, including obesity, physical inactivity, and
      low diet quality, are creating an unstainable burden of chronic disease with
      disparities across geography, race, income, education, and sex. Government plays
      an important role in addressing lifestyle behaviors and population health,
      reducing health disparities and chronic disease. Areas for government involvement
      include surveillance, research, programming, access to health care, quality
      assurance and guidelines for diet and physical activity (PA). Some view
      government as paternalistic and favor individual choice; however, there is
      opportunity to unite diverse approaches with government working across sectors
      and engaging the private sector. The paper will conclude with specific evidence
      based policy approaches to address obesity, nutrition, PA and tobacco use.

PMID- 28089612
TI  - Growth kinetic models of five species of Lactobacilli and lactose consumption in
      batch submerged culture.
AB  - Kinetic behaviors of five Lactobacillus strains were investigated with Contois
      and Exponential models. Awareness of kinetic behavior of microorganisms is
      essential for their industrial process design and scale up. The consistency of
      experimental data was evaluated using Excel software. L. bulgaricus was
      introduced as the most efficient strain with the highest biomass and lactic acid
      yield of 0.119 and 0.602gg-1 consumed lactose, respectively. The biomass and
      carbohydrate yield of L. fermentum and L. lactis were slightly less and close to
      L. bulgaricus. Biomass and lactic acid production yield of 0.117 and 0.358 for L.
      fermentum and 0.114 and 0.437gg-1 for L.actobacillus lactis were obtained. L.
      casei and L. delbrueckii had the less biomass yield, nearly 11.8 and 22.7% less
      than L. bulgaricus, respectively. L. bulgaricus (R2=0.9500 and 0.9156) and L.
      casei (R2=0.9552 and 0.8401) showed acceptable consistency with both models. The
      investigation revealed that the above mentioned models are not suitable to
      describe the kinetic behavior of L. fermentum (R2=0.9367 and 0.6991), L.
      delbrueckii (R2=0.9493 and 0.7724) and L. lactis (R2=0.8730 and 0.6451). Contois
      rate equation is a suitable model to describe the kinetic of Lactobacilli.
      Specific cell growth rate for L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. fermentum, L.
      delbrueckii and L. lactis with Contois model in order 3.2, 3.9, 67.6, 10.4 and
      9.8-fold of Exponential model.

PMID- 28089613
TI  - High frequency of hepatitis E virus infection in swine from South Brazil and
      close similarity to human HEV isolates.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus is responsible for acute and chronic liver infections
      worldwide. Swine hepatitis E virus has been isolated in Brazil, and a probable
      zoonotic transmission has been described, although data are still scarce. The aim
      of this study was to investigate the frequency of hepatitis E virus infection in
      pigs from a small-scale farm in the rural area of Parana State, South Brazil.
      Fecal samples were collected from 170 pigs and screened for hepatitis E virus RNA
      using a duplex real-time RT-PCR targeting a highly conserved 70nt long sequence
      within overlapping parts of ORF2 and ORF3 as well as a 113nt sequence of ORF2.
      Positive samples with high viral loads were subjected to direct sequencing and
      phylogenetic analysis. hepatitis E virus RNA was detected in 34 (20.0%) of the
      170 pigs following positive results in at least one set of screening real-time RT
      PCR primers and probes. The swine hepatitis E virus strains clustered with the
      genotype hepatitis E virus-3b reference sequences in the phylogenetic analysis
      and showed close similarity to human hepatitis E virus isolates previously
      reported in Brazil.

PMID- 28089614
TI  - Dark septate endophyte decreases stress on rice plants.
AB  - Abiotic stress is one of the major limiting factors for plant development and
      productivity, which makes it important to identify microorganisms capable of
      increasing plant tolerance to stress. Dark septate endophytes can be symbionts of
      plants. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of dark septate endophytes
      isolates to reduce the effects of water stress in the rice varieties Nipponbare
      and Piaui. The experiments were performed under gnotobiotic conditions, and the
      water stress was induced with PEG. Four dark septate endophytes were isolated
      from the roots of wild rice (Oryza glumaepatula) collected from the Brazilian
      Amazon. Plant height as well as shoot and root fresh and dry matter were
      measured. Leaf protein concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activity were also
      estimated. The dark septate endophytes were grown in vitro in Petri dishes
      containing culture medium; they exhibited different levels of tolerance to
      salinity and water stress. The two rice varieties tested responded differently to
      inoculation with dark septate endophytes. Endophytes promoted rice plant growth
      both in the presence and in the absence of a water deficit. Decreased oxidative
      stress in plants in response to inoculation was observed in nearly all inoculated
      treatments, as indicated by the decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity. Dark
      septate endophytes fungi were shown to increase the tolerance of rice plants to
      stress caused by water deficiency.

PMID- 28089615
TI  - Commentary: Pediatric Psychopharmacology for the Primary Care Clinician.

PMID- 28089616
TI  - Foreword: Pediatric Psychopharmacology for Primary Care Clinicians.

PMID- 28089617
TI  - Validity of a population-specific BMR predictive equation for adults from an
      urban tropical setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is an important physiologic measure
      in nutrition research. In many instances it is not measured but estimated by
      predictive equations. The purpose of this study was to compare measured BMR
      (BMRm) with estimated BMR (BMRe) obtained by different equations. METHODS: A
      convenient sample of 148 (89 women) 20-60 year-old subjects from the metropolitan
      area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil participated in the study. BMRm values were
      measured by an indirect calorimeter and predicted by different equations
      (Schofield, Henry and Rees, Mifflin-St. Jeor and Anjos. All subjects had their
      body composition and anthropometric variables also measured. Accuracy of the
      estimations was established by the percentage of BMRe falling within +/-10% of
      BMRm and bias when the 95% CI of the difference of BMRe and BMRm means did not
      include zero. RESULTS: Mean BMRm values were 4833.5 (SD 583.3) and 6278.8 (SD
      724.0) kJ*day-1 for women and men, respectively. BMRe values were both biased and
      inaccurate except for values predicted by the Anjos equation. BMR overestimation
      was approximately 20% for the Schofield equation which was higher comparatively
      to the Henry and Rees (14.5% and 9.6% for women and men, respectively) and the
      Mifflin-St. Jeor (approximately 14.0%) equations. BMR estimated by the Anjos
      equation was unbiased (95% CI = -78.1; 96.3 kJ day-1 for women and -282.6; 30.7
      kJ*day-1 for men). CONCLUSIONS: Population-specific BMR predictive equations
      yield unbiased and accurate BMR values in adults from an urban tropical setting.

PMID- 28089619
TI  - Water soluble vitamins and peritoneal dialysis - State of the art.
AB  - This review presents the results of a systematic literature search concerning
      water soluble vitamins and peritoneal dialysis modality. We provide an overview
      of the data available on vitamin requirements, dietary intake, dialysis related
      losses, metabolism and the benefits of supplementation. We also summarise the
      current recommendations concerning the supplementation of vitamins in peritoneal
      dialysis and discuss the safety of an administration of vitamins in
      pharmacological doses.

PMID- 28089618
TI  - 24-Hour protein, arginine and citrulline metabolism in fed critically ill
      children - A stable isotope tracer study.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The reference method to study protein and arginine metabolism
      in critically ill children is measuring plasma amino acid appearances with stable
      isotopes during a short (4-8 h) time period and extrapolate results to 24-h.
      However, 24-h measurements may be variable due to critical illness related
      factors and a circadian rhythm could be present. Since only short duration stable
      isotope studies in critically ill children have been conducted before, the aim of
      this study was to investigate 24-h appearance of specific amino acids
      representing protein and arginine metabolism, with stable isotope techniques in
      continuously fed critically ill children. METHODS: In eight critically ill
      children, admitted to the pediatric (n = 4) or cardiovascular (n = 4) intensive
      care unit, aged 0-10 years, receiving continuous (par)enteral nutrition with
      protein intake 1.0-3.7 g/kg/day, a 24-h stable isotope tracer protocol was
      carried out. L-[ring-2H5]-phenylalanine, L-[3,3-2H2]-tyrosine, L-[5,5,5-2H3]
      leucine, L-[guanido-15N2]-arginine and L-[5-13C-3,3,4,4-2H4]-citrulline were
      infused intravenously and L-[15N]-phenylalanine and L-[1-13C]leucine enterally.
      Arterial blood was sampled every hour. RESULTS: Coefficients of variation,
      representing intra-individual variability, of the amino acid appearances of
      phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine, arginine and citrulline were high, on average
      14-19% for intravenous tracers and 23-26% for enteral tracers. No evident
      circadian rhythm was present. The pattern and overall 24-h level of whole body
      protein balance differed per individual. CONCLUSIONS: In continuously fed stable
      critically ill children, the amino acid appearances of phenylalanine, tyrosine,
      leucine, arginine and citrulline show high variability. This should be kept in
      mind when performing stable isotope studies in this population. There was no
      apparent circadian rhythm. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTER: NCT01511354 on
      clinicaltrials.gov.

PMID- 28089620
TI  - The use of information theory for the evaluation of biomarkers of aging and
      physiological age.
AB  - The present work explores the application of information theoretical measures,
      such as entropy and normalized mutual information, for research of biomarkers of
      aging. The use of information theory affords unique methodological advantages for
      the study of aging processes, as it allows evaluating non-linear relations
      between biological parameters, providing the precise quantitative strength of
      those relations, both for individual and multiple parameters, showing cumulative
      or synergistic effect. Here we illustrate those capabilities utilizing a dataset
      on heart disease, including diagnostic parameters routinely available to
      physicians. The use of information-theoretical methods, utilizing normalized
      mutual information, revealed the exact amount of information that various
      diagnostic parameters or their combinations contained about the persons' age.
      Based on those exact informative values for the correlation of measured
      parameters with age, we constructed a diagnostic rule (a decision tree) to
      evaluate physiological age, as compared to chronological age. The present data
      illustrated that younger subjects suffering from heart disease showed
      characteristics of people of higher age (higher physiological age). Utilizing
      information-theoretical measures, with additional data, it may be possible to
      create further clinically applicable information-theory-based markers and models
      for the evaluation of physiological age, its relation to age-related diseases and
      its potential modifications by therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 28089621
TI  - Exaptation, serendipity and aging.
AB  - The paper shows the importance of serendipity and exaptation in selected key
      moments of ageing research and argue that rationalistic dominant models in
      scientific research have masked the importance of reverse models of discovery
      based on serendipity and exaptation. I ask why this is the case and analyze three
      contributing factors: unprestatability of the functions of technologies,
      multidimensionality and astronomical complexity of the space over which
      biological reactions occurs and role of scientific paradigms in channeling
      research toward incrementalism. Empirical evidence of the limits of the
      rationalistic models are presented next. I close the paper by discussing the
      implications for aging research.

PMID- 28089622
TI  - Serum procalcitonin correlates with colonoscopy findings and can guide
      therapeutic decisions in postoperative ischemic colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative ischaemic colitis (POIC) is a life-threatening vascular
      gastrointestinal condition. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels be of value in the
      detection of necrosis. AIMS: To evaluate the correlation between serum PCT levels
      and the colonoscopic assessment of the severity of POIC. METHODS: Between January
      2007 and November 2014, 150 patients with POIC and PCT data were included in the
      study. The main outcome measure was the correlation between serum PCT and the
      colonoscopy-based assessment of the severity of POIC (according to Favier's
      classification: stage 1/2 without multi-organ failure vs. stage 2/3 with multi
      organ failure). RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of the stage 1 cases (n=22) had a
      serum PCT level <=2MUg/L; 63% (n=19) of the stage 2 cases with multi-organ
      failure had a PCT level between 4 and 8MUg/L, and 70% (n=52) of the stage 3 cases
      had a PCT level >=8MUg/L. The PCT level was strongly correlated with the Favier
      stage (Spearman's rho: 0.701; p<0.0001). PCT levels were similar in stage 2 cases
      with multi-organ failure and in stage 3 cases (16.06MUg/L vs. 7.79MUg/L,
      respectively; p=0.35). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Serum PCT is correlated with
      stage 2/3 POIC requiring surgery. If PCT >=5MUg/L, surgery should be considered.

PMID- 28089623
TI  - Which treatment for type 2 diabetes associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease?
AB  - Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are highly
      prevalent in the community, and share common pathogenic mechanisms. There is also
      evidence that T2DM may be favored by hepatic fat accumulation; in turn the
      presence of T2DM is a risk factor for liver disease progression. The treatment of
      T2DM has considerably changed in the past few years; new drug classes, promoting
      glucose-lowering through mechanisms different from classical insulin-sensitizing
      or insulin-secreting action, have been added to continuing lifestyle
      intervention. Metformin and pioglitazone may be safely used in the presence of
      liver fat, whereas sulfonylureas and insulin itself have been associated with
      NAFLD progression and adverse outcome. Drugs acting on the incretin axis and on
      Na-glucose co-transport at renal tubular level offer new hopes for a tailored
      treatment able to reduce the burden of hepatic triglyceride accumulation and
      liver disease progression.

PMID- 28089624
TI  - Screening for colorectal cancer in France: How to improve adhesion and
      participation?

PMID- 28089625
TI  - Azathioprine for refractory ulcerative proctitis: A retrospective multicenter
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Efficacy of azathioprine (AZA) in refractory ulcerative proctitis
      (UP) is unknown. METHODS: All patients treated with AZA for refractory UP in
      three referral centers between 2002 and 2012 were included. "Treatment success"
      in the long-term was defined as the absence of colectomy during follow-up, no
      need for anti-TNF during follow-up, no ongoing systemic steroids use, no adverse
      event leading to AZA withdrawal, and clinically quiescent disease at last follow
      up. RESULTS: Of the 1279 adult patients with ulcerative colitis, 25 patients were
      treated with AZA for refractory UP (median disease duration 4.9 years). Of these,
      4 had no short-term clinical assessment. Of the remaining 21, 4 were primary non
      responders to AZA, 7 discontinued AZA for adverse events and 10 showed clinical
      improvement. At the long-term assessment at last follow up after a median of 46
      months, 5 patients had treatment success and were still on AZA treatment, the
      remaining 20 were treatment failures. Of these, 5 discontinued AZA for adverse
      events and 15 were treated with infliximab (clinical response in 11 patients,
      primary non-response in one patient, and 3 underwent colectomy). CONCLUSION: AZA
      may be efficacious in maintaining clinical response in one-fifth of patients with
      refractory UP in a real-life setting.

PMID- 28089626
TI  - Cisplatin Induces Apoptosis Through the Endoplasmic Reticulum-mediated, Calpain 1
      Pathway in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Triple
      negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type that can be treated using
      platinum-based chemotherapy such as cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II).
      Although the calpain protein is essential in many cellular processes, including
      apoptosis, cell signaling, and proliferation, its role in cisplatin-induced
      apoptosis in TNBC cells is not fully understood. The present study assessed
      calpain 1-dependent, cisplatin-induced apoptosis in TNBC cells. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: MDA-MB231 cells were treated with different concentrations of cisplatin
      (0, 20, and 40 MUM). The cisplatin deposit and its effect on endoplasmic
      reticulum and, subsequently, calcium release were detected using transmission
      electron microscopy and Von Koss staining, respectively. Calpain 1 messenger RNA,
      protein content, and apoptosis was measured using reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and Hoechst stain, respectively. In
      addition, calpain modulation, by either activation or inhibition, and its effect
      on cisplatin-induced apoptosis were assessed. RESULTS: Our results showed that
      cisplatin induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, indicated by an increase in
      calcium staining and protein expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 and
      calmodulin, followed by cleavage of alpha-fodrin and caspase-12 and, eventually,
      apoptosis. Cyclopiazonic acid showed a similar effect and enhanced the
      sensitivity of these cells to cisplatin treatment. In contrast, calpain 1
      inhibition by both specific small interfering RNA and exogenous inhibitor
      (calpeptin) attenuated cisplatin-induced apoptosis in these cells. CONCLUSION:
      Altogether, these findings suggest, for the first time, that calpain 1 activation
      by endoplasmic reticulum plays an essential role in sensitizing TNBC cells to
      cisplatin-induced apoptosis. This finding will allow exploration of new insights
      for the treatment of TNBC by overcoming its resistance to apoptosis.

PMID- 28089627
TI  - The Relationship Between Tamoxifen-associated Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
      and the Prognosis of Patients With Early-stage Breast Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between tamoxifen-associated
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and survival outcomes in patients with
      breast cancer. METHODS: Patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer after
      curative resection from January 2009 to June 2011 were selected. A total of 646
      patients who were treated with tamoxifen were included. Patients diagnosed with
      NAFLD on ultrasonography were classified into the NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups.
      RESULTS: The NAFLD group included 221 patients, and the non-NAFLD group included
      425 patients. Patients in the NAFLD group had significantly higher body mass
      index than those in the non-NAFLD group (P < .001). Disease-free survival was
      significantly longer in the non-NAFLD group than the NAFLD group (P = .006).
      However, there were no significant statistical differences between these 2 groups
      on overall survival (P = .387). With regard to body mass index, total
      cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine
      aminotransferase, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the optimal cutoff
      points were 21.06, 4.28, 1.22, 3.13, 27.50 and 1.29, respectively, which can be
      identified as risk factors for distinguishing patients who developed NAFLD from
      those who did not (P < .05). Moreover, a risk score >= 3 indicated a high risk of
      development of NAFLD (odds ratio, 3.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-8.28; P =
      .037). CONCLUSION: NAFLD development had a negative effect on survival outcomes
      of patients with breast cancer. The risk score created >= 3 had a high-level risk
      of developing NAFLD, and it might be used for physicians to evaluate each patient
      and give instructive advice for further treatment.

PMID- 28089628
TI  - CRF1 but not glucocorticoid receptor antagonists reduce separation-induced
      distress vocalizations in guinea pig pups and CRF overexpressing mouse pups. A
      combination study with paroxetine.
AB  - RATIONALE: Given the large number of patients that does not respond sufficiently
      to currently available treatment for anxiety disorders, there is a need for
      improved treatment. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the anxiolytic effects of
      corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)1 receptor antagonists and glucocorticoid
      receptor (GR) antagonists in the separation-induced vocalization test in guinea
      pigs and transgenic mice with central CRF overexpression. Furthermore, we
      explored effects of these drugs when given in combination with a suboptimal dose
      of a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI). METHODS: In guinea pig pups,
      the CRF1 receptor antagonists CP-154,526 and DMP695, and the GR antagonists
      mifepristone and Org34517 (all at 2.5, 10 and 40mg/kg intraperitoneally (IP))
      were tested alone or in combination with 0.63mg/kg paroxetine IP. In CRF
      overexpressing mouse pups and wild type littermates, effects of CP-154,526 (10,
      20 and 40mg/kg subcutaneously (SC)) and mifepristone (5, 15, 45mg/kg SC) were
      studied alone or in combination with 0.03mg/kg paroxetine SC. RESULTS: CRF1 but
      not GR antagonists reduced the number of calls relative to vehicle in guinea pigs
      and mice, independent of genotype. Treatment of CRF1 receptor or GR antagonists
      with paroxetine had no combined effect in guinea pigs, wild type or CRF
      overexpressing mice. CONCLUSIONS: Current results indicate robust anxiolytic
      properties of CRF1 receptor antagonists in guinea pigs and mice overexpressing
      CRF, and lack thereof of GR antagonists. Although no combined treatment effects
      were observed, it would be interesting to study combined treatment of CRF1
      receptor antagonists with SSRIs following chronic drug administration.

PMID- 28089629
TI  - A RACK1-like protein regulates hyphal morphogenesis, root entry and in vivo
      virulence in Verticillium dahliae.
AB  - To identify key genes expressed in Verticillium dahliae in early stages of
      infection of cotton roots, spore suspensions of eight V. dahliae isolates with
      different virulence levels were induced by cotton roots and genes expressed in
      these isolates during the early stages of infection were profiled. A gene that
      was differentially expressed between highly and less virulent strains was
      identified. Cloning and bioinformatics analysis of the gene suggested that it
      belongs to the putative Gbeta-like/RACK1 protein family, and has seven WD40
      domains. Targeted deletion of the gene revealed that it controls a number of
      growth-related phenotypes, including conidia and microsclerotia production,
      normal spore germination and hyphal development. RACK1 is a component of
      eukaryotic ribosomes, and here we found by qRT-PCR that disruption of RACK1 in V.
      dahliae (designated VdRACK1) significantly altered the transcriptional levels of
      other ribosomal proteins, suggesting possible global effects of VdRACK1 deletion
      on the protein translation of other genes. VdRACK1-null mutants lost the ability
      to penetrate intact cotton roots. However, the mutant strain was able to infect
      root-wounded cotton plants and, intriguingly, resulted in a hypervirulent
      phenotype, implicating a role for VdRACK1 in the restriction of rampant growth
      within the plant.

PMID- 28089631
TI  - Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a step ahead in the journey toward eradication.

PMID- 28089630
TI  - The Aspergillus nidulans Pbp1 homolog is required for normal sexual development
      and secondary metabolism.
AB  - P bodies and stress granules are RNA-containing structures governing mRNA
      degradation and translational arrest, respectively. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pbp1
      protein localizes to stress granules and promotes their formation and is involved
      in proper polyadenylation, suppression of RNA-DNA hybrids, and preventing
      aberrant rDNA recombination. A genetic screen for Aspergillus nidulans mutants
      aberrant in secondary metabolism identified the Pbp1 homolog, PbpA. Using Dcp1
      (mRNA decapping) as a marker for P-body formation and FabM (Pab1, poly-A binding
      protein) to track stress granule accumulation, we examine the dynamics of RNA
      granule formation in A. nidulans cells lacking pub1, edc3, and pbpA. Although
      PbpA acts as a functional homolog of yeast PBP1, PbpA had little impact on either
      P-body or stress granule formation in A. nidulans in contrast to Pub1 and Edc3.
      However, we find that PbpA is critical for sexual development and its loss
      increases the production of some secondary metabolites including the carcinogen
      sterigmatocystin.

PMID- 28089632
TI  - Long interval zoledronic acid use in bone metastases.

PMID- 28089633
TI  - Definitions of oesophageal cancer.

PMID- 28089634
TI  - Adjuvant chemotherapy for upper tract urothelial cancer.

PMID- 28089636
TI  - Influence of perioperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on complications
      after gastrointestinal surgery: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a key part of
      multimodal perioperative analgesia. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of
      perioperative NSAIDs application on complications after gastrointestinal surgery
      by using meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic review of published literature was
      conducted by searching computerized databases including PubMed, CBM, Springer,
      Chinese Academic Journals, and China Info since the databases were published
      until June 2015. The articles and retrospective references regarding
      complications after gastrointestinal surgery were collected to compare
      postoperative complications associated with NSAIDs or other analgesics. After
      they were assessed by randomized controlled trials and extracted by the standard
      of the Jadad systematic review, the homogeneous studies were pooled using RevMan
      5.3 software. The meta-analysis was performed on five postoperative
      complications: postoperative anastomotic leak, cardiovascular events, surgical
      site infection, nausea and vomiting, and intestinal obstruction. RESULTS: Twelve
      randomized controlled trials involving 3829 patients met the inclusion criteria.
      The results of meta-analyses showed the following: (1) postoperative anastomotic
      leak: NSAIDs (including selective and nonselective NSAIDs) increased the
      incidence of anastomotic leak [odds ratio (OR)=3.02, 95% confidence interval
      (CI): 2.16-4.23, p=0.00001]. Further results showed that nonselective NSAIDs
      significantly increased the incidence of anastomotic leak (OR=2.96, 95% CI: 1.99
      4.42, p<0.00001), and selective NSAIDs had no significant difference as compared
      with the control group using other analgesics (OR=2.27, 95% CI: 0.68-7.56,
      p=0.18); (2) postoperative cardiovascular events: NSAIDs (selective and
      nonselective NSAIDs) had no difference when compared with other analgesics
      (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.23-1.12, p=0.09); (3) postoperative surgical site infection:
      NSAIDs (selective and nonselective NSAIDs) and other analgesics had no difference
      in surgical site infection (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.52-1.15, p=0.20); (4)
      postoperative nausea and vomiting: NSAIDs (selective and nonselective NSAIDs)
      decreased the incidence of nausea and vomiting (OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.34-0.81,
      p=0.003); (5) postoperative intestinal obstruction: NSAIDs (selective and
      nonselective NSAIDs) decreased the incidence of intestinal obstruction (OR=0.35,
      95% CI: 0.13-0.89, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis suggests that
      postoperative NSAIDs, especially nonselective NSAIDs, could increase the
      incidence of anastomotic leak. NSAIDs could decrease postoperative nausea and
      vomiting and intestinal obstruction, but showed no difference in cardiovascular
      events and surgical site infection as compared with other analgesics.

PMID- 28089635
TI  - Venetoclax plus rituximab in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic
      leukaemia: a phase 1b study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Selective BCL2 inhibition with venetoclax has substantial activity in
      patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Combination
      therapy with rituximab enhanced activity in preclinical models. The aim of this
      study was to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and activity of venetoclax in
      combination with rituximab. METHODS: Adult patients with relapsed or refractory
      chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (according to the 2008 Modified International
      Workshop on CLL guidelines) or small lymphocytic lymphoma were eligible for this
      phase 1b, dose-escalation trial. The primary outcomes were to assess the safety
      profile, to determine the maximum tolerated dose, and to establish the
      recommended phase 2 dose of venetoclax when given in combination with rituximab.
      Secondary outcomes were to assess the pharmacokinetic profile and analyse
      efficacy, including overall response, duration of response, and time to tumour
      progression. Minimal residual disease was a protocol-specified exploratory
      objective. Central review of the endpoints was not done. Venetoclax was dosed
      daily using a stepwise escalation to target doses (200-600 mg) and then monthly
      rituximab commenced (375 mg/m2 in month 1 and 500 mg/m2 in months 2-6). Adverse
      events were graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology
      Criteria for adverse events version 4.0. Protocol-guided drug cessation was
      allowed for patients who achieved complete response (including complete response
      with incomplete marrow recovery) or negative bone marrow minimal residual
      disease. Analyses were done per protocol for all patients who commenced drug and
      included all patients who received at least one dose of venetoclax. Data were
      pooled across dose cohorts. Patients are still receiving therapy and follow-up is
      ongoing. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01682616.
      FINDINGS: Between Aug 6, 2012, and May 28, 2014, we enrolled 49 patients. Common
      grade 1-2 toxicities included upper respiratory tract infections (in 28 [57%] of
      49 patients), diarrhoea (27 [55%]), and nausea (25 [51%]). Grade 3-4 adverse
      events occurred in 37 (76%) of 49 patients; most common were neutropenia (26
      [53%]), thrombocytopenia (eight [16%]), anaemia (seven [14%]), febrile
      neutropenia (six [12%]), and leucopenia (six [12%]). The most common serious
      adverse events were pyrexia (six [12%]), febrile neutropenia (five [10%]), lower
      respiratory tract infection, and pneumonia (each three [6%]). Clinical tumour
      lysis syndrome occurred in two patients (resulting in one death) who initiated
      venetoclax at 50 mg. After enhancing tumour lysis syndrome prophylaxis measures
      and commencing venetoclax at 20 mg, clinical tumour lysis syndrome did not occur.
      The maximum tolerated dose was not identified; the recommended phase 2 dose of
      venetoclax in combination with rituximab was 400 mg. Overall, 42 (86%) of 49
      patients achieved a response, including a complete response in 25 (51%) of 49
      patients. 2 year estimates for progression-free survival and ongoing response
      were 82% (95% CI 66-91) and 89% (95% CI 72-96), respectively. Negative marrow
      minimal residual disease was attained in 20 (80%) of 25 complete responders and
      28 (57%) of 49 patients overall. 13 responders ceased all therapy; among these
      all 11 minimal residual disease-negative responders remain progression-free off
      therapy. Two with minimal residual disease-positive complete response progressed
      after 24 months off therapy and re-attained response after re-initiation of
      venetoclax. INTERPRETATION: A substantial proportion of patients achieved an
      overall response with the combination of venetoclax and rituximab including 25
      (51%) of 49 patients who achieved a complete response and 28 (57%) of 49 patients
      who achieved negative marrow minimal residual disease with acceptable safety. The
      depth and durability of responses observed with the combination offers an
      attractive potential treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory
      chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and could allow some patients to maintain response
      after discontinuing therapy, a strategy that warrants further investigation in
      randomised studies. FUNDING: AbbVie Inc and Genentech Inc.

PMID- 28089637
TI  - Postoperative nausea and vomiting free for all: A solution from propofol?

PMID- 28089640
TI  - Catecholamines are produced by ascidian immune cells: The involvement of PKA and
      PKC in the adrenergic signaling pathway.
AB  - The stress response is a complex mechanism, which includes changes in the immune
      system to enable organisms to maintain homeostasis. The neurohormones dopamine,
      noradrenaline (NA) and adrenalin are responsible for the physiological
      modulations that occur during acute stress. In the present study, we analyzed the
      effects of NA on the immune system specific to nitric-oxide (NO) production by
      subpopulations of immune cells (hemocytes) of the ascidian Phallusia nigra. We
      also investigated the capability of immune cells to produce catecholamine (CA).
      Finally, we tested the involvement of protein kinase A (PKA) and C (PKC) in the
      NA downstream signaling pathway. The results revealed that NA can reduce NO
      production by P. nigra hemocytes threefold, and that signet-ring cells,
      univacuolar refractile granulocytes and morula cells are the cell types most
      involved in this event. A challenge effected with Zymosan A induced CA
      production, and co-incubation with both inhibitors of the second messengers PKA
      and PKC revealed the involvement of these molecules in the adrenergic pathway of
      P. nigra hemocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that NO production can
      be down-regulated by NA through alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors via the second
      messengers PKA and PKC.

PMID- 28089641
TI  - Current outcomes of one-stage surgical correction for Berry syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Berry syndrome is a combination of distal aortopulmonary window
      (APW), aortic origin of the right pulmonary artery (RPA), intact ventricular
      septum, and interrupted aortic arch. We present here our current experience of
      primary repair of this syndrome with the goal of optimizing treatment for this
      rare condition. METHODS: From January 2003 through December 2015, 16 infants with
      Berry syndrome underwent one-stage repair at Shanghai Children's Medical Center.
      Three different surgical correction techniques were used to repair the APW and
      aortic origin of the RPA, including intra-aortic baffle in 5, RPA detachment in
      6, and RPA angioplasty with aortic cuff in 5 patients. RESULTS: The median age at
      repair was 90.5 days (range, 8-170 days). The interrupted aortic arch morphology
      was type A in 14 and type B in 2 patients. The APW morphology was type IIa in 4,
      type IIb in 10, and type III in 2 patients. Hospital death occurred in 2
      patients, and death at follow-up occurred in one other patient. Three patients
      who previously underwent RPA angioplasty with aortic cuff required reoperation
      for aortic or RPA stenosis. Freedom from reoperation was 84.8%, 75.4%, and 75.4%,
      respectively at 1, 5, and 10 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage repair
      of Berry syndrome has achieved acceptable outcomes. Reoperations mainly are
      related to aortic or RPA stenosis, and the reoperation rate is higher when RPA
      arterioplasty is performed with an aortic cuff.

PMID- 28089639
TI  - A systematic review of the association between fatigue and genetic polymorphisms.
AB  - Fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms, leading to markedly
      decreased quality of life among a large subset of patients with a variety of
      disorders. Susceptibility to fatigue may be influenced by genetic factors
      including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), especially in the regulatory
      regions, of relevant genes. To further investigate the association of SNPs with
      fatigue in various patient populations, a systematic search was conducted on
      Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts Database for fatigue related
      terms in combination with polymorphisms or genetic variation-related terms. Fifty
      papers in total met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this analysis. These
      50 papers were further classified into three subgroups for evaluation: chronic
      fatigue syndrome (CFS), cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and other disease-related
      fatigue. SNPs in regulatory pathways of immune and neurotransmitter systems were
      found to play important roles in the etiologies of CFS, CRF and other disease
      related fatigue. Evidence for associations between elevated fatigue and specific
      polymorphisms in TNFalpha, IL1b, IL4 and IL6 genes was revealed for all three
      subgroups of fatigue. We also found CFS shared a series of polymorphisms in HLA,
      IFN-gamma, 5-HT and NR3C1 genes with other disease-related fatigue, however these
      SNPs (excluding IFN-gamma) were not found to be adequately investigated in CRF.
      Gaps in knowledge related to fatigue etiology and recommendations for future
      research are further discussed.

PMID- 28089642
TI  - Mitochondria "muscle in" as a potential adjunct therapy in cardiothoracic
      surgery.

PMID- 28089643
TI  - Advancing the science of predicting air leaks.

PMID- 28089638
TI  - The effects of acute psychological stress on circulating and stimulated
      inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Inflammatory reactivity to acute laboratory stress is thought to reflect
      individual differences in responsivity to environmental stressors and may confer
      future health risk. To characterize this response, we conducted a meta-analysis
      of 34 studies that measured circulating inflammatory markers and 15 studies that
      measured stimulated production of inflammatory markers before and after exposure
      to laboratory challenge. Results showed significant stress-related increases in
      circulating interleukin (IL)-1beta (d=0.66, p<0.001), IL-6 (d=0.35, p<0.001), IL
      10 (d=0.69, p<0.001), and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-alpha (d=0.28, p<0.001), but
      not IL-1ra, IL-2, interferon-gamma, or C-reactive protein. There were sufficient
      data to assess the time course of IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha reactivity. IL-6
      increased from baseline to measures taken 40-50, 60-75, 90, and 120min following
      stress, with the largest effect at 90min post-stress (d=0.70, p<0.001). IL-1beta
      increased from baseline to 20-30, 40-50, and 60-70min following stress, with the
      largest effect between 40 and 50min post-stress (d=0.73, p=0.02). For TNF-alpha,
      there was a significant increase from baseline to 31-50min post stress (d=0.44,
      p=0.01), but not at later times. There was no difference in magnitude of IL-6
      reactivity as a function of type of stress (social-evaluative versus other). For
      stimulated inflammatory markers, results showed stress-related increases in IL
      1beta when measured 20-120min post-stress (d=1.09, p<0.001), and in IL-4 and
      interferon-gamma when measured 0-10min post stressor (d=-0.42, p<0.001 and
      d=0.47, p<0.001). These results extend findings from a prior meta-analysis
      (Steptoe et al., 2007) to show reliable increases in circulating IL-6, IL-1beta,
      IL-10 and TNF-alpha and stimulated IL-1beta, IL-4 and interferon-gamma in
      response to acute stress. It is possible that these responses contribute to
      associations between exposure to life challenges and vulnerability to
      inflammatory disease.

PMID- 28089644
TI  - Discussion.

PMID- 28089645
TI  - Pulmonary and atrial resection and reconstruction for sarcoma with intracardiac
      extension.

PMID- 28089646
TI  - A risk score to predict the incidence of prolonged air leak after video-assisted
      thoracoscopic lobectomy: An analysis from the European Society of Thoracic
      Surgeons database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to develop an aggregate risk score for
      predicting the occurrence of prolonged air leak after video-assisted
      thoracoscopic lobectomy from patients registered in the European Society of
      Thoracic Surgeons database. METHODS: A total of 5069 patients who underwent video
      assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (July 2007 to August 2015) were analyzed.
      Exclusion criteria included sublobar resections or pneumonectomies, lung
      resection associated with chest wall or diaphragm resections, sleeve resections,
      and need for postoperative assisted mechanical ventilation. Prolonged air leak
      was defined as an air leak more than 5 days. Several baseline and surgical
      variables were tested for a possible association with prolonged air leak using
      univariable and logistic regression analyses, determined by bootstrap resampling.
      Predictors were proportionally weighed according to their regression estimates
      (assigning 1 point to the smallest coefficient). RESULTS: Prolonged air leak was
      observed in 504 patients (9.9%). Three variables were found associated with
      prolonged air leak after logistic regression: male gender (P < .0001, score = 1),
      forced expiratory volume in 1 second less than 80% (P < .0001, score = 1), and
      body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m2 (P < .0001, score = 2). The aggregate
      prolonged air leak risk score was calculated for each patient by summing the
      individual scores assigned to each variable (range, 0-4). Patients were then
      grouped into 4 classes with an incremental risk of prolonged air leak (P <
      .0001): class A (score 0 points, 1493 patients) 6.3% with prolonged air leak,
      class B (score 1 point, 2240 patients) 10% with prolonged air leak, class C
      (score 2 points, 1219 patients) 13% with prolonged air leak, and class D (score
      >2 points, 117 patients) 25% with prolonged air leak. CONCLUSIONS: An aggregate
      risk score was created to stratify the incidence of prolonged air leak after
      video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. The score can be used for patient
      counseling and to identify those patients who can benefit from additional
      intraoperative preventative measures.

PMID- 28089647
TI  - Hear! Hear! Against alLODDS, we might have a LiNeaR predictive model for
      prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer from pN+ nodal status.

PMID- 28089648
TI  - Diabetes and cardiorenal syndrome: Understanding the "Triple Threat".
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diabetes is known to be associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
      and cardiovascular disease (CVD) independently. Type 2 cardiorenal syndrome
      (CRS), a recently defined syndrome, is characterized by primary renal failure
      that progressively leads to cardiac dysfunction. The effect of diabetes on
      cardiorenal syndrome has not been explored in a multi-ethnic population. In this
      retrospective secondary analysis, the hypothesis that diabetes modifies the
      effect of CVD on CKD was tested. METHODS: The National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey (NHANES) is a cross-sectional survey that was performed on the
      non-institutionalized population in the United States. All patients from the
      NHANES study, who were 20 years and older between the years 1999 and 2010, were
      included in the analysis. CKD was determined using the Cockcroft-Gault equation.
      The analysis was performed using a complex samples logistic regression to
      determine the relationship between diabetes and CRS. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      CKD among the population was 9.6% in Non-Hispanic Whites, 8.9% in African
      Americans, and 4.5% in Hispanics. The overall unadjusted odds ratio for CKD to no
      CKD was 6.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.13-7.75, p < 0.001). The adjusted
      OR was elevated, 2.25 (CI 1.56-3.23, p < 0.001), among individuals with diabetes
      but was approximately 1.0 (1.43 CI 1.16-1.76, p < 0.05) among patients without
      diabetes after controlling for medical risk factors and demographic risk factors.
      CONCLUSION: Diabetes is strongly associated with Type 2 CRS in a nationally
      representative multi-ethnic population and must be considered when treating
      patients. Longitudinal studies should further examine this association.

PMID- 28089649
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging-conditional devices: Luxury or real clinical need?
AB  - Although the risk of MRI scanning on patients with conventional devices is lower
      than initially thought, the patient's safety can only be guaranteed when using
      MRI-conditional devices. The most important modifications in MRI-conditional
      devices include a) Reduction in ferromagnetic components to reduce magnetic
      attraction and susceptibility artifacts; b) Replacement of the reed switch by a
      Hall sensor in order to avoid unpredictable reed switch behavior; c) Lead coil
      design to minimize lead heating and electrical current induction; d) Filter
      circuitry to prevent damage to the internal power supply; and e) Dedicated
      pacemaker programming to prevent inappropriate pacemaker inhibition and competing
      rhythms. Although many companies claim to have MRI-conditional devices, adoption
      in clinical practice is limited because a) Not all companies have MRI-conditional
      devices approved for both 1.5 and 3T; b) Not all companies offer the option of
      unlimited MRI scanning (without an exclusion zone in the thorax); c) Certain
      companies allow only a 30-min MRI scanning and only in afebrile patients; and d)
      Despite having MRI-conditional pacemakers, certain companies do not have MRI
      conditional defibrillators and CRT systems. It is clear that this new technology
      opens the door for MRI to a growing number of patients; however, the widespread
      adoption of MRI-conditional devices will depend on real-life issues, such as
      cost, clinical indications for such a device and the permanent education of
      health care professionals.

PMID- 28089650
TI  - Neither quantification by qPCR nor quantitative Elisa can be used to discriminate
      Angus cattle for resistance/susceptibility to Babesia bovis.
AB  - With the aim of finding quantitative phenotypic traits that can be used to
      discriminate the levels of resistance/susceptibility to Babesia bovis, we
      estimated the repeatability and correlation between the level of infection,
      determined by the number of copies of a fragment of the gene that encodes
      cytochrome B (NC mt-cyB) of B. bovis, and the levels of the anti-B. bovis
      antibodies, in blood samples collected from 51 Angus cattle on two different
      occasions. Samples with the anticoagulant EDTA were used for DNA extraction and
      without anticoagulant for separation of the blood serum. The quantification of
      the NC mt-cyB of B. bovis was carried out by the quantitative PCR technique
      (qPCR), while the anti-B. bovis IgG antibody titers (S/P) were quantified by the
      ELISA method. The NC and S/P data were log10-transformed to improve the
      approximation to the normal distribution and were analyzed using mixed models.
      The correlations between NC mt-cyB and S/P were estimated, as well as the
      repeatability values for each trait. The results obtained showed the high
      sensitivity of the techniques, with 100% of the animals being positive for B.
      bovis, detected by both the serological and molecular tests. The correlations
      estimated between NC and S/P were low, 0.10 and 0.12, in the first and second
      collection, respectively. The repeatability estimated for NC was 0.06, whereas
      for the S/P it was 0.42. The low correlations between S/P and NC in the two
      collections demonstrated that the variation in the NC value is independent of the
      level of antibodies. This results indicated that animals with a higher levels of
      antibodies against B. bovis in the first collection continued to have a higher
      levels in the second one. However, the very low values for the repeatability
      value of NC, and for the correlations between S/P and NC, demonstrates that
      neither NC or S/P could be used to discriminate animals for
      resistance/susceptibility to B. bovis.

PMID- 28089652
TI  - Hippocampal-prefrontal connectivity as a translational phenotype for
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Finding novel biological targets in psychiatry has been difficult, partly because
      current diagnostic categories are not defined by pathophysiology and difficult to
      model in animals. The study of species-conserved systems-level mechanisms
      implicated in psychiatric disease could be a promising strategy to address some
      of these difficulties. Altered hippocampal-prefrontal (HC-PFC) connectivity
      during working memory (WM) processing is a candidate for such a translational
      phenotype as it has been repeatedly associated with impaired cognition in
      schizophrenia patients and animal models for psychiatric risk factors.
      Specifically, persistent hippocampus-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (HC-DLPFC)
      coupling during WM is an intermediate phenotype for schizophrenia that has been
      observed in patients, healthy relatives and carriers of two different risk
      polymorphisms identified in genome-wide association studies. Rodent studies
      report reduced coherence between HC and PFC during anesthesia, sleep and task
      performance in both genetic, environmental and neurodevelopmental models for
      schizophrenia. We discuss several challenges for translation including
      differences in anatomy, recording modalities and WM paradigms and suggest that a
      better understanding of HC-PFC coupling across species can be achieved if
      translational neuroimaging is used to control for task differences. The evidence
      for potential neurobiological substrates underlying HC-PFC dysconnectivity is
      evaluated and research strategies are proposed that aim to bridge the gap between
      findings from large-scale association studies and disease mechanisms.

PMID- 28089651
TI  - Canine tick-borne pathogens in Cyprus and a unique canine case of multiple co
      infections.
AB  - Canine tick-borne pathogens such as Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis are
      widespread in the Mediterranean basin but have never been reported or
      investigated in Cyprus. We describe herein the presence of canine tick-borne
      pathogens in three dogs with clinical signs compatible with vector-borne diseases
      from Paphos area of Cyprus. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis revealed the
      presence of E. canis, Anaplasma platys, H. canis, Babesia vogeli and Mycoplasma
      haemocanis in Cyprus. One dog co-infected with E. canis, H. canis, B. vogeli and
      M. haemocanis is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of this multiple
      co-infection in dogs. The tick-borne pathogens reported in the current study
      should be considered in the differential diagnoses in dogs exposed to ticks in
      Cyprus.

PMID- 28089653
TI  - Priming theta burst stimulation enhances motor cortex plasticity in young but not
      old adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary motor cortex neuroplasticity is reduced in old adults, which
      may contribute to the motor deficits commonly observed in the elderly. Previous
      research in young subjects suggests that the neuroplastic response can be
      enhanced using non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), with a larger plastic
      response observed following priming with both long-term potentiation (LTP) and
      depression (LTD)-like protocols. However, it is not known if priming stimulation
      can also modulate plasticity in older adults. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if
      priming NIBS can be used to modulate motor cortical plasticity in old subjects.
      METHODS: In 16 young (22.3 +/- 1.0 years) and 16 old (70.2 +/- 1.7 years)
      subjects, we investigated the response to intermittent theta burst stimulation
      (iTBS; LTP-like) when applied 10 min after sham stimulation, continuous TBS
      (cTBS; LTD-like) or an identical block of iTBS. Corticospinal plasticity was
      assessed by recording changes in motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude. RESULTS:
      In young subjects, priming with cTBS (cTBS + iTBS) resulted in larger MEPs than
      priming with either iTBS (iTBS + iTBS; P = 0.001) or sham (sham + iTBS; P <
      0.0001), while larger MEPs were seen following iTBS + iTBS than sham + iTBS (P <
      0.0001). In old subjects, the response to iTBS + iTBS was not different to sham +
      iTBS (P > 0.9), whereas the response to cTBS + iTBS was reduced relative to iTBS
      + iTBS (P = 0.02) and sham + iTBS (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Priming TBS is
      ineffective for modifying M1 plasticity in older adults, which may limit the
      therapeutic use of priming stimulation in neurological conditions common in the
      elderly.

PMID- 28089654
TI  - Statins in prevention of venous thromboembolism.

PMID- 28089655
TI  - Statins and primary prevention of venous thromboembolism: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Statins have been suggested to have a protective effect on venous
      thromboembolism (which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), but
      the evidence is uncertain. We sought to evaluate the extent to which statins are
      associated with first venous thromboembolism events. METHODS: We did a systematic
      review and meta-analysis of observational cohort studies and randomised
      controlled trials (RCTs). Relevant studies that reported associations between
      statins and first venous thromboembolism outcomes were identified from MEDLINE,
      Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and a manual search of bibliographies
      for studies published up until July 18, 2016, and from email correspondence with
      investigators. Observational cohorts that assessed the association of statin use
      with venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism in
      adults were included, as were intervention studies that assessed the effects of
      statin therapy compared with a placebo or no treatment and collected data on
      venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism outcomes.
      Studies that compared statins with another statin or lipid-lowering agent were
      excluded. Study specific relative risks (RRs) were aggregated using random
      effects models and were grouped by study-level characteristics. The review has
      been registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016035622. FINDINGS: 36 eligible
      studies (13 cohort studies comprising 3 148 259 participants and 23 RCTs of
      statins vs placebo or no treatment comprising 118 464 participants) were
      included. In observational studies, the pooled RR for venous thromboembolism was
      0.75 (95% CI 0.65-0.87; p<0.0001) when statin use was compared with no statin
      use. This association remained consistent when grouped by various study-level
      characteristics. In RCTs, the RR for venous thromboembolism was 0.85 (0.73-0.99;
      p=0.038) when statin therapy was compared with placebo or no treatment. Subgroup
      analyses suggested significant differences in the effect of statins by type of
      statin, with rosuvastatin having the lowest risk on venous thromboembolism
      compared with other statins 0.57 (0.42-0.75; p=0.015). There was no evidence of
      an effect of statin use on pulmonary embolism. Statin use was associated with a
      significant reduction in risk of the specific endpoint of deep vein thrombosis
      compared with no statin use (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.86; p<0.0001).
      INTERPRETATION: Available evidence from observational and intervention studies
      suggest a beneficial effect of statin use on venous thromboembolism. In
      intervention studies, therapy with rosuvastatin significantly reduced venous
      thromboembolism compared with other statins. Further evidence is however needed
      to validate these findings. FUNDING: None.

PMID- 28089656
TI  - How do antidepressants influence the BOLD signal in the developing brain?
AB  - Depression is a highly prevalent life-threatening disorder, with its first onset
      commonly occurring during adolescence. Adolescent depression is increasingly
      being treated with antidepressants, such as fluoxetine. The use of medication
      during this sensitive period of physiological and cognitive brain development
      produces neurobiological changes, some of which may outlast the course of
      treatment. In this review, we look at how antidepressant treatment in adolescence
      is likely to alter neurovascular coupling and brain energy use and how these
      changes, in turn, affect our ability to identify neuronal activity changes
      between participant groups. BOLD (blood oxygen level dependent) fMRI (functional
      magnetic resonance imaging), the method most commonly used to record brain
      activity in humans, is an indirect measure of neuronal activity. This means that
      between-group comparisons - adolescent versus adult, depressed versus healthy,
      medicated versus non-medicated - rely upon a stable relationship existing between
      neuronal activity and the BOLD response across these groups. We use data from
      animal studies to detail the ways in which fluoxetine may alter this
      relationship, and explore how these alterations may influence the interpretation
      of BOLD signal differences between groups that have been treated with fluoxetine
      and those that have not.

PMID- 28089658
TI  - Utility of Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Height-Ratio and cardiorespiratory fitness
      thresholds for identifying cardiometabolic risk in 10.4-17.6-year-old children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the utility of Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Height-Ratio
      (WHtR) and cardiorespiratory fitness thresholds to identify cardiometabolic risk
      in youth. METHODS: Cross-sectional cardiometabolic risk factor variables on 534
      children aged 10.4-17.6 years of age (52% boys) from the United Kingdom were
      used. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves
      were used to examine the utility of established age and gender specific
      thresholds for BMI, WHtR and cardiorespiratory fitness to identify individuals
      with increased cardiometabolic risk (increased clustered triglycerides, HDL
      cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and glucose). RESULTS: A WHtR>=0.5 increased
      the odds by 11.4 (95% confidence interval 4.7, 27.4, P<0.001) of having increased
      cardiometabolic risk in boys and by 2.5 (1.2, 5.3, P=0.020) for girls. Similar
      associations were observed for BMI and cardiorespiratory fitness in both boys and
      girls with increased cardiometabolic risk. BMI-z, WHtR and cardiorespiratory
      fitness all showed a significant ability in identifying individuals for increased
      cardiometabolic risk in boys and girls (P<0.05) despite poor area under the curve
      (AUC) values (<0.70). Combining anthropometrical variables did improve the
      diagnostic accuracy for identifying cardiometabolic risk in boys, evidenced by an
      increased AUC of 0.74 (0.64, 0.85, P<0.001), but not in girls. CONCLUSION: The
      magnitude of associations was broadly similar for BMI, WHtR and cardiorespiratory
      fitness in identifying individuals at increased cardiometabolic risk. Yet,
      combining BMI with WHtR in boys may provide a more accurate method for
      identifying those at increased cardiometabolic risk.

PMID- 28089657
TI  - Autism spectrum disorder in the scope of tactile processing.
AB  - Sensory processing abnormalities are among the most common behavioral phenotypes
      seen in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), typically characterized by either over-
      or under-responsiveness to stimulation. In this review, we focus on tactile
      processing dysfunction in ASD. We firstly review clinical studies wherein
      sensitivity to tactile stimuli has traditionally been assessed by self-, parent-
      and experimenter-reports. We also discuss recent investigations using
      psychophysical paradigms that gauge individual tactile thresholds. These more
      experimentally rigorous studies allow for more objective assessments of tactile
      abnormalities in ASD. However, little is understood about the neurobiological
      mechanisms underlying these abnormalities, or the link between tactile
      abnormalities and ASD symptoms. Neurobiological research that has been conducted
      has pointed toward dysfunction in the excitation/inhibition balance of the
      central nervous system of those with ASD. This review covers recent efforts that
      have investigated tactile dysfunction in ASD from clinical and behavioral
      perspectives, and some of the efforts to link these to neurobiology. On the
      whole, findings are inconsistent, which can be ascribed to the subjectivity of
      clinical assessments, the heterogeneity of ASD cohorts, and the diversity of
      tactile sensitivity measures. Future endeavors into understanding tactile
      processing differences in ASD will greatly benefit from controlled experiments
      driven by neurobiological hypotheses.

PMID- 28089659
TI  - Corrigendum to "Unambiguous determination of Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte
      invasion by flow cytometry" [Int. J. Parasitol. 46 (2016) 31-39].

PMID- 28089660
TI  - Characterization, pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of chlorogenic acid
      loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery system.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop a self-microemulsifying drug delivery
      system (SMEDDS) to improve the oral bioavailability of Chlorogenic acid (CA), an
      important bioactive compound from Lonicerae Japonicae Flos with poor
      permeability. SMEDDS was prepared and characterized by self-emulsifying rate,
      morphological observation, droplet size determination, stability, in vitro
      release, in vivo bioavailability and tissue distribution experiments. Results
      shown that the SMEDDS of CA has a high self-emulsifying rate (>98%) in the
      dissolution media, and its microemulsion exhibits small droplet size (16.37nm)
      and good stability. In vitro release test showed a complete release of CA from
      SMEDDS in 480min. After oral administration in mice, significantly enhanced
      bioavailability of CA was achieved through SMEDDS (249.4% relative to the CA
      suspension). Interestingly, SMEDDS significantly changed the tissue distribution
      of CA and showed a better targeting property to the kidney (2.79 of the relative
      intake efficiency). It is suggested that SMEDDS improves the oral bioavailability
      of CA may mainly through increasing its absorption and slowing the metabolism of
      absorbed CA via changing its distribution from the liver to the kidney. In
      conclusion, it is indicated that SMEDDS is a promising carrier for the oral
      delivery of CA.

PMID- 28089661
TI  - Studying the influence of formulation and process variables on Vancomycin-loaded
      polymeric nanoparticles as potential carrier for enhanced ophthalmic delivery.
AB  - Ocular topically applied Vancomycin (VCM) suffers poor bioavailability due to its
      high molecular weight and hydrophilicity. In the present investigation, VCM
      loaded polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) were developed aiming to enhance its ocular
      bioavailability through prolonging its release pattern and ophthalmic residence.
      PNPs were prepared utilizing double emulsion (W/O/O), solvent evaporation
      technique. 23*41 full factorial design was applied to evaluate individual and
      combined influences of polymer type, Eudragit(r) RS100, sonication time, and
      Span(r)80 concentration on PNPs particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and zeta
      potential. Further, the optimized formulae were incorporated in 1% Carbopol(r)
      based gel. In-vivo evaluation of the optimized formulae was performed via Draize
      test followed by microbiological susceptibility testing on albino rabbits.
      Results revealed successful formulation of VCM-loaded PNPs was achieved with
      particle sizes reaching 155nm and up to 88% encapsulation. Draize test confirmed
      the optimized formulae as non-irritating and safe for ophthalmic administration.
      Microbiological susceptibility testing confirmed prolonged residence, higher
      Cmax. with more than two folds increment in the AUC(0.25-24) of VCM-PNPs over
      control groups. Thus, VCM-loaded PNPs represent promising carriers with superior
      achievements for enhanced Vancomycin ophthalmic delivery over the traditional use
      of commercially available VCM parenteral powder after constitution into a
      solution by the ophthalmologists.

PMID- 28089662
TI  - Electroacupuncture pretreatment attenuates spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion
      injury via inhibition of high-mobility group box 1 production in a LXA4 receptor
      dependent manner.
AB  - Paraplegia caused by spinal cord ischemia is a severe complication following
      surgeries in the thoracic aneurysm. HMGB1 has been recognized as a key mediator
      in spinal inflammatory response after spinal cord injury. Electroacupuncture (EA)
      pretreatment could provide neuroprotection against cerebral ischemic injury
      through inhibition of HMGB1 release. Therefore, the present study aims to test
      the hypothesis that EA pretreatment protects against spinal cord ischemia
      reperfusion (I/R) injury via inhibition of HMGB1 release. Animals were pre
      treated with EA stimulations 30min daily for 4 successive days, followed by 20
      min spinal cord ischemia induced by using a balloon catheter placed into the
      aorta. We found that spinal I/R significantly increased mRNA and cytosolic
      protein levels of HMGB1 after reperfusion in the spinal cord. The EA-pretreated
      animals displayed better motor performance after reperfusion along with the
      decrease of apoptosis, HMGB1, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta expressions in the spinal
      cord, whereas these effects by EA pretreatment was reversed by rHMGB1
      administration. Furthermore, EA pretreatment attenuated the down-regulation of
      LXA4 receptor (ALX) expression induced by I/R injury, while the decrease of HMGB1
      release in EA-pretreated rats was reversed by the combined BOC-2 (an inhibitor of
      LXA4 receptor) treatment. In conclusion, EA pretreatment may promote spinal I/R
      injury through the inhibition of HMGB1 release in a LXA4 receptor-dependent
      manner. Our data may represent a new therapeutic technique for treating spinal
      cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PMID- 28089663
TI  - Phase-dependent activity of neurons in the rostral part of the thalamic reticular
      nucleus with saccharin intake in a cue-guided lever-manipulation task.
AB  - Neurons in the rostral part of the thalamic reticular nucleus (rTRN) receive
      somatosensory and motor information and regulate neural activities of the
      thalamic nuclei. Previous studies showed that when activity in visual TRN neurons
      is suppressed prior to the visual stimuli in a visual detection task, the
      performance of the task improves. However, little is known about such changes in
      the rTRN preceding certain events. In the present study, we performed unit
      recordings in the rTRN in alert rats during a cue-guided lever-manipulation task
      in which saccharin was provided as a reward. Changes in neural activity during
      saccharin intake were observed in 56% (51 of 91) of the recorded neurons; the
      firing rates increased in 21 neurons and decreased in 23 neurons. Seven neurons
      both increased and decreased their firing rates during saccharin intake. Changes
      in firing rates during the reward-waiting stage between task termination and
      saccharin intake were also observed in 73% (37 of 51) of the neurons that
      responded to saccharin intake. Increased activity during saccharin intake did not
      correlate with increased activity during lever-manipulation or activity during
      the reward-waiting stage. However, decreased activity during saccharin intake was
      correlated with activity during the reward-waiting stage. These results suggest
      that rTRN neurons have phase-dependent changes in their activity and regulate the
      thalamic activities. Furthermore, the decreased activity of rTRN neurons before
      reward may contribute to refine somatosensory and motor information processing in
      the thalamic nuclei depending on the status of mind such as expectation and
      attention.

PMID- 28089664
TI  - Neurotensin NTS1 and NTS2 receptor agonists produce anxiolytic-like effects in
      the 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalization model in rats.
AB  - Neurotensin is a neuropeptide neurotransmitter that interacts with multiple
      neurotransmitter systems, including those regulating amygdalar function, via NTS1
      and NTS2 receptors. Both receptors are expressed in the amygdala and agonists for
      NTS1 or NTS2 receptors have exhibited anxiolytic effects in animal models.
      Systemic adminstration of NTS1 receptor agonist PD149163 was recently shown to
      reduce footshock conditioned 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats, suggesting
      that PD149163 produced an anxiolytic effect. The effects that neurotensin may
      have or a selective NTS2 receptor agonist may have on 22-kHz vocalizations has
      yet to be examined. The current study evaluated the effects of
      intracerebroventricularly administered neurotensin (0.1-10.0MUg), PD149163 (0.1
      10.0ng), or the NTS2 receptor agonist JMV-431 (0.1-1.0MUg) on footshock
      conditioned 22-kHz vocalizations in male Wistar rats. Neurotensin, PD149163, and
      JMV-431 all significantly reduced the number 22-kHz calls. No changes in call
      duration were found, suggesting that non-specific drug effects do not account for
      the reductions in 22-kHz calls. These data support anxiolytic effects produced by
      activation of NTS1 or NTS2 receptors, and suggest that neurotensin plays a
      natural role in the expression of conditioned USVs. These data suggest that both
      receptor subtypes are putative pharmacologic targets.

PMID- 28089665
TI  - Dissociation of morphine analgesic effects in the sensory and affective
      components of formalin-induced spontaneous pain in male and female rats.
AB  - Sex differences in the analgesic effects of morphine have been previously
      reported in various models that represent the sensory component of pain. However,
      pain sensation is a complex process that consists of both sensory and affective
      components. It is presently unclear whether the analgesic effects of morphine
      between the sensory and affective components of pain are sexually dimorphic.
      Moreover, differences in morphine dose-response in the two components of pain
      have not been examined in male and female rats. Therefore, we examined the
      analgesic effects of morphine on the sensory and affective components of formalin
      induced pain behaviors in male and female rats. To discern the sensory component,
      rats were pretreated with varying doses of morphine and then intraplantar
      formalin-induced paw flinches were measured. Morphine reduced the number of
      formalin-induced paw flinches at a treatment dose of 4.0mg/kg. Morphine analgesia
      was similar across the sexes in the early (phase 1) and late phase (phase 2) of
      the formalin test. To examine the affective component, rats were pretreated with
      varying doses of morphine, and then intraplantar formalin-induced conditioned
      place aversion (CPA) was examined. Formalin produced CPA, which was blocked by
      morphine at doses of 1.0mg/kg and higher in male and female rats. Lastly,
      formalin-induced cFos expression and the effects of systemic morphine were
      examined in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Intraplantar formalin
      produced robust expression of cFos; however, morphine did not attenuate the cFos
      expression. These results demonstrate a notable dissociation of the analgesic
      effects of morphine by detecting a fourfold shift in the minimum effective dose
      between the sensory and affective components of formalin-induced spontaneous
      pain, that were similar between male and female rats. The findings further
      suggest disparate mechanisms involved in systemic morphine-induced analgesia in
      the two components of formalin-induced pain.

PMID- 28089666
TI  - Mini-open oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) approach for multi-level
      discectomy and fusion involving L5-S1: Preliminary experience.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Technical description and single institution retrospective case
      series. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate technical feasibility and evaluate complications of
      mini-open retroperitoneal oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) at the L5-S1
      level. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND: The mini-open retroperitoneal oblique lumbar
      interbody fusion (OLIF) approach was first described in 2012 as a surgical
      approach to achieve spinal fusion while limiting invasiveness of the exposure to
      the anterior lumbar spine. Surgeons who use this approach, along with those who
      described it in cadaveric studies describe it as a feasible approach in targeting
      the L2 down to the L5 level and recommend alternative approaches to the L5-S1
      level due to the vascular challenges and possible complications. METHODS:
      Technical description and single institution case series of patients treated with
      the OLIF between 2013 and 2015 at the L5-S1 level. The previously described
      surgical approach was modified by identifying and ligating the iliolumbar vein
      before retracting the iliac artery and vein anteriorly instead of passing between
      the vessels. RESULTS: Six patients (3 males, 3 females, mean age 62 years) were
      operated between 2013 and 2015. There were no vascular injuries or peripheral
      nerve trauma associated with the surgical procedure. Complications associated
      with the procedure included: cage displacement immediately postoperative
      requiring re-operation in one patient, transient psoas weakness in one patient,
      extended hospital stay for pain control in one patient, and transfusion was
      required in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-open retroperitoneal oblique lumbar
      interbody fusion is feasible at the L5-S1 level with limited vascular
      complications through a technical modification for safe mobilization of the iliac
      vessels by first ligating the iliolumbar vein.

PMID- 28089667
TI  - Periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur after total knee arthroplasty :
      Plate versus nail fixation.
AB  - : The incidence of periprosthetic fractures about a TKA is increasing.
      Traditionally, these fractures are classified by their location and prosthesis
      integrity. In the setting of a supracondyar fracture about a well-fixed
      prosthesis, both plate and nail fixation of the fracture present themselves as
      options, each with unique benefits and pitfalls. Through review and discussion of
      the literature, we aim to describe some of the patient, fracture, and implant
      related factors that should be considered when planning fixation of
      periprosthetic fractures about a TKA. Additionally, we present several technical
      pearls that may be useful in the successful treatment of these difficult
      injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 28089668
TI  - EBIO Does Not Induce Cardiomyogenesis in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells but
      Modulates Cardiac Subtype Enrichment by Lineage-Selective Survival.
AB  - Subtype-specific human cardiomyocytes (CMs) are valuable for basic and applied
      research. Induction of cardiomyogenesis and enrichment of nodal-like CMs was
      described for mouse pluripotent stem cells (mPSCs) in response to 1-ethyl-2
      benzimidazolinone (EBIO), a chemical modulator of small-/intermediate-conductance
      Ca2+-activated potassium channels (SKs 1-4). Investigating EBIO in human
      pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), we have applied three independent differentiation
      protocols of low to high cardiomyogenic efficiency. Equivalent to mPSCs, timed
      EBIO supplementation during hPSC differentiation resulted in dose-dependent
      enrichment of up to 80% CMs, including an increase in nodal- and atrial-like
      phenotypes. However, our study revealed extensive EBIO-triggered cell loss
      favoring cardiac progenitor preservation and, subsequently, CMs with shortened
      action potentials. Proliferative cells were generally more sensitive to EBIO,
      presumably via an SK-independent mechanism. Together, EBIO did not promote
      cardiogenic differentiation of PSCs, opposing previous findings, but triggered
      lineage-selective survival at a cardiac progenitor stage, which we propose as a
      pharmacological strategy to modulate CM subtype composition.

PMID- 28089669
TI  - Exposure to GDNF Enhances the Ability of Enteric Neural Progenitors to Generate
      an Enteric Nervous System.
AB  - Cell therapy is a promising approach to generate an enteric nervous system (ENS)
      and treat enteric neuropathies. However, for translation to the clinic, it is
      highly likely that enteric neural progenitors will require manipulation prior to
      transplantation to enhance their ability to migrate and generate an ENS. In this
      study, we examine the effects of exposure to several factors on the ability of
      ENS progenitors, grown as enteric neurospheres, to migrate and generate an ENS.
      Exposure to glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) resulted in a 14
      fold increase in neurosphere volume and a 12-fold increase in cell number.
      Following co-culture with embryonic gut or transplantation into the colon of
      postnatal mice in vivo, cells derived from GDNF-treated neurospheres showed a 2
      fold increase in the distance migrated compared with controls. Our data show that
      the ability of enteric neurospheres to generate an ENS can be enhanced by
      exposure to appropriate factors.

PMID- 28089670
TI  - In Vitro Propagation and Branching Morphogenesis from Single Ureteric Bud Cells.
AB  - A method to maintain and rebuild ureteric bud (UB)-like structures from UB cells
      in vitro could provide a useful tool for kidney regeneration. We aimed in our
      present study to establish a serum-free culture system that enables the expansion
      of UB progenitor cells, i.e., UB tip cells, and reconstruction of UB-like
      structures. We found that fibroblast growth factors or retinoic acid (RA) was
      sufficient for the survival of UB cells in serum-free condition, while the
      proliferation and maintenance of UB tip cells required glial cell-derived
      neurotrophic factor together with signaling from either WNT-beta-catenin pathway
      or RA. The activation of WNT-beta-catenin signaling in UB cells by endogenous WNT
      proteins required R-spondins. Together with Rho kinase inhibitor, our culture
      system facilitated the expansion of UB tip cells to form UB-like structures from
      dispersed single cells. The UB-like structures thus formed retained the original
      UB characteristics and integrated into the native embryonic kidneys.

PMID- 28089671
TI  - PDGFRalpha+ Cells in Embryonic Stem Cell Cultures Represent the In Vitro
      Equivalent of the Pre-implantation Primitive Endoderm Precursors.
AB  - In early mouse pre-implantation development, primitive endoderm (PrE) precursors
      are platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRalpha) positive. Here, we
      demonstrated that cultured mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) express PDGFRalpha
      heterogeneously, fluctuating between a PDGFRalpha+ (PrE-primed) and a platelet
      endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1)-positive state (epiblast-primed).
      The two surface markers can be co-detected on a third subpopulation, expressing
      epiblast and PrE determinants (double-positive). In vitro, these subpopulations
      differ in their self-renewal and differentiation capability, transcriptional and
      epigenetic states. In vivo, double-positive cells contributed to epiblast and
      PrE, while PrE-primed cells exclusively contributed to PrE derivatives. The
      transcriptome of PDGFRalpha+ subpopulations differs from previously described
      subpopulations and shows similarities with early/mid blastocyst cells. The
      heterogeneity did not depend on PDGFRalpha but on leukemia inhibitory factor and
      fibroblast growth factor signaling and DNA methylation. Thus, PDGFRalpha+ cells
      represent the in vitro counterpart of in vivo PrE precursors, and their selection
      from cultured mESCs yields pure PrE precursors.

PMID- 28089673
TI  - The value of participatory development to support antimicrobial stewardship with
      a clinical decision support system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) for antimicrobial
      stewardship programs (ASPs) are guideline- or expert-driven. They are focused on
      (clinical) content, not on supporting real-time workflow. Thus, CDSSs fail to
      optimally support prudent antimicrobial prescribing in daily practice. Our aim
      was to demonstrate why and how participatory development (involving end-users and
      other stakeholders) can contribute to the success of CDSSs in ASPs. METHODS: A
      mixed-methods approach was applied, combining scenario-based prototype
      evaluations (to support verbalization of work processes and out-of-the-box
      thinking) among 6 medical resident physicians with an online questionnaire (to
      cross-reference findings of the prototype evaluations) among 54 Dutch physicians.
      RESULTS: The prototype evaluations resulted in insight into the end-users and
      their way of working, as well as their needs and expectations. The online
      questionnaire that was distributed among a larger group of medical specialists,
      including lung and infection experts, complemented the findings of the prototype
      evaluations. It revealed a say/do problem concerning the unrecognized need of
      support for selecting diagnostic tests. CONCLUSIONS: Low-fidelity prototypes of a
      technology allow researchers to get to know the end-users, their way of working,
      and their work context. Involving experts allows technology developers to
      continuously check the fit between technology and clinical practice. The
      combination enables the participatory development of technology to successfully
      support ASPs.

PMID- 28089672
TI  - Isopropyl alcohol is as efficient as chlorhexidine to prevent contamination of
      blood cultures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: False-positive blood cultures can lead to unnecessary risks and
      misuse of antibiotics; to reduce rates of false-positives, it would be useful to
      determine whether use of an antiseptic with a prolonged effect is required.
      METHODS: Clinical study of efficacy (blinded and randomized) to compare the rate
      of blood culture contamination when skin antisepsis was performed with 70%
      isopropyl alcohol or 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol in 2
      hospitals. Patients aged 16 years or older with suspected bloodstream infection
      who were allocated in the emergency room, internal medicine ward, or intensive
      care unit were included. RESULTS: Five of 563 (0.9%) blood cultures from the
      isopropyl arm and 10 of 539 (1.9%) from the chlorhexidine arm were contaminated.
      No significant differences were observed among the rate of contamination
      (chi2=1.27; P = .3) or the relative risk of contamination (relative risk = 2.09;
      95% confidence interval, 0.72-6.07; P = .2). CONCLUSIONS: The rates of blood
      contamination were not different when isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine were
      compared. Isopropyl alcohol could be used for skin antisepsis before blood
      collection.

PMID- 28089674
TI  - Assessment of ventilator-associated events using the geometric distribution.
AB  - Hospital-acquired rare events, such as nosocomial infections and other low
      occurring incidents, in the clinical environment are difficult to monitor using
      traditional quality indicators. Using the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention definition of ventilator-associated events, we demonstrate an
      alternative method for assessment of rare events.

PMID- 28089675
TI  - Burden of Clostridium difficile infection: Associated hospitalization in a cohort
      of middle-aged and older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile is the principal cause of infectious diarrhea
      in hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to describe and compare
      length of stay (LOS), costs, and in-hospital deaths for C difficile infection
      (CDI) and non-CDI hospitalizations, in a cohort of middle-aged and older
      Australians. METHODS: We used survey data from the 45 and Up Study, linked to
      hospitalization and death data. We calculated the average LOS and costs per
      hospitalization, and the proportion of in-hospital deaths for CDI and non-CDI
      hospitalizations. We then compared hospitalizations with CDI as a secondary
      diagnosis to non-CDI hospitalizations by stratifying hospitalizations based on
      principal diagnosis and then using generalized linear models to compare LOS and
      in-hospital costs, and logistic regression for in-hospital deaths, adjusting for
      age and sex. RESULTS: There were 641 CDI hospitalizations during 2006-2012. The
      average LOS was 17 days; the average cost per hospitalization was AUD 12,704; and
      in 7.3% of admissions (47 out of 641) the patient died. After adjusting for age
      and sex, hospitalizations with CDI were associated with longer LOS, higher costs,
      and a greater proportion of in-hospital deaths compared with hospitalizations
      with similar principal diagnosis but without CDI. CONCLUSIONS: CDI places
      additional burden on the Australian hospital system, with CDI patients having
      relatively lengthy hospital stays and high costs.

PMID- 28089677
TI  - Global signal regression acts as a temporal downweighting process in resting
      state fMRI.
AB  - In resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI), the correlation between blood
      oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signals across different brain regions is used
      to estimate the functional connectivity of the brain. This approach has led to
      the identification of a number of resting-state networks, including the default
      mode network (DMN) and the task positive network (TPN). Global signal regression
      (GSR) is a widely used pre-processing step in rsfMRI that has been shown to
      improve the spatial specificity of the estimated resting-state networks. In GSR,
      a whole brain average time series, known as the global signal (GS), is regressed
      out of each voxel time series prior to the computation of the correlations.
      However, the use of GSR is controversial because it can introduce artifactual
      negative correlations. For example, it has been argued that anticorrelations
      observed between the DMN and TPN are primarily an artifact of GSR. Despite the
      concerns about GSR, there is currently no consensus regarding its use. In this
      paper, we introduce a new framework for understanding the effects of GSR. In
      particular, we show that the main effects of GSR can be well approximated as a
      temporal downweighting process in which the data from time points with relatively
      large GS magnitudes are greatly attenuated while data from time points with
      relatively small GS magnitudes are largely unaffected. Furthermore, we show that
      a limiting case of this downweighting process in which data from time points with
      large GS magnitudes are censored can also approximate the effects of GSR. In
      other words, the correlation maps obtained after GSR show a high degree of
      spatial similarity (including the presence of anticorrelations between the DMN
      and TPN) with maps obtained using only the uncensored (i.e. retained) time
      points. Since the data from these retained time points are unaffected by the
      censoring process, this finding suggests that the observed anticorrelations
      inherently exist in the data from time points with small GS magnitudes and are
      not simply an artifact of GSR.

PMID- 28089676
TI  - Multimodal evaluation of the amygdala's functional connectivity.
AB  - The amygdala is one of the most extensively studied human brain regions and
      undisputedly plays a central role in many psychiatric disorders. However, an
      outstanding question is whether connectivity of amygdala subregions, specifically
      the centromedial (CM), laterobasal (LB) and superficial (SF) nuclei, are
      modulated by brain state (i.e., task vs. rest). Here, using a multimodal
      approach, we directly compared meta-analytic connectivity modeling (MACM) and
      specific co-activation likelihood estimation (SCALE)-derived estimates of CM, LB
      and SF task-based co-activation to the functional connectivity of these nuclei as
      assessed by resting state fmri (rs-fmri). Finally, using a preexisting resting
      state functional connectivity-derived cortical parcellation, we examined both
      MACM and rs-fmri amygdala subregion connectivity with 17 large-scale networks, to
      explicitly address how the amygdala interacts with other large-scale neural
      networks. Analyses revealed strong differentiation of CM, LB and SF connectivity
      patterns with other brain regions, both in task-dependent and task-independent
      contexts. All three regions, however, showed convergent connectivity with the
      right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) that was not driven by high base
      rate levels of activation. Similar patterns of connectivity across rs-fmri and
      MACM were observed for each subregion, suggesting a similar network architecture
      of amygdala connectivity with the rest of the brain across tasks and resting
      state for each subregion, that may be modified in the context of specific task
      demands. These findings support animal models that posit a parallel model of
      amygdala functioning, but importantly, also modify this position to suggest
      integrative processing in the amygdala.

PMID- 28089678
TI  - Reduced effects of age on dopamine D2 receptor levels in physically active
      adults.
AB  - Physical activity has been shown to ameliorate dopaminergic degeneration in non
      human animal models. However, the effects of regular physical activity on normal
      age-related changes in dopamine function in humans are unknown. Here we present
      cross-sectional data from forty-four healthy human subjects between 23 and 80
      years old, showing that typical age-related dopamine D2 receptor loss, assessed
      with PET [18F]fallypride, was significantly reduced in physically active adults
      compared to less active adults.

PMID- 28089679
TI  - Efficacy and Toxicity of Intravitreous Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma: Four-Year
      Experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of intravitreous melphalan for
      treatment of retinoblastoma, as a single agent or with concomitant topotecan.
      PARTICIPANTS: A total of 130 eyes of 120 patients with retinoblastoma receiving
      630 intravitreous (melphalan, topotecan) or topotecan periocular injections. A
      total of 83 (64%) of these eyes were treated with concomitant ophthalmic artery
      chemosurgery (OAC). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Indirect
      ophthalmoscopy and clinical imaging were used to evaluate clinical response.
      Ocular survival and disease-free survival were estimated using Kaplan-Meier
      methods in 130 eyes. Ocular toxicity was evaluated by clinical findings and
      electroretinography (ERG) on 244 evaluable injections in 63 patients using 30-Hz
      flicker responses. Analysis was performed using linear mixed effects models with
      a random intercept and slope for each patient and a fixed effect for number of
      injections, in addition to any other fixed effect of interest. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Ocular survival, disease-free survival, ERG: peak-to-peak ERG
      amplitudes in response to 30-Hz photopic flicker stimulation. RESULTS: There were
      no disease- or treatment-related deaths, and no patient developed externalization
      of tumor or metastatic disease. Two-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of ocular
      survival and disease-free survival were 94.2% (95% confidence interval, 89.2
      99.4) and 86.2% (95% confidence interval, 78.7-94.5), respectively. There was a
      significant association between the number of injections and diminished ERG
      responses, such that on average each intravitreous melphalan injection was
      associated with a 5.3-MUV decrease in ERG amplitude (P < 0.001). Concomitant
      intra-arterial chemotherapy (P = 0.01) and greater inherent ocular pigment also
      were significantly associated with a reduction in ERG (P = 0.045). Patient age
      and weight, new injection site location, addition of topotecan, concomitant focal
      treatment, and time interval between injections were not significantly associated
      with toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreous melphalan is an effective treatment for
      vitreous seeding in retinoblastoma, resulting in high rates of ocular survival
      and disease-free survival. However, in this study, each injection of melphalan
      was associated, on average, with a decrement in ERG response. The findings
      suggest increased toxicity (1) when OAC is given within 1 week of the
      intravitreous injection and (2) in more deeply pigmented eyes.

PMID- 28089680
TI  - Peripheral Retinal Changes Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration in
      the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2: Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Report
      Number 12 by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Optos PEripheral RetinA (OPERA)
      Study Research Group.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare rates of peripheral retinal changes in Age-Related Eye
      Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) participants with at least intermediate age-related
      macular degeneration (AMD) with control subjects without intermediate age-related
      changes (large drusen). DESIGN: Cross-sectional evaluation of clinic-based
      patients enrolled in AREDS2 and a prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Participants
      from prospective studies. METHODS: The 200 degrees  pseudocolor and fundus
      autofluorescence (FAF) images were captured on the Optos 200 Tx Ultrawide-field
      device (Optos, Dunfermline, Scotland) by centering on the fovea and then steering
      superiorly and inferiorly. The montaged images were graded at a reading center
      with the images divided into 3 zones (zone 1 [posterior pole], zone 2
      [midperiphery], and zone 3 [far periphery]) to document the presence of
      peripheral lesions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peripheral retinal lesions: drusen,
      hypopigmentary/hyperpigmentary changes, reticular pseudodrusen, senile reticular
      pigmentary changes, cobblestone degeneration, and FAF abnormalities. RESULTS: A
      total of 484 (951 eyes) AREDS2 participants with AMD (cases) and 89 (163 eyes)
      controls without AMD had gradable color and FAF images. In zones 2 and 3,
      neovascularization and geographic atrophy (GA) were present, ranging from 0.4% to
      6% in eyes of cases, respectively, and GA was present in 1% of eyes of controls.
      Drusen were detected in 97%, 78%, and 64% of eyes of cases and 48%, 21%, and 9%
      of eyes of controls in zones 2 and 3 superior and 3 inferior, respectively (P <
      0.001 for all). Peripheral reticular pseudodrusen were seen in 15%. Senile
      reticular pigmentary change was the predominant peripheral change seen in 48% of
      cases and 16% of controls in zone 2 (P < 0.001). Nonreticular pigment changes
      were less frequent in the periphery than in the posterior pole (46% vs. 76%) and
      negligible in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral retinal changes are more
      prevalent in eyes with AMD than in control eyes. Drusen are seen in a majority of
      eyes with AMD in both the mid and far periphery, whereas pigment changes and
      features of advanced AMD are less frequent. Age-related macular degeneration may
      be more than a "macular" condition but one that involves the entire retina.
      Future longitudinal studies of peripheral changes in AMD and their impact on
      visual function may contribute to understanding AMD pathogenesis.

PMID- 28089681
TI  - Steatorrhea and Hyperoxaluria in Severely Obese Patients Before and After Roux-en
      Y Gastric Bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hyperoxaluria after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is
      generally attributed to fat malabsorption. If hyperoxaluria is indeed caused by
      fat malabsorption, magnitudes of hyperoxaluria and steatorrhea should correlate.
      Severely obese patients, prior to bypass, ingest excess dietary fat that can
      produce hyperphagic steatorrhea. The primary objective of the study was to
      determine whether urine oxalate excretion correlates with elements of fat balance
      in severely obese patients before and after RYGB. METHODS: Fat balance and urine
      oxalate excretion were measured simultaneously in 26 severely obese patients
      before and 1 year after RYGB, while patients consumed their usual diet. At these
      time points, stool and urine samples were collected. Steatorrhea and
      hyperoxaluria were defined as fecal fat >7 g/day and urine oxalate >40 mg/day.
      Differences were evaluated using paired 2-tailed t tests. RESULTS: Prior to RYGB,
      12 of 26 patients had mild to moderate steatorrhea. Average urine oxalate
      excretion was 61 mg/day; there was no correlation between fecal fat and urine
      oxalate excretion. After RYGB, 24 of 26 patients had steatorrhea and urine
      oxalate excretion averaged 69 mg/day, with a positive correlation between fecal
      fat and urine oxalate excretions (r = 0.71, P < .001). For each 10 g/day increase
      in fecal fat output, fecal water excretion increased only 46 mL/day. CONCLUSIONS:
      Steatorrhea and hyperoxaluria were common in obese patients before bypass, but
      hyperoxaluria was not caused by excess unabsorbed fatty acids. Hyperphagia,
      obesity, or metabolic syndrome could have produced this previously unrecognized
      hyperoxaluric state by stimulating absorption or endogenous synthesis of oxalate.
      Hyperoxaluria after RYGB correlated with steatorrhea and was presumably caused by
      excess fatty acids in the intestinal lumen. Because post-bypass steatorrhea
      caused little increase in fecal water excretion, most patients with steatorrhea
      did not consider themselves to have diarrhea. Before and after RYGB, high oxalate
      intake contributed to the severity of hyperoxaluria.

PMID- 28089682
TI  - Prevalence and Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients with Hidradenitis
      Suppurativa.
AB  - Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. In small
      studies, inflammatory bowel disease has been associated with the increased
      prevalence of HS, but the data on the concurrence of inflammatory bowel disease
      in patients with HS are limited. We therefore investigated the prevalence and
      risk of inflammatory bowel disease in patients with HS compared with the general
      population. The study linked all Danish individuals aged >=18 years in nationwide
      registers. Adjusted odds ratios and adjusted hazard ratios were estimated by
      logistic regression and Cox regression, respectively. The study comprised 7,732
      patients with HS and 4,354,137 subjects from the general population. The
      prevalence (HS vs. general population) was 0.8% and 0.3% (odds ratio 2.04; 1.59
      2.62) for Crohn's disease and 1.3% and 0.7% (odds ratio 1.75; 1.44-2.13) for
      ulcerative colitis. The risk of new-onset Crohn's disease (hazard ratio 2.19;
      1.44-3.34) and ulcerative colitis (hazard ratio 1.63; 1.18-2.27) was
      significantly increased among patients with HS. In conclusion, HS was
      significantly associated with the presence and risk of new-onset inflammatory
      bowel disease, although the prevalence remained low. Gastrointestinal complaints
      in patients with HS should warrant further clinical examination.

PMID- 28089683
TI  - Coupling of Homologous Recombination and the Checkpoint by ATR.
AB  - ATR is a key regulator of cell-cycle checkpoints and homologous recombination
      (HR). Paradoxically, ATR inhibits CDKs during checkpoint responses, but CDK
      activity is required for efficient HR. Here, we show that ATR promotes HR after
      CDK-driven DNA end resection. ATR stimulates the BRCA1-PALB2 interaction after
      DNA damage and promotes PALB2 localization to DNA damage sites. ATR enhances
      BRCA1-PALB2 binding at least in part by inhibiting CDKs. The optimal interaction
      of BRCA1 and PALB2 requires phosphorylation of PALB2 at S59, an ATR site, and
      hypo-phosphorylation of S64, a CDK site. The PALB2-S59A/S64E mutant is defective
      for localization to DNA damage sites and HR, whereas the PALB2-S59E/S64A mutant
      partially bypasses ATR for its localization. Thus, HR is a biphasic process
      requiring both high-CDK and low-CDK periods. As exemplified by the regulation of
      PALB2 by ATR, ATR promotes HR by orchestrating a "CDK-to-ATR switch" post
      resection, directly coupling the checkpoint to HR.

PMID- 28089685
TI  - Evaluation of Drug-Drug Interaction Potential Between Sacubitril/Valsartan
      (LCZ696) and Statins Using a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model.
AB  - Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) has been approved for the treatment of heart
      failure. Sacubitril is an in vitro inhibitor of organic anion-transporting
      polypeptides (OATPs). In clinical studies, LCZ696 increased atorvastatin Cmax by
      1.7-fold and area under the plasma concentration-time curve by 1.3-fold, but had
      little or no effect on simvastatin or simvastatin acid exposure. A
      physiologically based pharmacokinetics modeling approach was applied to explore
      the underlying mechanisms behind the statin-specific LCZ696 drug interaction
      observations. The model incorporated OATP-mediated clearance (CLint,T) for
      simvastatin and simvastatin acid to successfully describe the pharmacokinetic
      profiles of either analyte in the absence or presence of LCZ696. Moreover, the
      model successfully described the clinically observed drug effect with
      atorvastatin. The simulations clarified the critical parameters responsible for
      the observation of a low, yet clinically relevant, drug-drug interaction DDI
      between sacubitril and atorvastatin and the lack of effect with simvastatin acid.
      Atorvastatin is administered in its active form and rapidly achieves Cmax that
      coincide with the low Cmax of sacubitril. In contrast, simvastatin requires a
      hydrolysis step to the acid form and therefore is not present at the site of
      interactions at sacubitril concentrations that are inhibitory. Similar models
      were used to evaluate the drug-drug interaction risk for additional OATP
      transported statins which predicted to maximally result in a 1.5-fold exposure
      increase.

PMID- 28089684
TI  - Impact of Cystectomy on Ovarian Reserve: Review of the Literature.
AB  - Ovarian cysts are common in the reproductive age. Pathologic cysts such as
      endometriomas and dermoids often require surgical intervention if symptomatic.
      Laparoscopic cystectomy is the first-line treatment for these cysts and is
      associated with better pain control and less recurrence than drainage or cyst
      ablation procedures. There has been an emerging concern about the effect of
      ovarian cystectomy on ovarian reserve with some evidence of short-term and long
      term reduction in ovarian reserve. Certain cyst characteristics (endometrioma
      pathology, large cyst size, bilateral presentation) are associated with a greater
      decline in ovarian reserve after cystectomy. The impact of surgery on ovarian
      reserve can be minimized by selecting the appropriate surgery for the patient,
      careful tissue handling, and limited use of electrosurgery. Patients should be
      counseled on the risks of surgery on reproductive potential, and the management
      plan should be individualized to the patient's symptoms and reproductive goals.

PMID- 28089686
TI  - Simulations of Cytochrome P450 3A4-Mediated Drug-Drug Interactions by Simple Two
      Compartment Model-Assisted Static Method.
AB  - In order to predict cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)-mediated drug-drug interactions
      (DDIs), a simple 2-compartment model-assisted, overall inhibition activity
      (Ai,overall) method was derived based on 2 concepts. One concept was that the
      increase in blood victim level and fold increase in the area under the blood
      victim level curve produced by DDI are determined entirely by Ai,overall, the
      hepatic availability of the victim and fraction of urinary excreted unchanged
      victim, where Ai,overall is determined by the perpetrator-specific CYP isoform
      inhibition activities (Ai,CYPs, DDI predictor-1) and victim-specific fractional
      CYP isoform contributions (fm,CYPs, predictor-2). The other concept was that a
      DDI can be bridged to other DDIs, so that any possible DDI produced by a given
      victim or a given perpetrator can be predicted by using these predictors. The
      Ai,CYP3A4s of 12 common CYP3A4 inhibitors were able to be determined and shown to
      be useful for the prediction of CYP3A4-mediated DDIs wherein victims were
      metabolized by multiple CYP isoforms. Additionally, it was demonstrated that
      fm,CYP values with high confidence can be estimated by bridging DDIs produced by
      the same victim and different perpetrators. This bridging approach will
      accelerate prediction of DDIs produced by new chemical entities from the existing
      DDI database.

PMID- 28089687
TI  - Stabilizing Effects for Antibody Formulations and Safety Profiles of Cyclodextrin
      Polypseudorotaxane Hydrogels.
AB  - Antibodies often have poor physicochemical stability during storage and
      transport, which is a serious drawback for the development of antibody-based
      drugs. In this study, we prepared polypseudorotaxane (PPRX) hydrogels consisting
      of cyclodextrins (CyDs) and polyethylene glycol, and evaluated them as
      stabilizers for commercially available antibody-based drugs. alpha-CyD and gamma
      CyD formed PPRX hydrogels with polyethylene glycol (molecular weight 20,000 Da)
      in the presence of antibody-based drugs such as omalizumab, palivizumab,
      panitumumab, and ranibizumab. Importantly, both alpha- and gamma-CyD PPRX
      hydrogel formulations provided high stabilizing effects (ca. 100%) to the all
      antibody-based drugs used in this study. Furthermore, approximately 100% of the
      binding activity of omalizumab to the immunoglobulin E receptor was retained
      after the release from the hydrogels. Plasma levels of omalizumab after
      subcutaneous injection of the gamma-CyD PPRX hydrogel to rats were equivalent to
      those of omalizumab alone. According to the results of blood chemistry tests, the
      weights of organs and histological observations alpha- and gamma-CyD PPRX
      hydrogels induced no serious adverse effects. These results suggest that CyD PPRX
      hydrogels are useful as safe and promising stabilizing formulations for antibody
      based drugs.

PMID- 28089688
TI  - Functional Identification of Plasma Membrane Monoamine Transporter (PMAT/SLC29A4)
      as an Atenolol Transporter Sensitive to Flavonoids Contained in Apple Juice.
AB  - The intestinal absorption of atenolol has recently been reported to be reduced by
      simultaneous ingestion of fruit juices, such as apple juice. This finding implies
      a possibility that an unidentified carrier-mediated transport system, which could
      be interfered by some components of those juices, might be involved in atenolol
      absorption. In an attempt to explore that possibility, we successfully identified
      plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT/SLC29A4) as a transporter that can
      operate for cellular atenolol uptake in the intestine, using Madin-Darby canine
      kidney II cells stably expressing PMAT. The specific uptake of atenolol by PMAT
      was greatest at around pH 6.0 and decreased with an increase in pH. At pH 6.0,
      the PMAT-specific uptake of atenolol was saturable with a Michaelis constant of
      0.907 mM. Moreover, PMAT-specific atenolol uptake was extensively inhibited by
      phloretin and quercetin, which are the major flavonoids contained in apple juice,
      with the half maximal inhibitory concentrations of 33.3 and 116.3 MUM,
      respectively. PMAT-specific atenolol uptake was also inhibited by several beta
      blockers, suggesting that they may also be recognized and transported by PMAT.
      These results suggest that PMAT is an atenolol transporter that may be involved
      in intestinal atenolol absorption and sensitive to flavonoids contained in apple
      juice.

PMID- 28089690
TI  - MRI Evaluation of Rectal Cancer: Staging and Restaging.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the staging and
      restaging of rectal cancer. Multiplanar high-resolution (<=3-mm section
      thickness) T2-weighted images are the primary sequences used for rectal cancer
      staging. No preprocedural bowel cleansing regimen, intravenous contrast material,
      nor endorectal coil is necessary. MRI is highly accurate for differentiating T1
      T2 disease from T3 and T4 disease, an important distinction as patients with T3
      and T4 tumors typically undergo preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiation before
      resection. At MRI, the muscularis propria appears as a thin black line encircling
      the outer wall of the rectum, and tumor extension through this line indicates T3
      disease. Further tumor extension into adjacent organs indicates T4 disease.
      Endorectal ultrasound is generally preferred to differentiate T1 (submucosal
      involvement) from T2 (extension into but no disruption of muscularis propria)
      disease. MRI is also accurate in the assessment of tumor involvement of the
      mesorectal fascia. Tumor involvement of the mesorectal fascia increases the
      likelihood of recurrence following resection. MRI is less accurate for
      determination of lymph node status, though heterogeneous signal intensity and
      irregular margins are suggestive of node positive disease. Approximately 10%-30%
      of patients who undergo preoperative chemoradiation experience a complete
      pathologic response that is defined as no residual tumor found at histopathologic
      analysis of the resected specimen. The addition of diffusion-weighted images to
      T2-weighted images improves the accuracy of restaging examinations for
      determination of complete pathologic responders.

PMID- 28089691
TI  - Orcokinin neuropeptides regulate ecdysis in the hemimetabolous insect Rhodnius
      prolixus.
AB  - To grow and develop insects must undergo ecdysis. During this process, the
      individual sheds the old cuticle to emerge as the following developmental stage.
      During ecdysis, different programed behaviors are regulated by neuropeptidergic
      pathways. In general, components of these pathways are better characterized in
      crustacean and holometabolous insects than in hemimetabola. In insects, the
      orkoninin gene produces two different neuropeptide precursors by alternative
      splicing: orcokinin A and orcokinin B. Although orcokinins are well conserved in
      insect species, their physiological role remains elusive. Here we describe a new
      splicing variant of the orcokinin gene in the hemimetabolous triatomine Rhodnius
      prolixus. We further analyze the expression pattern and the function of the
      alternatively spliced RhoprOK transcripts by means of immunohistochemistry and
      RNAi-mediated gene silencing. Our results indicate that orkoninis play an
      essential role in the peptidergic signaling pathway regulating ecdysis in the
      hemimetabolous insect Rhodnius prolixus.

PMID- 28089692
TI  - In vitro bioaccessibility of the marine biotoxins okadaic acid, dinophysistoxin-2
      and their 7-O-acyl fatty acid ester derivatives in raw and steamed shellfish.
AB  - Okadaic acid (OA), Dinophysistoxins (DTX1 and DTX2) and their acyl-derivatives
      (DTX3) are marine toxins responsible for the human diarrhetic shellfish
      poisoning. To date the amount of toxins ingested from consumption of shellfish
      has been considered equal to the amount of toxins available for uptake by the
      human body. The aim of this study is to assess the OA, DTX2 and DTX3 fractions
      released from raw and steamed mussels and cockles into the digestive fluids
      (bioaccessibility) using a static in vitro digestion model. Higher
      bioaccessibility was found in mussels (86 +/- 4%) than in cockles (59 +/- 9%). A
      significant reduction of ester derivatives of OA and an increase of OA were
      observed in the bioaccessible fraction of mussel samples, suggesting that DTX3
      undergo conversion into their more toxic parent compounds during human digestion.
      However, similar increase of DTX2 and reduction of the respective acyl
      derivatives was not observed. Steaming lead to significant reduction of OA and
      analogues bioaccessibility in both species even though increased concentrations
      of toxins are obtained after this treatment. Risk assessment based solely on DSP
      toxins occurrence in seafood can conduct to an overestimation of the exposure and
      lead to more conservative regulatory measures.

PMID- 28089689
TI  - Piecing it together: Unraveling the elusive structure-function relationship in
      single-pass membrane receptors.
AB  - The challenge of crystallizing single-pass plasma membrane receptors has remained
      an obstacle to understanding the structural mechanisms that connect extracellular
      ligand binding to cytosolic activation. For example, the complex interplay
      between receptor oligomerization and conformational dynamics has been,
      historically, only inferred from static structures of isolated receptor domains.
      A fundamental challenge in the field of membrane receptor biology, then, has been
      to integrate experimentally observable dynamics of full-length receptors (e.g.
      diffusion and conformational flexibility) into static structural models of the
      disparate domains. In certain receptor families, e.g. the ErbB receptors,
      structures have led somewhat linearly to a putative model of activation. In other
      families, e.g. the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors, structures have
      produced divergent hypothetical mechanisms of activation and transduction. Here,
      we discuss in detail these and other related receptors, with the goal of
      illuminating the current challenges and opportunities in building comprehensive
      models of single-pass receptor activation. The deepening understanding of these
      receptors has recently been accelerated by new experimental and computational
      tools that offer orthogonal perspectives on both structure and dynamics. As such,
      this review aims to contextualize those technological developments as we
      highlight the elegant and complex conformational communication between receptor
      domains. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Interactions between
      membrane receptors in cellular membranes edited by Kalina Hristova.

PMID- 28089693
TI  - Effects of six priority controlled phthalate esters with long-term low-dose
      integrated exposure on male reproductive toxicity in rats.
AB  - Human beings are inevitably exposed to ubiquitous phthalate esters (PEs)
      surroundings. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of long
      term low-dose exposure to the mixture of six priority controlled phthalate esters
      (MIXPs): dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di(n-butyl) phthalate
      (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethyhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n
      octyl phthalate (DNOP), on male rat reproductive system and further to explore
      the underlying mechanisms of the reproductive toxicity. The male rats were orally
      exposed to either sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as controls or MIXPs at three
      different low-doses by gavage for 15 weeks. Testosterone and luteinizing hormone
      (LH) in serum were analyzed, and pathological examinations were performed for
      toxicity evaluation. Steroidogenic proteins (StAR, P450scc, CYP17A1 and 17beta
      HSD), cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins (p53, Chk1, Cdc2, CDK6, Bcl-2 and
      Bax) were measured for mechanisms exploration. MIXPs with long-term low-dose
      exposure could cause male reproductive toxicity to the rats, including the
      decrease of both serum and testicular testosterone, and the constructional damage
      of testis. These effects were related to down-regulated steroidogenic proteins,
      arresting cell cycle progression and promoting apoptosis in rat testicular cells.
      The results indicate that MIXPs with long-term low-dose exposure may pose male
      reproductive toxicity in human.

PMID- 28089694
TI  - Affective and cognitive correlates of PTSD: Electrocortical processing of threat
      and perseverative errors on the WCST in combat-related PTSD.
AB  - PTSD is characterized by both affective and cognitive dysfunction. Affectively,
      PTSD is associated with both heightened emotional reactivity and disengagement.
      Cognitively, perseverative thinking is a core feature of the disorder. In order
      to assess the interactive effects of affective and cognitive correlates of PTSD
      symptoms, 47 OEF/OIF/OND veterans completed an emotional faces matching task
      while EEG (i.e., late positive potential; LPP) was recorded, and separately
      completed the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) to assess perseverative errors.
      There was no relationship between PTSD symptoms and either perseverative errors
      or EEG reactivity to faces. However, an interaction was found such that high
      perseverative errors on the WCST and a relatively enhanced LPP to angry faces was
      associated with greater PTSD symptoms, while low errors on the WCST and a
      relatively blunted LPP to angry faces also related to greater PTSD symptoms.
      These findings suggest that emotion-cognition interactions are important for
      understanding PTSD, and that distinct emotion-cognition constellations interact
      with symptoms.

PMID- 28089696
TI  - Differential sensory cortical involvement in auditory and visual sensorimotor
      temporal recalibration: Evidence from transcranial direct current stimulation
      (tDCS).
AB  - Adaptation to delayed sensory feedback following an action produces a subjective
      time compression between the action and the feedback (temporal recalibration
      effect, TRE). TRE is important for sensory delay compensation to maintain a
      relationship between causally related events. It is unclear whether TRE is a
      sensory modality-specific phenomenon. In 3 experiments employing a sensorimotor
      synchronization task, we investigated this question using cathodal transcranial
      direct-current stimulation (tDCS). We found that cathodal tDCS over the visual
      cortex, and to a lesser extent over the auditory cortex, produced decreased
      visual TRE. However, both auditory and visual cortex tDCS did not produce any
      measurable effects on auditory TRE. Our study revealed different nature of TRE in
      auditory and visual domains. Visual-motor TRE, which is more variable than
      auditory TRE, is a sensory modality-specific phenomenon, modulated by the
      auditory cortex. The robustness of auditory-motor TRE, unaffected by tDCS,
      suggests the dominance of the auditory system in temporal processing, by
      providing a frame of reference in the realignment of sensorimotor timing signals.

PMID- 28089695
TI  - The pharmacology of tacrine at N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors.
AB  - The mechanism of tacrine as a precognitive drug has been considered to be complex
      and not fully understood. It has been reported to involve a wide spectrum of
      targets involving cholinergic, gabaergic, nitrinergic and glutamatergic pathways.
      Here, we review the effect of tacrine and its derivatives on the NMDA receptors
      (NMDAR) with a focus on the mechanism of action and biological consequences
      related to the Alzheimer's disease treatment. Our findings indicate that effect
      of tacrine on glutamatergic neurons is both direct and indirect. Direct NMDAR
      antagonistic effect is often reported by in vitro studies; however, it is
      achieved by high tacrine concentrations which are not likely to occur under
      clinical conditions. The impact on memory and behavioral testing can be ascribed
      to indirect effects of tacrine caused by influencing the NMDAR-mediated currents
      via M1 receptor activation, which leads to inhibition of Ca2+-activated potassium
      channels. Such inhibition prevents membrane repolarization leading to prolonged
      NMDAR activation and subsequently to long term potentiation. Considering these
      findings, we can conclude that tacrine-derivatives with dual cholinesterase and
      NMDARs modulating activity may represent a promising approach in the drug
      development for diseases associated with cognitive dysfunction, such as the
      Alzheimer disease.

PMID- 28089697
TI  - Effects of mild cognitive impairment on emotional scene memory.
AB  - Young and older adults experience benefits in attention and memory for emotional
      compared to neutral information, but this memory benefit is greatly diminished in
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). Little is known about whether this impairment arises
      early or late in the time course between healthy aging and AD. This study
      compared memory for positive, negative, and neutral items with neutral
      backgrounds between patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy
      older adults. We also used a divided attention condition in older adults as a
      possible model for the deficits observed in MCI patients. Results showed a
      similar pattern of selective memory for emotional items while forgetting their
      backgrounds in older adults and MCI patients, but MCI patients had poorer memory
      overall. Dividing attention during encoding disproportionately reduced memory for
      backgrounds (versus items) relative to a full attention condition. Participants
      performing in the lower half on the divided attention task qualitatively and
      quantitatively mirrored the results in MCI patients. Exploratory analyses
      comparing lower- and higher-performing MCI patients showed that only higher
      performing MCI patients had the characteristic scene memory pattern observed in
      healthy older adults. Together, these results suggest that the effects of emotion
      on memory are relatively well preserved for patients with MCI, although emotional
      memory patterns may start to be altered once memory deficits become more
      pronounced.

PMID- 28089698
TI  - Novel 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid substituted thiazolidin-4-ones as anti
      inflammatory agents: Design, synthesis and biological screening.
AB  - A library of fourteen 2-imino-4-thiazolidinone derivatives (1a-1n) has been
      synthesized and evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and effect on ex
      vivo COX-2 and TNF-alpha expression. Compounds 1k (5-(2,4-dichloro-phenooxy)
      acetic acid (3-benzyl-4-oxo-thiazolidin-2-ylidene)-hydrazide) and 1m (5-(2,4
      dichloro-phenooxy)-acetic acid (3-cyclohexyl-4-oxo-thiazolidin-2-ylidene)
      hydrazide) exhibited in vivo inhibition of 81.14% and 78.80% respectively after
      5h in comparison to indomethacin which showed 76.36% inhibition of inflammation
      without causing any damage to the stomach. Compound 1k showed a reduction of
      68.32% in the level of COX-2 as compared to the indomethacin which exhibited
      66.23% inhibition of COX-2. The selectivity index of compound 1k was found to be
      29.00 in comparison to indomethacin showing selectivity index of 0.476. Compounds
      1k and 1m were also found to significantly suppress TNF-alpha concentration to
      70.10% and 68.43% in comparison to indomethacin which exhibited 66.45%
      suppression.

PMID- 28089699
TI  - Investigation of piperazine benzamides as human beta3 adrenergic receptor
      agonists for the treatment of overactive bladder.
AB  - The synthesis of a novel class of piperazine benzamide (reverse amides) targeting
      the human beta3-adrenergic receptor for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB)
      is described. The SAR studies directed towards maintaining well established beta3
      potency and selectivities while improving the overall pharmacokinetic profile in
      the reverse amide class will be evaluated. The results and consequences
      associated with functional activity at the norepinephrine transporter (NET) will
      also be discussed.

PMID- 28089700
TI  - New synthetic route to ethynyl-dUTP: A means to avoid formation of acetyl and
      chloro vinyl base-modified triphosphates that could poison SELEX experiments.
AB  - 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine is a common base-modified nucleoside analogue that has
      served in various applications including selection experiments for potent
      aptamers and in biosensing. The synthesis of the corresponding triphosphates
      involves a mild acidic deprotection step. Herein, we show that this deprotection
      leads to the formation of other nucleoside analogs which are easily converted to
      triphosphates. The modified nucleoside triphosphates are excellent substrates for
      numerous DNA polymerases under both primer extension and PCR conditions and could
      thus poison selection experiments by blocking sites that need to be further
      modified. The formation of these nucleoside analogs can be circumvented by
      application of a new synthetic route that is described herein.

PMID- 28089701
TI  - Functionalized triazines as potent HCV entry inhibitors.
AB  - A series of potent and novel acylsulfonamide-bearing triazines were synthesized
      and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) as HCV entry inhibitors were
      evaluated. This acylsulfonamide series was derived from an early lead, 4-(4-(1-(4
      chlorophenyl)cyclopropylamino)-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2
      ylamino)benzoic acid wherein the carboxylic acid was replaced with an
      acylsulfonamide moiety. This structural modification provided a class of
      compounds which projected an additional vector off the terminus of the
      acylsulfonamide functionality as a means to drive activity. This effort led to
      the discovery of potent analogues within this series that demonstrated sub
      nanomolar EC50 values in the HCV pseudotype particle (HCVpp) assay.

PMID- 28089702
TI  - The visible burrow system: A view from across the hall.
AB  - The visible burrow system (VBS) is an ethologically relevant social stress model
      that creates a distinct dominance hierarchy in rats. Randall Sakai's laboratory
      performed an impressive series of studies documenting the very different impact
      of VBS exposure on the brain and behavior of dominants (DOM) and subordinates
      (SUBs). Hierarchy formation causes pronounced changes in metabolism in SUBs
      relative to both DOMs and unstressed controls, resulting in marked weight loss
      and metabolic imbalance. Stress testing revealed multiple phenotypes in the VBS,
      including DOMs, stress-responsive SUBs and stress-non-responsive SUBs. Stress
      responsive SUBs have adrenal hypertrophy and elevated baseline corticosterone,
      consistent with prolonged HPA axis activation; however, peak acute stress
      responses are not sensitized. In contrast, stress non-responsive individuals do
      not mount a response to an acute stress, suggesting HPA axis hypofunction. In
      brain, SUBs exhibit a pattern of gene regulation consistent with impaired stress
      inhibition (e.g., hippocampal adrenocorticosteroid receptor down-regulation and
      dendritic retraction) and drive of stress pathways (e.g., increased locus
      coeruleus tyrosine hydroxylase expression). The non-responsive phenotype is
      distinguished by down-regulation of paraventricular nucleus corticotropin
      releasing hormone expression and enhanced neuropeptide Y expression in amygdala.
      The brain 'signature' created by VBS hierarchy formation differed substantially
      from that of another well-studied chronic stress model (chronic variable stress).
      Thus, the impact of VBS is mediated by neurocircuit mechanisms at least in part
      distinct that of other chronic stress modalities, and suggests that the nature of
      the stressor may be an essential consideration in development of treatment
      strategies for stress-related diseases.

PMID- 28089703
TI  - To each its own? Gender differences in affective, autonomic, and behavioral
      responses to same-sex and opposite-sex visual sexual stimuli.
AB  - A large body of research on gender differences in response to erotic stimuli has
      focused on genital and/or subjective sexual arousal. On the other hand, studies
      assessing gender differences in emotional psychophysiological responding to
      sexual stimuli have only employed erotic pictures of male-female couples or
      female/male nudes. The present study aimed at investigating differences between
      gynephilic men and androphilic women in emotional responding to visual sexual
      stimuli depicting female-male, female-female and male-male couples. Affective
      responses were explored in multiple response systems, including autonomic indices
      of emotional activation, i.e., heart rate and skin conductance, along with
      standardized measures of valence and arousal. Blood pressure was measured as an
      index of autonomic activation associated with sexual arousal, and free viewing
      times as an index of interest/avoidance. Overall, men showed gender-specific
      activation characterized by clearly appetitive reactions to the target of their
      sexual attraction (i.e., women), with physiological arousal discriminating female
      female stimuli as the most effective sexual cues. In contrast, women's emotional
      activation to sexual stimuli was clearly non-specific in most of the considered
      variables, with the notable exception of the self-report measures. Overall,
      affective responses replicate patterns of gender-specific and gender-nonspecific
      sexual responses in gynephilic men and androphilic women.

PMID- 28089704
TI  - Brain mineralocorticoid receptor function in control of salt balance and stress
      adaptation.
AB  - We will highlight in honor of Randall Sakai the peculiar characteristics of the
      brain mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in its response pattern to the classical
      mineralocorticoid aldosterone and the naturally occurring glucocorticoids
      corticosterone and cortisol. Neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and
      circumventricular organs express MR, which mediate selectively the action of
      aldosterone on salt appetite, sympathetic outflow and volume regulation. The MR
      containing NTS neurons innervate limbic-forebrain circuits enabling aldosterone
      to also modulate reciprocally arousal, motivation, fear and reward. MR expressed
      in abundance in this limbic-forebrain circuitry, is target of cortisol and
      corticosterone in modulation of appraisal processes, memory performance and
      selection of coping strategy. Complementary to this role of limbic MR is the
      action mediated by the lower affinity glucocorticoid receptors (GR), which
      promote subsequently memory storage of the experience and facilitate behavioral
      adaptation. Current evidence supports the hypothesis that an imbalance between MR
      and GR-mediated actions compromises resilience and adaptation to stress.

PMID- 28089705
TI  - So as we worry we weigh: Visible burrow system stress and visceral adiposity.
AB  - The visible borrow system (VBS) simulates a natural rodent habitat that supports
      genuine stress provoking social interactions. This model allows investigation of
      behavioral, neural and endocrine alterations caused by chronic stress. The Sakai
      lab further used this model to investigate metabolic outcomes of stress in
      relation to dominance hierarchies formed within the VBS. Communal social conflict
      occurs among all VBS rats, but only the SUB rats succumb to the redistribution of
      lipids in the visceral cavity and consequent metabolic dysregulation, such as
      hyper-insulinemia. These increases in visceral adipose tissue occur after two
      cycles of VBS stress and recovery bouts and are associated with decreases in
      subcutaneous adipose tissue. Traditionally, distribution shift in lipid
      deposition is predominately thought to occur by characteristics specific to the
      visceral depot, but evidence supports that decreased subcutaneous adipose tissue
      deposition may be linked to enhanced visceral adipose expansion. This review will
      discuss VBS stress and redirection of adipose tissue in SUB rats. There will be
      specific focus on the enhanced adipogenic capacity of visceral adipose tissue as
      driven by glucocorticoid receptor density, 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1
      (11-HSD1) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Additionally, the proposed contribution
      of decreased subcutaneous adipose expansion via stress-induced inhibition of
      lipid uptake, storage and cellularity will be discussed. Overall, this review
      will summarize how stress-induced visceral obesity may result from a combination
      of maladaptive responses within the visceral and subcutaneous depot.

PMID- 28089707
TI  - Understanding infant eating behaviour - Lessons learned from observation.
AB  - Observations of human infants during feeding presents a rich source of data to
      identify the ways in which hunger, appetite and satiety are communicated in early
      life. Infants signal appetite through their interest or disinterest in food using
      a series of communication cues from rapid and transient facial expressions to
      subtle or potent gestures and bodily movements through to vocalisations and
      eventually speech. Even in the first days of life facial expressions in response
      to basic tastes are clearly demonstrated and shared between human infants, other
      primates and the rat. These sensory typical reactions are said to have biological
      significance since the positive affective response to sweet taste secures a safe
      and useful source of energy whilst an aversive response to bitter may protect
      against toxicity. However, beyond these shared responses to basic tastes, the
      human infant has a sophisticated communication system to demonstrate readiness to
      eat, avid or waning appetite and satiety. Video capture and behavioural coding of
      infant communication and caregiver responses during meals reveal the dynamic
      nature of mealtime interactions. Responsiveness to infant cues is influenced by
      maternal characteristics and mode of feeding. Breastfeeding facilitates
      communication by enhancing maternal responsiveness and increasing the frequency
      of engagement and disengagement cues of the infant. This demonstrates the bi
      directionality and interdependence of infant communication during a feed, namely
      that more responsive feeding for example, through breastfeeding, is associated
      with more proficient communication by the infant. Overall, observational methods
      have revealed the complex ways in which infants signal energy needs to their
      caregivers, and in turn these same methods have captured on film the ways in
      which carers recognise and react to these signals as part of responsive feeding.
      Potential applications of these methods includes developing interventions to
      facilitate infant self-regulation through responsive feeding.

PMID- 28089706
TI  - A sipometer for measuring motivation to consume and reward value of foods and
      beverages in humans: Description and proof of principle.
AB  - New methods, derived from animal work, for measuring food reward value (i.e.
      reinforcing value of food), and motivation (i.e. strength of desire) to consume,
      in humans are described and validated. A sipping device (sipometer) was developed
      that permits access to a liquid food or beverage on two reward schedules:
      continuous reinforcement (CR) and progressively increasing time spent exerting
      pressure on a straw (PR-schedule). In addition, a pictorial scale showing a cup,
      from which the 'amount wanted' could be marked was used to pre-test potential
      consumption. Intake, time spent sipping, breakpoint, and pressure exerted were
      the main dependent variables measured. Three pilot experiments were conducted. In
      Experiment 1, participants (n=8) consumed yogurt shakes after a 1-h or 21-h food
      deprivation period on both schedules. In Experiment 2, participants (n=8) sham
      consumed (i.e. spit out) sweet and non-sweet beverages, utilizing both schedules.
      In Experiment 3, sham-consuming sweet and non-sweet beverages on both schedules
      and working for shake on the PR schedule were repeated, after three nights of
      either habitual sleep or short sleep duration (n=7) in a crossover design. In
      Experiment 1, participants sipped longer after 21-h vs. 1-h of food deprivation
      (13+/-3.0 vs. 8.0+/-2.1s; p=0.04), on the PR schedule. In Experiment 2, sham
      intake (p=0.01) and sipping time (p=0.04) were greater for sweet than non-sweet
      beverages on the PR schedule and a similar, though not conventionally
      significant, effect was observed for exerted pressure (p=0.09). In both
      Experiment 2 and Experiment 3 after habitual sleep, on the PR schedule,
      cumulative pressure difference between sweet and non-sweet beverage increased
      with difference in amount wanted in the taste test. In contrast, after short
      sleep participants were less willing to work for sweet taste as their wanting
      increased, suggesting that sleep deprivation raises desire, but lowers behavioral
      output. Taken together these results demonstrate that the sipometer and
      associated ratings are reliable and useful measures of motivation to consume and
      reward value in humans. Participants were more motivated to obtain access to
      sweet beverages, especially when these were better liked than to obtain access to
      non-sweet beverages.

PMID- 28089708
TI  - Hair corticosterone measurement in mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus.
AB  - In diabetes, glucocorticoid secretion increases secondary to hyperglycemia and is
      associated with an extensive list of disease complications. Levels of cortisol in
      humans, or corticosterone in rodents, are usually measured as transitory
      biomarkers of stress in blood or saliva. Glucocorticoid concentrations accumulate
      in human or animal hair over weeks and could more accurately measure the
      cumulative stress burden of diseases like chronic diabetes. In this study,
      corticosterone levels were measured in hair in verified rodent models of diabetes
      mellitus. To induce type 1 diabetes, C57BL/6J mice were injected with
      streptozotocin and blood and hair samples were collected 28days following
      induction. Leptin receptor deficient (db/db) mice were used as a spontaneous
      model of type 2 diabetes and blood and hair samples were collected at 8weeks of
      age, after the development of hyperglycemia and obesity. Corticosterone levels
      from serum, new growth hair and total growth hair were analyzed using an enzyme
      immunoassay. Corticosterone levels in new growth hair and serum were
      significantly elevated in both models of diabetes compared to controls. In
      contrast, corticosterone levels in old hair growth did not differ significantly
      between diabetic and non-diabetic animals. Thus, hair removal and sampling of new
      hair growth was a more sensitive procedure for detecting changes in hair
      corticosterone levels induced by periods of hyperglycemia lasting for 4weeks in
      mice. These results validate the use of hair to measure long-term changes in
      corticosterone induced by diabetes in rodent models. Further studies are now
      needed to validate the utility of hair cortisol as a tool for measuring the
      stress burden of individuals with diabetes and for following the effects of long
      term medical treatments.

PMID- 28089710
TI  - One (small) step towards precision nutrition by use of metabolomics.

PMID- 28089709
TI  - Objective assessment of dietary patterns by use of metabolic phenotyping: a
      randomised, controlled, crossover trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate monitoring of changes in dietary patterns in response to
      food policy implementation is challenging. Metabolic profiling allows
      simultaneous measurement of hundreds of metabolites in urine, the concentrations
      of which can be affected by food intake. We hypothesised that metabolic profiles
      of urine samples developed under controlled feeding conditions reflect dietary
      intake and can be used to model and classify dietary patterns of free-living
      populations. METHODS: In this randomised, controlled, crossover trial, we
      recruited healthy volunteers (aged 21-65 years, BMI 20-35 kg/m2) from a database
      of a clinical research unit in the UK. We developed four dietary interventions
      with a stepwise variance in concordance with the WHO healthy eating guidelines
      that aim to prevent non-communicable diseases (increase fruits, vegetables, whole
      grains, and dietary fibre; decrease fats, sugars, and salt). Participants
      attended four inpatient stays (72 h each, separated by at least 5 days), during
      which they were given one dietary intervention. The order of diets was randomly
      assigned across study visits. Randomisation was done by an independent
      investigator, with the use of opaque, sealed, sequentially numbered envelopes
      that each contained one of the four dietary interventions in a random order.
      Participants and investigators were not masked from the dietary intervention, but
      investigators analysing the data were masked from the randomisation order. During
      each inpatient period, urine was collected daily over three timed periods:
      morning (0900-1300 h), afternoon (1300-1800 h), and evening and overnight (1800
      0900 h); 24 h urine samples were obtained by pooling these samples. Urine samples
      were assessed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, and
      diet-discriminatory metabolites were identified. We developed urinary metabolite
      models for each diet and identified the associated metabolic profiles, and then
      validated the models using data and samples from the INTERMAP UK cohort (n=225)
      and a healthy-eating Danish cohort (n=66). This study is registered with ISRCTN,
      number ISRCTN43087333. FINDINGS: Between Aug 13, 2013, and May 18, 2014, we
      contacted 300 people with a letter of invitation. 78 responded, of whom 26 were
      eligible and invited to attend a health screening. Of 20 eligible participants
      who were randomised, 19 completed all four 72 h study stays between Oct 2, 2013,
      and July 29, 2014, and consumed all the food provided. Analysis of 1H-NMR
      spectroscopy data indicated that urinary metabolic profiles of the four diets
      were distinct. Significant stepwise differences in metabolite concentrations were
      seen between diets with the lowest and highest metabolic risks. Application of
      the derived metabolite models to the validation datasets confirmed the
      association between urinary metabolic and dietary profiles in the INTERMAP UK
      cohort (p<0.0001) and the Danish cohort (p<0.0001). INTERPRETATION: Urinary
      metabolite models developed in a highly controlled environment can classify
      groups of free-living people into consumers of diets associated with lower or
      higher non-communicable disease risk on the basis of multivariate metabolite
      patterns. This approach enables objective monitoring of dietary patterns in
      population settings and enhances the validity of dietary reporting. FUNDING: UK
      National Institute for Health Research and UK Medical Research Council.

PMID- 28089712
TI  - Effect of heme oxygenase-1 on ochratoxin A-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.
AB  - Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a heme-degrading enzyme, is suggested to play an
      important role in kidney pathophysiology, mostly due to its anti-fibrotic, anti
      apoptotic and anti-oxidant properties. One of the mycotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA)
      was previously shown to affect HO-1 expression, however, the mechanisms of OTA
      induced nephrotoxicity during HO-1 deficiency are unknown. We have shown that OTA
      regulates the number of pro-fibrotic, pro-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and pro
      apoptotic factors in HO-1 dependent manner, as the lack of HO-1 accelerates
      whereas the induction of HO-1 expression by cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP)
      attenuates nephrotoxic effect of OTA. The down-regulation of the nuclear factor
      erythroid-2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor by OTA, observed in HO
      1 knock-out animals, might be another mechanism of OTA toxicity. Moreover, HO-1
      level and OTA treatment influences the expression of microRNAs. Namely, p53
      regulated miR-34a and pro-fibrotic miR-21 were already increased in HO-1-/-
      kidneys and were further induced by OTA administration, whereas anti-fibrotic miR
      29c was down-regulated by this mycotoxin. Our study indicates that complex
      mechanisms of OTA nephrotoxicity may be partially overcome by HO-1 induction.

PMID- 28089711
TI  - Regulation of Expression of Hyperalgesic Priming by Estrogen Receptor alpha in
      the Rat.
AB  - : Hyperalgesic priming, a sexually dimorphic model of transition to chronic pain,
      is expressed as prolongation of prostaglandin E2-induced hyperalgesia by the
      activation of an additional pathway including an autocrine mechanism at the
      plasma membrane. The autocrine mechanism involves the transport of cyclic
      adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to the extracellular space, and its conversion to
      AMP and adenosine, by ecto-5'phosphodiesterase and ecto-5'nucleotidase,
      respectively. The end product, adenosine, activates A1 receptors, producing
      delayed onset prolongation of prostaglandin E2 hyperalgesia. We tested the
      hypothesis that the previously reported, estrogen-dependent, sexual dimorphism
      observed in the induction of priming is present in the mechanisms involved in its
      expression, as a regulatory effect on ecto-5'nucleotidase by estrogen receptor
      alpha (EsRalpha), in female rats. In the primed paw AMP hyperalgesia was
      dependent on conversion to adenosine, being prevented by ecto-5'nucleotidase
      inhibitor alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-diphosphate sodium salt and A1
      receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine. To investigate an
      interaction between EsRalpha and ecto-5'nucleotidase, we treated primed female
      rats with oligodeoxynucleotide antisense or mismatch against EsRalpha messenger
      RNA. Whereas in rats treated with antisense AMP-induced hyperalgesia was
      abolished, the A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentiladenosine still produced
      hyperalgesia. Thus, EsRalpha interacts with this autocrine pathway at the level
      of ecto-5'nucleotidase. These results demonstrate a sexually dimorphic mechanism
      for the expression of priming. PERSPECTIVE: This study presents evidence of an
      estrogen-dependent mechanism of expression of chronic pain in female rats,
      supporting the suggestion that differential targets must be considered when
      establishing protocols for the treatment of painful conditions in men and women.

PMID- 28089713
TI  - Cortisol increases in response to brief social exchanges with opposite sex
      partners.
AB  - Researchers recently demonstrated that cortisol increases in response to mating
      relevant social interactions. An important next step is investigating factors
      that explain individual differences in cortisol reactivity within these contexts.
      The current study examined demographic, situational, and individual difference
      predictors of cortisol reactivity following brief, non-face-to-face interactions
      with potential dating partners. College students made a video introducing
      themselves to another participant. During another appointment, they watched a
      short video of an opposite-sex confederate introducing himself/herself, and
      believed the other person was watching their video. Participants were told they
      would get to know the confederate more during a web-chat, which never took place.
      Participants received either rejection, acceptance, or no feedback from the
      confederate. Cortisol levels increased over baseline in all feedback conditions.
      Cortisol increases were particularly strong for participants who perceived the
      confederate as a more desirable dating partner, participants who were
      independently rated as a less desirable partner, and men.

PMID- 28089714
TI  - Effects of touch on emotional face processing: A study of event-related
      potentials, facial EMG and cardiac activity.
AB  - Being touched is known to affect emotion, and even a casual touch can elicit
      positive feelings and affinity. Psychophysiological studies have recently shown
      that tactile primes affect visual evoked potentials to emotional stimuli,
      suggesting altered affective stimulus processing. As, however, these studies
      approached emotion from a purely unidimensional perspective, it remains unclear
      whether touch biases emotional evaluation or a more general feature such as
      salience. Here, we investigated how simple tactile primes modulate event related
      potentials (ERPs), facial EMG and cardiac response to pictures of facial
      expressions of emotion. All measures replicated known effects of emotional face
      processing: Disgust and fear modulated early ERPs, anger increased the cardiac
      orienting response, and expressions elicited emotion-congruent facial EMG
      activity. Tactile primes also affected these measures, but priming never
      interacted with the type of emotional expression. Thus, touch may additively
      affect general stimulus processing, but it does not bias or modulate immediate
      affective evaluation.

PMID- 28089715
TI  - Ameliorating effects of herbal formula hemomine on experimental subacute
      hemorrhagic anemia in rats.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hemomine (HM) is an herbal mixture consisting of
      5 varieties of the hematopoietic herbal extracts (Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium
      officinale Makino, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz ex
      Stueudel, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer). AIM OF THE STUDY: Anemia has been
      treated with iron supplements, whereas it could cause adverse side effects such
      as digestive discomfort. In the present study, HM was applied to SHA rats to test
      for several activities so as to verify its therapeutic potentials on anemia and
      digestive discomfort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to
      seven groups: (Two controls, two references (ferric hydroxide polymatose (FM) and
      ferritin extract glycerin hydrate (FA)), three different concentrations of HM,
      n=8 per groups), and induced subacute hemorrhagic anemia (SHA) through blood
      exsanguinations once a day for 7 days. RESULTS: The SHA animal model showed
      changes in the markers related to classic iron-deficient and regenerative anemia
      in this experiment. However, the SHA related anemic signs were dose-dependently
      inhibited by the administration of HM 2, 1, and 0.5ml/kg for 7 days, and more
      favorably than the equal dosages of FM and FA. In addition, FM and FA showed the
      typical constipation signs, including reduction of in thickness of the colonic
      mucosa, in contrast, HM 2, 1, and 0.5ml/kg groups had no effects on the
      gastrointestinal motilities and the colonic mucous components when compared to
      the controls. The results suggested that the HM significantly showed to have
      therapeutic effects in the experimental SHA in rats, and is more potent than the
      commercial iron supplement through the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells
      with reduced digestive discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, Hemomine may prove to
      be a promising hematopoietic and therapeutic agent for anemia.

PMID- 28089716
TI  - A characterization of the antimalarial activity of the bark of Cylicodiscus
      gabunensis Harms.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE AND AIM: A decoction of the bark of Cylicodiscus
      gabunensis Harms is used as a traditional medicine in the treatment of malaria in
      Nigeria. This study aims to validate the antimalarial potency of this decoction
      in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum and define potential bioactive
      constituents within the C. gabunensis bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bioassay
      guided separation and fractionation protocol was applied to C. gabunensis
      extracts, exploiting the use of a Malaria Sybr Green I Fluorescence assay method
      to monitor antiproliferative effects on parasites as well as define 50%
      inhibition concentrations. Spectroscopic techniques, including GC-MS, TOF LC-MS
      and 1H NMR were used to identify phytochemicals present in bioactive fractions.
      Analogues of gallic acid were synthesized de novo to support the demonstration of
      the antimalarial action of phenolic acids identified in C. gabunensis bark. In
      vitro cytotoxicity of plant extracts, fractions and gallate analogues was
      evaluated against the HepG2 cell line. RESULTS: The antimalarial activity of
      ethanolic extracts of C. gabunensis bark was confirmed in vitro, with evidence
      for phenolic acids, primarily gallic acid and close analogues such as ethyl
      gallate, likely providing this effect. Further fractionation produced the most
      potent fraction with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 4.7ug/ml. Spectroscopic
      analysis, including 1H NMR, LC-MS and GC-MS analysis of this fraction and its
      acid hydrolyzed products, indicated the presence of conjugates of gallic acid
      with oligosaccharides. The extracts/fractions and synthetic alkyl and alkenyl
      gallates showed moderate selectivity against P. falciparum. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results support the use of the bark of C. gabunensis as a traditional medicine in
      the treatment of human malaria, with phenolic acid oligosaccharide complexes
      evident in the most bioactive fractions.

PMID- 28089717
TI  - Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in human follicular fluid and in vitro
      fertilization outcomes, a pilot study.
AB  - Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are ubiquitously distributed among the U.S.
      population and adversely impact human reproduction. These compounds have been
      detected in human ovarian follicular fluid (FF), where they directly contact a
      developing oocyte. As a pilot investigation, we measured 43 polychlorinated
      biphenyl (PCB) congeners, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and its
      persistent metabolite p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in residual FF
      collected from 32 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). We identified
      significant inverse associations between higher levels of PCB congeners and
      indicators of ovarian reserve (e.g., antral follicle count), follicular response
      to administered gonadotropins (e.g., peak estradiol, number of oocytes retrieved,
      endometrial thickness), intermediate IVF endpoints (e.g., oocyte fertilization
      and embryo quality), and clinical IVF outcomes (e.g., embryo implantation and
      live birth), after adjusting for body mass index, cigarette smoking, race, and
      age. Our results suggest that ongoing exposure to POPs impacts IVF and merit
      confirmation in a larger and more definitive future study.

PMID- 28089718
TI  - Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide from Alligator mississippiensis has
      antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumanii and
      Klebsiella pneumoniae.
AB  - Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator), a member of order Crocodilia,
      lives in bacteria-laden environments but is not often known to succumb to
      bacterial infections. Their serum has been shown to have antibacterial activity
      beyond that of human serum, and it is believed that this activity is partially
      due to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). CAMPs are produced by many
      organisms as part of the innate immune system. CAMPs are attractive possible
      therapies against multi-drug resistant bacteria, such as those found in biofilm
      infected war wounds, because they seldom cause genetic resistance in bacteria and
      are effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria. In this work, we identified,
      synthesized, and characterized a cathelicidin and two shorter fragments from the
      American alligator. We discovered the cathelicidin using Basic Local Alignment
      Search Tool (BLAST) alignment and by comparing A. mississippiensis expressed
      sequence tags (ESTs) with propeptide cathelicidins of other reptiles. We analyzed
      the structure using bioinformatics tools and circular dichroism and predicted
      that the full-length cathelicidin peptide has a mixed structure, with an N
      terminal alpha-helix and a center Pro hinge. In minimal inhibitory concentration
      (MIC) assays, it was determined that the cathelicidin and the two shorter
      fragments have strong activity against multiple Gram-negative bacteria, including
      clinical isolates of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and
      carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Using the ethidium bromide uptake
      assay, it was found that these peptides permeabilize the bacterial membrane and
      are less sensitive to salt inhibition than many other known CAMPs. The alligator
      cathelicidin peptides were not hemolytic against sheep red blood cells at 300
      MUg/ml and were not significantly cytotoxic against A549 human lung epithelial
      cells after 24 h exposure in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide (MTT) assays. These alligator cathelicidin peptides have activity similar
      to other CAMPs from reptiles such as NA-CATH. It is possible that the alligator
      cathelicidins play an important role in the innate immune response of A.
      mississippiensis, similar to LL-37 in humans. In addition, due to their
      activities against MDR bacteria and lack of cytotoxicity, the AM-CATH peptides
      could be an attractive platform for further development as a potential
      therapeutic.

PMID- 28089719
TI  - 220th ENMC workshop: Dystroglycan and the dystroglycanopathies Naarden, The
      Netherlands, 27-29 May 2016.

PMID- 28089720
TI  - Condyloma Acuminatum of Urinary Bladder in a Male Renal Transplant Recipient - A
      Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge.

PMID- 28089721
TI  - Angiotensin Inhibitors as Treatment of Sunitinib/Pazopanib-induced Hypertension
      in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research suggests that baseline use of angiotensin system inhibitors
      (ASIs) improves outcome in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC),
      but it remains unknown whether the type of antihypertensive medication used to
      initiate management at onset of treatment-induced hypertension (HTN) is
      associated with outcome. We evaluated the association of ASIs and outcome among
      patients with mRCC treated with first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 303 consecutive patients with mRCC who were
      treated with sunitinib or pazopanib in a single university hospital cancer
      center. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox
      regression adjusted for known risk factors. RESULTS: Progression-free survival
      (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar among patients with baseline HTN (n
      = 197; 65%) versus patients with no baseline HTN (n = 106; 35%) (PFS; P = .72)
      (OS; P = .54). There was a significant difference between patients with treatment
      induced HTN (n = 110) versus patients with no treatment-induced HTN (n = 193) for
      PFS (15.6 vs. 6.4 months, respectively; P < .001) and OS (34.9 vs. 13.9 months,
      respectively; P < .001). Use of ASIs at baseline (n = 126; 41.6%) had no impact
      on outcome as compared with patients receiving other antihypertensive medication
      (n = 71; 23.4%) or with patients with no baseline antihypertensive medication (n
      = 106; 35.0%). Among patients with TKI-induced HTN (n = 110), however, ASI users
      (n = 91) demonstrated improved OS (37.5 vs. 18.1 months; P = .001) and PFS (17.1
      vs. 7.2 months; P = .004) versus ASI nonusers (n = 19), respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Our results demonstrate survival benefit for ASI users among patients with TKI
      induced HTN. These results, however, require further validation in a prospective
      setting.

PMID- 28089722
TI  - Perioperative Allogenic Blood Transfusion in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Risk Factors
      and Effect on Long-term Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to create a preoperative model to predict the risk of
      perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
      undergoing nephrectomy and to evaluate the effect of PBT on long-term outcomes.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study included 648 consecutive
      patients who had undergone radical or partial nephrectomy for RCC at a single
      institution. The risk factors for PBT were analyzed using logistic regression
      analysis. Cox proportional hazards models addressed the effect of PBT on overall
      and RCC-specific mortality. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients (10%) received a
      median of 2 red blood cell units (interquartile range, 2-3; range 1-20). On
      multivariable logistic regression analysis, 2 preoperative factors were
      independently associated with receipt of PBT: preoperative anemia (odds ratio,
      6.28; P < .001) and open surgery (odds ratio, 3.40; P < .001). The risk of
      receiving PBT was high with both risk factors present (34%), intermediate with 1
      risk factor present (7%-12%), and low with 0 risk factors present (2%). Within a
      median follow-up period of 63 months (interquartile range, 32-91), 108 patients
      (17%) had died of RCC and 177 (27%) had died of any cause. In the multivariable
      Cox models, PBT remained independently associated with overall mortality (hazard
      ratio [HR], 1.86; P = .004) and RCC-specific mortality (HR, 1.79; P = .007). A
      dose-dependent association of PBT with RCC-specific mortality was observed (HR,
      1.14; P = .01). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing surgery for RCC, PBT was
      associated with adverse overall and RCC-specific mortality. Patients with
      preoperative anemia and those scheduled to undergo open surgery are at an
      increased risk of PBT and could be candidates for perioperative optimization
      techniques.

PMID- 28089723
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of the Decipher Genomic Classifier to Guide Individualized
      Decisions for Early Radiation Therapy After Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the effectiveness of early adjuvant
      versus salvage radiation therapy after prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
      Estimates of prostate cancer progression from the Decipher genomic classifier
      (GC) could guide informed decision-making and improve the outcomes for patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a Markov model to compare the costs and
      quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with GC-based treatment decisions
      regarding adjuvant therapy after prostatectomy with those of 2 control
      strategies: usual care (determined from patterns of care studies) and the
      alternative of 100% adjuvant radiation therapy. Using the bootstrapping method of
      sampling with replacement, the cases of 10,000 patients were simulated during a
      10-year time horizon, with each subject having individual estimates for cancer
      progression (according to GC findings) and noncancer mortality (according to
      age). RESULTS: GC-based care was more effective and less costly than 100%
      adjuvant radiation therapy and resulted in cost savings up to an assay cost of
      $11,402. Compared with usual care, GC-based care resulted in more QALYs. Assuming
      a $4000 assay cost, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $90,833 per
      QALY, assuming a 7% usage rate of adjuvant radiation therapy. GC-based care was
      also associated with a 16% reduction in the percentage of patients with distant
      metastasis at 5 years compared with usual care. CONCLUSION: The Decipher GC could
      be a cost-effective approach for genomics-driven cancer treatment decisions after
      prostatectomy, with improvements in estimated clinical outcomes compared with
      usual care. The individualized decision analytic framework applied in the present
      study offers a flexible approach to estimate the potential utility of genomic
      assays for personalized cancer medicine.

PMID- 28089724
TI  - Potential applications of lipid peroxidation products - F4-neuroprostanes, F3
      neuroprostanesn-6 DPA, F2-dihomo-isoprostanes and F2-isoprostanes - in the
      evaluation of the allograft function in renal transplantation.
AB  - F4-neuroprostanes, F3-neuroprostanesn-6 DPA, and F2-dihomo-isoprostanes,
      metabolites of non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids
      [docosahexaenoic acid, n-6 docosapentanoic acid, and adrenic acid respectively],
      have become important biomarkers for oxidative stress in several diseases like
      epilepsy and alzheimer. These biomarkers and the 15-F2t-isoprostane (also known
      as 8-iso-PGF2alpha), a F2-isoprostane isomer measured as reference oxidative
      marker at systemic level, were analyzed by UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS in the urine of 60
      renal recipients from cadaveric donors of the Nephrology Unit of the University
      Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, at six different times during the first six
      months after renal transplantation, and were compared with a control group of 60
      healthy subjects from the same hospital. A total of 11 metabolites were analyzed
      and different patterns were observed. A tendency to decrease was observed in
      three metabolites (4-epi-4-F3t- NeuroPn-6 DPA, ent-7(RS)-7-F2t-dihomo-IsoP, and
      ent-7(S)-7-F2t-dihomo-IsoP) and in our reference oxidative marker (15-F2t-IsoP)
      when kidney function improved and the excretion of urine proteins decreased.
      These results suggest that these three biomarkers of oxidative stress could be
      useful to assess renal function in the postransplant phase. Unfortunately, little
      is known about this kind of biomarker in this cohort of patients, so further
      investigation would be required in the clinical field to clarify the relationship
      between oxidative stress and the graft function, as well as the usefulness of
      these biomarkers as rejection markers.

PMID- 28089726
TI  - HNE and cholesterol oxidation products in colorectal inflammation and
      carcinogenesis.
AB  - Consistent experimental data suggest the importance of inflammation-associated
      oxidative stress in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. Inflammatory bowel
      disease with chronic intestinal inflammation is now considered a precancerous
      condition. Oxidative stress is an essential feature of inflammation. Activation
      of redox-sensitive pro-inflammatory cell signals and inflammatory mediators
      concur to establish a pro-tumoral environment. In this frame, lipid oxidation
      products, namely 4-hydroxynonenal and oxysterols, can be produced in big quantity
      so as to be able to exert their function as inducers of cell signaling pathways
      of proliferation and survival. Notably, an important source of these two
      compounds is represented by a high fat diet, which is undoubtedly a risk factor
      for inflammation and CRC development. Current evidence for the emerging
      implication of these two oxidized lipids in inflammation and CRC development is
      discussed in this review.

PMID- 28089725
TI  - High concentration of branched-chain amino acids promotes oxidative stress,
      inflammation and migration of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells via mTORC1
      activation.
AB  - Leucine, isoleucine and valine are essential aminoacids termed branched-chain
      amino acids (BCAA) due to its aliphatic side-chain. In several pathological and
      physiological conditions increased BCAA plasma concentrations have been
      described. Elevated BCAA levels predict insulin resistance development. Moreover,
      BCAA levels higher than 2mmol/L are neurotoxic by inducing microglial activation
      in maple syrup urine disease. However, there are no studies about the direct
      effects of BCAA in circulating cells. We have explored whether BCAA could promote
      oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory status in peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs) obtained from healthy donors. In cultured PBMCs, 10mmol/L BCAA
      increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via both NADPH oxidase
      and the mitochondria, and activated Akt-mTOR signalling. By using several
      inhibitors and activators of these molecular pathways we have described that mTOR
      activation by BCAA is linked to ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction.
      BCAA stimulated the activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor NF
      kappaB, which resulted in the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as
      interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 or
      CD40L, and the migration of PBMCs. In conclusion, elevated BCAA blood levels can
      promote the activation of circulating PBMCs, by a mechanism that involving ROS
      production and NF-kappaB pathway activation. These data suggest that high
      concentrations of BCAA could exert deleterious effects on circulating blood cells
      and therefore contribute to the pro-inflammatory and oxidative status observed in
      several pathophysiological conditions.

PMID- 28089727
TI  - Clinical characteristics associated with days to discharge among patients
      admitted with a primary diagnosis of lower limb cellulitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinicians have limited ability to classify risk of prolonged
      hospitalization among patients with lower limb cellulitis. OBJECTIVE: We sought
      to identify characteristics associated with days to discharge and prolonged stay.
      METHODS: We conducted retrospective cohort analysis including patients admitted
      with a primary diagnosis of lower limb cellulitis at community and tertiary
      hospitals. RESULTS: There were 4224 admissions for lower limb cellulitis among
      3692 patients. Mean age of the cohort was 64.4 years. Frequencies of tobacco
      smoking, obesity, and diabetes mellitus were 25.1%, 44.9%, and 19.3%,
      respectively. Patients having decreased likelihood of discharge included those
      with the following: 10-year age increments 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]
      0.88-0.92), obesity 0.90 (95% CI 0.83-0.97), diabetes mellitus 0.90 (95% CI 0.82
      0.98), tachycardia 0.76 (95% CI 0.67-0.85), hypotension 0.77 (95% CI 0.65-0.90),
      leukocytosis 0.86 (95% CI 0.79-0.93), neutrophilia 0.80 (95% CI 0.73-0.87),
      elevated serum creatinine 0.74 (95% CI 0.68-0.81), and low serum bicarbonate 0.84
      (95% CI 0.75-0.95). LIMITATIONS: This analysis is retrospective and based on
      coded data. Unknown confounding variables may also influence prolonged stay.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lower limb cellulitis and prolonged stay have a number
      of clinical characteristics which may be used to classify risk for prolonged
      stay.

PMID- 28089728
TI  - Internet-based skin cancer screening using clinical images alone or in
      conjunction with dermoscopic images: A randomized teledermoscopy trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teledermoscopy involves the use of dermoscopic images for remote
      consultation and decision-making in skin cancer screening. OBJECTIVE: We sought
      to analyze the potential benefits gained from the addition of dermoscopic images
      to an internet-based skin cancer screening system. METHODS: A randomized clinical
      trial assessed the diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of clinical
      teleconsultations (CTC) and clinical with dermoscopic teleconsultations. RESULTS:
      A total of 454 patients were enrolled in the trial (nCTC = 226, nclinical with
      dermoscopic teleconsultation = 228). Teledermoscopy improved sensitivity and
      specificity (92.86% and 96.24%, respectively) compared with CTC (86.57% and
      72.33%, respectively). Correct decisions were made in 94.30% of patients through
      clinical with dermoscopic teleconsultations and in 79.20% in CTC (P < .001). The
      only variable associated with an increased likelihood of correct diagnosis was
      management using teledermoscopy (odds ratio 4.04; 95% confidence interval 2.02
      8.09; P < .0001). The cost-effectiveness analysis showed teledermoscopy as the
      dominant strategy, with a lower cost-effectiveness ratio (65.13 vs 80.84).
      LIMITATIONS: Potentially, a limitation is the establishment of an experienced
      dermatologist as the gold standard for the in-person evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The
      addition of dermoscopic images significantly improves the results of an internet
      based skin cancer screening system, compared with screening systems based on
      clinical images alone.

PMID- 28089730
TI  - Chronic Prostate Inflammation Predicts Symptom Progression in Patients with
      Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined the 4-year longitudinal association between histological
      prostate inflammation and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. We
      also studied the development of new and progressing existing chronic
      prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men randomized to placebo in the
      REDUCE (REduction by DUtasteride of prostate Cancer Events) population. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: At multiple time points during 4 years univariable and multivariable
      analyses were performed between acute and chronic inflammation detected on
      baseline biopsies and the incidence of chronic pelvic pain syndrome-like
      symptoms, defined as a positive response to CPSI (Chronic Prostatitis Symptom
      Index) question 1a-perineal pain and/or question 2b-ejaculatory pain and a total
      pain subscore of at least 4, and progression of chronic prostatitis/chronic
      pelvic pain syndrome, defined as a 4-point or greater increase from baseline in
      total CPSI score, in patients with a baseline categorization of chronic
      prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. RESULTS: Of the 4,109 men in the study
      acute and chronic inflammation was detected in 641 (15.6%) and 3,216 (78.3%),
      respectively. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome symptom status was
      available for 2,816 at baseline. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
      like symptoms developed in 317 of 2,150 men without the condition at baseline who
      had followup data. Acute and chronic inflammation was not associated with the
      incidence of the symptoms (p >0.1). At a median followup of 12.0 months 109 of
      145 men with baseline chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and
      followup data showed symptomatic progression. Chronic but not acute inflammation
      was significantly associated with shorter time to progression on univariable and
      multivariable analyses (p = 0.029 and 0.018, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Inflammation is not associated with an increased risk of chronic
      prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. However, chronic inflammation predicts
      the risk of symptomatic progression in men in whom chronic prostatitis/chronic
      pelvic pain syndrome symptoms have been identified.

PMID- 28089729
TI  - Urinary Biomarkers in Women with Refractory Urgency Urinary Incontinence
      Randomized to Sacral Neuromodulation versus OnabotulinumtoxinA Compared to
      Controls.
AB  - PURPOSE: We measured urinary biomarker levels in women with refractory urgency
      urinary incontinence and controls at baseline and 6 months after treatment with
      sacral neuromodulation or intradetrusor injection of onabotulinumtoxinA. We also
      assessed the association of baseline biomarkers with posttreatment urgency
      urinary incontinence episodes and overactive bladder symptom bother outcomes.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: First morning urine samples were collected from consented
      trial participants and age matched women without urgency urinary incontinence.
      Biomarkers reflecting general inflammation, neuroinflammation, afferent
      neurotransmitters and tissue remodeling were measured using standardized enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay and activity assays as appropriate. Symptom bother was
      assessed by the overactive bladder questionnaire and urgency urinary incontinence
      episodes were determined by bladder diary. Linear models were used to examine
      differences in mean biomarker levels and the change in urgency urinary
      incontinence episodes and symptom bother between baseline and 6 months. Modest
      evidence of a potential association was represented by p <=0.01 and p <=0.004
      represented moderate evidence of an association with outcomes. RESULTS: Baseline
      biomarker levels differed little between cases and controls except tropoelastin
      (p = 0.001) and N-terminal telopeptide collagen type 1 (p <0.001). Changes in
      biomarker levels 6 months after intervention included decreases in collagenase (p
      <0.001) in both treatment groups and increases in interleukin-8 (p = 0.002) and
      matrix metalloprotease-9 (p <0.001) in the onabotulinumtoxinA group. Higher
      baseline calcitonin gene-related peptide across both treatments (p = 0.007) and
      nerve growth factor in the onabotulinumtoxinA arm (p = 0.007) were associated
      with less reduction in overactive bladder symptom bother. CONCLUSIONS: Refractory
      urgency urinary incontinence is a complex condition. These data suggest that
      matrix remodeling and neuropeptide mediation may be involved in its
      pathophysiological mechanisms and response to treatment.

PMID- 28089731
TI  - Investigation of polymorphisms in genes involved in estrogen metabolism in
      menstrual migraine.
AB  - Migraine is a common, disabling headache disorder, which is influenced by
      multiple genes and environmental triggers. After puberty, the prevalence of
      migraine in women is three times higher than in men and >50% of females suffering
      from migraine report a menstrual association, suggesting hormonal fluctuations
      can influence the risk of migraine attacks. It has been hypothesized that the
      drop in estrogen during menses is an important trigger for menstrual migraine.
      Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are
      involved in estrogen synthesis and metabolism. Functional polymorphisms in these
      genes can influence estrogen levels and therefore may be associated with risk of
      menstrual migraine. In this study we investigated four single nucleotide
      polymorphisms in three genes involved in estrogen metabolism that have been
      reported to impact enzyme levels or function, in a specific menstrual migraine
      cohort. 268 menstrual migraine cases and 142 controls were genotyped for rs4680
      in COMT (Val158Met), rs4646903 and rs1048943 in CYP1A1 (T3801C and Ile462Val) and
      rs700519 in CYP19A1 (Cys264Arg). Neither genotype nor allele frequencies for the
      COMT and CYP SNPs genotyped were found to be significantly different between
      menstrual migraineurs and controls by chi-square analysis (P>0.05). Therefore we
      did not find association of functional polymorphisms in the estrogen metabolism
      genes COMT, CYP1A1 or CYP19A1 with menstrual migraine. Further studies are
      required to assess whether menstrual migraine is genetically distinct from the
      common migraine subtypes and identify genes that influence risk.

PMID- 28089733
TI  - Antimicrobial peptide gene cecropin-2 and defensin respond to peptidoglycan
      infection in the female adult of oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis
      (Hendel).
AB  - Cecropins and defensins are important antimicrobial peptides in insects and are
      inducible after injection of immune triggers. In this study, we cloned the cDNAs
      of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cecropin-2 (BdCec-2) and defensin (BdDef)
      from Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a serious pest causing great economic losses
      to fruits and vegetables. The BdCec-2 sequence of 192bp encodes a protein of 63
      amino acids residues with a predicted molecular weight of 6.78kD. The 282bp cDNA
      of BdDef encodes a protein of 93 residues with a predicted molecular weight of
      9.81kD. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that BdCec-2 and BdDef had
      similar expression profiles among development stages, the highest mRNA levels of
      these two AMP genes were observed in the adult stage. Among different adult body
      segments and tissues, both genes had similar transcriptional profiles, the
      highest mRNA levels appeared in abdomen and fat body, which was consistent with
      the reported fact that fat body was the main organ synthesizing AMPs in insects.
      The expression of BdCec-2 and BdDef were up-regulated after challenge with
      peptidoglycans from Escherichia coli (PGN-EB) and Staphylococcus aureus (PGN-SA),
      respectively, suggesting their antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and
      Gram-positive microorganisms. These results describe for the first time the basic
      properties of the cecropin-2 and defensin genes from B. dorsalis that probably
      play an important role in the defense response against invading microbes.

PMID- 28089732
TI  - ALOX15 as a suppressor of inflammation and cancer: Lost in the link.
AB  - Mounting evidence supports a mechanistic link between inflammation and cancer,
      especially colon cancer. ALOX15 (15-lipoxygenase-1) plays an important role in
      the formation of key lipid mediators (e.g., lipoxins and resolvins) to terminate
      inflammation. ALOX15 expression is downregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC).
      Intestinally-targeted transgenic expression of ALOX15 in mice inhibited dextran
      sodium sulfate-induced colitis from promoting azoxymethane- induced colorectal
      tumorigenesis, demonstrating that ALOX15 can suppress inflammation-driven
      promotion of carcinogen-induced colorectal tumorigenesis and therefore ALOX15
      downregulation during tumorigenesis is likely to enhance the link between colitis
      and colorectal tumorigenesis. ALOX15 suppressed the TNF-alpha, IL-1beta/NF
      kappaB, and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways, which play major roles in promotion of
      colorectal cancer by chronic inflammation. Defining ALOX15's regulatory role in
      colitis-associated colorectal cancer could identify important molecular
      regulatory events that could be targeted to suppress promotion of tumorigenesis
      by chronic inflammation.

PMID- 28089734
TI  - Broadening the phenotype of DFNB28: Mutations in TRIOBP are associated with
      moderate, stable hereditary hearing impairment.
AB  - DFNB28 is characterized by prelingual, severe to profound sensorineural hearing
      impairment (HI). It is associated with mutations in exon 6 and 7 of TRIOBP and
      has not been reported in the European population. Here, we describe two isolated
      cases of Dutch origin with congenital, moderate HI and compound heterozygous
      mutations in TRIOBP. Three of the mutations are novel, one nonsense mutation
      (c.5014G>T (p.Gly1672*)) and two frameshift mutations (c.2653del
      (p.Arg885Alafs*120) and c.3460_3461del (p.Leu1154Alafs*29)). The fourth mutation
      is the known c.3232dup (p.Arg1078Profs*6) mutation. Longitudinal audiometric
      analyses in one of the subjects revealed that HI was stable over a period of 15
      years. Vestibular function was normal. Predicted effects of the mutations do not
      explain the relatively mild phenotype in the presented subjects, whereas location
      of the mutation might well contribute to the milder HI in one of the subjects. It
      is known that isoform classes TRIOBP-4 and TRIOBP-5 are important for stereocilia
      stability and rigidity. To our knowledge, p.Gly1672* is the first pathogenic
      variant identified in DFNB28 that does not affect isoform class TRIOBP-4. This
      suggests that a single TRIOBP copy to encode wildtype TRIOBP-4 is insufficient
      for normal hearing, and that at least one TRIOBP copy to encode TRIOBP-5 is
      indispensable for normal inner ear function. Furthermore, this study demonstrates
      that DFNB28 can be milder than reported so far and that mutations in TRIOBP are
      thus associated with a heterogeneous phenotype.

PMID- 28089735
TI  - Effects of simvastatin on CAT-1-mediated arginine transport and NO level under
      high glucose conditions in conditionally immortalized rat inner blood-retinal
      barrier cell lines (TR-iBRB).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hyperglycemia causes the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier by
      impairing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function. Statins have many
      pleiotropic effects such as improving endothelial barrier permeability and
      increasing eNOS mRNA stability. The objective of this study was to determine
      effect of simvastatin on l-arginine transport and NO production under high
      glucose conditions in conditionally immortalized rat retinal capillary
      endothelial cell line (TR-iBRB). METHODS: Changes in l-arginine transport uptake
      and, expression levels of cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1) and eNOS mRNA
      were investigated after pre-treatment with simvastatin and NOS inhibitors (l-NMMA
      and l-NAME) under high-glucose conditions using TR-iBRB, an in vitro model of
      iBRB. The NO level released from TR-iBRB cells was examined using Griess
      reagents. RESULTS: Under high glucose conditions, [3H]l-arginine uptake was
      decreased in TR-iBRB cells. Simvastatin pretreatment elevated [3H]l-arginine
      uptake, the expression levels of CAT-1 and eNOS mRNA, and NO production under
      high-glucose conditions. Moreover, the co-treatment with simvastatin and NOS
      inhibitors reduced [3H]l-arginine uptake compared to pretreatment with
      simvastatin alone. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that, in the presence of high
      glucose levels, increased l-arginine uptake due to simvastatin treatment was
      associated with increased CAT-1 and eNOS mRNA levels, leading to higher NO
      production in TR-iBRB cells. Thus, simvastatin might be a good modulator for
      diabetic retinopathy therapy by increasing of the l-arginine uptake and improving
      endothelial function in retinal capillary endothelial cells.

PMID- 28089736
TI  - Antibacterial activity of Limonium brasiliense (Baicuru) against multidrug
      resistant bacteria using a statistical mixture design.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Limonium brasiliense (Boiss.) Kuntze
      (Plumbaginaceae) is commonly known as "baicuru" or "guaicuru" and preparations of
      its dried rhizomes have been popularly used in the treatment of premenstrual
      syndrome and menstrual disorder, and as an antiseptic in genito-urinary
      infections. This study evaluated the potential antibacterial activity of rhizome
      extracts against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains using statistical mixture
      design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The statistical design of four components (water,
      methanol, acetone, and ethanol) produced 15 different extracts and also a
      confirmatory experiment, which was performed using water:acetone (3:7, v/v). The
      crude extracts and their ethyl-acetate fractions were tested against vancomycin
      resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K.
      pneumoniae, all of which have been implicated in hospital and community-acquired
      infections. The dry residue, total polyphenol, gallocatechin and epigallocatechin
      contents of the extracts were also tested and statistical analysis was applied in
      order to define the fit models to predict the result of each parameter for any
      mixture of components. The principal component and hierarchical clustering
      analyses (PCA and HCA) of chromatographic data, as well as mass spectrometry (MS)
      analysis were performanced to determine the main compounds present in the
      extracts. RESULTS: The Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to inhibition of
      bacterial growth, in special the ethyl-acetate fraction of ternary extracts from
      water:acetone:ethanol and methanol:acetone:ethanol against, respectively, VREfm
      (MIC=19ug/mL) and MRSA (MIC=39ug/mL). On the other hand, moderate activity of the
      ethyl-acetate fractions from primary (except water), secondary and ternary
      extracts (MIC=625ug/mL) was noted against KPC. The quadratic and special cubic
      models were significant for polyphenols and gallocatechin contents, respectively.
      Fit models to dry residue and epigallocatechin contents were not possible. PCA
      and HCA of the chromatographic fingerprints were disturbed by displacement
      retention time of some peaks, but the ultraviolet spectra indicated the
      homogeneous presence of flavan-3-ols characteristic of tannins. The MS confirmed
      the presence of gallic acid, gallocatechin, and epigallocatechin in extracts, and
      suggested the presence of monomers and dimers of B- and A-type prodelphinidins
      gallate, as well as a methyl gallate. CONCLUSION: Our results showed the
      antibacterial potential of L. brasiliense extracts against multidrug-resistant
      Gram-positive bacteria, such as VREfm and MRSA. The statistical design was a
      important tool to evaluate the biological activity by optimized form. The
      presence of some phenolic compounds was also demonstrated in extracts.

PMID- 28089737
TI  - Browplasminin, a condensed tannin with anti-plasmin activity isolated from an
      aqueous extract of Brownea grandiceps Jacq. flowers.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Following Venezuelan traditional medicine,
      females with heavy menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia) drink Brownea grandiceps
      Jacq. flowers (BG) decoctions to reduce the bleeding. In a previous study, we
      demonstrated that BG aqueous extract (E) possesses a potent anti-fibrinolytic
      activity capable of inhibiting plasmin, the main serine-protease that degrades
      fibrin. It is widely known that plasmin inhibitors are often used as anti
      fibrinolytics to reduce bleeding during surgeries with high risk of blood loss
      such as cardiac, liver, vascular, tooth extraction and large orthopedic
      procedures, as well as for menorrhagia treatments. The aim of this work was to
      isolate and characterize from BGE the compound responsible for the reported anti
      fibrinolytic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A decoction of BG was prepared;
      then it was homogenized, centrifuged and lyophilized to obtain BGE. Subsequently
      the extract was fractionated by gel filtration and reverse phase using HPLC and
      the active compound was characterized by MALDI-ToF MS. The kinetic parameters of
      anti-plasmin activity were evaluated by an amidolytic assay using a chromogenic
      substrate; also the anti-plasmin activity was estimated by fibrin plate method.
      Data were analyzed by nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: The active compound was
      a condensed tannin denominated Browplasminin, which is capable of inhibiting the
      plasmin activity in a dose-dependent manner when measured in fibrin plates or by
      the amidolytic activity method; it also has a minor effect on the FXa activity.
      However, it does not affect the activity of other serine-proteases such as
      trypsin, t-PA or u-PA. Browplasminin consists predominately of heteroflavan-3-ols
      of catechin with B-type linkages, and extents up to heptadecamers (~ 5000Da),
      with hexose residues attached to the polymer that presents a high degree of
      galloylation. Its IC50 for plasmin was 47.80MUg/mL and for FXa was 237.08MUg/mL,
      while the Ki were 0.76 and 61.61MUg/mL for plasmin and FXa, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The overall outcome of this study suggests that Browplasminin could
      be responsible for reducing heavy menstrual bleeding in women because its kinetic
      parameters showed that is a good plasmin inhibitor.

PMID- 28089738
TI  - Evaluation of the diuretic activity of the aqueous and 80% methanol extracts of
      the root of Euclea divinorum Hiern (Ebenaceae) in Sprague Dawley rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diuretics are drugs that increase the formation of urine and are
      important for the treatment of various diseases including hypertension and edema.
      The root decoction of Euclea divinorum has been used as a diuretic agent in the
      traditional medicine. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the diuretic
      activity of the crude extracts of the roots of Euclea divinorum in Sprague Dawley
      rats. METHODS: The aqueous extract (AE) and 80% methanol extract (80ME) of the
      plant were prepared using decoction and maceration, respectively. Vehicle
      (distilled water, 10ml/kg), standard drug (hydrochlorothiazide, 10mg/kg) and
      three doses (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) of the AE and 80ME were given to
      male rats by oral gavage. Parameters like urine volume (for 5h), electrolyte
      concentration and pH were measured (at 5th h) and analyzed. Data were analyzed
      using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey post hoc test.
      Linear regression was also applied to show the dose dependency nature of the
      diuretic effect. RESULTS: The result indicated that the 80ME of the plant
      significantly (p<0.05) produced diuresis at 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg. Furthermore,
      the AE produced significant diuresis (p<0.05) at all doses. With regard to the
      electrolyte excretion, the AE produced significant natriuresis and kaliuresis at
      all tested doses (p<0.001), while the 80ME showed significant natriuresis and
      kaliuresis at 200mg/kg (p<0.01) and 400mg/kg (p<0.001). Preliminary phytochemical
      screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites, including saponins,
      flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, tannins and terpinoids in both extracts. These
      constituents might be responsible for the diuretic activity of Euclea divinorum.
      Both extracts were also found to be safe at 2000mg/kg on the acute toxicity
      study. CONCLUSION: This finding provides a scientific support for the acclaimed
      traditional use of the roots of Euclea divinorum as a diuretic agent.

PMID- 28089739
TI  - The influence of seasonality on the content of goyazensolide and on anti
      inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic effects of the ethanolic extract of
      Lychnophora passerina (Brazilian arnica).
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lychnophora passerina (Mart ex DC) Gardn
      (Asteraceae), popularly known as Brazilian arnica, is used in Brazilian folk
      medicine to treat pain, rheumatism, bruises, inflammatory diseases and insect
      bites. AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigate the influence of the seasons on the anti
      inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic activities of ethanolic extract of L.
      passerina and the ratio of the goyazensolide content, main chemical constituent
      of the ethanolic extract, with these activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanolic
      extracts of aerial parts of L. passerina were obtained from seasons: summer (ES),
      autumn (EA), winter (EW) and spring (EP). The sesquiterpene lactone
      goyazensolide, major metabolite, was quantified in ES, EA, EW and EP by a
      developed and validated HPLC-DAD method. The in vivo anti-hyperuricemic and anti
      inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extracts from L. passerina and
      goyazensolide were assayed on experimental model of oxonate-induced hyperuricemia
      in mice, liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibition and on carrageenan-induced paw
      edema in mice. RESULTS: HPLC method using aqueous solution of acetic acid 0.01%
      (v/v) and acetonitrile with acetic acid 0.01% (v/v) as a mobile phase in a
      gradient system, with coumarin as an internal standard and DAD detection at 270nm
      was developed. The validation parameters showed linearity in a range within 10.0
      150.0ug/ml, with intraday and interday precisions a range of 0.61-3.82. The
      accuracy values of intraday and interday analysis within 87.58-100.95%. EA showed
      the highest goyazensolide content. From the third to the sixth hour after
      injection of carrageenan, treatments with all extracts at the dose of 125mg/kg
      were able to reduce edema. Goyazensolide (10mg/kg) showed significant reduction
      of paw swelling from the second hour assay. This sesquiterpene lactone was more
      active than extracts and presented similar effect to indomethacin. Treatments
      with ES, EA and EP (125mg/kg) and goyazensolide (10mg/kg) reduced serum urate
      levels compared to hyperuricemic control group and were able to inhibit liver XOD
      activity. One of the mechanisms by which ES, EA, EP and goyazensolide exercise
      their anti-hyperuricemic effect is by the inhibition of liver XOD activity.
      Goyazensolide was identified as the main compound present in ES, EA, EW and EP
      and it is shown to be one of the chemical constituents responsible for the anti
      inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic effects of the ethanolic extracts.
      CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic activities of the
      ethanolic extracts from L. passerina were not proportionally influenced by the
      variation of goyazensolide content throughout the seasons. The involvement of
      goyazensolide on in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic activities of
      L.passerina extracts was confirmed, as well as the possibility of participation
      of other constituents on these effects. This study demonstrated that the aerial
      parts of L. passerina may be collected in any season for use as anti-inflammatory
      agent. For use in hyperuricemia, the best seasons for the collection are summer,
      autumn and spring. The ethanolic extract of L. passerina and goyazensolide can be
      considered promising agents in the therapeutic of inflammation, hyperuricemia and
      gout.

PMID- 28089741
TI  - Inflammatory myopathy in a patient with Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome.
AB  - Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS) is an inflammatory disorder belonging to the
      recently characterized group of type I interferonopathies. The most consistently
      affected tissues in AGS are the central nervous system and skin, but various
      organ systems and tissues have been reported to be affected, pointing to the
      systemic nature of the disease. Here we describe a patient with AGS due to a
      homozygous p.Arg114His mutation in the TREX1 gene. The histologically proven
      inflammatory myopathy in our patient expands the range of clinical features of
      AGS. Histological signs of muscle biopsies in the proband, and in two other AGS
      patients described earlier, are similar to those seen in various autoimmune
      myositises and could be ascribed to inapproapriate IFN I activation. In view of
      signs of possible mitochondrial damage in AGS, we propose that mitochondrial DNA
      could be a trigger of autoimmune responses in AGS.

PMID- 28089740
TI  - Early remodeling of repolarizing K+ currents in the alphaMHC403/+ mouse model of
      familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), linked to mutations in myosin, myosin
      binding proteins and other sarcolemmal proteins, is associated with increased
      risk of life threatening ventricular arrhythmias, and a number of animal models
      have been developed to facilitate analysis of disease progression and mechanisms.
      In the experiments here, we use the alphaMHC403/+ mouse line in which one
      alphaMHC allele harbors a common HCM mutation (in betaMHC, Arg403 Gln). Here, we
      demonstrate marked prolongation of QT intervals in young adult (10-12week) male
      alphaMHC403/+ mice, well in advance of the onset of measurable left ventricular
      hypertrophy. Electrophysiological recordings from myocytes isolated from the
      interventricular septum of these animals revealed significantly (P<0.001) lower
      peak repolarizing voltage-gated K+ (Kv) current (IK,peak) amplitudes, compared
      with cells isolated from wild type (WT) littermate controls. Analysis of Kv
      current waveforms revealed that the amplitudes of the inactivating components of
      the total outward Kv current, Ito,f, Ito,s and IK,slow, were significantly lower
      in alphaMHC403/+, compared with WT, septum cells, whereas Iss amplitudes were
      similar. The amplitudes/densities of IK,peak and IK,slow were also lower in
      alphaMHC403/+, compared with WT, LV wall and LV apex myocytes, whereas Ito,f was
      attenuated in alphaMHC403/+ LV wall, but not LV apex, cells. These regional
      differences in the remodeling of repolarizing Kv currents in the alphaMHC403/+
      mice would be expected to increase the dispersion of ventricular repolarization
      and be proarrhythmic. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed reductions in the
      expression of transcripts encoding several K+ channel subunits in the
      interventricular septum, LV free wall and LV apex of (10-12week) alphaMHC403/+
      mice, although this transcriptional remodeling was not correlated with the
      observed decreases in K+ current amplitudes.

PMID- 28089742
TI  - Multiple HABP2 variants in familial papillary thyroid carcinoma: Contribution of
      a group of "thyroid-checked" controls.
AB  - A heterozygous germline variant in the HABP2 gene c.1601G > A (p.Gly534Glu),
      which negatively impacts its tumor suppressive activity in vitro, has been
      described in 4-14% of kindreds of European-American ancestry with familial
      papillary thyroid carcinoma (fPTC). But it is also found in ~4% of Europeans and
      European/Americans from public databases that, however, did not provide
      information on the thyroid function of the controls. To get unbiased results, we
      decided to compare HABP2 genotypes of patients with fPTC with those of "thyroid
      checked" controls. A control group consisting of 136 European patients who were
      thyroidectomised for medullary thyroid carcinoma and devoid of any histologically
      detectable PTC or follicular-deriving carcinoma was built. In parallel we
      recruited 20 patients with fPTC from eleven independent European kindreds. The
      entire coding region of HABP2 was analyzed by Sanger sequencing the germline DNAs
      of patients. Nucleotide variants were searched for by Snap Shot analysis in the
      controls. Two variants, c.1601G > A (p.Gly534Glu) and c.364C > T (p.Arg122Trp),
      were found in 2 and 3 patients at the heterozygous level respectively (minor
      allele frequency (MAF): 5.0% and 7.5%, respectively). In controls, the MAF was
      either similar for the c.1601G > A HABP2 variant (2.94%, ns) or significantly
      lower for the c.364C > T variant (0.73%, p = 0.016). The Arg122 residue lies in
      the EGF-3 domain of HABP2 which is important for its activation but, however,
      superposition of the predicted 3D structures of the wild type and mutated
      proteins suggests that this variant is tolerated at the protein level. In
      conclusion, our data do not support the pathogenicity of the HABP2 c.1601G > A
      variant but highlight the existence of a new one that should be more extensively
      searched for in fPTC patients and its pathogenicity more carefully evaluated.

PMID- 28089743
TI  - Multichannel visual evoked potentials in the assessment of visual pathways in
      children with marked brain abnormalities.
AB  - PURPOSE: To demonstrate how multichannel visual evoked potentials (VEPs) can
      provide quantitative measures of visual function in children with marked cortical
      anatomy abnormalities. METHODS: Four children with marked brain pathology (2
      holoprosencephaly, 2 giant interhemispheric cysts with hydrocephalus) underwent
      pattern reversal and flash VEP recordings from 16 equally distributed electrodes.
      Voltage maps of the major VEP components were constructed, and their
      distributions were compared to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.
      RESULTS: No reproducible responses were evident in 1 case, and responses were
      present, but, as expected based on the MRI finding, not over the occipital
      electrodes in 3 cases. Thus, the standard clinical VEP electrode placement would
      not have detected responses. The distribution of responses during monocular
      testing obtained in 2 cases suggested normal decussation of the visual pathways
      at the chiasm, and voltage mapping indicated which part of the abnormally
      positioned brain tissue is functional visual cortex. CONCLUSIONS: In children
      with markedly abnormal brain anatomy, multichannel VEP recordings can provide
      quantifiable measures of visual pathway function detected in atypical locations.
      VEPs provide a quantifiable measure of visual function that could be used to
      assist in determining visual acuity levels, and offered a baseline for monitoring
      in the context of raised intracranial pressure. These recordings were also able
      to identify functional anatomical structures that were not apparent on MRI. In a
      clinical setting, the use of additional recordings from nonstandard electrode
      placement based on the MRI findings is suggested.

PMID- 28089744
TI  - Predictors of surgical success in patients with intermittent exotropia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with moderate- to large-angle exotropic deviations,
      surgical correction remains the definitive treatment. The purpose of this study
      was to identify preoperative factors that correlate with surgical success and to
      produce a binomial model that predicts success based on preoperative factors.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with intermittent
      exotropia who underwent uniocular recession-resection surgery. Success was
      defined as ocular deviation <=10Delta exotropia and <=5Delta esotropia at
      distance at last follow-up (at least 3 months' postoperatively). Preoperative
      factors such as age at surgery, sex, visual acuity, spherical equivalent, prism
      fusion range, stereopsis, and ocular deviation were analyzed for correlation with
      success using binomial logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients were
      identified (average age, 33 years; range, 3.7-81.6 years). Average prismatic
      deviation was 35Delta at near and 34Delta at distance. Average stereopsis was
      167". The average success rate was 58.5%. Univariate binomial regression revealed
      that patients with smaller angle of deviation at near (OR = 0.96, P = 0.013) or
      distance (OR = 0.96, P = 0.005), larger myopic refractive errors in terms of mean
      spherical equivalent (OR = 0.71, P = 0.022) and spherical equivalent in the more
      myopic eye (OR = 0.75, P = 0.029) contributed to success. A multivariate
      regression model was able to predict success with an accuracy of 72%
      (sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 58%; negative predictive value, 67%; positive
      predictive value, 74%). CONCLUSIONS: A smaller preoperative angle of deviation
      and larger myopic refractive error correlated with success in uniocular
      intermittent exotropia surgery in our cohort. Larger deviations and more
      hyperopia correlated with lower success rates.

PMID- 28089745
TI  - Dermoid cysts: clinical predictors of complex lesions and surgical complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and role of imaging in the
      evaluation of dermoid cysts and to determine predictors of cyst rupture during
      surgical excision of dermoid cysts. METHODS: In this single-center, consecutive,
      nonrandomized comparative case series, the records of consecutive patients with
      suspected dermoid cysts who underwent surgery between January 1, 2000, and
      December 31, 2014, were reviewed retrospectively for demographic information,
      clinical findings, preoperative imaging, surgical details, and pathology reports.
      RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included. Cyst volume was similar between
      superomedial and superotemporal lesions (P = 0.61) but greater in patients >10
      years of age (P < 0.001). Immobility of the cyst was present in all complex
      dermoids (4/4), but there was no difference in the mobility of superotemporal or
      superomedial cysts (P = 0.69). Forty-two patients underwent imaging; superomedial
      lesions were more likely to be imaged than superotemporal lesions (P = 0.073).
      All 4 patients with complex dermoids presented with orbital signs and underwent
      preoperative imaging. None of the remaining 38 patients who underwent imaging had
      orbital signs, and the results of imaging had no effect on surgical planning.
      Intraoperative cyst rupture occurred in 18 patients. There was no significant
      difference in cyst rupture between superotemporal and superomedial cysts (P =
      0.452). Smaller cyst volume was associated more often with intraoperative cyst
      rupture (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative imaging of superomedial and
      superolateral dermoid cysts is likely unnecessary unless associated with orbital
      signs. Intraoperative cyst rupture is not influenced by cyst location but does
      appear to be more likely in smaller cysts.

PMID- 28089746
TI  - Congenital entropion and hypotropia secondary to duplication of the inferior
      rectus muscle.
AB  - Congenital anomalies of the extraocular muscles apart from congenital fibrosis
      are relatively rare. Duplication of extraocular muscles is a particularly rare
      congenital anomaly that has been rarely reported in the literature. We present a
      case of unilateral congenital entropion and hypotropia resulting from duplication
      of the inferior rectus muscle.

PMID- 28089747
TI  - Metabolic engineering of a diazotrophic bacterium improves ammonium release and
      biofertilization of plants and microalgae.
AB  - The biological nitrogen fixation carried out by some Bacteria and Archaea is one
      of the most attractive alternatives to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. However,
      with the exception of the symbiotic rhizobia-legumes system, progress towards a
      more extensive realization of this goal has been slow. In this study we
      manipulated the endogenous regulation of both nitrogen fixation and assimilation
      in the aerobic bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii. Substituting an exogenously
      inducible promoter for the native promoter of glutamine synthetase produced
      conditional lethal mutant strains unable to grow diazotrophically in the absence
      of the inducer. This mutant phenotype could be reverted in a double mutant strain
      bearing a deletion in the nifL gene that resulted in constitutive expression of
      nif genes and increased production of ammonium. Under GS non-inducing conditions
      both the single and the double mutant strains consistently released very high
      levels of ammonium (>20mM) into the growth medium. The double mutant strain grew
      and excreted high levels of ammonium under a wider range of concentrations of the
      inducer than the single mutant strain. Induced mutant cells could be loaded with
      glutamine synthetase at different levels, which resulted in different patterns of
      extracellular ammonium accumulation afterwards. Inoculation of the engineered
      bacteria into a microalgal culture in the absence of sources of C and N other
      than N2 and CO2 from the air, resulted in a strong proliferation of microalgae
      that was suppressed upon addition of the inducer. Both single and double mutant
      strains also promoted growth of cucumber plants in the absence of added N
      fertilizer, while this property was only marginal in the parental strain. This
      study provides a simple synthetic genetic circuit that might inspire engineering
      of optimized inoculants that efficiently channel N2 from the air into crops.

PMID- 28089748
TI  - Bioaccumulation of lead and non-specific immune responses in white shrimp
      (Litopenaeus vannamei) to Pb exposure.
AB  - In this study, we investigated organ accumulation and nonspecific immune response
      in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) that were exposed to various
      concentrations of lead (Pb) solution. The concentrations of Pb in the
      hepatopancreas, haemolymph, and muscle were measured moreover the total heamocyte
      count, phenoloxidase activity, O2- and physiological factors such as glutamic
      oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and
      haemolymph glucose were detected. The results showed that the hepatopancreas was
      the main organ of accumulation of Pb in white shrimp and the cumulative
      concentration of each organ was positively correlated with the experimental Pb
      concentration and immersion time. By observing GOT and GPT, Pb was found to
      inhibit phenoloxidase and O2- activity and to induce organ injury. Thus, the
      heavy metal Pb accumulates in the hepatopancreas and haemolymph and affects the
      crustacean metabolic organ injury (rising of GOT and GPT) further to inhibit
      nonspecific immune responses.

PMID- 28089749
TI  - Pyroglutamate (5-oxoproline) measured with hydrophilic interaction chromatography
      (HILIC) tandem mass spectrometry in acutely ill patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pyroglutamic acid (PGA) is challenging to quantify in plasma and is a
      rare cause of metabolic acidosis that is associated with inherited disorders or
      acquired after exposure to drugs. METHOD: We developed a hydrophilic interaction
      liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method with a short analysis time.
      We established a reference interval and then measured PGA in acutely ill patients
      to investigate associations with clinical, pharmaceutical and laboratory
      parameters. RESULTS: The assay limit of the blank was 0.14MUmol/L and was linear
      to 5000MUmol/L with good precision. In-source formation of PGA from glutamate and
      glutamine was avoided by chromatographic separation. The PGA in controls had a
      reference interval of 22.6 to 47.8MUmol/L. The median PGA concentration in
      acutely ill patients was similar (P=0.21), but 18 individuals were above the
      reference interval with concentrations up to 250MUmol/L. We detected an
      association between PGA concentration and antibiotic and acetaminophen
      administration as well as renal impairment and severity of illness. Elevations of
      PGA in this unselected cohort were small compared to those reported in patients
      with pyroglutamic acidosis. CONCLUSION: The method is suitable for routine
      clinical use. We confirmed several expected associations with PGA in an acutely
      ill population.

PMID- 28089750
TI  - Long noncoding RNA CCAT2 can predict metastasis and poor prognosis: A meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been reported that Colon cancer-associated transcript 2
      (CCAT2) is dysregulated in various cancers. We performed this meta-analysis to
      clarify its promising functions as a prognosis marker in malignant tumors.
      METHODS: Electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, OVID, Cochrane Library,
      and Web of Science, were searched from inception to October 20, 2016. The hazard
      ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to explore the
      relationship between CCAT2 expression and survival, which were extracted from the
      eligible studies. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated to assess the association
      between CCAT2 expression and pathological parameters using RevMan5.3 software.
      RESULTS: Six original studies were included in this meta-analysis including 725
      cancer patients. The pooled HR suggested that high CCAT2 expression was
      significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) (HR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.62-3.25,
      p<0.00001) in cancer patients. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant
      association between CCAT2 and OS in urogenital system (HR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.27
      2.26, p<0.003) and non-urogenital system cancer patients (HR=3.18, 95% CI: 2.09
      4.83, p<0.0001). A significant association was observed between high CCAT2
      expression and poor progression-free survival (PFS) in cancer patients (pooled
      HR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.74-4.37). CCAT2 expression was significantly related to lymph
      node metastasis (LNM) (OR=4.33, 95% CI 2.03-9.22), distant metastasis (DM)
      (OR=11.66, 95% CI: 5.36-25.37) and tumor stage (OR=2.58, 95% CI 1.86-3.57).
      CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrated that high CCAT2 expression
      significantly predicts poor OS, poor PFS, LNM, DM and tumor stage, suggesting
      that high CCAT2 expression may serve as a novel biomarker for poor prognosis and
      metastasis in cancers.

PMID- 28089751
TI  - Reduced serum milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) concentrations
      are associated with an increased risk of microvascular complications in patients
      with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between serum milk fat globule-epidermal growth
      factor 8 (MFG-E8) concentrations and vascular complications in T2DM remains
      unclear. METHODS: A total of 149 patients with T2DM were included. The serum
      concentrations of MFG-E8, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference in serum MFG-E8 concentrations between the T2DM group and the T2DM
      with subclinical atherosclerosis (AS) group (615.49+/-143.54 vs. 596.22+/
      79.46ng/ml, P=0.365), while the serum concentrations of MFG-E8 in the T2DM with
      microvascular complications group (446.70+/-61.53ng/ml) and the T2DM with
      subclinical AS and microvascular complications group (200.87+/-38.86ng/ml) were
      significantly lower than those in the T2DM group (P=0.000 for both). In addition,
      hs-CRP and HbAlc concentrations were independently associated with serum MFG-E8
      concentrations (P=0.024 and P=0.01, respectively), and low serum MFG-E8
      concentrations were significantly associated with an increased risk of
      microvascular complications in T2DM patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum concentrations
      of MFG-E8 were negatively associated with the risk of microvascular complications
      in patients with T2DM. Thus, it might be a potential candidate biomarker for
      diabetic microvascular complications.

PMID- 28089752
TI  - Three novel mutations of ARG1 identified in Chinese patients with argininemia
      detected by newborn screening.
AB  - Argininemia is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by deficiency
      of arginase Iota, resulting from mutations in the ARG1 gene. Few genetic studies
      of ARG1 mutations in Chinese patients have been reported. In this study, two
      argininemia patients were initially diagnosed by tandem mass spectrometry in
      newborn screening. Mutation analysis of the ARG1 gene was performed by direct
      sequencing. Three novel mutations were identified and in silico methods were used
      to predict the impact of these mutations on the activity of enzyme. Two missense
      mutations, p.D100N and p.R71T, in Patient-1 were predicted to lower the stability
      of arginase Iota by analysis of 3D crystal structure, while two nonsense
      mutations, p.G12X and p.E42X, in Patient-2 were predicted to lead to truncated
      protein. Neonatal screening combined with genetic analysis is important for
      timely diagnosis and initiation of interventions of a potential genetic metabolic
      disease such as argininemia.

PMID- 28089753
TI  - Simultaneous quantitation of sphingoid bases by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS with identical 13C
      encoded internal standards.
AB  - Free sphingoid bases (lysosphingolipids) of primary storage sphingolipids are
      increased in tissues and plasma of several sphingolipidoses. As shown earlier by
      us, sphingoid bases can be accurately quantified using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS,
      particularly in combination with identical 13C-encoded internal standards. The
      feasibility of simultaneous quantitation of sphingoid bases in plasma specimens
      spiked with a mixture of such standards is here described. The sensitivity and
      linearity of detection is excellent for all examined sphingoid bases
      (sphingosine, sphinganine, hexosyl-sphingosine (glucosylsphingosine), hexosyl2
      sphingosine (lactosylsphingosine), hexosyl3-sphingosine
      (globotriaosylsphingosine), phosphorylcholine-sphingosine) in the relevant
      concentration range and the measurements show very acceptable intra- and inter
      assay variation (<10% average). Plasma samples of a series of male and female
      Gaucher Disease and Fabry Disease patients were analyzed with the multiplex
      assay. The obtained data compare well to those earlier determined for plasma
      globotriaosylsphingosine and glucosylsphingosine in GD and FD patients. The same
      approach can be also applied to measure sphingolipids in the same sample.
      Following extraction of sphingolipids from the same sample these can be converted
      to sphingoid bases by microwave exposure and subsequently quantified using 13C
      encoded internal standards.

PMID- 28089754
TI  - Stem cell therapy: An emerging modality in glomerular diseases.
AB  - The kidney has been considered a highly terminally differentiated organ with low
      proliferative potential and thus unlikely to undergo regeneration. Glomerular
      disease progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires dialysis or
      renal transplantation for better quality of life for patients with ESRD. Because
      of the shortage of implantable kidneys and complications such as immune
      rejection, septicemia and toxicity of immunosuppression, kidney transplantation
      remains a challenge. Therapeutic options available for glomerular disease include
      symptomatic treatment and strategies to delay progression. In an attempt to
      develop innovative treatments by promoting the limited capability of regeneration
      and repair after kidney injury and overcome the progressive pathological process
      that is uncontrolled with conventional treatment modalities, stem cell-based
      therapy has emerged as novel intervention due to its ability to inhibit
      inflammation and promote regeneration. Recent developments in cell therapy have
      demonstrated promising therapeutic outcomes in terms of restoration of renal
      structure and function. This review focuses on stem cell therapy approaches for
      the treatment of glomerular disease, including the various cell sources used and
      recent advances in preclinical and clinical studies.

PMID- 28089755
TI  - Biodistribution and retention of locally administered human mesenchymal stromal
      cells: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based detection of human DNA in
      murine organs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Determining the distributive fate and retention of a cell therapy
      product after administration is an essential part of characterizing it's
      biosafety profile. Therefore, regulatory guidelines stipulate that
      biodistribution assays are a requirement prior to advancing a cell therapy to the
      clinic. Here the development of a highly sensitive quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (qPCR)-based method of tracking the biodistribution and retention of
      human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) in mice, rats or rabbits is described.
      METHODS: A primer-probe-based qPCR assay was developed to detect and quantify
      human Alu sequences in a heterogeneous sample of human DNA (hDNA) and murine DNA
      from whole organ genomic DNA extracts. The assay measures the amount of genomic
      hDNA by amplifying a 31-base pair sequence of the human Alu (hAlu) repeat
      sequence, thus enabling the detection of 0.1 human cells in 1.5 * 106
      heterogeneous cells. RESULTS: Using this assay we investigated the
      biodistribution of 3 * 105 intramuscularly injected hMSCs in Balb/c nude mice.
      Genomic DNA was extracted from murine organs and hAlu sequences were quantified
      using qPCR analysis. After 3 months, hDNA ranging from 0.07%-0.58% was detected
      only at the injection sites and not in the distal tissues of the mice.
      DISCUSSION: This assay represents a reproducible, sensitive a method of detecting
      hDNA in rodent and lapine models. This manuscript describes the method employed
      to generate preclinical biodistribution data that was accepted by regulatory
      bodies in support of a clinical trial application.

PMID- 28089757
TI  - Disorazoles Block Group A Streptococcal Invasion into Epithelial Cells Via
      Interference with the Host Factor Ezrin.
AB  - Bacterial pathogens use invasion into human cells as a strategy to escape not
      only the host's immune response, but also anti-bacterial treatment. This often
      leads to persistence and enables reinitiation of the infection process at a later
      time point. Here, we show that a family of myxobacterial metabolites,
      disorazoles, block invasion of group A Streptococcus (GAS) into human epithelial
      cells. Mechanistically, disorazoles target ezrin, a host protein involved in
      linking microfilaments to the membrane, and affect invasion most likely by
      interfering with dynamic phosphorylation of ezrin. Overall, our study suggests
      ezrin as a new factor in two different GAS invasion pathways, independent of the
      already known CD44 pathway, and that disorazoles are promising "pathoblocker"
      compounds aimed at this additional invasion mechanism.

PMID- 28089756
TI  - Glycan Alteration Imparts Cellular Resistance to a Membrane-Lytic Anticancer
      Peptide.
AB  - Although resistance toward small-molecule chemotherapeutics has been well
      studied, the potential of tumor cells to avoid destruction by membrane-lytic
      compounds remains unexplored. Anticancer peptides (ACPs) are a class of such
      agents that disrupt tumor cell membranes through rapid and non-stereospecific
      mechanisms, encouraging the perception that cellular resistance toward ACPs is
      unlikely to occur. We demonstrate that eukaryotic cells can, indeed, develop
      resistance to the model oncolytic peptide SVS-1, which preferentially disrupts
      the membranes of cancer cells. Utilizing fission yeast as a model organism, we
      show that ACP resistance is largely controlled through the loss of cell-surface
      anionic saccharides. A similar mechanism was discovered in mammalian cancer cells
      where removal of negatively charged sialic acid residues directly transformed SVS
      1-sensitive cell lines into resistant phenotypes. These results demonstrate that
      changes in cell-surface glycosylation play a major role in tumor cell resistance
      toward oncolytic peptides.

PMID- 28089758
TI  - Pupil responses and pain ratings to heat stimuli: Reliability and effects of
      expectations and a conditioning pain stimulus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The locus coeruleus (LC) signals salience to sensory stimuli and
      these responses can modulate the experience of pain stimuli. The pupil dilation
      response (PDR) to noxious stimuli is thought to be a surrogate for LC responses,
      but PDR response to Peltier-controlled noxious heat stimuli, the most commonly
      used method in experimental pain research, has not been described. NEW METHOD:
      Healthy volunteers were presented with randomly presented heat stimuli of 5 sec
      duration and provided pain intensity ratings to each stimulus. Pupillometry was
      performed and a method developed to quantify the PDR relevant to these stimuli.
      The stimulus response, reliability, and effect of commonly used manipulations on
      pain experience were explored. RESULTS: A method of artifact removal and
      adjusting for lag from stimulus initiation to PDR response was developed,
      resulting in a close correlation between pain intensity rating and PDR across a
      large range of heat stimuli. A reliable assessment of PDR within an individual
      was achieved with fewer presentations as heat stimulus intensity increased. The
      correlation between pain rating and PDR was disrupted when cognitive load is
      increased by manipulating expectations or presenting a second pain stimulus.
      COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: The PDR began later after skin heating than
      electrical stimuli and this is the first examination of the PDR using standard
      nociceptive testing and manipulations of expectations and competing noxious
      stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: A method is described applying PDR to standard heat
      nociceptive testing, demonstrating stimulus response, reliability, and disruption
      by cognitive manipulation.

PMID- 28089759
TI  - Using pupil size and heart rate to infer affective states during behavioral
      neurophysiology and neuropsychology experiments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are a valuable research model because of
      their behavioral, physiological and neuroanatomical similarities to humans. In
      the absence of language, autonomic activity can provide crucial information about
      cognitive and affective states during single-unit recording, inactivation and
      lesion studies. Methods standardized for use in humans are not easily adapted to
      NHPs and detailed guidance has been lacking. NEW METHOD: We provide guidance for
      monitoring heart rate and pupil size in the behavioral neurophysiology setting by
      addressing the methodological issues, pitfalls and solutions for NHP studies. The
      methods are based on comparative physiology to establish a rationale for each
      solution. We include examples from both electrophysiological and lesion studies.
      RESULTS: Single-unit recording, pupil responses and heart rate changes represent
      a range of decreasing temporal resolution, a characteristic that impacts
      experimental design and analysis. We demonstrate the unexpected result that
      autonomic measures acquired before and after amygdala lesions are comparable
      despite disruption of normal autonomic function. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING
      METHODS: Species and study design differences can render standard techniques used
      in human studies inappropriate for NHP studies. We show how to manage data from
      small groups typical of NHP studies, data from the short behavioral trials
      typical of neurophysiological studies, issues associated with longitudinal
      studies, and differences in anatomy and physiology. CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic
      measurement to infer cognitive and affective states in NHP is neither off-the
      shelf nor onerous. Familiarity with the issues and solutions will broaden the use
      of autonomic signals in NHP single unit and lesion studies.

PMID- 28089761
TI  - Transfusion Medicine in China Comes of Age.

PMID- 28089760
TI  - Enhanced Long-Term Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Children with
      Sickle Cell Disease after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.
AB  - Progressive neurovasculopathy in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) results
      in decreased cognitive function and quality of life (QoL). Hematopoietic cell
      transplantation (HCT) is believed to halt progression of neurovasculopathy.
      Quantitative analysis of T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden
      provides a meaningful estimate of small vessel cerebrovascular disease. We asked
      if quantitative analysis of WMH could complement standardized clinical assessment
      of MRI/magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for assessing SCD central nervous
      system vasculopathy before and after HCT. Retrospective longitudinal clinical
      examination of scheduled annual MRI/MRA and quantitative analysis of WMH were
      performed before and 1 to 7 years after HCT at scheduled annual intervals, along
      with QoL measurements, in children who had engrafted after HCT. Of 18 patients
      alive and persistently engrafted (median age, 9.1 years), pretransplantation MRI
      demonstrated that 9 and 5 had sickle-related stroke and/or small infarcts,
      respectively. Patients were divided into WMH severity tertiles based on
      pretransplantation WMH volumes. MRI and WMH were assessed 1 to 7 years after HCT.
      MRI/MRA and WMH volume were stable or slightly better in 17 of 18 patients. By
      parent- and self-report, post-HCT QoL improved for children in the lowest WMH
      tertile significantly more than in the other groups. Based on this single
      institution retrospective sample, we report that WMH appears to quantitatively
      support MRI-based findings that HCT stabilizes long-term small and large vessel
      cerebrovascular changes and is associated with the degree of improved QoL. While
      confirmation in larger prospective studies and evaluation by neurocognitive
      testing are needed, these findings suggest that WMH is a useful biomarker of
      neurovasculopathy after transplantation for SCD.

PMID- 28089763
TI  - Comparison of multi-arm multi-stage design and adaptive randomization in platform
      clinical trials.
AB  - Platforms trials are clinical trials that allow for concurrent evaluations of
      multiple treatments, thus allowing for more efficient and ethical studies
      compared to traditional two-arm trials. Conventional group-sequential multi-arm
      multi-stage (MAMS) designs use pre-specified stopping boundaries and treatment
      selection rules to determine if experimental treatments should be dropped.
      Flexible MAMS designs allow for interim modifications to the design plan without
      compromising error rates. Bayesian response adaptive randomization (BRAR) designs
      increase patient allocation to treatment arms that are performing well during the
      course of the trial. In this paper, we compare these two major methods and their
      extensions under several scenarios in the platform trials setting. Results show
      that BRAR and flexible MAMS designs have comparable power and type 1 error rate
      under varying simulated scenarios, allowing for addition of flexible treatment
      selection. BRAR outperforms flexible MAMS when there is a single effective
      treatment. Flexible MAMS designs are more efficient compared to BRAR when there
      are no effective treatments. BRAR performance increases as the probability of a
      treatment arm being dropped increases.

PMID- 28089762
TI  - Long-Term Results of a Trial of Concurrent Chemotherapy and Escalating Doses of
      Radiation for Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: NCCTG N0028 (Alliance).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This phase I/II trial was designed to determine the maximally
      tolerated dose of thoracic radiotherapy as part of a combined modality approach.
      This report includes the long-term outcomes of patients treated on this study.
      The phase II portion was never completed, as RTOG-0617 opened before it was
      concluded. METHODS: In this study, the maximally tolerated dose was defined as 74
      Gy of radiation in 37 fractions. Twenty-five patients with unresectable NSCLC
      were treated with 2-Gy daily fractions and concurrent weekly carboplatin and
      paclitaxel. Of these patients, 20 had stage III disease and five had stage I or
      II disease. RESULTS: Patients were followed until death or for a minimum of 5
      years in the case of survivors. The median and 5-year survivals were 42.5 months
      and 20% for all patients, 52.9 months and 40% in patients with stages I or II
      disease, and 39.8 months and 15% in patients with stage III disease. CONCLUSIONS:
      The median survival of the stage III patients was quite favorable. We believe
      that this may have been due to a robust central review program of radiotherapy
      plans before treatment, ensuring compliance with protocol guidelines along with
      very low exposure of the heart to radiotherapy. Further improvements in 5-year
      survival will likely require research on both systemic therapy and thoracic
      radiotherapy. Potential therapeutic modalities that may aid in these efforts
      include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, improved imaging, adaptive radiotherapy,
      simultaneous integrated boost techniques, novel dose fractionation regimens, and
      charged particle therapy.

PMID- 28089764
TI  - Promoting weight maintenance with electronic health record tools in a primary
      care setting: Baseline results from the MAINTAIN-pc trial.
AB  - Maintaining weight loss is a significant challenge in combating obesity. The goal
      of Maintaining Activity and Nutrition through Technology-Assisted Innovation in
      Primary Care (MAINTAIN-pc) is to evaluate the use of tools delivered through an
      electronic health record (EHR) and patient portal, with or without health coach
      support, to help primary care patients maintain weight loss. EHR tools include
      flowsheets, standardized surveys, and secure patient messaging. Inclusion
      criteria were age 18-75years, voluntary 5% weight loss in the past 2years with
      prior BMI>=25kg/m2, and no bariatric procedures in past 5years. Participants were
      randomized 1:1 to tailored online coaching with EHR tracking tools (CC) or EHR
      tracking tools alone (TO). We screened 721 individuals between October 2013 and
      February 2015; 194 participants enrolled (98 CC; 96 TO). The most common reasons
      for not enrolling included lack of interest (56%), not meeting age or weight loss
      criteria (17%), and no verified prior weight loss (10%). At baseline,
      participants were 53.4 (SD 12.2) years old, 74% female, and 88% White; 95%
      reported moderate physical activity. Average weight and BMI at baseline were
      189.1 (SD 42.1) lbs and 30.4 (5.9) kg/m2, respectively. Pre-weight loss BMI was
      34.4 (SD 6.5) kg/m2. Participants lost an average of 11.3% (SD 6.6) of their body
      weight before enrolling. Demographic and clinical characteristics did not differ
      by randomized group. The study successfully identified and recruited primary care
      patients with recent voluntary weight loss for participation in a weight
      maintenance program that uses EHR-based tools.

PMID- 28089765
TI  - Intracerebroventricular Delivery as a Safe, Long-Term Route of Drug
      Administration.
AB  - Intrathecal delivery methods have been used for many decades to treat a broad
      range of central nervous system disorders. A literature review demonstrated that
      intracerebroventricular route is an established and well-tolerated method for
      prolonged central nervous system drug delivery in pediatric and adult
      populations. Intracerebroventricular devices were present in patients from one to
      7156 days. The number of punctures per device ranged from 2 to 280. Noninfectious
      complication rates per patient (range, 1.0% to 33.0%) were similar to infectious
      complication rates (0.0% to 27.0%). Clinician experience and training and the use
      of strict aseptic techniques have been shown to reduce the frequency of
      complications.

PMID- 28089766
TI  - Males With MECP2 C-terminal-Related Atypical Rett Syndromes and Their Carrier
      Mothers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This communication examines the expanding phenotypes of the MECP2 C
      terminal atypical Rett syndromes in males and their affected carrier mothers.
      DESCRIPTIONS: We describe three males with normal karyotypes who presented with
      congenital evolving complex neurodevelopmental encephalopathies with multifaceted
      symptomatology of hypotonia, epilepsy, ataxia, spasticity, movement disorders,
      behavioral issues, severe intellectual impairment, and communication skills, and
      a protracted regression phase followed by stabilization. These phenotypes did not
      prompt us to identify atypical Rett syndrome early in childhood. RESULTS: Genetic
      analysis identified the two brothers with C-terminal truncation and the third
      male with C-terminal missense mutations. These mutations were inherited from
      their mothers, both of whom had incompletely characterized modest intellectual,
      mental health, social, and gastrointestinal impairments. Neither was
      independently able to care properly for their son(s). CONCLUSIONS: Mutations of
      the MECP2 gene should be considered early in males with hypotonia, developmental
      delay, profound intellectual impairment, and seizures, associated with a mother
      with psychosocial, cognitive, and gastrointestinal impairments. Counseling and
      supporting mildly affected mothers requires both medical and social efforts.

PMID- 28089767
TI  - The Correlation Between a Short-term Conventional Electroencephalography in the
      First Day of Life and Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Newborns Undergoing
      Hypothermia for Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Electroencephalograph recorded in the first day of life in newborns
      treated with hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy could be utilized as
      a predictive tool for the severity of brain injury on magnetic resonance imaging
      and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed newborns who were admitted for
      therapeutic hypothermia due to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. All enrolled
      infants underwent encephalography within the first 24 hours of life and underwent
      brain magnetic resonance imaging after rewarming. All encephalographs were
      independently reviewed for background amplitude, continuity, and variability.
      Brain injury determined by magnetic resonance imaging was scored using methods
      described by Bonifacio et al. RESULTS: Forty-one newborns were included in the
      study. Each encephalograph variable correlated significantly with the severity of
      injury on brain magnetic resonance imaging (P < 0.001 for each). The overall
      encephalograph severity estimated as mild, moderate, and severe also correlated
      with injury (P < 0.001). Each encephalograph variable correlated with mortality
      (P < 0.001 for each) and also the overall encephalograph severity (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Severity of electrographic findings on encephalograph in the first
      day of life during therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
      correlated with the extent of injury on brain magnetic resonance imaging. This
      information may be useful for families and aid guide clinical decision making.

PMID- 28089768
TI  - Sleep Problems in Children With Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Very little is known about sleep habits in children with agenesis of
      the corpus callosum (ACC). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate
      sleep problems in children with ACC and examine the association with quality of
      life. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, anonymous, internet-based survey
      offered to parents of children with ACC, aged five to 18 years. The Children's
      Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and pediatric quality of life (PedsQL) were
      used to assess sleep habits and quality of life, respectively. Associations
      between the total and all subdomains of CSHQ and PedsQL were tested. RESULTS: The
      final sample included 66 parents of children with ACC. Overall, 78% of the
      children had clinically significant sleep problems, using a cutoff score of 41 on
      the CSHQ. Compared with a prior national sample of typically developing children,
      children with ACC scored significantly higher overall and in all subdomains of
      the CSHQ. The overall CSHQ and PedsQL were moderately correlated (r = -0.485, P <
      0.001), indicating that children with more sleep problems had worse quality of
      life. In addition, the total CSHQ correlated with all subdomains of the pediatric
      quality of life, including emotional (r = -0.515, P < 0.01), social (r = -0.394,
      P < 0.01), physical (r = -0.263, P < 0.01), and school (r = -0.362, P < 0.01).
      These associations remained statistically significant in multivariable regression
      models controlling for age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep problems are common and
      associated with lower quality of life in children with ACC.

PMID- 28089769
TI  - Nuclear translocation of STAT3 and NF-kappaB are independent of each other but NF
      kappaB supports expression and activation of STAT3.
AB  - NF-kappaB and STAT3 are essential transcription factors in immunity and act at
      the interface of the transition from chronic inflammation to cancer. Different
      functional crosstalks between NF-kappaB and STAT3 have been recently described
      arguing for a direct interaction of both proteins. During a systematic analysis
      of NF-kappaB/STAT3 crosstalk we observed that appearance of the subcellular
      distribution of NF-kappaB and STAT3 in immunofluorescence heavily depends on the
      fixation procedure. Therefore, we established an optimized fixation protocol for
      the reliable simultaneous analysis of the subcellular distributions of both
      transcription factors. Using this protocol we found that cytokine-induced nuclear
      accumulation of NF-kappaB or STAT3 did not alter the subcellular distribution of
      the other transcription factor. Both knockout and overexpression of STAT3 does
      not have any major effect on canonical TNFalpha-NF-kappaB signalling in MEF or
      HeLa cells. Similarly, knockout of p65 did not alter nuclear accumulation of
      STAT3 in response to IL-6. However, p65 expression correlates with elevated total
      cellular levels of STAT3 and STAT1 and supports activation of these transcription
      factors. Our findings in MEF cells argue against a direct physical interaction of
      free cellular NF-kappaB and STAT3 but point to more intricate functional
      interactions.

PMID- 28089770
TI  - Structural pierce into molecular mechanism underlying Clostridium perfringens
      Epsilon toxin function.
AB  - Epsilon toxin of the Clostridium perfringens garnered a lot of attention due to
      its potential for toxicity in humans, extreme potency for cytotoxicity in mice
      and lack of any approved therapeutics prescribed for human. However, the
      intricacies of the Epsilon toxin action mechanism are yet to be understood. In
      this regard, various in silico tools have been exploited to model and refine the
      3D structure of the toxin and its two receptors. The receptor proteins were
      embedded into designed lipid membranes within an aqueous and ionized environment.
      Thereafter, the modeled structures subjected to series of consecutive molecular
      dynamics runs to achieve the most natural like coordination for each model.
      Ultimately, protein-protein interaction analyses were performed to understand the
      probable action mechanism. The obtained results successfully confirmed the
      accuracy of employed methods to achieve high quality models for the toxin and its
      receptors within their lipid bilayers. Molecular dynamics analyses lead the
      structures to a more native like coordination. Moreover, the results of previous
      empirical studies were confirmed, while new insights for action mechanisms
      including the detailed roles of Hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1 (HAVCR1)
      and Myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) proteins were achieved. In light of
      previous and our observations, we suggested novel models which elucidated the
      existing interplay between potential players of Epsilon toxin action mechanism
      with detailed structural evidences. These models would pave the way to have more
      robust understanding of the Epsilon toxin biology, more precise vaccine
      construction and more successful drug (inhibitor) design.

PMID- 28089771
TI  - Extended therapeutic window for post-exposure treatment of ricin intoxication
      conferred by the use of high-affinity antibodies.
AB  - The plant toxin ricin is considered a potential bioterror agent against which
      there is no available antidote. To date, neutralizing antibodies are the most
      promising post-exposure treatment for ricin intoxication, yet so far they were
      shown to be effective only when given within several hours post exposure. As part
      of an ongoing effort to develop efficient ricin-countermeasures, we tested
      whether high-affinity antibodies that were previously isolated from immunized non
      human primates, may confer effective post-exposure therapy for ricin-intoxicated
      mice treated at late time-points after exposure. While each antibody is capable
      of providing high protection rate by itself, a formulation consisting of three
      neutralizing antibodies that target different epitopes was tested to provide
      therapeutic coverage against different variants of the malicious pathogen.
      Indeed, the tri-antibody based cocktail was highly effective, its administration
      resulting in very high survival rates (>70%) when animals were treated as late as
      48 h post exposure and significant protection (>30%) even at 72 h. This study
      establishes for the first time that anti-ricin antibodies can serve as a highly
      effective antidote at such late time-points after exposure. From the clinical
      point of view, the extended therapeutic window documented here is of high
      importance allowing adequate time to accurately identify the causative agent and
      may permit initiation of life-saving treatment with these antibodies even after
      the onset of clinical signs.

PMID- 28089772
TI  - Anxiety like behavior due to perinatal exposure to Bisphenol-A is associated with
      decrease in excitatory to inhibitory synaptic density of male mouse brain.
AB  - Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic endocrine disruptor which causes anxiety like
      behavior in rodents, though the underlying mechanism is not clearly understood.
      As excitatory-inhibitory synaptic proteins are the key regulators of anxiety, we
      have examined the effect of perinatal exposure to BPA on this behavior and the
      expression of excitatory (PSD95), inhibitory (gephyrin) and presynaptic density
      marker (synaptophysin) proteins in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of 3 and 8
      weeks postnatal male mice. In open field (OF) test, BPA exposure reduced the time
      spent, number of entries and distance travelled in the central zone as compared
      to control in 8 weeks mice. On the other hand, elevated plus maze (EPM) results
      showed decrease in time spent and number of entries to the open arms.
      Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis showed significant downregulation
      of PSD95 and synaptophysin, but upregulation of gephyrin, leading to reduction in
      excitatory to inhibitory protein ratio and synaptic density in postnatal 3 and 8
      weeks mice. Thus, our findings show that the anxiety like behavior due to
      perinatal exposure to BPA is associated with decrease in excitatory to inhibitory
      synaptic density in postnatal male mice.

PMID- 28089773
TI  - Mitochondrial diseases: Yeast as a model for the study of suppressors.
AB  - Mitochondrial (mt) tRNA gene mutations are an important cause of human morbidity
      and are associated with different syndromes. We have previously shown that the
      mitochondrial protein synthesis elongation factor EF-Tu and isolated sequences
      from the carboxy-terminal domain of yeast and human mt leucyl-tRNA synthetases
      (LeuRS), have a wide range of suppression capability among different yeast mt
      tRNA mutants having defective respiratory phenotype. Here we show that the
      rescuing capability can be restricted to a specific sequence of six amino acids
      from the carboxy-terminal domain of mt LeuRS. On the other hand by overexpressing
      a mutated version of mt EF-Tu in a yeast strain deleted for the endogenous
      nuclear gene we identified the specific region involved in suppression. Results
      support the possibility that a small peptide could correct defects associated
      with many mt tRNA mutations, suggesting a novel therapy for mitochondrial
      diseases treatment. The involvement of the mt EF-Tu in cellular heat stress
      response has also been suggested.

PMID- 28089774
TI  - Rootletin prevents Cep68 from VHL-mediated proteasomal degradation to maintain
      centrosome cohesion.
AB  - Centrosome cohesion, mostly regarded as a proteinaceous linker between parental
      centrioles, ensures the interphase centrosome(s) to function as a single
      microtubule-organizing center. Maintenance of centrosome cohesion counts on a
      number of centrosomal linker proteins because depletion of any of those leads to
      premature centrosome separation in interphase, termed centrosome splitting.
      However, the underlying mechanisms of the dependence are unknown. Here, we show
      that absence of Rootletin triggers the von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor
      protein (VHL)-mediated proteasomal degradation of Cep68 and, in turn, results in
      centrosome splitting. The VHL E3 ligase complex ubiquitinates Cep68 in vitro and
      in vivo. Co-silencing of Rootletin and VHL reverts Cep68 loss and centrosome
      splitting. Expression of a stable mutant of Cep68, either diminishing its
      polyubiquitylation or eliminating binding to beta-domain of VHL, also suppresses
      centrosome splitting provoked by Rootletin depletion. We propose that the
      archetypal linker protein Rootletin maintains centrosome cohesion in part through
      inhibition of VHL-mediated Cep68 degradation.

PMID- 28089775
TI  - Degenerative effects of cobalt-chloride treatment on neurons and microglia in a
      porcine retina organ culture model.
AB  - In order to understand the pathological processes of retinal diseases,
      experimental models are necessary. Cobalt, as part of the vitamin B12 complex, is
      important for neuronal integrity. However, it is known that high quantities of
      cobalt induce cytotoxic mechanisms via hypoxia mimicry. Therefore, we tested the
      degenerative effect of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) on neurons and microglia in a
      porcine retina organ culture model. Organotypic cultures of porcine retinas were
      cultured and treated with different concentrations of CoCl2 (0, 100, 300 and 500
      MUM) for 48 h. After four and eight days, CoCl2 induced a strong degeneration of
      the porcine retina, starting at 300 MUM. A loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs,
      Brn-3a), amacrine cells (calretinin) and bipolar cells (PKCalpha) was observed.
      Additionally, a high expression of hypoxia induced factor-1a (HIF-1a) and heat
      shock protein 70 (HSP70) was noted at both points in time. Also, the Caspase 3
      protein was activated and P21 expression was induced. However, only at day four,
      the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was increased. The effect of CoCl2 was not restricted to
      neurons. CoCl2 concentrations reduced the microglia amount (Iba1) and activity
      (Iba1 + Fcgamma-Receptor) at both points in time. These damaging effects on
      microglia were surprising, since CoCl2 causes hypoxia and a pro-inflammatory
      environment. However, high concentrations of CoCl2 also seem to be toxic to these
      cells. Similar degenerative mechanisms as in comparison to retinal ischemia
      animal models were observed. In summary, an effective and reproducible hypoxia
      mimicking organotypic model for retinal degeneration was established, which is
      easy to handle and ready for drug studies.

PMID- 28089776
TI  - Predictors of same day discharge after percutaneous coronary interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to identify possible predictors for same day
      discharge (SDD) after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). BACKGROUND: Same
      day discharge after PCI is becoming more and more appealing and patient's
      selection criteria are being formulated. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was
      performed in all PCI procedures from January 2013 until December 2015. Patients
      were discharged the same day (SDD group) or had at least one overnight stay (non
      SDD group). The decision of SDD or not was on treating physician discretion. We
      evaluated predictors of SDD decision by a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:
      One thousand one hundred sixty eight procedures were performed from our
      department during the study period: 308 patients (26.4%) were discharged the same
      day (SDD group) and the rest 860 procedures (73.6%) had at least one overnight
      stay (non-SDD group). Multivariate analysis revealed that forearm approach
      (OR=5.498, CI: 2.067-14.629; p=<0.001), patient's residency proximal to the
      hospital (OR=4.543, CI: 2.406-8.580; p<0.001), completion of the procedure before
      13,00p.m. (OR=3.437, CI: 1.789-0.6.601; p<0.001) and the success of the performed
      procedure (OR=1.125, CI 1.043-2.135; p=0.044) were positive predictors of SDD,
      while presentation with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina
      (OR=0.542, CI: 0.268-0.872; p<0.010) and amount of contrast used (OR=0.910, CI:
      0.852-0.969; p<0.030) were negative predictors of SDD. CONCLUSION: In retrospect,
      both procedural and demographic details play a crucial role in patient selection
      for same day discharge post coronary percutaneous intervention.

PMID- 28089777
TI  - Bioresorbable vascular scaffold to treat malignant in-stent restenosis in a
      patient with nickel allergy.
AB  - Nickel is the most frequent allergen in patients with allergic contact dermatitis
      and nickel allergy has been associated with recurrent in-stent restenosis.
      However, it is often misdiagnosed because of a low suspicion threshold. It should
      be discarded in patients with recurrent in-stent restenosis, especially if their
      medical history reveals prior contact dermatitis. It is also noteworthy and
      rarely specified that even newer generation stents that use novel metal alloys
      also contain low amounts of nickel. To avoid the implantation of new stents
      containing this metal, when percutaneous coronary intervention is indicated, drug
      eluting balloons or bioresorbable vascular scaffolds associated with small doses
      of steroids could provide good alternatives of treatment. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first description of this therapeutic alternative in such
      an exceedingly rare clinical scenario.

PMID- 28089778
TI  - Image noise reduction technology reduces radiation in a radial-first cardiac
      catheterization laboratory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transradial coronary angiography (TRA) has been associated with
      increased radiation doses. We hypothesized that contemporary image noise
      reduction technology would reduce radiation doses in the cardiac catheterization
      laboratory in a typical clinical setting. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a
      single-center, retrospective analysis of 400 consecutive patients who underwent
      diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations in a predominantly TRA
      laboratory with traditional fluoroscopy (N=200) and a new image noise reduction
      fluoroscopy system (N=200). The primary endpoint was radiation dose (mGy cm2).
      Secondary endpoints were contrast dose, fluoroscopy times, number of
      cineangiograms, and radiation dose by operator between the two study periods.
      Radiation was reduced by 44.7% between the old and new cardiac catheterization
      laboratory (75.8mGycm2+/-74.0 vs. 41.9mGycm2+/-40.7, p<0.0001). Radiation was
      reduced for both diagnostic procedures (45.9%, p<0.0001) and interventional
      procedures (37.7%, p<0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference
      in radiation dose between individual operators (p=0.84). In multivariate
      analysis, radiation dose remained significantly decreased with the use of the new
      system (p<0.0001) and was associated with weight (p<0.0001), previous coronary
      artery bypass grafting (p<0.0007) and greater than 3 stents used (p<0.0004). TRA
      was used in 90% of all cases in both periods. Compared with a transfemoral
      approach (TFA), TRA was not associated with higher radiation doses (p=0.20).
      CONCLUSIONS: Image noise reduction technology significantly reduces radiation
      dose in a contemporary radial-first cardiac catheterization clinical practice.

PMID- 28089779
TI  - Percutaneous coronary intervention of chronically occluded saphenous vein grafts
      using excimer laser atherectomy as an adjuvant therapy.
AB  - We present two cases with chronic total occlusion of the saphenous vein graft in
      two patients with a history of previous bypass surgery with unfavorable anatomic
      features for recanalization of the native coronary artery. In the first case, two
      dedicated attempts for recanalization of chronic total occlusion of the native
      artery failed and in the second case there was not an adequate visualization of
      the native vessel beyond the occlusion point, not even by contralateral
      injection. Excimer laser atherectomy was used in both cases as an adjuvant
      therapy during recanalization of the saphenous vein graft in combination with a
      distal protection device in order to reduce distal embolization. The procedures
      proved successful after stent implantation in the whole length of the saphenous
      vein grafts and the patients suffered no remarkable events during
      hospitalization.

PMID- 28089780
TI  - Co-feeding transmission facilitates strain coexistence in Borrelia burgdorferi,
      the Lyme disease agent.
AB  - Coexistence of multiple tick-borne pathogens or strains is common in natural
      hosts and can be facilitated by resource partitioning of the host species, within
      host localization, or by different transmission pathways. Most vector-borne
      pathogens are transmitted horizontally via systemic host infection, but
      transmission may occur in the absence of systemic infection between two vectors
      feeding in close proximity, enabling pathogens to minimize competition and escape
      the host immune response. In a laboratory study, we demonstrated that co-feeding
      transmission can occur for a rapidly-cleared strain of Borrelia burgdorferi, the
      Lyme disease agent, between two stages of the tick vector Ixodes scapularis while
      feeding on their dominant host, Peromyscus leucopus. In contrast, infections
      rapidly became systemic for the persistently infecting strain. In a field study,
      we assessed opportunities for co-feeding transmission by measuring co-occurrence
      of two tick stages on ears of small mammals over two years at multiple sites.
      Finally, in a modeling study, we assessed the importance of co-feeding on R0, the
      basic reproductive number. The model indicated that co-feeding increases the
      fitness of rapidly-cleared strains in regions with synchronous immature tick
      feeding. Our results are consistent with increased diversity of B. burgdorferi in
      areas of higher synchrony in immature feeding - such as the midwestern United
      States. A higher relative proportion of rapidly-cleared strains, which are less
      human pathogenic, would also explain lower Lyme disease incidence in this region.
      Finally, if co-feeding transmission also occurs on refractory hosts, it may
      facilitate the emergence and persistence of new pathogens with a more limited
      host range.

PMID- 28089781
TI  - Genotoxic effect and rat hepatocyte death occurred after oxidative stress
      induction and antioxidant gene downregulation caused by long term fluoride
      exposure.
AB  - Studies focusing on possible genotoxic effects of excess fluoride are
      contradictory and inconclusive. Currently, studies have reported a probable link
      to oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis induced by fluoride in rat
      hepatocytes. We developed an in vivo study administering three doses of fluoride
      by gavage given to rats for 60 day. Micronucleus test was applied to investigate
      genotoxic potential of fluoride. The TUNEL method determined DNA fragmentation
      and apoptosis. Biochemical parameters to investigate mitochondrial swelling and
      oxidative stress. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining to determine mRNA
      and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes. Analyses of the hepatic function
      and morphology were performed. Our results revealed the genotoxic potential of
      fluoride but did not confirm mitochondrial swelling nor an increase of positive
      TUNEL labelling induced by fluoride, indicating absence of apoptosis. Oxidative
      stress induction was confirmed and is probably associated to DNA damage. Cell
      death events such as empty nuclear spaces, cytoplasm degeneration, nuclear
      pyknosis, karyorrhexis and karyorrhexis followed by karyolysis were observed.
      Hepatic function did not appear to be significantly modified makes no evidence of
      necrosis and suggesting other cell death pathway, the autophagic. In conclusion,
      prolonged fluoride intake at chosen concentrations caused imbalance of the
      cellular oxidative state, affected DNA and disrupted cellular homeostasis. It is
      recommended that fluoride supplementation requires a fresh consideration in light
      of the current study.

PMID- 28089782
TI  - Hepatic co-cultures in vitro reveal suitable to detect Nrf2-mediated oxidative
      stress responses on the bladder carcinogen o-anisidine.
AB  - The azo dye o-anisidine is known as an industrial and environmental pollutant.
      Metabolites of o-anisidine remain in the liver for >24h. However, the
      toxicological impact of o-anisidine on the liver and its individual cell types,
      e.g., hepatocytes and immune cells, is currently poorly understood. A novel co
      culture system, composed of HepG2 or Huh-7 cells, and differentiated THP-1 cells
      was used to study the metabolic capacity towards o-anisidine, and compared to
      primary murine hepatocytes which express high enzyme activities. As model
      compounds the carcinogenic arylamine o-anisidine and its non-carcinogenic isomer,
      p-anisidine, as well as caffeine were used. Global proteome analysis revealed an
      activation of eIF2 and Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response pathways only in
      co-cultures after treatment with o-anisidine. This was confirmed via detection of
      reactive oxygen species. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential
      decreased already after 3h treatment of cells, which correlated with a decrease
      of ATP levels (R2>0.92). In the supernatant of co-cultured, but not single
      cultured HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, o-anisidine caused increases of damage-associated
      proteins, such as HMGB1 (high mobility group box-1) protein. In summary, only co
      cultures of HepG2 and THP-1 cells predict o-anisidine induced stress responsive
      pathways, since the system has a higher sensitivity compared to single cultured
      cells.

PMID- 28089783
TI  - Characterization of rat or human hepatocytes cultured in microphysiological
      systems (MPS) to identify hepatotoxicity.
AB  - The liver is the main site for drug and xenobiotics metabolism, including
      inactivation or bioactivation. In order to improve the predictability of drug
      safety and efficacy in clinical development, and to facilitate the evaluation of
      the potential human health effects from exposure to environmental contaminants,
      there is a critical need to accurately model human organ systems such as the
      liver in vitro. We are developing a microphysiological system (MPS) based on a
      new commercial microfluidic platform (Nortis, Inc.) that can utilize primary
      liver cells from multiple species (e.g., rat and human). Compared to conventional
      monolayer cell culture, which typically survives for 5-7days or less, primary rat
      or human hepatocytes in an MPS exhibited higher viability and improved hepatic
      functions, such as albumin production, expression of hepatocyte marker HNF4alpha
      and canaliculi structure, for up to 14days. Additionally, induction of Cytochrome
      P450 (CYP) 1A and 3A4 in cryopreserved human hepatocytes was observed in the MPS.
      The acute cytotoxicity of the potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogen, aflatoxin
      B1, was evaluated in human hepatocytes cultured in an MPS, demonstrating the
      utility of this model for acute hepatotoxicity assessment. These results indicate
      that MPS-cultured hepatocytes provide a promising approach for evaluating
      chemical toxicity in vitro.

PMID- 28089785
TI  - Mechanistic modelling of infrared mediated energy transfer during the primary
      drying step of a continuous freeze-drying process.
AB  - Conventional pharmaceutical freeze-drying is an inefficient and expensive batch
      wise process, associated with several disadvantages leading to an uncontrolled
      end product variability. The proposed continuous alternative, based on spinning
      the vials during freezing and on optimal energy supply during drying, strongly
      increases process efficiency and improves product quality (uniformity). The heat
      transfer during continuous drying of the spin frozen vials is provided via non
      contact infrared (IR) radiation. The energy transfer to the spin frozen vials
      should be optimised to maximise the drying efficiency while avoiding cake
      collapse. Therefore, a mechanistic model was developed which allows computing the
      optimal, dynamic IR heater temperature in function of the primary drying progress
      and which, hence, also allows predicting the primary drying endpoint based on the
      applied dynamic IR heater temperature. The model was validated by drying spin
      frozen vials containing the model formulation (3.9mL in 10R vials) according to
      the computed IR heater temperature profile. In total, 6 validation experiments
      were conducted. The primary drying endpoint was experimentally determined via in
      line near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and compared with the endpoint predicted by
      the model (50min). The mean ratio of the experimental drying time to the
      predicted value was 0.91, indicating a good agreement between the model
      predictions and the experimental data. The end product had an elegant product
      appearance (visual inspection) and an acceptable residual moisture content (Karl
      Fischer).

PMID- 28089784
TI  - Axillary Management of Stage II/III Breast Cancer in Patients Treated with
      Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy: Results of CALGB 40601 (HER2-Positive) and CALGB
      40603 (Triple-Negative).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management of the axilla in stage II/III breast cancer undergoing
      neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) is controversial. To understand current
      patterns of care, we collected axillary data from 2 NST trials: HER2-positive
      (Cancer and Leukemia Group B [CALGB] 40601) and triple-negative (CALGB 40603).
      STUDY DESIGN: Axillary evaluation pre- and post-NST was per the treating surgeon
      and could include sentinel node biopsy. Post-NST, node-positive patients were
      recommended to undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). We report pre-NST
      histopathologic nodal evaluation and post-NST axillary surgical procedures with
      correlation to clinical and pathologic nodal status. RESULTS: Seven hundred and
      forty-two patients were treated, 704 had complete nodal data pre-NST and post
      NST. Pre-NST, 422 (60%) of 704 patients underwent at least 1 procedure for
      axillary node evaluation (total of 468 procedures): fine needle aspiration (n =
      234; 74% positive), core needle biopsy (n = 138; 72% positive), and sentinel node
      biopsy (n = 96; 33% positive). Pre-NST, 304 patients were considered node
      positive. Post-NST, 304 of 704 patients (43%) underwent sentinel node biopsy; 44
      were positive and 259 were negative (29 and 36 patients, respectively, had
      subsequent ALND). Three hundred and ninety-one (56%) patients went directly to
      post-NST ALND and 9 (1%) pre-NST node-positive patients had no post-NST axillary
      procedure. Post-NST, 170 (24%) of the 704 patients had residual axillary disease.
      Agreement between post-NST clinical and radiologic staging and post-NST
      histologic staging was strongest for node-negative (81%) and weaker for node
      positive (N1 31%, N2 29%), with more than half of the clinically node-positive
      patients found to be pathologic negative (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest there is no widely accepted standard for axillary nodal evaluation pre
      NST. Post-NST staging was highly concordant in patients with N0 disease, but
      poorly so in node-positive disease. Accurate methods are needed to identify post
      NST patients without residual axillary disease to potentially spare ALND.

PMID- 28089786
TI  - 3-Carboxyphenylboronic acid-modified carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles for
      improved tumor targeting and inhibitory.
AB  - Carboxymethyl chitosan-based nanoparticles (CM NPs) were prepared, and were
      further modified with a tumor-homing ligand (3-carboxyphenylboronic acid, 3-CPBA)
      to give tumor-targeting nanoparticles (CB NPs). Particle sizes were measured by
      dynamic light scattering, while the morphology was observed via transmission
      electron microscopy and scanning electronic microscope. The results show that CM
      and CB NPs are spherical-like, and kinetically stable in various conditions.
      Doxorubicin (DOX) as a model drug was successfully encapsulated to give CM-DOX
      and CB-DOX NPs. The biological effect of these DOX-loaded NPs was then
      investigated by monolayer cell model and three-dimensional multicellular
      spheroids (MCS). The results demonstrate that 3-CPBA modification can improve
      NPs' accumulation and penetration ability. In vivo antitumor effect was evaluated
      by H22 lung metastasis tumor-bearing mice. CB-DOX NPs can deliver more drug than
      CM-DOX NPs, and retain for a long time in lung tissue, thus remarkably reducing
      the size of tumor mass of H22 metastasis lung tumor. All results demonstrate that
      the obtained NPs would be potentially useful as nano-scaled drug carriers in
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 28089787
TI  - Antituberculosis drugs: reducing efflux=increasing activity.
AB  - In mycobacteria, it was assumed that efflux pumps only had a marginal role in
      drug resistance. In recent years, owing to the need to find novel drugs against
      multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, it has become clear that efflux should not be
      ignored. Although efflux inhibitors have been very useful for characterizing in
      vitro the properties of efflux pumps, their usefulness in vivo is limited because
      of their toxicity. Alternatively, programs aimed at discovering novel drugs for
      treating tuberculosis should implement strategies to characterize efflux
      liability of candidate drugs. Here, we present an experimental approach for
      studying efflux of compounds selected under the More Medicines for Tuberculosis
      research project, and a few examples of how, for tuberculosis drug discovery,
      efflux matters.

PMID- 28089788
TI  - Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment in Australian Community Pharmacy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Population screening and monitoring of cardiovascular risk is
      suboptimal in Australian primary care. The role of community pharmacy has
      increased considerably, but without any policy framework for development. The aim
      of this study was to explore the nature of community pharmacy-based screening
      models in Australia, capacity to increase delivery of pharmacy screening, and
      barriers and enablers to increasing capacity. METHODS: An online survey weblink
      was emailed to pharmacy managers at every quality-accredited pharmacy in
      Australia by the Quality Pharmacy Care Program. The 122-item survey explored the
      nature of screening services, pharmacy capacity to deliver services, and barriers
      and enablers to service delivery in considerable detail. Adaptive questioning was
      used extensively to reduce the participant burden. Pharmacy location details were
      requested to facilitate geo-coding and removal of duplicate entries. A
      descriptive analysis of responses was undertaken. RESULTS: There were 294 valid
      responses from 4890 emails, a 6% response rate. Most pharmacies (79%) had private
      counselling areas. Blood pressure assessment was nearly universal (96%), but
      other common risk factor assessments were offered by a minority. Most did not
      charge for assessments, and 59% indicated capacity to provide multiple risk
      factor assessments. Fewer than one in five (19%) reported any formal arrangements
      with general practice for care coordination. Financial viability was perceived as
      a key barrier to service expansion, amid concerns of patient willingness to pay.
      Support from government and non-governmental organisations for their role was
      seen as necessary. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a critical mass of pharmacies
      engaging in evidence-based and professional services. Considerable additional
      support appears required to optimise performance across the profession.

PMID- 28089790
TI  - Shirtfront Myocardial Infarction: Traumatic Coronary Plaque Disruption Secondary
      to a Football Tackle.

PMID- 28089789
TI  - Differing Clinical Characteristics Between Young and Older Patients Presenting
      with Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, there has been no detailed study of the risk factors and
      clinical characteristics of patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI)
      at a young age in our region. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate
      and clinical profile of those presenting with young MI in New Zealand. METHODS:
      We identified a cohort of 1199 patients presenting with acute MI between January
      2012 and November 2015 from the Wellington Acute Coronary Syndrome Registry. We
      compared those presenting with young MI, defined as presentation with MI aged 50
      years or younger, to those aged over 50 years. RESULTS: Myocardial infarction at
      a young age occurred in 154 (12.8%) patients. Compared to those in the older MI
      group, the young MI group were more likely to be male (80% vs. 71%, p=0.026), of
      Maori or Pacific Island ethnicity (21% vs. 10%, p<0.0001), have a higher BMI
      (31kg/m2 vs. 29kg/m2, p<0.0001), have a family history of premature coronary
      artery disease (49% vs. 34%, p<0.0001) and to be current smokers (47% vs. 20%,
      p<0.001). Young MI patients were less likely to have hypertension, dyslipidaemia
      and diabetes than the older MI patient population. Within the young MI group 36%
      had none or only one traditional risk factor for MI, and would have been
      classified as low risk prior to their index event. CONCLUSION: Those with young
      MI accounted for 12.8% of our cohort and had a different risk factor profile to
      the older MI group with smoking and obesity being particularly prevalent.

PMID- 28089791
TI  - Supplement CT-Guided Microcoil Placement for Localising Ground-glass Opacity
      (GGO) Lesions at "Blind Areas" of the Conventional Hook-Wire Technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the conventional hook-wire technique of pulmonary nodular
      localisations there are several "blind areas", including the mediastinum-vicinity
      region, interlobar fissure-neighbouring areas and scapulae-shadowed areas. The
      present study aims to summarise the experiences of CT-guided microcoil placement
      as an alternative method for localising pulmonary ground-glass opacity (GGO)
      lesions before thoracoscopic wedge resections. METHODS: Sixteen GGO lesions at
      "blind areas" in 16 patients were localised with platinum-fibered microcoils
      under CT assistance before undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical
      resections. Information regarding coil placement, operations and complications
      was recorded. RESULTS: Of all lesions, 1 was in the mediastinum-vicinity region,
      8 were covered by the scapulae, and 7 were close to interlobar fissures (3
      horizontal fissures, 4 oblique fissures). All 16 (100%) lesions had been
      successfully marked with microcoils. No major complications of the puncture
      procedure occurred; there were only minor pneumothorax (n=2) and haemoptysis
      (n=1) complications, which required no intervention before operations. All GGO
      lesions and microcoils were successfully removed by initial wedge resections. Of
      the 16 lesions in "blind areas", 8 were adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), 4 were
      minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), 3 were atypical adenomatous hyperplasia
      (AAH), and 1 was interstitial fibrous tissue proliferation. No major
      complications occurred postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: For the "blind areas" of the
      hook-wire technique, CT-guided microcoil placement is an effective method of
      marking GGO lesions that makes thoracoscopic wedge resection easier.

PMID- 28089793
TI  - Eggshell palaeogenomics: Palaeognath evolutionary history revealed through
      ancient nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from Madagascan elephant bird (Aepyornis
      sp.) eggshell.
AB  - Palaeognaths, the sister group of all other living birds (neognaths), were once
      considered to be vicariant relics from the breakup of the Gondwanan
      supercontinent. However, recent molecular studies instead argue for dispersal of
      volant ancestors across marine barriers. Resolving this debate hinges upon
      accurately reconstructing their evolutionary relationships and dating their
      divergences, which often relies on phylogenetic information from extinct
      relatives and nuclear genomes. Mitogenomes from the extinct elephant birds of
      Madagascar have helped inform the palaeognath phylogeny; however, nuclear
      information has remained unavailable. Here, we use ancient DNA (aDNA) extracted
      from fossil eggshell, together with target enrichment and next-generation
      sequencing techniques, to reconstruct an additional new mitogenome from Aepyornis
      sp. with 33.5X coverage. We also recover the first elephant bird nuclear aDNA,
      represented by 12,500bp of exonic information. While we confirm that elephant
      birds are sister taxa to the kiwi, our data suggests that, like neognaths,
      palaeognaths underwent an explosive radiation between 69 and 52Ma-well after the
      break-up of Gondwana, and more rapidly than previously estimated from
      mitochondrial data alone. These results further support the idea that ratites
      primarily diversified immediately following the Cretaceous-Palaeogene mass
      extinction and convergently evolved flightlessness. Our study reinforces the
      importance of including information from the nuclear genome of extinct taxa for
      recovering deep evolutionary relationships. Furthermore, with approximately 3%
      endogenous aDNA retrieved, avian eggshell can be a valuable substrate for
      recovering high quality aDNA. We suggest that elephant bird whole genome recovery
      is ultimately achievable, and will provide future insights into the evolution
      these birds.

PMID- 28089792
TI  - Pharmacological Inhibition of PKCtheta Counteracts Muscle Disease in a Mouse
      Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
AB  - : Inflammation plays a considerable role in the progression of Duchenne Muscular
      Dystrophy (DMD), a severe muscle disease caused by a mutation in the dystrophin
      gene. We previously showed that genetic ablation of Protein Kinase C theta
      (PKCtheta) in mdx, the mouse model of DMD, improves muscle healing and
      regeneration, preventing massive inflammation. To establish whether
      pharmacological targeting of PKCtheta in DMD can be proposed as a therapeutic
      option, in this study we treated young mdx mice with the PKCtheta inhibitor
      Compound 20 (C20). We show that C20 treatment led to a significant reduction in
      muscle damage associated with reduced immune cells infiltration, reduced
      inflammatory pathways activation, and maintained muscle regeneration.
      Importantly, C20 treatment is efficient in recovering muscle performance in mdx
      mice, by preserving muscle integrity. Together, these results provide proof of
      principle that pharmacological inhibition of PKCtheta in DMD can be considered an
      attractive strategy to modulate immune response and prevent the progression of
      the disease. RESEARCH IN CONTEXT: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe
      muscle disease affecting 1:3500 male births. DMD is caused by a mutation in
      dystrophin gene, coding for a protein required for skeletal and cardiac muscle
      integrity. Lack of a functional dystrophin is primarily responsible for the
      muscle eccentric contraction-induced muscle damage, observed in dystrophic
      muscle. However, inflammation plays a considerable role in the progression of
      DMD. Glucocorticoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, are being used to
      treat DMD with some success; however, long term treatment with these drugs
      induces muscle atrophy and wasting, outweighing their benefit. The identification
      of specific targets for anti-inflammatory therapies is one of the ongoing
      therapeutic options. Although blunting inflammation would not be a "cure" for the
      disease, the emerging clue is that multiple strategies, addressing different
      aspects of the pathology, which may eventually converge, may be successful. In
      this context, we previously showed that genetic ablation of Protein Kinase C
      theta (PKCtheta), an enzyme known to be involved in immune response, in mdx, the
      mouse model of DMD, improves muscle healing and regeneration, preventing massive
      inflammation. To establish whether pharmacological targeting of PKCtheta in DMD
      can be proposed as a therapeutic option, in this study we treated young mdx mice
      with the PKCtheta inhibitor Compound 20 (C20). We show that C20 treatment led to
      a significant reduction in muscle damage associated with reduced immune cells
      infiltration, reduced inflammatory pathways activation, and maintained muscle
      regeneration. Importantly, C20 treatment is efficient in recovering muscle
      performance in mdx mice, by preserving muscle integrity. Together, these results
      provide proof of principle that pharmacological inhibition of PKCtheta in DMD can
      be considered an attractive strategy to modulate immune response and prevent the
      progression of the disease.

PMID- 28089794
TI  - A molecular phylogeny reveals the Cuban enigmatic genus Behaimia as a new piece
      in the Brongniartieae puzzle of papilionoid legumes.
AB  - The papilionoid legume tribe Brongniartieae comprises a collection of 15 genera
      with disparate morphologies that were previously positioned in at least four
      remotely related tribes. The Brongniartieae displays a wide geographical
      disjunction between Australia and the New World and previous phylogenetic studies
      had provided conflicting results about the relationships between the American and
      Australian genera. We carry out phylogenetic analyses of (1) a plastid matK
      dataset extensively sampled across legumes to solve the enigmatic relationship of
      the Cuban-endemic monospecific genus Behaimia; and (2) multilocus datasets with
      focus on all genera ever referred to Brongniartieae. These analyses resulted in a
      well-resolved and strongly-supported phylogenetic tree of the Brongniartieae. The
      monophyly of all American genera of Brongniartieae is strongly supported. The
      doubtful position of the Australian genus Plagiocarpus is resolved within a clade
      comprising all Australian genera. Behaimia has been traditionally classified in
      tribe Millettieae, but our new molecular data and re-assessment of morphological
      traits have resolved the genus within the early-branching papilionoid tribe
      Brongniartieae. Characters including the pinnately multifoliolate (vs.
      unifoliolate) leaves, a sessile (vs. stipitate) ovary, and an indehiscent or late
      dehiscent one-seeded pod distinguish Behaimia from its closer relatives, the
      South American genera Cyclolobium and Limadendron.

PMID- 28089795
TI  - Comparison of postoperative biomechanical function between anatomic double-bundle
      and single-bundle ACL reconstructions using calcium phosphate-hybridized tendon
      grafts in goats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcium phosphate (CaP)-hybridized tendon grafts improved
      biomechanical function compared with untreated grafts after single-bundle (SB)
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to
      compare the biomechanical function between anatomic double-bundle (DB) and single
      bundle (SB) ACL reconstructions using CaP-hybridized tendon grafts at 6 months
      postoperatively in goats. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the postoperative
      biomechanical function in the DB group will be better than that in the SB group.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Knee kinematics and in situ forces in the grafts under
      applied anterior tibial load (ATL) of 50N and internal tibial torque (ITT) of 2.0
      Nm at full extension, and 60 degrees  and 90 degrees  of knee flexion, and the
      histology of the tendon-bone interface were compared between the DB group (n=6)
      and SB group (n=6). RESULTS: The in situ forces under ATL in the DB group at full
      extension and 90 degrees of knee flexion were greater than those in the SB group.
      The in situ forces under ITT in the DB group at full extension and 60 degrees of
      knee flexion were greater than those in the SB group. The in situ forces on the
      posterolateral bundle of the grafts under ATL and ITT in the DB group at full
      knee extension were greater than those on the posterior half of the grafts in the
      SB group. The histology did not differ significantly between the groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although CaP-hybridized tendon grafts were used in both groups, the
      in situ forces under ATL and ITT in the DB group were greater than those in the
      SB group at 6 months postoperatively. The posterolateral bundle of the grafts in
      the DB group acted effectively against both ATL and ITT at full extension. The
      tendon-to-bone healing was similar in both groups. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled
      laboratory study. Level 2.

PMID- 28089796
TI  - Correlation between obesity and severity of distal radius fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of obesity has increased significantly worldwide. Our
      hypothesis was that patients with obesity have a more severe distal radius
      fracture and we realized a study to evaluate this correlation between obesity and
      severity of distal radius fractures caused by low-energy injuries. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 114 patients with distal radius fracture were examined in a
      cross-sectional, observational study. Fractures were classified according to the
      international AO-Muller/Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification in
      order to determine the severity. The patient's Body Mass Index (BMI) was
      calculated and a Pearson correlation was performed. RESULTS: The patients were
      predominantly female, and left side was more frequently affected. Most of the
      fractures were AO/OTA type A (71 patients). The majority of the involved patients
      in our study were overweighed or obese. We do not observe a direct correlation
      between grade of obesity and distal radius fracture severity. CONCLUSIONS: Based
      on the results of this study obesity and severity of distal radius fractures do
      not correlate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic. Level IV. CASE SERIES: 

PMID- 28089797
TI  - Distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis using screw and non-absorbable filament for the
      treatment of idiopathic genu valgum. Preliminary results of 12 knees.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Different techniques for gradual correction of angular deformities
      of lower limbs exist. Screws and nonabsorbable filament has been described as an
      effective alternative for transitory hemiepiphysiodesis in New Zealand rabbits.
      HYPOTHESIS: Hemiepiphysiodesis using screws and non-absorbable filament is
      effective in pediatric population, for correction of genu valgum. METHODS:
      Retrospective evaluation, 12 knees in 6 patients younger than 15 years (3
      female), operated because of genu valgum. An anchoring system with two 4.0mm
      cancellous screw with metal washer joined by FiberWire #2.0 filament. Initial and
      final intermalleolar distance (IMD) and mechanical lateral distal femoral angle
      were compared, recording complications. Mann-Whitney test was used for
      statistics, with significance value <0.05. RESULTS: All patients achieved the
      expected correction. IMD and mLDFA were significatively improved. Only one
      patient presents a minor perioperative complication. DISCUSSION: Lateral distal
      femoral hemiepiphysiodesis with screws and nonabsorbable filament resulted to be
      an effective alternative for genu valgum gradual correction in pediatric
      population. This is the first article that proposes this model, as an efficient
      and simple alternative for the treatment of genu valgum in pediatric patients.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective study, Level IV.

PMID- 28089798
TI  - A meta-analysis of external fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation
      for complex tibial plateau fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Both external fixation (ExFx) and open reduction and internal
      fixation(ORIF) were used to treat complex tibial plateau fractures, but it was
      not sure which one was better. So we did this meta-analysis to evaluate the
      outcomes of ExFx and ORIF in managing complex tibial plateau fractures. METHODS:
      Articles published before August 5, 2016 were selected from PubMed, Cochrane
      library, and some other electronic database. Relevant journals were also searched
      manually with no language limited. Two independent reviewers searched and
      assessed the literature. A fixed effect model was initially used for meta
      analyses with RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: When compared with ORIF, cases undergoing ExFx
      were more likely to return to the preinjury state at the early stage, but no
      difference in the later period of follow-up. However, ExFx group had higher
      infection rate (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.08-3.63, P = 0.03), higher venous
      thromboembolism rate (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.49-4.96, P = 0.45), higher re-operation
      rate (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.47-1.62, P = 0.66) and lower compartment syndrome rate
      (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.12-3.22, P = 0.56), lower TKA rate (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.20-1.34,
      P = 0.17). There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of
      deep infection, venous thromboembolism, compartment syndrome and VTE between the
      two groups. CONCLUSION: Although external fixation may offer some advantages,
      both were acceptable strategies in managing complex tibial plateau fractures.
      According to our analysis results, we strongly recommend that selection of
      definitive fixators should base on the fracture patterns, soft-tissue condition
      as well as the injury stages in clinical practice. More important, further
      multicentered, randomized controlled studies should be implemented to get a more
      reliable and clear result.

PMID- 28089800
TI  - Osteopathic Manipulation in Treatment of Musculoskeletal Chest Pain.

PMID- 28089799
TI  - Positive Airway Pressure Therapies and Hospitalization in Chronic Obstructive
      Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospitalization of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease creates a huge healthcare burden. Positive airway pressure therapy is
      sometimes used in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but the
      possible impact on hospitalization risk remains controversial. We studied the
      hospitalization risk of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      before and after initiation of various positive airway pressure therapies in a
      "real-world" bioinformatics study. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis
      of administrative claims data of hospitalizations in patients with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease who received or did not receive positive airway
      pressure therapy: continuous positive airway pressure, bilevel positive airway
      pressure, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation using a home ventilator.
      RESULTS: The majority of 1,881,652 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (92.5%) were not receiving any form of positive airway pressure therapy.
      Prescription of bilevel positive airway pressure (1.5%), continuous positive
      airway pressure (5.6%), and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (<1%) in
      patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease demonstrated geographic-, sex
      , and age-related variability. After adjusting for confounders and propensity
      score, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 0.19; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.27), bilevel positive airway pressure (OR, 0.42;
      95% CI, 0.39-0.45), and continuous positive airway pressure (OR, 0.70; 95% CI,
      0.67-0.72) were individually associated with lower hospitalization risk in the 6
      months post-treatment when compared with the 6 months pretreatment but not when
      compared with the baseline period between 12 and 6 months before treatment
      initiation. Stratified analysis suggests that comorbid sleep-disordered
      breathing, chronic respiratory failure, heart failure, and age less than 65 years
      were associated with greater benefits from positive airway pressure therapy.
      CONCLUSION: Initiation of positive airway pressure therapy was associated with
      reduction in hospitalization among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, but the causality needs to be determined by randomized controlled
      trials.

PMID- 28089801
TI  - Physician Exposure to Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Marketing: Potential for
      Creating Prescribing Bias.

PMID- 28089802
TI  - Incorporating Formal Nutrition Education into a Medical School Curriculum: A
      Student-Initiated Lecture Series.

PMID- 28089803
TI  - Statins and Diabetes: Current Perspectives and Implications for Clinicians.

PMID- 28089804
TI  - Multicentric Spinal Cord Glioblastoma.
AB  - A 40-year-old man was referred to our center with a 4-month history of
      progressive quadriparesis. Previous brain imaging revealed no abnormality.
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast of the cervicothoracic spine
      revealed 2 heterogeneously enhancing lesions at the level of C3-C5 and T2-T4 (A);
      T1- and T2-weighted MRI showed hypointense and hyperintense lesions,
      respectively, which is characteristic of spinal cord astrocytoma (B and C).
      Intraoperative biopsies supported the diagnosis of glioblastoma
      (hypercellularity, vascular proliferation, and tumor cell palisading around
      necrosis) (D). Though resection was attempted, surgery was aborted due to
      hemodynamic instability and signal changes in neuromonitoring. The patient
      stabilized in the intensive care unit and experienced slight improvement in upper
      extremity strength. After discharge without further complications, the patient
      was expected to return for further adjuvant therapy/surgical planning but
      unfortunately passed away 1.5 months after his operation, most likely to rapid
      disease progression.

PMID- 28089805
TI  - Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery of
      Craniopharyngiomas Evaluated According to the Degree of Hypothalamic Extension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sparing the hypothalamus after craniopharyngioma treatment is a
      prerequisite to ensure a good quality of life. In this study, the functional
      prognosis of craniopharyngioma after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery
      (EES) was examined in function of the degree of hypothalamic extension. METHODS:
      Twenty cases of craniopharyngioma treated by EES were categorized according to
      the Puget classification using preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance
      imaging. The degree of resection rates, amelioration of symptoms, and
      endocrinologic and hypothalamic functions were evaluated during the postoperative
      follow-up period. RESULTS: All cases were preoperatively classified into grades 0
      (n = 8), 1 (n = 7), and 2 (n = 5). Near total resection was achieved in half of
      the cases. Moreover, visual improvement was observed in 75% of the cases. The
      incidence rate of additional endocrinologic dysfunction was not related to the
      preoperative grade or intraoperative stalk preservation. Postoperative magnetic
      resonance imaging indicated hypothalamic preservation for all grades. After an
      average of 60 months follow-up of 11 patients with primary tumors, 4 patients
      showed tumor regrowth controlled by stereotactic radiation therapy. All patients
      recorded more than 80% on the Karnofsky Performance Scale and showed no
      additional obesity at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: EES provides optimal resection rate
      and limited complications because of the preservation of the hypothalamus,
      regardless of the degree of preoperative hypothalamic involvement. Consequently,
      the rate of obesity occurrence is also decreased. This study indicates that EES
      protects hypothalamus function and improves tumor removal rate, and that it will
      become the first choice of surgical procedure for managing craniopharyngiomas.

PMID- 28089806
TI  - Analysis of Radiation Doses and Dose Reduction Strategies During Cerebral Digital
      Subtraction Angiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Adverse effects of increased use of cerebral digital subtraction
      angiography (DSA) include radiation-induced skin reactions and increased risk of
      malignancy. This study aimed to identify a method for reducing radiation exposure
      during routine cerebral DSA. METHODS: A retrospective review of 138 consecutive
      adult patients who underwent DSA with a biplane angiography system (Artis Zee,
      Siemens, Germany) from September 2015 to February 2016 was performed. In January
      2016, the dose parameter was reset by the manufacturer from 2.4 MUGy to 1.2 MUGy.
      Predose (group 1) and postdose parameter reduction (group 2) groups were
      established. Angiograms and procedure examination protocols were reviewed
      according to patient age, gender, and diagnosis and angiography techniques were
      reviewed on the basis of the following radiation dose parameters: fluoroscopy
      time, reference point air kerma (Ka,r; in mGy), and kerma-area product (PKA; in
      MUGym2). RESULTS: The mean Ka,r values in groups 1 and 2 were 1841.5 mGy and
      1274.8 mGy, respectively. The mean PKA values in groups 1 and 2 were 23212.5
      MUGym2 and 14854.0 MUGym2, respectively. Ka,r and PKA values were significantly
      lower in group 2 compared with group 1 (P < 0.001). Among individual factors,
      young age was a determining factor for reduced fluoroscopy time (P < 0.001), Ka,r
      (P = 0.047), and PKA (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Increased awareness of radiation
      risks, as well as the establishment of strategies to reduce radiation dose, led
      to lower radiation doses for DSA. The use of appropriate examinations and low
      dose parameters in fluoroscopy contributed significantly to the radiation dose
      reductions.

PMID- 28089807
TI  - Ultrasonography Detects Ulnar Nerve Dislocation Despite Normal Electrophysiology
      and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dislocation of the ulnar nerve (UN) occurs in a subset of patients
      with ulnar neuropathy. Electrodiagnostic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      studies are performed to support the clinical diagnosis. We report the case of a
      patient with ulnar neuropathy with normal electrodiagnostic and MRI studies but
      with ultrasonography (US) showing UN dislocation, which prompted successful
      treatment by UN submuscular transposition. CASE DESCRIPTION: A healthy 15-year
      old female softball player presented with right medial elbow pain and
      paresthesias of the fourth and fifth digits. She had 4+/5 strength in the right
      hand intrinsic muscles and a Tinel sign at the right elbow. A snap was palpated
      at the elbow upon flexion. MRI showed mild common flexor tendonitis, and
      electrodiagnostic studies showed normal motor responses and no conduction block
      at the elbow. High-resolution US showed dislocation of the UN over the medial
      epicondyle. UN dislocation was confirmed intraoperatively, and, after UN
      submuscular transposition, the patient reported complete resolution of her
      preoperative symptoms at 6-week follow-up and continued resolution at 1 year.
      CONCLUSIONS: Normal findings on electrodiagnostic or MRI studies should not
      immediately dissuade surgeons from operating on a symptomatic patient with a
      clinical examination supporting ulnar neuropathy and with US evidence of UN
      dislocation, because such a patient may experience postoperative symptom relief.
      Furthermore, the dynamic capability of US imaging complements data obtained from
      electrodiagnostic and MRI studies, especially when these tests are normal, and it
      should be considered by clinicians when evaluating patients with medial elbow
      pain or signs of ulnar neuropathy.

PMID- 28089808
TI  - Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia After Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Its
      Role in Predicting Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) after acute cerebrovascular
      disease is common and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The incidence
      of SIH after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its role in shunt
      placement have not been systematically investigated. The present study is
      designed to investigate the incidence of SIH after spontaneous SAH and its
      determinants. The role of SIH and premorbid hyperglycemia (using glycated
      hemoglobin [HbA1c]) in predicting external ventricular drainage (EVD) and
      ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is also investigated. METHODS: This
      study defined SIH using the glycemic gap (GG) and admission glucose:HbA1c ratio.
      The receiver operating characteristic curve determined threshold values for GG
      and the ratio that best predicted incidence of adverse clinical outcomes,
      including in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: We defined SIH using thresholds of 26.7
      mg/dL for GG and 26 mg/dL for admission glucose:HbA1c ratio. The incidence of SIH
      was higher in patients with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) (99/200 [49.5%]) than in those
      with nonaneurysmal SAH (16/50 [32.0%]; P = 0.03). Among 200 patients with aSAH,
      diabetics had higher mortality than nondiabetics (10/24 [41.7%] vs. 39/137
      [21.2%]; P = 0.045). SIH among nonhydrocephalic aSAH was more likely to have EVD
      placed than those without (42/64 [65.6%] vs. 38/79 [48.1%]; P = 0.043). Among 143
      patients with aSAH without hydrocephalus, EVD was placed more often in those with
      HbA1c level >=6.4% (15/19 [78.9%] vs. 65/124 [52.4%]; P = 0.045). Neither SIH nor
      HbA1c level could predict VPS placement among aSAH survivors. CONCLUSIONS: SIH is
      common after aSAH. In nonhydrocephalic aSAH, both SIH and premorbid uncontrolled
      hyperglycemia determine EVD but not VPS placement.

PMID- 28089809
TI  - Sensitivity and Specificity of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for Identifying
      Safety and Duration of Temporary Aneurysm Clipping Based on Vascular Territory, a
      Multimodal Strategy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients who undergo clipping of cerebral aneurysms face an inherent
      risk for new postoperative neurologic deficits. Intraoperative neuromonitoring
      (IONM) is used often for early detection of ischemic changes, while it is still
      potentially reversible. However, the value, safety, and efficacy of temporary
      clipping and multimodal IONM to minimize risks are debated. Our retrospective
      series examined the sensitivity and specificity of IONM using transcranial motor
      evoked potentials and somatosensory evoked potentials and quantified the safety
      of temporary clipping by duration and vascular territory. METHODS: Our
      prospectively collected database (2010-2013) included 123 consecutive patients
      who underwent clipping of 133 cerebral aneurysms with use of IONM. We determined
      postoperative deficit rate and sensitivity and specificity of monitoring to
      predict these changes intraoperatively. The rate of permanent deficit after
      temporary clipping was correlated with duration, vascular territory, and IONM
      findings. RESULTS: Of 133 clipped aneurysms, 15 instances of IONM changes
      occurred, including 12 temporary without new postoperative deficit and 3
      permanent with new postoperative deficit. Somatosensory evoked potential
      monitoring predicted one of the permanent deficits and transcranial motor evoked
      potentials predicted the other 2 deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal IONM was
      highly specific and sensitive for detecting new deficits. Three patients with new
      deficits had temporary clipping, including 2 patients with IONM changes not
      temporally associated with clip placement. Our 1.1% rate of permanent neurologic
      deficit attributed to temporary clipping support its safety. Differences in
      patterns of IONM changes among vascular territories warrant further
      investigation.

PMID- 28089810
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of Ureteral Endometriosis and Hydronephrosis Associated
      With Endometriosis.
AB  - : STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if laparoscopic treatment of ureteral
      endometriosis is feasible, safe, and effective and to determine if ureteral
      dilatation and/or the number of incisions increases complications. DESIGN: An
      institutional review board-approved retrospective cohort study of consecutive
      patients who underwent surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis involving the
      ureter with hydronephrosis (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: A
      university hospital. PATIENTS: Of 658 patients who had surgery for deep
      infiltrating endometriosis between November 2004 and December 2013, 198 of the
      658 patients had ureteral endometriosis and required ureterolysis, and 28 of the
      198 patients were identified with ureteral dilatation and hydronephrosis
      associated with endometriosis. INTERVENTIONS: Of these 28 cases, 15 ureterolyses,
      12 reanastomoses, and 1 reimplantation were performed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Medical, operative, and pathological data on the evolution of pain,
      urinary complaints, fertility, complications, and recurrences were collected from
      clinical records. Additionally, telephone interviews were performed for the
      follow-up of long-term outcomes. All 28 patients had concomitant surgical
      procedures because of endometriosis elsewhere in the pelvis or abdomen; 12
      (42.9%) underwent surgery of the bowel, whereas 5 (17.9%) had bladder surgery.
      The evolution of pain after surgery showed a positive response (mean dysmenorrhea
      evaluation measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale from 0-10 preoperatively at
      the short-term follow-up and the long-term follow-up: 7.25-1.73 and 0.25,
      respectively). Three complications were noted in the group of 28 patients with
      ureterohydronephrosis; 1 required surgical reintervention. Logistic regression
      analyses found vaginal incision (odds ratio = 2.08; 95% CI 0.92-4.73), bladder
      incision (odds ratio = 8.77; 95% CI 3.25-23.63), number of incisions (odds ratio
      = 2.12; 95% CI 1.29-3.47), and number of previous surgeries (odds ratio = 1.26;
      95% CI 0.93-1.71) as independent risk factors for complications in the group of
      198 patients. Three patients underwent reoperation in the group of 28 patients: 1
      for ureterovaginal fistula, 1 for persistent ureter dilatation and
      hydronephrosis, and 1 for persistent pain. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopically assisted
      ureterolyses, ureteral reanastomoses, and ureteral reimplantation are feasible,
      safe, and effective treatments for ureteral endometriosis. Complete laparoscopic
      excision is possible with minimal complications, which seem to be associated with
      the number of incisions. Ureteral endometriosis should be suspected in all cases
      of deep infiltrating endometriosis.

PMID- 28089811
TI  - Large Aberrant External Iliac Vein: Incidental Laparoscopic Finding.

PMID- 28089812
TI  - Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes in Surgically Managed Gartner Duct Cysts.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Gartner duct cysts (GDCs) are rare embryological remnants of the
      mesonephric duct with the majority of cases discovered incidentally in
      asymptomatic patients. The largest prior published series evaluating the surgical
      management of GDCs included 4 patients. The present study aimed to determine the
      manifestations and outcomes of surgically managed patients with GDCs with
      important implications for surveillance, monitoring, and management. DESIGN: A
      retrospective chart review (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: A
      tertiary care center. PATIENTS: All women diagnosed with GDCs from January 1994
      to April 2014 at our institution were identified. Patients were included if they
      underwent surgical management and had GDCs confirmed by pathology. One hundred
      twenty-four charts were manually reviewed, and 29 patients were included in the
      analysis. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent surgical management, which
      included vaginal excision or marsupialization. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A
      total of 29 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. The median age of
      the patients included in the analysis was 36 years old. Eleven patients were
      asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis (37.9%). The reason for surgical
      intervention was not available in 9 of these patients. Surgical intervention was
      performed in 2 of the 11 asymptomatic patients because of an increasing size of
      the lesion during observation. Presenting symptoms included dyspareunia or pain
      with tampon placement (37.9%), pelvic pain or pressure (24.1%), pelvic mass or
      bulge (17.2%), and urinary incontinence (6.9%). Preoperative imaging studies were
      obtained in 62% of patients; ultrasound was used in 44.4%, computed tomographic
      scanning in 22.2%, magnetic resonance imaging in 16.7%, and multiple modalities
      in 16.7%. Approximately 10% were found to have other genitourinary anomalies,
      including a bladder cyst, urethral diverticulum, and a solitary right kidney with
      uterine didelphis and septate vagina. The average cyst size was 3.5 cm (+/-1.8
      cm). Surgical excision of GDCs was performed in all except for 3 cases of
      marsupialization. No intraoperative complications occurred. The median follow-up
      was 82 months (range, 0-246 months). One patient had possible recurrence with
      dyspareunia and protruding tissue diagnosed 14 months postoperatively. There were
      no other postoperative complications in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: GDCs
      are rare pelvic masses that are often asymptomatic but may present with
      dyspareunia, pelvic pain or pressure, pelvic mass or bulge, or urinary symptoms.
      Excision or marsupialization is successful in the majority of cases without
      significant morbidity.

PMID- 28089813
TI  - Parasciadicleithrum octofasciatum n. gen., n. sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae),
      parasite of Rocio octofasciata (Regan) (Cichlidae: Perciformes) from Mexico
      characterised by morphological and molecular evidence.
AB  - Based on an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphological characters
      and partial sequences of the 28S rRNA gene, a new genus and species,
      Parasciadicleithrum octofasciatum, is proposed to accommodate dactylogyrids
      infecting the gills of Rocio octofasciata (Cichlidae) from a tributary of the
      Lacantun River basin, Chiapas State, southern Mexico. Morphologically, the new
      genus resembles members of Sciadicleithrum (Dactylogyridae) in the presence of
      membranes on the anterior margins of both ventral and dorsal haptoral bars.
      However, Parasciadicleithrum octofasciatum n. sp. shows morphological differences
      with respect to a subset of species of Sciadicleithrum occurring in the same host
      group and geographic area, such as the body size and gonad dimensions (length and
      width of germarium and testis, respectively, smaller in the new genus).
      Phylogenetic analyses performed herein based on Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian
      Inference criteria, showed that Parasciadicleithrum octofasciatum n. sp.
      represents an undescribed taxon morphologically very similar to species of
      Sciadicleithrum from which it can be consistently distinguished on the basis of
      molecular data. P. octofasciatum n. sp. appeared genetically distant from
      Sciadicleithrum spp. and nested with dactylogyrid parasites of African cichlids.
      Parasciadicleithrum n. gen. showed divergence levels in the 28S rDNA sequences of
      25-26% with respect to Sciadicleithrum spp. Therefore, on the basis of molecular
      evidence mainly, and morphological differences highlighted above, the erection of
      the new genus is proposed. The evolutionary and ecological factors that may have
      influenced the associations between Neotropical cichlids and their dactylogyrid
      parasites are briefly discussed.

PMID- 28089814
TI  - Prospects and problems for standardizing model validation in systems biology.
AB  - There are currently no widely shared criteria by which to assess the validity of
      computational models in systems biology. Here we discuss the feasibility and
      desirability of implementing validation standards for modeling. Having such a
      standard would facilitate journal review, interdisciplinary collaboration, model
      exchange, and be especially relevant for applications close to medical practice.
      However, even though the production of predictively valid models is considered a
      central goal, in practice modeling in systems biology employs a variety of model
      structures and model-building practices. These serve a variety of purposes, many
      of which are heuristic and do not seem to require strict validation criteria and
      may even be restricted by them. Moreover, given the current situation in systems
      biology, implementing a validation standard would face serious technical
      obstacles mostly due to the quality of available empirical data. We advocate a
      cautious approach to standardization. However even though rigorous
      standardization seems premature at this point, raising the issue helps us develop
      better insights into the practices of systems biology and the technical problems
      modelers face validating models. Further it allows us to identify certain
      technical validation issues which hold regardless of modeling context and
      purpose. Informal guidelines could in fact play a role in the field by helping
      modelers handle these.

PMID- 28089815
TI  - Do Patients Hospitalized With COPD Have Airflow Obstruction?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend the confirmation of a COPD diagnosis with
      spirometry. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical
      Modification, diagnostic codes are frequently used to identify patients with COPD
      for administrative purposes. However, coding the diagnosis of COPD does not
      require confirmation using spirometry. The purpose of this study was to determine
      how often the discharge diagnosis of COPD is supported by spirometric
      measurements in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system. METHODS: We reviewed
      records of patients hospitalized for COPD in a VA teaching hospital between 2005
      and 2015. Individuals were counted once; rehospitalizations for COPD in the same
      time frame were excluded. Patient records were assessed for the presence of
      spirometric measurements and for spirometric evidence of COPD. RESULTS: There
      were 1,278 discharges with the principal diagnosis of COPD and allied conditions
      in the time frame. A total of 826 discharged patients were included. Among them,
      21% had no spirometric measurements, 12% were unable to perform the breathing
      maneuvers correctly, 56% had spirometric evidence of airways obstruction, and 11%
      had normal prebronchodilator or postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC measurements. Older
      patients were more likely to fail the spirometry test or have no documented
      spirometry. Younger patients were more likely to have the first spirometry
      conducted after their COPD hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: Caution must be taken
      when using the discharge diagnosis database to measure health-care outcomes and
      determine resource management. Efforts are needed to assure that patients
      clinically suspected of having COPD are tested with spirometry to improve the
      accuracy of a COPD diagnosis.

PMID- 28089816
TI  - Can High-flow Nasal Cannula Reduce the Rate of Endotracheal Intubation in Adult
      Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure Compared With Conventional Oxygen Therapy
      and Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation?: A Systematic Review and Meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) on adult patients with
      acute respiratory failure (ARF) are controversial. We aimed to further determine
      the effectiveness of HFNC in reducing the rate of endotracheal intubation in
      adult patients with ARF by comparison to noninvasive positive pressure
      ventilation (NIPPV) and conventional oxygen therapy (COT). METHODS: The PubMed,
      Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      databases, as well as the Information Sciences Institute Web of Science, were
      searched for all controlled studies that compared HFNC with NIPPV and COT in
      adult patients with ARF. The primary outcome was the rate of endotracheal
      intubation; the secondary outcomes were ICU mortality and length of ICU stay.
      RESULTS: Eighteen trials with a total of 3,881 patients were pooled in our final
      studies. Except for ICU mortality (I2 = 67%, chi2 = 12.21, P = .02) and rate of
      endotracheal intubation (I2 = 63%, chi2 = 13.51, P = .02) between HFNC and NIPPV,
      no significant heterogeneity was found in outcome measures. Compared with COT,
      HFNC was associated with a lower rate of endotracheal intubation (z = 2.55, P =
      .01) while no significant difference was found in the comparison with NIPPV (z =
      1.40, P = .16). As for ICU mortality and length of ICU stay, HFNC did not exhibit
      any advantage over either COT or NIPPV. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ARF, HFNC
      is a more reliable alternative than NIPPV to reduce the rate of endotracheal
      intubation than COT.

PMID- 28089817
TI  - Patient-Centered Specialty Practice: Defining the Role of Specialists in Value
      Based Health Care.
AB  - Health care is at a crossroads and under pressure to add value by improving
      patient experience and health outcomes and reducing costs to the system. Efforts
      to improve the care model in primary care, such as the patient-centered medical
      home, have enjoyed some success. However, primary care accounts for only a small
      portion of total health-care spending, and there is a need for policies and
      frameworks to support high-quality, cost-efficient care in specialty practices of
      the medical neighborhood. The Patient-Centered Specialty Practice (PCSP) model
      offers ambulatory-based specialty practices one such framework, supported by a
      formal recognition program through the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
      The key elements of the PCSP model include processes to support timely access to
      referral requests, improved communication and coordination with patients and
      referring clinicians, reduced unnecessary and duplicative testing, and an
      emphasis on continuous measurement of quality, safety, and performance
      improvement for a population of patients. Evidence to support the model remains
      limited, and estimates of net costs and value to practices are not fully
      understood. The PCSP model holds promise for promoting value-based health care in
      specialty practices. The continued development of appropriate incentives is
      required to ensure widespread adoption.

PMID- 28089818
TI  - Notochordal cell-derived conditioned medium protects human nucleus pulposus cells
      from stress-induced apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) remains without an effective
      therapy and presents a costly burden to society. PURPOSE: Based upon prior
      reports concerning the effects of notochordal cell-conditioned medium (NCCM) on
      disc cells, we performed a proof of principle study to determine whether NCCM
      could reduce cytotoxic stress-induced apoptosis in human disc nucleus pulposus
      (NP) cells. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This is an "in vitro" fundamental or basic
      science study. METHODS: Nucleus pulpous cells derived from 15 patients undergoing
      spinal surgery were treated with interleukin (IL)-1beta and Fas ligand or
      etoposide in the presence of NCCM. We determined pro- or antiapoptotic events
      using activated caspase assays and determined genomic regulation of apoptosis
      using polymerase chain reaction arrays validated using Western blotting methods.
      We interrogated cellular apoptotic regulation using JC-1 dye and flow cytometry
      and performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to evaluate NP inflammatory
      cytokine secretion. RESULTS: Notochordal cell-conditioned medium inhibits
      cytotoxic stress-induced caspase-9 and -3/7 activities and maintains the
      mitochondrial membrane potential in human NP cells, thereby suppressing the
      intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Gene expression analysis revealed the X-linked
      inhibitor of apoptosis protein as a key player responsible for evading etoposide
      induced apoptosis in the presence of NCCM, and we verified these data using
      Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed distinct
      differences in IL-6 and IL-8 secretions by NP cells in response to etoposide in
      the presence of NCCM. CONCLUSIONS: Here we demonstrate for the first time that
      NCCM reduces cytotoxic stress-induced apoptosis in human NP cells. Soluble
      factors present in NCCM could be harnessed for the development of novel
      therapeutics for the treatment of DDD.

PMID- 28089819
TI  - Lentivirus-mediated silencing of the CTGF gene suppresses the formation of glial
      scar tissue in a rat model of spinal cord injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: One of the many reactive changes following a spinal cord
      injury (SCI) is the formation of a glial scar, a reactive cellular process
      whereby glial cells accumulate and surround the central nervous system injury
      sites to seal in the wound. Thus, the inhibition of glial scar is of great
      importance for SCI recovery. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the effect of
      lentivirus-mediated silencing of the CTGF gene on the formation of glial scar
      tissue in a rat model of SCI. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective study. STUDY
      SAMPLE: A total of 56 Wistar female rats aged 8 weeks were randomly selected for
      this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: The motor function of the rats was assessed using
      the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) functional scale, footprint analysis of
      gait, and the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the
      mRNA and protein expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin,
      fibronectin, and laminin in the spinal cord tissues. METHODS: A rat model of SCI
      was successfully established. Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly selected
      and assigned into four groups (14 rats in each group): the sham operation group,
      the SCI model group, the negative control (NC) group (SCI rats transfected with
      empty vector plasmids), and the siRNA-CTGF group (SCI rats transfected with
      lentivirus CTGF siRNA). RESULTS: The SCI rats showed decreased activity and were
      dragging their bodies while moving. Compared with the sham operation group, the
      BBB and BMS scores in the SCI model, NC, and siRNA-CTGF groups significantly
      decreased. However, the BBB and BMS scores in the siRNA-CTGF group were higher
      than those in the SCI model and NC groups. The mRNA and protein expressions of
      GFAP, vimentin, fibronectin, and laminin significantly increased in the SCI
      model, NC, and siRNA-CTGF groups in comparison with those in the sham operation
      group. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expressions of GFAP, vimentin,
      fibronectin, and laminin in the siRNA-CTGF group were lower than those in the SCI
      model and NC groups 28 days after transfection. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      indicate that lentivirus-mediated silencing of the CTGF gene can suppress the
      formation of glial scar tissue after SCI.

PMID- 28089821
TI  - The role of STAT3 in glioblastoma progression through dual influences on tumor
      cells and the immune microenvironment.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of cancer that begins
      within the brain; generally, the patient has a dismal prognosis and limited
      therapeutic options. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)
      is a critical mediator of tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and suppression of
      anti-tumor immunity in GBM. In a high percentage of GBM cells and tumor
      microenvironments, persistent activation of STAT3 induces cell proliferation,
      anti-apoptosis, glioma stem cell maintenance, tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and
      immune evasion. This makes STAT3 an attractive therapeutic target and a
      prognostic indicator in GBM. Targeting STAT3 affords an opportunity to disrupt
      multiple pro-oncogenic pathways at a single molecular hub. Unfortunately, there
      are no successful STAT3 inhibitors currently in clinical trials. However, strong
      clinical evidence implicating STAT3 as a major factor in GBM justifies the
      identification of safe and effective strategies for inhibiting STAT3.

PMID- 28089820
TI  - Deregulated expression of VHL mRNA variants in papillary thyroid cancer.
AB  - Recent findings demonstrated that a subset of papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) is
      characterized by reduced expression of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor
      suppressor gene, and that lowest levels associated with more aggressive PTCs. In
      the present study, the levels of the two VHL mRNA splicing variants, VHL-213 (V1)
      and VHL-172 (V2), were measured in a series of 96 PTC and corresponding normal
      matched tissues by means of quantitative RT-PCR. Variations in the mRNA levels
      were correlated with patients' clinicopathological parameters and disease-free
      interval (DFI). The analysis of VHL mRNA in tumor tissues, compared to normal
      matched tissues, revealed that its expression was either up- or down-regulated in
      the majority of PTC. In particular, V1 and V2 mRNA levels were altered,
      respectively, in 78 (81.3%) and 65 (67.7%) out of the 96 PTCs analyzed. A
      significant positive correlation between the two mRNA variants was observed (p <
      0.001). Univariate analysis documented the lack of association between each
      variant and clinicopathological parameters such as age, tumor size, histology,
      TNM stage, lymph node metastases, and BRAF mutational status. However, a strong
      correlation was found between altered V1 or V2 mRNA levels and DFI. Multivariate
      regression analysis indicated higher V1 mRNA values, along with lymph node
      metastases at diagnosis, as independent prognostic factors predicting DFI. In
      conclusion, the data reported demonstrate that VHL gene expression is deregulated
      in the majority of PTC tissues. Of particular interest is the apparent protective
      role exerted by VHL transcripts against PTC recurrences.

PMID- 28089822
TI  - MicroRNAs in pituitary tumors.
AB  - Since the presence of microRNAs was first observed in normal pituitary, the
      majority of scientific publications addressing their role and the function of
      microRNAs in the pituitary have been based on pituitary tumor studies. In this
      review, we briefly describe the involvement of microRNAs in the synthesis of
      pituitary hormones and we present a comprehensive inventory of microRNA
      suppressors and inducers of pituitary tumors. Finally, we summarize the
      functional role of microRNAs in tumorigenesis, progression and aggressiveness of
      pituitary tumors, mechanisms contributing to the regulation (transcription
      factors, genomic modifications or epigenetic) or modulation (pharmacological
      treatment) of microRNAs in these tumors, and the interest of thoroughly studying
      the expression of miRNAs in body fluids.

PMID- 28089823
TI  - Thyroid hormones and browning of adipose tissue.
AB  - Thyroid hormone (TH) disorders are associated with profound changes in whole body
      energy metabolism. A major TH target is thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT),
      which can be stimulated directly through thyroid hormone receptors (TRs)
      expressed in brown adipocytes and indirectly, through TRs expressed in
      hypothalamic neurons. White adipose tissue (WAT) adopts BAT characteristics by a
      diverse range of stimuli in a process referred to as browning. It is now
      understood that TH also induce WAT browning through peripheral and central
      mechanisms. In this review, we discuss evidence from animal and human studies
      that TH disorders are associated with changes in both BAT thermogenesis and WAT
      browning, thereby influencing body temperature and body weight regulation.

PMID- 28089824
TI  - Mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein 2 in human cumulus cells is associated with
      regulating autophagy and apoptosis, maintaining gap junction integrity and
      progesterone synthesis.
AB  - To explore the roles of mitochondrial Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) in cumulus
      cells (CCs), human CCs were cultured in vitro, and the UCP2 was inhibited by
      treatment with Genipin, a special UCP inhibitor, or by RNA interference targeting
      UCP2. No significant differences in adenosine triphosphate levels and the ratio
      of ADP/ATP were observed after UCP2 inhibition. UCP2 inhibition caused a
      significant increase in cellular oxidative damage, which was reflected in
      alterations to several key parameters, including reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      and lipid peroxidation levels and the ratio of reduced GSH to GSSG. UCP2 blocking
      resulted in an obvious increase in active Caspase-3, accompanied by the decline
      of proactive Caspase-3 and a significant increase in the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio,
      suggesting that UCP2 inhibition triggered cellular apoptosis and autophagy. The
      mRNA and protein expression of connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction channel
      protein, were significantly reduced after treatment with Genipin or siRNA. The
      progesterone level in the culture medium was also significantly decreased after
      UCP2 inhibition. Our data indicated that UCP2 plays highly important roles in
      mediating ROS production and regulating apoptosis and autophagy, as well as
      maintaining gap junction integrity and progesterone synthesis, which suggests
      that UCP2 is involved in the regulation of follicle development and early embryo
      implantation and implies that it might serve as a potential biomarker for oocyte
      quality and competency.

PMID- 28089825
TI  - Clinical and radiographic outcome of revision surgery of total elbow prosthesis:
      midterm results in 19 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to report on the midterm outcomes and
      complications of revision surgery of total elbow arthroplasty. METHODS: All
      patients who had undergone total elbow arthroplasty revision surgery between 2009
      and 2014 with semiconstrained total elbow prostheses were prospectively enrolled
      in the study. Records were reviewed for demographic data; baseline measurements;
      and several follow-up assessments including the Mayo Elbow Performance Score
      (MEPS), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, Oxford Elbow Score, range of
      motion, satisfaction, and radiographs. RESULTS: A total of 19 revision
      arthroplasties were included. At a mean follow-up of 57 months, there had been 1
      rerevision and 2 removals. One patient was excluded from follow-up because of
      confounding comorbidity. At last follow-up, MEPS values and VAS pain scores both
      improved (P < .01). The rate of combined good and excellent results on the MEPS
      was 53%. The mean VAS scores for pain at rest and with activity were 2 and 4,
      respectively. Fair results for the Oxford Elbow Score were reported, with a mean
      score of 28 points. Range of motion improved to an average flexion-extension arc
      of 108 degrees  (P < .01), and the pronation-supination arc improved to an
      average of 123 degrees  (P < .01). All elbows were stable at last follow-up (P <
      .01). Radiographs showed nonprogressive osteolysis around the prosthesis in 3
      cases (19%) and suspicion of loosening in 1 (6%). In 11 patients postoperative
      complications occurred. Of 15 patients, 13 (87%) were satisfied with the result
      of the revision procedure. CONCLUSION: Revision of total elbow prostheses leads
      to satisfactory results, less pain, and better elbow function. This procedure is
      related to a relatively high complication rate.

PMID- 28089826
TI  - Comparison of histologic healing and biomechanical characteristics between repair
      techniques for a delaminated rotator cuff tear in rabbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare histologic healing and
      biomechanical characteristics between 2 repair techniques (layer by layer, repair
      of each layer to bone separately; and whole layer, repair of each layer to the
      bone en masse) for delaminated rotator cuff tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rabbits
      were used as subjects and classified into 2 groups: group A, right side, the
      layer-by-layer repair group; and group B, left side, the whole-layer repair
      group. Histologic evaluations were done at 3 weeks (n = 7) and 6 weeks (n = 4)
      after operation. Biomechanical tests to evaluate the tensile property were done
      at time 0 (n = 5) and 3 weeks (n = 5) after operation. RESULTS: Histologic
      healing improved in all groups. A smaller cleft was found between layers in group
      B compared with the cleft in group A at 3 weeks after operation. At time 0, group
      A showed a higher yield load and ultimate failure load (67 +/- 10.5 N and 80 +/-
      7.8 N, respectively). However, at 3 weeks after operation, group B showed a
      higher yield load (48 +/- 7.6 N). CONCLUSIONS: In the delaminated rotator cuff
      tear model in the rabbit, the whole-layer repair showed a narrow gap between
      layers and a higher yield load at 3 weeks after operation. Surgical techniques
      that unite the cleft in a delaminated tear could improve biomechanical strength
      after operation.

PMID- 28089827
TI  - Plication of the posterior capsule for intraoperative posterior instability
      during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Restoration of soft tissue balance for intraoperative posterior
      instability during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is particularly
      difficult. The effectiveness of posterior capsular plication (PCP) in restoring
      soft tissue balance is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to report
      the outcomes, complications, and reoperations of primary TSA in which a PCP was
      performed to correct excessive intraoperative posterior subluxation. METHODS:
      Thirty-eight shoulders (37 patients) underwent PCP for intraoperative posterior
      instability during anatomic TSA. The mean (standard deviation) age was 68 (10)
      years, and the median (range) clinical and radiographic follow-up periods were 60
      (10-154) and 48 (1.5-154) months, respectively. A retrospective chart review was
      conducted to obtain clinical and radiographic data. RESULTS: TSA resulted in
      significant improvements in pain and range of motion. The mean (standard
      deviation) Simple Shoulder Test and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores
      were 9.4 (2.7) and 81.1 (19.8), respectively. PCP resulted in restoration of soft
      tissue balance in 27 shoulders (71%). The remaining 11 shoulders had evidence of
      posterior subluxation, including posterior dislocation in 2 shoulders. Revision
      surgery was performed in only 3 shoulders (7.9%), all for instability. However,
      there was a high rate of radiographic glenoid component loosening (12 shoulders,
      32%). Overall results were excellent in 24 (63.2%), satisfactory in 10 (26.3%),
      and unsatisfactory in 4 (10.5%) shoulders. Recurrence of posterior subluxation
      was associated with worse motion and strength as well as with a higher rate of
      glenoid loosening. CONCLUSIONS: PCP seems to correct excessive intraoperative
      posterior subluxation in approximately two-thirds of the shoulders undergoing
      anatomic TSA. However, posterior subluxation does recur in the remaining third,
      and the overall rate of radiographic glenoid loosening is of concern.

PMID- 28089828
TI  - Nitrite increases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and islet insulin content
      in obese type 2 diabetic male rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) is associated with
      pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Nitrite can act as a substrate for generation of
      systemic NO. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of nitrite
      administration on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and islet insulin
      content in obese type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS: Male rats were divided into 4
      groups: Control, control + nitrite, diabetes, and diabetes + nitrite. Sodium
      nitrite (50 mg/L in drinking water) was administered for 8 weeks. Diabetes was
      induced using high-fat diet and low-dose of streptozotocine. Serum levels of
      fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid profile were measured and the insulin
      resistance/sensitivity indices were calculated every 2 weeks. Glycated hemoglobin
      (HbA1C) was measured every month. At the end of the study, tissue levels of
      glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein and serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta)
      were measured as well as glucose and insulin tolerance test were done. GSIS from
      isolated pancreatic islets and islet insulin content were also determined.
      RESULTS: Nitrite administration significantly increased insulin secretion in both
      control and diabetic rats in presence of 16.7 mM glucose. Nitrite also
      significantly increased islet insulin content by 27% and 39% in both control and
      diabetic rats, respectively. Nitrite decreased elevated serum IL-1beta in
      diabetic rats (4.0 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.2 pg/mL, P = 0.001). In diabetic rats,
      nitrite also significantly increased tissue levels of GLUT4 by 22% and 26% in
      soleus muscle and epididymal adipose tissue, respectively. In addition, nitrite
      significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid
      profile, and decreased fasting glucose and insulin, but had no effect on HbA1C.
      CONCLUSIONS: Long-term nitrite administration increased both insulin secretion
      and insulin content in obese type 2 diabetic rats. In addition, nitrite therapy
      had favorable effects on glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, inflammation, and
      dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic rats.

PMID- 28089829
TI  - Resveratrol and capsaicin used together as food complements reduce tumor growth
      and rescue full efficiency of low dose gemcitabine in a pancreatic cancer model.
AB  - Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, highly resistant to all current anti-cancer
      treatments, necessitates new approaches promoting cell death. We hypothesized
      that combined actions of several Bioactive Food Components (BFCs) might provide
      specific lethal effect towards tumor cells, sparing healthy cells. Human tumor
      pancreatic cell lines were tested in vitro for sensitivity to resveratrol,
      capsaicin, piceatannol, and sulforaphane cytotoxic effects. Combination of two or
      three components showed striking synergetic effect with gemcitabine in vitro.
      Each BFC used alone did not affect pancreatic tumor growth in a preclinical in
      vivo model, whereas couples of BFCs had anti-tumor activity. In addition, tumor
      toxicity was similar using gemcitabine alone or a combination of BFCs and two
      thirds of gemcitabine dose. Moreover, BFCs enhanced fibrotic response as compared
      to gemcitabine treatment alone. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis
      increases were observed, while cell cycle was very mildly affected. This study
      raises the possibility to use BFCs as beneficial food complements in the therapy
      of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, especially for patients unable to receive full
      doses of chemotherapy.

PMID- 28089830
TI  - Tumor suppressor SPOP ubiquitinates and degrades EglN2 to compromise growth of
      prostate cancer cells.
AB  - EglN prolyl hydroxylases, a family of oxygen-sensing enzymes, hydroxylate
      distinct proteins to modulate diverse physiopathological signals. Aberrant
      regulations of EglNs result in multiple human diseases, including cancer.
      Different from EglN1 which function largely depends on the role of hypoxia-induce
      factor alpha (HIFalpha) in tumors, the functional significance and the upstream
      regulatory mechanisms of EglN2, especially in prostate cancer setting, remain
      largely unclear. Here, we demonstrated that dysregulation of EglN2 facilitated
      prostate cancer growth both in cells and in vivo. Notably, EglN2 was identified
      highly expressed in human prostate cancer tissues. Mechanically, Cullin 3-based
      E3 ubiquitin ligase SPOP, a well-characterized tumor suppressor in prostate
      cancer, could recognize and destruct EglN2. Meanwhile, androgen receptor (AR),
      playing a pivotal role in progression and development of prostate cancer, could
      transcriptionally up-regulate EglN2. Pathologically, SPOP loss-of-function
      mutations or AR amplification, frequently occurring in prostate cancers, could
      significantly accumulate EglN2 abundance. Therefore, our study not only
      underlines an oncogenic role of EglN2 in prostate cancer, but also highlights
      SPOP as a tumor suppressor to down-regulate EglN2 in prostate cancer.

PMID- 28089831
TI  - Monomethyltransferase SETD8 regulates breast cancer metabolism via stabilizing
      hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha.
AB  - SETD8 is a methyltransferase that specifically catalyzes the monomethylation of
      lysine 20 on histone H4. Previous studies have demonstrated that SETD8 is
      associated with proper cell cycle progression, DNA damage response, and
      transcriptional regulation. A recent study revealed that SETD8 played an
      important role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in association with
      TWIST and enhanced metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. However, the
      contribution of SETD8 to metabolism reprogramming, one hallmark of cancer, has
      never been reported. In this study, we report that SETD8 was a positive regulator
      of anabolic metabolism. SETD8 reprograms breast cancer cell metabolism through
      hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF1alpha) mediated process. Mechanistic studies
      indicated that SETD8 stabilized HIF1alpha protein level through post
      transcriptional regulation. Moreover, we demonstrated that SETD8 was a HIF1alpha
      transcription target. In clinical breast cancer patient tissues, we observed a
      positive correlation of SETD8 with HIF1alpha and HIF1alpha target genes. Taken
      together, we validated SETD8 as a novel metabolic reprogramming regulator, and
      our mechanistic studies shed light on a novel function of SETD8 in breast cancer
      malignant properties maintenance.

PMID- 28089832
TI  - Androgen receptor (AR) promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) migration
      and invasion via altering the circHIAT1/miR-195-5p/29a-3p/29c-3p/CDC42 signals.
AB  - Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the androgen receptor (AR) plays
      important roles to promote the metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
      (ccRCC). The detailed mechanisms, especially how AR functions via altering the
      circular RNAs (circRNAs) remain unclear. Here we identified a new circRNA (named
      as circHIAT1) whose expression was lower in ccRCCs than adjacent normal tissues.
      Targeting AR could suppress ccRCC cell progression via increasing circHIAT1
      expression. ChIP assay and luciferase assay demonstrated that AR suppressed
      circHIAT1 expression via regulating its host gene, Hippocampus Abundant
      Transcript 1 (HIAT1) expression at the transcriptional level. The consequences of
      AR-suppressed circHIAT1 resulted in deregulating miR-195-5p/29a-3p/29c-3p
      expressions, which increased CDC42 expression to enhance ccRCC cell migration and
      invasion. Increasing this newly identified signal via circHIAT1 suppressed AR
      enhanced ccRCC cell migration and invasion. Together, these results suggested
      that circHIAT1 functioned as a metastatic inhibitor to suppress AR-enhanced ccRCC
      cell migration and invasion. Targeting this newly identified AR-circHIAT1
      mediated miR-195-5p/29a-3p/29c-3p/CDC42 signals may help us develop potential new
      therapies to better suppress ccRCC metastasis.

PMID- 28089834
TI  - Recent clinical trials utilizing chimeric antigen receptor T cells therapies
      against solid tumors.
AB  - Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are a series of manufactured receptors that
      have the capacity of binding to specific antigens expressed on surface of tumor
      cells. A CAR normally has an extracellular antigen recognition domain derived
      from single variable chain of a monoclonal antibody, a transmembrane domain and
      an intracellular T cell activation domain. During the last decade, CAR-T cells
      were demonstrated to possess great therapeutic effects on hematological
      malignancies. However, strategies using CAR-T cells to treat solid tumors have
      been hindered by considerable obstacles including "on tissue off target" effects
      and cytokine storm syndrome. This review will summarize the current understanding
      of CAR-T cell therapies and briefly describe the currently enrolled clinical
      trials in solid tumors.

PMID- 28089833
TI  - Rufy3 promotes metastasis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Rufy3 is a RUN domain-containing protein that has been associated with gastric
      cancers; however, the role of Rufy3 in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC)
      remains unknown. We demonstrated that Rufy3 expression was higher in 11/12 fresh
      CRC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. Rufy3 induced elevated expression
      and transactivity of four major oncogenes in CRC. Moreover, siRNA-mediated
      repression of Rufy3 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and Rufy3 overexpression
      enhanced CRC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Rufy3 up
      regulation promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic
      phenotypes. Using an established in vitro cell model of 5-fluorouracil-resistant
      (5-FU) CRC cells, we assessed cellular morphology, molecular changes, and
      invasion and found that these characteristics were consistent with EMT. Silencing
      of Rufy3 by siRNA reversed EMT and greatly diminished the invasion of 5-FU
      treated cells. In addition, TGF-beta1 induced Rufy3 expression in a dose
      dependent manner, and Rufy3 knockdown inhibited TGF-beta1-induced EMT. In vivo,
      higher expression of Rufy3 promoted CRC cell invasion and metastasis and induced
      EMT. Taken together, this work identified that Rufy3 promoted cancer metastasis
      in CRC cells through EMT induction.

PMID- 28089835
TI  - Supplementary Tests in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Single-Center
      Experience with a Combined Lumbar Infusion Test and Tap Test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lumbar infusion test (LIT) and tap test (TT) have previously been
      described for the diagnosis and selection of appropriate surgical candidates in
      idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed 81 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of iNPH selected for
      supplementary testing. Clinical evaluation was scored with the Japanese Grading
      Scale for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, the Global Deterioration Score, and the
      modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The test protocol included a cerebrospinal fluid
      pressure monitoring (PMi), an LIT, and a TT. Patients were selected for surgery
      if outflow resistance was >=14 mm Hg/mL/minute or if a clinical improvement was
      recorded after TT. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were selected for
      ventriculoperitoneal shunting; 72.8% had a positive PMi or LIT, 74.1% had a
      positive TT, and 63.0% were positive to both tests. Complications were all
      transient. Clinical evaluation at 12 months after shunting showed a global
      improvement in 60 patients (88.2%). Overall, 75.0% of patients had no significant
      disability (mRS score, 1 and 2), 20.6% had an mRS score of 3 or 4, and 4.4% had
      severe disability after surgery. The positive predictive value of PMi/LIT, TT, or
      both combined was similar (89.8, 90.0, and 88.2%); however, 21.7% of patients who
      improved after surgery were selected with either a positive LIT or TT alone.
      CONCLUSIONS: LIT and TT are complementary and they can easily be combined in
      sequence with a low complication rate and high probability of selecting patients
      with iNPH who may benefit from ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery.

PMID- 28089836
TI  - Delayed Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery with or
      without Preceding Transsphenoidal Resection for Pituitary Pathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skull base cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after gamma knife
      radiosurgery (GKRS) is a very rare complication. In patients who were treated
      with both GKRS and transsphenoidal resection (TSR) for pituitary lesions, early
      CSF leak occurs at a comparable rate with the general TSR population (4%).
      Delayed CSF leak occurring more than a year after TSR, GKRS, or dual therapy is
      exceedingly rare. METHODS: Retrospective chart review and review of the
      literature. RESULTS: We present 2 cases of delayed CSF leak after GKRS to treat
      pituitary adenoma. One patient developed CSF rhinorrhea 16 years after GKRS for
      growth hormone-producing pituitary adenoma. The patient had previously undergone
      TSR surgery 7 years prior to GKRS without complication. Additionally, a second
      patient developed high-flow CSF rhinorrhea 2 years after GKRS for a prolactinoma
      that failed dopamine agonist therapy. Both patients underwent a complicated
      clinical course after presentation, requiring multiple revisions for definitive
      CSF leak repair. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed CSF leak is a rare but serious complication
      after GKRS independent of TSR status; urgent repair is the treatment of choice.
      Based on our experience, these leaks have the potential to be refractory, and we
      recommend aggressive reconstruction, preferably with a vascularized flap, and
      potentially supplemented by placement of a lumbar drain and acetazolamide.
      Current evidence is scant and provides little insight regarding an underlying
      mechanism, which may include bony destruction by the tumor, delayed radiation
      necrosis, or a secondary empty sella syndrome.

PMID- 28089837
TI  - Direct Midline Posterior Corpectomy and Fusion of a Lumbar Burst Fracture with
      Retrospondyloptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic burst fractures of the lumbar spine can result in
      significant neurologic injury and mechanical instability. The ideal surgical
      approach for the treatment of unstable lumbar spine burst fractures remains
      debatable. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 37-year-old man presented with severe neurologic
      injury including loss of motor function below the level of the iliopsoas muscles
      bilaterally, saddle anesthesia, and absent rectal tone, after a fall from 18.28 m
      (60 ft). Computed tomography showed an L4 vertebral body comminuted burst
      fracture with complete posterior translation of L4 over L5. The patient was taken
      to the operating room for an L4 corpectomy and L2-S1 posterior fusion. The L4
      vertebral body was visualized posterior to the posterior elements of L5 and
      resected in a piecemeal fashion. Because the thecal sac had been completely
      transected, a visible path down the L3-L4 and L4-L5 disk spaces was apparent,
      allowing direct posterior discectomies at these levels and completion of the L4
      segment resection. The use of a direct posterior approach resulted in minimal
      blood loss, correction of sagittal alignment, and satisfactory outcomes
      comparable with the standard posterior transpedicular approach. Construct
      stability and solid bony fusion have been maintained for 4 years postoperatively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of a direct midline posterior corpectomy approach may be
      considered for patients with lumbar burst fractures, high-grade neurologic
      injury, and transection of the thecal sac.

PMID- 28089838
TI  - Quality of Reporting Randomized Controlled Trials in Five Leading Neurology
      Journals in 2008 and 2013 Using the Modified "Risk of Bias" Tool.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine the risk of bias of methodological quality of reporting
      randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in major neurology journals before and after
      the update (2011) of Cochrane risk of bias tool. METHODS: RCTs in 5 leading
      neurology journals in 2008 and 2013 were searched systematically. Characteristics
      were extracted based on the list of the modified Cochrane Collaboration's tool.
      Country, number of patients, type of intervention, and funding source also were
      examined for further analysis. RESULTS: A total of 138 RCTs were enrolled in this
      study. The rates of following a trial plan were 61.6% for the allocation
      generation, 52.9% for the allocation concealment, 84.8% for the blinding of the
      participants or the personnel, 34.8% for the blinding of outcome assessment,
      78.3% for the incomplete outcome data, and 67.4% for the selective reporting. A
      significant setback was found in "the selective reporting" in 2013 than that in
      2008. Trials performed by multi-centers and on a large scale had significantly
      more "low risk of bias" trials. Not only the number of surgical trials (5.8%) was
      much less than that of trials using drugs (73.9%), but also the reporting quality
      of surgical trials were worse (P = 0.008). Finally, only 17.4% trials met the
      criterion of "low risk of bias." CONCLUSIONS: The modified "risk of bias" tool is
      an improved version for assessment. Methodological quality of reporting RCTs in
      the 5neurology journals is unsatisfactory, especially that for surgical RCTs, and
      it could be further improved.

PMID- 28089839
TI  - Maxillary Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass: A Novel Technique for Exposure
      of the Maxillary Artery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define the maxillary artery (MaxA) anatomy and present a novel
      technique for exposing and preparing this vessel as a bypass donor. METHODS:
      Cadaveric and radiologic studies were used to define the MaxA anatomy and show a
      novel method for harvesting and preparing it for extracranial to intracranial
      bypass. RESULTS: The MaxA runs parallel to the frontal branch of the superficial
      temporal artery and is located on average 24.8 +/- 3.8 mm inferior to the
      midpoint of the zygomatic arch. The pterygoid segment of the MaxA is most
      appropriate for bypass with a maximal diameter of 2.5 +/- 0.4 mm. The pterygoid
      segment can be divided into a main trunk and terminal part based on anatomic
      features and use in the bypass procedure. The main trunk of the pterygoid segment
      can be reached extracranially, either by following the deep temporal arteries
      downward toward their origin from the MaxA or by following the sphenoid groove
      downward to the terminal part of the pterygoid segment, which can be followed
      proximally to expose the entire MaxA. In comparison, the prebifurcation diameter
      of the superficial temporal artery is 1.9 +/- 0.5 mm. The average lengths of the
      mandibular and pterygoid MaxA segments are 6.3 +/- 2.4 and 6.7 +/- 3.3 mm,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MaxA can be exposed without zygomatic osteotomies
      or resection of the middle fossa floor. Anatomic landmarks for exposing the MaxA
      include the anterior and posterior deep temporal arteries and the
      pterygomaxillary fissure.

PMID- 28089840
TI  - Biogeography and diversification dynamics of the African woodpeckers.
AB  - The dynamics of species accumulation of African terrestrial vertebrates over time
      remains underexplored in comparison with those in the New World, despite Africa
      hosting about 25% of the world's avian diversity. This lack of knowledge hampers
      our understanding of the fundamental processes that drive biodiversity and the
      dynamics of speciation. To begin to address this gap, we reconstructed species
      level phylogenies of two unrelated clades of African woodpeckers (12 species of
      Geocolaptes/Campethera and 13 species of
      Chloropicus/Mesopicos/Dendropicos/Ipophilus) that diverged from their closest
      Indo-Malayan relatives at similar times. Our results demonstrate that the current
      taxonomy is misleading: three (Campethera, Dendropicos and Mesopicos) out of four
      polytpic genera/subgenera are not monophyletic. Our results also show that
      current estimates of diversity at the species level are significantly
      understated, as up to 18 species for the 'Campethera clade' and 19 for the
      'Dendropicos clade' could be recognized. The first splits within both clades
      involve species that are largely restricted to the Guineo-Congolian biogeographic
      regions, followed by later adaptations to particular habitats (forest versus
      savannah) and colonization of other regions (e.g. Southern Africa), each of which
      occurred multiple times in both clades. Assuming a conservative species
      delimitation scheme, our results indicate that diversification rates are
      decreasing through time for both clades. Applying a more extreme species
      recognition scheme (18 and 19 species for the Campethera and Dendropicos clades,
      respectively), our results support a decrease in diversification rates only for
      the Dendropicos clade and thus underline the importance of the number of species
      included in our diversification analyses. Greater ecological diversity of the
      Campethera clade where multiple species exhibit either an arboreal or terrestrial
      foraging strategy might explain the constant diversification rates through time
      we found under the eighteen species scheme.

PMID- 28089841
TI  - The birth of aposematism: High phenotypic divergence and low genetic diversity in
      a young clade of poison frogs.
AB  - Rapid radiation coupled with low genetic divergence often hinders species
      delimitation and phylogeny estimation even if putative species are phenotypically
      distinct. Some aposematic species, such as poison frogs (Dendrobatidae), have
      high levels of intraspecific color polymorphism, which can lead to overestimation
      of species when phenotypic divergence primarily guides species delimitation. We
      explored this possibility in the youngest origin of aposematism (3-7 MYA) in
      poison frogs, Epipedobates, by comparing genetic divergence with color and
      acoustic divergence. We found low genetic divergence (2.6% in the 16S gene)
      despite substantial differences in color and acoustic signals. While chemical
      defense is inferred to have evolved in the ancestor of Epipedobates, aposematic
      coloration evolved at least twice or was lost once in Epipedobates, suggesting
      that it is evolutionarily labile. We inferred at least one event of introgression
      between two cryptically colored species with adjacent ranges (E. boulengeri and
      E. machalilla). We also find evidence for peripheral isolation resulting in
      phenotypic divergence and potential speciation of the aposematic E. tricolor from
      the non-aposematic E. machalilla. However, we were unable to estimate a well
      supported species tree or delimit species using multispecies coalescent models.
      We attribute this failure to factors associated with recent speciation including
      mitochondrial introgression, incomplete lineage sorting, and too few informative
      molecular characters. We suggest that species delimitation within young
      aposematic lineages such as Epipedobates will require genome-level molecular
      studies. We caution against relying solely on DNA barcoding for species
      delimitation or identification and highlight the value of phenotypic divergence
      and natural history in delimiting species.

PMID- 28089842
TI  - Curbing tumorigenesis and malignant progression through the pharmacological
      control of the wound healing process.
AB  - The prevention of cancer development and its progression is an urgent unmet
      medical need. Novel knowledge on the biology of cancer has evidenced that genetic
      changes occurring within cancer cells contribute, but are not sufficient, for
      tumor promotion and progression. The results of clinical studies and experimental
      animal models have suggested pursuing new avenues for the prevention of cancer
      development in the early stages, by using drugs that modulate platelet responses
      and those interfering with the synthesis and action of the mediators of
      inflammation. In fact, malignant tumors often develop at sites of chronic injury
      associated with platelet activation and chronic inflammation. In this review, we
      cover the evidence supporting this hypothesis and the rationale for the
      pharmacological treatment with antiplatelet agents, including low-dose aspirin,
      and antiinflammatory drugs to curb tumorigenesis and malignant progression. The
      evidence for a chemopreventive effect of low-dose aspirin against colorectal
      cancer (CRC) has been recently found appropriate by the U.S. Preventive Services
      Task Force, which recommends the use of the drug for primary prevention of
      cardiovascular disease and CRC.

PMID- 28089843
TI  - Early chronic low-level Pb exposure alters global exploratory behaviors but does
      not impair spatial and object memory retrieval in an object-in-place task in pre
      adolescent C57BL/6J mice.
AB  - The mechanisms by which early chronic low-level lead (Pb) exposure disrupts the
      developing brain are not yet understood. Rodent models have provided promising
      results however behavioral tests sensitive to effects at lowest levels of
      exposure during development are needed. Preadolescent animals (N=52) exposed to
      low and higher levels of Pb via lactation from birth to PND 28 completed the
      Object-in-Place Task of visual spatial and visual object memory retrieval (at PND
      28). Generalized linear mixed models were used, controlling for sex and litter as
      a random effect. As compared with controls, global vertical exploratory behavior
      (rearing) markedly increased during memory retrieval. The findings suggested that
      early chronic Pb exposure altered the development of critical exploratory
      functions needed for learning and survival. Behaviors exhibited in novel spatial
      and novel object zone perimeters suggested that the Object-in-Place task is a
      valid measure of visual spatial and visual object memory in pre-adolescent
      C57BL/6J mice. Additional studies are needed to understand how early chronic low
      level lead exposure disrupts the trajectory and possible linkages of critical
      exploratory and perceptual systems during development.

PMID- 28089844
TI  - Familial cluster of exposure to a confirmed rabid dog in travelers to Algeria.
AB  - A 10 person-family originating from Algeria traveled in rural Algeria for the
      purpose of visiting friends and relatives without seeking pre-travel advice, did
      not received pre-travel rabies immunization, and were exposed to a confirmed
      rabid dog including 8 within less than 4 days of arrival. Three received suckling
      mouse brain rabies vaccine although WHO strongly recommends that its production
      and administration be discontinued and seven received insufficient doses of
      equine rabies immune globulin abroad. Rabies treatment was completed on returning
      to France. This reports underline the fact that travelers visiting friends and
      relatives in dog rabies endemic country are at high risk of rabies exposure and
      unaware of such a risk in most instances. Rabies risk warning should be
      reinforced and rabies pre-exposure vaccination should be considered in all
      individuals traveling to North Africa (and to sub-Saharan Africa) whatever the
      duration of stay.

PMID- 28089845
TI  - Therapeutic hypothermia: Turning humans into cold-blooded ectotherms via
      adenosine receptors.

PMID- 28089846
TI  - Modulation of neuroinflammation and pathology in the 5XFAD mouse model of
      Alzheimer's disease using a biased and selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor
      partial agonist.
AB  - Degeneration of noradrenergic neurons occurs at an early stage of Alzheimer's
      Disease (AD). The noradrenergic system regulates arousal and learning and memory,
      and has been implicated in regulating neuroinflammation. Loss of noradrenergic
      tone may underlie AD progression at many levels. We have previously shown that
      acute administration of a partial agonist of the beta-1 adrenergic receptor
      (ADRB1), xamoterol, restores behavioral deficits in a mouse model of AD. The
      current studies examined the effects of chronic low dose xamoterol on
      neuroinflammation, pathology, and behavior in the pathologically aggressive 5XFAD
      transgenic mouse model of AD. In vitro experiments in cells expressing human beta
      adrenergic receptors demonstrate that xamoterol is highly selective for ADRB1 and
      functionally biased for the cAMP over the beta-arrestin pathway. Data demonstrate
      ADRB1-mediated attenuation of TNF-alpha production with xamoterol in primary rat
      microglia culture following LPS challenge. Finally, two independent cohorts of
      5XFAD and control mice were administered xamoterol from approximately 4.0-6.5 or
      7.0-9.5 months, were tested in an array of behavioral tasks, and brains were
      examined for evidence of neuroinflammation, and amyloid beta and tau pathology.
      Xamoterol reduced mRNA expression of neuroinflammatory markers (Iba1, CD74, CD14
      and TGFbeta) and immunohistochemical evidence for microgliosis and astrogliosis.
      Xamoterol reduced amyloid beta and tau pathology as measured by regional
      immunohistochemistry. Behavioral deficits were not observed for 5XFAD mice. In
      conclusion, chronic administration of a selective, functionally biased, partial
      agonist of ADRB1 is effective in reducing neuroinflammation and amyloid beta and
      tau pathology in the 5XFAD model of AD.

PMID- 28089847
TI  - The binding orientation of epibatidine at alpha7 nACh receptors.
AB  - Epibatidine is an alkaloid toxin that binds with high affinity to nicotinic and
      muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and has been extensively used as a research
      tool. To examine binding interactions at the nicotinic receptor, it has been co
      crystallised with the structural homologue acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP;
      PDB ID 2BYQ), and with an AChBP chimaera (3SQ6) that shares 64% sequence identity
      with the alpha7 nACh receptor. However, the binding orientations revealed by
      AChBP co-crystal structures may not precisely represent their receptor homologues
      and experimental evidence is needed to verify the ligand poses. Here we identify
      potential binding site interactions between epibatidine and AChBP residues, and
      substitute equivalent positions in the alpha7 nACh receptor. The effects of these
      are probed by [3H]epibatidine binding following the expression alpha7 nACh
      receptor cysteine mutants in HEK 293 cells. Of the sixteen mutants created, the
      affinity of epibatidine was unaffected by the substitutions Q55C, L106C, L116C,
      T146C, D160C and S162C, reduced by C186A and C187A, increased by Q114C and S144C,
      and abolished by W53C, Y91C, N104C, W145C, Y184C and Y191C. These results are
      consistent with the predicted orientations in AChBP and suggest that epibatidine
      is likely to occupy a similar location at alpha7 nACh receptors. We speculate
      that steric constraints placed upon the C-5 position of the pyridine ring in 3SQ6
      may account for the relatively poor affinities of epibatidine derivatives that
      are substituted at this position.

PMID- 28089848
TI  - SPARC preserves follicular epithelium integrity in insect ovaries.
AB  - The importance of juvenile hormone regulating insect oogenesis suggests looking
      for genes whose expression is regulated by this hormone. SPARC is a calcium
      binding glycoprotein that forms part of the extracellular membranes, which in
      vertebrates participates in bones mineralization or regulating cell proliferation
      in some cancer types. This large number of functions described for SPARC in
      different species might be related to the significant differences in its
      structure observed when comparing different species-groups. Indeed, these
      structural differences allow characterizing the different clades. In the
      cockroach Blattella germanica, a SPARC homolog emerged from ovarian
      transcriptomes that were constructed to find genes responding to juvenile
      hormone. In insects, SPARC functions have been studied in oogenesis and in embryo
      development of Drosophila melanogaster. In the present work, using RNAi
      approaches, novel functions for SPARC in the B. germanica panoistic ovaries are
      described. We found that depletion of SPARC does not allow to the follicular
      cells to complete mitosis, resulting in giant follicular cells nuclei and in a
      great alteration of the ovarian follicle cytoskeleton. The SPARC contribution to
      B. germanica oogenesis occurs stabilizing the follicular cell program and helping
      to maintain the nuclear divisions. Moreover, SPARC is necessary to maintain the
      cytoskeleton of the follicular cells. Any modification of these key processes
      disables females for oviposition.

PMID- 28089849
TI  - Gastrointestinal Bleeding With Oral Anticoagulation: Understanding the Scope of
      the Problem.

PMID- 28089850
TI  - Radiofrequency Ablation of Barrett's Esophagus Reduces Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
      Incidence and Mortality in a Comparative Modeling Analysis.

PMID- 28089851
TI  - Neuregulin-1 mutant mice indicate motor and sensory deficits, indeed few
      references for schizophrenia endophenotype model.
AB  - Neuregulins (Nrg) are a gene family that binds to tyrosine kinase receptors of
      the ErbB family. The protein of Nrg1 is to be involved in heart formation,
      migration of neurons, axonal pathfinding and synaptic function. A relation
      between Nrg1 and schizophrenia is assumed. Chronic impairment in schizophrenia is
      characterized by different positive and negative symptoms. Detectable markers of
      this disease in human and in animal models are activity, social behavior and
      sensory processing. In this study we compared heterozygous Nrg1 mutant mice in
      behavior and quantification of dopaminergic and serotoninergic neurons with wild
      type-like littermates. In the Nrg1 mutant mice the epidermal growth factor-like
      domain is replaced by the neomycin resistance gene. We found significant
      differences in locomotor and pain perception behavior. No differences were found
      in specific schizophrenia social interaction and prepulse inhibition behavior.
      The number of dopaminergic and serotoninergic neurons did not differ in the
      investigated regions ventral tegmental area, substantia nigra, periaqueductal
      grey and raphe nuclei. In conclusion, this analyzed Nrg1 mutant mice model did
      not serve as a complete schizophrenia model. Particular aspects of schizophrenia
      disease in locomotor and sensory behavior deficits could represent in this Nrg1
      mutant mice. Beside several different models could Nrg1 deficiency represent an
      endophenotype of schizophrenia disease.

PMID- 28089852
TI  - Dopamine D1 receptor agonist treatment attenuates extinction of morphine
      conditioned place preference while increasing dendritic complexity in the nucleus
      accumbens core.
AB  - The dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) has a role in opioid reward and conditioned place
      preference (CPP), but its role in CPP extinction is undetermined. We examined the
      effect of D1R agonist SKF81297 on the extinction of opioid CPP and associated
      dendritic morphology in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a region involved with
      reward integration and its extinction. During the acquisition of morphine CPP,
      mice received morphine and saline on alternate days; injections were given
      immediately before each of eight daily conditioning sessions. Mice subsequently
      underwent six days of extinction training designed to diminish the previously
      learned association. Mice were treated with either 0.5mg/kg SKF81297, 0.8mg/kg
      SKF81297, or saline immediately after each extinction session. There was a dose
      dependent effect, with the highest dose of SKF81297 attenuating extinction, as
      mice treated with this dose had significantly higher CPP scores than controls.
      Analysis of medium spiny neuron morphology revealed that in the NAc core, but not
      in the shell, dendritic arbors were significantly more complex in the morphine
      conditioned, SKF81297-treated mice compared to controls. In separate experiments
      using mice conditioned with only saline, SKF81297 administration after extinction
      sessions had no effect on CPP and produced differing effects on dendritic
      morphology. At the doses used in our experiments, SKF81297 appears to maintain
      previously learned opioid conditioned behavior, even in the face of new
      information. The D1R agonist's differential, rather than unidirectional, effects
      on dendritic morphology in the NAc core suggests that it may be involved in
      encoding reward information depending on previously learned behavior.

PMID- 28089853
TI  - Region-specific increases in FosB/DeltaFosB immunoreactivity in the rat brain in
      response to chronic sleep restriction.
AB  - Using a rat model of chronic sleep restriction (CSR) featuring periodic sleep
      deprivation with slowly rotating wheels (3h on/1h off), we previously observed
      that 99h of this protocol induced both homeostatic and allostatic (adaptive)
      changes in physiological and behavioural measures. Notably, the initial changes
      in sleep intensity and attention performance gradually adapted during CSR despite
      accumulating sleep loss. To identify brain regions involved in these responses,
      we used FosB/DeltaFosB immunohistochemistry as a marker of chronic neuronal
      activation. Adult male rats were housed in motorized activity wheels and
      underwent the 3/1 CSR protocol for 99h, or 99h followed by 6 or 12days of
      recovery. Control rats were housed in home cages, locked activity wheels, or
      unlocked activity wheels that the animals could turn freely. Immunohistochemistry
      was conducted using an antibody that recognized both FosB and DeltaFosB, and 24
      brain regions involved in sleep/wake, autonomic, and limbic functions were
      examined. The number of darkly-stained FosB/DeltaFosB-immunoreactive cells was
      increased immediately following 99h of CSR in 8/24 brain regions, including the
      medial preoptic and perifornical lateral hypothalamic areas, dorsomedial and
      paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei, and paraventricular thalamic nucleus.
      FosB/DeltaFosB labeling was at control levels in all 8 brain areas following 6 or
      12 recovery days, suggesting that most of the immunoreactivity immediately after
      CSR reflected FosB, the more transient marker of chronic neuronal activation.
      This region-specific induction of FosB/DeltaFosB following CSR may be involved in
      the mechanisms underlying the allostatic changes in behavioural and physiological
      responses to CSR.

PMID- 28089855
TI  - Peripheral electrical stimulation increases corticomotor excitability and
      enhances the rate of visuomotor adaptation.
AB  - Peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) modulates corticomotor excitability but
      its effect on motor performance has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose
      of this study was to assess whether increases and/or decreases in corticomotor
      excitability, induced by PES, influenced motor performance using a visuomotor
      adaptation task. Three PES interventions (motor stimulation, sensory stimulation
      or sham) were delivered to the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) in 30 healthy
      participants matched for age, gender and handedness. Motor stimulation was
      applied to increase corticomotor excitability, sensory stimulation to decrease
      corticomotor excitability, while sham stimulation acted as a control.
      Corticomotor excitability was assessed using the amplitude of motor evoked
      potentials to transcranial magnetic stimulation recorded from FDI before and
      after each intervention. Following PES, participants completed a visuomotor
      adaptation task. This required participants to move a cursor accurately towards
      virtual targets with index finger movements when the cursor trajectory was
      rotated 30 degrees  counter clockwise. Performance was assessed as angular error
      (a measure of movement accuracy) and reaction time. The rate of visuomotor
      adaptation was greater following motor PES compared to sham, but not sensory,
      with no difference observed between sensory and sham. However, visuomotor
      adaptation performance overall (the total change in performance from beginning to
      end) was similar across intervention groups. These findings suggest that motor
      PES applied prior to task acquisition can facilitate the speed of adaptation.

PMID- 28089854
TI  - Effects of adolescent methamphetamine and nicotine exposure on behavioral
      performance and MAP-2 immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens of adolescent
      mice.
AB  - The neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine (MA) exposure in the developing and
      adult brain can lead to behavioral alterations and cognitive deficits in adults.
      Previous increases in the rates of adolescent MA use necessitate that we
      understand the behavioral and cognitive effects of MA exposure during adolescence
      on the adolescent brain. Adolescents using MA exhibit high rates of nicotine
      (NIC) use, but the effects of concurrent MA and NIC in the adolescent brain have
      not been examined, and it is unknown if NIC mediates any of the effects of MA in
      the adolescent. In this study, the long-term effects of a neurotoxic dose of MA
      with or without NIC exposure during early adolescence (postnatal day 30-31) were
      examined later in adolescence (postnatal day 41-50) in male C57BL/6J mice.
      Effects on behavioral performance in the open field, Porsolt forced swim test,
      and conditioned place preference test, and cognitive performance in the novel
      object recognition test and Morris water maze were assessed. Additionally, the
      effects of MA and/or NIC on levels of microtubule associated-2 (MAP-2) protein in
      the nucleus accumbens and plasma corticosterone were examined. MA and NIC
      exposure during early adolescence separately decreased anxiety-like behavior in
      the open field test, which was not seen following co-administration of MA/NIC.
      There was no significant effect of early adolescent MA and/or NIC exposure on the
      intensity of MAP-2 immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens or on plasma
      corticosterone levels. These results show that early adolescent MA and NIC
      exposure separately decrease anxiety-like behavior in the open field, and that
      concurrent MA and NIC exposure does not induce the same behavioral change as
      either drug alone.

PMID- 28089856
TI  - Erythrocyte heat shock protein responses to chronic (in vivo) and acute (in
      vitro) temperature challenge in diploid and triploid salmonids.
AB  - This research investigated how ploidy level (diploid versus triploid) affects the
      heat shock protein (HSP) response in erythrocytes under different thermal stress
      regimes, both in vivo and in vitro, in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brook
      charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) in order to address the question of why triploids
      typically have reduced thermal tolerance. A preliminary study confirmed that
      identical volumes of diploid and triploid erythrocytes (which equates to a
      smaller number of larger cells for triploids compared to diploids) did not differ
      in total protein synthesis rates. After chronic (100d) acclimation of fish to 5,
      15 and 25 degrees C, triploid erythrocytes had lower HSP70, HSP90, heat shock
      factor 1 (HSF1) and ubiquitin (free and total) levels than diploids in both
      species. Furthermore, Atlantic salmon erythrocytes showed significantly higher
      protein breakdown (based on conjugated ubiquitin levels) in triploids than
      diploids after acute heat stress in vitro, but no significant difference was
      detected between ploidies after acute cold stress. These results indicate that:
      1) triploid erythrocytes synthesize more total protein per cell than diploids as
      a result of increased cell size; 2) triploids have sufficient total HSP levels
      for survival under low stress conditions; and 3) the lower basal titres of HSPs
      in triploids may be a handicap when combating acute stress. Taken together, this
      suggests that triploids are limited in their ability to withstand thermal stress
      because of a reduced ability to maintain proteostasis under stressful conditions.

PMID- 28089857
TI  - Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the anoxic turtle (Trachemys scripta) brain at
      different acclimation temperature.
AB  - Survival of prolonged anoxia requires a balance between cellular ATP demand and
      anaerobic ATP supply from glycolysis, especially in critical tissues such as the
      brain. To add insight into the ATP demand of the brain of the anoxia-tolerant red
      eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta) during prolonged periods of anoxic
      submergence, we quantified and compared the number of Na+-K+-ATPase units and
      their molecular activity in brain tissue from turtles acclimated to either 21
      degrees C or 5 degrees C and exposed to either normoxia or anoxia (6h 21 degrees
      C; 14days at 5 degrees C). Na+-K+-ATPase activity and density per g tissue were
      similar at 21 degrees C and 5 degrees C in normoxic turtles. Likewise, anoxia
      exposure at 21 degrees C did not induce any change in Na+-K+-ATPase activity or
      density. In contrast, prolonged anoxia at 5 degrees C significantly reduced Na+
      K+-ATPase activity by 55%, which was largely driven by a 50% reduction of the
      number of Na+-K+-ATPase units without a change in the activity of existing Na+-K+
      ATPase pumps or alpha-subunit composition. These findings are consistent with the
      "channel arrest" hypothesis to reduce turtle brain Na+-K+-ATPase activity during
      prolonged, but not short-term anoxia, a change that likely helps them overwinter
      under low temperature, anoxic conditions.

PMID- 28089858
TI  - Glucose, amino acids and fatty acids directly regulate ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin
      1 in the intestine and hepatopancreas of goldfish (Carassius auratus) in vitro.
AB  - Ghrelin and nesfatin-1 are two peptidyl hormones primarily involved in food
      intake regulation. We previously reported that the amount of dietary
      carbohydrates, protein and lipids modulates the expression of these peptides in
      goldfish in vivo. In the present work, we aimed to characterize the effects of
      single nutrients on ghrelin and nesfatin-1 in the intestine and hepatopancreas.
      First, immunolocalization of ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in goldfish
      hepatopancreas cells was studied by immunohistochemistry. Second, the effects of
      2 and 4hour-long exposures of cultured intestine and hepatopancreas sections to
      glucose, l-tryptophan, oleic acid, linolenic acid (LNA), eicosapentaenoic acid
      (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on ghrelin and nesfatin-1 gene and protein
      expression were studied. Co-localization of ghrelin and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the
      cytoplasm of goldfish hepatocytes was found. Exposure to glucose led to an
      upregulation of preproghrelin and a downregulation of nucb2/nesfatin-1 in the
      intestine. l-Tryptophan mainly decreased the expression of both peptides in the
      intestine and hepatopancreas. Fatty acids, in general, downregulated
      NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the intestine, but only the longer and highly unsaturated
      fatty acids inhibited preproghrelin. EPA exposure led to a decrease in
      preproghrelin, and an increase in nucb2/nesfatin-1 expression in hepatopancreas
      after 2h. These results show that macronutrients exert a dose- and time
      dependent, direct regulation of ghrelin and nesfatin-1 in the intestine and
      hepatopancreas, and suggest a role for these hormones in the digestive process
      and nutrient metabolism.

PMID- 28089859
TI  - The perfusion code of DIEP and ms-TRAM flaps is a hard nut to crack.

PMID- 28089860
TI  - Comment on: "Improved healthcare economic outcomes after liposomal bupivacaine
      administration in first-stage breast reconstruction".

PMID- 28089861
TI  - Reply to Letter to the Editor regarding article by Miranda et al.

PMID- 28089862
TI  - Response to letter, which comments on 'Beard Reconstruction - a Surgical
      Algorithm'.

PMID- 28089863
TI  - Prevention of thrombosis in hypercoagulable patients undergoing microsurgery: A
      novel anticoagulation protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypercoagulable conditions are often considered relative
      contraindications to free flap reconstruction. This paper presents and critically
      examines a novel anticoagulation regimen developed to address this disease state.
      METHODS: Hypercoagulable patients who underwent free tissue transfer between 2007
      and 2015 were identified. From 2011, all such patients were subjected to a novel
      anticoagulation protocol involving an intravenous bolus of 2000 U of
      unfractionated heparin prior to microvascular pedicle anastomosis, followed by a
      heparin infusion at 500 U/h, which was postoperatively increased to therapeutic
      levels. Patients were discharged on full anticoagulation for 1 month. Patients
      prior to 2011 received only subcutaneous heparin. Outcomes in patients receiving
      this novel anticoagulation protocol were compared to those of patients receiving
      standard therapy (postoperative subcutaneous heparin). RESULTS: Twenty-three
      hypercoagulable patients underwent reconstruction with 32 flaps. Eleven patients
      were administered the novel protocol. No thromboses were noted in the novel
      protocol cohort, while three thrombotic events occurred in the control cohort (0%
      vs. 17.6%, p = 0.23). No flaps were salvaged after thrombosis. All losses
      occurred in the control cohort (0% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.23). The novel protocol
      cohort was more likely to have postoperative red blood cell transfusions (72.6%
      vs. 16.7%, p = 0.007), hematomas (26.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.04), and lower mean
      hemoglobin nadirs [6.9 (1.0) vs. 8.9 +/- 1.8 g/dL, p = 0.01]. CONCLUSION: The key
      approach to hypercoagulable patients is likely prevention over treatment.
      Patients who received prophylactic heparin infusions had clinically lower rates
      of thrombotic events and flap loss. However, this encouraging finding must be
      balanced with the increased risk for postoperative bleeding complications.

PMID- 28089864
TI  - Draft genome sequence of an O25:H4-ST131 Escherichia coli harbouring blaNDM-1 on
      an IncHI3 plasmid: A first report.
AB  - Carbapenem resistance conferred by New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamases is mediated
      by plasmids of diverse incompatibility types harboured by different lineages of
      Enterobacteriaceae. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of a ST131
      Escherichia coli harbouring the blaNDM gene on an IncHI3 plasmid.

PMID- 28089865
TI  - Pathogens and epidemiologic feature of severe fever with thrombocytopenia
      syndrome in Hubei province, China.
AB  - To evaluate the aetiological agents and epidemiologic features of severe fever
      with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Hubei province, China, sera from
      patients were collected from January to December 2011. All cases occurred from
      April to December, and the epidemic peaked from May to August. The ages of
      patients ranged from 10 to 86 years (median=55years), and the incidence of SFTS
      increased with age. The female:male ratio of cases was 1.008:1, and 54.6%
      (77/141) and 1.4% (2/141) of the cases were confirmed by qPCR to be SFTSV and
      Hantavirus (HV) infection, respectively. No case of simultaneous infection with
      two or more pathogens was found. The research in this paper showed that some
      suspected SFTS cases are confused with HV infection due to similar symptoms. The
      analysis showed that the distribution of SFTSV has a marked regional aggregation
      in Hubei province.

PMID- 28089866
TI  - Inhibition of chaperone-mediated autophagy prevents glucotoxicity in the
      Caenorhabditis elegans mev-1 mutant by activation of the proteasome.
AB  - Chronic hyperglycemia is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus and the main cause of
      diabetes-associated complications. Increased intracellular glucose levels lead to
      damaged proteins and in consequence disturb cellular proteostasis. As an
      important contributor to the maintenance and restoration of proteostasis,
      autophagy mediates the lysosomal degradation of damaged proteins or entire
      cellular organelles. In the present study we used the stress-sensitive mev-1
      mutant of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in order to assess the role of lmp
      2, a homologue of the lysosome associated membrane protein type 2A, in the
      context of glucotoxicity, which was achieved by feeding glucose in a liquid
      medium. Knockdown of lmp-2 by RNA interference completely prevented the survival
      reduction caused by glucose under heat stress. Those effects were associated with
      the prevention of (1) increased lysosome formation and (2) reduction of
      proteasomal activity, which were observed under glucose feeding. Finally, the
      survival reduction due to knockdown of ubiquitin remained unaffected by the
      additional lmp-2 knockdown in the absence or presence of glucose. In conclusion,
      our study provides evidence that lmp-2, a key player in chaperone-mediated
      autophagy, is functional in C. elegans, too. Inhibition of lmp-2 prevents the
      reduction of proteasomal activity by glucose and thereby prevents also
      glucotoxicity.

PMID- 28089867
TI  - Attenuation of obesity-induced inflammation in mice orally administered with
      salmon cartilage proteoglycan, a prophylactic agent.
AB  - Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation of adipose tissue and causes
      development of type 2 diabetes. M1 macrophage population was increased in adipose
      tissue of obese mouse. M1 macrophages induce insulin resistance through the
      secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Our previous studies demonstrated that
      salmon cartilage proteoglycan (PG) suppresses excess inflammation in various
      mouse inflammatory diseases. In this study, we examined the effect of PG on type
      2 diabetes using high-fat-diet (HFD) induced obese mouse model. Oral PG
      administration enhanced the population of small adipocytes (area less than 1000
      MUm2) without body and tissue weight gain. In addition, PG administration
      suppressed mRNA expression of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and CXCL2 in adipose tissue. The
      proportion of M1 macrophages was decreased by PG administration. In addition, PG
      administration suppressed hyperglycemia after intraperitoneal glucose injection.
      Fasted serum insulin level was decreased in PG-administered mice. Moreover,
      insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt was enhanced in the liver and
      gastrocnemius skeletal muscle of PG-administered mice. These data suggested that
      PG administration improves hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity in obese mice by
      modulation of M1 macrophages which secrete proinflammatory cytokines in adipose
      tissue and activation of Akt in liver and skeletal muscle.

PMID- 28089868
TI  - Novel calcium recognition constructions in proteins: Calcium blade and EF-hand
      zone.
AB  - Metal ions can regulate various cell processes being first, second or third
      messengers, and some of them, especially transition metal ions, take part in
      catalysis in many enzymes. As an intracellular ion, Ca2+ is involved in many
      cellular functions from fertilization and contraction, cell differentiation and
      proliferation, to apoptosis and cancer. Here, we have identified and described
      two novel calcium recognition environments in proteins: the calcium blade zone
      and the EF-hand zone, common to 12 and 8 different protein families,
      respectively. Each of the two environments contains three distinct structural
      elements: (a) the well-known characteristic Dx[DN]xDG motif; (b) an adjacent
      structurally identical segment, which binds metal ion in the same way between the
      calcium blade zone and the EF-hand zone; and (c) the following structurally
      variable segment, which distinguishes the calcium blade zone from the EF-hand
      zone. Both zones have sequence insertions between the last residue of the zone
      and calcium-binding residues in positions V or VI. The long insertion often
      connects the active and the calcium-binding sites in proteins. Using the
      structurally identical segments as an anchor, we were able to construct the
      classical calmodulin type EF-hand calcium-binding site out of two different
      calcium-binding motifs from two unrelated proteins.

PMID- 28089869
TI  - The molecular and morphogenetic basis of pancreas organogenesis.
AB  - The pancreas is an essential endoderm-derived organ that ensures nutrient
      metabolism via its endocrine and exocrine functions. Here we review the essential
      processes governing the embryonic and early postnatal development of the pancreas
      discussing both the mechanisms and molecules controlling progenitor
      specification, expansion and differentiation. We elaborate on how these processes
      are orchestrated in space and coordinated with morphogenesis. We draw mainly from
      experiments conducted in the mouse model but also from investigations in other
      model organisms, complementing a recent comprehensive review of human pancreas
      development (Jennings et al., 2015) [1]. The understanding of pancreas
      development in model organisms provides a framework to interpret how human
      mutations lead to neonatal diabetes and may contribute to other forms of diabetes
      and to guide the production of desired pancreatic cell types from pluripotent
      stem cells for therapeutic purposes.

PMID- 28089870
TI  - Large dense-core vesicle exocytosis from mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons is
      regulated by neuropeptide Y.
AB  - Peptidergic dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons transmit sensory and nociceptive
      information from the periphery to the central nervous system. Their synaptic
      activity is profoundly affected by neuromodulatory peptides stored and released
      from large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs). However, the mechanism of peptide
      secretion from DRG neurons is poorly understood. Using total internal reflection
      fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), we visualized individual LDCVs loaded with
      fluorescent neuropeptide Y (NPY) and analyzed their stimulation-dependent
      release. We tested several protocols and found an overall low stimulation
      secretion coupling that increased after raising intracellular Ca2+ concentration
      by applying a weak pre-stimulus. Interestingly, the stimulation protocol also
      influenced the mechanism of LDCV fusion. Depolarization of DRG neurons with a
      solution containing 60mM KCl triggered full fusion, kiss-and-run, and kiss-and
      stay exocytosis with equal frequency. In contrast, field electrode stimulation
      primarily induced full fusion exocytosis. Finally, our results indicate that NPY
      can promote LDCV secretion. These results shed new light on the mechanism of NPY
      action during modulation of DRG neuron activity, an important pathway in the
      treatment of chronic pain.

PMID- 28089871
TI  - Parents' childhood socioeconomic circumstances are associated with their
      children's asthma outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous literature documents associations between low socioeconomic
      status (SES) and poor health outcomes, including asthma. However, this literature
      has largely focused on the effects of current family circumstances. OBJECTIVE: We
      sought to test an intergenerational hypothesis, that the childhood SES that
      parents experience will be associated with asthma outcomes in their children,
      independent of effects of current family SES. Second, we aimed to test whether
      this association is in part due to difficulties in current parent-child
      relationships. METHODS: This was an observational study, whereby 150 parents were
      interviewed about their childhood SES and their children (physician-diagnosed
      asthma, ages 9-17 years) were interviewed about current family stress. Asthma
      control was assessed by parent report and child report (primary outcome), and
      blood was collected from children to measure cytokine production relevant to
      asthma (secondary outcomes). RESULTS: To the degree that parents had lower
      childhood SES, their offspring showed worse asthma outcomes across multiple
      indicators. This included lower asthma control scores (parent and child report,
      Ps < .05), and greater stimulated production of TH2 and TH1 cytokines by PBMCs
      (Ps < .05). These associations were independent of current family SES. Mediation
      analyses were consistent with a scenario wherein parents with low childhood SES
      had current family relationships that were more stressful, and these
      difficulties, in turn, related to worse asthma control and greater cytokine
      production in children. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the potential "long
      reach" of low SES across generations, and the importance of expanding theories of
      how the social environment can affect childhood asthma to include characteristics
      of earlier generations.

PMID- 28089872
TI  - Identification of airway mucosal type 2 inflammation by using clinical biomarkers
      in asthmatic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Airways Disease Endotyping for Personalized Therapeutics (ADEPT)
      study profiled patients with mild, moderate, and severe asthma and nonatopic
      healthy control subjects. OBJECTIVE: We explored this data set to define type 2
      inflammation based on airway mucosal IL-13-driven gene expression and how this
      related to clinically accessible biomarkers. METHODS: IL-13-driven gene
      expression was evaluated in several human cell lines. We then defined type 2
      status in 25 healthy subjects, 28 patients with mild asthma, 29 patients with
      moderate asthma, and 26 patients with severe asthma based on airway mucosal
      expression of (1) CCL26 (the most differentially expressed gene), (2) periostin,
      or (3) a multigene IL-13 in vitro signature (IVS). Clinically accessible
      biomarkers included fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (Feno) values, blood
      eosinophil (bEOS) counts, serum CCL26 expression, and serum CCL17 expression.
      RESULTS: Expression of airway mucosal CCL26, periostin, and IL-13-IVS all
      facilitated segregation of subjects into type 2-high and type 2-low asthmatic
      groups, but in the ADEPT study population CCL26 expression was optimal. All
      subjects with high airway mucosal CCL26 expression and moderate-to-severe asthma
      had Feno values (>=35 ppb) and/or high bEOS counts (>=300 cells/mm3) compared
      with a minority (36%) of subjects with low airway mucosal CCL26 expression. A
      combination of Feno values, bEOS counts, and serum CCL17 and CCL26 expression had
      100% positive predictive value and 87% negative predictive value for airway
      mucosal CCL26-high status. Clinical variables did not differ between subjects
      with type 2-high and type 2-low status. Eosinophilic inflammation was associated
      with but not limited to airway mucosal type 2 gene expression. CONCLUSION: A
      panel of clinical biomarkers accurately classified type 2 status based on airway
      mucosal CCL26, periostin, or IL-13-IVS gene expression. Use of Feno values, bEOS
      counts, and serum marker levels (eg, CCL26 and CCL17) in combination might allow
      patient selection for novel type 2 therapeutics.

PMID- 28089874
TI  - Mathematical modelling of cell layer growth in a hollow fibre bioreactor.
AB  - Generating autologous tissue grafts of a clinically useful volume requires
      efficient and controlled expansion of cell populations harvested from patients.
      Hollow fibre bioreactors show promise as cell expansion devices, owing to their
      potential for scale-up. However, further research is required to establish how to
      specify appropriate hollow fibre bioreactor operating conditions for expanding
      different cell types. In this study we develop a simple model for the growth of a
      cell layer seeded on the outer surface of a single fibre in a perfused hollow
      fibre bioreactor. Nutrient-rich culture medium is pumped through the fibre lumen
      and leaves the bioreactor via the lumen outlet or passes through the porous fibre
      walls and cell layer, and out via ports on the outer wall of the extra-capillary
      space. Stokes and Darcy equations for fluid flow in the fibre lumen, fibre wall,
      cell layer and extra-capillary space are coupled to reaction-advection-diffusion
      equations for oxygen and lactate transport through the bioreactor, and to a
      simple growth law for the evolution of the free boundary of the cell layer. Cells
      at the free boundary are assumed to proliferate at a rate that increases with the
      local oxygen concentration, and to die and detach from the layer if the local
      fluid shear stress or lactate concentration exceed critical thresholds. We use
      the model to predict operating conditions that maximise the cell layer growth for
      different cell types. In particular, we predict the optimal flow rate of culture
      medium into the fibre lumen and fluid pressure imposed at the lumen outlet for
      cell types with different oxygen demands and fluid shear stress tolerances, and
      compare the growth of the cell layer when the exit ports on the outside of the
      bioreactor are open with that when they are closed. Model simulations reveal that
      increasing the inlet flow rate and outlet fluid pressure increases oxygen
      delivery to the cell layer and, therefore, the growth rate of cells that are
      tolerant to high shear stresses, but may be detrimental for shear-sensitive
      cells. The cell layer growth rate is predicted to increase, and be less sensitive
      to the lactate tolerance of the cells, when the exit ports are opened, as the
      radial flow through the bioreactor is enhanced and the lactate produced by the
      cells cleared more rapidly from the cell layer.

PMID- 28089873
TI  - Patterns of immune development in urban preschoolers with recurrent wheeze and/or
      atopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disadvantaged urban children have high rates of allergic diseases and
      wheezing, which are diseases associated with type 2-biased immunity. OBJECTIVE:
      We sought to determine whether environmental exposures in early life influence
      cytokine responses that affect the development of recurrent wheezing illnesses
      and allergic sensitization. METHODS: A birth cohort of 560 urban families was
      recruited from neighborhoods with high rates of poverty, and 467 (83%) children
      were followed until 3 years of age. Cytokine responses were measured in blood
      cell samples obtained at birth (cord blood) and ages 1 and 3 years. Cytokine
      responses were examined in relation to personal characteristics and environmental
      exposures to allergens and endotoxin and to the development of allergic
      sensitization and recurrent wheeze assessed at age 3 years. RESULTS: Cytokine
      responses generally increased with age, but responses at birth were poorly
      predictive for those at ages 1 and 3 years. Exposure to certain allergens
      (cockroach, mouse, dust mite) was significantly associated with enhanced cytokine
      responses at age 3 years, including IFN-alpha and IL-10 responses to certain
      stimulants and responses to phytohemagglutinin. Regarding the clinical outcomes,
      reduced LPS-induced IL-10 responses at birth were associated with recurrent
      wheeze. In contrast, reduced respiratory syncytial virus-induced IL-8 responses
      and increased 5'-cytosine-phosphate-guanine-3' (CpG)-induced IL-12p40 and
      allergen-induced IL-4 responses were associated with atopy. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that diverse biologic exposures, including allergens and
      endotoxin, in urban homes stimulate the development of cytokine responses in
      early life, and that cytokine responses to specific microbial and viral stimuli
      are associated with the development of allergic sensitization and recurrent
      wheeze.

PMID- 28089875
TI  - End points for catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 28089876
TI  - Antiarrhythmic drug therapy in patients with arrhythmogenic
      dysplasia/cardiomyopathy: Is there a role for flecainide?

PMID- 28089877
TI  - Permanent pacemaker implantation in octogenarians with unexplained syncope and
      positive electrophysiologic testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Syncope is a common problem in the elderly, and a permanent pacemaker
      is a therapeutic option when a bradycardic etiology is revealed. However, the
      benefit of pacing when no association of symptoms to bradycardia has been shown
      is not clear, especially in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the effect of pacing on syncope-free mortality in patients aged 80 years
      or older with unexplained syncope and "positive" invasive electrophysiologic
      testing (EPT). METHODS: This was an observational study. A positive EPT for the
      purposes of this study was defined by at least 1 of the following: a corrected
      sinus node recovery time of >525 ms, a basic HV interval of >55 ms, detection of
      infra-Hisian block, or appearance of second-degree atrioventricular block on
      atrial decremental pacing at a paced cycle length of >400 ms. RESULTS: Among the
      2435 screened patients, 228 eligible patients were identified, 145 of whom were
      implanted with a pacemaker. Kaplan-Meier analysis determined that time to event
      (syncope or death) was 50.1 months (95% confidence interval 45.4-54.8 months)
      with a pacemaker vs 37.8 months (95% confidence interval 31.3-44.4 months)
      without a pacemaker (log-rank test, P = .001). The 4-year time-dependent estimate
      of the rate of syncope was 12% vs 44% (P < .001) and that of any-cause death was
      41% vs 56% (P = .023), respectively. The multivariable odds ratio was 0.25 (95%
      confidence interval 0.15-0.40) after adjustment for potential confounders.
      CONCLUSION: In patients with unexplained syncope and signs of sinus node
      dysfunction or impaired atrioventricular conduction on invasive EPT, pacemaker
      implantation was independently associated with longer syncope-free survival.
      Significant differences were also shown in the individual components of the
      primary outcome measure (syncope and death from any cause).

PMID- 28089878
TI  - Pretransplant Absolute Lymphocyte Counts Impact the Pharmacokinetics of
      Alemtuzumab.
AB  - Alemtuzumab is frequently used as part of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC)
      regimens for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in pediatric
      patients with nonmalignant diseases. We previously suggested an optimal day 0
      targeted range of alemtuzumab, but there are no pediatric data regarding the
      pharmacokinetics (PK) of subcutaneous alemtuzumab to guide precision dosing
      trials. The goal of this study was to prospectively characterize alemtuzumab PK
      and to explore absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) as a predictor of interindividual
      variability. We prospectively enrolled 23 patients who received an alemtuzumab,
      fludarabine, and melphalan RIC regimen. Seventeen patients completed study and
      received 1 mg/kg alemtuzumab divided over 5 days subcutaneously, starting on day 
      14. The median age was 7 years (range, .5 to 18). Blood sampling for PK
      measurements and descriptive PK analyses were performed. The median maximum
      alemtuzumab concentration was 2.39 ug/mL (interquartile range, 1.98 to 2.92). The
      median terminal half-life was 5.2 days (interquartile range, 2.7 to 7.8). The
      median concentration at day 0 was 1.27 ug/mL (interquartile range, .35 to 1.51).
      Importantly, day 0 alemtuzumab levels and area under the curve negatively
      correlated with predose ALC and ALC area-time, respectively. In conclusion, we
      reported the PK of subcutaneous alemtuzumab given to pediatric allogeneic HCT
      patients and observed that almost all patients have persistence of lytic levels
      of alemtuzumab beyond day 0, at levels in excess of that needed to reduce the
      risk of acute graft-versus-host disease. Additionally, levels correlate with
      pretransplant ALC. These results will allow the development of population PK
      models for precision dosing trials.

PMID- 28089879
TI  - Clinical Outcome of Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Adult
      Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Who May Benefit from Autologous
      Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation?
AB  - The role of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) for
      postremission therapy of acute myeloid leukemia is yet to be elucidated. We
      retrospectively analyzed 240 patients treated with auto-HCT in first remission.
      All patients were treated with standard induction chemotherapy, and CD34+ stem
      cells were collected at each cycle of consolidation. Stem cells were infused
      after total body irradiation (1200 cGy), cytarabine (9 g/m2), and melphalan (100
      mg/m2). Estimated 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival (DFS),
      cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), and nonrelapse mortality were 58.4%,
      55.3%, 38.8%, and 5.9%, respectively. We identified that poor-risk karyotype
      showed very poor outcome after auto-HCT, and then analyzed 85 patients with good
      to intermediate-risk molecular cytogenetics with available molecular study
      results and markers for minimal residual disease (MRD) such as WT1 and core
      binding factor (CBF) associated MRD (ie, AML1/ETO and CBFbeta/MYH11). Our data
      identified that old age, pre-HCT markers for MRD, and high post-HCT WT1, high
      dose of CD34+ stem cell (>=4.5 * 106/kg) infusion, and c-kit or FLT3-ITD
      mutations were associated with higher relapse rate and poor DFS. Using pre-HCT
      parameters, except for post-HCT WT1, multivariate analysis revealed that patients
      with young age (<40 years old), no adverse mutations, and limited dose of CD34+
      stem cells might be good candidate for auto-HCT (3-year DFS and CIR were 83.4%
      and 16.6%, respectively). Young patients with good- to intermediate-risk
      molecular cytogenetics may benefit from auto-HCT if stem cell dose is limited.

PMID- 28089881
TI  - Two-step chromatographic purification of glutathione S-transferase-tagged human
      papillomavirus type 16 E6 protein and its application for serology.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein is an oncoprotein with a pivotal role in
      cervical carcinogenesis. Expression and purification of HPV E6 from Escherichia
      coli (E. coli) has been difficult because of its strong hydrophobicity even when
      expressed as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase (GST). There has
      been no protocol suggested for purifying GST-tagged HPV E6 protein with high
      purity so far. Herein, we provide efficient protocol for purifying GST-HPV16 E6
      protein for the first time. In the current study, the GST-tagged protein was
      expressed in E. coli and a purification method was designed using cation-exchange
      chromatography followed by GST-affinity chromatography. Using physiological pH
      buffer during cell lysis and first cation-exchange chromatography significantly
      reduced yield of full-length GST-HPV16 E6 protein. It was found that using an
      alkaline buffer during cation-exchange chromatography was needed to obtain full
      length GST-HPV16 E6 protein. GST-HPV16 E6 protein recovered from the purification
      using alkaline condition retained its inherent p53-binding ability. Moreover, we
      were able to detect anti-HPV16 E6 antibodies with high sensitivity in sera from
      patients with cervical cancer using the GST-HPV16 E6 protein. It was found that
      the GST-HPV16 E6 protein could be used as a coating agent to enhance the
      sensitivity of detection of serum anti-HPV16 E6 antibodies when treated with
      ethylene glycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA).
      These results indicate that the two-step chromatographic purification allows
      obtaining high purity of GST-HPV16 E6 protein and the GST-HPV16 E6 is suitable to
      be used as an antigen of serology assay.

PMID- 28089880
TI  - A combined approach for enhancing the stability of recombinant cis-dihydrodiol
      naphthalene dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas putida G7 allowed for the structural
      and kinetic characterization of the enzyme.
AB  - The second enzyme of the naphthalene degradation pathway in Pseudomonas putida G7
      is NahB, a dehydrogenase that converts cis-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalene
      to 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene. We report the cloning, optimization of expression,
      purification, kinetic studies and preliminary structural characterization of the
      recombinant NahB. The nahB gene was cloned into a T7 expression vector and the
      enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3) as an N-terminal hexa
      histidine-tagged protein (6xHis-NahB). Using methods of enhancing protein
      stability in solution, we tested different expression, cell lysis, and
      purification protocols with and without ligand supplementation. The protein
      stability was evaluated by dynamic light scattering and circular dichroism
      spectroscopy assays. Best-derived protocols (expression at 18  degrees C, cell
      lysis with homogenizer, and three purification steps) were used to produce 20 mg
      of homogeneous 6xHis-NahB per liter of culture. The secondary and quaternary
      structures of 6xHis-NahB were assessed by circular dichroism and size-exclusion
      chromatography experiments, respectively. The enzyme was NAD+-dependent and
      active at pH 7.0 and 9.4 for the oxidation of the substrate. The Michaelis-Menten
      parameters determined at pH 7.0 and 25  degrees C for the substrate and cofactor,
      presented respective Km values of 6 and 350 MUM, and a kcat value of 8.3 s-1.
      Furthermore, we identified conditions for the crystallization of 6xHis-NahB. X
      ray diffraction data were collected from a single 6xHis-NahB crystal which
      diffracted to 2.21 A. The crystal belongs to space group I222, with unit-cell
      parameters a = 63.62, b = 69.50, and c = 117.47 A. The tertiary structure of
      6xHis-NahB was determined using the molecular replacement method. Further
      structural refinement is currently underway.

PMID- 28089882
TI  - A highly efficient modified human serum albumin signal peptide to secrete
      proteins in cells derived from different mammalian species.
AB  - Signal peptides (SPs) are key elements in the production of recombinant proteins;
      however, little information is available concerning different SP in mammalian
      cells other than CHO. In order to study the efficiency of different SPs to direct
      the traffic along the secretory pathway of the green fluorescence protein (GFP)
      and a scFv-Fc fusion protein; CHO-K1, HEK293 and NS0 cell lines were transfected
      in a transient and stable way. SP of human azurocidin (AZ), modified human
      albumin (mSA), modified Cricetulus griseus Ig kappa chain V III region MOPC 63
      like (mIgkappa C) and modified human Ig kappa chain V III region VG (mIgkappa H)
      were evaluated. The efficiency of SPs to translocate a propeptide across the ER
      membrane was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry for the GFP
      inside the secretory pathway, and by antigen-specific indirect ELISA for the scFv
      Fc outside the cell. The mSA SP was successful in directing the secretion of the
      active proteins in these different types of mammalian cells, regardless of the
      transgene copy number. The goal of this work was to demonstrate that a modified
      version of SA SP might be used in different mammalian cells employing the same
      expression vector.

PMID- 28089883
TI  - Identification and characterization of a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate phosphatase in
      the silkworm (Bombyx mori).
AB  - Vitamin B6 comprises six interconvertible pyridine compounds, among which
      pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is a coenzyme for over 140 enzymes. PLP is also a
      very reactive aldehyde. The most well established mechanism for maintaining low
      levels of free PLP is its dephosphorylation by phosphatases. A human PLP-specific
      phosphatase has been identified and characterized. However, very little is known
      about the phosphatase in other living organisms. In this study, a cDNA clone of
      putative PLP phosphatase was identified from B. mori and characterized. The cDNA
      encodes a polypeptide of 343 amino acid residues, and the recombinant enzyme
      purified from E. coli exhibited properties similar to that of human PLP
      phosphatase. B. mori has a single copy of the PLPP gene, which is located on 11th
      chromosome, spans a 5.7kb region and contains five exons and four introns. PLP
      phosphatase transcript was detected in every larva tissue except hemolymph, and
      was most highly represented in Malpighian tube. We further down-regulated the
      gene expression of the PLP phosphatase in 5th instar larvae with the RNA
      interference. However, no significant changes in the gene expression of PLP
      biosynthetic enzymes and composition of B6 vitamers were detected as compared
      with the control.

PMID- 28089884
TI  - Understanding natural scenes: Contributions of image statistics.
AB  - Visual processing of natural scenes is carried out in a hierarchical sequence of
      stages that involve the analysis of progressively more complex features of the
      visual input. Recent studies have suggested that the semantic content of natural
      stimuli (e.g., real world photos) can be categorized based on statistical
      regularities in their appearance, which can be detected early in the visual
      processing stream. Here we review the studies which have investigated the role of
      scene statistics in the perception of natural scenes, focusing on both basic
      visual processing and specific tasks (visual search, expert categorization,
      emotional picture viewing). Visual processing seems to be adapted to visual
      regularities in the visual input, such as the amplitude-frequency relationship.
      Moreover, scene statistics can aid performance in specific tasks such as
      distinguishing animals from artifactual scenes, possibly by modulating early
      visual processing stages.

PMID- 28089885
TI  - Variable Pulse Duration From a New Holmium:YAG Laser: The Effect on Stone
      Comminution, Fiber Tip Degradation, and Retropulsion in a Dusting Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To more clearly define the efficiency and potential benefits of
      variable pulse-width laser technology for ureteroscopic lithotripsy, we performed
      comparative in vitro evaluations assessing stone comminution, laser fiber tip
      degradation, and stone retropulsion. METHODS: All experiments were conducted
      using a Swiss LaserClast Holmium:YAG laser (Electro Medical Systems, Nyon,
      Switzerland) with adjustable pulse duration (300 us-1500 us). To assess
      comminution efficiency and fiber tip degradation, a "dusting" model was employed;
      the laser fiber tip was moved by a 3-dimensional positioning system in a spiral
      motion across a flat BegoStone surface submerged in water. Comminution efficiency
      was measured as the loss of stone mass while fiber tip degradation was measured
      simultaneously. The same laser and fiber were used in a pendulum model to measure
      stone retropulsion with a high-speed resolution camera. RESULTS: In our dusting
      model, comminution was significantly greater at high energy (2 J/5 Hz). At the
      high energy setting, comminution was significantly greater with long pulse
      duration than short pulse, although this difference was not seen at the high
      frequency setting (1 J/10 Hz). Tip degradation was increased at high energy
      settings and was even more pronounced with short pulse duration than long pulse.
      Short pulse duration caused far more retropulsion than the long pulse setting.
      CONCLUSION: In an in vitro dusting model, a longer laser pulse duration provides
      effective stone comminution with the advantage of reducing laser fiber tip
      degradation and stone retropulsion.

PMID- 28089886
TI  - Commentary on: Adjuvant Sunitinib in High-risk Renal-cell Carcinoma After
      Nephrectomy.

PMID- 28089887
TI  - Ureteral Stone Diameter on Computerized Tomography Coronal Reconstructions Is
      Clinically Important and Under-reported.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the maximum stone diameter of ureteral stones in the
      coronal plane to that of stones in the axial plane and to determine the clinical
      significance of the coronal diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective
      chart review was performed on patients seen in the clinic between September 2013
      and November 2015. Patients were included if they had a history of ureteral stone
      noted on computerized tomography (CT) performed with coronal reconstructions.
      Patients were excluded if they had multiple ureteral stones, a history of upper
      urinary tract abnormalities, a need for urgent intervention, or no follow-up.
      Management of the ureteral stone and pertinent medical history related to
      patients' stone disease, including stone diameter on axial and coronal CT
      imaging, were captured. Multivariate regression was performed to identify
      predictive factors for stone passage. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients met
      inclusion criteria. Fifty-four patients spontaneously passed stones and 96
      required surgery. The reading radiologist reported the stone measurement in the
      coronal dimension in 17% of the cases. In 75% of the cases, the coronal diameter
      was larger than the axial diameter by an average of 1.2 mm. On univariate
      analysis, stone passage was associated with axial diameter (P <.001), coronal
      diameter (P <.001), stone location (P = .001), age (P <.001), and medical
      expulsive therapy (P = .008). On multivariate analysis, only coronal diameter (P
      <.001), stone location (P = .01), and age (P = .03) remained significant factors
      associated with spontaneous passage. CONCLUSION: In the current series, only
      stone size as measured in the coronal diameter was associated with stone passage
      vs need for surgical intervention on multivariate analysis. We strongly recommend
      obtaining coronal reconstructions when CT is performed for ureteral stone to
      guide management decisions and appropriately counsel patients on the probability
      of stone passage.

PMID- 28089888
TI  - Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Short-term Treatment and Repeat Treatment of
      Nocturnal Enuresis Using an Enuresis Alarm.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-month enuresis alarm (EA)
      treatment and repeat EA treatment among pediatric patients with nocturnal
      enuresis, and to compare patient characteristics among "responders" and
      "nonresponders" to treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical outcomes were
      retrospectively evaluated for 137 children (94 boys and 43 girls, mean age, 10.1
      years). Effectiveness was evaluated after an initial 3-month treatment, using the
      International Children's Continence Society criteria. Among children in the no
      response group at 3 months, those who continued the EA treatment for >=4 months
      were subclassified into group 1, whereas children who repeated the EA treatment
      at an interval >=6 months were subclassified into group 2. RESULTS: Among our 137
      cases, 19 achieved complete response and 47 achieved partial response at 3
      months, for an overall treatment effectiveness rate of 48%. Among the no-response
      group, treatment was extended in 17 cases (group 1), with 3 (18%) achieving a
      successful outcome. Treatment was repeated in 18 cases (group 2). In group 2, 8
      (44%) achieved successful outcome at 3-month time point. Daytime urinary
      incontinence did not modify treatment effectiveness. CONCLUSION: EA treatment
      should be given for a short period of time and should not be continued without a
      definite purpose or clear response. Suspending and then repeating this treatment
      after an appropriate interval is effective for patients who do not respond to the
      initial course of treatment.

PMID- 28089889
TI  - MYC Drives Progression of Small Cell Lung Cancer to a Variant Neuroendocrine
      Subtype with Vulnerability to Aurora Kinase Inhibition.
AB  - Loss of the tumor suppressors RB1 and TP53 and MYC amplification are frequent
      oncogenic events in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We show that Myc expression
      cooperates with Rb1 and Trp53 loss in the mouse lung to promote aggressive,
      highly metastatic tumors, that are initially sensitive to chemotherapy followed
      by relapse, similar to human SCLC. Importantly, MYC drives a neuroendocrine-low
      "variant" subset of SCLC with high NEUROD1 expression corresponding to
      transcriptional profiles of human SCLC. Targeted drug screening reveals that SCLC
      with high MYC expression is vulnerable to Aurora kinase inhibition, which,
      combined with chemotherapy, strongly suppresses tumor progression and increases
      survival. These data identify molecular features for patient stratification and
      uncover a potential targeted treatment approach for MYC-driven SCLC.

PMID- 28089891
TI  - Which treatment for obstructive airway disease: The inhaled bronchodilators.

PMID- 28089890
TI  - Single-chromosome Gains Commonly Function as Tumor Suppressors.
AB  - Aneuploidy is a hallmark of cancer, although its effects on tumorigenesis are
      unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between aneuploidy and cancer
      development using cells engineered to harbor single extra chromosomes. We found
      that nearly all trisomic cell lines grew poorly in vitro and as xenografts,
      relative to genetically matched euploid cells. Moreover, the activation of
      several oncogenic pathways failed to alleviate the fitness defect induced by
      aneuploidy. However, following prolonged growth, trisomic cells acquired
      additional chromosomal alterations that were largely absent from their euploid
      counterparts and that correlated with improved fitness. Thus, while single
      chromosome gains can suppress transformation, the genome-destabilizing effects of
      aneuploidy confer an evolutionary flexibility that may contribute to the
      aggressive growth of advanced malignancies with complex karyotypes.

PMID- 28089892
TI  - Algerian propolis extracts: Chemical composition, bactericidal activity and in
      vitro effects on gilthead seabream innate immune responses.
AB  - Propolis has been used as a medicinal agent for centuries. The chemical
      composition of four propolis samples collected from four locations of the Setif
      region, Algeria, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was determined. More
      than 20 compounds and from 30 to 35 compounds were identified in the aqueous and
      ethanolic extracts, respectively. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the
      propolis extracts against two marine pathogenic bacteria was evaluated. Finally,
      the in vitro effects of propolis on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)
      leucocyte activities were measured. The bactericidal activity of ethanolic
      extracts was very high against Shewanella putrefaciens, average against
      Photobacterium damselae and very low against Vibrio harveyi. The lowest
      bactericidal activity was always that found for the aqueous extracts. When the
      viability of gilthead seabream head-kidney leucocytes was measured after 30 min'
      incubation with the different extracts, both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts
      of one of the propolis samples (from Babor) and the aqueous extract of another
      (from Ain-Abbassa) provoked a significant decrease in cell viability when used at
      concentrations of 100 and 200 MUg ml-1. Furthermore, significant inhibitory
      effects were recorded on leucocyte respiratory burst activity when isolated
      leucocytes where preincubated with the extracts. This effect was dose-dependent
      in all cases except when extracts from a third propolis sample (from Boutaleb)
      were used. Our findings suggest that some of Algerian propolis extracts have
      bactericidal activity against important bacterial pathogens in seabream and
      significantly modulate in vitro leucocyte activities, confirming their potential
      as a source of new natural biocides and/or immunomodulators in aquaculture
      practice.

PMID- 28089893
TI  - Proteomic characterization of the interactions between fish serum proteins and
      waterborne bacteria reveals the suppression of anti-oxidative defense as a serum
      mediated antimicrobial mechanism.
AB  - Fish blood is one of the crucial tissues of innate immune system, but the full
      repertoire of fish serum components involved in antibacterial defense is not
      fully identified. In this study, we demonstrated that turbot serum, but not the
      heat-inactivated control, significantly reduced the number of Edwardsiella tarda
      (E. tarda). By conjugating serum proteins with fluorescent dyes, we showed that
      E. tarda were coated with multiple fish proteins. In order to identify these
      proteins, we used E. tarda to capture turbot serum proteins and subjected the
      samples to shotgun proteomic analysis. A total of 76 fish proteins were
      identified in high confidence, including known antimicrobial proteins such as
      immunoglobins and complement components. 34 proteins with no previously known
      immunological functions were also identified. The expression of one of these
      proteins, IQ motif containing H (IQCH), was exclusively in fish brain and gonads
      and was induced during bacterial infection. This approach also allowed the study
      of the corresponding proteomic changes in E. tarda exposed to turbot serum, which
      is a general decrease of bacterial protein expression except for an upregulation
      of membrane components after serum treatment. Interestingly, while most other
      known stresses stimulate bacterial antioxidant enzymes, fish serum induced a
      rapid suppression of antioxidant proteins and led to an accumulation of reactive
      oxygen species. Heat treatment of fish serum eliminated this effect, suggesting
      that heat labile factors in the fish serum overrode bacterial antioxidant
      defenses. Taken together, this work offers a comprehensive view of the
      interactions between fish serum proteins and bacteria, and reveals previously
      unknown factors and mechanisms in fish innate immunity.

PMID- 28089894
TI  - Determining the cleavage site for the mature antimicrobial peptide of Nile
      tilapia beta-defensin using 2D electrophoresis, western blot, and mass
      spectrometry analysis.
AB  - Several proteomic techniques were used to determine the cleavage site of the
      mature antimicrobial peptide of Nile tilapia beta-defensin. The computer
      predicted Nile tilapia beta-defensin
      (25ASFPWSCLSLSGVCRKVCLPTELFFGPLGCGKGSLCCVSHFL66) composed of 42 amino acids was
      chemically synthesized and prepared to produce an antibody for Western blotting.
      Total proteins from the skin of the Nile tilapia were separated on two
      dimensional electrophoresis, and the spot of Nile tilapia beta-defensin was
      recognized using Western blot analysis. It was then excised and extracted from
      the gel. The precise molecular mass of this spot was determined by LC-MS/MS
      spectrometry. Four major peptides were discovered, with molecular weights of
      4293.2 Da, 4306.5 Da, 4678.9 Da, and 4715.0 Da. The calculated mass of the 40
      amino-acid sequence (27FPWSCLSLSGVCRKVCLPTELFFGPLGCGKGSLCCVSHFL66) of Nile
      tilapia beta-defensin starting from Phe27 and ending with Leu66 was 4293.18 Da,
      which completely matched the 4293.2 Da peptide that was obtained from the mass
      spectrometry analysis. This result confirmed that the cleavage site for the
      mature C-terminal Nile tilapia beta-defensin is at residue Ser26-Phe27, not at
      Ala24-25 as predicted by computer analysis. This study provides a simple but
      reliable model to determine the cleavage site for a mature antimicrobial peptide.

PMID- 28089895
TI  - Effects of fulvic acid on growth performance and intestinal health of juvenile
      loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus (Sauvage).
AB  - A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of dietary fulvic
      acid supplements on intestinal digestive activity (enzymatic analysis),
      antioxidant activity, immune enzyme activity and microflora composition of
      juvenile loach (initial weight of 6.2 +/- 0.1 g) reared in experimental aquaria.
      Five test diets containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2% fulvic acid were randomly
      assigned to three aquaria, respectively. Elevated growth performance including
      final weight, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion
      ratio (FCR) was observed in loaches that were fed fulvic acid. Maximal weight
      gain rates and specific growth rates occurred at the 1.5% additive level. The
      optimal dietary fulvic requirement for maximal growth of juvenile loach is 16.4 g
      per kg of the diet based on the quadratic regression analysis of specific growth
      rate against dietary fulvic acid levels. Furthermore, intestinal protease
      activity, antioxidant activity, lysozyme activity (LZM), complement 3 (C3)
      content, immunoglobulin M (IgM) content, acid phosphatase activity (ACP) and
      alkaline phosphatase activity (AKP) were significantly elevated with concomitant
      increasing levels of dietary fulvic acid. Following a deep sequencing analysis, a
      total of 42,058 valid reads and 609 OTUs (operational taxonomic units) obtained
      from the control group and the group displaying the most optimal growth rate were
      analyzed. Fulvic acid supplementation resulted in an abundance of Firmicute and
      Actinobacteria sequences, with a concomitant reduction in the abundance of
      Proteobacteria. Results indicated that fulvic acid supplementation resulted in a
      reduction in the relative abundance of Serratia, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas and
      Edwardsiella, and a relative increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus in the
      intestine. In conclusion, these results suggest that fulvic acid improves growth
      performance and intestinal health condition of loach, indicates that fulvic acid
      could be used as an immunoenhancer in loach culture.

PMID- 28089896
TI  - Characterization and expression analysis of a chitinase gene (PmChi-4) from black
      tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) under pathogen infection and ambient ammonia
      nitrogen stress.
AB  - Chitinase is a multi-gene family, which play important physiological roles in
      crustaceans, involved in several biological processes, including digestion,
      molting and defense against viruses. In the present study, a chitinase-4 gene
      (PmChi-4) was cloned from Penaeus monodon by rapid amplification of cDNA ends
      (RACE). The full length of PmChi-4 cDNA was 2178 bp, including an 1815 bp open
      reading frame (ORF) which encoded 604 amino acid residues. The predicted PmChi-4
      protein was 67.7 kDa and shared 61%-88% identity with the type of Chi-4s from
      other crustaceans. Quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) analysis indicated that PmChi
      4 was expressed ubiquitously with the high expression level in hepatopancreas.
      PmChi-4 was expressed throughout the whole larvae stages, and the highest level
      of PmChi-4 transcripts was detected at Mysis3 stage, which indicated that PmChi-4
      may be involved in larval metamorphosis. In order to know whether PmChi-4 was
      related to the immune response of shrimp, Streptococcus agalactiae and Vibrio
      harveyi were chosen to challenge the shrimp, PmChi-4 transcripts were
      significantly increased and reached to the maximum at 6 h in hepatopancreas and
      at 12 h in gill, respectively. The results suggested that PmChi-4 participated in
      the immune defenses to pathogen infection. Besides, the ammonia nitrogen stress
      treatment was also carried out, PmChi-4 transcripts were significantly decreased
      in hepatopancreas and gill and the result showed that PmChi-4 may be involved in
      ammonia nitrogen stress in P. monodon. Overall, our present study lay a
      foundation for further research into the biological function and regulation of
      chitinase in P. monodon.

PMID- 28089897
TI  - Crustacean hyperglycemic hormones directly modulate the immune response of
      hemocytes in shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.
AB  - A robust immune response against invading pathogens is crucial for host to
      survive, which depends greatly on the well balance of metabolism. Increasing
      evidence has indicated that some metabolic hormones, such as insulin, could
      modulate immune responses directly. Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) family
      is a group of ecdysozoans-specific peptide hormone involved in glucose metabolism
      and other biological events. In the present study, two members of CHH family
      (designated as LvCHH I and LvCHH II) in shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei with one and
      two crustacean neurohormone domains respectively were chosen to investigate their
      putative modulatory roles in both glucose metabolism and immune response. LvCHH I
      and LvCHH II were both expressed in the sinus gland and lamina ganglionalis of
      eyestalks and were significantly induced after white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)
      infection. Meanwhile, significant increases of hemolymph glucose levels were
      observed in shrimp at 12 and 24 h after WSSV infection while the glucose inside
      the hemocytes decreased at 6 h and then increased at 12 h. Gain-of-function of
      rLvCHHs was subsequently conducted in vivo by injecting the recombinant proteins
      (rLvCHH I and rLvCHH II). The hemolymph glucose increased significantly from 0.5
      h to 3 h after the shrimps received an injection of rLvCHH I, while it decreased
      at 0.5 h and increased afterward at 3 h post rLvCHH II injection. At the
      meantime, significant decreases of reactive oxygen species level in hemocytes
      were observed at 3 h and 6 h post rLvCHH I injection, while it remained unchanged
      in rLvCHH II injection group. rLvCHH I and rLvCHH II could bind to the
      cytomembrane of primary shrimp hemocytes in vitro, and the expressions of
      superoxide dismutase and LvRelish increased when the hemocytes were incubated
      with rLvCHH I for 3 h. Meanwhile, the expression of antimicrobial peptides,
      crustin and penaeidin-4, were also induced by rLvCHH I and rLvCHH II. These
      results demonstrated that host immune response, in addition to glucose
      metabolism, could be directly modulated by LvCHH family, and the present study
      provided new insights into the immunomodulation role of metabolic hormones in
      invertebrate.

PMID- 28089898
TI  - Exercise Guidelines to Promote Cardiometabolic Health in Spinal Cord Injured
      Humans: Time to Raise the Intensity?
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing event that, as a result of paralysis,
      negatively influences habitual levels of physical activity and hence
      cardiometabolic health. Performing regular structured exercise therefore appears
      extremely important in persons with SCI. However, exercise options are mainly
      limited to the upper body, which involves a smaller activated muscle mass
      compared with the mainly leg-based activities commonly performed by nondisabled
      individuals. Current exercise guidelines for SCI focus predominantly on relative
      short durations of moderate-intensity aerobic upper-body exercise, yet
      contemporary evidence suggests this is not sufficient to induce meaningful
      improvements in risk factors for the prevention of cardiometabolic disease in
      this population. As such, these guidelines and their physiological basis require
      reappraisal. In this special communication, we propose that high-intensity
      interval training (HIIT) may be a viable alternative exercise strategy to promote
      vigorous-intensity exercise and prevent cardiometabolic disease in persons with
      SCI. Supplementing the limited data from SCI cohorts with consistent findings
      from studies in nondisabled populations, we present strong evidence to suggest
      that HIIT is superior to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for improving
      cardiorespiratory fitness, insulin sensitivity, and vascular function. The
      potential application and safety of HIIT in this population is also discussed. We
      conclude that increasing exercise intensity could offer a simple, readily
      available, time-efficient solution to improve cardiometabolic health in persons
      with SCI. We call for high-quality randomized controlled trials to examine the
      efficacy and safety of HIIT in this population.

PMID- 28089899
TI  - Progression, incidence, and risk factors for intervertebral disc degeneration in
      a longitudinal population-based cohort: the Wakayama Spine Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the progression, incidence, and risk
      factors for intervertebral disc degeneration (DD) throughout the lumbar spine
      using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a large population-based cohort.
      METHODS: We followed up 617 subjects for more than 4 years as part of the
      Wakayama Spine Study. 1) "Progression of DD" in each of the entire, upper (L1/2
      to L3/4) and lower (L4/5 and L5/S1) lumbar spine was defined as Pfirrmann grade
      progression at follow-up in at least one disc in the affected region. 2)
      "Incidence of DD" in each of these regions was defined if all discs were grade 3
      or lower (white disc) at baseline, and at least one disc had progressed to grade
      4 or higher (black disc) at follow-up. Logistic regression analyses were used to
      determine the risk factors for progression and incidence of DD. RESULTS: DD
      progression and incidence in the entire lumbar spine were 52.0% and 31.6% in men,
      and 60.4% and 44.7% in women, respectively. Women was associated with DD
      progression in the upper lumbar spine (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 1.18-2.42). Aging was associated with the incidence of DD in each
      region (entire: OR = 1.14, CI = 1.06-1.14; upper: OR = 1.10, CI = 1.05-1.15;
      lower: OR = 1.11, CI = 1.05-1.19). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was associated with the
      incidence of DD in the upper lumbar spine (OR = 6.83, CI = 1.07-133.7).
      CONCLUSION: This 4-year longitudinal study is the first to demonstrate DD
      progression and incidence in the lumbar spine and their risk factors in a large
      population-based cohort.

PMID- 28089900
TI  - The rs4238326 polymorphism in ALDH1A2 gene potentially associated with non-post
      traumatic knee osteoarthritis susceptibility: a two-stage population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A recent genome-wide association study reported significant
      associations of genetic variants within the ALDH1A2 gene with osteoarthritis (OA)
      of the hand in European populations. However, these findings have not been well
      generalized to other joints, or to other populations. METHODS: We performed a two
      stage population-based case-control study including 196 non-post traumatic knee
      OA cases and 442 controls in the first stage and independent 143 non-post
      traumatic knee OA cases and 238 controls in the second stage in a Chinese
      population by genotyping eight tagging polymorphisms in ALDH1A2. RESULTS: In the
      first stage, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4238326 was found to be
      potentially associated with knee OA risk (additive model: odds ratio [OR] = 0.70;
      95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.49-1.01; P = 0.055), which was further
      confirmed in the second stage with similar effect (additive model: OR = 0.60; 95%
      CI = 0.38-0.95; P = 0.029). After combining the two stages, we found that the
      variant C allele of rs4238326 was probably associated with decreased risk of knee
      OA (additive model: OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.49-0.86; P = 0.003). Furthermore,
      interaction analyses showed that rs4238326 interacted multiplicatively with age
      to contribute to knee OA risk (interaction P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings indicate that the SNP rs4238326 in ALDH1A2 gene may potentially modify
      individual susceptibility to knee OA in the Chinese population. Beyond that,
      further studies are warranted to validate and extend our findings, and future
      functional studies are required to clarify the possible mechanisms.

PMID- 28089901
TI  - Over expression of proteins that alter the intracellular signaling pathways in
      the cytoplasm of the liver cells forming Mallory-Denk bodies.
AB  - In this study, liver biopsy sections fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin
      (FFPE) from patients with alcoholic hepatitis (AH) were used. The results showed
      that the expression of the SYK protein was up regulated by RNA-seq and real time
      PCR analyses in the alcoholic hepatitis patients compared to controls. The
      results were supported by using the IHC fluorescent antibody staining intensity
      morphometric quantitation. Morphometric quantification of fluorescent intensity
      measurement showed a two fold increase in SYK protein in the cytoplasm of the
      cells forming MDBs compared to surrounding normal hepatocytes. The expression of
      AKT1 was also analyzed. AKT1 is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase that
      plays a key role in multiple cellular processes such as glucose metabolism,
      apoptosis, cell proliferation, transcription and cell migration. The AKT protein
      was also increased in hepatocyte balloon cells forming MDBs. This observation
      demonstrates the role of SYK and its subsequent effect on the internal signaling
      pathways such as PI3K/AKT as well as p70S6K, as a potential multifunctional
      target in protein quality control mechanisms of hepatocytes when ER stress is
      activated.

PMID- 28089902
TI  - Olmesartan with azelnidipine versus with trichlormethiazide on home blood
      pressure variability in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of olmesartan combined
      with azelnidipine versus olmesartan combined with trichlormethiazide, on home
      blood pressure (BP) and pressure variability in type II diabetes mellitus
      patients using home BP telemonitoring system. We performed an open-label cross
      over pilot study of 28 patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Patients received
      combination treatment with either olmesartan 20 mg plus azelnidipine 16 mg or
      olmesartan 20 mg plus trichlormethiazide 1 mg for more than 6 weeks each in a
      cross-over method. The coefficient of morning systolic BP variability in the
      olmesartan plus azelnidipine group was significantly lower than that in the
      olmesartan plus trichlormethiazide group (6.4 +/- 1.9 vs. 7.5 +/- 2.6, P = .004).
      There were no significant differences in mean morning systolic BP between the two
      groups. Using home BP telemonitoring for hypertensive patients with type II
      diabetes, this study revealed for the first time that the olmesartan with
      azelnidipine combination is superior to the olmesartan with trichlormethiazide
      combination in reducing home BP variability.

PMID- 28089903
TI  - Advances in MR angiography with 7T MRI: From microvascular imaging to functional
      angiography.
AB  - Over the past few decades, vascular flow-dependent imaging techniques have proven
      to be effective for the visualization of large vessel diseases. However, these
      approaches are unlikely to be efficacious for small vessels because the affected
      small vessels cannot always be visualized directly, owing to a lack of detection
      sensitivity. Recently, many researchers have introduced state-of-the-art imaging
      techniques to visualize cerebral microvessels using ultra-high-field (UHF)
      magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). They have demonstrated the superiority of
      UHF MRA, especially for visualization of the microvasculature compared with
      clinical MRA images using 1.5T or 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thus, UHF
      MRA may become an important investigative tool for research, facilitating
      examinations of vascular mechanisms for small vessel diseases and contributing to
      the early detection of cerebrovascular diseases in clinics. Furthermore, new
      imaging methods for visualizing vascular dynamics or flow effects may help
      investigate brain functions, especially in conjunction with blood oxygenation
      level-dependent contrast functional MRI modalities, as well as situations in
      which small vessel abnormalities are clinically important. The present article
      reviews recent technological advances in UHF MRA, especially 7T MRA, and
      discusses the potential benefits and future directions of UHF MRA.

PMID- 28089904
TI  - Retuning brain circuitry to treat mental illness: The role of functional
      neuroimaging. Commentary for the special issue: Mechanisms of change.

PMID- 28089905
TI  - Nudix-type motif 2 contributes to cancer proliferation through the regulation of
      Rag GTPase-mediated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 localization.
AB  - Lysosomal localization of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a
      critical step for activation of the molecule. Rag GTPases are essential for this
      translocation. Here, we demonstrate that Nudix-type motif 2 (NUDT2) is a novel
      positive regulator of mTORC1 activation. Activation of mTORC1 is impaired in
      NUDT2-silenced cells. Mechanistically, NUDT2 binds to Rag GTPase and controls
      mTORC1 translocation to the lysosomal membrane. Furthermore, NUDT2-dependent
      mTORC1 regulation is critical for proliferation of breast cancer cells, as NUDT2
      silenced cells arrest in G0/G1 phases. Taken together, these results show that
      NUDT2 is a novel complex formation enhancing factor regulating mTORC1-Rag GTPase
      signaling that is crucial for cell growth control.

PMID- 28089906
TI  - Adenosine signaling in diabetes mellitus and associated cardiovascular and renal
      complications.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is characterized by abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, and
      subsequent hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, which results from defects in
      pancreatic islet beta-cells insulin secretion and/or decreased insulin
      sensitivity in metabolically active organs (i.e. liver, skeletal muscle and
      adipose tissue). Accumulating evidence highlights a critical role for the
      adenosine system in the regulation of insulin and glucose homeostasis and the
      pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Adenosine is a key diverse
      extracellular signaling molecule that regulates several aspects of tissue
      function by activating four G-protein-coupled receptors (i.e. A1, A2A, A2B and A3
      receptors). Moreover, adenosine receptor signaling plays a critical role in
      inflammation, immune system, and oxidative stress, factors that are also
      important in metabolic disorders. This review discusses the role of the adenosine
      receptor system in the development or progression of diabetes mellitus, with
      specific focus on T2D, and associated complications linked to the cardiovascular
      and renal systems.

PMID- 28089907
TI  - Adenosine and preeclampsia.
AB  - Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside with pleiotropic effects in different
      physiological processes including circulation, renal blood flow, immune function,
      or glucose homeostasis. Changes in adenosine membrane transporters, adenosine
      receptors, and corresponding intracellular signalling network associate with
      development of pathologies of pregnancy, including preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is
      a cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality affecting 3-5% of
      pregnancies. Since the proposed mechanisms of preeclampsia development include
      adenosine-dependent biological effects, adenosine membrane transporters and
      receptors, and the associated signalling mechanisms might play a role in the
      pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia associates with increased adenosine
      concentration in the maternal blood and placental tissue, likely due to local
      hypoxia and ischemia (although not directly demonstrated), microthrombosis,
      increased catecholamine release, and platelet activation. In addition, abnormal
      expression and function of equilibrative nucleoside transporters is described in
      foetoplacental tissues from preeclampsia; however, the role of adenosine
      receptors in the aetiology of this disease is not well understood. Adenosine
      receptors activation may be related to abnormal trophoblast invasion,
      angiogenesis, and ischemia/reperfusion mechanisms in the placenta from
      preeclampsia. These mechanisms may explain only a low fraction of the associated
      abnormal transformation of spiral arteries in preeclampsia, triggering cellular
      stress and inflammatory mediators release from the placenta to the maternal
      circulation. Although increased adenosine concentration in preeclampsia may be a
      compensatory or adaptive mechanism favouring placental angiogenesis, a poor
      angiogenic state is found in preeclampsia. Thus, preeclampsia-associated
      complications might affect the cell response to adenosine due to altered
      expression and activity of adenosine receptors, membrane transporters, or cell
      signalling mechanisms. This review summarizes the evidence available on the
      potential involvement of the adenosine in the clinical, pathophysiology, and
      therapeutic features of preeclampsia.

PMID- 28089908
TI  - Human AML-iPSCs Reacquire Leukemic Properties after Differentiation and Model
      Clonal Variation of Disease.
AB  - Understanding the relative contributions of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities
      to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) should assist integrated design of targeted
      therapies. In this study, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
      from AML patient samples harboring MLL rearrangements and found that they
      retained leukemic mutations but reset leukemic DNA methylation/gene expression
      patterns. AML-iPSCs lacked leukemic potential, but when differentiated into
      hematopoietic cells, they reacquired the ability to give rise to leukemia in vivo
      and reestablished leukemic DNA methylation/gene expression patterns, including an
      aberrant MLL signature. Epigenetic reprogramming was therefore not sufficient to
      eliminate leukemic behavior. This approach also allowed us to study the
      properties of distinct AML subclones, including differential drug
      susceptibilities of KRAS mutant and wild-type cells, and predict relapse based on
      increased cytarabine resistance of a KRAS wild-type subclone. Overall, our
      findings illustrate the value of AML-iPSCs for investigating the mechanistic
      basis and clonal properties of human AML.

PMID- 28089909
TI  - Immunosuppression via Loss of IL2rgamma Enhances Long-Term Functional Integration
      of hESC-Derived Photoreceptors in the Mouse Retina.
AB  - Loss of photoreceptors is a common endpoint in degenerative retinal diseases.
      Human pluripotent stem cells provide a potential source for photoreceptor
      replacement, but, even in mouse models, the efficiency and efficacy of
      transplantation-based repair remains poor. In this study, we examined the degree
      to which immune rejection contributes to these disappointing outcomes using an
      immunodeficient IL2 receptor gamma (IL2rgamma)-null mouse model. Our results show
      that prevention of cell rejection in the normal and degenerating retinal
      environment significantly improves long-term survival and integration of hESC
      derived donor retinal cells. Transplanted cells are able to differentiate into
      mature photoreceptors expressing various opsins and can functionally integrate
      into congenitally blind mice. Our work suggests that even though the retina is
      often considered immune-privileged, suppression of host immune-mediated cell
      rejection may well be a useful approach for improving long-term integration of
      transplanted cells with a view to successful clinical outcomes.

PMID- 28089912
TI  - Hiding clinical information in medical images: A new high capacity and reversible
      data hiding technique.
AB  - A new high capacity and reversible data hiding scheme for e-healthcare
      applications has been presented in this paper. Pixel to Block (PTB) conversion
      technique has been used as an effective and computationally efficient alternative
      to interpolation for the cover image generation to ensure reversibility of
      medical images. A fragile watermark and Block Checksum (computed for each 4*4
      block) have been embedded in the cover image for facilitating tamper detection
      and tamper localization, and hence content authentication at receiver. The EPR,
      watermark data and checksum data has been embedded using Intermediate Significant
      Bit Substitution (ISBS) to avoid commonly used LSB removal/replacement attack.
      Non-linear dynamics of chaos have been put to use for encrypting the Electronic
      Patient Record (EPR)/clinical data and watermark data for improving the security
      of data embedded. The scheme has been evaluated for perceptual imperceptibility
      and tamper detection capability by subjecting it to various image processing and
      geometric attacks. Experimental results reveal that the proposed system besides
      being completely reversible is capable of providing high quality watermarked
      images for fairly high payload. Further, it has been observed that the proposed
      technique is able to detect and localise the tamper. A comparison of the observed
      results with that of some state-of-art schemes show that our scheme performs
      better.

PMID- 28089911
TI  - Atypical composition and structure of the mitochondrial dimeric ATP synthase from
      Euglena gracilis.
AB  - Mitochondrial respiratory-chain complexes from Euglenozoa comprise classical
      subunits described in other eukaryotes (i.e. mammals and fungi) and subunits that
      are restricted to Euglenozoa (e.g. Euglena gracilis and Trypanosoma brucei). Here
      we studied the mitochondrial F1FO-ATP synthase (or Complex V) from the
      photosynthetic eukaryote E. gracilis in detail. The enzyme was purified by a two
      step chromatographic procedure and its subunit composition was resolved by a
      three-dimensional gel electrophoresis (BN/SDS/SDS). Twenty-two different subunits
      were identified by mass-spectrometry analyses among which the canonical alpha,
      beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, and OSCP subunits, and at least seven subunits
      previously found in Trypanosoma. The ADP/ATP carrier was also associated to the
      ATP synthase into a dimeric ATP synthasome. Single-particle analysis by
      transmission electron microscopy of the dimeric ATP synthase indicated that the
      structures of both the catalytic and central rotor parts are conserved while
      other structural features are original. These new features include a large
      membrane-spanning region joining the monomers, an external peripheral stalk and a
      structure that goes through the membrane and reaches the inter membrane space
      below the c-ring, the latter having not been reported for any mitochondrial F
      ATPase.

PMID- 28089910
TI  - Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells Evade Innate Immune Suppression of Self-Renewal
      through Reduced TLR4 Expression.
AB  - Tumors contain hostile inflammatory signals generated by aberrant proliferation,
      necrosis, and hypoxia. These signals are sensed and acted upon acutely by the
      Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to halt proliferation and activate an immune response.
      Despite the presence of TLR ligands within the microenvironment, tumors progress,
      and the mechanisms that permit this growth remain largely unknown. We report that
      self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) in glioblastoma have low TLR4 expression
      that allows them to survive by disregarding inflammatory signals. Non-CSCs
      express high levels of TLR4 and respond to ligands. TLR4 signaling suppresses CSC
      properties by reducing retinoblastoma binding protein 5 (RBBP5), which is
      elevated in CSCs. RBBP5 activates core stem cell transcription factors, is
      necessary and sufficient for self-renewal, and is suppressed by TLR4
      overexpression in CSCs. Our findings provide a mechanism through which CSCs
      persist in hostile environments because of an inability to respond to
      inflammatory signals.

PMID- 28089913
TI  - Physicians' perception of alternative displays of clinical research evidence for
      clinical decision support - A study with case vignettes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To design alternate information displays that present summaries of
      clinical trial results to clinicians to support decision-making; and to compare
      the displays according to efficacy and acceptability. METHODS: A 6-between
      (information display presentation order) by 3-within (display type) factorial
      design. Two alternate displays were designed based on Information Foraging
      theory: a narrative summary that reduces the content to a few sentences; and a
      table format that structures the display according to the PICO (Population,
      Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework. The designs were compared with the
      summary display format available in PubMed. Physicians were asked to review five
      clinical studies retrieved for a case vignette; and were presented with the three
      display formats. Participants were asked to rate their experience with each of
      the information displays according to a Likert scale questionnaire. RESULTS:
      Twenty physicians completed the study. Overall, participants rated the table
      display more highly than either the text summary or PubMed's summary format
      (5.9vs. 5.4vs. 3.9 on a scale between 1 [strongly disagree] and 7 [strongly
      agree]). Usefulness ratings of seven pieces of information, i.e. patient
      population, patient age range, sample size, study arm, primary outcome, results
      of primary outcome, and conclusion, were high (average across all items=4.71 on a
      1 to 5 scale, with 1=not at all useful and 5=very useful). Study arm, primary
      outcome, and conclusion scored the highest (4.9, 4.85, and 4.85 respectively).
      Participants suggested additional details such as rate of adverse effects.
      CONCLUSION: The table format reduced physicians' perceived cognitive effort when
      quickly reviewing clinical trial information and was more favorably received by
      physicians than the narrative summary or PubMed's summary format display.

PMID- 28089914
TI  - Arachidonic acid with taurine enhances pulmonary absorption of macromolecules
      without any serious histopathological damages.
AB  - Therapeutic peptides and protein are being used in several indications; however,
      their poor permeability still remains to be solved. This study focused on the
      pulmonary route of macromolecules. First, the effects of arachidonic acid (AA) as
      an absorption enhancer on drug serum concentration, after intratracheal
      administration, were investigated in rats. Second, the safety of AA was assessed
      in rats in an acute toxicity study for 7days. AA enhanced the exposure of both
      interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and fluorescein isothiocyanate 4000 (FD-4). In
      addition, the histopathological analysis indicated that AA caused alveolitis and
      bronchitis in rats. In combination with Taurine (Tau), these lung injuries were
      prevented through the histopathological analysis. The combined use of Tau with AA
      did not show any changes in the pharmacokinetics of FD-4. From these results, we
      suggest the combined use of AA with Tau as a novel formulation on the pulmonary
      route of macromolecule drugs. This formulation could improve the bioavailability
      of macromolecule drugs without any serious local damage to the lungs.

PMID- 28089915
TI  - Dendrimers as nanocarriers for nucleoside analogues.
AB  - Dendrimers constitute a class of hyperbranched macromolecules with several
      potential applications due to their unique properties such as a well-defined
      structure, multivalency and biocompatibility. These polymers became one of the
      most promising drug nanocarriers, providing improved solubility of therapeutics,
      high loading capacity and controllable biodistribution pattern. In addition, the
      use of dendrimers as drug delivery devices in cancer therapies may help to
      overcome the resistance mechanisms by transporting activated drug molecules
      directly to cancer cells. In the recent years, dendrimers were intensively
      studied for delivery of nucleoside analogues (NAs), essential elements of
      antiviral therapies, as well as treatments of leukemia, lymphoma and various
      types of solid tumors. These agents act as antimetabolites, competing with
      physiological nucleosides, and interacting with intracellular enzymes and nuclear
      acids to induce cytotoxicity. However, efficiency of NAs-based therapies is often
      limited by factors like fast metabolism, disadvantageous biodistribution, low
      solubility and various side effects. In case of treatment of leukemia, target
      cells usually develop drug resistance, which reduces the activity of nucleoside
      analogues even further. Thus, drug carrier systems are studied to improve the
      efficacy and specificity of action of these compounds. In this review, we
      summarize available data concerning the possibility of application of dendrimers
      as delivery devices for nucleoside analogues and their active, triphosphate
      forms.

PMID- 28089916
TI  - Stable curcumin-loaded polymeric micellar formulation for enhancing cellular
      uptake and cytotoxicity to FLT3 overexpressing EoL-1 leukemic cells.
AB  - The present study aims to develop a stable polymeric micellar formulation of
      curcumin (CM) with improved solubility and stability, and that is suitable for
      clinical applications in leukemia patients. CM-loaded polymeric micelles (CM
      micelles) were prepared using poloxamers. The chemical structure of the polymers
      influenced micellar properties. The best formulation of CM-micelles, namely CM
      P407, was obtained from poloxamer 407 at drug to polymer ratio of 1:30 and
      rehydrated with phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4. CM-P407 exhibited the smallest
      size of 30.3+/-1.3nm and highest entrapment efficiency of 88.4+/-4.1%. When
      stored at -80 degrees C for 60days, CM-P407 retained high protection of CM and
      had no significant size change. In comparison with CM solution in dimethyl
      sulfoxide (CM-DMSO), CM kinetic degradation in both formulations followed a
      pseudo-first-order reaction, but the half-life of CM in CM-P407 was approx. 200
      times longer than in CM-DMSO. Regarding the activity against FLT3 overexpressing
      EoL-1 leukemic cells, CM-P407 showed higher cytotoxicity than CM-DMSO. Moreover,
      intracellular uptake to leukemic cells of CM-P407 was 2-3 times greater than that
      of CM-DMSO. These promising results for CM-P407 will be further investigated in
      rodents and in clinical studies for leukemia treatment.

PMID- 28089918
TI  - Cardiovascular and respiratory activity of PK20, opioid and neurotensin hybrid
      peptide in anesthetized and awake rats.
AB  - AIM: Chimeric compound - PK20 despite its therapeutic activity on nociceptive and
      inflammatory processes may affect respiration and blood pressure. Our objective
      was to evaluate influence of the hybrid composed of endomorphin-2 and neurotensin
      fragments on ventilation, heart rate and blood pressure in anesthetized and awake
      rats. METHODS: The effects of PK20 (1mg/kg) were studied either after its
      intravenous administration in anesthetized rats or intraperitoneal injection in
      awake state. Tidal volume and the timing components of the breathing pattern,
      arterial blood pressure, and heart rate were recorded. RESULTS: Intravenous
      administration of PK20 in the neurally intact rats evoked a dose-dependent apnoea
      followed by a transient insignificant increase in tidal volume and breathing
      rate. The blood pressure changes were biphasic: transient increase was replaced
      by prolonged hypotension. Midcervical vagotomy abrogated all post-PK20
      respiratory effects. Hypotension was eliminated after blockade of neurotensin
      NTS1 receptor, while respiratory changes were reduced by blockade of both: NTS1
      and MU opioid receptors. After PK20 intraperitoneal injection awake rats did not
      show any significant changes in ventilation and blood pressure. CONCLUSION: This
      chimeric peptide should be used with care via intravenous administration in
      anesthetized animals since PK20 may evoke respiratory apnoea and hypotension.
      Nevertheless, applied intraperitoneally in the same dose in conscious rats
      induced no adverse effects.

PMID- 28089917
TI  - microRNAs and DICER1 are regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in prostate stroma.
AB  - Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of lethal prostate adenocarcinomas (PCa)
      and the majority of older men are deficient. Although PCa arises from the
      epithelium, the surrounding stroma has hormonal regulatory control over the
      epithelium and contributes to carcinogenesis. Herein, we describe regulation of
      microRNAs (miRs) by the active hormone dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) in human
      prostate stroma. 1,25(OH)2D binds the vitamin D receptor (VDR) transcription
      factor to regulate gene expression, including miRs, which have emerged as potent
      regulators of protein expression. 1,25(OH)2D-regulated miRs were identified by
      profiling in primary human prostatic stromal cells (PrS) and three miRs, miR-126
      3p, miR 154-5p and miR-21-5p were subsequently validated in laser-capture micro
      dissected prostate stromal tissue from a vitamin D3 clinical trial (N=45).
      Regulation of these miRs by 1,25(OH)2D was VDR-dependent. Network analysis of
      known and putative mRNA targets of these miRs was enriched with cancer and
      inflammation pathways, consistent with known roles of stroma and of vitamin D in
      carcinogenesis. Expression of the miR processing ribonuclease, DICER1, positively
      correlated with vitamin D metabolite levels in the clinical trial specimens. High
      epithelial/stromal ratios of DICER1 were significantly associated biochemical
      recurrence (OR 3.1, p=0.03) in a tissue microarray of 170 matched PCa patients.
      In summary, these results underscore the role of the prostate stroma in
      regulating responses to the hormone 1,25(OH)2D and identified miRs and DICER1 as
      being regulated in human prostate stroma. Regulation of stromal DICER1 by
      1,25(OH)2D may also have clinical relevance in protection against aggressive PCa.

PMID- 28089919
TI  - An orally active geranyl acetophenone attenuates airway remodeling in a murine
      model of chronic asthma.
AB  - 2,4,6-Trihydroxy-3-geranyl acetophenone (tHGA) is a synthetic compound that is
      naturally found in Melicope ptelefolia. We had previously demonstrated that
      parenteral administration of tHGA reduces pulmonary inflammation in OVA
      sensitized mice. In this study, we evaluated the effect of orally administered
      tHGA upon airway remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma. Female BALB/C
      mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with ovalbumin (OVA) on day 0, 7 and 14,
      followed by aerosolized 1% OVA 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Control groups were
      sensitized with saline. OVA sensitized animals were either treated orally with
      vehicle (saline with 1% DMSO and Tween 80), tHGA (80, 40, 20mg/kg) or zileuton
      (30mg/kg) 1h prior to each aerosolized OVA sensitization. On day 61, mice
      underwent methacholine challenge to determine airway hyperresponsiveness prior to
      collection of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung samples. BAL fluid
      inflammatory cell counts and cytokine concentrations were evaluated while
      histological analysis and extracellular matrix protein concentrations were
      determined on collected lung samples. Oral tHGA treatment attenuated airway
      hyperresponsiveness and inhibited airway remodeling in a dose-dependent fashion.
      tHGA's effect on airway remodeling could be attributed to the reduction of
      inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased expression of cytokines associated
      with airway remodeling. Oral administration of tHGA attenuates airway
      hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in OVA-induced BALB/c mice. tHGA is an
      interesting compound that should be evaluated further for its possible role as an
      alternative non-steroidal pharmacological approach in the management of asthma.

PMID- 28089920
TI  - G-protein coupled estrogen receptor-mediated non-genomic facilitatory effect of
      estrogen on cooling-induced reduction of skin blood flow in mice.
AB  - An enhanced vasoconstrictor activity of cutaneous arteries participates in the
      reduction of skin blood flow induced by cooling stimulation. Raynaud's
      phenomenon, which is characterized by intense cooling-induced constriction of
      cutaneous arteries, is more common in women during the period from menarche to
      menopause. We thus investigated the effect of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on cooling
      induced reduction of plantar skin blood flow (PSBF) in mouse in vivo.
      Ovariectomized female ddY mice, anaesthetized with pentobarbital, were treated
      with tetrodotoxin for eliminating the sympathetic nerve tone and artificially
      ventilated. The PSBF was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. Cooling air
      temperature around the foot from 25 to 20, 15, or 10 degrees C decreased the PSBF
      in a temperature-dependent manner, which was suppressed by the specific alpha2C
      adrenoceptor antagonist MK-912. When E2 was intravenously administered as a bolus
      followed by a constant infusion for 10min just before the cooling stimulation,
      the cooling-induced reduction of PSBF was facilitated by E2 in a dose-dependent
      manner. The facilitatory effect of E2 was not induced after the treatment with MK
      912. Similar facilitatory effect was induced by an intravenous application of G
      1, an agonist of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER, also termed GPR30).
      Moreover, the facilitatory effect of E2 was abolished by the GPER antagonist G15.
      These results suggest that acute administration of E2 leads to the facilitation
      of cooling-induced, alpha2C-adrenoceptor-mediated reduction of skin blood flow
      via the activation of the non-genomic estrogen receptor GPER.

PMID- 28089921
TI  - Penehyclidine hydrochloride prevents anoxia/reoxygenation injury and induces H9c2
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway.
AB  - Penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) is an anticholinergic drug that has been widely
      used in the clinic for years, evaluating for anesthetic premedication, anti
      muscarinic, or improving microcirculation. However, very little is known about
      its protective effects against anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injury in
      myocardiocytes. The aim of our study was to investigate the protective effects of
      PHC pretreatment on A/R injury, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved. To
      investigate apoptosis, we used the cell viability assay, Annexin-V/PI assay, and
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activity measurements.
      Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonaldehyde
      (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and mitochondrial membrane potential were also
      measured. To analyze the molecular mechanisms, mitochondrial permeability
      transition pore (MPTP) activity and mRNA expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome C
      (Cyt-C), caspase-3, and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) were assessed.
      Pretreatment with PHC significantly increased cell viability and decreased the
      percentage of apoptotic cells, as well as LDH and CK activity, which was
      accompanied by a reduction in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, ROS, and MDA, as
      well as an increase in SOD levels. PHC pretreatment also restored mitochondrial
      membrane potential. Moreover, pre-incubation with PHC significantly attenuated
      MPTP activity and mRNA expressions of Bax, Cyt-C, caspase-3, and VDAC. Our
      results showed that PHC pretreatment protected H9c2 cells against A/R injury by
      modulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

PMID- 28089922
TI  - X-linked elliptocytosis with impaired growth is related to mutated AMMECR1.
AB  - In this study, we report a family with X-linked recessive syndrome caused by
      mutated AMMECR1 and characterized by elliptocytosis with or without anemia,
      midface hypoplasia, proportionate short stature and hearing loss. Recently,
      mutations in AMMECR1 were reported in two maternal half-brothers, presenting with
      nephrocalcinosis, midface hypoplasia and, in one of the siblings, deafness and
      elliptocytosis. AMMECR1 gene is localized in the critical region of contiguous
      deletion syndrome on Xq22.3 implicated in Alport syndrome, mental retardation,
      midface hypoplasia, and elliptocytosis (AMME complex). Interestingly, alternative
      splicing of exon 2, the same exon harboring the truncating mutation, was observed
      in the proband and in his unaffected mother. Alternative splicing of this exon is
      predicted to lead to an in-frame deletion. We provide further evidence that
      mutated AMMECR1 gene is responsible for this clinically recognizable X-linked
      condition with variable expressivity.

PMID- 28089923
TI  - Nursing care management of photodynamic therapy in digestive tract carcinomas at
      a single cancer center.
AB  - The primary goal of nursing care in cases of endoscopic photodynamic therapy
      (PDT) for digestive tract carcinoma is to prevent phototoxicity by the
      intravenous administration of photosensitizers. The adequate protocol and
      management of patients should be conducted under the instruction of expert
      physicians. Our experiences of administering porfimer sodium and talaporfin
      sodium during clinical PDT provide insight regarding the specific management
      protocol of each photosensitizer during an in-hospital stay. We herein report our
      nursing protocol based on 15 years of experience. Under adequate management, PDT
      can be safely performed.

PMID- 28089924
TI  - Water, juice, or soda? Mothers and grandmothers of preschoolers discuss the
      acceptability and accessibility of beverages.
AB  - Intake of sugary beverages is strongly associated with weight gain and obesity
      among children; however, differences between mothers' and grandmothers' attitudes
      and practices concerning young children's beverage consumption remain unclear.
      This is notable since about a quarter of families in the US and the UK rely on
      grandparents as the main providers of informal childcare. The aim of this study
      is to examine mothers' and maternal grandmothers' attitudes, knowledge, and
      practices regarding preschool aged children's beverage consumption. The analysis
      focuses on identifying intergenerational similarities and differences, given the
      potential impact that such differences might have on young children's beverage
      consumption habits. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews, representing eleven
      families, were analyzed using thematic analysis. The sample included all mother -
      maternal grandmother dyads from The Grandparents Study, which took place in
      Eugene, Oregon, USA. More than half of mothers and grandmothers met
      overweight/obesity criteria. Among the children (mean age 4.7 years; five girls
      and six boys), seven met overweight/obesity criteria. Most mothers and
      grandmothers were unemployed, and most reported an annual household income below
      30,000 USD. The analysis identified three thematic categories: 1) mothers and
      grandmothers agree about the hierarchy of healthiness between and within
      beverages, though juice occupies an ambivalent position; 2) mothers and
      grandmothers cite role modeling and the home environment as important in
      regulating preschoolers' beverage intake; 3) mothers and grandmothers balance
      between restricting sugary beverages and using these beverages as treats. The
      results suggest that when mothers and grandmothers use soda, juice, and juice
      drinks as treats, they do so within a wider dynamic of balancing practices, and
      within two intersecting domains: the hierarchy of beverages, including the still
      ambivalent status of juice as healthy or unhealthy, and the definition of
      'special occasion'.

PMID- 28089925
TI  - Food portion size area mediates energy effects on expected anxiety in anorexia
      nervosa.
AB  - A study in which adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa (n = 24) rated their
      expected food-anxiety in response to images of portions of food (potatoes, rice
      pizza, and M&Ms) showed that lower energy-dense foods elicited higher expected
      anxiety per kilocalorie than higher energy-dense foods. However, the area of the
      portion sizes could be an unmeasured variable driving the anxiety response. To
      test the hypothesis that area mediates the effects of energy content on expected
      anxiety, the same images of portions were measured in area (cm2), and
      standardized values of expected anxiety were regressed from standardized values
      of energy and area of portions. With regression of expected anxiety from portion
      size in area, M&Ms, which had the highest energy density of the four foods,
      elicited the highest expected anxiety slope (beta = 1.75), which was
      significantly different from the expected anxiety slopes of the other three foods
      (beta range = 0.67 - 0.96). Area was confirmed as a mediator of energy effects
      from loss of significance of the slopes when area was added to the regression of
      expected anxiety from energy x food. When expected anxiety was regressed from
      food, area, energy and area by energy interaction, area accounted for 5.7 times
      more variance than energy, and beta for area (0.7) was significantly larger (by
      0.52, SE = 0.15, t = 3.4, p = 0.0007) than beta for energy (0.19). Area could be
      a learned cue for the energy content of food portions, and thus, for weight gain
      potential, which triggers anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa.

PMID- 28089926
TI  - Sensory-specific satiety is intact in rats made obese on a high-fat high-sugar
      choice diet.
AB  - Sensory-specific satiety (SSS) is the temporary decreased pleasantness of a
      recently eaten food, which inhibits further eating. Evidence is currently mixed
      whether SSS is weaker in obese people, and whether such difference precedes or
      follows from the obese state. Animal models allow testing whether diet-induced
      obesity causes SSS impairment. Female rats (n = 24) were randomly assigned to an
      obesogenic high-fat, high-sugar choice diet or chow-only control. Tests of SSS
      involved pre-feeding a single palatable, distinctively-flavored food (cheese- or
      cocoa-flavored) prior to free choice between both foods. Rats were tested for
      short-term SSS (2 h pre-feeding immediately followed by 2 h choice) and long-term
      SSS (3 day pre-feeding prior to choice on day 4). In both short- and long-term
      tests rats exhibited SSS by shifting preference towards the food not recently
      eaten. SSS was not impaired in obese rats. On the contrary, in the long-term
      tests they showed stronger SSS than controls. This demonstrates that neither the
      obese state nor a history of excess energy consumption fundamentally causes
      impaired SSS in rats. The putative impaired SSS in obese people may instead
      reflect a specific predisposition, properties of the obesogenic diet, or history
      of restrictive dieting and bingeing.

PMID- 28089927
TI  - Metabolism of selective 20-epi-vitamin D3 analogs in rat osteosarcoma UMR-106
      cells: Isolation and identification of four novel C-1 fatty acid esters of
      1alpha,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-20-epi-vitamin D3.
AB  - Analogs of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (S1) with 20-epi modification (20-epi
      analogs) possess unique biological properties. We previously reported that
      1alpha,25-dihydroxy-20-epi-vitamin D3 (S2), the basic 20-epi analog is
      metabolized into less polar metabolites (LPMs) in rat osteosarcoma cells (UMR
      106) but not in a perfused rat kidney. Furthermore, we also noted that only
      selective 20-epi analogs are metabolized into LPMs. For example, 1alpha,25
      dihydroxy-16-ene-20-epi-vitamin D3 (S4), but not 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-16-ene-23
      yne-20-epi-vitamin D3 (S5) is metabolized into LPMs. In spite of these novel
      findings, the unequivocal identification of LPMs has not been achieved to date.
      We report here on a thorough investigation of the metabolism of S4 in UMR-106
      cells and isolated two major LPMs produced directly from the substrate S4 itself
      and two minor LPMs produced from 3-epi-S4, a metabolite of S4 produced through C
      3 epimerization pathway. Using GC/MS, ESI-MS and 1H NMR analysis, we identified
      all the four LPMs of S4 as 25-hydroxy-16-ene-20-epi-vitamin D3-1-stearate and 25
      hydroxy-16-ene-20-epi-vitamin D3-1-oleate and their respective C-3 epimers. We
      report here for the first time the elucidation of a novel pathway of metabolism
      in UMR-106 cells in which both 1alpha,25(OH)2-16-ene-20-epi-D3 and 1alpha,25(OH)2
      16-ene-20-epi-3-epi-D3 undergo C-1 esterification into stearic and oleic acid
      esters.

PMID- 28089928
TI  - Improved catalytic properties of Penicillium notatum lipase immobilized in
      nanoscale silicone polymeric films.
AB  - Lipases are one of the most proficient biocatalysts having enormous
      biotechnological prospective. Immobilization offers a potential solution to
      improve the stability and recycling characteristics of lipases. An extracellular
      lipase from Penicillium notatum (PNL) was immobilized in silicon polymers (SiP)
      through entrapment, and subsequently coated this matrix on the network of fibers
      in the sponges. The silicone polymers-immobilized lipase (SiP-lipase) displayed
      highest apparent activity and entrapment efficiency of 1.19Ug-1 polymers and
      92.3%, respectively. It also exhibited greater catalytic activity in broad
      working pHs and higher temperature than equivalent free-state of enzyme.
      Immobilization caused an improvement in thermo-stability of the lipase with an
      increase in energy of activation. The recycling potential of SiP-lipase was
      investigated. After reusing the sponge pieces for ten reaction cycles, the SiP
      preserved its structure without leakage of enzyme, and retained around 90% of its
      original activity. The SiP surface analysis was envisaged by scanning electron
      microscopy that further confirmed the recycling efficiency of SiP-lipase.
      Overall, SiP-lipase displayed a number of useful properties that make it a
      promising candidate for future applications in different chemical processes.

PMID- 28089929
TI  - Impact of immobilizing of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid within gelatin
      based hydrogel through enzymatic reaction on behavior of enclosed endothelial
      cells.
AB  - The hydrogels having the ability to promote migration and morphogenesis of
      endothelial cells (ECs) are useful for fabricating vascularized dense tissues in
      vitro. The present study explores the immobilization of low molecular weight
      hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) derivative within gelatin-based hydrogel to stimulate
      migration of ECs. The LMWHA derivative possessing phenolic hydroxyl moieties
      (LMWHA-Ph) was bound to gelatin-based derivative hydrogel through the horseradish
      peroxidase-catalyzed reaction. The motility of ECs was analyzed by scratch
      migration assay and microparticle-based cell migration assay. The incorporated
      LMWHA-Ph molecules within hydrogel was found to be preserved stably through
      covalent bonds during incubation. The free and immobilized LMWHA-Ph did not lose
      an inherent stimulatory effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs). The immobilized LMWHA-Ph within gelatin-based hydrogel induced the high
      motility of HUVECs, accompanied by robust cytoskeleton extension, and cell
      subpopulation expressing CD44 cell receptor. In the presence of immobilized LMWHA
      Ph, the migration distance and the number of existing HUVECs were demonstrated to
      be encouraged in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. Based on the results
      obtained in this work, it was concluded that the enzymatic immobilization of
      LMWHA-Ph within gelatin-based hydrogel represents a promising approach to promote
      ECs' motility and further exploitation for vascular tissue engineering
      applications.

PMID- 28089930
TI  - Scaffolds containing chitosan, gelatin and graphene oxide for bone tissue
      regeneration in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Critical-sized bone defects are augmented with cell free and cell loaded
      constructs to bridge bone defects. Improving the properties of three-dimensional
      scaffolds with multiple polymers and others is of growing interest in recent
      decades. Chitosan (CS), a natural biopolymer has limitations for its use in bone
      regeneration, and its properties can be enhanced with other materials. In the
      present study, the composite scaffolds containing CS, gelatin (Gn) and graphene
      oxide (GO) were fabricated through freeze-drying. These scaffolds (GO/CS/Gn) were
      characterized by the SEM, Raman spectra, FT-IR, EDS, swelling, biodegradation,
      protein adsorption and biomineralization studies. The inclusion of GO in the
      CS/Gn scaffolds showed better physico-chemical properties. The GO/CS/Gn scaffolds
      were cyto-friendly to rat osteoprogenitor cells, and they promoted
      differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. The scaffolds
      also accelerated bridging of the rat tibial bone defect with increased collagen
      deposition in vivo. Hence, these results strongly suggested the potential nature
      of GO/CS/Gn scaffolds for their application in bone tissue regeneration.

PMID- 28089931
TI  - A novel polysaccharide with antioxidant, HIV protease inhibiting and HIV
      integrase inhibiting activities from Fomitiporia punctata (P. karst.) murrill
      (Basidiomycota, hymenochaetales).
AB  - A novel polysaccharide fraction (G1) was obtained from the fungus Fomitiporia
      punctata (P. Karst.) Murrill. G1 exhibited a molecular weight of approximately
      151kDa. The FT-IR results suggested that the monosaccharide components of G1
      possessed furanoid rings and there were beta-glycosidic bonds between the sugar
      units. The1H NMR results showed that G1 was composed of arabinose, fructose,
      galactose and glucose in the molar ratio of 1.6:3.8:19.7:19.7, as determined by
      gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC). G1 produced significant antioxidant effects as evidenced
      by its potency in inhibiting erythrocyte hemolysis, and in scavenging hydroxyl
      radicals and superoxide radicals. The highest rates of inhibition achieved were
      73.58%, 36.55% and 50.98% respectively. In addition, G1 brought about 19.6%
      inhibition of HIV-1 protease activity at the concentration of 50MUg/mL. G1
      displayed inhibitory activity toward HIV-1 integrase in the concentration range
      of 100-1000MUg/mL. The present study indicates that G1 from Fomitiporia punctate
      (P. Karst.) Murrill is a novel natural antioxidant.

PMID- 28089932
TI  - Selenizing Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides induces dendritic cells maturation
      through MAPK and NF-kappaB signaling pathways.
AB  - In this study, polysaccharides extracted from Hericium erinaceus were modified to
      obtain its nine selenium derivatives, sHEP1-sHEP9. Their structures were
      identified, yields and selenium contents were determined, the phenotypic and
      functional maturation of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and
      relevant mechanisms were compared taking unmodified HEP as control. The results
      revealed that the selenylation were successful. sHEP1, sHEP2 and sHEP8 treatment
      of DCs increased their surface expression of MHC-II and CD86 and indicated that
      sHEP1, sHEP2 and sHEP8 induced DC maturation. Furthermore, sHEP2 and sHEP8 also
      significantly decreased DCs endocytosis and significantly enhanced cytokine (IL
      12 and IFN-gamma) production. In line with TLR4 activation, sHEP2 increased the
      phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK, and the nuclear translocation of p-c-Jun, p
      CREB, and c-Fos. sHEP2 also activated NF-kappaB signaling, as evidenced by
      degradation of IkappaBalpha/beta and nuclear translocation of p65 and p50.
      Together, these results suggest that sHEP is a strong immunostimulant.

PMID- 28089933
TI  - HFB7 - A novel orphan hydrophobin of the Harzianum and Virens clades of
      Trichoderma, is involved in response to biotic and abiotic stresses.
AB  - Hydrophobins are small secreted cysteine-rich proteins exclusively found in
      fungi. They are able to self-assemble in single molecular layers at hydrophobic
      hydrophilic interfaces and can therefore be directly involved in establishment of
      fungi in their habitat. The genomes of filamentous mycotrophic fungi Trichoderma
      encode a rich diversity of hydrophobins, which are divided in several groups
      based on their structure and evolution. Here we describe a new member of class II
      hydrophobins, HFB7, that has a taxonomically restricted occurrence in Harzianum
      and Virens clades of Trichoderma. Evolutionary analysis reveals that HFB7
      proteins form a separate clade distinct from other Trichoderma class II
      hydrophobins and that genes encoding them evolve under positive selection
      pressure. Homology modelling of HFB7 structure in comparison to T. reesei HFB2
      reveals that the two large hydrophobic patches on the surface of the protein are
      remarkably conserved between the two hydrophobins despite significant difference
      in their primary structures. Expression of hfb7 gene in T. virens increases at
      interactions with other fungi and a plant and in response to a diversity of
      abiotic stress conditions, and is also upregulated during formation of aerial
      mycelium in a standing liquid culture. This upregulation significantly exceeds
      that of expression of hfb7 under a strong constitutive promoter, and T. virens
      strains overexpressing hfb7 thus display only changes in traits characterized by
      low hfb7 expression, i.e. faster growth in submerged liquid culture. The hfb7
      gene is not expressed in conidia. Our data allow to conclude that this protein is
      involved in defence of Trichoderma against a diversity of stress factors related
      to the oxidative stress. Moreover, HFB7 likely helps in the establishment of the
      fungus in wetlands or other conditions related to high humidity.

PMID- 28089934
TI  - Evaluation of aggregate and silicone-oil counts in pre-filled siliconized
      syringes: An orthogonal study characterising the entire subvisible size range.
AB  - Characterisation of particulates in therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb)
      formulations is routinely extended to the sub-visible size-range (0.1-10MUm).
      Additionally, with the increased use of pre-filled syringes (PFS), particle
      differentiation is required between proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous particles
      such as silicone-oil droplets. Here, three orthogonal techniques: Raster Image
      Correlation Spectroscopy (RICS), Resonance Mass Measurements (RMM) and Micro-Flow
      Imaging (MFI), were evaluated with respect to their sub-visible particle
      measurement and characterisation capabilities. Particle formation in mAb PFS
      solutions was evaluated with increasing polysorbate-20 (PS-20) concentrations.
      All three techniques provided complementary but distinct information on protein
      aggregate and silicone-oil droplet presence. PS-20 limited the generation of mAb
      aggregates during agitation, while increasing the number of silicone-oil droplets
      (PS-20 concentration dependant). MFI and RMM revealed PS-20 lead to the formation
      of larger micron-sized droplets, with RICS revealing an increase in smaller sub
      micron droplets. Subtle differences in data sets complicate the apparent
      correlation between silicone-oil sloughing and mAb aggregates' generation. RICS
      (though the use of a specific dye) demonstrates an improved selectivity for mAb
      aggregates, a broader measurement size-range and smaller sample volume
      requirement. Thus, RICS is proposed to add value to the currently available
      particle measurement techniques and enable informed decisions during mAb
      formulation development.

PMID- 28089935
TI  - Synergistic antimicrobial potential of essential oils in combination with
      nanoparticles: Emerging trends and future perspectives.
AB  - The development of resistance to different antimicrobial agents by bacteria,
      fungi, viruses, parasites, etc. is a great challenge to the medical field for the
      treatment of infections caused by them, and therefore, there is a pressing need
      to search for new and novel antimicrobials. The antimicrobial activity of
      essential oils and biogenic nanoparticles is well known. Recent studies have
      demonstrated that nanoparticles functionalized with essential oils have
      significant antimicrobial potential against multidrug- resistant pathogens. The
      aim of the present review is to discuss various studies on the broad-spectrum
      antimicrobial activity of essential oils used singly and in combination with
      nanoparticles. The brief explanation of their mechanism has also been discussed.

PMID- 28089936
TI  - Biodegradable lipid nanoparticles induce a prolonged RNA interference-mediated
      protein knockdown and show rapid hepatic clearance in mice and nonhuman primates.
AB  - Lipid nanoparticles based on ionizable lipids have been clinically validated as a
      means of delivery for RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. The ideal properties
      of RNAi carriers are efficient delivery of oligonucleotides into target cells and
      rapid elimination after the function is performed. Here, we report that
      degradable lipid nanoparticles are effective carriers of small interfering RNA
      (siRNA) and have a high therapeutic index. The newly developed degradable lipid
      nanoparticles carrying siRNA showed potent gene-silencing activity in mouse
      hepatocytes (ED50~0.02mg/kg siRNA). The ester bond in the lipid tail was
      hydrolyzed in the liver, resulting in rapid metabolism of the lipid. Toxicity
      assays showed that the degradable lipid was well-tolerated at siRNA doses of up
      to 16mg/kg in rats (over 800-fold higher than ED50). A single intravenous
      injection of siRNA targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9
      (PCSK9) in cynomolgus monkeys resulted in more than 90% protein silencing, and a
      50% decrease in plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, with a
      measurable reduction for 2 months. Moreover, quantification of lipids in liver
      biopsies revealed rapid hepatic clearance of the degradable lipid in nonhuman
      primates. These degradable lipid nanoparticles with a high therapeutic index hold
      promise for RNA-based treatments.

PMID- 28089937
TI  - Surgical outcomes of unilateral recession-resection for vertical strabismus in
      patients with thyroid eye disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present the surgical outcomes of vertical muscle resection in
      patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). METHODS: The medical records of 6
      patients who underwent unilateral vertical muscle recession-resection to correct
      vertical strabismus in TED were reviewed retrospectively for postoperative angle
      of vertical deviation on days 1 and 7 and at months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Surgery was
      considered successful if the vertical deviation was <=4Delta. Reoperation rates
      and complications were also noted. RESULTS: The mean preoperative angle of
      vertical deviation was 39.2Delta +/- 3.8Delta, and the mean final ocular
      deviation at 12 months postoperatively was 3.8Delta +/- 5.9Delta. There was
      significant reduction in postoperative vertical deviation (paired t test, P <
      0.001). Surgery was successful in 4 patients (67%). There was neither unusual
      postoperative inflammation nor increased restriction of the resected muscle
      postoperatively in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Based on careful assessment and
      appropriate patient selection, vertical muscle resection can be considered an
      effective option that provides satisfactory surgical outcomes with regard to
      vertical deviation correction in TED.

PMID- 28089938
TI  - WITHDRAWN: 3D-printed RF probeheads for low-cost, high-throughput NMR.
AB  - This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor.
      The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier
      Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our
      business/policies/article-withdrawal.

PMID- 28089939
TI  - Chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging: Advances and applications by
      Michael T. McMahon, Assaf A. Gild, Jeff W. M. Bulte, and Peter C.M. van Zijl
      Publisher: Pan Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd., Singapore.

PMID- 28089940
TI  - Assessing the effect of football play on knee articular cartilage using delayed
      gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC).
AB  - The prevalence of cartilage lesions is much higher in football athletes than in
      the general population. Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC)
      has been shown to quantify regional variations of glycosaminoglycan (GAG)
      concentrations which is an indicator of early cartilage degeneration. The goal of
      this study is to determine whether dGEMRIC can be used to assess the influence in
      cartilage GAG concentration due to college level football play. Thirteen
      collegiate football players with one to four years of collegiate football play
      experience were recruited and both knee joints were scanned using a dedicated 8
      channel phased array knee coil on a 3T MRI system. The contrast concentrations
      within cartilage were calculated based on the T1 values from dGEMRIC scans. No
      substantial differences were found in the contrast concentrations between the pre
      and post-season across all the cartilage compartments. One year collegiate
      football players presented an average contrast concentration at the pre-season of
      0.116+/-0.011mM and post-season of 0.116+/-0.011mM. In players with multiple
      years of football play, contrast uptake was elevated to 0.141+/-0.012mM at the
      pre-season and 0.139+/-0.012mM at the post-season. The pre-season 0.023+/-0.016mM
      and post-season 0.025+/-0.016mM increase in contrast concentration within the
      group with multiple years of experience presented with a >20% increase in
      contrast uptake. This may indicate the gradual, cumulative damage of football
      play to the articular cartilage over years, even though the effect may not be
      noticeable after a season of play. Playing collegiate football for a longer
      period of time may lead to cartilage microstructural alterations, which may be
      linked to early knee cartilage degeneration.

PMID- 28089941
TI  - Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage or surgical resection for acute perforated sigmoid
      diverticulitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage (LPL) has been proposed as an
      alternative, less invasive technique in the treatment of acute perforated sigmoid
      diverticulitis (APSD). The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the
      effectiveness of LPL versus surgical resection (SR) in terms of morbidity and
      mortality in the management of APSD. METHODS: A comprehensive search was
      conducted for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LPL versus SR in the
      treatment of APSD. The end points included peri-operative mortality, severe
      adverse events, overall mortality, post-operative abscess, percutaneous
      reinterventions, reoperation, operative time, postoperative stay, and
      readmissions. RESULTS: Three RCTs with a total of 372 patients, randomised to
      either LPL or SR were included. There was no significant difference in peri
      operative mortality between LPL and SR (OR 1.356, 95% CI 0.365 to 5.032, p =
      0.649), or serious adverse events (OR = 1.866, 95% CI = 0.680 to 5.120, p =
      0.226). The LPL required significantly less time to complete than SR (WMD = 
      72.105, 95% CI = -88.335 to -55.876, p < 0.0001). The LPL group was associated
      with a significantly higher rate of postoperative abscess formation (OR = 4.121,
      95% CI = 1.890 to 8.986, p = 0.0004) and subsequent percutaneous interventions
      (OR = 5.414, 95% CI 1.618 to 18.118, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic
      peritoneal lavage is a safe and quick alternative in the management of APSD. In
      comparison to SR, LPL results in higher rates of postoperative abscess formation
      requiring more percutaneous drainage interventions without any difference in
      perioperative mortality and serious morbidity.

PMID- 28089942
TI  - Targeting EGFR T790M mutation in NSCLC: From biology to evaluation and treatment.
AB  - The identification of EGFR mutations and their respectively tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs), changed dramatically treatment and survival of patients with
      EGFR-positive lung cancer. Nowadays, different EGFR TKIs as afatinib, erlotinib
      and gefitinib are approved worldwide for the treatment of NSCLC harbouring EGFR
      mutations, in particular exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (Leu858Arg) substitution
      EGFR mutations. In first-line setting, when comparing with platinum-based
      chemotherapy, these target drugs improves progression-free survival, response
      rate and quality of life. Unfortunately, the development of different mechanism
      of resistance, limits the long term efficacy of these agents. The most clear
      mechanism of resistance is the development of EGFR Thr790Met mutation. Against
      this new target, different third-generation EGFR-mutant-selective TKIs, such as
      osimertinib, rociletinib and olmutinib, showed a great activity. In this review,
      we summarize the scientific evidences about biology, evaluation and treatment on
      NSCLC with EGFR T790M mutation.

PMID- 28089943
TI  - Resveratrol supplementation and plasma adipokines concentrations? A systematic
      review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - The results of human clinical trials have revealed that the effects of
      resveratrol on adipokines are inconsistent. Our objective was to elucidate the
      role of resveratrol supplementation on adipokines through a systematic review and
      a meta-analysis of available randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs).1 The
      search included PubMed-MEDLINE, SCOPUS and ISI web of sciences database till up
      to 6th November 2016. Weight mean differences (WMD)2 were calculated for net
      changes in adipokines using fixed-effects or random-effects models; meta
      regression analysis and publication bias were conducted in accordance with
      standard methods. Nine RCTs with 11 treatment arms were eligible for inclusion in
      this systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of data from 10 treatment
      arms showed a significant change in plasma adiponectin concentrations following
      resveratrol supplementation (WMD: 1.10MUg/ml, 95%CI: 0.88, 1.33, p<0.001);
      Q=11.43, I2=21.29%, p=0.247). There was a significant greater adiponectin
      reducing effect in trials with higher than or equal to 100mg/day (WMD:
      1.11MUg/ml, 95%CI: 0.88, 1.34, p<0.001), versus those with less than 100 mg/day
      dosage (WMD: 0.84MUg/ml, 95%CI: -0.62, 2.31, p=0.260). Meta-analysis of data from
      5 treatment arms did not find any significant change in plasma leptin
      concentrations following resveratrol supplementation (WMD: 3.77ng/ml, 95% CI: 
      2.28, 9.83, p=0.222; Q=8.00, I2=50.01%). Resveratrol significantly improves
      adiponectin but does not affect leptin concentrations. Additional studies are
      required to further evaluate the potential benefits of resveratrol on adipokines
      in humans.

PMID- 28089944
TI  - RSM22, mtYsxC and PNKD-like proteins are required for mitochondrial translation
      in Trypanosoma brucei.
AB  - Mitochondrial ribosomes evolved from prokaryotic ribosomes, with which they
      therefore share more common features than with their counterparts in the cytosol.
      Yet, mitochondrial ribosomes are highly diverse in structure and composition,
      having undergone considerable changes, including reduction of their RNA component
      and varying degree of acquisition of novel proteins in various phylogenetic
      lineages. Here, we present functional analysis of three putative mitochondrial
      ribosome-associated proteins (RSM22, mtYsxC and PNKD-like) in Trypanosoma brucei,
      originally identified by database mining. While in other systems the homologs of
      RSM22 are known as components of mitochondrial ribosomes, YsxC was linked with
      ribosomes only in bacteria. The PNKD-like protein shows similarity to a human
      protein, the defects of which cause PNKD (paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia).
      Here we show that all three proteins are important for the growth of T. brucei.
      They play an important function in mitochondrial translation, as their ablation
      by RNAi rapidly and severely affected the de novo synthesis of mitochondrial
      proteins. Moreover, following the RNAi-mediated depletion of RSM22, structure of
      the small subunit of mitochondrial ribosome becomes severely compromised,
      suggesting a role of RSM22 in ribosomal assembly and/or stability.

PMID- 28089946
TI  - Identification by PCR signature-tagged mutagenesis of attenuated Salmonella
      Pullorum mutants and corresponding genes in a chicken embryo model.
AB  - A key feature of the fowl-specific pathogen Salmonella Pullorum is its vertical
      transmission to progeny via the egg. In this study, PCR signature-tagged
      mutagenesis identified nine genes of a strain of S. Pullorum that contributed to
      survival in the chicken embryo during incubation. The genes were involved in
      invasion, cell division, metabolism and bacterial defence. The competition index
      in vivo and in vitro together with a virulence evaluation for chicken embryos of
      all nine mutant strains confirmed their attenuation.

PMID- 28089945
TI  - Zearalenone exposure impairs ovarian primordial follicle formation via down
      regulation of Lhx8 expression in vitro.
AB  - Zearalenone (ZEA) is an estrogenic mycotoxin mainly produced as a secondary
      metabolite by numerous species of Fusarium. Previous work showed that ZEA had a
      negative impact on domestic animals with regard to reproduction. The adverse
      effects and the mechanisms of ZEA on mammalian ovarian folliculogenesis remain
      largely unknown, particularly its effect on primordial follicle formation. Thus,
      we investigated the biological effects of ZEA exposure on murine ovarian germ
      cell cyst breakdown and primordial follicle assembly. Our results demonstrated
      that newborn mouse ovaries exposed to 10 or 30MUM ZEA in vitro had significantly
      less germ cell numbers compared to the control group. Moreover, the presence of
      ZEA in vitro increased the numbers of TUNEL and gammaH2AX positive cells within
      mouse ovaries and the ratio of mRNA levels of the apoptotic genes Bax/Bcl-2.
      Furthermore, ZEA exposure reduced the mRNA of oocyte specific genes such as LIM
      homeobox 8 (Lhx8), newborn ovary homeobox (Nobox), spermatogenesis and oogenesis
      helix-loop-helix (Sohlh2), and factor in the germline alpha (Figlalpha) in a dose
      dependent manner. Exposure to ZEA led to remarkable changes in the Lhx8 3'-UTR
      DNA methylation dynamics in oocytes and severely impaired folliculogenesis in
      ovaries after transplantation under the kidney capsules of immunodeficient mice.
      In conclusion, ZEA exposure impairs mouse primordial follicle formation in vitro.

PMID- 28089947
TI  - Hepatic xanthine oxidase activity and purine nucleosides levels as physiological
      mediators to analyze a subcutaneous treatment with (PhSe)2 in mice infected by
      Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of purine nucleosides and
      xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in the liver of mice chronically infected by
      Toxoplasma gondii and treated with diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2. For this
      experiment, forty Swiss mice were used. Twenty animals were orally infected by
      approximately 50 bradizoites of a cystogenic ME-49 strain of T. gondii, and the
      same number of uninfected mice was used as a control group. Ten infected and ten
      uninfected mice were subcutaneously treated twice (days 1 and 20 post-infection
      (PI)) with 5 MUmol kg-1 of (PhSe)2. On day 30 PI, liver samples were collected to
      measure the levels of hypoxanthine (HYPO), xanthine (XAN), uric acid (UA), and XO
      activity. Infected animals showed increased (P < 0.05) levels of hepatic XAN and
      UA, as well as XO activity compared to uninfected animals. The use of (PhSe)2 in
      healthy mice increased the levels of all nucleosides, but decreased XO activity
      compared to healthy untreated animals. The group of infected and treated animals
      showed increased XAN and UA levels, and XO activity compared to the healthy
      control group, however infected and treated mice showed a decrease in the XO
      activity compared to the infected untreated group. We conclude that chronic
      infection caused by T. gondii can induce hepatic changes, such as increased UA
      levels and XO activity, that can increase the pro-oxidative profile. The (PhSe)2
      treatment of healthy animals altered the levels of nucleosides, possibly due to
      low XO activity that decreased nucleoside degradation. Finally, (PhSe)2 treatment
      decreased XO activity in the infected group and increased nucleoside levels;
      however it was unable to reduce the UA levels found during the infection.

PMID- 28089948
TI  - Antifungal activity of umbelliferone derivatives: Synthesis and structure
      activity relationships.
AB  - Umbelliferone was an important allelochemical with a wide spectrum bioactivity.
      In our previous study, C7 hydroxy in the backbone of umbelliferone was identified
      to be responsible for its phytotoxicity and the targeted modification of the
      above site could lead to the phytotoxicity loss. In view of this, a series of
      hydroxycoumarins and C7 O-substituted umbelliferone derivatives were efficiently
      synthesized to evaluate their antifungal activity against four phytopathogenic
      fungi. Most of them, as we predicted, exhibited improved fungicidal activity. The
      phytotoxicity of effective compounds was also assayed by Lactuca sativa to
      investigate their side effects on plant growth. Compounds 9 and 17 were
      identified to show strong antifungal activity with low phytotoxicity. A brief
      investigation on structure-activity relationships revealed that the modification
      at the C7 hydroxy of umbelliferone could be a promising way to enhance the
      antifungal activity with decreasing the phytotoxicity.

PMID- 28089949
TI  - Melaleuca alternifolia nanoparticles against Candida species biofilms.
AB  - Candida infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality on
      immunosuppressed patients. This growing trend has been associated with resistance
      to the antimicrobial therapy and the ability of microorganism to form biofilms.
      TTO oil is used as antimicrobial which shows antibiofilm activity against Candida
      species. However, it presents problems due to its poor solubility and high
      volatility. The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro antibiofilm activity of
      TTO nanoparticles against many Candida species. It was performed the
      characterization of the oil and nanoparticles. The levels of exopolysaccharides,
      proteins, and the biomass of biofilms were measured. The chromatographic profile
      demonstrated that the TTO oil is in accordance with ISO 4730 with major
      constituents of 41.9% Terpinen-4-ol, 20.1% of gamma-Terpinene, 9,8% of alpha
      Terpinene, and 6,0% of 1,8-Cineole. The TTO nanoparticles showed pH of 6.3, mean
      diameter of 158.2 +/- 2 nm, polydispersion index of 0.213 +/- 0.017, and zeta
      potential of -8.69 +/- 0.80 mV. The addition of TTO and its nanoparticles
      represented a significant reduction of biofilm formed by all Candida species, as
      well as a reduction of proteins and exopolysaccharides levels. It was possible to
      visualize the reduction of biofilm in presence of TTO nanoparticles by Calcofluor
      White method.

PMID- 28089950
TI  - CRISPR-P 2.0: An Improved CRISPR-Cas9 Tool for Genome Editing in Plants.

PMID- 28089951
TI  - BZR1 Positively Regulates Freezing Tolerance via CBF-Dependent and CBF
      Independent Pathways in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Cold stress is a major environmental factor that adversely affects plant growth
      and development. The C-repeat binding factor/DRE binding factor 1 (CBF/DREB1)
      transcriptional regulatory cascade has been shown to play important roles in
      plant response to cold. Here we demonstrate that two key components of
      brassinosteroid (BR) signaling modulate freezing tolerance of Arabidopsis plants.
      The loss-of-function mutant of the GSK3-like kinases involved in BR signaling,
      bin2-3 bil1 bil2, showed increased freezing tolerance, whereas overexpression of
      BIN2 resulted in hypersensitivity to freezing stress under both non-acclimated
      and acclimated conditions. By contrast, gain-of-function mutants of the
      transcription factors BZR1 and BES1 displayed enhanced freezing tolerance, and
      consistently cold treatment could induce the accumulation of dephosphorylated
      BZR1. Biochemical and genetic analyses showed that BZR1 acts upstream of CBF1 and
      CBF2 to directly regulate their expression. Moreover, we found that BZR1 also
      regulated other COR genes uncoupled with CBFs, such as WKRY6, PYL6, SOC1, JMT,
      and SAG21, to modulate plant response to cold stress. Consistently, wrky6 mutants
      showed decreased freezing tolerance. Taken together, our results indicate that
      BZR1 positively modulates plant freezing tolerance through CBF-dependent and CBF
      independent pathways.

PMID- 28089952
TI  - Impact of tricuspid valve regurgitation in surgical high-risk patients undergoing
      MitraClip implantation: results from the TRAMI registry.
AB  - AIMS: We sought to assess the impact of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity on
      patient outcome in a collective with relevant mitral regurgitation undergoing
      MitraClip implantation.. METHODS AND RESULTS: From August 2010 to July 2013, 766
      patients (age 75.3+/-8.5 years, 61% male, median EuroSCORE 24.3%+/-18.4) were
      prospectively enrolled in the TRAMI registry and stratified by echocardiography
      into no/mild, moderate and severe TR. Overall, the mean number of implanted
      MitraClips was higher in patients with severe TR but increasing TR severity was
      not associated with procedural success. In-hospital and one-year mortality as
      well as MACE and MACCE (death, myocardial infarction+/-stroke) rates were higher
      with increasing TR severity. Kaplan-Meier curves indicated a significant
      difference for mortality (p<0.0001), but not for rehospitalisation for heart
      failure. After multivariate Cox regression, severe TR proved to be a predictor
      for one-year mortality (HR 2.01, 95% CI: 1.25-3.26, p=0.004). Higher rates of
      severe bleeding were more frequent with increasing TR grades. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with MitraClip implantation, increasing TR severity is associated with
      adverse outcome, higher bleeding rates and decreased survival rates.

PMID- 28089953
TI  - Transcatheter treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation using the edge-to-edge
      repair technique.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the procedural feasibility and
      short-term durability of the transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair
      technique in highly symptomatic patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation
      (TR). METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighteen consecutive patients suffering from severe
      right-sided heart failure (NYHA Class III-IV), primarily due to moderate to
      severe tricuspid regurgitation, were included in the study. Applying a modified
      steering technique for the clip delivery system, six patients were treated for
      isolated severe TR, while 12 patients were treated for moderate to severe TR and
      concomitant severe mitral regurgitation. The primary objectives were procedural
      success, defined as reduction of at least one TR grade, and 30-day
      echocardiographic and clinical outcomes. A total of 41 clips (2.3+/-0.7 per
      patient) were placed into the tricuspid valve of high surgical risk patients
      (EuroSCORE II: 10+/-8%). Procedural success was achieved in all patients; no
      MACCE occurred in hospital. The presence of a TR grade >=3 was reduced from 94%
      (17 patients) before the procedure to 33% (six patients) at 30-day follow-up
      (p<0.001). Sixteen patients (89%) reported an improvement in NYHA functional
      class at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a modified steering technique, the edge
      to-edge repair technique can be successfully used for the treatment of TR. At 30
      day follow-up, the short-term durability of TR reduction appeared promising and
      the majority of patients improved clinically. Further studies with larger patient
      populations and longer follow-up have to define the role of this novel treatment
      option for patients with right-sided heart failure and severe TR.

PMID- 28089954
TI  - Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: CT imaging features and
      radiologic-pathologic correlation.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the imaging features of solid pseudopapillary
      neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas with an emphasis on radiologic-pathologic
      correlation. METHODS: Ten patients (all female; mean age, 32 years) with
      histologic or cytologic diagnosis of SPN encountered between January 2007 and
      December 2013 were included in this study. Preoperative computed tomography (CT)
      images were reviewed for location, attenuation, enhancement pattern, margin,
      shape, size, morphology, presence of capsule and calcification. CT appearances
      were correlated with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Tumors in the distal
      pancreatic body and tail had a tendency to be larger (mean size 12.6 cm vs. 4.0
      cm). Six of the nine tumors that were resected had a fibrous pseudocapsule at
      histology, five of which could be identified on CT scan. Eight lesions had mixed
      hypoenhancing solid components and cystic areas corresponding to tumor necrosis
      and hemorrhage. The two smallest lesions were purely solid and nonencapsulated.
      Varied patterns of calcification were seen in four tumors. Three of the four
      pancreatic tail tumors invaded the spleen. At a median follow-up of 53 months,
      there was no evidence of recurrence in the nine patients who underwent surgical
      resection of the tumor. CONCLUSION: A mixed solid and cystic pancreatic mass in a
      young woman is suggestive of SPN. However, smaller lesions may be completely
      solid. Splenic invasion can occur in pancreatic tail SPNs; however, in this
      series it did not adversely affect the long-term outcome.

PMID- 28089955
TI  - Is integrated 18F-FDG PET/MRI superior to 18F-FDG PET/CT in the differentiation
      of incidental tracer uptake in the head and neck area?
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the accuracy of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron
      emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (18F-FDG PET/MRI) compared with
      contrast-enhanced 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) for the
      characterization of incidental tracer uptake in examinations of the head and
      neck. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 81 oncologic patients who underwent
      contrast-enhanced 18F-FDG PET/CT and subsequent PET/MRI was performed by two
      readers for incidental tracer uptake. In a consensus reading, discrepancies were
      resolved. Each finding was either characterized as most likely benign, most
      likely malignant, or indeterminate. Using all available clinical information
      including results from histopathologic sampling and follow-up examinations, an
      expert reader classified each finding as benign or malignant. McNemar's test was
      used to compare the performance of both imaging modalities in characterizing
      incidental tracer uptake. RESULTS: Forty-six lesions were detected by both
      modalities. On PET/CT, 27 lesions were classified as most likely benign, one as
      most likely malignant, and 18 as indeterminate; on PET/MRI, 31 lesions were
      classified as most likely benign, one lesion as most likely malignant, and 14 as
      indeterminate. Forty-three lesions were benign and one lesion was malignant
      according to the reference standard. In two lesions, a definite diagnosis was not
      possible. McNemar's test detected no differences concerning the correct
      classification of incidental tracer uptake between PET/CT and PET/MRI (P =
      0.125). CONCLUSION: In examinations of the head and neck area, incidental tracer
      uptake cannot be classified more accurately by PET/MRI than by PET/CT.

PMID- 28089956
TI  - Robust causal inference using directed acyclic graphs: the R package 'dagitty'.
AB  - Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), which offer systematic representations of causal
      relationships, have become an established framework for the analysis of causal
      inference in epidemiology, often being used to determine covariate adjustment
      sets for minimizing confounding bias. DAGitty is a popular web application for
      drawing and analysing DAGs. Here we introduce the R package 'dagitty', which
      provides access to all of the capabilities of the DAGitty web application within
      the R platform for statistical computing, and also offers several new functions.
      We describe how the R package 'dagitty' can be used to: evaluate whether a DAG is
      consistent with the dataset it is intended to represent; enumerate 'statistically
      equivalent' but causally different DAGs; and identify exposure-outcome adjustment
      sets that are valid for causally different but statistically equivalent DAGs.
      This functionality enables epidemiologists to detect causal misspecifications in
      DAGs and make robust inferences that remain valid for a range of different DAGs.
      The R package 'dagitty' is available through the comprehensive R archive network
      (CRAN) at [https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/dagitty/]. The source code is
      available on github at [https://github.com/jtextor/dagitty]. The web application
      'DAGitty' is free software, licensed under the GNU general public licence (GPL)
      version 2 and is available at [http://dagitty.net/].

PMID- 28089958
TI  - Heredity and environment: a warning to eugenists.

PMID- 28089957
TI  - The epigenetic clock and physical development during childhood and adolescence:
      longitudinal analysis from a UK birth cohort.
AB  - Background: Statistical models that use an individual's DNA methylation levels to
      estimate their age (known as epigenetic clocks) have recently been developed,
      with 96% correlation found between epigenetic and chronological age. We postulate
      that differences between estimated and actual age [age acceleration (AA)] can be
      used as a measure of developmental age in early life. Methods: We obtained DNA
      methylation measures at three time points (birth, age 7 years and age 17 years)
      in 1018 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
      (ALSPAC). Using an online calculator, we estimated epigenetic age, and thus AA,
      for each child at each time point. We then investigated whether AA was
      prospectively associated with repeated measures of height, weight, body mass
      index (BMI), bone mineral density, bone mass, fat mass, lean mass and Tanner
      stage. Results: Positive AA at birth was associated with higher average fat mass
      [1321 g per year of AA, 95% confidence interval (CI) 386, 2256 g] from birth to
      adolescence (i.e. from age 0-17 years) and AA at age 7 was associated with higher
      average height (0.23 cm per year of AA, 95% CI 0.04, 0.41 cm). Conflicting
      evidence for the role of AA (at birth and in childhood) on changes during
      development was also found, with higher AA being positively associated with
      changes in weight, BMI and Tanner stage, but negatively with changes in height
      and fat mass. Conclusions: We found evidence that being ahead of one's epigenetic
      age acceleration is related to developmental characteristics during childhood and
      adolescence. This demonstrates the potential for using AA as a measure of
      development in future research.

PMID- 28089959
TI  - Data Resource Profile: IPUMS-International.

PMID- 28089960
TI  - Cohort Profile: The ENVIRonmental influence ON early AGEing (ENVIRONAGE): a birth
      cohort study.

PMID- 28089961
TI  - Cohort Profile: Stress in Pregnancy (SIP) Study.

PMID- 28089962
TI  - Mycoplasma Clearance and Risk Analysis in a Model Bioprocess.
AB  - Mycoplasmas are a type of bacteria that lack cell walls and are occasional cell
      culture contaminants. In a biotechnology setting, because they can pass through
      0.2 MUm filters, mycoplasmas could pose a potential patient safety hazard if
      undetected contaminants from the production culture were not completely removed
      by downstream biotechnology manufacturing. In this study we investigated the
      ability of typical commercial monoclonal antibody purification operations to
      clear and kill mycoplasmas, using Acholeplasma laidlawii as a model organism. Our
      spike/removal studies have shown that protein A column chromatography clears
      about 4-5 log10 Column regeneration effectively prevents A. laidlawii column
      carryover between chromatography runs. Moreover, low-pH hold steps, typically
      implemented after protein A purification, effectively kill A. laidlawii using
      either pH 3.8 glycine or acetate solutions (LRV >=5.30 and >=4.57, respectively).
      Solvent/detergent treatment, used in some processes instead of low-pH hold, also
      completely kills highly concentrated A. laidlawii (LRV >=5.95).LAY ABSTRACT:
      Biotechnology medicines need to be free from contaminating microorganisms such as
      mycoplasmas, a type of bacteria that can cause disease in humans (e.g., walking
      pneumonia). Here we show that some monoclonal antibody manufacturing steps can
      effectively clear and/or kill Acholeplasma laidlawii, a model mycoplasma species
      used in our study. This provides an additional level of safety assurance of
      biotechnology medicines for patients.

PMID- 28089963
TI  - PDA Points To Consider: Technical Product Lifecycle Management: Communication and
      Knowledge Exchange between Marketing Authorization Holders and Health
      Authorities.

PMID- 28089964
TI  - Increasing Patient Safety by Closing the Sterile Production Gap-Part 1.
      Introduction.
AB  - Terminal sterilization is considered the preferred means for the production of
      sterile drug products because it affords enhanced safety for the patient as the
      formulation is filled into its final container, sealed, and sterilized. Despite
      the obvious patient benefits, the use of terminal sterilization is artificially
      constrained by unreasonable expectations for the minimum time-temperature process
      to be used. The core misunderstanding with terminal sterilization is a fixation
      that destruction of a high population of a resistant biological indicator is
      required. The origin of this misconception is unclear, but it has resulted in
      sterilization conditions that are extremely harsh (15 min at 121  degrees C, of
      F0 > 8 min), which limit the use of terminal sterilization to extremely heat
      stable formulations. These articles outline the artificial nature of the process
      constraints and describe a scientifically sound means to expand the use of
      terminal sterilization by identifying the correct process goal-destruction of the
      bioburden present in the container prior to sterilization. Recognition that the
      true intention is bioburden destruction in routine products allows for the use of
      reduced conditions (lower temperatures, shorter process dwell, or both) without
      added patient risk. By focusing attention on the correct process target, lower
      time-temperature conditions can be used to expand the use of terminal
      sterilization to products unable to withstand the harsh conditions that have been
      mistakenly applied. The first article provides the background and describes the
      benefits to patient, producer, and regulator. The second article includes
      validation and operational advice that can be used in the implementation.LAY
      ABSTRACT: Terminal sterilization is considered the preferred means for the
      production of sterile drug products because it affords enhanced safety for the
      patient as the formulation is filled into its final container, sealed, and
      sterilized. Despite the obvious patient benefits, the use of terminal
      sterilization is artificially constrained by unreasonable expectations for the
      minimum time-temperature process to be used. These articles outline the
      artificial nature of the process constraints and describe a scientifically sound
      means to expand the use of terminal sterilization by identifying the correct
      process goal-destruction of the bioburden present in the container prior to
      sterilization. By focusing attention on the correct process target, lower time
      temperature conditions can be used to expand the use of terminal sterilization to
      products unable to withstand the harsh conditions that have been mistakenly
      applied. The first article provides the background, and describes the benefits to
      patient, producer, and regulator. The second article includes validation and
      operational advice that can be used in the implementation.

PMID- 28089965
TI  - Increasing Patient Safety by Closing the Sterile Production Gap-Part 2.
      Implementation.
AB  - Terminal sterilization is considered the preferred means for the production of
      sterile drug products because it affords enhanced safety for the patient as the
      formulation is filled into its final container, sealed, and sterilized. Despite
      the obvious patient benefits, the use of terminal sterilization is artificially
      constrained by unreasonable expectations for the minimum time-temperature process
      to be used. The core misunderstanding with terminal sterilization is a fixation
      that destruction of a high concentration of a resistant biological indicator is
      required. The origin of this misconception is unclear, but it has resulted in
      sterilization conditions that are extremely harsh (15 min at 121  degrees C, of
      F0 >8 min), which limit the use of terminal sterilization to extremely heat
      stable formulations. These articles outline the artificial nature of the process
      constraints and describe a scientifically sound means to expand the use of
      terminal sterilization by identifying the correct process goal-the destruction of
      the bioburden present in the container prior to sterilization. Recognition that
      the true intention is bioburden destruction in routine products allows for the
      use of reduced conditions (lower temperatures, shorter process dwell, or both)
      without added patient risk. By focusing attention on the correct process target,
      lower time-temperature conditions can be used to expand the use of terminal
      sterilization to products unable to withstand the harsh conditions that have been
      mistakenly applied. The first article provides the background, and describes the
      benefits to patient, producer, and regulator. The second article includes
      validation and operational advice that can be used in the implementation.LAY
      ABSTRACT: Terminal sterilization is considered the preferred means for the
      production of sterile drug products because it affords enhanced safety for the
      patient as the formulation is filled into its final container, sealed, and
      sterilized. Despite the obvious patient benefits, the use of terminal
      sterilization is artificially constrained by unreasonable expectations for the
      minimum time-temperature process to be used. These articles outline the
      artificial nature of the process constraints and describe a scientifically sound
      means to expand the use of terminal sterilization by identifying the correct
      process goal-the destruction of the bioburden present in the container prior to
      sterilization. By focusing attention on the correct process target, lower time
      temperature conditions can be used to expand the use of terminal sterilization to
      products unable to withstand the harsh conditions that have been mistakenly
      applied. The first article provides the background, and describes the benefits to
      patient, producer, and regulator. The article manuscript includes validation and
      operational advice that can be used in the implementation.

PMID- 28089966
TI  - Revision of Viable Environmental Monitoring in a Development Pilot Plant Based on
      Quality Risk Assessment: A Case Study.
AB  - In this case study, the principles of quality risk management were applied to
      review sampling points and monitoring frequencies in the hormonal tableting unit
      of a formulation development pilot plant. In the cleanroom area, premises of
      different functions are located. Therefore a general method was established for
      risk evaluation based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
      method to evaluate these premises (i.e., production area itself and ancillary
      clean areas) from the point of view of microbial load and state in order to
      observe whether the existing monitoring program met the emerged advanced
      monitoring practice.LAY ABSTRACT: In pharmaceutical production, cleanrooms are
      needed for the manufacturing of final dosage forms of drugs-intended for human or
      veterinary use-in order to protect the patient's weakened body from further
      infections. Cleanrooms are premises with a controlled level of contamination that
      is specified by the number of particles per cubic meter at a specified particle
      size or number of microorganisms (i.e. microbial count) per surface area. To
      ensure a low microbial count over time, microorganisms are detected and counted
      by environmental monitoring methods regularly. It is reasonable to find the
      easily infected places by risk analysis to make sure the obtained results really
      represent the state of the whole room. This paper presents a risk analysis method
      for the optimization of environmental monitoring and verification of the
      suitability of the method.

PMID- 28089967
TI  - Clinical Orofacial Examination in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: International
      Consensus-based Recommendations for Monitoring Patients in Clinical Practice and
      Research Studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop international consensus-based recommendations for the
      orofacial examination of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), for
      use in clinical practice and research. METHODS: Using a sequential phased
      approach, a multidisciplinary task force developed and evaluated a set of
      recommendations for the orofacial examination of patients with JIA. Phase 1: A
      Delphi survey was conducted among 40 expert physicians and dentists with the aim
      of identifying and ranking the importance of items for inclusion. Phase 2: The
      task force developed consensus about the domains and items to be included in the
      recommendations. Phase 3: A systematic literature review was performed to assess
      the evidence supporting the consensus-based recommendations. Phase 4: An
      independent group of orofacial and JIA experts were invited to assess the content
      validity of the task force's recommendations. RESULTS: Five recommendations were
      developed to assess the following 5 domains: medical history, orofacial symptoms,
      muscle and temporomandibular joint function, orofacial function, and dentofacial
      growth. After application of data search criteria, 56 articles were included in
      the systematic review. The level of evidence for the 5 recommendations was
      derived primarily from descriptive studies, such as cross-sectional and case
      control studies. CONCLUSION: Five recommendations are proposed for the orofacial
      examination of patients with JIA to improve the clinical practice and aid
      standardized data collection for future studies. The task force has formulated a
      future research program based on the proposed recommendations.

PMID- 28089969
TI  - Changes in Treatment Patterns in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis Initiating
      Biologic and Nonbiologic Therapy in a Clinical Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treatment options for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have increased and
      improved in the past decade; treatment patterns in PsA remain poorly understood.
      Understanding current practices would aid in treatment management of patients
      with PsA. METHODS: This observational study was based on data from the Corrona
      registry of adult patients with PsA in North America collected between January 1,
      2004, and December 31, 2012. Patients were divided among 3 therapy cohorts: tumor
      necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) monotherapy, methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy, and
      TNFi and MTX combination therapy. Patients were further divided among 3 study
      periods to understand changes over time: 2004-2006, 2007-2009, and 2010-2012.
      Data were collected on persistence, discontinuation, restarting, switching,
      adding/dropping therapy, and dose stretching. RESULTS: This study included 520
      patients: 190 TNFi monotherapy, 217 MTX monotherapy, and 113 combination therapy;
      110 from 2004 to 2006, 192 from 2007 to 2009, and 218 from 2010 to 2012. Over
      time, the proportion of patients initiating TNFi monotherapy decreased, while the
      proportion initiating combination therapy remained constant. The percentage of
      patients who were persistent decreased over time across all therapy cohorts, but
      remained higher in TNFi monotherapy than in other cohorts. Duration of
      persistence decreased over time. Patients initiating MTX monotherapy were more
      likely than their TNFi counterparts to add therapy. CONCLUSION: Treatment
      patterns in patients with PsA have changed from 2004 to 2012. Physicians are not
      more likely to initiate TNFi monotherapy, although clinical evidence supporting
      its effectiveness has increased over this study period, and patients remain more
      persistent with it.

PMID- 28089968
TI  - Prevalence of Anti-infliximab Antibodies and Their Associated Co-factors in
      Children with Refractory Arthritis and/or Uveitis: A Retrospective Longitudinal
      Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Infliximab (IFX) is a monoclonal tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      inhibiting antibody used in children with refractory arthritis and uveitis.
      Immunogenicity is associated with a lack of clinical response and infusion
      reactions in adults; data on immunogenicity in children treated with IFX for
      rheumatic diseases are scarce. We aimed to describe the prevalence of anti-IFX
      antibodies and determine co-factors associated with anti-IFX antibodies in
      children with inflammatory rheumatic and ocular diseases. METHODS: Consecutive
      children treated between August 2009 and August 2012 with IFX at our department
      were included. Blood samples were collected every 6 months before IFX infusion
      and tested for anti-IFX antibodies by radioimmunoassay. Patients' charts were
      retrospectively reviewed for clinical features and analyzed for associations with
      anti-IFX antibodies. RESULTS: Anti-IFX antibodies occurred in 14/62 children
      (23%) and 32/253 blood samples (12.6%) after a mean treatment time of 1084 days
      (range 73-3498). Infusion reactions occurred in 10/62 (16%) children during the
      treatment period. With continuation of IFX, anti-IFX antibodies disappeared in
      7/14 children. In the bivariate analysis, the occurrence of anti-IFX antibodies
      was associated with younger age at IFX treatment start (mean age 7.01 vs 9.88
      yrs, p = 0.003) and infusion reactions (OR 15.0), while uveitis as treatment
      indication was protective against development of anti-IFX antibodies (OR 0.17),
      likely because of higher IFX doses. In the multivariate logistic regression, all
      3 covariates remained highly significant. CONCLUSION: Anti-IFX antibodies
      occurred commonly at any time during IFX treatment. Anti-IFX antibodies were
      associated with younger age at IFX start, infusion reactions, and arthritis as
      treatment indication.

PMID- 28089970
TI  - Spatial Working Memory Impairment in Patients with Non-neuropsychiatric Systemic
      Lupus Erythematosus: A Blood-oxygen-level Dependent Functional Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Using ethology and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to
      explore mild cognitive dysfunction and spatial working memory (WM) impairment in
      patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without overt neuropsychiatric
      symptoms (non-NPSLE) and to study whether any clinical biomarkers could serve as
      predictors of brain dysfunction in this disease. METHODS: Eighteen non-NPSLE
      patients and 18 matched subjects were all tested using the Montreal cognitive
      assessment scale test and scanned using blood-oxygen-level dependent fMRI while
      performing the n-back task to investigate the activation intensity of some
      cognition-related areas. RESULTS: Ethology results showed that non-NPSLE patients
      had mild cognitive dysfunction and memory dysfunction (p < 0.05). The fMRI scan
      confirmed a neural network consisting of bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
      (DLPFC), premotor area, parietal lobe, and supplementary motor area
      (SMA)/anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) that was activated during the n-back task,
      with right hemisphere dominance. However, only the right SMA/ACC showed a load
      effect in the non-NPSLE group; the activation intensity of most WM-related brain
      areas for the non-NPSLE group was lower than for the control group under 3 memory
      loads. Further, we found that the activation intensity of some cognition-related
      areas, including the bilateral caudate nucleus/insula and
      hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus were lower than the control group under the
      memory loads. An inverse correlation existed between individual activation
      intensity and disease duration. CONCLUSION: Non-NPSLE-related brain damage with
      right DLPFC-posterior parietal lobe and parahippocampal gyrus default network
      causes impairment of spatial WM and mild cognitive dysfunction. Patients with
      longer disease duration would be expected to exhibit increased central nervous
      system damage.

PMID- 28089971
TI  - Incidence of Malignancy Prior to Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated
      Vasculitis Compared to the General Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have reported an increased malignancy risk preceding
      antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), suggesting
      common pathogenic pathways in these 2 entities. However, the study results were
      conflicting and often limited to patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
      (GPA). Here, we study the malignancy risk prior to AAV diagnosis [either GPA or
      microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)] to elaborate on the putative association between
      malignancy and AAV. METHODS: A total of 203 patients were selected for the
      current study. Malignancies prior to AAV diagnosis were identified using a
      nationwide pathology database, and their occurrence was verified by reviewing the
      medical files of 145 patients (71.4%). The malignancy incidence was compared to
      the general population by calculation of standardized incidence ratios (SIR),
      matching for sex, age, and time period. SIR were calculated for 2 intervals: < 2
      years and >= 2 years prior to AAV diagnosis. Separate analyses were performed for
      GPA and MPA. RESULTS: The overall risk for malignancy prior to AAV diagnosis was
      similar to that of the general population (SIR 0.96, 95% CI 0.55-1.57), as was
      true when risks were analyzed by malignancy type, including skin, bladder,
      kidney, lung, stomach, rectum, and uterus (SIR ranged from 1.64 to 4.14). We
      found no significant difference in malignancy risk between patients with GPA and
      MPA. CONCLUSION: Our findings do not support the hypothesis that preceding
      malignancies and AAV have a causal relationship or shared pathogenic pathways.

PMID- 28089972
TI  - A Preliminary Core Domain Set for Clinical Trials of Shoulder Disorders: A Report
      from the OMERACT 2016 Shoulder Core Outcome Set Special Interest Group.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Shoulder Core Outcome
      Set Special Interest Group (SIG) was established to develop a core outcome set
      (COS) for clinical trials of shoulder disorders. METHODS: In preparation for
      OMERACT 2016, we systematically examined all outcome domains and measurement
      instruments reported in 409 randomized trials of interventions for shoulder
      disorders published between 1954 and 2015. Informed by these data, we conducted
      an international Delphi consensus study including shoulder trial experts,
      clinicians, and patients to identify key domains that should be included in a
      shoulder disorder COS. Findings were discussed at a stakeholder premeeting of
      OMERACT. At OMERACT 2016, we sought consensus on a preliminary core domain set
      and input into next steps. RESULTS: There were 13 and 15 participants at the
      premeeting and the OMERACT 2016 SIG meeting, respectively (9 attended both
      meetings). Consensus was reached on a preliminary core domain set consisting of
      an inner core of 4 domains: pain, physical function/activity, global perceived
      effect, and adverse events including death. A middle core consisted of 3 domains:
      emotional well-being, sleep, and participation (recreation and work). An outer
      core of research required to inform the final COS was also formulated.
      CONCLUSION: Our next steps are to (1) analyze whether participation (recreation
      and work) should be in the inner core, (2) conduct a third Delphi round to
      finalize definitions and wording of domains and reach final endorsement for the
      domains, and (3) determine which instruments fulfill the OMERACT criteria for
      measuring each domain.

PMID- 28089973
TI  - Malignancies in Patients with Anti-RNA Polymerase III Antibodies and Systemic
      Sclerosis: Analysis of the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research Cohort and
      Possible Recommendations for Screening.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies
      (anti-RNAP3)- positive patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in the European
      League Against Rheumatism Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) registry
      with a focus on the risk of cancer and the characteristics of malignancies, and
      the aim to provide guidelines about potential cancer screening in these patients.
      METHODS: (1) Analysis of the EUSTAR database: 4986 patients with information on
      their anti-RNAP3 status were included. (2) Case-control study: additional
      retrospective data, including malignancy history, were queried in 13
      participating EUSTAR centers; 158 anti-RNAP3+ cases were compared with 199 local
      anti-RNAP3- controls, matched for sex, cutaneous subset, disease duration, and
      age at SSc onset. (3) A Delphi exercise was performed by 82 experts to reach
      consensus for cancer screening in anti-RNAP3+ patients. RESULTS: In the EUSTAR
      registry, anti-RNAP3 were associated in multivariable analysis with renal crisis
      and diffuse cutaneous involvement. In the case-control study, anti-RNAP3 were
      associated with gastric antral vascular ectasia, rapid progression of skin
      involvement, and malignancies concomitant to SSc onset (OR 7.38, 95% CI 1.61
      33.8). When compared with other anti-RNAP3+ patients, those with concomitant
      malignancies had older age (p < 0.001) and more frequent diffuse cutaneous
      involvement (p = 0.008). The Delphi exercise highlighted the need for malignancy
      screening at the time of diagnosis for anti-RNAP3+ patients and tight followup in
      the following years. CONCLUSION: Anti-RNAP3+ patients with SSc have a high risk
      of concomitant malignancy. These results have implications for clinical practice
      and suggest regular screening for cancer in anti-RNAP3+ patients.

PMID- 28089974
TI  - Cardiopulmonary Disease Development in Anti-RNA Polymerase III-positive Systemic
      Sclerosis: Comparative Analyses from an Unselected, Prospective Patient Cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Extensive skin disease and renal crisis are hallmarks of anti-RNA
      polymerase III (RNAP)-positive systemic sclerosis (SSc), while lung and heart
      involvement data are conflicting. Here, the aims were to perform time-course
      analyses of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in
      the RNAP subset of a prospective unselected SSc cohort and to use the other
      autoantibody subsets as comparators. METHODS: The study cohort included 279
      patients with SSc from the observational Oslo University Hospital cohort with
      complete data on (1) SSc-related autoantibodies, (2) paired, serial analyses of
      lung function and fibrosis by computed tomography, and (3) PH verified by right
      heart catheterization. RESULTS: RNAP was positive in 33 patients (12%), 79% of
      which had diffuse cutaneous SSc. Pulmonary findings were heterogeneous; 49% had
      no signs of fibrosis while 18% had > 20% fibrosis at followup. Forced vital
      capacity at followup was < 80% in 39% of the RNAP subset, comparable to the
      antitopoisomerase subset (ATA; 47%), but higher than anticentromere (ACA; 13%).
      Accumulated frequency of PH in the RNAP subset (12%) was lower than in ACA (18%).
      At 93% and 78%, the 5- and 10-year survival rates in RNAP were comparable to the
      ATA and ACA subsets. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, the RNAP subset was marked by
      cardiopulmonary heterogeneity, ranging from mild ILD to development of severe ILD
      in 18%, and PH development in 12%. These data indicate that cardiopulmonary risk
      stratification early in the disease course is particularly important in RNAP
      positive SSc.

PMID- 28089975
TI  - In Vitro Fertilization in 37 Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or
      Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Series of 97 Procedures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compile and assess data about complication and success rates for in
      vitro fertilization (IVF) of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and/or
      antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). To date, such data are sparse. METHODS: This
      retrospective study described women with SLE and/or APS who have had at least 1
      IVF cycle. RESULTS: Thirty-seven women with SLE (n = 23, including 8 with
      antiphospholipid antibodies), SLE with APS (n = 4), or primary APS (n = 10)
      underwent 97 IVF procedures. For 43% of cases, the infertility was female in
      origin, for 19% male, 14% mixed, and 24% unexplained. No women had premature
      ovarian insufficiency because of cyclophosphamide. Median age at IVF was 34 years
      (range 26-46). The median number of IVF cycles was 2.6 (1-8). Patients were
      treated with hydroxychloroquine (72%), steroids (70%), azathioprine (3%), aspirin
      (92%), and/or low molecular weight heparin (62%). There were 27 (28%)
      pregnancies, 23 live births among 26 neonates (3 twin pregnancies), 2
      miscarriages, and 2 terminations for trisomy 13 and 21. Six spontaneous
      pregnancies occurred during the followup. Finally, 26 women (70%) delivered at
      least 1 healthy child. Complications occurred in or after 8 IVF cycles (8%): SLE
      flares in 4 (polyarthritis in 3 and lupus enteritis in 1) and thromboembolic
      events in 4 others. One SLE flare was the first sign of previously undiagnosed
      SLE. Poor treatment adherence was obvious in 2 other flares and 2 thromboses. No
      ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was reported. CONCLUSION: These preliminary
      results confirm that IVF can be safely and successfully performed in women with
      SLE and/or APS.

PMID- 28089976
TI  - Disease Characteristics and Rheumatoid Arthritis Development in Patients with
      Early Undifferentiated Arthritis: A 2-year Followup Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the 2-year disease course in patients with undifferentiated
      arthritis (UA) focusing on fulfillment of the 2010 American College of
      Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA) classification criteria. METHODS: Data were provided by the Norwegian Very
      Early Arthritis Clinic study, which included patients presenting with >= 1
      swollen joint of <= 16 weeks' duration. UA was defined as patients not fulfilling
      the 2010 ACR/EULAR RA criteria and who did not have a clinical diagnosis other
      than RA at baseline. The main outcome was fulfillment of the 2010 RA criteria.
      Secondary outcomes were disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use,
      resolution of synovitis without use of DMARD during followup, and final clinical
      diagnosis. RESULTS: We included 477 patients with UA of whom 47 fulfilled the
      2010 ACR/EULAR RA criteria during followup (UA-RA) and 430 did not (UA-non-RA).
      Of the UA-RA patients, 70% fulfilled the criteria within the first 6 months. UA
      RA patients were older, more often positive for rheumatoid factor and
      anticitrullinated protein antibodies, female, and ever smokers, and they more
      often presented with polyarticular arthritis, small joint involvement, and a
      swollen shoulder joint. During followup, 53% of UA-RA patients vs 13% of UA-non
      RA patients used DMARD (p < 0.001). Overall, 71% of patients with UA achieved
      absence of clinical synovitis at final followup without use of DMARD. The most
      frequent final clinical diagnosis was UA (61%). CONCLUSION: Only 9.8% of patients
      with UA fulfilled the 2010 RA criteria during 2-year followup. Small joint
      involvement and swollen shoulder joint were among the factors associated with RA
      development. In two-thirds of patients with UA, the arthritis resolved without
      use of DMARD.

PMID- 28089977
TI  - Antimelanoma Differentiation-associated Gene 5 Antibody: Expanding the Clinical
      Spectrum in North American Patients with Dermatomyositis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical features associated with the antimelanoma
      differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody (anti-MDA5) in US patients with
      clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) and classic DM. METHODS: Patients
      with CADM were consecutively selected from the University of Pittsburgh Myositis
      Database from 1985 to 2013. CADM was defined by a typical DM rash without
      objective muscle weakness and no or minimal abnormalities of muscle enzymes,
      electromyography, or muscle biopsy. DM was defined by Bohan and Peter criteria
      and was 1:1 matched (sex and age +/- 5 yrs) to patients with CADM. Anti-MDA5
      autoAb levels were determined using ELISA. Clinical features were compared
      between CADM and DM and between MDA5-positive and MDA5-negative subjects, using
      chi-squared and/or Mann-Whitney U tests as appropriate. RESULTS: We identified 61
      patients with CADM who were matched to 61 DM controls (female 62% vs 64%; mean
      age 44.8 yrs vs 48.2, p < 0.5). Anti-MDA5 frequency was the same in both cohorts
      (13.1%), and anti-MDA5 was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of
      cutaneous ulcers, digital tip ulcerations, and puffy fingers as well as
      interstitial lung disease (ILD). Most patients with ILD had rapidly progressive
      ILD (RPILD) leading to early death. Patients with CADM were more likely to have
      dysphagia, but there were no other clinical differences seen associated with CADM
      as compared to classic DM. CONCLUSION: Anti-MDA5 positivity had a similar
      frequency in US patients with CADM and DM and is associated with ILD, RPILD,
      cutaneous ulcers, digital tip ulceration, and poor survival.

PMID- 28089978
TI  - Rituximab Retreatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Real-life Cohort: Data from
      the CERERRA Collaboration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several aspects of rituximab (RTX) retreatment in rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA) need to be further elucidated. The aim of this study was to describe the
      effect of repeated courses of RTX on disease activity and to compare 2
      retreatment strategies, fixed-interval versus on-flare retreatment, in a large
      international, observational, collaborative study. METHODS: In the first
      analysis, patients with RA who received at least 4 cycles with RTX were included.
      In the second analysis, patients who received at least 1 RTX retreatment and for
      whom information about the strategy for retreatment was available were
      identified. Two retreatment strategies (fixed-interval vs on-flare) were compared
      by fitting-adjusted, mixed-effects models of 28-joint Disease Activity Score
      (DAS28) over time for first and second retreatment. RESULTS: A total of 1530
      patients met the eligibility criteria for the first analysis. Significant
      reductions of mean DAS28 between the starts of subsequent treatment cycles were
      observed (at start of first treatment cycle: 5.5; second: 4.3; third: 3.8; and
      fourth: 3.5), suggesting improved response after each additional cycle (p <
      0.0001 for all pairwise comparisons). A total of 800 patients qualified for the
      second analysis: 616 were retreated on flare and 184 at fixed interval. For the
      first retreatment, the fixed-interval retreatment group yielded significantly
      better results than the on-flare group (estimated marginal mean DAS28 = 3.8, 95%
      CI 3.6-4.1 vs 4.6, 95% CI 4.5-4.7, p < 0.0001). Similar results were found for
      the second retreatment. CONCLUSION: Repeated treatment with RTX leads to further
      clinical improvement after the first course of RTX. A fixed-interval retreatment
      strategy seems to be more effective than on-flare retreatment.

PMID- 28089979
TI  - Quality of Care for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Mind the Knowledge Gap.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypical chronic multiorgan
      autoimmune disorder that can lead to significant burden of disease and loss of
      life expectancy. The disease burden is the result of a complex interplay between
      genetic, biologic, socioeconomic, and health system variables affecting the
      individual. Recent advances in biological understanding of SLE are yet to
      translate to transformative therapies, and genetic and socioeconomic variables
      are not readily amenable to intervention. In contrast, healthcare quality, a
      variable readily amenable to change, has been inadequately addressed in SLE,
      despite evidence in other chronic diseases that quality of care is strongly
      associated with patient outcomes. This article will analyze the available
      literature on the quality of care relevant to SLE, identify knowledge gaps, and
      suggest ways to address this in future research.

PMID- 28089980
TI  - Sex-specific Relationship of Serum Uric Acid with All-cause Mortality in Adults
      with Normal Kidney Function: An Observational Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explain the clinical effect of serum uric acid (SUA) levels as a
      risk factor for mortality, considering exclusion of kidney function. METHODS:
      Participants aged over 40 years who underwent health checkups were recruited.
      Individuals with estimated glomerular filtrations rates < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and
      who received laboratory study and colonoscopy on the same day were excluded.
      RESULTS: SUA levels were higher in men than in women (5.7 +/- 1.2 mg/dl for men
      and 4.2 +/- 0.9 mg/dl for women, p < 0.001). During 12.3 +/- 3.6 years of
      followup, 1402 deaths occurred among 27,490 participants. About 6.9% of men and
      3.1% of women died. The overall mortality rate had a U-shaped association with
      SUA levels, a U-shaped association in men, and no association in women. There was
      a significant interaction of sex for the SUA-mortality association (p for
      interaction = 0.049); therefore, survival analysis was conducted by sex. In men,
      the lower SUA group had a higher mortality rate after adjustment (SUA <= 4.0
      mg/dl, adjusted HR 1.413, 95% CI 1.158-1.724, p = 0.001) compared with the
      reference group (SUA 4.1-6.0 mg/dl). A higher SUA contributed to an insignificant
      increased mortality in men (> 8.0 mg/dl, adjusted HR 1.140, 95% CI 0.794-1.636, p
      = 0.479). Women failed to show any significant association between SUA and
      mortality. CONCLUSION: This study provided novel evidence that SUA-mortality
      association differed by sex. We demonstrated that a lower SUA was an independent
      risk factor for all-cause mortality in men with normal kidney function.

PMID- 28089981
TI  - Sleep Disturbances and Neurobehavioral Performance in Juvenile Idiopathic
      Arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the extent of polysomnographic (PSG) sleep disturbances
      [obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI), number of wake bouts, arousals,
      periodic limb movements] and the effect of OAHI on neurobehavioral performance in
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), JIA
      without OSA, and controls without OSA, adjusting for intelligence quotient (IQ),
      pain, medications, daytime sleepiness, and wake bouts. METHODS: Children 6-11
      years, 68 with JIA and 67 controls, underwent 1 night of PSG and completed self
      reported daytime sleepiness surveys, multiple sleep latency tests for
      physiological sleepiness, and neurobehavioral performance tests the next day.
      RESULTS: Compared with JIA and controls without OSA, mean OAHI and arousals were
      significantly higher in JIA with OSA (p < 0.001, respectively). In comparison
      with JIA and controls without OSA, mean simple reaction time and sustained
      attention were significantly slower in JIA with OSA, adjusting for IQ, pain, any
      medication, daytime sleepiness, and wake bouts. CONCLUSION: Elevated OAHI is
      suggestive of obstructive sleep apnea and a comorbidity in JIA that may
      predispose children with JIA to daytime sleepiness and impaired neurobehavioral
      performance.

PMID- 28089983
TI  - Detailed Analysis of the Articular Domain in Patients with Primary Sjogren
      Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We used the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and the European
      League Against Rheumatism Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI)
      articular domain to assess the effect of rituximab (RTX) and abatacept (ABA) on
      articular involvement in primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS). METHODS: Patients with
      pSS treated with RTX (n = 18) or ABA (n = 13) and having a DAS28 erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR)/C-reactive protein (CRP) level >= 3.2 at baseline were
      selected. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the DAS28 and
      ESSDAI articular domain over time. RESULTS: In the RTX group, DAS28-ESR/CRP
      decreased significantly up to 48 weeks. In the ABA group, DAS28-ESR/CRP decreased
      significantly up to 24 weeks. DAS28 correlated significantly with ESSDAI
      articular domain. CONCLUSION: DAS28 is useful to evaluate the effect of
      biologicals on articular involvement in patients with pSS.

PMID- 28089982
TI  - Fragility Fractures Are Associated with an Increased Risk for Cardiovascular
      Events in Women and Men with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Population-based Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Women and men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk
      for fragility fractures and cardiovascular disease (CVD), each of which has been
      reported to contribute to excess morbidity and mortality in these patients.
      Fragility fractures share similar risk factors for CVD but may occur at
      relatively younger ages in patients with RA. We aimed to determine whether a
      fragility fracture predicts the development of CVD in women and men with RA.
      METHODS: We studied a population-based cohort with incident RA from 1955 to 2007
      and compared it with age- and sex-matched non-RA subjects. We identified
      fragility fractures and CVD events following the RA incidence/index date, along
      with relevant risk factors. We used Cox models to examine the association between
      fractures and the development of CVD, in which fractures and CVD risk factors
      were modeled as time-dependent covariates. RESULTS: There were 1171 subjects (822
      women; 349 men) in each of the RA and non-RA cohorts. Over followup, there were
      406 and 346 fragility fractures and 286 and 225 CVD events, respectively. The
      overall CVD risk was increased significantly for RA subjects following a
      fragility fracture (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.38-2.37) but not for non-RA subjects (HR
      1.18, 95% CI 0.85-1.63). Results were similar for women and men with RA.
      CONCLUSION: Fragility fractures in both women and men with RA are associated with
      an increased risk for CVD events and should raise an alert to clinicians to
      target these individuals for further screening and preventive strategies for CVD.

PMID- 28089984
TI  - Achieving Consensus on Total Joint Replacement Trial Outcome Reporting Using the
      OMERACT Filter: Endorsement of the Final Core Domain Set for Total Hip and Total
      Knee Replacement Trials for Endstage Arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Discussion and endorsement of the OMERACT total joint replacement
      (TJR) core domain set for total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement
      (TKR) for endstage arthritis; and next steps for selection of instruments.
      METHODS: The OMERACT TJR working group met at the 2016 meeting at Whistler,
      British Columbia, Canada. We summarized the previous systematic reviews, the
      preliminary OMERACT TJR core domain set and results from previous surveys. We
      discussed preliminary core domains for TJR clinical trials, made modifications,
      and identified challenges with domain measurement. RESULTS: Working group
      participants (n = 26) reviewed, clarified, and endorsed each of the inner and
      middle circle domains and added a range of motion domain to the research agenda.
      TJR were limited to THR and TKR but included all endstage hip and knee arthritis
      refractory to medical treatment. Participants overwhelmingly endorsed
      identification and evaluation of top instruments mapping to the core domains
      (100%) and use of subscales of validated multidimensional instruments to measure
      core domains for the TJR clinical trial core measurement set (92%). CONCLUSION:
      An OMERACT core domain set for hip/knee TJR trials has been defined and we are
      selecting instruments to develop the TJR clinical trial core measurement set to
      serve as a common foundation for harmonizing measures in TJR clinical trials.

PMID- 28089985
TI  - Giant Cell Arteritis-related Stroke: A Retrospective Multicenter Case-control
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA)
      related stroke and to compare them with a control group of GCA patients without
      stroke. METHODS: We created a retrospective multicenter cohort of patients with
      (1) GCA diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria
      between 1995 and 2015, and (2) stroke occurring at the time of GCA diagnosis or
      occurring within 4 weeks of starting GCA therapy. The control group consisted of
      GCA patients without stroke. RESULTS: Forty patients [21 women (53%), median age
      78 (60-91) yrs] with GCA-related stroke were included and were compared with 200
      control patients. Stroke occurred at GCA diagnosis in 29 patients (73%), whereas
      it occurred after diagnosis in 11 patients. Vertebrobasilar territory was
      involved in 29 patients (73%). Seven patients died within a few hours or days
      following stroke. Compared with the control group, stroke patients had more
      ophthalmic ischemic symptoms [25 (63%) vs 50 (25%), p < 0.001]. Conversely, they
      demonstrated lower biological inflammatory variables [C-reactive protein: 61 (28
      185) mg/l vs 99 (6-400) mg/l, p = 0.04] and less anemia [22/37 (59%) vs 137/167
      (79%), p = 0.03] than patients without stroke. Multivariate logistic regression
      revealed that the best predictors for the occurrence of stroke were the presence
      of ophthalmic ischemic symptoms at diagnosis (OR 5, 95% CI 2.14-12.33, p =
      0.0002) and the absence of anemia (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.99, p = 0.04).
      CONCLUSION: Stroke, especially in the vertebrobasilar territory, is more likely
      to occur in patients with GCA who experience recent ophthalmic ischemic symptoms
      and who exhibit low inflammatory variables.

PMID- 28089986
TI  - Estimating glomerular filtration rate for the full age spectrum from serum
      creatinine and cystatin C.
AB  - Background: We recently published and validated the new serum creatinine (Scr)
      based full-age-spectrum equation (FAS crea ) for estimating the glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR) for healthy and kidney-diseased subjects of all ages. The
      equation was based on the concept of normalized Scr and shows equivalent to
      superior prediction performance to the currently recommended equations for
      children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Methods: Based on an evaluation
      of the serum cystatin C (ScysC) distribution, we defined normalization constants
      for ScysC ( Q cysC  =   0.82 mg/L for ages <70 years and Q cysC  =   0.95 mg/L
      for ages >=70 years). By replacing Scr/ Q crea in the FAS crea equation with
      ScysC/ Q cysC , or with the average of both normalized biomarkers, we obtained
      new ScysC-based (FAS cysC ) and combined Scr-/ScysC-based FAS equations (FAS
      combi ). To validate the new FAS cysC and FAS combi we collected data on measured
      GFR, Scr, ScysC, age, gender, height and weight from 11 different cohorts
      including n  = 6132 unique white subjects (368 children, aged <=18 years, 4295
      adults and 1469 older adults, aged >=70 years). Results: In children and
      adolescents, the new FAS cysC equation showed significantly better performance
      [percentage of patients within 30% of mGFR (P30) = 86.1%] than the Caucasian
      Asian Paediatric Adult Cohort equation (P30 = 76.6%; P < 0.0001), or the ScysC
      based Schwartz equation (P30 = 68.8%; P < 0.0001) and the FAS combi equation
      outperformed all equations with P30 = 92.1% (P < 0.0001). In adults, the FAS cysC
      equation (P30 = 82.6%) performed equally as well as the Chronic Kidney Disease
      Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI cysC ) (P30 = 80.4%) and the FAS
      combi equation (P30 = 89.9%) was also equal to the combined CKD-EPI equation (P30
      = 88.2%). In older adults, FAS cysC was superior (P30 = 88.2%) to CKD-EPI cysC
      (P30 = 84.4%; P < 0.0001) and the FAS combi equation (P30 = 91.2%) showed
      significantly higher performance than the combined CKD-EPI equation (P30 = 85.6%)
      (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The FAS equation is not only applicable to all ages,
      but also for all recommended renal biomarkers and their combinations.

PMID- 28089987
TI  - New Editor on Journal of Cell Science.

PMID- 28089989
TI  - RhoA regulates actin network dynamics during apical surface emergence in
      multiciliated epithelial cells.
AB  - Homeostatic replacement of epithelial cells from basal precursors is a multistep
      process involving progenitor cell specification, radial intercalation and,
      finally, apical surface emergence. Recent data demonstrate that actin-based
      pushing under the control of the formin protein Fmn1 drives apical emergence in
      nascent multiciliated epithelial cells (MCCs), but little else is known about
      this actin network or the control of Fmn1. Here, we explore the role of the small
      GTPase RhoA in MCC apical emergence. Disruption of RhoA function reduced the rate
      of apical surface expansion and decreased the final size of the apical domain.
      Analysis of cell shapes suggests that RhoA alters the balance of forces exerted
      on the MCC apical surface. Finally, quantitative time-lapse imaging and
      fluorescence recovery after photobleaching studies argue that RhoA works in
      concert with Fmn1 to control assembly of the specialized apical actin network in
      MCCs. These data provide new molecular insights into epithelial apical surface
      assembly and could also shed light on mechanisms of apical lumen formation.

PMID- 28089995
TI  - Systematic evaluation of markers used for the identification of human induced
      pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Low efficiency of somatic cell reprogramming and heterogeneity among human
      induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) demand extensive characterization of
      isolated clones before their use in downstream applications. By monitoring human
      fibroblasts undergoing reprogramming for their morphological changes and
      expression of fibroblast (CD13), pluripotency markers (SSEA-4 and TRA-1-60) and a
      retrovirally expressed red fluorescent protein (RV-RFP), we compared the
      efficiency of these features to identify bona fide hiPSC colonies. The co
      expression kinetics of fibroblast and pluripotency markers in the cells being
      reprogrammed and the emerging colonies revealed the heterogeneity within SSEA-4+
      and TRA-1-60+ cells, and the inadequacy of these commonly used pluripotency
      markers for the identification of bona fide hiPSC colonies. The characteristic
      morphological changes in the emerging hiPSC colonies derived from fibroblasts
      expressing RV-RFP showed a good correlation between hiPSC morphology acquisition
      and silencing of RV-RFP and facilitated the easy identification of hiPSCs. The
      kinetics of retroviral silencing and pluripotency marker expression in emerging
      colonies suggested that combining both these markers could demarcate the stages
      of reprogramming with better precision than with pluripotency markers alone. Our
      results clearly demonstrate that the pluripotency markers that are routinely
      analyzed for the characterization of established iPSC colonies are not suitable
      for the isolation of pluripotent cells in the early stages of reprogramming, and
      silencing of retrovirally expressed reporter genes helps in the identification of
      colonies that have attained a pluripotent state and the morphology of human
      embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

PMID- 28089996
TI  - A comparison of lobectomy and total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary
      thyroid microcarcinoma: a retrospective individual risk factor-matched cohort
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) accounts for most of the
      increase in thyroid cancer in recent decades. We compared clinical outcomes and
      surgical complications of lobectomy and total thyroidectomy (TT) in PTMC
      patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this retrospective individual risk factor
      matched cohort study, 2031 patients with PTMC were initially included. Patients
      who underwent lobectomy or TT were one-to-one matched according to individual
      risk factors, including age, sex, primary tumor size, extrathyroidal extension,
      multifocality and cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis. RESULTS: In total, 688
      patients were assigned to each group. During the median 8.5 years of follow-up,
      26 patients (3.8%) in the lobectomy group and 11 patients (1.6%) in the TT group
      had recurrences. The relative risk of recurrence was significantly less in the TT
      than that in the lobectomy group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.41; 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.21-0.81; P = 0.01). Most recurrences (84.6%) in the lobectomy group
      occurred in the contralateral lobe, and all patients were disease-free after
      completion of thyroidectomy. There were no significant differences in recurrence
      free survival between the two groups after exclusion of contralateral lobe
      recurrences (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 0.08-8.79; P = 0.08). There were significantly
      more patients with transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism in the TT than that
      in the lobectomy group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lobectomy could be appropriate
      for most patients with PTMC when there is no evidence of extrathyroidal disease
      in the preoperative work-up. Preoperative and postoperative imaging studies are
      important for patients who undergo lobectomy for PTMC, because most recurrences
      are in the contralateral lobe.

PMID- 28089998
TI  - First Clinical Experience With Targeted REnal Nerve Demodulation (TREND-1) Using
      a Neurotropic Agent for the Treatment of Sympathetic Hypertension.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel targeted neuromodulatory
      treatment for sympathetic hypertension involving a one-time local injection of
      neurotropic agents near renal nerves. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven patients
      suffering from uncontrolled hypertension per ESH-ESC guidelines were treated
      using a single dose of NW2013, a neurotropic Na+/K+ ATPase antagonist. A
      microneedle catheter was used to administer 1.2 mL of NW2013 (0.6 mL per artery)
      to the perivascular space surrounding renal arteries using percutaneous
      endovascular procedures under fluoroscopic guidance. All patients were
      successfully treated without any procedural complications. Patients were followed
      for 12 months post procedure, and office and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure
      measurements were made. Both office and ambulatory blood pressures were lower at
      24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment. The decrease in office blood
      pressure was greater than the decrease in ambulatory blood pressure. A reduction
      in medication regimen was also observed in 2 patients. One patient suffered a
      cerebrovascular event after 6-month follow-up and died from stroke, unrelated to
      the treatment. Overall, the reduction in office and ambulatory blood pressure was
      sustained over the course of 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of hypertension
      using local administration of NW2013 near renal nerves appears to be feasible and
      safe. Large, controlled, randomized, and blinded clinical studies with monitoring
      of patient compliance to daily oral medication are recommended to further
      establish the efficacy of this novel treatment.

PMID- 28089997
TI  - The Impact of Age and Sex on In-Hospital Outcomes of Chronic Total Occlusion
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the effect of age and sex on procedural
      outcomes and efficiency of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI). METHODS: We examined the clinical and angiographic
      characteristics and outcomes of 1675 CTO-PCIs performed in 1644 patients between
      2012 and 2016 at 15 United States centers. RESULTS: Mean age was 65.3 +/- 10
      years and 1408 (86%) were men. Overall technical and procedural success rates
      were 88% and 87%, respectively. Increasing age was associated with more
      comorbidities (dyslipidemia, hypertension, prior coronary artery bypass graft
      surgery, prior stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and chronic lung disease) and
      more lesion calcification. As compared with the reference age of <65 years, age
      >75 years was independently associated with technical failure (odds ratio [OR],
      2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-4.28). Increasing age was also
      independently associated with the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular
      events (MACEs; OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.10-9.23 for 65-75 years and OR, 5.71; 95% CI,
      1.89-19.60 for >75 years). Compared with men, women (n = 236; 14%) were older
      (66.8 +/- 11.1 years vs 65.0 +/- 9.8 years; P=.02), but had similar clinical
      characteristics and lower J-CTO scores (2.3 +/- 1.3 vs 2.5 +/- 1.2; P=.02).
      Although crude technical success rate was higher in women compared with men (92%
      vs 87%; P=.04), multivariable analysis did not show independent association
      between sex and technical failure (OR, men/women, 1.66; 95% CI, 0.86-3.50) or
      MACE (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.25-1.73). CONCLUSIONS: Older age, but not sex, is
      associated with lower technical success and higher in-hospital complication rate
      for CTO-PCI. CTO-PCI is relatively infrequently attempted in women, despite high
      technical success and acceptable complication rates.

PMID- 28089999
TI  - Impact of Impaired Renal Function in Patients With Severely Calcified Coronary
      Lesions Treated With Orbital Atherectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) who underwent orbital atherectomy for severe coronary artery
      calcification (CAC) prior to stent implantation. BACKGROUND: Percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) of lesions with severe CAC is associated with
      increased rates of adverse clinical events. Patients with CKD are at increased
      risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including vascular
      calcification, and have worse outcomes after PCI. METHODS: Of the 456 consecutive
      real-world patients in our retrospective multicenter registry with severe CAC who
      underwent orbital atherectomy, 88 patients (19.3%) had CKD (creatinine >=1.5
      mg/dL). The primary endpoint was the 30-day rate of major adverse cardiac and
      cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as death, myocardial infarction (MI),
      target-vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke. RESULTS: The CKD group had a
      higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension as well as a lower mean
      left ventricular ejection fraction. The primary endpoint was similar in the CKD
      and non-CKD groups (3.4% vs 1.9%; P=.40), as were 30-day rates of death (2.2% vs
      1.1%; P=.30), MI (1.1% vs 0.5%; P=.40), TVR (0% vs 0%; P>.99), and stroke (0% vs
      0.3%; P>.99). Angiographic complications and stent thrombosis rates were low and
      did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Despite higher-risk baseline
      characteristics, patients with CKD had no significant differences in MACCE.
      Orbital atherectomy represents a reasonable treatment strategy for the treatment
      of severe CAC in patients with CKD. A prospective randomized trial with long-term
      follow-up is needed to identify the optimal treatment for these patients.

PMID- 28090000
TI  - Neoatherosclerosis in the Iliac Artery Stent - Insights From Optical Coherence
      Tomography and Intravascular Ultrasound.

PMID- 28090001
TI  - Assessment of Atherosclerosis - Vascular Imaging Tests and Vascular Function
      Tests.

PMID- 28090002
TI  - Easy detection of hormone secretion from LbetaT2 cells by using Gaussia
      luciferase.
AB  - Reproduction is regulated by gonadotropins secreted from gonadotrophs. The
      production and secretion of gonadotropins are mainly regulated by gonadotropin
      releasing hormone (GnRH). Agonists or antagonists that influence GnRH action on
      gonadotrophs are important to regulate reproduction; however, these factors have
      not been fully characterized due to the lack of simple and easy-to-use techniques
      to detect gonadotropin secretion from gonadotropin-producing cells. In the
      present study, we found that Gaussia luciferase (Gluc), which was expressed in
      LbetaT2 cells, can be secreted like a luteinizing-hormone (LH) upon stimulation
      with GnRH. The Gluc secreted into the medium was easily monitored as luminescence
      signals. The detection range of the GnRH-induced Gluc activity was comparable to
      that of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for LH. In addition, when the Gluc
      was expressed in AtT20 cells, which produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH),
      the Gluc activity in the medium increased in parallel with the ACTH secretion
      upon stimulation with corticotropin-releasing hormone. Thus, the Gluc assay in
      the present study can be easily used for high-throughput screening of factors
      that influence LH or ACTH secretion from LbetaT2 or AtT20 cells, respectively.

PMID- 28090004
TI  - Difference in Dynamic Body Balance between Forward and Lateral Single-Leg Hop
      Landing.
AB  - Since the loss of balance can result in falls or lower extremity injuries during
      sports or daily activities, quantitative evaluation of one's ability to maintain
      balance with changes in the direction of motion is crucial. The present study
      aimed to assess whether the trajectory length of the center of pressure (COP) and
      peak values of the ground reaction force (GRF) following a single-leg hop landing
      differ when hopping forward or laterally, and to ascertain disparities in balance
      characteristics due to differences in hop direction. Twenty-four young volunteers
      (mean age, 22.1 years) were asked to stand on one foot on a level floor, take a
      half step in the forward and lateral directions, and land on one foot, repeating
      this task ten times on each leg. Data measured in this study included COP
      trajectory length up to 200 ms (200msCOP) and 1 s (1sCOP), the peak value of the
      frontal GRF (pFML), the peak value of the sagittal GRF (pFAP), and the peak value
      of the vertical GRF (pFV). Means were calculated from the measured values of ten
      attempts. 200msCOP reflects postural sway immediately after landing, and pFML and
      pFV reflect the force of impact upon landing. 200msCOP, pFML, and pFV were
      significantly higher with lateral hopping versus forward hopping (p<0.01, p<0.05,
      and p<0.05), and hop direction yielded differences in dynamic balance.

PMID- 28090003
TI  - Primary Hinged External Fixation of Terrible Triad Injuries and Olecranon
      Fracture-Dislocations of the Elbow.
AB  - This study aimed to introduce a new treatment that apples primary hinged external
      fixation for complex fracture-dislocations of the elbow in 12 cases. We
      retrospectively assessed the functional outcomes of eight patients with terrible
      triad injuries and three patients with an olecranon fracture-dislocation of the
      elbow, who were treated at our hospital using a primary hinged external fixator
      between June 2012 and December 2014. Ten patients underwent repair or replacement
      of the radial head, while three underwent repair of the olecranon. In principle,
      they were treated without reconstruction of the coronoid fracture and collateral
      ligament injury. The patients were evaluated for a mean follow-up period of 16
      months after the initial surgery. Early mobilization was encouraged while the
      hinged external fixator was in place. At the follow-up, the mean Mayo Elbow
      Performance Score was 93 points; the results were "excellent" in six cases and
      "good" in five. No patients had recurrent elbow instability. Only one patient
      needed an additional procedure after the initial operation. These results
      suggested that primary hinged external fixation without repair of the ligament
      and soft tissue is an effective minimally invasive surgery for the management of
      terrible triad injuries and olecranon fracture-dislocations of the elbow.

PMID- 28090005
TI  - Unstable Angina Pectoris in a 22-year-old Female Patient.
AB  - Because of the protective effect of estrogen for atherosclerosis, the prevalence
      of acute coronary syndrome in women before menopause is low. We report a rare
      case of unstable angina in a young Japanese female who had a history of cigarette
      smoking and contraceptive use. Her coronary stenosis was successfully treated by
      percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 28090006
TI  - Expression of apical junction complex proteins in colorectal mucosa of miniature
      dachshunds with inflammatory colorectal polyps.
AB  - We examine the expression of tight junction and adherence junction proteins in
      the colorectal mucosa of miniature dachshunds (MDs) with inflammatory colorectal
      polyps (ICRPs). Colorectal mucosa samples were endoscopically obtained from 8 MDs
      with ICRPs and 8 control dogs for immunoblotting. Paraffin-embedded tissues of
      surgically resected inflamed lesions from another 5 MDs with ICRPs and full
      thickness colorectal specimens from 5 healthy beagles were obtained for
      immunohistochemistry. The expression patterns of claudin-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7
      and -8, E-cadherin and beta-catenin were analyzed in the non-inflamed mucosa and
      inflamed mucosa of ICRPs and colorectal mucosa of control dogs by immunoblotting.
      The localization of these proteins in the inflamed lesions was analyzed by
      immunohistochemistry. The expressions of each of claudin, E-cadherin and beta
      catenin were not significantly different between control dogs and non-inflamed
      colonic mucosa from MDs with ICRPs. In contrast, only E-cadherin and beta-catenin
      were detected in the inflamed lesions of MDs with ICRPs. By immunohistochemistry,
      claudin-2, -3, -4, -5 and -7, E-cadherin and beta-catenin were expressed in the
      colorectal epithelium within the inflamed mucosa, but not in granulation tissue.
      Distributions of claudin-2, -3, -4, -5, and -7, E-cadherin and beta-catenin in
      the colonic epithelium were not different between MDs with ICRPs and control
      dogs. These results indicated that no significant alteration was detected in
      several tight junction or adherence junction proteins expression in the
      colorectal epithelium of ICRPs.

PMID- 28090008
TI  - Characterization of the Growth of Deep and Subcortical White Matter
      Hyperintensity on MR Imaging: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: In elderly patients, deep and subcortical white matter hyperintense
      lesions are frequently observed on MRI; however, the growth process of these
      lesions is unclear. The aims of this retrospective cohort study were to elucidate
      the growth characteristics of deep and subcortical white matter hyperintense
      lesions, and to insight their etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 103
      patients (1610 lesions) whose deep and subcortical white matter hyperintense
      lesions were monitored for 3 or more years by MRI examination. The area of each
      hyperintense lesion was measured using a tracing method in the first and last MRI
      examinations. The annual rate of increase in the area of each lesion was
      calculated, and using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient the
      correlation between the annual rate of increase in area and the interval between
      the first and last MRI examinations was determined. RESULTS: The paired t-test
      showed a significant increase in the mean area of all the deep and subcortical
      white matter hyperintense lesions between the first and last MRI examinations (P
      < 0.001). However, hyperintense lesions had decreased in the area or disappeared
      in 227 (14.1%) lesions in the last MRI examination, particularly in patients with
      diabetes. The mean annual rate of increase in area of all hyperintense lesions
      was 0.013 +/- 0.021 cm2 per year. The annual rate of increase in area and the
      interval between the first and last MRI examinations showed a weak negative
      correlation (r = -0.121; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Decrease in the area and the
      disappearance of the subcortical white matter hyperintense lesions, and a decline
      in the annual rate of increase in the lesion area with time suggest that the
      interstitial fluid accumulation associated with dysfunctional drainage around the
      vessels may be involved in the possible etiologies of deep and subcortical white
      matter hyperintense lesions.

PMID- 28090007
TI  - Ductal Carcinoma in situ Detected during Prospective MR Imaging Screening of a
      Woman with a BRCA2 Mutation: The First Case Report in Japan.
AB  - The present case is the first report in Japan in which a breast cancer was
      discovered as a result of prospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening
      study for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who were free of breast or ovarian cancer.
      This case is significant and it verifies the importance of MRI screening in
      breast or ovarian cancer-free BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who do not exhibit
      positive mammographic or ultrasonographic findings.

PMID- 28090009
TI  - Prognostic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation and New Risk Score of Its Onset in
      Patients at High Risk of Heart Failure - A Report From the CHART-2 Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients at
      high risk for heart failure (HF) remains unclear. In addition, there is no risk
      estimation model for AF development in these patients.Methods and Results:The
      present study included 5,382 consecutive patients at high risk of HF enrolled in
      the CHART-2 Study (n=10,219). At enrollment, 1,217 (22.6%) had AF, and were
      characterized, as compared with non-AF patients, by higher age, lower estimated
      glomerular filtration rate, higher B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level and
      lower left ventricular ejection fraction. A total of 116 non-AF patients (2.8%)
      newly developed AF (new AF) during the median 3.1-year follow-up. AF at
      enrollment was associated with worse prognosis for both all-cause death and HF
      hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.31, P=0.027 and aHR 1.74, P=0.001,
      for all-cause death and HF hospitalization, respectively) and new AF was
      associated with HF hospitalization (aHR 4.54, P<0.001). We developed a risk score
      with higher age, smoking, pulse pressure, lower eGFR, higher BNP, aortic valvular
      regurgitation, LV hypertrophy, and left atrial and ventricular dilatation on
      echocardiography, which effectively stratified the risk of AF development with
      excellent accuracy (AUC 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that AF is
      associated with worse prognosis in patients at high risk of HF, and our new risk
      score may be useful to identify patients at high risk for AF onset.

PMID- 28090010
TI  - Long-Term Outcomes After Percutaneous Lower Extremity Arterial Interventions With
      Atherectomy vs. Balloon Angioplasty - Propensity Score-Matched Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of endovascular revascularization of the lower extremity
      arteries with atherectomy (AT) compared with percutaneous transluminal
      angioplasty (PTA) is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to
      compare long-term outcomes after percutaneous PTA and AT in patients requiring
      endovascular revascularization.Methods and Results:This was a single-center,
      retrospective registry of obstructive and symptomatic PAD patients who underwent
      endovascular revascularization. PTA was performed in 215 patients, and AT in 204
      (Silver Hawk, EV3, n=125; CSI 360 degrees , n=66; Pathway Medical Technologies,
      n=13). There were no significant between-group differences in baseline
      characteristics except for increased CAD, dialysis and CLI prevalence in the PTA
      group. Following propensity score analysis 131 well-matched pairs were included
      in analysis. Bail-out stenting was more frequent in the reference group (PTA,
      6.1% vs. AT, 0%; P=0.004). At 6- and 12-month follow-up there were no differences
      in TLR between the groups (PTA, 8.3% vs. AT, 5.3%; P=0.47; and PTA, 16.7% vs. AT,
      13.7%; P=0.73, respectively). The difference was in favor of AT at 24-month
      follow-up (PTA, 29.0% vs. AT, 16.7%; P=0.05). No difference was observed in
      amputation rate (PTA, 0.7% vs AT, 1.5%; P=0.62). On Kaplan-Meier analysis there
      were no significant differences between groups in time to TLR, amputation or
      death. CONCLUSIONS: AT was associated with lower risk of TLR, and this should be
      confirmed in randomized controlled trials.

PMID- 28090012
TI  - ?

PMID- 28090011
TI  - Cardiac Amyloidosis Associated With Amyloidogenic Transthyretin V122I Variant in
      an Elderly Japanese Woman.

PMID- 28090013
TI  - Significance of monitoring trough plasma concentration levels for invasive fungal
      infection prophylaxis with itraconazole oral solution in patients with
      hematological malignancies: a prospective study.
AB  - In this prospective study, we examined the prophylactic effect of itraconazole
      oral solution (ITCZ-OS) against invasive fungal disease in hematologic malignancy
      patients. The participants were 36 patients, at least 16 years of age, with
      hematologic malignancies treated at our hospital. ITCZ-OS 200 mg/day was
      administered orally twice a day with a target trough plasma concentration of 350
      ng/ml. If the patient did not achieve the target trough plasma concentration, the
      dose was increased. The success rate of achieving the target trough plasma
      concentration of ITCZ with a dose of 200 mg/day was 63.9%. During the observation
      period, 2 patients (5.6%) were diagnosed with possible invasive fungal disease
      according to the EORTC/MSG 2008 criteria. Adverse events were observed in 2
      patients (5.6%). The results showed administration of ITCZ-OS while monitoring
      ITCZ trough plasma concentrations to be effective for preventing invasive fungal
      disease, and no serious adverse events occurred. Since predicting trough levels
      in response to ITCZ administrations is difficult, its measurement is necessary to
      maintain the prophylactic effect of ITCZ.

PMID- 28090014
TI  - Retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes of the patients with chronic myeloid
      leukemia who stopped administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a single
      institution experience.
AB  - We describe herein the clinical outcomes of 16 patients with chronic myeloid
      leukemia in the chronic phase who stopped the administration of tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKI) after maintaining undetectable levels of major BCR-ABL1, based
      on real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, for prolonged periods
      (undetectable MR for a median of 2,100 days (822-4,068). The reasons for
      discontinuing TKI were enrollments in a clinical trial testing discontinuation of
      these agents (n=9), adverse effects (n=2) or financial problems (n=5). After TKI
      discontinuation, patients were followed for a median of 551 days (154-2,446). A
      total of 8 patients (50%) experienced molecular relapse after a median of 119
      days (28-171). Among them, 6 patients who lost major molecular response (MMR)
      were treated with imatinib (n=2) or dasatinib (n=4), while 2 patients who lost
      undetectable MR after discontinuing TKI (1 each had taken bostinib and imatinib)
      but maintained MMR were carefully monitored without re-administration of TKI. Of
      6 patients who re-started TKI, 4 (67%) achieved undetectable MR but the other 2
      achieved only MMR. The results of this small, retrospective study may support the
      current understanding of treatment discontinuation, possibly leading to a
      sustained deep molecular response in some patients.

PMID- 28090015
TI  - TAFRO syndrome showing cholangitis on liver biopsy.
AB  - TAFRO syndrome is a systemic inflammatory disorder. TAFRO is an acronym that
      stands for thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, renal
      dysfunction, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. There are no reports of
      TAFRO syndrome describing cholangitis on liver biopsy. Herein, we report the
      first case of TAFRO syndrome with cholangitis. The patient was a 56-year-old man
      who presented with sudden onset abdominal pain and fever. His symptoms progressed
      to generalized edema, thrombocytopenia, hepatomegaly, and acute renal failure.
      Biopsies taken from the mediastinal lymph nodes and bone marrow showed the mixed
      type of multicentric Castleman's disease and mild reticulin fibrosis,
      respectively, compatible with TAFRO syndrome. His symptoms were temporarily
      relieved by steroid pulse therapy and tocilizumab. Fever and anasarca relapsed in
      a few weeks, however. He was then administered rituximab which resolved his
      symptoms almost completely.

PMID- 28090016
TI  - Gastrointestinal post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder with rapidly
      forming characteristic lesions after cord blood transplantation: a report of two
      cases.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
      (PTLD) frequently involves the gastrointestinal tract, but the endoscopic
      characteristics of this condition have not been discussed in detail. We report
      two cases of EBV-related PTLD involving rapidly forming characteristic lesions.
      Case 1 was a 60-year-old man with acute myeloid leukemia who underwent cord blood
      transplantation (CBT) after which he initially achieved complete remission (CR).
      He developed nausea and vomiting on day 99. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed no
      tumor-like lesions in his stomach. However, a second endoscopic evaluation, which
      was performed 7 days after the first, revealed multiple raised lesions in his
      stomach, and a histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen resulted in a
      diagnosis of EBV-related PTLD. Case 2 was a 36-year-old man with acute myeloid
      leukemia who underwent CBT after achieving his second CR. He suffered nausea and
      pharyngalgia on day 309. Although the initial gastrointestinal endoscopic
      examination showed only multiple erosive or small ulcerative lesions, a second
      endoscopic evaluation, which was performed 10 days after the first, revealed a
      raised lesion with a central ulcer in the duodenum. Histopathological examination
      of the biopsy specimen yielded a diagnosis of EBV-related PTLD. Both patients
      were successfully treated by reducing the dose of immunosuppressive agents and
      administering rituximab.

PMID- 28090017
TI  - Quincke's edema and hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by lenalidomide for
      multiple myeloma.
AB  - A 64-year-old man with recurrent multiple myeloma (BJP-kappa type) was treated
      with 15 mg of lenalidomide (LEN) and dexamethasone. He developed Quincke's edema
      on his eyelid on day 4. Since the edema improved after withdrawal of LEN, the
      drug was subsequently re-administered at a decreased dose. However, the edema
      developed again on day 4. After withdrawal of LEN, the drug was administered
      again with gradually dose escalation, while confirming the absence of eyelid
      edema. Although edema did not develop, eosinophils and basophils were increased,
      and the CRP level was elevated. During the third course of LEN administration,
      his chest CT showed bilateral ground-glass opacity, and LEN-induced
      hypersensitivity pneumonitis was diagnosed. The pneumonitis resolved after LEN
      withdrawal and prednisolone administration. These observations suggested that
      Quincke's edema, eosinophilia and basophilia, CRP elevation, and hypersensitivity
      pneumonitis might occur due to the immunological effects of LEN, which is
      classified as an immunomodulatory drug.

PMID- 28090019
TI  - Simultaneous occurrence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and pure red cell aplasia.
AB  - Simultaneous onset of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and pure red cell
      aplasia (PRCA) is rare and any possible association between these two disorders
      remains obscure. A 46-year-old previously healthy woman was diagnosed as having
      AIHA based on severe anemia, positive direct and indirect Coomb's tests,
      decreased serum haptoglobin, elevated serum LDH, and indirect bilirubin-dominant
      hyperbilirubinemia. Oral steroid administration (1 mg/kg) and subsequent half
      pulse steroid therapy ameliorated the AIHA, but the anemia was unexpectedly
      prolonged with the low peripheral blood reticulocyte count further decreasing to
      0.11%. Bone marrow aspiration revealed a marked decrease in erythroblasts with an
      M/E ratio of 69.5. Anti-parvovirus B19 IgM antibody and serum B19 viral DNA (109
      copy/ml) were detected but no other distinct abnormalities which might have
      caused acquired PRCA were detected. Therefore, she was considered likely to have
      idiopathic AIHA and acquired PRCA simultaneously. AIHA-mediated erythroblastosis
      probably raised the parvovirus B19 DNA level to an extraordinary degree and
      thereby led to severe aplastic crisis, subsequently causing prolonged anemia.
      Parvovirus B19 infection should be considered in AIHA patients showing
      unexpectedly low reticulocyte counts.

PMID- 28090018
TI  - Congenital haptoglobin deficiency discovered on the occasion of anaphylaxis
      induced by platelet concentrate transfusion.
AB  - A 77-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome suffered from duodenal
      perforation after undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for treatment
      of duodenal cancer. He presented with hemorrhagic shock, peritonitis and
      disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and received transfusions of red
      blood cells (RBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), gamma-globulin and albumin (Alb).
      One month after the last RBC transfusion, prolonged thrombocytopenia was
      observed, and platelet concentrate (PC) was transfused. However, immediately
      after starting PC transfusion, he developed dyspnea, hypotension and rash, and
      was thus diagnosed as being in anaphylactic shock. Analysis of the patient's
      serum revealed absence of haptoglobin (Hp) and the presence of anti-Hp antibody.
      Further studies, using PCR detected Hpdel, yielded a diagnosis of congenital Hp
      deficiency. Thus, the anaphylactic shock was considered to have been induced by
      Hp in the transfused PC reacting with pre-existing anti-Hp antibodies.
      Thereafter, transfusions were safely carried out with the use of washed PC.
      Congenital Hp deficiency is relatively prevalent, and in such cases transfusions
      should be carried out using washed RBC, washed PC and congenital Hp deficiency
      donor derived FFP to avoid anaphylactic transfusion reactions. Transfusions would
      be even safer if production of congenital Hp deficiency donor derived PC were to
      be made available in the future.

PMID- 28090020
TI  - Overview.

PMID- 28090021
TI  - Gene mutations in bone marrow failure syndromes.
AB  - Acquired bone marrow failure syndromes consist of aplastic anemia, paroxysmal
      nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Clonal
      hematopoiesis is frequently observed in non-neoplastic disorders, aplastic anemia
      and PNH as well as a neoplastic phenotype, MDS. However, the significance of such
      clonal hematopoiesis, particularly in aplastic anemia, remains to be elucidated.
      Recent advancements in next generation sequencing technology have revealed a
      diverse clonal structure in these bone marrow failure syndromes, as well as in
      age-related clonal hematopoiesis in healthy people. In this review article, we
      describe gene mutations in bone marrow failure syndromes, together with those
      detected in healthy people.

PMID- 28090022
TI  - Gene mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms.
AB  - This review outlines recent advances in the understanding of gene alterations and
      the genetic background associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), as
      well as describing the roles of these genetic factors in the development of MPNs.
      JAK2, CALR, and MPL mutations that are specifically found in patients with MPNs
      have been shown to constitutively activate cytokine receptors. Other mutations
      that are commonly found in hematopoietic malignancies have been demonstrated to
      synergize with disease-specific mutations and to accelerate the development of
      MPN, or to define the disease subtype. However, some of these mutations are found
      in healthy elderly persons, such that the mechanism of MPN development remains
      elusive. Further analyses including those for genetic factors associated with the
      occurrence of MPN will lead to a complete understanding of MPN development.

PMID- 28090023
TI  - Gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease, the onset of which
      involves a variety of chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations. In recent
      years, the use of next-generation sequencers has facilitated intensive
      exploration of gene mutations resulting in the discovery of many AML-related gene
      mutations, and in clarifying the clonal evolution process of relapse. Epigenetic
      regulatory gene mutations have occurred in pre-leukemic cells with normal
      differentiation potential, and the acquisition of numerous genetic mutations was
      found to be strongly associated with AML onset, with further co-mutations
      contributing to clonal diversity and leading to the generation of treatment
      resistant clones. As a result of these fruitful findings, the gene mutations of
      AML are becoming useful as not only prognostic factors but also the targets of
      molecular medicines such as FLT3 and IDH inhibitors. Most notably, several
      guidelines have proposed a prognostic classification that groups FLT3ITD, NPM1
      mutation, and CEBPA mutation together under conventional chromosomal aberrations.
      This review outlines recent findings pertaining to the gene mutations in AML.

PMID- 28090024
TI  - Gene mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes.
AB  - Recent progress in next generation sequencing technologies has enabled us to
      investigate somatic mutations throughout the coding regions of myelodysplastic
      syndromes (MDS), and have likely provided us with almost the entire spectrum of
      driver mutations responsible for this disease. As shown by numerous recent
      studies, such frequent mutations play an important role in the leukemogenesis of
      MDS. In the first part of this review, we comprehensively describe the
      characteristics and frequencies of the most prevalent mutations already confirmed
      as drivers in MDS. Second, we focus on the associations between karyotypic
      abnormalities and somatic mutations involving chromosomes 5 and 7. In particular,
      CSNK1A1 mutations are the most recently identified among the 5q- syndromes.
      Finally, we summarize recently reported findings on the functional effects of
      frequent splice factor mutations on splicing defects, which have been clarified
      by multiple institutions.

PMID- 28090025
TI  - Gene mutations in malignant lymphoma.
AB  - Information on the cancer genome has accumulated rapidly, since approximately
      2009, with the use of second-generation sequencing technology. Malignant lymphoma
      is no exception. In mature B-cell lymphomas, which constitute the vast majority
      of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, frequent mutations are identified in genes involved in
      signaling pathways, histone-modifying molecules, the DNA damage-response pathway,
      etc. The signaling pathways in which multiple genes are mutated include immune
      cell-specific pathways such as the B-cell receptor, the Toll-like receptor, and
      their downstream NF-kappaB signaling pathways, as well as the NOTCH signaling
      pathway. In mature T/NK-cell lymphomas, mutations accumulate in genes involved in
      the T-cell receptor pathway and its downstream NF-kappaB signaling pathway,
      regulators of DNA methylation, the JAK-STAT pathway, etc. Many of these mutations
      are found in multiple types of lymphomas but the frequencies of each gene
      mutation differ among diseases, demonstrating characteristic profiles. This
      cumulative and growing fund of knowledge provides an important basis for the
      development of new molecular-targeted drugs.

PMID- 28090026
TI  - ?

PMID- 28090028
TI  - ?

PMID- 28090027
TI  - ?

PMID- 28090029
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28090030
TI  - Effect of polymerization cycles on flexural strengths and microhardness of
      different denture base materials.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different polymerization
      cycles on the flexural strengths and microhardness of two denture base materials
      (Meliodent and Paladent). Heat-polymerized acrylic resin specimens (65.0 mm
      long*10.0 mm wide*2.5 mm in height) were prepared using different short and long
      polymerization cycles. After the specimens had been polymerized, they were stored
      in distilled water at 37+/-1 degrees C for 24 h. Flexural strength test was
      performed at a cross-head speed of 5 mm/min and Vickers microhardness was
      measured. Data were analyzed with a 1-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey
      test, and Student t-test (alpha=0.05). The flexural strengths and microhardness
      were significantly different between Meliodent and Paladent (p<0.05). Significant
      differences were found among the polymerization cycles in terms of flexural
      strengths and microhardness (p<0.05). Polymerization with G cycle may be
      suggested for Meliodent and H cycle may be suggested for Paladent.

PMID- 28090031
TI  - Differentiation behavior of iPS cells cultured on PLGA with osteoinduction
      medium.
AB  - In the present report, we have generated osteoblast-like cells derived from mouse
      induced-pluripotent stem (iPS) cells on PLGA with osteoinduction medium in vitro
      and in vivo. The cell culture period was 2 weeks. At 2 weeks, mRNA level of type
      I collagen was significantly higher than at 1 week. Osteocalcin mRNA level at 2
      weeks was tendency to increase compared with at 1 week. And the cells cultured on
      PLGA were positive for immunofluorescent staining of osteocalcin and alizarin red
      S staining. The scaffold and osteogenic-like cells induced in vitro were
      implanted subcutaneously into SCID mice. In resected teratoma, hard tissues
      resembling bone were observed mixed with other tissues on the scaffold. The sum
      of these findings suggests that PLGA does not disturb the osteogenesis of iPS
      cells.

PMID- 28090032
TI  - The influence of elastic moduli of core materials on shear stress distributions
      at the adhesive interface in resin built-up teeth.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate shear stress distributions in resin built-up
      teeth using resin composites of varying elastic moduli (E), with or without fiber
      posts. Three-dimensional mathematical models of a root-filled mandibular premolar
      tooth were constructed. Resin post and cores were built-up with resin composites
      of three different E: 12,000, 18,000 and 24,000 MPa, with or without fiber posts.
      Finite element linear analysis was performed to calculate shear stress
      distributions at bonding interface between resin core and dentin. Regardless of
      fiber post insertion, the shear stress on the cervical surface of resin core
      decreased as the E of resin composites increased. Insertion of fiber posts
      increased the shear stress on the post surface of resin core, with increases in
      the E of resin composites. In conclusion, using resin core materials with higher
      E decreased the shear stress at cervical interface between resin core and dentin
      regardless of fiber post insertion.

PMID- 28090033
TI  - The effect of surface sealant application and accelerated aging on posterior
      restorative surfaces: An SEM and AFM study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface sealant
      application and 10,000 thermocycles on the surface roughness and microhardness of
      different resin composite systems. A micro-hybrid (G Aenial Posterior), a nano
      hybrid (Clearfil Majesty Posterior), a nano-fill (Filtek Ultimate Universal
      Restorative, Enamel Shade), and a bulk-fill resin composite (Filtek Bulk Fill
      Posterior Restorative) were used for the study. Specimens were evaluated at 24 h,
      after application of the surface sealant Fortify Plus, and after thermocycling.
      Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures of analysis of variance
      (ANOVA) and a posthoc Bonferroni test (p<0.05). Surface roughness values of G
      Aenial Posterior and Filtek Ultimate Universal Restorative increased
      significantly after surface sealant application. However, neither surface sealant
      application nor thermocycling had a significant effect on composite microhardness
      values except Filtek Ultimate Universal Restorative (p>0.05).

PMID- 28090034
TI  - Evaluation of sub-surface penetration and bonding durability of self-etching
      primer systems to Er:YAG laser treated cervical dentin.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate self-etching bonding systems penetrating in sub
      surface dentin layer after Er:YAG laser irradiation and micro-shear bonding
      durability over a period of 1 year. Dentin slices obtained from extracted human
      third molars were prepared. Two self-etching adhesive systems were evaluated:
      Clearfil SE Bond and Clearfil Tri-S Bond. Specimens were tested for micro-shear
      bond strength with one of the following treatments: Er:YAG laser irradiation and
      600-grit silicon paper polishing at 24 h, 7 days, 6 months and 1 year. The
      adhesive interfaces between bonding agents and lased cervical dentin were
      studied. No hybrid layer could be observed for lased dentin. The slim resin tags
      could be seen penetrating through the lased subsurface layer. Bond strength to
      lased dentin after 6 months and 1 year were significantly decreased (p<0.05).

PMID- 28090035
TI  - Effect of ice-quenching on the change in hardness of a Pd-Au-Zn alloy during
      porcelain firing simulation.
AB  - This study examined the effect of ice-quenching after degassing on the change in
      hardness of a Pd-Au-Zn alloy during porcelain firing simulations. By ice
      quenching after degassing, the specimens were softened due to homogenization
      without the need for an additional softening heat treatment. The lowered hardness
      by ice-quenching after degassing was recovered greatly from the first stage of
      porcelain firing process by controlling the cooling rate. The increase in
      hardness during cooling after porcelain firing was attributed to the
      precipitation of the f.c.t. PdZn phase containing Au, which caused severe lattice
      strain in the interphase boundary between the precipitates and matrix of the
      f.c.c. structure. The final hardness was slightly higher in the ice-quenched
      specimen than in the specimen cooled at stage 0 (the most effective cooling rate
      for alloy hardening) after degassing. This was attributed to the more active
      grain interior precipitation during cooling in the ice-quenched specimen after
      degassing.

PMID- 28090036
TI  - Fabrication and Functionalization of Inorganic Materials Using Amphiphilic
      Molecules.
AB  - In this review, the synthesis of inorganic materials with various properties
      using amphiphilic molecules is examined. Amphiphilic molecules are used for the
      formation of highly ordered mesostructures and the surface modification. Two
      examples of the mesostructures are crystalline mesoporous titania (TiO2) and the
      novel visible light responsive mesostuructured titania modified with dye in the
      pores, which can be fabricated using the molecular self-assemblies of amphiphiles
      as templates. Surface modification using amphiphilic molecules enables the
      construction of self-assembled arrays of silica particles and the preparation of
      a film that can control adsorption/desorption behavior of bovine serum albumin
      (BSA) by light irradiation.

PMID- 28090037
TI  - Expression of (Pro)renin Receptor During Rapamycin-Induced Erythropoiesis in K562
      Erythroleukemia Cells and Its Possible Dual Actions on Erythropoiesis.
AB  - (Pro)renin receptor ((P)RR), a specific receptor for renin and prorenin, is
      expressed in erythroblastic cells. (P)RR has multiple biological actions:
      prorenin activation, stimulation of the intracellular signaling including
      extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and functional complex formation with
      vacuolar H+-ATPase (v-ATPase). However, the functional implication of (P)RR in
      erythroblast cells has not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to
      clarify changes of (P)RR expression during erythropoiesis and a role of (P)RR in
      the heme synthesis. (P)RR expression was studied during rapamycin-induced
      erythropoiesis in a human erythroleukemia cell line, K562. Treatment with
      rapamycin (100 nM) for 48 hours significantly increased %number of hemoglobin
      producing cells, gamma-globin mRNA levels, erythroid specific 5-aminolevulinate
      synthase (ALAS2) mRNA levels, and heme content in K562 cells. Both (P)RR protein
      and mRNA levels increased about 1.4-fold during rapamycin-induced erythropoiesis.
      Suppression of (P)RR expression by (P)RR-specific small interference RNA
      increased ALAS2 mRNA levels about 1.6-fold in K562 cells, compared to control
      using scramble RNA, suggesting that (P)RR may down-regulate ALAS2 expression. By
      contrast, treatment with bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of v-ATPase, decreased
      greatly % number of hemoglobin-producing cells and heme content in K562 cells,
      indicating that the v-ATPase function is essential for hemoglobinization and
      erythropoiesis. Treatment with bafilomycin A1 increased (P)RR protein and mRNA
      levels. In conclusion, we propose that (P)RR has dual actions on erythropoiesis:
      the promotion of erythropoiesis via v-ATPase function and the down-regulation of
      ALAS2 mRNA expression. Thus, (P)RR may contribute to the homeostatic control of
      erythropoiesis.

PMID- 28090039
TI  - Interaction between the RGS6 gene and psychosocial stress on obesity-related
      traits.
AB  - Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and arises from the
      interactions between environmental factors and multiple genes. Psychosocial
      stress may affect the risk for obesity, modifying food intake and choice. A
      recent study suggested regulator of G-protein signaling 6 (RGS6) as a novel
      candidate gene for obesity in terms of reward-related feeding under stress. In
      this study, we tried to verify the unidentified connection between RGS6 and human
      obesity with psychosocial stress in a Korean population. A total of 1,462 adult
      subjects, who participated in the Korean Association Resource cohort project,
      were included for this analysis. Obesity-related traits including waist
      circumference, body mass index, and visceral adipose tissue were recorded. A
      total of 4 intronic SNPs for the RGS6 gene were used for this study. We found
      that interactions between SNP rs2239219 and psychosocial stress are significantly
      associated with abdominal obesity (p = 0.007). As risk allele of this SNP
      increased, prevalence of abdominal obesity under high-stress conditions gradually
      increased (p = 0.013). However, we found no SNPs-by-stress interaction effect on
      other adiposity phenotypes. This study suggests that RGS6 is closely linked to
      stress-induced abdominal obesity in Korean adults.

PMID- 28090038
TI  - Combination Therapy with Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir for Dialysis Patients
      Infected with Hepatitis C Virus: A Prospective Multi-Institutional Study.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in dialysis patients worldwide and
      nosocomial HCV spread within dialysis facilities continues to develop.
      Combination therapy with daclatasvir and asunaprevir (DCV/ASV) that has proven
      efficacy for dialysis patients infected with genotype 1b HCV (HCV/1b) has several
      concerns in Japan. The recently available combination therapy with ombitasvir,
      paritaprevir, and ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r) is not contraindicated in patients with
      chronic renal failure and has more safety profile and shorter treatment period
      than that with DCV/ASV. We evaluated the effects of combination therapy with
      OBV/PTV/r in four dialysis patients infected with HCV/1b, who were eligible for
      our study. On-treatment assessments included standard laboratory testing, serum
      HCV RNA and symptom-directed physical examinations. Three patients had a
      sustained virological response at 12 weeks after treatment, but one remaining
      patient had viral breakthrough. Notably, the patient with viral breakthrough had
      been coinfected with HCV/1b and HCV/2b; namely, HCV/2b with resistance-associated
      variations was not eradicated by the combination therapy. Among the three
      patients responsive to the combination therapy, one patient complained of
      appetite loss and itching, while in another patient the therapy was discontinued
      due to itching, exacerbation of wamble, and a falling tendency probably due to
      interaction with valsartan. These AEs were ameliorated or disappeared after the
      completion of the therapy. The significance of our study is persuasive
      virological evaluation associated to the combination therapy and reasonable
      interpretation of AEs. In conclusion, combination therapy with OBV/PTV/r may have
      promise as an efficacious therapy, but caution regarding AEs should be practiced.

PMID- 28090040
TI  - Outcomes of Brugada Syndrome Patients with Coronary Artery Vasospasm.
AB  - Objective To evaluate the outcomes of patients with concomitant Brugada syndrome
      and coronary artery vasospasm. Methods Patients diagnosed with Brugada syndrome
      with an implantable cardiac defibrillator were retrospectively investigated, and
      the coexistence of vasospasm was evaluated. The clinical features and outcomes
      were evaluated, especially in patients with coexistent vasospasm. A provocation
      test using acetylcholine was performed in patients confirmed to have no organic
      stenosis on percutaneous coronary angiography to confirm the presence of
      vasospasm. Implantable cardiac defibrillator shock status was checked every three
      months. Statistical comparisons of the groups with and without vasospasm were
      performed. A univariate analysis was also performed, and the odds ratio for the
      risk of implantable cardiac defibrillator shock was calculated. Patients Thirty
      five patients with Brugada syndrome, of whom six had coexistent vasospasm.
      Results There were no significant differences in the laboratory data,
      echocardiogram findings, disease, or the history of taking any drugs between
      patients with and without vasospasm. There were significant differences in the
      clinical features of Brugada syndrome, i.e. cardiac events such as resuscitation
      from ventricular fibrillation or appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator
      shock. Four patients with vasospasm had cardiac events such as resuscitation from
      ventricular fibrillation and/or appropriate defibrillator shock; three of them
      had no cardiac events with calcium channel blocker therapy to prevent vasospasm.
      The coexistence of vasospasm was a potential risk factor for an appropriate
      implantable cardiac defibrillator shock (odds ratio: 13.5, confidence interval:
      1.572-115.940, p value: 0.035) on a univariate analysis. Conclusion Coronary
      artery vasospasm could be a risk factor for cardiac events in patients with
      Brugada syndrome.

PMID- 28090041
TI  - Clinical Characteristics of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Bacteremia: A Regional
      Report and a Review of a Japanese Case Series.
AB  - Objective Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging nosocomial pathogen that
      causes fatal infections in critically ill or immunocompromised patients. S.
      maltophilia bacteremia (SMB) is a rare condition, and its clinical
      characteristics in Japanese settings are not well known. Methods The medical
      charts of patients with SMB were retrospectively reviewed at two medical
      facilities (Okayama University Hospital and Tsuyama Chuo Hospital) for seven
      years. The data were analyzed along with those previously reported from other
      Japanese facilities. Result A total of 181 patients (110 men and 71 women) were
      evaluated. The major underlying diseases included hematologic malignancy (36.5%),
      solid organ malignancy (25.4%), and neutropenia (31.5%). The recent use of
      carbapenem was seen in 56.9% of the cases in total, and more than one-third of
      the patients in our hospitals were treated with carbapenem at the onset of SMB.
      Of 28 (63.6%) of 44 cases treated for S. maltophilia, those who did not survive
      were more likely to have been treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. A
      multivariate analysis revealed that a higher updated Charlson Comorbidity Index
      [odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.75 (1.11-2.75); p=0.015] and intubation
      [odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 12.6 (1.62-97.9); p=0.016] were associated
      with mortality in our cases. Pathogens were often resistant to ceftazidime but
      susceptible to minocycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and fluoroquinolones.
      The overall mortality rates within 30 and 90 days were 37.5% and 62.5%,
      respectively. Conclusion The clinical characteristics of SMB in Japanese cases
      were similar to those reported from other countries. Clinicians should be aware
      that breakthrough infection by S. maltophilia may occur during administration of
      carbapenem.

PMID- 28090042
TI  - Autoimmune Hepatitis Associated with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura.
AB  - Although autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is frequently complicated with chronic
      thyroiditis or other autoimmune disorders, reports on its association with immune
      thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are scarce. We herein describe a case of AIH
      associated with ITP. A 75-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital
      due to increased aminotransferase levels and severe thrombocytopenia. Elevated
      serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) was detected, and tests for platelet-associated IgG
      and anti-nuclear antibody were positive. Following the diagnosis of AIH
      associated ITP, prednisolone treatment of 0.6 mg/kg/day resulted in a decrease in
      the aminotransferase levels and an increased platelet count.

PMID- 28090043
TI  - Pheochromocytoma Multisystem Crisis Behaving Like Interstitial Pneumonia: An
      Autopsy Case.
AB  - Pheochromocytoma multisystem crisis is a rare and life-threatening disease that
      is associated with numerous symptoms and which is also difficult to diagnose. We
      herein report an autopsy case of a 61-year-old man who died due to
      pheochromocytoma multisystem crisis. The patient complained of vomiting and
      breathlessness. Computed tomography showed a shadow-like region with a similar
      appearance to interstitial pneumonia. The patient was diagnosed with takotsubo
      cardiomyopathy induced by severe lung disease based on the results of
      echocardiography and coronary angiography. The patient was treated for
      interstitial pneumonia. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated and he died 6
      hours after arrival. We were later informed of his extremely high catecholamine
      serum levels. We found pheochromocytoma with hemorrhage at autopsy. The patient's
      lungs showed acute passive congestion with edema and extravasation.

PMID- 28090044
TI  - Acute Multiple Cerebral Infarction in a Patient with an Accessory Mitral Valve.
AB  - A 96-year-old woman developed hemiparesis 2 weeks after orthopedic surgery.
      Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple cerebral infarctions in the
      bilateral hemisphere. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mobile structure
      attached to the anterior mitral leaflet that protruded toward the left
      ventricular outflow tract. The structure was identified as an accessory mitral
      valve. Doppler echocardiography showed that there was no significant left
      ventricular outflow obstruction. This is a rare case of a silent accessory mitral
      valve that was detected after multiple cerebral infarctions.

PMID- 28090045
TI  - A Pitfall in the Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Myocarditis in a Patient who Received
      Steroid Therapy.
AB  - Eosinophilic myocarditis is a rare form of myocardial inflammation that is
      characterized by the infiltration of eosinophilic cells into the myocardium. The
      clinical symptoms of eosinophilic myocarditis are similar to those of acute
      coronary syndrome, and eosinophilic myocarditis sometimes occurs in combination
      with bronchial asthma. We herein present a case of eosinophilic myocarditis in
      which additional time was required to make a definitive diagnosis because the
      patient received steroid therapy. The diagnosis of eosinophilic myocarditis is
      challenging, especially when a patient has other inflammatory diseases, such as
      bronchial asthma. We should pay attention to the possibility that steroid therapy
      may mask the presentation of eosinophilic myocarditis.

PMID- 28090046
TI  - An Isolated Case of Late-onset Amyloidogenic Transthyretin Type Familial Amyloid
      Polyneuropathy Associated with a Mutant Transthyretin Substituting Methionine for
      Valine at Position 30 Showing Latent Progressive Cardiac Involvement Confirmed by
      Serial Annual Electrocardiograms.
AB  - Late-onset amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTR) type familial amyloid
      polyneuropathy (FAP) shows features distinct from those of early-onset hereditary
      ATTR type FAP. We herein describe an asymptomatic 68-year-old man with late-onset
      ATTR type FAP whose serial annual electrocardiograms demonstrated progressive
      left bundle branch block. Latent but severe cardiac involvement seems to be one
      feature of late-onset ATTR type FAP, similar to senile systemic amyloidosis
      (SSA). Early differential diagnosis of late-onset ATTR type FAP from SSA is
      important because, currently, only the former has new therapeutic options
      available in Japan. The present case report, therefore, highlights the necessity
      of careful observation for periodic electrocardiograms.

PMID- 28090047
TI  - Platypnea-orthodeoxia Syndrome in a Patient with an Atrial Septal Defect: The
      Diagnosis and Choice of Treatment.
AB  - A 77-year-old woman developed dyspnea over three years which occurred during
      sitting, standing or walking. Her physical examination, chest X-ray, ECG and
      cardiac catheterization results were all normal. A marked fall in arterial oxygen
      saturation was observed on sitting or standing. Transesophageal echocardiography
      showed an increase of right to left shunt flow on sitting. The patient was
      diagnosed with platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome and underwent the surgical closure
      of an atrial septal defect of 19 mm in diameter. After the surgery, the patient's
      POS symptoms were completely resolved. She was discharged and followed at the
      outpatient clinic. Her post-treatment course was uneventful.

PMID- 28090048
TI  - Hyponatremia in an Elderly Patient due to Isolated Hypoaldosteronism Occurring
      after Licorice Withdrawal.
AB  - Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte disorders encountered in the
      elderly. We present the case of an 81-year-old man who developed hyponatremia due
      to isolated hypoaldosteronism occurring after licorice withdrawal. He had severe
      hypokalemia with hypertension and was diagnosed with pseudoaldosteronism. He had
      been taking a very small dose of licorice as a mouth refresher since his early
      adulthood. Five months after licorice withdrawal, he developed hypovolemic
      hyponatremia, which was resolved with administration of fludrocortisone acetate.
      Our experience with this case suggests that isolated hypoaldosteronism occurring
      after licorice withdrawal should be considered as a potential cause of
      hyponatremia in elderly patients.

PMID- 28090049
TI  - Thyroid Storm Precipitated by Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Influenza A: A Case
      Report and Literature Review.
AB  - A 46-year-old woman with a history of Graves' disease presented with the chief
      complaints of appetite loss, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, and sweating. She was
      diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), thyroid storm, and influenza A. She
      was treated with an intravenous insulin drip, intravenous fluid therapy,
      intravenous hydrocortisone, oral potassium iodine, and oral methimazole. As
      methimazole-induced neutropenia was suspected, the patient underwent
      thyroidectomy. It is important to maintain awareness that thyroid storm and DKA
      can coexist. Furthermore, even patients who have relatively preserved insulin
      secretion can develop DKA if thyroid storm and infection develop simultaneously.

PMID- 28090050
TI  - Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis with Persistent Diuresis Treated with
      Canagliflozin.
AB  - Diabetic ketoacidosis is characterized by hyperglycemia, anion-gap acidosis, and
      increased plasma ketones. After the resolution of hyperglycemia, persistent
      diuresis is rare. We herein report the case of a 27-year-old Asian woman with
      type 2 diabetes who was treated with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2)
      inhibitor (canagliflozin) who developed euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis and
      persistent diuresis in the absence of hyperglycemia. Physicians should consider
      euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in the differential diagnosis of patients
      treated with SGLT2 inhibitors.

PMID- 28090051
TI  - Different Effects of Tolvaptan in Patients with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy
      with Nephrotic Syndrome.
AB  - This case report discusses the clinical indication for immunosuppressants in
      patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Because this disease
      occasionally shows spontaneous remission, it is necessary to determine the
      predictive values for a therapeutic effect in order to provide appropriate
      treatment. Two distinct cases described herein illustrate the different effects
      of tolvaptan in responders and non-responders, according to the pre-treatment
      levels of AQP-2 immunostaining in the samples from renal biopsy and urinary
      levels of AQP-2 and osmolality, suggesting that these values may be useful
      predictors of response to tolvaptan in patients with nephrotic IMN.

PMID- 28090052
TI  - Interstitial Pneumonia Associated with the Influenza Vaccine: A Report of Two
      Cases.
AB  - Although the influenza vaccine is relatively safe and effective, serious
      complications can develop in rare cases. We encountered two cases of interstitial
      pneumonia that developed after vaccination during the 2014-2015 influenza season.
      Overall, nine cases, including the two presented here, have been recorded in
      PubMed and the Cochrane library; eight patients were treated with
      corticosteroids, and all nine survived, suggesting a good prognosis. Interstitial
      pneumonia is rare; however, we found an increase in its incidence after 2009.
      Therefore, clinicians must be aware of the possibility of this complication and
      duly educate all patients in advance.

PMID- 28090053
TI  - A Suspected Case of an Alveolar Haemorrhage Caused by Dasatinib.
AB  - A 39-year-old man treated with dasatinib for chronic myelogenous leukaemia
      presented to our hospital with haemoptysis, coughing, and dyspnoea. Chest
      radiography and computed tomography revealed ground-glass opacities and a crazy
      paving pattern. Bronchoalveolar lavage was not performed due to serious hypoxemia
      and bleeding. Significant bleeding from the peripheral bronchi led to a diagnosis
      of an alveolar haemorrhage. Dasatinib-induced alveolar haemorrhaging was
      suspected based on the clinical findings. His condition improved immediately
      after dasatinib withdrawal and initiation of steroid therapy. Reports of alveolar
      haemorrhaging induced by dasatinib are rare. As such, this is considered an
      important case.

PMID- 28090054
TI  - Hemoglobin Kansas as a Rare Cause of Cyanosis: A Case Report and Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - Hemoglobin (Hb) Kansas is an inherited Hb variant with a low oxygen affinity that
      is associated with low oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry (SpO2). It leads to
      asymptomatic cyanosis. Patients with Hb Kansas do not require any specific
      treatment and the prognosis is good. In patients with unexplained cyanosis, we
      should thus consider Hb variants, including Hb Kansas and avoid unnecessary
      investigations and managements. We herein report the case of 65-year-old woman
      with Hb Kansas and review five other cases (three lineages) that have been
      reported in Japan.

PMID- 28090055
TI  - Natalizumab is Effective for the Treatment of Relapsing-remitting Tumefactive
      Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - We herein report the case of a 57-year-old woman presenting with a biopsy-proven
      tumefactive demyelinating lesion as her first clinical event. Subsequently, she
      displayed a relapsing-remitting course with recurrence of large demyelinating
      lesions exceeding 2 cm in diameter rather than the small ovoid lesions
      characteristic of multiple sclerosis. Administration of interferon beta did not
      suppress the disease activity. Finally, treatment with natalizumab, which is a
      humanized monoclonal antibody against the cell-adhesion molecule alpha4-integrin,
      was initiated, resulting in clinical and radiological stabilization. Our
      experience here suggests that natalizumab may be an effective therapeutic option
      for relapsing-remitting tumefactive multiple sclerosis with high disease
      activity.

PMID- 28090056
TI  - Suspected Pulmonary Infection with Trichoderma longibrachiatum after Allogeneic
      Stem Cell Transplantation.
AB  - Aspergillus and Candida species are the main causative agents of invasive fungal
      infections in immunocompromised human hosts. However, saprophytic fungi are now
      increasingly being recognized as serious pathogens. Trichoderma longibrachiatum
      has recently been described as an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised
      patients. We herein report a case of isolated suspected invasive pulmonary
      infection with T. longibrachiatum in a 29-year-old man with severe aplastic
      anemia who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation. A direct microscopic
      examination of sputum, bronchoaspiration, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
      samples revealed the presence of fungal septate hyphae. The infection was
      successfully treated with 1 mg/kg/day liposomal amphotericin B.

PMID- 28090057
TI  - The First Case Report of Acute Cholangitis and Bacteremia Due to Neisseria
      subflava.
AB  - We herein report a case of acute cholangitis and bacteremia caused by a commensal
      Neisseria species, Neisseria subflava, in an 82-year-old man with
      cholangiocarcinoma. Emergency endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and
      cefoperazone/sulbactam therapy were effective. Gram negative coccobacilli were
      isolated from both blood and bile cultures on 5% sheep blood agar. The isolate
      was identified as N.subflava biovar perflava by mass spectrometry, a sequence
      analysis of the 16S rRNA, and biochemical testing. Although biliary infections
      due to commensal Neisseria are extremely rare, this case demonstrates the
      possibility of its occurrence in patients undergoing bile duct treatment.

PMID- 28090058
TI  - Herpes Simplex Encephalitis Complicated by Cerebral Hemorrhage during Acyclovir
      Therapy.
AB  - Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) can be complicated by adverse events in the
      acute phase. We herein present the case of a 71-year-old woman with HSE
      complicated by cerebral hemorrhage. She presented with acute deterioration of
      consciousness and fever and was diagnosed with HSE based on the detection of
      herpes simplex virus-1 in the cerebrospinal fluid by a polymerase chain reaction.
      The cerebral hemorrhage developed during acyclovir therapy; however, its
      diagnosis was delayed for 2 days. After the conservative treatment of the
      cerebral hemorrhage, the patient made a near-complete recovery. Cerebral
      hemorrhage should be considered as an acute-phase complication of HSE.

PMID- 28090059
TI  - Isolated Bilateral Coronary Ostial Stenosis in Behcet's Disease.

PMID- 28090060
TI  - Medullary Nephrocalcinosis in a Furosemide Abuser.

PMID- 28090061
TI  - Umbilical Plaque in Psoriatic Arthritis.

PMID- 28090062
TI  - Ankylosis of the Finger in Erosive Osteoarthritis.

PMID- 28090063
TI  - Mycotic Aneurysm of a Persistent Sciatic Artery.

PMID- 28090064
TI  - Purpura Fulminans Associated with Overwhelming Postsplenectomy Infection.

PMID- 28090065
TI  - Assessment of workplace air concentrations of formaldehyde during and before
      working hours in medical facilities.
AB  - Workplace air concentrations of formaldehyde (FA) in medical facilities where FA
      and FA-treated organs were stored and handled were measured before and during
      working hours and assessed by the official method specified by Work Environment
      Measurement Law. Sixty-percent of the total facilities examined were judged as
      inappropriately controlled work environment. The concentrations of FA before
      working hours by spot sampling were found to exceed 0.1 ppm in some facilities,
      and tended to increase with increasing volume of containers storing FA and FA
      treated materials. Regression analysis revealed that logarithmic concentrations
      of FA during working hours by the Law-specified analytical method were highly
      correlated with those before working hours by spot sampling, suggesting the
      importance for appropriate storing methods of FA and FA-treated materials. The
      concentrations of FA during working hours are considered to be lowered by
      effective ventilation of FA-contaminated workplace air and appropriate storage of
      FA and FA-treated materials in plastic containers in the medical facilities. In
      particular, such improvement by a local exhaust ventilation system and tightly
      sealed containment of FA-treated material were urgently needed for the dissecting
      room where FA-treated cadavers were prepared and handled for a gross anatomy
      course in a medical school.

PMID- 28090066
TI  - Trapezius muscle activity and body movement at the beginning and the end of a
      workday and during the lunch period in female office employees.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the activity of the trapezius muscle and the
      arm acceleration during the course of a workday in office employees. It was
      examined if there are significant changes in trapezius muscle activity in the
      afternoon compared to the morning work period and relationships to the level of
      arm acceleration during lunchtime. Nineteen female office employees were
      recruited. A one hour period of the work in the morning, afternoon, and lunchtime
      were compared. The measures of the trapezius muscle activity and muscle rest time
      (TR) did not significantly differ between working in the morning (TR: median 10%;
      range 1%-49) or working in the afternoon (TR: median 18%; range 2%-34%). The 90th
      percentile of arm acceleration during lunch time significantly correlated with
      less trapezius muscle activity in the afternoon compared to the morning values
      (RT: Spearman R=0.80; p<0.01). Differences in the duration and level of trapezius
      muscle activity were bigger between the subjects than between different work
      periods or between lunchtime and work. Furthermore it seems that higher arm
      accelerations during lunch may be beneficial in reducing trapezius activity in
      the afternoon compared to the morning values.

PMID- 28090067
TI  - Discovery and Synthesis of Amino Acids Modified Deoxycholic Acid Derivatives and
      in Vitro Antiproliferative Evaluation.
AB  - A series of deoxycholic acid (DCA) derivatives bearing amino acid moiety has been
      synthesized and investigated for their potential antiproliferative activities.
      DCA derivative compounds were synthesized by a two or three step synthetic
      approach. Their bioactivities were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)
      2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method and Western blotting analysis on
      three tumor cell lines A549 (human lung cancer cell line), MCF-7 (human breast
      cancer cell line) and HeLa (human cervical carcinoma cell). The novel derivatives
      DCA3d, DCA5a, DCA5b, DCA5c, and DCA5d were found to be promising
      antiproliferative agents. Furthermore, DCA5b showed the greatest cytotoxic
      activity by induction of apoptosis. These compounds show potentiality for further
      optimization as antitumor drugs.

PMID- 28090068
TI  - Relationship between Physicochemical Properties of Medical Supplies and Serious
      Adverse Drug Reactions Listed in the Package Inserts.
AB  - We sought to clarify the relationship between the physicochemical properties of
      each medical supply and serious adverse drug reactions listed in the package
      inserts, by reviewing new information. We investigated 1) 1078 medicines
      currently available on the domestic Japanese market by using physicochemical
      data, such as cLogD, molecular weight (MW), and pKa and 2) the serious adverse
      drug reactions stated in the package inserts and the presence or absence of
      serious renal and liver disorders, as well as mental, extrapyramidal, and skin
      disorders. The renal disorders data showed: cLogD<0, adjusted odds ratio
      (aOR)=2.00; MW values >=500, aOR=2.28; and pKa<7.4, aOR=1.95-2.06. The liver
      disorders data showed: pKa<8.4, aOR=1.83-1.95, and MW values >=300, aOR=1.47
      1.87. The mental disorders data showed: cLogD>=0, aOR=2.12, and MW values<400,
      aOR=2.46-2.85. The extrapyramidal disorders data showed: pKa>=6.4, aOR=4.50
      11.32; cLogD>=0, aOR=4.71; and MW values<500, aOR=7.95-15.08. The skin disorders
      data showed: cLogD<0, aOR=1.46; MW values >=500, aOR=1.69; and pKa<6.4, aOR=1.65
      or<7.4-8.4, aOR=1.59. This information will be useful for investigating the
      relationships between new drugs entering the market and their potential future
      adverse drug reactions, and for establishing both precautionary and medical
      observational standards.

PMID- 28090069
TI  - Fabrication of Janus particles composed of poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid and
      hard fat using a solvent evaporation method.
AB  - The feasibility of fabricating Janus particles based on phase separation between
      a hard fat and a biocompatible polymer was investigated. The solvent evaporation
      method used involved preparing an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion with a mixture of
      poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), hard fat, and an organic solvent as the
      oil phase and a polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution as the water phase. The Janus
      particles were formed when the solvent was evaporated to obtain certain
      concentrations of PLGA and hard fat in the oil phase, at which phase separation
      was estimated to occur based on the phase diagram analysis. The hard fat
      hemisphere was proven to be the oil phase using a lipophilic dye Oil Red O. When
      the solvent evaporation process was performed maintaining a specific volume
      during the emulsification process; Janus particles were formed within 1.5 h.
      However, the formed Janus particles were destroyed by stirring for over 6 h. In
      contrast, a few Janus particles were formed when enough water to dissolve the oil
      phase solvent was added to the emulsion immediately after the emulsification
      process. The optimized volume of the solvent evaporation medium dominantly formed
      Janus particles and maintained the conformation for over 6 h with stirring. These
      results indicate that the formation and stability of Janus particles depend on
      the rate of solvent evaporation. Therefore, optimization of the solvent
      evaporation rate is critical to obtaining stable PLGA and hard fat Janus
      particles.

PMID- 28090070
TI  - Biotin treatment causing erroneous immunoassay results: A word of caution for
      clinicians.
AB  - Biotin or vitamin B7 when ingested in high doses may cause immunoassay
      interference leading to false potentially misleading results. It is important
      that clinicians should always interpret laboratory results in the context of
      patient's clinical state as erroneous results may lead to misdiagnosis and
      injudicious treatment with adverse patient outcome.

PMID- 28090071
TI  - Impact of Morning Onset on the Incidence of Recurrent Acute Coronary Syndrome and
      Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Acute Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between time of onset of acute myocardial infarction
      (MI) and long-term clinical outcome has not been completely understood. We
      hypothesized that morning onset acute MI may be associated with adverse cardiac
      events.Methods and Results:This study involved 663 patients who underwent primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The main outcome measures were cardiac
      death, recurrent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and re-hospitalization for heart
      failure. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as a composite of
      individual adverse outcomes. Morning onset acute MI occurred in 212 patients
      (32.0%); they had higher rates of recurrent ACS (13% vs. 8%, P=0.03) and MACE
      (21% vs. 14%, P=0.012) than the patients with other times of onset. The PCI rate
      for progressive lesions was also higher than for patients with other times of
      onset (23% vs. 14%, P=0.013). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, morning
      onset was an independent predictor of recurrent ACS, MACE, and PCI for
      progressive lesions, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.06-2.92,
      P=0.030), 1.51 (95% CI: 1.02-2.23, P=0.038), and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.03-2.42,
      P=0.037), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Morning onset may be associated with
      increased risk of recurrent ACS and coronary atherosclerosis progression.

PMID- 28090072
TI  - Reconsideration of Inferior Vena Cava Parameters for Estimating Right Atrial
      Pressure in an East Asian Population - Comparative Simultaneous Ultrasound
      Catheterization Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultrasound measurements of the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter
      (IVCD), together with its respiratory variation, provide a noninvasive estimate
      of right atrial pressure (RAP). However, there is a paucity of studies that have
      compared this technique with simultaneous catheterization. We explored the best
      cut-off values of IVC parameters for elevated RAP in comparison with RAP measured
      by catheterization.Methods and Results:We prospectively enrolled 120 East Asian
      patients who were scheduled for catheterization. The IVCD and IVC collapsibility
      index (IVCCI) were measured according to the current guidelines. The optimal
      maximum IVCD (IVCDmax) and IVCCI cut-offs for detecting elevated RAP (RAP >=10
      mmHg) were 17 mm and 40%, respectively. When we combined both in proportion to
      the guidelines, the sensitivity and specificity for detecting elevated RAP were
      75% and 94%, respectively. When the cut-off values from the current guidelines
      (>21 mm and <50%) were applied, the respective sensitivity and specificity were
      42% and 99%. Interestingly, the cut-off value of the optimal IVCDmax indexed by
      body surface area (11 mm/m2) was similar to previous Western population data.
      When we combined both cut-off values (11 mm/m2and 40%), the sensitivity and
      specificity were 75% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal absolute
      IVCDmax and IVCCI cut-offs to detect elevated RAP were smaller than those in the
      current guidelines. Indexed IVCDmax may be an IVC parameter that can be used
      internationally.

PMID- 28090073
TI  - A Case of Miller Fisher Syndrome, Thromboembolic Disease, and Angioedema:
      Association or Coincidence?
AB  - BACKGROUND Miller Fisher Syndrome is characterized by the clinical triad of
      ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia, and is considered to be a variant of
      Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Miller Fisher Syndrome is observed in approximately 1-5%
      of all Guillain-Barre cases in Western countries. Patients with Miller Fisher
      Syndrome usually have good recovery without residual deficits. Venous
      thromboembolism is a common complication of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and has also
      been reported in Miller Fisher Syndrome, but it has generally been reported in
      the presence of at least one prothrombotic risk factor such as immobility. A
      direct correlation between venous thromboembolism and Miller Fisher Syndrome or
      Guillain-Barre Syndrome has not been previously described. CASE REPORT We report
      the case of a 32-year-old Hispanic male who presented with acute, severe
      thromboembolic disease and concurrently demonstrated characteristic clinical
      features of Miller Fisher Syndrome including ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and
      areflexia. Past medical and family history were negative for thromboembolic
      disease, and subsequent hypercoagulability workup was unremarkable. During the
      course of hospitalization, the patient also developed angioedema. CONCLUSIONS We
      describe a possible association between Miller Fisher Syndrome, thromboembolic
      disease, and angioedema.

PMID- 28090074
TI  - Targeting of Wnt/beta-Catenin by Anthelmintic Drug Pyrvinium Enhances Sensitivity
      of Ovarian Cancer Cells to Chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND Aberrant activation of Wnt/beta-catenin has been shown to promote
      ovarian cancer proliferation and chemoresistance. Pyrvinium, an FDA-approved
      anthelmintic drug, has been identified as a potent Wnt inhibitor. Pyrvinium may
      sensitize ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The effect
      of pyrvinium alone and its combination with paclitaxel in ovarian cancer was
      investigated using an in vitro culture system and in vivo xenograft models. The
      mechanisms of its action were also analyzed, focusing on the Wnt/beta-catenin
      pathway. RESULTS Pyrvinium inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of paclitaxel-
      and cisplatin-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines A2278/PTX and SK-OV
      3. Its combination with paclitaxel was synergistic in targeting ovarian cancer
      cells in vitro. In 3 independent ovarian xenograft mouse models, pyrvinium alone
      inhibited tumor growth. More importantly, we observed significant inhibition of
      tumor growth throughout the treatment when using pyrvinium and paclitaxel
      combined. Mechanistically, pyrvinium increased the Wnt-negative regulator axin
      and decreased the b-catenin levels in ovarian cancer cells. In addition,
      pyrvinium suppressed Wnt/b-catenin-mediated transcription, as shown by the
      decreased mRNA levels of MYC, cyclin D, and BCL-9. In contrast, the inhibitory
      effects of pyrvinium were reversed by beta-catenin stabilization or
      overexpression, demonstrating that pyrvinium acted on ovarian cancer cells via
      targeting the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated
      that the anthelmintic drug pyrvinium targets ovarian cancer cells through
      suppressing Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Our work highlights the therapeutic value
      of inhibiting Wnt/beta-catenin in ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28090075
TI  - Virus-host interactions and their roles in coral reef health and disease.
AB  - Coral reefs occur in nutrient-poor shallow waters, constitute biodiversity and
      productivity hotspots, and are threatened by anthropogenic disturbance. This
      Review provides an introduction to coral reef virology and emphasizes the links
      between viruses, coral mortality and reef ecosystem decline. We describe the
      distinctive benthic-associated and water-column- associated viromes that are
      unique to coral reefs, which have received less attention than viruses in open
      ocean systems. We hypothesize that viruses of bacteria and eukaryotes dynamically
      interact with their hosts in the water column and with scleractinian (stony)
      corals to influence microbial community dynamics, coral bleaching and disease,
      and reef biogeochemical cycling. Last, we outline how marine viruses are an
      integral part of the reef system and suggest that the influence of viruses on
      reef function is an essential component of these globally important environments.

PMID- 28090076
TI  - A journey into the brain: insight into how bacterial pathogens cross blood-brain
      barriers.
AB  - The blood-brain barrier, which is one of the tightest barriers in the body,
      protects the brain from insults, such as infections. Indeed, only a few of the
      numerous blood-borne bacteria can cross the blood-brain barrier to cause
      meningitis. In this Review, we focus on invasive extracellular pathogens, such as
      Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus and
      Escherichia coli, to review the obstacles that bacteria have to overcome in order
      to invade the meninges from the bloodstream, and the specific skills they have
      developed to bypass the blood-brain barrier. The medical importance of
      understanding how these barriers can be circumvented is underlined by the fact
      that we need to improve drug delivery into the brain.

PMID- 28090079
TI  - Archaeal evolution: Evolutionary insights from the Vikings.

PMID- 28090078
TI  - Interfacing broadband photonic qubits to on-chip cavity-protected rare-earth
      ensembles.
AB  - Ensembles of solid-state optical emitters enable broadband quantum storage and
      transduction of photonic qubits, with applications in high-rate quantum networks
      for secure communications and interconnecting future quantum computers. To
      transfer quantum states using ensembles, rephasing techniques are used to
      mitigate fast decoherence resulting from inhomogeneous broadening, but these
      techniques generally limit the bandwidth, efficiency and active times of the
      quantum interface. Here, we use a dense ensemble of neodymium rare-earth ions
      strongly coupled to a nanophotonic resonator to demonstrate a significant cavity
      protection effect at the single-photon level-a technique to suppress ensemble
      decoherence due to inhomogeneous broadening. The protected Rabi oscillations
      between the cavity field and the atomic super-radiant state enable ultra-fast
      transfer of photonic frequency qubits to the ions (~50 GHz bandwidth) followed by
      retrieval with 98.7% fidelity. With the prospect of coupling to other long-lived
      rare-earth spin states, this technique opens the possibilities for broadband,
      always-ready quantum memories and fast optical-to-microwave transducers.

PMID- 28090077
TI  - Clinical and biological insights from viral genome sequencing.
AB  - Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of pathogens is becoming increasingly important not
      only for basic research but also for clinical science and practice. In virology,
      WGS is important for the development of novel treatments and vaccines, and for
      increasing the power of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genomics. In this
      Opinion article, we suggest that WGS of viruses in a clinical setting will become
      increasingly important for patient care. We give an overview of different WGS
      methods that are used in virology and summarize their advantages and
      disadvantages. Although there are only partially addressed technical, financial
      and ethical issues in regard to the clinical application of viral WGS, this
      technique provides important insights into virus transmission, evolution and
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 28090080
TI  - You are where you live.
AB  - This month's Genome Watch discusses how whole-genome sequencing of bacteria from
      several body sites has provided insights into the spatial diversity of bacteria
      within patients.

PMID- 28090082
TI  - Polycystic kidney disease: Autophagy boost to treat ADPKD?

PMID- 28090081
TI  - Metabolic reprogramming and tolerance during sepsis-induced AKI.
AB  - The host defence against infection is an adaptive response in which several
      mechanisms are deployed to decrease the pathogen load, limit tissue injury and
      restore homeostasis. In the past few years new evidence has suggested that the
      ability of the immune system to limit the microbial burden - termed resistance -
      might not be the only defence mechanism. In fact, the capacity of the host to
      decrease its own susceptibility to inflammation- induced tissue damage - termed
      tolerance - might be as important as resistance in determining the outcome of the
      infection. Metabolic adaptations are central to the function of the cellular
      immune response. Coordinated reprogramming of metabolic signalling enables cells
      to execute resistance and tolerance pathways, withstand injury, steer tissue
      repair and promote organ recovery. During sepsis-induced acute kidney injury,
      early reprogramming of metabolism can determine the extent of organ dysfunction,
      progression to fibrosis, and the development of chronic kidney disease. Here we
      discuss the mechanisms of tolerance that act in the kidney during sepsis, with
      particular attention to the role of metabolic responses in coordinating these
      adaptive strategies. We suggest a novel conceptual model of the cellular and
      organic response to sepsis that might lead to new avenues for targeted, organ
      protective therapies.

PMID- 28090083
TI  - Kidney disease and obesity: epidemiology, mechanisms and treatment.
AB  - The theme of World Kidney Day 2017 is 'kidney disease and obesity: healthy
      lifestyle for healthy kidneys'. To mark this event, Nature Reviews Nephrology
      invited five leading researchers to describe changes in the epidemiology of
      obesity-related kidney disease, advances in current understanding of the
      mechanisms and current approaches to the management of affected patients. The
      researchers also highlight new advances that could lead to the development of
      novel treatments and identify areas in which further basic and clinical studies
      are needed.

PMID- 28090084
TI  - Limiting parental feedback disrupts vocal development in marmoset monkeys.
AB  - Vocalizations of human infants undergo dramatic changes across the first year by
      becoming increasingly mature and speech-like. Human vocal development is
      partially dependent on learning by imitation through social feedback between
      infants and caregivers. Recent studies revealed similar developmental processes
      being influenced by parental feedback in marmoset monkeys for apparently innate
      vocalizations. Marmosets produce infant-specific vocalizations that disappear
      after the first postnatal months. However, it is yet unclear whether parental
      feedback is an obligate requirement for proper vocal development. Using
      quantitative measures to compare call parameters and vocal sequence structure we
      show that, in contrast to normally raised marmosets, marmosets that were
      separated from parents after the third postnatal month still produced infant
      specific vocal behaviour at subadult stages. These findings suggest a significant
      role of social feedback on primate vocal development until the subadult stages
      and further show that marmoset monkeys are a compelling model system for early
      human vocal development.

PMID- 28090085
TI  - Prediction and real-time compensation of qubit decoherence via machine learning.
AB  - The wide-ranging adoption of quantum technologies requires practical, high
      performance advances in our ability to maintain quantum coherence while facing
      the challenge of state collapse under measurement. Here we use techniques from
      control theory and machine learning to predict the future evolution of a qubit's
      state; we deploy this information to suppress stochastic, semiclassical
      decoherence, even when access to measurements is limited. First, we implement a
      time-division multiplexed approach, interleaving measurement periods with periods
      of unsupervised but stabilised operation during which qubits are available, for
      example, in quantum information experiments. Second, we employ predictive
      feedback during sequential but time delayed measurements to reduce the Dick
      effect as encountered in passive frequency standards. Both experiments
      demonstrate significant improvements in qubit-phase stability over 'traditional'
      measurement-based feedback approaches by exploiting time domain correlations in
      the noise processes. This technique requires no additional hardware and is
      applicable to all two-level quantum systems where projective measurements are
      possible.

PMID- 28090086
TI  - Centrality in the host-pathogen interactome is associated with pathogen fitness
      during infection.
AB  - To perform their functions proteins must interact with each other, but how these
      interactions influence bacterial infection remains elusive. Here we demonstrate
      that connectivity in the host-pathogen interactome is directly related to
      pathogen fitness during infection. Using Y. pestis as a model organism, we show
      that the centrality-lethality rule holds for pathogen fitness during infection
      but only when the host-pathogen interactome is considered. Our results suggest
      that the importance of pathogen proteins during infection is directly related to
      their number of interactions with the host. We also show that pathogen proteins
      causing an extensive rewiring of the host interactome have a higher impact in
      pathogen fitness during infection. Hence, we conclude that hubs in the host
      pathogen interactome should be explored as promising targets for antimicrobial
      drug design.

PMID- 28090087
TI  - A mast cell-ILC2-Th9 pathway promotes lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis.
AB  - T helper 9 (Th9) cells contribute to lung inflammation and allergy as sources of
      interleukin-9 (IL-9). However, the mechanisms by which IL-9/Th9 mediate
      immunopathology in the lung are unknown. Here we report an IL-9-driven positive
      feedback loop that reinforces allergic inflammation. We show that IL-9 increases
      IL-2 production by mast cells, which leads to expansion of CD25+ type 2 innate
      lymphoid cells (ILC2) and subsequent activation of Th9 cells. Blocking IL-9 or
      inhibiting CD117 (c-Kit) signalling counteracts the pathogenic effect of the
      described IL-9-mast cell-IL-2 signalling axis. Overproduction of IL-9 is observed
      in expectorates from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, and a sex-specific variant of
      IL-9 is predictive of allergic reactions in female patients. Our results suggest
      that blocking IL-9 may be a therapeutic strategy to ameliorate inflammation
      associated with microbial colonization in the lung, and offers a plausible
      explanation for gender differences in clinical outcomes of patients with CF.

PMID- 28090088
TI  - The beta-TrCP-FBXW2-SKP2 axis regulates lung cancer cell growth with FBXW2 acting
      as a tumour suppressor.
AB  - beta-TrCP and SKP2 are two well-studied F-box proteins, which often act as
      oncogenes. Whether and how they communicate with each other is unknown. Here we
      report that FBXW2, a poorly characterized F-box, is a substrate of beta-TrCP1 and
      an E3 ligase for SKP2. While beta-TrCP1 promotes FBXW2 ubiquitylation and
      shortens its half-life, FBXW2 does the same to SKP2. FBXW2 has tumour suppressor
      activity against lung cancer cells and blocks oncogenic function of both beta
      TrCP1 and SKP2. The levels of beta-TrCP1-FBXW2-SKP2 are inversely correlated
      during cell cycle with FBXW2 and beta-TrCP/SKP2 being high or low, respectively,
      in arrested cells, whereas the opposite is true in proliferating cells.
      Consistently, FBXW2 predicts a better patient survival, whereas beta-TrCP1 and
      SKP2 predict a worse survival. Finally, the gain- and loss-of-function mutations
      of FBXW2 are found in various human cancers. Collectively, our data show that the
      beta-TrCP-FBXW2-SKP2 axis forms an oncogene-tumour suppressor-oncogene cascade to
      control cancer cell growth with FBXW2 acting as a tumour suppressor by promoting
      SKP2 degradation.

PMID- 28090089
TI  - Transfer of minimally manipulated CMV-specific T cells from stem cell or third
      party donors to treat CMV infection after allo-HSCT.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common, potentially life-threatening
      complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo
      HSCT). We assessed prospectively the safety and efficacy of stem cell-donor- or
      third-party-donor-derived CMV-specific T cells for the treatment of persistent
      CMV infections after allo-HSCT in a phase I/IIa trial. Allo-HSCT patients with
      drug-refractory CMV infection and lacking virus-specific T cells were treated
      with a single dose of ex vivo major histocompatibility complex-Streptamer
      isolated CMV epitope-specific donor T cells. Forty-four allo-HSCT patients
      receiving a T-cell-replete (D+ repl; n=28) or T-cell-depleted (D+ depl; n=16)
      graft from a CMV-seropositive donor were screened for CMV-specific T-cell
      immunity. Eight D+ depl recipients received adoptive T-cell therapy from their
      stem cell donor. CMV epitope-specific T cells were well supported and became
      detectable in all treated patients. Complete and partial virological response
      rates were 62.5% and 25%, respectively. Owing to longsome third-party donor (TPD)
      identification, only 8 of the 57 CMV patients transplanted from CMV-seronegative
      donors (D-) received antigen-specific T cells from partially human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA)-matched TPDs. In all but one, TPD-derived CMV-specific T cells
      remained undetectable. In summary, adoptive transfer correlated with functional
      virus-specific T-cell reconstitution in D+ depl patients. Suboptimal HLA match
      may counteract expansion of TPD-derived virus-specific T cells in D- patients.

PMID- 28090090
TI  - Incidence and prognostic impact of ASXL2 mutations in adult acute myeloid
      leukemia patients with t(8;21)(q22;q22): a study of the German-Austrian AML Study
      Group.

PMID- 28090091
TI  - Proposed diagnostic criteria and classification of basophilic leukemias and
      related disorders.
AB  - Basophils form a distinct cell lineage within the hematopoietic cell family. In
      various myeloid neoplasms, including chronic myeloid leukemia, basophilia is
      frequently seen. Acute and chronic basophilic leukemias, albeit rare, have also
      been described. However, no generally accepted criteria and classification of
      basophilic leukemias have been presented to date. To address this unmet need, a
      series of Working Conferences and other meetings were organized between March
      2015 and March 2016. The current article provides a summary of consensus
      statements from these meetings, together with proposed criteria to delineate
      acute basophilic leukemia (ABL) from chronic basophilic leukemia (CBL) and
      primary forms of the disease where no preceding myeloid malignancy is detected,
      from the more common 'secondary' variants. Moreover, the term hyperbasophilia
      (HB) is proposed for cases with a persistent peripheral basophil count ?1000 per
      MUl of blood. This condition, HB, is highly indicative of the presence of an
      underlying myeloid neoplasm. Therefore, HB is an important checkpoint in the
      diagnostic algorithm and requires a detailed hematologic investigation. In these
      patients, an underlying myeloid malignancy is often found and is then labeled
      with the appendix -baso, whereas primary cases of ABL or CBL are very rare. The
      criteria and classification proposed in this article should facilitate the
      diagnosis and management of patients with unexplained basophilia and basophil
      neoplasms in routine practice, and in clinical studies.

PMID- 28090094
TI  - Doing Your Part to Advance Pharmacy Education Scholarship.

PMID- 28090092
TI  - The clonal origins of leukemic progression of myelodysplasia.
AB  - The genetics behind the progression of myelodysplasia to secondary acute myeloid
      leukemia (sAML) is poorly understood. In this study, we profiled somatic
      mutations and their dynamics using next generation sequencing on serial samples
      from a total of 124 patients, consisting of a 31 patient discovery cohort and 93
      patients from two validation cohorts. Whole-exome analysis on the discovery
      cohort revealed that 29 of 31 patients carry mutations related to at least one of
      eight commonly mutated pathways in AML. Mutations in genes related to DNA
      methylation and splicing machinery were found in T-cell samples, which expand at
      the initial diagnosis of the myelodysplasia, suggesting their importance as early
      disease events. On the other hand, somatic variants associated with signaling
      pathways arise or their allelic burdens expand significantly during progression.
      Our results indicate a strong association between mutations in activated
      signaling pathways and sAML progression. Overall, we demonstrate that distinct
      categories of genetic lesions play roles at different stages of sAML in a
      generally fixed order.

PMID- 28090093
TI  - uPAR promotes tumor-like biologic behaviors of fibroblast-like synoviocytes
      through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), is a multifunctional
      receptor on cell surface, widely present in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and a
      variety of malignant cells. Current studies have suggested that uPAR
      overexpressed on synovial tissues or in synovial fluid or plasma in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there are limited researches regarding the
      role of uPAR on fibroblast-like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA-FLSs)
      and its underlying mechanisms. Here, our studies show that the expression of uPAR
      protein was significantly higher in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from RA
      than those from osteoarthritis or traumatic injury patients. uPAR gene silencing
      significantly inhibited RA-FLSs cell proliferation, restrained cell
      transformation from the G0/G1 phase to S phase, aggravated cell apoptosis,
      interfered with RA-FLSs cell migration and invasion, and reduced activation of
      the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which may be associated with beta1-integrin. Cell
      supernatants from uPAR gene-silenced RA-FLSs markedly inhibited the migration and
      tubule formation ability of the HUVECs (a human endothelial cell line).
      Therefore, we demonstrate that uPAR changes the biological characteristics of RA
      FLSs, and affects neoangiogenesis of synovial tissues in patients with RA. All of
      these may be associated with the beta1-integrin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These
      results imply that targeting uPAR and its downstream signal pathway may provide
      therapeutic effects in RA.

PMID- 28090095
TI  - Academic Freedom Should Be Redefined: Point and Counterpoint.
AB  - As part of the 2014-15 Academic Leadership Fellows Program, the cohort teams
      presented debates on topics relevant to academic pharmacy at a public forum
      during the 2015 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Interim Meeting. The
      topic of one of the debates was "Academic Freedom Should Be Redefined." The
      "point" of the debate focused on important issues such as the fundamental
      definition of academic freedom as it was written in the 1940 American Association
      of University Professors' Statement and the need for redefinition as a
      consequence of many misunderstandings and misinterpretations that have arisen
      over time. The "counterpoint" received the greatest support, and it asserted that
      redefinition is not necessary, but rather the need is to clearly articulate the
      intended meaning of academic freedom through education, discussion, and by not
      supporting inappropriate behaviors in the name of "academic freedom." Reinforced
      clarity and operational guidance from the academy and academic institutions may
      add further clarification and may be the best approach to address the concerns
      related to academic freedom.

PMID- 28090096
TI  - A Bioinformatics Practicum to Develop Student Understanding of Immunological
      Rejection of Protein Drugs.
AB  - Objectives. To design and implement a bioinformatics exercise that applies
      immunological principles to predicting rejection of protein drugs based upon
      patient genotype. Design. Doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students used the Immune
      Epitope Database, a freely available bioinformatics tool. Over a 2-week
      laboratory, students interrogated whether a protein drug would be predicted to
      induce an immune response based upon patient genotype. Results were presented at
      the last laboratory session, and students completed reports discussing their
      findings. Assessment. Pre-lab quizzes and a final report were graded. Students
      answered questionnaires assessing perceived learning gains. To determine the
      impact on student understanding of immunity against protein drugs, the quality of
      student data analysis and comparisons to class data were graded. Independent
      measures of student learning demonstrated that students developed a greater
      understanding of how patient genotype could contribute to treatment failure with
      protein drugs. Conclusions. This study indicates that questions related to
      clinical immunology can be posed using bioinformatics tools.

PMID- 28090097
TI  - Impact of the Birkman Method Assessment on Pharmacy Student Self-Confidence, Self
      Perceptions, and Self-Awareness.
AB  - Objective. To identify changes in pharmacy student self-confidence, self
      perceptions, and self-awareness after completing the Birkman Method assessment
      and training program. Methods. Survey tools were developed to evaluate students
      at baseline and following the co-curricular Birkman Method program. Following IRB
      approval, students participating in the Birkman Method program were recruited for
      enrollment in this survey-based study. Results. Student self-confidence was high
      at baseline (mean=4 out of 5) and did not significantly change after Birkman
      Method testing and training. Self-perceptions regarding usual and stressed
      communication style and behaviors and behavioral needs under stress changed
      significantly after Birkman Method testing and training for these endpoints. The
      Birkman Method intervention resulted in a significant improvement in self
      awareness, as indicated by a mean self-perception accuracy score increase of 1.6
      points (95% CI: 1.3-1.9). Conclusions. A Birkman Method assessment and training
      program is an effective self-assessment tool for students, and may be useful for
      accomplishing Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) 2016 Standard 4
      affective domain elements, particularly self-awareness.

PMID- 28090098
TI  - Evaluation of a Teaching Assistant Program for Third-Year Pharmacy Students.
AB  - Objectives. To determine if a teaching assistant (TA) program for third-year
      pharmacy students (PY3s) improves confidence in teaching abilities. Additionally,
      3 assessment methods (faculty, student, and TA self-evaluations) were compared
      for similarities and correlations. Methods. An application and interview process
      was used to select 21 pharmacy students to serve as TAs for the Pharmaceutical
      Care Laboratory course for 2 semesters. Participants' self-perceived confidence
      in teaching abilities was assessed at the start, midpoint, and conclusion of the
      program. The relationships between the scores were analyzed using 3 assessment
      methods. Results. All 21 TAs agreed to participate in the study and completed the
      2 teaching semesters. The TAs confidence in overall teaching abilities increased
      significantly (80.7 vs 91.4, p<0.001). There was a significant difference between
      the three assessment scores in the fall (p=0.027) and spring (p<0.001) semesters.
      However, no correlation was found among the assessment scores. Conclusions. The
      TA program was effective in improving confidence in teaching abilities. The lack
      of correlation among the assessment methods highlights the importance of various
      forms of feedback.

PMID- 28090099
TI  - First-Year Pharmacy Students' Views on Their Chosen Professional Career.
AB  - Objective. To investigate what factors influenced students to study pharmacy and
      determine in which sector they hoped to gain employment, both in the short and
      longer term. Methods. First-year pharmacy students (n=124) were invited to
      complete a paper-based, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 4 sections.
      Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were conducted. Results. One
      hundred (96.8% response rate) students completed the questionnaire (22.5% male;
      77.5% female). Key influential factors for choosing pharmacy included: enjoyment
      of science at school, a desire to improve people's health and wellbeing, and to
      work in health care. Career aspirations were to work in a hospital or in
      community practice rather than in industry or academia. Conclusions. Students
      choose pharmacy as a career primarily for altruistic and clinical reasons. This
      research provides information for pharmacy schools about the career aspirations
      of students and data from future pharmacists is potentially helpful to pharmacy
      professional organizations and potential employers.

PMID- 28090100
TI  - Description and Evaluation of an MPharm Practice-based Experience Pilot Program.
AB  - Objective. To determine the level of support among pharmacists in central
      Scotland to serve as mentors and provide practice-based experience to students
      enrolled in a master of pharmacy degree program. Methods. A study was conducted
      during the 2011-2012 academic year in which first-year MPharm students in
      Scotland were paired with practicing pharmacists for 2 half-day visits per month.
      The students were integrated into the pharmacy workflow and engaged in activities
      ranging from date checking to counseling patients. The pharmacists and students
      who participated were asked to complete a survey in spring 2012 regarding their
      experiences and, in addition, the students were asked to maintain diary entries
      describing their experiences. Results. Thirty-nine students were paired
      successfully with 38 pharmacists. Every pharmacist stated their student was
      welcome to return in the 2012-2013 academic year and 29 agreed to accept a second
      student. Nine of 12 participating chain community pharmacies asked for program
      expansion and 11 chain community pharmacies and one other community pharmacy that
      did not participate in 2011-2012 asked to join in 2012-2013. Conclusion. Large
      numbers of pharmacists in central Scotland are willing to mentor and provide
      practice-based pharmacy education for students in a manner consistent with
      General Pharmaceutical Council accreditation standards for the master of pharmacy
      degree curriculum.

PMID- 28090101
TI  - A Novel Mathematical Model for Determining Faculty Workload.
AB  - Objective. To develop a mathematical model for determining faculty workload at a
      college of pharmacy with a team-based learning curriculum. Methods. Using faculty
      provided data, our model calculated activity and weighted means in teaching,
      scholarship and service. Subsequently, these data were used to develop
      departmental and institutional workload models. Results. For the pharmaceutical
      and biomedical sciences department, percent faculty activity mean values were
      greatest for service followed by teaching and scholarship. These values in the
      clinical sciences department were greatest for teaching followed by service and
      scholarship. Overall, the institutional workload model had the largest maximum
      faculty activity value for teaching, followed by service and then scholarship.
      Conclusions. A novel faculty workload model proved to be effective in optimizing
      faculty workload within a college of pharmacy. Since the workload analysis, the
      faculty service commitment has been substantially changed, by reducing the number
      of committees at our institution. This type of workload analysis may particularly
      benefit colleges of pharmacy that employ a team based learning curriculum, with a
      large time commitment to teaching.

PMID- 28090102
TI  - Virtual Patient Case Sharing Across Two Schools of Pharmacy.
AB  - Objective. To expand the use of virtual patients at 2 schools of pharmacy through
      virtual patient case sharing. Design. Faculty members at two schools of pharmacy
      collaborated to expand the use of virtual patients. Two simulation programs,
      vpSim and DecisionSim (Decision Simulation, LLC, Chadsford, PA), were used to
      create interactive patient cases for a required course and an elective course at
      the different schools. Each school developed cases for their own use and then
      shared the cases with the other school. Assessment. The development, sharing, and
      subsequent modification of cases were examined using a standardized data
      collection form completed by both schools. Survey instruments were used to gather
      data regarding faculty perception and student satisfaction. Pre- and post-tests
      were administered to assess student learning. Five cases were developed and
      shared between the institutions. The time spent constructing new cases (22
      hours/case) was significantly longer than the time spent modifying the shared
      cases (1.2 hours/case). Faculty members and students were largely satisfied with
      case sharing and the use of virtual patient cases, respectively. Virtual patients
      significantly enhanced student learning of material (mean score: 3.2 vs 3.6 on a
      5-point scale). Conclusions. The sharing of virtual patient cases may allow
      institutions to overcome barriers to implementation of virtual patient programs,
      namely faculty resources, while improving student learning and satisfaction.

PMID- 28090103
TI  - A Critical Care Hybrid Online Elective Course for Third-Year Pharmacy Students.
AB  - Objective. To assess the impact of a four-week hybrid online elective course in
      critical care on student learning attitudes and outcomes compared to that
      achieved when the same course was taught using a traditional lecture-based
      approach. Design. A hybrid online elective course was created that featured video
      recorded lectures and in-class skills laboratories. Course evaluations were used
      to assess student perceptions of learning methods, and examination scores were
      used to assess learning outcomes. Assessment. One hundred five students enrolled
      in the critical care elective course from 2011-2014. Fifty-four students
      completed the traditional lecture course, and 51 completed the hybrid online
      elective course. The examination scores of students who completed the hybrid
      course were significantly higher than those of students who completed the
      traditional lecture course. The majority of students enrolled in the hybrid
      online elective course stated they preferred that format over a traditional
      course format and would recommend the elective course to a peer. Conclusion.
      Students preferred the format used for an online hybrid elective course in
      critical care over a traditional course format, and performed better on
      examinations than did students who had completed the course when it was offered
      in a traditional lecture format.

PMID- 28090104
TI  - Interprofessional Online Global Health Course.
AB  - Objective. The design and evaluation of an online global health course targeted
      for pharmacy and other undergraduates is presented. Design. Enrolled students
      represented nursing, health education, pharmacy and a variety of other
      disciplines. The course was designed as an entirely online one with no class
      meetings. The course consisted of eight modules addressing global health
      competencies and interprofessional education competencies. Readings, quizzes,
      study question and team projects were tailored to the goals of each module.
      Students worked in interprofessional teams for their team projects. Assessment.
      Assessments consisted of pre and post course perceptions and course evaluation.
      Rubrics were designed to evaluate team assignments and peer assessment of team
      participation. Conclusion. Course was successful in enhancing perceptions of
      global health knowledge and understanding of roles and responsibilities of
      various health disciplines in addressing challenges of global health. No changes
      in teamwork perceptions were documented after completing the course. The overall
      course structure was successful in meeting course goals.

PMID- 28090105
TI  - Student Knowledge, Skills, and Self-Efficacy Gains After Completing an Advanced
      Pharmacy Practice Experience in Geriatrics.
AB  - Objective. To assess changes in pharmacy students' knowledge, skills, and self
      efficacy after completing an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) in
      geriatrics. Design. During the 2013-2014 academic year, 30 Virginia Commonwealth
      University (VCU) School of Pharmacy students were required to complete a 5-week
      Geriatrics APPE at Plaza Professional Pharmacy in Richmond, Virginia. All
      students completed a 25-point knowledge-based pre- and post-assessment to measure
      students' self-efficacy. The average time required to accurately fill one unit
      dose prescription card before and after completing the APPE was also evaluated.
      Assessment. Students' average score on the knowledge component improved
      significantly from 54% to 88% after completing the APPE. The average time
      required to fill one prescription decreased significantly from 4.0 minutes to 2.5
      minutes. Students reported an increase in self-efficacy in the following areas:
      communication, immunizations, geriatrics-specific pharmacotherapy knowledge, and
      the ability to fill and check monthly unit dose prescription cards. Conclusion.
      Requiring fourth-year pharmacy students to complete a geriatrics APPE as a
      capstone experience to the integrated geriatrics content covered in the first
      through third years of the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum provides an
      important opportunity to improve students' knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy
      in providing care to older adults.

PMID- 28090106
TI  - An Interprofessional Simulation Using the SBAR Communication Tool.
AB  - Objective. To determine the impact of an interprofessional simulation using the
      SBAR (situation-background-assessment-recommendation/request) communication tool
      on pharmacy students' self-perception of interprofessional competence and
      reactions towards interprofessional collaboration. Design. Ninety-six pharmacy
      students participated in an interprofessional simulation within a required
      applications-based capstone course. Pharmacy students collaborated with nursing
      students on multiple patient cases in various settings using the SBAR
      communication tool over the telephone. Assessment. Pharmacy students' responses
      to all 20 items on the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment
      Survey (ICCAS) completed after participating in the simulation indicated
      significant positive changes. The themes identified in students' reflection
      papers indicated the simulation was beneficial and student responses on
      satisfaction surveys were positive with a mean score of 4.2 on a 5-point Likert
      scale. Conclusion. Implementation of an interprofessional simulation using the
      SBAR communication tool improved pharmacy students' self-perception of
      interprofessional competence and attitudes toward interprofessional
      collaboration.

PMID- 28090107
TI  - Developing a Framework for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations Using the
      Nominal Group Technique.
AB  - Objective. To use the nominal group technique to develop a framework to improve
      existing and develop new objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)
      within a four-year bachelor of pharmacy course. Design. Using the nominal group
      technique, a unique method of group interview that combines qualitative and
      quantitative data collection, focus groups were conducted with faculty members,
      practicing pharmacists, and undergraduate pharmacy students. Five draft OSCEs
      frameworks were suggested and participants were asked to generate new framework
      ideas. Assessment. Two focus groups (n=9 and n=7) generated nine extra
      frameworks. Two of these frameworks, one from each focus group, ranked highest
      (mean scores of 4.4 and 4.1 on a 5-point scale) and were similar in nature. The
      project team used these two frameworks to produce the final framework, which
      includes an OSCE in every year of the course, earlier implementation of teaching
      OSCEs, and the use of independent simulated patients who are not examiners.
      Conclusions. The new OSCE framework provides a consistent structure from course
      entry to exit and ensures graduates meet internship requirements.

PMID- 28090108
TI  - A Process for Curricular Improvement Based on Evaluation of Student Performance
      on Milestone Examinations.
AB  - Objective. To identify and address areas for curricular improvement by evaluating
      student achievement of expected learning outcomes and competencies on annual
      milestone examinations. Design. Students were tested each professional year with
      a comprehensive milestone examination designed to evaluate student achievement of
      learning outcomes and professional competencies using a combination of multiple
      choice questions, standardized patient assessments (SPAs), and objective
      structured clinical examination (OSCE) questions. Assessment. Based on student
      performance on milestone examinations, curricular changes were instituted,
      including an increased emphasis on graded comprehensive cases, OSCE skills days,
      and use of patient simulation in lecture and laboratory courses. After making
      these changes, significant improvements were observed in second and third-year
      pharmacy students' grades for the therapeutic case and physician
      interaction/errors and omissions components of the milestone examinations.
      Conclusion. Results from milestone examinations can be used to identify specific
      areas in which curricular improvements are needed to foster student achievement
      of learning outcomes and professional competencies.

PMID- 28090109
TI  - Substance Use Attitudes, Behaviors, Education and Prevention in Colleges of
      Pharmacy in the United States.
AB  - This review describes and summarizes student pharmacists' substance use behavior
      in the United States. Current literature indicates that there are problems with
      alcohol and other drug use among student pharmacists. Although researchers have
      found variations in the type and rate of reported substance use, significant
      proportions of student pharmacists were identified as being at high risk for
      substance use disorders (SUDs). Findings from this review suggest that pharmacy
      schools should encourage and stimulate more research in order to implement
      effective screening and early intervention programs in an effort to address this
      important student health issue.

PMID- 28090110
TI  - Entrustable Professional Activities: Personalization and Expansion for Pharmacy
      Graduates?

PMID- 28090111
TI  - Aligning Aspirations with Inspirations: Address of the 2015-2016 President to the
      Opening General Session at the AACP Annual Meeting.

PMID- 28090112
TI  - Demystifying Advocacy: Moving Faculty and Students Toward Citizen Engagement:
      Report of the 2015-2016 AACP Standing Committee on Advocacy.

PMID- 28090113
TI  - Examining the Foundation of AACP: Report of the 2015-16 Argus Commission.

PMID- 28090114
TI  - Priming the Preceptor Pipeline: Collaboration, Resources, and Recognition: The
      Report of the 2015-2016 Professional Affairs Standing Committee.

PMID- 28090115
TI  - Report of the 2015-2016 Academic Affairs Standing Committee.

PMID- 28090116
TI  - Report of the 2014-2016 AACP Research and Graduate Affairs Committee.

PMID- 28090117
TI  - Generation of Shear Waves by Laser in Soft Media in the Ablative and
      Thermoelastic Regimes.
AB  - This article describes the generation of elastic shear waves in a soft medium
      using a laser beam. Our experiments show two different regimes depending on laser
      energy. Physical modeling of the underlying phenomena reveals a thermoelastic
      regime caused by a local dilatation resulting from temperature increase, and an
      ablative regime caused by a partial vaporization of the medium by the laser.
      Computed theoretical displacements are close to experimental measurements. A
      numerical study based on the physical modeling gives propagation patterns
      comparable to those generated experimentally. These results provide a physical
      basis for the feasibility of a shear wave elastography technique (a technique
      which measures a soft solid stiffness from shear wave propagation) by using a
      laser beam.

PMID- 28090118
TI  - Thermochemistry and kinetics of graphite oxide exothermic decomposition for
      safety in large-scale storage and processing.
AB  - The success of graphene technologies will require the development of safe and
      cost-effective nano-manufacturing methods. Special safety issues arise for
      manufacturing routes based on graphite oxide (GO) as an intermediate due to its
      energetic behavior. This article presents a detailed thermochemical and kinetic
      study of GO exothermic decomposition designed to identify the conditions and
      material compositions that avoid explosive events during storage and processing
      at large scale. It is shown that GO becomes more reactive for thermal
      decomposition when it is pretreated with OH- in suspension and the effect is
      reversible by back-titration to low pH. This OH- effect can lower the
      decomposition reaction exotherm onset temperature by up to 50 degrees of Celsius,
      causing overlap with common drying operations (100-120 degrees C) and possible
      self-heating and thermal runaway during processing. Spectroscopic and modeling
      evidence suggest epoxide groups are primarily responsible for the energetic
      behavior, and epoxy ring opening/closing reactions are offered as an explanation
      for the reversible effects of pH on decomposition kinetics and enthalpies. A
      quantitative kinetic model is developed for GO thermal decomposition and used in
      a series of case studies to predict the storage conditions under which
      spontaneous self-heating, thermal runaway, and explosions can be avoided.

PMID- 28090119
TI  - Redefinition of the Genus Typhlocypris Vejdovsky, 1882 (Ostracoda, Candonidae).
AB  - The taxonomy of the genus Typhlocypris Vejdovsky, 1882 is reviewed. New
      morphological information on Typhlocypris eremita (Vejdovsky, 1882), the type
      species of the genus, is provided, and a new reference material is presented. The
      generic diagnosis is emended with details derived from the developmental
      trajectory of the valves, from the juvenile stage A-3 to the adult. Those
      criteria clearly differentiate Typhlocypris from the related genus Pseudocandona
      Kaufmann, 1900. As here redefined, Typhlocypris is a phylogentic lineage of the
      subfamily Candoninae containing extant species presently living in aquatic
      subterranean habitats and fossil species recovered from non-marine Late
      Palaeogene to Neogene and Quaternary deposits in Europe and western Asia. The
      type species of Typhlocypris is considered a metaspecies, taxonomically treated
      as T. eremita (sensu lato), which includes populations resembling the newly
      designated reference material. The homeomorphic triangular valve shape of the
      Candoninae is discussed. Careful examination of the valve morphology of
      Typhlocypris combined with the analysis of limb traits helps to distinguish
      representatives of this genus from unrelated phylogenetic groups presenting
      similar triangularly shaped valves. It is emphasised that for a useful
      description of Typhlocypris taxa both transmitted light and scanning electron
      microscopy are necessary.

PMID- 28090120
TI  - Morphotypes of Cytheridella Ilosvayi (Ostracoda) Detected by Soft and Hard Part
      Analyses.
AB  - Quantitative approaches dealing with soft- and hard-part morphological
      variability of ostracods are very rare for most species. Here we present
      intraspecific limb and shell variability of the Neotropical freshwater ostracod
      species assumed as Cytheridella ilosvayi. For the first time such an analysis
      considered adult females and males, as well as juveniles. Variability of the
      appendages included the antennule, second antenna as well as the first and second
      thoracopod and was analysed in terms of ratios of podomeres, setae and limbs.
      Limb variability of adult and juvenile individuals (down to A-3) is generally
      low. The highest variation is shown in podomere proportions of the antennas,
      while thoracopods and setae provide minor and/or non-significant influence on the
      variability. Based on discrimination analyses shell parameters (i.e., shell
      length, position of the transversal sulcus) emerge to be more important for
      differentiation of groups than limb ratios. Adult females exhibit a large size
      range in which two clearly separated morphotypes exist. Although differences in
      limbs are small their existence can be proven also on the basis of proportions
      between podomeres of the antennas. Males and juveniles, however, do not display a
      separation into corresponding subgroups or morphotypes. The presence of two
      morphologically similar females and only one type of males indicates the
      coexistence of female morphotypes which may represent either two (cryptic)
      species or a mixed reproduction population in which parthenogenetic and sexual
      reproduction coexists.

PMID- 28090122
TI  - Effect of static vs. dynamic imaging on particle transport in CT-based numerical
      models of human central airways.
AB  - Advances in quantitative computed tomography (CT) has provided methods to assess
      the detailed structure of the pulmonary airways and parenchyma, providing the
      means of applying computational fluid dynamics-based modeling to better
      understand subject-specific differences in structure-to-function relationships.
      Most of the previous numerical studies, seeking to predict patterns of inhaled
      particle deposition, have considered airway geometry and regional ventilation
      derived from static images. Because geometric alterations of the airway and
      parenchyma associated with regional ventilation may greatly affect particle
      transport, we have sought to investigate the effect of rigid vs. deforming
      airways, linear vs. nonlinear airway deformations, and step-wise static vs.
      dynamic imaging on particle deposition with varying numbers of intermediate lung
      volume increments. Airway geometry and regional ventilation at different time
      points were defined by four-dimensional (space and time) dynamic or static CT
      images. Laminar, transitional, and turbulent air flows were reproduced with a
      three-dimensional eddy-resolving computational fluid dynamics model. Finally,
      trajectories of particles were computed with the Lagrangian tracking algorithm.
      The results demonstrated that static-imaging-based models can contribute 7%
      uncertainty to overall particle distribution and deposition primarily due to
      regional flow rate (ventilation) differences as opposed to geometric alterations.
      The effect of rigid vs. deforming airways on serial distribution of particles
      over generations was significantly smaller than reported in a previous study that
      used the symmetric Weibel geometric model with smaller flow rate. Rigid vs.
      deforming airways were also shown to affect parallel particle distribution over
      lobes by 8% and the differences associated with use of static vs. dynamic imaging
      was 18%. These differences demonstrate that estimates derived from static vs.
      dynamic imaging can significantly affect the assessment of particle distribution
      heterogeneity. The effect of linear vs. nonlinear airway deformations was within
      the uncertainty due to mesh size.

PMID- 28090123
TI  - Transfer Standard Uncertainty Can Cause Inconclusive Inter-Laboratory
      Comparisons.
AB  - Inter-laboratory comparisons use the best available transfer standards to check
      the participants' uncertainty analyses, identify underestimated uncertainty
      claims or unknown measurement biases, and improve the global measurement system.
      For some measurands, instability of the transfer standard can lead to an
      inconclusive comparison result. If the transfer standard uncertainty is large
      relative to a participating laboratory's uncertainty, the commonly used
      standardized degree of equivalence <= 1 criterion does not always correctly
      assess whether a participant is working within their uncertainty claims. We show
      comparison results that demonstrate this issue and propose several criteria for
      assessing a comparison result as passing, failing, or inconclusive. We
      investigate the behavior of the standardized degree of equivalence and
      alternative comparison measures for a range of values of the transfer standard
      uncertainty relative to the individual laboratory uncertainty values. The
      proposed alternative criteria successfully discerned between passing, failing,
      and inconclusive comparison results for the cases we examined.

PMID- 28090121
TI  - Redox Signaling through DNA.
AB  - Biological electron transfer reactions between metal cofactors are critical to
      many essential processes within the cell. Duplex DNA is, moreover, capable of
      mediating the transport of charge through its pi-stacked nitrogenous bases.
      Increasingly, [4Fe4S] clusters, generally redox-active cofactors, have been found
      to be associated with enzymes involved in DNA processing. DNA-binding enzymes
      containing [4Fe4S] clusters can thus utilize DNA charge transport (DNA CT) for
      redox signaling to coordinate reactions over long molecular distances. In
      particular, DNA CT signaling may represent the first step in the search for DNA
      lesions by proteins containing [4Fe4S] clusters that are involved in DNA repair.
      Here we describe research carried out to examine the chemical characteristics and
      biological consequences of DNA CT. We are finding that DNA CT among
      metalloproteins represents powerful chemistry for redox signaling at long range
      within the cell.

PMID- 28090124
TI  - Practical Synthetic Procedures for the Iron-Catalyzed Intermolecular Olefin
      Aminohydroxylation Using Functionalized Hydroxylamines.
AB  - A set of practical synthetic procedures for the iron-catalyzed intermolecular
      olefin aminohydroxylation reactions in gram scale is reported. In these
      transformations, a bench-stable functionalized hydroxylamine is applied as the
      amination reagent. This method is compatible with a broad range of synthetically
      valuable olefins including those that are incompatible with the existing
      aminohydroxylation methods. It also provides valuable amino alcohol building
      blocks with regio- and stereo-chemical arrays that are complementary to known
      methods.

PMID- 28090125
TI  - A multi-physics model for ultrasonically activated soft tissue.
AB  - A multi-physics model has been developed to investigate the effects of cellular
      level mechanisms on the thermomechanical response of ultrasonically activated
      soft tissue. Cellular level cavitation effects have been incorporated in the
      tissue level continuum model to accurately determine the thermodynamic states
      such as temperature and pressure. A viscoelastic material model is assumed for
      the macromechanical response of the tissue. The cavitation model based equation
      of-state provides the additional pressure arising from evaporation of
      intracellular and cellular water by absorbing heat due to structural and
      viscoelastic heating in the tissue, and temperature to the continuum level
      thermomechanical model. The thermomechanical response of soft tissue is studied
      for the operational range of frequencies of oscillations and applied loads for
      typical ultrasonically activated surgical instruments. The model is shown to
      capture characteristics of ultrasonically activated soft tissue deformation and
      temperature evolution. At the cellular level, evaporation of water below the
      boiling temperature under ambient conditions is indicative of protein
      denaturation around the temperature threshold for coagulation of tissues.
      Further, with increasing operating frequency (or loading), the temperature rises
      faster leading to rapid evaporation of tissue cavity water, which may lead to
      accelerated protein denaturation and coagulation.

PMID- 28090126
TI  - Fourier Transform Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy for Quantitative Analysis of
      Gas Mixtures at Low Temperatures for Homeland Security Applications.
AB  - Performance standard specifications for point chemical vapor detectors are
      established in ASTM E 2885-13 and ASTM E 2933-13. The performance evaluation of
      the detectors requires the accurate delivery of known concentrations of the
      chemical target to the system under test. Referee methods enable the analyte test
      concentration and associated uncertainties in the analyte test concentration to
      be validated by independent analysis, which is especially important for reactive
      analytes. This work extends the capability of a previously demonstrated method
      for using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) absorption spectroscopy for
      quantitatively evaluating the composition of vapor streams containing hazardous
      materials at Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGL) to include test conditions
      colder than laboratory ambient temperatures. The described method covers the use
      of primary reference spectra to establish analyte concentrations, the generation
      of secondary reference spectra suitable for measuring analyte concentrations
      under specified testing environments, and the use of additional reference spectra
      and spectral profile strategies to mitigate the uncertainties due to impurities
      and water condensation within the low-temperature (7  degrees C, -5  degrees C)
      test cell. Important benefits of this approach include verification of the test
      analyte concentration with characterized uncertainties by in situ measurements co
      located with the detector under test, near-real-time feedback, and broad
      applicability to toxic industrial chemicals.

PMID- 28090127
TI  - Parametrization of white matter manifold-like structures using principal
      surfaces.
AB  - In this manuscript, we are concerned with data generated from a diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI) experiment. The goal is to parameterize manifold-like white matter
      tracts, such as the corpus callosum, using principal surfaces. The problem is
      approached by finding a geometrically motivated surface-based representation of
      the corpus callosum and visualized fractional anisotropy (FA) values projected
      onto the surface. The method also applies to any other diffusion summary. An
      algorithm is proposed that 1) constructs the principal surface of a corpus
      callosum; 2) flattens the surface into a parametric 2D map; 3) projects
      associated FA values on the map. The algorithm is applied to a longitudinal study
      containing 466 diffusion tensor images of 176 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients
      observed at multiple visits. For each subject and visit the study contains a
      registered DTI scan of the corpus callosum at roughly 20,000 voxels. Extensive
      simulation studies demonstrate fast convergence and robust performance of the
      algorithm under a variety of challenging scenarios.

PMID- 28090128
TI  - ASSOCIATION OF TOTAL AND DIFFERENTIAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTS TO DEVELOPMENT OF
      TYPE 2 DIABETES IN MEXICAN AMERICANS IN CAMERON COUNTY HISPANIC COHORT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between total and differential White
      Blood Cell (WBC) counts with time to transition to type 2 diabetes in Mexican
      Americans using prospective data from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC).
      RESULTS: Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models revealed that
      obese Mexican-American cohort participants whose total WBC or granulocyte count
      increased over time had 1.39 and 1.35 times higher risk respectively of
      transition to type 2 diabetes when compared to overweight participants. The
      granulocyte or total WBC count in participants with BMI>=35 were significant risk
      factors for transition to type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Increased total WBC and
      WBC differential counts, particularly lymphocytes and granulocytes, are
      associated with risk of transition to type 2 diabetes in obese Mexican Americans,
      after adjusting for other potential confounders. Screening and monitoring the WBC
      counts, including lymphocytes and granulocytes can help with monitoring potential
      transition to type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28090129
TI  - Work Stress and Alcohol Use: Developing and Testing a Biphasic Self-Medication
      Model.
AB  - This study developed and tested a moderated-mediation model of work stress and
      alcohol use, based on the biphasic (stimulant and sedative) effects of alcohol
      and the self-medication and stress-vulnerability models of alcohol use. The model
      proposes that exposure to work stressors can increase both negative affect and
      work fatigue, and that these two sources of strain can subsequently motivate the
      use of alcohol. However, the relations of negative affect and work fatigue to
      alcohol use are conditional on the joint moderating effects of alcohol outcome
      expectancies and gender. Data were collected from a national probability sample
      of 2,808 U.S. workers. Supporting the model, the results indicated that work
      stressor exposure was conditionally related via negative affect to heavy alcohol
      use among both men and women holding strong tension reduction alcohol
      expectancies and to after work alcohol use among men holding strong tension
      reduction alcohol expectancies. Also, work stressor exposure was conditionally
      related via work fatigue to both heavy alcohol use and workday alcohol use among
      men holding strong fatigue reduction alcohol expectancies. The results have
      application in the identification of individuals at higher risk of problematic
      alcohol use and are relevant to workplace safety and to the design of appropriate
      interventions.

PMID- 28090130
TI  - Parent predictors of adolescents' explanatory style.
AB  - The current study tested the prospective relations (six month lag) between three
      aspects of the parent-child relationship at Time 1 (T1) and adolescents'
      explanatory styles at Time 2 (T2): caregiving behaviors, parents' explanatory
      style for their own negative events, and parents' explanatory style for their
      children's negative events. The sample included 129 adolescents aged 11 to 14
      years at baseline and their parents. Adolescents reported on their own
      explanatory style and their parents' caregiving behaviors; parents self-reported
      on their caregiving behaviors and their explanatory style for their own and their
      children's events. Regression analyses identified maternal acceptance as a
      significant predictor of T2 adolescents' explanatory style. Marginal effects
      emerged for fathers' psychological control and fathers' explanatory style for
      their children's events. Findings suggest that the ways parents - especially
      mothers - interact with their children may play a role in adolescents' cognitive
      vulnerability to depression.

PMID- 28090131
TI  - Can't afford a baby? Debt and young Americans.
AB  - This article explores the role of personal debt in the transition to parenthood.
      We analyze data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth-1997 cohort and
      find that for the generation coming of age in the 2000s, student loans delay
      fertility for women, particularly at very high levels of debt. Home mortgages and
      credit card debt, in contrast, appear to be precursors to parenthood. These
      results indicate that different forms of debt have different implications for
      early adulthood transitions: whereas consumer loans or home mortgages immediately
      increase access to consumption goods, there is often a significant delay between
      the accrual and realization of benefits for student loans. The double-edged
      nature of debt as both barrier and facilitator to life transitions highlights the
      importance of looking at debt both as a monetary issue and also as a carrier of
      social meanings.

PMID- 28090132
TI  - Asymptotic Normality of Quadratic Estimators.
AB  - We prove conditional asymptotic normality of a class of quadratic U-statistics
      that are dominated by their degenerate second order part and have kernels that
      change with the number of observations. These statistics arise in the
      construction of estimators in high-dimensional semi- and non-parametric models,
      and in the construction of nonparametric confidence sets. This is illustrated by
      estimation of the integral of a square of a density or regression function, and
      estimation of the mean response with missing data. We show that estimators are
      asymptotically normal even in the case that the rate is slower than the square
      root of the observations.

PMID- 28090133
TI  - Impacts of Changes of Indoor Air Pressure and Air Exchange Rate in Vapor
      Intrusion Scenarios.
AB  - There has, in recent years, been increasing interest in understanding the
      transport processes of relevance in vapor intrusion of volatile organic compounds
      (VOCs) into buildings on contaminated sites. These studies have included fate and
      transport modeling. Most such models have simplified the prediction of indoor air
      contaminant vapor concentrations by employing a steady state assumption, which
      often results in difficulties in reconciling these results with field
      measurements. This paper focuses on two major factors that may be subject to
      significant transients in vapor intrusion situations, including the indoor air
      pressure and the air exchange rate in the subject building. A three-dimensional
      finite element model was employed with consideration of daily and seasonal
      variations in these factors. From the results, the variations of indoor air
      pressure and air exchange rate are seen to contribute to significant variations
      in indoor air contaminant vapor concentrations. Depending upon the assumptions
      regarding the variations in these parameters, the results are only sometimes
      consistent with the reports of several orders of magnitude in indoor air
      concentration variations from field studies. The results point to the need to
      examine more carefully the interplay of these factors in order to quantitatively
      understand the variations in potential indoor air exposures.

PMID- 28090134
TI  - Outcome-Dependent Sampling Design and Inference for Cox's Proportional Hazards
      Model.
AB  - We propose a cost-effective outcome-dependent sampling design for the failure
      time data and develop an efficient inference procedure for data collected with
      this design. To account for the biased sampling scheme, we derive estimators from
      a weighted partial likelihood estimating equation. The proposed estimators for
      regression parameters are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normally
      distributed. A criteria that can be used to optimally implement the ODS design in
      practice is proposed and studied. The small sample performance of the proposed
      method is evaluated by simulation studies. The proposed design and inference
      procedure is shown to be statistically more powerful than existing alternative
      designs with the same sample sizes. We illustrate the proposed method with an
      existing real data from the Cancer Incidence and Mortality of Uranium Miners
      Study.

PMID- 28090135
TI  - [Pax Narcotica : The Open-Air Drug Markets of Philadelphia's Puerto Rican Inner
      City].

PMID- 28090137
TI  - Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricle adaptation to endurance training
      in young rowers - speckle tracking echocardiography.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the degree of
      cardiorespiratory fitness and the function of the right ventricle (RV). 117
      rowers, age 17.5+/-1.5 years. All subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise.
      Standard echocardiography and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography with
      evaluation of longitudinal strain in each segment of the RV (basal - RVLS-B; mid 
      RVLS-M, apical - RVLS-A) and global RV free-wall strain (RVLS-G) were performed.
      RVLS-B values were lower compared to the RVLS-M (-25.8+/-4.4 vs -29.3+/-3.5;
      p<0.001) and RVLS-A values (-25.8+/-4.4 vs -26.2+/-3.4; p=0.85). Correlations
      between VO2max and RVLS were observed in men: RVLS-G strain (r = 0.43; p <0.001);
      RVLS-B (r = 0.30; p = 0.02); RVLS-M (r = 0.38; p = 0.02). A similar relationship
      was not observed in the group of women. The strongest predictors corresponding to
      a change in global and basal strain were VO2max and training time: RVLS-G
      (VO2max: beta = 0.18, p = 0.003; training time: beta = -0.39; p = 0.02) and RVLS
      B (VO2max: beta = 0.23; p = 0.0001 training time: beta = -1.16; p = 0.0001). The
      global and regional reduction of RV systolic function positively correlates with
      the level of fitness, and this relationship is observed already in young
      athletes. The character of the relationship between RV deformation parameters and
      the variables that determine the physical performance depend on gender. The
      dependencies apply to the proximal fragment of the RV inflow tract, which may be
      a response to the type of flow during exercise in endurance athletes.

PMID- 28090138
TI  - Agility training in young elite soccer players: promising results compared to
      change of direction drills.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different training
      programmes - change of direction (COD) vs. agility (AG) - on straight sprint
      (SS), COD and AG test performances in young elite soccer players. Thirty-two
      soccer players (age: 14.5+/-0.9 years; height: 171.2+/-5.1 cm; body mass: 56.4+/
      7.1 kg, body fat: 10.3+/-2.3%) participated in a short-term (6 weeks) training
      study. Players were randomly assigned to two experimental groups - training with
      change of direction drills (COD-G, n=11) or using agility training (AG-G, n= 11) 
      and to a control group (CON-G, n=10). All players completed the following tests
      before and after training: straight sprint (15m SS), 15 m agility run with (15m
      AR-B) and without a ball (15m-AR), 5-0-5 agility test, reactive agility test
      (RAT), and RAT test with ball (RAT-B). A significant group effect was observed
      for all tests (p<0.001; eta2=large). In 15m SS, COD-G and AG-G improved
      significantly (2.21; ES=0.57 and 2.18%; ES=0.89 respectively) more than CON-G
      (0.59%; ES=0.14). In the 15m-AR and 5-0-5 agility test, COD-G improved
      significantly more (5.41%; ES=1.15 and 3.41; ES=0.55 respectively) than AG-G
      (3.65%; ES=1.05 and 2.24; ES=0.35 respectively) and CON-G (1.62%; ES=0.96 and
      0.97; ES=0.19 respectively). Improvements in RAT and RAT-B were larger (9.37%;
      ES=2.28 and 7.73%; ES=2.99 respectively) in RAT-G than the other groups. In
      conclusion, agility performance amongst young elite soccer could be improved
      using COD training. Nevertheless, including a conditioning programme for agility
      may allow a high level of athletic performance to be achieved.

PMID- 28090136
TI  - The impact of duration on effectiveness of exercise, the implication for
      periodization of training and goal setting for individuals who are overfat, a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Given the assumption that all methods of exercise, e.g., endurance (ET),
      resistance (RT), or combination of both (E+R), can induce a beneficial effect
      size (ES) for changes in body composition and health status of individuals who
      are overfat. Thus the aim and purpose of this study is to evaluate the current
      body of knowledge to address the question as to the impact that the duration of
      exercise has on its relative effectiveness for inducing health and body
      compositional changes in individuals who are overfat to assist with developing
      periodized exercise protocols and establishing short and long term goals. A
      tiered meta-analysis of 92-studies and 200-exercise groupings were used for
      establishing pooled ES within and between groupings based on the increments of 4
      week of duration and study designs of <=8, 9-16, 17-23, 24-36, and >=36 weeks.
      Analysis based on random-effect of response indicates a continuum of
      effectiveness within and between ET, RT and E+R based on duration. Where
      beneficial effectiveness is not indicated for any measures until after 8-weeks of
      continuous training with progressive effectiveness being noted in changes to
      cardiorespiratory fitness, inflammatory cytokines, and alteration of metabolic
      status from 12-weeks through 32-weeks of continuous training. Results indicate a
      greater ES for RT and E+R versus ET early in intervention that equalizes with
      longer durations. Supporting the use of RT and E+R within a periodized program.
      And secondarily, goals should be established first on performance gains and
      second body composition or health status modifications for the individual who is
      overfat.

PMID- 28090139
TI  - The blood antioxidant defence capacity during intermittent hypoxic training in
      elite swimmers.
AB  - The main objective of this study was to examine the chronic effect of simulated
      intermittent normobaric hypoxia on blood antioxidant defence capacity in
      swimmers. The study included 14 male and 14 female competitive swimmers
      performing part of land training under simulated intermittent normobaric hypoxia
      (O2 = 15.5%) or in normoxia. Land interval training took place twice per week,
      with a total of 8 training units during the study, performed with individualized
      intensity. The activities of blood antioxidant enzymes did not change
      significantly during the first and last training unit in the hypoxic and normoxic
      group. However, when comparing individual variables a significant effect of
      exercise was observed on GPx an CAT activities, whereas training units
      significantly differentiated GPx and GR activities. The oxygen conditions and
      gender had a significant influence on CAT activity. The total antioxidant
      capacity was not significantly affected. Only in male swimmers from the hypoxic
      group did the training significantly increase resting levels of MDA. In
      conclusion, training in normobaric hypoxia was not an adequate stimulus for the
      excessive response of the antioxidant defence system, despite increased oxidative
      stress in these conditions.

PMID- 28090140
TI  - Influence of warm-up duration and recovery interval prior to exercise on
      anaerobic performance.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of different active warm-up
      (AWU) durations and the rest interval separating it from exercise on anaerobic
      performance. Eleven male physical education students (22.6 +/- 2.52 years; 179.2
      +/- 4.3 cm; 82.5 +/- 9.7 kg; mean +/- SD) participated in a cross-over randomized
      study, and they all underwent the Wingate test after three AWU durations: 5 min
      (AWU5), 15 min (AWU15) and 20 min (AWU20), with recovery (WREC) or without a
      recovery interval (NREC) separating the AWU and anaerobic exercise performance.
      All the AWUs consisted of pedalling at a constant pace of 60 rpm at 50% of the
      maximal aerobic power. The rest interval between the end of warm-up and the
      beginning of exercise was set at 5 min. During the Wingate test, peak power (PP),
      mean power (MP) and the fatigue index (FI) were recorded and analysed. Oral
      temperature was recorded at rest and at the end of the warm-up. Likewise, rest,
      post-warm-up and post-Wingate heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion
      (RPE) were recorded during each session. The ANOVA showed a significant effect of
      recovery interval, warm-up duration and measurement point on RPE scores
      (P<0.001). Although the effect of AWU duration on MP and PP was significant
      (P<0.05), the effect of the recovery interval on both parameters was not
      significant (P>0.05). Moreover, the analyses showed a significant interaction
      between recovery interval and AWU duration (P<0.001 and P<0.05 for MP and PP
      respectively). The AWU15 duration improves the MP and PP when associated with a
      recovery interval prior to exercise of 5 min. However, the AWU5 duration allows
      better improvement of power output when the exercise is applied immediately after
      the warm-up. Consequently, physically active males, as well as educators and
      researchers interested in anaerobic exercise, must take into account the duration
      of warm-up and the following recovery interval when practising or assessing
      activities requiring powerful lower limb muscle contractions.

PMID- 28090141
TI  - Do maximal aerobic power and blood lactate concentration affect Specific Judo
      Fitness Test performance in female judo athletes?
AB  - The Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) has become the test most widely used by
      coaches and physical trainers for assessment of competitors' judo-specific
      physical aptitude and training programme prescription. The aim of this study was
      to investigate the relationship between the SJFT performance indices and both
      maximal aerobic power and the level of blood lactate concentrations in female
      judo athletes. Seventeen female judokas (age: 21.9+/-1.6 years, body mass: 74.6+/
      27.4 kg, height: 164.5+/-8.6 cm; BMI: 27.1+/-8.0 kg . m-2) took part in this
      study. All participants performed the SJFT, 20 m multi-stage shuttle run test
      (MSRT), and 30 m straight sprint test (SST), from which we calculated both
      acceleration (10 m) and the maximal anaerobic speed (MAnS: flying 20 m sprint). A
      blood sample was taken 3 min after the SJFT. The number of throws was
      significantly correlated with estimated VO2max (r=0.795, p=0.0001) and both
      acceleration (r=0.63, p =0.006) and MAnS (r=0.76, p=0.0004). Peak blood lactate
      recorded after the SJFT was 13.90+/-1.39 mmol . l-1. No significant correlation
      was found between blood lactate concentration and the SJFT performance indices.
      The lack of significant correlation between blood lactate and SJFT performance
      suggests that lactic anaerobic metabolism has no effect on this type of judo
      specific supra-maximal exercise. The observed results can provide coaches and
      strength and conditioning professionals with relevant information for the
      interpretation of SJFT performance and the prescription of specific training
      programmes for female judo athletes.

PMID- 28090144
TI  - Maximal power training induced different improvement in throwing velocity and
      muscle strength according to playing positions in elite male handball players.
AB  - This study was designed to assess the effect of strength and power training on
      throwing velocity and muscle strength in handball players according to their
      playing positions. Twenty-two male handball players were assigned to either an
      experimental group (n=11) or a control group (n=11) (age: 22.1 +/- 3.0 years).
      They were asked to complete (i) the ball throwing velocity test and (ii) the one
      repetition maximum (1-RM) tests for the half-back squat, the pull-over, the bench
      press, the developed neck, and the print exercises before and after 12 weeks of
      maximal power training. The training was designed to improve strength and power
      with an intensity of 85-95% of the 1RM. In addition to their usual routine
      handball training sessions, participants performed two sessions per week. During
      each session, they performed 3-5 sets of 3-8 repetitions with 3 min of rest in
      between. Then, they performed specific shots (i.e., 12 to 40). Ball-throwing
      velocity (p<0.001) was higher after the training period in rear line players
      (RL). The training programme resulted in an improvement of 1RM bench press
      (p<0.001), 1RM developed neck (p<0.001) and 1RM print (p<0.001) in both front
      line (FL) and RL. The control group showed a significant improvement only in ball
      throwing velocity (p<0.01) and 1RM bench press (p<0.01) in RL. A significantly
      greater improvement was found in ball-throwing velocity (p<0.001), 1RM bench
      press (p<0.001), and 1RM half-back squat exercises in players of the central axis
      (CA) compared to the lateral axis (LA) (p<0.01). The power training programme
      induced significantly greater increases in ball-throwing velocity and muscle
      strength in FL than RL and in CA than LA axis players.

PMID- 28090142
TI  - The midpoint between ventilatory thresholds approaches maximal lactate steady
      state intensity in amateur cyclists.
AB  - The aim was to determine whether the midpoint between ventilatory thresholds
      (MPVT) corresponds to maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Twelve amateur
      cyclists (21.0 +/- 2.6 years old; 72.2 +/- 9.0 kg; 179.8 +/- 7.5 cm) performed an
      incremental test (25 W.min-1) until exhaustion and several constant load tests of
      30 minutes to determine MLSS, on different occasions. Using MLSS determination as
      the reference method, the agreement with five other parameters (MPVT; first and
      second ventilatory thresholds: VT1 and VT2; respiratory exchange ratio equal to
      1: RER = 1.00; and Maximum) was analysed by the Bland-Altman method. The
      difference between workload at MLSS and VT1, VT2, RER=1.00 and Maximum was 31.1
      +/- 20.0, -86.0 +/- 18.3, -63.6 +/- 26.3 and -192.3 +/- 48.6 W, respectively.
      MLSS was underestimated from VT1 and overestimated from VT2, RER = 1.00 and
      Maximum. The smallest difference (-27.5 +/- 15.1 W) between workload at MLSS and
      MPVT was in better agreement than other analysed parameters of intensity in
      cycling. The main finding is that MPVT approached the workload at MLSS in amateur
      cyclists, and can be used to estimate maximal steady state.

PMID- 28090143
TI  - Acute exercise regulates adipogenic gene expression in white adipose tissue.
AB  - White adipose tissue expansion is associated with both hypertrophy and
      hyperplasia of adipocytes. Exercise training results in adipocyte hypotrophy by
      activating lipolysis, but it is poorly understood whether exercise regulates
      adipogenesis by altering adipogenic gene expression. The purpose of this study
      was to evaluate the effect of a single bout of swimming exercise on adipogenic
      gene expression in white adipose tissue (WAT). Male C57BL/6J mice were divided
      into two groups: a sedentary control group and a 120-minute swimming exercise
      group. Immediately after acute exercise, adipogenic gene expression in WAT was
      analysed by RT-PCR, and tdTomato positive cells in WAT from UCP1-cre-tdTomato
      mice were observed under a confocal microscope. In epididymal white adipose
      tissue (eWAT), PPARgamma2 and C/EBPalpha expression at the mRNA level was
      significantly decreased with high induction of Wnt10b and KLFs (KLF2, KLF3, KLF7,
      KLF6, KLF9 and KLF15), whereas PPARgamma2, not C/EBPalpha, was decreased with
      high induction of Wnt6 and KLFs (KLF2, KLF3, KLF7, KLF6 and KLF9) in inguinal
      white adipose tissue (iWAT) after acute exercise. The expression of C/EBPbeta and
      C/EBPdelta was upregulated in both WATs with a high level of PGC-1alpha
      expression. Expression level of UCP1 was increased only in adipocytes of eWAT,
      while beige cell specific gene expression was comparable between groups and
      tdTomato positive cells were not found in WAT of UCP1-cre-tdTomato reporter mouse
      immediately after acute exercise. These results suggest that acute exercise
      suppresses adipogenic gene expression and may regulate thermogenesis by
      activating C/EBPbeta, PGC-1alpha and UCP1 in WAT.

PMID- 28090145
TI  - Total body composition estimated by standing-posture 8-electrode bioelectrical
      impedance analysis in male wrestlers.
AB  - Standing-posture 8-electrode bioelectrical impedance analysis is a fast and
      practical method for evaluating body composition in clinical settings, which can
      be used to estimate percentage body fat (BF%) and skeletal muscle mass in a
      subject's total body and body segments. In this study, dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA) was used as a reference method for validating the standing 8
      electrode bioelectrical impedance analysis device BC-418 (BIA8, Tanita Corp.,
      Tokyo, Japan). Forty-eight Taiwanese male wrestlers aged from 17.9 to 22.3 years
      volunteered to participate in this study. The lean soft tissue (LST) and BF% in
      the total body and body segments were measured in each subject by the BIA8 and
      DXA. The correlation coefficients between total body, arm, leg segments impedance
      index (BI, ht2/Z) and lean soft tissue mass measured from DXA were r = 0.902,
      0.453, 0.885, respectively (p < 0.01). In addition, the total body and segmental
      LST estimated by the BIA8 were highly correlated with the DXA data (r = 0.936,
      0.466, 0.886, p < 0.01). The estimation of total body and segmental BF% measured
      by BIA8 and DXA also showed a significant correlation (r > 0.820, p < 0.01). The
      estimated LST and BF% from BIA8 in the total body and body segments were highly
      correlated with the DXA results, which indicated that the standing-posture 8
      electrode bioelectrical impedance analysis may be used to derive reference
      measures of LST and BF% in Taiwanese male wrestlers.

PMID- 28090146
TI  - Rapid weight loss in the context of Ramadan observance: recommendations for
      judokas.
AB  - Judo is a weight-classified combat sport, and many athletes seek to compete at
      the lightest possible weight category to gain an advantage from competing against
      shorter/smaller, and supposedly weaker opponents. To achieve a desired weight,
      most judokas opt for rapid weight loss techniques. Short-duration maximal efforts
      are not greatly affected by "making weight", but prolonged and/or repeated
      exercise is significantly impaired. Negative effects on mood, ratings of
      perceived exertion, and cognitive function are also reported. Moreover, rapid
      weight loss reduces maximal cardiac output and glycogen stores, and impairs
      thermo-regulation. Limited empirical data suggest that Ramadan reduces judokas'
      performance, and this is likely to be exacerbated by attempts at rapid weight
      loss. Weight reduction during Ramadan tends to be counterproductive, and judokas
      who aim for a lower weight category are advised to attempt any desired reduction
      of body mass during the weeks leading up to Ramadan, rather than during the holy
      month.

PMID- 28090147
TI  - Regression shrinkage and neural models in predicting the results of 400-metres
      hurdles races.
AB  - This study presents the application of regression shrinkage and artificial neural
      networks in predicting the results of 400-metres hurdles races. The regression
      models predict the results for suggested training loads in the selected three
      month training period. The material of the research was based on training data of
      21 Polish hurdlers from the Polish National Athletics Team Association. The
      athletes were characterized by a high level of performance. To assess the
      predictive ability of the constructed models a method of leave-one-out cross
      validation was used. The analysis showed that the method generating the smallest
      prediction error was the LASSO regression extended by quadratic terms. The
      optimal model generated the prediction error of 0.59 s. Otherwise the optimal set
      of input variables (by reducing 8 of the 27 predictors) was defined. The results
      obtained justify the use of regression shrinkage in predicting sports outcomes.
      The resulting model can be used as a tool to assist the coach in planning
      training loads in a selected training period.

PMID- 28090149
TI  - Multiplexed and fully automated detection of metabolic biomarkers using
      microdialysis probe.
AB  - We report here, the design and development of an automated near real-time
      continuous detection system for lactate, glutamate, pyruvate and glucose using
      microdialysis probe. The system developed can automatically push perfusate
      through microdialysis probe (20, 100 and 1000 kDa MWCO cutoff probe) at low to
      medium flow rate of 0.5-2 MUL/min with almost 100% fluid recovery. The
      microdialysate collected from the probe is analyzed automatically for these four
      metabolite biomarkers. It operates in a continuous mode with measurements of all
      four biomarkers once every 20 min. The dynamic range for these different markers
      covers the entire clinical range of traumatic brain injury. The prototype shows a
      low variation of ~ 7-10% across the entire clinical range for all the biomarkers
      with fairly good accuracy of ~95%. The instrument canrun continuously for 24 h
      without user intervention. With a long tubing of 1 m to and from the
      microdialysis probe and associated dead volume, the total lag time for actual
      event at the probe site versusreported concentration is roughly 1 h.

PMID- 28090148
TI  - Early Identification of Autism: Early Characteristics, Onset of Symptoms, and
      Diagnostic Stability.
AB  - In the first year of life, infants who later go on to develop autistic spectrum
      disorders (ASD) may exhibit subtle disruptions in social interest and attention,
      communication, temperament, and head circumference growth that occur prior to the
      onset of clinical symptoms. These disruptions may reflect the early course of ASD
      development and may also contribute to the later development of clinical symptoms
      through alterations in the child's experience of his or her environment. By age
      2, developmental precursors of autism symptoms can be used to diagnose children
      reliably, and by age 3, the diagnosis is thought to be relatively stable. The
      downward extension of the autism diagnosis poses important questions for
      therapists in designing interventions that are applicable for infants who
      demonstrate early risk factors. We review current knowledge of the early signs of
      ASD in the infancy period (0-12 months) and the manifestation of symptoms in
      toddlerhood (12- 36 months), noting the importance of considering the variability
      in onset and trajectory of ASD. Finally, we consider the implications of this
      emerging research for those who work or interact with young children, including
      the importance of early monitoring and the development and evaluation of age
      appropriate interventions.

PMID- 28090150
TI  - M1 and M2 Functional Imprinting of Primary Microglia: Role of P2X7 Activation and
      miR-125b.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a most frequently occurring and severe
      form of motor neuron disease, causing death within 3-5 years from diagnosis and
      with a worldwide incidence of about 2 per 100,000 person-years. Mutations in over
      twenty genes associated with familial forms of ALS have provided insights into
      the mechanisms leading to motor neuron death. Moreover, mutations in two RNA
      binding proteins, TAR DNA binding protein 43 and fused in sarcoma, have raised
      the intriguing possibility that perturbations of RNA metabolism, including that
      of the small endogenous RNA molecules that repress target genes at the
      posttranscriptional level, that is, microRNAs, may contribute to disease
      pathogenesis. At present, the mechanisms by which microglia actively participate
      to both toxic and neuroprotective actions in ALS constitute an important matter
      of research. Among the pathways involved in ALS-altered microglia responses, in
      previous works we have uncovered the hyperactivation of P2X7 receptor by
      extracellular ATP and the overexpression of miR-125b, both leading to
      uncontrolled toxic M1 reactions. In order to shed further light on the complexity
      of these processes, in this short review we will describe the M1/M2 functional
      imprinting of primary microglia and a role played by P2X7 and miR-125b in ALS
      microglia activation.

PMID- 28090151
TI  - Cytokine Changes following Acute Ethanol Intoxication in Healthy Men: A Crossover
      Study.
AB  - Alcohol is a known modulator of the innate immune system. Owing to the absence of
      human studies, alcohol's effect on circulating cytokine profile remains unclear.
      We investigated the effect of acute high dose alcohol consumption on systemic
      cytokine release. After an overnight fasting, alcohol-experienced healthy male
      volunteers (N = 20) aged 25-45 years were given oral ethanol in the form of vodka
      (4.28 mL/kg) which they drank over a period of 30 minutes reaching peak blood
      alcohol concentration of 0.12% (SD 0.028). Blood samples were obtained prior to
      alcohol intake as well as 2, 7, and 12 hours thereafter. Serum levels of the
      inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-gamma, MCP-1,
      and TNF-alpha were determined by the multibead-based assay. Baseline cytokine
      levels were not related to BMI, hepatic parameters, electrolytes, glucose, or
      morning cortisol levels. Within 2 hours of alcohol intake, levels of IL-1Ra were
      elevated and remained so throughout the assessment period (p for trend = 0.015).
      In contrast, the levels of the chemokine MCP-1 dropped acutely followed by
      steadily increasing levels during the observation period (p < 0.001). The impact
      of sustained elevated levels of MCP-1 even after the clearance of blood alcohol
      content deserves attention.

PMID- 28090154
TI  - Unresolved Disrespectful Behavior in Health Care: Practitioners Speak Up (Again)
      Part 1.
AB  - Survey reveals widespread health workplace intimidation.

PMID- 28090152
TI  - New Role of Adult Lung c-kit+ Cells in a Mouse Model of Airway
      Hyperresponsiveness.
AB  - Structural changes contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and airflow
      obstruction in asthma. Emerging evidence points to the involvement of c-kit+
      cells in lung homeostasis, although their potential role in asthma is unknown.
      Our aim was to isolate c-kit+ cells from normal mouse lungs and to test whether
      these cells can interfere with hallmarks of asthma in an animal model. Adult
      mouse GFP-tagged c-kit+ cells, intratracheally delivered in the ovalbumin-induced
      airway hyperresponsiveness, positively affected airway remodeling and improved
      airway function. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of cell-treated animals, a
      reduction in the number of inflammatory cells and in IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13
      release, along with an increase of IL-10, was observed. In MSC-treated mice, the
      macrophage polarization to M2-like subset may explain, at least in part, the
      increment in the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. After in vitro
      stimulation of c-kit+ cells with proinflammatory cytokines, the indoleamine 2,3
      dioxygenase and TGFbeta were upregulated. These data, together with the increased
      apoptosis of inflammatory cells in vivo, indicate that c-kit+ cells downregulate
      immune response in asthma by influencing local environment, possibly by cell-to
      cell contact combined to paracrine action. In conclusion, intratracheally
      administered c-kit+ cells reduce inflammation, positively modulate airway
      remodeling, and improve function. These data document previously unrecognized
      properties of c-kit+ cells, able to impede pathophysiological features of
      experimental airway hyperresponsiveness.

PMID- 28090153
TI  - Bounding the HL-index of a graph: a majorization approach.
AB  - In mathematical chemistry, the median eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix of a
      molecular graph are strictly related to orbital energies and molecular orbitals.
      In this regard, the difference between the occupied orbital of highest energy
      (HOMO) and the unoccupied orbital of lowest energy (LUMO) has been investigated
      (see Fowler and Pisansky in Acta Chim. Slov. 57:513-517, 2010). Motivated by the
      HOMO-LUMO separation problem, Jaklic et al. in (Ars Math. Contemp. 5:99-115,
      2012) proposed the notion of HL-index that measures how large in absolute value
      are the median eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix. Several bounds for this index
      have been provided in the literature. The aim of the paper is to derive
      alternative inequalities to bound the HL-index. By applying majorization
      techniques and making use of some known relations, we derive new and sharper
      upper bounds for this index. Analytical and numerical results show the
      performance of these bounds on different classes of graphs.

PMID- 28090155
TI  - Plan to Settle 340B Disputes Elicits Dispute: Roadblocks Remain to Quieting Drug
      Pricing Controversies.
AB  - Plan to settle 340B disputes is itself the focus of a dispute.

PMID- 28090156
TI  - Drug and Device News.
AB  - Approvals, new indications, regulatory activities, and more.

PMID- 28090157
TI  - Pharmaceutical Approval Update.
AB  - Olaratumab (Lartruvo) for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma; bezlotoxumab
      (Zinplava) for use with an antibiotic to reduce recurrence of C. difficile
      infection; and doxylamine succinate/pyridoxine hydrochloride (Bonjesta) for the
      treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

PMID- 28090158
TI  - Zarxio (Filgrastim-sndz): The First Biosimilar Approved by the FDA.
AB  - Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz), a biosimilar for the treatment of severe chronic
      neutropenia.

PMID- 28090159
TI  - Transition From Paper to Computerized Pharmacist Clinical Decision Support.

PMID- 28090161
TI  - 2017 Presages Dramatic Change For Federal Health Care Policies: Republicans Are
      Likely to Face Hiccups Along the Way.
AB  - President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to repeal Obamacare. We
      review what effect the incoming administration may have on U.S. health care
      policy.

PMID- 28090160
TI  - Extending Patents With New Indications.

PMID- 28090162
TI  - Systemic Market and Organizational Changes: Impact on P&T Committees.
AB  - The authors consider market stakeholder consolidation, market-driven efficiency
      demands, consumerism, and legal enforcement of patient rights related to access
      to appropriate drugs and posit how future P&T committees may approach these
      issues.

PMID- 28090163
TI  - Branko Furst's Radical Alternative: Is the Heart Moved by the Blood, Rather Than
      Vice Versa?
AB  - We examine key evidence against the standard cardiac function model and describe
      Branco Furst's alternative model with its implications for therapy and further
      exploration.

PMID- 28090164
TI  - A Comparison of Medication Histories Obtained by a Pharmacy Technician Versus
      Nurses in the Emergency Department.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the medication history error rate of the emergency department
      (ED) pharmacy technician with that of nursing staff and to describe the workflow
      environment. METHODS: Fifty medication histories performed by an ED nurse
      followed by the pharmacy technician were evaluated for discrepancies (RN-PT
      group). A separate 50 medication histories performed by the pharmacy technician
      and observed with necessary intervention by the ED pharmacist were evaluated for
      discrepancies (PT-RPh group). Discrepancies were totaled and categorized by type
      of error and therapeutic category of the medication. The workflow description was
      obtained by observation and staff interview. RESULTS: A total of 474 medications
      in the RN-PT group and 521 in the PT-RPh group were evaluated. Nurses made at
      least one error in all 50 medication histories (100%), compared to 18 medication
      histories for the pharmacy technician (36%). In the RN-PT group, 408 medications
      had at least one error, corresponding to an accuracy rate of 14% for nurses. In
      the PT-RPh group, 30 medications had an error, corresponding to an accuracy rate
      of 94.4% for the pharmacy technician (P < 0.0001). The most common error made by
      nurses was a missing medication (n = 109), while the most common error for the
      pharmacy technician was a wrong medication frequency (n = 19). The most common
      drug class with documented errors for ED nurses was cardiovascular medications (n
      = 100), while the pharmacy technician made the most errors in gastrointestinal
      medications (n = 11). CONCLUSION: Medication histories obtained by the pharmacy
      technician were significantly more accurate than those obtained by nurses in the
      emergency department.

PMID- 28090166
TI  - Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer And American Heart Association.
AB  - We review key sessions from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer and the
      American Heart Association annual meetings.

PMID- 28090165
TI  - Challenges and Solutions in Reducing Opioid Misuse and Abuse.
AB  - We present some of the approaches to and challenges of the opioid crisis that
      emerged from thought-leaders at an Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy symposium.

PMID- 28090167
TI  - Novel Screening Test Sparks New Ideas About Old Drugs.

PMID- 28090168
TI  - Psychiatric symptoms and mental health court engagement.
AB  - People with mental illnesses are overrepresented in the criminal justice system.
      Many interventions have been implemented to treat the underlying causes of
      criminal justice involvement and prevent people with mental illnesses from
      recidivating. Mental health courts (MHC) are one of these programs. This analysis
      examines the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and MHC engagement. Eighty
      MHC participants from two Midwestern MHCs were interviewed. Symptom severity was
      assessed at baseline using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. MHC engagement was
      estimated by treatment adherence, substance use, days spent in jail, probation
      violations, and MHC retention during a six month follow-up period. Using
      nonparametric statistical tests and logistic regression, results indicate
      symptoms of depression, anxiety, and guilt are more severe at baseline for those
      people who are incarcerated during the follow-up period. Symptoms of anxiety are
      more severe for people who are terminated or went missing during the follow-up
      period. Further research is needed to determine the directionality and causality
      of these relationships. MHCs professionals should be aware of the relationship
      between symptom severity and MHC engagement and attempt to connect participants
      with treatment and services as early as possible and individualize treatment
      plans based on current symptoms and need.

PMID- 28090169
TI  - Contextualized theory-based predictors of intention to practice monogamy among
      adolescents in Botswana junior secondary schools: Results of focus group sessions
      and a cross-sectional study.
AB  - Culture and tradition influences behaviour. Multiple partner and concurrent
      relationships are made responsible for the increase of HIV infection in Sub
      Saharan Africa. A contextualized "Theory of Planned Behaviour" was used to
      identify predictors of intention to practice monogamy. A mixed method design
      using qualitative data from focus groups, stories and a survey were analyzed for
      quantitative data. The qualitative data added to the behavioural beliefs a socio
      cultural belief domain as well as attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived
      behavioural control predicted the intention to practice monogamy. The adolescents
      showed a tendency towards having more than one sexual partner. The normative
      beliefs and the socio cultural beliefs also predicted intentions while hedonistic
      belief and partner reaction did not. In contextualizing theory-based
      interventions, it is important to draw from stories and the langauage that
      circulate in a community about a given behaviour. More studies are needed on ways
      to combine qualitative approaches with quantitative approaches to inform the
      development of theory based culturally appropriate and context specific
      intervention strategies to reduce the risk of HIV.

PMID- 28090170
TI  - Gender's role in misperceptions of peers' sexual motives.
AB  - The sexual double standard influences men's and women's sexual attitudes and
      behavior, leading men and women to consider distinct sexual motives, or reasons
      whether or not to engage in sexual intercourse (Crawford & Popp 2003; Reiss
      1964). The goal of the present paper was to document how the sexual double
      standard shapes perceptions of peers' sexual motives. We build on past research
      by using open-ended questions and measuring perceptions of both same-gender and
      other-gender peers. The sample included 154 heterosexual college students (50%
      female, 49% European American, 25% Latino American, 26% African American)
      recruited via probability sampling. When we compared perceptions of men's and
      women's sexual motives, we found that participants seemed to rely on the sexual
      double standard. Participants were more likely to attribute a female-stereotyped
      motive (e.g., romantic relationship characteristics, feeling "ready", emotional
      investment) and less likely to attribute a male-stereotyped motive ("easy",
      arousal, physical appearance) to female peers than to male peers. However, when
      we compared participants' own motives to perceptions of their peers' motives,
      participants overestimated male-stereotyped motives and underestimated female
      stereotyped motives in peers, regardless of peer gender, possibly in congruence
      with stereotypes of hookup culture. These findings demonstrate that, although
      individuals sometimes rely on the sexual double standard to attribute sexual
      motives to others, misperceptions of peers' sexual motives may also be influenced
      by stereotypes of hookup culture. These misperceptions contribute to pluralistic
      ignorance that may influence college students' sexual behaviors.

PMID- 28090171
TI  - Aberrant expression of cyclin D1 in cancer.
AB  - Cyclin D1 binds and activates cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 (Cdk4/6) to
      phosphorylate the retinoblastoma (RB) family proteins, relieving E2F/DPs from the
      negative restraint of RB proteins and histone deacetylases. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6
      complexes activate cyclin E/Cdk2 through titration of the Cdk inhibitors
      p21Cip1/p27Kip1. Cyclin E/Cdk2 further phosphorylates RBs, thereby activating
      E2F/DPs, and cells enter the S phase of the cell cycle. Cyclin D-Cdk4/6 also
      phosphorylates MEP50 subunit of the protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5),
      which cooperates with cyclin D1 to drive lymphomagenesis in vivo. Activated
      PRMPT5 causes arginine methylation of p53 to suppress expression of pro-apoptotic
      and anti-proliferative target genes, explaining the molecular mechanism for
      tumorigenesis. Cyclin D1 physically interacts with transcription factors such as
      estrogen receptor, androgen receptor, and Myb family proteins to regulate gene
      expression in Cdk-independent fashion. Dmp1 is a Myb-like protein that quenches
      the oncogenic signals from activated Ras or HER2 by inducing Arf/p53-dependent
      cell cycle arrest. Cyclin D1 binds to Dmp1alpha to activate both Arf and Ink4a
      promoters to induce cell cycle arrest or apoptosis in non-transformed cells to
      prevent them from neoplastic transformation. Dmp1-deficiency significantly
      accelerates mouse mammary tumorigenesis with reduced apoptosis and increased
      metastasis. Cyclin D1 interferes with ligand activation of PPARgamma involved in
      cellular differentiation; it also physically interacts with histone deacetylases
      (HDACs) and p300 to repress gene expression. It has also been shown that cyclin
      D1 accelerates tumorigenesis through transcriptional activation of miR-17/20 and
      Dicer1 which, in turn, represses cyclin D1 expression. Identification of cyclin
      D1-binding proteins/promoters will be essential for further clarification of its
      biological activities.

PMID- 28090173
TI  - On the Evolutionary Biology of Elpidium Ostracods (Limnocytheridae,
      Timiriaseviinae): A Proposal for Pluridisciplinary Studies.
AB  - The present essay reviews the history of the research on Elpidium ostracods
      (Timiriaseviinae), a group exclusively known to live in micro-aquaria of
      phytotelmata from Neotropical bromeliaceans. A new species, E. martensi n. sp.,
      is described and aspects dealing with functional morphology and taxonomy of the
      genus are presented. Related to these topics an evolutionary hypothesis and a
      programme of pluridisciplinary research are proposed. This should allow further
      improvement of our knowledge on the origin and evolution of the subfamily
      Timiriaseviinae, one of the most diverse cytheroid ostracod groups in inland
      waters since the beginning of the Mesozoic. Specifically, the following aspects
      are treated in-depth in the essay: (1) morphologic traits of the valves, useful
      for characterisation of Timiriaseviinae taxa; (2) the reversal of the valve
      overlap and hinge elements; (3) the diverse development of the posterior half of
      the female carapace, a quasi-independent morphological trait; (4) the
      morphological shapes of the male copulatory process; (5) the functional
      significance of the antero-ventral segment of the valve selvage for the life of
      Elpidium ostracods in the micro-aquaria of the bromeliaceans; (6) the necessary
      improvement of comparative descriptions of the limbs-chaetotaxy for
      Timiriaseviinae.

PMID- 28090172
TI  - THE RETINOBLASTOMA PROTEIN: A MASTER TUMOR SUPPRESSOR ACTS AS A LINK BETWEEN CELL
      CYCLE AND CELL ADHESION.
AB  - RB1 was the first tumor suppressor gene discovered. Over four decades of work
      have revealed that the Rb protein (pRb) is a master regulator of biological
      pathways influencing virtually every aspect of intrinsic cell fate including cell
      growth, cell-cycle checkpoints, differentiation, senescence, self-renewal,
      replication, genomic stability and apoptosis. While these many processes may
      account for a significant portion of RB1's potency as a tumor suppressor, a
      small, but growing stream of evidence suggests that RB1 also significantly
      influences how a cell interacts with its environment, including cell-to-cell and
      cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions. This review will highlight pRb's role
      in the control of cell adhesion and how alterations in the adhesive properties of
      tumor cells may drive the deadly process of metastasis.

PMID- 28090174
TI  - Can We Improve Training for Health Professionals to Sustain Local Health
      Development?
AB  - Can we improve training for health professionals? We explore specific variables
      that need to be accounted for to achieve sustainable local health development
      through training. A problem-based approach with appreciation of the need for
      making changes is suggested as the only authentic basis for training.

PMID- 28090175
TI  - Adiponectin, Leptin and Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Adults: A
      Narrative Review.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compile and analyse existing scientific
      evidences reporting the effects of objectively measured physical activity on the
      levels of adiponectin and leptin. Articles related to the effects of objectively
      measured physical activity on the levels of adiponectin and leptin were searched
      from the Medline and PubMed databases. The search was limited to 'objectively
      measured' physical activity, and studies that did not objectively measure the
      physical activity were excluded. Only English articles were included in the
      search and review. A total of 18 articles encompassing 2,026 respondents met the
      inclusion criteria. The eligible articles included all forms of evidence (e.g.,
      cross-sectional and intervention). Seventeen and 11 studies showed the effects of
      objectively measured physical activity on adiponectin and leptin, respectively.
      Five and four cross-sectional studies showed the effects of objectively measured
      physical activity on adiponectin and leptin, respectively. Two out of five
      studies showed a weak to moderate positive association between adiponectin and
      objectively measured physical activity, while three out of four studies showed a
      weak to moderate inverse association between leptin and objectively measured
      physical activity. For intervention studies, six out of 12 studies involving
      adiponectin and five out of seven studies involving leptin showed a significant
      effect between the proteins and objectively measured physical activity. However,
      a definitive conclusion could not be drawn due to several methodological flaws in
      the existing articles and the acute lack of additional research in this area. In
      conclusion, the existing evidences are encouraging but yet not compelling. Hence,
      further well-designed large trials are needed before the effectiveness of
      objectively measured physical activity in elevating adiponectin levels and in
      decreasing leptin levels could be strongly confirmed.

PMID- 28090176
TI  - Updates on Knowledge, Attitude and Preventive Practices on Tuberculosis among
      Healthcare Workers.
AB  - Ranking as the most communicable disease killer worldwide, tuberculosis, has
      accounted with a total of 9.6 million new tuberculosis cases with 1.5 million
      tuberculosis-related deaths reported globally in 2014. Tuberculosis has remain as
      an occupational hazard for healthcare workers since 1920s and due to several
      tuberculosis outbreaks in healthcare settings in the early 1990s, the concern
      about the transmission to both patients and healthcare workers has been raised.
      Healthcare workers have two to three folds greater the risk of active
      tuberculosis than the general population. Several studies on knowledge, attitude
      and practices on tuberculosis among healthcare workers worldwide have revealed
      that majority of the participated healthcare workers had good knowledge on
      tuberculosis. Most of the healthcare workers from South India and South Africa
      also reported to have positive attitude whereas a study in Thailand reported that
      most of the healthcare providers have negative attitude towards tuberculosis
      patients. Nevertheless, majority of the healthcare workers have low level of
      practice on tuberculosis prevention. An improved communication between healthcare
      workers and the patients as well as their families is the key to better
      therapeutic outcomes with good knowledge, attitude and preventive practice
      towards tuberculosis.

PMID- 28090178
TI  - Median Survival Time of Endometrial Cancer Patients with Lymphovascular Invasion
      at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecologic malignancy among
      females worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the median survival
      time of endometrial cancer patients at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
      (USM). METHODS: A list of 121 endometrial cancer cases registered at Hospital USM
      between 2000 until 2011 was retrospectively reviewed. The survival time of the
      endometrial cancer patients was estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Log
      rank tests were performed to compare the survival of the patients based on socio
      demographics and clinical presentation. RESULTS: Only 108 patients, 87.0%, were
      included who were of Malay ethnicity. Previous history included menopause in
      67.6% of patients and diabetes mellitus in 39.8% of patients; additionally, 63.4%
      of patients were nulliparous. Tumour staging was as follows: 24.5% stage I, 10.8%
      stage II, 26.5% stage III and 38.2% stage IV. The overall median survival time of
      the endometrial cancer patients was 70.20 months (95% confidence interval (CI):
      51.79, 88.61). The significant factors were age, the presence of lymphovascular
      invasion and treatment received. CONCLUSION: The overall survival of endometrial
      cancer was low. A prospective study needs to be carried out to discover more
      effective and accurate tests for the early detection of endometrial cancer.

PMID- 28090177
TI  - The Effects of Crocin on 6-OHDA-Induced Oxidative/Nitrosative Damage and Motor
      Behaviour in Hemiparkinsonian Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crocin is considered to prevent oxidative stress-related diseases,
      such as ischemia and Alzheimer's. The aim of the present investigation was to
      evaluate the effects of crocin on motor behaviour and 6-OHDA-induced
      oxidative/nitrosative damage to the striatum in an experimental model of
      Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Left medial forebrain bundle was lesioned by
      microinjection of 6-OHDA (16MUg in 0.2% ascorbate-saline). Crocin (30 and 60
      mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally three days before surgery until six weeks.
      Rotational behaviour and biochemical analysis were used to evaluate the effect of
      crocin in a unilateral 6-OHDA-induced model of Parkinson's disease. RESULTS: The
      contralateral rotations induced by apomorphine in 6-OHDA lesioned group were
      highly significant (P < 0.001) as compared to the sham group. Moreover, chronic
      administration of crocin at doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg over six weeks did not
      change the rotations. The TBARS and nitrite levels in the striatum were also
      significantly (P < 0.05) increased in lesioned group. Treatment with crocin at a
      dose of 60 mg/kg significantly decreased the nitrite levels (P < 0.05) in the
      striatum. CONCLUSION: Crocin at a dose of 60 mg/kg could be effective in
      preventing the nitrosative damage in the striatum. Further investigations using
      higher doses of crocin is suggested to get the full neuroprotective effects of
      crocin in Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 28090179
TI  - Correlation of Demographic and Clinical Characteristics with Rheumatoid Factor
      Seropositivity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test is the most commonly adopted
      test for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA patients who are
      seropositive for RF might face a greater likelihood of developing more aggressive
      symptoms. METHODS: Our goal was to study the demographic and clinical
      characteristics, as well as their correlation with RF seropositivity, among a
      series of 80 RA patients aged >= 18 years who attend Hospital Universiti Sains
      Malaysia (HUSM). RESULTS: Of the 80 RA patients included in this study, 66
      (82.5%) were female and 14 (17.5%) were male. No significant associations between
      RF seropositivity and demographic and/or clinical characteristics or other
      laboratory investigations were observed, including gender, morning stiffness,
      individual joint involvement (from multiple sites of the body), and erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR) measurement. However, a significant association between
      RF seropositivity and patients aged >= 50 was found (P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: RF
      seropositivity was found to be more common in much older RA patients.

PMID- 28090180
TI  - A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Neurodynamic Sliders on Hamstring
      Responses in Footballers with Hamstring Tightness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neurodynamics intervention is known to increase apparent muscle
      extensibility, but information regarding hamstring responses after a neurodynamic
      sliders (NS) technique is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      effects of NS on apparent hamstring extensibility and activity in footballers
      with hamstring tightness. METHODS: Forty eligible healthy male footballers with
      hamstring tightness were each randomly allocated to either a 4-week NS technique
      or a control group (CG) receiving placebo shortwave intervention. Knee extension
      angles were measured with the passive knee extension test, and maximal voluntary
      isometric contraction (MVIC) of hamstrings was measured by a surface
      electromyography at baseline and after intervention sessions. RESULTS: The
      results showed that NS produced a statistically and clinically significant
      increase in knee extension angle compared to CG (P < 0.001); however, there was
      no difference between the groups receiving MVIC of hamstrings. Within group
      comparison, NS also provided a significant increase in knee extension angle (P <
      0.001), whereas the control group did not. There was no change in hamstring MVIC
      in either group after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study
      reveal that four weeks of NS technique improved apparent hamstring extensibility
      but did not change the hamstring activity in footballers with hamstring
      tightness.

PMID- 28090181
TI  - How Much We Think of Ourselves and How Little We Think of Others: An
      Investigation of the Neuronal Signature of Self-Consciousness between Different
      Personality Traits through an Event-Related Potential Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have revealed that self-related tasks (items)
      receive more attention than non-self-related, and that they elicit event-related
      potential (ERP) components with larger amplitudes. Since personality has been
      reported as one of the biological correlates influencing these components, as
      well as our behavioural differences, it is important to examine how it affects
      our self-consciousness in relation to tasks of varied relevance and the
      neurological basis. METHODS: A total of 33 male and female undergraduate
      Malaysian medical students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) participated in the
      study. The participants were divided into two groups, Ambivert (n = 18) and
      Extravert (n = 15) groups, using the USM personality inventory questionnaire. In
      the ERP experiment, squares containing standard stimuli of any word other than
      self and non-self-related nouns (e.g., Bola, Gigi, Anak, etc.; in English: Ball,
      Teeth, Kids, etc., respectively), those containing self-related pronouns (Saya,
      Kami or Kita; in English: I, Us or We, respectively), and non-self-related
      pronouns (Dia, Anda or Mereka; in English: He/She, You or They, respectively),
      were shown 58%, 21% and 21% of the time, respectively, in a three-stimulus visual
      oddball paradigm. All words were presented in Bahasa Melayu. The participants
      were instructed to press 1 for self and 2 for non-self, and ignore standard
      stimuli. RESULTS: Comparison of both N200 and P300 amplitudes for self-related
      and non-self-related pronouns in the Extravert group revealed significant
      differences at seven electrode sites, with self-related having larger amplitude
      at anterior electrodes and less at posterior. This was not seen in the Ambivert
      group. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that self-relevant pronouns are
      psychologically more important to extraverts than to ambiverts; hence, they have
      more self-awareness. This may be due to large amount of dopamine in the brains of
      extraverts, which is more concentrated in the frontal lobe.

PMID- 28090182
TI  - Supervised Versus Home Exercise Training Programs on Functional Balance in Older
      Subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with a progressive decline in physical
      capabilities and a disturbance of both postural control and daily living
      activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supervised
      versus home exercise programs on muscle strength, balance and functional
      activities in older participants. METHODS: Forty older participants were equally
      assigned to a supervised exercise program (group-I) or a home exercise program
      (group-II). Each participant performed the exercise program for 35-45 minutes,
      two times per week for four months. Balance indices and isometric muscle strength
      were measured with the Biodex Balance System and Hand-Held Dynamometer.
      Functional activities were evaluated by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the
      timed get-up-and-go test (TUG). RESULTS: The mean values of the Biodex balance
      indices and the BBS improved significantly after both the supervised and home
      exercise programs (P < 0.05). However, the mean values of the TUG and muscle
      strength at the ankle, knee and hip improved significantly only after the
      supervised program. A comparison between the supervised and home exercise
      programs revealed there were only significant differences in the BBS, TUG and
      muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: Both the supervised and home exercise training
      programs significantly increased balance performance. The supervised program was
      superior to the home program in restoring functional activities and isometric
      muscle strength in older participants.

PMID- 28090183
TI  - Sleep Patterns and Predictors of Poor Sleep Quality among Medical Students in
      King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep problems and poor sleep quality are important issues for
      medical students. This study aimed to investigate the sleep patterns, measure the
      prevalence of poor sleep quality, and identify the predictors of poor sleep among
      medical students in King Khalid University (KKU), Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This
      cross-sectional study enrolled 318 medical students during October-November,
      2015. Participants were selected by convenience sampling and data were collected
      using self-administered questionnaires to obtain information regarding socio
      demographic variables and indicators of sleep quality. RESULTS: The overall mean
      sleep quality score was 6.79 with a standard deviation of 3.06. Poor sleep
      quality was reported by 74.2% students. Significantly high mean sleep quality
      scores (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were observed for students with very poor
      subjective sleep quality (mean = 10.50, SD = 2.58), least sleep efficiency (mean
      = 11.21, SD = 2.23), shorter sleep duration (mean = 7.83, SD = 2.88), sleep onset
      latency more than 30 minutes (mean = 7.82, SD = 2.53), sleeping after midnight
      (mean = 7.53, SD = 2.95), and use of sleep aiding medication (mean = 8.78, SD =
      3.5). Significant differences were observed between good sleepers and poor
      sleepers regarding these sleep characteristics. Poor sleep was predicted by sleep
      behaviours such as going to sleep after midnight (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.94)
      and sleep duration of less than seven hours (AOR = 7.49, 95% CI: 4.24, 13.22).
      CONCLUSION: Medical students of KKU have poor sleep quality. Longer sleep
      latency, going to sleep after midnight, and shorter sleep duration are important
      problems in this group.

PMID- 28090184
TI  - Radiographic Evaluation of the Status of Third Molars in Sriganganagar Population
      - A Digital Panoramic Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Third molar (M3) agenesis and impaction are associated with
      evolution, changed dietary habits, and human jaw growth. The aim of the study was
      to radiographically evaluate the prevalence of M3s agenesis, impacted M3s with
      different impaction patterns, and the approximation of Inferior Dental Canal
      (IDC) with impacted mandibular M3s roots among the Sriganganagar population.
      METHODS: The study included 700 randomly selected subjects from OPD with an age
      range of 25-45 years. Digital OPGs were taken for all subjects using Kodak 8000C
      digital OPG machine. The M3 impaction patterns were evaluated using Winter's
      classification. RESULTS: The prevalence of subjects with at least one M3 agenesis
      was found to be 34.1% and with 95% confidence interval was 30.6% to 37.6%. The
      overall M3s agenesis was 16.8% with more prevalence in the males. The patients
      with agenesis of one M3, two M3s, three M3s, and four M3s were 14.4%, 11.3%, 3.7%
      and 4.7%, respectively. M3 agenesis was more in the upper jaw and on the left
      side. The total impacted M3s were 21.11% with more prevalence in mixed diet
      subjects. Mesioangular was most common impaction pattern, and notching was most
      prevalent IDC relationship with impacted mandibular M3s roots. CONCLUSION: This
      study highlighted the evolutionary increasing M3 agenesis and the importance of
      diagnostic OPG for seeing the status of M3s in jaws.

PMID- 28090185
TI  - Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Anterior Circulation Intracranial
      Aneurysm Managed with Clipping in Hospital Sungai Buloh.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The annual incidence of intracranial aneurysm in Malaysia is
      estimated to be 1.1-1.7 per 100,000 population based on a study done conducted in
      1988. Since then, little epidemiological research has been conducted in Malaysia,
      and the real incidence is therefore probably unreported despite advancements in
      the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. Intracranial aneurysm may be
      treated by microsurgical clipping or embolisation depending on its location and
      the surgeon's preference. This study aims to report the characteristics and
      outcomes of patients with a clipped anterior circulation aneurysm in Hospital
      Sungai Buloh. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the data of patients with
      anterior circulation aneurysms who underwent clipping from 1 January 2013 until
      30 June 2014 in Hospital Sungai Buloh. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was
      48.9 years old, and 56.7% of the study population were male and 63.3% were Malay.
      There were almost equal numbers of patients with (46.7%) and without (53.3%) co
      morbidities such as hypertension and ischaemic heart disease. Half of the study
      population fell under Fisher grade 3 (50.0%), whereas 46.7% were Fisher grade 4.
      With respect to the Navarro score, 20% of patients scored 10, 16.7% scored 5 or
      7, 13.3% scored 11, 10% scored 9, 6.7% scored 1 and 3.3% scored 2, 3 or 8. Most
      of the patients fell under grade I (33.3%) of the World Federation of
      Neurological Societies grading (WFNS), and the fewest number of patients were
      grade III (3.3%). Most (56.7%) patients had an intracranial aneurysm located at
      the anterior communicating artery (ACOM), followed by the anterior cerebral
      artery (ACA) and the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (16.7% each), the posterior
      communicating artery (PCOM) (6.7%) and, finally, the internal carotid artery
      (ICA) (3.3%). Neurological outcomes at three and six months were assessed using
      the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). At three months follow-up, the majority of the
      participants (33.3%) scored 0 or 6, whereas at six months follow-up, the majority
      scored 0 (43.3%). CONCLUSION: The main characteristics of patients in Hospital
      Sungai Buloh were that they were in their 40s and mostly Malays without any known
      comorbidities. Although the majority of patients had high Fisher grades, their
      outcomes post intervention were promising. However, as data collected from
      Hospital Sungai Buloh may not be representative of the whole country, a larger
      scale data collection is necessary to create our own database and to identify the
      risks factors that are exclusive to our country, if present.

PMID- 28090186
TI  - Calcitriol-mediated Reversible Hypercalcemia in a Patient with Primary Adrenal
      Lymphoma.
AB  - Primary adrenal lymphomas (PAL) are rare occurrences with only less than 150
      cases reported in the literature. Two-thirds of these cases were reported in the
      last decade due to the advancements in imaging techniques and
      immunohistochemistry. The non-specific signs and symptoms have resulted in a
      delayed onset of symptoms and diagnosis of these tumors. Reports of the results
      of chemotherapy are not gratifying, and most patients die within one year of the
      diagnosis. We report a 65-year-old male with adrenal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
      (NHL), who presented with hypercalcemia and renal failure. We reviewed all
      adrenal NHL cases presented with hypercalcemia and attempted to comprehend its
      etiology and overall survival effect.

PMID- 28090187
TI  - Recurrent Intestinal Obstruction in a Patient with Selective IgA Deficiency.
AB  - A 32 year old woman presented with acute onset of abdominal pain and fever. An
      urgent computerised tomography (CT) of the whole abdomen showed dilated loop at
      the terminal ileum in the right lower abdomen with thickening of the wall and
      oedema. The CT was suggestive of distal small bowel obstruction at the ileum with
      surrounding wall oedema. Multiple biopsies taken from the terminal ileum and
      colon on colonoscopy were all unremarkable. She represented one-year later with a
      recurrence of intestinal obstruction. CT enteroclysis showed collapse at the
      distal 3 cm segment of the terminal ileum. There was no associated wall
      thickening, active inflammatory changes or ileitis. This was suspicious of post
      inflammatory change or fibrosis. She was subsequently found to have selective IgA
      deficiency with recurrent infection in the terminal ileum resulting in intestinal
      obstruction. In conclusion, selective IgA deficiency should be considered in
      patients with recurrent intestinal obstruction without anatomical obstructions.

PMID- 28090188
TI  - Enantioselective Synthesis of Caprolactam and Enone Precursors to the
      Heterocyclic DEFG Ring System of Zoanthenol.
AB  - The enantioselective synthesis of both caprolactam and enone synthons for the
      DEFG ring system of zoanthenol are described. The evolution of this synthetic
      approach proceeds first through a synthesis using the chiral pool as a starting
      point. Challenges in protecting group strategy led to the modification of this
      approach beginning with (+/-)-glycidol. Ultimately, an efficient approach was
      developed by employing an asymmetric hetero-Diels-Alder reaction. The caprolactam
      building block can be converted by an interesting selective Grignard addition to
      the corresponding enone synthon. Addition of a model alkyne provides support for
      the late-stage addition of a hindered alkyne into the caprolactam building block.

PMID- 28090189
TI  - On the Leptocytheridae Ostracods of the Long-Lived Lake Ohrid: A Reappraisal of
      their Taxonomic Assignment and Biogeographic Origin.
AB  - Leptocythere karamani Klie, one of few non-marine species of the family
      Leptocytheridae (Ostracoda), is redescribed from specimens recently collected
      from the long-lived Lake Ohrid on the Albanian-Macedonian border. Detailed
      morphologies of valves and limbs of this species were compared with those of
      other Ohrid-Prespa leptocytherids, of some recent marine representatives of the
      genera Leptocythere Sars and Callistocythere Ruggieri from the Mediterranean,
      Irish and Baltic seas as well as with that of fossil non-marine species from the
      Miocene palaeo-Lake Pannon belonging to the genera Amnicythere Devoto and
      Euxinocythere Stancheva. Comparison with other species of Leptocytheridae
      inhabiting fresh to brackish waters of the Black-Azov, Caspian and Aral seas were
      also carried out using descriptions provided in the literature. Based on the
      comparative morphological studies it is shown that L. karamani and other Ohrid
      leptocytherids have a number of characters distinguishing them from other members
      of the genus Leptocythere but demonstrating a relationship with species of the
      genus Amnicythere. The most reliable of these characters are: a) anterior valve
      vestibulum from where mostly uni-ramified pore canals start, b) the entomodont
      hinge type with a strong anterior anti-slip tooth, a smooth posterior anti-slip
      bar on the left valve, and c) the hemipenis with underdeveloped lateral lobe and
      reduced clasping organ. From this strong evidence, the Ohrid leptocytherid
      species are allocated to the genus Amnicythere. Finally, a biogeographic scenario
      on the origin of the Ohrid leptocytherids is proposed which matches the "Lake
      Pannon derivate hypothesis". Close relationship of the Ohrid Amnicythere species
      with the non-marine leptocytherid taxa from the Neogene lakes of Central and
      Eastern Europe and with extant taxa from the Black and Caspian seas may indicate
      that the Ohrid Amnicythere derived from Lake Pannon species which were able to
      colonise lakes in Southern Europe through a stepping-stone process and
      subsequently to adapt to freshwater environment.

PMID- 28090190
TI  - Expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand in peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells in patients with acute Charcot neuroarthropathy.
AB  - Introduction. The receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB (RANK), ligand (RANK-L)
      and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are implicated in the pathogenesis of acute Charcot
      neuroarthropathy (CN). Materials and Methods. This study aimed to investigate the
      expression of RANK-L and OPG in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from
      patients with acute CN. Results. We found that the expression of RANK-L was lower
      in patients with acute CN as compared with diabetic control subjects and healthy
      control participants; whereas OPG expression was not detected in patients and in
      both control groups. RANK-L expression at the onset of disease was inversely
      correlated with the index of polyunsaturation (PUI), a bone marrow MRS-derived
      measurable index that allows evaluation of disease activity in acute CN, and
      recovery time. Finally, the expression of RANK-L increased at the time of healing
      compared with the values found during the acute phase. Conclusions. In
      conclusion, our preliminary data provide a first step in applying analysis of
      RANK-L expression in peripheral blood cells to the diagnosis of acute CN. Based
      on our data we also suggest that analysis of RANK-L expression could be a
      complementary tool that can be employed to obtain quantitative parameters that
      may help clinicians to monitor disease activity in patients with acute CN.

PMID- 28090191
TI  - Blockage of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and upregulation of let 7b are
      critically involved in ursolic acid induced apoptosis in malignant mesothelioma
      cell.
AB  - Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPN), which is caused by asbestos exposure, is
      one of aggressive lung tumors. In the present study, we elucidated the anti-tumor
      mechanism of ursolic acid in malignant mesotheliomas. Ursolic acid significantly
      exerted cytotoxicity in a time and dose dependent manner in H28, H2452 and MSTO
      211H mesothelioma cells and inhibited cell proliferation by colony formation
      assay in a dose-dependent fashion. Also, ursolic acid treatment accumulated the
      sub-G1 population, attenuated the expression of procapase 9, cyclin D1, pAKT, p
      glycogen synthase kinase 3-alpha/beta (pGSK3alpha/beta), beta-catenin and nuclear
      factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB) and also cleaved
      caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in mesothelioma cells.
      Furthermore, ursolic acid treatment blocked epithelial and mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) molecules by activating E-cadherin as an epithelial marker and attenuating
      Vimentin, and Twist as mesenchymal molecules. Interestingly, miRNA array revealed
      that 23 miRNAs (>2 folds) including let-7b and miRNA3613-5p, miRNA134 and
      miRNA196b were significantly upregulated while 33 miRNAs were downregulated in
      ursolic acid treated H2452 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of let 7b using let
      7b mimics enhanced the antitumor effect of ursolic acid to attenuate the
      expression of procaspases 3, pro-PARP, pAKT, beta-catenin and Twist and increase
      sub-G1 accumulation in H2452 mesothelioma cells. Overall, our findings suggest
      that ursolic acid induces apoptosis via inhibition of EMT and activation of let7b
      in mesothelioma cells as a potent chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of
      malignant mesotheliomas.

PMID- 28090193
TI  - Recruiting Participants into Pilot Trials: Techniques for Researchers with
      Shoestring Budgets.
AB  - Limited research has focused on recruitment strategies for health promotion
      researchers conducting small-scale pilot studies. Such research is important
      because small studies often have limited funding streams and personnel resources.
      Accordingly, many techniques implemented by large-scale studies are of limited
      use to smaller research projects. This article provides an overview effective
      participant recruitment techniques for pilot studies with limited funds and
      personnel resources. Recruitment techniques were derived from the first author's
      experience in recruiting participants during his doctoral and postdoctoral
      studies, the over 25 years of research experience of each of the co-authors, and
      an extensive review of the literature. Five key recruitment techniques are
      discussed: 1) leverage existing social networks and personal contacts, 2)
      identify and foster collaborations with community gatekeepers, 3) develop a
      comprehensive list of potential recruitment platforms and venues, 4) create
      recruitment materials that succinctly describe the purpose of the study, and 5)
      build respectful and trusting relationships with potential participants.
      Implementation of the proposed techniques can lead to enhanced recruitment, as
      well as retention among study participants.

PMID- 28090192
TI  - Spinal rehabilitative exercise or manual treatment for the prevention of
      cervicogenic headache in adults.
AB  - This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as
      follows: To quantify and compare the short- and long-term effects of manual
      treatment and spinal rehabilitative exercise for cervicogenic headache,
      classified according to the International Headache Society's (IHS) diagnostic
      criteria, with an active or placebo/sham comparison or wait-list control.

PMID- 28090194
TI  - Supporting shared decision making beyond consumer-prescriber interactions:
      Initial development of the CommonGround fidelity scale.
AB  - Shared decision-making has become a central tenet of recovery-oriented, person
      centered mental health care, yet the practice is not always transferred to the
      routine psychiatric visit. Supporting the practice at the system level, beyond
      the interactions of consumers and medication prescribers, is needed for
      successful adoption of shared decision-making. CommonGround is a systemic
      approach, intended to be part of a larger integration of shared decision-making
      tools and practices at the system level. We discuss the organizational components
      that CommonGround uses to facilitate shared decision-making, and we present a
      fidelity scale to assess how well the system is being implemented.

PMID- 28090196
TI  - How and why to achieve greater objectivity in taxonomy, exemplified by a fossil
      ostracod (Amplocypris abscissa) from the Miocene Lake Pannon.
AB  - A project on fossil ostracods from Hennersdorf (Vienna Basin, Middle Pannonian
      "E" stage) documents the non-marine ostracod Amplocypris abscissa (Reuss 1850) as
      a polymorphic taxon. The high morphological variability of the valves belonging
      to this species and its geographic distribution in the Lake Pannon point to a
      widely spread fossil taxon. This traditional view emerges from the fact that A.
      abscissa displays few homologous "landmarks" (morphological reference points)
      which makes it difficult to compare morphotypes within and among populations. The
      present contribution offers arguments for the need of objective criteria when
      describing ostracods with few visible morphological traits. It is demonstrated
      that using a composite algorithmic approach which combines information
      implemented in the computer programme MORPHOMATICA for different variables,
      measured on interval and ratio scales, is able to define morphological traits
      objectively. The data analysed with multivariate statistics are further used for
      diagnostic profiles of clearly delineated morphotypes. The potential taxonomic
      value of three morphotypes here identified for Amplocypris abscissa is discussed.
      It is argued that this taxon represents a phylogenetic lineage within which a
      cluster of species with discrete morphological traits exists. Finally, it is
      proposed to apply similar algorithms for the necessary revision of the whole
      group of Amplocypris species from Lake Pannon.

PMID- 28090195
TI  - Complex Surgical Strategies to Improve Resectability in Borderline-Resectable
      Disease.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in the USA and continues to
      pose a significant epidemiologic problem, despite major advances in the treatment
      of patients with advanced disease. Up to 50 % of patients will develop metastatic
      disease at some point during the course of their disease, with the liver being
      the most common site of metastatic disease. In this review, we address the
      relatively poorly defined entity of borderline-resectable colorectal liver
      metastases. The workup and staging of borderline-resectable disease are
      discussed. We then discuss management strategies, including surgical techniques
      and medical therapies, which are currently utilized in order to improve
      resectability.

PMID- 28090197
TI  - Biological and biochemical characterization of venom from the broad-banded
      copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus): isolation of two new dimeric
      disintegrins.
AB  - Disintegrins represent a family of effective cell-cell and cell-matrix inhibitors
      by binding to integrin receptors. Integrins are heterodimeric, transmembrane
      receptors that are the bridges for these cell interactions. Disintegrins have
      been shown to have many therapeutic implications for the treatment of strokes,
      heart attacks, and cancer. Two novel heterodimeric disintegrins were isolated
      from the venom of the broad-banded copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix
      laticinctus). Crude venom separated by cation-exchange chromatography resulted in
      several fractions possessing hemorrhagic, fibrinolytic, gelatinase, and platelet
      activities. Venom fractions 2-3 and 17-19 showed fibrinolytic activity. Fractions
      2-6, 8-11, and 16-21 had hemorrhagic activity. Gelatinase activity was found in
      fractions 3, 11, and 19. The isolation of laticinstatins 1 and 2 was accomplished
      by fractionating crude venom using reverse phase chromatography. Data from both
      SDS-PAGE and N-terminal sequencing determined that laticinstatins 1 and 2 were
      heterodimeric disintegrins, and both were assayed for their ability to inhibit
      platelet aggregation in human whole blood. Future functional evaluation of snake
      venom disintegrins shows considerable promise for elucidating the biochemical
      mechanisms of integrin-ligand interactions that will allow the development of
      adequate medications for hemostatic pathologies such as thrombosis, stroke, and
      cerebral and cardiac accidents. In this study, we are presenting the first report
      of the purification, and partial characterization of two new dimeric disintegrins
      isolated from the venom of broad-banded copperhead snakes.

PMID- 28090198
TI  - Computational tools and workflows in metabolomics: An international survey
      highlights the opportunity for harmonisation through Galaxy.

PMID- 28090199
TI  - MASTR-MS: a web-based collaborative laboratory information management system
      (LIMS) for metabolomics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increasing number of research laboratories and core analytical
      facilities around the world are developing high throughput metabolomic analytical
      and data processing pipelines that are capable of handling hundreds to thousands
      of individual samples per year, often over multiple projects, collaborations and
      sample types. At present, there are no Laboratory Information Management Systems
      (LIMS) that are specifically tailored for metabolomics laboratories that are
      capable of tracking samples and associated metadata from the beginning to the end
      of an experiment, including data processing and archiving, and which are also
      suitable for use in large institutional core facilities or multi-laboratory
      consortia as well as single laboratory environments. RESULTS: Here we present
      MASTR-MS, a downloadable and installable LIMS solution that can be deployed
      either within a single laboratory or used to link workflows across a multisite
      network. It comprises a Node Management System that can be used to link and
      manage projects across one or multiple collaborating laboratories; a User
      Management System which defines different user groups and privileges of users; a
      Quote Management System where client quotes are managed; a Project Management
      System in which metadata is stored and all aspects of project management,
      including experimental setup, sample tracking and instrument analysis, are
      defined, and a Data Management System that allows the automatic capture and
      storage of raw and processed data from the analytical instruments to the LIMS.
      CONCLUSION: MASTR-MS is a comprehensive LIMS solution specifically designed for
      metabolomics. It captures the entire lifecycle of a sample starting from project
      and experiment design to sample analysis, data capture and storage. It acts as an
      electronic notebook, facilitating project management within a single laboratory
      or a multi-node collaborative environment. This software is being developed in
      close consultation with members of the metabolomics research community. It is
      freely available under the GNU GPL v3 licence and can be accessed from,
      https://muccg.github.io/mastr-ms/.

PMID- 28090200
TI  - Nonmedical use of prescription drugs in emerging adulthood: differentiating sex
      from gender.
AB  - Male-female variations in health-behavior continue to be of national and
      international significance with men generally being more likely to be engaged in
      behaviors that enhance risk across an array of preventable diseases and injuries
      as well as premature deaths. The literature has identified non-medical use of
      prescription drugs (NMUPD) as a developing and particularly dangerous substance
      use behavior among college students. The literature has reported sex differences
      (male; female) in NMUPD but has yet to explain how gender-orientation (e.g.,
      masculine, feminine) might impact NMUPD. The purpose of this study is to address
      this gap by examining the influence of gender-orientation on NMUPD. Using survey
      data collected during the 2013-2014 academic year from a convenience sample of
      college students at a mid-sized Midwestern university, we examine the association
      of gender-orientation with NMUPD (N=796). To do this, we separate masculine and
      feminine scales from the BEM Sex Role Inventory and use logistic regression to
      test whether masculine or feminine gender characteristics influence the
      likelihood of NMUPD (lifetime measure of any use and by category). This analysis
      shows that self-identified characteristics associated with masculinity increase
      the odds of NMUPD while femininity is associated with lower odds of NMUPD.
      Findings from this study increase our knowledge of gender-orientation and sex
      interactions as factors that might influence NMUPD thus demonstrating the
      importance of differentiating sex from gender-orientation.

PMID- 28090201
TI  - The Inorganic Side of NGF: Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Affect the NGF Mimicking
      Signaling of the N-Terminus Peptides Encompassing the Recognition Domain of TrkA
      Receptor.
AB  - The nerve growth factor (NGF) N-terminus peptide, NGF(1-14), and its acetylated
      form, Ac-NGF(1-14), were investigated to scrutinize the ability of this
      neurotrophin domain to mimic the whole protein. Theoretical calculations
      demonstrated that non-covalent forces assist the molecular recognition of TrkA
      receptor by both peptides. Combined parallel tempering/docking simulations
      discriminated the effect of the N-terminal acetylation on the recognition of
      NGF(1-14) by the domain 5 of TrkA (TrkA-D5). Experimental findings demonstrated
      that both NGF(1-14) and Ac-NGF(1-14) activate TrkA signaling pathways essential
      for neuronal survival. The NGF-induced TrkA internalization was slightly
      inhibited in the presence of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions, whereas the metal ions elicited
      the NGF(1-14)-induced internalization of TrkA and no significant differences were
      found in the weak Ac-NGF(1-14)-induced receptor internalization. The crucial role
      of the metals was confirmed by experiments with the metal-chelator bathocuproine
      disulfonic acid, which showed different inhibitory effects in the signaling
      cascade, due to different metal affinity of NGF, NGF(1-14) and Ac-NGF(1-14). The
      NGF signaling cascade, activated by the two peptides, induced CREB
      phosphorylation, but the copper addition further stimulated the Akt, ERK and CREB
      phosphorylation in the presence of NGF and NGF(1-14) only. A dynamic and quick
      influx of both peptides into PC12 cells was tracked by live cell imaging with
      confocal microscopy. A significant role of copper ions was found in the
      modulation of peptide sub-cellular localization, especially at the nuclear level.
      Furthermore, a strong copper ionophoric ability of NGF(1-14) was measured. The Ac
      NGF(1-14) peptide, which binds copper ions with a lower stability constant than
      NGF(1-14), exhibited a lower nuclear localization with respect to the total
      cellular uptake. These findings were correlated to the metal-induced increase of
      CREB and BDNF expression caused by NGF(1-14) stimulation. In summary, we here
      validated NGF(1-14) and Ac-NGF(1-14) as first examples of monomer and linear
      peptides able to activate the NGF-TrkA signaling cascade. Metal ions modulated
      the activity of both NGF protein and the NGF-mimicking peptides. Such findings
      demonstrated that NGF(1-14) sequence can reproduce the signal transduction of
      whole protein, therefore representing a very promising drug candidate for further
      pre-clinical studies.

PMID- 28090202
TI  - Stigma in Practice: Barriers to Health for Fat Women.
AB  - In this paper, we explore barriers to health for fat people. By shifting the
      focus from what fat people do or do not do, neoliberal principles are replaced by
      a focus instead on structural and institutional policies, attitudes, and
      practices. This includes the impact of stigma on the health treatment and health
      seeking behavior of fat people. For example, we consider the role that provider
      anti-fat attitudes and confirmation bias play in the failure to provide evidenced
      based healthcare to fat patients. This is an autoethnographic paper, which
      provides the opportunity to read research from the perspective of fat scholars,
      framed by questions such as: can fat people have health? Is health itself a state
      of being, a set of behaviors, a commodity, a performance; perhaps the new social
      contract? As a co-written autoethnographic paper, one aspect of the evidence
      provided is the recorded experiences of the two fat authors. This includes
      writing from notes, journals, compiled and repeated experiences with medical
      professionals, family, and the community. Framed by feminist standpoint and
      supported by literature drawn from Fat Studies, Public Health, Obesity Research,
      and other interdisciplinary fields, this is a valuable opportunity to present an
      extended account of fat discrimination and the impact of the stigma fat people
      face through the medical profession and other sectors of the community, written
      by fat individuals. The paper concludes by considering the health pathways
      available to fat people. Special attention is paid to whether Bacon and
      Aphramor's Health at Every Size paradigm provides a path to health for fat
      individuals.

PMID- 28090203
TI  - Herbal Extracts That Reduce Ocular Oxidative Stress May Enhance Attentive
      Performance in Humans.
AB  - We used herbal extracts in this study to investigate the effects of blue-light
      induced oxidative stress on subjects' attentive performance, which is also
      associated with work performance. We employed an attention network test (ANT) to
      measure the subjects' work performance indirectly and used herbal extracts to
      reduce ocular oxidative stress. Thirty-two subjects participated in either an
      experimental group (wearing glasses containing herbal extracts) or a control
      group (wearing glasses without herbal extracts). During the ANT experiment, we
      collected electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG) data and
      measured button responses. In addition, electrocardiogram (ECG) data were
      collected before and after the experiments. The EOG results showed that the
      experimental group exhibited a reduced number of eye blinks per second during the
      experiment and faster button responses with a smaller variation than did the
      control group; this group also showed relatively more sustained tension in their
      ECG results. In the EEG analysis, the experimental group had significantly
      greater cognitive processing, with larger P300 and parietal 2-6 Hz activity, an
      orienting effect with neural processing of frontal area, high beta activity in
      the occipital area, and an alpha and beta recovery process after the button
      response. We concluded that reducing blue-light-induced oxidative stress with
      herbal extracts may be associated with reducing the number of eye blinks and
      enhancing attentive performance.

PMID- 28090204
TI  - A "Tuned" Mask Learnt Approach Based on Gravitational Search Algorithm.
AB  - Texture image classification is an important topic in many applications in
      machine vision and image analysis. Texture feature extracted from the original
      texture image by using "Tuned" mask is one of the simplest and most effective
      methods. However, hill climbing based training methods could not acquire the
      satisfying mask at a time; on the other hand, some commonly used evolutionary
      algorithms like genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO)
      easily fall into the local optimum. A novel approach for texture image
      classification exemplified with recognition of residential area is detailed in
      the paper. In the proposed approach, "Tuned" mask is viewed as a constrained
      optimization problem and the optimal "Tuned" mask is acquired by maximizing the
      texture energy via a newly proposed gravitational search algorithm (GSA). The
      optimal "Tuned" mask is achieved through the convergence of GSA. The proposed
      approach has been, respectively, tested on some public texture and remote sensing
      images. The results are then compared with that of GA, PSO, honey-bee mating
      optimization (HBMO), and artificial immune algorithm (AIA). Moreover, feature
      extracted by Gabor wavelet is also utilized to make a further comparison.
      Experimental results show that the proposed method is robust and adaptive and
      exhibits better performance than other methods involved in the paper in terms of
      fitness value and classification accuracy.

PMID- 28090205
TI  - Main Trend Extraction Based on Irregular Sampling Estimation and Its Application
      in Storage Volume of Internet Data Center.
AB  - The storage volume of internet data center is one of the classical time series.
      It is very valuable to predict the storage volume of a data center for the
      business value. However, the storage volume series from a data center is always
      "dirty," which contains the noise, missing data, and outliers, so it is necessary
      to extract the main trend of storage volume series for the future prediction
      processing. In this paper, we propose an irregular sampling estimation method to
      extract the main trend of the time series, in which the Kalman filter is used to
      remove the "dirty" data; then the cubic spline interpolation and average method
      are used to reconstruct the main trend. The developed method is applied in the
      storage volume series of internet data center. The experiment results show that
      the developed method can estimate the main trend of storage volume series
      accurately and make great contribution to predict the future volume value. ?.

PMID- 28090206
TI  - The Relationship between Inflammatory Marker Levels and Hepatitis C Virus
      Severity.
AB  - Background. Red cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)
      have been studied in a variety of etiological diseases. We aim to investigate the
      relationship between RDW and PLR and the severity of hepatitis C virus- (HCV-)
      related liver disease. Methods. We included fifty-two chronic HCV and 42 HCV
      related cirrhosis patients and 84 healthy controls. Hematological and virological
      parameters and liver function biomarkers of HCV-related patients at admission
      were recorded. Results. RDW, RDW-to-platelet (RPR), and 1/PLR values in HCV
      related cirrhosis patients were significantly higher than in chronic HCV patients
      and healthy controls (all P < 0.001). The aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), AST-to-platelet ratio index
      (APRI), and fibrosis index based on the four factors (FIB-4) scores in HCV
      related cirrhosis patients were significantly higher than in chronic HCV patients
      (all P < 0.001). The areas under the curve of the RDW, RPR, and 1/PLR for
      predicting cirrhosis were 0.791, 0.960, and 0.713, respectively. Bivariate
      logistic regression analysis showed that RDW could independently predict the
      presence of cirrhosis in chronic HCV patients. Conclusions. RDW, RPR, and PLR may
      be potential markers for estimating HCV severity.

PMID- 28090207
TI  - Role of Bioadsorbents in Reducing Toxic Metals.
AB  - Industrialization and urbanization have led to the release of increasing amounts
      of heavy metals into the environment. Metal ion contamination of drinking water
      and waste water is a serious ongoing problem especially with high toxic metals
      such as lead and cadmium and less toxic metals such as copper and zinc. Several
      biological materials have attracted many researchers and scientists as they offer
      both cheap and effective removal of heavy metals from waste water. Therefore it
      is urgent to study and explore all possible sources of agrobased inexpensive
      adsorbents for their feasibility in the removal of heavy metals. The objective
      was to study inexpensive adsorbents like various agricultural wastes such as
      sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, oil palm shell, coconut shell, and coconut husk in
      eliminating heavy metals from waste water and their utilization possibilities
      based on our research and literature survey. It also shows the significance of
      developing and evaluating new potential biosorbents in the near future with
      higher adsorption capacity and greater reusable options.

PMID- 28090208
TI  - Three-Dimensional Bioprinting Nanotechnologies towards Clinical Application of
      Stem Cells and Their Secretome in Salivary Gland Regeneration.
AB  - Salivary gland (SG) functional damage and severe dry mouth (or xerostomia) are
      commonly observed in a wide range of medical conditions from autoimmune to
      metabolic disorders as well as after radiotherapy to treat specific head and neck
      cancers. No effective therapy has been developed to completely restore the SG
      functional damage on the long-term and reverse the poor quality of life of
      xerostomia patients. Cell- and secretome-based strategies are currently being
      tested in vitro and in vivo for the repair and/or regeneration of the damaged SG
      using (1) epithelial SG stem/progenitor cells from salispheres or explant
      cultures as well as (2) nonepithelial stem cell types and/or their bioactive
      secretome. These strategies will be the focus of our review. Herein, innovative
      3D bioprinting nanotechnologies for the generation of organotypic cultures and SG
      organoids/mini-glands will also be discussed. These bioprinting technologies will
      allow researchers to analyze the secretome components and extracellular matrix
      production, as well as their biofunctional effects in 3D mini-glands ex vivo.
      Improving our understanding of the SG secretome is critical to develop effective
      secretome-based therapies towards the regeneration and/or repair of all SG
      compartments for proper restoration of saliva secretion and flow into the oral
      cavity.

PMID- 28090209
TI  - Prospect of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Crest Stem Cells in
      Clinical Application.
AB  - Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) represent a transient and multipotent cell
      population that contributes to numerous anatomical structures such as peripheral
      nervous system, teeth, and cornea. NCSC maldevelopment is related to various
      human diseases including pigmentation abnormalities, disorders affecting
      autonomic nervous system, and malformations of teeth, eyes, and hearts. As human
      pluripotent stem cells including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human
      induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can serve as an unlimited cell source to
      generate NCSCs, hESC/hiPSC-derived NCSCs can be a valuable tool to study the
      underlying mechanisms of NCSC-associated diseases, which paves the way for future
      therapies for these abnormalities. In addition, hESC/hiPSC-derived NCSCs with the
      capability of differentiating to various cell types are highly promising for
      clinical organ repair and regeneration. In this review, we first discuss NCSC
      generation methods from human pluripotent stem cells and differentiation
      mechanism of NCSCs. Then we focus on the clinical application potential of
      hESC/hiPSC-derived NCSCs on peripheral nerve injuries, corneal blindness, tooth
      regeneration, pathological melanogenesis, Hirschsprung disease, and cardiac
      repair and regeneration.

PMID- 28090210
TI  - Pivotal Cytoprotective Mediators and Promising Therapeutic Strategies for
      Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Based Cardiovascular Regeneration.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atherosclerosis, stroke, and myocardial
      infarction, is a major cause of death worldwide. In aspects of cell therapy
      against CVD, it is generally accepted that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)
      are potent neovascular modulators in ischemic tissues. In response to ischemic
      injury signals, EPCs located in a bone marrow niche migrate to injury sites and
      form new vessels by secreting various vasculogenic factors including VEGF, SDF-1,
      and FGF, as well as by directly differentiating into endothelial cells.
      Nonetheless, in ischemic tissues, most of engrafted EPCs do not survive under
      harsh ischemic conditions and nutrient depletion. Therefore, an understanding of
      diverse EPC-related cytoprotective mediators underlying EPC homeostasis in
      ischemic tissues may help to overcome current obstacles for EPC-mediated cell
      therapy for CVDs. Additionally, to enhance EPC's functional capacity at ischemic
      sites, multiple strategies for cell survival should be considered, that is,
      preconditioning of EPCs with function-targeting drugs including natural compounds
      and hormones, virus mediated genetic modification, combined therapy with other
      stem/progenitor cells, and conglomeration with biomaterials. In this review, we
      discuss multiple cytoprotective mediators of EPC-based cardiovascular repair and
      propose promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of CVDs.

PMID- 28090212
TI  - Effects of Morinda officinalis Polysaccharide on Experimental Varicocele Rats.
AB  - Morinda officinalis is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which has been used
      to tonify the kidney and strengthen yang for a long time in China. In this study,
      the effects of M. officinalis Polysaccharide (MOP) on experimental varicocele
      adolescent rats were investigated. The result showed that varicocele destroyed
      the structure of the seminiferous epithelium and decreased the TJ protein
      expression (Occludin, Claudin-11, and ZO-1), testosterone (T) concentration in
      the left testicular tissue and serum, and serum levels of inhibin B (INHB), while
      increasing the levels of cytokines (TGF-beta3 and TNF-alpha) in the left
      testicular tissue, as well as serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone
      (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and
      antisperm antibody (AsAb). MOP repaired the damaged seminiferous epithelium and
      TJ and reduced the levels of cytokines (TGF-beta3 and TNF-alpha) as well as serum
      levels of GnRH, FSH, LH, and AsAb, while upregulating TJ protein expression, T
      level in the left testicular tissue and serum, and serum INHB levels. In summary,
      we conclude that MOP promotes spermatogenesis and counteracts the varicocele
      induced damage to the seminiferous epithelium and TJ, probably via decreasing
      cytokines (TGF-beta3 and TNF-alpha) levels and regulating the abnormal sex
      hormones levels in experimental varicocele rats.

PMID- 28090211
TI  - Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Essential Oils against Human Pathogens and
      Their Mode of Action: An Updated Review.
AB  - A wide range of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have been explored for their
      essential oils in the past few decades. Essential oils are complex volatile
      compounds, synthesized naturally in different plant parts during the process of
      secondary metabolism. Essential oils have great potential in the field of
      biomedicine as they effectively destroy several bacterial, fungal, and viral
      pathogens. The presence of different types of aldehydes, phenolics, terpenes, and
      other antimicrobial compounds means that the essential oils are effective against
      a diverse range of pathogens. The reactivity of essential oil depends upon the
      nature, composition, and orientation of its functional groups. The aim of this
      article is to review the antimicrobial potential of essential oils secreted from
      MAPs and their possible mechanisms of action against human pathogens. This
      comprehensive review will benefit researchers who wish to explore the potential
      of essential oils in the development of novel broad-spectrum key molecules
      against a broad range of drug-resistant pathogenic microbes.

PMID- 28090213
TI  - Germinated and Ungerminated Seeds Extract from Two Lupinus Species: Biological
      Compounds Characterization and In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations.
AB  - In recent years, nutraceuticals attracted a great amount of attention in the
      biomedical research due to their significant contribution as natural agents for
      prevention of various health issues. Ethanolic extracts from the ungerminated and
      germinated seeds of Lupinus albus L. and Lupinus angustifolius L. were analyzed
      for the content in isoflavones (genistein) and cinnamic acid derivatives.
      Additionally, the extracts were evaluated for antimicrobial, antiproliferative,
      and anti-inflammatory properties, using in vitro and in vivo tests. Germination
      proved to be a method of choice in increasing the amount of genistein and
      cinnamic acid derivatives in both Lupinus albus L. and Lupinus angustifolius L.
      seeds. Biological evaluation of all vegetal extracts revealed a weak therapeutic
      potential for both ungerminated and germinated seeds.

PMID- 28090215
TI  - Multiple Linear Regressions by Maximizing the Likelihood under Assumption of
      Generalized Gauss-Laplace Distribution of the Error.
AB  - Multiple linear regression analysis is widely used to link an outcome with
      predictors for better understanding of the behaviour of the outcome of interest.
      Usually, under the assumption that the errors follow a normal distribution, the
      coefficients of the model are estimated by minimizing the sum of squared
      deviations. A new approach based on maximum likelihood estimation is proposed for
      finding the coefficients on linear models with two predictors without any
      constrictive assumptions on the distribution of the errors. The algorithm was
      developed, implemented, and tested as proof-of-concept using fourteen sets of
      compounds by investigating the link between activity/property (as outcome) and
      structural feature information incorporated by molecular descriptors (as
      predictors). The results on real data demonstrated that in all investigated cases
      the power of the error is significantly different by the convenient value of two
      when the Gauss-Laplace distribution was used to relax the constrictive assumption
      of the normal distribution of the error. Therefore, the Gauss-Laplace
      distribution of the error could not be rejected while the hypothesis that the
      power of the error from Gauss-Laplace distribution is normal distributed also
      failed to be rejected.

PMID- 28090216
TI  - ChemEngine: harvesting 3D chemical structures of supplementary data from PDF
      files.
AB  - Digital access to chemical journals resulted in a vast array of molecular
      information that is now available in the supplementary material files in PDF
      format. However, extracting this molecular information, generally from a PDF
      document format is a daunting task. Here we present an approach to harvest 3D
      molecular data from the supporting information of scientific research articles
      that are normally available from publisher's resources. In order to demonstrate
      the feasibility of extracting truly computable molecules from PDF file formats in
      a fast and efficient manner, we have developed a Java based application, namely
      ChemEngine. This program recognizes textual patterns from the supplementary data
      and generates standard molecular structure data (bond matrix, atomic coordinates)
      that can be subjected to a multitude of computational processes automatically.
      The methodology has been demonstrated via several case studies on different
      formats of coordinates data stored in supplementary information files, wherein
      ChemEngine selectively harvested the atomic coordinates and interpreted them as
      molecules with high accuracy. The reusability of extracted molecular coordinate
      data was demonstrated by computing Single Point Energies that were in close
      agreement with the original computed data provided with the articles. It is
      envisaged that the methodology will enable large scale conversion of molecular
      information from supplementary files available in the PDF format into a
      collection of ready- to- compute molecular data to create an automated workflow
      for advanced computational processes. Software along with source codes and
      instructions available at
      https://sourceforge.net/projects/chemengine/files/?source=navbar.Graphical
      abstract.

PMID- 28090214
TI  - Challenges of corneal infections.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ocular infections remain an important cause of blindness worldwide
      and represent a challenging public health concern. In this regard, microbial
      keratitis due to fungal, bacterial, or viral infection can result in significant
      vision loss secondary to corneal scarring or surface irregularity. Left untreated
      corneal perforation and endophthalmitis can result, leading to loss of the eye.
      Rigorously studied animal models of disease pathogenesis have provided novel
      information that suggests new modes of treatment that may be efficacious
      clinically and emerging clinical data is supportive of some of these discoveries.
      AREAS COVERED: This review focuses on advances in our understanding of disease
      pathogenesis in animal models and clinical studies and how these relate to
      improved clinical treatment. We also discuss a novel approach to treatment of
      microbial keratitis due to infection with these bacterial pathogens using PACK
      CXL and recommend increased basic and clinical studies to address and refine the
      efficacy of this procedure. EXPERT COMMENTARY: Because resistance to antibiotics
      has developed over time to these bacterial pathogens, caution must be exercised
      in treatment. Attractive novel modes of treatment that hold new promise for
      further investigation include lipid based therapy, as well as use of small
      molecules that bind deleterious specific host responsive molecules and use of
      microRNA based therapies.

PMID- 28090217
TI  - Scaffold analysis of PubChem database as background for hierarchical scaffold
      based visualization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visualization of large molecular datasets is a challenging yet
      important topic utilised in diverse fields of chemistry ranging from material
      engineering to drug design. Especially in drug design, modern methods of high
      throughput screening generate large amounts of molecular data that call for
      methods enabling their analysis. One such method is classification of compounds
      based on their molecular scaffolds, a concept widely used by medicinal chemists
      to group molecules of similar properties. This classification can then be
      utilized for intuitive visualization of compounds. RESULTS: In this paper, we
      propose a scaffold hierarchy as a result of large-scale analysis of the PubChem
      Compound database. The analysis not only provided insights into scaffold
      diversity of the PubChem Compound database, but also enables scaffold-based
      hierarchical visualization of user compound data sets on the background of
      empirical chemical space, as defined by the PubChem data, or on the background of
      any other user-defined data set. The visualization is performed by a web based
      client-server application called Scaffvis. It provides an interactive zoomable
      tree map visualization of data sets up to hundreds of thousands molecules.
      Scaffvis is free to use and its source codes have been published under an open
      source license.Graphical abstract.

PMID- 28090218
TI  - Role of T1 Mapping in Inherited Cardiomyopathies.
AB  - T1 mapping by cardiovascular magnetic resonance is a rapidly evolving method for
      the quantitative assessment of tissue characteristics in cardiac disease. The
      myocardial T1 time can be measured without contrast (native T1) or following the
      administration of intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent (post-contrast T1).
      By combining both of these measures, the myocardial extracellular volume fraction
      can be approximated. This value has been validated histologically in various
      inherited cardiomyopathies. Due to overlapping phenotypes, the diagnosis of
      inherited cardiomyopathy can at times be challenging. In this article we discuss
      when T1 mapping may be a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of
      cardiomyopathy. We also present evidence of when T1 mapping provides incremental
      risk stratification over other biomarkers.

PMID- 28090219
TI  - Integrated Microfluidic Aptasensor for Mass Spectrometric Detection of
      Vasopressin in Human Plasma Ultrafiltrate.
AB  - We present a microfluidic aptamer-based biosensor for detection of low-molecular
      weight biomarkers in patient samples. Using a microfluidic device that integrates
      aptamer-based specific analyte extraction, isocratic elution, and detection by
      matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass
      spectrometry, we demonstrate rapid, sensitive and label-free detection of
      arginine vasopressin (AVP) in human plasma ultrafiltrate. AVP molecules in
      complex matrices are specifically captured by an aptamer that is immobilized on
      microbeads via affinity binding in a microchamber. After the removal of unbound,
      contaminating molecules through washing, aptamer-AVP complexes are thermally
      disrupted via on-chip temperature control. Released AVP molecules are eluted with
      purified water and transferred to a separate microchamber, and deposited onto a
      single spot on a MALDI plate via repeated, piezoelectrically actuated ejection,
      which enriches AVP molecules over the spot area. This integrated on-chip sample
      processing enables the quantitative detection of low-abundance AVP by MALDI-TOF
      mass spectrometry in a rapid and label-free manner. Our experimental results show
      the detection of AVP in human plasma ultrafiltrate as low as physiologically
      relevant picomolar concentrations via aptamer-based selective preconcentration,
      demonstrating the potential of our approach as a rapid (~ 1hr), sensitive
      clinical AVP assay.

PMID- 28090220
TI  - UTILIZATION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES AMONG INTERNAL MIGRANTS IN HANOI AND ITS
      CORRELATION WITH HEALTH INSURANCE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Economic transition (DoiMoi) in the 1980s in Viet Nam has led to
      internal migration, particularly rural-to-urban migration. Many studies suggested
      that there is a difference between non-migrants and migrants in using health care
      services. Current studies have mostly focused on migrants working in industrial
      zones (IZs) but migrants working in private small enterprises (PSEs) and seasonal
      migrants seem to be ignored. However, these two groups of migrants are more
      vulnerable in health care access than others because they usually work without
      labor contracts and have no health insurance. The study aims to compare the
      utilization of health care services and explore its correlated factors among
      these three groups. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1800 non
      migrants and migrants aged 18-55 who were selected through stratified sampling in
      Long Bien and Ba Dinh districts, Hanoi. These study sites consist of large
      industrial zones and many slums where most seasonal migrants live in. A
      structured questionnaire was used to collect information on health service
      utilization in the last 6 months before the study. Utilization of heath care
      services was identified as "an ill person who goes to health care centers to seek
      any treatment (i.e. both private and public health care centers)". RESULTS: 644
      of 1800 participants reported having a health problem in the last 6 months before
      the study. Among these 644 people, 335 people used health care services. The
      percentage of non-migrants using health care service was the highest (67.6%),
      followed by migrants working in IZ (53.7%), migrants working in PSE (44%), and
      seasonal migrants (42%). Multivariate logistic regression showed migrants,
      especially seasonal migrants and migrants working in PSE, were less likely to use
      health care services (OR=0.35, p=0.016 and 0.38, p= 0.004, respectively),
      compared to non-migrants. The study also found that having no health insurance
      was a risk factor of the utilization (OR=0.29, p<0.001). Other factors such as
      gender, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, and monthly income were not
      related to the utilization of health care services. CONCLUSION: Seasonal migrants
      have the worst utilization of health care services, followed by migrants working
      in PSE, migrants working in IZ, and non-migrants. Health insurance is an
      important factor relating to the utilization. Accordingly, health insurance
      coverage needs to be increased if utilization of health care services for the
      whole population, particularly migrant population, is to be improved.

PMID- 28090221
TI  - Nutrition and Other Protective Behaviors Motivated by Environmental Health Risk
      Awareness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research findings have suggested that exposure to environmental
      pollutants contributes to increased health risks, which may be modulated by
      certain nutrition and other protective health behaviors. Nutrition professionals
      play an important role in effectively disseminating this information and in
      devising specific community-based nutrition education programs for audiences
      located in areas with environmental health issues. OBJECTIVE: To assess awareness
      of environmental health problems and motivation to adopt protective health
      behaviors for use in planning nutrition education programs for communities
      exposed to environmental pollutants. METHOD: Data were collected from a modified,
      validated Environmental Health Engagement Profile (EHEP) survey instrument
      administered to adults (n=774) participating in community events in Kentucky
      based on location relative to hazardous waste sites. RESULTS: The modified EHEP
      survey instrument showed good internal consistency reliability, and demographic
      characteristics were evaluated. Correlation analyses revealed significant
      positive correlations in all groups, separately and combined, between awareness
      of environmental pollution in an individual's surroundings and the extent of
      concern that pollutants cause adverse health effects (P < 0.01) and between
      concern that pollutants cause adverse health effects and taking personal actions
      to protect against such environmental insults (P < 0.01). The groups having the
      highest level of awareness posed by pollution are those residing near federally
      designated hazardous waste sites. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that
      determining and expanding an audience's knowledge and perceptions of
      environmental health risks will enhance effective nutrition education program
      planning.

PMID- 28090222
TI  - Does Bilingual Language Control Decline in Older Age?
AB  - We investigated age-related decline of bilingual language control. Thirteen older
      and 13 younger bilinguals performed a verbal fluency task (completing the same
      letter and semantic categories in each language and switching languages after
      every category), and a non-linguistic flanker task. In letter fluency, bilinguals
      produced fewer correct responses after switching languages, suggesting inhibition
      of the previously-used language. However, this testing-order effect did not
      differ between groups and older bilinguals produced few wrong-language
      intrusions, implying intact ability to apply inhibition in older age. In
      contrast, age-related deficits in the flanker task were robust, implying
      dissociations between language control and domain-general executive control. In
      semantic fluency, there were no testing-order effects but older bilinguals
      produced more intrusions than younger bilinguals, and more intrusions than in
      letter fluency. Thus, bilinguals may flexibly modulate the degree of inhibition
      when they can benefit from semantic priming between languages, but less
      efficiently so in older age.

PMID- 28090223
TI  - To Resect or Not to Resect Extrahepatic Bile Duct in Gallbladder Cancer?
AB  - The indications for and limitations of extrahepatic bile duct resection (EHBDR)
      in the context of gallbladder (GB) cancer are unclear. The purpose of this review
      was to examine the current literature to determine the impact of EHBDR on loco
      regional recurrence and survival in GB cancer. The EMBASE and Medline databases
      were searched up to February 2016 using the terms: extrahepatic bile duct
      resection and gallbladder cancer. Studies published in the last 20 years were
      eligible for inclusion. Given the heterogeneity of the population and the study
      methodologies employed, qualitative data synthesis in the form of meta-analysis
      was deemed implausible. Twenty-four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The
      selected studies include 6,722 (55%) EHBDRs in a total of 12,251 GB cancer
      operations. The 25 studies were categorized into seven groups: 1) cancer survival
      all stages; 2) hepatoduodenal ligament invasion; 3) outcome in EHBDR and EHBDNR;
      4) pT1b tumors; 5) pT2 tumors; 6) pT3/T4 tumors; and 7) incidental GB cancer.
      Radical cholecystectomy with EHBDR should be used as a standard operation for
      tumors involving the neck or the cystic duct of the GB (either macroscopically or
      microscopically). In all other cases, operative strategy should be individualized
      to the patient.

PMID- 28090224
TI  - Computerized Tomography-Guided Paracentesis: An Effective Alternative to Bedside
      Paracentesis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ascites remains the most common cause of hospitalization among
      patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Paracentesis is a relatively safe
      procedure with low complication rates. Computerized tomography (CT)-guided
      therapeutic paracentesis could be a safe and effective alternative to unaided or
      aided (ultrasonogram-guided) bedside paracentesis. In this retrospective study,
      we aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of CT-guided
      paracentesis with bedside paracentesis. METHODS: The period of study was from
      2002 to 2012. All patients with cirrhosis who underwent therapeutic paracentesis
      were included in the study. These patients were divided into two groups. Group I
      consisted of patients who underwent CT-guided pigtail catheter insertion with
      ascitic fluid drainage. Group II consisted of patients who underwent beside
      therapeutic paracentesis after localization of fluid either by physical
      examination or sonographic localization. We measured the efficacy of CT-guided
      paracentesis and bedside paracentesis in terms of volume of fluid removed, length
      of stay, discharge doses of diuretics (spironolactone and furosemide) and number
      of days to readmission for symptomatic ascites. We also computed the cost
      effectiveness of CT-guided therapeutic paracentesis when compared to a bedside
      procedure. Fischer exact test was used to analyze the distribution of categorical
      data and unpaired t-test was used for comparison of means. RESULTS: There were a
      total of 546 unique patients with diagnosed cirrhosis who were admitted to the
      hospital with symptomatic ascites and underwent therapeutic paracentesis. Two
      hundred and forty-seven patients underwent CT-guided paracentesis, while 272
      patients underwent bedside paracentesis. There was significant inverse
      correlation between the amount of ascitic fluid removed and total length of stay
      in the hospital. We found that the volume of fluid removed via a CT-guided
      pigtail insertion and drainage (2.72 +/- 2.02 L) is significantly higher when
      compared to fluid removed via bedside paracentesis (1.94 +/- 1.69). We also found
      that the interval time period between two successive therapeutic paracenteses was
      significantly longer for CT group (106.56 +/- 75.2 days) when compared to the
      bedside group (25.57 +/- 7.68 days). CONCLUSION: CT-guided paracentesis with
      pigtail catheter insertion and drainage is a clinically effective, cheap and safe
      alternative to conventional bedside paracentesis.

PMID- 28090225
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Combination Therapy Consisting of Angiotensin II Type 1
      Receptor Blocker, Calcium Channel Blocker and Hydrochlorothiazide in Patients
      With Hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many patients continue to have high blood pressure (BP) even after
      treatment with high-dose (H)-angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB)/calcium
      channel blocker (CCB) or middle-dose (M)-ARB/CCB/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
      METHODS: Thirty-two hypertensive patients who had the use of H-ARB/CCB or M
      ARB/CCB/HCTZ were enrolled in this study. We applied a changeover with a switch
      to H-ARB (telmisartan 80 mg/day)/CCB (amlodipine 5 mg/day or nifedipine CR 40
      mg/day)/HCTZ (12.5 mg/day). RESULTS: Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP)
      were significantly decreased in all patients and in the H-ARB/CCB and M
      ARB/CCB/HCTZ groups after 3 months. Percentage (%) of patients who reached the
      target BP after 3 months (72%) in all patients was significantly higher than that
      at 0 months (19%). There were no serious adverse effects in any of the patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with H-ARB/CCB/HCTZ was associated with a
      significant reduction of BP.

PMID- 28090226
TI  - More Use of Peritoneal Dialysis Gives Significant Savings: A Systematic Review
      and Health Economic Decision Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are in need of renal
      replacement therapy as dialysis and/or transplantation. The prevalence of ESRD
      and, thus, the need for dialysis are constantly growing. The dialysis modalities
      are either peritoneal performed at home or hemodialysis (HD) performed in-center
      (hospital or satellite) or home. We examined effectiveness and cost-effectiveness
      of HD performed at different locations (hospital, satellite, and home) and
      peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home in the Norwegian setting. METHODS: We conducted
      a systematic review for patients above 18 years with end-stage renal failure
      requiring dialysis in several databases and performed several meta-analyses of
      existing literature. Mortality and major complications that required were our
      main clinical outcomes. The quality of the evidence for each outcome was
      evaluated using GRADE. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by developing a
      probabilistic Markov model. The analysis was carried out from a societal
      perspective, and effects were expressed in quality-adjusted life-years.
      Uncertainties in the base-case parameter values were explored with a
      probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Scenario analyses were conducted by
      increasing the proportion of patients receiving PD with a corresponding reduction
      in HD patients in-center both for Norway and Europian Union. We assumed an annual
      growth rate of 4% in the number of dialysis patients, and a relative distribution
      between PD and HD in-center of 30% and 70%, respectively. RESULTS: From a
      societal perspective and over a 5-year time horizon, PD was the most cost
      effective dialysis alternative. We found no significant difference in mortality
      between peritoneal and HD modalities. Our scenario analyses showed that a shift
      toward more patients on PD (as a first choice) with a corresponding reduction in
      HD in-center gave a saving over a 5-year period of 32 and 10,623 million EURO,
      respectively, for Norway and the European Union. CONCLUSIONS: PD was the most
      cost-effective dialysis alternative and was comparable with HD regarding efficacy
      outcomes. There are significant saving potentials if more end-stage renal
      patients are started on PD instead of HD.

PMID- 28090227
TI  - Symptomatic Gallstones in the Young: Changing Trends of the Gallstone Disease
      Related Hospitalization in the State of New York: 1996 - 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate if the gallstone-related
      hospitalizations in the young (< 20 years of age) have increased over time in
      both the Bronx County and New York State as a whole. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed 15 years (1996 - 2010) of Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative
      System (SPARCS) data of New York State Department of Health. Patients with ICD-9
      code diagnosis of 574 (cholelithiasis) among the first three discharge diagnoses
      were reviewed. RESULTS: Total number of all cause admissions to hospitals had
      increased from 2.44 million to 2.77 million (1996 - 2010). However, gallstone
      related hospitalizations had decreased from 1.7% to 1.2%. It was noted that there
      was a 30% increment in the proportion of those below 20 years of age with
      gallstone disease requiring hospitalization over the same period. This young
      patient population contributed only 2.04% to all gallstone-related
      hospitalizations in 1996, whereas it had increased to 2.96% in 2010. This trend
      was more pronounced in women, Hispanics and in those who were residing in the
      Bronx County as compared to all other New York counties combined. CONCLUSION: The
      gallstone-related hospitalizations in the young (< 20 years of age) have
      increased over time in both the Bronx County and New York State as a whole. This
      could be due to increasing prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, physical
      inactivity, diabetes and early pregnancy.

PMID- 28090228
TI  - Evaluation of Radiation Dose Received by Premature Neonates Admitted to Neonatal
      Intensive Care Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the radiation dose received by premature
      neonates using diagnostic radiographies. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was
      conducted on 116 premature neonates with gestational age from 25 to 37 weeks;
      with the diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) and
      tachypnea, they were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Ahvaz
      Imam Khomeini Hospital in 2015. For assessing the dose received, the model GR-200
      thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) was used. For each premature neonate under
      radiation, three TLDs separately (one for each) were placed on surfaces of Ch1,
      T1, and G1 (chest, thyroid, and gonad of first newborn, respectively). Moreover,
      for the adjacent neonate at a distance of 60 - 100 cm, two TLDs were laid in the
      surfaces of T2 and G2 (thyroid and gonad of second newborn, respectively). The
      dose received by TLDs for any baby and the adjacent neonate under the entrance
      surface dose (ESD) was estimated. RESULTS: The mean of neonates' weight under
      study was 1,950.78 +/- 484.9 g. During the hospitalization period, minimum one
      and maximum three radiographies were done for any premature neonate. The doses
      received in the premature neonates to Ch1, T1 and G1 were 0.08 +/- 0.01, 0.06 +/-
      0.01, and 0.05 +/- 0.01 mSv, respectively and for adjacent infants for T2 and G2
      were 0.003 +/- 0.001 and 0.002 +/- 0.0009 mSv, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the
      study, radiation dose received by organs at risk of premature neonates was lower
      than the international criteria and standards, therefore, also due to the lack of
      radiation damage threshold, to limit collimator, and the use of the proper
      filtration, kilovoltage and time during radiography of premature neonates are
      recommended.

PMID- 28090229
TI  - The Impact Exerted on Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Chronic Heart Failure by
      Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled
      Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aldosterone receptor antagonists (ARAs) have been associated with
      improved clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced left
      ventricular ejection fraction (HFREF), but not in those with heart failure with
      preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). With the aim to study this
      topic more deeply, we carried out a meta-analysis of selective and non-selective
      ARAs in HFREF and HFpEF. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Scopus databases. We
      decided to incorporate in the meta-analysis only randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) of ARAs in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) if they met the
      following criteria: experimental groups included patients with CHF treated with
      ARAs in addition to the conventional therapy; control groups included patients
      with CHF receiving conventional therapy without ARAs. Outcomes of interest were
      all-cause death, hospitalizations from cardiovascular cause, hyperkalemia, or
      gynecomastia. RESULTS: We detected 15 studies representing 15,671 patients. ARAs
      were associated with a reduced odds of all-cause death (odds ratio (OR): 0.79;
      95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73 - 0.87) and hospitalizations from
      cardiovascular cause (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.61 - 0.89). However, subgroup analysis
      showed that these advantages were limited to HFREF (all-cause death: OR: 0.77,
      95% CI: 0.69 - 0.84; hospitalizations from cardiovascular cause: OR: 0.66, 95%
      CI: 0.51 - 0.85), but they did not affect the HFpEF group (all-cause death: OR:
      0.91, 95% CI: 0.76 - 1.1; hospitalizations from cardiovascular cause: OR: 0.85,
      95% CI: 0.7 - 1.09). ARAs increased the risk of hyperkalemia (OR: 2.17; 95% CI:
      1.88 - 2.5). Non-selective ARAs, but not selective ARAs, increased the risk of
      gynecomastia (OR: 8.22, 95% CI: 4.9 - 13.81 vs. OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.43 - 1.27).
      CONCLUSIONS: ARAs reduced the risk of adverse cardiac events in HFREF but not
      HFpEF. In particular, ARA use in HFpEF patients is questionable, since in this
      CHF type, no significant improvement in all-cause death and cardiovascular
      hospitalizations was demonstrated with ARA treatment, in the face of the well
      known risks of hyperkalemia and/or gynecomastia that chronic ARA therapy entails.
      Selective ARAs were equally effective as non-selective ARAs, without the risk of
      gynecomastia.

PMID- 28090230
TI  - Epidemiology of Pregnancy-Associated ICU Utilization in Texas: 2001 - 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: ICU admission is uncommon among obstetric patients. Nevertheless, the
      epidemiology of ICU utilization is considered to be a useful proxy for study of
      severe maternal morbidity and near-miss events. However, there is paucity of
      population-level studies in obstetric patients in the United States. METHODS: The
      Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File and state-based reports were used to
      identify pregnancy-associated hospitalizations and those involving admission to
      ICU (n = 158,410) for the years 2001 - 2010. The clinical characteristics,
      outcomes, and the overall incidence and temporal trends of ICU admission were
      examined and stratified analyses of pregnancy outcomes were performed in specific
      categories of pregnancy-associated hospitalizations. In addition, ICU utilization
      among hospitalizations with maternal complications and organ dysfunction was
      evaluated. RESULTS: Chronic comorbidities (9.7%) and presence of organ
      dysfunction (6.2%) were uncommon among ICU admissions, with 26.5% having high
      severity of illness. The incidence of ICU admission was 39.0 per 1,000 pregnancy
      associated hospitalizations-years. Marked variability was found in ICU admission
      both across pregnancy outcomes (ranging from 0.6 per 1,000 abortions-years to
      85.9 per 1,000 stillbirths-years) and categories of pregnancy-associated
      hospitalizations (ranging from 32.1 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations-years to
      144.8 per 1,000 postpartum hospitalizations-years). The incidence of ICU
      admission rose 68% among pregnancy-associated hospitalizations and for all
      examined subgroups, except abortion. Preeclampsia/eclampsia (23.3%) and obstetric
      hemorrhage (6.9%) were the most common maternal complications among ICU
      admissions. Four hundred fourteen women (0.3%) died, while 97.6% were discharged
      home. CONCLUSIONS: This study documents the highest incidence of ICU utilization
      in obstetric patients in the US to date. The findings suggest low threshold for
      obstetric ICU admissions in the state and do not support comparative use of ICU
      utilization as surrogate measure for populations' burden of severe maternal
      morbidity and near-miss events. Nevertheless, the demonstrated tremendous
      heterogeneity in ICU utilization across examined subgroups identifies new high
      risk groups of obstetric patients that would benefit from heightened clinician
      vigilance and timely ICU triage and care. Further studies are needed to inform
      reduction in avoidable variability in ICU utilization to both enhance maternal,
      fetal, and neonatal outcomes and to improve resource allocation.

PMID- 28090231
TI  - Effects of Ipragliflozin on Diabetic Nephropathy and Blood Pressure in Patients
      With Type 2 Diabetes: An Open-Label Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel agents
      used to treat type 2 diabetic patients. We investigated the efficacy of the SGLT2
      inhibitor ipragliflozin on diabetic nephropathy in Japanese patients with type 2
      diabetes. METHODS: A 50 mg dose of ipragliflozin was administered for 24 weeks to
      50 patients with type 2 diabetes who were concomitantly managed with diet and
      exercise therapy alone or antidiabetic medications other than SGLT2 inhibitors.
      RESULTS: At the end of the 24-week ipragliflozin treatment, significant decreases
      in mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (1.0+/-1.2%) and body weight (2.7 +/- 2.5 kg)
      were observed; in addition, median urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)
      significantly decreased from 15.5 (8.0 - 85.7) to 12.9 (7.4 - 36.3) mg/gCr. Sub
      analysis by renal function at baseline revealed that median UACR in patients with
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >= 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 decreased
      significantly from 12.3 (7.5 - 89.6) to 10.6 (5.8 - 27.3) mg/gCr. Furthermore,
      mean eGFR decreased significantly from 102.4 +/- 8.6 to 93.6 +/- 10.5 mL/min/1.73
      m2 in these patients. In contrast, UACR and eGFR did not change significantly in
      patients with eGFR < 90. In addition, analysis of the relationship between the
      amount of change in UACR and blood pressure at 24 weeks revealed a significant
      positive correlation between UACR and SBP values, independently of the presence
      of diabetic nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ipragliflozin may
      facilitate HbA1c control and body weight reduction. Furthermore, our results also
      raise the possibility that ipragliflozin significantly reduces urinary albumin
      levels and improves glomerular hyperfiltration in a subset of patients with type
      2 diabetes.

PMID- 28090232
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute Submassive Pulmonary
      Embolism: Follow-Up Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombolysis in acute submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) remains
      controversial. So we studied impact of thrombolytic therapy in acute submassive
      PE in terms of mortality, hemodynamic status, improvement in right ventricular
      function, and safety in terms of major and minor bleeding. METHOD: A single
      center, prospective, randomized study of 86 patients was conducted at LPS
      Institute of Cardiology, G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur, India. Patients
      received thrombolysis (single bolus of tenecteplase) with unfractionated heparin
      (UFH, group I) or placebo with UFH (group II). RESULT: Mean age of patients was
      54.35 +/- 12.8 years with male dominance (M:F = 70%:30%). Smoking was the most
      common risk factor seen in 29% of all patients, followed by recent history of
      immobilization (25%), history of surgery or major trauma within past 1 month
      (15%), dyslipidemia (10%) and diabetes mellitus (10%). Dyspnea was the most
      common symptom in 80% of all patients, followed by chest pain in 55% and syncope
      in 6%. Primary efficacy outcome occurred significantly better in group I vs.
      group II (4.5% vs. 20%; P = 0.04), and significant difference was also found in
      hemodynamic decompensation (4.5% vs. 20%; P = 0.04), the fall in mean pulmonary
      artery systolic pressure (PASP) (28.8% vs. 22.5%; P = 0.03), improvement in right
      ventricular (RV) function (70% vs. 40%; P = 0.001) and mean hospital stay (8.1 +/
      2.5 vs. 11.1 +/- 2.14 days; P = 0.001). There was no difference in mortality and
      major bleeding as safety outcome but increased minor bleeding occurred in group I
      patients (16% vs. 12%; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Patients with acute submassive PE
      do not derive overall mortality benefit, recurrent PE and rehospitalization with
      thrombolytic therapy but had improved clinical outcome in form of decrease in
      hemodynamic decompensation, mean hospital stay, PASP and improvement of RV
      function with similar risk of major bleed but at cost of increased minor
      bleeding.

PMID- 28090234
TI  - Increased Hematocrit During Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor Therapy.

PMID- 28090233
TI  - Hispanic Patient Perspectives of the Physician's Role in Obesity Management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known concerning Hispanic patients' perceptions about the
      role of the physician in obesity management. This study seeks to describe the
      perspectives of Hispanic patients toward weight loss, and what they believe their
      doctor's role should be in the management of obesity. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      study utilizing semi-structured interviews was conducted in a university-based
      family medicine clinic. Open-ended questions explored beliefs about the
      relationship between weight and health, previous weight loss experience,
      perceptions about the role of the physician in weight loss, past experiences with
      their physician, and preferences for how a physician could help facilitate weight
      loss. The free recall listing technique was used to elicit responses. Common
      themes were identified by a group coding process. RESULTS: Patients were open to
      discussion from physicians concerning weight loss but many had not been
      approached. They wanted assistance from their doctors in the form of dietician
      referrals, specific weight loss goals, and encouragement. Patients' knowledge
      about the implications of excess weight on health was lacking. CONCLUSION:
      Hispanic patients want more help and advice from their doctors. General knowledge
      of the health implications of obesity was lacking, indicating a need for more
      health education by the healthcare team.

PMID- 28090235
TI  - A Possible Mechanism for Renoprotective Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2
      Inhibitor: Elevation of Erythropoietin Production.

PMID- 28090236
TI  - Optimal Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index Cut-Offs for Obesity in Japan.

PMID- 28090237
TI  - Positive Criminology and Rethinking the Response to Adolescent Addiction:
      Evidence on the Role of Social Support, Religiosity, and Service to Others.
AB  - Adolescent addiction has emerged as a major public health problem. The greatest
      increase in alcohol and other drug use disorders can be found among youth.
      Concurrently, technological advances in policing coupled with aggressive
      prosecuting and sentencing practices have contributed to the growth of America's
      correctional system. The assertive response of policing, courts, and corrections,
      however, have not prevented the dramatic rise of adolescent addiction.
      Unfortunately, there is no national data tracking addicted youth in the criminal
      justice system to evaluate what works when it comes to youth with addiction. This
      article reviews justice system responses to adolescent offenders with addiction,
      and promising approaches engaging juveniles in programmatic components of
      Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This study highlights the role of spirituality,
      service to others, and social support in maintaining sobriety, reducing arrests,
      and lowering recidivism for adolescents court-referred to treatment.
      Recommendations for improving the response to adolescent offenders with addiction
      are offered.

PMID- 28090239
TI  - THE SCREENING AND RANKING ALGORITHM FOR CHANGE-POINTS DETECTION IN MULTIPLE
      SAMPLES.
AB  - The chromosome copy number variation (CNV) is the deviation of genomic regions
      from their normal copy number states, which may associate with many human
      diseases. Current genetic studies usually collect hundreds to thousands of
      samples to study the association between CNV and diseases. CNVs can be called by
      detecting the change-points in mean for sequences of array-based intensity
      measurements. Although multiple samples are of interest, the majority of the
      available CNV calling methods are single sample based. Only a few multiple sample
      methods have been proposed using scan statistics that are computationally
      intensive and designed toward either common or rare change-points detection. In
      this paper, we propose a novel multiple sample method by adaptively combining the
      scan statistic of the screening and ranking algorithm (SaRa), which is
      computationally efficient and is able to detect both common and rare change
      points. We prove that asymptotically this method can find the true change-points
      with almost certainty and show in theory that multiple sample methods are
      superior to single sample methods when shared change-points are of interest.
      Additionally, we report extensive simulation studies to examine the performance
      of our proposed method. Finally, using our proposed method as well as two
      competing approaches, we attempt to detect CNVs in the data from the Primary Open
      Angle Glaucoma Genes and Environment study, and conclude that our method is
      faster and requires less information while our ability to detect the CNVs is
      comparable or better.

PMID- 28090240
TI  - Coccygeal Pad With an Anterior Flexed Coccyx: A Case Report.
AB  - Objective: A coccygeal pad is a nodular lesion in the sacrococcygeal area. It is
      a rare disease characterized by corneal thickening, the proliferation of collagen
      bundles, and an anterior flexed coccyx. In the English literature, 42 patients
      have been reported. Methods: We present a young male case of a typical coccygeal
      pad with an anterior flexed coccyx. Results: After resection of the nodule and
      coccygectomy, there has been no recurrence during the 6-month postoperative
      follow-up. Conclusions: Plastic surgeons should recognize this as a disease to be
      differentiated from gluteal skin tumors.

PMID- 28090238
TI  - Red blood cell dynamics in biomimetic microfluidic networks of pulmonary alveolar
      capillaries.
AB  - The pulmonary capillary networks (PCNs) embody organ-specific microvasculatures,
      where blood vessels form dense meshes that maximize the surface area available
      for gas exchange in the lungs. With characteristic capillary lengths and
      diameters similar to the size of red blood cells (RBCs), seminal descriptions
      coined the term "sheet flow" nearly half a century ago to differentiate PCNs from
      the usual notion of Poiseuille flow in long straight tubes. Here, we revisit in
      true-scale experiments the original "sheet flow" model and devise for the first
      time biomimetic microfluidic platforms of organ-specific PCN structures perfused
      with RBC suspensions at near-physiological hematocrit levels. By implementing RBC
      tracking velocimetry, our measurements reveal a wide range of heterogonous RBC
      pathways that coexist synchronously within the PCN; a phenomenon that persists
      across the broad range of pressure drops and capillary segment sizes
      investigated. Interestingly, in spite of the intrinsic complexity of the PCN
      structure and the heterogeneity in RBC dynamics observed at the microscale, the
      macroscale bulk flow rate versus pressure drop relationship retains its
      linearity, where the hydrodynamic resistance of the PCN is to a first order
      captured by the characteristic capillary segment size. To the best of our
      knowledge, our in vitro efforts constitute a first, yet significant, step in
      exploring systematically the transport dynamics of blood in morphologically
      inspired capillary networks.

PMID- 28090241
TI  - Reverse Adipofascial Radial Forearm Flap Surgery for Soft-Tissue Reconstruction
      of Hand Defects.
AB  - Objective: The reverse radial forearm flap has been used for soft-tissue hand
      defect surgical procedures worldwide. One of the major drawbacks of this flap,
      however, is donor site morbidity, as the donor site is closed with a skin graft.
      Problems with skin graft donor areas include adhesion, contracture, and wound
      healing complications. In this study, only the adipofascial component of a
      reverse radial forearm flap was used to prevent these problems; in addition, a
      skin graft was applied over the flap instead of over the donor site. Methods:
      Between January 2011 and December 2013, a total of 13 hand defects were
      reconstructed with a reverse adipofascial radial forearm flap. Patients were
      evaluated for functional results using total active motion criteria and
      disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores, operation time, hospitalization
      time, and patient satisfaction. Results: All flaps and grafts placed on flaps
      survived completely and donor sites healed without complications. The total
      active motion criteria and the disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand score
      demonstrated that the functional outcomes were successful. Patient satisfaction
      scores using the visual analog scale had a mean of 88.3 (SD = 2.95) mm. Operation
      time for the flap surgery was 126.1 (SD = 21.80) minutes, and patients were
      discharged at an average of 6.3 (SD = 1.44) days. Conclusion: Use of an
      adipofascial component in reverse radial forearm flap surgery is appropriate for
      reducing problems with donor site skin grafts. Patients' functional outcomes
      denoted that the reverse adipofascial radial forearm flap is a reliable and
      effective method to cover soft-tissue defects of the hand. Level of Evidence: IV.

PMID- 28090242
TI  - Reconstructing Defects of the Lower Lip: An Emphasis on the Estlander Flap.

PMID- 28090243
TI  - Management of Lumbosacral Myelomeningocele.

PMID- 28090246
TI  - Bayesian Covariate Selection in Mixed-Effects Models For Longitudinal Shape
      Analysis.
AB  - The goal of longitudinal shape analysis is to understand how anatomical shape
      changes over time, in response to biological processes, including growth, aging,
      or disease. In many imaging studies, it is also critical to understand how these
      shape changes are affected by other factors, such as sex, disease diagnosis, IQ,
      etc. Current approaches to longitudinal shape analysis have focused on modeling
      age-related shape changes, but have not included the ability to handle
      covariates. In this paper, we present a novel Bayesian mixed-effects shape model
      that incorporates simultaneous relationships between longitudinal shape data and
      multiple predictors or covariates to the model. Moreover, we place an Automatic
      Relevance Determination (ARD) prior on the parameters, that lets us automatically
      select which covariates are most relevant to the model based on observed data. We
      evaluate our proposed model and inference procedure on a longitudinal study of
      Huntington's disease from PREDICT-HD. We first show the utility of the ARD prior
      for model selection in a univariate modeling of striatal volume, and next we
      apply the full high-dimensional longitudinal shape model to putamen shapes.

PMID- 28090244
TI  - Neurodegeneration and Glial Response after Acute Striatal Stroke: Histological
      Basis for Neuroprotective Studies.
AB  - Stroke is a leading cause of death and neurological disability worldwide and
      striatal ischemic stroke is frequent in humans due to obstruction of middle
      cerebral artery. Several pathological events underlie damage progression and a
      comprehensive description of the pathological features following experimental
      stroke in both acute and chronic survival times is a necessary step for further
      functional studies. Here, we explored the patterns of microglial activation,
      astrocytosis, oligodendrocyte damage, myelin impairment, and Nogo-A
      immunoreactivity between 3 and 30 postlesion days (PLDs) after experimental
      striatal stroke in adult rats induced by microinjections of endothelin-1 (ET-1).
      The focal ischemia induced tissue loss concomitant with intense microglia
      activation between 3 and 14 PLDs (maximum at 7 PLDs), decreasing afterward.
      Astrocytosis was maximum around 7 PLDs. Oligodendrocyte damage and Nogo-A
      upregulation were higher at 3 PLDs. Myelin impairment was maximum between 7 and
      14 PLDs. Nogo-A expression was higher in the first week in comparison to control.
      The results add important histopathological features of ET-1 induced stroke in
      subacute and chronic survival times. In addition, the establishment of the
      temporal evolution of these neuropathological events is an important step for
      future studies seeking suitable neuroprotective drugs targeting neuroinflammation
      and white matter damage.

PMID- 28090247
TI  - OPTIMAL PARAMETER MAP ESTIMATION FOR SHAPE REPRESENTATION: A GENERATIVE APPROACH.
AB  - Probabilistic label maps are a useful tool for important medical image analysis
      tasks such as segmentation, shape analysis, and atlas building. Existing methods
      typically rely on blurred signed distance maps or smoothed label maps to model
      uncertainties and shape variabilities, which do not conform to any generative
      model or estimation process, and are therefore suboptimal. In this paper, we
      propose to learn probabilistic label maps using a generative model on given set
      of binary label maps. The proposed approach generalizes well on unseen data while
      simultaneously capturing the variability in the training samples. Efficiency of
      the proposed approach is demonstrated for consensus generation and shape-based
      clustering using synthetic datasets as well as left atrial segmentations from
      late-gadolinium enhancement MRI.

PMID- 28090245
TI  - Chlorinated Phospholipids and Fatty Acids: (Patho)physiological Relevance,
      Potential Toxicity, and Analysis of Lipid Chlorohydrins.
AB  - Chlorinated phospholipids are formed by the reaction of hypochlorous acid (HOCl),
      generated by the enzyme myeloperoxidase under inflammatory conditions, and the
      unsaturated fatty acyl residues or the head group. In the first case the
      generated chlorohydrins are both proinflammatory and cytotoxic, thus having a
      significant impact on the structures of biomembranes. The latter case leads to
      chloramines, the properties of which are by far less well understood. Since HOCl
      is also widely used as a disinfecting and antibacterial agent in medicinal,
      industrial, and domestic applications, it may represent an additional source of
      danger in the case of abuse or mishandling. This review discusses the reaction
      behavior of in vivo generated HOCl and biomolecules like DNA, proteins, and
      carbohydrates but will focus on phospholipids. Not only the beneficial and
      pathological (toxic) effects of chlorinated lipids but also the importance of
      these chlorinated species is discussed. Some selected cleavage products of
      (chlorinated) phospholipids and plasmalogens such as lysophospholipids,
      (chlorinated) free fatty acids and alpha-chloro fatty aldehydes, which are all
      well known to massively contribute to inflammatory diseases associated with
      oxidative stress, will be also discussed. Finally, common analytical methods to
      study these compounds will be reviewed with focus on mass spectrometric
      techniques.

PMID- 28090248
TI  - Just change the channel? Studying effects of age on emotion regulation using a TV
      watching paradigm.
AB  - Older adults are theorized to benefit from proactive forms of emotion regulation
      that allow them to avoid negative stimuli (Charles, 2010). To test this, we
      examined choices as a form of emotion regulation. In two studies investigating
      age differences, participants selected affective stimuli using a cable television
      interface, while choices and mood were recorded. In lab-based Study 1, older
      adults spent more time watching neutral channels, but younger adults spent more
      time watching positive ones. Older adults also watched more low-arousal content,
      while younger adults watched more high-arousal content. Lagged analyses revealed
      that younger adults' choices were directed toward increasing positive affect and
      arousal. Study 2 replicated these findings in a community-based adult lifespan
      sample at a local museum. These findings suggest that arousal plays an important
      role in motivating emotion regulation behavior in the context of selections, and
      this differs by age.

PMID- 28090249
TI  - Multimodality Imaging for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Severity Grading: A
      Methodological Review.
AB  - Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), defined by an increase in left ventricular
      mass (LVM), is a common cardiac finding generally caused by an increase in
      pressure or volume load. Assessing severity of LVH is of great clinical value in
      terms of prognosis and treatment choices, as LVH severity grades correlate with
      the risk for presenting cardiovascular events. The three main cardiac parameters
      for the assessment of LVH are wall thickness, LVM, and LV geometry.
      Echocardiography, with large availability and low cost, is the technique of
      choice for their assessment. Consequently, reference values for LVH severity in
      clinical guidelines are based on this technique. However, cardiac magnetic
      resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CT) are increasingly used in clinical
      practice, providing excellent image quality. Nevertheless, there is no extensive
      data to support reference values based on these techniques, while comparative
      studies between the three techniques show different results in wall thickness and
      LVM measurements. In this paper, we provide an overview of the different
      methodologies used to assess LVH severity with echocardiography, CMR and CT. We
      argue that establishing reference values per imaging modality, and possibly
      indexed to body surface area and classified per gender, ethnicity and age-group,
      might be essential for the correct classification of LVH severity.

PMID- 28090250
TI  - Early Detection for Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
      without Pulmonary Hypertension.

PMID- 28090251
TI  - Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Normal Korean Population: Is
      Now to Start Using in Routine Clinical Practice?

PMID- 28090252
TI  - The Relation of Epicardial Fat Thickness, Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and
      Circadian Rhythm of Blood Pressure.

PMID- 28090253
TI  - The Incremental Effect of Obesity on Myocardial Fibrosis In Patients with Aortic
      Stenosis.

PMID- 28090254
TI  - The Importance of Echocardiographic Screening for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
      in Korean Patients with Systemic Sclerosis.

PMID- 28090255
TI  - Clinical Utility of Echocardiography for the Diagnosis and Prognosis in Children
      with Bronchopulmonary Dsyplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may result in chronic pulmonary
      artery hypertension and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Various
      echocardiographic assessments of RV dysfunction have been used to determine
      whether echocardiographic measurements of premature infants with BPD could
      provide sensitive measures of RV function that correlates with BPD severity.
      METHODS: Twenty-eight control subjects without BPD (non BPD group), 28 patients
      with mild BPD, 11 patients with moderate BPD, and six patients with severe BPD
      underwent echocardiograms with standard measurement such as ejection fraction by
      M-mode, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, myocardial performance index
      (MPI) derived from pulse Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) measurements.
      BPD severity was classified by the NICHD/NHLBI/ORD workshop rating scale. Twenty
      eight control subjects without BPD (non BPD group), 28 patients with mild BPD, 11
      patients with moderate BPD, and six patients with severe BPD underwent
      echocardiograms with standard measurement such as ejection fraction by M-mode,
      tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, myocardial performance index (MPI)
      derived from pulse Doppler, and TDI measurements. BPD severity was classified by
      the NICHD/NHLBI/ORD workshop rating scale. RESULTS: None of the standard
      echocardiographic findings was significantly different between the control group
      and BPD groups. However, mean septal TDI-MPI of the severe BPD group (0.68 +/-
      0.06) was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that of the non-BPD (0.58 +/-
      0.10) or the mild BPD group (0.59 +/- 0.12). In addition, mean RV TDI-MPI of the
      severe BPD group (0.71 +/- 0.13) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of
      the non-BPD group (0.56 +/- 0.08) or the mild BPD group (0.60 +/- 0.125). Linear
      regression showed a good correlation between the severity of BPD and RV TDI-MPI
      (p = 0.01, R = 0.30) or septal TDI-MPI (p = 0.04, R = 0.24). CONCLUSION:
      Echocardiographic evaluation of RV function based on an assessment of RV TDI-MPI
      can provide RV dysfunction parameter in premature infants with BPD.

PMID- 28090256
TI  - Normal 2-Dimensional Strain Values of the Left Ventricle: A Substudy of the
      Normal Echocardiographic Measurements in Korean Population Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is important to understand the distribution of 2-dimensional
      strain values in normal population. We performed a multicenter trial to measure
      normal echocardiographic values in the Korean population. METHODS: This was a
      substudy of the Normal echOcardiogRaphic Measurements in KoreAn popuLation
      (NORMAL) study. Echocardiographic specialists measured frequently used
      echocardiographic indices in healthy people according to a standardized method at
      23 different university hospitals. The strain values were analyzed from digitally
      stored images. RESULTS: Of a total of 1003 healthy participants in NORMAL study,
      2-dimensional strain values were measured in 501 subjects (265 females, mean age
      47 +/- 15 years old) with echocardiographic images only by GE echocardiographic
      machines. Interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular (LV) posterior wall
      thickness, systolic and diastolic LV dimensions, and LV ejection fraction were
      7.5 +/- 1.0 mm, 7.4 +/- 1.0 mm, 29.9 +/- 2.8 mm, 48.9 +/- 3.6 mm, and 62 +/- 4%,
      respectively. LV longitudinal systolic strain (LS) values of apical 4-chamber
      (A4C) view, apical 3-chamber (A3C) view, apical 2-chamber (A2C) view, and LV
      global LS (LVGLS) were -20.1 +/- 2.3, -19.9 +/- 2.7, -21.2 +/- 2.6, and -20.4 +/-
      2.2%, respectively. LV longitudinal systolic strain rate (LVLSR) values of the
      A4C view, A3C view, A2C view, and LV global LSR (LVGLSR) were -1.18 +/- 0.18, 
      1.20 +/- 0.21, -1.25 +/- 0.21, and -1.21 +/- 0.21-s, respectively. Females had
      lower LVGLS (-21.2 +/- 2.2% vs. -19.5 +/- 1.9%, p < 0.001) and LVGLSR (-1.25 +/-
      0.18-s vs. -1.17 +/- 0.15-s, p < 0.001) values than males. CONCLUSION: We
      measured LV longitudinal strain and strain rate values in the normal Korean
      population. Since considerable gender differences were observed, normal
      echocardiographic cutoff values should be differentially applied based on sex.

PMID- 28090257
TI  - Epicardial Fat Thickness and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio are Increased in Non
      Dipper Hypertensive Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between
      echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness (EFT), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio
      (NLR; an important inflammatory marker), and diurnal blood pressure (BP) changes
      in patients with recently diagnosed essential hypertension. METHODS: A total of
      647 patients underwent echocardiography and 24 hours of ambulatory BP monitoring.
      EFT was measured by echocardiography, while NLR was measured by dividing the
      neutrophil count by the lymphocyte count. Patients were categorized into three
      groups according to BP pattern: the normotensive group, the dipper group, and the
      non-dipper group. RESULTS: The mean EFT was highest in the non-dipper group (non
      dipper group, 7.3 +/- 3.0 mm; dipper group, 6.1 +/- 2.0 mm; control group, 5.6 +/
      2.0 mm; p < 0.001). NLR was also highest in the non-dipper group (non-dipper,
      2.75 +/- 2.81; dipper, 2.01 +/- 1.32; control, 1.92 +/- 1.11; p < 0.001). EFT was
      significantly correlated with age (r = 0.160, p < 0.001) and NLR (r = 0.353, p <
      0.001). Furthermore, an EFT >= 7.0 mm was associated with the non-dipper BP
      pattern with 51.3% sensitivity and 71.6% specificity [95% confidence interval
      (CI) = 0.56-0.65, p < 0.001]. In a multivariate analysis, EFT [adjusted odds
      ratio (OR) = 3.99, 95% CI = 1.22-13.10, p = 0.022] and NLR (OR = 1.34, 95% CI =
      1.05-1.71, p = 0.018) were independent parameters that distinguished a non-dipper
      pattern after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: EFT and NLR
      are independently associated with impaired diurnal BP profiles in hypertensive
      individuals. EFT (as measured by echocardiography) and NLR appear to be helpful
      in stratifying cardiometabolic risk.

PMID- 28090259
TI  - Prevalence of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Korean Adult Patients with
      Systemic Sclerosis: Result of a Pilot Echocardiographic Screening Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major cause of morbidity
      and mortality among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Early detection and
      prompt treatment of PAH associated with SSc (SSc-PAH) result in better prognosis.
      We conducted echocardiographic study to presume the prevalence of PAH in Korean
      adult SSc patients and to diagnose SSc-PAH in their early stages with right heart
      catheterization (RHC). METHODS: We performed free of charge echocardiographic
      study including 37 adult SSc patients at the Chungnam National University
      Hospital. The possibility of PAH is determined by the estimation of pulmonary
      arterial pressure by peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity of > 3.0 m/s. Patients
      with possible PAH were recommended to undergo RHC to confirm the diagnosis.
      RESULTS: In 37 patients, 8 patients were suspected with PAH. Among them, 6
      patients agreed to be examined with RHC, and 4 were confirmed with PAH. The
      prevalence of possible PAH was 21.6% (8 of 37 patients), and that of confirmed
      PAH was 10.8% (4 of 37 patients). Four patients who were confirmed with SSc-PAH
      through RHC have been treated with specific pulmonary vasodilators and maintained
      stable. CONCLUSION: Eight patients (21.6%) were possible PAH and 4 (10.8%) were
      diagnosed as SSc-PAH by RHC after the echocardiographic screening study of 37
      adult SSc patients.

PMID- 28090258
TI  - Echocardiographic and Histologic Correlations in Patients with Severe Aortic
      Stenosis: Influence of Overweight and Obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe aortic stenosis (AS), leads to pathological left ventricular
      remodeling that may worsen with concomitant overweight and obesity (OW/O).
      METHODS: We aimed to prospectively analyze the impact of OW/O on ventricular
      remodeling in severe AS, by evaluating the percentage of intraendomyocardial
      fibrosis (PIEF) and the percentage of infiltrating intraendocardial lipid
      vacuoles (PIELV) and its relationship to global longitudinal strain (GLS) in
      patients with OW/O. RESULTS: 44 patients with severe AS were included, 13 non
      obese (29%) and 31 OW/O (71%), all of them with left ventricular ejection
      fraction >= 55%. GLS was evaluated with 2D speckle tracking. During valve
      replacement, an endocardial biopsy was obtained, where PIEF and PIELV were
      analyzed. Patients with higher PIEF and PIELV had greater body mass index (p <
      0.0001) and worse GLS (p < 0.0053). A GLS cut-off point < -14% had a sensitivity
      of 75%, and a specificity of 92.8% to detect important PIEF (AUC: 0.928, 95%
      confidence interval: 0.798-1.00). On multivariate analysis, OW/O and PIELV were
      independently associated to the PIEF, and OW/O and PIEF were independently
      associated to GLS. A high correlation between the amount of PIELV and PIEF were
      found. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe AS and OW/O have greater PIEF and PIELV,
      suggesting more pathological remodeling. GLS is useful to detect subclinical
      myocardial injury and is potentially useful for endomyocardial fibrosis
      detection. The presence of higher PIELF may be a trigger factor for the
      development of intraendomyocardial fibrosis.

PMID- 28090260
TI  - Redefining Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis with Echocardiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effusive-constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is traditionally diagnosed
      by using the expensive and invasive technique of direct pressure measurements in
      the pericardial space and the right atrium. The aim of this study was to assess
      the diagnostic role of echocardiography in tuberculous ECP. METHODS:
      Intrapericardial and right atrial pressures were measured pre- and post
      pericardiocentesis, and right ventricular and left ventricular pressures were
      measured post-pericardiocentesis in patients with tuberculous pericardial
      effusions. Echocardiography was performed post-pericardiocentesis. Traditional,
      pressure-based diagnostic criteria were compared with post-pericardiocentesis
      systolic discordance and echocardiographic evidence of constriction. RESULTS:
      Thirty-two patients with tuberculous pericardial disease were included. Sixteen
      had ventricular discordance (invasively measured), 16 had ECP as measured by
      intrapericardial and right atrial invasive pressure measurements and 17 had ECP
      determined echocardiographically. The sensitivity and specificity of pressure
      guided measurements (compared with discordance) for the diagnosis of ECP were
      both 56%. The positive and negative predictive values were both 56%. The
      sensitivity of echocardiography (compared with discordance) for the diagnosis of
      ECP was 81% and the specificity 75%, while the positive and the negative
      predictive values were 76% and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography
      shows a better diagnostic performance than invasive, pressure-based measurements
      for the diagnosis of ECP when both these techniques are compared with the gold
      standard of invasively measured systolic discordance.

PMID- 28090261
TI  - Fabry Disease Presenting with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Tricuspid
      Regurgitation.
AB  - A 71-year-old female who was diagnosed with nonobstructive hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy since 1999 presented with dyspnea and severe edema on both legs.
      For the management of her symptom, cardiac surgery including tricuspid
      annuloplasty, Maze operation and right atrial reduction plasty was performed.
      During follow-up after cardiac surgery, a plasma alpha-galactosidase activity was
      checked for the screening of Fabry disease and the result was around lower normal
      limit. DNA analysis was implemented for confirmation and it revealed a
      heterozygote alpha-galactosidase mutation at exon 6 [c.901C>T (p.Arg301Ter)].
      This case suggests that Fabry disease might be easily undetected, and clinical
      suspicion is critical.

PMID- 28090262
TI  - Rapidly Growing Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Mass in Patient with Sarcomatoid
      Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Cardiac metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) without inferior vena cava
      (IVC) involvements is extremely rare with few reported cases. Sarcomatoid RCC
      with rhabdoid feature is a rare pathologic type of RCC having aggressive behavior
      due to great metastatic potential. Here, we report a case of rapidly growing
      cardiac metastasis of RCC which brought on right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT)
      obstruction without IVC and right atrial involvement in a 61-year-old woman.
      Cardiac arrest occurred during radical nephrectomy and echocardiography revealed
      mass nearly obstructing the RVOT which was not recognized by preoperative
      echocardiography 1 month ago. Postoperative immunohistochemical evaluation of
      renal mass revealed sarcomatoid RCC with rhabdoid feature.

PMID- 28090263
TI  - Right Atrial Paraganglioma: An Extremely Rare Primary Cardiac Neoplasm Mimicking
      Myxoma.
AB  - In this report, we present a case of 35-year-old lady who had presented with
      atypical chest pain and exertional breathlessness for past six months.
      Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms showed a well-circumscribed,
      echo-dense mass in the right atrium, attached to the interatrial septum at the
      level of atrioventricular junction and in the vicinity of coronary sinus ostium.
      She underwent successful resection of the cardiac mass. Histopathology revealed
      paraganglioma, which was reconfirmed by immunohistochemistry study. This
      represents an extremely rare presentation as primary cardiac tumors are 20-times
      less common than metastatic tumors and paraganglioma is one of the rarest primary
      cardiac tumors, accounting for < 1% of all cases.

PMID- 28090264
TI  - Drought stress-induced changes of microRNAs in diploid and autotetraploid
      Paulownia tomentosa.
AB  - Drought stress adversely affects plant productivity. Growth and timber production
      of Paulownia trees are limited under drought stress. Changes in gene expression
      patterns and miRNA in different ploidy of Paulownia tomentosa have been
      investigated. However, the responses of P. tomentosa to drought stress at the
      microRNA (miRNA) level have not been reported so far. To identify miRNA
      candidates and their target genes involved in the drought stress response in
      diploid and tetraploid P. tomentosa, four small RNA and four degradome libraries
      from diploid and autotetraploid P. tomentosa under normal and drought stress
      conditions were constructed and sequenced. A total of 41 conserved and 90 novel
      miRNAs were identified. Among these miRNAs, 67 (26 conserved and 41 novel) and 53
      (six conserved and 47 novel) were significantly differentially expressed in
      response to drought stress in diploid and autotetraploid P. tomentosa,
      respectively. Degradome analysis identified 356 candidate miRNA target genes that
      encoded proteins with functions that included plant defense, transcriptional
      regulation, and hormone metabolism. In particular, miR4 and miR156 were
      identified only in autotetraploid P. tomentosa under drought stress. These
      results will help us build a foundation for future studies of the biological
      functions of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in P. tomentosa.

PMID- 28090265
TI  - Identification and monitoring of Korean medicines derived from Cinnamomum spp. by
      using ITS and DNA marker.
AB  - In this study, we identified and evaluated the genetic relationships among
      Cinnamomum plants, which are used in traditional medicine. We also attempted to
      monitor the distribution of traditional medicines derived from Cinnamomum cassia
      by using DNA barcoding and a species-specific DNA marker. Plants of the genus
      Cinnamomum, and in particular C. cassia, are commonly used as medicinal herbs in
      the form of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Cassiae Cortex Interior.
      However, it is difficult to distinguish among different Cinnamomum species based
      on morphological features, and so to overcome this limitation, nucleotide
      sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of Cinnamomum DNA were
      determined and compared. On the basis of the discrepancy in determined ITS
      sequences, a 408-bp product, amplified by the primer pair CC F1/CC R3, was
      developed as a C. cassia-specific DNA marker. Using the developed DNA marker in
      combination with the ITS 2 nucleotide sequence, we monitored imported and
      commercially supplied medicinal products derived from Cinnamomum plants in
      markets in Korean, China, and Japan. The results revealed that most of the
      specimens monitored were derived from C. cassia.

PMID- 28090266
TI  - Reconstruction of a composite comparative map composed of ten legume genomes.
AB  - The Fabaceae (legume family) is the third largest and the second of agricultural
      importance among flowering plant groups. In this study, we report the
      reconstruction of a composite comparative map composed of ten legume genomes,
      including seven species from the galegoid clade (Medicago truncatula, Medicago
      sativa, Lens culinaris, Pisum sativum, Lotus japonicus, Cicer arietinum, Vicia
      faba) and three species from the phaseoloid clade (Vigna radiata, Phaseolus
      vulgaris, Glycine max). To accomplish this comparison, a total of 209 cross
      species gene-derived markers were employed. The comparative analysis resulted in
      a single extensive genetic/genomic network composed of 93 chromosomes or linkage
      groups, from which 110 synteny blocks and other evolutionary events (e.g., 13
      inversions) were identified. This comparative map also allowed us to deduce
      several large scale evolutionary events, such as chromosome fusion/fission, with
      which might explain differences in chromosome numbers among compared species or
      between the two clades. As a result, useful properties of cross-species genic
      markers were re-verified as an efficient tool for cross-species translation of
      genomic information, and similar approaches, combined with a high throughput
      bioinformatic marker design program, should be effective for applying the
      knowledge of trait-associated genes to other important crop species for breeding
      purposes. Here, we provide a basic comparative framework for the ten legume
      species, and expect to be usefully applied towards the crop improvement in legume
      breeding.

PMID- 28090267
TI  - Complications of Hot Turmeric Use in Acute Trauma.
AB  - The use of hot Tumeric paste for treatment of musculoskeletal injuries is a home
      remedy commonly used in Oman. This practice occasionally leads to skin burns
      complicating an already injured extremity. This case report discusses the uses of
      Tumeric as a medicine as well as the management of the complication arising from
      its improper use as illustrated in this case.

PMID- 28090268
TI  - Post Traumatic Buccal Fat Pad Injury in a Child: A missed entity in ER.
AB  - Maxillofacial injuries in the paediatric age group is common and traumatic
      herniation of buccal fat pad represents one of the few sequel to facial injuries
      which can easily be missed during primary or secondary survey in the emergency
      department, especially in young patients. The uncommon occurrence and thus lack
      of knowledge, often alarms the parents and/or attending physian alike with the
      presence of a tumor like lesion within the oral cavity in the post-traumatic
      period. The following case report describes one such incidence of traumatic
      extrusion of the buccal fat pad into the oral cavity while addressing the need to
      reinforce the practice of thorough clinical examination before managing any
      patient.

PMID- 28090269
TI  - Primary Tuberculosis of the Appendix.
AB  - Primary (isolated) tuberculosis of the appendix is a clinical rarity, its
      reported incidence being 0.1 to 0.3%. Diagnosis is often made only after
      histopathological examination of resected specimen. This report describes two
      patients with clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis and appendicular mass
      respectively, who were finally diagnosed to have tuberculosis of the appendix on
      histopathological examination. This article stresses the importance of
      histopathological examination of resected appendix.

PMID- 28090270
TI  - Coronary Artery Fistula with Heart Failure in Early Infancy.
AB  - Heart failure in early infancy is commonly caused by lesions leading to pulmonary
      over circulation secondary to left-to-right shunt. This case report describes an
      unusual cause of significant left-to-right shunt in a 2 months old infant
      presenting with congestive heart failure, which was diagnosed with transthoracic
      echocardiography. In this infant, transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler
      color flow mapping allowed direct visualization of a large right coronary artery
      to right ventricular fistula that was surgically corrected successfully.

PMID- 28090271
TI  - Rupture of Pseudo aneurysm of Popliteal vessels due to pin migration of External
      Fixator- A Rare Case Report.
AB  - External fixators for fracture stabilization or limb lengthening cause
      complications such as pseudoaneurysm, acute ischemia, bleeding, compartment
      syndrome, and arterio venous fistula. This is a report of a patient who sustained
      open fracture of both bones of the right leg and the recovery period was
      complicated by a rare complication where migration of the proximal pin of
      external fixator into the popliteal vessels and caused rupture of pseudoaneurysm
      with popliteal vessels injury after a trivial trauma.

PMID- 28090272
TI  - Research in Iran: Hopes and Disappointments.

PMID- 28090273
TI  - The Effects of Berberine and Palmatine on Efflux Pumps Inhibition with Different
      Gene Patterns in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Burn Infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Related Multidrug Resistance (MDR) to efflux pumps is a significant
      problem in treating infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa).
      Plant compounds have been identified as Pump Inhibitors (EPIs). In the current
      study, the potential effect of Berberine and Palmatine as EPIs were investigated
      on efflux pump inhibition through focusing on different gene patterns in P.
      aeruginosa isolated from burn infections. METHODS: All isolates were collected
      and identified using the standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial sensitivity
      was performed based on disk agar diffusion method for 12 antibiotics. MIC-MBC
      tests were also performed based on the broth microdilution method to detect
      synergistic relationship between ciprofloxacin, Berberine and Palmatine.
      Detection of mexA, mexB, mexC, mexD, mexE, mexF and mexX was conducted by PCR
      assay. Fisher's Exact test and Logistic Regression were used as statistical
      tools. RESULTS: A total of 60 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected. The highest
      and lowest levels of resistance were found to be respectively against clindamycin
      and tigecycline. Comparing the MIC with MBC distribution, it was found that
      Berberine and Palmatine lower the MIC-MBC level of ciprofloxacin. The PCR results
      indicated that the highest frequency is about MexAB-OprM operon. The statistical
      analysis among different gene patterns of efflux pumps showed that there were no
      significant relationships between the effectiveness of Berberine and Palmatine
      (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be speculated that Berberine and Palmatine both act
      as EPIs and can be used as auxiliary treatments with the purpose of increasing
      the effect of available antibiotics as well as decreasing the emergence of MDR
      bacteria. The efficiency of these combinations should be studied further under in
      vivo conditions to have a more comprehensive conclusion regarding this issue.

PMID- 28090274
TI  - The Role of M2000 as an Anti-inflammatory Agent in Toll-Like Receptor 2/microRNA
      155 Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: M2000 is a newly designed and safe Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory
      Drug (NSAID). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of M2000 on
      expression levels of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-1 (SOCS-1) and Src Homology
      2 domain-containing inositol-5'-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) proteins via Toll-Like
      Receptor (TLR) 2/microRNA-155 pathway. METHODS: HEK293 TLR2 cell line and
      Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) were treated by different
      concentrations of M2000 in MTT assay. RNA was extracted by miRNeasy Mini kit.
      Then, cDNA was synthesized and the expression levels of SOCS1, SHIP1 and miRNA155
      were evaluated by Quantitative Real time PCR. RESULTS: Our results showed that
      M2000 significantly increased the expression levels of SOCS1 and SHIP-1 in
      Lipopolysachride (LPS)-treated and non-treated cells. Moreover, M2000 decreased
      expression level of miR-155 in LPS treated PBMCs. CONCLUSION: M2000 can be used
      as NSAID in LPS induced inflammation and decrease inflammatory cytokines
      production by targeting SOCS1, SHIP1 and miR-155 in auto-immune and inflammatory
      diseases.

PMID- 28090275
TI  - Induction of Epigenetic Alteration by CPUK02, An Ent- kaurenoid Derivative of
      Stevioside.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary polyphenols, such as those found in green tea and red wine,
      are linked to antitumor activity. They are known to influence many signaling
      pathways epigenetically within the human body. In this regard, CPUK02 (15
      Oxosteviol benzyl ester) is a new ent-kaurenoid derivative of stevioside and
      exhibits strong anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo. Nowadays, the role of
      epigenetics in cancer has been the subject of intensive study and DNA methylation
      targeting represents a relevant strategy for cancer treatment. There are no
      reports regarding the effects of CPUK02 on epigenetic alterations in colorectal
      cancer cell line. This study was an attempt to compare CPUK02 with 5-AZA as DNMT
      inhibitor agent and evaluate whether it can induce its anti-cancer effects via
      altering the level of DNMT3b mRNA, MGMT and SFRP2 methylation pattern in HCT 116
      cell line. METHODS: To evaluate DNMT3b expression, DNMT3B mRNA levels in HCT116
      CRC cell line were quantified by real-time reverse-transcriptase Polymerase Chain
      Reaction (PCR) assay after 24 hr of incubation time with CPUK02 and 5-AZA. In
      addition, the methylation patterns of 2 CpG islands in this cell line were
      examined by methylation-specific PCR methods. RESULTS: CPUK02 surprisingly,
      decreased the DNMT3b mRNA level. The average expression levels of DNMT3b in
      HCT116 treated with CPUK02 and 5-AZA relative to the GAPDH expression level in
      control were 0.16 and 0.5%, respectively. Furthermore, CPUK02 could decrease the
      methylated allele of MGMT and SFRP2 genes in HCT 116 after 24 hr. CONCLUSION: In
      this study, positive correlation was found between mRNA expression of DNMT3b and
      gene promoter hypermethylation after treatment with CPUK02 and 5-AZA. Our data
      confirmed that CPUK02 like 5-AZA exhibits demethylating properties.

PMID- 28090276
TI  - Overexpression of Recombinant Human Teriparatide, rhPTH (1-34) in Escherichia
      coli : An Innovative Gene Fusion Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parathyroid hormone is an 84-amino acid peptide secreted by the
      parathyroid glands. Its physiological role is maintenance of normal serum calcium
      level and bone remodeling. Biological activity of this hormone is related to N
      terminal 1-34 amino acids. The recombinant form of hormone (1-34) has been
      approved for treatment of osteoporosis from 2002. In this study, a novel fusion
      partner has been developed for preparation of high yield recombinant 1-34 amino
      acids of hPTH. METHODS: Novel nucleotide cassette designed encoding a chimeric
      fusion protein comprising of a fusion partner consisting of a His-tag in N
      terminal, 53 amino acids belong to Escherichia coli (E. coli) beta-galactosidase
      (LacZ) gene, a linker sequence for increasing of expression and protection of
      target peptide structure from fusion tag effect, an Enteropeptidase cleavage
      site, rhPTH (1-34) gene fragment. Optimized fusion gene was synthesized and
      ligated into pET-28a vector under control of T7 promoter, and then transformed in
      E. coli (DH5alpha) cells. Positive clones containing this gene were double
      digested with NcoI and-BamHI and also approved by sequencing. Gene overexpression
      was observed in SDS-PAGE after induction with 0.2 mM IPTG. Confirmation of gene
      expression was performed by western blotting using anti-His-tag antibody
      conjugated with peroxidase. RESULTS: By this fusion gene design approach, we
      achieved a high level expression of the rhPTH, where it represented at least
      43.7% of the total protein as determined by SDS-PAGE and confirmed by western
      blotting. CONCLUSION: In addition to high level expression of the designed gene
      in this work, specific amino acid sequence of bacterial beta-galactosidase was
      selected as major part of carrier tag for protection of this hormone as important
      step of recombinant rhPTH with relevant isoelectronic point (pI). This innovation
      resulted in recombinant production of hPTH very well and the gene construct could
      be applied as a pattern for similar recombinant peptides where recombinant
      protein degradation is a critical issue.

PMID- 28090277
TI  - Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity of Substances Isolated from Wild Berry Associated
      Bacteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quorum Sensing (QS) is a mechanism used by bacteria to determine
      their physiological activities and coordinate gene expression based on cell to
      cell signaling. Many bacterial physiological functions are under the regulation
      of quorum sensing such as virulence, luminescence, motility, sporulation and
      biofilm formation. The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize
      Quorum Sensing Inhibitory (QSI) substances from epiphytic bacteria residing on
      wild berries surfaces. METHODS: Fifty nine bacterial isolates out of 600 screened
      bacteria were successfully isolated. These bacteria were obtained from berry
      surfaces of different plants in the wild forests of Ajloun-Jordan. Screening for
      QSI activity using Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 monitor strain, resulted
      in isolating 6 isolates exhibiting QSI activity only, 11 isolates with QSI and
      antibacterial activity, and 42 isolates with antibacterial activity only. Three
      potential isolates S 130, S 153, and S 664, were gram positive rods and spore
      formers, catalase positive and oxidase negative. These were chosen for further
      testing and characterization. RESULTS: Different solvent extraction of the QSI
      substances based on polarity indicated that the activity of S 130 was in the
      butanol extract, S 153 activity in both chloroform and butanol; and for S 664,
      the activity was detected in the hexane extract. The chloroform extract of S 153
      and hexane extract of S 664 were proteinaceous in nature while QSI substances of
      the butanol extract of S 130 and S 153 were non-proteinaceous. All the tested QSI
      substances showed a marked thermal stability when subjected at several time
      intervals to 70 degrees C, with the highest stability observed for the butanol
      extract of S 153. Assessing the QSI substances using violacein quantification
      assay revealed varying degrees of activity depending upon the extracting solvent,
      type of the producer bacteria and the concentration of the substances.
      CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the potential of untapped reservoirs in nature
      to be used as a source of unique metabolite that may be further developed for
      therapy. The potential QSI substances included in this study are just one aspect
      to be further analyzed for use as biopharmaceutical agents.

PMID- 28090278
TI  - Isolation and Identification of Phyllospheric Bacteria Possessing Antimicrobial
      Activity from Astragalus obtusifolius, Prosopis juliflora, Xanthium strumarium
      and Hippocrepis unisiliqousa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The widespread utilization of antimicrobial compounds has caused
      emergence of resistant microorganisms in the world. Hence, the research to probe
      the products with antimicrobial features has led to finding natural habitats and
      discovering new pharmaceutical products. METHODS: In this study, an attempt was
      made to explore the niche of novel habitat to isolate pyllospheric bacteria from
      the above ground parts (stems and leaves) of Astragalus obtusifolius, Prosopis
      juliflora, Xanthium strumarium, and Hippocrepis unisiliqousa to evaluate their
      antimicrobial features. The inhibitory effects of these strains on the growth of
      two fungi (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus), two yeasts (Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, Candida albicans) and six bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus
      aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi,
      Streptococcus pyogenes) were tested. RESULTS: In total, 113 bacterial strains
      were isolated. Twenty five bacterial strains (B-1 to B-25) indicated promising
      antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) activities against aforementioned
      pathogens. The identification of the bacterial strains was ascertained by
      morphological, physiological, biochemical tests and two strains with the
      strongest antimicrobial activities were further characterized based on 16s rRNA
      sequencing. These two strains were identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
      CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence that phyllospheric microorganisms are
      capable of producing some compounds with antimicrobial properties.

PMID- 28090279
TI  - Association of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1 (ABCA1)-565 C/T Gene
      Polymorphism with Hypoalphalipoproteinemia and Serum Lipids, IL-6 and CRP Levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a membrane integral
      protein which plays a vital role in High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and
      exerts a protective effect against Hypoalphalipoproteinemia (HA) by mediation of
      rate-limiting step in HDL biogenesis. In addition, this protein possesses anti
      inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of some inflammatory cytokines
      in macrophages. This study investigated the association of ABCA1-565 C/T gene
      polymorphism with HA and serum lipids, IL-6 and CRP levels. METHODS: A population
      which consisted of 101 HA and 95 normal subjects were genotyped for ABCA1-565C/T
      polymorphism by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length
      Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The serum concentrations of lipids, IL-6 and high
      sensitive-CRP (hs-CRP) were measured by the relevant methods. RESULTS: The
      frequency of T allele was significantly higher in the HA group than the controls
      (31.7 vs. 19.5%, p=0.002). Thus, carriers of the T allele (CT and TT genotypes)
      had a higher risk for HA (p=0.016, OR=2.04, 95% CI=1.14-3.63). T allele carriers
      demonstrated decreased HDL-C and increased triglyceride, IL-6 and CRP levels than
      those with the CC genotype. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the-565 C/T
      polymorphism of ABCA1 gene is associated with an increased risk of HA, decreased
      HDL-C and increased TG, IL-6 and CRP.

PMID- 28090280
TI  - In vitro Activity of Linezolid in Combination with Photodynamic Inactivation
      Against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biofilm infections are a major challenge in medical practice.
      Bacteria that live in a biofilm phenotype are more resistant to both
      antimicrobial therapy and host immune responses compared to their planktonic
      counterparts. So, there is need for new therapeutic strategies to combat these
      infections. A promising approach [known as Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI)] to
      kill bacteria growing as biofilms uses light in combination with a
      photosensitizer to induce a phototoxic reaction which produces reactive oxygen
      species that can destroy lipids and proteins causing cell death. PDI does not
      always guarantee full success, so, combination of PDI with antibiotics may give
      increased efficiency. This study aimed to determine if PDI was effective in the
      eradication of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms in combination with
      linezolid. METHODS: The susceptibility of biofilm cultures of three S. aureus
      strains to Methylene Blue (MB) and Toluidine Blue O (TBO)-mediated PDI was
      determined alone and in combination with linezolid. RESULTS: Bactericidal
      activity (>=3 log10 reduction in viable cell count) was not achieved with MB/TBO
      PDI or antibiotic treatment alone. When antibiotic treatment was combined with
      TBO-PDI, a greater reduction in viable count than antibiotic alone was observed
      for two strains. CONCLUSION: This study showed that although TBO-PDI did not have
      good bactericidal activity against S. aureus biofilms; it increased the
      antimicrobial activity of linezolid against these bacteria.

PMID- 28090281
TI  - Successful Treatment of immune Reconstitution Inflammatory syndrome-related
      Hemophagocytic Syndrome in an HIV Patient with Primary Effusion Lymphoma.
AB  - Although the connection of [secondary hemophagocytic syndrome (sHS)] with HIV has
      been well documented, optimal treatment regimen is not well established. This is
      due not only to the rarity of the syndrome, but also to the heterogeneity of the
      involved population. Most cases are related to opportunistic infections or
      malignancies in advanced stage, but many cases are also related to
      seroconversion, in the primary infection setting. Moreover, in the
      [antiretroviral treatment (ART)] era, rare cases of ART-related sHS have been
      reported. In these, often fatal cases, an [immune reconstitution inflammatory
      syndrome (IRIS)] process is involved, posing a serious challenge to the treating
      physician. We hereby report a case of successful treatment of an HIV patient with
      primary effusion lymphoma who experienced sHS shortly after ART onset. Our
      patient, treated with high dose dexamethasone and gamma globulin, achieved
      complete remission. This case might hint possible therapeutic insights in the
      treatment of IRIS-related sHS.

PMID- 28090282
TI  - Traceless Solid-Phase alpha-Hydroxytropolone Synthesis.
AB  - alpha-Hydroxytropolones are established inhibitors of several therapeutically
      relevant binuclear metalloenzymes, and thus lead drug targets for various human
      diseases. We have leveraged a recently-disclosed three-component oxidopyrylium
      cycloaddition in the first solid-phase synthesis of alpha-hydroxytropolones. We
      also showed that, while minor impurities exist after cleavage and aqueous wash,
      the semi-crude products display activity in HIV RT-associated RNaseH enzymatic
      and cell-based assays consistent with pure molecules made in solution phase.
      These proof-of-principle studies demonstrate the feasibility of solid-phase alpha
      hydroxytropolone synthesis and its potential to serve as a powerful platform for
      alpha-hydroxytropolone-based drug discovery and development.

PMID- 28090283
TI  - Optical control of neuronal activity using a light-operated GIRK channel opener
      (LOGO).
AB  - G-protein coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRKs) are ubiquitously
      expressed throughout the human body and are an integral part of inhibitory signal
      transduction pathways. Upon binding of Gbetagamma subunits released from G
      protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), GIRK channels open and reduce the activity of
      excitable cells via hyperpolarization. As such, they play a role in cardiac
      output, the coordination of movement and cognition. Due to their involvement in a
      multitude of pathways, the precision control of GIRK channels is an important
      endeavour. Here, we describe the development of the photoswitchable agonist LOGO
      (the Light Operated GIRK-channel Opener), which activates GIRK channels in the
      dark and is rapidly deactivated upon exposure to long wavelength UV irradiation.
      LOGO is the first K+ channel opener and selectively targets channels that contain
      the GIRK1 subunit. It can be used to optically silence action potential firing in
      dissociated hippocampal neurons and LOGO exhibits activity in vivo, controlling
      the motility of zebrafish larvae in a light dependent fashion. We envisage that
      LOGO will be a valuable research tool to dissect the function of GIRK channels
      from other GPCR dependent signalling pathways.

PMID- 28090284
TI  - Our readership grows by leaps and bounds.

PMID- 28090285
TI  - Pulmonary vascular and ventricular dysfunction in the susceptible patient (2015
      Grover Conference series).
AB  - Pulmonary blood vessel structure and tone are maintained by a complex interplay
      between endogenous vasoactive factors and oxygen-sensing intermediaries. Under
      physiological conditions, these signaling networks function as an adaptive
      interface between the pulmonary circulation and environmental or acquired
      perturbations to preserve oxygenation and maintain systemic delivery of oxygen
      rich hemoglobin. Chronic exposure to hypoxia, however, triggers a range of
      pathogenetic mechanisms that include hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha)
      dependent upregulation of the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin 1 in pulmonary
      endothelial cells. In pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, chronic hypoxia
      induces HIF-1alpha-mediated upregulation of canonical transient receptor
      potential proteins, as well as increased Rho kinase-Ca2+ signaling and pulmonary
      arteriole synthesis of the profibrotic hormone aldosterone. Collectively, these
      mechanisms contribute to a contractile or hypertrophic pulmonary vascular
      phenotype. Genetically inherited disorders in hemoglobin structure are also an
      important etiology of abnormal pulmonary vasoreactivity. In sickle cell anemia,
      for example, consumption of the vasodilator and antimitogenic molecule nitric
      oxide by cell-free hemoglobin is an important mechanism underpinning pulmonary
      hypertension. Contemporary genomic and transcriptomic analytic methods have also
      allowed for the discovery of novel risk factors relevant to sickle cell disease,
      including GALNT13 gene variants. In this report, we review cutting-edge
      observations characterizing these and other pathobiological mechanisms that
      contribute to pulmonary vascular and right ventricular vulnerability.

PMID- 28090286
TI  - Novel methods in pulmonary hypertension phenotyping in the age of precision
      medicine (2015 Grover Conference series).
AB  - Among pulmonary vascular diseases, pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the best
      studied and has been the focus of our work. The current classification of PH is
      based on a relatively simple combination of patient characteristics and
      hemodynamics. This leads to inherent limitations, including the inability to
      customize treatment and the lack of clarity from a more granular identification
      based on individual patient phenotypes. Accurate phenotyping of PH can be used in
      the clinic to select therapies and determine prognosis and in research to
      increase the homogeneity of study cohorts. Rapid advances in the mechanistic
      understanding of the disease, improved imaging methods, and innovative biomarkers
      now provide an opportunity to define novel PH phenotypes. We have recently shown
      that altered metabolism may affect nitric oxide levels and protein glycosylation,
      the peripheral circulation (which may provide insights into the response to
      therapy), and exhaled-breath analysis (which may be useful in disease
      evaluation). This review is based on a talk presented during the 2015 Grover
      Conference and highlights the relevant literature describing novel methods to
      phenotype pulmonary arterial hypertension patients by using approaches that
      involve the pulmonary and systemic (peripheral) vasculature. In particular,
      abnormalities in metabolism, the pulmonary and peripheral circulation, and
      exhaled breath in PH may help identify phenotypes that can be the basis for a
      precision-medicine approach to PH management. These approaches may also have a
      broader scope and may contribute to a better understanding of other diseases,
      such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer.

PMID- 28090287
TI  - Transcription factors, transcriptional coregulators, and epigenetic modulation in
      the control of pulmonary vascular cell phenotype: therapeutic implications for
      pulmonary hypertension (2015 Grover Conference series).
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex and multifactorial disease involving
      genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Numerous stimuli and pathological
      conditions facilitate severe vascular remodeling in PH by activation of a complex
      cascade of signaling pathways involving vascular cell proliferation,
      differentiation, and inflammation. Multiple signaling cascades modulate the
      activity of certain sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors (TFs) and
      coregulators that are critical for the transcriptional regulation of gene
      expression that facilitates PH-associated vascular cell phenotypes, as
      demonstrated by several studies summarized in this review. Past studies have
      largely focused on the role of the genetic component in the development of PH,
      while the presence of epigenetic alterations such as microRNAs, DNA methylation,
      histone levels, and histone deacetylases in PH is now also receiving increasing
      attention. Epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure is also recognized to
      influence gene expression in development or disease states. Therefore, a complete
      understanding of the mechanisms involved in altered gene expression in diseased
      cells is vital for the design of novel therapeutic strategies. Recent
      technological advances in DNA sequencing will provide a comprehensive improvement
      in our understanding of mechanisms involved in the development of PH. This review
      summarizes current concepts in TF and epigenetic control of cell phenotype in
      pulmonary vascular disease and discusses the current issues and possibilities in
      employing potential epigenetic or TF-based therapies for achieving complete
      reversal of PH.

PMID- 28090288
TI  - Expression profiling elucidates a molecular gene signature for pulmonary
      hypertension in sarcoidosis.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH), when it complicates sarcoidosis, carries a poor
      prognosis, in part because it is difficult to detect early in patients with
      worsening respiratory symptoms. Pathogenesis of sarcoidosis occurs via
      incompletely characterized mechanisms that are distinct from the mechanisms of
      pulmonary vascular remodeling well known to occur in conjunction with other
      chronic lung diseases. To address the need for a biomarker to aid in early
      detection as well as the gap in knowledge regarding the mechanisms of PH in
      sarcoidosis, we used genome-wide peripheral blood gene expression analysis and
      identified an 18-gene signature capable of distinguishing sarcoidosis patients
      with PH (n = 8), sarcoidosis patients without PH (n = 17), and healthy controls
      (n = 45). The discriminative accuracy of this 18-gene signature was 100% in
      separating sarcoidosis patients with PH from those without it. If validated in a
      large replicate cohort, this signature could potentially be used as a diagnostic
      molecular biomarker for sarcoidosis-associated PH.

PMID- 28090289
TI  - An international physician survey of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary
      hypertension management.
AB  - We conducted an international study to evaluate practices in the diagnosis and
      management of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)
      globally across different regions. Between August and October 2012, CTEPH
      treating physicians completed a 15-minute online questionnaire and provided
      patient record data for their 2-5 most recent patients with CTEPH. Overall, 496
      physicians (Europe: 260; United States: 152; Argentina: 52; Japan: 32) completed
      the questionnaire and provided patient record data for 1,748 patients. The
      proportion of physicians who described themselves as working in or affiliated
      with a specialized pulmonary hypertension (PH) center ranged from 38% in France
      and Italy to 83% in the United States. A large proportion of patients did not
      undergo ventilation/perfusion scanning (46%-67%) or right heart catheterization
      (24%-57%) for the diagnosis of CTEPH. Referral rates for pulmonary endarterectomy
      evaluation ranged from 25% in Japan to 44% in Europe, with higher referral rates
      in PH centers; the main reasons for lack of referral were that surgery was not
      considered unless medical treatment was failing and patient refusal. Other
      variations in management included greater use of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors
      in the United States than in Europe and Japan and greater use of combination
      treatment in the United States than in Europe. Physicians' perceptions of their
      treatment strategy were generally consistent with patient record data. Results
      from this study, which includes a global aspect of CTEPH care, demonstrate not
      only regional differences in CTEPH management but, more importantly, considerable
      nonadherence to the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for CTEPH, even in PH
      centers.

PMID- 28090290
TI  - Shared gene expression patterns in mesenchymal progenitors derived from lung and
      epidermis in pulmonary arterial hypertension: identifying key pathways in
      pulmonary vascular disease.
AB  - Rapid access to lung-derived cells from stable subjects is a major challenge in
      the pulmonary hypertension field, given the relative contraindication of lung
      biopsy. In these studies, we sought to demonstrate the importance of evaluating a
      cell type that actively participates in disease processes, as well as the
      potential to translate these findings to vascular beds in other nonlung tissues,
      in this instance perivascular skin mesenchymal cells (MCs). We utilized
      posttransplant or autopsy lung explant-derived cells (ABCG2-expressing
      mesenchymal progenitor cells [MPCs], fibroblasts) and skin-derived MCs to test
      the hypothesis that perivascular ABCG2 MPCs derived from pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH) patient lung and skin would express a gene profile reflective
      of ongoing vascular dysfunction. By analyzing the genetic signatures and pathways
      associated with abnormal ABCG2 lung MPC phenotypes during PAH and evaluating them
      in lung- and skin-derived MCs, we have identified potential predictor genes for
      detection of PAH as well as a targetable mechanism to restore MPCs and
      microvascular function. These studies are the first to explore the utility of
      expanding the study of ABCG2 MPC regulation of the pulmonary microvasculature to
      the epidermis, in order to identify potential markers for adult lung vascular
      disease, such as PAH.

PMID- 28090292
TI  - A new look at bronchopulmonary dysplasia: postcapillary pathophysiology and
      cardiac dysfunction.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular function are the focus of
      cardiovascular effects of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We assessed cardiac
      indexes reflecting systemic afterload and pulmonary venous back pressure as
      pathophysiologic factors. Cardiac parameters were measured by conventional
      echocardiography in 20 preterm infants with severe BPD and compared with those of
      10 preterm infants with no BPD and 20 healthy term infants. In infants with
      severe BPD, PH was noted in 5 (25%) by tricuspid regurgitation Doppler jet >=2.8
      m/s and in 15 (75%) by time to peak velocity/right ventricular ejection time
      <0.34. Among systemic cardiac indexes, significant impairment of diastolic
      measures was noted in the BPD group compared with infants with no BPD and term
      infants. The significance persisted after adjusting for gestational age and birth
      weight. These included transmitral E/A ratio (1.07 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.91 +/- 0.04 vs.
      0.89 +/- 0.09; P < 0.0001), isovolumic relaxation time (68.8 +/- 3.9 vs. 58.5 +/-
      7.8 vs. 54.2 +/- 5.7 ms ; P < 0.0001), mitral valve stroke volume (4.7 +/- 0.7
      vs. 5.6 +/- 0.6 vs. 5.9 +/- 0.1; P = 0.002), and myocardial performance index
      (0.33 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.27 +/- 0.05; P = 0.03). Left ventricular
      output was significantly lower in the BPD cohort (183 +/- 45 vs. 189 +/- 9 vs.
      191 +/- 32 mL/kg/min; P = 0.03). Altered systemic (left-sided) cardiac function
      was noted in infants with BPD, which may lead to pulmonary venous congestion
      contributing to a continued need for respiratory support.

PMID- 28090291
TI  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor as a novel biomarker of portopulmonary
      hypertension.
AB  - Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a poorly understood complication of liver
      disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We sought to
      identify novel biomarkers of POPH disease presence and severity. We performed a
      prospective, multicenter, case-control study involving patients with liver
      disease undergoing right heart catheterization. POPH cases were defined as a mean
      pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) >=25 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance
      (PVR) >240 dynesscm-5. Plasma samples were collected from the systemic and
      pulmonary circulation, and antibody microarray was used to identify biomarkers.
      Characterization and validation of a candidate cytokine, macrophage migration
      inhibitory factor (MIF), was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Continuous variables were compared using a Mann-Whitney U test and correlated
      with disease severity using Spearman correlation. MIF levels were elevated in
      both the systemic and pulmonary circulation in patients with POPH compared with
      controls (median MIF level [interquartile range] in systemic circulation: 46.68
      ng/mL [32.31-76.04] vs. 31.19 ng/mL [26.92-42.17], P = 0.009; in pulmonary
      circulation: 49.59 ng/mL [35.90-108.80] vs. 37.78 [21.78-45.53], P = 0.002). In
      patients with POPH, MIF levels were positively correlated with PVR (r = 0.58, P =
      0.006) and inversely correlated with cardiac output (r = -0.57, P = 0.007). MIF
      >60 ng/mL or tricuspid regurgitation gradient >50 mmHg had a 92% sensitivity and
      specificity for the diagnosis of POPH, with a positive predictive value of 86%
      and a negative predictive value of 96%. MIF is a promising novel biomarker of
      POPH disease presence and severity in patients with liver disease and portal
      hypertension.

PMID- 28090293
TI  - Relevance of angiopoietin-2 and soluble P-selectin levels in patients with
      pulmonary arterial hypertension receiving combination therapy with oral
      treprostinil: a FREEDOM-C2 biomarker substudy.
AB  - : Studies have suggested roles for angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and soluble P-selectin
      (sP-selectin) as biomarkers of disease severity and treatment response in
      pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but additional data are required for
      validation. We evaluated these biomarkers using data from FREEDOM-C2, in which
      patients with PAH receiving stable monotherapy or combination therapy were
      randomized to receive additional treatment with oral treprostinil (up-titrated
      from 0.25 mg twice daily) or placebo for 16 weeks. Biomarker analysis was
      optional in FREEDOM-C2. We measured plasma Ang-2 and sP-selectin levels at
      baseline and at week 16, and we assessed their association with predefined
      outcomes (6-minute walk distance [6MWD] change from baseline >40 m, 6MWD >380 m,
      functional class I/II, and/or N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NT
      proBNP] <1,800 pg/mL at week 16) using Spearman correlation, receiver operating
      characteristics, and logistic regression. Biomarker data were available for 83 of
      157 and 95 of 153 patients in the oral treprostinil and placebo groups,
      respectively. In the oral treprostinil group, baseline Ang-2 levels correlated
      with week 16 NT-proBNP levels (P < 0.0001). Baseline Ang-2 >=12 ng/mL was
      associated with a reduced likelihood of having NT-proBNP <1,800 pg/mL at week 16
      (multivariate odds ratio: 0.08; 95% confidence interval: 0.02-0.32). However, Ang
      2 showed no significant association with the other assessed outcomes, and sP
      selectin was not associated or correlated with any of the outcomes. These data
      suggest that Ang-2 and sP-selectin are not associated with response to oral
      treprostinil in patients already receiving stable PAH therapy. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00887978.

PMID- 28090295
TI  - An advanced protocol-driven transition from parenteral prostanoids to inhaled
      trepostinil in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) often require parenteral
      prostanoids to improve symptoms and signs of PAH. Complications of parenteral
      prostanoids-such as catheter-related infections and intolerable adverse effects
      may develop, prompting transition to inhaled prostanoids. We report a
      prospective, protocol-driven transition from parenteral prostanoids to inhaled
      prostanoids with monitoring of exercise gas exchange and acute hemodynamics.
      Three PAH centers recruited patients transitioning from parenteral prostanoids to
      inhaled trepostinil. Rigid inclusion criteria were used, including parenteral
      prostanoid dose < 30 ng/kg/min, New York Heart Association functional class (FC)
      < 3, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) < 6 Wood units. Of the 9 patients
      meeting initial inclusion criteria, 3 were excluded. In the remaining patients,
      the parenteral prostanoid was reduced and the inhaled prostanoid was increased
      over 24-36 hours with continuous hemodynamic monitoring. Exercise capacity and FC
      were measured at baseline and weeks 1, 4, and 12. All patients were successfully
      weaned from parenteral prostanoids. An acute PVR decrease was seen with most
      inhaled prostanoid doses, but PVR varied throughout the transition. Patients
      tolerated inhaled prostanoids for 9-12 breaths 4 times a day with no treatment
      limiting adverse events. At week 12, FC was unchanged, and all patients continued
      to receive inhaled prostanoids without serious adverse events or additional PAH
      therapy. In 5 of 6 patients, 6-minute walk distance and peak [Formula: see text]
      were within 10% of baseline. Using a strict transition protocol and rigid patient
      selection criteria, the parenteral prostanoid to inhaled prostanoid transition
      appeared safe and well tolerated and did not result in clinical deterioration
      over 12 weeks. Hemodynamic variability noted acutely during transition in our
      study did not adversely affect successful transition. (Trial registration:
      ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01268553).

PMID- 28090294
TI  - The effects of pulmonary vasodilating agents on right ventricular parameters in
      severe group 3 pulmonary hypertension: a pilot study.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-approved vasodilators improve right
      ventricular (RV) function in patients with PAH. However, whether PAH-approved
      drugs ameliorate RV morphology and function in lung disease-associated pulmonary
      hypertension (lung-PH) remains unclear. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the
      changes in RV volume and ejection fraction (RVEF) in 14 consecutive severe lung
      PH patients treated with PAH-approved vasodilators. Severe lung-PH was defined as
      a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) of >=35 mmHg or an MPAP of >=25 mmHg
      with a cardiac index (L/min/m2) of <2. Right heart catheterization and cardiac
      magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging were performed at baseline and at 3 months after
      starting sildenafil with or without other PAH-approved drugs. Follow-up was
      conducted at 3 months in 11 participants; compared with baseline values, MPAP and
      pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) decreased by 18% and 37%, respectively.
      Baseline CMR imaging revealed an elevated RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI;
      mL/m2) of 117.5 +/- 35.9 and a below-average RVEF of 25.2% +/- 7.2%; after 3
      months, RVEDVI decreased by 23.7% (P = 0.0061) and RVEF increased by 32.9% (P =
      0.0165). Among the 11 patients, 3 were thought to be a stable and homogenous
      subset in terms of background lung disease and medical management administered.
      These 3 patients exhibited similar ameliorations in PVR and RVEF, compared with
      the other 8 patients. PAH-approved drug treatment may improve RV dilatation and
      systolic function among patients with severe lung-PH. This study was approved by
      University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN
      CTR) on September 1, 2013 (UMIN000011541).

PMID- 28090296
TI  - Endotoxin- and mechanical stress-induced epigenetic changes in the regulation of
      the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase promoter.
AB  - Mechanical ventilation, a lifesaving intervention for patients with acute
      respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also unfortunately contributes to excessive
      mechanical stress and impaired lung physiological and structural integrity. We
      have elsewhere established the pivotal role of increased nicotinamide
      phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) transcription and secretion as well as its
      direct binding to the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the progression of this
      devastating syndrome; however, regulation of this critical gene in ventilator
      induced lung injury (VILI) is not well characterized. On the basis of an emerging
      role for epigenetics in enrichment of VILI and CpG sites within the NAMPT
      promoter and 5'UTR, we hypothesized that NAMPT expression and downstream
      transcriptional events are influenced by epigenetic mechanisms. Concomitantly,
      excessive mechanical stress of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells or
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment led to both reduced DNA methylation levels in
      the NAMPT promoter and increased gene transcription. Histone deacetylase
      inhibition by trichostatin A or Sirt-1-silencing RNA attenuates LPS-induced NAMPT
      expression. Furthermore, recombinant NAMPT administration induced TLR4-dependent
      global H3K9 hypoacetylation. These studies suggest a complex epigenetic
      regulatory network of NAMPT in VILI and ARDS and open novel strategies for
      combating VILI and ARDS.

PMID- 28090297
TI  - Exhaled nitric oxide in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic
      sclerosis.
AB  - The fractional exhaled concentration of nitric oxide (FENO) has been shown to be
      reduced in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) but has not been
      adequately studied in PAH associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We measured
      FENO at an expiratory flow rate of 50 mL/s in 21 treatment-naive patients with
      SSc-associated PAH (SSc-PAH), 94 subjects with SSc without pulmonary involvement,
      and 84 healthy volunteers. Measurements of FENO at additional flow rates of 100,
      150, and 250 mL/s were obtained to derive the flow-independent nitric oxide
      exchange parameters of maximal airway flux (J'awNO) and steady-state alveolar
      concentration (CANO). FENO at 50 mL/s was similar (P = 0.22) in the SSc-PAH group
      (19 +/- 12 parts per billion [ppb]) compared with the SSc group (17 +/- 12 ppb)
      and healthy control group (21 +/- 11 ppb). No change was observed after 4 months
      of targeted PAH therapy in 14 SSc-PAH group patients (P = 0.9). J'awNO was
      modestly reduced in SSc group subjects without lung disease (1.2 +/- 0.5 nl/s)
      compared with healthy controls (1.64 +/- 0.9; P < 0.05) but was similar to that
      in the SSc-PAH group. CANO was elevated in individuals with SSc-PAH (4.8 +/- 2.6
      ppb) compared with controls with SSc (3.3 +/- 1.4 ppb) and healthy subjects (2.6
      +/- 1.5 ppb; P < 0.001 for both). However, after adjustment for the diffusing
      capacity of CO, there was no significant difference in CANO between individuals
      with SSc-PAH and controls with SSc. We conclude that FENO is not useful for the
      diagnosis of PAH in SSc. Increased alveolar nitric oxide in SSc-PAH likely
      represents impaired diffusion into pulmonary capillary blood.

PMID- 28090298
TI  - In situ expression of Bcl-2 in pulmonary artery endothelial cells associates with
      pulmonary arterial hypertension relative to heart failure with preserved ejection
      fraction.
AB  - We have previously reported that pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) can
      be harvested from the tips of discarded Swan-Ganz catheters after right heart
      catheterization (RHC). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the existence
      of an antiapoptotic phenotype in PAECs obtained during RHC is a distinctive
      feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; World Health Organization group
      1) and might be used to differentiate PAH from other etiologies of pulmonary
      hypertension. Specifically, we developed a flow cytometry-based measure of Bcl-2
      activity, referred to as the normalized endothelial Bcl-2 index (NEBI). We report
      that higher NEBI values are associated with PAH to the exclusion of heart failure
      with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and that this simple diagnostic
      measurement is capable of differentiating PAH from HFpEF without presenting
      addition risk to the patient. If validated in a larger, multicenter study, the
      NEBI has the potential to assist physicians in the selection of appropriate
      therapeutic interventions in the common and dangerous scenario wherein patients
      present a clinical and hemodynamic phenotype that makes it difficult to
      confidently differentiate between PAH and HFpEF.

PMID- 28090299
TI  - Tadalafil therapy for sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) is estimated to occur in at
      least 5% or more of sarcoidosis patients, and it contributes to significant
      morbidity and mortality. Optimal therapy for SAPH is not well established. We
      performed a 24-week open-label trial of tadalafil for SAPH at 2 academic medical
      centers. Subjects were required to have confirmed sarcoidosis plus a right heart
      catheterization within 12 months of enrollment showing a mean pulmonary artery
      pressure >= 25 mmHg, a pulmonary artery wedge pressure <= 15 mmHg, and a
      calculated pulmonary vascular resistance >= 3 Wood units. Subjects received 20
      mg/day of tadalafil for the first 4 weeks and then 40 mg/day for the subsequent
      20 weeks. Sixteen patients were screened, 12 of whom met criteria for enrollment.
      At 24 weeks, there was no overall improvement in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD).
      Five of the 12 subjects dropped out of the study early (2 for social reasons, 3
      for medical reasons). There was no significant change in short form 36, St.
      George's respiratory questionnaire, or maximum Borg dyspnea scores over the 24
      weeks. There were no significant adverse events or laboratory abnormalities
      clearly related to tadalafil in the cohort. The study did not meet the primary
      end point of change in 6MWD because of the small sample size. Tadalafil was
      generally safely administered in this cohort of SAPH patients. There was a
      relatively high dropout rate but no major adverse events and no clinical
      worsening. Larger studies are needed to explore this question further. (Trial
      registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01324999).

PMID- 28090300
TI  - BK channels in rat and human pulmonary smooth muscle cells are BKalpha-beta1
      functional complexes lacking the oxygen-sensitive stress axis regulated exon
      insert.
AB  - A loss of K+ efflux in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs)
      contributes to abnormal vasoconstriction and PASMC proliferation during pulmonary
      hypertension (PH). Activation of high-conductance Ca2+-activated (BK) channels
      represents a therapeutic strategy to restore K+ efflux to the affected PASMCs.
      However, the properties of BK channels in PASMCs-including sensitivity to BK
      channel openers (BKCOs)-are poorly defined. The goal of this study was to compare
      the properties of BK channels between PASMCs of normoxic (N) and chronic hypoxic
      (CH) rats and then explore key findings in human PASMCs. Polymerase chain
      reaction results revealed that 94.3% of transcripts encoding BKalpha pore
      proteins in PASMCs from N rats represent splice variants lacking the stress axis
      regulated exon insert, which confers oxygen sensitivity. Subsequent patch-clamp
      recordings from inside-out (I-O) patches confirmed a dense population of BK
      channels insensitive to hypoxia. The BK channels were highly activated by
      intracellular Ca2+ and the BKCO lithocholate; these responses require BKalpha
      beta1 subunit coupling. PASMCs of CH rats with established PH exhibited a
      profound overabundance of the dominant oxygen-insensitive BKalpha variant.
      Importantly, human BK (hBK) channels in PASMCs from human donor lungs also
      represented the oxygen-insensitive BKalpha variant activated by BKCOs. The hBK
      channels showed significantly enhanced Ca2+ sensitivity compared with rat BK
      channels. We conclude that rat BK and hBK channels in PASMCs are oxygen
      insensitive BKalpha-beta1 complexes highly sensitive to Ca2+ and the BKCO
      lithocholate. BK channels are overexpressed in PASMCs of a rat model of PH and
      may provide an abundant target for BKCOs designed to restore K+ efflux.

PMID- 28090301
TI  - Pulmonary pulse wave transit time is associated with right ventricular-pulmonary
      artery coupling in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary pulse wave transit time (pPTT), defined as the time for the systolic
      pressure pulse wave to travel from the pulmonary valve to the pulmonary veins,
      has been reported to be reduced in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH);
      however, the underlying mechanism of reduced pPTT is unknown. Here, we
      investigate the hypothesis that abbreviated pPTT in PAH results from impaired
      right ventricular-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling. We quantified pPTT using
      pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound from 10 healthy age- and sex-matched controls and
      36 patients with PAH. pPTT was reduced in patients with PAH compared with
      controls. Univariate analysis revealed the following significant predictors of
      reduced pPTT: age, right ventricular fractional area change (RV FAC), tricuspid
      annular plane excursion (TAPSE), pulmonary arterial pressures (PAP), diastolic
      pulmonary gradient, transpulmonary gradient, pulmonary vascular resistance, and
      RV-PA coupling (defined as RV FAC/mean PAP or TAPSE/mean PAP). Although the
      correlations between pPTT and invasive markers of pulmonary vascular disease were
      modest, RV FAC (r = 0.64, P < 0.0001), TAPSE (r = 0.67, P < 0.0001), and RV-PA
      coupling (RV FAC/mean PAP: r = 0.72, P < 0.0001; TAPSE/mean PAP: r = 0.74, P <
      0.0001) had the strongest relationships with pPTT. On multivariable analysis,
      only RV FAC, TAPSE, and RV-PA coupling were independent predictors of pPTT. We
      conclude that shortening of pPTT in patients with PAH results from altered RV-PA
      coupling, probably occurring as a result of reduced pulmonary arterial
      compliance. Thus, pPTT allows noninvasive determination of the status of both the
      pulmonary vasculature and the response of the RV in patients with PAH, thereby
      allowing monitoring of disease progression and regression.

PMID- 28090302
TI  - Three-dimensional micro computed tomography analysis of the lung vasculature and
      differential adipose proteomics in the Sugen/hypoxia rat model of pulmonary
      arterial hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterized by
      significant vascular remodeling. The obesity epidemic has produced great interest
      in the relationship between small visceral adipose tissue depots producing
      localized inflammatory conditions, which may link metabolism, innate immunity,
      and vascular remodeling. This study used novel micro computed tomography
      (microCT) three-dimensional modeling to investigate the degree of remodeling of
      the lung vasculature and differential proteomics to determine small visceral
      adipose dysfunction in rats with severe PAH. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected
      to a subcutaneous injection of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor
      blocker (Sugen 5416) with subsequent hypoxia exposure for 3 weeks (SU/hyp). At 12
      weeks after hypoxia, microCT analysis showed a decrease in the ratio of vascular
      to total tissue volume within the SU/hyp group (mean +/- standard deviation: 0.27
      +/- 0.066; P = 0.02) with increased vascular separation (0.37 +/- 0.062 mm; P =
      0.02) when compared with the control (0.34 +/- 0.084 and 0.30 +/- 0.072 mm).
      Differential proteomics detected an up-regulation of complement protein 3 (C3;
      SU/hyp?control ratio = 2.86) and the adipose tissue-specific fatty acid binding
      protein-4 (FABP4, 2.66) in the heart adipose of the SU/hyp. Significant
      remodeling of the lung vasculature validates the efficacy of the SU/hyp rat for
      modeling human PAH. The upregulation of C3 and FABP4 within the heart adipose
      implicates small visceral adipose dysfunction. C3 has been associated with
      vascular stiffness, and FABP4 suppresses peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor, which is a major regulator of adipose function and known to be
      downregulated in PAH. These findings reveal that small visceral adipose tissue
      within the SU/hyp model provides mechanistic links for vascular remodeling and
      adipose dysfunction in the pathophysiology of PAH.

PMID- 28090304
TI  - The prognostic significance of pulmonary arterial capacitance in pulmonary
      arterial hypertension: single-center experience.
AB  - This study explores the prognostic utility of pulmonary arterial capacitance
      (PAC) in a diverse cohort of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
      from a tertiary referral center and compares it with the prognostic utility of
      other hemodynamic parameters. PAC is a strong independent predictor of mortality
      in patients with PAH.

PMID- 28090303
TI  - Genotype-phenotype effects of Bmpr2 mutations on disease severity in mouse models
      of pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - More than 350 mutations in the type-2 BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) receptor,
      BMPR2, have been identified in patients with heritable pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (HPAH). However, only 30% of BMPR2 mutation carriers develop PAH,
      and we cannot predict which of these carriers will develop clinical disease. One
      possibility is that the nature of the BMPR2 mutation affects disease severity.
      This hypothesis has been difficult to test clinically, given the rarity of HPAH
      and the complexity of the confounding genetic and environmental risk factors. To
      test this hypothesis, therefore, we evaluated the susceptibility to experimental
      pulmonary hypertension (PH) of mice carrying different HPAH-associated Bmpr2
      mutations on otherwise identical genetic backgrounds. Mice with Bmpr2DeltaEx4-5
      mutations (Bmpr2+/-), in which the mutant protein is not expressed, develop less
      severe PH in response to hypoxia or hypoxia with vascular endothelial growth
      factor receptor inhibition than mice with an extracellular-domain Bmpr2DeltaEx2
      mutation (Bmpr2DeltaEx2/+), in which the mutant protein is expressed. This was
      associated with a marked decrease in stabilizing phosphorylation of threonine 495
      endothelial nitric oxide synthase (pThr495 eNOS) in Bmpr2DeltaEx2/+ compared to
      wild-type and Bmpr2+/- mouse lungs. These findings provide the first experimental
      evidence that BMPR2 mutation types influence the severity of HPAH and suggest
      that patients with BMPR2 mutations who express mutant BMPR2 proteins by escaping
      non-sense-mediated messenger RNA decay (NMD- mutations) will develop more severe
      disease than HPAH patients with NMD+ mutations who do not express BMPR2 mutant
      proteins. Since decreased levels of pThr495 eNOS are associated with increased
      eNOS uncoupling, our data also suggest that this effect may result from defects
      in eNOS function.

PMID- 28090305
TI  - Resolution of myelofibrosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension following
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - We present the case of a 62-year-old man with myelofibrosis-associated pulmonary
      arterial hypertension (PAH) who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation with subsequent resolution of disease and PAH. Right heart
      catheterization was used to guide PAH therapy before and after transplantation.
      Drug interactions, adverse effects, and renal insufficiency posed clinical
      challenges for the management of PAH-specific medications after transplantation.
      PAH improved soon after transplantation, and vasoactive medications were tapered
      off. Resolution of PAH was confirmed with repeat measurement of pulmonary
      hemodynamic characteristics. Although the etiology and pathophysiology for the
      resolution of PAH was unclear, the myelopulmonary pathophysiologic link was
      likely to have contributed. This is the first report describing resolution of
      myelofibrosis-associated PAH after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation.

PMID- 28090306
TI  - A case of pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with adult hemophagocytic
      lymphohistiocytosis.
AB  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive, life-threatening
      syndrome of excessive immune activation. Presentation is most common among the
      pediatric population, and cases in adults are rare. The number of nonhematologic
      presentations described in relation to HLH has been growing. We present a case
      involving a woman who developed HLH after autologous stem cell transplantation
      for mantle cell lymphoma. Months later, she received a diagnosis of pulmonary
      arterial hypertension (PAH) while undergoing treatment for her HLH. To our
      knowledge, PAH associated with adult HLH has only been described in the
      literature once before. PAH may now be a potential differential diagnosis for
      patients with HLH who present with respiratory symptoms.

PMID- 28090307
TI  - Hemodynamic response to treatment of iron deficiency anemia in pulmonary arterial
      hypertension: longitudinal insights from an implantable hemodynamic monitor.
AB  - Despite new therapeutic options, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a
      progressive disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. As such,
      additional strategies for monitoring and adjunctive management of this disease
      are important. A 59-year-old woman with scleroderma-associated PAH received an
      implantable hemodynamic monitor (IHM) as part of a research protocol at our
      institution. Pulmonary artery pressures, heart rate, and cardiac output (sensor
      based algorithm) were measured on a daily basis, and parameters of right
      ventricular (RV) performance and afterload were calculated. At the time of IHM
      implant, the patient had functional class III symptoms, was receiving triple-drug
      therapy, and had normal hemoglobin levels. Four months after implant, and with
      further optimization of prostacyclin therapy, she had improvement in her
      symptoms. However, shortly thereafter, while the patient was receiving stable
      drug therapy, her case regressed with worsening symptoms, and the patient
      received a new diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. Oral iron supplementation
      resulted in normalization of hemoglobin levels and improvement in the patient's
      iron profile. A gradual and sustained reduction in pulmonary pressures was noted
      after initiation of oral iron accompanied by increased RV performance and
      favorable reduction in RV afterload. The patient had significant symptomatic
      improvement. Iron deficiency is an underappreciated yet easily treatable risk
      factor in PAH. Use of IHM in this case longitudinally illustrates the
      optimization of pulmonary hemodynamics and RV afterload in tandem with clinical
      improvement achieved by a simple therapy.

PMID- 28090308
TI  - Treatment differences in pulmonary arterial hypertension management.

PMID- 28090309
TI  - Bridging the science into practice.

PMID- 28090310
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1086/688060.].

PMID- 28090311
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1086/688058.].

PMID- 28090312
TI  - RANKL signaling to the liver associated with type 2 diabetes risk.

PMID- 28090313
TI  - Inhibiting cathepsin K in mice: impact on fracture repair.

PMID- 28090314
TI  - CD8+ TEMRA cells: higher background levels may predict delayed fracture healing.

PMID- 28090315
TI  - Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease associated with inborn errors of IL-17
      immunity.
AB  - Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is characterized by recurrent or
      persistent infections affecting the nails, skin and oral and genital mucosae
      caused by Candida spp., mainly Candida albicans. CMC is an infectious phenotype
      in patients with inherited or acquired T-cell deficiency. Patients with autosomal
      dominant (AD) hyper IgE syndrome (HIES), AD signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 1 (STAT1) gain-of-function, autosomal-recessive (AR) deficiencies
      in interleukin (IL)-12 receptor beta1 (IL-12Rbeta1), IL-12p40, caspase
      recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (CARD9) or retinoic acid-related orphan
      receptor gammaT (RORgammaT) or AR autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis
      ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) develop CMC as a major infectious phenotype that is
      categorized as Syndromic CMC. In contrast, CMC disease (CMCD) is typically
      defined as CMC in patients in the absence of any other prominent clinical signs.
      This definition is not strict; thus, CMCD is currently used to refer to patients
      presenting with CMC as the main clinical phenotype. The etiology of CMCD is not
      related to genes that cause severe combined immunodeficiency or combined
      immunodeficiency, nor to genes responsible for Syndromic CMC. Four genetic
      etiologies, AR IL-17 receptor A, IL-17 receptor C and ACT1 deficiencies, and AD
      IL-17F deficiency, are reported to underlie CMCD. Each of these gene defects
      directly has an impact on IL-17 signaling, suggesting their nonredundant role in
      host mucosal immunity to Candida. Here, we review current knowledge focusing on
      IL-17 signaling and the genetic etiologies responsible for, and associated with,
      CMC.

PMID- 28090316
TI  - The role of tumour necrosis factor in hepatitis B infection: Jekyll and Hyde.
AB  - Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major health problem worldwide and is associated
      with significant long-term morbidity and mortality. The hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      is a hepatotropic virus that is capable of integrating in the host nucleus
      permanently resulting in lifelong infection. To date, there is no definitive cure
      for HBV, as our current treatments cannot eradicate the viral reservoir that has
      integrated in the liver. Elucidating the immunopathogenesis is key to finding a
      therapeutic target for HBV as the virus is not in itself cytopathic but the
      immune response to the virus causes the majority of the cellular injury. In most
      cases, the virus reaches a state of equilibrium with low viral replication
      constrained by host immunity. Multiple cytokines have been implicated in the
      pathogenesis of CHB. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has emerged as a key player; on
      one hand it can facilitate immune-mediated virological control but on the other
      hand it can cause collateral hepatocyte damage, cirrhosis and possibly promote
      hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of
      the immunopathogenesis of HBV, focusing on TNF and whether it can be harnessed in
      therapeutic strategies to cure HBV infection.

PMID- 28090317
TI  - All-trans retinoic acid enhances cytotoxic effect of T cells with an anti-CD38
      chimeric antigen receptor in acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - We reported that T cells with anti-CD38-chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)
      eliminated B-cell lymphoma cells expressing CD38. To employ anti-CD38-CAR against
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts not expressing CD38, it is necessary to
      induce or increase the intensity of CD38 expression. A lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH)-releasing assay and flow cytometry showed that anti-CD38-CAR T cells were
      cytotoxic against AML lines (THP-1 and CMK) expressing high CD38 levels (>99%),
      in time- and number of effector-dependent manners. In other AML lines (KG1, U937
      and HL60) partially expressing CD38, CD38+ AML cells were killed by CD38-specific
      T cells, but CD38- AML cells remained survived. Intriguingly, 10 nM all-trans
      retinoic acid (ATRA) augmented CD38 expression in KG1, U937 and HL60 cells and
      primary leukemic cells from AML patients. Moreover, the withdrawal of ATRA from
      the medium decreased CD38 expression in AML cells. Killing effects of anti-CD38
      CAR T cells against AML lines and AML cells were limited without ATRA, whereas
      CD38-specific T cells enhanced cytotoxicity on AML cells by ATRA in association
      with enhanced CD38 expression. These results indicate that anti-CD38-CAR T cells
      eliminate AML cells through CD38 expression induced by ATRA.

PMID- 28090318
TI  - Dengue virus antibodies enhance Zika virus infection.
AB  - For decades, human infections with Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-transmitted
      flavivirus, were sporadic, associated with mild disease, and went underreported
      since symptoms were similar to other acute febrile diseases. Recent reports of
      severe disease associated with ZIKV have greatly heightened awareness. It is
      anticipated that ZIKV will continue to spread in the Americas and globally where
      competent Aedes mosquito vectors are found. Dengue virus (DENV), the most common
      mosquito-transmitted human flavivirus, is both well-established and the source of
      outbreaks in areas of recent ZIKV introduction. DENV and ZIKV are closely
      related, resulting in substantial antigenic overlap. Through antibody-dependent
      enhancement (ADE), anti-DENV antibodies can enhance the infectivity of DENV for
      certain classes of immune cells, causing increased viral production that
      correlates with severe disease outcomes. Similarly, ZIKV has been shown to
      undergo ADE in response to antibodies generated by other flaviviruses. We tested
      the neutralizing and enhancing potential of well-characterized broadly
      neutralizing human anti-DENV monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) and human DENV immune
      sera against ZIKV using neutralization and ADE assays. We show that anti-DENV
      HMAbs, cross-react, do not neutralize, and greatly enhance ZIKV infection in
      vitro. DENV immune sera had varying degrees of neutralization against ZIKV and
      similarly enhanced ZIKV infection. Our results suggest that pre-existing DENV
      immunity may enhance ZIKV infection in vivo and may lead to increased disease
      severity. Understanding the interplay between ZIKV and DENV will be critical in
      informing public health responses and will be particularly valuable for ZIKV and
      DENV vaccine design and implementation strategies.

PMID- 28090319
TI  - The role of liver sinusoidal cells in local hepatic immune surveillance.
AB  - Although the liver's function as unique immune organ regulating immunity has
      received a lot of attention over the last years, the mechanisms determining
      hepatic immune surveillance against infected hepatocytes remain less well
      defined. Liver sinusoidal cells, in particular, liver sinusoidal endothelial
      cells (LSECs) and Kupffer cells (KCs), serve as physical platform for recruitment
      and anchoring of blood-borne immune cells in the liver. Liver sinusoidal cells
      also function as portal of entry for infectious microorganisms targeting the
      liver such as hepatotropic viruses, bacteria or parasites. At the same time,
      liver sinusoidal cells actively contribute to achieve immune surveillance against
      bacterial and viral infections. KCs function as adhesion hubs for CD8 T cells
      from the circulation, which initiates the interaction of virus-specific CD8 T
      cells with infected hepatocytes. Through their phagocytic function, KCs
      contribute to removal of bacteria from the circulation and engage in cross talk
      with sinusoidal lymphocyte populations to achieve elimination of phagocytosed
      bacteria. LSECs contribute to local immune surveillance through cross
      presentation of viral antigens that causes antigen-specific retention of CD8 T
      cells from the circulation. Such cross-presentation of viral antigens activates
      CD8 T cells to release TNF that in turn triggers selective killing of virus
      infected hepatocytes. Beyond major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T
      cell immunity, CD1- and MR1-restricted innate-like lymphocytes are found in liver
      sinusoids whose roles in local immune surveillance against infection need to be
      defined. Thus, liver sinusoidal cell populations bear key functions for hepatic
      recruitment and for local activation of immune cells, which are both required for
      efficient immune surveillance against infection in the liver.

PMID- 28090321
TI  - GM-CSF signalling blockade and chemotherapeutic agents act in concert to inhibit
      the function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in vitro.
AB  - Immune evasion is a recently defined hallmark of cancer, and immunotherapeutic
      approaches that stimulate an immune response to tumours are gaining recognition.
      However tumours may evade the immune response and resist immune-targeted
      treatment by promoting an immune-suppressive environment and stimulating the
      differentiation or recruitment of immunosuppressive cells. Myeloid-derived
      suppressor cells (MDSC) have been identified in a range of cancers and are often
      associated with tumour progression and poor patient outcomes. Pancreatic cancer
      in particular supports MDSC differentiation via the secretion of granulocyte
      macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and MDSC are believed to
      contribute to the profoundly immune-suppressive microenvironment present in
      pancreatic tumours. MDSC-targeted therapies that deplete or inhibit this cell
      population have been proposed as a way to shift the balance in favour of a tumour
      clearing immune response. In this study, we have modelled MDSC differentiation
      and function in vitro and this has provided us with the opportunity to test a
      range of potential MDSC-targeted therapies to identify candidates for further
      investigation. Using in vitro modelling we show here that the combination of GM
      CSF-signalling blockade and gemcitabine suppresses both the MDSC phenotype and
      the inhibition of T-cell function by MDSC.

PMID- 28090320
TI  - Immunopathogenesis of granulomas in chronic autoinflammatory diseases.
AB  - Granulomas are clusters of immune cells. These structures can be formed in
      reaction to infection and display signs of necrosis, such as in tuberculosis.
      Alternatively, in several immune disorders, such as sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease
      and common variable immunodeficiency, non-caseating granulomas are formed without
      an obvious infectious trigger. Despite advances in our understanding of the human
      immune system, the pathogenesis underlying these non-caseating granulomas in
      chronic inflammatory diseases is still poorly understood. Here, we review the
      current knowledge about the immunopathogenesis of granulomas, and we discuss how
      the involved immune cells can be targeted with novel therapeutics.

PMID- 28090322
TI  - Vaccination to gain humoral immune memory.
AB  - The concept of immune memory forms the biological basis for vaccination programs.
      Despite advancements in the field of immune memory and vaccination, most current
      vaccines are evaluated by magnitude of antigen-specific antibody titers in serum
      or mucosa after vaccination. It has been shown, however, that antibody-mediated
      humoral immune memory is established regardless of the magnitude and duration of
      immune reactions, suggesting that assessment of vaccine efficacy should be
      performed for several years after vaccination. This long-term investigation is
      disadvantageous for prevalent and pandemic infections. Long-lived memory plasma
      cells and memory helper T cells which contribute to humoral immune memory are
      generated in the bone marrow after migration of memory cell precursors through
      bloodstream. Thus, it may be a novel evaluation strategy to assess the precursors
      of memory cells in the blood in the early phase of the immune reaction(s). We
      here review recent advances on the generation and maintenance of immune memory
      cells involved in humoral immunity and introduce a current concept of direct and
      short-term assessment of humoral immune memory formation upon vaccination as a
      correlate of protection.

PMID- 28090323
TI  - High thioredoxin-1 levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients diminish binding and
      signalling of the monoclonal antibody Tregalizumab.
AB  - The humanized non-depleting anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody Tregalizumab (BT-061) is
      able to selectively activate the suppressive function of regulatory T cells and
      has been investigated up to phase IIb in clinical trials in patients suffering
      from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model based on
      clinical data from RA and healthy volunteers, which used the cell surface CD4
      downmodulation as marker of activity, confirmed a stronger effect in healthy
      volunteers compared with RA patients. We tried to understand this phenomenon and
      evaluated the influence of the small oxidoreductase thioredoxin-1 (Trx1). To
      counteract oxidative stress that is strongly associated with RA pathophysiology,
      the organism employs Trx1. Therefore, increased expression and secretion of Trx1
      is found in the synovial fluid and plasma of RA patients. Moreover, the binding
      site of Tregalizumab is in close proximity to a disulphide bond in domain 2 (D2)
      of CD4, which is a known target for a reduction by oxidoreductase Trx1. With the
      experiments reported herein, we demonstrated that specific reduction of the D2
      disulphide bond by Trx1 led to diminished binding of Tregalizumab to recombinant
      human soluble CD4 and membrane-bound CD4 on T cells. Moreover, we showed that
      this caused changes in the Tregalizumab-induced CD4 signalling pathway via the
      lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase p56 Lck and CD4 downmodulation. In
      summary, we provide evidence that high Trx1 levels in RA patients compared with
      healthy subjects are a potential reason for diminished binding of Tregalizumab to
      CD4-positive T cells and offer an explanation for the observed decreased CD4
      downmodulation in RA patients in comparison to healthy subjects.

PMID- 28090324
TI  - Improving ward environments and developing skills for discharge with the
      implementation of self-catering on a low secure forensic unit.
AB  - The opportunities for service users to develop skills for more independent living
      and take control of their environments are limited in secure mental health units.
      This paper will outline a quality improvement project that changed how the
      catering services were delivered in a low secure unit in East London NHS
      Foundation Trust (ELFT). A Quality Improvement methodology was adopted
      incorporating the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle which included the trial of
      service users preparing their own meals on a daily basis. The participation rates
      were measured and functional daily living skills were recorded. Following success
      of the trial, long-term implementation of self-catering was agreed, with service
      users being supported to prepare a shared evening meal every day on the ward with
      an average of 60% participation. Functional living skills indicated an
      improvement in the area of process skills. The project aligned with ELFT's aims
      of service users working in collaboration with staff to implement changes in
      service delivery.

PMID- 28090325
TI  - Improving timeliness for acute asthma care for paediatric ED patients using a
      nurse driven intervention: an interrupted time series analysis.
AB  - Asthma is the most common chronic paediatric disease treated in the emergency
      department (ED). Rapid corticosteroid administration is associated with improved
      outcomes, but our busy ED setting has made it challenging to achieve this goal.
      Our primary aim was to decrease the time to corticosteroid administration in a
      large, academic paediatric ED. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis
      for moderate to severe asthma exacerbations of one to 18 year old patients. A
      multidisciplinary team designed the intervention of a bedside nurse initiated
      administration of oral dexamethasone, to replace the prior system of a physician
      initiated order for oral prednisone. Our baseline and intervention periods were
      12 month intervals. Our primary process measure was the time to corticosteroid
      administration. Other process measures included ED length of stay, admission
      rate, and rate of emesis. The balance measures included rate of return visits to
      the ED or clinic within five days, as well as the proportion of discharged
      patients who were admitted within five days. No special cause variation occurred
      in the baseline period. The mean time to corticosteroid administration decreased
      significantly, from 98 minutes in the baseline period to 59 minutes in the
      intervention period (p < 0.01), and showed special cause variation improvement
      within two months after the intervention using statistical process control
      methodology. We sustained the improvement and demonstrated a stable process. The
      intervention period had a significantly lower admission rate (p<0.01) and emesis
      rate (p<0.01), with no unforeseen harm to patients found with any of our balance
      measures. In summary, the introduction of a nurse initiated, standardized
      protocol for corticosteroid therapy for asthma exacerbations in a paediatric ED
      was associated with decreased time to corticosteroid administration, admission
      rates, and post-corticosteroid emesis.

PMID- 28090326
TI  - Quality improvement: The delivery of true early mobilisation in an intensive care
      unit.
AB  - Early mobilisation initiatives within the critical care environment have been
      shown to improve outcomes for patients. Early mobilisation has been defined as
      occurring within the first two to five days of the intensive care stay, but in
      practice this can be difficult to deliver. We conducted a quality improvement
      (QI) project to deliver early mobilisation in a large general intensive care
      unit. Mechanically ventilated medical patients received an integrated package of
      care involving two additional daily sessions of mobility therapy, in combination
      with minimal sedation where possible. Prospective baseline data was collected
      from January to March 2012; the QI project commenced in April 2012. Improvement
      cycle 1 completed in March 2015 and improvement cycle 2 in March 2016. Results
      have suggested a reduction in time to first mobilisation for intensive care
      survivors from 16.3 days in 2012, to 4.3 days at the end of improvement cycle 2.
      This was associated with a decrease in mean intensive care length of stay from
      20.8 days in 2012, to 11.2 days at the end of improvement cycle 2. This QI
      project enabled patients to mobilise out of bed within the first five days of
      their intensive care stay and to be discharged earlier from the ICU, on going
      analysis is required to verify these findings.

PMID- 28090327
TI  - Improving capacity and consent to treatment recording in psychiatric inpatient
      wards: A multi-centre quality improvement project.
AB  - Assessment of mental capacity provides an ethical and legal framework for care
      which values patients' autonomy whilst recognising the instances where it is
      appropriate to act in patients' best interests. Existing medical literature
      indicates that mental capacity is poorly documented in psychiatric inpatient
      settings. The aim of the project was to examine the frequency of capacity and
      consent to treatment documentation with a view to creating changes in practice by
      raising awareness about the importance of assessing and documenting mental
      capacity. A multi-centre quality improvement project was conducted in September
      2014 across all general adult psychiatric inpatient wards in the North Central
      London Training Scheme. The frequency of documentation of capacity and consent to
      treatment for all adult psychiatric inpatient wards across North Central London
      was measured. Electronic patient notes were audited retrospectively to ascertain
      whether capacity and consent to treatment on admission, and within the preceding
      seven days of data collection, was recorded. Data was collected across three
      successive time points during a 12 month period following the implementation of
      changes. A total of 232 patients were included in the baseline measurements. The
      results highlighted a deficiency in the recording of capacity and consent to
      treatment for adult psychiatric inpatients. The results showed that, of the
      patients audited, 49.8% had their capacity and consent to treatment assessed on
      admission, 61.9% had a capacity assessment in the previous 7 days and 60.5% had
      consent recorded in the previous 7 days. These findings were presented at local
      hospital teaching sessions at each of the audited sites. These sessions also gave
      teaching on mental capacity. Audit cycle 1 was conducted 6 months later, this
      included 213 patients and showed a 30% improvement in the frequency of
      documentation across all measures. The results showed that 77% of patients
      audited had their capacity and consent assessed on admission to the ward, 87.3%
      had a capacity assessment in the previous 7 days and 85.5% had consent recorded
      in the previous 7 days. After feedback from the teaching sessions, a clerking
      proforma was produced that had a prompt to assess to capacity. Audit cycle 2 was
      conducted 12 months after the initial baseline measurements, had a sample size of
      229 patients and a sustained improvement in documentation of 26% from baseline
      was demonstrated across all measures. This project demonstrated that capacity and
      consent to treatment was not routinely recorded but that the frequency of
      recording improved through the use of teaching sessions on mental capacity and
      the introduction of admission clerking proformas with capacity prompts.

PMID- 28090328
TI  - Decreasing Time to Pain Relief for Emergency Department Patients with Extremity
      Fractures.
AB  - Significant delays occur in providing adequate pain relief for patients who
      present to the emergency department (ED) with extremity fractures. The median
      time to pain medication administration for patients presenting to our ED with
      extremity fractures was 72.5 minutes. We used a multidisciplinary approach to
      implement three improvement cycles with the goal of reducing the median time to
      pain medication by 15% over an eight month time period. First, we redesigned
      nursing triage and treatment processes. Second, we improved nursing documentation
      standardization to ensure accurate tracking of patients who declined pain
      medication. Third, through consensus building within our physician group, we
      implemented a department-wide standard of care to provide early pain relief for
      extremity fractures. Median time to pain medication for patients with an
      extremity fracture reduced significantly between the pre-and post-intervention
      periods (p=0.009). The average monthly median time to medication was 72.5 minutes
      (95% CI: 57.1 to 88.0) before the intervention (Jan 2013-Oct 2014) and 49.8
      minutes (95% CI: 42.7 to 56.9) after the intervention (November 2014 to June
      2016). In other words, monthly median time was 31% faster (22.7 minute
      difference) in the post intervention period. Implementing three key interventions
      reduced the time to pain medication for patients with extremity injuries. Since
      June 2016 the reductions in median time to medication have continued to improve.

PMID- 28090329
TI  - Using the Safer Clinical Systems approach and Model for Improvement methodology
      to decrease Venous Thrombo-Embolism in Elective Surgical Patients.
AB  - A significant incidence of post-procedural deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and
      pulmonary embolus (PE) was identified in patients undergoing surgery at our
      hospital. Investigation showed an unreliable peri-operative process leading to
      patients receiving incorrect or missed venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis.
      The Trust had previously participated in a project funded by the Health
      Foundation using the "Safer Clinical Systems" methodology to assess, diagnose,
      appraise options, and implement interventions to improve a high risk medication
      pathway. We applied the methodology from that study to this cohort of patients
      demonstrating that the same approach could be applied in a different context.
      Interventions were linked to the greatest hazards and risks identified during the
      diagnostic phase. This showed that many surgical elective patients had no VTE
      risk assessment completed pre-operatively, leading to missed or delayed doses of
      VTE prophylaxis post-operatively. Collaborative work with stakeholders led to the
      development of a new process to ensure completion of the VTE risk assessment
      prior to surgery, which was implemented using the Model for Improvement
      methodology. The process was supported by the inclusion of a VTE check in the
      Sign Out element of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist at the end of surgery,
      which also ensured that appropriate prophylaxis was prescribed. A standardised
      operation note including the post-operative VTE plan will be implemented in the
      near future. At the end of the project VTE risk assessments were completed for
      100% of elective surgical patients on admission, compared with 40% in the
      baseline data. Baseline data also revealed that processes for chemical and
      mechanical prophylaxis were not reliable. Hospital wide interventions included
      standardisation of mechanical prophylaxis devices and anti-thromboembolic
      stockings (resulting in a cost saving of L52,000), and a Trust wide awareness and
      education programme. The education included increased emphasis on use of
      mechanical prophylaxis when chemical prophylaxis was contraindicated. VTE
      guidelines were also included in the existing junior Doctor guideline App. and a
      "CLOTS" anticoagulation webpage was developed and published on the hospital
      intranet. The improvement in VTE processes resulted in an 80% reduction in
      hospital associated thrombosis following surgery from 0.2% in January 2014 to
      0.04% in December 2015 and a reduction in the number of all hospital associated
      VTE from a baseline median of 9 per month as of January 2014 to a median of 1 per
      month by December 2015.

PMID- 28090330
TI  - Mechanochemical functionalization of disulfide linked hydrogels.
AB  - Poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels with disulfide linkages are functionalized
      through applied force. Compression or tension induces bond rupture at the
      relatively weak disulfide linkages, which will subsequently react through Michael
      type addition with an acceptor molecule within the gel. We demonstrate the
      utility of this approach by patterning cell adhesion proteins through compression
      of a lithographically structured stamp, where cells predominately adhere to the
      compressed regions.

PMID- 28090331
TI  - Prevalence of gastrointestinal dysmotility and complications detected by
      abdominal plain films after lung transplantation: a single-centre cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Gastrointestinal (GI) complications such as gastric
      retention (GR) and constipation are common after lung transplantation (LT).
      Abdominal plain films (APFs) are a low-cost diagnostic tool to detect impaired GI
      function. The goal of our study was to assess the prevalence of GI pathology seen
      on APF in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) and to identify associated risk
      factors. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive LTRs followed up between
      2001 and 2013. Demographic, radiographic and clinical data were assessed.
      RESULTS: 198 patients were included in the study, 166 thereof had more than 1 APF
      with a mean number of 5 APFs per patient. 163 patients had a detectable
      radiographic pathology on APF. The proportion of LTR with GR was highest among
      cystic fibrosis patients (48.5%). Multivariate regression analysis showed a
      significant association of diabetes with GR with a trend for age and use of
      opiates as risk factors. Similarly, female sex, advanced age and diabetes showed
      a trend to be associated with lower GI tract complications. Almost all patients
      had suffered from at least 1 episode of lower GI dysmotility during a median
      follow-up of 5.7 years. No clear correlation between GI events and the
      development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction could be identified.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found a statistically significant association of diabetes with GR
      and a progressive increase in the prevalence of GR over time after LT. Lower GI
      complications affected >80% of LTR and increased over time. Future studies
      correlating GI transit with APF findings are needed.

PMID- 28090332
TI  - Long-term effect of intensive lifestyle intervention on cardiovascular risk
      factors in patients with diabetes in real-world clinical practice: a 5-year
      longitudinal study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluated long-term impact of sustained weight loss versus weight
      regain on cardiovascular risk factors in real-world clinical practice. METHODS:
      We evaluated 129 obese patients with diabetes enrolled in Weight Achievement and
      Intensive Treatment (Why WAIT) program, a 12-week clinical model of intensive
      lifestyle intervention. After 1 year, we divided participants into group A, who
      maintained <7% weight loss (47.3%) and group B (52.7%), who maintained >=7%
      weight loss. We continued to follow them for a total of 5 years. RESULTS: The
      total cohort lost 23.8 lbs (-9.7%) at 12 weeks and maintained -16.2 lbs (-6.4%)
      at 5 years (p<0.001). Group A maintained -8.4 lbs (-3.5%) and group B maintained 
      23.1 lbs (-9.0%) at 5 years. In group A, A1C decreased from 7.5+/-1.3% to 6.7+/
      0.9% at 12 weeks but increased to 7.7+/-1.4% at 1 year and 8.0+/-1.9% at 5 years.
      In group B, A1C decreased from 7.4+/-1.2% to 6.4+/-0.9% at 12 weeks and rose to
      6.8+/-1.2% at 1 year and 7.3+/-1.5% at 5 years. Despite weight regain, group A
      maintained improvement in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high-density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol with worsening of serum triglycerides and no change in
      blood pressure (BP). Group B maintained improvement in lipid profile for 5 years
      and had significantly lower BP for 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Weight reduction in
      patients with diabetes can be maintained for 5 years and is predicted by
      patients' ability to maintain >=7% weight loss at 1 year. A1C and triglycerides
      deteriorate with weight regain, while other lipid improvements are maintained.
      Sustained weight loss is associated with significantly lower A1C for 5 years and
      lowers BP for 18 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01937845.

PMID- 28090333
TI  - Urinary C peptide creatinine ratio in pregnant women with normal glucose
      tolerance and type 1 diabetes: evidence for insulin secretion.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: In pregnancy, urinary C peptide creatinine ratio (UCPCR) reflects
      endogenous insulin secretion in women with normal glucose tolerance and type 1
      diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: UCPCR and serum C peptide were measured in
      90 glucose-tolerant women at 0 and 120 min during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance
      test (OGTT) at 28 weeks of gestation. UCPCR was measured in 2 samples obtained
      over 10 weeks apart in 7 pregnant women with longstanding type 1 diabetes.
      RESULTS: UCPCROGTT and serum C peptideOGTT of glucose-tolerant women were
      significantly correlated at 0 and 120 min (rs0.675, 0.541 respectively,
      p<0.0001). All 7 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes had detectable first sample
      UCPCR (median (range) 49 (6-1038) pmol/mmol) that rose in 6 women by 477 (29
      1491) pmol/mmol. CONCLUSIONS: Detectable UCPCR in pregnant women with normal
      glucose tolerance and type 1 diabetes is likely to reflect endogenous insulin
      secretion and hence beta-cell activity.

PMID- 28090334
TI  - An experimental validation of genomic selection in octoploid strawberry.
AB  - The primary goal of genomic selection is to increase genetic gains for complex
      traits by predicting performance of individuals for which phenotypic data are not
      available. The objective of this study was to experimentally evaluate the
      potential of genomic selection in strawberry breeding and to define a strategy
      for its implementation. Four clonally replicated field trials, two in each of 2
      years comprised of a total of 1628 individuals, were established in 2013-2014 and
      2014-2015. Five complex yield and fruit quality traits with moderate to low
      heritability were assessed in each trial. High-density genotyping was performed
      with the Affymetrix Axiom IStraw90 single-nucleotide polymorphism array, and 17
      479 polymorphic markers were chosen for analysis. Several methods were compared,
      including Genomic BLUP, Bayes B, Bayes C, Bayesian LASSO Regression, Bayesian
      Ridge Regression and Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces. Cross-validation within
      training populations resulted in higher values than for true validations across
      trials. For true validations, Bayes B gave the highest predictive abilities on
      average and also the highest selection efficiencies, particularly for yield
      traits that were the lowest heritability traits. Selection efficiencies using
      Bayes B for parent selection ranged from 74% for average fruit weight to 34% for
      early marketable yield. A breeding strategy is proposed in which advanced
      selection trials are utilized as training populations and in which genomic
      selection can reduce the breeding cycle from 3 to 2 years for a subset of
      untested parents based on their predicted genomic breeding values.

PMID- 28090335
TI  - Top-down Infliximab Study in Kids with Crohn's disease (TISKids): an
      international multicentre randomised controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease
      predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. CD usually requires lifelong
      medication and is accompanied by severe complications, such as fistulae and
      strictures, resulting in surgery. Infliximab (IFX) is very effective for treating
      paediatric patients with CD, but is currently only registered for therapy
      refractory patients-the so-called step-up strategy. We hypothesise that using IFX
      first-line, that is, top-down, will give more mucosal healing, fewer relapses,
      less complications, need for surgery and hospitalisation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS:
      This international multicentre open-label randomised controlled trial includes
      children, aged 3-17 years, with new-onset, untreated CD with moderate-to-severe
      disease activity (weighted Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index
      (wPCDAI)>40). Eligible patients will be randomised to top-down or step-up
      treatment. Top-down treatment consists of 5 IFX infusions combined with
      azathioprine (AZA). After these 5 infusions, patients will continue AZA. Patients
      randomised to step-up will receive standard induction treatment, either oral
      prednisolone or exclusive enteral nutrition, combined with AZA as maintenance
      treatment. The primary outcome is clinical remission (wPCDAI<12.5) at 52 weeks
      without need for additional CD-related therapy or surgery. Total follow-up is 5
      years. Secondary outcomes include clinical disease activity, mucosal healing by
      endoscopy (at week 10 and optionally week 52), faecal calprotectin, growth,
      quality of life, medication use and adverse events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION:
      Conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice.
      Medical-ethical approval will be obtained for each site. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: NCT02517684; Pre-results.

PMID- 28090336
TI  - Medical feminism, working mothers, and the limits of home: finding a balance
      between self-care and other-care in cross-cultural debates about health and
      lifestyle, 1952-1956.
AB  - Post-war medical debates about the psychiatric consequences of married women's
      economic behaviour witnessed far more divergence and collision between
      perspectives than has often been acknowledged. Practitioners who approached women
      primarily as facilitators of family health-as wives and mothers-were mistrustful
      of the competing demands presented by paid employment. They were faced by a
      growing spectrum of opinion, however, which represented women as atrophying in
      the confines of domestic life, and which positioned work as a therapeutic act.
      Advocates of work tapped into anxieties about family instability by emphasizing
      the dangers posed by frustrated housewives, shifting clinical faith away from
      full-time motherhood, but nevertheless allowing responsibilities towards husbands
      and children to continue to frame argument about women's behaviour. Doctors,
      researchers and social critics, in this context, became preoccupied with
      questions of balance, mapping a path which sought to harmonize public and private
      fulfilment, identity and responsibility. This article traces this discursive
      shift through a series of conferences held by the Medical Women's International
      Association during the early-to-mid 1950s, connecting debates in Britain with
      systems of broader intellectual exchange. It enriches and complicates historical
      knowledge of post-war relationships between medicine and feminism, at the same
      time as offering a conceptual and linguistic context for modern discussion about
      work-life balance and gender. This article is published as part of a collection
      entitled "On balance: lifestyle, mental health and wellbeing".

PMID- 28090337
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28090338
TI  - Executive functions predict weight loss in a medically supervised weight loss
      programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deficits in executive functions are related to poorer weight loss
      after bariatric surgery; however, less is known about the role that these
      deficits may play during participation in nonsurgical weight loss programmes.
      This study examined associations between objectively measured executive functions
      and weight loss during participation in a medically supervised weight loss
      programme. METHODS: Twenty-three adult patients (age 50.4 +/- 15.1, BMI 44.2 +/-
      8.8, 68% female, 92% White) enrolled in a medically supervised weight loss
      programme, involving prescription of a very low calorie diet and strategies to
      change eating and activity behaviours, underwent comprehensive computerized
      testing of executive functions at baseline. Weight was obtained at baseline and 8
      weeks. Demographic and clinical information were obtained through medical chart
      review. RESULTS: Participants lost an average of 9.8 +/- 3.4% of their initial
      body weight at 8 weeks. Fewer correct responses on a set-shifting task and faster
      reaction time on a response inhibition task were associated with lower weight
      loss percentage at 8 weeks after adjusting for age, education and depressive
      symptoms. There were no associations between performance on tests of working
      memory or planning and weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that worse
      performance on a set-shifting task (indicative of poorer cognitive flexibility)
      and faster reaction times on a response inhibition test (indicative of higher
      impulsivity) are associated with lower weight loss among participants in a
      medically supervised weight loss programme. Pre-treatment assessment of executive
      functions may be useful in identifying individuals who may be at risk for
      suboptimal treatment outcomes. Future research is needed to replicate these
      findings in larger samples and identify underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 28090339
TI  - A mixed methods approach to improving recruitment and engagement of emerging
      adults in behavioural weight loss programs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Emerging adults ages 18-25 are at high risk for obesity, but are
      markedly underrepresented in behavioural weight loss (BWL) programs and
      experience lower engagement and retention relative to older adults. PURPOSE: To
      utilize a mixed methods approach to inform future efforts to effectively recruit
      and engage this high-risk population in BWL programs. METHODS: We used a
      convergent parallel design in which quantitative and qualitative data were given
      equal priority. Study 1 (N = 137, age = 21.8 + 2.2, BMI = 30.1 + 4.7) was a
      quantitative survey, conducted online to reduce known barriers and minimize bias.
      Study 2 (N = 7 groups, age = 22.3 + 2.2, BMI = 31.5 + 4.6) was a qualitative
      study, consisting of in person focus groups to gain greater depth and identify
      contextual factors unable to be captured in Study 1. RESULTS: Weight loss was of
      interest, but weight itself was not a central motivation; an emphasis on overall
      lifestyle, self-improvement and fitness emerged as driving factors. Key barriers
      were time, motivation and money. Recruitment processes should be primarily online
      with messages tailored specifically to motivations and preferences of this age
      group. Preferences for a program were reduced intensity and brief, hybrid format
      with some in-person contact, individual level coaching, experiential learning and
      peer support. Key methods of promoting engagement and retention were autonomy and
      choice, money and creating an optimal default. CONCLUSIONS: An individually
      tailored lifestyle intervention that addresses a spectrum of health behaviours,
      promotes autonomy and emphasizes activity and fitness may facilitate recruitment
      and engagement in this population better than traditional BWL protocols.

PMID- 28090341
TI  - Small weight gains during obesity treatment: normative or cause for concern?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study are to characterize the frequency and
      size of small weight gains during behavioural weight loss treatment and to
      evaluate the relationship between small weight gains and weight loss outcomes.
      METHODS: Participants (n = 281) in a year-long behavioural weight loss programme
      were weighed at treatment sessions, and between-session weight gains were
      classified into several categories based on size. The occurrence of different
      gain magnitudes and their relation to weight loss were examined during both the
      active weight loss (months 1-6) and weight loss maintenance (months 7-12) phases
      of treatment. RESULTS: Weight gains were common during both phases of treatment,
      with smaller gains occurring more frequently than larger gains. Greater frequency
      of all gain magnitudes was associated with lesser weight loss during both phases.
      Additionally, participants who had just one or two weight gains of the smallest
      size examined (1.0-1.9 lb) lost less weight than those who had no gains.
      CONCLUSIONS: Small gains appear to reflect true weight gain due to poor adherence
      to behavioural recommendations and are associated with worse weight loss
      outcomes, even when limited in number. Future research should examine how best to
      prevent small weight gains from occurring and how clinicians and participants
      should respond when a weight gain does occur to promote weight control success.

PMID- 28090340
TI  - Recruitment and Retention for a Weight Loss Maintenance Trial Involving Weight
      Loss Prior to Randomization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A weight loss maintenance trial involving weight loss prior to
      randomization is challenging to implement due to the potential for dropout and
      insufficient weight loss. We examined rates and correlates of non-initiation,
      dropout, and insufficient weight loss during a weight loss maintenance trial.
      METHODS: The MAINTAIN trial involved a 16-week weight loss program followed by
      randomization among participants losing at least 4 kg. Psychosocial measures were
      administered during a screening visit. Weight was obtained at the first group
      session and 16 weeks later to determine eligibility for randomization. RESULTS:
      Of 573 patients who screened as eligible, 69 failed to initiate the weight loss
      program. In adjusted analyses, failure to initiate was associated with lower age,
      lack of a support person, and less encouragement for making dietary changes.
      Among participants who initiated, 200 dropped out, 82 lost insufficient weight,
      and 222 lost sufficient weight for randomization. Compared to losing sufficient
      weight, dropping out was associated with younger age and tobacco use, whereas
      losing insufficient weight was associated with non-White race and controlled
      motivation for physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Studies should be conducted to
      evaluate strategies to maximize recruitment and retention of subgroups that are
      less likely to initiate and be retained in weight loss maintenance trials.

PMID- 28090342
TI  - 1H-MRS measured ectopic fat in liver and muscle is associated with the metabolic
      syndrome in Danish girls but not in boys with overweight and obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complication to overweight and
      obesity, which can be observed already in childhood. Ectopic lipid accumulation
      in muscle and liver has been shown to associate with the development of insulin
      resistance and dyslipidemia. Thus, the interaction between MetS and ectopic fat
      may offer clinical relevance. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of MetS,
      or components hereof, and ectopic fat accumulation in liver and skeletal muscle
      tissue in children, as well as interactions between these. METHODS: Two-hundred
      and-sixteen children and adolescents (95 boys) with overweight/obesity were
      investigated, as well as 47 controls (22 boys) with normal weight. The
      assessments included anthropometry, fasting blood biochemistry and blood pressure
      measurements. Liver and muscle lipid contents were assessed by proton magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: We observed an odds ratio in girls with
      overweight/obesity of 12.2 (95% confidence interval: [3.8; 49.0]) for exhibiting
      MetS when hepatic steatosis was present, whereas no association was observed in
      boys with overweight/obesity (odds ratio 0.7 [0.2; 2.7]). The odds ratio of
      exhibiting MetS in the presence of muscular steatosis was 3.5 [1.4; 9.5] in girls
      with overweight/obesity and 1.0 [0.2; 5.6] in boys with overweight/obesity.
      Similar results were seen for girls with overweight/obesity exhibiting concurrent
      hepatic and muscular steatoses. CONCLUSION: Hepatic and muscular steatoses were
      associated with MetS among girls, but not among boys with overweight/obesity.

PMID- 28090343
TI  - Amylin/leptin synergy is absent in extreme obesity and not restored by calorie
      restriction-induced weight loss in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Co-administration of amylin and leptin induces synergistic and
      clinically meaningful (>10%) weight loss that is attenuated as the degree of
      obesity increases. We explored whether calorie restriction (CR) could restore
      amylin/leptin synergy in very obese rats. METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats on high
      fat diet (696 +/- 8 g, n = 72) were randomized to three cohorts (C1-C3). Rats in
      C1 were administered vehicle, rat amylin (50 ug kg-1 d-1), murine leptin (125 ug
      kg-1 d-1) or amylin and leptin for 28 days (n = 6 per group) via subcutaneous
      minipump. Simultaneously, C2 and C3 rats initiated CR. After moderate (12.4 +/-
      0.3%, 86.7 +/- 2.8 g; C2) or severe (24.9 +/- 0.3%, 172.7 +/- 4.7 g; C3) weight
      loss, amylin and/or leptin was administered as described. RESULTS: In C1, leptin
      did not alter weight, and amylin induced 40.2 +/- 6.1 g weight loss (-6.0 +/-
      0.9%), which was not enhanced by leptin (44.4 +/- 4.9 g, -6.1 +/- 0.8%). In C2,
      vehicle-treated (75.1 +/- 7.8 g weight change from start of treatment, 1.1 +/-
      0.8% difference from start of pre-CR phase) and leptin-treated rats (68.6 +/- 9.2
      g, -1.3 +/- 1.0%) rebounded to pre-restriction weight that was attenuated by
      amylin (29.2 +/- 11.4 g, -6.2 +/- 0.7%). Leptin did not enhance the effect of
      amylin (22.8 +/- 11.7 g, -8.3 +/- 1.5%). In C3, vehicle-treated and leptin
      treated rats regained most of their weight (161.9 +/- 11.8, -2.3 +/- 0.8% and
      144.6 +/- 9.5 g, -2.3 +/- 0.9%, respectively), which was attenuated by amylin
      (91.1 +/- 16.8 g, -11.2 +/- 0.7%), but not enhanced by leptin (83.0 +/- 7.6 g, 
      10.7 +/- 0.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Extreme obesity associated with leptin resistance
      perturbs amylin/leptin weight loss synergy in rats, which cannot be restored by
      pre-treatment weight loss.

PMID- 28090344
TI  - Tasting profile affects adoption of caloric beverage reduction in a randomized
      weight loss intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine differences in rates of non
      caloric beverage adoption by participants classified as sweet likers (SLs) or
      sweet dislikers (measured using a behavioural tasting task). METHODS: Data are a
      sub-study from a 6-month, three-group, randomized weight loss trial (CHOICE)
      (body mass index 36.3 +/- 5.8 kg m-2, 84% female, aged 42.2 +/- 10.9 years, 53%
      African-American) comparing the replacement of caloric beverages with either non
      caloric sweetened beverages (diet) or water (water) compared with a control
      group. This sub-study, which included participants within the water (n = 106) and
      diet (n = 103) groups only, examined whether SLs (n = 33 water; n = 37 diet)
      varied in their adherence to caloric beverage recommendations compared with sweet
      dislikers (n = 73 water; n = 76 diet) over the 6-month study. RESULTS: Diet
      intake and sweet-liking data collected on 190 (3 months) and 169 participants (6
      months) were used for analysis. The interaction between SL status and beverage
      group (diet vs. water) approached significance (P = 0.06) at 3 months but not 6
      months. Caloric beverage intake (% energy) at 3 months was significantly higher
      in SLs within the water group (9.7 +/- 1.4%) compared with SLs in the diet group
      (5.4 +/- 1.0%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that SL status may affect
      the rate in reduction of caloric beverages when water is the recommended
      substitution. Future studies should explore tailoring beverage recommendations to
      tasting profile.

PMID- 28090345
TI  - Electronically captured, patient-reported physical function: an important vital
      sign in obesity medicine.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Impaired physical function (i.e., inability to walk 200 feet, climb a
      flight of stairs or perform activities of daily living) predicts poor clinical
      outcomes and adversely impacts medical and surgical weight management. However,
      routine assessment physical function is seldom performed clinically. The PROMIS
      Physical Function Short Form 20a (SF-20a) is a validated questionnaire for
      assessing patient reported physical function, which includes published T-score
      percentiles adjusted for gender, age and education. However, the effect that
      increasing levels of obesity has on these percentiles is unclear. We hypothesized
      that physical function would decline with increasing level of obesity independent
      of gender, age, education and comorbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study
      included 1,627 consecutive weight management patients [(mean +/- SEM), 44.7 +/-
      0.3 years and 45.1 +/- 0.2 kg/m2] that completed the PROMIS SF-20a during their
      initial consultation. We evaluated the association between obesity level and
      PROMIS T-score percentiles using multiple linear regression adjusting for gender,
      age, education and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). RESULTS: Multiple linear
      regression T-score percentiles were lower in obesity class 2 (-12.4%tile, p <
      0.0001), class 3 (-17.0%tile, p < 0.0001) and super obesity (-25.1%tile, p <
      0.0001) compared to class 1 obesity. CONCLUSION: In patients referred for weight
      management, patient reported physical function was progressively lower in a dose
      dependent fashion with increasing levels of obesity, independent of gender, age,
      education and CCI.

PMID- 28090347
TI  - Depressive symptoms in women's midlife in relation to their body weight before,
      during and after childbearing years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine how weight and weight changes related to
      pregnancy were associated with depressive symptoms 11-16 years after childbirth.
      METHOD: We followed 16,998 first-time mothers from the Danish National Birth
      Cohort up till 16 years after birth and estimated associations between depressive
      symptoms and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (kg m-2), weight changes in
      different time periods, and BMI-adjusted waist circumference 7 years after birth
      (WCBMI, cm). Depressive symptoms were estimated by the Center for Epidemiologic
      Studies Depression 10-item scale. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used
      to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Compared with
      normal-weight, we found that underweight, overweight and obesity were associated
      with greater odds of depressive symptoms (1.29, 1.24 and 1.73, respectively).
      Compared with weight change +/-1 BMI unit during the total follow-up period,
      greater odds for depressive symptoms were observed with weight loss (OR 1.14,
      0.96-1.36) or gain of 2-2.99 kg m-2 (OR 1.11, 0.92-1.33) or gain of >=3 kg m-2
      (OR 1.68, 1.46-1.94). WCBMI > 2.2 cm was associated with greater odds of
      depressive symptoms (OR 1.16, 0.99-1.36) than waist circumference as predicted by
      BMI. CONCLUSION: Low and high pre-pregnancy BMI, weight changes and WCBMI larger
      than predicted were associated with more depressive symptoms in midlife.

PMID- 28090346
TI  - A GWAS follow-up of obesity-related SNPs in SYPL2 reveals sex-specific
      association with hip circumference.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with morbid
      obesity was recently identified by exome sequencing. The purpose of this study
      was to follow up this low-frequency coding SNP located within the SYPL2 locus and
      associated with body mass index in order to reveal novel associations with
      obesity-related traits. METHODS: The body mass index-associated SNP (rs62623713
      A>G [chr1:109476817/hg19]) and two tagging SNPs within the SYPL2 locus, rs9661614
      T>C (chr1:109479215) and rs485660 G>A (chr1:109480810), were genotyped in the
      obesity (n = 3,017) and the infogene (n = 676) cohorts, which were further
      combined, leading to a larger cohort of 3,693 individuals. Association testing
      was performed by general linear models in the obesity cohort and validated by
      joint analysis in the combined cohort. RESULTS: rs9661614 and rs485660 were
      significantly associated with hip circumference (HC) in the obesity cohort, with
      heterozygotes exhibiting a significantly lower HC. These results were validated
      by joint analysis for rs9661614 (false discovery rate [FDR]-corrected P = 7.5 *
      10-4) and, to a lesser extent, for rs485660 (FDR corrected P = 3.9 * 10-2). The
      association with HC remained significant for rs9661614 when tested independently
      in women (FDR-corrected P = 1.7 * 10-2), but not for rs485660 (FDR-corrected P =
      0.2). Both associations were absent in men. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals
      strong evidence for a novel association between rs9661614 (T>C) and HC in women,
      which likely reflects a preferential association of SYPL2 to a gynoid profile of
      fat distribution. The study findings support a clinical significance of SYPL2
      worth considering when assessing risk factors associated with obesity.

PMID- 28090348
TI  - Changes in HbA1c and circulating and adipose tissue androgen levels in overweight
      obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome in response to electroacupuncture.
AB  - AIM: Insulin sensitivity is ~40% lower in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
      (PCOS) than in controls. We tested the hypothesis that 5 weeks of
      electroacupuncture treatment improves glucose regulation and androgen levels in
      overweight/obese women with PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen women with
      PCOS, aged 18 to 38 years, with a body mass index (BMI) >=25 kg/m2 and diagnosed
      with PCOS were included in this experimental and feasibility study and subjected
      to five weeks of electroacupuncture treatments three times/week. The primary
      outcome was changes in whole-body glucose homeostasis measured by euglycemic
      hyperinsulinemic clamp before and after the intervention. Secondary outcome were
      changes in HbA1c, circulating catecholamines, adipocyte size and adipose tissue
      expression of sex steroids and nerve growth factor (NGF). RESULTS: No significant
      change in glucose homeostasis was observed, but HbA1c decreased by 9.5% (p =
      0.004), circulating testosterone decreased by 22% (p = 0.0007) and
      dihydrotestosterone decreased by 12% (p = 0.007). The two vagal activity markers
      of plasma serotonin levels and the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid
      decreased by 21% (p = 0.027) and 20% (p = 0.011), respectively. Adipose tissue
      concentrations of testosterone decreased by 18% (p = 0.049), and androstenedione
      decreased by 13% (p = 0.035), and mature NGF/proNGF ratio, a marker of
      sympathetic activity, increased (p = 0.04). These changes occurred without
      changes in anthropometrics. CONCLUSION: Five weeks of electroacupuncture
      treatment improves HbA1c and circulating and adipose tissue androgens in women
      with PCOS. This effect is mediated, at least in part, via modulation of vagal
      activity and adipose tissue sympathetic activity. Based on these findings, we
      have recently initiated a randomized controlled study (NTC02647827).

PMID- 28090349
TI  - The association between parental separation during childhood and obesity in
      adulthood: a Danish twin study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine if parental separation during
      childhood is associated with obesity in adulthood. METHODS: A co-twin case
      control study of 146 adult same-sexed twin pairs with discordant body mass index
      (BMI) (i.e. one of the twins should have a BMI of 20-25 kg/m2, and the co-twin's
      BMI >= 30 kg/m2) was selected from Danish Twin Registry (DTR). In total of 236
      eligible twin individuals participated in the study. Childhood parental
      separation (defined as separation from one of the biological parents, regardless
      of the reason for separation) for at least one year prior to age 17 was self
      reported. The statistical analysis includes logistic and linear regression models
      using STATA 13.0. RESULTS: There were no differences in the odds of developing
      obesity in adulthood between the twin who stayed with a father and the co-twin
      who was separated from him for at least 1 year prior to age 17 [OR = 1.22, 95%CI
      (0.46-3.34), p = 0.65]. Separation from a mother also showed no differences in
      the odds for developing obesity [OR = 0.90, 95%CI (0.32-2.46), p = 0.82].
      CONCLUSIONS: Because of the limited number of discordant twin pairs for childhood
      parental separation, we cannot provide evidence to suggest that separation from
      parents in childhood was associated with developing obesity in adulthood. Further
      studies of pooling discordant twins from several countries should be considered.

PMID- 28090350
TI  - Longitudinal quality of life improvement in underserved rural youth with obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: ACT! (Actively Changing Together) is a family- and community-based
      intervention targeting youth with obesity. The objective of this study was to
      establish the longitudinal impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) as
      well as the relationship with anthropometric and demographic factors. METHODS:
      Youth (n = 75) aged 8-14 years meeting criteria for overweight or obesity were
      referred to the programme. Twelve, 90-min classes in English and Spanish were
      held at the YMCA. Demographics and anthropometrics were assessed, as well as
      HRQoL that was measured with the child-reported Pediatric Quality of Life
      Inventory (PedsQLTM) 4.0 Generic Core Scale. Data was collected at three follow
      up points after completion of the intervention: initial follow-up (n = 65), 6 (n
      = 41) and 12 months (n = 25). Analysis included paired dependent t-tests between
      baseline and follow-up, and Pearson's correlations on HRQoL, anthropometric and
      demographic data. RESULTS: PedsQL scores significantly improved from baseline to
      all follow-up timepoints (initial follow-up immediately following the
      intervention, and 6 and 12 months post intervention). Over time, body mass index
      Z-Score and per cent body fat displayed various points of significance and
      strengthening correlations. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal improvements in HRQoL were
      sustained up to 12 months following a family- and community-based intervention in
      this underserved population. Anthropometric measures continuously correlated with
      and contributed to HRQoL outcomes.

PMID- 28090351
TI  - The prevalence and practice impact of weight bias amongst Australian dietitians.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study explored weight bias amongst Australian Accredited
      Practising Dietitians (APDs) and the effect of client weight status on dietetic
      practice. METHODS: Participants were 201 APDs, recruited using purposive
      sampling. A self-administered questionnaire, the fat phobia scale (FPS), was
      completed to assess explicit weight bias. Participants were then randomized to
      receive either a female within the healthy weight range or female with obesity,
      accompanied by an identical case study for a condition unrelated to weight.
      Participants assessed the client based on data provided, provided recommendations
      and rated their perception of the client. RESULTS: Mean FPS scores indicated mild
      fat phobia. However, dietetic practice was significantly affected by the client's
      weight status. Dietitians presented with the female with obesity assessed the
      client to have significantly lower health and were more likely to provide
      unsolicited weight management recommendations. In addition, dietitians rated the
      client as less receptive, less motivated and as having a lower ability to
      understand and sustain recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of this
      study is the exploration of how weight status may impact dietetic practice
      including assessment, recommendations and perceptions of the client. Dietitians
      may practice in a manner that represents or could be perceived as negative
      implicit weight bias, despite the explicit FPS assessing only mild fat phobia.
      Further research to understand the extent of the problem and how it impacts
      client outcomes and to test possible solutions is required.

PMID- 28090352
TI  - Prevalence of obesity in Malta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is a global epidemic with the Mediterranean island of Malta
      being no exception. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Malta as
      one of the European countries with the highest obesity prevalence. METHOD: A
      cross-sectional study was conducted (2014-2016) under the auspices of the
      University of Malta. The prevalence of overweight-obesity in Malta was calculated
      and then age stratified for comparisons with previous studies. RESULTS: The study
      identified 69.75% (95% CI: 68.32-71.18) of the Maltese population to be either
      overweight or obese. The men overweight/obese prevalence (76.28% 95% CI: 74.41
      78.14) was statistically higher than that for women (63.06% 95% CI: 60.92-65.20)
      (p = 0.0001). Age stratification revealed that both genders had the highest
      overweight prevalence rates between 55 and 64 years (Men = 23.25% 95% CI: 20.43
      26.33; Women = 24.68% 95% CI: 21.44-28.22). Men obesity prevalence rates were
      highest in the 35 to 44 years group (22.52% 95% CI: 19.65-25.68) while for women
      it was highest in the 55 to 64 years group (28.90%, 95% CI: 25.44-30.63).
      CONCLUSION: Over a 35-year period, an overall decrease in the normal and
      overweight BMI categories occurred with an increase in the prevalence of obesity.
      An exception was observed in the women, where the prevalence of normal BMI
      increased over this time period. Also, it appears that while the total population
      obesity prevalence increased (for 2016), a percentage of the women have shifted
      from an obese to an overweight status.

PMID- 28090354
TI  - What weight loss treatment options do geriatric patients with overweight and
      obesity want to consider?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since the 1990s, a number of weight loss medications have been
      removed from the USA and or European market because of adverse events associated
      with these medications. These medications include fenfluramine (heart valve
      thickening), sibutramine (cardiovascular risk) and rimonabant (depression). This
      history may affect a patient's desire to consider weight loss medications as an
      option for weight management. OBJECTIVE: This descriptive study was designed to
      observe what treatment options the geriatric patient (age 65 or higher) seeking
      weight loss would like to consider, as well as the reasons they felt they
      struggled with overweight or obesity. METHODS: A questionnaire was given to 102
      geriatric patients with overweight or obesity before starting a weight loss
      programme at a weight management centre. The questionnaire asked the patient why
      they felt they were overweight or obese and what treatment options they wished to
      consider. The geriatric patients were matched with younger patients in body mass
      index and sex. RESULTS: The three most common perceptions that geriatric patients
      felt were causes of their increased weight were 'lack of exercise' (76.2%), 'poor
      food choices' (59.4%) and 'cravings' (47.5%). When geriatric patients were asked
      what treatment options they would like to discuss, the four most common options
      requested were 'diet and healthy eating' (67.3%), weight loss medications
      (57.4%), a request for a 'metabolic work up' (55.4%) and 'exercise' (53.5%).
      These responses were no different from their younger cohorts. When geriatric
      patients with a body mass index of 35 or higher were given bariatric surgery as a
      treatment option, 21.9% marked it as a treatment option they would like to
      consider. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of geriatric patients desired to discuss weight
      loss medications as a treatment option. Diet and exercise were also of strong
      interest, which is in line with current weight management guidelines.

PMID- 28090353
TI  - Leptin, acylcarnitine metabolites and development of adiposity in the Rhea mother
      child cohort in Crete, Greece.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate relations of serum leptin at age 4 with
      development of adiposity and linear growth during 3 years of follow-up among 75
      Greek children and to identify serum metabolites associated with leptin at age 4
      and to characterize their associations with adiposity gain and linear growth.
      METHODS: Linear regression models that accounted for maternal age, education and
      gestational weight gain and child's age and sex were used to examine associations
      of leptin and leptin-associated metabolites measured at age 4 with indicators of
      adiposity and linear growth at age 7. RESULTS: Each 1-unit increment in natural
      log-(ln)-transformed leptin corresponded with 0.33 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.55) units
      greater body mass index-for-age z-score gain during follow-up. Likewise, higher
      levels of the leptin-associated metabolites methylmalonyl-carnitine and
      glutaconyl-carnitine corresponded with 0.14 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.27) and 0.07 (95%
      CI: -0.01, 0.16) units higher body mass index-for-age z-score gain, respectively.
      These relationships did not differ by sex or baseline weight status and were
      independent of linear growth. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that leptin,
      methylmalonyl-carnitine and possibly glutaconyl-carnitine are associated with
      weight gain during early childhood. Future studies are warranted to confirm these
      findings in other populations.

PMID- 28090355
TI  - DDX59 promotes DNA replication in lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - DEAD box proteins are multifunctional proteins involved in every aspect in RNA
      metabolism and have essential roles in many cellular activities. Despite their
      importance, many DEAD box proteins remain uncharacterized. In this report, we
      found DDX59 overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma. DDX59 knockdown reduced cell
      proliferation, anchorage-independent cell growth, and caused reduction of tumor
      formation in immunocompromised mice. In multiple lung cancer cells, we found that
      DDX59 knockdown inhibits DNA synthesis; wild-type DDX59 but not helicase
      defective mutant of DDX59 enhances DNA synthesis. DDX59 knockdown caused
      reduction of MCM protein levels, decreased the loading of MCM ring protein onto
      chromatin, and therefore inhibited DNA replication. Our study reveals for the
      first time that DDX59 has an important role in lung cancer development through
      promoting DNA replication.

PMID- 28090356
TI  - Long noncoding RNA: noncoding and not coded.

PMID- 28090357
TI  - Effects of a Home-Based Family-Centred Early Habilitation Program on
      Neurobehavioural Outcomes of Very Preterm Born Infants: A Retrospective Cohort
      Study.
AB  - Preterm children have an increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments which
      include psychomotor and language retardation. The objectives of the present
      retrospective cohort study were to examine the effects of an individually
      adapted, home-based, and family-centred early developmental habilitation program
      on neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes of very preterm children compared
      with a standard follow-up at 2 years' corrected age. Enrolled infants were
      retrospectively assigned to the intervention group (61 subjects) or to the
      control group (62 subjects) depending on whether they had or had not carried out
      a home-based family-centred early developmental habilitation program focused on
      environmental enrichment, parent-guided environmental interaction, and infant
      development. Developmental outcome was assessed for both groups at 24 months'
      corrected age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development 2nd Edition.
      Intervention significantly improved both cognitive and behavioural outcomes. In
      addition, males had significantly lower scores than females either before or
      after treatment. However, the treatment was effective in both genders to the same
      extent. In conclusion, a timely updated environment suitable to the infant's
      developmental needs could provide the best substrate where the parent-infant
      relationship can be practised with the ultimate goal of achieving further
      developmental steps.

PMID- 28090358
TI  - Merging and Fractionation of Muscle Synergy Indicate the Recovery Process in
      Patients with Hemiplegia: The First Study of Patients after Subacute Stroke.
AB  - Loss of motor coordination is one of the main problems for patients after stroke.
      Muscle synergy is widely accepted as an indicator of motor coordination.
      Recently, the characteristics of muscle synergy were quantitatively evaluated
      using nonnegative matrix factorization (NNMF) with surface electromyography.
      Previous studies have identified that the number and structure of synergies were
      associated with motor function in patients after stroke. However, most of these
      studies had a cross-sectional design, and the changes in muscle synergy during
      recovery process are not clear. In present study, two consecutive measurements
      were conducted for subacute patients after stroke and the change of number and
      structure of muscle synergies during gait were determined using NNMF. Results
      showed that functional change did not rely on number of synergies in patients
      after subacute stroke. However, the extent of merging of the synergies was
      negatively associated with an increase in muscle strength and the range of angle
      at ankle joint. Our results suggest that the neural changes represented by NNMF
      were related to the longitudinal change of function and gait pattern and that the
      merging of synergy is an important marker in patients after subacute stroke.

PMID- 28090359
TI  - Inhibition of the cAMP/PKA/CREB Pathway Contributes to the Analgesic Effects of
      Electroacupuncture in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in a Rat Pain Memory Model.
AB  - Pain memory is considered as endopathic factor underlying stubborn chronic pain.
      Our previous study demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) can alleviate
      retrieval of pain memory. This study was designed to observe the different
      effects between EA and indomethacin (a kind of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory
      drugs, NSAIDs) in a rat pain memory model. To explore the critical role of
      protein kinase A (PKA) in pain memory, a PKA inhibitor was microinjected into
      anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in model rats. We further investigated the roles
      of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), PKA, cAMP response element-binding
      protein (CREB), and cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in pain memory to explore the potential
      molecular mechanism. The results showed that EA alleviates the retrieval of pain
      memory while indomethacin failed. Intra-ACC microinjection of a PKA inhibitor
      blocked the occurrence of pain memory. EA reduced the activation of cAMP, PKA,
      and CREB and the coexpression levels of cAMP/PKA and PKA/CREB in the ACC of pain
      memory model rats, but indomethacin failed. The present findings identified a
      critical role of PKA in ACC in retrieval of pain memory. We propose that the
      proper mechanism of EA on pain memory is possibly due to the partial inhibition
      of cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway by EA.

PMID- 28090360
TI  - Neurosteroids Involvement in the Epigenetic Control of Memory Formation and
      Storage.
AB  - Memory is our ability to store and remember past experiences; it is the result of
      changes in neuronal circuits of specific brain areas as the hippocampus. During
      memory formation, neurons integrate their functions and increase the strength of
      their connections, so that synaptic plasticity is improved and consolidated. All
      these processes recruit several proteins at the synapses, whose expression is
      highly regulated by DNA methylation and histone tails posttranslational
      modifications. Steroids are known to influence memory process, and, among them,
      neurosteroids are implicated in neurodegenerative disease related to memory loss
      and cognitive impairment. The epigenetic control of neurosteroids involvement in
      memory formation and maintenance could represent the basis for neuroregenerative
      therapies.

PMID- 28090361
TI  - Effect of Endolymphatic Hydrops on Sound Transmission in Live Guinea Pigs
      Measured with a Laser Doppler Vibrometer.
AB  - Objective. This study aimed at describing the mechanism of hearing loss in low
      frequency and the different dynamic behavior of the umbo, the stapes head, and
      the round window membrane (RWM) between normal guinea pigs and those with
      endolymphatic hydrops (EH), using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). Methods.
      Cochlear sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to evaluate the
      hydropic ratio (HR). Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and whole-mount
      immunostaining were measured. Displacement of the umbo, stapes head, and RWM in
      response to ear-canal sound was evaluated using a LDV. Results. Mean HR values in
      EH model of all the turns are larger than the control group. The ABR threshold of
      the EH group was significantly higher than that of the control. Strong positive
      correlation was found between HR at apical turn and ABR threshold elevation at
      1000 Hz and at subapical turn and ABR threshold elevation at 2000 Hz. FITC
      phalloidin immunostaining of the cochlear basilar membrane in the apical,
      subapical, and suprabasal turns showed missing and derangement stereocilia of
      third-row outer hair cells. The umbo, stapes head, and RWM displacement in ears
      with EH was generally lower than that of normal ears. The EH-induced differences
      in stapes head and RWM motion were significant at 0.5 kHz. Conclusion. The LDV
      results suggested that the higher inner ear impedance in EH affected the dynamic
      behavior of the two opening windows of the cochlea and then reduced the vibration
      of the ossicular chain by increasing the afterload, resulting in acoustic
      dysfunction. The vibration reduction mainly occurred at low frequencies, which
      has related with the morphology changes of the apical and subapical turns in EH
      model.

PMID- 28090362
TI  - A Large Left Ventricle Myxoma: Presenting with Epigastric Pain and Weight Loss.
AB  - Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign tumors found in the heart. They
      usually appear in the left atrium. Those originating from the left ventricle (LV)
      are rare. Although clinical presentation may vary, dyspnea and embolism are the
      most commonly reported symptoms. In the present case study, a 27-year-old woman
      with a large myxoma originating from the left ventricular free wall is studied.
      She had atypical complaints, mainly epigastric discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and
      anorexia. She was hospitalized for acute abdomen, but subsequent investigations
      revealed a large myxoma that fully filled the LV and severely compromised the
      flow of the aortic and mitral valves. After successful emergency tumor resection,
      all symptoms disappeared. The uncommon presentation caused by these tumors is
      discussed in this study.

PMID- 28090363
TI  - Abdominal Massage for the Relief of Constipation in People with Parkinson's: A
      Qualitative Study.
AB  - Objectives. To explore the experiences of people with Parkinson's (PwP) who
      suffer from constipation, the impact this has on their lives, and the effect of
      using lifestyle changes and abdominal massage as a form of constipation
      management. Method. Fourteen semistructured interviews were completed (8 males
      and 6 females; mean age 72.2 years) at the end of a care programme, which
      consisted of either lifestyle advice and abdominal massage (intervention group; n
      = 7) or lifestyle advice only (control group; n = 7). Data were analysed using
      constant-comparison techniques and Framework methods. Themes and key quotes were
      identified to depict major findings. Findings. Four key themes were identified:
      (i) the adverse impact of bowel problems on quality of life; (ii) positive
      experience of behaviour adjustments: experimentation; (iii) abdominal massage as
      a dynamic and relaxing tool: experiential learning (intervention group only);
      (iv) abdominal massage as a contingency plan: hesitation (control group only).
      Constipation was reported as having a significant impact on quality of life.
      Participants in both groups perceived lifestyle advice to relieve symptoms.
      Specific improvements were described in those who also received the abdominal
      massage. Conclusions. Both lifestyle advice and abdominal massage were perceived
      to be beneficial in relieving symptoms of constipation for PwP.

PMID- 28090364
TI  - Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials: Researching the Causes of Low Accrual.

PMID- 28090365
TI  - Nurse Communication About Goals of Care.
AB  - Conversations about goals of care with the patient and family are a critical
      component of advanced practice in oncology. However, there are often inadequate
      team structures, training, or resources available to assist advanced
      practitioners in initiating these conversations. We conducted a study to assess
      nurses' perceived role and communication tasks in such conversations about goals
      of care. In a cross-sectional survey of 109 nurses attending a comprehensive 2
      day end-of-life nursing education course, nurses were asked to describe how they
      would participate in a "goals of care" meeting in three different scenarios. They
      were also asked what changes they desired in their clinical settings. Nurses
      overwhelmingly described that their primary task and communication role was to
      assess patient/family understanding. Nurses referenced their team members and
      team support with the least frequency across scenarios. Team roles, structure,
      and process were reported as areas in greatest need of change in patient/family
      goals of care meetings. These findings demonstrate that lack of preparation to
      function as a team is a barrier for nurses in communicating about goals of care,
      and there is a demand to move such conversations upstream in oncology care.

PMID- 28090366
TI  - Bosutinib Therapy in Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Practical
      Considerations for Management of Side Effects.
AB  - The past decade has witnessed great advances in the treatment of chronic myeloid
      leukemia (CML), brought about in large part by the development of BCR-ABL
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Bosutinib joins the armamentarium of approved
      TKIs for the treatment of chronic phase (CP), accelerated phase (AP), and blast
      phase (BP) Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive CML resistant to or intolerant
      of prior therapy. Bosutinib has an adverse-event (AE) profile distinct from that
      of other TKIs. Diarrhea is the predominant toxicity associated with bosutinib
      treatment; other commonly reported nonhematologic AEs include rash and liver
      enzyme elevations. Cardiac events, fluid retention, and electrolyte abnormalities
      are infrequent. Optimal response to bosutinib requires adherence, which depends,
      in part, upon optimal management of associated toxicities. The oncology clinician
      can facilitate this process by providing patient education, timely patient follow
      up, and close monitoring to promptly identify and manage AEs. Thus, optimal
      patient management requires a thorough and current understanding of toxicity
      profiles and AE management paradigms. This review provides an overview of
      bosutinib safety data derived from ongoing clinical trials and offers practical
      clinical strategies currently used to manage toxicities associated with bosutinib
      treatment in patients with Ph-positive CP, AP, and BP CML.

PMID- 28090367
TI  - Novel Uses for Lipid-Lowering Agents.
AB  - Statin use leads to a reduction in the downstream products of the mevalonate
      pathway. Knowledge of this pathway has led scientists to investigate the role of
      statins in cancer prevention and treatment. Statins appear to possess a variety
      of pleiotropic effects, including inhibition of cell proliferation; enhanced
      apoptosis; and modulation of inflammation, endothelial function, and
      angiogenesis. In cancer specifically, experimental studies have found that
      statins may induce cancer cell apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth, angiogenesis,
      and metastasis. These mechanisms have steered researchers into evaluating the
      possible benefit of statins in the prevention and treatment of malignancies. This
      review will discuss the literature supporting the use of statins to prevent and
      treat cancer.

PMID- 28090368
TI  - Applying Metrics to Outpatient Oncology Advanced Practice Providers.

PMID- 28090370
TI  - Nivolumab in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PMID- 28090369
TI  - Belinostat for Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma.

PMID- 28090371
TI  - A Case-Based Look at Healthy Weight Loss for Survivors of Cancer.

PMID- 28090372
TI  - E-Cigarettes: Are They as Safe as the Public Thinks?

PMID- 28090373
TI  - hGBP-1 Expression Predicts Shorter Progression-Free Survival in Ovarian Cancers,
      While Contributing to Paclitaxel Resistance.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the gynecological cancer with the poorest prognosis. One
      significant reason is the development of resistance to the chemotherapeutic drugs
      used in its treatment. The large GTPase, hGBP-1, has been implicated in
      paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cell lines. Forced expression of hGBP-1 in SKOV3
      ovarian cancer cells protects them from paclitaxel-induced cell death. However,
      prior to this study, nothing was known about whether hGBP-1 was expressed in
      ovarian tumors and whether its expression correlated with paclitaxel resistance.
      hGBP-1 is expressed in 17% of ovarian tumors from patients that have not yet
      received treatment. However, at least 80% of the ovarian tumors that recurred
      after therapies that included a tax-ane, either paclitaxel or docetaxel, were
      positive for hGBP-1. In addition, hGBP-1 expression predicts a significantly
      shorter progression-free survival in ovarian cancers. Based on these studies,
      hGBP-1 could prove to be a potential biomarker for paclitaxel resistance in
      ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28090374
TI  - Neurophysiological Measures and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Hypothesizing Links
      between Clinical Severity Index and Molecular Neurobiological Patterns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 1987, Cloninger proposed a clinical description and classification
      of different personality traits genetically defined and independent from each
      other. Moreover, he elaborated a specific test the TCI to investigate these
      traits/states. The study of craving in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) assumed a
      greater significance, since ever more data seems to suggest a direct correlation
      between high levels of craving and a higher risk of relapse in alcoholics. Thus,
      our study aim is to explore the possible correlations among TCI linked molecular
      neurobiological pattern (s), craving and alcohol addiction severity measures in a
      sample of Italian alcoholics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 191 alcoholics were
      recruited in a Day Hospital (DH) setting at the Alcohol Addiction Program Latium
      Region Referral Center, Sapienza University of Rome. After 7 days detoxification
      treatment a psychodiagnostic protocol was administered, including TCI, VAS-C, ASI
      and SADQ. All patients signed an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved
      informed consent. RESULTS: Principally, we detected a significant positive
      correlation between HA-scale scores and the VAS scale: increasing in HA-scale
      corresponds to an increase in craving perception for both intensity (r=0.310; p
      <= 0.001) and frequency (r=0.246; p <= 0.001). Moreover, perception of dependence
      severity, measured with SADQ was also found to be significantly associated
      positively to both HA-scale (r=0.246; p <= 0.001) and NS-scale (r=0.224; p <=
      0.01). While, for character scales, Persistence (r=-0.195; p=.008) and Self
      directedness (r=-0.294; p <= 0.001) was negatively associated with ASI linked to
      alcohol problems. Self-directedness was also negatively correlated with ASI
      linked to family and social problems (r=-0.349; p <= 0.001), employment and
      support problems (r=-0.220; p=0.003) and psychiatric problems (r=-0.358; p <=
      0.001). Cooperativeness was a negative correlate with Legal Problems (r=-0.173;
      p=0.019). and Self-Transcendence was positive correlated with Medical Problems
      (r=0.276; p <= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In view of recent addiction neurobiological
      theories, such as the "Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS)" and the Koob model, our
      data could suggest that our cohort of patients could possibly be in a particular
      stage of the course of their addiction history. Thus, if our hypothesis will be
      confirmed, the TCI-based assessment of alcoholics would allow an optimization of
      the treatment. Clinicians understanding these newer concepts will be able to
      translate this information to their patients and potentially enhance clinical
      outcome (s), because it could suggest a functional hypothesis of neurotransmitter
      circuits that helps to frame the patient in his/her history of addiction.

PMID- 28090375
TI  - Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation in Multiple Sclerosis: Biomarker Relevance
      for Patient Recruitment and Follow up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the current availability of disease modifying therapies for
      the treatment of multiple sclerosis, there are still patients who suffer from
      severe neurological dysfunction in the relapsing-remitting or early progressive
      forms of the disease. For these patients autologous hematopoietic stem cell
      transplant offers an important therapeutic solution to prevent progression to
      irreversible disability. In spite of multiple studies in the last two decades,
      patient inclusion criteria, protocols for peripheral blood stem cell mobilization
      and bone marrow cell conditioning and methodology of follow up for autologous
      hematopoietic stem cell transplant in multiple sclerosis have not been strictly
      unified. METHODS: We reviewed five recent clinical studies that confirmed the
      positive outcome of transplant in spite of disclosing significant differences in
      methodology of enrollment including patient disease subtypes, disease duration
      range, disability, regimens of peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and bone
      marrow cell conditioning, scheduling of imaging studies after transplant, and
      absence of laboratory biomarkers consistently applied to these studies. RESULTS:
      Therapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant has shown best results
      among young individuals with severe relapsing-remitting or early progressive
      disease through its ability to maintain no evidence of disease activity status in
      a significantly higher proportion of patients after transplant in comparison to
      patients treated with disease modifying therapies. Important cross-sectional
      differences in the reviewed studies were found. CONCLUSION: A specific and
      careful selection of biomarkers, based on the current physiopathological
      mechanisms known to result in multiple sclerosis, will contribute to a better and
      earlier patient selection for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant and
      follow up process. An objective and measurable response could be obtained with
      the determination of biomarkers at the onset of treatment and after follow-up on
      reconstitution of the immune response. The application of such parameters could
      also help further our understanding of pathogenesis of the disease.

PMID- 28090376
TI  - First-principles investigation on elastic and thermodynamic properties of Pnnm-CN
      under high pressure.
AB  - The elastic anisotropy and thermodynamic properties of the recently synthesized
      Pnnm-CN have been investigated using first-principles calculations under high
      temperature and high pressure. The calculated equilibrium crystal parameters and
      normalized volume dependence of the resulting pressure agree with available
      experimental and theoretical results. Within the considered pressure range of 0
      90 GPa, the dependences of the bulk modulus, Young's modulus, and shear modulus
      on the crystal orientation for Pnnm-CN have been systematically studied. The
      results show that the Pnnm-CN exhibits a well-pronounced elastic anisotropy. The
      incompressibility is largest along the c-axis. For tension or compression
      loading, the Pnnm-CN is stiffest along [001] and the most obedient along [100]
      direction. On the basis of the quasi-harmonic Debye model, we have explored the
      Debye temperature, heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, and Gruneisen
      parameters within the pressure range of 0-90 GPa and temperature range of 0
      1600K.

PMID- 28090377
TI  - Ordered orthology as a tool in prokaryotic evolutionary inference.
AB  - Molecular data is accumulated at exponentially increasing pace. This deluge of
      information should have brought us closer to resolving one of the most
      fundamental issues in biology - deciphering the history of life on Earth. So far,
      however, this abundance of data only seems to blur our understanding of the
      problem. This is largely due to horizontal gene transfer (HGT), the transfer of
      genetic material between evolutionarily unrelated organisms that transforms the
      prokaryotic tree into a network of relationships. Recently, we developed a method
      to infer evolutionary relationships among closely related species where the
      conventional evolutionary markers do not provide a strong enough signal. The
      method relies on the loss of synteny, gene order conservation among species that
      provides a stronger signal, sufficient to classify even strains of a given
      species. Here we elaborate on this method and suggest further uses of it in the
      context of detecting HGT events and genome architecture.

PMID- 28090378
TI  - Transposon for protein engineering.
AB  - Protein insertional fusion and circular permutation are 2 promising protein
      engineering techniques for creating integrated functionalities and sequence
      diversity of a protein, respectively. Finding insertion locations for protein
      insertional fusion and new termini for circular permutation through a rational
      approach is not always straightforward, especially, for proteins without detailed
      structural knowledge. On the contrary, a combinatorial approach facilitates a
      comprehensive search to evaluate all potential insertion sites and new termini
      locations. Conventional methods used to create random insertional fusion
      libraries generate sub-optimal inter-domain linker length and composition between
      fused proteins. There are also methods available for construction of random
      circular permutation libraries. However, these methods too, impose many
      drawbacks, such as significant sequence modification at the new termini of
      circular permutants and additionally, require re-design of transposons for
      tailored expression of circular permutants. Furthermore, these conventional
      methods employ relatively inefficient blunt-end ligation during library
      construction. In this commentary, we present a concise overview and key findings
      of engineered Mu transposons, which have recently been developed in our group as
      a facile and efficient tool to alleviate limitations realized from conventional
      methods and to construct high quality libraries for random insertional fusion and
      random circular permutation.

PMID- 28090379
TI  - Genome wide occurrence and insertion preferences of INGI/RIME and SLACS CRE
      transposable elements in Trypanosoma brucei.
AB  - Retrotransposons play significant role in genome remodelling of T. brucei and
      about 5% of its genome consists of retrotransposons including INGI/RIME elements.
      INGI is one of the dispersed repetitive elements in T. brucei genome which is
      found distributed throughout all the chromosomes. SLACS (Spliced Leader
      Associated Conserved Sequence) however, is more conserved in its nature and lacks
      the typical poly-distributional pattern of LINE like transposons. We have found
      total 589 copies of these TEs with only 17.06 % (104 copies out of 589) copies
      with both ends intact thus showing a majority of truncated copies. Complete SLACS
      CRE were found only on chromosome 9, whereas, complete INGI/RIME were more
      ubiquitously distributed. The 50 - 70 bp upstream flanking sequence of these
      elements shows suitable nucleotide biophysical properties to favor transposition.

PMID- 28090380
TI  - Transposable elements and circular DNAs.
AB  - Circular DNAs are extra-chromosomal fragments that become circularized by genomic
      recombination events. We have recently shown that yeast LTR elements generate
      circular DNAs through recombination events between their flanking long terminal
      repeats (LTRs). Similarly, circular DNAs can be generated by recombination
      between LTRs residing at different genomic loci, in which case the circular DNA
      will contain the intervening sequence. In yeast, this can result in gene copy
      number variations when circles contain genes and origins of replication. Here, I
      speculate on the potential and implications of circular DNAs generated through
      recombination between human transposable elements.

PMID- 28090381
TI  - LTRclassifier: A website for fast structural LTR retrotransposons classification
      in plants.
AB  - Automatic classification of LTR retrotransposons is a big challenge in the area
      of massive genomics. Many tools were developed to detect them but automatic
      classification is somehow challenging. Here we propose a simple approach,
      LTRclassifier, based on HMM recognition followed by BLAST analyses (i) to
      classify plant LTR retrotransposons in their respective superfamily, and (ii) to
      provide automatically a basic functional annotation of these elements. The method
      was tested on various TE databases, and shown to be robust and fast. This tool is
      available as a web service implemented at IRD bioinformatics facility,
      http://LTRclassifier.ird.fr/.

PMID- 28090382
TI  - Conjugative transmission of antibiotic-resistance from stream water Escherichia
      coli as related to number of sulfamethoxazole but not class 1 and 2 integrase
      genes.
AB  - A conjugation assay was used to determine the effects of phenotypic resistance to
      one to up to 5 antibiotics, sampling site of origin, presence or absence of class
      1 and/or class 2 integrase (intI) genes (intI1 and intI2), and the number of
      sulfamethoxazole resistance (sul) and trimethoprim resistance (dfr) genes on the
      transfer frequencies of plasmids from environmental, antibiotic-resistant
      Escherichia coli. Of 51 sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim-resistant E. coli
      isolates conferring at least one mob gene (mobP51, mobF11, mobF12, mobQ11, mobQ12
      , or mobQu ), 38 produced transconjugants with an overall mean frequency of 1.60
      * 10-3 transconjugants/ donors (T/D) or 5.89 * 10-3 transconjugants/recipients
      (T/R). The presence or absence of intI1 and intI2 and the presence or absence of
      different targeted dfr genes (dfrA1, dfrA8, dfrA12, dfrA14, dfrA17, and/or dfrB3)
      were not statistically related to plasmid transfer frequencies as determined by
      ANOVA (P >= 0.05). However, E. coli isolates recovered 2 km downstream of
      wastewater treatment plant effluent input, and those possessing resistance to 3
      antibiotics had significantly greater plasmid transfer frequency than their
      counterparts when calculated as T/D (ANOVA followed by Fisher's least significant
      difference means comparison, P < 0.05). Greater plasmid transfer frequency
      calculated as T/D was also measured for E. coli possessing 3 compared to a single
      sul gene. The in-vitro frequency suggests that horizontal gene transfer of
      conjugative mediated-antibiotic (sul) resistance genes may be significant among
      resistant, stream bacteria.

PMID- 28090383
TI  - The future of transposable element annotation and their classification in the
      light of functional genomics - what we can learn from the fables of Jean de la
      Fontaine?
AB  - Transposable element (TE) science has been significantly influenced by the
      pioneering ideas of David Finnegan near the end of the last century, as well as
      by the classification systems that were subsequently developed. Today, whole
      genome TE annotation is mostly done using tools that were developed to aid gene
      annotation rather than to specifically study TEs. We argue that further progress
      in the TE field is impeded both by current TE classification schemes and by a
      failure to recognize that TE biology is fundamentally different from that of
      multicellular organisms. Novel genome wide TE annotation methods are helping to
      redefine our understanding of TE sequence origins and evolution. We briefly
      discuss some of these new methods as well as ideas for possible alternative
      classification schemes. Our hope is to encourage the formation of a society to
      organize a larger debate on these questions and to promote the adoption of
      standards for annotation and an improved TE classification.

PMID- 28090384
TI  - Phagebiotics in treatment and prophylaxis of healthcare-associated infections.
AB  - We have developed a phagebiotic composition using 8 virulent bacteriophages (2
      strains of each species) which are able to lyse Acinetobacter baumannii,
      Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The
      unique character of the developed composition is ensured by particular properties
      of each bacteriophage comprising the preparation, including their range of lytic
      activity toward specific bacterial pathogens, morphology of their plaques, cycle
      of their development, restriction profile of their DNAs, specificity of their
      genomes (based on complete genome sequencing), and other properties. The
      preparation did not produce any signs of acute or chronic intoxication in the
      experimental animals. Therapeutic and prophylactic efficiency of the phagebiotic
      composition was demonstrated in the prevention and treatment of the experimental
      acute K. pneumoniae infection in mice. The investigations have shown that the
      preparation possesses a high therapeutic efficiency and is highly competitive
      with ciprofloxacin which is very effective against the infective strain K.
      pneumoniae. Our small-scale clinical trial was aimed to evaluate therapeutic
      effectiveness of the phagebiotic composition in an epidemiological emergency
      situation in an intensive care unit, caused by multi-resistant strains of
      Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
      Seventy nine per cent of the initial samples from 14 patients' endotracheal
      aspirate, blood and urine were contaminated. Twenty-four hours after the 3-day
      phage therapy (20 ml of cocktail at a titer for each phage 108 pfu/ml were
      introduced intragastrically through a tube once a day) contamination level
      dropped to 21%. Hence the obtained results enabled us to create a new phagebiotic
      composition that may be used as an alternative to antibiotics to treat these
      healthcare-associated infections.

PMID- 28090385
TI  - Fecal microbiota transplantation to fight Clostridium difficile infections and
      other intestinal diseases.
AB  - We have analyzed fecal bacterial and viral communities of a patient with
      recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) who was cured by fecal microbiota
      transplantation (FMT). The "Zurich Patient" experienced immediate cure and has
      remained free of symptoms for now over 5 y. Donor-similar bacterial compositions
      after 4.5 y post-FMT demonstrated sustainable engraftment of donor microbiota
      predominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes bacteria. Appearance of beneficial
      species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia municiphila was detected
      while disease-related Proteobacteria decreased. Stabilization of the microbiota
      took longer than expected from the rapidly improving clinical symptoms,
      suggesting the need for longer-lasting patient observation. The virome was mainly
      composed of Caudovirales bacteriophages but surprisingly also contained sequences
      related to a Chlorella giant virus that normally infects green algae not known to
      inhabitate the human intestine. FMT is highly effective against rCDI and is
      presently broadening its application to other conditions including inflammatory
      bowel disease (IBD). Here, we discuss the prospects and challenges of FMT against
      rCDI and other indications including a focus on bacteriophages.

PMID- 28090386
TI  - Structural proteins of Enterococcus faecalis bacteriophage phiEf11.
AB  - phiEf11, a temperate Siphoviridae bacteriophage, was isolated by induction from a
      root canal isolate of Enterococcus faecalis. Sequence analysis suggested that the
      phiEf11 genome included a contiguous 8 gene module whose function was related to
      head structure assembly and another module of 10 contiguous genes whose products
      were responsible for tail structure assembly. SDS-PAGE analysis of virions of a
      phiEf11 derivative revealed 11 well-resolved protein bands. To unify the deduced
      functional gene assignments emanating from the DNA sequence data, with the
      structural protein analysis of the purified virus, 6 of the SDS-PAGE bands were
      subjected to mass spectrometry analysis. 5 of the 6 protein bands analyzed by
      mass spectrometry displayed identical amino acid sequences to those predicted to
      be specified by 4 of the ORFs identified in the phiEf11 genome. These included:
      ORF8 (predicted scaffold protein), ORF10 (predicted major head protein), ORF15
      (predicted major tail protein), and ORF23 (presumptive antireceptor).

PMID- 28090387
TI  - Testing a proposed paradigm shift in analysis of phage DNA packaging.
AB  - We argue that a paradigm shift is needed in the analysis of phage DNA packaging.
      We then test a prediction of the following paradigm shift-engendering hypothesis.
      The motor of phage DNA packaging has two cycles: (1) the well-known packaging
      ATPase-driven (type 1) cycle and (2) a proposed back-up, shell
      expansion/contraction-driven (type 2) cycle that reverses type 1 cycle stalls by
      expelling accidentally packaged non-DNA molecules. We test the prediction that
      increasing the cellular concentration of all macromolecules will cause packaging
      active capsids to divert to states of hyper-expansion and contraction. We use a
      directed evolution-derived, 3-site phage T3 mutant, adapted to propagation in
      concentrated bacterial cytoplasm. We find this prediction correct while
      discovering novel T3 capsids previously obscure.

PMID- 28090388
TI  - Felix Hubert d'Herelle (1873-1949): History of a scientific mind.
AB  - The discovery of bacteriophage one century ago by the French-Canadian Felix
      d'Herelle set off controversies as to the nature of bacteriophage as well as over
      the priority and credit for this discovery. The background and life of d'Herelle
      reveals a complex, self-taught outsider in science who was strongly influenced by
      his admiration of Louis Pasteur, but also his attachment to the philosophical
      positions of early 17th century philosophers, especially Francis Bacon. D'Herelle
      left substantial unpublished writings on his philosophical musings toward the end
      of his life.

PMID- 28090389
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1080/21597081.2015.1086500.].

PMID- 28090390
TI  - My scientific life.

PMID- 28090391
TI  - Neurotoxin-Induced Catecholaminergic Loss in the Colonic Myenteric Plexus of
      Rhesus Monkeys.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Constipation is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease
      (PD). Although pathology of the enteric nervous system (ENS) has been associated
      with constipation in PD, the contribution of catecholaminergic neurodegeneration
      to this symptom is currently debated. The goal of this study was to assess the
      effects of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on the colonic myenteric
      plexus and shed light on the role of catecholaminergic innervation in
      gastrointestinal (GI) function. METHODS: Proximal colon tissue from 6-OHDA
      treated (n=5) and age-matched control (n=5) rhesus monkeys was immunostained and
      quantified using ImageJ software. All animals underwent routine daily feces
      monitoring to assess for constipation or other GI dysfunction. RESULTS:
      Quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and aromatic L-amino acid
      decarboxylase (AADC)-immunoreactivity (-ir) revealed significant reduction in
      myenteric ganglia of 6-OHDA-treated animals compared to controls (TH-ir: 87.8%,
      P<0.0001; AADC-ir: 61.7% P=0.0034). Analysis of pan-neuronal markers (PGP9.5,
      HuC/D), other neurochemical phenotypes (VIP, nNOS), PD-associated pathology
      proteins (alpha-synuclein, phosphorylated alpha-synuclein), glial marker GFAP and
      neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (HLA-DR, CD45, Nitrotyrosine) did not show
      significant differences. Monitoring of feces revealed frequent (>30% days) soft
      stool or diarrhea in 2 of the 5 6-OHDA-treated animals and 0 of the 5 control
      animals during the 2 months prior to necropsy, with no animals exhibiting signs
      of constipation. CONCLUSION: Systemic administration of 6-OHDA to rhesus monkeys
      significantly reduced catecholaminergic expression in the colonic myenteric
      plexus without inducing constipation. These findings support the concept that ENS
      catecholaminergic loss is not responsible for constipation in PD.

PMID- 28090392
TI  - New immunotherapeutic paradigms for castration-resistant prostate cancer.

PMID- 28090393
TI  - SKN-1-independent transcriptional activation of glutathione S-transferase 4 (GST
      4) by EGF signaling.
AB  - In C. elegans research, transcriptional activation of glutathione S-transferase 4
      (gst-4) is often used as a read-out for SKN-1 activity. While many heed an
      assumed non-exclusivity of the GFP reporter signal driven by the gst-4 promoter
      to SKN-1, this is also often ignored. We here show that gst-4 can also be
      transcriptionally activated by EOR-1, a transcription factor mediating effects of
      the epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway. Along with enhancing exogenous
      oxidative stress tolerance, EOR-1 inde-pendently of SKN-1 increases gst-4
      transcription in response to augmented EGF signaling. Our findings caution
      researchers within the C. elegans community to always rely on sufficient
      experimental controls when assaying SKN-1 transcriptional activity with a gst
      4p::gfp reporter, such as SKN-1 loss-of-function mutants and/or additional target
      genes next to gst-4.

PMID- 28090394
TI  - GExplore 1.4: An expanded web interface for queries on Caenorhabditis elegans
      protein and gene function.
AB  - Genetic high-throughput experiments often result in hundreds or thousands of
      genes satisfying certain experimental conditions. Grouping and prioritizing a
      large number of genes for further analysis can be a time-consuming challenge. In
      2009 we developed a web-based user interface, GExplore, to assist with large
      scale data-mining related to gene function in Caenorhabditis elegans. The
      underlying database contained information about Caenorhabditis elegans genes and
      proteins including domain organization of the proteins, phenotypic descriptions,
      expression data and Gene Ontology Consortium annotations. These data enable users
      to quickly obtain an overview of biological and biochemical functions of a large
      number of genes at once. Since its inception the underlying database has been
      updated and expanded significantly. Here we describe the current version of
      GExplore 1.4, documenting the changes since the original release. GExplore 1.4
      now contains information about the domain organization of the proteomes of 9
      nematode species, can display the location of Caenorhabditis elegans mutations
      with respect to the domain organization of the proteins, and includes stage
      specific RNAseq gene expression data generated by the modENCODE project. The
      underlying database has been reorganized to facilitate independent updates of the
      different parts of the database and to allow the addition of novel data sets in
      the future. The web interface is available under http://genome.sfu.ca/gexplore.

PMID- 28090395
TI  - sta-1 is repressed by mir-58 family in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - The miR-58 family comprises 6 microRNAs with largely shared functions, and with
      an overall high expression, because one of its members, miR-58, is the most
      abundant microRNA in Caenorhabditis elegans. We recently found that 2 TGF-beta
      signaling pathways, Sma/Mab and Dauer, responsible for body size and dauer
      formation respectively, among other phenotypes, are downregulated by the miR-58
      family. Here, we further explore this family by showing that it also acts through
      the sta-1 3'UTR. sta-1 encodes a transcription factor, homologous to mammalian
      STATs, that inhibits dauer formation in association with the TGF-beta Dauer
      pathway. We also observe that mutants with a constitutively active TGF-beta Dauer
      pathway express higher levels of sta-1 mRNA. Our results reinforce the view of
      the miR-58 family and STA-1 as regulators of dauer formation in coordination with
      the TGF-beta Dauer pathway.

PMID- 28090397
TI  - Insights about Fall Prevention of Older Adults in the State of Hawai'i.
AB  - The senior population in Hawai'i is growing at a dramatic pace. In the older
      population, falls and fall-related injuries are leading causes of morbidity and
      mortality. Moreover, the health care costs for falls are very high. The State of
      Hawai'i has taken measures to prevent falls through the promotion of medication
      reviews, vision checks, home assessments, and exercise. However, current
      published examinations of fall preventive measures have been insufficient, and
      more research is needed to confirm risk factors, effectiveness of preventive
      measures, and to explore future objectives. This paper examined the validity of
      fall risk factors and fall preventive measures for Hawai'i's seniors by
      conducting mail questionnaire surveys to a sample of seniors using medical alert
      services from one company in Hawai'i. The results of chi-square analysis suggest
      that having reduced ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and
      reduced Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) were associated with a
      greater risk of falls (P < .01). In addition, those who fell were more likely to
      talk about fall preventions with their family members or friends and health
      providers compared with those who did not (P = .048 and .003, respectively).
      Evidence-based exercise programs for strengthening muscles and controlling
      physical balance may be needed to improve ADL and IADL. Furthermore, the results
      suggest that seniors do not accept that they are at risk of falling before they
      actually fall. Public health providers should consider how they approach seniors,
      and how they inform them of the importance of fall prevention across the life
      span.

PMID- 28090398
TI  - Life Expectancies in Hawai'i: A Multi-ethnic Analysis of 2010 Life Tables.
AB  - The objective of this study is to examine longevity disparities in Hawai'i by
      race/ethnicity and gender based on age-specific death rates in 2010. Abridged
      life tables for Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Hawaiians, and Caucasians in Hawai'i
      are presented for the age groups: <1, 1-4, every 5-year interval from 5-84, and
      85+ years for the year of 2010. Death data were provided by the Hawai'i
      Department of Health Office of Health Status Monitoring, and population data were
      based on 2010 Census modified based on ethnicity estimates from the Hawai'i
      Health Survey. Life expectancy at birth in Hawai'i has increased consistently
      from 69.5 years in 1950 to 82.4 years in 2010. Longevity disparities seen in past
      decades continue to persist between the longest-living groups, Japanese and
      Chinese, and the shortest-living group, Native Hawaiians, with a gap of
      approximately 10 years. In addition, females lived 6 years longer than males on
      average. Racial/ethnic disparities in longevity can be partially explained by
      differences in socioeconomic status, health behaviors, health care access, and
      racism. Native Hawaiians continue to have the shortest life expectancy of the
      ethnic groups examined, requiring expanded efforts to address Native Hawaiian
      health across the life course. Our findings also support more ethnic-specific
      research to understand the health care needs and utilization patterns of each
      group.

PMID- 28090399
TI  - Breastfeeding in Samoa: A Study to Explore Women's Knowledge and the Factors
      which Influence Infant Feeding Practices.
AB  - A decline in breastfeeding rates in Samoa has been reported over the last
      century. To assess the length of time women breastfeed, their knowledge of both
      the advantages of and recommendations for breastfeeding, and the factors that
      influence their decisions to continue or discontinue breastfeeding, a
      questionnaire was distributed at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital. One hundred and
      twenty-one eligible participants were included aged 18-50 years (mean age 28.2).
      Ninety percent of participants initiated breastfeeding, and the majority (78%) of
      babies were exclusively breastfed for at least the recommended 6 months. Many
      mothers introduced complementary (solid) foods later than World Health
      Organization (WHO) and United Nation's International Children's Fund (UNICEF)
      recommendations of 6 months. Awareness of the advantages of breastfeeding was
      mixed. The most widely known advantage was "the development of an emotional bond
      between mother and baby" (67%). Other advantages were less widely known. Only a
      small minority were aware that breastfeeding reduces risk of maternal diabetes
      and aids weight loss post partum. Doctors and healthcare workers were listed as
      the top factors encouraging breastfeeding. Participants' comments revealed a
      generally positive attitude towards breastfeeding, a very encouraging finding.
      Participants identified that the number of breastfeeding breaks available at work
      and the length of their maternity leave were factors discouraging breastfeeding.
      Future studies are necessary to determine if problems identified in this study
      are applicable on a national level. These could be important to determine
      measures to improve breastfeeding practices in Samoa.

PMID- 28090400
TI  - Medical School Hotline: Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Research.

PMID- 28090396
TI  - Peers and Obesity during Childhood and Adolescence: A Review of the Empirical
      Research on Peers, Eating, and Physical Activity.
AB  - Obesity during childhood and adolescence is a growing problem in the United
      States, Canada, and around the world that leads to significant physical,
      psychological, and social impairment. In recent years, empirical research on
      factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity has begun
      to consider peer experiences, such as peer rejection, peer victimization, and
      friendship. Peer experiences have been theoretically and empirically related to
      the "Big Two" contributors to the obesity epidemic, eating and physical activity,
      but there has not been a comprehensive review of the extant empirical literature.
      In this article, we review and synthesize the emerging theoretical and empirical
      literatures on peer experiences in relation to: (a) eating (food consumption and
      food selection); and (b) physical activity, during childhood and adolescence. A
      number of limitations and issues in the theoretical and empirical literatures are
      also discussed, along with future research directions. In conclusion, we argue
      that the involvement of children and adolescents' peer networks in prevention and
      intervention efforts may be critical for promoting and maintaining positive
      behavioral health trajectories.

PMID- 28090401
TI  - Insights in Public Health: Challenges Investigating Health Outcomes in Chinese
      Americans Using Population-Based Survey Data.
AB  - Chinese Americans constitute the largest percentage of Asian Americans. In
      Hawai'i, Chinese Americans make up approximately 4.7% of the total state
      population. Accurately assessing health disparities across specific Asian
      American subgroups is critically important to health research and policy, as
      there is often substantial variability in risk and outcomes. However, even for
      Chinese Americans, the largest of the Asian American subgroups, such analyses can
      present challenges in population-based surveys. This article considers these
      challenges generally and then specifically in terms of the issue of health
      literacy and heart disease in Chinese Americans using existing population-based
      survey data sets in the United States, California, and Hawai'i.

PMID- 28090403
TI  - A Review of the Relationship of Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered by clinicians.
      Clinical decision-making focuses on reducing ischemic stroke risk in AF patients;
      however, AF is also associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndromes
      (ACS). Patients with ACS and concurrent AF are less likely to receive appropriate
      therapies and more likely to experience adverse outcomes than ACS patients in
      sinus rhythm (SR). Clinicians may be able to stratify ACS patients at increased
      risk of AF development based on clinical characteristics. Evidence supporting
      specific therapeutic options for prevention of ACS in AF patients or for
      prevention of AF in ACS patients is limited, however there is some evidence of
      differing effects among oral anticoagulant regimens in these populations.
      Investigations of the relationship of AF with the full spectrum of ACS are not
      well described and should be the focus of future research.

PMID- 28090404
TI  - Adolescents' stigma attitudes toward internalizing and externalizing disorders:
      Cultural influences and implications for distress manifestations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined predictors of stigma attitudes toward common youth
      emotional behavioral problems to test the hypothesis that interdependent cultural
      values would be associated with differential stigma towards externalizing versus
      internalizing disorders. Furthermore, we examined whether problem-specific stigma
      attitudes would predict adolescent's own self-reported manifestations of
      distress. METHOD: 1224 Vietnamese American and European American adolescents
      completed measures of social distance stigma attitudes in response to vignettes
      depicting youth with internalizing (depression, social anxiety, somatization) and
      externalizing (alcohol use, aggressive behaviors, delinquency) disorders. A
      subset of 676 youth also provided self-reports on their own adjustment
      prospectively over six months. RESULTS: Measurement models revealed clear
      separation of negatively correlated factors assessing stigma toward externalizing
      versus internalizing problems. Values related to family interdependence were
      significantly associated with greater tolerance of internalizing disorders and
      lower tolerance of externalizing disorders. Stigma towards internalizing
      disorders was associated with lower concurrent self-reported internalizing
      symptoms, whereas stigma towards externalizing symptoms was associated with lower
      concurrent externalizing symptoms and greater decreases in externalizing symptoms
      over time. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that stigma attitudes
      are differentiated by problem type and may represent one cultural factor shaping
      distress manifestations.

PMID- 28090405
TI  - Transcriptomic analysis of diplomonad parasites reveals a trans-spliced intron in
      a helicase gene in Giardia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms by which DNA sequences are expressed is the central
      preoccupation of molecular genetics. Recently, ourselves and others reported that
      in the diplomonad protist Giardia lamblia, the coding regions of several mRNAs
      are produced by ligation of independent RNA species expressed from distinct
      genomic loci. Such trans-splicing of introns was found to affect nearly as many
      genes in this organism as does classical cis-splicing of introns. These findings
      raised questions about the incidence of intron trans-splicing both across the G.
      lambliatranscriptome and across diplomonad diversity in general, however a dearth
      of transcriptomic data at the time prohibited systematic study of these
      questions. METHODS: I leverage newly available transcriptomic data from G.
      lamblia and the related diplomonad Spironucleus salmonicidato search for trans
      spliced introns. My computational pipeline recovers all four previously reported
      trans-spliced introns in G. lamblia, suggesting good sensitivity. RESULTS:
      Scrutiny of thousands of potential cases revealed only a single additional trans
      spliced intron in G. lamblia, in the p68 helicase gene, and no cases in S.
      salmonicida. The p68 intron differs from the previously reported trans-spliced
      introns in its high degree of streamlining: the core features of G. lamblia trans
      spliced introns are closely packed together, revealing striking economy in the
      implementation of a seemingly inherently uneconomical molecular mechanism.
      DISCUSSION: These results serve to circumscribe the role of trans-splicing in
      diplomonads both in terms of the number of genes effected and taxonomically.
      Future work should focus on the molecular mechanisms, evolutionary origins and
      phenotypic implications of this intriguing phenomenon.

PMID- 28090407
TI  - Development of 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers for Ficus virens (Moraceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Ficus virens (Moraceae) is distributed widely in South and
      Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and northern Australia, and it is also cultivated
      outside its original northern range limit in southwestern China. Therefore, the
      species is well suited to explore the mechanism of range limits of Ficus species.
      However, little is known about its genetic background. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed using the biotin
      streptavidin capture method. Polymorphism was tested in 85 F. virens individuals
      sampled from three populations. The number of alleles ranged from three to 17.
      The observed and expected heterozygosity of each population varied from 0.0667 to
      0.9286 and 0.0650 to 0.8890, respectively. Cross-species amplification was also
      carried out in eight other Ficus species. CONCLUSIONS: These 15 markers will be
      valuable for studying the genetic variation and population structure of F. virens
      and related Ficus species.

PMID- 28090406
TI  - Leaf-disc grafting for the transmission of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in
      citrus (Citrus sinensis; Rutaceae) seedlings.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The search for resistance/tolerance to the devastating
      citrus huanglongbing disease (syn. HLB or citrus greening) is generating an
      increasing number of new plants of diverse genetic makeup. As the increasing
      number of new plants require more space, resources, and time, the need for faster
      and more efficient HLB screening tests becomes crucial. METHODS AND RESULTS: The
      leaf-disc grafting system described here consists in replacing a disc of leaf
      tissue with a similar disc from an infected plant. This can be performed in young
      seedlings not yet big enough to endure other types of grafting. Graft success and
      infection rates average approximately 80%. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the
      successful adaptation of leaf-disc grafting as a powerful screening tool for HLB.
      The system requires minimal plant material and can be performed in seedlings at a
      very young age with increased efficiency in terms of time, space, and resources.

PMID- 28090408
TI  - Development of microsatellite markers for Viscum coloratum (Santalaceae) and
      their application to wild populations.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were developed for Viscum coloratum
      (Santalaceae), a semiparasitic medicinal plant that is known for its anticancer
      properties. Due to excessive human harvesting and loss of suitable habitat of its
      populations, it has become a potentially threatened species requiring immediate
      conservation efforts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on transcriptome data for V.
      coloratum, 124 primer pairs were randomly selected for initial validation, of
      which 19 yielded polymorphic microsatellite loci, with two to six alleles per
      locus. The usefulness of these markers was assessed for 60 individuals
      representing three populations of V. coloratum. Observed and expected
      heterozygosity values ranged from 0.033 to 0.833 and 0.032 to 0.672,
      respectively. Cross-species amplification for 19 loci in the related species V.
      album was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: The 19 newly developed loci are expected to be
      useful for studying the population genetics and ecological conservation of V.
      coloratum.

PMID- 28090409
TI  - Development and characterization of 23 microsatellite loci for Rhododendron
      ovatum (Ericaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: To estimate the genetic variation of Rhododendron ovatum
      (Ericaceae), a monoecious evergreen shrub, 23 microsatellite markers were
      identified from its nuclear genome. METHODS AND RESULTS: We developed 16
      polymorphic and seven monomorphic microsatellite primers using the biotin
      streptavidin capture method. The 16 polymorphic loci were investigated further
      using 89 individuals sampled from three populations in China. The number of
      alleles per locus ranged from four to 30, indicating a high level of
      polymorphism. The observed heterozygosity varied from 0.1034 to 0.9333, while the
      expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.1016 to 0.9542. Of these polymorphic
      primers, 12 were found to be functional in R. simsii, a congeneric species of R.
      ovatum. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to high levels of genetic variation were found in
      these microsatellite loci, indicating that they can be applied in future studies
      of Rhododendron genetic structure, contributing to forest management and
      conservation.

PMID- 28090410
TI  - Retrospective analysis of heavy metal contamination in Rhode Island based on old
      and new herbarium specimens.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Herbarium specimens may provide a record of past
      environmental conditions, including heavy metal pollution. To explore this
      potential, we compared concentrations of copper, lead, and zinc in historical and
      new collections from four sites in Rhode Island, USA. METHODS: We compared
      historical specimens (1846 to 1916) to congener specimens collected in 2015 at
      three former industrial sites in Providence, Rhode Island, and one nonindustrial
      site on Block Island. Leaf material was prepared by UltraWAVE SRC Microwave
      Digestion, and heavy metal concentrations were measured by inductively coupled
      plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. RESULTS: Heavy metal concentrations in the
      historical and new specimens were measurable for all elements tested, and levels
      of copper and zinc were comparable in the historical and 2015 collections. By
      contrast, the concentration of lead declined at all sites over time. Significant
      variability in heavy metal concentration was observed between taxa, reflecting
      their varied potential for elemental accumulation. DISCUSSION: It seems clear
      that herbarium specimens can be used to evaluate past levels of pollution and
      assess local environmental changes. With careful sampling effort, these specimens
      can be a valuable part of environmental science research. Broadening the possible
      applications for herbarium collections in this way increases their relevance in
      an era of reduced funding for collections-based research.

PMID- 28090411
TI  - Development of SSR markers by 454 sequencing in the endemic species Gentianella
      praecox subsp. bohemica (Gentianaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed and used to
      genotype individuals of Gentianella praecox subsp. bohemica (Gentianaceae), a
      highly protected taxon in Europe, to study the genetic structure of the remaining
      populations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-eight primer pairs were successfully
      amplified; of these, 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed using a
      454 sequencing approach and used to genotype 180 individuals of G. praecox subsp.
      bohemica from six populations. Allelic richness ranged between one and nine
      alleles per locus. We detected a high frequency of polyploid individuals (77.8%).
      The highest average percentage of heterozygous genotypes was identified for
      samples from the Hroby population (75.5%). All loci can also be amplified in the
      congeneric species G. praecox subsp. praecox, G. amarella subsp. amarella, and G.
      obtusifolia subsp. sturmiana. CONCLUSIONS: These markers will provide knowledge
      on patterns of gene flow and population genetic structure, which is necessary for
      current protection actions and for effective conservation of this species in the
      future.

PMID- 28090412
TI  - Development, characterization, and cross-amplification of microsatellite markers
      in the understudied African genus Anthonotha (Fabaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Anthonotha macrophylla (Fabaceae) is a common tree species
      throughout the Guineo-Congolian forest that is sometimes confounded with other
      congeneric species; it is expected to be an interesting phylogeographical model
      to infer the history of the African dense forests. We developed 18 microsatellite
      markers from this species and tested their transferability in 15 congeneric
      species. METHODS AND RESULTS: A genomic library was obtained using the Illumina
      platform, and 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed. The polymorphic
      microsatellites displayed two to 24 alleles (average: 11.9 alleles per locus,
      expected heterozygosity range: 0.18-0.91, mean: 0.64) in three populations of A.
      macrophylla from Benin, Liberia, and Cameroon. Cross-amplification in one to nine
      individuals of 15 congeneric Anthonotha species (A. acuminata, A. brieyi, A.
      cladantha, A. crassifolia, A. ferruginea, A. fragrans, A. gilletii, A.
      lamprophylla, A. mouandzae, A. noldeae, A. pellegrinii, A. pynaertii, A.
      stipulacea, A. wijmacampensis, and A. xanderi) showed successful amplification in
      six to 17 loci, making most of these markers useful at the generic level.
      CONCLUSIONS: This set of markers will be useful to study species delimitation and
      the genetic structure of Anthonotha species, and thus to better understand the
      history of tropical African rainforests.

PMID- 28090413
TI  - Development of microsatellite markers in Garcinia paucinervis (Clusiaceae), an
      endangered species of karst habitats.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed for Garcinia
      paucinervis (Clusiaceae), an endangered and endemic tree species of karst
      habitats, to analyze its genetic diversity and genetic structure. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Using shotgun sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform, a total of 22
      microsatellite primer sets were characterized, of which 17 were identified as
      polymorphic. For these polymorphic loci, the total number of alleles per locus
      ranged from two to 12 across 54 individuals from three populations. The observed
      and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and from 0.000 to 0.850,
      respectively. No pair of loci showed significant linkage disequilibrium. Three
      loci in one population deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P
      < 0.05). Seven loci (JSL3, JSL5, JSL22, JSL29, JSL32, JSL39, and JSL43) were
      successfully amplified in G. bracteata. CONCLUSIONS: These markers will be useful
      in studies on genetic diversity and population structure of G. paucinervis.

PMID- 28090415
TI  - Non-Melanoma-Associated Dyschromia of the Proximal Nail Fold.
AB  - Subungual melanoma with pigmentation beneath the nail that extends to involve the
      proximal nail fold is referred to as Hutchinson's sign. Black or brown subungual
      discoloration involving the proximal nail fold secondary to other etiologies has
      been referred to as pseudo-Hutchinson's sign. Three patients with nail
      discoloration and concurrent dyschromia of the proximal nail fold are described:
      a female with a chronic subungual hematoma and pseudo-Hutchinson's sign, a male
      with culture-confirmed Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) of the nail with
      green discoloration involving the proximal nail fold, and a male with an acute
      subungual hematoma with red-purple subungual discoloration affecting the proximal
      nail fold. PubMed was searched for the following: black, brown, chloronychia,
      discoloration, dyschromia, green, hematoma, Hutchinson's sign, nail, nail fold,
      proximal, pseudo-Hutchinson's sign, red, subungual melanoma, syndrome. The papers
      were reviewed and appropriate references evaluated. In conclusion, melanoma
      associated black proximal nail fold pigmentation is referred to as Hutchinson's
      sign, and non-melanoma-associated black pigmentation has been designated as
      pseudo-Hutchinson's sign. Subungual nail plate discoloration extending to involve
      the proximal nail fold may be black, green, or red-purple in patients with
      melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions, bacterial infection (Pseudomonas), and
      acute subungual hematoma, respectively. Instead of creating a new terminology, we
      suggest that non-black subungual discoloration (green or red-purple) extending to
      involve the proximal nail fold be referred to as pseudo pseudo-Hutchinson's sign.

PMID- 28090416
TI  - Post-traumatic Arthritis of the Tarsometatarsal Joint Complex: A Case Report.
AB  - Tarsometatarsal (TMT) arthritis is characterized by instability and pain in the
      foot. The commonest cause is post-traumatic arthritis. A Lisfranc injury involves
      the articulation between the medial cuneiform and the base of the second
      metatarsal, which is considered a keystone to midfoot integrity. Neglected or
      undertreated injury to the Lisfranc joint complex leads to secondary arthritis
      and significant disability. We present a case of a young male patient with a two
      year-old neglected Lisfranc joint injury and secondary osteoarthritis of the
      first, second, and fourth TMT joints, which we treated surgically with
      arthrodesis using screws, with a good functional outcome on final follow-up.

PMID- 28090417
TI  - Pattern of Local Recurrence and Distant Metastasis in Breast Cancer By Molecular
      Subtype.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:  No longer considered a single disease entity, breast
      cancer is being classified into several distinct molecular subtypes based on gene
      expression profiling. These subtypes appear to carry prognostic implications and
      have the potential to be incorporated into treatment decisions. In this study, we
      evaluated patterns of local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), and
      association of survival with molecular subtype in breast cancer patients in the
      post-adjuvant radiotherapy setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  The medical records of
      1,088 consecutive, non-metastatic breast cancer patients treated at a single
      institution between 2004 and 2012 were reviewed. Estrogen/progesterone receptors
      (ER/PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) enrichment were
      evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Patients were categorized into one of four
      subtypes: luminal-A (LA; ER/PR+, HER2-, Grade 1-2), luminal-B (LB; ER/PR+, HER2-,
      Grade > 2), HER2 over-expression (HER2; ER/PR-, HER2+), and triple negative (TN;
      ER/PR-, HER2-).  Results: The median follow-up time was 6.9 years. During the
      follow-up, 16% (174/1,088) of patients failed initial treatment and developed
      either LR (48) or DM (126). The prevalence of LR was the highest in TN (12%) and
      the lowest in LA (2%). Breast or chest wall relapse was the most frequent site
      (~80%) of recurrence in LA, LB, and HER2 subtypes, whereas the regional lymph
      nodes and chest wall were the common sites of relapse in the TN group (50.0%). DM
      rates were 6.4% in LA, 12.1% in LB, 19.2% in HER2, and 27.4% in TN subgroups.
      Five-year survival rates were 84%, 83%, 84%, and 77% in the LA, LB, HER2 and TN
      subgroups, respectively. There was a statistically significant association
      between survival and molecular subtypes in an univariate analysis. In the
      adjusted multivariate analysis, the following variables were independent
      prognostic factors for survival: T stage, N stage, and molecular subtype.
      CONCLUSIONS:  Of the four subtypes, the LA subtype tends to have the best
      prognosis, fairly high survival, and low recurrent or metastases rates. The TN
      and HER2 subtypes of breast cancer were associated with significantly poorer
      overall survival and prone to earlier recurrence and metastases. Our results
      demonstrate a significant association between molecular subtype and survival. The
      risk of death and relapse/metastases increases fewfold in TN compared to LA.
      Future prospective studies are warranted and could ultimately lead to the
      tailoring of adjuvant radiotherapy treatment fields based on both molecular
      subtype and the more conventional clinicopathologic characteristics.

PMID- 28090418
TI  - The Forgotten Lumbocostal Ligament: Anatomical Study with Application to
      Thoracolumbar Surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most ligaments of the human body have been well studied. However,
      the lumbocostal ligament has received little attention in the extant medical
      literature and, to our knowledge, has not undergone anatomical study. Therefore,
      the present study was performed to better characterize this structure's anatomy
      and relationships. METHODS: In the prone position, 10 adult cadavers underwent
      dissection of their lumbocostal ligaments. All specimens were unembalmed and had
      no history of surgery to the spine. The lumbocostal ligament was dissected and
      measurements made using calipers and a ruler. This ligament's attachments were
      determined as well as its relationships to surrounding fasciae, muscle, and
      nerves. RESULTS: A lumbocostal ligament was identified on all sides. The ligament
      was posterior to the quadratus lumborum muscle on all sides. The mean length of
      the ligament was 3 cm. The overall shape of the ligaments ranged from short bands
      to large rhomboidal sheets. Inferiorly, the lumbocostal ligament blended with the
      middle layer of the thoracolumbar fascia on all sides. The ligament attached to
      the transverse processes of L1 on 25% of sides and onto the transverse processes
      of L1 and L2 on 75% of sides. The ligament became taut with rib elevation and was
      lax with rib depression. CONCLUSIONS: The lumbocostal ligament is a constant
      structure of the thoracolumbar junction. Appreciation of this ligament can help
      localize the transverse processes of L1 and L2 and adjacent nerves, such as the
      regional dorsal rami as they exit near its attachment onto the lumbar transverse
      processes.

PMID- 28090419
TI  - The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E wears a "cap" for many
      occasions.
AB  - The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E plays important roles in
      controlling the composition of the proteome. Indeed, dysregulation of eIF4E is
      associated with poor prognosis cancers. The traditional view has been that eIF4E
      acts solely in translation. However, over the last ~25 years, eIF4E was found in
      the nucleus where it acts in mRNA export and in the last ~10 years, eIF4E was
      found in cytoplasmic processing bodies (P-bodies) where it functions in mRNA
      sequestration and stability. The common biochemical thread for these activities
      is the ability of eIF4E to bind the 7-methylguanosine cap on the 5' end of mRNAs.
      Recently, the possibility that eIF4E directly binds some mRNA elements
      independently of the cap has also been raised. Importantly, the effects of eIF4E
      are not genome-wide with a subset of transcripts targeted depending on the
      presence of specific mRNA elements and context-dependent regulatory factors.
      Indeed, eIF4E governs RNA regulons through co-regulating the expression of groups
      of transcripts acting in the same biochemical pathways. In addition, studies over
      the past ~15 years indicate that there are multiple strategies that regulatory
      factors employ to modulate eIF4E activities in context-dependent manners. This
      perspective focuses on these new findings and incorporates them into a broader
      model for eIF4E function.

PMID- 28090420
TI  - The "periodic table" of the genetic code: A new way to look at the code and the
      decoding process.
AB  - Henri Grosjean and Eric Westhof recently presented an information-rich,
      alternative view of the genetic code, which takes into account current knowledge
      of the decoding process, including the complex nature of interactions between
      mRNA, tRNA and rRNA that take place during protein synthesis on the ribosome, and
      it also better reflects the evolution of the code. The new asymmetrical circular
      genetic code has a number of advantages over the traditional codon table and the
      previous circular diagrams (with a symmetrical/clockwise arrangement of the U, C,
      A, G bases). Most importantly, all sequence co-variances can be visualized and
      explained based on the internal logic of the thermodynamics of codon-anticodon
      interactions.

PMID- 28090422
TI  - Elevated levels of ribosomal proteins eL36 and eL42 control expression of Hsp90
      in rhabdomyosarcoma.
AB  - Mammalian 90 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) is a ubiquitous molecular chaperone
      whose expression is selectively upregulated during stress, although the precise
      control mechanism of this increase is yet to be fully elucidated. We used
      polysome profiling to show that Hsp90alpha mRNA is selectively translated, while
      global translation is inhibited during heat stress. Furthermore, we have
      identified 2 ribosomal proteins, eL36 and eL42 that modulate Hsp90alpha
      expression under both normal and heat shock conditions. Importantly, we noted
      that expression of eL36 and eL42 is elevated in a panel of human
      rhabdomyosarcomas where it drives high expression of Hsp90 and modulates
      sensitivity of these cells to an Hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG.

PMID- 28090423
TI  - Fusion proteins of Arabidopsis cap-binding proteins: Cautionary "tails" of woe.
AB  - The use of fluorescent proteins fused to other proteins has been very useful in
      revealing the location and function of many proteins. However, it is very
      important to show that the fusion of these reporter proteins does not impact the
      function of the protein of interest. Plants have 2 forms of the cap-binding
      protein that function in initiation of translation, eIF4E and a plant specific
      form, eIFiso4E. In an attempt to determine the cellular localization of eIFiso4E,
      fusions to GFP were made, but were found to not be competent to rescue the lethal
      phenotype of plants lacking eIF4E and eIFiso4E. This suggested that the GFP
      fusions at either the N- or C-terminus of eIFiso4E were not functional.
      Biochemical analysis of the fusions revealed that eIFiso4E*GFP fusions were not
      able to bind to m7GTP Sepharose indicating that they were not functional as cap
      binding proteins. Analysis of eIF4E*GFP fusions, both in yeast and in vitro,
      showed that the N-terminal fusion may be functional, whereas the C-terminal
      fusion bound m7GTP Sepharose very poorly and functioned poorly in yeast. These
      results highlight the importance of verification both biochemically and in vivo
      that reporter fusions of proteins maintain activity and are stable in order to
      prevent observations that may result in artifacts.

PMID- 28090421
TI  - RNA G-quadruplexes and their potential regulatory roles in translation.
AB  - DNA guanine (G)-rich 4-stranded helical nucleic acid structures called G
      quadruplexes (G4), have been extensively studied during the last decades.
      However, emerging evidence reveals that 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (5'- and
      3'-UTRs) as well as open reading frames (ORFs) contain putative RNA G
      quadruplexes. These stable secondary structures play key roles in telomere
      homeostasis and RNA metabolism including pre-mRNA splicing, polyadenylation, mRNA
      targeting and translation. Interestingly, multiple RNA binding proteins such as
      nucleolin, FMRP, DHX36, and Aven were identified to bind RNA G-quadruplexes.
      Moreover, accumulating reports suggest that RNA G-quadruplexes regulate
      translation in cap-dependent and -independent manner. Herein, we discuss
      potential roles of RNA G-quadruplexes and associated trans-acting factors in the
      regulation of mRNA translation.

PMID- 28090424
TI  - Gastric cancer surveillance or prevention plus targeted surveillance.

PMID- 28090425
TI  - Spread of volunteer and feral maize plants in Central Europe: recent data from
      Austria.
AB  - The occurrence of volunteer maize plants in subsequent crops as well as of feral
      maize plants in non-agricultural areas is an essential issue in risk assessments
      of genetically modified (GM) maize, with regard to possible contamination of
      natural habitats with GM material and as contribution to the total adventitious
      GM content of the non-GM final product. The appearance of feral maize plants has
      been confirmed for non-agricultural habitats in European areas with Mediterranean
      climate such as Spain. However, the existence of maize volunteers and feral maize
      outside cultivation under Central European continental climatic conditions is
      considered to be extremely unlikely in those winter-cold areas. Here, field
      observations during 5 years (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2015) in Austria are
      presented that confirm the occurrence of volunteer and feral maize under Central
      European climatic conditions. Most of these plants produced fertile
      inflorescences with viable pollen and fully developed cobs. Maize kernels may
      reach the soil by disintegration of cobs due to disease, using crushed maize cobs
      for game-feeding, left overs in manure dispersed during fertilisation or from
      transporting and handling of crushed cobs. The evidence of volunteer and feral
      maize in four Federal States in Austria (Burgenland, Lower Austria, Upper
      Austria, Styria) emphasises the necessity to consider these hitherto under
      emphasised factors in an ecological risk assessment (ERA) of GM maize as a
      possible source for transgenes in non-agricultural habitats, because these plants
      could act as bridge for the spread of GM material into semi-natural habitats. In
      accordance with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which states that in
      principle maize has the potential to survive as a volunteer or feral plant also
      in regions with cold winters, the investigation of the frequency of their
      occurrence under Central European conditions should be part of future monitoring
      programmes in order to assess their potential for permitting transgene spread.

PMID- 28090426
TI  - Surface topological differences of phage infected uropathogenic Escherichia coli
      (UPEC) strains, revealed by atomic force microscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an advance microscopic technique
      that provides three dimensional structures of cell surfaces with high resolution.
      In the present study AFM was used for comparative analysis of surface topology of
      phage infected and uninfected Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cells. Two
      UPEC strains NE and HN were isolated from urine samples of Urinary tract
      infection patients and their specific narrow host range lytic phages 3S and HNPhi
      were isolated from the sewage of different areas. RESULTS: On the basis of one
      step growth curve both phages characterized as short latent period phages with
      latency period of about 30 min. On AFM analysis significant difference in
      topology of healthy and infected cells were observed. It was hypothesized that
      progeny of both lytic phages released out from their respective host cells in
      different manner. The image of 3S infected UPEC host cells (NE) revealed multiple
      internal projections which showed progeny phages released out from host cells
      through these multiple sites. Whereas images of HNPhi infected HN host cells
      showed central depression which illustrated that new phages released out through
      single exit point from the middle of cell. CONCLUSIONS: These results are
      significant to extend future studies on isolated phages as an effective tool for
      phage therapy.

PMID- 28090427
TI  - Review and results of a survey about biosimilars prescription and challenges in
      the Middle East and North Africa region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only drafts of regulatory guidelines for the registration of
      biosimilars are available in Lebanon. We analyzed the results of a regional
      survey conducted in Lebanon to understand the impact of different parameters on
      the acceptance and future prescription of biosimilars. We also reviewed the
      current situation of biosimilars around the world. The study surveyed healthcare
      professionals from the Arab countries, Iran, Belgium and Italy. Data about the
      participants' specialty, country of residence, their knowledge about biosimilars,
      biosimilars' prescription, price influence and the manufacturer's credibility
      were collected. RESULTS: 117 questionnaires were completed and returned: 46
      (39.3%) respondents were oncologists. 72 (61.5%) respondents were Lebanese, and
      the others from Egypt, Syria, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, Jordan, Iran, Belgium and
      Italy. 77 (65.8%) respondents had knowledge about biosimilars, of whom 48 (62.3%)
      considered biosimilars as biologics that demonstrate bioequivalence with the
      original biodrug and have all preclinical and clinical trials equal to those
      already performed with the original biodrug. 74 (63.2%) out of 117 respondents
      agreed that biosimilars in the Arab and Middle Eastern market are already
      marketed. Among the 48 participants who prescribe biosimilars, the main
      prescription driver was the drug's approval by the FDA and EMA (68.8%). 71
      (60.7%) respondents considered that the main advantage of biosimilars is their
      lower price and 41 (35%) out of the 117 respondents declared that they should
      know in which country the drug has been tested/created before using it in their
      own country. 35% of the respondents thought that the cost of a treatment should
      not come before its effectiveness or safety/tolerance, given that the biosimilar
      will be less expensive than the reference drug. CONCLUSIONS: Biosimilars'
      acceptance and use is increasing worldwide. Only few physicians are aware of
      biosimilars presence in the market and do prescribe them in Lebanon and the Arab
      region. This could be mainly explained by lack of confidence in efficacy, safety,
      manufacturing process and price of these products, and lack of clear legislation.
      Thus, WHO is finalizing a new guideline for similar biotherapeutic agents. This
      could be a starting point for the Lebanese government to support the
      authorization of biosimilars.

PMID- 28090428
TI  - Erratum to: Crowd behavior representation: an attribute-based approach.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2786-0.].

PMID- 28090429
TI  - Molecular diagnostic markers of Tachysurus fulvidraco and Leiocassis longirostris
      and their hybrids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bagridae is an important family of catfishes and has a high market
      demand. Recently, more cultivable Bagridae fishes are being exploited in China,
      and hybridization of some species has been carried out to achieve better growth
      performance, favorable sex ratios and better disease resistance. Yet, these
      hybrids have further increased the difficulties of taxonomy identification due to
      morphological indistinguishableness. RESULTS: In this study, the molecular
      identification technologies for Tachysurus fulvidraco, Leiocassis longirostris
      sand their hybrids were successfully established by using mitochondrial COI and
      nuclear ITS sequences to identify the maternal and paternal lineage,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: These molecular diagnostic methods could also be used
      to manage breeding plans of hybrids, monitor and minimize the negative impacts of
      hybridization programs in aquaculture. Furthermore, our study could also provide
      a reference for establishing detection technique for hybrids in other groups of
      fishes.

PMID- 28090430
TI  - Effect of chlorhexidine pretreatment on bacterial contamination at rhinoplasty
      field.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated on bacterial contamination of the rhinoplasty
      field. The effect of preoperative chlorhexidine treatment on decreasing bacterial
      contamination in the rhinoplasty field is examined. METHODS: Thirty patients who
      underwent rhinoplasty were block randomized into a chlorhexidine, regular-soap,
      or control group comprising ten participants each. The chlorhexidine group was
      subjected to chlorhexidine showering, shampooing, and facial-cleansing 12 h prior
      to the operation. The regular-soap group was subjected to cleansing with regular
      soap, and the control group did not have any skin pretreatment. Bacterial
      cultures were done 12 h preoperatively from nasal cavity and perinasal skin,
      immediately preoperatively from perinasal skin and at 1 and 2 h intraoperatively
      from operation field. Culture results were compared between the three groups,
      according to operation time, or whether infection-prone procedure was performed.
      RESULTS: The bacterial species and colony-forming unit numbers at preoperative
      nasal cavity and perinasal skin were similar. In all three groups, Coagulase
      negative staphylococcus was the most common bacteria found in the rhinoplasty
      field. The numbers of Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium decreased rapidly
      after preoperative chlorhexidine treatment. The infection-prone procedure was
      associated with increased bacterial numbers over time during the operation. In
      all three groups, there was no postoperative infection in a follow-up period of 6
      months. CONCLUSION: Rhinoplasty is confirmed as a clean contaminated operation
      with skin flora consistently found in the operation field. Chlorhexidine
      pretreatment in rhinoplasty patients has a tendency to decrease the numbers of
      Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium on the perinasal skin. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Randomized controlled trial, Level I.

PMID- 28090431
TI  - A Role for 3D Printing in Kidney-on-a-Chip Platforms.
AB  - The advancement of "kidney-on-a-chip" platforms - submillimeter-scale fluidic
      systems designed to recapitulate renal functions in vitro - directly impacts a
      wide range of biomedical fields, including drug screening, cell and tissue
      engineering, toxicity testing, and disease modelling. To fabricate kidney-on-a
      chip technologies, researchers have primarily adapted traditional micromachining
      techniques that are rooted in the integrated circuit industry; hence the term,
      "chip." A significant challenge, however, is that such methods are inherently
      monolithic, which limits one's ability to accurately recreate the geometric and
      architectural complexity of the kidney in vivo. Better reproduction of the
      anatomical complexity of the kidney will allow for more instructive modelling of
      physiological and pathophysiological events. Emerging additive manufacturing or
      "three-dimensional (3D) printing" techniques could provide a promising
      alternative to conventional methodologies. In this article, we discuss recent
      progress in the development of both kidney-on-a-chip platforms and state-of-the
      art submillimeter-scale 3D printing methods, with a focus on biophysical and
      architectural capabilities. Lastly, we examine the potential for 3D printing
      based approaches to extend the efficacy of kidney-on-a-chip systems.

PMID- 28090432
TI  - Update on Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction.
AB  - Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) encompasses a range of pathologies that
      cause a transplanted lung to not achieve or maintain normal function. CLAD
      manifests as airflow restriction and/or obstruction and is predominantly a result
      of chronic rejection. Three distinct phenotypes of chronic rejection are now
      recognized: bronchiolitis obliterans, neutrophilic reversible allograft
      dysfunction, and restrictive allograft syndrome. Recent investigations have
      revealed that each phenotype has a unique pathology and histopathological
      findings, suggesting that treatment regimens should be tailored to the underlying
      etiology. CLAD is poorly responsive to treatment once diagnosed, and therefore
      the prevention of the factors that predispose a patient to develop CLAD is
      critically important. Small and large animal models have contributed
      significantly to our understanding of CLAD and more studies are needed to develop
      treatment regimens that are effective in humans.

PMID- 28090433
TI  - Degradation study of lindane by novel strains Kocuria sp. DAB-1Y and
      Staphylococcus sp. DAB-1W.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to isolate and characterize the bacterial
      strains from lindane-contaminated soil and they were also assessed for their
      lindane-degrading potential. METHODS: In this study the enrichment culture method
      was used for isolation of  lindane degrading bacterial isolates, in which the
      mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with different concentrations of lindane
      was used. Further, the screening for the potential lindane degrading isolates was
      done using the spray plate method and colorimetric dechlorinase enzyme assay. The
      selected isolates were also studied for their growth response under varying range
      of temperature, pH, and NaCl. The finally selected isolates DAB-1Y and DAB-1W
      showing best lindane degradation activity was further subjected to biochemical
      characterization, microscopy, degradation/kinetic study, and 16S rDNA sequencing.
      The strain identification were performed using the biochemical characterization,
      microscopy and the species identifies by 16S rDNA sequence of the two isolates
      using the standard 16S primers, the 16 S rRNA partial sequence was analyzed
      through BLAST analysis and phylogenetic tree was generated based on UGPMA
      clustering method using MEGA7 software. This shows the phylogenetic relationship
      with the related strains. The two isolates of this study were finally
      characterized as Kocuria sp. DAB-1Y and Staphylococcus sp. DAB-1W, and their 16S
      rRNA sequence was submitted to GenBank database with accession numbers, KJ811539
      and KX986577, respectively. RESULTS: Out of the 20 isolates, the isolates DAB-1Y
      and DAB-1W exhibited best lindane-degrading activity of 94 and 98%, respectively,
      recorded after 8 days of incubation. The optimum growth was observed at
      temperature 30  degrees C, pH 7, and 5% NaCl observed for both isolates. Of the
      four isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, isomer alpha and gamma were the fastest
      degrading isomers, which were degraded up to 86 and 94% by isolates DAB-1Y and up
      to 93 and 98% by DAB-1W, respectively, reported after 8 days incubation. Isomer
      beta was highly recalcitrant in which maximum 35 and 32% lindane degradation was
      observed even after 28 days incubation by isolates, DAB-1Y and DAB-1W,
      respectively. At lower lindane concentrations (1-10 mg/L), specific growth rate
      increased with increase in lindane concentration, maximum being 0.008 and
      0.006/day for DAB-1Y and DAB-1W, respectively. The 16 S rRNA partial sequence of
      isolate DAB-1Y showed similarity with Kocuria sp. by BLAST analysis and was named
      as Kocuria sp. DAB-1Y and DAB-IW with Staphylococcus sp. DAB-1W. The 16S rDNA
      sequence of isolate DAB-1Y and DAB-1W was submitted to online at National Centre
      of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with GenBank accession numbers, KJ811539 and
      KX986577, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that Kocuria sp.
      DAB-1Y and Staphylococcus sp. DAB-1W were found efficient in bioremediation of
      gamma-HCH and can be utilized further for biodegradation of environmental
      contamination of lindane and can be utilized in bioremediation program.

PMID- 28090434
TI  - Exposure to emotionally arousing, contamination-relevant pictorial stimuli
      interferes with response inhibition: Implication for obsessive-compulsive
      disorder.
AB  - Multiple emotional processes are implicated in the pathogenesis of obsessions and
      compulsions and individuals diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
      have reliably shown deficits in response inhibition. Little research has tested
      how emotional processes might interact with cognitive control in the context of
      OCD. High contamination obsessive-compulsive (OC) and low contamination-OC
      participants completed an emotional go/no-go task to measure the interfering
      effects contamination-threat images relative to neutral images on action
      restraint (errors of commission). Results revealed that high contamination-OC
      participants committed marginally more commission errors (11.04%) than low
      contamination-OC participants (10.30%) on neutral no-go trials, but this effect
      was not significant (p > .05). All participants committed significantly more
      errors of commission on contamination-threat trails relative to neutral no-go
      trials, p < .01, but the interfering effects of contamination-threat images was
      significantly larger (p = .05) for high-contamination-OC participants. Errors of
      commission almost doubled for high contamination-OC participants on contamination
      threat no-go trials (20.78%), compared to a more modest increase for low
      contamination-OC participants (14.80%). These findings suggest that individuals
      with elevated symptoms of OCD may have significantly more difficulty inhibiting
      their actions when processing disorder relevant or emotionally arousing
      information. This observation has implications for the pathogenesis of obsessions
      and compulsions.

PMID- 28090435
TI  - 13C Metabolomics: NMR and IROA for Unknown Identification.
AB  - ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Isotopic Ratio Outlier Analysis (IROA) is an untargeted
      metabolomics method that uses stable isotopic labeling and LC-HRMS for
      identification and relative quantification of metabolites in a biological sample
      under varying experimental conditions. OBJECTIVE: We demonstrate a method using
      high-sensitivity 13C NMR to identify an unknown metabolite isolated from
      fractionated material from an IROA LC-HRMS experiment. METHODS: IROA samples from
      the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans were fractionated using LC-HRMS using 5
      repeated injections and collecting 30 sec fractions. These were concentrated and
      analyzed by 13C NMR. RESULTS: We isotopically labeled samples of C. elegans and
      collected 2 adjacent LC fractions. By HRMS, one contained at least 2 known
      metabolites, phenylalanine and inosine, and the other contained tryptophan and an
      unknown feature with a monoisotopic mass of m/z 380.0742 [M+H]+. With NMR, we
      were able to easily verify the known compounds, and we then identified the spin
      system networks responsible for the unknown resonances. After searching the BMRB
      database and comparing the molecular formula from LC-HRMS, we determined that the
      fragments were a modified anthranilate and a glucose modified by a phosphate. We
      then performed quantum chemical NMR chemical shift calculations to determine the
      most likely isomer, which was 3'-O-phospho-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-anthranilate.
      This compound had previously been found in the same organism, validating our
      approach. CONCLUSION: We were able to dereplicate previously known metabolites
      and identify a metabolite that was not in databases by matching resonances to NMR
      databases and using chemical shift calculations to determine the correct isomer.
      This approach is efficient and can be used to identify unknown compounds of
      interest using the same material used for IROA.

PMID- 28090436
TI  - Hormone therapy in transgender adults is safe with provider supervision; A review
      of hormone therapy sequelae for transgender individuals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Some providers report concern for the safety of transgender hormone
      therapy (HT). METHODS: This is a systematic literature review of HT safety for
      transgender adults. RESULTS: Current literature suggests HT is safe when followed
      carefully for certain risks. The greatest health concern for HT in transgender
      women is venous thromboembolism. HT among transgender men appears to cause
      polycythemia. Both groups experienced elevated fasting glucose. There is no
      increase in cancer prevalence or mortality due to transgender HT. CONCLUSION:
      Although current data support the safety of transgender HT with physician
      supervision, larger, long-term studies are needed in transgender medicine.

PMID- 28090438
TI  - Exploring Mental Health Providers' Interest in Using Web and Mobile-Based Tools
      in their Practices.
AB  - A growing number of Internet sites and mobile applications are being developed
      intended for use in clinical practice. However, during the development process
      (e.g., creating features and determining use cases), the needs and interests of
      providers are often overlooked. We explored providers' interests using a mixed
      methods approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research
      methods. A first study used an interview approach to identify the challenges
      providers faced, tools they used, and any use of computers and apps specifically.
      Fifteen providers from both the United States and Canada completed the interview
      and recordings were transcribed and analyzed using a constructivist grounded
      theory approach. Four primary themes were identified including challenges,
      potential tools, access and usability. A second study used a brief survey
      completed by 132 providers at a large healthcare system to explore current use of
      and potential interest in Internet and mobile technologies. Although many
      providers (80.9%) reported recommending some form of technology to patients, this
      was mostly Internet websites that were predominantly
      informational/psychoeducational in nature. Overall, these studies combine to
      suggest a strong interest in websites and apps for use in clinical settings while
      highlighting potential areas (ease of use, patient security and privacy) that
      should be considered in the design and deployment of these tools.

PMID- 28090437
TI  - Evaluation of time-dependent toxicity and combined effects for a series of mono
      halogenated acetonitrile-containing binary mixtures.
AB  - Mixture and time-dependent toxicity (TDT) was assessed for a series of mono
      halogenated acetonitrile-containing combinations. Inhibition of bioluminescence
      in Aliivibrio fischeri was measured after 15, 30 and 45-min of exposure.
      Concentration-response (x/y) curves were determined for each chemical alone at
      each timepoint, and used to develop predicted x/y curves for the dose-addition
      and independence models of combined effect. The x/y data for each binary mixture
      was then evaluated against the predicted mixture curves. Two metrics of mixture
      toxicity were calculated per combined effect model: (1) an EC50-based dose
      addition (AQ) or independence (IQ) quotient and (2) the mixture/dose-addition
      (MX/DA) and mixture/independence (MX/I) metrics. For each single chemical and
      mixture tested, TDT was also calculated. After 45-min of exposure, 25 of 67
      mixtures produced curves that were consistent with dose-addition using the MX/DA
      metric, with the other 42 being less toxic than predicted by MX/DA. Some mixtures
      had toxicity that was consistent with both dose-addition and independence. In
      general, those that were less toxic than predicted for dose-addition were also
      less toxic than predicted for independence. Of the 25 combinations that were
      consistent with dose-addition, 22 (88%) mixtures contained chemicals for which
      the individual TDT values were both >80%. In contrast, of the 42 non-dose
      additive combinations, only 2 (4.8%) of the mixtures had both chemicals with
      individual TDT values >80%. The results support previous findings that TDT
      determinations can be useful for predicting chemical mixture toxicity.

PMID- 28090439
TI  - Overt and covert contrast in L2 phonology.
AB  - This paper reports results on the acquisition of the English /p/ - /b/ contrast
      by native speakers of Arabic. This contrast does not exist in the participants'
      native language (NL). The central finding of this study is that some of the
      research participants exhibited a covert contrast between these segments in their
      interlanguage productions. That is, two of the five Arabic-speaking participants
      who were transcribed as having no contrast between [p] and [b] did, in fact,
      produced a statistically reliable distinction in voice onset time lags between
      the two target segments. The existence of such an intermediate stage of covert
      contrast in the learning of L2 phonology is eminently plausible, in view of the
      progressive nature of phonological acquisition. Our results help bring the
      learning of second-language contrasts into conformity with findings of the same
      phenomenon in the areas of L1 acquisition and phonologically disordered speech.

PMID- 28090440
TI  - Quantitative musculoskeletal imaging biomarkers.

PMID- 28090441
TI  - Principal component analysis-T1rho voxel based relaxometry of the articular
      cartilage: a comparison of biochemical patterns in osteoarthritis and anterior
      cruciate ligament subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative MR, including T1rho mapping, has been extensively used
      to probe early biochemical changes in knee articular cartilage of subjects with
      osteoarthritis (OA) and others at risk for cartilage degeneration, such as those
      with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction. However, limited
      studies have been performed aimed to assess the spatial location and patterns of
      T1rho. In this study we used a novel voxel-based relaxometry (VBR) technique
      coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) to extract relevant features so
      as to describe regional patterns and to investigate their similarities and
      differences in T1rho maps in subjects with OA and subjects six months after ACL
      reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: T1rho quantitative MRI images were collected for
      180 subjects from two separate cohorts. The OA cohort included 93 osteoarthritic
      patients and 25 age-matched controls. The ACLR-6M cohort included 52 patients
      with unilateral ACL tears who were imaged 6 months after ACL reconstruction, and
      10 age-matched controls. Non-rigid registration on a single template and local Z
      score conversion were adopted for T1rho spatial and intensity normalization of
      all the images in the dataset. PCA was used as a data dimensionality reduction to
      obtain a description of all subjects in a 10-dimensional feature space. Logistic
      linear regression was used to identify distinctive features of OA and ACL
      subjects. RESULTS: Global prolongation of the Z-score was observed in both OA and
      ACL subjects compared to controls [higher values in 1st principal component
      (PC1); P=0.01]. In addition, relaxation time differences between superficial and
      deep cartilage layers of the lateral tibia and trochlea were observed to be
      significant distinctive features between OA and ACL subjects. OA subjects
      demonstrated similar values between the two cartilage layers [higher value in 2nd
      principal component (PC2); P=0.008], while ACL reconstructed subjects showed
      T1rho prolongation specifically in the cartilage superficial layer (lower values
      in PC2; P<0.0001). T1rho elevation located outside of the weight-bearing area,
      located in the posterior and anterior aspects of the lateral femoral compartment,
      was also observed to be a key feature in distinguishing OA subjects from controls
      [higher value in 6th principal component (PC6); P=0.007]. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      is the first example of T1rho local/regional pattern analysis and data-driven
      feature extraction in knees with cartilage degeneration. Our results revealed
      similarities and differences between OA and ACL relaxation patterns that could be
      potentially useful to better understand the pathogenesis of post-traumatic
      cartilage degeneration and the identification of imaging biomarkers for the early
      stratification of subjects at risk for developing post-traumatic OA.

PMID- 28090442
TI  - Can MRI accurately detect pilon articular malreduction? A quantitative comparison
      between CT and 3T MRI bone models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pilon fracture reduction is a challenging surgery. Radiographs are
      commonly used to assess the quality of reduction, but are limited in revealing
      the remaining bone incongruities. The study aimed to develop a method in
      quantifying articular malreductions using 3D computed tomography (CT) and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) models. METHODS: CT and MRI data were acquired
      using three pairs of human cadaveric ankle specimens. Common tibial pilon
      fractures were simulated by performing osteotomies to the ankle specimens. Five
      of the created fractures [three AO type-B (43-B1), and two AO type-C (43-C1)
      fractures] were then reduced and stabilised using titanium implants, then
      rescanned. All datasets were reconstructed into CT and MRI models, and were
      analysed in regards to intra-articular steps and gaps, surface deviations,
      malrotations and maltranslations of the bone fragments. RESULTS: Initial results
      reveal that type B fracture CT and MRI models differed by ~0.2 (step), ~0.18
      (surface deviations), ~0.56 degrees  (rotation) and ~0.4 mm (translation). Type C
      fracture MRI models showed metal artefacts extending to the articular surface,
      thus unsuitable for analysis. Type C fracture CT models differed from their CT
      and MRI contralateral models by ~0.15 (surface deviation), ~1.63 degrees 
      (rotation) and ~0.4 mm (translation). CONCLUSIONS: Type B fracture MRI models
      were comparable to CT and may potentially be used for the postoperative
      assessment of articular reduction on a case-to-case basis.

PMID- 28090443
TI  - Topographical and depth-dependent glycosaminoglycan concentration in canine
      medial tibial cartilage 3 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament transection
      surgery-a microscopic imaging study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical imaging has become an invaluable tool to diagnose damage to
      cartilage. Depletion of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) has been shown to be one of the
      early signs of cartilage degradation. In order to investigate the topographical
      changes in GAG concentration caused by the anterior cruciate ligament transection
      (ACLT) surgery in a canine model, microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (uMRI)
      and microscopic computed tomography (uCT) were used to measure the GAG
      concentration with correlation from a biochemical assay, inductively coupled
      plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), to understand where the
      topographical and depth-dependent changes in the GAG concentration occur.
      METHODS: This study used eight knee joints from four canines, which were examined
      3 weeks after ACLT surgery. From right (n=3) and left (n=1) medial tibias of the
      ACLT and the contralateral side, two ex vivo specimens from each of four
      locations (interior, central, exterior and posterior) were imaged before and
      after equilibration in contrast agents. The cartilage blocks imaged using uMRI
      were approximately 3 mm * 5 mm and were imaged before and after eight hours
      submersion in a gadolinium (Gd) contrast agent with an in-plane pixel resolution
      of 17.6 um2 and an image slice thickness of 1 mm. The cartilage blocks imaged
      using uCT were approximately 2 mm * 1 mm and were imaged before and after 24
      hours submersed in ioxaglate with an isotropic voxel resolution of 13.4 um3. ICP
      OES was used to quantify the bulk GAG at each topographical location. RESULTS:
      The pre-contrast uMRI and uCT results did not demonstrate significant differences
      in GAG between the ACLT and contralateral cartilage at all topographical
      locations. The post-contrast uMRI and uCT results demonstrated topographically
      similar significant differences in GAG concentrations between the ACLT and
      contralateral tibia. Using uMRI, the GAG concentrations (mg/mL) were measured for
      the ACLT and contralateral respectively, the exterior (54.0+/-3.6; 70.4+/-4.3;
      P=0.001) and interior (54.9+/-5.9; 71.0+/-5.9; P=0.029) demonstrated significant
      differences, but not for the central (61.0+/-12.0; 67.4+/-7.2; P=0.438) or
      posterior (61.6+/-6.3; 70.3+/-4.4; P=0.097) locations. Using uCT, the GAG
      concentrations (mg/mL) were measured for the ACLT and contralateral respectively,
      the exterior (68.8+/-0.4; 87.7+/-4.1; P=0.023) and interior (60.5+/-9.1; 82.6+/
      8.7; P=0.039) demonstrated significant differences, but not for the central
      (53.5+/-5.5; 59.1+/-25.6; P=0.684) or posterior (52.3+/-6.2; 61.5+/-12.7;
      P=0.325) locations. The depth-dependent GAG (mg/mL) profiles showed significant
      differences in uMRI for the transitional zone (TZ) [exterior (28.1+/-4.7; 47.0+/
      8.6; P=0.01) and interior (32.6+/-4.8; 43.8+/-8.7; P=0.025)], radial zone (RZ) 1
      [exterior (49.6+/-4.8; 71.5+/-5.8; P=0.001) and interior (49.4+/-7.4; 66.7+/-6.8;
      P=0.041)], and RZ 2 [exterior (74.9+/-4.7; 91.8+/-2.9; P=0.001) and interior
      (77.1+/-6.0; 94.8+/-4.5; P=0.015)], and in uCT for the superficial zone (SZ)
      [interior (20.6+/-1.2; 40.4+/-5.4; P=0.004)], TZ [exterior (45.6+/-12.0; 61.8+/
      0.5; P=0.049) and interior (36.3+/-11.7; 60.8+/-2.0; P=0.019)], and RZ 1
      [exterior (61.1+/-4.1; 85.3+/-5.6; P=0.039) and interior (53.9+/-4.9; 78.0+/-5.1;
      P=0.041)] for the ACLT and contralateral, respectively. ICP-OES measured
      significant differences in GAG were found for the exterior (42.1+/-19.6; 65.3+/
      16.2; P=0.017), central (43.4+/-4.4; 65.3+/-10.6; P=0.0111), and interior (46.8+/
      5.6; 61.7+/-7.3; P=0.0445) but not for the posterior (52.6+/-12.1; 59.0+/-2.6;
      P=0.9252) medial tibia locations compared for the ACLT and contralateral,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The detection and correlation between the three
      techniques show a topographic depth-dependency on the initial GAG loss in injured
      cartilage. This topographic and high resolution investigation of ACLT cartilage
      demonstrated the potential of using uMRI and uCT to study and help diagnose
      cartilage with very early stages of osteoarthritis.

PMID- 28090444
TI  - Bone marrow edema-like lesions (BMELs) are associated with higher T1rho and T2
      values of cartilage in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed knees: a
      longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the longitudinal changes of bone marrow edema-like
      lesions (BMELs) in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
      and to investigate the effect of BMELs on cartilage matrix composition changes
      measured using MR T1rho and T2 mapping. METHODS: Patients with acute ACL tear
      were enrolled in a prospective study. MR imaging was performed at baseline
      (before surgeries) and at 6-month, 1-year and 2-year after ACL reconstruction. MR
      imaging included sagittal high-resolution, 3D fast spin-echo (CUBE) sequences for
      BMEL evaluation, and 3D T1rho mapping and T2 mapping for cartilage assessment.
      BMELs were assessed using whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging score (WORMS),
      and the volume of BMELs was measured by a semi-automatic method. Generalized
      estimating equation (GEE) was used to explore association between BMELs at
      baseline and cartilage changes during follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty four patients
      were included in the present study and 39 patients had completed 2-year follow
      up. BMELs were noted in 42 injured knees (77.8%) with 105 lesions and in 7
      contralateral knees (13.0%) with 9 lesions (chi2=45.763, P<0.001) at the
      baseline. The WORMS and volume of BMELs of the injured knees were 2.36+/-0.65 and
      386.98+/-382.54 mm3 (r=0.681, P<0.001), respectively. 87 BMELs were found at
      baseline in 34 patients (87.2%) of the 39 patients who had completed 2 years
      follow-up. During the follow-up, 18 (20.7%), 12 (13.8%), and 5 (5.7%) baseline
      lesions were still seen at 6-month, 1-year and 2-year, respectively. The changes
      of BMELs prevalence regarding bone compartments over time points were
      statistically significant (chi2=163.660, P<0.001). Except T2 value at 6 months,
      T1rho and T2 values of cartilage overlying baseline BMELs in the injured knees
      were higher than that of anatomically matched cartilage in the contralateral
      knees at baseline and each follow-up time-point. In the injured knees, GEE
      analysis showed that baseline BMELs were significantly associated with higher
      T1rho and T2 values of cartilage after adjustment of age, gender, body mass index
      (BMI), effusion and meniscus tear. The association between BMELs and Knee Injury
      and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) scores was not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: BMEL is a common finding in patients with acute ACL
      injury and resolves rapidly over time after ACL reconstruction. It is often
      associated with increased T1rho and T2 values of cartilage. BMEL at baseline is
      an independent predictor for faster cartilage degeneration during follow-up.

PMID- 28090445
TI  - Population reference range for developmental lumbar spinal canal size.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Considerable variability exists in normal developmental lumbar spinal
      canal size. This impacts the likelihood of neural compromise. Spinal canal
      development is complete by 17 years. As diseases incurred thereafter do not
      knowingly affect the developmental size of the spinal canal, it is reasonable to
      use a selected population undergoing abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT)
      examination to determine developmental lumbar spinal canal size. METHODS: Study
      approval was granted by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee. Between Feb 2014
      and Jan 2015, mid-vertebral spinal canal cross-sectional area (CSA), depth,
      width, and vertebral body CSA at each level from L1-L5 was measured, using a semi
      automated computerized method in 1,080 ambulatory patients (540 males, 540
      females, mean age, 50.5+/-17 years). Patient height and weight was measured.
      RESULTS: A reference range for developmental lumbar spinal canal dimensions was
      developed at each lumbar level for each sex. There was a 34% variation in spinal
      canal CSA between smallest and largest quartiles. Developmental spinal canal CSA
      and depth were consistently smallest at L3, enlarging cranially and caudally.
      Taller people had slightly larger lumbar spinal canals (P<0.0001). Males had
      larger spinal canal CSAs than females though relative to vertebral body CSA,
      spinal canal CSA was larger in females. There was no change in spinal canal CSA
      with age, weight or BMI (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A population reference range for
      developmental lumbar spinal canal size was developed. This allows one to
      objectively determine the degree of developmental spinal canal stenosis present
      on an individual patient basis.

PMID- 28090446
TI  - Quantitative imaging methods in osteoporosis.
AB  - Osteoporosis is characterized by a decreased bone mass and quality resulting in
      an increased fracture risk. Quantitative imaging methods are critical in the
      diagnosis and follow-up of treatment effects in osteoporosis. Prior radiographic
      vertebral fractures and bone mineral density (BMD) as a quantitative parameter
      derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are among the strongest known
      predictors of future osteoporotic fractures. Therefore, current clinical decision
      making relies heavily on accurate assessment of these imaging features. Further,
      novel quantitative techniques are being developed to appraise additional
      characteristics of osteoporosis including three-dimensional bone architecture
      with quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Dedicated high-resolution (HR) CT
      equipment is available to enhance image quality. At the other end of the
      spectrum, by utilizing post-processing techniques such as the trabecular bone
      score (TBS) information on three-dimensional architecture can be derived from DXA
      images. Further developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seem promising
      to not only capture bone micro-architecture but also characterize processes at
      the molecular level. This review provides an overview of various quantitative
      imaging techniques based on different radiological modalities utilized in
      clinical osteoporosis care and research.

PMID- 28090448
TI  - Quantitative techniques for musculoskeletal MRI at 7 Tesla.
AB  - Whole-body 7 Tesla MRI scanners have been approved solely for research since they
      appeared on the market over 10 years ago, but may soon be approved for selected
      clinical neurological and musculoskeletal applications in both the EU and the
      United States. There has been considerable research work on musculoskeletal
      applications at 7 Tesla over the past decade, including techniques for ultra-high
      resolution morphological imaging, 3D T2 and T2* mapping, ultra-short TE
      applications, diffusion tensor imaging of cartilage, and several techniques for
      assessing proteoglycan content in cartilage. Most of this work has been done in
      the knee or other extremities, due to technical difficulties associated with
      scanning areas such as the hip and torso at 7 Tesla. In this manuscript, we first
      provide some technical context for 7 Tesla imaging, including challenges and
      potential advantages. We then review the major quantitative MRI techniques being
      applied to musculoskeletal applications on 7 Tesla whole-body systems.

PMID- 28090447
TI  - Quantitative sodium magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage, muscle, and tendon.
AB  - Sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or imaging of the 23Na nucleus, has been
      under exploration for several decades, and holds promise for potentially
      revealing additional biochemical information about the health of tissues that
      cannot currently be obtained from conventional hydrogen (or proton) MRI. This
      additional information could serve as an important complement to conventional MRI
      for many applications. However, despite these exciting possibilities, sodium MRI
      is not yet used routinely in clinical practice, and will likely remain strictly
      in the domain of exploratory research for the coming decade. This paper begins
      with a technical overview of sodium MRI, including the nuclear magnetic resonance
      (NMR) signal characteristics of the sodium nucleus, the challenges associated
      with sodium MRI, and the specialized pulse sequences, hardware, and
      reconstruction techniques required. Various applications of sodium MRI for
      quantitative analysis of the musculoskeletal system are then reviewed, including
      the non-invasive assessment of cartilage degeneration in vivo, imaging of
      tendinopathy, applications in the assessment of various muscular pathologies, and
      assessment of muscle response to exercise.

PMID- 28090449
TI  - Ultrashort time to echo magnetic resonance techniques for the musculoskeletal
      system.
AB  - Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been widely implemented as a non-invasive
      modality to investigate musculoskeletal (MSK) tissue disease, injury, and
      pathology. Advancements in MR sequences provide not only enhanced morphologic
      contrast for soft tissues, but also quantitative biochemical evaluation.
      Ultrashort time to echo (UTE) sequence, in particular, enables novel morphologic
      and quantitative evaluation of previously unseen MSK tissues. By using short
      minimum echo times (TE) below 1 msec, the UTE sequence can unveil short T2
      properties of tissues including the deepest layers of the articular cartilage,
      cartilaginous endplate at the discovertebral junction, the meniscus, and the
      cortical bone. This article will discuss the application of UTE to evaluate these
      MSK tissues, starting with tissue structure, MR imaging appearance on standard
      versus short and ultrashort TE sequences, and provide the range of quantitative
      MR values found in literature.

PMID- 28090451
TI  - Potential of PET-MRI for imaging of non-oncologic musculoskeletal disease.
AB  - Early detection of musculoskeletal disease leads to improved therapies and
      patient outcomes, and would benefit greatly from imaging at the cellular and
      molecular level. As it becomes clear that assessment of multiple tissues and
      functional processes are often necessary to study the complex pathogenesis of
      musculoskeletal disorders, the role of multi-modality molecular imaging becomes
      increasingly important. New positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance
      imaging (PET-MRI) systems offer to combine high-resolution MRI with simultaneous
      molecular information from PET to study the multifaceted processes involved in
      numerous musculoskeletal disorders. In this article, we aim to outline the
      potential clinical utility of hybrid PET-MRI to these non-oncologic
      musculoskeletal diseases. We summarize current applications of PET molecular
      imaging in osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), metabolic bone
      diseases and neuropathic peripheral pain. Advanced MRI approaches that reveal
      biochemical and functional information offer complementary assessment in soft
      tissues. Additionally, we discuss technical considerations for hybrid PET-MR
      imaging including MR attenuation correction, workflow, radiation dose, and
      quantification.

PMID- 28090450
TI  - Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar intervertebral discs.
AB  - Human lumbar spine is composed of multiple tissue components that serve to
      provide structural stability and proper nutrition. Conventional magnetic
      resonance (MR) imaging techniques have been useful for evaluation of IVD, but
      inadequate at imaging the discovertebral junction and ligamentous tissues due
      primarily to their short T2 nature. Ultrashort time to echo (UTE) MR techniques
      acquire sufficient MR signal from these short T2 tissues, thereby allowing direct
      and quantitative evaluation. This article discusses the anatomy of the lumbar
      spine, MR techniques available for morphologic and quantitative MR evaluation of
      long and short T2 tissues of the lumbar spine, considerations for T2 relaxation
      modeling and fitting, and existing and new techniques for spine image post
      processing, focusing on segmentation. This article will be of interest to
      radiologic and orthopaedic researchers performing lumbar spine imaging.

PMID- 28090452
TI  - Classifying thoracolumbar fractures: role of quantitative imaging.
AB  - This article describes different types of vertebral fractures that affect the
      thoracolumbar spine and the most relevant contributions of the different
      classification systems to vertebral fracture management. The vertebral fractures
      types are based on the three columns model of Denis that includes compression,
      burst, flexion-distraction and fracture-dislocation types. The most recent
      classifications systems of these types of fractures are reviewed, including the
      Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity score (TLICS) and the
      Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen Spine Thoracolumbar Injury
      Classification and Severity score (AOSpine-TLICS). Correct classification
      requires a quantitative imaging approach in which several measurements determine
      TLICS or AOSpine-TLICS grade. If the TLICS score is greater than 4, or the
      AOSpine-TLICS is greater than 5, surgical management is indicated. In this
      review, the most important imaging findings and measurements on radiography,
      multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are
      described. These include degree of vertebral wedging and percentage of vertebral
      height loss in compression fractures, degree of interpedicular distance widening
      and spinal canal stenosis in burst fractures, and the degree of vertebral
      translation or interspinous widening in more severe fractures types, such as
      flexion-distraction and fracture-dislocation. These findings and measurements are
      illustrated with schemes and cases of our archives in a didactic way.

PMID- 28090453
TI  - South Korean degenerative spondylolisthesis patients had surgical treatment at
      earlier age than Japanese, American, and European patients: a published
      literature observation.

PMID- 28090454
TI  - Giant subperiosteal hematoma.

PMID- 28090455
TI  - Erratum to systemic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic imaging technologies.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.21037/qims.2016.10.08.].

PMID- 28090456
TI  - Chronic endometritis and infertility.
AB  - Chronic endometritis (CE) is a condition involving the breakdown of the peaceful
      co-existence between microorganisms and the host immune system in the
      endometrium. A majority of CE cases produce no noticeable signs or mild symptoms,
      and the prevalence rate of CE has been found to be approximately 10%.
      Gynecologists and pathologists often do not focus much clinical attention on CE
      due to the time-consuming microscopic examinations necessary to diagnose CE, its
      mild clinical manifestations, and the benign nature of the disease. However, the
      relationship between CE and infertility-related conditions such as repeated
      implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage has recently emerged as an area of
      inquiry. In this study, we reviewed the literature on the pathophysiology of CE
      and how it may be associated with infertility, as well as the literature
      regarding the diagnosis and treatment of CE. In addition, we discuss the value of
      hysteroscopic procedures in the diagnosis and treatment of CE.

PMID- 28090457
TI  - Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency does not increase the susceptibility
      of sperm to oxidative stress induced by H2O2.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common
      human enzyme defect. G6PD plays a key role in the pentose phosphate pathway,
      which is a major source of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH).
      NADPH provides the reducing equivalents for oxidation-reduction reductions
      involved in protecting against the toxicity of reactive oxygen species such as
      H2O2. We hypothesized that G6PD deficiency may reduce the amount of NADPH in
      sperms, thereby inhibiting the detoxification of H2O2, which could potentially
      affect their motility and viability, resulting in an increased susceptibility to
      infertility. METHODS: Semen samples were obtained from four males with G6PD
      deficiency and eight healthy males as a control. In both groups, motile sperms
      were isolated from the seminal fluid and incubated with 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80,
      and 120 uM concentrations of H2O2. After 1 hour incubation at 37C, sperms were
      evaluated for motility and viability. RESULTS: Incubation of sperms with 10 and
      20 uM H2O2 led to very little decrease in motility and viability, but motility
      decreased notably in both groups in 40, 60, and 80 uM H2O2, and viability
      decreased in both groups in 40, 60, 80, and 120 uM H2O2. However, no
      statistically significant differences were found between the G6PD-deficient group
      and controls. CONCLUSION: G6PD deficiency does not increase the susceptibility of
      sperm to oxidative stress induced by H2O2, and the reducing equivalents necessary
      for protection against H2O2 are most likely produced by other pathways.
      Therefore, G6PD deficiency cannot be considered as major risk factor for male
      infertility.

PMID- 28090458
TI  - Efficient isolation of sperm with high DNA integrity and stable chromatin
      packaging by a combination of density-gradient centrifugation and magnetic
      activated cell sorting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to investigate the correlations of the
      sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with semen parameters and apoptosis, and to
      investigate the effects of density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) and magnetic
      activated cell sorting (MACS) on reducing the proportion of sperm with DNA
      fragmentation and protamine deficiency. METHODS: Semen analysis and a sperm DNA
      fragmentation assay were performed to assess the correlations between semen
      parameters and the DFI in 458 semen samples. Sperm with progressive motility or
      non-apoptosis were isolated by DGC or MACS, respectively, in 29 normozoospermic
      semen samples. The effects of DGC or MACS alone and of DGC and MACS combined on
      reducing the amount of sperm in the sample with DNA fragmentation and protamine
      deficiency were investigated. RESULTS: The sperm DFI showed a significant
      correlation (r=-0.347, p<0.001) with sperm motility and morphology (r=-0.114,
      p<0.05) but not with other semen parameters. The DFI (11.5%+/-2.0%) of semen
      samples was significantly reduced by DGC (8.1%+/-4.1%) or MACS alone (7.4%+/
      3.9%) (p<0.05). The DFI was significantly further reduced by a combination of DGC
      and MACS (4.1%+/-1.3%, p<0.05). Moreover, the combination of DGC and MACS (1.6%+/
      1.1%, p<0.05) significantly reduced the protamine deficiency rate of semen
      samples compared to DGC (4.4%+/-3.2%) or MACS alone (3.4%+/-2.2%). CONCLUSION:
      The combination of DGC and MACS may be an effective method to isolate high
      quality sperm with progressive motility, non-apoptosis, high DNA integrity, and
      low protamine deficiency in clinical use.

PMID- 28090459
TI  - Anti-Mullerian hormone as a predictor of polycystic ovary syndrome treated with
      clomiphene citrate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the threshold of anti-Mullerian hormone
      (AMH) as predictor of follicular growth failure in polycystic ovary syndrome
      (PCOS) patients treated with clomiphene citrate (CC). METHODS: Fifty female
      subjects with PCOS were recruited and divided into two groups based on successful
      and unsuccessful follicular growth. Related variables such as age, infertility
      duration, cigarette smoking, use of Moslem hijab, sunlight exposure, fiber
      intake, body mass index, waist circumference, AMH level, 25-hydroxy vitamin D
      level, and growth of dominant follicles were obtained, assessed, and
      statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The AMH levels of patients with successful
      follicular growth were significantly lower (p=0.001) than those with unsuccessful
      follicular growth (6.10+/-3.52 vs. 10.43+/-4.78 ng/mL). A higher volume of fiber
      intake was also observed in the successful follicular growth group compared to
      unsuccessful follicular growth group (p=0.001). Our study found the probability
      of successful follicle growth was a function of AMH level and the amount of fiber
      intake, expressed as Y=-2.35+(-0.312*AMH level)+(0.464*fiber intake) (area under
      the curve, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.98; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The
      optimal threshold of AMH level in predicting the failure of follicle growth in
      patients with PCOS treated with CC was 8.58 ng/mL.

PMID- 28090460
TI  - Efficacy and safety of dienogest in patients with endometriosis: A single-center
      observational study over 12 months.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dienogest treatment in patients
      who had received dienogest for 12 months or more to treat endometriosis. METHODS:
      We analyzed the clinical data of 188 women with endometriosis who had been
      treated with 2 mg of dienogest once a day for 12 months or more at a single
      institute. We evaluated changes in endometriosis-associated pain and endometrioma
      size, recurrence rate, and adverse events following dienogest administration.
      Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in patients who were prescribed dienogest
      for more than 18 months. RESULTS: Pain was significantly reduced at 12 months
      after dienogest medication. In those treated with dienogest due to recurrent
      endometrioma, the size of the endometrioma was significantly decreased at the 12
      month and 18-month follow-ups. We found only one case of sonographic recurrence
      during dienogest administration among those who were treated postoperatively to
      prevent recurrence (1 of 114, 0.9%). The most common adverse drug reaction was
      uterine bleeding (3.2%), and other adverse events were generally tolerable and
      associated with low discontinuation rates (5.2%). Among the 50 patients in whom
      BMD was measured, 10 patients (20%) had a Z-score below the expected range for
      age. CONCLUSION: The administration of dienogest for a year or more seems to be
      highly effective in preventing recurrence after surgery, reducing endometriosis
      associated pain, and decreasing the size of recurrent endometrioma, with a
      favorable safety and tolerability profile. However, BMD should be checked in
      patients on long-term medication due to possible bone loss in some women.

PMID- 28090461
TI  - Effects of maternal age on embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes using testicular
      sperm with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of maternal age on
      fertilization, embryo quality, and clinical pregnancy in patients undergoing
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using testicular sperm from partners with
      azoospermia. METHODS: A total of 416 ICSI cycles using testicular spermatozoa
      from partners with obstructive azoospermia (OA, n=301) and non-obstructive
      azoospermia (NOA, n=115) were analyzed. Female patients were divided into the
      following age groups: 27 to 31 years, 32 to 36 years, and 37 to 41 years. The
      rates of fertilization, high-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy, and delivery
      were compared across maternal age groups between the OA and NOA groups. RESULTS:
      The rates of fertilization and high-quality embryos were not significantly
      different among the maternal age groups. Similarly, the clinical pregnancy and
      delivery rates were not significantly different. The fertilization rate was
      significantly higher in the OA group than in the NOA group (p<0.05). Age-group
      analysis revealed that the fertilization and high-quality embryo rates were
      significantly different between the OA and NOA groups in patients aged 27 to 31
      years old, but not for the other age groups. Although the clinical pregnancy and
      delivery rates differed between the OA and NOA groups across all age groups,
      significant differences were not observed. CONCLUSION: In couples using
      testicular sperm from male partners with azoospermia, pregnancy and delivery
      outcomes were not affected by maternal age. However, women older than 37 years
      using testicular sperm from partners with azoospermia should be advised of the
      increased incidence of pregnancy failure.

PMID- 28090462
TI  - Pretreatment of normal responders in fresh in vitro fertilization cycles: A
      comparison of transdermal estradiol and oral contraceptive pills.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pretreatment
      with transdermal estradiol (E2) compared to oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) on
      controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) response in normal responders undergoing
      fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer (ET) cycles. METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort study was performed of normal responders undergoing fresh
      IVF-ET cycles who received pretreatment with transdermal E2 versus OCPs prior to
      fresh IVF-ET. The total days of ovarian stimulation, total dosage of
      gonadotropins, total number of oocytes, and mature oocytes retrieved were noted.
      Pregnancy outcomes after ET were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 2,092
      patients met the inclusion criteria: 1,057 and 1,035 patients in the transdermal
      E2 and OCP groups, respectively. Patients in the OCP group had a longer duration
      of COS (10.7+/-1.63 days, p<0.01) than the E2 group (9.92+/-1.94 days). Patients
      in the OCP group also required higher cumulative doses of gonadotropins
      (2,657.3+/-1,187.9 IU) than those in the E2 group (2,550.1+/-1,270.2 IU,
      p=0.002). No statistically significant differences were found in the total and
      mature oocytes retrieved or in the rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical
      pregnancy, spontaneous miscarriage, and live birth between the groups.
      CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that compared to OCPs, pretreatment with
      transdermal E2 is associated with a shorter duration of ovarian stimulation and
      lower gonadotropin utilization, without compromising the oocyte yield or
      pregnancy outcomes in normal-responder patients undergoing fresh IVF.

PMID- 28090463
TI  - Efficacy of oxytocin antagonist infusion in improving in vitro fertilization
      outcomes on the day of embryo transfer: A meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Uterine contraction induced by the embryo transfer (ET) process has an
      adverse effect on embryo implantation. The aim of this study was to determine the
      effect of oxytocin antagonist supplementation on the day of ET on in vitro
      fertilization outcomes via a meta-analysis. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis
      of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Four online databases (Embase, Medline,
      PubMed, and Cochrane Library) were searched through May 2015 for RCTs that
      investigated oxytocin antagonist supplementation on the day of ET. Studies were
      selected according to predefined inclusion criteria and meta-analyzed using
      RevMan 5.3. Only RCTs were included in this study. The main outcome measures were
      the clinical pregnancy rate, the implantation rate, and the miscarriage rate.
      RESULTS: A total of 123 studies were reviewed and assessed for eligibility. Three
      RCTs, which included 1,020 patients, met the selection criteria. The implantation
      rate was significantly better in patients who underwent oxytocin antagonist
      infusion (19.8%) than in the control group (11.3%) (n=681; odds ratio [OR], 1.92;
      95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-2.96). No significant difference was found
      between the two groups in the clinical pregnancy rate (n=1,020; OR, 1.57; 95% CI,
      0.92-2.67) or the miscarriage rate (n=456; OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.44-1.33).
      CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis of the currently available
      literature suggest that the administration of an oxytocin antagonist on the day
      of ET improves the implantation rate but not the clinical pregnancy rate or
      miscarriage rate. Additional, large-scale, prospective, randomized studies are
      necessary to confirm these findings.

PMID- 28090464
TI  - The efficacy of intrauterine instillation of granulocyte colony-stimulating
      factor in infertile women with a thin endometrium: A pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of intrauterine
      instillation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the day of
      ovulation triggering or oocyte retrieval in infertile women with a thin
      endometrium. METHODS: Fifty women whose endometrial thickness (EMT) was <=8 mm at
      the time of triggering during at least one previous in vitro fertilization (IVF)
      cycle and an index IVF cycle were selected. On the day of triggering (n=12) or
      oocyte retrieval (n=38), 300 ug of G-CSF was instilled into the uterine cavity.
      RESULTS: In the 50 index IVF cycles, the mean EMT was 7.2+/-0.6 mm on the
      triggering day and increased to 8.5+/-1.5 mm on the embryo transfer day
      (p<0.001). The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 22.0%, the implantation rate
      was 15.9%, and the ongoing pregnancy rate was 20%. The clinical pregnancy rate
      (41.7% vs. 15.8%), the implantation rate (26.7% vs. 11.7%), and the ongoing
      pregnancy rate (41.7% vs. 13.2%) were higher when G-CSF was instilled on the
      triggering day than when it was instilled on the retrieval day, although this
      tendency was likewise not statistically significant. Aspects of the stimulation
      process and mean changes in EMT were similar in women who became pregnant and
      women who did not. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine instillation of G-CSF enhanced
      endometrial development and resulted in an acceptable pregnancy rate.
      Instillation of G-CSF on the triggering day showed better outcomes. G-CSF
      instillation should be considered as a strategy for inducing endometrial growth
      and good pregnancy results in infertile women with a thin endometrium.

PMID- 28090465
TI  - Does intrauterine injection of low-molecular-weight heparin improve the clinical
      pregnancy rate in intracytoplasmic sperm injection?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Heparin can modulate proteins, and influence processes involved in
      implantation and trophoblastic development. This study aimed to assess the
      improvement of clinical pregnancy and implantation rates after local intrauterine
      injection of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in patients undergoing
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). METHODS: A randomised case/control
      design was followed in women scheduled for ICSI. The study arm was injected with
      intrauterine LMWH during mock embryo transfer immediately following the ovum
      pickup procedure, while the control arm was given an intrauterine injection with
      a similar volume of tissue culture media. Side effects, the clinical pregnancy
      rate, and the implantation rate were recorded. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate was
      acceptable (33.9%) in the LMWH arm with no significant reported side effects,
      confirming the safety of the intervention. No statistically significant
      differences were found in the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates between
      both groups (p=0.182 and p=0.096, respectively). The odds ratio of being pregnant
      after intrauterine injection with LMWH compared to the control group was 0.572
      (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-1.22), while the risk ratio was 0.717 (95%
      CI, 0.46-1.13; p=0.146). No statistical significance was found between the two
      groups in other factors affecting implantation, such as day of transfer
      (p=0.726), number of embryos transferred (p=0.362), or embryo quality.
      CONCLUSION: Intrauterine injection of LMWH is a safe intervention, but the dose
      used in this study failed to improve the outcome of ICSI. Based on its safety,
      further research involving modification of the dosage and/or the timing of
      administration could result in improved ICSI success rates.

PMID- 28090466
TI  - Microbiome-Linked Crosstalk in the Gastrointestinal Exposome towards Host Health
      and Disease.
AB  - The gastrointestinal exposome represents the integration of all xenobiotic
      components and host-derived endogenous components affecting the host health,
      disease progression and ultimately clinical outcomes during the lifespan. The
      human gut microbiome as a dynamic exposome of commensalism continuously interacts
      with other exogenous exposome as well as host sentineling components including
      the immune and neuroendocrine circuit. The composition and diversity of the
      microbiome are established on the basis of the luminal environment (physical,
      chemical and biological exposome) and host surveillance at each part of the
      gastrointestinal lining. Whereas the chemical exposome derived from nutrients and
      other xenobiotics can influence the dynamics of microbiome community (the
      stability, diversity, or resilience), the microbiomes reciprocally alter the
      bioavailability and activities of the chemical exposome in the mucosa. In
      particular, xenobiotic metabolites by the gut microbial enzymes can be either
      beneficial or detrimental to the host health although xenobiotics can alter the
      composition and diversity of the gut microbiome. The integration of the mucosal
      crosstalk in the exposome determines the fate of microbiome community and host
      response to the etiologic factors of disease. Therefore, the network between
      microbiome and other mucosal exposome would provide new insights into the
      clinical intervention against the mucosal or systemic disorders via regulation of
      the gut-associated immunological, metabolic, or neuroendocrine system.

PMID- 28090467
TI  - Early Infant Feeding Practices May Influence the Onset of Symptomatic Celiac
      Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study whether breastfeeding and breastfeeding status during gluten
      introduction influences the age at diagnosis of celiac disease (CD). In addition
      to study, whether the timing of gluten introduction influences the age at
      diagnosis of CD. METHODS: It was a hospital based observational study. Total 198
      patients diagnosed with CD as per modified European Society of Pediatric
      Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (2012) criteria, aged between 6 months
      to 6 years were included. Detail history taken with special emphasis on
      breastfeeding and age of gluten introduction. Standard statistical methods used
      to analyze the data. RESULTS: Mean+/-standard deviation age of onset and
      diagnosis of CD in breastfed cases was 2.81+/-1.42 years and 3.68 +/-1.55 years
      respectively as compared to 1.84+/-1.36 years and 2.70+/-1.65 years respectively
      in not breastfed cases (p<0.05). Those who had continued breastfeeding during
      gluten introduction and of longer duration had significantly delayed onset of
      disease. The age at onset of CD was under one year in 40.42% of the cases, who
      had started gluten before 6 months of age compared to only 12.58% of those who
      had started gluten later (p<0.001). The proposed statistical model showed that
      two variables, i.e., breast feeding status during gluten introduction and age at
      gluten introduction positively influencing the age at diagnosis of CD.
      CONCLUSION: Delayed gluten introduction to infant's diet along with continuing
      breastfeeding, delays symptomatic CD. However, it is not clear from our study
      that these infant feeding practices provide permanent protection against the
      disease or merely delays the symptoms.

PMID- 28090468
TI  - Clinical Features and Extraintestinal Manifestations of Crohn Disease in
      Children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and
      extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) of Crohn disease (CD) in Korean pediatric
      patients. METHODS: The medical records of 73 children diagnosed with CD were
      retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding baseline demographic and clinical
      characteristics, including CD phenotype at diagnosis based on the Montreal
      classification, and clinical features and course of EIMs were investigated.
      RESULTS: Fifty-two (71.2%) of the patients were males. The mean age of the
      patients was 12.5 years. The mean follow-up period was 3.4 years. The disease
      location was ileal in 3 (4.1%) of the patients, colonic in 13 (17.8%),
      ileocolonic in 56 (76.7%). The clinical behavior was inflammatory in 62 (84.9%)
      of the patients, stricturing in 8 (11.0%), and penetrating in 3 (4.1%). Perianal
      abscesses or fistulas were found in 37 (50.7%) of the patients. EIMs observed
      during the study period were anal skin tag in 25 patients (34.2%),
      hypertransaminasemia in 20 (27.4%), peripheral arthritis in 2 (2.7%), erythema
      nodosum in 2 (2.7%), vulvitis in 1 (1.4%), uveitis in 1 (1.4%), and pulmonary
      thromboembolism in 1 (1.4%). CONCLUSION: Perianal diseases and manifestations
      were present in more than half of Korean pediatric CD patients at diagnosis.
      Inspection of the anus should be mandatory in Korean children with suspicious CD,
      as perianal fistulas, abscesses, and anal skin tags may be the first clue to the
      diagnosis of CD.

PMID- 28090469
TI  - The Relationships between Respiratory Virus Infection and Aminotransferase in
      Children.
AB  - PURPOSE: We sought to examine the relationship between the clinical
      manifestations of nonspecific reactive hepatitis and respiratory virus infection
      in pediatric patients. METHODS: Patients admitted to the pediatric unit of
      Konyang University Hospital for lower respiratory tract disease between January
      1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 and who underwent reverse transcriptase polymerase
      chain reaction tests were examined. The patients were divided into those with
      increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST) and those with normal ALT or AST levels. Further, patients with increased
      ALT and AST levels were individually compared with patients in the normal group,
      and the blood test results were compared according to the type of respiratory
      virus. RESULTS: Patients with increased ALT or AST levels had one more day of
      hospital stay, on average, compared with patients in the normal group (5.3+/-3.1
      days vs. 4.4+/-3.0 days, p=0.019). Patients in the increased ALT level group were
      younger and had a longer mean hospital stay, compared with patients in the normal
      group (p=0.022 and 0.003, respectively). The incidences of increased ALT or AST
      were the highest in adenovirus infections (6/24, 25.0%), followed by enterovirus
      (2/11, 18.2%) and respiratory syncytial virus A (21/131, 16.0%) infections.
      CONCLUSION: Nonspecific reactive hepatitis is more common among patients with
      adenovirus, enterovirus and respiratory syncytial virus infection, as well as
      among those infected at a younger age. Compared with AST levels, ALT levels are
      better indicators of the severity of nonspecific reactive hepatitis.

PMID- 28090470
TI  - Acanthosis Nigricans as a Clinical Predictor of Insulin Resistance in Obese
      Children.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of acanthosis nigricans (AN)
      severity as an index for predicting insulin resistance in obese children.
      METHODS: The subjects comprised 74 obese pediatric patients who attended the
      Department of Pediatrics at Chosun University Hospital between January 2013 and
      March 2016. Waist circumference; body mass index; blood pressure; fasting glucose
      and fasting insulin levels; lipid profile; aspartate transaminase, alanine
      transaminase, glycated hemoglobin, C-peptide, and uric acid levels; and
      homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative
      insulin check sensitivity index (QUICKI) scores were compared between subjects
      with AN and those without AN. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used
      to investigate the utility of the AN score in predicting insulin resistance. HOMA
      IR and QUICKI were compared according to AN severity. RESULTS: The With AN group
      had higher fasting insulin levels (24.1+/-21.0 mU/L vs. 9.8+/-3.6 mU/L, p<0.001)
      and HOMA-IR score (5.74+/-4.71 vs. 2.14+/-0.86, p<0.001) than the Without AN
      group. The AN score used to predict insulin resistance was 3 points or more
      (sensitivity 56.8%, specificity 83.9%). HOMA-IR scores increased with AN
      severity, from the Without AN group (mean, 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      1.72-2.57) to the Mild AN (mean, 4.15; 95% CI, 3.04-5.25) and Severe AN groups
      (mean, 7.22; 95% CI, 5.08-9.35; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance worsens
      with increasing AN severity, and patients with Severe AN (AN score >=3) are at
      increased risk of insulin resistance.

PMID- 28090471
TI  - Hair Zinc Level Analysis and Correlative Micronutrients in Children Presenting
      with Malnutrition and Poor Growth.
AB  - PURPOSE: Zinc deficiency can induce serious clinical problems in the
      gastrointestinal (GI) system and immune system and can affect growth and
      development. It is more severe in younger patients. Chronic zinc deficiency is
      reflected more precisely in hair than in serum. We studied hair zinc levels and
      other hair and serum micronutrients in chronic malnourished children to identify
      which micronutrients are affected or correlated with the other ones. METHODS:
      Hair mineral analyses were performed in 56 children (age, 1-15 years) presenting
      with malnutrition, poor growth, poor appetite, anorexia, with/without other GI
      symptoms (diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation) from August 2012 to March 2015.
      Biochemical studies for macronutrients and major micronutrients were also
      conducted. RESULTS: Hair zinc deficiency was diagnosed in 88%, and serum zinc
      deficiency was diagnosed in 55% of the children. There was no statistical
      correlation between serum and tissue zinc level. Hair zinc levels were highly
      correlated with serum vitamin D (r=-0.479, p=0.001), which also showed
      correlation with hair levels of magnesium and calcium. (r=0.564, 0.339, p=0.001,
      0.011). Hair calcium level was correlated with serum pre-albumin (r=0.423,
      p=0.001). These correlations may explain the phenomenon that the major clinical
      manifestation of zinc deficiency is poor body growth. Clinical symptoms were
      resolved in most children after zinc supplementation. CONCLUSION: Hair zinc and
      mineral analyses are useful as a therapeutic guide in the clinical investigation
      of children with malnutrition and poor growth.

PMID- 28090473
TI  - Three Year Old Male with Multiple Dieulafoy Lesions Treated with Epinephrine
      Injections via Therapeutic Endoscopy.
AB  - Dieulafoy lesions, vascular anomalies typically found along the gastrointestinal
      tract, have been viewed as rare and obscure causes of sudden intestinal bleeding,
      especially in pediatric patients. Since their discovery in the late 19th century,
      the reported incidence has increased. This is due to an increased awareness of,
      and knowledge about, their presentation and to advanced endoscopic diagnosis and
      therapy. Our patient was a three-year-old male, without a complex medical
      history. He presented to the emergency department with acute hematemesis with
      blood clots and acute anemia requiring blood transfusion. Endoscopy revealed four
      isolated Dieulafoy lesions along the lesser curvature of the stomach, which were
      treated with an epinephrine injection. The Dieulafoy lesion, although thought to
      be rare, should be considered when investigating an acute gastrointestinal bleed.
      These lesions have been successfully treated endoscopically. Appropriate
      anticipation and preparation for diagnosis and therapy can lead to optimal
      outcomes for the pediatric patient.

PMID- 28090472
TI  - Prevalence and Risk Factors for the Weight Loss during Hospitalization in
      Children: A Single Korean Children's Hospital Experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: Undernutrition during hospitalization increases the risk of nosocomial
      infection and lengthens the disease courses. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the risk factors of weight loss during hospitalization in children.
      METHODS: All the patients who were admitted in general wards between April and
      May 2014 were enrolled. Patients aged >18 years and discharged within 2 days were
      excluded. Weight loss during hospitalization was defined as a decrease in body
      weight of >2% in 8 hospital days or on the day of discharge. Patients who lost
      body weight during hospitalization were compared with patients who maintained
      their body weights. Significant parameters were evaluated by using the
      multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We enrolled 602 patients, of
      whom 149 (24.8%) lost >2% of their body weight. Complaint of pain (p=0.004),
      admission to the surgical department (p=0.001), undergoing surgery (p=0.044),
      undergoing abdominal surgery (p=0.034), and nil per os (NPO) durations (p=0.003)
      were related to weight loss during hospitalization. The patients who had high
      weight-for-age tended to lose more body weight (p=0.001). Admission to the
      surgical department (odds ratio [OR], 1.668; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.054
      2.637; p=0.029) and long NPO durations (OR, 1.496; 95% CI, 1.102-2.031; p=0.010)
      were independent risk factors of weight loss during hospitalization. The patients
      with high weight-for-age tended to lose more weight during hospitalization (OR,
      1.188; 95% CI, 1.029-1.371; p=0.019). CONCLUSION: Greater care in terms of
      nutrition should be taken for patients who are admitted in the surgical
      department and have prolonged duration of nothing by mouth.

PMID- 28090474
TI  - Post Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Biloma in a Child Managed by Endoscopic
      Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography and Stenting: A Case Report.
AB  - Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, though an uncommon surgical procedure in paediatric
      age group is still associated with a higher risk of post-operative bile duct
      injuries when compared with the open procedure. Small leaks from extra hepatic
      biliary apparatus usually lead to the formation of a localized sub-hepatic bile
      collection, also known as biloma. Such leaks are rare complication after
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially in paediatric age group. Minor bile
      leaks can usually be managed non-surgically by percutaneous drainage combined
      with endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). However, surgical
      exploration is required in cases not responding to non-operative management. If
      not managed on time, such injuries can lead to severe hepatic damage. We describe
      a case of an eight-year-old girl who presented with biloma formation after
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy who was managed by ERCP.

PMID- 28090475
TI  - Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids to Treat Inspissated Bile Syndrome: A
      Case Report.
AB  - Inspissated bile syndrome (IBS) is a rare condition in which thick intraluminal
      bile, including bile plugs, sludge, or stones, blocks the extrahepatic bile ducts
      in an infant. A 5-week-old female infant was admitted for evaluation of jaundice
      and acholic stool. Diagnostic tests, including ultrasound sonography, magnetic
      resonance cholangiopancreatography, and a hepatobiliary scan, were not
      conclusive. Although the diagnosis was unclear, the clinical and laboratory
      findings improved gradually on administration of urodeoxycholic acid and lipid
      emulsion containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for 3 weeks.
      However, a liver biopsy was suggestive of biliary atresia. This finding forced us
      to perform intraoperative cholangiography, which revealed a patent common bile
      duct with impacted thick bile. We performed normal saline irrigation and the
      symptom was improved, the final diagnosis was IBS. Thus, we herein report that
      IBS can be treated with omega-3 PUFAs as an alternative to surgical intervention.

PMID- 28090476
TI  - Correction: Middle East Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Management of
      Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in <12 Months Old Infants.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 153 in vol. 19, PMID: 27738596.].

PMID- 28090477
TI  - The Economic Cost of Implementing Maternal and Neonatal Death Review in a
      District of Bangladesh.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Maternal and neonatal death review (MNDR) introduced in Bangladesh
      and initially piloted in a district during 2010. MNDR is able to capture each of
      the maternal, neonatal deaths and stillbirths from the community and government
      facilities (hospitals). This study aimed to estimate the cost required to
      implement MNDR in a district of Bangladesh during 2010-2012. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: MNDR was implemented in Thakurgaon district in 2010 and later gradually
      extended until 2015. MNDR implementation framework, guidelines, tools and manual
      were developed at the national level with national level stakeholders including
      government health and family planning staff at different cadre for piloting at
      Thakurgaon. Programme implementation costs were calculated by year of costing and
      costing as per component of MNDR in 2013. The purchasing power parity conversion
      rate was 1 $INT = 24.46 BDT, as of 31st Dec 2012. RESULTS: Overall programme
      implementation costs required to run MNDR were 109,02,754 BDT (445,738 $INT $INT)
      in the first year (2010). In the following years cost reduced to 8,208,995 BDT
      (335,609 $INT, during 2011) and 6,622,166 BDT (270,735 $INT, during 2012). The
      average cost per activity required was 3070 BDT in 2010, 1887 BDT and 2207 BDT
      required in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Each death notification cost 4.09 $INT,
      verbal autopsy cost 8.18 $INT, and social autopsy cost 16.35 $INT. Facility death
      notification cost 2.04 $INT and facility death review meetings cost 20.44 $INT.
      One death saved by MNDR costs 53,654 BDT (2193 $INT). CONCLUSIONS: Programmatic
      implementation cost of conducting MPDR give an idea on how much cost will be
      required to run a death review system for a low income country settings using
      government health system.

PMID- 28090478
TI  - The Human Microbiome: A Public Health Approach.

PMID- 28090479
TI  - Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) and beyond.

PMID- 28090480
TI  - Copper deficiency mimicking myelodysplastic syndrome.

PMID- 28090481
TI  - Salvage treatment of relapsed/refractory LCH.

PMID- 28090482
TI  - Complex cytogenetics in a patient with mixed-phenotype acute leukemia.

PMID- 28090483
TI  - Emphysematous osteomyelitis due to Escherichia coli in multiple myeloma.

PMID- 28090484
TI  - Mesenchymal stromal cells in myeloid malignancies.
AB  - Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are clonal
      myeloid disorders characterized by hematopoietic insufficiency. As MDS and AML
      are considered to originate from genetic and molecular defects of hematopoietic
      stem and progenitor cells (HSPC), the main focus of research in this field has
      focused on the characterization of these cells. Recently, the contribution of BM
      microenvironment to the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies, in particular MDS
      and AML has gained more interest. This is based on a better understanding of its
      physiological role in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Additionally, it was
      demonstrated as a 'proof of principle' that genetic disruption of cells of the
      mesenchymal or osteoblastic lineage can induce MDS, MPS or AML in mice. In this
      review, we summarize the current knowledge about the contribution of the BM
      microenvironment, in particular mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) to the
      pathogenesis of AML and MDS. Furthermore, potential models integrating the BM
      microenvironment into the pathophysiology of these myeloid disorders are
      discussed. Finally, strategies to therapeutically exploit this knowledge and to
      interfere with the crosstalk between clonal hematopoietic cells and altered stem
      cell niches are introduced.

PMID- 28090485
TI  - Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia: suboptimal treatment when the 2008/2016 WHO
      classification is used.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different criteria have been used to diagnose mixed-phenotype acute
      leukemia (MPAL), which has impacted the number of individuals diagnosed with this
      pathology. Better outcomes have been reported when using acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia (ALL)-type chemotherapy in the treatment of MPAL. METHODS: We compared
      the outcome of 4 groups of patients with MPAL. Group 1 included patients
      diagnosed using the 2008/2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification;
      group 2 included patients diagnosed using the European Group for the
      Immunological Characterization of Leukemias (EGIL) criteria; group 3 included
      patients diagnosed using either the EGIL or the 2008/2016 WHO criteria; and group
      4 was comprised of patients diagnosed with MPAL using the EGIL classification
      only. RESULTS: We found a significantly worse disease-free survival (groups 1-4)
      and overall survival (OS) (groups 2 and 3) when comparing MPAL patients to other
      acute leukemia (AL) patients. A significantly better OS was obtained in patients
      (groups 2-4) treated with ALL-type chemotherapy compared to acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML)-type regimens. CONCLUSION: In light of these results, and because
      a trend (P=0.06) was found with regard to a better OS in group 4 when compared to
      other AL patients, an argument can be made that the 2008/2016 WHO classification
      is underpowered to diagnose all MPAL cases, potentially resulting in the
      suboptimal treatment of some individuals with AL.

PMID- 28090486
TI  - Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in children and adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aimed to characterize and analyze the
      outcome of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs) in children and adolescents.
      METHODS: The medical records of 16 patients under 21 years of age at the time of
      t-MN diagnosis were reviewed. RESULTS: The median patient age was 11.5 years
      (range, 1.6-20.4 yr). Twelve patients had therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia,
      3 patients had myelodysplastic syndrome, and 1 patient had chronic myelomonocytic
      leukemia. The median latency period was 29 months (range, 11-68 mo). Fourteen
      patients had cytogenetic aberrations, 8 of whom had an 11q23 abnormality. Of the
      13 patients treated with curative intent, 12 patients received myeloid-type
      induction therapy that led to complete remission (CR) in 8 patients. Nine
      patients underwent allogeneic transplantation; 4 patients did not undergo
      transplantation due to chemotherapy-related toxic death (N=3) or parental refusal
      (N=1). The 5-year overall survival and event-free survival of the 13 patients
      treated with a curative intent were 46.2% and 30.8%, respectively. For the 9
      patients who underwent allogeneic transplantation, the 5-year event-free survival
      was 66.7%. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of young patients with t-MNs can
      experience long-term survival, and allogeneic transplantation plays a key role
      for attaining cure in these patients.

PMID- 28090487
TI  - Clinical characteristics and outcomes of varicella zoster virus infection in
      children with hematologic malignancies in the acyclovir era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although intravenous acyclovir therapy is recommended for varicella
      zoster virus (VZV) infection in immunocompromised children, the clinical
      characteristics and outcomes of VZV infection in the acyclovir era have rarely
      been reported. METHODS: The medical records of children diagnosed with varicella
      or herpes zoster virus, who had underlying hematologic malignancies, were
      retrospectively reviewed, and the clinical characteristics and outcomes of VZV
      infection were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-six episodes of VZV infection (herpes
      zoster in 57 and varicella in 19) were identified in 73 children. The median age
      of children with VZV infection was 11 years (range, 1-17), and 35 (46.1%)
      episodes occurred in boys. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most common
      underlying malignancy (57.9%), and 90.8% of the episodes occurred during complete
      remission of the underlying malignancy. Acyclovir was administered for a median
      of 10 days (range, 4-97). Severe VZV infection occurred in 16 (21.1%) episodes.
      Although the finding was not statistically significant, a previous history of
      hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) appeared to be associated with the
      development of more severe episodes of herpes zoster (P=0.075). CONCLUSION:
      Clinical characteristics of VZV infection in immunocompromised children were not
      significantly different from those without it, and clinical outcomes improved
      after the introduction of acyclovir therapy. However, risk factors for severe VZV
      infection require further investigation in a larger population and a prospective
      setting.

PMID- 28090488
TI  - Excellent outcome of medical treatment for Kasabach-Merritt syndrome: a single
      center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS) is a rare but life-threatening
      illness. The purpose of this study is to report our single-center experience with
      KMS. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 13 patients who were diagnosed
      with KMS between 1997 and 2012 at Samsung Medical Center. Treatment response was
      defined as follows: 1) hematologic complete response (HCR) - platelet count
      >130*109/L without transfusion; 2) clinical complete response (CCR) - complete
      tumor disappearance or small residual vascular tumor displaying lack of
      proliferation for at least 6 months after treatment discontinuation. RESULTS:
      Participants included 7 male and 6 female patients. The median initial hemoglobin
      levels and platelet counts were 9.7 g/dL (range, 6.6-11.6 g/dL) and 11*109/L
      (range, 3-38*109/L), respectively. Twelve patients received corticosteroid and
      interferon-alpha as initial treatment, and the remaining patient received
      propranolol instead of corticosteroid. Two patients with unsatisfactory response
      to the initial treatment received weekly vincristine. Successful discontinuation
      of medication was possible at a median of 301 days (range, 137-579) in all
      patients except one who was lost to follow-up. The median times to achieve HCR
      and CCR were 157 days and 332 days, respectively. The probabilities of achieving
      HCR and CCR were 77% and 54% at 1 year, and 88% and 86% at 2.5 years,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of KMS in our cohort was excellent. Our
      data suggest that individualized treatment adaptation according to response may
      be very important for the successful treatment of patients with KMS.

PMID- 28090489
TI  - Effect of short-term, high-dose methylprednisolone on oxidative stress in
      children with acute immune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is the most common cause of acquired
      childhood thrombocytopenia and is characterized by increased immune-mediated
      destruction of circulating thrombocytes. Oxidative damage may be involved in ITP
      pathogenesis; paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase (ARE) enzymes are closely
      associated with the cellular antioxidant system. We investigated the effect of
      short-term high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) treatment on the total oxidant
      status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), and
      PON and ARE enzymatic activity in children with acute ITP. METHODS: Thirty
      children with acute ITP constituted the study group and 30 healthy children
      constituted the control group. Children with acute ITP were treated with HDMP: 30
      mg/kg for 3 days, then 20 mg/kg for 4 days. The TOS, TAC, OSI, PON, and ARE
      levels were determined before and after 7 days of HDMP treatment. RESULTS: The
      TAC level (P<0.001), and PON (P<0.001) and ARE (P=0.001) activities were lower
      and the TOS (P=0.003) and OSI (P<0.001) levels were higher in children with acute
      ITP than those in healthy children in the control group. We also observed
      statistically significant increases in the TAC (P<0.01), PON (P<0.001) and ARE
      levels (P=0.001) and decreases in the TOS (P<0.05) and OSI levels (P<0.05) with 7
      days of HDMP treatment compared to their values before treatment. CONCLUSION: Our
      study demonstrated increased oxidative stress (OSI and TOC) and decreased
      antioxidant capacity (TAC), PON, and ARE in ITP patients and that steroid
      treatment could be effective in reducing the oxidative stress.

PMID- 28090490
TI  - Iron deficiency anemia in infants and toddlers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Korea, the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA)
      among older infants and young children remains high. To detect IDA early and to
      reduce its adverse impact, we assessed the characteristics of infants and young
      children who had IDA or were at risk of developing IDA, or who exhibited
      characteristics associated with severe anemia. METHODS: Among the 1,782 IDA
      affected children aged 6 months to 18 years who visited the hospital, we
      retrospectively analyzed the medical records and laboratory data of 1,330 IDA
      affected children aged 6-23 months who were diagnosed between 1996 and 2013. We
      excluded patients with a C-reactive protein level >=5 mg/dL. RESULTS: IDA was
      predominant in boys (2.14:1) during infancy and early childhood. The peak IDA
      incidence was noted among infants aged 9-12 months. Only 7% patients exhibited
      symptoms of IDA, while 23.6% patients with severe IDA demonstrated classic
      symptoms/signs of IDA. Low birth weight (LBW) infants with IDA demonstrated low
      adherence to iron supplementation. In a multivariate analysis, prolonged
      breastfeeding without iron fortification (odds ratio [OR] 5.70), and a LBW (OR
      6.49) were identified as risk factors of severe anemia. CONCLUSION: LBW infants
      need more attention in order to increase their adherence to iron supplementation.
      For the early detection of IDA, nutritional status of all infants, and iron
      batteries of high-risk infants (LBW infants, infants with prolonged
      breastfeeding, picky eaters, and/or infants with the presence of IDA symptoms)
      should be evaluated at their health screening visits.

PMID- 28090491
TI  - Allelic variance among ABO blood group genotypes in a population from the western
      region of Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Characterization of the ABO blood group at the phenotype and genotype
      levels is clinically essential for transfusion, forensics, and population
      studies. This study elucidated ABO phenotypes and genotypes, and performed an
      evaluation of their distribution in individuals from the western region of Saudi
      Arabia. METHODS: One-hundred and seven samples underwent standard serological
      techniques for ABO blood group phenotype analysis. ABO alleles and genotypes were
      identified using multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and electrophoretic
      analysis was performed to evaluate the highly polymorphic ABO locus. RESULTS: A
      phenotype distribution of 37.4%, 30.8%, 24.3%, and 7.5% was found for blood
      groups O, A, B, and AB respectively in our study cohort. Genotype analysis
      identified 10 genotype combinations with the O01/O02 and A102/O02 genotypes being
      the most frequent with frequencies of 33.6% and 14.95%, respectively. Common
      genotypes such as A101/A101, A101/A102, A101/B101, B101/B101, and O01/O01 were
      not detected. Similarly, the rare genotypes, cis-AB01/O02, cis-AB01/O01, and cis
      AB01/A102 were not found in our cohort. The most frequently observed allele was
      O02 (35.98%) followed by the A102 allele (17.76%). Furthermore, our findings are
      discussed in reference to ABO allele and genotype frequencies found in other
      ethnic groups. CONCLUSION: The study has a significant implication on the
      management of blood bank and transfusion services in Saudi Arabian patients.

PMID- 28090492
TI  - The first case of acute myeloid leukemia with solitary t(6;7)(p21.3;p22)
      passenger translocation that developed at relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation in a patient with a normal karyotype at the initial
      diagnosis.

PMID- 28090493
TI  - Toxic megacolon and interstitial pneumonia caused by cytomegalovirus infection in
      a pediatric patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving chemotherapy.

PMID- 28090494
TI  - Salvage chemotherapy with R-BAD (rituximab, bendamustine, cytarabine, and
      dexamethasone) for the treatment of relapsed primary CNS lymphoma.

PMID- 28090495
TI  - Disseminated cytomegalovirus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an
      elderly patient.

PMID- 28090496
TI  - Steps taken to alleviate under-reporting of transfusion reactions at a public
      sector hospital in Pakistan.

PMID- 28090497
TI  - Factors associated with vasovagal reactions in apheresis plasma and whole blood
      donors: a statistical-epidemiological study in a European donor cohort.

PMID- 28090498
TI  - Successful treatment of steroid-refractory immune thrombocytopenia with
      alemtuzumab.

PMID- 28090499
TI  - Risk factors associated with high thyroglobulin level following radioactive
      iodine ablation, measured 12 months after treatment for papillary thyroid
      carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The measurement of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) of papillary thyroid
      carcinoma patients, 12 months after total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine
      (RAI) ablation following thyroxine hormone withdrawal (T4-off Tg) or recombinant
      human thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulation (rhTSH-Tg), is standard method for
      monitoring disease status. The aim of this study was to find predictive factors
      for detectable T4-off Tg during follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective review was
      conducted of 329 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and RAI ablation
      between October 2008 and August 2012. Subjects were assigned to high (>1 ng/mL, n
      = 53) and low (<=1 ng/mL, n = 276) groups, based on T4-off Tg measured 12 months
      postoperatively. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics at diagnosis
      and follow-up were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The low and high T4
      off Tg groups differed with respect to tumor size, preoperative Tg, ablative Tg,
      cervical lymph node metastasis, thyroglobulinemia out of proportion to results of
      diagnostic whole body scan, and American Thyroid Association 3-level
      stratification and restratification. Multivariate analysis confirmed that
      ablative Tg > 1.0 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR], 10.801; P = 0.001), more than 5
      cervical lymph node metastasis (OR, 6.491; P = 0.003), and thyroglobulinemia out
      of proportion (OR, 9.221; P = 0.000) were risk factors. CONCLUSION: Ablative Tg
      >1.0 ng/mL, more than 5 cervical lymph node metastasis, and thyroglobulinemia out
      of proportion were independent factors for T4-off Tg >1 ng/mL 12 months
      postoperative. In low-risk patients without these risk factors, the possible
      omission of Tg measurements could be considered during follow-up.

PMID- 28090500
TI  - A comparison of postoperative pain after conventional open thyroidectomy and
      single-incision, gasless, endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy: a single
      institute prospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative pain between single
      incision, gasless, endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy (SET), and conventional
      open thyroidectomy. METHODS: From March to December 2015, patients with thyroid
      disease underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy. Patient's clinical and
      pathological characteristics, postoperative pain score using visual analog scale
      (VAS) were compared between the 2 groups. The primary endpoint was postoperative
      pain evaluated by VAS score and postoperative analgesic use. Operation time and
      length of postoperative hospital stay were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS:
      Conventional, open cervical surgery was performed on 30 patients (group O) and
      SET was performed on 27 patients (group E). Pain scores in shoulder area, which
      is the ipsilateral side of the tumor location at 1 hour and 24 hours after
      surgery, were higher in group E patients (P < 0.05). Pain scores 7 days after
      surgery did not differ between the 2 groups according to the locations (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, endocrine surgeons should be concerned about
      immediate higher postoperative pain scores in patients who undergo SET.

PMID- 28090501
TI  - Clinical implications of APEX1 and Jagged1 as chemoresistance factors in biliary
      tract cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Biliary cancer is a highly malignant neoplasm with poor prognosis and
      most patients need to undergo palliative chemotherapy, however major clinical
      problem associated with the use of chemotherapy is chemoresistance. So far, we
      aimed at investigating clinical implications of apurinic/apyrimidinic
      endodeoxyribonuclease 1 (APEX1) and Jagged1 as chemoresistance factors in biliary
      tract cancer. METHODS: We used 5 human biliary tract cancer cell lines (SNU-245,
      SNU-308, SNU-478, SNU-1079, and SNU-1196), and investigated the chemosensitivity
      of APEX1 and Jagged1 through 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Western blot. Alternately, the 10
      patients of advanced biliary cancer consist of 2 group according to the
      chemotherapy response examined by immunohistochemistry using APEX1 and Jagged1
      antibody, and protein expression level was scored for staining intensity and
      percent positive cell. RESULTS: The result of MTT assay after APEX1 knockdown
      showed that strong coexpression of APEX1 and Jagged1 cell line (SNU-245, SNU
      1079, and SNU-1196) showed a greater decrease in IC50 of chemotherapeutic agent
      (5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine and cisplatin). The Western blot analysis of APEX1
      and Jagged1 expression in biliary cancer cell lines after APEX1 knockdown
      definitively demonstrated decreased Jagged1 expression. The APEX1 and
      Jagged1expression level of immunohistochemistry represented that chemorefractory
      patients had higher than chemoresponsive patients. CONCLUSION: These results
      demonstrate that simultaneous high expression of APEX1 and Jagged1 is associated
      with chemoresistance in biliary cancer and suggest that is a potential
      therapeutic target for chemoresistance in advanced biliary cancer.

PMID- 28090502
TI  - Is noncurative gastrectomy always a beneficial strategy for stage IV gastric
      cancer?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to suggest a treatment strategy for stage
      IV gastric cancer by investigating the behavioral difference between initially
      and recurrent metastatic disease. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of the
      patients who underwent chemotherapy alone for metastatic gastric cancer between
      January 2006 and September 2013. Patients were divided into those who underwent
      chemotherapy for metastatic disease since initial diagnosis (IM group) and for
      metastatic recurrence after curative surgery (RM group). Survival and causes of
      death were compared between the 2 groups, and significant prognostic factors were
      also investigated. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients were enrolled in this study.
      Of these patients, 104 were included in the IM group and 66 in the RM group.
      Overall survival of the IM group did not differ from that of RM (P = 0.569). In
      the comparison of the causes of death, the IM group had a greater tendency to die
      from bleeding (P = 0.054) and pneumonia (P = 0.055). In multivariate analysis,
      bone metastasis (P < 0.001; HR = 2.847), carcinoma peritonei (P = 0.047; HR =
      1.766), and the frequency of chemotherapy (P < 0.001; HR = 0.777) were
      significantly associated with overall survival of IM group. CONCLUSION: Disease
      burden mainly contributes to the prognosis of metastatic gastric cancer, although
      noncurative gastrectomy may be helpful in reducing the mortality of initially
      metastatic disease. Therefore, disease-burden should be also prioritized in
      determining the treatment strategies for stage IV gastric cancer.

PMID- 28090503
TI  - Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using hemi-double-stapling technique after
      laparoscopic total gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present the feasibility and safety of Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy
      using hemi-double-stapling technique after laparoscopic total gastrectomy.
      METHODS: We reviewed the outcomes from 58 consecutive patients with gastric
      cancer who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy. The clinicopathological
      characteristics including postoperative complications were examined. RESULTS: The
      mean age and body mass index were 57.3 +/- 9.7 years and 23.7 +/- 2.6 kg/m2,
      respectively. The mean overall total operation was 199.8 +/- 57.0 minutes.
      Intraoperative blood loss was 81.6 +/- 56.3 mL and there was no open conversion.
      The patients' hospital stay was a mean 9.6 +/- 2 days. The mean proximal margin
      of the specimens was 2.7 +/- 1.8 cm. There were 3 cases (5.1%) of anastomosis
      leakage, but all were controlled successfully by endoscopic stent. CONCLUSION:
      The circular HDST technique is simple and reliable without any significant
      demerits with respect to safety concerns or difficulty of operation.

PMID- 28090504
TI  - Fortune of temporary ileostomies in patients treated with laparoscopic low
      anterior resection for rectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The current study aims to analyze the risk factors for the failure of
      ileostomy reversal after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
      METHODS: All patients who underwent a laparoscopic low anterior resection for
      rectal cancer with a diverting ileostomy between 2007 and 2014 were abstracted.
      The patients who underwent and did not undergo a diverting ileostomy procedure
      were compared regarding patient, tumor, treatment related parameters, and
      survival. RESULTS: Among 160 (103 males [64.4%], mean [+/- standard deviation]
      age was 58.1 +/- 11.9 years) patients, stoma reversal was achieved in 136 cases
      (85%). Anastomotic stricture (n = 13, 52.4%) was the most common reason for stoma
      reversal. These were the risk factors for the failure of stoma reversal: Male sex
      (P = 0.035), having complications (P = 0.01), particularly an anastomotic leak (P
      < 0.001), or surgical site infection (P = 0.019) especially evisceration (P =
      0.011), requirement for reoperation (P = 0.003) and longer hospital stay (P =
      0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 7.82; P =
      0.022) and additional organ resection (OR, 6.71; P = 0.027) were the risk
      factors. Five-year survival rates were similar (P = 0.143). CONCLUSION: Fifteen
      percent of patients cannot receive a stoma reversal after laparoscopic low
      anterior resection for rectal cancer. Anastomotic stricture is the most common
      reason for the failure of stoma takedown. Having complications, particularly an
      anastomotic leak and the necessity of reoperation, limits the stoma closure rate.
      Male sex and additional organ resection are the risk factors for the failure in
      multivariate analyses. These patients require a longer hospitalization period,
      but have similar survival rates as those who receive stoma closure procedure.

PMID- 28090505
TI  - Usefulness of intraopertive ultrasonography during directional atherectomy using
      SilverHawk/TurboHawk system.
AB  - PURPOSE: Directional atherectomy (DA) was introduced for the management of
      infrainguinal arterial stenosis or occlusive lesions. The procedure success rate
      in the DEFINITIVE LE study was determined using radiologic imaging. The aim of
      our study was to determine the usefulness of intraoperative ultrasonography (USG)
      during DA for evaluating the early results of this procedure. METHODS: Patients
      who underwent DA from January to December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively.
      Twenty lesions from 14 patients with femoral artery stenosis (>70% stenosis) with
      short segment occlusive lesions (<2 cm in length) were treated. Among 20 lesions,
      3 were treated with the TurboHawk system with a protective device due to lesion
      calcification. The percentage of stenosis during and after DA was determined with
      USG. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 5.1 months, and the procedural success rate
      (<30% stenosis at the end of the procedure) was 100% on angiography, but only 30%
      on intraoperative USG. On USG, median residual stenosis was 40% (range, 28%-42%)
      at the end of DA, 40% (range, 30%-55%) at 1 month, 55% (range, 35%-85%) at 6
      months, and 64% (range, 60%-100%) at 1 year. There was one dissection, but no
      cases of perforation, pseudoaneurysm, or thrombosis. Primary patency, which was
      defined as a peak systolic velocity ratio <=3.5 with no reintervention at 6
      months, was found in 18 lesions (90%), and 11 of 14 patients (78.6%) were free of
      ischemic symptoms such as claudication at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Our results
      demonstrated that DA with intraoperative USG is an effective treatment option for
      short segment occlusive lesions of the femoral artery.

PMID- 28090506
TI  - Cystic duct variation detected by near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography
      during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
AB  - Near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography (NIRFC) is an emerging technique for
      easy intraoperative recognition of biliary anatomy. We present a case of cystic
      duct variation detected by NIRFC which had a potential risk for biliary injury if
      not detected. A 32-year-old female was admitted to the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital
      for surgery for an incidental gallbladder polyp. We performed laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy with NIRFC. In fluorescence mode, a long cystic duct and an
      accessory short hepatic duct joining to the cystic duct were found and the
      operation was completed safely. The patient recovered successfully. NIRFC is
      expected to be a promising procedure that will help minimize biliary injury
      during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PMID- 28090507
TI  - Gastric cancer in pregnancy: is laparoscopic gastrectomy with lymph node
      dissection feasible and safe?
AB  - Gastric cancer with pregnancy is rare and usually presents in late and advanced
      stage. Standard interventions in diagnosing, staging and treatment of cancer may
      be harmful for the fetus. The treatment of cancer in pregnancy should not differ
      significantly from the treatment in nonpregnant women. There have been case
      reports of open gastrectomy for gastric cancer in pregnancy. We present a case of
      early gastric cancer in a 37-year-old pregnant woman treated with laparoscopic
      distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection with no postoperative
      complications. Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection seems
      to be feasible and safe in pregnancy for a mother and a fetus.

PMID- 28090508
TI  - Laser applications in surgery.
AB  - In modern medicine, lasers are increasingly utilized for treatment of a variety
      of pathologies as interest in less invasive treatment modalities intensifies. The
      physics behind lasers allows the same basic principles to be applied to a
      multitude of tissue types using slight modifications of the system. Multiple
      laser systems have been studied within each field of medicine. The term "laser"
      was combined with "surgery," "ablation," "lithotripsy," "cancer treatment,"
      "tumor ablation," "dermatology," "skin rejuvenation," "lipolysis," "cardiology,"
      "atrial fibrillation (AF)," and "epilepsy" during separate searches in the PubMed
      database. Original articles that studied the application of laser energy for
      these conditions were reviewed and included. A review of laser therapy is
      presented. Laser energy can be safely and effectively used for lithotripsy, for
      the treatment of various types of cancer, for a multitude of cosmetic and
      reconstructive procedures, and for the ablation of abnormal conductive pathways.
      For each of these conditions, management with lasers is comparable to, and
      potentially superior to, management with more traditional methods.

PMID- 28090509
TI  - Innovations in surgery simulation: a review of past, current and future
      techniques.
AB  - As a result of recent work-hours limitations and concerns for patient safety,
      innovations in extraclinical surgical simulation have become a desired part of
      residency education. Current simulation models, including cadaveric, animal,
      bench-top, virtual reality (VR) and robotic simulators are increasingly used in
      surgical training programs. Advances in telesurgery, three-dimensional (3D)
      printing, and the incorporation of patient-specific anatomy are paving the way
      for simulators to become integral components of medical training in the future.
      Evidence from the literature highlights the benefits of including simulations in
      surgical training; skills acquired through simulations translate into
      improvements in operating room performance. Moreover, simulations are rapidly
      incorporating new medical technologies and offer increasingly high-fidelity
      recreations of procedures. As a result, both novice and expert surgeons are able
      to benefit from their use. As dedicated, structured curricula are developed that
      incorporate simulations into daily resident training, simulated surgeries will
      strengthen the surgeon's skill set, decrease hospital costs, and improve patient
      outcomes.

PMID- 28090510
TI  - Augmented and virtual reality in surgery-the digital surgical environment:
      applications, limitations and legal pitfalls.
AB  - The continuing enhancement of the surgical environment in the digital age has led
      to a number of innovations being highlighted as potential disruptive technologies
      in the surgical workplace. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are
      rapidly becoming increasingly available, accessible and importantly affordable,
      hence their application into healthcare to enhance the medical use of data is
      certain. Whether it relates to anatomy, intraoperative surgery, or post-operative
      rehabilitation, applications are already being investigated for their role in the
      surgeons armamentarium. Here we provide an introduction to the technology and the
      potential areas of development in the surgical arena.

PMID- 28090511
TI  - Emerging trends in social media and plastic surgery.
AB  - Social media has increasingly changed the landscape of medicine and surgery and
      is rapidly expanding its influence in most peoples' lives. The average person
      spends nearly 2 hours per day using social media, consuming information about
      everything from family updates to entertainment news to presidential elections.
      The concentration of consumers on social media platforms has resulted in direct
      medicine and medical products marketing to consumers. Similarly, social media is
      increasingly becoming a platform for interaction between physicians and potential
      patients. Some physicians have taken this opportunity to better educate patients,
      while allowing patients to learn more about their surgeons online. These tools
      can increase internet traffic online to bonafide internet sites, as well as
      bolster marketing for many hospitals, hospital systems, and individual doctors.
      It can also serve to increase knowledge about procedures and conditions through
      direct outreach to patients. Social media is a powerful tool which needs to be
      utilized wisely to avoid pitfalls.

PMID- 28090514
TI  - Pancreatic cancer: from bench to bedside.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is recognized as the king of carcinoma, and the gap between
      basic research and clinical practice is difficult to improve the treatment
      effect. Translational medicine builds an important bridge between pancreatic
      cancer basic research and clinical practice from the pathogenesis, early
      diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma, drug screening, treatment strategies and
      metastasis prediction. This article will carry on the concrete elaboration to the
      above several aspects.

PMID- 28090513
TI  - An update and review of cell-based wound dressings and their integration into
      clinical practice.
AB  - Chronic wounds affect over 4 million individuals and pose a significant burden to
      the US healthcare system. Diabetes, venous stasis, radiation or paralysis are
      common risk factors for chronic wounds. Unfortunately, the current standard of
      care (SOC) has a high relapse rate and these wounds continue to adversely affect
      patients' quality of life. Fortunately, advances in tissue engineering have
      allowed for the development of cell-based wound dressings that promote wound
      healing by improving cell migration and differentiation. As the available options
      continue to increase in quantity and quality, physicians should have a user
      friendly guide to reference when deciding which dressing to use. The objective of
      this review is to identify the currently available biologic dressings, describe
      their indications, and provide a framework for integration into clinical
      practice. This review included 53 studies consisting of prospective and
      retrospective cohorts as well as several randomized control trials. Three general
      categories of cell-based biologic dressings were identified and nine brands were
      included. Cell-based biologic dressings have shown efficacy in a broad range of
      scenarios, and studies examining their efficacy have improved our understanding
      of the pathophysiology of chronic wounds. Amniotic and placental membranes have
      the widest scope and can be used to treat all subtypes of chronic wounds. Human
      skin allografts and bioengineered skin substitutes can be used for chronic ulcers
      but generally require a vascularized wound bed. Autologous platelet rich plasma
      (PRP) has shown promise in venous stasis ulcers and decubitus ulcers that have
      failed conventional treatment. Overall, more research is necessary to determine
      if these novel therapeutic options will change the current SOC, but current
      studies demonstrate encouraging results in the treatment of chronic wounds.

PMID- 28090512
TI  - Surgical applications of three-dimensional printing: a review of the current
      literature & how to get started.
AB  - Three dimensional (3D) printing involves a number of additive manufacturing
      techniques that are used to build structures from the ground up. This technology
      has been adapted to a wide range of surgical applications at an impressive rate.
      It has been used to print patient-specific anatomic models, implants,
      prosthetics, external fixators, splints, surgical instrumentation, and surgical
      cutting guides. The profound utility of this technology in surgery explains the
      exponential growth. It is important to learn how 3D printing has been used in
      surgery and how to potentially apply this technology. PubMed was searched for
      studies that addressed the clinical application of 3D printing in all surgical
      fields, yielding 442 results. Data was manually extracted from the 168 included
      studies. We found an exponential increase in studies addressing surgical
      applications for 3D printing since 2011, with the largest growth in craniofacial,
      oromaxillofacial, and cardiothoracic specialties. The pertinent considerations
      for getting started with 3D printing were identified and are discussed,
      including, software, printing techniques, printing materials, sterilization of
      printing materials, and cost and time requirements. Also, the diverse and
      increasing applications of 3D printing were recorded and are discussed. There is
      large array of potential applications for 3D printing. Decreasing cost and
      increasing ease of use are making this technology more available. Incorporating
      3D printing into a surgical practice can be a rewarding process that yields
      impressive results.

PMID- 28090515
TI  - A systematic review of combinatorial treatment with warming and invigorating
      drugs and levothyroxine for hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We used the systematic review method to evaluate the clinical
      efficacy and safety of combinatorial treatment with warming and invigorating
      drugs and levothyroxine on hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT).
      METHODS: We set inclusion and exclusion criteria, searched for studies using
      electronic databases and manual retrieval, selected studies according to the
      inclusion and exclusion criteria, and assessed the qualities of the included
      studies according to the Jadad scale. We performed a meta-analysis and analyzed
      the biases and sensitivities of the results using Revman 5.3 software. RESULTS:
      We retrieved 94 and 7 of the studies met the inclusion criteria. Warming and
      invigorating drugs and levothyroxine increased free triiodothyronine (FT3) and
      free thyroxine (FT4) levels and reduced thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),
      thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) levels
      more than levothyroxine alone. However, the FT4 data were not stable. There were
      no statistically significant differences between the experimental and the control
      groups with regards to the effects on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
      syndromes and total therapeutic effects. There was insufficient evidence to make
      conclusions regarding TCM syndromes scores, goiter reduction, recurrence rate,
      and adverse reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Warming and invigorating drugs combined with
      levothyroxine may improve treatment of hypothyroidism caused by HT more than
      levothyroxine alone based on the FT3, FT4, TSH, TPOAb, and TGAb results. Based on
      the low qualities of the included studies, further evidence is needed to confirm
      these conclusions.

PMID- 28090516
TI  - The interplay between genetics, epigenetics and environment in modulating the
      risk of coronary heart disease.

PMID- 28090517
TI  - Semi-parametric regression model for survival data: graphical visualization with
      R.
AB  - Cox proportional hazards model is a semi-parametric model that leaves its
      baseline hazard function unspecified. The rationale to use Cox proportional
      hazards model is that (I) the underlying form of hazard function is stringent and
      unrealistic, and (II) researchers are only interested in estimation of how the
      hazard changes with covariate (relative hazard). Cox regression model can be
      easily fit with coxph() function in survival package. Stratified Cox model may be
      used for covariate that violates the proportional hazards assumption. The
      relative importance of covariates in population can be examined with the
      rankhazard package in R. Hazard ratio curves for continuous covariates can be
      visualized using smoothHR package. This curve helps to better understand the
      effects that each continuous covariate has on the outcome. Population
      attributable fraction is a classic quantity in epidemiology to evaluate the
      impact of risk factor on the occurrence of event in the population. In survival
      analysis, the adjusted/unadjusted attributable fraction can be plotted against
      survival time to obtain attributable fraction function.

PMID- 28090519
TI  - A rare case of a blood clot masquerading as a retained surgical drain.
AB  - Surgical drains are commonly used in surgery to reduce post-operative fluid
      collections. Whilst rare, a retained surgical drain may result in clinical
      complications and distress to the patient. A retained surgical drain is a
      potentially avoidable event and surgeons should be aware on how to confirm the
      presence of a retained surgical drain. We report a rare case of a blood clot
      masquerading as a retained surgical drain in a patient. The patient is a 55-year
      old Malay male who presented with left gluteal necrotizing fasciitis. The patient
      underwent a further 5 debridements with subsequent closure of the wound. Two
      drains were inserted on closure. Whilst there was no difficulty in removal of the
      drain, post removal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tubular structure in
      the left gluteal region, thought to be a retained drain segment. Intra
      operatively, the drain segment seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was not
      found and instead, a tubular blood clot of similar caliber and length as measured
      on the MRI was found residing in the gluteal region. This case highlights the
      need for confirmation of a retained drain segment before surgical removal.
      Surgeons should be certain of the presence of a retained surgical drain before
      advocating for surgical removal. Plain radiography remains a useful modality for
      visualization of radio-opaque surgical drains.

PMID- 28090518
TI  - Clinical characteristics and molecular pathology of skull ectopic thyroid cancer.
AB  - Thyroid cancer is very common, but skull ectopic thyroid cancer has not been
      reported in 50 years of literatures in foreign countries. There are only four
      cases of the skull ectopic thyroid cancer reported in more than 30 years of
      domestic literature including the cases in this report. This paper aims to
      investigate the clinical characteristics and possible molecular mechanisms of
      this rare disease. Five keywords of "thyroid gland", "ectopic thyroid", "thyroid
      cancer", "ectopic thyroid cancer" and "metastatic thyroid cancer" were included
      and 50 years of literatures in the PubMed-MEDLINE and Wanfang database were
      reviewed. By combining the test data of 2 cases of surgical patient tissue
      microarray specimens-molecular immunology pathology, the possible molecular
      mechanisms were analyzed and molecular regulation network diagram was drawn. The
      skull ectopic thyroid cancer has not been reported in 50 years of literatures in
      foreign countries and there are only four cases of the skull ectopic thyroid
      cancer reported in more than 30 years of domestic literature including the cases
      in this report. The molecular expressions of skull ectopic thyroid cancer,
      orthotopic thyroid cancer, and metastatic thyroid cancer were not the same: (I)
      AKT (P=0.012, 0.002) and mTOR (P=0.002, 0.004) were highly expressed in the skull
      ectopic thyroid cancer; (II) BRAF (P=0.029, 0.014) and ERK (P=0.002, 0.001) were
      highly expressed in orthotopic thyroid cancer; (III) MMP-9 (P=0.023, 0.016) was
      highly expressed in metastatic thyroid cancer. According to the molecular
      information base, the PI3K is predicted to be a key crossing gene of the above
      three signaling pathways, which showed no significant differences in these three
      thyroid cancers (P=0.692, 0.388, 0.227), but PI3K has regulation roles in the
      three signaling pathways of Akt/mTOR, MAPK, and NF-kappaB. PI3K gene is an
      important starting gene of thyroid cancers. After the canceration starts, due to
      the fact that the local microenvironments of thyroid cancers in different parts
      are different, the thyroid cancers are regulated by different signaling pathways.
      The ectopic thyroid cancer was correlated with Akt/mTOR pathway high expression;
      orthotopic thyroid was related with MAPK/BRAF/ERK signaling pathway high
      expression; and the metastatic thyroid cancer was related with NFkB/MMP9 high
      expression.

PMID- 28090520
TI  - What should the blood pressure treatment goal be in adults with hypertension in
      2016?

PMID- 28090521
TI  - Big data to the rescue of systemic inflammatory response syndrome: is electronic
      data mining the way of the future?

PMID- 28090522
TI  - Lessons learned from BATTLE-2 in the war on cancer: the use of Bayesian method in
      clinical trial design.

PMID- 28090523
TI  - Understanding the roles of randomized trials for robotic prostatectomy.

PMID- 28090524
TI  - The SAMUKeppra study in prehospital status epilepticus: lessons for future study.
AB  - In the Lancet Neurology article "Prehospital treatment with levetiracetam plus
      clonazepam or placebo plus clonazepam in status epilepticus (SAMUKeppra): a
      randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial" the authors conducted a prehospital,
      randomized controlled study to determine which treatment is more effective for
      status epilepticus (SE): benzodiazepine alone, or in combination with
      levetiracetam (LEV). Although the study had negative results, several aspects of
      the trial design likely masked any added effect that LEV may have had in
      controlling SE, including: higher doses of benzodiazepines, lower thresholds for
      determining cessation of SE, and a smaller sample size. Regardless, the study
      reaffirms the effectiveness and importance of early and adequate benzodiazepine
      dosing and helps guide us in designing future studies for treatment of SE.

PMID- 28090525
TI  - RNAs that make a heart beat.
AB  - An increase in stress-associated microRNAs has been observed in the heart after
      an induced myocardial infarction. Liu and colleagues now demonstrate that one of
      these stress-associated microRNAs, miR-223-3p, can regulate a component of the
      voltage-gated channel that mediates rapid outward efflux of potassium during an
      action potential. Aberrations in the potassium current have been associated with
      ventricular arrhythmia and heart disease. Strikingly, introducing a small RNA
      antagonist directed against miR-223-3p into rat hearts, while also inducing a
      myocardial infarction, resulted in a reduction in arrhythmias. We place these
      studies in the larger context of the field and discuss the potential of anti-miR
      223-3p molecules as new therapeutics for myocardial infarction.

PMID- 28090526
TI  - The necessity to restore the anatomic hip centre in congenital hip disease.
AB  - Total hip replacement (THR) is the treatment of choice for the patient suffering
      from end-stage hip osteoarthritis. In the presence of deformities due to
      congenital hip disease (CHD), THR is, in most of the cases, a difficult task,
      since the technique of performing such an operation is demanding and the results
      could vary. We present our experience and preferred strategies focusing on
      challenges and surgical techniques associated with reconstructing the dysplastic
      hip.

PMID- 28090527
TI  - The Ross procedure: an excellent option in the right hands.

PMID- 28090528
TI  - Uncovering first molecular mechanisms of secondary resistance against PD-1
      blockade.

PMID- 28090529
TI  - Is there a role for microRNAs as novel predictors of prognosis in myocardial
      infarction?

PMID- 28090530
TI  - CK1delta: an exploitable vulnerability in breast cancer.

PMID- 28090531
TI  - At the crossroads from bench to bedside: luteolin is a promising pharmacological
      agent against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury.

PMID- 28090532
TI  - Afatinib for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive non
      small cell lung cancer: clinical implications of the LUX-Lung 7 study.

PMID- 28090533
TI  - Professor Julie McMullen: love what you do, do what you love.

PMID- 28090534
TI  - Erratum to be care the risk of under fit in dose-response meta-analysis when
      using cubic spline.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.21037/atm.2016.09.27.].

PMID- 28090535
TI  - Control of Vector-Borne Human Parasitic Diseases.

PMID- 28090536
TI  - Prognostic Relevance of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with
      Pulmonary Hypertension.
AB  - Background. Increased pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with pulmonary
      hypertension (PH) leads to an increased afterload of right heart and cardiac
      remodeling which could provide the substrate or trigger for arrhythmias.
      Supraventricular arrhythmias were associated with clinical deterioration but were
      not associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD). SCD has been reported to account
      for approximately 30% of deaths in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
      (PAH). Objective. The role of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT) and its
      prognostic relevance in patients with PH remains unclear. This study evaluated
      the prognostic relevance of nsVT in patients with PAH and chronic thromboembolic
      pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods. Retrospectively, patients with PAH and
      CTEPH who underwent Holter ECG monitoring and available data of survival were
      investigated. Results. Seventy-eight (PAH: 55, CTEPH: 23) patients were
      evaluated. Holter ECG revealed nsVT in 12 patients. Twenty-one patients died
      during follow-up. In patients with nsVT, tricuspid annular plane systolic
      excursion was lower (p = 0.001), and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was
      higher (p = 0.163). Mean survival of patients without/with nsVT was 155.2 +/-
      8.5/146.4 +/- 21.4 months (p = 0.690). The association between arrhythmias and
      survival was not confounded by age (p = 0.681), gender (p = 0.752), 6-MW distance
      (p = 0.196), or arterial hypertension (p = 0.238). Conclusions. In patients with
      PH, nsVT occurs more often than previously reported, and patients with PH group 1
      seem to be more at risk.

PMID- 28090537
TI  - Significant Associations of SOX9 Gene Polymorphism and Gene Expression with the
      Risk of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in a Han Population in Northern China.
AB  - Sex determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) is a key transcription factor involved in
      cartilage formation during the embryonic development stage and cartilage growth
      and repair after birth. To explore the roles of polymorphism and expression of
      the SOX9 gene in the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), we
      analyzed the polymorphism of rs12601701 [A/G] and rs1042667 [A/C] and the serum
      protein expression of the SOX9 gene in 182 patients with ONFH and 179 healthy
      control subjects. Results revealed that the A-A haplotype of SOX9 gene as well as
      the GG and AA genotypes of rs12601701 was significantly associated with increased
      ONFH risk (P = 0.038) and the risk of bilateral hip lesions of ONFH (P = 0.009),
      respectively. The C-A, A-A, and A-G haplotypes were also statistically associated
      with the decreased and increased risk of bilateral hip lesions of ONFH (P = 0.03,
      P = 0.048, and P = 0.013), respectively, while the A-A haplotype closely related
      to the clinical stages of ONFH (P = 0.041). More importantly, the serum SOX9
      protein expression of the ONFH group was greatly decreased compared to control
      group (P = 0.0001). Our results first showed that the gene polymorphism and gene
      expression of SOX9 were significantly associated with the risk and clinical
      phenotypes of ONFH and also indicate that the SOX9 gene may play a key role in
      the development of ONFH.

PMID- 28090538
TI  - Factors Associated with Long-Term Control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Aims. This study assessed factors associated with glycemic control among Saudi
      patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. We conducted an
      analytical cross-sectional study, which included a random sample of 288 patients
      with T2DM proportional to the diabetes population of each primary health care
      center in Jazan city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results. More than two-thirds
      (74%) of patients had poor glycemic control. Lack of education, polypharmacy, and
      duration of diabetes >= 7 years were significantly associated with higher
      glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Moreover, patients who were smoker or divorced were
      significantly more likely to have higher HbA1c. The patients who did not comply
      with diet or take their medications as prescribed had poor glycemic control. The
      study found lower HbA1c levels among patients who received family support or had
      close relationship with their physicians. Similarly, knowledgeable patients
      towards diabetes or those with greater confidence in ability to manage self-care
      behaviors had a lower HbA1c. In contrast, risk factors such as depression or
      stress were significantly correlated with poorer glycemic control. Conclusion.
      The majority of T2DM patients had poor glycemic control. The study identified
      several factors associated with glycemic control. Effective and tailored
      interventions are needed to mitigate exposure to these risk factors. This would
      improve glycemic control and reduce the risks inherent to diabetes complications.

PMID- 28090539
TI  - Elevated Levels of Plasma IgA Autoantibodies against Oxidized LDL Found in
      Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy but Not in Nonproliferative Retinopathy.
AB  - Aims. This study investigated the association of autoantibodies binding to
      oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods.
      Plasma from 229 types 1 and 2 patients with DR including diabetic macular edema
      (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) was analysed with ELISA-based
      assay to determine IgA, IgG, and IgM autoantibody levels binding to oxLDL. The
      controls were 106 diabetic patients without retinopathy (NoDR) and 139
      nondiabetic controls (C). Results. PDR group had significantly higher IgA
      autoantibody levels than DME or NoDR: mean 94.9 (SD 54.7) for PDR, 75.5 (41.8)
      for DME (p = 0.001), and 76.1 (48.2) for NoDR (p = 0.008). There were no
      differences in IgG, IgM, or IgA that would be specific for DR or for DME. Type 2
      diabetic patients had higher levels of IgA autoantibodies than type 1 diabetic
      patients (86.0 and 65.5, resp., p = 0.004) and the highest levels in IgA were
      found in type 2 diabetic patients with PDR (119.1, p > 0.001). Conclusions. IgA
      autoantibodies were increased in PDR, especially in type 2 diabetes. The high
      levels of IgA in PDR, and especially in type 2 PDR patients, reflect the
      inflammatory process and enlighten the role of oxLDL and its autoantibodies in
      PDR.

PMID- 28090540
TI  - Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Visit-to-Visit HbA1c Variability Predict
      Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Preserved
      Kidney Function.
AB  - Background/Aims. Subclinical atherosclerosis and long-term glycemic variability
      have been reported to predict incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the
      general population. However, these associations have not been investigated in
      patients with type 2 diabetes with preserved kidney function. Methods. We
      prospectively followed up 162 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age, 62.3
      years; 53.6% men) and assessed whether carotid intima-media thickness (IMT)
      measured by B-mode ultrasound and visit-to-visit HbA1c variability are associated
      with deterioration of CKD (incident CKD defined as estimated GFR [eGFR] < 60
      mL/min/1.73 m2 and progression of CKD stages) over a median follow-up of 6.0
      years. At baseline, 25 patients (15.4%) had CKD. Cox proportional hazards
      regression models were used for identifying associated factors of CKD
      deterioration. Results. Estimated GFR decreased from 75.8 +/- 16.3 to 67.4 +/-
      18.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.01). Of 162 patients, 32 developed CKD and 8 made a
      progression of CKD stages. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that
      carotid IMT (HR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.1-14.226.7, and p = 0.03) and coefficient of
      variation of HbA1c (HR: 1.12, 95%: 1.04-1.21, and p = 0.003) were predictors of
      deterioration of CKD independently of age, mean HbA1c, urinary albumin/creatinine
      ratio, baseline eGFR, uric acid, and leucocyte count. Conclusions. Subclinical
      atherosclerosis and long-term glycemic variability predict deterioration of
      chronic kidney disease (as defined by incident or worsening CKD) in type 2
      diabetic patients with preserved kidney function.

PMID- 28090541
TI  - Empowerment in the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity.
AB  - As the available therapies for diabetes and obesity are not effective enough,
      diabetologists and educators search for new methods to collaborate with patients
      in order to support their health behaviors. The aim of this review is to discuss
      perspectives for the development of new empowerment-type therapies in the
      treatment of diabetes/obesity. Empowerment is a process whereby patients gain the
      necessary knowledge to influence their own behavior to improve the quality of
      their lives. It is carried out in five stages: (1) identify the problem, (2)
      explain the feelings and meanings, (3) build a plan, (4) act, and (5) experience
      and assess the execution. Although many years have passed since the advent and
      popularization of the concept of empowerment, the area remains controversial,
      mainly with regard to the methodology of therapy. Some previous studies have
      confirmed the positive effect of empowerment on body weight, metabolic control,
      and quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes; however, few studies have
      been conducted in patients with type 1 diabetes. There is still a need to confirm
      the effectiveness of empowerment in accordance with Evidence Based Medicine by
      performing long-term observational studies in a large group of patients. In
      future, empowerment may become part of the standard of care for patients with
      diabetes and/or obesity.

PMID- 28090542
TI  - Uninephrectomized High-Fat-Fed Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats:
      A Model for the Investigation of Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes (DM2) could be reproduced in rats with alimentary obesity by
      using low doses of streptozotocin (LD-STZ) as well as STZ in high doses with
      preliminary nicotinamide (NA) administration. However, STZ could induce
      tubulotoxicity. Aim. To develop rat model of DN in NA-STZ-induced DM2 and compare
      it with LD-STZ-model in order to choose the most relevant approach for
      reproducing renal glomerular and tubular morphofunctional diabetic changes.
      Starting at 3 weeks after uninephrectomy, adult male Wistar rats were fed five
      week high-fat diet and then received intraperitoneally either LD-STZ (40 mg/kg)
      or NA (230 mg/kg) followed by STZ (65 mg/kg). Control uninephrectomized vehicle
      injected rats received normal chow. At weeks 10, 20, and 30 (the end of the
      study), metabolic parameters, creatinine clearance, albuminuria, and urinary
      tubular injury markers (NGAL, KIM-1) were evaluated as well as renal
      ultrastructural and light microscopic changes at weeks 20 and 30. NA-STZ-group
      showed higher reproducibility and stability of metabolic parameters. By week 10,
      in NA-STZ-group NGAL level was significantly lower compared to LD-STZ-group. By
      week 30, diabetic groups showed early features of DN. However, morphofunctional
      changes in NA-STZ-group appeared to be more pronounced than those in STZ-group
      despite lower levels of KIM-1 and NGAL. We proposed a new rat model of DM2 with
      DN characterized by stable metabolic disorders, typical renal lesions, and lower
      levels of tubular injury markers as compared to LD-STZ-induced diabetes.

PMID- 28090543
TI  - Definition of a critical spatiotemporal window within which primary cilia control
      midbrain dopaminergic neurogenesis.
AB  - Midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons are generated in the ventral midbrain floor
      plate depending on Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling for induction. Primary cilia
      transduce canonical SHH signals. Loss of intraflagellar transport protein IFT88,
      essential for ciliary function, disrupts SHH signaling in the ventral midbrain
      and results in the reduction in mDA progenitors and neurons. We investigate
      whether conditional inactivation of the kinesin motor protein KIF3A recapitulates
      phenotypes observed in conditional Ift88 mutants. Conditional Kif3a inactivation
      reduced the mDA progenitor domain size, but did not result in mDA neuron
      reduction, most likely because of a delayed loss of cilia and delayed
      inactivation of SHH signaling. We thereby define a precise spatiotemporal window
      within which primary cilia-dependent SHH signaling determines mDA fate.

PMID- 28090544
TI  - EZH2 orchestrates apicobasal polarity and neuroepithelial cell renewal.
AB  - During early stages of neural development, neuroepithelial cells translocate
      their nuclei along the apicobasal axis in a harmonized manner with the cell
      cycle. How cell cycle progression and neuroepithelium polarity are coordinated
      remains unclear. It has been proposed that developmental cues, epigenetic
      mechanisms and cell cycle regulators must be linked in order to orchestrate these
      processes. We have recently discovered that a master epigenetic factor, EZH2 is
      essential to coordinate these events. EZH2 directly represses the cell cycle
      regulator p21WAF1/CIP in the chicken spinal cord. By doing so, EZH2 controls
      neural progenitor cell renewal and fine-tunes Rho signaling pathway, which is
      essential to maintain neuroepithelial structure. Our findings point to a new role
      of EZH2 during development that could have potential implication in other areas
      as cancer.

PMID- 28090546
TI  - BREATH IS NOT THE CARRIER OF SPEECH.

PMID- 28090545
TI  - Neuron's little helper: The role of primary cilia in neurogenesis.
AB  - The generation of new neurons involves a great variety of cell-extrinsic and cell
      intrinsic signals. The primary cilium, long regarded as an "evolutionary
      vestige," has emerged as an essential signaling hub in many cells, including
      neural progenitors and differentiating neurons. Most progenitors harbor an
      apically-localized primary cilium, which is assembled and disassembled following
      the cell cycle, while the presence, position and length of this organelle appears
      to be even more variable in differentiating neurons. One of the main
      extracellular cues acting through the cilium is Sonic Hedgehog, which modulates
      spatial patterning, the progression of the cell cycle and the timing of
      neurogenesis. Other extracellular signals appear to bind to cilia-localized
      receptors and affect processes such as dendritogenesis. All the observed
      dynamics, as well as the many signaling pathways depending on cilia, indicate
      this organelle as an important structure involved in neurogenesis.

PMID- 28090547
TI  - Using effective connectivity analyses to understand processing architecture:
      Response to commentaries by Samuel, Spivey and McQueen, Eisner and Norris.

PMID- 28090549
TI  - Education and peace go together; plus the best 2015 papers of the journal
      Temperature.

PMID- 28090548
TI  - Managerial Decision-making for Daily Case Allocation Scheduling and the Impact on
      Perioperative Quality Assurance.
AB  - Allocation scheduling for daily surgical cases is a decision-making process
      tasked to anesthesiologists and nurse managers in the operating room (OR). This
      manuscript focuses on three major areas: the classification and principles of
      allocation scheduling on workdays in China, flexible strategies of operational
      decision-making given differences in planned versus actual OR allocations, and
      perioperative quality implications of anesthesia scheduling. Improved quality and
      optimal decision-making in daily surgical case scheduling is seen with shift
      supervisor-based scheduling of staff and cases when compared with staff and case
      scheduling managed by the departmental director or chief resident.

PMID- 28090550
TI  - Laboratory primates: Their lives in and after research.

PMID- 28090551
TI  - Why is it easier to run in the cold?

PMID- 28090552
TI  - Hyperthermia during exercise - a double-edged sword.

PMID- 28090553
TI  - Interactions in human performance: An individual and combined stressors approach.

PMID- 28090554
TI  - A cellular pathway controlling functional plasma membrane incorporation of the
      cold sensor TRPM8.

PMID- 28090555
TI  - Applying systems-level approaches to elucidate regulatory function during
      mammalian hibernation.

PMID- 28090556
TI  - Heat acclimation: Gold mines and genes.
AB  - The underground gold mines of South Africa offer a unique historical setting to
      study heat acclimation. The early heat stress research was conducted and
      described by a young medical officer, Dr. Aldo Dreosti. He developed practical
      and specific protocols to first assess the heat tolerance of thousands of new
      mining recruits, and then used the screening results as the basis for assigning a
      heat acclimation protocol. The mines provide an interesting paradigm where the
      prevention of heat stroke evolved from genetic selection, where only Black
      natives were recruited due to a false assumption of their intrinsic tolerance to
      heat, to our current appreciation of the epigenetic and other molecular
      adaptations that occur with exposure to heat.

PMID- 28090557
TI  - Prolonged self-paced exercise in the heat - environmental factors affecting
      performance.
AB  - In this review we examine how self-paced performance is affected by environmental
      heat stress factors during cycling time trial performance as well as considering
      the effects of exercise mode and heat acclimatization. Mean power output during
      prolonged cycling time trials in the heat (>=30 degrees C) was on average reduced
      by 15% in the 14 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Ambient
      temperature per se was a poor predictor of the integrated environmental heat
      stress and 2 of the prevailing heat stress indices (WBGT and UTCI) failed to
      predict the environmental influence on performance. The weighing of wind speed
      appears to be too low for predicting the effect for cycling in trained
      acclimatized subjects, where performance may be maintained in outdoor time trials
      at ambient temperatures as high as 36 degrees C (36 degrees C UTCI; 28 degrees C
      WBGT). Power output during indoor trials may also be maintained with temperatures
      up to at least 27 degrees C when humidity is modest and wind speed matches the
      movement speed generated during outdoor cycling, whereas marked reductions are
      observed when air movement is minimal. For running, representing an exercise mode
      with lower movement speed and higher heat production for a given metabolic rate,
      it appears that endurance is affected even at much lower ambient temperatures. On
      this basis we conclude that environmental heat stress impacts self-paced
      endurance performance. However, the effect is markedly modified by
      acclimatization status and exercise mode, as the wind generated by the exercise
      (movement speed) or the environment (natural or fan air movement) exerts a strong
      influence.

PMID- 28090558
TI  - Leukocyte Hsp72 mRNA transcription does not differ between males and females
      during heat acclimation.
AB  - Purpose: Thermotolerance is an acquired state of increased cytoprotection
      achieved following single or repeated exposures to heat stress, in part
      characterized by changes in the intracellular 72 kda heat shock protein (HSP72;
      HSPA1A). Females have demonstrated reduced exercise induced HSP72 in comparison
      to males. This study examined sex differences in heat shock protein 72 messenger
      ribonucleic acid (Hsp72 mRNA) transcription during heat acclimation (HA) to
      identify whether sex differences were a result of differential gene
      transcription. Methods: Ten participants (5M, 5F) performed 10, 90 min controlled
      hyperthermia [rectal temperature (Tre) >= 38.5 degrees C] HA sessions over 12 d.
      Leukocyte Hsp72 mRNA was measured pre and post D1, D5, and D10, via Reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-QPCR). Results: HA was evidenced by a
      reduction in resting Tre (-0.4 +/- 0.5 degrees C) and resting heart rate [(HR); 
      13 +/- 7 beats.min-1] following HA (p <= 0.05). During HA no difference (p >
      0.05) was observed in DeltaTre between males (D1 = 1.5 +/- 0.2 degrees C; D5 =
      1.6 +/- 0.4 degrees C; D10 = 1.8 +/- 0.3 degrees C) and females (D1 = 1.5 +/- 0.5
      degrees C; D5 = 1.4 +/- 0.2 degrees C; D10 = 1.8 +/- 0.3 degrees C). This was
      also true of mean Tre demonstrating equality of thermal stimuli for mRNA
      transcription and HA. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in Hsp72 mRNA
      expression between HA sessions or between males (D1 = +1.8 +/- 1.5-fold; D5 =
      +2.0 +/- 1.0 fold; D10 = +1.1 +/- 0.4-fold) and females (D1 = +2.6 +/- 1.8-fold;
      D5 = +1.8 +/- 1.4-fold; D10 = +0.9 +/- 1.9-fold). Conclusions: This experiment
      demonstrates that there is no difference in Hsp72 mRNA increases during HA
      between sexes when controlled hyperthermia HA is utilised. Gender specific
      differences in exercise-induced HSP72 reported elsewhere likely result from post
      transcriptional events.

PMID- 28090559
TI  - Potentiation of Ecstasy-induced hyperthermia and FAT/CD36 expression in
      chronically exercised animals.
AB  - Fatal hyperthermia as a result of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use
      involves non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) and the activation of
      mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP). NEFA gain access into skeletal muscle
      via specific transport proteins, including fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36).
      FAT/CD36 expression is known to increase following chronic exercise. Previous
      studies have demonstrated the essential role of NEFA and UCP3 in MDMA-induced
      hyperthermia. The aims of the present study were to use a chronic exercise model
      (swimming for two consecutive hours per day, five days per wk for six wk) to
      increase FAT/CD36 expression in order to: 1) determine the contribution of
      FAT/CD36 in MDMA (20 mg/kg, s.c.)-mediated hyperthermia; and 2) examine the
      effects of the FAT/CD36 inhibitor, SSO (sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate), on MDMA
      induced hyperthermia in chronic exercise and sedentary control rats. MDMA
      administration resulted in hyperthermia in both sedentary and chronic exercise
      animals. However, MDMA-induced hyperthermia was significantly potentiated in the
      chronic exercise animals compared to sedentary animals. Additionally, chronic
      exercise significantly reduced body weight, increased FAT/CD36 protein expression
      levels and reduced plasma NEFA levels. The FAT/CD36 inhibitor, SSO (40 mg/kg,
      ip), significantly attenuated the hyperthermia mediated by MDMA in chronic
      exercised but not sedentary animals. Plasma NEFA levels were elevated in
      sedentary and exercised animals treated with SSO prior to MDMA suggesting
      attenuation of NEFA uptake into skeletal muscle. Chronic exercise did not alter
      skeletal muscle UCP3 protein expression levels. In conclusion, chronic exercise
      potentiates MDMA-mediated hyperthermia in a FAT/CD36 dependent fashion.

PMID- 28090560
TI  - Perceptions of Secondhand E-Cigarette Aerosol Among Twitter Users.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There is considerable debate among the public health community about
      the health risks of secondhand exposure to the aerosol from electronic cigarettes
      (e-cigarettes). Despite mounting scientific evidence on the chemical content of e
      cigarette aerosol, public perceptions of the relative safety of secondhand e
      cigarette aerosol have not been well characterized. METHOD: This study collected
      tweets, or messages sent using Twitter, about exposure to secondhand e-cigarette
      aerosol over a 6-week period in 2015. Tweets were coded on sentiment about e
      cigarettes (pro-, anti-, or neutral/unknown) and topic (health, social,
      advertisement, or unknown). RESULTS: The 1519 tweets included 531 pro-e-cigarette
      tweets, 392 anti-e-cigarette tweets, and 596 neutral tweets. Social tweets far
      outnumbered health tweets (747 vs. 182, respectively). Social-focused tweets were
      predominantly pro-e-cigarette, whereas health-focused tweets were predominantly
      anti-e-cigarette. DISCUSSION: Twitter discussions about secondhand vaping are
      dominated by pro-e-cigarette social tweets, although there is a presence of anti
      e-cigarette social tweets and tweets about negative and positive health effects.
      Public health and regulatory agencies could use social media and traditional
      media to disseminate the message that e-cigarette aerosol contains potentially
      harmful chemicals and could be perceived as offensive. This study identifies the
      prevalent topics and opinions that could be incorporated into health education
      messages.

PMID- 28090561
TI  - Diversity in Rotavirus-Host Glycan Interactions: A "Sweet" Spectrum.
AB  - Interaction with cellular glycans is a critical initial step in the pathogenesis
      of many infectious agents. Technological advances in glycobiology have expanded
      the repertoire of studies delineating host glycan-pathogen interactions. For
      rotavirus, the VP8* domain of the outer capsid spike protein VP4 is known to
      interact with cellular glycans. Sialic acid was considered the key cellular
      attachment factor for rotaviruses for decades. Although this is true for many
      rotavirus strains causing infections in animals, glycan array screens show that
      many human rotavirus strains bind nonsialylated glycoconjugates, called histo
      blood group antigens, in a strain-specific manner. The expression of histo-blood
      group antigens is determined genetically and is regulated developmentally.
      Variations in glycan binding between different rotavirus strains are biologically
      relevant and provide new insights into multiple aspects of virus pathogenesis
      such as interspecies transmission, host range restriction, and tissue tropism.
      The genetics of glycan expression may affect susceptibility to different
      rotavirus strains and vaccine viruses, and impact the efficacy of rotavirus
      vaccination in different populations. A multidisciplinary approach to
      understanding rotavirus-host glycan interactions provides molecular insights into
      the interaction between microbial pathogens and glycans, and opens up new avenues
      to translate findings from the bench to the human population.

PMID- 28090563
TI  - Targeting alphav Integrins in Pancreatic Fibrosis: Progress in Resolving the
      Scar.

PMID- 28090562
TI  - Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Monocyte Differentiation Into Polarized M2 Macrophages
      Promotes Stellate Cell Activation via TGF-beta.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Monocyte and macrophage (MPhi) activation contributes to the
      pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Disease pathogenesis
      is regulated by both liver-resident MPhis and monocytes recruited as precursors
      of MPhis into the damaged liver. Monocytes differentiate into M1
      (classic/proinflammatory) or M2 (alternative/anti-inflammatory) polarized MPhis
      in response to tissue microenvironment. We hypothesized that HCV-infected
      hepatoma cells (infected with Japanese fulminant hepatitis-1 [Huh7.5/JFH-1])
      induce monocyte differentiation into polarized MPhis. METHODS: Healthy human
      monocytes were co-cultured with Huh7.5/JFH-1 cells or cell-free virus for 7 days
      and analyzed for MPhi markers and cytokine levels. A similar analysis was
      performed on circulating monocytes and liver MPhis from HCV-infected patients and
      controls. RESULTS: Huh7.5/JFH-1 cells induced monocytes to differentiate into
      MPhis with increased expression of CD14 and CD68. HCV-MPhis showed M2 surface
      markers (CD206, CD163, and Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion
      molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN)) and produced both proinflammatory and
      anti-inflammatory cytokines. HCV-induced early interleukin 1beta production
      promoted transforming growth factor (TGF)beta production and MPhi polarization to
      an M2 phenotype. TGF-beta secreted by M2-MPhi led to hepatic stellate cell
      activation indicated by increased expression of collagen, tissue inhibitor of
      metalloproteinase 1, and alpha-smooth muscle actin. In vivo, we observed a
      significant increase in M2 marker (CD206) expression on circulating monocytes and
      in the liver of chronic HCV-infected patients. Furthermore, we observed the
      presence of a unique collagen-expressing CD14+CD206+ monocyte population in HCV
      patients that correlated with liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: We show an important
      role for HCV in induction of monocyte differentiation into MPhis with a mixed
      M1/M2 cytokine profile and M2 surface phenotype that promote stellate cell
      activation via TGF-beta. We also identified circulating monocytes expressing M2
      marker and collagen in chronic HCV infection that can be explored as a biomarker.

PMID- 28090564
TI  - Hepatocyte Toll-Like Receptor 5 Promotes Bacterial Clearance and Protects Mice
      Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Liver Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Innate immune dysfunction can promote chronic inflammatory
      diseases of the liver. For example, mice lacking the flagellin receptor Toll-like
      receptor 5 (TLR5) show microbial dysbiosis and predisposition to high-fat diet
      (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis. The extent to which hepatocytes play a direct
      role in detecting bacterial products in general, or flagellin in particular, is
      poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of hepatocyte
      TLR5 in recognizing flagellin, policing bacteria, and protecting against liver
      disease. METHODS: Mice were engineered to lack TLR5 specifically in hepatocytes
      (TLR5DeltaHep) and analyzed relative to sibling controls (TLR5fl/fl). TLR5
      messenger RNA levels, responses to exogenous flagellin, elimination of
      circulating motile bacteria, and susceptibility of liver injury (concanavalin A,
      carbon tetrachloride, methionine- and choline-deficient diet, and HFD) were
      measured. RESULTS: TLR5DeltaHep expressed similar levels of TLR5 as TLR5fl/fl in
      all organs examined, except in the liver, which showed a 90% reduction in TLR5
      levels, indicating that hepatocytes accounted for the major portion of TLR5
      expression in this organ. TLR5DeltaHep showed impairment in responding to
      purified flagellin and clearing flagellated bacteria from the liver. Although
      TLR5DeltaHep mice did not differ markedly from sibling controls in concanavalin A
      or carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury models, they showed exacerbated
      disease in response to a methionine- and choline-deficient diet and HFD. Such
      predisposition of TLR5DeltaHep to diet-induced liver pathology was associated
      with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, which was dependent on
      the Nod-like-receptor C4 inflammasome and rescued by microbiota ablation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hepatocyte TLR5 plays a critical role in protecting liver against
      circulating gut bacteria and against diet-induced liver disease.

PMID- 28090565
TI  - THBS2 Is a Candidate Modifier of Liver Disease Severity in Alagille Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Alagille syndrome is an autosomal-dominant, multisystem
      disorder caused primarily by mutations in JAG1, resulting in bile duct paucity,
      cholestasis, cardiac disease, and other features. Liver disease severity in
      Alagille syndrome is highly variable, however, factors influencing the hepatic
      phenotype are unknown. We hypothesized that genetic modifiers may contribute to
      the variable expressivity of this disorder. METHODS: We performed a genome-wide
      association study in a cohort of Caucasian subjects with known pathogenic JAG1
      mutations, comparing patients with mild vs severe liver disease, followed by
      functional characterization of a candidate locus. RESULTS: We identified a locus
      that reached suggestive genome-level significance upstream of the thrombospondin
      2 (THBS2) gene. THBS2 codes for a secreted matricellular protein that regulates
      cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, and has been shown to affect
      Notch signaling. By using a reporter mouse line, we detected thrombospondin 2
      expression in bile ducts and periportal regions of the mouse liver. Examination
      of Thbs2-null mouse livers showed increased microvessels in the portal regions of
      adult mice. We also showed that thrombospondin 2 interacts with NOTCH1 and NOTCH2
      and can inhibit JAG1-NOTCH2 interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the genome-wide
      association study results, thrombospondin 2 localization within bile ducts, and
      demonstration of interactions of thrombospondin 2 with JAG1 and NOTCH2, we
      propose that changes in thrombospondin 2 expression may further perturb JAG1
      NOTCH2 signaling in patients harboring a JAG1 mutation and lead to a more severe
      liver phenotype. These results implicate THBS2 as a plausible candidate genetic
      modifier of liver disease severity in Alagille syndrome.

PMID- 28090566
TI  - Large Animal Models: The Key to Translational Discovery in Digestive Disease
      Research.
AB  - Gastrointestinal disease is a prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality and the
      use of animal models have been instrumental in studying mechanisms of digestive
      pathophysiology. As investigators attempt to translate the wealth of basic
      science information developed from rodent, models, large animal models provide a
      number of translational advantages. The pig, in particular, is arguably one of
      the most powerful models of human organ systems, including the gastrointestinal
      tract. The pig has provided important tools and insight into intestinal
      ischemia/reperfusion injury, intestinal mucosal repair, as well as new insights
      into esophageal injury and repair. Porcine model development has taken advantage
      of the size of the animal, allowing increased surgical and endoscopic access. In
      addition, cellular tools such as the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line and
      porcine enteroids are providing the methodology to translate basic science
      findings using in-depth mechanistic analyses. Further opportunities in porcine
      digestive disease modeling include developing additional transgenic pig strains.
      Collectively, porcine models hold great promise for the future of clinically
      relevant digestive disease research.

PMID- 28090567
TI  - The RNA polymerase III subunit Polr3b is required for the maintenance of small
      intestinal crypts in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The continuously self-renewing mammalian intestinal
      epithelium, with high cellular turnover, depends on adequate protein synthesis
      for its proliferative capacity. RNA polymerase III activity is closely related to
      cellular growth and proliferation. Here, we studied the role of Polr3b, a large
      RNA polymerase III subunit, in the mammalian intestinal epithelium. METHODS: We
      derived mice with an intestinal epithelium-specific hypomorphic mutation of the
      Polr3b gene, using VillinCre-mediated gene ablation. Phenotypic consequences of
      the Polr3b mutation on the intestinal epithelium in mice were assessed using
      histological and molecular methodologies, including genetic lineage tracing.
      RESULTS: The Polr3b mutation severely reduced survival and growth in mice during
      the first postnatal week, the period when the expansion of the intestinal
      epithelium, and thus the requirement for protein synthesis, are highest. The
      neonatal intestinal epithelium of Polr3bloxP/loxP;VillinCre mice was
      characterized by areas with reduced proliferation, abnormal epithelial
      architecture, loss of Wnt signaling and a dramatic increase in apoptotic cells in
      crypts. Genetic lineage tracing using Polr3bLoxP/LoxP;Rosa26-lox-stop-lox
      YFP;VillinCre mice demonstrated that in surviving mutant mice, Polr3b-deficient
      dying crypts were progressively replaced by 'Cre-escaper' cells that had retained
      wild type Polr3b function. In addition, enteroids cultured from
      Polr3bloxP/loxP;VillinCre mice show reduced proliferative activity and increased
      apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence for an essential role of the Pol III
      subunit Polr3b in orchestrating the maintenance of the intestinal crypt during
      early postnatal development in mice.

PMID- 28090569
TI  - Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase Activity Maintains Acinar-to-Ductal
      Metaplasia and Is Required for Organ Regeneration in Pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in the
      exocrine pancreas has been extensively studied in the context of pancreatic
      cancer, where its potential as a therapeutic target is limited by acquired drug
      resistance. However, its role in pancreatitis is less understood. We investigated
      the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)-initiated MAPK
      signaling in pancreatitis to determine the potential for MEK inhibition in
      treating pancreatitis patients. METHODS: To examine the role of MEK signaling in
      pancreatitis, we used both genetic and pharmacologic approaches to inhibit the
      MAPK signaling pathway in a murine model of cerulein-induced pancreatitis. We
      generated mice harboring inducible short hairpins targeting the MEK isoforms
      Map2k1 and/or Map2k2 specifically in the pancreatic epithelium. We also used the
      MEK inhibitor trametinib to determine the efficacy of systemic inhibition in mice
      with pancreatitis. RESULTS: We demonstrated an essential role for MEK signaling
      in the initiation of pancreatitis. We showed that both systemic and parenchyma
      specific MEK inhibition in established pancreatitis induces epithelial
      differentiation and stromal remodeling. However, systemic MEK inhibition also
      leads to a loss of the proliferative capacity of the pancreas, preventing the
      restoration of organ mass. CONCLUSIONS: MEK activity is required for the
      initiation and maintenance of pancreatitis. MEK inhibition may be useful in the
      treatment of chronic pancreatitis to interrupt the vicious cycle of destruction
      and repair but at the expense of organ regeneration.

PMID- 28090568
TI  - Pathophysiology of Intestinal Na+/H+ exchange.
AB  - Several members of the SLC9A family of Na+/H+ exchangers are expressed in the
      gut, with varying expression patterns and cellular localization. Not only do they
      participate in the regulation of basic epithelial cell functions, including
      control of transepithelial Na+ absorption, intracellular pH (pH i ), cell volume,
      and nutrient absorption, but also in cellular proliferation, migration, and
      apoptosis. Additionally, they modulate the extracellular milieu in order to
      facilitate other nutrient absorption and to regulate the intestinal microbial
      microenvironment. Na+/H+ exchangers are frequent targets of inhibition in
      gastrointestinal pathologies, either by intrinsic factors (e.g. bile acids,
      inflammatory mediators) or infectious agents and associated microbial toxins.
      Based on emerging evidence, disruption of NHE activity via impaired expression or
      function of respective isoforms may contribute not only to local and systemic
      electrolyte imbalance, but also to the disease severity via multiple mechanisms.
      Here, we review the current state of knowledge about the roles Na+/H+ exchangers
      play in the pathogenesis of disorders of diverse origin and affecting a range of
      GI tissues.

PMID- 28090570
TI  - Targeted inhibition of pancreatic acinar cell calcineurin is a novel strategy to
      prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is a pressing need to develop effective preventative
      therapies for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). We demonstrated that early PEP events
      are induced through the calcium-activated phosphatase calcineurin and that global
      calcineurin deletion abolishes PEP in mice. A crucial question is whether acinar
      cell calcineurin controls the initiation of PEP in vivo. METHODS: We used a mouse
      model of PEP and examined the effects of in vivo acinar cell-specific calcineurin
      deletion by either generating a conditional knockout line or infusing a novel AAV
      Ela-iCre into the pancreatic duct of a calcineurin floxed line. RESULTS: We found
      that PEP is dependent on acinar cell calcineurin in vivo, and this led us to
      determine that calcineurin inhibitors, infused within the radiocontrast, can
      largely prevent PEP. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide impetus for launching
      clinical trials to test the efficacy of intraductal calcineurin inhibitors to
      prevent PEP.

PMID- 28090571
TI  - Management Practices of Cats Owned by Faculty, Staff, and Students at Two Midwest
      Veterinary Schools.
AB  - Understanding cat owners' housing, care, and management practices is important
      for promoting cat welfare. A survey study was conducted on the housing and
      management practices used for cats by students, faculty, and staff of The Ohio
      State University and Purdue University veterinary colleges. Subjects were 138 cat
      owner dyads. Most cats (74%) were housed strictly indoors in keeping with common
      US veterinary recommendations. However, many did not implement best practices
      outlined for behavior and other welfare needs of indoor cats. The percentage of
      respondents placing resources where cats could be disrupted while using them was
      31%, 53%, and 30% for resting areas, food/water dishes, and litter boxes,
      respectively. Many cats were not provided a litter box in a private area (35%),
      in multiple areas of the house (51%), or that was regularly washed (73%).
      Horizontal scratching opportunities were not provided to 38% of cats; 32% were
      not provided toys that mimic prey and 91% of cats were fed a diet consisting of
      >75% dry food. These findings suggest a need for more concerted efforts to
      educate owners about meeting their cats' welfare needs so as to attenuate risks
      and improve cat physical and behavioral welfare outcomes.

PMID- 28090572
TI  - Pleiotrophin is a driver of vascular abnormalization in glioblastoma.
AB  - In a recent report by Zhang et al., pleiotrophin (PTN) was demonstrated to
      enhance glioma growth by promoting vascular abnormalization. PTN stimulates
      glioma vessels through anaplastic lymphoma kinase (Alk)-mediated perivascular
      deposition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Targeting of Alk or VEGF
      signaling normalizes tumor vessels in PTN-expressing tumors.

PMID- 28090573
TI  - Nuclear reprogramming of cancer stem cells: Corrupting the epigenetic code of
      cell identity with oncometabolites.
AB  - Generation of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like cells might occur through metabolic
      corruption of the epigenetic codes that govern cell identity. We recently
      identified how archetypal oncometabolites, without altering the baseline
      expression of endogenous stem cell maintenance genes but endowing cells with
      epigenetic states refractory to differentiation, considerably enhance the global
      kinetic efficiency of nuclear reprogramming processes that generate CSC-like
      states de novo. This study highlights that metabolo-epigenetic axes of
      communication can direct the development and maintenance of CSCs during the
      natural history of cancer diseases.

PMID- 28090574
TI  - Association between LAPTM4B gene polymorphism and prostate cancer susceptibility
      in an Iranian population.
AB  - Lysosome associated protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) is an oncogene
      associated with many human cancers. In the present study we aimed to examine the
      possible association between LAPTM4B polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer
      (PCa) in an Iranian population. This case control study was performed on 168
      patients with PCa and 176 controls with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
      Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and LAPTM4B genotypes were identified
      by polymerase chain reaction. The distributions of LAPTM4B genotypes were
      significantly different between PCa patients (60.7% for *1/1, 32.8% for *1/2, and
      6.5% for *2/2) and controls (44.9% for *1/1, 49.4% for *1/2, and 5.7% for *2/2).
      Both the *1/2 and *1/2+*2/2 genotypes significantly decreased the risk of PCa
      compared with the *1/1 genotype (OR = 49, 95% CI = 0.31-0.77, p = 0.002 and OR =
      0.53, 95% CI = 0.34-0.81, p = 0.004, respectively). The minor allele (LAPTM4B*2)
      was associated with a decreased risk of PCa compared with the LAPTM4B*1 allele
      (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48-0.96, p = 0.031). Moreover, LAPTM4B polymorphism was
      not associated with clinicopathological characteristics of PCa patients. The
      results of this study showed that LAPTM4B*2 was associated with a decreased risk
      of PCa but the clinicopathological characteristics of PCa were not linked to
      LAPTM4B polymorphism. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different
      ethnicities are needed to confirm our findings.

PMID- 28090576
TI  - Cancer cells activate damage-tolerant and error-prone DNA synthesis.
AB  - Trans-lesion synthesis (TLS) is a DNA damage-tolerant and error-prone mode of DNA
      replication. Recent work shows that many cancer cells coopt an aberrantly
      expressed germ cell protein, melanoma antigen-A4 (MAGE-A4), to activate TLS. MAGE
      A4-induced "pathological TLS" provides a potential mechanism through which
      neoplastic cells can tolerate intrinsic and therapeutic genotoxicity while
      acquiring mutability.

PMID- 28090575
TI  - Suv39h1 links the SUMO pathway to constitutive heterochromatin.
AB  - The Suv39h lysine methyltransferases, known as key enzymes responsible for
      histone H3 lysine 9 methylation, are critical for heterochromatin protein 1
      enrichment at constitutive heterochromatin. Our recent findings reveal a new role
      for the Suv39h1 paralog that links it to SUMO pathway function at constitutive
      heterochromatin.

PMID- 28090577
TI  - Modeling intratumor heterogeneity through CRISPR-barcodes.
AB  - We have devised a barcoding strategy to recapitulate cancer evolution through the
      emergence of subclonal mutations of interest, whose effects can be monitored in a
      dynamic manner. This approach can be easily adapted for a variety of
      applications, including combined modeling of multiple mechanisms of drug
      resistance or repair of oncogenic driver mutations in addicted cancer cells.

PMID- 28090578
TI  - A phenotypic and mechanistic perspective on heterogeneity of HER2-positive breast
      cancers.
AB  - Analysis of gene expression and whole-genome features of 64 human epidermal
      growth factor 2 (HER2)-positive breast tumors supports the idea that their
      intrinsic heterogeneity actually reflects their cell of origin, suggesting that
      HER2 amplification is an embedded event in the natural history of these tumors.
      Possible mechanisms for this event involve breakage-fusion-bridge and
      chromothripsis.

PMID- 28090579
TI  - Open chromatin profiling as a novel strategy for identifying cancer cell of
      origin.
AB  - Tumor cell of origin is an important prognostic measure but is challenging to
      assess. We recently demonstrated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that the
      chromatin landscape serves as a biomarker of transformed cell of origin. Thus,
      open chromatin loci offer important prognostic information as well as targets for
      development of novel therapies in cancer treatment.

PMID- 28090580
TI  - Tumors smother their epigenome.
AB  - DNA hypermethylation is pervasive in tumors, but the factors triggering this
      modification are largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that the activity of
      10-11-translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases, initiators of DNA demethylation,
      is compromised in hypoxic tumors. The resultant accumulation of methylation
      inactivates associated genes, linking the tumor microenvironment to epigenetic
      changes in cancer cells.

PMID- 28090581
TI  - Two-faced activity of RNF8: What "twists" it from a genome guardian to a cancer
      facilitator?
AB  - The RING finger protein 8 (RNF8)-induced ubiquitination signaling cascade
      promotes DNA repair and maintains genomic stability. Our study reveals an
      unexpected action of RNF8 in promoting cancer metastasis, cancer stem cell
      formation, and chemoresistance through the regulation of TWIST lysine 63 (K63)
      linked ubiquitination, suggesting that RNF8 may serve as a new cancer prognosis
      marker and therapeutic target.

PMID- 28090582
TI  - Putting the brakes on transcription at damaged chromatin: Do Polycomb silencers
      do more than modify histones?
AB  - One of the cellular responses to DNA damage is to monitor and execute temporary
      arrest of RNA synthesis at chromatin lesions. The Polycomb silencer BMI1 is a
      well-known contributor to this process. We recently described a new mode of BMI1
      mediated transcription arrest at lesions that involves UBR5 E3 ligase and FACT
      histone chaperon.

PMID- 28090583
TI  - Complementing genomics and transcriptomics: Phosphoproteomics illuminates systems
      biology in prostate cancer.
AB  - Integration of phosphoproteomics with traditional genomics and transcriptomics
      provides a more comprehensive overview of the signaling networks in advanced
      prostate cancer for immediate preclinical and future clinical use. Our recent
      publication introduces computational approaches for integrating the
      phosphoproteome, specifically with the intent of identifying important kinase
      signaling networks in advanced-stage prostate cancer.

PMID- 28090584
TI  - Retrospective electron microscopy: Preservation of fine structure by freezing and
      aldehyde fixation.
AB  - For many years it has been believed that ultrastructural analysis by transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM) is not possible using frozen tissues. We have developed
      a TEM method that allows the evaluation of organelles using pancreatic tissue
      that was previously liquid nitrogen snap-frozen and stored long-term at -80
      degrees C. This method is suitable for the quantitative assessment of
      mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and Golgi structures, as well as
      organelles originating from autophagy signaling. Frozen pancreatic tissue
      exhibited no signs of freezing- or storage-related damage and was
      undistinguishable from fresh material subjected to standard glutaraldehyde
      fixation. Since pancreatic tissue is the most delicate tissue to work with due to
      the high expression of digestive enzymes, our method is also suitable for other
      tissue types such as liver. Thus, by applying proper tissue freezing and fixation
      techniques, retrospective TEM analysis can be performed on mammalian tissues in a
      time- and cost-saving manner.

PMID- 28090585
TI  - Circadian Forced Desynchrony of the Master Clock Leads to Phenotypic
      Manifestation of Depression in Rats.
AB  - In mammals, a master circadian clock within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of
      the hypothalamus maintains the phase coherence among a wide array of behavioral
      and physiological circadian rhythms. Affective disorders are typically associated
      with disruption of this fine-tuned "internal synchronization," but whether this
      internal misalignment is part of the physiopathology of mood disorders is not
      clear. To date, depressive-like behavior in animal models has been induced by
      methods that fail to specifically target the SCN regulation of internal
      synchronization as the mode to generate depression. In the rat, exposure to a 22
      h light-dark cycle (LD22) leads to the uncoupling of two distinct populations of
      neuronal oscillators within the SCN. This genetically, neurally, and
      pharmacologically intact animal model represents a unique opportunity to assess
      the effect of a systematic challenge to the central circadian pacemaker on
      phenotypic manifestations of mood disorders. We show that LD22 circadian forced
      desynchrony in rats induces depressive-like phenotypes including anhedonia,
      sexual dysfunction, and increased immobility in the forced swim test (FST), as
      well as changes in the levels and turnover rates of monoamines within the
      prefrontal cortex. Desynchronized rats show increased FST immobility during the
      dark (active) phase but decreased immobility during the light (rest) phase,
      suggesting a decrease in the amplitude of the normal daily oscillation in this
      behavioral manifestation of depression. Our results support the notion that the
      prolonged internal misalignment of circadian rhythms induced by environmental
      challenge to the central circadian pacemaker may constitute part of the etiology
      of depression.

PMID- 28090587
TI  - Emotional Clarity as a Buffer in the Association Between Perceived Mental Illness
      Stigma and Suicide Risk.
AB  - Among people living with psychiatric disorders, mental illness stigma has been
      identified as a major barrier to recovery by contributing to low self-esteem and
      interfering with treatment-seeking. The present research examined the association
      between perceived mental illness stigma and suicide risk severity and considered
      the role of emotional clarity (i.e., the ability to identify and understand one's
      emotional experiences), a critical component of emotion regulation, as a
      moderator of this association. A sample of individuals who had experienced recent
      psychiatric hospitalizations (N = 184) completed self-report measures of
      perceived stigma associated with their psychiatric diagnoses, deficits in
      emotional clarity, and behaviors that have been found to confer risk for suicide.
      A moderation analysis revealed that perceived mental illness stigma was
      positively associated with suicide risk severity, but only for individuals who
      have greater deficits in emotional clarity. These findings highlight the role of
      emotional clarity as a resource for individuals coping with mental illness stigma
      and underscore the potential utility of targeting deficits in emotional clarity
      in prevention and intervention efforts for reducing suicide risk.

PMID- 28090588
TI  - Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Imaging of the Breast at 3.0 T:
      Reproducibility in Healthy Volunteers.
AB  - Quantitative magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging provides a means
      for indirectly detecting changes in the macromolecular content of tissue
      noninvasively. A potential application is the diagnosis and assessment of
      treatment response in breast cancer; however, before quantitative magnetization
      transfer imaging can be reliably used in such settings, the technique's
      reproducibility in healthy breast tissue must be established. Thus, this study
      aims to establish the reproducibility of the measurement of the macromolecular-to
      free water proton pool size ratio (PSR) in healthy fibroglandular (FG) breast
      tissue. Thirteen women with no history of breast disease were scanned twice
      within a single scanning session, with repositioning between scans. Eleven women
      had appreciable FG tissue for test-retest measurements. Mean PSR values for the
      FG tissue ranged from 9.5% to 16.7%. The absolute value of the difference between
      2 mean PSR measurements for each volunteer ranged from 0.1% to 2.1%. The 95%
      confidence interval for the mean difference was +/-0.75%, and the repeatability
      value was 2.39%. These results indicate that the expected measurement variability
      would be +/-0.75% for a cohort of a similar size and would be +/-2.39% for an
      individual, suggesting that future studies of change in PSR in patients with
      breast cancer are feasible.

PMID- 28090589
TI  - Spiral Perfusion Imaging With Consecutive Echoes (SPICETM) for the Simultaneous
      Mapping of DSC- and DCE-MRI Parameters in Brain Tumor Patients: Theory and
      Initial Feasibility.
AB  - Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the perfusion imaging techniques most
      frequently used to probe the angiogenic character of brain neoplasms. With these
      methods, T1- and T2/T2*-weighted imaging sequences are used to image the
      distribution of gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents. However, it is well known
      that Gd exhibits combined T1, T2, and T2* shortening effects in tissue, and
      therefore, the results of both DCE- and DSC-MRI can be confounded by these
      opposing effects. In particular, residual susceptibility effects compete with T1
      shortening, which can confound DCE-MRI parameters, whereas dipolar T1 and T2
      leakage and residual susceptibility effects can confound DSC-MRI parameters. We
      introduce here a novel perfusion imaging acquisition and postprocessing method
      termed Spiral Perfusion Imaging with Consecutive Echoes (SPICE) that can be used
      to simultaneously acquire DCE- and DSC-MRI data, which requires only a single
      dose of the Gd contrast agent, does not require the collection of a precontrast
      T1 map for DCE-MRI processing, and eliminates the confounding contrast agent
      effects due to contrast extravasation. A detailed mathematical description of
      SPICE is provided here along with a demonstration of its utility in patients with
      high-grade glioma.

PMID- 28090586
TI  - Holliday junction trap shows how cells use recombination and a junction-guardian
      role of RecQ helicase.
AB  - DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR) underpins cell survival and fuels
      genome instability, cancer, and evolution. However, the main kinds and sources of
      DNA damage repaired by HR in somatic cells and the roles of important HR proteins
      remain elusive. We present engineered proteins that trap, map, and quantify
      Holliday junctions (HJs), a central DNA intermediate in HR, based on
      catalytically deficient mutant RuvC protein of Escherichia coli. We use
      RuvCDefGFP (RDG) to map genomic footprints of HR at defined DNA breaks in E. coli
      and demonstrate genome-scale directionality of double-strand break (DSB) repair
      along the chromosome. Unexpectedly, most spontaneous HR-HJ foci are instigated,
      not by DSBs, but rather by single-stranded DNA damage generated by replication.
      We show that RecQ, the E. coli ortholog of five human cancer proteins,
      nonredundantly promotes HR-HJ formation in single cells and, in a novel junction
      guardian role, also prevents apparent non-HR-HJs promoted by RecA overproduction.
      We propose that one or more human RecQ orthologs may act similarly in human
      cancers overexpressing the RecA ortholog RAD51 and find that cancer genome
      expression data implicate the orthologs BLM and RECQL4 in conjunction with EME1
      and GEN1 as probable HJ reducers in such cancers. Our results support RecA
      overproducing E. coli as a model of the many human tumors with up-regulated RAD51
      and provide the first glimpses of important, previously elusive reaction
      intermediates in DNA replication and repair in single living cells.

PMID- 28090591
TI  - An advertisement analysis of alcohol products in popular women's magazines.

PMID- 28090590
TI  - Withania somnifera extract reduces the invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer
      and inhibits cytokines associated with metastasis.
AB  - AIM: The aim was to examine the anti-proliferative effect of a Withania somnifera
      (WS) root extract in cell cultures and nude mouse xenografts of breast cancer
      cell line MDA-MB-231. METHODS: WS root extract was used to treat tumor cells at
      concentrations up to 100 ug and for nude mouse experiments, the mice received
      daily WS at 300 mg/kg by oral gavage for 8 weeks. RESULTS: The WS extract reduced
      viability of MDA-MB-231 cells by 75% and 88% after exposure of the cells to 50
      and 100 ug/mL, respectively, compared to vehicle-treated controls. WS extract
      caused a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase
      compared to untreated controls by 6% and 10% after exposure to 25 and 50 ug/mL WS
      extract, respectively. WS extract also inhibited proliferation of xenografted MDA
      MB-231 cells. The WS extract caused reductions in xenograft size by 60% compared
      to the untreated control after 8 weeks of treatment. Six of ten mice in the
      control group showed tumor metastasis to the lung, whereas there was none in the
      mice treated with the WS extract. At the gene level, WS caused a 75% reduction in
      chemokine CCL2 expression (P < 0.05) in the xenografted tumors of the treated
      mice. CONCLUSION: WS root extract inhibited proliferation of breast cancer cells
      in vitro and in vivo and significantly reduced expression of the cytokine, CCL2.
      These results warrant further studies to assess the underlying molecular
      mechanism of the anti-tumor activity of the WS extract in breast cancer.

PMID- 28090592
TI  - The first genome sequences of human bocaviruses from Vietnam.
AB  - As part of an ongoing effort to generate complete genome sequences of hand, foot
      and mouth disease-causing enteroviruses directly from clinical specimens, two
      complete coding sequences and two partial genomic sequences of human bocavirus 1
      (n=3) and 2 (n=1) were co-amplified and sequenced, representing the first genome
      sequences of human bocaviruses from Vietnam. The sequences may aid future study
      aiming at understanding the evolution of the pathogen.

PMID- 28090593
TI  - ultraLM and miniLM: Locator tools for smart tracking of fluorescent cells in
      correlative light and electron microscopy.
AB  - In-resin fluorescence (IRF) protocols preserve fluorescent proteins in resin
      embedded cells and tissues for correlative light and electron microscopy, aiding
      interpretation of macromolecular function within the complex cellular landscape.
      Dual-contrast IRF samples can be imaged in separate fluorescence and electron
      microscopes, or in dual-modality integrated microscopes for high resolution
      correlation of fluorophore to organelle. IRF samples also offer a unique
      opportunity to automate correlative imaging workflows. Here we present two new
      locator tools for finding and following fluorescent cells in IRF blocks, enabling
      future automation of correlative imaging. The ultraLM is a fluorescence
      microscope that integrates with an ultramicrotome, which enables 'smart
      collection' of ultrathin sections containing fluorescent cells or tissues for
      subsequent transmission electron microscopy or array tomography. The miniLM is a
      fluorescence microscope that integrates with serial block face scanning electron
      microscopes, which enables 'smart tracking' of fluorescent structures during
      automated serial electron image acquisition from large cell and tissue volumes.

PMID- 28090594
TI  - Effects of tranexamic acid on platelet function and thrombin generation
      (ETAPlaT): WOMAN trial sub-study.
AB  - Background. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal death.
      Tranexamic acid (TXA) has the potential to reduce bleeding and a large randomized
      placebo controlled trial of its effect in women with PPH (The WOMAN trial) is
      underway. TXA might also affect coagulation factors and platelets.  Objectives.
      To examine the effect of TXA on thrombin generation, platelet function,
      fibrinogen, D-dimer and coagulation factors in women with PPH.  Methods. We will
      conduct a sub-study within the WOMAN trial. Women with clinically diagnosed
      primary PPH after vaginal or caesarean delivery are eligible for inclusion. Blood
      samples will be collected at baseline and 30 minutes after the first dose of
      study treatment. Using platelet poor plasma we will measure thrombin generation,
      fibrinogen, D-dimer, factor V and VIII, and Von Willebrand factor. Platelet
      function will be evaluated in whole blood using Multiplate(r) tests. Outcomes.
      The primary outcome is the effect of TXA on thrombin generation. Secondary
      outcomes include the effect of TXA on platelet function, fibrinogen, D-dimer and
      coagulation factors.

PMID- 28090595
TI  - A Case of Coats Disease and Concurrent Anisometropic Amblyopia.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this report was to demonstrate a case of Coats disease in a
      patient with concurrent anisometropic amblyopia. OBSERVATIONS: A 10-year-old boy
      was diagnosed with Coats disease during routine ophthalmic examination. Visual
      acuity was 20/20 OD and 20/50 OS with cycloplegic refraction of +1.25 (OD) and
      +3.25 (OS). Examination under anesthesia showed macular exudates in the left eye
      that encroached near the fovea superotemporally. Despite the poor visual acuity
      and macular exudates, the foveal architecture of both eyes appeared normal on
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Because of the differing refractive
      error between the two eyes in the presence of foveal-sparing exudates,
      anisometropic amblyopia was suspected. After initial laser therapy, the patient
      was started on a daily patching regimen of the right eye. The patient's vision
      steadily improved to 20/25 OS with a final cycloplegic refraction of +1.00 (OD),
      +3.00 (OS) at 2 years. This report demonstrates the importance of assessing for
      other common and treatable causes of vision loss in the setting of Coats disease.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This case demonstrates the importance of detecting
      and correcting for concurrent amblyopia in pediatric retina conditions that may,
      on fundus examination alone, appear to have a retinal cause for reduced visual
      acuity.

PMID- 28090597
TI  - Automatic Segmentation and Quantification of Filamentous Structures in Electron
      Tomography.
AB  - Electron tomography is a promising technology for imaging ultrastructures at
      nanoscale resolutions. However, image and quantitative analyses are often
      hindered by high levels of noise, staining heterogeneity, and material damage
      either as a result of the electron beam or sample preparation. We have developed
      and built a framework that allows for automatic segmentation and quantification
      of filamentous objects in 3D electron tomography. Our approach consists of three
      steps: (i) local enhancement of filaments by Hessian filtering; (ii) detection
      and completion (e.g., gap filling) of filamentous structures through tensor
      voting; and (iii) delineation of the filamentous networks. Our approach allows
      for quantification of filamentous networks in terms of their compositional and
      morphological features. We first validate our approach using a set of
      specifically designed synthetic data. We then apply our segmentation framework to
      tomograms of plant cell walls that have undergone different chemical treatments
      for polysaccharide extraction. The subsequent compositional and morphological
      analyses of the plant cell walls reveal their organizational characteristics and
      the effects of the different chemical protocols on specific polysaccharides.

PMID- 28090596
TI  - Extracellular vesicle associated long non-coding RNAs functionally enhance cell
      viability.
AB  - Cells communicate with one another to create microenvironments and share
      resources. One avenue by which cells communicate is through the action of
      exosomes. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are released by one cell and
      taken up by neighbouring cells. But how exosomes instigate communication between
      cells has remained largely unknown. We present evidence here that particular long
      non-coding RNA molecules are preferentially packaged into exosomes. We also find
      that a specific class of these exosome associated non-coding RNAs functionally
      modulate cell viability by direct interactions with L-lactate dehydrogenase B
      (LDHB), high-mobility group protein 17 (HMG-17), and CSF2RB, proteins involved in
      metabolism, nucleosomal architecture and cell signalling respectively. Knowledge
      of this endogenous cell to cell pathway, those proteins interacting with exosome
      associated non-coding transcripts and their interacting domains, could lead to a
      better understanding of not only cell to cell interactions but also the
      development of exosome targeted approaches in patient specific cell-based
      therapies.

PMID- 28090598
TI  - Diverse Brains.

PMID- 28090600
TI  - Learning-Based 3T Brain MRI Segmentation with Guidance from 7T MRI Labeling.
AB  - Brain magnetic resonance image segmentation is one of the most important tasks in
      medical image analysis and has considerable importance to the effective use of
      medical imagery in clinical and surgical setting. In particular, the tissue
      segmentation of white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) is crucial for brain measurement and disease diagnosis. A variety of
      studies have shown that the learning-based techniques are efficient and effective
      in brain tissue segmentation. However, the learning-based segmentation methods
      depend largely on the availability of good training labels. The commonly used 3T
      magnetic resonance (MR) images have insufficient image quality and often exhibit
      poor intensity contrast between WM, GM, and CSF, therefore not able to provide
      good training labels for learning-based methods. The advances in ultra-high field
      7T imaging make it possible to acquire images with an increasingly high level of
      quality. In this study, we propose an algorithm based on random forest for
      segmenting 3T MR images by introducing the segmentation information from their
      corresponding 7T MR images (through semi-automatic labeling). Furthermore, our
      algorithm iteratively refines the probability maps of WM, GM, and CSF via a
      cascade of random forest classifiers to improve the tissue segmentation.
      Experimental results on 10 subjects with both 3T and 7T MR images in a leave-one
      out validation, show that the proposed algorithm performs much better than the
      state-of-the-art segmentation methods.

PMID- 28090599
TI  - Mas-related G protein coupled receptor-X2: A potential new target for modulating
      mast cell-mediated allergic and inflammatory diseases.
AB  - Mast cells (MCs) are tissue resident immune cells that are best known for their
      roles in allergic and inflammatory diseases. In addition to the high affinity IgE
      receptor (FcepsilonRI), MCs express numerous G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs),
      which are the most common targets of drug therapy. Neurokinin 1 receptor (NK-1R)
      is expressed on MCs and contributes to IgE and non-IgE-mediated responses in
      mice. Although NK-1R antagonists are highly effective in modulating experimental
      allergic and inflammatory responses in mice they lack efficacy in humans. This
      article reviews recent findings that demonstrate that while neuropeptides (NPs)
      activate murine MCs via NK-1R and Mas related G protein coupled receptor B2
      (MrgprB2), they activate human MCs via Mas-related G protein coupled receptor X2
      (MRGPRX2). Interestingly, conventional NK-1R antagonists have off-target activity
      against mouse MrgprB2 but not human MRGPRX2. These findings suggest that the
      failure to translate studies with NK-1R antagonists from in vivo mouse studies to
      the clinic likely reflects their lack of effect on human MRGPRX2. A unique
      feature of MRGPRX2 that distinguishes it from other GPCRs is that it is activated
      by a diverse group of ligands that include; neuropeptides, cysteine proteases,
      antimicrobial peptides and cationic proteins released from activated eosinophils.
      Thus, the development of small molecule MRGPRX2-specific antagonists or
      neutralizing antibodies may provide new targets for the treatment of MC-mediated
      allergic and inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 28090601
TI  - Beyond Classification: Structured Regression for Robust Cell Detection Using
      Convolutional Neural Network.
AB  - Robust cell detection serves as a critical prerequisite for many biomedical image
      analysis applications. In this paper, we present a novel convolutional neural
      network (CNN) based structured regression model, which is shown to be able to
      handle touching cells, inhomogeneous background noises, and large variations in
      sizes and shapes. The proposed method only requires a few training images with
      weak annotations (just one click near the center of the object). Given an input
      image patch, instead of providing a single class label like many traditional
      methods, our algorithm will generate the structured outputs (referred to as
      proximity patches). These proximity patches, which exhibit higher values for
      pixels near cell centers, will then be gathered from all testing image patches
      and fused to obtain the final proximity map, where the maximum positions indicate
      the cell centroids. The algorithm is tested using three data sets representing
      different image stains and modalities. The comparative experiments demonstrate
      the superior performance of this novel method over existing state-of-the-art.

PMID- 28090602
TI  - Probabilistic Tractography for Topographically Organized Connectomes.
AB  - While tractography is widely used in brain imaging research, its quantitative
      validation is highly difficult. Many fiber systems, however, have well-known
      topographic organization which can even be quantitatively mapped such as the
      retinotopy of visual pathway. Motivated by this previously untapped anatomical
      knowledge, we develop a novel tractography method that preserves both topographic
      and geometric regularity of fiber systems. For topographic preservation, we
      propose a novel likelihood function that tests the match between parallel curves
      and fiber orientation distributions. For geometric regularity, we use Gaussian
      distributions of Frenet-Serret frames. Taken together, we develop a Bayesian
      framework for generating highly organized tracks that accurately follow
      neuroanatomy. Using multi-shell diffusion images of 56 subjects from Human
      Connectome Project, we compare our method with algorithms from MRtrix. By
      applying regression analysis between retinotopic eccentricity and tracks, we
      quantitatively demonstrate that our method achieves superior performance in
      preserving the retinotopic organization of optic radiation.

PMID- 28090604
TI  - XQ-NLM: Denoising Diffusion MRI Data via x-q Space Non-Local Patch Matching.
AB  - Noise is a major issue influencing quantitative analysis in diffusion MRI. The
      effects of noise can be reduced by repeated acquisitions, but this leads to long
      acquisition times that can be unrealistic in clinical settings. For this reason,
      post-acquisition denoising methods have been widely used to improve SNR. Among
      existing methods, non-local means (NLM) has been shown to produce good image
      quality with edge preservation. However, currently the application of NLM to
      diffusion MRI has been mostly focused on the spatial space (i.e., the x-space),
      despite the fact that diffusion data live in a combined space consisting of the x
      space and the q-space (i.e., the space of wavevectors). In this paper, we propose
      to extend NLM to both x-space and q-space. We show how patch-matching, as
      required in NLM, can be performed concurrently in x-q space with the help of
      azimuthal equidistant projection and rotation invariant features. Extensive
      experiments on both synthetic and real data confirm that the proposed x-q space
      NLM (XQ-NLM) outperforms the classic NLM.

PMID- 28090603
TI  - Spatial Clockwork Recurrent Neural Network for Muscle Perimysium Segmentation.
AB  - Accurate segmentation of perimysium plays an important role in early diagnosis of
      many muscle diseases because many diseases contain different perimysium
      inflammation. However, it remains as a challenging task due to the complex
      appearance of the perymisum morphology and its ambiguity to the background area.
      The muscle perimysium also exhibits strong structure spanned in the entire
      tissue, which makes it difficult for current local patch-based methods to capture
      this long-range context information. In this paper, we propose a novel spatial
      clockwork recurrent neural network (spatial CW-RNN) to address those issues.
      Specifically, we split the entire image into a set of non-overlapping image
      patches, and the semantic dependencies among them are modeled by the proposed
      spatial CW-RNN. Our method directly takes the 2D structure of the image into
      consideration and is capable of encoding the context information of the entire
      image into the local representation of each patch. Meanwhile, we leverage on the
      structured regression to assign one prediction mask rather than a single class
      label to each local patch, which enables both efficient training and testing. We
      extensively test our method for perimysium segmentation using digitized muscle
      microscopy images. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the novel
      spatial CW-RNN over other existing state of the arts.

PMID- 28090605
TI  - Domain Adaptation Methods for Improving Lab-to-field Generalization of Cocaine
      Detection using Wearable ECG.
AB  - Mobile health research on illicit drug use detection typically involves a two
      stage study design where data to learn detectors is first collected in lab-based
      trials, followed by a deployment to subjects in a free-living environment to
      assess detector performance. While recent work has demonstrated the feasibility
      of wearable sensors for illicit drug use detection in the lab setting, several
      key problems can limit lab-to-field generalization performance. For example, lab
      based data collection often has low ecological validity, the ground-truth event
      labels collected in the lab may not be available at the same level of temporal
      granularity in the field, and there can be significant variability between
      subjects. In this paper, we present domain adaptation methods for assessing and
      mitigating potential sources of performance loss in lab-to-field generalization
      and apply them to the problem of cocaine use detection from wearable
      electrocardiogram sensor data.

PMID- 28090606
TI  - Hierarchical Span-Based Conditional Random Fields for Labeling and Segmenting
      Events in Wearable Sensor Data Streams.
AB  - The field of mobile health (mHealth) has the potential to yield new insights into
      health and behavior through the analysis of continuously recorded data from
      wearable health and activity sensors. In this paper, we present a hierarchical
      span-based conditional random field model for the key problem of jointly
      detecting discrete events in such sensor data streams and segmenting these events
      into high-level activity sessions. Our model includes higher-order cardinality
      factors and inter-event duration factors to capture domain-specific structure in
      the label space. We show that our model supports exact MAP inference in quadratic
      time via dynamic programming, which we leverage to perform learning in the
      structured support vector machine framework. We apply the model to the problems
      of smoking and eating detection using four real data sets. Our results show
      statistically significant improvements in segmentation performance relative to a
      hierarchical pairwise CRF.

PMID- 28090607
TI  - Karma Police: Prosecutorial Strategies in Obscenity Cases and the Broader Culture
      War.

PMID- 28090609
TI  - A composite generator film impregnated with cellulose nanocrystals for enhanced
      triboelectric performance.
AB  - A novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/cellulose nanocrystal flake (CNCF) composite
      triboelectric nanogenerator (CTG) using CNCFs as effective dielectrics exhibited
      a 10-times-enhanced triboelectric performance compared with its pure PDMS
      counterpart. Positive charges generated on the surface of the CNCFs during cyclic
      compression boosted electron transfer and induced extra charges. The CTG
      exhibited an instantaneous output power (density) of 1.65 mW (0.76 mW cm-2) under
      continuous operation.

PMID- 28090608
TI  - Elevated expression of serine/threonine phosphatase type 5 correlates with
      malignant proliferation in human osteosarcoma.
AB  - Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents and
      young adults. However, the involvement of serine/threonine phosphatase type 5
      (PP5) in osteosarcoma remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      functional role of PP5 in osteosarcoma cells. Firstly, we found that PP5 is
      widely expressed in several human osteosarcoma cell lines. Then we used
      lentivirus-delivered siRNA to silence PP5 expression in Saos-2 and U2OS cell
      lines. Knockdown of endogenous PP5 expression by shRNA-expressing lentivirus
      significantly decreased the viability and proliferation of the osteosarcoma
      cells. Moreover, FACS analysis showed that knockdown of PP5 expression induced a
      significant arrest in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, which was associated
      with the inhibition of cell proliferation. Therefore, knockdown of PP5 is likely
      to provide a novel alternative to targeted therapy of osteosarcoma and deserves
      further investigation.

PMID- 28090610
TI  - Highly dispersible edge-selectively oxidized graphene with improved electrical
      performance.
AB  - We prepared liquid phase exfoliated edge-selectively oxidized graphene (LPEOG)
      with a high concentration in water (~14.7 mg ml-1) and a high ratio of a single
      layer (70%). The edge of graphite was selectively oxidized by step II oxidation
      of the modified Hummers method, and we subsequently exfoliated the edge
      selectively oxidized graphite (EOG) into LPEOG. The edge selective oxidation of
      the LPEOG was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), zeta-potentiometry, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform
      infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM). The highly concentrated LPEOG ink can be used in
      solution processing such as simple drawing or spin casting. Reduced LPEOG showed
      a higher conductivity (120 000 S m-1) than that of reduced graphene oxide (68 800
      S m-1) despite the small lateral size. A transparent conducting film prepared
      from the LPEOG ink showed a lower surface resistance (~2.97 kOmega sq-1) at a
      higher transmittance (>83.0 %T) compared to those of the graphene oxide based
      film. These results indicate that preservation of pi-conjugation of the basal
      plane of graphene is critical for electrical performance of graphene. Our method
      facilitates solution processing of graphene for a wide range of applications.

PMID- 28090611
TI  - Performance of nano-assembly logic gates with a DNA multi-hairpin motif.
AB  - DNA nano-assemblies have far-reaching implications for molecular computers.
      Boolean logic gates made from DNA respond to specific combinations of chemical or
      molecular inputs. In complex samples an assortment of other chemicals and
      molecules may interfere with the gate's recognition and response mechanisms. For
      logic gates to accept an increasing number of inputs, while maintaining
      selectivity, their design must only respond when specific input combinations are
      available simultaneously. Here we present proof-of-principle for a fluorescent
      based nano-assembly logic gate for three inputs. Central to the gate's design is
      a multi-hairpin motif that distinguishes it from other works in this area. The
      multi-hairpin motif facilitates a larger and increasing number of inputs and a
      place to generate FRET-based signal enhancement. We will show the nano-assembly
      logic gate worked in aqueous buffer and in crude MCF-7 cell lysate. We will
      demonstrate the gate's selectivity against off-analyte cocktails. Finally, multi
      hairpin motifs with different chemical and physical properties were evaluated to
      test their logic capabilities. Future work will demonstrate the gate's ability to
      visually identify specific combinations of oligonucleotides called small non
      coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cells. This nano-assembly logic gate for small ncRNA has
      far reaching cellular computation and single-cell analysis applicability. The
      gate can be used for basic cellular analysis, computing and observing the unique
      molecular expression patterns in tumor microenvironments, and advancing the field
      of therapeutics.

PMID- 28090612
TI  - Quantum chemical study and isothermal titration calorimetry of beta-cyclodextrin
      complexes with mianserin in aqueous solution.
AB  - beta-Cyclodextrin (beta-CD) is studied as a carrier of the drug mianserin (MIA).
      beta-CD with MIA adducts with 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 stoichiometry are investigated in
      vacuo and in water using quantum chemical methods: PM6 and B3LYP/6-31G(d,p). An
      effect of the dispersion correction GD2 and the basis set superposition error on
      the complexation energies is also evaluated. Additionally, the interaction
      between MIA hydrochloride and beta-CD in aqueous solution at 298.15 K is examined
      experimentally by isothermal titration calorimetry. Interaction parameters, such
      as the binding constant, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy, are presented.
      Analysis of the obtained data led to the following conclusions: the interaction
      of MIA with beta-CD is rather strong; there is no significant energetic
      difference between the 1 : 1 complexes of beta-CD with S-MIA and R-MIA
      enantiomers; the 2 : 1 (beta-CD : MIA) adduct is energetically more favorable
      than 1 : 1; the complex formation of MIA + beta-CD is enthalpy and entropy
      driven.

PMID- 28090613
TI  - Expedient and modular access to 2-azabicyclic architectures by iron-catalyzed
      dehydrative coupling of alcohol-bearing allylic lactams.
AB  - A high-yielding, cost-effective, modular and environmentally benign approach to
      [5,5]- or [6,5]-2-azabicyclic architectures bearing vicinal stereocenters, by Fe
      catalyzed intramolecular dehydrative coupling of readily affordable alcohol
      bearing allylic lactams is presented.

PMID- 28090614
TI  - Synthesis and anticancer activity of benzoselenophene and heteroaromatic
      derivatives of 1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benzo[e]indol-4-one (CBI).
AB  - The current study reports the synthesis of different derivatives of
      benzoselenophene analogs as well as a diverse series of compounds (14a-p, 15 and
      16) from 1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benzo[e]indol-4-one (CBI) and
      benzoselenophene or heteroaromatic acids. The overall yield of scaffold 12 was
      improved by an one-pot reaction, which helps in large-scale synthesis of CBI, a
      duocarmycin alkylation subunit analog. The series of compounds were evaluated for
      their cytotoxicity against SK-OV3 ovarian cancer cell lines, which revealed that
      benzoselenophene can enhance or maintain the anticancer activity of the
      duocarmycin analog upon replacing the indole moiety. CBI-benzoselenophenes with N
      amido substituents at the C-5 position, 14g, 14f and 16 (IC50 = 0.5, 1.2 and 1.6
      nM, respectively), were found to be more potent than the CBI-TMI and other
      benzoselenophene analogs. The CBI-benzoselenophene analogs, 14f and 14g
      (containing N-acetamido and N-butyramido substituents, respectively), were found
      to be 8 and 120 times more potent than the corresponding indole analogs of CBI,
      14q and 14r, respectively.

PMID- 28090615
TI  - Correction: Self-assembly of peptides: influence of substrate, pH and medium on
      the formation of supramolecular assemblies.
AB  - Correction for 'Self-assembly of peptides: influence of substrate, pH and medium
      on the formation of supramolecular assemblies' by Priyadharshini Kumaraswamy et
      al., Soft Matter, 2011, 7, 2744-2754.

PMID- 28090617
TI  - Updated Instructions to Authors.

PMID- 28090616
TI  - A copper-catalyzed reaction of oximes with diisopropyl azodicarboxylate: an
      alternative method for the synthesis of oxime carbonates.
AB  - A new Cu-catalyzed efficient protocol is described for the transformation of
      oximes to the corresponding carbonate derivatives. Diisopropyl azodicarboxylate
      acted as a selective new precursor for the synthesis of oxime carbonates in high
      yields. The O-H bond cleavage and O-C bond formation occur in the presence of a
      copper catalyst providing a synthetically useful process, which tolerates a wide
      range of functional groups.

PMID- 28090618
TI  - Alan Blum on Why Physicians Need to Be More Active and Creative in the Clinic,
      Classroom, and Community in Smoking Prevention and Cessation.

PMID- 28090619
TI  - The Evolving Approach to Management of Cancer Cachexia.
AB  - Weight loss is distressing to cancer patients and caregivers. Anorexia/cachexia
      syndrome is characterized by lipolysis and the loss of lean body mass, and is not
      reversible by increasing caloric intake. The pathophysiology of cancer cachexia
      is complex and includes symptoms that impact caloric intake, as well as chronic
      inflammation, hypermetabolism, and hormonal alterations. Cancer patients require
      routine screening for cachexia and, ideally, interventions should be initiated in
      the early stages of weight loss. No guidelines exist for the treatment of cancer
      cachexia. Appetite stimulants, such as megestrol acetate and glucocorticoids,
      have been shown to increase appetite and weight; however, single pharmaceutical
      interventions alone for cachexia do not result in meaningful functional outcomes.
      In the future, clinicians should consider multimodality treatment that is
      personalized for each patient. These interventions would include nutritional
      counseling, assessing and treating symptoms that have an impact on caloric
      intake, and a rational combination of pharmacologic approaches directed at
      underlying pathophysiology. Use of an appetite stimulant could be considered for
      patients who exhibit decreased appetite. Treatment with an anti-inflammatory
      agent should be considered for patients with elevated C-reactive protein, and
      hormonal alterations resulting from anti-cachexia therapy should be thoughtfully
      addressed.

PMID- 28090620
TI  - Early Engagement in Physical Activity and Exercise Is Key in Managing Cancer
      Cachexia.

PMID- 28090621
TI  - The Challenges of Treating Cancer Patients on Hemodialysis, or With Chronic
      Kidney Disease.

PMID- 28090622
TI  - FDG-PET for Early Response Assessment in Lymphomas: Part 1-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
AB  - Interim positron emission tomography (PET)/CT has shown encouraging results when
      used as a prognostic tool early in the course of treatment of advanced Hodgkin
      lymphoma, allowing for a reduction in treatment for patients with favorable
      characteristics, while suggesting a benefit from changing therapy for those with
      a positive scan. For patients with limited disease, a negative scan allows for a
      decrease in treatment; however, the benefits for those patients whose scans are
      positive are less certain. Here we critically analyze the role of PET/CT in the
      early assessment of Hodgkin lymphoma. In Part 2, we will review the role of
      interim PET/CT in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and also explore the
      question of whether new approaches to quantitative assessment improve the
      prognostic value of interim PET scans in both Hodgkin lymphoma and DLBCL.

PMID- 28090623
TI  - PALB2-Positive Breast Cancer in a 40-Year-Old Man.

PMID- 28090624
TI  - Current Strategies for the Immunotherapy of Multiple Myeloma.
AB  - The introduction of cellular immunotherapies using genetically modified T cells
      has revolutionized the treatment of patients with B-cell lymphomas. However,
      despite the progress made in this field, similarly effective immunotherapeutic
      approaches have not yet been identified for patients with solid tumors or other
      hematologic malignancies such as multiple myeloma. Here we outline the most
      promising novel cellular immune strategies for patients with multiple myeloma. In
      addition, we highlight combinatorial approaches that, it is hoped, will further
      optimize cellular immunotherapies for myeloma and lead to deep and durable
      responses and, possibly, even cures.

PMID- 28090625
TI  - Insights Into the Appropriate Use of New Antimyeloma Therapies.

PMID- 28090626
TI  - Active Surveillance of Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28090627
TI  - FDG-PET for Early Response Assessment in Lymphomas: Part 2-Diffuse Large B-Cell
      Lymphoma, Use of Quantitative PET Evaluation.
AB  - In Part 1, we reviewed the role of interim positron emission tomography (PET)/CT
      scans in Hodgkin lymphoma. In advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, interim PET is a useful
      prognostic tool that can be used to implement risk-adapted therapy with potential
      benefits for both patients who have negative interim scans and those whose scans
      are positive. Interim PET/CT has not shown as encouraging results in diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), with the exception of germinal center B-cell
      DLBCL. Thus, quantitative methods of interpreting interim PET scans have been
      pursued in an effort to improve their predictive value. Early results using the
      change in maximal standardized uptake value between baseline and interim PET
      (DeltaSUVmax) to quantitatively interpret interim PET scans in DLBCL patients
      showed promise, but later results were contradictory. Thus, there is not firm
      evidence of a prognostic value for interim PET interpreted using either visual or
      DeltaSUVmax-based analysis in patients with DLBCL. Nor are there data to support
      altering treatment in DLBCL on the basis of an interim PET scan. More
      sophisticated methods of quantitative interpretation of interim PET, using
      metabolic tumor volume and tumor lesion glycolysis measurements, have been
      investigated in both Hodgkin lymphoma and DLBCL. Although to date studies of
      these approaches have been small and heterogeneous, they do provide some support
      for the potential of a PET-derived volumetric approach to discriminate between
      risk groups better than DeltaSUVmax; this remains to be proven in well-designed
      large-scale studies.

PMID- 28090628
TI  - ERK1/2, JNK and STAT3 activation and correlation with tumor differentiation in
      oral SCC.
AB  - Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mitogen activated
      protein kinases (MAPKs), including ERK and JNK, have been implicated in oral
      squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development and progression. Our purpose was to
      evaluate the levels of activated STAT3, ERK1/2 and JNK by immunohistochemistry in
      OSCC and to investigate possible correlations of these molecules with each other
      as well as with the degree of tumor differentiation. Immunohistochemical
      assessment of the phosphorylated levels of STAT3(tyrosine/ serine), ERK1/2 and
      JNK was performed in 60 OSCC, including well, moderately and poorly
      differentiated tumors. Semiquantitative scoring system was used, by calculating
      intensity of immunostaining, percentage of positive cells and combined scores.
      Statistics included Fisher's test, Student's T-Test and Kruskal-Wallis analysis,
      Spearman's correlation coefficient and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
      Immunohistochemical levels of both pSTAT3(tyr) and pERK1/2 showed statistically
      significant differences between well and poorly differentiated tumors with the
      latter receiving higher mean percentage, intensity and total scores. On the other
      hand, pJNK showed statistically significantly higher intensity levels in
      moderately compared to poorly differentiated tumors. pSTAT3(ser) immunoexpression
      did not appear to correlate with tumor differentiation. Between different
      molecules, more pronounced, pERK1/2 levels exhibited statistically significant
      positive correlation with pSTAT3(ser), pSTAT3(tyr) and pJNK expression. ERK1/2
      and STAT3 activation (as assessed by tyrosine but not serine phosphorylation)
      could contribute to a less differentiated phenotype in OSCC, while JNK activation
      may have an opposite, although possibly less pronounced, effect. Positive
      correlations between MAPK and STAT3 levels may indicate a direct crosstalk and/or
      regulation by common upstream pathways.

PMID- 28090629
TI  - What is the "L" in LPDs? Localized as well as lateralized.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periodic discharges (PDs) are well established as either periodic
      lateralized epileptiform discharges (LPDs) or generalized discharges. However,
      PDs in the midline can currently not be adequately classified as they are not
      generalized and not lateralized. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To propose a modification of
      the current LPD classification. METHODS: We here present a paradigmatic case
      series of three adult patients with midline LPDs. RESULTS: In our patients, ictal
      electroencephalography (EEG) recordings revealed periodic epileptiform discharges
      in the midline region. All three patients were non-lesional. CONCLUSION: We,
      thus, suggest to include periodic localized non-lateralized epileptiform
      discharges into the term LPDs (in addition to periodic lateralized epileptiform
      discharges), as they can also be recorded as localized EEG phenomenon in the
      midline region.

PMID- 28090630
TI  - A novel homozygous truncating mutation of the SFRP4 gene in Pyle's disease.

PMID- 28090631
TI  - Operating unit time use is associated with anaesthesia type in below-knee surgery
      in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve blocks could reduce the operating unit and theatre
      time spent on high-risk patients who are particularly vulnerable to complications
      of general anaesthesia or have medications that prevent application of central
      neuraxial blocks. METHODS: Medical record data of 617 and 254 elderly adults
      undergoing below-knee surgery in Jorvi and Meilahti hospitals (Helsinki
      University Hospital) between January 2010 and December 2012 were used to
      investigate the influence of anaesthetic technique on operating theatre times and
      on operating unit times using flexible parametric survival models. We report
      operating theatre and unit exit ratios (i.e. hazard ratios but using ratios of
      exit rates) for different types of anaesthesia. RESULTS: Adjusted analyses: In
      Jorvi Hospital, anaesthesia type was associated with large initial differentials
      in operating theatre times. The theatre exit ratios remained lower for general
      anaesthesia and central neuraxial blocks compared to peripheral nerve blocks
      until 30 min. In Meilahti Hospital, anaesthesia type did not influence theatre
      time, but was the best predictor of operating unit times. Compared to peripheral
      nerve blocks, the exit ratio remained lower for general anaesthesia until five
      operating unit hours in both hospitals and for central neuraxial blocks until 1 h
      in Meilahti Hospital and until 3 h in Jorvi Hospital. Holding area was used more
      in Jorvi Hospital compared to Meilahti Hospital. CONCLUSION: Peripheral nerve
      block anaesthesia reduces time spent in the operating unit and can reduce time
      spent in the operating theatre if induced in holding area outside of theatre.

PMID- 28090632
TI  - Identification of highly selective MMP-14 inhibitory Fabs by deep sequencing.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-14 is an important target for cancer treatment due
      to its critical roles in tumor invasion and metastasis. Previous failures of all
      compound-based broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors in clinical trials suggest that
      selectivity is the key for a successful therapy. With inherent high specificity,
      monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) therefore arise as attractive inhibitors able to
      target the particular MMP of interest. As a routine screening method, enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) have been applied to panned phage libraries
      for the isolation of mAbs inhibiting MMP-14. However, because of suboptimal
      growth conditions and insufficient antibody expression associated with monoclonal
      ELISA, a considerable number of potentially inhibitory clones might not be
      identified. Taking advantage of next-generation sequencing (NGS), we monitored
      enrichment profiles of millions of antibody clones along three rounds of phage
      panning, and identified 20 Fab inhibitors of MMP-14 with inhibition IC50 values
      of 10-4,000 nM. Among these inhibitory Fabs, 15 were not found by monoclonal
      phage ELISA. Particularly, Fab R2C7 exhibited an inhibition potency of 100 nM
      with an excellent selectivity to MMP-14 over MMP-9. Inhibition kinetics and
      epitope mapping suggested that as a competitive inhibitor, R2C7 directly bound to
      the vicinity of the MMP-14 catalytic site. This study demonstrates that deep
      sequencing is a powerful tool to facilitate the systematic discovery of mAbs with
      protease inhibition functions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1140-1150. (c) 2017
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28090633
TI  - Magnetic field effects on particle beams and their implications for dose
      calculation in MR-guided particle therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate and model effects of magnetic fields on proton and carbon
      ion beams for dose calculation. METHODS: In a first step, Monte Carlo simulations
      using Gate 7.1/Geant4.10.0.p03 were performed for proton and carbon ion beams in
      magnetic fields ranging from 0 to 3 T. Initial particle energies ranged from 60
      to 250 MeV (protons) and 120 to 400 MeV/u (carbon ions), respectively. The
      resulting dose distributions were analyzed focusing on beam deflection, dose
      deformation, as well as the impact of material heterogeneities. In a second step,
      a numerical algorithm was developed to calculate the lateral beam position. Using
      the Runge-Kutta method, an iterative solution of the relativistic Lorentz
      equation, corrected for the changing particle energy during penetration, was
      performed. For comparison, a gamma-index analysis was utilized, using a criteria
      of 2%/2 mm of the local maximum. RESULTS: A tilt in the dose distribution within
      the Bragg peak area was observed, leading to non-negligible dose distribution
      changes. The magnitude was found to depend on the magnetic field strength as well
      as on the initial beam energy. Comparison of the 3 T dose distribution with non-B
      field (nominal) dose distributions, resulted in a gammamean (mean value of the
      gamma distribution) of 0.6, with 14.4% of the values above 1 and gamma1 % (1% of
      all points have an equal or higher gamma value) of 1.8. The presented numerical
      algorithm calculated the lateral beam offset with maximum errors of less than 2%
      with calculation times of less than 5 MUs. The impact of tissue interfaces on the
      proton dose distributions was found to be less than 2% for a dose voxel size of 1
      * 1 * 1 mm3 . CONCLUSION: Non-negligible dose deformations at the Bragg peak area
      were identified for high initial energies and strong magnetic fields. A fast
      numerical algorithm based on the solution of the energy-corrected relativistic
      Lorentz equation was able to describe the beam path, taking into account the
      particle energy, magnetic field, and material.

PMID- 28090635
TI  - Sonographic Features and Diagnosis of Peripheral Schwannomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the sonographic features of peripheral schwannomas.
      METHODS: This retrospective study included 54 cases of schwannoma in 51 patients.
      Ultrasonography (US) and MRI were performed in all patients. The US features of
      each tumor were analyzed and compared with pathologic findings. The US target
      sign was compared with the MRI findings. RESULTS: On US, 53 of the 54 schwannomas
      had a regular shape and clear margins, and one had an irregular shape. Thirty
      seven of the 54 schwannomas were categorized as solid, 16 as cystic and solid,
      and one as entirely cystic; distal sound enhancement was associated with 47
      schwannomas. The target sign was seen in 24, the rat tail sign in 28, the vessel
      accompanying sign in 22, and the split fat sign in 5. The entering and exiting
      nerves were situated centrally in 9 and eccentrically in 19 schwannomas.
      Vascularity on color Doppler imaging using a 0 to III scale was graded 0 in 4
      schwannomas, I in 10, II in 26, and III in 14. Twenty-four target signs were
      detected in 54 schwannomas by US, and 28 were detected by MRI. There was good
      agreement between the target signs noted on US and those seen on MRI (kappa =
      0.631, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The sonographic diagnosis of peripheral
      schwannomas is feasible and reliable. The target sign is a prominent US feature
      in peripheral schwannomas, comparable to that observed with MRI. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:127-133, 2017.

PMID- 28090636
TI  - My Dad Can Beat Your Dad: Agonists, Antagonists, Partial Agonists, and Inverse
      Agonists.

PMID- 28090634
TI  - Dietary interventions for fetal growth restriction - therapeutic potential of
      dietary nitrate supplementation in pregnancy.
AB  - Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects around 5% of pregnancies and is associated
      with significant short- and long-term adverse outcomes. A number of factors can
      increase the risk of FGR, one of which is poor maternal diet. In terms of
      pathology, both clinically and in many experimental models of FGR, impaired
      uteroplacental vascular function is implicated, leading to a reduction in the
      delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. Whilst mechanisms
      underpinning impaired uteroplacental vascular function are not fully understood,
      interventions aimed at enhancing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability remain a key
      area of interest in obstetric research. In addition to endogenous NO production
      from the amino acid l-arginine, via nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, research
      in recent years has established that significant NO can be derived from dietary
      nitrate, via the 'alternative NO pathway'. Dietary nitrate, abundant in green
      leafy vegetables and beetroot, can increase NO bioactivity, conferring beneficial
      effects on cardiovascular function and blood flow. Given the beneficial effects
      of dietary nitrate supplementation to date in non-pregnant humans and animals,
      current investigations aim to assess the therapeutic potential of this approach
      in pregnancy to enhance NO bioactivity, improve uteroplacental vascular function
      and increase fetal growth.

PMID- 28090637
TI  - Diltiazem prevents stress-induced contractile deficits in cardiomyocytes, but
      does not reverse the cardiomyopathy phenotype in Mybpc3-knock-in mice.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited
      cardiac illness and can lead to diastolic dysfunction, sudden cardiac death and
      heart failure. Treatment of HCM patients is empirical and current pharmacological
      treatments are unable to stop disease progression or reverse hypertrophy. In this
      study, we tested if the non-dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blocker diltiazem, which
      previously showed potential to stop disease progression, can improve the
      phenotype of a HCM mouse model (Mybpc3-targeted knock-in), which is based on a
      mutation commonly found in patients. Diltiazem improved contractile function of
      isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes acutely, but chronic application did not
      improve the phenotype of adult mice with a fully developed HCM. Our study shows
      that diltiazem has beneficial effects in HCM, but long-term treatment success is
      likely to depend on characteristics and cause of HCM and onset of treatment.
      ABSTRACT: Left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and fibrosis are
      the main features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Guidelines recommend beta
      adrenoceptor or Ca2+ channel antagonists as pharmacological treatment. The Ca2+
      channel blocker diltiazem recently showed promising beneficial effects in pre
      clinical HCM, particularly in patients carrying MYBPC3 mutations. In the present
      study we evaluated whether diltiazem could ameliorate or reverse the disease
      phenotype in cells and in vivo in an Mybpc3-targeted knock-in (KI) mouse model of
      HCM. Sarcomere shortening and Ca2+ transients were measured in KI and wild-type
      (WT) cardiomyocytes in basal conditions (1-Hz pacing) and under stress conditions
      (30 nm isoprenaline, 5-Hz pacing) with or without pre-treatment with 1 MUm
      diltiazem. KI cardiomyocytes exhibited lower diastolic sarcomere length (dSL) at
      baseline, a tendency to a stronger positive inotropic response to isoprenaline
      than WT, a marked reduction of dSL and a tendency towards arrhythmias under
      stress conditions. Pre-treatment of cardiomyocytes with 1 MUm diltiazem reduced
      the drop in dSL and arrhythmia frequency in KI, and attenuated the positive
      inotropic effect of isoprenaline. Furthermore, diltiazem reduced the contraction
      amplitude at 5 Hz but did not affect diastolic Ca2+ load and Ca2+ transient
      amplitude. Six months of diltiazem treatment of KI mice did not reverse cardiac
      hypertrophy and dysfunction, activation of the fetal gene program or fibrosis. In
      conclusion, diltiazem blunted the response to isoprenaline in WT and KI
      cardiomyocytes and improved diastolic relaxation under stress conditions in KI
      cardiomyocytes. This beneficial effect of diltiazem in cells did not translate in
      therapeutic efficacy when applied chronically in KI mice.

PMID- 28090639
TI  - The Psychometric Validation of the EPDS-K Among Korean Women: Does It Only
      Measure Depressive Symptoms?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Edinburgh
      Postnatal Depression Scale-Korean (EPDS-K) and compare the specified models (one
      , two-, three-factor model, and a model in the current study) in pregnant, first
      trimester Korean women. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study consisted of two groups of
      100 first-trimester Korean women recruited from maternity clinics in Korea.
      FINDINGS: The results show that the EPDS-K has depression, anxiety, and anhedonia
      factors, and that the validity of the EPDS-K with Korean women is questionable.
      PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare providers should test the psychometric
      properties of tools for screening accuracy, clinical decision-making, and
      understanding of a phenomenon within different cultural settings.

PMID- 28090638
TI  - Late gestational intermittent hypoxia induces metabolic and epigenetic changes in
      male adult offspring mice.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Late gestation during pregnancy has been associated with a relatively
      high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Intermittent hypoxia, a
      hallmark of OSA, could impose significant long-term effects on somatic growth,
      energy homeostasis and metabolic function in offspring. Here we show that late
      gestation intermittent hypoxia induces metabolic dysfunction as reflected by
      increased body weight and adiposity index in adult male offspring that is
      paralleled by epigenomic alterations and inflammation in visceral white adipose
      tissue. Fetal perturbations by OSA during pregnancy impose long-term detrimental
      effects manifesting as metabolic dysfunction in adult male offspring. ABSTRACT:
      Pregnancy, particularly late gestation (LG), has been associated with a
      relatively high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Intermittent
      hypoxia (IH), a hallmark of OSA, could impose significant long-term effects on
      somatic growth, energy homeostasis, and metabolic function in offspring. We
      hypothesized that IH during late pregnancy (LG-IH) may increase the propensity
      for metabolic dysregulation and obesity in adult offspring via epigenetic
      modifications. Time-pregnant female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to LG-IH or room
      air (LG-RA) during days 13-18 of gestation. At 24 weeks, blood samples were
      collected from offspring mice for lipid profiles and insulin resistance, indirect
      calorimetry was performed and visceral white adipose tissues (VWAT) were assessed
      for inflammatory cells as well as for differentially methylated gene regions
      (DMRs) using a methylated DNA immunoprecipitation on chip (MeDIP-chip). Body
      weight, food intake, adiposity index, fasting insulin, triglycerides and
      cholesterol levels were all significantly higher in LG-IH male but not female
      offspring. LG-IH also altered metabolic expenditure and locomotor activities in
      male offspring, and increased number of pro-inflammatory macrophages emerged in
      VWAT along with 1520 DMRs (P < 0.0001), associated with 693 genes. Pathway
      analyses showed that genes affected by LG-IH were mainly associated with
      molecular processes related to metabolic regulation and inflammation. LG-IH
      induces metabolic dysfunction as reflected by increased body weight and adiposity
      index in adult male offspring that is paralleled by epigenomic alterations and
      inflammation in VWAT. Thus, perturbations to fetal environment by OSA during
      pregnancy can have long-term detrimental effects on the fetus, and lead to
      persistent metabolic dysfunction in adulthood.

PMID- 28090640
TI  - In the era of IGRT and small- and focal-field external beam radiotherapy,
      brachytherapy is a dying modality.

PMID- 28090642
TI  - Depression or Diabetes Distress?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to summarize the need for improved
      recognition of depression versus diabetes distress and discuss recommendations
      for appropriate screening tools. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: In order to assess for
      both depression and diabetes distress, a combined approach of using both the WHO
      5 and the PAID-20 is a simple and reliable method for detecting depression and
      assisting in determining the focus of specific aspects of diabetes management
      based on the patient's reported depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Routine
      screening for depression and diabetes distress is essential for improving quality
      of life and reducing healthcare cost in patients with diabetes.

PMID- 28090641
TI  - In-vivo quantitative assessment of the therapeutic response in a mouse model of
      collagen-induced arthritis using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission
      tomography.
AB  - Mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is the most commonly used animal model to
      investigate underlying pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis and to demonstrate
      the therapeutic efficacy of novel drugs in autoimmune arthritis. The conventional
      read-outs of CIA are clinical score and histopathology, which have several
      limitations, including (i) subjected to observer bias; and (ii) longitudinal
      therapeutic efficacy of a new drug cannot be determined. Thus, a robust, non
      invasive, in-vivo drug screening tool is currently an unmet need. Here we have
      assessed the utility of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18
      F-FDG) as an in-vivo screening tool for anti-inflammatory drugs using the mouse
      CIA model. The radiotracer 18 F-FDG and a PET scanner were employed to monitor
      CIA disease activity before and after murine anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)
      alpha antibody (CNTO5048) therapy in the mouse CIA model. Radiotracer
      concentration was derived from PET images for individual limb joints and on a per
      limb basis, and Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho) was determined with
      clinical score and histology of the affected limbs. CNTO5048 improved arthritis
      efficiently, as evidenced by clinical score and histopathology. PET showed an
      increased uptake of 18 F-FDG with the progression of the disease and a
      significant decrease in the post-treatment group. 18 F-FDG uptake patterns showed
      a strong correlation with clinical score (rho = 0.71, P < 0.05) and
      histopathology (rho = 0.76, P < 0.05). This study demonstrates the potential of
      18 F-FDG PET as a tool for in-vivo drug screening for inflammatory arthritis and
      to monitor the therapeutic effects in a longitudinal setting.

PMID- 28090643
TI  - The use of instructional design guidelines to increase effectiveness of
      postpartum hemorrhage simulation training.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare learning outcomes of postpartum hemorrhage simulation
      training based on either instructional design guidelines or best practice.
      METHODS: A pretest-post-test non-equivalent groups study was conducted among
      obstetrics and gynecology residents in Recife, Brazil, from June 8 to August 30,
      2013. The instructional design group included 13 teams, whereas the best practice
      group included seven teams. A standardized task checklist was used for scenario
      analysis and the proportion of correctly executed tasks compared (post-test minus
      pretest). RESULTS: The instructional design group scored higher than the best
      practice group for total number of tasks completed (median difference 0.46 vs
      0.17; P<0.001; effect size [r]=0.72). Similar results were observed for
      communication (median difference 0.56 vs 0.22; P=0.004; r=0.58), laboratory
      evaluation (median difference 0.83 vs 0.00; P<0.001; r=0.76), and mechanical
      management (median difference 0.25 vs -0.15; P=0.048; r=0.39). Speed of learning
      was also increased. The median differences were 0.20 for the instructional design
      group compared with 0.05 for the best practice group at 60 seconds (P=0.015;
      r=0.49), and 0.49 versus 0.26 (P=0.001; r=0.65) at 360 seconds. CONCLUSION: The
      use of simulation training for postpartum hemorrhage that was based on
      instructional design guidelines yielded better learning outcomes than did
      training based on best practice.

PMID- 28090644
TI  - Evaluation of a telehealth training package to remotely train staff to conduct a
      preference assessment.
AB  - Recent advancements in telecommunication technologies make it possible to conduct
      a variety of healthcare services remotely (e.g., behavioral-analytic intervention
      services), thereby bridging the gap between qualified providers and consumers in
      isolated locations. In this study, web-based telehealth technologies were used to
      remotely train direct-care staff to conduct a multiple-stimulus-without
      replacement preference assessment. The training package included three
      components: (a) a multimedia presentation; (b) descriptive feedback from
      previously recorded baseline sessions; and (c) scripted role-play with immediate
      feedback. A nonconcurrent, multiple-baseline-across-participants design was used
      to demonstrate experimental control. Training resulted in robust and immediate
      improvements, and these effects maintained during 1- to 2-month follow-up
      observations. In addition, participants expressed high satisfaction with the web
      based materials and the overall remote-training experience.

PMID- 28090645
TI  - Neonatal Limb Amputation-An Unusual Form of Postmortem Canine Predation.
AB  - Cases of postmortem canine predation often involve elderly recluses and their
      dogs. The face, head, and genitalia are targeted. Two unusual cases of postmortem
      canine predation of abandoned newborns are described to demonstrate an unusual
      alternative pattern of mutilation related to the small size of the decedents,
      marked decomposition, and canine scavenging behavior. Both bodies were
      abandoned/concealed soon after birth and were subsequently disturbed by dogs.
      Both were markedly decomposed with absent arms. Other injuries included skin and
      soft tissue defects of the torsos, with loss of distal portions of the right foot
      and the left lower leg in one case. No interstitial hemorrhage was observed in
      any of the exposed soft tissue wounds. There were no significant head or neck
      injuries. These cases show that patterns of postmortem canine predation will vary
      depending on the age, physical characteristics, degree of decomposition, and
      location of decedents.

PMID- 28090646
TI  - Influence of P-glycoprotein on the disposition of fexofenadine and its
      enantiomers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is responsible for the efflux of a broad
      variety of human and veterinary drugs. Canine P-gp polymorphisms alter drug
      disposition and toxicity, but their impact on the disposition of enantiomeric
      drugs is unknown. Using fexofenadine as a model compound, we developed and
      validated HPLC-fluorescence methods to determine the effect of P-gp on the
      disposition of fexofenadine and its enantiomers. METHODS: A chiral CD-Ph column
      was used for the separation of (R) and (S)-fexofenadine. Determination of racemic
      fexofenadine was achieved on an XDB-CN column. Fexofenadine and its enantiomers
      were detected by fluorescence at the excitation wavelength of 220 nm and emission
      wavelength of 300 nm. These methods were used to measure concentrations of
      fexofenadine and its enantiomers in Collie plasma after oral administration. KEY
      FINDINGS: This study demonstrates that P-gp prefers to transport (S)
      fexofenadine, and P-gp deficiency causes the increase in both (R)-fexofenadine
      and (S)-fexofenadine in plasma. Racemic fexofenadine, (R)-fexofenadine and (S)
      fexofenadine were increased in ABCB1-1Delta Collies (118.7, 72.0 and 48.3 ng/ml)
      compared to wild-type Collies (25.0, 16.5 and 7.7 ng/ml) at 1 h
      postadministration. The results demonstrate that the stereoselectivity of P-gp
      plays a key role in the disposition of fexofenadine enantiomers. CONCLUSIONS: The
      information derived from this drug model will be used to determine whether
      additional safety or efficacy requirements are necessary for enantiomeric drugs
      that would be used in dogs or humans.

PMID- 28090647
TI  - The multifaceted role of extracellular vesicles in metastasis: Priming the soil
      for seeding.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, play a key role in inter and
      intracellular communication, promoting the proliferation and invasion of
      recipient cells to support tumor growth and metastasis. Metastasis comprises
      multiple steps that first include the detachment of tumor cells through
      epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), allowing the physical dissemination
      to distant organs. Thereafter, cancer-derived exosomes are still critical
      components for preparing the tumor microenvironment by (i) enabling tumor cells
      to escape from the immunological surveillance and (ii) arranging the pre
      metastatic site for the engraftment of detached cancer cells. In this review, we
      discuss the multifaceted role of EVs in the multiple steps of metastasis. Future
      research directions draw attention to EVs as biological targets for cancer
      diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. However, due to their significant role in cell
      communication, they may become a valuable drug delivery system.

PMID- 28090648
TI  - DisorderING promotes epigenetic order.

PMID- 28090650
TI  - First words: speech and language interventions in cerebral palsy.

PMID- 28090649
TI  - The Pharmacogenomics Research Network Translational Pharmacogenetics Program:
      Outcomes and Metrics of Pharmacogenetic Implementations Across Diverse Healthcare
      Systems.
AB  - Numerous pharmacogenetic clinical guidelines and recommendations have been
      published, but barriers have hindered the clinical implementation of
      pharmacogenetics. The Translational Pharmacogenetics Program (TPP) of the
      National Institutes of Health (NIH) Pharmacogenomics Research Network was
      established in 2011 to catalog and contribute to the development of
      pharmacogenetic implementations at eight US healthcare systems, with the goal to
      disseminate real-world solutions for the barriers to clinical pharmacogenetic
      implementation. The TPP collected and normalized pharmacogenetic implementation
      metrics through June 2015, including gene-drug pairs implemented, interpretations
      of alleles and diplotypes, numbers of tests performed and actionable results, and
      workflow diagrams. TPP participant institutions developed diverse solutions to
      overcome many barriers, but the use of Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation
      Consortium (CPIC) guidelines provided some consistency among the institutions.
      The TPP also collected some pharmacogenetic implementation outcomes (scientific,
      educational, financial, and informatics), which may inform healthcare systems
      seeking to implement their own pharmacogenetic testing programs.

PMID- 28090651
TI  - Incidence of skin and respiratory diseases among Danish hairdressing apprentices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hairdressing is one of the professions with the highest risk of
      occupational skin and respiratory diseases. The incidence of these diseases in
      hairdressing apprentices has been studied only sparsely. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      the incidence of skin and respiratory diseases in hairdressing apprentices, and
      to explore whether hairdressing apprentices leave the trade during training
      because of these diseases. METHODS: A 3-year follow-up questionnaire study was
      conducted among 248 hairdressing apprentices and a control group comprising 816
      young adults from the general population. RESULTS: The incidence rate ratios
      (IRRs) for contact urticaria (IRR 4.7, 95%CI: 2.6-8.6), hand eczema (IRR 1.7,
      95%CI: 1.1-2.6) and rhinitis symptoms (IRR 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2-2.2) were
      significantly increased in the hairdressing apprentices, whereas wheezing was
      similar between groups. During the follow-up period, 21.8% of the hairdressing
      apprentices had left the trade, and 70.3% of these had left because of health
      complaints. The most frequently reported reasons for leaving were musculoskeletal
      pain (47.4%) and skin diseases (47.4%), followed by respiratory symptoms (23.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Hairdressing apprentices are at increased risk for contact
      urticaria, hand eczema and rhinitis symptoms compared with the general
      population, and a substantial proportion leave the trade because of these
      diseases, causing a 'healthy worker survivor effect.'

PMID- 28090652
TI  - A systematic review of the analgesic efficacy of cannabinoid medications in the
      management of acute pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cannabinergic medications have been postulated to demonstrate
      efficacy in the management of pain. The aim of this systematic review was to
      assess the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of cannabinoids when used for
      the management of acute pain. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by
      searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases, and the World Health
      Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for human randomized
      controlled trials that assessed the analgesic efficacy of cannabinoids compared
      to placebo or active comparators. The reported outcomes for analgesic efficacy
      and adverse effects in included studies were qualitatively analysed. RESULTS:
      Seven studies, including 611 patients were included in the systematic review. In
      five studies, cannabinoids were found to provide equivalent analgesia to placebo,
      in one study the analgesia provided by cannabinoids was superior to placebo, and
      in one study cannabinoids provided analgesia that was inferior to that provided
      by placebo. No synergistic or additive analgesic effect was observed when
      cannabinoids were used in combination with opioids. In five of the seven studies,
      certain adverse effects were more frequent with cannabinoid treatment than with
      placebo or active comparator. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the available
      randomized controlled trial evidence, cannabinoids have no role in the management
      of acute pain.

PMID- 28090654
TI  - The development of semantic blocking in children.
AB  - Pictures are named more slowly in the context of semantically related pictures
      than in the context of unrelated pictures. This semantic blocking effect has been
      studied extensively in adult participants, and one study has revealed its
      presence in 6-year-old children. However, little is known about the development
      of the effect with age. In this study, a blocked cyclic naming procedure was
      arranged for 5- to 7-year-old and 10- to 12-year-old children. The semantic
      blocking effect obtained did not differ in size between the two age groups. This
      finding is tentatively interpreted as evidence that the semantic blocking effect
      does not have the same underlying cause as interference effects typically
      observed in naming tasks involving a distractor stimulus, like the Stroop task.
      Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? The semantic
      blocking effect has been demonstrated in adults, but little is known about its
      development in childhood. Age-related changes in performance in children have
      been used to distinguish various types of inhibitory control. What does this
      study add? A semantic blocking effect was obtained in 5- to 7-year-old children
      and - for the first time - in 10- to 12-year-old children. In the two age groups,
      the effect was equal in size and did not show up in the first cycles of the
      experiment. The findings are argued to be in line with the distinction
      unintentional vs. intentional inhibitory control.

PMID- 28090653
TI  - Genome-Wide Study Links PNPLA3 Variant With Elevated Hepatic Transaminase After
      Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Therapy.
AB  - Remission induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) includes
      medications that may cause hepatotoxicity, including asparaginase. We used a
      genome-wide association study to identify loci associated with elevated alanine
      transaminase (ALT) levels after induction therapy in children with ALL enrolled
      on St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) protocols. Germline DNA was
      genotyped using arrays and exome sequencing. Adjusting for age, body mass index,
      ancestry, asparaginase preparation, and dosage, the PNPLA3 rs738409 (C>G) I148M
      variant, previously associated with fatty liver disease risk, had the strongest
      genetic association with ALT (P = 2.5 * 10-8 ). The PNPLA3 rs738409 variant
      explained 3.8% of the variability in ALT, and partly explained race-related
      differences in ALT. The PNPLA3 rs738409 association was replicated in an
      independent cohort of 2,285 patients treated on Children's Oncology Group
      protocol AALL0232 (P = 0.024). This is an example of a pharmacogenetic variant
      overlapping with a disease risk variant.

PMID- 28090655
TI  - 30-Second bound and pore water concentration mapping of cortical bone using 2D
      UTE with optimized half-pulses.
AB  - PURPOSE: MRI of cortical bone has the potential to offer new information about
      fracture risk. Current methods are typically performed with 3D acquisitions,
      which suffer from long scan times and are generally limited to extremities. This
      work proposes using 2D UTE with half pulses for quantitatively mapping bound and
      pore water in cortical bone. METHODS: Half-pulse 2D UTE methods were implemented
      on a 3T Philips Achieva scanner using an optimized slice-select gradient
      waveform, with preparation pulses to selectively image bound or pore water. The
      2D methods were quantitatively compared with previously implemented 3D methods in
      the tibia in five volunteers. RESULTS: The mean difference between bound and pore
      water concentration acquired from 3D and 2D sequences was 0.6 and 0.9 mol 1
      H/Lbone (3 and 12%, respectively). While 2D pore water methods tended to slightly
      overestimate concentrations relative to 3D methods, differences were less than
      scan-rescan uncertainty and expected differences between healthy and fracture
      prone bones. CONCLUSION: Quantitative bound and pore water concentration mapping
      in cortical bone can be accelerated by 2 orders of magnitude using 2D protocols
      with optimized half-pulse excitation. Magn Reson Med 77:945-950, 2017. (c) 2017
      International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28090656
TI  - Real-time monitoring of tissue displacement and temperature changes during MR
      guided high intensity focused ultrasound.
AB  - PURPOSE: The therapy endpoint most commonly used in MR-guided high intensity
      focused ultrasound is the thermal dose. Although namely correlated with nonviable
      tissue, it does not account for changes in mechanical properties of tissue during
      ablation. This study presents a new acquisition sequence for multislice,
      subsecond and simultaneous imaging of tissue temperature and displacement during
      ablation. METHODS: A single-shot echo planar imaging sequence was implemented
      using a pair of motion-encoding gradients, with alternated polarities. A first
      ultrasound pulse was synchronized on the second lobe of the motion-encoding
      gradients and followed by continuous sonication to induce a local temperature
      increase in ex vivo muscle and in vivo on pig liver. Lastly, the method was
      evaluated in the brain of two volunteers to assess method's precision. RESULTS:
      For thermal doses higher than the lethal threshold, displacement amplitude was
      reduced by 21% and 28% at the focal point in muscle and liver, respectively.
      Displacement value remained nearly constant for nonlethal thermal doses values.
      The mean standard deviation of temperature and displacement in the brain of
      volunteers remained below 0.8  degrees C and 2.5 um. CONCLUSION: This new fast
      imaging sequence provides real-time measurement of temperature distribution and
      displacement at the focus during HIFU ablation. Magn Reson Med 78:1911-1921,
      2017. (c) 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28090657
TI  - Toward greater insights on pharmacokinetics and exposure-response relationships
      for therapeutic biologics in oncology drug development.
AB  - There has been increased interest in optimizing dosing regimens for oncology
      products over the past decade. Investigations to refine dosing regimens often
      occur after new drug approval. There is growing focus on the use of exposure
      response (ER) approaches to identify optimal dosing regimens for therapeutic
      biologics. Herein, we describe several recent observations that have informed our
      thinking on the use of ER analyses in the dose regimen optimization of
      therapeutic biologics developed to treat cancer.

PMID- 28090658
TI  - Analysis of the effects of noise, DWI sampling, and value of assumed parameters
      in diffusion MRI models.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was a systematic evaluation across different and prominent
      diffusion MRI models to better understand the ways in which scalar metrics are
      influenced by experimental factors, including experimental design (diffusion
      weighted imaging [DWI] sampling) and noise. METHODS: Four diffusion MRI models
      diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), mean apparent
      propagator MRI (MAP-MRI), and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging
      (NODDI)-were evaluated by comparing maps and histogram values of the scalar
      metrics generated using DWI datasets obtained in fixed mouse brain with different
      noise levels and DWI sampling complexity. Additionally, models were fit with
      different input parameters or constraints to examine the consequences of model
      fitting procedures. RESULTS: Experimental factors affected all models and metrics
      to varying degrees. Model complexity influenced sensitivity to DWI sampling and
      noise, especially for metrics reporting non-Gaussian information. DKI metrics
      were highly susceptible to noise and experimental design. The influence of fixed
      parameter selection for the NODDI model was found to be considerable, as was the
      impact of initial tensor fitting in the MAP-MRI model. CONCLUSION: Across DTI,
      DKI, MAP-MRI, and NODDI, a wide range of dependence on experimental factors was
      observed that elucidate principles and practical implications for advanced
      diffusion MRI. Magn Reson Med 78:1767-1780, 2017. (c) 2017 International Society
      for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28090659
TI  - The effect of intradetrusor botulinum neurotoxin type A on urinary NGF, TGF BETA
      1, TIMP-2 levels in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity due to
      myelodysplasia.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the value of urine nerve growth
      factor (NGF), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-Beta-1), tissue inhibitor of
      matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) levels to predict the urodynamic profile
      before and after botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) treatment in children with
      myelodysplasia. METHODS: This prospective study included 15 children with
      myelodysplasia who underwent intradetrusor BoNT-A injections due to neurogenic
      detrusor overactivity (NDOA). Urine samples of each child were collected before
      and after BoNT-A injections, specifically at the first and third postoperative
      months. Urine samples were analyzed with ELISA method and NGF, TGF-Beta-1, and
      TIMP-2 levels were measured. Urine marker levels and clinical findings were
      assessed for statistical significance with Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and
      Friedman Test. RESULTS: A total of 15 children (5 boys and 10 girls) were
      assigned as the study group. Mean age of the patients was 7.1 +/- 2.5 years
      (range 2.5-11). A statistically significantly decline was observed in urinary TGF
      Beta-1 and NGF levels following BoNT-A injections, compared to the preoperative
      levels (P < 0.05). TIMP-2 levels also tend to decrease following BoNT-A
      injections but this was not statistically significant compared to the
      preoperative levels. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study, suggests urinary TGF
      Beta-1 and NGF as a potent marker in children with NDOA, as they decline
      following BoNT-A injection. Further studies are needed in identifying their
      special role in assessing treatment success after invasive interventions.

PMID- 28090660
TI  - Intermittent catheterization acceptance test (I-CAT): A tool to evaluate the
      global acceptance to practice clean intermittent self-catheterization.
AB  - AIM: In certain cases, a patient's anxiety, fear, or misconceptions can represent
      significant obstacles to the learning of Clean Intermittent Self Catheterization
      (CISC), and little is known about these psychological barriers. The aim of the
      present study is thus to construct and validate an "Intermittent Catheterization
      Acceptance Test (I-CAT)" to evaluate the psychological acceptance of CISC.
      METHODS: A study was carried out in nine neuro-rehabilitation and urology
      departments in French university hospitals. Fifty-five items were identified,
      following a comprehensive review of the literature and cognitive debriefing
      interviews with patients. Following an initial expert panel meeting (EPM) with a
      French-speaking neuro-urology study group (GENULF), this list was refined and
      reduced to a draft I-CAT comprising 34 items. The face validity of the draft I
      CAT was determined, and the results were then analyzed in a second EPM, leading
      to the elaboration of a second version of the I-CAT (23 items, 5 dimensions).
      Psychometric validation of this second version was established from a
      longitudinal, non-randomized study involving 201 neurological and non
      neurological patients. Linguistic validation was carried out in English. RESULTS:
      Following the construct validity analyses, several items were deleted due to item
      overlap, ceiling effects, or poor content validity and 14 items were retained.
      Confirmatory factor analysis shows that this version has 2 dimensions. Cronbach's
      alpha was 0.93. The ICC demonstrated good test-retest reliability and
      satisfactory responsiveness. CONCLUSION: The upstream identification and solving
      of potential psychological barriers prior to the learning of CISC could improve
      patients' acceptance of this procedure.

PMID- 28090661
TI  - Effect of sagittal plane mechanics on ACL strain during jump landing.

PMID- 28090662
TI  - Adolescent depression linked to socioeconomic status? Molecular approaches for
      revealing premorbid risk factors.
AB  - The means by which social environmental exposures influence risk of mental
      disorders is a persistent and still open question. A key candidate mechanism for
      the biologic mediation of environmental effects involves epigenetic factors,
      which regulate gene function without altering underlying DNA sequence. Recent
      work has shown that environmental exposures such as childhood abuse, family
      history of mental disorder, and low socioeconomic status (SES) associate with
      differential DNA methylation (5mC) - a relatively stable, but modifiable,
      epigenetic factor. However, the longitudinal relation among SES, 5mC, brain
      function, and risk of depression remains to be elucidated. Here, we briefly
      review literature relevant to these associations and discuss recent findings
      that, for the first time, prospectively demonstrate sequential links between low
      SES, changes in 5mC, changes in brain function, and risk of depression in a
      cohort of adolescents.

PMID- 28090663
TI  - Response from the authors [Re: "Nathan D. Schilaty, Nathaniel A. Bates, Timothy
      E. Hewett, Letter to the Editor: Effect of sagittal plane mechanics on ACL strain
      during jump landing"].

PMID- 28090664
TI  - Development of a novel dual CD-MEKC system for the systematic flavonoid
      fingerprinting of Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh.-Loranthaceae-extracts.
AB  - The present work deals with the development and validation of a novel dual CD
      MEKC system for the systematic flavonoid fingerprinting of Ligaria cuneifolia (R.
      et P.) Tiegh.-Loranthaceae-extracts. The BGE consisted of 20 mM pH 8.3 borate
      buffer, 50 mM SDS, a dual CD system based on the combination of 5 mM beta-CD and
      2% w/v S-beta-CD, and 10% v/v methanol. The proposed method has been successfully
      applied to the comparative analysis of extracts from aerial parts and different
      hosts, geographical areas, and extraction procedures in order to establish the
      flavonoid fingerprint of L. cuneifolia. The method was validated according to
      international guidelines. LOD and LOQ, intra and interday precision, and
      linearity were determined for catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, rutin,
      quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-xyloside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside,
      quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside, quercetin-3-O-arabinopyranoside, and quercetin.
      The CD-MEKC methodology emerges as a suitable alternative to the traditional HPLC
      for quality control, fingerprinting, and standardization of L. cuneifolia
      extracts from different sources.

PMID- 28090665
TI  - Can Patel's tau accurately estimate directionality of connections in brain
      networks from fMRI?
AB  - PURPOSE: Investigating directional interactions between brain regions plays a
      critical role in fully understanding brain function. Consequently, multiple
      methods have been developed for noninvasively inferring directional connectivity
      in human brain networks using functional MRI (fMRI). Recent simulations by Smith
      et al. showed that Patel's tau, a method based on higher-order statistics, was
      the best approach for inferring directional interactions from fMRI. Because
      simulations make restrictive assumptions about reality, we set out to verify this
      finding using experimental fMRI data obtained from a three-region network in a
      rat model with electrophysiological validation. METHODS: Previous studies have
      shown that dynamic causal modeling can correctly estimate the directionality of
      this three-region network; Granger causality can also work after the
      deconvolution of the hemodynamic response. Therefore, we set out to test the
      hypothesis that Patel's tau obtained from either raw or deconvolved fMRI data
      should correctly estimate the directionality of neuronal influences obtained from
      intracerebral electroencephalogram in this network. RESULTS: Our results indicate
      that the accuracy of network directionality estimated using Patel's tau was not
      better than chance. CONCLUSION: First, our results highlight the necessity of
      experimental validation of simulation results. Second, it is unclear which brain
      mechanism is modeled by a directionality inferred from Patel's tau. Third, this
      study shows that a directional connection ascertained by different methods may
      mean different things and more experimental studies are needed for investigating
      the neuronal mechanisms underlying the direction of a connection in the brain
      ascertained by fMRI using different methods. M Magn Reson Med 78:2003-2010, 2017.
      (c) 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28090667
TI  - Children and young people's conceptualizations of depression: a systematic review
      and narrative meta-synthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an increasing research interest in conceptualizations of
      mental illness, examined in association with help-seeking, stigma and treatment
      preferences. A recent focus on young people's concepts has been identified, with
      depression being one of the most examined conditions. METHODS: The purpose of
      this systematic review is to synthesize evidence on children and adolescents'
      conceptualizations of depression, adopting the model of illness representations.
      The review further aims to examine developmental trends, gender differences and
      the role of experience. A systematic review and narrative meta-synthesis were
      conducted, reviewing 36 studies identified through a systematic search of six
      databases in March 2016. RESULTS: Thirty-six quantitative and qualitative studies
      were included. Half of the young people are able to recognize depression, and
      recognition increases when symptoms are more severe (e.g. suicidality). Young
      people are able to name a variety of causes for depression. Mental health
      professionals are considered the appropriate source of help by half of the young
      people, followed by family and peers. However, stigma constitutes a major barrier
      to help-seeking. There are developmental trends and gender differences in young
      people's conceptualization of depression, while experience with depression is
      associated with a broader conceptualization. CONCLUSIONS: Young people's concepts
      of depression resemble aspects of adult conceptualizations, however are sometimes
      incomplete. Further research on younger children and clinical populations is
      needed. Research on young people's conceptualizations informs both clinical
      practice and mental health literacy interventions.

PMID- 28090666
TI  - Quantitative ultrashort echo time imaging for assessment of massive iron overload
      at 1.5 and 3 Tesla.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hepatic iron content (HIC) quantification via transverse relaxation rate
      (R2*)-MRI using multi-gradient echo (mGRE) imaging is compromised toward high HIC
      or at higher fields due to the rapid signal decay. Our study aims at presenting
      an optimized 2D ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequence for R2* quantification to
      overcome these limitations. METHODS: Two-dimensional UTE imaging was realized via
      half-pulse excitation and radial center-out sampling. The sequence includes
      chemically selective saturation pulses to reduce streaking artifacts from
      subcutaneous fat, and spatial saturation (sSAT) bands to suppress out-of-slice
      signals. The sequence employs interleaved multi-echo readout trains to achieve
      dense temporal sampling of rapid signal decays. Evaluation was done at 1.5 Tesla
      (T) and 3T in phantoms, and clinical applicability was demonstrated in five
      patients with biopsy-confirmed massively high HIC levels (>25 mg Fe/g dry weight
      liver tissue). RESULTS: In phantoms, the sSAT pulses were found to remove out-of
      slice contamination, and R2* results were in excellent agreement to reference
      mGRE R2* results (slope of linear regression: 1.02/1.00 for 1.5/3T). UTE-based
      R2* quantification in patients with massive iron overload proved successful at
      both field strengths and was consistent with biopsy HIC values. CONCLUSION: The
      UTE sequence provides a means to measure R2* in patients with massive iron
      overload, both at 1.5T and 3T. Magn Reson Med 78:1839-1851, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28090668
TI  - Studies of anticancer drug cytotoxicity based on long-term HepG2 spheroid culture
      in a microfluidic system.
AB  - Cell-on-a-chip systems have become promising devices to study the effectiveness
      of new anticancer drugs recently. Several microdevices for liver cancer culture
      and evaluation of the drug cytotoxicity have been reported. However, there are
      still no proven reports about high-throughput and simple methods for the
      evaluation of drug cytotoxicity on liver cancer cells. The paper presents the
      results of the effects of the anticancer drug (5-fluorouracil, 5-FU) on the HepG2
      spheroids as a model of liver cancer. The experiments were based on the long-term
      3D spheroid culture in the microfluidic system and monitoring of the effect of 5
      FU at two selected concentrations (0.5 mM and 1.0 mM). Our investigations have
      shown that the initial size of the spheroids has influence on the drug effect.
      With the increase of the spheroids diameter, the drug resistance (for the two
      tested 5-FU concentrations) decreases. This phenomenon was observed both through
      cells metabolism analysis, as well as changes in spheroids sizes. In our
      research, we have shown that the lower 5-FU (0.5 mM) concentration causes higher
      decrease in HepG2 spheroids viability. Moreover, due to the microsystem
      construction, we observe the drug resistance effect (10th day of culture)
      regardless of the initial size of the created spheroids and the drug
      concentration.

PMID- 28090669
TI  - The association between sclerostin and incident type 2 diabetes risk: a cohort
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sclerostin is associated with fasting glucose,
      insulin levels, insulin resistance or increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes.
      BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetic patients have a higher risk of fractures. Recent
      studies suggest sclerostin, a regulator of osteoblast activity, is associated
      with diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sclerostin levels were obtained from 1778
      individuals with no history of type 2 diabetes participating in the population
      based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) cohort. Participants were
      followed until diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, death or end of the study period (31
      December 2013). The relationship of sclerostin with fasting glucose, insulin
      levels and homoeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was studied
      in linear regression models. Cox proportional hazards models were used to
      determine the association of sclerostin levels and the risk of incident type 2
      diabetes during a mean 7.5 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Fasting glucose, fasting
      insulin levels and HOMA-IR were weakly correlated with sclerostin levels
      (Spearman's correlation coefficient: 0.11, P < 0.05; -0.09, P < 0.05; and -0.07,
      P = 0.02, respectively). Multiple linear regression analyses confirmed a
      significant association between sclerostin and fasting insulin and HOMA-IR but no
      significant association with fasting glucose levels. Sclerostin levels were not
      found to be significantly associated with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes
      (HR: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.37-4.57). CONCLUSIONS: We observed an association between
      sclerostin levels with fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR, but there was no clear
      association with type 2 diabetes risk. Further studies are needed to understand
      the role of sclerostin in type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28090671
TI  - Laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2) plays an essential role in
      hepatitis C virus infection-induced interferon responses.
AB  - : Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors are cytosolic pattern
      recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect non-self-RNA and activate downstream
      interferon (IFN) signaling. One of the RIG-I-like receptors, laboratory of
      genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2), was originally thought to be a negative
      feedback regulator in the RIG-I signaling pathway, but growing evidence indicates
      that LGP2 is one cofactor of melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5)
      in MDA5-mediated IFN signaling activation. Our previous work showed that MDA5 was
      the major PRR to sense hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hepatocytes, but the
      role of LGP2 in HCV infection-induced IFN signaling has not been elucidated. In
      this study, we reported that LGP2 was a positive regulator of HCV infection
      induced IFN signaling. Knockout of LGP2 in hepatocytes significantly diminished
      IFN production in response to HCV infection, but not to HCV 3'untranslated region
      RNA transfection. Mechanistic studies showed that LGP2 exerted its function at a
      step upstream of MDA5 in the IFN signaling. HCV infection promoted the molecular
      interaction between LGP2 and MDA5, which, in turn, enhanced MDA5/HCV RNA
      association. Finally, we demonstrated that the ATPase activity of LGP2 was
      critical for assisting MDA5/HCV RNA interaction and activating IFN signaling
      during HCV infection. CONCLUSION: Our work demonstrated that LGP2 plays an
      essential role in activating IFN signaling against HCV infection by promoting
      MDA5 recognition of HCV pathogen-associated molecular patterns. (Hepatology
      2017;65:1478-1491).

PMID- 28090670
TI  - An endoplasmic reticulum protein, Nogo-B, facilitates alcoholic liver disease
      through regulation of kupffer cell polarization.
AB  - : Nogo-B (Reticulon 4B) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident protein that
      regulates ER structure and function. Because ER stress is known to induce M2
      macrophage polarization, we examined whether Nogo-B regulates M1/M2 polarization
      of Kupffer cells and alters the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). M1
      and M2 phenotypes were assessed in relation to Nogo-B expression and disease
      severity in liver specimens from ALD patients (NCT01875211). Liver specimens from
      wild-type (WT) and Nogo-B knockout (KO) mice fed a control or Lieber-DeCarli
      ethanol liquid diet (5% ethanol) for 6 weeks were analyzed for liver injury and
      steatosis. Kupffer cells isolated from WT and Nogo-B KO mice were assessed for M1
      and M2 activation. A significant positive correlation was observed between Nogo-B
      positive Kupffer cells and disease severity in ALD patients (n = 30, r = 0.66, P
      = 0.048). Furthermore, Nogo-B-positive Kupffer cells were correlated with M1
      activation (inducible nitric oxide synthase) (r = 0.50, P = 0.05) and negatively
      with markers of M2 status (CD163) (r = -0.48, P = 0.07) in these patients. WT
      mice exhibited significantly increased liver injury (P < 0.05) and higher hepatic
      triglyceride levels (P < 0.01) compared with Nogo-B KO mice in response to
      chronic ethanol feeding. Nogo-B in Kupffer cells promoted M1 polarization,
      whereas absence of Nogo-B increased ER stress and M2 polarization in Kupffer
      cells. CONCLUSION: Nogo-B is permissive of M1 polarization of Kupffer cells,
      thereby accentuating liver injury in ALD in humans and mice. Nogo-B in Kupffer
      cells may represent a new therapeutic target for ALD. (Hepatology 2017;65:1720
      1734).

PMID- 28090672
TI  - A powerful statistical framework for generalization testing in GWAS, with
      application to the HCHS/SOL.
AB  - In genome-wide association studies (GWAS), "generalization" is the replication of
      genotype-phenotype association in a population with different ancestry than the
      population in which it was first identified. Current practices for declaring
      generalizations rely on testing associations while controlling the family-wise
      error rate (FWER) in the discovery study, then separately controlling error
      measures in the follow-up study. This approach does not guarantee control over
      the FWER or false discovery rate (FDR) of the generalization null hypotheses. It
      also fails to leverage the two-stage design to increase power for detecting
      generalized associations. We provide a formal statistical framework for
      quantifying the evidence of generalization that accounts for the (in)consistency
      between the directions of associations in the discovery and follow-up studies. We
      develop the directional generalization FWER (FWERg ) and FDR (FDRg ) controlling
      r-values, which are used to declare associations as generalized. This framework
      extends to generalization testing when applied to a published list of Single
      Nucleotide Polymorphism-(SNP)-trait associations. Our methods control FWERg or
      FDRg under various SNP selection rules based on P-values in the discovery study.
      We find that it is often beneficial to use a more lenient P-value threshold than
      the genome-wide significance threshold. In a GWAS of total cholesterol in the
      Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), when testing all
      SNPs with P-values <5*10-8 (15 genomic regions) for generalization in a large
      GWAS of whites, we generalized SNPs from 15 regions. But when testing all SNPs
      with P-values <6.6*10-5 (89 regions), we generalized SNPs from 27 regions.

PMID- 28090673
TI  - Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic integration and modelling of oxytetracycline for
      the porcine pneumonia pathogens Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella
      multocida.
AB  - Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration and modelling were used to
      predict dosage schedules of oxytetracycline for two pig pneumonia pathogens,
      Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida. Minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) were determined in
      broth and porcine serum. PK/PD integration established ratios of average
      concentration over 48 h (Cav0-48 h )/MIC of 5.87 and 0.27 MUg/mL (P. multocida)
      and 0.70 and 0.85 MUg/mL (A. pleuropneumoniae) for broth and serum MICs,
      respectively. PK/PD modelling of in vitro time-kill curves established broth and
      serum breakpoint values for area under curve (AUC0-24 h )/MIC for three levels of
      inhibition of growth, bacteriostasis and 3 and 4 log10 reductions in bacterial
      count. Doses were then predicted for each pathogen, based on Monte Carlo
      simulations, for: (i) bacteriostatic and bactericidal levels of kill; (ii) 50%
      and 90% target attainment rates (TAR); and (iii) single dosing and daily dosing
      at steady-state. For 90% TAR, predicted daily doses at steady-state for
      bactericidal actions were 1123 mg/kg (P. multocida) and 43 mg/kg (A.
      pleuropneumoniae) based on serum MICs. Lower TARs were predicted from broth MIC
      data; corresponding dose estimates were 95 mg/kg (P. multocida) and 34 mg/kg (A.
      pleuropneumoniae).

PMID- 28090675
TI  - Cross-sectional study shows that impaired bone mineral status and metabolism are
      found in nonmosaic triple X syndrome.
AB  - AIM: The effect of a supernumerary X chromosome on bones has not been reported,
      and this study evaluated bone mineral status and metabolism in nonmosaic triple X
      syndrome. METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised 19 girls, with a median
      age of 10.9 years, with nonmosaic triple X syndrome and a control group matched
      for age and body size. We studied ionised and total calcium, phosphate,
      parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin
      D, osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase levels and urinary deoxypyridinoline
      concentrations. We also measured the phalangeal amplitude-dependent speed of
      sound (AD-SoS) and the bone transmission time (BTT) Z-scores. RESULTS: Patients
      with nonmosaic triple X syndrome showed significantly reduced AD-SoS (p < 0.005)
      and BTT Z-scores (p < 0.0001) compared to the control group, and these results
      persisted when we divided the sample into prepubertal and pubertal patients (p <
      0.05). These patients also had significantly reduced ionised calcium (p < 0.005)
      and 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.005) and higher phosphate (p < 0.0001) and PTH (p <
      0.0001) levels. CONCLUSION: Subjects with nonmosaic triple X syndrome exhibited a
      significant impairment in bone mineral status and metabolism similar to other X
      polisomy, such as Klinefelter's syndrome. This suggests the presence of a primary
      bone deficit and the need for regular and close monitoring of these subjects.

PMID- 28090674
TI  - Nonstructural protein 5B promotes degradation of the NORE1A tumor suppressor to
      facilitate hepatitis C virus replication.
AB  - : Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common risk factor for the development
      of liver cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are only
      partially understood. Here, we show that the HCV protein, nonstructural protein
      (NS) 5B, directly binds to the tumor suppressor, NORE1A (RASSF5), and promotes
      its proteosomal degradation. In addition, we show that NORE1A colocalizes to
      sites of HCV viral replication and suppresses the replication process. Thus,
      NORE1A has antiviral activity, which is specifically antagonized by NS5B.
      Moreover, the suppression of NORE1A protein levels correlated almost perfectly
      with elevation of Ras activity in primary human samples. Therefore, NORE1A
      inactivation by NS5B may be essential for maximal HCV replication and may make a
      major contribution to HCV-induced liver cancer by shifting Ras signaling away
      from prosenescent/proapoptotic signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: HCV uses NS5B to
      specifically suppress NORE1A, facilitating viral replication and elevated Ras
      signaling. (Hepatology 2017;65:1462-1477).

PMID- 28090676
TI  - Mutations in TMEM230 are not a common cause of Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 28090677
TI  - Elucidation of stress-induced degradation products of mangiferin: Method
      development and validation.
AB  - The degradation behavior of mangiferin, under various ICH Q1A(R2) recommended
      stress conditions, was studied using an isocratic elution with mobile phase (pH
      2.4), composed of acetonitrile and 1% orthophosphoric acid (12:88 v/v) at a flow
      rate of 1.0 mL/min, with lambdamax 262 nm. It was suitably adapted for LC-MS
      studies by replacing with 1% acetic acid (ACN-1% acetic acid; 18:82) and the pH
      was adjusted to 3.0. Extensive degradation was found to occur during alkaline
      medium stress studies at 2.31 min of retention time at lambdamax of 235 nm. The
      mass spectrum of mangiferin, 3 h after treatment with 0.1 M NaOH, clearly shows
      the rupture of the tricyclic ring, indicating that a fragment at m/z - 269 was
      formed. Furthermore, the results were supported by nuclear magnetic resonance as
      well. However, no degradation was observed in other stress conditions.

PMID- 28090679
TI  - Effect of prucalopride on intestinal gas tolerance in patients with functional
      bowel disorders and constipation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with functional bowel disorders develop gas
      retention and symptoms in response to intestinal gas loads that are well
      tolerated by healthy subjects. Stimulation of 5HT-4 receptors in the gut has both
      prokinetic and antinociceptive effects. The aim of this study is to determine the
      effect of prucalopride, a highly selective 5HT-4 agonist, on gas transit and
      tolerance in women with functional bowel disorders complaining of constipation.
      METHODS: Twenty-four women with functional bowel disorders complaining of
      constipation were included in the study. Patients were studied twice on separate
      days in a cross-over design. On each study day, an intestinal gas challenge test
      was performed. During the five previous days, prucalopride (2 mg/day) or placebo
      was administered. Abdominal symptoms, stool frequency, and stool consistency were
      recorded during the treatment period on daily questionnaires. RESULTS: During the
      gas challenge test, prucalopride did not decrease the volume of gas retained in
      the subset of patients who had significant gas retention (>= 200 mL) while on
      placebo. However, in those patients who had increased symptoms during the gas
      test (>= 3 on a 0 to 6 scale) when on placebo, prucalopride did significantly
      reduce the perception of symptoms (2.3 +/- 0.5 mean score vs 3.5 +/- 0.3 on
      placebo; P = 0.045). During the treatment period with prucalopride, patients
      exhibited an increase in the total number of bowel movements and decreased stool
      consistency compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: Prucalopride reduces abdominal
      symptoms without modifying gas retention when patients with functional bowel
      disorders are challenged with the gas transit and tolerance test. European
      Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT2011-006354-86).

PMID- 28090678
TI  - The epileptic and nonepileptic spectrum of paroxysmal dyskinesias:
      Channelopathies, synaptopathies, and transportopathies.
AB  - Historically, the syndrome of primary paroxysmal dyskinesias was considered a
      group of disorders as a result of ion channel dysfunction. This proposition was
      primarily based on the discovery of mutations in ion channels, which caused other
      episodic neurological disorders such as epilepsy and migraine and also supported
      by the frequent association between paroxysmal dyskinesias and epilepsy. However,
      the discovery of the genes responsible for the 3 classic forms of paroxysmal
      dyskinesias disproved this ion channel theory. On the other hand, novel gene
      mutations implicating ion channels have been recently reported to produce
      episodic movement disorders clinically similar to the classic paroxysmal
      dyskinesias. Here, we review the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of the
      paroxysmal dyskinesias, further proposing a pathophysiological framework
      according to which they can be classified as synaptopathies (proline-rich
      transmembrane protein 2 and myofibrillogenesis regulator gene), channelopathies
      (calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha-1 and voltage-gated sodium
      channel type 8), or transportopathies (solute carrier family 2 member 1). This
      proposal might serve to explain similarities and differences among the various
      paroxysmal dyskinesias in terms of clinical features, treatment response, and
      natural history. (c) 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

PMID- 28090680
TI  - Validity of noninvasive composite scores to assess cardiovascular risk in 10-year
      old children.
AB  - Agreement between and classification accuracy of six different noninvasive
      composite scores and a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor score were
      investigated in 911 (466 boys and 445 girls) 10-year-old Norwegian children. A
      CVD risk factor score (triglyceride, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, homeostasis
      model assessment of insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist-to
      height ratio (WHtR), and cardiorespiratory fitness) and six noninvasive risk
      scores (fitness+three different measurements of fatness (body mass index (BMI),
      WHtR, and skinfolds), with and without inclusion of SBP) were calculated (mean z
      score by gender). Agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman plots. The ability of
      noninvasive scores to correctly classify children with clustered CVD risk was
      examined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Cohen's kappa
      coefficient (kappa). For both sexes, the noninvasive scores without SBP showed
      excellent AUC values (AUC=0.93-0.94, 95% CI=0.88-0.98) and moderate kappa values
      (kappa=0.49-0.64) and had limits of agreement of 0.0+/-0.78-0.89 (arbitrary
      unit). Inclusion of SBP increased AUC values (AUC=0.96-0.97, 95% CI=0.94-0.99),
      kappa values (kappa=0.58-0.69), and reduced limits of agreement (0.0+/-0.68
      0.76). Noninvasive scores that include fitness and fatness provide acceptable
      agreement and classification accuracy, allowing for widespread early
      identification of children that might be at risk for developing CVD later in
      life. SBP should be included in the noninvasive score to improve classification
      accuracy if possible.

PMID- 28090681
TI  - Excess of exercise increases the risk of atrial fibrillation.
AB  - An interesting and still not well-understood example for old medical wisdom "Sola
      dosis facit venenum" is the increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in
      athletes. Numerous studies have shown a fourfold to eightfold increased risk of
      AF in athletes compared to the normal population. Analysis of the existing data
      suggests a dose-dependent effect of exercise. Moderate exercise seems to have a
      protective effect and decreases the risk of AF, whereas excessive exercise seems
      to increase the risk of AF. The described cases illustrate clinical
      manifestations within the spectrum of AF in elderly athletes, that is, exercise
      induced AF, vagal AF, chronic AF, and atrial flutter. As the arrhythmia worsened
      quality of life and exercise capacity in all patients, recovery of sinus rhythm
      was desired in all described cases. As the atrial disease was advanced on
      different levels, different treatment regimes were applied. Lifestyle
      modification and temporary anti-arrhythmic drug therapy could stabilize sinus
      rhythm in one patient, whereas others needed radiofrequency ablation to achieve a
      stable sinus rhythm. The patient with the most advanced atrial disease
      necessitated anti-arrhythmic drug therapy and another left atrial ablation. All
      described patients remained in sinus rhythm during the long-term follow-up.

PMID- 28090682
TI  - Pituitary Macrotumor Causing Narcolepsy-Cataplexy in a Dachshund.
AB  - Familial narcolepsy secondary to breed-specific mutations in the hypocretin
      receptor 2 gene and sporadic narcolepsy associated with hypocretin ligand
      deficiencies occur in dogs. In this report, a pituitary mass is described as a
      unique cause of narcolepsy-cataplexy in a dog. A 6-year-old male neutered
      Dachshund had presented for acute onset of feeding-induced cataplexy and was
      found to have a pituitary macrotumor on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      Cerebral spinal fluid hypocretin-1 levels were normal, indicating that tumor
      effect on the ventral lateral nucleus of the hypothalamus was not the cause of
      the dog's narcolepsy-cataplexy. The dog was also negative for the hypocretin
      receptor 2 gene mutation associated with narcolepsy in Dachshunds, ruling out
      familial narcolepsy. The Dachshund underwent stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT),
      which resulted in reduction in the mass and coincident resolution of the
      cataplectic attacks. Nine months after SRT, the dog developed clinical
      hyperadrenocorticism, which was successfully managed with trilostane. These
      findings suggest that disruptions in downstream signaling of hypocretin secondary
      to an intracranial mass effect might result in narcolepsy-cataplexy in dogs and
      that brain MRI should be strongly considered in sporadic cases of narcolepsy
      cataplexy.

PMID- 28090683
TI  - Similar but not consistent: Revisiting the pitfalls of measuring IgG subclasses
      with different assays.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laboratory quantification of IgG subclasses (IgGSc) is a well
      established second-line tool for differential diagnosis of immune deficiencies.
      However, so far there is still no internationally approved standard available for
      IgGSc, and different assays are prone to produce divergent results. In this
      study, we evaluated the comparability and equivalence of two commercially
      available IgGSc assays, one being the Siemens IgGSc assay on a BN ProSpec
      analyzer and the other being The Binding Site (TBS) IgGSc assay on a Roche cobas
      c502 analyzer. METHODS: We analyzed a total of 50 patient plasma samples obtained
      over a 3-month period with both IgGSc assays and compared the resulting data
      based and the CLSI EP09-A3 method comparison guideline. RESULTS: Depending on the
      analyzed IgGSc type, the average relative differences in IgGSc concentration
      (g/L) between the two assays were considerable, starting with -13.5% for IgG1 and
      11.3% for IgG2, over -47.3% for IgG4, and up to 52.9% for IgG3. Applying the
      assay-specific reference intervals, the classification agreement (below, within,
      or above the reference range) ranged from 88% to 90% for the individual
      subclasses. However, only 68% of samples showed an overall classification
      agreement. CONCLUSION: The comparability of the two IgGSc assays proved to be
      limited and might be considered similar at best on the diagnostic level.
      Laboratory specialists as well as clinicians therefore should be cautious when
      using and interpreting IgGSc measurements obtained with different assays or
      analyzers.

PMID- 28090684
TI  - PREDICT-PD: An online approach to prospectively identify risk indicators of
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of early features can precede the diagnosis of Parkinson's
      disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: To test an online, evidence-based algorithm to identify
      risk indicators of PD in the UK population. METHODS: Participants aged 60 to 80
      years without PD completed an online survey and keyboard-tapping task annually
      over 3 years, and underwent smell tests and genotyping for glucocerebrosidase
      (GBA) and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations. Risk scores were
      calculated based on the results of a systematic review of risk factors and early
      features of PD, and individuals were grouped into higher (above 15th centile),
      medium, and lower risk groups (below 85th centile). Previously defined indicators
      of increased risk of PD ("intermediate markers"), including smell loss, rapid eye
      movement-sleep behavior disorder, and finger-tapping speed, and incident PD were
      used as outcomes. The correlation of risk scores with intermediate markers and
      movement of individuals between risk groups was assessed each year and
      prospectively. Exploratory Cox regression analyses with incident PD as the
      dependent variable were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1323 participants were
      recruited at baseline and >79% completed assessments each year. Annual risk
      scores were correlated with intermediate markers of PD each year and baseline
      scores were correlated with intermediate markers during follow-up (all P values <
      0.001). Incident PD diagnoses during follow-up were significantly associated with
      baseline risk score (hazard ratio = 4.39, P = .045). GBA variants or G2019S LRRK2
      mutations were found in 47 participants, and the predictive power for incident PD
      was improved by the addition of genetic variants to risk scores. CONCLUSIONS: The
      online PREDICT-PD algorithm is a unique and simple method to identify indicators
      of PD risk. (c) 2017 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder
      Society.

PMID- 28090685
TI  - Zeolite-Based Organic Synthesis (ZeoBOS) of Acortatarin A: First Total Synthesis
      Based on Native and Metal-Doped Zeolite-Catalyzed Steps.
AB  - Similarly to polymer-supported assisted synthesis (PSAS), organic synthesis could
      be envisaged being performed by using zeolites, native or metal-doped, as
      heterogeneous catalysts. To illustrate this unprecedented Zeolite-Based Organic
      Synthesis (ZeoBOS), the total synthesis of acortatarin A was achieved through a
      novel strategy and using five out of eleven synthetic steps catalyzed by H- or
      metal-doped zeolites as catalysts. Notably, the formation of an yne-pyrrole
      intermediate with a copper-doped zeolite and the spiroketalization of an alkyne
      diol with a silver-doped zeolite have been developed as key steps of the
      synthesis.

PMID- 28090686
TI  - Effectively enhancing cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of alpha-momorcharin by
      integrating a heparin-binding peptide.
AB  - Alpha-momorcharin (alpha-MMC), a type I ribosome-inactivating protein, has
      attracted a great deal of attention because of its antitumor activity. However,
      the cytotoxicity of alpha-MMC is limited due to insufficient cellular
      internalization in cancer cells. To enhance the cytotoxicity of alpha-MMC, a
      heparin-binding domain derived from heparin-binding epidermal growth factor
      (named heparin-binding peptide [HBP]) was used as a cell-penetrating peptide and
      fused to the C-terminus of alpha-MMC. This novel alpha-MMC-HBP fusion protein was
      expressed and purified with a Ni2+ -resin. The N-glycosidase activity and DNase
      activity assay indicated that the introduction of HBP did not interfere with the
      intrinsic bioactivities of alpha-MMC. HBP was able to efficiently carry alpha-MMC
      into the tested cancer cells and significantly enhance the cytotoxic effects of
      alpha-MMC in a dose-dependent manner. This enhanced cytotoxic ability occurred
      due to the higher level of cell apoptosis induced by alpha-MMC-HBP, which was
      demonstrated in western blot analysis in which alpha-MMC-HBP triggered caspase 8,
      caspase 9, casapase 3, and PARP more intensely than alpha-MMC alone. alpha-MMC
      HBP led to an upregulation of cleaved PARP and an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2
      ratio. Our study provided a new practical way to greatly improve the antitumor
      activity of alpha-MMC, which could significantly expand the pharmaceutical
      applications of alpha-MMC.

PMID- 28090687
TI  - Prevalence of psychotropic medication use and association with challenging
      behaviour in adults with an intellectual disability. A total population study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of psychotropic medication use in adults
      with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), often in the absence of psychiatric
      disorder, also associated with challenging behaviour. Previous research has
      focused on specific sample frames or data from primary care providers. There is
      also a lack of consistency in the definition of challenging behaviour used.
      METHODS: We adopted a total population sampling method. Medication data on 265
      adults with ID were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical
      classification system. The Behaviour Problems Inventory - short form classified
      challenging behaviours. We examined the association between challenging behaviour
      and the use of psychotropic medication, and whether any association would still
      be present after accounting for socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.
      RESULTS: 70.57% of adults with ID were prescribed at least one class of any
      medication (mean per person =2.62; range 0-14). Psychotropic medications were
      used by 37.73% of participants with antipsychotics the commonest type used by
      21.89% of individuals. Polypharmacy and high dosages were common. Generalised
      Linear Models indicated significant associations between psychotropic medication
      and the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis, challenging behaviour, older age and
      type of residence. Male gender was additionally associated with antipsychotic
      medication. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a total population sample identified via
      multiple routes is less likely to overestimate prevalence rates of medication
      use. Current challenging behaviour was a predictor of medication use after
      controlling for other variables. Data indicate that there may be differences in
      prescribing patterns associated with different topographies of challenging
      behaviours.

PMID- 28090689
TI  - alpha-Aminoxy Peptoids: A Unique Peptoid Backbone with a Preference for cis-Amide
      Bonds.
AB  - alpha-Peptoids, or N-substituted glycine oligomers, are an important class of
      peptidomimetic foldamers with proteolytic stability. Nevertheless, the presence
      of cis/trans-amide bond conformers, which contribute to the high flexibility of
      alpha-peptoids, is considered as a major drawback. A modified peptoid backbone
      with an improved control of the amide bond geometry could therefore help to
      overcome this limitation. Herein, we have performed the first thorough analysis
      of the folding propensities of alpha-aminoxy peptoids (or N-substituted 2
      aminoxyacetic acid oligomers). To this end, the amide bond geometry and the
      conformational properties of a series of model alpha-aminoxy peptoids were
      investigated by using 1D and 2D NMR experiments, X-ray crystallography, natural
      bond orbital (NBO) analysis, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations revealing a unique preference for cis-amide bonds even
      in the absence of cis-directing side chains. The conformational analysis based on
      the MD simulations revealed that alpha-aminoxy peptoids can adopt helical
      conformations that can mimic the spatial arrangement of peptide side chains in a
      canonical alpha-helix. Given their ease of synthesis and conformational
      properties, alpha-aminoxy peptoids represent a new member of the peptoid family
      capable of controlling the amide isomerism while maintaining the potential for
      side-chain diversity.

PMID- 28090688
TI  - Exosomal miR-146a Contributes to the Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy of Interleukin
      1beta-Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cells Against Sepsis.
AB  - Improving the immunomodulatory efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through
      pretreatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines is an evolving field of
      investigation. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified.
      Here, we pretreated human umbilical cord-derived MSCs with interleukin-1beta (IL
      1beta) and evaluated their therapeutic effects in a cecal ligation and puncture
      induced sepsis model. We found that systemic administration of IL-1beta
      pretreated MSCs (betaMSCs) ameliorated the symptoms of murine sepsis more
      effectively and increased the survival rate compared with naive MSCs.
      Furthermore, betaMSCs could more effectively induce macrophage polarization
      toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype through the paracrine activity.
      Mechanistically, we demonstrated that betaMSC-derived exosomes contributed to the
      enhanced immunomodulatory properties of betaMSCs both in vitro and in vivo.
      Importantly, we found that miR-146a, a well-known anti-inflammatory microRNA, was
      strongly upregulated by IL-1beta stimulation and selectively packaged into
      exosomes. This exosomal miR-146a was transferred to macrophages, resulted in M2
      polarization, and finally led to increased survival in septic mice. In contrast,
      inhibition of miR-146a through transfection with miR-146a inhibitors partially
      negated the immunomodulatory properties of betaMSC-derived exosomes. Taken
      together, IL-1beta pretreatment effectively enhanced the immunomodulatory
      properties of MSCs partially through exosome-mediated transfer of miR-146a.
      Therefore, we believe that IL-1beta pretreatment may provide a new modality for
      better therapeutic application of MSCs in inflammatory disorders. Stem Cells
      2017;35:1208-1221.

PMID- 28090690
TI  - The many faces of autonomic failure in multiple system atrophy.

PMID- 28090691
TI  - Peg3/PW1 Is a Marker of a Subset of Vessel Associated Endothelial Progenitors.
AB  - Vascular associated endothelial cell (ECs) progenitors are still poorly studied
      and their role in the newly forming vasculature at embryonic or postnatal stage
      remains elusive. In the present work, we first defined a set of genes highly
      expressed during embryo development and strongly downregulated in the adult
      mouse. In this group, we then concentrated on the progenitor cell marker
      Peg3/PW1. By in vivo staining of the vasculature we found that only a subset of
      cells coexpressed endothelial markers and PW1. These cells were quite abundant in
      the embryo vasculature but declined in number at postnatal and adult stages.
      Using a reporter mouse for PW1 expression, we have been able to isolate PW1
      positive (PW1posECs) and negative endothelial cells (PW1negECs). PW1-positive
      cells were highly proliferative in comparison to PW1negECs and were able to form
      colonies when seeded at clonal dilution. Furthermore, by RNAseq analysis,
      PW1posECs expressed endothelial cell markers together with mesenchymal and stem
      cell markers. When challenged by endothelial growth factors in vitro, PW1posECs
      were able to proliferate more than PW1negECs and to efficiently form new vessels
      in vivo. Taken together these data identify a subset of vessel associated
      endothelial cells with characteristics of progenitor cells. Considering their
      high proliferative potential these cells may be of particular importance to
      design therapies to improve the perfusion of ischemic tissues or to promote
      vascular repair. Stem Cells 2017;35:1328-1340.

PMID- 28090692
TI  - A high-resolution reference genetic map positioning 8.8 K genes for the conifer
      white spruce: structural genomics implications and correspondence with physical
      distance.
AB  - Over the last decade, extensive genetic and genomic resources have been developed
      for the conifer white spruce (Picea glauca, Pinaceae), which has one of the
      largest plant genomes (20 Gbp). Draft genome sequences of white spruce and other
      conifers have recently been produced, but dense genetic maps are needed to
      comprehend genome macrostructure, delineate regions involved in quantitative
      traits, complement functional genomic investigations, and assist the assembly of
      fragmented genomic sequences. A greatly expanded P. glauca composite linkage map
      was generated from a set of 1976 full-sib progeny, with the positioning of 8793
      expressed genes. Regions with significant low or high gene density were
      identified. Gene family members tended to be mapped on the same chromosomes, with
      tandemly arrayed genes significantly biased towards specific functional classes.
      The map was integrated with transcriptome data surveyed across eight tissues. In
      total, 69 clusters of co-expressed and co-localising genes were identified. A
      high level of synteny was found with pine genetic maps, which should facilitate
      the transfer of structural information in the Pinaceae. Although the current
      white spruce genome sequence remains highly fragmented, dozens of scaffolds
      encompassing more than one mapped gene were identified. From these, the
      relationship between genetic and physical distances was examined and the genome
      wide recombination rate was found to be much smaller than most estimates reported
      for angiosperm genomes. This gene linkage map shall assist the large-scale
      assembly of the next-generation white spruce genome sequence and provide a
      reference resource for the conifer genomics community.

PMID- 28090693
TI  - Will the Needs-Based Planning of Health Human Resources Currently Undertaken in
      Several Countries Lead to Excess Supply and Inefficiency? Rejoinder.

PMID- 28090694
TI  - Graphene Oxide Wrapped SiO2 /TiO2 Hollow Nanoparticles Loaded with
      Photosensitizer for Photothermal and Photodynamic Combination Therapy.
AB  - Graphene oxide (GO) enwrapped SiO2 /TiO2 hollow nanoparticles (GO-HNP) are
      synthesized by the Stober method and used as a nanocarrier for loading
      protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). The synthesized nanoparticle has high dispersibility
      and high uniformity in diameter (ca. 50 nm). Furthermore, this nanoparticle shows
      lambda=808 nm laser induced PpIX release properties (photoinduced "on-off" drug
      release system). GO-HNP-PpIX is employed for inducing both photothermal therapy
      (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The synergic effect of PTT and PDT exhibits
      powerful anticancer properties. When cancer cells are treated with GO-HNP-PpIX
      and irradiated with both visible light and a NIR laser, the cell viability drops
      dramatically to 2.5 %, which is an anticancer effect approximately 13 times
      higher than that obtained in a previous study. Moreover, no significant cell
      damage has been observed under lambda=808 nm laser irradiation. The GO-HNP-PpIX
      system suggests an external stimuli-responsive efficient anticancer treatment
      effect toward human breast cancer cells.

PMID- 28090695
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28090696
TI  - Discrepancies in paper by Chiam et al.: The haemodynamic effects of intravenous
      paracetamol.

PMID- 28090698
TI  - Presentation and validation of the DuckEES child and adolescent dynamic facial
      expressions stimulus set.
AB  - The stimulus sets presently used to study emotion processing are primarily static
      pictures of individuals (primarily adults) making emotional facial expressions.
      However, the dynamic, stereotyped movements associated with emotional expressions
      contain rich information missing from static pictures, such as the difference
      between happiness and pride. We created a set of 1.1 s dynamic emotional facial
      stimuli representing boys and girls aged 8-18. A separate group of 36 individuals
      (mean [M] age = 19.5 years, standard deviation [SD] = 1.95, 13 male) chose the
      most appropriate emotion label for each video from a superset of 250 videos.
      Validity and reliability statistics were performed across all stimuli, which were
      then used to determine which stimuli should be included in the final stimulus
      set. We set a criterion for inclusion of 70% agreement with the modal response
      made for each video. The final stimulus set contains 142 videos of 36 actors (M
      age = 13.24 years, SD = 2.09, 14 male) making negative (disgust, embarrassment,
      fear, sadness), positive (happiness, pride), and neutral facial expressions. The
      percent correct among the final stimuli was high (median = 88.89%; M = 88.38%, SD
      = 7.74%), as was reliability (kappa = 0.753).

PMID- 28090699
TI  - Modelling IRF8 Deficient Human Hematopoiesis and Dendritic Cell Development with
      Engineered iPS Cells.
AB  - Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can differentiate into cells of all
      three germ layers, including hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny.
      Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is a transcription factor, which acts in
      hematopoiesis as lineage determining factor for myeloid cells, including
      dendritic cells (DC). Autosomal recessive or dominant IRF8 mutations occurring in
      patients cause severe monocytic and DC immunodeficiency. To study IRF8 in human
      hematopoiesis we generated human IRF8-/- iPS cells and IRF8-/- embryonic stem
      (ES) cells using RNA guided CRISPR/Cas9n genome editing. Upon induction of
      hematopoietic differentiation, we demonstrate that IRF8 is dispensable for iPS
      cell and ES cell differentiation into hemogenic endothelium and for endothelial
      to-hematopoietic transition, and thus development of hematopoietic progenitors.
      We differentiated iPS cell and ES cell derived progenitors into CD141+ cross
      presenting cDC1 and CD1c+ classical cDC2 and CD303+ plasmacytoid DC (pDC). We
      found that IRF8 deficiency compromised cDC1 and pDC development, while cDC2
      development was largely unaffected. Additionally, in an unrestricted
      differentiation regimen, IRF8-/- iPS cells and ES cells exhibited a clear bias
      toward granulocytes at the expense of monocytes. IRF8-/- DC showed reduced MHC
      class II expression and were impaired in cytokine responses, migration, and
      antigen presentation. Taken together, we engineered a human IRF8 knockout model
      that allows studying molecular mechanisms of human immunodeficiencies in vitro,
      including the pathophysiology of IRF8 deficient DC. Stem Cells 2017;35:898-908.

PMID- 28090700
TI  - The Mandarin Chinese version of the Beach Centre Family Quality of Life Scale:
      development and psychometric properties in Taiwanese families of children with
      developmental delay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early intervention (EI) practitioners provide individualised family
      centred services to enhance the quality of life (QOL) of families of children
      with developmental delay (DD). Family QOL (FQOL) could be an important outcome
      indictor for EI, but there is no measurement tool for FQOL in Mandarin Chinese.
      The purpose of this study was to translate the Beach Centre FQOL Scale (BCFQOL)
      into Mandarin Chinese and to examine the psychometric properties of the scale in
      families of children with DD. METHODS: Two independent translations were
      performed by two bilingual professors whose mother tongue was Mandarin, and two
      back-translations were performed by two bilingual professionals whose mother
      tongue was English. The translated and back-translated questionnaires were
      reviewed to revise the questionnaire. Five experts assessed the accuracy,
      equivalence and cultural appropriateness of the scale, and 10 parents of children
      with DD were interviewed to examine its readability, clarity and cultural
      appropriateness. From July to November 2014, we recruited 360 primary caregivers
      of children with DD who were receiving EI in northern Taiwan to validate the
      scale. The participants completed the BCFQOL as well as a one item overall
      ratings of their FQOL. RESULTS: Item analysis was performed to assess each item.
      Confirmatory factor analysis supported the following five-factor structure as in
      the original scale: family interaction, parenting, emotional well-being,
      physical/material well-being and disability-related support. The scale exhibited
      excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96) and test
      retest reliability at a 2-week interval (intra-class correlation coefficient =
      0.92). Contrasted group validity was supported by significantly higher BCFQOL
      scores in the top quartile of the overall FQOL rating than the lowest quartile.
      The convergent validity was supported by the significant correlation between the
      FQOL item and the BCFQOL (r = 0.608, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed
      that the Mandarin Chinese version of the BCFQOL is reliable and valid for
      Taiwanese families of children with DD. The instrument could be applied to assess
      FQOL in families of children with DD who are receiving EI in order to evaluate
      family services and supports.

PMID- 28090701
TI  - The nationwide register-based prevalence of intellectual disability during
      childhood and adolescence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have evaluated the prevalence of intellectual disability
      (ID) by focusing on different ages during childhood and adolescence. Although the
      prevalence of ID is higher in older age groups, how cumulative prevalence
      increases, and what level it reaches before adulthood, remains unclear. METHOD:
      We used Care Register for Health Care to retrieve information on individuals born
      in 1996-2007 with any of the inclusion diagnoses of ID (F7 group and/or
      aetiological diagnoses) for the period 1996 to 2013. The cumulative prevalence
      was calculated as percentages for every age based on Finnish population data.
      RESULTS: The registration of new diagnoses of ID continued steadily throughout
      the developmental years. The cumulative prevalence reached 1.19% by age 17.5
      among those born in 1996. Later-born age groups appeared to receive their first
      ID diagnoses earlier in childhood. Those born in 1999 reached a cumulative
      prevalence of 1.21% already by age 14.5. Of all those with ID, 67% had an F7
      diagnosis only, 42% had an aetiological diagnosis only and 9% had both diagnoses.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative prevalence of ID by year, until the age of 18, will
      provide a better estimate and understanding of the prevalence of ID than a point
      prevalence at any one point during the developmental years.

PMID- 28090702
TI  - Intellectual disability and patient activation after release from prison: a
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intellectual disability and patient activation may be important
      drivers of inequities in health service access and health outcomes for people
      with intellectual disability transitioning from prison to the community. We
      assessed the association between intellectual disability and patient activation
      after prison release and examined whether this association varied, depending on
      whether intellectual disability was identified prior to prison release. METHODS:
      Overall, 936 prisoners were screened for intellectual disability by using the
      Hayes Ability Screening Index and completed the Patient Activation Measure (PAM)
      within 6 weeks of prison release and again at 1, 3 and 6 months post-release. We
      estimated the association between intellectual disability status and PAM scores
      by using a multilevel linear model, adjusting for sociodemographic, behavioural,
      health and criminogenic factors. We used propensity score matching to estimate
      the impact of being identified with intellectual disability prior to release from
      prison on the change in mean PAM score after prison release. RESULTS: Compared
      with those who screened negative for intellectual disability, ex-prisoners who
      screened positive, both with and without prior identification of intellectual
      disability, had significantly decreased mean PAM scores [(B = -4.3; 95% CI: -6.3,
      -2.4) and (B = -4.5; 95% CI: -6.8, -2.3), respectively] over 6 months of follow
      up. Among those who reported being identified with intellectual disability prior
      to release from prison, a significant increase in PAM score at the 6-month follow
      up interview (B = 5.89; 95% CI: 2.35, 9.42; P = 0.001) was attributable to being
      identified with intellectual disability prior to release. CONCLUSIONS: Ex
      prisoners screening positive for possible intellectual disability have decreased
      patient activation for at least 6 months after release from prison. However,
      individuals whose possible intellectual disability is unidentified appear to be
      particularly vulnerable. Incarceration is a pivotal opportunity for the
      identification of intellectual disability and for initiating transitional
      linkages to health and intellectual disability-specific community services for
      this marginalised population.

PMID- 28090703
TI  - Differentiation of Islet Progenitors Regulated by Nicotinamide into Transcriptome
      Verified beta Cells That Ameliorate Diabetes.
AB  - Developmental stage-specific differentiation of stem or progenitor cells into
      safe and functional cells is of fundamental importance in regenerative medicine,
      including beta-cell replacement. However, the differentiation of islet progenitor
      cells (IPCs) into insulin-secreting beta cells remains elusive. Here, we report
      that the multifunctional molecule nicotinamide (NIC) is a specific
      differentiation regulator of mouse IPCs. The differentiated cells regulated by
      NIC exhibited many characteristics of adult beta cells, including ameliorating
      preclinical diabetes and a highly comparable transcriptome profile. Gene set
      enrichment analysis showed that during differentiation, numerous IPC
      transcription factor genes, including Ngn3, Pax4, Fev, and Mycl1, were all down
      regulated. Pharmacological, biochemical, and gene knockdown analyses collectively
      demonstrated that NIC regulated the differentiation via inhibiting Sirt1 (silent
      information regulator transcript 1). Finally, NIC also regulates human IPC
      differentiation. Thus, our study advances islet developmental biology and impacts
      on translational research and regenerative therapies to diabetes and other
      diseases. Stem Cells 2017;35:1341-1354.

PMID- 28090704
TI  - Effectiveness of telephone-based interventions on health-related quality of life
      and prognostic outcomes in breast cancer patients and survivors-A meta-analysis.
AB  - The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of telephone-based
      interventions on prognostic outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)
      in breast cancer patients and survivors. A systematic search of the Cochrane
      Library, Web of science, Medline, EMBASE, CNKI and CBM database was carried out.
      Randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of telephone-based
      intervention versus a control group receiving no telephone intervention, on
      prognostic outcomes and HRQoL with breast cancer were included. A meta-analysis
      was conducted to quantify the effects of telephone-based interventions on
      anxiety, depression, fatigue, self-efficiency, physiological function, social
      domestic function and quality of life. In total, 14 studies involving 2002
      participants were included. Due to the effect of telephone-based interventions,
      statistically significant results were found on anxiety (standard mean difference
      [SMD] = -0.16, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [0.01, 0.30], p = .04), self
      efficiency (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI [-0.34, -0.10], p = .0004), social-domestic
      function (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI [-0.35, -0.03], p = .02) and quality of life (SMD =
      0.54, 95% CI [-1.00, -0.08], p = .02). Although the effects on depression,
      fatigue and physiological function were in the expected direction, these effects
      were not statistically significant (p > .05) based on the insufficient evidence.

PMID- 28090705
TI  - Osteogenic differentiation potential of adipose-derived stem cells from
      ovariectomized mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic disease caused by imbalance between
      bone resorption and bone formation, commonly resulting from post-menopausal
      oestrogen deficiency. Although osteogenic differentiation potential of adipose
      derived stem cells (ASCs) has been demonstrated, the effect of OP on osteogenic
      differentiation of ASCs remains unclear. Here, our work has been designed to
      compare proliferative capacity and osteogenic differentiation ability of ASCs
      obtained from osteoporotic mice and normal control mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty 14-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups:
      one, the ovariectomy (OVX) group (n=10), the other being the sham operated (Sham)
      group (n=10). ASCs and OP-ASCs were obtained from subcutaneous fat of female
      inguinal sites. Cells were passaged three times prior to subsequent
      experimentation. The xCELLigence system was used to monitor cell adhesion and
      proliferation. Mineralized nodules of differentiated ASCs and OP-ASCs were
      analysed using Alizarin red staining after osteogenic induction. Expressions of
      osteogenic-specific genes including osteopontin (Opn) and runt-related
      transcription factor 2 (Runx2) were assessed by real-time PCR and expression of
      bone-related proteins was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Numbers of cells
      in all groups increased steadily for 6 days; rate of cell proliferation in the
      Sham group was found to be higher than in the OVX group after 48 hours.
      Mineralized bone nodular structures were significantly more concentrated in the
      Sham group than in the OVX group by day 21, and mRNA levels of Runx2 in the OVX
      group were significantly lower than in the Sham group. Transcript levels of genes
      coding for Opn showed a similar pattern to those of Runx2. Western blot results
      indicated that protein expression levels of OPN and RUNX2 in the OVX group were
      lower than those in the Sham group, at each time point. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results indicated that the proliferative capacity and osteogenic potential of
      ASCs were significantly impaired in osteoporotic mice compared to normal
      controls. However, use of autologous transplantation of modified OP-ASCs for
      treatment of OP, or combination of composite scaffolds and modified OP-ASCs for
      repair of osteoporotic bone defects, can overcome shortcomings of other methods.

PMID- 28090706
TI  - Western blot analysis of sera from dogs with suspected food allergy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food allergy is often suspected in dogs with clinical signs of atopic
      dermatitis. This diagnosis is confirmed with an elimination diet and a subsequent
      challenge with regular food. Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of food allergy
      in dogs are unreliable and/or technically difficult. Cyno-DIAL(r) is a Western
      blot method that might assist with the selection of an appropriate elimination
      diet. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of Cyno-DIAL(r) for the
      selection of an elimination diet and diagnosis of food allergy. ANIMALS/METHODS:
      Thirty eight dogs with atopic dermatitis completed an elimination diet. Combining
      the results of the diet trials and the challenges, 14 dogs were classified as
      food allergic (FA), 22 as nonfood-allergic and two as ambiguous cases. RESULTS:
      Amongst all dogs and amongst dogs with a clinical diagnosis of FA, 3% and 7%
      (respectively) were positive to Royal Canin Anallergenic(r) , Vet-Concept
      Kanguru(r) or Vet-Concept Dog Sana(r) ; 8% and 7% to Hill's d/d Duck and Rice(r)
      ; 8% and 21% to Hill's z/d Ultra Allergen Free(r) ; 53% and 64% to Eukanuba
      Dermatosis FP(r) ; and 32% and 43% to a home-cooked diet of horse meat, potatoes
      and zucchini. The specificity and sensitivity of Cyno-DIAL(r) for diagnosing food
      allergy were 73% and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:
      Although Cyno-DIAL(r) was considered potentially useful for identifying
      appropriate foods for elimination diet trials, it cannot be recommended for the
      diagnosis of food allergy. The Cyno-DIAL(r) test performed better than some
      previously evaluated ELISA-based tests.

PMID- 28090707
TI  - Organoselenium-Catalyzed Regioselective C-H Pyridination of 1,3-Dienes and
      Alkenes.
AB  - An efficient approach for organoselenium-catalyzed regioselective C-H
      pyridination of 1,3-dienes to form pyridinium salts has been developed. This
      method was also successfully applied to direct C-H pyridination of alkenes.
      Fluoropyridinium reagents, or initially loaded pyridine derivatives, acted as
      pyridine sources in the pyridination reactions. The obtained pyridinium salts
      could be further converted under different conditions. This work is the first
      example of catalytic C-2 direct C-H functionalization of 1,3-dienes and the first
      case of organoselenium-catalyzed C-H pyridination.

PMID- 28090709
TI  - Copper-Catalyzed Three-Component Annulations of Alkenes, Nitrosoarenes, and N
      Hydroxyallylamines To Form Fused Oxazinane/Isoxazolidine Heterocycles.
AB  - One-pot cascade annulations among nitrosoarenes, alkenes, and N
      hydroxyallylamines have been achieved with CuCl/O2 catalysts, forming fused
      oxazinane/isoxazolidine heterocycles with excellent diastereoselectivity (d.r.
      >20:1). To enhance the synthetic utility, we developed a successive cleavage of
      the two N-O bonds of the resulting heterocycles. A mechanism involving dipolar
      [3+2] cycloadditions of nitrone intermediates with their tethered alkenes is
      postulated for formation of these heterocycles.

PMID- 28090708
TI  - Effect of semiquantitative culture results from complex host surgical wounds on
      dehiscence rates.
AB  - The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of positive bacterial
      cultures at the time of closure on dehiscence rates. Pre- and post-debridement
      wound cultures from patients undergoing serial surgical debridement of infected
      wounds were compared with outcomes 30 days postoperatively. One-hundred patients
      were enrolled; 35 were excluded for incomplete culture data. Sixty-five patients
      were evaluated for species counts, including Coagulase negative Staphylococcus
      (CoNS), and semiquantitative culture data for each debridement. The post
      debridement cultures on the date of closure had no growth in 42 patients (64.6%)
      of which 6 dehisced (14.3%), and 36 remained closed; with no statistically
      significant difference in dehiscence rates (p = 0.0664). Pre-debridement cultures
      from the 1st debridement of the 65 patients showed 8 patients had no growth, 29
      grew 1 species, 19 grew 2 species, and 9 had 3-5 species. There was a reduction
      in the number of species and improvement of semiquantitative cultures with each
      subsequent debridement. The dehiscence rate for those who had 2 debridements (n =
      42) was 21.4% at 30 day follow-up and 21.7% in those who had 3 debridements (n =
      23). The number of debridements had no statistical significance on dehiscence
      rates. The presence of CoNS on the day of closure was a statistically significant
      risk for dehiscence within 30 days (p = 0.0091) postoperatively. This data
      demonstrates: (1) positive post-debridement cultures (scant/rare, growth in
      enrichment broth) at the time of closure did not affect overall dehiscence rates
      (p = 0.0664), (2) the number of species and semiquantitative culture results both
      improved with each subsequent debridement, (3) the number of surgical debridement
      did not influence postclosure dehiscence rates. (4) Positive cultures containing
      CoNS at the time of closure is a risk factor for dehiscence (p = 0.0091).

PMID- 28090710
TI  - Fibrillatory wave amplitude on transesophageal ECG as a marker of left atrial low
      voltage areas in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-voltage areas (LVAs) are frequently observed in patients with
      persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) and may represent adverse atrial
      remodeling. However, noninvasive method of evaluating LAVs is not well
      established. METHODS: In a cohort of 68 patients with PeAF, endocardial voltage
      maps of left atrium (LA) were created during sinus rhythm after pulmonary vein
      isolation (PVI). LVAs were defined as areas with electrogram amplitudes <0.5 mV.
      LA-LVAs were correlated with clinical, echocardiographic, surface, and
      transesophageal electrocardiography (TE-ECG) variables. RESULTS: LA voltage
      mapping revealed any degree of LA-LVAs in 50 (73.5%) patients. Patients with LA
      LVAs were older, had a longer history of AF, and lower fibrillatory wave (F wave)
      amplitude on TE-ECG (0.27 +/- 0.06 vs 0.39 +/- 0.08 mv, p < .01) as compared to
      patients without LA-LVAs. The extent of LA-LVAs was weakly correlated with age (R
      = 0.36, p = .03) and AF duration (R = 0.26, p = .02), but significantly
      correlated with F-wave amplitude on TE-ECG (R = -0.57, p < .01). Only F-wave
      amplitude on TE-ECG was found as independent predictor for the presence of LA
      LVAs (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.09-2.96, p = .03). A receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve identified an F-wave amplitude of 0.29 mV (AUC =
      0.788; sensitivity = 68.4%; specificity = 73.2%) on TE-ECG as the optimal cutoff
      value for predicting LA-LVAs. CONCLUSIONS: As a noninvasive investigation, F-wave
      amplitude on TE-ECG may be used as an indicator for the presence of LA-LVAs.

PMID- 28090712
TI  - Academie des Sciences Prizes Novartis Chemistry Lectureship 2016-2017 Welch Award
      in Chemistry.

PMID- 28090711
TI  - Topical application of nitrosonifedipine, a novel radical scavenger, ameliorates
      ischemic skin flap necrosis in a mouse model.
AB  - Ischemic skin flap necrosis can occur in random pattern flaps. An excess amount
      of reactive oxygen species is generated and causes necrosis in the ischemic
      tissue. Nitrosonifedipine (NO-NIF) has been demonstrated to possess potent
      radical scavenging ability. However, there has been no study on the effects of NO
      NIF on ischemic skin flap necrosis. Therefore, they evaluated the potential of NO
      NIF in ameliorating ischemic skin flap necrosis in a mouse model. A random
      pattern skin flap (1.0 * 3.0 cm) was elevated on the dorsum of C57BL/6 mice. NO
      NIF was administered by topical injection immediately after surgery and every 24
      hours thereafter. Flap survival was evaluated on postoperative day 7. Tissue
      samples from the skin flaps were harvested on postoperative days 1 and 3 to
      analyze oxidative stress, apoptosis and endothelial dysfunction. The viable area
      of the flap in the NO-NIF group was significantly increased (78.30 +/- 7.041%)
      compared with that of the control group (47.77 +/- 6.549%, p < 0.01). NO-NIF
      reduced oxidative stress, apoptosis and endothelial dysfunction, which were
      evidenced by the decrease of malondialdehyde, p22phox protein expression, number
      of apoptotic cells, phosphorylated p38 MAPK protein expression, and vascular cell
      adhesion molecule-1 protein expression while endothelial nitric oxide synthase
      protein expression was increased. In conclusion, they demonstrated that NO-NIF
      ameliorated ischemic skin flap necrosis by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis,
      and endothelial dysfunction. NO-NIF is considered to be a candidate for the
      treatment of ischemic flap necrosis.

PMID- 28090713
TI  - Nucleotide-Independent Copper(II)-Based Distance Measurements in DNA by Pulsed
      ESR Spectroscopy.
AB  - A site-specific Cu2+ binding motif within a DNA duplex for distance measurements
      by ESR spectroscopy is reported. This motif utilizes a commercially available
      2,2'-dipicolylamine (DPA) phosphormadite easily incorporated into any DNA
      oligonucleotide during initial DNA synthesis. The method only requires the simple
      post-synthetic addition of Cu2+ without the need for further chemical
      modification. Notably, the label is positioned within the DNA duplex, as opposed
      to outside the helical perimeter, for an accurate measurement of duplex distance.
      A distance of 2.7 nm was measured on a doubly Cu2+ -labeled DNA sequence, which
      is in exact agreement with the expected distance from both DNA modeling and
      molecular dynamic simulations. This result suggests that with this labeling
      strategy the ESR measured distance directly reports on backbone DNA distance,
      without the need for further modeling. Furthermore, the labeling strategy is
      structure- and nucleotide-independent.

PMID- 28090714
TI  - Transplantation of CD51+ Stem Leydig Cells: A New Strategy for the Treatment of
      Testosterone Deficiency.
AB  - Stem Leydig cell (SLC) transplantation could provide a new strategy for treating
      the testosterone deficiency. Our previous study demonstrated that CD51 (also
      called integrin alphav) might be a putative cell surface marker for SLCs, but the
      physiological function and efficacy of CD51+ SLCs treatment remain unclear. Here,
      we explore the potential therapeutic benefits of CD51+ SLCs transplantation and
      whether these transplanted cells can be regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary
      gonadal (HPG) axis. CD51+ cells were isolated from the testes of 12-weeks-old
      C57BL/6 mice, and we showed that such cells expressed SLC markers and that they
      were capable of self-renewal, extensive proliferation, and differentiation into
      multiple mesenchymal cell lineages and LCs in vitro. As a specific cytotoxin that
      eliminates Leydig cells (LCs) in adult rats, ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS) was
      used to ablate LCs before the SLC transplantation. After being transplanted into
      the testes of EDS-treated rats, the CD51+ cells differentiated into mature LCs,
      and the recipient rats showed a partial recovery of testosterone production and
      spermatogenesis. Notably, a testosterone analysis revealed a circadian rhythm of
      testosterone secretion in cell-transplanted rats, and these testosterone
      secretions could be suppressed by decapeptyl (a luteinizing hormone-releasing
      hormone agonist), suggesting that the transplanted cells might be regulated by
      the HPG axis. This study is the first to demonstrate that CD51+ SLCs can restore
      the neuroendocrine regulation of testicular function by physiologically
      recovering the expected episodic changes in diurnal testosterone serum levels and
      that SLC transplantation may provide a new tool for the studies of testosterone
      deficiency treatment. Stem Cells 2017;35:1222-1232.

PMID- 28090715
TI  - Health care professionals knowledge and perception of pharmacovigilance in a
      tertiary care teaching hospital in Amman, Jordan.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs)
      by health care professionals is a common inherent health problem encountered in
      many countries. This could be explained by the lack of awareness and knowledge
      about the guidelines to follow to identify and report ADRs. Thus, this study
      aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and perceptions among medical doctors
      and nurses regarding their role as ADRs reporters in Jordan. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted between September 2015 to January 2016 at the
      Jordan University Hospital in Amman. During the study period, a total of 670
      validated questionnaires were distributed to medical doctors and nurses in
      different departments. RESULTS: Most of health care professionals were not aware
      of the concept of pharmacovigilance. Medical doctors showed a better overall
      knowledge compared with nurses (P < .05). Interestingly, despite the low level of
      awareness, the majority of respondents believed in the necessity of reporting
      ADRs. CONCLUSION: Although there is a low level of awareness among health care
      professionals regarding pharmacovigilance, there is strong agreement among them
      about the necessity of reporting ADRs and attending educational sessions about
      pharmacovigilance which will help them to improve the quality of services they
      provide.

PMID- 28090717
TI  - Enantioselective NiH/Pmrox-Catalyzed 1,2-Reduction of alpha,beta-Unsaturated
      Ketones.
AB  - The enantioselective 1,2-reduction of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones was achieved
      using a NiH catalyst in the presence of pinacolborane. This mild process
      represents a general method to access a wide variety of structurally diverse
      alpha-chiral allylic alcohols in excellent yields and enantioselectivity, as well
      as very high levels of ambidoselectivity for 1,2- over 1,4-reduction.
      Furthermore, for reactions on a 10 mmol scale, catalyst loadings as low as 0.5
      mol % could be employed to deliver product without any detrimental effect on the
      yield, enantio-, or ambidoselectivity.

PMID- 28090716
TI  - Does item overlap render measured relationships between pain and challenging
      behaviour trivial? Results from a multicentre cross-sectional study in 13 German
      nursing homes.
AB  - Several studies suggest that pain is a trigger for challenging behaviour in older
      adults with cognitive impairment. However, such measured relationships might be
      confounded due to item overlap as instruments share similar or identical items.
      The purpose of this study was to examine whether the frequently observed
      association between pain and challenging behaviour might be traced back to item
      overlap. This multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 nursing homes
      and examined pain (measure: Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale) and
      challenging behaviour (measure: Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory) in 150
      residents with severe cognitive impairment. The extent of item overlap was
      determined by juxtaposition of both measures' original items. As expected,
      comparison between these instruments revealed an extensive item overlap. The
      statistical relationship between the two phenomena can be traced back mainly to
      the contribution of the overlapping items, which renders the frequently stated
      relationship between pain and challenging behaviour trivial. The status quo of
      measuring such associations must be contested: constructs' discrimination and
      instruments' discrimination have to be discussed critically as item overlap may
      lead to biased conclusions and assumptions in research as well as to inadequate
      care measures in nursing practice.

PMID- 28090718
TI  - An analysis of policies for cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin and azithromycin use in
      Namibia's public sector: Findings and therapeutic implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite Namibia's robust medicine use systems and policies,
      antibiotic use indicators remain suboptimal. Recent medicine use surveys rank
      cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin and azithromycin (CAA) among the most used medicines.
      However, there is rising resistance to CAA (55.9%-96.7%). Unfortunately, to date,
      there have been limited studies evaluating policies to improve antibiotic use in
      Namibia. AIM: To evaluate public sector pharmaceutical policies and guidelines
      influencing the therapeutic use of CAA antibiotics in Namibia. METHODS: Evaluate
      Namibia's pharmaceutical policies and guidelines for CAA use through quantitative
      text analysis. The main outcome variables were the existence of antibiotic
      policies, therapeutic indications per antibiotic and the type/level of healthcare
      facility allowed to use the antibiotic. RESULTS: Policies for antibiotic use were
      limited, with only the draft Namibia Medicines Policy having a statement on
      antibiotic use. Several essential antibiotics had no therapeutic indications
      mentioned in the guidelines. Twenty-nine antibiotics were listed for 69
      therapeutic indications; CAA (49.3%) antibiotics and ATC J01C/J01D (48%) having
      the highest indications per antibiotic. For CAA antibiotics, this suggested use
      was mainly for acute respiratory infections (n=22, 37.2%). Published policies
      (58.6%-17/29) recommended antibiotics for use at the primary healthcare (PHC)
      level, with CAA antibiotics recommended mostly for respiratory tract infections
      and genitourinary infections. CONCLUSIONS: Policy and guidelines for antibiotic
      use in Namibia are not comprehensive and are skewed towards PHCs. Existing
      policies promote the wide use of CAA antibiotics, which may inadvertently result
      in their inappropriate use enhancing resistance rates. This calls for the
      development of more comprehensive antibiotic guidelines and essential medicine
      lists in tandem with local antimicrobial resistance patterns. In addition,
      educational initiatives among all key stakeholder groups.

PMID- 28090719
TI  - Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Cyclic Azapeptides by A3 -Macrocyclization
      Provides High-Affinity CD36-Modulating Peptidomimetics.
AB  - Macrocyclization has enabled the use of peptides in drug discovery creating a
      need for methods to synthesize diverse peptide macrocycles. Azapeptides have
      advanced to clinically used drugs, however, few cyclic azapeptides have been
      studied. A multiple component "A3 -macrocyclization" strategy is described for
      the preparation of diverse cyclic azapeptides and is demonstrated by the
      synthesis of 15 growth hormone releasing hormone-6 (GHRP-6) analogs. Certain
      cyclic aza-GHRP-6 analogs exhibited unprecedented affinity for the CD36 receptor,
      and capacity to modulate Toll-like receptor agonist-induced overproduction of
      nitric oxide, and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production in
      macrophages.

PMID- 28090720
TI  - Stereodivergent-at-Metal Synthesis of [60]Fullerene Hybrids.
AB  - Chiral fullerene-metal hybrids with complete control over the four stereogenic
      centers, including the absolute configuration of the metal atom, have been
      synthesized for the first time. The stereochemistry of the four chiral centers
      formed during [60]fullerene functionalization is the result of both the chiral
      catalysts employed and the diastereoselective addition of the metal complexes
      used (iridium, rhodium, or ruthenium). DFT calculations underpin the observed
      configurational stability at the metal center, which does not undergo an
      epimerization process.

PMID- 28090723
TI  - Light-Activated Sensitive Probes for Amine Detection.
AB  - Our new, simple, and accurate colorimetric method is based on diarylethenes
      (DAEs) for the rapid detection of a wide range of primary and secondary amines.
      The probes consist of aldehyde- or ketone-substituted diarylethenes, which
      undergo an amine-induced decoloration reaction, selectively to give the ring
      closed isomer. Thus, these probes can be activated at the desired moment by light
      irradiation, with a sensitivity that allows the detection of amines at
      concentrations as low as 10-6  m in solution. In addition, the practical
      immobilization of DAEs on paper makes it possible to detect biogenic amines, such
      as cadaverine, in the gas phase above a threshold of 12 ppbv within 30 seconds.

PMID- 28090721
TI  - An Ultrastable and Easily Regenerated Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Molecular Framework
      with Permanent Porosity.
AB  - A robust hydrogen-bonded organic framework HOF-TCBP (H4 TCBP=3,3',5,5'-tetrakis
      (4-carboxyphenyl)-1,1'-biphenyl) has been successfully constructed and
      structurally characterized. It possesses a permanent 3D porous structure with a 5
      fold interpenetrated dia topological network. This activated HOF-TCBP has a high
      BET surface area of 2066 m2  g-1 and is capable of highly selective adsorption
      and separation of light hydrocarbons under ambient conditions. It shows excellent
      thermal stability, as demonstrated by PXRD experiments and N2 adsorption tests.
      Practical use of HOF-TCBP is facilitated by the ease of its preparation and
      renewal through rotary evaporation.

PMID- 28090722
TI  - Bi(IO3 )F2 : The First Metal Iodate Fluoride with a Very Strong Second Harmonic
      Generation Effect.
AB  - The first metal iodate fluoride, Bi(IO3 )F2 , with a strong second harmonic
      generation (SHG) effect has been prepared. Bi(IO3 )F2 crystallizes in the polar
      space group C2 and features a three-dimensional [BiF2 ]+ cationic framework with
      IO3 groups capping the inner walls of the one-dimensional tunnels. This [BiF2 ]+
      cationic framework acts as a template for the assembly of the polar IO3 units in
      a favorable superposed fashion, which leads to the polar structure of the
      material. Bi(IO3 )F2 displays a rather wide transmittance window (0.3-11 MUm) and
      exhibits a very strong SHG response that is about 11.5 times larger than that of
      KH2 PO4 (KDP) under 1064 nm laser radiation and the same as that of KTiOPO4 (KTP)
      under 2.05 MUm laser radiation. Preliminary investigations indicate that Bi(IO3
      )F2 is a promising nonlinear optical material in the visible and mid-IR region.

PMID- 28090724
TI  - Efficacy of topical insulin in wound healing: A preliminary systematic review and
      meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - Topical insulin has been shown to promote wound healing in various studies.
      Considering the absence of a systematic review and quantitative synthesis on the
      same, the present study was carried out. Using an appropriate search strategy,
      electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that have
      compared topical application of insulin in wounds with normal saline. Standardize
      mean differences were calculated for the following outcome measures: healing rate
      of ulcers/wound, percent granulation tissue growth, microvessel density, time to
      heal, wound area and ulcer severity score. Cochrane's risk of bias tool was used
      for each of the studies and RevMan 5.3 software was used to generate the pooled
      estimates and Forest plots. The quality of evidence was assessed by the Grades of
      Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group
      approach. A total of 8 studies were found eligible to be included in this review
      and 7 for the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates were as follows: healing rate
      0.04 [-1.38, 1.46]; percent granulation tissue-10.99 [-10.07, 32.06], microvessel
      density-3.01 [-1.67, 7.69] and wound area--6.59 [-9.7, -3.48]. There was only one
      study for each of the following outcome measures: time to heal and ulcer severity
      score. Hence, pooling of the results was not attempted for these outcome
      measures. The studies conducted in this field were preliminary and it was
      difficult to draw any conclusion regarding the use of insulin topically for wound
      healing.

PMID- 28090725
TI  - Non-Aqueous Microwave-Assisted Syntheses of Deca- and Hexa-Molybdovanadates.
AB  - We report a new approach for the synthesis of heterohexa- and heterodecametalates
      via the use of non-aqueous, microwave-assisted reaction conditions. The two novel
      molybdovanadates have been isolated and characterized in the solid and solution
      states using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, UV/Vis, multinuclear NMR
      spectroscopy, and ESI-MS. The relative stabilities of the possible structural
      isomers were probed using dispersion-corrected DFT calculations for both
      polyoxometalate systems.

PMID- 28090726
TI  - Trials of new anti-diabetes agents.

PMID- 28090728
TI  - Exploring Text and Icon Graph Interpretation in Students with Dyslexia: An Eye
      tracking Study.
AB  - A growing body of research suggests that individuals with dyslexia struggle to
      use graphs efficiently. Given the persistence of orthographic processing deficits
      in dyslexia, this study tested whether graph interpretation deficits in dyslexia
      are directly related to difficulties processing the orthographic components of
      graphs (i.e. axes and legend labels). Participants were 80 college students with
      and without dyslexia. Response times and eye movements were recorded as students
      answered comprehension questions about simple data displayed in bar graphs. Axes
      and legends were labelled either with words (mixed-modality graphs) or icons
      (orthography-free graphs). Students also answered informationally equivalent
      questions presented in sentences (orthography-only condition). Response times
      were slower in the dyslexic group only for processing sentences. However, eye
      tracking data revealed group differences for processing mixed-modality graphs,
      whereas no group differences were found for the orthography-free graphs. When
      processing bar graphs, students with dyslexia differ from their able reading
      peers only when graphs contain orthographic features. Implications for processing
      informational text are discussed. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28090727
TI  - Italian patients with more recent onset of Major Depressive Disorder have a
      shorter duration of untreated illness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous investigation on the duration of untreated illness (DUI) in
      patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) revealed a different latency to
      first antidepressant treatment, with adverse consequences in terms of outcome for
      individuals with a longer DUI. Recent reports, moreover, documented a reduced
      DUI, as observed with the passage of time, in patients with different psychiatric
      disorders. Hence, the present study was aimed to assess DUI and related variables
      in a sample of Italian patients with MDD as well as to investigate potential
      differences in subjects with onset before and after 2000. METHODS: An overall
      sample of 188 patients with MDD was assessed through a specific questionnaire
      investigating DUI and other variables related to the psychopathological onset and
      latency to first antidepressant treatment, after dividing them in two different
      subgroups on the basis of their epoch of onset. RESULTS: The whole sample showed
      a mean DUI of approximately 4.5 years, with patients with more recent onset
      showing a significantly shorter latency to treatment compared with the other
      group (27.1+/-42.6 vs 75.8+/-105.2 months, P<.05). Other significant differences
      emerged between the two subgroups, in terms of rates of onset-related stressful
      events and benzodiazepine prescription, respectively, higher and lower in
      patients with more recent onset. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a significant
      DUI reduction in MDD patients whose onset occurred after vs before 2000, along
      with other relevant differences in terms of onset-related correlates and first
      pharmacotherapy. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to confirm the
      present findings in Italy and other countries.

PMID- 28090729
TI  - Notes on the use of randomised controlled trials to evaluate complex
      interventions: Community treatment orders as an illustrative case.
AB  - Over the past seven decades, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have
      revolutionised clinical research and achieved a gold standard status. However,
      extending their use to evaluate complex interventions is problematic. In this
      paper we will demonstrate that complex intervention RCTs violate the necessary
      premises that govern the RCTs logic and underpin their rigour. The lack of
      blinding, heterogeneity of participants, as well as poor treatment
      standardisation and difficulty of controlling for confounders, which characterise
      complex intervention RCTs, can potentially be profoundly detrimental to their
      integrity. Proponents of this approach argue that matching "real world"
      circumstances, while maintaining the randomised design, enhances external
      validity. We counter this argument by pointing out that an inverted U relation
      exists between internal and external validity, and thus relaxing the experimental
      conditions beyond a certain threshold can potentially paradoxically render the
      RCT externally invalid, i.e. its results cannot be used anywhere. We shall
      illustrate the inappropriate use of RCTs to evaluate community treatment orders
      and propose an alternative epistemic model that is based on mechanistic reasoning
      and Cartwright's capacity concept.

PMID- 28090730
TI  - Opinions and potential solutions regarding dissemination bias from funding
      agencies of biomedical research in Europe.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies have found that about half of
      research results from clinical trials are never published. Until now, there has
      been little information on the views that funding agencies of biomedical research
      in Europe have regarding this issue and its possible solutions. METHODS: An
      electronic survey was conducted among funding agencies from 34 European
      countries. Participants were asked about their opinions, policies, and potential
      solutions regarding dissemination bias. On the basis of the results of this
      survey and the input of the OPEN Consortium and of representatives of stakeholder
      groups in the knowledge generation process, we formulated recommendations for
      funding agencies to reduce dissemination bias. RESULTS: We received responses
      from 64 funding agencies of biomedical medicine from most European countries, out
      of 245 that were contacted (26%). Of these, 56 funded research at the national
      and/or international level and were therefore eligible to participate. Policies
      encouraging publication increased over time: 33 (58.9%) of agencies enforced them
      in 2005 compared to 38 (67.6%) in 2012. However, only 13 (23.2%) had knowledge of
      the publications related to research funded in 2005, 23 (41.1%) were able to
      provide only an estimate, and 20 (35.7%) did not know at all. Regarding
      recommendations to control dissemination bias, we propose that funding agencies
      request the dissemination of research results irrespective of the direction of
      findings. We also call for measures that allow evaluating funded projects past
      the contractual period and until dissemination of results. Funding agencies
      should create publicly accessible databases with information on funded projects
      and dissemination efforts. CONCLUSION: Despite having policies to encourage
      publication of results, most funding agencies fail to implement such measures or
      to ensure compliance. We propose recommendations that could be incorporated in
      the blueprint of calls for proposals and contracts agreed upon by funding
      agencies and grant recipients.

PMID- 28090732
TI  - High engagement, high quality: A guiding framework for developing empirically
      informed asynchronous e-learning programs for health professional educators.
AB  - E-learning involves the transfer of skills and knowledge via technology so that
      learners can access meaningful and authentic educational materials. While learner
      engagement is important, in the context of healthcare education, pedagogy must
      not be sacrificed for edu-tainment style instructional design. Consequently,
      health professional educators need to be competent in the use of current web
      based educational technologies so that learners are able to access relevant and
      engaging e-learning materials without restriction. The increasing popularity of
      asynchronous e-learning programs developed for use outside of formal education
      institutions has made this need more relevant. In these contexts, educators must
      balance design and functionality to deliver relevant, cost-effective,
      sustainable, and accessible programs that overcome scheduling and geographic
      barriers for learners. This paper presents 10 guiding design principles and their
      application in the development of an e-learning program for general practice
      nurses focused on behavior change. Consideration of these principles will assist
      educators to develop high quality, pedagogically sound, engaging, and interactive
      e-learning resources.

PMID- 28090733
TI  - Update from the Editors: Plans for 2017.

PMID- 28090731
TI  - Addition of Ezetimibe to statins for patients at high cardiovascular risk:
      Systematic review of patient-important outcomes.
AB  - Ezetimibe is widely used in combination with statins to reduce low-density
      lipoprotein. We sought to examine the impact of ezetimibe when added to statins
      on patient-important outcomes. Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL were searched
      through July, 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ezetimibe combined
      with statins versus statins alone that followed patients for at least 6 months
      and reported on at least one of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular deaths, non
      fatal myocardial infarctions (MI), and non-fatal strokes were included. Pairs of
      reviewers extracted study data and assessed risk of bias independently and in
      duplicate. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. We
      conducted a narrative review with complementary subgroup and sensitivity
      analyses. IMPROVE-IT study enrolled 93% of all patients enrolled in the 8
      included trials. Our analysis of the IMPROVE-IT study results showed that in
      patients at high risk of cardiovascular events, ezetimibe added to statins was
      associated with i) a likely reduction in non-fatal MI (17 fewer/1000 treated over
      6 years, moderate certainty in evidence); ii) a possible reduction in non-fatal
      stroke (6 fewer/1000 treated over 6 years, low certainty); iii) no impact on
      myopathy (moderate certainty); iv) potentially no impact on all-cause mortality
      and cardiovascular death (both moderate certainty); and v) possibly no impact on
      cancer (low certainty). Addition of ezetimibe to moderate-dose statins is likely
      to result in 17 fewer MIs and possibly 6 fewer strokes/1000 treated over 6 years
      but is unlikely to reduce all-cause mortality or cardiovascular death. Patients
      who place a high value on a small absolute reduction in MI and are not adverse to
      use of an additional medication over a long duration may opt for ezetimibe in
      addition to statin therapy. Our analysis revealed no increased specific harms
      associated with addition of ezetimibe to statins.

PMID- 28090735
TI  - High-Throughput, Protein-Targeted Biomolecular Detection Using Frequency-Domain
      Faraday Rotation Spectroscopy.
AB  - A clinically relevant magneto-optical technique (fd-FRS, frequency-domain Faraday
      rotation spectroscopy) for characterizing proteins using antibody-functionalized
      magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is demonstrated. This technique distinguishes
      between the Faraday rotation of the solvent, iron oxide core, and
      functionalization layers of polyethylene glycol polymers (spacer) and model
      antibody-antigen complexes (anti-BSA/BSA, bovine serum albumin). A detection
      sensitivity of ~10 pg mL-1 and broad detection range of 10 pg mL-1 ? cBSA ? 100
      ug mL-1 are observed. Combining this technique with predictive analyte binding
      models quantifies (within an order of magnitude) the number of active binding
      sites on functionalized MNPs. Comparative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) studies are conducted, reproducing the manufacturer advertised BSA ELISA
      detection limits from 1 ng mL-1 ? cBSA ? 500 ng mL-1 . In addition to the
      increased sensitivity, broader detection range, and similar specificity, fd-FRS
      can be conducted in less than ~30 min, compared to ~4 h with ELISA. Thus, fd-FRS
      is shown to be a sensitive optical technique with potential to become an
      efficient diagnostic in the chemical and biomolecular sciences.

PMID- 28090736
TI  - RNA Protection is Effectively Achieved by Pullulan Film Formation.
AB  - RNA is a functionally versatile polymer but suffers from susceptibility to
      spontaneous and RNase-catalyzed degradation. This vulnerability makes it
      difficult to preserve RNA for extended periods of time, thus limiting its use in
      various contexts, including practical applications as functional nucleic acids.
      Here we present a simple method to preserve RNA by pullulan (a complex sugar
      produced by Aureobasidium pullulans fungus) film formation. This strategy can
      markedly suppress both spontaneous and RNase degradation. Importantly, the
      pullulan film readily dissolves in aqueous solution, thus allowing retrieval of
      fully functional RNA species. In order to illustrate the advantage of this
      protective method in a practical application, we engineered a simple paper sensor
      containing a bacteria-detecting RNA-cleaving DNAzyme. This detection capability
      of the device was unchanged after storage at room temperature for six months.

PMID- 28090737
TI  - A framework for how environment contributes to cancer risk.
AB  - Evolutionary theory explains why metazoan species are largely protected against
      the negative fitness effects of cancers. Nevertheless, cancer is often observed
      at high incidence across a range of species. Although there are many challenges
      to quantifying cancer epidemiology and assessing its causes, we claim that most
      modern-day cancer in animals - and humans in particular - are due to environments
      deviating from central tendencies of distributions that have prevailed during
      cancer resistance evolution. Such novel environmental conditions may be natural
      and/or of anthropogenic origin, and may interface with cancer risk in numerous
      ways, broadly classifiable as those: increasing organism body size and/or life
      span, disrupting processes within the organism, and affecting germline. We argue
      that anthropogenic influences, in particular, explain much of the present-day
      cancer risk across life, including in humans. Based on a literature survey of
      animal species and a parameterised mathematical model for humans, we suggest that
      combined risks of all cancers in a population beyond c. 5% can be explained to
      some extent by the influence of novel environments. Our framework provides a
      basis for understanding how natural environmental variation and human activity
      impact cancer risk, with potential implications for species ecology.

PMID- 28090738
TI  - Changes in objectively measured physical activity in adolescents with Down
      syndrome: the UP&DOWN longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is a priority to understand that physical activity behaviour over
      time is a priority in Down syndrome population in order to design and promote
      succesfull interventions to maintain or increase levels of physical activity. We
      aimed to study 1 and 2-year changes in objectively measured physical activity
      among a relatively large sample of adolescents with Down syndrome. METHODS: This
      study comprised a total of 99 adolescents with Down syndrome (38 girls) aged from
      11 to 20 years old at baseline. Participants with valid accelerometer data at
      baseline and at least one of the follow-up visits were included in the analysis.
      RESULTS: Overall, levels of physical activity observed in adolescents with Down
      syndrome declined from baseline to follow-ups, but these changes were not
      significant (all P > 0.05). Moderate-to-moderately high tracking of physical
      activity was observed in adolescents with Down syndrome (all P < 0.001). Youths
      who met physical activity guidelines at baseline demonstrated a greater decline
      in physical activity in 1 and 2-year changes (P < 0.05), although they were also
      more likely to meet physical activity guidelines at 1 and 2-year follow-ups (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with Down syndrome do not change their levels of
      physical activity at 2-year follow-ups, but those who met physical activity
      guidelines presented stronger declines in physical activity over time.

PMID- 28090739
TI  - Obesity-related genetic polymorphisms and adiposity indices in a young Italian
      population.
AB  - Pediatric obesity develops when a complex biological predisposition collides with
      an obesogenic environment. To further elucidate the role of genetics in obesity
      onset, we performed a candidate-gene association study in a young and sportive
      Italian population by testing the association of functional polymorphisms in ACE
      (rs4646994), FTO (rs9939609), MC4R (rs17782313) and PPARG (rs1801282) genes with
      body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We also tested the
      combinations of identified risk genotypes and epistatic interactions among them
      to determine the existence of cumulative effects in predicting the predisposition
      to gain weight. Our results confirm a significant direct influence of MC4R
      rs17782313 and PPARG rs1801282 on body composition, that is, minor allele
      homozygotes showed significantly higher BMI (rs17782313, beta = 1.258, P = 0.031;
      rs1801282, beta = 6.689, P = 1.2 * 10-4 ) and WHtR (rs17782313, beta = 0.021, P =
      0.005; rs1801282, beta = 0.069, P = 0.003) values. Moreover, by leveraging
      multifactor dimensionality reduction and general linear model (GLM) approaches we
      identified an epistatic interaction between ACE and MC4R, where heterozygosity at
      ACE rs4646994 seems to protect from the unfavorable predisposition to gain weight
      given by C/C genotype at MC4R rs17782313 (GLM, P = 0.004). In conclusion, to
      clarify the role of genetics in multifactorial diseases remains a difficult goal,
      even for the most investigated polymorphisms and in controlled populations.
      Further studies on epistasis and gene-gene interaction will help to elucidate
      this complex scenario. (c) 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):98-105, 2017.

PMID- 28090740
TI  - The impact of a creative play intervention on satisfaction with nursing care: A
      mixed-methods study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hospitalisation can lead to distress for children. Creative play may
      reduce the adverse effects of hospitalisation on children, as it could lead to
      children associating satisfaction and fun with their hospital experience. The aim
      of the current study is to investigate the impact of a creative play intervention
      on service-care satisfaction measurements of children and their parents. DESIGN
      AND METHODS: A mixed-methods design consisting of quantitative pre/post
      assessments and qualitative interviews was used within this study. The research
      was conducted with 30 children (nexperimental group = 15; ncontrol group = 15).
      Their parents (n = 30) and their nurse practitioners (n = 20) were also contacted
      in order to capture their reflections of this intervention which included
      creative activities with unused clean medical materials. Child participants
      completed the Patient's Nursing Care Perception Tool and their parents completed
      the PedsQL Health Care Satisfaction Tool. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ
      in relation to the Patients' Nursing Care Satisfaction Tool (PNCST) (t(28):
      0.348, p = .730) and the PedsQL (t(28): -0.189, p = .852) scores at Time 1 before
      the intervention; however, significant differences were observed at the end at
      Time 2 (PNCST: t(28): -11.63, p < .001; PedsQL: t(28): -12.416, p < .001). In
      qualitative interviews, nurses indicated that their play skills with children had
      been enhanced by this intervention. Family attendants reported that the
      intervention improved the nurse-child relationship and their satisfaction with
      care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The results have shown that creative play
      intervention are a feasible nursing intervention which has a strong potential to
      be effective on child patients' and their attendants' satisfaction with care
      services.

PMID- 28090741
TI  - Conformational quiescence of ADAMTS-13 prevents proteolytic promiscuity: reply.

PMID- 28090742
TI  - A Novel Scale Linking Potency and Dosage to Estimate Anticholinergic Exposure in
      Older Adults: the Muscarinic Acetylcholinergic Receptor ANTagonist Exposure
      Scale.
AB  - Quantification of the anticholinergic exposure insufficiently or imprecisely
      incorporates dosage information, leading to inaccurate estimations. The aim was
      to construct a novel scale, including potency and dosage for the quantification
      of the anticholinergic exposure in older adults. Potency information was
      retrieved from a previous systematic review. The dosage range for each drug was
      delineated in minimal, maintenance and maximal dosage for adults and older
      adults. Dosage information was collected from authoritative sources and reviewed
      in an expert panel. The Muscarinic Acetylcholinergic Receptor ANTagonist Exposure
      (MARANTE) scale was tested for clinimetric properties using cohorts of community
      dwelling older adults and nursing home residents. After three data collection
      rounds, data for the dosage ranges remained incomplete for 32 active substances.
      Remaining gaps were filled in, and 11 dosage adjustments were proposed during the
      expert panel meeting. We chose the values {0; 1; 2) for the categories of potency
      and {0; 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2) for the levels of dosage ranges, showing good clinimetric
      properties. Forty-one anticholinergic drugs were prescribed in the two cohorts.
      Most (61%) were low potency anticholinergics and used for depression (19%, e.g.
      citalopram). There were 31.8% (median MARANTE 1.5, IQR 1.5-2.5) and 37.6% (median
      2, IQR 1.5-2.5) anticholinergic users in the community-dwelling cohort and
      nursing home cohort, respectively. The MARANTE scale combines potency with the
      dosage spectrum, to quantify the anticholinergic exposure in older adults. An
      open feedback system on the list of anticholinergic and proposed anticholinergic
      potency and dosage values is advised.

PMID- 28090743
TI  - Cement-associated peri-implant mucositis. A 1-year follow-up after excess cement
      removal on the peri-implant tissue of dental implants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methacrylate-based cements seem to promote peri-implant tissue
      inflammation even in the absence of excess cement. PURPOSE: The present study
      deals with the question of whether the removal of methacrylate cement from the
      peri-implant sulcus will lead to peri-implant tissues free of inflammation on a 1
      year follow-up basis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Implant supported suprastructures
      that had been in the mouth for at least 3.5 years either cemented with
      methacrylate (premier implant cement [PIC]) or zinc eugenol (temp bond [TB])
      cement were compared. All superstructures in 33 patients with a total of 61
      implants (35 with PIC and 26 with TB) were removed and excess cement, bleeding on
      probing (BOP), suppurationen and probing depth were documented. Excess cement
      found was removed, and in all cases the suprastructure was recemented with TB.
      Patients were followed up after 4 weeks (F1) and 1 year (F2). RESULTS: Excess
      cement was found around 60% of the implants with PIC. No excess cement was found
      around implants with TB. At the time of revision therapy, BOP was found around
      100% of the implants with PIC and excess cement (PIC+), 93% around implants with
      PIC but no excess cement (PIC-), and around 42% of the TB-cemented implants (Chi
      squared P < .01). Suppuration was observed in 86% of the PIC+ implants, in 14% of
      the PIC- implants and in 0% of the TB implants (Chi-squared P < .01). At the time
      of both F1 and F2, the inflammation parameters, that is BOP and suppuration, on
      implant level were significantly reduced in the PIC+ cases (McNemar's test P <
      .01). For PIC-, BOP was significantly reduced at both points in time (P < .05).
      For TB no differences were found. Probing depth at F2 had significantly decreased
      in all groups (t test P < .05). CONCLUSION: The removal of excess cement and
      recementation with TB had an anti-inflammatory effect on the peri-implant tissues
      after 1 year.

PMID- 28090744
TI  - Effects of different hierarchical hybrid micro/nanostructure surfaces on implant
      osseointegration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hierarchical hybrid micro/nanostructure implant surfaces are
      considered to better mimic the hierarchical structure of bone and the
      nanostructures substantively influence osseointegration through managing cell
      behaviors. PURPOSE: To enhance implant osseointegration for further clinical
      application, we evaluated the material properties and osseointegration effects of
      hierarchical surfaces with different nano-morphologies, using a rat model.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two representative surface fabrication methods,
      hydrofluoric (HF) acid etching combined with anodization (HF + AN) or magnetron
      sputtering (HF + MS), were selected. Sample material properties were evaluated by
      scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray
      photoemission spectroscopy, and epoxy resin docking tensile test. Implants with
      different surfaces were inserted into the distal femurs of rats. After 12 weeks,
      osseointegration was examined by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT),
      histological, and biomechanical tests. RESULTS: Tensile testing demonstrated high
      bonding strength at coating/implant in the HF + MS group. Micro-CT revealed
      increased bone volume/total volume and significantly reduced trabecular
      separation in HF + MS versus other groups. Histological analysis showed
      significantly higher HF + MS bone-to-implant contact (74.78 +/- 4.40%) versus HF
      + AN (65.11 +/- 5.10%) and machined samples (56.03 +/- 3.23%). The maximal HF +
      MS pull-out force increased by 33.7% versus HF + AN. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      indicated that HF + MS surfaces exhibited superior material property in terms of
      bonding strength and favorable implant osseointegration compared to other groups.

PMID- 28090745
TI  - Side-Group-Induced Polymorphism in Self-Assembled Monolayers: 3,5
      Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzenethiolate Films on Au(111).
AB  - The structure and molecular organization of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs)
      depend on a complex interplay of intermolecular and molecule-substrate
      interactions, so that even a small change in molecular composition can result in
      noticeable changes in the SAM structure. Herein we show that decoration of the
      most basic aromatic SAM constituent, benzenethiol, with two trifluoromethyl
      groups leads to distinct polymorphism in the respective SAMs, in which the
      appearance of a specific structural phase or a combination of several different
      phases is dependent on the parameters of the preparation procedure. High-quality
      films with a single crystallographic phase and significantly large domains could
      only be prepared after a short immersion time (5 min) and an additional re
      immersion of the sample in pure ethanol at an elevated temperature. A standard 24
      h immersion at room temperature led to poorly defined films with a large defect
      density and only a small portion of the surface covered by well-ordered molecular
      domains.

PMID- 28090746
TI  - Development of an in vivo visual robot system with a magnetic anchoring mechanism
      and a lens cleaning mechanism for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical robot systems which can significantly improve surgical
      procedures have been widely used in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS).
      For a relative complex surgical procedure, the development of an in vivo visual
      robot system for LESS can effectively improve the visualization for surgical
      robot systems. METHODS: In this work, an in vivo visual robot system with a new
      mechanism for LESS was investigated. A finite element method (FEM) analysis was
      carried out to ensure the safety of the in vivo visual robot during the movement,
      which was the most important concern for surgical purposes. A master-slave
      control strategy was adopted, in which the control model was established by off
      line experiments. RESULTS: The in vivo visual robot system was verified by using
      a phantom box. The experiment results show that the robot system can successfully
      realize the expected functionalities and meet the demands of LESS. CONCLUSION:
      The experiment results indicate that the in vivo visual robot with high
      manipulability has great potential in clinical application.

PMID- 28090747
TI  - Gold(I) Carbenoids: On-Demand Access to Gold(I) Carbenes in Solution.
AB  - Chloromethylgold(I) complexes of phosphine, phosphite, and N-heterocyclic carbene
      ligands are easily synthesized by reaction of trimethylsilyldiazomethane with the
      corresponding gold chloride precursors. Activation of these gold(I) carbenoids
      with a variety of chloride scavengers promotes reactivity typical of
      metallocarbenes in solution, namely homocoupling to ethylene, olefin
      cyclopropanation, and Buchner ring expansion of benzene.

PMID- 28090748
TI  - Electrochemically Driven Transformation of Amorphous Carbons to Crystalline
      Graphite Nanoflakes: A Facile and Mild Graphitization Method.
AB  - Although, in the carbon family, graphite is the most thermodynamically stable
      allotrope, conversion of other carbon allotropes, even amorphous carbons, into
      graphite is extremely hard. We report a simple electrochemical route for the
      graphitization of amorphous carbons through cathodic polarization in molten CaCl2
      at temperatures of about 1100 K, which generates porous graphite comprising
      petaloid nanoflakes. This nanostructured graphite allows fast and reversible
      intercalation/deintercalation of anions, promising a superior cathode material
      for batteries. In a Pyr14 TFSI ionic liquid, it exhibits a specific discharge
      capacity of 65 and 116 mAh g-1 at a rate of 1800 mA g-1 when charged to 5.0 and
      5.25 V vs. Li/Li+ , respectively. The capacity remains fairly stable during
      cycling and decreases by only about 8 % when the charge/discharge rate is
      increased to 10000 mA g-1 during cycling between 2.25 and 5.0 V.

PMID- 28090749
TI  - Unconventional Coupling between Ligand Recognition and Allosteric Control in the
      Multidrug Resistance Gene Regulator, BmrR.
AB  - BmrR is a multidrug resistance (MDR) regulator that responds to diverse ligands.
      To obtain insight into signal recognition, allosteric control, and cooperativity,
      we used a quantitative in vitro transcription assay to determine the ligand
      dependent activation profiles for a diverse set of cations, zwitterions, and
      uncharged ligands. As for many other biological switch systems, the data are well
      described by a modified Hill equation. Parameters extracted from curve fits to
      the data include L50 , RMAX and N. We found that L50 values correlate directly
      with DeltaGBIND values, suggesting that the parameter reflects binding, whereas
      RMAX and N reflect allosteric control and cooperativity, respectively. Our
      results suggest unconventional coupling between ligand binding and allosteric
      control, with weakly interacting ligands exhibiting the highest levels of
      activation. Such properties are in stark contrast to those often exhibited by
      biological switch proteins, whereby ligand binding and allostery are tightly
      coupled, yielding both high selectivity and ultrasensitivity. We propose that
      weakened coupling, as observed for BmrR, may be important for providing robust
      activation responses to unrelated ligands. We also propose that other MDR
      proteins and other polyspecific switch systems will show similar features.

PMID- 28090750
TI  - Professionals' views on mental health service users' education: challenges and
      support.
AB  - : WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Mental health service users (MHSUs) may
      experience disruptions in their education. However, education has been shown to
      have a positive influence on their recovery, potentially offering them broader
      employment opportunities. The literature suggests that providing support for
      MHSUs in their educational efforts may be beneficial and is wished for by the
      service users themselves. However, there is a lack of mental health
      professionals' views on the topic in the setting of a community mental health
      centre. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO THE EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: In the perception of
      mental health professionals, the predominance of disease in the life of MHSUs and
      their marginalization may form barriers to their success in education.
      Professionals can support MHSUs in their educational efforts by strengthening the
      MHSUs' internal resources and creating a supportive environment with professional
      expertise available. A service user-centred education might further help MHSUs to
      achieve their educational goals. Our findings confirm previous knowledge of a
      recovery-oriented approach to supporting MHSUs' education. This study explored
      the topic from the professionals' perspective in the context of community mental
      health centres, which is a fresh view in the research literature. WHAT ARE THE
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The findings suggest which types of support
      professionals perceive to be required for MHSUs to advance their studies.
      Knowledge of adequate forms of support can be applied in the mental health
      nursing practice to develop support measures for service users to advance in
      their studies. All levels of the community mental health centres should be aware
      of and adopt a recovery-oriented approach. MHSUs and professionals need to have a
      shared opinion on the definition of recovery orientation. This requires mutual
      discussion and the more active involvement of MHSUs in the design of their own
      rehabilitation process. ABSTRACT: Introduction Studies show the importance of
      providing support for mental health service users' (MHSUs') education. However,
      none of these studies explored this support in the community mental health centre
      setting. The range of MHSUs' educational activities identified in this study
      varied from participation in courses at the mental health centres to independent
      studies at different levels of education outside the centres. Aim (1) How do
      mental health professionals perceive the challenges that may limit service users'
      potential when they apply for, and complete, their education? (2) How do the
      professionals describe the methods of rehabilitation aimed at supporting the
      service users in achieving their educational goals? Method The data were
      collected from 14 mental health professionals using focus group interviews.
      Inductive content analysis was then performed. Results Professionals perceive
      that the predominance of disease and marginalization may be barriers to MHSUs'
      success in education. Strengthening the MHSUs' internal resources, creating a
      supportive environment with professional expertise available and service user
      centred education appeared to support the MHSUs' educational achievements. Our
      findings confirm previous knowledge of a recovery-oriented approach to support
      MHSUs' education. However, professionals' views on this topic in the context of
      community mental health centres have not been investigated previously. Discussion
      Professionals perceive that a recovery-oriented approach to rehabilitation may
      support MHSUs in their educational efforts. Implications for practice A recovery
      oriented approach should be adopted by all levels of the community mental health
      centres. MHSUs and professionals need to have a shared opinion on the definition
      of recovery orientation. This requires mutual discussion and a more active
      involvement of MHSUs in the design of their own rehabilitation process.

PMID- 28090751
TI  - A Safety Checkpoint to Eliminate Cancer Risk of the Immune Evasive Cells Derived
      from Human Embryonic Stem Cells.
AB  - Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great promise in the regenerative therapy
      of many currently untreatable human diseases. One of the key bottlenecks is the
      immune rejection of hESC-derived allografts by the recipient. To overcome this
      challenge, we have established new approaches to induce immune protection of hESC
      derived allografts through the coexpression of immune suppressive molecules CTLA4
      Ig and PD-L1. However, this in turn raises a safety concern of cancer risk
      because these hESC-derived cells can evade immune surveillance. To address this
      safety concern, we developed a safety checkpoint so that the immune evasive hESC
      derived cells in the graft can be effectively eliminated if any cellular
      transformation is detected. In this context, we knock-in the suicidal gene herpes
      simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVTK) into the constitutive HPRT locus of CP
      hESCs (knock-in hESCs expressing CTLA4-Ig and PD-L1), denoted CPTK hESCs.
      Employing humanized mice (Hu-mice) reconstituted with human immune system, we
      demonstrated that the CPTK hESC-derived cells are protected from immune
      rejection. In addition, CPTK hESC-derived cells can be efficiently eliminated in
      vitro and in vivo with FDA approved TK-targeting drug ganciclovir. Therefore,
      this new safety checkpoint improves the feasibility to use the immune evasive
      hESC-derived cells for regenerative medicine. Stem Cells 2017;35:1154-1161.

PMID- 28090752
TI  - Urban-rural disparity and determinants of delivery care utilization in Oromia
      region, Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study.
AB  - Low delivery care utilization continues to be a public health problem that
      significantly contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in
      developing countries like Ethiopia. The aim of the study is to determine the
      extent of urban-rural disparity of delivery care utilization and its
      determinants. A community-based cross-sectional quantitative study supplemented
      with qualitative data was conducted from February 15 to March 10, 2014. Data were
      collected from eligible woman using interviewer-guided semistructured
      questionnaires and focus group discussions. Logistic regression analysis with 95%
      confidence interval and p-value less than 5% was used to identify potential
      determinant variables. From 567 women, institutional delivery care was attended
      by 45.9% (260) respondents of whom 69.3% were urban and 21.3% were rural. Mass
      media and antenatal care attendance were the major determinants in urban
      respondents, whereas children ever born, partners' occupation, women's autonomy,
      and pregnancy-related health problems were statistically significant associations
      in rural women. The need for maternal health care is not met to the required
      level. There is a significant disparity in delivery care attendance among urban
      and rural women of the study area. Women's empowerment and awareness creation
      should be extensively worked on through mass media and posters or health
      information.

PMID- 28090753
TI  - Inferring infection hazard in wildlife populations by linking data across
      individual and population scales.
AB  - Our ability to infer unobservable disease-dynamic processes such as force of
      infection (infection hazard for susceptible hosts) has transformed our
      understanding of disease transmission mechanisms and capacity to predict disease
      dynamics. Conventional methods for inferring FOI estimate a time-averaged value
      and are based on population-level processes. Because many pathogens exhibit
      epidemic cycling and FOI is the result of processes acting across the scales of
      individuals and populations, a flexible framework that extends to epidemic
      dynamics and links within-host processes to FOI is needed. Specifically, within
      host antibody kinetics in wildlife hosts can be short-lived and produce patterns
      that are repeatable across individuals, suggesting individual-level antibody
      concentrations could be used to infer time since infection and hence FOI. Using
      simulations and case studies (influenza A in lesser snow geese and Yersinia
      pestis in coyotes), we argue that with careful experimental and surveillance
      design, the population-level FOI signal can be recovered from individual-level
      antibody kinetics, despite substantial individual-level variation. In addition to
      improving inference, the cross-scale quantitative antibody approach we describe
      can reveal insights into drivers of individual-based variation in disease
      response, and the role of poorly understood processes such as secondary
      infections, in population-level dynamics of disease.

PMID- 28090754
TI  - Emergence patterns of novelty in European vegetation assemblages over the past 15
      000 years.
AB  - Plant communities are not stable over time and biological novelty is predicted to
      emerge due to climate change, the introduction of exotic species and land-use
      change. However, the rate at which this novelty may arise over longer time
      periods has so far received little attention. We reconstruct the emergence of
      novelty in Europe for a set of baseline conditions over the past 15 000 years to
      assess past rates of emergence and investigate underlying causes. The emergence
      of novelty is baseline specific and, during the early-Holocene, was mitigated by
      the rapid spread of plant taxa. Although novelty generally increases as a
      function of time, climate and human-induced landscape changes contributed to a
      non-linear post-glacial trajectory of novelty with jumps corresponding to periods
      of rapid changes. Emergence of novelty accelerated during the past 1000 years.
      Historical cultural landscapes experienced a faster novelty development due to
      the contribution from anthropogenic land-cover changes.

PMID- 28090755
TI  - Mythology and reality should never be confused (but often are).

PMID- 28090756
TI  - Correlating spinal cord injuries with neurogenic bladder pathophysiology.

PMID- 28090757
TI  - Synergistic effects in combinational drug delivery and thermal ablation using
      nanotechnology.

PMID- 28090758
TI  - Bringing clarity or confusion? The role of prostate-specific membrane antigen
      positron-emission/computed tomography for primary staging in prostate cancer.

PMID- 28090759
TI  - Raising the bar for systematic reviews with Assessment of Multiple Systematic
      Reviews (AMSTAR).

PMID- 28090760
TI  - Expression patterns of cardiac aging in Drosophila.
AB  - Aging causes cardiac dysfunction, often leading to heart failure and death. The
      molecular basis of age-associated changes in cardiac structure and function is
      largely unknown. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is well-suited to
      investigate the genetics of cardiac aging. Flies age rapidly over the course of
      weeks, benefit from many tools to easily manipulate their genome, and their heart
      has significant genetic and phenotypic similarities to the human heart. Here, we
      performed a cardiac-specific gene expression study on aging Drosophila and
      carried out a comparative meta-analysis with published rodent data. Pathway level
      transcriptome comparisons suggest that age-related, extra-cellular matrix
      remodeling and alterations in mitochondrial metabolism, protein handling, and
      contractile functions are conserved between Drosophila and rodent hearts.
      However, expression of only a few individual genes similarly changed over time
      between and even within species. We also examined gene expression in single fly
      hearts and found significant variability as has been reported in rodents. We
      propose that individuals may arrive at similar cardiac aging phenotypes via
      dissimilar transcriptional changes, including those in transcription factors and
      micro-RNAs. Finally, our data suggest the transcription factor Odd-skipped, which
      is essential for normal heart development, is also a crucial regulator of cardiac
      aging.

PMID- 28090761
TI  - Modest overexpression of FOXO maintains cardiac proteostasis and ameliorates age
      associated functional decline.
AB  - Heart performance declines with age. Impaired protein quality control (PQC), due
      to reduced ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) activity, autophagic function,
      and/or chaperone-mediated protein refolding, contributes to cardiac
      deterioration. The transcription factor FOXO participates in regulating genes
      involved in PQC, senescence, and numerous other processes. Here, a comprehensive
      approach, involving molecular genetics, novel assays to probe insect cardiac
      physiology, and bioinformatics, was utilized to investigate the influence of
      heart-restricted manipulation of dFOXO expression in the rapidly aging Drosophila
      melanogaster model. Modest dFOXO overexpression was cardioprotective,
      ameliorating nonpathological functional decline with age. This was accompanied by
      increased expression of genes associated predominantly with the UPS, relative to
      other PQC components, which was validated by a significant decrease in
      ubiquitinated proteins. RNAi knockdown of UPS candidates accordingly compromised
      myocardial physiology in young flies. Conversely, excessive dFOXO overexpression
      or suppression proved detrimental to heart function and/or organismal
      development. This study highlights D. melanogaster as a model of cardiac aging
      and FOXO as a tightly regulated mediator of proteostasis and heart performance
      over time.

PMID- 28090762
TI  - Use of ACE inhibition and blood pressure management in deferring dialysis
      initiation.
AB  - Elevated blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factor for the
      development of chronic kidney disease (CKD); its treatment is a milestone in CKD
      management. While it is accepted that a stricter blood pressure control is
      indicated in patients with proteinuria or microalbuminuria, the exact degree of
      blood pressure reduction to be obtained in CKD patients is still under debate.
      Following more recent interpretation of old trials, a BP target for <140/90 mmHg
      is suggested for non-proteinuric CKD patients. In those with
      microalbuminuria/proteinuria, the ideal blood pressure target should be <=130/80
      mmHg. Recently, the SPRINT trial put new emphasis on a stricter blood pressure
      control, mainly from the cardiovascular point of view. The blockers of the renin
      angiotensin system (RAS) are recommended as first line treatment in all CKD
      hypertensive patients with micro or macroalbuminuria either diabetics or not.
      However, their nephroprotective efficacy is less relevant in non-proteinuric
      patients. The dual RAS blockade was proposed as an additional option. Despite a
      greater antiproteinuric effect, some large trials in patients at high
      cardiovascular risk did not demonstrate significant advantage on hard endpoint.
      Its use is now contraindicated in diabetic CKD patients. Given that RAS blockers
      can cause acute derangements in kidney function and hyperkalemia, caution is
      needed with their use, especially in frail and old patients with cardiovascular
      disease or in the presence of advanced CKD.

PMID- 28090763
TI  - Sodium and fluid management in the conservative management of chronic kidney
      disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) imposes a significant global health burden. In the
      United States, one in three adults are at risk for CKD currently affecting over
      28 million Americans. While several studies have demonstrated the benefit of
      treating traditional risk factors in CKD, including hypertension with
      pharmacologic agents such as blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAAS),
      there is scarce data on the advantages of sodium and fluid management in this
      population. Both experimental and observational studies have shown improvement in
      hypertension and cardiovascular outcomes with sodium restriction to <=2.3 grams
      per day, however, to date there are very few randomized controlled trials
      demonstrating a benefit in sodium reduction for the prevention or progression of
      CKD. Similarly, studies on increasing fluid consumption have shown to be
      advantageous in polycystic kidney disease as well as chronic nephrolithiasis, yet
      no randomized controlled trials exist on the fluid management in patients with
      kidney disease. This review aims to explore the evidence of sodium restriction
      and fluid management in the CKD population as well as underlying mechanisms and
      clinical barriers of sodium and water management as conservative therapy.

PMID- 28090765
TI  - Aggregation Kinetics of Diesel Soot Nanoparticles in Wet Environments.
AB  - Soot produced during incomplete combustion consists mainly of carbonaceous
      nanoparticles (NPs) with severe adverse environmental and health effects, and its
      environmental fate and transport are largely controlled by aggregation. In this
      study, we examined the aggregation behavior for diesel soot NPs under aqueous
      condition in an effort to elucidate the fundamental processes that govern soot
      particle-particle interactions in wet environments such as rain droplets or
      surface aquatic systems. The influence of electrolytes and aqueous pH on
      colloidal stability of these NPs was investigated by measuring their aggregation
      kinetics in different aqueous solution chemistries. The results showed that the
      NPs had negatively charged surfaces and exhibited both reaction- and diffusion
      limited aggregation regimes with rates depended upon solution chemistry. The
      aggregation kinetics data were in good agreement with the classic Derjaguin
      Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. The critical coagulation concentrations
      (CCC) were quantified and the Hamaker constant was derived for the soot (1.4 * 10
      20 J) using the colloidal chemistry approach. The study indicated that, depending
      upon local aqueous chemistry, single soot NPs could remain stable against self
      aggregation in typical freshwater environments and in neutral cloud droplets but
      are likely to aggregate under salty (e.g., estuaries) or acidic (e.g., acid rain
      droplets) aquatic conditions or both.

PMID- 28090764
TI  - Incremental and infrequent hemodialysis: a new paradigm for both dialysis
      initiation and conservative management.
AB  - Registry or national dialysis data show that a sizeable proportion of
      contemporary dialysis patients have substantial levels of residual kidney
      function especially upon transitioning to dialysis therapy. However, among
      incident hemodialysis patients, the prevailing paradigm has been to initiate
      "full-dose" triweekly treatment schedules irrespective of native kidney function
      in most developed countries. Recognizing the benefits of residual kidney function
      upon the health and survival of dialysis patients, there has been growing
      interest in incremental hemodialysis, in which dialysis frequency and dose are
      tailored according to the degree of patients' residual kidney function.
      Infrequent hemodialysis can also be used for those who prefer a more conservative
      approach in managing uremia. Clinical practice guidelines support the use of
      twice-weekly hemodialysis among patients with adequate residual kidney function
      (renal urea clearance >3 mL/min/1.73 m2), and a growing body of evidence
      indicates that incremental hemodialysis is associated with better preservation of
      residual kidney function without adversely impacting survival. Nonetheless,
      incremental hemodialysis remains an underutilized approach in this population. In
      this review, we will discuss the history of the twice- versus triweekly
      hemodialysis schedules; current clinical practice guidelines regarding infrequent
      hemodialysis; emerging data on incremental treatment regimens and outcomes; and
      guidelines for the practical implementation of incremental and infrequent
      hemodialysis in the clinical setting.

PMID- 28090766
TI  - Gas Diffusion Barriers Prepared by Spatial Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Enhanced
      ALD.
AB  - In this work, we report on aluminum oxide (Al2O3) gas permeation barriers
      prepared by spatial ALD (SALD) at atmospheric pressure. We compare the growth
      characteristics and layer properties using trimethylaluminum (TMA) in combination
      with an Ar/O2 remote atmospheric pressure plasma for different substrate
      velocities and different temperatures. The resulting Al2O3 films show ultralow
      water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) on the order of 10-6 gm-2d-1. In notable
      contrast, plasma based layers already show good barrier properties at low
      deposition temperatures (75  degrees C), while water based processes require a
      growth temperature above 100  degrees C to achieve equally low WVTRs. The
      activation energy for the water permeation mechanism was determined to be 62
      kJ/mol.

PMID- 28090768
TI  - Tunneling Control: Competition between 6pi-Electrocyclization and [1,5]H
      Sigmatropic Shift Reactions in Tetrahydro-1H-cyclobuta[e]indene Derivatives.
AB  - Direct dynamics calculation using canonical variational transtition state theory
      (CVT) inclusive of small curvature tunneling (SCT) reveals the influential role
      of quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) for 2,2a,5,7b-tetrahydro-1H
      cyclobuta[e]indene derivatives (2a-2j) in governing their product selectivity. 2a
      2j follow two distinct reaction channels, namely, 6pi-electrocyclization (2 -> 3)
      and [1,5]H-sigmatropic shift (2 -> 4), among which the activation barrier is
      higher for [1,5]H-shift (2 -> 4), thereby favoring the kinetically controlled
      product (3a-3j) as anticipated. However, SCT calculations show that a narrower
      barrier and smaller mass of participating atoms make QMT more pronounced for
      [1,5]H-shift reaction despite its higher activation energy, which results in a
      competition between kinetic controlled (2 -> 3) and tunneling controlled (2 -> 4)
      products. At low temperature (T <= 170 K), when QMT is the dominant pathway, the
      tunneling controlled product (4a-4j) is formed exclusively. As the reaction
      temperature increases, the role of QMT becomes less prominent and eventually gets
      kinetically controlled at room temperature. Nevertheless, QMT strongly tunes the
      product ratio at ambient temperatures by favoring the [1,5]H-shift reaction over
      6pi-electrocyclization. For 2a, k[1,5]H-shift:k6pi-electrocyclization increases
      from 1:13 at CVT level to 1:2 at CVT+SCT level for room temperature.

PMID- 28090767
TI  - Design of a Hole Trapping Ligand.
AB  - A new ligand that covalently attaches to the surface of colloidal CdSe/CdS
      nanorods and can simultaneously chelate a molecular metal center is described.
      The dithiocarbamate-bipyridine ligand system facilitates hole transfer through
      energetic overlap at the inorganic-organic interface and conjugation through the
      organic ligand to a chelated metal center. Density functional theory calculations
      show that the coordination of the free ligand to a CdS surface causes the
      formation of two hybridized molecular states that lie in the band gap of CdS. The
      further chelation of Fe(II) to the bipyridine moiety causes the presence of seven
      midgap states. Hole transfer from the CdS valence band to the midgap states is
      dipole allowed and occurs at a faster rate than what is experimentally known for
      the CdSe/CdS band-edge radiative recombination. In the case of the ligand bound
      with iron, a two-step process emerges that places the hole on the iron, again at
      rates much faster than band gap recombination. The system was experimentally
      assembled and characterized via UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy, fluorescence
      spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, and energy dispersive
      X-ray spectroscopy. Theoretically predicted red shifts in absorbance were
      observed experimentally, as well as the expected quench in photoluminescence and
      lifetimes in time-resolved photoluminescence.

PMID- 28090769
TI  - Synthesis of 1-Thio-Substituted Isoquinoline Derivatives by Tandem Cyclization of
      Isothiocyanates.
AB  - A copper-catalyzed tandem arylation-cyclization process to access 1
      (arylthio)isoquinolines from isothiocyanates and diaryliodonium salts is
      described. It is the first general method to construct the potentially useful 1
      (arylthio)isoquinoline derivatives. Moreover, 1-(methylthio)isoquinoline
      derivatives were also achieved successfully with MeOTf instead of diaryliodonium
      salts under metal-free conditions. Mechanistic studies reveal that these two
      processes proceed in different routes. This method has been successfully applied
      to the synthesis of quinazolinone alkaloid rutaecarpine.

PMID- 28090770
TI  - Highly Oriented SrTiO3 Thin Film on Graphene Substrate.
AB  - Growth of perovskite oxide thin films on Si in crystalline form has long been a
      critical obstacle for the integration of multifunctional oxides into Si-based
      technologies. In this study, we propose pulsed laser deposition of a crystalline
      SrTiO3 thin film on a Si using graphene substrate. The SrTiO3 thin film on
      graphene has a highly (00l)-oriented crystalline structure which results from the
      partial epitaxy. Moreover, graphene promotes a sharp interface by highly
      suppressing the chemical intermixing. The important role of graphene as a 2D
      substrate and diffusion barrier allows the expansion of device applications based
      on functional complex oxides.

PMID- 28090771
TI  - Differential Adhesive and Bioactive Properties of the Polymeric Surface Coated
      with Graphene Oxide Thin Film.
AB  - Surface engineering of implantable devices involving polymeric biomaterials has
      become an essential aspect for medical implants. A surface enhancement technique
      can provide an array of unique surface properties that improve its
      biocompatibility and functionality as an implant. Polyurethane-based implants
      that have found extensively acclaimed usage as an implant in biomedical
      applications, especially in the area of cardiovascular devices, still lack any
      mechanism to ward off bacterial or platelet adhesion. To bring out such a defense
      mechanism we are proposing a surface modification technique. Graphene oxide (GO)
      in very thin film form was wrapped onto the electrospun fibroporous polycarbonate
      urethane (PCU) membrane (GOPCU) by a simple method of electrospraying. In the
      present study, we have developed a simple single-step method for coating a
      polymeric substrate with a thin GO film and evaluated the novel antiadhesive
      activity of these films. SEM micrographs after coating showed the presence of
      very thin GO films over the PCU membrane. On the GOPCU surface, the contact angle
      was shifted by ~30 degrees , making the hydrophobic PCU surface slightly
      hydrophilic, while Raman spectral characterization and mapping showed the
      presence and distribution of GO over 75% of the membrane. A reduced platelet
      adhesion on the GOPCU surface was observed; meanwhile, bacterial adhesion also
      got reduced by 85% for Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive, cocci) and 64% for
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram negative, bacilli). A cell adhesion study conducted
      using mammalian fibroblast cells projected its proliferation percentage in a MTT
      assay, with 82% cell survival on PCU and 86% on GOPCU after 24 h culture, while a
      study for an extended period of 72 h showed 87% of survival on PCU and 88% on
      GOPCU. This plethora of functionalities by a simple modification technique makes
      thin GO films a self-sufficient surface engineering material for future
      biomedical applications.

PMID- 28090772
TI  - Controlled Growth of 1D MoSe2 Nanoribbons with Spatially Modulated Edge States.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) possess interesting
      one-dimensional (1D) properties at its edges and inversion domain boundaries,
      where properties markedly different from the 2D basal plane, such as 1D
      metallicity and charge density waves, can be observed. Although 2D TMDCs crystals
      are widely grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), the fabrication of 1D TMDCs
      ribbons is challenging due to the difficulty to confine growth in only one
      dimension. Here we report the controlled growth of MoSe2 nanoribbons with an
      aspect ratio >100 by using prepatterned Se reconstructions on Au(100). Using
      scanning tunneling microscope and spectroscopy (STM/STS), the atomic and
      electronic structure of MoSe2 nanoribbons are studied. The ultranarrow ribbons
      show metallic behavior, while wider ribbons show a crossover from metallic to
      semiconducting behavior going from the edge to the center of the ribbon. The
      observed conductance modulations of the ultranarrow ribbons are attributed to 1D
      Moire pattern. Remarkably, it shows a different periodicity compared with the 2D
      Moire pattern in wider ribbons indicating that the 1D system is softened due to
      the high ratio of edge to basal plane bonds. Further, we demonstrated that the
      nanoribbons are stable against ambient conditions, which suggests that 1D TMDCs
      can be exploited for further applications.

PMID- 28090773
TI  - Protein Nanoparticle Formation Using a Circularly Permuted alpha-Helix-Rich
      Trimeric Protein.
AB  - We here report the production of highly spherical protein nanoparticles based on
      the domain-swapping oligomerization of a circularly permuted trimeric protein,
      major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II associated chaperonin. The size
      distribution of the nanoparticles can be adjusted to between 40 and 100 nm in
      diameter, and thus, these particles are suitable as drug carriers following
      purification under basic conditions. Our approach involves no harsh treatments
      and could provide an alternative approach for protein nanoparticle formation.

PMID- 28090775
TI  - Reaction of Push-Pull Enaminoketones and in Situ Generated ortho-Quinone
      Methides: Synthesis of 3-Acyl-4H-chromenes and 2-Acyl-1H-benzo[f]chromenes as
      Precursors for Hydroxybenzylated Heterocycles.
AB  - A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of 4H-chromenes and 1H
      benzo[f]chromenes containing a trifluoroacetyl or aroyl group in the pyran ring
      from o-quinone methide precursors and push-pull enaminoketones has been
      developed. The chromenes are presumably formed through an initial oxa-Diels-Alder
      reaction, followed by an elimination of amine. The possibility of further
      transformations of given chromenes to o-hydroxybenzylated pyrazoles, isoxazoles,
      and pyridines has been demonstrated.

PMID- 28090774
TI  - Biakamides A-D, Unique Polyketides from a Marine Sponge, Act as Selective Growth
      Inhibitors of Tumor Cells Adapted to Nutrient Starvation.
AB  - Biakamides A-D, novel unusually unique polyketides, were isolated from an
      Indonesian marine sponge (Petrosaspongia sp.) with a constructed bioassay using
      PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells. Through detailed analyses of the one- and
      two-dimensional NMR spectra of biakamides, planar chemical structures possessing
      a terminal thiazole, two N-methyl amides, a chloromethylene, and a substituted
      butyryl moiety were obtained. After elucidation of the configuration of the
      secondary alcohol moiety in biakamides A and B, the absolute stereostructures of
      the two secondary methyl groups in biakamides A-D were determined by the
      asymmetric total syntheses of all possible stereoisomers from the optically pure
      monoprotected 2,4-dimethyl-1,5-diol. Biakamides A-D showed selective
      antiproliferative activities against PANC-1 cells cultured under glucose
      deficient conditions in a concentration-dependent manner. The primary mode of
      action of biakamides was found to be inhibition of complex I in the mitochondrial
      electron transport chain.

PMID- 28090776
TI  - Plasmonic Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes Based on the Ag-CsPbBr3 System.
AB  - The enhanced luminescence through semiconductor-metal interactions suggests the
      great potential of device performance improvement via properly tailored plasmonic
      nanostructures. Surface plasmon enhanced electroluminescence in an all-inorganic
      CsPbBr3 perovskite light-emitting diode (LED) is fabricated by decorating the
      hole transport layer with the synthesized Ag nanorods. An increase of 42% and
      43.3% in the luminance and efficiency is demonstrated for devices incorporated
      with Ag nanorods. The device with Ag introduction indicates identical
      optoelectronic properties to the controlled device without Ag nanostructures. The
      increased spontaneous emission rate caused by the Ag-induced plasmonic near-field
      effect is responsible for the performance enhancement. Therefore, the plasmonic
      Ag-CsPbBr3 nanostructure studied here provides a novel strategy on the road to
      the future development of perovskite LEDs.

PMID- 28090777
TI  - Biodegradable Neuro-Compatible Peptide Hydrogel Promotes Neurite Outgrowth, Shows
      Significant Neuroprotection, and Delivers Anti-Alzheimer Drug.
AB  - A novel neuro-compatible peptide-based hydrogel has been designed and developed,
      which contains microtubule stabilizing and neuroprotective short peptide. This
      hydrogel shows strong three-dimensional cross-linked fibrillary networks, which
      can capture water molecules. Interestingly, this hydrogel serves as excellent
      biocompatible soft material for 2D and 3D (neurosphere) neuron cell culture and
      provides stability of key cytoskeleton filaments such as microtubule and actin.
      Remarkably, it was observed that this hydrogel slowly enzymatically degrades and
      releases neuroprotective peptide, which promotes neurite outgrowth of neuron cell
      as well as exhibits excellent neuroprotection against anti-NGF-induced toxicity
      in neuron cells. Further, it can encapsulate anti-Alzheimer and anticancer
      hydrophobic drug curcumin, releases slowly, and inhibits significantly the growth
      of a 3D spheroid of neuron cancer cells. Thus, this novel neuroprotective
      hydrogel can be used for both neuronal cell transplantation for repairing brain
      damage as well as a delivery vehicle for neuroprotective agents, anti-Alzheimer,
      and anticancer molecules.

PMID- 28090778
TI  - Three Novel Spectrin Variants in Jaundiced Neonates.
AB  - Various mutations in the genes encoding alpha spectrin (SPTA1) or beta spectrin
      (SPTB) are known to cause erythrocyte membrane disorders, sometimes associated
      with severe neonatal jaundice and anemia. We used a next-generation sequencing
      panel to evaluate 3 unrelated neonates who had puzzling cases of nonimmune
      hemolytic jaundice. In each case, we identified novel mutations in either SPTA1
      or SPTB. Correlating erythrocyte morphology, clinical course, and computational
      analysis, we submit that each of the 3 variants is a probable pathogenic cause of
      the hereditary hemolytic conditions in these patients. We hope other pediatric
      practitioners caring for neonates with what appears to be idiopathic severe
      neonatal hyperbilirubinemia will look for spectrin variants as a possible cause,
      because additional cases with these specific variants along with this clinical
      phenotype are needed to confirm our postulate that these 3 cases are indeed
      pathogenic mutations.

PMID- 28090779
TI  - Preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of metformin hydrochloride rectal
      dosage forms for treatment of patients with type II diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metformin hydrochloride (MtHCL) is an oral antidiabetic drug and has
      many other therapeutic benefits. It has poor bioavailability, narrow absorption
      window and extensive liver metabolism. Moreover, children and elders face
      difficulty to swallow the commercial oral tablets. OBJECTIVES: Preparation, in
      vitro/in vivo evaluation of MtHCL suppositories for rectal administration to
      solve some of these problems. METHODS: Suppository fatty bases (Witepsol(r),
      Suppocire(r) and Massa(r); different grades) and PEG bases 1000, 4000 and 6000
      (different ratios), were used to prepare rectal suppository formulations each
      containing 500 mg drug. These were characterized for manufacturing defects, and
      pharmacotechnical performance and formulations showing superior results were
      subjected to bioavailability testing in human volunteers compared with the
      commercial oral tablet (Ref) applying LC-MS/MS developed analytical technique.
      RESULTS: The preparation method produced suppositories with satisfactory
      characteristics and free of manufacturing defects. The fatty bases were superior
      compared with PEG bases regarding the physical characteristics. Three
      formulations were chosen for bioavailability testing and the results showed
      comparable bioavailability compared to the Ref. CONCLUSIONS: The fatty bases
      showed superior characteristics compared with the PEG bases. MtHCL formulated in
      selected fatty bases could be a potential alternative to the commercial oral
      tablets particularly for pediatric and geriatric patients.

PMID- 28090780
TI  - A multi-body dynamics study on a weight-drop test of rat brain injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI), induced by impact of an object with the head, is a
      major health problem worldwide. Rats are a well-established animal analogue for
      study of TBI and the weight-drop impact-acceleration (WDIA) method is a well
      established model in rats for creating diffuse TBI, the most common form of TBI
      seen in humans. However, little is known of the biomechanics of the WDIA method
      and, to address this, we have developed a four-degrees-of-freedom multi-body mass
      spring-damper model for the WDIA test in rats. An analytical expression of the
      maximum skull acceleration, one of the important head injury predictor, was
      derived and it shows that the maximum skull acceleration is proportional to the
      impact velocity but independent of the impactor mass. Furthermore, a dimensional
      analysis disclosed that the maximum force on the brain and maximum relative
      displacement between brain and skull are also linearly proportional to impact
      velocity. Additionally, the effects of the impactor mass were examined through a
      parametric study from the developed multi-body dynamics model. It was found that
      increasing impactor mass increased these two brain injury predictors.

PMID- 28090781
TI  - Possible role of central interleukins on the anorexigenic effect of
      lipopolysaccharide in chicks.
AB  - 1. The purpose of the present study was to determine if central interleukin-1beta
      (IL1beta), interleukin-6 (IL6) and interleukin-8 (IL8) affect feeding behaviour
      in chicks (Gallus gallus) and examine if central interleukins are related to the
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anorexia. 2. Intra-abdominal (IA) injection of
      LPS significantly suppressed feeding behaviour and significantly increased mRNA
      expression of IL1beta and IL8 in the diencephalon when compared to the control
      group, while IL6 tended to be increased. 3. Intracerebroventricular (ICV)
      injection of 200 ng IL1beta significantly decreased food intake at 60 min after
      the injection while IL6 and IL8 had no effect. 4. IA injection of these ILs (200
      ng) had no effect on food intake in chicks. 5. ICV injection of 200 ng IL1beta
      did not affect water intake and plasma corticosterone concentration, suggesting
      that central IL1beta might not be related to the regulation of drinking behaviour
      and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. 6. The present study demonstrated
      that central IL1beta but not IL6 and IL8 might be related to the inhibition of
      feeding in chicks.

PMID- 28090782
TI  - Emil Fischer and the "art of chemical experimentation".
AB  - What did nineteenth-century chemists know? This essay uses Emil Fischer's classic
      study of the sugars in 1880s and 90s Germany to argue that chemists' knowledge
      was not primarily vested in the theories of valence, structure, and
      stereochemistry that have been the subject of so much historical and
      philosophical analysis of chemistry in this period. Nor can chemistry be reduced
      to a merely manipulative exercise requiring little or no intellectual input.
      Examining what chemists themselves termed the "art of chemical experimentation"
      reveals chemical practice as inseparable from its cognitive component, and it
      explains how chemists integrated theory with experiment through reason.

PMID- 28090783
TI  - Probing the druggability of membrane-bound Rab5 by molecular dynamics
      simulations.
AB  - Rab5 is a small GTPase and a key regulator in early endosomal trafficking. Rab5
      and its effectors are involved in a large number of infectious diseases and
      certain types of cancer. We performed us atomistic molecular dynamics simulations
      of inactive and active full-length Rab5 anchored to a complex model bilayer with
      composition of the early endosome membrane. Direct interactions between the Rab5
      G domain and the bilayer were observed. We found two dominant nucleotide
      dependent orientations characterised by a different accessibility of the switch
      regions. The "buried switch" orientation was mainly associated with inactive Rab5
      accompanied with a rather extended structure of the hypervariable C-terminal
      region. Active Rab5 preferred an orientation in which the switch regions are
      accessible to effector proteins. These structural differences may provide an
      opportunity to selectively target one Rab5 state and lead to new approaches in
      the development of Rab5-specific therapies.

PMID- 28090784
TI  - Effect of resveratrol and tetracycline on the subacute paraquat toxicity in mice.
AB  - Paraquat (PQ) is a nonselective bipyridyl herbicide widely used in agriculture to
      control weeds, but its accidental, occupational, or intentional exposure in
      humans is known to cause pneumo- and neurotoxicity which may proves fatal.
      Oxidative stress is reported as an underlined mechanism of PQ-induced toxicity in
      alveolar cells, neurons, and astroglia. PQ generates superoxides both through
      electron transport reaction (ETC) with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      dependent oxidoreductase and by the redox cycling via reaction with molecular
      oxygen. In lungs, it causes edema and inflammation resulting in neutrophils
      infiltration and subsequent activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the
      present study, toxicity of subacute oral PQ exposure and effect of resveratrol
      (Res) and/or tetracycline (TC) on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in
      lungs, brain, and liver was studied. Levels of glutathione and malondialdehyde
      and activities of myeloperoxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were
      measured in lungs, brain, and liver. PQ interferes in the function of
      mitochondrial ETC complexes causing decreased adenosine triphosphate levels, and
      hence the activities of complexes I and IV were studied in brain tissues. Res, a
      natural antioxidant, and TC, an antibiotic with its antimicrobial and anti
      inflammatory properties, offered significant protection from severe oxidative
      stress and inflammation and ameliorated the general well-being of mice against
      the toxic outcome of PQ.

PMID- 28090785
TI  - Thymic cytoarchitecture changes in mice exposed to vanadium.
AB  - The thymus is a vital immune system organ wherein selection of T-lymphocytes
      occurs in a process regulated by dendritic and epithelial thymic cells.
      Previously, we have reported that in a mouse model of vanadium inhalation, a
      decrease in CD11c dendritic cells was observed. In the present study, we report
      on a thymic cortex-medulla distribution distortion in these hosts due to apparent
      effects of the inhaled vanadium on cytokeratin-5 (K5+) epithelial cells in the
      same mouse model - after 1, 2, and 4 weeks of exposure - by immunohistochemistry.
      These cells - together with dendritic cells - eliminate autoreactive T-cell
      clones and regulate the production of regulatory T-cells in situ. Because both
      cell types are involved in the negative selection of autoreactive clones, a
      potential for an increase in development of autoimmune conditions could be a
      possible consequence among individuals who might be exposed often to vanadium in
      air pollution, including dwellers of highly polluted cities with elevated levels
      of particulate matter onto which vanadium is often adsorbed.

PMID- 28090786
TI  - Inorganic nitrite modulates miRNA signatures in acute myocardial in vivo
      ischemia/reperfusion.
AB  - Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of mortality in the
      industrialized world. While it is essential to attempt an early reperfusion of
      ischemic myocardial territories, reperfusion itself adds damage to the heart, the
      ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Particularly the injury resulting from the
      very first minutes of reperfusion remains incompletely understood. MicroRNAs
      (miRNAs) are dynamic regulators in I/R injury. Nitric oxide (*NO) signaling, in
      turn, interacts with miRNA signaling. Our previous investigations showed that *NO
      signaling in I/R could be modulated by nitrite. We therefore sought to
      investigate the role of miRNAs in nitrite cardioprotection with focus on the
      first few minutes of reperfusion. The study was conducted in mice in vivo with 30
      min of ischemia and 5 min of reperfusion. Mice received a single-dose of nitrite
      or saline intracardially 5 min prior to reperfusion. We identified nine miRNAs to
      be up-regulated after 5 min of reperfusion. The up-regulation of almost half of
      those miRNAs (miR-125a-5p, miR-146b, miR-339-3p, miR-433) was inhibited by
      nitrite treatment, perpetuating baseline values. In silico analysis revealed the
      Irak-M gene to be a target of miR-146b and miR-339-3p. Correspondingly, a rise in
      Irak-M transcript and protein levels occurred by nitrite treatment within the
      early phase of reperfusion. The results demonstrate that already a very short
      phase of reperfusion is sufficient for significant dysregulation in cardiac
      miRNAs expression and that nitrite preserves baseline values of miRNAs in the
      scale of only a few minutes. These findings hint at a potential novel
      cardioprotective mechanism of nitrite signaling.

PMID- 28090787
TI  - Carbonic anhydrase from Apis mellifera: purification and inhibition by
      pesticides.
AB  - Carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzymes have been shown to play an important role in ion
      transport and in pH regulation in several organisms. Despite this information and
      the wealth of knowledge regarding the significance of CA enzymes, few studies
      have been reported about bee CA enzymes and the hazardous effects of chemicals.
      Using Apis mellifera as a model, this study aimed to determine the risk of
      pesticides on Apis mellifera Carbonic anhydrase enzyme (Am CA). CA was initially
      purified from Apis mellifera spermatheca for the first time in the literature.
      The enzyme was purified with an overall purification of ~35-fold with a molecular
      weight of ~32 kDa. The enzyme was then exposed to pesticides, including
      tebuconazole, propoxur, carbaryl, carbofuran, simazine and atrazine. The six
      pesticides dose-dependently inhibited in vitro AmCA activity at low micromolar
      concentrations. IC50 values for the pesticides were 0.0030, 0.0321, 0.0031,
      0.0087, 0.0273 and 0.0165 MUM, respectively. The AmCA inhibition mechanism of
      these compounds is unknown at this moment.

PMID- 28090788
TI  - Selection of suitable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in
      trabecular meshwork cells under oxidative stress.
AB  - Oxidative stress-induced dysfunction in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells is
      considered a major alteration that can lead to glaucoma. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
      is the most widely used agent for inducing oxidation in TM cells in vitro.
      Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is an important method for studying alterations
      in gene expression, and suitable (i.e. invariant) reference genes must be defined
      to normalize expression levels. In this study, eight common reference genes, i.e.
      PRS18, ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, PPIA, HPRT1, YWHAZ, and TBP, were evaluated for use in
      studies of H2O2-induced dysfunction in TM cells. Three established algorithms,
      geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper, were used to analyze the reference genes.
      ACTB expression was least affected by H2O2 treatment in TM cells, and the
      combination of PPIA and HPRT1 was the most suitable gene pair for normalization.
      GAPDH and TBP were the most unstable genes and accordingly should be avoided in
      experiments with TM cells. These results provide a foundation for analyses of the
      mechanisms underlying glaucoma, and emphasize the importance of selecting
      suitable reference genes for qPCR studies.

PMID- 28090789
TI  - Escalating Mental Health Care in Pediatric Emergency Departments.

PMID- 28090791
TI  - Additive value of "otosclerosis-weighted" images for the CT diagnosis of
      fenestral otosclerosis.
AB  - Background Otosclerotic foci are usually seen as minute low-density lesions and
      this may be attributed to relatively low sensitivity on visual assessment using
      computed tomography (CT). Otosclerotic foci can be detected by using the accurate
      region of interest (ROI) setting, while small ROI settings by less-experienced
      radiologists may result in false negative findings. Purpose To evaluate the
      diagnostic ability of our proposed method ("otosclerosis-weighted" imaging
      [OWI]), which is based on reversing the density, compared with conventional CT
      (CCT) imaging alone. Material and Methods Temporal bone CTs of consecutive
      patients with otosclerosis were analyzed. Gender- and age-matched control
      participants were also included. All CT images were obtained using a 64-detector
      row scanner. OWI was obtained by extracting the temporal bone region using the
      threshold technique and reversing the density (black to white). Four independent
      radiologists took part in two reading sessions. In the first session, the
      observers read only CCT imaging. In the second session, they read OWI along with
      the CCT imaging. Sensitivity was assessed for the four readers. Results Thirty
      temporal bones of 25 patients with otosclerosis (3 men, 22 women; mean age, 53.9
      +/- 9.0 years) and 30 temporal bones of 30 control participants (4 men, 26 women;
      mean age, 44.0 +/- 16.2 years) were included. For all observers, reading with a
      combination of the two methods was associated with a higher sensitivity (63.3
      80.0%) than with conventional CT images alone (30.0-60.0%; P < 0.05, each).
      Conclusion Application of our proposed method based on threshold value may help
      detect foci of fenestral otosclerosis.

PMID- 28090792
TI  - Cerebral schistosomiasis: diffusion-weighted imaging helps to differentiate from
      brain glioma and metastasis.
AB  - Background Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was introduced into clinical use some
      years ago. However, its use in the diagnosis of cerebral schistosomiasis has not
      been reported. Purpose To investigate the ability of the apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) value of DWI in the diagnosis of cerebral schistosomiasis, and
      to differentiate it from brain high-grade gliomas and metastasis. Material and
      Methods Conventional brain MRI with pre-contrast, post-contrast, and DWI was
      performed on 50 cases of cerebral schistosomiasis, high-grade glioma, and brain
      metastasis. The ADC values of the three lesions, the proximal and the distal
      perifocal edema were measured. In order to remove the individual difference
      effect of ADC values, relative ADC (rADC) values were calculated through dividing
      the ADC value of the lesion area by that of the contralateral normal white
      matter. rADC values were used to evaluate the differences among cerebral
      schistosomiasis, brain high-grade gliomas, and metastasis. Results rADC of
      cerebral schistosomiasis was significantly lower than rADC of brain metastasis (
      P < 0.05), without any significant differences when compared with high-grade
      gliomas. rADC of proximal perifocal edema in cerebral schistosomiasis was
      significantly higher than in high-grade gliomas ( P < 0.010), but not different
      compared with brain metastasis. Conclusion DWI examination with ADC values of
      lesions and proximal perifocal edema might be helpful in the exact diagnosis of
      cerebral schistosomiasis.

PMID- 28090790
TI  - Loss of Interneuron-Derived Collagen XIX Leads to a Reduction in Perineuronal
      Nets in the Mammalian Telencephalon.
AB  - Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are lattice-like supramolecular assemblies of
      extracellular glycoproteins that surround subsets of neuronal cell bodies in the
      mammalian telencephalon. PNNs emerge at the end of the critical period of brain
      development, limit neuronal plasticity in the adult brain, and are lost in a
      variety of complex brain disorders diseases, including schizophrenia. The link
      between PNNs and schizophrenia led us to question whether neuronally expressed
      extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules associated with schizophrenia contribute to
      the assembly of these specialized supramolecular ECM assemblies. We focused on
      collagen XIX-a minor, nonfibrillar collagen expressed by subsets of telencephalic
      interneurons. Genetic alterations in the region encoding collagen XIX have been
      associated with familial schizophrenia, and loss of this collagen in mice results
      in altered inhibitory synapses, seizures, and the acquisition of schizophrenia
      related behaviors. Here, we demonstrate that loss of collagen XIX also results in
      a reduction of telencephalic PNNs. Loss of PNNs was accompanied with reduced
      levels of aggrecan (Acan), a major component of PNNs. Despite reduced levels of
      PNN constituents in collagen XIX-deficient mice ( col19a1-/-), we failed to
      detect reduced expression of genes encoding these ECM molecules. Instead, we
      discovered a widespread upregulation of extracellular proteases capable of
      cleaving Acan and other PNN constituents in col19a1-/- brains. Taken together,
      these results suggest a mechanism by which the loss of collagen XIX speeds PNN
      degradation and they identify a novel mechanism by which the loss of collagen XIX
      may contribute to complex brain disorders.

PMID- 28090793
TI  - Development and validation of a predictor of insufficient enhancement during the
      hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Background Insufficient enhancement of liver parenchyma negatively affects
      diagnostic accuracy of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      Currently, there is no reliable method for predicting insufficient enhancement
      during the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. Purpose To
      develop a predictor for insufficient enhancement of liver parenchyma during HBP
      in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. Material and Methods In order to formulate a HBP
      enhancement test (HBP-ET), clinical factors associated with relative enhancement
      ratio (RER) of liver parenchyma were retrospectively determined from the datasets
      of 156 patients (Development group) who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI
      between November 2012 and May 2015. The independent clinical factors were
      identified by Pearson's correlation and multiple stepwise regression analysis;
      the performance of HBP-ET was compared to Child-Pugh score (CPS), Model for End
      stage Liver Disease score (MELD), and total bilirubin (TBIL) using receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The datasets of 52 patients
      (Validation group), which were examined between June 2015 and Oct 2015, were
      applied to validate the HBP-ET. Results Six biochemical parameters independently
      influenced RER and were used to develop HBP-ET. The mean HBP-ET score of patients
      with insufficient enhancement was significantly higher than that of patients with
      sufficient enhancement ( P < 0.001) in both the Development and Validation
      groups. HBP-ET (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.895) had better performance in
      predicting insufficient enhancement than CPS (AUC = 0.707), MELD (AUC = 0.798),
      and TBIL (AUC = 0.729). Conclusion The HBP-ET is more accurate than routine
      indicators in predicting insufficient enhancement during HBP, which is valuable
      to aid clinical decisions.

PMID- 28090794
TI  - Novel sluggish speed signs on ultrasound is indicative of hemangiomas.
AB  - Background Hemangiomas are sometimes difficult to diagnose with current
      techniques. Sluggish speed signs (SSS) are a phenomenon that: (i) cannot be
      depicted as Doppler flow on Doppler ultrasound; (ii) can be observed as fluid
      movements on Doppler ultrasound; and (iii) cannot be depicted as waveforms on
      pulse Doppler mode. We hypothesized that SSS could be diagnostic indicators for
      hemangiomas. Purpose To evaluate whether ultrasound findings, in particular those
      relating to SSS, are a reliable tool for detecting hemangiomas compared to
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the gold standard for hemangioma diagnosis:
      pathological examination by biopsy or after surgical resection. Material and
      Methods Totally, 105 patients (mean age, 44.9 years) with soft-tissue tumors
      underwent MRI and ultrasound examination before biopsy or tumor resection.
      Ultrasound findings were compared with MRI as well as pathological findings,
      which were used as reference. Results Hemangiomas were identified in 16 (6.25%)
      of the 105 patients. On MRI, flow voids showed sensitivity and specificity values
      of 81.3% and 96.6%, respectively. On ultrasound examination, SSS was the only
      finding to show equally high sensitivity (93.8%) and specificity (96.6%) for
      diagnosing hemangiomas. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic
      capabilities between these two parameters ( P = 0.479). Conclusion SSS showed a
      high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing hemangiomas and therefore are
      useful diagnostic tools to supplement MRI.

PMID- 28090795
TI  - Isolation and characterization of anti c-met single chain fragment variable
      (scFv) antibodies.
AB  - The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) Met is the cell surface receptor for
      hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) involved in invasive growth programs during
      embryogenesis and tumorgenesis. There is compelling evidence suggesting important
      roles for c-Met in colorectal cancer proliferation, migration, invasion,
      angiogenesis, and survival. Hence, a molecular inhibitor of an extracellular
      domain of c-Met receptor that blocks c-Met-cell surface interactions could be of
      great thera-peutic importance. In an attempt to develop molecular inhibitors of c
      Met, single chain variable fragment (scFv) phage display libraries Tomlinson I +
      J against a specific synthetic oligopeptide from the extracellular domain of c
      Met receptor were screened; selected scFv were then characterized using various
      immune techniques. Three c-Met specific scFv (ES1, ES2, and ES3) were selected
      following five rounds of panning procedures. The scFv showed specific binding to
      c-Met receptor, and significantly inhibited proliferation responses of a human
      colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116). Moreover, anti- apoptotic effects of
      selected scFv antibodies on the HCT-116 cell line were also evaluated using
      Annexin V/PI assays. The results demonstrated rates of apoptotic cell death of
      46.0, 25.5, and 37.8% among these cells were induced by use of ES1, ES2, and ES3,
      respectively. The results demonstrated ability to successfully isolate/char
      acterize specific c-Met scFv that could ultimately have a great therapeutic
      potential in immuno-therapies against (colorectal) cancers.

PMID- 28090796
TI  - Impact of C-rel inhibition of cord blood-derived B-, T-, and NK cells.
AB  - The c-Rel transcription factor is a unique member of the nuclear factor (NF)
      kappaB family that has a role in curtailing the proliferation, differentiation,
      cytokine production, and overall activity of B- and T-cells. In addition, c-Rel
      is a key regulator of apoptosis in that it influences the expression of anti
      apoptotic genes such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL; conversely, inhibition of c-Rel
      increases cell apoptosis. To better understand the relationship between c-Rel
      expression and effects on B- and T-cell expansion, the current study evaluated c
      Rel expression in cord blood mononuclear cells. This particular source was
      selected as cord blood is an important source of cells used for transplantation
      and immunotherapy, primarily in treating leukemias. As stem cell factor (SCF) and
      FLT3 are important agents for hematopoietic stem cell expansion, and cytokines
      like interleukin (IL)-2, -7, and -15 are essential for T- and B- (and also NK)
      cell development and proliferation, the current study evaluated c-Rel expression
      in cord blood mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells, as well as effects on B-, T-,
      and NK cells associated with alterations in c-Rel expression, using flow
      cytometry and PCR. The results showed c-Rel expression increased among cells
      cultured in the presence of SCF and FLT3 but was reduced when IL-2, IL-7, and IL
      15 were used all together. Further, inhibition of c-Rel expression by siRNA
      reduced cord blood-derived B-, T-, and NK cell differentiation and expansion.
      These results indicated that with cells isolated from cord blood, c-Rel has an
      important role in B-, T-, and NK cell differentiation and, further, that agents
      (select cytokines/growth factors) that could impact on its expression might not
      only affect immune cell profiles in a host but could potentially also limit
      apoptotic activities in (non-)immune cells in that host. In the context of cancer
      (immuno)therapy, in particular, when cord blood is used an important source in
      stem cell transplantation in leukemia patients, such down-regulating changes in c
      Rel levels could be counter-productive.

PMID- 28090797
TI  - Dimensions of Attention Associated With the Microstructure of Corona Radiata
      White Matter.
AB  - Mirsky proposed a model of attention that included these dimensions:
      focus/execute, sustain, stabilize, encode, and shift. The neural correlates of
      these dimensions were investigated within corona radiata subregions in healthy
      youth. Diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological assessments were conducted
      in 79 healthy, right-handed youth aged 4-17 years. Diffusion tensor imaging maps
      were analyzed using standardized parcellation methods. Partial Pearson
      correlations between neuropsychological standardized scores, representing these
      attention dimensions, and diffusion tensor imaging measures of corona radiata
      subregions were calculated after adjusting for gender and IQ. Significant
      correlations were found between the focus/execute, sustain, stabilize, and shift
      dimensions and imaging metrics in hypothesized corona radiata subregions. Results
      suggest that greater microstructural white matter integrity of the corona radiata
      is partly associated with attention across 4 attention dimensions. Findings
      suggest that white matter microstructure of the corona radiata is a neural
      correlate of several, but not all, attention dimensions.

PMID- 28090798
TI  - Switching from branded to generic glatiramer acetate: 15-month GATE trial
      extension results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Open-label 15-month follow-up of the double-blind, placebo-controlled
      Glatiramer Acetate clinical Trial to assess Equivalence with Copaxone(r) (GATE)
      trial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability of prolonged
      generic glatiramer acetate (GTR) treatment and to evaluate efficacy, safety, and
      tolerability of switching from brand glatiramer acetate (GA) to GTR treatment.
      METHODS: A total of 729 patients received GTR 20 mg/mL daily. Safety was assessed
      at months 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 and Expanded Disability Status Scale and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at months 12, 18, and 24. The presence of
      glatiramer anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) was tested at baseline and months 1, 3, 6,
      9, 12, 18, and 24. RESULTS: The mean number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions in
      the GTR/GTR and GA/GTR groups was similar at months 12, 18, and 24. The change in
      other MRI parameters was also similar in the GTR/GTR and GA/GTR groups. The
      annualized relapse rate (ARR) did not differ between the GTR/GTR and GA/GTR
      groups, 0.21 and 0.24, respectively. The incidence, spectrum, and severity of
      reported adverse events did not differ between the GTR/GTR and GA/GTR groups.
      Glatiramer ADA titers were similar in the GTR/GTR and GA/GTR groups. CONCLUSION:
      Efficacy and safety of GTR is maintained over 2 years. Additionally, switching
      from GA to GTR is safe and well tolerated.

PMID- 28090799
TI  - National HIV Care Continua for Key Populations.
AB  - We reviewed published national HIV care continua for men who have sex with men
      (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and female sex workers (FSWs) to track
      progress toward the 90-90-90 target. We searched the Internet, PubMed,
      surveillance reports, United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS country reports, US
      President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief country/regional operational plans,
      and conference abstracts for the continua and graded them on quality. We found 12
      continua for MSM, 7 for PWID, and 5 for FSW from 12 countries. HIV diagnosis,
      antiretroviral therapy coverage, and viral suppression varied between (1) 5% and
      85%, 2% and 73%, and 1% and 72%, respectively for MSM; (2) 54% and 96%, 14% and
      80%, and 8% and 68%, respectively for PWID; and (3) 27% and 63%, 8% and 16%, and
      2% and 14%, respectively for FSW. Two countries, using data from national
      cohorts, were high quality. There are limited key population continua in the
      public domain. Of the few available, none have achieved 90-90-90. Improved
      monitoring and evaluation of key population continua is necessary to achieve the
      90-90-90 target.

PMID- 28090800
TI  - Similar familial risk in multiple sclerosis subgroups.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A subgroup of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) present
      with no oligoclonal bands (OCB) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Several studies
      report different clinical characteristics and genetic associations between the
      two groups. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the OCB negative subgroup has a
      distinct etiology from band positive MS. METHODS: Using nationwide registers to
      estimate familial risks, which reflect the genetic contribution of a disease.
      RESULTS: Odds ratios of MS were similar for relatives to band positive and
      negative patients. CONCLUSION: From the perspective of familial liability, MS
      without OCB is etiologically closely related to the dominant subgroup of OCB
      positive MS.

PMID- 28090801
TI  - Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors attenuate propofol-induced pro-oxidative
      and antifibrinolytic effect in human endothelial cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of plasma and
      tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) against propofol-induced
      endothelial dysfunction and to elucidate the involved mechanisms in vitro.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the effects of propofol (50 MUM), quinaprilat
      and enalaprilat (10-5 M) on fibrinolysis (t-PA, PAI-1, TAFI antigen levels),
      oxidative stress parameters (H2O2 and MDA antigen levels and SOD and NADPH
      oxidase mRNA levels) and nitric oxide bioavailability (NO2/NO3 concentration and
      NOS expression at the level of mRNA) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs). RESULTS: We found that both ACE-Is promoted similar endothelial
      fibrinolytic properties and decreased oxidative stress in vitro. Propofol alone
      increased the release of antifibrinolytic and pro-oxidative factors from the
      endothelium and increased mRNA iNOS expression. We also found that the incubation
      of HUVECs in the presence of propofol following ACE-Is pre-incubation caused
      weakness of the antifibrinolytic and pro-oxidative potential of propofol and this
      effect was similar after both ACE-Is. CONCLUSIONS: This observation suggests that
      the studied ACE-Is exerted protective effects against endothelial cell
      dysfunction caused by propofol, independently of hemodynamics.

PMID- 28090803
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 in bipolar disorder: An expression
      study in peripheral tissues.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) is a member of
      the family of high-affinity binding proteins (IGFBP1-6) and appears to play a
      governing role in insulin-like growth factor (IGF) regulation in the central
      nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the putative involvement of
      IGFBP2 in mood disorder pathogenesis by measuring its expression levels in
      patient peripheral tissues. METHODS: IGFBP2 protein and mRNA levels were measured
      in the serum of 93 controls, 41 bipolar disorder (BD) and 43 major depressive
      disorder (MDD) patients and in the skin fibroblasts from 15 controls, 12 BD and
      23 MDD patients. RESULTS: The results indicated reduced expression of IGFBP2 in
      both tissues of BD patients, whereas no difference was found in MDD patients
      compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings in peripheral tissues are
      consistent with previous results in the brain and support a downregulation of
      IGFBP2 expression that is specific for BD, suggesting a role for this protein in
      the alterations in neurodevelopment and neuroprotection observed in the disorder.
      Further studies in independent and larger cohorts are warranted to confirm the
      involvement of IGFBP2 in BD.

PMID- 28090802
TI  - Functional deficits induced by cortical microinfarcts.
AB  - Clinical studies have revealed a strong link between increased burden of cerebral
      microinfarcts and risk for cognitive impairment. Since the sum of tissue damage
      incurred by microinfarcts is a miniscule percentage of total brain volume, we
      hypothesized that microinfarcts disrupt brain function beyond the injury site
      visible to histological or radiological examination. We tested this idea using a
      mouse model of microinfarcts, where single penetrating vessels that supply mouse
      cortex were occluded by targeted photothrombosis. We found that in vivo
      structural and diffusion MRI reliably reported the acute microinfarct core, based
      on spatial co-registrations with post-mortem stains of neuronal viability.
      Consistent with our hypothesis, c-Fos assays for neuronal activity and in vivo
      imaging of single vessel hemodynamics both reported functional deficits in viable
      peri-lesional tissues beyond the microinfarct core. We estimated that the volume
      of tissue with functional deficit in cortex was at least 12-fold greater than the
      volume of the microinfarct core. Impaired hemodynamic responses in peri-lesional
      tissues persisted at least 14 days, and were attributed to lasting deficits in
      neuronal circuitry or neurovascular coupling. These data show how individually
      miniscule microinfarcts could contribute to broader brain dysfunction during
      vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.

PMID- 28090804
TI  - Choline acetyltransferase may contribute to the risk of Tourette syndrome:
      Combination of family-based analysis and case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Twin and family analyses have revealed a genetic contribution to
      Tourette syndrome (TS) and post-mortem studies have raised the intriguing
      possibility of a reduction in cholinergic interneuronsin TS patients. METHODS: We
      selected five tag SNPs (rs100824791, rs12264845, rs1880676, rs3793790 and
      rs3793798) of choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) from the Han Chinese population
      Hapmap database. Genotyping was conducted on 401 TS nuclear family trios and 405
      control subjects. Transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and haplotype relative
      risk (HRR) analyses were used to analyse the family-based study and a case
      control study was also used to assess the genetic susceptibility to TS. RESULTS:
      The results revealed a significant over-transmission of rs3793790 (TDT, chi2 =
      9.121, P = 0.003; HRR, chi2 = 6.579, P = 0.01), while case-control analysis found
      no differences between the two groups (genotype, chi2 = 0.436, P = 0.804; allele,
      chi2 = 0.149, P = 0.700). Also, rs3793798 also indicated a positive association
      associated with TS (TDT, chi2 = 5.025, P = 0.028; HRR, chi2 = 0.250, P = 0.617).
      However, the other three SNPs investigated were found not to be associated with
      TS in both in the family-based and case-control studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      association analysis demonstrates that CHAT may contribute to TS susceptibility
      in the Han Chinese population. This gives strong support to the involvement of
      cholinergic interneurons in the aetiology of TS and reveals a potential
      therapeutic target.

PMID- 28090805
TI  - Visually evoked startle response in a patient with epilepsy: a case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Both symptomatic and genetic, cases with hyperekplexia or startle seizures
      induced by acoustic stimuli, are previously reported. By contrast, startle
      response induced by visual stimuli is rare. While visual stimuli are more
      commonly associated with startle seizures, here we present an 11-year-old girl
      with epilepsy, motor-mental retardation, and spastic tetraparesis, who had
      repetitive startle responses by photic stimulation during the
      electroencephalogram recording, without any spike-and-wave discharges associated
      with the startles. We report this unique case with startle responses induced both
      by acoustic and photic stimuli and review the literature related to this
      exceptionally rare combination of symptoms.

PMID- 28090806
TI  - Randomised sham-controlled study of high-frequency bilateral deep transcranial
      magnetic stimulation (dTMS) to treat adult attention hyperactive disorder (ADHD):
      Negative results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent studies support the possible effectiveness of repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      safety and possible efficacy of bilateral prefrontal deep rTMS for the treatment
      of adult ADHD. METHODS: Twenty-six adult ADHD patients were randomised blindly to
      sham or actual deep TMS (dTMS). Twenty daily sessions were conducted using the
      bilateral H5 dTMS coil (Brainsway, IL) in order to stimulate the prefrontal
      cortex at 120% of the motor threshold at high frequency. For assessment, Conners'
      Adult ADHD Rating Scale questionnaire and a computerised continuous performance
      test, Test of Variables of Attention, were used. RESULTS: No differences in
      clinical outcomes were detected between the actual dTMS and sham groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The presented evidence does not support the utility of bilateral
      prefrontal stimulation to treat adult ADHD. Due to the small sample size, caution
      must be exercised in interpreting our preliminary findings.

PMID- 28090807
TI  - Neurocognitive function in paediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The small body of neuropsychological research in paediatric obsessive
      compulsive disorder (OCD) yields inconsistent results. A recent meta-analysis
      found small effect sizes, concluding that paediatric OCD may not be associated
      with cognitive impairments, stressing the need for more research. We investigated
      neuropsychological performance in a large sample of youths with OCD, while
      assessing potential moderators. METHODS: Participants with OCD (n = 102) and
      matched controls (n = 161) were thoroughly screened and blindly evaluated for
      comorbidities, and completed a neuropsychological battery assessing processing
      speed, visuospatial abilities (VSA), working memory (WM), non-verbal memory
      (NVM), and executive functions (EF). RESULTS: Compared to controls, youths with
      OCD exhibited underperformance on tasks assessing processing speed. On tests of
      VSA and WM, underperformance was found only on timed tasks. There were no
      differences on NVM and EF tasks. Notably, the OCD group's standardised scores
      were in the normative range. Test performance was not associated with demographic
      or clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Youths with OCD exhibited intact performance
      on memory and EF tests, but slower processing speed, and underperformance only on
      timed VSA and WM tasks. While the OCD group performed in the normative range,
      these findings reveal relative weaknesses that may be overlooked. Such an
      oversight may be of particular importance in clinical and school settings.

PMID- 28090808
TI  - Biomaterial Encapsulation Is Enhanced in the Early Stages of the Foreign Body
      Reaction During Conditional Macrophage Depletion in Transgenic Macrophage Fas
      Induced Apoptosis Mice<sup/>.
AB  - Macrophages are pivotal cells during the foreign body reaction (FBR), as they
      orchestrate the proinflammatory microenvironment inside and around biomaterials
      by secretion of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, they are responsible for the
      degradation of biomaterials and are thought to instruct the fibroblasts that
      generate a fibrous capsule around implanted biomaterials. In this study, we
      investigated the events during the FBR when macrophages are not present.
      Hexamethylenediisocyanate crosslinked collagen scaffolds were implanted in
      "Macrophage Fas-Induced Apoptosis" mice, which allow "on demand" macrophage
      depletion. We observed that macrophage depletion completely inhibited
      inflammatory ingrowth into the scaffolds and resulted in an increased capsule
      size. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed decreased
      expression levels of proinflammatory mediators such as TNFalpha and IL1beta, and
      increased expression levels of collagens and fibroblast-stimulating growth
      factors such as EGF, FGF1, FGF2, and TGFalpha. Our results indicate that
      macrophages are indeed crucial for the generation of a proinflammatory
      microenvironment inside implanted biomaterials, leading to inflammatory ingrowth.
      In contrast, macrophages do not appear to be important for the generation of a
      fibrous capsule around implanted biomaterials. In fact, our data suggest that the
      macrophages present in the capsule might instruct the surrounding fibroblasts to
      produce less fibroblast-stimulating factors and less collagens.

PMID- 28090809
TI  - Degradation kinetics of passion fruit pectin in subcritical water.
AB  - The degradation of passion fruit pectin by subcritical water treatment in a
      continuous flow-type reactor was investigated in the temperature range of 80-160 
      degrees C at a constant pressure of 5 MPa. Changes in the degree of
      polymerization and reducing end formation were monitored and modeled by applying
      the Emsley equation and zeroth-order kinetics, respectively. The results showed
      that both the pectin degradation rate constant and the change in the amount of
      reducing end were enhanced by temperature, and that the temperature dependence of
      these parameters obeyed the Arrhenius relationship. The activation energies for
      pectin degradation and reducing end formation were 62.8 and 86.9 kJ/mol,
      respectively. The non-linear relationship between the ratio of broken
      galacturonic acid units to the total galacturonic acid units and the change in
      the amount of reducing end indicated that pectin cleavage became easier as
      hydrolysis progressed.

PMID- 28090810
TI  - Enamel remineralization effect of a dentifrice containing calcium sodium
      phosphosilicate: an optical coherence tomography observation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a dentifrice
      containing 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSP) on the remineralization of the
      enamel using optical coherence tomography (OCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine
      incisors were sliced and shaped in a rectangular form. One group of five
      specimens was treated with undersaturated 0.1 M lactic acid buffer solution (pH
      4.75) for 10 min and then placed in artificial saliva (pH 7.0) (De group). Other
      specimens were stored in solutions of toothpaste containing CSP for 10 min,
      followed by 10-min immersion in the lactic acid buffer solution twice a day
      before storage in artificial saliva (CSP group). An additional group was stored
      in only artificial saliva (control group). OCT imaging on the selected location
      of the enamel surface was performed. The peak intensity and width at 1/e2 were
      recorded in each of the six areas on the sample and averaged, and the sample size
      of each group was six. The integrated value in units (dB * MUm) was calculated in
      the area of peak intensity. The data for each group was subjected to one-way
      repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The changes
      in integrated values of each group were different. A slight but significant
      increase in the integrated value was observed in the control group, whereas a
      slight but significant decrease in the value was observed the De group.
      Integrated values increased in the CSP group. CONCLUSIONS: Remineralization
      occurred upon immersion in the toothpaste containing CSP.

PMID- 28090811
TI  - Antibacterial combination therapy using Co3+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pd2+ complexes:
      Their calf thymus DNA binding studies.
AB  - Four Co(III)-, Cu(II)-, Zn(II)-, and Pd(II)-based potent antibacterial complexes
      of formula K3[Co(ox)3].3H2O (I), [Cu(bpy)2Cl]Cl.5H2O (II), [Zn(bpy)3]Cl2 (III),
      and [Pd(bpy)2](NO3)2 (IV) (where ox is oxalate and bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine) were
      synthesized. They were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance
      measurements, UV-Vis, FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectra. These metal complexes
      were ordered in three combination series of I + II, I + II + III, and I + II +
      III + IV. Antibacterial activity was tested for each of these four metal
      complexes and their combinations against Gram-positive and Gram-negative
      bacteria. All compounds were more potent antibacterial agents against the Gram
      negative than those of the Gram-positive bacteria. The four metal complexes
      showed antibacterial activity in the order I > II > III > IV and the activity of
      their combinations followed the order of I + II + III + IV > I + II + III > I +
      II. CT-DNA binding studies of complex I and its three combinations were carried
      out using UV-vis spectral titration, displacement of ethidium bromide (EB), and
      electrophoretic mobility assay. The results obtained from UV-vis studies
      indicated that all series interact effectively with CT-DNA. Fluorescence
      titration revealed that the complexes quench DNA-EB strongly through the static
      quenching procedures. The binding constant (Kb), the Stern-Volmer constant (Ksv),
      and the number of binding sites (n) were determined at different temperatures of
      293, 300, and 310 K, respectively. The calculated thermodynamic parameters
      supported that hydrogen binding and Van der Waals forces play a major role in
      association of each series of metal complexes with CT-DNA and follow the above
      binding affinity order for the series.

PMID- 28090813
TI  - Effects of fostriecin on beta2-adrenoceptor-driven responses in human mast cells.
AB  - As part of the intracellular processes leading to mast cell and basophil
      activation, phosphorylation of key substrates is likely to be important. These
      processes, mediated by phosphatases, are responsible for regulating
      phosphorylation. The aim of the present study was to determine effects fostriecin
      - a selective inhibitor of PP2A (protein phosphatase-2) - on beta2-adrenoceptor
      driven responses in human mast cells. Here, the effects of fostriecin (PP
      inhibitors) on the inhibition of histamine release from HLMC, on beta
      adrenoceptor-driven responses in mast cells and on desensitization were
      investigated. Long-term incubation (24 h) of mast cells with fostriecin (10-6 M)
      resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the maximal response (from
      41.2 [+/- 3.0] to 29.9 [+/- 4.2] %) to salbutamol following fostriecin treatment.
      The results showed that fostriecin pretreatment significantly attenuated the
      inhibitory effects of salbutamol. Overall, the present study suggested that PP2A
      has an important role in regulating mast cell beta2-adrenoceptors.

PMID- 28090814
TI  - Personalized dynamic prediction of death according to tumour progression and high
      dimensional genetic factors: Meta-analysis with a joint model.
AB  - Developing a personalized risk prediction model of death is fundamental for
      improving patient care and touches on the realm of personalized medicine. The
      increasing availability of genomic information and large-scale meta-analytic data
      sets for clinicians has motivated the extension of traditional survival
      prediction based on the Cox proportional hazards model. The aim of our paper is
      to develop a personalized risk prediction formula for death according to genetic
      factors and dynamic tumour progression status based on meta-analytic data. To
      this end, we extend the existing joint frailty-copula model to a model allowing
      for high-dimensional genetic factors. In addition, we propose a dynamic
      prediction formula to predict death given tumour progression events possibly
      occurring after treatment or surgery. For clinical use, we implement the
      computation software of the prediction formula in the joint.Cox R package. We
      also develop a tool to validate the performance of the prediction formula by
      assessing the prediction error. We illustrate the method with the meta-analysis
      of individual patient data on ovarian cancer patients.

PMID- 28090815
TI  - Comparison of Genome-Wide and Gene-Specific DNA Methylation Profiling in First
      Trimester Chorionic Villi From Pregnancies Conceived With Infertility Treatments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assisted reproductive technologies are associated with altered
      methylation in term placenta. However, it is unclear whether methylation patterns
      are the result of fertility treatments or intrauterine environment. Thus, we set
      out to determine whether there are differences in the first-trimester placenta
      that may be altered by the underlying fertility treatments. Genome-wide DNA
      methylation analyses from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) from matched singleton
      pregnancies conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF), non-IVF fertility
      treatment (NIFT), or those conceived spontaneously were performed using Illumina
      Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip from 15 matched CVS samples. Nanofluidic
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of differently methylated genes was
      performed in a confirmatory cohort of 23 IVF conceptions and 24 NIFT conceptions.
      RESULTS: Global methylation was similar among the IVF, NIFT, and spontaneous
      conceptions. However, differential methylation from IVF and NIFT pregnancies was
      present at 34 CpG sites, which was significantly different. Of those, 14
      corresponded to known genes, with methylation changes detected at multiple loci
      in 3 genes, anaphase-promoting complex subunit 2 ( ANAPC2), C-X-C motif chemokine
      ligand 14 ( CXCL14), and regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis 1 ( RIMS1).
      Nanofluidic qPCR of differentially methylated genes identified pre T-cell antigen
      receptor alpha ( PTCRA) to be significantly downregulated in IVF versus NIFT
      conceptions. CONCLUSION: Although global methylation patterns are similar, there
      are differences in methylation of specific genes in IVF compared to NIFT
      conceptions, leading to altered gene expression. PTCRA was differentially
      methylated and downregulated in IVF conceptions, warranting further
      investigation. It remains to be determined whether these changes affect
      placentation and whether it is due to the more profound underlying infertility
      requiring IVF, yet these data provide unique insight into the first-trimester
      placental epigenome.

PMID- 28090816
TI  - Tacit knowledge and risk perceptions: Tullow Oil and lay publics in Ghana's
      offshore oil region.
AB  - This study examines how local residents make sense of offshore oil production
      risks in Ghana's nascent petroleum industry. From a naturalistic-interpretive
      perspective, it is primarily based on in-depth interviews with community
      residents: 8 opinion leaders, 15 residents, and 1 journalist. Residents associate
      Tullow's oil activities with health concerns (e.g. conjunctivitis), environmental
      challenges (e.g. the emergence of decomposed seaweeds along the shore), and socio
      economic concerns (e.g. loss of livelihoods, decline in fish harvest, and
      increased rent and cost of living). Focusing on how the local, practical
      knowledge of interviewees manifest in their sense of offshore oil risks, the
      study identifies two strategies-scapegoating and tacit knowing-underlying how
      residents construe offshore oil risks and benefits. Beyond its theoretical
      contribution to the social construction of risk process, the study illustrates
      the challenge the expert-lay publics dichotomy poses (and the potential bridging
      this dichotomy has) for corporate and societal risk management.

PMID- 28090817
TI  - Coronary or ventricular rupture after blunt chest trauma? A clinical dilemma.
AB  - Cardiac rupture (CR) is one of the most serious and life-threatening
      complications of blunt chest trauma (BCT) usually associated with high mortality.
      Moreover, its diagnosis and treatment strategies may be extremely challenging for
      clinicians due to various anatomical localisations of the tear. Whereas most
      injuries fall under the category of right atrial ruptures, left ventricular
      lesions represent a rare type of this injury, with greater mortality,
      particularly in cases of multi-chamber injuries. However, not only cardiac
      chamber or great vessel ruptures may occur as a result of BCT; a growing number
      of reports also describe BCT-induced isolated coronary artery injuries, including
      ruptures. Whereas CR requires immediate surgical treatment, less invasive
      interventional techniques, such as stent placement and closure with fibrin glue
      or coils, can be the treatment of choice in selected cases of hemodynamically
      less relevant coronary artery ruptures. In this report, we present a rare case of
      a ventricular rupture following BCT, with the tear localized in the right
      ventricular wall and an occult connection to the left ventricle without
      ventricular septum injury. Also, another contemporaneous emergency in our
      department that had to be managed at the same time resulted in challenging the
      decision-making process. As such an emergency constellation is difficult to
      manage, this report may help clinicians in difficult situations in terms of
      diagnosis and choosing the right treatment strategy.

PMID- 28090818
TI  - Individual differences in proactive interference in verbal and visuospatial
      working memory.
AB  - Proactive interference (PI) has been shown to affect working memory (WM) span as
      well as the predictive utility of WM span measures. However, most of the research
      on PI has been conducted using verbal memory items, and much less is known about
      the role of PI in the visuospatial domain. In order to further explore this
      issue, the present study used a within-subjects manipulation of PI that
      alternated clusters of trials with verbal and visuospatial to-be-remembered
      items. Although PI was shown to build and release across trials similarly in the
      two domains, important differences also were observed. The ability of verbal WM
      to predict performance on a measure of fluid intelligence was significantly
      affected by the amount of PI present, consistent with past research, but this
      proved not to be the case for visuospatial WM. Further, individuals'
      susceptibility to PI in one domain was relatively independent of their
      susceptibility in the other domain, suggesting that, contrary to some theories of
      executive function, individual differences in PI susceptibility may not be domain
      general.

PMID- 28090821
TI  - Nurse-led service slashes wait for GP appointment.
AB  - NURSES ATTENDING the RCN Practice Nurse Association annual conference have
      showcased wide- ranging service developments made possible through the advent of
      primary care trusts (PCTs).

PMID- 28090819
TI  - Toxoplasmic encephalitis relapse rates with pyrimethamine-based therapy:
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) is caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection and can be
      a life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients. This study evaluated
      the rate of relapse associated with pyrimethamine-based maintenance therapy (i.e.
      secondary prophylaxis) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or
      AIDs treated prior to and after the common use (i.e. 1996) of highly active
      antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (pre-HAART and post-HAART, respectively). PubMed,
      Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were searched to 6 June 2016 using search
      terms: pyrimethamine, Daraprim, Fansidar, Metakelfin, Fansimef, 5-(4
      chlorophenyl)-6-ethyl-2,4-pyrimidinediamine, encephalitis, cerebral,
      toxoplasmosis, toxoplasmic, and gondii. Single-arm cohort, retrospective, and
      randomized studies were included. Twenty-six studies with 1,596 patients were
      included in the analysis; twenty pre-HAART (n = 1,228) studies and six post-HAART
      (n = 368) were performed. Pooled proportions test for pyrimethamine-based therapy
      from pre-HAART studies indicated a relapse rate of 19.2% and 18.9% from the fixed
      effects and random-effects models, respectively. The relapse rate in the post
      HAART studies was 11.1% (fixed and random effects). Continuous therapy was
      suggestive of lower incidence of relapse compared with intermittent therapy in
      the pre-HAART era (range, 18.7 to 17.3% vs. 20.9 to 25.6%, respectively). These
      findings indicate that the likelihood of relapse associated with pyrimethamine
      based therepy in patients with HIV and TE decreased after the introduction of
      HAART to approximately 11%. The findings have important implications as relapse
      may affect a patient's disease severity and prognosis, increase utilization of
      health care resources, and result in additional health care expenditure.

PMID- 28090820
TI  - PALS could disempower nurses.
AB  - A NEW SYSTEM to deal with patients' complaints is flawed because it will
      disempower nurses and be difficult to access in primary care settings, the
      conference heard.

PMID- 28090822
TI  - Labour initiatives sapping power, not giving it to staff.
AB  - HEALTH SECRETARY Alan Milburn has clashed with NHS Confederation chief executive
      Stephen Thornton over nursing initiatives and the devolution of power to
      frontline staff.

PMID- 28090824
TI  - Antioxidant vitamins might prevent pre-eclampsia.
AB  - Pre-eclampsia which causes the deaths of about 75,000 women worldwide every year
      might be caused by decreased availability of nitric oxide, US researchers say.

PMID- 28090823
TI  - Once in a lifetime.
AB  - Adele McEvilly received an NHS Lifetime Achievement award at the first health and
      social care awards. The award was in recognition of her work at Birmingham
      Children's Hospital. Ms McEvilly, a former Nursing Standard paediatric nurse of
      the year, received her award from health secretary Alan Milburn (left) and
      Olympic oarsman Sir Steve Redgrave.

PMID- 28090825
TI  - Clinicians should pay more attention to drug side effects.
AB  - PATIENTS' VIEWS on the adverse effects of antipsychotics should be given greater
      regard when prescribing choices are made, a study has shown.

PMID- 28090826
TI  - Police training boosts zero tolerance results.
AB  - COLLABORATIVE WORKING between nurses and police to promote zero tolerance of
      illegal drugs on acute mental health wards benefits staff and patients, according
      to a study.

PMID- 28090827
TI  - Meditation unlocks prison health.
AB  - VIPPASANA, an ancient Indian form of meditation, can improve discipline and co
      operation in prisoners and help treat mental illness, according to a study.

PMID- 28090828
TI  - RCN election.
AB  - THE 29-STRONG RCN council is to have 11 new members after election results were
      revealed last week.

PMID- 28090830
TI  - Wales to consider PFI concerns.
AB  - HEALTH MINISTER Jane Hutt has pledged to review and evaluate all five private
      finance initiative (PFI) projects in Wales following RCN lobbying.

PMID- 28090829
TI  - On the Move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28090831
TI  - Behind the news.
AB  - IF YOU only had access to the mass media, you could be forgiven for thinking that
      Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (CJD) equals mad cow disease in humans.

PMID- 28090833
TI  - From the heart.
AB  - A chance meeting at Harefield Hospital with transplant surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub
      changed my life - but I never dreamed he would also be the one to save it.

PMID- 28090832
TI  - Rewrite proposals for new nursing council, says RCN.
AB  - THE RCN is calling on the government to rewrite its proposals for the new Nursing
      and Midwifery Council (NMC), the body that will replace the UKCC and the four
      national boards next year.

PMID- 28090834
TI  - Family.
AB  - IT HAS long been recognised that much cancer care and advice is given outside
      specialist units, which has led to continuing concern among some academics over
      how little nurses seem to know about the hereditary nature of cancer.

PMID- 28090835
TI  - outside in.
AB  - Hush a minute. Do you hear that banging sound? It's my arteries, throbbing fit to
      burst. What do you mean 'don't joke about it'? I'm not joking. My blood pressure
      is way too high, and that's no joking matter.

PMID- 28090836
TI  - Call for guidelines on resuscitation of dementia patients.
AB  - NEARLY ALL nurses think trusts should provide more training on the legal and
      ethical issues around resuscitating patients who have dementia, according to a
      study.

PMID- 28090837
TI  - Age-old practices.
AB  - The National Service Framework for Older People is a comprehensive strategy that
      seeks to ensure fair, high quality, integrated health and social care services
      for older people. It is a ten-year programme of action linking services to
      support independence and promote good health, specialised services for key
      conditions, and culture changes so that all older people and their carers are
      always treated with respect, dignity and fairness.

PMID- 28090838
TI  - Is nursing bad for you?

PMID- 28090839
TI  - Age discrimination lurks in student bursary awards.
AB  - I am a 25-year-old student nurse and have just started my second year of
      training. Although I know that in September the bursary will be going up, there
      is one point I would like to make.

PMID- 28090842
TI  - Mixed response to cancer plans.
AB  - A NEW cancer strategy for Scotland has received a muted welcome from the RCN.

PMID- 28090841
TI  - New roles demand more training.
AB  - MORE TRAINING is needed if practice nurses are to take on the expanded role
      outlined in the NHS Plan, the conference heard.

PMID- 28090843
TI  - Inspiring change.
AB  - Any nurse who has ever felt the strain of pushing against a rigid or 'unfriendly'
      hospital system will find Dr Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's autobiography heartwarming
      and encouraging.

PMID- 28090844
TI  - Nurse Amanda Pinkney claims that after three failed attempts at whistleblowing,
      she sacrificed her career. She tells her story to Charlotte Alderman.
AB  - WHEN CONSULTANT gynaecologist Richard Neale was struck off by the General Medical
      Council (GMC) last year many of the women who suffered at his hands felt
      vindicated that their complaints had been listened to and acted on. But nurse
      Amanda Pinkney says she tried to complain about him eight years earlier.

PMID- 28090845
TI  - Shifting boundaries.
AB  - FUNNY HOW three different groups of health professionals managed to see the same
      issue from such widely differing perspectives last week.

PMID- 28090846
TI  - It doesn't cost anything to ask staff their views.
AB  - YOU MAY do a double take when you see the story on page 4 . News that a hospital
      in West Yorkshire has stopped subsidising meals to save money - and hasn't even
      consulted its staff - will seem out of place and out of time.

PMID- 28090847
TI  - Find even more information on Nursing Standard.

PMID- 28090849
TI  - Model setting for students.
AB  - Clinical placement co-ordinator Kate Wadley, of Birmingham Specialist Community
      Health NHS Trust, eyes up one of the life-size models at the trust's new clinical
      skills centre. The L58,000 centre also has a range of 'true-to-life' acute and
      community settings to help train nursing students.

PMID- 28090850
TI  - Success story.
AB  - THE PROBLEMS of staff recruitment and retention are just as acute in the private
      healthcare sector as they are in the NHS. But one group, Westminster Health Care,
      has adopted a multipronged approach to the problem including staff education and
      training, career pathways and home and overseas recruitment drives.

PMID- 28090851
TI  - ...but doctors in south call for help.
AB  - THE ROLE of practice nurses in relieving the pressure on GP services was due to
      be highlighted in the House of Commons this week.

PMID- 28090852
TI  - Put your heads together.

PMID- 28090853
TI  - The only nurse on the team.
AB  - Changing jobs is always hard, but moving from the acute sector to the community
      as well as taking up a completely new role in a social services team is
      particularly challenging.

PMID- 28090854
TI  - What's on: the best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - A roundup of the latest nursing news.

PMID- 28090855
TI  - Practitioner-client Relationships and The Prevention of Abuse A UKCC teaching
      pack.
AB  - This teaching pack is aimed at preventing the nurse, midwife or health visitor
      unwittingly abusing patients or clients. It contains a facilitators' teaching
      pack, video, CD-ROM and booklet.

PMID- 28090856
TI  - Going dutch.
AB  - PRACTITIONER NURSES from the Scottish prison service have the unique experience
      of providing j primary care for both prisoners and ?d on Dutch soil. Camp Zeist
      houses complex, purpose built to accommodate the Libyan prisoners who were on
      trial for alleged arts of terrorism involving the bombing of PanAm Flight 103
      over Lockerbie in 1988.

PMID- 28090857
TI  - Anger over subsidy cut.
AB  - HOSPITAL STAFF in West Yorkshire are threatening joint industrial action after
      trust managers decided to stop subsidising meals this month.

PMID- 28090859
TI  - A&E staff can combat crime.
AB  - A&E NURSES could do more to help their local communities combat crime, a King's
      Fund study to be published this week has found.

PMID- 28090858
TI  - Practice nurses can't take our place, complain GPs...
AB  - DISAGREEMENT OVER practice nurse roles resurfaced last week at the annual British
      Medical Association (BMA) conference.

PMID- 28090860
TI  - We need guidelines on abuse in nursing homes.
AB  - I read your articles with interest each week and one burning issue that keeps
      coming up is abuse in the workplace experienced by some nurses.

PMID- 28090861
TI  - Why doesn't experience count?
AB  - I am a student nurse doing a diploma course and would like to know how having a
      degree in economics, languages or any other subject not related to nursing or
      science enables people to enter the shorter, two-year nursing course.

PMID- 28090862
TI  - CHI ideally placed to tackle racism.
AB  - REVELATIONS THAT racism is as rife in nursing as in medicine have prompted calls
      for discrimination to fall within the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI)
      remit.

PMID- 28090863
TI  - Injected stem cells could solve continence problems.
AB  - Stem cells might come to the rescue of people with urinary incontinence,
      according to early results from US research.

PMID- 28090864
TI  - Not all bad attitudes to mental health problems.
AB  - I read with interest the article 'Changing minds' (features June 20), which
      outlined many negative attitudes experienced by nurses with mental health
      problems.

PMID- 28090865
TI  - Computer-generated letters increase smoking cessation.
AB  - A brief, general letter might increase smoking cessation rates in a general
      practice population, Aberdeen researchers say.

PMID- 28090866
TI  - Defibrillator paddles often placed in wrong position.
AB  - Teaching of advanced life support skills must place greater emphasis on the
      position of defibrillator paddles if the success of the procedure is to be
      optimised.

PMID- 28090867
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - One of the joys of summer is the opportunity it affords to wake in the small
      hours to engage in a trombone sneezing fit courtesy of near-terminal hay fever.
      It's a mystery why 40 billion pollen particles choose to party in my bedroom but.
      having woken the neighbours with my nose music and stumbled around red-eyed and
      trumpeting in search of a wagonload of nostril-plugging tissues. I stagger back
      to bed. exhausted but woefully awake.

PMID- 28090868
TI  - Nurses and midwives to bid for 21 per cent rise.
AB  - NURSES AND midwives are likely to demand a huge pay rise this year in a bid to
      boost recruitment and bring pay back into line with comparable workers.

PMID- 28090869
TI  - Conference on cancer brought nurses together.
AB  - I have just returned from York where I attended the three-day conference 'A
      journey through cancer: Nurses collaborate', which brought together 13 forums,
      societies and special interest groups of the RCN.

PMID- 28090871
TI  - Trust cancels one-midwife scheme.
AB  - A SCHEME allowing women to be cared for by the same midwife throughout pregnancy,
      during birth and postnatally has been suspended because of staff shortages.

PMID- 28090870
TI  - Managers are willing to be flexible if you are too.
AB  - Having read Ella Wainwright's points (letters July 4) about asking for flexible
      hours, I would urge nurses not to be put off.

PMID- 28090872
TI  - Caines admits skill mix mistake.
AB  - A FORMER NHS personnel director and advocate of diluting skill mix has admitted
      that the practice may have led to a rise in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

PMID- 28090874
TI  - Time to bolster this vital role.
AB  - Today Nursing Standard launches a campaign to boost the status of ward sisters
      and charge nurses.

PMID- 28090873
TI  - Giving ward leaders power.
AB  - Ward sisters and charge nurses are pivotal in ensuring that patients receive the
      highest possible standards of care. But their role has been eroded over the years
      and many feel they lack the clout to bring about changes and deliver the service
      that their patients deserve.

PMID- 28090875
TI  - Survey finds ward managers'pay is inconsistent and inadequate.
AB  - Most ward sisters and charge nurses are being paid less than unions' recommended
      salary for their level, a Nursing Standard survey shows.

PMID- 28090876
TI  - Deaths in older people from heat depend on mild winter.
AB  - Winters where mortality is low might inflate the pool of older people susceptible
      to dying from high temperatures the following summer.

PMID- 28090877
TI  - Criminal record checks to remain in place regardless of pandemic.
AB  - The requirement to carry out Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks on nurses
      during a pandemic flu outbreak will not be waived by NHS Employers.

PMID- 28090878
TI  - Higher mortality rate in women infected after heart surgery.
AB  - Women who develop nosocomial infections while in intensive care have higher
      mortality rates than men.

PMID- 28090879
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Health Technology Assessment programme is part of the National Institute for
      Health Research (NIHR). It produces independent research information about the
      effectiveness, costs and broader impact of healthcare treatments and tests for
      those who plan, provide or receive care in the NHS.

PMID- 28090882
TI  - College's neutral position is the right decision.
AB  - There have been many letters recently about the RCN changing its stance on
      assisted dying. There are, however, many that make totally unsubstantiated,
      emotive comments and include false logic.

PMID- 28090884
TI  - Giving back one day's pay is an antiquated suggestion.
AB  - Janet Smith (reflections August 19) suggests we can help the NHS by giving back a
      day's pay.

PMID- 28090886
TI  - Assisted suicide stance makes me proud to be an RCN member.
AB  - I am interested in the range of views expressed by nurses on the neutral stance
      adopted by the RCN on assisted dying. I now feel proud to be a member of the
      college.

PMID- 28090888
TI  - Let nurses undertake drug rounds without distraction.
AB  - I was interested to read about nursing student Lindsay Martin's experience of a
      busy medicines round (reflections August 26).

PMID- 28090887
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28090889
TI  - Treatment of dying prisoners reflects our civilised nature.
AB  - Dignity in death is widely accepted as important in today's society. However, for
      prisoners this has been and still remains a controversial issue (analysis August
      26). The recent release of convicted terrorist Abdelbaset Alial-Megrahi and train
      robber Ronnie Biggs has brought this debate back into public discussion.

PMID- 28090890
TI  - Curricula should cover mental health needs of offenders, report urges.
AB  - Nurses should receive training in caring for offenders with mental health
      problems, according to a report into a patient who killed three people.

PMID- 28090892
TI  - College announces council election results.
AB  - The RCN has announced the results of its 2009 council elections. The following
      candidates were elected.

PMID- 28090891
TI  - Some new nurses are missing out on accelerated pay.
AB  - I qualified three years ago and have since missed out on accelerated pay. Some of
      the staff nurses I qualified with were awarded the pay increase after six months
      and some were not.

PMID- 28090893
TI  - Praise for nurses after hospital fire.
AB  - Hospital nurses were praised for their swift actions when a fire broke out.

PMID- 28090894
TI  - Osteoarthritis:pathogenesis, clinical features and management.
AB  - Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder of the synovial joints that is
      characterised by joint pain, stiffness and limited range of movement. The
      majority of nurses will encounter patients with this condition even though this
      might not be the reason they are seeking health care. This article discusses the
      associated signs and symptoms, investigations, diagnosis and treatment of this
      condition.

PMID- 28090895
TI  - Reader's practice profile literature review.
AB  - As a junior staff nurse, and as part of my degree, I have to conduct a literature
      search in the area of palliative care to identify best practice and improve care
      delivery.

PMID- 28090896
TI  - Voices - Restore trust in nursing by casting an honest light on us, says Rosemary
      Cook.
AB  - The poor reputation of nursing with the public continues to make the news.
      Schoolchildren say they would not consider it as a career. Patients give examples
      of thoughtless, inadequate or sometimes shocking nursing care. And healthcare
      quality regulators probe organisations where low nurse numbers or poor morale are
      undermining standards.

PMID- 28090897
TI  - Preparation, training and support:the cornerstones of ward leadership.
AB  - If patient experience is to be transformed as the government has promised, ward
      sisters and charge nurses must have greater support.

PMID- 28090898
TI  - Report blames heavy workload for drug dose errors.
AB  - Short-staffing in hospitals is leading to medication administration errors by
      overworked nurses, according to the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA).

PMID- 28090901
TI  - PG Cert, PGDip or MSc in health improvement and health promotion.
AB  - of content The complexities of promoting health and issues affecting health
      improvement; emphasis on preventable causes of disease, covering obesity,
      sexually transmitted infections, mental health, alcohol and substance misuse and
      smoking.

PMID- 28090899
TI  - Staking a claim.
AB  - Some nurses in the UK are entitled to tax relief on their employment expenses,
      but many are failing to claim because of a lack of knowledge and the high cost of
      advice.

PMID- 28090902
TI  - Monitoring body praises regulator.
AB  - Confidence in the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) appears to be improving
      although there is still room for more progress, a report from the Council for
      Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) says.

PMID- 28090903
TI  - Hospitals begin programme of pre-operative MRSA screening.
AB  - Scotland's largest health board has started screening all patients for MRSA when
      they are admitted to hospital for a planned operation.

PMID- 28090904
TI  - OutsideIn - Online counselling leaves David Newnham feeling totally inadequate.
AB  - Imagine being able to get treatment without actually meeting anyone. No more
      small talk or worrying whether your socks match. Turn up nude if you wish. No one
      is looking.

PMID- 28090905
TI  - Ward leaders need Authority if they are to meet their responsibilities.
AB  - Having the authority 'to make decisions and get things done' is top of the wish
      list for today's ward sisters and charge nurses.

PMID- 28090907
TI  - A conflict of principles?

PMID- 28090906
TI  - Sick stories.
AB  - Okay, it was the silly season, when the variety of newsworthy items is at an all
      year low and the media needs to make something out of not very much.

PMID- 28090908
TI  - 'Give pupils with diabetes equal access to activities'.
AB  - School pupils with diabetes are missing important parts of the curriculum because
      they are being withdrawn from physical education and other classes, the RCN
      claims.

PMID- 28090909
TI  - Engaging the public takes time and money.
AB  - Nurses in England say that a lack of resources, capacity and time are the main
      barriers to better patient and public involvement (PPI), according to RCN-funded
      research.

PMID- 28090910
TI  - Hospital refurbishment leads to dramatic fall in patient violence.
AB  - A L million hospital redevelopment has been credited for a dramatic reduction in
      the number of violent incidents involving mental health inpatients.

PMID- 28090911
TI  - Student life - Mutually supportive.
AB  - Mentoring pre-registration nursing students is an important role for almost all
      registered nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses.

PMID- 28090912
TI  - Readers panel - A shot in the dark.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28090913
TI  - At risk of becoming one of the worried well.
AB  - When I developed pains around my rib area recently following a bout of flu, I was
      convinced I had cracked a rib as this had happened before. I went to a GP who
      agreed I had either done it again or strained some muscles. So instead of
      investigating my symptoms I was sent off with painkillers.

PMID- 28090914
TI  - DH rules out NHS job cuts but staff will have to work 'smarter'.
AB  - Nurses will have to work 'smarter' to increase productivity, NHS managers said
      last week after a report commissioned by the Department of Health proposed
      thousands of job cuts.

PMID- 28090915
TI  - New chair will ease stress on knees.
AB  - A former midwife turned entrepreneur has designed a chair to help reduce injuries
      among healthcare professionals who kneel or squat at work.

PMID- 28090916
TI  - Men will be put off nursing by drive to bring back old-fashioned uniforms.
AB  - The new uniforms being issued to staff at the Heart of England NHS Foundation
      Trust look smart, but they portray an outdated image of nursing (news August 19,
      letters August 26).

PMID- 28090917
TI  - Deployed military personnel face respiratory problems.
AB  - Historically respiratory infections have had a significant effect on United
      States military missions as a result of close living conditions, stressful work
      environments and increased exposure to pathogens. Common cold-type respiratory
      symptoms were widespread and a frequent cause of minor morbidity during
      operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. This was especially true during the
      initial deployment phase. To assess the existing situation, a total of 2,872
      deployed troops completed questionnaires between January 2005 and January 2006.

PMID- 28090919
TI  - Nurses need less paperwork to give more hands-on care.
AB  - I work on a busy ward in an acute setting and we are short of staff. During a
      short break recently, I discussed with a colleague the latest report on poor
      standards of care in the NHS (news September 2).

PMID- 28090918
TI  - I have experienced a lot of negativity about my gender.
AB  - I read with interest your news story 'Negative stereotypes prevent men from
      entering the profession' (August 26).

PMID- 28090920
TI  - Starting out - I saw a nurse hit a patient - but failed to report the incident.
AB  - I was helping a staff nurse wash an older patient who had Alzheimer's disease.
      The patient was confused and disorientated. He needed complete care so we helped
      him with washing, dressing, eating and toileting. As we tried to turn him on to
      his.

PMID- 28090921
TI  - End of life care skills are essential for all students.
AB  - Further to the art&science article, 'An educational programme for end of life
      care in an acute setting' (August 12), I agree that modules on communication and
      bereavement are needed at all stages of nurse training.

PMID- 28090923
TI  - Robots designed to grin and bear it.
AB  - Japanese inventors believe they have found a way to take some of the strain off
      nurses - a bear-shaped robot.

PMID- 28090922
TI  - Trusts trial discussion sessions to help staff manage emotions.
AB  - Nurses are helping to pilot an innovative programme that helps staff to cope
      better with emotional issues on the ward.

PMID- 28090924
TI  - Survival from lung cancer not improved with thalidomide.
AB  - Thalidomide in combination with chemotherapy does not improve survival of
      patients with small cell lung cancer, but is associated with an increase in the
      risk of thrombotic events.

PMID- 28090925
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Do not be put off by the Medical Protection Society website. Although it is run
      by a company that is in the main organised for the benefit of doctors, it does
      provide the same service for nurses, albeit in smaller numbers.

PMID- 28090928
TI  - Pauline Freeman's death was tragic but the nurses are not to blame.
AB  - As the 'single qualified nurse' on duty the night Pauline Freeman died at
      Eastbourne District General Hospital, I would like to respond to some
      inaccuracies in your article on the subject (features September 6).

PMID- 28090929
TI  - Outpatient staff carry out many minor procedures.
AB  - [Figure: see text] The future of outpatient departments has been questioned by
      the Department of Health (news September 27). Although I work on wards, I know
      that the staff in the outpatient department at the hospital where I work carry
      out a great many minor procedures. People who are referred to outpatients are
      unlikely to have staff simply repeat a history taking and say 'see you in six
      months' - they are far too busy for such niceties.

PMID- 28090930
TI  - Misconduct cases are caused by an overstretched service.
AB  - I am incensed by the misguided and patronising comments made by Sandra Arthur,
      the new president of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (news September 20).

PMID- 28090931
TI  - I want bullies to write in and justify their behaviour.
AB  - I feel upset every time I read articles and letters that are sent in about
      bullying (student focus September 27). I left my job before I was totally crushed
      by this behaviour.

PMID- 28090933
TI  - Special meeting will decide NMC response to regulation review.
AB  - Major changes to misconduct hearings will be considered by nursing's regulatory
      body at a specially convened meeting next week.

PMID- 28090932
TI  - Mental health staff 'treat BME patients unfairly'.
AB  - Health minister Rosie Winterton has accused mental health workers of breaking the
      law over the poor quality of care for black and minority ethnic (BME) patients.

PMID- 28090934
TI  - Staff hold shares in social enterprise.
AB  - Staff nurse Lorna Blackwood, centre, is one of the 600 staff to be issued with
      share certificates by Central Surrey Health, a new social enterprise which opened
      for business last week.

PMID- 28090935
TI  - Careless words.
AB  - An older relative phoned me for advice. She had received a hospital appointment
      letter for the diabetic clinic. As far as she knew she was not diabetic. She
      spent a sleepless night worrying on two accounts - that she had this condition
      but had not been informed, and that she was losing her marbles.

PMID- 28090936
TI  - How I gained.

PMID- 28090937
TI  - Former breast cancer patient sets up charity.
AB  - A woman who had cancer and was inspired to train as a nurse following her
      treatment has launched a charity to help other patients.

PMID- 28090938
TI  - Employers seek ways to keep door open for nurse returners.
AB  - NHS Employers is trying to persuade trusts to fund return-to-practice courses
      amid fears that nurses who take career breaks will not be able to get back on the
      register.

PMID- 28090939
TI  - Employers toe the line.
AB  - It is no wonder that staff unions are unhappy about NHS Employers' evidence to
      the nurses' pay review body this year. There are many reasons why a rise of 2 per
      cent from next April would be inadequate. For a start, 2 per cent is still only a
      government inflation target; the latest Consumer Price Index of annual inflation
      rose to 2.5 per cent in August, up from 2.4 per cent in July, so ministers cannot
      even claim that prices are moving in the right direction.

PMID- 28090940
TI  - Unions scathing over managers' call for2 per cent limit on pay rise.
AB  - Nurses should receive a pay rise of just 2 per cent next April, NHS Employers has
      told the profession's pay review body (RB).

PMID- 28090941
TI  - Low morale hits patient outcomes.
AB  - Evidence that nursing morale directly affects patient outcomes has been revealed
      by the Healthcare Commission.

PMID- 28090943
TI  - More respect for HCAs.
AB  - The HCA had written: 'Bad day and in a lot of pain. Meds are not working. Needs
      more help.' Who was really paying attention to me that day?

PMID- 28090945
TI  - Mealtimes are a chance for parents to help with care.
AB  - As a paediatric matron, I support the idea of mealtime protection. However, I was
      slightly concerned that readers panel member Scott Justice did not include the
      most important people in a child's life: parents and carers (reflections October
      4).

PMID- 28090944
TI  - How does genetics play a part in your work?
AB  - The NHS National Genetics Education and Development Centre wants to find out what
      nurses think about genetics. Are you confident in applying genetics knowledge at
      work? Would you like to learn more about how genetics is relevant to your
      patients? Or do you think that genetics is not important in your current role?

PMID- 28090946
TI  - My hearing disability is no barrier to work.
AB  - I applaud the recent correspondence urging deaf students not to give up their
      studies (letters September 13). There are many hard of hearing and deaf nurses,
      doctors, physiotherapists, radiologists and audiologists in the NHS. I am
      profoundly deaf and work on an acute medical/respiratory ward. Disability is not
      a barrier to nursing.

PMID- 28090947
TI  - Eight nursing directors named for new regions.
AB  - Eight of the ten directors of nursing in the new strategic health authorities
      (SHAs) have now been appointed, the Department of Health said last week.

PMID- 28090949
TI  - Health staff 'should drive policy'on PCTs.
AB  - The influence of nurses and other health professionals on decision making in
      primary care trusts (PCTs) is to be bolstered, health minister Lord Warner said
      last week.

PMID- 28090950
TI  - Bullying drove me from my job but i found support.
AB  - I left the NHS in May of this year because I was being bullied by a senior nurse
      (student focus, letters September 27). The experience is one I never wish to
      repeat. My health suffered as a result and I was prescribed antidepressants by my
      GP, who voiced his disgust at the way I had been treated. I sought help from
      occupational health in the form of counselling, which played a huge part in my
      recovery.

PMID- 28090948
TI  - With obesity on the rise, space is now crucial issue.
AB  - It was good to see research on spatial requirements in hospital bathrooms
      (art&science September 27). This backs up what many staff already know from
      experience - that the amount of space in many healthcare environments is rarely
      sufficient for safe and appropriate care, even in some newer areas of provision.

PMID- 28090951
TI  - Hidden distress.
AB  - 'It is not like the depression we mental health nurses usually see,' my colleague
      said to me. 'It is more a grim resignation, an apathy or indifference - it is
      somehow not the same as depression.' His father-in-law has Parkinson's disease
      and so does my father - suddenly many people in my life are affected by the
      disease.

PMID- 28090953
TI  - Paracetamol tablets sold in excess of legislation limits.
AB  - Legislation limiting the availability of paracetamol is not being adhered to in
      south London, researchers found. In an attempt to cut the.

PMID- 28090952
TI  - Bad nursing experience deterred a good student.
AB  - 'Love me tender' was a touching article (features September 20). Recently, a
      close nursing student friend of mine became a patient and his experience was of
      heartless, unloving nursing.

PMID- 28090954
TI  - Dapoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation.
AB  - Ten per cent of British males report that they 'sometimes' or 'often' experience
      premature ejaculation. American researchers ( Pryor et al 2006 ) report on two
      large double-blind randomised studies assessing the efficacy and safety of
      dapoxetine, a short-acting, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to be
      used on-demand for treatment of the condition. Accompanying commentary.

PMID- 28090955
TI  - Starting out - Be the nurse y0u want to be by refusing to kowtow to bullies.
AB  - It was my first week on placement in A&E and everything was unfamiliar. That
      weekend my mentors were away on study days.

PMID- 28090957
TI  - Full breastfeeding reduces infants' hospital admissions.
AB  - Full breastfeeding would lower the risk of hospital admission as a result of
      infection among infants under one year of age in industrialised countries.

PMID- 28090958
TI  - Heart disease risk increased by social isolation of child.
AB  - Researchers tested the hypothesis that children with peripheral or isolated roles
      in their peer group are at risk of poor adult health.

PMID- 28090959
TI  - RCN gets Carter.
AB  - The RCN has appointed a forthright chief executive and mental health nurse as its
      next general secretary to replace Beverly Malone. Peter Carter has a reputation
      as an effective manager with strong opinions on health service reorganisation and
      government interference in the running of the NHS.

PMID- 28090960
TI  - Readers panel - Health care on tap.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28090961
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - I caught the tail end of a conference presentation recently on rituals in health
      care. I would have liked to have heard the beginning but I had made myself late
      by avoiding cracks in the pavement.

PMID- 28090962
TI  - 'Patient-sensitive indicators' key to making real improvements in care.
AB  - The NHS needs to develop better healthcare indicators if patient care is to
      improve, RCN general secretary Beverly Malone has told politicians.

PMID- 28090963
TI  - Student life - Plotting your pathway.
AB  - It is never too early to start planning your career. Being aware of your
      interests, which specialties appeal and what is important to you will help you
      take control of your future.

PMID- 28090965
TI  - Tories promise a nurse for every school.
AB  - The Conservatives have promised that every school will have its own nurse if the
      party wins power at the next general election.

PMID- 28090964
TI  - Voices -TV drama captured the shock of a cancer diagnosis, says Linda Thomas.
AB  - Did you see the one-off drama Losing Iton ITV1 recently? The author Paul
      Mendelson based it on his experiences after being diagnosed with testicular
      cancer in the late 1980s.

PMID- 28090966
TI  - Nmc code can protect nurses under pressure.
AB  - Nurses are being urged to stand up to managers who ask them to carry out tasks
      for which they are not trained.

PMID- 28090967
TI  - OutsideIn.
AB  - As far back as I can remember, I have had a lot of time for space. Pulsars,
      quasars and distant swirling nebulae were a source of infinite fascination when I
      was a child.

PMID- 28090969
TI  - HCA training cuts could impede shift of care into community.
AB  - Funding for healthcare assistants' (HCAs) training has been slashed as strategic
      health authorities (SHAs) struggle with their budgets.

PMID- 28090970
TI  - Health visitors slam Down's storyline.
AB  - An East Enders episode that showed a health visitor reprimanding a young mother
      for refusing Down's syndrome screening has been branded 'insensitive and
      patronising'.

PMID- 28090971
TI  - Trust offers career breaks for staff to save L4.7 million.
AB  - A cash-strapped NHS trust is offering staff temporary redundancies until April
      next year, when it hopes to have enough funds to pay them again.

PMID- 28090972
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28090973
TI  - Dignity and respect on the agenda for care of older people.
AB  - A summit for nurse leaders involved in the care of older people is due to be
      hosted by the Department of Health in London this week.

PMID- 28090974
TI  - NHS Direct job cuts reduced but services still suffer.
AB  - Twelve NHS Direct call centres and 196 staff will be axed from the nurse-led
      telephone advice service, managers confirmed last week.

PMID- 28090976
TI  - Outside In.
AB  - There are two ways to descale an electric kettle - the expensive way and the
      cheap way.

PMID- 28090977
TI  - Ineligible for maternity benefits.
AB  - In my final year of a three-year diploma course in nursing studies I became
      pregnant. I completed the course and am now a fully qualified nurse.

PMID- 28090975
TI  - Pesticide residues in leafy vegetables and human health risk assessment in North
      Central agricultural areas of Chile.
AB  - To investigate pesticide residue concentrations and potential human health risk,
      a study was conducted in 118 leafy vegetable samples collected in 2014-2015 from
      the North Central agricultural areas of Chile. The pesticide residues were
      determined using the multiresidue QuEChERS method by gas chromatography as well
      as high-performance liquid chromatography. The results indicated that 27% of the
      total samples contained pesticide residues above the maximum residue limits of
      each active ingredient. The maximum estimated daily intake obtained for carbon
      disulphide (CS2), methamidophos, azoxystrobin and cypermethrin were 0.57, 0.07,
      0.06 and 0.05 mg kg-1, respectively, which was higher than their acceptable daily
      intake. It is concluded that inhabitants of the North Central agricultural area
      of Chile are not exposed to health risks through the consumption of leafy
      vegetables with the exception of methamidophos. Nevertheless, the high levels of
      methamidophos detected in leafy vegetables could be considered a potential
      chronic health risk.

PMID- 28090978
TI  - Make my day, Arnie, and keep quiet.
AB  - Arnold Schwarzenegger thinks he can ignore nurses because they are 'a special
      interest group who don't like me because I'm always kicking their butt' (news
      February 9).

PMID- 28090979
TI  - Half-yearly appraisals would help.
AB  - I am a third-year adult nursing student due to qualify in September this year.

PMID- 28090980
TI  - Fair pay is all we seek.
AB  - I trained as a mature student, qualifying in 1986. I also trained as a health
      visitor and have worked in the same area for more than 16 years. I believed that
      Agenda for Change would recognise and reward nurses for hard work and their
      qualifications. I was wrong.

PMID- 28090981
TI  - Have a heart... save a heart.
AB  - An appeal to fund 30 heart nurses was launched on Valentine's Day by the British
      Heart Foundation, which wants to raise L1 million to help pay for 30 nurses. The
      charity already funds 180 posts, including Katy Stimson (pictured) and wants to
      continue to provide the funding for at least three years. To donate go to
      www.bhf.org.uk/realvalentine or call 0800 389 7087.

PMID- 28090982
TI  - Union concern over primary care billions.
AB  - NURSING UNIONS have welcomed the Department of Health's L135 billion allocation
      to primary care trusts (PCTs) in England.

PMID- 28090984
TI  - Rallies to protect pensions.
AB  - AN RCN POLL is expected to reveal that most nurses are opposed to the pension
      reforms revealed by the government last month.

PMID- 28090983
TI  - Seacole blue plaque plan delayed by building row.
AB  - PLANS TO honour Mary Seacole are being thwarted by an ongoing dispute between
      Westminster Council and the manufacturers of Red Bull energy drink.

PMID- 28090985
TI  - Documentary undermined good work.
AB  - The two nurses who filmed the footage for the Dispatches programme for three
      months undermined the good work that most nurses are doing, giving their utmost
      care to those in need.

PMID- 28090986
TI  - Negative media affects recruitment.
AB  - I was saddened and distressed at the care that the patients did not receive from
      nurses in the Dispatches programme.

PMID- 28090987
TI  - Too posh or too pushed?
AB  - I am a third-year student studying for a BSc in adult nursing. I was truly
      saddened by the Channel 4 documentary Undercover Angels. This was an inaccurate
      and deceitful portrayal of the nursing profession.

PMID- 28090988
TI  - Thesciencebit-David Newnham explains just why plastic is so fantastic.
AB  - Unimaginable though a world without plastics would be, it is only in the past 50
      years that these materials have become a ubiquitous aspect of our lives. So what
      has made them such as success?

PMID- 28090989
TI  - Superb nursing care is still happening.
AB  - Reading about the Dispatches: Undercover Angels documentary (news, analysis
      February 9) brought to mind the care my mother received as a 96 year old in Selly
      Oak Hospital, Birmingham, about 18 months ago.

PMID- 28090990
TI  - Mental health nursing set for major overhaul.
AB  - A MAJOR REVIEW of mental health nursing was announced by England's chief nursing
      officer Christine Beasley last week.

PMID- 28090993
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28090991
TI  - Be clear and firm.
AB  - I had a letter from Kate, who was worried about her escalating stress levels. She
      had been away from work for six months following a car accident. She felt shaken
      by the experience and had lost some of her confidence. Kate had recovered
      physically but knew she was not ready to take on full-time hours. She had
      therefore decided to return part-time to her old post.

PMID- 28090994
TI  - Exploited foreign nurses end up washing dishes.
AB  - An international investigation has discovered evidence that foreign nurses are
      being intimidated and exploited in the UK.

PMID- 28090995
TI  - Free us from smoke.
AB  - Many things in life are debatable, but the fact that smoking is the single
      biggest avoidable cause of death and disability in developed countries is not one
      of them.

PMID- 28090997
TI  - Northern Ireland smoking ban call.
AB  - Medics have joined forces with nurses in Northern Ireland to campaign for a ban
      on smoking in public places.

PMID- 28090996
TI  - Startingout - Student Kathryn Haworth runs her first client session.
AB  - I had observed a number of smoking cessation appointments when the practice nurse
      asked if I would like to run the next one. It seemed a huge responsibility and I
      wondered if I could give appropriate care.

PMID- 28090998
TI  - High proportion of nurses willing to donate organs.
AB  - COMPARED WITH members of the public, nurses are almost twice as likely to carry
      an organ donor card, a survey reveals.

PMID- 28091000
TI  - Here's to immortality.
AB  - The news that a 20-year-old woman needed a liver transplant after years of heavy
      drinking reminded me of Wilfred Owen's poem Anthem for Doomed Youth - a moving
      reflection on the waste of young lives in the first world war.

PMID- 28090999
TI  - Standardlife.
AB  - What does 'a bad nurse' mean? A strange, somewhat philosophical question, and I
      realise this is your coffee break - but bear with me. This feels important.

PMID- 28091001
TI  - Welsh academy on recruitment drive.
AB  - NURSES ARE being invited to join an organisation due to be launched next month to
      promote nursing in Wales.

PMID- 28091002
TI  - Half of trusts lack obesity clinics.
AB  - Obese patients are being denied the help they need from primary care trusts
      (PCTs).

PMID- 28091003
TI  - Unison predicts victory in landmark equal pay case.
AB  - Hundreds of nurses are confident they will each receive tens of thousands of
      pounds in compensation after claiming they have been denied equal pay.

PMID- 28091004
TI  - Trust is refused access to tapes.
AB  - ONE OF the NHS trusts criticised in the Channel 4 Dispatches documentary
      Undercover Angels says the programme makers have refused its request for help in
      identifying the nurses accused of poor practice.

PMID- 28091005
TI  - Documentary gave 'misleading' picture.
AB  - STEPHEN NICHOLSON, RCN steward at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath, has
      his say on the recent Dispatches programme Undercover Angels, which was highly
      critical of nurses at his hospital.

PMID- 28091006
TI  - Researchnotes.
AB  - Advances in research governance and the blending of processes for seeking ethical
      approval have created a climate dominated by risk aversion. Ethics committees
      focus their efforts on ensuring risks to participants are proportional to the
      potential benefits. Unfortunately, the same degree of proportionality is not
      afforded to the review of low-risk research, much of it coming from the nursing
      profession.

PMID- 28091008
TI  - A barrier to health.
AB  - The 140 mile security fence that divides the West Bank from Israel has caused
      major access problems for Palestinian healthcare workers and patients, claims a
      new report.

PMID- 28091007
TI  - Tsunami aftermath.
AB  - The effects of the Asian tsunami that struck on December 26 were all too obvious.
      More than 250,000 people lost their lives, many towns and villages were destroyed
      and survivors face health problems and the loss of their communities and
      livelihoods.

PMID- 28091009
TI  - Vitamin intake in pregnancy link to wheeze and eczema.
AB  - Maternal antioxidant intakes during pregnancy may modify the risks of developing
      wheeze and eczema during early childhood.

PMID- 28091011
TI  - Nurses' decision-making in clinical practice.
AB  - Aim To identify what decisions nurses make in medical, surgical and critical care
      areas and compare the results. Method A clinical decision-making questionnaire
      (CDMQ) consisting of 15 statements was developed. A total of 60 nurses completed
      the questionnaire: 20 from each of three clinical areas. Results Most nurses, in
      all specialties, regularly made clinical decisions on direct patient care, which
      included providing basic nursing care and psychological support, and teaching
      patients and/or family members. Although nurses in all specialties regularly
      managed the work environment, they did not make decisions on the ward or unit
      budget, supervise junior staff or mentor student nurses. Critical care nurses
      regularly made decisions on their extended roles, such as acting in emergency
      situations and deciding to change patient medication, while medical and surgical
      nurses only did this occasionally. Length of clinical experience is significantly
      related to the frequency of decision-making. Conclusion The decisions nurses make
      are directly related to the clinical areas in which they work. However, it would
      be interesting to know if nurses showed particular aptitudes for different types
      and levels of decision- making and if this is related to other factors such as
      personality, education and experience in nursing.

PMID- 28091013
TI  - The Practitioner as Teacher The Practitioner as Teacher Sue Hinchliff Churchill
      Livingstone 172pp ; L17.99 0 443 07286 8 0443072868.
AB  - The focus of this book is supporting learning in clinical practice. Five clearly
      defined sections concentrate on a wide range of issues that indicate the what,
      why and how in the process of sustaining learning.

PMID- 28091012
TI  - What's on: The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28091014
TI  - Olympics will be good for health.
AB  - The NHS in London has thrown its weight behind the city's bid to host the 2012
      Olympic and Paralympic Games, claiming that there would be many public health
      benefits if the bid succeeds. The North East London Strategic Health Authority,
      which covers the area in which most events would be held, is paying for posters
      (above) promoting the bid to be placed on buses. Chief executive Carolyn Regan
      said: 'Our campaign aims to harness the inspiration of Olympic achievement to
      promote the proven benefits of regular exercise.' For further information visit
      www.fitforlondon2012.nhs.uk.

PMID- 28091015
TI  - D-day for mental health.
AB  - THERE COULD be no better time for a review of mental health nursing. It is 11
      years since the last one, which in itself suggests change must be overdue if
      professional practice is to keep pace with health service reforms. As the largest
      professional group in mental health care, nurses will be relied on to deliver the
      reforms outlined in the Mental Health Bill, as well as the measures to improve
      race equality in the service. Nurses will also be promoting good mental health as
      outlined in last autumn's public health white paper. All these initiatives can
      only benefit from the chance to take stock.

PMID- 28091016
TI  - Risk of psychosis in young cannabis users clarified.
AB  - Cannabis use moderately increases the risk of psychotic symptoms in young people
      but has a much stronger effect in those with evidence of predisposition to
      psychosis.

PMID- 28091017
TI  - Open and shut.
AB  - The British disease I do not think so. It is the British attitude to drinking
      that causes difficulties. We all know sections of the population regularly drink
      themselves into oblivion then often indulge in violent and other antisocial
      behaviour. Researchers should be asking why this seems to be a uniquely be asking
      why this seems to be a uniquely British trait. Other European countries have had
      long opening hours for decades without these sort of problems - unless, of
      course, the British are on holiday there. Relaxing the licensing laws could
      actually help - people may see the benefits of drinking alcohol in a more relaxed
      environment and take things slowly.

PMID- 28091019
TI  - Weight is a risk factor for treatment mortality in AML.
AB  - Underweight or overweight children with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are more
      likely to succumb to treatment-related complications than their normal weight
      counterparts.

PMID- 28091018
TI  - Injuries less likely in t'ai chithan in other martial arts.
AB  - Different martial arts have significantly different types and distribution of
      injuries, a team of researchers from Canada has found.

PMID- 28091020
TI  - Direct action.
AB  - Throughout the UK new structures are evolving to commission and supply nursing
      care in primary care settings. While these tend to concentrate on services
      historically provided by community trusts and health boards, such as district
      nursing, health visiting and school nursing, attention is now being directed to
      practice nursing.

PMID- 28091021
TI  - Take the reins.
AB  - THIRTY YEARS after the last major overhaul of services for people with learning
      disabilities, the government has launched a new White Paper to bring them into
      the 21st century.

PMID- 28091023
TI  - Back to the classroom.
AB  - Jane Lovell (centre left) and Liz Schofield (centre right), both first-year
      students on an advanced nursing diploma course at Bradford University, are
      sitting in on classes at Eastburn Junior and Infant School near Keighley, West
      Yorkshire, for a fortnight to gain knowledge about the development of healthy
      children.

PMID- 28091022
TI  - 12-hour shift trial proves effective and popular.
AB  - A HUGELY successful system involving two 12-hour shifts a week has challenged
      traditional views that longer hours inevitably mean exhausted staff and worse
      patient care.

PMID- 28091024
TI  - Nurses to head up retirement health checks.
AB  - PILOT PROJECTS aiming to give health checks to everyone retiring from work will
      be spearheaded by practice and occupational health nurses.

PMID- 28091025
TI  - Overseas staff get lessons in dialect.
AB  - OVERSEAS NURSES in Walsall are learning Black Country dialect so they can
      understand what patients and colleagues are saying.

PMID- 28091026
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - I am not one to bear a grudge, but if Nobby Hall ever crosses my path again,
      he'll wish he'd never belted me 28 years, three months and two days ago near
      Deirdre Jordan's peg in the F to M section of the school cloakroom.

PMID- 28091027
TI  - We all make mistakes.

PMID- 28091028
TI  - Outside in.
AB  - Children, say the sugar-pop peddlers, the sellers of sticky sweets and the makers
      of salted fat nibbles, are far too smart to be taken in by television.

PMID- 28091030
TI  - National service framework standards.
AB  - 1. Rooting out discrimination: NHS services will be provided, regardless of age,
      on the basis of clinical need alone.

PMID- 28091029
TI  - Boost for new intermediate services.
AB  - NEW INTERMEDIATE care services outlined in the long-awaited English National
      Service Framework (NSF) for Older People are expected to prevent 70,000
      unnecessary admissions to hospital by 2004.

PMID- 28091031
TI  - Best placed.
AB  - THERE CAN'T be many nurses who I would wish themselves back to their I student
      days. But such has been the I pace of change at University Hospital I Lewisham,
      south London, that Helen I Osiruemu, who qualified last October, hankers to go
      back. 'I wish I was a student again in the sense that they are getting so much
      that is beneficial - which I didn't get the chance to do. Now I'm just beginning
      to learn what they learn as students,' she says.

PMID- 28091032
TI  - In the hot seat.
AB  - The dangers of long-haul journeys, whether by car, coach, train or plane are to
      be spelt out by deep vein thrombosis nurse Tracy Kerr this week. Ms Kerr, who is
      to hold a sharing good practice forum at Colchester General Hospital where she
      works, said: 'Anyone who travels for long periods of time by any mode of
      transport is potentially at risk. You should not remain immobile for more than
      three hours.'

PMID- 28091035
TI  - Shock at lack of trust recognition.
AB  - HEALTH MANAGERS and nurses across the world have expressed astonishment that the
      NHS does not have a system of accrediting high- performing hospitals.

PMID- 28091033
TI  - Overhaul for 'out of date' NHS pensions scheme.
AB  - AN OVERHAUL of the NHS pensions scheme is due next year, bringing a better deal
      for non-married couples, both straight and gay, and those working past 60.

PMID- 28091036
TI  - Too much nursing care is delegated to support staff.
AB  - A HARD-HITTING report from a committee of government advisers has added weight to
      the RCN's call for the broadest possible definition of nursing care.

PMID- 28091038
TI  - On the move.
AB  - Promotions / new appointments.

PMID- 28091037
TI  - Critical care staffing below standard.
AB  - NURSE-TO-BED ratios in critical care vary too much in Wales and fall well below
      recommended standards, research shows.

PMID- 28091039
TI  - Express yourself.
AB  - Robin Norwood, well known for her bestseller Women Who Love Too Much, offers a
      revolutionary perspective on adversity that addresses people's deepest and most
      disturbing questions. Why is this happening to me? Why now? What does my life
      mean?

PMID- 28091040
TI  - Bill goes ahead.
AB  - THE HEALTH and Social Care Bill will receive Royal Assent this month, if a
      general election is held in June rather than the previously expected May 3.

PMID- 28091041
TI  - Ask the experts.
AB  - am a G grade district nurse and will shortly have to interview for a G grade
      vacancy in our team. It is at least five years since I last interviewed anyone
      and I feel my skills need refreshing. I will be leading a panel of three
      including a GP and a representative from human resources. Can you give me any
      advice?

PMID- 28091042
TI  - Cardiac liaison nurses will improve hospital's care.
AB  - A TEAM of five cardiac liaison nurses is to 'improve care immeasurably' at two
      specialist heart hospitals investigated over the deaths of dozens of children.

PMID- 28091043
TI  - MPs urge greater powers for community nurses.
AB  - HEALTH VISITORS should be given the chance to broaden their horizons and take the
      lead in improving public health, an influential group of MPs told the government
      last week.

PMID- 28091045
TI  - Demonstration over rent hike.
AB  - STUDENTS FURIOUS over massive rent hikes at their accommodation blocks will
      demonstrate before a trust board meeting this week.

PMID- 28091046
TI  - What's on: the best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28091047
TI  - The Practitioner as Teacher The Practitioner as Teacher Hinchliff Sue Balliere
      Tindall/RCN L16.95 0 7020 2447 3 07020 24473.
AB  - This book focuses on teaching and learning methods with an overview of assessment
      processes in the move to competency-based professional education and vocational
      training.

PMID- 28091048
TI  - Home front.
AB  - Ninety-year-old Ivy Tabberer protested against the closure of her care home at
      the Houses of Parliament last week. She was joined by fellow residents in the
      Havering Action Against Home Closures group and three generations of her family.
      Ms Tabberer is pictured with daughter Doreen Walpole (left), granddaughter
      Annette (far right) and great granddaughter Shereen (middle). 'If all the homes
      close,' said Ms Tabberer, 'where are we going to stay?'

PMID- 28091049
TI  - L80,000 pay-out.
AB  - CLINICAL NURSE manager Jane Addo has been awarded almost L80,000 after an
      industrial tribunal found her employer, Surrey Hampshire Borders NHS Trust,
      discriminated against her on grounds of race and dismissed her unfairly when they
      made her redundant three years ago. The tribunal found Ms Addo suffered severe
      distress. The trust has apologised to Ms Addo and has reviewed its equal
      opportunities practices.

PMID- 28091050
TI  - Journey of discovery.
AB  - Caroline King did not know what to expect when she swapped her health promotion
      job in Aberdeen for a similar role on the tiny island of Pemba, off the Tanzanian
      coast.

PMID- 28091051
TI  - Water fluoridation has improved our lives.
AB  - As a public health dentist I have seen the reduction in decay and dental pain
      experienced by children living in areas with fluoridated water. The RCN is to be
      congratulated for supporting water fluoridation in its manifesto (letters March
      14).

PMID- 28091052
TI  - Pressure on A&E will not disappear overnight.
AB  - In response to 'Report adds to furore over A&E chaos' (news March 28) we, as RCN
      stewards at East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust, would like to state the following.

PMID- 28091053
TI  - 'Real' job evaluation will test new grading structure.
AB  - FIVE HUNDRED NHS staff including nurses are to have their jobs evaluated over the
      coming weeks in the next stage of the proposed shake- up of pay and grading.

PMID- 28091054
TI  - Bursary increases unfair to students outside England.
AB  - I am disappointed that the recent increase in student bursaries applies to
      England only.

PMID- 28091055
TI  - It's what you know, not what you do that counts.
AB  - The problem with separating nursing care from personal care (perspectives March
      14) is that it overlooks that this is an artificial and unnecessary construct.
      There is no distinction between nursing and personal care in a care setting - be
      it publicly or privately run.

PMID- 28091057
TI  - Enjoyable placements will reduce student drop outs.
AB  - I am a first year nursing student at Birmingham University and have just
      completed a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile placement on ward East 5 at the
      Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

PMID- 28091056
TI  - Residents should be able to get up when they want.
AB  - I read Steven Griffin's response to a question on getting elderly residents in
      nursing homes up (perspectives February 21) and would like to point out there is
      no incentive to carry out night assessments.

PMID- 28091058
TI  - Raising the standard.
AB  - NURSES WITH a particular interest in the care of older people can be forgiven if
      they are cheering to the rafters at the moment. The publication - at long last -
      of the National Service Framework for Older People is good cause for celebration.

PMID- 28091059
TI  - Success stories.
AB  - Lorraine Bates and Jack have been coming to the exercise class since it started
      18 months ago.

PMID- 28091061
TI  - Privatisation is 'senseless".
AB  - THE GOVERNMENT'S private finance initiative (PFI) to fund new hospital buildings
      was dismissed as 'senseless' by unison general secretary Dave Prentis.

PMID- 28091060
TI  - Hormone treatments for cattle are not legal in UK.
AB  - With reference to Fo Ettinger's article 'Eastern promise' (perspectives March
      14), as a qualified nurse and dairy farmer I feel I must write to correct some
      very misleading statements.

PMID- 28091062
TI  - Who wants to work 12-hour shifts?
AB  - THE IDEA of working 12-hour shifts never seems too appealing. Indeed, one school
      of thought believes that such long shifts must surely lead to staff exhaustion
      and exhausted staff are bound to make more errors. As sure as fate, sickness
      levels will rise and, therefore, so will spending on agency staff to provide
      cover. All of which sounds extremely plausible, especially for those of us who
      have never worked the dreaded dozen-hour shifts. But is it all true, or has a
      myth grown up around 12-hour shifts that has no basis in fact?

PMID- 28091064
TI  - Lie-ins stop burn out.
AB  - NURSES AND other staff should be allowed to sleep in on occasions and so avoid
      the dangers of 'burn out', Unison's national healthcare conference heard.

PMID- 28091063
TI  - Fresh call for student salaries.
AB  - GIVING NURSING students salaries and full employment rights would improve their
      pay and conditions, and enhance the value and respect they receive from other
      staff, the Unison conference heard.

PMID- 28091065
TI  - Trust-wide approach to A&E could cut waiting.
AB  - MANAGERS OF trusts with high A&E waiting times have been urged to integrate
      casualty services with other hospital departments.

PMID- 28091067
TI  - Commons told of MRSA cover-up.
AB  - THE RCN has defended hospitals from an MP's claims of a cover-up of thousands of
      deaths from methicillin-resistant Staphylococus aureus (MRSA).

PMID- 28091066
TI  - You've got the power.
AB  - IMPROVING PEOPLE'S health often means changing their lifestyles and behaviour,
      which is never easy But the nurses engaged in community development in the poorer
      areas of the south coast resort of Bournemouth have found one way to make it
      happen.

PMID- 28091069
TI  - Just the ticket.
AB  - Nurses from Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Community Health Services NHS Trust last
      week helped launch a new recruitment campaign to woo nurses back to the
      profession. The 'return to nursing' slogan will be seen on local bus posters over
      the next 12 months.

PMID- 28091070
TI  - Alcohol puts cyclists at high risk of serious injury.
AB  - People who cycle after drinking alcohol are up to 20 times more likely to sustain
      fatal or serious injury than those who haven't consumed alcohol.

PMID- 28091071
TI  - Assault cases fluctuate in seasonal peaks and troughs.
AB  - The number of people who attend A&E departments after being assaulted is highest
      between July and September and lowest during February to April.

PMID- 28091072
TI  - Fewer patients request antibiotics for minor illness.
AB  - Patients with minor illnesses are less likely to ask GPs for antibiotics,
      according to Liverpool researchers.

PMID- 28091073
TI  - A weekly round-up of the latest research and scientific reports from the nursing
      and medical journals.
AB  - Packing pathology specimens in dry ice in airtight containers poses a risk of
      explosion, according to UK researchers.

PMID- 28091074
TI  - 'Methods and Systems for Tracking, Tracing and Verifying Foods' Greenbelt, MD,
      USA, 13 15 May 2009.

PMID- 28091075
TI  - My induction course was a fantastic start to a new job.
AB  - Following the letter from Pam Regan about her disappointing induction to her
      trust (letters May 16), I must say how wonderful mine was. The training officers
      were fantastic and very approachable. They are always on the wards and make you
      feel part of the team from day one.

PMID- 28091076
TI  - Chocolates and flowers make acceptable gifts.
AB  - I am pleased to see common sense has prevailed in the debate about gifts from
      patients. Some patients are very grateful and it is their way of saying thank
      you. This is so important (news May 16).

PMID- 28091077
TI  - Improving health care through Payment by Results.

PMID- 28091078
TI  - Choose and book system does not accept nurse referrals.
AB  - I am heartened that the NHS email system is ahead of schedule (letters April 11,
      May 9). However, there are still areas of the IT programme that do not seem to
      allow for, or accept, the expanding role of nurses.

PMID- 28091079
TI  - Experienced practitioners can be trusted to avoid overzealous policing.
AB  - I found Jane Bates' article about parents being afraid of taking their children
      to A&E worrying (reflections May 16). I am a first-year nursing student (child
      branch) near the end of an enlightening community placement, where I have spent
      many months with dedicated health visitors.

PMID- 28091080
TI  - Jane Bates' comments are based on hearsay not facts.
AB  - Jane Bates suggests that families are reluctant to take children to A&E because
      of 'overzealous policing' by health visitors after an A&E visit (reflections May
      16).

PMID- 28091082
TI  - The best of the week's health-related tv and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28091083
TI  - Outsidein.
AB  - I have a splinter. 'Big deal,' you say. 'If you only knew what some people
      suffer...' And I take your point entirely. What do you think I am? Silly?

PMID- 28091084
TI  - Groundhog day.
AB  - I think I have cliche phobia. The symptoms are a feeling of acute despair, pursed
      lips and grinding teeth. It happens every time I hear nurses complain in the
      media about the pay rise.

PMID- 28091086
TI  - Theatre staff are right to take a stand on downgrading.
AB  - I fully support the theatre nurses from Barnsley who are considering striking
      (news May 9). Many nursing roles rely on goodwill, which nurses generally give
      willingly. The proposed downgrading of their roles is anotherexample of the
      government andNHS taking advantage of nurses' good natures.

PMID- 28091087
TI  - Reorganisations and targets have left us all demoralised.
AB  - Many will say nurses have done well from the Blair years, with Agenda for Change
      and relatively stable pay awards. However, in the 20 years I have worked for the
      NHS I have never seen such a demoralised workforce.

PMID- 28091088
TI  - Student life-no barriers to nursing.
AB  - Having a disability is no longer a barrier to becoming a nurse. Today's
      universities are accustomed to supporting students with a wide range of
      disabilities, including dyslexia, diabetes, mental health difficulties, hearing
      or visual impairments and mobility difficulties.

PMID- 28091089
TI  - Words of wisdom.

PMID- 28091091
TI  - 'Judge me on my work'.
AB  - Many months in hospital when I was a teenager cemented my decision to become a
      nurse. Although I did not appreciate the obstacles I would face in fulfilling my
      dream, the pleasure I got then from helping the nurses and parents look after
      sick children in the ward made me realise this was what I wanted.

PMID- 28091092
TI  - Unions join forces to maximise the impact of industrial action.
AB  - Leaders of the RCN and Unison have agreed to synchronise their ballots on
      industrial action over the staged pay award to maximise the impact of their
      campaigns.

PMID- 28091093
TI  - Essential skills study shows mentorship may be failing.
AB  - As a second-year nursing student, I am taught to check the validity of research
      material. I was, therefore, surprised by your item Top ten 'essential' skills
      performed inadequately (news May 16), reporting on a study that asked mentors to
      list the essential skills they believed newly qualified nurses should have, and
      then estimate the proportion of staff who were able to carry out the skills
      appropriately.

PMID- 28091094
TI  - Pressure for full pay rise in wales.
AB  - Nurses in Wales are keeping up pressure on the Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru
      to keep their promise to give nurses the full 2.5 per cent pay increase if they
      win power.

PMID- 28091096
TI  - Over-75squalify as gym trainers.
AB  - Older people in Liverpool have qualified as gym trainers in a bid to encourage
      fitness in the city.

PMID- 28091095
TI  - Our cancer courses benefit people in all income groups.
AB  - In response to Gill Oliver's comments about our website (reviews May 2), what we
      offer at Penny Brohn Cancer Care benefits people with cancer and their supporters
      at many levels, irrespective of background or financial status.

PMID- 28091097
TI  - Do 'really cool' badges sum up the essence of nursing?
AB  - To commemorate international nurses' day on May 12 (news May 9) the RCN West
      Midlands quality improvement network steering committee attended a conference for
      clinical support workers and newly qualified nurses.

PMID- 28091098
TI  - Optimism as brown insists the NHS is safe in his hands.
AB  - As Gordon Brown prepares to pocket the keys to 10 Downing Street, not everything
      is hunky-dory in the NHS.

PMID- 28091099
TI  - Scottish leaders seek urgent meeting with new health secretary.
AB  - Nursing leaders in Scotland are seeking an urgent meeting with the new cabinet
      secretary for health and wellbeing - and workforce planning is near the top of
      their agenda.

PMID- 28091100
TI  - Watchdog calls for robust action on nutrition.
AB  - Patients at some NHS trusts in England are not getting the help they need at
      mealtimes, according to the results of a Healthcare Commission survey.

PMID- 28091101
TI  - Celebrating in style.
AB  - Jamaican nurses marked the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act
      with music and dance.

PMID- 28091102
TI  - Working excess hours increases risk of miscarriage.
AB  - Nurses who work more than 40 hours a week or do nights on a regular basis once
      they become pregnant run a significant risk of miscarriage within the first 20
      weeks of pregnancy.

PMID- 28091103
TI  - Ban drivers from smoking.
AB  - Banning smoking while driving would help reduce pressure on nurses in A&E and
      mental health, according to experts.

PMID- 28091104
TI  - Animal abuse linked to domestic violence.
AB  - The link between violence against pets, child abuse and domestic violence is to
      be investigated by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
      (RSPCA).

PMID- 28091105
TI  - Trusts had earmarked sufficient funds to pay the full 2.5 per cent.
AB  - The 2.5 per cent pay award for NHS staff was affordable and trusts had set aside
      more than enough cash to pay it in full, according to RCN general secretary Peter
      Carter.

PMID- 28091106
TI  - Starting out - I lackedconfidencetospeakup formypatient'sbestinterests.
AB  - On the first day in my new hospital placement I received a handover and was
      instructed to work with a healthcare assistant. I was shown to a patient's room
      by the care assistant and asked to undress and wash an older female patient.

PMID- 28091107
TI  - RCN leaders head to global conference.
AB  - Around 3,000 nurses from 96 countries are expected to attend the International
      Council of Nurses biennial conference in Yokohama, Japan, next week.

PMID- 28091109
TI  - Regulators accused of breaching own code on product promotion.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has been accused of breaching its own
      Code of Professional Conduct.

PMID- 28091108
TI  - Performance ratings to include patient respect and dignity.
AB  - The Healthcare Commission is to start measuring the degree to which staff treat
      patients with respect, care and dignity.

PMID- 28091110
TI  - Read all about it - operation cancelled.
AB  - When the date of my daughter's operation finally arrived, we all hoped it would
      end Abigail's headaches, which she first reported to our GP almost a year ago.

PMID- 28091112
TI  - Readers panel-Discrimination or common sense?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28091111
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - Founded in 1985, Action on Disability and Development (ADD) is a UK-registered
      charity that works with disabled people in Africa, Cambodia, India and
      Bangladesh. It is unique in supporting disabled people in Africa and Asia with a
      rights-based approach.

PMID- 28091113
TI  - Post-match spectator aggression linked to winning not losing.
AB  - Watching their rugby team win will not increase fans' happiness and it may make
      them more aggressive.

PMID- 28091115
TI  - Standard life.
AB  - I tell anyone who asks that I gave up nursing because it made me do things to
      people that I did not like doing. By the end, I had become more custodian than
      mental health nurse.

PMID- 28091116
TI  - Voices - There are plenty of ways to commemorate our great historical nurses.
AB  - Edith Cavell never wanted to be remembered as a martyr or heroine but simply as a
      nurse who tried to do her duty. RCN general secretary Peter Carter said recently
      she was 'one of three historical figures in nursing who deserve respect'. May is
      a good month in which to remember them.

PMID- 28091117
TI  - Female naval recruits who smoke have poor work performance.
AB  - Women who are regular smokers when they join the navy are more likely than their
      non-smoking counterparts to perform poorly.

PMID- 28091119
TI  - Staff and patients excluded from NHS foundation trust meetings.
AB  - At least two NHS foundation trusts have banned staff and patients from attending
      board meetings, Nursing Standard has learned.

PMID- 28091120
TI  - Irish nurses' victory.
AB  - Industrial action by nurses in the Republic of Ireland seems to have paid off
      after they received an improved pay and conditions offer.

PMID- 28091121
TI  - Advice on avoiding peanuts in pregnancy poorly understood.
AB  - Government advice for women who are atopic to avoid peanuts during pregnancy and
      breastfeeding is either being misunderstood by mothers or not explained fully by
      health professionals.

PMID- 28091122
TI  - Be positive about diversity.
AB  - I am delighted to be invited by Nursing Standard to act as guest editor for its
      first special issue on disabilities. In light of the amended Disability
      Discrimination Act (2005) and the act's disability equality duty, all public
      authorities are required to look actively at ways of ensuring that people with
      disabilities are treated fairly.

PMID- 28091123
TI  - More people with disabilities gain access to nursing diploma courses.
AB  - The number of people with a disability who have been accepted on to nurse diploma
      courses has more than doubled over the past five years, data from the Nursing and
      Midwifery Admissions Service reveals.

PMID- 28091124
TI  - South Africa is failing its children with disabilities.
AB  - Researchers in Switzerland and South Africa claim that South Africa's one million
      children with disabilities do not receive adequate attention from health,
      education and social welfare departments ( Saloojee et al 2007 ).

PMID- 28091125
TI  - Working as a clinical studies officer.
AB  - I work in the East Midlands hub of the UK Mental Health Research Network. The
      team hosts eight national and international studies including research in
      attention deficit disorder and comparisons between drug treatments for bipolar
      disorder and schizophrenia.

PMID- 28091126
TI  - Association between perfluoroalkyl substance exposure and asthma and allergic
      disease in children as modified by MMR vaccination.
AB  - Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are highly persistent chemicals that might be
      associated with asthma and allergy, but the associations remain unclear.
      Therefore, this study examined whether pre- and postnatal PFAS exposure was
      associated with childhood asthma and allergy. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
      vaccination in early life may have a protective effect against asthma and
      allergy, and MMR vaccination is therefore taken into account when evaluating
      these associations. In a cohort of Faroese children whose mothers were recruited
      during pregnancy, serum concentrations of five PFASs - Perfluorohexane sulfonic
      acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid
      (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) - were
      measured at three timepoints (maternal serum in pregnancy week 34-36 and child
      serum at ages 5 and 13 years) and their association with immunoglobulin E (IgE)
      (cord blood and at age 7 years) and asthma/allergic diseases (questionnaires at
      ages 5 and 13 years and skin prick test at age 13 years) was determined. A total
      of 559 children were included in the analyses. Interactions with MMR vaccination
      were evaluated. Among 22 MMR-unvaccinated children, higher levels of the five
      PFASs at age 5 years were associated with increased odds of asthma at ages 5 and
      13. The associations were reversed among MMR-vaccinated children. Prenatal PFAS
      exposure was not associated with childhood asthma or allergic diseases regardless
      of MMR vaccination status. In conclusion, PFAS exposure at age 5 was associated
      with increased risk of asthma among a small subgroup of MMR-unvaccinated children
      but not among MMR-vaccinated children. While PFAS exposure may impact immune
      system functions, this study suggests that MMR vaccination might be a potential
      effect-modifier.

PMID- 28091128
TI  - I always treat patients as if they are lords and ladies.
AB  - Nursing student Karin Schirmaier is right to point out that patients want to
      conform, so they will not necessarily tell us how they would like to be
      addressed, even if we ask them (reflections August 18).

PMID- 28091129
TI  - Guidance should end mystery of learning difficulties.
AB  - The recently launched RCN guidance on dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia (news
      August 18) provides managers with concise explanations and information on making
      practical accommodation in the workplace for staff with specific learning
      difficulties (SpLDs).

PMID- 28091127
TI  - Amino-modified polystyrene nanoparticles affect signalling pathways of the sea
      urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) embryos.
AB  - Polystyrene nanoparticles have been shown to pose serious risk to marine
      organisms including sea urchin embryos based on their surface properties and
      consequently behaviour in natural sea water. The aim of this study is to
      investigate the toxicity pathways of amino polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH2, 50
      nm) in Paracentrotus lividus embryos in terms of development and signalling at
      both protein and gene levels. Two sub-lethal concentrations of 3 and 4 MUg/mL of
      PS-NH2 were used to expose sea urchin embryos in natural sea water (PS-NH2 as
      aggregates of 143 +/- 5 nm). At 24 and 48 h post-fertilisation (hpf) embryonic
      development was monitored and variations in the levels of key proteins involved
      in stress response and development (Hsp70, Hsp60, MnSOD, Phospho-p38 Mapk) as
      well as the modulation of target genes (Pl-Hsp70, Pl-Hsp60, Pl-Cytochrome b, Pl
      p38 Mapk, Pl-Caspase 8, Pl-Univin) were measured. At 48 hpf various striking
      teratogenic effects were observed such as the occurrence of cells/masses randomly
      distributed, severe skeletal defects and delayed development. At 24 hpf a
      significant up-regulation of Pl-Hsp70, Pl-p38 Mapk, Pl-Univin and Pl-Cas8 genes
      was found, while at 48 hpf only for Pl-Univin was observed. Protein profile
      showed different patterns as a significant increase of Hsp70 and Hsp60 only after
      48 hpf compared to controls. Conversely, P-p38 Mapk protein significantly
      increased at 24 hpf and decreased at 48 hpf. Our findings highlight that PS-NH2
      are able to disrupt sea urchin embryos development by modulating protein and gene
      profile providing new understandings into the signalling pathways involved.

PMID- 28091130
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Center for Reproductive Rights envisages a world where every woman
      participates as an equal member of society. Based in the United States, it uses
      the law to advance reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right that all
      governments are obliged to protect and fulfil.

PMID- 28091132
TI  - Ideas needed to promote university health society.
AB  - I am a first-year adult nursing student at Sheffield Hallam University, student
      representative for the adult nursing 2010 branch and president of the
      university's Health Society.

PMID- 28091131
TI  - Benchmarking is key to prevention of cardiac arrest.
AB  - The automatic triggering of a critical incident review for all unexpected cardiac
      arrests, as proposed by the National Patient Safety Agency (news August 25),
      should enable organisations to identify readily the remedial factors that may
      contribute towards a 'failure to rescue'.

PMID- 28091133
TI  - Make a big noise to cause an avalanche of change.
AB  - The government wants to use the budget deficit as an excuse to make huge changes
      to the NHS. We need to show that the NHS is enormously popular and has the
      overwhelming support of the people of the UK.

PMID- 28091134
TI  - Community engagement in dementia care.
AB  - Creating a homely area in a dementia care ward is the goal of Bodmin Hospital,
      part of Cornwall Partnership NHS trust, which is taking part in the Enhancing the
      Healing Environment (EHE) dementia care scheme.

PMID- 28091135
TI  - Nurse who lost leg in accident awarded damages.
AB  - A former psychiatric nursing student who lost her leg in a motorbike accident has
      been awarded nearly L1 million in compensation.

PMID- 28091137
TI  - New '111' service set to replace NHS direct after pilots completed.
AB  - NHS Direct will be replaced by the new non-emergency 111 telephone service if it
      is rolled out nationwide, the Department of Health (DH) has confirmed.

PMID- 28091139
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28091140
TI  - Sometimes nurses need a shoulder to cry on too.
AB  - Louise Stayt's article on the way nurses experience bereavement after the death
      of critically ill patients to whom they have grown close vividly illustrates
      their distress (career development August 18). It reminded me of my own
      experience and those of the teams with whom I worked.

PMID- 28091142
TI  - 'Fall' in vacancies may be result of deliberate policy to cut costs.
AB  - Official figures suggest that nurse vacancy rates have fallen, prompting concerns
      that newly qualified nurses will struggle to find jobs.

PMID- 28091141
TI  - England's white paper means double whammy for nurses.
AB  - I enjoyed Howard Catton's analysis of the health white paper (August 18),
      although enjoyed is perhaps the wrong word.

PMID- 28091143
TI  - Handheld devices will keep lines of communication open.
AB  - Further to the news story on the iNurse application for Blackberry mobile phones
      (August 25), I welcome any initiative that frees up nurses and community teams to
      spend more time on patient care.

PMID- 28091144
TI  - Flood aid targets infection risk.
AB  - Nurses in Pakistan are battling to prevent malnutrition and help people who have
      contracted waterborne diseases.

PMID- 28091145
TI  - Unhealthy competition between trusts could damage patient care.
AB  - Increased competition among NHS trusts is discouraging healthcare workers from
      sharing information on best practice (news and editorial August 25), with some
      nurses forbidden from sharing ideas outside their organisation.

PMID- 28091146
TI  - School nurses need training for complex mental health work.
AB  - Nearly half of school nurses have not received any post-registration training in
      mental health despite it being an essential part of their work, according to
      research.

PMID- 28091147
TI  - Pre-washed solution for new uniforms.
AB  - National nurses' uniforms in Wales are being reintroduced after allergic
      reactions among staff halted the roll-out earlier this year.

PMID- 28091148
TI  - Extra staff would help combat STIs.
AB  - More school nurses need to be recruited to tackle the increase in rates of
      sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the RCN says.

PMID- 28091149
TI  - Jealously guarding initiatives can only halt progress.
AB  - I was saddened, but not surprised, to read that an Institute for Employment
      Studies survey found healthcare workers are being forbidden to share ideas
      outside their organisation (news and editorial, August 25).

PMID- 28091150
TI  - Cycling is better for weight control than slow walking.
AB  - Cycling, similar to brisk walking, is associated with less weight gain than non
      cycling. An inverse relationship exists, especially among overweight and obese
      women.

PMID- 28091151
TI  - Call for action to protect pupils from widespread 'grooming'.
AB  - School nurses should be looking for signals that pupils are being groomed for
      sexual exploitation, their annual conference was told.

PMID- 28091152
TI  - Readers panel - A matter of life and death.

PMID- 28091153
TI  - Three-year plan could provide lead diabetes roles.
AB  - Nurses could soon have greater opportunities to influence the provision of
      diabetes care.

PMID- 28091154
TI  - Study reveals effects of glucosamine on chronic low back pain.
AB  - Six months' treatment with glucosamine does not reduce pain for patients with
      lower back pain and degenerative lumbar osteoarthritis, a study has revealed.

PMID- 28091157
TI  - RCN urges UK governments to bolster community workforce.
AB  - The community nursing workforce needs to be well resourced and appropriately
      deployed to provide quality services through the economic downturn, says the RCN.

PMID- 28091156
TI  - Age limits.
AB  - A friend had a memorable visit to casualty, when she turned up with a minor
      injury. Not only was she seen within 45 minutes of her arrival - surely a
      national record - but she witnessed the most astonishing behaviour from some of
      her fellow attendees.

PMID- 28091158
TI  - Charities and college call for 24/7 care.
AB  - Round-the-clock district nursing care is needed to improve palliative care,
      according to a leading cancer charity.

PMID- 28091159
TI  - Complaints figures on the increase.
AB  - The RCN has defended the profession after official figures showed the number of
      complaints about nurses has increased.

PMID- 28091160
TI  - Colon cancer screening test less accurate in hot temperatures.
AB  - A study has revealed that the proportion of positive faecal occult blood tests
      (FOBTs) is significantly smaller in the summer than in the winter.

PMID- 28091161
TI  - Intensive mobile phone use linked with onset of tinnitus.
AB  - New research has revealed that people who use mobile phones intensively have an
      increased risk of developing tinnitus.

PMID- 28091162
TI  - Workforce.
AB  - The recent suggestion that assistant practitioners (APs) could be regulated as
      'second level nurses' brings us full circle. The nursing profession presided over
      the demise of the enrolled nurse role, but is now seeing it return as an employer
      led 'solution' to costs.

PMID- 28091163
TI  - Small local savings can have huge implications, writes rosemary cook.
AB  - Multiplication was no one's favourite part of mathematics at school, but there is
      no doubt it has its uses.

PMID- 28091164
TI  - 'I see how treatment helps people stay independent'.
AB  - Home oxygen therapy is a highly technical service tailored to patients'
      particular needs. My job is to advise professional colleagues and patients about
      the range of respiratory therapies that Air Products offers in partnership with
      the NHS to help patients live independently at home.

PMID- 28091165
TI  - Push for change.

PMID- 28091166
TI  - A change of scenery.

PMID- 28091167
TI  - Starting out - Learning disability placement helped me observe boundaries.
AB  - My first placement was with a young adult who had Down's syndrome and associated
      learning difficulties. During the placement, I spent one day a week at his
      specialist secondary school.

PMID- 28091169
TI  - Back to the community.
AB  - Community nurses have been placed at the centre of plans to reform the NHS in all
      four UK countries. There is an assumption that more care will be delivered in, or
      closer to, patients' homes as the NHS strives to minimise hospital admissions.
      This is partly driven by the need to save money - as keeping a patient on a
      hospital ward overnight is so expensive - and also in response to patients'
      preference to be nearer their families and friends.

PMID- 28091170
TI  - A nurse with more than one string to his bow.
AB  - Community nurse Roberto Cassani swapped his day job for the stage at this year's
      Edinburgh Fringe.

PMID- 28091171
TI  - Malnutrition screening essential for older patients, says age charity.
AB  - Nurses are being urged to screen all older patients at risk of malnutrition when
      they arrive in hospital and throughout their stay.

PMID- 28091172
TI  - Pressure on universities to find more community placements.
AB  - Nursing students at the University of Bradford can experience community care by
      joining teams that specialise in smoking cessation, care of the homeless and
      cardiac rehabilitation.

PMID- 28091174
TI  - Great nurses will provide great healthcare services.
AB  - NHS Ayrshire and Arran nurse director Fiona McQueen is professionally accountable
      to the board for every aspect of nursing practice, writes Derek Barron. She is
      politically accountable for healthcare-associated infections, patient safety,
      public involvement, releasing time to care and all complaints.

PMID- 28091175
TI  - Union demands consultation on NHS changes.
AB  - Unison has launched a legal challenge over proposals for 'fundamental changes'
      contained in the coalition government's health white paper.

PMID- 28091176
TI  - Cardiovascular plan aims to curb disease.
AB  - Proposals to improve the prevention of cardiovascular disease in Wales have been
      published by the Welsh assembly government.

PMID- 28091179
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - An emergency air ambulance takes off every ten minutes on average in the UK.
      Forty per cent of the calls are for road traffic accidents, 24 per cent are for
      other medical emergencies and 2 per cent are for hospital transfers.

PMID- 28091177
TI  - Waste-to-biofuel: production of biobutanol from sago waste residues.
AB  - The main concern of extensive production of biobutanol has been associated with
      the high cost of the substrate and the relatively low tolerance of Clostridia to
      biobutanol production. In this study, the use of fermentable cassava waste
      residue (CWR) as substrate for biobutanol production was investigated using
      solvent-tolerant Clostridium sp. Four of obligatory, solvent-producing bacteria
      were isolated from sago industry waste sites. The NSW, PNAS1, SB5 and SBI4
      strains showed identical profiles of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of
      Bacillus coagulans, Clostridium bifermentans and Clostridium sp. (97% similarity)
      and a wide range of carbohydrate substrate; however, the CWR was found to be
      suitable for the production of biobutanol considerably. Batch culture study was
      carried out using parameters such as time and temperature and carbon sources have
      been studied and optimized. Using pre-optimized CWR medium, significant amount of
      solvent production was observed in NSW, PNAS1, SB5 and SBI4 with 1.53, 3.36, 1.56
      and 2.5 g L-1of butanol yield and 6.84, 9.012, 8.32 and 8.22 g L-1of total
      solvents, respectively. On the basis of these studies, NSW is proposed to
      represent the B. coagulans for butanol production directly from sago waste
      residues.

PMID- 28091178
TI  - Behavioral Assessment of Listening Effort Using a Dual-Task Paradigm.
AB  - Published investigations ( n = 29) in which a dual-task experimental paradigm was
      employed to measure listening effort during speech understanding in younger and
      older adults were reviewed. A summary of the main findings reported in the
      articles is provided with respect to the participants' age-group and hearing
      status. Effects of different signal characteristics, such as the test modality,
      on dual-task outcomes are evaluated, and associations with cognitive abilities
      and self-report measures of listening effort are described. Then, several
      procedural issues associated with the use of dual-task experiment paradigms are
      discussed. Finally, some issues that warrant future research are addressed. The
      review revealed large variability in the dual-task experimental paradigms that
      have been used to measure the listening effort expended during speech
      understanding. The differences in experimental procedures used across studies
      make it difficult to draw firm conclusions concerning the optimal choice of dual
      task paradigm or the sensitivity of specific paradigms to different types of
      experimental manipulations. In general, the analysis confirmed that dual-task
      paradigms have been used successfully to measure differences in effort under
      different experimental conditions, in both younger and older adults. Several
      research questions that warrant further investigation in order to better
      understand and characterize the intricacies of dual-task paradigms were
      identified.

PMID- 28091181
TI  - Nightingale wards offer visible reassurance for everyone.
AB  - I wish to thank consultant physician Alan Roberts for endorsing my belief that
      the widespread loss of Nightingale wards has had a detrimental effect on nursing
      care (reflections January 25).

PMID- 28091180
TI  - Testing for emotional intelligence raises a number of key questions.
AB  - Applicants for a nursing degree course at the University of Dundee are undergoing
      emotional intelligence tests as part of the selection process (news February 15).

PMID- 28091182
TI  - Bringing back enrolled grade could help bridge the skills gap.
AB  - There is a skills gap between registered nurses and healthcare assistants (HCAs)
      at level 3. Is it time to bring back an enrolled nurse equivalent grade to help
      bridge the gap?

PMID- 28091184
TI  - Nutritional benefits.

PMID- 28091183
TI  - Powerful case for learning disability liaison nurses.
AB  - Linda Phillips' literature review, 'Improving care for people with learning
      disabilities in hospital' (art & science February 8), was excellent.

PMID- 28091185
TI  - Patient care is affected by too many audits and paperwork.
AB  - I have followed your Care campaign with interest and feel that poor standards are
      due to there being too many managers and not enough nurses. At present we have
      multiple layers of managers trying to justify their jobs by passing more audits
      and paperwork down to clinicians, with no effort being made to protect the time
      to care for patients.

PMID- 28091186
TI  - Hospital staff all proved to be.
AB  - Nursing has been getting such a bad press of late that I was anxious when my son
      was admitted to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride with appendicitis.

PMID- 28091189
TI  - Nurse numbers will decline, warns expert.
AB  - The number of nurses is likely to fall over the next few years unless
      policymakers intervene to halt the decline, a leading workforce expert predicts.

PMID- 28091188
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28091190
TI  - Volunteers support staff in creating the right mealtime environment.
AB  - Meal Mates, a voluntary venture to help older patients with eating and drinking,
      was introduced at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in February
      2011.

PMID- 28091192
TI  - Compassionate actions brought couple great joy.
AB  - 'I can honestly say that we would not have our daughter were it not for Sharon
      going above and beyond the call of duty,' says Patricia Doohan.

PMID- 28091191
TI  - Starting out - Discovering the psychology behind good infection control practice.
AB  - Before starting my nurse training, I had several years' experience as a
      healthcare assistant (HCA). I was aware of infection control issues and
      considered myself efficient in infection control practice.

PMID- 28091193
TI  - 'Nurse helped my daughter cope during difficult times'.
AB  - Maureen Clarke first met staff nurse Olivia Lines when her five-year-old daughter
      Laura was diagnosed with cancer last July.

PMID- 28091194
TI  - Readers panel-Ready for risks.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28091195
TI  - A chance for people to become enthused about activity.
AB  - For several months, a small group of RCN staff have been quietly engaged in
      supporting preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

PMID- 28091196
TI  - Government misjudged scale of health regulation.
AB  - Care Quality Commission inspectors should be given greater access to front line
      nurses when planning how to carrying out inspections, according to a government
      review.

PMID- 28091199
TI  - NHS managers endorse calls for healthcare assistant regulation.
AB  - A commission set up to review care of older people is calling for healthcare
      assistants to be regulated and greater powers to be given to ward sisters.

PMID- 28091197
TI  - RCN angry at being barred from health bill summit.
AB  - The exclusion of nurses from a Downing Street summit on the Health and Social
      Care Bill has been described as a 'tragic state of affairs' by the RCN.

PMID- 28091200
TI  - Nursing that exemplifies care campaign's values.
AB  - 'If there were more nurses like Surinda, the world would be a better place,
      especially for older people in hospital,' says Ruth Chauhan, who nominated staff
      nurse Surinda Daliwal for the Patient's Choice award.

PMID- 28091203
TI  - Unprintable.
AB  - It was a simple half-term thing. The boys wanted to play badminton at the leisure
      centre and I needed to let Janet know. 'Gone to badminton,' I texted. But my
      phone is smart. Despite having known me for two years, it decided that I meant:
      'Gone to Bhutan.'

PMID- 28091202
TI  - NHS Organisations slow to support public health pledges.
AB  - Only nine NHS organisations have signed up to the Department of Health's public
      health 'responsibility deal' - a year after it was launched.

PMID- 28091204
TI  - National pay system must stay, MPs told.
AB  - Union leaders told MPs that they want nurses' national pay system to remain in
      place during a health committee session last week.

PMID- 28091205
TI  - Tribunal orders trust to end increment penalty for sickness.
AB  - An NHS trust that withheld incremental pay rises from staff for being off sick
      has been ordered to repay the money in full in a landmark employment tribunal
      ruling.

PMID- 28091206
TI  - Passport to more understanding.
AB  - A 'hospital passport' for people with learning disabilities has been introduced
      at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London.

PMID- 28091207
TI  - RCN backs moves to improve care for older people.
AB  - Nurses are being asked to agree to a code of conduct that aims to guarantee older
      people receive dignified treatment.

PMID- 28091209
TI  - Voices - Duty of care to patients should always come first, writes Yvonne
      Coghill.
AB  - When the Costa Concordia cruise ship ran aground last month, no one watching the
      scenes of the stricken vessel could fail to be shocked and horrified by the
      tragedy. The behaviour of the captain, who allegedly reneged on his duty of care
      to the people on his ship, caused particular alarm.

PMID- 28091210
TI  - Never had it so good.
AB  - One grey November day in 1966, 44 teenagers nervously donned striped uniforms,
      white starchy hats and aprons and started their nurse training at a I. ondon
      Hospital.

PMID- 28091211
TI  - Outpatients.
AB  - Did you see Call the Midwife, the recent BBC television drama? The newcomer to
      the East End slums exclaimed, rather plummily, that she never realised 'people
      lived like this'.

PMID- 28091212
TI  - Throwing an active lifeline to older people living in isolation.
AB  - A community nurse who set up an innovative scheme to help improve the health and
      independence of older people in Liverpool has been nominated by three service
      users.

PMID- 28091213
TI  - Scepticism about the efficacy of drug treatment for mental health problems may be
      unfair.
AB  - Psychiatric drugs are as effective as many drugs used to treat physical health
      problems, according to a German review, which suggests that scepticism about the
      efficacy of drug treatment for mental health problems may be unjustified.

PMID- 28091214
TI  - Dedication that makes us proud.
AB  - Four exceptional nurses have been selected as finalists in the 2012 Claire Rayner
      Patient's Choice Award, organised by Nursing Standard as part of our annual
      nursing awards.

PMID- 28091215
TI  - Proton pump inhibitors could inhibit calcium absorption and weaken women's bones.
AB  - Post-menopausal women are 35 per cent more likely to experience a hip fracture if
      they take indigestion drugs, suggests a major study.

PMID- 28091216
TI  - NHS workers in Jersey struggle with the high cost of living.
AB  - Union representatives are to meet government officials in Jersey to discuss the
      findings of a survey that show many nurses on the island are struggling to make
      ends meet.

PMID- 28091217
TI  - Measuring blood pressure in both arms might identify those in need of vascular
      treatment.
AB  - A significant difference in blood pressure between the right and left arm could
      indicate that a person has an increased risk of heart and circulatory disease,
      and death. National vascular disease guidelines for the over-forties advise that
      blood pressure measurements be taken in both arms, but surveys suggest that this
      is often ignored, with measurements routinely taken in one arm.

PMID- 28091218
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28091220
TI  - Constant reform and privatisation distract nurses from core work.
AB  - The restructuring of healthcare services in an attempt to save money is proving
      hugely disruptive for nursing staff in south east England.

PMID- 28091219
TI  - Study profiles smokers who refuse to quit even after cancer diagnosis.
AB  - A substantial number of people with lung and colorectal cancer continue to smoke
      after being diagnosed, a study reveals.

PMID- 28091221
TI  - Student life - Straight from the source.
AB  - Calls for the involvement of service users in nurse education are not new. In
      1996 the English National Board for Nursing, then responsible for education
      standards, said service users and carers should have a role, particularly in
      student assessment.

PMID- 28091222
TI  - Who is your favourite for Patient's Choice award?
AB  - The finalists in this year's Claire Rayner Patient's Choice award are truly
      inspiring nurses. They have transformed the lives of people to such an extent
      that choosing between them will be a challenge for members of the public, who
      have until March 15 to cast their votes.

PMID- 28091224
TI  - Listening and learning to make care better.

PMID- 28091223
TI  - NMC says Asian nurses may need support with delegating work.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council has pointed to evidence that suggests nurses
      from an Asian background may require additional time to develop delegation
      skills.

PMID- 28091225
TI  - Hettie Hopkins 1919-2012 Secretary of the RCN Welsh board 1963-78.
AB  - Hettie Hopkins was a nurse leader and campaigner who was active in the RCN until
      her death.

PMID- 28091226
TI  - Sign my e-petition to make changes to misuse of drugs act.
AB  - My medicines management article (reflections February 8) highlighted legal
      muddles over the prescription of controlled drugs. The Medicines Act was amended
      four years ago to allow independent nurse prescribers to prescribe almost all
      controlled drugs. But the Misuse of Drugs Act needs to amended to make this
      legally possible.

PMID- 28091228
TI  - Early signs of autism may be detectable in six-month-old babies.
AB  - There are no reliable predictors of autism in infancy, but characteristic
      behaviours begin to be noticeable from the age of two, the earliest age at which
      a firm diagnosis is made.

PMID- 28091229
TI  - Opportunity awaits abroad.
AB  - When politicians admonish UK workers for not being prepared to look for jobs
      outside of their home towns, they obviously have not heard about nurses heading
      to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

PMID- 28091230
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28091231
TI  - Pin site care: guidance and key recommendations.
AB  - Pin site infection is the most common complication of external fixation, a
      complex orthopaedic procedure used to stabilise fractures and correct limb
      deformity. The care of pin sites has long been debated among healthcare
      professionals. It is widely acknowledged that there is a lack of high quality
      research in this area. In 2010 a meeting with the aim of achieving consensus
      about pin site care took place, funded by the Royal College of Nursing Society of
      Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing. The aim was for practitioners who care for pin
      sites on a regular basis in adult, paediatric, hospital and community
      environments around the UK to explore and debate current practice. This article
      reports the findings of this meeting and discusses the difficulties in creating
      guidance on this area of practice.

PMID- 28091233
TI  - Former nurse becomes bishop in yorkshire.
AB  - Glyn Webster has been made the Bishop of Beverley in Yorkshire, a role that
      supports Archbishop of York John Sentamu.

PMID- 28091234
TI  - NHS Commissioning Board begins L3m senior level recruitment drive.
AB  - The nursing workforce in England has been bolstered with the creation of more
      than L3 million worth of senior level posts.

PMID- 28091235
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth, mid Wales, is concerned
      with the search for globally sustainable, whole and ecologically beneficial
      technologies and ways of life.

PMID- 28091237
TI  - Behind the worthy words lies a financial black hole.
AB  - The government's motives are to be commended. Since taking office, health
      secretary Andrew Lansley and public health minister Anne Milton, a former nurse,
      have stressed the importance of improving public health. And where better to
      start than with the nation's young people?

PMID- 28091239
TI  - Update.
AB  - UPDATE A table in the learning zone article titled Genetics, mitosis and meiosis
      (August 1) stated that there are approximately 8,000 people with cystic fibrosis
      in the UK. Since the article was accepted for publication, new figures have been
      published by the NHS showing that more than 9,000 people have the condition.

PMID- 28091240
TI  - Make your opinion heard about plans to alter pay and conditions.
AB  - The pay 'cartel' in the south west of England has an agenda that threatens the
      pay, terms and conditions of healthcare staff at 20 NHS trusts (editorial and
      news August 29).

PMID- 28091241
TI  - Time to be a united force?

PMID- 28091242
TI  - Trials of antipsychotic drugs need to be impartial my late mother, who
      experienced.
AB  - My late mother, who experienced confusion and memory loss as a result of vascular
      dementia, was prescribed antipsychotics. Within 24 hours, she experienced
      agitation, restlessness and terrifying nightmares. The treatment was stopped
      after three days.

PMID- 28091245
TI  - Workforce.
AB  - In 1776 Scottish economist Adam Smith wrote: 'Masters are always and everywhere
      in a sort of tacit, but constant and uniform combination, not to raise the wages
      of labour above their actual rate.'

PMID- 28091243
TI  - Capability assessments record shames paralympics sponsor.
AB  - It was shocking to read how work capability assessments by private company Atos
      Healthcare are leading to many nurses with disabilities being denied Employment
      and Support Allowance (news August 22).

PMID- 28091246
TI  - Parents in need of asthma education.
AB  - School nurses should not assume parents understand how to help their children
      manage asthma, a conference heard.

PMID- 28091247
TI  - Nurses affected by post-traumatic stress after katrina's devastation.
AB  - STRESS AFTER KATRINA'S DEVASTATION Nurses working in the United States city of
      New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina cared for those affected in a football
      ground and in tents pitched in hospital car parks.

PMID- 28091248
TI  - Feedback challenge winners share L1m pot to help spread their ideas.
AB  - Nurses who have developed projects to gather patient feedback have been awarded a
      share of a L1 million innovation fund to help others replicate their ideas.

PMID- 28091249
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28091250
TI  - Care home worker hid his crimes from employer.
AB  - A nurse worked at two care homes without declaring a conviction for assault, a
      Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing has been told.

PMID- 28091251
TI  - High volume of NMC referrals for nurses employed by work capability assessor.
AB  - At least 27 nurses working for Atos Healthcare, the company contracted to carry
      out work capability assessments for the government, have been referred to the
      Nursing and Midwifery Council.

PMID- 28091252
TI  - Trust jettisons jargon for the more meaningful.
AB  - A trust has rebranded intentional rounding as 'meaningful and individualised
      moments', claiming the government's title for the initiative is jargon.

PMID- 28091253
TI  - Medicines management.
AB  - I am not a prescriber, but am an advanced life support certifi ed nurse. Am I
      allowed to administer relevant medicines in a cardiac arrest situation?

PMID- 28091254
TI  - We must make sure community nursing is properly supported.
AB  - Rosemary Cook's article on community nursing is timely (careers August 22). The
      demise of the district nursing role is to be lamented, despite the good service
      being provided by community nurses.

PMID- 28091255
TI  - Activities to boost patient morale should be extended to care homes.
AB  - 'Wards in good cheer' (features August 29) made for great reading. The staff at
      Walsall Manor Hospital are to be congratulated for trying out simple initiatives
      that could make a world of difference to the patient experience.

PMID- 28091256
TI  - Fun game helps break the ice on discussing STIs.
AB  - School nurses are to be given a bingo-style game called What's My STI? to use
      with schoolchildren.

PMID- 28091257
TI  - Planning ahead can help ensure patient's wishes are expressed.
AB  - The article on cardiopulmonary resuscitation in end of life care (art&science
      August 22) was thought-provoking, most notably for its focus on the ethical,
      legal and professional issues associated with any decisions taken in these
      circumstances.

PMID- 28091258
TI  - Staff speed up cancer monitoring.
AB  - Two clinical nurse specialists have cut waiting times for patients with cancer by
      setting up a fast-track service.

PMID- 28091259
TI  - Changes to the NHS make it vital to plan for success.
AB  - Whatever your view of the need for change in the NHS, the unavoidable fact is
      that it has already changed. Some trusts have chosen the social enterprise route,
      while others have become foundation trusts or face amalgamation or being taken
      over by private companies.

PMID- 28091260
TI  - Radiation in CT scans can increase the risk of cancer among young children.
AB  - Exposing children to the ionising radiation in CT scans may triple their risk of
      developing cancer, according to a systematic review of the evidence.

PMID- 28091261
TI  - Deaths in acute hospitals have fallen, but more needs to be done to aid their
      prevention.
AB  - Around 12,000 deaths in acute hospitals in England each year could be prevented,
      suggests an analysis of the country's hospital mortality figures.

PMID- 28091262
TI  - Voices.
AB  - Soon after taking up the post of chief nursing officer for England, I began
      talking about my ambition to develop a new vision for nursing and midwifery.

PMID- 28091263
TI  - I feel confident about speaking up care has to protect the dignity of patients.
AB  - While on placement on a cardiac and endocrine ward, the nurse in charge asked me
      to manage a bay of four patients due to staff shortages.

PMID- 28091264
TI  - Setting the ideal mix.
AB  - Some years ago I had the misfortune and simultaneous good luck to find myself in
      a cardiac rapid assessment unit, writes Harry Cayton.

PMID- 28091267
TI  - A fair way to plan your career.
AB  - The largest jobs fair in the UK for nurses will hit London next week. The annual
      RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair brings together career-conscious nurses and the
      organisations that want to employ them.

PMID- 28091265
TI  - Readers panel - care has become clouded.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28091268
TI  - Keep it simple.
AB  - 'Your learning style is the way I teach you - that's my attitude,' said an
      experienced teacher I know. Draconian? Arrogant, even? I don't think so.

PMID- 28091270
TI  - Nurse shortage prompts interim care home closure.
AB  - A shortage of nurses in the Isle of Man has led to the temporary closure of a
      care home for older, mentally ill patients.

PMID- 28091269
TI  - Staff take action against mileage rate offer.
AB  - Staff take action against mileage rate offer Nurses were among staff who took a
      day of industrial action last week in protest at cuts to their mileage rates.

PMID- 28091272
TI  - Generational differences can cause work clashes.
AB  - Conflicts are arising between nurses as a result of age differences, according to
      research.

PMID- 28091274
TI  - Cataract surgery cuts fracture risk for people aged 65 and over in the year post
      operation.
AB  - Older people who have had surgery for cataracts have a significantly lower risk
      of fractures than people of the same age with cataracts who have not had surgery,
      a major American study has found.

PMID- 28091273
TI  - Atrial fibrillation.
AB  - I encountered atrial fibrillation for the first time on a recent clinical
      placement.

PMID- 28091275
TI  - Depression and melancholy following stroke needs more attention by nursing staff.
AB  - A small, nurse-led study describing the experience of stroke survivors with
      depressive symptoms in the first weeks following stroke has found that they are
      living life in 'shades of grey', with no joy or happiness and a profound sense of
      loss.

PMID- 28091276
TI  - Little benefit to speech therapy immediately following stroke.
AB  - Speech and language therapy in the first few months after stroke may be no more
      effective in restoring functional communication than social contact, according to
      a randomised controlled trial conducted in the UK.

PMID- 28091277
TI  - Acne carriage.
AB  - I could have been a star of stage and screen, a household name, an A-list celeb.
      After that school play where I kissed the leading lady, I knew the theatre was
      for me.

PMID- 28091278
TI  - Brief activity performance measure for upper limb amputees: BAM-ULA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measures of activity performance for adults with upper limb
      amputation are needed. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the
      measurement properties of a new measure of activity performance for adults with
      upper limb amputation, which we call the Brief Activity Measure for Upper Limb
      Amputees (BAM-ULA) and to compare BAM-ULA scores for users of different types of
      prostheses. METHODS: In all, 35 persons with upper limb amputation were
      administered the BAM-ULA, twice within 1 week. Internal consistency and test
      retest reliability were evaluated. Construct validity was examined by comparing
      scores by amputation level. Concurrent validity was evaluated by examining
      correlations with other measures. Exploratory analyses using linear regression
      compared sub-group scores for users of myoelectric and body-powered devices, and
      for users of single-degree-of-freedom and multi-articulating devices, controlling
      for amputation level. RESULTS: The scale alpha was 0.83; intraclass correlation
      coefficient was 0.91. Item scores differed by amputation level and device type.
      Persons with transradial amputation completed more items than those with
      amputations at the transhumeral or shoulder level ( p < 0.05). Users of
      myoelectric devices completed more items than users of body-powered devices ( p <
      0.05). The BAM-ULA strongly correlated with the Activities Measure for Upper Limb
      Amputees; R = 0.86) and three modified Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Tests ( R =
      0.62-0.68) and moderately correlated with one Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (
      R = 0.46) as well as with the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. No differences
      in scores were found by degree of freedom of the terminal device after
      controlling for amputation level. CONCLUSION: Analyses support reliability,
      construct validity, and concurrent validity of the Brief Activity Measure for
      Upper Limb Amputees. This new briefer measure is easier to score than the
      Activities Measure for Upper Limb Amputees. Clinical relevance This article
      reported on the development and evaluation of a brief 10-item measure of activity
      performance for persons with upper limb impairment, the BAM-ULA. The BAM-ULA
      takes 10 min to administer and has a simple scoring method, which may facilitate
      its adoption by clinicians in the field.

PMID- 28091279
TI  - Aflatoxin M1 in human breast milk in Shahrekord, Iran and association with
      dietary factors.
AB  - This survey was conducted to determine the occurrence and levels of aflatoxin M1
      (AFM1) in 250 breast milk samples of lactating mothers, obtained from urban and
      rural regions of Shahrekord, Iran. Moreover, the association between AFM1
      occurrence levels and dietary factors was assessed. AFM1 analysis was carried out
      using the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique for screening
      and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD)
      for confirmatory purposes. The toxin was detected in 39 samples (15.6%), ranging
      from 11.1 to 39.3 ng/l, of which 8 samples (3.2%) had levels above the Iranian
      national standard limit (25 ng/l). AFM1 occurrence and levels in breast milk
      samples obtained from rural regions were significantly higher (P <= 0.05) than
      those obtained from urban ones. It might be due to the different dietary patterns
      in these regions. It was found that dietary habits with more tendencies to
      consume bread, rice and non-alcoholic beer beverage significantly increased (P <=
      0.05) the risk of AFM1 occurrence in breast milk. In addition, higher consumption
      of bread, olive and traditional cream significantly increased (P <= 0.05) the
      levels of AFM1 in breast milk samples. Further investigations should be performed
      to determine more precisely the association between AFM1 occurrence and dietary
      factors and also the risk of infant exposure to this mycotoxin.

PMID- 28091280
TI  - Rotation Elastogram Estimation Using Synthetic Transmit-aperture Technique: A
      Feasibility Study.
AB  - It is well-documented in literature that benign breast lesions, such as
      fibroadenomas, are loosely bonded to their surrounding tissue and tend to slip
      under a small quasi-static compression, whereas malignant lesions being firmly
      bonded to their surrounding tissue do not slip. Recent developments in quasi
      static ultrasound elastography have shown that an image of the axial-shear strain
      distribution can provide information about the bonding condition at the lesion
      surrounding tissue boundary. Further studies analyzing the axial-shear strain
      elastograms revealed that nonzero axial-shear strain values appear inside the
      lesion, referred to as fill-in, only when a lesion is loosely bonded and
      asymmetrically oriented to the axis of compression. It was argued that the fill
      in observed in axial-shear strain elastogram is a surrogate of the actual rigid
      body rotation undergone by such a benign lesion due to slip boundary condition.
      However, it may be useful and perhaps easy to interpret, if the actual rigid-body
      rotation of the lesion can itself be visualized directly. To estimate this
      rotation tensor and its spatial distribution map (called a Rotation Elastogram
      [RE]), it would be necessary to improve the quality of lateral displacement
      estimates. Recently, it has been shown in the context of Non-Invasive Vascular
      Elastography (NIVE) that the Synthetic Transmit Aperture (STA) technique can be
      adapted for elastography to improve the lateral displacement estimates.
      Therefore, the focus of this work was to investigate the feasibility of employing
      the STA technique to improve the lateral displacement estimation and assess the
      resulting improvement in the RE quality. This investigation was done using both
      simulation and experimental studies. The image quality metric of contrast-to
      noise ratio (CNR) was used to evaluate the quality of rotation elastograms. The
      results demonstrate that the contrast appeared in RE only in the case of loosely
      bonded inclusion, and the quality of RE improved considerably by employing the
      STA technique.

PMID- 28091281
TI  - Satiety and memory enhancing effects of a high-protein meal depend on the source
      of protein.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: High- protein diets have become increasingly popular with various
      touted benefits. However, the extent to which protein quantity and source affects
      cognitive functioning through altering postprandial amino acid profiles has not
      been investigated. Further, whether all protein sources are similarly
      anorexigenic is uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine the
      influence of protein level and source on Barnes maze performance, satiety and
      plasma amino acid levels in male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Rats were
      entrained to a meal-feeding schedule consisting of a 30 minutes meal, equivalent
      to 20% of average daily intake, one hour into the dark phase then ad libitum
      access to food for 5 h. On test days, rats received one of three isocaloric diets
      as their first meal, hereafter referred to as Egg White (EW), Wheat Gluten (WG),
      or Basal, and then were measured for cognitive performance, feeding behavior, or
      plasma amino acid levels via jugular catheter. Percentage energy from protein was
      35% for both EW and WG and 20% for Basal with equal amounts provided by EW and WG
      proteins. RESULTS: Rats provided EW performed similarly to Basal on the Barnes
      maze, whereas WG performed worse. EW increased satiety, whereas WG reduced
      satiety relative to Basal. Both EW and WG increased postprandial concentrations
      of large neutral and branched chain amino acids relative to Basal, but in EW,
      concentrations were slower to peak, and peaked to a higher level than WG.
      DISCUSSION: Results demonstrate the importance of protein source for cognition
      and satiety enhancing effects of a high-protein meal.

PMID- 28091283
TI  - Trend for men to be back in hospital within a month of being discharged.
AB  - Men are significantly more likely than women to need urgent hospital care,
      including readmission, within a month of being discharged.

PMID- 28091284
TI  - Living alone makes workers much more prone to depression.
AB  - People who live alone are 80 per cent more likely to be depressed, according to
      the first major study to examine the risk of depression and solitary living
      arrangements in people of working age.

PMID- 28091282
TI  - Hispanic patients are more likely to survive lung cancer than caucasians.
AB  - Hispanic lung cancer patients appear to live longer than white or black patients,
      according to research in the United States. The research, along with other
      studies, suggests that genetic or environmental factors put Hispanic patients at
      a survival advantage.

PMID- 28091285
TI  - Pension proposals spark industrial action.
AB  - Community nurses joined industrial action organised by the Unite union last week,
      a day after the government announced plans to press ahead with pension reforms. A
      bill that would bring major changes to public sector pensions is to be published
      shortly.

PMID- 28091286
TI  - Scotland clarifies effect of integration on employment.
AB  - Nurses will not be compelled to transfer to local authority employment under
      plans to integrate adult health and social care in Scotland.

PMID- 28091287
TI  - The power to lead.
AB  - Florence Nightingale, who died more than 100 years ago, set a shining example of
      what good leadership can achieve.

PMID- 28091288
TI  - Voices - Investment in community nursing services is vital, according to Peter
      Carter.
AB  - In the past few years, RCN members up and down the country have shared concerns
      about cuts to jobs and services through our Frontline First campaign. The
      information has been shocking, and shows that the NHS and many of its nursing
      staff are being stretched to breaking point.

PMID- 28091290
TI  - 'The NHS he talks about is not the NHS nurses recognise'.

PMID- 28091289
TI  - Cliche rage.
AB  - Someone senior and non-clinical once said to me: 'It's all about the patient
      experience, isn't it?'

PMID- 28091291
TI  - The hazards of caring.

PMID- 28091292
TI  - Increase in nurse peers depends on lords reform.
AB  - The prospect of more nurses joining the House of Lords depends on the outcome of
      controversial new government proposals.

PMID- 28091293
TI  - 'Halving the number of MRSA cases has been a fantastic achievement'.
AB  - When England's chief nursing officer Dame Chris Beasley was appointed to the post
      in October 2004, MRSA-linked deaths were rarely out of the headlines.

PMID- 28091294
TI  - Lansley wins respect but few friends at congress.
AB  - Politicians' credibility is often judged by their readiness to give straight
      answers to straight questions. By this measure, health secretary Andrew Lansley
      did little to enhance his reputation when he took the stage at RCN congress in
      Harrogate this week.

PMID- 28091295
TI  - Sickle cell and thalassaemia posts are good value and need protecting.
AB  - Genetic blood disorders sickle cell and thalassaemia affect 12,500 and 800 people
      respectively in England.

PMID- 28091296
TI  - Wanted: two high-flyers keen for a 'large, complex' challenge.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council is seeking two new leaders with proven business
      management skills to pull the regulator out of its difficulties.

PMID- 28091297
TI  - 'We have been able to raise the profile of what nurses do'.
AB  - Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust is often held up as an
      example of how co-operation between health and social care can work.

PMID- 28091298
TI  - Trust backs down on band 4 role offer.
AB  - An NHS trust has made a U-turn on its plans to ask registered nurses to consider
      jobs as assistant practitioners if they want to avoid redundancy.

PMID- 28091299
TI  - World in brief.
AB  - What's happening in nursing across the globe.

PMID- 28091300
TI  - Nurse achievements celebrated.
AB  - Two iconic nurses were celebrated last week when nursing's contribution to
      society was recognised across the world.

PMID- 28091301
TI  - Relaxation exercises to soft music shown to cut number of pre-term births.
AB  - Some pregnant women admitted to hospital with pre-term labour may be able to
      prolong their pregnancy by listening to a relaxation training programme, suggests
      a study from Taiwan.

PMID- 28091302
TI  - Sleeping too little increases likelihood of obesity, but too much sleep is also
      bad for you.
AB  - Lack of sleep should be added to poor diet and sedentary lifestyle as risk
      factors for obesity, suggests a review of the evidence from sleep restriction
      studies.

PMID- 28091304
TI  - Readers panel - A matter of academic record.
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28091303
TI  - Starting out - Time spent with a community nurse a matter helped clarify my
      career goals.
AB  - Before spending time with a specialist rehabilitation community nurse recently, I
      was looking forward to the opportunity for two reasons.

PMID- 28091306
TI  - RCN Head lambasts 'destructive' cuts.
AB  - The cuts afflicting the NHS across the UK are causing widespread concern among
      nurses, RCN president Andrea Spyropoulos said in her opening address to this
      year's congress.

PMID- 28091307
TI  - Student life - vital support that pays off.
AB  - Newly qualifi ed nurses moving into community roles face particular challenges
      because they often work in isolation and may lack the support that those working
      in a hospital receive from colleagues.

PMID- 28091308
TI  - Needle stick and sharps injuries: practice update.
AB  - Member states of the European Union have until May 11 2013 to implement the
      Council Directive 2010/32/EU Implementing the Framework Agreement on Prevention
      from Sharps Injuries in the Hospital and Healthcare Sector. The aim of this
      legislation is to achieve a safe working environment and prevent injuries to
      healthcare professionals caused by all medical sharps, including needlesticks.
      This article examines the issues surrounding needlestick and sharps injuries,
      including risk assessment and prevention, information provision, raising
      awareness, use of safety devices, training and reporting procedures.

PMID- 28091309
TI  - Bedazzled.
AB  - Talk about grumpy old men - you should hear me on the subject of car headlamps.
      'I swear they have been getting brighter. The nasty new ones with the blue tinge
      are dazzling. Who needs lights so bright? People use them as offensive weapons. I
      blame the government...' And so on.

PMID- 28091310
TI  - Concentrate on basic nursing care before extended skills.
AB  - I read with interest Nichola McCarthy's letter (May 2). She says that all nursing
      students should be taught electrocardiogram (ECG) recording, cannulation,
      venepuncture and IV administration skills.

PMID- 28091312
TI  - Are we medicalising normal conditions such as anxiety?
AB  - The learning zone article (May 2) on the assessment and treatment of patients
      experiencing anxiety was informative and wide-ranging. It is an excellent, well
      referenced resource.

PMID- 28091313
TI  - The best of the week's health-related TV and radio.
AB  - Our roundup of what's on.

PMID- 28091315
TI  - St Thomas' hospital is the wrong site for mary seacole statue.
AB  - Your news story, 'Council gives go-ahead for Seacole statue' (May 2), is orrect
      in declaring that planning permission for a memorial statue for Mary Seacole has
      been granted. But the plans have been approved by Lambeth Council's planning
      committee, rather than the council as a whole.

PMID- 28091314
TI  - Nightingale's emphasis on patient observation provides valuable lessons.
AB  - Sue Norman, chair of the Florence Nightingale Museum's board of trustees, says
      Miss Nightingale's nursing philosophy is 'as relevant today as when she devised
      it more than 150 years ago' (careers May 9).

PMID- 28091316
TI  - Staff caring for my mother came across as cold and uncaring.
AB  - My mother was admitted to hospital at the beginning of the year and it was
      evident from the outset that some staff on the wards would have benefited from
      reminders about the core values of your Care campaign (features May 2).

PMID- 28091317
TI  - It seems impractical to pay people to become healthier.
AB  - Four readers panellists were asked if financial incentives would motivate people
      to adopt healthy behaviours (reflections May 2).

PMID- 28091320
TI  - College will fight on over change to pension age.
AB  - The RCN will continue to fight any increase in NHS nurses' retirement age, RCN
      general secretary Peter Carter announced in his keynote address to congress.

PMID- 28091318
TI  - Webwise.
AB  - The Cavell Nurses' Trust website is part of a rebranding of the charity Nurse
      Aid, which is a source of financial support for students, registered and retired
      nurses, and healthcare assistants.

PMID- 28091321
TI  - Lung cancer campaign targets late diagnosis.
AB  - As many nurses know, UK survival rates from lung cancer in the first year after
      diagnosis are very low. Less well known is the impact of late diagnosis.

PMID- 28091322
TI  - Community nurse numbers 'stretched to breaking point'.
AB  - The government's target to recruit an extra 4,200 health visitors by 2015 could
      damage services as community nurses are 'poached' to meet the pledge, the RCN has
      warned.

PMID- 28091324
TI  - Overflowing: hospitals struggle to cope with patient numbers.
AB  - Nurses voted overwhelmingly for an end to the use of inappropriate areas to
      accommodate A&E patients after hearing how they are being 'shovelled around' to
      meet targets.

PMID- 28091325
TI  - A taste of life in the upper house.
AB  - Entering the Palace of Westminster through the peers' entrance takes us to the
      centre of political life in the UK.

PMID- 28091323
TI  - Greek nurses reach.
AB  - Nurses in Greece have been hit hard by job freezes and 40 per cent wage cuts, as
      the government attempts to stave off bankruptcy with austerity measures. Hospital
      wards are understaffed and short of medical supplies following a 50 per cent
      reduction in the country's health budget. A union representative reveals his
      fears for the future, and a nurse in Athens explains that her family's income has
      shrunk so much that buying food is her priority.

PMID- 28091327
TI  - 'I used to take so much for granted'.
AB  - Elaine Edwards (pictured) is a gynaecology nurse specialist, nurse hsyteroscopist
      and staff governor at Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey: 'I
      became a governor nine months ago. It has put a lot of things into perspective
      for me. I took so much for granted before. For example, I did not realise how
      important the patient pathway codings are for ensuring the trust is paid
      accurately for GP-commissioned work. I am updated on all the changes that are
      going on. Meanwhile, the council of governors can learn from me about what is
      happening on the shop-floor.'

PMID- 28091328
TI  - High cost of fitness to practise hearings should be scrutinised.
AB  - As someone who pays fees to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), I read with
      interest about the backlog of fitness to practise hearings and the time it takes
      to deal with cases (analysis April 18).

PMID- 28091329
TI  - Student who supported grieving parents is a credit to nursing.
AB  - My attention was drawn to the Starting Out article, 'Sitting in silence with
      grieving parents gave them support' (reflections May 9). Nursing student Jordan
      Renouf writes about supporting a baby's parents after a failed attempt at
      resuscitation in an emergency department.

PMID- 28091330
TI  - The end of life care my mother received was outstanding.
AB  - The care of older people in the UK has long been under-resourced and underfunded.
      The NHS provides excellent acute care and good paediatric services, for example,
      but falls down in its care of older people.

PMID- 28091332
TI  - Head and neck imaging.

PMID- 28091333
TI  - An Ecological Approach to Reducing Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use:
      Canadian Deprescribing Network.
AB  - Polypharmacy is growing in Canada, along with adverse drug events and drug
      related costs. Part of the solution may be deprescribing, the planned and
      supervised process of dose reduction or stopping of medications that may be
      causing harm or are no longer providing benefit. Deprescribing can be a complex
      process, involving the intersection of patients, health care providers, and
      organizational and policy factors serving as enablers or barriers. This article
      describes the justification, theoretical foundation, and process for developing a
      Canadian Deprescribing Network (CaDeN), a network of individuals, organizations,
      and decision-makers committed to promoting the appropriate use of medications and
      non-pharmacological approaches to care, especially among older people in Canada.
      CaDeN will deploy multiple levels of action across multiple stakeholder groups
      simultaneously in an ecological approach to health system change. CaDeN proposes
      a unique model that might be applied both in national settings and for different
      transformational challenges in health care.

PMID- 28091334
TI  - Concurrent Dawson's Fingers and Area Postrema Lesion in a Mixed Neuroimmune
      Disorder.

PMID- 28091335
TI  - High prevalence of HPV infection in the remote villages of French Guiana: an
      epidemiological study.
AB  - Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women in French Guiana.
      Studies have shown that populations living in the remote areas of the interior
      have early sexual debut and that multiple sexual partnerships are common. The
      objective of the present study was thus to determine the prevalence of human
      papillomavirus (HPV) infection in these areas. A study was conducted in women
      aged 20-65 years with previous sexual activity. Women were included on a
      voluntary basis after using local media and leaders to inform them of the visit
      of the team. HPV infection was defined by the detection of HPV DNA using the
      Greiner Bio-One kit. In addition to HPV testing cytology was performed. The
      overall age-standardized prevalence rate was 35%. There was a U-shaped evolution
      of HPV prevalence by age with women aged >50 years at highest risk for HPV,
      followed by the 20-29 years group. Twenty-seven percent of women with a positive
      HPV test had normal cytology. Given the high incidence of cervical cancer in
      French Guiana and the high prevalence of HPV infections the present results re
      emphasize the need for screening for cervical cancer in these remote areas.
      Vaccination against HPV, preferably with a nonavalent vaccine, also seems an
      important prevention measure. However, in this region where a large portion of
      the population has no health insurance, this still represents a challenge.

PMID- 28091336
TI  - Who are the patients that default tuberculosis treatment? - space matters!
AB  - The goals of this article are: (i) to understand how individual characteristics
      affect the likelihood of patients defaulting their pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB)
      treatment regimens; (ii) to quantify the predictive capacity of these risk
      factors; and (iii) to quantify and map spatial variation in the risk of
      defaulting. We used logistic regression models and generalized additive models
      with a spatial component to determine the odds of default across continental
      Portugal. We focused on new PTB cases, diagnosed between 2000 and 2013, and
      included some individual information (sex, age, residence area, alcohol abuse,
      intravenous drug use, homelessness, HIV, imprisonment status). We found that the
      global default rate was 4.88%, higher in individuals with well-known risk
      profiles (males, immigrants, HIV positive, homeless, prisoners, alcohol and drug
      users). Of specific epidemiological interest was that our geographical analysis
      found that Portugal's main urban areas (the two biggest cities) and one tourist
      region have higher default rates compared to the rest of the country, after
      adjusting for the previously mentioneded risk factors. The challenge of treatment
      defaulting, either due to other individual non-measured characteristics,
      healthcare system failure or patient recalcitrance requires further analysis in
      the spatio-temporal domain. Our findings suggest the presence of significant
      within-country variation in the risk of defaulting that cannot be explained by
      these classical individual risk factors alone. The methods we advocate are simple
      to implement and could easily be applied to other diseases.

PMID- 28091337
TI  - Assessing the social and environmental determinants of pertussis epidemics in
      Queensland, Australia: a Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis.
AB  - Pertussis epidemics have displayed substantial spatial heterogeneity in countries
      with high socioeconomic conditions and high vaccine coverage. This study aims to
      investigate the relationship between pertussis risk and socio-environmental
      factors on the spatio-temporal variation underlying pertussis infection. We
      obtained daily case numbers of pertussis notifications from Queensland Health,
      Australia by postal area, for the period January 2006 to December 2012. A
      Bayesian spatio-temporal model was used to quantify the relationship between
      monthly pertussis incidence and socio-environmental factors. The socio
      environmental factors included monthly mean minimum temperature (MIT), monthly
      mean vapour pressure (VAP), Queensland school calendar pattern (SCP), and
      socioeconomic index for area (SEIFA). An increase in pertussis incidence was
      observed from 2006 to 2010 and a slight decrease from 2011 to 2012. Spatial
      analyses showed pertussis incidence across Queensland postal area to be low and
      more spatially homogeneous during 2006-2008; incidence was higher and more
      spatially heterogeneous after 2009. The results also showed that the average
      decrease in monthly pertussis incidence was 3.1% [95% credible interval (CrI) 1.3
      4.8] for each 1  degrees C increase in monthly MIT, while average increase in
      monthly pertussis incidences were 6.2% (95% CrI 0.4-12.4) and 2% (95% CrI 1-3)
      for SCP periods and for each 10-unit increase in SEIFA, respectively. This study
      demonstrated that pertussis transmission is significantly associated with MIT,
      SEIFA, and SCP. Mapping derived from this work highlights the potential for
      future investigation and areas for focusing future control strategies.

PMID- 28091338
TI  - Molecular epidemiological analysis to assess the influence of pet-ownership in
      the biodiversity of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA in dog- and non-dog-owning
      healthy households.
AB  - It has been suggested that zoonotic transmission of Staphylococcus aureus (SA)
      and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) can occur between owners and their
      pets within the same household. However, the influence that pet-ownership could
      have in the biodiversity of SA/MRSA strains circulating among owners is not fully
      understood. The objective of this study was to perform a molecular
      epidemiological analysis to evaluate and compare the biodiversity of SA/MRSA
      strains in dog-owning and non-dog-owning healthy households within the same
      community. Antimicrobial resistance, SCCmec type, USA type and clonality were
      assessed. Overall, 33.1% (165/499) of human subjects carried SA and 2.8% (14/499)
      carried MRSA. Among dogs, 7.1% (8/113) carried SA but none were MRSA positive. No
      difference was detected in the diversity index of SA/MRSA pulsotypes between dog
      owning and non-dog-owning households; but, a marked variation was still observed
      in the pulsotypes circulating in each type of household. Additionally,
      simultaneous carriage of the same SA pulsotype in owner(s) and dog was observed
      in 57% of households with positive humans and pets. These results demonstrate
      that dogs can indeed participate in the circulation of SA/MRSA pulsotypes within
      a home and that the presence of a pet does not seem to favour certain strains
      within their household.

PMID- 28091339
TI  - Association of cigarette smoking with a past history and incidence of herpes
      zoster in the general Japanese population: the SHEZ Study.
AB  - Few studies have examined the impact of cigarette smoking on the risk for herpes
      zoster. The Shozu Herpes Zoster (SHEZ) Study is a community-based prospective
      cohort study over 3 years in Japan aiming to clarify the incidence and predictive
      and immunological factors for herpes zoster. We investigated the associations of
      smoking status with past history and incidence of herpes zoster. A total of 12
      351 participants provided valid information on smoking status and past history of
      herpes zoster at baseline survey. Smoking status was classified into three
      categories (current, former, never smoker), and if currently smoking, the number
      of cigarettes consumed per day was recorded. The participants were under the
      active surveillance for first-ever incident herpes zoster for 3 years. We used a
      logistic regression model for the cross-sectional study on the association
      between smoking status and past history of herpes zoster, and a Cox proportional
      hazards regression model for the cohort study on the association with risk of
      incidence. The multivariable adjusted odd ratios (95% CI) of past history of
      herpes zoster for current vs. never smokers were 0.67 (0.54-0.80) for total
      subjects, 0.72 (0.56-0.93) for men and 0.65 (0.44-0.96) for women. The
      multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) of incident herpes zoster for
      current vs. never smokers were 0.52 (0.33-0.81) for total subjects, 0.49 (0.29
      0.83) for men and 0.52 (0.19-1.39) for women. Smoking status was inversely
      associated with the prevalence and incidence of herpes zoster in the general
      population of men and women aged ?50 years.

PMID- 28091340
TI  - Fahr's Disease Presenting as Late-Onset Levodopa-Responsive Parkinsonism.

PMID- 28091342
TI  - Childhood interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and atopic disorders as risk factors
      for hypomanic symptoms in young adulthood: a longitudinal birth cohort study.

PMID- 28091341
TI  - Correlation between infectious disease and soil radiation in Japan: an
      exploratory study using national sentinel surveillance data.
AB  - We investigated the relationship between epidemics and soil radiation through an
      exploratory study using sentinel surveillance data (individuals aged <20 years)
      during the last three epidemic seasons of influenza and norovirus in Japan. We
      used a spatial analysis method of a geographical information system (GIS). We
      mapped the epidemic spreading patterns from sentinel incidence rates. We
      calculated the average soil radiation [dm (MUGy/h)] for each sentinel site using
      data on uranium, thorium, and potassium oxide in the soil and examined the
      incidence rate in units of 0.01 MUGy/h. The correlations between the incidence
      rate and the average soil radiation were assessed. Epidemic clusters of influenza
      and norovirus infections were observed in areas with relatively high radiation
      exposure. A positive correlation was detected between the average incidence rate
      and radiation dose, at r = 0.61-0.84 (P < 0.01) for influenza infections and r =
      0.61-0.72 (P < 0.01) for norovirus infections. An increase in the incidence rate
      was found between areas with radiation exposure of 0 < dm < 0.01 and 0.15 ? dm <
      0.16, at 1.80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47-2.12] times higher for influenza
      infection and 2.07 (95% CI 1.53-2.61) times higher for norovirus infection. Our
      results suggest a potential association between decreased immunity and
      irradiation because of soil radiation. Further studies on immunity in these
      epidemic-prone areas are desirable.

PMID- 28091343
TI  - Prediction of transition to psychosis in patients with a clinical high risk for
      psychosis: a systematic review of methodology and reporting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To enhance indicated prevention in patients with a clinical high risk
      (CHR) for psychosis, recent research efforts have been increasingly directed
      towards estimating the risk of developing psychosis on an individual level using
      multivariable clinical prediction models. The aim of this study was to
      systematically review the methodological quality and reporting of studies
      developing or validating such models. METHOD: A systematic literature search was
      carried out (up to 14 March 2016) to find all studies that developed or validated
      a clinical prediction model predicting the transition to psychosis in CHR
      patients. Data were extracted using a comprehensive item list which was based on
      current methodological recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 91 studies met the
      inclusion criteria. None of the retrieved studies performed a true external
      validation of an existing model. Only three studies (3.5%) had an event per
      variable ratio of at least 10, which is the recommended minimum to avoid
      overfitting. Internal validation was performed in only 14 studies (15%) and seven
      of these used biased internal validation strategies. Other frequently observed
      modeling approaches not recommended by methodologists included univariable
      screening of candidate predictors, stepwise variable selection, categorization of
      continuous variables, and poor handling and reporting of missing data.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review revealed that poor methods and reporting are
      widespread in prediction of psychosis research. Since most studies relied on
      small sample sizes, did not perform internal or external cross-validation, and
      used poor model development strategies, most published models are probably
      overfitted and their reported predictive accuracy is likely to be overoptimistic.

PMID- 28091344
TI  - A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacological and
      dietary supplement interventions in paediatric autism: moderators of treatment
      response and recommendations for future research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are pervasive and multifactorial
      neurodevelopmental conditions, characterized by impairments in social
      communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour,
      interests or activities. Treatment options to ameliorate symptoms of ASDs are
      limited. Heterogeneity complicates the quest for personalized medicine in this
      population. Our aim was to investigate if there are baseline characteristics of
      patients that moderate response or trial design features that impede the
      identification of efficacious interventions for ASDs. METHOD: Literature searches
      of EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO identified 43 studies for qualitative assessment
      of baseline characterization of participants and 37 studies for quantitative
      analysis of moderators of treatment response. Criteria included blinded
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in paediatric ASD, with at least 10
      participants per arm or 20 overall, of oral treatments, including pharmacological
      interventions and dietary supplements. RESULTS: Random-effects meta-analysis of
      1997 participants (81% male) identified three moderators associated with an
      increase in treatment response: trials located in Europe and the Middle-East;
      outcome measures designated primary status; and the type of outcome measure.
      Inconsistent reporting of baseline symptom severity and intellectual functioning
      prevented analysis of these variables. Qualitative synthesis of baseline
      characteristics identified at least 31 variables, with only age and gender
      reported in all trials. Biological markers were included in six RCTs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Few trials reported adequate baseline characteristics to permit
      detailed analysis of response to treatment. Consideration of geographical
      location, baseline severity and intellectual function is required to ensure
      generalizability of results. The use of biological markers and correlates in ASD
      trials remains in its infancy. There is great need to improve the application of
      baseline characterization and incorporation of biological markers and correlates
      to permit selection of participants into homogeneous subgroups and to inform
      response to treatment in ASD.

PMID- 28091345
TI  - Propofol as a Risk Factor for ICU-Acquired Weakness in Septic Patients with Acute
      Respiratory Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIN) and critical illness myopathy
      (CIM), together "ICU-Acquired weakness (ICUAW)," occur frequently in septic
      patients. One of the proposed mechanisms for ICUAW includes prolonged
      inactivation of sodium channels. Propofol, used commonly in patients with acute
      respiratory failure (ARF), primarily acts via enhancement of GABAergic
      transmission but may also increase sodium channel inactivation, suggesting a
      potential interaction. METHODS: Electronic medical records and EMG reports of
      patients with ICUAW and a diagnosis of either sepsis, septicaemia, severe sepsis,
      or septic shock, concurrent with a diagnosis of acute respiratory failure (ARF),
      were retrospectively analyzed in a single center university hospital. RESULTS: 74
      cases were identified (50.0% men, age 58+/-14 years), and compared to age- and
      sex-matched controls. Of these, 51 (69%) had CIN, 19 (26%) had CIM, and 4 (5%)
      had both. Propofol exposure was significantly higher in patients with ICUAW
      compared to controls (63.5% vs. 33.8%, p<0.001). The odds ratio of developing
      ICUAW with propofol exposure was 3.4 (95% CI:1.7-6.7, p<0.001). Patients with
      ICUAW had significantly more days in hospital (59+/-44 vs. 30+/-23) and ICU (38+/
      26 vs. 17+/-13), days dependent on mechanical ventilation (27+/-21 vs. 13+/-16),
      and rates of tracheostomy (79.7% vs. 36.5%) and gastrostomy (75.7% vs. 25.7%)
      (all p<0.001). They also received a significantly higher number of distinct
      intravenous antibiotics, cumulative days of antibiotic therapy, and exposure to
      vasopressors and paralytics. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol exposure may increase the risk
      of ICUAW in septic patients. An interaction through sodium channel inactivation
      is hypothesized.

PMID- 28091346
TI  - The role of metabolomics in determination of new dietary biomarkers.
AB  - Traditional methods for the assessment of dietary intake are prone to error; in
      order to improve and enhance these methods increasing interest in the
      identification of dietary biomarkers has materialised. Metabolomics has emerged
      as a key tool in the area of dietary biomarker discovery and to date the use of
      metabolomics has identified a number of putative biomarkers. Applications to
      identify novel biomarkers of intake have in general taken three approaches: (1)
      specific acute intervention studies to identify specific biomarkers of intake;
      (2) searching for biomarkers in cohort studies by correlating to self-reported
      intake of a specific food/food group(s); (3) analysing dietary patterns in
      conjunction with metabolomic profiles to identify biomarkers and nutritypes. A
      number of analytical technologies are employed in metabolomics as currently there
      is no single technique capable of measuring the entire metabolome. These
      approaches each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The present review
      will provide an overview of current technologies and applications of metabolomics
      in the determination of new dietary biomarkers. In addition, it will address some
      of the current challenges in the field and future outlooks.

PMID- 28091347
TI  - Changes in the seroprevalence of cysticercosis in suspected patients in
      Chandigarh, India between 1998 and 2014: analysis of 17 years of data.
AB  - Changes in seroprevalence of cysticercosis diagnosed in Chandigarh, India between
      1998 and 2014 were investigated by extraction and analysis of data from records
      held at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in
      Chandigarh. Among the total number of samples for which cysticercosis had been
      suspected during this period (N = 9650), 1716 (17.8%) were seropositive. Adults
      were more likely to be seropositive than children, and women were more likely to
      be seropositive than men. In addition to there being fewer patients with
      suspicion of cysticercosis over the data analysis period, the proportion of
      patients seropositive also reduced significantly. Despite these reductions, which
      are probably associated with improved infrastructure and sanitation within
      Chandigarh, and despite meat consumption being relatively rare in this area, the
      extent of cysticercosis in this population remains problematic. Further efforts
      should be made to reduce transmission of this infection, with particular emphasis
      on women. Such efforts should follow the One Health concept, and involve medical
      efforts (including diagnosis and treatment of T. solium tapeworm carriers),
      veterinary efforts directed towards meat inspection and prevention of infection
      of pigs, and environmental health and sanitation engineers (to minimize
      environmental contamination with human waste).

PMID- 28091348
TI  - Effects of intermittent fasting on glucose and lipid metabolism.
AB  - Two intermittent fasting variants, intermittent energy restriction (IER) and time
      restricted feeding (TRF), have received considerable interest as strategies for
      weight-management and/or improving metabolic health. With these strategies, the
      pattern of energy restriction and/or timing of food intake are altered so that
      individuals undergo frequently repeated periods of fasting. This review provides
      a commentary on the rodent and human literature, specifically focusing on the
      effects of IER and TRF on glucose and lipid metabolism. For IER, there is a
      growing evidence demonstrating its benefits on glucose and lipid homeostasis in
      the short-to-medium term; however, more long-term safety studies are required.
      Whilst the metabolic benefits of TRF appear quite profound in rodents, findings
      from the few human studies have been mixed. There is some suggestion that the
      metabolic changes elicited by these approaches can occur in the absence of energy
      restriction, and in the context of IER, may be distinct from those observed
      following similar weight-loss achieved via modest continuous energy restriction.
      Mechanistically, the frequently repeated prolonged fasting intervals may favour
      preferential reduction of ectopic fat, beneficially modulate aspects of adipose
      tissue physiology/morphology, and may also impinge on circadian clock regulation.
      However, mechanistic evidence is largely limited to findings from rodent studies,
      thus necessitating focused human studies, which also incorporate more dynamic
      assessments of glucose and lipid metabolism. Ultimately, much remains to be
      learned about intermittent fasting (in its various forms); however, the findings
      to date serve to highlight promising avenues for future research.

PMID- 28091349
TI  - Intranasal oxytocin increases facial expressivity, but not ratings of
      trustworthiness, in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blunted facial affect is a common negative symptom of schizophrenia.
      Additionally, assessing the trustworthiness of faces is a social cognitive
      ability that is impaired in schizophrenia. Currently available pharmacological
      agents are ineffective at improving either of these symptoms, despite their
      clinical significance. The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin has multiple
      prosocial effects when administered intranasally to healthy individuals and shows
      promise in decreasing negative symptoms and enhancing social cognition in
      schizophrenia. Although two small studies have investigated oxytocin's effects on
      ratings of facial trustworthiness in schizophrenia, its effects on facial
      expressivity have not been investigated in any population. METHOD: We
      investigated the effects of oxytocin on facial emotional expressivity while
      participants performed a facial trustworthiness rating task in 33 individuals
      with schizophrenia and 35 age-matched healthy controls using a double-blind,
      placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Participants rated the trustworthiness of
      presented faces interspersed with emotionally evocative photographs while being
      video-recorded. Participants' facial expressivity in these videos was quantified
      by blind raters using a well-validated manualized approach (i.e. the Facial
      Expression Coding System; FACES). RESULTS: While oxytocin administration did not
      affect ratings of facial trustworthiness, it significantly increased facial
      expressivity in individuals with schizophrenia (Z = -2.33, p = 0.02) and at trend
      level in healthy controls (Z = -1.87, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: These results
      demonstrate that oxytocin administration can increase facial expressivity in
      response to emotional stimuli and suggest that oxytocin may have the potential to
      serve as a treatment for blunted facial affect in schizophrenia.

PMID- 28091351
TI  - Supplementing the maternal diet of rats with butyrate enhances mitochondrial
      biogenesis in the skeletal muscles of weaned offspring.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal dietary butyrate
      supplementation on energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in offspring
      skeletal muscle and the possible mediating mechanisms. Virgin female rats were
      randomly assigned to either control or butyrate diets (1 % butyrate sodium)
      throughout gestation and lactation. At the end of lactation (21 d), the offspring
      were killed by exsanguination from the abdominal aorta under anaesthesia. The
      results showed that maternal butyrate supplementation throughout gestation and
      lactation did not affect offspring body weight. However, the protein expressions
      of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPR) 43 and 41 were significantly enhanced in
      offspring skeletal muscle of the maternal butyrate-supplemented group. The ATP
      content, most of mitochondrial DNA-encoded gene expressions, the cytochrome c
      oxidase subunit 1 and 4 protein contents and the mitochondrial DNA copy number
      were significantly higher in the butyrate group than in the control group.
      Meanwhile, the protein expressions of type 1 myosin heavy chain, mitochondrial
      transcription factor A, PPAR-coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) and uncoupling
      protein 3 were significantly increased in the gastrocnemius muscle of the
      treatment group compared with the control group. These results indicate for the
      first time that maternal butyrate supplementation during the gestation and
      lactation periods influenced energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis
      through the GPR and PGC-1alpha pathways in offspring skeletal muscle at weaning.

PMID- 28091350
TI  - The effects of flavanone-rich citrus juice on cognitive function and cerebral
      blood flow: an acute, randomised, placebo-controlled cross-over trial in healthy,
      young adults.
AB  - A plausible mechanism underlying flavonoid-associated cognitive effects is
      increased cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, behavioural and CBF effects
      following flavanone-rich juice consumption have not been explored. The aim of
      this study was to investigate whether consumption of flavanone-rich juice is
      associated with acute cognitive benefits and increased regional CBF in healthy,
      young adults. An acute, single-blind, randomised, cross-over design was applied
      with two 500-ml drink conditions - high-flavanone (HF; 70.5 mg) drink and an
      energy-, and vitamin C- matched, zero-flavanone control. A total of twenty-four
      healthy young adults aged 18-30 years underwent cognitive testing at baseline and
      2-h after drink consumption. A further sixteen, healthy, young adults were
      recruited for functional MRI assessment, whereby CBF was measured with arterial
      spin labelling during conscious resting state at baseline as well as 2 and 5 h
      after drink consumption. The HF drink was associated with significantly increased
      regional perfusion in the inferior and middle right frontal gyrus at 2 h relative
      to baseline and the control drink. In addition, the HF drink was associated with
      significantly improved performance on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test at 2 h
      relative to baseline and the control drink, but no effects were observed on any
      other behavioural cognitive tests. These results demonstrate that consumption of
      flavanone-rich citrus juice in quantities commonly consumed can acutely enhance
      blood flow to the brain in healthy, young adults. However, further studies are
      required to establish a direct causal link between increased CBF and enhanced
      behavioural outcomes following citrus juice ingestion.

PMID- 28091352
TI  - Elder abuse by abandonment in India: a novel community awareness and intervention
      strategy.
AB  - India, along with the rest of the world, is aging rapidly, but more so. Of a
      total population of over 1.2 billion, the aging population over 60 years is 109
      million, projected to rise above 300 million by the year 2050, exceeding the
      younger population. One important ramification of this highly populous and under
      resourced setting is that it provides a ripe environment for elder abuse
      (Chokkanathan and Lee, 2005), a problem besetting vulnerable aging populations
      globally (Patterson and Ploeg, 2007).

PMID- 28091353
TI  - The development of a national nutrition and mental health research agenda with
      comparison of priorities among diverse stakeholders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a national nutrition and mental health research agenda
      based on the engagement of diverse stakeholders and to assess research priorities
      by stakeholder groups. DESIGN: A staged, integrated and participatory initiative
      was implemented to structure a national nutrition and mental health research
      agenda that included: (i) national stakeholder consultations to prioritize
      research questions; (ii) a workshop involving national representatives from
      research, policy and practice to further define priorities; (iii) triangulation
      of data to formulate the agenda; and (iv) test hypotheses about stakeholder
      influences on decision making. SETTING: Canada. SUBJECTS: Diverse stakeholders
      including researchers, academics, administrators, service providers, policy
      makers, practitioners, non-profit, industry and funding agency representatives,
      front-line workers, individuals with lived experience of a mental health
      condition and those who provide care for them. RESULTS: This first-of-its-kind
      research priority-setting initiative showed points of agreement among diverse
      stakeholders (n 899) on research priorities aimed at service provision; however,
      respondents with lived experience of a mental health condition (themselves or a
      family member) placed emphasis on prevention and mental health promotion-based
      research. The final integrated agenda identified four research priorities,
      including programmes and services, service provider roles, the determinants of
      health and knowledge translation and exchange. These research priorities aim to
      identify effective models of care, enhance collaboration, inform policy makers
      and foster knowledge dissemination. CONCLUSIONS: Since a predictor of research
      uptake is the involvement of relevant stakeholders, a sustained and deliberate
      effort must continue to engage collaboration that will lead to the optimization
      of nutrition and mental health-related outcomes.

PMID- 28091354
TI  - Giant congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm.
AB  - We present a rare case of an asymptomatic giant congenital left atrial appendage
      aneurysm in a 19-year-old girl. We believe this is the largest congenital left
      atrial appendage aneurysm reported without any symptom.

PMID- 28091355
TI  - A systematic review evaluating the impact of paid home carer training,
      supervision, and other interventions on the health and well-being of older home
      care clients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interventions to support and skill paid home carers and managers
      could potentially improve health and well-being of older home care clients. This
      is the first systematic review of interventions to improve how home carers and
      home care agencies deliver care to older people, with regard to clients' health
      and well-being and paid carers' well-being, job satisfaction, and retention.
      METHODS: We reviewed 10/731 papers found in the electronic search (to January
      2016) fitting predetermined criteria, assessed quality using a checklist, and
      synthesized data using quantitative and qualitative techniques. RESULTS: Ten
      papers described eight interventions. The six quantitative evaluations used
      diverse outcomes that precluded meta-analysis. In the only quantitative study (a
      cluster Randomized Controlled Trial), rated higher quality, setting meaningful
      goals, carer training, and supervision improved client health-related quality of
      life. The interventions that improved client outcomes comprised training with
      additional implementation, such as regular supervision and promoted care focused
      around clients' needs and goals. In our qualitative synthesis of four studies,
      intervention elements carers valued were greater flexibility to work to a needs
      based rather than a task-based model, learning more about clients, and improved
      communication with management and other workers. CONCLUSIONS: There is a dearth
      of evidence regarding effective strategies to improve how home care is delivered
      to older clients, particularly those with dementia. More research in this sector
      including feasibility testing of the first home care intervention trials to
      include health and life quality outcomes for clients with more severe dementia is
      now needed.

PMID- 28091356
TI  - Resistance to gastrointestinal parasite infection in Djallonke sheep.
AB  - Gastrointestinal parasitism places serious constraints on small ruminant
      production. The situation has been exacerbated by development of drug resistance
      in many parasite populations, leading to interest in identification of animals
      with genetically mediated resistance or tolerance to nematode infections. This
      study assessed the response to natural infection with gastrointestinal nematodes
      (GIN) in Djallonke sheep during the rainy season in the Sudan-Guinea Savannah
      region of Burkina Faso. Haemonchus contortus is the most prevalent GIN at this
      site and time. Djallonke lambs (n=434) were sampled from 40 households and
      evaluated at a common location in southern Burkina Faso. Lambs were dewormed with
      levamisole at 2 to 6 months of age and returned to infected pastures. Fecal egg
      counts (FEC), packed cell volumes (PCV), and FAffa Malan CHArt (FAMACHA(c))
      scores were determined 28 and 35 days after deworming. Lamb mortality was
      monitored throughout the experiment. Least-squares means for BW increased from
      13.8+/-0.2 kg at 28 days to 14.0+/-0.2 kg at 35 days (P<0.01). Simple means and
      medians for FEC were 615 and 100, respectively, at 28 days and 850 and 175,
      respectively, at 35 days. The FEC exhibited strong right skewness. Following
      logarithmic transformation and back-transformation of resulting least-squares
      means to the original scale, FEC were higher (P<0.01) for males (208+/-27) than
      females (122+/-10). Least-squares means for PCV decreased (P<0.001) from 28
      (36.3+/-0.5%) to 35 days (33.7+/-0.5%), and were higher (P<0.01) for females
      (36.0+/-0.4%) than males (33.9+/-0.7%). Correlations (r) between repeated
      measurements of BW, FEC, PCV and FAMACHA scores at 28 and 35 days were all
      positive (P<0.001). The correlation between FAMACHA scores and PCV was negative
      at 28 (r=-0.14) and 35 days (r=-0.18) (P<0.001). This study revealed that BW was
      an easily measured predictor of the ability of the lamb to resist infection with
      GIN and maintain PCV, and confirmed that FAMACHA scores are useful indicators of
      differences in FEC. Approximately 40% of female and 30% of male lambs did not
      show detectable levels of infection (i.e. FEC=0) under field conditions. The
      great variability that was observed in FEC and PCV suggests potential to use
      Djallonke sheep in breeding programs to enhance resistance to GIN.

PMID- 28091357
TI  - Assessment of the need for a cardiac morphology curriculum for paediatric
      cardiology fellows.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Expert knowledge of cardiac malformations is essential for paediatric
      cardiologists. Current cardiac morphology fellowship teaching format, content,
      and nomenclature are left up to the discretion of the individual fellowship
      programmes. We aimed to assess practices and barriers in morphology education,
      perceived effectiveness of current curricula, and preferences for a standardised
      fellow morphology curriculum. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed de novo
      and administered anonymously via e-mail to all paediatric cardiology fellowship
      programme directors and associate directors in the United States of America;
      leaders were asked to forward the survey to fellows. RESULTS: A total of 35
      directors from 32 programmes (51%) and 66 fellows responded. Curriculum formats
      varied: 28 (88%) programmes utilised pathological specimens, 25 (78%) invited
      outside faculty, and 16 (50%) utilised external conferences. Director
      nomenclature preferences were split - 6 (19%) Andersonian, 8 (25%) Van Praaghian,
      and 18 (56%) mixed. Barriers to morphology education included time and
      inconsistent nomenclature. One-third of directors reported that <90% of recent
      fellow graduates had adequate abilities to apply segmental anatomy, identify
      associated cardiac lesions, or communicate complex CHD. More structured teaching,
      protected time, and specimens were suggestions to improve curricula. Almost 75%
      would likely adopt/utilise an online morphology curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac
      morphology training varies in content and format among fellowships. Inconsistent
      nomenclature exists, and inadequate morphology knowledge is perceived to
      contribute to communication failures, both have potential patient safety
      implications. There is an educational need for a common, online cardiac
      morphology curriculum that could allow for fellow assessment of competency and
      contribute to more standardised communication in the field of paediatric
      cardiology.

PMID- 28091358
TI  - A survey of exercise advice and recommendations in United Kingdom paediatric
      cardiac clinics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity and exercise have important health benefits for
      children and adolescents with CHD. The objective of this study was to survey the
      provision of advice and recommendations in United Kingdom paediatric CHD clinics.
      METHODS: A three-page questionnaire was sent out to paediatric cardiac
      consultants in the United Kingdom, paediatric consultants with expertise in
      cardiology, and nursing staff (Paediatricians with Expertise in Cardiology
      Special Interest Group), as well as all members of the British Congenital
      Cardiovascular Association. The aim of this questionnaire was to determine the
      extent and scope of current information provision and to assess the importance
      that clinicians place on this advice. RESULTS: There were 68 responses in total,
      and the data showed that, of these, 24 (36%) clinicians had never provided
      paediatric CHD patients with written advice about exercise. Only 27 (39%)
      clinicians provided physical activity advice at every appointment. Lack of time
      during consultation (n=39, 56.9%), lack of training (n=38, 55.2%), and
      uncertainty about appropriate recommendations (n=38, 55.2%) were identified as
      the main factors preventing clinicians from providing patients with advice about
      physical activity. CONCLUSION: Although healthcare providers consider physical
      activity to be very important, the provision of clear, specific advice and
      recommendations is underutilised; therefore, more education and provision of
      resources to support the promotion of exercise need to be provided to clinicians
      and their support teams.

PMID- 28091359
TI  - Phyto-oestrogens and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and dose
      response meta-analysis of observational studies.
AB  - Epidemiological studies suggest that soya consumption as a source of phyto
      oestrogens and isoflavones may be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal
      cancer. However, findings have not yet been synthesised for all groups of phyto
      oestrogens. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the association between
      phyto-oestrogens and colorectal cancer risk. Relevant observational studies
      published up to June 2016 were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE and
      Cochrane Library databases. Study-specific relative risks (RR) were pooled in
      both categorical and dose-response meta-analyses. Out of seventeen identified
      studies, sixteen were included in the meta-analysis. Comparing the highest with
      the lowest intake category, inverse associations for phyto-oestrogens overall and
      by subgroup were observed but were statistically significant in case-controls
      studies and not in cohort studies. The pooled RR in case-control studies were
      0.76 (95 % CI 0.69, 0.84), 0.77 (95 % CI 0.69, 0.85) and 0.70 (95 % CI 0.56,
      0.89) for phyto-oestrogens, isoflavones and lignans, respectively, whereas the
      corresponding pooled RR were 0.95 (95 % CI 0.85, 1.06), 0.94 (95 % CI 0.84, 1.05)
      and 1.00 (95 % CI 0.64, 1.57) in cohort studies. Dose-response analysis yielded
      an 8 % reduced risk of colorectal neoplasms for every 20 mg/d increase in
      isoflavones intake in Asians (pooled RR 0.92; 95 % CI 0.86, 0.97). A non-linear
      inverse association with colorectal cancer risk was found for lignans intake, but
      no association for circulating enterolactone concentrations was observed. Thus,
      study heterogeneity precludes a rigorous conclusion regarding an effect of high
      exposure to isoflavones on risk of colorectal cancer. Current evidence for an
      association with lignans exposure is limited. Further prospective studies,
      particularly evaluating lignans, are warranted to clarify the association between
      different phyto-oestrogens and colorectal cancer risk.

PMID- 28091360
TI  - Collagen peptide ingestion alters lipid metabolism-related gene expression and
      the unfolded protein response in mouse liver.
AB  - Ingestion of collagen peptide (CP) elicits beneficial effects on the body,
      including improvement in blood lipid profiles, but the underlying mechanisms
      remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of CP
      ingestion on the liver, which controls lipid metabolism in the body. Male
      BALB/cCrSlc mice were bred with the AIN-93M diet containing 14 % casein or the
      AIN-93M-based low-protein diet containing 10 % casein or a diet containing 6 %
      casein+4 % CP for 10 weeks (n 12/group). Total, free and esterified cholesterol
      levels in the blood decreased in the CP group. DNA microarray analysis of the
      liver revealed that expressions of genes related to lipid metabolic processes
      such as the PPAR signalling pathway and fatty acid metabolism increased in the CP
      group compared with the 10 % casein group. The expressions of several genes
      involved in steroid metabolic process, including Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1, were
      decreased, despite being targets of transcriptional regulation by PPAR. These
      data suggest that lipid metabolism in the liver is altered by CP ingestion, and
      the decrease in blood cholesterol levels in the CP group is not due to
      enhancement of the steroid metabolic process. On the other hand, expressions of
      genes related to the unfolded protein response (UPR) significantly decreased at
      the mRNA level, suggesting that CP ingestion lowers endoplasmic reticulum stress.
      Indeed, protein levels of phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 decreased
      after CP ingestion. Taken together, CP affects the broader pathways in the liver 
      not only lipid metabolism but also UPR.

PMID- 28091361
TI  - Responses of plasma glucose metabolism to exogenous insulin infusion in sheep-fed
      forage herb plantain and exposed to heat.
AB  - The use of herbal plants as traditional medicines has a century long history.
      Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) is a perennial herb containing bioactive
      components with free radical scavenging activities. An isotope dilution technique
      using [U-13C]glucose was conducted to determine the effect of plantain on the
      responses of plasma glucose metabolism to exogenous insulin infusion in sheep.
      Six crossbred sheep (three wethers and three ewes; mean initial BW=40+/-2 kg)
      were fed either a mixed hay of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and reed
      canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) (MH-diet) or mixed hay and fresh plantain (1 :
      1 ratio, dry matter basis, PL-diet) and exposed to a thermoneutral (TN, 20
      degrees C; 70% relative humidity (RH)) environment or a heat exposure (HE, 30
      degrees C; 70% RH) for 5 days using a crossover design for two 23-day periods.
      The isotope dilution was conducted on days 18 and 23 of the experimental period
      during TN and HE, respectively. Plasma concentration of alpha-tocopherol was
      greater (P<0.0001) for the PL-diet than the MH-diet and remained comparable
      between environmental treatments. Plasma glucose concentration before isotope
      dilution technique was reduced for sheep (P=0.05) during HE compared with TN and
      remained comparable between diets. Plasma glucose turnover rate during the
      preinfusion period of insulin did not differ (P=0.10) between dietary treatments
      and between environments (P=0.65). The response of plasma glucose utilization to
      exogenous insulin administration was lower (P=0.04) for the PL-diet than the MH
      diet. Under present experimental conditions, the plantain group was found to be
      resistant to the effects of insulin infusion.

PMID- 28091363
TI  - Obesity and diabetes in 2017: a new year.

PMID- 28091362
TI  - Epicutaneous immunotherapy for the treatment of peanut allergy in children and
      young adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peanut allergy is common, life-threatening, and without therapeutic
      options. We evaluated peanut epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) by using Viaskin
      Peanut for peanut allergy treatment. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the
      clinical, safety, and immunologic effects of EPIT for the treatment of peanut
      allergy. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo
      controlled study, 74 participants with peanut allergy (ages 4-25 years) were
      treated with placebo (n = 25), Viaskin Peanut 100 MUg (VP100; n = 24) or Viaskin
      Peanut 250 MUg (VP250; n = 25; DBV Technologies, Montrouge, France). The primary
      outcome was treatment success after 52 weeks, which was defined as passing a 5044
      mg protein oral food challenge or achieving a 10-fold or greater increase in
      successfully consumed dose from baseline to week 52. Adverse reactions and
      mechanistic changes were assessed. RESULTS: At week 52, treatment success was
      achieved in 3 (12%) placebo-treated participants, 11 (46%) VP100 participants,
      and 12 (48%) VP250 participants (P = .005 and P = .003, respectively, compared
      with placebo; VP100 vs VP250, P = .48). Median change in successfully consumed
      doses were 0, 43, and 130 mg of protein in the placebo, VP100, and VP250 groups,
      respectively (placebo vs VP100, P = .014; placebo vs VP250, P = .003). Treatment
      success was higher among younger children (P = .03; age, 4-11 vs >11 years).
      Overall, 14.4% of placebo doses and 79.8% of VP100 and VP250 doses resulted in
      reactions, predominantly local patch-site and mild reactions (P = .003).
      Increases in peanut-specific IgG4 levels and IgG4/IgE ratios were observed in
      peanut EPIT-treated participants, along with trends toward reduced basophil
      activation and peanut-specific TH2 cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Peanut EPIT
      administration was safe and associated with a modest treatment response after 52
      weeks, with the highest responses among younger children. This, when coupled with
      a high adherence and retention rate and significant changes in immune pathways,
      supports further investigation of this novel therapy.

PMID- 28091364
TI  - Making medicine bespoke.

PMID- 28091365
TI  - Suicide among health-care workers: time to act.

PMID- 28091366
TI  - Trastuzumab emtansine and cost-based decision making.

PMID- 28091367
TI  - Offline: What should be the UK's "bold new role"?

PMID- 28091368
TI  - Philippines president continues his brutal war on drugs.

PMID- 28091369
TI  - Colombia fails to tackle malnutrition in Indigenous children.

PMID- 28091370
TI  - Hellen Gelband: botanist turned policy guru in global health.

PMID- 28091371
TI  - WHOse agenda for WHOm? Analysing the manifestos of the candidates for Director
      General of WHO.

PMID- 28091372
TI  - WHO Director-General candidates: where does mental health feature?

PMID- 28091373
TI  - The INTERSTROKE study on risk factors for stroke.

PMID- 28091374
TI  - The INTERSTROKE study on risk factors for stroke.

PMID- 28091376
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28091375
TI  - The INTERSTROKE study on risk factors for stroke - Authors' reply.

PMID- 28091377
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28091378
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28091379
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28091380
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28091381
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28091382
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28091383
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 28091384
TI  - Determination the Role of Rhipicephalus sanguineus for Transmission of Leishmania
      major to Reservoir Animals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the role of Rhipicephalus sanguineus in
      the transmission of Leishmania major, the etiological agent of zoonotic cutaneous
      leishmaniasis. METHODS: Ten gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were infected with
      promastigotes of L. major, and 10 gerbils were maintained as controls. In a
      controlled environment, 2000 R. sanguineus larvae were fed to two gerbils.
      Following feeding to gerbils, 65 tick pools were prepared from the engorged
      larvae and molted unfed nymphs. These pools were tested for the presence of L.
      major using polymerase chain reaction and real time (RT) PCR. RESULTS: One of the
      infected gerbil was anesthetized and necropsied following the dropping of all fed
      larvae. Following the examination, amastigotes were detected in all organs and
      tissues. PCR and RT-PCR were performed to test whether the engorged R. sanguineus
      larvae successfully took the parasite while feeding and was able to transmit it
      to the next nymphal stage; however, none of the tick pools were found to be
      positive for L. major. CONCLUSION: Although L.major was not detected in ticks
      that fed on gerbils, using dogs in experimental studies related to leishmaniasis
      will give clearer results in terms of detecting the potential role of insects and
      acars.

PMID- 28091385
TI  - Research on Laying Trichostrongylid Nematode Eggs in Cows in the Periparturient
      Period.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to comparatively determine the prevalence of
      trichostrongylid nematodes and egg excretions in cows that are in the
      periparturient period (PPP) and pregnant cows in the non-periparturient period
      (NPPP). METHODS: Animal materials are constituted by cows in PPP and NPPP in 10
      ranches in Kars and surrounding areas. Stool samples were collected from the
      rectum of 125 pregnant cows, which were in NPPP during November 2010 - January
      2011 and from the same cows in PPP during April-May 2011. Stool samples were
      analyzed for the presence of nematode eggs by the flotation method. EPG was
      determined by the McMaster method. RESULTS: Trichostrongylid nematode eggs were
      detected in seven of 10 dairy cattle ranches (70%). The prevalence rates of
      trichostrongylid nematodes were 16.8% (21/125) during NPPP and 27.2% (34/125)
      during PPP. Nineteen of 21 (90.5%) positive samples during NPPP were positive
      during PPP. Fifteen negative samples during NPPP were positive during PPP with
      respect to trichostrongylid nematode eggs. The egg count of trichostrongylid
      during PPP (total, 4350; mean, 34.8; n, 125) was greater than that during NPPP
      (total, 1250; mean, 10; n, 125). CONCLUSION: Cows had nematode eggs during PPP
      and played an important role in transmission.

PMID- 28091386
TI  - Prevalence of Infection with the Larval Form of the Cestode Parasite Taenia
      saginata in Cattle in Northwest Iran and its Zoonotic Importance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bovine cysticercosis is a cattle infection caused by a tapeworm,
      Taenia saginata. While the condition is relatively innocuous, the parasite
      infects the small intestine of humans in its mature stage and causes a few
      specific symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. METHODS: Between February
      2013 and February 2014, a total of 640 cattle were randomly selected from all the
      cattle sent to the abattoir, and some internal organs and skeletal muscles of
      these cattle were inspected. RESULTS: Overall, 11 (1.71%) cattle were infected
      with the larval form of the cestode parasite T. saginata. In addition, the
      infection was more prevalent in cattle aged above 12 months than in those aged
      below 12 months [10 (2.06%) vs. 1 (0.64%)]. The prevalence of infection was
      significantly higher in female animals [8 (3.72%)] than in male animals [3
      (0.70%)] (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the rates
      in the 2 age groups or in different seasons. While the infections were detected
      in several visceral organs, no significant difference was found between their
      infection rates. CONCLUSION: The comparatively high prevalence of Cysticercus
      bovis infection in the cattle in Tabriz, Iran, may contribute to economic and
      health problems in the country's meat industry. On the other hand, the role of
      public health education in C. bovis infection control cannot be neglected.

PMID- 28091387
TI  - Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Cats and Their Importance in Terms of
      Public Health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to detect the prevalence of intestinal parasites in
      cats by fecal examination. METHODS: A total of 100 fecal samples were collected
      from owned and stray cats in the Kirikkale province. Epidemiological data on the
      sampled cats (e.g., age, race, and sex) were recorded. The samples were
      macroscopically investigated for the presence of cestode proglottids. The fecal
      smears were stained with Giemsa and Carbol fuchsin stains. The samples were
      prepared by centrifugal flotation with a saturated sugar solution. The slides
      were examined using light microscopy. RESULTS: Parasites were detected in 47% of
      feces of cats examined. Protozoa (Isospora spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.)
      oocysts, gravid proglottid of cestode (Joyeuxiella spp.), and nematode (Toxocara
      spp. and hookworm) eggs were present in the fecal samples. In this study, 48.9%
      of cats were infected with one species, and 44.6% and 6.3% of cats were infected
      with two and three species, respectively. The more prevalent parasite species
      were Isospora spp. (65.9%) and Toxocara spp. (48.9%). The parasites were found to
      be more common in stray cats. CONCLUSION: Intestinal parasites were highly
      prevalent in the cats examined in this study. House cats can have significant
      parasitic infections, particularly because they are allowed outdoors. House cats
      should be regularly examined by a veterinarian.

PMID- 28091388
TI  - Blood Meal Identification of the Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Specimens Belong
      to Culex pipiens Complex that were Collected from Kayseri Province.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the host preferences in blood meal of
      specimens belonging to Culex pipiens complex. METHODS: A total of 1284 female
      mosquitos were morphologically examined, and genomic DNA isolations were
      individually performed on 376 (28.4%) specimens that were determined to be Cx.
      pipiens complex. PCR was performed with primers to specifically amplify the avian
      and mammalian mitochondrial cytochrome b (mt-cytb) gene region. Amplicons were
      cloned, and the obtained plasmids were sequenced to determine host species.
      RESULTS: Of 376 specimens, 148 (39.4%) were positive for the avian and/or
      mammalian blood meal. Among the positive specimens, 43, 98, and seven were
      determined to be positive for only mammalian, avian, and both avian and mammalian
      blood, respectively. Avian host preference in blood meal of the specimens
      belonging to Cx. pipiens was found to be significant. Of 15 avian blood positive
      isolates, nine, three, two, and one were designated as blood meal from avian
      species in Passeriformes, Accipitriformes, Columbiformes, and Strigiformes
      orders, respectively. While six, four, three, and two out of 15 mammalian blood
      positive specimens were found to be positive for human, cattle, sheep, and dog
      blood, respectively. CONCLUSION: Molecular data regarding the host preferences of
      the Cx. pipiens species complex in blood meal were revealed for the first time in
      Turkey with this study.

PMID- 28091389
TI  - TRALI Syndrome During the Treatment of a Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Case.
AB  - Malaria, which is one of the three most important infectious diseases globally,
      is endemic in many areas of the world. Plasmodium falciparum is not endemic to
      Turkey but can be seen after travel to epidemic countries. Transfusion-related
      acute lung injury (TRALI) syndrome is a rare disease, which may develop following
      the transfusion of all types of blood products, including plasma. Here we
      describe a case of TRALI syndrome in a 29-year-old male, who presented with fever
      after 15 days of returning from a business trip to Burkina Faso. It developed
      immediately after the infusion of fresh frozen plasma during the treatment of P.
      falciparum malaria. The patient's condition improved on respiratory support
      treatment in the intensive care unit for 48 hours without the need of mechanical
      ventilation. This case indicated that TRALI syndrome has to be considered in the
      differential diagnosis as an emerging acute lung disease during the treatment of
      malaria.

PMID- 28091390
TI  - Demodex spp. Infestation Associated with Treatment-Resistant Chalazia and
      Folliculitis.
AB  - Demodecidosis is an ectoparasitosis of pilosebaceous unit caused by demodex
      mites. The disease may be a primary skin disease or a secondary disease to
      inflammatory dermatoses such as folliculitis and rosacea. Demodex spp.
      blepharitis is an infectious ocular disease that is common but always neglected.
      These mites contain lipase enzymes that help carry bacteria on the surface. The
      infestation of Demodex spp. has increasingly become a public health concern. A 29
      year-old male patient was admitted to our dermatology clinic with a complaint of
      papules and pustules on his face, which started 4 years ago. A standardized skin
      biopsy specimen was evaluated in our microbiology laboratory, and we detected
      Demodex folliculorum mites on his face (3+). There was pruritus of his eyes. A
      total of four eyelashes were epilated and were then examined under a light
      microscope for the presence of Demodex infestation. In this study, we discussed
      the association between acne rocacea, blepharitis, and demodex mites.

PMID- 28091391
TI  - Slender-horned gazelle (Gazella leptoceros), a new host for Tricholipeurus
      balanicus (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Trichodectidae).
AB  - This study was performed to provide information on Tricholipeurus balanicus
      (Werneck 1938) detected on slender-horned gazelles (Gazella leptoceros) (Cuvier
      1842). Four slender-horned gazelles kept in the El Hamma Zoological Garden in
      Algeria were examined for lice in April 2015. Three of the four gazelles were
      infested with lice; of 37 lice collected from the infested animals, 14 were
      females, 16 were males, and 7 were nymphs. Lice were mainly found on the back and
      hind legs of the gazelles. The lice were collected by a forceps, preserved in 70%
      alcohol, and cleared in 10% KOH for 24 h. Thereafter, they were rinsed in
      distilled water, transferred to 70% and 99% alcohol, mounted on slides in Canada
      balsam, examined under a binocular microscope, and identified as Tricholipeurus
      balanicus (Werneck, 1938). To the best of our knowledge, T. balanicus on G.
      leptoceros has been reported for the first time.

PMID- 28091392
TI  - The impact of viral load and time to onset of cytomegalovirus replication on long
      term graft survival after kidney transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with graft
      dysfunction and failure. However, no study assessed CMV viral load in terms of
      the risk for graft failure. METHODS: In a prospective cohort of kidney transplant
      recipients, we assessed the impact of CMV DNAemia on the overall graft survival
      and the incidence of moderate-to-severe interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy
      (IF/TA) in protocol biopsy at 36 months. CMV DNAemia was stratified by viral load
      in whole blood. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients transplanted from October 2003
      through January 2011 were included and followed for 4 years; 87 (48%) patients
      received 3-month prophylaxis with valacyclovir and 45 (25%) with valganciclovir;
      48 (27%) were managed by pre-emptive therapy. Within 12 months of
      transplantation, CMV DNAemia developed in 102 (57%) patients with 36 (20%) having
      a viral load of >=2,000 copies/ml. Multivariate Cox analysis identified CMV
      DNAemia as an independent risk factor for graft loss (hazard ratio 3.42;
      P=0.020); however, after stratification by viral load, only CMV DNAemia >=2,000
      copies/ml (hazard ratio 7.62; P<0.001) remained significant. Both early-onset (<3
      months; P=0.048) and late-onset (>3 months; P<0.001) CMV DNAemia >=2,000
      copies/ml were risk factors for graft loss. The incidence of moderate-to-severe
      IF/TA was not significantly influenced by CMV DNAemia. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney
      transplant recipients having CMV DNAemia with a higher viral load irrespective of
      the time to onset are at increased risk for graft loss.

PMID- 28091393
TI  - Viral blips were infrequent in treatment-naive adults treated with
      rilpivirine/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF or efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF
      through 96 weeks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of transient episodes of HIV viraemia (viral
      blips) on virological failure and resistance development is not fully understood.
      Here we investigated the blip frequency and virological outcomes of HIV-1
      infected subjects experiencing viral blips among treatment-naive subjects
      initiating therapy on rilpivirine (RPV)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil
      fumarate (TDF) or efavirenz (EFV)/FTC/TDF through 96 weeks of treatment. METHODS:
      Subjects treated with at least one dose of study drug and with at least one post
      baseline HIV-1 RNA value were included in this analysis. All on-drug HIV-1 RNA
      data points and FDA snapshot outcome data through week 96 were utilized. A viral
      blip was defined as after achieving confirmed suppression (two consecutive HIV-1
      RNA values <50 copies/ml), any HIV-1 RNA value >=50 copies/ml preceded and
      followed by HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/ml. RESULTS: Of the 717 subjects with confirmed
      suppression, 67 (9.3%) experienced >=1 blip through week 96 with similar blip
      frequencies occurring in both treatment arms (10.7% RPV/FTC/TDF versus 8.0%
      EFV/FTC/TDF; P=0.25). A significantly higher proportion of subjects with baseline
      HIV-1 RNA >100,000 copies/ml experienced blips compared to subjects with baseline
      HIV-1 RNA <=100,000 copies/ml and this was observed in both arms. Of 72 total
      blip events, 61 (85%) were low-level (50-199 copies/ml). Overall, among subjects
      with blips, 79% were virological successes at week 96, similar to those subjects
      without blips (83%; P=0.50). More subjects with blips >=200 copies/ml experienced
      virological failure compared to subjects with blips <200 copies/ml (36.4% versus
      7.1%; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Viral blips were infrequent and similar among
      subjects treated with RPV/FTC/TDF or EFV/FTC/TDF. Most blips were low-level and
      most subjects with blips remained virologically suppressed through week 96
      without experiencing virological failure.

PMID- 28091394
TI  - Simplified bionic solutions: a simple bio-inspired vehicle collision detection
      system.
AB  - Modern cars are equipped with both active and passive sensor systems that can
      detect potential collisions. In contrast, locusts avoid collisions solely by
      responding to certain visual cues that are associated with object looming. In
      neurophysiological experiments, I investigated the possibility that the
      'collision-detector neurons' of locusts respond to impending collisions in films
      recorded with dashboard cameras of fast driving cars. In a complementary
      modelling approach, I developed a simple algorithm to reproduce the neuronal
      response that was recorded during object approach. Instead of applying elaborate
      algorithms that factored in object recognition and optic flow discrimination, I
      tested the hypothesis that motion detection restricted to a 'danger zone', in
      which frontal collisions on the motorways are most likely, is sufficient to
      estimate the risk of a collision. Furthermore, I investigated whether local
      motion vectors, obtained from the differential excitation of simulated direction
      selective networks, could be used to predict evasive steering maneuvers and
      prevent undesired responses to motion artifacts. The results of the study
      demonstrate that the risk of impending collisions in real traffic scenes is
      mirrored in the excitation of the collision-detecting neuron (DCMD) of locusts.
      The modelling approach was able to reproduce this neuronal response even when the
      vehicle was driving at high speeds and image resolution was low (about 200  * 
      100 pixels). Furthermore, evasive maneuvers that involved changing the steering
      direction and steering force could be planned by comparing the differences in the
      overall excitation levels of the simulated right and left direction-selective
      networks. Additionally, it was possible to suppress undesired responses of the
      algorithm to translatory movements, camera shake and ground shadows by evaluating
      local motion vectors. These estimated collision risk values and evasive steering
      vectors could be used as input for a driving assistant, converting the first into
      braking force and the latter into steering responses to avoid collisions. Since
      many processing steps were computed on the level of pixels and involved elements
      of direction-selective networks, this algorithm can be implemented in hardware so
      that parallel computations enhance the processing speed significantly.

PMID- 28091395
TI  - A novel onset detection technique for brain-computer interfaces using sound
      production related cognitive tasks in simulated-online system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Self-paced EEG-based BCIs (SP-BCIs) have traditionally been avoided
      due to two sources of uncertainty: (1) precisely when an intentional command is
      sent by the brain, i.e., the command onset detection problem, and (2) how
      different the intentional command is when compared to non-specific (or idle)
      states. Performance evaluation is also a problem and there are no suitable
      standard metrics available. In this paper we attempted to tackle these issues.
      APPROACH: Self-paced covert sound-production cognitive tasks (i.e., high pitch
      and siren-like sounds) were used to distinguish between intentional commands (IC)
      and idle states. The IC states were chosen for their ease of execution and
      negligible overlap with common cognitive states. Band power and a digital wavelet
      transform were used for feature extraction, and the Davies-Bouldin index was used
      for feature selection. Classification was performed using linear discriminant
      analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Performance was evaluated under offline and simulated
      online conditions. For the latter, a performance score called true-false-positive
      (TFP) rate, ranging from 0 (poor) to 100 (perfect), was created to take into
      account both classification performance and onset timing errors. Averaging the
      results from the best performing IC task for all seven participants, an 77.7%
      true-positive (TP) rate was achieved in offline testing. For simulated-online
      analysis the best IC average TFP score was 76.67% (87.61% TP rate, 4.05% false
      positive rate). SIGNIFICANCE: Results were promising when compared to previous IC
      onset detection studies using motor imagery, in which best TP rates were reported
      as 72.0% and 79.7%, and which, crucially, did not take timing errors into
      account. Moreover, based on our literature review, there is no previous covert
      sound-production onset detection system for spBCIs. Results showed that the
      proposed onset detection technique and TFP performance metric have good potential
      for use in SP-BCIs.

PMID- 28091397
TI  - A novel stimulation method for multi-class SSVEP-BCI using intermodulation
      frequencies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer
      interface (BCI) has been widely investigated because of its easy system
      configuration, high information transfer rate (ITR) and little user training.
      However, due to the limitations of brain responses and the refresh rate of a
      monitor, the available stimulation frequencies for practical BCI application are
      generally restricted. APPROACH: This study introduced a novel stimulation method
      using intermodulation frequencies for SSVEP-BCIs that had targets flickering at
      the same frequency but with different additional modulation frequencies. The
      additional modulation frequencies were generated on the basis of choosing desired
      flickering frequencies. The conventional frame-based 'on/off' stimulation method
      was used to realize the desired flickering frequencies. All visual stimulation
      was present on a conventional LCD screen. A 9-target SSVEP-BCI based on
      intermodulation frequencies was implemented for performance evaluation. To
      optimize the stimulation design, three approaches (C: chromatic; L: luminance;
      CL: chromatic and luminance) were evaluated by online testing and offline
      analysis. MAIN RESULTS: SSVEP-BCIs with different paradigms (C, L, and CL)
      enabled us not only to encode more targets, but also to reliably evoke
      intermodulation frequencies. The online accuracies for the three paradigms were
      91.67% (C), 93.98% (L), and 96.41% (CL). The CL condition achieved the highest
      classification performance. SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrated the efficacy
      of three approaches (C, L, and CL) for eliciting intermodulation frequencies for
      multi-class SSVEP-BCIs. The combination of chromatic and luminance
      characteristics of the visual stimuli is the most efficient way for the
      intermodulation frequency coding method.

PMID- 28091398
TI  - Diagnosis of a Chinese man with 45,X/46,X,i(Y)(q10)/47,X,i(Y) (q10) *2 mosaic
      Turner syndrome.

PMID- 28091396
TI  - Anti-angiogenic activity and antitumor efficacy of amphiphilic twin drug from
      ursolic acid and low molecular weight heparin.
AB  - Heparin, a potential blood anti-coagulant, is also known for its binding ability
      to several angiogenic factors through electrostatic interactions due to its
      polyanionic character. However, the clinical application of heparin for cancer
      treatment is limited by several drawbacks, such as unsatisfactory therapeutic
      effects and severe anticoagulant activity that could induce hemorrhaging. Herein,
      low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was conjugated to ursolic acid (UA), which is
      also an angiogenesis inhibitor, by binding the amine group of aminoethyl-UA (UA
      NH2) with the carboxylic groups of LMWH. The resulting LMWH-UA conjugate as an
      amphiphilic twin drug showed reduced anticoagulant activity and could also self
      assemble into nanomicelles with a mean particle size ranging from 200-250 nm. An
      in vitro endothelial tubular formation assay and an in vivo Matrigel plug assay
      were performed to verify the anti-angiogenic potential of LMWH-UA. Meanwhile, the
      in vivo antitumor effect of LMWH-UA was also evaluated using a B16F10 mouse
      melanoma model. LMWH-UA nanomicelles were shown to inhibit angiogenesis both in
      vitro and in vivo. In addition, the i.v. administration of LMWH-UA to the B16F10
      tumor-bearing mice resulted in a significant inhibition of tumor growth as
      compared to the free drug solutions. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic
      potential of LMWH-UA as a new therapeutic remedy for cancer therapy.

PMID- 28091399
TI  - Sex determination and maintenance: the role of DMRT1 and FOXL2.
AB  - In many species, including mammals, sex determination is genetically based. The
      sex chromosomes that individuals carry determine sex identity. Although the
      genetic base of phenotypic sex is determined at the moment of fertilization, the
      development of testes or ovaries in the bipotential early gonads takes place
      during embryogenesis. During development, sex determination depends upon very few
      critical genes. When one of these key genes functions inappropriately, sex
      reversal may happen. Consequently, an individual's sex phenotype may not
      necessarily be consistent with the sex chromosomes that are present. For some
      time, it has been assumed that once the fetal choice is made between male and
      female in mammals, the gonadal sex identity of an individual remains stable.
      However, recent studies in mice have provided evidence that it is possible for
      the gonadal sex phenotype to be switched even in adulthood. These studies have
      shown that two key genes, doublesex and mad-3 related transcription factor 1
      (Dmrt1) and forkhead box L2 (Foxl2), function in a Yin and Yang relationship to
      maintain the fates of testes or ovaries in adult mammals, and that mutations in
      either gene might have a dramatic effect on gonadal phenotype. Thus, adult gonad
      maintenance in addition to fetal sex determination may both be important for the
      fertility.

PMID- 28091400
TI  - Serum lipid profiles are associated with semen quality.
AB  - We aimed to explore the associations between different lipid profiles and semen
      quality in a large-scale general male population. Sperm concentration, total
      sperm motility, progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology of total 7601
      participants were recorded. The association of these semen parameters with the
      triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density
      lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein of serum lipid profiles was
      analyzed. Sperm concentration was statistically positively correlated with
      triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein (adjusted P = 0.001 and P = 0.005,
      respectively). Total sperm motility and progressive motility were statistically
      increased with increasing low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol levels (both
      adjusted P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively). The similar J-shaped
      associations (high-low-low-high) were noted between individual lipid profile and
      normal sperm morphology, especially low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol with
      statistical significance (adjusted P = 0.017 and P = 0.021, respectively). The
      prevalence of abnormal total sperm motility and progressive motility was
      decreased in participants with high levels of cholesterol (P = 0.008 and P =
      0.019, respectively), and the reverse J-shaped associations (low-high-high-low)
      were noted between high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, very low-density
      lipoprotein, and the prevalence of abnormal normal sperm morphology (P = 0.010, P
      = 0.037, and P = 0.025, respectively). A high cholesterol level was associated
      with better sperm motility. Similar J-shaped associations were noted between all
      lipid profiles and normal sperm morphology; meanwhile, the reverse J-shaped
      trends were identified between them and abnormal normal sperm morphology
      prevalence.

PMID- 28091401
TI  - Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for Treatment of Adult Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem
      Cell Transplantation Candidate with Philadelphia-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic
      Leukemia.

PMID- 28091402
TI  - Geriatric Assessment to Predict Survival and Risk of Serious Adverse Events in
      Elderly Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Multicenter Study in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elderly multiple myeloma (MM) patients often tend to suffer a variety
      of diseases, so the treatment of choice is very difficult for the elderly myeloma
      patients. The overall survival (OS) time and side effects with elderly patients
      are unclear in China. The study tried to find out the role of geriatric
      assessment in the Chinese elderly MM. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the
      data of 628 newly diagnosed patients from six hospitals from June 2011 to June
      2013. A geriatric assessment had been performed to assess comorbidities,
      cognitive, and physical status for these patients. The primary endpoint was to
      evaluate different physical states of elderly patients with OS time and treatment
      related side effects. RESULTS: An additive scoring system (range: 0-5), based on
      age, Katz's Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Lawton's Instrumental Activity of
      Daily Living (IADL) <=5 and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was developed to
      identify three groups: fit (score = 0); intermediate-fitness (score = 1); and
      frail (score >=2). The 3-year OS was 63% in fit patients, 63% in intermediate
      fitness patients, and 49% in frail patients >=3 hematologic adverse events (AEs)
      were documented in 45 (35.4%) fit, 34 (34%) intermediate-fitness, and 121 (30.2%)
      frail patients. The risk of a grade >=3 hematologic AEs was not significantly
      increase in intermediate-fitness (hazard ratios [HR]: 0.99, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 0.54-1.47, P = 1.000) and in frail patients (HR: 1.16, 95% CI:
      0.70-1.93, P = 0.558) compared with fit ones. CONCLUSIONS: MM occurs earlier in
      life and being advanced when the diagnosis is made in the mainland of China. The
      overall survival in frailty with International Staging System (ISS) II/III was
      the worst in all patients.

PMID- 28091404
TI  - Left Atrial Mechanical Function and Aortic Stiffness in Middle-aged Patients with
      the First Episode of Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the early stages of atrial remodeling, aortic stiffness might be
      an indication of an atrial myopathy, in particular, atrial fibrosis. This study
      aimed to investigate the association between left atrial (LA) mechanical
      function, assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, and
      aortic stiffness in middle-aged patients with the first episode of nonvalvular
      atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: This prospective study included 34 consecutive
      patients with the first episode of AF, who were admitted to Kartal Kosuyolu
      Research and Training Hospital between May 2013 and October 2015, and 31 age- and
      gender-matched healthy controls. During the 1 st month (mostly in the first 2
      weeks) following their first admission, 34 patients underwent the first pulse
      wave measurements. Then, 21 patients were recalled for their second pulse wave
      measurement at 11.8 +/- 6.0 months following their initial admission.
      Echocardiographic and pulse wave findings were compared between these 34 patients
      and 31 healthy controls. We also compared the pulse wave and echocardiographic
      findings between the first and second measurements in 21 patients. RESULTS: Pulse
      wave analysis showed no significant differences between the AF patients and
      healthy controls with respect to PWV (10.2 +/- 2.5 m/s vs. 9.7 +/- 2.1 m/s; P =
      0.370), augmentation pressure (9.6 +/- 7.4 mmHg vs. 9.1 +/- 5.7 mmHg; P = 0.740),
      and aortic pulse pressure (AoPP; 40.4 +/- 14.0 mmHg vs. 42.1 +/- 7.6 mmHg, P =
      0.550). The first LA positive peak of strain was inversely related to the
      augmentation pressure (r = -0.30; P = 0.02) and aortic systolic pressure (r = 
      0.26, P = 0.04). Comparison between the two consecutive pulse wave measurements
      in 21 patients showed similar results, except for AoPP. In 21 patients, the AoPP
      at the second measurement (45.1 +/- 14.1 mmHg) showed a significant increase
      compared with AoPP at the first measurement (39.0 +/- 10.6 mmHg, P = 0.028),
      which was also higher than that of healthy controls (42.1 +/- 7.6 mmHg, P =
      0.000). CONCLUSION: The association between aortic stiffness with reduced atrial
      strain and the key role of AoPP in the development of AF should be considered
      when treating nonvalvular AF patients with normal LA sizes.

PMID- 28091403
TI  - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Prognostic Index: A New Integrated Scoring System to
      Predict the Time to First Treatment in Chinese Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic
      Leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The established clinical staging systems (Rai/Binet) of chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cannot accurately predict the appropriate treatment of
      patients in the earlier stages. In the past two decades, several prognostic
      factors have been identified to predict the outcome of patients with CLL, but
      only a few studies investigated more markers together. To predict the time to
      first treatment (TTFT) in patients of early stages, we evaluated the prognostic
      role of conventional markers as well as cytogenetic abnormalities and combined
      them together in a new prognostic scoring system, the CLL prognostic index (CLL
      PI). METHODS: Taking advantage of a population of 406 untreated Chinese patients
      with CLL at early and advanced stage of disease, we identified the strongest
      prognostic markers of TTFT and, subsequently, in a cohort of 173 patients who had
      complete data for all 3 variables, we integrated the data of traditional staging
      system, cytogenetic aberrations, and mutational status of immunoglobulin heavy
      chain variable region (IGHV) in CLL-PI. The median follow-up time was 45 months
      and the end point was TTFT. RESULTS: The median TTFT was 38 months and the 5-year
      overall survival was 80%. According to univariate analysis, patients of advanced
      Rai stages (P < 0.001) or with 11q- (P = 0.002), 17p- (P < 0.001), unmutated IGHV
      (P < 0.001), negative 13q- (P = 0.007) and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels
      (P = 0.001) tended to have a significantly shorter TTFT. And subsequently, based
      on multivariate Cox regression analysis, three independent factors for TTFT were
      identified: advanced clinical stage (P = 0.002), 17p- (P = 0.050) and unmutated
      IGHV (P = 0.049). Applying weighted grading of these independent factors, a CLL
      PI was constructed based on regression parameters, which could categorize four
      different risk groups (low risk [score 0], intermediate low [score 1],
      intermediate high [score 2] and high risk [score 3-6]) with significantly
      different TTFT (median TTFT of not reached (NR), 65.0 months, 36.0 months and
      19.0 months, respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study developed a
      weighted, integrated CLL-PI prognostic system of CLL patients which combines the
      critical genetic prognostic markers with traditional clinical stage. This novel
      modified PI system could be used to discriminate among groups and may help
      predict the TTFT and prognosis of patients with CLL.

PMID- 28091405
TI  - Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Patients with Chronic Hepatic
      Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 13C urea breath test (13C-UBT) is the gold standard for detecting
      Helicobacter pylori infection. H. pylori pathogenesis in patients with hepatitis
      B virus (HBV) and related diseases remains obscure. We used 13C-UBT to detect H.
      pylori infection in patients with chronic HBV infection, HBV-related cirrhosis,
      HBV-related hepatic carcinoma, and other chronic hepatic diseases. METHODS: A
      total of 131 patients with chronic hepatitis B (HB), 179 with HBV-related
      cirrhosis, 103 with HBV-related hepatic carcinoma, 45 with HBV-negative hepatic
      carcinoma, and 150 controls were tested for H. pylori infection using 13C-UBT. We
      compared H. pylori infection rate, liver function, complications of chronic
      hepatic disease, serum HBV-DNA, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and portal
      hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) incidence among groups. RESULTS: HBV-related
      cirrhosis was associated with the highest H. pylori infection rate (79.3%). H.
      pylori infection rate in chronic HB was significantly higher than in the HBV
      negative hepatic carcinoma and control groups (P < 0.001). H. pylori infection
      rate in patients with HBV-DNA >=10 3 copies/ml was significantly higher than in
      those with HBV-DNA <103 copies/ml (76.8% vs. 52.4%, P < 0.001). Prothrombin time
      (21.3 +/- 3.5 s vs. 18.8 +/- 4.3 s), total bilirubin (47.3+/-12.3 MUmol/L vs.
      26.6 +/-7.9 MUmol/L), aspartate aminotransferase (184.5 +/- 37.6 U/L vs. 98.4 +/-
      23.5 U/L), blood ammonia (93.4 +/- 43.6 MUmol/L vs. 35.5 +/- 11.7 MUmol/L), and
      AFP (203.4 +/- 62.6 MUg/L vs. 113.2 +/- 45.8 MUg/L) in the 13C-UBT-positive group
      were significantly higher than in the 13C-UBT-negative group (P < 0.01). The
      incidence rates of esophageal fundus variceal bleeding (25.4% vs. 16.0%), ascites
      (28.9% vs. 17.8%), and hepatic encephalopathy (24.8% vs. 13.4%) in the 13C-UBT
      positive group were significantly higher than in the 13C-UBT-negative group (P <
      0.01). The percentages of patients with liver function in Child-Pugh Grade C
      (29.6% vs. 8.1%) and PHG (43.0% vs. 24.3%) in the 13C-UBT-positive group were
      significantly higher than in the 13C-UBT-negative group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      It is possible that H. pylori infection could increase liver damage caused by
      HBV. H. pylori eradication should be performed in patients with complicating H.
      pylori infection to delay hepatic disease progression.

PMID- 28091406
TI  - Awareness of Age-related Macular Degeneration and Its Risk Factors among Beijing
      Residents in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of
      irreversible blindness, and awareness of this disease is important in the
      prevention of blindness. However, lack of public awareness of AMD was shown in
      previous studies, and there was no report of AMD awareness in the Mainland of
      China. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the awareness of AMD and its
      risk factors among Beijing residents in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional,
      computer-assisted, telephone investigation was conducted to measure the awareness
      of AMD among Beijing residents. All the contacts of potential respondents were
      randomly generated by computer. Only those above 18 years of age and willing to
      participate in the study were included. The questionnaire for the study was
      modified from the AMD Alliance International Global Report. Pearson's Chi-square
      test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify the factors
      that affected the knowledge of AMD. RESULTS: Among 385 Beijing residents who
      agreed to participate, the awareness of AMD was 6.8%, far below than that of
      cataract and glaucoma. Participants who were above 30 years of age (odds ratio
      [OR] 6.17, confidence interval [CI] 1.44-26.57), with experience of health
      related work (OR 8.11, CI 3.25-20.27), and whose relatives/friends or themselves
      suffering from AMD (OR 32.18, CI 11.29-91.68) had better AMD awareness. Among
      those familiar with AMD, only 35% of them identified smoking as a risk factor,
      and only 23.1% of the residents believed that smoking could lead to blindness.
      CONCLUSIONS: The sample of Chinese population had limited knowledge of AMD.
      Educational programs need to be carried out to raise public awareness of AMD.

PMID- 28091407
TI  - Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Drug-induced Liver Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug is an important cause of liver injury and accounts for up to 40%
      of instances of fulminant hepatic failure. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is
      increasing while the diagnosis becomes more difficult. Though many drugs may
      cause DILI, Chinese herbal medicines have recently emerged as a major cause due
      to their extensive use in China. We aimed to provide drug safety information to
      patients and health carers by analyzing the clinical and pathological
      characteristics of the DILI and the associated drug types. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis was conducted in 287 patients diagnosed with DILI enrolled
      in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2015. The categories of causative
      drugs, clinical and pathological characteristics were reviewed. RESULTS: Western
      medicines ranked as the top cause of DILI, accounting for 163 out of the 287 DILI
      patients (56.79%) in our study. Among the Western medicine, antituberculosis
      drugs were the highest cause (18.47%, 53 patients) of DILI.   Antibiotics (18
      patients, 6.27%) and antithyroid (18 patients, 6.27%) drugs also ranked among the
      major causes of DILI. Chinese herbal medicines are another major cause of DILI,
      accounting for 36.59% of cases (105 patients). Most of the causative Chinese
      herbal medicines were those used to treat osteopathy, arthropathy, dermatosis,
      gastropathy, leukotrichia, alopecia, and gynecologic diseases. Hepatocellular
      hepatitis was prevalent in DILI, regardless of Chinese herbal medicine or Western
      medicine-induced DILI. CONCLUSIONS: Risks and the rational use of medicines
      should be made clear to reduce the occurrence of DILI. For patients with liver
      injury of unknown origin, liver tissue pathological examination is recommended
      for further diagnosis.

PMID- 28091408
TI  - Novel Mutation of Cleidocranial Dysplasia-related Frameshift Runt-related
      Transcription Factor 2 in a Sporadic Chinese Case.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal dominant disease that
      affects the skeletal system. Common symptoms of CCD include hypoplasia or aplasia
      of the clavicles, delayed or even absent closure of the fontanels, midface
      hypoplasia, short stature, and delayed eruption of permanent and supernumerary
      teeth. Previous studies reported a connection between CCD and the
      haploinsufficiency of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Here, we
      report a sporadic Chinese case presenting typical symptoms of CCD. METHODS: We
      made genetic testing on this sporadic Chinese case and identified a novel RUNX2
      frameshift mutation: c.1111dupT. In situ immunofluorescence microscopy and
      osteocalcin promoter luciferase assay were performed to compare the functions of
      the RUNX2 mutation with those of wild-type RUNX2. RESULTS: RUNX2 mutation was
      observed in the perinuclear region, cytoplasm, and nuclei. In contrast, wild-type
      RUNX2 was confined in the nuclei, which indicated that the subcellular
      compartmentalization of RUNX2 mutation was partially perturbed. The
      transactivation function on osteocalcin promoter of the RUNX2 mutation was
      obviously abrogated. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a sporadic CCD patient carrying a
      novel insertion/frameshift mutation of RUNX2. This finding expanded our
      understanding of CCD-related phenotypes.

PMID- 28091409
TI  - Effect of Shensong Yangxin on the Progression of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
      is Correlated with Regulation of Autonomic Nerve Activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shensong Yangxin (SSYX), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has
      long been used clinically to treat arrhythmias in China. However, the mechanism
      of SSYX on atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. In this study, we tested the
      hypothesis that the effect of SSYX on the progression of paroxysmal AF is
      correlated with the regulation of autonomic nerve activity. METHODS: Eighteen
      mongrel dogs were randomly divided into control group (n = 6), pacing group (n =
      6), and pacing + SSYX group (n = 6). The control group was implanted with
      pacemakers without pacing; the pacing group was implanted with pacemakers with
      long-term intermittent atrial pacing; the pacing + SSYX group underwent long-term
      intermittent atrial pacing and SSYX oral administration. RESULTS: Compared to the
      pacing group, the parameters of heart rate variability were lower after 8 weeks
      in the pacing + SSYX group (low-frequency [LF] component: 20.85 +/- 3.14 vs. 15.3
      +/- 1.89 ms 2 , P = 0.004; LF component/high-frequency component: 1.34 +/- 0.33
      vs. 0.77 +/- 0.15, P < 0.001). The atrial effective refractory period (AERP) was
      shorter and the dispersion of the AERP was higher after 8 weeks in the pacing
      group, while the changes were suppressed by SSYX intake. The dogs in the pacing
      group had more episodes and longer durations of AF than that in the pacing + SSYX
      group. SSYX markedly inhibited the increase in sympathetic nerves and
      upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 expression in the
      pacing + SSYX group. Furthermore, SSYX suppressed the decrease of acetylcholine
      and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor protein induced by long-term
      intermittent atrial pacing. CONCLUSIONS: SSYX substantially prevents atrial
      electrical remodeling and the progression of AF. These effects of SSYX may have
      association with regulating the imbalance of autonomic nerve activity and the
      cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

PMID- 28091410
TI  - Molecular Mechanisms of Increased Heart Rate in Shenxianshengmai-treated
      Bradycardia Rabbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms of Shenxianshengmai (SXSM), a traditional
      Chinese medicine, on bradycardia have been incompletely understood. The study
      tried to investigate the gene expression profile and proteomics of bradycardia
      rabbits' hearts after SXSM treatment. METHODS: Twenty-four adult rabbits were
      randomly assigned in four groups: sham, model, model plus SXSM treatment, and
      sham plus SXSM treatment groups. Heart rate was recorded in all rabbits. Then,
      total RNA of atria and proteins of ventricle were isolated and quantified,
      respectively. Gene expression profiling was conducted by gene expression chip,
      and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR) was performed to confirm the results of gene expression chip. We used
      isobaric tags for elative and absolute quantitation and Western blotting to
      identify altered proteins after SXSM treatment. RESULTS: There was a constant
      decrease in the mean heart rate (32%, from 238 +/- 6 beats/min to 149 +/- 12
      beats/min) after six weeks in model compared with that in sham group. This effect
      was partially reversed by 4-week SXSM treatment. Complementary DNA microarray
      demonstrated that the increased acetylcholinesterase and reduced nicotinic
      receptor were take responsibility for the increased heart rate. In addition,
      proteins involved in calcium handling and signaling were affected by SXSM
      treatment. Real-time RT-PCR verified the results from gene chip. Results from
      proteomics demonstrated that SXSM enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and
      tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in ventricular myocardium to improve ATP
      generation. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term SXSM stimulates sympathetic transmission by
      increasing the expression of acetylcholinesterase and reduces the expression of
      nicotinic receptor to increase heart rate. SXSM also restored the calcium
      handling genes and altered genes involved in signaling. In addition, SXSM
      improves the ATP supply of ventricular myocardium by increasing proteins involved
      in TCA cycle and oxidation-respiratory chain.

PMID- 28091412
TI  - Incidence, Development, and Prognosis of Diabetic Kidney Disease in China: Design
      and Methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although that glomerulonephritis is the major cause of end-stage
      renal disease in developing countries such as China, the increasing prevalence of
      diabetes has contributed to the changing spectrum of predialysis chronic kidney
      disease. Recent studies have revealed an increased proportion of patients with
      diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in hemodialysis populations in large cities in
      China. However, studies regarding the clinical phenotype of DKD in China are
      extremely limited. The incidence, development, and prognosis of diabetic kidney
      disease (INDEED) study aims to investigate the incidence, progression, and
      prognosis of DKD, as well as the associated genetic, behavioral, and
      environmental factors and biomarkers in patients with DKD in China. METHODS:
      INDEED study is a prospective cohort study based on all participants with
      diabetes in the Kailuan study, which is a general population-based cohort study
      in northern China. Altogether, over 10,000 participants with diabetes will be
      followed biennially. Questionnaires documenting general characteristics,
      behavioral and environmental factors, and medical history will be administrated.
      Anthropometric measurements and a series of laboratory tests will be performed in
      one central laboratory. The DNA, plasma, and urine samples of every participant
      will be stored in a biobank for future research. CONCLUSIONS: INDEED study will
      provide essential information regarding the clinical phenotype and prognosis of
      patients with DKD in China and will be valuable to identify factors and
      biomarkers associated with patients with DKD in China.

PMID- 28091411
TI  - Protective Effects of Calpain Inhibition on Neurovascular Unit Injury through
      Downregulating Nuclear Factor-kappaB-related Inflammation during Traumatic Brain
      Injury in Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to neurons, all components of the neurovascular unit
      (NVU), such as glial, endothelial, and basal membranes, are destroyed during
      traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previous studies have shown that excessive
      stimulation of calpain is crucial for cerebral injury after traumatic insult. The
      objective of this study was to investigate whether calpain activation
      participated in NVU disruption and edema formation in a mouse model of controlled
      cortical impact (CCI). METHODS: One hundred and eight mice were divided into
      three groups: the sham group, the control group, and the MDL28170 group. MDL28170
      (20 mg/kg), an efficient calpain inhibitor, was administered intraperitoneally at
      5 min, 3 h, and 6 h after experimental CCI. We then measured neurobehavioral
      deficits, calpain activity, inflammatory mediator levels, blood-brain barrier
      (BBB) disruption, and NVU deficits using electron microscopy and
      histopathological analysis at 6 h and 24 h after CCI. RESULTS: The MDL28170
      treatment significantly reduced the extent of both cerebral contusion (MDL28170
      vs. vehicle group, 16.90 +/- 1.01 mm? and 17.20 +/- 1.17 mm? vs. 9.30 +/- 1.05
      mm? and 9.90 +/- 1.17 mm?, both P < 0.001) and edema (MDL28170 vs. vehicle group,
      80.76 +/- 1.25% and 82.00 +/- 1.84% vs. 82.55 +/- 1.32% and 83.64 +/- 1.25%, both
      P < 0.05), improved neurological scores (MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 7.50 +/-
      0.45 and 6.33 +/- 0.38 vs. 12.33 +/- 0.48 and 11.67 +/- 0.48, both P < 0.001),
      and attenuated NVU damage resulting (including tight junction (TJ), basement
      membrane, BBB, and neuron) from CCI at 6 h and 24 h. Moreover, MDL28170 markedly
      downregulated nuclear factor-kappaB-related inflammation (tumor necrosis factor
      alpha [TNF-alpha]: MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 1.15 +/- 0.07 and 1.62 +/- 0.08
      vs. 1.59 +/- 0.10 and 2.18 +/- 0.10, both P < 0.001; inducible nitric oxide
      synthase: MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 4.51 +/- 0.23 vs. 6.23 +/- 0.12, P < 0.001
      at 24 h; intracellular adhesion molecule-1: MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 1.45 +/-
      0.13 vs. 1.70 +/- 0.12, P < 0.01 at 24 h) and lessened both myeloperoxidase
      activity (MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 0.016 +/- 0.001 and 0.016 +/- 0.001 vs.
      0.024 +/- 0.001 and 0.023 +/- 0.001, P < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively) and matrix
      metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels (MDL28170 vs. vehicle group, 0.87 +/- 0.13 and
      1.10 +/- 0.10 vs. 1.17 +/- 0.13 and 1.25 +/- 0.12, P < 0.001 and 0.05,
      respectively) at 6 h and 24 h after CCI. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate
      that MDL28170 can protect the structure of the NVU by inhibiting the inflammatory
      cascade, reducing the expression of MMP-9, and supporting the integrity of TJ
      during acute TBI.

PMID- 28091413
TI  - Expert Consensus on Wenxin Granule for Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias.

PMID- 28091414
TI  - Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Advancements in Diagnosis and Treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Leukemia is the most common pediatric malignancy and a major cause of
      morbidity and mortality in children. Among all subtypes, a lack of consensus
      exists regarding the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
      Patient survival rates have remained modest for the past three decades in AML.
      Recently, targeted therapy has emerged as a promising treatment. DATA SOURCES: We
      searched the PubMed database for recently published research papers on diagnostic
      development, target therapy, and other novel therapies of AML. Clinical trial
      information was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov. For the major purpose of this
      review that is to outline the latest therapeutic development of AML, we only
      listed the ongoing clinical trials for reference. However, the published results
      of complete clinical trials were also mentioned. STUDY SELECTION: This article
      reviewed the latest developments related to the diagnosis and treatment of AML.
      In the first portion, we provided some novel insights on the molecular basis of
      AML, as well as provided an update on the classification of AML. In the second
      portion, we summarized the results of research on potential molecular therapeutic
      agents including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase/Fms-like tyrosine kinase
      3 (FLT3) inhibitors, epigenetic/demethylating agents, and cellular therapeutic
      agents. We will also highlight ongoing research and clinical trials in pediatric
      AML. RESULTS: We described clonal evolution and how it changes our view on
      leukemogenesis, treatment responses, and disease relapse. Pediatric-specific
      genomic mapping was discussed with a novel diagnostic method highlighted. In the
      later portion of this review, we summarized the researches on potential molecular
      therapeutic agents including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase/FLT3
      inhibitors, epigenetic/demethylating agents, and cellular therapeutic agents.
      CONCLUSION: Gene sequencing techniques should set the basis for next-generation
      diagnostic methods of AML, and target therapy should be the focus of future
      clinical research in the exploration of therapeutic possibilities.

PMID- 28091415
TI  - Advances of Coagulation Factor XIII.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive literature review on roles of coagulation
      factor XIII (FXIII) in coagulation, wound healing, neoplasm, bone metabolism, and
      pregnancy. DATA SOURCES: All articles in PubMed with key words "Coagulation
      factor XIII", "wound", "leukemia", "tumor", "bone," and "pregnancy" with
      published date from 2001 to 2016 were included in the study. Frequently cited
      publications before 2000 were also included. STUDY SELECTION: We reviewed the
      role of FXIII in biologic processes as documented in clinical, animal, and in
      vitro studies. RESULTS: FXIII, a member of the transglutaminase (TG) family,
      plays key roles in various biological processes. Besides its well-known function
      in coagulation, the cross-linking of small molecules catalyzed by FXIII has been
      found in studies to help promote wound healing, improve bone metabolism, and
      prevent miscarriages. The study has also shown that FXIII concentration level
      differs in the blood of patients with leukemia and solid tumors and offers
      promises as a diagnostic indicator. CONCLUSIONS: FXIII has many more biologic
      functions besides being known as coagulation factor. The TG activity of FXIII
      contributes to several processes, including wound healing, bone extracellular
      matrix stabilization, and the interaction between embryo and decidua of uterus.
      Further research is needed to elucidate the link between FXIII and leukemia and
      solid tumors.

PMID- 28091416
TI  - Factors Associated with the Size of HIV DNA Reservoir.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the recent literatures related to the factors associated
      with the size of the HIV reservoir and their clinical significance. DATA SOURCES:
      Literatures related to the size of HIV DNA was collected from PubMed published
      from 1999 to June 2016. STUDY SELECTION: All relevant articles on the HIV DNA and
      reservoir were collected and reviewed, with no limitation of study design.
      RESULTS: The composition and development of the HIV-1 DNA reservoir in either
      treated or untreated patients is determined by integrated mechanism comprising
      viral characteristics, immune system, and treatment strategies. The HIV DNA
      reservoir is a combination of latency and activity. The residual viremia from the
      stochastic activation of the reservoir acts as the fuse, continuing to stimulate
      the immune system to maintain the activated microenvironment for the rebound of
      competent virus once treatment with antiretroviral therapy is discontinued.
      CONCLUSION: The size of the HIV-1 DNA pool and its composition has great
      significance in clinical treatment and disease progression.

PMID- 28091417
TI  - Diagnosis and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence after Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder
      in China.

PMID- 28091418
TI  - Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Lung Biopsy for Histopathological
      Diagnosis of Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia.

PMID- 28091419
TI  - Two Secondary Primary Malignancies after Bortezomib Therapy for Multiple Myeloma:
      A Single-center Experience.

PMID- 28091420
TI  - Compound Heterozygote Mutation of C12orf65 Causes Distal Motor Neuropathy and
      Optic Atrophy.

PMID- 28091421
TI  - Massive Pulmonary Embolism in Recovery Period of General Anesthesia: Rapid
      Diagnosis and Successful Rescue by the Guidance of Transthoracic
      Echocardiography.

PMID- 28091422
TI  - Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Treated with Vacuum Sealing Drainage.

PMID- 28091423
TI  - Xanthogranuloma of the Sellar Region.

PMID- 28091424
TI  - A Case of Giant Intradural Extramedullary Capillary Hemangioma.

PMID- 28091425
TI  - A 10 years autopsy-based study of maternal mortality in Lagos State University
      Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality is the death of a woman while pregnant or within
      42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of
      the pregnancy. Nigeria is among the six countries that record over 50% of all
      maternal deaths in the world. There are few papers on autopsy based causes of
      maternal mortality. This paper is to present the causes of maternal mortality
      that had postmortem done in our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a 10-year
      retrospective study of all maternal deaths seen in our center from January 01,
      2005 to December 31, 2014. Lagos State University Teaching Hospital is the only
      state-owned tertiary center and the main referral center in Lagos State. Autopsy
      records are taken from the death register and other information were extracted
      from the postmortem reports. RESULTS: Most maternal deaths 98/328 (29.9%) were
      seen in the age group 26-30 years which was followed by 31-35 years (24.7%).
      Postpartum hemorrhage was the most common cause of death followed by eclampsia.
      Direct causes accounted for 60% of maternal deaths with hemorrhage as the most
      common while cardiovascular related diseases are the most common indirect cause
      of death. CONCLUSION: The leading causes of death in this study, hemorrhage,
      cardiovascular disease and eclampsia are highly avoidable and treatable. We
      recommend that thorough cardiovascular management should be instituted during
      antenatal care, and the government should focus more on an emergency response
      such as availability of adequate blood and blood products in the hospitals.

PMID- 28091426
TI  - MRI-based detailed evaluation of the anatomy of the human coccyx among Turkish
      adults.
AB  - AIM: The human coccyx varies considerably in shape and size. The objective of
      this study was to investigate the morphology and morphometry of the coccyx on
      pelvic magnetic resonance imaging in asymptomatic individuals among Turkish
      adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively on the
      pelvic magnetic resonance images of 456 adult patients without a history of
      trauma in the coccyx region. The coccygeal vertebrae count, number of bone
      segments, and intercoccygeal and sacrococcygeal joint fusions were determined
      from the sagittal plane images. In addition, the length and angles (the
      sacrococcygeal angle, intercoccygeal joint angle, and sacrococcygeal joint angle)
      were measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using the T-test or
      Mann-Whitney U-test, the ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis tests, and the chi-square test
      was used for the categorical variables. RESULTS: The coccyx is formed by four,
      five, or three vertebrae in a decreasing ratio. The coccyx is composed of one to
      five bone segments; one bone segment was found in 2.8% of the cases.
      Intercoccygeal joint fusions been observed predominantly in the last
      intercoccygeal joint, with or without sacrococcygeal joint fusion. The coccyx was
      found to be longer in adult males than in adult females. The sacrococcygeal angle
      might be anteverted or retroverted. CONCLUSION: The findings are contrary to the
      conventional knowledge in that the vertebrae shaping the coccyx were completely
      fused and consisting of a single bone in very few cases. Better understanding of
      the anatomical variation of the coccyx may be useful for clinicians evaluating
      patients presenting with conditions in the coccygeal region.

PMID- 28091427
TI  - Evaluation of surface characteristics of rotary nickel-titanium instruments
      produced by different manufacturing methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Instrument fracture is a serious concern in endodontic practice.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the surface quality of new
      and used rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments manufactured by the
      traditional grinding process and twisting methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total
      16 instruments of two rotary NiTi systems were used in this study. Eight Twisted
      Files (TF) (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA) and 8 Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany)
      instruments were evaluated. New and used of 4 experimental groups were evaluated
      using an atomic force microscopy (AFM). New and used instruments were analyzed on
      3 points along a 3 mm. section at the tip of the instrument. Quantitative
      measurements according to the topographical deviations were recorded. The data
      were statistically analyzed with paired samples t-test and independent samples t
      test. RESULTS: Mean root mean square (RMS) values for new and used TF 25.06 files
      were 10.70 +/- 2.80 nm and 21.58 +/- 6.42 nm, respectively, and the difference
      between them was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Mean RMS values for new
      and used Mtwo 25.06 files were 24.16 +/- 9.30 nm and 39.15 +/- 16.20 nm
      respectively, the difference between them also was statistically significant (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the AFM analysis, instruments produced by
      twisting method (TF 25.06) had better surface quality than the instruments
      produced by traditional grinding process (Mtwo 25.06 files).

PMID- 28091428
TI  - Refractive aim and visual outcome after phacoemulsification: A 2-year review from
      a Tertiary Private Eye Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - AIM: To review the short-term visual outcome of phacoemulsification in adults
      with uncomplicated cataracts in Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of records of patients that had
      phacoemulsification between January 2012 and December 2013 in Eye Foundation
      Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, was done. Preoperative visual acuity, refractive aim,
      intraoperative complications, postoperative unaided, and best-corrected visual
      acuity at 1 and 3 months were analyzed. Only eyes of adults that had
      phacoemulsification for uncomplicated cataracts were included in the study, all
      pediatric cataracts and eyes with ocular comorbidities were excluded. Common
      ocular comorbidities excluded were corneal opacity/corneal scar, glaucoma,
      uveitis, pseudo exfoliation syndrome, moderate and severe nonproliferative
      diabetic retinopathy, macula edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, eye
      trauma, age-related macular degeneration, previous corneal surgery, glaucoma
      surgery, and previous or simultaneous vitreoretinal surgery. RESULTS: A total of
      157 eyes of 119 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. There were
      60 (50.4%) females and 59 (49.6%) males, with age range from 31 to 91 years and a
      mean of 65.3 +/- 11.10 years. Only eyes with available data were analyzed at 1
      and 3 months postoperatively. In 112 eyes (85.7%), the refractive aim was met, 21
      eyes (14.3%) did not meet their refractive aim, 20 eyes (12.7%) were excluded,
      the refractive aim could not be determined from the records as surgeons did not
      specify, and in 4 eyes, the required information was missing from the case files.
      An unaided visual acuity of 6/18 and better was achieved in 134 eyes (85.4%) at 1
      month and 126 eyes (85.9%) at 3 months whereas best-corrected vision of 6/18 and
      better was achieved by 145 eyes (92.4%) at 1 month and 146 eyes (98.0%) at 3
      months. CONCLUSION: Surgical outcomes after phacoemulsification are comparable
      with international benchmarks for good outcomes, with 85.4% of eyes achieving
      within 1 D of spherical equivalent of the refractive aim, 92.4% and 98.0% of eyes
      also achieving best-corrected visual acuities of 6/18 and better at 1 and 3
      postoperative months, respectively. Unaided vision of 6/18 and better was also
      achieved in 85.4% and 85.9% at 1 and 3 postoperative months, respectively.

PMID- 28091429
TI  - Chronic kidney disease in Chinese postmenopausal women: A cross-sectional survey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD),
      there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the prevalence of CKD in postmenopausal
      women. This study was designed to investigate both CKD prevalence and related
      risk factors in a cohort of postmenopausal Chinese women. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A cross-sectional survey was administered to a nationally representative sample
      of female Chinese participants, including a total of 47,204 subjects, among whom
      were 8573 self-reported postmenopausal women. CKD was defined as either an
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 body surface
      area or else the presence of albuminuria. All subjects completed a questionnaire
      that included items related to their lifestyles and medical histories. Data were
      collected on blood pressure, serum creatinine, urinary albumin, and urinary
      creatinine. Risk factors correlated with the presence of CKD were analyzed using
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that the adjusted
      prevalence of an eGFR of < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 among this postmenopausal survey
      cohort was 5.3% (95% confidence interval: 4.7-6.1) and of albuminuria, 12.4%
      (11.7-13.1). The overall prevalence of CKD in this postmenopausal cohort was
      16.6% (15.8-17.4). Factors associated with kidney pathology included nephrotoxic
      drug use, history of cardiovascular disease, hyperuricemia, hypertension, and
      diabetes (the lower limit of multivariable adjusted odds ratios > 1). CONCLUSION:
      The current study revealed a high prevalence of CKD in Chinese postmenopausal
      women. These results provide baseline data for disease prevention and treatment.

PMID- 28091430
TI  - Impact of informed consent on patient decisions regarding third molar removal.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated whether the order in which patients learned about
      complication risks affected their anxiety about and willingness to undergo the
      removal of their third molar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 171 patients (65
      males, 106 females) were included in the study. The distributions of gender and
      the position of mandibular third molars were recorded. The Amsterdam Preoperative
      Anxiety and Information Scale and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
      were used to evaluate anxiety. Associations of anxiety with timing (pre/post),
      gender, and the order in which the information was presented in the consent form
      were analyzed. RESULTS: The most common angulations were horizontal (26.3%) and
      mesioangular (60.2%), and these were more common in women. All patients obtained
      significantly higher anxiety scores after reading the consent form. There was no
      significant difference in anxiety scores, according to the order of information.
      In total, 88 patients underwent surgery, whereas 83 postponed the extraction
      after reading the consent form. Women were significantly more anxious than men
      before the procedure. Patients showed lower anxiety levels after the procedure (P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased anxiety was not associated with the order in which
      information was presented in the informed consent form. However, the informed
      consent form itself was a major contributor to increased patient anxiety. Further
      studies regarding the contents of consent forms and their effects on patient
      anxiety and decisions regarding third molar removal are needed.

PMID- 28091431
TI  - Determinants of quality of life among community-dwelling persons with spinal cord
      injury: A path analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Recent advancement in technology and medical care has resulted in an
      increase not only in disability arising from spinal cord injury (SCI) but also
      its attendant challenges such as poor quality of life (QoL). AIM: To test a
      theoretical model of predictors of QoL among persons with SCI. SETTINGS AND
      DESIGN: Study was conducted in the South Eastern Nigeria. A longitudinal study
      design was employed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 64 persons with SCI
      discharged from in-hospital admission participated in this study. QoL, state self
      esteem (SSE), social support satisfaction (SSS), and functional potentials (FPs)
      were assessed using short form health survey-12, SSE scale, social support
      questionnaire 6, and spinal cord independent measure III, respectively. Their
      motor function (MF) and sensory function (SF) were assessed using the motor and
      sensory subscales of American Spinal Cord Association impairment scale.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data obtained were analyzed using path analysis. The
      level of significance was set at alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: Most of the participants
      were male (92.3%) with incomplete type of SCI (65.4%). The selected variables
      (SSE, SSS, FP, MF, and SF) significantly predicted a large percentage (R2 =
      0.861) of QoL. All the predictor variables except age had a direct significant
      effect on QoL (P < 0.05). The trimmed model revealed that SSS (beta =3.04, P =
      0.002) had the highest direct effect on QoL. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed
      that the combined assessment of SSE, SSS, FP, MF, and SF can be used to predict
      QoL significantly. Moreover, psychosocial factors are as important as clinical
      (biological) factors in predicting the outcomes of SCI, especially their QoL.
      Thus, the study buttresses the need to emphasize on the biopsychosocial model in
      the rehabilitation of persons with SCI.

PMID- 28091432
TI  - Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder among road traffic accident victims
      managed in a Tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychological responses to traumatic events vary widely across
      different cultures but studies in the developing countries are scant. The
      objective of this study is to determine prevalence of depression and
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among patients involved in road traffic
      accident (RTA) compared with that of the general population using a matched
      control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study design was case control and
      employed the convenient sampling technique. All consecutive attendees of the
      trauma clinic of a Tertiary Hospital who had been involved in RTA in the previous
      year and met inclusion criteria were recruited to participate in the study.
      Controls were drawn from patient relatives attending other clinics in the same
      hospital. The final sample comprised of 46 cases and controls, totaling 92
      participants. A Sociodemographic questionnaire, the PTSD, and depression modules
      of the Mini International neuropsychiatric interview were administered to both
      groups by trained research assistants. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS
      version 22. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      PTSD among cases was 41.3% compared with 13% among controls, whereas the
      prevalence of depression among cases was 63% compared with 30.4% among the
      controls. Both of these findings were statistically significant (P < 0.002).
      Sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, marital status, religion, level of
      education, and occupation did not have statistically significant relationship
      with neither PTSD nor depression. CONCLUSION: Mental disorders such as PTSD and
      depression are common in victims of RTA. They would benefit from comanagement
      with mental health specialists.

PMID- 28091433
TI  - Clinical evaluation of microhybrid composites in noncarious cervical lesions: 24
      month results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical performance of two different microhybrid
      resin composites in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) after 24 months. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: Ninety-seven NCCLs were restored with either TPH Spectrum (n = 48)
      or Filtek Z250 (n = 49) using an etch-and-rinse adhesive in 20 patients. The
      restorations were clinically evaluated using modified United States Public Health
      Service criteria for retention, color match, marginal discoloration, marginal
      adaptation, surface texture, anatomic form, postoperative sensitivity, and
      secondary caries. The restorations were assessed 1 week after placement
      (baseline) and after 6, 12, and 24 months. Restoration survival rates were
      calculated using the Kaplan-Meier procedure estimator, and a log-rank test was
      used to compare the survival distributions (P < 0.05). Statistical analysis was
      undertaken using Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test to assess
      differences among the restorative materials (P < 0.05). Cochran's Q-test was
      employed for evaluating differences in the same restorative material between
      recall periods. RESULTS: The retention rates were 100% at 6 months, 89.6% and
      91.8% at 12 months, and 85.4% and 89.8% at 24 months for TPH and Z250,
      respectively. TPH showed a statistically significant difference in marginal
      discoloration between the baseline and 24 months results (P < 0.05). Both TPH and
      Z250 showed statistically significant differences in marginal adaptation between
      the baseline and 24 months results (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Over the 24-month
      period, both microhybrid resin composites demonstrated acceptable clinical
      results in NCCLs.

PMID- 28091434
TI  - Serum obestatin and omentin levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease
      and accounts for almost 45% of all new patients requiring renal replacement
      therapy. Omentin and obestatin, two novel proteins were suggested to be
      associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk
      factors. Thus, we postulated that they may also have an association with diabetic
      nephropathy which is known to be an independent cardiovascular risk factor. In
      order to investigate such an association we compared serum omentin and obestatin
      levels in type 2 diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (NA) and
      macroalbuminuria (MA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 81 type 2 diabetic
      patients were separated into two groups according to their proteinuria status;
      patients with NA (n = 39) and patients with MA (n = 42). Two groups were compared
      in terms of serum omentin and obestatin levels. RESULTS: While s erum omentin
      levels did not differ among two groups (P = 0.407), serum obestatin levels were
      significantly higher in MA group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this
      study showed that higher serum levels of obestatin were associated with macro
      albuminuria suggesting that obestatin may have a role in underlying pathogenic
      mechanisms that leads to diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 28091435
TI  - Influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on the prevalence and patterns of
      upper gastrointestinal symptoms in Nigerians with diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infection with Helicobacter pylori infection is widespread in our
      environment. However, whether this fact has any bearing on the prevalence and
      pattern of symptoms referable to the upper gastrointestinal (GI) system in our
      population of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients has not been much studied. AIM: We
      embarked on this study to evaluate if H. pylori infection played any significant
      role in the prevalence and patterns of upper GI symptoms in type 2 DM patients in
      Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control design was employed. One
      hundred consecutive, consenting, and ambulant type 2 DM patients were recruited
      from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and 100 age- and sex-matched
      nondiabetic controls were drawn from medical outpatient clinics of the same
      hospital. All subjects were investigated for a marker of active infection with H.
      pylori via stool antigen testing, had anthropometric measurements taken, and
      completed a structured questionnaire administered to elicit for the presence of
      various upper GI symptoms over the preceding 3 months prior to the time of the
      study. The controls were further tested for DM. For analysis, the symptoms were
      divided into dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and others. RESULTS: H.
      pylori infection status was neither significantly associated with dyspepsia in
      either cases or controls (chi2 [1] = 2.198, P = 0.138) nor significantly
      associated with the symptomatic suggestion of GER in either cases or controls
      (chi2 [1] = 3.742, P = 0.053). Moreover, the same held for the other upper GI
      symptoms in cases or controls (chi2 [1] = 0.157, P = 0.203). H. pylori infection
      was detected in 18% of DM patients and 13% of controls, but there was no
      statistical significance in this difference (chi2 [1] = 0.954, P = 0.329).
      CONCLUSION: Infection with H. pylori does not appear, from the results of this
      study, to influence the prevalence and patterns of upper GI symptoms in patients
      with DM in Nigeria.

PMID- 28091436
TI  - Acute kidney injury in Lagos: Pattern, outcomes, and predictors of in-hospital
      mortality.
AB  - CONTEXT: The pattern of acute kidney injury (AKI) differs significantly between
      developed and developing countries. AIMS: The aim of th study was to determine
      the pattern and clinical outcomes of AKI in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. SETTINGS
      AND DESIGN: A retrospective review of hospital records of all patients with a
      diagnosis of AKI over a 20-month period. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Records of 54
      patients were reviewed. Information retrieved included, bio-data, etiology of
      AKI, results of laboratory investigations, and patient outcomes. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS USED: Continuous data are presented as means while categorical data are
      presented as proportions. The Student's t-test was used to compare means while
      Chi-square test was used to compare percentages. Logistic regression analysis was
      used to determine the factors that predicted in-hospital mortality. RESULTS:
      Twenty-seven (50%) of the patients were male. The mean age of the study
      population was 39.7 years +/- 16.3 years. Sepsis was the etiology of AKI in 52.1%
      of cases. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 29.6%. Patients who died had a
      shorter mean duration of hospital stay (9.2 days vs. 33.9 days [P < 0.01]), lower
      mean serum bicarbonate (19.5 mmol/L vs. 22.9 mmmol/L [P = 0.02]), were more
      likely to be admitted unconscious (82.4% vs. 17.6% [P = 0.01]) and to have been
      admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (37.5% vs. 7.9% [P = 0.01]). In addition,
      when dialysis was indicated, patients who did not have dialysis were more likely
      to die (58.3% vs. 41.7% [P = 0.02]). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of AKI in this
      study is similar to that from other developing countries. In-hospital mortality
      remains high although most of the causes are preventable.

PMID- 28091437
TI  - Radiopacity of bulk fill flowable resin composite materials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of
      currently marketed bulk fill flowable dental composite materials (Beautifil Bulk
      Flowable, SDR Flow, Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, and x-tra Base Bulk Fill). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Six specimens of each material with a thickness of 1 mm were
      prepared, and digital radiographs were taken, using a CCD sensor along with an
      aluminum stepwedge and 1 mm-thick tooth slice. The mean gray level of each
      aluminum stepwedge and selected materials was measured, using the equal-density
      area tool of Kodak Dental Imaging software. The equivalent thickness of aluminum
      for each material was then calculated by using the stepwedge values in the
      CurveExpert version 1.4 program. RESULTS: The radiopacity of bulk fill flowable
      composites sorted in descending order as follows: Beautifil Bulk Flowable (2.96
      mm Al) = x-tra base bulk fill (2.92 mm Al) = SureFil SDR Flow (2.89 mm Al) >
      Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (2.51 mm Al) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As all materials had
      a radiopacity greater than dentin and enamel; their adequate radiopacity will
      help the clinicians during radiographic examination of restorations. CLINICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: Bulk fill composite materials have greater radiopacity, enabling
      clinicians to distinguish the bulk fill composites from dentin and enamel.

PMID- 28091438
TI  - Caudal analgesia for herniotomy: Comparative evaluation of two dose schemes of
      bupivacaine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is currently a wide range of volume schemes for bupivacaine
      caudal anesthesia. This study evaluated the quality of caudal analgesia achieved
      with a dosing scheme of 0.75 ml/kg compared with 0.5 ml/kg of 0.25% plain
      bupivacaine for herniotomy. METHODS: After the institutional approval, American
      Society of Anesthesiologists I-II patients aged between 1 and 6 years scheduled
      for unilateral inguinal herniotomy with consenting parents/guardian were
      recruited. The subjects were randomized to receive 0.5 ml/kg (Group 1) or 0.75
      ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine. Anesthesia was maintained solely with halothane 0.5
      1% in 100% oxygen. Postoperatively, pain was assessed using the objective pain
      scale (OPS). A favorable pain score was defined as <4 (8 point scale) or <5 (10
      point scale). The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects with favorable
      pain scores. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were enrolled and there was no
      difference in sociodemographic parameters, preoperative hemodynamic variables, or
      duration of surgery. Proportions of subjects with favorable OPS scores showed
      marked differences from 45 min and peaking at 180 min (11 [39%] favorable scores
      in Group 1 compared to all [100%] favorable scores in Group 2, P< 0.0001). Mean
      time to first analgesic requirement was 126 +/- 34.2 min in Group 1 compared to
      249 +/- 23.7 min in Group 2 (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in the
      incidence of adverse events between groups. CONCLUSION: This study shows that
      0.75 ml/kg of 0.25% plain bupivacaine is superior to the use of 0.5 ml/kg of the
      same concentration for postherniotomy caudal analgesia with low side effect
      profile.

PMID- 28091439
TI  - Is epineurectomy necessary in the surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, it was aimed to determine whether median nerve
      epineurectomy is beneficial in the surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome
      (CTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 72 patients including 34
      patients without epineurectomy (Group A) and 38 patients with epineurectomy
      (Group B). Surgery was performed in patients with severe electrodiagnostic CTS
      findings, CTS duration >1 year and flattening along with hypervascularization in
      median nerve. All patients were assessed by visual analog scale, two-point
      discrimination test as well as subjective and objective findings at baseline and
      on the months 1, 3, and 6 after surgery. RESULTS: The mean age was 58.3 years (42
      75 years) in 38 patients who underwent an epineurectomy, whereas it was 61.5
      years (41-82 years) in 34 patients who did not have an epineurectomy. The groups
      were similar with regard to age, gender, duration of symptoms, and preoperative
      physical findings. Mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores were 1.7 in Group A and
      1.8 in Group B. Again, these differences were not significant, on physical
      examination, the average two-point discrimination in the distribution of the
      median nerve was 4.9 mm (range: 3-11 mm) in Group A and 5.3 mm (range: 3-10 mm)
      in Group B. In postoperative evaluations, there was a better improvement in
      visual analog scale scores, two-point discrimination test and subjective symptoms
      including dysesthesia, pain and nocturnal pain within first 3 months; however,
      there was no marked difference in objective and subjective findings on the 6th
      month. No complication or recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: We believe that
      median nerve epineurectomy is unnecessary in the surgical management of primary
      CTS since it has no influence on the midterm outcomes.

PMID- 28091440
TI  - Nocturnal enuresis in school-aged children with sickle-cell anemia: Any
      relationship with hyposthenuria?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reports show that children with sickle-cell anemia (SCA) have a
      tendency for nocturnal enuresis when compared with their counterparts with normal
      hemoglobin. Although nocturnal enuresis in SCA has been attributed to several
      factors including tubular and even bladder dysfunction, its relationship with
      hyposthenuria has been questioned in some studies. AIM: The study aims to
      determine the relationship of hyposthenuria with nocturnal enuresis seen in
      school-aged children with SCA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of
      seventy school-aged children with SCA, who met the study criteria and seventy age
      and gender-matched controls was conducted at the Sickle-cell Clinic, University
      of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. The diagnosis of
      enuresis among the subjects and controls was based on the Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria while urine specific gravity
      (USG) was determined on dipstick urinalysis. The frequencies of categorical
      variables were compared using Chi-square test or Fisher exact test as appropriate
      and the means of continuous variables with Student's t-test. The level of
      statistical significance was taken as P< 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      hyposthenuria was 4.5% and 8.3% among enuretic and nonenuretic subjects
      respectively, 6.7% and 10.9% among enuretic and nonenuretic controls and 4.5% and
      6.7% among enuretic subjects and controls, respectively. The differences were not
      statistically significant. The mean +/- standard deviation USG was significantly
      higher in the subjects than in the controls (1.02 +/- 0.01 vs. 1.01 +/- 0.01, P =
      0.013) and enuretic subjects than enuretic controls (1.02 +/- 0.01 vs. 1.01 +/-
      0.01, P = 0.007). The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was significantly higher
      in male subjects compared to female subjects (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence
      interval (95% CI)] =8.14 (2.12, 31.24), chi2 = 12.21, P< 0.001) and male controls
      (chi2 = 5.57, P = 0.018). Enuretic subjects had a significantly higher prevalence
      of parental history of childhood enuresis (OR [95% CI] =10.39 [2.45, 44.05], P<
      0.002) than the enuretic controls. The relationship between the enuretic subjects
      and controls with respect to age of attainment of urinary control, family size,
      socioeconomic class, and sibling history of enuresis were not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal enuresis in children with SCA may not be
      related to hyposthenuria. However, male gender and parental history of childhood
      enuresis are significant risk factors.

PMID- 28091442
TI  - Fluoride release/recharging ability and bond strength of glass ionomer cements to
      sound and caries-affected dentin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microtensile bond
      strength (MUTBS) of different glass ionomer cements (GICs) on sound/caries
      affected dentin and to assess the fluoride release/recharging ability. METHODS:
      After creating artificial caries lesions, teeth with sound and caries-affected
      dentin were assigned to be restored with one of the GICs: Ketac N100; GC Equia;
      GCP Glass Fill, and tested using a microtensile test. Ten of each material were
      prepared, and fluoride ion-release was measured at 10 different intervals. After
      1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride-gel immersion, fluoride re-release was then
      measured at the same intervals. RESULTS: In sound dentin, GC Equia exhibited
      significantly higher MUTBS value (P < 0.05). The mean MUTBS of Ketac N100 to
      caries-affected dentin was significantly lower than the other materials (P <
      0.05). All materials showed maximal fluoride release at 24 h, GC Equia released
      the most fluoride. CONCLUSION: The bond strength of GICs is affected by tooth
      substrate. High-viscosity GICs show higher initial fluoride release as well as
      greater fluoride recharge capacity.

PMID- 28091441
TI  - Process and outcome measures of quality of care at the diabetes outpatient
      clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess the quality of care provided at a diabetes
      outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria using quality indicators
      approved by the National Diabetes Quality Improvement Alliance (NDQIA). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who had visited the clinic at least
      two times within a 12 months period preceding the index visit were reviewed
      during a 5 month period. Process measure indicators, approved by the NDQIA
      (evaluating the functioning of the clinic) and outcome measures, published by the
      American Diabetes Association, (evaluating the health status of the attending
      patients) were retrieved from the medical records. RESULTS: The 332 records
      reviewed showed that the most consistently performed process measures were blood
      pressure and weight measurement (>90%). Foot examination was done infrequently
      (10.5%). Less than 50% had at least an annual low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (LDL-C) and hemoglobin A1c testing done. The mean (standard deviation) HbA1C (%),
      LDL-C (mg/dL) systolic blood pressure (SBP) (mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure
      (DBP) (mmHg) were 7.6 (2.0), 107.3 (31.5), 134.3 (20.8), 79.5 (11.0),
      respectively. HbA1C >8.0%, LDL-C >130 mg/dL, SBP >130 mmHg, and DBP >90 mmHg)
      were observed in 34.8%, 21.1%, 40.4%, and 23.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Although the organization of the outpatient services allowed for good performance
      with regards to "free" services such as blood pressure and weight measurement, it
      performed suboptimally for foot examinations. Performance indicators that
      required payment were consistently underperformed. Regular assessment of the
      quality of care may help in the identification of opportunities for improvement
      in the organization and delivery of care.

PMID- 28091443
TI  - Molecular characterization of exon 28 of von Willebrand's factor gene in Nigerian
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene are an important
      contributor to the expression of VWF gene and differences in ethnic distribution
      of these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exists. AIMS: Our objective was
      to molecularly characterize the exon 28 of the VWF gene in the three major ethnic
      groups of Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We recruited 90 subjects, 45 had a
      history of bleeding. Questions included those used in the Zimmerman Program for
      the Molecular and Clinical Biology of von Willebrand disease (VWD), and the
      bleeding scores were calculated using the Molecular and Clinical Markers for the
      Diagnosis and Management of type 1 VWD scoring system. Full blood count,
      coagulation profile, VWF:antigen level and VWF:collagen-binding activities were
      carried out. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism (5.03). GraphPad Software,
      Inc USA. The BigDye terminator chemistry was used to determine the nucleotide
      sequences of VWF gene (exon 28). RESULTS: Eight SNPs were identified, rs 216310
      (T1547), rs 1800385 (V1565L), rs1800384 (A1515), rs1800383 (D1472H), rs 1800386
      (Y1584C), rs 216311 (T1381A), rs 216312 (intronic) and rs 1800381 (P1337).
      CONCLUSION: The SNPs rs 216311, rs 1800383 and rs 1800386 associated
      significantly with bleeding in study subjects. rs1800386 occurred in all with
      bleeding history, no ethnic variations were noted.

PMID- 28091444
TI  - Impact of visual inspection with acetic acid plus cryotherapy "see and treat"
      approach on the reduction of the population burden of cervical preinvasive
      lesions in Southeast Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the impact of visual inspection
      with acetic acid (VIA) plus immediate cryotherapy on the prevalence of VIA
      detected cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). METHODS: Women in four
      rural communities in Southeast Nigeria were screened with VIA. Women who tested
      positive to VIA were offered either immediate cryotherapy or large loop excision
      of the transformation zone based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Cervical
      biopsies were taken before cryotherapy and examined by consultant
      histopathologists. All participants were rescreened 1 year later. The main
      outcome measures were population prevalence of cervical precancers before and
      after intervention, cure rates, and over-treatment rates. RESULTS: A total of 653
      women participated in the study. The prevalence of cervical SIL before the
      intervention was 8.9% (58/653). The prevalence 1 year later was 1.4% (9/649).
      This gave an 84.3% reduction in the population prevalence of SIL. The reduction
      in cervical SIL prevalence was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). The
      prevalence of high-grade SIL reduced significantly from 4.1% (27/653)
      preintervention to 0.5% (3/649) 1 year postintervention (P = 0.0001). This gave
      an 87.8% reduction in the population prevalence of high-grade SIL. Cryotherapy
      provided a cure rate of 87.9% (95% confidence interval: 76.82-94.33). CONCLUSION:
      Population cervical cancer prevention using VIA plus immediate cryotherapy leads
      to significant reduction in the population prevalence of cervical SIL. This has
      the potential of being an acceptable supplement to cervical cytology for cervical
      cancer prevention in low-income populations.

PMID- 28091446
TI  - Correlation between athlete training intensity and cardiac performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An effective analysis of correlation between training intensity of
      athletes and cardiac performance is done to develop scientific and reasonable
      exercise program and to promote health of athletes. METHODS: During December 2013
      December 2015, 3600 students from different sports schools were selected for the
      test. All the athletes were randomly grouped, that is half-hour running group,
      one-hour running group and 90 -minute running group, which are named A, B, C
      groups respectively. The three groups of athletes received 5 days of testing per
      week, and took rest in the remaining two days, maintaining a total of 10 days.
      Exercise intensity of personnel accepting test was detected by RPE, and effective
      analysis was made on cardiac function change before and after test of three
      groups of the college students. RESULTS: Resting heart rates of B, C group
      students were considerably decreased after exercise. In comparison of falling
      range of group C and group A, there is a statistically significant difference, P
      <0.05. CONCLUSION: By strengthening athletes' training intensity, we can
      effectively enhance athletes' cardiac performance. t As a result, athletes' body
      becomes healthier, which is conducive to athletes' physical and mental
      development.

PMID- 28091445
TI  - Preoperative and intraoperative continuous use of dexmedetomidine on hyperalgesia
      after patients' remifentanil anesthesia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Analyze clinical use of dexmedetomidine to relieve prognosis of
      remifentanil anesthesia recovery and analyze intervention effect. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Choose 3600 cases of cerebral functional area operation patients treated
      in different hospitals during June 2011 and December 2015 for general analysis,
      group the patients by considering relevant parting of anesthesia recovery by
      American Society of Anesthesiologists, and divide the patients into
      dexmedetomidine group and control group according to different use of drugs. The
      two groups of patients are anesthetized, patients' anesthesia wake-up time and
      wake-up success rate are recorded, and effect of two types of anesthesia wake-up
      way are compared. RESULTS: There exists no significant statistical difference in
      wake-up success rate of the two groups of patients, wake-up time has small
      difference, but anesthesia recovery quality of dexmedetomidine group is higher,
      which is conducive to physical rehabilitation of patients and minimize the
      effects of anesthetics on patients. CONCLUSION: In clinical surgery, after use of
      remifentanil anesthesia on patients, use of dexmedetomidine for anesthesia
      recovery can minimize adverse effects of drugs on patients and thus is worthy to
      be effectively promoted in clinics.

PMID- 28091447
TI  - Prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with a resected right temporomandibular
      joint.
AB  - This case report presents the prosthodontic rehabilitation of a patient with a
      resected right mandible, caused by an accident. Right condyle, ramus, and the
      posterior part of ramus were affected by the accident. These structures were
      resected, and the mandible was positioned toward the surgical area and a facial
      asymmetry was occurred. The patient was treated with a bar-retained maxillar
      denture with a guide ramp and an implant-supported fixed mandibular prosthesis.

PMID- 28091448
TI  - Oro-dental characteristics of three siblings with Papillon-Lefevre syndrome.
AB  - Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, showing
      oral and dermatological manifestations in the form of aggressive periodontitis,
      leading to the premature loss of both primary and permanent teeth at a very young
      age and palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis. It was first described by two French
      physicians, Papillon and Lefevre in 1924. Immunologic, genetic, or possible
      bacterial etiologies have been thought to account for etiopathogenesis of PLS.
      Severe gingival inflammation and periodontal destruction occurred after the
      eruption of primary teeth. This condition should warn the physicians and dentists
      as a one of the important sign for the diagnosis of PLS. There have been over 250
      cases reported in literature about PLS, but a few of these were in the same
      family. This study presents oro-dental characteristics, dental treatments, and
      follow-up of three siblings (age of sisters are 13, 6, and 4 years) with PLS,
      which is rarely seen in the same family.

PMID- 28091449
TI  - Crouzon syndrome with multiple supernumerary teeth.
AB  - Crouzon syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by
      craniofacial deformities caused by the early closure of cranial sutures. It is
      diagnosed by the presence of a flat sphenoid bone, protrusion of eyeballs
      (exophthalmos), and midfacial hypoplasia. Although hypodontia is usually present
      in cases with CS, supernumerary teeth are rarely seen. A 16-year-old male patient
      with CS was referred to our clinic. He had a high forehead, beaked nose,
      hypertelorism, palpebral ptosis, and asymmetrical orbits. Bilateral multiple
      supernumerary teeth were observed in his upper and lower jaws. Early diagnosis of
      CS is helpful in dental and craniofacial treatment. Because of multiple facial
      and oral problems, this patient required a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

PMID- 28091450
TI  - Smartphone photomicrography: A quick, easy, useful technique for the clinician.

PMID- 28091451
TI  - [Radiofrequency ablation in combined treatment of metastatic colorectal liver
      cancer].
AB  - AIM: To study surgical and oncological outcomes in patients with metastatic
      colorectal liver cancer who underwent radiofrequency ablation in the structure of
      combined approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a prospective analysis of
      treatment of 76 patients with metastatic colorectal liver cancer who underwent
      RFA for the period 2004-2013. Overall survival was analyzed using univariate and
      multivariate analysis. RESULTS: According to univariate analysis overall 5-year
      survival is negatively determined by following factors: primary localization of
      the tumor in rectum (36.2% and 7.2%; p=0.021); bilobed metastatic liver disease
      (35.9% and 15.4%; p=0.068); metastases dimensions over 5 cm (27.4% and 0%,
      p=0.091); augmentation of CAE levels over 4 norms (26.7% and 11.4%, p=0.09); RFA
      as a component of two-stage liver surgery (23.3% and 26.0%, p=0.09). CONCLUSION:
      RFA is an effective method of local antineoplastic effect for metastatic
      colorectal cancer. Dimensions of coagulated metastases, volume of metastatic
      lesion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, ablation as a component of two-stage
      surgery affect long-term survival after RFA.

PMID- 28091452
TI  - [Early reconstruction of supra-aortic vessels as a prevention of recurrent
      ischemic stroke].
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of supra-aortic vessels reconstruction
      within acute period of stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Early surgery was performed
      in 7 patients aged 67+/-9 years. Revascularization was made after 4.6 days after
      ischemic stroke on the average (range from 2 to 7 days). Neurological status
      before and after surgery was assessed using NIHSS scale, mean preoperative score
      was 3.9+/-2.7 (0-7). All patients had ischemic brain lesions (4-32 mm, mean 10
      mm) unilateral with carotid stenosis or occlusion. Carotid artery stenting was
      performed in 2 patients, carotid endarterectomy - in 4 patients and stenting of
      segment I of the left subclavian artery was made in 1 case. RESULTS: There were
      no mortality and recurrent postoperative ischemic stroke. Complications occurred
      in two patients: postoperative hematoma and intraoperative transient ischemic
      attack that developed during CAS after 5 days of a stroke. There was positive
      neurological dynamics after revascularization: there was almost 2-fold decrease
      of mean score of neurological deficit (from 3.9+/-2.7+/-1.7 to 2). CONCLUSION:
      Early surgical prevention of recurrent stroke (up to 7 days) can be performed
      effectively and safely in carefully selected patients with ischemic stroke
      (neurological deficit less than 3 Rankin scores and less than 7 NIHSS scores,
      ischemic lesion dimensions lass than 4 cm). Reconstruction of supra-aortic
      vessels in acute stage of stroke improves the neurological status and reduces the
      degree of motor and sensory disorders. However, currently there are no clear
      criteria for inclusion and exclusion of patients for early revascularization
      using both degree of neurological deficit and size of ischemic lesion. So our
      results need to be confirmed by large trials.

PMID- 28091453
TI  - [Peculiarities of the course, diagnosis and surgical treatment of non-lactating
      mastitis].
AB  - AIM: To improve treatment of patients with non-lactating mastitis through the
      study of the course, diagnosis and surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      study included 336 women aged 18-72 years with non-lactating mastitis who were
      hospitalized into the clinic for the period 1999-2016. RESULTS: Main clinical
      variants of the disease, spectrum of pathogens and its relationship with clinical
      forms of mastitis were determined. Also early and long-term outcomes were
      evaluated followed by formulation of therapeutic and diagnostic concept of
      surgical care for non-lactating mastitis. Thus, good results were obtained in
      most cases (95.8% in early period and 92.6% in long-term period). CONCLUSION:
      Only differentiated approach to diagnostic and curative tactics will allow to
      achieve good cosmetic and functional results in these patients.

PMID- 28091455
TI  - [Enhanced recovery protocol in gerontological colon cancer patients].
AB  - To develop enhanced recovery protocol for elderly and old patients in elective
      colon cancer surgery. In Russia as in the most world countries the biggest
      frequency of colon cancer are among elderly and old people. At the same time
      surgery treatment of elderly patients compared with young patients accompanied
      with increased frequency of complications, length of stay in hospital and
      mortality. Based on own and literature trials authors proposed enhanced recovery
      protocol for gerontological colon cancer patients. Protocol established on
      multidisciplinary approach to elderly and old patients treatment and include all
      stages of perioperative period.

PMID- 28091454
TI  - [Surgical and combined correction of tracheal and laryngotracheal cicatricial
      stenosis and restenosis].
AB  - AIM: To improve treatment of patients with cicatricial tracheal stenosis using
      different methods of recanalization and circular resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Analysis involved 57 patients with cicatricial tracheal stenosis including 2 post
      traumatic cases, 27 post-intubation cases, 25 cases after tracheostomy and 3
      restenoses after previous circular resection. There were 5 cases of tracheal
      stenosis combined with tracheoesophageal fistula, 1 patient with chest nodular
      goiter, 8 cases of unclosed tracheostomy and 3 patients with long-existing
      laryngotracheal fissure. There were 25 women and 32 men aged 15-65 years.
      Stenosis length ranged from 3.0 to 4.5 cm in 66.6% of patients. There were 13
      (22.8%) patients with subcompensated stenosis (d=0.5-0.7 cm) and 44 (77.2%) cases
      of decompensated stenosis (d<0.5 cm) combined with suppurative tracheobronchitis
      that required endosurgical recanalization with stenting or balloon dilatation. 45
      patients underwent upper tracheal third resection, 9 - middle third resection, 3 
      upper third and cricoid cartilage resection. Length of excised segment was 2.5
      9.5 cm. Simultaneous suturing of esophageal anterior wall defect was performed in
      5 cases. RESULTS: Complete recovery of tracheal lumen was achieved in 54 patients
      (93%). Restenosis occurred in 4 (7%) cases (3 of them underwent repeated
      resection with good results and 1 - stenting). CONCLUSION: Circular resection is
      optimal treatment of cicatricial tracheal stenosis. Endosurgical recanalization
      is preparatory method prior to radical surgery.

PMID- 28091456
TI  - [Antegrade endobiliary interventions in undilated bile ducts].
AB  - AIM: To show advisability of antegrade transhepatic approach to bile ducts for
      benign and malignant biliary diseases if endoscopic technique is impossible or
      ineffective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 38 patients underwent external biliary
      drainage followed by endobiliary interventions for the period 2009-2016. RESULTS:
      In all patients treatment was effective and included following manipulations:
      antegrade balloon dilatation of stricture of biliodigestive anastomosis,
      papillodilatation, antegrade dislocation of calculuses from common bile duct to
      duodenum. There were 2 cases of complications after antegrade interventions. 1
      woman died from severe pancreatic necrosis. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transhepatic
      cholangiostomy on undilated bile ducts is effective for temporary biliary
      drainage in closure of external duodenal or biliary fistula, treatment of intra
      abdominal bilema. The method is indicated in elective endobiliary interventions
      for choledocholithiasis management, elimination of stricture of biliodigestive
      anastomosis of major duodenal papilla if endoscopic or conventional approaches
      are impossible or ineffective.

PMID- 28091457
TI  - [Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in short-stay hospital].
AB  - AIM: To develop the protocol of surgical management of cholelithiasis in short
      stay hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surgical treatment of 161 patients with
      cholelithiasis was analyzed. All of them underwent elective cholecystectomy.
      Short-stay hospital group included 41 patients. 120 patients were operated in
      surgical department (group 2). RESULTS: Incidence of intraoperative complications
      was 2.4% and 3.4% in both groups respectively (p>0.05). Postoperative
      complications were more frequent in group 2 (8.3% vs. 2.4%, p<0.05). Mean
      hospital-stay was 1 and 4.4 days in both groups respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Treatment of chronic calculous cholecystitis is advisable in short-stay hospital.
      Indications for this approach and its safety in certain patients were determined.
      The protocol of surgical management of chronic cholecystitis in short-stay
      hospital was develped.

PMID- 28091458
TI  - [Morphological and functional aspects of recurrent postoperative ventral
      hernias].
AB  - AIM: To define the optimal treatment of postoperative ventral hernias. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: It was performed microscopic examination of intraoperative specimens
      which were obtained from 40 patients with medium, large and giant hernia. The aim
      was to reveal ultrastructural changes and morphological features which are
      associated with abdominal wall weakness in case of postoperative ventral hernia.
      There were 28 (70%) cases of primary postoperative hernia and 12 (30%) cases of
      recurrent and multiple-recurrent hernia. In 4 patients polypropylene mesh
      implants were implanted prior to recurrence. Tissue specimens were obtained from
      the top of herniation, hernial ring and in 6 cm from the hernial ring. RESULTS
      AND DISCUSSION: Electron microscopy showed that postoperative ventral hernias are
      accompanied by ultrastructural destructive changes in cells of the skin,
      aponeurosis and muscles that indicates on morphofunctional failure of abdominal
      wall tissues. Swelling and degradation of collagen, fibroblasts vacuolization,
      capillary sludge of erythrocytes, development of vacuum zones with the fragments
      of altered collagen fibrils, red blood cells and mast cells are morphological
      signs of micronecrosis followed by abdominal wall weakness and postoperative
      ventral hernias. CONCLUSION: Postoperative ventral hernias are associated with
      morphological and functional failure of abdominal wall due to tissue destructive
      changes. Therefore, this obviously defective tissue can not be used per se and
      especially with tension. Mesh implants should be applied.

PMID- 28091459
TI  - [Evaluation of reparative osteogenesis of distraction regenerate of the fourth
      metatarsal bone in patients with brachymetatarsia].
AB  - AIM: To evaluate reparative osteogenesis of the fourth metatarsal bone using X
      ray and ultrasonic methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six patients with fourth
      metatarsal bone dysplasia underwent ultrasound and X-ray examination during
      distraction and fixation. Data were analyzed. RESULTS: During distraction
      sonography assessed adequately the length of elongation, activity of bone
      trabecula formation, features of vascularization and organotypic reconstruction
      of regenerate. X-ray examination is advisable to determine the terms of device
      relief during fixation. CONCLUSION: Sonography is preferable during distraction
      for dynamic monitoring of reparative osteogenesis. X-ray examination is advisable
      to determine the terms of device relief during fixation.

PMID- 28091460
TI  - [Diabetes mellitus in surgical clinic].
AB  - AIM: To demonstrate that the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM)
      are actual today for surgical clinic because morbidity reached pandemic levels.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: We defined causality and comorbid relations of DM with some
      common pancreatic diseases that is especially important for abdominal surgical
      clinic. Pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory signs of diabetes were determined
      in patients with surgical pancreatic pathology. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Meta
      analysis of literature data and our own experience are presented in diagrams of
      surgical patients with hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar and lactacidemic
      syndromes. The main conclusion is need for pathogenetic approach and continuous
      clinical and laboratory monitoring.

PMID- 28091461
TI  - [Use of somatostatin analogues in the pancreonecrosis therapy (kliniko
      experimental research)].
AB  - : The article is devoted to the study and optimization of therapeutic strategy in
      pancreatic necrosis. We studied the effectiveness of clinical application of
      human somatostatin analog - octreotide in different dosages. Submitted
      investigationconsists of experimental and clinical parts. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Experimentalmodel of acute destructive pancreatitis onrats of Wistar line with
      weight of 300+/-30 gwas reproduced.There were 5 animal groups (one control group
      and four experimental groups). Experimental animals received oktreotidin
      different doses. In 2 days there were estimated the blood biochemistryand
      histopathologic features of liver and pancreas of operated animals. In clinical
      part there were formed two groups of patients out of selected case histories by a
      principle of similarity of complex therapy differing in oktreotid doses, namely:
      1) pancreatonecrosis patients estimated of 3 to 8 points by Ranson scale in whose
      treatment regimen oktreotid 300 mkg/day (n=70) dose was included; 2)
      pancreatonecrosispatients estimated of 3 to 8 points by Ransonin whose treatment
      regimenoktreoid1200 mkg/day (n=38) was included. There were compared indices of
      lethal outcomes, average bed-days, and dynamics of laboratory findings, number
      and volume of surgical procedures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Dose-related effect of
      a synthetic analogue of somatostatin, acetateoktreotid, was proved. Introduction
      in complex therapy of pancreatonecrosisthe highest possible authorized doses of
      oktreotid (1200 mkg/day) is conducive to more favorable course of illness,
      dynamic reduction of amilazemia, decrease of lethal outcomes and total bed-day,
      and also, reduction of initial and repeated operative procedures.

PMID- 28091462
TI  - [The modern principles of management of intermittent claudication].
AB  - Number of patients with peripheral arterial disease, despite various national
      public health programs, remains high and has no steady downward trend over the
      past few decades. Despite recent advances in drug therapy, sonservative approach
      in the management of peripheral arterial disease is often neglected by vascular
      surgeons. However, vast majority of patients with intermittent claudication, who
      receive comprehensive conservative treatment, including risk factor modification,
      exercise and drug therapy, may get significant improvement in quality of life by
      partial or complete relief of symptoms related to the disease. Patients strictly
      adhering to medical recommendations has favorable prognosis and progression of
      disease to the stage of critical limb ischemia is very unlikely. Noncompliant
      patients and those who continue smoking in particular, often experience
      progression of symptoms related to the disease. That may result in the need for
      surgical intervention aiming to prevent or delay the onset of critical limb
      ischemia.

PMID- 28091463
TI  - [Influence of the antihypoxantic therapy on children with generalized
      peritonitis].
AB  - AIM: To improve the results of treatment of a widespread purulent peritonitis in
      children by optimizing fluid therapy includes the use of combined treatment:
      reamberin and remaxol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 269 patients aged 1 to 15
      years with a widespread purulent peritonitis treated at the children's surgical
      departments in Samara from 2001 to 2015. The study group included 179 children
      who used the optimized infusion therapy. In the study group was allocated to 2
      groups: 69 children in infusion therapy which used reamberin and 110 patients in
      which treatment was applied reamberin and remaxol. The surgical treatment used
      laparoscopic sanation of the abdomen. Comprehensive survey included a study of
      dynamics of the white blood cell count, leukocyte index Kalf-Caliph, erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate, temperature, total albumin concentration, transaminase
      levels. Catamnesis studied 48 patients with the definition of complex intima
      media thickness in the projection of basilar, brachial and femoral arteries.
      RESULTS: A study compared indicators of both groups, revealed a more rapid
      reduction of intoxication symptomps (leukocytosis, LII, body temperature), the
      disappearance of enteric disease, recovery of protein-synthetic function of the
      liver, decrease of cytolytic and mesenchymal-inflammatory syndromes in the main
      group, especially in the subgroup in which treatment was included remaxol.
      CONCLUSION: The use of reamberin and remaxol in infusion therapy led to
      improvement of the results of the treatment of common purulent peritonitis in
      children. Study catamnesis with the study of the intima-media revealed that
      children undergoing widespread purulent peritonitis further develop signs of
      endothelial dysfunction. The developed clinical recommendations to significantly
      reduce the risk of developing signs of endothelial dysfunction, thereby reducing
      the possible appearance of vascular pathology in patients who underwent childhood
      widespread purulent peritonitis.

PMID- 28091464
TI  - [A true giant aneurysm of gastro-duodenal artery].

PMID- 28091466
TI  - [Colonic intussusception in a child].

PMID- 28091465
TI  - [Complex endovascular treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome].

PMID- 28091467
TI  - [The history of cochlear implantation].
AB  - The creation of cochlear implants has become possible owing to the collaboration
      in the field of neurophysiology, otorhinolaryngology, audiology, engineering, and
      psychoacoustics. The experiments carried out in the 1930s were not directly
      associated with the electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve but had a
      significant influence on the development of cochlear implants. The first attempt
      at direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve was performed in 1957
      using a device that consisted of an active electrode and an implantable induction
      coil. A good discrimination of intensity but poor frequency discrimination of the
      acoustic stimuli in a deaf patient was achieved. In 1985, the cochlear implants
      were approved for the treatment of the adult patients and in 1990 for the
      children at the age under 2 years. Multi-channel cochlear implantation has been
      carried out in Russia since 1991 although the efforts to introduce singe-channel
      implantation were made in the 1980s. Nowadays, there are more than 8000 cochlear
      implant users in the Russian Federation. Cochlear implantation is performed in a
      number of clinical centres in several regions of the country funded from the
      federal budget.

PMID- 28091468
TI  - [Reoperations after cochlear implantation].
AB  - : The objective of the present study: the improvement of the quality and
      effectiveness of the surgical stage of cochlear implantation on the basis of the
      comprehensive analysis of performed reoperations. PATIENTS: 84 patients of the
      2413 ones who had undergone cochlear implantation were re-examined by revision
      surgery within various periods after the first intervention. MAIN RESULTS: In
      certain patients, the correction of the intracochlear electrode array position
      was performed and in 72 cases the replacement of the implant was done. The most
      frequent cause of the replacement of the implant was the failure of the device.
      In the case of the extrusion and inflammation, the two-stage surgical treatment
      was applied. The exposure of the different parts of the cochlear implant with the
      duration up to 2 weeks was considered as a complication which could be adequately
      corrected. The surgical treatment of such patients was carried out in a single
      stage. The reparation processes at the place of the first intervention were
      strongly expressed, especially in children. Standardization of the cochlear
      implantation surgical stage based on the determination of its optimum volume in
      our Center led to a decrease in the number of reoperations and made the learning
      process easier to master for young otosurgeons. CONCLUSION: It is can be
      concluded that the reoperation after primary cochlear implantation is a highly
      effective technique and, taking into account the listed features, doesn't present
      difficulties for the qualified otosurgeon.

PMID- 28091469
TI  - [The role of computer and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with deafness].
AB  - : The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of CT and MRI
      for diagnostics of congenital and acquired pathology of the inner ear in the deaf
      patients. Two groups of the patients were examined. The first group consisted of
      75 patients with congenital or acquired deafness etiology. The second group was
      comprised of 75 patients with deafness associated with acute bacterial meningitis
      suffered in the preceding period. All the patients were examined by CT and MRI of
      temporal bones. The results of the study provided a basis for the development of
      indications for the application of CT and MRI to examine the patients presenting
      with hearing loss and deafness. CONCLUSION: CT and MRI make it possible to
      identify individual features of the temporal bone structure significant for the
      surgical treatment. MRI appears to have an advantage over CT for diagnostics of
      early obliteration of the cochlea. Both CT and MRI are the optional methods for
      the examination of the patients with deafness developing after meningitis.

PMID- 28091470
TI  - [The results of cochlear implantation in the patient with hereditary and non
      hereditary hearing loss].
AB  - The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of
      rehabilitation of the patients after cochlear implantation in the early and late
      periods after operation taking into consideration the etiology of congenital
      deafness. The comprehensive clinico-audiological examination performed during the
      period from 2010 to 2015 involved 246 children who had undergone cochlear
      implantation (CI). All children were operated at the National Research Center for
      Audiology and Hearing Rehabilitation in the period from 2003 to 2013. 83 (56%)
      patients were aged 1 to 3 years at the time of surgery. Their age varied from 3
      to 18 years when they underwent the clinico-audiological examination. Thus, the
      study is based on the experience with cochlear implantation varying from 3 to 12
      years. The genetic analysis revealed mutations in the GJB2 gene in 49% of the
      children, in agreement with the data of earlier studies. 85% of all the children
      with GJB2 deafness surgically treated at the age under 4 years attend ordinary
      institutions of learning. Within 24 months after the onset of the observations
      the majority of the children with hereditary deafness (63%) were referred to the
      groups with good and excellent results of the rehabilitation and only 6 (12%)
      patients presented with unsatisfactory results. It was shown that the acquired
      causes of the loss of hearing including severe prenatal pathology have a negative
      influence on the long-term outcomes of rehabilitation. The results of the genetic
      analysis for the elucidation of the cause of impaired hearing can be employed as
      a prognostic criteria not only for the prediction but also for the guarantee of
      the success of cochlear implantation provided the rehabilitative process was
      initiated in a proper time.

PMID- 28091471
TI  - [The impact of implantable technologies on the quality of life in the patients
      with hearing loss].
AB  - The improvement of the effectiveness of the rehabilitation of the patients with
      hearing disorders is a priority task for an audiologist. One part of the present
      work was to assess satisfaction of the patients treated with the use of the
      hearing aids, drug therapy, and the surgical operations. The aim of the study was
      to evaluate the influence of the implantation of the Baha bone conduction system
      on the quality of life of the treated patients. The Russian-language versions of
      the Glasgow Benefit Inventory and Glasgow Children Benefit inventory
      questionnaires were used. The survey was conducted among the patients with
      bilateral moderate and moderate-to-severe conductive hearing loss due to
      congenital malformation of the external and middle ears or chronic suppurative
      otitis media followed by canal-down operation. A total of 47 patients took part
      in the present multicenter study. The results demonstrate the high effectiveness
      of rehabilitation with the use of the implantable bone conduction system. The
      beneficial effect of the treatment was especially well apparent in the children.
      The results are comparable with the data of the similarly designed investigations
      reported in the literature. Peculiarities of the data obtained in the present
      study and statistical characteristics made it possible to validate the Russian
      language versions of the Glasgow Benefit Inventory and Glasgow Children Benefit
      inventory questionnaires.

PMID- 28091472
TI  - [The clinical definition and etiology of Pendred syndrome (a review of the
      literature and clinical observations)].
AB  - : The aim of this work was a clinical study of the patients with mutations in the
      SLC26A4 gene and clinical diagnosis of the Pendred syndrome. The Pendred syndrome
      is a hereditary autosomal recessive disorder characterized by combined pathology
      of the inner ear and the thyroid gland. CT of the temporal bones demonstrates the
      Mondini-type structural anomaly in the inner ear and enlarged vestibular
      aqueduct. Examination of the thyroid gland reveals hypothyroidism and euthyroid
      goiter. A total of 20 unrelated children at the age from 2 to 16 years presenting
      with the hearing loss of different severity were available for the examination.
      High-resolution CT of the temporal bones demonstrated abnormal development of the
      inner ear including the Mondini-type structural anomaly and enlarged vestibular
      aqueduct. Five children with congenital hypothyroidism suffered from bilateral
      sensorineural impairment of hearing. The routine methods of audiological and
      molecular genetic examination were used throughout the study. RESULTS: As a
      result of molecular genetic studies, four out of the 20 patients were found to
      carry six recessive mutations of the SLC26A4 gene in the compound heterozygous
      and one such gene in the homozygous state which confirmed the hereditary nature
      of the disease. The children suffered the hearing loss of varying severity
      diagnosed at different age. The thyroid hypofunction in one child was identified
      when it was 2 years of age, and in two children at the age of 8 and 9 years.
      CONCLUSION: The first step in the diagnosis of the Pendred syndrome among
      children with congenital hearing loss was a CT scan of the temporal bones that
      showed incomplete separation of the curls of the cochlea and enlarged vestibular
      aqueduct. It is necessary to continue to study epidemiology, clinical and
      molecular genetics of the Pendred syndrome in the Russian population.

PMID- 28091473
TI  - [Cardiac rhythm disturbances in the children with hearing pathology].
AB  - : The aim of the study was to identify cardiac arrhythmias in children presenting
      with hearing impairments. Hearing loss in the children can occur concurrently
      with the disturbances of the cardiac rhythms. The detection of this pathology at
      the diagnostic stage is as important as it is at the stage of rehabilitation
      including surgical one. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 100
      patients (55 boys and 45 girls of the mean age of 4.8 years) operated in 2013 was
      made. RESULTS: Cardiac arrhythmias and conduction were recorded on the
      electrocardiograms obtained from 10 patients (4 boys and 6 girls) of the 100
      examined ones, which amounted to 10%. The hereditary long QT syndrome (including
      Jervell-Lange-Nielsen syndrome) has not been identified. CONCLUSION: The timely
      diagnostics of congenital arrhythmias in the children with hearing impairment
      makes it possible to significantly reduce the risk of the sudden cardiac death
      (for example, in the patients presenting with the Jervell-Lange-Nielsen syndrome)
      and facilitates the choice of the anesthesiological support for the surgical
      treatment (including cochlear implantation) taking into consideration possible
      cardiac rhythm disturbances.

PMID- 28091474
TI  - [The analysis of acoustic activity unsynchronized with the stimulus with the use
      of TEOAE].
AB  - : The presence of ambient noise or the troubled child's behavior during the
      registration of transiently induced optoacoustic emission (TEOAE) can lead to
      false positive results at the first stage of hearing screening. The aim of this
      study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the noise reduction method based on
      weighted averaging of the data in the frequency and time slot, to check TEOAE,
      and to improve the effectiveness of universal hearing screening. Particular
      attention is paid to the analysis of the origin of noise recorded during the UAE.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have developed a method of noise reduction, based on
      weighted averaging of the data in the frequency and time cells. In this study, 20
      people were examined (9 adults and 11 children). TEOAE was performed using the
      probe of the ILO 288 instrument manufactured by Otodinamics Ltd. that was
      connected to the E-MU 0204 sound card. The probe microphone was connected through
      the preamplifier to one input channel of the sound card, and the second channel
      was used to receive a signal from the ECG and the respiration recorder.
      Thereafter, the data thus obtained were processed by several methods, including
      the method of averaging in the frequency and time slot designed to average a set
      of implementations that contain a noisy signal. The comparison of the results of
      the use of noise suppression method based on weighted averaging of the data in
      the frequency and time cells showed that it increases the accuracy of TEOAE. MAIN
      RESULTS: Our work suggests that the use of the noise suppression method based on
      weighted averaging of the data in the frequency and time cells, increases the
      accuracy of TEOAE. Similar results were obtained by the weighted averaging
      method.

PMID- 28091475
TI  - [The Russian-language version of the matrix test (RUMatrix) in free field in
      patients after cochlear implantation in the long term].
AB  - : The deterioration of speech intelligibility in the patients using cochlear
      implantation (CI) systems is especially well apparent in the noisy environment.
      It explains why phrasal speech tests, such as a Matrix sentence test, have become
      increasingly more popular in the speech audiometry during rehabilitation after
      CI. The Matrix test allows to estimate speech perception by the patients in a
      real life situation. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness
      of audiological rehabilitation of CI patients using the Russian-language version
      of the matrix test (RUMatrix) in free field in the noisy environment. 33 patients
      aged from 5 to 40 years with a more than 3 year experience of using cochlear
      implants inserted at the National Research Center for Audiology and Hearing
      Rehabilitation were included in our study. Five of these patients were implanted
      bilaterally. The results of our study showed a statistically significant
      improvement of speech intelligibility in the noisy environment after the speech
      processor adjustment; dynamics of the signal-to-noise ratio changes was -1.7 dB
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The RUMatrix test is a highly efficient method for the
      estimation of speech intelligibility in the patients undergoing clinical
      investigations in the noisy environment. The high degree of comparability of the
      RUMatrix test with the Matrix tests in other languages makes possible its
      application in international multicenter studies.

PMID- 28091476
TI  - [Application of the mathematical model for prognosis in the rehabilitation of
      children after cochlear implantation].
AB  - : Despite the variety of etiological factors, cochlear implantation (CI) remains
      the only effective method for the rehabilitation of the patients presenting with
      total deafness. The aim of this study was the enhancement of the efficiency of
      selection of the candidates for CI, the improvement of the quality of
      rehabilitation of the patients with cochlear implants, and the determination of
      the prognostic criteria for clinical trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: (CI). The
      decision-making support system (DMSS) based on the artificial neural networks
      (ANNs) has been created to enhance the efficiency of rehabilitation of the
      patients with cochlear implants and increase the effectiveness of the selection
      of candidates for cochlear implantation. The results of the children's
      rehabilitation after CI have been analyzed by using a mathematical model of
      artificial neural networks (Kohonen layer). The basis for the assessment of ANNs
      was formed by the results of the observations of audioverbal perception in 110
      patients aged from 6 months to 17 years. The initial data were the average values
      obtained with the use of the Russian-language version of the Nottingham
      children's implant profile's test T1 - T3. The testing was performed before CI
      and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after it. MAIN RESULTS: The work yielded the four
      cluster data structure. It made it possible to estimate the effectiveness of the
      clinical trials in selected classes depending on the etiology of the disease, the
      age of the patients, and their experience with the application of hearing aids.
      The reliable estimation of the dynamics of auditory perception at the stage of
      rehabilitation and prognosis of the outcomes of CI made it possible to take
      additional preventive and therapeutic measures in the combination with
      complementary psychological and educational procedures.

PMID- 28091477
TI  - [The pedagogical evaluation of the pre-school children with cochlear implants].
AB  - The objective of the present work was to elaborate the content of comprehensive
      psycho-pedagogical examination for the assessment of the overall intelligence
      level in the children presenting with hearing impairments. The complex of studies
      to be carried out to achieve this purpose encompasses evaluation of the social,
      physical, and cognitive development of the children as well as peculiarities of
      their play activities, their speech and hearing abilities. This approach is
      believed to enable a teacher of deaf and hard of hearing to identify the
      individual characteristics of each child and determine those of special
      importance for the elaboration of educational programs on an individual basis
      taking into consideration variants of children's development (harmonic, uneven,
      retarded, etc.). To facilitate the implementation of the proposed method, a
      special electronic tool (a virtual practice for a teacher of deaf) has been
      created. The virtual practice is believed to be instrumental in the training of
      the teachers of deaf for the comprehensive evaluation of the children with
      cochlear implants. In this way, the effectiveness of the development of
      personalized rehabilitation programs can be substantially increased.

PMID- 28091478
TI  - [Four sessions of the work of a teacher of deaf at the initial stage of
      rehabilitation of a child with a cochlear implant].
AB  - PURPOSE: To present the system of the teacher of the deaf work with a child with
      CI and their family at the initial rehabilitation stage aimed at reorganization
      of interaction between the child with CI and his family and transition of the
      child to the way of natural development. RESULTS: The paper presents a brief
      description of the teacher of the deaf systematic work at the initial
      rehabilitation stage, which includes four work sessions of the teacher, during
      which the logic of normal development of a hearing child during the first year of
      their life is reproduced. The main difficulties in interaction with a child with
      CI, faced by their parents are described. Indicators of completion of each
      session with a child with CI and their parents are specified. There is noted that
      90 children passed to the way of natural development of communication and speech
      with their relatives and parents sought to improve their interaction with the
      children. CONCLUSION: The system of the teacher of the deaf work with children
      after CI surgery, developed in the Institute of Special Education of the Russian
      Academy of Education, allows to reconstruct interaction between the child and
      their parents on a normal sensory basis and for a child with CI to pass to the
      way of natural development of their communication and speech as early age hearing
      children do.

PMID- 28091479
TI  - [Rehabilitation of a child with a cochlear implant: the "initial point" of new
      auditory abilities].
AB  - The objective of the present study was to consider the key issue of the method of
      successful pedagogical rehabilitation of the children after cochlear implantation
      (CI) developed at the Institute of Special Education, i.e. what should be
      considered the "initial point" of new auditory abilities for a child carrying a
      cochlear implant. It was shown that the definition of the "initial point" depends
      on the understanding of early auditory ontogenesis, success of implantation
      surgery, accurate connection of the speech-processor and its correct initial
      adjustment. However, the analysis of the practical experience demonstrated that
      the majority of the children are unable to benefit from the new opportunities on
      their own. They need a special support by the teacher of the deaf and the family
      members for "launching" the new auditory abilities. Both the content and the
      effectiveness of this work depend on the understanding of early auditory
      ontogenesis and the skills of the teacher of the deaf. A new approach to the
      rehabilitation of the children with cochlear implants is proposed based on the
      interpretation of early auditory ontogenesis in the context of the formation and
      complication of the emotional communication of a child with the adult relatives.
      In the frame of the proposed approach to the rehabilitation of the children with
      cochlear implants, the "initial point" of new auditory abilities is the
      initiation of an emotional dialogue with the adult relatives on a new sensory
      basis. This "initial point" is common for different groups of children with an
      exclusion of deaf children with cochlear implants retaining the ability for the
      emotional communication with the relatives. In such children, the "initial point"
      is the point of ontogenesis at which the communication with the environment on
      the comprehensive sensory foundation was interrupted.

PMID- 28091480
TI  - [The application of lasers in otorhinolaryngology].
AB  - The objective of this review is to summarize and systematize the data concerning
      the modern laser and laser-based systems, their characteristics, and possible
      applications in various spheres of medicine including otorhinolaryngology. The
      application of laser technologies in medical practice gains ever increasing
      popularity. Lasers have been successfully used during a long period for the
      diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. At present, they are just as actively
      applied in different fields of the surgical practice. Otorhinolaryngology makes
      the most extensive use of neodymium, CO2, and holmium lasers. The latter has the
      most universal characteristics and is operated in a relatively short wavelength
      range (lambda=2.01 mcm); moreover, its radiation penetrates as deep as 0.4 mm
      into the biological tissues. In other words, the holmium laser not only combines
      the advantages of the CO2 and neodymium lasers but is also devoid of their
      shortcomings. The holmium laser is considered to be the most promising source of
      laser radiation for the application in otorhinolaryngological surgery with a
      potential encompassing the most wide spectrum of surgical manipulations needed to
      treat pathological changes in the ears, nose, and throat. The application of this
      instrument in medical practice opens up new prospects for the development of
      otorhinolaryngology.

PMID- 28091481
TI  - [The methods of surgical sanation of the difficult to access parts of the middle
      ear in the patients presenting with chronic suppurative otitis media and
      concomitant cholesteatoma].
AB  - The recurrent cholesteatomic process is one of the main causes of the poor
      outcome of the surgical treatment in the patients with acquired cholesteatoma of
      the middle ear. The relapse can be due to the incomplete removal of the
      cholesteatomic matrix especially from the difficult to access for visual control
      during the surgical intervention parts of the anterior epitympanic space, medial
      sinuses of retrotympanum, deep-lying portions of hypotympanum, and retrofacial
      part of the mastoid cavity. One more cause behind the recurrent process is the
      retention of the conditions for the secondary retraction of the neotympanic
      membrane, The objective of the present study was the improvement of the surgical
      modalities for better visualization and sanation of the difficult to access
      anatomically complex parts of the middle ear under the eye control, the creation
      of the conditions for the additional ventilation of the tympanic cavity and the
      reduction of the risk of development of residual and/or recurrent cholesteatomas.
      To this effect, we undertook the analysis of the results of 438 primary and 226
      secondary (revisional) surgical interventions on the patients presenting with
      chronic suppurative otitis media and concomitant cholesteatomas. The study has
      demonstrated that the cause of 14.6% of the cases of residual cholesteatoma was
      the incomplete removal of its matrix from the anterior epitympanic space, medial
      sinuses of retrotympanum, deep-lying portions of hypotympanum, and retrofacial
      part of the mastoid cavity. The proposed surgical strategies reduced the risk of
      development of residual cholesteatoma from 8.2% to 3.9%. The newly developed
      method for the additional ventilation of the tympanic cavity allowed the
      frequency of recurrent cholesteatoma to be decreased from 2.5% to 1.6%.

PMID- 28091482
TI  - [A study of the efficacy and safety of new cephalosporin in the treatment of
      acute bacterial rhinosinusitis].
AB  - Acute rhinosinusitis is leading in frequency of antibiotic prescribing all over
      the world. At the same time the problem of antibiotic resistance and safety of
      antimicrobial drugs becomes more relevant and international. The article
      describes the basic mechanisms of bacterial resistance and growth of side effects
      when using macrolides, respiratory fluoroquinilones and beta-lactam antibiotics
      of different types. Formation of IgE-mediated cephalosporin allergy is associated
      with the side R1 chain. The R1 structure of cephalosporins I and II generations
      is similar to penicillins, thus creating conditions for cross-allergy
      progression. R1 of cephalosporins III and IV generations is represented by a
      qualitatively different chemical compound (aminothiazol-oxime group) that
      increases the level of tolerance to these antibiotic types. The data of
      surveillance study are given to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new drug
      Spectracef (active substance is cephalosporin of III generation Cefditoren) when
      treating acute bacterial rhinosinusitis on an outpatient basis.

PMID- 28091483
TI  - [The enhanced efficiency of nystagmus detection using the modified Frenzel
      goggles with congenerous illumination].
AB  - The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency and convenience
      of using the new modified Frenzel goggles in diagnostics of spontaneous
      nystagmus. It was shown that the modified Frenzel goggles provide more
      homogeneous lightening of the eyes and better diagnosis of peripheral latent
      spontaneous nystagmus in comparison with the traditional Frenzel goggles,
      available at the market. The questionnaire survey held among the doctors using
      both types of the goggles showed that the modified Frenzel goggles are more
      convenient for detecting spontaneous nystagmus in everyday practice.

PMID- 28091484
TI  - [Aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of a patient presenting with the
      consequences of congenital cleft lip and palate performed taking into
      consideration the specific ethnic features of the external nose (a case report)].
AB  - The article demonstrates the method for reconstructive rhinoplasty used to treat
      a patient who underwent multiple cheiloplastic surgical interventions taking into
      consideration ethnic characteristics of the external nose. The operative
      technique involved the formation of lower lateral cartilage on the side of
      deformation and medial crura support, dorsum augmentation, and tip projection
      with the use autological cartilage and an implant. As a result, a significant
      improvement of the nose function was achieved in the combination with the good
      aesthetics outcome of the surgery.

PMID- 28091485
TI  - [Tuberculous lesion of retropharyngeal lymph nodes responsible for labored nasal
      breathing].
AB  - A 62 year-old patient applied for the medical aid with complaints of labored
      nasal breathing. She was treated for tuberculosis in the childhood, underwent
      radical mastectomy in connection with left breast cancer in 2007 and adenotomy at
      the age of 60 years with the good functional outcome. One year after adenotomy,
      the enlargement of lymph nodes at the left-hand antero-lateral surface of the
      neck was detected. The histological changes in the lymph nodes corresponded to
      the picture of tuberculosis. Pharyngoscopy demonstrated an asymmetric protrusion
      at the posterior wall of the pharynx more prominent on the left side. Examination
      by spiral computed tomography revealed the presence of two enlarged lymph nodes
      with the signs of suppurative melting in the retropharyngeal space. These lymph
      nodes were opened through the posterior pharyngeal wall which resulted in the
      restoration of the normal pharynx configuration and the normalization of nasal
      breathing.

PMID- 28091486
TI  - [Combined physical therapy: general information, interaction between physical
      factors].
AB  - The present article is devoted to problems pertaining to the combined
      (simultaneous) medical application of the therapeutic physical factors. The
      classification of the methods used in combined physical therapy is proposed,
      their advantages over the traditional therapeutic modalities are discussed, the
      general principles of simultaneous application of the medical physical factors
      are considered. The possible variants of interaction between such physical
      factors in the case of their combined application are theoretically determined,
      the criteria for their quantitative assessment (coefficients of synergism and
      effectiveness of combination) are offered, examples of their application for the
      evaluation of the efficiency of the selected combinations are provided.

PMID- 28091487
TI  - [The application of the International Classification of functioning, disability
      and health for the evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation:
      methodology, practical experience, results].
AB  - The article highlights the methodology, tools, conditions and limitations of the
      application of the International Classification of functioning, disability and
      health (ICF) for the evaluation of the effectiveness of medical rehabilitation.
      The results of the assessment of the initial level of the patients' functional
      abilities and their rehabilitation potential are presented with special reference
      to the selection of interventions and instruments for their realization as
      envisaged by ICF and allocation of the responsibilities among the professionals
      taking into consideration the AIM: of the rehabilitative treatment for specific
      patients. The advantages of the proposed approach are demonstrated on the example
      of the management of the patients presenting with osteoarthritis. Special
      attention is given to the information coding techniques and standards for the
      description of the patients' health conditions at various stages of
      rehabilitation.

PMID- 28091489
TI  - [The algorithm for the determination of the sufficient number of dynamic
      electroneurostimulation procedures based on the magnitude of individual testing
      voltage at the reference point].
AB  - : This article was designed to present evidence of the advantages of the
      personified approach to the treatment of the patients presenting with arterial
      hypertension (AH), lumbar spinal dorsopathy (LSD), chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD), and duodenal ulcer (DU) at the stage of exacerbation obtained by
      the measurements of testing voltage at the reference point (Utest). AIM: The
      objective of the present study was to develop the algorithm for the determination
      of the sufficient number (optimal duration) of therapeutic procedures of the
      protracted treatment with the use of the Utest at the reference point. THE
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 647 patients (439 women and 208 men at
      the age varying from 25 to 72 years) with grade I-II AH, DU at the stage of
      exacerbation, grades II and III lumbar spinal dorsopathy, grade II-III COPD. The
      informed written content to participate in the study was obtained from all the
      patients. They were divided into three groups. Those comprising group 1 were
      treated by standard therapy, patients of group 2 received the same treatment
      supplemented by dynamic electroneurostimulation (DENS) while the patients of the
      third group were given personified DENS in accordance with the determined
      sufficient number of DENS procedures. RESULTS: The blood pressure in the patients
      with AH comprising group 3 was found to decrease more significantly in comparison
      with those in groups 1 an 2 (by 9% and 3% respectively). The intensity of pain
      syndrome in the patients with lumbar spinal dorsopathy evaluated based on the
      visual analog scale decreased two-fold in group 3 in comparison with the 1.2 and
      1.8 times decrease in groups 1 and 2 respectively. The level of pH in the stomach
      of patients with DU increased by 33.3% in group 3 in comparison with 12,5%, in
      group 1 and 21,8% in group 2. Vital capacity of the lungs in the patients of
      group 3 presenting with COPD and treated with the use of the personified approach
      was found to increase almost up to 612 ml in comparison with 477 ml in the
      patients given DENS in combination with standard therapy and only 219 ml in the
      control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study give evidence of the
      advantage of the personified treatment based on the determination of the
      sufficient number of the therapeutic procedures needed for the protracted
      treatment with the use of the Utest at the reference point. This approach can be
      used as a tool for the evaluation of the functional state of the patients and a
      method for the management of a chosen therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 28091488
TI  - [The new directions in the physiotherapeutic applications of the natural
      potassium salts of the Western Ural].
AB  - : Salt therapy (halotherapy) as a non-traditional method for the treatment of
      various pathological conditions has become an increasingly popular therapeutic
      modality in Russia and abroad. The Perm region houses one of the largest
      sylvinite-bearing potash deposits in the world. These salts are possessed of
      special physical and chemical properties of great value for the treatment of
      different diseases. The objective of the present work was to develop novel
      approaches to the application of sylvinite for the treatment and prevention of
      various diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjects of investigations were the
      modern sylvinite constructions of different types. The study included a total of
      195 patients who were randomly divided into two groups. The main group consisted
      of 50 patients presenting with allergic respiratory diseases, 20 ones with atopic
      dermatitis, and 21 with vulgar psoriasis. 31 patients had undergone aortocoronary
      bypass surgery in the preceding period. 49 pregnant women presented with a
      complicated course of pregnancy. 24 patients suffered from chronic generalized
      catarrhal gingivitis. The control group was comprised of 188 persons presenting
      with the same diseases (46, 30, 18, 20, 49, 25 patients in each of the above
      groups respectively) who received only the traditional pharmacotherapeutic
      treatment. All the patients underwent evaluation of the respiratory and
      cardiovascular functions. The clinical manifestations and the skin damage areas
      were estimated in the patients with atopic dermatitis and vulgar psoriasis. Blood
      circulation in placenta, the state of the periodontal tissues, and local immunity
      in the oral cavity mucosa, as well as the subjective psychological status were
      evaluated. The physical and chemical characteristics of the internal environment
      of the salt constructions (microclimatic factors, radiation, air ionization, salt
      aerosol content) were estimated. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The data obtained
      provided a basis for the development and patenting of the methods for the
      treatment of atopic dermatitis, vulgar psoriasis, placental insufficiency, and
      chronic generalized catarrhal gingivitis based on the halotherapeutic modalities.
      CONCLUSION: The results of the long-term hygienic, physical and clinical
      investigations made it possible to identify the complex of curative factors
      inherent in the natural mineral sylvinite constructions. These factors are
      believed to create the optimal conditions for the efficient management of the
      patients presenting with dermatological, cardiological, obstetrical, and
      stomatological problems.

PMID- 28091490
TI  - [The influence of the training of the muscular component of the musculo-venous
      pump in the lower extremities on the clinical course of varicose vein disease].
AB  - : Investigations of the influence of the training of the muscular component of
      the musculo-venous pump in the lower extremities on the clinical course of
      varicose vein disease and correction of the step cycle are currently underway.
      AIM: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the
      training of the muscular component of the musculo-venous pump in the lower
      extremities and of the correction of the step cycle on the quality of life of the
      patients presenting with varicose vein disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      included 22 patients with varicose veins in the lower extremities (CEAP clinical
      class C3 or C4). All the patients performed, twice daily during a total of 60
      days, a specially designed complex of 7 exercise intended to strengthen the
      posterior muscle group of the lower legs and correct the step cycle. RESULTS:
      After 60 days, all the patients reported the appearance of the subjective signs
      suggesting positive dynamics of their condition. The following statistically
      significant changes were documented: reduction of the malleolar circumference,
      improvement of integral characteristics of the quality of life as evaluated with
      the use of the international questionnaire for the patients with chronic lower
      limb venous insufficiency (CIVIQ), normalization of the frequency and amplitude
      of modal oscillations in the soleus muscle revealed by electromyography. The
      correction of foot rolling muscles and the sequence of activation of the muscles
      involved in the first five phases of the cycle step increases the strength of
      contraction of the soleus muscle, promotes venous blood flow in the proximal
      direction, and thereby enhances the efficiency of the venous outflow. CONCLUSION:
      The development of adequate gain skills, the correction of the step cycle, and
      the strengthening of the muscular component of the musculo-venous pump lead to
      the improvement of the clinical course of varicose vein disease. The proposed
      complex of physical exercises provides an effective and pathogenetically sound
      additional tool for the treatment of the patients presenting with this pathology.

PMID- 28091492
TI  - [The experience with the early rehabilitation of the children presenting with the
      vertebral cerebrospinal injury].
AB  - This article was designed to report the experience with the provision of early
      rehabilitation care to the children suffering from a spinal-cord injury (SCI)
      that was gained at the Clinical and Research Institute of Urgent Pediatric
      Surgery and Traumatology. The authors have developed and describe the combined
      multidisciplinary approach making it possible to promote the recovery of the
      children presenting with SCI at the first stage of the rehabilitative treatment.
      They distinguish three basic periods in the early rehabilitation of the children
      with this condition, defined the main goals of rehabilitation and the role of
      each specialist in their achievement. The results of the work provided the basis
      for the development of a stepwise approach for the extension of the
      rehabilitation measures and the solution of the tasks facing rehabilitation of
      the patients with vertebral cerebrospinal injuries. The correction of nutritive
      losses was found to be a most important component of the early stage of the
      rehabilitation process preceding the full-scale rehabilitative treatment. The
      role of various technical devices designed for the patients' re-education in
      functional motor activities, development and acquisition of the sustained self
      service skills, enhancement of the patient's mobility, and improvement of his/her
      quality of life is discussed. The importance of the early beginning of the
      rehabilitation measures for the children suffering from a vertebral cerebrospinal
      injury has been confirmed.

PMID- 28091491
TI  - [The multifunctional therapy of various forms of irritable bowel syndrome].
AB  - : Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a pathological condition characterized by
      heterogeneous etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical symptoms. These
      characteristics dictate the necessity of prescribing multiple medications for the
      treatment of IBS. Such compulsory polypharmacy inadvertently enhances the risk of
      adverse reactions to the treatment, increases its cost, and impairs compliance on
      the part of the patients. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the
      effectiveness of the administration of the clorine-bromine brine with the use of
      sinusoidal modulated current electrophoresis (SMC-phoresis) for the treatment of
      different forms of IBS. THE PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined and treated 80
      patients with different forms of IBS. The patients were divided into two equal
      groups comprised of 40 patients each. The patients of the study group were
      treated with the use of SMS-phoresis of the bromine-chlorine brine based at the
      "Varzi-yatchi" spa and health resort (the Udmurt Republic) making use of the
      sparing or stimulating techniques depending on the type of IBS. Each therapeutic
      course consisted of 10-12 sessions. The patients in the group of comparison
      received the standard pharmaceutical treatment for IBS (myotropic anti-spasmodics
      and lactulose). The emphasis was laid on the evaluation of dynamics of the
      intestinal motor function in different variants of IBS with the use of the EGS-4M
      apparatus based on the GSRS questionnaire (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating
      Scale). Special attention was given to the interpretation of the main
      gastrointestinal syndromes and the evaluation of the quality of life of the
      patients in the course of the treatment and after its completion. RESULTS: The
      main symptoms of IBS after a course of SMC-phoresis with the natural brine were
      significantly less pronounced compared to those in the patients managed by means
      of standard pharmacotherapy. Positive dynamics in the clinical picture of the
      disease had beneficial influence on the quality of life of the patients which
      approached that of the healthy subjects in the group of comparison. The results
      of colonography suggested the presence of various types of disturbances of motor
      function of the intestines. SMC-phoresis of the natural chlorine-bromine brine
      had a positive influence on dyskinesia associated with diarrhea and constipation
      associated with IBS, while the effect of the standard pharmaceutical treatment
      was unidirectional and significantly inferior to it in terms of efficiency.
      CONCLUSION: The use of complementary therapy can provide a better clinical
      outcome of IBS and to a greater extent improve the quality of life of the
      patients presenting with various forms of this pathology.

PMID- 28091493
TI  - [The health promotion programs for the children based at health promotion
      institutions].
AB  - The research carried out in the framework of the health promotion programs for
      the children made it possible to obtain characteristics of the patients admitted
      to health promotion facilities, identify the risk factors for the development of
      acute respiratory diseases, and substantiate the principles of the differentiated
      approach to the rehabilitation of such patients based at the institutions of this
      type taking into consideration the health group to which a concrete patient is
      referred and the risk factors of acute respiratory diseases. The feasibility and
      effectiveness of the addition of aromatherapy and treatment with the use of
      polarized light into the health promotion programs for the children presenting
      with acute respiratory diseases that they develop during the period of adaptation
      based at health promotion institutions are discussed.

PMID- 28091494
TI  - [The significance of the rehabilitative potential for the combined medical
      rehabilitation of the patients presenting with acute cerebral circulation
      problems].
AB  - This article outlines the current WHO concepts of the process of rehabilitation
      with special reference to the consideration and the analysis of the concept of
      rehabilitation potential, its structure, levels, and functions of each level. The
      main stages and the aim of the comprehensive medical and psychological
      rehabilitation of the patients presenting with acute cerebrovascular accidents
      (ACVA) are discussed. The importance of the recoverable and reusable resources at
      the biological and psychological levels that may play the role of compensatory
      functions in the patients suffering from acute cerebral circulation disorders is
      emphasized. The three main stages of the rehabilitation process for the ACVA
      patients ("diagnostic", "therapeutic", and "verifying") are described. The
      necessity of the development of the systemic strategy for medical and
      psychological rehabilitation of the post-stroke patients is substantiated taking
      into account the criteria for allocating them to the groups of either early or
      late rehabilitation and the group of patients suffering from the consequences of
      acute cerebral circulation disorders. It may allow to achieve the optimal level
      of the patients' well-being, in accordance with the rehabilitation potential
      currently attainable for the patients undergoing acute cerebrovascular accidents.

PMID- 28091495
TI  - [Psychopathological characteristics and social functioning of the schizophrenic
      patients with the T allele of the MTHFR677C>T polymorphism].
AB  - AIM: To compare the severity of psychopathological symptoms and characteristics
      of personal and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia, carriers of
      different alleles of the MTHFR677C>T polymorphism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One
      hundred and fifty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were genotyped for the
      MTHFR677C>T polymorphism, some of them were examined using psychometric scales
      and tests (PANSS, SANS, PSP, CDSS, a battery of cognitive tests etc). RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSION: Patients with the MTHFR677T variant had greater severity of negative
      symptoms regardless of psychometric instruments used in the study, greater
      severity of schizophrenia disorder in whole measured with the PANSS General
      psychopathological symptoms subscale, higher scores on the PANSS cognitive
      cluster and lower levels of personal and social functioning measured with the PSP
      compared to the patients with the MTHFR677CS genotype. The results of
      psychometric testing are in line with significant differences of MTHFR677T allele
      carriers from those with the MTHFR677CS genotype in the number of disable
      patients and the use of different types of psychiatric services. The differences
      were not related to sex, age, illness duration and depressive symptoms measured
      with CDSS and PANSS "depression/anxiety" factor.

PMID- 28091496
TI  - [Clinical presentations of neurological forms of hepatolenticular degeneration in
      Primorsky Krai].
AB  - Clinical characteristics of neurological forms of hepatolenticular degeneration
      (HLD) were studied in one of the regions of Russia (Primorsky Krai) in the sample
      of 111 patients at the wide age range (average 35.6 years); mean time since the
      diagnosis was 13.7 years. According to N.V. Konovalov's classification, 4 groups
      of patients were identified: I arrhythmic-hyperkinetic form (n=61), II extra
      pyramidal cortical form (n=30), III tremulous form (n=15), IV tremulous-rigid
      form (n=6). A main body of clinical manifestations of the pathology at the stage
      of cerebral signal of HLD manifestation was determined; three degrees of the
      severity of its course were established. Correlation between clinical HLD
      manifestation severityand the time since the diagnosis of neurological stage of
      the disease and its form was noted. Age parameters of the development of
      different extra-pyramidal disturbances and predictors of the severity of the
      course were specified.

PMID- 28091497
TI  - [Hyperprolactinemia associated with neuroleptic treatment: clinical
      characteristics and an impact on sexual function].
AB  - AIM: To study clinical characteristics of antipsychotic-induced
      hyperprolactinemia (AIH) and an impact of AIH on sexual function in patients with
      mental disorders treated with neuroleptics for a long time. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      A cross-sectional study of 244 consecutive psychiatric in-patients (F/M=140/104)
      with mental disorders currently taking antipsychotics was carried out. The
      patients were screened for serum prolactin, sex hormones and gonadotropin levels.
      The UKU Side effects rating scale (UKU) was used to assess side-effects. For
      assessment of sexual dysfunction, the Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction
      Questionnaire (PRSexDQ) was administered. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic
      AIH was found in 16% of females and in 37% of males. AIH caused menstrual
      disorders (oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea), galactorrhea in females. AIH was
      associated with libido decrease and life quality impairment due to sexual
      dysfunctions in patients of both genders. AIH was associated with orgasm delay
      and vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse in females. In men, AIH was
      associated with erectile dysfunction. In contrast to pituitary tumor and
      idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, there was no association between AIH and weight
      gain and/or obesity, and hypogonadism in patients of both genders.

PMID- 28091498
TI  - [The differences in the estimation of depression severity by psychiatrists and
      patients during the combined treatment with agomelatine (a multicenter study
      "EMOTSIA")].
AB  - AIM: To compare the prognosis of depression severity estimated by the physician
      and by the patient based on the treatment outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One
      hundred and seven patients with depression were examined. Mental status was
      assessed with HAM-D, SHAPS, CGI-S, CGI-I, PGI-S, PGI-I and VAS. A data analysis
      was performed. RESULTS: There were differences in the estimation of depression
      severity by psychiatrists and patients. Moreover, the scores on HAM-D and CGI-S
      were not consistent when assessed by psychiatrists. As the severity of depression
      decreased and patient's state improved during the treatment with agomelatine
      (valdoxan), the assessments of the changes by the psychiatrist and the patient
      became similar. CONCLUSION: Agomelatine (valdoxan) is effective and tolerable in
      the treatment of depression of any severity. The differences between the
      psychiatrist's and patient's estimation of the depression severity at baseline
      using different psychometric scales can level the prognostic value of treatment
      outcome.

PMID- 28091499
TI  - [Migraine and depression: efficacy and safety of antidepressant therapy].
AB  - AIM: To study an influence of depression on the course of migraine and the
      efficacy of antidepressants in treatment of depression associated with migraine.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study consisted of 544 patients with migraine including
      240 patients with depression. Patients were examined at the first visit, after 6
      months (visit 2) and one year (visit 3). Then patients were interviewed by phone
      once a year (visits 5, 6, 7, 8), they were asked about a number of days with
      migraine. Patients with depression were treated with antidepressants. Results and
      sonclusion. Six types of migraine course were determined: persistent episodic
      migraine, migraine remission, episodic migraine chronification, chronic migraine
      regress to episodic migraine, persistent chronic migraine, remitted or wavelike
      chronic migraine. The presence of depression and skin allodynia predicted the
      development of persistent and remitted chronic migraine. The effect of
      antidepressants of different groups was noted in treatment of patients with the
      combination of chronic migraine and depression. The most pronounced effect was
      observed with tricyclic antidepressants, the smallest one when selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors were used.

PMID- 28091500
TI  - [Pathogenetic aspects of the use of cytoflavine in the treatment of shronic post
      traumatic headache].
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the results of using cytoflavin in the treatment of chronic post
      traumatic headache and analyze possible mechanisms for implementation of
      therapeutic effects of the drug. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 76
      patients (23 men and 53 women) aged 29 - 57 years (mean age - 38.2 +/- 8.3). All
      patients received standard basic therapy with simple or combination analgesics.
      In addition to standard treatment, 36 patients received cytoflavin in the dosage
      of two tablets twice a day for 30 days. Results and sonclusion. At the beginning,
      at the end and 25 days after the completion of treatment, the intensity and
      frequency of headache as well as the severity of asthenic and depressive symptoms
      were analyzed. As a result of treatment in the cytoflavin group, there was a
      significant regression of asthenic and depressive symptoms, which was consistent
      with the previous studies. Positive changes in the indicators analyzed were
      correlated with the decrease in the frequency of cephalalgia. Since cytoflavin
      has no analgesic properties, the results are indirect evidence for the
      significance of psychopathological factors in the pathogenesis of chronic post
      traumatic headache.

PMID- 28091501
TI  - [Possible applications of rac-hopantenic acid in the treatment of anxiety and
      depressive disorders in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia].
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of rac-hopantenic acid (pantogam
      activ) in patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder and anxiety-depressive
      disorder with chronic cerebral ischemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 50
      patients were examined (30 patients in the main group, 20 patients in the control
      one). All patients received standard therapy with SSRI antidepressants. Rac
      hopantenic acid at a daily dose of 1200 mg was included in the complex therapy of
      patients of the main group. Duration of the therapy with rac-hopantenic acid was
      21 days. Psychopathological, psychometric and detailed somatic examinations were
      performed. RESULTS: In the main group, the combination of pantogam activ and
      antidepressants promoted distinct balanced nootropic, antidepressant and
      anxiolytic effects, as well as the improvement of health outcomes. The reduced
      total number of adverse events (less frequent drowsiness and headaches) was noted
      as well. CONCLUSION: The rapid and reliable reduction of anxiety, depression and
      cognitive impairment during concomitant therapy with antidepressants and pantogam
      activ was identified.

PMID- 28091502
TI  - [Combined therapy of cerebrovascular disorders with neuroprotectors].
AB  - Safety of drugs is one of the priorities of modern medicine. The goal of
      pharmacological treatment is a search for effective and safety drugs as well as a
      study of possibilities of combined using of the drugs with opposite effects.
      Basing on the possible therapeutic interactions, 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3
      hydroxypyridine succinate can be recommended as a basic medication for patients
      with cerebrovascular diseases to normalize the energy metabolism of brain cells.
      The complex use of cholinergic drugs with different neuroprotective effects is
      effective from the first hours after admission. Cholinergic drugs (citicoline or
      choline alfoscerate) as the drugs of the first choice should be justified taking
      into consideration dysfunction of the brain system activation. Patient's age, the
      level of consciousness, somatic pathology, previous strokes, cognitive impairment
      are predictors of treatment efficacy.

PMID- 28091503
TI  - [Cocarnit in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy].
AB  - AIM: Study the effect of cocarnit on the peripheral nerve functions in patients
      with diabetic distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DDSP). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Thirty patients with DDSP, aged from 27 to 65 years, mean 55.3+/-10.8 years, with
      diabetes mellitus duration from 2 to 20 years (mean 8.0+/-5.8 years) received
      cocarnit as monotherapy in dose of 2 ml daily during 9 days. The intensity and
      character of pain were assessed with PainDetect, TSS and NSS inquirers, quality
      of-life was measured with the Russian version of EuroQol-5D questionnarie. The
      state of the neuromotor apparatus was studied using stimulation electromyography
      with the analysis of conduction along motor fibers of peripheral nerves and
      evoked sympathetic skin responses (ESSR). RESULTS: After treatment, there was the
      improvement of scores on PainDetect by 44.3% (p<0.05), NSS by 41.9% (p<0.05) and
      TSS by 103.9% (p<0.05). An increase in the impulse conduction velocity, M- and S
      response amplitudes and normalization of ESSR parameters were observed. In the
      first turn, the improvement was related to damaged nerves. CONCLUSION: Cocarnit
      is an effective drug in the treatment of patients with DDSP.

PMID- 28091504
TI  - [Evaluation of the antitumor potential of cerebrolysin].
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effect of cerebrolysin on the growth and metastasis of
      malignant tumors in mice (a model of lung carcinoma Lewis). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      The study was performed on 60 male mice, hybrids F1 (the age of 2-2.5 months,
      body weight 19-22g.). Transplantable epidermoid Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) was
      used as a standard experimental model to evaluate the properties of the potential
      antitumor agents. Experimental animals were administered a single intraperitoneal
      injection of cerebrolysin in doses of 524 mg/kg (n=20) and 1800 mg/kg (n=20)
      daily from 2 to 16 days after tumor transplantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:
      Compared with the control group (n=20), cerebrolysin induced growth inhibition of
      LLC during the treatment (7 to 16 days). An impact of the drug was accompanied by
      the inhibition of the tumor growth rate by 10-15% (p<0.05). Cerebrolysin
      demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of reducing the large number of metastases:
      a number of large metastases significantly decreased by 30-50% with the increase
      of cerebrolysin dose (p=0.01). Cerebrolysin can significantly suppress the growth
      rate of Lewis lung carcinoma.

PMID- 28091505
TI  - [The individual and combined antioxidant effects of citicoline and
      ethylmethylhydroxypyridini succinas].
AB  - AIM: To study the antioxidant status of patients with chronic cerebral ischemia
      (CCI) during the individual treatment with 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine
      succinate (neurox) and in the combination with citicoline (neipilept). MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: A study included 40 patients, 18 men and 22 women, aged from 54 to
      72 years, with CCI, stage 2, at the decompensation stage complicated with the
      hypertensive crisis and/or arrhythmia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A significant
      increase in the serum superoxide dismutase activity after the complex therapy
      with neurox and neipilept was demonstrated compared to patients treated with
      neurox. A study of reduced sulfur-hydroxy groups in patients treated with 2-ethyl
      6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine-succinate and patients treated with the combination of
      2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine-succinate and citicoline, revealed a
      significant increase in the number of reduced SH- groups after the treatment with
      neurox compared to the combined use of neurox and neipilept.

PMID- 28091506
TI  - [Genomic instability in the brain: chromosomal mosaicism in schizophrenia].
AB  - AIM: Experimental verification of the hypothesis about the possible involvement
      of the mosaic genome variations (mosaic aneuploidy) in the pathogenesis of a
      number of mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and autism: a genetic study
      of the level of mosaic genome variations in cells of the brain autopsy tissues in
      healthy controls and schizophrenia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Autopsy brain tissues
      of 15 unaffected controls and 15 patients with schizophrenia were analyzed by
      molecular cytogenetic methods to determine the frequency of chromosomal mutations
      (the mosaic aneuploidy) in neural human cells. The original collection of
      chromosome-enumeration DNA probes to autosomes 1, 9, 15, 16, 18 and the sex
      chromosomes X and Y was used for the interphase cytogenetic analysis of
      chromosomes in the cells of the brain. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The frequency of
      low-level aneuploidy per individual chromosome was 0.54% (median - 0.53%; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) CI - 0.41-1.13%) in controls and 1.66% (median - 1.55%;
      95% CI -1.32-2.12%) in schizophrenia (p=0.000013). Thus, the three-fold increase
      in aneuploidy frequency in the brain in schizophrenia was detected. It is
      suggested that mosaic aneuploidy, as a significant biological marker of genomic
      instability, may lead to genetic imbalance and abnormal functional activity of
      neural cells and neural networks in schizophrenia.

PMID- 28091507
TI  - [Alterations of serum neurospecific proteins concentrations in patients with
      metabolic syndrome].
AB  - AIM: Metabolic syndrome (MS) - is a complex of metabolic, hormonal and clinical
      disorders which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study aimed to
      determine the markers NSE, GFAP, MMP-9 in patients with MS and to assess their
      prognostic value in the development of acute stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      cross-sectional analytical studyincluded 157 patients stratified into 4groups
      (control group, patients with MS, patients with ischemic stroke and patients with
      ischemic stroke and MS). Laboratory examinations included measurements of MS
      parameters(total cholesterol, blood glucose, cholesterol, HDL and LDL,
      triglycerides) and concentrations of neurospecific markers NSE, GFAP and MMP-9 by
      ELISA. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A relationship between MS and increased
      concentration of NSE is found. This indicates the presence of neuronal brain
      injury in patients with metabolic syndrome. There were no changesin the
      concentrations of GFAP and MMP-9 in patients with MS.

PMID- 28091508
TI  - [The epidemiology of epilepsy in children in the Republic of Belarus].
AB  - AIM: To study the incidence of epilepsy in children in the Republic of Belarus
      based on the data of the Republican Centre for disease control. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Statistical analysis of the incidence and morbidity of epilepsy in
      children and adolescents was performed. Based on this analysis, the contribution
      of epilepsy in the neurologic morbidity in childhood was analyzed. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSION: The morbidity and incidence of epilepsy in children averaged 0.35 and
      2.4 per 1000 of the child population, respectively, over the last 6 years (2009
      2014). The peak incidence of primary epilepsy is between the ages 1-4 years (0.43
      per 1000 population for 12 years (2003-2014), of incidence of epilepsy among
      children, aged 0-17 years, are stable with no significant fluctuations for the
      last 6 years (2009-2014). The proportion of epilepsy in the structure of
      neurological disorders (9.51%) remained unchanged. In the period 2003-2014,
      general incidence of epilepsy among children, aged 5-9 years, has increased from
      2.2 to 2.6 per 1000 child population (p<0.05) and from 2.5 to 3.8 (p<0.05) in
      children, aged 15-18 years, with no changes in the morbidity.

PMID- 28091509
TI  - [Outcomes and treatment of myasthenic crisis].
AB  - AIM: The analysis of fatal outcomes of myasthenic crisis in patients with
      myasthenia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data on 19 patients with myastheniccrisis
      admitted at the Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute ("MONIKI") over
      12 years (1997-2009) have been summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There are more
      than 600 patients with myasthenia in the Moscow region, including 13% patients
      with onset after 60 years. Seventeen patients of 19 were in the intensive care
      unit. Total death occurred in 7 cases (36.6%). Myocardial infarction, bilateral
      confluent pneumonia and hemorrhagic pulmonary edema caused death. All patients
      had concomitant diseases: hypertension, myocardial changes, hyperglycemia and
      others. Steroids and plasmapheresis were used for treatment of myasthenic crisis.
      The authors believe that methods of treatment of myasthenic crisis that does not
      lead to complications in elderly age and are suitable for patients with
      concomitant diseases, who can't be treated with glucocorticoids and
      plasmapheresis, should be used in clinical neurology. Normal human intravenous
      immunoglobulin is recommended in these cases.

PMID- 28091510
TI  - [The climatotherapy of depressive states in patients with chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease].
AB  - AIM: To study an effect of sanatorium-climate therapy in patients with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with comorbid depressive disorders. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: The scale of depression CES-D and the Spielberger-Khanin scale of
      anxiety were administered to 146 patients with COPD, treated in the sanatorium in
      the south coast of Crimea. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Depressive disorders were
      identified in 72.6% of patients, including moderate and severe disorders (41.8%).
      Anxiety disorders were found in 67.1% of patients. The severity of anxiety
      depressive disorders was correlated with the COPD degree. It was shown that the
      sanatorium-resort treatment has a beneficial effect on mental status of the
      patients. The best results were demonstrated for mild degree of COPD.

PMID- 28091511
TI  - [The differential diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and subacute herpes
      virus myelitis].
AB  - Differential diagnosis of incurable and potentially curable neurological diseases
      is an urgent problem of modern neurology. The authors present a case report of
      subacute herpes virus myelitis, a rare complication of herpes infection by
      Varicella-Zoster virus. The differential diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis is described.

PMID- 28091512
TI  - [Impressive (sensory) alalia].
AB  - Receptive language disorder [F80.2 ICD=10] is the most severe children's language
      disorder: the child with normal intellect and hearing does not start to
      comprehend the speech of others and as a consequence - to speak. The etiology is
      unknown, the prognosis unfavorable. The profound study of the syndrome is
      necessary for the clarification of diagnostic criteria and creation of the system
      of adequate medical and pedagogical help, and also in the theoretical aspect. We
      performed an analysis of the symptomatology and progress of the syndrome (17
      children of 2-10 years of age) based on data of onto-, neuro- and
      psycholinguistics. The analysis reveals two variants of the course of the
      syndrome; it clarifies behavioral diagnostic criteria and substantiates principal
      directions of the pedagogical work aimed at habilitation. Also, we discuss
      possible nature of the brain damage, which in our opinion can help planning
      medical research.

PMID- 28091513
TI  - [The First Russian Consensus on the Multilevel Abobotulinumtoxin A Injections in
      Spastic Forms of Cerebral Palsy].
AB  - Spasticity treatment is one of the key aspects of the contemporary cerebral palsy
      (CP) rehabilitation that influences on the effectiveness of other methods. The
      paper presents the first Russian document that unites the recommendations for the
      BTA treatment of CP and could be used as the guideline for the multilevel
      injections. The Russian consensus on the multilevel botulinum toxin A (BTA)
      treatment of spastic CP is based on the international data and the results of
      national studies. The authors describe typical CP spasticity patterns in the
      upper and lower extremities, give recommended intervals for the BTA (Abobotulinum
      toxin A) dosages for the whole injection procedure and for the separate muscles.
      The method of dosage calculation for functional segments is also described.
      Attention is paid to the frequency, optimal intervals between the repeated
      injections and the whole duration of BTA treatment. The authors discuss
      effectiveness and safety of BTA, factors that potentially influence the results
      of the injections, including ultrasound and electromyography control, and
      indications for the continuation and termination of treatment.

PMID- 28091514
TI  - Novel strain properties distinguishing sporadic prion diseases sharing prion
      protein genotype and prion type.
AB  - In most human sporadic prion diseases the phenotype is consistently associated
      with specific pairings of the genotype at codon 129 of the prion protein gene and
      conformational properties of the scrapie PrP (PrPSc) grossly identified types 1
      and 2. This association suggests that the 129 genotype favours the selection of a
      distinct strain that in turn determines the phenotype. However, this mechanism
      cannot play a role in the phenotype determination of sporadic fatal insomnia
      (sFI) and a subtype of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) identified as
      sCJDMM2, which share 129 MM genotype and PrPSc type 2 but are associated with
      quite distinct phenotypes. Our detailed comparative study of the PrPSc conformers
      has revealed major differences between the two diseases, which preferentially
      involve the PrPSc component that is sensitive to digestion with proteases
      (senPrPSc) and to a lesser extent the resistant component (resPrPSc). We conclude
      that these variations are consistent with two distinct strains in sFI and
      sCJDMM2, and that the rarer sFI is the result of a variant strain selection
      pathway that might be favoured by a different brain site of initial PrPSc
      formation in the two diseases.

PMID- 28091515
TI  - Protein crystal nucleation in pores.
AB  - The most powerful method for protein structure determination is X-ray
      crystallography which relies on the availability of high quality crystals.
      Obtaining protein crystals is a major bottleneck, and inducing their nucleation
      is of crucial importance in this field. An effective method to form crystals is
      to introduce nucleation-inducing heterologous materials into the crystallization
      solution. Porous materials are exceptionally effective at inducing nucleation. It
      is shown here that a combined diffusion-adsorption effect can increase protein
      concentration inside pores, which enables crystal nucleation even under
      conditions where heterogeneous nucleation on flat surfaces is absent. Provided
      the pore is sufficiently narrow, protein molecules approach its walls and adsorb
      more frequently than they can escape. The decrease in the nucleation energy
      barrier is calculated, exhibiting its quantitative dependence on the confinement
      space and the energy of interaction with the pore walls. These results provide a
      detailed explanation of the effectiveness of porous materials for nucleation of
      protein crystals, and will be useful for optimal design of such materials.

PMID- 28091516
TI  - Osteopontin regulates macrophage activation and osteoclast formation in
      hypertensive patients with vascular calcification.
AB  - Vascular calcification (VC) is a highly regulated ectopic mineral deposition
      process involving immune cell infiltration in the vasculatures, which has been
      recognized to be promoted by hypertension. The matricellular glycoprotein
      osteopontin (OPN) is strongly induced in myeloid cells as a potential
      inflammatory mediator of vascular injury. This study aims to examine whether OPN
      is involved in the regulation of macrophage activation and osteoclast formation
      in hypertensive subjects with VC. We firstly found an increased proportion of
      CD11c+CD163- pro-inflammatory peripheral monocytes in hypertensive subjects with
      VC compared to those without VC by flow cytometric analysis. Primary cultured
      macrophages from hypertensive subjects with VC also showed altered expression
      profile of inflammatory factors and higher serum OPN level. Exogenous OPN
      promoted the differentiation of peripheral monocytes into an alternative, anti
      inflammatory phenotype, and inhibited macrophage-to-osteoclast differentiation
      from these VC patients. In addition, calcified vessels showed increased
      osteoclasts accumulation accompanied with decreased macrophages infiltration in
      the of hypertensive subjects. Taken together, these demonstrated that OPN exerts
      an important role in the monocytes/macrophage phenotypic differentiation from
      hypertensive patients with VC, which includes reducing inflammatory factor
      expression and attenuating osteoclast formation.

PMID- 28091517
TI  - Unraveling the enhanced Oxygen Vacancy Formation in Complex Oxides during
      Annealing and Growth.
AB  - The reduction of oxides during annealing and growth in low pressure processes is
      a widely known problem. We hence investigate the influence of mere annealing and
      of growth in vacuum systems to shed light on the reasons behind the reduction of
      perovskites. When comparing the existing literature regarding the reduction of
      the perovskite model material SrTiO3 it is conspicuous that one finds different
      oxygen pressures required to achieve reduction for vacuum annealing and for
      chemically controlled reducing atmospheres. The unraveling of this discrepancy is
      of high interest for low pressure physical vapor depositions of thin films
      heterostructures to gain further understanding of the reduction of the SrTiO3.
      For thermal annealing, our results prove the attached measurement devices (mass
      spectrometer/ cold cathode gauge) to be primarily responsible for the reduction
      of SrTiO3 in the deposition chamber by shifting the thermodynamic equilibrium to
      a more reducing atmosphere. We investigated the impact of our findings on the
      pulsed laser deposition growth at low pressure for LaAlO3/SrTiO3. During
      deposition the reduction triggered by the presence of the laser plume dominates
      and the impact of the measurement devices plays a minor role. During post
      annealing a complete reoxidization of samples is inhibited by an insufficient
      supply of oxygen.

PMID- 28091518
TI  - Insights into the molecular basis of long-term storage and survival of sperm in
      the honeybee (Apis mellifera).
AB  - Honeybee males produce ejaculates consisting of large numbers of high quality
      sperm. Because queens never re-mate after a single mating episode early in life,
      sperm are stored in a specialised organ for years but the proximate mechanisms
      underlying this key physiological adaptation are unknown. We quantified energy
      metabolism in honeybee sperm and show that the glycolytic metabolite
      glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (GA3P) is a key substrate for honeybee sperm survival
      and energy production. This reliance on non-aerobic energy metabolism in stored
      sperm was further supported by our findings of very low levels of oxygen inside
      the spermatheca. Expression of GA3P dehydrogenase (GAPDH), the enzyme involved in
      catabolism of GA3P, was significantly higher in stored compared to ejaculated
      sperm. Therefore, long-term sperm storage seems facilitated by the maintenance of
      non-aerobic energy production, the need for only the ATP-producing steps of
      glycolysis and by avoiding sperm damage resulting from ROS production. We also
      confirm that honeybee sperm is capable of aerobic metabolism, which predominates
      in ejaculated sperm while they compete for access to the spermatheca, but is
      suppressed during storage. Consequently, the remarkable reproductive traits of
      honeybees are proximately achieved by differential usage of energy production
      pathways to maximise competitiveness and minimise damage of sperm.

PMID- 28091519
TI  - Universal and uniquely human factors in spontaneous number perception.
AB  - A capacity for nonverbal numerical estimation is widespread among humans and
      animals. However, it is currently unclear whether numerical percepts are
      spontaneously extracted from the environment and whether nonverbal perception is
      influenced by human exposure to formal mathematics. We tested US adults and
      children, non-human primates, and numerate and innumerate Tsimane' adults on a
      quantity task in which they could choose to categorize sets of dots on the basis
      of number alone, surface area alone or a combination of the two. Despite
      differences in age, species and education, subjects are universally biased to
      base their judgments on number as opposed to the alternatives. Numerical biases
      are uniquely enhanced in humans compared to non-human primates, and correlated
      with degree of mathematics experience in both the US and Tsimane' groups. We
      conclude that humans universally and spontaneously extract numerical information,
      and that human nonverbal numerical perception is enhanced by symbolic numeracy.

PMID- 28091520
TI  - Phantom vortices: hidden angular momentum in ultracold dilute Bose-Einstein
      condensates.
AB  - Vortices are essential to angular momentum in quantum systems such as ultracold
      atomic gases. The existence of quantized vorticity in bosonic systems stimulated
      the development of the Gross-Pitaevskii mean-field approximation. However, the
      true dynamics of angular momentum in finite, interacting many-body systems like
      trapped Bose-Einstein condensates is enriched by the emergence of quantum
      correlations whose description demands more elaborate methods. Herein we
      theoretically investigate the full many-body dynamics of the acquisition of
      angular momentum by a gas of ultracold bosons in two dimensions using a standard
      rotation procedure. We demonstrate the existence of a novel mode of quantized
      vorticity, which we term the phantom vortex. Contrary to the conventional mean
      field vortex, can be detected as a topological defect of spatial coherence, but
      not of the density. We describe previously unknown many-body mechanisms of vortex
      nucleation and show that angular momentum is hidden in phantom vortices modes
      which so far seem to have evaded experimental detection. This phenomenon is
      likely important in the formation of the Abrikosov lattice and the onset of
      turbulence in superfluids.

PMID- 28091522
TI  - Cr incorporated phase transformation in Y2O3 under ion irradiation.
AB  - Under irradiation, chemical species can redistribute in ways not expected from
      equilibrium behavior. In oxide-dispersed ferritic alloys, the phenomenon of
      irradiation-induced Cr redistribution at the metal/oxide interfaces has drawn
      recent attention. Here, the thermal and irradiation stability of the FeCr/Y2O3
      interface has been systematically studied. Trilayer thin films of 90 nm Fe - 20
      at.% Cr (1st layer)/100 nm Y2O3 (2nd layer)/135 nm Fe - 20 at.% Cr (3rd layer)
      were deposited on MgO substrates at 500  degrees C. After irradiation, Cr
      diffuses towards and enriches the FeCr/Y2O3 interface. Further, correlated with
      Cr redistributed into the oxide, an amorphous layer is generated at the
      interface. In the Y2O3 layer, the original cubic phase is observed to transform
      to the monoclinic phase after irradiation. Meanwhile, nanosized voids, with
      relatively larger size at interfaces, are also observed in the oxide layer. First
      principles calculations reveal that Cr substitution of Y interstitials in Y2O3
      containing excess Y interstitials is favored and the irradiation-induced
      monoclinic phase enhances this process. Our findings provide new insights that
      may aid in the development of irradiation resistant oxide-dispersed ferritic
      alloys.

PMID- 28091521
TI  - Mechanisms of intrinsic resistance and acquired susceptibility of Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa isolated from cystic fibrosis patients to temocillin, a revived
      antibiotic.
AB  - The beta-lactam antibiotic temocillin (6-alpha-methoxy-ticarcillin) shows
      stability to most extended spectrum beta-lactamases, but is considered inactive
      against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mutations in the MexAB-OprM efflux system,
      naturally occurring in cystic fibrosis (CF) isolates, have been previously shown
      to reverse this intrinsic resistance. In the present study, we measured
      temocillin activity in a large collection (n = 333) of P. aeruginosa CF isolates.
      29% of the isolates had MICs <= 16 mg/L (proposed clinical breakpoint for
      temocillin). Mutations were observed in mexA or mexB in isolates for which
      temocillin MIC was <=512 mg/L (nucleotide insertions or deletions, premature
      termination, tandem repeat, nonstop, and missense mutations). A correlation was
      observed between temocillin MICs and efflux rate of N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine
      (MexAB-OprM fluorescent substrate) and extracellular exopolysaccharide abundance
      (contributing to a mucoid phenotype). OpdK or OpdF anion-specific porins
      expression decreased temocillin MIC by ~1 two-fold dilution only. Contrarily to
      the common assumption that temocillin is inactive on P. aeruginosa, we show here
      clinically-exploitable MICs on a non-negligible proportion of CF isolates,
      explained by a wide diversity of mutations in mexA and/or mexB. In a broader
      context, this work contributes to increase our understanding of MexAB-OprM
      functionality and help delineating how antibiotics interact with MexA and MexB.

PMID- 28091523
TI  - Origin of anti-tumor activity of the cysteine-containing GO peptides and further
      optimization of their cytotoxic properties.
AB  - Antitumor GO peptides have been designed as dimerization inhibitors of prominent
      oncoprotein mucin 1. In this study we demonstrate that activity of GO peptides is
      independent of the level of cellular expression of mucin 1. Furthermore, these
      peptides prove to be broadly cytotoxic, causing cell death also in normal cells
      such as dermal fibroblasts and endometrial mesenchymal stem cells. To explore
      molecular mechanism of their cytotoxicity, we have designed and tested a number
      of new peptide sequences containing the key CxC or CxxC motifs. Of note, these
      sequences bear no similarity to mucin 1 except that they also contain a pair of
      proximal cysteines. Several of the new peptides turned out to be significantly
      more potent than their GO prototypes. The results suggest that cytotoxicity of
      these peptides stems from their (moderate) activity as disulfide oxidoreductases.
      It is expected that such peptides, which we have termed DO peptides, are involved
      in disulfide-dithiol exchange reaction, resulting in formation of adventitious
      disulfide bridges in cell proteins. In turn, this leads to a partial loss of
      protein function and rapid onset of apoptosis. We anticipate that coupling DO
      sequences with tumor-homing transduction domains can create a potentially
      valuable new class of tumoricidal peptides.

PMID- 28091524
TI  - Formate simultaneously reduces oxidase activity and enhances respiration in
      Campylobacter jejuni.
AB  - The foodborne microaerophilic pathogen, Campylobacter jejuni, possesses a
      periplasmic formate dehydrogenase and two terminal oxidases, which serve to
      metabolize formate and facilitate the use of oxygen as a terminal electron
      acceptor, respectively. Formate, a primary energy source for C. jejuni, inhibits
      oxidase activity in other bacteria. Here, we hypothesized that formate might
      affect both energy metabolism and microaerobic survival in C. jejuni.
      Subsequently, we showed that C. jejuni 81-176 (wildtype) exhibited enhanced
      chemoattraction to and respiration of formate in comparison to other organic
      acids. Formate also significantly increased C. jejuni's growth, motility, and
      biofilm formation under microaerobic (5% O2) conditions. However, formate reduced
      oxidase activity under microaerobic conditions as well as aerotolerance and
      biofilm formation under ambient oxygen conditions. The expression of genes
      encoding the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) and proteins that facilitate the use
      of alternative electron acceptors generally increased in the presence of formate.
      Taken together, formate might play a role in optimizing C. jejuni's adaptation to
      the oxygen-limited gastrointestinal tract of the host. By affecting oxidase
      activity, formate possibly facilitates shuttling electrons to alternative
      acceptors, while likely conserving limited oxygen concentrations for other
      essential functions such as DNA synthesis via RNR which is required for C.
      jejuni's growth.

PMID- 28091525
TI  - A fibrolytic potential in the human ileum mucosal microbiota revealed by
      functional metagenomic.
AB  - The digestion of dietary fibers is a major function of the human intestinal
      microbiota. So far this function has been attributed to the microorganisms
      inhabiting the colon, and many studies have focused on this distal part of the
      gastrointestinal tract using easily accessible fecal material. However, microbial
      fermentations, supported by the presence of short-chain fatty acids, are
      suspected to occur in the upper small intestine, particularly in the ileum. Using
      a fosmid library from the human ileal mucosa, we screened 20,000 clones for their
      activities against carboxymethylcellulose and xylans chosen as models of the
      major plant cell wall (PCW) polysaccharides from dietary fibres. Eleven positive
      clones revealed a broad range of CAZyme encoding genes from Bacteroides and
      Clostridiales species, as well as Polysaccharide Utilization Loci (PULs). The
      functional glycoside hydrolase genes were identified, and oligosaccharide break
      down products examined from different polysaccharides including mixed-linkage
      beta-glucans. CAZymes and PULs were also examined for their prevalence in human
      gut microbiome. Several clusters of genes of low prevalence in fecal microbiome
      suggested they belong to unidentified strains rather specifically established
      upstream the colon, in the ileum. Thus, the ileal mucosa-associated microbiota
      encompasses the enzymatic potential for PCW polysaccharide degradation in the
      small intestine.

PMID- 28091526
TI  - A disrupted transsulphuration pathway results in accumulation of redox
      metabolites and induction of gametocytogenesis in malaria.
AB  - Intra-erythrocytic growth of malaria parasite is known to induce redox stress. In
      addition to haem degradation which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), the
      parasite is also thought to efflux redox active homocysteine. To understand the
      basis underlying accumulation of homocysteine, we have examined the
      transsulphuration (TS) pathway in the parasite, which is known to convert
      homocysteine to cysteine in higher eukaryotes. Our bioinformatic analysis
      revealed absence of key enzymes in the biosynthesis of cysteine namely
      cystathionine-beta-synthase and cystathionine-gamma-lyase in the parasite. Using
      mass spectrometry, we confirmed the absence of cystathionine, which is formed by
      enzymatic conversion of homocysteine thereby confirming truncation of TS pathway.
      We also quantitated levels of glutathione and homocysteine in infected
      erythrocytes and its spent medium. Our results showed increase in levels of these
      metabolites intracellularly and in culture supernatants. Our results provide a
      mechanistic basis for the long-known occurrence of hyperhomocysteinemia in
      malaria. Most importantly we find that homocysteine induces the transcription
      factor implicated in gametocytogenesis namely AP2-G and consequently triggers
      sexual stage conversion. We confirmed this observation both in vitro using
      Plasmodium falciparum cultures, and in vivo in the mouse model of malaria. Our
      study implicates homocysteine as a potential physiological trigger of
      gametocytogenesis.

PMID- 28091528
TI  - Super-emitters in natural gas infrastructure are caused by abnormal process
      conditions.
AB  - Effectively mitigating methane emissions from the natural gas supply chain
      requires addressing the disproportionate influence of high-emitting sources. Here
      we use a Monte Carlo simulation to aggregate methane emissions from all
      components on natural gas production sites in the Barnett Shale production region
      (Texas). Our total emission estimates are two-thirds of those derived from
      independent site-based measurements. Although some high-emitting operations occur
      by design (condensate flashing and liquid unloadings), they occur more than an
      order of magnitude less frequently than required to explain the reported
      frequency at which high site-based emissions are observed. We conclude that the
      occurrence of abnormal process conditions (for example, malfunctions upstream of
      the point of emissions; equipment issues) cause additional emissions that explain
      the gap between component-based and site-based emissions. Such abnormal
      conditions can cause a substantial proportion of a site's gas production to be
      emitted to the atmosphere and are the defining attribute of super-emitting sites.

PMID- 28091527
TI  - Sox17 drives functional engraftment of endothelium converted from non-vascular
      cells.
AB  - Transplanting vascular endothelial cells (ECs) to support metabolism and express
      regenerative paracrine factors is a strategy to treat vasculopathies and to
      promote tissue regeneration. However, transplantation strategies have been
      challenging to develop, because ECs are difficult to culture and little is known
      about how to direct them to stably integrate into vasculature. Here we show that
      only amniotic cells could convert to cells that maintain EC gene expression. Even
      so, these converted cells perform sub-optimally in transplantation studies.
      Constitutive Akt signalling increases expression of EC morphogenesis genes,
      including Sox17, shifts the genomic targeting of Fli1 to favour nearby Sox
      consensus sites and enhances the vascular function of converted cells. Enforced
      expression of Sox17 increases expression of morphogenesis genes and promotes
      integration of transplanted converted cells into injured vessels. Thus, Ets
      transcription factors specify non-vascular, amniotic cells to EC-like cells,
      whereas Sox17 expression is required to confer EC function.

PMID- 28091530
TI  - The autofluorescence characteristics of bacterial intracellular and extracellular
      substances during the operation of anammox reactor.
AB  - Anammox is a cost-effective process to treat nitrogenous wastewater. In this
      work, excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy was used to
      characterize the intracellular and extracellular substances of anammox sludge
      during reactor operation of 276 days. Four main fluorophores were identified from
      the intracellular substances. Two main protein-like fluorophores were identified
      from the extracellular substances. Correlation analysis revealed that
      intracellular 420 peak and humic-like peak had strong correlation with nitrogen
      removal rate. The two intracellular protein-like peaks had high correlation with
      MLVSS and MLVSS growth rate. Correlation analysis between different fluorophores
      discovered that the two peaks in each of these three groups-two intracellular
      protein-like peaks, two humic acid-like peaks and the two extracellular protein
      like peaks had strong intercorrelation, which gave evidence of their homology. A
      specific method for fluorescence monitoring of anammox reactor were put forward,
      which included typical fluorescence indexes and their possible values for
      different operation phases.

PMID- 28091529
TI  - Long non-coding RNA Linc-RAM enhances myogenic differentiation by interacting
      with MyoD.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of diverse biological
      processes. Here we report on functional identification and characterization of a
      novel long intergenic non-coding RNA with MyoD-regulated and skeletal muscle
      restricted expression that promotes the activation of the myogenic program, and
      is therefore termed Linc-RAM (Linc-RNA Activator of Myogenesis). Linc-RAM is
      transcribed from an intergenic region of myogenic cells and its expression is
      upregulated during myogenesis. Notably, in vivo functional studies show that Linc
      RAM knockout mice display impaired muscle regeneration due to the differentiation
      defect of satellite cells. Mechanistically, Linc-RAM regulates expression of
      myogenic genes by directly binding MyoD, which in turn promotes the assembly of
      the MyoD-Baf60c-Brg1 complex on the regulatory elements of target genes.
      Collectively, our findings reveal the functional role and molecular mechanism of
      a lineage-specific Linc-RAM as a regulatory lncRNA required for tissues-specific
      chromatin remodelling and gene expression.

PMID- 28091531
TI  - TNF-alpha regulates the proteolytic degradation of ST6Gal-1 and endothelial cell
      cell junctions through upregulating expression of BACE1.
AB  - Endothelial dysfunction and monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelial cells are
      two critical steps in atherosclerosis development, and emerging evidence suggests
      that protein sialylation is involved in these processes. However, the mechanism
      underlying this phenomenon remains incompletely elucidated. In this study, we
      demonstrated that treatment with the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha disrupted
      vascular endothelial cell-cell tight junctions and promoted monocyte endothelial
      cell adhesion. Western blotting and Sambucus nigra lectin (SNA) blotting analyses
      revealed that TNF-alpha treatment decreased alpha-2, 6-sialic acid transferase 1
      (ST6Gal-I) levels and downregulated VE-Cadherin alpha-2, 6 sialylation. Further
      analysis demonstrated that TNF-alpha treatment upregulated beta-site amyloid
      precursor protein enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression, thus resulting in sequential
      ST6Gal-I proteolytic degradation. Furthermore, our results revealed that PKC
      signaling cascades were involved in TNF-alpha-induced BACE1 upregulation.
      Together, these results indicated that the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha
      impairs endothelial tight junctions and promotes monocyte-endothelial cell
      adhesion by upregulating BACE1 expression through activating PKC signaling and
      sequentially cleaving ST6Gal-I. Thus, inhibition of BACE1 expression may be a new
      approach for treating atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28091533
TI  - ATP Binding Cassette Transporter ABCA7 Regulates NKT Cell Development and
      Function by Controlling CD1d Expression and Lipid Raft Content.
AB  - ABCA7 is an ABC transporter expressed on the plasma membrane, and actively
      exports phospholipid complexes from the cytoplasmic to the exocytoplasmic leaflet
      of membranes. Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are a subpopulation of T lymphocytes
      that recognize glycolipid antigens in the context of CD1d-mediated antigen
      presentation. In this study, we demonstrate that ABCA7 regulates the development
      of NKT cells in a cell-extrinsic manner. We found that in Abca7-/- mice there is
      reduced expression of CD1d accompanied by an alteration in lipid raft content on
      the plasma membrane of thymocytes and antigen presenting cells. Together, these
      alterations caused by absence of ABCA7 negatively affect NKT cell development and
      function.

PMID- 28091534
TI  - Fisheries portfolio diversification and turnover buffer Alaskan fishing
      communities from abrupt resource and market changes.
AB  - Abrupt shifts in natural resources and their markets are a ubiquitous challenge
      to human communities. Building resilient social-ecological systems requires
      approaches that are robust to uncertainty and to regime shifts. Harvesting
      diverse portfolios of natural resources and adapting portfolios in response to
      change could stabilize economies reliant on natural resources and their markets,
      both of which are prone to unpredictable shifts. Here we use fisheries catch and
      revenue data from Alaskan fishing communities over 34 years to test whether
      diversification and turnover in the composition of fishing opportunities
      increased economic stability during major ocean and market regime shifts in 1989.
      More than 85% of communities show reduced fishing revenues following these regime
      shifts. However, communities with the highest portfolio diversity and those that
      could opportunistically shift the composition of resources they harvest,
      experienced negligible or even positive changes in revenue. Maintaining diversity
      in economic opportunities and enabling turnover facilitates sustainability of
      communities reliant on renewable resources facing uncertain futures.

PMID- 28091532
TI  - Development of the Neuroimmune Modulator Ibudilast for the Treatment of
      Alcoholism: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Human Laboratory Trial.
AB  - Current directions in medication development for alcohol use disorder (AUD)
      emphasize the need to identify novel molecular targets and efficiently screen new
      compounds aimed at those targets. Ibudilast (IBUD) is a neuroimmune modulator
      that inhibits phosphodiesterase-4 and -10 and macrophage migration inhibitory
      factor and was recently found to reduce alcohol intake in rats by ~50%. To
      advance medication development for AUD, the present study consists of a
      randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled laboratory study of IBUD
      in nontreatment-seeking individuals with current (ie, past month) mild-to-severe
      AUD. This study tested the safety, tolerability, and initial human laboratory
      efficacy of IBUD (50 mg b.i.d.) on primary measures of subjective response to
      alcohol as well as secondary measures of cue- and stress-induced changes in
      craving and mood. Participants (N=24) completed two separate 7-day intensive
      outpatient protocols that included daily visits for medication administration and
      testing. Upon reaching a stable target dose of IBUD (or matched placebo),
      participants completed a stress-exposure session (day 5; PM), an alcohol cue
      exposure session (day 6; AM), and an i.v. alcohol administration session (day 6;
      PM). Participants stayed overnight after the alcohol administration, and
      discharge occurred on day 7 of the protocol. Medication conditions were separated
      by a washout period that was ?7 days. IBUD was well tolerated; however, there
      were no medication effects on primary measures of subjective response to alcohol.
      IBUD was associated with mood improvements on the secondary measures of stress
      exposure and alcohol cue exposure, as well as reductions in tonic levels of
      craving. Exploratory analyses revealed that among individuals with higher
      depressive symptomatology, IBUD attenuated the stimulant and mood-altering
      effects of alcohol as compared with placebo. Together, these findings extend
      preclinical demonstrations of the potential utility of IBUD for the treatment of
      AUD and suggest that depressive symptomatology should be considered as a
      potential moderator of efficacy for pharmacotherapies with neuroimmune effects,
      such as IBUD.

PMID- 28091535
TI  - Visualization of the role of host heme on the virulence of the heme auxotroph
      Streptococcus agalactiae.
AB  - Heme is essential for several cellular key functions but is also toxic. Whereas
      most bacterial pathogens utilize heme as a metabolic cofactor and iron source,
      the impact of host heme during bacterial infection remains elusive. The
      opportunist pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae does not synthesize heme but still
      uses it to activate a respiration metabolism. Concomitantly, heme toxicity is
      mainly controlled by the HrtBA efflux transporter. Here we investigate how S.
      agalactiae manages heme toxicity versus benefits in the living host. Using
      bioluminescent bacteria and heme-responsive reporters for in vivo imaging, we
      show that the capacity of S. agalactiae to overcome heme toxicity is required for
      successful infection, particularly in blood-rich organs. Host heme is
      simultaneously required, as visualized by a generalized infection defect of a
      respiration-negative mutant. In S. agalactiae, HrtBA expression responds to an
      intracellular heme signal via activation of the two-component system HssRS. A
      hssRS promoter-driven intracellular luminescent heme sensor was designed to
      identify host compartments that supply S. agalactiae with heme. S. agalactiae
      acquires heme in heart, kidneys, and liver, but not in the brain. We conclude
      that S. agalactiae response to heme is organ-dependent, and its efflux may be
      particularly relevant in late stages of infection.

PMID- 28091536
TI  - Simple, Efficient and Controllable Synthesis of Iodo/Di-iodoarenes via
      Ipsoiododecarboxylation/Consecutive Iodination Strategy.
AB  - A practical, efficient, and operationally simple strategy for the
      ipsoiododecarboxylation and di-iodination of aromatic carboxylic acids using the
      low-cost commercial reagent succinimide (NIS) as iodine source is reported. This
      iodination or di-iodination process can be easily controlled through reaction
      conditions, thereby providing corresponding iodination or di-iodination products
      with high yields. Furthermore, these two reactions can be easily scaled up to
      gram-scale by using palladium catalyst (0.66 mol%), which provides high isolated
      yield.

PMID- 28091537
TI  - Spatio-temporal coordination among functional residues in protein.
AB  - The microscopic basis of communication among the functional sites in bio
      macromolecules is a fundamental challenge in uncovering their functions. We study
      the communication through temporal cross-correlation among the binding sites. We
      illustrate via Molecular Dynamics simulations the properties of the temporal
      cross-correlation between the dihedrals of a small protein, ubiquitin which
      participates in protein degradation in eukaryotes. We show that the dihedral
      angles of the residues possess non-trivial temporal cross-correlations with
      asymmetry with respect to exchange of the dihedrals, having peaks at low
      frequencies with time scales in nano-seconds and an algebraic tail with a
      universal exponent for large frequencies. We show the existence of path for
      temporally correlated degrees of freedom among the functional residues. We
      explain the qualitative features of the cross-correlations through a general
      mathematical model. The generality of our analysis suggests that temporal cross
      correlation functions may provide convenient theoretical framework to understand
      bio-molecular functions on microscopic basis.

PMID- 28091538
TI  - MircoRNA-145 promotes activation of hepatic stellate cells via targeting kruppel
      like factor 4.
AB  - Kruppel-like Factor 4 (KLF4), a target gene of miR-145, can negatively regulate
      lung fibrosis. However, the potential role of KLF4 and miR-145 in hepatic
      stellate cells (HSCs) activation or in hepatic fibrosis keeps unclear. This study
      aims to characterize miR-145 and KLF4 in activated HSCs and liver cirrhotic, and
      the underlying molecular basis. miR-145 was significantly up-regulated, while
      KLF4 was dramatically down-regulated during the activation of rat primary HSCs
      and TGF-betatreated HSCs. Furthermore, miR-145 mimics induced and inhibition of
      miR-145 reduced alpha-SMA and COL-I expression in primary HSCs. Additionally, the
      mRNA and protein levels of KLF4 in the liver of cirrhotic patients and rats were
      significantly down-regulated. alpha-SMA and COL-I were increased after inhibition
      of KLF4 by specific shRNA in primary HSCs. Forced KLF4 expression led to a
      reduction of alpha-SMA and COL-I expression in HSCs. miR-145 promotes HSC
      activation and liver fibrosis by targeting KLF4.

PMID- 28091540
TI  - Retraction: Heavy metal removal from MSS fly ash by thermal and chlorination
      treatments.

PMID- 28091539
TI  - An electromagnetic modulator based on electrically controllable metamaterial
      analogue to electromagnetically induced transparency.
AB  - Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is a promising technology for the
      enhancement of light-matter interactions, and recent demonstrations of the EIT
      analogue realized in artificial micro-structured medium have remarkably reduced
      the extreme requirement for experimental observation of EIT spectrum. In this
      paper, we propose to electrically control the EIT-like spectrum in a metamaterial
      as an electromagnetic modulator. A diode acting as a tunable resistor is loaded
      in the gap of paired wires to inductively tune the magnetic resonance, which
      induces remarkable modulation on the EIT-like spectrum through the metamaterial
      sample. The experimental measurements confirmed that the prediction of
      electromagnetic modulation in three narrow bands on the EIT-like spectrum, and a
      modulation contrast of up to 31 dB was achieved on the transmission through the
      metamaterial. Our results may facilitate the study on active/dynamical technology
      in translational metamaterials, which connect extraordinary manipulations on the
      flow of light in metamaterials, e.g., the exotic EIT, and practical applications
      in industry.

PMID- 28091542
TI  - On-line Ammonia Sensor and Invisible Security Ink by Fluorescent Zwitterionic
      Spirocyclic Meisenheimer Complex.
AB  - Ammonia is not only a highly important gas for civilization but also contribute
      significantly for climate change and human health hazard. Highly sensitive
      ammonia sensor has been developed from a fluorescent zwitterionic spirocyclic
      Meisenheimer complex. Moreover, formation of this Meisenheimer complex can also
      be utilized for selective as well as naked eye instant detection of nitro
      aromatic explosive picric acid. The presence of a quaternary nitrogen atom
      directly attached to the spiro carbon is the unique feature of this Meisenheimer
      complex. This excellent photoluminescent (PL) Meisenheimer complex has two
      distinct stimuli responsive sites. One is sensitive towards acid while the other
      one is towards the base. These two positions can be modulated by adding one
      equivalent acid and one equivalent base to result two new products which are non
      fluorescent. One of these two non fluorescent species was found very exciting
      because of its UV/Vis transparency. Utilizing this concept we have fabricated an
      on-line sensor for measuring ammonia in dry or humid and condensing sewer air.
      The sensor was robust against ambient temperature and humidity variation. We have
      also developed an invisible ink from this Meisenheimer complex, with potential
      application for security purpose.

PMID- 28091541
TI  - Apelin receptor homodimer-oligomers revealed by single-molecule imaging and novel
      G protein-dependent signaling.
AB  - The apelin receptor (APJ) belongs to family A of the G protein-coupled receptors
      (GPCRs) and is a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for heart failure,
      hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. There is evidence APJ
      heterodimerizes with other GPCRs; however, the existence of APJ homodimers and
      oligomers remains to be investigated. Here, we measured APJ monomer-homodimer
      oligomer interconversion by monitoring APJ dynamically on cells and compared
      their proportions, spatial arrangement, and mobility using total internal
      reflection fluorescence microscopy, resonance energy transfer, and proximity
      biotinylation. In cells with <0.3 receptor particles/MUm2, approximately 60% of
      APJ molecules were present as dimers or oligomers. APJ dimers were present on the
      cell surface in a dynamic equilibrium with constant formation and dissociation of
      receptor complexes. Furthermore, we applied interference peptides and MALDI-TOF
      mass spectrometry to confirm APJ homo-dimer and explore the dimer-interfaces.
      Peptides corresponding to transmembrane domain (TMD)1, 2, 3, and 4, but not TMD5,
      6, and 7, disrupted APJ dimerization. APJ mutants in TMD1 and TMD2 also decreased
      bioluminescence resonance energy transfer of APJ dimer. APJ dimerization resulted
      in novel functional characteristics, such as a distinct G-protein binding profile
      and cell responses after agonist stimulation. Thus, dimerization may serve as a
      unique mechanism for fine-tuning APJ-mediated functions.

PMID- 28091543
TI  - Fluctuations in Evolutionary Integration Allow for Big Brains and Disparate
      Faces.
AB  - In theory, evolutionary modularity allows anatomical structures to respond
      differently to selective regimes, thus promoting morphological diversification.
      These differences can then influence the rate and direction of phenotypic
      evolution among structures. Here we use geometric morphometrics and phenotypic
      matrix statistics to compare rates of craniofacial evolution and estimate
      evolvability in the face and braincase modules of a clade of teleost fishes
      (Gymnotiformes) and a clade of mammals (Carnivora), both of which exhibit
      substantial craniofacial diversity. We find that the face and braincase regions
      of both clades display different degrees of integration. We find that the face
      and braincase evolve at similar rates in Gymnotiformes and the reverse in
      Carnivora with the braincase evolving twice as fast as the face. Estimates of
      evolvability and constraints in these modules suggest differential responses to
      selection arising from fluctuations in phylogenetic integration, thus influencing
      differential rates of skull-shape evolution in these two clades.

PMID- 28091544
TI  - Ultrasound prediction of abnormal infant development in hypertensive pregnant
      women in the second and third trimester.
AB  - The objective was to assess the sensitivities and accuracies of Doppler
      ultrasound parameters in the second and third trimester of hypertensive
      pregnancies in determining perinatal outcomes. 1,054 pregnancies were
      retrospectively categorized into three groups (healthy pregnancies (HP, n = 988),
      pregnancies of hypertensive women (HypP, n = 30) and high-risk hypertension
      pregnancies (HRHypP, n = 36), depending on gestational hypertension as well as
      fetal birth weights and pregnancy outcomes. Systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D),
      resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI) of the bilateral uterine artery,
      umbilical artery and vein as well as venous flow velocity data were monitored by
      Doppler ultrasound. At 20-27 and 28-32 gestational weeks, uterine artery PIs and
      RIs were significantly higher in the HRHypP group than in the HP and HypP
      patients. At gestational weeks 20-27 and 28-32 left plus right PI data with cut
      off values of 2.35 and 1.73 indicated a risk of stillbirth, premature pregnancy
      termination and a birth weight of less than 2,500 g with sensitivities of 94.4%
      and 93.1% as well as specificities of 95.2% and 90.1%, respectively.

PMID- 28091545
TI  - Improvement of thermoelectric properties and their correlations with electron
      effective mass in Cu1.98SxSe1-x.
AB  - Sulphur doping effects on the crystal structures, thermoelectric properties,
      density-of-states, and effective mass in Cu1.98SxSe1-x were studied based on the
      electrical and thermal transport property measurements, and first-principles
      calculations. The X-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld refinements indicate
      that room temperature Cu1.98SxSe1-x (x = 0, 0.02, 0.08, 0.16) and Cu1.98SxSe1-x
      (x = 0.8, 0.9, 1.0) have the same crystal structure as monoclinic-Cu2Se and
      orthorhombic-Cu2S, respectively. Sulphur doping can greatly enhance zT values
      when x is in the range of 0.8<= * <=1.0. Furthermore, all doped samples show
      stable thermoelectric compatibility factors over a broad temperature range from
      700 to 1000 K, which could greatly benefit their practical applications. First
      principles calculations indicate that both the electron density-of-sates and the
      effective mass for all the compounds exhibit non-monotonic sulphur doping
      dependence. It is concluded that the overall thermoelectric performance of the
      Cu1.98SxSe1-x system is mainly correlated with the electron effective mass and
      the density-of-states.

PMID- 28091546
TI  - Prebiotic galactooligosaccharides activate mucin and pectic galactan utilization
      pathways in the human gut symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.
AB  - Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotic carbohydrates that impart changes in
      the gut bacterial composition of formula-fed infants to more closely resemble
      that of breast-fed infants. Consuming human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) provides
      specific bacterial strains with an advantage for colonizing the infant intestine.
      These same effects are seen in infants after GOS consumption, however GOS are
      very complex mixtures and the underlying molecular mechanisms of how GOS mimic
      HMOs are relatively unknown. Here we studied the effects of GOS utilization on a
      prominent gut symbiont, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, which has been previously
      shown to consume HMOs via mucin O-glycan degradation pathways. We show that
      several pathways for targeting O-mucin glycans are activated in B.
      thetaiotaomicron by GOS, as well as the galactan utilization sytem.
      Characterization of the endo-galactanase from this system identified activity on
      various longer GOS substrates while a subset of GOS compounds were identified as
      potential activators of mucin glycan metabolism in B. thetaiotaomicron. Our
      results show that GOS functions as an inducer of mucin-glycan pathways while
      providing a nutrient source in the form of beta-(1 -> 4)-galactan. These
      metabolic features of GOS mixtures may serve to explain the beneficial effects
      that are seen for GOS supplemented infant formula.

PMID- 28091547
TI  - Corydalis edulis Maxim. Promotes Insulin Secretion via the Activation of Protein
      Kinase Cs (PKCs) in Mice and Pancreatic beta Cells.
AB  - Corydalis edulis Maxim., a widely grown plant in China, had been proposed for the
      treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we found that C. edulis
      extract (CE) is protective against diabetes in mice. The treatment of
      hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-/- mice with a high dose
      of CE reduced serum glucose by 28.84% and serum total cholesterol by 17.34% and
      increased insulin release. We also found that CE significantly enhanced insulin
      secretion in a glucose-independent manner in hamster pancreatic beta cell (HIT
      T15). Further investigation revealed that CE stimulated insulin exocytosis by a
      protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent signaling pathway and that CE selectively
      activated novel protein kinase Cs (nPKCs) and atypical PKCs (aPKCs) but not
      conventional PKCs (cPKCs) in HIT-T15 cells. To the best of our knowledge, our
      study is the first to identify the PKC pathway as a direct target and one of the
      major mechanisms underlying the antidiabetic effect of CE. Given the good
      insulinotropic effect of this herbal medicine, CE is a promising agent for the
      development of new drugs for treating diabetes.

PMID- 28091548
TI  - Genome Analysis of a Zygomycete Fungus Choanephora cucurbitarum Elucidates
      Necrotrophic Features Including Bacterial Genes Related to Plant Colonization.
AB  - A zygomycete fungus, Choanephora cucurbitarum is a plant pathogen that causes
      blossom rot in cucurbits and other plants. Here we report the genome sequence of
      Choanephora cucurbitarum KUS-F28377 isolated from squash. The assembled genome
      has a size of 29.1 Mbp and 11,977 protein-coding genes. The genome analysis
      indicated that C. cucurbitarum may employ a plant pathogenic mechanism similar to
      that of bacterial plant pathogens. The genome contained 11 genes with a
      Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor-like domain, which plays an important role in
      the defense against plant immunity. This domain has been found only in bacterial
      genomes. Carbohydrate active enzyme analysis detected 312 CAZymes in this genome
      where carbohydrate esterase family 6, rarely found in dikaryotic fungal genomes,
      was comparatively enriched. The comparative genome analysis showed that the genes
      related to sexual communication such as the biosynthesis of beta-carotene and
      trisporic acid were conserved and diverged during the evolution of zygomycete
      genomes. Overall, these findings will help us to understand how zygomycetes are
      associated with plants.

PMID- 28091549
TI  - Urinary proteomics can define distinct diagnostic inflammatory arthritis
      subgroups.
AB  - Current diagnostic tests applied to inflammatory arthritis lack the necessary
      specificity to appropriately categorise patients. There is a need for novel
      approaches to classify patients with these conditions. Herein we explored whether
      urinary proteomic biomarkers specific for different forms of arthritis
      (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), osteoarthritis (OA)) or
      chronic inflammatory conditions (inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)) can be
      identified. Fifty subjects per group with RA, PsA, OA or IBD and 50 healthy
      controls were included in the study. Two-thirds of these populations were
      randomly selected to serve as a training set, while the remaining one-third was
      reserved for validation. Sequential comparison of one group to the other four
      enabled identification of multiple urinary peptides significantly associated with
      discrete pathological conditions. Classifiers for the five groups were developed
      and subsequently tested blind in the validation test set. Upon unblinding, the
      classifiers demonstrated excellent performance, with an area under the curve
      between 0.90 and 0.97 per group. Identification of the peptide markers pointed to
      dysregulation of collagen synthesis and inflammation, but also novel inflammatory
      markers. We conclude that urinary peptide signatures can reliably differentiate
      between chronic arthropathies and inflammatory conditions with discrete
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 28091551
TI  - Reversible Martensitic Transformation under Low Magnetic Fields in Magnetic Shape
      Memory Alloys.
AB  - Magnetic field-induced, reversible martensitic transformations in NiCoMnIn meta
      magnetic shape memory alloys were studied under constant and varying mechanical
      loads to understand the role of coupled magneto-mechanical loading on the
      transformation characteristics and the magnetic field levels required for
      reversible phase transformations. The samples with two distinct microstructures
      were tested along the [001] austenite crystallographic direction using a custom
      designed magneto-thermo-mechanical characterization device while carefully
      controlling their thermodynamic states through isothermal constant stress and
      stress-varying magnetic field ramping. Measurements revealed that these meta
      magnetic shape memory alloys were capable of generating entropy changes of 14 J
      kg-1 K-1 or 22 J kg -1 K-1, and corresponding magnetocaloric cooling with
      reversible shape changes as high as 5.6% under only 1.3 T, or 3 T applied
      magnetic fields, respectively. Thus, we demonstrate that this alloy is suitable
      as an active component in near room temperature devices, such as magnetocaloric
      regenerators, and that the field levels generated by permanent magnets can be
      sufficient to completely transform the alloy between its martensitic and
      austenitic states if the loading sequence developed, herein, is employed.

PMID- 28091550
TI  - Imbalance of Th17/Treg cells in pathogenesis of patients with human leukocyte
      antigen B27 associated acute anterior uveitis.
AB  - Th17 and regulatory T cells, involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune
      diseases, are new lineages of CD4+ T helper cells. However, the role of their
      imbalance in human leukocyte antigen B27-associated acute anterior uveitis has
      not been elucidated. In our study, the percentages of Th17 and Treg cells, their
      molecular markers and related factors in peripheral blood of patients and healthy
      controls were measured by flow cytometry, real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. We observed
      a remarkable increase of CD4+ and CD4+IL-17+ T cells in peripheral blood of
      patients compared to controls. The molecular markers and related factors of Th17
      cell were also showed a distinct elevation. Interestingly, we observed an obvious
      decrease of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells and Foxp3 mRNA level in patients. The ratio
      of Th17/Treg in patients was dramatically higher than controls. Moreover, the
      ratio of Th17/Treg cells had a more significantly positive correlation with the
      disease activity score than Th17 cells whereas Treg cells had a negative
      correlation. Our findings demonstrated a distinct increase of Th17 cells and a
      significant decrease of Treg cells in patients compared to controls. The
      imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of the
      disease.

PMID- 28091552
TI  - Dual sources of water overprinting on the low zircon delta18O metamorphic country
      rocks: Disequilibrium constrained through inverse modelling of partial
      reequilibration.
AB  - Since water is only composed of oxygen and hydrogen, delta18O and delta2H values
      are thus utilized to trace the origin of water(s) and quantify the water-rock
      interactions. While Triassic high pressure (HP) and ultrahigh pressure (UHP)
      metamorphic rocks across the Dabie-Sulu orogen in central-eastern China have been
      well documented, postcollisional magmatism driven hydrothermal systems are little
      known. Here we show that two sources of externally derived water interactions
      were revealed by oxygen isotopes for the gneissic country rocks intruded by the
      early Cretaceous postcollisional granitoids. Inverse modellings indicate that the
      degree of disequilibrium (doD) of meteoric water interactions was more evident
      than that of magmatic one (-65 +/- 1o vs. -20 +/- 2 degrees ); the partial
      reequilibration between quartz and alkali feldspar oxygen isotopes with magmatic
      water was achieved at 340  degrees C with a water/rock (W/R) ratio of about 1.2
      for an open-hydrothermal system; two-stage meteoric water interactions were
      unraveled with reequilibration temperatures less than 300  degrees C and W/R
      ratios around 0.4. The lifetime of fossil magmatic hydrothermal system
      overprinted on the low zircon delta18O orthogneissic country rocks was estimated
      to maintain up to 50 thousand years (Kyr) through oxygen exchange modellings.
      Four-stage isotopic evolutions were proposed for the magmatic water interacted
      gneiss.

PMID- 28091553
TI  - Shifts in the fluorescence lifetime of EGFP during bacterial phagocytosis
      measured by phase-sensitive flow cytometry.
AB  - Phase-sensitive flow cytometry (PSFC) is a technique in which fluorescence
      excited state decay times are measured as fluorescently labeled cells rapidly
      transit a finely focused, frequency-modulated laser beam. With PSFC the
      fluorescence lifetime is taken as a cytometric parameter to differentiate
      intracellular events that are challenging to distinguish with standard flow
      cytometry. For example PSFC can report changes in protein conformation,
      expression, interactions, and movement, as well as differences in intracellular
      microenvironments. This contribution focuses on the latter case by taking PSFC
      measurements of macrophage cells when inoculated with enhanced green fluorescent
      protein (EGFP)-expressing E. coli. During progressive internalization of EGFP-E.
      coli, fluorescence lifetimes were acquired and compared to control groups. It was
      hypothesized that fluorescence lifetimes would correlate well with phagocytosis
      because phagosomes become acidified and the average fluorescence lifetime of EGFP
      is known to be affected by pH. We confirmed that average EGFP lifetimes
      consistently decreased (3 to 2 ns) with inoculation time. The broad significance
      of this work is the demonstration of how high-throughput fluorescence lifetime
      measurements correlate well to changes that are not easily tracked by intensity
      only cytometry, which is affected by heterogeneous protein expression, cell-to
      cell differences in phagosome formation, and number of bacterium engulfed.

PMID- 28091554
TI  - Advances and Environmental Conditions of Spring Migration Phenology of American
      White Pelicans.
AB  - Spring migration phenology of birds has advanced under warming climate. Migration
      timing of short-distance migrants is believed to be responsive to environmental
      changes primarily under exogenous control. However, understanding the ecological
      causes of the advancement in avian spring migration phenology is still a
      challenge due to the lack of long-term precise location data. We used 11 years of
      Global Positioning System relocation data to determine four different migration
      dates of the annual migration cycle of the American white pelican (Pelecanus
      erythrorhynchos), a short-distance migrant. We also tested the hypothesis that
      increases in winter temperature and precipitation on the wintering grounds would
      advance pelican spring migration. Pelican spring departures and arrivals advanced
      steadily from 2002 to 2011. Spring departure timing exhibited high repeatability
      at the upper end of migration timing repeatability reported in literature.
      However, individual spring departure and arrival dates were not related to winter
      daily temperature, total winter precipitation, and detrended vegetation green-up
      dates indexed by the normalized difference vegetation index. Despite high
      repeatability, the observed between-year variation of spring departure dates was
      still sufficient for the advancement of spring departure timing.

PMID- 28091555
TI  - Coulomb excitations of monolayer germanene.
AB  - The feature-rich electronic excitations of monolayer germanene lie in the
      significant spin-orbit coupling and the buckled structure. The collective and
      single-particle excitations are diversified by the magnitude and direction of
      transferred momentum, the Fermi energy and the gate voltage. There are four kinds
      of plasmon modes, according to the unique frequency- and momentum-dependent phase
      diagrams. They behave as two-dimensional acoustic modes at long wavelength.
      However, for the larger momenta, they might change into another kind of undamped
      plasmons, become the seriously suppressed modes in the heavy intraband e-h
      excitations, keep the same undamped plasmons, or decline and then vanish in the
      strong interband e-h excitations. Germanene, silicene and graphene are quite
      different from one another in the main features of the diverse plasmon modes.

PMID- 28091557
TI  - The same oculomotor vermal Purkinje cells encode the different kinematics of
      saccades and of smooth pursuit eye movements.
AB  - Saccades and smooth pursuit eye movements (SPEM) are two types of goal-directed
      eye movements whose kinematics differ profoundly, a fact that may have
      contributed to the notion that the underlying cerebellar substrates are
      separated. However, it is suggested that some Purkinje cells (PCs) in the
      oculomotor vermis (OMV) of monkey cerebellum may be involved in both saccades and
      SPEM, a puzzling finding in view of the different kinematic demands of the two
      types of eye movements. Such 'dual' OMV PCs might be oddities with little if any
      functional relevance. On the other hand, they might be representatives of a
      generic mechanism serving as common ground for saccades and SPEM. In our present
      study, we found that both saccade- and SPEM-related responses of individual PCs
      could be predicted well by linear combinations of eye acceleration, velocity and
      position. The relative weights of the contributions that these three kinematic
      parameters made depended on the type of eye movement. Whereas in the case of
      saccades eye position was the most important independent variable, it was
      velocity in the case of SPEM. This dissociation is in accordance with standard
      models of saccades and SPEM control which emphasize eye position and velocity
      respectively as the relevant controlled state variables.

PMID- 28091556
TI  - VEGF-B promotes recovery of corneal innervations and trophic functions in
      diabetic mice.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-B possesses the capacity of promoting
      injured peripheral nerve regeneration and restore their sensory and trophic
      functions. However, the contribution and mechanism of VEGF-B in diabetic
      peripheral neuropathy remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the
      expression and role of VEGF-B in diabetic corneal neuropathy by using type 1
      diabetic mice and cultured trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. Hyperglycemia
      attenuated the endogenous expression of VEGF-B in regenerated diabetic corneal
      epithelium, but not that of VEGF receptors in diabetic TG neurons and axons.
      Exogenous VEGF-B promoted diabetic corneal nerve fiber regeneration through the
      reactivation of PI-3K/Akt-GSK3beta-mTOR signaling and the attenuation of neuronal
      mitochondria dysfunction via the VEGF receptor-1 and neuropilin-1. Moreover, VEGF
      B improved corneal sensation and epithelial regeneration in both normal and
      diabetic mice, accompanied with the elevated corneal content of pigment
      epithelial-derived factor (PEDF). PEDF blockade partially abolished trophic
      function of VEGF-B in diabetic corneal re-innervation. In conclusion,
      hyperglycemia suppressed endogenous VEGF-B expression in regenerated corneal
      epithelium of diabetic mice, while exogenous VEGF-B promoted recovery of corneal
      innervations and trophic functions through reactivating PI-3K/Akt-GSK-3beta-mTOR
      signaling, attenuating neuronal oxidative stress and elevating PEDF expression.

PMID- 28091558
TI  - Soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) predicts microalbuminuria in patients at risk
      for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Early identification of patients at risk of developing diabetic nephropathy is
      essential. Elevated serum concentrations of soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR)
      associate with diabetes mellitus and predict onset and loss of renal function in
      chronic kidney disease. We hypothesize, that suPAR may be an early risk indicator
      for diabetic nephropathy, preceding microalbuminuria. The relationship of
      baseline suPAR and incident microalbuminuria was assessed in a prospective long
      term cohort of subjects at increased risk for type 2 diabetes (TULIP, n = 258).
      Association with albuminuria at later stages of disease was studied in a cross
      sectional cohort with manifest type 2 diabetes (ICEPHA, n = 266). A higher
      baseline suPAR was associated with an increased risk of new-onset
      microalbuminuria in subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio 5.3 (95%
      CI 1.1-25.2, p = 0.03) for the highest vs. lowest suPAR quartile). The proportion
      of subjects with prediabetes at the end of observation was higher in subjects
      with new-onset microalbuminuria. suPAR consistently correlated with albuminuria
      in a separate cohort with manifest type 2 diabetes. Elevated baseline suPAR
      concentrations independently associate with new-onset microalbuminuria in
      subjects at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. suPAR may hence allow
      for earlier risk stratification than microalbuminuria.

PMID- 28091559
TI  - Brain Structural Differences between Normal and Obese Adults and their Links with
      Lack of Perseverance, Negative Urgency, and Sensation Seeking.
AB  - In order to examine the difference in brain structure between obese and normal
      weight individuals, and to explore the relationship between the neuroanatomical
      changes and impulsivity traits, this study used a voxel-based morphometry method
      to examine gray matter (GM) volume alterations related to impulsive personality
      traits in obese individuals relative to normal weight. Eighty adults that
      completed the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale were analyzed. Possible GM volume
      alterations were first analyzed at the whole brain level, and then the
      relationship between regional GM volume differences and UPPS-P scores were
      examined in selected regions of interest. Reduced GM volumes were found in the
      frontal and limbic regions in the obese group compared to normal weight
      individuals. In the normal weight group, lack of perseverance was negatively
      correlated with GM volume in the anterior cingulate cortex, and negative urgency
      was negatively correlated with GM volume in the insula. In the obese group,
      sensation seeking was negatively correlated with GM volume in the left amygdala
      and right pallidum. These findings might improve our understanding of the
      relationship between lack of perseverance, negative urgency, and sensation
      seeking and body weight fluctuations.

PMID- 28091560
TI  - Spatio-temporal analysis of malaria incidence in the Peruvian Amazon Region
      between 2002 and 2013.
AB  - Malaria remains a major public health problem in the Peruvian Amazon where the
      persistence of high-risk transmission areas (hotspots) challenges the current
      malaria control strategies. This study aimed at identifying significant space
      time clusters of malaria incidence in Loreto region 2002-2013 and to determine
      significant changes across years in relation to the control measures applied.
      Poisson regression and purely temporal, spatial, and space-time analyses were
      conducted. Three significantly different periods in terms of annual incidence
      rates (AIR) were identified, overlapping respectively with the pre-, during, and
      post- implementation control activities supported by PAMAFRO project. The most
      likely space-time clusters of malaria incidence for P. vivax and P. falciparum
      corresponded to the pre- and first two years of the PAMAFRO project and were
      situated in the northern districts of Loreto, while secondary clusters were
      identified in eastern and southern districts with the latest onset and the
      shortest duration of PAMAFRO interventions. Malaria in Loreto was highly
      heterogeneous at geographical level and over time. Importantly, the excellent
      achievements obtained during 5 years of intensified control efforts totally
      vanished in only 2 to 3 years after the end of the program, calling for sustained
      political and financial commitment for the success of malaria elimination as
      ultimate goal.

PMID- 28091561
TI  - Low Temperature CO oxidation over Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Decorating Internal
      Structures of a Mesoporous Alumina.
AB  - Using a chemical vapor deposition method with regulated sample temperatures under
      ambient pressure conditions, we were able to fully decorate the internal
      structure of a mesoporous Al2O3 bead (~1 mm in particle diameter) with iron oxide
      nanoparticles (with a mean lateral size of less than 1 nm). The iron oxide
      decorated Al2O3 showed a high CO oxidation reactivity, even at room temperature.
      Very little deactivation of the CO oxidation activity was observed with
      increasing reaction time at ~100  degrees C. Additionally, this catalyst showed
      high CO oxidation activity, even after annealing at ~900  degrees C under
      atmospheric conditions (i.e., the structure of the catalysts could be maintained
      under very harsh treatment conditions). We show that our catalysts have potential
      for application as oxidation catalysts in industrial processes due to the
      simplicity of their fabrication process as well as the high and stable catalytic
      performance.

PMID- 28091562
TI  - Unravelling a simple method for the low temperature synthesis of silicon
      nanocrystals and monolithic nanocrystalline thin films.
AB  - In this work, we present new results on the plasma processing and structure of
      hydrogenated polymorphous silicon (pm-Si:H) thin films. pm-Si:H thin films
      consist of a low volume fraction of silicon nanocrystals embedded in a silicon
      matrix with medium range order, and they possess this morphology as a significant
      contribution to their growth comes from the impact on the substrate of silicon
      clusters and nanocrystals synthesized in the plasma. Quadrupole mass
      spectrometry, ion flux measurements, and material characterization by
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy all provide
      insight on the contribution to the growth by silicon nanocrystals during PECVD
      deposition. In particular, cross-section TEM measurements show for the first time
      that the silicon nanocrystals are uniformly distributed across the thickness of
      the pm-Si:H film. Moreover, parametric studies indicate that the best pm-Si:H
      material is obtained at the conditions after the transition between a pristine
      plasma and one containing nanocrystals, namely a total gas pressure around 2 Torr
      and a silane to hydrogen ratio between 0.05 to 0.1. From a practical point of
      view these conditions also correspond to the highest deposition rate achievable
      for a given RF power and silane flow rate.

PMID- 28091563
TI  - Androgen receptor gene polymorphisms and risk of prostate cancer: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - Although the association between CAG and GGN repeats in the androgen receptor
      gene and prostate cancer risk has been widely studied, it remains controversial
      from previous meta-analyses and narrative reviews. Therefore, we performed this
      meta-analysis to provide more precise estimates with sufficient power. A total of
      51 publications with 61 studies for CAG repeats and 14 publications with 16
      studies for GGN repeats were identified in the meta-analysis. The results showed
      that short CAG repeats (<22 repeats) carriers presented an elevated risk of
      prostate cancer than long CAG repeats (>=22) carriers (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to
      1.47). Prostate cancer cases presented an average fewer CAG repeats (MD = -0.85,
      95% CI -1.28 to -0.42) than controls. Short GGN repeats (<=16) carriers presented
      an increased risk of prostate cancer than long GGN repeats (>16) carriers (OR =
      1.38, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.82). In subgroup analyses, the abovementioned significant
      association was predominantly observed in Caucasian populations. The meta
      analysis showed that short CAG and GGN repeats in androgen receptor gene were
      associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, especially in Caucasians.

PMID- 28091564
TI  - Mitotic catastrophe is a putative mechanism underlying the weak correlation
      between sensitivity to carbon ions and cisplatin.
AB  - In cancer therapy today, carbon ion radiotherapy is used mainly as monotherapy,
      whereas cisplatin is used concomitantly with X-ray radiotherapy. The
      effectiveness of concomitant carbon ions and cisplatin is unclear. To obtain the
      information on the mechanisms potentially shared between carbon ions or X-rays
      and cisplatin, we assessed the correlation of sensitivity to the single
      treatments. In 20 human cancer cell lines, sensitivity to X-rays strongly
      correlated with sensitivity to cisplatin, indicating the presence of potentially
      shared target mechanisms. Interestingly, the correlation of sensitivity to carbon
      ions and cisplatin was much weaker than that of sensitivity to X-rays and
      cisplatin, indicating the presence of potentially different target mechanisms
      between carbon ions and cisplatin. Assessment of clonogenic cell death by 4',6
      diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride staining showed that mitotic catastrophe
      was more efficiently induced by carbon ions than by the same physical dose of X
      rays, while apoptosis and senescence were not. These data indicate that the
      correlation of sensitivity to carbon ions and cisplatin is weaker than that of
      sensitivity to X-rays and cisplatin, which are helpful as biological basis to
      understand the potentially shared mechanism among these treatments. Further
      investigation is mandatory to elucidate the clinical efficacy of carbon ions and
      cisplatin combination.

PMID- 28091565
TI  - 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG PET/CT in Predicting Response to Chemoradiotherapy in
      Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Preliminary Results.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of 18F-Fluorothymidine
      (18F-FLT) and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission
      tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in predicting treatment response of
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Patients with NPC of Stage II-IVB were
      prospectively enrolled, receiving 2 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT),
      followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Each patient underwent pretreatment and
      post-NACT FLT PET/CT and FDG PET/CT. Standard uptake values (SUV) and tumor
      volume were measured. Tumor response to NACT was evaluated before radiotherapy by
      MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and tumor regression at the end of radiotherapy
      was evaluated at 55 Gy, according to RECIST 1.1 Criteria. Finally, 20 patients
      were consecutively enrolled. At the end of radiotherapy, 7 patients reached
      complete regression while others were partial regression. After 2 cycles of NACT
      both FLT and FDG parameters declined remarkably. Parameters of FDG PET were more
      strongly correlated to tumor regression than those of FLT PET.70% SUVmax was the
      best threshold to define contouring margin around the target. Some residual
      lesions after NACT showed by MRI were negative in PET/CT. Preliminary results
      showed both 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT PET have the potential to monitor and predict
      tumor regression.

PMID- 28091566
TI  - Efficient generation of hPSC-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons in a fully
      defined, scalable, 3D biomaterial platform.
AB  - Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have major potential as an unlimited source of
      functional cells for many biomedical applications; however, the development of
      cell manufacturing systems to enable this promise faces many challenges. For
      example, there have been major recent advances in the generation of midbrain
      dopaminergic (mDA) neurons from stem cells for Parkinson's Disease (PD) therapy;
      however, production of these cells typically involves undefined components and
      difficult to scale 2D culture formats. Here, we used a fully defined, 3D,
      thermoresponsive biomaterial platform to rapidly generate large numbers of action
      potential firing mDA neurons after 25 days of differentiation (~40% tyrosine
      hydroxylase (TH) positive, maturing into 25% cells exhibiting mDA neuron-like
      spiking behavior). Importantly, mDA neurons generated in 3D exhibited a 30-fold
      increase in viability upon implantation into rat striatum compared to neurons
      generated on 2D, consistent with the elevated expression of survival markers
      FOXA2 and EN1 in 3D. A defined, scalable, and resource-efficient cell culture
      platform can thus rapidly generate high quality differentiated cells, both
      neurons and potentially other cell types, with strong potential to accelerate
      both basic and translational research.

PMID- 28091567
TI  - Quantifying the relative contributions of different solute carriers to aggregate
      substrate transport.
AB  - Determining the contributions of different transporter species to overall
      cellular transport is fundamental for understanding the physiological regulation
      of solutes. We calculated the relative activities of Solute Carrier (SLC)
      transporters using the Michaelis-Menten equation and global fitting to estimate
      the normalized maximum transport rate for each transporter (Vmax). Data input
      were the normalized measured uptake of the essential neutral amino acid (AA) L
      leucine (Leu) from concentration-dependence assays performed using Xenopus laevis
      oocytes. Our methodology was verified by calculating Leu and L-phenylalanine
      (Phe) data in the presence of competitive substrates and/or inhibitors. Among 9
      potentially expressed endogenous X. laevis oocyte Leu transporter species,
      activities of only the uniporters SLC43A2/LAT4 (and/or SLC43A1/LAT3) and the
      sodium symporter SLC6A19/B0AT1 were required to account for total uptake.
      Furthermore, Leu and Phe uptake by heterologously expressed human SLC6A14/ATB0,+
      and SLC43A2/LAT4 was accurately calculated. This versatile systems biology
      approach is useful for analyses where the kinetics of each active protein species
      can be represented by the Hill equation. Furthermore, its applicable even in the
      absence of protein expression data. It could potentially be applied, for example,
      to quantify drug transporter activities in target cells to improve specificity.

PMID- 28091568
TI  - Identification of misexpressed genetic elements in hybrids between Drosophila
      related species.
AB  - Crosses between close species can lead to genomic disorders, often considered to
      be the cause of hybrid incompatibility, one of the initial steps in the
      speciation process. How these incompatibilities are established and what are
      their causes remain unclear. To understand the initiation of hybrid
      incompatibility, we performed reciprocal crosses between two species of
      Drosophila (D. mojavensis and D. arizonae) that diverged less than 1 Mya. We
      performed a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis on ovaries from parental lines
      and on hybrids from reciprocal crosses. Using an innovative procedure of co
      assembling transcriptomes, we show that parental lines differ in the expression
      of their genes and transposable elements. Reciprocal hybrids presented specific
      gene categories and few transposable element families misexpressed relative to
      the parental lines. Because TEs are mainly silenced by piwi-interacting RNAs
      (piRNAs), we hypothesize that in hybrids the deregulation of specific TE families
      is due to the absence of such small RNAs. Small RNA sequencing confirmed our
      hypothesis and we therefore propose that TEs can indeed be major players of
      genome differentiation and be implicated in the first steps of genomic
      incompatibilities through small RNA regulation.

PMID- 28091569
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of Plasmodium falciparum clonally variant gene expression
      during development in Anopheles gambiae.
AB  - P. falciparum phenotypic plasticity is linked to the variant expression of clonal
      multigene families such as the var genes. We have examined changes in
      transcription and histone modifications that occur during sporogonic development
      of P. falciparum in the mosquito host. All var genes are silenced or transcribed
      at low levels in blood stages (gametocyte/ring) of the parasite in the human
      host. After infection of mosquitoes, a single var gene is selected for expression
      in the oocyst, and transcription of this gene increases dramatically in the
      sporozoite. The same PF3D7_1255200 var gene was activated in 4 different
      experimental infections. Transcription of this var gene during parasite
      development in the mosquito correlates with the presence of low levels of H3K9me3
      at the binding site for the PF3D7_1466400 AP2 transcription factor. This
      chromatin state in the sporozoite also correlates with the expression of an
      antisense long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that has previously been shown to promote
      var gene transcription during the intraerythrocytic cycle in vitro. Expression of
      both the sense protein-coding transcript and the antisense lncRNA increase
      dramatically in sporozoites. The findings suggest a complex process for the
      activation of a single particular var gene that involves AP2 transcription
      factors and lncRNAs.

PMID- 28091570
TI  - Increasing the potential for malaria elimination by targeting zoophilic vectors.
AB  - Countries in the Asia Pacific region aim to eliminate malaria by 2030. A
      cornerstone of malaria elimination is the effective management of Anopheles
      mosquito vectors. Current control tools such as insecticide treated nets or
      indoor residual sprays target mosquitoes in human dwellings. We find in a high
      transmission region in India, malaria vector populations show a high propensity
      to feed on livestock (cattle) and rest in outdoor structures such as cattle
      shelters. We also find evidence for a shift in vector species complex towards
      increased zoophilic behavior in recent years. Using a malaria transmission model
      we demonstrate that in such regions dominated by zoophilic vectors, existing
      vector control tactics will be insufficient to achieve elimination, even if
      maximized. However, by increasing mortality in the zoophilic cycle, the
      elimination threshold can be reached. Current national vector control policy in
      India restricts use of residual insecticide sprays to domestic dwellings. Our
      study suggests substantial benefits of extending the approach to treatment of
      cattle sheds, or deploying other tactics that target zoophilic behavior.
      Optimizing use of existing tools will be essential to achieving the ambitious
      2030 elimination target.

PMID- 28091571
TI  - Photoacoustic pump-probe tomography of fluorophores in vivo using interleaved
      image acquisition for motion suppression.
AB  - In fluorophores, the excited state lifetime can be modulated using pump-probe
      excitation. By generating photoacoustic (PA) signals using simultaneous and time
      delayed pump and probe excitation pulses at fluences below the maximum
      permissible exposure, a modulation of the signal amplitude is observed in
      fluorophores but not in endogenous chromophores. This provides a highly specific
      contrast mechanism that can be used to recover the location of the fluorophore
      using difference imaging. The practical challenges in applying this method to in
      vivo PA tomography include the typically low concentrations of fluorescent
      contrast agents, and tissue motion. The former results in smaller PA signal
      amplitudes compared to those measured in blood, while the latter gives rise to
      difference image artefacts that compromise the unambiguous and potentially noise
      limited detection of fluorescent contrast agents. To address this limitation, a
      method based on interleaved pump-probe image acquisition was developed. It relies
      on fast switching between simultaneous and time-delayed pump-probe excitation to
      acquire PA difference signals in quick succession, and to minimise the effects of
      tissue motion. The feasibility of this method is demonstrated in tissue phantoms
      and in initial experiments in vivo.

PMID- 28091573
TI  - Iron Oxide Films Prepared by Rapid Thermal Processing for Solar Energy
      Conversion.
AB  - Hematite is a promising and extensively investigated material for various
      photoelectrochemical (PEC) processes for energy conversion and storage, in
      particular for oxidation reactions. Thermal treatments during synthesis of
      hematite are found to affect the performance of hematite electrodes considerably.
      Herein, we present hematite thin films fabricated via one-step oxidation of Fe by
      rapid thermal processing (RTP). In particular, we investigate the effect of
      oxidation temperature on the PEC properties of hematite. Films prepared at 750 
      degrees C show the highest activity towards water oxidation. These films show the
      largest average grain size and the highest charge carrier density, as determined
      from electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy analysis. We believe that the
      fast processing enabled by RTP makes this technique a preferred method for
      investigation of novel materials and architectures, potentially also on
      nanostructured electrodes, where retaining high surface area is crucial to
      maximize performance.

PMID- 28091572
TI  - A computational psychiatry approach identifies how alpha-2A noradrenergic agonist
      Guanfacine affects feature-based reinforcement learning in the macaque.
AB  - Noradrenaline is believed to support cognitive flexibility through the alpha 2A
      noradrenergic receptor (a2A-NAR) acting in prefrontal cortex. Enhanced
      flexibility has been inferred from improved working memory with the a2A-NA
      agonist Guanfacine. But it has been unclear whether Guanfacine improves specific
      attention and learning mechanisms beyond working memory, and whether the drug
      effects can be formalized computationally to allow single subject predictions. We
      tested and confirmed these suggestions in a case study with a healthy nonhuman
      primate performing a feature-based reversal learning task evaluating performance
      using Bayesian and Reinforcement learning models. In an initial dose-testing
      phase we found a Guanfacine dose that increased performance accuracy, decreased
      distractibility and improved learning. In a second experimental phase using only
      that dose we examined the faster feature-based reversal learning with Guanfacine
      with single-subject computational modeling. Parameter estimation suggested that
      improved learning is not accounted for by varying a single reinforcement learning
      mechanism, but by changing the set of parameter values to higher learning rates
      and stronger suppression of non-chosen over chosen feature information. These
      findings provide an important starting point for developing nonhuman primate
      models to discern the synaptic mechanisms of attention and learning functions
      within the context of a computational neuropsychiatry framework.

PMID- 28091574
TI  - An Inert Pesticide Adjuvant Synergizes Viral Pathogenicity and Mortality in Honey
      Bee Larvae.
AB  - Honey bees are highly valued for their pollination services in agricultural
      settings, and recent declines in managed populations have caused concern. Colony
      losses following a major pollination event in the United States, almond
      pollination, have been characterized by brood mortality with specific symptoms,
      followed by eventual colony loss weeks later. In this study, we demonstrate that
      these symptoms can be produced by chronically exposing brood to both an
      organosilicone surfactant adjuvant (OSS) commonly used on many agricultural crops
      including wine grapes, tree nuts and tree fruits and exogenous viral pathogens by
      simulating a horizontal transmission event. Observed synergistic mortality
      occurred during the larval-pupal molt. Using q-PCR techniques to measure gene
      expression and viral levels in larvae taken prior to observed mortality at
      metamorphosis, we found that exposure to OSS and exogenous virus resulted in
      significantly heightened Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV) titers and lower
      expression of a Toll 7-like-receptor associated with autophagic viral defense
      (Am18w). These results demonstrate that organosilicone spray adjuvants that are
      considered biologically inert potentiate viral pathogenicity in honey bee larvae,
      and guidelines for OSS use may be warranted.

PMID- 28091575
TI  - Development and Evaluation of a High Density Genotyping 'Axiom_Arachis' Array
      with 58 K SNPs for Accelerating Genetics and Breeding in Groundnut.
AB  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant DNA sequence
      variation in the genomes which can be used to associate genotypic variation to
      the phenotype. Therefore, availability of a high-density SNP array with uniform
      genome coverage can advance genetic studies and breeding applications. Here we
      report the development of a high-density SNP array 'Axiom_Arachis' with 58 K SNPs
      and its utility in groundnut genetic diversity study. In this context, from a
      total of 163,782 SNPs derived from DNA resequencing and RNA-sequencing of 41
      groundnut accessions and wild diploid ancestors, a total of 58,233 unique and
      informative SNPs were selected for developing the array. In addition to
      cultivated groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea), fair representation was kept for other
      diploids (A. duranensis, A. stenosperma, A. cardenasii, A. magna and A.
      batizocoi). Genotyping of the groundnut 'Reference Set' containing 300 genotypes
      identified 44,424 polymorphic SNPs and genetic diversity analysis provided in
      depth insights into the genetic architecture of this material. The availability
      of the high-density SNP array 'Axiom_Arachis' with 58 K SNPs will accelerate the
      process of high resolution trait genetics and molecular breeding in cultivated
      groundnut.

PMID- 28091576
TI  - Adjuvant and carrier protein-dependent T-cell priming promotes a robust antibody
      response against the Plasmodium falciparum Pfs25 vaccine candidate.
AB  - Humoral immune responses have the potential to maintain protective antibody
      levels for years due to the immunoglobulin-secreting activity of long-lived
      plasma cells (LLPCs). However, many subunit vaccines under development fail to
      generate robust LLPC responses, and therefore a variety of strategies are being
      employed to overcome this limitation, including conjugation to carrier proteins
      and/or formulation with potent adjuvants. Pfs25, an antigen expressed on malaria
      zygotes and ookinetes, is a leading transmission blocking vaccine (TBV) candidate
      for Plasmodium falciparum. Currently, the conjugate vaccine Pfs25-EPA/Alhydrogel
      is in Phase 1 clinical trials in the USA and Africa. Thus far, it has proven to
      be safe and immunogenic, but it is expected that a more potent formulation will
      be required to establish antibody titers that persist for several malaria
      transmission seasons. We sought to determine the contribution of carrier
      determinants and adjuvants in promoting high-titer, long-lived antibody responses
      against Pfs25. We found that both adjuvants and carrier proteins influence the
      magnitude and capacity of Pfs25-specific humoral responses to remain above a
      protective level. Furthermore, a liposomal adjuvant with QS21 and a TLR4 agonist
      (GLA-LSQ) was especially effective at inducing T follicular helper (Tfh) and LLPC
      responses to Pfs25 when coupled to immunogenic carrier proteins.

PMID- 28091577
TI  - Identification of wood-boring beetles (Cerambycidae and Buprestidae) intercepted
      in trade-associated solid wood packaging material using DNA barcoding and
      morphology.
AB  - Global trade facilitates the inadvertent movement of insect pests and subsequent
      establishment of populations outside their native ranges. Despite phytosanitary
      measures, nonnative insects arrive at United States (U.S.) ports of entry as
      larvae in solid wood packaging material (SWPM). Identification of wood-boring
      larval insects is important for pest risk analysis and management, but is
      difficult beyond family level due to highly conserved morphology. Therefore, we
      integrated DNA barcoding and rearing of larvae to identify wood-boring insects in
      SWPM. From 2012 to 2015, we obtained larvae of 338 longhorned beetles
      (Cerambycidae) and 38 metallic wood boring beetles (Buprestidae) intercepted in
      SWPM associated with imported products at six U.S. ports. We identified 265
      specimens to species or genus using DNA barcodes. Ninety-three larvae were reared
      to adults and identified morphologically. No conflict was found between the two
      approaches, which together identified 275 cerambycids (23 genera) and 16
      buprestids (4 genera). Our integrated approach confirmed novel DNA barcodes for
      seven species (10 specimens) of woodborers not in public databases. This study
      demonstrates the utility of DNA barcoding as a tool for regulatory agencies. We
      provide important documentation of potential beetle pests that may cross country
      borders through the SWPM pathway.

PMID- 28091578
TI  - Temporal dynamics of cerebellar and motor cortex physiological processes during
      motor skill learning.
AB  - Learning motor tasks involves distinct physiological processes in the cerebellum
      (CB) and primary motor cortex (M1). Previous studies have shown that motor
      learning results in at least two important neurophysiological changes: modulation
      of cerebellar output mediated in-part by long-term depression of parallel fiber
      Purkinje cell synapse and induction of long-term plasticity (LTP) in M1, leading
      to transient occlusion of additional LTP-like plasticity. However, little is
      known about the temporal dynamics of these two physiological mechanisms during
      motor skill learning. Here we use non-invasive brain stimulation to explore CB
      and M1 mechanisms during early and late motor skill learning in humans. We
      predicted that early skill acquisition would be proportional to cerebellar
      excitability (CBI) changes, whereas later stages of learning will result in M1
      LTP-like plasticity modifications. We found that early, and not late into skill
      training, CBI changed. Whereas, occlusion of LTP-like plasticity over M1 occurred
      only during late, but not early training. These findings indicate a distinct
      temporal dissociation in the physiological role of the CB and M1 when learning a
      novel skill. Understanding the role and temporal dynamics of different brain
      regions during motor learning is critical to device optimal interventions to
      augment learning.

PMID- 28091579
TI  - Impact of age and vaccination history on long-term serological responses after
      symptomatic B. pertussis infection, a high dimensional data analysis.
AB  - Capturing the complexity and waning patterns of co-occurring immunoglobulin (Ig)
      responses after clinical B. pertussis infection may help understand how the human
      host gradually loses protection against whooping cough. We applied bi-exponential
      modelling to characterise and compare B. pertussis specific serological dynamics
      in a comprehensive database of IgG, IgG subclass and IgA responses to Ptx, FHA,
      Prn, Fim2/3 and OMV antigens of (ex-) symptomatic pertussis cases across all age
      groups. The decay model revealed that antigen type and age group were major
      factors determining differences in levels and kinetics of Ig (sub) classes. IgG
      Ptx waned fastest in all age groups, while IgA to Ptx, FHA, Prn and Fim2/3
      decreased fast in the younger but remained high in older (ex-) cases, indicating
      an age-effect. While IgG1 was the main IgG subclass in response to most antigens,
      IgG2 and IgG3 dominated the anti-OMV response. Moreover, vaccination history
      plays an important role in post-infection Ig responses, demonstrated by low
      responsiveness to Fim2/3 in unvaccinated elderly and by elevated IgG4 responses
      to multiple antigens only in children primed with acellular pertussis vaccine
      (aP). This work highlights the complexity of the immune response to this re
      emerging pathogen and factors determining its Ig quantity and quality.

PMID- 28091580
TI  - Population expansions dominate demographic histories of endemic and widespread
      Pacific reef fishes.
AB  - Despite the unique nature of endemic species, their origin and population history
      remain poorly studied. We investigated the population history of 28 coral reef
      fish species, close related, from the Gambier and Marquesas Islands, from five
      families, with range size varying from widespread to small-range endemic. We
      analyzed both mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data using neutrality test and
      Bayesian analysis (EBSP and ABC). We found evidence for demographic expansions
      for most species (24 of 28), irrespective of range size, reproduction strategy or
      archipelago. The timing of the expansions varied greatly among species, from
      8,000 to 2,000,000 years ago. The typical hypothesis for reef fish that links
      population expansions to the Last Glacial Maximum fit for 14 of the 24
      demographic expansions. We propose two evolutionary processes that could lead to
      expansions older than the LGM: (a) we are retrieving the signature of an old
      colonization process for widespread, large-range endemic and paleoendemic species
      or (b) speciation; the expansion reflects the birth of the species for neoendemic
      species. We show for the first time that the demographic histories of endemic and
      widespread reef fish are not distinctly different and suggest that a number of
      processes drive endemism.

PMID- 28091581
TI  - Icaritin enhances mESC self-renewal through upregulating core pluripotency
      transcription factors mediated by ERalpha.
AB  - Utilization of small molecules in modulation of stem cell self-renewal is a
      promising approach to expand stem cells for regenerative therapy. Here, we
      identify Icaritin, a phytoestrogen molecule enhances self-renewal of mouse
      embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Icaritin increases mESCs proliferation while
      maintains their self-renewal capacity in vitro and pluripotency in vivo. This
      coincides with upregulation of key pluripotency transcription factors OCT4,
      NANOG, KLF4 and SOX2. The enhancement of mESCs self-renewal is characterized by
      increased population in S-phase of cell cycle, elevation of Cylin E and Cyclin
      dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and downregulation of p21, p27 and p57. PCR array
      screening reveals that caudal-related homeobox 2 (Cdx2) and Rbl2/p130 are
      remarkably suppressed in mESCs treated with Icaritin. siRNA knockdown of Cdx2 or
      Rbl2/p130 upregulates the expression of Cyclin E, OCT4 and SOX2, and subsequently
      increases cell proliferation and colony forming efficiency of mESCs. We then
      demonstrate that Icaritin co-localizes with estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and
      activates its nuclear translocation in mESCs. The promotive effect of Icaritin on
      cell cycle and pluripotency regulators are eliminated by siRNA knockdown of
      ERalpha in mESCs. The results suggest that Icaritin enhances mESCs self-renewal
      by regulating cell cycle machinery and core pluripotency transcription factors
      mediated by ERalpha.

PMID- 28091582
TI  - Androgen Mediated Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation and
      its Effects on Prostate Cancer.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) comprises thirty percent of the newly translated
      proteins in eukaryotic cells. The quality control mechanism within the ER
      distinguishes between properly and improperly folded proteins and ensures that
      unwanted proteins are retained in the ER and subsequently degraded through ER
      associated degradation (ERAD). Besides cleaning of misfolded proteins ERAD is
      also important for physiological processes by regulating the abundance of normal
      proteins of the ER. Thus it is important to unreveal the regulation patterns of
      ERAD. Here, we describe that ERAD pathway is regulated by androgen, where its
      inhibitor SVIP was downregulated, all other ERAD genes were upregulated.
      Consistently, androgen treatment increased the degradation rate of ERAD
      substrates. Using several independent techniques, we showed that this regulation
      is through androgen receptor transactivation. ERAD genes found to be upregulated
      in prostate cancer tissues and silencing expression of Hrd1, SVIP, and gp78
      reduced the in vitro migration and malignant transformation of LNCaP cells. Our
      data suggests that expression levels of ERAD components are regulated by
      androgens, that promotes ERAD proteolytic activity, which is positively related
      with prostate tumorigenesis.

PMID- 28091583
TI  - Hybrid Dielectric-loaded Nanoridge Plasmonic Waveguide for Low-Loss Light
      Transmission at the Subwavelength Scale.
AB  - The emerging development of the hybrid plasmonic waveguide has recently received
      significant attention owing to its remarkable capability of enabling
      subwavelength field confinement and great transmission distance. Here we report a
      guiding approach that integrates hybrid plasmon polariton with dielectric-loaded
      plasmonic waveguiding. By introducing a deep-subwavelength dielectric ridge
      between a dielectric slab and a metallic substrate, a hybrid dielectric-loaded
      nanoridge plasmonic waveguide is formed. The waveguide features lower propagation
      loss than its conventional hybrid waveguiding counterpart, while maintaining
      strong optical confinement at telecommunication wavelengths. Through systematic
      structural parameter tuning, we realize an efficient balance between confinement
      and attenuation of the fundamental hybrid mode, and we demonstrate the tolerance
      of its properties despite fabrication imperfections. Furthermore, we show that
      the waveguide concept can be extended to other metal/dielectric composites as
      well, including metal-insulator-metal and insulator-metal-insulator
      configurations. Our hybrid dielectric-loaded nanoridge plasmonic platform may
      serve as a fundamental building block for various functional photonic components
      and be used in applications such as sensing, nanofocusing, and nanolasing.

PMID- 28091584
TI  - Enhancement of Outflow Facility in the Murine Eye by Targeting Selected Tight
      Junctions of Schlemm's Canal Endothelia.
AB  - The juxtacanalicular connective tissue of the trabecular meshwork together with
      inner wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal (SC) provide the bulk of resistance to
      aqueous outflow from the anterior chamber. Endothelial cells lining SC elaborate
      tight junctions (TJs), down-regulation of which may widen paracellular spaces
      between cells, allowing greater fluid outflow. We observed significant increase
      in paracellular permeability following siRNA-mediated suppression of TJ
      transcripts, claudin-11, zonula-occludens-1 (ZO-1) and tricellulin in human SC
      endothelial monolayers. In mice claudin-11 was not detected, but intracameral
      injection of siRNAs targeting ZO-1 and tricellulin increased outflow facility
      significantly. Structural qualitative and quantitative analysis of SC inner wall
      by transmission electron microscopy revealed significantly more open clefts
      between endothelial cells treated with targeting, as opposed to non-targeting
      siRNA. These data substantiate the concept that the continuity of SC endothelium
      is an important determinant of outflow resistance, and suggest that SC
      endothelial TJs represent a specific target for enhancement of aqueous movement
      through the conventional outflow system.

PMID- 28091586
TI  - Corrigendum: Modelling mutational landscapes of human cancers in vitro.

PMID- 28091585
TI  - MicroRNA-19b is a potential biomarker of increased myocardial collagen cross
      linking in patients with aortic stenosis and heart failure.
AB  - This study analyzed the potential associations of 7 myocardial fibrosis-related
      microRNAs with the quality of the collagen network (e.g., the degree of collagen
      fibril cross-linking or CCL) and the enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) responsible for
      CCL in 28 patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) of whom 46% had a diagnosis
      of chronic heart failure (HF). MicroRNA expression was analyzed in myocardial and
      blood samples. From the studied microRNAs only miR-19b presented a direct
      correlation (p < 0.05) between serum and myocardium. Compared to controls both
      myocardial and serum miR-19b were reduced (p < 0.01) in AS patients. In addition,
      miR-19b was reduced in the myocardium (p < 0.01) and serum (p < 0.05) of patients
      with HF compared to patients without HF. Myocardial and serum miR-19b were
      inversely correlated (p < 0.05) with LOX, CCL and LV stiffness in AS patients. In
      in vitro studies miR-19b inhibition increased (p < 0.05) connective tissue growth
      factor protein and LOX protein expression in human fibroblasts. In conclusion,
      decreased miR-19b may be involved in myocardial LOX up-regulation and excessive
      CCL, and consequently increased LV stiffness in AS patients, namely in those with
      HF. Serum miR-19b can be a biomarker of these alterations of the myocardial
      collagen network in AS patients, particularly in patients with HF.

PMID- 28091587
TI  - Bacillus volatiles adversely affect the physiology and ultra-structure of
      Ralstonia solanacearum and induce systemic resistance in tobacco against
      bacterial wilt.
AB  - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by various bacteria have significant
      potential to enhance plant growth and to control phytopathogens. Six of the most
      effective antagonistic Bacillus spp. were used in this study against Ralstonia
      solanacearum (Rsc) TBBS1, the causal agent of bacterial wilt disease in tobacco.
      Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 and Bacillus artrophaeus LSSC22 had the
      strongest inhibitory effect against Rsc. Thirteen VOCs produced by FZB42 and 10
      by LSSC22 were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.
      Benzaldehyde, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2 H)-one and 1,3-butadiene significantly
      inhibited the colony size, cell viability, and motility of pathogens and
      negatively influenced chemotaxis. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy
      revealed severe morphological and ultra-structural changes in cells of Rsc.
      Furthermore, VOCs altered the transcriptional expression level of PhcA (a global
      virulence regulator), type III secretion system (T3SS), type IV secretion system
      (T4SS), extracellular polysaccharides and chemotaxis-related genes, which are
      major contributors to pathogenicity, resulting in decreased wilt disease. The
      VOCs significantly up-regulated the expression of genes related to wilt
      resistance and pathogen defense. Over-expression of EDS1 and NPR1 suggest the
      involvement of SA pathway in induction of systemic resistance. Our findings
      provide new insights regarding the potential of antibacterial VOCs as a
      biocontrol tool against bacterial wilt diseases.

PMID- 28091588
TI  - High-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid attenuated matrix metalloproteinase-1 and 
      3 expression via CD44 in tendinopathy.
AB  - Evidence indicates that hyaluronic acid (HA) mitigates tendinopathy, but the
      effect of molecular weight is unclear. We investigated the effects of different
      concentrations and different molecular weights of HA (350 kDa, 1500 kDa, and 3000
      kDa) on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -3 expression in IL-1beta-stimulated
      rat tenocytes, and on their dynamic expression in peritendinous effusion from
      patients with long head of biceps (LHB) tendinopathy after high-molecular-weight
      (HMW)-HA treatments. Reverse transcription PCR, real-time PCR, and ELISA were
      used to determine MMP-1 and -3expression. Because CD44 was clearly expressed in
      the plasma membranes of cultured tenocytes, OX-50, a CD44 antagonist, was used to
      inhibit CD44 to evaluate the HA mechanism. HA (3000 kDa) significantly (p <
      0.001) downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-1 and -3 in IL-1beta
      stimulated tenocytes. Its attenuating effects were dose-dependent (p < 0.01). In
      OX-50-pretreated cells, the mRNA expression of CD44 was not significantly
      altered, but the mRNA expression of MMP-1 and -3 was significantly upregulated.
      Visual analogue scale scores were significantly lower, and MMP-1 and -3
      expression was significantly (p < 0.05) lower one month posttreatment. HMW-HA
      attenuated tendinopathy by downregulating MMP-1 and -3 expression. Inhibiting
      CD44 blocked the effects of HMW-HA.

PMID- 28091589
TI  - Platelet, monocyte and neutrophil activation and glucose tolerance in South
      African Mixed Ancestry individuals.
AB  - Platelet activation has been described in patients with chronic inflammation,
      however in type 2 diabetes mellitus it remains controversial. We compared levels
      of platelet leucocyte aggregates, monocyte and granulocyte activation across
      glucose tolerance statuses in mixed ancestry South Africans. Individuals (206)
      were recruited from Bellville-South, Cape Town, and included 66% with normal
      glucose tolerance, 18.7% pre-diabetes, 8.7% screen-detected diabetes and 6.3%
      known diabetes. Monocyte and neutrophil activation were measured by calculating
      the percentage of cells expressing CD142 and CD69 while platelet monocyte
      aggregates were defined as CD14++ CD42b+ events and platelet neutrophil
      aggregates as CD16++ CD42b+ events. The percentage of monocytes and neutrophils
      expressing CD69 and CD142 was significantly higher in known diabetes and
      prediabetes, but, lowest in screen-detected diabetes (both p <= 0.016). The
      pattern was similar for platelet monocyte and neutrophil aggregates (both p <=
      0.003). In robust linear regressions adjusted for age and gender, known diabetes
      was significantly and positively associated with the percentage of monocytes
      expressing CD69 [beta 11.06 (p = 0.016)] and CD42b (PMAs) [19.51 (0.003)] as well
      as the percentage of neutrophils expressing CD69 [14.19 (<0.0001)] and CD42b
      [17.7 (0.001)]. We conclude that monitoring platelet activation in diagnosed
      diabetic patients may have a role in the management and risk stratification.

PMID- 28091590
TI  - High performance magneto-fluorescent nanoparticles assembled from terbium and
      gadolinium 1,3-diketones.
AB  - Polyelectrolyte-coated nanoparticles consisting of terbium and gadolinium
      complexes with calix[4]arene tetra-diketone ligand were first synthesized. The
      antenna effect of the ligand on Tb(III) green luminescence and the presence of
      water molecules in the coordination sphere of Gd(III) bring strong luminescent
      and magnetic performance to the core-shell nanoparticles. The size and the core
      shell morphology of the colloids were studied using transmission electron
      microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The correlation between photophysical
      and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles and their core composition was
      highlighted. The core composition was optimized for the longitudinal relaxivity
      to be greater than that of the commercial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      contrast agents together with high level of Tb(III)-centered luminescence. The
      tuning of both magnetic and luminescent output of nanoparticles is obtained via
      the simple variation of lanthanide chelates concentrations in the initial
      synthetic solution. The exposure of the pheochromocytoma 12 (PC 12) tumor cells
      and periphery human blood lymphocytes to nanoparticles results in negligible
      effect on cell viability, decreased platelet aggregation and bright coloring,
      indicating the nanoparticles as promising candidates for dual magneto-fluorescent
      bioimaging.

PMID- 28091592
TI  - Effective extraction of Arabidopsis adherent seed mucilage by ultrasonic
      treatment.
AB  - The Arabidopsis seed coat is composed of two layers of mucilage, a water-soluble
      non-adherent outer layer and an adherent inner layer. The non-adherent mucilage
      can easily be extracted by gentle shaking. However, adherent mucilage is
      extremely difficult to dissociate from the seed coat. Despite various treatments
      to extract the adherent mucilage, including EDTA, ammonium oxalate, dilute alkali
      or acid washes, most of it remains on the seed coat. Here, we show for the first
      time the extraction of almost all of the adherent mucilage from the Arabidopsis
      seed coat. Our results demonstrate that ultrasonic treatment was able to extract
      the adherent mucilage effectively within 20 seconds. Adherent mucilage, like non
      adherent mucilage, is mainly composed of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG I). The
      crystalline cellulose content in adherent mucilage was measured as 3.7 mg g-1 of
      dry seed. Compared with non-adherent mucilage, the adherent mucilage exhibits
      relatively stable levels of sugar under various environmental conditions. In all
      cases, adherent mucilage showed higher levels of sugar than non-adherent
      mucilage. The cell wall remnant could associate with the adherent mucilage, which
      could prevent the extraction of the adherent mucilage. Our results show that
      ultrasonic treatment is an effective method for the quick extraction of
      Arabidopsis adherent mucilage with little effort.

PMID- 28091591
TI  - Intraarterial route increases the risk of cerebral lesions after mesenchymal cell
      administration in animal model of ischemia.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising clinical therapy for ischemic
      stroke. However, critical parameters, such as the most effective administration
      route, remain unclear. Intravenous (i.v.) and intraarterial (i.a.) delivery
      routes have yielded varied outcomes across studies, potentially due to the
      unknown MSCs distribution. We investigated whether MSCs reached the brain
      following i.a. or i.v. administration after transient cerebral ischemia in rats,
      and evaluated the therapeutic effects of both routes. MSCs were labeled with
      dextran-coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) cell tracking, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistological
      analysis. MSCs were found in the brain following i.a. but not i.v.
      administration. However, the i.a. route increased the risk of cerebral lesions
      and did not improve functional recovery. The i.v. delivery is safe but MCS do not
      reach the brain tissue, implying that treatment benefits observed for this route
      are not attributable to brain MCS engrafting after stroke.

PMID- 28091593
TI  - Economic Development and Forest Cover: Evidence from Satellite Data.
AB  - Ongoing deforestation is a pressing, global environmental issue with direct
      impacts on climate change, carbon emissions, and biodiversity. There is an
      intuitive link between economic development and overexploitation of natural
      resources including forests, but this relationship has proven difficult to
      establish empirically due to both inadequate data and convoluting geo-climactic
      factors. In this analysis, we use satellite data on forest cover along national
      borders in order to study the determinants of deforestation differences across
      countries. Controlling for trans-border geo-climactic differences, we find that
      income per capita is the most robust determinant of differences in cross-border
      forest cover. We show that the marginal effect of per capita income growth on
      forest cover is strongest at the earliest stages of economic development, and
      weakens in more advanced economies, presenting some of the strongest evidence to
      date for the existence of at least half of an environmental Kuznets curve for
      deforestation.

PMID- 28091595
TI  - Geological support for the Umbrella Effect as a link between geomagnetic field
      and climate.
AB  - The weakening of the geomagnetic field causes an increase in galactic cosmic ray
      (GCR) flux. Some researchers argue that enhanced GCR flux might lead to a
      climatic cooling by increasing low cloud formation, which enhances albedo
      (umbrella effect). Recent studies have reported geological evidence for a link
      between weakened geomagnetic field and climatic cooling. However, more work is
      needed on the mechanism of this link, including whether the umbrella effect is
      playing a central role. In this research, we present new geological evidence that
      GCR flux change had a greater impact on continental climate than on oceanic
      climate. According to pollen data from Osaka Bay, Japan, the decrease in
      temperature of the Siberian air mass was greater than that of the Pacific air
      mass during geomagnetic reversals in marine isotope stages (MIS) 19 and 31.
      Consequently, the summer land-ocean temperature gradient was smaller, and the
      summer monsoon was weaker. Greater terrestrial cooling indicates that a reduction
      of insolation is playing a key role in the link between the weakening of the
      geomagnetic field and climatic cooling. The most likely candidate for the
      mechanism seems to be the increased albedo of the umbrella effect.

PMID- 28091594
TI  - Functional analysis reveals that RBM10 mutations contribute to lung
      adenocarcinoma pathogenesis by deregulating splicing.
AB  - RBM10 is an RNA splicing regulator that is frequently mutated in lung
      adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and has recently been proposed to be a cancer gene. How
      RBM10 mutations observed in LUAD affect its normal functions, however, remains
      largely unknown. Here integrative analysis of RBM10 mutation and RNA expression
      data revealed that LUAD-associated RBM10 mutations exhibit a mutational spectrum
      similar to that of tumor suppressor genes. In addition, this analysis showed that
      RBM10 mutations identified in LUAD patients lacking canonical oncogenes are
      associated with significantly reduced RBM10 expression. To systematically
      investigate RBM10 mutations, we developed an experimental pipeline for
      elucidating their functional effects. Among six representative LUAD-associated
      RBM10 mutations, one nonsense and one frameshift mutation caused loss-of-function
      as expected, whereas four missense mutations differentially affected RBM10
      mediated splicing. Importantly, changes in proliferation rates of LUAD-derived
      cells caused by these RBM10 missense mutants correlated with alterations in RNA
      splicing of RBM10 target genes. Together, our data implies that RBM10 mutations
      contribute to LUAD pathogenesis, at least in large part, by deregulating
      splicing. The methods described in this study should be useful for analyzing
      mutations in additional cancer-associated RNA splicing regulators.

PMID- 28091596
TI  - Non-invasive optical estimate of tissue composition to differentiate malignant
      from benign breast lesions: A pilot study.
AB  - Several techniques are being investigated as a complement to screening
      mammography, to reduce its false-positive rate, but results are still
      insufficient to draw conclusions. This initial study explores time domain diffuse
      optical imaging as an adjunct method to classify non-invasively malignant vs
      benign breast lesions. We estimated differences in tissue composition (oxy- and
      deoxyhemoglobin, lipid, water, collagen) and absorption properties between lesion
      and average healthy tissue in the same breast applying a perturbative approach to
      optical images collected at 7 red-near infrared wavelengths (635-1060 nm) from
      subjects bearing breast lesions. The Discrete AdaBoost procedure, a machine
      learning algorithm, was then exploited to classify lesions based on optically
      derived information (either tissue composition or absorption) and risk factors
      obtained from patient's anamnesis (age, body mass index, familiarity, parity, use
      of oral contraceptives, and use of Tamoxifen). Collagen content, in particular,
      turned out to be the most important parameter for discrimination. Based on the
      initial results of this study the proposed method deserves further investigation.

PMID- 28091597
TI  - Direct visualization of hydrogen absorption dynamics in individual palladium
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Many energy storage materials undergo large volume changes during charging and
      discharging. The resulting stresses often lead to defect formation in the bulk,
      but less so in nanosized systems. Here, we capture in real time the mechanism of
      one such transformation-the hydrogenation of single-crystalline palladium
      nanocubes from 15 to 80 nm-to better understand the reason for this durability.
      First, using environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy, we monitor
      the hydrogen absorption process in real time with 3 nm resolution. Then, using
      dark-field imaging, we structurally examine the reaction intermediates with 1 nm
      resolution. The reaction proceeds through nucleation and growth of the new phase
      in corners of the nanocubes. As the hydrogenated phase propagates across the
      particles, portions of the lattice misorient by 1.5%, diminishing crystal
      quality. Once transformed, all the particles explored return to a pristine state.
      The nanoparticles' ability to remove crystallographic imperfections renders them
      more durable than their bulk counterparts.

PMID- 28091599
TI  - A Comprehensive Numerical Model for Simulating Fluid Transport in Nanopores.
AB  - Since a large amount of nanopores exist in tight oil reservoirs, fluid transport
      in nanopores is complex due to large capillary pressure. Recent studies only
      focus on the effect of nanopore confinement on single-well performance with
      simple planar fractures in tight oil reservoirs. Its impacts on multi-well
      performance with complex fracture geometries have not been reported. In this
      study, a numerical model was developed to investigate the effect of confined
      phase behavior on cumulative oil and gas production of four horizontal wells with
      different fracture geometries. Its pore sizes were divided into five regions
      based on nanopore size distribution. Then, fluid properties were evaluated under
      different levels of capillary pressure using Peng-Robinson equation of state.
      Afterwards, an efficient approach of Embedded Discrete Fracture Model (EDFM) was
      applied to explicitly model hydraulic and natural fractures in the reservoirs.
      Finally, three fracture geometries, i.e. non-planar hydraulic fractures, non
      planar hydraulic fractures with one set natural fractures, and non-planar
      hydraulic fractures with two sets natural fractures, are evaluated. The multi
      well performance with confined phase behavior is analyzed with permeabilities of
      0.01 md and 0.1 md. This work improves the analysis of capillarity effect on
      multi-well performance with complex fracture geometries in tight oil reservoirs.

PMID- 28091598
TI  - Characterization of two polyvalent phages infecting Enterobacteriaceae.
AB  - Bacteriophages display remarkable genetic diversity and host specificity. In this
      study, we explore phages infecting bacterial strains of the Enterobacteriaceae
      family because of their ability to infect related but distinct hosts. We isolated
      and characterized two novel virulent phages, SH6 and SH7, using a strain of
      Shigella flexneri as host bacterium. Morphological and genomic analyses revealed
      that phage SH6 belongs to the T1virus genus of the Siphoviridae family.
      Conversely, phage SH7 was classified in the T4virus genus of the Myoviridae
      family. Phage SH6 had a short latent period of 16 min and a burst size of 103 +/-
      16 PFU/infected cell while the phage SH7 latent period was 23 min with a much
      lower burst size of 26 +/- 5 PFU/infected cell. Moreover, phage SH6 was sensitive
      to acidic conditions (pH < 5) while phage SH7 was stable from pH 3 to 11 for 1
      hour. Of the 35 bacterial strains tested, SH6 infected its S. flexneri host
      strain and 8 strains of E. coli. Phage SH7 lysed additionally strains of E. coli
      O157:H7, Salmonella Paratyphi, and Shigella dysenteriae. The broader host ranges
      of these two phages as well as their microbiological properties suggest that they
      may be useful for controlling bacterial populations.

PMID- 28091600
TI  - Urinary profiles of luteinizing hormone, estrogen and progestagen during the
      estrous and gestational periods in giant pandas (Ailuropda melanoleuca).
AB  - Luteinizing hormone (LH) is one of the main pituitary hormones that regulate
      ovulation, however its role has not been studied in giant panda. In this study,
      we developed an ELISA method for the detection of panda urinary LH. We analyzed
      urinary hormones of 24 female pandas during 36 breeding periods, we found females
      could easily be impregnated if the first mating occurred within 10 hours after LH
      peak. We also found the patterns of the ratios of urinary LH and progestagen in
      pandas that bred and successfully gave birth were significantly different from
      those that bred but failed to give birth. These data was the first to provide the
      urinary LH profiles during the estrous and gestational periods in pandas, and
      demonstrated that the appearance of the urinary LH peak indicated the timing of
      ovulation. The LH detection together with estrogen analysis makes the window for
      successful mating narrower than previously reported. Moreover, detection of
      urinary LH and progestagen can be used to discriminate between pregnancies and
      pseudopregnancies/miscarriages in the species. Thus, our findings suggest that LH
      not only plays a critical role in regulating ovulation but also plays an
      important role in maintaining pregnancy in the giant panda.

PMID- 28091601
TI  - Massively parallel digital transcriptional profiling of single cells.
AB  - Characterizing the transcriptome of individual cells is fundamental to
      understanding complex biological systems. We describe a droplet-based system that
      enables 3' mRNA counting of tens of thousands of single cells per sample. Cell
      encapsulation, of up to 8 samples at a time, takes place in ~6 min, with ~50%
      cell capture efficiency. To demonstrate the system's technical performance, we
      collected transcriptome data from ~250k single cells across 29 samples. We
      validated the sensitivity of the system and its ability to detect rare
      populations using cell lines and synthetic RNAs. We profiled 68k peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells to demonstrate the system's ability to characterize large
      immune populations. Finally, we used sequence variation in the transcriptome data
      to determine host and donor chimerism at single-cell resolution from bone marrow
      mononuclear cells isolated from transplant patients.

PMID- 28091602
TI  - Intragranular cracking as a critical barrier for high-voltage usage of layer
      structured cathode for lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2-layered cathode is often fabricated in the form of secondary
      particles, consisting of densely packed primary particles. This offers advantages
      for high energy density and alleviation of cathode side reactions/corrosions, but
      introduces drawbacks such as intergranular cracking. Here, we report unexpected
      observations on the nucleation and growth of intragranular cracks in a commercial
      LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode by using advanced scanning transmission electron
      microscopy. We find the formation of the intragranular cracks is directly
      associated with high-voltage cycling, an electrochemically driven and diffusion
      controlled process. The intragranular cracks are noticed to be characteristically
      initiated from the grain interior, a consequence of a dislocation-based crack
      incubation mechanism. This observation is in sharp contrast with general
      theoretical models, predicting the initiation of intragranular cracks from grain
      boundaries or particle surfaces. Our study emphasizes that maintaining structural
      stability is the key step towards high-voltage operation of layered-cathode
      materials.

PMID- 28091603
TI  - Repo-Man/PP1 regulates heterochromatin formation in interphase.
AB  - Repo-Man is a protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) targeting subunit that regulates
      mitotic progression and chromatin remodelling. After mitosis, Repo-Man/PP1
      remains associated with chromatin but its function in interphase is not known.
      Here we show that Repo-Man, via Nup153, is enriched on condensed chromatin at the
      nuclear periphery and at the edge of the nucleopore basket. Repo-Man/PP1
      regulates the formation of heterochromatin, dephosphorylates H3S28 and it is
      necessary and sufficient for heterochromatin protein 1 binding and H3K27me3
      recruitment. Using a novel proteogenomic approach, we show that Repo-Man is
      enriched at subtelomeric regions together with H2AZ and H3.3 and that depletion
      of Repo-Man alters the peripheral localization of a subset of these regions and
      alleviates repression of some polycomb telomeric genes. This study shows a role
      for a mitotic phosphatase in the regulation of the epigenetic landscape and gene
      expression in interphase.

PMID- 28091604
TI  - Polyglucose nanoparticles with renal elimination and macrophage avidity
      facilitate PET imaging in ischaemic heart disease.
AB  - Tissue macrophage numbers vary during health versus disease. Abundant
      inflammatory macrophages destruct tissues, leading to atherosclerosis, myocardial
      infarction and heart failure. Emerging therapeutic options create interest in
      monitoring macrophages in patients. Here we describe positron emission tomography
      (PET) imaging with 18F-Macroflor, a modified polyglucose nanoparticle with high
      avidity for macrophages. Due to its small size, Macroflor is excreted renally, a
      prerequisite for imaging with the isotope flourine-18. The particle's short blood
      half-life, measured in three species, including a primate, enables macrophage
      imaging in inflamed cardiovascular tissues. Macroflor enriches in cardiac and
      plaque macrophages, thereby increasing PET signal in murine infarcts and both
      mouse and rabbit atherosclerotic plaques. In PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      experiments, Macroflor PET imaging detects changes in macrophage population size
      while molecular MRI reports on increasing or resolving inflammation. These data
      suggest that Macroflor PET/MRI could be a clinical tool to non-invasively monitor
      macrophage biology.

PMID- 28091605
TI  - Cubosomes from hierarchical self-assembly of poly(ionic liquid) block copolymers.
AB  - Cubosomes are micro- and nanoparticles with a bicontinuous cubic two-phase
      structure, reported for the self-assembly of low molecular weight surfactants,
      for example, lipids, but rarely formed by polymers. These objects are
      characterized by a maximum continuous interface and high interface to volume
      ratio, which makes them promising candidates for efficient adsorbents and host
      guest applications. Here we demonstrate self-assembly to nanoscale cuboidal
      particles with a bicontinuous cubic structure by amphiphilic poly(ionic liquid)
      diblock copolymers, poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(4-vinylbenzyl)-3-butyl
      imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran
      and water under optimized conditions. Structure determining parameters include
      polymer composition and concentration, temperature, and the variation of the
      solvent mixture. The formation of the cubosomes can be explained by the
      hierarchical interactions of the constituent components. The lattice structure of
      the block copolymers can be transferred to the shape of the particle as it is
      common for atomic and molecular faceted crystals.

PMID- 28091606
TI  - Long-term efficient organic photovoltaics based on quaternary bulk
      heterojunctions.
AB  - A major impediment to the commercialization of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is
      attaining long-term morphological stability of the bulk heterojunction (BHJ)
      layer. To secure the stability while pursuing optimized performance, multi
      component BHJ-based OPVs have been strategically explored. Here we demonstrate
      the use of quaternary BHJs (q-BHJs) composed of two conjugated polymer donors and
      two fullerene acceptors as a novel platform to produce high-efficiency and long
      term durable OPVs. A q-BHJ OPV (q-OPV) with an experimentally optimized
      composition exhibits an enhanced efficiency and extended operational lifetime
      than does the binary reference OPV. The q-OPV would retain more than 72% of its
      initial efficiency (for example, 8.42-6.06%) after a 1-year operation at an
      elevated temperature of 65  degrees C. This is superior to those of the state-of
      the-art BHJ-based OPVs. We attribute the enhanced stability to the significant
      suppression of domain growth and phase separation between the components via
      kinetic trapping effect.

PMID- 28091607
TI  - Perceived Stress and Colorectal Cancer Incidence: The Japan Collaborative Cohort
      Study.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and many risk
      factors for colorectal cancer have been established. However, it remains
      uncertain whether psychological stress contributes to the onset of colorectal
      cancer. Therefore, we conducted a large-scale prospective cohort study to confirm
      the association between perceived stress and colorectal cancer incidence. We
      identified 680 cases of colon cancer and 330 cases of rectal cancer during a
      maximum of 21-year follow-up of 61,563 Japanese men and women. Cox regression
      analysis adjusted for potential confounders revealed a significant association of
      perceived stress with rectal cancer incidence but not with colon cancer
      incidence. This finding is partly consistent with that from only one previous
      study that addressed an association between perceived stress and the risk of
      colorectal cancer. However, studies on this topic are sparse and warrant further
      exploration.

PMID- 28091608
TI  - Binding of N-methylscopolamine to the extracellular domain of muscarinic
      acetylcholine receptors.
AB  - Interaction of orthosteric ligands with extracellular domain was described at
      several aminergic G protein-coupled receptors, including muscarinic acetylcholine
      receptors. The orthosteric antagonists quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) and N
      methylscopolamine (NMS) bind to the binding pocket of the muscarinic
      acetylcholine receptor formed by transmembrane alpha-helices. We show that high
      concentrations of either QNB or NMS slow down dissociation of their radiolabeled
      species from all five subtypes of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, suggesting
      allosteric binding. The affinity of NMS at the allosteric site is in the
      micromolar range for all receptor subtypes. Using molecular modelling of the M2
      receptor we found that E172 and E175 in the second extracellular loop and N419 in
      the third extracellular loop are involved in allosteric binding of NMS. Mutation
      of these amino acids to alanine decreased affinity of NMS for the allosteric
      binding site confirming results of molecular modelling. The allosteric binding
      site of NMS overlaps with the binding site of some allosteric, ectopic and
      bitopic ligands. Understanding of interactions of NMS at the allosteric binding
      site is essential for correct analysis of binding and action of these ligands.

PMID- 28091609
TI  - Leptin sustains spontaneous remyelination in the adult central nervous system.
AB  - Demyelination is a common feature of many central nervous system (CNS) diseases
      and is associated with neurological impairment. Demyelinated axons are
      spontaneously remyelinated depending on oligodendrocyte development, which mainly
      involves molecules expressed in the CNS environment. In this study, we found that
      leptin, a peripheral hormone secreted from adipocytes, promoted the proliferation
      of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Leptin increased the OPC proliferation
      via in vitro phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK);
      whereas leptin neutralization inhibited OPC proliferation and remyelination in a
      mouse model of toxin-induced demyelination. The OPC-specific leptin receptor long
      isoform (LepRb) deletion in mice inhibited both OPC proliferation and
      remyelination in the response to demyelination. Intrathecal leptin administration
      increased OPC proliferation. These results demonstrated a novel molecular
      mechanism by which leptin sustained OPC proliferation and remyelination in a
      pathological CNS.

PMID- 28091610
TI  - Evaluation of hyperspectral LiDAR for monitoring rice leaf nitrogen by comparison
      with multispectral LiDAR and passive spectrometer.
AB  - Fast and nondestructive assessment of leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) is
      critical for crop growth diagnosis and nitrogen management guidance. In the last
      decade, multispectral LiDAR (MSL) systems have promoted developments in the earth
      and ecological sciences with the additional spectral information. With more
      wavelengths than MSL, the hyperspectral LiDAR (HSL) system provides greater
      possibilities for remote sensing crop physiological conditions. This study
      compared the performance of ASD FieldSpec Pro FR, MSL, and HSL for estimating
      rice (Oryza sativa) LNC. Spectral reflectance and biochemical composition were
      determined in rice leaves of different cultivars (Yongyou 4949 and Yangliangyou
      6) throughout two growing seasons (2014-2015). Results demonstrated that HSL
      provided the best indicator for predicting rice LNC, yielding a coefficient of
      determination (R2) of 0.74 and a root mean square error of 2.80 mg/g with a
      support vector machine, similar to the performance of ASD (R2 = 0.73). Estimation
      of rice LNC could be significantly improved with the finer spectral resolution of
      HSL compared with MSL (R2 = 0.56).

PMID- 28091611
TI  - Multi-response optimization of Artemia hatching process using split-split-plot
      design based response surface methodology.
AB  - A novel method, BBD-SSPD is proposed by the combination of Box-Behnken Design
      (BBD) and Split-Split Plot Design (SSPD) which would ensure minimum number of
      experimental runs, leading to economical utilization in multi- factorial
      experiments. The brine shrimp Artemia was tested to study the combined effects of
      photoperiod, temperature and salinity, each with three levels, on the hatching
      percentage and hatching time of their cysts. The BBD was employed to select 13
      treatment combinations out of the 27 possible combinations that were grouped in
      an SSPD arrangement. Multiple responses were optimized simultaneously using
      Derringer's desirability function. Photoperiod and temperature as well as
      temperature-salinity interaction were found to significantly affect the hatching
      percentage of Artemia, while the hatching time was significantly influenced by
      photoperiod and temperature, and their interaction. The optimum conditions were
      23 h photoperiod, 29  degrees C temperature and 28 ppt salinity resulting in
      96.8% hatching in 18.94 h. In order to verify the results obtained from BBD-SSPD
      experiment, the experiment was repeated preserving the same set up. Results of
      verification experiment were found to be similar to experiment originally
      conducted. It is expected that this method would be suitable to optimize the
      hatching process of animal eggs.

PMID- 28091612
TI  - Ribosome profiling-guided depletion of an mRNA increases cell growth rate and
      protein secretion.
AB  - Recombinant protein production coopts the host cell machinery to provide high
      protein yields of industrial enzymes or biotherapeutics. However, since protein
      translation is energetically expensive and tightly controlled, it is unclear if
      highly expressed recombinant genes are translated as efficiently as host genes.
      Furthermore, it is unclear how the high expression impacts global translation.
      Here, we present the first genome-wide view of protein translation in an IgG
      producing CHO cell line, measured with ribosome profiling. Through this we found
      that our recombinant mRNAs were translated as efficiently as the host cell
      transcriptome, and sequestered up to 15% of the total ribosome occupancy. During
      cell culture, changes in recombinant mRNA translation were consistent with
      changes in transcription, demonstrating that transcript levels influence specific
      productivity. Using this information, we identified the unnecessary resistance
      marker NeoR to be a highly transcribed and translated gene. Through siRNA knock
      down of NeoR, we improved the production- and growth capacity of the host cell.
      Thus, ribosomal profiling provides valuable insights into translation in CHO
      cells and can guide efforts to enhance protein production.

PMID- 28091613
TI  - Adrenomedullin promotes angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian cancer through
      upregulating hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and vascular endothelial growth
      factor.
AB  - Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a multi-functional peptide related to many kinds of
      tumors. This study was aimed to investigate the role of ADM on angiogenesis in
      epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its possible mechanism. The expressions of
      ADM, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha
      (HIF-1alpha) and CD34 were examined by immunohistochemistry staining. The
      relationship among ADM, HIF-1alpha, VEGF and micro-vessel density (MVD) was
      assessed in 56 EOC tissues. CAOV3 cells were stably transfected with pcDNA-ADM
      (plasmid overexpressing ADM gene) or pRNA-shADM (small interfering RNA for ADM
      gene). Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were performed to detect the
      expressions of HIF-1alpha and VEGF. The MTT, transwell migration assay and in
      vitro tube formation analysis were used to evaluate the proliferation, migration,
      and tube formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)
      which were pretreated with ADM or ADM receptor antagonist ADM22-52. Our findings
      showed that ADM expression was positively correlated with the expressions of HIF
      1alpha, VEGF or MVD in EOC. ADM upregulated expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF in
      CAOV3 cells. ADM promoted HUVECs proliferation, migration and tube formation. In
      conclusion, ADM was an upstream molecule of HIF-1alpha/VEGF and it promoted
      angiogenesis through upregulating HIF-1alpha/VEGF in EOC.

PMID- 28091614
TI  - Transcriptomic basis for drought-resistance in Brassica napus L.
AB  - Based on transcriptomic data from four experimental settings with drought
      resistant and drought-sensitive cultivars under drought and well-watered
      conditions, statistical analysis revealed three categories encompassing 169
      highly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to drought in Brassica
      napus L., including 37 drought-resistant cultivar-related genes, 35 drought
      sensitive cultivar-related genes and 97 cultivar non-specific ones. We provide
      evidence that the identified DEGs were fairly uniformly distributed on different
      chromosomes and their expression patterns are variety specific. Except commonly
      enriched in response to various stimuli or stresses, different categories of DEGs
      show specific enrichment in certain biological processes or pathways, which
      indicated the possibility of functional differences among the three categories.
      Network analysis revealed relationships among the 169 DEGs, annotated biological
      processes and pathways. The 169 DEGs can be classified into different functional
      categories via preferred pathways or biological processes. Some pathways might
      simultaneously involve a large number of shared DEGs, and these pathways are
      likely to cross-talk and have overlapping biological functions. Several members
      of the identified DEGs fit to drought stress signal transduction pathway in
      Arabidopsis thaliana. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR validations confirmed
      the reproducibility of the RNA-seq data. These investigations are profitable for
      the improvement of crop varieties through transgenic engineering.

PMID- 28091615
TI  - Pirfenidone controls the feedback loop of the AT1R/p38 MAPK/renin-angiotensin
      system axis by regulating liver X receptor-alpha in myocardial infarction-induced
      cardiac fibrosis.
AB  - Pirfenidone (PFD), an anti-fibrotic small molecule drug, is used to treat
      fibrotic diseases, but its effects on myocardial infarction (MI)-induced cardiac
      fibrosis are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of PFD
      on MI-induced cardiac fibrosis and the possible underlying mechanisms in rats.
      After establishment of the model, animals were administered PFD by gavage for 4
      weeks. During the development of MI-induced cardiac fibrosis, we found activation
      of a positive feedback loop between the angiotensin II type 1 receptor
      (AT1R)/phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway and renin
      angiotensin system (RAS), which was accompanied by down-regulation of liver X
      receptor-alpha (LXR-alpha) expression. PFD attenuated body weight, heart weight,
      left ventricular weight, left ventricular systolic pressure, and +/-dp/dtmax
      changes induced by MI, which were associated with a reduction in cardiac
      fibrosis, infarct size, and hydroxyproline concentration. Moreover, PFD inhibited
      the AT1R/p38 MAPK pathway, corrected the RAS imbalance [decreased angiotensin
      converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor
      expression, but increased ACE2 and angiotensin (1-7) activity and Mas expression]
      and strongly enhanced heart LXR-alpha expression. These results indicate that the
      cardioprotective effects of PFD may be due, in large part, to controlling the
      feedback loop of the AT1R/p38 MAPK/RAS axis by activation of LXR-alpha.

PMID- 28091616
TI  - Wave Function Parity Loss Used to Mitigate Thermal Broadening in Spin-orbit
      Coupled Zigzag Graphene Analogues.
AB  - Carrier transport through a graphene zigzag nanoribbon (ZNR) is possible to be
      blocked by a p-n profile implemented along its transport direction. However, we
      found that in cases of analogous materials with significant intrinsic spin-orbit
      coupling (SOC), i.e. silicene and germanene, such a profile on ZNR of these
      materials allows transmission mostly through spin-orbit coupled energy window due
      to the loss of the parity of wave functions at different energies caused by SOC.
      Next, a p-i-n scheme on germanene ZNR is proposed to simultaneously permit edge
      transmission and decimate bulk transmission. The transmission spectrum is shown
      to mitigate the effect of thermal broadening on germanene and silicene ZNR based
      spin-separators by improving spin polarization yield by 400% and 785%,
      respectively, at 300 K. The importance of proper gate voltage and position for
      such performance is further elucidated. Finally, the modulation the current
      output of the proposed U-shape p-i-n device while maintaining its spin
      polarization is discussed.

PMID- 28091617
TI  - Switch from sexual to parthenogenetic reproduction in a zebra shark.
AB  - Parthenogenesis is a natural form of asexual reproduction in which embryos
      develop in the absence of fertilisation. Most commonly found in plants and
      invertebrate organisms, an increasing number of vertebrate species have recently
      been reported employing this reproductive strategy. Here we use DNA genotyping to
      report the first demonstration of an intra-individual switch from sexual to
      parthenogenetic reproduction in a shark species, the zebra shark Stegostoma
      fasciatum. A co-housed, sexually produced daughter zebra shark also commenced
      parthenogenetic reproduction at the onset of maturity without any prior mating.
      The demonstration of parthenogenesis in these two conspecific individuals with
      different sexual histories provides further support that elasmobranch fishes may
      flexibly adapt their reproductive strategy to environmental circumstances.

PMID- 28091619
TI  - Erratum: Vectorized magnetometer for space applications using electrical readout
      of atomic scale defects in silicon carbide.

PMID- 28091618
TI  - Chemical Isotope Labeling LC-MS for Monitoring Disease Progression and Treatment
      in Animal Models: Plasma Metabolomics Study of Osteoarthritis Rat Model.
AB  - We report a chemical isotope labeling (CIL) liquid chromatography mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS) method generally applicable for tracking metabolomic changes
      from samples collected in an animal model for studying disease development and
      treatment. A rat model of surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA) was used as an
      example to illustrate the workflow and technical performance. Experimental
      duplicate analyses of 234 plasma samples were carried out using dansylation
      labeling LC-MS targeting the amine/phenol submetabolome. These samples composed
      of 39 groups (6 rats per group) were collected at multiple time points with sham
      operation, OA control group, and OA rats with treatment, separately, using
      glucosamine/Celecoxib and three traditional Chinese medicines (Epimedii folium,
      Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Bushen-Huoxue). In total, 3893 metabolites could be
      detected and 2923 of them were consistently detected in more than 50% of the
      runs. This high-coverage submetabolome dataset could be used to track OA
      progression and treatment. Many differentiating metabolites were found and 11
      metabolites including 2-aminoadipic acid, saccharopine and GABA were selected as
      potential biomarkers of OA progression and OA treatment. This study illustrates
      that CIL LC-MS is a very useful technique for monitoring incremental metabolomic
      changes with high coverage and accuracy for studying disease progression and
      treatment in animal models.

PMID- 28091620
TI  - Role of molecular conformations in rubrene polycrystalline films growth from
      vacuum deposition at various substrate temperatures.
AB  - We report on the optical and structural characterization of rubrene
      polycrystalline films fabricated from vacuum deposition with various substrate
      temperatures (Tsub). Depending on Tsub, the role of twisted and planar rubrene
      conformational isomers on the properties of rubrene films is focused. The
      temperature (T)-dependent inverse optical transmission (IOT) and
      photoluminescence (PL) spectra were performed on these rubrene films. The origins
      of these IOT and PL peaks are explained in terms of the features from twisted and
      planar rubrene molecules and of the band characteristics from rubrene molecular
      solid films. Here, two rarely reported weak-peaks at 2.431 and 2.605 eV were
      observed from IOT spectra, which are associated with planar rubrene. Besides, the
      T-dependence of optical bandgap deduced from IOT spectra is discussed with
      respect to Tsub. Together with IOT and PL spectra, for Tsub > 170  degrees C, the
      changes in surface morphology and unit cell volume were observed for the first
      time, and are attributed to the isomeric transformation from twisted to planar
      rubrenes during the deposition processes. Furthermore, a unified schematic
      diagram in terms of Frenkel exciton recombination is suggested to explain the
      origins of the dominant PL peaks performed on these rubrene films at 15 K.

PMID- 28091621
TI  - Differential susceptibility and maturation of thymocyte subsets during Salmonella
      Typhimurium infection: insights on the roles of glucocorticoids and Interferon
      gamma.
AB  - The thymus is known to atrophy during infections; however, a systematic study of
      changes in thymocyte subpopulations has not been performed. This aspect was
      investigated, using multi-color flow cytometry, during oral infection of mice
      with Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). The major highlights are: First, a
      block in the developmental pathway of CD4-CD8- double negative (DN) thymocytes is
      observed. Second, CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) thymocytes, mainly in the DP1
      (CD5loCD3lo) and DP2 (CD5hiCD3int), but not DP3 (CD5intCD3hi), subsets are
      reduced. Third, single positive (SP) thymocytes are more resistant to depletion
      but their maturation is delayed, leading to accumulation of CD24hiCD3hi SP.
      Kinetic studies during infection demonstrated differences in sensitivity of
      thymic subpopulations: Immature single positive (ISP) > DP1, DP2 > DN3, DN4 > DN2
      > CD4+ > CD8+. Upon infection, glucocorticoids (GC), inflammatory cytokines, e.g.
      Ifngamma, etc are induced, which enhance thymocyte death. Treatment with RU486,
      the GC receptor antagonist, increases the survival of most thymic subsets during
      infection. Studies with Ifngamma-/- mice demonstrated that endogenous Ifngamma
      produced during infection enhances the depletion of DN2-DN4 subsets, promotes the
      accumulation of DP3 and delays the maturation of SP thymocytes. The implications
      of these observations on host cellular responses during infections are discussed.

PMID- 28091622
TI  - Clinical variations in Parkinson's disease patients with or without REM sleep
      behaviour disorder: a meta-analysis.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the clinical variations in patients with Parkinson's
      disease (PD) with (PDRBD) or without REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) (Non
      RBD), and PDRBD patients were classified into Confirmed-RBD (definite diagnosis
      with polysomnography, PSG) and Probable-RBD (without PSG re-confirmation). The
      clinical difference between the groups of patients was measured as an odds ratio
      (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD, Cohen d). A total of 31 articles with
      data from 5,785 participants were obtained for our analysis. Overall, the
      occurrence of Confirmed-RBD was more frequent in male patients (OR = 1.25; p =
      0.038), elderly patients (SMD = 0.25; p = 0.000), and patients with longer
      disease duration (SMD = 0.30; p = 0.000), increased Hoehn-Yahr scale (SMD = 0.30;
      p = 0.000), and higher UPDRS-III score (SMD = 0.38; p = 0.002). On the other
      hand, the frequency of Probable-RBD was increased with disease duration (SMD =
      0.29; p = 0.000), Hoehn-Yahr scale (SMD = 0.30; p = 0.000), and UPDRS-III score
      (SMD = 0.26; p = 0.001). Our study indicate that PDRBD patients may have
      different clinical features compared to patients with Non-RBD.

PMID- 28091623
TI  - Comparative genomics of canine-isolated Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis from
      an endemic focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Governador Valadares, southeastern
      Brazil.
AB  - Leishmaniasis is a highly diverse group of diseases caused by kinetoplastid of
      the genus Leishmania. These parasites are taxonomically diverse, with human
      pathogenic species separated into two subgenera according to their development
      site inside the alimentary tract of the sand fly insect vector. The disease
      encompasses a variable spectrum of clinical manifestations with tegumentary or
      visceral symptoms. Among the causative species in Brazil, Leishmania (Leishmania)
      amazonensis is an important etiological agent of human cutaneous leishmaniasis
      that accounts for more than 8% of all cases in endemic regions. L. (L.)
      amazonensis is generally found in the north and northeast regions of Brazil.
      Here, we report the first isolation of L. (L.) amazonensis from dogs with
      clinical manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis in Governador Valadares, an
      endemic focus in the southeastern Brazilian State of Minas Gerais where L. (L.)
      infantum is also endemic. These isolates were characterized in terms of SNPs,
      chromosome and gene copy number variations, confirming that they are closely
      related to a previously sequenced isolate obtained in 1973 from the typical
      Northern range of this species. The results presented in this article will
      increase our knowledge of L. (L.) amazonensis-specific adaptations to infection,
      parasite survival and the transmission of this Amazonian species in a new endemic
      area of Brazil.

PMID- 28091624
TI  - Paracrine cross-talk between skeletal muscle and macrophages in exercise by PGC
      1alpha-controlled BNP.
AB  - Activation of resident and infiltrating immune cells is a central event in
      training adaptation and other contexts of skeletal muscle repair and
      regeneration. A precise orchestration of inflammatory events in muscle fibers and
      immune cells is required after recurrent contraction-relaxation cycles. However,
      the mechanistic aspects of this important regulation remain largely unknown. We
      now demonstrate that besides a dominant role in controlling cellular metabolism,
      the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1alpha (PGC
      1alpha) also has a profound effect on cytokine expression in muscle tissue.
      Muscle PGC-1alpha expression results in activation of tissue-resident
      macrophages, at least in part mediated by PGC-1alpha-dependent B-type natriuretic
      peptide (BNP) production and secretion. Positive effects of exercise in metabolic
      diseases and other pathologies associated with chronic inflammation could
      accordingly involve the PGC-1alpha-BNP axis and thereby provide novel targets for
      therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 28091626
TI  - Dynamic contact angles in oil-aqueous polymer solutions.
AB  - Polymer flooding is an important process in enhanced oil recovery. The
      displacement front is unstable when low viscosity brine displaces the heavy crude
      oil in the reservoir. Water-soluble polymers are added to the brine to increase
      its viscosity which stabilizes the displacement process. To analyze the
      displacement process at the micro-level, we have investigated the dynamic contact
      angles in silicone oil-polymer (polyethylene oxide) solution and for the first
      time. The dynamic contact angle is the apparent contact angle at the three-phase
      contact line which governs the capillary pressure, and thus is important for the
      displacement process. The data show no obvious signs of either shear thinning or
      elastic behavior, although for some systems with highest elastic effects some
      unexplained effects on dynamic contact angles are observed that correlate with
      elastic effects. Overall, dynamic contact angles are explained well using
      existing models for two Newtonian fluids, when the zero shear viscosity is used
      for the polymer solution.

PMID- 28091627
TI  - Development of a single-step immunoassay microdevice based on a graphene oxide
      containing hydrogel possessing fluorescence quenching and size separation
      functions.
AB  - An immunoassay, which is an indispensable analytical method both in biological
      research and in medical fields was successfully integrated into a "single-step"
      by developing a microdevice composed of a graphene oxide (GO)-containing hydrogel
      and a poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchannel array with a polyethylene
      glycol (PEG) coating containing a fluorescently-labelled antibody. Here we used 2
      hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) as a monomer that is easily, and homogeneously,
      mixed with GO to synthesize the hydrogel. The fluorescence quenching and size
      separation functions were then optimized by controlling the ratios of HEMA and
      GO. Free fluorescently-labelled antibody was successfully separated from the
      immunoreaction mixture by the hydrogel network structure, and the fluorescence
      was subsequently quenched by GO. In comparison to the previously reported
      immunoassay system using GO, the present system achieved a very high fluorescence
      resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency (~90%), due to the use of direct
      adsorption of the fluorescently-labelled antibody to the GO surface; in contrast,
      the former reported method relied on indirect adsorption of the fluorescently
      labelled antibody via immunocomplex formation at the GO surface. Finally, the
      single-step immunoassay microdevice was made by combining the developed hydrogel
      and the PDMS microchannel with a coating containing the fluorescently-labelled
      antibody, and successfully applied for the single-step analysis of IgM levels in
      diluted human serum by simple introduction of the sample via capillary action.

PMID- 28091628
TI  - In situ X-ray absorption near edge structure studies and charge transfer kinetics
      of Na6[V10O28] electrodes.
AB  - Polyoxometalates (POMs) have been reported as promising electrode materials for
      energy storage applications due to their ability to undergo fast redox reactions
      with multiple transferred electrons per polyanion. Here we employ a
      polyoxovanadate salt, Na6[V10O28], as an electrode material in a lithium-ion
      containing electrolyte and investigate the electron transfer properties of
      Na6[V10O28] on long and short timescales. Looking at equilibrated systems, in
      situ V K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) studies show that all
      10 V5+ ions in Na6[V10O28] can be reversibly reduced to V4+ in a potential range
      of 4-1.75 V vs. Li/Li+. Focusing on the dynamic response of the electrode to
      potential pulses, the kinetics of Na6[V10O28] electrodes and the dependence of
      the fundamental electron transfer rate k0 on temperature are investigated. From
      these measurements we calculate the reorganization energy and compare it with
      theoretical predictions. The experimentally determined reorganization energy of
      lambda = 184 meV is in line with the theoretical estimate and confirms the
      hypothesis of small values of lambda for POMs due to electrostatic shielding of
      the redox center from the solvent.

PMID- 28091625
TI  - MPLEx: a method for simultaneous pathogen inactivation and extraction of samples
      for multi-omics profiling.
AB  - The continued emergence and spread of infectious agents is of great concern, and
      systems biology approaches to infectious disease research can advance our
      understanding of host-pathogen relationships and facilitate the development of
      new therapies and vaccines. Molecular characterization of infectious samples
      outside of appropriate biosafety containment can take place only subsequent to
      pathogen inactivation. Herein, we describe a modified Folch extraction using
      chloroform/methanol that facilitates the molecular characterization of infectious
      samples by enabling simultaneous pathogen inactivation and extraction of
      proteins, metabolites, and lipids for subsequent mass spectrometry-based multi
      omics measurements. This single-sample metabolite, protein and lipid extraction
      (MPLEx) method resulted in complete inactivation of clinically important
      bacterial and viral pathogens with exposed lipid membranes, including Yersinia
      pestis, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Campylobacter jejuni in pure culture, and
      Yersinia pestis, Campylobacter jejuni, and West Nile, MERS-CoV, Ebola, and
      influenza H7N9 viruses in infection studies. In addition, >99% inactivation,
      which increased with solvent exposure time, was also observed for pathogens
      without exposed lipid membranes including community-associated methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile spores and vegetative
      cells, and adenovirus type 5. The overall pipeline of inactivation and subsequent
      proteomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic analyses was evaluated using a human
      epithelial lung cell line infected with wild-type and mutant influenza H7N9
      viruses, thereby demonstrating that MPLEx yields biomaterial of sufficient
      quality for subsequent multi-omics analyses. Based on these experimental results,
      we believe that MPLEx will facilitate systems biology studies of infectious
      samples by enabling simultaneous pathogen inactivation and multi-omics
      measurements from a single specimen with high success for pathogens with exposed
      lipid membranes.

PMID- 28091629
TI  - Mapping the sequence-structure relationships of simple cyclic hexapeptides.
AB  - Cyclic peptides are promising protein-protein interaction modulators with high
      binding affinities and specificities, as well as enhanced stabilities and oral
      availabilities over linear analogs. Despite their relatively small size and
      cyclic architecture, it is currently difficult to predict the favored
      conformation(s) of most classes of cyclic peptides. An improved understanding of
      the sequence-structure relationships for cyclic peptides will offer an avenue for
      the rational design of cyclic peptides as possible therapeutics. In this work, we
      systematically explored the sequence-structure relationships for two cyclic
      hexapeptide systems using molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Starting with
      an all-glycine cyclic hexapeptide, cyclo-G6, we systematically replaced glycine
      residues with alanines and characterized the structural ensembles of different
      variants. The same process was repeated with valines to investigate the effects
      of larger side chains. An analysis of the origin of structure preferences was
      performed using thermodynamics decomposition and several general observations are
      reported.

PMID- 28091630
TI  - Accurate measurement of long range proton-carbon scalar coupling constants.
AB  - The accuracy and practicality of measuring heteronuclear scalar coupling
      constants, nJCH, from modern NMR experimental methods is examined, based on F1 or
      F2 evolution of nJCH in HSQMBC (including EXSIDE) and HMBC experiments. The
      results from these methods are compared to both robust experimental data (derived
      from coupled 13C spectra), computed (Density Functional Theory) and literature
      values where available. We report on the accuracy, ease of use and time
      efficiency of these multi-dimensional methods and highlight their extent and
      limitations.

PMID- 28091634
TI  - Recent advancements and future directions of superficially porous chiral
      stationary phases for ultrafast high-performance enantioseparations.
AB  - This review focuses on the use of superficially porous particles (SPPs) as chiral
      stationary phases for ultra-high performance liquid enantioseparations. In
      contrast to what happened in achiral separations where core-shell particles
      invaded the market, the introduction of SPPs in chiral liquid chromatography (LC)
      has been relatively recent. This is due in part to the technical difficulties in
      the preparation of these phases, and in part to scarce understanding of mass
      transfer phenomena in chiral chromatography. As a matter of fact, nowadays, the
      development of superficially porous CSPs is still in its infancy. This paper
      covers the most recent advancements in the field of core-shell technology applied
      to chiral separations. We review the kinds of chiral selectors that have been
      used for the preparation of these phases, by discussing the advantages of chiral
      SPPs over their fully-porous counterparts for high efficient high throughput
      enantioseparations. Notwithstanding the apparently obvious advantages in terms of
      the mass transfer of chiral SPPs, some critical aspects that could impact their
      development are presented.

PMID- 28091635
TI  - Focused electron beam based direct-write fabrication of graphene and amorphous
      carbon from oxo-functionalized graphene on silicon dioxide.
AB  - Controlled patterning of graphene is an important task towards device fabrication
      and thus is the focus of current research activities. Graphene oxide (GO) is a
      solution-processible precursor of graphene. It can be patterned by thermal
      processing. However, thermal processing of GO leads to decomposition and CO2
      formation. Alternatively, focused electron beam induced processing (FEBIP)
      techniques can be used to pattern graphene with high spatial resolution. Based on
      this approach, we explore FEBIP of GO deposited on SiO2. Using oxo-functionalized
      graphene (oxo-G) with an in-plane lattice defect density of 1% we are able to
      image the electron beam-induced effects by scanning Raman microscopy for the
      first time. Depending on electron energy (2-30 keV) and doses (50-800 mC m-2)
      either reduction of GO or formation of permanent lattice defects occurs. This
      result reflects a step towards controlled FEBIP processing of oxo-G.

PMID- 28091636
TI  - Assessing the electrochemical properties of polypyridine and polythiophene for
      prospective applications in sustainable organic batteries.
AB  - Conducting polymers are being considered promising candidates for sustainable
      organic batteries mainly due to their fast electron transport properties and high
      recyclability. In this work, the key properties of polythiophene and polypyridine
      have been assessed through a combined theoretical and experimental study focusing
      on such applications. A theoretical protocol has been developed to calculate
      redox potentials in solution within the framework of the density functional
      theory and using continuous solvation models. Here, the evolution of the
      electrochemical properties of solvated oligomers as a function of the length of
      the chain is analyzed and then the polymer properties are estimated via linear
      regressions using ordinary least square. The predicted values were verified
      against our electrochemical experiments. This protocol can now be employed to
      screen a large database of compounds in order to identify organic electrodes with
      superior properties.

PMID- 28091637
TI  - Investigation of a new bis(carboxylate)triazole-based anchoring ligand for dye
      solar cell chromophore complexes.
AB  - A novel anchoring ligand for dye-sensitised solar cell chromophoric complexes, 1
      (2,2'-bipyrid-4-yl)-1,2,3-triazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (dctzbpy), is described.
      The new dye complexes [Ru(bpy)2(dctzbpy)][PF6]2 (AS16), [Ir(ppy)2(dctzbpy)][PF6]
      (AS17) and [Re(dctzbpy)(CO)3Cl] (AS18) were prepared in a two stage procedure
      with intermediate isolation of their diester analogues, AS16-Et2, AS17-Et2 and
      AS18-Et2 respectively. Electrochemical analysis of AS16-Et2, AS17-Et2 and AS18
      Et2 reveal reduction potentials in the range -1.50 to -1.59 V (vs. Fc+/Fc) which
      are cathodically shifted with respect to that of the model complex
      [Ru(bpy)2(dcbH2)]2+ (1) (Ered = -1.34 V, dcbH2 = 2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic
      acid). This therefore demonstrates that the LUMO of the complex is correctly
      positioned for favourable electron transfer into the TiO2 conduction band upon
      photoexcitation. The higher energy LUMOs for AS16 to AS18 and a larger HOMO-LUMO
      gap result in blue-shifted absorption spectra and hence reduced light harvesting
      efficiency relative to their dcbH2 analogues. Preliminary tests on TiO2 n-type
      and NiO p-type DSSCs have been carried out. In the cases of the Ir(iii) and Re(i)
      based dyes AS17 and AS18 these show inferior performance to their dcbH2
      analogues. However, the Ru(ii) dye AS16 (eta = 0.61%) exhibits significantly
      greater efficiency than 1 (eta = 0.1%). In a p-type cell AS16 shows the highest
      photovoltaic efficiency (eta = 0.028%), almost three times that of cells
      incorporating the benchmark dye coumarin C343.

PMID- 28091638
TI  - Highly ordered sandwich-type (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) europium double
      decker nanotubes and room temperature NO2 sensitive properties.
AB  - A sandwich-type (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) europium double-decker complex
      Eu(TPyP){Pc-(OC8H17)8} [TPyP = meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin; Pc-(OC8H17)8 =
      2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis(octyloxy)phthalocyanine] (2) was designed and
      prepared. For comparative studies, Eu(TPyP)(Pc) (1) was also prepared. Highly
      ordered nanotubes of complexes 1 and 2 were successfully fabricated by using an
      anodized alumina oxide (AAO) template method. The nanotubes were comparatively
      investigated by electronic absorption spectra, scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM), low-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
      (FTIR) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Both nanotubes of
      complexes 1 and 2 showed good conductivities and presented an efficient gas
      sensing platform for the ultrasensitive detection of NO2 at room temperature. In
      particular, the detection limit and response/recovery times for the proposed
      sensors based on complex 2 were lower and faster than those of complex 1,
      indicating the significant effect of a molecular packing mode on tuning the gas
      sensing performance of organic semiconductors.

PMID- 28091639
TI  - Gold nanoparticles stabilized by cationic carbosilane dendrons: synthesis and
      biological properties.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and polycationic macromolecules are used as gene
      carriers. Their behaviour is dependent on several factors, such as the size and
      type of the framework, charge, etc. We have combined both types of systems and
      prepared AuNPs covered with cationic carbosilane dendrons with the aim to
      evaluate their biocompatibility. Water soluble dendronized cationic AuNPs were
      prepared following a straightforward procedure from dendrons, a gold precursor
      and a reducing agent in water and were characterized by 1H NMR, transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric
      analysis (TGA), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), and zeta potential (ZP). The
      biological properties of dendrons and AuNPs were determined by hemolysis,
      platelet aggregation and lymphocyte proliferation. These assays reflect
      modification of dendron properties when covering nanoparticles. For dendrons,
      hemolysis and platelet aggregation are generation dependent whilst, for AuNPs
      these properties are related to the bigger size of NPs. On the other hand, none
      of the systems induced lymphocyte proliferation. Selected cationic dendrons and
      AuNPs were chosen for gene delivery experiments employing a small interference
      RNA (siRNA Nef) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

PMID- 28091640
TI  - The binuclear dual emitter [Br(CO)3Re(PN)(NP)Re(CO)3Br] (PN): 3-chloro-6-(4
      diphenylphosphinyl)butoxypyridazine, a new bridging P,N-bidentate ligand
      resulting from the ring opening of tetrahydrofuran.
AB  - Lithium diphenylphosphide unexpectedly provokes the ring-opening of
      tetrahydrofuran (THF) and by reaction with 3,6-dichloropyridazine leads to the
      formation of the ligand 3-chloro-6-(4-diphenylphosphinyl)butoxypyridazine (P?N),
      which was isolated. The reaction of this ligand with the (Re(CO)3(THF)Br)2 dimer
      yields the novel complex [Br(CO)3Re(MU-3-chloro-6-(4
      diphenylphosphinyl)butoxypyridazine)2Re(CO)3Br] (BrRe(P?N)(N?P)ReBr), which was
      crystallized in the form of a chloroform solvate,
      (C46H40Br2Cl2N4O8P2Re2).(CHCl3). The monoclinic crystal (P21/n) displays a
      bimetallic cage structure with a symmetry inversion centre in the middle of the
      rhenium to rhenium line. The molecule shows two oxidation signals occurring at
      +1.50 V and +1.76 V which were assigned to the ReI/ReII and ReII/ReIII metal
      centered couples, respectively, while signals observed at -1.38 V and -1.68 V
      were assigned to ligand centered reductions. Experimental and DFT/TDDFT results
      indicate that the UV-Vis absorption maximum of BrRe(P?N)(N?P)ReBr occurring near
      380 nm displays a metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) character, which is
      consistent with CV results. Upon excitation at this wavelength, a weak emission
      (Phiem < 1 * 10-3) is observed around 580 nm (in dichloromethane) which decays
      with two distinct lifetimes tau1 and tau2 of 24 and 4.7 ns, respectively. The
      prevalence of non-radiative deactivation pathways is consistent with efficient
      internal conversion induced by the high conformational flexibility of the P?N
      ligand's long carbon chain. Measurements in a frozen solvent at 77 K, where
      vibrational deactivation is hindered, show intense emission associated with the
      3MLCT state. These results demonstrate that BrRe(P?N)(N?P)ReBr preserves the dual
      emitting nature previously reported for the mononuclear complex RePNBr, with
      emission associated with and states.

PMID- 28091642
TI  - Robust, double-shelled ZnGa2O4 hollow spheres for photocatalytic reduction of CO2
      to methane.
AB  - Robust, double-shelled ZnGa2O4 hollow spheres were successfully fabricated by
      hydrothermally treating an aqueous solution containing Zn(ii), Ga(iii), and
      citric acid, followed by annealing at 600  degrees C, 700  degrees C, or 800 
      degrees C in air to remove the carbon species. The hollow structure is expected
      to trap incident photons to enhance the light absorbance. The sample annealed at
      700  degrees C exhibited the optimized photocatalytic performance in the
      reduction of CO2 in the presence of water vapor to methane. This property is
      ascribed to the improved crystallinity of the sample, which has fewer defect
      centers for the recombination of electron-hole pairs compared with that annealed
      at 600  degrees C. The reduced performance of the sample done at 800  degrees C
      relative to the one annealed at 700  degrees C is attributed to the formation of
      additional impurities besides ZnGa2O4, possibly due to partial Zn(ii) evaporation
      at higher temperature leading to segregation of potential Ga-based oxides. RuO2
      and Pt were loaded onto the sample surface to greatly enhance the photocatalytic
      performance. The best photocatalytic performance was observed in the sample co
      loaded with Pt and RuO2.

PMID- 28091641
TI  - Effects of pomegranate extract in supplementing gonadotropin-releasing hormone
      therapy on idiopathic central precocious puberty in Chinese girls: a randomized,
      placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.
AB  - Central precocious puberty (CPP) without organic abnormality is called idiopathic
      CPP (ICPP). The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of
      pomegranate extract in supplementing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog
      therapy on ICPP-affected girls in the Chinese population. 286 girls, diagnosed
      with ICPP were initially enrolled into this trial, and among them 225 eligible
      patients were randomized to receive a combinational GnRH analog treatment
      supplemented with either a placebo or pomegranate extract on a daily basis for a
      period of 3 months. Their demographics, secondary sexual characteristics and
      hormone profiles were analyzed at baseline and end of trial. After 3 months of
      treatment, demographic profiles including bone age, growth velocity and height
      standard deviation score for bone age, and secondary sexual characteristics
      including uterus and ovary volume, as well as serum hormone profiles including
      estradiol, peak luteinizing hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 were all
      significantly improved in girls receiving a combinational treatment of both GnRH
      analog and pomegranate extract. Daily consumption of pomegranate extract was able
      to supplement and improve the treatment outcomes of the GnRH analog therapy for
      ICPP in Chinese girls.

PMID- 28091643
TI  - Improving the zT value of thermoelectrics by nanostructuring: tuning the
      nanoparticle morphology of Sb2Te3 by using ionic liquids.
AB  - A systematic study on the microwave-assisted thermolysis of the single source
      precursor (Et2Sb)2Te (1) in different asymmetric 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium- and
      symmetric 1,3-dialkylimidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) reveals the
      distinctive role of both the anion and the cation in tuning the morphology and
      microstructure of the resulting Sb2Te3 nanoparticles as evidenced by X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray
      analysis (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A comparison of the
      electrical and thermal conductivities as well as the Seebeck coefficient of the
      Sb2Te3 nanoparticles obtained from different ILs reveals the strong influence of
      the specific IL, from which C4mimI was identified as the best solvent, on the
      thermoelectric properties of as-prepared nanosized Sb2Te3. This work provides
      design guidelines for ILs, which allow the synthesis of nanostructured
      thermoelectrics with improved performances.

PMID- 28091644
TI  - Chiral bidentate [N,S]-ferrocene ligands based on a thiazoline framework.
      Synthesis and use in palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation.
AB  - An efficient method to obtain chiral 1,2-disubstituted ferrocenyl ligands has
      been developed. The introduction of planar chirality was accomplished by using 2
      thiazoline as an ortho-directing lithiation group, and moreover, these kinds of
      ligands possess a central chirality from the amino alcohol used in their
      synthesis. The X-ray analysis and DFT calculations confirmed the
      diastereoselectivity of ortho-lithiation and the configuration of the planar
      chirality. The ability of these new bidentate [N,S]-ferrocene ligands to act in
      Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation has also been demonstrated and
      compared with their oxazoline counterparts.

PMID- 28091645
TI  - Yogurt inhibits intestinal barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cells by increasing
      tight junctions.
AB  - Chronic inflammation disrupts intestinal barrier function and may contribute to
      the pathology of obesity and other diseases. The goal of this study was to
      determine the mechanism by which yogurt improves intestinal barrier function.
      Caco-2 cells were differentiated on Transwell inserts and used as a model of
      intestinal barrier permeability. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and
      flux of 4 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD) and lucifer yellow (LY)
      were used as indicators of monolayer integrity and paracellular permeability.
      Immunofluorescence microscopy and real time quantitative polymerase chain were
      used to assess the localization and expression of tight junction proteins known
      to regulate intestinal permeability. Differentiated cells were treated with a
      vehicle control (C), inflammatory stimulus (I) (interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and lipopolysaccharide), or I and 0.03 g mL-1
      yogurt (IY). After 48 h, I reduced Caco-2 TEER by 46%, while IY reduced TEER by
      only 27% (P < 0.0001). FD and LY flux reflected TEER measurements, with IY having
      significantly lower permeability than I (P < 0.05). Yogurt also improved
      localization of occludin and zona occludens protein 1 (ZO-1) at tight junctions
      of differentiated Caco-2 cells. IY increased Caco-2 claudin-1, ZO-1, and occludin
      mRNA relative to I (P < 0.05). In a simulated digestion, the barrier-improving
      bioactivity of yogurt was maintained through the gastric phase, but was reduced
      to the level of I after intestinal digestion (P < 0.05). Therefore, yogurt
      improved inflammation-disrupted intestinal barrier function in a Caco-2 model by
      increasing tight junctions, but the beneficial effect on barrier function was
      reduced at latter stages of digestion.

PMID- 28091646
TI  - Molecular hydrogen production from amorphous solid water during low energy
      electron irradiation.
AB  - This work investigates the production of molecular hydrogen isotopologues (H2,
      HD, and D2) during low energy electron irradiation of layered and isotopically
      labelled thin films of amorphous solid water (ASW) in ultrahigh vacuum.
      Experimentally, the production of these molecules with both irradiation time and
      incident electron energy in the range 400 to 500 eV is reported as a function of
      the depth of a buried D2O layer in an H2O film. H2 is produced consistently in
      all measurements, reflecting the H2O component of the film, though it does
      exhibit a modest reduction in intensity at the time corresponding to product
      escape from the buried D2O layer. In contrast, HD and D2 production exhibit peaks
      at times corresponding to product escape from the buried D2O layer in the
      composite film. These features broaden the deeper the HD or D2 is formed due to
      diffusion. A simple random-walk model is presented that can qualitatively explain
      the appearance profile of these peaks as a function of the incident electron
      penetration.

PMID- 28091647
TI  - Phytosterol nutritional supplement improves pregnancy and neonatal complications
      of gestational diabetes mellitus in a double-blind and placebo-controlled
      clinical study.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasingly serious health problem
      among pregnant women. Phytosterol-enriched spreads are known to reduce total
      cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but little is known about
      their effects on GDM. We aimed to examine the effect of the daily consumption of
      phytosterol-enriched spreads on both the maternal and neonatal outcomes of GDM
      patients. GDM patients during the third trimester of pregnancy were enrolled and
      assigned randomly to consume a regular spread or phytosterol-enriched spread
      daily until the end of their pregnancy. Maternal diabetic symptoms such as serum
      lipid profile, glucose and insulin metabolisms, as well as neonatal
      complications, were analyzed at the beginning and full-term. The daily
      consumption of the phytosterol-enriched spread exhibited significant beneficial
      effects on maternal diabetic symptoms, in terms of improved lipid compositions
      and glucose metabolism. Moreover, the incidence of neonatal complications was
      also significantly reduced by the phytosterol-enriched spread, in terms of birth
      weight, macrosomia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress and Apgar scores. The
      daily consumption of a phytosterol-enriched spread is able to improve both the
      maternal and neonatal outcomes in GDM patients.

PMID- 28091648
TI  - Efficient synthesis of carborane azo derivatives and their reactivity.
AB  - An iridium(iii)-catalyzed C-N-bond-forming direct synthesis of carborane azo
      derivatives was developed. The reaction of o-carborane monocarboxylate with
      aryldiazonium salt in the presence of a catalytic amount of [Cp*IrCl2]2 and NaOAc
      in CH3CN at 80  degrees C gave the corresponding carborane azo derivative in good
      yield. A series of cyclometalated iridium/rhodium complexes that contain Cp*M-B
      (M = Ir, Rh) bonds, and are stabilised by the intramolecular coordination of
      nitrogen donors, were successfully isolated and structurally characterised.

PMID- 28091649
TI  - Optical properties of trinuclear metal chalcogenolate complexes - room
      temperature NIR fluorescence in [Cu2Ti(SPh)6(PPh3)2].
AB  - The optical properties of four isostructural trinuclear chalcogenolato bridged
      metal complexes [Cu2Sn(SPh)6(PPh3)2], [Cu2Sn(SePh)6(PPh3)2], [Ag2Sn(SPh)6(PPh3)2]
      and [Cu2Ti(SPh)6(PPh3)2] have been investigated by absorption and
      photoluminescence spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory
      (TDDFT) calculations. All copper-tin compounds demonstrate near-infrared (NIR)
      phosphorescence at ~900-1100 nm in the solid state at low temperature, which is
      nearly absent at ambient temperature. Stokes shifts of these emissions are found
      to be unusually large with values of about 1.5 eV. The copper-titanium complex
      [Cu2Ti(SPh)6(PPh3)2] also shows luminescence in the NIR at 1090 nm but with a
      much faster decay (tau ~ 10 ns at 150 K) and a much smaller Stokes shift (ca. 0.3
      eV). Even at 295 K this fluorescence is found to comprise a quantum yield as high
      as 9.5%. The experimental electronic absorption spectra well correspond to the
      spectra simulated from the calculated singlet transitions. In line with the large
      Stokes shifts of the emission spectra the calculations reveal for the copper-tin
      complexes strong structural relaxation of the excited triplet states whereas
      those effects are found to be much smaller in the case of the copper-titanium
      complex.

PMID- 28091650
TI  - The W@WO3 ohmic contact induces a high-efficiency photooxidation performance.
AB  - The Schottky-type metal-semiconductor (M-S) junction works well in promoting the
      separation of photogenerated carriers. In this paper, another type of M-S
      junction, Ohmic contact of W@WO3, has been developed via an acid partial
      oxidation strategy. By simply tuning the experimental parameters including the
      acid concentration and the reaction time, WO3 nanosheets are epitaxially grown on
      a W core; moreover, the thickness and density of the WO3 shell can be finely
      controlled. The photocatalytic activities of samples are tested via degradation
      of gaseous acetaldehyde under UV light irradiation. The results show that the
      W@WO3 core-shell composite with a thinner and looser WO3 shell exhibits a higher
      mineralization ability of acetaldehyde to carbon dioxide. An Ohmic contact
      between the W core and the WO3 shell is fairly confirmed by means of photo
      electronic measurements. It is believed that the built-in electric field at the
      interface of the Ohmic contact leads to the migration of photogenerated electrons
      from WO3 to W, which is beneficial for separation of the electron-hole pairs and
      hence an enhanced photooxidation ability.

PMID- 28091651
TI  - Composition-dependent charge transfer and phase separation in the V1-xRexO2 solid
      solution.
AB  - The substitution of vanadium in vanadium dioxide VO2 influences the critical
      temperatures of structural and metal-to-insulator transitions in different ways
      depending on the valence of the dopant. Rhenium adopts valence states between +4
      and +7 in an octahedral oxygen surrounding and is particularly interesting in
      this context. Structural investigation of V1-xRexO2 solid solutions (0.01 <= x <=
      0.30) between 80 and 1200 K using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction revealed
      only two polymorphs that resemble VO2: the low-temperature monoclinic MoO2-type
      form (space group P21/c), and the tetragonal rutile-like form (space group
      P42/mnm). However, for compositions with 0.03 < x <= 0.15 a phase separation in
      the solid solution was observed below 1000 K upon cooling down from 1200 K,
      giving rise to two isostructural phases with slightly different lattice
      parameters. This is reflected in the appearance of two metal-to-insulator
      transition temperatures detected by magnetization and specific heat measurements.
      Comprehensive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies showed that an increased
      amount of Re leads to a change in the Re valence state from solely Re6+ at a low
      doping level (<=3 at% Re) via mixed-valence states Re4+/Re6+ for at least 0.03 <
      x <= 0.10, up to nearly pure Re4+ in V0.70Re0.30O2. Thus, compositions V1-xRexO2
      with only one valence state of Re in the material (Re6+ or Re4+) can be obtained
      as a single phase, while intermediate compositions are subjected to a phase
      separation, presumably due to different valence states of Re.

PMID- 28091653
TI  - Trivalent f-elements in human saliva: a comprehensive speciation study by time
      resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and thermodynamic calculations.
AB  - In the case of oral ingestion of radioactive contaminants, the first contact
      medium is saliva in the mouth. To gain a first insight into the interaction of
      radioactive contaminants in human saliva, the speciation of curium (Cm(iii)) and
      europium (Eu(iii)), i.e., trivalent f-elements, was investigated in different
      salivary media with time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy
      (TRLFS). The results indicate that these metal cations are primarily complexed
      with carbonates and phosphates, forming ternary complexes with a possible
      stoichiometry of 1 : 1 : 2 (M(iii) : carbonate : phosphate). For charge
      compensation, calcium is also involved in these ternary complexes. In addition to
      these inorganic components, organic substances, namely alpha-amylase, show a
      significant contribution to the speciation of the trivalent f-elements in saliva.
      This protein is the major enzyme in saliva and catalyzes the hydrolysis of
      polysaccharides. In this context, the effect of Eu(iii) on the activity of alpha
      amylase was investigated to reveal the potential implication of these metal
      cations for the in vivo functions of saliva. The results indicate that the enzyme
      activity is strongly inhibited by the presence of Eu(iii), which is suppressed by
      an excess of calcium.

PMID- 28091655
TI  - Probing the magnetic relaxation and magnetic moment arrangement in a series of
      Dy4 squares.
AB  - Three MU4-O bridged Dy4 squares, {[Dy4(MU4
      O)(HL1)4(H2O)4]2(NO3)3(OH)}.2H2O.2CH3OH (1), [Dy4(MU4-O)(HL2)4(SCN)2].2H2O.4CH3OH
      (2) and [Dy4(MU4-O)(H2L3)2(SCN)2].6H2O (3) were assembled by using a Schiff base
      ligand and its dimerized and reduced congener, respectively. These complexes
      share a similar MU4-O bridged Dy4 core, while, both the coordination geometry and
      metal-ligand interactions are slightly changed upon the modulation of the
      ligands, resulting in distinct single-molecular magnetic (SMM) and single
      molecular toroic (SMT) properties. In complex 1, the Schiff base ligands are in
      an antiparallel fashion and all DyIII ions are in a similar coordination
      geometry, realizing the toroidal arrangement of magnetic moments. For complex 2,
      the reduced ligand H3L2 in a parallel fashion results in double relaxation
      processes and a 9-fold increase of the Ueff. Interestingly, with the use of the
      dimerized ligand H6L3, we obtained complex 3, which is similar to complex 2,
      while due to the slight changes of the coordination environment both the single
      molecular magnetic property and toroidal magnetic moments almost disappeared.

PMID- 28091654
TI  - Cisplatin and valproate released from the bifunctional
      [Pt(IV)Cl2(NH3)2(valproato)2] antitumor prodrug or from liposome formulations:
      who does what?
AB  - The cisplatin-sensitive human ovarian cancer cells A2780 have been challenged
      with cationic liposomes containing the single drug cisplatin or valproate or
      their combination with an approximate 1 : 2 molar ratio, i.e. the same ratio
      present in preformed (OC-6-33)-diamminedichloridobis(valproato)platinum(iv), that
      releases such metabolites by intracellular Pt(iv) -> Pt(ii) reduction. The
      results of this comparison confirm that valproate barely penetrates cells unless
      it is transported by liposomes or it is coordinated to a lipophilic Pt(iv)
      assembly. The two drugs have a synergistic action, cisplatin being the more
      potent antiproliferative agent. Even if the preformed (OC-6-33)
      diamminedichloridobis(valproato)platinum(iv) releases cisplatin and valproate in
      the same amount as the liposome formulation, the Pt(iv) derivative is more
      active. This important feature, common to all Pt(iv) complexes having very
      lipophilic carboxylates, is attributable to their propensity to remain in cells
      and to continuously bind DNA, unlike cisplatin that is partially removed from
      cells by efficient efflux pathways.

PMID- 28091656
TI  - Synthesis and characterisation of p-block complexes of biquinoline at different
      ligand charge states.
AB  - The first examples of p-block coordination complexes of biquinoline, namely
      [(biq)BCl2]Cl and [(biq)BCl2], were synthesized and structurally characterized.
      The acquired data allowed the estimation of the ligand charge state based on its
      metrical parameters. The subsequent use of this protocol, augmented with
      theoretical calculations, revealed ambiguities in the published data for
      transition metal complexes of biquinoline.

PMID- 28091658
TI  - Insights into the formation of inorganic heterocycles via cyclocondensation of
      primary amines with group 15 and 16 halides.
AB  - Cyclocondensation is a major preparative route for the generation of inorganic
      heterocycles especially in the case of ring systems involving a Group 15 or 16
      element linked to nitrogen. This Perspective will consider recent experimental
      and computational studies involving the reactions of primary amines (or their
      synthetic equivalents) with pnictogen and chalcogen halides. The major focus will
      be a discussion of the identity and role of acyclic intermediates in the reaction
      pathways to ring formation, as well as the nature of the heterocycles so formed.
      The similarities and differences between the chemistry of group 15 and 16 systems
      are emphasised with a view to providing signposts for further investigations.

PMID- 28091659
TI  - Borane-catalyzed indole synthesis through intramolecular hydroamination.
AB  - The reaction of 2-alkynyl anilines with catalytic amounts of B(C6F5)3 (5 mol%)
      resulted in the formation of 2-substituted indoles according to an intramolecular
      hydroamination in good to excellent yields. Reaction intermediates as well as
      products were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and by X-ray crystallography. The
      domino hydroamination/hydrogenation sequence allowed the efficient synthesis of
      tetrahydroquinoline 8 in good yield.

PMID- 28091660
TI  - Universal wetting transition of an evaporating water droplet on hydrophobic micro
      and nano-structures.
AB  - Water-repellent, rough surfaces have a remarkable and beneficial wetting
      property: when a water droplet comes in contact with a small fraction of the
      solid, both liquid-solid adhesion and hydrodynamic drag are reduced. As a
      prominent example from nature, the lotus leaf-comprised of a wax-like material
      with micro- and nano-scaled roughness-has recently inspired numerous syntheses of
      superhydrophobic substrates. Due to the diverse applications of
      superhydrophobicity, much research has been devoted to the fabrication and
      investigations of hydrophobic micro-structures using established micro
      fabrication techniques. However, wetting transitions remain relatively little
      explored. During evaporation, a water droplet undergoes a wetting transition from
      a (low-frictional) partial to (adhesive) complete contact with the solid,
      destroying the superhydrophobicity and the self-cleaning properties of the
      slippery surface. Here, we experimentally examine the wetting transition of a
      drying droplet on hydrophobic nano-structures, a previously unexplored regime. In
      addition, using a theoretical analysis we found a universal criterion of this
      wetting transition that is characterized by a critical contact angle. Different
      from previous results showing different critical droplet sizes, our results show
      a universal, geometrically-dependent, critical contact angle, which agrees well
      with various data for both hydrophobic micro- and nano-structures.

PMID- 28091657
TI  - Zinc transport and the inhibition of the L-type calcium channel are two separable
      functions of ZnT-1.
AB  - Traditionally, proteins are considered to perform a single role, be it as an
      enzyme, a channel, a transporter or as a structural scaffold. However, recent
      studies have described moonlighting proteins that perform distinct and
      independent functions; for example, TRPM7 is both an ion channel and a kinase.
      ZnT-1 is a member of the Carrier Diffusion Facilitator family that is expressed
      throughout the phylogenetic tree from bacteria to humans. Since its cloning in
      1995, ZnT-1 is considered a major extruder of Zn2+ based on its capability to
      protect cells against zinc toxicity. Recently, we reported that ZnT-1 inhibits
      the L-type calcium channel (LTCC), a major Zn2+ and Ca2+ entry pathway. Here we
      show that ZnT-1 is a dual-function protein by demonstrating that its abilities to
      exchange Zn2+/H+ and to inhibit the LTCC are independent of each other and are
      mediated by different parts of the protein. Specifically, mutations in the
      membrane-spanning helices that render ZnT-1 unable to transport zinc do not
      prevent it from inhibiting the LTCC. Moreover, a fragment consisting of the
      intracellular ZnT-1 C-terminal, which lacks all ion-transfer segments, inhibits
      the LTCC as efficiently as wild-type ZnT-1. Our data therefore indicates that ZnT
      1 performs two structurally independent functions related to zinc homeostasis.

PMID- 28091661
TI  - Biochemical characterization of the selenoproteome in Gallus gallus via
      bioinformatics analysis: structure-function relationships and interactions of
      binding molecules.
AB  - Knowledge about mammalian selenoproteins is increasing. However, the
      selenoproteome of birds remains considerably less understood, especially
      concerning its biochemical characterization, structure-function relationships and
      the interactions of binding molecules. In this work, the SECIS elements,
      subcellular localization, protein domains and interactions of binding molecules
      of the selenoproteome in Gallus gallus were analyzed using bioinformatics tools.
      We carried out comprehensive analyses of the structure-function relationships and
      interactions of the binding molecules of selenoproteins, to provide biochemical
      characterization of the selenoproteome in Gallus gallus. Our data provided a
      wealth of information on the biochemical functions of bird selenoproteins.
      Members of the selenoproteome were found to be involved in various biological
      processes in chickens, such as in antioxidants, maintenance of the redox balance,
      Se transport, and interactions with metals. Six membrane-bound selenoproteins
      (SelI, SelK, SelS, SelT, DIO1 and DIO3) played important roles in maintaining the
      membrane integrity. Chicken selenoproteins were classified according to their
      ligand binding sites as zinc-containing matrix metalloselenoproteins (Sep15,
      MsrB1, SelW and SelM), POP-containing selenoproteins (GPx1-4), FAD-interacting
      selenoproteins (TrxR1-3), secretory transport selenoproteins (GPx3 and SelPa) and
      other selenoproteins. The results of our study provided new evidence for the
      unknown biological functions of the selenoproteome in birds. Future research is
      required to confirm the novel biochemical functions of bird selenoproteins.

PMID- 28091652
TI  - A novel 3-D photoluminescent cuprous chloride polymer based on bifunctional
      imidazolate/tetrazolate bridges.
AB  - A novel 3-D cuprous chloride polymer [CuCl(MU5-L)]n (1, HL = 1-tetrazole-4
      imidazole-benzene) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally
      characterized. 1 displays a 3-D network with a bimodal fsc-3,5-Cmce-2 topological
      type constructed by the linkages of rare [CuCl]+ cations and L- ligands. The
      photoluminescence properties and density functional theory calculations of 1 have
      also been studied.

PMID- 28091662
TI  - Self-assembly, optical, thermal and electrochemical properties of bis-N-benzyl
      perylene diimide dye.
AB  - Flexible methylene containing N,N'-bis-(benzyl)-3,4,9,10
      perylenebis(dicarboximide) (1) was synthesized. Self-assembled microstructures
      (hollow tubes, average length and width: 7.7 and 0.8 MUm) of 1 were also prepared
      (T-1). Comparative studies of the optical, thermal and electrochemical properties
      of 1 and T-1 have been extensively carried out. The T-1 hallow tubes have shown
      extremely broad absorption in the near-infrared (300-800 nm) region (NIR) even in
      solution and intensified conductivity in the solid-state compared to 1. Under
      daylight and a UV lamp (365 nm), the emission colors of 1 are uniform pink and
      fluorescent yellow, respectively. Under the same conditions the colors of T-1
      change to deep brown and glowing red, respectively. Two different isopotential
      points obtained through CV scans for 1 indicate the presence of two
      interconvertible chromophores within the system. The results clearly indicate
      that the anodic and cathodic processes are extremely intensified in the self
      assembled T-1 structure.

PMID- 28091664
TI  - Broadband terahertz modulation in electrostatically-doped artificial trilayer
      graphene.
AB  - We report a terahertz optical modulator consisting of randomly stacked trilayer
      graphene (TLG) deposited on an oxidized silicon substrate by means of THz-Time
      Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Here, the gate tuning of the Fermi level of the
      TLG provides the fundamental basis for the modulation of THz transmission. We
      measured a 15% change in the THz transmission of this device over a broad
      frequency range (0.6-1.6 THz). We also observed a strong absorption >80% in the
      time-domain signals and a frequency independence of the conductivity.
      Furthermore, unlike previous studies, we find that the underlying silicon
      substrate, which serves as a gate electrode for the graphene, also exhibits
      substantial modulation of the transmitted THz radiation under applied voltage
      biases.

PMID- 28091663
TI  - Markedly enhanced up-conversion luminescence by combining IR-808 dye
      sensitization and core-shell-shell structures.
AB  - Rare-earth-doped up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), which are capable of
      converting infrared light to shorter-wavelength photons, have attracted worldwide
      attention due to their unique characteristics. However, the emission brightness
      of UCNPs is greatly limited by the unsatisfactory absorptivity of lanthanide
      ions. Herein, we adopted a novel strategy to enhance the up-conversion intensity
      using NIR dye IR-808 as an antenna to sensitize the core-shell-shell structured
      NaGdF4:Yb,Er@NaGdF4:Yb@NaNdF4:Yb UCNPs. When excited with 808 nm light, the IR
      808 emitted a broadband peak, which perfectly overlapped with the absorption of
      Nd3+ and Yb3+ ions. Thus, the active shell of NaNdF4:Yb can efficiently capture
      the emitted NIR photons and transfer them to the transition layer of NaGdF4:Yb.
      The transition layer acted as an energy bridge to connect the active shell and up
      converting zone, avoiding the energy back-transfer from the activators to Nd3+
      ions. The optimized dye sensitization combined with the well-designed core-shell
      shell structure tremendously enhances the NIR photon absorptivity of UCNPs and
      eliminates the deleterious cross-relaxation between the activators and
      sensitizers, eventually leading to dramatic enhancement of the up-conversion
      intensity. This study provides a new insight into the dye-sensitized up
      conversion luminescence of rare earth-based nanoparticles and facilitates their
      practical applications.

PMID- 28091665
TI  - Trace element-protein interactions in endolymph from the inner ear of fish:
      implications for environmental reconstructions using fish otolith chemistry.
AB  - Otoliths, the biomineralised hearing "ear stones" from the inner ear of fish,
      grow throughout the lifespan of an individual, with deposition of alternating
      calciferous and proteinaceous bands occurring daily. Trace element : calcium
      ratios within daily increments measured by laser ablation-inductively coupled
      plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) are often used in fisheries science to
      reconstruct environmental histories. There is, however, considerable uncertainty
      as to which elements are interacting with either the proteinaceous or calciferous
      zones of the otolith, and thus their utility as indicators of environmental
      change. To answer this, we used size exclusion chromatography-inductively coupled
      plasma-mass spectrometry (SEC-ICP-MS) of endolymph, the otolith growth medium, to
      determine the binding interactions for a range of elements. In addition, we used
      solution ICP-MS to quantify element concentrations in paired otolith and
      endolymph samples and determined relative enrichment factors for each. We found
      12 elements that are present only in the proteinaceous fraction, 6 that are
      present only in the salt fraction, and 4 that are present in both. These findings
      have important implications for the reconstruction of environmental histories
      based on changes in otolith elemental composition: (1) elements occurring only in
      the salt fraction are most likely to reflect changes in the physico-chemical
      environment experienced during life; (2) elements occurring only in the
      proteinaceous fraction are more likely to reflect physiological rather than
      environmental events; and (3) elements occurring in both the salt and
      proteinaceous fractions are likely to be informative about both endogenous and
      exogenous processes, potentially reducing their utility in environmental
      reconstructions.

PMID- 28091667
TI  - Selective recognition of the di/trimethylammonium motif by an artificial
      carboxycalixarene receptor.
AB  - Chemical tools that recognise post-translational modifications have promising
      applications in biochemistry and in therapy. We report a simple carboxycalixarene
      that selectively binds molecules containing di/trimethylammonium moieties in
      isolation, in cell lysates and when incorporated in histone peptides. Our
      findings reveal the potential of using carboxycalixarene-based receptors to study
      epigenetic regulation.

PMID- 28091666
TI  - Chemoenzymatic synthesis of unmodified heparin oligosaccharides: cleavage of p
      nitrophenyl glucuronide by alkaline and Smith degradation.
AB  - A heparin oligosaccharide having a completely natural structure was successfully
      synthesized through a chemoenzymatic approach using an unnatural glycosyl
      acceptor, p-nitrophenyl glucuronide (GlcA-pNP). The use of an inexpensive and
      commercially available GlcA-pNP acceptor facilitates oligosaccharide recovery and
      purification on C-18 resin during chemoenzymatic synthesis. Oligosaccharide chain
      extension and modification afforded a heptasaccharide with gluconic acid residues
      at its reducing and non-reducing ends. Treatment with periodate oxidation
      followed by Smith degradation or alkaline elimination resulted in the selective
      cleavage of vicinal diol-containing glucuronic acid residues affording highly
      sulfated heparin pentasaccharides having a completely natural structure. This
      methodology should facilitate the chemoenzymatic synthesis of a family of highly
      sulfated heparin oligosaccharides with unmodified structures for biological
      evaluation.

PMID- 28091668
TI  - Effect of ammonia on chemical vapour deposition and carbon nanotube nucleation
      mechanisms.
AB  - Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth of carbon nanotubes is currently the most
      viable method for commercial-scale nanotube production. However, controlling the
      'chirality', or helicity, of carbon nanotubes during CVD growth remains a
      challenge. Recent studies have shown that adding chemical 'etchants', such as
      ammonia and water, to the feedstock gas can alter the diameter and chirality of
      nanotubes produced with CVD. To date, this strategy for chirality control remains
      sub-optimal, since we have a poor understanding of how these etchants change the
      CVD and nucleation mechanisms. Here, we show how ammonia alters the mechanism of
      methane CVD and single-walled carbon nanotube nucleation on iron catalysts, using
      quantum chemical molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations reveal that
      ammonia is selectively activated by the catalyst, and this enables ammonia to
      play a dual role during methane CVD. Following activation, ammonia nitrogen
      removes carbon from the catalyst surface exclusively via the production of
      hydrogen (iso)cyanide, thus impeding the growth of extended carbon chains.
      Simultaneously, ammonia hydrogen passivates carbon dangling bonds, which impedes
      nanotube nucleation and promotes defect healing. Combined, these effects lead to
      slower, more controllable nucleation and growth kinetics.

PMID- 28091669
TI  - Oxidative decarbonylative coupling of aliphatic aldehydes with methacryloyl
      benzamides to generate isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones.
AB  - Alkyl-substituted isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones were prepared by decarbonylative
      coupling of N-alkyl-N-methacryloylbenzamides and aliphatic aldehydes under metal
      free conditions. The reaction undergoes subsequent decarbonylation, radical
      addition and cyclization processes with aliphatic aldehydes as the cheap and
      abundant alkyl radical source. This procedure offers a complementary approach to
      the convenient generation of alkyl-substituted isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones.

PMID- 28091670
TI  - Enhanced temperature effect of electrorheological fluid based on cross-linked
      poly(ionic liquid) particles: rheological and dielectric relaxation studies.
AB  - Recent research of using poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) particles as the dispersal
      phase has provided a new strategy to develop a high-performance anhydrous
      polyelectrolyte-based electrorheological (ER) fluid. However, the working
      temperature range of the ER fluid of PIL particles is still narrow due to an
      inherently low glass transfer temperature caused by the plasticization of
      polyatomic organic counter ions in PILs. In this paper, we develop a new ER
      system based on cross-linked PIL (C-PIL) particles and demonstrate that
      crosslinking with a suitable degree only slightly degrades the ER properties but
      significantly improves the working temperature range of the ER fluid of PIL
      particles. By using differential scanning calorimetry, rheology, and dielectric
      spectroscopy, we systematically study the ER properties of C-PILs and their
      temperature dependence at different crosslinking levels and understand the
      mechanism behind the improved temperature effect. The results indicate that
      crosslinking can effectively increase the glass transition temperature of PIL
      particles and enhance local ion-motion induced interfacial polarization by
      suppressing the thermally promoted long-range drift of mobile counter ions in the
      PIL matrix, and this results in the improved temperature effect of the ER fluid
      of C-PIL particles.

PMID- 28091671
TI  - Developing the family of picolinate ligands for Mn2+ complexation.
AB  - We have reported here a series of ligands containing pentadentate 6,6'
      (azanediylbis(methylene))dipicolinic acid units that differ in the substituent
      present at the amine nitrogen atom (acetate: H3DPAAA; phenyl: H2DPAPhA; dodecyl:
      H2DPAC12A; 4-hexylphenyl: H2DPAC6PhA). The protonation constants of the
      hexadentate DPAAA3- and pentadentate DPAPhA2- ligands and the stability constants
      of their Mn2+ complexes were determined using pH-potentiometry (25  degrees C,
      0.15 M NaCl). The mono-hydrated [Mn(DPAAA)]- complex (log KMnL = 13.19(5)) was
      found to be considerably more stable than the bis-hydrated [Mn(DPAPhA)] analogue
      (log KMnL = 9.55(1)). A detailed 1H and 17O NMR relaxometric study was carried
      out to determine the parameters that govern the proton relaxivities of these
      complexes. The [Mn(DPAC12A)] complex, which contains a dodecyl lipophilic chain,
      forms micelles in solution characterized by a critical micellar concentration
      (cmc) of 96(9) MUM. The lipophilic [Mn(DPAC6PhA)] and [Mn(DPAC12A)] derivatives
      form rather strong adducts with Human Serum Albumin (HSA) with association
      constants of 7.1 +/- 0.1 * 103 and 1.3 +/- 0.4 * 105 M-1, respectively. The X-ray
      structure of the complex {K(H2O)4}{[Mn(DPAAA)(H2O)]}2 shows that the Mn2+ ion in
      [Mn(DPAAA)]- is coordinated to the six donor atoms of the ligand, a coordinated
      water molecule completing the pentagonal bipyramidal coordination environment.

PMID- 28091672
TI  - A RaPID way to discover nonstandard macrocyclic peptide modulators of drug
      targets.
AB  - Studies of the fundamental nature of RNA catalysis and the potential mechanism of
      a shift from the "RNA world" to proteinaceous life lead us to identify a set of
      ribozymes (flexizymes) capable of promiscuous tRNA acylation. Whilst
      theoretically and mechanistically interesting in their own right, flexizymes have
      turned out to have immense practical value for the simple synthesis of tRNAs
      acylated with unusual amino acids, which in turn can be used for the ribosomal
      synthesis of peptides containing non-canonical residues. Using this technique, it
      is possible to synthesise peptides containing a range of structural features
      (macrocyclic backbones, backbone N-methylation, d-stereochemistry, etc.) commonly
      observed in natural product secondary metabolites, a chemical class that has
      historically been a rich source of drug-like molecules. Moreover, when combined
      with biochemical display screening technologies, this synthetic approach can be
      used to generate (and screen for target affinity) extremely diverse (in excess of
      1012 compound) chemical libraries, making it an extraordinary tool for drug
      discovery. The current review charts the history of flexizyme technology and its
      use for non-canonical peptide synthesis and screening.

PMID- 28091673
TI  - Conformational and electronic effects on the formation of anti cyclobutane
      pyrimidine dimers in G-quadruplex structures.
AB  - Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) are the most commonly formed photochemical
      products when nucleic acids interact with UV radiation. In duplex DNA, the
      relative inflexible structure allows for only the cis, syn CPD isomer to be
      formed. G-quadruplex structures, however, have loops that are more flexible and
      allow for different orientations of the bases to interact. As a result, the
      highly unusual formation of an anti CPD has been observed in these structures.
      Due to the close proximity between two opposing loops containing the TTA sequence
      in two G-quadruplex structures (called "form-3" and "basket"), a high yield of
      anti CPD formation was expected in these structures. However, while significant
      yields of anti CPDs are observed in form-3, the anti CPD is hardly observed in
      the basket structure. To account for this inconsistency, we examine the process
      of anti CPD formation in form-3 and basket structures using simulations at the
      atomistic level. Here, we consider the conformational effect using MD
      simulations, which show whether the formation of the anti CPD is structurally
      feasible. Quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations of excited
      states are also used to consider the electronic effect by an adjacent guanine
      base which can quench the formation of the anti CPD through charge transfer (CT).
      Our results are in qualitative agreement with the experimental results,
      predicting a significant yield of the anti CPD in the form-3 structure and a
      negligible yield in the basket structure, while they also predict the formation
      of the cis, syn CPD between two opposing loops in form-3. Most importantly, our
      simulation results show that the yields of the anti CPD in the G-quadruplex are
      affected significantly by both conformational and electronic effects.

PMID- 28091674
TI  - A site-holding effect of TiO2 surface hydroxyl in the photocatalytic direct
      synthesis of 1,1-diethoxyethane from ethanol.
AB  - To understand the mechanism of the photocatalytic direct synthesis of 1,1
      diethoxyethane (DEE) from ethanol is vital for enhancing the reaction efficiency.
      Based on photocatalytic data of different phase TiO2 and F-TiO2 catalysts,
      radical trapping data, and GC-MS data, we proposed a photocatalytic mechanism for
      the preparation of both DEE in neat ethanol and 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) in
      ethanol-H2O using photocatalytic methods. In neat ethanol, hydroxyl isn't
      involved in the catalytic cyclic process but hydroxyl has an indirect site
      holding effect, thus leading to more hydroxyl groups with higher activity. In
      ethanol-H2O, although the strong oxidant OH radical is involved, fewer OH groups
      lead to higher selectivity of 2,3-BD. The interaction of the reactant/solvent
      with the surface group of the catalyst is important in the activity and
      selectivity of photocatalytic reactions. This finding gives fundamental insight
      into the role of TiO2 surface hydroxyl in the photocatalytic dehydrogenation
      process of alcohols and opens a promising path to obtaining both high selectivity
      and high conversion in TiO2-based photocatalytic activity.

PMID- 28091675
TI  - A highly sensitive SERS-based platform for Zn(ii) detection in cellular media.
AB  - We report a highly sensitive and selective surface-enhanced Raman scattering
      (SERS)-based detection of aqueous Zn(ii) ions (limit of detection 10-14 M).
      Spectral changes for a silver nanoparticle-bound Raman reporter upon Zn(ii)
      chelation constitutes the assay, which is applied to drinking water and to
      measurements of cellular uptake of Zn(ii).

PMID- 28091676
TI  - Hemispherical platinum : silver core : shell nanoparticles for miRNA detection.
AB  - Defects within a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of dodecanethiol on gold have
      been used as nucleation sites for the electrodeposition of mushroom shaped
      platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs). The top surfaces of these PtNPs were then
      decorated with a layer of silver creating a hemispherical - platinum : silver
      core : shell nanoparticle (Pt-AgNP). Thiolated probe strand miRNA was then
      immobilised onto the upper silver surface. These regioselectively modified
      particles were desorbed by applying a current jump to yield nanoparticles capable
      of hybridising to a complementary miRNA target with electrocatalysis occurring on
      the non-functionalized lower surface. A second electrode was functionalized with
      single stranded capture miRNA that has a sequence that is complementary to an
      miRNA, miR-132, associated with the childhood cancer, Neuroblastoma but leaves a
      section of the target available to bind the nucleic acid sequence on the core :
      shell Pt-AgNPs. Following hybridization of the target and capture strands the
      surface was exposed to the miRNA labelled electrocatalytic Pt-AgNPs. The
      concentration of the target was then determined by monitoring the current
      associated with the reduction of hydrogen peroxide in a solution of H2SO4.
      Calibration plots of the log[miRNA] vs. faradaic current were linear from 1 aM to
      1 MUM and aM concentrations could be detected without the need for chemical
      amplification of the target, e.g., using PCR or NASBA. The regioselectively
      modified particles were also immobilised within the interior of gold microcavity
      arrays via miRNA hybridisation and their Raman properties investigated.

PMID- 28091677
TI  - Model cheese aroma perception is explained not only by in vivo aroma release but
      also by salivary composition and oral processing parameters.
AB  - The aim of the present paper was to determine, from four model cheeses differing
      in fat content and firmness and consumed by fourteen well characterised subjects,
      the respective impacts of in vivo aroma release, bolus rheology, chewing
      activity, mouth coating and salivary composition on dynamic aroma perception. The
      originality of the approach is that it considers all the parameters together and
      is able to evaluate their relative contribution using multi-block partial least
      square (MB-PLS) regression. The fruity aroma perception of the more hydrophilic
      compound (ethyl propanoate) was related to its dynamic release parameters before
      swallowing whereas the blue cheese aroma perception of the more hydrophobic
      compound (nonan-2-one) was related to its dynamic release parameters after
      swallowing and was highly impacted by mouth coating. Moreover the MB-PLS approach
      made it possible to evidence the combined effects of saliva composition and cross
      modal interactions to understand why in some cases dynamic aroma perception could
      not be explained by dynamic in vivo aroma release data. Subjects with a low
      sodium content in saliva perceived fruity aroma which is not congruent with
      saltiness as less intense and salt- congruent (blue cheese) aroma as more
      intense, which was explained by their higher sensitivity to salt. Subjects with
      high lipolysis activity perceived fruity aroma which is not congruent to fat as
      less intense and fat-congruent (blue cheese) aroma as more intense, which should
      be explained by the link between lipolysis activity and fat sensitivity. These
      results could be considered for the reformulation of foods towards specific
      populations taking into account nutritional recommendations.

PMID- 28091678
TI  - Pepsin egg white hydrolysate modulates gut microbiota in Zucker obese rats.
AB  - There is limited information that relates the intake of food-derived bioactive
      peptides and the gut microbiota. We have previously described a pepsin
      hydrolysate of egg white (EWH) that ameliorates fat accumulation and
      dyslipidemia, while reducing oxidative stress and inflammation markers in obese
      Zucker rats. The aim of this study was to associate the beneficial effects of EWH
      with gut microbiota changes in these animals. Obese Zucker rats received daily
      750 mg kg-1 EWH in drinking water for 12 weeks and faeces were analysed for
      microbial composition and metabolic compounds in comparison with Zucker lean rats
      and obese controls. EWH supplementation modulated the microbiological
      characteristics of the obese rats to values similar to those of the lean rats.
      Specifically, counts of total bacteria, Lactobacillus/Enterococcus and
      Clostridium leptum in EWH fed obese Zucker rats were more similar to the lean
      rats than to the obese controls. Besides, feeding the obese Zucker rats with EWH
      reduced (P < 0.05) the faecal concentration of lactic acid. The physiological
      benefits of EWH in the improvement of obesity associated complications of Zucker
      rats could be associated with a more lean-like gut microbiota and a tendency to
      diminish total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production and associated obesity
      complications. The results warrant the use of pepsin egg white hydrolysate as a
      bioactive food ingredient.

PMID- 28091680
TI  - Protective effects of dietary glycine and glutamic acid toward the toxic effects
      of oxidized mustard oil in rabbits.
AB  - The protective role of glycine and glutamic acid against the toxic effects of
      oxidized oil was studied for the first time. Mustard seed oil was thermally
      oxidized and characterized for quality characteristics and polyphenolic
      composition using reversed phase HPLC-DAD. Significant changes in the quality
      characteristics occurred with thermal oxidation. Fourteen polyphenolic compounds
      were identified and quantified in oils. Quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3
      feruloylsophoroside, catechin, quercetin-3-rutinoside, quercetin-3,7-diglucoside,
      sinapic acid and vanillic acid hexoside were the major compounds in the fresh and
      oxidized oil. Oxidized, un-oxidized mustard oils, glycine and glutamic acid were
      given to rabbits alone or in combination. The biochemical responses were studied
      in terms of haematological and biochemical parameters and histopathology. It has
      been observed that biochemical and haematological parameters were adversely
      affected by the oxidized oil, while supplementation of both amino acids was
      beneficial in normalizing these parameters. Both amino acids alone have no
      significant effects, however, oxidized oil affected the liver by enhancing fat
      accumulation, causing hepatitis, reactive Kupffer cells and necrosis. The co
      administration of oxidized oils with glycine or glutamic acid revealed
      significant recovery of the liver structure and function. In conclusion, glycine
      or glutamic acid is beneficial and protective against food toxicity and can be
      considered as an ameliorative food supplement.

PMID- 28091679
TI  - Sustainability of renewable fuel infrastructure: a screening LCA case study of
      anticorrosive graphene oxide epoxy liners in steel tanks for the storage of
      biodiesel and its blends.
AB  - Biodiesel is a widely used fuel that meets the renewable fuel standards developed
      under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. However, biodiesel is known to pose a series
      of abiotic and biotic corrosion risks to storage tanks. A typical practice
      (incumbent system) used to protect the tanks from these risks include (i) coating
      the interior surface of the tank with a solvent-free epoxy (SFE) liner, and (ii)
      adding a biocide to the tank. Herein, we present a screening-level life-cycle
      assessment study to compare the environmental performance of a graphene oxide
      (GO)-epoxy (GOE) liner with the incumbent system. TRACI was used as an impact
      assessment tool to model the midpoint environmental impacts in ten categories:
      global warming potential (GWP, kg CO2 eq.); acidification potential (AP, kg SO2
      eq.); potential human health damage impacts due to carcinogens (HH-CP, CTUh) and
      non-carcinogens (HH-NCP, CTUh); potential respiratory effects (REP, kg PM2.5
      eq.); eutrophication potential (EP, kg N eq.); ozone depletion potential (ODP kg
      CFC-11 eq.); ecotoxicity potential (ETXP, CTUe); smog formation potential (SFP kg
      O3 eq.) and fossil fuel depletion potential (FFDP MJ surplus). The equivalent
      functional unit of the LCA study was designed to protect 30 m2 of the interior
      surface (unalloyed steel sheet) of a 10 000 liter biodiesel tank against abiotic
      and biotic corrosion during its service life of 20 years. Overall, this LCA study
      highlights the improved environmental performance for the GOE liner compared to
      the incumbent system, whereby the GOE liner showed 91% lower impacts in ODP
      impact category, 59% smaller in REP, 62% smaller in AP, 67-69% smaller in GWP and
      HH-CP, 72-76% smaller in EP, SFP, and FFDP, and 81-83% smaller ETXP and HH-NCP
      category results. The scenario analysis study revealed that these potential
      impacts change by less than 15% when the GOE liners are functionalized with
      silanized-GO nanosheets or GO-reinforced polyvinyl carbazole to improve the
      antimicrobial properties. The results from an uncertainty analysis indicated that
      the impacts for the incumbent system were more sensitive to changes in the key
      modeling parameters compared to that for the GOE liner system.

PMID- 28091681
TI  - Microbial rRNA sequencing analysis of evaporative cooler indoor environments
      located in the Great Basin Desert region of the United States.
AB  - Recent studies conducted in the Great Basin Desert region of the United States
      have shown that skin test reactivity to fungal and dust mite allergens are
      increased in children with asthma or allergy living in homes with evaporative
      coolers (EC). The objective of this study was to determine if the increased
      humidity previously reported in EC homes leads to varying microbial populations
      compared to homes with air conditioners (AC). Children with physician-diagnosed
      allergic rhinitis living in EC or AC environments were recruited into the study.
      Air samples were collected from the child's bedroom for genomic DNA extraction
      and metagenomic analysis of bacteria and fungi using the Illumina MiSeq
      sequencing platform. The analysis of bacterial populations revealed no major
      differences between EC and AC sampling environments. The fungal populations
      observed in EC homes differed from AC homes. The most prevalent species
      discovered in AC environments belonged to the genera Cryptococcus (20%) and
      Aspergillus (20%). In contrast, the most common fungi identified in EC homes
      belonged to the order Pleosporales and included Alternaria alternata (32%) and
      Phoma spp. (22%). The variations in fungal populations provide preliminary
      evidence of the microbial burden children may be exposed to within EC
      environments in this region.

PMID- 28091683
TI  - Geropsychiatric Nursing: What's in Your Toolkit?

PMID- 28091682
TI  - All-inorganic perovskite quantum dot/mesoporous TiO2 composite-based
      photodetectors with enhanced performance.
AB  - High-performance all-inorganic perovskite-based metal/semiconductor/metal (MSM)
      photodetectors with a bilayer composite film of mesoporous TiO2 and CsPbBr3
      quantum dots as a photosensitizer were prepared. The photodetectors demonstrated
      significantly improved on/off ratios of nearly three orders of magnitude compared
      to those of pure bromine-based perovskite nanocrystal photodetectors with an MSM
      structure.

PMID- 28091687
TI  - Analyzing Change in Nursing Home Information Technology Sophistication: A 2-Year
      Survey.
AB  - Nursing home (NH) health information technology (IT) is becoming more prevalent
      across the country. Currently, a national sample of NHs is being surveyed for 3
      consecutive years to determine trends in NH IT sophistication (e.g., measures of
      IT capabilities, extent of IT use, IT integration with internal and external
      stakeholders). IT sophistication is measured in resident care, clinical support,
      and administrative activities. The current article provides details of the
      differences in NH IT sophistication reported by administrators completing Year 1
      and Year 2 surveys. IT in clinical support (i.e., laboratory, pharmacy, and
      radiology) had the greatest differences. This difference is expected because
      these areas typically require external contracts, making it dificult to fit IT
      with existing workflows, which is important for sustained adoption. [Journal of
      Gerontological Nursing, 43(1), 17-21.].

PMID- 28091686
TI  - A Retrospective Chart Review of Two Different Insulin Administration Systems on
      Glycemic Control in Older Adults in Long-Term Care.
AB  - The current retrospective chart review compared glycemic control and cost impact
      of two insulin administration systems, V-Go(r) versus usual care with standard of
      care (SOC) insulin injections, in eight patients residing in a nursing home (NH).
      A total of 1,937 blood glucose (BG) values were collected over 61 days.
      Significant improvements were observed for the V-Go versus SOC group in time in
      range 100 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL (V-Go 59.09% vs. SOC 34.02%; p < 0.001), reduced BG
      fluctuations as measured by standard deviation (V-Go 61.2 vs. SOC 92.1; p <
      0.001), and improved mean daily BG (V-Go 159.38 mg/dL vs. SOC 223.86 mg/dL; p <
      0.001). The estimated A1c change, calculated from BG values, decreased from 8.9%
      to 7.2% in the V-Go group and increased from 9.0% to 9.4% in the SOC group.
      Compared to SOC, use of V-Go decreased the mean time for insulin administration
      by nursing staff by 26.3 minutes per patient per day and associated labor costs
      by $328.75 per patient per month. Insulin administration with V-Go may improve
      glycemic control and reduce administration costs compared to existing care in the
      NH setting. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(1), 10-16.].

PMID- 28091689
TI  - What Research Has Shaped Geriatrics Since the Start of the New Millennium?

PMID- 28091690
TI  - ?

PMID- 28091691
TI  - ?

PMID- 28091692
TI  - ?

PMID- 28091693
TI  - ?

PMID- 28091694
TI  - [Evidence-based TEP technique].
AB  - The guidelines of all international hernia societies recommend as procedures of
      choice the laparoendoscopic techniques total extraperitoneal patch plasty (TEP)
      and transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) as well as the open
      Lichtenstein operation for elective inguinal hernia repair. The learning curve
      associated with the laparoendoscopic techniques, in particular TEP, is longer
      than that for the open Lichtenstein technique due to the complexity of the
      procedures. Accordingly, for laparoendoscopic techniques it is particularly
      important that the operations are conducted in a standardized manner in
      compliance with the evidence-based recommendations given for the technical
      details. When procedures are carried out in strict compliance with the guidelines
      of the international hernia societies, low rates of perioperative complications,
      complication-related reoperations, recurrences and chronic pain can be expected
      for TEP. Compliance with the guidelines can also positively impact mastery of the
      learning curve for TEP. The technical guidelines on TEP are based on study
      results and on the experiences of numerous experts; therefore, it is imperative
      that they are implemented in routine surgical practice.

PMID- 28091695
TI  - [Telemedicine].

PMID- 28091696
TI  - Radiation dose reduction in parasinus CT by spectral shaping.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Spectral shaping aims to narrow the X-ray spectrum of clinical CT.
      The aim of this study was to determine the image quality and the extent of
      radiation dose reduction that can be achieved by tin prefiltration for parasinus
      CT. METHODS: All scans were performed with a third generation dual-source CT
      scanner. A study protocol was designed using 100 kV tube voltage with tin
      prefiltration (200 mAs) that provides image noise levels comparable to a low-dose
      reference protocol using 100 kV without spectral shaping (25 mAs). One hundred
      consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to the
      study or control group. All patients signed written informed consent. The study
      protocol was approved by the local Institutional Review Board and applies to the
      HIPAA. Subjective and objective image quality (attenuation values, image noise,
      and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)) were assessed. Radiation exposure was assessed
      as volumetric CT dose index, and effective dose was estimated. Mann-Whitney U
      test was performed for radiation exposure and for image noise comparison.
      RESULTS: All scans were of diagnostic image quality. Image noise in air, in the
      retrobulbar fat, and in the eye globe was comparable between both groups (all p >
      0.05). CNReye globe/air did not differ significantly between both groups (p =
      0.7). Radiation exposure (1.7 vs. 2.1 mGy, p < 0.01) and effective dose (0.055
      vs. 0.066 mSv, p < 0.01) were significantly reduced in the study group.
      CONCLUSION: Radiation dose can be further reduced by 17% for low-dose parasinus
      CT by tin prefiltration maintaining diagnostic image quality.

PMID- 28091697
TI  - Heat shock transcription factor 1 protects against pressure overload-induced
      cardiac fibrosis via Smad3.
AB  - : Fibrotic cardiac muscle exhibits high stiffness and low compliance which are
      major risk factors of heart failure. Although heat shock transcription factor 1
      (HSF1) was identified as an intrinsic cardioprotective factor, the role that HSF1
      plays in cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. Our study aims to investigate the role
      of HSF1 in pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis and the underlying
      mechanism. HSF1 phosphorylation was significantly downregulated in transverse
      aortic constriction (TAC)-treated mouse hearts and mechanically stretched cardiac
      fibroblasts (cFBs). HSF1 transgenic (TG) mice, HSF1 deficient heterozygote (KO)
      mice, and their wild-type littermates were subjected to sham or TAC surgery for 4
      weeks. HSF1 overexpression significantly attenuated pressure overload-induced
      cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. Conversely, HSF1 KO mice showed deteriorated
      fibrotic response and cardiac dysfunction upon TAC. Moreover, we uncovered that
      overexpression of HSF1 protected against fibrotic response of cFBs to pressure
      overload. Mechanistically, we observed that the phosphorylation and the nuclear
      distribution of the Smad family member 3 (Smad3) were significantly decreased in
      HSF1-overexpressing mouse hearts, while being greatly increased in HSF1 KO mouse
      hearts upon TAC, compared to the control hearts, respectively. Similar alteration
      of Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear distribution were found in isolated mouse
      cardiac fibroblasts and mechanically stretched cFBs. Constitutively active Smad3
      blocked the anti-fibrotic effect of HSF1 in cFBs. Furthermore, we found a direct
      binding of phosphorylated HSF1 and Smad3, which can be suppressed by mechanical
      stress. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated for the first time that
      HSF1 acts as a novel negative regulator of cardiac fibrosis by blocking Smad3
      activation. KEY MESSAGES: HSF1 activity is decreased in fibrotic hearts. HSF1
      overexpression attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis and
      dysfunction. Deficiency of HSF1 deteriorates fibrotic response and cardiac
      dysfunction upon TAC. HSF1 inhibits phosphorylation and nuclear distribution of
      Smad3 via direct binding to Smad3. Active Smad3 blocks the anti-fibrotic effect
      of HSF1.

PMID- 28091699
TI  - Musculoskeletal MRI findings of juvenile localized scleroderma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Juvenile localized scleroderma comprises a group of autoimmune
      conditions often characterized clinically by an area of skin hardening. In
      addition to superficial changes in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, juvenile
      localized scleroderma may involve the deep soft tissues, bones and joints,
      possibly resulting in functional impairment and pain in addition to cosmetic
      changes. OBJECTIVE: There is literature documenting the spectrum of findings for
      deep involvement of localized scleroderma (fascia, muscles, tendons, bones and
      joints) in adults, but there is limited literature for the condition in children.
      We aimed to document the spectrum of musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) findings of both superficial and deep juvenile localized scleroderma
      involvement in children and to evaluate the utility of various MRI sequences for
      detecting those findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two radiologists retrospectively
      evaluated 20 MRI studies of the extremities in 14 children with juvenile
      localized scleroderma. Each imaging sequence was also given a subjective score of
      0 (not useful), 1 (somewhat useful) or 2 (most useful for detecting the
      findings). RESULTS: Deep tissue involvement was detected in 65% of the imaged
      extremities. Fascial thickening and enhancement were seen in 50% of imaged
      extremities. Axial T1, axial T1 fat-suppressed (FS) contrast-enhanced and axial
      fluid-sensitive sequences were rated most useful. CONCLUSION: Fascial thickening
      and enhancement were the most commonly encountered deep tissue findings in
      extremity MRIs of children with juvenile localized scleroderma. Because
      abnormalities of the skin, subcutaneous tissues and fascia tend to run
      longitudinally in an affected limb, axial T1, axial fluid-sensitive and axial T1
      FS contrast-enhanced sequences should be included in the imaging protocol.

PMID- 28091698
TI  - [Clotrimazole and ciclopirox olamine respectively in combination with
      methylprednisolone aceponate as extemporaneous formulations].
AB  - The combination of topical fungicide and glucocorticoids has been proven as a
      successful therapy of cutaneous mycoses with accompanying inflammatory reactions,
      particularly when used at an early stage. Various national and international
      therapeutic guidelines recommend this practice. In this context, two individually
      manufactured formulations have been developed and tested for stability: the
      combination of methylprednisolone aceponate-a topical glucocorticoid with the
      therapeutic index of 2.0-with clotrimazole and with ciclopirox olamine,
      respectively. This has been conducted in compliance with the requirements for
      quality controlled extemporaneous formulations and the legal framework of the
      German Pharmacy Working Regulations (Apothekenbetriebsordnung). There are now two
      formulations for clinical use that are microbiologically, physically, and
      chemically stable, which combine methylprednisolone aceponate-a glucocorticoid
      with a good risk-benefit ratio-with the broad-spectrum fungicides clotrimazole
      and, for the first time, ciclopirox olamine.

PMID- 28091701
TI  - ?

PMID- 28091702
TI  - Platelet receptor Gene (P2Y12, P2Y1) and platelet glycoprotein Gene (GPIIIa)
      polymorphisms are associated with antiplatelet drug responsiveness and clinical
      outcomes after acute minor ischemic stroke.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with minor ischemic stroke (MIS) are at high risk of recurrent
      ischemic stroke (RIS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of
      platelet receptor gene (P2Y12, P2Y1) and glycoprotein gene (GPIIIa)
      polymorphisms, as well as their interactions, on antiplatelet drug responsiveness
      and clinical outcomes in patients with acute MIS. METHODS: We prospectively
      enrolled 426 patients with acute MIS who had been receiving combined aspirin and
      clopidogrel treatment for at least 3 months. Prevalence of seven variants in
      P2Y12, P2Y1, and GPIIIa genes were examined using mass spectrometry. Gene-gene
      interactions were evaluated using generalized multifactor dimensionality
      reduction (GMDR) analysis. Antiplatelet drug responsiveness was assessed by
      platelet aggregation assay. All patients were followed for 90 days. Primary
      outcomes were defined as a composite of RIS, myocardial infarction (MI), and
      death. RESULTS: The incidence of primary outcomes was 10.8% (46/426; 40 had RIS,
      2 died, and 4 had MI) during the first 90 days after stroke. No significant
      differences were found regarding genotype frequencies of the seven variants
      between those with and without incidence of primary outcomes. However, we
      observed significant gene-gene interaction between rs16863323 and rs2317676
      polymorphisms. The high-risk interactive genotypes were independently associated
      with poor antiplatelet drug responsiveness and increased risk of primary
      outcomes. CONCLUSION: Responsiveness to antiplatelet drugs and the risks for
      adverse clinical events in this MIS cohort appear to be multifactorial since the
      outcomes were not mediated by single gene polymorphisms.

PMID- 28091700
TI  - Computed tomography localization of the appendix in the pediatric population
      relative to the lumbar spine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to evaluate suspected acute
      appendicitis. Although very effective, CT uses ionizing radiation, exposing
      patients to an increased risk of cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the
      potential for decreasing the field of view of the CT (and therefore the dose to
      the patient) in the evaluation of suspected acute appendicitis in children.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of prospectively
      collected data from 212 consecutive patients who underwent CT for suspected acute
      appendicitis. The most superior aspect of the appendix with respect to vertebral
      bodies was recorded. Age, gender and diagnosis (negative, acute appendicitis or
      alternative diagnosis) were noted. RESULTS: The appendix was visualized in 190 of
      212 subjects (89.6%). Overall, all visualized appendixes were located at or below
      the level of L1. Sixty-three of the subjects (29.7%) were diagnosed with acute
      appendicitis via CT imaging. All appendixes in patients with acute appendicitis
      were located at or below the level of the L3 vertebral body, predominating at the
      level of L5. Six subjects (3.1%) received alternative diagnoses, including
      pneumonia, pyelonephritis, small bowel obstruction and infected urachal cyst.
      There were no differences in appendix location with regard to diagnosis, gender,
      or age (P=0.664, 0.748 and 0.705, respectively). CONCLUSION: CT field of view may
      be decreased to the level of L1 or L3 superiorly, decreasing radiation dose
      without affecting the rate of appendix visualization.

PMID- 28091703
TI  - Bolus application of landiolol and esmolol: comparison of the pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic profiles in a healthy Caucasian group.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to compare in non-Asian subjects
      the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), safety, and tolerability of two
      short-acting cardioselective beta1-adrenergic antagonists, landiolol and esmolol,
      after administration of three different bolus dosages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a single-center, prospective, double-blinded, randomized study in three
      cross-over periods with 12 healthy subjects (7 women and 5 men, mean age of 24.5
      +/- 6.9 years) each receiving three doses of landiolol (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg
      BW) either in a newly developed concentrate i.v. formulation (Rapibloc(r) 20 mg/2
      mL concentrate) or a lyophilized formulation, or three doses of esmolol (0.5, 1,
      and 1.5 mg/kg BW) in an i.v. formulation (Brevibloc(r) 100 mg/10 mL). PK and PD
      parameters, safety, and tolerability were assessed. FINDINGS: Results of the two
      landiolol formulations were reported previously and were similar. For the
      landiolol concentrate formulation and esmolol, maximum blood concentrations were
      rapidly reached (mean t max ranged between 1.8 and 3.0 min for landiolol and 1.8
      to 2.4 min for esmolol). The parent drugs disappeared very fast from the blood
      stream, with a t 1/2 of 3.2 +/- 1.2 (SD) minutes and 3.7 +/- 2.1 (SD) minutes for
      the low doses of landiolol and esmolol, respectively. Despite comparable
      injection rates (0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg/15 s for landiolol and esmolol, respectively),
      the onset of significant heart rate reduction occurred earlier in response to
      landiolol (1 min) than in response to esmolol (2 min). In addition, significantly
      lower heart rate values were obtained at every dose level of landiolol, in
      comparison to esmolol (p < 0.05). Both compounds reduced the systolic blood
      pressure to a comparable degree. Especially at the highest dose, the duration of
      blood pressure reduction was longer under esmolol compared to landiolol. Seven
      mild to moderate adverse events occurred after administration of landiolol, and
      five occurred after administration of esmolol. No serious adverse events were
      reported in this study. IMPLICATIONS: Heart rate reduction induced by a new
      liquid formulation of landiolol occurred faster, was more pronounced, and lasted
      longer than the effects of corresponding standard esmolol doses. Both agents
      reduced systolic blood pressure to a comparable degree, but the blood pressure
      decrease lasted longer after esmolol infusion. The local tolerance and safety
      profiles of the two formulations were similar. In summary, compared to esmolol,
      landiolol shows a more prominent and pronounced bradycardic effect in relation to
      its blood pressure-lowering effect, an action profile that might be of specific
      advantage in the perioperative setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01652898 and 2012
      002127-14. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01652898?term=landiolol&rank=7.

PMID- 28091704
TI  - Medical students' medication communication skills regarding drug prescription-a
      qualitative analysis of simulated physician-patient consultations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Poor medication communication of physicians to patients is detrimental,
      e.g. for medication adherence. Reasons for physicians' deficits in medication
      communication may be unfavourable conditions in daily practice or already
      insufficient training during their (undergraduate) medical studies. We explored
      medical students' communication on new medications in simulated physician-patient
      conversations to identify actual deficits indicating apparent educational needs.
      METHODS: Fifth year medical students attending a mandatory course at the
      University of Cologne had simulated physician-patient consultations aiming at
      drug prescription. In 2015, 21 consultations were recorded, transcribed and
      subjected to qualitative content analysis based on the method of inductive
      coding. RESULTS: Even essential information on drug therapy was often lacking
      (e.g. adverse effects, drug administration). Some aspects were addressed more
      frequently than others. This seemed to differ depending on the diagnosis
      underlying the particular treatment (acute event vs. chronic disease). The extent
      of information on drug treatments given in simulated physician-patient
      consultations varied significantly between students. CONCLUSIONS: Fifth year
      medical students showed appreciable deficits in communicating drug prescriptions
      to patients though there were remarkable inter-individual differences. Our
      findings suggest that communication on drug therapy to patients is no self
      evolving skill. Thus, there is obviously a need for emphasizing medication
      communication in the training of medical students. Communication aids
      specifically aiming at medication communication might facilitate learning of
      adequate medication communication skills.

PMID- 28091705
TI  - Bacteria of the Family 'Candidatus Midichloriaceae' in Sympatric Zones of Ixodes
      Ticks: Genetic Evidence for Vertical Transmission.
AB  - Ixodes ticks transmit infectious agents and also harbor their own parasites and
      symbionts. The presumptive endosymbiont of Ixodes ricinus, 'Candidatus
      Midichloria mitochondrii', has a unique ability to invade mitochondria within
      tick ovarian cells and is transovarially transmitted with 100% efficiency. A
      closely related bacterium, provisionally named Montezuma (now 'Candidatus
      Lariskella arthropodarum'), was isolated from the Ixodes persulcatus ticks and
      human blood in 2004 as well as from Ixodes pavlovskyi in 2015. These
      microorganisms belong to the family 'Candidatus Midichloriaceae fam. nov.' and
      were detected not only in tick salivary glands, but also in animal blood.
      Nevertheless, the relative importance of vertical and horizontal routes for their
      transmission or maintenance in natural tick populations remains unclear. We
      analyzed the prevalence of L. arthropodarum and M. mitochondrii in two sympatric
      zones, where I. persulcatus/I. ricinus and I. persulcatus/I. pavlovskyi cohabit
      and produce interspecific hybrids. A specificity of the associations of L.
      arthropodarum with I. persulcatus (100%) and M. mitochondrii with I. ricinus
      (96.2%) was observed in the sympatric zone in Estonia, possibly showing poor
      contribution of the horizontal route to the overall prevalence of endosymbionts.
      L. arthropodarum was observed probably multiplying in I. pavlovskyi and also
      subjected to transovarial transmission, but much less efficiently compared to I.
      persulcatus. We revealed two new genetic variants of the rrl-rrf intergenic
      spacer of L. arthropodarum isolated from I. pavlovskyi ticks that possibly could
      indicate an ongoing process of adaptation of the microorganism to a new host
      species.

PMID- 28091706
TI  - Microclimates Might Limit Indirect Spillover of the Bat Borne Zoonotic Hendra
      Virus.
AB  - Infectious diseases are transmitted when susceptible hosts are exposed to
      pathogen particles that can replicate within them. Among factors that limit
      transmission, the environment is particularly important for indirectly
      transmitted parasites. To try and assess a pathogens' ability to be transmitted
      through the environment and mitigate risk, we need to quantify its decay where
      transmission occurs in space such as the microclimate harbouring the pathogen.
      Hendra virus, a Henipavirus from Australian Pteropid bats, spills-over to horses
      and humans, causing high mortality. While a vaccine is available, its limited
      uptake has reduced opportunities for adequate risk management to humans, hence
      the need to develop synergistic preventive measures, like disrupting its
      transmission pathways. Transmission likely occurs shortly after virus excretion
      in paddocks; however, no survival estimates to date have used real environmental
      conditions. Here, we recorded microclimate conditions and fitted models that
      predict temperatures and potential evaporation, which we used to simulate virus
      survival with a temperature-survival model and modification based on evaporation.
      Predicted survival was lower than previously estimated and likely to be even
      lower according to potential evaporation. Our results indicate that transmission
      should occur shortly after the virus is excreted, in a relatively direct way.
      When potential evaporation is low, and survival is more similar to temperature
      dependent estimates, transmission might be indirect because the virus can wait
      several hours until contact is made. We recommend restricting horses' access to
      trees during night time and reducing grass under trees to reduce virus survival.

PMID- 28091707
TI  - Gastric distension causes changes in heart rate and arterial blood pressure by
      affecting the crosstalk between vagal and splanchnic systems in anesthetised
      rats.
AB  - Various hindbrain nuclei have been demonstrated to be involved in the control of
      the cardiovascular reflexes elicited by both non-noxious and noxious gastric
      distension, through parasympathetic and sympathetic activation. The different
      role played by the branches of autonomic nervous system in exerting these effects
      and their crosstalk in relation to low-/high-pressure distension rate has not
      been examined yet. Therefore, in the present work, monolateral and bilateral
      vagotomy and splanchnicotomy were performed in anesthetised rats to analyse the
      involvement of hindbrain nuclei in haemodynamic changes caused by gastric
      distension at high (80 mmHg) and low (15 mmHg) pressure. The analysis of c-Fos
      expression in neuronal areas involved in cardiovascular control allowed us to
      examine their recruitment in response to various patterns of gastric distension
      and the crosstalk between vagal and splanchnic systems. The results obtained show
      that the low-pressure (non-noxious) gastric distension increases both heart rate
      and arterial blood pressure. In addition, the vagus nerve and hindbrain nuclei,
      such as nucleus ambiguous, ventrolateral medulla and lateral reticular nucleus,
      appear to be primarily involved in observed responses. In particular, we have
      found that although vagus nerve plays a central role in exerting those
      cardiovascular reflex changes at low gastric distension, for its functional
      expression an intact splanchnic system is mandatory. Hence, the absence of
      splanchnic input attenuates pressor responses or turns them into depressor
      responses. Instead at high-pressure (noxious) gastric distension, the splanchnic
      nerve represents the primary component in regulating the reflex cardiovascular
      effects.

PMID- 28091713
TI  - ?

PMID- 28091710
TI  - Role of concurrent vaginal hysterectomy in the outcomes of mesh-based vaginal
      pelvic organ prolapse surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Hysterectomy is often performed at the time of
      pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery; yet, there is insufficient evidence
      regarding the specific effect of hysterectomy on outcomes. We sought to determine
      the outcomes and associated short-term complications of mesh-based POP surgery
      with and without concurrent hysterectomy. METHODS: We utilized the New York
      Statewide Planning and Research Cooperation System (SPARCS) database to identify
      patients under 55 years of age undergoing surgeries for POP with mesh between
      2009 and 2014. Patients who had a hysterectomy at the time of mesh-based POP
      surgery were compared with those who underwent mesh-based POP surgery without
      hysterectomy. Outcome measures of the patient groups before and after propensity
      score matching were compared. We assessed the difference Chi-squared tests and
      log-rank tests in the entire cohort and Mantel-Haenszel stratified Chi-squared
      tests and Prentice-Wilcoxon tests in the matched cohort. RESULTS: A total of
      1,601 women underwent mesh-based POP surgery. 921 patients underwent concurrent
      hysterectomy, whereas 680 had mesh-based uterine-preserving POP surgery. After
      propensity score matching, there was no difference in reintervention rates
      between groups for up to 3 years. Concurrent hysterectomy with mesh-based POP
      repair was consistently associated with longer hospitalization (20.0% vs 12.8%
      stayed longer than 2 days) and higher charges (median charges were $22,689 vs
      $19,273). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent hysterectomy during mesh-based POP surgery in
      patients under 55 years led to more expensive charges and a longer stay compared
      with uterine-preserving mesh surgery. There was no difference in reintervention
      rates between groups for up to 3 years.

PMID- 28091711
TI  - Anticholinergic prescription: are healthcare professionals the real burden?
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Anticholinergic medication is the medical treatment
      for overactive bladder (OAB). These drugs can act on the central nervous system
      and can lead to cognitive decline, dementia, and potentially death. Patients
      taking drugs with anticholinergic effects increase their anticholinergic burden
      defined as the cumulative effect of taking one or more drugs that can have
      adverse effects. When prescribing anticholinergic medication for the elderly, we
      must choose the right drug. We aimed to discover the level of understanding on
      this subject and its application to real clinical practice amongst our healthcare
      professionals (HCPs). METHODS: An 18-point questionnaire was distributed to
      urogynaecologists, general gynaecologists, urologists, geriatricians, general
      practitioners (GPs), and nurse specialists to assess knowledge on the subject.
      RESULTS: A total of 96 HCPs completed the questionnaire. The nurse specialists
      had the highest score in identifying that oxybutynin was the drug most likely to
      cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The urogynaecologists had the highest score
      in identifying that trospium chloride was least likely to cross the BBB, whereas
      the GPs had the lowest score. Solifenacin was the most popular anticholinergic
      drug prescribed in the elderly without dementia. Trospium chloride was the most
      popular drug prescribed in the elderly with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: We have found
      that knowledge is lacking amongst all our HCPs, but especially amongst our first
      line doctors, our GPs. Education is key in developing knowledge and safe
      prescribing, to improve the care we give to our patients.

PMID- 28091712
TI  - Two cases of female urethral reconstruction with acellular porcine urinary
      bladder matrix.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Female urethral reconstruction via the traditional
      routes can be limiting for various reasons. Current literature on the use of
      acellular biologic grafts derived from viscera for female urethral reconstruction
      is limited. We present two cases of women with complete loss of their posterior
      urethra presenting for urethral reconstruction. METHODS: Two cases of urethral
      reconstruction using acellular porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM), along with
      labial fat pad transposition and biologic pubovaginal sling are presented.
      RESULTS: In both cases the UBM graft showed successful conversion to what
      appeared to be normal urethral mucosa. One woman showed significant improvement
      in continence and the other showed complete continence. CONCLUSIONS: Female
      urethral reconstruction using acellular porcine UBM is a viable option for
      patients who have lost a significant portion of their urethra. Both cases
      demonstrated transition of the graft into the posterior wall of the urethra with
      significant improvement in continence. Further studies are needed to confirm that
      acellular porcine UBM can transform to urethral mucosa in women requiring
      urethral reconstruction.

PMID- 28091709
TI  - Use of in silico models for prioritization of heat-induced food contaminants in
      mutagenicity and carcinogenicity testing.
AB  - Numerous Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation products are present in processed
      foods such as heated cereals, roasted meat, refined oils, coffee, and juices. Due
      to the lack of experimental toxicological data, risk assessment is hardly
      possible for most of these compounds. In the present study, an in silico approach
      was employed for the prediction of the toxicological endpoints mutagenicity and
      carcinogenicity on the basis of the structure of the respective compound, to
      examine (quantitative) structure-activity relationships for more than 800
      compounds. Five software tools for mutagenicity prediction (T.E.S.T., SARpy,
      CAESAR, Benigni-Bossa, and LAZAR) and three carcinogenicity prediction tools
      (CAESAR, Benigni-Bossa, and LAZAR) were combined to yield so-called mutagenic or
      carcinogenic scores for every single substance. Alcohols, ketones, acids,
      lactones, and esters were predicted to be mutagenic and carcinogenic with low
      probability, whereas the software tools tended to predict a considerable
      mutagenic and carcinogenic potential for thiazoles. To verify the in silico
      predictions for the endpoint mutagenicity experimentally, twelve selected
      compounds were examined for their mutagenic potential using two different
      validated in vitro test systems, the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test)
      and the in vitro micronucleus assay. There was a good correlation between the
      results of the Ames test and the in silico predictions. However, in the case of
      the micronucleus assay, at least three substances, 2-amino-6-methylpyridine, 6
      heptenoic acid, and 2-methylphenol, were clearly positive although they were
      predicted to be non-mutagenic. Thus, software tools for mutagenicity prediction
      are suitable for prioritization among large numbers of substances, but these
      predictions still need experimental verification.

PMID- 28091714
TI  - Comparison of potential higher order reference methods for total haemoglobin
      quantification-an interlaboratory study.
AB  - The total haemoglobin (Hb) concentration in blood is one of the most frequently
      measured analytes in clinical medicine because of its significance for evaluating
      the health state of a human. The spectrophotometric cyanmethaemoglobin (HiCN)
      method is the internationally accepted conventional reference method to determine
      this biomarker. It is frequently used in clinical routine diagnostics but is not
      traceable to the International System of Units and thus does not meet highest
      metrological demands. A further critical issue is the toxicity of the necessary
      potassium cyanide. Different methods to solve these problems are reported here.
      They all were validated against the HiCN method in an interlaboratory comparison
      by measuring the total Hb concentration present in the certified reference
      material JCCRM 912-2M. Methods considered were the spectrophotometric alkaline
      haematin detergent (AHD) method as well as several isotope dilution (ID)-based
      approaches. The latter include inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP
      MS), species-specific (SS) ICP-MS, organic MS and Raman spectrometry. Graphical
      abstract ?.

PMID- 28091718
TI  - ESNR Presidential Address, 2017.

PMID- 28091708
TI  - The effect of motor overflow on bimanual asymmetric force coordination.
AB  - Motor overflow, typically described in the context of unimanual movements, refers
      to the natural tendency for a 'resting' limb to move during movement of the
      opposite limb and is thought to be influenced by inter-hemispheric interactions
      and intra-cortical networks within the 'resting' hemisphere. It is currently
      unknown, however, how motor overflow contributes to asymmetric force coordination
      task accuracy, referred to as bimanual interference, as there is need to generate
      unequal forces and corticospinal output for each limb. Here, we assessed motor
      overflow via motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and the regulation of motor overflow
      via inter-hemispheric inhibition (IHI) and short-intra-cortical inhibition (SICI)
      using transcranial magnetic stimulation in the presence of unimanual and bimanual
      isometric force production. All outcomes were measured in the left first dorsal
      interosseous (test hand) muscle, which maintained 30% maximal voluntary
      contraction (MVC), while the right hand (conditioning hand) was maintained at
      rest, 10, 30, or 70% of its MVC. We have found that as higher forces are
      generated with the conditioning hand, MEP amplitudes at the active test hand
      decreased and inter-hemispheric inhibition increased, suggesting reduced motor
      overflow in the presence of bimanual asymmetric forces. Furthermore, we found
      that subjects with less motor overflow (i.e., reduced MEP amplitudes in the test
      hemisphere) demonstrated poorer accuracy in maintaining 30% MVC across all
      conditions. These findings suggest that motor overflow may serve as an adaptive
      substrate to support bimanual asymmetric force coordination.

PMID- 28091716
TI  - Rapid concentration detection and differentiation of bacteria in skimmed milk
      using surface enhanced Raman scattering mapping on 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid
      functionalized silver dendrites.
AB  - A novel method was developed to rapidly concentrate, detect, and differentiate
      bacteria in skimmed milk using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) mapping
      on 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (4-MPBA) functionalized silver (Ag) dendrites.
      The 4-MPBA functionalized Ag dendritic SERS substrate was used to capture the
      bacterial cells and enhance the bacterial signal. Salmonella, a significantly
      important food pathogen, was used as the representative strain to optimize and
      evaluate the developed method. The capture efficiency for Salmonella enterica
      subsp enterica BAA1045 (SE1045) was 84.92 +/- 3.25% at 106 CFU/mL and as high as
      99.65 +/- 3.58% at 103 CFU/mL. Four different strains, two gram-negative and two
      gram-positive, can be clearly distinguished by their SERS spectra using principle
      component analysis. A mapping technique was utilized to automatically collect 400
      spectra over an area of 60 MUm * 60 MUm to construct a visual image for a
      sensitive and statistically reliable detection within 30 min. Using this method,
      we were able to detect as low as 103 CFU/mL bacterial cells in 50 mM NH4HCO3
      solution and 102 CFU/mL cells in both 1% casein and skimmed milk. Our results
      demonstrate the feasibility of using SERS mapping method coupled with 4-MPBA
      functionalized Ag dendrites for rapid and sensitive bacteria detection in complex
      liquid samples. Graphical Abstract A novel SERS mapping method based on 4
      mercaptophenylboronic acid functionalized silver (Ag) dendrites was developed to
      rapidly concentrate, detect, and differentiate bacteria.

PMID- 28091719
TI  - Thank you, Guy.

PMID- 28091717
TI  - Bar adsorptive microextraction technique - application for the determination of
      pharmaceuticals in real matrices.
AB  - In the present work, bar adsorptive microextraction using miniaturized devices
      (7.5 * 3.0 mm) coated with suitable sorbent phases, combined with microliquid
      desorption (100 MUL) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with
      diode array detection (BAMUE-MULD/HPLC-DAD), is proposed for the determination of
      trace level of six pharmaceuticals (furosemide, mebeverine, ketoprofen, naproxen,
      diclofenac and mefenamic acid) in environmental water and urine matrices. By
      comparing ten distinct sorbent materials (five polymeric and five activated
      carbons), the polymer P5 proved to be the most suitable to achieve the best
      selectivity and efficiency. The solvent volume minimization in the liquid
      desorption stage demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, being more
      environmentally friendly, and simultaneously increased the microextraction
      enrichment factor two-fold. Assays performed through BAMUE(P5, 0.9 mg)-MULD(100
      MUL)/HPLC-DAD on 25 mL of ultrapure water samples spiked at the 4.0 MUg/L level
      yielded average recoveries ranging from 91.4% (furosemide) to 101.0% (ketoprofen)
      with good precision (RSD < 10.6%), under optimized experimental conditions. The
      analytical performance showed convenient detection limits (25.0 - 120.0 ng/L),
      good linear dynamic ranges (0.1 to 24.0 MUg/L), appropriate determination
      coefficients (r 2 > 0.9983), and excellent repeatability through intraday (RSD <
      10.4%)) and interday (RSD < 10.0%) assays. By using the standard addition
      methodology, the application of the present analytical approach on environmental
      waters and urine samples revealed the occurrence of trace levels of some
      pharmaceuticals. The solvent minimization during the back-extraction step
      associated with the miniaturization of BAMUE devices proved to be a very
      promising analytical technology for static microextraction analysis. Graphical
      abstract BAMUE operating under the floating sampling technology for the
      determination of pharmaceuticals in aqueous media.

PMID- 28091715
TI  - Highly sensitive glycosylamine labelling of O-glycans using non-reductive beta
      elimination.
AB  - When developing biopharmaceuticals, glycans are the most important
      posttranslational protein modifications that must be addressed because they
      affect the between-protein interactions that maintain homeostasis. The glycan
      profile may be defined as a critical quality attribute of a biopharmaceutical.
      Comprehensive analysis of protein glycosylation must overcome challenges such as
      the release, labelling, separation and detection of O-glycans. In contrast, N
      glycans can be readily released non-reductively from peptide backbones using an
      enzyme such as peptide N-glycosidase F. We developed a highly sensitive protocol
      using RapiFluor-MS to label glycosylamines for O-glycan analysis combined with a
      non-enzyme treatment for efficient release of the reduced O-glycans from the
      glycoproteins. Here we used the cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4
      immunoglobulin G (Ig) fusion protein and fetuin as models for O-glycan analysis
      and compared the analytical methods glycopeptide mapping, 2-AB labelling and
      RapiFluor-MS labelling. The structures of major O-glycans and low-abundance O
      glycans were successfully identified using the third technique, which detected
      the O-glycans with high sensitivity.

PMID- 28091726
TI  - Predation cues rather than resource availability promote cryptic behaviour in a
      habitat-forming sea urchin.
AB  - It is well known that predators often influence the foraging behaviour of prey
      through the so-called "fear effect". However, it is also possible that predators
      could change prey behaviour indirectly by altering the prey's food supply through
      a trophic cascade. The predator-sea urchin-kelp trophic cascade is widely assumed
      to be driven by the removal of sea urchins by predators, but changes in sea
      urchin behaviour in response to predators or increased food availability could
      also play an important role. We tested whether increased crevice occupancy by
      herbivorous sea urchins in the presence of abundant predatory fishes and lobsters
      is a response to the increased risk of predation, or an indirect response to
      higher kelp abundances. Inside two New Zealand marine reserves with abundant
      predators and kelp, individuals of the sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus were
      rarer and remained cryptic (i.e. found in crevices) to larger sizes than on
      adjacent fished coasts where predators and kelp are rare. In a mesocosm
      experiment, cryptic behaviour was induced by simulated predation (the addition of
      crushed conspecifics), but the addition of food in the form of drift kelp did not
      induce cryptic behaviour. These findings demonstrate that the 'fear' of predators
      is more important than food availability in promoting sea urchin cryptic
      behaviour and suggest that both density- and behaviourally mediated interactions
      are important in the predator-sea urchin-kelp trophic cascade.

PMID- 28091724
TI  - Automatic CT-based finite element model generation for temperature-based death
      time estimation: feasibility study and sensitivity analysis.
AB  - Temperature-based death time estimation is based either on simple
      phenomenological models of corpse cooling or on detailed physical heat transfer
      models. The latter are much more complex but allow a higher accuracy of death
      time estimation, as in principle, all relevant cooling mechanisms can be taken
      into account.Here, a complete workflow for finite element-based cooling
      simulation is presented. The following steps are demonstrated on a CT phantom:
      Computer tomography (CT) scan Segmentation of the CT images for thermodynamically
      relevant features of individual geometries and compilation in a geometric
      computer-aided design (CAD) model Conversion of the segmentation result into a
      finite element (FE) simulation model Computation of the model cooling curve (MOD)
      Calculation of the cooling time (CTE) For the first time in FE-based cooling time
      estimation, the steps from the CT image over segmentation to FE model generation
      are performed semi-automatically. The cooling time calculation results are
      compared to cooling measurements performed on the phantoms under controlled
      conditions. In this context, the method is validated using a CT phantom. Some of
      the phantoms' thermodynamic material parameters had to be determined via
      independent experiments.Moreover, the impact of geometry and material parameter
      uncertainties on the estimated cooling time is investigated by a sensitivity
      analysis.

PMID- 28091733
TI  - Post-treatment PET/CT and p16 status for predicting treatment outcomes in locally
      advanced head and neck cancer after definitive radiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To retrospectively review post-treatment (post-tx) FDG-PET/CT scans in
      patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and known
      p16 status, treated with definitive (chemo)radiation (RT). METHODS: A total of
      108 eligible patients had N2A or greater HNSCC treated with chemoRT from August
      1, 2008, to February 28, 2015, with post-tx PET/CT within 6 months after RT.
      Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank statistics, and Cox proportional hazards regression
      were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 2.38 years.
      Sixty-eight (63.0%) patients had p16+ and 40 (37.0%) had p16- status. Two-year
      overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 93.4% and 77.8%, respectively.
      The negative predictive value (NPV) of PET/CT for local recurrence (LR) was 100%.
      The NPV for regional recurrence (RR) was 96.5% for all patients, 100% for p16+
      patients, and 88.5% for p16- patients. The positive predictive value (PPV) of
      PET/CT for recurrence was 77.3% for all patients, 50.0% for p16+, and 78.6% for
      p16-. The PPV for LR was 72.7% for all patients, 50.0% for p16+ patients, and
      72.7% for p16- patients. The PPV for RR was 50.0% for all patients, 33% for p16+,
      and 66.6% for p16-. Post-tx PET/CT and p16 status were independent predictors of
      recurrence-free survival (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Post-tx PET/CT predicts
      treatment outcomes in both p16 + and p16- patients, and does so independently of
      p16 status. P16- patients with negative PET have a 10% risk of nodal recurrence,
      and closer follow-up in these patients is warranted.

PMID- 28091723
TI  - Changes in the severity and subtype of Guillain-Barre syndrome admitted to a
      specialist Neuromedical ICU over a 25 year period.
AB  - We report a retrospective review of 110 patients with acute Guillain-Barre
      syndrome (GBS) admitted to a specialised intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary
      referral centre over a 25 year period, the start of which coincided with the
      widespread introduction of plasma exchange (PE) and intravenous immunoglobulin
      (IVIG). The results were analysed by comparing 52 patients admitted in the first
      decade (1991-2000; Group 1) with 58 patients admitted between 2001-2014 (Group
      2). Patients in both groups were comparable with respect to age and sex, and had
      a similar incidence and range of ICU complications. They received a comparable
      range of immunomodulatory treatments including IVIG and PE. However, the delay
      from presentation to referral to the tertiary ICU was longer in patients in Group
      2. They also required mechanical ventilation for a longer duration, and had
      longer ICU and hospital stays. In Group 2, there was a higher incidence of axonal
      neuropathy (51%, compared to 24% in Group 1). Despite the longer delay to
      referral, the prevalence of axonal neuropathy and the duration of ventilation,
      overall mortality showed a downward trend (Group 1: 13.5%; Group 2: 5.2%). There
      was no late mortality in either group after step-down to neuro-rehabilitation or
      following discharge home or to the referring hospital. The rehabilitation
      outcomes were similar. This data show a shift in the pattern of referral to a
      tertiary referral ICU between the first and second decades following the wider
      availability of IVIG and PE for the treatment of GBS. The possible causes and
      implications of these findings are discussed.

PMID- 28091728
TI  - Value of Nonrigid Registration of Pre-Procedure MR with Post-Procedure CT After
      Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of pre-radiofrequency ablation (RFA) MR and post
      RFA CT registration for the assessment of the therapeutic response of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 178 patients
      with single HCC who received RFA as an initial treatment and had available pre
      RFA MR and post-RFA CT images were included in this retrospective study. Two
      independent readers (one experienced radiologist, one inexperienced radiologist)
      scored the ablative margin (AM) of treated tumors on a four-point scale (1,
      residual tumor; 2, incomplete AM; 3, borderline AM; 4, sufficient AM), in two
      separate sessions: (1) visual comparison between pre-and post-RFA images; (2)
      with addition of nonrigid registration for pre- and post-RFA images. Local tumor
      progression (LTP) rates between low-risk (response score, 3-4) and high-risk
      groups (1-2) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method at each interpretation
      session. RESULTS: The patients' reassignments after using the registered images
      were statistically significant for inexperienced reader (p < 0.001). In the
      inexperienced reader, LTP rates of low- and high-risk groups were significantly
      different with addition of registered images (session 2) (p < 0.001), but not
      significantly different in session 1 (p = 0.101). However, in the experienced
      reader, LTP rates of low- and high-risk groups were significantly different in
      both interpretation sessions (p < 0.001). Using the registered images, the
      cumulative incidence of LTP at 2 years was 3.0-6.6%, for the low-risk group, and
      18.6-27.8% for the high-risk group. CONCLUSION: Registration between pre-RFA MR
      and post-RFA CT images may allow better assessment of the therapeutic response of
      HCC after RFA, especially for inexperienced radiologists, helping in the risk
      stratification for LTP.

PMID- 28091721
TI  - Influence of tooth dimension on the initial mobility based on plaster casts and X
      ray images : A numerical study.
AB  - AIMS: The goal was to determine the influence of different geometric parameters
      of the tooth on the initial tooth mobility and the position of the center of
      resistance employing numerical models based on scaled X-ray images and plaster
      casts. METHODS: The dimensions of tooth 21 were measured in 21 patients, using
      radiographs and dental casts. Length and mesiodistal width of the tooth were
      obtained from the X-ray image and the orovestibular diameter from the plaster
      cast. Finite element models were generated. Cortical and cancellous bone and the
      periodontal ligament were simulated to create realistic models. Root length (11
      17 mm), mesiodistal width (6-10 mm) and orovestibular thickness (7-9 mm) were
      varied in 1-mm steps to generate 105 models. In the simulation, each model was
      loaded with a force of 10 N in vestibulopalatinal direction and with a torque of
      10 Nmm to determine tooth displacements and center of resistance. RESULTS:
      Initial tooth displacement and thus mobility increased with decreasing total root
      surface. The shortest, slimmest and thinnest tooth showed a total deflection of
      0.14 mm at the incisal edge, while the longest, widest and thickest tooth showed
      a total deflection of 0.10 mm. Changes in mesiodistal width had the greatest
      influence on initial tooth mobility and changes in orovestibular thickness the
      least. The teeth's center of resistance was positioned between 37 and 43% of the
      root length measured from the cervical margin of the alveolar bone. The center of
      resistance of the longest dental root investigated was located around 6% more
      cervically compared to the one of the shortest dental root. The influence of root
      width and thickness on the position of the center of resistance was significantly
      lower than root length. CONCLUSION: Geometric parameters significantly impact
      initial tooth mobility and position of the center of resistance. Thus, tooth
      dimensions should be considered in orthodontic treatment planning. Dental
      radiographs represent a sufficient validation tool to estimate the quality of a
      pure dental tipping during orthodontic treatment, as the orovestibular thickness
      has little influence. However, for three-dimensional tooth displacements all
      geometric parameters should be determined accurately using plaster casts or DVT.

PMID- 28091725
TI  - Genetic polymorphism investigation of the Chinese Yi minority using PowerPlex(r)
      Y23 STR amplification system.
AB  - Twenty-three Y-STR loci (DYS576, DYS389I, DYS389 II, DYS448, DYS19, DYS391,
      DYS481, DYS549, DYS533, DYS438, DYS437, DYS570, DYS635, DYS390, DYS439, DYS392,
      DYS393, DYS458 DYS456, DYS643, Y-GATA-H4, and DYS385a/b) included in the next
      generation PowerPlex(r) Y23 System were first investigated in 311 unrelated,
      healthy male individuals from the Yi minority population residing in the
      Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China. A total of 179 alleles and
      297 haplotypes were discovered in the Yi group. In total, 285 haplotypes among
      them were unique, and the remaining 12 haplotypes were observed in two or three
      individuals. Haplotype discrimination capacity and haplotype diversity were
      0.9550 and 0.9989, respectively. Genetic diversity ranged from 0.4550 (DYS437) to
      0.9556 (DYS385a/b). Population comparisons between the Yi minority group and 10
      Asian meta-populations comprising 58 individual populations were performed. Both
      multidimensional scaling plots and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the
      genetic structure of the Chinese Yi ethnicity was extremely different compared to
      Taiwan indigenous inhabitants among 10 Asian meta-populations. Additionally, the
      genetic structure resemblance of the Yi group was obtained from a geographically
      close population (Xuanwei Han) or similar language family groups (Thai
      populations). Besides, our study has demonstrated that the PowerPlex(r) Y23
      System has high polymorphism in a Chinese Yi ethnic population and high
      discriminatory power for forensic purposes. Population data of the 23 Y-STR
      obtained from a Yi ethnic population has enriched the Chinese ethnic genetic
      information.

PMID- 28091722
TI  - Hyperphosphorylated tau causes reduced hippocampal CA1 excitability by relocating
      the axon initial segment.
AB  - Hyperphosphorylated tau has a critical role in tauopathies such as Alzheimer's
      disease and frontotemporal dementia, impairing neuronal function and eventually
      leading to neurodegeneration. A critical role for tau is supported by studies in
      transgenic mouse models that express the P301L tau mutation found in cases of
      familial frontotemporal dementia, with the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated
      tau in the hippocampus causing reductions in hippocampal long-term potentiation
      and impairments in spatial learning and memory. However, what has remained
      unexplored is the role of hyperphosphorylated tau in reducing neuronal
      excitability. Here, we show in two complementary P301L tau transgenic mouse
      models that hyperphosphorylated tau induces a more depolarized threshold for
      action potential initiation and reduces firing in hippocampal CA1 neurons, which
      was rescued by the suppression of transgenic tau. Furthermore, using mutagenesis
      and primary hippocampal neuronal cultures, we reveal that this reduction in
      neuronal excitability results from the relocation of the axon initial segment
      (AIS) down the axon in a tau phosphorylation-dependent manner. We also
      demonstrate that this effect is microtubule-dependent. In addition,
      pharmacological stabilization was found to prevent both the structural and
      functional deficits caused by tau hyperphosphorylation. Finally, we demonstrate
      that the AIS of neurons from tau transgenic mice is further down the axon, which
      correlates with a reduction in excitability. We therefore propose that a
      reduction in hippocampal excitability due to a tau-mediated distal relocalization
      of the AIS contributes to the hippocampal dysfunction observed in tauopathies.

PMID- 28091730
TI  - Actin isoform expression patterns in adult extracardiac and cardiac rhabdomyomas
      indicate a different cell of origin.
AB  - Rhabdomyomas are rare striated muscle-type tumors arising in the heart or in soft
      tissues. Using a monoclonal antibody specific for the cardiac isoform of alpha
      actin (alpha-cardiac actin, alpha-CAA), differential expression patterns in
      striated muscle tissues were reported previously. The purpose of the present
      study was to determine whether the alpha-actin isoform specificity is maintained
      in rhabdomyomas according to their origin, comparing extracardiac to cardiac
      rhabdomyomas. We immunohistochemically investigated adult extracardiac
      (pharyngeal) rhabdomyomas (n = 4) and cardiac rhabdomyomas (n = 7) employing
      isoform-specific monoclonal antibodies. The extracardiac rhabdomyomas revealed
      only a few scattered alpha-CAA-positive tumor cells (antibody cAc1-20.42) while
      the cardiac rhabdomyomas exhibited abundant expression of alpha-CAA, indicating a
      close relatedness to cardiac muscle fibers. The alpha-skeletal actin (alpha-SKA)
      specific monoclonal antibody (3B3) produced the reverse results. General
      sarcomeric antibodies (HHF35 and Alpha Sr-1) displayed strong positivity in all
      rhabdomyomas studied. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was negative or
      heterogeneously positive in extracardiac and cardiac rhabdomyomas. Our results
      suggest that despite similar morphology, the intrinsic differential alpha-actin
      isoform specificity of mature skeletal vs. cardiac muscle is maintained in
      extracardiac and cardiac rhabdomyomas. Thus, adult extracardiac rhabdomyomas
      differentiate towards mature skeletal muscle although they may exhibit centrally
      placed nuclei like cardiac muscle cells, while cardiac rhabdomyomas reflect true
      cardiac muscle differentiation. Our findings appear to indicate a different
      biological nature of cardiac and extracardiac rhabdomyomas, probably related to a
      different cell of origin. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting a
      derivation of extracardiac and cardiac rhabdomyomas from skeletal and cardiac
      muscle cells, respectively.

PMID- 28091735
TI  - Comprehensive assessment of peripheral blood TCRbeta repertoire in infectious
      mononucleosis and chronic active EBV infection patients.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) primary infection is usually asymptomatic, but it
      sometimes progresses to infectious mononucleosis (IM). Occasionally, some people
      develop chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) with underlying immunodeficiency,
      which belongs to a continuous spectrum of EBV-associated lymphoproliferative
      disorders (EBV+ LPD) with heterogeneous clinical presentations and high
      mortality. It has been well established that T cell-mediated immune response
      plays a critical role in the disease evolution of EBV infection. Recently, high
      throughput sequencing of the hypervariable complementarity-determining region 3
      (CDR3) segments of the T cell receptor (T cell receptor beta (TCRbeta)) has
      emerged as a sensitive approach to assess the T cell repertoire. In this study,
      we fully characterized the diversity of peripheral blood TCRbeta repertoire in IM
      (n = 6) and CAEBV patients (n = 5) and EBV-seropositive controls (n = 5).
      Compared with the healthy EBV-seropositive controls, both IM and CAEBV patients
      demonstrate a significant decrease in peripheral blood TCRbeta repertoire
      diversity, basically, including narrowed repertoire breadth, highly expanded
      clones, and skewed CDR3 length distribution. However, there is no significant
      difference between IM and CAEBV patients. Furthermore, we observed some disease
      related preferences in TRBV/TRBJ usage and combinations, as well as lots of T
      cell clones shared by different groups (unique or overlapped) involved in public
      T cell responses, which provide more detailed insights into the divergent disease
      evolution.

PMID- 28091736
TI  - Salvage therapy for acute chemorefractory leukemia by allogeneic stem cell
      transplantation: the Korean experience.
AB  - Little is known about the characteristics that make patients with acute leukemia
      suitable for undergoing salvage therapy by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (allo-HSCT). Here, we analyzed the clinical outcomes of 223
      patients with acute leukemia who underwent allo-HSCT while not in complete
      remission (CR). The primary end points were overall survival (OS) and CR rate. CR
      was achieved in 79.8% of patients after allo-HSCT. Acute graft-versus-host
      disease (GVHD) was significantly associated with CR (P = 0.045). During a median
      follow-up of 30.1 months, the median OS was 6.1 months. OS was significantly
      longer in patients with good or standard risk cytogenetic characteristics than in
      those with poor risk cytogenetic characteristics (P = 0.029, P = 0.030,
      respectively). Patients who received allo-HSCT from a matched sibling donor had
      better survival than those with unrelated donors (P = 0.015). Primary
      chemorefractoriness was not associated with poor survival (P = 0.071). The number
      of chemotherapies before allo-HSCT was significantly correlated with outcome (P =
      0.006). Chronic GVHD was a strong predictor of a longer OS (P = 0.025). In
      conclusion, survival of patients with primary chemorefractory acute leukemia is
      not lower when treated upfront with allo-HSCT. Hence, allo-HSCT should be
      actively considered in such patients. Acute and chronic GVHD is associated with
      better outcomes patients with acute leukemia who have undergone allo-HSCT and not
      achieved CR.

PMID- 28091734
TI  - Level of conus medullaris termination in adult population analyzed by kinetic
      magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the change of conus medullaris termination (CMT) level in
      neutral, flexion and extension positions and to analyze the effects of age and
      gender on the CMT level. METHODS: The midline sagittal T2-weighted kinetic
      magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI) study of 585 patients was retrospectively
      reviewed to identify the level of CMT. All patients were in an upright position.
      A straight line perpendicular to the long axis of the cord was drawn from the tip
      of the cord and then subtended to the adjacent vertebra or disk space. The CMT
      level was labeled in relation to the upper, middle and lower segments of adjacent
      vertebra or disk space and assigned values from 0 to 12 [0 = upper third of T12
      (T12U), and 12 = upper third of L3 (L3U)]. All parameters were collected for
      neutral, flexion and extension positions. RESULTS: The level of CMT had the
      highest incidence (17.61%) at L1 lower (L1L) in neutral position, 17.44% at L1
      upper (L1U) in flexion, and 16.92% at L1 middle (L1M) in extension with no
      significant differences among three positions (p > 0.05) in weight-bearing
      status. Moreover, the level of CMT was not correlated with age (p > 0.05). In
      terms of gender, the level of CMT was lower in women than in men in neutral
      position, flexion, and extension (p < 0.05). Furthermore, when divided by age in
      decades, there was a significant difference between females and males in the age
      group 60-69 years in neutral, flexion and extension position, respectively (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The level of CMT in the neutral position was in accordance
      with previous cadaveric and supine-position MRI studies, and it did not change
      with flexion and extension. Women had lower CMT level than men, especially in the
      older population. This information can be very valuable when performing spinal
      anesthesia and spinal punctures.

PMID- 28091727
TI  - Intrinsic cardiac ganglia and acetylcholine are important in the mechanism of
      ischaemic preconditioning.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the role of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system
      in the mechanism of classical myocardial ischaemic preconditioning (IPC).
      Isolated perfused rat hearts were subjected to 35-min regional ischaemia and 60
      min reperfusion. IPC was induced as three cycles of 5-min global ischaemia
      reperfusion, and provided significant reduction in infarct size (IS/AAR = 14 +/-
      2% vs control IS/AAR = 48 +/- 3%, p < 0.05). Treatment with the ganglionic
      antagonist, hexamethonium (50 MUM), blocked IPC protection (IS/AAR = 37 +/- 7%, p
      < 0.05 vs IPC). Moreover, the muscarinic antagonist, atropine (100 nM), also
      abrogated IPC-mediated protection (IS/AAR = 40 +/- 3%, p < 0.05 vs IPC). This
      indicates that intrinsic cardiac ganglia remain intact in the Langendorff
      preparation and are important in the mechanism of IPC. In a second group of
      experiments, coronary effluent collected following IPC, from ex vivo perfused rat
      hearts, provided significant cardioprotection when perfused through a naive
      isolated rat heart prior to induction of regional ischaemia-reperfusion injury
      (IRI) (IS/ARR = 19 +/- 2, p < 0.05 vs control effluent). This protection was also
      abrogated by treating the naive heart with hexamethonium, indicating the humoral
      trigger of IPC induces protection via an intrinsic neuronal mechanism (IS/AAR =
      46 +/- 5%, p < 0.05 vs IPC effluent). In addition, a large release in ACh was
      observed in coronary effluent was observed following IPC (IPCeff = 0.36 +/- 0.03
      MUM vs C eff = 0.04 +/- 0.04 MUM, n = 4, p < 0.001). Interestingly, however, IPC
      effluent was not able to significantly protect isolated cardiomyocytes from
      simulated ischaemia-reperfusion injury (cell death = 45 +/- 6%, p = 0.09 vs
      control effluent). In conclusion, IPC involves activation of the intrinsic
      cardiac nervous system, leading to release of ACh in the ventricles and induction
      of protection via activation of muscarinic receptors.

PMID- 28091737
TI  - Impact of pelvic fractures on the early clinical outcomes of severely injured
      trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pelvic fractures contribute to morbidity and mortality following
      injury. We sought to study the impact of pelvic fractures on the clinical course
      and outcomes of trauma patients with a pelvic fracture in comparison to patients
      with similar injury severity without pelvic fracture to identify potential
      parameters to track patients' clinical course post-injury. METHODS: A cohort of
      206 consecutive blunt trauma survivors, studied over a 5-year period in a level I
      trauma center of which 75 patients (36.4%) had a pelvic fracture, was included in
      the study. To perform a retrospective cohort study with matched controls, 60
      patients of the pelvic fracture group [(PF), 41 males and 19 females; age: 40 +/-
      17; injury severity score (ISS): 26.6 +/- 9.3] were compared to 60 patients
      without pelvic fracture (non-PF) trauma as controls (41 males and 19 females;
      age: 40 +/- 13; ISS: 26.9 +/- 7.7), both with matching age (+/-5 years), sex, and
      ISS (+/-5 points). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed
      in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), total LOS, and Marshall MOD
      score between PF and non-PF groups, respectively. Acid-base markers such as pH,
      lactate, LDH, and base deficit were all significantly altered in PF compared to
      non-PF cohort upon admission. Moreover, our analysis showed significant
      differences in inflammatory biomarkers (Prolactin, CRP, and IL-6), and clinical
      parameters (CPK, Hgb, Platelets count, and WBC) over the 7-day clinical course in
      patients with PF when compared to non-PF cohort. CONCLUSION: In this matched
      cohort, patients with pelvic fractures exhibited biochemical and physiological
      alterations upon admission. Furthermore, our results suggest that pelvic fracture
      affects the clinical outcomes in severely injured patients, independently of
      injury severity, mechanism of injury, age or gender.

PMID- 28091739
TI  - Survival of uncemented cups from a single manufacturer implanted from 1985 to
      2013: Finnish Arthroplasty Register data.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with uncemented implants has been a
      relatively common procedure in Finland during the recent decades. The most common
      brand of uncemented implants was chosen for further analysis to study the
      survivorship of this uncemented cup design in comparison to cemented references.
      PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 1980, The Finnish Arthroplasty Register
      has collected information on THAs on a national level. This study was based on
      information of THAs recorded in the Finnish Arthroplasty Register from 1985 to
      2013. If patient had undergone bilateral THA, only the first one was included.
      Altogether, 49,289 THAs were included. RESULTS: The overall 10-year implant
      survivorship of uncemented implants was 84.3% (95% CI 83.5-85.0%) and of cemented
      implants 90.6% (90.2-90.0%). The 10-year survival of the contemporary uncemented
      implants was 90.8% (94.0-95.5%) and 88.5% (84.2-91.7%). The most recently
      introduced uncemented cup designs had good survivorship rates at 5 years; 10-year
      survival data are not yet available. CONCLUSIONS: We found that modern uncemented
      cup designs may provide good long-term survivorship rates comparable with the
      gold standard of cemented cups. However, polyethylene wear, liner problems and
      periosthetic osteolysis may still occur, also with modern uncemented acetabular
      components.

PMID- 28091729
TI  - Portal Vein Embolization with Contralateral Application of Stem Cells Facilitates
      Increase of Future Liver Remnant Volume in Patients with Liver Metastases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the progress of future liver remnant
      volume (FLRV) in patients with liver metastases after portal vein embolization
      (PVE) with the application of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and compare it with
      a patients control group after PVE only. METHODS: Twenty patients (group 1)
      underwent PVE with contralateral HSC application. Subsequently, CT volumetry with
      the determination of FLRV was performed at weekly intervals, in total three
      weeks. A sample of twenty patients (group 2) who underwent PVE without HSC
      application was used as a control group. RESULTS: The mean of FLRV increased by
      173.2 mL during three weeks after the PVE/HSC procedure, whereas by 98.9 mL after
      PVE only (p = 0.015). Furthermore, the mean daily growth of FLRV by 7.6 mL in
      group 1 was significantly higher in comparison with 4.1 mL in group 2 (p =
      0.007). CONCLUSIONS: PVE with the application of HSC significantly facilitates
      growth of FLRV in comparison with PVE only. This method could be one of the new
      suitable approaches to increase the resectability of liver tumours.

PMID- 28091738
TI  - [Historical pain concepts : Cultural influences on pain perception and
      interpretation].
AB  - In the age of globalization and cultural diversification differing concepts of
      pain in patient care are of increasing importance. Historical models of the
      origin and interpretation of pain, which in this article are presented in a
      cursory and exemplary way, help to understand the panoply of modern concepts
      outside of medicine. Basically, pain was viewed not only in religion and
      philosophy but also by premodern physicians as a psychophysical phenomenon
      crucially depending on the determination by a "soul" therefore creating
      therapeutic options even before the discovery of an effective analgesia.
      Furthermore, the historical interpretations of pain in and outside of medicine
      can still be of profound importance to patients even today.

PMID- 28091740
TI  - Controlling Eutrophication in A Mediterranean Shallow Reservoir by Phosphorus
      Loading Reduction: The Need for an Integrated Management Approach.
AB  - Increased nutrient enrichment in Mediterranean standing waters has enhanced the
      risk of being affected by cyanobacterial blooms. Because phosphorus abatement is
      shaped as a crucial strategy for controlling eutrophication, this study
      introduces a structural thinking, experiential learning laboratory with animation
      dynamic model elaborated for Cazalegas Reservoir (Spain) to assess the
      feasibility of implementing a set of internal and external control measures and
      hydromorphological adjustments to meet the goal of oligotrophication. This
      shallow reservoir is another case where recurrent eutrophication has led to reach
      annual mean total phosphorus concentrations (0.16 +/- 0.08 mg total phosphorus/L)
      over the threshold of current water policies, triggering cyanobacterial growth up
      to undesirable levels in summer time (approximately 50,000 cells/mL). Modeling
      results showed that (i) after upgrading water treatment in the main tributary,
      (ii) applying a lanthanum-modified bentonite into the water column and sediment,
      and (iii) increasing reservoir water level, in-lake P concentrations and
      cyanobacterial abundance decreased in an 88% (below 0.01 mg total phosphorus/L)
      and 84% (below 6000 cells/mL), respectively in the most critical periods.
      However, the constraints of the proposed management strategies are associated
      with their costs of implementation and the time span for a stable trophic
      recovery of the reservoir. In that end, integrated management approaches are
      aimed to be adopted by water managers to reach adequate ecological status of
      freshwater bodies.

PMID- 28091741
TI  - Chemical, Physical, and Biological Factors Shape Littoral Invertebrate Community
      Structure in Coal-Mining End-Pit Lakes.
AB  - Aquatic invertebrates form the base of the consumer food web in lakes. In coal
      mining end-pit lakes, invertebrates are exposed to an environment with
      potentially challenging physical and chemical features. We hypothesized that the
      physical and chemical features of end-pit lakes reduce critical littoral habitat
      and thus reduce invertebrate diversity, thereby limiting the potential for these
      lakes to be naturalized. We used a multivariate approach using principle
      component analysis and redundancy analysis to study relationships between
      invertebrate community structure, habitat features, and water quality in five end
      pit lakes and five natural lakes in the Rocky Mountain foothills of west-central
      Alberta, Canada. Results show a significantly different invertebrate community
      structure was present in end-pit lakes as compared with reference lakes in the
      same region, which could be accounted for by water hardness, conductivity, slope
      of the littoral zone, and phosphorus concentrations. Habitat diversity in end-pit
      lakes was also limited, cover provided by macrophytes was scarce, and basin
      slopes were significantly steeper in pit lakes. Although water chemistry is
      currently the strongest influencing factor on the invertebrate community,
      physical challenges of habitat homogeneity and steep slopes in the littoral zones
      were identified as major drivers of invertebrate community structure. The
      addition of floating wetlands to the littoral zone of existing pit lakes can add
      habitat complexity without the need for large-scale alterations to basing
      morphology, while impermeable capping of waste-rock and the inclusion of littoral
      habitat in the planning process of new pit lakes can improve the success of
      integrating new pit lakes into the landscape.

PMID- 28091742
TI  - c-jun is differentially expressed in embryonic and adult neural precursor cells.
AB  - c-jun, a major component of AP-1 transcription factor, has a wide variety of
      functions. In the embryonic brain, c-jun mRNA is abundantly expressed in germinal
      layers around the ventricles. Although the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the adult
      brain is a derivative of embryonic germinal layers and contains neural precursor
      cells (NPCs), the c-jun expression pattern is not clear. To study the function of
      c-jun in adult neurogenesis, we analyzed c-jun expression in the adult SVZ by
      immunohistochemistry and compared it with that of the embryonic brain. We found
      that almost all proliferating embryonic NPCs expressed c-jun, but the number of c
      jun immunopositive cells among proliferating adult NPCs was about half. In
      addition, c-jun was hardly expressed in post-mitotic migrating neurons in the
      embryonic brain, but the majority of c-jun immunopositive cells were tangentially
      migrating neuroblasts heading toward the olfactory bulb in the adult brain. In
      addition, status epilepticus is known to enhance the transient proliferation of
      adult NPCs, but the c-jun expression pattern was not significantly affected.
      These expression patterns suggest that c-jun has a pivotal role in the
      proliferation of embryonic NPCs, but it has also other roles in adult
      neurogenesis.

PMID- 28091743
TI  - Increased expression of miR-15b is associated with clinicopathological features
      and poor prognosis in cervical carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to explore the expression of microRNA-15b
      (miR-15b) in cervical carcinoma and to correlate its expression with
      clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. METHODS: Quantitative reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis was conducted to quantify the
      expression level of miR-15b in 607 cervical tissues, including 185 cervical
      carcinoma tissues, 124 CIN I lesions, 148 CIN II-III lesions, and 150 normal
      cervical tissues. The 5-year overall cumulative survival rates for all patients
      with cervical carcinoma were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and
      multivariate survival analysis of these patients was completed using the stepwise
      Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: The expression of miR-15b
      gradually increased from normal cervical tissues to CIN lesions and then to
      cervical carcinoma tissues (all P < 0.05), and it was strongly correlated with
      degree of differentiation, clinical stage, tumor diameter, and lymph-node
      metastases (all P < 0.05). When the median value of miR-15b expression was used
      as the cut-off point, patients with high miR-15b expression (above the median)
      had worse 5-year overall cumulative survival rates than those who exhibited low
      miR-15b expression (below the median; P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis using the
      Cox regression model identified miR-15b expression, clinical stage, tumor
      diameter, and lymph-node metastasis as independent risk factors for cervical
      carcinoma prognosis (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that
      elevated miRNA-15b expression is a typical feature in cervical carcinoma, which
      could be a useful clinical predictor for the early diagnosis and evaluation of
      cervical carcinoma prognosis.

PMID- 28091744
TI  - Prediction of Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy Based on Cross
      Sectional Images.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most common and
      clinically relevant complications after distal pancreatectomy (DP), occurring in
      5-40% of patients. Determining risk factors for this complication may aid in its
      prevention. This study sought to predict the development of POPF after DP
      preoperatively and objectively based on radiologic findings. METHODS: This study
      included 60 patients who underwent DP using a stapler for pancreatic division
      between June 2011 and January 2013. Fatty infiltration, apparent diffusion
      coefficients (ADC) on preoperative MRI, pathologic fat, and fibrosis were
      measured. Pancreatic thickness and cross-sectional area of the pancreas stump on
      CT scan were also measured. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 60.5 years, 26 patients
      (46.3%) had pancreatic cancer and 20 (33.3%) underwent laparoscopic surgery.
      Clinically relevant POPF was observed in 12 patients (20.0%). Linear regression
      analysis showed a significant correlation between fat quantification on MRI and
      pathologic fat (pathologic fat = 1.978 * MR fat -6.393, p < 0.001, R 2 = 0.777).
      Univariate analysis showed that <=8% fat on MRI (p = 0.040), <=5% pathologic fat
      (p = 0.002), ADC <= 1.3 * 10-3 mm2/s (p = 0.020), thicker pancreas (p = 0.007),
      and wider cross-sectional area of the pancreas (p = 0.013) were significantly
      associated with clinically relevant POPF after DP. Multivariate analysis revealed
      that pancreas thickness >17.6 mm [odds ratio (OR) 6.532, p = 0.064] and cross
      sectional area >377 mm2 (OR 12.676, p = 0.052) were marginally related to
      clinically relevant POPF. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic thickness and cross-sectional
      area of the transected surface of the pancreas are marginally significant risk
      factors for POPF development after DP. Measuring pancreatic thickness and cross
      sectional area can be a promising tool for the preoperative prediction of POPF.

PMID- 28091746
TI  - [Improvement of vision through perceptual learning in the case of refractive
      errors and presbyopia : A critical valuation].
AB  - The idea of compensating or even rectifying refractive errors and presbyopia with
      the help of vision training is not new. For most approaches, however, scientific
      evidence is insufficient. A currently promoted method is "perceptual learning",
      which is assumed to improve stimulus processing in the brain. The basic phenomena
      of perceptual learning have been demonstrated by a multitude of studies. Some of
      these specifically address the case of refractive errors and presbyopia. However,
      many open questions remain, in particular with respect to the transfer of
      practice effects to every-day vision. At present, the method should therefore be
      judged with caution.

PMID- 28091745
TI  - Sealing with Cyanoacrylate and a Falciform Patch Cannot Prevent Postoperative
      Pancreatic Fistula.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a new combined method of
      covering the pancreatic anastomosis or stump with a cyanoacrylate and a falciform
      patch (CAFP) on the occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).
      METHODS: Patients undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or a distal
      pancreatectomy (DP) were recruited over a period of 12 months. The
      pancreaticojejunostomy in PD and the stump in DP were sealed with cyanoacrylate
      glue and wrapped in a falciform patch. Incidence and severity of POPF and
      associated postoperative complications were retrospectively compared with
      historical controls of 750 PD and 336 DP at the same institution and with current
      data from the literature. RESULTS: The new method was applied in 27 PD and 25 DP.
      The rate of clinically relevant POPF after PD with CAFP was 22.2% compared to
      14.4% in historical patients, p = 0.26. The rate of clinically relevant POPF
      after DP with CAFP was 36% compared to 30% in historical patients, p = 0.65.
      CONCLUSION: Sealing the pancreatic anastomosis or stump with a combination of a
      cyanoacrylate glue and a falciform patch didn't reduce the rate of POPF after
      major pancreatic resections.

PMID- 28091748
TI  - SAGES VTE prophylaxis for laparoscopic surgery guidelines: an update.

PMID- 28091749
TI  - Irrigation, lavage, colonic hydrotherapy: from beauty center to clinic?

PMID- 28091750
TI  - Ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity associated with endemic Tristaniopsis spp.
      (Myrtaceae) in ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary soils in New Caledonia.
AB  - New Caledonian serpentine (ultramafic) soils contain high levels of toxic heavy
      metals, in particular nickel, (up to 20 g kg-1) and are deficient in essential
      elements like carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus while having a high
      magnesium/calcium ratio. Although previous studies showed that ectomycorrhizal
      symbioses could play an important role in the adaptation of the endemic plants to
      ultramafic soils (FEMS Microbiol Ecol 72:238-49, 2010), none of them have
      compared the diversity of microbial communities from ultramafic vs non-ultramafic
      soils in New Caledonia. We explored the impact of edaphic characteristics on the
      diversity of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi associated with different endemic
      species of Tristaniopsis (Myrtaceae) growing under contrasting soil conditions in
      the natural ecosystems of New Caledonia. ECM root tips were thus sampled from two
      different ultramafic sites (Koniambo massif and Desmazures forest) vs two volcano
      sedimentary ones (Arama and Mont Ninndo). The molecular characterization of the
      ECM fungi through partial sequencing of the ITS rRNA gene revealed the presence
      of different dominant fungal genera including, both soil types combined,
      Cortinarius (36.1%), Pisolithus (18.5%), Russula (13.4%), Heliotales (8.2%) and
      Boletellus (7.2%). A high diversity of ECM taxa associated with Tristaniopsis
      species was found in both ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary soils but no
      significant differences in ECM genera distribution were observed between both
      soil types. No link could be established between the phylogenetic clustering of
      ECM taxa and their soil type origin, thus suggesting a possible functional-rather
      than taxonomical-adaptation of ECM fungal communities to ultramafic soils.

PMID- 28091751
TI  - Long-term treatment of Parkinson's disease with levodopa and other adjunctive
      drugs.
AB  - We report a long-term treatment of Parkinson's disease in out-patient clinics.
      The patients with Parkinson's disease were evaluated at the time of clinic visit
      from September 1st, 2015 to February 29th, 2016. Total number of the patients was
      498. The age at the evaluation was 69.9 +/- 9.3 years and the age of onset was
      60.2 +/- 11.3. Hoehn and Yahr severity was 3.28 +/- 0.94 in patients who were
      from 16 to 20 years (n = 53) and 3.00 +/- 0.86 in patients from 21 years or more
      (n = 38) from the onset of the disease to the evaluation. The dose of levodopa
      was 741 +/- 295 mg per day and the number of levodopa dosing was 5.85 +/- 2.59
      times in 16-20 years from the onset to the evaluation and 703 +/- 251 mg/day and
      6.03 +/- 3.20 times a day in 21 years or more from the onset to the evaluation.
      Levodopa was given in most cases into an empty stomach. The incidence of wearing
      off was 73.6% and dyskinesia was 37.7% in the 16-20 years group and 76.3% and
      55.3% in 21 years or more group, respectively. The patients who had 15 years or
      less from the onset to the evaluation had much milder severity of the disease.
      Hoehn and Yahr severity, the dose of levodopa, and the incidence of wearing off
      were about the same as in the literature. But the incidence of dyskinesia was
      much lower than those appeared in the literature. We discussed reasons why the
      incidence of dyskinesia was lower in our study.

PMID- 28091752
TI  - Management of secondary hyperparathyroidism: practice patterns and outcomes of
      cinacalcet treatment with or without active vitamin D in Austria and Switzerland 
      the observational TRANSIT Study.
AB  - Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a complex disorder requiring an individualized
      multicomponent treatment approach. This study was conducted to identify treatment
      combinations used in clinical practice in Austria and Switzerland and the
      potential to control this disorder. A total of 333 adult hemodialysis and
      peritoneal dialysis patients were analyzed. All patients received conventional
      care prior to initiation of a cinacalcet-based regimen. During the study,
      treatment components, e.g. cinacalcet, active vitamin D analogues and phosphate
      binders, were adapted to individual patient requirements and treatment dynamics
      were documented. Overall, the mean intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) increased
      from 64.2 pmol/l to 79.6 pmol/l under conventional therapy and decreased after
      cinacalcet initiation to 44.0 pmol/l after 12 months (mean decrease between
      baseline and 12 months -45%). Calcium remained within the normal range throughout
      the study and phosphorus ranged around the upper limit of normal. The Kidney
      Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) target achievement for iPTH increased
      from 44.5% of patients at baseline to 65.7% at 12 months, corrected calcium from
      58.9% to 51.9% and phosphorus from 18.4% to 24.4%. On average, approximately 30%
      of patients adapted their regimen from one observation period to the next. The
      reasons for changing a given regimen were to attain or maintain any of the bone
      mineral markers within recommended targets and to avoid developments to extreme
      values. Some regional differences in practice patterns were identified. No new
      safety signals emerged. In conclusion, cinacalcet appears to be a necessary
      treatment component to achieve recommended targets. The detailed composition of
      the treatment mix should be adapted to patient requirements and reassessed on a
      regular basis.

PMID- 28091753
TI  - VTST/MT studies of the catalytic mechanism of C-H activation by transition metal
      complexes with [Cu2(MU-O2)], [Fe2(MU-O2)] and Fe(IV)-O cores based on DFT
      potential energy surfaces.
AB  - High-valent Cu and Fe species, which are generated from dioxygen activation in
      metalloenzymes, carry out the functionalization of strong C-H bonds.
      Understanding the atomic details of the catalytic mechanism has long been one of
      the main objectives of bioinorganic chemistry. Large H/D kinetic isotope effects
      (KIEs) were observed in the C-H activation by high-valent non-heme Cu or Fe
      complexes in enzymes and their synthetic models. The H/D KIE depends
      significantly on the transition state properties, such as structure, energies,
      frequencies, and shape of the potential energy surface, when the tunneling effect
      is large. Therefore, theoretical predictions of kinetic parameters such as rate
      constants and KIEs can provide a reliable link between atomic-level quantum
      mechanical mechanisms and experiments. The accurate prediction of the tunneling
      effect is essential to reproduce the kinetic parameters. The rate constants and
      HD/KIE have been calculated using the variational transition-state theory
      including multidimensional tunneling based on DFT potential energy surfaces along
      the reaction coordinate. Excellent agreement was observed between the predicted
      and experimental results, which assures the validity of the DFT potential energy
      surfaces and, therefore, the proposed atomic-level mechanisms. The [Cu2(MU-O)2],
      [Fe2(MU-O)2], and Fe(IV)-oxo species were employed for C-H activation, and their
      role as catalysts was discussed at an atomic level.

PMID- 28091755
TI  - Reply to the letter to the editor "chronic disseminated candidiasis" by Kenneth
      Rolston.

PMID- 28091754
TI  - A new look at the role of thiolate ligation in cytochrome P450.
AB  - Protonated ferryl (or iron(IV)hydroxide) intermediates have been characterized in
      several thiolate-ligated heme proteins that are known to catalyze C-H bond
      activation. The basicity of the ferryl intermediates in these species has been
      proposed to play a critical role in facilitating this chemistry, allowing
      hydrogen abstraction at reduction potentials below those that would otherwise
      lead to oxidative degradation of the enzyme. In this contribution, we discuss the
      events that led to the assignment and characterization of the unusual
      iron(IV)hydroxide species, highlighting experiments that provided a quantitative
      measure of the ferryl basicity, the iron(IV)hydroxide pKa. We then turn to the
      importance of the iron(IV)hydroxide state, presenting a new way of looking at the
      role of thiolate ligation in these systems.

PMID- 28091756
TI  - [Recommendation on temperature management after cardiopulmonary arrest and severe
      traumatic brain injury in childhood beyond the neonatal period : Statement of the
      German Society for Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine (GNPI) and
      the scientific Working Group for Paediatric Anaesthesia (WAKKA) of the German
      Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (DGAI)].
AB  - The available data on the effectiveness of therapeutic hypothermia in different
      patient groups are heterogeneous. Although the benefits have been proven for some
      collectives, recommendations for the use of hypothermia treatment in other groups
      are based on less robust data and conclusions by analogy. This article gives a
      review of the current evidence of temperature management in all age groups and
      based on this state of knowledge, recommends active temperature management with
      the primary aim of strict normothermia (36-36.5  degrees C) for 72 hours after
      cardiopulmonary arrest or severe traumatic brain injury for children beyond the
      neonatal period.

PMID- 28091757
TI  - [Renal protection in intensive care : Myths and facts].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication in
      patients on the intensive care unit with a significant impact on patient
      mortality, morbidity and costs of care; therefore, renal protective therapy is
      most important in these severely ill patients. AIM OF THE REVIEW: Many renal
      protective strategies have been postulated during the last decades, which are
      sometimes still in place as a kind of "myth" but which are not always proven by
      evidence-based "facts". The aim of this review is therefore to question and
      compare some of these "myths" with the available "facts". RECENT FINDINGS: Most
      important for renal protection is the early identification of patients at risk
      for AKI or with acute kidney damage before renal function deteriorates further. A
      stage-based management of AKI comprises more general measures, such as
      discontinuation of nephrotoxic agents and adjustment of diuretic doses but most
      importantly early hemodynamic stabilization with crystalloid volume replacement
      solutions and vasopressors, such as noradrenaline. The aim is to ensure optimal
      renal perfusion and perfusion pressure. Patients with known arterial hypertension
      potentially need higher perfusion pressures. Large amounts of hyperchloremic
      solutions should be avoided. Volume overload and renal vasodilatory substances
      can also lead to further deterioration of kidney function. There is still no
      specific pharmacological therapy for renal protection.

PMID- 28091758
TI  - [Deaths from propofol abuse : Survey of institutes of forensic medicine in
      Germany, Austria and Switzerland].
AB  - Previous references suggesting a high mortality of propofol addiction in medical
      personnel were mostly based on surveys of the heads of medical departments or
      case reports; therefore, a questionnaire was sent to 48 forensic medicine
      departments in Germany, Austria and Switzerland concerning the number of
      autopsies carried out between 2002-2112 on medical personnel with the suspicion
      of abuse of propofol or other analgesics. The response rate was 67%. In 16 out of
      the 32 responding departments 39 deaths (27 males) were observed with previous
      connections to anesthesiology, intensive care or emergency departments of which
      22 were physicians, 13 nurses, 2 other personnel and 2 were unknown. Propofol was
      the major cause of death in 33 cases (85%), in 8 cases including 7 with propofol,
      an unintentional accident was recorded and 29 were determined to be suicide. In
      14 cases chronic abuse was denied but actually excluded by toxicological analysis
      in only 2 cases. In 11 cases involving suicide the question of abuse was not
      investigated. This survey confirmed previous data about the central role of
      propofol for the fatal outcome of addiction and suicide of anesthetists and other
      medical personnel. A dual prevention strategy with low-threshold offers for
      persons at risk and strategies for early detection is urgently needed including a
      stricter control of dispensing, improvement in forensic medical documentation and
      the use of toxicological investigations in every case of suspected abuse.

PMID- 28091759
TI  - To freeze or not to freeze: heating the debate but cooling the practice?

PMID- 28091760
TI  - Characteristics of green-blue fluorescence generated from the adaxial sides of
      leaves of tree species.
AB  - We discovered that some tree species have leaves whose adaxial sides show bright
      green-blue fluorescence upon exposure to ultraviolet irradiation. In total, 141
      native Japanese species belonging to 47 families were analyzed, and the
      brightness of the leaf fluorescence, represented by the L* values (Lab color
      space) of the pictures, was evaluated. The species possessing the brightest
      fluorescent leaves, with L* > 50, were Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, and
      Cleyera japonica of Theaceae, Osmanthus heterophyllus and Ligustrum japonicum of
      Oleaceae, Aucuba japonica of Garryaceae, and Trochodendron aralioides of
      Trochodendraceae. These species are propagated by pollination or seed dispersion
      by birds, except T. aralioides. The fluorescence was specifically observed in the
      cuticle tissues of the epidermal cells, indicating that the fluorescence is a
      signal to other organisms that can perceive the fluorescence under natural light.
      Species possessing the bright leaves represented 5% of the total species tested,
      while species possessing dark leaves, with L* <= 40, represented 88.6%. We deduce
      that the fluorescence enables the organisms to easily distinguish the minority
      species possessing bright leaves from the surrounding plants, which were mostly
      trees species with dark leaves. The structure of A. japonica var. borealis, in
      which dark leaves only surround its fruits while the rest of the tree is covered
      by bright leaves, may be useful to signal the presence of fruits to the
      organisms. We hypothesize that the fluorescence contributes to the propagation of
      the tree species by helping birds to distinguish these particular trees and/or
      locate the fruits.

PMID- 28091761
TI  - On the origins of endogenous thoughts.
AB  - Endogenous thoughts are thoughts that we activate in a top-down manner or in the
      absence of the appropriate stimuli. We use endogenous thoughts to plan or recall
      past events. In this sense, endogenous thinking is one of the hallmarks of our
      cognitive lives. In this paper, I investigate how it is that we come to possess
      endogenous control over our thoughts. Starting from the close relation between
      language and thinking, I look into speech production-a process motorically
      controlled by the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Interestingly, IFG is also
      closely related to silent talking, as well as volition. The connection between
      IFG and volition is important given that endogenous thoughts are or at least
      greatly resemble voluntary actions. Against this background, I argue that IFG is
      key to understanding the origins of conscious endogenous thoughts. Furthermore, I
      look into goal-directed thinking and show that IFG plays a key role also in
      unconscious endogenous thinking.

PMID- 28091762
TI  - Good jobs, good pay, better health? The effects of job quality on health among
      older European workers.
AB  - Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, this study
      presents new evidence on the effects of job quality on the occurrence of severe
      acute conditions, the level of cardiovascular risk factors, musculoskeletal
      disorders, mental health, functional disabilities and self-assessed health among
      workers aged 50+. By combining intrinsic job quality with job insecurity and pay
      the study maps out multiple potential pathways through which work may affect
      health and well-being. Levering longitudinal data and external information on
      early retirement ages allows for accounting of unobserved heterogeneity,
      selection bias and reverse causality. The empirical findings suggest that
      inequities in health correlate with inequities in job quality, though a
      substantial fraction of these associations reflect time-constant unobserved
      heterogeneity. Still, there is evidence for genuine protective effects of better
      jobs on musculoskeletal disorders, mental health and general health. The effect
      could contribute to a substantial number of avoidable disorders among older
      workers, despite relatively modest effect sizes at the level of individuals.
      Mental health, in particular, responds to changes in job quality. Selection bias
      such as the healthy worker effect does not alter the results. But the influence
      of job quality on health may be transitional among older workers. An in-depth
      analysis of health dynamics reveals no evidence for persistence.

PMID- 28091763
TI  - The Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the Causal Agent of Chagas Disease, in Texas
      Rodent Populations.
AB  - Rodent species were assessed as potential hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi, the
      etiologic agent of Chagas disease, from five sites throughout Texas in sylvan and
      disturbed habitats. A total of 592 rodents were captured, resulting in a wide
      taxonomic representation of 11 genera and 15 species. Heart samples of 543
      individuals were successfully analyzed by SybrGreen-based quantitative PCR (qPCR)
      targeting a 166 bp fragment of satellite DNA of T. cruzi. Eight rodents
      representing six species from six genera and two families were infected with T.
      cruzi. This is the first report of T. cruzi in the pygmy mouse (Baiomys taylori)
      and the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) for the USA. All infected
      rodents were from the southernmost site (Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area).
      No differences in pathogen prevalence existed between disturbed habitats (5 of
      131 tested; 3.8%) and sylvan habitats (3 of 40 tested; 7.5%). Most positives (n =
      6, 16% prevalence) were detected in late winter with single positives in both
      spring (3% prevalence) and fall (1% prevalence). Additionally, 30 Triatoma
      insects were collected opportunistically from sites in central Texas. Fifty
      percent of these insects, i.e., 13 T. gerstaeckeri (68%), and two T. lecticularia
      (100%) were positive for T. cruzi. Comparative sequence analyses of 18S rRNA of
      samples provided identical results with respect to detection of the presence or
      absence of T. cruzi and assigned T. cruzi from rodents collected in late winter
      to lineage TcI. T. cruzi from Triatoma sp. and rodents from subsequent
      collections in spring and fall were different, however, and could not be assigned
      to other lineages with certainty.

PMID- 28091765
TI  - ?

PMID- 28091764
TI  - Isolation of Campylobacter spp. from Three Species of Antarctic Penguins in
      Different Geographic Locations.
AB  - The presence of Campylobacter species was studied in three Antarctic penguin
      species, Adelie (Pygoscelis adeliae), chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarctica) and
      gentoo (Pygoscelis papua). A total of 390 penguins were captured in 12 different
      rookeries along the Antarctic Peninsula with differences in the amount of human
      visitation: six colonies were highly visited [Stranger Point, King George Island
      (P. papua and P. adeliae); Hannah Point, Livingston Island (P. papua and P.
      antarctica); Deception Island (P. antarctica); and Paradise Bay, Antarctic
      Peninsula (P. papua)], and six colonies were rarely visited [Devil's Point, Byers
      Peninsula, Livingston Island (P. papua); Cierva Cove, Antarctic Peninsula (P.
      papua); Ronge Island (P. papua and P. antarctica); Yalour Island (P. adeliae);
      and Avian Island (P. adeliae)]. A total of 23 strains were isolated from penguins
      from nine different rookeries. Campylobacter lari subsp. lari was isolated from
      eight samples (seven from P. papua and one from P. adeliae); C. lari subsp.
      concheus from 13 (ten from P. adeliae and three from P. antarctica) and C.
      volucris from two samples (both from P. papua). We did not find any significant
      differences in the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. between the populations in
      highly and rarely visited areas. This is the first report of C. lari subsp.
      concheus and C. volucris isolation from penguins in the Antarctic region.

PMID- 28091766
TI  - Pre-operative intra-articular deep tissue sampling with novel retrograde forceps
      improves the diagnostics in periprosthetic joint infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histopathological tissue analysis is a key parameter within the
      diagnostic algorithm for suspected periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs),
      conventionally acquired in open surgery. In 2014, Hugle and co-workers introduced
      novel retrograde forceps for retrograde synovial biopsy with simultaneous fluid
      aspiration of the knee joint. We hypothesised that tissue samples acquired by
      retrograde synovial biopsy are equal to intra-operatively acquired deep
      representative tissue samples regarding bacterial detection and differentiation
      of periprosthetic infectious membranes. METHOD: Thirty patients (male n = 15,
      50%; female n = 15, 50%) with 30 suspected PJIs in painful total hip
      arthroplasties (THAs) were included in this prospective, controlled, non-blinded
      trial. The results were compared with intra-operatively obtained representative
      deep tissue samples. RESULTS: In summary, 27 out of 30 patients were diagnosed
      correctly as infected (17/17) or non-infected (10/13). The sensitivity to predict
      a PJI using the Retroforce(r) sampling forceps in addition to standard
      diagnostics was 85%, the specificity 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde synovial
      biopsy is a new and rapid diagnostic procedure under local anaesthesia in
      patients with painful THAs with similar histological results compared to deep
      tissue sampling.

PMID- 28091767
TI  - Intramuscular myxoma: clinical and surgical observation notes on eleven cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intramuscular myxoma (IM) is a benign, soft tissue neoplasm of
      mesenchymal origin. We report our experience with this tumour. METHOD: This
      clinical study comprised 11 cases of IM that were operated on between March 2008
      and June 2016. Tumour location and size, results of pre-operative radiological
      studies, preop-erative biopsies, pathology examinations, applied surgical method
      and post-operative complications were reported for all patients. RESULTS: In
      total, nine patients with 11 IMs with a mean age of 60.0 years were assessed.
      Mean follow-up was 39.2 months. Tumours were located in the right thigh (5
      patients, 7 IM), left gluteal area (2 patients, 2 IM), right gluteal area (1 IM)
      and left thigh (1 IM) ranging from 2 * 1 cm to 10 * 17 cm Pre-operative
      radiological diagnoses were cystic lesion, abscess, bursitis, fibrosarcoma,
      fibroma, lipoma, malign mesenchymal tumour and IM. Pre-operative biopsy was
      performed for five cases. All tumours were removed via simple excision and were
      pathologically consistent with IM. No complication or recurrence was observed
      during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: IM is a relatively rare benign tumour,
      the pre-operative diagnosis of which using radiological and clinical methods is
      quite difficult, creating pre-operative diagnostic confusion. It is generally
      diagnosed by microscopic examination. Simple excision with a small margin of
      surrounding tissue is considered to be sufficient for its treatment.

PMID- 28091768
TI  - Total hip arthroplasty instability treatment without dual mobility cups: brief
      overview and experience of other options.
AB  - Dual mobility cups are getting increasing interest for the prevention, but also
      in the treatment of THA instability. Nevertheless when a dislocation occurs the
      main issue remains the knowledge and the correction of the causes of dislocation,
      including reorientation of the components and soft tissues treatment. There are
      several options of alternative implants to DMCs including upsizing of the head,
      and constrained liners. The Authors present how to evaluate patients with THA
      instability, the advantages and the disadvantages of each procedure and their
      experience in the treatment of cases without DMCs during a five years' time
      period.

PMID- 28091769
TI  - Bousquet dual mobility socket for patient under fifty years old. More than twenty
      year follow-up of one hundred and thirty one hips.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze dual mobility cup survival rate on
      young patients under 50 years old at more than 20 years of follow up. METHODS:
      One hundred thirty seven hips with a first generation of dual mobility Bousquet
      cup (Serf) were included. The mean age at the time of the surgery was 41 years
      and the mean follow-up was 21.9 years. RESULTS: Twenty year follow-up cup
      survival rate was 77%. No dislocation occurred, 44 hips were revised (including
      21 cup aseptic loosenings isolated, 15 Intra Prosthetic Dislocations), seven hips
      were lost to follow-up, 11 patients died, and 75 hips were still in situ.
      CONCLUSION: First generation dual mobility cup survival on young patient was
      comparable with literature results. The main complications, cup aseptic loosening
      and intra prosthetic dislocation, were wear-related. With improvements of the
      defects of first generation dual mobility, we might expect an even better
      survival rate with contemporary DM cups.

PMID- 28091770
TI  - Relevance of surgery in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Upper GI bleeding remains one of the most common emergencies with a
      substantial overall mortality rate of up to 30%. In severe ill patients, death
      does not occur due to failure of hemostasis, either medical or surgical, but
      mainly from comorbidities, treatment complications, and decreased tolerated blood
      loss. Management strategies have changed dramatically over the last two decades
      and include primarily endoscopic intervention in combination with acid
      suppressive therapy and decrease in surgical intervention. Herein, we present one
      of the largest patient-based analysis assessing clinical parameters and outcome
      in patients undergoing endoscopy with an upper GI bleeding. Data were further
      analyzed to identify potential new risk factors and to investigate the role of
      surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we aimed to analyze
      outcome of patients with an UGIB and data were analyzed to identify potential new
      risk factors and the role of surgery. Data collection included demographic data,
      laboratory results, endoscopy reports, and details of management including blood
      administration, and surgery was carried out. Patient events were grouped and
      defined as "overall" events and "operated," "non-operated," and "operated and
      death" as well as "non-operated and death" where appropriate. Blatchford,
      clinical as well as complete Rockall-score analysis, risk stratification, and
      disease-related mortality rate were calculated for each group for comparison.
      RESULTS: Overall, 253 patients were eligible for analysis: endoscopy was carried
      out in 96% of all patients, 17% needed surgical intervention after endoscopic
      failure of bleeding control due to persistent bleeding, and the remaining 4% of
      patients were subjected directly to surgery. The median length of stay to
      discharge was 26 days. Overall mortality was 22%; out of them, almost 5% were
      operated and died. Anticoagulation was associated with a high in-hospital
      mortality risk (23%) and was increased once patients were taken to surgery (43%).
      Patients taking steroids presented with a risk of death of 26%, once taken to
      surgery the risk increased to 80%. Patients with liver cirrhosis had a risk of
      death of 42%; we observed a better outcome for these patients once taken to
      theater. Clinically, once scored with Blatchford score, statistical correlation
      was found for initial need for blood transfusion and surgical intervention.
      Clinical as well as complete Rockall score revealed a correlation between need
      for blood transfusion as well as surgical intervention in addition with a
      decreased outcome with increasing Rockall scores. Risk factor analysis including
      comorbidity, drug administration, and anticoagulation therapy introduced the
      combination of tumor and non-steroidal antirheumatic medication as independent
      risk factors for increased disease-related mortality. CONCLUSION: UGIB remains
      challenging and endoscopy is the first choice of intervention. Care must be taken
      once a patient is taking antirheumatic non-steroidal pain medication and suffers
      from cancer. In patients with presence of liver cirrhosis, an earlier surgical
      intervention may be considered, in particular for patients with recurrent
      bleeding. Embolization is not widely available and carries the risk of necrosis
      of the affected organ and should be restricted to a subgroup of patients not
      primarily eligible for surgery once endoscopy has failed. Taken together, an
      interdisciplinary approach including gastroenterologists as well as surgeons
      should be used once the patient is admitted to the hospital to define the best
      treatment option.

PMID- 28091772
TI  - Transient expression of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) gene in
      cucurbit plants using viral vector.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To use a transient expression system to express a truncated human
      tissue plasminogen activator (K2S) gene in cucurbit plants. RESULTS: The
      recombinant tissue plasminogen activator protein (K2S form) was expressed in
      active form in cucurbit plants. Its molecular weight was 43 kDa. The plant
      derived rt-PA was determined using goat anti-rabbit antibody by western blotting.
      Among the infected lines, the highest expression of rt-PA was 62 ng/100 mg per
      leaf tissue as measured by ELISA. The enzymatic activity of the plant-derived rt
      PA was 0.8 IU/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The K25 form of rt-PA was expressed for the first
      time using the viral expression system. Plant-derived rt-PA showed similar
      potency to commercially-available PA.

PMID- 28091771
TI  - Localization of parathyroid adenomas using 11C-methionine pet after prior
      inconclusive imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is the recommended treatment
      in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) for which accurate preoperative
      localization is essential. The current imaging standard consists of cervical
      ultrasonography (cUS) and MIBI-SPECT/CT. 11C-MET PET/CT has a higher resolution
      than MIBI-SPECT/CT. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic
      performance of 11C-MET PET/CT after initial inconclusive or negative
      localization. METHODS: We performed a retrospective single center cohort study of
      patients with pHPT undergoing parathyroid surgery after prior negative imaging
      and later localization by means of 11C-MET PET/CT between 2006 and 2014.
      Preoperative localization by 11C-MET PET/CT was compared with later surgical
      localization, intraoperative quick PTH (IOPTH), duration of surgery,
      histopathology, and follow-up data. Also, differences in duration of surgery
      between the groups with and without correct preoperative localization were
      analyzed. RESULTS: In 18/28 included patients a positive 11C-MET-PET/CT result
      corresponded to the surgical localized adenoma (64%). In 3/28 patients imaging
      was false positive and no adenoma was found. In 7/28 patients imaging was false
      negative at the side of the surgically identified adenoma. Sensitivity of 11C-MET
      PET/CT was 72% (18/25). Duration of surgery of correctly localized patients was
      significantly shorter compared to falsely negative localized patients (p =
      0.045). CONCLUSION: In an intention to treat 11C-MET-PET/CT correctly localized
      the parathyroid adenoma in 18/28 (64%) patients, after previous negative imaging.
      A preoperatively correct localized adenoma leads to a more focused surgical
      approach (MIP) potentially reducing duration of surgery and potentially
      healthcare costs.

PMID- 28091773
TI  - The nervous system of airways and its remodeling in inflammatory lung diseases.
AB  - Inflammatory lung diseases are associated with bronchospasm, cough, dyspnea and
      airway hyperreactivity. The majority of these symptoms cannot be primarily
      explained by immune cell infiltration. Evidence has been provided that vagal
      efferent and afferent neurons play a pivotal role in this regard. Their functions
      can be altered by inflammatory mediators that induce long-lasting changes in
      vagal nerve activity and gene expression in both peripheral and central neurons,
      providing new targets for treatment of pulmonary inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 28091774
TI  - Development, remodeling and regeneration of the lung: coping with the structural
      and functional challenges of breathing.

PMID- 28091775
TI  - Developmental and sex-specific differences in expression of neuropeptides derived
      from allatotropin gene in the silkmoth Bombyx mori.
AB  - Allatotropin (AT) and related neuropeptides are widespread bioactive molecules
      that regulate development, food intake and muscle contractions in insects and
      other invertebrates. In moths, alternative splicing of the at gene generates
      three mRNA precursors encoding AT with different combinations of three
      structurally similar AT-like peptides (ATLI-III). We used in situ hybridization
      and immunohistochemistry to map the differential expression of these transcripts
      during the postembryonic development of Bombyx mori. Transcript encoding AT alone
      was expressed in numerous neurons of the central nervous system and frontal
      ganglion, whereas transcripts encoding AT with ATLs were produced by smaller
      specific subgroups of neurons in larval stages. Metamorphosis was associated with
      considerable developmental changes and sex-specific differences in the expression
      of all transcripts. The most notable was the appearance of AT/ATL transcripts (1)
      in the brain lateral neurosecretory cells producing prothoracicotropic hormone;
      (2) in the male-specific cluster of about 20 neurons in the posterior region of
      the terminal abdominal ganglion; (3) in the female-specific medial neurons in the
      abdominal ganglia AG2-7. Immunohistochemical staining showed that these neurons
      produced a mixture of various neuropeptides and innervated diverse peripheral
      organs. Our data suggest that AT/ATL neuropeptides are involved in multiple stage
      and sex-specific functions during the development of B. mori.

PMID- 28091776
TI  - Nasal masks or binasal prongs for delivering continuous positive airway pressure
      in preterm neonates-a randomised trial.
AB  - : The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of
      continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delivered using nasal masks with
      binasal prongs. We randomly allocated 72 neonates between 26 and 32 weeks
      gestation to receive bubble CPAP by either nasal mask (n = 37) or short binasal
      prongs (n = 35). Primary outcome was mean FiO2 requirement at 6, 12 and 24 h of
      CPAP initiation and the area under curve (AUC) of FiO2 against time during the
      first 24 h (FiO2 AUC0-24). Secondary outcomes were the incidence of CPAP failure
      and nasal trauma. FiO2 requirement at 6, 12 and 24 h (mean (SD); 25 (5.8) vs.
      27.9 (8); 23.8 (4.5) vs. 25.4 (6.8) and 22.6 (6.8) vs. 22.7 (3.3)) as well as
      FiO2 AUC0-24 (584.0 (117.8) vs. 610.6 (123.6)) were similar between the groups.
      There was no difference in the incidence of CPAP failure (14 vs. 20%; relative
      risk 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.24-1.93). Incidence of severe nasal trauma
      was lower with the use of nasal masks (0 vs. 31%; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal
      masks appear to be as efficacious as binasal prongs in providing CPAP. Masks are
      associated with lower risk of severe nasal trauma. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      CTRI2012/08/002868 What is Known? * Binasal prongs are better than single nasal
      and nasopharyngeal prongs for delivering continuous positive airway pressure
      (CPAP) in preventing need for re-intubation. * It is unclear if they are superior
      to newer generation nasal masks in preterm neonates requiring CPAP. What is New?
      * Oxygen requirement during the first 24 h of CPAP delivery is comparable with
      use of nasal masks and binasal prongs. * Use of nasal masks is, however,
      associated with significantly lower risk of severe grades of nasal injury.

PMID- 28091777
TI  - Ultrasonography for endotracheal tube position in infants and children.
AB  - : Ultrasonography (US) has been shown to be effective for verifying endotracheal
      tube (ETT) position in adults but has been less studied in infants and children.
      We review the literature regarding US for ETT positioning in the pediatric
      population. A literature search was conducted using the Ovid and MEDLINE
      databases with search terms regarding US relating to ETT intubation and
      positioning in infants and children. Most studies in neonates and infants used
      the midsagittal suprasternal view. Studies reported >80% visualization of the ETT
      tip by US, and US interpretation of the ETT position correlated with the XR
      position in 73-100% of cases. Studies of older children used the suprasternal
      views, substernal views, and mid-axillary intercostal views. US appears
      comparable to XR and capnography in determining ETT position in this population.
      CONCLUSION: US for ETT verification appears to be well tolerated in infants and
      children and may augment determination of proper ETT position in combination with
      other ETT verification modalities. Further studies are needed regarding technique
      and training. What is Known: * Point-of-care ultrasonography is realizing
      increased availability and use in several pediatric specialties. *
      Ultrasonography has been shown to be effective for verifying ETT position in
      adults but have been less studied in infants and children. What is New: *
      Ultrasonography for endotracheal tube verification appears to be well tolerated
      in infants and children. * Ultrasonography may augment determination of proper
      endotracheal tube position in combination with other verification modalities such
      as radiography and capnography in the pediatric population.

PMID- 28091778
TI  - Hospital-based surveillance of congenital rubella syndrome in Indonesia.
AB  - : Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) has serious consequences, such as
      miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe birth defects in infants, resulting from
      rubella virus infection during pregnancy. However, rubella vaccine has not yet
      been implemented in Indonesia. This study aimed (1) to estimate the incidence of
      CRS in Indonesia, (2) describe the clinical features of CRS at our referral
      hospital, and (3) pilot a CRS surveillance system to be extended to other
      hospitals. We conducted a 4-month prospective surveillance study of infants aged
      <1 year with suspected CRS in 2013 at an Indonesian hospital. Infants with
      suspected CRS were examined for rubella-specific IgM antibody or rubella IgG
      antibody levels. Of 47 suspected cases of CRS, 11/47 (23.4%), 9/47 (19.1%), and
      27/47 (57.5%) were diagnosed as laboratory-confirmed, clinically compatible, and
      discarded CRS, respectively. The most common defects among laboratory-confirmed
      CRS cases were hearing impairment (100%), congenital cataracts (72.7%),
      microcephaly (72.7%), and congenital heart defects (45.5%). CONCLUSION: The
      number of laboratory-confirmed CRS cases among Indonesian infants is high.
      Furthermore, hearing impairment is the most common clinical feature of CRS in
      infants. Our findings indicate the importance of implementation of rubella
      vaccine in Indonesia. Conducting hospital-based surveillance of CRS in other
      hospitals in Indonesia may be appropriate. What is Known: *Congenital rubella
      syndrome (CRS) has serious consequences in infants resulting from rubella virus
      infection during pregnancy. *The incidence of CRS in most developed countries has
      greatly decreased since implementation of rubella vaccination. *Rubella vaccine
      has not yet been implemented in many developing countries. What is New: *The
      number of laboratory-confirmed CRS cases among Indonesian infants was high.
      *Implementation of rubella vaccine into immunization programs in Indonesia is
      important because of the high number of CRS cases. *Our study highlights the need
      for ongoing prospective surveillance of CRS in Indonesia.

PMID- 28091779
TI  - Early and late outcomes after surgical management of congenital vascular rings.
AB  - : Persistent respiratory or feeding problems in children may be associated with a
      congenital vascular ring. Surgical management is fairly standardized, but long
      term outcomes are not well described. This study aims to investigate clinical
      presentation, surgical treatment, and risk factors for early mortality and late
      outcome. Our database revealed 62 surgically treated vascular ring patients
      between 1993 and 2014. Double aortic arch was the most common diagnosis (53%).
      Median age at operation was 1 year. Symptoms were mainly respiratory (89%) and
      feeding problems (32%). Median extubation time and hospital stay were 4 h and 5
      days. Mean follow-up was 7.8 +/- 5.8 years. Early mortality was 8% and was
      related to anatomical diagnosis, concomitant anomalies, and a need for
      preoperative intubation. Freedom from residual symptoms at 1 and 6 months was 63
      and 82%, respectively. Freedom from inhalation therapy at the last follow-up was
      82% and was influenced by a type of vascular ring and preoperative ventilation.
      Dysphagia symptoms always disappeared. CONCLUSION: Surgical relief of
      tracheoesophageal compression is commonly effective in vascular ring anomalies.
      Respiratory symptoms necessitating chronic inhalation therapy only persist in a
      minority of children. Patients with double aortic arch are at increased risk to
      remain symptomatic, particularly with infectious exacerbations.

PMID- 28091780
TI  - Letter in response to letter: intraocular use of acid violet 17 at a
      concentration of 1.5 mg/ml is not safe : By Professor Heinrich Gerding,
      Department of Ophthalmology, Pallas Kliniken.

PMID- 28091781
TI  - A semifluorinated alkane (F4H5) as novel carrier for cyclosporine A: a promising
      therapeutic and prophylactic option for topical treatment of dry eye.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cyclosporine A (Cs) has been used as effective topical therapy for
      inflammatory dry eye disease since more than a decade. However, due to its
      lipophilic character, Cs is formulated as emulsions or oily solutions for topical
      application. This experimental study aimed to test if the use of semifluorinated
      alkanes (SFAs) as a preservative-free, well-tolerated non-stinging or burning
      vehicle maintains or even improves the benefits of Cs in the topical therapy of
      dry-eye disease. METHODS: Desiccating stress was applied to C57BL/6 mice for 14
      consecutive days to induce experimental dry-eye. Cs dissolved in SFA
      (perfluorobutylpentane = F4H5with 0.5% Ethanol), F4H5 with 0.5% ethanol only,
      0.05% Cs (Restasis(r)), and dexamethasone (Monodex(r)) were applied three times
      daily beginning either at day 4 or day 11 of desiccating stress for up to 3 weeks
      after end of dry-eye induction. RESULTS: In comparison to other groups, Cs/F4H5
      demonstrated high efficacy and earlier reduction of corneal staining. In this
      study, Cs/F4H5 had the ability to maintain conjunctival goblet cell density once
      applied on day 4. Flow cytometry analysis from cervical lymphnodes demonstrated a
      significantly lower CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in the Cs/F4H5 group following 3 weeks
      of therapy than at baseline, but no difference in regulatory T cells from
      regional lymphnodes were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, compared to a commercially
      available Cs formulation (Restasis(r)) and dexamethasone, Cs/F4H5 was shown to be
      equally effective but with a significantly faster therapeutic response in
      reducing signs of dry-eye disease in an experimental mouse model.

PMID- 28091782
TI  - Adaptation, perceptual learning, and plasticity of brain functions.
AB  - The capacity for functional restitution after brain damage is quite different in
      the sensory and motor systems. This series of presentations highlights the
      potential for adaptation, plasticity, and perceptual learning from an
      interdisciplinary perspective. The chances for restitution in the primary visual
      cortex are limited. Some patterns of visual field loss and recovery after stroke
      are common, whereas others are impossible, which can be explained by the
      arrangement and plasticity of the cortical map. On the other hand, compensatory
      mechanisms are effective, can occur spontaneously, and can be enhanced by
      training. In contrast to the human visual system, the motor system is highly
      flexible. This is based on special relationships between perception and action
      and between cognition and action. In addition, the healthy adult brain can learn
      new functions, e.g. increasing resolution above the retinal one. The significance
      of these studies for rehabilitation after brain damage will be discussed.

PMID- 28091783
TI  - Lifetime-Based Oxygen Sensing Properties of palladium(II) and platinum(II) meso
      tetrakis(4-phenylethynyl)phenylporphyrin.
AB  - High oxygen permeable [poly(TMSP)] nanofibers incorporating porphyrin macrocycle
      as luminescence indicators were prepared by electrospinning technique. The
      porphyrins involves were modified by i) introducing phenylacetylide substituents
      on the para position of the phenyl moieties and ii) varying the metal centers
      [Pt(II) or Pd(II)] of the meso-tetrakisphenylporphyrins. A set of nanofibers; (Pt
      TPP)NF, (Pd-TPP)NF, (Pt-TPA)NF and (Pd-TPA)NF were obtained to study their
      structure-activity relationship toward oxygen. The lifetime-based technique was
      privileged to take advantage of their long-lived phosphorescent properties. A two
      fold enhancement was observed for (Pt-TPA)NF and (Pd-TPA)NF compared to (Pt
      TPP)NF and (Pd-TPP)NF demonstrating the positive effect of the phenylacetylide
      moieties on the lifetime. Also, Silver nanoparticles were included in nanofibers
      to investigate their influence on lifetime-based oxygen sensitivity, showing that
      the presence of AgNPs only affects (Pd-TPA)NF.

PMID- 28091785
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28091784
TI  - Recognition of D-Penicillamine Using Schiff Base Centered Fluorescent Organic
      Nanoparticles and Application to Medicine Analysis.
AB  - Schiff base centered fluorescent organic compound 1,1'-[(1E,2E)-hydrazine-1,2
      diylidenedi(E)methylylidene]- dinaphthalen-2-ol (HN) was synthesized followed by
      spectral characterization viz., NMR, IR and Mass spectroscopy. The fluorescent
      nanoparticles of HN prepared using reprecipitation method shows red shifted
      aggregation induced enhanced emission (AIEE) with respect to HN solution in
      acetone. The average particle size of nanoparticles (HNNPs) is of 67.2 nm shows
      sphere shape morphology. The surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)
      used to stabilize HNNPs induces positive charge surface with zeta potential of
      11.6 mV. The positive charge of HNNPs responsible to adsorb oppositely charged
      analyte on its surface with binding interactions. The fluorescence experiments
      performed with and without addition of different analytes to the aqueous
      suspension of HNNPs shows selective fluorescence quenching of HNNPs by D
      Penicillamine (D-PA). The effect of other coexisting analytes does not affect the
      selective sensing behavior of D-PA. The mechanism of binding between HNNPs and D
      PA was discussed on the basis of electrostatic interaction and adsorption
      phenomenon. The results interpreted by using DLS-Zeta sizer, Fluorescence
      lifetime measurements, conductometric titration supports the electrostatic
      adsorption between HNNPs and D-PA. The method has extremely low limit of
      detection (LOD) value 0.021 ppm is of significant as compared to reported
      methods. The proposed fluorescence quenching method was effectively used for
      quantitative estimation of D-PA from pharmaceutical medicine. Graphical Abstract
      The fluorescence quenching based selective recognition of D-Penicillamine (D-PA)
      by using Schiff base centered fluorescent organic nanoparticles was developed and
      successfully applied to quantitative determination of D-PA from pharmaceutical
      samples viz. capsule and tablet.

PMID- 28091787
TI  - Production of water-soluble yellow pigments via high glucose stress fermentation
      of Monascus ruber CGMCC 10910.
AB  - Monascus pigments are secondary metabolites of Monascus species and are mainly
      composed of yellow pigments, orange pigments and red pigments. In this study, a
      larger proportion of Monascus yellow pigments could be obtained through the
      selection of the carbon source. Hydrophilic yellow pigments can be largely
      produced extracellularly by Monascus ruber CGMCC 10910 under conditions of high
      glucose fermentation with low oxidoreduction potential (ORP). However, keeping
      high glucose levels later in the culture causes translation or a reduction of
      yellow pigment. We presume that the mechanism behind this phenomenon may be
      attributed to the redox level of the culture broth and the high glucose stress
      reaction of M. ruber CGMCC 10910 during high glucose fermentation. These yellow
      pigments were produced via high glucose bio-fermentation without citrinin.
      Therefore, these pigments can act as natural pigments for applications as food
      additives.

PMID- 28091786
TI  - A new look at the drug-resistance investigation of uropathogenic E. coli strains.
AB  - Bacterial drug resistance and uropathogenic tract infections are among the most
      important issues of current medicine. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains are
      the primary factor of this issue. This article is the continuation of the
      previous study, where we used Kohonen relations to predict the direction of drug
      resistance. The characterized collection of uropathogenic E. coli strains was
      used for microbiological (the disc diffusion method for antimicrobial
      susceptibility testing), chemical (ATR/FT-IR) and mathematical (artificial neural
      networks, Ward's hierarchical clustering method, the analysis of distributions of
      inhibition zone diameters for antibiotics, Cohen's kappa measure of agreement)
      analysis. This study presents other potential tools for the epidemiological
      differentiation of E. coli strains. It is noteworthy that ATR/FT-IR technique has
      turned out to be useful for the quick and simple identification of MDR strains.
      Also, diameter zones of resistance of this E. coli population were compared to
      the population of E. coli strains published by EUCAST. We observed the bacterial
      behaviors toward particular antibiotics in comparison to EUCAST bacterial
      collections. Additionally, we used Cohen's kappa to show which antibiotics from
      the same class are closely related to each other and which are not. The presented
      associations between antibiotics may be helpful in selecting the proper therapy
      directions. Here we present an adaptation of interdisciplinary studies of drug
      resistance of E. coli strains for epidemiological and clinical investigations.
      The obtained results may be some indication in deciding on antibiotic therapy.

PMID- 28091788
TI  - New insights into the role of pH and aeration in the bacterial production of
      calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
AB  - Over recent years, the implementation of microbially produced calcium carbonate
      (CaCO3) in different industrial and environmental applications has become an
      alternative for conventional approaches to induce CaCO3 precipitation. However,
      there are many factors affecting the biomineralization of CaCO3, which may
      restrict its application. In this study, we investigated the effects of pH and
      aeration as the main two influential parameters on bacterial precipitation of
      CaCO3. The results showed that the aeration had a significant effect on bacterial
      growth and its rise from 0.5 to 4.5 SLPM could produce 4.2 times higher CaCO3
      precipitation. The increase of pH to 12 resulted in 6.3-fold increase in CaCO3
      precipitation as compared to uncontrolled-pH fermentation. Morphological
      characterization showed that the pH is an effective parameter on CaCO3
      morphology. Calcite was found to be the predominant precipitate during aeration
      controlled fermentations, while vaterite was mainly produced at lower pH (up to
      10) over controlled-pH fermentations. Further increase in pH resulted in a
      morphological transition, and vaterite transformed to calcite at the pH ranges
      between 10 and 12.

PMID- 28091789
TI  - Comparative investigation on a hexane-degrading strain with different cell
      surface hydrophobicities mediated by starch and chitosan.
AB  - Bioremediation usually exhibits low removal efficiency toward hexane because of
      poor water solubility, which limits the mass transfer rate between the substrate
      and microorganism. This work aimed to enhance the hexane degradation rate by
      increasing cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) of the degrader, Pseudomonas
      mendocina NX-1. The CSH of P. mendocina NX-1 was manipulated by treatment with
      starch and chitosan solution of varied concentrations, reaching a maximum
      hydrophobicity of 52%. The biodegradation of hexane conformed to the Haldane
      inhibition model, and the maximum degradation rate (nu max) of the cells with 52%
      CSH was 0.72 mg (mg cell)-1.h-1 in comparison with 0.47 mg (mg cell)-1.h-1 for
      cells with 15% CSH. The production of CO2 by high CSH cells was threefold higher
      than that by cells at 15% CSH within 30 h, and the cumulative rates of O2
      consumption were 0.16 and 0.05 mL/h, respectively. High CSH was related to low
      negative charge carried by the cell surface and probably reduced the repulsive
      electrostatic interactions between hexane and microorganisms. The FT-IR spectra
      of cell envelopes demonstrated that the methyl chain was inversely proportional
      to increasing CSH values, but proteins exhibited a positive effect to CSH
      enhancement. The ratio of extracellular proteins and polysaccharides increased
      from 0.87 to 3.78 when the cells were treated with starch and chitosan,
      indicating their possible roles in increased CSH.

PMID- 28091790
TI  - Chemically modified surface functional groups of Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ-1 to
      enhance its demulsifying capability.
AB  - Cell-surface functional groups (amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, as well as phosphate)
      were chemically modified in various ways to enhance the demulsification
      capability of the demulsifying bacteria Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ-1. Results
      demonstrated that the demulsifying activity was significantly inhibited by amino
      enrichment with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, amino methylation, hydroxyl
      acetylation, and phosphate esterification, but was gradually promoted by carboxyl
      blocking with increasing the extents of esterification. Compared with the raw
      biomass, an optimal esterification of carboxyl moieties enhanced the
      demulsification ratio by 26.5% and shortened the emulsion half-life from 24 to
      8.8 h. The demulsification boost was found to be dominated by strengthened
      hydrophobicity (from 53 degrees  to 74 degrees ) and weakened electronegativity
      (from -34.6 to -4.3 mV at pH 7.0) of the cell surface, allowing the rapid
      dispersion and adsorption of cells onto the oil-water interface. The chemical
      modification of the functional groups on the biomass surface is a promising tool
      for the creation of a high-performance bacterial demulsifier.

PMID- 28091791
TI  - A novel scalable, robust downstream process for oncolytic rat parvovirus:
      isoelectric point-based elimination of empty particles.
AB  - The rodent protoparvovirus H-1PV, with its oncolytic and oncosuppressive
      properties, is a promising anticancer agent currently under testing in clinical
      trials. This explains the current demand for a scalable, good manufacturing
      practice-compatible virus purification process yielding high-grade pure
      infectious particles and overcoming the limitations of the current system based
      on density gradient centrifugation. We describe here a scalable process offering
      high purity and recovery. Taking advantage of the isoelectric point difference
      between full and empty particles, it eliminates most empty particles. Full
      particles have a significantly higher cationic charge than empty ones, with an
      isoelectric point of 5.8-6.2 versus 6.3 (as determined by isoelectric focusing
      and chromatofocusing). Thanks to this difference, infectious full particles can
      be separated from empty particles and most protein impurities by Convective
      interaction media(r) diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) anion exchange chromatography:
      applying unpurified H-1PV to the column in 0.15 M NaCl leaves, the former on the
      column and the latter in the flow through. The full particles are then recovered
      by elution with 0.25 M NaCl. The whole large-scale purification process involves
      filtration, single-step DEAE anion exchange chromatography, buffer exchange by
      cross-flow filtration, and final formulation in Visipaque/Ringer solution. It
      results in 98% contaminating protein removal and 96% empty particle elimination.
      The final infectious particle concentration reaches 3.5E10 plaque forming units
      (PFU)/ml, with a specific activity of 6.8E11 PFU/mg protein. Overall recovery is
      over 40%. The newly established method is suitable for use in commercial
      production.

PMID- 28091792
TI  - Restoration using Azolla imbricata increases nitrogen functional bacterial groups
      and genes in soil.
AB  - Microbial groups are major factors that influence soil function. Currently, there
      is a lack of studies on microbial functional groups. Although soil microorganisms
      play an important role in the nitrogen cycle, systematic studies of the effects
      of environmental factors on microbial populations in relation to key metabolic
      processes in the nitrogen cycle are seldom reported. In this study, we conducted
      a systematic analysis of the changes in nitrogen functional groups in mandarin
      orange garden soil treated with Azolla imbricata. The structures of the major
      functional bacterial groups and the functional gene abundances involved in key
      processes of the soil nitrogen cycle were analyzed using high-throughput
      sequencing (HTS) and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. The results
      indicated that returning A. imbricata had an important influence on the
      composition of soil nitrogen functional bacterial communities. Treatment with A.
      imbricata increased the diversity of the nitrogen functional bacteria. The
      abundances of nitrogen functional genes were significantly higher in the treated
      soil compared with the control soil. Both the diversity of the major nitrogen
      functional bacteria (nifH bacteria, nirK bacteria, and narG bacteria) and the
      abundances of nitrogen functional genes in the soil showed significant positive
      correlations with the soil pH, the organic carbon content, available nitrogen,
      available phosphorus, and NH4+-N and NO3--N contents. Treatment with 12.5 kg
      fresh A. imbricata per mandarin orange tree was effective to improve the quality
      of the mandarin orange garden soil. This study analyzed the mechanism of the
      changes in functional bacterial groups and genes involved in key metabolic
      processes of the nitrogen cycle in soil treated by A. imbricata.

PMID- 28091793
TI  - Attenuation-based kV pair selection in dual source dual energy computed
      tomography angiography of the chest: impact on radiation dose and image quality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of attenuation
      based kilovoltage (kV) pair selection in dual source dual energy (DSDE)-pulmonary
      embolism (PE) protocol examinations on radiation dose savings and image quality.
      METHODS: A prospective study was carried out on 118 patients with suspected PE.
      In patients in whom attenuation-based kV pair selection selected the 80/140Sn kV
      pair, the pre-scan 100/140Sn CTDIvol (computed tomography dose index volume)
      values were compared with the pre-scan 80/140Sn CTDIvol values. Subjective and
      objective image quality parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Attenuation-based kV
      pair selection switched to the 80/140Sn kV pair ("switched" cohort) in 63 out of
      118 patients (53%). The mean 100/140Sn pre-scan CTDIvol was 8.8 mGy, while the
      mean 80/140Sn pre-scan CTDIvol was 7.5 mGy. The average estimated dose reduction
      for the "switched" cohort was 1.3 mGy (95% CI 1.2, 1.4; p < 0.001), representing
      a 15% reduction in dose. After adjusting for patient weight, mean attenuation was
      significantly higher in the "switched" vs. "non-switched" cohorts in all five
      pulmonary arteries and in all lobes on iodine maps. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrates that attenuation-based kV pair selection in DSDE examination is
      feasible and can offer radiation dose reduction without compromising image
      quality. KEY POINTS: * Attenuation-based kV pair selection in dual energy
      examination is feasible. * It can offer radiation dose reduction to approximately
      50% of patients. * Approximate 15% reduction in radiation dose was achieved using
      this technique. * The image quality is not compromised by use of attenuation
      based kV pair selection.

PMID- 28091794
TI  - The impact of liver disorders on perioperative management of reoperative cardiac
      surgery: a retrospective study in adult congenital heart disease patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the preoperative prevalence of risk factors for liver
      disorders and the relationship between the liver disorders and perioperative
      outcomes in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients. METHODS: This
      retrospective study included 32 ACHD patients who underwent reoperative cardiac
      surgery. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 38% of the study patients had risk factors,
      including congestive liver (CL) due to right heart failure (31%), chronic
      hepatitis C (HC) (22%), and both CL and HC (16%). The numbers of patients with
      Child-Pugh scores 5, 6, 7 and 8 were 22, 7, 2 and 1. Median (range) preoperative
      platelet count and fibrinogen values were 155 (61-330) * 103/MUl and 250 (145
      367) mg/dl, respectively. The patients with higher Child-Pugh scores tended to
      have longer duration of anesthesia and surgery (p = 0.078, 0.078, respectively),
      and had significantly higher platelet transfusion (p = 0.031). Lower platelet
      count was associated with longer duration of anesthesia, surgery and cardio
      pulmonary bypass (CPB), and larger amount of blood loss and platelet transfusion
      (p = 0.01, 0.011, 0.024, 0.033, 0.021). Lower fibrinogen value was associated
      with longer duration of anesthesia, surgery and CPB, and larger amount of
      platelet transfusion (p = 0.015, 0.009, 0.009, 0.023). CONCLUSION: ACHD patients
      who underwent reoperative cardiac surgery had a high prevalence of risk factors
      for liver disorders preoperatively, and liver disorders aggravated some
      intraoperative outcomes. These findings suggest that the prevention of liver
      disorders is important for reducing the occurrence of poor outcomes, and that
      ACHD patients with liver disorders need attentive perioperative management.

PMID- 28091795
TI  - Mood Spectrum Disorders and Perception of Pain.
AB  - : Evaluation of pain perception in chronic pain patients with a concomitant mood
      spectrum disorder. DESIGN: The observational retrospective study is based on
      patient data collected in psychosomatic consultations held at the Gift Institute
      for Integrative Medicine in Pisa, Italy, from 2002 to 2014. Evoked pain stimulus
      threshold and tolerance were evaluated using the cold pressor test. Clinical pain
      intensity and Sensorial, Affective, and Evaluative dimensions were assessed using
      the Italian Pain Questionnaire, and Anxiety and Depressive symptoms using the
      Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. Mood-spectrum disorders were diagnosed via the
      Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and affective temperament in
      accordance with Akiskal and Pinto's criteria (1999). Of a total of 627 chronic
      pain clinic patients, 381 were diagnosed with a concomitant mood-spectrum (MS)
      disorder, unipolar (US) in 61.41%. Pain threshold (t = 2.28; p < 0.05) was lower,
      and all clinical pain dimensions (t = 2.28; p < 0.05) increased, in MS patients
      compared to those without psychiatric disorders. Pain intensity (F = 3.5, p <
      0.05) and cognitive pain component scores (F = 7.84; p < 0.0001) were higher in
      US and, to a lesser extent Bipolar Spectrum, than in subjects with other (n.112)
      or no psychiatric disorders (n. 134). Suicide ideation was highest in US (F =
      37.20; p < 0.0001), although in BS major depressive episodes had more melancholic
      features (F = 46.73; P < 0.0001), and a longer history of psychiatric disorders
      before the pain onset than US (F = 20.31; p < 0.0001). Pain management should
      take into account pre-existing psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 28091797
TI  - Mass spectrometric identification of phenol-soluble modulins in the ATCC(r) 43300
      standard strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus harboring two
      distinct phenotypes.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus Rosenbach (ATCC(r) 43300TM) is a
      representative methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain that is used as a
      quality control strain for testing the methicillin susceptibility of clinical
      isolates. It has been consistently observed that colonies with two different
      colors (golden yellow and white) grow from the ATCC stock on blood agar plates.
      In this study, staphylococcal peptide and protein profiling was performed using
      matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass
      spectrometry. From the extract of the potentially hemolytic 43300 strain, we
      identified a single significant peak at an observed mass-to-charge (m/z) value of
      2306.9, which correlates well with the predicted mass of formylated phenol
      soluble modulin alpha2, a major staphylococcal virulence factor. Subsequent
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed that
      the hemolytic 43300 cells predominantly produced various phenol-soluble modulins
      (PSMs) and their export proteins, including four alpha type PSM peptides,
      PSMbeta1, PSM-mec, PmtC and PmtD. However, none of the PSM peptides was detected
      in the presumably non-hemolytic 43300 strain, but the export proteins PmtC and
      PmtD. We found that this MRSA standard strain expresses two distinct phenotypes
      and that their phenotypic features are more likely associated with PSM toxin
      production. Therefore, careful attention is needed when MRSA reference strains
      are utilized for the diagnosis and susceptibility testing of MRSA in clinical
      settings.

PMID- 28091796
TI  - Preferences for Smoking Cessation Support from Family and Friends Among Adults
      with Serious Mental Illness.
AB  - Engaging natural supports may be a promising strategy to promote the use of
      evidence-based smoking cessation treatment for individuals with serious mental
      illness (SMI) who smoke. This qualitative study explored preferences for support
      for quitting from family and friends among individuals with SMI who participated
      in cessation treatment. Participants were 41 individuals with SMI enrolled in a
      Medicaid Demonstration Project of smoking cessation at community mental health
      centers. Open-ended questions asked during a social network interview explored
      participants' preferences for more support for quitting smoking from family and
      friends. The qualitative data was coded and common themes were identified across
      the dataset. Three primary preferences emerged for smoking cessation support from
      family members and friends: 1) more practical support for quitting (e.g.,
      financial help with purchasing cessation medications); 2) more emotional support
      for quitting (e.g., encouraging progress toward quitting); and 3) changing their
      own smoking behaviors in the presence of participants (e.g., don't smoke around
      them or offer them cigarettes). Individuals with SMI who participated in smoking
      cessation treatment at community mental health centers indicated several ways
      that family members and friends could support their efforts to quit smoking.
      Understanding how people with SMI want support from family and friends to quit
      smoking will inform strategies to leverage these natural resources to promote the
      use of evidence-based smoking cessation treatment and support smoking abstinence
      for this population.

PMID- 28091798
TI  - Intake of up to 3 Eggs/Day Increases HDL Cholesterol and Plasma Choline While
      Plasma Trimethylamine-N-oxide is Unchanged in a Healthy Population.
AB  - Eggs are a source of cholesterol and choline and may impact plasma lipids and
      trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) concentrations, which are biomarkers for
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Therefore, the effects of increasing egg
      intake (0, 1, 2, and 3 eggs/day) on these and other CVD risk biomarkers were
      evaluated in a young, healthy population. Thirty-eight subjects [19 men/19 women,
      24.1 +/- 2.2 years, body mass index (BMI) 24.3 +/- 2.5 kg/m2] participated in
      this 14-week crossover intervention. Participants underwent a 2-week washout with
      no egg consumption, followed by intake of 1, 2, and 3 eggs/day for 4 weeks each.
      Anthropometric data, blood pressure (BP), dietary records, and plasma biomarkers
      (lipids, glucose, choline, and TMAO) were measured during each intervention
      phase. BMI, waist circumference, systolic BP, plasma glucose, and plasma
      triacylglycerol did not change throughout the intervention. Diastolic BP
      decreased with egg intake (P < 0.05). Compared to 0 eggs/day, intake of 1 egg/day
      increased HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) (P < 0.05), and decreased LDL cholesterol (LDL
      c) (P < 0.05) and the LDL-c/HDL-c ratio (P < 0.01). With intake of 2-3 eggs/day,
      these changes were maintained. Plasma choline increased dose-dependently with egg
      intake (P < 0.0001) while fasting plasma TMAO was unchanged. These results
      indicate that in a healthy population, consuming up to 3 eggs/day results in an
      overall beneficial effect on biomarkers associated with CVD risk, as documented
      by increased HDL-c, a reduced LDL-c/HDL-c ratio, and increased plasma choline in
      combination with no change in plasma LDL-c or TMAO concentrations.

PMID- 28091800
TI  - ?

PMID- 28091799
TI  - Prenatal Risk Factors and the Etiology of ADHD-Review of Existing Evidence.
AB  - While it is well accepted that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is
      a highly heritable disorder, not all of the risk is genetic. It is estimated that
      between 10 and 40% of the variance associated with ADHD is likely to be accounted
      for by environmental factors. There is considerable interest in the role that the
      prenatal environment might play in the development of ADHD with previous reviews
      concluding that despite demonstration of associations between prenatal risk
      factors (e.g. prematurity, maternal smoking during pregnancy) and ADHD, there
      remains insufficient evidence to support a definite causal relationship. This
      article provides an update of research investigating the relationship between
      prenatal risk factors and ADHD published over the past 3 years. Recently, several
      epidemiological and data linkage studies have made substantial contributions to
      our understanding of this relationship. In particular, these studies have started
      to account for some of the genetic and familial confounds that, when taken into
      account, throw several established findings into doubt. None of the proposed
      prenatal risk factors can be confirmed as causal for ADHD, and the stronger the
      study design, the less likely it is to support an association. We need a new
      benchmark for studies investigating the etiology of ADHD whereby there is an
      expectation not only that data will be collected prospectively but also that the
      design allows the broad range of genetic and familial factors to be accounted
      for.

PMID- 28091801
TI  - Residency Diary: My Second Year: September and October 2016.

PMID- 28091802
TI  - Increased Risk of Revision, Reoperation, and Implant Constraint in TKA After
      Multiligament Knee Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of major complications and revision arthroplasty after TKA
      in patients who previously underwent multiligament knee surgery have been poorly
      characterized. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Is multiligament knee surgery before TKA
      associated with (1) worse implant survival, (2) increased use of TKA design
      constraint, (3) a greater risk for major complications, and (4) poorer scores for
      pain and function compared with similar patients receiving TKA for primary
      osteoarthritis? METHODS: Fifty-nine TKAs were performed at our institution
      between 1985 and 2014 in 59 patients (36 men, 23 women; mean age, 53 years) with
      a history of previous multiligament knee surgery (>= two ligaments). Of those, we
      had followup for 39 (66%), 18 (31%), and six (10%) patients at 5, 10, and 15
      years, respectively; mean followup was 5.4 years (range, 1-25 years). A two-to
      one matched control group consisting of patients undergoing primary TKA for the
      diagnosis of osteoarthritis was selected for comparison. Patients were matched
      based on gender, age at primary TKA (within 5 years), and date of the TKA (within
      5 years). Medical records were reviewed for survivorship, TKA design,
      complications (reoperation, revision, infection, manipulation under anesthesia,
      and periprosthetic joint infection), TKA design, and clinical outcomes (Knee
      Society Scores [KSS], Knee Society Function Score [KSS-F]). RESULTS: The overall
      15-year revision-free survival in patients with prior multiligament knee surgery
      was decreased in comparison to the matched controls (42% [95% CI, 16%-73%] vs 94%
      [95% CI, 81%-99%]; p < 0.001). Varus-valgus constraint implant design was used
      for more patients in the multiligament cohort at index TKA than in the matched
      control group (9/59 [15%] vs 0/110 [0%], respectively; odds ratio [OR], 45; 95%
      CI, 3-781; p = 0.009). Patients with a history of multiligament knee surgery also
      were at increased risk of reoperation for any cause (14/59 [24%] vs 7/118 [6%];
      OR, 5; 95% CI, 2-14; p = 0.001). With the numbers available, there was no
      difference in the frequency of manipulation under anesthesia after TKA (10%
      [6/59] versus 3% [4/118]; p = 0.08) A higher proportion of patients in the
      multiligament cohort had infections develop compared with the matched controls
      (4/59 [7%] vs 1/118 [< 1%)], respectively; p = 0.04). There was no difference in
      the KSS improvement after TKA between the multiligament group and the control
      group (34 +/- 18 vs 28 +/- 15; p = 0.088). The final KSS and KSS-F scores
      likewise showed no difference between those groups (88 +/- 13 vs 85 +/- 10; p =
      0.232) (85 +/- 17 vs 84 +/- 14; p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: A history of
      multiligament surgery is associated with lower long-term survivorship, higher use
      of constrained TKA designs, and higher risk of major complications, including
      reoperation and infection. Further research is necessary to determine if a
      particular multiligamentous surgical technique can prevent posttraumatic
      arthritis and TKA complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

PMID- 28091803
TI  - A study of hyperelastic models for predicting the mechanical behavior of extensor
      apparatus.
AB  - In this research, the nonlinear elastic behavior of human extensor apparatus was
      investigated. To this goal, firstly the best material parameters of hyperelastic
      strain energy density functions consisting of the Mooney-Rivlin, Ogden,
      invariants, and general exponential models were derived for the simple tension
      experimental data. Due to the significance of stress response in other
      deformation modes of nonlinear models, the calculated parameters were used to
      study the pure shear and balance biaxial tension behavior of the extensor
      apparatus. The results indicated that the Mooney-Rivlin model predicts an
      unstable behavior in the balance biaxial deformation of the extensor apparatus,
      while the Ogden order 1 represents a stable behavior, although the fitting of
      experimental data and theoretical model was not satisfactory. However, the Ogden
      order 6 model was unstable in the simple tension mode and the Ogden order 5 and
      general exponential models presented accurate and stable results. In order to
      reduce the material parameters, the invariants model with four material
      parameters was investigated and this model presented the minimum error and stable
      behavior in all deformation modes. The ABAQUS Explicit solver was coupled with
      the VUMAT subroutine code of the invariants model to simulate the mechanical
      behavior of the central and terminal slips of the extensor apparatus during the
      passive finger flexion, which is important in the prediction of boutonniere
      deformity and chronic mallet finger injuries, respectively. Also, to evaluate the
      adequacy of constitutive models in simulations, the results of the Ogden order 5
      were presented. The difference between the predictions was attributed to the
      better fittings of the invariants model compared with the Ogden model.

PMID- 28091804
TI  - Baseline results from the UK SIGNIFY study: a whole-body MRI screening study in
      TP53 mutation carriers and matched controls.
AB  - In the United Kingdom, current screening guidelines for TP53 germline mutation
      carriers solely recommends annual breast MRI, despite the wide spectrum of
      malignancies typically seen in this group. This study sought to investigate the
      role of one-off non-contrast whole-body MRI (WB MRI) in the screening of
      asymptomatic TP53 mutation carriers. 44 TP53 mutation carriers and 44 population
      controls were recruited. Scans were read by radiologists blinded to participant
      carrier status. The incidence of malignancies diagnosed in TP53 mutation carriers
      against general population controls was calculated. The incidences of non
      malignant relevant disease and irrelevant disease were measured, as well as the
      number of investigations required to determine relevance of findings. In TP53
      mutation carriers, 6 of 44 (13.6, 95% CI 5.2-27.4%) participants were diagnosed
      with cancer during the study, all of which would be considered life threatening
      if untreated. Two were found to have two primary cancers. Two participants with
      cancer had abnormalities on the MRI which were initially thought to be benign (a
      pericardial cyst and a uterine fibroid) but transpired to be sarcomas. No
      controls were diagnosed with cancer. Fifteen carriers (34.1, 95% CI 20.5-49.9%)
      and seven controls (15.9, 95% CI 6.7-30.1%) underwent further investigations
      following the WB MRI for abnormalities that transpired to be benign (p = 0.049).
      The cancer detection rate in this group justifies a minimum baseline non-contrast
      WB MRI in germline TP53 mutation carriers. This should be adopted into national
      guidelines for management of adult TP53 mutation carriers in addition to the
      current practice of contrast enhanced breast MRI imaging.

PMID- 28091805
TI  - Correlation between systemic lupus erythematosus and malignancies: a cross
      sectional population-based study.
AB  - Autoimmune conditions reflect dysregulation of the immune system; this may be of
      clinical significance in the development of several malignancies. Previous
      studies show an association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the
      development of malignancies; however, their investigations into the development
      of specific malignancies are inconsistent, and their external validity may be
      questionable. The main objective of this study is to investigate the association
      between the presence of SLE and various malignancies, in a large-scale population
      based study. Data for this study was collected from Clalit Health Services, the
      largest state-mandated health service organization in Israel. All adult members
      diagnosed with SLE were included (n = 5018) and their age and sex-matched
      controls (n = 25,090), creating a cross-sectional population-based study. Medical
      records of all subjects were analyzed for documentation of malignancies. Logistic
      regression models were built separately for each malignant condition, controlling
      for age, gender, BMI, smoking, and socioeconomic status. Diagnosis of malignancy
      (of any type) was more prevalent in the SLE population (odds ratio [OR] 3.35, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 3.02-3.72). SLE diagnosis was also found to be
      independently associated with higher proportions of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OR
      3.02, 95% CI 2.72-3.33), Hodgkin lymphoma (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.88-2.99), multiple
      myeloma (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.85-3.28), cervix uteri malignancies (OR 1.65, 95% CI
      1.10-2.20), and genital organ malignancies (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.42-3.22), after
      adjustment for confounding variables. The presence of an SLE diagnosis was found
      to be independently associated with higher proportions of malignancies,
      particularly hematologic malignancies. These findings should be considered while
      treating SLE patients, and possibly supplement their screening routine.

PMID- 28091806
TI  - Gout in immigrant groups: a cohort study in Sweden.
AB  - Our aim was to study the association between country of birth and incidence of
      gout in different immigrant groups in Sweden. The study population included the
      whole population of Sweden. Gout was defined as having at least one registered
      diagnosis in the National Patient Register. The association between incidence of
      gout and country of birth was assessed by Cox regression, with hazard ratios
      (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), using Swedish-born individuals as
      referents. All models were conducted in both men and women, and the full model
      was adjusted for age, place of residence in Sweden, educational level, marital
      status, neighbourhood socio-economic status and co-morbidities. The risk of gout
      varied by country of origin, with highest estimates, compared to Swedish born, in
      fully adjusted models among men from Iraq (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.54-2.16), and Russia
      (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.26-2.27), and also high among men from Austria, Poland, Africa
      and Asian countries outside the Middle East; and among women from Africa (HR
      2.23, 95% CI 1.50-3.31), Hungary (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.45-2.71), Iraq (HR 1.76, 95%
      CI 1.13-2.74) and Austria (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.07-2.70), and also high among women
      from Poland. The risk of gout was lower among men from Greece, Spain, Nordic
      countries (except Finland) and Latin America and among women from Southern
      Europe, compared to their Swedish counterparts. The increased risk of gout among
      several immigrant groups is likely explained by a high cardio-metabolic risk
      factor pattern needing attention.

PMID- 28091807
TI  - Erratum to: Musculoskeletal manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism.

PMID- 28091808
TI  - Occupational and environmental scleroderma. Systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The etiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains unknown; however, several
      occupational and environmental factors have been implicated. Our objective was to
      perform a meta-analysis of all studies published on SSc associated with
      occupational and environmental exposure. The review was undertaken by means of
      MEDLINE and SCOPUS from 1960 to 2014 and using the terms: "systemic,"
      "scleroderma," or "systemic sclerosis/chemically induced" [MesH]. The Newcastle
      Ottawa Scale was used for the qualifying assessment. The inverse variance
      weighted method was performed. The meta-analysis of silica exposure included 15
      case-control studies [overall OR 2.81 (95%CI 1.86-4.23; p < 0.001)] and 4 cohort
      studies [overall RR 17.52 (95%CI 5.98-51.37; p < 0.001)]; the meta-analysis of
      solvents exposure included 13 case-control studies (overall OR 2.00 [95%CI 1.32
      3.02; p = 0.001); the meta-analysis of breast implants exposure included 4 case
      control studies (overall OR 1.68 (95%CI 1.65-1.71; p < 0.001)) and 6 cohort
      studies (overall RR 2.13 (95%CI 0.86-5.27; p = 0.10)); the meta-analysis of epoxy
      resins exposure included 4 case-control studies (overall OR 2.97 (95%CI 2.31
      3.83; p < 0.001)), the meta-analysis of pesticides exposure included 3 case
      control studies (overall OR 1.02 (95%CI 0.78-1.32; p = 0.90)) and, finally, the
      meta-analysis of welding fumes exposure included 4 studies (overall OR 1.29
      (95%CI 0.44-3.74; p = 0.64)). Not enough studies citing risks related to hair
      dyes have been published to perform an accurate meta-analysis. Silica and
      solvents were the two most likely substances related to the pathogenesis of SSc.
      While silica is involved in particular jobs, solvents are widespread and more
      people are at risk of having incidental contact with them.

PMID- 28091809
TI  - A review of penetrating brain trauma: epidemiology, pathophysiology, imaging
      assessment, complications, and treatment.
AB  - Gunshot injuries are the most common cause of penetrating brain injury (PBI) and
      carry a high morbidity and mortality. The incidence of PBI has increased over the
      last decade with an estimated 35,000 civilian deaths annually. Patients that
      survive to reach the hospital require rapid triage and imaging evaluation. CT
      findings in conjunction with the Glasgow Coma Scale are typically used to
      determine which patients are surgical candidates. Radiologists should be familiar
      with the various injury patterns and imaging findings which are poor prognostic
      indicators, notably brainstem, bilateral hemispheric, multilobar, or
      transventricular injuries. Post-traumatic complications, including intracranial
      infections, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, traumatic intracranial aneurysms,
      intraventricular hemorrhage, dural venous sinus thrombus, and bullet fragment
      migration, also have specific imaging features and serious treatment
      implications. In this article, we review the initial imaging evaluation of
      penetrating brain injury using computed tomography with and without angiography.
      We also describe the imaging features of various post-traumatic complications and
      their treatment implications. Finally, we discuss the clinical and imaging
      parameters that serve as important prognostic indicators and the surgical
      management.

PMID- 28091810
TI  - Severe Lead Toxicosis in a Lionhead Rabbit.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lead toxicosis occurs in veterinary patients, with few reports
      involving rabbits, and no previous reports using oral calcium disodium EDTA. CASE
      REPORT: A 7-year-old male castrated Lionhead rabbit presented to the Cornell
      University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) for evaluation after a 2-day history of
      lethargy and a 2-week history of hyporexia. The patient had been observed pulling
      paint from the walls of the home, a house built circa 1900, in the months prior
      to presentation. The patient was moderately anemic with a hematocrit of 21% with
      red blood cell morphological changes consistent with lead toxicosis, including
      basophilic stippling, nucleated red blood cells, and polychromasia. Radiographic
      images of the abdomen revealed excessive accumulation of gas in the
      gastrointestinal tract in a pattern consistent with gastric stasis and numerous
      small mineral to metallic opacities in the cecum. The blood lead concentration
      was 792 MUg/dL, confirming the diagnosis of lead toxicosis with secondary
      gastrointestinal stasis. The rabbit was hospitalized for treatment with oral and
      subcutaneous calcium disodium EDTA for 4 days and then discharged home to the
      care of the owners. DISCUSSION: Severe lead toxicosis in a rabbit can be treated
      successfully with oral and subcutaneous calcium disodium EDTA and aggressive
      supportive treatment.

PMID- 28091811
TI  - Charge Transfer Dissociation (CTD) Mass Spectrometry of Peptide Cations: Study of
      Charge State Effects and Side-Chain Losses.
AB  - 1+, 2+, and 3+ precursors of substance P and bradykinin were subjected to helium
      cation irradiation in a 3D ion trap mass spectrometer. Charge exchange with the
      helium cations produces a variety of fragment ions, the number and type of which
      are dependent on the charge state of the precursor ions. For 1+ peptide
      precursors, fragmentation is generally restricted to C-CO backbone bonds (a and x
      ions), whereas for 2+ and 3+ peptide precursors, all three backbone bonds (C-CO,
      C-N, and N-Calpha) are cleaved. The type of backbone bond cleavage is indicative
      of possible dissociation channels involved in CTD process, including high-energy,
      kinetic-based, and ETD-like pathways. In addition to backbone cleavages, amino
      acid side-chain cleavages are observed in CTD, which are consistent with other
      high-energy and radical-mediated techniques. The unique dissociation pattern and
      supplementary information available from side-chain cleavages make CTD a
      potentially useful activation method for the structural study of gas-phase
      biomolecules. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 28091812
TI  - Erratum to: Rib resection using a pneumatic high-speed power drill system for
      lung cancer with chest wall invasion: our clinical experience.

PMID- 28091813
TI  - Prolonged air leak following lobectomy can be predicted in lung cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with
      prolonged air leak (PAL) following pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer. METHODS:
      The data of 146 patients who underwent pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer
      between August 2010 and July 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Air leaks were
      assessed daily by a visual evaluation and were categorized as follows: forced
      expiratory only (Grade 1), expiratory only (Grade 2), or continuous (Grade 3).
      Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of PAL (>5
      days). RESULTS: PAL occurred in 23 patients (16%). An air leak at rest (Grade >=
      2) was detected on postoperative day (POD) 1 in 48% of the patients with PAL and
      7% of the patients without PAL. A univariate analysis demonstrated that PAL was
      significantly associated with male sex, a smoking history of >= 40 pack years, a
      serum albumin level of <=4.0 mg/dL, and an air leak on POD1 (Grade >= 2). A
      multivariate analysis demonstrated that a serum albumin level of <=4.0 mg/dL (p =
      0.027) and an air leak on POD1 (p = 0.006) were independent predictors of PAL.
      PAL occurred in 75% of the patients with these two risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The
      preoperative serum albumin level and the presence of a visually evaluated air
      leak on POD1 may be useful indicators for the perioperative management of air
      leaks.

PMID- 28091814
TI  - Effects of forced movements on learning: Findings from a choice reaction time
      task in rats.
AB  - To investigate how motor sensation facilitates learning, we used a sensory-motor
      association task to determine whether the sensation induced by forced movements
      contributes to performance improvements in rats. The rats were trained to respond
      to a tactile stimulus (an air puff) by releasing a lever pressed by the
      stimulated (compatible condition) or nonstimulated (incompatible condition)
      forepaw. When error rates fell below 15%, the compatibility condition was changed
      (reversal learning). An error trial was followed by a lever activation trial in
      which a lever on the correct or the incorrect response side was automatically
      elevated at a preset time of 120, 220, 320, or 420 ms after tactile stimulation.
      This lever activation induced forepaw movement similar to that in a voluntary
      lever release response, and also induced body movement that occasionally caused
      elevation of the other forepaw. The effects of lever activation may have produced
      a sensation similar to that of voluntary lever release by the forepaw on the
      nonactivated lever. We found that the performance improvement rate was increased
      by the lever activation procedure on the incorrect response side (i.e., with the
      nonactivated lever on the correct response side). Furthermore, the performance
      improvement rate changed depending on the timing of lever activation:
      Facilitative effects were largest with lever activation on the incorrect response
      side at 320 ms after tactile stimulation, whereas hindering effects were largest
      for lever activation on the correct response side at 220 ms after tactile
      stimulation. These findings suggest that forced movements, which provide tactile
      and proprioceptive stimulation, affect sensory-motor associative learning in a
      time-dependent manner.

PMID- 28091815
TI  - Quantitative validation of sensory mapping in persistent postherniorrhaphy
      inguinal pain patients undergoing triple neurectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neurectomy of the inguinal nerves may be considered for selected
      refractory cases of chronic postherniorrhaphy inguinal pain (CPIP). There is to
      date a paucity of easily applicable clinical tools to identify neuropathic pain
      and examine the neurosensory effects of remedial surgery. The present
      quantitative sensory testing (QST) pilot study evaluates a sensory mapping
      technique. METHODS: Longitudinal (preoperative, immediate postoperative, and late
      postoperative) dermatomal sensory mapping and a comprehensive QST protocol were
      conducted in CPIP patients with unilateral, predominantly neuropathic
      inguinodynia presenting for triple neurectomy (n = 13). QST was conducted in four
      areas on the affected, painful side and in one contralateral comparison site. QST
      variables were compared according to sensory mapping outcomes: (o)/normal
      sensation, (+)/pain, and (-)/numbness. Diagnostic ability of the sensory mapping
      outcomes to detect QST-assessed allodynia or hypoesthesia was estimated through
      calculation of specificity and sensitivity values. RESULTS: Preoperatively,
      patients exhibited mechanical hypoesthesia and allodynia and pressure allodynia
      and hyperalgesia in painful areas mapped (+) (p < .05); sensory mapping outcome
      (+) demonstrated high ability to detect mechanical allodynia [sensitivity 0.74
      (95% CI 0.61-0.86), specificity 0.94 (0.84-1.00)] and pressure allodynia
      [sensitivity 0.96 (0.89-1.00), specificity 1.00 (1.00-1.00)], but not thermal
      allodynia. Postoperatively, mapped areas of numbness (-) were associated with
      mechanical and thermal hypoesthesia (p < .05); (-) showed high sensitivity and
      specificity to detect mechanical and cold hypoesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Sensory
      mapping provides an accurate clinical neuropathic assessment with strong
      correlation to QST findings of preoperative mechanical and pressure allodynia,
      and postoperative mechanical and thermal hypoesthesia in CPIP patients undergoing
      neurectomy.

PMID- 28091816
TI  - Pediatric cerebral sinovenous thrombosis following cranial surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pediatric cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is an important, though
      less common subtype of pediatric stroke. It has been linked to several risk
      factors, including cranial procedures, with few studies highlighting this
      relationship. The aim of this study was to characterize the diagnosis and
      treatment of CSVT after cranial surgery. METHODS: An institutional pediatric
      stroke research database was used to identify all CSVT cases diagnosed within 30
      days of cranial surgery from November 2004 to December 2014. Thirteen subjects
      were retrospectively analyzed for clinical presentation, surgical details,
      radiographic characteristics, laboratory study results, treatment, and outcome.
      Diagnostic testing and treatment adhered to a consensus-based institutional
      stroke protocol. RESULTS: Cranial vault reconstruction, subdural empyema
      evacuation, and tumor resection were each observed in three subjects. Eleven
      (85%) subjects had sinus exposure during surgery, and eight (73%) developed
      thrombus in a sinus within or adjacent to the operative field. Two (15%) had
      documented iatrogenic sinus injury. On post-operative testing, ten (77%) subjects
      had prothrombotic abnormalities. Seven (54%) were treated with anti-coagulation
      therapy (ACT) starting on a median of post-operative day (POD) 3 (IQR 1-3) for a
      median of 2.9 months (IQR 2.4-5.4). Median time to imaging evidence of partial or
      complete recanalization was 2.4 months (IQR 0.7-5.1). No symptomatic hemorrhagic
      complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric CSVT may be encountered
      after cranial surgery, and decisions related to anti-coagulation are challenging.
      The risk of CSVT should be considered in pre-surgical planning and post-operative
      evaluation of cases with known risk factors. In our study, judicious use of ACT
      was safe in the post-operative period.

PMID- 28091817
TI  - Teratomas of the cranial vault: a systematic analysis of clinical outcomes
      stratified by histopathological subtypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teratomas of the cranial vault are divided into histopathological
      subtypes and grouped by prognoses: mature (good prognosis), mixed/malignant and
      immature teratomas (intermediate prognosis). This schema also includes non
      teratomatous tumors. The authors of this study sought to elucidate histologically
      dependent predictors of survival and further clarify the classification system of
      intracranial teratomas. METHODS: We performed a systematic analysis of the
      published literature to identify studies describing patients with intracranial
      teratomas diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and presenting definite
      information on histologies, therapies, and outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 2
      years. Disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS: A
      total of 18 articles comprised of 134 patients were included. On univariate
      analysis, male sex and gross-total resection (GTR) were associated with high mean
      DFS (p = 0.0362 and p < 0.0001, respectively). On multivariate analysis, mature
      teratomas located in the pineal, and those having undergone subtotal resection
      (STR) demonstrated high mean OS (p = 0.0023 and p = 0.0044, respectively). Mature
      and mixed/malignant suprasellar teratomas had equally higher mean OS versus
      immature suprasellar teratomas (p < 0.0001). Mature and immature teratomas
      treated with adjuvant therapy had significantly higher mean OS compared to those
      managed with surgery alone (p = 0.0421 and p = 0.0423, respectively). Males with
      immature teratomas had the highest mean OS (p < 0.0001). Immature teratomas
      managed with surgery alone had higher mean DFS, but lower mean OS, compared to
      those treated with adjuvant therapy (p = 0.0176 and p = 0.0423, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the divergent nature of the different
      histopathological subtypes of teratomas, and suggest that survival outcomes are
      multifactorial. Specifically, male sex, pineal, suprasellar, GTR, and STR were
      dependent predictors of OS, while histopathology was an independent predictor of
      OS.

PMID- 28091818
TI  - Lumbar microdiscectomy for sciatica in adolescents: a multicentre observational
      registry-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is rare in the adolescent population.
      Factors predisposing to LDH in adolescents differ from adults with more cases
      being related to trauma or structural malformations. Further, there are limited
      data on patient-reported outcomes after lumbar microdiscectomy in adolescents.
      Our aim was to compare clinical outcomes at 1 year following single-level lumbar
      microdiscectomy in adolescents (13-19 years old) compared to younger adults (20
      50 years old) with LDH. METHODS: Data were collected through the Norwegian
      Registry for Spine Surgery. Patients were eligible if they had radiculopathy due
      to LDH, underwent single-level lumbar microdiscectomy between January 2007 and
      May 2014, and were between 13 and 50 years old at time of surgery. The primary
      endpoint was change in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) 1 year after surgery.
      Secondary endpoints were generic quality of life (EuroQol five dimensions [EQ
      5D]), back pain numerical rating scale (NRS), leg pain NRS and complications.
      RESULTS: A total of 3,245 patients were included (97 patients 13-19 years old and
      3,148 patients 20-50 years old). A significant improvement in ODI was observed
      for the whole population, but there was no difference between groups (0.6; 95%
      CI, -4.5 to 5.8; p = 0.811). There were no differences between groups concerning
      EQ-5D (-0.04; 95% CI, -0.15 to 0.07; p = 0.442), back pain NRS (-0.4; 95% CI, 
      1.2 to 0.4; p = 0.279), leg pain NRS (-0.4; 95% CI, -1.2 to 0.5; p = 0.374) or
      perioperative complications (1.0% for adolescents, 5.1% for adults, p = 0.072).
      CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness and safety of single-level microdiscectomy are
      similar in adolescents and the adult population at 1-year follow-up.

PMID- 28091821
TI  - Headache and anxiety/mood disorders: are we trapped in a cul-de-sac?

PMID- 28091819
TI  - The status of diagnosis and treatment to intracranial hypotension, including SIH.
AB  - Intracranial hypotension, especially spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH),
      is a well-recognized entity associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and
      has being recognized better in resent years, while still woefully inadequate. An
      increasing number of factors including iatrogenic factors are realized to involve
      in development and progression of intracranial hypotension. The diagnosis remains
      difficult due to the various clinical manifestations, some of which are
      nonspecific and easily to be neglected. Multiple imaging tests are optional in
      CSF leakage identification while clinicians are still confronted with
      difficulties when making selection resulting from superiorities and disadvantages
      of different imaging tests. Treatments for intracranial hypotension are
      multifarious but evidence is anecdotal. Values of autologous epidural blood
      patching (EBP), the mainstay of first-line interventional treatment currently, is
      getting more and more regards while there are no systematic review of its
      efficacy and risks. Hereby, the purpose of this review was to reveal the present
      strategy of intracranial hypotension diagnosis and treatment by reviewing
      literatures, coupled with our experience in clinical work.

PMID- 28091820
TI  - Depression of home cage wheel running: a reliable and clinically relevant method
      to assess migraine pain in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of new anti-migraine treatments is limited by the
      difficulty inassessing migraine pain in laboratory animals. Depression of
      activity is one of the few diagnostic criteria formigraine that can be mimicked
      in rats. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis thatdepression
      of home cage wheel running is a reliable and clinically relevant method to assess
      migraine painin rats. METHODS: Adult female rats were implanted with a cannula to
      inject allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) onto the dura to induce migraine pain, as has
      been shown before. Rats recovered from implantation surgery for 8 days in cages
      containing a running wheel. Home cage wheel running was recorded 23 h a day. AITC
      and the migraine medication sumatriptan were administered in the hour prior to
      onset of the dark phase. RESULTS: Administration of AITC caused a concentration
      dependent decrease in wheel running that lasted 3 h. The duration and magnitude
      of AITC-induced depression of wheel running was consistent following three
      repeated injections spaced 48 h apart. Administration of sumatriptan attenuated
      AITC-induced depressionof wheel running when a large dose (1 mg/kg) was
      administered immediately following AITC administration. Wheel running patterns
      did not change when sumatriptan was given to naive rats. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      indicate that home cage wheel running is a sensitive, reliable, and clinically
      relevant method to assess migraine pain in the rat.

PMID- 28091822
TI  - Does the Growth Differentiation Balance Hypothesis Explain Allocation to
      Secondary Metabolites in Combretum apiculatum , an African Savanna Woody Species?
AB  - The growth differentiation balance hypothesis (GDBH) provides a framework that
      predicts a trade-off between costs of secondary metabolites (SMs) relative to the
      demand for photosynthate by growth. However, this hypothesis was developed using
      empirical evidence from plant species in northern boreal and temperate systems,
      leaving its applicability to species under different abiotic and biotic
      conditions questionable and generalizations problematic. The objective of this
      study was to investigate whether the GDBH explains allocation to SMs in the
      deciduous African savanna woody species C. apiculatum along a 6-point N gradient.
      The cornerstone prediction of the GDBH, i.e., the parabolic response in SMs along
      the N gradient, was not observed, with secondary metabolism showing compound
      specific responses. Quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol glycoside
      concentrations, all produced via the same pathway, responded differently across
      the N gradient. Flavonol glycoside, cinnamic acid, and quercetin glycoside
      concentrations decreased as N increased, which provides partial support for the
      carbon nutrient balance hypothesis. Simulated herbivory had no effect on
      photosynthesis, decreased foliar N and consequently increased C:N ratio, but did
      not induce an increase in SMs, with condensed tannins and flavonol glycosides
      being unaffected. Defoliated plants at low N concentration compensated for lost
      biomass, which suggests a tolerance response, but as predicted by the limiting
      resource model, plants at higher N concentration were evidently C limited and
      thus unable to compensate. Our results show that the GDBH does not explain
      allocation to SMs in C. apiculatum, and suggest that mechanistic explanations of
      plant allocation should consider the integrative defensive effect of changed SMs.

PMID- 28091823
TI  - Skeletal muscle inflammation and atrophy in heart failure.
AB  - Heart failure represents a systemic disease with profound effects on multiple
      peripheral tissues including skeletal muscle. Within the context of heart
      failure, perturbations in skeletal muscle physiology, structure, and function
      strongly contribute to exercise intolerance and the morbidity of this devastating
      disease. There is growing evidence that chronic heart failure imparts specific
      pathological changes within skeletal muscle beds resulting in muscle dysfunction
      and tissue atrophy. Mechanistically, systemic and local inflammatory responses
      drive critical aspects of this pathology. In this review, we will discuss
      pathological mechanisms that drive skeletal muscle inflammation and highlight
      emerging roles for distinct innate immune subsets that reside within damage
      muscle tissue focusing on the recently described embryonic and monocyte-derived
      macrophage lineages. Within this context, we will discuss how immune mechanisms
      can be differentially targeted to stimulate skeletal muscle inflammation,
      catabolism, fiber atrophy, and regeneration.

PMID- 28091824
TI  - Exercise capacity, physical activity, and morbidity.
AB  - Muscle weakness and atrophy are key characteristics of the aging adult but can
      also be found in chronically ill patients with heart failure, cancer, renal
      failure, and chronic infectious diseases all associated with an accelerated level
      of muscle dysfunction. Reduced physical activity levels and exercise intolerance
      increase muscle loss and decrease quality of life in both the aging and heart
      failure populations. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the
      effects of aging and heart failure on skeletal muscle function and how exercise
      training can improve long-term outcomes associated with skeletal muscle
      dysfunction.

PMID- 28091825
TI  - Preoperative sport improves the outcome of lumbar disc surgery: a prospective
      monocentric cohort study.
AB  - A lumbar disc herniation resulting in surgery may be an incisive event in a
      patient's everyday life. The patient's recovery after sequestrectomy may be
      influenced by several factors. There is evidence that regular physical activity
      can lower pain perception and improve the outcome after surgery. For this
      purpose, we hypothesized that patients performing regular sports prior to lumbar
      disc surgery might have less pain perception and disability thereafter. Fifty-two
      participants with a single lumbar disc herniation confirmed on MRI treated by a
      lumbar sequestrectomy were included in the trial. They were categorized into two
      groups based on their self-reported level of physical activity prior to surgery:
      group NS, no regular physical activity and group S, with regular physical
      activity. Further evaluation included a detailed medical history, a physical
      examination, and various questionnaires: Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Beck
      Depression-Inventory (BDI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Core Outcome Measure
      Index (COMI), and the EuroQoL-5Dimension (EQ- 5D). Surgery had an excellent
      overall improvement of pain and disability (p < 0.005). The ODI, COMI, and EQ-5D
      differed 6 months after intervention (p < 0.05) favoring the sports group. Leg
      and back pain on VAS was also significantly less in group B than in group A, 12
      months after surgery (p < 0.05). Preoperative regular physical activity is an
      important influencing factor for the overall satisfaction and disability after
      lumbar disc surgery. The importance of sports may have been underestimated for
      surgical outcomes.

PMID- 28091826
TI  - Paradigms for single-patient multimodality treatment for cerebral aneurysms:
      single-center eleven-year experience.
AB  - Endovascular and surgical techniques are conventional options for treating
      intracranial aneurysms, but criteria for selecting an optimal approach for
      individual patients remain variable across practitioners and institutions. While
      endovascular and surgical approaches are generally used alone, both modalities
      combined in single patients can produce efficacious outcomes. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate outcomes of combined, concomitant endovascular and surgical
      modalities in the treatment of multiple and/or complex aneurysms in single
      patients. Indications, sequencing rationale, and categorization for multimodality
      treatments are reviewed. All intracranial aneurysms treated at our institution
      from 2004 to 2014 were reviewed. Single patients who had undergone concomitant
      endovascular and surgical treatments were eligible for participation in our
      study. Demographic data and clinical presentation parameters, including location,
      size, and morphological features of lesions, treatment sequencing, and outcomes
      were recorded. Our cohort consisted of 27 patients with 57 aneurysms who received
      concomitant endovascular and surgical treatment of their aneurysm(s). One patient
      arrived to us after he had an aneurysm clipped at an outside institution and then
      required treatment for a contralateral ruptured aneurysm. 66.7% of patients were
      diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage. These were subdivided according to
      therapeutic approach: clipping and coiling (CL+CO), clipping and stenting
      (CL+ST), bypass and endovascular parent vessel occlusion (PVO) (BY+PVO),
      attempted clipping then stenting, and bypass followed by stenting. Glasgow
      Outcome Scale was as follows: CL-CO-Multiple, 4.17 (five in unruptured patients,
      3.75 in ruptured); CO-CL-Multiple, five (all patients had a ruptured aneurysm);
      CL-CO-Single, three (all patients had a ruptured aneurysm); CO-CL-Single, five
      (all patients had a ruptured aneurysm). No patients suffered a new neurological
      deficit as a result of treatment. A total of two mortalities were documented.
      Concomitant, mutimodality endovascular and surgical therapy may offer a safe and
      potentially more effective paradigm than single modality approaches for the
      management of multiple, complex, or "failed" aneurysm treatments in selected
      patients.

PMID- 28091827
TI  - Microvascular decompression is an effective therapy for trigeminal neuralgia due
      to dolichoectatic basilar artery compression: case reports and literature review.

PMID- 28091828
TI  - Liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) promoted invasion and EMT of gastric cancer
      cells by regulation of NF-kappaB activity.
AB  - Aberrant expression of Liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) has been frequently
      reported in various types of cancers excluding gastric cancer (GC). Moreover, the
      role of LXRalpha in human GC has not been previously reported. In this study, we
      investigated the effect of LXRalpha down-regulation on invasion and EMT of GC.
      The expression of LXRalpha in GC cell lines was detected by real-time PCR. The
      LXRalpha siRNA was transiently transfected into GC cells using LipofectamineTM
      2000 reagent. Subsequently, cell invasive ability was evaluated by Transwell
      assays. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to determined the expressions of
      matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and -9), E-cadherin, N-cadherin,
      Vimentin, Snail, Slug, and Twist in GC cells. In addition, the effect of LXRalpha
      down-regulation on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear factor (NF)
      kappaB signaling pathway was explored by Western blot. From our results, we found
      that the expression of LXRalpha was significantly increased in GC tissues and
      cell lines. Knockdown of LXRalpha suppressed the invasive ability of GC cells.
      The levels of MMP-2 and -9 were dramatically decreased by down-regulating
      LXRalpha. In addition, we found a decrease of N-cadherin, Twist, and Slug
      expressions and an increase of E-cadherin expression, but no influence on the
      expression levels of Vimentin and Snail. We also found that LXRalpha down
      regulation might suppress the phosphorylation of Akt, NF-kappaB, and IkappaB.
      Collectively, our results indicated that down-regulation of LXRalpha was shown to
      suppress invasion and EMT of GC cells by decreasing the expressions of related
      proteins through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

PMID- 28091829
TI  - Inhibition of DPP-4 Activity and Neuronal Atrophy with Genistein Attenuates
      Neurological Deficits Induced by Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia and
      Reperfusion in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice.
AB  - Genistein, an isoflavonoid phytoestrogen, has been known for its potential
      pharmacological properties especially for neuroprotection and treating diabetes.
      The present study aims to determine the neuroprotective efficacy of genistein
      against global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion-induced neuronal injury in
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms.
      Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were subjected to transient cerebral
      ischemia by occluding both common carotid arteries for 30 min followed by 24 h
      reperfusion to induce neuronal injury. Effect of genistein (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0
      mg/kg, i.p., o.d.) treatment on ischemia-reperfusion-induced neuronal injury in
      diabetic mice was evaluated in terms of cerebral infarct size, oxidative damage,
      mitochondrial activity in terms of neuronal apoptosis and cellular viability,
      dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity and active glucagon-like peptide-1 concentration,
      and neurological functions measured as short-term memory and motor performance.
      Genistein administration following transient cerebral ischemia significantly (p ?
      0.0001) counteracted cognitive impairment and re-established (p ? 0.001) motor
      performance in diabetic mice. Ischemia-reperfusion increased the infarct size,
      genistein administration prevented the increase in cerebral infarct size (p ?
      0.0001) and significantly suppressed (p ? 0.001) the increase in cerebral
      oxidative stress in transient cerebral ischemia-reperfusion subjected diabetic
      mice. Genistein treatment significantly (p ? 0.001) reduced neuronal apoptosis
      and increased cellular viability (p ? 0.0001), almost completely suppressed (p ?
      0.0001) the circulating dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity, and enhanced (p ?
      0.0001) glucagon-like peptide-1 concentration in diabetic mice with cerebral
      ischemia-reperfusion. This study suggests that genistein has potent
      neuroprotective activity against global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion-induced
      neuronal injury and consequent neurological deficits in streptozotocin-induced
      diabetic mice.

PMID- 28091830
TI  - Physio-pharmacological Investigations About the Anti-inflammatory and
      Antinociceptive Efficacy of (+)-Limonene Epoxide.
AB  - D-limonene epoxidation generates (+)-limonene epoxide, an understudied compound
      in the pharmacologically point of view. Herein, we investigated the anti
      inflammatory and antinociceptive potentialities of (+)-limonene epoxide and
      suggested a mechanism of action. The anti-inflammatory potential was analyzed
      using agents to induce paw edema, permeability, and myeloperoxidase (MPO)
      activity. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and cell migration of peritoneal cells were
      also assessed. Antinociceptive effects were evaluated by writhing test induced by
      acetic acid, formalin, and hot plate assays and contribution of opioid pathways.
      Pretreated animals with (+)-limonene epoxide showed reduced carrageenan-induced
      paw edema in all doses (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) (P < 0.05). At 75 mg/kg, it
      suppressed edema provoked by compound 48/80, histamine, prostaglandin E2, and
      serotonin and reduced permeability determined by Evans blue and MPO activity. It
      also reduced leukocytes, neutrophils, and IL-1beta levels in the peritoneal
      cavity in comparison with carrageenan group (P < 0.05). (+)-Limonene epoxide
      diminished abdominal contortions induced by acetic acid (78.9%) and paw licking
      times in both 1 (41.8%) and 2 (51.5%) phases and a pretreatment with naloxone (3
      mg/kg) reverted the antinociceptive action in morphine- and (+)-limonene epoxide
      treated groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, it enlarged response times to the
      thermal stimulus after 60 and 90 min. In conclusion, (+)-limonene epoxide
      inhibited release/activity of inflammatory mediators, vascular permeability,
      migration of neutrophils and displayed systemic and peripheral analgesic
      dependent effects of the opioid system.

PMID- 28091832
TI  - Utility and safety of the SafeSeptTM transseptal guidewire for electrophysiology
      studies with catheter ablation in pediatric and congenital heart disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The atrial transseptal procedure is used in catheter ablation of left
      sided arrhythmias. Studies in adult patients have shown the SafeSeptTM
      transseptal guidewire (SSTG) to be effective in atrial transseptal procedures. We
      analyzed our 5-year experience with SSTG use in pediatric and congenital heart
      disease patients undergoing catheter ablation. METHODS: This is a single-center
      retrospective analysis of patients undergoing catheter ablation from 2009 to
      2014. We identified all procedures where SSTG was used for atrial transseptal or
      trans-baffle access. Success of transseptal access and complications were
      recorded and compared to the standard transseptal approach without the SSTG.
      RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven patients underwent 132 attempted atrial
      transseptal or trans-baffle procedures using SSTG. Median age was 14 (1.2-38)
      years. Arrhythmia substrates included AV reentrant tachycardia (90.2%), atrial
      tachycardia (4.5%), ventricular tachycardia (2.3%), and AV nodal reentrant
      tachycardia (2.3%). Transseptal or trans-baffle access was successful in 96.2% of
      the SSTG cases compared to 98.9% in the standard transseptal group without SSTG
      (p = NS). The youngest patient with successful atrial transseptal procedure using
      SSTG was 4 years old. SSTG was used to successfully cross a surgically created
      atrial baffle in a patient who had undergone the Mustard procedure. There was one
      major complication in both groups, 0.8% in the SSTG group compared to the
      standard transseptal group without SSTG, 1.1% (p = NS). The major complication in
      the SSTG group occurred when the SSTG crossed the aorta into the coronary artery
      system and mimicked placement in the left atrial appendage, with subsequent
      placement of a transseptal sheath into the aorta, requiring sternotomy and
      surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: SSTG is effective for use in atrial
      transseptal and surgical trans-baffle access in pediatric and congenital heart
      disease patients. Placement of the SSTG into the pulmonary vein is necessary to
      avoid major complications, and if not achieved requires additional methods to
      determine appropriate left atrial placement.

PMID- 28091834
TI  - Using Twitter to Assess the Public Response to the United States Preventive
      Services Task Force Guidelines on Lung Cancer Screening with Low Dose Chest CT.
AB  - To use Twitter to assess the immediate public response to the United States
      Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2013 draft guidelines on lung cancer
      screening with low-dose chest CT (LDCT). The number of tweets including the
      phrases "lung cancer screening," "lung CT," "chest CT," "low dose computed
      tomography," "low dose CT," or "LDCT" was recorded for 6 days before and after
      guidelines release. A systematic sample of 172 tweets from the week following
      release was coded for user type, tweet opinion, linked article source, and
      article opinion. Following guidelines' release, the number of daily tweets
      increased from 13 +/- 8 to 311 +/- 395. The 172 tweets in the week following
      release were tweeted by 166 unique users including: news organizations/online
      news gathering accounts (34.9%), general public (21.7%), physicians (12.0%, 6
      radiologists), and businesses (11.4%). 23.3% of tweets provided opinion on the
      guidelines (50.0% favorable, 27.5% concerned toward screening). Most (91.3%)
      tweets contained links to a total of 46 unique articles, which were authored by
      lay press (41.3%), non-peer-reviewed medical press (32.6%), and hospital/medical
      practice websites (10.9%). Among these, 50.0% were favorable, citing mortality
      reduction (87.0%), published data supporting screening (50.0%), and early
      detection (43.5%), while 28.3% expressed concern, including false positives
      (58.9%) and radiation risk (39.1%). Twitter activity rose rapidly after the
      USPSTF draft guidelines on LDCT. Most users were non-physicians and frequently
      cited non-peer-reviewed articles. Users maintained an overall favorable view of
      screening, while expressing various concerns. Considerable opportunity exists for
      greater radiologist engagement in this online public dialog.

PMID- 28091833
TI  - The gap between indicated and prescribed stroke prevention therapies in a high
      risk geriatric population.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in the elderly population with
      atrial fibrillation (AF) treated in long-term care (LTC) facilities is
      inconsistent. We examined the magnitude and sources of the gap between indicated
      and prescribed OAC in the elderly population with AF. METHODS: We retrospectively
      scanned the electronic medical record (EMR) and pharmacy data of 25 LTC
      facilities in Ontario, Canada. The diagnosis of AF was drawn from EMR. Different
      attributable risk factors for possible failure to prescribe OAC were examined.
      RESULTS: In total, 3378 active resident data were examined in the 25 LTC
      facilities. All the residents were >=65 years old with mean age of 85 +/- 8 years
      and 2449 (72%) were female. We identified 433 (13%) residents with AF with mean
      age 87 +/- 7 years and mean CHADS2 score of 3 +/- 1. Out of all residents with
      AF, 273 (63%) were on OAC therapy. Residents were mostly treated with warfarin (N
      = 114 (42%)), rivaroxaban (N = 71 (26%)) or apixaban (N = 62 (23%)) followed by
      dabigatran (N = 26 (10%)). Antiplatelet drugs as the only stroke prevention
      therapy were used in 88 (20%) residents, and 28 (6%) residents were on
      anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs. Seventy-two (17%) residents were not on
      any antiplatelet or antithrombotic therapy. None of the potential attributable
      risks identified consistently correlated with the failure to prescribe indicated
      therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This data set suggests that 37% of eligible elderly LTC
      residents failed to receive recommended stroke prevention therapies.

PMID- 28091836
TI  - Assessment of edema using STIR+ via 3D cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
      in patients with suspected myocarditis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate three-dimensional T2-weighted fast spin echo triple
      inversion recovery sequences (STIR+) for the diagnosis of myocardial edema in
      patients with suspected early myocarditis after respiratory or gastrointestinal
      tract viral infection and at follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively
      examined 28 patients with suspected myocarditis and 37 controls matched for
      gender and age. An ECG-triggered STIR+ was used to cover the entire left
      ventricle in short-axis images with 10-mm slice thickness and no interslice gap.
      The global signal intensity ratio (heart muscle in relation to skeletal muscle)
      was calculated (global STIR+ ratio) to evaluate edema. All patients had repeat
      examinations at follow-up (mean interval 4.9 months, 1-12 months). RESULTS: The
      mean global STIR+ ratio was 2.15 +/- 0.4 in the initial examination of patients
      as compared to 1.78 +/- 0.3 in controls (p < 0.0001) and 1.89 +/- 0.3 in patients
      at follow-up (p = 0.0001 vs. first visit). Left ventricular ejection fraction did
      not differ between patients and controls at baseline and at follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: We could identify a significantly higher global STIR+ ratio in
      patients with suspected myocarditis compared to controls, and a dynamic change
      during follow-up. The global STIR+ ratio may, therefore, be useful for the
      diagnosis of myocarditis and should be further explored.

PMID- 28091837
TI  - Peritoneal fluid of low CT Hounsfield units as a screening criterion for
      traumatic bowel perforation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether peritoneal fluid of low CT Hounsfield units is an
      important screening criterion for traumatic bowel perforation. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on two cohorts of blunt trauma
      patients who had peritoneal fluid. Intravenous and oral contrast was used for the
      first cohort (61 patients) as opposed to intravenous contrast only for the second
      cohort (60 patients). We compared the CT Hounsfield units of peritoneal fluid
      with bowel perforation. The optimal cutoff value of CT Hounsfield units was
      determined, and its diagnostic values for bowel perforation were calculated.
      RESULTS: The mean CT Hounsfield units (HU) of peritoneal fluid with bowel
      perforation were significantly lower (30.3 +/- 9.0 versus 44.1 +/- 13.6 HU, p =
      0.008) in the second cohort. The optimal cutoff value was 43 HU, and its
      sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and positive likelihood ratio were 100.0,
      69.2, 73.3% and 3.3, respectively, for bowel perforation. Comparisons of CT HUs
      of peritoneal fluid with bowel perforation in the first cohort that used
      additional oral contrast for CT did not show statistically significant
      differences. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal fluid of low CT HU is a sensitive and
      important CT screening criterion for traumatic bowel perforation.

PMID- 28091838
TI  - Fluid levels in the bleeding brain: a marker for coagulopathy and hematoma
      expansion.

PMID- 28091839
TI  - Impact of the 2014-2015 influenza season on the activity of an academic emergency
      department.
AB  - The morbidity and mortality of the 2014-2015 influenza season were more important
      than those in previous years. We assessed the impact of the 2014-2015 influenza
      season on the length of stay (LOS) and workload in an academic emergency
      department (ED). This is a monocentric retrospective study. The database of the
      microbiology laboratory was used to identify influenza nasal swabs performed
      during the influenza seasons from 2010 to 2015. Patients admitted to the ED
      during these periods were identified through the administrative database and
      cross-checked with patients who underwent an influenza nasal swab in the ED.
      Median LOS was used to estimate the impact of the isolation procedures on ED LOS.
      Bed occupancy rate and mean LOS in the ED were calculated as proxy of the ED
      workload. During the 2014-2015 influenza season, 55.9% of ED patients (n = 123)
      with confirmed influenza were hospitalised. In terms of workload, despite that
      influenza patients represented only 2.2% of all ED patients during the season,
      they occupied 28% of ED beds with respiratory isolation during the delay to
      realise and obtain the test results, as well as during the delay before being
      discharged home or transferred to a hospital ward. The median ED LOS for
      influenza-confirmed patients was significantly longer in comparison with all ED
      patients (21.6 h vs 4.0 for ambulatory patients and 24.7 h vs 12.3 for
      hospitalised patients). The 2014-2015 influenza season had significant
      consequences in terms of ED LOS and bed use. It dramatically increased the
      workload in the ED.

PMID- 28091840
TI  - Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) with the Use of Visual Supports for
      Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Validity and Reliability.
AB  - The validity and reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3)
      were measured, taking into consideration the preference for visual learning of
      children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The TGMD-3 was administered to 14
      children with ASD (4-10 years) and 21 age-matched typically developing children
      under two conditions: TGMD-3 traditional protocol, and TGMD-3 visual support
      protocol. Excellent levels of internal consistency, test-retest, interrater and
      intrarater reliability were achieved for the TGMD-3 visual support protocol. TGMD
      3 raw scores of children with ASD were significantly lower than typically
      developing peers, however, significantly improved using the TGMD-3 visual support
      protocol. This demonstrates that the TGMD-3 visual support protocol is a valid
      and reliable assessment of gross motor performance for children with ASD.

PMID- 28091841
TI  - Transumbilical abdominal incision for laparoscopic colorectal surgery does not
      increase the risk of postoperative surgical site infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: Besides antibiotic prophylaxis, antiseptic skin preparation is an
      important measure to prevent surgical site infection (SSI). No reports have
      detailed the relationship between SSI and umbilical microflora following
      laparoscopic colorectal cancer with a transumbilical longitudinal incision.
      METHODS: Risk factors and the rate of SSI were investigated in 453 patients who
      underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection over a 3-year period. Microbiological
      samples were collected from the umbilicus and SSI areas. RESULTS: After
      laparoscopic procedure, we observed SSIs in approximately 5% of cases, with
      superficial SSI in 15 (3.3%) patients and organ/space SSIs 7 (1.5%). In
      univariate analysis, preoperative albumin (Alb) value and anastomosis of
      enterocolostomy were significantly associated with superficial SSI development.
      Also, age, blood loss, stoma, tumor site (rectum), and Hartmann/abdominal
      perineal resection (APR) were significant risk factors for organ/space SSI. In
      multivariate analysis, the preoperative Alb value was the most significant factor
      associated with a predisposition to superficial SSI. The bacteria detected in SSI
      were mostly different from those at wound closure. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
      were included in organ/space SSI all cases. CONCLUSIONS: SSI development with
      laparoscopic surgery reportedly occurs in about 3-15% cases. The SSI rate in this
      study and other reports was comparable. Using small transumbilical longitudinal
      incision in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is less likely to cause SSI when
      sufficient control measures are enacted, even though the umbilicus contains
      resident bacteria in abundance.

PMID- 28091842
TI  - Squamous cell dysplasia in the proximal rectum of three patients treated for
      ulcerative colitis on immunomodulators.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anal canal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) is the
      precursor to anal cancer. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk and
      disease is usually within 3 cm from the anal verge. High-resolution anoscopy
      (HRA) with an 8-cm anoscope is used to identify and guide cautery treatment of
      HSIL. PURPOSE: We report three patients with a long-term history of ulcerative
      colitis (UC) treated with systemic immunomodulators who developed proximally
      located rectal HSIL. RESULTS/OUTCOMES: Two patients were HIV-negative women, 63
      and 48 years old, and the third was a 51-year-old HIV-positive man with
      underlying UC for 10, 16, and 3 years, respectively. They each presented with a
      HPV-positive HSIL visibly extending above the limits of the anoscope used for
      HRA. None developed cancer. All had episodes of active UC. It is unclear what
      causative role systemic immunomodulators play in predisposing UC patients to
      proximal HSIL. HSIL probably developed on a tongue of HPV-infected squamous
      epithelium growing proximally over the inflamed rectum. Islands developed when
      areas of squamous epithelium degenerated, creating skip areas. DISCUSSION: This
      study highlights the potential for HSIL to extend into the rectum either as a
      contiguous patch or isolated islands and the need for heightened surveillance in
      patients with extensive anal canal HSIL treated with immunodulator therapy. HSIL
      identified at the limit of the anoscope should be investigated further with
      colonoscopy, and argon plasma coagulation (APC) ablation can serve as an
      effective treatment option. Patients are at risk for stricture, but it is unclear
      what role the UC or the ablation played in stricture formation.

PMID- 28091843
TI  - The incidence of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer: a retrospective long-term
      cohort study using a colonoscopy database.
AB  - PURPOSE: The cumulative incidence of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer remains
      unclear. Our aims were to estimate the incidence of and identify risk factors
      associated with post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study using the colonoscopy database of the Department of
      Gastroenterology, the University of Tokyo Hospital Records from1995-2012. A
      cohort of 2544 patients, who received multiple colonoscopies without colorectal
      cancer findings at first colonoscopy, was selected. The primary outcome was post
      colonoscopy colorectal cancer; data were censored at the date of final
      colonoscopy. We assessed patients' background characteristics, colonoscopy
      findings, and cancer characteristics, including location and size. The cumulative
      incidence of colorectal cancer was evaluated, and a Cox proportional hazards
      model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: Colorectal cancer was
      identified in seven (0.77/1000 person-years) patients during the mean follow-up
      period of 3.6 years (maximum, 17 years). The cumulative incidence of colorectal
      cancer was 0, 0.47, 0.62, and 0.62% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively.
      Cancer was identified in the rectum in five of seven patients. Polyp size >10 mm
      (HR 5.7, p = 0.023) and intubation time >30 min (HR 11.6, p = 0.003) at first
      colonoscopy were associated significantly with an increased incidence of post
      colonoscopy colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Although several factors were
      associated with an increased risk of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer, the
      incidence of this disease might be low in patients who received at least twice
      colonoscopy. High proportion of rectal cancer in post-colonoscopy colorectal
      cancer should be noted.

PMID- 28091844
TI  - The obesity paradox in heart failure: a miR-26b affair?

PMID- 28091845
TI  - Comparison of the clinical results of abdominoperanal intersphincteric resection
      and abdominoperineal resection for lower rectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the oncologic results of
      abdominoperanal intersphincteric resection (ISR) and abdominoperineal resection
      (APR). METHODS: Between 2003 and 2014, 277 consecutive patients with stage I-III
      low rectal cancer located within 5 cm from the anal verge underwent curative ISR
      and APR. A retrospective comparison of these two procedures was performed.
      RESULTS: Overall, 128 patients underwent ISR and 149 underwent APR. The ISR group
      had earlier clinical stages and shorter distal margins (p < 0.01). The 5-year
      relapse-free survival rates in patients who underwent ISR/APR were 84.7/74.7%
      with T1-2 tumors and 51.3/67.6% with T3-4 tumors. In T3-4 tumors, the rate of
      local recurrence was higher in the ISR group (13.2%) than in the APR group
      (3.8%). The 5-year relapse-free survival rates in patients who underwent ISR/APR
      were 89.7/92.3% for stage I cases, 84.4/87.5% for stage II cases, and 39.8/51.8%
      for stage III cases. Patients with stage III tumors had high rates of distant
      recurrence in both groups (24.3 vs. 26.3%). CONCLUSION: ISR is a feasible
      surgical procedure for T1-2 tumors. Patients with stage III tumors should be
      considered for adjuvant therapy to control distant recurrence regardless of the
      surgical procedure.

PMID- 28091846
TI  - Risk factors of surgical site infections in patients with Crohn's disease
      complicated with gastrointestinal fistula.
AB  - PURPOSE: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common complication following
      surgical procedures. This study aimed to determine risk factors associated with
      SSI in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) complicated with gastrointestinal
      fistula. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients who underwent
      surgical resection in gastrointestinal fistula patients with CD between January
      2013 and January 2015, identified from a prospectively maintained
      gastrointestinal fistula database. Demographic information, preoperative
      medication, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcome data were
      collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out to assess
      possible risk factors for SSI. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were identified,
      of whom 75.4% were men, the average age of the patients was 34.1 years, and the
      average body mass index (BMI) was 18.8 kg/m2. The rate of SSI was 31.4%. On
      multivariate analysis, preoperative anemia (P = 0.001, OR 7.698, 95% CI 2.273
      26.075), preoperative bacteria present in fistula tract (P = 0.029, OR 3.399, 95%
      CI 1.131-10.220), and preoperative enteral nutrition (EN) <3 months (P < 0.001,
      OR 11.531, 95% CI 3.086-43.079) were predictors of SSI. Notably, preoperative
      percutaneous abscess drainage was shown to exert protection against SSI in
      fistulizing CD (P = 0.037, OR 0.258, 95% CI 0.073-0.920). CONCLUSION:
      Preoperative anemia, bacteria present in fistula tract, and preoperative EN <3
      months significantly increased the risk of postoperative SSI in gastrointestinal
      fistula complicated with CD. Preoperative identification of these risk factors
      may assist in risk assessment and then to optimize preoperative preparation and
      perioperative care.

PMID- 28091847
TI  - Using the Newly Developed Floor-Sitting Movement Analysis Proforma to Study the
      Effect of Age and Activity on Floor-Sitting in Indian Adults.
AB  - Floor-sitting is culturally relevant to the Indian context. The present study
      aimed to examine the effect of age and activity on the movement patterns used and
      time taken to perform floor-sitting in Indian adults. Video-recordings of 30
      young (23.30 +/- 2.53 years) and 30 older (69.67 +/- 6.45 years) adults
      performing floor-sitting without and with an activity (simulated feeding) were
      analyzed using the Floor-sitting Movement Analysis Proforma (FMAP) developed for
      the study. For inter-rater reliability of the FMAP, two raters analyzed the
      performance of a random sample of 20 participants. An almost perfect inter-rater
      agreeability (kappa >= .8) was obtained for the FMAP. Cross-legged sitting was
      the most preferred (95%) floor-sitting position. Older adults used more number of
      movement components, asymmetrical patterns, more support, and more time (p <
      .001) as compared to the young adults. The activity facilitated the use of
      optimal movement strategies in young and older adults. The activity significantly
      increased time taken to rise from floor-sitting (p = .004). The study establishes
      the influence of age and activity on performance of floor-sitting. Older adults
      use lower developmental movement patterns that may be a "normal" adaptation to
      age-related sensorimotor changes. Retraining of floor-sitting is a "culturally"
      desired goal among Indian adults and should involve the practice of age
      appropriate movement patterns in the context of meaningful activities.

PMID- 28091848
TI  - A novel combination treatment to stimulate bone healing and regeneration under
      hypoxic conditions: photobiomodulation and melatonin.
AB  - Melatonin has anabolic effects on the bone, even under hypoxia, and laser
      irradiation has been shown to improve osteoblastic differentiation. The aim of
      this study was to investigate whether laser irradiation and melatonin would have
      synergistic effects on osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization under
      hypoxic conditions. MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to 1% oxygen tension for the
      hypoxia condition. The cells were divided into four groups: G1-osteoblast
      differentiation medium only (as the hypoxic condition), G2-treatment with 50 MUM
      melatonin only, G3-laser irradiation (808 nm, 80 mW, GaAlAs diode) only, and G4
      treatment with 50 MUM melatonin and laser irradiation (808 nm, 80 mW, GaAlAs
      diode). Immunoblotting showed that osterix expression was markedly increased in
      the melatonin-treated and laser-irradiated cells at 48 and 72 h. In addition,
      alkaline phosphatase activity significantly increased and continued to rise
      throughout the experiment. Alizarin Red staining showed markedly increased
      mineralized nodules as compared with only melatonin-treated or laser-irradiated
      cells at day 7, which significantly increased by day 14. Moreover, when melatonin
      treated cells were laser-irradiated, the differentiation and mineralization of
      cells were found to involve p38 MAPK and PRKD1 signaling mechanisms. However, the
      enhanced effects of laser irradiation with melatonin were markedly inhibited when
      the cells were treated with luzindole, a selective melatonin receptor antagonist.
      Therefore, we concluded that laser irradiation could promote the effect of
      melatonin on the differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells under
      hypoxic conditions, and that this process is mediated through melatonin 1/2
      receptors and PKRD/p38 signaling pathways.

PMID- 28091849
TI  - Dynamic optical absorption characteristics of blood after slow and fast heating.
AB  - Laser treatment is the most effective therapy in dermatology for vascular skin
      disorders, such as port-wine stains (PWS). Changes in heat-induced absorbance in
      blood must be determined for accurate numerical simulation and implementation of
      multi-pulse laser therapy for treatment of PWS. Thermally induced absorbance
      changes in hemoglobin in blood were compared in vitro between slow water bath
      heating and fast heating irradiated by using sub-millisecond Nd:YAG laser. Blood
      composition at different temperatures was calculated by comparing blood
      absorption spectra with those of pure HbO2, Hb, and metHb at room temperature.
      Blood absorbance to heat energy were categorized into three stages distinguished
      by metHb and coagulation points, which are the validity and security thresholds
      of the optimized therapy, respectively. Rapid laser heating can distinctively
      enhance blood absorbance by photochemically induced strong instability compared
      with slow heating at a constant temperature. Slow heating facilitates metHb point
      at 70  degrees C and coagulation point at 75  degrees C as the temperature of the
      water bath increases. However, the temperature at which metHb or coagulation
      point shifts to higher than 10  degrees C when pulses and fluence in laser
      irradiation change. Laser fluence less than 20 J/cm2 and more than 50 J/cm2 is
      unsuitable for laser treatment because of its low probability to coagulate
      vascular hyperplasia and high probability to damage normal tissues adjacent to
      target lesions, respectively. Few bubbles formed after mediate fluence is
      beneficial to minimize adverse side-effects. Considering blood absorbance,
      temperature evolution, and bubble formation, we recommend 30-40 J/cm2 and 2-4 Hz
      frequency as the optimal laser parameters in sub-millisecond Nd:YAG laser.

PMID- 28091850
TI  - Repeated applications of photodynamic therapy on Candida glabrata biofilms formed
      in acrylic resin polymerized.
AB  - Previous studies have been suggested that photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be used
      as an adjuvant treatment for denture stomatitis. In this study, we evaluated the
      effects of multiple sessions of PDT on Candida glabrata biofilms in specimens of
      polymerized acrylic resin formed after 5 days. Subsequently, four applications of
      PDT were performed on biofilms in 24-h intervals (days 6-9). Also, we evaluated
      two types of PDT, including application of laser and methylene blue or light
      emitting diode (LED) and erythrosine. The control groups were treated with
      physiological solution. The effects of PDT on biofilm were evaluated after the
      first and fourth application of PDT. The biofilm analysis was performed by
      counting the colony-forming units. The results showed that between the days 6 and
      9, the biofilms not treated by PDT had an increase of 5.53 to 6.05 log (p =
      0.0271). Regarding the treatments, after one application of PDT, the biofilms
      decreased from 5.53 to 0.89 log. When it was done four applications, the
      microbial reduction ranged from 6.05 log to 0.11 log. We observed that one
      application of PDT with laser or LED caused a reduction of 3.36 and 4.64 compared
      to the control groups, respectively (p = 0.1708). When it was done four
      applications of PDT, the reductions achieved were 1.57 for laser and 5.94 for LED
      (p = 0.0001). It was concluded that repeated applications of PDT on C. glabrata
      biofilms showed higher antimicrobial activity compared to single application. PDT
      mediated by LED and erythrosine was more efficient than the PDT mediated by laser
      and methylene blue.

PMID- 28091851
TI  - Operative Treatments for Reflux After Bariatric Surgery: Current and Emerging
      Management Options.
AB  - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder that has a well
      established connection with obesity. To ameliorate the morbidity associated with
      obesity, bariatric procedures have become an established pathway to accomplish
      sustained weight loss. In some procedures, such as with the Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass surgery, weight loss is also accompanied by the resolution of GERD
      symptoms. However, other popular bariatric surgeries, such as the sleeve
      gastrectomy, have a controversial impact on their effect on reflux. Consequently,
      increased attention has been given to the development of strategies for the
      management of de novo or recurrent reflux after bariatric surgery. This article
      aims to discuss medical and surgical strategies for reflux after bariatric
      surgery, and their outcomes.

PMID- 28091852
TI  - The Influence of Orthography on the Production of Alphabetic, Second-Language
      Allophones by Speakers of a Non-alphabetic Language.
AB  - This study investigated the influence of orthographic information on the
      production of allophones in a second language (L2). Two proficiency levels of
      native Mandarin speakers learned novel Korean words with potential variants of
      /h/ based on auditory stimuli, and then they were provided various types of
      spellings for the variants, including the letters for [[Formula: see text]] and
      o. Subsequently, picture-naming and spelling recall tasks were given to the
      Mandarin-speaking learners. The results showed that Mandarin-speaking learners,
      after exposure to the spellings, began to produce and lexically store the /h/
      variants following the given forms of the spellings of words, which provides
      support for the impact of spellings in the production and lexical storage of L2
      allophones. However, the effect of L2-learning experience was not shown to be
      strong, which suggests difficulty in the native-like attainment of the production
      of L2 allophones.

PMID- 28091853
TI  - Does Emotional Arousal Influence Swearing Fluency?
AB  - This study assessed the effect of experimentally manipulated emotional arousal on
      swearing fluency. We hypothesised that swear word generation would be increased
      with raised emotional arousal. The emotional arousal of 60 participants was
      manipulated by having them play a first-person shooter video game or, as a
      control, a golf video game, in a randomised order. A behavioural measure of
      swearing fluency based on the Controlled Oral Word Association Test was employed.
      Successful experimental manipulation was indicated by raised State Hostility
      Questionnaire scores after playing the shooter game. Swearing fluency was
      significantly greater after playing the shooter game compared with the golf game.
      Validity of the swearing fluency task was demonstrated via positive correlations
      with self-reported swearing fluency and daily swearing frequency. In certain
      instances swearing may represent a form of emotional expression. This finding
      will inform debates around the acceptability of using taboo language.

PMID- 28091854
TI  - Effect of high ambient temperature on behavior of sheep under semi-arid tropical
      environment.
AB  - High environmental temperature is a major constraint in sheep production under
      semi-arid tropical environment. Behavior is the earliest indicator of animal's
      adaptation and responses to the environmental alteration. Therefore, the
      objective of this study was to assess the effects of high ambient temperature on
      the behavior of sheep under a semi-arid tropical environment. The experiment was
      conducted for 6 weeks on 16 Malpura cross (Garole * Malpura * Malpura (GMM))
      rams. The rams were divided equally into two groups, designated as C and T. The
      rams of C were kept in comfortable environmental conditions served as control.
      The rams of T were exposed to a different temperature at different hours of the
      day in a climatic chamber, to simulate a high environmental temperature of summer
      in semi-arid tropic. The behavioral observations were taken by direct
      instantaneous observation at 15-min intervals for each animal individually. The
      feeding, ruminating, standing, and lying behaviors were recorded twice a week
      from morning (0800 hours) to afternoon (1700 hours) for 6 weeks. Exposure of rams
      to high temperature (T) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the proportion of time
      spent in feeding during the observation period in most of the hours of the day as
      compared to the C. The proportion of time spent in rumination and lying was
      significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the T group compared to the C. The animals of T
      spent significantly (P < 0.05) more time in rumination in standing position as
      compared to the C. The overall proportion of time spent in standing, panting in
      each hour, and total panting time was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T as
      compared to the C. The result of the study indicates that the exposure of sheep
      to high ambient temperature severely modulates the behavior of sheep which is
      directed to circumvent the effect of the stressor.

PMID- 28091855
TI  - Combining dispersion modelling with synoptic patterns to understand the wind
      borne transport into the UK of the bluetongue disease vector.
AB  - Bluetongue, an economically important animal disease, can be spread over long
      distances by carriage of insect vectors (Culicoides biting midges) on the wind.
      The weather conditions which influence the midge's flight are controlled by
      synoptic scale atmospheric circulations. A method is proposed that links wind
      borne dispersion of the insects to synoptic circulation through the use of a
      dispersion model in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) and
      cluster analysis. We illustrate how to identify the main synoptic situations
      present during times of midge incursions into the UK from the European continent.
      A PCA was conducted on high-pass-filtered mean sea-level pressure data for a
      domain centred over north-west Europe from 2005 to 2007. A clustering algorithm
      applied to the PCA scores indicated the data should be divided into five classes
      for which averages were calculated, providing a classification of the main
      synoptic types present. Midge incursion events were found to mainly occur in two
      synoptic categories; 64.8% were associated with a pattern displaying a pressure
      gradient over the North Atlantic leading to moderate south-westerly flow over the
      UK and 17.9% of the events occurred when high pressure dominated the region
      leading to south-easterly or easterly winds. The winds indicated by the pressure
      maps generally compared well against observations from a surface station and
      analysis charts. This technique could be used to assess frequency and timings of
      incursions of virus into new areas on seasonal and decadal timescales, currently
      not possible with other dispersion or biological modelling methods.

PMID- 28091856
TI  - Daily rhythmicity of the thermoregulatory responses of locally adapted Brazilian
      sheep in a semiarid environment.
AB  - The goal of this study was to evaluate the daily rhythmicity of the
      thermoregulatory responses of Morada Nova ewes that were raised in a semiarid
      environment. The experiment was conducted during the dry season. Data were
      collected from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.. Samples were taken over the course of 8
      days, with a 1-week interval between sampling periods. During each day that the
      data were collected, animals were measured once an hour for 24 h in an area
      directly exposed to solar radiation. The environment was characterized by
      measuring the following variables: air temperature (TA), relative humidity (RH),
      Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI), radiant heat load (RHL), and wind speed (WS).
      Physiological variables that were measured included rectal temperature (RT, 
      degrees C), respiratory rate (RR, breaths/min), surface temperature (ST,  degrees
      C), and sweating rate (SR, g m2 h-1). We observed that RT, RR, and ST increased
      as environmental conditions became more stressful. Specifically, environmental
      conditions became more stressful as RHL, air temperature, and BGHI increased,
      while RH decreased. All physiological variables of the animals were strongly
      affected by the time of the day: environmental variables changed drastically
      between nighttime and noon. Physiological parameters increased sharply from the
      morning (7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.) until noon (11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), except for
      sweating rate. After noon, these variables began to drop until nighttime (11:00
      p.m.-6:00 am), and values of the main physiological indexes were stable during
      this period. The Morada Nova breed exhibited daily cyclic variations in
      thermoregulatory responses. Evaporative heat loss mechanisms were triggered
      during the most stressful times of the day. The first mechanism that animals used
      was panting, which was an immediate response to environmental heat stress.
      Cutaneous evaporation had a slower response mechanism to environmental heat
      stress. Homeothermy conditions were restored to the animals at approximately 5:00
      p.m.; however, these findings confirm the importance of providing environmental
      protection during critical periods of the day, even for locally adapted breeds.
      These responses suggest that the use of thermal storage allowed the animals to
      achieve equilibrium with the environment and maintain a stable body temperature.

PMID- 28091857
TI  - Lack of heart rate variability during sleep-related apnea in patients with
      temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)-an indirect marker of SUDEP?
AB  - PURPOSE: Apneas occurring during sleep may precipitate autonomic instability in
      epilepsy patients making them susceptible to sudden death (SUDEP). Literature on
      heart rate variability (HRV) during apnea among patients with temporal lobe
      epilepsy (TLE) is sparse. The aim of this study was to characterize the HRV
      during the peri-apneic period in patients with TLE and compare with HRV of
      matched healthy individuals during the overnight polysomnographic (PSG)
      recording. Further, the role of carbamazepine (CBZ) in modulating peri-apneic HRV
      in the above cohort was also assessed. METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed to have
      TLE (drug naive (n = 10) or on CBZ monotherapy (n = 10)) were compared with ten
      healthy controls. In both patients and controls, the time domain, frequency
      domain, and non-linear HRV indices were analyzed for 2 min before and after
      apnea/hypopnea termination and compared using paired t test (p <= 0.05).
      Additionally, the changes in HRV parameters in the peri-apnea/hypopnea period
      were compared between the three groups using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc
      comparison (p <= 0.05). RESULTS: The three study groups were age (p = 0.21) and
      gender (p = 0.27) matched. In controls (M/F = 5:5; mean age 24.3 +/- 5.0 years),
      there were significant changes in standard deviation of RR interval (SDNN), low
      frequency (LF) component and long-term HRV (SD2) parameters in the peri
      apnea/hypopneic period. Conversely, in drug-naive TLE (M/F = 6:4; mean age: 22.8
      +/- 4.1 years), all the HRV parameters, including non-linear measures were
      comparable in the pre- and post-apneic period. On the other hand, patients on CBZ
      (M/F = 6:4; mean age 20.5 +/- 4.8 years) showed significant changes in low
      frequency nu (LFnu) and high-frequency nu (HFnu) components in the peri
      apnea/hypopneic period. Comparison of the changes in HRV parameters in the peri
      apnea/hypopnea period in patients with TLE and controls showed significantly
      lower changes in drug-naive TLE patients in SDNN, LF, and SD2 as compared to
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that there was a lack of apnea-mediated
      HRV changes in patients with drug-naive TLE. This might suggest a possible
      alteration in reflex baroreceptor activation in patients with TLE, predisposing
      them to SUDEP, and this may be worsened with CBZ.

PMID- 28091858
TI  - Will wearing dentures affect edentulous patients' breathing during sleep?
AB  - PURPOSES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of wearing
      dentures on obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea among completely edentulous
      patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A self-controlled study was conducted among 30
      edentulous patients. Polysomnograms were recorded in the sleep laboratory on two
      consecutive nights. Participants slept with their dentures in one night and
      without dentures in the other. The apnea and hypopnea index (AHI), lowest oxygen
      saturation (L-SpO2), and morning blood pressure (MBP) were collected for
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among the edentulous participants, 24 showed a
      higher AHI when sleeping with dentures. The average AHI for all 30 participants
      was significantly higher when they slept with dentures than without dentures
      (16.3 +/- 14.7 vs 13.4 +/- 14.0/h, P < 0.05). Participants in the non-obstructive
      sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (non-OSAHS) subgroup (AHI <5 when sleeping without
      dentures) had a significant increase in AHI when sleeping with dentures, and
      nearly half of them (5 out of 11) reached the diagnostic standard for OSAHS (AHI
      >5). A higher morning diastolic blood pressure was recorded when participants
      slept with dentures (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was found in the
      L-SpO2 score and morning systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Wearing dentures
      can lead to significant increase of AHI and diastolic MBP among edentulous
      people. Hence, we suggest that Chinese edentulous people should remove their
      dentures before sleep. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-IOR-16008404.

PMID- 28091859
TI  - Cancer Genetic Counselors' Current Practices and Attitudes Related to the Use of
      Tumor Profiling.
AB  - Tumor profiling (TP) is primarily used to identify driver mutations within a
      tumor for treatment purposes, but it may also identify germline mutations.
      Current involvement of cancer genetic counselors (GCs) in the TP process is not
      clear. Members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Cancer Special
      Interest Group were invited to participate in a confidential, web-based survey to
      characterize current practices and attitudes related to the use of TP. Of 105
      useable responses, 86.7% of GCs reported their institutions were using TP,
      although only 6.7% did this routinely. Although 63.7% reported personal
      involvement in the process, largely with result interpretation and follow-up
      germline testing, 69.7% reported seeing fewer than 5 patients for this reason and
      97.9% desired further education on this topic. Work and regional setting were not
      predictors of involvement with TP; however, GCs in the academic setting were less
      aware of who obtains consent (p = 0.001). GCs reported they were not often
      utilized as a resource regarding TP. Overall, GCs believed TP is beneficial in
      identifying hereditary cancer syndromes, although most reported finding a
      germline mutation in <10% of cases. This study provides a snapshot of current GC
      involvement with TP, and documents the desire by GCs for additional education on
      tumor profiling.

PMID- 28091860
TI  - Retesting BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation negative male breast cancer patients using next
      generation sequencing technologies.

PMID- 28091861
TI  - Do metastasis-free interval less or more than 24 months for recurrent metastatic
      breast cancer and primary surgery for de novo metastatic breast cancer matter for
      survival?

PMID- 28091862
TI  - The Role of Adolescent Friendship Group Integration and Cohesion in Weapon
      Related Violent Crime as a Young Adult.
AB  - Weapon-related violent crime is a serious, complex, and multifaceted public
      health problem. The present study uses data from Waves I and III of Add Health (n
      = 10,482, 54% female) to examine how friendship group integration and cohesion in
      adolescence (ages 12-19) is associated with weapon-related criminal activity as a
      young adult (ages 18-26). Results indicate that greater cohesion in friendship
      groups is associated with significantly lower weapon-related criminal activity in
      young adulthood. In addition, for adolescent girls, a greater number of close
      friendship ties-an indicator of friendship group integration-is associated with
      less weapon-related criminal activity in young adulthood. These findings suggest
      that school-based initiatives to facilitate inclusive and cohesive adolescent
      peer communities may be an effective strategy to curb weapon-related criminal
      activity in young adulthood.

PMID- 28091863
TI  - Fast Progression of Cerebellar Atrophy in PLA2G6-Associated Infantile Neuronal
      Axonal Dystrophy.
AB  - Infantile neuronal axonal dystrophy (INAD) is characterized by progressive
      cerebellar atrophy. MRI has been recommended as a marker of disease progression
      in cerebellar diseases. We performed a longitudinal brain volumetry study in a
      couple of bicorial twins with PLA2G6-positive INAD. Brain volumetry was
      calculated with FreeSurfer software on 3T T1-weighted images acquired at age 28
      (t 0) and 36 months (t 1) in patient 1 and at age 22 (t 0) and 31 months (t 1) in
      patient 2. Data at t 0 were compared to those obtained in 18 control children
      aged 14-44 months with normal MRI. At t 0, both patients showed markedly lower
      cerebellar volume compared to controls. At t 1, both patients exhibited a
      remarkable decrease of cerebellar volume (-25.8% in patient 1; -16.5% in patient
      2) and of frontal (-6.8% in patient 1 and -3.3% in patient 2) and occipital (
      9.8% in patient 1 and -9.1% in patient 2) cortical GM volume. Our MRI morphometry
      study indicates that INAD is characterized by a remarkably fast progression of
      cerebellar atrophy and mild atrophy of the frontal and occipital cortex
      presumably secondary to deafferentation in the cortical-pons-cerebellum-rubro
      thalamus-cortical circuit and visual pathways.

PMID- 28091864
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Intranasal Glucagon for Hypoglycemia.

PMID- 28091865
TI  - Improving the diagnostic workup of hyponatremia in the setting of kidney disease:
      a continuing medical education (CME) initiative.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder and is associated with
      mortality. We examined the frequency of appropriate testing in response to an
      episode of inpatient hyponatremia in a large urban hospital to better inform our
      educational intervention. We then evaluated the impact of a live CME activity
      with a focus on CKD- and ESRD-associated hyponatremia physiology, on diagnostic
      practices of audience hospitalist attendings. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective database analysis of all patients admitted to Montefiore Medical
      Center in 2014 to examine the performance of hospital staff in response to
      hyponatremia across all CKD stages. We then did a comparative analysis of
      diagnostic workup orders for hyponatremic patients admitted to audience members
      of a live CME activity in the 4 months prior as compared to the 4 months after
      the activity. RESULTS: The prevalence of hyponatremia was 27% in a cohort of
      hospitalized patients: 41% of these hyponatremia inpatients had CKD, and 11.4%
      had ESRD. Overall less than 10% of patients had orders written for serum and
      urine osmolality without a differential pattern based on CKD or ESRD diagnosis.
      Among the patients admitted to the CME audience hospitalists, urine/serum
      osmolality and urine sodium orders occurred infrequently overall and did not
      differ after vs. before the lecture. DISCUSSION: The frequency of appropriate
      diagnostic orders written in response to an episode of hyponatremia was very low
      and did not vary based on degree of CKD. A CME activity with an emphasis on the
      role of CKD/ESRD in diagnostic accuracy did not improve the order quality in a
      group of audience hospitalists. Efforts to improve the diagnostic workup of
      hyponatremia with concomitant kidney disease are crucial to proper management of
      these patients.

PMID- 28091866
TI  - Review of Diagnostic Challenges in Occupational Asthma.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Occupational asthma (OA) is one of the most frequent
      occupational diseases and its diagnosis is often difficult. This review
      summarizes its current diagnostic challenges. RECENT FINDINGS: OA is associated
      with significant health and socio-economic burden. It is underdiagnosed and
      physicians need to adopt a stepwise approach to confirm the diagnosis. Although
      early removal from exposure to the offending agent is associated with a better
      prognosis, physicians should try to confirm the diagnosis of work-related asthma
      before taking a worker off work. A proper occupational and medical history is
      very important but is not enough to make the diagnosis of OA. Objective evidence
      of work-related asthma is required and this represents a serious challenge to
      most physicians. Measurement of non-specific bronchial responsiveness (NSBR) and
      spirometry may confirm the diagnosis of asthma but do not confirm the diagnosis
      of OA. Serial monitoring of peak expiratory flows (PEF), NSBR, and airway
      inflammation at and off work may confirm the diagnosis of OA but are often
      difficult to perform. Confirming sensitization by skin prick tests or specific
      IgE may help to support the diagnosis of OA. Specific inhalation challenges (SIC)
      in the lab or at work are considered the reference standard but are of limited
      access. Medical surveillance programs along with primary prevention (reducing
      exposure) may help to reduce the burden of OA, but the ideal program has yet to
      be defined. The diagnostic workup of OA remains a challenge and needs a rigorous
      stepwise evaluation.

PMID- 28091867
TI  - Arterial (Aortic) Stiffness in Patients with Resistant Hypertension: from
      Assessment to Treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the review is to examine whether measurement of
      aortic stiffness could be especially value-adding for risk stratification and
      treatment among patients with resistant hypertension (RH). RECENT FINDINGS:
      Adverse arterial remodeling and increased aortic stiffness is associated with RH,
      and it may be of additional clinical benefit to measure aortic stiffness in these
      patients. However, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether aortic
      stiffness is excessively high relative to the level of blood pressure (BP) among
      people with RH. This issue needs resolution as it could help refine management
      decisions guided by aortic stiffness. If conventional antihypertensive therapy
      fails to lower BP in patients with RH, there is good rationale for effectiveness
      of spironolactone as add on therapy, and this should also improve aortic
      stiffness. Lifestyle intervention with exercise and diet should be additionally
      efficacious towards improving BP and aortic stiffness in patients with RH, but
      there is limited data in this patient population. For better characterization on
      the effects of BP treatment on aortic stiffness, measures of central aortic BP
      may help refine management decisions above and beyond conventional arm cuff BP.
      There is strong evidence to support the use of aortic stiffness as a tool to aid
      risk stratification in hypertension management. Although there is a theoretical
      basis for special additional benefit of measuring aortic stiffness in patients
      with RH (as distinct from uncomplicated hypertension), at this time, there is
      inadequate data available to make definitive conclusions and is an area for
      future investigation.

PMID- 28091868
TI  - The Un-Observed Automated Office Blood Pressure Measurement Technique Used in the
      SPRINT Study Points to a Standard Target Office Systolic Blood Pressure <140
      mmHg.
AB  - The SPRINT study investigators used the un-observed automated office blood
      pressure measurement technique. When their achieved systolic blood pressure is
      corrected, target systolic blood pressure for most people remains unchanged:
      <140mmHg for prevention of cardiovascular diseases and death.

PMID- 28091869
TI  - A Positive Approach Toward Asexuality: Some First Steps, But Still a Long Way to
      Go.

PMID- 28091871
TI  - ?

PMID- 28091870
TI  - Perspectives: using polymer modeling to understand the formation and function of
      nuclear compartments.
AB  - Compartmentalization is a ubiquitous feature of cellular function. In the
      nucleus, early observations revealed a non-random spatial organization of the
      genome with a large-scale segregation between transcriptionally active
      euchromatin-and silenced-heterochromatin-parts of the genome. Recent advances in
      genome-wide mapping and imaging techniques have strikingly improved the
      resolution at which nuclear genome folding can be analyzed and have revealed a
      multiscale spatial compartmentalization with increasing evidences that such
      compartment may indeed result from and participate to genome function.
      Understanding the underlying mechanisms of genome folding and in particular the
      link to gene regulation requires a cross-disciplinary approach that combines the
      new high-resolution techniques with computational modeling of chromatin and
      chromosomes. In this perspective article, we first present how the copolymer
      theoretical framework can account for the genome compartmentalization. We then
      suggest, in a second part, that compartments may act as a "nanoreactor,"
      increasing the robustness of either activation or repression by enhancing the
      local concentration of regulators. We conclude with the need to develop a new
      framework, namely the "living chromatin" model that will allow to explicitly
      investigate the coupling between spatial compartmentalization and gene
      regulation.

PMID- 28091872
TI  - Impact of revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusion on left
      ventricular function and electrical stability: analysis by speckle tracking
      echocardiography and signal-averaged electrocardiogram.
AB  - The present study aimed to assess the mechanisms of effects of percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) from two different
      aspects: left ventricular (LV) systolic function assessed by two-dimensional
      speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and electrical stability evaluated by
      late potential on signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG). We conducted a
      prospective observational study with consecutive CTO-PCI patients. 2D-STE and
      SAECG were performed before PCI, and after 1-day and 3-months of procedure. 2D
      STE computed global longitudinal strain (GLS) and regional longitudinal strain
      (RLS) in CTO area, collateral blood-supplying donor artery area, and non-CTO/non
      donor area. A total of 37 patients (66 +/- 11 years, 78% male) were analyzed. RLS
      in CTO and donor areas and GLS were significantly improved 1-day after the
      procedure, but these improvements diminished during 3 months. The improvement of
      RLS in donor area remained significant after 3-months the index procedure (pre
      PCI -13.4 +/- 4.8% vs. post-3M -15.1 +/- 4.5%, P = 0.034). RLS in non-CTO/non
      donor area and LV ejection fraction were not influenced. Mitral annulus velocity
      was improved at 3-month follow-up (5.0 +/- 1.4 vs. 5.6 +/- 1.7 cm/s, P = 0.049).
      Before the procedure, 12 patients (35%) had a late potential. All components of
      the late potential (filtered QRS duration, root-mean-square voltage in the
      terminal 40 ms, and duration of the low amplitude signal <40 MUV) were not
      improved. CTO-PCI improved RLS in the donor area at 3-month follow-up without
      changes of LV ejection fraction. Although higher prevalence of late potential in
      the current population compared to healthy population was observed, late
      potential as a surrogate of arrhythmogenic substrate was not influenced by CTO
      PCI.

PMID- 28091873
TI  - Prediction of left ventricular contractile recovery using tissue Doppler strain
      and strain rate measurements at rest in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess the ability of tissue Doppler (TD) deformation
      analysis at rest to predict left ventricular contractile recovery in patients
      undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This prospective cohort
      enrolled 67 patients with segmental wall motion abnormality. Assessment of each
      segment was performed at rest and during low dose Dobutamine stress
      echocardiography (DSE) using a 4 point scoring system, TD peak systolic strain
      (PSS) and peak systolic strain rate (PSSR). The study followed up the patients
      for contractile improvement after 6 months of successful PCI by echocardiography.
      Of a 319 dysfunctional segments, 155 (49%) showed contractile recovery and 164
      (51%) did not. PSS and PSSR at rest were significantly higher in recovered
      segments compared to segments without recovery (PSS: -7.27 +/- 0.8 Vs. -6.14 +/-
      0.7%, PSSR: -0.34 +/- 0.13 Vs. -0.24 +/- 0.1/s. p < 0.0001 both). Similarly, both
      parameters were significantly higher in the contractile recovery group at follow
      up (p 0.001). Resting PSSR as well as PSS and PSSR during DSE were significant
      independent predictors of contractile recovery (p < 0.001 each). For predicting
      segmental contractile recovery, resting PSSR with a -0.31/s cut-off point had 76%
      sensitivity and 59% specificity (AUC 0.74), DSE qualitative viability assessment
      had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 77%, DSE PSS with a cut-off point of 
      9.1% had 74% sensitivity and 63% specificity (AUC 0.77) and DSE PSSR with a cut
      off point of -0.72/s had 78% sensitivity and 77% specificity (AUC 0.81). Resting
      PSSR is a modest predictor of segmental contractile recovery after PCI while PSSR
      during DSE has a comparable diagnostic performance to subjective wall motion
      scoring. Recovered segments show improvement of deformation parameters after PCI.

PMID- 28091874
TI  - The influence of dental treatment on the development of osteoradionecrosis after
      radiotherapy by modern irradiation techniques.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of dental
      treatment on the development of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw. METHODS:
      This study included the data of 776 patients who underwent 3D-CRT or IMRT because
      of head and neck cancer. Sex, dental status before and after radiotherapy (RT),
      tumor site, bone surgery during tumor operation, concomitant chemotherapy, and
      the development of an advanced ORN were documented for each patient. The
      patients' dentitions before and after RT were classified into four groups with
      regard to the number and localization of the remaining teeth. Differences between
      the patients with ORN and patients without ORN with regard to the teeth's
      condition before and after RT, and with regard to the extent of dental treatment
      were determined descriptively. Cox proportional hazards regression to study the
      association between dentition and the development of ORN. RESULTS: The extent of
      dental treatment in patients with and without ORN did not differ in a clinically
      relevant way. The highest risk of developing ORN was observed in patients who had
      undergone primary bone surgery during the tumor operation (HR = 5.58, 95%CI 2.91
      10.7) and patients who had a tumor in the oral cavity (HR = 4.84, 95%CI 1.37
      17.11). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, tumor localization and
      its required treatment are prognostic factors for the development of ORN.
      CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: After implementing a consequent dental treatment scheme,
      no influence of dentition on the risk of developing ORN could be demonstrated.
      Patients with a lower risk could prospectively benefit from a more moderate
      dental treatment scheme.

PMID- 28091875
TI  - The effect of veneering on the marginal fit of CAD/CAM-generated, copy-milled,
      and cast metal copings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study investigated the marginal fit of metal and
      zirconia copings before and after veneering on dies with shoulder/chamfer (s/c)
      finish lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using CAD/CAM, ten (n = 10) each s/c
      zirconia (NZ) copings and ten (n = 10) each s/c metal (MM) copings were
      generated. As controls, ten (n = 10) each s/c zirconia copings were copy-milled
      (ZZ) and ten (n = 10) each s/c metal copings were cast (CC). The vertical
      marginal discrepancy of the copings was measured at 20 predefined spots of the
      circular shoulder and chamfer finish lines in microns (MUm) before and after a
      first and a second veneering firing using a stereomicroscope at *40
      magnification. Data were statistically analyzed, and the comparisons of CAD/CAM
      milled (NZ, MM), copy-milled (ZZ), and cast (CC) copings before and after
      veneering were made at a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Gap width at
      s/c finish lines of ZZ was (91 +/- 11/100 +/- 28) and increased significantly
      (109 +/- 21/141 +/- 18) after the first firing (ZZ1). NZ showed significantly
      smaller gaps than ZZ (36 +/- 6/46 +/- 12) and (NZ1) after the first firing (61 +/
      16/71 +/- 29). Gap widths of CC groups (36 +/- 8/25 +/- 4) were not
      significantly different from NZ but were significantly lower after the (CC1)
      first veneering firing (40 +/- 8/42 +/- 7). MM copings showed gap values similar
      to NZ. Second firings did not significantly increase gaps in all groups except
      ZZ2 of chamfer finish line. CONCLUSION: Veneering increased the marginal gap
      width of copings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Within the limits of this in vitro study,
      aesthetic ceramic veneering of CAD/CAM-generated copings caused a statistically
      significant but tolerable loss of marginal fit precision.

PMID- 28091876
TI  - Hypermethylation of IFN-gamma in oral cancer tissues.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the methylation pattern of the interferon
      gamma (IFN-gamma) gene in oral cancer tissues compared with normal and benign
      oral disease tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The oral tissues were gained from
      the patients of 85 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), 47 cases of oral
      dysplastic lesions, and 53 normal biopsies. IFN -gamma methylation in oral
      tissues was verified through methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      and DNA sequencing analyses, and the expression levels of IFN-gamma messenger RNA
      (mRNA) and protein were detected using real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR
      and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. IFN-gamma was localized in
      macrophages from oral tissues and detected via immunostaining. RESULTS: IFN-gamma
      mRNA and protein expression levels were evidently decreased in oral cancer
      tissues, whereas the IFN-gamma methylation rate was significantly higher in
      malignant tumors than in benign and normal tissues (normal, 22.6%; benign, 38.3%;
      and cancer, 55.3%; P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of IFN-gamma mRNA was
      significantly downregulated in oral tumors with methylation compared with tumors
      without methylation, as determined by real-time RT-PCR (4.76-fold difference; P <
      0.05). Likewise, mRNA expression was downregulated by 6.79-fold in oral
      epithelial dysplasia tissues with methylation compared with those without
      methylation (P < 0.01). Co-immunostaining to detect MAC2 and IFN-gamma
      demonstrated that macrophages comprised the main source of IFN-gamma in oral
      tissues. IFN-gamma methylation demonstrated a significant association with the
      clinical stage, histopathology grade, and primary tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant
      IFN-gamma promoter methylation may be involved in the process of tumorigenesis of
      oral cancer. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IFN-gamma hypermethylation during the process of
      oral carcinogenesis could be useful for the clinical diagnosis and treatment for
      OSCC.

PMID- 28091877
TI  - Influence of enamel/dentin thickness on the toxic and esthetic effects of
      experimental in-office bleaching protocols.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to assess the whitening effectiveness and toxicity of
      tooth-bleaching protocols applied to enamel/dentin disks simulating mandibular
      incisors (ICs) and premolars (PMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10% hydrogen
      peroxide (H2O2) gel was applied for 3 * 15, 1 * 15, or 1 * 5 min to enamel/dentin
      disks simulating mandibular ICs and PMs, and the trans-enamel and trans-dentinal
      diffusion products were applied to human dental pulp cells (1 h). Professional
      therapy (35% H2O2-3 * 15 min) was used as positive control, and non-bleached
      samples were used as negative control. Cell viability and morphology, oxidative
      stress generation, and odontoblastic marker expression were assessed. The H2O2
      diffusion and enamel color change (DeltaE) were also analyzed. RESULTS: The 10%
      H2O2 gel induced significant cell viability reduction only when applied 3 * 15
      min, with the intensity of oxidative stress and down-regulation of odontoblastic
      markers being higher in the IC group. The other experimental bleaching protocols
      caused slight alterations regarding the cell parameters evaluated, with intensity
      being related to enamel/dentin thickness. These effects were also correlated with
      higher H2O2 diffusion in the IC group. DeltaE values similar as positive control
      were found for the 10% 3 * 15 and 1 * 15 protocols on IC group, after 4 and 6
      sessions. CONCLUSION: Application of a 10% H2O2 bleaching gel for 15 or 45 min to
      thin dental substrate significantly minimizes cell toxicity in comparison with
      highly concentrated gels associated with similar esthetic outcomes by increasing
      the number of bleaching sessions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bleaching gels with 10%
      H2O2 applied in small teeth for short periods may be an interesting alternative
      to obtain whitening effectiveness without causing toxicity to pulp cells, which
      may be able to reduce the tooth hypersensitivity claimed by patients.

PMID- 28091878
TI  - Insulin Degludec in Clinical Practice: A Review of Japanese Real-World Data.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this literature review we evaluated the real-world clinical
      effectiveness of switching Japanese diabetic patients from their current insulin
      regimen to insulin degludec (IDeg). METHODS: Studies were identified from
      Japanese Diabetes Society (JDS) abstracts (2014-2015) and PubMed (2012 onwards).
      Inclusion criteria were: Japanese population, >15 participants, and studies
      switching patients from basal or basal-bolus insulin regimens to IDeg. Randomized
      controlled trials and case reports were excluded. Weighted mean changes in safety
      and effectiveness endpoints were calculated using the number of patients in each
      study. RESULTS: In total, 81 JDS abstracts and seven manuscripts met the search
      criteria, representing 4238 patients [1028 with type 1 diabetes (T1D), 602 with
      type 2 diabetes (T2D), 2608 with unspecified or mixed diabetes]. Glycated
      hemoglobin (HbA1c) was reported in 93% of studies, with an improvement in 84% of
      these (51% significant, 33% numerical), no change in 12%, and worsening in 4% (3%
      numerical, 1% significant). Across all studies, the weighted mean absolute change
      in HbA1c was -0.3% (-2.7 mmol/mol). Basal insulin dose was reported in 58% of
      studies and was lower in 60% of these (30% significant, 30% numerical),
      numerically unchanged in 26%, and higher in 14% (2% significant, 12% numerical).
      The weighted mean change in basal insulin dose was -4.8% and -3.0% for all
      studies and for studies with only significant results, respectively. The weighted
      mean change in basal dose based on all studies was -8.9, -5.5, and -2.9% for the
      T1D, T2D, and unspecified patient populations, respectively. Hypoglycemia was
      recorded in 31% of the studies. After switching treatment to IDeg, 55% of studies
      reported decreased hypoglycemia, 29% no change, and 16% an increase. Quality of
      life (QoL) was measured in 11% of studies, of which 82% reported improved QoL
      after switching, and 18% reported no change in QoL. CONCLUSION: Switching from a
      conventional basal insulin to IDeg has the potential to improve HbA1c with a
      lower insulin dose. Switching to IDeg may also provide a reduced risk of
      hypoglycemia and improvement in QoL. FUNDING: Novo Nordisk.

PMID- 28091879
TI  - New medical therapies on the horizon: oral octreotide.
AB  - Somatostatin analog treatment is first line medical treatment in patients with
      acromegaly. This drug is currently mainly administered by monthly depot
      preparations of octreotide and lanreotide. With the innovative transient
      permeability enhancer, a technology enabling the absorption of drug molecules via
      transient opening of the tight junctions of the gut epithelium, it is possible to
      achieve therapeutic octreotide levels after oral ingestion. The present review
      summarized the preclinical work and the recently reported phase I and III study
      on oral octreotide capsules in patients with acromegaly. Maintenance of control
      in 155 participating patients was achieved in 65% at the end of core period. Once
      controlled on oral octreotide, the response was maintained to the end of the
      extension phase in 85%. Side effects were comparable to currently available
      preparations. There was a profound suppression of growth hormone levels, and
      significant symptom reduction. Currently available parental somatostatin analogs
      are generally well tolerated and are able to achieve longstanding biochemical
      control in patients with somatostatin sensitive tumors. Potential advantages of
      an oral alternative is the lack injection-related side effects, but there will be
      an ongoing need for a very strict compliance with the 2 daily dose regimen and
      fasting around drug administrations. A second phase III study is currently being
      conducted. The potential place in the treatment of acromegaly is discussed.

PMID- 28091880
TI  - Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity does not alter vasopressin
      secretion in septic rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: During the early phase of sepsis, hypotension is accompanied
      by increase of plasma vasopressin hormone (AVP) levels, which decline during the
      late phase. This hypotension is due in part to increase of nitric oxide (NO)
      synthesis by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme. Neuronal isoform of this enzyme
      (nNOS) is present in vasopressinergics neurons of hypothalamus, but its role in
      vasopressin secretion during sepsis is unknown. METHODS: We evaluated the role of
      nNOS in NO production and vasopressin secretion during sepsis. Wistar rats
      received 7-nitroindazole (50 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of nNOS activity, or
      vehicle and were submitted to septic stimulus by cecal ligation and puncture
      (CLP). At the time points 0, 4, 6, 18 and 24 h after sepsis induction the animals
      were decapitated and neurohypophysis and hypothalamus were removed for analysis
      of vasopressin content and NOS activity, respectively. Hematocrit, serum sodium,
      osmolality, proteins and plasmatic AVP were quantified. RESULTS: Mortality was
      not affected by 7-nitroindazole (7-NI). Sodium and plasma proteins levels
      decreased after CLP and the treatment anticipated the protein loss, and delayed
      serum sodium decrease. Septic animals treated with 7-NI showed decrease of
      osmolality 4 h after CLP. Nitric oxide synthase activity in hypothalamus
      increased at 4 and 24 h after CLP and was reduced with 7-NI. Neurohypophysis
      content of AVP diminished after CLP and 7-NI did not alter this parameter. Plasma
      AVP levels increased at 6 h and decreased 18 and 24 h after CLP. Treatment with 7
      NI did not alter plasma vasopressin levels. CONCLUSION: We concluded that nNOS
      does not have a substantial role in vasopressin secretion during experimental
      sepsis.

PMID- 28091881
TI  - Identifying Metabolites of Meclonazepam by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
      Using Human Liver Microsomes, Hepatocytes, a Mouse Model, and Authentic Urine
      Samples.
AB  - Meclonazepam is a benzodiazepine patented in 1977 to treat parasitic worms, which
      recently appeared as a designer benzodiazepine and drug of abuse. The aim of this
      study was to identify metabolites suitable as biomarkers of drug intake in urine
      using high-resolution mass spectrometry, authentic urine samples, and different
      model systems including human liver microsomes, cryopreserved hepatocytes, and a
      mice model. The main metabolites of meclonazepam found in human urine were amino
      meclonazepam and acetamido-meclonazepam; also, minor peaks for meclonazepam were
      observed in three of four urine samples. These observations are consistent with
      meclonazepam having a metabolism similar to that of other nitro containing
      benzodiazepines such as clonazepam, flunitrazepam, and nitrazepam. Both
      metabolites were produced by the hepatocytes and in the mice model, but the human
      liver microsomes were only capable of producing minor amounts of the amino
      metabolite. However, under nitrogen, the amount of amino-meclonazepam produced
      increased 140 times. This study comprehensively elucidated meclonazepam
      metabolism and also illustrates that careful selection of in vitro model systems
      for drug metabolism is needed, always taking into account the expected metabolism
      of the tested drug.

PMID- 28091883
TI  - Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) responses for sub-surface salt contamination and
      solid waste: modeling and controlled lysimeter studies.
AB  - The assessment of polluted areas and municipal solid waste (MSW) sites using non
      destructive geophysical methods is timely and much needed in the field of
      environmental monitoring and management. The objectives of this study are (i) to
      evaluate the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) wave responses as a result of
      different electrical conductivity (EC) in groundwater and (ii) to conduct MSW
      stratification using a controlled lysimeter and modeling approach. A GPR wave
      simulation was carried out using GprMax2D software, and the field test was done
      on two lysimeters that were filled with sand (Lysimeter-1) and MSW (Lysimeter-2).
      A Pulse EKKO-Pro GPR system with 200- and 500-MHz center frequency antennae was
      used to collect GPR field data. Amplitudes of GPR-reflected waves (sub-surface
      reflectors and water table) were studied under different EC levels injected to
      the water table. Modeling results revealed that the signal strength of the
      reflected wave decreases with increasing EC levels and the disappearance of the
      subsurface reflection and wave amplitude reaching zero at higher EC levels (when
      EC >0.28 S/m). Further, when the EC level was high, the plume thickness did not
      have a significant effect on the amplitude of the reflected wave. However, it was
      also found that reflected signal strength decreases with increasing plume
      thickness at a given EC level. 2D GPR profile images under wet conditions showed
      stratification of the waste layers and relative thickness, but it was difficult
      to resolve the waste layers under dry conditions. These results show that the GPR
      as a non-destructive method with a relatively larger sample volume can be used to
      identify highly polluted areas with inorganic contaminants in groundwater and
      waste stratification. The current methods of MSW dumpsite investigation are
      tedious, destructive, time consuming, costly, and provide only point-scale
      measurements. However, further research is needed to verify the results under
      heterogeneous aquifer conditions and complex dumpsite conditions.

PMID- 28091882
TI  - Identification of some main Streptococcus iniae associated proteins:
      relationship.
AB  - The surface-associated proteins play a key role in bacterial physiology and
      pathogenesis, and are the major targets in the development of new vaccines. These
      proteins contribute to the adaptation of bacteria to different hosts and
      environments. To study differences at the genomic level, we first sequenced the
      whole genome of Streptococcus iniae from fish (IUSA-1 strain) and compared it to
      Streptococcus iniae from human (9117 strain), revealing a high similitude between
      both strains. To gain further insights into host- and environment-specific
      differences, we then studied proteins in silico and by High Performance Liquid
      Chromatography. This approach successfully identified 54 secreted and surface
      proteins, including several proteins involved in cell wall synthesis and
      transport of solutes, as well as proteins with yet unknown function. These
      proteins highlight as interesting targets for further investigation in the
      interaction between Streptococcus iniae and its environment. Results reported in
      this study have shown a first analysis about the predicted and experimental
      associated proteins of Streptococcus iniae isolated from two different hosts:
      human and fish.

PMID- 28091884
TI  - Pre-mining trace element and radiation exposure to biota from a breccia pipe
      uranium mine in the Grand Canyon (Arizona, USA) watershed.
AB  - The risks to wildlife and humans from uranium (U) mining in the Grand Canyon
      watershed are largely unknown. In addition to U, other co-occurring ore
      constituents contribute to risks to biological receptors depending on their
      toxicological profiles. This study characterizes the pre-mining concentrations of
      total arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel
      (Ni), selenium (Se), thallium (Tl), U, and zinc (Zn); radiation levels; and
      histopathology in biota (vegetation, invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and
      mammals) at the Canyon Mine. Gross alpha levels were below the reporting limit (4
      pCi/g) in all samples, and gross beta levels were indicative of background in
      vegetation (<10-17 pCi/g) and rodents (<10-43.5 pCi/g). Concentrations of U, Tl,
      Pb, Ni, Cu, and As in vegetation downwind from the mine were likely the result of
      aeolian transport. Chemical concentrations in rodents and terrestrial
      invertebrates indicate that surface disturbance during mine construction has not
      resulted in statistically significant spatial differences in fauna concentrations
      adjacent to the mine. Chemical concentrations in egg contents and nestlings of
      non-aquatic birds were less than method quantification limits or did not exceed
      toxicity thresholds. Bioaccumulation of As, Pb, Se, Tl, and U was evident in
      Western spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) tadpoles from the mine containment pond;
      concentrations of As (28.9-31.4 MUg/g) and Se (5.81-7.20 MUg/g) exceeded toxicity
      values and were significantly greater than in tadpoles from a nearby water
      source. Continued evaluation of As and Se in biota inhabiting and forging in the
      mine containment pond is warranted as mining progresses.

PMID- 28091885
TI  - Assessing the impact of preload on pyrite-rich sediment and groundwater quality.
AB  - Pyrite-rich sediments would, invariably, undergo redox reactions which would lead
      to acidic aqueous environment containing solubilized toxic metal species. When
      such sediments are subjected to preload, a technique employed by geotechnical
      engineers to improve the load-bearing capacity of highly compressible formation,
      transient flow of pore water, accompanied by acidity transfer, would occur as a
      response. Despite the concomitant environmental and socio-economic significance,
      to date, there has been limited interdisciplinary research on the underpinning
      geotechnical engineering and geo-environmental science issues for pyrite-rich
      sediments under preload. In this study, we investigate the effect of pyrite-rich
      sediment pore water transfer under preload surcharge on the receiving environment
      and the impact on the groundwater speciation and quality. Sediment samples were
      obtained at close depth intervals from boreholes established within pristine
      areas and those subjected to the preload application. Soil and pore water samples
      were subjected to solid/solution speciation, moisture contents, soil pH and the
      Atterberg Limits' analyses using standard analytical techniques and methods.
      Standpipes were also installed in the boreholes for groundwater sampling and in
      situ monitoring of water quality parameters. It is shown that the imposition of
      preload surcharge over pyritic sediment created a reducing environment rich in
      SO42-, iron oxide minerals and organic matter. This reducing environment fostered
      organic carbon catabolism to generate excess pyrite and bicarbonate alkalinity,
      which would invariably impact adversely on soil quality and plant growth. These
      were accompanied by increase in pH, dissolved Al, Ca, Mg and K species beneath
      the surcharge.

PMID- 28091886
TI  - Levels of persistent organic pollutants in breast milk of Maya women in Yucatan,
      Mexico.
AB  - In this study, 24 breast milk samples, obtained from rural Maya women, from
      municipalities of Yucatan, Mexico, were analyzed for organochlorine pesticide
      (OCP) residues by gas chromatography. Recent studies have shown that Maya
      communities have a poor perception about the proper usage and handling of OCP.
      The karstic soil in this area has a high vulnerability to groundwater pollution
      by the use of OCP in agriculture and livestock activities. The impact of the
      ecosystem on human health is much more critical due to the prevailing poverty and
      a very low educational level of these communities. About 30% of the Maya
      population consumes water directly from contaminated wells and sinkholes,
      resulting in a chronic exposure to OCP. The samples served to identify and
      quantify high levels of OCP residues (18.43 mg/kg of heptachlor epoxide and 1.92
      mg/kg of endrin in the metropolitan zone; 2.10 mg/kg of dieldrin, 0.117 mg/kg of
      endosulfan II, 0.103 mg/kg of heptachlor, 0.178 mg/kg of endrin, and 0.127 mg/kg
      of endrin aldehyde in the main agricultural zone and on the west coast). The
      detected levels of OCP residues are a major concern and represent a potential
      risk to women and children in the region. This could be associated with the high
      rates of cervical uterine and breast cancer mortality in Yucatan. Thus,
      regulations on the usage of OCP and their enforcement are necessary, and it is
      important to establish a yearly monitoring program for OCP residues in breast
      milk and groundwater, as well as to implement health promotion programs for women
      in particular and the general population in general.

PMID- 28091888
TI  - Testing the CP-correction procedure with different DFT methods on H-bonding
      complexes of kappa-carrabiose with water molecules.
AB  - Interaction of water molecules with kappa-carrabiose disaccharide, within three H
      bonding complexes, was investigated. Particular interest was focused on the way
      with which the BSSE correction has to be performed. Two strategies were used,
      either performing BSSE correction during or after optimization. For this aim,
      several DFT-functionals (hybrid GGA and hybrid meta-GGA) and 6-31 + G* basis set
      were considered. The results demonstrated the uselessness of including of BSSE-CP
      correction during optimization for all complexes. From a structural point of
      view, a proper H-bonding description was obtained using the PBE0 functional for
      all complexes. The basis set effect on the BSSE using B3LYP functional was also
      investigated. The reliability of B3LYP/6-31 + G** and B3LYP/6-31++G** models for
      the complexes involving one or two water molecules was reported while the use of
      B3LYP/6-311 + G** or B3LYP/6-311++G** levels was shown to be more appropriate for
      larger complexes equivalent to that involving three water molecules. CP-corrected
      interaction energies were demonstrated to be closer to CBS-4 M interaction
      energies than the uncorrected ones. Graphical abstract Functional and basis set
      effects on BSSE.

PMID- 28091887
TI  - The morphology of human rod ERGs obtained by silent substitution stimulation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To record transient ERGs from the light-adapted human retina using
      silent substitution stimuli which selectively reflect the activity of rod
      photoreceptors. We aim to describe the morphology of these waveforms and examine
      how they are affected by the use of less selective stimuli and by retinal
      pathology. METHODS: Rod-isolating stimuli with square-wave temporal profiles
      (250/250 ms onset/offset) were presented using a 4 primary LED ganzfeld
      stimulator. Experiment 1: ERGs were recorded using a rod-isolating stimulus (63
      ph Td, rod contrast, C rod = 0.25) from a group (n = 20) of normal trichromatic
      observers. Experiment 2: Rod ERGs were recorded from a group (n = 5) using a rod
      isolating stimulus (C rod = 0.25) which varied in retinal illuminance from 40 to
      10,000 ph Td. Experiment 3: ERGs were elicited using 2 kinds of non-isolating
      stimuli; (1) broadband and (2) rod-isolating stimuli which contained varying
      degrees of L- and M-cone excitation. Experiment 4: Rod ERGs were recorded from
      two patient groups with rod monochromacy (n = 3) and CSNB (type 1; n = 2).
      RESULTS: The rod-isolated ERGs elicited from normal subjects had a waveform with
      a positive onset component followed by a negative offset. Response amplitude was
      maximal at retinal illuminances <100 ph Td and was virtually abolished at 400 ph
      Td. The use of non-selective stimuli altered the ERG waveform eliciting more
      photopic-like ERG responses. Rod ERGs recorded from rod monochromats had similar
      features to those recorded from normal trichromats, in contrast to those recorded
      from participants with CSNB which had an electronegative appearance. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results demonstrate that ERGs elicited by silent substitution stimuli can
      selectively reflect the operation of rod photoreceptors in the normal, light
      adapted human retina.

PMID- 28091889
TI  - Theoretical insights into the effects of molar ratios on stabilities, mechanical
      properties, and detonation performance of CL-20/HMX cocrystal explosives by
      molecular dynamics simulation.
AB  - To research and estimate the effects of molar ratios on structures, stabilities,
      mechanical properties, and detonation properties of CL-20/HMX cocrystal
      explosive, the CL-20/HMX cocrystal explosive models with different molar ratios
      were established in Materials Studio (MS). The crystal parameters, structures,
      stabilities, mechanical properties, and some detonation parameters of different
      cocrystal explosives were obtained and compared. The molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulation results illustrate that the molar ratios of CL-20/HMX have a direct
      influence on the comprehensive performance of cocrystal explosive. The hardness
      and rigidity of the 1:1 cocrystal explosive was the poorest, while the plastic
      property and ductibility were the best, thus implying that the explosive has the
      best mechanical properties. Besides, it has the highest binding energy, so the
      stability and compatibility is the best. The cocrystal explosive has better
      detonation performance than HMX. In a word, the 1:1 cocrystal explosive is worth
      more attention and further research. This paper could offer some theoretical
      instructions and technological support, which could help in the design of the CL
      20 cocrystal explosive.

PMID- 28091890
TI  - A theoretical study of the inhibition effect of PAMAM molecule on silica scale.
AB  - In this work, the molecular modeling method was performed to study adsorption
      interaction between PAMAM molecules of different generations and silicic acid
      molecules, and the inhibition effect on silica scale were discussed. The results
      show that adsorption energies of PAMAM molecule of generation 1.0 with amine
      terminated groups are stronger than those of generation 1.5 with terminated
      carboxyl group. The composition of adsorption interactions are the dominating
      electrostatic interactions and van de Waals interactions as well as H-bond
      interactions. It is qualitatively discussed that the inhibition effect of
      generation 1.0 on silica scale is stronger than that of generation 1.5 in the
      neutral solution.

PMID- 28091891
TI  - Adrenal Teratoma: a Case Series and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Adrenal teratomas are rare neoplasms and there is limited data on their surgical
      outcomes and long-term prognosis. We aimed to review our institutional experience
      and compare this to the existing literature on adrenal teratomas in adults and
      children. An institutional pathology database was searched for cases of adrenal
      teratoma (June 1956-July 2016). Clinical and imaging data were abstracted from
      the medical records and pathology slides were obtained for review. In addition, a
      PubMed search for "adrenal teratoma" from June 1952 to July 2016 was performed to
      identify reports of primary adrenal teratoma in patients of all ages. Of 7706
      patients who underwent adrenalectomy during the study period at our institution,
      three patients were identified with adrenal teratoma. Patients were 24, 26, and
      29 years of age, respectively. Two patients presented with abdominal pain and two
      of the three underwent a laparoscopic adrenalectomy. A pathologic examination
      revealed mature cystic teratomas that frequently displayed well-differentiated
      respiratory, digestive, and squamous epithelia. Eighteen case reports in the
      literature were identified in patients 17-61 years of age. Patients presented
      most frequently with abdominal or flank pain (63.6%). Median tumor diameter was
      9.0 cm and tumors were frequently left-sided (81.8%), cystic (63.6%), and
      calcified (72.7%) on either radiologic or pathologic examination. Primary adrenal
      teratomas are rare neoplasms that typically present as large, left-sided nodules
      with cystic and calcified components seen radiographically. Although the data are
      limited, they are generally amenable to laparoscopic resection and have a very
      favorable prognosis.

PMID- 28091892
TI  - Bariatric Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: Adipocyte Proteins Involved in
      Increased Bone Remodeling in Humans.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery has been associated with bone remodeling changes. The
      action of adipokines on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor
      kappa beta ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) and on an increase in
      sclerostin could be related to these changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study
      aimed to assess the repercussions of weight loss, fat mass (FM), and fat-free
      mass (FFM) loss and biochemical and hormonal changes on bone remodeling markers
      after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Anthropometric data, parathyroid hormone
      (PTH), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), collagen type 1 C-telopeptide
      (CTX), 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-VitD), leptin, adiponectin, RANKL, OPG, and
      sclerostin of 30 menstruating women were measured preoperatively (Pre), and 3,
      12, and 24 months (m) after RYGB. RESULTS: Leptin (34.4 (14.7; 51.9) vs. 22.5
      (1.9; 52.7) ng/mL) and OPG (3.6 (1.1; 11.5) vs. 3.4 (1.5; 6) pmol/L) decreased,
      and adiponectin (7.4 (1.7; 18.4) vs. 13.8 (3.0; 34.6) MUg/mL), CTX (0.2 (0.1;
      2.2) vs. 0.6 (0.4; 6.0) ng/mL), RANKL (0.1 (0.0; 0.5) vs. 0.3 (0.0; 2.0) pmol/L),
      and sclerostin (21.7 (3.2; 75.1) vs. 34.8 (6.4; 80.5) pmol/L) increased after 3
      m. BSAP increased after 12 m (10.1 (5.4; 18.9) vs. 13.9 (6.9; 30.2) MUg/mL) (p <
      0.005). CTX correlated positively with adiponectin at 24 m and inversely with
      leptin Pre; OPG at 3 m; weight, FM, FFM, and leptin at 24 m. RANKL correlated
      directly with weight at 3 m. Sclerostin correlated inversely with weight Pre and
      FM at 3 m. BSAP correlated negatively with 25-OH-VitD at 12 m, and positively
      with PTH at 24 m. CONCLUSIONS: RYGB induced weight loss, and biochemical,
      hormonal, and body composition changes are associated with higher bone
      remodeling.

PMID- 28091893
TI  - Endoscopic Management of Eroded Bands Following Banded-Gastric Bypass (with
      Video).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Banded-gastric bypass is a highly effective bariatric procedure, yet
      the possibility of band erosion remains a significant drawback. Surgical removal
      of eroded bands may be associated with significant morbidity. In this study, we
      assess the efficacy and safety of a solely peroral endoscopic approach for the
      management of eroded bands in patients with a banded-gastric bypass. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Starting January 2012, all patients with banded-gastric bypass and
      an eroded band were subjected to an attempt at peroral endoscopic removal using
      endoscopic scissors and/or argon plasma coagulation (APC), regardless of the
      circumference of band eroding inside the lumen. RESULTS: Sixteen patients
      presented with eroded bands, 2 were deemed not amenable to endoscopic removal as
      only part of the thickness was eroded. Of the 14 patients where endoscopic
      attempts were performed, 12 (86%) were completely removed successfully, while 2
      (14%) were cut but could not be extracted and only the intraluminal portion was
      trimmed. Complete resolution of symptoms occurred in 13 (93%) while in 1 patient
      (7%) there was partial improvement. Only one endoscopic session was performed per
      patient with a median time of 37.5 min per session (22-55 min). No complications
      were encountered. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic removal of eroded gastric bands in
      patients with banded-gastric bypass is effective and safe in the majority of
      patients. When bands are adherent to the gastric wall, removal of the
      intraluminal portion of the band may lead to full or partial improvement of
      symptoms. Endoscopic band removal can be attempted even when a small part of band
      circumference has eroded.

PMID- 28091894
TI  - Mechanisms of Action of Surgical Interventions on Weight-Related Diseases: the
      Potential Role of Bile Acids.
AB  - Surgical interventions for weight-related diseases (SWRD) may have substantial
      and sustainable effect on weight reduction, also leading to a higher remission
      rate of type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus than any other medical treatment or
      lifestyle intervention. The resolution of T2D after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
      (RYGB) typically occurs too quickly to be accounted for by weight loss alone,
      suggesting that these operations have a direct impact on glucose homeostasis. The
      mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects however remain unclear. Recent
      research suggests that changes in the concentrations of plasma bile acids might
      contribute to these metabolic changes after surgery. In this review, we aimed to
      outline the potential role of bile acids in SWRD. We systematically reviewed
      MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science for articles reporting the effect of SWRD on
      outcomes published between 1969 and 2016. We found that changes in circulating
      bile acids after surgery may play a major role through activation of the
      farnesoid X receptor A (FXRA), the fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), and the G
      protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5). Bile acid concentration increased
      significantly after RYGB. Some studies suggest that a transitory decrease occurs
      at 1 week post-surgery, followed by a gradual increase. Most studies have shown
      the increase to be proportionate by all bile acid subtypes. Bile acids can
      regulate glucose metabolism through the expression of TGR5 receptor in L cells,
      resulting in a release of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). It may also induce the
      synthesis and secretion of FGF19 in ileal cells, thereby improving insulin
      sensitivity and regulating glucose metabolism. All the present SWRD are involved
      with changes in food stimulation to the stomach. This implies that discovering
      and developing the antagonists to TGR5 and FXRA may effectively control metabolic
      syndrome and the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the physiological
      effects related to weight loss and T2D remission after surgery may help to
      identify new drug targets.

PMID- 28091895
TI  - Author Reply-Bariatric Surgery and Liver Function Tests in Nonalcoholic Fatty
      Liver Disease.

PMID- 28091896
TI  - Bariatric Surgery and Liver Function Tests in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

PMID- 28091897
TI  - Comparative analysis of the visual and refractive outcomes of a refractive
      segmented multifocal intraocular lens with and without toricity: 1-year results.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the visual and refractive outcomes up to 1 year
      postoperatively following implantation of a refractive segmented or a refractive
      segmented toric multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: This retrospective
      study included 108 eyes of 64 patients who underwent cataract surgery with
      implantation of a refractive segmented multifocal IOL (Lentis Mplus LS-313 MF30
      IOL) (LM group) and 81 eyes of 49 patients with implantation of a refractive
      segmented toric multifocal IOL (Lentis Mplus LU-313 MF30T IOL) (LMT group). The
      visual and refractive postoperative outcomes and the rate of additional
      refractive procedures were evaluated up to 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The
      uncorrected distance visual acuity (VA) and uncorrected near VA exceeded 1.0 and
      0.60 in decimal VA, respectively, and both were stable postoperative groups. The
      postoperative subjective refractive astigmatism was also stable and the
      postoperative refraction was near emmetropia in both groups. No significant
      differences were found in the need for additional surgical refractive procedures.
      CONCLUSION: The outcomes with a refractive segmented toric multifocal IOL were
      comparable to those with a non-toric model despite higher preoperative corneal
      astigmatism.

PMID- 28091898
TI  - The outcomes of radiotherapy and factors that predict overall survival in elderly
      patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate radiotherapy in terms of both
      feasibility and efficacy for the treatment of 206 elderly patients (>=70 years)
      with unresectable ESCC and to investigate the factors that predict overall
      survival in those patients. METHODS: Totally, 206 elderly patients with
      esophageal cancer (>=70 years) treated with RT for ESCC in the Harbin Medical
      University Affiliated Tumor Hospital were retrospectively enrolled. Radiation
      treatment results and side effects were evaluated. Survival data were estimated
      using the Kaplan-Meier method, including OS, RFS and DDFS. A multivariate Cox
      regression analysis was performed to determine the relevant prognostic factors.
      RESULTS: The median OS and RFS were 20.68 and 24.19 months. Metastases before
      radiotherapy, having cervical or supraclavicular neoplasm, with lesion length >5
      cm were the independent risk factors for OS. The total effective rate was 86.9%
      (179/206). CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy in elderly patients (>=70 years) can not
      only obtain good treatment result, but also make patients have better tolerance
      and reduce the risk of complications. Radiotherapy should be as a primary
      treatment option for elderly patients with inoperable ESCC.

PMID- 28091899
TI  - Proteomic Study of Blood Serum in Coronary Atherosclerosis.
AB  - Changes in the blood serum proteins were assessed in men with coronary
      atherosclerosis and without coronary heart disease. Proteins were separated by 2D
      electrophoresis, protein fractions were identified by their peptide fingerprint
      by MALDI method; fractions with more than twofold increase in protein level were
      determined. In blood serum of patients with coronary atherosclerosis, the content
      of C4 complement protein increased and ceruloplasmin level decreased, which is
      typical of heart failure and coronary heart disease.

PMID- 28091900
TI  - Antithrombotic Protective Effects of Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro Peptide during Emotional
      Stress Provoked by Forced Swimming Test in Rats.
AB  - Blood coagulation was enhanced and all factors (total, enzyme, and non-enzyme) of
      the fibrinolytic system were suppressed in rats in 60 min after forced swimming
      test. Argininecontaining tetrapeptide glyproline Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro administered
      prior to this test activated fibrinolysis and prevented hypercoagulation.
      Administration of this peptide in 5 min after swimming test also enhanced
      anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, and antithrombotic activity of the blood. Therefore,
      glyproline Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro exerted both preventive and curative effects on the
      hemostasis system and prevented enhancement of blood coagulation provoked by
      emotional stress modeled by forced swimming test.

PMID- 28091901
TI  - Contractility of Right Ventricular Myocardium in Male and Female Rats during
      Physiological and Pathological Hypertrophy.
AB  - Sex differences in the morphogenesis and adaptation of the mechanisms controlling
      myocardium contractility during physiological and pathological hypertrophy of the
      right ventricle were demonstrated in mature rats. The study revealed sex
      dependent effects of physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy on the
      coefficient of variation of the cardiomyocyte diameter, length-dependent control
      of the contractile force, and the maximum velocity of isotonic shortening.

PMID- 28091902
TI  - Nitrogen Oxide, Endothelin-1, and Serotonin in the Blood of Immature
      Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.
AB  - Endothelial function is an early and sensitive marker of subclinical increase of
      BP in children and adolescents. It is associated with an imbalance of the key
      vasoactive factors (NO, endothelin-1, and serotonin). Immature spontaneously
      hypertensive rats (SHR line) are characterized by increased plasma concentrations
      of NO and endothelin-1 (by 14.7% and 2.9 times, respectively) and increased
      serotonin content in the plasma and platelets (by 2.7 and 2.3 times,
      respectively) in comparison with Wistar-Kyoto rats. Platelet count in the blood
      of SHR rats is by 50% higher than in Wistar-Kyoto rats.

PMID- 28091903
TI  - Effects of Opioid Peptides on Changes in Lipid Metabolism in Rats Subjected to
      Swimming Stress.
AB  - Blood levels of nonesterified fatty acids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and
      LDL increased in rats subjected to forced swimming stress. Administration of
      opioid peptides dynorphin A(1-13), DSLET, or DAGO reduced stress-induced
      disturbances in lipid metabolism. Dynorphin A(1-13) and DAGO produced the most
      pronounced effects and prevented an increase in concentrations of nonesterified
      fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL as soon as 39 h after
      treatment. Only DSLET increased HDL content in the plasma of stressed rats. The
      observed effects can be explained by the stress-limiting effects of opioids, e.g.
      attenuation of the effect of catecholamines on the adipose tissue and inhibition
      of the generation LPO products suppressing activity of the cholesterol
      metabolizing enzyme.

PMID- 28091904
TI  - Effects of Release-Active Antibodies to CD4 Receptor on the Level of lck-Kinase
      in Cultured Mononuclear Cells from Human Peripheral Blood.
AB  - For evaluation of effects of release-active antibodies to CD4 on cultured
      lymphocytes from human peripheral blood, we measured intracellular content of lck
      kinase cell-based ELISA. In cells treated with release-active antibodies to CD4,
      the content of intracellular lck-kinase significantly (p<0.01) decreased in
      comparison with the control (purified water processed in a similar way).
      Phytohemagglutinin had no effect on the concentration of lck-kinase in cells. The
      decrease in the content of CD4-associated lck protein suggests that the
      preparation enhanced intracellular coupling of lck-kinase with T-cell receptor
      and potentiated T-cell immune response.

PMID- 28091906
TI  - Effect of Mifepristone on Corticosteroid Production in Vitro by Adrenal Glands of
      Rats with Streptozotocin Diabetes.
AB  - Changes in pregnenolone and corticosterone production by the adrenal glands of
      normoglycemic rats receiving the course of intraperitoneal mifepristone or NaCl
      administration were co-directed, but differed in magnitude. In rats with
      hyperglycemia, corticosteroid production increased after NaCl administration over
      5 days and returned to the initial values after 15-day administration. On the
      contrary, pregnenolone and corticosterone production was suppressed after 5-day
      course of mifepristone, but significantly increased after mifepristone
      administration for 15 days. Intraperitoneal mifepristone administration almost
      completely abolished the response of rat adrenal glands with normo- and
      hyperglycemia to ACTH in vitro; this effect did not depend on the duration of
      administration.

PMID- 28091905
TI  - Activity of LPO Processes in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and
      Infertility.
AB  - Specific features of LPO processes and antioxidant defense were studied in
      patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility. Changes in LPO
      processes in patients with PCOS were compensatory, which manifested in increased
      alpha-tocopherol and retinol concentrations and moderate decrease in superoxide
      dismutase activity. Intensification of prooxidant processes was found in the
      group of patients with infertility without PCOS. The observed changes necessitate
      differentiated approach to the treatment of these patients.

PMID- 28091907
TI  - Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Effect of L-Ascorbate 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-4,6
      Dimethyl-1,2-Dihydropyrimidine-2-One Upon Exposure to Carbon Tetrachloride.
AB  - Hepatoprotective properties of a new pyrimidine derivative - L-ascorbate 1-(2
      hydroxyethyl)-4,6-dimethyl-1,2-dihydropyrimidine-2-one, synthesized on the basis
      Xymedon, were assessed in white rats exposed to CCl4. The compound under study
      administered prior to exposure to CCl4 reduced the deviation of biochemical
      parameters from reference values and severity of structural and morphological
      changes in liver, when compared to the control. Hepatoprotective properties of
      the studied compound were more pronounced than those of Xymedon.

PMID- 28091908
TI  - Effect of Tramadol on Rabbit Uterine Contractile Activity Induced in Late
      Pregnancy.
AB  - Effect of Tramadol infusion (5 mg/ml) on oxytocin-induced uterine contractile
      activity was studied in chronic experiment on female rabbits with different
      degrees of biological readiness for parturition. In case of sufficient biological
      readiness for parturition, Tramadol did not change the number of uterine
      contractions, but increased the amplitude and duration of each contraction
      against the background of increased creatine phosphate consumption by the
      myometrium. At the same time, Tramadol infusion to females without biological
      readiness for partirition suppressed induced uterine contractile activity by
      reducing the amplitude of each uterine contraction.

PMID- 28091909
TI  - Modes of Hypotensive Action of Dihydroquercetin in Arterial Hypertension.
AB  - We studied the effect of dihydroquercetin (20 mg/kg/day intragastrically for 6
      weeks) on mean BP and macro- and microrheological blood parameters in
      hypertensive SHR rats; in vitro effect of dihydroquercetin on the tone in
      thoracic aorta rings isolated from hypertensive SHR rats were also examined. At
      the end of the treatment course, the mean BP in the experimental rats decreased
      by 11%; the left ventricular mass index by 2%, and whole blood viscosity by 7-10%
      in comparison with control SHR rats; erythrocyte aggregation half-time increased
      by 15%; plasma viscosity, hematocrit, and erythrocyte deformability did not
      change. In in vitro experiments, dihydroquercetin (10-8-10-6M) induced relaxation
      of the isolated thoracic aorta rings in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, the
      antihypertensive effect of dihydroquercetin results from the decrease in blood
      viscosity and vasodilation.

PMID- 28091910
TI  - Inhibition of Apoptosis Stages of Human Blood Lymphocytes after Exposure to
      Carbon Monoxide in the Presence of Recombinant Interleukin-2.
AB  - We studied the effect of carbon monoxide (60-, 75-, and 90-min exposure) on the
      expression of antiapoptotic proteins (survivin and Bcl-2) in human blood
      lymphocytes in the presence of recombinant IL-2 in an apoptosis-inducing dose
      (0.1 ng/ml). Incubation of cells in atmosphere with carbon monoxide in the
      presence of recombinant IL-2 was accompanied by accumulation of Bcl-2 protein
      with simultaneous decrease of survivin content. It was concluded that carbon
      monoxide plays a role in the dysregulation of apoptosis of human blood
      lymphocytes Bcl-2 (i.e. CO inhibits the proapoptotic effect of recombinant IL-2).

PMID- 28091911
TI  - Biocompatibility of Modified Osteoinductive Calcium-Phosphate Coatings of Metal
      Implants.
AB  - The cellular and molecular aspects of immunological compatibility of modified
      osteoinductive calcium-phosphate coatings formed on technically pure titanium VT1
      0 by the plasma electrolytic oxidation technology are studied. The technique of
      coating modified the process of human peripheral blood leukocyte activation in
      vitro. The most pronounced functional changes were observed in neutrophil
      population during whole blood contact with titanium sample without coating and
      with coating formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation on titanium alloy. Sealing
      of the oxidation layer pores by ultradispersed polytetrafluoroethylene leads to
      reduction of cell activation. Composite coatings with ultradispersed
      polytetrafluoroethylene applied by the electrophoretic method are characterized
      by the best biocompatibility. The data demonstrate the possibility of modifying
      biomaterial surfaces for inflammatory response control.

PMID- 28091912
TI  - Caspase 3, 6, 8, and 9 Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and Plasma
      Concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in Carriers of Different Polymorphic Marker 
      174G>C Genotypes of IL6 Gene Associated with the Risk of Nonalcoholic
      Steatohepatitis.
AB  - We revealed an association of IL6 gene -174G>C polymorphism with the development
      of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in the Russian population. The risk is
      significantly higher in carriers of C allele: OR=1.77 (1.04; 3.02). The effects
      of -174G>C substitution in IL6 gene involving caspase 9 gene transcripts in
      peripheral blood leukocytes and on blood content of TNF-alpha in healthy
      individuals without clinical manifestations of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis were
      detected. The content of caspase 9 gene transcripts in peripheral blood
      leukocytes and plasma level of TNF-alpha were significantly higher in healthy
      subjects carrying C allele than in carriers of GG genotype. The levels of
      caspases 3, 6, 8, and 9 gene transcripts in peripheral blood leukocytes and
      plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
      did not depend on IL6 genotype by -174G<C marker.

PMID- 28091914
TI  - Altered Liver Proteoglycan/Glycosaminoglycan Structure as a Manifestation of
      Extracellular Matrix Remodeling upon BCG-induced Granulomatosis in Mice.
AB  - Experimental BCG-induced granulomatosis in mice was used to study changes in the
      dynamics of individual liver proteoglycan components reflecting phasic
      extracellular matrix remodeling, determined by the host-parasite interaction and
      associated with granuloma development. In the early BCG-granulomatosis period,
      the increase in individual proteoglycan components promotes granuloma formation,
      providing conditions for mycobacteria adhesion to host cells, migration of
      phagocytic cells from circulation, and cell-cell interaction leading to granuloma
      development and fibrosis. Later, reduced reserve capacity of the extracellular
      matrix, development of interstitial fibrosis and granuloma fibrosis can lead to
      trophic shortage for cells within the granulomas, migration of macrophages out of
      them, and development of spontaneous necrosis and apoptosis typical of
      tuberculosis.

PMID- 28091913
TI  - Regenerative Potential of Stem and Progenitor Cells from Ischemic Testes of
      C57Bl/6 Mice in Culture and in the Model of Spermatogenesis Suppression Caused by
      Busulfan.
AB  - The regenerative potential of stem and progenitor cells from ischemic testes of
      C57Bl/6 mice was studied in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (mouse model of
      busulfan-induced suppression of spermatogenesis). Spermatogonial stem cells with
      phenotypes CD117-CD90+ and CD51-CD24+CD52+ from ischemic testes demonstrated 33
      fold and 7-fold increments of cell mass and generated colonies in vitro.
      Epithelial (CD45-CD31-Sca-1+CD49f+) and endothelial (CD45-CD31+) precursors
      exhibited lower self-renewal capacity. On day 30 after injection of stem and
      progenitor cells from ischemic testes to the rete testis zone of the testes of
      busulfantreated animals, an increase in the count of CD117-CD90+ spermatogonial
      stem cells, total count, and mobile sperm count in the testes of recipient mice
      was observed. In addition, we observed an increase in Sca-1+ cell count, recovery
      of the spermatogenic epithelium in the seminiferous tubules, and appearance of
      immature Leydig cells in "busulfan" testes; the level of tissue testosterone and
      fertility index also increased.

PMID- 28091915
TI  - Wavelet Analysis of Cerebral Microcirculation in Hypovolemic Shock.
AB  - Hypovolemic shock leads to severe cerebral ischemia and increases spectral
      amplitudes of cerebral blood flow oscillations in respiratory frequency range.

PMID- 28091916
TI  - New Experimental Model of Rat Risk Behavior. Effects of Nicotine and Phenazepam.
AB  - We described a new model of risk behavior in rats that allows selection of
      animals predisposed to risk behavior in the absence of other biological
      motivations. Phenazepam administration did not change the intensity of risk
      behavior in "risky" animals, but stimulated risk behavior in rats that were not
      predisposed to it. Nicotine inhibited risk behavior in "risky" animals and
      strengthened it in "cautious" rats. In the intermediate group, the drugs did not
      induce significant changes. A similar effect of the drugs was observed in the
      previous models. More complex effect of nicotine on the risk behavior may be
      explained by the absence of severe food motivation typical for the early models.

PMID- 28091917
TI  - Detection of Rare Mutations by Routine Analysis of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF
      Oncogenes.
AB  - Molecular genetic analysis of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes was carried out in order
      to develop an optimal algorithm for detection of minor mutations. We analyzed 35
      melanoma and 33 colorectal cancer specimens. Frequent G12D/V/A/C/S mutations were
      detected in KRAS. The most frequent BRAF mutation in melanoma was V600E, the
      percentage of rare mutations is significant for DNA diagnosis (24%).
      Identification of rare BRAF mutations 1790C->G (L597R), 1798_1799delinsAA
      (V600K), 1798_1799delinsAG (V600R), and 1799_1800delinsAA (V600E) and NRAS
      mutation 38G->T (G13V) was possible only by Sanger sequencing. The combination of
      real-time PCR and sequencing can improve analysis sensitivity and ensure
      concordance of the tested loci with the international recommendations.

PMID- 28091918
TI  - Changes in the Level of Circulating hsa-miR-297 and hsa-miR-19b-3p miRNA Are
      Associated with Generalization of Prostate Cancer.
AB  - We performed diagnostic classification of plasma specimens from patients with non
      metastatic and metastatic prostate cancer based on pairs of miRNA that have no
      individual diagnostic significance. Of 230 miRNA detected in plasma specimens, 3
      pairs were diagnostically significant. The miRNA pair hsa-miR-19b-3p and hsa-miR
      297 demonstrated highest sensitivity and specificity. Among common target genes
      of these miRNA, CFL2 gene associated with cell mobility was detected.

PMID- 28091919
TI  - Effects of Deltorphin II and Its Retroenantio Analog on Cardiac Tolerance to
      Ischemia and Reperfusion.
AB  - Selective agonist of delta2-opioid receptors deltorphin II and its retroenantio
      analog (0.12 mg/kg intravenously) were preventively injected to male Wistar rats
      15 min prior to 45-min coronary occlusion or 5 min before 120-min reperfusion.
      Administration of deltorphin II before artery occlusion and before reperfusion
      decreased the infarct size/area at risk ratio. Deltorphin II prevented the
      appearance of ischemia-provoked ventricular arrhythmias and exerted no effect on
      HR and BP (systolic and diastolic). The retroenantio analog of deltorphin II
      produced no antiarrhythmic or infarct-limiting effects, but reduced HR without
      affecting BP. Deltorphin II can be viewed as a promising prototype for a
      medicinal remedy to treat acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 28091920
TI  - Comparative Study of Antitumor Efficiency of Intraperitoneal and Intravenous
      Cytostatics in Experimental Rats with Disseminated Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - Antitumor efficiencies of cytostatics dioxadet, cisplatin, mitomycin C,
      melphalan, and paclitaxel after a single intraperitoneal or intravenous injection
      in doses of 1.5, 4, 1.5, 2, and 5 mg/kg, respectively, were studied on the model
      of transplanted ovarian tumor in 124 rats. The antitumor effects were evaluated
      by the increase in median survival. Dioxadet, cisplatin, and melphalan injected
      intraperitoneally significantly prolonged the lifespan median - by 79, 88, and
      114%, respectively, and were in fact ineffective, when injected intravenously.
      Intraperitoneal mitomycin C prolonged lifespan median by just 35%, intravenous -
      by 152%. Paclitaxel injected intraperitoneally and intravenously prolonged the
      lifespan median by 45 and 81%, respectively.

PMID- 28091922
TI  - Relationship between Serum Biochemistry in Macaca Mulatta Males and the Duration
      of Stay in Individual Cage.
AB  - A relationship between transfer of monkeys from yard to individual cage and
      duration of stay in individual cage and the serum biochemical parameters is
      detected in Macaca mulatta males.

PMID- 28091921
TI  - Levels of miRNA and Hormones in Thoracic Duct Lymph in Rats with Experimental
      Breast Cancer Induced by N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea.
AB  - We studied hormone levels in the thoracic duct lymph and expression of miRNA
      involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer induced in rats by intramammary
      injection of N-methyl-Nnitrosourea. The correlations between miRNA expression and
      hormone levels depended on the type of treatment.

PMID- 28091924
TI  - Effects of Acyzol on Zinc Content in Rat Brain and Blood Plasma.
AB  - Zinc level in the blood plasma and brain of rats was studied by inductively
      coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Maximum amount of zinc was observed in the
      cerebellum (15.0+/-5.5 MUg/mg wet tissue). Single intraperitoneal administration
      of a zinc donor acyzol (24 mg/kg) did not change the content of this element in
      the tissues. Repeated injections of acyzol (7 injections over 14 days)
      significantly increased zinc level in rat plasma and brain. This elevation was
      most pronounced in the forebrain (cortex and subcortical structures). The rise in
      zinc concentration in blood plasma correlated with its level in the brain.

PMID- 28091923
TI  - Experimental Study of the Effects of Nanodispersed Ceria on Wound Repair.
AB  - We studied the effects of nanodispersed ceria on wound healing in vitro and in
      vivo. It was found that cerium dioxide stimulated wound healing, which manifested
      in shrinkage of burn wound area (by 1.5 times) and intensification (by 2.4 times)
      marginal epithelialization.

PMID- 28091925
TI  - Changes in the Neurochemical Composition of Motor Neurons of the Spinal Cord in
      Mice under Conditions of Space Flight.
AB  - Expression of choline acetyltransferase, 200-kDa neurofilament protein, 28-kDa
      calbindin, neuronal NO synthase, caspase 3, and Ki-67 in the motor neurons of
      spinal cord segments T3-T5 in male C57Bl/6 mice after 30-day space flight in the
      Bion-M1 biosatellite was studied by immunohistochemical methods. Under conditions
      space flight, the size of motoneurons increased, the number of neurons containing
      choline acetyltransferase and neurofilaments, decreased, and the number of
      calbindin-positive neurons increased; motoneurons, expressing neuronal NO
      synthase and caspase 3 appeared, while Ki-67 was not detected. Fragmentation of
      neurons with the formation structures similar to apoptotic (residual) bodies was
      observed in individual caspase 3-positive motoneurons.

PMID- 28091926
TI  - Effect of Hypotensive Drugs on Dynamics of Nitroxide-Producing Renal Function in
      Rats with Nephrogenic Hypertension.
AB  - An original model of nephrogenic hypertension in rats was used for histochemical
      mapping of NADPH diaphorase (NO synthase) in various renal segments to examine
      the effect of hypotensive drugs furosemide, bendazol, and clonidine on the time
      course of nitroxide production in the kidneys. In various nephron segments, these
      drugs modulated NO synthesis in different ways. Clonidine induced a stable up
      regulation of NO synthesis, which can maintain active vasodilation and gradually
      diminish the rennin production. Bendazol also enhanced NO synthase activity in
      renal glomeruli and collecting tubules, but this effect was less pronounced and
      short lasting. During the first week after injection of bendazol, insignificant
      elevation of NO synthase activity was observed in the proximal nephron segments.
      Furosemide exerted the least effect on NO production in kidneys.

PMID- 28091927
TI  - Effect of New Antiviral Agent Camphecin on Behavior of Mice.
AB  - We studied the effect of camphecin (1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ylidene
      aminoethanol) on mouse behavior in the open-field test. Camphecin possesses
      antiviral activity and inhibits viral replication, but its influence on the
      nervous system is poorly studied. Single camphecin injection produced no
      significant changes in behavioral patterns. Chronic camphecin administration (5
      times over 2 weeks) to mice of different strains had no significant influence on
      open field behavior (motor, exploratory activity, anxiety, emotional state and
      vegetative functions). The findings are discussed in the context of neutral
      influence of camphecin on animal behavior.

PMID- 28091928
TI  - Effects of NO Synthase Blocker L-NAME on Functional State of the Neuromotor
      System during Traumatic Disease of the Spinal Cord.
AB  - Functional state of the neuromotor system after administration of a nonspecific
      NO synthase blocker L-NAME was studied on the model of experimental contusion of
      the spinal cord. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements of NO production in
      the damaged segment of the spinal cord were performed for estimation of the
      dynamics of intensity of NO production during traumatic disease of the spinal
      cord and selection of optimal period for L-NAME administration. The status of the
      neuromotor system was evaluated by stimulation electromyography. Treatment with L
      NAME during the acute period of traumatic injury to the spinal cord sharply
      reduced the intensity of evoked motor responses and more pronounced increase in
      excitability of peripheral motor structures. The results suggest that NO system
      is a factor of regulation of the stress-induced and adaptive responses of the
      body at the early stage of spinal cord injury.

PMID- 28091929
TI  - Perception of injury risk among amateur Muay Thai fighters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Muay Thai is a style of kickboxing that allows full-contact blows to
      an unprotected head, torso and legs, and, as in any combat sport, there is an
      inherent risk of injury. Previous observational studies have shown there is a
      substantial risk of injury in competitive kickboxing. None of these studies,
      however, have investigated the potential role of psychological risk factors and,
      consequently, little is known about the perception of injury risk among these
      athletes. Notwithstanding the important role risk perception may play in the
      occurrence and prevention of sports injuries, there is very limited empirical
      data pertaining to athletes in full-contact combat sports such as Muay Thai.
      Because the development and successful implementation of effective injury
      prevention policies for combat sports are likely to benefit from an increased
      understanding of the perception of injury risk and sport safety attitudes and
      behavior of its participants, further study is warranted. METHODS: Muay Thai
      fighters were invited to complete an online survey in which they rated the
      perceived risk of injury in a range of different sports, including Muay Thai
      kickboxing. Perceived comparative risk was obtained indirectly by subtracting
      perceived risk of injury to oneself from perceived risk of injury to a peer. Data
      were analyzed using descriptive statistics, comparison of means, and ordinal
      logistic regression. RESULTS: Contrary to the best available epidemiological
      evidence, Muay Thai fighters perceived the risk of injury in their own sport to
      be average and significantly lower than that in other collision and contact
      sports, including popular combat sports such as boxing and mixed martial arts. On
      average, Muay Thai fighters perceived their own risk injury to be significantly
      lower compared to their peers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a
      mismatch between injury risk perception and actual risk among Muay Thai fighters.
      Moreover, these athletes also exhibit a slight degree comparative optimism or
      unrealistic optimism. Because behavior is determined by perceived rather than
      actual risk, underestimation of injury risk and concomitant overestimation of
      ability to negotiate risk may lead to an increased frequency of injury. Future
      injury prevention strategies in combat sports such as Muay Thai kickboxing should
      consider educational- and psychosocial-based interventions that include efforts
      to correct erroneous beliefs and attitudes about actual risk of injury in the
      sport.

PMID- 28091930
TI  - Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of the transient Ludwig-Soret
      effect in a binary Lennard-Jones/spline mixture.
AB  - A binary isotope mixture of Lennard-Jones/spline particles at equilibrium was
      perturbed by a sudden change in the system's boundary temperatures. The system's
      response was determined by non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD). Three
      transient processes were studied: 1) The propagation of a pressure (shock) wave,
      2) heat diffusivity and conduction, and 3) thermal diffusion (the Ludwig-Soret
      effect). These three processes occur at different time scales, which makes it
      possible to separate them in one single NEMD run. The system was studied in
      liquid, supercritical, and dense gas states with various forms and strengths of
      the thermal perturbation. The results show that heat was initially transported by
      two separate mechanisms: 1) heat diffusion as described by the transient heat
      equation and 2) as a consequence of a pressure wave. The pressure wave travelled
      faster than the speed of sound, generating a shock wave in the system. Local
      equilibrium was found in the transient phase, even with very strong perturbations
      and in the shock front. Although the mass separation due to the Ludwig-Soret
      effect developed much slower than the pressure and temperature fields in the
      system at large, it was found that the Soret coefficient could be accurately
      determined from the initial phase of the transient and close to the heat source.
      This opens the possibility of a new way to analyse results from transient
      experiments and thereby minimize effects of gravity and convection due to
      buoyancy.

PMID- 28091931
TI  - Identifying Anti-host Effectors in Photorhabdus.
AB  - The death of the insect host is an essential part of the life cycle of
      Photorhabdus, and as a result, this bacterium comes equipped with a dazzlingly
      large array of toxins and virulence factors that ensure rapid insect death.
      Elucidation of the key players in insect infection and mortality has therefore
      proved difficult using traditional microbiological techniques such as individual
      gene knockouts due to the high level of functional redundancy displayed by
      Photorhabdus virulence factors. Thus, knockout of any individual toxin gene may
      serve to delay time to death but not to render the bacteria avirulent due to the
      continued presence of an array of other toxins and virulence factors in the
      single-gene mutant. This functional redundancy had led to the necessary
      development of an array of techniques and new model systems for identifying and
      dissecting apart the action of anti-insect effectors produced by Photorhabdus.
      These have been pivotal in both the identification of new toxins and virulence
      factors and in ascribing functions to them. These techniques have gone on to
      prove valuable in pathogenic bacteria other than Photorhabdus and are likely to
      be useful in many others.

PMID- 28091932
TI  - Current Concept of IgG4-Related Disease.
AB  - IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory disease of unknown
      etiology, which is characterized by a tendency to form tumefactive lesions,
      increased serum levels of IgG4, and massive infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma
      cells with storiform fibrosis and/or obliterative phlebitis. Patients with IgG4
      RD have frequently multiorgan involvements such as the pancreas, biliary tree,
      salivary glands, periorbital tissues, kidneys, lungs, lymph nodes, and
      retroperitoneum. IgG4-RD mainly affects middle-aged to elderly men except for
      involvement in lachrymal and salivary glands, so-called Mikulicz's disease. The
      clinical manifestations of IgG4-RD depend on individually involved organs and
      respond well to steroid, but the prognosis still remains unclear. Some patients
      develop serious complications such as obstructive jaundice due to hepatic,
      gallbladder, or pancreatic lesions; hydronephrosis due to retroperitoneal
      fibrosis; or respiratory symptoms due to pulmonary lesions. Nomenclatures of
      individual organ manifestation of IgG4-RD have been internationally consented.

PMID- 28091933
TI  - Flagellar Regulation and Virulence in the Entomopathogenic Bacteria-Xenorhabdus
      nematophila and Photorhabdus luminescens.
AB  - There is a complex interplay between the regulation of flagellar motility and the
      expression of virulence factors in many bacterial pathogens. Here, we review the
      literature on the direct and indirect roles of flagellar motility in mediating
      the tripartite interaction between entomopathogenic bacteria (Photorhabdus and
      Xenorhabdus), their nematode hosts, and their insect targets. First, we describe
      the swimming and swarming motility of insect pathogenic bacteria and its impact
      on insect colonization. Then, we describe the coupling between the expression of
      flagellar and virulence genes and the dynamic of expression of the flagellar
      regulon during invertebrate infection. We show that the flagellar type 3
      secretion system (T3SS) is also an export apparatus for virulence proteins in X.
      nematophila. Finally, we demonstrate that phenotypic variation, a common property
      of the bacterial symbionts of nematodes, also alters flagellar motility in
      Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus. Finally, the so-called phenotypic heterogeneity
      phenomenon in the flagellar gene expression network will be also discussed. As
      the main molecular studies were performed in X. nematophila, future perspectives
      for the study of the interplay between flagellum and invertebrate interactions in
      Photorhabdus will be discussed.

PMID- 28091934
TI  - Roles of Plasmablasts and B Cells in IgG4-Related Disease: Implications for
      Therapy and Early Treatment Outcomes.
AB  - High serum IgG4 concentrations are a striking feature of many patients with IgG4
      related disease (IgG4-RD). Blood levels of IgG4 often reach ten, twenty, and even
      thirty or more times higher than the upper limit of normal. Under the proper
      clinical circumstances, the finding of an elevated serum IgG4 concentration
      serves as a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of this condition. This serum IgG4
      elevation quickly called attention to the possibility of therapies targeting
      cells of the B lymphocyte lineage. In addition, a greater understanding of the
      cellular mechanisms that underpin IgG4-RD has identified peripheral blood
      plasmablasts as a promising biomarker for this disease. The roles of plasmablasts
      and B cells in IgG4-RD are discussed in this chapter.

PMID- 28091935
TI  - Natural Products from Photorhabdus and Other Entomopathogenic Bacteria.
AB  - Although the first natural products (NP) from Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus
      bacteria have been known now for almost 30 years, a huge variety of new compounds
      have been identified in the last 5-10 years, mainly due to the application of
      modern mass spectrometry. Additionally, application of molecular methods that
      allow the activation of NP production in several different strains as well as
      efficient heterologous expression methods have led to the production and
      validation of many new compounds. In this chapter we discuss the benefit of using
      Photorhabdus as a model system for microbial chemical ecology. We also examine
      non-ribosomal peptide synthetases as the most important pathway for NP
      production. Finally, we discuss the origin and function of all currently known
      NPs and the development of the molecular and chemical tools used to identify
      these NPs faster.

PMID- 28091936
TI  - Task-Specific Motor Rehabilitation Therapy After Stroke Improves Performance in a
      Different Motor Task: Translational Evidence.
AB  - While the stroke survivor with a motor deficit strives for recovery of all
      aspects of daily life movements, neurorehabilitation training is often task
      specific and does not generalize to movements other than the ones trained. In
      rodent models of post-stroke recovery, this problem is poorly investigated as the
      training task is often the same as the one that measures motor function. The
      present study investigated whether motor training by pellet reaching translates
      into enhancement of different motor functions in rats after stroke. Adult rats
      were subjected to 60-min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Five days after
      stroke, animals received either training consisting of 7 days of pellet reaching
      with the affected forelimb (n = 18) or no training (n = 18). Sensorimotor
      deficits were assessed using the sticky tape test and a composite neuroscore.
      Infarct volumes were measured by T2-weighted MRI on day 28. Both groups of rats
      showed similar lesion volume and forelimb impairment after stroke. Trained
      animals improved in the sticky tape test after day 7 post-stroke reaching peak
      performance on day 14. More reaching attempts during rehabilitation were
      associated with a better performance in the sticky tape removal time. Task
      oriented motor training generalizes to other motor functions after experimental
      stroke. Training intensity correlates with recovery.

PMID- 28091937
TI  - Ocular mycobacteriosis-dual infection of M. tuberculosis complex with M.
      fortuitum and M. bovis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We report unfavorable outcome in a patient with subretinal granuloma
      caused by dual infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex with Mycobacterium
      fortuitum and Mycobacterium bovis in an immunosuppressed, non-HIV patient. We did
      a systematic review of literature on dual infection due to M. tuberculosis and M.
      fortuitum via MEDLINE and PUBMED and could not find any case reported of causing
      this kind of dual infection in the eye. RESULTS: A 38-year-old Indian male
      patient presented with decreased vision in the left eye for 3 months, diagnosed
      as tubercular choroidal granuloma with associated retinal angiomatosis
      proliferans (RAP) lesion. He also had multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the chest,
      and sternal pus sample was positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). M. tuberculosis
      complex was detected by gene expert. The patient was started on antitubercular
      treatment (ATT) whereby the lung lesions improved but the ocular lesion showed
      initial clinical improvement followed by worsening. Twenty-five-gauge diagnostic
      pars plana core vitreous surgery was done whereby sample demonstrated a large
      number of AFB on Ziehl-Neelsen stain and auramine-rhodamine stain. The vitreous
      sample showed growth on routinely inoculated mycobacteria growth indicator tube
      (MGIT) 960 tubes, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Gene Xpert MTB/
      RIF assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA), and line probe assay (LPA) were positive for
      ocular tuberculosis. In view of nonresponse to conventional ATT, a suspicion of
      dual infection of M. tuberculosis complex with a nontubercular mycobacteria was
      kept and a subculture was made onto the solid Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium from
      the positive MGIT 960 tubes. Two morphologically distinct types of colonies were
      obtained on LJ slopes. Subsequently, the two etiological agents were identified
      as M. fortuitum and M. bovis by PCR from the vitreous sample. CONCLUSIONS: Co
      infection of M. tuberculosis complex with nontubercular mycobacterium (NTM) has
      never been reported from ocular tuberculosis before. In immunosuppressed
      individuals, who test positive for MTB, not responding to the standard ATT, one
      needs to have a high index of clinical suspicion to rule out associated NTM
      infection and initiate appropriate multidrug systemic antibiotic therapy early.

PMID- 28091938
TI  - Distinguishing features of acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease and acute central
      serous chorioretinopathy on optical coherence tomography angiography and en face
      optical coherence tomography imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the differences in optical
      coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) features of acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada
      disease (VKH) and acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Clinical and
      imaging data of patients with acute CSC and VKH in a tertiary-care institute were
      analyzed. Multimodal imaging including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green
      angiography (ICGA), and enhanced-depth imaging OCT were performed. OCTA images
      were analyzed for alterations in retinochoroidal microvasculature. RESULTS:
      Thirty-four eyes (24 patients; 10 with VKH and 14 with CSC) were included. OCTA
      en face images showed apparent areas of choriocapillaris flow void due to
      shadowing effect from overlying subretinal fluid and pigment epithelial
      detachment in CSC. However, eyes with VKH showed presence of true
      choriocapillaris flow void on OCTA that corresponded to choriocapillaris ischemia
      on ICGA. CONCLUSIONS: OCTA is a useful tool to assess choriocapillaris ischemia
      in VKH and is helpful to differentiate it from CSC in the acute stage.

PMID- 28091939
TI  - Immuno-PCR technology for detection of natural human antibodies against Lec
      disaccharide.
AB  - The development of an immuno-PCR assay for quantitation of low amounts of anti
      glycan human antibodies is described. The sensitivity of the assay for
      determination of low-affinity anti-LeC IgM has been found to be 4 ng/ml (~100 pg
      per sample), thus being two orders of magnitude higher compared to the
      conventional ELISA with the same antigen.

PMID- 28091940
TI  - Purification and sequence characterization of chondroitin sulfate and dermatan
      sulfate from fishes.
AB  - Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatan sulfate (DS) were extracted and purified
      from skins or bones of salmon (Salmo salar), snakehead (Channa argus), monkfish
      (Lophius litulon) and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). Size, structural
      sequences and sulfate groups of oligosaccharides in the purified CS and DS could
      be characterized and identified using high performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) combined with Orbitrap mass spectrometry. CS and DS chain structure varies
      depending on origin, but motif structure appears consistent. Structures of CS and
      DS oligosaccharides with different size and sulfate groups were compared between
      fishes and other animals, and results showed that some minor differences of
      special structures could be identified by hydrophilic interaction chromatography
      liquid chromatography-fourier transform-mass/mass spectrometry (HILIC-LC-FT
      MS/MS). For example, data showed that salmon and skipjack CS had a higher
      percentage content of high-level sulfated oligosaccharides than that porcine CS.
      In addition, structural information of different origins of CS and DS was
      analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and results showed that CS and DS
      samples could be differentiated according to their molecular conformation and
      oligosaccharide fragments information. Understanding CS and DS structure derived
      from different origins may lead to the production of CS or DS with unique
      disaccharides or oligosaccharides sequence composition and biological functions.

PMID- 28091941
TI  - Occurrence of complex type free N-glycans with a single GlcNAc residue at the
      reducing termini in the fresh-water plant, Egeria densa.
AB  - In our previous study, we found unique free N-glycans (FNGs), which carry a
      single GlcNAc residue (GN1) at the reducing-end side and the Lewis-a epitope at
      the non-reducing-end side, in the culture broth of rice cells. Based on the FNG
      structural features and the substrate specificity of plant ENGase, we
      hypothesized that there might be a novel biosynthetic mechanism responsible for
      the production of these unique GN1-FNGs, in which high-mannose type (HMT)-GN1
      FNGs produced in the cytosol from misfolded glycoproteins by ENGase are
      transported back into the endoplasmic reticulum and processed to plant complex
      type (PCT)-GN1-FNGs in the Golgi apparatus. Until now, however, PCT-GN1-FNGs had
      only been found in the culture broth of rice cultured cells and never in plants,
      suggesting that the formation of PCT-GN1-FNGs might be generated under special or
      artificial conditions. In this study, we confirm the presence of PCT-GN1-FNGs,
      HMT-GN1-FNGs and PCT-GN2-FNGs in the fresh-water plant Egeria densa. These
      results suggest that a mechanism responsible for the production of PCT-GN1-FNG is
      present in native plant tissues.

PMID- 28091942
TI  - All-Trans Retinoic Acid supplementation prevents cardiac fibrosis and cytokines
      induced by Methylglyoxal.
AB  - Methylglyoxal (MG), a metabolic intermediate of glycolysis is a precursor for
      endogeneous production of advanced glycation end-products. The increased
      production of MG have negative influence over the structure and function of
      different biomolecules and thus plays an important role in the pathogenesis of
      diabetic cardiac complications. Retinoic acid (RA), an active metabolite of
      vitamin A, has a major role in preventing cardiac remodeling and ventricular
      fibrosis. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine whether rats
      administered with all-trans retinoic acid (RA) could attenuate MG induced
      pathological effects. Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 rats were
      kept as control; Group 2 rats were administrated with MG (75 mg/kg/day) for 8
      weeks. Group 3 rats were given RA (Orally, 1.0 mg/kg/day) along with MG; Group 4
      rats received RA alone. Cardiac antioxidant status, induction of fibrosis, AGE
      receptor (RAGE) and cytokines expression was evaluated in the heart tissues.
      Administration of MG led to depletion of antioxidant enzymes, induction of
      fibrosis (p < 0.001), up-regulated expression of RAGE (3.5 fold), TGF-beta (4.4
      fold), SMAD2 (3.7 fold), SMAD3 (6.0 fold), IL-6 (4.3 fold) and TNF-alpha (5.5
      fold) in the heart tissues compared to control rats. Moreover, the exogenous
      administration of MG caused significant (p < 0.001) increase in the circulating
      CML levels. Whereas, RA treatment prevented the induction of fibrosis and
      restored the levels of cytokines and RAGE expression. Methylglyoxal-induced
      fibrosis can lead to pathological effects in the heart tissues. RA attenuates the
      effects of MG in the heart, suggesting that it can be of added value to usual
      diabetic therapy.

PMID- 28091943
TI  - High-Sensitive Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on ZnO Nanorods/CdS
      Heterostructures.
AB  - The ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors with ZnO nanorods (NRs)/CdS thin film
      heterostructures on glass substrates have been fabricated and characterized. It
      can be seen that the UV photoresponsivity of such a device became higher as the
      ZnO NR length was increased in the investigation. With an incident wavelength of
      350 nm and 5 V applied bias, the responsivity of photodetectors based on ZnO
      NR/CdS heterostructures with the ZnO NR length at 500, 350, and 200 nm and
      traditional CdS film were at 12.86, 3.83, 0.91, and 0.75 A/W, respectively. The
      measurement results of the fabricated photodetectors based on ZnO nanorods
      (NRs)/CdS heterostructures have shown a significant high sensitivity in the range
      of UV light, which can be useful for the application of UV detection.

PMID- 28091944
TI  - Controlled Phase Changes of Titania Using Nitrogen Plasma.
AB  - In this work, the development of a new crystallization technique is reported,
      using nitrogen plasma (AC) to obtain nanostructured anatase and rutile from
      amorphous titanium oxide (TiO2). This methodology increases throughput and
      minimizes thermal effects. Nanostructured amorphous TiO2 was obtained by the sol
      gel method and subsequently subjected to AC treatment, at a controlled pressure,
      applying different powers and treatment times in order to obtain phase changes.
      The obtained samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD),
      thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The
      results show the crystallization in parallel with anatase and rutile phases with
      a proportion that is directly related to the applied power in the plasma and the
      treatment time. This technique allows us to obtain smaller crystals in comparison
      with those of classic thermal methodologies. It is also demonstrated that the
      application of plasma represents a novel and innovative method to obtain phase
      polymorphic changes in titanium oxide without needing to apply prolonged heat
      treatments at high temperatures and can therefore be taken into consideration as
      a technique with low energy costs, in comparison with conventional heat
      treatments.

PMID- 28091945
TI  - Optimization of InGaAs/InAlAs Avalanche Photodiodes.
AB  - In this paper, we report a two-dimensional (2D) simulation for InGaAs/InAlAs
      separate absorption, grading, charge, and multiplication avalanche photodiodes
      (SAGCM APDs) and study the effect of the charge layer and multiplication layer on
      the operating voltage ranges of APD. We find that with the increase of the
      thicknesses as well as the doping concentrations of the charge layer and the
      multiplication layer, the punchthrough voltage increases; with the increase of
      the doping concentrations of two layers and the thickness of the charge layer,
      the breakdown voltage decreases; with the increase of the thickness of the
      multiplication layer, the breakdown voltage first rapidly declines and then
      slightly rises.

PMID- 28091946
TI  - Self-catalyzed Growth of InAs Nanowires on InP Substrate.
AB  - We report on the self-catalyzed growth of InAs nanowires on InP substrate by
      metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. At a moderate V/III ratio, tapered
      nanowires are obtained, suggesting a strong surface diffusion effect. Dense twin
      faults are observed perpendicular to the nanowire growth direction due to the
      fluctuation of In atoms in the droplet originating from the surface diffusion
      effect. At a lower V/III ratio, the nanowires exhibit kinking, which is
      associated with a high adhesion due to a large sticking coefficient of TMIn. The
      twin faults are dramatically suppressed and even completely eliminated in the NW
      branch after kinking, which is attributed to a stable In supply with a negligible
      diffusion effect. This work provides a method for the fabrication of defect-free
      InAs nanowires.

PMID- 28091947
TI  - Characteristics of the Energetic Micro-initiator Through Integrating Al/Ni Nano
      multilayers with Cu Film Bridge.
AB  - An energetic micro-initiator through integrating Al/Ni nano-multilayers with Cu
      film bridge was investigated in this study. The Cu film bridge was initially
      fabricated with wet etching, and Al/Ni nano-multilayers were alternately
      deposited on the surface of Cu film bridge by magnetron sputtering. The periodic
      layer structure of Al/Ni nano-multilayers was verified by scanning electron
      microscopy. The exothermic reaction in Al/Ni nano-multilayers can be initiated
      with onset reaction temperature as low as 503 K, and the total reaction heat is
      about 774.6 J/g. This energetic micro-initiator exhibited improved performances
      with lower threshold voltage, smaller initiation energy, and higher explosion
      temperature compared with Cu film bridge. An extra violent explosion phenomenon
      with longer duration time and larger quantities of ejected product particles was
      detected on this energetic micro-initiator by high-speed camera. Overall, the
      electric explosion performances of Cu film bridge can be improved evidently with
      the integration of Al/Ni nano-multilayers.

PMID- 28091948
TI  - Demonstration of Logic Operations in High-Performance RRAM Crossbar Array
      Fabricated by Atomic Layer Deposition Technique.
AB  - In this paper, resistive random access memory (RRAM)-based crossbar arrays with
      the cell structure of Pt/[AlO y /HfO x ] m /TiN were fabricated by using atomic
      layer deposition (ALD) technique. The RRAM devices in the arrays show excellent
      performances such as good uniformity and high reliability. Based on the
      fabricated RRAM array, a complete set of basic logic operations including NOR and
      XNOR were successfully demonstrated.

PMID- 28091949
TI  - Nonmechanical Infrared Beam Steering Using Blue Addressed Quantum Dot Doped
      Liquid Crystal Grating.
AB  - We present a scheme of nonmechanical laser beam steering using ZnS/InP quantum
      dots doping nematic liquid crystal as the optical recording film. Because of its
      internal electric field generated by blue laser-induced charge carrier
      distribution, liquid crystal molecules are reoriented to form a phase grating
      which make the incident angle steer to the angle as we desire. Being a
      nonmechanical programmable laser beam steering, the anisotropy of the relative
      permittivity tensor and blue laser-induced electric carriers play a significant
      effect in determining the reorientable liquid crystal molecule and reconfigurable
      phase modulation of the gratings, that determines the steering angle and steering
      efficiency.

PMID- 28091950
TI  - Nanorods on surface of GaN-based thin-film LEDs deposited by post-annealing after
      photo-assisted chemical etching.
AB  - This study investigates the optoelectronic characteristics of gallium nitride
      (GaN)-based thin-film light-emitting diodes (TF-LEDs) that are formed by a two
      step transfer process that involves wet etching and post-annealing. In the two
      step transfer process, GaN LEDs were stripped from sapphire substrates by the
      laser lift-off (LLO) method using a KrF laser and then transferred onto ceramic
      substrates. Ga-K nanorods were formed on the surface of the GaN-based TF-LEDs
      following photo-assisted chemical etching and photo-enhanced post-annealing at
      100  degrees C for 1 min. As a result, the light output power of GaN-based TF
      LEDs with wet etching and post-annealing was over 72% more than that of LEDs that
      did not undergo these treatments.

PMID- 28091951
TI  - Femtosecond Circular Photon Drag Effect in the Ag/Pd Nanocomposite.
AB  - We report on the observation of the helicity-dependent photoresponse of the 20
      MUm-thick silver-palladium (Ag/Pd) nanocomposite films. In the experiment, 120 fs
      pulses of Ti:S laser induced in the film an electric current perpendicular to the
      incidence plane. The photoinduced current is a linear function of the incident
      beam power, and its sign depends on the beam polarization and angle of incidence.
      In particular, the current is zero for the p- and s-polarized beams, while its
      sign is opposite for the right- and left-circularly polarized beams. By comparing
      experimental results with theoretical analysis, we show that the photoresponse of
      the Ag/Pd nanocomposite originates from the photon drag effect.

PMID- 28091952
TI  - Nanometric Cutting of Silicon with an Amorphous-Crystalline Layered Structure: A
      Molecular Dynamics Study.
AB  - Materials with specific nanometric layers are of great value in both theoretical
      and applied research. The nanometric layer could have a significant influence on
      the response to the mechanical loading. In this paper, the nanometric cutting on
      the layered systems of silicon has been studied by molecular dynamics. This kind
      of composite structure with amorphous layer and crystalline substrate is
      important for nanomachining. Material deformation, stress status, and chip
      formation, which are the key issues in nano-cutting, are analyzed. A new chip
      formation mechanism, i.e., the mixture of extrusion and shear, has been observed.
      In addition, from the perspective of engineering, some specific composite models
      show the desired properties due to the low subsurface damage or large material
      removal rate. The results enrich the cutting theory and provide guidance on
      nanometric machining.

PMID- 28091953
TI  - Fullerene C60 Penetration into Leukemic Cells and Its Photoinduced Cytotoxic
      Effects.
AB  - Fullerene C60 as a representative of carbon nanocompounds is suggested to be
      promising agent for application in photodynamic therapy due to its unique
      physicochemical properties. The goal of this study was to estimate the
      accumulation of fullerene C60 in leukemic cells and to investigate its phototoxic
      effect on parental and resistant to cisplatin leukemic cells. Stable homogeneous
      water colloid solution of pristine C60 with average 50-nm diameter of
      nanoparticles was used in experiments. Fluorescent labeled C60 was synthesized by
      covalent conjugation of C60 with rhodamine B isothiocyanate. The results of
      confocal microscopy showed that leukemic Jurkat cells could effectively uptake
      fullerene C60 from the medium. Light-emitting diode lamp (100 mW cm-2, lambda =
      420-700 nm) was used for excitation of accumulated C60. A time-dependent decrease
      of viability was detected when leukemic Jurkat cells were exposed to combined
      treatment with C60 and visible light. The cytotoxic effect of photoexcited C60
      was comparable with that induced by H2O2, as both agents caused 50% decrease of
      cell viability at 24 h at concentrations about 50 MUM. Using immunoblot analysis,
      protein phosphotyrosine levels in cells were estimated. Combined action of C60
      and visible light was followed by decrease of cellular proteins phosphorylation
      on tyrosine residues though less intensive as compared with that induced by H2O2
      or protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor staurosporine. All tested agents reduced
      phosphorylation of 55, 70, and 90 kDa proteins while total suppression of 26 kDa
      protein phosphorylation was specific only for photoexcited C60.The cytotoxic
      effect of C60 in combination with visible light irradiation was demonstrated also
      on leukemic L1210 cells both sensitive and resistant to cisplatin. It was shown
      that relative value of mitochondrial membrane potential measured with
      tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester perchlorate (TMRE) probe was lower in resistant
      cells in comparison with sensitive cells and the drop of mitochondrial potential
      corresponded to further decrease of resistant cell viability after C60
      photoexcitation. The data obtained allow to suggest that C60-mediated
      photodynamic treatment is a candidate for restoration of drug-resistant leukemic
      cell sensitivity to induction of mitochondrial way of apoptosis.

PMID- 28091954
TI  - Methane alleviates copper-induced seed germination inhibition and oxidative
      stress in Medicago sativa.
AB  - Recent results discovered the protective roles of methane (CH4) against oxidative
      stress in animals. However, the possible physiological roles of CH4 in plants are
      still unknown. By using physiological, histochemical and molecular approaches,
      the beneficial role of CH4 in germinating alfalfa seeds upon copper (Cu) stress
      was evaluated. Endogenous production of CH4 was significantly increased in Cu
      stressed alfalfa seeds, which was mimicked by 0.39 mM CH4. The pretreatment with
      CH4 significantly alleviated the inhibition of seed germination and seedling
      growth induced by Cu stress. Cu accumulation was obviously blocked as well.
      Meanwhile, alpha/beta amylase activities and sugar contents were increased, all
      of which were consistent with the alleviation of seed germination inhibition
      triggered by CH4. The Cu-triggered oxidative stress was also mitigated, which was
      confirmed by the decrease of lipid peroxidation and reduction of Cu-induced loss
      of plasma membrane integrity in CH4-pretreated alfalfa seedlings. The results of
      antioxidant enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase
      (SOD), catalase (CAT), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) total or isozymatic
      activities, and corresponding transcripts (APX1/2, Cu/Zn SOD and Mn-SOD),
      indicated that CH4 reestablished cellular redox homeostasis. Further, Cu-induced
      proline accumulation was partly impaired by CH4, which was supported by the
      alternation of proline metabolism. Together, these results indicated that CH4
      performs an advantageous effect on the alleviation of seed germination inhibition
      caused by Cu stress, and reestablishment of redox homeostasis mainly via
      increasing antioxidant defence.

PMID- 28091955
TI  - Genome-wide exploration of silicon (Si) transporter genes, Lsi1 and Lsi2 in
      plants; insights into Si-accumulation status/capacity of plants.
AB  - Silicon (Si) is a nonessential, beneficial micronutrient for plants. It increases
      the plant stress tolerance in relation to its accumulation capacity. In this
      work, root Si transporter genes were characterized in 17 different plants and
      inferred for their Si-accumulation status. A total of 62 Si transporter genes (31
      Lsi1 and 31 Lsi2) were identified in studied plants. Lsi1s were 261-324 residues
      protein with a MIP family domain whereas Lsi2s were 472-547 residues with a
      citrate transporter family domain. Lsi1s possessed characteristic sequence
      features that can be employed as benchmark in prediction of Si-accumulation
      status/capacity of the plants. Silicic acid selectivity in Lsi1s was associated
      with two highly conserved NPA (Asn-Pro-Ala) motifs and a Gly-Ser-Gly-Arg (GSGR)
      ar/R filter. Two NPA regions were present in all Lsi1 members but some Ala
      substituted with Ser or Val. GSGR filter was only available in the proposed high
      and moderate Si accumulators. In phylogeny, Lsi1s formed three clusters as low,
      moderate and high Si accumulators based on tree topology and availability of GSGR
      filter. Low-accumulators contained filters WIGR, AIGR, FAAR, WVAR and AVAR, high
      accumulators only with GSGR filter, and moderate-accumulators mostly with GSGR
      but some with A/CSGR filters. A positive correlation was also available between
      sequence homology and Si-accumulation status of the tested plants. Thus,
      availability of GSGR selectivity filter and sequence homology degree could be
      used as signatures in prediction of Si-accumulation status in experimentally
      uncharacterized plants. Moreover, interaction partner and expression profile
      analyses implicated the involvement of Si transporters in plant stress tolerance.

PMID- 28091956
TI  - Does caffeine influence the anticholinesterase and antioxidant properties of
      donepezil? Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies.
AB  - Caffeine is adjudged world's most consumed pharmacologically active food
      component. With reports of the potential cognitive enhancing properties of
      caffeine, we sought to investigate if caffeine can influence the
      anticholinesterase and antioxidant properties of donepezil-a selective
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor used in the management of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). In vitro, we investigated the effect of donepezil (DON), caffeine
      (CAF) and their various combinations on the activity of AChE in rat brain
      homogenate, as well as determined their antioxidant properties. In vivo, two rat
      groups were administered single oral dose of DON (5 mg/kg) and CAF (5 mg/kg)
      separately, while three groups, each received 5 mg/kg DON plus either 5, 50 or
      100 mg/kg CAF for three hours, after which the rats were sacrificed and brain
      isolated. Results show that CAF concentration dependently and synergistically
      increased the anticholinesterase properties of DON in vitro. Also, CAF produced a
      significant influence on investigated in vitro antioxidant properties of DON.
      Furthermore, rats administered 5 mg/kg CAF and DON produced no significant
      difference in AChE activity compared to rats administered DON alone. However, co
      administration of either 50 or 100 mg/kg CAF with DON lead to higher AChE
      activity compared to both control and DON groups. In addition, DON, CAF and their
      various combinations augmented brain antioxidant status in treated rats. We
      conclude that while low caffeine consumption may improve the antioxidant
      properties of donepezil without having a significant influence on its
      anticholinesterase effect, moderate-high caffeine consumption could also improve
      the antioxidant properties of donepezil but reduce its anticholinesterase effect;
      nevertheless, a comprehensive clinical trial is essential to fully explore these
      possibilities in human AD condition.

PMID- 28091957
TI  - Point-spread function reconstructed PET images of sub-centimeter lesions are not
      quantitative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PET image reconstruction methods include modeling of resolution
      degrading phenomena, often referred to as point-spread function (PSF)
      reconstruction. The aim of this study was to develop a clinically relevant
      phantom and characterize the reproducibility and accuracy of high-resolution PSF
      reconstructed images of small lesions, which is a prerequisite for using PET in
      the prediction and evaluation of responses to treatment. Sets of small
      homogeneous 18F-spheres (range 3-12 mm diameter, relevant for small lesions and
      lymph nodes) were suspended and covered by a 11C-silicone, which provided a
      scattering medium and a varying sphere-to-background ratio. Repeated measurements
      were made on PET/CT scanners from two vendors using a wide range of
      reconstruction parameters. Recovery coefficients (RCs) were measured for
      clinically used volume-of-interest definitions. RESULTS: For non-PSF images, RCs
      were reproducible and fell monotonically as the sphere diameter decreased, which
      is the expected behavior. PSF images converged slower and had artifacts: RCs did
      not fall monotonically as sphere diameters decreased but had a maximum RC for
      sphere sizes around 8 mm, RCs could be greater than 1, and RCs were less
      reproducible. To some degree, post-reconstruction filters could suppress PSF
      artifacts. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution PSF images of small lesions showed
      artifacts that could lead to serious misinterpretations when used for monitoring
      treatment response. Thus, it could be safer to use non-PSF reconstruction for
      quantitative purposes unless PSF reconstruction parameters are optimized for the
      specific task.

PMID- 28091958
TI  - Identification and anticoagulant activity of a novel Kunitz-type protein HA11
      from the salivary gland of the tick Hyalomma asiaticum.
AB  - Kunitz/bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor proteins are abundant in the salivary
      glands of ticks and perform multiple functions in blood feeding, including
      inhibiting blood coagulation, regulating host blood supply and disrupting host
      angiogenesis. In this study, we identified a novel gene designated HA11 (Hyalomma
      asiaticum 11 kDa protein) from the salivary gland of the tick H. asiaticum. HA11
      is encoded by a gene with an open reading frame of 306 bp that is translated into
      a deduced 101 amino acid 11 kDa protein that shares 27% sequence identity with a
      Kunitz-like protease inhibitor precursor in Amblyomma variegatum. Bioinformatic
      analysis confirmed HA11 as a member of the Kunitz-type family of inhibitors. Real
      time-PCR detected HA11 mRNA transcripts in tick larvae and nymphae stages, with
      levels highest in salivary gland tissue, and transcription was induced by blood
      feeding. HA11 anticoagulant activity was demonstrated by its ability to delay
      normal clotting of rabbit plasma in an activated partial thromboplastin time
      assay. Furthermore, RNA interference confirmed that HA11 influences H. asiaticum
      development and blood feeding, and the recombinant protein exerted low hemolytic
      activity. These results suggest HA11 is a novel Kunitz-type anticoagulant protein
      involved in tick blood feeding that may have potential as an anticoagulant drug
      or vaccine.

PMID- 28091959
TI  - Genetic variation in mitochondrial genes of the tick Haemaphysalis flava
      collected from wild hedgehogs in China.
AB  - The tick Haemaphysalis flava (Acari: Ixodidae) is an important ectoparasite,
      which causes direct damage to their hosts and also acts as a vector of various
      infectious disease agents in China. Despite its significance, the epidemiology,
      genetics and biology of H. flava has not been studied in detail. In the present
      study, the genetic variation in three mitochondrial (mt) DNA regions, namely
      cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 and 4
      (nad1 and nad4), was examined in H. flava ticks collected from wild hedgehogs in
      China. A portion of cox1 (pcox1), nad1 (pnad1) and nad4 (pnad4) genes were PCR
      amplified from individual H. flava ticks and the amplicons were sequenced. The
      length of the sequences of pcox1, pnad1 and pnad4 were 849, 285 and 626 bp,
      respectively. The intra-specific sequence variation within H. flava was 0-0.4%
      for pcox1, 0-0.4% for pnad1 and 0-0.3% for pnad4. However, the inter-specific
      variation was significantly higher, 12.5-14.3%, 13.6-24.8% and 14.8-19% for
      pcox1, pnad1 and pnad4, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on Maximum
      likelihood (ML) method using the combined target mt gene sequences confirmed that
      all isolates of Haemaphysalis were H. flava. The molecular approach employed in
      this study provides a tool for further elucidating the molecular diversity of H.
      flava in China and elsewhere in Asia.

PMID- 28091960
TI  - Alveolar distraction in elderly patients by implant: borne devices for functional
      aesthetic dental rehabilitation of the jaws.

PMID- 28091961
TI  - 1H, 13C and 15N backbone and side-chain resonance assignments of the ZnF-UBP
      domain of USP20/VDU2.
AB  - Deubiquitinase USP20/VDU2 has been identified as a regulator of multiple proteins
      including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, beta2-adrenergic receptor, and
      tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 etc. It contains four
      structural domains, including an N-terminal zinc-finger ubiquitin binding domain
      (ZnF-UBP) that potentially helps USP20 to recruit its ubiquitin substrates. Here
      we report the 1H, 13C and 15N backbone and side-chain resonance assignments of
      the ZnF-UBP domain of USP20/VDU2. The BMRB accession number is 26901. The
      secondary structural elements predicted from the NMR data reveal a global fold
      consisting of three alpha-helices and four beta-strands. The complete assignments
      can be used to explore the protein dynamics of the USP20 ZnF-UBP and its
      interactions with monoubiquitin and ubiquitin chains.

PMID- 28091962
TI  - Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Breast Cancer among Health Professionals in
      Douala References Hospitals, Cameroon.
AB  - In Cameroon, patients with breast cancer are more often diagnosed at stage III
      and IV, hence the need of preventives actions. Knowledge and attitude of medical
      personnel may influence their practice with regards to screening and early
      detection of breast cancer. Very few is known about this subject in Cameroon. The
      objective was to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care
      professionals on breast cancer risk factors, diagnostic methods, and screening.
      This was a cross-sectional study conducted during a 6-month period, among health
      professionals of Douala General Hospital and Laquintinie Hospital, Cameroon.Data
      were collected using a self-administered questionnaire which included demographic
      characteristics, questions on breast cancer risk factors, screening, and
      diagnostic methods. Marks were attributed to each question and calculated for
      each section. Participants fell in four categories of knowledge, attitude, and
      practice: very weak, weak, good, and excellent. The software XLStat7.5.2 was used
      for data analysis. Overall, 445 health professionals were interviewed. The
      average age was 39 +/- 9 years. The level of knowledge, attitude, and practice
      was accessed respectively as weak (50.1%), very good (64.5%), and poor (36.4%).
      The personal practice of female workers was poor (43.0%). Compared to
      participants with very weak to weak knowledge, those with good to excellent
      knowledge had 1.55-fold odds of excellent attitude p < 0.0001. After multivariate
      analysis, the factor associated with good to excellent knowledge was the
      participant qualification (academic degree). These results suggest the need for
      training of health professionals in Douala references hospitals on breast cancer
      risks factors, diagnostic, and screening methods.

PMID- 28091963
TI  - Pilot Test of Survey to Assess Dental and Dental Hygiene Student Human
      Papillomavirus-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer Knowledge, Perceptions, and Clinical
      Practices.
AB  - This was the first study to develop and pilot test an assessment tool for the
      examination of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC)
      knowledge, perceptions, and clinical practices of oral health students. An
      interdisciplinary team developed the tool using surveys that examined this topic
      in other populations. The tool was then pilot tested at two different dental
      programs. Results from the pilot informed revisions to the final version of the
      tool. Of the 46 student participants, 18 were first-year dental hygiene and 28
      were first-year dental students. The majority of participants were female (N =
      29, 63%) and ages 18 to 29 years old (N = 41, 89%). Four scales used in the
      questionnaire were analyzed for reliability. Of these, the HPV and HPV-OPC
      knowledge and the HPV vaccination knowledge scales had Cronbach alphas of 0.71
      and 0.79, respectively. Questions assessing HPV and the role of dental
      professionals had a correlation coefficient of 0.71. Questions assessing
      willingness to administer vaccines in the dental office had a correlation
      coefficient of 0.85. Assessing oral health students' HPV-OPC knowledge,
      perceptions, and clinical practices are important for future assessment of
      possible HPV-OPC cases. Dental professionals may be optimally positioned to
      provide HPV patient education. The tool developed and pilot tested in this study
      can help schools assess their students' knowledge and guide their dental
      curriculum to address deficiencies. Since this topic has not been effectively
      examined with dental health students, the results could help improve dental
      education and dental care.

PMID- 28091964
TI  - Facing a Fundamental Problem in Prevention Science: the Measurement of a Key
      Construct.
AB  - While many attempts have been made to measure various aspects of parenting within
      a variety of theoretical frameworks, there remains much work to do on the
      development of reliable and valid measures. Common themes across the papers
      included in a special issue on the measurement of parenting are discussed.
      Parenting constructs are a vital part of the work of prevention scientists, and
      more support is needed for researchers to engage in measurement development.
      Fortunately, there are some bright spots in this regard today, such as the Common
      Fund Science of Behavior Change Program sponsored by the National Institutes of
      Health.

PMID- 28091965
TI  - Deformability of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Dependent on Vimentin
      Intermediate Filaments.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being studied extensively due to their
      potential as a therapeutic cell source for many load-bearing tissues. Compression
      of tissues and the subsequent deformation of cells are just one type physical
      strain MSCs will need to withstand in vivo. Mechanotransduction by MSCs and their
      mechanical properties are partially controlled by the cytoskeleton, including
      vimentin intermediate filaments (IFs). Vimentin IF deficiency has been tied to
      changes in mechanosensing and mechanical properties of cells in some cell types.
      However, how vimentin IFs contribute to MSC deformability has not been
      comprehensively studied. Investigating the role of vimentin IFs in MSC
      mechanosensing and mechanical properties will assist in functional understanding
      and development of MSC therapies. In this study, we examined vimentin IFs'
      contribution to MSCs' ability to deform under external deformation using RNA
      interference. Our results indicate that a deficient vimentin IF network decreases
      the deformability of MSCs, and that this may be caused by the remaining
      cytoskeletal network compensating for the vimentin IF network alteration. Our
      observations introduce another piece of information regarding how vimentin IFs
      are involved in the complex role the cytoskeleton plays in the mechanical
      properties of cells.

PMID- 28091966
TI  - Aortic Regurgitation Generates a Kinematic Obstruction Which Hinders Left
      Ventricular Filling.
AB  - An incompetent aortic valve (AV) results in aortic regurgitation (AR), where
      retrograde flow of blood into the left ventricle (LV) is observed. In this work,
      we parametrically characterized the detailed changes in intra-ventricular flow
      during diastole as a result of AR in a physiological in vitro left-heart
      simulator (LHS). The loss of energy within the LV as the level of AR increased
      was also assessed. The validated LHS consisted of an optically-clear, flexible
      wall LV and a modular AV holder. Two-component, planar, digital particle image
      velocimetry was used to visualize and quantify intra-ventricular flow. A large
      coherent vortical structure which engulfed the whole LV was observed under
      control conditions. In the cases with AR, the regurgitant jet was observed to
      generate a "kinematic obstruction" between the mitral valve and the LV apex,
      preventing the trans-mitral jet from generating a coherent vortical structure.
      The regurgitant jet was also observed to impinge on the inferolateral wall of the
      LV. Energy dissipation rate (EDR) for no, trace, mild, and moderate AR were found
      to be 1.15, 2.26, 3.56, and 5.99 W/m3, respectively. This study has, for the
      first time, performed an in vitro characterization of intra-ventricular flow in
      the presence of AR. Mechanistically, the formation of a "kinematic obstruction"
      appears to be the cause of the increased EDR (a metric quantifiable in vivo)
      during AR. EDR increases non-linearly with AR fraction and could potentially be
      used as a metric to grade severity of AR and develop clinical interventional
      timing strategies for patients.

PMID- 28091967
TI  - Balancing Ethical Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Derived Gametes.
AB  - In this review we aim to provide an overview of the most important ethical pros
      and cons of stem cell derived gametes (SCD-gametes), as a contribution to the
      debate about reproductive tissue engineering. Derivation of gametes from stem
      cells holds promising applications both for research and for clinical use in
      assisted reproduction. We explore the ethical issues connected to gametes derived
      from embryonic stem cells (both patient specific and non-patient specific) as
      well as those related to gametes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The
      technology of SCD-gametes raises moral concerns of how reproductive autonomy
      relates to issues of embryo destruction, safety, access, and applications beyond
      clinical infertility.

PMID- 28091968
TI  - Load-Based Lower Neck Injury Criteria for Females from Rear Impact from Cadaver
      Experiments.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to derive lower neck injury metrics/criteria
      and injury risk curves for the force, moment, and interaction criterion in rear
      impacts for females. Biomechanical data were obtained from previous intact and
      isolated post mortem human subjects and head-neck complexes subjected to
      posteroanterior accelerative loading. Censored data were used in the survival
      analysis model. The primary shear force, sagittal bending moment, and interaction
      (lower neck injury criterion, LNic) metrics were significant predictors of
      injury. The most optimal distribution was selected (Weibulll, log normal, or log
      logistic) using the Akaike information criterion according to the latest ISO
      recommendations for deriving risk curves. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to
      quantify robustness of the assumed parametric model. The intercepts for the
      interaction index were extracted from the primary risk curves. Normalized
      confidence interval sizes (NCIS) were reported at discrete probability levels,
      along with the risk curves and 95% confidence intervals. The mean force of 214 N,
      moment of 54 Nm, and 0.89 LNic were associated with a five percent probability of
      injury. The NCIS for these metrics were 0.90, 0.95, and 0.85. These preliminary
      results can be used as a first step in the definition of lower neck injury
      criteria for women under posteroanterior accelerative loading in crashworthiness
      evaluations.

PMID- 28091969
TI  - Quality of life as predictor for the development of cardiac ischemia in high-risk
      asymptomatic diabetic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemia induced by psychological stress and depression is a common
      phenomenon in stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated the quality of
      life (QoL) of diabetic patients screened for CAD and assessed the prognostic
      value of mental and physical QoL scores to predict the development of new cardiac
      ischemia. METHODS: Prospective multicentre outcome study. The study comprised 400
      asymptomatic diabetic patients without history or symptoms of CAD. They underwent
      myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS) and
      assessment of QoL by two questionnaires: Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale
      (HADS-D and HADS-A) and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) at baseline
      and after 2 years. Patients with normal MPS received usual care; those with
      abnormal MPS received medical or combined invasive and medical management.
      RESULTS: Only mental QoL scores but not physical QoL scores or traditional
      cardiovascular risk factors were predictive of new ischemia (n = 11/306) during
      follow-up. The prognostic value for new ischemia as quantified by the area under
      the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) amounted to 0.784 (95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.654-0.914, P = 0.002) for HADS-D and to 0.737 (95% CI
      0.580-0.893, P = 0.011) for HADS-A. This finding was confirmed by SF-36 mental
      sum score (AUC 0.688, 95% CI 0.539-0.836, P = 0.036), but not SF-36 physical sum
      score. QoL scores did not change after 2 years in patients with ischemia at
      baseline. CONCLUSIONS: QoL scores assessing mental health, particularly
      depression and anxiety, predicted the development of new cardiac ischemia in
      asymptomatic diabetic patients. The study is limited by a small number of events
      (new ischemia) and so the results should be considered hypothesis generating
      rather than conclusive.

PMID- 28091970
TI  - Comparison of Two Adsorbent Based de-Bittering Procedures for Neem (Azadirachta
      indica A. Juss) Tea- Effect on Polyphenols, Anti-Oxidant Capacity, Color and
      Volatile Profile.
AB  - Bitterness reduction, especially of foods and beverages containing
      phytonutrients, is one of the biggest challenges in the food industry because
      bitterness has a deleterious effect on the taste profile of foods and beverages.
      Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is a medicinal tree, indigenous to the Indian
      subcontinent, whose medicinal properties have led to it being heralded as the
      tree which is the "panacea for all diseases". However, neem leaf is extremely
      bitter, in large part due to its limonoid content, making it unpalatable. The
      objective of this study was to apply two adsorbent based strategies, namely solid
      phase extraction (SPE) and Amberlite XAD-16 (AMB) resin, to achieve de-bittering
      of neem tea and to determine the effects of the de-bittering on the bio-active,
      color and volatile properties. The solid SPE treatment completely removed the
      flavonol, quercetin, from neem tea while in Amberlite XAD-16 treated tea (AMB) it
      was only insignificantly (p > 0.05) reduced. We also observed decreases in total
      phenolic content and consequently anti-oxidant activities after de-bittering. A
      62% mean reduction of limonoid aglycones indicated diminished levels of
      bitterness. The loss of phenolics lead to a visually appreciable color changes in
      the treated teas. The de-bittering also leads to a loss of sesquiterpenes,
      ketones and acids from neem tea. In conclusion, we found that while SPE
      cartridges were more efficient in removing bitterness, they caused a greater
      reduction in bio-active compounds than AMB XAD-16 resins, which may ultimately
      affect the health properties of neem tea.

PMID- 28091971
TI  - Mate Limitation in Fungal Plant Parasites Can Lead to Cyclic Epidemics in
      Perennial Host Populations.
AB  - Fungal plant parasites represent a growing concern for biodiversity and food
      security. Most ascomycete species are capable of producing different types of
      infectious spores both asexually and sexually. Yet the contributions of both
      types of spores to epidemiological dynamics have still to been fully researched.
      Here we studied the effect of mate limitation in parasites which perform both
      sexual and asexual reproduction in the same host. Since mate limitation implies
      positive density dependence at low population density, we modeled the dynamics of
      such species with both density-dependent (sexual) and density-independent
      (asexual) transmission rates. A first simple SIR model incorporating these two
      types of transmission from the infected compartment, suggested that combining
      sexual and asexual spore production can generate persistently cyclic epidemics in
      a significant part of the parameter space. It was then confirmed that cyclic
      persistence could occur in realistic situations by parameterizing a more detailed
      model fitting the biology of the Black Sigatoka disease of banana, for which
      literature data are available. We discuss the implications of these results for
      research on and management of Sigatoka diseases of banana.

PMID- 28091972
TI  - [Secondary prevention with antiplatelet therapy in cardiac rehabilitation].
AB  - The long-term increased cardiovascular risk of patients with an acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS) is a challenging and common clinical problem. Recent evidence
      demonstrated an ischemic benefit for a prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy beyond
      the initial 12 months at the cost of an increased bleeding risk. Individual,
      careful and repeated risk-benefit analyses are essential for an optimized patient
      management in which cardiovascular rehabilitation providers may play a central
      role.

PMID- 28091975
TI  - Update on advanced melanoma treatments: small molecule targeted therapy,
      immunotherapy, and future combination therapies.
AB  - Early stage melanomas can achieve remarkable outcomes with surgery alone, but
      stage IV metastatic melanoma requires significant intervention and has poor
      outcomes. Here we present evidence on the latest advances in melanoma treatment,
      discuss the scientific concepts behind new therapies, and analyze the potential
      of future treatment combinations.

PMID- 28091973
TI  - Mechanisms on spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory effects of a herbal medicinal
      product consisting of myrrh, chamomile flower, and coffee charcoal.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome are chronic
      gastrointestinal disorders which are associated with a lifelong therapeutic need.
      The disease results in physical, psychological, and social problems with an
      impact on partnership, sexuality, education, and career. Thus, the number of
      patients and health care professionals relying on traditional and complementary
      medicines and especially phytotherapy for the treatment of these chronic
      conditions is increasing over recent years. One traditional herbal medicinal
      product consisting of chamomile flower, myrrh, and coffee charcoal has been
      widely used in clinical practice within this indication area. Long-term
      experience and an increasing understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms
      substantiate its application and clinical effectiveness. Mainly the spasmolytic
      and anti-inflammatory effects provide a rationale for its therapeutic
      application. In addition, synergistic effects between the herbal components
      contribute to the overall effect of this medication.

PMID- 28091974
TI  - Clinical trial shows lasting function of a new moisturizing cream against vaginal
      dryness.
AB  - Vaginal dryness and associated symptoms may occur in women of any age and are a
      frequent burden after menopause. The North American Menopause Society recommends
      long-acting non-hormonal vaginal creams as first-line therapy. A new type of such
      creams was developed (Remifemin(r) FeuchtCreme in Austria and Germany). This
      hormone-free cream contains hamamelis virginiana distillate and well-established
      vaginal cream ingredients. We explored its physical function and tolerability in
      an open interventional clinical trial. 20 postmenopausal women (54 to 76 years,
      median 60) treated their vaginal dryness using this cream once daily for 7 days
      and reported about their symptoms before, 4 to 8 h after first and 14 to 22 h
      after last application. A physician assessed tolerability and local physical
      function. All patients completed the study. Local physical function significantly
      improved from dryness at baseline (mean 4.0 +/- SD 1.8) to a normal moisture
      level, on average (6.3 +/- 2.1 after first, 6.7 +/- 2.1 after last application, p
      = 0.0001). Subjective assessment of a feeling vaginal dryness showed a
      significant improvement at both times (p = 0.0001). Onset and duration of feeling
      moisturized were reported to be 0 to 2 min and 11.3 +/- 6.9 h after application.
      All women reported vaginal dryness at baseline. 55 and 80% of patients reported
      no dryness after first application and at the end of the investigation. The cream
      was seen at the application site for up to 21 h. Tolerability assessments did not
      reveal any relevant change over time. There were four adverse events in 4
      patients, all not serious and of mild intensity: urinary urgency (2), diarrhoea
      (1) and mild spotting after first application (1). The latter was caused by the
      dry surface of the applicator and was avoided by moisturizing the surface of the
      applicator at subsequent applications. In conclusion, these study results
      indicate a well-tolerated and long-acting function of this new vaginal
      moisturizing cream. Further clinical research in more patients will follow.

PMID- 28091976
TI  - Effectiveness of various innovative learning methods in health science
      classrooms: a meta-analysis.
AB  - This study reports the results of a meta-analysis of the available literature on
      the effectiveness of various forms of innovative small-group learning methods on
      student achievement in undergraduate college health science classrooms. The
      results of the analysis revealed that most of the primary studies supported the
      effectiveness of the small-group learning methods in improving students' academic
      achievement with an overall weighted average effect-size of 0.59 in standard
      deviation units favoring small-group learning methods. The subgroup analysis
      showed that the various forms of innovative and reform-based small-group learning
      interventions appeared to be significantly more effective for students in higher
      levels of college classes (sophomore, junior, and senior levels), students in
      other countries (non-U.S.) worldwide, students in groups of four or less, and
      students who choose their own group. The random-effects meta-regression results
      revealed that the effect sizes were influenced significantly by the instructional
      duration of the primary studies. This means that studies with longer hours of
      instruction yielded higher effect sizes and on average every 1 h increase in
      instruction, the predicted increase in effect size was 0.009 standard deviation
      units, which is considered as a small effect. These results may help health
      science and nursing educators by providing guidance in identifying the conditions
      under which various forms of innovative small-group learning pedagogies are
      collectively more effective than the traditional lecture-based teaching
      instruction.

PMID- 28091977
TI  - A Cross-Sectional Snapshot of Sleep Quality and Quantity Among US Medical
      Students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fatigue is a well-known risk factor for mood disturbances, decreased
      cognitive acuity, and impaired judgment. Sleep research in medical students
      typically focuses on sleep quantity, but less is known about the quality of a
      student's sleep. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the subjective
      sleep quality and quantity of US medical students and to identify differences in
      sleep characteristics across demographic groups. METHODS: Medical students (N =
      860) representing 49 medical colleges completed the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep
      Scale and a demographic questionnaire between December 2015 and March 2016.
      RESULTS: Although participants reported obtaining nearly 7 h of sleep per night,
      the majority of students reported indicators of poor sleep quality. First and
      third year students reported higher rates of sleep-related problems compared to
      second and fourth year students. First and second year students reported the
      highest levels of sleep somnolence. Ethnic minority students reported
      significantly lower levels of sleep adequacy and sleep quantity and significantly
      higher levels of sleep somnolence than Caucasian students. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired
      sleep quality may contribute to fatigue in medical students even when sleep
      quantity seems adequate. Students appear to begin medical school with disrupted
      sleep patterns that may not improve until their final year of study. Education
      regarding proper sleep habits and the significant role of sleep quality in
      sustaining healthy sleep is especially important in the early stages of medical
      education. Minority, first year, and third year students may benefit the most
      from learning new behaviors that promote sufficient sleep quality during periods
      of sustained stress.

PMID- 28091978
TI  - Patient-specific optimisation of administered activity and acquisition times for
      18F-FDG PET imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to identify a method for optimising the
      administered activity and acquisition time for 18F-FDG PET imaging, yielding
      images of consistent quality for patients with varying body sizes and
      compositions, while limiting radiation doses to patients and staff. Patients
      referred for FDG scans had bioimpedance measurements. They were injected with 3
      MBq/kg of 18F up to 370 MBq and scanned on a Siemens Biograph mCT at 3 or 4 min
      per bed position. Data were rebinned to simulate 2- and 1-min acquisitions.
      Subjective assessments of image quality made by an experienced physician were
      compared with objective measurements based on signal-to-noise ratio and noise
      equivalent counts (NEC). A target objective measure of image quality was
      identified. The activity and acquisition time required to achieve this were
      calculated for each subject. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify
      expressions for the activity and acquisition time required in terms of easily
      measurable patient characteristics. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven patients were
      recruited, and subjective and objective assessments of image quality were
      compared for 321 full and reduced time scans. NEC-per-metre was identified as the
      objective measure which best correlated with the subjective assessment (Spearman
      rank correlation coefficient 0.77) and the best discriminator for images with a
      subjective assessment of "definitely adequate" (area under the ROC curve 0.94). A
      target of 37 Mcount/m was identified. Expressions were identified in terms of
      patient sex, height and weight for the activity and acquisition time required to
      achieve this target. Including measurements of body composition in these
      expressions was not useful. Using these expressions would reduce the mean
      activity administered to this patient group by 66 MBq compared to the current
      protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Expressions have been identified for the activity and
      acquisition times required to achieve consistent image quality in FDG imaging
      with reduced patient and staff doses. These expressions might need to be adapted
      for other systems and reconstruction protocols.

PMID- 28091979
TI  - Blood perfusion in osteomyelitis studied with [15O]water PET in a juvenile
      porcine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteomyelitis is a serious disease which can be difficult to treat
      despite properly instituted antibiotic therapy. This appears to be related at
      least partly to degraded vascularisation in the osteomyelitic (OM) lesions.
      Studies of perfusion in OM bones are, however, few and not quantitative.
      Quantitative assessment of perfusion could aid in the selection of therapy. A non
      invasive, quantitative way to study perfusion is dynamic [15O]water positron
      emission tomography (PET). We aim to demonstrate that the method can be used for
      measuring perfusion in OM lesions and hypothesize that perfusion will be less
      elevated in OM lesions than in soft tissue (ST) infection. The study comprised 11
      juvenile pigs with haematogenous osteomyelitis induced by injection of
      Staphylococcus aureus into the right femoral artery 1 week before scanning (in
      one pig, 2 weeks). The pigs were dynamically PET scanned with [15O]water to
      quantify blood perfusion. OM lesions (N = 17) in long bones were studied, using
      the left limb as reference. ST lesions (N = 8) were studied similarly. RESULTS:
      Perfusion was quantitatively determined. Perfusion was elevated by a factor 1.5
      in OM lesions and by a factor 6 in ST lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Blood perfusion was
      successfully determined in pathological subacute OM lesions; average perfusion
      was increased compared to that in a healthy bone, but as hypothesized, the
      increase was less than in ST lesions, indicating that the infected bone has less
      perfusion reserve than the infected soft tissue.

PMID- 28091980
TI  - Comparison of Tc-99m maraciclatide and Tc-99m sestamibi molecular breast imaging
      in patients with suspected breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molecular breast imaging (MBI) performed with 99mTc sestamibi has
      been shown to be a valuable technique for the detection of breast cancer.
      Alternative radiotracers such as 99mTc maraciclatide may offer improved uptake in
      breast lesions. The purpose of this study was to compare relative performance of
      99mTc sestamibi and 99mTc maraciclatide in patients with suspected breast cancer,
      using a high-resolution dedicated gamma camera for MBI. Women with breast lesions
      suspicious for malignancy were recruited to undergo two MBI examinations-one with
      99mTc sestamibi and one with 99mTc maraciclatide. A radiologist interpreted MBI
      studies in a randomized, blinded fashion to assign an assessment score (1-5) and
      measured lesion size. Lesion-to-background (L/B) ratio was measured with region
      of-interest analysis. RESULTS: Among 39 analyzable patients, 21 malignant tumors
      were identified in 21 patients. Eighteen of 21 tumors (86%) were seen on 99mTc
      sestamibi MBI and 19 of 21 (90%) were seen on 99mTc maraciclatide MBI (p = 1).
      Tumor extent measured with both radiopharmaceuticals correlated strongly with
      pathologic size (99mTc sestamibi, r = 0.84; 99mTc maraciclatide, r = 0.81). The
      L/B ratio in detected breast cancers was similar for the two
      radiopharmaceuticals: 1.55 +/- 0.36 (mean +/- S.D.) for 99mTc sestamibi and 1.62
      +/- 0.37 (mean +/- S.D.) for 99mTc maraciclatide (p = 0.53). No correlation was
      found between the L/B ratio and molecular subtype for 99mTc sestamibi (r s  =
      0.12, p = 0.63) or 99mTc maraciclatide (r s  = -0.12, p = 0.64). Of 20 benign
      lesions, 10 (50%) were seen on 99mTc sestamibi and 9 of 20 (45%) were seen on
      99mTc maraciclatide images (p = 0.1). The average L/B ratio for benign lesions
      was 1.34 +/-0.40 (mean +/-S.D.) for 99mTc sestamibi and 1.41 +/-0.52 (mean +/
      S.D.) for 99mTc maraciclatide (p = 0.75). Overall diagnostic performance was
      similar for both radiopharmaceuticals. AUC from ROC analysis was 0.83 for 99mTc
      sestamibi and 0.87 for 99mTc maraciclatide (p = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc
      maraciclatide offered comparable lesion uptake to 99mTc sestamibi, in both
      malignant and benign lesions. There was good correlation between lesion extent
      and uptake measured from both radiopharmaceuticals. 99mTc maraciclatide offered a
      marginal (but not significant) improvement in sensitivity over 99mTc sestamibi.
      Our findings did not support an association between the uptake of either
      radiopharmaceutical and tumor molecular subtype. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00888589.

PMID- 28091981
TI  - Environmental Pollutants, Limitations in Physical Functioning, and Frailty in
      Older Adults.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Frailty is an age-related syndrome characterized by reductions
      in strength, endurance, and physiologic function that increase an individual's
      vulnerability for developing dependence or death. Extensive research is currently
      being conducted to determine preventable risk factors and mechanistic pathways of
      frailty. This review summarizes the existing evidence on the potential
      associations between environmental pollutants, limitations in physical
      functioning, and frailty among older adults. RECENT FINDINGS: We found only a few
      studies evaluating the association between specific environmental pollutants and
      frailty. Cross-sectional studies suggest an association between second-hand smoke
      and lead exposure with the prevalence of functional limitations and frailty in
      older adults; they also suggest a link between cobaltum exposure and walking
      problems. One longitudinal study found an increased risk of frailty after PM2.5
      exposure among individuals hospitalized with a myocardial infarction, while
      another found an inverse association between cadmium and phthalate exposure and
      hand-grip strength. There is a clear need for more studies to assess the effects
      of environmental pollution on physical functioning decline, frailty development,
      and its progression. Environmental and geriatric epidemiologists should work
      together to address important research challenges.

PMID- 28091982
TI  - Death from pulmonary embolism of cyanoacrylate glue following gastric varix
      endoscopic injection.
AB  - We present the case of a 25 year old woman with a complex past medical history
      including Crigler-Najjar syndrome (Type 1) with a liver transplant in 1993 and
      subsequent development of cirrhosis with portal hypertension in the transplanted
      liver. The deceased presented to hospital with hematemesis and investigations
      showed a large gastric varix. The varix was injected with cyanoacrylate glue.
      Within 30 min of injection the patient became acutely hypoxic. Urgent chest X-ray
      demonstrated radio opaque glue within the pulmonary arteries. It was evident that
      future treatment was futile and supportive treatment was withdrawn. The deceased
      was referred for medico legal post mortem examination. The post mortem CT scan
      performed prior to autopsy showed widespread radio-opaque material within the
      pulmonary arteries. At autopsy, rubbery grey/tan "clot" occluded the major
      proximal and segmental pulmonary arteries. Microscopic examination of the "clot"
      showed clumps of erythrocytes surrounded by foreign material. We discuss this
      relatively uncommon but well recognized complication of variceal injection with
      cyanoacrylate glue.

PMID- 28091983
TI  - Farming deaths - an ongoing problem.

PMID- 28091984
TI  - Fluid content protected lungs against heat, but not against carbon monoxide
      inhalation.

PMID- 28091985
TI  - Frequency of forensic toxicological analysis in external cause deaths among
      nursing home residents: an analysis of trends.
AB  - There is a paucity of research examining the utility of forensic toxicology in
      the investigation of premature external cause deaths of residents in nursing
      homes. The aim of this study is to describe the frequency and characteristics of
      toxicological analysis conducted in external cause (injury-related) deaths
      amongst nursing home residents in Victoria, Australia. This study was a
      retrospective cohort study examining external cause deaths among nursing home
      residents during the period July 1, 2000 to December 31, 2012 in Victoria,
      Australia, using the National Coronial Information System (NCIS). The variables
      examined comprised: sex, age group, year-of-death, cause and manner of death. One
      third of deaths among nursing home residents in Victoria resulted from external
      causes (n = 1296, 33.3%) of which just over one-quarter (361, 27.9%) underwent
      toxicological analysis as part of the medical death investigation. The use of
      toxicological analysis varied by cause of death with a relatively low proportion
      conducted in deaths from unintentional falls (n = 286, 24.9%) and choking (n =
      36, 40.4%). The use of toxicological analysis decreased as the decedents age
      increased. Forensic toxicology has the potential to contribute to improving our
      understanding of premature deaths in nursing home residents however it remains
      under used and is possibly undervalued.

PMID- 28091986
TI  - Shift of microRNA profile upon glioma cell migration using patient-derived
      spheroids and serum-free conditions.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent malignant primary brain tumor.
      A major reason for the overall median survival being only 14.6 months is
      migrating tumor cells left behind after surgery. Another major reason is tumor
      cells having a so-called cancer stem cell phenotype being therefore resistant
      towards traditional chemo- and radiotherapy. A group of novel molecular targets
      are microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs exerting post
      transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The aim of this study was to
      identify differentially expressed miRNAs in migrating GBM cells using serum-free
      stem cell conditions. We used patient-derived GBM spheroid cultures for a novel
      serum-free migration assay. MiRNA expression of migrating tumor cells isolated at
      maximum migration speed was compared with corresponding spheroids using an
      OpenArray Real-Time PCR System. The miRNA profiling revealed 30 miRNAs to be
      differentially expressed. In total 13 miRNAs were upregulated and 17
      downregulated in migrating cells compared to corresponding spheroids. The three
      most deregulated miRNAs, miR-1227 (up-regulated), miR-32 (down-regulated) and miR
      222 (down-regulated), were experimentally overexpressed. A non-significantly
      increased migration rate was observed after miR-1227 overexpression. A
      significantly reduced migration rate was observed after miR-32 and miR-222
      overexpression. In conclusion a shift in microRNA profile upon glioma cell
      migration was identified using an assay avoiding serum-induced migration. Both
      the miRNA profiling and the functional validation suggested that miR-1227 may be
      associated with increased migration and miR-32 and miR-222 with decreased
      migration. These miRNAs may represent potential novel targets in migrating glioma
      cells.

PMID- 28091987
TI  - Expression and prognostic value of microRNAs in lower-grade glioma depends on
      IDH1/2 status.
AB  - Histological and genomic characteristics are widely used in glioma management and
      research. This study investigated their relationship to the expression and
      prognostic value of microRNAs (miRNAs) in lower-grade glioma (LGG). A total of
      447 LGG samples with available clinical and genomic information from The Cancer
      Genome Atlas database were reviewed. Samples with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)
      1/2 mutations (n = 366) were randomly divided into training and validation sets
      to establish and confirm a four-miRNA-based risk classifier. We found that IDH1/2
      mutation status had greater impact than histological and other genomic features
      on miRNA expression patterns; 361/487 (74%) of miRNAs were differentially
      expressed according to IDH1/2 mutation status. Importantly, there were no miRNAs
      with the same prognostic significance among groups with different IDH1/2 mutation
      status. For IDH1/2-mut LGG, a four-miRNA risk classifier (miR-10b, miR-130b, miR
      1304, and miR-302b) was established that could independently distinguish cases as
      high or low risk of poor prognosis in both training and validation sets. The risk
      classifier outperformed individual miRNAs and traditional prognostic factors in
      terms of sensitivity and specificity. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that high
      risk samples were more mitotically active than low-risk samples. Taken together,
      IDH1/2 mutation status had a significant influence on miRNA expression and
      prognostication in LGG. The four-miRNA-based risk classifier can be used for risk
      stratification of IDH1/2-mut LGG.

PMID- 28091988
TI  - Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity reduction of the polluted urban river after
      ecological restoration: a field-scale study of Jialu River in northern China.
AB  - To further treat the reclaimed municipal wastewater and rehabilitate the aquatic
      ecosystem of polluted urban rivers, an 18.5-km field-scale ecological restoration
      project was constructed along Jialu River, a polluted urban river which receives
      only reclaimed municipal wastewater from Zhengzhou City without natural upland
      water dilution. This study investigated the potential efficiency of water quality
      improvement, as well as genotoxicity and cytotoxicity reduction along the
      ecological restoration project of this polluted urban river. Results showed that
      the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) of the reclaimed
      municipal effluent were reduced by more than 45 and 70%, respectively, meeting
      the Chinese surface water environmental quality standard level IV, while the
      total phosphorus and metal concentrations had no significant reduction along the
      restoration project, and Pb concentrations in all river water samples exceeded
      permissible limit in drinking water set by WHO (2006) and China (GB5749-2006).
      The in vitro SOS/umu assay showed 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide equivalent (4-NQO-EQ)
      values of reclaimed municipal wastewater of 0.69 +/- 0.05 MUg/L in April and 0.68
      +/- 0.06 MUg/L in December, respectively, indicating the presence of genotoxic
      compounds. The results of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and hepatic cell
      apoptosis in zebrafish after a chorionic long-term (21 days) in vivo exposure
      also demonstrated that the reclaimed municipal wastewater caused significant DNA
      oxidative damage and cytotoxicity. After the ecological purification of 18.5-km
      field-scale restoration project, the genotoxicity assessed by in vitro assay was
      negligible, while the DNA oxidative damage and cytotoxicity in exposed fish were
      still significantly elevated. The mechanisms of DNA oxidative damage and
      cytotoxicity caused by the reclaimed municipal wastewater need further study.

PMID- 28091989
TI  - Hazardous metal pollution in a protected coastal area from Northern Patagonia
      (Argentina).
AB  - The San Antonio Bay is a protected natural coastal area of Argentina that has
      been exposed to mining wastes over the last three decades. Iron and trace metals
      of potential concern to biota and human health (Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn) were
      investigated in the sediments from the bay and in the soils of the Pile (mining
      wastes). Concentrations of Cd (45 mg kg-1), Pb (42,853 mg kg-1), Cu (24,505 mg kg
      1), and Zn (28,686 mg kg-1) in the soils Pile exceeded guidelines for
      agricultural, residential, and industrial land uses. Risk assessment due to
      exposure to contaminated soils (Pile) was performed. Hazard quotients were
      superior to non-risk (HQ >1) for all trace metals, while accumulative hazard
      quotient index indicated a high risk for children (HI = 93) and moderate for
      adults (HI = 9). In the bay, sediments closest to the Pile (mudflat and salt
      marsh) exceeded sediment quality guidelines for protection of biota. Results of
      different acid extraction methods suggest that most of the pseudototal content
      was potentially mobile. Principal component analysis indicated that the sites
      near the Pile (Encerrado channel) were more polluted than the distal ones.
      Tissues of Spartina spp. located within Encerrado channel showed the highest
      metal levels among all studied sites. These results show that the problem still
      persists and the mining wastes are the sources of the pollution. Furthermore, the
      Encerrado channel is a highly impacted area, as it is shown by their metal
      enriched sediments.

PMID- 28091990
TI  - Revaluation of stockpile amount of PFOS-containing aqueous film-forming foam in
      Japan: gaps and pitfalls in the stockpile survey.
AB  - Stockpiles of perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) containing aqueous film
      forming foam (AFFF) have the potential to be emitted by leaching, spills, and
      during use in fire response and other processes. Several studies have discussed
      the high levels of stockpiled PFOS-containing AFFF and the risk they pose to the
      environment; however, there are large gaps in the amounts in Japan compared with
      other countries. For example, 300 tons are stockpiled in Canada, 2200-2600 tons
      in Switzerland, 1400 tons in Norway, and 19,000 tons in Japan from their reports
      for publication. The gap is considered to be a result of lack of surveys of
      several important sources. In this study, we revaluated the stockpile of AFFF in
      Japan to verify the reported value and identify the source of this gap based on
      information available in peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports, and business
      reports. The major reason for the gap between Japan and other countries was
      considered to be the survey of stockpiles in car-parking facilities, which
      accounted for 46.7% of the total amounts in Japan, but were not considered in
      other countries. These stockpiles indicate a high potential for accidental
      leaching or spilling of the AFFF by careless storage. Therefore, it is
      recommended that continual surveys of the AFFF stockpile in car-parking
      facilities be conducted in the rest of the world.

PMID- 28091991
TI  - Trophic transfer and effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in Gammarus fossarum
      from contaminated periphytic biofilm.
AB  - This work addressed the trophic transfer and effects of functionalized gold
      nanoparticles (AuNPs) from periphytic biofilms to the crustacean Gammarus
      fossarum. Biofilms were exposed for 48 h to 10 nm positively charged
      functionalized AuNPs at two concentrations, 4.6 and 46 mg/L, and crustaceans G.
      fossarum grazed on these for 7 days, with daily biofilm renewal. Gold
      bioaccumulation in biofilm and crustacean were measured to estimate the trophic
      transfer ratio of these AuNP, and, for the first time, a transcriptomic approach
      and transmission electron microscopy observations in the crustacean were made.
      These two approaches showed cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and, in
      particular, an impact of these AuNPs on mitochondrial respiration. Modulation of
      digestive enzyme activity was also observed, suggesting modifications of
      digestive functions. The damage due to these nanoparticles could then have vital
      consequences for the organisms during chronic exposure.

PMID- 28091992
TI  - Analysing the correlations of long-term seasonal water quality parameters,
      suspended solids and total dissolved solids in a shallow reservoir with
      meteorological factors.
AB  - To explore the correlations among water quality parameters, suspended solids (SS)
      and total dissolved solids (TDS) with meteorological factors in a shallow
      reservoir in China, the long-term variations of water quality were considered. A
      non-parametric regression method, generalized additive models (GAM), was used to
      analyse the correlations among eleven physicochemical and biological parameters
      as well as three meteorological factors (wind speed, rainfall and solar
      radiation) which we collected from 2000 to 2011. The results indicate that the
      three meteorological factors may have positive effects on SS. Moreover,
      statistically significant correlations between many water quality parameters and
      SS or TDS were exhibited seasonally. The correlations between electrical
      conductivity (EC) and SS were opposite to correlations between EC and TDS. This
      finding reveals that TDS have a positive impact on EC, while EC negatively
      affects SS. The results indicated that many parameters, such as total nitrogen,
      total phosphorus, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand
      (COD), were related to SS due to the adsorption of SS. Moreover, both positive
      and negative correlations between COD and TDS were observed in this freshwater
      reservoir. The positive correlation between chlorophyll a and SS suggested that
      the change of SS concentration in autumn was caused by the growth of algae.
      Meanwhile, significant correlations between SS and meteorological factors were
      also observed, indicating that meteorological factors had effects on SS dynamics.
      This study provides useful information regarding the correlations among water
      quality parameters, SS and TDS with meteorological factors in a freshwater
      reservoir.

PMID- 28091994
TI  - Source analysis of organic matter in swine wastewater after anaerobic digestion
      with EEM-PARAFAC.
AB  - Swine wastewater is one of the most serious pollution sources, and it has
      attracted a great public concern in China. Anaerobic digestion technology is
      extensively used in swine wastewater treatment. However, the anaerobic digestion
      effluents are difficult to meet the discharge standard. The results from batch
      experiments showed that plenty of refractory organic matter remained in the
      effluents after mesophilic anaerobic digestion for 30 days. The effluent total
      COD (tCOD) and soluble COD (sCOD) were 483 and 324 mg/L, respectively, with the
      sCOD/tCOD ratio of 0.671. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) coupled
      with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) revealed that the dissolved organic
      matter in the effluents was tryptophan-like substance, humic acid substance, and
      fulvic acid substance. Based on the appearance time during anaerobic digestion,
      tryptophan-like substance and humic acid substance were inferred to originate
      from the raw swine wastewater, and the fulvic acid substance was inferred to be
      formed in the anaerobic digestion. This work has revealed the source of residual
      organic matter in anaerobic digestion of swine wastewater and has provided some
      valuable information for the post-treatment.

PMID- 28091993
TI  - Bacterial community structure and prevalence of Pusillimonas-like bacteria in
      aged landfill leachate.
AB  - Although several works have been performed from an engineering point of view, a
      limited number of studies have focused on microbial communities involved in the
      humification of aged landfill leachates. In this work, cultivation techniques,
      next-generation sequencing, and phospholipid fatty acid analysis were adopted to
      decrypt the diversity and the ecophysiological properties of the dominant
      microbiota in aged landfill leachate. Based on Illumina sequencing,
      Betaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Alphaproteobacteria
      dominated the aged landfill leachate. The main taxa identified at genus level
      were Pusillimonas-like bacteria and Leucobacter (41.46% of total reads), with all
      of them being also isolated through cultivation. The presence of Pusillimonas
      like bacteria was also verified by the detection of cyclo17:0 and iso-19:0 fatty
      acids in aged landfill leachate microbiota. Despite that almost all bacterial
      isolates exhibited extracellular lipolytic ability, no particular specificity was
      observed in the type of substrate utilized. The prevalence of effective
      degraders, such as Pusillimonas-like bacteria, makes the aged landfill leachate
      an ideal source for isolation of novel microorganisms with potential in situ
      bioremediation uses.

PMID- 28091995
TI  - Biodegradability of fluoxetine, mefenamic acid, and metoprolol using different
      microbial consortiums.
AB  - The biodegradation of fluoxetine, mefenamic acid, and metoprolol using ammonium
      nitrite-oxidizing consortium, nitrite-oxidizing consortium, and heterotrophic
      biomass was evaluated in batch tests applying different retention times. The
      ammonium-nitrite-oxidizing consortium presented the highest biodegradation
      percentages for mefenamic acid and metoprolol, of 85 and 64% respectively. This
      consortium was also capable to biodegrade 79% of fluoxetine. The heterotrophic
      consortium showed the highest ability to biodegrade fluoxetine reaching 85%, and
      it also had a high potential for biodegrading mefenamic acid and metoprolol, of
      66 and 58% respectively. The nitrite-oxidizing consortium presented the lowest
      biodegradation of the three pharmaceuticals, of less than 48%. The determination
      of the selected pharmaceuticals in the dissolved phase and in the biomass
      indicated that biodegradation was the major removal mechanism of the three
      compounds. Based on the obtained results, the biodegradation kinetics was
      adjusted to pseudo-first-order for the three pharmaceuticals. The values of k
      biol for fluoxetine, mefenamic acid, and metoprolol determined with the three
      consortiums indicated that ammonium-nitrite-oxidizing and heterotrophic biomass
      allow a partial biodegradation of the compounds, while no substantial
      biodegradation can be expected using nitrite-oxidizing consortium. Metoprolol was
      the less biodegradable compound. The sorption of fluoxetine and mefenamic acid
      onto biomass had a significant contribution for their removal (6-14%). The lowest
      sorption coefficients were obtained for metoprolol indicating that the sorption
      onto biomass is poor (3-4%), and the contribution of this process to the global
      removal can be neglected.

PMID- 28091996
TI  - Zeolitic tuffs for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment in Ecuador: breakthrough
      curves for Mn2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, Zn2+, and Al3.
AB  - Zeolitic tuff constitutes a technical and economical feasible alternative to
      manage acidic waters in initial phases of generation. A study of cation exchange
      with two zeolitic tuffs from Ecuador and one from Cuba has been conducted using
      breakthrough curve methodology. Cations Mn2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, Zn2+, and Al3+ have
      been chosen owing to their presence in underground water in exploration
      activities (decline development) in Fruta del Norte (Ecuador). Zeolites
      characterized by X-ray diffraction and thermal stability after heating overnight
      as heulandites show a similar exchange behavior for the five cations studied. The
      clinoptilolite sample Tasajeras shows a relevant cation exchange performance
      expressed in the important increment of spatial time to reach the breakthrough
      point in comparison with heulandite samples. The maximum length of unused beds
      was found for Cr3+ and Zn2+ cations showing, therefore, a lower adsorption
      performance in relation with Mn2+ and Cd2+. A final disposal method of metal
      loaded zeolites with cement is proposed.

PMID- 28091997
TI  - Comparative assessment of metallurgical recovery of metals from electronic waste
      with special emphasis on bioleaching.
AB  - Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) or electronic waste (e-waste) is
      one of the fastest growing waste streams in the urban environment worldwide. The
      core component of printed circuit board (PCB) in e-waste contains a complex array
      of metals in rich quantity, some of which are toxic to the environment and all of
      which are valuable resources. Therefore, the recycling of e-waste is an important
      aspect not only from the point of waste treatment but also from the recovery of
      metals for economic growth. Conventional approaches for recovery of metals from e
      waste, viz. pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques, are rapid and
      efficient, but cause secondary pollution and economically unviable. Limitations
      of the conventional techniques have led to a shift towards biometallurgical
      technique involving microbiological leaching of metals from e-waste in eco
      friendly manner. However, optimization of certain biotic and abiotic factors such
      as microbial species, pH, temperature, nutrients, and aeration rate affect the
      bioleaching process and can lead to profitable recovery of metals from e-waste.
      The present review provides a comprehensive assessment on the metallurgical
      techniques for recovery of metals from e-waste with special emphasis on
      bioleaching process and the associated factors.

PMID- 28091998
TI  - Palliative effects of extra virgin olive oil, gallic acid, and lemongrass oil
      dietary supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, carcass traits, and
      antioxidant status of heat-stressed growing New Zealand White rabbits.
AB  - This study explored the effects of supplemental dietary extra virgin olive oil
      (EVOO), gallic acid (GA), or lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) on growth
      performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, lipid peroxidation,
      hematological, and antioxidative status in growing rabbits under heat stress
      conditions. A total of 48 male growing New Zealand White rabbits were randomly
      divided into four equal groups, which received a basal diet without any
      supplementation or supplemented with 15 g EVOO, 500 mg GA, or 400 mg LGEO/kg of
      diet, for eight consecutive weeks. Results revealed that the overall mean of
      temperature humidity index was 84.67 +/- 0.35, reflecting a state of severe heat
      stress. Moreover, dietary supplementation with EVOO, GA, or LGEO significantly
      increased live body weight and daily body weight gain but decreased both feed
      conversion ratio and daily water consumption. Additionally, a significant
      increase in both organic matter and crude protein digestibility besides a
      remarkable elevation in the nutritive values of digestible crude protein, total
      digestible nutrients, and digestible energy, as well as an increase in the
      numbers of WBCs, lymphocytes, and heterophils was significant in EVOO
      supplemented rabbits. Supplementation with EVOO, GA, or LGEO in the heat-stressed
      growing rabbit's diet enhanced catalase activity and reduced glutathione content,
      whereas EVOO-treated rabbits had the highest values. Also, malondialdehyde
      activity was reduced in response to all tested additives. In conclusion, these
      findings suggested that addition of EVOO, GA, or LGEO in growing rabbit's diet
      could be used effectively to alleviate negative impacts of heat stress load on
      performance, nutrient digestibility, oxidative status, and hemato-biochemical
      features. Furthermore, among these additives, EVOO achieved the best effects.

PMID- 28091999
TI  - Porous nano-cerium oxide wood chip biochar composites for aqueous levofloxacin
      removal and sorption mechanism insights.
AB  - The adsorption removal of levofloxacin (LEV), a widely used fluoroquinolone
      antibiotic, by using the biochars derived from the pyrolysis of pine wood chip
      pretreated with cerium trichloride was investigated through batch sorption
      experiments and multiple characterization techniques. The differences in the
      basic physicochemical properties between Ce-impregnated biochars and the pristine
      biochars were confirmed by the analysis of elemental compositions, specific
      surface areas, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and thermo
      gravimetry. FT-IR spectra of the pre- and post-sorption biochars confirmed the
      chemical adsorption for LEV sorption onto the biochars. Large shifts in the
      binding energy of Ce3d, O1s, C1s, and N1s regions on the pre- and post-sorption
      biochars indicated the surface complexation of LEV molecule onto the biochars.
      The binding species of Ce4+ and Ce3+ identified by X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy reflect the role of Ce oxides during sorption. Batch adsorption
      showed the significant enhancement of adsorption capacity for LEV after the Ce
      modification. Batch adsorption kinetic data fitted well with the pseudo-second
      order model. Both the Langmuir and the Freundlich models reproduced the isotherm
      data well. Findings from this work indicated that Ce-impregnated biochars can be
      effective for the removal of aqueous LEV.

PMID- 28092000
TI  - Direct and indirect effects of wastewater use and herd environment on the
      occurrence of animal diseases and animal health in Pakistan.
AB  - The use of wastewater for rearing domestic animals is a common phenomenon in most
      of the developing countries like Pakistan that face a serious shortage of
      freshwater resources. However, most of the literature has only focused on the
      indirect effects of wastewater use on animal health or productivity, and
      literature on the direct effects of wastewater use is rare. Therefore, this study
      aims to investigate the direct and indirect effects of wastewater usage on the
      prevalence of animal diseases and animal health in Pakistan. The study is based
      on a household-level survey of 360 domestic water buffalo herds collected from 12
      districts of Punjab Province, Pakistan. We tested the prevalence of the animal's
      diseases, animal's health, and wastewater-use preference with various econometric
      tools, such as the Poisson, negative binomial, and logistic regressions. The
      findings of the study show that the majority of the farmers use wastewater for
      buffalo bathing due to the shortage of freshwater resources. Results explore the
      prevalence of diseases such as clinical mastitis, tick infestation, and foot and
      mouth disease at the farm level significantly associated with buffalo bathing in
      the wastewater. Moreover, bathing in wastewater pre- and post-milking also plays
      a role in the occurrence of diseases. Particularly, if the buffalo's access to
      wastewater for bathing is within 60 min after milking, the probability of the
      animals being exposed to mastitis is higher. Furthermore, on investigation, a
      number of factors are found, such as the distance to the water source, power
      shortage, groundwater availability, and the education of farmers that influence
      farmers' behavior of letting their animals take a bath in wastewater. Moreover,
      the use of different preventive measures improves the animal's health.

PMID- 28092001
TI  - Genotypic differences in cadmium transport in developing barley grains.
AB  - Genotypic differences in cadmium (Cd) transport in developing grains of barley
      (Hordeum vulgare L.) were investigated using detached ears cultured in a nutrient
      solution containing 0.5 and 5 MUM Cd. Cd concentration in each part of the ear in
      W6nk2 (a low-grain-Cd-accumulation genotype) was much less than in Zhenong8 (a
      high accumulator) with 0.5 MUM Cd treatment. However, Cd concentration in W6nk2
      grains increased with an increase in external Cd level and was similar to
      Zhenong8 with 5 MUM Cd treatment. Awn removal, a high relative humidity (RH, 90%)
      and addition of sucrose markedly decreased grain Cd concentration in Zhenong8 but
      less affected Cd transport to grain in W6nk2. Stem girdling reduced Cd transport
      to developing grains with 5 MUM Cd treatment, especially for W6nk2, whereas no
      effect was found in either genotype with low Cd treatment. Our results suggested
      that higher grain Cd in Zhenong8 is closely related to a larger capacity for
      xylem transport and is connected with Cd translocation in xylem and phloem sap.

PMID- 28092002
TI  - Adaptation of primocane fruiting raspberry plants to environmental factors under
      the influence of Bacillus strains in Western Siberia.
AB  - In geographical locations with a short vegetative season and continental climate
      that include Western Siberia, growing primocane fruiting raspberry varieties
      becomes very important. However, it is necessary to help the plants to overcome
      the environmental stress factors. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the
      pre-planting treatment of primocane fruiting raspberry root system with Bacillus
      strains on the following plant development under variable environmental
      conditions. In 2012, Bacillus subtilis RCAM V-10641, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
      RCAM V-10642, and Bacillus licheniformis RCAM V-10562 were used for inoculating
      the root system of primocane fruiting raspberry cultivar Nedosyagaemaya before
      planting. The test suspensions were 105 CFU/ml for each bacterial strains. The
      effects of this treatment on plant growth and crop productivity were estimated in
      2012-2015 growing seasons differed by environmental conditions. The pre-planting
      treatment by the bacterial strains increased the number of new raspberry canes
      and the number of plant generative organs as well as crop productivity compared
      to control. In addition, these bacilli acted as the standard humic fertilizer.
      Variable environmental factors such as air temperature, relative humidity, and
      winter and spring frosts seriously influenced the plant biological parameters and
      crop productivity of control plants. At the same time, the pre-planting primocane
      fruiting root treatment by Bacillus strains decreased the negative effects of
      abiotic stresses on plants in all years of the research. Of the three strains
      studied, B. subtilis was shown to reveal the best results in adaptation of
      primocane fruiting raspberry plants to environmental factors in Western Siberia.
      For the first time, the role of Bacillus strains in enhancing frost resistance in
      primocane fruiting raspberry plants was shown. These bacilli are capable of being
      the basis of multifunctional biological formulations for effective plant and
      environmental health management in growing primocane fruiting raspberry.

PMID- 28092003
TI  - Validated electrochemical and chromatographic quantifications of some antibiotic
      residues in pharmaceutical industrial waste water.
AB  - Realistic implementation of ion selective electrodes (ISEs) into environmental
      monitoring programs has always been a challenging task. This could be largely
      attributed to difficulties in validation of ISE assay results. In this study, the
      electrochemical response of amoxicillin trihydrate (AMX), ciprofloxacin
      hydrochloride (CPLX), trimethoprim (TMP), and norfloxacin (NFLX) was studied by
      the fabrication of sensitive membrane electrodes belonging to two types of ISEs,
      which are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane electrodes and glassy carbon (GC)
      electrodes. Linear response for the membrane electrodes was in the concentration
      range of 10-5-10-2 mol/L. For the PVC membrane electrodes, Nernstian slopes of
      55.1, 56.5, 56.5, and 54.0 mV/decade were achieved over a pH 4-8 for AMX, CPLX,
      and NFLX, respectively, and pH 3-6 for TMP. On the other hand, for GC electrodes,
      Nernstian slopes of 59.1, 58.2, 57.0, and 58.2 mV/decade were achieved over pH 4
      8 for AMX, CPLX, and NFLX, respectively, and pH 3-6 for TMP. In addition to assay
      validation to international industry standards, the fabricated electrodes were
      also cross-validated relative to conventional separation techniques; high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and thin layer chromatography (TLC)
      densitometry. The HPLC assay was applied in concentration range of 0.5-10.0
      MUg/mL, for all target analytes. The TLC-densitometry was adopted over a
      concentration range of 0.3-1.0 MUg/band, for AMX, and 0.1-0.9 MUg/band, for CPLX,
      NFLX, and TMP. The proposed techniques were successfully applied for
      quantification of the selected drugs either in pure form or waste water samples
      obtained from pharmaceutical plants. The actual waste water samples were
      subjected to solid phase extraction (SPE) for pretreatment prior to the
      application of chromatographic techniques (HPLC and TLC-densitometry). On the
      other hand, the fabricated electrodes were successfully applied for
      quantification of the antibiotic residues in actual waste water samples without
      any pretreatment. This finding assures the suitability of the fabricated ISEs for
      environmental analysis.

PMID- 28092004
TI  - Bio-based degradation of emerging endocrine-disrupting and dye-based pollutants
      using cross-linked enzyme aggregates.
AB  - In this study, manganese peroxidase (MnP) from an indigenous white-rot fungus
      Ganoderma lucidum IBL-05 was insolubilized in the form of cross-linked enzyme
      aggregates (CLEAs) using various aggregating agents, i.e., acetone, ammonium
      sulfate, ethanol, 2-propanol, and tert-butanol, followed by glutaraldehyde (GA)
      cross-linking. The precipitant type, MnP, and GA concentrations affected the
      CLEAs activity recovery and aggregation yield. Among precipitants used, acetone
      appeared to be the most efficient aggregation agent, providing the highest
      activity recovery and aggregation yield of 31.26 and 73.46%, respectively.
      Optimal cross-linking was noticed using 2.0% (v/v) GA and 8:1 (v/v) MnP to GA
      ratio at 3.0 h cross-linking time under continuous agitation at 4  degrees C. The
      highest recovered activity and aggregation yield were determined to be 47.57 and
      81.26%, respectively. The MnP-CLEAs, thus synthesized, were tested to investigate
      their bio-catalytic capacity for removing two known endocrine-disrupting
      chemicals (EDCs), e.g., nonylphenol and triclosan in a packed bed reactor system.
      The insolubilized MnP efficiently catalyzed the biodegradation of both EDCs,
      transforming over 80% in the presence of MnP-based system. A maximal of 100%
      decolorization was recorded for Sitara textile (SIT-based) effluent, followed by
      95.5% for Crescent textile (CRT-based) effluent, 88.0% for K&N textile (KIT
      based) effluent, and 84.2% for Nishat textile (NIT-based) effluent.

PMID- 28092005
TI  - Investigation of diethylstilbestrol residue level in human urine samples by a
      specific monoclonal antibody.
AB  - Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is used as a kind of animal feed additive and affects
      people's health through the food chain. The purpose of this study is to detect
      the residue level of DES in 576 human urine samples directly. DES-BSA was used to
      immunize Balb/c mice. The monoclonal antibody was produced by hybridoma that was
      screened through cell fusion techniques. Finally, we developed the indirect
      competitive ELISA method to analyze 576 human urine samples from Zhejiang
      Province, China. The IC50 of this method was 3.33 ng/mL. The LOD and LOQ were
      0.16 and 0.54 ng/mL. Linear range of the standard curve was from LOD to 12.50
      ng/mL. There was no cross-reactivity with two kinds of estrogens and two
      structural analogs with DES. Five hundred seventy-six urine samples were analyzed
      by the indirect competitive ELISA method, and the detection rate was 98.78%. The
      mean concentration and geometric mean were 4.70 and 3.50 ng/mL. The indirect
      competitive ELISA method based on monoclonal antibody was sensitive and reliable
      for the detection of DES in human urine samples. The results warned us to pay
      more attention to human health and food safety.

PMID- 28092006
TI  - The efficiency of Eichhornia crassipes in the removal of organic and inorganic
      pollutants from wastewater: a review.
AB  - Water is a basic necessity of life, but due to overextraction and heavy input of
      nutrients from domestic and industrial sources, the contamination level of water
      bodies increase. In the last few decades, a potential interest has been aroused
      to treat wastewater by biological methodologies before discharge into the natural
      water bodies. Phytoremediation using water hyacinth is found to be an effective
      biological wastewater treatment method. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), a
      notorious weed, being the most promising plant for removal of contaminants from
      wastewater is studied extensively in this regard. It has been successfully used
      to accumulate heavy metals, dyes, radionuclides, and other organic and inorganic
      contaminants from water at laboratory, pilot, and large scale. The plant
      materials are also being used as sorbent to separate the contaminant from water.
      Other than phytoremediation, the plant has been explored for various other
      purposes like ethanol production and generation of biogases and green manures.
      Such applications of this have been good support for the technocrats in
      controlling the growth of the plant. The present paper reviews the phytoremedial
      application of water hyacinth and its capability to remove contaminants in
      produced water and wastewater from domestic and isndustrial sources either used
      as a whole live plant grown in water or use of plant body parts as sorbent has
      been discussed.

PMID- 28092007
TI  - Study of the genotoxicity of organic extracts from wastewater-irrigated
      vegetables using in vitro and in vivo biological tests.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore genotoxicity due to organic pollutants
      in wastewater-irrigated vegetables using biological and chemical analyses.
      Chinese cabbages from wastewater-irrigated farmland were taken as the research
      object. For the in vitro test, DNA damage was characterized in rat hepatocytes
      exposed to organic extracts from the cabbages using the comet assay. For the in
      vivo tests, mice were exposed to organic extracts from the cabbages. DNA damage
      was assessed in mouse peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), and chromosome damage
      was assessed in bone marrow cells using the comet assay and micronucleus test,
      respectively. For the chemical analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
      (GC/MS) was used to analyze the organic compounds in the organic vegetable
      extracts. The in vitro test results showed that the comet tail lengths of the DNA
      in rat hepatocytes were significantly increased in the group dosed with 0.36 g/ml
      (P < 0.05), and the comet tailing rates of the hepatocytes were significantly
      increased in the groups dosed with 0.24 and 0.36 g/ml (P < 0.05). The in vivo
      test results indicated that the comet tail lengths of the DNA in mouse PBLs were
      increased in the low- and high-dose groups and that the comet tailing rate of the
      PBLs was increased in the high-dose group (P < 0.05). The chemical analysis
      results showed that the total organic content in the organic vegetable extracts
      from the wastewater-irrigated area (1.355 mg/kg) was significantly higher than
      the content in the cabbage samples from the clean-water-irrigated area (0.089
      mg/kg). This finding indicated that wastewater irrigation can cause organic
      pollution with genetic toxicity in vegetables. This study also showed that in
      vivo and in vitro biological tests can reflect the joint toxicity of organic
      pollutants, and the test results were in accordance with the chemical analysis of
      the organic pollutant compositions.

PMID- 28092008
TI  - Spatio-temporal variation of septage characteristics of a semi-arid metropolitan
      city in a developing country.
AB  - Septage is the solid sludge that accumulates in septic tanks over a period of
      time. Many of the developing countries in the world face the challenging task of
      septage management. Due to the high variability in the nature of septage, there
      is a need to study its physical and chemical characteristics in order to suggest
      a sustainable treatment methodology. The present study deals with the
      characterization of septage collected from different locations of Chennai city in
      India, in two different seasons (summer and winter). The characterization
      includes parameters such as solids, organics, inorganics, nutrients and heavy
      metals. Septage showed significant difference in concentrations of pollutants
      from one season to the other (p > 0.05). The average total solids concentration
      is found to be 1.6 times higher during winter season than compared to summer
      season. Average concentrations of solids were 2185 +/- 1070 and 3555 +/- 2935
      mg/L during summer and winter, respectively. Liquid characterization of septage
      showed total chemical oxygen demands (COD) of 905 +/- 603 mg/L (summer) and 1460
      +/- 1295 mg/L (winter). Similarly, average soluble biochemical oxygen demand
      (sBOD) was found to be 117 +/- 54 mg/L during summer and 211 +/- 220 mg/L during
      winter season. Studies also showed that septage was rich in nutrients such as
      total nitrogen (4-500 mg/L), ammoniacal nitrogen (2-129 mg/L), total phosphate (5
      236 mg/L) and heavy metals such as copper, zinc, lead and manganese. Overall
      characterization indicates that the collected septage samples are highly variable
      in nature with respect to sources, season and locations of collection. As the
      septage is rich in organic matter and nutrients, it can be used as a resource
      like soil conditioner or as a substitute for chemical fertilizer in agriculture,
      after proper treatment, leading to a new evolution in sanitation.

PMID- 28092009
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) determined by pine needles and
      semipermeable membrane devices along an altitude profile in Taurus Mountains,
      Turkey.
AB  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed at different altitudes of
      Taurus Mountains in semipermeable membrane devices (SPMD) and in half-, one-and-a
      half-, and two-and-a-half-year-old pine needles. SPMDs were deployed for three
      different exposure periods: March to September (Summer), September to March
      (Winter), and March to March (whole year) at eight sites where needle samples
      were collected. The values of PAHs in needles were between 4.4 to 6066 pg g/fw in
      half-year-old, 7.2 to 111,115 pg g/fw in 1.5-year-old, and 9.7 to 85,335 pg g/fw
      in 2.5-year-old needles. Mass of PAHs collected by SPMDs varied from <MDL to 8060
      ng/SPMD in winter, from 0.98 to 585 ng/SPMD in summer, and <MDL to 9360 ng/SPMD
      in whole year deployment, respectively. PAH profiles were dependent on the
      seasonal differences and locations. Roughly, clear decreasing trends with
      altitude were observed both with SPMD and needles for many individual and groups
      of PAHs except for the SPMD-summer short-time data. A cross-plot of
      Fluo/(Fluo+Pyr) vs Ant/(Ant+Phe) diagnostic ratios indicated grass/wood burning
      (possibly due to forest fires) in summer and petrogenic combustion in winter.
      Results of the study showed that SPMD and conifer needles are effective passive
      samplers to measure PAHs in the environment.

PMID- 28092010
TI  - Allocation and simulation study of carbon emission quotas among China's provinces
      in 2020.
AB  - China will form its carbon market in 2017 to focus on the allocation of regional
      carbon emission quota in order to cope with global warming. The rationality of
      the regional allocation has become an important consideration for the government
      in ensuring stable growth in different regions that are experiencing disparity in
      resource endowment and economic status. Based on constructing the quota
      allocation indicator system for carbon emission, the emission quota for each
      province in different scenarios and schemes in 2020 is simulated by the
      multifactor hybrid weighted Shannon entropy allocation model. The following
      conclusions are drawn: (1) The top 5 secondary-level indicators that influence
      provincial quota allocation in weight are as follows: per capita energy
      consumption, openness, per capita carbon emission, per capita disposable income,
      and energy intensity. (2) The ratio of carbon emission in 2020 is different from
      that in 2013 in many scenarios, and the variation is scenario 2 > scenario 1 >
      scenario 3, with Hubei and Guangdong the provinces with the largest increase and
      decrease ratios, respectively. (3) In the same scenario, the quota allocation
      varies in different reduction criteria emphases; if the government emphasizes
      reduction efficiency, scheme 1 will show obvious adjustment, that is, Hunan,
      Hubei, Guizhou, and Yunnan will have the largest decrease. The amounts are 4.28,
      8.31, 4.04, and 5.97 million tons, respectively.

PMID- 28092011
TI  - Microbubble moving in blood flow in microchannels: effect on the cell-free layer
      and cell local concentration.
AB  - Gas embolisms can hinder blood flow and lead to occlusion of the vessels and
      ischemia. Bubbles in microvessels circulate as tubular bubbles (Taylor bubbles)
      and can be trapped, blocking the normal flow of blood. To understand how Taylor
      bubbles flow in microcirculation, in particular, how bubbles disturb the blood
      flow at the scale of blood cells, experiments were performed in microchannels at
      a low Capillary number. Bubbles moving with a stream of in vitro blood were
      filmed with the help of a high-speed camera. Cell-free layers (CFLs) were
      observed downstream of the bubble, near the microchannel walls and along the
      centerline, and their thicknesses were quantified. Upstream to the bubble, the
      cell concentration is higher and CFLs are less clear. While just upstream of the
      bubble the maximum RBC concentration happens at positions closest to the wall,
      downstream the maximum is in an intermediate region between the centerline and
      the wall. Bubbles within microchannels promote complex spatio-temporal variations
      of the CFL thickness along the microchannel with significant relevance for local
      rheology and transport processes. The phenomenon is explained by the flow pattern
      characteristic of low Capillary number flows. Spatio-temporal variations of blood
      rheology may have an important role in bubble trapping and dislodging.

PMID- 28092012
TI  - Results of a randomized controlled trial analyzing telemedically supported case
      management in the first year after living donor kidney transplantation - a budget
      impact analysis from the healthcare perspective.
AB  - : ?: We analyze one-year costs and savings of a telemedically supported case
      management program after kidney transplantation from the perspective of the
      German Healthcare System. Recipients of living donor kidney transplantation (N =
      46) were randomly allocated to either (1) standard aftercare or (2) standard
      aftercare plus additional telemedically supported case management. A range of
      cost figures of each patient's medical service utilization were calculated at
      month 3, 6 and 12 and analyzed using two-part regression models. In comparison to
      standard aftercare, patients receiving telemedically supported case management
      are associated with substantial lower costs related to unscheduled
      hospitalizations (mean difference: ?3,417.46 per patient for the entire one-year
      period, p = 0.003). Taking all cost figures into account, patients receiving
      standard aftercare are associated, on average, with one-year medical service
      utilization costs of ?10,449.28, while patients receiving telemedically supported
      case management are associated with ?5,504.21 of costs (mean difference: ?
      4,945.07 per patient, p < 0.001). With estimated expenditures of ?3,001.5 for
      telemedically supported case management of a single patient, we determined a mean
      difference of ?1,943.57, but this result is not statistically significant (p =
      0.128). Sensitivity analyses show that the program becomes cost-neutral at around
      ten participating patients, and was beneficial starting at 15 patients. Routine
      implementation of telemedically supported case management in German medium and
      high-volume transplant centers would result in annual cost savings of ?791,033
      for the German healthcare system. Patients with telemedically supported case
      management showed a lower utilization of medical services as well as better
      medical outcomes. Therefore, such programs should be implemented in medium and
      high-volume transplant centers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00007634 (
      http://www.drks.de/DRKS00007634 ).

PMID- 28092013
TI  - Sharpening the cutting edge: additional considerations for the UK debates on
      embryonic interventions for mitochondrial diseases.
AB  - In October 2015 the UK enacted legislation to permit the clinical use of two
      cutting edge germline-altering, IVF-based embryonic techniques: pronuclear
      transfer and maternal spindle transfer (PNT and MST). The aim is to use these
      techniques to prevent the maternal transmission of serious mitochondrial
      diseases. Major claims have been made about the quality of the debates that
      preceded this legislation and the significance of those debates for UK decision
      making on other biotechnologies, as well as for other countries considering
      similar legislation. In this article we conduct a systematic analysis of those UK
      debates and suggest that claims about their quality are over-stated. We identify,
      and analyse in detail, ten areas where greater clarity, depth and nuance would
      have produced sharper understandings of the contributions, limitations and wider
      social impacts of these mitochondrial interventions. We explore the implications
      of these additional considerations for (i) the protection of all parties
      involved, should the techniques transfer to clinical applications; (ii) the
      legitimacy of focussing on short-term gains for individuals over public health
      considerations, and (iii) the maintenance and improvement of public trust in
      medical biotechnologies. We conclude that a more measured evaluation of the
      content and quality of the UK debates is important and timely: such a critique
      provides a clearer understanding of the possible, but specific, contributions of
      these interventions, both in the UK and elsewhere; also, these additional
      insights can now inform the emerging processes of implementation, regulation and
      practice of mitochondrial interventions.

PMID- 28092014
TI  - A Rare Entity of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour Arising from a Meckel's
      Diverticulum: a Case Report.

PMID- 28092016
TI  - Testing Event-Based Forms of Causality.
AB  - Three fundamental types of causal relations are those of necessity, sufficiency,
      and necessity and sufficiency. These types are defined in contexts of categorical
      variables or events. Using statement calculus or Boolean algebra, one can
      determine which patterns of events are in support of a particular form of causal
      relation. In this article, we approach the analysis of these forms of causality
      taking the perspective of the analyst of empirical data. It is proposed using
      Configural Frequency Analysis (CFA) to test hypotheses about type of causal
      relation. Models are proposed for two-variable and multi-variable cases. Two CFA
      approaches are proposed. In the first, individual patterns (configurations) are
      examined under the question whether they are in support of a particular type of
      causal relation. In the second, patterns that are in support are compared with
      corresponding patterns that are not in support. In an empirical example,
      hypotheses are tested on the prediction of sustainability of change in dietary
      fat intake habits.

PMID- 28092015
TI  - Enhancing Cognitive Functioning in Healthly Older Adults: a Systematic Review of
      the Clinical Significance of Commercially Available Computerized Cognitive
      Training in Preventing Cognitive Decline.
AB  - Successfully assisting older adults to maintain or improve cognitive function,
      particularly when they are dealing with neurodegenerative disorders such as
      Alzheimer's disease (AD), remains a major challenge. Cognitive training may
      stimulate neuroplasticity thereby increasing cognitive and brain reserve.
      Commercial brain training programs are computerized, readily-available, easy-to
      administer and adaptive but often lack supportive data and their clinical
      validation literature has not been previously reviewed. Therefore, in this
      review, we report the characteristics of commercially available brain training
      programs, critically assess the number and quality of studies evaluating the
      empirical evidence of these programs for promoting brain health in healthy older
      adults, and discuss underlying causal mechanisms. We searched PubMed, Google
      Scholar and each program's website for relevant studies reporting the effects of
      computerized cognitive training on cognitively healthy older adults. The evidence
      for each program was assessed via the number and quality (PEDro score) of
      studies, including Randomized Control Trials (RCTs). Programs with clinical
      studies were subsequently classified as possessing Level I, II or III evidence.
      Out of 18 identified programs, 7 programs were investigated in 26 studies
      including follow-ups. Two programs were identified as possessing Level I
      evidence, three programs demonstrated Level II evidence and an additional two
      programs demonstrated Level III evidence. Overall, studies showed generally high
      methodological quality (average PEDro score = 7.05). Although caution must be
      taken regarding any potential bias due to selective reporting, current evidence
      supports that at least some commercially available computerized brain training
      products can assist in promoting healthy brain aging.

PMID- 28092017
TI  - Transanal total mesorectal excision for a large leiomyosarcoma at the lower
      rectum: a case report and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rectal leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an extremely rare disease. Previously,
      LMS was not properly distinguishable from gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
      until c-kit, a characteristic marker of GIST, was discovered in 1998. No standard
      therapeutic strategy for gastrointestinal LMS has been established except for
      surgical resection because of its rarity. Rectal LMS is often accompanied by
      symptoms, which can enable detection at a small size. However, when a large LMS
      is detected at the lower rectum, it is difficult to excise due to the narrow
      pelvic space. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of an 86-year-old man with a
      large LMS. The LMS was asymptomatic and incidentally found at the lower rectum
      when he visited another hospital for management of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
      An abdominoperineal resection of the rectum was performed with combined resection
      of both seminal vesicles and a part of the prostate because tumor invasion was
      suspected. We used the hybrid method of laparoscopic and transanal total
      mesorectal excision (TaTME) approaches to achieve negative surgical margins. Late
      onset urethral injury occurred in the postoperative course, which was
      successfully treated with a urethral catheter. The patient was discharged and
      received no adjuvant therapy. Local recurrence did not occur, but multiple lung
      metastases were detected 4 months later and the patient died 12 months after the
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the hybrid method of
      laparoscopic and TaTME approaches to remove a large LMS at the lower rectum.

PMID- 28092018
TI  - Bladder dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: a 6-year follow-up study.
AB  - Bladder dysfunction (BD) is the most common autonomic disturbance in multiple
      sclerosis, but often overlooked and undertreated. The purpose of this
      longitudinal study was to explore the changes in the frequency of BD symptoms in
      MS cohort after a period of 3 and 6 years of follow-up, as well as to investigate
      the correlations between the presence of BD symptoms and both clinical
      characteristics and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at each subsequent
      point of estimation. The study population comprises a cohort of 93 patients with
      MS (McDonald's criteria, 2001). At each time point (baseline, and at the 3- and 6
      year follow-up) of estimation, Expanded Disability Status Scale, Hamilton Rating
      Scale for Depression, Fatigue Severity Scale, Szasz Sexual Functioning Scale and
      HRQoL (measured by MSQoL-54) were assessed. The proportion of patients with at
      least one symptom of BD significantly increased over time, for both men and women
      (from 48.1% at baseline to 51.9% after 3 years and to 71.4% after 6 years of
      follow-up for males and from 45.5% at baseline to 50.0% after 3 years and to
      66.7% after 6 years of follow-up for females). The most common BD problem was
      urgency of urination. The presence of BD was statistically significantly
      associated with higher level of physical disability, sexual dysfunction and HRQoL
      at each point of follow-up, for both men and women. Our results suggested
      outstanding frequency of BD in patients with MS, with increasing tendency over
      time.

PMID- 28092019
TI  - URB597 and the Cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 Reduce Behavioral and Neurochemical
      Deficits Induced by MPTP in Mice: Possible Role of Redox Modulation and NMDA
      Receptors.
AB  - Several physiological events in the brain are regulated by the endocannabinoid
      system (ECS). While synthetic cannabinoid receptor (CBr) agonists such as
      WIN55,212-2 act directly on CBr, agents like URB597, a fatty acid amide hydrolase
      (FAAH) inhibitor, induce a more "physiological" activation of CBr by increasing
      the endogenous levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA). Herein, we
      compared the pre- and post-treatment efficacy of URB597 and WIN55,212-2 on
      different endpoints evaluated in the toxic model produced by the mitochondrial
      toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in mice. MPTP (40
      mg/kg, s.c., single injection) decreased locomotor activity, depleted the
      striatal and nigral levels of dopamine (DA), augmented the levels of lipid
      peroxidation and protein carbonylation in both regions, decreased the striatal
      protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, and increased the striatal protein
      content of the subunit 1 (NR1) of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr). Both
      URB597 (0.3 mg/kg, i.p., once a day) and WIN55,212-2 (10 MUg/kg, i.p., twice a
      day), administered for five consecutive days, either before or after the MPTP
      injection, prevented the alterations elicited by MPTP and downregulated NMDAr.
      Our results support a modulatory role of the ECS on the toxic profile exerted by
      MPTP in mice via the stimulation of antioxidant activity and the induction of
      NMDAr downregulation and hypofunction, and favor the stimulation of CBr as an
      effective experimental therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 28092020
TI  - Early-Life Social Isolation-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in Rats Results in
      Microglial Activation and Neuronal Histone Methylation that Are Mitigated by
      Minocycline.
AB  - Early-life stress is a potent risk factor for development of psychiatric
      conditions such as depression. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly
      understood. Here, we used the early-life social isolation (ESI) model of early
      life stress in rats to characterize development of depressive-like behavior, the
      role of microglia, levels of histone methylation, as well as expression of
      glutamate receptor subunits in the hippocampus. We found that depressive-like
      behavior was induced after ESI as determined by sucrose preference and forced
      swimming tests. Increased expression of microglial activation marker, Iba1, was
      observed in the hippocampus of the ESI group, while expression of the microglial
      CD200 receptor, which promotes microglial quiescence, significantly decreased. In
      addition, increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1beta (IL
      1beta), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were
      observed in the hippocampus of the ESI group. Moreover, ESI increased levels of
      neuronal H3K9me2 (a repressive marker of transcription) and its associated
      "writer" enzymes, G9a and G9a-like protein, in the hippocampus. ESI also
      decreased expression of hippocampal NMDA receptor subunits, NR1, and AMPA
      receptor subunits, GluR1 and GluR2, which are involved in synaptic plasticity,
      but it did not affect expression of PSD95 and NR2B. Interestingly, treatment with
      minocycline to block microglial activation induced by ESI inhibited increases in
      hippocampal microglia and prevented ESI-induced depressive-like behavior as well
      as increases in IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. Notably, minocycline also
      triggered downregulation of H3K9me2 expression and restored expression of NR1,
      GluR1, and GluR2. These results suggest that ESI induces depressive-like
      behavior, which may be mediated by microglial signaling.

PMID- 28092021
TI  - Sunshine vitamin and thyroid.
AB  - Vitamin D exerts its canonical roles on the musculoskeletal system and in the
      calcium/phosphorus homeostasis. In the last years, increasing evidences suggested
      several extra-skeletal actions of this hormone, indicating that vitamin D may
      produce effects in almost all the body tissues. These are mediated by the
      presence of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and thanks to the presence of the 1-alpha
      hydroxylase, the protein that converts the 25-hydroxyvitamin (calcidiol) to the
      active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin (calcitriol). Several studies evaluated the
      possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of thyroid diseases, and this
      review will focus on the available data of the literature evaluating the
      association between vitamin D and thyroid function, vitamin D and autoimmune
      thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease and post
      partum thyroiditis, and vitamin D and thyroid cancer.

PMID- 28092023
TI  - White matter alterations in college football players: a longitudinal diffusion
      tensor imaging study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in the diffusion
      characteristics of brain white matter (WM) in collegiate athletes at three time
      points: prior to the start of the football season (T1), after one season of
      football (T2), followed by six months of no-contact rest (T3). Fifteen male
      collegiate football players and 5 male non-athlete student controls underwent
      diffusion MR imaging and computerized cognitive testing at all three timepoints.
      Whole-brain tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were used to compare fractional
      anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), axial diffusivity (AD), and trace
      between all timepoints. Average diffusion values were obtained from statistically
      significant clusters for each individual. No athlete suffered a concussion during
      the study period. After one season of play (T1 to T2), we observed a significant
      increase in trace in a cluster located in the brainstem and left temporal lobe,
      and a significant increase in FA in the left parietal lobe. After six months of
      no-contact rest (T2 to T3), there was a significant decrease in trace and FA in
      clusters that were partially overlapping or in close proximity with the initial
      clusters (T1 to T2), with no significant changes from T1 to T3. Repetitive head
      impacts (RHI) sustained during a single football season may result in alterations
      of the brain's WM in collegiate football players. These changes appear to return
      to baseline after 6 months of no-contact rest, suggesting remission of WM
      alterations. Our preliminary results suggest that collegiate football players
      might benefit from periods without exposure to RHI.

PMID- 28092022
TI  - Relevance of neuroimaging for neurocognitive and behavioral outcome after
      pediatric traumatic brain injury.
AB  - This study aims to (1) investigate the neuropathology of mild to severe pediatric
      TBI and (2) elucidate the predictive value of conventional and innovative
      neuroimaging for functional outcome. Children aged 8-14 years with trauma control
      (TC) injury (n = 27) were compared to children with mild TBI and risk factors for
      complicated TBI (mildRF+, n = 20) or moderate/severe TBI (n = 17) at 2.8 years
      post-injury. Neuroimaging measures included: acute computed tomography (CT),
      volumetric analysis on post-acute conventional T1-weighted magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) and post-acute diffusion tensor imaging (DTI, analyzed using tract
      based spatial statistics and voxel-wise regression). Functional outcome was
      measured using Common Data Elements for neurocognitive and behavioral
      functioning. The results show that intracranial pathology on acute CT-scans was
      more prevalent after moderate/severe TBI (65%) than after mildRF+ TBI (35%; p =
      .035), while both groups had decreased white matter volume on conventional MRI
      (ps <= .029, ds >= -0.74). The moderate/severe TBI group further showed decreased
      fractional anisotropy (FA) in a widespread cluster affecting all white matter
      tracts, in which regional associations with neurocognitive functioning were
      observed (FSIQ, Digit Span and RAVLT Encoding) that consistently involved the
      corpus callosum. FA had superior predictive value for functional outcome (i.e.
      intelligence, attention and working memory, encoding in verbal memory and
      internalizing problems) relative to acute CT-scanning (i.e. internalizing
      problems) and conventional MRI (no predictive value). We conclude that children
      with mildRF+ TBI and moderate/severe TBI are at risk of persistent white matter
      abnormality. Furthermore, DTI has superior predictive value for neurocognitive
      out-come relative to conventional neuroimaging.

PMID- 28092024
TI  - Introduction: History of SH2 Domains and Their Applications.
AB  - The Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain is the prototypical protein interaction module
      that lies at the heart of phosphotyrosine signaling. Since its serendipitous
      discovery, there has been a tremendous advancement in technologies and an array
      of techniques available for studying SH2 domains and phosphotyrosine signaling.
      In this chapter, we provide a glimpse of the history of SH2 domains and describe
      many of the tools and techniques that have been developed along the way and
      discuss future directions for SH2 domain studies. We highlight the gist of each
      chapter in this volume in the context of: the structural biology and
      phosphotyrosine binding; characterizing SH2 specificity and generating prediction
      models; systems biology and proteomics; SH2 domains in signal transduction; and
      SH2 domains in disease, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Many of the individual
      chapters provide an in-depth approach that will allow scientists to interrogate
      the function and role of SH2 domains.

PMID- 28092025
TI  - What Have We Learned from SH2 Domains?
AB  - SH2 domains first shed light on the key role of modular binding domains in cell
      signaling. Much of what we now know about the logic and design principles
      underlying cell signaling mechanisms, and how such mechanisms might have evolved,
      can be traced back to early work on SH2 domains. Here we briefly outline several
      key concepts that emerged from such studies.

PMID- 28092026
TI  - Hidden Markov Models for Protein Domain Homology Identification and Analysis.
AB  - Protein domain identification and analysis are cornerstones of modern proteomics.
      The tools available to protein domain researchers avail a variety of approaches
      to understanding large protein domain families. Hidden Markov Models (HMM) form
      the basis for identifying and categorizing evolutionarily linked protein domains.
      Here I describe the use of HMM models for predicting and identifying Src Homology
      2 (SH2) domains within the proteome.

PMID- 28092028
TI  - SH2 Ligand Prediction-Guidance for In-Silico Screening.
AB  - Systematic identification of binding partners for SH2 domains is important for
      understanding the biological function of the corresponding SH2 domain-containing
      proteins. Here, we describe two different web-accessible computer programs, SMALI
      and DomPep, for predicting binding ligands for SH2 domains. The former was
      developed using a Scoring Matrix method and the latter based on the Support
      Vector Machine model.

PMID- 28092027
TI  - Classification and Lineage Tracing of SH2 Domains Throughout Eukaryotes.
AB  - Today there exists a rapidly expanding number of sequenced genomes. Cataloging
      protein interaction domains such as the Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain across these
      various genomes can be accomplished with ease due to existing algorithms and
      predictions models. An evolutionary analysis of SH2 domains provides a step
      towards understanding how SH2 proteins integrated with existing signaling
      networks to position phosphotyrosine signaling as a crucial driver of robust
      cellular communication networks in metazoans. However organizing and tracing SH2
      domain across organisms and understanding their evolutionary trajectory remains a
      challenge. This chapter describes several methodologies towards analyzing the
      evolutionary trajectory of SH2 domains including a global SH2 domain
      classification system, which facilitates annotation of new SH2 sequences
      essential for tracing the lineage of SH2 domains throughout eukaryote evolution.
      This classification utilizes a combination of sequence homology, protein domain
      architecture and the boundary positions between introns and exons within the SH2
      domain or genes encoding these domains. Discrete SH2 families can then be traced
      across various genomes to provide insight into its origins. Furthermore,
      additional methods for examining potential mechanisms for divergence of SH2
      domains from structural changes to alterations in the protein domain content and
      genome duplication will be discussed. Therefore a better understanding of SH2
      domain evolution may enhance our insight into the emergence of phosphotyrosine
      signaling and the expansion of protein interaction domains.

PMID- 28092029
TI  - An Efficient Semi-supervised Learning Approach to Predict SH2 Domain Mediated
      Interactions.
AB  - Src homology 2 (SH2) domain is an important subclass of modular protein domains
      that plays an indispensable role in several biological processes in eukaryotes.
      SH2 domains specifically bind to the phosphotyrosine residue of their binding
      peptides to facilitate various molecular functions. For determining the subtle
      binding specificities of SH2 domains, it is very important to understand the
      intriguing mechanisms by which these domains recognize their target peptides in a
      complex cellular environment. There are several attempts have been made to
      predict SH2-peptide interactions using high-throughput data. However, these high
      throughput data are often affected by a low signal to noise ratio. Furthermore,
      the prediction methods have several additional shortcomings, such as linearity
      problem, high computational complexity, etc. Thus, computational identification
      of SH2-peptide interactions using high-throughput data remains challenging. Here,
      we propose a machine learning approach based on an efficient semi-supervised
      learning technique for the prediction of 51 SH2 domain mediated interactions in
      the human proteome. In our study, we have successfully employed several
      strategies to tackle the major problems in computational identification of SH2
      peptide interactions.

PMID- 28092030
TI  - Proteomic Clustering Analysis of SH2 Domain Datasets.
AB  - Proteomic clustering analysis provides a means of identifying relationships and
      visualizing those relationships in an extremely complex field of study with many
      interacting parts. With recent high-throughput studies of Src Homology 2 (SH2)
      domains, many and varied datasets are being amassed. A strategy for analyzing
      patterns between these large datasets is required to transform the information
      into knowledge. The methods for creating neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees,
      pairs scatter plots, and two-dimensional hierarchical clustering heatmaps are
      just a few of the diverse methods available to a proteomic researcher. This
      chapter examines selecting objects to be analyzed, selecting comparison functions
      to apply to those objects, and pseudo-code for processing data and preparing it
      for various types of analyses. Here I apply clustering analysis to previous
      collections of SH2 domains datasets to bring insight into new binding or
      specificity patterns between the different SH2 domains.

PMID- 28092031
TI  - Expression and Production of SH2 Domain Proteins.
AB  - The Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain lies at the heart of phosphotyrosine signaling,
      coordinating signaling events downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs),
      adaptors, and scaffolds. Over a hundred SH2 domains are present in mammals, each
      having a unique specificity which determines its interactions with multiple
      binding partners. One of the essential tools necessary for studying and
      determining the role of SH2 domains in phosphotyrosine signaling is a set of
      soluble recombinant SH2 proteins. Here we describe methods, based on a broad
      experience with purification of all SH2 domains, for the production of SH2 domain
      proteins needed for proteomic and biochemical-based studies such as peptide
      arrays, mass-spectrometry, protein microarrays, reverse-phase microarrays, and
      high-throughput fluorescence polarization (HTP-FP). We describe stepwise
      protocols for expression and purification of SH2 domains using GST or poly His
      tags, two widely adopted affinity tags. In addition, we address alternative
      approaches, challenges, and validation studies for assessing protein quality and
      provide general characteristics of purified human SH2 domains.

PMID- 28092032
TI  - Expression and Purification of Soluble STAT5b/STAT3 Proteins for SH2 Domain
      Binding Assay.
AB  - When a large hydrophobic full-length protein is expressed in bacteria, it is
      often challenging to obtain recombinant proteins in the soluble fraction. One way
      to overcome this challenge is expression of deletion mutants that have improved
      solubility while maintaining biological activity. In this chapter, we describe a
      protocol for expression of truncated forms of STAT5b and STAT3 proteins that are
      soluble and retain SH2-mediated activity for phospho-Tyr peptide recognition.

PMID- 28092033
TI  - Purification of SOCS (Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling) SH2 Domains for
      Structural and Functional Studies.
AB  - Src Homology 2 (SH2) domains are protein domains which have a high binding
      affinity for specific amino acid sequences containing a phosphorylated tyrosine
      residue. The Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) proteins use an SH2 domain
      to bind to components of certain cytokine signaling pathways to downregulate the
      signaling cascade. The recombinantly produced SH2 domains of various SOCS
      proteins have been used to undertake structural and functional studies
      elucidating the method of how such targeting occurs. Here, we describe the
      protocol for the recombinant production and purification of SOCS SH2 domains,
      with an emphasis on SOCS3.

PMID- 28092034
TI  - Expression and Purification of SH2 Domains Using Baculovirus Expression System.
AB  - Recombinant proteins expressed in bacteria are sometimes insoluble, aggregated,
      and incorrectly folded. For those Src homology 2 (SH2) domains that are insoluble
      in bacteria, baculovirus-insect cell expression systems can be an alternative to
      produce soluble and functionally active proteins. We describe a protocol for
      cloning and purification of GST-tagged SH2 domains using the Bac-to-Bac
      baculovirus expression system.

PMID- 28092035
TI  - Functionally Altered SH2 Domains for Biochemical Studies: Loss-of-Function Mutant
      and Domain Concatenation.
AB  - Recombinant modular protein domains have been a convenient proteomics tool for
      deciphering protein-protein interactions and elucidating the role of protein
      modifications in cell signaling. To obtain reliable experimental data, these
      protein domain probes require sufficient specificity and sensitivity. Since
      naturally evolved protein domains do not always have optimal biochemical
      characteristics for in vitro assays, functional alterations such as improved
      affinity are sometimes needed. In this chapter, we describe preparation of loss
      of-function and concatenated (tandem) SH2 domains that should be widely
      applicable to both high- and low-throughput phosphoproteomics studies.

PMID- 28092036
TI  - Creation of Phosphotyrosine Superbinders by Directed Evolution of an SH2 Domain.
AB  - Commercial antibodies raised against phosphotyrosine have been widely used as
      reagents to detect or isolate tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins from cellular
      samples. However, these antibodies are costly and are not amenable to in-house
      production in an academic lab setting. In this chapter, we describe a method to
      generate super-high affinity SH2 domains, dubbed the phosphotyrosine
      superbinders, by evolving a natural SH2 domain using the phage display
      technology. The superbinders are stable and can be easily produced in Escherichia
      coli in large quantities. The strategy presented here may also be applied to
      other protein domains to generate domain variants with markedly enhanced
      affinities for a specific post-translational modification.

PMID- 28092037
TI  - Structural Characterization of Monomeric/Dimeric State of p59fyn SH2 Domain.
AB  - Src homology 2 (SH2) domains are key modulators in various signaling pathways
      allowing the recognition of phosphotyrosine sites of different proteins. Despite
      the fact that SH2 domains acquire their biological functions in a monomeric
      state, a multitude of reports have shown their tendency to dimerize. Here, we
      provide a technical description on how to isolate and characterize by gel
      filtration, circular dichroism (CD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) each
      conformational state of p59fyn SH2 domain.

PMID- 28092038
TI  - NMR Chemical Shift Mapping of SH2 Peptide Interactions.
AB  - Heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      experiments offer a rapid and high resolution approach to gaining binding and
      conformational insights into a protein-peptide interaction. By tracking 1H and
      15N chemical shift changes over the course of a peptide titration into
      isotopically labeled protein, amide NH pairs of amino acids whose chemical
      environment changes upon peptide binding can be identified. When mapped onto a
      structure of the protein, this approach can identify the peptide-binding
      interface or regions undergoing conformation changes within a protein upon ligand
      binding. Monitoring NMR chemical shift changes can also serve as a screening
      technique to identify novel interaction partners for a protein or to determine
      the binding affinity of a weak protein-peptide interaction. Here, we describe the
      application of NMR chemical shift mapping to the study of peptide binding to the
      C-terminal SH2 domain of PLCgamma1.

PMID- 28092039
TI  - Calorimetric Measurement of SH2 Domain Ligand Affinities.
AB  - Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) has emerged as a leading approach in the
      characterization of protein/ligand interactions. This technique measures the heat
      change of a system upon binding of a ligand to a biomolecule, and thereby
      requires no immobilization, intrinsic fluorescence, or labeling of any kind of
      either species. If properly designed, a single experiment can not only measure
      the binding affinity, but also determine additional binding and thermodynamic
      parameters, including the enthalpy, entropy, and the stoichiometry of the
      interaction. Here, we describe the protocol for the collection of calorimetric
      data for the binding of peptides to SH2 protein domains.

PMID- 28092040
TI  - Binding Assays Using Recombinant SH2 Domains: Far-Western, Pull-Down, and
      Fluorescence Polarization.
AB  - Recognition of phosphotyrosine-containing sequences by SH2 domains confers
      specificity in tyrosine kinase pathways. By assessing interactions between
      isolated SH2 domains and their binding proteins, it is possible to gain insight
      into otherwise inaccessible complex cellular systems. Far-Western, pull-down, and
      fluorescence polarization (FP) have been frequently used for characterization of
      phosphotyrosine signaling. Here, we outline standard protocols for these
      established assays using recombinant SH2 domain, emphasizing the importance of
      appropriate sample preparation and assay controls.

PMID- 28092041
TI  - In-Solution SH2 Domain Binding Assay Based on Proximity Ligation.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions mediated by SH2 domains confer specificity in
      tyrosine kinase pathways. Traditional assays for assessing interactions between
      an SH2 domain and its interacting protein such as far-Western and pull-down are
      inherently low throughput. We developed SH2-PLA, an in-solution SH2 domain
      binding assay, that takes advantage of the speed and sensitivity of proximity
      ligation and real-time PCR. SH2-PLA allows for rapid assessment of SH2 domain
      binding to a target protein using only a few microliters of cell lysate, thereby
      making it an attractive new tool to study tyrosine kinase signaling.

PMID- 28092042
TI  - Alpha-Based Multiplexed Assay for Identifying SH2 Domain Antagonists.
AB  - Constitutive activation of STAT3/5b frequently occurs in various human
      malignancies. STAT3/5b activation involves dimerization via intermolecular pTyr
      SH2 binding; therefore, antagonizing this interaction is a feasible approach to
      inhibit STAT3/5b activation for cancer therapy. We have developed a multiplexed
      assay to assess STAT3- and STAT5b-SH2 binding in a single well by combining
      AlphaLISA and AlphaScreen beads. In this chapter, we describe application of the
      method for the purpose of identifying new STAT3 and STAT5b antagonists.

PMID- 28092043
TI  - Characterizing SH2 Domain Specificity and Network Interactions Using SPOT Peptide
      Arrays.
AB  - Src Homology 2 (SH2) domains are protein interaction modules that recognize and
      bind tyrosine phosphorylated ligands. Their ability to distinguish binding to
      over thousands of potential phosphotyrosine (pTyr) ligands within the cell is
      critical for the fidelity of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling. Within
      humans there are over a hundred SH2 domains with more than several thousand
      potential ligands across many cell types and cell states. Therefore, defining the
      specificity of individual SH2 domains is critical for predicting and identifying
      their physiological ligands. Here, in this chapter, I describe the broad use of
      SPOT peptide arrays for examining SH2 domain specificity. An orientated peptide
      array library (OPAL) approach can uncover both favorable and non-favorable
      residues, thus providing an in-depth analysis to SH2 specificity. Moreover, I
      discuss the application of SPOT arrays for paneling SH2 ligand binding with
      physiological peptides.

PMID- 28092044
TI  - High-Throughput Quantification of SH2 Domain-Phosphopeptide Interactions with
      Cellulose-Peptide Conjugate Microarrays.
AB  - The Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain family primarily recognizes phosphorylated
      tyrosine (pY) containing peptide motifs. The relative affinity preferences among
      competing SH2 domains for phosphopeptide ligands define "specificity space," and
      underpins many functional pY mediated interactions within signaling networks. The
      degree of promiscuity exhibited and the dynamic range of affinities supported by
      individual domains or phosphopeptides is best resolved by a carefully executed
      and controlled quantitative high-throughput experiment. Here, I describe the
      fabrication and application of a cellulose-peptide conjugate microarray (CPCMA)
      platform to the quantitative analysis of SH2 domain specificity space. Included
      herein are instructions for optimal experimental design with special attention
      paid to common sources of systematic error, phosphopeptide SPOT synthesis,
      microarray fabrication, analyte titrations, data capture, and analysis.

PMID- 28092045
TI  - SH2 Domains as Affinity Reagents for Phosphotyrosine Protein Enrichment and
      Proteomic Analysis.
AB  - Dynamic tyrosine phosphorylation is a key molecular modulation for many signal
      transduction events. Because of their low abundance and dynamic nature in cells,
      the detection and enrichment of phosphotyrosine proteins has long relied on
      specific antibodies, such as 4G10 and P-Tyr-100. Another well-established
      approach for phosphotyrosine proteins recognition and enrichment is by their
      specific binding domains, such as Src homology 2 (SH2) domains. In this chapter,
      we describe a typical analytical approach for purifying specific SH2 domains,
      enriching specific phosphotyrosine proteins from activated cells, mass
      spectrometry analysis, and related data analysis.

PMID- 28092046
TI  - Identification of Tyrosine Phosphorylated Proteins by SH2 Domain Affinity
      Purification and Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Phosphotyrosine signaling plays a major role in the control of many important
      biological functions such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Deciphering of
      phosphotyrosine-dependent signaling is therefore of great interest paving the way
      for the understanding of physiological and pathological processes of signal
      transduction. On the basis of the specific binding of SH2 domains to
      phosphotyrosine residues, we here present an experimental workflow for affinity
      purification and subsequent identification of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins by
      mass spectrometry. In combination with SH2 profiling, a broadly applicable
      platform for the characterization of phosphotyrosine profiles in cell extracts,
      our pull down strategy enables researchers by now to identify proteins in
      signaling cascades which are differentially phosphorylated and selectively
      recognized by distinct SH2 domains.

PMID- 28092047
TI  - Analysis of the Global Changes in SH2 Binding Properties Using Mass Spectrometry
      Supported by Quantitative Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino Acids in Cell Culture
      (SILAC) Technique.
AB  - Quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics enables fast and reliable
      analysis of protein complexes. Its robustness and sensitivity effectively
      substitute traditional antibody-based approaches. Here, we describe the
      combination of mass spectrometry and Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino acids in
      Cell culture (SILAC) in characterization of the SH2 domain binding capacity.

PMID- 28092048
TI  - Using Reciprocal Protein-Peptide Array Screening to Unravel Protein Interaction
      Networks.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a central role in almost all cellular
      processes. Recent technological advances have enabled the elucidation of an
      incredibly complex PPI network within the cell. However, protein interactions
      driven by posttranslational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, which
      comprises a significant part of the PPI network, have proven difficult to
      decipher systematically. Herein, we describe a reciprocal protein-peptide array
      strategy to uncover PPIs mediated by tyrosine phosphorylation and the Src
      homology 2 (SH2) domain. This strategy, namely combining peptide and protein
      domain arrays for PPI mapping, may be applicable for other peptide-binding
      modules.

PMID- 28092049
TI  - Rosette Assay: Highly Customizable Dot-Blot for SH2 Domain Screening.
AB  - With a growing number of high-throughput studies, structural analyses, and
      availability of protein-protein interaction databases, it is now possible to
      apply web-based prediction tools to SH2 domain-interactions. However, in silico
      prediction is not always reliable and requires experimental validation. Rosette
      assay is a dot blot-based reverse-phase assay developed for the assessment of
      binding between SH2 domains and their ligands. It is conveniently customizable,
      allowing for low- to high-throughput analysis of interactions between various
      numbers of SH2 domains and their ligands, e.g., short peptides, purified
      proteins, and cell lysates. The binding assay is performed in a 96-well plate
      (MBA or MWA apparatus) in which a sample spotted membrane is incubated with up to
      96 labeled SH2 domains. Bound domains are detected and quantified using a
      chemiluminescence or near-infrared fluorescence (IR) imaging system. In this
      chapter, we describe a practical protocol for rosette assay to assess
      interactions between synthesized tyrosine phosphorylated peptides and a library
      of GST-tagged SH2 domains. Since the methodology is not confined to assessment of
      SH2-pTyr interactions, rosette assay can be broadly utilized for ligand and drug
      screening using different protein interaction domains or antibodies.

PMID- 28092050
TI  - Microwestern Arrays for Systems-Level Analysis of SH2 Domain-Containing Proteins.
AB  - The Microwestern Array (MWA) method combines the scalability and miniaturization
      afforded by the Reverse Phase Lysate Array (RPLA) approach with the
      electrophoretic separation characteristic of the Western blot. This technology
      emulates the creation of an array of small Western blots on a single sheet of
      nitrocellulose allowing for the sensitive and quantitative measurement of
      hundreds of proteins from hundreds of cell lysates with minimal cost and maximal
      accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. The MWA is a versatile technology that
      can be easily configured for purposes such as antibody screening, cell signaling
      network inference, protein modification/phenotype regression analysis, and
      genomic/proteomic relationships. Accordingly, configurations for the MWA can be
      optimized for maximal numbers of proteins analyzed from small numbers of cell
      lysates, for small numbers of antibodies against large numbers of cell lysates,
      or for maximal resolution of protein size achieved by increased electrophoretic
      separation distance. For example, on a single gel, 6 samples can be printed 96
      times if a few samples need to be assayed with a large number of antibodies.
      Alternatively, up to 100 samples can be assayed with four antibodies on a single
      gel. Intermediate configurations are also discussed.The efficiency of the MWA is
      orders of magnitude greater in reagents, labor, and time required per data point
      relative to the standard Western blotting method and orders of magnitude more
      sensitive than standard mass spectrometry methods. The MWA is therefore a very
      attractive approach for capturing global changes in protein abundances and
      modifications including tyrosine phosphorylation and SH2 domain binding sites.

PMID- 28092051
TI  - SH2 Binding Site Protection Assay: A Method for Identification of SH2 Domain
      Interaction Partners by Exploiting SH2 Mediated Phosphosite Protection.
AB  - Over the last two decades there has been a significant effort in the field to
      characterize the phosphosite binding specificities of SH2 domains with the goal
      of deciphering the pY signaling code. Although high throughput studies in various
      formats using most SH2 domains have collectively provided a rich resource of in
      vitro SH2-pTyr site specificity maps, this data can only be used approximate what
      is happening in the cell where protein concentrations and localization are not
      homogenous, as they are for in vitro experiments. Here we describe an in vivo
      approach, SH2 site protection assay, which can capture the pTyr binding
      specificity of SH2 domains in the cell. The basis of this approach is SH2-pY site
      protection, the ability of SH2 domains to prevent the PTP-dependent
      dephosphorylation of their pY site binding partners. We overexpress a tracer SH2
      domain in cells and quantify the change in abundance of tyrosine phosphorylated
      sites using MS. Since the method is performed in vivo, it has the advantage of
      identifying SH2-pY interactions as they occur within in the cell.

PMID- 28092052
TI  - Real-Time Single Molecule Visualization of SH2 Domain Membrane Recruitment in
      Growth Factor Stimulated Cells.
AB  - In the last decade, single molecule tracking (SMT) techniques have emerged as a
      versatile tool for molecular cell biology research. This approach allows
      researchers to monitor the real-time behavior of individual molecules in living
      cells with nanometer and millisecond resolution. As a result, it is possible to
      visualize biological processes as they occur at a molecular level in real time.
      Here we describe a method for the real-time visualization of SH2 domain membrane
      recruitment from the cytoplasm to epidermal growth factor (EGF) induced
      phosphotyrosine sites on the EGF receptor. Further, we describe methods that
      utilize SMT data to define SH2 domain membrane dynamics parameters such as
      binding (tau), dissociation (k d), and diffusion (D) rates. Together these
      methods may allow us to gain greater understanding of signal transduction
      dynamics and the molecular basis of disease-related aberrant pathways.

PMID- 28092053
TI  - SH2 Domain-Based FRET Biosensor for Measuring BCR-ABL Activity in Living CML
      Cells.
AB  - Fluorescent proteins (FPs) displaying distinct spectra have shed their light on a
      wide range of biological functions. Moreover, sophisticated biosensors engineered
      to contain single or multiple FPs, including Forster resonance energy transfer
      (FRET)-based biosensors, spatiotemporally reveal the molecular mechanisms
      underlying a variety of pathophysiological processes. However, their usefulness
      for applied life sciences has yet to be fully explored. Recently, our research
      group has begun to expand the potential of FPs from basic biological research to
      the clinic. Here, we describe a method to evaluate the responsiveness of leukemia
      cells from patients to tyrosine kinase inhibitors using a biosensor based on FP
      technology and the principle of FRET. Upon phosphorylation of the tyrosine
      residue of the biosensor, binding of the SH2 domain to phosphotyrosine induces
      conformational change of the biosensor and brings the donor and acceptor FPs into
      close proximity. Therefore, kinase activity and response to kinase inhibitors can
      be monitored by an increase and a decrease in FRET efficiency, respectively. As
      in basic research, this biosensor resolves hitherto arduous tasks and may provide
      innovative technological advances in clinical laboratory examinations. State-of
      the-art detection devices that enable such innovation are also introduced.

PMID- 28092054
TI  - SH2 Domain Histochemistry.
AB  - Among posttranslational modifications, the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues
      is a key modification in cell signaling. Because of its biological importance,
      characterization of the cellular state of tyrosine phosphorylation is of great
      interest. Based on the unique properties of endogenously expressed SH2 domains
      recognizing tyrosine phosphorylated signaling proteins with high specificity we
      have developed an alternative approach, coined SH2 profiling, enabling us to
      decipher complex patterns of tyrosine phosphorylation in various normal and
      cancerous tissues. So far, SH2 profiling has largely been applied for the
      analysis of protein extracts with the limitation that information on spatial
      distribution and intensity of tyrosine phosphorylation within a tissue is lost.
      Here, we describe a novel SH2 domain based strategy for differential
      characterization of the state of tyrosine phosphorylation in formaldehyde-fixed
      and paraffin-embedded tissues. This approach demonstrates that SH2 domains may
      serve as very valuable tools for the analysis of the differential state of
      tyrosine phosphorylation in primary tissues fixed and processed under conditions
      frequently applied by routine pathology laboratories.

PMID- 28092056
TI  - A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Investigating the Effects of
      Nicotine Gum on Strength, Power and Anaerobic Performance in Nicotine-Naive,
      Active Males.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nicotine use amongst athletes is high and increasing, especially team
      sports, yet the limited previous studies investigating the performance
      consequences of this behaviour have not examined the effects of the principal
      active ingredient, nicotine, per se. Therefore, we determined whether nicotine
      gum affected muscular and anaerobic performance. METHODS: Nine active males (24
      +/- 3 years) completed three trials in a random order in which 20 min prior to
      testing they chewed 2 mg (NIC-2), 4 mg (NIC-4) nicotine or flavour-matched
      placebo (PLA) gum. Peak and average peak isometric, concentric and eccentric leg
      extensor torque was measured followed by vertical counter-movement jump height
      and a 30-s Wingate test. Heart rate was measured whilst capillary blood samples
      determined pH, HCO3- and venous blood confirmed the presence of nicotine.
      RESULTS: Nicotine was confirmed by the presence of its major metabolite, cotinine
      and participants reported no side effects with nicotine. Peak and average peak
      isometric and eccentric torque was significantly affected (NIC-2 > PLA; p < 0.05)
      whilst peak (NIC-2 > PLA; p < 0.05) but not average peak (p > 0.05) concentric
      torque was different between trials. Counter-movement jump height was similar
      across trials (p > 0.05). Anaerobic capacity during the Wingate remained similar
      across trials (p > 0.05); however, pacing strategy (peak power and rate of
      fatigue) was different during NIC-2 than PLA. pH was affected by nicotine (NIC-2
      > PLA; p < 0.05) and was reduced following the Wingate in all trials. HCO3-
      showed similar responses across trials (p > 0.05) although it was also reduced
      following the Wingate (p < 0.05), whilst heart rate was significantly affected
      (NIC-2/NIC-4 > PLA; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chewing low-dose (2 mg) nicotine gum
      20 min prior to exercise significantly improved leg extensor torque but did not
      affect counter-movement jump height or Wingate performance compared to a placebo,
      whilst there were minimal effects of the 4 mg nicotine gum on the performance
      parameters measured.

PMID- 28092055
TI  - Differentiating emotional processing and attention in psychopathy with functional
      neuroimaging.
AB  - Individuals with psychopathy are often characterized by emotional processing
      deficits, and recent research has examined the specific contexts and cognitive
      mechanisms that underlie these abnormalities. Some evidence suggests that
      abnormal features of attention are fundamental to emotional deficits in persons
      with psychopathy, but few studies have demonstrated the neural underpinnings
      responsible for such effects. Here, we use functional neuroimaging to examine
      attention-emotion interactions among incarcerated individuals (n = 120) evaluated
      for psychopathic traits using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R).
      Using a task designed to manipulate attention to emotional features of visual
      stimuli, we demonstrate effects representing implicit emotional processing,
      explicit emotional processing, attention-facilitated emotional processing, and
      vigilance for emotional content. Results confirm the importance of considering
      mechanisms of attention when evaluating emotional processing differences related
      to psychopathic traits. The affective-interpersonal features of psychopathy (PCL
      R Factor 1) were associated with relatively lower emotion-dependent augmentation
      of activity in visual processing areas during implicit emotional processing,
      while antisocial-lifestyle features (PCL-R Factor 2) were associated with
      elevated activity in the amygdala and related salience network regions. During
      explicit emotional processing, psychopathic traits were associated with
      upregulation in the medial prefrontal cortex, insula, and superior frontal
      regions. Isolating the impact of explicit attention to emotional content, only
      Factor 1 was related to upregulation of activity in the visual processing stream,
      which was accompanied by increased activity in the angular gyrus. These effects
      highlight some important mechanisms underlying abnormal features of attention and
      emotional processing that accompany psychopathic traits.

PMID- 28092057
TI  - Maternal Nonstandard Work Schedules and Breastfeeding Behaviors.
AB  - Objectives Although maternal employment rates have increased in the last decade
      in the UK, there is very little research investigating the linkages between
      maternal nonstandard work schedules (i.e., work schedules outside of the Monday
      through Friday, 9-5 schedule) and breastfeeding initiation and duration,
      especially given the wide literature citing the health advantages of
      breastfeeding for mothers and children. Methods This paper uses a population
      based, UK cohort study, the Millennium Cohort Study (n = 17,397), to investigate
      the association between types of maternal nonstandard work (evening, night, away
      from home overnight, and weekends) and breastfeeding behaviors. Results In
      unadjusted models, exposure to evening shifts was associated with greater odds of
      breastfeeding initiation (OR 1.71, CI 1.50-1.94) and greater odds of short (OR
      1.55, CI 1.32-1.81), intermediate (OR 2.01, CI 1.64-2.47), prolonged partial
      duration (OR 2.20, CI 1.78-2.72), and prolonged exclusive duration (OR 1.53, CI
      1.29-1.82), compared with mothers who were unemployed and those who work other
      types of nonstandard shifts. Socioeconomic advantage of mothers working evening
      schedules largely explained the higher odds of breastfeeding initiation and
      duration. Conclusions Socioeconomic characteristics explain more breastfeeding
      behaviors among mothers working evening shifts. Policy interventions to increase
      breastfeeding initiation and duration should consider the timing of maternal work
      schedules.

PMID- 28092058
TI  - Sub-Regional Assessment of HPV Vaccination Among Female Adolescents in the
      Intermountain West and Implications for Intervention Opportunities.
AB  - Objectives We investigated the similarities and differences in the factors
      related to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of female adolescents in three
      sub-regions of the Intermountain West (IW). Methods We analyzed 2011-2012
      National Immunization Survey-Teen data. Respondents (parents) who were living in
      the IW and who had daughters aged 13-17 years old with provider-verified
      immunization records were included in our analyses. East, Central, and West sub
      regions were defined based on geographic contiguity and similarity in HPV
      vaccination rates and sociodemographic characteristics. Survey-weighted Chi
      square tests and multivariable Poisson regressions were performed. Results In all
      three sub-regions, older teen age and receipt of other recommended adolescent
      vaccinations were significantly associated with HPV vaccination. In the East sub
      region, providers' facility type and source of vaccines were significantly
      related to HPV vaccination. In the Central sub-region, teens with married parents
      were significantly less likely to be vaccinated than were those with unmarried
      parents. In the West sub-region, non-Hispanic teens were significantly less
      likely to be vaccinated than were Hispanic teens. Conclusions for Practice In
      order to improve HPV vaccine coverage in the IW, region-wide efforts to target
      younger teens and to promote the HPV vaccine with other recommended adolescent
      vaccinations should be supplemented with sub-regional attention to the health
      care system (East sub-region), to married parents (Central sub-region), and to
      non-Hispanic teens (West sub-region).

PMID- 28092059
TI  - The Effects of Race and Ethnicity on the Risk of Large-for-Gestational-Age
      Newborns in Women Without Gestational Diabetes by Prepregnancy Body Mass Index
      Categories.
AB  - Objectives Children born large for gestational age (LGA) are at risk of numerous
      adverse outcomes. While the racial/ethnic disparity in LGA risk has been studied
      among women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), the independent effect of
      race on LGA risk by maternal prepregnancy BMI is still unclear among women
      without GDM. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the association
      between maternal race/ethnicity and LGA among women without GDM. Methods This was
      a population-based cohort study of 2,842,278 singleton births using 2012 U.S.
      Natality data. We conducted bivariate and multivariate logistic regression
      analyses to assess the association between race and LGA. Due to effect
      modification by maternal prepregnancy BMI, we stratified our analysis by four BMI
      subgroups. Results The prevalence of LGA was similar across the different
      racial/ethnic groups at about 9%, but non-Hispanic Asian Americans had slightly
      higher prevalence of 11%. After controlling for potential confounders, minority
      women had higher odds of birthing LGA babies compared to non-Hispanic white
      women. Non-Hispanic Asian Americans had the highest odds of LGA babies across all
      BMI categories: underweight (aOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 2.24, 3.05); normal weight (aOR
      = 2.53; 2.43, 2.62); overweight (aOR = 2.45; 2.32, 2.60) and obese (aOR = 2.05;
      1.91, 2.20). Conclusions for practice Racial/ethnic disparities exist in LGA
      odds, particularly among women with underweight or normal prepregnancy BMI. Most
      minorities had higher LGA odds than non-Hispanic white women regardless of
      prepregnancy BMI category. These racial/ethnic disparities should inform public
      health policies and interventions to address this problem.

PMID- 28092061
TI  - Status of Breastfeeding and Child Immunization Outcomes in Clients of the Nurse
      Family Partnership.
AB  - Background The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a home visiting program serving
      first-time, low-income mothers, with an area of focus on healthy early childhood
      development. Previous foundational trials of program effect on breastfeeding and
      immunizations have shown a mix of neutral and positive results. The present
      evaluation investigates these effects following program scale-up, using a large
      contemporary cohort of clients. Methods Nurse-Family Partnership client
      breastfeeding and immunization status were compared to National Survey of
      Children's Health data and National Immunization Survey data, respectively.
      Sample differences in demographic covariates were adjusted using logistic
      regression. Results Nurse-Family Partnership clients were significantly more
      likely to have ever breastfed (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR: 1.20 (1.17, 1.23)]
      and maintain breastfeeding at 6 [aPR: 1.17 (1.10, 1.24)] and 12 [aPR: 1.39 (1.25,
      1.53)] months, but less likely to exclusively breastfeed at 6 months [aPR: 0.84
      (0.70, 0.95)] NFP clients were significantly more likely to be up-to-date on
      immunizations at 6 [aPR: 1.23 (1.22, 1.25)], 18 [aPR: 1.33 (1.30,1.35)], and 24
      [aPR: 1.15 (1.14, 1.16)] months of age than the reference cohort, with no
      significant difference at 12 months. Discussion Nurse-Family Partnership clients
      had more beneficial breastfeeding and immunization outcomes than children of
      mothers with demographically similar profiles. However, exclusive breastfeeding
      at 6 months lags behind the reference sample and represents a potential area for
      further improvement.

PMID- 28092060
TI  - Parenting Self-Efficacy, Parent Depression, and Healthy Childhood Behaviors in a
      Low-Income Minority Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.
AB  - Objectives Childhood obesity prevention and treatment depends, in part, on
      parents acting as agents of change for their children. Our objective was to
      measure the associations between parenting self-efficacy, parent depressive
      symptoms, and preschool child behaviors that support healthy growth. Methods We
      performed a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a randomized
      controlled trial. Parenting self-efficacy was measured using a 5-item version of
      the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC-5) scale (alpha= 0.8). Parent depressive
      symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression
      (CESD) scale. Child outcomes included diet (24 h diet recall), physical activity
      (accelerometry), sleep (parent-report), and media use during meals (parent
      report). We performed separate multiple linear regressions for each outcome
      controlling for other covariates. Results The sample consisted of 601 parent
      child pairs. Median child age was 4.3 (IQR 3.6-5.1) years; median child body mass
      index (BMI) percentile was 79.1% (IQR 66.8-88.5%); 90% of children were
      Hispanic/Latino, and 6% of children were non-Hispanic Black. Median parent age
      was 31.5 (IQR 27.6-36.0) years; 22% of parents met criteria for depression.
      Parenting self-efficacy (median PSOC-5 25; IQR 24-28) was negatively correlated
      with depressive symptoms (rho = -0.16; p < 0.001). In adjusted models, higher
      parenting self-efficacy was associated with duration of child's sleep and fewer
      meals eaten in front of a TV (p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction of
      parenting self-efficacy and parental depressive symptoms on child sleep duration
      (p < 0.001). Parenting self-efficacy and depressive symptoms were not
      significantly associated with child physical activity or child diet. Conclusions
      In this minority population, higher parenting self-efficacy was associated with
      longer child sleep and fewer meals in front the TV, but parent depressive
      symptoms mitigated that protective effect for child sleep duration.

PMID- 28092062
TI  - "It's a Very Big Burden on Me": Women's Experiences Using Insulin for Gestational
      Diabetes.
AB  - Objectives Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects hundreds of thousands of
      women each year. Many require medications to manage their blood glucose levels.
      Only insulin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in
      pregnancy. While other medications can be used, their safety remains
      controversial. Few studies have examined women's lived experience of using
      insulin for GDM. Our objective in this study was to foreground the voices of
      women speaking about their treatment experience. Methods We conducted two focus
      groups including 16 women treated for GDM with medications, primarily insulin.
      Topics included women's experiences with GDM diagnosis and treatment including
      concerns about risks and benefits of treatments. Transcripts were analyzed using
      an inductive coding approach. Results Many women had negative experiences with
      insulin use, such as feeling that they had no voice in treatment decisions, and
      received inadequate information about insulin, including about the impact it
      would have on their daily lives. Many continued to have difficulty managing their
      blood sugar once on insulin, and they worried about the short term and long term
      health effects of insulin on themselves and their babies. They wanted more
      information about non-insulin treatment options as well as more social support.
      Conclusion In our sample of women with GDM, insulin treatment resulted in
      negative experiences with emotional and experiential impacts lasting beyond
      pregnancy. There is a need for more research on other medications for GDM, so
      that women can have access to more treatment options and better information to
      guide their choices.

PMID- 28092063
TI  - Appropriate Use of Progesterone to Prevent Preterm Birth: Approaches to
      Measurement for Driving Improvement.
AB  - Introduction Despite strong evidence supporting the benefit of 17-alpha
      hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) in preventing recurrent preterm birth, this
      treatment still does not reach most eligible patients. This study sought to
      identify approaches to measuring the appropriate use of 17P, with the goal of
      helping health systems better monitor and improve the implementation of this
      intervention. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were used to gather
      data on measures for 17P use being developed and implemented by state team
      members participating in the Infant Mortality Collaborative Improvement and
      Innovation Network (IM CoIIN)-a national quality improvement initiative.
      Strengths and limitations of these measurement approaches were described. Results
      Six approaches to measuring 17P use to prevent preterm birth were identified:
      practice-level data, population-based surveys, three measures employing insurance
      claims with or without linked birth certificate data, and revised birth
      certificates. Each measure had particular strengths and limitations. Practice
      level measures were useful in rapid-cycle improvement, but were not generalizable
      across sites. In contrast, population-based measures (i.e., surveys, claims) were
      useful for broad comparisons, but were limited in their timeliness, and in how
      accurately they identified candidates who were truly eligible for 17P.
      Additionally, such measures required complex data linkage and analytic
      capabilities. Discussion A variety of imperfect measures for the appropriate use
      of 17P are available. No "best" measure was identified-the optimal measurement
      option must fit the specific needs of a health agency. Better data infrastructure
      and harnessing information from integrated electronic health records could
      improve the quality of 17P use measurement for improvement efforts.

PMID- 28092064
TI  - Critical Congenital Heart Disease Newborn Screening Implementation: Lessons
      Learned.
AB  - Introduction The purpose of this article is to present the collective experiences
      of six federally-funded critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) newborn
      screening implementation projects to assist federal and state policy makers and
      public health to implement CCHD screening. Methods A qualitative assessment and
      summary from six demonstration project grantees and other state representatives
      involved in the implementation of CCHD screening programs are presented in the
      following areas: legislation, provider and family education, screening algorithms
      and interpretation, data collection and quality improvement, telemedicine, home
      and rural births, and neonatal intensive care unit populations. Results The most
      common challenges to implementation include: lack of uniform legislative and
      statutory mandates for screening programs, lack of funding/resources, difficulty
      in screening algorithm interpretation, limited availability of pediatric
      echocardiography, and integrating data collection and reporting with existing
      newborn screening systems. Identified solutions include: programs should consider
      integrating third party insurers and other partners early in the
      legislative/statutory process; development of visual tools and language
      modification to assist in the interpretation of algorithms, training programs for
      adult sonographers to perform neonatal echocardiography, building upon existing
      newborn screening systems, and using automated data transfer mechanisms.
      Discussion Continued and expanded surveillance, research, prevention and
      education efforts are needed to inform screening programs, with an aim to reduce
      morbidity, mortality and other adverse consequences for individuals and families
      affected by CCHD.

PMID- 28092065
TI  - Impact of celecoxib on inflammation during cancer surgery: a randomized clinical
      trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: During cancer surgery, prostaglandin-mediated inflammation may promote
      and activate micrometastatic disease with a consequent increase in long-term
      cancer recurrence. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, known to have anti-proliferative
      properties, may offset such perioperative perturbation. We investigated the
      effectiveness of these agents to minimize inflammatory changes during cancer
      surgery. METHODS: Following ethics approval, 32 patients who were to undergo
      major intracavity cancer surgery were enrolled in this prospective, randomized,
      clinical trial. The treatment group received 400 mg celecoxib preoperatively
      followed by five 200 mg 12-hourly doses. The control group received no anti
      inflammatory agents. Inflammatory and immunomodulatory end points were measured
      serially. The primary end points were the measured plasma and urinary
      prostaglandin E metabolite (PGEM) levels 48 hours following surgery. Secondary
      endpoints included interleukin levels, leucocyte profile, and clinical end
      points. RESULTS: No differences in the 48-hr plasma or urinary PGEM levels were
      observed between the celecoxib and control groups. Linear mixed modeling, used to
      accommodate differences in baseline PGEM levels, showed that celecoxib (cf.
      control) administration lowered plasma PGEM over the entire 48-hr period
      following surgery (beta-coefficient = -0.38 pg.ml-1; 95% confidence interval: 
      0.69 to -0.06; P = 0.021). Celecoxib administration also lowered postoperative
      pain scores. DISCUSSION: Standard dosing of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor
      celecoxib slightly reduced perioperative cyclooxygenase activity during cancer
      surgery. Given cyclooxygenase's role in cancer pathways, we recommend dose
      finding studies be undertaken before prospective clinical trials are conducted
      testing the currently unsubstantiated hypothesis that perioperative anti
      inflammatory administration improves long-term cancer outcomes. This trial was
      registered at: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry:
      ACTRN12615000041550; www.anzctr.org.au.

PMID- 28092066
TI  - Mentorship in anesthesia: a survey of perspectives among Canadian anesthesia
      residents.
AB  - PURPOSE: Mentorship is important for professional and academic growth; however,
      the role of mentorship in anesthesia is still being defined. We surveyed Canadian
      anesthesia residents to explore their perceptions of mentorship relationships.
      METHODS: We administered a 20-item cross-sectional survey to program directors
      and anesthesia residents in all Canadian departments of anesthesia. Program
      directors were asked about their mentorship programs, and residents were asked
      about their perceptions of benefits and barriers to effective mentoring. RESULTS:
      Sixteen of 17 (94%) program directors and 189 of 585 (32%) anesthesia residents
      responded to our survey. While 143 of 180 (79%) residents agreed that mentorship
      was beneficial to overall success as an anesthesiologist, only 11 of 16 (69%)
      program directors reported formal mentorship as part of their residency program,
      and only 119 of 189 (63%) residents reported access to a mentor. Barriers
      reported by residents included insufficient time with mentors, lack of formalized
      meeting times and objectives, mentor-mentee incompatibility (personal or
      professional), and lack of resident choice in mentor selection. CONCLUSION: Our
      study confirms that, despite positive perceptions among residents, mentorship
      remains underutilized in anesthesia programs. We identify barriers to effective
      mentorship, including the need to consider resident choice as a means to improve
      formal anesthesia mentorship programs.

PMID- 28092067
TI  - Interrelations among the adipocytokines leptin and adiponectin, oxidative stress
      and aseptic inflammation markers in pre- and early-pubertal normal-weight and
      obese boys.
AB  - PURPOSE: Presumed interrelationships among deleterious aspects of adipose tissue
      metabolism, inflammation, and cellular oxidative stress could be influenced by
      pubertal hormonal changes. They were investigated in pre- and early pubertal
      normal-weight and obese boys before and after an exercise bout employed as an
      energy demanding stimulator. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Seventy-six healthy
      pre- (mean +/- SD, 10.6 +/- 0.2 years old, 28 normal-weight, and 11 obese) and
      early-(11.4 +/- 0.2 years old, 25 normal-weight, and 12 obese) pubertal boys,
      were blood-sampled before and after a bout of exercise at 70% VO2 max. Leptin,
      adiponectin, markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, high
      sensitivity IL-6), pro- (thiobarbitouric acid reactive substances, protein
      carbonyls) and anti- (glutathione, oxidized glutathione, glutathione peroxidase,
      catalase, total antioxidant capacity) oxidation were measured. RESULTS: Baseline
      and post-exercise adiponectin was greater and leptin and high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein were lower in normal-weight than in obese pre- and early
      pubertal boys, while high sensitivity IL-6 was greater in obese than in normal
      weight pre-pubertal boys. In pre-pubertal obese boys: at baseline, high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein correlated negatively with catalase; high
      sensitivity IL-6 correlated positively with protein carbonyls; Delta (difference
      during exercise) adiponectin correlated positively with Deltacatalase. In all
      boys: at baseline, high sensitivity IL-6 correlated positively with leptin and
      was the best negative and the second best positive predictor for post-exercise
      glutathione/oxidized glutathione and protein carbonyls, respectively; leptin was
      the best negative predictor for post-exercise glutathione; waist to height ratio
      was the best positive predictor for post-exercise thiobarbitouric acid reactive
      substances; body mass index z-score and adiponectin were, respectively, the best
      positive predictor for post-exercise protein carbonyls and catalase. CONCLUSIONS:
      In all subjects, leptin and adiponectin predict negatively and positively anti
      oxidation, respectively, while high sensitivity IL-6 predicts positively and
      negatively pro- and anti-oxidation, respectively. High-sensitivity C-reactive
      protein is increased and negatively associated with anti-oxidation in pre
      pubertal obese boys, suggesting that childhood obesity is associated with aseptic
      inflammation and oxidative stress.

PMID- 28092068
TI  - Differential diagnosis of pituitary masses at magnetic resonance imaging.

PMID- 28092069
TI  - Treatment of Concomitant OAB and BPH.
AB  - The etiology of men's lower urinary tract storage and voiding symptoms involves a
      contribution from both detrusor and outlet. As such, treatment of benign
      prostatic enlargement (BPE) +/- benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) with standard
      alpha-adrenergic blockade and 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy may leave a
      population of men with persistent and bothersome urinary storage symptoms. An
      abundance of adequately powered, randomized, placebo-controlled trials indicate
      that the use of antimuscarinics and beta-3 adrenergic agonists, either alone or
      in combination with standard BPE/BPO therapy, leads to improvement in storage
      symptoms. At the same time, metrics associated with urinary emptying, such as
      maximum flow rate, post-void residual urinary volume, and incidence of treatment
      associated urinary retention, appear to be stable and not significantly impacted
      by the addition of antimuscarinics.

PMID- 28092070
TI  - Current Bioengineering and Regenerative Strategies for the Generation of Kidney
      Grafts on Demand.
AB  - Currently in the USA, one name is added to the organ transplant waiting list
      every 15 min. As this list grows rapidly, fewer than one-third of waiting
      patients can receive matched organs from donors. Unfortunately, many patients who
      require a transplant have to wait for long periods of time, and many of them die
      before receiving the desired organ. In the USA alone, over 100,000 patients are
      waiting for a kidney transplant. However, it is a problem that affects around 6%
      of the word population. Therefore, seeking alternative solutions to this problem
      is an urgent work. Here, we review the current promising regenerative
      technologies for kidney function replacement. Despite many approaches being
      applied in the different ways outlined in this work, obtaining an organ capable
      of performing complex functions such as osmoregulation, excretion or hormone
      synthesis is still a long-term goal. However, in the future, the efforts in these
      areas may eliminate the long waiting list for kidney transplants, providing a
      definitive solution for patients with end-stage renal disease.

PMID- 28092072
TI  - Public Sector Employment Inequality in the United States and the Great Recession.
AB  - Historically in the United States, the public sector has served as an equalizing
      institution through the expansion of job opportunities for minority workers. This
      study examines whether the public sector continues to serve as an equalizing
      institution in the aftermath of the Great Recession. Using data from the Current
      Population Survey, I investigate changes in public sector employment between 2003
      and 2013. My results point to a post-recession double disadvantage for black
      public sector workers: they are concentrated in a shrinking sector of the
      economy, and they are more likely than white and Hispanic public sector workers
      to experience job loss. These two trends are a historical break for the public
      sector labor market. I find that race and ethnicity gaps in public sector
      employment cannot be explained by differences in education, occupation, or any of
      the other measurable factors that are typically associated with employment. Among
      unemployed workers who most recently worked for the public sector, black women
      are the least likely to transition into private sector employment.

PMID- 28092071
TI  - Explaining the Immigrant Health Advantage: Self-selection and Protection in
      Health-Related Factors Among Five Major National-Origin Immigrant Groups in the
      United States.
AB  - Despite being newcomers, immigrants often exhibit better health relative to
      native-born populations in industrialized societies. We extend prior efforts to
      identify whether self-selection and/or protection explain this advantage. We
      examine migrant height and smoking levels just prior to immigration to test for
      self-selection; and we analyze smoking behavior since immigration, controlling
      for self-selection, to assess protection. We study individuals aged 20-49 from
      five major national origins: India, China, the Philippines, Mexico, and the
      Dominican Republic. To assess self-selection, we compare migrants, interviewed in
      the National Health and Interview Surveys (NHIS), with nonmigrant peers in
      sending nations, interviewed in the World Health Surveys. To test for protection,
      we contrast migrants' changes in smoking since immigration with two
      counterfactuals: (1) rates that immigrants would have exhibited had they adopted
      the behavior of U.S.-born non-Hispanic whites in the NHIS (full "assimilation");
      and (2) rates that migrants would have had if they had adopted the rates of
      nonmigrants in sending countries (no-migration scenario). We find statistically
      significant and substantial self-selection, particularly among men from both
      higher-skilled (Indians and Filipinos in height, Chinese in smoking) and lower
      skilled (Mexican) undocumented pools. We also find significant and substantial
      protection in smoking among immigrant groups with stronger relative social
      capital (Mexicans and Dominicans).

PMID- 28092073
TI  - Erratum to: Quantifying Intrinsic and Extrinsic Contributions to Human Longevity:
      Application of a Two-Process Vitality Model to the Human Mortality Database.

PMID- 28092074
TI  - Biomimetic Coprecipitation of Silk Fibrin and Calcium Phosphate: Influence of
      Selenite Ions.
AB  - Large bone defect creates an urgent need for osteogenic biomaterials. However,
      bone nonunion and infection are choke points in the therapy of this disease. How
      to recruit the mesenchymal stem cells to defect sites and increase the cell
      viability are the critical processes. One effective method was the fabrication of
      biomimetic silk fibrin/selenium-doped hydroxyapatite (SF/HASe) material, which
      could create a niche for cell proliferation. So, the aim of the present study was
      to seek a facile route to prepare this biocomposites and investigate the
      osteogenic capability. Results showed that the biomimetic coprecipitation was a
      successful route to prepare SF/HASe biocomposites, which presented higher cell
      proliferation activity and better modulation of the selenite release during
      incubation in biological medium. Besides, the biocomposites exhibited weird and
      porous pot morphology. Such features could provide large surface area for the
      cells and proteins to attach. Silk fibrin, adhered onto the surface of
      hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals, plays a crucial impact on the release profile of
      selenite ions. The release behavior of the selenite ions exhibited stably slow
      release fashion. Therefore, it is feasible to employ SF/HASe biocomposites to
      repair bone defects and apply into the therapy of osteosarcoma postoperatively.

PMID- 28092075
TI  - Boron Affects Immune Function Through Modulation of Splenic T Lymphocyte Subsets,
      Cytokine Secretion, and Lymphocyte Proliferation and Apoptosis in Rats.
AB  - This study demonstrated the mechanisms of boron effects in a rat model and
      provided a scientific basis for the rational of boron use. These findings were
      achieved by investigating the effects of boron (10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640
      mg/L in drinking water or 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 mg/kg BW) on rat serum
      immunoglobulins (IgGs), splenic cytokines, lymphocyte subsets, as well as on
      lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis. Addition of 20 (3) and 40 (6) mg/L (mg/kg
      BW) of boron to drinking water significantly increased rat serum IgG
      concentrations, splenic IFN-gamma and IL-4 expression as well as the number of
      splenic CD3+, CD4+ and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)+ cells.
      Supplementation of drinking water with 40 mg/L (6 mg/kg BW) boron also markedly
      increased splenic IL-2 expression and the CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio and reduced
      splenic CD8+ cell number. Supplementation with 80 mg/L (12 mg/kg BW) boron
      significantly increased CD3+ and PCNA+ cell numbers (P < 0.05) and decreased the
      IL-10 expression in the spleen. Addition of 320 (48) and 640 (96) mg/L (mg/kg BW)
      boron markedly reduced the serum IgG concentrations; splenic IL-2 and IL-10
      expression; the number of CD3+, CD4+ and PCNA+ cells; and increased the number of
      splenic CD8+ and caspase-3+ cells and promoted caspase-3 expression in CD3+
      cells. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the supplementation of rat
      drinking water with 20(3) and 40(6) mg/L (mg/kg BW) boron can markedly enhance
      humoral and cellular immune functions, while boron concentrations above 320 mg/L
      (48 mg/kg BW) can have an inhibitory effect or even toxicity on immune functions.
      These results exhibit a U-shaped response characteristic of low and high doses of
      boron supplementation on immune function and imply that proper boron
      supplementation in food for humans and animals could be used as an immunity
      regulator.

PMID- 28092076
TI  - Determination of Trace Elements in Cow Placenta by Tungsten Coil Atomic Emission
      Spectrometry.
AB  - Tungsten coil atomic emission spectrometry (WCAES) is used to determine trace
      levels of Mn (403.1 nm) and Cr (425.5 nm) in cow placenta. All samples were
      collected in Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. The instrumental setup is based on a
      tungsten filament extracted from 150 W, 15 V microscope light bulbs, a solid
      state power supply, fused silica lens, crossed Czerny-Turner spectrograph, and a
      thermoelectrically cooled charge-coupled device detector. The limits of detection
      (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for Cr are 2 and 8 MUg L-1, and 20 and 60 MUg L-1
      for Mn, respectively. Recoveries for 0.30 mg L-1 spikes of each analyte were in
      the range 93.0-103.0%, and relative standard deviation (RSD) was between 6.50 and
      7.20% for both elements. Placenta samples were microwave-assisted digested with
      diluted HNO3 and H2O2 and analyzed by WCAES. The results for Cr and Mn were
      compared with values obtained by tandem inductively coupled plasma mass
      spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). No statistically significant difference was observed
      between the different methods by applying a paired t test at a 95% confidence
      level. The average concentrations of Cr and Mn in the placentas evaluated were
      0.95 +/- 0.22 and 2.64 +/- 0.39 MUg g-1, respectively. By using a short
      integration time, LODs for Cr and Mn were lower than values reported by recent
      works using a similar WCAES system.

PMID- 28092077
TI  - The reference frame for encoding and retention of motion depends on stimulus set
      size.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the reference frames used in perceptual
      encoding and storage of visual motion information. In our experiments, observers
      viewed multiple moving objects and reported the direction of motion of a randomly
      selected item. Using a vector-decomposition technique, we computed performance
      during smooth pursuit with respect to a spatiotopic (nonretinotopic) and to a
      retinotopic component and compared them with performance during fixation, which
      served as the baseline. For the stimulus encoding stage, which precedes memory,
      we found that the reference frame depends on the stimulus set size. For a single
      moving target, the spatiotopic reference frame had the most significant
      contribution with some additional contribution from the retinotopic reference
      frame. When the number of items increased (Set Sizes 3 to 7), the spatiotopic
      reference frame was able to account for the performance. Finally, when the number
      of items became larger than 7, the distinction between reference frames vanished.
      We interpret this finding as a switch to a more abstract nonmetric encoding of
      motion direction. We found that the retinotopic reference frame was not used in
      memory. Taken together with other studies, our results suggest that, whereas a
      retinotopic reference frame may be employed for controlling eye movements,
      perception and memory use primarily nonretinotopic reference frames. Furthermore,
      the use of nonretinotopic reference frames appears to be capacity limited. In the
      case of complex stimuli, the visual system may use perceptual grouping in order
      to simplify the complexity of stimuli or resort to a nonmetric abstract coding of
      motion information.

PMID- 28092079
TI  - The goal of locomotion: Separating the fundamental task from the mechanisms that
      accomplish it.
AB  - Human locomotion has been well described but is still not well understood. This
      is largely true because the observable aspects of locomotion-neuromuscular
      activity that generates forces and motions-relate to both the task solution and
      the problem being solved. Identifying the fundamental task achieved in locomotion
      makes it possible to critically evaluate the motor control strategy used to
      accomplish the task goal. We contend that the readily observed movements and
      activities of locomotion should be considered mechanism(s). Our proposal is that
      the fundamental task of walking and running is analogous to flight, and should be
      defined in terms of the interaction of the individual's mass with the medium in
      which it moves: a low-density fluid for flight, or the supporting substrate for
      legged locomotion. A rigorous definition of the fundamental task can help
      identify the constraints and opportunities that influence its solution and guide
      the selection of appropriate mechanisms to accomplish the task effectively. The
      results from robotics-based modeling studies have demonstrated how the
      interaction of the mass and substrate can be optimized, making the goal of
      movement a defined trajectory of the individual's mass. We assessed these
      concepts by evaluating the ground reaction forces generated by an optimization
      model that satisfies the task but uses none of the mechanisms that are available
      to the human leg. Then we compared this model to normal human walking. Although
      it is obvious that the specific task of locomotion changes with a variety of
      movement challenges, clearly identifying the fundamental task of locomotion puts
      all other features in an interpretable context.

PMID- 28092080
TI  - Soluble Toll-like receptor 2 is a biomarker for sepsis in critically ill patients
      with multi-organ failure within 12 h of ICU admission.
AB  - Soluble TLR2 levels are elevated in infective and inflammatory conditions, but
      its diagnostic value with sepsis-induced multi-organ failure has not been
      evaluated. 37 patients with a diagnosis of severe sepsis/septic shock (sepsis)
      and 27 patients with organ failure without infection (SIRS) were studied. Median
      (IQR) plasma sTLR2 levels were 2.7 ng/ml (1.4-6.1) in sepsis and 0.6 ng/ml (0.4
      0.9) in SIRS p < 0.001. sTLR2 showed good diagnostic value for sepsis at cut-off
      of 1.0 ng/ml, AUC:0.959. We report the ability of sTLR2 levels to discriminate
      between sepsis and SIRS within 12 h of ICU admission in patients with multi-organ
      failure.

PMID- 28092078
TI  - The dot-probe task to measure emotional attention: A suitable measure in
      comparative studies?
AB  - For social animals, attending to and recognizing the emotional expressions of
      other individuals is of crucial importance for their survival and likely has a
      deep evolutionary origin. Gaining insight into how emotional expressions evolved
      as adaptations over the course of evolution can be achieved by making direct
      cross-species comparisons. To that extent, experimental paradigms that are
      suitable for investigating emotional processing across species need to be
      developed and evaluated. The emotional dot-probe task, which measures attention
      allocation toward emotional stimuli, has this potential. The task is implicit,
      and subjects need minimal training to perform the task successfully. Findings in
      nonhuman primates, although scarce, show that they, like humans, have an
      attentional bias toward emotional stimuli. However, the wide literature on human
      studies has shown that different factors can have important moderating effects on
      the results. Due to the large heterogeneity of this literature, these moderating
      effects often remain unnoticed. We here review this literature and show that
      subject characteristics and differences in experimental designs affect the
      results of the dot-probe task. We conclude with specific recommendations
      regarding these issues that are particularly relevant to take into consideration
      when applying this paradigm to study animals.

PMID- 28092082
TI  - Brain Barrier Breakdown as a Cause and Consequence of Neuroinflammation in
      Sepsis.
AB  - The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB)
      are important for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. During sepsis, peripheral
      production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species are
      responsible for structural alterations in those brain barriers. Thus, an
      increasing permeability of these barriers can lead to the activation of glial
      cells such as microglia and the production of cytotoxic mediators which in turn
      act on the brain barriers, damaging them further. Thereby, in this review, we try
      to highlight how the brain barrier's permeability is not only a cause but a
      consequence of brain injury in sepsis.

PMID- 28092083
TI  - Role of Dopamine D2/D3 Receptors in Development, Plasticity, and Neuroprotection
      in Human iPSC-Derived Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons.
AB  - The role of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors (D2R/D3R), located on midbrain
      dopaminergic (DA) neurons, in the regulation of DA synthesis and release and in
      DA neuron homeostasis has been extensively investigated in rodent animal models.
      By contrast, the properties of D2R/D3R in human DA neurons have not been
      elucidated yet. On this line, the use of human-induced pluripotent stem cells
      (hiPSCs) for producing any types of cells has offered the innovative opportunity
      for investigating the human neuronal phenotypes at the molecular levels. In the
      present study, hiPSCs generated from human dermal fibroblasts were used to
      produce midbrain DA (mDA) neurons, expressing the proper set of genes and
      proteins typical of authentic, terminally differentiated DA neurons. In this
      model, the expression and the functional properties of the human D2R/D3R were
      investigated with a combination of biochemical and functional techniques. We
      observed that in hiPSC-derived mDA neurons, the activation of D2R/D3R promotes
      the proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells. In addition, we found that
      D2R/D3R activation inhibits nicotine-stimulated DA release and exerts
      neurotrophic effects on mDA neurons that likely occur via the activation of PI3K
      dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, D2R/D3R stimulation counteracts both the
      aggregation of alpha-synuclein induced by glucose deprivation and the associated
      neuronal damage affecting both the soma and the dendrites of mDA neurons. Taken
      together, these data point to the D2R/D3R-related signaling events as a
      biochemical pathway crucial for supporting both neuronal development and survival
      and protection of human DA neurons.

PMID- 28092081
TI  - Epigenetics in Alzheimer's Disease: Perspective of DNA Methylation.
AB  - Research over the years has shown that causes of Alzheimer's disease are not well
      understood, but over the past years, the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in
      the developing memory formation either under pathological or physiological
      conditions has become clear. The term epigenetics represents the heredity of
      changes in phenotype that are independent of altered DNA sequences. Different
      studies validated that cytosine methylation of genomic DNA decreases with age in
      different tissues of mammals, and therefore, the role of epigenetic factors in
      developing neurological disorders in aging has been under focus. In this review,
      we summarized and reviewed the involvement of different epigenetic mechanisms
      especially the DNA methylation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), late-onset
      Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), and autosomal
      dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD). Down to the minutest of details, we tried to
      discuss the methylation patterns like mitochondrial DNA methylation and ribosomal
      DNA (rDNA) methylation. Additionally, we mentioned some therapeutic approaches
      related to epigenetics, which could provide a potential cure for AD. Moreover, we
      reviewed some recent studies that validate DNA methylation as a potential
      biomarker and its role in AD. We hope that this review will provide new insights
      into the understanding of AD pathogenesis from the epigenetic perspective
      especially from the perspective of DNA methylation.

PMID- 28092084
TI  - Iron Availability Compromises Not Only Oligodendrocytes But Also Astrocytes and
      Microglial Cells.
AB  - When disrupted, iron homeostasis negatively impacts oligodendrocyte (OLG)
      differentiation and impairs myelination. To better understand myelin formation
      and OLG maturation, in vivo and in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the
      effect of iron deficiency (ID) not only on OLG maturation but also on astrocytes
      (AST) and microglial cells (MG). In vivo experiments in an ID model were carried
      out to describe maturational events during OLG and AST development and the
      reactive profile of MG during myelination when iron availability is lower than
      normal. In turn, in vitro assays were conducted to explore proliferating and
      maturational states of each glial cell type derived from control or ID
      conditions. Studies targeted NG2, PDGFRalpha, CNPAse, CC1, and MBP expression in
      OLG, GFAP and S100 expression in AST, and CD11b, ED1, and cytokine expression in
      MG, as well as BrDU incorporation in the three cell types. Our results show that
      ID affected OLG development at early stages, not only reducing their maturation
      capacity but also increasing their proliferation and affecting their
      morphological complexity. AST ID proliferated more than control ones and were
      more immature, much like OLG. Cytokine expression in ID animals reflected an anti
      inflammatory state which probably influenced OLG maturation. These results show
      that ID conditions alter all glial cells and may impact myelin formation, which
      could be regulated by a mechanism involving a cross talk between AST, MG, and
      oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPC).

PMID- 28092085
TI  - Evidence that NF-kappaB and MAPK Signaling Promotes NLRP Inflammasome Activation
      in Neurons Following Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - Multi-protein complexes, termed "inflammasomes," are known to contribute to
      neuronal cell death and brain injury following ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke
      increases the expression and activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization
      domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) Pyrin domain containing 1 and 3 (NLRP1 and
      NLRP3) inflammasome proteins and both interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-18 in
      neurons. In this study, we provide evidence that activation of either the NF
      kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways was partly responsible for inducing the
      expression and activation of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasome proteins and that these
      effects can be attenuated using pharmacological inhibitors of these two pathways
      in neurons and brain tissue under in vitro and in vivo ischemic conditions,
      respectively. Moreover, these findings provided supporting evidence that
      treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) preparation can reduce
      activation of the NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways resulting in decreased
      expression and activation of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes, as well as increasing
      expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, in primary cortical
      neurons and/or cerebral tissue under in vitro and in vivo ischemic conditions. In
      summary, these results provide compelling evidence that both the NF-kappaB and
      MAPK signaling pathways play a pivotal role in regulating the expression and
      activation of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in primary cortical neurons and brain
      tissue under ischemic conditions. In addition, treatment with IVIg preparation
      decreased the activation of the NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways, and thus
      attenuated the expression and activation of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in
      primary cortical neurons under ischemic conditions. Hence, these findings suggest
      that therapeutic interventions that target inflammasome activation in neurons may
      provide new opportunities in the future treatment of ischemic stroke.

PMID- 28092087
TI  - Retraction Note to: The Impact of Survivin on Prognosis and Clinicopathology of
      Glioma Patients: A Systematic Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 28092086
TI  - Anxiety-Related Behaviours Associated with microRNA-206-3p and BDNF Expression in
      Pregnant Female Mice Following Psychological Social Stress.
AB  - Stress during pregnancy can induce various psychological disorders in women.
      However, the association linking psychological stress during pregnancy with
      abnormal behaviours in females remains largely unknown. We employed a novel
      psychological stress model by introducing pregnant mice to witness the defeat
      process of their mated partner (WDPMP) and examined the effects of WDPMP on
      depression-/anxiety-like behaviours and on the expression of brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and miR-206-3p in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal
      cortex (mPFC) and amygdala. Compared to pregnant control (PC) mice, pregnant
      stressed (PS) mice showed decreased sucrose preference during the late period of
      gestation, and after lactation, they spent less time in the open arms of the
      elevated plus maze and in the light chamber of the light/dark box. After
      lactation, decreased BDNF expression in both the hippocampus and mPFC of PS mice
      was found to be associated with enhanced miR-206-3p levels; meanwhile, elevated
      BDNF associated with decreased miR-206-3p expression was evident in the amygdala
      of the same PS mice. DNA methylation level in the Bdnf promoter did not show
      difference between PC and PS mice in the hippocampus. Transfection of miR-206-3p
      resulted in decreased BDNF levels in vitro. These results suggest that WDPMP
      stress during gestation can induce long-term mood alterations in pregnant mice,
      which may correlate with changes in miR-206-3p and BDNF expression in the
      hippocampus, mPFC and amygdala.

PMID- 28092088
TI  - Erratum to: Dihydromyricetin Improves Hypobaric Hypoxia-Induced Memory Impairment
      via Modulation of SIRT3 Signaling.

PMID- 28092089
TI  - Time-Dependent Lactate Production and Amino Acid Utilization in Cultured
      Astrocytes Under High Glucose Exposure.
AB  - Accumulating investigations have focused on the severity of central nervous
      system (CNS) complications in diabetic patients. The effects of the high glucose
      (HG) probably attribute to the metabolic disturbances in CNS. Astrocytes, with
      powerful ability of metabolic regulation, play crucial roles in physiological and
      pathological processes in CNS. Hence, an in-depth analysis as to metabolic
      alterations of astrocytes exposure to HG would facilitate to explore the
      underlying pathogenesis. In this study, the 1H NMR-based metabonomic approach was
      performed to characterize the metabolic variations of intracellular metabolites
      and corresponding culture media in a time-dependent manner. Our results revealed
      a significant elevation in lactate production and release. Four amino acids,
      leucine, isoleucine, methionine and tyrosine, were the most important metabolites
      for utilization. Also, profound disturbances of several metabolic pathways,
      including osmoregulation, energy metabolism, and cellular biosynthesis were
      observed. In that sense, the detailed information of astrocyte metabolism under
      HG exposure provides us a comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic metabolic
      disorders in CNS during hyperglycemia or diabetes.

PMID- 28092090
TI  - Prevalence of Mucopolysaccharidosis Types I, II, and VI in the Pediatric and
      Adult Population with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Retrospective and Prospective
      Analysis of Patients Treated for CTS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We wanted to investigate whether the prevalence of
      mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) I, II, and VI was higher than expected in a selected
      cohort of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is a common finding in
      patients with MPS, and therefore we screened patients who had undergone surgery
      for CTS for undiagnosed MPS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had been operated
      for CTS were found in databases from two hospitals. Furthermore, patients who had
      undergone surgery for CTS when under the age of 18 were retrieved from the
      National Patient Registry. All included patients had a filter paper blood spot
      sample taken that was subsequently analyzed enzymatically for MPS I, II, and VI.
      RESULTS: 425 patients were included. 402 patients tested negative in the first
      test. 23 had inconclusive result whereof 18 was negative in a second test. The
      remaining five patients had two inconclusive tests each and were referred for
      further examination at the Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases where the
      diagnosis was excluded. Thus, all included patients were negative for both MPS I,
      II and VI. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Though our sample size is relatively small,
      results indicate that MPS is not prevalent in a cohort of adult patients with
      monosymptomatic CTS, and that screening is not indicated in this setting.

PMID- 28092091
TI  - Preliminary Results on Long-Term Potentiation-Like Cortical Plasticity and
      Cholinergic Dysfunction After Miglustat Treatment in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C.
AB  - Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage
      disorder, which manifests clinically with a wide range of neurological signs and
      symptoms. We assessed multiple neurological, neuropsychological and
      neurophysiological biomarkers using a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
      multi-paradigm approach in two patients with NPC carrying a homozygous mutation
      in the NPC1 gene, and in two heterozygous family members.We assessed short
      interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), long
      interval intracortical inhibition (LICI), short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI)
      and long-term potentiation (LTP)-like cortical plasticity with a paired
      associative stimulation (PAS) protocol.Baseline SAI and LTP-like plasticity were
      impaired in both patients with NPC and in the symptomatic heterozygous NPC1 gene
      mutation carrier. Only a limited decrease in SICI and ICF was observed, while
      LICI was within normal range in all subjects at baseline. After 12 months of
      treatment with miglustat, a considerable improvement in SAI and LTP-like
      plasticity was observed in both patients with NPC. In conclusion, these
      biomarkers could help to confirm the diagnosis of NPC, and may give an indication
      of prognostic outcomes in pharmacological trials.

PMID- 28092092
TI  - Domains of Daily Physical Activity in Children with Mitochondrial Disease: A 3D
      Accelerometry Approach.
AB  - Feasible, sensitive and clinically relevant outcome measures are of extreme
      importance when designing clinical trials. For paediatric mitochondrial disease,
      no robust end point has been described to date. The aim of this study was to
      select the domains of daily physical activity, which can be measured by 3D
      accelerometry, that could serve as sensitive end points in future clinical trials
      in children with mitochondrial disorders.In this exploratory observational study,
      17 patients with mitochondrial disease and 16 age- and sex-matched controls wore
      3D accelerometers at the upper leg, upper arm, lower arm and chest during one
      weekend. Using the raw data obtained by the accelerometers, we calculated the
      following outcome measures: (1) average amount of counts per hour the sensors
      were worn; (2) the maximal intensity; (3) the largest area under the curve during
      30 min and (4) categorized activities lying, standing or being dynamically
      active. Measuring physical activity during the whole weekend was practically
      feasible in all participants. We found good face validity by visually correlating
      the validation videos and activity diaries to the accelerometer data-graphs.
      Patients with mitochondrial disorders had significantly lower peak intensity and
      were resting more, compared to their age- and sex-matched peers.Finally, we
      suggest domains of physical activity that could be included when measuring daily
      physical activity in children with mitochondrial disorders, preferably using more
      user-friendly devices. These include peak activity parameters for the arms (all
      patients) and legs (ambulatory patients). We recommend using or developing
      devices that measure these domains of physical activity in future clinical
      studies.

PMID- 28092093
TI  - Regenerative endodontics: a true paradigm shift or a bandwagon about to be
      derailed?
AB  - AIMS: Regenerative endodontic techniques (RETs) have been hailed as a paradigm
      shift for the management of traumatised non-vital immature permanent anterior
      teeth. In this article the aim was to critically appraise the literature with
      regards to the outcome of regenerative endodontics on root development. METHODS:
      Critical review of the literature where regenerative endodontic techniques have
      been used in the management of immature non-vital teeth with continuation of root
      development as the main outcome reported. RESULTS: Most studies published were in
      the form of case reports and series with very few randomised controlled trials
      with a high risk of bias. Continuation of root development following the use of
      RET has been shown to be unpredictable at best with lower success in those teeth
      losing vitality as a result of dental trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high
      success of regenerative endodontics in terms of periodontal healing including
      resolution of clinical and radiographic signs and symptoms of infection,
      continuation of root development remains an unpredictable outcome. The use of a
      blood clot as a scaffold in regenerative endodontics should be reviewed carefully
      as that might offer an environment for repair rather than regeneration. In
      addition, preservation of structures, such as Hertwig's epithelial root sheath,
      may have an important bearing on the success of this approach and should be
      further investigated.

PMID- 28092094
TI  - Comparison and evaluation of stresses generated by rapid maxillary expansion and
      the implant-supported rapid maxillary expansion on the craniofacial structures
      using finite element method of stress analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the stress distribution and 3
      dimensional displacements along the craniofacial sutures in between the Rapid
      maxillary Expansion (RME) and Implant supported RME (I-RME). METHOD S: Finite
      element model of the skull and the implants were created using ANSYS software.
      The finite element model thus built composed of 537692 elements and 115694 nodes
      in RME model & 543078 elements and 117948 nodes with implants model. The forces
      were applied on the palatal surface of the posterior teeth to cause 5mm of
      transverse displacement on either side of the palatal halves, making it a total
      of 10mm. The stresses and the displacement values were obtained and interpreted.
      RESULTS: Varying pattern of stress and the displacements with both positive and
      negative values were seen. The maximum displacement was seen in the case of plain
      RME model and that too at Pterygomaxillary suture and Mid-palatal suture in
      descending order. In the case of I-RME maximum displacement was seen at
      Zygomaticomaxillary suture followed by Pterygomaxillary suture. The displacements
      produced in all the three planes of space for the plain RME model were greater in
      comparison to the Implant Supported RME model. And the stresses remained high for
      all the sutures in case of an I-RME. CONCLUSIONS: There is a definite difference
      in the stress and the displacement pattern produced by RME and I-RME model and
      each can be used according to the need of the patient. The stresses generated in
      case of conventional RME were considerably less than that of the I-RME for all
      the sutures.

PMID- 28092095
TI  - Noradrenergic transmission in the central medial thalamic nucleus modulates the
      electroencephalographic activity and emergence from propofol anesthesia in rats.
AB  - At present, the mechanisms by which general anesthetics causing loss of
      consciousness remain unclear. The central medial thalamic nucleus (CMT) is a
      rarely studied component of the midline thalamic complex, which is deemed to be a
      part of the nonspecific arousal system. Although the CMT participates in
      modulating arousal and receives excitatory noradrenergic projections from locus
      coeruleus, it remains unknown whether the noradrenergic pathway in the CMT takes
      part in modulating the arousal system. Therefore, we hypothesized that
      noradrenergic transmission in the CMT is involved in modulating induction and
      emergence of propofol anesthesia. First, we infused norepinephrine (NE) into the
      CMT to observe the role of CMT noradrenergic pathway in modulating the anesthetic
      state induced by propofol. The results showed that microinjection of NE into the
      CMT accelerated emergence from propofol anesthesia, but had no impact on the
      induction of or sensitivity to propofol anesthesia in rats. In addition, infusion
      of NE into the CMT caused electroencephalography changes in the prefrontal cortex
      and the anterior cingulate cortex. Finally, we used a whole-cell patch clamp to
      examine the effects of NE on neuronal excitability and GABAergic transmission in
      the CMT. In the CMT slices, propofol suppressed neuronal excitability and
      enhanced GABAergic transmission, while application of NE partly reversed these
      effects. These findings support the hypothesis that the CMT noradrenergic pathway
      plays an important role in modulating the emergence from general anesthesia.

PMID- 28092096
TI  - Associations between pre-eclampsia and protein C and protein S levels among
      pregnant Nigerian women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate levels of protein C and free protein S among women with
      pre-eclampsia, and determine whether there is a relationship between deficiencies
      and pre-eclampsia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a hospital
      in Nigeria from July 2013 to March 2014 among 90 pregnant women with pre
      eclampsia (blood pressure >=140/90 mm Hg, proteinuria >=300 mg in 24 hours) and
      90 normotensive pregnant women (control group). Plasma levels of protein C and
      free protein S were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and protein C
      activity by a chromogenic method. RESULTS: Mean protein C antigen and activity
      levels did not differ between groups (P=0.639 and P=0.444, respectively). The
      incidence of protein C antigen and activity deficiency also did not differ
      (P=0.288 and P>0.99, respectively). The mean free protein S antigen level was
      higher among women with pre-eclampsia (54.48%+/-19.58%) than in the control group
      (47.23%+/-10.27%; P=0.004). No woman in the control group had protein S
      deficiency, as compared with 2 (2%) of the women with pre-eclampsia (P=0.497). No
      association was found between deficiencies of these proteins and pre-eclampsia.
      CONCLUSION: Deficiencies of protein C and free protein S are unlikely to be
      etiopathogenetic for pre-eclampsia; therefore, therapeutic intervention should
      focus on other potential pathogenetic pathways.

PMID- 28092097
TI  - Complications and parent satisfaction in pediatric osseointegrated bone
      conduction hearing implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term complication rate and parental satisfaction of
      osseointegrated bone conduction hearing implants (OBCHIs). STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective chart review of children undergoing OBCHIs. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review of children undergoing OBCHIs for the treatment of
      conductive, mixed, and single-sided sensorineural hearing loss in children.
      RESULTS: Forty-five subjects were identified with 0.3 to 10.4 years of follow-up.
      The mean/median age and age range at implant were 9.0/7.8 and 1.7 to 19.1 years.
      The underlying hearing loss for the cohort included conductive (N = 30),
      sensorineural (N = 7), and mixed (N = 8) hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss,
      caused by aural atresia (62.9), was the most common indication for implantation.
      Fifty-eight complications occurred in 29 subjects, most related to skin infection
      or overgrowth. Seventeen events required revision surgery, and 18 required oral
      antibiotics and/or office-based cauterization. Children under the age of 5 years
      were more likely to have failure of osseointegration or require revision surgery.
      Parents of 33 subjects underwent a phone interview; 76% rated the overall
      satisfaction as satisfied or very satisfied. CONCLUSION: A large percentage of
      children undergoing OBCHI develop postoperative complications, and up to 44%
      require revision surgery-a figure higher than generally reported and higher than
      in adults. No factors were found to adequately explain the higher complication
      rates in children compared to adults. Despite the occurrence of complications,
      parents viewed this device as satisfactory from many perspectives. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:2165-2170, 2017.

PMID- 28092098
TI  - Evaluation the ethno-pharmacological studies in Iran during 2004-2016: A
      systematic review.
AB  - Although Iran has a deep history in herbal medicine and great heritage of ancient
      medical scholars, few efforts have been made to evaluate ethnopharmacological
      aspects of medicinal plants in this country. In the present study, the authors
      have reviewed all important literature about the ethnopharmacological
      investigations on medicinal plants used in the last decade in Iran. All provinces
      of Iran were categorized according to a phytogeographical division. Information
      was collected through bibliographic investigations from scientific journals and
      books. Afterward, the data were analyzed through the construction of specific
      ecological regions of the country. Fifty-five references reporting medicinal
      plants in five ecological zones were retrieved. The Irano-Turanian subregion has
      produced the greatest number of publications in this field among others (47%).
      Results illustrate that the most reported botanical families were Lamiaceae and
      Asteraceae (28.57% and 27.73%, respectively). Among various illnesses reported
      for these plants, gastrointestinal (30.15%), respiratory problems (14.28%),
      diabetes (11.11%), and cold/flu (11.11%) were the most cited. The most frequently
      cited medicinal uses were attributed to decoction and infusion preparations. Iran
      has a rich history of knowledge about phytotherapy and has also a diverse
      geographical regions, and a plant flora that is a good candidate for drug
      discovery. Documentation of indigenous knowledge about herbal medicine used by
      Iranian tribes is vital for the future development of herbal drugs.
      Ethnopharmacological studies of Iranian folk medicine with quantitative
      analytical techniques are warranted to find drug candidates, and also to preserve
      the precious knowledge of the Iranian folk medicine.

PMID- 28092100
TI  - Comparing human resource planning models in dentistry: A case study using
      Canadian Armed Forces dental clinics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare two methods of allocating general dentists to Canadian
      Armed Forces (CAF) dental detachments: a dentist-to-population ratio model and a
      needs-based model. METHODS: Data obtained from CAF sources were analysed to
      compare models. Times assigned to treatment plan procedures were used as a proxy
      for treatment needs. Full-time equivalents (FTEs) were used as an indicator for
      the number of dentists allocated to each detachment. FTE values were adjusted for
      military dentists to account for time spent on compulsory nonclinical duties. The
      paired-samples t test was used to assess differences between the models for all
      clinics (dental detachments) and by clinic size. RESULTS: The dentist-to
      population ratio model for the CAF population (n=68 183) estimated an allocation
      of 83.25 FTE general dentists to CAF dental detachments. Based on a systematic
      sample of the CAF population (n=2226), the needs-based model estimated the
      requirement for 64.71 FTE general dentists. The average difference between models
      was 0.71 FTE (SE=0.273), which was statistically significant (P=0.015). In terms
      of differences by clinic size, differences were more pronounced in clinics
      serving more than 4000 CAF personnel (2.63 FTEs, SE=0.613, P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS:
      The findings reveal differences between estimation models of <1 FTE, with higher
      estimates produced from the dentist-to-population ratio model. A larger
      difference was found in clinics with larger populations. The perceived
      overestimation of dental human resource requirements suggests that changing to a
      needs-based model may result in cost savings.

PMID- 28092099
TI  - Calmodulin Binding to Death Receptor 5-mediated Death-Inducing Signaling Complex
      in Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - Activation of death receptor-5 (DR5) leads to the formation of death-inducing
      signaling complex (DISC) for apoptotic signaling. TRA-8, a DR5 specific agonistic
      antibody, has demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity in vitro and in vivo
      without inducing hepatotoxicity. Calmodulin (CaM) that is overexpressed in breast
      cancer plays a critical role in regulating DR5-mediated apoptosis. However, the
      mechanism of CaM in regulating DR5-mediated apoptotic signaling remains unknown.
      In this study, we characterized CaM binding to DR5-mediated DISC for apoptosis in
      TRA-8 sensitive breast cancer cell lines using co-immunoprecipitation,
      fluorescence microscopic imaging, caspase signaling analysis, and cell viability
      assay. Results show that upon DR5 activation, CaM was recruited into DR5-mediated
      DISC in a calcium dependent manner. CaM antagonist, trifluoperazine (TFP),
      inhibited CaM recruitment into the DISC and attenuated DISC formation. DR5
      oligomerization is critical for DISC formation for apoptosis. TFP decreased TRA-8
      activated DR5 oligomerization, which was consistent with TFP's effect on DR5
      mediated DISC formation. TFP and Ca2+ chelator, EGTA, impeded TRA-8-activated
      caspase-dependent apoptotic signaling, and TFP decreased TRA-8-induced cell
      cytotoxicity. These results demonstrated CaM binding to DR5-mediated DISC in a
      calcium dependent manner and may identify CaM as a key regulator of DR5-mediated
      DISC formation for apoptosis in breast cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2285-2294,
      2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28092101
TI  - The cross-regulation between SOX15 and Wnt signaling pathway.
AB  - WNT/B-CATENIN signaling pathway is one of the key dysregulated pathways in
      different tumor types, which regulate the expression of several genes involved in
      cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. This pathway is being
      modulated by sex-determining region Y-box (SOX) family genes. The functions of
      these genes are suggested as tumor suppressor or oncogene. SOX genes transcribe a
      group of transcription factors that play important roles in embryonic development
      and carcinogenesis. Among them, SOX15 is recently been identified as a novel
      tumor suppressor in pancreatic and esophagus cancers with a potential role in
      modulating Wnt/b-catenin signaling. This report summarizes the current knowledge
      about Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway and its cross talk with SOX15 with
      particular emphasis on the value of SOX gene expression as prognostic or
      predictive biomarker in cancer.

PMID- 28092103
TI  - Species differences in hepatic biotransformation of the anthelmintic drug
      flubendazole.
AB  - Flubendazole (FLBZ) is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic used in pigs,
      poultry, and humans. It has been proposed as a candidate for development for use
      in elimination programmes for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis in humans.
      Moreover, FLBZ has shown promise in cancer chemotherapy, particularly for
      neuroblastoma. This work investigated the hepatic carbonyl-reducing pathway of
      FLBZ in different species, including humans. Microsomal and cytosolic fractions
      were obtained from sheep, cattle, pig, hen, rat, and human liver. Both
      subcellular fractions of each species converted FLBZ into a reduced metabolite
      (red-FLBZ). The rate of microsomal red-FLBZ production was highest in sheep (1.92
      +/- 0.13 nmol/min.mg) and lowest in pigs (0.04 +/- 0.02 nmol/min.mg); cytosolic
      red-FLBZ production ranged from 0.02 +/- 0.01 (pig) to 1.86 +/- 0.61 nmol/min.mg
      (sheep). Only subcellular fractions from sheep liver oxidized red-FLBZ to FLBZ in
      a NADP+ -dependent oxidative reaction. Liver microsomes from both pigs and humans
      transformed FLBZ to red-FLBZ and a hydrolyzed metabolite. Very significant
      differences in the pattern of FLBZ metabolism were observed among the tested
      species and humans. These results reinforce the need for caution in extrapolating
      data on metabolism, efficacy, and safety of drugs derived from studies performed
      in different species.

PMID- 28092102
TI  - MicroRNAs: Potential candidates for diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known as the third common cancer worldwide and an
      important public health problem in different populations. Several genetics and
      environmental risk factors are involved in the development and progression of CRC
      including chromosomal abnormalities, epigenetic alterations, and unhealthy
      lifestyle. Identification of risk factors and biomarkers could lead to a better
      understanding of molecular pathways involved in CRC pathogenesis. MicroRNAs
      (miRNAs) are important regulatory molecules which could affect a variety of
      cellular and molecular targets in CRC. A large number of studies have indicated
      deregulations of some known tissue-specific miRNAs, for example, miR-21, miR-9,
      miR-155, miR-17, miR-19, let-7, and miR-24 as well as circulating miRNAs, for
      example, miR-181b, miR-21, miR-183, let-7g, miR-17, and miR-126, in patients with
      CRC. In the current review, we focus on the findings of preclinical and clinical
      studies performed on tissue-specific and circulating miRNAs as diagnostic
      biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the detection of patients at various
      stages of CRC.

PMID- 28092104
TI  - Quantitative proteomic analysis of gingival crevicular fluids from deciduous and
      permanent teeth.
AB  - AIM: Gingivitis commonly progresses to periodontitis in permanent dentition but
      rarely in deciduous teeth. Little is known about the biochemical differences
      between gingiva of deciduous and permanent teeth. Here, we compared the protein
      profiles of gingival crevicular fluids (GCF) from the gingiva of deciduous and
      permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty children with mixed dentition
      (Hellman's dental age IIIA) were selected and GCF samples were collected from
      deciduous cuspids and central incisors in the maxilla. Pairs of GCF samples were
      labelled using isobaric tags to permit quantitative comparison of protein
      abundance in the samples using liquid chromatography-electron spray ionization
      tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Sixty-two proteins were upregulated in
      deciduous teeth GCF and 54 in permanent teeth GCF. In particular, neutrophil
      derived proteins, including myeloperoxidase and lactoferrin, were repeatedly
      higher in deciduous teeth GCF than in permanent teeth GCF. These differences were
      verified using ELISA (p < 0.01). In contrast, immunoglobulin components were
      upregulated in permanent teeth GCF. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophil-related proteins were
      enriched in deciduous teeth GCF and immunoglobulins in permanent teeth GCF. This
      suggests that neutrophil accumulation plays a protective role in innate immunity
      against bacterial infection in gingival tissue of deciduous teeth.

PMID- 28092105
TI  - Effectiveness of water fluoridation in the prevention of dental caries across
      adult age groups.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lifetime access to fluoridated water (FW) is associated with lower
      caries experience. However, assessing this association in adults is likely
      affected by age. Cohort stratification and categorization of per cent lifetime
      access to fluoridated water (% LAFW) within cohorts are current approaches to
      this assessment. These approaches require an examination of the % LAFW and caries
      experience variation within and across age groups and their association to inform
      future analyses. OBJECTIVE: This secondary analysis aimed to examine the age
      group variation in % LAFW and caries experience; and the association of % LAFW
      with caries within and across age groups of adults. METHODS: A secondary analysis
      was undertaken using the Australian National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004
      2006 data on 4090 persons aged 15-91 years randomly sampled by a stratified,
      multistage probability method. Study participants underwent an interview, an oral
      examination by trained and standardized dentists to determine decayed, missing or
      filled tooth surfaces (DMFS) and a mailed self-complete questionnaire which
      collected residential history to calculate % LAFW. Variations in % LAFW and DMFS
      across age groups (15-34; 35-44; 45-54; 55+) were examined. Multivariable
      regression log-link models were generated for DMFS score within each age group.
      RESULTS: The age groups varied in values and distribution of % LAFW. Caries
      experience was strongly associated with age. % LAFW was significantly associated
      with DMFS score in the two younger age groups, but not in the others.
      Multivariable regression models showed that the highest % LAFW quartile had
      significantly lower DMFS count than the lowest quartile in the two younger age
      groups (mean ratios: 0.67 and 0.78, respectively), controlling for other
      covariates. CONCLUSION: Access to FW was associated with caries experience in
      Australian adults. The magnitude of associations varied between age groups,
      dependent on the natural history of caries and its measurement by DMFS.

PMID- 28092106
TI  - A randomised controlled trial examining the effect of acupuncture at the EX-HN3
      (Yintang) point on pre-operative anxiety levels in neurosurgical patients.
AB  - Pre-operative anxiety is an unpleasant state of psychological distress that
      occurs in up to 87% of patients awaiting neurosurgical procedures. Sedative
      medication is undesirable in this population due to the need for early
      postoperative neurological assessment. Acupuncture has previously been shown to
      reduce pre-operative anxiety, but studies involving neurosurgical patients are
      lacking. This single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled trial was
      designed to determine the effect of acupuncture at the EX-HN3 (Yintang point) on
      pre-operative anxiety levels in neurosurgical patients. The study was
      prospectively registered before participant recruitment. After measuring baseline
      anxiety levels, 128 patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio by a web
      based computer program to receive either acupuncture at the EX-HN3 (Yintang)
      point (acupuncture group) or no intervention (control group). Participants were
      not blinded, but all analyses were performed by a member of the research team who
      was unaware of the group allocation. The primary outcome measure was anxiety
      level after 30 min, as measured by the six-item short form of the State-Trait
      Anxiety Inventory (possible score range 20-80). Sixty-two patients in each group
      were subsequently analysed. Median (IQR [range]) anxiety State-Trait Anxiety
      Inventory score reduced significantly in the acupuncture group (46.7 (36.7-53.3
      [23.3-70.0]) to 40.0 (30.0-46.7) [20.0-53.3]), p < 0.001), with no change seen in
      the control group (41.7 (33.3-53.3 [20.0-76.7]) to 43.3 (36.7-50.0 [20.0-76.7]),
      p = 0.829). There were no adverse events in either group. Acupuncture at the EX
      HN3 point reduces pre-operative anxiety levels in patients awaiting neurosurgery.

PMID- 28092107
TI  - RSV associated hospitalizations in children in Karachi, Pakistan: Implications
      for vaccine prevention strategies.
AB  - Major progress is being made in vaccines against Respiratory Syncytial Virus
      (RSV), with multiple vaccine candidates currently in the clinical phase of
      development. Making an investment case for public sector financing of RSV vaccine
      will require estimation of burden, cost-effectiveness, and impact. The aim of
      this study is to determine the proportion, age distribution and clinical spectrum
      of RSV associated hospitalizations in children in Karachi, Pakistan. A three
      years prospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital in
      Karachi, a city of 20 million in south Pakistan, from August 2009 to June 2012.
      Children less than five years old admitted with acute respiratory infections
      (ARI) were enrolled. Throat swabs were collected and tested for RSV using real
      time PCR. Multivariable log binomial regression analysis was performed to
      identify the associated factors of RSV infection. Out of 1150 children enrolled,
      RSV was detected among 223 (19%). Highest rate of RSV detection was in young
      infants less than 3 months of age (48/168, 29%), which accounted for 22% of all
      RSV detected. Most common diagnosis in RSV positive infants (<12 months of age)
      was bronchiolitis followed by pneumonia, while in older children between the ages
      of one and 5 years of age, pneumonia and asthma were the most common diagnosis.
      Although identified year-round, RSV was most prevalent from August to October
      with peak in September, coinciding with the rainy season. This study identified
      RSV to be independently associated with younger age (P = 0.036), rainy season (P
      < 0.001), post-tussive emesis (P = 0.008), intubation (P = 0.003), and discharge
      diagnosis of bronchiolitis (P = 0.004). Vaccines against RSV that target this age
      group are likely to yield remarkable benefit.

PMID- 28092108
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the injectable formulation of methadone
      hydrochloride and methadone in lipid nanocarriers administered orally to horses.
AB  - We investigated the thermal, electrical and mechanical antinociceptive and
      physiological effects (heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure,
      head height and abdominal auscultation score), and pharmacokinetics, of 0.5 mg/kg
      of the injectable formulation (ORAL) or nanoparticulated methadone (NANO) given
      orally, in six adult mares, using a crossover, blind and prospective design.
      Repeated-measure models were used to compare parametric data between and within
      treatments, followed by Tukey's test. Nonparametric data were analysed with
      Wilcoxon signed-rank, adjusted by Bonferroni tests. Blood samples were also
      collected up to 6 h after dosing for plasma drug quantification by LC-MS/MS.
      Methadone pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental and
      compartmental approaches. There were no differences in pharmacodynamic
      parameters. No statistical differences were observed in the pharmacokinetic
      parameters from noncompartmental analysis for both groups, except a significant
      decrease in peak plasma concentration, increase in apparent volume of
      distribution per fraction absorbed (Vdss /F) and increased mean residence time
      (MRT) for NANO. One-compartment open model with first order elimination best
      described the pharmacokinetic profiles for both groups. Neither ORAL nor NANO
      administered orally to horses produced antinociception. The nanoencapsulated
      formulation of methadone given orally to horses did not improve methadone
      pharmacokinetic parameters or increased systemic body exposure to methadone.

PMID- 28092109
TI  - Guidelines on red cell transfusion in sickle cell disease. Part I: principles and
      laboratory aspects.

PMID- 28092110
TI  - Simultaneous detection of three sex steroid hormone classes using a novel yeast
      based biosensor.
AB  - A biosensor detecting estrogens, progestogens, and androgens in complex samples
      and in a single step is described. Three Arxula adeninivorans yeast strains were
      created, each strain producing a different recombinant human hormone receptor and
      a different fluorescent reporter protein. These strains were then mixed to create
      G1212/YRC102-hHR-fluo, the biological component of the biosensor. During
      incubation with G1212/YRC102-hHR-fluo, hormones present in a sample bind to their
      target receptor, which leads to the production of a specific fluorescent protein.
      Three fluorescence scans of the yeast suspension determine which fluorescence
      protein has been produced, thus revealing which hormone receptor (estrogen,
      progesterone, and androgen) has been activated by the hormones or hormone mimics
      present in the sample. The biosensor has similar sensitivities to the existing A.
      adeninivorans cell-based assays. The detection of the three hormone classes in
      one single experiment reduces the labor and time required to assay for the three
      hormone classes. The biosensor was also trialed with animal serum samples for the
      detection of progestogens, androgens, and estrogens and gave results that
      correlated well with ELISA analysis in case of progestogens. These results
      highlight the potential usefulness of the biosensor for comprehensive
      determination of hormone status in samples from veterinary origin. Biotechnol.
      Bioeng. 2017;114: 1539-1549. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28092111
TI  - Design and Synthesis of 5-Substituted Benzo[d][1,3]dioxole Derivatives as Potent
      Anticonvulsant Agents.
AB  - A series of 5-substituted benzo[d][1,3]dioxole derivatives was designed,
      synthesized, and tested for anticonvulsant activity using the maximal
      electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) screens.
      Neurotoxicity was determined by rotarod test. In the preliminary screening, six
      compounds, 3a, 3c, 3d, and 4d-f, showed promising anticonvulsant activities in
      the MES model, and compounds 4c and 4d exhibited full protection against seizures
      at doses of 300 mg/kg in the scPTZ model. Among the synthesized compounds, 3c as
      the most active compound showed high protection against the MES-induced seizures
      with an ED50 value of 9.8 mg/kg and a TD50 value of 229.4 mg/kg after
      intraperitoneal injection into mice, thus providing compound 3c with a high
      protective index (TD50 /ED50 ) of 23.4 comparable to those of reference
      antiepileptic drugs.

PMID- 28092112
TI  - Aquaporin-2 excretion in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis: Relation to
      development of renal insufficiency and mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Urinary aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is a parameter of water transport
      in the principal cells in the distal part of the nephron and involved in water
      retention in cirrhosis and may be a marker of renal function. The aim of the
      study was to evaluate AQP2 as a predictor of renal insufficiency and death in
      patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Urine samples from 199 patients (90 patients
      without organ failure [Group 1], 58 patients with organ failure excluding renal
      failure [Group 2], and 51 patients with organ failure including renal failure
      [Group 3]) from the CANONIC study were analyzed for urine AQP2 and urine
      osmolality. RESULTS: There was no difference in AQP2 between the three groups.
      Urine osmolality was significantly lower in patients in Group 3 versus Group 1
      and Group 2 (P = 0.0004). No relation was found between AQP2 and glomerular
      filtration rate or creatinine; however, AQP2 was a significant predictor of the
      development of renal insufficiency (P = 0.0485). In a univariate analysis, AQP2
      was a significant predictor of 14 and 28-day survival, but this was not confirmed
      in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Aquaporin-2 was not associated with
      disease severity or markers of renal function but was a predictor for the
      development of renal insufficiency and death. Therefore, its future use as marker
      of renal insufficiency could be promising, but further research is needed before
      it can be considered a clinical useful tool.

PMID- 28092113
TI  - Hemodialysis Treatment Time: As Important as it Seems?
AB  - Hemodialysis treatment time and Kt/V can both be considered to be primary
      measures of hemodialysis adequacy, because when either goes to zero, mortality is
      certain in patients without residual kidney function. Treatment time is
      important, but it needs to be adjusted based on surface-area-normalized Kt/V,
      residual kidney function, and expected ultrafiltration rate. Rescaling dose of
      dialysis measured as Kt/V to body surface area prevents ultrashort dialysis in
      small patients, women, and children with minimal residual kidney function. Most
      if not all of the observational studies of associations between outcome and
      dialysis session length are probably confounded by dose targeting bias. Once
      adequate Kt/V (taking into account body surface area) has been provided, adequate
      dialysis time probably is most relevant in terms of limiting the need for a high
      fluid removal rate. The latter may adversely impact survival by causing recurrent
      ischemia to cardiovascular and other tissues. There is little high-quality
      evidence at this time to support a minimum 4-hour treatment time for all
      patients, regardless of body size, solute removal, or residual kidney function.
      On the other hand, there is little evidence that prolonging weekly treatment time
      up to 24 hours per week is harmful. The final decision regarding treatment time
      is best individualized, based on patient acceptability and experience, residual
      kidney function, body surface-area-normalized Kt/V, and expected ultrafiltration
      rate.

PMID- 28092114
TI  - Sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric head and neck vascular malformations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
      symptoms among children with head and neck vascular malformations and to compare
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-18 scores between children with head and neck
      vascular malformations and children with non-head and neck vascular
      malformations. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort and prospective cross-sectional
      studies METHODS: Forty-three pediatric subjects with head and neck vascular
      malformations evaluated at a tertiary-care multidisciplinary vascular anomalies
      center were included in a retrospective cohort study. Eighty-three consecutive
      pediatric subjects with vascular malformations evaluated at the same center were
      included in the prospective cross-sectional study. RESULTS: In the retrospective
      cohort study, 20 (47%) subjects with head and neck malformations had documented
      SDB symptoms. Of those with SDB symptoms, five (25%) required long-term
      tracheotomy. The children with SDB symptoms had greater vascular malformation
      size, more extensive pharyngeal involvement, greater vascular malformation mass
      effect on airway, and closer proximity of malformation to airway when compared to
      children without SDB symptoms. For the prospective cross-sectional study, 23% of
      pediatric subjects had malformations of the head and neck. Those with head and
      neck malformations had a higher OSA-18 score and a lower overall quality of life
      (QOL) score when compared to subjects with non-head and neck malformations.
      CONCLUSION: Nearly half of children with head and neck vascular malformations
      have SDB symptoms. Children with head and neck vascular malformations have a
      higher OSA-18 score and lower overall QOL score when compared to children with
      non-head and neck vascular malformations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope,
      127:2159-2164, 2017.

PMID- 28092115
TI  - Fecal calprotectin level in healthy children aged less than 4 years in South
      Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fecal calprotectin (FC) is non-invasive inflammatory marker
      indicating various bowel diseases. However, the median-specific cut-off values
      and the standard deviations (SD) of the FC levels in each age group <4 years were
      not elucidated. METHODS: Healthy volunteers were enrolled from four
      kindergartens. A questionnaire was used to confirm that the children met the
      inclusion criteria, and several demographics and history of bowel symptoms were
      collected. The FC level was measured. RESULTS: A total of 234 healthy children
      aged between 6 months and 4 years were recruited. The median FC concentration of
      all participants was 245 MUg/g (range 12-1033 MUg/g, mean 68.5 MUg/g, SD 123.12
      MUg/g). The children were divided into six age groups. The upper limit of 95% CI
      of median FC values was 135 MUg/g in 7-12 months group, 65 MUg/g in 13-18 months
      group, 55 MUg/g in 19-24 months group, 40 MUg/g in 25-30 months group, 21 MUg/g
      in 31-36 months group, and 12 MUg/g in 37-48 months group. A negative correlation
      trend was found between the age and the FC concentration. CONCLUSION: This is the
      first study to present the FC median levels in the specific age groups <4 years
      in Korea. We found a FC level reduction with age, indicating a bowel maturation
      process and decreased intestinal permeability of the intestinal mucosa. In our
      study, FC levels reached the values of 50 MUg/g around the age of 2 years.

PMID- 28092116
TI  - Changes in thyroid cancer incidence, post-2009 American Thyroid Association
      guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The thyroid cancer incidence rate has tripled in the United States
      since the 1980s, especially among women and small-sized tumors. This trend has
      been attributed to increased detection due to the availability of ultrasound and
      fine-needle aspiration technology. In 2009, the American Thyroid Association
      (ATA) released revisions to their guidelines for well-differentiated thyroid
      cancers. OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in thyroid cancer incidence rates by tumor
      size and gender following the 2009 ATA guideline revisions. METHODS: Cases of
      differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed from 2000 to 2012 were analyzed from the
      National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program, 18
      registries. Trends in incidence rates based on gender (males, females) and tumor
      size (< 1.0 cm, 1.0-2.9 cm, 3.0-3.9 cm, >= 4.0 cm) were analyzed using Joinpoint
      Regression and reported as the annual percentage change (APC). RESULTS: From 2000
      to 2009, overall thyroid cancer incidence rates increased rapidly by about 8% per
      year in both sexes. Incidence rates increased across all tumor sizes, but
      especially in tumors 1.0 to 2.9 cm (men, APC = 7.7; women, APC = 7.8) and < 1.0
      cm (men, APC = 7.8; women = 10.9) for both genders. Since 2009, the trend slowed
      in men (APC = 3.0) and women (APC = 2.8). The deceleration among females was
      confined to tumors less than 2.9 cm. Trends for all size groups in males remained
      constant from 2000 to 2012. CONCLUSION: The rapid increase in thyroid cancer
      incidence rates over the past three decades has recently slowed, especially among
      small-sized cancers and women, which coincides with the 2009 ATA guideline
      revisions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c. Laryngoscope, 127:2437-2441, 2017.

PMID- 28092117
TI  - Directed balloon cytology of the esophagus: A novel device for obtaining
      circumferential cytologic sampling.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Current methods of obtaining esophageal cytology include brush biopsy
      and blind balloon sampling, among others. These methods can be time-consuming if
      performed in accordance with acknowledged standards. Further, exact site
      localization can prove to be difficult. We describe a novel device for esophageal
      sampling using an esophageal balloon with debriding strips contained within the
      pleats of the balloon. Inflation brings the latter in contact with the surface to
      be sampled. Cell capture was compared with the commonly used brush technique in a
      pig model. METHODS: Separate balloon and standard brush cytology samples were
      collected from a pig model. Smear and cell pellet preparations were compared
      regarding cell density and total volume. RESULTS: Adequate samples were obtained
      with both the brush and balloon. On the cell smear preparations, the cell density
      was greater when obtained with balloon sampling. Further, the cell pellet volume
      was significantly greater with the latter as well. The intact morphology of
      individual rafts of squamous epithelial cells also was comparable between the two
      methods. In addition, the balloon provided precise mapping of the cytology sites
      in contrast to the standard brush technique. CONCLUSION: We present an innovative
      new balloon technology for esophageal sampling, which demonstrated a decreased
      sampling time interval, precise mapping, and increased cellular volume when
      compared to a commonly used brush technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope,
      127:1032-1035, 2017.

PMID- 28092118
TI  - Incorporation of CT-based measurements of trunk anatomy into subject-specific
      musculoskeletal models of the spine influences vertebral loading predictions.
AB  - We created subject-specific musculoskeletal models of the thoracolumbar spine by
      incorporating spine curvature and muscle morphology measurements from computed
      tomography (CT) scans to determine the degree to which vertebral compressive and
      shear loading estimates are sensitive to variations in trunk anatomy. We measured
      spine curvature and trunk muscle morphology using spine CT scans of 125 men, and
      then created four different thoracolumbar spine models for each person: (i)
      height and weight adjusted (Ht/Wt models); (ii) height, weight, and spine
      curvature adjusted (+C models); (iii) height, weight, and muscle morphology
      adjusted (+M models); and (iv) height, weight, spine curvature, and muscle
      morphology adjusted (+CM models). We determined vertebral compressive and shear
      loading at three regions of the spine (T8, T12, and L3) for four different
      activities. Vertebral compressive loads predicted by the subject-specific CT
      based musculoskeletal models were between 54% lower to 45% higher from those
      estimated using musculoskeletal models adjusted only for subject height and
      weight. The impact of subject-specific information on vertebral loading estimates
      varied with the activity and spinal region. Vertebral loading estimates were more
      sensitive to incorporation of subject-specific spinal curvature than subject
      specific muscle morphology. Our results indicate that individual variations in
      spine curvature and trunk muscle morphology can have a major impact on estimated
      vertebral compressive and shear loads, and thus should be accounted for when
      estimating subject-specific vertebral loading. (c) 2017 Orthopaedic Research
      Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2164-2173, 2017.

PMID- 28092119
TI  - Preserved Affective Sharing But Impaired Decoding of Contextual Complex Emotions
      in Alcohol Dependence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior research has repeatedly shown that alcohol dependence is
      associated with a large range of impairments in psychological processes, which
      could lead to interpersonal deficits. Specifically, it has been suggested that
      these interpersonal difficulties are underpinned by reduced recognition and
      sharing of others' emotional states. However, this pattern of deficits remains to
      be clarified. This study thus aimed to investigate whether alcohol dependence is
      associated with impaired abilities in decoding contextual complex emotions and
      with altered sharing of others' emotions. METHODS: Forty-one alcohol-dependent
      individuals (ADI) and 37 matched healthy individuals completed the Multifaceted
      Empathy Test, in which they were instructed to identify complex emotional states
      expressed by individuals in contextual scenes and to state to what extent they
      shared them. RESULTS: Compared to healthy individuals, ADI were impaired in
      identifying negative (Cohen's d = 0.75) and positive (Cohen's d = 0.46) emotional
      states but, conversely, presented preserved abilities in sharing others'
      emotional states. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that alcohol dependence is
      characterized by an impaired ability to decode complex emotional states (both
      positive and negative), despite the presence of complementary contextual cues,
      but by preserved emotion-sharing. Therefore, these results extend earlier data
      describing an impaired ability to decode noncontextualized emotions toward
      contextualized and ecologically valid emotional states. They also indicate that
      some essential emotional competences such as emotion-sharing are preserved in
      alcohol dependence, thereby offering potential therapeutic levers.

PMID- 28092120
TI  - Pediatric peritonsillar abscess: Outcomes and cost savings from using
      transcervical ultrasound.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: 1) To analyze clinical outcomes of children stratified by ultrasound
      into three diagnoses: acute tonsillitis, peritonsillar phlegmon, and abscess; and
      2) To compare clinical outcomes and financial impact between children who
      underwent ultrasound protocol to those who did not. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      analysis between two cohorts: ultrasound protocol group and control group.
      METHODS: Children with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) diagnosed in the emergency
      department (ED) were enrolled during a 2-year period for transcervical ultrasound
      evaluation of bilateral tonsillar fossae. Data from a cohort of patients with PTA
      prior to ultrasound screening were also collected from retrospective chart
      review. Outcome variables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.
      RESULTS: Seventy-eight children (mean 12.3 years) were enrolled in the ultrasound
      protocol, compared to 101 children (mean 13.6 years) evaluated using traditional
      methods of examination and/or computed tomography (CT) imaging. Demographics
      between the two groups were not significantly different. Only one-third of
      patients presumed to have PTA by ED staff had ultrasound findings consistent with
      abscess. Overall treatment failure rate was 8%, requiring readmission or surgical
      intervention for abscess. Length of stay, surgical drainage, and radiation
      exposure from CT scans were reduced significantly in the ultrasound group (P <
      0.006). Differences in readmission rates and mean charges between the two groups
      did not reach significance. CONCLUSION: Peritonsillar abscess is a common
      infection in the pediatric population, but diagnosis can be challenging.
      Transcervical ultrasound is a safe, cost-effective, and accurate modality to help
      stratify patients into medical and surgical treatment arms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      3b. Laryngoscope, 127:1924-1929, 2017.

PMID- 28092121
TI  - Hox functional diversity: Novel insights from flexible motif folding and plastic
      protein interaction.
AB  - How the formidable diversity of forms emerges from developmental and evolutionary
      processes is one of the most fascinating questions in biology. The homeodomain
      containing Hox proteins were recognized early on as major actors in diversifying
      animal body plans. The molecular mechanisms underlying how this transcription
      factor family controls a large array of context- and cell-specific biological
      functions is, however, still poorly understood. Clues to functional diversity
      have emerged from studies exploring how Hox protein activity is controlled
      through interactions with PBC class proteins, also evolutionary conserved HD
      containing proteins. Recent structural data and molecular dynamic simulations add
      further mechanistic insights into Hox protein mode of action, suggesting that
      flexible folding of protein motifs allows for plastic protein interaction. As we
      discuss in this review, these findings define a novel type of Hox-PBC
      interaction, weak and dynamic instead of strong and static, hence providing novel
      clues to understanding Hox transcriptional specificity and diversity.

PMID- 28092122
TI  - How Size Determines the Value of Gold: Economic Aspects of Wet Chemical and Laser
      Based Metal Colloid Synthesis.
AB  - Gold is one of the most valuable materials, and its monetary value is enhanced by
      size reduction from bullions to colloidal nanoparticles by a factor of 450. Wet
      chemical reduction with subsequent centrifugation and pulsed laser ablation in
      liquids are frequently used for pure colloidal gold synthesis. Both methods
      provide similar physicochemical nanoparticle properties, but are very different
      synthesis techniques. However, the costs inherent to these methods are
      surprisingly seldom discussed. Both methods have in common that the labor effort
      poses the majority of synthesis costs. Besides an increase in batch size and mass
      concentration, especially an increase of the nanoparticle productivity via higher
      laser power and centrifugation capacity reduces synthesis costs if pilot- or
      industrial-scale applications are intended. In this case, laser-based synthesis
      is more economical if its productivity exceeds a break-even value of 550 mg h-1 ,
      where the costs arising are limited by the metal costs. In contrast to industrial
      scale production, wet-chemical synthesis is more feasible for laboratory-scale
      applications, especially if the advantageous nanoparticle properties provided by
      laser ablation in liquids are not needed.

PMID- 28092123
TI  - Complex Hollow Nanostructures: Synthesis and Energy-Related Applications.
AB  - Hollow nanostructures offer promising potential for advanced energy storage and
      conversion applications. In the past decade, considerable research efforts have
      been devoted to the design and synthesis of hollow nanostructures with high
      complexity by manipulating their geometric morphology, chemical composition, and
      building block and interior architecture to boost their electrochemical
      performance, fulfilling the increasing global demand for renewable and
      sustainable energy sources. In this Review, we present a comprehensive overview
      of the synthesis and energy-related applications of complex hollow
      nanostructures. After a brief classification, the design and synthesis of complex
      hollow nanostructures are described in detail, which include hierarchical hollow
      spheres, hierarchical tubular structures, hollow polyhedra, and multi-shelled
      hollow structures, as well as their hybrids with nanocarbon materials.
      Thereafter, we discuss their niche applications as electrode materials for
      lithium-ion batteries and hybrid supercapacitors, sulfur hosts for lithium-sulfur
      batteries, and electrocatalysts for oxygen- and hydrogen-involving energy
      conversion reactions. The potential superiorities of complex hollow
      nanostructures for these applications are particularly highlighted. Finally, we
      conclude this Review with urgent challenges and further research directions of
      complex hollow nanostructures for energy-related applications.

PMID- 28092124
TI  - Active Site Mapping of Xylan-Deconstructing Enzymes with Arabinoxylan
      Oligosaccharides Produced by Automated Glycan Assembly.
AB  - Xylan-degrading enzymes are crucial for the deconstruction of hemicellulosic
      biomass, making the hydrolysis products available for various industrial
      applications such as the production of biofuel. To determine the substrate
      specificities of these enzymes, we prepared a collection of complex xylan
      oligosaccharides by automated glycan assembly. Seven differentially protected
      building blocks provided the basis for the modular assembly of 2-substituted, 3
      substituted, and 2-/3-substituted arabino- and glucuronoxylan oligosaccharides.
      Elongation of the xylan backbone relied on iterative additions of C4
      fluorenylmethoxylcarbonyl (Fmoc) protected xylose building blocks to a linker
      functionalized resin. Arabinofuranose and glucuronic acid residues have been
      selectively attached to the backbone using fully orthogonal 2-(methyl)naphthyl
      (Nap) and 2-(azidomethyl)benzoyl (Azmb) protecting groups at the C2 and C3
      hydroxyls of the xylose building blocks. The arabinoxylan oligosaccharides are
      excellent tools to map the active site of glycosyl hydrolases involved in xylan
      deconstruction. The substrate specificities of several xylanases and
      arabinofuranosidases were determined by analyzing the digestion products after
      incubation of the oligosaccharides with glycosyl hydrolases.

PMID- 28092125
TI  - Rattle-Structured Upconversion Nanoparticles for Near-IR-Induced Suppression of
      Alzheimer's beta-Amyloid Aggregation.
AB  - Rose bengal (RB)-loaded upconverting nanocomposites are synthesized as a near
      infrared (NIR)-responsive inhibitor of Abeta aggregation. Rattle-structured,
      organosilica shell (ROS) is deposited on NaYF4 :Yb,Er nanocrystals (UCNPs) for
      high loading efficiency and disaggregation of RB. RB/UCNP@ROS successfully
      inhibits Abeta self-assembly under NIR irradiation by generating 1 O2 .
      Furthermore, photoexcited RB/UCNP@ROS is effective in suppressing Abeta-induced
      cytotoxicity.

PMID- 28092126
TI  - Stability of a novel corticosteroid nasal irrigation solution: betamethasone 17
      valerate added to extemporaneously prepared nasal irrigation solutions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no commercially available nasal irrigation solutions
      containing corticosteroids. Instead, such preparations are extemporaneously
      prepared by adding existing corticosteroid formulations to nasal irrigation
      solutions. The stability of the corticosteroid betamethasone 17-valerate (B17V),
      in nasal irrigation solutions of different compositions and pH and stored under
      different temperatures, was studied to determine the optimal choice of solution
      and storage conditions. METHODS: Triplicate extemporaneous preparations made with
      B17V were prepared by adding a predetermined volume of B17V lotion to each nasal
      irrigation solution: normal saline (NS), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 ) powder
      dissolved in tap water, and a commercially available powder mixture (FLO Sinus
      Care Powder), dissolved in tap water or pre-boiled tap water. Preparations were
      stored at 30 degrees C and 4 degrees C. Sampling was carried out at 0, 1, 2, 6,
      and 24 hours. The concentrations of B17V and its degradation compound,
      betamethasone 21-valerate (B21V), were determined by high-performance liquid
      chromatography. RESULTS: Preparations stored at 30 degrees C contained a lower
      amount of B17V and higher amount of B21V than those stored at 4 degrees C. B17V
      stability in nasal irrigation solutions decreased in the following order: NS, FLO
      in fresh tap water, FLO in pre-boiled tap water, and NaHCO3 . The degradation
      rate of B17V increased with higher storage temperature and higher pH. CONCLUSION:
      B17V is most stable when added to NS and least stable in NaHCO3 solution. FLO
      solution prepared with either cooled boiled water or tap water is an alternative
      if administered immediately. Storage at 4 degrees C can better preserve stability
      of B17V, over a period of 24 hours.

PMID- 28092127
TI  - Induction of P450 genes in Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera by two
      neonicotinoid insecticides.
AB  - Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera are two primary planthoppers on rice
      throughout Asian countries and areas. Neonicotinoid insecticides, such as
      imidacloprid (IMI), have been extensively used to control rice planthoppers and
      IMI resistance consequently occurred with an important mechanism from the over
      expression of P450 genes. The induction of P450 genes by IMI may increase the
      ability to metabolize this insecticide in planthoppers and increase the
      resistance risk. In this study, the induction of P450 genes was compared in S.
      furcifera treated with IMI and nitromethyleneimidazole (NMI), in two planthopper
      species by IMI lethal dose that kills 85% of the population (LD85 ), and in N.
      lugens among three IMI doses (LD15 , LD50 and LD85 ). When IMI and NMI at the
      LD85 dose were applied to S. furcifera, the expression changes in most P450 genes
      were similar, including the up-regulation of nine genes and down-regulation of
      three genes. In terms of the expression changes in 12 homologous P450 genes
      between N. lugens and S. furcifera treated with IMI at the LD85 dose, 10 genes
      had very similar patterns, such as up-regulation in seven genes, down-regulation
      in one gene and no significant changes in two genes. When three different IMI
      doses were applied to N. lugens, the changes in P450 gene expression were much
      different, such as up-regulation in four genes at all doses and dose-dependent
      regulation of the other nine genes. For example, CYP6AY1 could be induced by all
      IMI doses, while CYP6ER1 was only up-regulated by the LD50 dose, although both
      genes were reported important in IMI resistance. In conclusion, P450 genes in two
      planthopper species showed similar regulation patterns in responding to IMI, and
      the two neonicotinoid insecticides had similar effects on P450 gene expression,
      although the regulation was often dose-dependent.

PMID- 28092128
TI  - Biomimetic Supramolecular Polymer Networks Exhibiting both Toughness and Self
      Recovery.
AB  - Biomimetic supramolecular dual networks: By mimicking the structure/function
      model of titin, integration of dynamic cucurbit[8]uril mediated host-guest
      interactions with a trace amount of covalent cross-linking leads to hierarchical
      dual networks with intriguing toughness, strength, elasticity, and energy
      dissipation properties. Dynamic host-guest interactions can be dissociated as
      sacrificial bonds and their facile reformation results in self-recovery of the
      dual network structure as well as its mechanical properties.

PMID- 28092130
TI  - Topological, Valleytronic, and Optical Properties of Monolayer PbS.
AB  - A PbS monolayer is demonstrated to be a novel platform for topological,
      valleytronic, and optical phenomena. Compressive strain can turn the trivial
      monolayer into a topological insulator. Optical pumping can facilitate charge,
      spin, and valley Hall effects tunable by external strain and light ellipticity.
      Similar results apply to other IV-VI semiconductors.

PMID- 28092129
TI  - Bortezomib in the treatment of antibody-mediated rejection in pediatric kidney
      transplant recipients: A multicenter Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium
      study.
AB  - Antibody-mediated rejection leads to allograft loss after kidney transplantation.
      Bortezomib has been used in adults for the reversal of antibody-mediated
      rejection; however, pediatric data are limited. This retrospective study was
      conducted in collaboration with the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium.
      Pediatric kidney transplant recipients who received bortezomib for biopsy-proven
      antibody-mediated rejection between 2008 and 2015 were included. The objective
      was to characterize the use of bortezomib in pediatric kidney transplant
      recipients. Thirty-three patients received bortezomib for antibody-mediated
      rejection at nine pediatric kidney transplant centers. Ninety percent of patients
      received intravenous immunoglobulin, 78% received plasmapheresis, and 78%
      received rituximab. After a median follow-up of 15 months, 65% of patients had a
      functioning graft. The estimated glomerular filtration rate improved or
      stabilized in 61% and 36% of patients at 3 and 12 months post-bortezomib,
      respectively. The estimated glomerular filtration rate at diagnosis significantly
      predicted estimated glomerular filtration rate at 12 months after adjusting for
      chronic histologic changes (P .001). Fifty-six percent of patients showed an at
      least 25% reduction in the mean fluorescence intensity of the immune-dominant
      donor-specific antibody, 1-3 months after the first dose of bortezomib. Non-life
      threatening side effects were documented in 21 of 33 patients. Pediatric kidney
      transplant recipients tolerated bortezomib without life-threatening side effects.
      Bortezomib may stabilize estimated glomerular filtration rate for 3-6 months in
      pediatric kidney transplant recipients with antibody-mediated rejection.

PMID- 28092131
TI  - Finish line plant-insect interactions mediated by insect feeding mode and plant
      interference: a case study of Brassica interactions with diamondback moth and
      turnip aphid.
AB  - There are gaps in our understanding of plant responses under different insect
      phytophagy modes and their subsequent effects on the insect herbivores'
      performance at late season. Here we compared different types of insect feeding by
      an aphid, Lipaphis erysimi, and a lepidopteran, Plutella xylostella, and how this
      affected defensive metabolites in leaves of 2 Brassica species when plants gain
      maturity. Thiocyanate concentrations after P. xylostella and L. erysimi feeding
      activities were the same. Total phenolics was higher after the phloem feeder
      feeding than the folivore activity. The plants compensatory responses (i.e.,
      tolerance) to L. erysimi feeding was significantly higher than the responses to
      P. xylostella. This study showed that L. erysimi had higher carbon than P.
      xylostella whereas nitrogen in P. xylostella was 1.42 times that in L. erysimi.
      Population size of the phloem feeder was not affected by plant species or insect
      coexistence. However, there was no correlation between plant defensive
      metabolites and both insects' population size and biomass. This suggests that
      plant root biomass and tolerance index after different insect herbivory modes are
      not necessarily unidirectional. Importantly, the interaction between the folivore
      and the phloem feeder insects is asymmetric and the phloem feeder might be a
      trickier problem for plants than the folivore. Moreover, as both plants' common
      and special defenses decreased under interspecific interference, we suggest that
      specialist insect herbivores can be more challenged in ecosystems in which plants
      are not involved in interspecific interference.

PMID- 28092132
TI  - A Columnar Liquid-Crystal Phase Formed by Hydrogen-Bonded Perylene Bisimide J
      Aggregates.
AB  - A new perylene bisimide (PBI) dye self-assembles through hydrogen bonds and pi-pi
      interactions into J-aggregates that in turn self-organize into liquid-crystalline
      (LC) columnar hexagonal domains. The PBI cores are organized with the transition
      dipole moments parallel to the columnar axis, which is an unprecedented
      structural organization in pi-conjugated columnar liquid crystals. Middle and
      wide-angle X-ray analyses reveal a helical structure consisting of three self
      assembled hydrogen-bonded PBI strands that constitute a single column of the
      columnar hexagonal phase. This remarkable assembly mode for columnar liquid
      crystals may afford new anisotropic LC materials for applications in photonics.

PMID- 28092133
TI  - Why Are Dithienylethene-Linked Biscobaltocenes so Hard to Photoswitch?
AB  - Attaching an organometallic unit to a dithienylethene (DTE) molecular switch can
      allow one to vary its switching and spectroscopic properties, and to create
      switchable magnetic properties. In this work, two different dithienylethene
      molecular switches are used as a bridge between two cobalt sandwich units. The
      only difference between the switching cores is in the size of the cycloalkene
      ring connecting both thiophene rings. The complexes present different oxidation
      states for the cobalt atoms, which are demonstrated to determine the switching
      reaction. The UV/Vis measurements show that while the Co(I) complexes undergo the
      switching reaction, the Co(II,III) complexes switch poorly. Kohn-Sham density
      functional theory calculations indicate diabatic ring-closure mechanisms and a
      large number of excited states hindering the cyclization reaction and favoring
      the relaxation to the open form of the molecular switch.

PMID- 28092134
TI  - Reversible Formation of 2D Electron Gas at the LaFeO3 /SrTiO3 Interface via
      Control of Oxygen Vacancies.
AB  - A conducting 2D electron gas (2DEG) is formed at the interface between epitaxial
      LaFeO3 layers >3 unit cells thick and the surface of SrTiO3 single crystals. The
      2DEG is exquisitely sensitive to cation intermixing and oxygen nonstoichiometry.
      It is shown that the latter thus allows the controllable formation of the 2DEG
      via ionic liquid gating, thereby forming a nonvolatile switch.

PMID- 28092135
TI  - Self-Supported 3D PdCu Alloy Nanosheets as a Bifunctional Catalyst for
      Electrochemical Reforming of Ethanol.
AB  - 3D PdCu alloy nanosheets exhibit enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward
      hydrogen evolution reaction and ethanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media.
      Simultaneous hydrogen and acetate production via a solar-powered cell for ethanol
      reforming has been fabricated using the nanosheets as bifunctional
      electrocatalysts. The device is promising for the production of both hydrogen and
      value-added chemicals using renewable energy.

PMID- 28092136
TI  - Computational fluid dynamic modeling of nose-to-ceiling head positioning for
      sphenoid sinus irrigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After sinus surgery, patients are commonly instructed to irrigate
      with saline irrigations with their heads over a sink and noses directed
      inferiorly (nose-to-floor). Although irrigations can penetrate the sinuses in
      this head position, no study has assessed whether sphenoid sinus penetration can
      be improved by irrigating with the nose directed superiorly (nose-to-ceiling).
      The purpose of this study was to use a validated computational fluid dynamics
      (CFD) model of sinus irrigations to assess the difference in sphenoid sinus
      delivery of irrigations after irrigating in a nose-to-floor vs nose-to-ceiling
      head position. METHODS: Bilateral maxillary antrostomies, total ethmoidectomies,
      wide sphenoidotomies, and a Draf III frontal sinusotomy were performed on a
      single fresh cadaver head. CFD models were created from postoperative computed
      tomography maxillofacial scans. CFD modeling software was used to simulate a 120
      mL irrigation to the left nasal cavity with the following parameters: flow rate
      30 mL/second, angle of irrigation 20 degrees to the nasal floor, and either nose
      to-floor or nose-to-ceiling head positioning. RESULTS: In the postoperative CFD
      models, the sphenoid sinuses were completely penetrated by the irrigation while
      in a nose-to-ceiling head position. However, no sphenoid sinus penetration
      occurred in the nose-to-floor position. Other sinuses were similarly penetrated
      in both head positions, although the ipsilateral maxillary sinus was less
      penetrated in the nose-to-ceiling position. CONCLUSION: CFD modeling demonstrated
      that the nose-to-ceiling head position was superior to the nose-to-floor position
      in delivering a 120-mL irrigation to the sphenoid sinuses.

PMID- 28092137
TI  - Isolation and characterization of Rhizobium sp. strain YS-1r that degrades lignin
      in plant biomass.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this work was to isolate novel lignin-degrading organisms.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Several pure cultures of bacteria that degrade lignin were
      isolated from bacterial consortia developed from decaying biomass. Among the
      isolates, Rhizobium sp. strain YS-1r (closest relative of Rhizobium petrolearium
      strain SL-1) was explored for its lignin-degrading ability. Microcosm studies
      showed that strain YS-1r was able to degrade a variety of lignin monomers, dimers
      and also native lignin in switchgrass and alfalfa. The isolate demonstrated
      lignin peroxidase (LiP) activity when grown on alkali lignin, p-anisoin,
      switchgrass or alfalfa, and only negligible activity was measured in glucose
      grown cells suggesting inducible nature of the LiP activity. Analysis of the
      strain YS-1r genome revealed the presence of a variety of genes that code for
      various lignin-oxidizing, H2 O2 -producing as well as polysaccharide-hydrolysing
      enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows both the genomic and physiological
      capability of bacteria in the genus Rhizobium to metabolize lignin and lignin
      like compounds. This is the first detailed report on the lignocellulose-degrading
      ability of a Rhizobium species and thus this study expands the role of alpha
      proteobacteria in the degradation of lignin. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE
      STUDY: The organism's ability to degrade lignin is significant since Rhizobia are
      widespread in soil, water and plant rhizospheres and some fix atmospheric
      nitrogen and also have the ability to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons.

PMID- 28092138
TI  - Nursing students' attitudes toward research and development within nursing: Does
      writing a bachelor thesis make a difference?
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of writing a bachelor's
      thesis on nursing students' attitudes towards research and development in
      nursing. The study sample consisted of 91 nursing students who were required to
      complete a bachelor's thesis and 89 nursing students who were not required to
      complete a bachelor's thesis. Data were collected via self-report questionnaire
      that was distributed in May and June 2012. The questionnaire comprised 3 parts:
      (1) demographic items; (2) questions about "scientific activities," and (3) the
      nursing students' attitudes towards and awareness of research and development
      within nursing scale (version 2). The mean age of the students was 23 (1.3)
      years. The students who wrote a bachelor's thesis achieved a median score of
      110.0, whereas the students in the other group had a median score of 105.0 on the
      scale. All the items were assigned a 3 or higher. A statistically significant
      difference was found between the 2 groups in their attitudes towards and
      awareness of research (U = 3265.5; P = .025). The results of this study suggest
      that writing a thesis in nursing education has a positive influence on nursing
      students' attitudes towards and awareness of research and development in nursing.

PMID- 28092139
TI  - Content of conventional therapy for the severely affected arm during subacute
      rehabilitation after stroke: An analysis of physiotherapy and occupational
      therapy practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physiotherapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) are key
      professions providing treatment for the arm after stroke; however, knowledge
      about the content of these treatments is scant. Detailed data are needed to
      replicate interventions, evaluate their effective components, and evaluate PT and
      OT practice. This paper describes PT and OT treatment for the severely affected
      arm in terms of duration, content according to components and categories of the
      International Classification of Human Functioning, Disability and Health, and to
      analyze differences between professions. METHODS: Design: This is a retrospective
      analysis of randomized trial data. PARTICIPANTS: 46 patients after stroke with
      poor arm motor control recruited from inpatient neurological units from three
      rehabilitation centers in the Netherlands. PROCEDURE: PTs and OTs recorded
      duration and content of arm treatment interventions for 8 weeks using a bespoke
      treatment schedule with 15 International Classification of Human Functioning,
      Disability and Health categories. RESULTS: PTs and OTs spent on average 4-7 min
      per treatment session (30 min) on arm treatment. OTs spent significantly more
      time providing arm treatment and treatment at the activities level than PTs. PTs
      spent 79% of their arm treatment time on body functions, OTs 41%. OTs spent
      significantly more time on "moving around using transportation," "self care," and
      "household tasks" categories. CONCLUSIONS: Patients after stroke with a severely
      affected arm and an unfavorable prognosis for arm motor recovery receive little
      arm-oriented PT and OT. Therapists spent most arm treatment time on body
      functions. There was a considerable overlap in the content of PT and OT in 12 of
      the 15 categories. Results can be generalized only to patients with poor arm
      motor control and may not represent practice in other countries.

PMID- 28092141
TI  - Laundry hygiene-how to get more than clean.
AB  - Although laundering should mainly remove stains and dirt from used and worn
      textiles, the elimination of microbial contamination is an important aim of the
      laundry process as well. While industrial and institutional laundering employs
      standardized processes using high temperatures (i.e. 60 degrees C and above) and
      bleaching agents to ensure a sufficient hygienic reconditioning of textiles,
      domestic laundering processes are less defined and not always led by purposeful
      aims. The strive for energy efficiency of household appliances has resulted in a
      decrease in washing temperatures in Europe during the last decades and
      convenience aspects led to an increased use of liquid detergents that do not
      contain bleach which in turn impacts the antimicrobial efficacy of domestic
      laundering. This review compiles the different factors that influence the input
      and removal of micro-organisms in the laundering process and discusses the
      possible adverse effects of microbial contaminants in the washing machine and on
      the textiles as well as suitable counteractions.

PMID- 28092140
TI  - A systematic review of sinonasal oncocytomas and oncocytic carcinomas: Diagnosis,
      management, and technical considerations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oncocytomas and oncocytic carcinomas are rare tumors of the sinonasal
      cavity with the propensity for local invasion. This report and systematic review
      details a case of a nasal oncocytoma involving the lacrimal sac and provides an
      update of the current literature. METHODS: A systematic literature review was
      performed using PubMed and Ovid databases. The data obtained from published
      articles with sinonasal oncocytoma/oncocytic carcinoma as the primary diagnosis
      included patient demographics, presentation, radiographic and histologic
      findings, management, and recurrence rates. RESULTS: Twenty cases were
      identified. The most common symptoms were epistaxis (n = 11) and nasal
      obstruction (n = 11). Involvement of the nasal cavity was most common (n = 17),
      followed by the paranasal sinuses (n = 13) and nasolacrimal apparatus (n = 4).
      Recurrence occurred in 55% of cases. Recurrence was associated with invasion or
      infiltration found on histology or the presence of both invasion/infiltration and
      mitotic figures/pleomorphism (p < 0.05), with no significant relationship between
      recurrence and age at diagnosis (p = 0.42), sex (p = 0.65), and location of tumor
      (p = 0.14). The authors present the case of a 73-year-old woman with a 5-month
      history of worsening epistaxis and biopsy-proven oncocytoma. Complete surgical
      resection of the tumor using combined endonasal endoscopic and anterior
      orbitotomy approach is described. CONCLUSION: Oncocytomas and oncocytic
      carcinomas are rare tumors of the sinonasal cavity with a high rate of local
      recurrence and orbital involvement. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice
      and complete resection can be achieved with an endoscopic endonasal approach.

PMID- 28092142
TI  - Identifying the Collective Length in VO2 Metal-Insulator Transitions.
AB  - The "collective length" in VO2 metal-insulator transitions is identified by
      controlling nanoscale dopant distribution in thin films. The crossover from the
      local transition to the collective transition is observed, which originates from
      the increased instability of the metal-insulator domain boundary. This
      instability renders the transition collective within the "collective length",
      which will enable the design of collective electronic devices.

PMID- 28092143
TI  - Human leucocyte antigen-adverse drug reaction associations: from a perspective of
      ethnicity.
AB  - Whilst immune-mediated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are rare, they are
      potentially life-threatening and present a major problem for clinicians. The
      underlying mechanisms that cause ADRs are not fully understood although
      genomewide association studies (GWAS) and case-control investigations have
      associated human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles as risk factors. There is
      evidence that a patient's ethnic background can have an impact on their risk of
      developing an ADR. This review summarizes the evidence related to HLA alleles and
      ADRs with particular focus on patient ethnicity. Our analysis indicated that many
      of the alleles which have been associated with ADRs are found at higher
      frequencies in Asian populations. The data also showed that many of the alleles
      that are reported to be statistically significantly associated with ADRs are in
      linkage disequilibrium with each other and that they form haplotypes specific to
      certain ethnicities indicating at least some of the allele associations may not
      be causal.

PMID- 28092144
TI  - Exergaming boxing versus heavy-bag boxing: are these equipotent for individuals
      with spinal cord injury?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current strategies for increased physical activity and exercise in
      individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) face many challenges with regards to
      maintaining their continuity of participation. Barriers cited often include
      problems with accessing facilities, mundane, monotonous or boring exercises and
      expensive equipment that is often not adapted for wheelchair users. AIM: To
      compare the physiological responses and user preferences between conventional
      heavy-bag boxing against a novel form of video game boxing, known as exergaming
      boxing. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Exercise laboratory setting in a
      university medical center. POPULATION: Seventeen participants with SCI were
      recruited, of which sixteen were male and only one female. Their mean age was
      35.6+/-10.2 years. METHODS: All of them performed a 15-minute physical exercise
      session of exergaming and heavy-bag boxing in a sitting position. The study
      assessed physiological responses in terms of oxygen consumption, metabolic
      equivalent (MET) and energy expenditure between exergaming and heavy-bag boxing
      derived from open-circuit spirometry. Participants also rated their perceived
      exertion using Borg's category-ratio ratings of perceived exertion. RESULTS: Both
      exergaming (MET: 4.3+/-1.0) and heavy-bag boxing (MET: 4.4+/-1.0) achieved
      moderate exercise intensities in these participants with SCI. Paired t-test
      revealed no significant differences (P>0.05, Cohen's d: 0.02-0.49) in the
      physiological or perceived exertional responses between the two modalities of
      boxing. Post session user survey reported all the participants found exergaming
      boxing more enjoyable. CONCLUSIONS: Exergaming boxing, was able to produce
      equipotent physiological responses as conventional heavy-bag boxing. The
      intensity of both exercise modalities achieved recommended intensities for health
      and fitness benefits. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Exergaming boxing have the
      potential to provide an enjoyable, self-competitive environment for moderate
      vigorous exercise even at the comfort of their homes.

PMID- 28092145
TI  - The role of diuretic response in prognosis prediction in discharged heart failure
      patients: the inclusion of diuresis.

PMID- 28092146
TI  - Bovine pericardium graft augmentation versus native tissue repair in anterior
      prolapse surgery: a retrospective study.

PMID- 28092147
TI  - Should serum calcitonin be routinely measured in patients presenting with thyroid
      nodule?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The European Thyroid Association recommends serum calcitonin
      measurement in thyroid nodule cases. In contrast, the American Thyroid
      Association is ambivalent. In this institution, thyroid nodules cases are subject
      to a multidisciplinary evaluation of the clinical history and examination,
      ultrasound and scintigraphy, CT scan and sometimes MRI scan, biochemistry and
      histopathology of biopsies. We report on the current use of plasma calcitonin
      measurements in the context of changing practice which has not included screening
      of all thyroid nodules. METHODS: Laboratory records were searched from the
      beginning of January 2010 to the end of April 2016 for all serum calcitonin
      measurements. RESULTS: There were 44 patients (30 females, age range 31 to 87
      years with median 57.5) and 14 males, age range 20 to 85 years with median 53.4
      years) who had a serum calcitonin measured. Of these 33 patients did not have a
      detectable serum calcitonin. There were 3 patients who had an initial elevated
      serum calcitonin which became undetectable over time. Over the same time period,
      a total of 2070 patients presented with thyroid nodules. Medullary thyroid cancer
      (MTC) was found in 7 cases. Thus assuming all MTC cases had calcitonin measured,
      MTC is 7 of 341 (2.05%) of the total thyroid cancer burden at the hospital and 7
      of 2070 (0.338%) of all thyroid nodules. Our practice is not to routine screen
      all nodules for MTC. CONCLUSIONS: Because patients with a nodule are subjected to
      ultrasound scanning and biopsy, when the nodule size is greater than 5 cm or when
      there is a modifying ultrasound or clinical characteristic, the consensus at the
      multidisciplinary conference on thyroids rather than universal calcitonin
      screening of all nodules is the better option in our judgement.

PMID- 28092148
TI  - Issues in Nutrition: Foreword.

PMID- 28092149
TI  - Issues in Nutrition: Nutritional Assessment of Adults.
AB  - The assessment of nutritional status in adults should begin with a complete
      history, including intake of fruits and vegetables, sources of fat, and added
      sugar (eg, sugar-sweetened beverages). The history should include social factors
      that may impede a patient's ability to obtain food, as well as any factors that
      might interfere with preparing, chewing, and digesting food and absorbing
      nutrients. The physical examination should include measurement of height and
      weight and calculation of body mass index. It also may include measurements of
      waist circumference and waist to hip ratio, and an evaluation of strength.
      Laboratory evaluation should include measurement of albumin, prealbumin, and
      other markers of total body protein stores. No biomarker is completely sensitive
      or specific. With a range of dietary patterns, it is possible for nutritional
      gaps specific to those patterns to develop. Identification of a single nutrient
      deficiency typically reflects an overall weakness in the diet. The Mediterranean
      and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets have the most evidence
      to support them as healthy diets.

PMID- 28092150
TI  - Issues in Nutrition: Dietary Supplements.
AB  - The majority of American adults report use of one or more dietary supplements
      every day or occasionally. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of
      1994 defines dietary supplements and regulates their manufacture and
      distribution. One of the most commonly used supplements is vitamin D. Measurement
      of serum levels of vitamin D must be undertaken with the caveats that different
      laboratories define normal levels differently, and that there is rarely a
      clinical correlation with the actual level. Patients should understand that
      supplements should not be used to excess, as there are toxicities and other
      adverse effects associated with most of them. There currently is considerable
      research being performed on probiotics and how the gut microbiome affects health
      and disease states. Protein supplements may be useful in reducing mortality rates
      in elderly patients but they do not appear to increase quality of life. If used,
      protein supplements should contain essential amino acids. Casein and whey
      supplements, derived from dairy sources, help transport essential amino acids to
      tissues. Although there have been many studies investigating the role of vitamin
      supplements in disease prevention, there have been few conclusive positive
      results.

PMID- 28092151
TI  - Issues in Nutrition: Carbohydrates.
AB  - Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and dietary fibers. Resistant starches
      resemble fiber in their behavior in the intestinal tract, and may have positive
      effects on blood glucose levels and the gut microbiome. Fibers are classified as
      soluble and insoluble, but most fiber-containing foods contain a mixture of
      soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber has been shown to lower low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Many artificial sweeteners and other sugar
      substitutes are available. Most natural sources of sweeteners also are energy
      sources. Many artificial sweeteners contain no kilocalories in the amounts
      typically used. Sugar alcohols may have a laxative effect when consumed in large
      amounts. Glycemic index and glycemic load are measurements that help quantify
      serum glucose response after ingestion of particular foods. These measurements
      may be affected by the combination of foods consumed in a given meal, and the
      glycemic index may vary among individuals eating the same meal. Eating foods with
      a low glycemic index may help prevent development of type 2 diabetes. There is no
      definitive evidence to recommend low-carbohydrate diets over low-fat diets for
      long-term weight loss; they are equally effective.

PMID- 28092152
TI  - Issues in Nutrition: Dietary Considerations in Select Chronic Conditions.
AB  - Chronic diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract also tend to affect
      nutrition. The incidence of chronic liver disease is increasing. As the
      prevalence of obesity rises, so do the incidences of nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Patients with chronic liver disease
      usually have some degree of malnutrition. In the absence of encephalopathy,
      patients with chronic liver disease should consume more protein than that in the
      average diet. There is some controversy about whether diet plays a role in the
      development of inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with ulcerative colitis and
      Crohn disease frequently present with weight loss as a symptom, and require
      careful nutritional assessment. Exclusive enteral nutrition plays an important
      role in inducing remission in children with Crohn disease but the same is not
      true in adults. Celiac disease is a relatively common enteropathy characterized
      by an autoimmune response in the intestinal lining. Patients with celiac disease
      should avoid eating gluten, which is found in wheat, soy, and barley. There is no
      evidence that gluten avoidance results in improved health outcomes in patients
      who are not gluten intolerant.

PMID- 28092153
TI  - Removable Large-Area Ultrasmooth Silver Nanowire Transparent Composite Electrode.
AB  - In this work, a composite silver nanowire (AgNW) transparent electrode that is
      large-area ultrasmooth without conductivity or transmittance scarifice, removable
      but with good resistance to both water and organic solvent, is reported. Via a
      simple low-temperature solution process without complicated transfer steps or
      additional pressure pressing, a new kind of AgNWs composite with biocompatible
      and patternable chitosan polymer complex demonstrates a quite low root-mean
      square roughness ~7 nm at a largest reported scan size of 50 MUm * 50 MUm, which
      is among the best flat surface. After long-term exposure to both water and
      organic solvent, it still shows strong adhesion, unchanged transparency, and no
      obvious conductivity reduction, suggesting a good stability staying on the
      substrate. Meanwhile, the polymer and silver nanowire in the composite electrode
      can be damaged via the same process through concentrated acid or base etching to
      leave off the substrate, allowing a simple patterning technology. Besides, the
      imported insulating polymer does not lower down the opto-electrical performance,
      and a high figure of merit close to 300 is obtained for the composite electrode,
      significantly outperforming the optoelectronic performance of indium-tin oxide
      (ITO) coated plastics (~100) and comparable to ITO-coated glass. It shows great
      advantage to replace ITO as a promising transparent electrode.

PMID- 28092154
TI  - Correlating the Network Topology of Oxide Glasses with their Chemical Durability.
AB  - Glasses gradually dissolve and corrode when they are exposed to aqueous
      solutions, and for many applications it is necessary to understand and predict
      the kinetics of the glass dissolution. Despite the recent progress in
      understanding the impact of chemical composition on the dissolution rate, a
      detailed understanding of the structural and topological origin of chemical
      durability in solutions of different pH is still largely lacking. Such knowledge
      would enable the tailoring of glass dissolution kinetics as a function of
      chemical composition. In a recent study focusing on silicate minerals and
      glasses, a direct relation was demonstrated between the dissolution rate at high
      pH and the number of chemical topological constraints per atom (nc) acting within
      the molecular network [Pignatelli, I.; Kumar, A.; Bauchy, M.; Sant, G. Langmuir
      2016, 32, 4434-4439]. Here, we extend this work by studying the bulk dissolution
      rate (Dr) of a wider range of oxide glasses in various acidic, neutral, and basic
      solutions. The glass compositions have been selected to obtain a wide range of
      chemistries and values of nc, from flexible phosphate glasses to stressed-rigid
      aluminosilicate glasses. We show that, in flexible glasses, the internal modes of
      deformation facilitate the hydration of the network, whereas, in stressed-rigid
      glasses, the high number of constraints largely inhibits hydration in basic,
      neutral, and acidic solutions. Our study of chemical dissolution also allows
      establishing the kinetic mechanisms, which is controlled through an effective
      activation energy and depends on pH and glass topology. The energy barrier that
      needs to be overcome to break a unit atomic constraint is approximately constant
      for pH > 2, but then decreases at lower pH, indicating a change in dissolution
      mechanism from hydrolysis to ion exchange at low pH. Thus, with this research and
      existing topological models, the atomistic design of new oxide glasses with a
      specific chemical durability for a determined pH could become possible.

PMID- 28092156
TI  - Inhibition of Cronobacter sakazakii Adhesion to Caco-2 Cells by Commercial Dairy
      Powders and Raw Buttermilk.
AB  - Cronobacter sakazakii is a foodborne pathogen that has been associated with
      severe infections, mainly in neonates. The binding of this bacterium to host cell
      surfaces represents the first step in the pathogenesis of disease. An ELISA-based
      assay has been developed using a polyclonal antiserum against C. sakazakii to
      determine its adhesion to Caco-2 cells. The antiserum used recognized many of the
      outer membrane proteins of C. sakazakii. A positive correlation was found between
      the absorbance values obtained by ELISA and the number of bacteria adhered to
      cells determined by plate counting. The inhibitory effect on bacterial adhesion
      to cells observed with some dairy products was concentration-dependent.
      Commercial buttermilk caused the maximal reduction of the adhesion percentage
      (33.0 +/- 5.07) at the highest concentration assayed (20 mg/mL), followed by
      butter serum (31.9 +/- 5.36), skim milk (30.4 +/- 5.07), and raw buttermilk (25.6
      +/- 3.80). In some cases, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the
      inhibition exerted by the different products evaluated. The results obtained in
      this study demonstrate that dairy products contain some components with the
      ability to inhibit the adhesion of C. sakazakii to Caco-2 cells.

PMID- 28092157
TI  - Formal Total Synthesis of Manzacidin C Based on Asymmetric 1,3-Dipolar
      Cycloaddition of Azomethine Imines.
AB  - An enantioselective formal total synthesis of (+)-manzacidin C is described. A
      key feature of the synthesis is the construction of two chiral centers via the
      asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of an azomethine imine to methallyl alcohol
      by the use of (S,S)-DIPT as a chiral auxiliary.

PMID- 28092158
TI  - Polyolefin Thermoplastics for Multiple Shape and Reversible Shape Memory.
AB  - This work reports the first pure hydrocarbon thermoplastic polyolefin material
      with reversible shape memory effect under stress-free or very small external
      loading condition. A thermoplastic ethylene/1-octene diblock copolymer with
      designed chain microstructure was synthesized. The polyolefin material performed
      not only the conventional one-way multishape memory effects, but also a two-way
      reversible shape memory effect (RSME). The elongation and contraction induced by
      oriented crystallization with heating was confirmed as the mechanism of RSME
      without chemical cross-linking. This work demonstrated that the thermoplastic
      reversible shape memory could be achieved through careful design of chain
      microstructure, based on sole hydrocarbon materials such as ethylene-1-octene
      copolymer.

PMID- 28092155
TI  - Discovery of First-in-Class, Potent, and Orally Bioavailable Embryonic Ectoderm
      Development (EED) Inhibitor with Robust Anticancer Efficacy.
AB  - Overexpression and somatic heterozygous mutations of EZH2, the catalytic subunit
      of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), are associated with several tumor types.
      EZH2 inhibitor, EPZ-6438 (tazemetostat), demonstrated clinical efficacy in
      patients with acceptable safety profile as monotherapy. EED, another subunit of
      PRC2 complex, is essential for its histone methyltransferase activity through
      direct binding to trimethylated lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27Me3). Herein we
      disclose the discovery of a first-in-class potent, selective, and orally
      bioavailable EED inhibitor compound 43 (EED226). Guided by X-ray crystallography,
      compound 43 was discovered by fragmentation and regrowth of compound 7, a PRC2
      HTS hit that directly binds EED. The ensuing scaffold hopping followed by
      multiparameter optimization led to the discovery of 43. Compound 43 induces
      robust and sustained tumor regression in EZH2MUT preclinical DLBCL model. For the
      first time we demonstrate that specific and direct inhibition of EED can be
      effective as an anticancer strategy.

PMID- 28092159
TI  - Probe Decomposition of Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite in N2 and O2 by in
      Situ Infrared Spectroscopy.
AB  - Packaging methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (MAPbI3)-based solar cells with
      N2 or dry air is a promising solution for its application in outdoor
      photovoltaics. However, the effect of N2 and O2 on the decomposition chemistry
      and kinetics of MAPbI3 is not yet well-understood. With in situ Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy measurements, we show that the effective activation energy
      for the degradation of MAPbI3 in N2 is ~120 kJ/mol. The decomposition of MAPbI3
      is greatly accelerated by exposure to O2 in the dark. As a result of the
      synergistic effect between O2 and a HeNe laser (633 nm), the degradation rate is
      further increased with photon flux. This synergistic effect reduces the effective
      activation energy of degradation of MAPbI3 to ~50 kJ/mol. The solid decomposition
      products after annealing in N2 and O2 at 150  degrees C or below do not have
      absorbance between 650 and 4000 cm-1.

PMID- 28092160
TI  - Discovery of Metabolite Biomarkers for Acute Ischemic Stroke Progression.
AB  - Stroke remains a major public health problem worldwide; it causes severe
      disability and is associated with high mortality rates. However, early diagnosis
      of stroke is difficult, and no reliable biomarkers are currently established. In
      this study, mass-spectrometry-based metabolomics was utilized to characterize the
      metabolic features of the serum of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) to
      identify novel sensitive biomarkers for diagnosis and progression. First, global
      metabolic profiling was performed on a training set of 80 human serum samples (40
      cases and 40 controls). The metabolic profiling identified significant
      alterations in a series of 26 metabolites with related metabolic pathways
      involving amino acid, fatty acid, phospholipid, and choline metabolism.
      Subsequently, multiple algorithms were run on a test set consisting of 49 serum
      samples (26 cases and 23 controls) to develop different classifiers for verifying
      and evaluating potential biomarkers. Finally, a panel of five differential
      metabolites, including serine, isoleucine, betaine, PC(5:0/5:0), and
      LysoPE(18:2), exhibited potential to differentiate AIS samples from healthy
      control samples, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve
      values of 0.988 and 0.971 in the training and test sets, respectively. These
      findings provided insights for the development of new diagnostic tests and
      therapeutic approaches for AIS.

PMID- 28092163
TI  - Corrigendum to Simultaneous Orthogonal Drug Detection using Fully Integrated Gas
      Chromatography with Fourier Transform Infrared Detection and Mass Spectrometric
      Detection.

PMID- 28092161
TI  - Estimation of ellagic acid and/or repaglinide effects on insulin signaling,
      oxidative stress, and inflammatory mediators of liver, pancreas, adipose tissue,
      and brain in insulin resistant/type 2 diabetic rats.
AB  - Even though ellagic acid has previously been valued in many models of cancer, so
      far its full mechanistic effect as a natural antiapoptotic agent in the
      prevention of type 2 diabetes complications has not been completely elucidated,
      which was the goal of this study. We fed albino rats a high-fat fructose diet
      (HFFD) for 2 months to induce insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes and then treated
      the rats with ellagic acid (10 mg/kg body weight, orally) and/or repaglinide (0.5
      mg/kg body weight, orally) for 2 weeks. At the serum level, ellagic acid
      challenged the consequences of HFFD, significantly improving the glucose/insulin
      balance, liver enzymes, lipid profile, inflammatory cytokines, redox level,
      adipokines, ammonia, and manganese. At the tissue level (liver, pancreas, adipose
      tissue, and brain), ellagic acid significantly enhanced insulin signaling,
      autophosphorylation, adiponectin receptors, glucose transporters, inflammatory
      mediators, and apoptotic markers. Remarkably, combined treatment with both
      ellagic acid and repaglinide had a more pronounced effect than treatment with
      either alone. These outcomes give new insight into the promising molecular
      mechanisms by which ellagic acid modulates numerous factors induced in the
      progression of diabetes.

PMID- 28092162
TI  - Clinical use of high mobility group box 1 and the receptor for advanced glycation
      end products in the prognosis and risk stratification of heart failure: a
      literature review.
AB  - Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome that represents the end stage of heart
      disease and remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As
      heart failure mortality rates remain elevated, additional biomarkers that
      facilitate early detection or risk stratification in HF is of particularly great
      interest. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and receptor for advanced glycation
      end products (RAGE) cause the activation of intracellular signaling, gene
      expression, and production of inflammatory cytokines and have been linked to many
      inflammatory disease states such as diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Few
      studies have investigated their role in the pathophysiology of HF and any
      significant correlation remains uncertain. Review of the available literature
      discussing HMGB1 and RAGE clinical values as independent prognostic variables in
      HF resulted in the inclusion of 11 studies, which enrolled a total of 2025 heart
      failure patients. Overall, the data suggests a statistically significant positive
      correlation between RAGE and HF, with increasing RAGE levels associated with
      increasing New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class of heart failure.
      HMGB1 correlations were not as extensively studied, but there is evidence that
      both HMGB1 and RAGE have a definite potential as biomarkers for the prognosis and
      risk stratification of HF patients.

PMID- 28092164
TI  - Comparing Modified Huddart-Bodenham Scoring System and GOSLON Yardstick to Assess
      Dental Arch Relationships in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the reliability of the modified Huddart-Bodenham (MHB)
      numerical scoring system and its agreement with the GOSLON Yardstick
      categorization for assessing the dental arch relationships in unilateral cleft
      lip and palate (UCLP) cases. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: Faculty of
      Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong. PATIENTS: Forty-one nonsyndromic UCLP
      consecutive patients attending the Joint Cleft Lip/Palate Clinic at Faculty of
      Dentistry in the University of Hong Kong were selected. INTERVENTIONS: Study
      models at 8 to 10 years old (T1) and 10 to 12 years old (T2) were obtained from
      each patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Models were rated with the MHB scoring
      system and GOSLON Yardstick index. The intra- and interexaminer reliabilities as
      well as correlation of both scoring systems were evaluated. Furthermore, to
      investigate the outcome measurements consistency, the MHB scoring system and
      GOSLON Yardstick were independently used to compare the dental arch relationships
      from T1 to T2, with the samples split into intervention and nonintervention
      groups. RESULTS: The MHB scoring system presented good intra- and interexaminer
      agreement, which were comparable to those of the GOSLON Yardstick. The
      correlation between the MHB scoring system and GOSLON Yardstick scores was good.
      Both scoring systems showed similar results when assessing the change in the
      dental arch relationships from T1 to T2. CONCLUSIONS: The MHB scoring system can
      be used as an alternative method to the commonly used GOSLON Yardstick for
      assessing dental deformities in UCLP patients. Both scoring systems showed
      similar results in assessing the improvement in dental arch relationships.

PMID- 28092165
TI  - Recommendations for Best Disinfectant Practices to Reduce the Spread of Infection
      via Wrestling Mats.
AB  - CONTEXT: At the request of the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the
      head wrestling coach at our university, we conducted a study of infection
      transmission in collegiate wrestlers. OBJECTIVE: To examine disinfectant
      effectiveness and develop best-practice guidelines for minimizing the spread of
      skin infections via wrestling mats. DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study and
      crossover study. SETTING: Laboratory and two 15-college wrestling invitational
      meets. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 231 collegiate wrestlers and 8
      officials. INTERVENTION(S): In the laboratory-based part of the study, we
      measured the bacterial load of mats disinfected with 10% bleach, OxiTitan,
      Benefect, eWater, and KenClean and inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis
      (strain ATCC 12228) at a concentration of 6.5 * 104 bacteria/cm2. In the
      empirical part of the study, we used these disinfectants during 2 invitational
      meets and measured mat and participant bacterial load during competition.
      Participants were swabbed at weigh-in and after their last bout. Mat bacterial
      load was monitored hourly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We determined total colony
      counts and species. RESULTS: With controlled testing, we observed that products
      claiming to have residual activity reduced bacterial load by 63% over the course
      of competition compared with nonresidual agents. Only 4 of 182 participating
      wrestlers tested positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , which
      is the normal population occurrence. The predominant species on mats were skin
      bacteria ( Staphylococcus epidermidis ) and substantial levels of respiratory
      bacteria ( Streptococcus pneumoniae ), as well as several soil species and a
      surprisingly low incidence of fecal bacteria ( Escherichia coli ). Disinfectant
      effectiveness during the meets was consistent with controlled study findings.
      Cleaning mats with residual disinfectants reduced the average bacterial load by
      76% compared with nonresidual cleaners. Using a footbath did not reduce the
      bacterial load compared with a bleach-cleaned mat, but using alcohol-based hand
      gel reduced it by 78%. CONCLUSIONS: Best practices based on these data include
      backward mopping of the mats with a residual disinfectant pulled behind the
      cleaner, allowing mats to dry before walking on them, having wrestlers use hand
      gel before each bout, and strongly recommending that all wrestlers receive annual
      influenza vaccinations.

PMID- 28092166
TI  - Subchronic metformin pretreatment enhances novel object recognition memory task
      in forebrain ischemia: behavioural, molecular, and electrophysiological studies.
AB  - Metformin exerts its effect via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a
      key sensor for energy homeostasis that regulates different intracellular
      pathways. Metformin attenuates oxidative stress and cognitive impairment. In our
      experiment, rats were divided into 8 groups; some were pretreated with metformin
      (Met, 200 mg/kg) and (or) the AMPK inhibitor Compound C (CC) for 14 days. On day
      14, rats underwent transient forebrain global ischemia. Data indicated that
      pretreatment of ischemic rats with metformin reduced working memory deficits in a
      novel object recognition test compared to group with ischemia-reperfusion (I-R)
      (P < 0.01). Pretreatment of the I-R animals with metformin increased
      phosphorylated cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) and c-fos
      levels compared to the I-R group (P < 0.001 for both). The level of CREB and c
      fos was significantly lower in ischemic rats pretreated with Met + CC compared to
      the Met + I-R group. Field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) amplitude
      and slope was significantly lower in the I-R group compared to the sham operation
      group (P < 0.001). Data showed that fEPSP amplitude and slope was significantly
      higher in the Met + I-R group compared to the I-R group (P < 0.001). Treatment of
      ischemic animals with Met + CC increased fEPSP amplitude and slope compared to
      the Met + I-R group (P < 0.01). We unravelled new aspects of the protective role
      of AMPK activation by metformin, further emphasizing the potency of metformin
      pretreatment against cerebral ischemia.

PMID- 28092167
TI  - A semi-nested real-time PCR method to detect low chimerism percentage in small
      quantity of hematopoietic stem cell transplant DNA samples.
AB  - Chimerism status evaluation of post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation samples is essential to predict post-transplant relapse. The most
      commonly used technique capable of detecting small increments of chimerism is
      quantitative real-time PCR. Although this method is already used in several
      laboratories, previously described protocols often lack sensitivity and the
      amount of the DNA required for each chimerism analysis is too high. In the
      present study, we compared a novel semi-nested allele-specific real-time PCR
      (sNAS-qPCR) protocol with our in-house standard allele-specific real-time PCR
      (gAS-qPCR) protocol. We selected two genetic markers and analyzed technical
      parameters (slope, y-intercept, R2, and standard deviation) useful to determine
      the performances of the two protocols. The sNAS-qPCR protocol showed better
      sensitivity and precision. Moreover, the sNAS-qPCR protocol requires, as input,
      only 10 ng of DNA, which is at least 10-fold less than the gAS-qPCR protocols
      described in the literature. Finally, the proposed sNAS-qPCR protocol could prove
      very useful for performing chimerism analysis with a small amount of DNA, as in
      the case of blood cell subsets.

PMID- 28092168
TI  - Associations Between At-Risk Alcohol Use, Substance Use, and Smoking with
      Lipohypertrophy and Lipoatrophy Among Patients Living with HIV.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy and
      illicit drug use, smoking, and at-risk alcohol use among a large diverse cohort
      of persons living with HIV (PLWH) in clinical care. METHODS: 7,931 PLWH at six
      sites across the United States completed 21,279 clinical assessments, including
      lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy, drug/alcohol use, physical activity level, and
      smoking. Lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy were measured using the FRAM body
      morphology instrument and associations were assessed with generalized estimating
      equations. RESULTS: Lipohypertrophy (33% mild, 4% moderate-to-severe) and
      lipoatrophy (20% mild, 3% moderate-to-severe) were common. Older age, male sex,
      and higher current CD4 count were associated with more severe lipohypertrophy (p
      values <.001-.03). Prior methamphetamine or marijuana use, and prior and current
      cocaine use, were associated with more severe lipohypertrophy (p values <.001
      .009). Older age, detectable viral load, and low current CD4 cell counts were
      associated with more severe lipoatrophy (p values <.001-.003). In addition,
      current smoking and marijuana and opiate use were associated with more severe
      lipoatrophy (p values <.001-.03). Patients with very low physical activity levels
      had more severe lipohypertrophy and also more severe lipoatrophy than those with
      all other activity levels (p values <.001). For example, the lipohypertrophy
      score of those reporting high levels of physical activity was on average 1.6
      points lower than those reporting very low levels of physical activity (-1.6, 95%
      CI: -1.8 to -1.4, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of
      lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy among a nationally distributed cohort of PLWH.
      While low levels of physical activity were associated with both lipohypertrophy
      and lipoatrophy, associations with substance use and other clinical
      characteristics differed between lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy. These results
      support the conclusion that lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy are distinct, and
      highlight differential associations with specific illicit drug use.

PMID- 28092170
TI  - A single molecular marker to distinguish between species of Dioscorea.
AB  - Yams are species of the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae), which consists of
      approximately 630 species. The majority of the world production of yams occurs in
      Africa with 58.8 million t annually, but they are also produced in the Americas
      and Asia. The saponins in yams have been reported to possess various properties
      to improve health. The tuber and aerial parts of various species often share
      morphological similarities, which can cause problems in the proper identification
      of sample material. For example, the rootstocks and aerial parts of Dioscorea
      villosa L. share similarities with Dioscorea polystachia Turcz. Dioscorea
      bulbifera L. may be mistaken for Dioscorea alata L. owing to similar
      morphologies. Various molecular analyses have been published to help with the
      identification of species and varieties within the genus Dioscorea. The multi
      loci or single-locus analysis has resulted in varying success, some with only a
      limited discrimination rate. In the present study, a single nuclear genomic
      region, biparentally inherited, was analyzed for its usefulness as a molecular
      marker for species identification and discrimination between D. bulbifera, D.
      villosa, D. nipponica, D. alata, D. caucasica, and D. deltoidea samples. The
      results of this study show that the LFY genomic region can be useful as a
      molecular marker to distinguish between samples.

PMID- 28092169
TI  - National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Management of Acute
      Skin Trauma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To present recommendations for the cleansing, debridement, dressing,
      and monitoring of acute skin trauma in patients. BACKGROUND:   Acute skin trauma
      is common during participation in athletic and recreational activities. Clinical
      decisions and intervention protocols after injury vary among athletic trainers
      and are often based on ritualistic practices. An understanding of cleansing,
      debridement, and dressing techniques; clinical features of infection and adverse
      reactions; and monitoring of acute skin trauma is critical for certified athletic
      trainers and other allied health and medical professionals to create a local
      wound environment that promotes healing and lessens the risk of complications.
      RECOMMENDATIONS:   These guidelines are intended to provide the certified
      athletic trainer and others participating in athletic health care with specific
      knowledge about and recommendations for the management of acute skin trauma.

PMID- 28092171
TI  - A pangenotypic, single tablet regimen of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for the treatment
      of chronic hepatitis C infection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects nearly 170 million people worldwide
      and is a leading cause of progressive liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular
      carcinoma. Curative therapies have historically relied on interferon-based
      treatments and were limited by significant toxicity and poor response rates,
      particularly among patients with prior treatment failure and advanced hepatic
      fibrosis. The recent advent of direct acting antiviral (DAA) agents which target
      key steps in the HCV viral life cycle has transformed the landscape of HCV
      treatment by offering highly effective and well tolerated interferon-free
      treatments. However, current therapies are genotype-specific and have variable
      efficacy amongst less prevalent HCV variants. Areas covered: This review covers
      the preclinical and clinical development of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), an
      interferon-free, once daily, pangenotypic treatment for the treatment of chronic
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. All relevant literature from 2014 through
      September of 2016 is included. Expert opinion: SOF/VEL offers the promise of a
      single tablet, interferon- and ribavirin-free treatment that has extremely high
      efficacy in persons with chronic HCV infection regardless of genotype, subtype,
      treatment history or fibrosis status. It is expected to play a major role on a
      global scale in the therapeutic armamentarium against this ubiquitous threat to
      human health.

PMID- 28092172
TI  - Analysis of Indium Tin Oxide Film Using Argon Fluroide (ArF) Laser-Excited Atomic
      Fluorescence of Ablated Plumes.
AB  - A two-pulse laser-excited atomic fluorescence (LEAF) technique at 193 nm
      wavelength was applied to the analysis of indium tin oxide (ITO) layer on
      polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. Fluorescence emissions from analytes were
      induced from plumes generated by first laser pulse. Using this approach, non
      selective LEAF can be accomplished for simultaneous multi-element analysis and it
      overcomes the handicap of strict requirement for laser excitation wavelength. In
      this study, experimental conditions including laser fluences, times for gating
      and time delay between pulses were optimized to reveal high sensitivity with
      minimal sample destruction and penetration. With weak laser fluences of 100 and
      125 mJ/cm2 for 355 and 193 nm pulses, detection limits were estimated to be 0.10%
      and 0.43% for Sn and In, respectively. In addition, the relation between
      fluorescence emissions and number of laser shots was investigated; reproducible
      results were obtained for Sn and In. It shows the feasibility of depth profiling
      by this technique. Morphologies of samples were characterized at various laser
      fluences and number of shots to examine the accurate penetration. Images of
      craters were also investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The
      results demonstrate the imperceptible destructiveness of film after laser shot.
      With such weak laser fluences and minimal destructiveness, this LEAF technique is
      suitable for thin-film analysis.

PMID- 28092180
TI  - N-acetylcysteine a possible protector against indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer:
      crosstalk between antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.
AB  - This study investigated the gastroprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
      against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Ulceration was induced by a
      single oral administration of indomethacin (30 mg/kg). 50 male albino rats were
      allocated into 5 equal groups: control group received normal saline orally,
      indomethacin group rats received normal saline orally for 5 days and indomethacin
      (50 mg/kg) on the last day, ranitidine group received ranitidine (reference drug)
      orally for 5 days (50 mg/kg) before receiving indomethacin (50 mg/kg) on the last
      day, and NAC groups received NAC orally at 300 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, for 5
      days before receiving indomethacin (50 mg/kg) on the last day. Gastric tissue
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and caspase-3 levels
      were immunoassayed. Total thiol (T-SH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glucose-6
      phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) were determined by spectrophotometry. Cytokine
      induced neutrophil chemoattractant 2alpha (CINC-2alpha) gene expression was
      evaluated in addition to Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry. Pretreatment with NAC
      improved the inflammatory, apoptotic, and redox status in a dose-dependent manner
      particularly in NAC 500 mg/kg pretreated group. These results show a role for NAC
      in improving indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration via antioxidative,
      antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory interactive mechanisms.

PMID- 28092181
TI  - Impaired redox environment modulates cardiogenic and ion-channel gene expression
      in cardiac-resident and non-resident mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Redox homeostasis plays a crucial role in the regulation of self-renewal and
      differentiation of stem cells. However, the behavioral actions of mesenchymal
      stem cells in redox imbalance state remain elusive. In the present study, the
      effect of redox imbalance that was induced by either hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or
      ascorbic acid on human cardiac-resident (hC-MSCs) and non-resident (umbilical
      cord) mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) was evaluated. Both cells were sensitive
      and responsive when exposed to either H2O2 or ascorbic acid at a concentration of
      400 umol/L. Ascorbic acid pre-treated cells remarkably ameliorated the reactive
      oxygen species level when treated with H2O2. The endogenous antioxidative enzyme
      gene (Sod1, Sod2, TRXR1 and Gpx1) expressions were escalated in both MSCs in
      response to reactive oxygen species elevation. In contrast, ascorbic acid pre
      treated hUC-MSCs attenuated considerable anti-oxidative gene (TRXR1 and Gpx1)
      expressions, but not the hC-MSCs. Similarly, the cardiogenic gene (Nkx 2.5,
      Gata4, Mlc2a and beta-MHC) and ion-channel gene ( IKDR, IKCa, Ito and INa.TTX)
      expressions were significantly increased in both MSCs on the oxidative state. On
      the contrary, reduced environment could not alter the ion-channel gene expression
      and negatively regulated the cardiogenic gene expressions except for troponin-1
      in both cells. In conclusion, redox imbalance potently alters the cardiac
      resident and non-resident MSCs stemness, cardiogenic, and ion-channel gene
      expressions. In comparison with cardiac-resident MSC, non-resident umbilical cord
      MSC has great potential to tolerate the redox imbalance and positively respond to
      cardiac regeneration. Impact statement Human mesenchymal stem cells (h-MSCs) are
      highly promising candidates for tissue repair in cardiovascular diseases.
      However, the retention of cells in the infarcted area has been a major challenge
      due to its poor viability and/or low survival rate after transplantation. The
      regenerative potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) repudiate and enter into
      premature senescence via oxidative stress. Thus, various strategies have been
      attempted to improve the MSC survival in 'toxic' conditions. Similarly, we
      investigated the response of cardiac resident MSC (hC-MSCs) and non-resident MSCs
      against the oxidative stress induced by H2O2. Supplementation of ascorbic acid
      (AA) into MSCs culture profoundly rescued the stem cells from oxidative stress
      induced by H2O2. Our data showed that the pre-treatment of AA is able to inhibit
      the cell death and thus preserving the viability and differentiation potential of
      MSCs.

PMID- 28092182
TI  - An estrogen receptor beta-selective agonist inhibits non-alcoholic
      steatohepatitis in preclinical models by regulating bile acid and xenobiotic
      receptors.
AB  - Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) affects 8-10 million people in the US and up
      to 75% of obese individuals. Despite this, there are no approved oral
      therapeutics to treat NASH and therefore the need for novel approaches exists.
      The estrogen receptor beta (ER-beta)-selective agonist, beta-LGND2, inhibits body
      weight and white adipose tissue, and increases metabolism, resulting in higher
      energy expenditure and thermogenesis. Due to favorable effects of beta-LGND2 on
      obesity, we hypothesized that beta-LGND2 will prevent NASH directly by reducing
      lipid accumulation in the liver or indirectly by favorably changing body
      composition. Male C57BL/6 mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks or
      methionine choline-deficient diet for four weeks and treated with vehicle
      exhibited altered liver weights by twofold and increased serum transaminases by 2
      6-folds. These changes were not observed in beta-LGND2-treated animals.
      Infiltration of inflammatory cells and collagen deposits, an indication of
      fibrosis, were observed in the liver of mice fed with HFD for 10 weeks, which
      were effectively blocked by beta-LGND2. Gene expression studies in the liver
      indicate that pregnane X receptor target genes were significantly increased by
      HFD, and the increase was inhibited by beta-LGND2. On the other hand,
      metabolomics indicate that bile acid metabolites were significantly increased by
      beta-LGND2. These studies demonstrate that an ER-beta agonist might provide
      therapeutic benefits in NASH by directly modulating the function of xenobiotic
      and bile acid receptors in the liver, which have important functions in the
      liver, and indirectly, as demonstrated before, by inhibiting adiposity. Impact
      statement Over 75-90% of those classified as clinically obese suffer from co
      morbidities, the most common of which is non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
      While there are currently no effective treatment approaches for NASH, data
      presented here provide preliminary evidence that an estrogen receptor beta
      selective ligand could have the potential to reduce lipid accumulation and
      inflammation, and protect liver from NASH.

PMID- 28092183
TI  - Therapeutic effects of hyaluronidase on acquired lymphedema using a newly
      developed mouse limb model.
AB  - Acquired lymphedema is one of the most dreaded side effects of cancer treatment,
      such as surgical treatment or irradiation. However, due to the lack of
      appropriate animal models, there is no effective therapeutic method to cure
      acquired lymphedema. To develop a reproducible acquired lymphedema animal model,
      we devised a mouse hind limb model by removing a superficial inguinal lymph node,
      a popliteal lymph node, a deep inguinal lymph node, and the femoral lymphatic
      vessel. We measured the volume of lymphedematous leg and observed the change in
      level of hyaluronic acid (HA) and lymphangiogenic factors after injecting
      hyaluronidase. Our model showed the distinguishable swelling and the reliable
      symptoms compared to previously reported models. In the lymphedematous regions of
      our model, we confirmed that HA, a major component of extracellular matrix,
      accumulated to higher levels than in a normal mouse. This lymphedema volume was
      rapidly reduced by treating hyaluronidase. Following hyaluronidase injection, the
      lymphedematous region of our model resembled a normal hind limb. Our findings
      indicated that hyaluronidase promoted lymphangiogenesis on the lymphedematous
      limb. Based on hyaluronidase treatment in the lymphedematous region, this could
      potentially be a new therapeutic approach for acquired lymphedema mediated
      through the modification of the size of HA fragments. Impact statement In this
      manuscript, the essence of the work described in this manuscript involves the
      development of (1) a mouse limb model showing acquired lymphedema and (2) a
      potent therapeutic treatment using hyaluronidase to remedy acquired lymphedema in
      our model. In order to develop a reproducible acquired lymphedema animal model
      that reflects the most common symptoms experienced by lymphedema patients, we
      devised a mouse hind limb model by removing lymph nodes and lymphatics. Our model
      showed the distinguishable swelling and the reliable symptoms compared to
      previously reported models. In the lymphedematous regions of our model, we
      confirmed that hyaluronic acid (HA) accumulated to higher levels than in a normal
      mouse. This lymphedema volume was rapidly reduced by treating the lymphedematous
      leg with hyaluronidase, which also degraded high molecular weight HA to low
      molecular weight HA. Immunohistochemical analysis, quantitative real-time PCR
      analysis and lymphangioscintigraphy showed that hyaluronidase enhanced
      lymphangiogenesis in the lymphedematous limb.

PMID- 28092184
TI  - Mood, motives, and money: An examination of factors that differentiate online and
      non-online young adult gamblers.
AB  - Background and aims To date, there is a lack of research on psychological factors
      associated with young adult online gambling. The current study examined
      differences between young adult online and non-online gamblers, using information
      gathered at baseline and over 30 days during which participants reported on their
      moods, gambling behaviors, and reasons for initiating and discontinuing gambling.
      Methods Participants were 108 young adult regular gamblers (i.e., gambling four
      or more times in the past month) who participated in a 30-day daily diary study.
      Results Male gender, baseline coping motives for gambling and negative affect
      averaged across the 30 days emerged as significant correlates of online gambling,
      over and above other background variables. Online gamblers also scored higher on
      a baseline measure of pathological gambling. Over the 30 days of self-monitoring,
      online gamblers spent more time gambling, and won more money gambling, whereas
      non-online gamblers consumed more alcohol while gambling. Online gambling was
      more often initiated to make money, because of boredom and to demonstrate skills,
      whereas non-online gambling was more often initiated for social reasons and for
      excitement. Online gambling was more often discontinued because of boredom,
      fatigue or distress, whereas non-online gambling was discontinued because friends
      stopped gambling or mood was improved. Discussion and conclusions This study
      provides preliminary evidence that coping strategies may be particularly
      important to reduce risks for online gamblers, whereas strategies for non-online
      gamblers should focus on the social aspects of gambling.

PMID- 28092185
TI  - The development of the Problematic Series WatchingScale (PSWS).
AB  - Background and aims The goal of the present study was to create a short
      ProblematicSeries Watching Scale (PSWS). Methods On the basis of the six
      components model of Griffiths ( 2005 ), six items were identifiedcovering all
      components of problematic series watching. Confirmatoryfactor analyses were
      carried out on two independent samples (N1  = 366, N2  = 752). Results The PSWS
      has appropriate factor structure and reliability. Theamount of free time was not,
      but the series watching time was associatedwith PSWS scores. Women had higher
      scores than men. Discussion Before PSWS, no prior scale has been created to
      measure problematicseries watching. Further research is needed to properly assess
      itsvalidity and reliability; and for examining whether extensive serieswatching
      can lead to health-related and psychosocial problems. Conclusions In the
      increasingly digitalized world there are many motivationalforces which encourage
      people watching online series. In the lightof these changes, research on
      problematic series watching will beprogressively relevant.

PMID- 28092186
TI  - Under the influence of Facebook? Excess use of social networking sites and
      drinking motives, consequences, and attitudes in college students.
AB  - Background and aims Excessive use of social networking sites (SNS) has recently
      been conceptualized as a behavioral addiction (i.e., "disordered SNS use") using
      key criteria for the diagnosis of substance dependence and shown to be associated
      with a variety of impairments in psychosocial functioning, including an increased
      risk of problem drinking. This study sought to characterize associations between
      "disordered SNS use" and attitudes towards alcohol, drinking motives, and adverse
      consequences resulting from alcohol use in young adults. Methods Undergraduate
      students (n = 537, 64.0% female, mean age = 19.63 years, SD = 4.24) reported on
      their use of SNSs and completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test,
      Temptation and Restraint Inventory, Approach and Avoidance of Alcohol and
      Drinking Motives Questionnaires, and Drinker Inventory of Consequences. Results
      Respondents meeting previously established criteria for "disordered SNS use" were
      significantly more likely to use alcohol to cope with negative affect and to
      conform to perceived social norms, reported significantly more conflicting (i.e.,
      simultaneous positive and negative) attitudes towards alcohol, and had
      experienced significantly more, and more frequent adverse consequences from
      drinking in their inter- and intrapersonal, physical, and social functioning,
      compared to individuals without problems related to SNS use. Discussion and
      conclusions Findings add to an emerging body of literature suggesting a link
      between excess or maladaptive SNS use and problems related to alcohol in young
      adults and point to emotion dysregulation and coping motives as potential shared
      risk factors for substance and behavioral addictions in this demographic.

PMID- 28092187
TI  - Online and live regular poker players: Do they differ in impulsive sensation
      seeking and gambling practice?
AB  - Background and aims Online gambling appears to have special features, such as
      anonymity, speed of play and permanent availability, which may contribute to the
      facilitation and increase in gambling practice, potentially leading to problem
      gambling. The aims of this study were to assess sociodemographic characteristics,
      gambling practice and impulsive sensation seeking among a population of regular
      poker players with different levels of gambling intensity and to compare online
      and live players. Methods 245 regular poker players (180 online players and 65
      live players) completed online self-report scales assessing sociodemographic
      data, pathological gambling (SOGS), gambling practice (poker questionnaire) and
      impulsive sensation seeking (ImpSS). We used SOGS scores to rank players
      according to the intensity of their gambling practice (non-pathological gamblers,
      problem gamblers and pathological gamblers). Results All poker players displayed
      a particular sociodemographic profile: they were more likely to be young men,
      executives or students, mostly single and working full-time. Online players
      played significantly more often whereas live players reported significantly
      longer gambling sessions. Sensation seeking was high across all groups, whereas
      impulsivity significantly distinguished players according to the intensity of
      gambling. Discussion Our results show the specific profile of poker players. Both
      impulsivity and sensation seeking seem to be involved in pathological gambling,
      but playing different roles. Sensation seeking may determine interest in poker
      whereas impulsivity may be involved in pathological gambling development and
      maintenance. Conclusions This study opens up new research perspectives and
      insights into preventive and treatment actions for pathological poker players.

PMID- 28092188
TI  - A longitudinal study of factors explaining attitude change towards gambling among
      adolescents.
AB  - Background and aims No previous study has investigated changes in attitudes
      toward gambling from under legal gambling age to legal gambling age. The aim of
      the present study was therefore to investigate attitudinal changes during this
      transition and to identify predictors of corresponding attitude change. Methods
      In all 1239 adolescents from a national representative sample participated in two
      survey waves (Wave 1; 17.5 years; Wave 2; 18.5 years). Results From Wave 1 to
      Wave 2 the sample became more acceptant toward gambling. A regression analysis
      showed that when controlling for attitudes toward gambling at Wave 1 males
      developed more acceptant attitudes than females. Neuroticism was inversely
      related to development of acceptant attitudes toward gambling from Wave 1 to Wave
      2, whereas approval of gambling by close others at Wave 1 was positively
      associated with development of more acceptant attitudes. Continuous or increased
      participation in gambling was related to development of more acceptant attitudes
      from Wave 1 to Wave 2. Conclusions Attitudes toward gambling became more
      acceptant when reaching legal gambling age. Male gender, approval of gambling by
      close others and gambling participation predicted development of positive
      attitudes toward gambling whereas neuroticism was inversely related to
      development of positive attitudes toward gambling over time.

PMID- 28092190
TI  - Examining personalized feedback interventions for gambling disorders: A
      systematic review.
AB  - Background and aims Personalized feedback interventions (PFI) have shown success
      as a low-cost, scalable intervention for reducing problematic and excessive
      consumption of alcohol. Recently, researchers have begun to apply PFI as an
      intervention method for problematic gambling behaviors. A systematic review of
      the literature on PFI as an intervention/prevention method for gambling behaviors
      was performed. Methods Studies were included if they met the following criteria:
      the design included both a PFI group and a comparison group, and the
      interventions focused on gambling prevention and/or reduction. Six relevant
      studies were found meeting all criteria. Results Results revealed that PFI
      treatment groups showed decreases in a variety of gambling behaviors as compared
      to control groups, and perceived norms on gambling behaviors significantly
      decreased after interventions as compared to control groups. Conclusions Overall,
      the research suggests that while PFI applied to gambling is still in its infancy,
      problematic gamblers appear to benefit from programs incorporating PFIs. Further,
      PFI may also be used as a promising source of preventative measures for
      individuals displaying at-risk gambling behaviors. While, evidence is still
      limited, and additional research needs to be conducted with PFI for gambling
      problems, the preliminary positive results along with the structure of PFI as a
      scalable and relatively inexpensive intervention method provides promising
      support for future studies.

PMID- 28092189
TI  - Life adverse experiences in relation with obesity and binge eating disorder: A
      systematic review.
AB  - Background and aims Several studies report a positive association between adverse
      life experiences and adult obesity. Despite the high comorbidity between binge
      eating disorder (BED) and obesity, few authors have studied the link between
      trauma and BED. In this review the association between exposure to adverse life
      experiences and a risk for the development of obesity and BED in adulthood is
      explored. Methods Based on a scientific literature review in Medline, PubMed and
      PsycInfo databases, the results of 70 studies (N = 306,583 participants) were
      evaluated including 53 studies on relationship between adverse life experiences
      and obesity, 7 studies on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in
      relation to obesity, and 10 studies on the association between adverse life
      experiences and BED. In addition, mediating factors between the association of
      adverse life experiences, obesity and BED were examined. Results The majority of
      studies (87%) report that adverse life experiences are a risk factor for
      developing obesity and BED. More precisely a positive association between
      traumatic experiences and obesity and PTSD and obesity were found, respectively,
      in 85% and 86% of studies. Finally, the great majority of studies (90%) between
      trauma and the development of BED in adulthood strongly support this association.
      Meanwhile, different factors mediating between the trauma and obesity link were
      identified. Discussion and conclusions Although research data show a strong
      association between life adverse experiences and the development of obesity and
      BED, more research is needed to explain this association.

PMID- 28092191
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Internet Addiction Test in Turkish.
AB  - Background and aims In this study, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was adapted
      to Turkish language, which was originally developed by Young (1998) in English to
      measure the presence and severity of the Internet dependency. The main purpose
      was to ensure that the psychometric features and the factor structure of the test
      were suitable for Turkish university students. Method The study was conducted in
      two sequent phases. Participants were 990 undergraduate students from several
      public universities in Turkey. Results In the first phase, an exploratory factor
      analysis (EFA) was applied to figure out the factor structure of the Turkish
      version of the IAT. The EFA revealed four factors, which explained 46.02% of the
      total variance. In the following phase, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was
      conducted with a different sample, to verify the factor structure that was found
      in the initial EFA. The CFA resulted four-factor model was satisfactory for the
      Turkish version of the IAT. These four factors were named as Mood, Relationship,
      Responsibilities, and Duration. Conclusions Based on the findings, the
      administration of Turkish version of the IAT provided acceptable results on
      undergraduate students.

PMID- 28092192
TI  - Do I feel ill because I crave for work or do I crave for work because I feel ill?
      A longitudinal analysis of work craving, self-regulation, and health.
AB  - Background The theory of work craving defines workaholism as a pathological work
      addiction which comprises: (a) obsessive-compulsive desire to work, (b)
      anticipation of self-worth compensatory incentives from working, (c) anticipation
      of reduction of negative emotions or withdrawal symptoms from working, and (d)
      neurotic perfectionism. Research has shown that workaholism is associated with
      adverse health outcomes. However, the antecedents of workaholism and the causal
      direction of the relationship with health have been largely neglected. Aims In
      the present longitudinal study, we expect that work craving is predicted by
      deficits in emotional self-regulation (i.e., low action orientation) and mediates
      the relationship between self-regulation deficits and symptoms of psychological
      distress. We expected work craving to have an effect on later psychological
      distress symptoms, but not psychological distress symptoms to have an effect on
      later work craving. Methods In a sample of 170 German employees, a half
      longitudinal design using two times of measurement was implemented to specify the
      paths of two different structural equation models of mediation: (a) action
      orientation to later work craving and work craving to later psychological
      distress, and alternatively, (b) the temporal order of action orientation to
      later distress and distress to later work craving. Results Our data indicated
      that work craving partially mediated the relationship between self-regulation
      deficits and psychological distress, but psychological distress symptoms were not
      found to increase later work craving. Conclusions The presented longitudinal
      study indicates important mechanisms of work craving, especially by highlighting
      the influence of self-regulation deficits on work craving and, in turn,
      psychological distress.

PMID- 28092193
TI  - The impact of precommitment on risk-taking while gambling: A preliminary study.
AB  - Background and aims Precommitment refers to the ability to prospectively restrict
      the access to temptations. This study examined whether risk-taking during
      gambling is decreased when an individual has the opportunity to precommit to his
      forthcoming bet. Methods Sixty individuals participated in a gambling task that
      consisted of direct choice (simply chose one monetary option among four available
      ones, ranging from low-risk to high-risk options) or precommitment trials (before
      choosing an amount, participants had the opportunity to make a binding choice
      that made high-risk options unavailable). Results We found that participants
      utilized the precommitment option, such that risk-taking was decreased on
      precommitment trials compared to direct choices. Within the precommitment trials,
      there was no significant difference in risk-taking following decisions to
      restrict versus non-restrict. Discussion These findings suggest that the
      opportunity to precommit may be sufficient to reduce the attractiveness of risk.
      Conclusions Present results might be exploited to create interventions aiming at
      enhancing one's ability to anticipate self-control failures while gambling.

PMID- 28092194
TI  - Maladaptive perfectionism as mediator among psychological control, eating
      disorders, and exercise dependence symptoms in habitual exerciser.
AB  - Background and aims The current study examined the mediating role of maladaptive
      perfectionism among parental psychological control, eating disorder symptoms, and
      exercise dependence symptoms by gender in habitual exercisers. Methods
      Participants were 348 Italian exercisers (n = 178 men and n = 170 women; M age =
      20.57, SD = 1.13) who completed self-report questionnaires assessing their
      parental psychological control, maladaptive perfectionism, eating disorder
      symptoms, and exercise dependence symptoms. Results Results of the present study
      confirmed the mediating role of maladaptive perfectionism for eating disorder and
      exercise dependence symptoms for the male and female exercisers in the maternal
      data. In the paternal data, maladaptive perfectionism mediated the relationships
      between paternal psychological control and eating disorder and exercise
      dependence symptoms as full mediator for female participants and as partial
      mediator for male participants. Discussion Findings of the present study suggest
      that it may be beneficial to consider dimensions of maladaptive perfectionism and
      parental psychological control when studying eating disorder and exercise
      dependence symptoms in habitual exerciser.

PMID- 28092195
TI  - Serum BDNF levels in patients with gambling disorder are associated with the
      severity of gambling disorder and Iowa Gambling Task indices.
AB  - Background and aims Gambling disorder (GD) shares many similarities with
      substance use disorders (SUDs) in clinical, neurobiological, and neurocognitive
      features, including decision-making. We evaluated the relationships among, GD,
      decision-making, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as measured by
      serum BDNF levels. Methods Twenty-one male patients with GD and 21 healthy sex-
      and age-matched control subjects were evaluated for associations between serum
      BDNF levels and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), as well as between
      serum BDNF levels and Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) indices. Results The mean serum
      BDNF levels were significantly increased in patients with GD compared to healthy
      controls. A significant correlation between serum BDNF levels and PGSI scores was
      found when controlling for age, depression, and duration of GD. A significant
      negative correlation was obtained between serum BDNF levels and IGT improvement
      scores. Discussion These findings support the hypothesis that serum BDNF levels
      constitute a dual biomarker for the neuroendocrine changes and the severity of GD
      in patients. Serum BDNF level may serve as an indicator of poor decision-making
      performance and learning processes in GD and help to identify the common
      physiological underpinnings between GD and SUDs.

PMID- 28092196
TI  - Risky online behaviors among adolescents: Longitudinal relations among
      problematic Internet use, cyberbullying perpetration, and meeting strangers
      online.
AB  - Background and aims This study aims to analyze the cross-sectional and
      longitudinal relationship between three major risky online behaviors during
      adolescence: problematic Internet use, cyberbullying perpetration, and meeting
      strangers online. An additional objective was to study the role of impulsivity
      irresponsibility as a possible explanatory variable of the relationships between
      these risky online behaviors. Methods The study sample was 888 adolescents that
      completed self-report measures at time 1 and time 2 with an interval of 6 months.
      Results The findings showed a significant cross-sectional relationship between
      the risky online behaviors analyzed. At the longitudinal level, problematic
      Internet use at time 1 predicted an increase in the perpetration of cyberbullying
      and meeting strangers online at time 2. Furthermore, meeting strangers online
      increased the likelihood of cyberbullying perpetration at time 2. Finally, when
      impulsivity-irresponsibility was included in the model as an explanatory
      variable, the relationships previously found remained significant. Discussion
      These results extend traditional problem behavior theory during adolescence, also
      supporting a relationship between different risky behaviors in cyberspace. In
      addition, findings highlighted the role of problematic Internet use, which
      increased the chances of developing cyberbullying perpetration and meeting
      strangers online over time. However, the results suggest a limited role of
      impulsivity-irresponsibility as an explicative mechanism. Conclusions The
      findings suggest that various online risk activities ought to be addressed
      together when planning assessment, prevention and intervention efforts.

PMID- 28092197
TI  - From the mouths of social media users: A focus group study exploring the social
      casino gaming-online gambling link.
AB  - Background and aims The potential link between social casino gaming and online
      gambling has raised considerable concerns among clinicians, researchers and
      policy makers. Unfortunately, however, there is a paucity of research examining
      this potential link, especially among young adults. This represents a significant
      gap given young adults are frequently exposed to and are players of social casino
      games. Methods To better understand the potential link between social casino
      games and online gambling, we conducted three focus groups (N = 30) at two large
      Canadian Universities with college students who were avid social media users (who
      are regularly exposed to social casino games). Results Many participants
      spontaneously mentioned that social casino games were a great opportunity to
      build gambling skills before playing for real money. Importantly, some
      participants expressed a belief that there is a direct progression from social
      casino gaming to online gambling. Conversely, others believed the transition to
      online gambling depended on a person's personality, rather than mere exposure to
      social casino games. While many young adults in our focus groups felt immune to
      the effects of social casino games, there was a general consensus that social
      casino games may facilitate the transition to online gambling among younger
      teenagers (i.e., 12-14 yr olds), due to the ease of accessibility and early
      exposure. Discussion The results of the present research point to the need for
      more study on the effects of social casino gambling as well as a discussion
      concerning regulation of social casino games in order to minimize their potential
      risks.

PMID- 28092198
TI  - Attentional bias in excessive Internet gamers: Experimental investigations using
      an addiction Stroop and a visual probe.
AB  - Background and aims Internet Gaming Disorder is included in the Diagnostic and
      statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edition) as a disorder that merits
      further research. The diagnostic criteria are based on those for Substance Use
      Disorder and Gambling Disorder. Excessive gamblers and persons with Substance Use
      Disorder show attentional biases towards stimuli related to their addictions. We
      investigated whether excessive Internet gamers show a similar attentional bias,
      by using two established experimental paradigms. Methods We measured reaction
      times of excessive Internet gamers and non-gamers (N = 51, 23.7 +/- 2.7 years) by
      using an addiction Stroop with computer-related and neutral words, as well as a
      visual probe with computer-related and neutral pictures. Mixed design analyses of
      variance with the between-subjects factor group (gamer/non-gamer) and the within
      subjects factor stimulus type (computer-related/neutral) were calculated for the
      reaction times as well as for valence and familiarity ratings of the stimulus
      material. Results In the addiction Stroop, an interaction for group * word type
      was found: Only gamers showed longer reaction times to computer-related words
      compared to neutral words, thus exhibiting an attentional bias. In the visual
      probe, no differences in reaction time between computer-related and neutral
      pictures were found in either group, but the gamers were faster overall.
      Conclusions An attentional bias towards computer-related stimuli was found in
      excessive Internet gamers, by using an addiction Stroop but not by using a visual
      probe. A possible explanation for the discrepancy could lie in the fact that the
      visual probe may have been too easy for the gamers.

PMID- 28092200
TI  - The challenges surrounding preclinical testing in transcatheter device
      development and the implications on the clinic.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter devices have contributed significantly to the
      advances achieved in treating many cardiovascular conditions over the last few
      decades. Sophisticated and detailed preclinical testing is not only a regulatory
      requirement to support an investigational device exemption (IDE) application, but
      more crucially its success and accuracy is needed to safeguard patients during
      the subsequent clinical testing stages. Areas covered: This article covers the
      regulatory background as well as specific considerations related to pre-clinical
      testing of transcatheter devices. Expert commentary: The lifecycle of a device is
      complex, but the period of commercialization may be short with little time for
      manufacturers to recuperate the costs associated with device development and
      (pre) clinical testing. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA require comprehensive
      data on pre-clinical testing prior to considering approval of an investigational
      device exemption to start trials in humans, which should include some data on
      safety and efficacy of a device. Preclinical testing needs to evaluate a variety
      of factors, such biocompatibility, material performance, durability, toxicology,
      particulation, protection against user error and device malfunction, potential
      hazards, and many more.

PMID- 28092201
TI  - Evaluation of a steroid releasing sinus implant for the treatment of patients
      undergoing frontal sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Management of the frontal sinus places great demands on the
      otolaryngologist. Given that the fronto-ethmoidal region is susceptible to
      recurrent inflammation, scarring, and stenosis, maintaining long-term patency of
      the frontal sinus is a difficult challenge. Oral and topical anti-inflammatory
      therapy, post-operative stenting, and 'home-brew' drug elution have been used for
      the treatment of the frontal sinus with mixed success. Recently an implant has
      been approved for post-operative placement into the frontal recess. This implant
      provides reliable and consistent steroid drug elution to address inflammation of
      the frontal recess secondary to chronic sinusitis. Areas covered: This review
      discusses the development and application of steroid eluting implants in the
      postoperative care of patients with chronic frontal sinusitis. All randomized
      controlled trials evaluating steroid eluting implants are discussed. Relevant
      supporting material discussing background, economics, safety are included. Expert
      commentary: Steroid eluting implants fulfill a unique niche in the treatment
      following frontal sinus surgery. They are shown to decrease the need for post
      operative interventions and improve outcomes in patients with chronic sinusitis.
      There is significant potential for growth in the use of steroid eluting implants.

PMID- 28092202
TI  - Is DNA testing for hemochromatosis diagnosis reliable?

PMID- 28092204
TI  - Impact of combination therapy and early de-escalation on outcome of ventilator
      associated pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of ventilator-associated
      pneumonia (VAP). Guidelines recommend dual coverage of P. aeruginosa, but the
      beneficial effect of combination therapy is controversial. We described
      antibiotic prescriptions and evaluated the clinical impact of initial combination
      antibiotic therapy and de-escalation strategy in patients with VAP caused by P.
      aeruginosa. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2014, all 100 patients with VAP caused by
      P. aeruginosa in our intensive care unit (ICU) were included in a retrospective
      cohort study to evaluate the prognostic impact of initial combination antibiotic
      therapy. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients received initial combination antibiotic
      therapy and 15 monotherapy. Nine patients received inadequate initial antibiotic
      therapy. De-escalation was performed in 42 patients. Thirty-nine patients died in
      the ICU. Factors independently associated with death were SAPS II score [SAPS II
      >=40 versus <40: hazard ratio (HR) 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-5.70,
      p = 0.03] and septic shock (HR = 4.80, 95% CI = 1.90-12.16, p < 0.01) at onset of
      VAP. Initial combination antibiotic therapy (HR = 1.97, 95% CI = 0.56-6.93, p =
      0.29) and early de-escalation (HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.27-1.31, p = 0.19) had no
      impact on mortality. In multivariate analysis, the risk for inappropriate initial
      antibiotic therapy was higher in cases with multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa
      [odd ratio (OR) = 7.11, 95% CI = 1.42-35.51, p = 0.02], but lower in cases with
      initial combination antibiotic therapy (OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.02-0.63, p = 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: In our cohort, combination therapy increased the likelihood of
      appropriate therapy but did not seem to impact on mortality.

PMID- 28092203
TI  - Machine Learning of Three-dimensional Right Ventricular Motion Enables Outcome
      Prediction in Pulmonary Hypertension: A Cardiac MR Imaging Study.
AB  - Purpose To determine if patient survival and mechanisms of right ventricular
      failure in pulmonary hypertension could be predicted by using supervised machine
      learning of three-dimensional patterns of systolic cardiac motion. Materials and
      Methods The study was approved by a research ethics committee, and participants
      gave written informed consent. Two hundred fifty-six patients (143 women; mean
      age +/- standard deviation, 63 years +/- 17) with newly diagnosed pulmonary
      hypertension underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, right-sided heart
      catheterization, and 6-minute walk testing with a median follow-up of 4.0 years.
      Semiautomated segmentation of short-axis cine images was used to create a three
      dimensional model of right ventricular motion. Supervised principal components
      analysis was used to identify patterns of systolic motion that were most strongly
      predictive of survival. Survival prediction was assessed by using difference in
      median survival time and area under the curve with time-dependent receiver
      operating characteristic analysis for 1-year survival. Results At the end of
      follow-up, 36% of patients (93 of 256) died, and one underwent lung
      transplantation. Poor outcome was predicted by a loss of effective contraction in
      the septum and free wall, coupled with reduced basal longitudinal motion. When
      added to conventional imaging and hemodynamic, functional, and clinical markers,
      three-dimensional cardiac motion improved survival prediction (area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.73 vs 0.60, respectively; P < .001)
      and provided greater differentiation according to difference in median survival
      time between high- and low-risk groups (13.8 vs 10.7 years, respectively; P <
      .001). Conclusion A machine-learning survival model that uses three-dimensional
      cardiac motion predicts outcome independent of conventional risk factors in
      patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary hypertension. Online supplemental
      material is available for this article.

PMID- 28092205
TI  - Effect of polidocanol foam administration into rat peripheral veins on pulmonary
      parenchyma.
AB  - Background Sclerotherapy has been gaining increased acceptance and popularity as
      an effective therapy for the treatment of varicose veins. This attention has fed
      growing interest into the safety and potential complications of this procedure.
      There is no evidence of pulmonary complications from foam sclerotherapy in
      humans; however, animal studies have shown possible damage. The aim of this study
      is to show the changes in rat pulmonary parenchyma after the injection of 1%
      polidocanol Tessari foam into the peripheral vein using histological analysis of
      the inflammatory and fibrosis processes. Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats were
      divided into the following four groups: 24 h polidocanol, seven-day polidocanol,
      28-day polidocanol, and control group. After the foam was injected into the
      lateral saphenous vein, the lungs of the rats were removed for histological
      analysis. Results Alveolar edema was observed in only the 24 h group (P < 0.005).
      Vessel thickening was observed in the seven-and 28-day groups (P < 0.001).
      Interstitial fibrosis was found in only the 28-day group (P = 0.006). There was
      no evidence of venous or arterial thrombosis in either group. Conclusion
      Polidocanol Tessari foam injection into rat peripheral veins causes alveolar
      edema, vessel thickening, and interstitial fibrosis.

PMID- 28092206
TI  - Impact of UK NICE clinical guidelines 168 on referrals to a specialist academic
      leg ulcer service.
AB  - Background Leg ulcers are a common cause of morbidity and disability and result
      in significant health and social care expenditure. The UK National Institute for
      Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Clinical Guideline (CG)168, published in July
      2013, sought to improve care of patients with leg ulcers, recommending that
      patients with a break in the skin below the knee that had not healed within two
      weeks be referred to a specialist vascular service for diagnosis and management.
      Aim Determine the impact of CG168 on referrals to a leg ulcer service. Methods
      Patients referred with leg ulceration during an 18-month period prior to CG168
      (January 2012-June 2013) and an 18-month period commencing six months after
      (January 2014-June 2015) publication of CG168 were compared. Results There was a
      two-fold increase in referrals (181 patients, 220 legs vs. 385 patients, 453
      legs) but no change in mean age, gender or median-duration of ulcer at referral
      (16.6 vs. 16.2 weeks). Mean-time from referral to specialist appointment
      increased (4.8 vs. 6 weeks, p = 0.0001), as did legs with superficial venous
      insufficiency (SVI) (36% vs. 44%, p = 0.05). There was a trend towards more SVI
      endovenous interventions (32% vs. 39%, p = 0.271) with an increase in endothermal
      (2 vs. 32 legs, p = 0.001) but no change in sclerotherapy (24 vs. 51 legs)
      treatments. In both groups, 62% legs had compression. There was a reduction in
      legs treated conservatively with simple dressings (26% vs. 15%, p = 0.0006).
      Conclusions Since CG168, there has been a considerable increase in leg ulcer
      referrals. However, patients are still not referred until ulceration has been
      present for many months. Although many ulcers are multi-factorial and the
      mainstay of treatment remains compression, there has been an increase in SVI
      endovenous intervention. Further efforts are required to persuade community
      practitioners to refer patients earlier, to educate patients and encourage
      further investment in chronically underfunded leg ulcer services.

PMID- 28092208
TI  - The effects of mental fatigue on cricket-relevant performance among elite
      players.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of a mentally fatiguing test on physical
      tasks among elite cricketers. In a cross-over design, 10 elite male cricket
      players from a professional club performed a cricket run-two test, a Batak Lite
      reaction time test and a Yo-Yo-Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo-IR1) test,
      providing a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after completing a 30-min Stroop
      test (mental fatigue condition) or 30-min control condition. Perceived fatigue
      was assessed before and after the two conditions and motivation was measured
      before testing. There were post-treatment differences in the perception of mental
      fatigue (P < 0.001; d = -7.82, 95% CIs = -9.05-6.66; most likely). Cricket run
      two (P = 0.002; d = -0.51, 95% CIs = -0.72-0.30; very likely), Yo-Yo-IR1 distance
      (P = 0.023; d = 0.39, 95% CIs = 0.14-0.64; likely) and RPE (P = 0.001; d = -1.82,
      95% CIs = -2.49-1.14; most likely) were negatively affected by mental fatigue.
      The Batak Lite test was not affected (P = 0.137), yet a moderate (d = 0.41, 95%
      CIs = -0.05-0.87) change was likely. Mental fatigue, induced by an app-based
      Stroop test, negatively affected cricket-relevant performance.

PMID- 28092209
TI  - Executive function is an important consideration for coping strategy use in
      people with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Executive function deficits are prevalent in people with multiple
      sclerosis (PwMS), and PwMS use less adaptive coping than healthy controls. This
      cross-sectional study assessed whether there is a relationship between executive
      function and coping in PwMS. METHOD: One hundred and seven participants with
      relapsing remitting or secondary progressive MS (n = 83 and 24, respectively; age
      M = 48.8 +/- 11.1 years) completed measures of coping and executive function.
      RESULTS: A positive relationship was found between verbal fluency and use of
      active, emotional, and instrumental social support coping, and total executive
      function and substance abuse coping. There was a negative relationship between
      coping strategies and core (social support, acceptance, religion, restraint, and
      total coping), higher order (denial and humor), and total executive function
      indices (acceptance, religion, behavioral disengagement, denial, and total
      coping). CONCLUSION: These directional differences provide support for the
      importance of specific executive functions in coping strategy utilization.
      Understanding these relationships will assist psychologists and
      neuropsychologists with patient psychoeducation, adaptive coping strategy
      intervention and management for PwMS with reduced executive function ability.

PMID- 28092207
TI  - Healthcare burden of depression in adults with arthritis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Arthritis and depression are two of the top disabling conditions.
      When arthritis and depression exist in the same individual, they can interact
      with each other negatively and pose a significant healthcare burden on the
      patients, their families, payers, healthcare systems, and society as a whole.
      Areas covered: The primary objective of this review is to summarize, identify
      knowledge gaps and discuss the challenges in estimating the healthcare burden of
      depression among individuals with arthritis. Electronic literature searches were
      performed on PubMed, Embase, EBSCOhost, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google
      Scholar to identify relevant studies. Expert Commentary: Our review revealed that
      the prevalence of depression varied depending on the definition of depression,
      type of arthritis, tools and threshold points used to identify depression, and
      the country of residence. Depression exacerbated arthritis-related complications
      as well as pain and was associated with poor health-related quality of life,
      disability, mortality, and high financial burden. There were significant
      knowledge gaps in estimates of incident depression rates, depression attributable
      disability, and healthcare utilization, direct and indirect healthcare costs
      among individuals with arthritis.

PMID- 28092210
TI  - The insights of health and welfare professionals on hurdles that impede economic
      evaluations of welfare interventions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Four hurdles associated with economic evaluations in welfare
      interventions were identified and discussed in a previous published literature
      review. These hurdles include (i) 'Ignoring the impact of condition-specific
      outcomes', (ii) 'Ignoring the impact of QoL externalities', (iii) 'Calculation of
      costs from a too narrow perspective' and (iv) 'The lack of well-described &
      standardized interventions'. This study aims to determine how healthcare
      providers and social workers experience and deal with these hurdles in practice
      and what solutions or new insights they would suggest. METHODS: Twenty-two
      professionals of welfare interventions carried out in Flanders, were interviewed
      about the four described hurdles using a semi-structured interview. A thematic
      framework was developed to enable the qualitative analysis. The analysis of the
      semi-structured interviews was facilitated through the use of the software
      program QRS NVivo 10. RESULTS: The interviews revealed a clear need to tackle
      these hurdles. The interviewees confirmed that further study of condition
      specific outcomes in economic evaluations are needed, especially in the field of
      mental health and stress. The proposed dimensions for the condition-specific
      questionnaires varied however between the groups of interviewees (i.e. general
      practitioners vs social workers). With respect to QoL externalities, the
      interviewees confirmed that welfare interventions have an impact on the social
      environment of the patient (friends and family). There was however no consensus
      on how this impact of QoL externalities should be taken into account in welfare
      interventions. Professionals also suggested that besides health care costs, the
      impact of welfare interventions on work productivity, the patients' social life
      and other items should be incorporated. Standardization appears to be of limited
      added value for most of the interviewees because they need a certain degree of
      freedom to interpret the intervention. Furthermore, the target population of the
      interventions is diverse which requires a tailor-made approach. CONCLUSION: This
      qualitative research demonstrated that these hurdles occur in practice. The
      proposed solutions for these hurdles can contribute to the improvement of the
      methodological quality of economic evaluations of welfare interventions.

PMID- 28092211
TI  - Spanish Adaptation of the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale
      (FATCOD-S) in Nursing Undergraduates.
AB  - The Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale (FATCOD) is designed to
      assess the attitudes of professionals and trainees toward caring for the dying
      patient and their family members. In this study the main aim is to adapt the
      FATCOD to a Spanish context (FATCOD-S). In addition, the relations between FATCOD
      S, sociodemographic variables, emotional intelligence, and death attitudes have
      been analyzed. A sample of 669 Spanish nursing students from four Universities
      responded to a questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) concludes a
      structure composed of two significant factors. A confirmatory factor analysis
      (CFA) was carried out. The CFA supported a two-factor model. Students with past
      experience of death and those who had received training in palliative care scored
      significantly higher on both factors of the FATCOD-S ( p < 0.01). The FATCOD-S is
      an effective and valid tool for measuring the attitudes of Spanish nursing
      students toward caring for patients at the end of life.

PMID- 28092212
TI  - Systemic medications used in treatment of common dermatological conditions:
      safety profile with respect to pregnancy, breast feeding and content in seminal
      fluid.
AB  - Prescribing for pregnant or lactating patients and male patients wishing to
      father children can be a difficult area for dermatologists. There is a lack of
      review articles of commonly used systemic medications in dermatology with respect
      to their effects on developing embryogenesis and their potential transfer across
      the placenta, in breast milk and in seminal fluid. This paper aims to provide an
      up to date summary of evidence to better equip dermatologists to inform patients
      about the effects of systemic medications commonly used in dermatology to treat
      conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and acne, on current and future
      embryogenesis and fertility.

PMID- 28092213
TI  - Cellular and Molecular Factors Influencing Tendon Repair.
AB  - Tendons are complex connective tissues that transmit tensile forces between
      muscles and tendons. Tendon injuries are among the most common orthopedic
      problems with long-term disability as a frequent consequence due to prolonged
      healing time. Furthermore, the repair tissue is of inferior quality, predisposing
      patients to high rates of recurrence following initial injury. Coordinated
      cellular processes and biological factors under the influence of mechanical
      loading are involved in tendon healing and our understanding of these events lags
      behind other musculoskeletal tissues. Tendons are relatively hypocellular and
      hypovascular, with little or no intrinsic regenerative capacity. Studies have
      documented fatty degeneration, chondrogenic dysplasia, and ectopic ossification
      within tendon repair tissue. The underlying pathogenesis for these metaplastic
      changes that compromise the quality of tendon repair tissue is poorly understood.
      The purpose of this review is to compile literature reporting molecular processes
      that regulate/control the phenotype of cells responsible for abnormal matrix
      deposition at repair site. In addition, recent studies reporting the interplay of
      mechanotransduction and cellular responses during tendon repair are summarized.
      Identifying the links between cellular, biological, and mechanical parameters
      involved in tendon repair is paramount to develop successful therapies for tendon
      healing.

PMID- 28092214
TI  - Treatment of Delta Hepatitis: Today and in the Future - A review.
AB  - Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a defective satellite virus and propagates in the
      presence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg). Approximately 5% of
      the people who infected with HBV are also infected with HDV. Chronic hepatitis
      caused by delta is the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis including
      accelerated fibrosis, liver decompensation and development of hepatocellular
      carcinoma. Interferon-based therapies still remain the only treatment option of
      the hepatitis delta. The beneficiary effects of the interferon-based therapies,
      however, stop frequently with termination of the given therapy and relapse rate
      is very high. Accordingly, the efficiency rate of this treatment does not exceed
      30%. On the other hand, serious side effects of interferons are another
      troublesome leading to withdrawal of the therapy. The main goal of the current
      treatments is clearance of HBsAg. There is no available drug acting directly
      against the HDV. New therapies interacting with HDV life cycle are under
      investigation. While prenylation inhibitors act on merely HDV, viral entry
      inhibitors and HBsAg release inhibitors would be used in the treatment of both
      HBV and HDV. We hope that in the future, the use of novel therapies and HBV
      vaccination provide to clinicians to cope with this troublesome agent.

PMID- 28092215
TI  - Therapeutic implications from the pathogenesis of Raynaud's phenomenon.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) can be either primary (idiopathic) or
      secondary to a number of different diseases/conditions, when vasopasm can be
      superimposed upon structural vascular abnormality or a hyperviscosity state and
      may then lead to severe ischaemia with tissue damage. Treatment must be tailored
      to the individual. Areas covered: This review discusses how increased
      understanding of the pathogenesis of RP has driven and is driving new approaches
      to therapy, and how we are now better able to predict which patients presenting
      with RP are likely to have an underlying disease requiring specific intervention.
      Medline searches (1946 to August 2016) were conducted for 'Raynaud's' in
      combination with relevant terms including different drugs. All papers identified
      were English language, with abstracts. Expert commentary: Randomised controlled
      trials of RP present particular challenges. The major aim must continue to be
      development of safe, effective treatments for patients across the spectrum of RP.

PMID- 28092216
TI  - Metabolism of metofluthrin in rats: I. Identification of metabolites.
AB  - 1. Metofluthrin (2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-(methoxymethyl)benzyl (Z/E)-(1R)-trans-2,2
      dimethyl-3-(1-propenyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylate) is a novel pyrethroid
      insecticide, which has E/Z isomers at prop-1-enyl group. 2. Rats were orally
      dosed with each [14C]-labelled E/Z isomer, and the excreta were collected for
      isolation and identification of metabolites. Analysis of the excreta by LC/MS and
      NMR revealed formation of 33 and 23 (total 42) metabolites from rats dosed with Z
      isomer and E-isomer, respectively. 3. Major metabolic reactions were cleavage of
      ester linkage, O-demethylation, hydroxylation, epoxidation or reduction of double
      bond, glutathione conjugation and its further metabolism, hydroxylation of
      epoxide and formation of lactone ring. Notably, the acid side, 2,2-dimethyl-3-(1
      propenyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, was much more variously metabolised
      compared to chrysanthemic acid, the acid side of the known pyrethroids. 4. Major
      metabolites for Z-isomer mostly retained ester linkage with 1,2-dihydroxypropyl
      group and/or 2-methylalcohol of cyclopropane ring, while most of those for E
      isomer received hydrolysis of the ester linkage without oxidation at the 1
      propenyl group or the gem-methyl groups, suggesting epoxidation and hydroxylation
      could occur more easily on Z-isomer. 5. As the novel metabolic pathways for
      pyrethroids, isomerisation of omega-carboxylic acid moiety, reduction or
      hydration of double bond and cleavage of cyclopropane ring via epoxidation were
      suggested.

PMID- 28092217
TI  - Development, construct validity and test-retest reliability of a field-based
      wheelchair mobility performance test for wheelchair basketball.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop and describe a wheelchair mobility
      performance test in wheelchair basketball and to assess its construct validity
      and reliability. To mimic mobility performance of wheelchair basketball matches
      in a standardised manner, a test was designed based on observation of wheelchair
      basketball matches and expert judgement. Forty-six players performed the test to
      determine its validity and 23 players performed the test twice for reliability.
      Independent-samples t-tests were used to assess whether the times needed to
      complete the test were different for classifications, playing standards and sex.
      Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to quantify reliability
      of performance times. Males performed better than females (P < 0.001, effect size
      [ES] = -1.26) and international men performed better than national men (P <
      0.001, ES = -1.62). Performance time of low (<=2.5) and high (>=3.0)
      classification players was borderline not significant with a moderate ES (P =
      0.06, ES = 0.58). The reliability was excellent for overall performance time (ICC
      = 0.95). These results show that the test can be used as a standardised mobility
      performance test to validly and reliably assess the capacity in mobility
      performance of elite wheelchair basketball athletes. Furthermore, the described
      methodology of development is recommended for use in other sports to develop
      sport-specific tests.

PMID- 28092218
TI  - Analysis of the Effect of Chronic and Low-Dose Radiation Exposure on
      Spermatogenic Cells of Male Large Japanese Field Mice ( Apodemus speciosus )
      after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident.
AB  - In this study we analyzed the effect of chronic and low-dose-rate (LDR) radiation
      on spermatogenic cells of large Japanese field mice ( Apodemus speciosus ) after
      the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident. In March 2014, large
      Japanese field mice were collected from two sites located in, and one site
      adjacent to, the FNPP ex-evacuation zone: Tanashio, Murohara and Akogi,
      respectively. Testes from these animals were analyzed histologically. External
      dose rate from radiocesium (combined 134Cs and 137Cs) in these animals at the
      sampling sites exhibited 21 MUGy/day in Tanashio, 304-365 MUGy/day in Murohara
      and 407-447 MUGy/day in Akogi. In the Akogi group, the numbers of spermatogenic
      cells and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells per
      seminiferous tubule were significantly higher compared to the Tanashio and
      Murohara groups, respectively. TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells tended to be
      detected at a lower level in the Murohara and Akogi groups compared to the
      Tanashio group. These results suggest that enhanced spermatogenesis occurred in
      large Japanese field mice living in and around the FNPP ex-evacuation zone. It
      remains to be elucidated whether this phenomenon, attributed to chronic exposure
      to LDR radiation, will benefit or adversely affect large Japanese field mice.

PMID- 28092219
TI  - The 21st Century Cures Act: pharmacoeconomic boon or bane?
AB  - Barriers to entry in healthcare markets constitute one of the overriding concerns
      of health economists. The recent enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act in the
      United States reduces statutory entry barriers to the discovery, development,
      testing, and licensing of drugs and medical devices. Drug and device makers also
      see the burdensome and time-consuming requirements of the Food and Drug
      Administration?s approval process as key barriers to lowering the costs of their
      products, considering it takes a decade of research amounting to $1 billion just
      to bring a single drug to the market. Along with novel opportunities for medical
      product innovation and faster treatment of diseases, the expedited approval
      process carries with it contentious challenges involving the safety, efficacy and
      value of drugs and devices. The ensuing trade-offs and unintended consequences of
      such a regulatory game-changer bring to the fore one of the most enduring debates
      between medicine and economics: Whether - or to what extent - cost and efficiency
      factors affect clinical inquiry into possible solutions to human illnesses. The
      practical and theoretical contributions of pharmacoeconomics should enlighten
      contemporary and future issues and discussions surrounding the implementation of
      this landmark legislation. After all, despite its undeniably good intent and far
      reaching significance, no law can ever be perfect.

PMID- 28092220
TI  - Using teledentistry in clinical practice as an enabler to improve access to
      clinical care: A qualitative systematic review.
AB  - Background Access to dental care is important for overall health, but can remain
      problematic for those in rural or isolated locations. It can be difficult to
      encourage clinicians to choose or continue a rural health career. Teledentistry
      is showing some promise as a strategy to support rural, isolated and new health
      care workers. This study aims to explore the quantitative and qualitative
      framework associated with teledentistry in an effort to uncover the interaction
      of multiple influences on its delivery and sustainability. Methods A systematic
      search of the literature was undertaken and studies were included if they
      evaluated consultative teledentistry, reports on implementation of teledentistry
      in practice or attitudes to teledentistry. Studies were evaluated qualitatively.
      Results Thirty-nine studies were included focusing on the accuracy, effectiveness
      or description a teledentistry project in practice. Five main themes were
      identified in the qualitative analysis: (1) using information and communication
      technology (ICT), (2) regulatory and system improvements, (3) accuracy of
      teledentistry, (4) effectiveness, including increasing access to clinical
      services, efficiencies and acceptability, and (5) building and increasing
      clinical capacity of the dental workforce. Conclusion Teledentistry provides a
      viable option for remote screening, diagnosis, consultation, treatment planning
      and mentoring in the field of dentistry. Rapidly developing information and
      communication technologies have increasingly shown improving cost effectiveness,
      accuracy and efficient remote assistance for clinicians. There is high
      acceptability for teledentistry amongst clinicians and patients alike.
      Remuneration of advising clinicians is critical to sustainability.

PMID- 28092221
TI  - Tuberculosis mimicking primary systemic vasculitis: not to be missed!
AB  - Infections are an important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with
      features of systemic vasculitis. We report a young lady with constitutional
      features, leg ulcers, digital gangrene and absent peripheral pulses with cervical
      adenopathy. Chest imaging revealed multiple necrotic lung lesions and involvement
      of left subclavian artery at its origin from the aorta, Histopathology from
      cervical lymph nodes showed multiple caseated lymph nodes, which in the context
      of a positive Mantoux test led us to diagnose tuberculosis and institute
      appropriate therapy. This is only the second report of tuberculosis presenting as
      peripheral gangrene, cutaneous ulcers and absent pulses, and serves to educate
      rheumatologists regarding the need to consider infections as mimics of
      vasculitis, especially in the developing countries.

PMID- 28092222
TI  - Varied presentations of leptospirosis: experience from a tertiary care hospital
      in north India.
AB  - Leptospirosis has been recognised as an emerging global public health problem.
      The aim of our study was to explore the epidemiological and clinical pattern of
      disease occurrence in suspected cases and to search for any existing co
      infections. Ours was a retrospective study in patients with acute febrile illness
      in north India over a period of three years (April 2011 to June 2014).
      Serological diagnosis of leptospirosis was made using the PanBio IgM ELISA kit.
      Using modified Faine's criteria, presumptive and possible diagnosis was made in
      57% and 34% cases, respectively. Most of the affected population was resident in
      north and central India. Nineteen patients showed co-infection with other common
      pathogens prevailing locally. There is a need to increase awareness and
      understand the local sero-epidemiological pattern of leptospirosis so that timely
      preventive and curative action may be taken by healthcare authorities.

PMID- 28092223
TI  - Vesico-umbilical fistula in a child with severe vesico-ureteral reflux and
      bladder diverticulum.

PMID- 28092224
TI  - Visual map and instruction-based bicycle navigation: a comparison of effects on
      behaviour.
AB  - Cycling with a classic paper map was compared with navigating with a moving map
      displayed on a smartphone, and with auditory, and visual turn-by-turn route
      guidance. Spatial skills were found to be related to navigation performance,
      however only when navigating from a paper or electronic map, not with turn-by
      turn (instruction based) navigation. While navigating, 25% of the time cyclists
      fixated at the devices that present visual information. Navigating from a paper
      map required most mental effort and both young and older cyclists preferred
      electronic over paper map navigation. In particular a turn-by-turn dedicated
      guidance device was favoured. Visual maps are in particular useful for cyclists
      with higher spatial skills. Turn-by-turn information is used by all cyclists, and
      it is useful to make these directions available in all devices. Practitioner
      Summary: Electronic navigation devices are preferred over a paper map. People
      with lower spatial skills benefit most from turn-by-turn guidance information,
      presented either auditory or on a dedicated device. People with higher spatial
      skills perform well with all devices. It is advised to keep in mind that all
      users benefit from turn-by-turn information when developing a navigation device
      for cyclists.

PMID- 28092225
TI  - Comparison of dysphagia outcomes between rostral and caudal lateral medullary
      infarct patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A detailed knowledge of dysphagia outcomes in lateral medullary
      infarct (LMI) patients would enable proper establishment of swallowing therapy
      goals and strategies. However, little is known about the impact of infarct
      location on dysphagia outcomes in patients with LMI. METHODS: Twenty patients
      with rostral LMI (rostral group) and 20 patients with caudal LMI (caudal group)
      participated in the study. All patients underwent swallowing therapy, which
      included compensatory treatments and strengthening exercises, for >3 months.
      Dysphagia evaluation was performed twice (during the subacute stage and six
      months after stroke onset) using videofluoroscopic swallowing studies. Dysphagia
      degree was assessed using the functional dysphagia scale (FDS), the penetration
      aspiration scale (PAS) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
      (ASHA) National Outcome Measurement System (NOMS) swallowing scale. RESULTS: In
      the subacute stage, the rostral group had significantly higher FDS and PAS scores
      and a significantly lower ASHA NOMS score than the caudal group. Patients from
      both groups showed significant improvement from the initial evaluation to the six
      month evaluation. There were no significant differences in these scale scores
      between the two groups at the six-month evaluation. CONCLUSION: In the subacute
      stage, patients in the rostral group had more severe dysphagia than those in the
      caudal group. Dysphagia improved in both groups after 3-6 months of swallowing
      therapy. At six months after onset, there were no significant differences in
      dysphagia severity between the two groups. Recovery from dysphagia after LMI was
      observed regardless of the infarct location.

PMID- 28092226
TI  - Drug supply in in-patient nursing care facilities: reasons for irregularities in
      quality reviews
AB  - Background: Quality checks of the independent German Health Insurance Medical
      Service in in-patient nursing care facilities pursuant to Articles 114 et seqq.
      SGB XI [11th Book of the Social Code] also comprise the Pflegerische
      Medikamentenversorgung (PMV) [drug supply by nursing personnel]. Irregularities
      are described in quality reports in the reviewer's own words. This investigation
      was intended to categorise the reasons for the above irregularities. Methods: The
      bases for the examination are the reports of quality checks of all of in-patient
      nursing care facilities conducted in 2014 (regular quality checks) in Hamburg and
      Schleswig-Holstein (N = 671), in which the PMV was examined for 5 742 randomly
      selected residents. Results: With regard to the documentation, inexplicable drug
      intakes (5.8 %) were found most frequently, followed by missing information on
      dosages and application provisions (0.8 % each), which were registered as
      irregularities at the residents. In the documentation of on-demand medication,
      insufficient indication data (3.2 %), missing daily maximum dosages (0.8 %) and
      missing single doses (0.6 %) were most commonly ascertained. The most frequent
      reasons for medication handling irregularities for the residents were false
      positioning (6.0 %), missing and respectively false data on consumption and on
      when the medical packaging was opened (3.5 %), as well as medication not directly
      administered using the blister (0.7 %). As for subordinate classifications of
      false positioning, incorrect dosages were revealed most often, followed by drugs
      with an exceeded expiry date and by out-of-stock drugs. Systematic patient
      related factors with influence on PMV could not be determined. Conclusions: The
      extent of the irregularities and their type prompt a further increase in the
      efforts to improve the quality of nursing care facilities. The results can be
      used as a basis for designing specific initiatives to improve the PMV.

PMID- 28092227
TI  - The reliability of the Extra Load Index as a measure of relative load carriage
      economy.
AB  - The aim of this study was to measure the reliability of the extra load index
      (ELI) as a method for assessing relative load carriage economy. Seventeen
      volunteers (12 males, 5 females) performed walking trials at 3 km.h-1, 6 km.h-1
      and a self-selected speed. Trial conditions were repeated 7 days later to assess
      test-retest reliability. Trials involved four 4-minute periods of walking, each
      separated by 5 min of rest. The initial stage was performed unloaded followed in
      a randomised order by a second unloaded period and walking with backpacks of 7
      and 20 kg. Results show ELI values did not differ significantly between trials
      for any of the speeds (p = 0.46) with either of the additional loads (p = 0.297).
      The systematic bias, limits of agreement and coefficients of variation were small
      in all trial conditions. We conclude the ELI appears to be a reliable measure of
      relative load carriage economy. Practitioner Summary: This paper demonstrates
      that the ELI is a reliable measure of load carriage economy at a range of walking
      speeds with both a light and heavy load. The ELI, therefore, represents a useful
      tool for comparing the relative economy associated with different load carriage
      systems.

PMID- 28092228
TI  - A comparative study of vocational education and occupational safety and health
      training in China and the UK.
AB  - In order to enhance Chinese workers' occupational safety awareness, it is
      essential to learn from developed countries' experiences. This article
      investigates thoroughly occupational safety and health (OSH) in China and the UK;
      moreover, the article performs a comparison of Chinese and British OSH training
      related laws, regulations and education system. The following conclusions are
      drawn: China's work safety continues to improve, but there is still a large gap
      compared with the UK. In China a relatively complete vocational education and
      training (VET) system has been established. However, there exist some defects in
      OSH. In the UK, the employer will not only pay attention to employees'
      physiological health, but also to their mental health. The UK's VET is
      characterized by classification and grading management, which helps integrate OSH
      into the whole education system. China can learn from the UK in the development
      of policies, VET and OSH training.

PMID- 28092229
TI  - Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).
AB  - Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5; CAS No. 541-02-6) is a precursor in the
      production of siloxane polymers for industry and medicine and is a carrier
      ingredient in many toiletries and cosmetics. D5 has a relatively low order of
      toxicity following acute administration via the oral, dermal, and inhalation
      routes of exposure. It is not considered to be a dermal or eye irritant or a
      dermal sensitizer. There is no appreciable dermal absorption of D5 based on
      results from in vivo and in vitro studies. It has not been shown to be
      genotoxic/mutagenic when tested in a number of short-term in vitro and in vivo
      assays and did not cause reproductive or developmental toxicity in rats.
      Inhalation exposure of rats to 160 ppm D5 for up to 24 months produced adverse
      effects in the liver (weight changes and hepatocellular hypertrophy) and uterus
      (increased incidence of endometrial adenocarcinoma, endometrial adenoma, and
      adenomatous polyps in several animals); however, the results of recent mode-of
      action studies are consistent with a uterine tumorigenesis mechanism that is not
      relevant for humans. Based on the results of the chronic inhalation study, 160
      ppm was determined to be the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and was
      selected as the point of departure for the derivation of the workplace
      environmental exposure level (WEEL(r)) value. This NOAEL was adjusted to account
      for interindividual variability and residual uncertainty regarding upper
      respiratory tract changes still occurring at 160 ppm. The resulting 8-h time
      weighted average WEEL value of 10 ppm is expected to provide a significant margin
      of safety against any potential adverse health effects in workers exposed to
      airborne D5.

PMID- 28092230
TI  - Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4).
AB  - Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4; CAS No. 556-67-2) is used as a monomer in the
      manufacture of polymeric materials, which are widely used in various industrial
      and/or medical applications, such as breast implants. D4 has a relatively low
      order of toxicity following acute administration via the oral, dermal, and
      inhalation routes of exposure and is not considered to be a dermal or eye
      irritant or to be a dermal sensitizer. There is no appreciable dermal absorption
      of D4 based on results from in vivo and in vitro studies. D4 has not been shown
      to be genotoxic/mutagenic when tested in a number of short-term in vitro and in
      vivo assays. Overall, studies have demonstrated adverse effects on specific
      female reproductive endpoints at higher exposure concentrations; however, no D4
      exposure-specific effects were noted with respect to developmental endpoints.
      Inhalation exposure of rats to 700 ppm D4 for up to 24 months produced effects in
      the liver, kidney, and uterus (weight changes, hepatocellular hypertrophy,
      endometrial hyperplasia, and nephropathy). Changes in the nasal epithelium
      (eosinophilic globules) were also noted at 150 and 700 ppm. Despite 24 months of
      exposure, only mild to minimal inflammatory responses were found at 150 ppm, and
      overall, the basic integrity of the respiratory tract was unchanged at this dose.
      At 700 ppm, there was an increased incidence of endometrial adenomas in female
      rats. Based on the adverse changes in the respiratory tract, kidney, and female
      reproductive tract in the chronic inhalation study, 150 ppm was determined to be
      the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and was selected as the point of
      departure for the derivation of the workplace environmental exposure level
      (WEEL(r)) value. The inhalation NOAEL was adjusted to account for interindividual
      variability and residual uncertainty regarding upper respiratory tract changes
      still occurring at 150 ppm. An 8-h time-weighted average WEEL value of 10 ppm is
      expected to provide a significant margin of safety against any potential adverse
      health effects in workers exposed to airborne D4.

PMID- 28092231
TI  - Retraction notice.

PMID- 28092232
TI  - Retraction notice.

PMID- 28092233
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28092234
TI  - Retraction notice.

PMID- 28092235
TI  - Hospital cost and length of stay in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a detailed picture of the economic impact of
      hospitalization in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and to identify factors
      associated with cost and length of stay (LOS). METHODS: In this retrospective
      cross-sectional study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), this study
      included hospitalizations for IPF (ICD-9-CM 516.3) with a principal diagnosis of
      respiratory disease (ICD-9-CM 460-519) from 2009-2011; lung transplant admissions
      were excluded. Total inpatient cost, LOS, in-hospital death, and discharge
      disposition were reported. Linear regression models were used to determine
      variables predictive of LOS and cost. RESULTS: From 2009-2011, 22,350 non
      transplant IPF patients with a principal diagnosis of respiratory disease were
      admitted: mean (+/-SE) age was 70.0 (0.32), and 49.1% were female. While in
      hospital, 11.4% of patients received mechanical ventilation and 8.9% received non
      invasive ventilation. Mean (+/-SE) LOS was 7.4 (0.15) days overall (p < .001).
      The mean (+/-SD) admission cost was $16,042 (+/-631). Of hospitalized patients,
      14.1% died, 20.6% transferred facilities, and 46.4% were routinely discharged.
      The adjusted LOS (95% CI) for patients with and without mechanical ventilation
      was 16.1 days (15-17.5) vs. 6.3 (6-6.5); adjusted costs were $48,772 (43,979
      53,565) vs. $11,861 (11,292-12,431). LIMITATIONS: The positive predictive value
      of the algorithm used to identify IPF is not optimal. The NIS database does not
      follow patients longitudinally, and claims after admission are not available.
      Claims do not indicate whether listed diagnoses were present on admission or
      developed during hospitalization. The exclusion of transplant-related
      expenditures lead to under-estimation of cost. CONCLUSION: Using a nationally
      representative database, we found IPF respiratory-related hospitalizations
      represent a significant economic burden with ~7,000 non-transplant IPF admissions
      per year, at a mean cost of $16,000 per admission. Mechanical ventilation is
      associated with statistically significant increases in LOS and cost. Therapeutic
      advances that reduce rates and costs of IPF hospitalizations are needed.

PMID- 28092236
TI  - [The Journals role in continuing medical education].
AB  - In the 19th century, the first journals in medicine appeared in order to
      disseminate knowledge among creators and discoverers, but especially among users
      of knowledge, some of these journals continue to be published nowadays.
      Subsequently, an organization that initially aspired to collect, sort, archive
      and distribute the publications: the Index Medicus. Over time, it was imperative
      to create indexes that measure the performance of journals and with that of
      researchers.

PMID- 28092237
TI  - [Diagnostic assessment of neumonitis due to cement dust exposition].

PMID- 28092238
TI  - [Diphallia or perineal lipoma?]

PMID- 28092239
TI  - [Emergency Room: where are the specialists?]

PMID- 28092240
TI  - [Letter to the editor about the article "Bibliographic review: diabetic macular
      edema, repercussions and treatment"].

PMID- 28092241
TI  - [Response to comment on article: "Reflections concerning the care process in the
      emergency medical services"].

PMID- 28092242
TI  - [Prehospital emergency care injuries from external causes in a region of
      Venezuela].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, approximately 3 500 000 people die every year as a result
      of injuries from external causes, in Venezuela these arte the third leading cause
      of overall morbidity. Nevertheless, in the country there are no records of the
      defining aspects of prehospital emergency care as a tool to address this socio
      health problem, the aim of this investigation. METHODS: A descriptive,
      transversal, field study based on the information recorded daily for a year
      paramedics was performed. RESULTS: A total 1493 injured by external causes were
      reported, with a mean age of 29.5 +/- 12 years, 84.5% male. Injuries mostly less
      moderate (69.4%) were due to severe land transport accidents (70.9%) occurred
      during the day (75.9%), between monday and friday (72.9%), attended in 20 minutes
      or less, and transferred in 97.3% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The economically
      productive young men in areas with higher population density and urbanism are
      mostly affected by injuries from external causes. In both genres land transport
      accidents are the most common causes of injury with lower-moderate severity. The
      care that paramedics provide can be considered adequate.

PMID- 28092243
TI  - [Botulinum toxin A and physical therapy in gait in cerebral palsy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (PCI) is the leading cause of disability in children.
      Botulinum toxin type A (TBA) is a treatment to improve the function and pattern
      in the gait, although with a few studies that quantify the improvement. METHODS:
      Quasi-experimental study was conducted from May 2010 to September 2011, in
      Integrated Rehabilitation Center, in 36 patients with spastic PCI. Was evaluated:
      functionality of travel by the scale of Koman, speed of the gait with tone scale
      of Ashworth and arches of passive mobility, were applied TBA and was sent to 10
      sessions of physical therapy, with measurements taken before, the 1st and 4th
      month. RESULTS: 30 Patients completed the study, between the ages of 2 and 12
      years, the majority had improvement in the functionality of the gear, tone,
      dorsiflexion and abduction of ankles to the motion, which was maintained at 4
      months. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment to increase the
      arches of mobility and functionality of the gait of patients with hemiparesis and
      spastic paraparesis.

PMID- 28092244
TI  - [Depression and burden on primary caregivers of elderly persons with physical
      dependence of the UMF 171].
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2012, more
      than a quarter of older adults (26.9%) have some degree of disability, requiring
      a primary caregiver to perform basic activities of daily living. The aim is to
      determine the prevalence of depression and burden on primary caregivers of
      elderly persons with physical dependence. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional
      study with non-probability sampling that included the primary caregivers of
      elderly patients with physical dependence. Barthel scale was applied as a tool to
      measure the level of physical dependence in elderly patients; while the primary
      caregivers were applied to the Beck Depression and Zarit scale for assessing the
      level of caregiver burden. A sample of 76 primary caregivers was calculated and
      descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of the 76 primary
      caregivers, 55.3% were without depression, 32.9% had mild depression, and 11.8%
      with moderate depression. According to the Zarit scale, 40.8% had no burden,
      44.7% had burden light, and 14.5% intense burden. CONCLUSIONS: The role of
      primary caregiver is a stressful task which can interfere with their family
      health; so our role is to provide care not only to the geriatric dependent
      patients, but also to their caregiver.

PMID- 28092245
TI  - [Effect of the DiabetIMSS program on cardiovascular risk, blood pressure and HDL
      cholesterol in patients with metabolic syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the DiabetIMSS
      program on cardiovascular risk, blood pressure and HDL cholesterol in patients
      with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Quasi-experimental intervention study. Non
      probabilistic convenience sampling. 35 subjects in the educational strategy one
      year were included. The following variables were collected: age, gender, smoking,
      total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure;
      cardiovascular risk calculator based on Framingham is calculated. Descriptive and
      inferential statistical percentages with Student t test was used. RESULTS: There
      was an increase in the proportion of subjects increased their subsequent figures
      HDL cholesterol intervention, there by generating an increase of protective
      factor (p < 0.05). Because of the blood pressure a marked improvement in all
      ranges of blood pressure (p < 0.05) was presented. CONCLUSIONS: The educational
      strategy for the control of diabetic patients presented a favorable performance
      in HDL-cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular
      patients.

PMID- 28092246
TI  - [Neonatal Hearing Screening and Early Intervention, a screening program to
      evaluate all infants to identify the hearing impaired].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal Hearing Screening and Early Intervention (NHSEI) is a
      screening program to evaluate all infants and identify those with hearing
      impairment. The objective of this work was to determine the factors associated
      with hearing loss in NHSEI program. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study was
      performed. 234 infants were included in the NHSEI program, hearing was evaluated
      with transitory evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOE) at frequencies of 1.5 to 4.5
      kHz, and intensity of stimuli of 40-60 dB. The variables were: age from one to 28
      days, sex, gestational age and perinatal history. Data was analyzed with
      descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The presence of
      risk factors in newborns resulted in significant omnibus test (p < 0.05)
      predicted value by Nagelkerke R square model of 77%. The background inherited
      family acquired infection, craniofacial abnormalities, low birth weight,
      respiratory distress at birth and genetic syndromes were factors significantly
      associated (p < 0.05) to hearing loss in infants. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of
      hearing impairment in infants diagnosed by newborn hearing program was higher
      (5/234 newborns) than the reported in the literature.

PMID- 28092247
TI  - [Emergency obstetric causes and Immediate Response Team in a secondary hospital].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to describe the causes of the obstetric
      emergency, which motivates the activation of the Immediate Response Team at a
      second level hospital of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, which has not
      an Intensive Care Unit for Adult Patients. METHODS: Retrospective observational
      study of the causes of obstetric emergency that occurred in the domains of
      Admission, Hospitalization, Labor, Delivery Room, Operating Room and Recovery of
      the Hospital General de Zona 53 of the IMSS, during the years 2014 and 2015.
      RESULTS: In 2014, were attended 3915 women due to obstetric cause; of them, 75
      cases were of obstetric emergency and 3276 live births. In 2015, were 4390 women
      with 3842 live births and 80 cases of obstetric emergency. The main domains where
      performed the Immediate Response Team were: Labor, Admission and Recovery. In
      2014, preeclampsia-eclampsia-Hellp ranked first as a cause of obstetric
      emergency: 42 cases, also in 2015: 36 cases; followed by obstetric hemorrhage
      with 28 and 34 cases, respectively. In 2014, there was a maternal death from
      severe preeclampsia and extensive liver rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Consolidation of
      Immediate Response Team at a hospital, according to the healthcare environment,
      it is essential, above all, within the meaning given by staff members.

PMID- 28092248
TI  - [Pulmonary thromboembolism: Recent experience of 4 years at a cardiology
      hospital].
AB  - It comprised a series of cases over a period of 4 years, held at the Hospital of
      Cardiology of the Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS. From 2008 to 2011,
      admitted to Emergency 184 patients with suspected pulmonary embolism, of which 41
      were removed; of the 143 remaining cases, only 127 patients was diagnosed with
      PE. The other 16 patients had other diagnoses. In 86% of patients showed
      electrocardiographic pattern S1Q3T3 and 39% had RBBB, in 17 (13.3%) patients
      there was hemodynamic instability, and in 94.4% showed enlargement of the right
      chambers by echocardiography, 55.9% showed paradoxical septal motion, PASP was
      66.2+22.8 mm Hg and in 43.3% the Mc Connell sign was positive. A total of 48
      patients (37.7%) received thrombolysis, the remaining patients received
      conventional medical treatment with anticoagulation. Overall mortality was 14%.

PMID- 28092249
TI  - [Zika virus and their means of delivery, rather than Aedes].
AB  - In the present work an exposition of the most frequent vectors of the arboviruses
      is made highlighting the ones of the genus Aedes, of these in each geographic
      distribution there are specific subgeneros, in Africa emphasizes A. africanus, A.
      opok and A. vitatus like those in charge of The propagation of arboviruses. In
      Asia and Oceania, A. hensilii and A. polynesiensis stand out, and A. albopictus,
      in addition to A. koreicus and A. japonicus, the latter also responsible for
      dissemination in North America. It is mentioned in the wave that struck to South
      America the greater importance of other genera like Culex, emphasizing C.
      pipiens, C. perfuscus, C. quinquefasciatus and C. nigripalpus; Also genera like
      Anopheles emphasizing A. coustani, A. albimanus and A. pseudopunctipennis
      (Central America and Mexico). Therefore the importance of other vectors other
      than Aedes as the participants in the American wave is pointed out.

PMID- 28092250
TI  - [Osteoarthrosis: implementation of current diagnostic and therapeutic
      algorithms].
AB  - In the modern world, among the different clinical presentations of
      osteoarthritis, gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis exhibit the highest prevalence. In
      this paper, the characteristics of osteoarthritis and the different scales of
      assessment and classification of this pathology are exposed, to provide an
      exhibition of current evidence generated around diagnostic algorithms and
      treatment of osteoarthritis, with emphasis set out in the knee and hip, as these
      are the most frequent; a rational procedure for monitoring patients with
      osteoarthritis based on characteristic symptoms and the severity of the condition
      is also set. Finally, reference is made to the therapeutic benefits of the recent
      introduction of viscosupplementation with Hylan GF-20.

PMID- 28092251
TI  - [Acute appendicitis. Surgical and non-surgical treatment].
AB  - Appendicitis represents a common disease for the surgeon with a relative risk
      between 7-8%. It was thought that if more time passed between diagnosis and
      treatment, the risk for complications, such as perforation or abscess formation,
      was higher; nevertheless; the evolution is variable, making necessary the
      development of different strategies such as antibiotic use only, interval surgery
      or endoscopic treatment. The purpose of this study is to make a revision in the
      management of appendicitis comparing conservative and surgical treatment. It is
      known that traditional management of appendicitis is appendectomy with a
      complication rate of 2.5% to 48%. Nowadays, laparoscopy is the approach of choice
      by many surgeons and there have proposed new invasive techniques such as
      endoscopic treatment with the use of prosthesis and ambulatory surgery.
      Antibiotic use is essential in the management of appendicitis. Its use as the
      only strategy to treat this disease has the purpose of lowering costs and
      diminishing complications related to surgery or the resection of the organ. We
      conclude that the ideal management of appendicitis remains controversial and it
      will depend of the clinical characteristics of each patient and the resources
      available.

PMID- 28092252
TI  - [Accessibility to health services: theoretical debate on determinants and
      implications in the public health policy].
AB  - This paper presents the theorical development of accesibility as process and
      product. The process consists of the elements that converge to meet the
      objectives of providing medical care in a timely manner. As product is a
      component of effective care. Accesibility itself is subject to a combination of
      economic, cultural, social, geographic and contextual aspects. Beyond the right
      of persons to receive health care, availability of institutions and the means to
      achieve.

PMID- 28092253
TI  - [Mexican treatment goals for plaque psoriasis].
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a worldwide prevalence between 6
      and 39% in moderate to severe forms. In European countries like Germany and
      England was identified that only one third of patients with moderate to severe
      forms will receive systemic management, this fact motivated to integrate into
      Europe an international consensus on treatment goals with the aim of providing
      support to the dermatologist by algorithms that serve as a therapeutic guide that
      allows you to gain control short and long term effects of this disease. The
      European group met to develop the definitions of severity of psoriasis, treatment
      goals for moderate to severe disease, and optimization options and / or
      therapeutic transition than a paper published in 2011 was obtained. In Mexico a
      working group of experts on biological therapy (GTEB), made up of 10 members and
      an extended group of 150 dermatologists' voters in the country for the purpose of
      issuing Mexico's position on the proposals of the European group was formed. In
      this document the findings of the Working Group of Experts on Biological Therapy
      in Mexico are listed.

PMID- 28092254
TI  - [What do adults die in Mexico? Impact on the economic and social development of
      the nation. The global burden of cardiovascular disease].
AB  - Noncommunicable diseases have been established as a clear threat, not only to
      human health but also to the development and economic growth. Claiming 63% of all
      deaths, these diseases are currently the main murderer worldwide. The increase in
      the prevalence and importance of noncommunicable diseases specifically of
      cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and
      obesity is the result of a complex interplay between health, economic growth and
      development, which is strongly associated with universal trends such as the aging
      of the world population, rapid unplanned urbanization, and the globalization of
      unhealthy lifestyles.Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of diseases
      involving the heart, blood vessels, or the consequences of poor blood supply due
      to a vascular source ill. About 82% of the burden of mortality is caused by
      ischemic heart disease or coronary heart disease (IHD), Stroke (both hemorrhagic
      and ischemic), hypertensive heart disease or congestive heart failure (CHF). The
      Hospital de Cardiologia of the Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, serves the call
      to improve through innovation and technological development this area of health
      the "tele cardiology" (regulatory center of myocardial code), with clear
      objectives in the short, medium and long term.

PMID- 28092255
TI  - [The importance of promoting the bioethical seeds in the University].
AB  - One of the main scopes for institutions dedicated to preparing professionals in
      health is to increase their bioethics profile. To achieve this scope, these
      institutions have included lessons in bioethics into their study plans. Another
      way to increase the profile of the students, as the authors of this article
      propose, is creating bioethics seeds through a bioethics interest diagnostic on
      the students' preferences in their first year of the Justo Sierra University
      using a particular clinical case. The results found indicated that students show
      more interest in learning the physiopathology, diagnostics, and therapy of the
      pathologies than bioethics. The authors concluded that in order to increase this
      profile, the students are encouraged to discuss and reflect on bioethical
      situations that help them to construct their own opinion and decisions.

PMID- 28092256
TI  - [Resection of intracardiac myxoma. Case report].
AB  - Myxomas are the most common benign cardiac tumors, which are considered emergency
      surgery. The resection should not be delayed because 8-9% of affected patients
      may die due to intracardiac blood flow obstruction. We presente a clinical case
      of a 47 year old female, history of dyslipidemia. Disease starts with
      retrosternal oppression feeling, dyspnea on moderate exercise, dizziness, pain in
      joints hands. Arrhytmic heart sounds, diastolic mitral murmur II/IV, breth sounds
      present, no lymph. Laboratory: hemoglobin 11.0, leucocyte 9000, glucose 96 mg/dL,
      chest RX medium arch prominence cardiac silhouette. ECO transthoracic LVEF 60 %,
      with left atrial intracardiac tumor 13x11 cm, pedicle fixed the interatrial
      septum, the mitral valve bulges, with mild mitral valve. Half sternotomy is
      performed intracardiac tumor resection, pericardial placement interatrial with
      extracorporeal circulation support 65', aortic clamping time of 40'. Intracardiac
      tumor surgical findings interatrial septum fixed to left side, pedicle, rounded,
      yellow, multiloculated, soft, 13x10 cm in diameter. Histopathological diagnosis
      cardiac myxoma. We conclude that the tumor resection was carried in a timely
      manner with satisfactory evolution.

PMID- 28092257
TI  - [Chilaiditi's sign and syndrome. Case report].
AB  - The interposition of a portion of the colon between the liver and the diaphragm
      is called Chilaiditi sign and discovered incidentally during radiological study
      for other reasons and usually asymptomatic presentation. When the discovery is
      accompanied by clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,
      bloating, constipation called Chilaiditi Syndrome. The Chilaiditi sign is a very
      rare condition, and the Chilaiditi syndrome is even more, especially if
      associated with other acute diseases. We report the case of a man of 41 years was
      admitted with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty
      was diagnosed with radiographic and tomographic images making the differential
      diagnosis with lung abscess and diaphragmatic hernia. The final diagnosis was
      Chilaiditi Syndrome associated with acute pancreatitis and penumonia.

PMID- 28092258
TI  - [Frontal fibrosing alopecia: case series and literature review].
AB  - Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a disease characterized by a symmetric and
      progressive loss of hair in the fronto-temporal and fronto-parietal lines that
      generally affects postmenopausal women. It is considered a variant of lichen
      planus pilaris for its clinical and histopathological features; although, its
      etiopathology is still unknown. In this report, we analyzed 4 cases of this
      disease and we discussed its clinical and histopathological characteristics, as
      well as their course after initiating treatment.

PMID- 28092259
TI  - [First case of chikungunya fever in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico].
AB  - The Chikungunya is an arbovirus first described during a 1952 outbreak of febrile
      exantematic disease in southern Tanganyika (now Tanzania). It is a virus within
      the alphavirus genus of the Togaviridae family, it is usually transmitted to
      humans by Aedes mosquitoes. Typically, the disease manifests as acute onset of
      fever and joint pains. This study describes the clinical characteristics the
      first imported case infected with chikungunya fever (CHIK) in Hermosillo, Sonora,
      Mexico. We report the case of a 30 years old man seen in our emergency department
      due to fever, polyarthralgia, rash and headache. This patient has been in
      Tapachula, Chiapas, a jungle area in southern Mexico, and he returned from a 45
      days trip before the onset his symptoms. The chikungunya viral infection (CHIK)
      was diagnosed by RT-PCR procedure. Paracetamol therapy was administered and his
      clinical course was self-limited. We concluded that with the increase of
      mosquito's habitat by global warming and frequent traveling, CHIK reemerged and
      showed global distribution recently. This disease must be suspected in patients
      with compatible clinical symptoms returning from epidemic/endemic areas. CHIK
      must be diagnosed on the basis of clinical, epidemiological and laboratory
      criteria.

PMID- 28092260
TI  - [Down syndrome and heart block secondary to neonatal lupus].
AB  - In Down syndrome, so far, has not been reported it's association with congenital
      heart block, this entity is rare and occurred in only 1% of mothers who have
      systemic lupus erythematosus, the presence of anti-Ro antibodies cross the
      placenta presenting neonatal lupus with skin lesions and congenital heart block,
      bradycardia, which is why we describe the following case. This is a new male end
      product of asymptomatic young mother, but serological birth with stigmata of Down
      syndrome, birth presents congenital bradycardia rare manifestation abnormalities,
      but common in children of mothers with lupus are initiated study protocol,
      realizing you including laboratory tests and immunological studies cabinet as
      electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, which gave tone to take the mother
      immunological studies, being positive antiRo. We concluded that the risk of heart
      block in a patient with Down syndrome is the same as for the general population.

PMID- 28092261
TI  - Structural insights into the mechanism of the DEAH-box RNA helicase Prp43.
AB  - The DEAH-box helicase Prp43 is a key player in pre-mRNA splicing as well as the
      maturation of rRNAs. The exact modus operandi of Prp43 and of all other
      spliceosomal DEAH-box RNA helicases is still elusive. Here, we report crystal
      structures of Prp43 complexes in different functional states and the analysis of
      structure-based mutants providing insights into the unwinding and loading
      mechanism of RNAs. The Prp43*ATP-analog*RNA complex shows the localization of the
      RNA inside a tunnel formed by the two RecA-like and C-terminal domains. In the
      ATP-bound state this tunnel can be transformed into a groove prone for RNA
      binding by large rearrangements of the C-terminal domains. Several conformational
      changes between the ATP- and ADP-bound states explain the coupling of ATP
      hydrolysis to RNA translocation, mainly mediated by a beta-turn of the RecA1
      domain containing the newly identified RF motif. This mechanism is clearly
      different to those of other RNA helicases.

PMID- 28092262
TI  - Vocal development in a Waddington landscape.
AB  - Vocal development is the adaptive coordination of the vocal apparatus, muscles,
      the nervous system, and social interaction. Here, we use a quantitative framework
      based on optimal control theory and Waddington's landscape metaphor to provide an
      integrated view of this process. With a biomechanical model of the marmoset
      monkey vocal apparatus and behavioral developmental data, we show that only the
      combination of the developing vocal tract, vocal apparatus muscles and nervous
      system can fully account for the patterns of vocal development. Together, these
      elements influence the shape of the monkeys' vocal developmental landscape,
      tilting, rotating or shifting it in different ways. We can thus use this
      framework to make quantitative predictions regarding how interfering factors or
      experimental perturbations can change the landscape within a species, or to
      explain comparative differences in vocal development across species.

PMID- 28092263
TI  - Transcription leads to pervasive replisome instability in bacteria.
AB  - The canonical model of DNA replication describes a highly-processive and largely
      continuous process by which the genome is duplicated. This continuous model is
      based upon in vitro reconstitution and in vivo ensemble experiments. Here, we
      characterize the replisome-complex stoichiometry and dynamics with single
      molecule resolution in bacterial cells. Strikingly, the stoichiometries of the
      replicative helicase, DNA polymerase, and clamp loader complexes are consistent
      with the presence of only one active replisome in a significant fraction of cells
      (>40%). Furthermore, many of the observed complexes have short lifetimes (<8
      min), suggesting that replisome disassembly is quite prevalent, possibly
      occurring several times per cell cycle. The instability of the replisome complex
      is conflict-induced: transcription inhibition stabilizes these complexes,
      restoring the second replisome in many of the cells. Our results suggest that, in
      contrast to the canonical model, DNA replication is a largely discontinuous
      process in vivo due to pervasive replication-transcription conflicts.

PMID- 28092264
TI  - Centriolar SAS-7 acts upstream of SPD-2 to regulate centriole assembly and
      pericentriolar material formation.
AB  - The centriole/basal body is a eukaryotic organelle that plays essential roles in
      cell division and signaling. Among five known core centriole proteins, SPD
      2/Cep192 is the first recruited to the site of daughter centriole formation and
      regulates the centriolar localization of the other components in C. elegans and
      in humans. However, the molecular basis for SPD-2 centriolar localization remains
      unknown. Here, we describe a new centriole component, the coiled-coil protein SAS
      7, as a regulator of centriole duplication, assembly and elongation.
      Intriguingly, our genetic data suggest that SAS-7 is required for daughter
      centrioles to become competent for duplication, and for mother centrioles to
      maintain this competence. We also show that SAS-7 binds SPD-2 and regulates SPD-2
      centriolar recruitment, while SAS-7 centriolar localization is SPD-2-independent.
      Furthermore, pericentriolar material (PCM) formation is abnormal in sas-7
      mutants, and the PCM-dependent induction of cell polarity that defines the
      anterior-posterior body axis frequently fails. We conclude that SAS-7 functions
      at the earliest step in centriole duplication yet identified and plays important
      roles in the orchestration of centriole and PCM assembly.

PMID- 28092265
TI  - The fibronectin synergy site re-enforces cell adhesion and mediates a crosstalk
      between integrin classes.
AB  - Fibronectin (FN), a major extracellular matrix component, enables integrin
      mediated cell adhesion via binding of alpha5beta1, alphaIIbbeta3 and alphav-class
      integrins to an RGD-motif. An additional linkage for alpha5 and alphaIIb is the
      synergy site located in close proximity to the RGD motif. We report that mice
      with a dysfunctional FN-synergy motif (Fn1syn/syn) suffer from surprisingly mild
      platelet adhesion and bleeding defects due to delayed thrombus formation after
      vessel injury. Additional loss of beta3 integrins dramatically aggravates the
      bleedings and severely compromises smooth muscle cell coverage of the vasculature
      leading to embryonic lethality. Cell-based studies revealed that the synergy site
      is dispensable for the initial contact of alpha5beta1 with the RGD, but essential
      to re-enforce the binding of alpha5beta1/alphaIIbbeta3 to FN. Our findings
      demonstrate a critical role for the FN synergy site when external forces exceed a
      certain threshold or when alphavbeta3 integrin levels decrease below a critical
      level.

PMID- 28092266
TI  - TGF-beta reduces DNA ds-break repair mechanisms to heighten genetic diversity and
      adaptability of CD44+/CD24- cancer cells.
AB  - Many lines of evidence have indicated that both genetic and non-genetic
      determinants can contribute to intra-tumor heterogeneity and influence cancer
      outcomes. Among the best described sub-population of cancer cells generated by
      non-genetic mechanisms are cells characterized by a CD44+/CD24- cell surface
      marker profile. Here, we report that human CD44+/CD24- cancer cells are
      genetically highly unstable because of intrinsic defects in their DNA-repair
      capabilities. In fact, in CD44+/CD24- cells, constitutive activation of the TGF
      beta axis was both necessary and sufficient to reduce the expression of genes
      that are crucial in coordinating DNA damage repair mechanisms. Consequently, we
      observed that cancer cells that reside in a CD44+/CD24- state are characterized
      by increased accumulation of DNA copy number alterations, greater genetic
      diversity and improved adaptability to drug treatment. Together, these data
      suggest that the transition into a CD44+/CD24- cell state can promote intra-tumor
      genetic heterogeneity, spur tumor evolution and increase tumor fitness.

PMID- 28092268
TI  - Phenotypic outcomes in Mouse and Human Foxc1 dependent Dandy-Walker cerebellar
      malformation suggest shared mechanisms.
AB  - FOXC1 loss contributes to Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM), a common human
      cerebellar malformation. Previously, we found that complete Foxc1 loss leads to
      aberrations in proliferation, neuronal differentiation and migration in the
      embryonic mouse cerebellum (Haldipur et al., 2014). We now demonstrate that
      hypomorphic Foxc1 mutant mice have granule and Purkinje cell abnormalities
      causing subsequent disruptions in postnatal cerebellar foliation and lamination.
      Particularly striking is the presence of a partially formed posterior lobule
      which echoes the posterior vermis DW 'tail sign' observed in human imaging
      studies. Lineage tracing experiments in Foxc1 mutant mouse cerebella indicate
      that aberrant migration of granule cell progenitors destined to form the
      posterior-most lobule causes this unique phenotype. Analyses of rare human del
      chr 6p25 fetal cerebella demonstrate extensive phenotypic overlap with our Foxc1
      mutant mouse models, validating our DWM models and demonstrating that many key
      mechanisms controlling cerebellar development are likely conserved between mouse
      and human.

PMID- 28092267
TI  - Cryo-EM structure of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel illuminates mechanisms
      of assembly and gating.
AB  - KATP channels are metabolic sensors that couple cell energetics to membrane
      excitability. In pancreatic beta-cells, channels formed by SUR1 and Kir6.2
      regulate insulin secretion and are the targets of antidiabetic sulfonylureas.
      Here, we used cryo-EM to elucidate structural basis of channel assembly and
      gating. The structure, determined in the presence of ATP and the sulfonylurea
      glibenclamide, at ~6 A resolution reveals a closed Kir6.2 tetrameric core with
      four peripheral SUR1s each anchored to a Kir6.2 by its N-terminal transmembrane
      domain (TMD0). Intricate interactions between TMD0, the loop following TMD0, and
      Kir6.2 near the proposed PIP2 binding site, and where ATP density is observed,
      suggest SUR1 may contribute to ATP and PIP2 binding to enhance Kir6.2 sensitivity
      to both. The SUR1-ABC core is found in an unusual inward-facing conformation
      whereby the two nucleotide binding domains are misaligned along a two-fold
      symmetry axis, revealing a possible mechanism by which glibenclamide inhibits
      channel activity.

PMID- 28092270
TI  - Multimodal individualized concept of hemodynamic monitoring.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss the pathophysiological rationale of advanced
      hemodynamic monitoring in the critically ill and also to highlight the importance
      of a multimodal, individualized approach. RECENT FINDINGS: There are several
      clinical studies and animal experiments evaluating, which hemodynamic endpoint
      should be the best target during fluid management. Recent systematic reviews and
      meta-analyses also investigated the effects of advanced hemodynamic endpoints
      targeted hemodynamic management on outcome mainly in high-risk surgical patients.
      Although most of these studies report positive results, this knowledge does not
      seem to affect our everyday practice. According to large international surveys,
      most physicians still rely on inappropriate indices. One of the reasons could be
      that target values applied in these studies can be misleading in the individual
      patient. Therefore, we describe the concept of an individualized approach, in
      which normalizing the components of oxygen delivery are put in the context of the
      patients' individual response by evaluating components of oxygen consumption, and
      organ perfusion. SUMMARY: Advanced hemodynamic monitoring-based management
      provides a number of benefits, which could be better tailored for the patients'
      actual needs by putting this into a multimodal, individualized approach.

PMID- 28092269
TI  - Analysis of microtubule growth dynamics arising from altered actin network
      structure and contractility in breast tumor cells.
AB  - The periphery of epithelial cells is shaped by opposing cytoskeletal physical
      forces generated predominately by two dynamic force generating systems-growing
      microtubule ends push against the boundary from the cell center, and the actin
      cortex contracts the attached plasma membrane. Here we investigate how changes to
      the structure and dynamics of the actin cortex alter the dynamics of
      microtubules. Current drugs target actin polymerization and contraction to reduce
      cell division and invasiveness; however, the impacts on microtubule dynamics
      remain incompletely understood. Using human MCF-7 breast tumor cells expressing
      GFP-tagged microtubule end-binding-protein-1 (EB1) and coexpression of
      cytoplasmic fluorescent protein mCherry, we map the trajectories of growing
      microtubule ends and cytoplasmic boundary respectively. Based on EB1 tracks and
      cytoplasmic boundary outlines, we calculate the speed, distance from cytoplasmic
      boundary, and straightness of microtubule growth. Actin depolymerization with
      Latrunculin-A reduces EB1 growth speed as well as allows the trajectories to
      extend beyond the cytoplasmic boundary. Blebbistatin, a direct myosin-II
      inhibitor, reduced EB1 speed and yielded less straight EB1 trajectories.
      Inhibiting signaling upstream of myosin-II contractility via the Rho-kinase
      inhibitor, Y-27632, altered EB1 dynamics differently from Blebbistatin. These
      results indicate that reduced actin cortex integrity can induce distinct
      alterations in microtubule dynamics. Given recent findings that tumor stem cell
      characteristics are increased by drugs which reduce actin contractility or
      stabilize microtubules, it remains important to clearly define how cytoskeletal
      drugs alter the interactions between these two filament systems in tumor cells.

PMID- 28092271
TI  - Trauma and transfusion.

PMID- 28092272
TI  - Material-Dependent Implant Artifact Reduction Using SEMAC-VAT and MAVRIC: A
      Prospective MRI Phantom Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the degree of artifact reduction
      in magnetic resonance imaging achieved with slice encoding for metal artifact
      correction (SEMAC) in combination with view angle tilting (VAT) and
      multiacquisition variable resonance image combination (MAVRIC) for standard
      contrast weightings and different metallic materials. METHODS: Four identically
      shaped rods made of the most commonly used prosthetic materials (stainless steel,
      SS; titanium, Ti; cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, CoCr; and oxidized zirconium, oxZi)
      were scanned at 3 T. In addition to conventional fast spin-echo sequences, metal
      artifact reduction sequences (SEMAC-VAT and MAVRIC) with varying degrees of
      artifact suppression were applied at different contrast weightings (T1w, T2w,
      PDw). Two independent readers measured in-plane and through-plane artifacts in a
      standardized manner. In addition, theoretical frequency-offset and frequency
      offset-gradient maps were calculated. Interobserver agreement was assessed using
      intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was almost
      perfect (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.86-0.99). Stainless steel caused
      the greatest artifacts, followed by CoCr, Ti, and oxZi regardless of the imaging
      sequence. While for Ti and oxZi rods scanning with weak SEMAC-VAT showed some
      advantage, for SS and CoCr, higher modes of SEMAC-VAT or MAVRIC were necessary to
      achieve artifact reduction. MAVRIC achieved better artifact reduction than SEMAC
      VAT at the cost of longer acquisition times. Simulations matched well with the
      apparent geometry of the frequency-offset maps. CONCLUSIONS: For Ti and oxZi
      implants, weak SEMAC-VAT may be preferred as it is faster and produces less
      artifact than conventional fast spin-echo. Medium or strong SEMAC-VAT or MAVRIC
      modes are necessary for significant artifact reduction for SS and CoCr implants.
      KEY POINTS: 

PMID- 28092273
TI  - In Vivo Testing of Extracorporeal Membrane Ventilators: iLA-Activve Versus
      Prototype I-Lung.
AB  - A side-by-side comparison of the decarboxylation efficacy of two pump-driven
      venovenous extracorporeal lung assist devices, i.e., a first prototype of the new
      miniaturized ambulatory extracorporeal membrane ventilator, I-lung versus the
      commercial system iLA-activve for more than a period of 72 hours in a large
      animal model. Fifteen German Landrace pigs were anesthetized and underwent
      mechanical hypoventilation to induce severe hypercapnia. Decarboxylation was
      accomplished by either the I-lung or the iLA-activve via a double lumen catheter
      in the jugular vein. Sham-operated pigs were not connected to extracorporeal
      devices. Cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic parameters were continuously
      monitored, combined with periodic arterial blood sampling for subsequent clinical
      blood diagnostics, such as gas exchange, hemolysis, coagulation parameters, and
      cytokine profiles. At the termination of the studies, lung tissue was harvested
      and examined histologically for pulmonary morphology and leukocyte tissue
      infiltration. Both extracorporeal devices showed high and comparable efficacy
      with respect to carbon dioxide elimination for more than 72 hours and were not
      associated with either bleeding events or clotting disorders. Pigs of both groups
      showed cardiovascular and hemodynamic stability without marked differences to
      sham-operated animals. Groups also did not differ in terms of inflammatory and
      metabolic parameters. We established a preclinical in vivo porcine model for
      comparative long-term testing of I-lung and iLA-activve. The I-lung prototype
      proved to be safe and feasible, providing adequate decarboxylation without any
      adverse events. Once translated into the clinical treatment, the new miniaturized
      and transportable I-lung device might represent a promising tool for treating
      awake and mobilized patients with decompensated pulmonary disorders.

PMID- 28092274
TI  - Power Profiles and In Vitro Optical Quality of Scleral Contact Lenses: Effect of
      the Aperture and Power.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the power profile and in vitro optical quality of scleral
      contact lenses with different powers as a function of the optical aperture.
      METHODS: The mini and semiscleral contact lenses (Procornea) were measured for
      five powers per design. The NIMO TR-1504 (Lambda-X) was used to assess the power
      profile and Zernike coefficients of each contact lens. Ten measurements per lens
      were taken at 3- and 6-mm apertures. Furthermore, the optical quality of each
      lens was described in Zernike coefficients, modulation transfer function, and
      point spread function (PSF). A convolution of each lens PSF with an eye-chart
      image was also computed. RESULTS: The optical power fluctuated less than 0.5
      diopters (D) along the optical zone of each lens. However, the optical power
      obtained for some lenses did not match with its corresponding nominal one, the
      maximum difference being 0.5 D. In optical quality, small differences were
      obtained among all lenses within the same design. Although significant
      differences were obtained among lenses (P<0.05), these showed small impact in the
      image quality of each convolution. CONCLUSIONS: Insignificant power fluctuations
      were obtained along the optical zone measured for each scleral lens.
      Additionally, the optical quality of both lenses has showed to be independent of
      the lens power within the same aperture.

PMID- 28092275
TI  - Mechanistic insights from combining genomics with metabolomics.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Metabolomics directly measure substrates and products of
      biological processes and pathways. Based on instrumentation and throughput
      advances, the use of metabolomics has only recently become feasible at the
      population level. This has led to an intense interest in using the new
      information in combination with genomics, and other omics technologies, to give
      biological context to the rapidly accumulating associations between genes and
      diseases or their risk factors. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of metabolomics-genomic
      associations for the metabolic characterization of genes of interest has
      confirmed known pathways and permitted the identification of new ones. These
      include the unknown metabolite X12063 linking statins to myopathies, the role of
      glycerophospholipids in cholesterol metabolism, the structure of lipoprotein (a),
      the lipoprotein lipase-independent effect of Apolipoprotein C-III coding and the
      role of branched chain amino acids in the antagonistic coregulation of levels of
      HDLs and triglyceride. SUMMARY: The findings reviewed illustrate the importance
      of integrating metabolomics and genomics for the greater understanding of
      biological mechanisms. The limitations of the current approaches are also
      discussed together with approaches that will be required to make the most of the
      current multiomics data available.

PMID- 28092276
TI  - Asialoglycoprotein receptors as important mediators of plasma lipids and
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review seeks to describe the role of the
      asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR) in modulating non-HDL lipoprotein levels,
      platelet numbers and atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Genetics studies have
      revealed that ASGR haplodeficiency provides protection from atherosclerosis. The
      potential interactions of ASGR with LDL receptor may regulate the rate of LDL
      uptake and as a result may lower plasma non-HDL cholesterol. ASGR clears
      senescent platelets and induces the expression of hepatic thrombopoietin.
      Platelet activity promotes plaque formation and atherosclerosis. SUMMARY: ASGR is
      a multifunctional receptor specializing in clearance of desialylated
      glycoproteins and platelets. The impact of ASGR on the levels of plasma non-HDL
      cholesterol makes it a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of
      hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28092277
TI  - Hierarchical Linear Modeling for Analysis of Ecological Momentary Assessment Data
      in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research.
AB  - Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods collect real-time data in real
      world environments, which allow physical medicine and rehabilitation researchers
      to examine objective outcome data and reduces bias from retrospective recall. The
      statistical analysis of EMA data is directly related to the research question and
      the temporal design of the study. Hierarchical linear modeling, which accounts
      for multiple observations from the same participant, is a particularly useful
      approach to analyzing EMA data. The objective of this paper was to introduce the
      process of conducting hierarchical linear modeling analyses with EMA data. This
      is accomplished using exemplars from recent physical medicine and rehabilitation
      literature.

PMID- 28092278
TI  - Delayed-Onset Central Pain due to Degeneration of Ischemic Transcallosal Fibers
      After Corpus Callosum Hemorrhage.
AB  - AIMS: A patient developed delayed-onset central pain due to degeneration of the
      spinothalamic tract resulting from degeneration of the ischemic transcallosal
      fibers, in the aftermath of a corpus callosum (CC) hemorrhage. The detection and
      diagnosis of these lesions using diffusion tensor tractography are described.
      METHODS: A 59-yr-old man underwent conservative management for hemorrhages in the
      CC and lateral ventricle that resulted from hitting his head against a wall while
      falling. He began to feel pain in his right upper and lower extremities
      approximately 11/2 yrs after the initial injury. The pain was characterized as
      constant tingling, numb, and cool sensation without allodynia or hyperalgesia
      (visual analogue scale score, 5). RESULTS: Disruption of transcallosal fibers in
      the genu and isthmus of the CC was observed on diffusion tensor tractography 1 mo
      after the initial injury. By 3 yrs, the diffusion tensor tractography showed that
      transcallosal fibers in the isthmus (67.8%-77.9%) of the CC had disappeared, and
      the left spinothalamic tract had become thinner. CONCLUSION: The results suggest
      that central pain can occur without direct injury of the spinothalamic tract and
      point up the need for evaluation of the spinothalamic tract and transcallosal
      fibers in patients with a CC lesion who complain of central pain.

PMID- 28092279
TI  - Association between long-term blood pressure control and ten-year progression in
      carotid arterial stiffness among hypertensive individuals: the multiethnic study
      of atherosclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness was shown to be higher among hypertensive patients
      with diabetes than those without diabetes and among older than younger
      hypertensive patients. We examined whether the association between long-term
      blood pressure (BP) control and 10-year progression in carotid arterial stiffness
      varies by diabetes status and age. METHODS: Participants were 906 individuals
      with hypertension at baseline and three follow-up visits in the Multi-Ethnic
      Study of Atherosclerosis (mean age 63.7 years, 44% males). Participants with SBP
      of less than 140 mmHg and DBP of less than 90 mmHg were considered to have a
      controlled BP. Arterial stiffness was measured using distensibility coefficient *
      10/mmHg and Young's elastic modulus (YEM * 10 mmHg) at baseline and after a mean
      of 9.5 years (visit 5). Multiple linear regression model was used for the
      analysis. RESULTS: Having controlled BP at three visits (distensibility
      coefficient: beta = 3.6, P = 0.004; YEM: beta = -6.8, P = 0.07) or four visits
      (distensibility coefficient: beta = 2.4, P = 0.04; YEM: beta = -6.8, P = 0.05),
      when compared with having uncontrolled BP at all four visit, was associated with
      lesser progression in arterial stiffness. In a stratified analysis, arterial
      stiffness progression was slower only among nondiabetics with controlled BP at
      three visits (distensibility coefficient: beta = 4.3, P = 0.002; YEM: beta = 
      8.8, P = 0.04) or four visits (beta = 3.7, P = 0.01; YEM: beta = -10.4, P = 0.01)
      and among those less than 70 years with controlled BP at three visits
      (distensibility coefficient: beta = 4.9, P = 0.004; YEM: beta = -10.6, P = 0.01)
      or four visits (distensibility coefficient: beta = 2.9, P = 0.07; YEM: beta = 
      7.6, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that controlling BP alone may
      not be sufficient to slow progression of arterial stiffness among hypertensive
      patients with concurrent diabetes and elderly hypertensive patients.

PMID- 28092280
TI  - Challenges and opportunities to enhance global drug development in neonates.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This study reviews the history of neonatal drug development,
      recent legislative efforts designed to facilitate the study of therapeutic agents
      in neonates, and future steps necessary to advance drug development. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Although many federal regulations have been introduced over the past 15
      years to encourage pediatric and neonatal drug development, the majority of
      medications that are used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are not approved by
      the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in neonates. There are many
      challenges that investigators encounter in conducting neonatal clinical trials.
      The Critical Path Institute working in conjunction with the FDA has developed
      several consortia, including the International Neonatal Consortium and Pediatric
      Trials Consortium, to address these concerns and facilitate interactions of
      researchers, regulators, funding agencies, industry, and others across the globe
      to produce regulatory ready and high quality data for neonatal therapeutics.
      SUMMARY: Neonatal drug development is an area which deserves significant
      attention if we hope to continue to improve outcomes. With the help of
      international collaborations, it is possible to accelerate efficient and high
      quality neonatal research through multidisciplinary teams that share data,
      knowledge, and expertise to advance medical innovation and regulatory science.

PMID- 28092281
TI  - Renal tubular acidosis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To facilitate the understanding and knowledge of renal tubular
      acidosis by providing a summarized information on the known clinical and
      biochemical characteristics of this group of diseases, by updating the genetic
      and molecular bases of the primary forms renal tubular acidosis and by examining
      some issues regarding the diagnosis of distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) in the
      daily clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: The manuscript presents recent findings
      on the potential of next-generation sequencing to disclose new pathogenic
      variants in patients with a clinical diagnosis of primary RTA and negative Sanger
      sequencing of known genes. The current review emphasizes the importance of
      measuring urinary ammonium for a correct clinical approach to the patients with
      metabolic acidosis and discusses the diagnosis of incomplete distal RTA. SUMMARY:
      We briefly update the current information on RTA, put forward the need of
      additional studies in children to validate urinary indexes used in the diagnosis
      of RTA and offer a perspective on diagnostic genetic tests.

PMID- 28092283
TI  - Inherited disorders of tubular transport.

PMID- 28092282
TI  - Neonatal palliative care.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A significant number of newborns are affected by life-limiting
      or life-threatening conditions. When prolongation of survival is no longer a
      goal, or prognosis is uncertain, a plan of care focused on the infant's comfort
      is essential. The aim of this article is to review the most recent and relevant
      literature regarding neonatal palliative care (NPC). RECENT FINDINGS: A variety
      of perinatal and NPC programs are described, but most programs focus exclusively
      on end-of-life care. Moreover, there is a great need to standardize practices and
      obtain follow-up quality measures.Guidelines to address infants' basic needs, to
      achieve a state of comfort, are proposed. A multidisciplinary team addressing the
      infants' medical and nonmedical needs, parental grieving process, and providers'
      distress is recommended. SUMMARY: NPC is a unique multidisciplinary approach for
      the care of newborns affected by life-limiting or complex medical conditions with
      uncertain prognosis. Standardized guidelines should be implemented with the goal
      of achieving a state of comfort for newborns throughout the course of illness.
      Further studies are warranted to assess whether NPC effectively promotes
      newborns' comfort and parents and providers' satisfaction.

PMID- 28092284
TI  - Persistent Fever in Medical Intensive Care Unit: Evans Syndrome Versus
      Actinomycotic Osteomyelitis?

PMID- 28092285
TI  - Perioperative beta-Blockers in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery-Scientific
      Misconduct and Clinical Guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: beta-blocker use in perioperative period of noncardiac surgeries has
      been a topic of debate since many years. Earlier studies conducted in the 90s
      showed decreased cardiac adverse events and improved postoperative outcomes with
      beta-blocker use. Based on this, the ACCF and ESC published guidelines strongly
      supporting beta-blocker use. But contemporaneous studies conducted revealed
      conflicting evidence and have also proven some of the earlier studies to be
      fraudulent. Although ACCF guidelines have been updated to partially reflect the
      changes, ESC guidelines continue to support beta-blocker use. AREAS OF
      UNCERTAINTY: In light of the ACCF and ESC guidelines supporting beta-blocker use
      in perioperative period of noncardiac surgeries, our aim was to review the
      available literature and consolidate evidence in this regard. DATA SOURCES:
      PubMed search was conducted to include relevant studies between 1950 and 2015.
      RESULTS: We reviewed 24 eligible studies and few debates conducted in this
      regard. Based on our review, our findings were as follows: beta-blockers should
      be continued throughout perioperative period in patients who were on beta
      blockers before surgery for other indications such as angina, hypertension, and
      symptomatic arrhythmias. Preoperative beta-blockers are indicated in patients
      undergoing high risk vascular surgery or those having high preoperative Cardiac
      Risk Index Score. In patients with intermediate-to-low cardiac risk, the proven
      benefit is not sufficient enough to suggest universal use. CONCLUSIONS: Based on
      our review, we conclude that the use of beta-blockers in perioperative period of
      noncardiac surgeries should be determined on an individual basis based on risk
      benefit analysis. Guideline organizations should update their recommendations
      based on new evidence.

PMID- 28092286
TI  - Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury and the Associations With Risk Behavior in
      Adolescence and Young Adulthood: A Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence that childhood traumatic brain
      injury (TBI) is associated with risk behavior in adolescence and young adulthood.
      Risk behavior included one or more of the following: use of substances, including
      alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substances; involvement in criminal behavior; and
      behavioral issues with conduct. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using
      these terms: child, pediatric, traumatic brain injury, head injury, adolescent,
      psychosocial, antisocial, conduct, substance use. Studies describing original
      research were included if they reported outcomes over the age of 13 years in
      participants who sustained a TBI between birth and age 13 years. RESULTS: Six
      journal articles were reviewed based on 4 separate studies. Three articles
      indicated a relationship between childhood TBI and increased problematic
      substance use in adolescence and young adulthood. Three articles supported an
      association between childhood TBI and later externalizing behavior; however, 2
      articles did not support this link. CONCLUSION: More research is warranted to
      explore the association between childhood TBI and later risk behavior as the
      relationship is not currently understood. Future research should build on
      existing longitudinal research with continued use of medical records for
      identifying TBI and inclusion of a non-brain-related trauma group to control for
      general injury effects.

PMID- 28092288
TI  - Sutureless aortic valves: who is the right patient?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) has emerged as an
      alternative to traditional AVR for patients with aortic stenosis who present a
      higher surgical risk, such as the elderly, or those with small or highly
      calcified aortic roots. With transcatheter aortic valve implantation - the other
      major AVR alternative - being used in increasingly lower-risk patients, the place
      of sutureless valves in the AVR landscape needs to be defined. In this review, we
      discuss recent data and expert opinion as it pertains to the subject of
      sutureless AVR. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent studies have evaluated the
      performance of sutureless valves in a variety of clinical contexts, including
      minimally invasive operations and high-risk surgical procedures. The optimal
      surgical technique for sutureless AVR has been refined through the publication of
      several reports addressing technical considerations. Reduction in operative times
      represents the main advantage of sutureless valves over conventional surgical
      prostheses, and the possibility of complete annular decalcification - and hence a
      reduced incidence of paravalvular leak - is the primary advantage over TAVI.
      SUMMARY: Sutureless valves have emerged as an attractive option for high-risk
      patients or for complex surgeries where a minimization of bypass time is
      critical. However, there is limited data regarding long-term outcomes, durability
      or reoperation.

PMID- 28092287
TI  - Current and future management of the young child with early onset wheezing.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we discuss current thinking in relation to
      available guidelines for the care of preschool-aged children with recurrent
      wheezing, while highlighting the gaps in our knowledge and discussing changes
      that could occur over the next 5 years. RECENT FINDINGS: The Asthma Predictive
      Index as well as allergen-specific IgE, peripheral eosinophil count and exhaled
      nitric oxide are perhaps underutilized sources of information that can assist in
      predicting progression to asthma and response to therapies. Inhaled
      corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists decrease impairment and
      exacerbation frequency in wheezing children but are not disease modifying.
      Macrolides may be useful during acute wheezing episodes for preventing
      progression to more severe symptoms. Monoclonal antibodies targeting IgE and TH2
      cytokines have been successful in trials of adults and older children with
      asthma, but trials in younger children are needed. SUMMARY: Establishing the
      phenotype and endotype of young wheezing children can be useful for
      prognostication of future asthma risk as well as for selection of the most
      appropriate treatment. Primary asthma prevention strategies are needed during the
      critical developmental window in early life prior to the onset of irrecoverable
      loss of lung function.

PMID- 28092289
TI  - The impact of obesity on heart failure.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obesity, a growing global health problem, contributes to the
      development of heart failure. However, increased BMI seems protective for those
      with established disease, a phenomenon known as the 'obesity paradox'. In this
      review, we outline the mechanism through which obesity can contribute to the
      development of heart failure, explore the concept of obesity paradox, and
      highlight the challenges that obesity presents for advanced heart failure
      therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Although the mechanism underlying the obesity paradox
      is complex, meta-analysis shows that intentional weight loss through bariatric
      surgery can indeed improve cardiac structure and function. With regard to
      ventricular assist device therapy in obese patients, recent studies demonstrate
      that while obesity was indeed associated with higher likelihood of complications,
      there were no statistically significant differences in terms of mortality or
      delisting from cardiac transplant waiting list. SUMMARY: Obesity is strongly
      associated with the development of heart failure, through direct and indirect
      mechanisms. Although clear consensus regarding weight reduction in this patient
      population is lacking, there is mounting clinical evidence that intentional
      weight loss may be beneficial, in spite of the well-recognized obesity paradox,
      particularly as the presence of obesity presents unique challenges in the
      advanced therapy of heart failure patients.

PMID- 28092290
TI  - Clinical recommendations of cardiac magnetic resonance, Part II: inflammatory and
      congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies and cardiac tumors: a position paper
      of the working group 'Applicazioni della Risonanza Magnetica' of the Italian
      Society of Cardiology.
AB  - The current document was developed by the working group on the 'application of
      cardiac magnetic resonance' of the Italian Society of Cardiology to provide a
      perspective on the current state of technical advances and clinical cardiac
      magnetic resonance applications and to inform cardiologists how to implement
      their clinical and diagnostic pathway with the introduction of this technique in
      the clinical practice. Appropriateness criteria were defined using a score
      system: score 1-3 = inappropriate (test is not generally acceptable and is not a
      reasonable approach for the indication), score 4-6 = uncertain (test may be
      generally acceptable and may be a reasonable approach for the indication but more
      research and/or patient information is needed to classify the indication
      definitively) and score 7-9 = appropriate (test is generally acceptable and is a
      reasonable approach for the indication).

PMID- 28092291
TI  - Diagnosing myocarditis with magnetic resonance.

PMID- 28092292
TI  - Epicardial collaterals spasm as a cause of ST elevation myocardial infarction.

PMID- 28092293
TI  - The Association Between Symptomatic and Diagnostic Depression and Pain Among the
      Elderly Population in South Korea.
AB  - The exact nature of pain (amount or severity) associated with in depression in
      the elderly population has not been studied extensively yet. We investigated the
      association between the characteristics of pain and both symptomatic and
      diagnostic depression using data from the 2012 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging
      (2164 men, 2066 women). Symptomatic depression was identified a score of 12 or
      higher on the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Odds
      ratios with a 95% confidence interval was calculated for depression using
      multiple logistic regression models after adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic
      status, health behavioral factors, and chronic diseases. The fully adjusted odds
      ratio (95% confidence interval) for symptomatic/diagnostic depression were "1" =
      2.09 (1.62-2.49)/1.71 (1.03-2.86), "2" = 1.88 (1.42-2.49)/1.82 (1.05-3.13), and
      ">3" = 2.27 (1.71-3.01)/3.21 (1.94-5.32), and 1.86 (1.48-2.33)/1.57 (1.00-2.49)
      for mild, 1.74 (1.22-2.48)/2.10 (1.11-3.98) for moderate, and 5.41 (3.77
      7.77)/7.34 (4.15-12.99) for severe of pain. The results indicated a significant
      association between the number of sites and severity of pain and the prevalence
      of depression in the Korean elderly.

PMID- 28092294
TI  - Outcomes of a Combined Approach of Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization and
      Cardiac Valve Surgery.
AB  - A subset of patients requiring coronary revascularization and valve surgery may
      benefit from a combined approach of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and
      valve surgery, as opposed to the standard median sternotomy approach of combined
      coronary artery bypass and valve surgery. To evaluate its potential benefits and
      limitations, a literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, and
      the Cochrane library, through March 2016 to identify all studies involving a
      combined approach of PCI and valve surgery in patients with coronary artery and
      valvular disease. There were five studies included in the study with a total of
      324 patients, of which 75 (23.1%) had a history of previous cardiac surgery. The
      interval between PCI and surgery ranged from simultaneous intervention to a
      median of 38 days (interquartile range, 18-65 days). The surgical approach
      performed consisted of a minimally invasive one or median sternotomy. There were
      275 single valve surgery (84.9%) and 49 double-valve surgery (15.1%) with a 30
      day mortality ranging from 0% to 5.5%. The 1-year survival ranged from 78% to
      96%, and the follow-up period ranged from 1.3 to 5 years. Herein, we present a
      review of the literature using this technique.

PMID- 28092295
TI  - Income, Family Context, and Self-Regulation in 5-Year-Old Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Self-regulation (SR) is a core aspect of child development with
      enduring effects on health and wellbeing across the lifespan. Early childhood
      poverty may shape SR development. This study examined the cross-sectional
      relationship among family income, family context, and SR in 5-year-old children.
      METHODS: A total of 140 five-year-old children and their mothers participated in
      the study. Children completed a battery of SR tasks; mothers completed
      questionnaires. Cognitive and emotional SR composite scores were generated based
      on a principal component analysis of the SR tasks. The SR scores were first
      regressed on family income (in 10 levels ranging from <5000 to 150,000+)
      adjusting for age, sex, and race of the child; family context variables were
      subsequently added to the models. RESULTS: Controlling for age, sex, and race,
      each level increase in family income was associated with 0.04 SD increase in
      emotional SR (p = .32) and 0.08 SD increase in cognitive SR (p = .01). In fully
      adjusted models, exposure to household instability and experiencing 10 or more
      negative life events was associated with worse emotional SR; exposure to mother's
      depressive symptoms was associated with worse cognitive SR. Higher income
      buffered children's SR from some contextual risk factors. Family contextual
      variables explained 62% of the correlation between higher income and better
      cognitive SR scores. CONCLUSION: Income-based cognitive SR disparities were
      associated with family contextual factors. Screening for family adversity in
      pediatric care and linking families to needed resources may protect children's
      developing SR capacities, with benefits to health and well-being.

PMID- 28092296
TI  - Qualitative Analysis of Parental Observations on Quality of Life in Australian
      Children with Down Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are many challenges to health, functioning, and participation
      for children with Down syndrome; yet, the quality-of-life (QOL) domains important
      for this group have never been clearly articulated. This study investigated
      parental observations to identify QOL domains in children with Down syndrome and
      determined whether domains differed between children and adolescents. METHODS:
      The sample comprised 17 families whose child with Down syndrome was aged 6 to 18
      years. Primary caregivers took part in semistructured telephone interviews to
      explore aspects of their child's life that were satisfying or challenging.
      Qualitative thematic analysis was implemented using a grounded theory framework
      to identify domains. The coded data set was divided into 2 groups (childhood and
      adolescence) at 3 age cut points to observe whether differences existed between
      the coded domains and domain elements: (1) 6 to 11 years with 12 to 18 years; (2)
      6 to 13 years with 14 to 18 years; and (3) 6 to 15 years with 16 to 18 years.
      RESULTS: Eleven domains were identified: physical health, behavior and emotion,
      personal value, communication, movement and physical activity, routines and
      predictability, independence and autonomy, social connectedness and
      relationships, variety of activities, nature and outdoors, and access to
      services. No differences in domains and domain elements were identified across
      childhood and adolescence. CONCLUSION: Our data form a preliminary framework from
      which to design investigations of the child's perspectives on life quality and
      suggest a range of necessary supports and services.

PMID- 28092297
TI  - Vascular Adaptations to Habitual Exercise in Older Adults: Time for the Sex Talk.
AB  - Regular exercise is promoted as a therapeutic strategy for age-associated
      endothelial dysfunction. Improvements in endothelial function are observed with
      endurance exercise in older men, but are diminished or absent in older women.
      This article examines the hypothesis that sex hormones modulate vascular
      adaptations to exercise training by influencing antioxidant defense systems,
      mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and intracellular signaling.

PMID- 28092300
TI  - Self-Administered Lidocaine Gel for Pain Control With First-Trimester Surgical
      Abortion: A Randomized Controlled Trial: Correction.

PMID- 28092298
TI  - Individualized Exercise Interventions for Spinal Pain.
AB  - Exercise is the most effective treatment for the management and prevention of
      spinal pain; yet on average, it delivers small to moderate treatment effects,
      which are rarely long lasting. This review examines the hypothesis that outcome
      of exercise interventions can be optimized when targeted toward the right
      patients and when tailored to address the neuromuscular impairments of each
      individual.

PMID- 28092301
TI  - Practice Bulletin No. 156: Obesity in Pregnancy: Correction.

PMID- 28092302
TI  - Committee Opinion No. 675: Management of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia:
      Correction.

PMID- 28092303
TI  - Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With a History of Previable, Preterm Prelabor Rupture
      of Membranes: Correction.

PMID- 28092304
TI  - Structural Failure Sites in Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse: Identification of a
      Collinear Triad: Correction.

PMID- 28092305
TI  - Prevalence and Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Irritable Bowel Syndrome on
      Patient-reported Outcomes in CCFA Partners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with persistent symptoms
      despite no or minimal inflammation are frequently described as having an overlap
      of IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBD-IBS). Limited data are available on how
      IBS impacts the individual patient with IBD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate
      the prevalence of IBD-IBS and investigate its impact on patient-reported
      outcomes. METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional analysis within the CCFA
      Partners Study. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were used to
      investigate associations between IBD-IBS and various demographic, disease
      factors, and patient-reported outcomes including anxiety, depression, sleep
      disturbances, pain interference, and social satisfaction. RESULTS: Of the 6309
      participants included, a total of 1279 (20%) reported a coexisting IBS diagnosis.
      The prevalence of IBD-IBS in this cohort was similar within disease subtypes. A
      diagnosis of IBD-IBS was associated with higher narcotic use compared with those
      with no IBS diagnosis for both Crohn's disease, 17% versus 11% (P < 0.001) and
      ulcerative colitis/indeterminate colitis, 9% versus 5% (P < 0.001). Quality of
      life, as measured by Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) was
      lower in patients with IBD-IBS compared with those without. IBD-IBS diagnosis was
      associated with anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain
      interference, and decreased social satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of
      patients with IBD, high prevalence of concomitant IBS diagnosis was observed. IBD
      IBS diagnosis was associated with increased narcotic use and adverse patient
      reported outcome. Appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and counseling may help
      improve the functional status of IBD-IBS patients and decrease narcotic use.

PMID- 28092306
TI  - Tripeptide K(D)PT Is Well Tolerated in Mild-to-moderate Ulcerative Colitis:
      Results from a Randomized Multicenter Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: K(D)PT showed marked anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical
      studies and exhibited very low toxicity in phase I and preclinical trials. In
      this study, efficacy and safety of oral K(D)PT were evaluated in patients with
      mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized,
      double-blind, phase IIa trial was performed comparing add-on oral K(D)PT twice a
      day (20, 50, or 100 mg) with placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate active
      ulcerative colitis on baseline medication. The primary objective was to determine
      the difference in time to sustained improvement in colitis activity index (CAI)
      of >=50% at week 8 between pooled K(D)PT group and placebo. Secondary endpoints
      included remission rates and CAI response at different time points. RESULTS:
      Compared with placebo, K(D)PT (pooled group) resulted in significantly higher
      proportions of patients in remission at 2 and 4 weeks, (2 wk: P = 0.0349; 4 wk: P
      = 0.0278) and a significantly higher proportion of patients with CAI response at
      week 8 (P = 0.0434). K(D)PT (pooled group) met the primary endpoint after
      additional analyses. Because of high placebo response rates, subgroup analyses
      tried to identify patients with unquestionably active and more severe, but still
      moderate, disease (CAI score >=9 or taking more than one concomitant medication).
      These subgroups showed earlier and statistically significant CAI responses to
      K(D)PT versus placebo. All doses of K(D)PT were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite a very high placebo rate after week 4, study data in this preliminary
      trial strongly suggest that add-on K(D)PT is efficacious in patients with mild-to
      moderate ulcerative colitis. Moreover, K(D)PT showed an excellent safety profile.

PMID- 28092307
TI  - The PROSIT-BIO Cohort: A Prospective Observational Study of Patients with
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated with Infliximab Biosimilar.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few data are available on the safety and efficacy of infliximab
      biosimilar CT-P13 in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
      METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, cohort study using a structured database.
      RESULTS: Consecutive patients (313 Crohn's disease and 234 ulcerative colitis)
      were enrolled from 31 referral centers; 311 patients were naive to anti-tumor
      necrosis factor alpha, 139 had a previous exposure to biologics, and the
      remaining 97 were switched to CT-P13 after a mean of 18 +/- 14 infusions of
      infliximab. The mean follow-up was 4.3 +/- 2.8 months, and the total follow-up
      time was 195 patient-years. After 2061 infusions, 66 serious adverse events were
      reported (12.1%), 38 (6.9%) of them were infusion-related reactions. The
      biosimilar had to be stopped in 29 (5.3%) cases for severe infusion reactions (8
      naive, 19 previous exposed, and 2 switch), and in further 16 patients (2.9%) for
      other serious adverse events. Infusion reactions were significantly more frequent
      in patients pre-exposed to infliximab than to other anti-tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (incidence rate ratio = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.05-7.9). The efficacy of the
      biosimilar was evaluated in 434 patients who received treatment for at least 8
      weeks, using time-to-event methods for censored observations: 35 patients were
      primary failures (8.1%). After further 8, 16, and 24 weeks, the efficacy
      estimations were 95.7%, 86.4%, and 73.7% for naive, 97.2%, 85.2%, and 62.2% for
      pre-exposed, and 94.5%, 90.8%, and 78.9% for switch, respectively (log-rank P =
      0.64). CONCLUSIONS: Although no direct comparison was performed, preliminary data
      on efficacy and safety of CT-P13 were in line with those of infliximab.

PMID- 28092308
TI  - Increasing Incidence of Crohn's Disease with Familial Clustering in the Kingdom
      of Bahrain: A 25-Year Population-based Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of Crohn's disease has been increasing in developed
      countries; whether this trend has extended to countries in Middle East,
      especially in the Arab world, remains unclear. Our aim was to study the
      epidemiology, incidence, time trends and clustering of Crohn's disease within the
      population of the Kingdom of Bahrain. METHODS: A retrospective case-cohort study
      was conducted on patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease at Bahrain Specialist
      Hospital between 1990 and 2015. The diagnosis was based on clinical,
      radiological, endoscopic, and histological examinations. RESULTS: Five hundred
      twenty-two cases were eligible for analysis; 14.5% were below the age of 19 with
      a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. The overall incidence was 4.8/100,000 person
      years and significantly increased from 5.5/100,000 person-years during the 1990's
      to 8.0/100,000 person-years during the last study period [incidence rate ratio
      (IRR) 0.32, 95% CI = 0.26-0.42]. This trend was persistent for adults, children,
      men and women. There were 129 patients with at least one family member diagnosed
      with Crohn's disease consisting of 40 families. Three clusters were identified
      based on first or second degree relationship of the family member. The mean
      interval for diagnosis between family members was significantly shorter between
      siblings than second degree relatives; (2.0 +/- 1.2 years) versus (5.0 +/- 2.8
      years), respectively; (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of Crohn's
      disease in Bahrain is comparable to the U.S.A and has increased for men and women
      in all age groups. Crohn's disease clusters were common among families and
      included up to 3 generations consistent with presence of a common source or
      common genetic factors.

PMID- 28092309
TI  - Microbiota-targeted therapies on the intensive care unit.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The composition and diversity of the microbiota of the human
      gut, skin, and several other sites is severely deranged in critically ill
      patients on the ICU, and it is likely that these disruptions can negatively
      affect outcome. We here review new and ongoing studies that investigate the use
      of microbiota-targeted therapeutics in the ICU, and provide recommendations for
      future research. RECENT FINDINGS: Practically every intervention in the ICU as
      well as the physiological effects of critical illness itself can have a profound
      impact on the gut microbiota. Therapeutic modulation of the microbiota, aimed at
      restoring the balance between 'pathogenic' and 'health-promoting' microbes is
      therefore of significant interest. Probiotics have shown to be effective in the
      treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the first fecal microbiota
      transplantations have recently been safely and successfully performed in the ICU.
      However, all-encompassing data in this vulnerable patient group remain sparse,
      and only a handful of novel studies that study microbiota-targeted therapies in
      the ICU are currently ongoing. SUMMARY: Enormous strides have been made in
      characterizing the gut microbiome of critically ill patients in the ICU, and an
      increasing amount of preclinical data reveals the huge potential of microbiota
      targeted therapies. Further understanding of the causes and consequences of
      dysbiosis on ICU-related outcomes are warranted to push the field forward.

PMID- 28092310
TI  - New insights into the gut as the driver of critical illness and organ failure.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The gut has long been hypothesized to be the 'motor' of
      multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This review serves as an update on new data
      elucidating the role of the gut as the propagator of organ failure in critical
      illness. RECENT FINDINGS: Under basal conditions, the gut absorbs nutrients and
      serves as a barrier that prevents approximately 40 trillion intraluminal microbes
      and their products from causing host injury. However, in critical illness, gut
      integrity is disrupted with hyperpermeability and increased epithelial apoptosis,
      allowing contamination of extraluminal sites that are ordinarily sterile. These
      alterations in gut integrity are further exacerbated in the setting of
      preexisting comorbidities. The normally commensal microflora is also altered in
      critical illness, with increases in microbial virulence and decreases in
      diversity, which leads to further pathologic responses within the host. SUMMARY:
      All components of the gut are adversely impacted by critical illness. Gut injury
      can not only propagate local damage, but can also cause distant injury and organ
      failure. Understanding how the multifaceted components of the gut interact and
      how these are perturbed in critical illness may play an important role in turning
      off the 'motor' of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in the future.

PMID- 28092312
TI  - Synchronous Presentation of Renal Cell Carcinoma and Hodgkin Lymphoma in an
      Adolescent.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coincidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and hematologic
      malignancies has been reported in adults but not in children. OBSERVATION: We
      report a case of a 16-year-old girl in whom RCC was incidentally discovered on
      the computed tomography scan that was performed to stage her underlying Hodgkin
      lymphoma. Analysis of constitutional cytogenetics for common genetic aberrations
      that predispose to RCC did not reveal any mutations or genetic variations.
      However, cytogenetics on the RCC tumor demonstrated a rare reciprocal
      translocation between chromosomes 6 and 11, t(6;11)(p21;q12). After undergoing
      partial nephrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy and treatment with multiagent
      chemotherapy, patient is cancer-free, now 33 months from end of therapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance for histologic confirmation of a
      renal mass when concurrently discovered during the diagnostic evaluation of other
      malignancies.

PMID- 28092313
TI  - SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF TRACTIONAL RETINOSCHISIS ASSOCIATED WITH VITREOUS
      HEMORRHAGE IN RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY.
AB  - PURPOSE: The tractional retinoschisis is a poorly understood, rare, and likely
      underappreciated entity in retinopathy of prematurity. The purpose of this
      article is to describe clinical findings and surgical management of tractional
      retinoschisis in retinopathy of prematurity, masquerading as Stage 4 retinopathy
      of prematurity retinal detachment. METHODS: A retrospective review of a single
      case with literature review and case discussion. RESULTS: In this report, we
      describe a child with retinopathy of prematurity and tractional schisis, who
      initially presented with vitreous hemorrhage and was effectively managed by
      vitrectomy and inner wall retinectomy. At 5 months after vitrectomy, the child
      demonstrated complete collapse of the retinoschisis with intact posterior pole
      and brisk light perception. CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy with or without inner wall
      retinectomy is effective in the management of tractional retinoschisis.

PMID- 28092314
TI  - NOVEL TECHNIQUE FOR SUBRETINAL FLUID DRAINAGE WITH CHANDELIER-ASSISTED SCLERAL
      BUCKLE SURGERY: CANNULA-CONTROLLED DRAINAGE.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a novel technique for subretinal fluid drainage in scleral
      buckle surgery. METHODS: A 26-gauge intravenous cannula with its needle was used
      to puncture the sclera; then, the needle (metallic part) was withdrawn to further
      introduce the cannula into the subretinal space. In addition, we describe using
      the 25-gauge microcannula of the chandelier light to inject the balanced salt
      solution to help restore the intraocular pressure and push the subretinal fluid
      through the intravenous cannula under direct visualization. RESULTS: An 82-year
      old gentleman with chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with subretinal
      bands who was at a high risk for intraoperative bleeding since he was on dual
      antiplatelet therapy. He underwent chandelier light-assisted scleral buckle with
      subretinal fluid drainage using cannula controlled drainage, which resulted in
      complete intraoperative subretinal fluid drainage with no complications and
      successful flattening of the retina in the postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION:
      Subretinal fluid drainage using this technique with chandelier-assisted scleral
      buckle surgery is a new method which might improve the safety profile of
      subretinal fluid drainage during scleral buckle surgery.

PMID- 28092315
TI  - CHOROIDAL BLOOD VESSELS IN RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL ATROPHY USING OPTICAL
      COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To observe choroidal blood vessels in cases sharply demarcated with
      retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy at the macular area using en-face
      optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and standard en-face optical
      coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: The retrospective study included 12 eyes (8
      patients; 5 men, 3 women; average age, 64.3 years) with RPE atrophy seen by
      ophthalmoscopy. The macular areas with normal and atrophic RPE sections were
      examined using en-face OCTA with an 840-nm light source (RTVue XR Avanti; Optovue
      Inc), which system can obtain standard en-face OCT images at identical areas.
      Images on en-face OCTA and standard en-face OCT were compared with each other
      when the segmentation range was being set as the full thickness of the choroid by
      the attached software. RESULTS: Choroidal blood vessels were seen as black on
      standard en-face OCT images in all cases. However, the choroidal vessels on OCTA
      were depicted as white in the RPE atrophic area and black in the normal areas.
      CONCLUSION: Choroidal blood vessels in the normal sections of RPE were visualized
      in black on standard en-face OCT and OCTA with an 840-nm light source; however,
      those in the atrophic parts were observed as white, or with bloodstream, on OCTA
      images. Choroidal blood vessels cannot be evaluated accurately in commercially
      available OCTA systems because of blockage of light by the RPE.

PMID- 28092316
TI  - Expanded Newborn Screening: Challenges to NICU Nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Newborn screening programs provide testing for all newborns born in
      this country for conditions that can potentially cause death or disability.
      Currently each state is responsible for its programs and the number of disorders
      screened varies from state to state. The current universal recommended metabolic
      screening panel may include 32 to 58 disorders. Expansion of the programs has
      impacted the role of nurses in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Nurses
      are responsible for facilitating the screening process, educating the family, and
      assisting with follow-up. In addition, they are the first-line defense for
      emotional, spiritual, and social support. PURPOSE: To review of the expansion of
      this program over time and discuss challenges the NICU nurse encounters.
      METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY: Research literatures along with the national
      recommendation by governmental and professional agencies were reviewed to obtain
      evidence on current practice recommendations. FINDINGS/RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS FOR
      PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: NICU nurses face several challenges with the expansion of
      newborn screening programs. This includes gaining knowledge to answer questions
      posed by empowered parents and educate them appropriately; ensuring quality of
      the process that minimizes errors and optimal communication; and, addressing
      ethical concerns about the storage and subsequent use of specimens. New and
      ongoing research can measure and ensure provision of quality services provided
      through the NICUs globally.

PMID- 28092317
TI  - Ideal Site for Skin Temperature Probe Placement on Infants in the NICU: A Review
      of Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maintaining normothermia and prevention of hypothermia are critical
      determinants of morbidity and mortality in infants. Noninvasive monitoring of
      skin temperature using skin temperature probes (STPs) has been a practice in
      neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for decades. Incubators and radiant warmers
      use feedback mechanisms from the STP readings to determine the heat output to
      maintain normothermia. Placing the STP on an ideal site on the infant's body is
      essential for optimum servo control of the temperature. More importantly, where
      is the ideal site for the STP placement? Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) vary
      on information regarding the site and proper placement of the STPs. The
      literature is analyzed to identify evidence for the ideal STP placement on
      infants in NICUs. PURPOSE: To review the literature for evidence for ideal
      placement for skin temperature probe placement on an infant. SEARCH STRATEGY:
      OVID/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane databases, and CPGs were searched to identify
      research, literature reviews, and guidelines for ideal sites for STP placement.
      Twenty documents were reviewed. RESULTS: Guidelines vary in suggested sites for
      STP placement. The majority of the studies compared temperature measurement
      between abdomen and axilla. Although a Cochrane review found abdominal skin as an
      ideal site, other studies did not find any difference between axially and
      abdominal skin temperature measurements. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH:
      Placing the STP on an ideal site is essential for accurate and safe monitoring of
      skin temperature in infants. NICU nurses are uniquely positioned to undertake
      research to identify the ideal site for STP placement to guide safe practice and
      impact optimal neonatal outcome.

PMID- 28092318
TI  - Opening Injection Pressure Is Higher in Intraneural Compared With Perineural
      Injections During Simulated Nerve Blocks of the Lower Limb in Fresh Human
      Cadavers.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Needle-induced nerve trauma and intraneural injection
      can lead to neurologic injury during peripheral nerve blocks. In this study, we
      assessed the utility of opening injection pressure (OIP), time to OIP, and rate
      of rise to OIP in detecting needle-nerve contact and intraneural injection.
      METHODS: Five common ultrasound-guided blocks of the femoral, saphenous,
      subgluteal sciatic, tibial, and common peroneal nerves were simulated in 10 fresh
      cadavers. Opening injection pressure was defined as peak psi in the 60-second
      interval during which the injection is initiated. Pressure-time curves were
      constructed separately for intraneural and perineural injections for each of the
      5 nerves studied. RESULTS: Opening injection pressure was higher for intraneural
      than for perineural injections (P < 0.001), ranging from 21.5 psi (1111.9 mm Hg)
      to 25.8 psi (1334.2 mm Hg) for intraneural injections and from 3.8 psi (196.5 mm
      Hg) to 6.1 psi (315.5 mm Hg) for perineural injections. Time to OIP tended to be
      shorter for intraneural than for perineural injections, particularly for the
      subgluteal sciatic, tibial, and common peroneal nerves. Curves of intraneural
      injections had steep slopes with high peaks; curves of perineural injections had
      low slopes followed by plateaus. Rise to OIP was greater for intraneural than for
      perineural injections. CONCLUSIONS: In our fresh human cadaver model, OIP
      detected intraneural needle placement. Monitoring of OIP could be useful in
      detecting and/or preventing intraneural injection during nerve blocks in the
      clinical setting.

PMID- 28092319
TI  - Network Inefficiency: A Rosetta Stone for the Mechanism of Anesthetic-induced
      Unconsciousness.

PMID- 28092320
TI  - Does a Platelet Transfusion Independently Affect Bleeding and Adverse Outcomes in
      Cardiac Surgery?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been reported concerning the effect of
      platelet transfusion on several outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the
      independent effect of a single early intraoperative platelet transfusion on
      bleeding and adverse outcomes in cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: For this
      observational study, 23,860 cardiac surgery patients were analyzed. Patients who
      received one early (shortly after cardiopulmonary bypass while still in the
      operating room) platelet transfusion, and no other transfusions, were defined as
      the intervention group. By matching the intervention group 1:3 to patients who
      received no early transfusion with most comparable propensity scores, the
      reference group was identified. RESULTS: The intervention group comprised 169
      patients and the reference group 507. No difference between the groups was
      observed concerning reinterventions, thromboembolic complications, infections,
      organ failure, and mortality. However, patients in the intervention group
      experienced less blood loss and required vasoactive medication 139 of 169 (82%)
      versus 370 of 507 (74%; odds ratio, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.58), prolonged
      mechanical ventilation 92 of 169 (54%) versus 226 of 507 (45%; odds ratio, 1.47;
      94% CI, 1.03 to 2.11), prolonged intensive care 95 of 169 (56%) versus 240 of 507
      (46%; odds ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.12), erythrocytes 75 of 169 (44%)
      versus 145 of 507 (34%; odds ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.08 to 2.23), plasma 29 of 169
      (17%) versus 23 of 507 (7.3%; odds ratio, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.50-4.63), and platelets
      72 of 169 (43%) versus 25 of 507 (4.3%; odds ratio, 16.4; 95% CI, 9.3-28.9) more
      often compared to the reference group. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective
      analysis, cardiac surgery patients receiving platelet transfusion in the
      operating room experienced less blood loss and more often required vasoactive
      medication, prolonged ventilation, prolonged intensive care, and blood products
      postoperatively. However, early platelet transfusion was not associated with
      reinterventions, thromboembolic complications, infections, organ failure, or
      mortality.

PMID- 28092321
TI  - Dexmedetomidine Disrupts the Local and Global Efficiencies of Large-scale Brain
      Networks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A clear understanding of the neural basis of consciousness is
      fundamental to research in clinical and basic neuroscience disciplines and
      anesthesia. Recently, decreased efficiency of information integration was
      suggested as a core network feature of propofol-induced unconsciousness. However,
      it is unclear whether this finding can be generalized to dexmedetomidine, which
      has a different molecular target. METHODS: Dexmedetomidine was administered as a
      1-MUg/kg bolus over 10 min, followed by a 0.7-MUg . kg . h infusion to healthy
      human volunteers (age range, 18 to 36 yr; n = 15). Resting-state functional
      magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired during baseline, dexmedetomidine
      induced altered arousal, and recovery states. Zero-lag correlations between
      resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging signals extracted from 131
      brain parcellations were used to construct weighted brain networks. Network
      efficiency, degree distribution, and node strength were computed using graph
      analysis. Parcellated brain regions were also mapped to known resting-state
      networks to study functional connectivity changes. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine
      significantly reduced the local and global efficiencies of graph theory-derived
      networks. Dexmedetomidine also reduced the average brain connectivity strength
      without impairing the degree distribution. Functional connectivity within and
      between all resting-state networks was modulated by dexmedetomidine. CONCLUSIONS:
      Dexmedetomidine is associated with a significant drop in the capacity for
      efficient information transmission at both the local and global levels. These
      changes result from reductions in the strength of connectivity and also manifest
      as reduced within and between resting-state network connectivity. These findings
      strengthen the hypothesis that conscious processing relies on an efficient system
      of information transfer in the brain.

PMID- 28092322
TI  - Opioidergic tone and pain susceptibility: interactions between reward systems and
      opioid receptors.

PMID- 28092323
TI  - Brain substrates of reward processing and the MU-opioid receptor: a pathway into
      pain?
AB  - The processing of reward and reinforcement learning seems to be important
      determinants of pain chronicity. However, reward processing is already altered
      early in life and if this is related to the development of pain symptoms later on
      is not known. The aim of this study was first to examine whether behavioural and
      brain-related indicators of reward processing at the age of 14 to 15 years are
      significant predictors of pain complaints 2 years later, at 16 to 17 years.
      Second, we investigated the contribution of genetic variations in the opioidergic
      system, which is linked to the processing of both, reward and pain, to this
      prediction. We used the monetary incentive delay task to assess reward
      processing, the Children's Somatization Inventory as measure of pain complaints
      and tested the effects of 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1799971/rs563649)
      of the human MU-opioid receptor gene. We found a significant prediction of pain
      complaints by responses in the dorsal striatum during reward feedback,
      independent of genetic predisposition. The relationship of pain complaints and
      activation in the periaqueductal gray and ventral striatum depended on the T
      allele of rs563649. Carriers of this allele also showed more pain complaints than
      CC-allele carriers. Therefore, brain responses to reward outcomes and higher
      sensitivity to pain might be related already early in life and may thus set the
      course for pain complaints later in life, partly depending on a specific
      opioidergic genetic predisposition.

PMID- 28092324
TI  - Long-term use of opioids for nonmalignant pain among community-dwelling persons
      with and without Alzheimer disease in Finland: a nationwide register-based study.
AB  - Persons with Alzheimer disease (AD) commonly present with chronic nonmalignant
      pain, but long-term use of opioids among this population has not been studied
      previously. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of long-term (>=180 days)
      use of opioids for nonmalignant pain and associated factors among community
      dwelling persons with AD and to compare the prevalence with a matched cohort
      without AD. The Medication use and Alzheimer's disease (MEDALZ) cohort was used
      for this study, comprising all community-dwelling persons diagnosed with AD in
      Finland during 2005 to 2011 and their matched comparison persons without AD.
      After exclusion of persons with active cancer treatment, 62,074 persons with and
      62,074 persons without AD were included in this study. Data were collected from
      nationwide registers. Opioids were used by 13,111 persons with and by 16,659
      without AD. Overall long-term opioid use was more common among persons without AD
      (8.7%) than among persons with AD (7.2%, P < 0.0001). However, among opioid
      users, prevalence of long-term opioid use was slightly higher among persons with
      AD than among those without AD (34.2% vs 32.3%, respectively, P = 0.0004). Long
      term use of transdermal opioids was more than 2-fold among opioid users with AD
      (13.2%) compared with users without AD (5.5%). Factors associated with long-term
      opioid use included AD, age >=80 years, female sex, rheumatoid arthritis,
      osteoporosis, low socioeconomic position, history of substance abuse, and long
      term benzodiazepine use. Prevalence of long-term opioid use was somewhat similar
      among both groups. Among persons with AD, long-term opioid use was strongly
      associated with transdermal opioids.

PMID- 28092325
TI  - Persistent pain after motor vehicle collision: comparative effectiveness of
      opioids vs nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs prescribed from the emergency
      department-a propensity matched analysis.
AB  - Each year millions of Americans present to the emergency department (ED) for care
      after a motor vehicle collision (MVC); the majority (>90%) are discharged to home
      after evaluation. Acute musculoskeletal pain is the norm in this population, and
      such patients are typically discharged to home with prescriptions for oral opioid
      analgesics or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The influence of
      acute pain management on subsequent pain outcomes in this common ED population is
      unknown. We evaluated the effect of opioid analgesics vs NSAIDs initiated from
      the ED on the presence of moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain and ongoing
      opioid use at 6 weeks in a large cohort of adult ED patients presenting to the ED
      after MVC (n = 948). The effect of opioids vs NSAIDs was evaluated using an
      innovative quasi-experimental design method using propensity scores to account
      for covariate imbalances between the 2 treatment groups. No difference in risk
      for moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain at 6 weeks was observed between those
      discharged with opioid analgesics vs NSAIDs (risk difference = 7.2% [95%
      confidence interval: -5.2% to 19.5%]). However, at follow-up participants
      prescribed opioids were more likely than those prescribed NSAIDs to report use of
      prescription opioids medications at week 6 (risk difference = 17.5% [95%
      confidence interval: 5.8%-29.3%]). These results suggest that analgesic choice at
      ED discharge does not influence the development of persistent moderate to severe
      musculoskeletal pain 6 weeks after an MVC, but may result in continued use of
      prescription opioids. Supported by NIAMS R01AR056328 and AHRQ 5K12HS022998.

PMID- 28092326
TI  - Using placebos as an opioid-sparing method of pain management.

PMID- 28092327
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28092328
TI  - Critical comments on Williams and Craig's recent proposal for revising the
      definition of pain.

PMID- 28092329
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28092330
TI  - Prediction of Anastomotic Leakage After Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection in
      Male Rectal Cancer by Pelvic Measurement in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic low anterior resection in male
      rectal cancer patients with a narrow pelvis cannot be easily resolved. The
      objective of this study is to assess numerical information of narrow pelvis and
      to determine whether prediction of morbidity can be possible. METHODS:
      Retrospective medical record review was performed. From July 2007 to January
      2013, 43 consecutive male patients with low rectal cancer who underwent
      laparoscopic low anterior resection were divided into the anastomotic leakage
      negative group and anastomotic leakage-positive group. Eleven anatomic parameters
      were measured from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of pelvis and a new
      index called "pelvic index" was calculated. RESULTS: The pelvic index (difference
      between the interspinous distance and the diameter of the mesorectum divided by
      the depth of the cavity of the lesser pelvis) in the leakage-positive group was
      significantly smaller than that in the negative group (P=0.038). Comparison
      between those 2 groups at the border of the cut-off value of the pelvic index
      (13.0) showed a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative assessment by
      the pelvic index can predict the narrow pelvis and risk of anastomotic leakage.

PMID- 28092331
TI  - Reply: Effectiveness of Autologous Fat Grafting in Adherent Scars: Results
      Obtained by a Comprehensive Scar Evaluation Protocol.

PMID- 28092332
TI  - Freestyle Pedicled Perforator Flaps: Applying the Reconstructive Ladder to
      Optimize Outcomes.

PMID- 28092334
TI  - Is Enhanced Recovery the New Standard of Care in Microsurgical Breast
      Reconstruction?
AB  - BACKGROUND: At present, there are limited data available regarding the use and
      feasibility of enhanced recovery pathways for patients undergoing microsurgical
      breast reconstruction. The authors sought to assess patient outcomes before and
      after the introduction of an enhanced recovery pathway that was adopted at a
      single cancer center. METHODS: A multidisciplinary enhanced recovery pathway was
      developed for patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator or free
      transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction. Core
      elements of the enhanced recovery pathway included substituting intravenous
      patient-controlled analgesia with ketorolac and transversus abdominis plane
      blocks using liposomal bupivacaine, as well as intraoperative goal-directed fluid
      management. Patients who underwent surgery between April and August of 2015 using
      the enhanced recovery pathway were compared with a historical control cohort. The
      primary endpoints were hospital length of stay and total postoperative opioid
      consumption. RESULTS: In total, 91 consecutive patients were analyzed (enhanced
      recovery pathway, n = 42; pre-enhanced recovery pathway, n = 49). Mean hospital
      length of stay was significantly shorter in the enhanced recovery pathway group
      than in the pre-enhanced recovery pathway group (4.0 days versus 5.0 days; p <
      0.0001). Total postoperative morphine equivalent consumption was also lower in
      the enhanced recovery pathway group (46.0 mg versus 70.5 mg; p = 0.003). There
      was no difference in the incidence of 30-day complications between the groups (p
      = 0.6). CONCLUSION: The adoption of an enhanced recovery pathway for deep
      inferior epigastric perforator and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap
      reconstruction by multiple surgeons significantly decreased opioid consumption
      and reduced length of stay by 1 day. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 28092335
TI  - Distribution Pattern of the Superior and Inferior Labial Arteries: Impact for
      Safe Upper and Lower Lip Augmentation Procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the precise position and course of the superior and
      inferior labial arteries within the upper lip and the lower lip is crucial for
      safe and complication-free applications of volumizing materials. METHODS: One
      hundred ninety-three anatomical head specimens (56.5 percent female cadavers) of
      Caucasian ethnicity were investigated in this large multicenter anatomical study.
      In total, six 3-cm-long vertical incisions were performed on each lip (midline
      and 1 cm medial to the angles of the mouth) to identify the position of the
      superior and inferior labial arteries in relation to the orbicularis oris muscle.
      RESULTS: Three different positions of the superior and inferior labial arteries
      were identified: submucosal (i.e., between the oral mucosa and the orbicularis
      oris muscle in 78.1 percent of the cases), intramuscular (i.e., between the
      superficial and deep layers of the orbicularis oris muscle in 17.5 percent of the
      cases), and subcutaneous (i.e., between the skin and the orbicularis oris muscle
      in 2.1 percent of the cases). The variability in changing the respective position
      along the labial course was 29 percent for the total upper and 32 percent for the
      total lower lip. The midline location was identified in both the upper and lower
      lips to be the most variable. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this
      investigation, a safer location for the application of volumizing material is the
      subcutaneous plane in the paramedian location of both the upper lip and the lower
      lip. Care has to be taken when aiming to inject in the midline, as the artery can
      be identified more frequently in superficial positions.

PMID- 28092336
TI  - Construction of Expanded Prefabricated Adipose Tissue Using an External Volume
      Expansion Device.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have demonstrated that mechanical forces promote the
      growth of adipose tissue. However, the mechanism of adipose tissue regeneration
      induced by mechanical forces remains unclear. METHODS: In an experiment using
      rats, prefabricated adipose tissue with a vessel pedicle was expanded using an
      external volume expansion device. The volume of fat flaps was tested at different
      time points. Cell proliferation and angiogenesis were analyzed using
      immunofluorescence. The expression of adipogenic genes and inflammatory cytokines
      was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: There were more CD31 cells and
      Ki67/CD34 cells in the experimental group than in the control group. The number
      of Ki67/CD34 cells peaked at 1 to 4 weeks. However, the expression levels of
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and CCAAT/enhancer-binding
      protein-beta were highest from 4 to 12 weeks in the experimental group. Compared
      with the control group, the experimental group showed more proinflammatory
      cytokines: interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and
      macrophage migration inhibitory factor. CONCLUSIONS: The construction of expanded
      prefabricated adipose tissue by mechanical forces is a dynamic and complex
      process. Mechanical forces promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the
      early stage of adipose tissue regeneration (before 4 weeks) and induced
      adipogenic differentiation at a later stage (after 4 weeks) through up-regulation
      of macrophage migration inhibitory factor, which provided an adipogenic inductive
      microenvironment.

PMID- 28092337
TI  - Anatomical Basis and Clinical Application of Synovial Flaps in the Wrist and
      Distal Forearm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuropathic symptoms after median nerve repair at the wrist or
      secondary to refractory carpal tunnel syndrome may become debilitating. These
      symptoms develop because of perineural adhesions, intraneural fibrosis, and
      fixation of the nerve to the transverse carpal ligament after surgery, and often
      require neurolysis. Interposition of vascularized soft tissue over the median
      nerve at the time of neurolysis prevents recurrence of such adhesions. The
      synovial flap, fashioned from the synovial lining of the flexor tendon sheath, is
      an ideal tissue for this purpose. Previous authors have described the surgical
      technique of the synovial flap, but the anatomical basis and design of the flap
      have not been previously discussed. METHODS: Twenty fresh cadaver upper
      extremities were injected with Microfil to analyze the arterial anatomy, flap
      dimensions, and arc of rotation of the flexor tendon synovium mobilized as a flap
      suitable for coverage of the median nerve at the wrist. The authors determined
      that both radial and ulnar-based flaps are clinically useful for providing
      coverage in the wrist and distal forearm. This flap was used in 18 patients with
      complicated median nerve lesions in this region. RESULTS: All patients had an
      uncomplicated postoperative course. Of 13 patients treated for posttraumatic
      median nerve neuromas, all but two had significant resolution of symptoms.
      CONCLUSIONS: When used as a vascularized flap, the flexor tendon synovium
      provides adequate protection of the median nerve. Flap dimensions and vascularity
      of this tissue make it an ideal local flap option when performing reoperative
      surgery on the median nerve.

PMID- 28092338
TI  - Quantifying Long-Term Retention of Excised Fat Grafts: A Longitudinal,
      Retrospective Cohort Study of 108 Patients Followed for Up to 8.4 Years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Predicting the degree of fat graft retention is essential when
      planning reconstruction or augmentation with free fat grafting. Most surgeons
      observe volume loss over time after fat grafting; however, the portion lost to
      resorption after surgery is still poorly defined, and the time to reach steady
      state is unknown. METHODS: The authors compiled a retrospective, longitudinal
      cohort of patients with vestibular schwannoma who had undergone ablative surgery
      and reconstruction with excised fat between the years 2006 and 2015. Fat volume
      retention was quantified by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
      and used to model a graft retention trajectory and determine the volumetric
      steady state. In addition, the authors evaluated the association between graft
      retention and secondary characteristics, such as sex and transplant volume.
      RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were included. The average baseline graft volume
      was 18.1 +/- 4.8 ml. The average time to reach steady state was 806 days after
      transplantation. By this time, the average fat graft retention was 50.6 percent
      (95 percent CI, 46.4 to 54.7 percent). No statistically significant association
      was found between baseline graft volume and retention. Fat graft retention over
      time was significantly higher in men than in women (57.7 percent versus 44.5
      percent; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' data provide evidence that the
      time to reach fat graft volumetric steady state is considerably longer than
      previously expected. Fat grafts continue to shrink long after the initial hypoxia
      induced tissue necrosis has been cleared, thus indicating that factors other than
      blood supply may be more influential for fat graft retention. CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 28092339
TI  - beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blockers Reduce the Occurrence of Keloids and
      Hypertrophic Scars after Cardiac Device Implantation: A Single-Institution Case
      Control Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are characterized by excessive
      proliferation of fibroblasts; abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix; and
      clinical findings of raised, red, itchy, and painful lesions. There are few
      sufficient interventions for keloids, and the development of new therapeutic
      agents is urgently needed. Several studies suggest that a therapeutic possibility
      is beta-adrenergic receptor blocker treatment. METHODS: In this single-center
      case-control study, patients who had undergone cardiac device implantation 7 to
      23 months earlier were identified. The implantation incision scars of the
      patients were deemed to be normal or abnormal depending on their redness. The
      cases (abnormal scars) and controls (normal scars) were compared in terms of
      their beta-blocker use rates. RESULTS: Of the 45 eligible patients, 12 and 33
      patients were cases and controls, respectively. The cases tended to be less
      likely to have taken blockers than the controls (25 percent versus 45.5 percent).
      This difference became significant when the patients whose scars were diagnosed 7
      or 8 months after implantation were excluded from the analysis: the age-adjusted
      odds ratios of the patients who were diagnosed 8 to 23 and 9 to 23 months after
      implantation were 0.10 (95 percent CI, 0.00 to 0.83; p = 0.0309) and 0.11 (95
      percent CI, 0.00 to 0.98; p = 0.047), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: beta-Blockers
      may be an effective alternative modality for preventing and treating keloids and
      hypertrophic scars. Large-scale multicenter prospective studies that use
      histology to diagnose scars and diagnose the postoperative scars at the most
      suitable period are needed to confirm the effectiveness of blockers for abnormal
      scars. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 28092340
TI  - Decompression Surgery Alone Versus Decompression Plus Fusion in Symptomatic
      Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Swiss Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study With 3 Years
      of Follow-up.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicenter cohort study.
      OBJECTIVE: To estimate the added effect of surgical fusion as compared to
      decompression surgery alone in symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis patients with
      spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The optimal surgical management of
      lumbar spinal stenosis patients with spondylolisthesis remains controversial.
      METHODS: Patients of the Lumbar Stenosis Outcome Study with confirmed DLSS and
      spondylolisthesis were enrolled in this study. The outcomes of this study were
      Spinal Stenosis Measure (SSM) symptoms (score range 1-5, best-worst) and function
      (1-4) over time, measured at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months follow-up. In
      order to quantify the effect of fusion surgery as compared to decompression alone
      and number of decompressed levels, we used mixed effects models and accounted for
      the repeated observations in main outcomes (SSM symptoms and SSM function) over
      time. In addition to individual patients' random effects, we also fitted random
      slopes for follow-up time points and compared these two approaches with Akaike's
      Information Criterion and the chi-square test. Confounders were adjusted with
      fixed effects for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, Cumulative Illness Rating
      Scale musculoskeletal disorders, and duration of symptoms. RESULTS: One hundred
      thirty-one patients undergoing decompression surgery alone (n = 85) or
      decompression with fusion surgery (n = 46) were included in this study. In the
      multiple mixed effects model the adjusted effect of fusion compared with
      decompression alone surgery on SSM symptoms was 0.06 (95% confidence interval: 
      0.16-0.27) and -0.07 (95% confidence interval: -0.25-0.10) on SSM function,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Among the patients with degenerative lumbar spinal
      stenosis and spondylolisthesis our study confirms that in the two groups,
      decompression alone and decompression with fusion, patients distinctively
      benefited from surgical treatment. When adjusted for confounders, fusion surgery
      was not associated with a more favorable outcome in both SSM scores as compared
      to decompression alone surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 28092341
TI  - Unilateral Spinous Process Noncovering Hook Type Patient-specific Drill Template
      for Thoracic Pedicle Screw Fixation: A Pilot Clinical Trial and Template
      Classification.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical pilot study. OBJECTIVE: To confirm the
      accuracy of thoracic pedicle screw placement by using the unilateral spinous
      noncovering hook type patient-specific drill template (PSDT) made through rapid
      prototyping (RP) and to analyze previously reported PSDT designs and their
      characteristics. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pedicle screw fixation is the most
      common form of the posterior instrumentation of the thoracic and lumbar spine.
      Various techniques have been introduced to improve pedicle screw placement. Among
      them PSDT with a preplanned trajectory has been considered a promising solution;
      however, we don't have consensus on proper character of the template. METHODS:
      Preoperative spiral three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) was performed
      on the thoracic spine. The images were stored in DICOM format and transferred to
      a workstation running MIMICS 17.0 software to generate a 3D reconstruction
      template for the desired thoracic vertebra. The accurate trajectory and screw
      diameter and length were calculated with UG Imageware 12.1. The guide template
      was sterilized and used intraoperatively to assist with the placement of thoracic
      pedicle screws. After all pedicle trajectory screws had been inserted. We
      reviewed 12 previous reports and classified them according to the shape and
      system of PSDT that met the inclusion criteria of the review. RESULTS: Ten screws
      were placed by using the PSDT without violating the single laminar cortex. There
      was no violation of the spinal canal or the cortex of pedicle on postoperative CT
      scans. The results of 13 PSDT types included in the current study suggested that
      there is no significant difference in accuracy between the PSDTs. CONCLUSION: The
      unilateral spinous process noncovering hook type PSDT made through RP provided an
      accurate trajectory for the thoracic vertebra, and the classification of PSDT in
      this study could be helpful for further studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

PMID- 28092342
TI  - INTEGRITY OF OUTER RETINAL LAYERS AFTER RESOLUTION OF CENTRAL INVOLVED DIABETIC
      MACULAR EDEMA.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the integrity of outer retina layers after resolution of
      central involved diabetic macular edema (DME) and to demonstrate the effect of
      various baseline factors for the final vision and final external limiting
      membrane (ELM) integrity. METHODS: Fifty-nine eyes of 48 patients with resolved
      DME were included. Several optical coherence tomography parameters including
      central subfield thickness, maximum foveal thickness, foveal center point
      thickness, and the extent of the ellipsoidal (ISe) layer and ELM damage were
      assessed at the time of DME and after resolution of DME. Eyes having laser scars
      near the fovea were excluded. Final visual acuity was classified as good
      (Snellen>=20/40, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution <=0.3) or impaired
      (Snellen <20/40, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution >0.3) for the
      logistic regression analysis. Zero Inflated Poison Regression model was used to
      find the best predictors for post-treatment ELM damage. RESULTS: External
      limiting membrane and inner segment ellipsoidal band layers were disrupted in 16
      eyes (27.2%) and 21 eyes (35.5%) at the final visit, respectively. Baseline ELM
      damage (p=0.001), baseline impaired vision (p= 0.013), and the most recent
      glycosylated hemoglobin level (p=0.018) were the best set of parameters for
      having impaired final visual acuity. Baseline vision, severity of diabetic
      retinopathy, absence of intravitreal injection, central subfield thickness, and
      history of extrafoveal macular laser (not within 1 mm of fovea) (p<0.001, for all
      parameters) were independent predictors for the final ELM damage. CONCLUSION:
      Outer retinal layers may be damaged even after complete resolution of DME, where
      inner segment ellipsoidal band layer damage appeared to be more common than ELM
      damage. Poorly controlled diabetic patients with damaged ELM and worse vision at
      the time of DME were more likely to have ELM damage and subsequent impaired
      vision after complete resolution of DME.

PMID- 28092343
TI  - NATURAL COURSE OF PATIENTS DISCONTINUING TREATMENT FOR AGE-RELATED MACULAR
      DEGENERATION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VISUAL PROGNOSIS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the 24-month natural course of visual changes in patients
      discontinuing treatment despite persistent or recurrent fluid and factors
      predictive of visual prognosis. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study
      included 35 patients (35 eyes) who initially received anti-vascular endothelial
      growth factor treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD),
      but discontinued treatment despite persistent or recurrent fluid. The best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at treatment discontinuation was determined and
      compared with the 24-month BCVA, which was then compared between polypoidal
      choroidal vasculopathy and other neovascular age-related macular degeneration
      subtypes. Baseline characteristics predictive of visual outcome and the degree of
      visual change were also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean number of anti-vascular
      endothelial growth factor injections before treatment discontinuation was 4.0 +/-
      1.6. The mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution of BCVA at treatment
      discontinuation and that at 24 months were 1.02 +/- 0.20 (Snellen equivalents =
      20/209) and 1.60 +/- 0.56 (20/796), respectively (P < 0.001). The 24-month BCVA
      was not different between polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and other neovascular
      age-related macular degeneration subtypes (P = 0.803). The type of fluid
      (intraretinal fluid vs. no intraretinal fluid) was predictive of 24-month BCVA (P
      = 0.004) and the degree of changes in BCVA (P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Marked
      deterioration in visual acuity was noted in patients discontinuing treatment,
      regardless of neovascular age-related macular degeneration subtypes. The presence
      of intraretinal fluid was associated with worse visual prognosis, suggesting that
      patients with intraretinal fluid should be strongly warned about their poor
      prognosis before they decide to discontinue treatment.

PMID- 28092344
TI  - CHORIOCAPILLARIS SIGNAL VOIDS IN MATERNALLY INHERITED DIABETES AND DEAFNESS AND
      IN PSEUDOXANTHOMA ELASTICUM.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the pattern of choriocapillaris signal voids in maternally
      inherited diabetes and deafness and in pseudoxanthoma elasticum in eyes before
      the development of any geographic atrophy. METHODS: The choriocapillaris under
      the central macula was imaged with the Optovue RTVue XR Avanti using a 10 MUm
      slab thickness. Automatic local thresholding of the resultant raw data extracted
      areas of absent flow signal, called signal voids, and these were counted and
      logarithmically binned. The signal void patterns were analyzed in four eyes of
      two patients with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness and four eyes of
      three patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum. None of the patients had geographic
      atrophy. These data were compared with 55 eyes of 38 healthy control subjects and
      analyzed with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: The choriocapillaris
      images in maternally inherited diabetes and deafness and pseudoxanthoma elasticum
      show that the model of signal voids followed a power law distribution, but with a
      slope and offset much lower than the normal control group, adjusted for age (P <
      0.001). The eyes in the disease group were much more likely to have signal voids
      greater than 40,000 MUm. CONCLUSION: Before the development of any overt
      geographic atrophy, patients with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness and
      pseudoxanthoma elasticum show pronounced abnormalities of choriocapillaris flow.
      Current clinical measures of retinal pigment epithelial health only look for
      areas of cell death, as in geographic atrophy. It is not possible to determine
      from current imaging if the choriocapillaris loss precedes potential loss of
      function of the retinal pigment epithelium, such as secretion of vascular
      endothelial growth factor.

PMID- 28092345
TI  - Acute effects of a beverage containing bitter melon extract (CARELA) on
      postprandial glycemia among prediabetic adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute ingestion of bitter melon (BM) has been shown to suppress the
      postprandial glycemic response in diabetics, but its impact on glucose regulation
      among individuals with impaired glucose tolerance is unclear. Moreover, one's
      glucose tolerance level may influence the effectiveness of BM. This study aimed
      to examine the acute effects of a beverage containing BM extract on blood glucose
      regulation during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) among prediabetics.
      METHODS: Ten prediabetic adults completed two OGTTs-glucose only (D2) and
      glucose+BM (D3). Responders were identified as subjects whose area under the
      glucose curve (AUCglu) during D3 was lower than D2. To compare the acute effects
      of the beverage among individuals with varying glucose tolerance levels, subjects
      were grouped by their glucose response pattern-Fastpeak (peak glucose (Glupeak)
      at 30 min postglucose (30P)) and Slowpeak (Glupeak after 30P). RESULTS: During
      D3, responders (n=5) experienced a 13.2% reduction in AUCglu (95% confidence
      interval (CI): -18.1% to -8.3%), 12.2% reduction in mean glucose (95% CI: -17.3%
      to -7.0%) and 10.6% reduction in Glupeak (95% CI: -17.5% to -3.7%); plasma
      glucose was reduced by 9.1% at 30P (95% CI: -15.6% to -2.6%), -24.0% at 60P (95%
      CI: -36.8% to -11.2%) and -20.0% at 90P (95% CI: -35.8% to -4.2%) during D3. No
      between-trial differences were noted for Fastpeak or Slowpeak. CONCLUSIONS: Acute
      ingestion of BM prior to the second OGTT (D3) led to a reduced postprandial
      glucose response in 50% of the subjects but did not affect the insulin response.
      Furthermore, the effectiveness of the beverage was seemingly uninfluenced by the
      subjects' glucose tolerance level. Although BM has shown to aid blood glucose
      management in diabetics, it remains uncertain why only a portion of subjects
      responded positively to the BM extract in the current study.

PMID- 28092346
TI  - Differential hypothalamic leptin sensitivity in obese rat offspring exposed to
      maternal and postnatal intake of chocolate and soft drink.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Intake of high-energy foods and maternal nutrient overload
      increases the risk of metabolic diseases in the progeny such as obesity and
      diabetes. We hypothesized that maternal and postnatal intake of chocolate and
      soft drink will affect leptin sensitivity and hypothalamic astrocyte morphology
      in adult rat offspring. METHODS: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed ad libitum
      chow diet only (C) or with chocolate and high sucrose soft drink supplement (S).
      At birth, litter size was adjusted into 10 male offspring per mother. After
      weaning, offspring from both dietary groups were assigned to either S or C diet,
      giving four groups until the end of the experiment at 26 weeks of age. RESULTS:
      As expected, adult offspring fed the S diet post weaning became obese (body
      weight: P<0.01, %body fat per kg: P<0.001) and this was due to the reduced energy
      expenditure (P<0.05) and hypothalamic astrogliosis (P<0.001) irrespective of
      maternal diet. Interesting, offspring born to S-diet-fed mothers and fed the S
      diet throughout postnatal life became obese despite lower energy intake than
      controls (P<0.05). These SS offspring showed increased feed efficiency (P<0.001)
      and reduced fasting pSTAT3 activity (P<0.05) in arcuate nucleus (ARC) compared
      with other groups. The findings indicated that the combination of the maternal
      and postnatal S-diet exposure induced persistent changes in leptin signalling,
      hence affecting energy balance. Thus, appetite regulation was more sensitive to
      the effect of leptin than energy expenditure, suggesting differential programming
      of leptin sensitivity in ARC in SS offspring. Effects of the maternal S diet were
      normalized when offspring were fed a chow diet after weaning. CONCLUSIONS:
      Maternal intake of chocolate and soft drink had long-term consequences for the
      metabolic phenotype in the offspring if they continued on the S diet in postnatal
      life. These offspring displayed obesity despite lowered energy intake associated
      with alterations in hypothalamic leptin signalling.

PMID- 28092347
TI  - Haploidentical transplantation with post-infusion cyclophosphamide in advanced
      Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - We investigated the use of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (haplo-HSCT) in the treatment of advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Sixty-two
      consecutive HL patients underwent haplo-HSCT. Unmanipulated stem cells and post
      transplant cyclophosphamide were given to all patients as GVHD prophylaxis. At
      100 days, the cumulative incidence of grades 2-3 and grades 3-4 acute GVHD was
      23% and 4%, respectively. The chronic GVHD (cGVHD) cumulative incidence was 16%,
      with one patient experiencing severe cGVHD. The 3-year OS, PFS, relapse rates and
      1-year non-relapse mortality (NRM) were 63%, 59%, 21% and 20%, respectively.
      Uncontrolled disease status and high hematopoietic cell transplantation
      comorbidity index (HCT-CI) were associated with lower OS, whereas PBSC was an
      independent protective factor. Uncontrolled disease and HCT-CI >2 was predictive
      for NRM. Finally, disease status other than CR was predictive of relapse. In
      conclusion, haplo-HSCT is a valid treatment in advanced HL, offering excellent
      rates of survival and acceptable toxicities.

PMID- 28092348
TI  - Major molecular response prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation predicts better outcome in adult Philadelphia-positive acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia in first remission.

PMID- 28092349
TI  - Recipient/donor HLA and CMV matching in recipients of T-cell-depleted unrelated
      donor haematopoietic cell transplants.
AB  - Improving haematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes by selection of an HLA
      matched unrelated donor is best practice; however, donor selection by secondary
      characteristics is controversial. We studied 1271 recipients with haematological
      malignancies who underwent T-cell-depleted allografts and had complete data on
      HLA-matching status for six loci (HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1, -DPB1) and
      clinical outcome data. Five-year overall survival was 40.6%. HLA mismatching (at
      HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1) relative risk (RR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 1.2-1.5, P=0.033 for 1 mismatch and RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, P=0.009 for >1
      mismatch) and CMV mismatching (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.2-1.6, P<0.001) were
      significantly associated with inferior survival. Donors aged <30 years showed a
      trend towards better survival. The multivariate model for mortality, combining
      CMV and HLA-match status, found an RR of 1.36 (95% CI 1.1-1.7, P=0.003) for HLA
      matched/CMV mismatched, an RR of 1.22 (95% CI 0.99-1.5, P=0.062) for HLA
      mismatched/CMV matched and an RR of 1.81 (95% CI 1.4-2.3, P=<0.001) for HLA/ CMV
      mismatched, compared with the HLA/CMV-matched recipients. These data suggest that
      HLA and CMV matching status should be considered when selecting unrelated donors
      and that CMV matching may abrogate the effect of an HLA mismatch.

PMID- 28092350
TI  - Long term renal survival in patients undergoing T-Cell depleted versus
      conventional hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
AB  - Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-sparing T-cell depleted (TCD) hematopoietic stem cell
      transplants (HSCTs) are presumed to be less nephrotoxic than conventional HSCTs.
      We evaluated incidence and risk factors for kidney failure and chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) in 231 TCD and 212 conventional HSCT recipients. Kidney failure
      required a median glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 for ?100
      days anytime after 180-days post-HSCT. Two-year cumulative incidence (CI) of
      kidney failure was 42% in the conventional versus 31% in the TCD group (P=0.005).
      TCD, age, acute kidney injury and number of toxic CNI levels all impacted on
      kidney failure, which was associated with increased all-cause mortality (hazard
      ratio 2.86 (95% CI: 1.88-4.36), P<0.001). Renal recovery occurred in 28% of
      kidney failure patients whereas the remaining patients were defined to have CKD.
      In those with baseline GFR>60 ml/min/1.73 m2, only exposure to nephrotoxic
      medications was associated with CKD (P=0.033). In the myeloablative-conditioning
      subgroup only total body irradiation was associated with CKD (P=0.013). Of all
      patients, five (1.13%) required dialysis. These results confirm an impact of TCD
      on kidney failure but not CKD for which other risk factors such as radiation or
      nephrotoxic drug exposure may have a role.

PMID- 28092351
TI  - Pulmonary complications post hematopoietic stem cell transplant in dyskeratosis
      congenita: analysis of oxidative stress in lung fibroblasts.

PMID- 28092352
TI  - Professor David Grimwade (1962-2016).

PMID- 28092353
TI  - Non-myeloablative conditioning for second hematopoietic cell transplantation for
      graft failure in patients with non-malignant disorders: a prospective study and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) effectively treats several
      non-malignant disorders such as selected lysosomal disorders, cerebral
      adrenoleukodystrophy and hemoglobinopathies. However, rates of graft failure (GF)
      in non-malignant populations exceed those of patients with malignant indications
      for HCT. Salvage conditioning regimens and outcomes for second HCT for GF vary
      immensely in the literature. We report 17 consecutive pediatric patients with non
      malignant disorders who underwent a second allogenic HCT for GF using a non
      myeloablative, low-dose busulfan-based regimen. Graft sources for the second
      transplant included umbilical cord blood, unrelated bone marrow and unrelated
      PBSCs. Median age at time of second HCT was 6.6 years (1.1-14.6 years). Fourteen
      of seventeen patients (82%) achieved engraftment, with a 3-year overall survival
      of 82% (95% CI, 54-94%). Day 100 transplant-related mortality was 12% (95% CI, 0
      27%). CMV and adenovirus reactivation occurred in 30% and fungal infections in
      18%. The incidence of grade II-IV acute GvHD disease was 35% (95% CI, 13-58%)
      with only 6% grade III-IV (95% CI, 0-17%). In summary, we illustrate excellent
      overall survival and acceptable toxicity using a non-myeloablative conditioning
      regimen for second HCT as salvage therapy for first GF in patients with non
      malignant conditions.

PMID- 28092354
TI  - Use of defibrotide to treat transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy: a
      retrospective study of the Paediatric Diseases and Inborn Errors Working Parties
      of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

PMID- 28092355
TI  - Highly favorable outcome in BRCA-mutated metastatic breast cancer patients
      receiving high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation.

PMID- 28092356
TI  - Treatment pathways and resource use associated with recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma
      after autologous stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 28092357
TI  - Risk of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in allogeneic stem cell transplantation
      after prior gemtuzumab ozogamicin treatment: a retrospective study from the Acute
      Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT.
AB  - Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) may increase the risk of sinusoidal obstruction
      syndrome (SOS) when used prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We
      assessed SOS incidence and outcomes after HSCT of 146 adults, with a median age
      of 50 years, previously receiving GO. SOS prophylaxis was used in 69 patients
      (heparin n=57, ursodeoxycholic acid n=8, defibrotide n=4). Cumulative incidence
      (CI) of SOS was 8% (n=11), with death in 3 patients. Median interval between last
      GO dose and HSCT was 130 days. Overall survival (OS) and SOS incidence did not
      differ for patients receiving GO ?3.5 months before HSCT and the others. CI of
      acute and chronic GVHD was 31% and 25%, respectively. Probability of OS and
      leukemia-free survival (LFS) at 5 years was 40% and 37%, respectively. Relapse
      incidence and non-relapse mortality were 42% and 21%, respectively. In
      multivariate analysis, active disease at HSCT was associated with relapse and
      worse LFS and OS (P<0.03). Liver abnormalities before HSCT correlated with worse
      OS (P<0.03). Use of low-dose GO prior to HSCT is associated with an acceptable
      SOS incidence. Prospective studies investigating the role and the utility of SOS
      prophylaxis are warranted.

PMID- 28092358
TI  - Recurrent RNA motifs as scaffolds for genetically encodable small-molecule
      biosensors.
AB  - Allosteric RNA devices are increasingly being viewed as important tools capable
      of monitoring enzyme evolution, optimizing engineered metabolic pathways,
      facilitating gene discovery and regulators of nucleic acid-based therapeutics. A
      key bottleneck in the development of these platforms is the availability of small
      molecule-binding RNA aptamers that robustly function in the cellular environment.
      Although aptamers can be raised against nearly any desired target through in
      vitro selection, many cannot easily be integrated into devices or do not reliably
      function in a cellular context. Here, we describe a new approach using secondary-
      and tertiary-structural scaffolds derived from biologically active riboswitches
      and small ribozymes. When applied to the neurotransmitter precursors 5
      hydroxytryptophan and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, this approach yielded easily
      identifiable and characterizable aptamers predisposed for coupling to readout
      domains to allow engineering of nucleic acid-sensory devices that function in
      vitro and in the cellular context.

PMID- 28092359
TI  - Lysine relay mechanism coordinates intermediate transfer in vitamin B6
      biosynthesis.
AB  - Substrate channeling has emerged as a common mechanism for enzymatic intermediate
      transfer. A conspicuous gap in knowledge concerns the use of covalent lysine
      imines in the transfer of carbonyl-group-containing intermediates, despite their
      wideuse in enzymatic catalysis. Here we show how imine chemistry operates in the
      transfer of covalent intermediates in pyridoxal 5'-phosphate biosynthesis by the
      Arabidopsis thaliana enzyme Pdx1. An initial ribose 5-phosphate lysine imine is
      converted to the chromophoric I320 intermediate, simultaneously bound to two
      lysine residues and partially vacating the active site, which creates space for
      glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to bind. Crystal structures show how substrate
      binding, catalysis and shuttling are coupled to conformational changes around
      strand beta6 of the Pdx1 (betaalpha)8-barrel. The dual-specificity active site
      and imine relay mechanism for migration of carbonyl intermediates provide elegant
      solutions to the challenge of coordinating a complex sequence of reactions that
      follow a path of over 20 A between substrate- and product-binding sites.

PMID- 28092360
TI  - Chemical proteomics reveals ADP-ribosylation of small GTPases during oxidative
      stress.
AB  - ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification that is known to be
      involved in cellular homeostasis and stress but has been challenging to analyze
      biochemically. To facilitate the detection of ADP-ribosylated proteins, we show
      that an alkyne-adenosine analog, N6-propargyl adenosine (N6pA), is metabolically
      incorporated in mammalian cells and enables fluorescence detection and proteomic
      analysis of ADP-ribosylated proteins. Notably, our analysis of N6pA-labeled
      proteins that are upregulated by oxidative stress revealed differential ADP
      ribosylation of small GTPases. We discovered that oxidative stress induced ADP
      ribosylation of Hras on Cys181 and Cys184 in the C-terminal hypervariable region,
      which are normally S-fatty-acylated. Downstream Hras signaling is impaired by ADP
      ribosylation during oxidative stress, but is rescued by ADP-ribosyltransferase
      inhibitors. Our study demonstrates that ADP-ribosylation of small GTPases not
      only is mediated by bacterial toxins but is endogenously regulated in mammalian
      cells. N6pA provides a useful tool to characterize ADP-ribosylated proteins and
      their regulatory mechanisms in cells.

PMID- 28092361
TI  - Designed cell consortia as fragrance-programmable analog-to-digital converters.
AB  - Synthetic biology advances the rational engineering of mammalian cells to achieve
      cell-based therapy goals. Synthetic gene networks have nearly reached the
      complexity of digital electronic circuits and enable single cells to perform
      programmable arithmetic calculations or to provide dynamic remote control of
      transgenes through electromagnetic waves. We designed a synthetic multilayered
      gaseous-fragrance-programmable analog-to-digital converter (ADC) allowing for
      remote control of digital gene expression with 2-bit AND-, OR- and NOR-gate logic
      in synchronized cell consortia. The ADC consists of multiple sampling-and
      quantization modules sensing analog gaseous fragrance inputs; a gas-to-liquid
      transducer converting fragrance intensity into diffusible cell-to-cell signaling
      compounds; a digitization unit with a genetic amplifier circuit to improve the
      signal-to-noise ratio; and recombinase-based digital expression switches enabling
      2-bit processing of logic gates. Synthetic ADCs that can remotely control
      cellular activities with digital precision may enable the development of novel
      biosensors and may provide bioelectronic interfaces synchronizing analog
      metabolic pathways with digital electronics.

PMID- 28092362
TI  - The role of endothelial HIF-1 alphain the response to sublethal hypoxia in
      C57BL/6 mouse pups.
AB  - Chronic sublethal hypoxia, a complication of premature birth, is associated with
      cognitive and motor handicaps. Responsiveness to and recovery from this hypoxic
      environment is dependent on induction of HIF-1 alpha in the cells affected.
      Microvascular endothelial-glial and microvascular endothelial-neuronal precursor
      interactions have been found to be dynamic and reciprocal, involving autocrine
      and paracrine signaling, with response and recovery correlated with baseline
      levels and levels of induction of HIF-1 alpha.To ascertain the roles of
      endothelial HIF-1 alpha in the responses of brain microvascular endothelial cells
      (EC) and neuronal precursors to hypoxia, we examined the effects of the presence
      and absence of endothelial HIF-1 alpha expression in culture and in cells
      comprising the subventricular zone (SVZ) and dentate gyrus under normoxic and
      hypoxic conditions. We used C57BL/6 WT and EC HIF-1 alpha -deficient mice and
      brain microvascular ECs isolated from these mice in western blots,
      immunofluorescence, and behavioral studies to examine the roles of EC HIF-1 alpha
      behaviors of endothelial and neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) in SVZ and
      hippocampal tissues under normoxic and hypoxic conditions and behaviors of these
      mice in open field activity tests. Analyses of ECs and SVZ and dentate gyrus
      tissues revealed effects of the absence of endothelial HIF-1 alpha on
      proliferation and apoptosis as well as open field activity, with both ECs and
      neuronal cells exhibiting decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and pups
      exhibiting gender-specific differences in open field activities. Our studies
      demonstrate the autocrine and paracrine effects of EC HIF-1 alpha-modulating
      proliferative and apoptotic behaviors of EC and NPC in neurogenic regions of the
      brain and gender-specific behaviors in normoxic and hypoxic settings.

PMID- 28092363
TI  - Mouse models of UV-induced melanoma: genetics, pathology, and clinical relevance.
AB  - Melanocytes, a neural crest cell derivative, produce pigment to protect
      keratinocytes from ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Although melanocytic lesions such
      as nevi and cutaneous malignant melanomas are known to be associated with sun
      exposure, the role of UVR in oncogenesis is complex and has yet to be clearly
      elucidated. UVR appears to have a direct mutational role in inducing or promoting
      melanoma formation as well as an indirect role through microenvironmental
      changes. Recent advances in the modeling of human melanoma in animals have built
      platforms upon which prospective studies can begin to investigate these
      questions. This review will focus exclusively on genetically engineered mouse
      models of UVR-induced melanoma. The role that UVR has in mouse models depends on
      multiple factors, including the waveband, timing, and dose of UVR, as well as the
      nature of the oncogenic agent(s) driving melanomagenesis in the model. Work in
      the field has examined the role of neonatal and adult UVR, interactions between
      UVR and common melanoma oncogenes, the role of sunscreen in preventing melanoma,
      and the effect of UVR on immune function within the skin. Here we describe
      relevant mouse models and discuss how these models can best be translated to the
      study of human skin and cutaneous melanoma.

PMID- 28092364
TI  - Proof of the quantitative potential of immunofluorescence by mass spectrometry.
AB  - Protein expression in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded patient tissue is
      routinely measured by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). However, IHC has been shown to
      be subject to variability in sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility, and is
      generally, at best, considered semi-quantitative. Mass spectrometry (MS) is
      considered by many to be the criterion standard for protein measurement, offering
      high sensitivity, specificity, and objective molecular quantification. Here, we
      seek to show that quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) with standardization can
      achieve quantitative results comparable to MS. Epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) was measured by quantitative immunofluorescence in 15 cell lines with a
      wide range of EGFR expression, using different primary antibody concentrations,
      including the optimal signal-to-noise concentration after quantitative titration.
      QIF target measurement was then compared to the absolute EGFR concentration
      measured by Liquid Tissue-selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. The
      best agreement between the two assays was found when the EGFR primary antibody
      was used at the optimal signal-to-noise concentration, revealing a strong linear
      regression (R2=0.88). This demonstrates that quantitative optimization of
      titration by calculation of signal-to-noise ratio allows QIF to be standardized
      to MS and can therefore be used to assess absolute protein concentration in a
      linear and reproducible manner.

PMID- 28092365
TI  - Cancer cell chemokines direct chemotaxis of activated stellate cells in
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - The mechanisms by which the extreme desmoplasia observed in pancreatic tumors
      develops remain unknown and its role in pancreatic cancer progression is
      unsettled. Chemokines have a key role in the recruitment of a wide variety of
      cell types in health and disease. Transcript and protein profile analyses of
      human and murine cell lines and human tissue specimens revealed a consistent
      elevation in the receptors CCR10 and CXCR6, as well as their respective ligands
      CCL28 and CXCL16. Elevated ligand expression was restricted to tumor cells,
      whereas receptors were in both epithelial and stromal cells. Consistent with its
      regulation by inflammatory cytokines, CCL28 and CCR10, but not CXCL16 or CXCR6,
      were upregulated in human pancreatitis tissues. Cytokine stimulation of
      pancreatic cancer cells increased CCL28 secretion in epithelial tumor cells but
      not an immortalized activated human pancreatic stellate cell line (HPSC).
      Stellate cells exhibited dose- and receptor-dependent chemotaxis in response to
      CCL28. This functional response was not linked to changes in activation status as
      CCL28 had little impact on alpha smooth muscle actin levels or extracellular
      matrix deposition or alignment. Co-culture assays revealed CCL28-dependent
      chemotaxis of HPSC toward cancer but not normal pancreatic epithelial cells,
      consistent with stromal cells being a functional target for the epithelial
      derived chemokine. These data together implicate the chemokine CCL28 in the
      inflammation-mediated recruitment of cancer-associated stellate cells into the
      pancreatic cancer parenchyma.

PMID- 28092366
TI  - Malignant melanoma of sun-protected sites: a review of clinical, histological,
      and molecular features.
AB  - In most cases of cutaneous melanoma, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is recognized as
      a prominent risk factor. Less is known regarding the mechanisms of mutagenesis
      for melanoma arising in sun-protected sites, such as acral and mucosal melanoma.
      Acral and mucosal melanoma share many common features, including a late age of
      onset, a broad radial growth phase with prominent lentiginous growth, the
      presence of field cancerization cells, and, in most cases, lack of a precursor
      nevus. In addition to early chromosomal instability, many of the same genes are
      also involved in these two distinct melanoma subtypes. To better understand non
      UV-mediated pathogenesis in melanoma, we conducted a joint literature review of
      clinical, histological, and molecular features in acral and mucosal melanoma. We
      also reviewed the current literature regarding aberrations in KIT, PDGFRA, TERT,
      and other commonly involved genes. By comparing common features of these two
      subtypes, we suggest potential mechanisms underlying acral and/or mucosal
      melanoma and offer direction for future investigations.

PMID- 28092367
TI  - Molecular architecture and dynamics of ASH1 mRNA recognition by its mRNA
      transport complex.
AB  - mRNA localization is an essential mechanism of gene regulation and is required
      for processes such as stem-cell division, embryogenesis and neuronal plasticity.
      It is not known which features in the cis-acting mRNA localization elements (LEs)
      are specifically recognized by motor-containing transport complexes. To the best
      of our knowledge, no high-resolution structure is available for any LE in complex
      with its cognate protein complex. Using X-ray crystallography and complementary
      techniques, we carried out a detailed assessment of an LE of the ASH1 mRNA from
      yeast, its complex with its shuttling RNA-binding protein She2p, and its highly
      specific, cytoplasmic complex with She3p. Although the RNA alone formed a
      flexible stem loop, She2p binding induced marked conformational changes. However,
      only joining by the unstructured She3p resulted in specific RNA recognition. The
      notable RNA rearrangements and joint action of a globular and an unfolded RNA
      binding protein offer unprecedented insights into the step-wise maturation of an
      mRNA-transport complex.

PMID- 28092368
TI  - Molecular insights into lipid-assisted Ca2+ regulation of the TRP channel
      Polycystin-2.
AB  - Polycystin-2 (PC2), a calcium-activated cation TRP channel, is involved in
      diverse Ca2+ signaling pathways. Malfunctioning Ca2+ regulation in PC2 causes
      autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. Here we report two cryo-EM
      structures of distinct channel states of full-length human PC2 in complex with
      lipids and cations. The structures reveal conformational differences in the
      selectivity filter and in the large exoplasmic domain (TOP domain), which
      displays differing N-glycosylation. The more open structure has one cation bound
      below the selectivity filter (single-ion mode, PC2SI), whereas multiple cations
      are bound along the translocation pathway in the second structure (multi-ion
      mode, PC2MI). Ca2+ binding at the entrance of the selectivity filter suggests
      Ca2+ blockage in PC2MI, and we observed density for the Ca2+-sensing C-terminal
      EF hand in the unblocked PC2SI state. The states show altered interactions of
      lipids with the pore loop and TOP domain, thus reflecting the functional
      diversity of PC2 at different locations, owing to different membrane
      compositions.

PMID- 28092369
TI  - Context-dependent role for chromatin remodeling component PBRM1/BAF180 in clear
      cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - A subset of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumors exhibit a HIF1A gene
      mutation, yielding two ccRCC tumor types, H1H2 type expressing both HIF1alpha and
      HIF2alpha, and H2 type expressing HIF2alpha, but not functional HIF1alpha
      protein. However, it is unclear how the H1H2 type ccRCC tumors escape HIF1's
      tumor-suppressive activity. The polybromo-1 (PBRM1) gene coding for the BAF180
      protein, a component of the SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin
      remodeling complex, is inactivated in 40% ccRCCs, the function and mechanism of
      BAF180 mutation is unknown. Our previous study indicates that BAF180-containing
      SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is a co-activator for transcription factor
      HIF to induce HIF target genes. Thus, our questions are if BAF180 is involved in
      HIF-mediated hypoxia response and if PBRM1/BAF180 mutation has any association
      with the HIF1A retention in H1H2 type ccRCC. We report here that BAF180 is
      mutated in H1H2 ccRCC cell lines and tumors, and BAF180 re-expression in H1H2
      ccRCC cell lines reduced cell proliferation/survival, indicating that BAF180 has
      tumor-suppressive role in these cells. However, BAF180 is expressed in HIF1
      deficient H2 ccRCC cell lines and tumors, and BAF180 knockdown in H2 type ccRCC
      cell lines reduced cell proliferation/survival, indicating that BAF180 has tumor
      promoting activity in these cells. In addition, our data show that BAF180
      functions as co-activator for HIF1- and HIF2-mediated transcriptional response,
      and BAF180's tumor-suppressive and -promoting activity in ccRCC cell lines
      depends on co-expression of HIF1 and HIF2, respectively. Thus, our studies reveal
      that BAF180 function in ccRCC is context dependent, and that mutation of
      PBRM1/BAF180 serves as an alternative strategy for ccRCC tumors to reduce HIF1
      tumor-suppressive activity in H1H2 ccRCC tumors. Our studies define distinct
      functional subgroups of ccRCCs based on expression of BAF180, and suggest that
      BAF180 inhibition may be a novel therapeutic target for patients with H2, but not
      H1H2, ccRCC tumors.

PMID- 28092370
TI  - API5 confers cancer stem cell-like properties through the FGF2-NANOG axis.
AB  - Immune selection drives the evolution of tumor cells toward an immune-resistant
      and cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotype. We reported that apoptosis inhibitor-5
      (API5) acts as an immune escape factor, which has a significant role in
      controlling immune resistance to antigen-specific T cells, but its functional
      association with CSC-like properties remains largely unknown. In this study, we
      demonstrated for the first time that API5 confers CSC-like properties, including
      NANOG expression, the frequency of CD44-positive cells and sphere-forming
      capacity. Critically, these CSC-like properties mediated by API5 are dependent on
      FGFR1 signaling, which is triggered by E2F1-dependent FGF2 expression.
      Furthermore, we uncovered the FGF2-NANOG molecular axis as a downstream component
      of API5 signaling that is conserved in cervical cancer patients. Finally, we
      found that the blockade of FGFR signaling is an effective strategy to control
      API5high human cancer. Thus, our findings reveal a crucial role of API5 in
      linking immune resistance and CSC-like properties, and provide the rationale for
      its therapeutic application for the treatment of API5+ refractory tumors.

PMID- 28092371
TI  - Neuroimmune regulation during intestinal development and homeostasis.
AB  - Interactions between the nervous system and immune system are required for organ
      function and homeostasis. Evidence suggests that enteric neurons and intestinal
      immune cells share common regulatory mechanisms and can coordinate their
      responses to developmental challenges and environmental aggressions. These
      discoveries shed light on the physiology of system interactions and open novel
      perspectives for therapy designs that target underappreciated neurological
      immunological commonalities. Here we highlight findings that address the
      importance of neuroimmune cell units (NICUs) in intestinal development,
      homeostasis and disease.

PMID- 28092372
TI  - Direct control of regulatory T cells by keratinocytes.
AB  - Environmental challenges to epithelial cells trigger gene expression changes that
      elicit context-appropriate immune responses. We found that the chromatin
      remodeler Mi-2beta controls epidermal homeostasis by regulating the genes
      involved in keratinocyte and immune-cell activation to maintain an inactive
      state. Mi-2beta depletion resulted in rapid deployment of both a pro-inflammatory
      and an immunosuppressive response in the skin. A key target of Mi-2beta in
      keratinocytes is the pro-inflammatory cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin
      (TSLP). Loss of TSLP receptor (TSLPR) signaling specifically in regulatory T
      (Treg) cells prevented their activation and permitted rapid progression from a
      skin pro-inflammatory response to a lethal systemic condition. Thus, in addition
      to their well-characterized role in pro-inflammatory responses, keratinocytes
      also directly support immune-suppressive responses that are critical for re
      establishing organismal homeostasis.

PMID- 28092373
TI  - Chronic signaling via the metabolic checkpoint kinase mTORC1 induces macrophage
      granuloma formation and marks sarcoidosis progression.
AB  - The aggregation of hypertrophic macrophages constitutes the basis of all
      granulomatous diseases, such as tuberculosis or sarcoidosis, and is decisive for
      disease pathogenesis. However, macrophage-intrinsic pathways driving granuloma
      initiation and maintenance remain elusive. We found that activation of the
      metabolic checkpoint kinase mTORC1 in macrophages by deletion of the gene
      encoding tuberous sclerosis 2 (Tsc2) was sufficient to induce hypertrophy and
      proliferation, resulting in excessive granuloma formation in vivo. TSC2-deficient
      macrophages formed mTORC1-dependent granulomatous structures in vitro and showed
      constitutive proliferation that was mediated by the neo-expression of cyclin
      dependent kinase 4 (CDK4). Moreover, mTORC1 promoted metabolic reprogramming via
      CDK4 toward increased glycolysis while simultaneously inhibiting NF-kappaB
      signaling and apoptosis. Inhibition of mTORC1 induced apoptosis and completely
      resolved granulomas in myeloid TSC2-deficient mice. In human sarcoidosis
      patients, mTORC1 activation, macrophage proliferation and glycolysis were
      identified as hallmarks that correlated with clinical disease progression.
      Collectively, TSC2 maintains macrophage quiescence and prevents mTORC1-dependent
      granulomatous disease with clinical implications for sarcoidosis.

PMID- 28092374
TI  - The movers and shapers in immune privilege of the CNS.
AB  - Discoveries leading to an improved understanding of immune surveillance of the
      central nervous system (CNS) have repeatedly provoked dismissal of the existence
      of immune privilege of the CNS. Recent rediscoveries of lymphatic vessels within
      the dura mater surrounding the brain, made possible by modern live-cell imaging
      technologies, have revived this discussion. This review emphasizes the fact that
      understanding immune privilege of the CNS requires intimate knowledge of its
      unique anatomy. Endothelial, epithelial and glial brain barriers establish
      compartments in the CNS that differ strikingly with regard to their accessibility
      to immune-cell subsets. There is a unique system of lymphatic drainage from the
      CNS to the peripheral lymph nodes. We summarize current knowledge on the cellular
      and molecular mechanisms involved in immune-cell trafficking and lymphatic
      drainage from the CNS, and we take into account differences in rodent and human
      CNS anatomy.

PMID- 28092375
TI  - Postprandial macrophage-derived IL-1beta stimulates insulin, and both
      synergistically promote glucose disposal and inflammation.
AB  - The deleterious effect of chronic activation of the IL-1beta system on type 2
      diabetes and other metabolic diseases is well documented. However, a possible
      physiological role for IL-1beta in glucose metabolism has remained unexplored.
      Here we found that feeding induced a physiological increase in the number of
      peritoneal macrophages that secreted IL-1beta, in a glucose-dependent manner.
      Subsequently, IL-1beta contributed to the postprandial stimulation of insulin
      secretion. Accordingly, lack of endogenous IL-1beta signaling in mice during
      refeeding and obesity diminished the concentration of insulin in plasma. IL-1beta
      and insulin increased the uptake of glucose into macrophages, and insulin
      reinforced a pro-inflammatory pattern via the insulin receptor, glucose
      metabolism, production of reactive oxygen species, and secretion of IL-1beta
      mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome. Postprandial inflammation might be limited by
      normalization of glycemia, since it was prevented by inhibition of the sodium
      glucose cotransporter SGLT2. Our findings identify a physiological role for IL
      1beta and insulin in the regulation of both metabolism and immunity.

PMID- 28092377
TI  - Neuroimmune communication.

PMID- 28092378
TI  - Opto-valleytronic imaging of atomically thin semiconductors.
AB  - Transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors represent elementary components of
      layered heterostructures for emergent technologies beyond conventional
      optoelectronics. In their monolayer form they host electrons with quantized
      circular motion and associated valley polarization and valley coherence as key
      elements of opto-valleytronic functionality. Here, we introduce two-dimensional
      polarimetry as means of direct imaging of the valley pseudospin degree of freedom
      in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides. Using MoS2 as a representative
      material with valley-selective optical transitions, we establish quantitative
      image analysis for polarimetric maps of extended crystals, and identify valley
      polarization and valley coherence as sensitive probes of crystalline disorder.
      Moreover, we find site-dependent thermal and non-thermal regimes of valley
      polarized excitons in perpendicular magnetic fields. Finally, we demonstrate the
      potential of wide-field polarimetry for rapid inspection of opto-valleytronic
      devices based on atomically thin semiconductors and heterostructures.

PMID- 28092376
TI  - Infectious immunity in the central nervous system and brain function.
AB  - Inflammation is emerging as a critical mechanism underlying neurological
      disorders of various etiologies, yet its role in altering brain function as a
      consequence of neuroinfectious disease remains unclear. Although acute
      alterations in mental status due to inflammation are a hallmark of central
      nervous system (CNS) infections with neurotropic pathogens, post-infectious
      neurologic dysfunction has traditionally been attributed to irreversible damage
      caused by the pathogens themselves. More recently, studies indicate that pathogen
      eradication within the CNS may require immune responses that interfere with
      neural cell function and communication without affecting their survival. In this
      Review we explore inflammatory processes underlying neurological impairments
      caused by CNS infection and discuss their potential links to established
      mechanisms of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 28092379
TI  - Structure, fragmentation patterns, and magnetic properties of small nickel oxide
      clusters.
AB  - We report a comprehensive theoretical study of the structural and electronic
      properties of neutral and charged nickel oxide clusters, NinOm0/+/- (n = 3-8 and
      m = 1-10), in the context of recent experiments of photodissociation and Ion
      Mobility Mass Spectrometry. By means of density functional theory calculations in
      the generalized gradient approximation for exchange and correlation, we
      determined the putative ground states as well as the low-energy structural- and
      spin-isomers which were then used to explore the favorable fragmentation channels
      of the nickel oxide cationic clusters, and the resulting most abundant products,
      in good qualitative agreement with photodissociation measurements. Apart from
      stoichiometries different from those of their nickel oxide macroscopic
      counterparts, we found a tendency to form compact Ni subclusters, with reentrance
      of low-coordinated structures close to the equiatomic Ni-O concentration, taking
      the form of alternating Ni-O rings in the smaller sizes, in good qualitative
      agreement with Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry measurements. This structural
      pattern is manifested in a drop of the total spin magnetic moment close to the
      equiatomic concentration due to the formation of antiparallel magnetic couplings.
      Although antiparallel couplings are found to a more or less extent in most
      clusters, especially in the oxygen rich phase, we identified certain clusters of
      special interest in the context of magnetic grains because of their large total
      magnetic moment and abundance. There are even some nickel oxide clusters with a
      higher total moment than their pure Ni counterparts, due to parallel magnetic
      couplings and the contribution of the oxygen atoms to the total moment.

PMID- 28092380
TI  - Chromatin immunoprecipitation in microfluidic droplets: towards fast and cheap
      analyses.
AB  - Genetic organization is governed by the interaction of DNA with histone proteins,
      and differential modifications of these proteins is a fundamental mechanism of
      gene regulation. Histone modifications are primarily studied through chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, however conventional ChIP procedures are time
      consuming, laborious and require a large number of cells. Here we report for the
      first time the development of ChIP in droplets based on a microfluidic platform
      combining nanoliter droplets, magnetic beads (MB) and magnetic tweezers (MT). The
      droplet approach enabled compartmentalization and improved mixing, while reducing
      the consumption of samples and reagents in an integrated workflow. Anti-histone
      antibodies grafted to MB were used as a solid support to capture and transfer the
      target chromatin from droplets to droplets in order to perform chromatin
      immunoprecipitation, washing, elution and purification of DNA. We designed a new
      ChIP protocol to investigate four different types of modified histones with known
      roles in gene activation or repression. We evaluated the performances of this new
      ChIP in droplet assay in comparison with conventional methods. The proposed
      technology dramatically reduces analytical time from a few days to 7 hours,
      simplifies the ChIP protocol and decreases the number of cells required by 100
      fold while maintaining a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Therefore
      this droplet-based ChIP assay represents a new, highly advantageous and
      convenient approach to epigenetic analyses.

PMID- 28092382
TI  - A vascularized and perfused organ-on-a-chip platform for large-scale drug
      screening applications.
AB  - There is a growing awareness that complex 3-dimensional (3D) organs are not well
      represented by monolayers of a single cell type - the standard format for many
      drug screens. To address this deficiency, and with the goal of improving screens
      so that drugs with good efficacy and low toxicity can be identified,
      microphysiological systems (MPS) are being developed that better capture the
      complexity of in vivo physiology. We have previously described an organ-on-a-chip
      platform that incorporates perfused microvessels, such that survival of the
      surrounding tissue is entirely dependent on delivery of nutrients through the
      vessels. Here we describe an arrayed version of the platform that incorporates
      multiple vascularized micro-organs (VMOs) on a 96-well plate. Each VMO is
      independently-addressable and flow through the micro-organ is driven by
      hydrostatic pressure. The platform is easy to use, requires no external pumps or
      valves, and is highly reproducible. As a proof-of-concept we have created arrayed
      vascularized micro tumors (VMTs) and used these in a blinded screen to assay a
      small library of compounds, including FDA-approved anti-cancer drugs, and
      successfully identified both anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor drugs. This 3D
      platform is suitable for efficacy/toxicity screening against multiple tissues in
      a more physiological environment than previously possible.

PMID- 28092383
TI  - Computational study of the interplay between intermolecular interactions and CO2
      orientations in type I hydrates.
AB  - Carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules show a rich orientation landscape when they are
      enclathrated in type I hydrates. Previous studies have described experimentally
      their preferential orientations, and some theoretical works have explained, but
      only partially, these experimental results. In the present paper, we use
      classical molecular dynamics and electronic density functional theory to advance
      in the theoretical description of CO2 orientations within type I hydrates. Our
      results are fully compatible with those previously reported, both theoretical and
      experimental, the geometric shape of the cavities in hydrate being, and
      therefore, the steric constraints, responsible for some (but not all)
      preferential angles. In addition, our calculations also show that guest-guest
      interactions in neighbouring cages are a key factor to explain the remaining
      experimental angles. Besides the implication concerning equation of state hydrate
      modeling approximations, the conclusion is that these guest-guest interactions
      should not be neglected, contrary to the usual practice.

PMID- 28092381
TI  - Miniaturized devices for point of care molecular detection of HIV.
AB  - The HIV pandemic affects 36.7 million people worldwide, predominantly in resource
      poor settings. Nucleic acid-based molecular detection of HIV plays a significant
      role in antiretroviral treatment monitoring for HIV patients, as well as
      diagnosis of HIV infection in infants. Currently available molecular diagnostic
      methods are complex, time-consuming and relatively expensive, thus limiting their
      use in resource-poor settings. Recent advances in microfluidics technology have
      made possible low-cost integrated miniaturized devices for molecular detection
      and quantification of HIV at the point of care. We review recent technical
      advances in molecular testing of HIV using microfluidic technology, with a focus
      on assays based on isothermal nucleic acid amplification. Microfluidic components
      for sample preparation, isothermal amplification and result detection are
      discussed and compared. We also discuss the challenges and future directions for
      developing an integrated "sample-to-result" microfluidic platform for HIV
      molecular detection.

PMID- 28092384
TI  - Emerging investigator series: a 14-year depositional ice record of perfluoroalkyl
      substances in the High Arctic.
AB  - To improve understanding of long-range transport of perfluoroalkyl substances to
      the High Arctic, samples were collected from a snow pit on the Devon Ice Cap in
      spring 2008. Snow was analyzed for perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), including
      perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids
      (PFSAs), as well as perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA). PFAAs were detected in
      all samples dated from 1993 to 2007. PFAA fluxes ranged from <1 to hundreds of ng
      per m2 per year. Flux ratios of even-odd PFCA homologues were mostly between 0.5
      and 2, corresponding to molar ratios expected from atmospheric oxidation of
      fluorotelomer compounds. Concentrations of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) were
      much higher than other PFCAs, suggesting PFBA loading on the Devon Ice Cap is
      influenced by additional sources, such as the oxidation of heat transfer fluids.
      All PFCA fluxes increased with time, while PFSA fluxes generally decreased with
      time. No correlations were observed between PFAAs and the marine aerosol tracer,
      sodium. Perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexanesulfonate (PFECHS) was detected for the first
      time in an atmospherically - derived sample, and its presence may be attributed
      to aircraft hydraulic system leakage. Observations of PFAAs from these samples
      provide further evidence that atmospheric oxidation of volatile precursors is an
      important source of PFAAs to the Arctic environment.

PMID- 28092385
TI  - Visual detection of multiple genetically modified organisms in a capillary array.
AB  - There is an urgent need for rapid, low-cost multiplex methodologies for the
      monitoring of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Here, we report a
      C[combining low line]apillary A[combining low line]rray-based L[combining low
      line]oop-mediated isothermal amplification for M[combining low line]ultiplex
      visual detection of nucleic acids (CALM) platform for the simple and rapid
      monitoring of GMOs. In CALM, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) primer
      sets are pre-fixed to the inner surface of capillaries. The surface of the
      capillary array is hydrophobic while the capillaries are hydrophilic, enabling
      the simultaneous loading and separation of the LAMP reaction mixtures into each
      capillary by capillary forces. LAMP reactions in the capillaries are then
      performed in parallel, and the results are visually detected by illumination with
      a hand-held UV device. Using CALM, we successfully detected seven frequently used
      transgenic genes/elements and five plant endogenous reference genes with high
      specificity and sensitivity. Moreover, we found that measurements of real-world
      blind samples by CALM are consistent with results obtained by independent real
      time PCRs. Thus, with an ability to detect multiple nucleic acids in a single
      easy-to-operate test, we believe that CALM will become a widely applied
      technology in GMO monitoring.

PMID- 28092387
TI  - Two-dimensional C12Mn2/C12Cr2 as a room-temperature half metal/antiferromagnetic
      semiconductor: a systematic study.
AB  - Ferromagnetism in half-metallic two-dimensional (2D) materials can lead to unique
      spintronics applications. In this paper, we report first-principle calculations
      that predict 2D single-layer C12Mn2 as a ferromagnetic half metal, and 2D single
      layer C12Cr2 as an antiferromagnetic semiconductor. A systematic study is carried
      out to demonstrate the reliability of our research. We employ a bottom-up method
      to investigate the structural and magnetic stability of single, two and more Cr
      or Mn atoms on graphyne at room temperature. The very high Curie/Neel
      temperatures of 2D C12Mn2/C12Cr2, respectively, indicate the stability of room
      temperature ferromagnetism/antiferromagnetism. With perfect spin filtering, 2D
      C12Mn2 would be a promising material for future spintronics design.

PMID- 28092386
TI  - Closer insight into the structure of moderate to densely branched comb polymers
      by combining modelling and linear rheological measurements.
AB  - Synthesis of combs with well-entangled backbones and long branches with high
      densities has always been a challenge. Steric hindrance frequently leads to
      coupling of chains and structural imperfections that cannot be easily
      distinguished by traditional characterization methods. Research studies have
      therefore tried to use a combination of different methods to obtain more
      information on the actual microstructures. In this work, a grafting-from approach
      is used to synthesize poly(n-butyl acrylate) combs using atom transfer radical
      polymerization (ATRP) in three steps including the synthesis of a backbone,
      cleavage of protecting groups and growth of side branches. We have compared the
      linear viscoelastic properties theoretically predicted by a time marching
      algorithm (TMA) tube based model with the measured rheological behaviour to
      provide a better insight into the actual microstructure formed during synthesis.
      For combs with branches smaller than an entanglement, no discernible hierarchical
      relaxation can be distinguished, while for those with longer branches, a high
      frequency plateau made by entangled branches can be separated from backbone's
      relaxation. Dilution of the backbone, after relaxation of side branches, may
      accelerate the final relaxation, while extra friction can delay it especially for
      longer branches. Such a comparison provides a better assessment of the
      microstructure formed in combs.

PMID- 28092388
TI  - Exploration and analysis of drug modes of action through feature integration.
AB  - Identifying drug modes of action (MoA) is of paramount importance for having a
      good grasp of drug indications in clinical tests. Anticipating MoA can help to
      discover new uses for approved drugs. Here we first used a drug-set enrichment
      analysis method to discover significant biological activities in every mode of
      action category. Then, we proposed a new computational model, a probability
      ensemble approach based on Bayesian network theory, which integrated chemical,
      therapeutic, genomic and phenotypic properties of over a thousand of FDA approved
      drugs to assist with the prediction of MoA. 10-fold cross validation tests
      demonstrate that this method can achieve better performances than four other
      methods with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
      Finally, we further conducted a large-scale prediction for drug-MoA pairs. Using
      the Cardiovascular Agents category as an example, several predicted drug-MoA
      pairs were supported by literature resources.

PMID- 28092389
TI  - A new method for developing defect-rich graphene nanoribbons/onion-like carbon@Co
      nanoparticles hybrid materials as an excellent catalyst for oxygen reactions.
AB  - Herein, a novel material with an excellent electrocatalytic activity for the
      oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), composed of onion-like carbon@Co nanoparticles
      (NPs) incorporated on defect-rich N-doped graphene nanoribbons (C@Co-NGR), is
      prepared via a combination of nitric acid etching and subsequent high-temperature
      treatment of the as-synthesized C@Co-N doped carbon nanotubes. The as-prepared
      C@Co-NGR exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for the ORR in 0.10 M KOH
      with a half-wave potential of 0.830 V (vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE),
      which is 21 mV more positive than that of a commercial 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst.
      Moreover, it shows a higher stability and better methanol tolerance than the
      commercial Pt/C catalyst in alkaline solution, with almost no shift in the ORR
      polarization curve after 3000 cycles and no change of the ORR peak in the cyclic
      voltammogram in the presence of 1.0 M methanol. Most importantly, the C@Co-NGR
      also exhibits a comparable activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in
      0.10 M KOH solution, in which the overpotential needed to achieve a current
      density of 10 mA cm-2 is 410 mV, comparable to that of the state-of-the-art
      commercial RuO2 catalyst (370 mV, vs. RHE). This makes the C@Co-NGR one of the
      best non-precious-metal catalyst for OER and ORR in alkaline solution ever
      reported.

PMID- 28092390
TI  - ASTHMA - comparing the impact of vitamin D versus UVR on clinical and immune
      parameters.
AB  - The incidence of asthma has increased markedly since the 1960s and is currently
      estimated to affect more than 300 million individuals worldwide. A number of
      environmental factors are implicated in asthma pathogenesis, one of which is
      vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern and has increased in
      parallel with asthma incidence. Epidemiological studies report associations
      between low vitamin D status, assessed as circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D, with asthma incidence, severity, exacerbations and responses to treatment.
      This has led to clinical studies to test whether increasing the levels of vitamin
      D improves asthma management. Despite being highly variable in dosing regimens,
      design and outcomes, meta-analyses suggest overall positive outcomes with respect
      to reduced asthma exacerbations and steroid requirements. The primary mechanism
      for increasing vitamin D levels in the body is through exposure of the skin to
      the ultraviolet B (UVB) component of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), most commonly
      from sun exposure. However, only a limited number of studies investigating the
      impact of UVR on the asthmatic response have been performed; these generally
      report on the impact of latitude as a surrogate of sun exposure, or address this
      in animal models. To the best of our knowledge no comprehensive trials to assess
      the impact of UVB radiation on asthma outcomes have been performed. Within this
      review we discuss observational and clinical studies in this field, and innate
      and adaptive immune mechanisms through which UVR and vitamin D may impact
      respiratory health, and asthma. We highlight the heterogeneity of asthmatic
      disease, which is likely to impact upon the efficacy of interventional studies,
      and briefly overview more recent findings relating to the impact of vitamin D/UVR
      on the development of asthma.

PMID- 28092391
TI  - Correlation of focal adhesion assembly and disassembly with cell migration on
      nanotopography.
AB  - Selective cell adhesion is desirable to control cell growth and migration on
      biomedical implants. Mesenchymal cell migration is regulated through focal
      adhesions (FAs) and can be modulated by their microenvironment, including changes
      in surface topography. We use the Number and Molecular Brightness (N&B) imaging
      analysis to provide a unique perspective on FA assembly and disassembly. This
      imaging analysis generates a map of real-time fluctuations of protein monomers,
      dimers, and higher order aggregates of FA proteins, such as paxillin during
      assembly and disassembly. We show a dynamic view of how nanostructured surfaces
      (nanoline gratings or nanopillars) regulate single molecular dynamics. In
      particular, we report that the smallest nanopillars (100 nm spacing) gave rise to
      a low population of disassembling adhesion clusters of ~2 paxillin proteins
      whereas the larger nanopillars (380 nm spacing) gave rise to a much larger
      population of larger disassembling clusters of ~3-5 paxillin proteins. Cells were
      more motile on the smaller nanopillars (spaced 100-130 nm apart) compared to all
      other surfaces studied. Thus, physical nanotopography influences cell motility,
      adhesion size, and adhesion assembly and disassembly. We report for the first
      time, with single molecular detection, how nanotopography influences cell
      motility and protein reorganization in adhesions.

PMID- 28092392
TI  - The in silico identification of human bile salt export pump (ABCB11) inhibitors
      associated with cholestatic drug-induced liver injury.
AB  - Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the major causes of drug attrition and
      failure. Currently, there is increasing evidence that direct inhibition of the
      human bile salt export pump (BSEP/ABCB11) by drugs and/or metabolites is one of
      the most important mechanisms of cholestatic DILI. In the present study, we
      employ two in silico methods, random forest (RF) and the pharmacophore method, to
      recognize potential BSEP inhibitors that could cause cholestatic DILI, with the
      aim of mitigating the risk of cholestatic DILI to some extent. The RF model
      achieved the best prediction performance, producing AUC (area under receiver
      operating characteristic curve) values of 0.901, 0.929 and 0.996 for leave-one
      out cross-validation, the test set and the external test set, respectively,
      indicating that the built RF model has a satisfactory identification ability. As
      a complement to the RF model, the pharmacophore model was also built and was
      proved to be reliable with good predictive performance based on the internal and
      external validation results. Further analysis indicates that hydrophobicity,
      molecular size and polarity are important factors that influence the inhibitory
      activity of BSEP. Furthermore, the two models are applied to screen FDA-approved
      small molecule drugs, among which the drugs with the potential risk of
      cholestatic DILI are reported. In conclusion, the RF and pharmacophore models
      that we present can be considered as integrated screening tools to indicate the
      potential risk of cholestatic DILI by inhibition of BSEP.

PMID- 28092393
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Adult-Onset Esotropia: Characteristics and Outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of the strabismus, surgical management,
      and outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for adult-onset esotropia.
      METHODS: This was a retrospective case study of patients at an academic tertiary
      referral center who underwent surgical treatment of esotropia acquired at or
      after age 18 years. Primary outcome measures were resolution of diplopia in
      primary position and a deviation of 10 prism diopters or less in primary gaze.
      Additional clinical parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Of 248 patients with adult
      onset esotropia who underwent strabismus surgery, all experienced diplopia
      preoperatively except those with sensory esotropia. The four most common
      diagnoses were cranial nerve VI palsy in 36% (90 of 248), thyroid eye disease in
      18% (45 of 248), age-related distance esotropia in 15% (38 of 248), and
      decompensated latent esodeviations in 13% (31 of 248) of patients. A variety of
      surgical procedures were employed, and adjustable sutures were used in 79% (196
      of 248). Approximately 80% (158 of 197) of patients present at the 2-month
      postoperative follow-up visit were aligned within 10 prism diopters, and 72% (140
      of 195) experienced resolution of diplopia. Success rates were significantly
      higher in patients with adjustable sutures. Reoperation rates were low overall at
      15% (37 of 248) and were highest in cranial nerve VI palsies and lowest in age
      related distance esotropia. Dose-response calculations showed a non-significantly
      smaller effect per millimeter of recession and resection in cranial nerve VI
      palsy and age-related distance esotropia. CONCLUSIONS: The causes of adult-onset
      esotropia are diverse. A variety of surgical approaches are employed and, in
      conjunction with adjustable sutures, provide a good rate of diplopia resolution
      and acceptable ocular alignment. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(2):104
      111.].

PMID- 28092394
TI  - Morphological Evaluation of Meibomian Glands in Children and Adolescents Using
      Noncontact Infrared Meibography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare, in vivo, differences in meibomian gland morphology between
      children and adolescents. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were included in this
      study and divided into two groups: children (n = 31; age range: 3 to 11 years)
      and adolescents (n = 39; age range: 12 to 18 years). Images of meibomian glands
      were obtained by infrared meibography and analyzed using ImageJ software
      (developed by the National Institutes of Health; available at
      http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/download.html). Meibomian gland loss, the number of
      meibomian gland ducts, the relative width of the meibomian gland ducts, and the
      percent area of the meibomian gland acini were compared between the two groups.
      RESULTS: Meibomian gland loss was found in both groups, but the meiboscore was
      not significantly different between the two groups (0.35 +/- 0.6 vs 0.41 +/- 0.8,
      t = -0.314, P > .05). The number of meibomian gland ducts (25.85 +/- 3.25 vs
      23.23 +/- 3.06, t = -3.437, P < .05), relative width of the meibomian gland ducts
      (69.62% +/- 5% vs 66.1% +/- 7%, t = -2.454, P < .05), and percent area of the
      meibomian gland acini (57.7% +/- 4% vs 55.5% +/- 4%, t = 2.571, P < .05) in the
      upper eyelid were significantly greater in adolescents than in children. However,
      no significant differences were found in the lower eyelid between the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Meibography is useful for the assessment of ocular surface
      conditions in children and adolescents. Meibomian gland loss occurs in both
      children and adolescents. The meibomian glands of the upper eyelid exhibit more
      morphological changes in adolescents than in children. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol
      Strabismus. 2017;54(2):78-83.].

PMID- 28092395
TI  - Intraocular Pressure Changes Following Intravitreal Melphalan and Topotecan for
      the Treatment of Retinoblastoma With Vitreous Seeding.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of intravitreal chemotherapy on intraocular
      pressure (IOP) in children with retinoblastoma. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      study of 10 eyes of 10 patients with retinoblastoma (7 males, 3 females, mean
      age: 33.6 +/- 9.4 months) with vitreous seeding injected with intravitreal
      melphalan and topotecan. IOP was measured with Tonopen (Reichert, Inc., Buffalo,
      NY) at baseline prior to injecting and then repeatedly following each
      intravitreal injection. RESULTS: Mean pre-injection IOP was 8.2 +/- 2.3 mm Hg
      (range: 4 to 12 mm Hg). Mean IOP 1 to 30 seconds after intravitreal melphalan
      (first injection) was 45.4 +/- 14.3 mm Hg. The IOP of 89.5% of patients declined
      to 29 mm Hg or less in a mean 153.3 +/- 97.5 seconds. Mean IOP 1 to 30 seconds
      after intravitreal topotecan (second injection) was 44.5 +/- 11.0 mm Hg, which
      decreased to 31.0 +/- 5.0 mm Hg by 150 seconds after injection. No significant
      relationship was found between age and post-injection IOP elevation. IOP exceeded
      the calculated mean arterial perfusion pressure in four encounters. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intravitreal chemotherapy caused a transient rise in IOP. Post-injection IOP
      elevations can reach levels that may exceed mean arterial pressure. [J Pediatr
      Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(3):185-190.].

PMID- 28092396
TI  - Agreement Between Three Optical Coherence Tomography Devices to Assess the
      Insertion Distance and Thickness of Horizontal Rectus Muscles.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the agreement between two different spectral domain (SD-OCT)
      and one swept source (SS-OCT) optical coherence tomography device to measure the
      insertion distance and the thickness of the horizontal rectus muscles. METHODS:
      Seventy eyes from 35 healthy patients were studied. Three OCT instruments
      Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering Inc., Heidelberg, Germany), Cirrus 5000 (Carl
      Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA), and Triton (Topcon, Inc., Tokyo, Japan)-were used to
      measure the limbus insertion distance and the thickness of the lateral rectus and
      medial rectus muscles. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was
      calculated to determine the reproducibility and the agreement between the three
      methods. RESULTS: Measurement of the limbus insertion distance was possible in
      100% of cases with the three OCT devices. The thickness could be measured in 75%
      or more patients with Spectralis, 74% or more with Cirrus, and 78% or more with
      Triton. The agreement of the insertion distance measurements between the three
      devices ranged from an ICC of 0.629 or greater to 0.887; for the muscle
      thickness, the ICC ranged from 0.495 or greater to 0.854. The best agreement
      existed between the Spectralis and Topcon devices for insertion distance (ICC =
      0.715 to 0.887) and for muscle thickness (ICC = 0.641 to 0.854). The
      reproducibility of each device was good and was higher for insertion distance
      (ICC = 0.880) than for muscle thickness (ICC = 0.736). The highest
      reproducibility values were obtained with Triton. CONCLUSIONS: The three OCT
      devices permitted accurate and reproducible measurements of the limbus insertion
      distance and the thickness of the horizontal rectus muscles, showing moderate to
      good agreement between the SS-OCT and the two SD-OCT instruments. [J Pediatr
      Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(3):168-176.].

PMID- 28092397
TI  - Update on Orthokeratology in Managing Progressive Myopia in Children: Efficacy,
      Mechanisms, and Concerns.
AB  - Myopia is an important public health issue, and high myopia may lead to severe
      complications if left untreated. Orthokeratology lenses, worn overnight to
      reshape the cornea, are one of many recent modalities used to slow down the
      progression of myopia in children. This treatment has been proven successful, as
      evidenced by decreased spherical refractive error and axial length relative to
      the control at interval follow-up ranging from 6 months to 5 years. In this
      systematic review, the authors collected published controlled studies that
      analyzed the efficacy of orthokeratology lens wear and calculated longitudinal
      relative changes in axial length, revealing a weighted average of -45.1% change
      in axial length at the 2-year follow-up. The exact mechanism by which
      orthokeratology lenses reduce myopia progression is unknown, but research shows
      that the corneal reshaping decreases peripheral hyperopic defocus and therefore
      increases peripheral myopic defocus to likely reduce stimuli for axial elongation
      and subsequent development of myopia. Use of orthokeratology lenses is generally
      safe, but cases of associated infectious keratitis may have a higher incidence of
      virulent organisms such as Pseudomonas, Acanthamoeba, and antibacterial-resistant
      strains of Staphylococcus, partially due to the required overnight use of these
      lenses. Orthokeratology is regarded as one of the most effective non
      pharmacologic measures to slow progression of myopia in children and, with
      regular follow-up to ensure safety, continues to be one of the most effective
      treatments for myopia management around the world. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol
      Strabismus. 2017;54(3):142-148.].

PMID- 28092398
TI  - Rate of Strabismus Detection on Digital Photographs Increases by Using Off-center
      Near Target.
AB  - PURPOSE: To increase the detection rate of strabismus on digital photographs,
      with the ultimate aim of developing a new automated strabismus detection
      algorithm. METHODS: In this prospective case series, the authors acquired digital
      face photographs of 409 children with manifest or latent strabismus, using a 14
      million-pixel camera with CCD image sensor. Of the last 52 enrolled, 34 image
      sets were selected for this study: 29 with manifest and 5 with latent strabismus.
      Images were taken at a distance of 40 to 70 cm in primary position, with the
      camera lens as the fixation target and in slight off-center fixation, and using a
      novel target of small light-emitting diodes mounted onto the camera case. The
      location of the corneal light reflection was manually calculated in relation to
      the center of the pupil in both eyes and ocular deviation as the difference in
      corneal light reflection location between the two eyes. In orthotropia, the
      expected deviation is zero. RESULTS: In children with phorias, the mean corneal
      light reflection location difference between the eyes was -0.10 +/- 0.14 mm in
      primary position and -2.02 +/- 0.39 mm in off-center fixation. Using a threshold
      of +/-0.5 mm on either side of zero for central and of 2 mm for off-center
      fixation, sensitivity to detect strabismus increased from 65.6% in central to
      79.3% in off-center fixation, respectively. The calculation of specificity will
      require inclusion of a population of individuals without strabismus. CONCLUSIONS:
      Off-center fixation onto a near target ensures that participants are actively
      looking at the target and may increase accommodative effort, thereby increasing
      the detection rate of strabismus. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(2):90
      96.].

PMID- 28092399
TI  - Association of Dietary Patterns With Global and Domain-Specific Cognitive Decline
      in Chinese Elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Significant differences exist between eastern and western diets, and
      the way in which Chinese dietary intake relates to specific cognitive domains
      remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between dietary patterns
      (DPs) and cognitive decline in Chinese elderly. SETTING: Participants were
      recruited from the elderly health checkup program of a teaching hospital in
      Taipei, Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 475 elders (age >=65) were included in
      this prospective cohort study. MEASUREMENTS: The outcome comprised the decline of
      global and domain-specific cognition between baseline (2011-2013) and follow-up
      (2013-2015). Dietary data from the previous year were collected via a food
      frequency questionnaire at baseline, and a factor analysis was performed to
      identify DPs. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models were
      used to assess associations between Chinese DPs and cognitive decline over 2
      years adjusting for selected covariates. RESULTS: Three DPs (vegetable, meat, and
      traditional) were identified. Moderate- or high-score "vegetable" DP
      significantly protected against decline of logical memory (recall I: beta = 0.16
      0.18, odds ratio (OR) = 0.42-0.48; recall II: beta = 0.17-0.21); while high-score
      DP increased executive function decline (beta = -0.22). A high-score "meat" DP
      was related to decline of verbal fluency-total score (beta = -0.19); while
      moderate- or high-score "meat" DP protected against attention decline (beta =
      0.20-0.22). High-score "traditional" DP protected against decline of logical
      memory-recall I (beta = 0.18). No significant association was observed for global
      cognition. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that three DPs identified in
      Chinese elderly were associated with different cognitive domains. Further
      research is needed to explore the efficacy of dietary interventions in reducing
      cognitive decline in older adults.

PMID- 28092400
TI  - Aging, the Medical Subspecialties, and Career Development: Where We Were, Where
      We Are Going.
AB  - Historically, the medical subspecialties have not focused on the needs of older
      adults. This has changed with the implementation of initiatives to integrate
      geriatrics and aging research into the medical and surgical subspecialties and
      with the establishment of a home for internal medicine specialists within the
      annual American Geriatrics Society (AGS) meeting. With the support of AGS, other
      professional societies, philanthropies, and federal agencies, efforts to
      integrate geriatrics into the medical and surgical subspecialties have focused
      largely on training the next generation of physicians and researchers. They have
      engaged several subspecialties, which have followed parallel paths in integrating
      geriatrics and aging research. As a result of these combined efforts, there has
      been enormous progress in the integration of geriatrics and aging research into
      the medical and surgical subspecialties, and topics once considered to be
      geriatric concerns are becoming mainstream in medicine, but this integration
      remains a work in progress and will need to adapt to changes associated with
      healthcare reform.

PMID- 28092401
TI  - Randomized clinical trial of preoperative oral versus intravenous iron in anaemic
      patients with colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of preoperative anaemia is recommended as part of patient
      blood management, aiming to minimize perioperative allogeneic red blood cell
      transfusion. No clear evidence exists outlining which treatment modality should
      be used in patients with colorectal cancer. The study aimed to compare the
      efficacy of preoperative intravenous and oral iron in reducing blood transfusion
      use in anaemic patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS:
      Anaemic patients with non-metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma were recruited at
      least 2 weeks before surgery and randomized to receive oral (ferrous sulphate) or
      intravenous (ferric carboxymaltose) iron. Perioperative changes in haemoglobin,
      ferritin, transferrin saturation and blood transfusion use were recorded until
      postoperative outpatient review. RESULTS: Some 116 patients were included in the
      study. There was no difference in blood transfusion use from recruitment to trial
      completion in terms of either volume of blood administered (P = 0.841) or number
      of patients transfused (P = 0.470). Despite this, increases in haemoglobin after
      treatment were higher with intravenous iron (median 1.55 (i.q.r. 0.93-2.58)
      versus 0.50 (-0.13 to 1.33) g/dl; P < 0.001), which was associated with fewer
      anaemic patients at the time of surgery (75 versus 90 per cent; P = 0.048).
      Haemoglobin levels were thus higher at surgery after treatment with intravenous
      than with oral iron (mean 11.9 (95 per cent c.i. 11.5 to 12.3) versus 11.0 (10.6
      to 11.4) g/dl respectively; P = 0.002), as were ferritin (P < 0.001) and
      transferrin saturation (P < 0.001) levels. CONCLUSION: Intravenous iron did not
      reduce the blood transfusion requirement but was more effective than oral iron at
      treating preoperative anaemia and iron deficiency in patients undergoing
      colorectal cancer surgery.

PMID- 28092403
TI  - A novel mutation conferring the nonbrittle phenotype of cultivated barley.
AB  - The nonbrittle rachis, resulting in a seed head which does not shatter at
      maturity, is one of the key phenotypes that distinguishes domesticated barley
      from its wild relatives. The phenotype is associated with two loci, Btr1 and
      Btr2, with all domesticated barleys thought to have either a 1 bp deletion in
      Btr1 or an 11 bp deletion in Btr2. We used a PCR genotyping method with 380
      domesticated barley landraces to identify those with the Btr1 deletion and those
      with the Btr2 deletion. We discovered two landraces, from Serbia and Greece, that
      had neither deletion. Instead these landraces possess a novel point mutation in
      Btr1, changing a leucine to a proline in the protein product. We confirmed that
      plants carrying this mutation have the nonbrittle phenotype and identified wild
      haplotypes from the Gaziantep region of southeast Turkey as the closest wild
      relatives of these two landraces. The presence of a third mutation conferring the
      nonbrittle phenotype of domesticated barley shows that the origin of this trait
      is more complex than previously thought, and is consistent with recent models
      that view the transition to agriculture in southwest Asia as a protracted and
      multiregional process.

PMID- 28092402
TI  - gammadelta T cells are indispensable for interleukin-23-mediated protection
      against Concanavalin A-induced hepatitis in hepatitis B virus transgenic mice.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers are highly susceptible to
      liver injury triggered by environmental biochemical stimulation. Previously, we
      have reported an inverse correlation between gammadelta T cells and liver damage
      in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, whether gammadelta T cells
      play a role in regulating the hypersensitivity of HBsAg carriers to biochemical
      stimulation-induced hepatitis is unknown. In this study, using HBV transgenic
      (HBs-Tg) and HBs-Tg T-cell receptor-delta-deficient (TCR-delta-/- ) mice, we
      found that mice genetically deficient in gammadelta T cells exhibited more severe
      liver damage upon Concanavalin A (Con A) treatment, as indicated by substantially
      higher serum alanine aminotransferase levels, further elevated interferon-gamma
      (IFN-gamma) levels and more extensive necrosis. gammadelta T-cell deficiency
      resulted in elevated IFN-gamma in CD4+ T cells but not in natural killer or
      natural killer T cells. The depletion of CD4+ T cells and neutralization of IFN
      gamma reduced liver damage in HBs-Tg and HBs-Tg-TCR-delta-/- mice to a similar
      extent. Further investigation revealed that HBs-Tg mice showed an enhanced
      interleukin-17 (IL-17) signature. The administration of exogenous IL-23 enhanced
      IL-17A production from Vgamma4 gammadelta T cells and ameliorated liver damage in
      HBs-Tg mice, but not in HBs-Tg-TCR-delta-/- mice. In summary, our results
      demonstrated that gammadelta T cells played a protective role in restraining Con
      A-induced hepatitis by inhibiting IFN-gamma production from CD4+ T cells and are
      indispensable for IL-23-mediated protection against Con A-induced hepatitis in
      HBs-Tg mice. These results provided a potential therapeutic approach for treating
      the hypersensitivity of HBV carriers to biochemical stimulation-induced liver
      damage.

PMID- 28092404
TI  - Metformin vs myoinositol: which is better in obese polycystic ovary syndrome
      patients? A randomized controlled crossover study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Due to the central role of metabolic abnormalities in the
      pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin sensitizing agents
      have been proposed as a feasible treatment option. OBJECTIVE: To investigate
      which is the more effective between metformin and myoinositol (MYO) on hormonal,
      clinical and metabolic parameters in obese patients with PCOS. STUDY DESIGN:
      Crossover randomized controlled study. PATIENTS: Thirty-four PCOS obese women
      (age: 25.62 +/- 4.7 years; BMI: 32.55 +/- 5.67 kg/m2 ) were randomized to receive
      metformin (850 mg twice a day) or MYO (1000 mg twice a day) for 6 months. After a
      3 month washout, the same subjects received the other compound for the following
      6 months. MEASUREMENTS: Ultrasonographic pelvic examinations, hirsutism score,
      anthropometric and menstrual pattern evaluation, hormonal profile assays, oral
      glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and lipid profile at baseline and after 6 months of
      treatment were performed. RESULTS: Both metformin and MYO significantly reduced
      the insulin response to OGTT and improved insulin sensitivity. Metformin
      significantly decreased body weight and improved menstrual pattern and Ferriman
      Gallwey score. Metformin treatment was also associated with a significant
      decrease in LH and oestradiol levels, androgens and anti-mullerian hormone
      levels. None of these clinical and hormonal changes were observed during MYO
      administration. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments improved the glyco-insulinaemic
      features of obese PCOS patients, but only metformin seems to exert a beneficial
      effect on the endocrine and clinical features of the syndrome.

PMID- 28092405
TI  - Thrombin contributes to protective immunity in pneumonia-derived sepsis via
      fibrin polymerization and platelet-neutrophil interactions.
AB  - : Essentials Immunity and coagulation are linked during sepsis but the role of
      thrombin is not fully elucidated. We investigated the effect of thrombin
      inhibition on murine Klebsiella pneumosepsis outcome. Thrombin is crucial for
      survival and limiting bacterial growth in pneumonia derived sepsis. Thrombin
      improves host defense via fibrin and enhancement of platelet-neutrophil
      interactions. SUMMARY: Background Innate immunity and coagulation are closely
      linked during sepsis. Their interaction can be detrimental to the outcome because
      of microvascular failure but can also enhance host defense. The role of thrombin
      therein has not been fully elucidated. Objective We aimed to investigate the
      contribution of thrombin to the host response during pneumonia-derived sepsis.
      Methods Mice treated with the specific thrombin inhibitor dabigatran or control
      chow were infected with the common human sepsis pathogen Klebsiella (K.)
      pneumoniae via the airways. In subsequent infection experiments, mice were
      additionally treated with ancrod to deplete fibrinogen. Ex vivo Klebsiella growth
      was assessed by incubating human whole blood or specific blood components in
      various conditions with Klebsiella. Results Thrombin inhibition by dabigatran
      enhanced bacterial outgrowth and spreading, and accelerated mortality. Thrombin
      inhibition did not influence neutrophil recruitment to the lung or activation or
      neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Dabigatran reduced D-dimer formation and
      fibrin deposition in the lung. Fibrin depletion also enhanced bacterial outgrowth
      and spreading, and thrombin inhibition had no additional effect. Both thrombin
      and fibrin polymerization inhibited ex vivo Klebsiella outgrowth in human whole
      blood, which was neutrophil dependent, and the effect of thrombin required the
      presence of platelets and platelet protease activated receptor-1. In vivo
      thrombin inhibition reduced platelet-neutrophil complex formation and endothelial
      cell activation, but did not prevent sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia or organ
      damage. Conclusions These results suggest that thrombin plays an important role
      in protective immunity during pneumonia-derived sepsis by fibrin polymerization
      and enhancement of platelet-neutrophil interactions.

PMID- 28092406
TI  - LlFH1-mediated interaction between actin fringe and exocytic vesicles is involved
      in pollen tube tip growth.
AB  - Pollen tube tip growth is an extreme form of polarized cell growth, which
      requires polarized exocytosis based on a dynamic actin cytoskeleton. However, the
      molecular basis for the connection between actin filaments and exocytic vesicles
      is unclear. Here, we identified a Lilium longiflorum pollen-specific formin
      (LlFH1) and found that it localized at the apical vesicles and plasma membrane
      (PM). Overexpression of LlFH1 induced excessive actin cables in the tube tip
      region, and downregulation of LlFH1 eliminated the actin fringe. Fluorescence
      recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis revealed that LlFH1-labeled
      exocytic vesicles exhibited an initial accumulation at the shoulder of the apex
      and coincided with the leading edge of the actin fringe. Time-lapse analysis
      suggested that nascent actin filaments followed the emergence of the apical
      vesicles, implying that LlFH1 at apical vesicles could initiate actin
      polymerization. Biochemical assays showed that LlFH1 FH1FH2 could nucleate actin
      polymerization, but then capped the actin filament at the barbed end and
      inhibited its elongation. However, in the presence of lily profilins, LlFH1
      FH1FH2 could accelerate barbed-end actin elongation. In addition, LlFH1 FH1FH2
      was able to bundle actin filaments. Thus, we propose that LlFH1 and profilin
      coordinate the interaction between the actin fringe and exocytic vesicle
      trafficking during pollen tube growth of lily.

PMID- 28092407
TI  - Study of potential health effects of electromagnetic fields of telephony and Wi
      Fi, using chicken embryo development as animal model.
AB  - The objective of this study is to investigate possible biological effects of
      radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) as used in modern wireless
      telecommunication in a well-controlled experimental environment using chicken
      embryo development as animal model. Chicken eggs were incubated under continuous
      experimental exposure to GSM (1.8 GHz), DECT (1.88 GHz), UMTS (2.1 GHz), and WLAN
      (5.6 GHz) radiation, with the appropriate modulation protocol, using a
      homogeneous field distribution at a field strength of approximately 3 V/m,
      representing the maximum field level in a normal living environment. Radiation
      shielded exposure units/egg incubators were operating in parallel for exposed and
      control eggs in a climatized homogeneous environment, using 450 eggs per
      treatment in three successive rounds per treatment. Dosimetry of the exposure
      (field characteristics and specific absorption rate) were studied. Biological
      parameters studied included embryo death during incubation, hatching percentage,
      and various morphological and histological parameters of embryos and chicks and
      their organs, and gene expression profiles of embryos on day 7 and day 18 of
      incubation by microarray and qPCR. No conclusive evidence was found for induced
      embryonic mortality or malformations by exposure to the used EMFs, or for effects
      on the other measured parameters. Estimated differences between treatment groups
      were always small and the effect of treatment was not significant. In a
      statistical model that ignored possible interaction between rounds and exposure
      units, some of the many pairwise comparisons of exposed versus control had P
      values lower than 0.05, but were not significant after correction for multiple
      testing. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:186-203, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28092408
TI  - Network structure and local adaptation in co-evolving bacteria-phage
      interactions.
AB  - Numerous theoretical and experimental studies have investigated antagonistic co
      evolution between parasites and their hosts. Although experimental tests of
      theory from a range of biological systems are largely concordant regarding the
      influence of several driving processes, we know little as to how mechanisms
      acting at the smallest scales (individual molecular and phenotypic changes) may
      result in the emergence of structures at larger scales, such as co-evolutionary
      dynamics and local adaptation. We capitalized on methods commonly employed in
      community ecology to quantify how the structure of community interaction
      matrices, so-called bipartite networks, reflected observed co-evolutionary
      dynamics, and how phages from these communities may or may not have adapted
      locally to their bacterial hosts. We found a consistent nested network structure
      for two phage types, one previously demonstrated to exhibit arms race co
      evolutionary dynamics and the other fluctuating co-evolutionary dynamics. Both
      phages increased their host ranges through evolutionary time, but we found no
      evidence for a trade-off with impact on bacteria. Finally, only bacteria from the
      arms race phage showed local adaptation, and we provide preliminary evidence that
      these bacteria underwent (sometimes different) molecular changes in the wzy gene
      associated with the LPS receptor, while bacteria co-evolving with the fluctuating
      selection phage did not show local adaptation and had partial deletions of the
      pilF gene associated with type IV pili. We conclude that the structure of phage
      bacteria interaction networks is not necessarily specific to co-evolutionary
      dynamics, and discuss hypotheses for why only one of the two phages was,
      nevertheless, locally adapted.

PMID- 28092409
TI  - Quantification of brown and white adipose tissue based on Gaussian mixture model
      using water-fat and T2* MRI in adolescents.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a technique for the separation and quantification of brown
      adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) using fat fraction and T2*
      intensity based on the Gaussian mixture model (GMM). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Chemical-shift water-fat and T2* images were acquired at the neck,
      supraclavicular, interscapular, and paravertebral regions in 24 volunteers
      (Obese: n = 12, female/male = 6/6, body mass index [BMI] = 31.3 +/- 2.3 kg/m2 ,
      age = 16.1 +/- 0.6; Normal weight: n = 12, female/male = 6/6, BMI = 21.2 +/- 2.4
      kg/m2 , age = 12.9 +/- 2.4) using a 3T scanner with the chemical-shift water-fat
      mDixon sequence. BAT and WAT were clustered based on the Gaussian mixture model
      using the expectation-maximization algorithm. Results and reproducibility were
      compared and assessed using independent t-tests and intraclass correlation
      coefficient. RESULTS: BAT in obese participants was predominately found at the
      supraclavicular region and in normal-weight participants it was more scattered
      and distributed in interscapular-supraclavicular, axillary, and spine regions.
      Absolute volume of BAT was higher in the obese group (Obese: 315.2 mL [+/-89.1],
      Normal weight: 248.5 mL [+/-86.4]), but BAT/WAT ratios were significantly higher
      (P = 0.029) in the normal group. T2* of BAT (P = 0.04) and volume of WAT (P <
      0.001) were significantly lower in the normals. Within-group comparison between
      male and female indicated no significant differences were found in volume (P =
      0.776 (normal), 0.501 [obese]), T2* (P = 0.908 [normal], 0.249 [obese]) and fat
      fraction of BAT (P = 0.985 [normal], 0.108 [obese]). The intraclass correlation
      coefficient showed a good reproducibility in volume (BAT: 0.997, WAT: 0.948), T2*
      (BAT: 0.969, WAT: 0.983), and fat-fraction (BAT: 0.952, WAT: 0.517). CONCLUSION:
      BAT identified by this method was in agreement with other studies in terms of
      location, fat-fraction value, and T2* intensity. The proposed GMM-based
      segmentation could be a useful nonradiation imaging method for assessment of
      adipose tissue, in particular for serial follow-up of volume changes after drug
      or lifestyle interventions for obesity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Technical Efficacy:
      Stage 1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:758-768.

PMID- 28092410
TI  - Big Five personality characteristics are associated with depression subtypes and
      symptom dimensions of depression in older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the associations of personality characteristics
      with both subtypes and symptom dimensions of depression in older adults. METHODS:
      Three hundred and seventy-eight depressed older adults participated in the
      Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons. Personality characteristics
      were assessed by the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. Subtypes and symptom dimensions
      of depression were determined using the Composite International Diagnostic
      Interview and the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS). Multinomial
      logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between
      personality and atypical, melancholic, and unspecified subtypes of major
      depression. Linear regression analyses examined the associations between
      personality and the IDS mood, somatic, and motivation symptom dimensions. The
      analyses were adjusted for confounders and additionally adjusted for depression
      severity. RESULTS: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and
      Agreeableness were associated with specified (atypical or melancholic) major
      depression compared with unspecified major depression in the bivariate analyses
      but lost their significance after adjustments for functional limitations and
      severity of depression. Neuroticism was positively associated with the IDS mood
      and motivation symptom dimensions, also in the adjusted models. Further,
      Extraversion and Agreeableness were negatively associated with the IDS mood
      symptom dimension, and Extraversion and Conscientiousness were negatively
      associated with the IDS motivation symptom dimension. None was associated with
      the IDS somatic symptom dimension. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the
      association of personality characteristics with mood and motivational symptoms of
      late-life depression. The lacking ability of personality to differentiate between
      melancholic and atypical depression seems to be largely explained by severity of
      depressive symptoms. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28092411
TI  - Measurement of arterial transit time and renal blood flow using pseudocontinuous
      ASL MRI with multiple post-labeling delays: Feasibility, reproducibility, and
      variation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, reproducibility, and variation of renal
      perfusion and arterial transit time (ATT) using pseudocontinuous arterial spin
      labeling magnetic resonance imaging (PCASL MRI) in healthy volunteers. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: PCASL MRI at 3T was performed in 25 healthy volunteers on two
      different occasions. The ATT and ATT-corrected renal blood flow (ATT-cRBF) were
      calculated at four different post-labeling delay points (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0
      s) and evaluated for each kidney and subject. The intraclass correlation (ICC)
      and Bland-Altman plot were used to assess the reproducibility of the PCASL MRI
      technique. The within-subject coefficient of variance was determined. RESULTS:
      Results were obtained for 46 kidneys of 23 subjects with a mean age of 38.6 +/-
      9.8 years and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 89.1 +/- 21.2
      ml/min/1.73 m2 . Two subjects failed in the ASL MRI examination. The mean
      cortical and medullary ATT-cRBF for the subjects were 215 +/- 65 and 81 +/- 21
      ml/min/100 g, respectively, and the mean cortical and medullary ATT were 1141 +/-
      262 and 1123 +/- 245 msec, correspondingly. The ICC for the cortical ATT-cRBF was
      0.927 and the within-subject coefficient of variance was 14.4%. The ICCs for the
      medullary ATT-cRBF and the cortical and medullary ATT were poor. The Bland-Altman
      plot for cortical RBF showed good agreement between the two measurements.
      CONCLUSION: PCASL MRI is a feasible and reproducible method for measuring renal
      cortical perfusion. In contrast, ATT for the renal cortex and medulla has poor
      reproducibility and high variation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Technical Efficacy:
      Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:813-819.

PMID- 28092412
TI  - Population dynamics of hepatitis C virus subtypes in injecting drug users on
      methadone maintenance treatment in China associated with economic and health
      reform.
AB  - The extensive genetic heterogeneity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) requires in-depth
      understanding of the population dynamics of different viral subtypes for more
      effective control of epidemic outbreaks. We analysed HCV sequences data from 125
      participants in Wuhan, China. These participants were newly infected by subtype
      1b (n=13), 3a (n=15), 3b (n=50) and 6a (n=39) while on methadone maintenance
      treatment (MMT). Bayesian phylogenies and demographic histories were inferred for
      these subtypes. Participants infected with HCV-1b and 3a were clustered in well
      supported monophyletic clades, indicating local subepidemics. Subtypes 3b and 6a
      strains were intermixed with other Chinese isolates, as well as isolates from
      other Asian countries, reflecting ongoing across geographic boundary
      transmissions. Subtypes 1b and 3a declined continuously during the past ten
      years, consistent with the health and economic reform in China, while subtype 3b
      showed ongoing exponential growth and 6a was characterized by several epidemic
      waves, possibly related to the recently growing number of travellers between
      China and other Asian countries. In conclusion, results of this study suggest
      that HCV subtype 3b and 6a subepidemics in China are currently not under control,
      and new epidemic waves may emerge given the rapid increase in international
      travelling following substantial economic growth.

PMID- 28092413
TI  - Disruption of right posterior parietal cortex by continuous Theta Burst
      Stimulation alters the control of body balance in quiet stance.
AB  - Control of body balance relies on the integration of multiple sensory modalities.
      Lightly touching an earth-fixed reference augments the control of body sway. We
      aimed to advance the understanding of cortical integration of an afferent signal
      from light fingertip contact (LT) for the stabilisation of standing body balance.
      Assuming that right-hemisphere Posterior Parietal Cortex (rPPC) is involved in
      the integration and processing of touch for postural control, we expected that
      disrupting rPPC would attenuate any effects of light touch. Eleven healthy right
      handed young adults received continuous Theta Burst Stimulation over the left-
      and right-hemisphere PPC with sham stimulation as an additional control. Before
      and after stimulation, sway of the blindfolded participants was assessed in
      Tandem-Romberg stance with and without haptic contact. We analysed sway in terms
      of the variability of Centre-of-Pressure (CoP) rate of change as well as
      Detrended Fluctuation Analysis of CoP position. Light touch decreased sway
      variability in both directions but showed direction-specific changes in its
      dynamic complexity: a positive increase in complexity in the mediolateral
      direction coincided with a reduction in the anteroposterior direction. rPPC
      disruption affected the control of body sway in two ways: first, it led to an
      overall decrease in sway variability irrespective of the presence of LT; second,
      it reduced the complexity of sway with LT at the contralateral, non-dominant
      hand. We speculate that rPPC is involved in the active exploration of the
      postural stability state, with utilisation of LT for this purpose if available,
      by normally inhibiting mechanisms of postural stiffness regulation.

PMID- 28092414
TI  - DCE-MRI of the prostate using shutter-speed vs. Tofts model for tumor
      characterization and assessment of aggressiveness.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify Tofts model (TM) and shutter-speed model (SSM) perfusion
      parameters in prostate cancer (PCa) and noncancerous peripheral zone (PZ) and to
      compare the diagnostic performance of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to Prostate Imaging and Reporting and Data System (PI
      RADS) classification for the assessment of PCa aggressiveness. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Fifty PCa patients (mean age 60 years old) who underwent MRI at 3.0T
      followed by prostatectomy were included in this Institutional Review Board
      approved retrospective study. DCE-MRI parameters (Ktrans , ve , kep [TM&SSM] and
      intracellular water molecule lifetime taui [SSM]) were determined in PCa and PZ.
      Differences in DCE-MRI parameters between PCa and PZ, and between models were
      assessed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) analysis for differentiation between PCa and PZ was performed for
      individual and combined DCE-MRI parameters. Diagnostic performance of DCE-MRI
      parameters for identification of aggressive PCa (Gleason >=8, grade group [GG]
      >=3 or pathology stage pT3) was assessed using ROC analysis and compared with PI
      RADSv2 scores. RESULTS: DCE-MRI parameters were significantly different between
      TM and SSM and between PZ and PCa (P < 0.037). Diagnostic performances of TM and
      SSM for differentiation of PCa from PZ were similar (highest AUC TM: Ktrans +kep
      0.76, SSM: taui +kep 0.80). PI-RADS outperformed TM and SSM DCE-MRI for
      identification of Gleason >=8 lesions (AUC PI-RADS: 0.91, highest AUC DCE-MRI:
      Ktrans +taui SSM 0.61, P = 0.002). The diagnostic performance of PI-RADS and DCE
      MRI for identification of GG >=3 and pT3 PCa was not significantly different (P >
      0.213). CONCLUSION: SSM DCE-MRI did not increase the diagnostic performance of
      DCE-MRI for PCa characterization. PI-RADS outperformed both TM and SSM DCE-MRI
      for identification of aggressive cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Technical Efficacy:
      Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:837-849.

PMID- 28092416
TI  - Persistence of antibody to Hepatitis A virus 20 years after receipt of Hepatitis
      A vaccine in Alaska.
AB  - Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for children >=1 year old to prevent hepatitis
      A virus (HAV) infection. However, the duration of vaccine-induced immunity is
      unknown. We evaluated a cohort of Alaska Native persons 20 years after HAV
      vaccination. Children aged 3-6 years had been previously randomized to receive
      three doses of HAV vaccine (360 ELISA units/dose) at: (i) 0,1,2 months; (ii)
      0,1,6 months; and (iii) 0,1,12 months. We measured anti-HAV antibody
      concentrations every 2-3 years; described geometric mean concentrations (GMC) and
      the proportion with protective antibody (>=20 mIU mL-1 ) over time; and modelled
      the change in GMC using fractional polynomial regression. Of the 144
      participants, after 20 years 52 (36.1%) were available for the follow-up (17, 18,
      17 children in Groups A, B and C, respectively). Overall, 46 (88.5%) of 52
      available participants had anti-HAV antibody concentrations >=20 mIU mL-1 , and
      overall GMC was 107 mIU mL-1 . Although GMC levels were lower in Group A (60; CI
      34-104) than in Group B (110; CI 68-177) or Group C (184; CI 98-345) (B vs C:
      P=.168; A vs B/C: P=.011), there was no difference between groups after adjusting
      for peak antibody levels post-vaccination (P=.579). Models predicted geometric
      mean concentrations of 124 mIU mL-1 after 25 years, and 106 mIU mL-1 after 30
      years. HAV vaccine provides protective antibody levels 20 years after childhood
      vaccination. Lower antibody levels in Group A may be explained by a lower initial
      peak response. Our results suggest a booster vaccine dose is unnecessary for at
      least 25-30 years.

PMID- 28092415
TI  - Cluster microRNAs miR-194 and miR-215 suppress the tumorigenicity of intestinal
      tumor organoids.
AB  - Tumor stem cells with self-renewal and multipotent capacity play critical roles
      in the initiation and progression of cancer. Recently, a new 3-D culture system
      known as organoid culture has been developed, allowing Lgr5-positive stem cells
      to form organoids that resemble the properties of original tissues. Here we
      established organoids derived from intestinal tumors of Apcmin/+ mice and normal
      intestinal epithelia of C57BL/6J mice and investigated the roles of microRNA
      (miRNA) in intestinal tumor organoids. The results of microarray analyses
      revealed that expression of the cluster miRNAs, miR-194 and miR-215 was markedly
      suppressed in intestinal tumor organoids in comparison with organoids derived
      from normal intestinal epithelia. Enforced expression of miR-194 resulted in
      inhibition of E2f3, a positive regulator of the cell cycle and growth suppression
      of intestinal tumor organoids. In addition, enforced expression of miR-215
      suppressed the cancer stem cell signature through downregulation of intestinal
      stem cell markers including Lgr5. These findings indicate that the miRNA cluster
      including miR-194 and miR-215 plays important roles in suppressing the growth and
      attenuating the stemness of intestinal tumor organoids.

PMID- 28092417
TI  - Dense Semi-Clathrates at High Pressure: A Study of the Water-tert-Butylamine
      System.
AB  - In situ high-pressure crystallization and diffraction techniques have been
      applied to obtain two very structurally distinct semi-clathrates of the tert
      butylamine-water system with hydration numbers 5.65 and 5.8, respectively,
      thereby considerably reducing a notable hydration gap between the monohydrate and
      the 71/4 -hydrate that results when crystallization space is explored by
      temperature alone. Both structures can be considered as an intriguing solid-state
      example of hydrophobic hydration, in which the water network creates wide tert
      butylamine-filled channels stabilized by cross-linking hydrogen bonds. The
      existence of interconnected channels might also add low hydration structures to a
      list of potential targets for hydrogen storage. A detailed analysis of the
      topology of host water and host-guest interactions is reported and extended to
      those of other hydrates of the compound. This analysis offers new insight into
      properties of the tert-butylamine-water system and provides some clues as to the
      occurrence of the sizable number of hydrates of this compound.

PMID- 28092418
TI  - An examination of the etiologic overlap between the genetic and environmental
      influences on insomnia and common psychopathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insomnia is comorbid with internalizing and externalizing psychiatric
      disorders. However, the extent to which the etiologic influences on insomnia and
      common psychopathology overlap is unclear. There are limited genetically informed
      studies of insomnia and internalizing disorders and few studies of overlap exist
      with externalizing disorders. METHODS: We utilized twin data from the Virginia
      Adult Twin Studies of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders (total n = 7,500).
      Insomnia, internalizing disorders (major depressive disorder [MDD], generalized
      anxiety disorder [GAD]), and alcohol abuse or dependence (AAD) were assessed at
      two time points, while antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) was assessed once.
      Cholesky decompositions were performed in OpenMx and longitudinal measurement
      models were run on available phenotypes to reduce measurement error. RESULTS: The
      latent additive genetic influences on insomnia overlapped significantly (56% for
      females, 74% for males) with MDD and were shared completely (100%) with GAD.
      There was significant overlap of latent unique environmental influences, with
      overlap ranging from 38 to 100% across disorders. In contrast, there was less
      genetic overlap between insomnia and externalizing disorders, with 18% of
      insomnia's heritability shared with AAD and 23% with ASPD. Latent unique
      environmental overlap between insomnia and both externalizing disorders was
      negligible. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for substantial genetic overlap between
      insomnia and stable aspects of both internalizing disorders suggests that there
      may be few insomnia-specific genes and investigation into unique environmental
      factors is important for understanding insomnia development. The modest overlap
      between insomnia and externalizing disorders indicates that these disorders are
      genetically related, but largely etiologically distinct.

PMID- 28092420
TI  - Immune modulation by the hepatitis C virus core protein.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is currently the most important cause of
      chronic viral hepatitis in the world and one of the most frequent indications for
      liver transplantation. HCV uses different strategies to evade the innate and
      adaptive immune response, and this evasion plays a key role in determining viral
      persistence. Several HCV viral proteins have been described as immune modulators.
      In this review, we will focus on the effect of HCV nucleocapsid core protein in
      the function of immune cells and its correlation with the findings observed in
      HCV chronically infected patients. Effects on immune cell function related to
      both extracellular and intracellular HCV core localization will be considered.
      This review provides an updated perspective on the mechanisms involved in HCV
      evasion related to one single HCV protein, which could become a key tool in the
      development of new antiviral strategies able to control and/or eradicate HCV
      infection.

PMID- 28092419
TI  - Improving access to health care for chronic hepatitis B among migrant Chinese
      populations: A systematic mixed methods review of barriers and enablers.
AB  - Migrant Chinese populations in Western countries have a high prevalence of
      chronic hepatitis B but often experience poor access to health care and late
      diagnosis. This systematic review aimed to identify obstacles and supports to
      timely and appropriate health service use among these populations. Systematic
      searches resulted in 48 relevant studies published between 1996 and 2015. Data
      extraction and synthesis were informed by models of healthcare access that
      highlight the interplay of patient, provider and health system factors. There was
      strong consistent evidence of low levels of knowledge among patients and
      community members; but interventions that were primarily focused on increasing
      knowledge had only modest positive effects on testing and/or vaccination. There
      was strong consistent evidence that Chinese migrants tend to misunderstand the
      need for health care for hepatitis B and have low satisfaction with services.
      Stigma was consistently associated with hepatitis B, and there was weak but
      consistent evidence of stigma acting as a barrier to care. However, available
      evidence on the effects of providing culturally appropriate services for
      hepatitis B on increasing uptake is limited. There was strong consistent evidence
      that health professionals miss opportunities for testing and vaccination.
      Practitioner education interventions may be important, but evidence of
      effectiveness is limited. A simple prompt in patient records for primary care
      physicians improved the uptake of testing, and a dedicated service increased
      targeted vaccination coverage for newborns. Further development and more rigorous
      evaluation of more holistic approaches that address patient, provider and system
      obstacles are needed.

PMID- 28092421
TI  - Carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with heavily pretreated
      multiple myeloma: A phase 1 study in Japan.
AB  - This is the first study in which the carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone
      (KRd) regimen was evaluated in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma. This study is
      a multicenter, open-label phase 1 study of KRd in Japanese patients with relapsed
      or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients. The objectives were to evaluate
      the safety, tolerability, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of the regimen.
      Carfilzomib was administrated intravenously over 10 min on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15
      and 16 of a 28-day cycle. In cycle 1, the dosage for days 1 and 2 was 20 mg/m2 ,
      followed by 27 mg/m2 . Lenalidomide and dexamethasone were administered at 25 mg
      (days 1-21) and 40 mg (days 1, 8, 15 and 22), respectively. Twenty-six patients
      were enrolled. Patients had received a median of four prior regimens and 88.5%
      and 61.5% received previous bortezomib and lenalidomide, respectively. High-risk
      cytogenetics were seen in 53.8% of patients. The overall response rate was 88.5%.
      A higher rate of hyperglycemia was observed than in a previous carfilzomib
      monotherapy study, but this was attributed to dexamethasone. Carfilzomib
      pharmacokinetics were not affected by lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The KRd
      regimen was well tolerated and showed efficacy in Japanese RRMM patients.

PMID- 28092422
TI  - International consensus principles for ethical wildlife control.
AB  - Human-wildlife conflicts are commonly addressed by excluding, relocating, or
      lethally controlling animals with the goal of preserving public health and
      safety, protecting property, or conserving other valued wildlife. However,
      declining wildlife populations, a lack of efficacy of control methods in
      achieving desired outcomes, and changes in how people value animals have
      triggered widespread acknowledgment of the need for ethical and evidence-based
      approaches to managing such conflicts. We explored international perspectives on
      and experiences with human-wildlife conflicts to develop principles for ethical
      wildlife control. A diverse panel of 20 experts convened at a 2-day workshop and
      developed the principles through a facilitated engagement process and discussion.
      They determined that efforts to control wildlife should begin wherever possible
      by altering the human practices that cause human-wildlife conflict and by
      developing a culture of coexistence; be justified by evidence that significant
      harms are being caused to people, property, livelihoods, ecosystems, and/or other
      animals; have measurable outcome-based objectives that are clear, achievable,
      monitored, and adaptive; predictably minimize animal welfare harms to the fewest
      number of animals; be informed by community values as well as scientific,
      technical, and practical information; be integrated into plans for systematic
      long-term management; and be based on the specifics of the situation rather than
      negative labels (pest, overabundant) applied to the target species. We recommend
      that these principles guide development of international, national, and local
      standards and control decisions and implementation.

PMID- 28092423
TI  - 1 H qNMR Quantification of Annonaceous Acetogenins in Crude Extracts of Annona
      muricata L. Fruit Pulp.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Annonaceous acetogenins (AAGs) constitute a group of environmental
      neurotoxins, possibly implicated in sporadic atypical Parkinsonism/dementia
      complexes. The recent evidencing of complex mixtures of AAGs in edible fruits and
      derived food products requires efficient and practical analytical tools for an
      estimation of human exposure. OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple method for the
      direct quantitation of the majority of AAGs (sub-types 1a and 1b) within crude
      extracts, using commonly available 1 H-NMR spectrometers, for food control.
      METHODOLOGY: Method development was carried out on 400 MHz and 300 MHz
      spectrometers, for routine application on fruits crude extracts of Annona
      muricata L. The method was validated with annonacin and squamocin as reference
      compounds. Two internal standards (ISs), fumaric acid and dimethyl fumarate, were
      successfully used, in deuterated methanol (CD3 OD) and deuterated chloroform
      (CDCl3 ), respectively. RESULTS: Quantitation was carried out using signals
      corresponding to the deshielded ethylenic protons characterising most AAGs, at
      delta 7.18 or delta 6.98 ppm in CDCl3 . The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 2.5
      mM, with acceptable accuracy, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.5 mM. The
      AAGs contents measured in seven distinct fruit samples of Annona muricata ranged
      from 14 MUmol to 226 MUmol of AAGs per 100 g fresh pulp (i.e. 0.14 mmol to 1.3
      mmol of AAGs per fruit). CONCLUSION: A simple, accurate and specific method for
      quantification of AAGs content was developed and validated for routine
      application to fruit pulp crude extracts. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 28092424
TI  - Continuous Films of Self-Assembled Graphene Quantum Dots for n-Type Doping of
      Graphene by UV-Triggered Charge Transfer.
AB  - The demands to examine components serving as one of the active layers in
      heterostructures of 2D materials have been recently increasing. Nanomaterials
      synthesized from a solution process and their self-assembly can provide a
      promising route to build a new type of mixed dimensional heterostructures, and
      several methodologies have been reported previously to construct 2D assemblies
      from colloidal nanostructures in solution. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs),
      receiving much interest due to the tunable optical band gap and the capability of
      chemical functionalization, are considered as emerging nanomaterials for various
      optoelectronic and biological applications. This study fabricates a closely
      packed GQDs film (GQDF) from colloidal solutions using a solvent-assisted
      Langmuir Blodgett method, and investigates the optical and electrical
      characteristics of the heterostacked graphene/GQD film (G/GQDF) structures. It is
      observed that the GQDF plays a role not only as a buffer layer that isolates
      Chemical Vapor Deposited graphene (CVD graphene) from undesired p-doping but also
      as a photoactive layer that triggers n-doping of the heterostacked CVD graphene
      film. The n-doping density of the G/GQDF device is proportional to UV irradiation
      time, but its carrier mobility remains constant regardless of doping densities,
      which are unique characteristics that have not been observed in other doping
      methods.

PMID- 28092425
TI  - Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Nigeria Grown Hoslundia opposita
      Vahl (Lamiaceae) Dried Leaves and Its Bioactivity against Cowpea Seed Bruchid.
AB  - Due to several ecological and human hazards of synthetic pesticides in
      postharvest crop protection, there is the need to search for eco-friendly
      alternatives. In this study, chemical composition and insecticidal activities of
      essential oil (EO) obtained from Hoslundia opposita dried leaves were evaluated
      against cowpea seed bruchid. Eight constituents, predominated by oxygenated
      monoterpenes (78.86%), were identified using Gas Chromatography (GC)/MS. The
      constituents were 1,8-cineole (1; 61.15%), followed by alpha-terpineol (2;
      16.81%), beta-phellandrene (3; 13.24%), beta-farnesene (4; 3.55%), alpha-pinene
      (5; 1.89%), Germacrene D (6; 1.83%), cis-sabinene hydrate (7; 0.90%) and
      caryophyllene (8; 0.63%). In fumigation bioassay, at 6 h after exposure (HAE),
      0.78 ml EO/l air caused 35.33% mortality which was significantly lower than
      60.90% and 63.6% observed at 3.15 and 6.25 ml/l air, respectively. Mortality
      reached 90.0% at 24 HAE regardless of the applied concentration. Lethal time for
      50% of the bruchids (LT50 ) at concentration of 0.78 ml/l air (6.89 h) was higher
      than the LT50 at 3.15 and 6.25 ml/l air (4.72 and 4.44 h, respectively). H.
      opposita EO reduced Callosobruchus maculatus oviposition, while progeny emergence
      observed in EO-treated seeds (2.42 - 25.73) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower
      than 51.56 observed in control. The results confirm H. opposita EO's potentials
      for control of cowpea bruchids.

PMID- 28092427
TI  - Layer Dependence and Light Tuning Surface Potential of 2D MoS2 on Various
      Substrates.
AB  - Here surface potential of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown 2D MoS2 with
      various layers is reported, and the effect of adherent substrate and light
      illumination on surface potential of monolayer MoS2 are investigated. The surface
      potential of MoS2 on Si/SiO2 substrate decreases from 4.93 to 4.84 eV with the
      increase in the number of layer from 1 to 4 or more. Especially, the surface
      potentials of monolayer MoS2 are strongly dependent on its adherent substrate,
      which are determined to be 4.55, 4.88, 4.93, 5.10, and 5.50 eV on Ag, graphene,
      Si/SiO2 , Au, and Pt substrates, respectively. Light irradiation is introduced to
      tuning the surface potential of monolayer MoS2 , with the increase in light
      intensity, the surface potential of MoS2 on Si/SiO2 substrate decreases from 4.93
      to 4.74 eV, while increases from 5.50 to 5.56 eV on Pt substrate. The I-V curves
      on vertical of monolayer MoS2 /Pt heterojunction show the decrease in current
      with the increase of light intensity, and Schottky barrier height at MoS2 /Pt
      junctions increases from 0.302 to 0.342 eV. The changed surface potential can be
      explained by trapped charges on surface, photoinduced carriers, charge transfer,
      and local electric field.

PMID- 28092426
TI  - Incomplete reversibility of platelet inhibition following prolonged exposure to
      ticagrelor.
AB  - : Essentials Irreversible platelet inhibition persists after reversibly-binding
      ticagrelor is discontinued. Reversibility of platelet inhibition by ticagrelor
      and its active metabolite was assessed. Incomplete recovery was observed after
      prolonged exposure to ticagrelor. Activated GPIIb-IIIa and P-selectin, not
      platelet reactivity index, showed irreversibility. SUMMARY: Introduction
      Ticagrelor is described as a reversible P2Y12 antagonist. However, residual
      platelet inhibition persists after discontinuation of ticagrelor when plasma
      levels are undetectable. We assessed the reversibility of platelet inhibition by
      ticagrelor and its active metabolite (T-AM) in comparison with cangrelor and
      prasugrel's active metabolite (P-AM). Methods Whole blood was treated in vitro
      with ~ 50% inhibitory concentrations of ticagrelor, T-AM, cangrelor, P-AM and
      assessed for ADP-stimulated activated GPIIb-IIIa and P-selectin and vasodilator
      stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) platelet reactivity index (PRI) before and after
      100-fold dilution. Results Platelets exposed for 30 min to ticagrelor, T-AM or
      cangrelor showed full recovery of activated GPIIb-IIIa but only partial recovery
      of P-selectin. Longer exposure (24 h) to the drug decreased reversibility of
      activated GPIIb-IIIa by ticagrelor (65.1% [49.5-80.6], % of vehicle with 95%
      confidence interval [CI]) and T-AM (88.8% [79.2-98.3]), but not by cangrelor
      (101.4% [96.4-106.4]). Compared with 30 min exposure, the reversibility of P
      selectin further decreased after 24 h exposure to ticagrelor (from 91.8% [82.1
      101.5] to 51.8% [45.5-85.0]), but not T-AM (from 79.0% [67.8-90.3] to 77.4% [61.8
      93.1]) or cangrelor (from 76.0% [67.6-84.4] to 76.2% [70.6-81.8]). In contrast,
      24 h exposure to ticagrelor, T-AM and cangrelor resulted in full recovery of
      platelet reactivity as measured by PRI. Platelets exposed to P-AM showed no
      recovery of ADP reactivity. Conclusions Incomplete recovery after prolonged
      exposure to ticagrelor, observed by activated GPIIb-IIIa and P-selectin but not
      upstream VASP signaling, suggests that P2Y12 regains functionality and
      irreversible changes occur independent of VASP signaling.

PMID- 28092428
TI  - Reproducibility of clinical events adjudications in a trial of venous
      thromboembolism prevention.
AB  - : Essentials The reproducibility of Clinical Events Committee (CEC) adjudications
      is almost unexplored. A random selection of events from a venous thromboembolism
      trial was blindly re-adjudicated. 'Unexplained sudden deaths' (possible fatal
      embolism) explained most discordant adjudications. A precise definition for CEC
      adjudication of this type of events is needed and proposed. SUMMARY: Background
      When clinical trials use clinical endpoints, establishing independent Clinical
      Events Committees (CECs) is recommended to homogenize the interpretation of
      investigators' data. However, the reproducibility of CEC adjudications is almost
      unexplored. Objectives To assess the reproducibility of CEC adjudications in a
      trial of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention. Methods The PREVENU trial, a
      multicenter trial of VTE prevention, included 15 351 hospitalized medical
      patients. The primary endpoint was the composite of symptomatic VTE, major
      bleeding or unexplained sudden death (interpreted as possible fatal pulmonary
      embolism [PE]) at 3 months. The CEC comprised a chairman and four pairs of
      adjudicators. Of 2970 adjudicated clinical events, a random selection of 179
      events (121 deaths, 40 bleeding events, and 18 VTE events) was blindly
      resubmitted to the CEC. Kappa values and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs)
      were calculated to measure adjudication agreement. Results Overall, 18 of 179
      (10.1%, 95% CI 6.5-15.3%) adjudications proved discordant. Agreement for the
      PREVENU composite primary endpoint was good (kappa = 0.73, 95% CI 0.61-0.85).
      When analyzed separately, agreements were very good for non-fatal VTE events (1,
      95% CI not applicable), moderate for all (fatal and non-fatal) VTE events (0.58,
      95% CI 0.34-0.82), good for fatal and non-fatal major bleeding events (0.71, 95%
      CI 0.55-0.88), and moderate for all fatal events (0.60, 95% CI 0.40-0.81).
      Unexplained sudden death interpreted as possible fatal PE was responsible for
      nine of 18 (50%) discordant adjudications. Conclusion The reproducibility of CEC
      adjudications was good or very good for non-fatal VTE and bleeding events, but
      insufficient for VTE-related deaths, for which more precise and widely accepted
      definitions are needed.

PMID- 28092429
TI  - Residents' understanding of adult congenital heart disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Medical residents are exposed to increasing numbers of adults with
      congenital heart disease (ACHD). While inadequate ACHD knowledge may lead to
      inappropriate practice, this educational deficit has not been investigated. Our
      aim was to analyze residents' attitudes, perceived ability, and knowledge of ACHD
      medicine. DESIGN, METHODS, OUTCOME MEASURES: A single center, multiprogram cross
      sectional study was conducted in 2015 using an electronic survey to assess 472
      medical residents' perceived knowledge and self-assessed skills related to ACHD
      medicine. Demographic data obtained included age, gender, level of training and
      program type. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 25% of surveyed residents (N =
      116, median age 29.5 years, 39% male). Responses were received from Family
      Physician (FP; 8.5%), Internal Medicine (43%), Pediatrics (34%), Internal
      Medicine-Pediatrics (IM-P; 7%), and Transitional residents (4%). There was no
      difference between ACHD knowledge and year of residency (P = NS). IM-P residents
      were more confident in their knowledge and assessment of ACHD patients (P < .05).
      Those with prior cardiology elective during residency (59%) demonstrated a
      significant correlation with ACHD knowledge (P < .05) and confidence in ability
      to assess ACHD patients (P < .05). Overall, knowledge and confidence in ACHD
      assessment trended towards a positive correlation (P = .061, gamma statistic =
      0.8). Residents' learning preferences included ACHD lectures (81.6%) and web
      sites (60.2%). CONCLUSION: Most residents in this study lacked ACHD knowledge or
      comfort level required to care for adults with complex defects. Still, residents
      remain interested in teaching venues to improve examination skills. Residency
      programs should include routine cardiology electives to prepare residents to care
      for this complex group of patients.

PMID- 28092430
TI  - Optimal Reactivity and Improved Self-Healing Capability of Structurally Dynamic
      Polymers Grafted on Janus Nanoparticles Governed by Chain Stiffness and Spatial
      Organization.
AB  - Structurally dynamic polymers are recognized as a key potential to revolutionize
      technologies ranging from design of self-healing materials to numerous biomedical
      applications. Despite intense research in this area, optimizing reactivity and
      thereby improving self-healing ability at the most fundamental level pose urgent
      issue for wider applications of such emerging materials. Here, the authors report
      the first mechanistic investigation of the fundamental principle for the
      dependence of reactivity and self-healing capabilities on the properties inherent
      to dynamic polymers by combining large-scale computer simulation, theoretical
      analysis, and experimental discussion. The results allow to reveal how chain
      stiffness and spatial organization regulate reactivity of dynamic polymers
      grafted on Janus nanoparticles and mechanically mediated reaction in their
      reverse chemistry, and, particularly, identify that semiflexible dynamic polymers
      possess the optimal reactivity and self-healing ability. The authors also develop
      an analytical model of blob theory of polymer chains to complement the simulation
      results and reveal essential scaling laws for optimal reactivity. The findings
      offer new insights into the physical mechanism in various systems involving
      reverse/dynamic chemistry. These studies highlight molecular engineering of
      polymer architecture and intrinsic property as a versatile strategy in control
      over the structural responses and functionalities of emerging materials with
      optimized self-healing capabilities.

PMID- 28092431
TI  - Test-Paper-Like Photonic Crystal Viscometer.
AB  - A test-paper-like photonic crystal (PC) viscometer is fabricated based on the
      positive correlation between viscosity and the infiltration time for viscous
      liquid to entirely soak the PC film. It can be broadly used in different
      occasions to quickly determine the viscosity for many liquids, considering its
      portable and disposable characteristics and the requirement of little samples.

PMID- 28092432
TI  - Highly Ordered Nanoring Arrays Formed by Templated Si-Containing Triblock
      Terpolymer Thin Films.
AB  - Laterally ordered nanorings with a periodicity of 38 nm are produced from the
      directed self-assembly of poly(1,1-dimethylsilacyclobutane)-block-polystyrene
      block-poly(methyl methacrylate) thin films on topographically patterned
      substrates. Such nanoscale arrays with vertically oriented rings are highly
      desired in technological applications including memory using magnetic recording,
      metamaterial, waveguide, etc.

PMID- 28092433
TI  - Design and Analysis of Localized DNA Hybridization Chain Reactions.
AB  - Theoretical models of localized DNA hybridization reactions on nanoscale
      substrates indicate potential benefits over conventional DNA hybridization
      reactions. Recently, a few approaches have been proposed to speed-up DNA
      hybridization reactions; however, experimental confirmation and quantification of
      the acceleration factor have been lacking. Here, a system to investigate
      localized DNA hybridization reactions on a nanoscale substrate is presented. The
      system consists of six metastable DNA hairpins that are tethered to a long DNA
      track. The localized DNA hybridization reaction of the proposed system is
      triggered by a DNA strand which initiates the subsequent self-assembly.
      Fluorescence kinetics indicates that the half-time completion of a localized DNA
      hybridization chain reaction is six times faster than the same reaction in the
      absence of the substrate. The proposed system provides one of the first known
      quantification of the speed-up of DNA hybridization reactions due to the locality
      effect.

PMID- 28092434
TI  - 3D Probed Lipid Dynamics in Small Unilamellar Vesicles.
AB  - Single-molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy overcomes the resolution
      barrier of optical microscopy (10~-20 nm) and is utilized to look into lipid
      dynamics in small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs; diameter < 100 nm). The
      fluorescence trajectories of lipid-like tracer 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'
      tetramethylindodicarbocyanine (DiD) in the membrane bilayers are acquired at a
      single-molecule level. The autocorrelation analysis yields the kinetic
      information on lipid organization, oxygen transport, and lateral diffusion in
      SUVs' membrane. First, the isomerization feasibility may be restricted by the
      addition of cholesterols, which form structure conjugation with DiD chromophore.
      Second, the oxygen transport is prevented from the ultrasmall cluster and
      cholesterol-rich regions, whereas it can pass through the membrane region with
      liquid-disordered phase (Ld ) and defects. Third, by analyzing 2D spectra
      correlating the lipid diffusion coefficient and triplet-state lifetime, the
      heterogeneity in lipid bilayer can be precisely visualized such as lipid domain
      with different phases, the defects of lipid packing, and DiD-induced "bouquet"
      ultrasmall clusters.

PMID- 28092435
TI  - Microbial biotransformation of five pyrrolidinophenone-type psychoactive
      substances in wastewater and a wastewater isolated Pseudomonas putida strain.
AB  - Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) employs the analysis of wastewater to detect
      and quantify drug use and discharge within a community. In this work,
      transformation products (TP) by microbes in the environment were identified after
      incubations in wastewater and an isolated microbial strain. The microbial strain
      was isolated from an enrichment culture of wastewater supplemented with 3,4
      methylenedioxy-pyrovalerone, and identified by matrix assisted laser desorption -
      time of flight mass spectrometry as Pseudomonas putida (P. putida). Five
      pyrrolidinophenone-type psychoactive substances (PPPS) were then incubated in
      wastewater and in P. putida tryptic soy broth (TSB) growth cultures. TPs were
      identified using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry techniques.
      All TPs observed in P. putida TSB growth cultures were also identified in
      wastewater incubations. The main TP for all PPPSs in P. putida TSB growth
      cultures, and two PPPSs incubated in wastewater, were the N-desalkyl-carboxy-TPs.
      The study showed P. putida TSB growth cultures used for identification of TPs in
      wastewater, represent parts of the microbial community. With data provided in
      this type of experiments more information will be available to select targets for
      monitoring drug use by WBE. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28092436
TI  - Single Upconversion Nanoparticle-Bacterium Cotrapping for Single-Bacterium
      Labeling and Analysis.
AB  - Detecting and analyzing pathogenic bacteria in an effective and reliable manner
      is crucial for the diagnosis of acute bacterial infection and initial antibiotic
      therapy. However, the precise labeling and analysis of bacteria at the single
      bacterium level are a technical challenge but very important to reveal important
      details about the heterogeneity of cells and responds to environment. This study
      demonstrates an optical strategy for single-bacterium labeling and analysis by
      the cotrapping of single upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and bacteria
      together. A single UCNP with an average size of ~120 nm is first optically
      trapped. Both ends of a single bacterium are then trapped and labeled with single
      UCNPs emitting green light. The labeled bacterium can be flexibly moved to
      designated locations for further analysis. Signals from bacteria of different
      sizes are detected in real time for single-bacterium analysis. This cotrapping
      method provides a new approach for single-pathogenic-bacterium labeling,
      detection, and real-time analysis at the single-particle and single-bacterium
      level.

PMID- 28092437
TI  - 3D Porous Nanoarchitectures Derived from SnS/S-Doped Graphene Hybrid Nanosheets
      for Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitors.
AB  - 3D porous nanoarchitectures derived from SnS/S-doped graphene hybrid nanosheets
      are successfully prepared by controllable thermal conversion of oleylamine-capped
      mixed-phase SnS2 -SnS nanodisks precursors, and employed as electroactive
      material to fabricate flexible, symmetric, all-solid-state supercapacitors. The
      fabricated solid devices exhibit very high areal specific capacitance (2.98 mF cm
      2 ), good cycling stability (99% for 10 000 cycles), excellent flexibility, and
      desirable mechanical stability.

PMID- 28092438
TI  - Biofunctionalization of Nerve Interface via Biocompatible Polymer-Roughened Pt
      Black on Cuff Electrode for Chronic Recording.
AB  - Peripheral nerve cuff electrodes with roughened Pt black (BPt) are coated with
      polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Nafion (NF). Although the influence of coated PEG
      and Nafion on roughened BPt on the electrical properties is weak, the cuff
      electrode with BPt/PEG and BPt/Nafion exhibits some very important properties.
      For example, it markedly decreases interfacial impedance, increases charge
      storage capacity (CSC) due to retaining the BPt surface structure, good stability
      without exfoliation in repetitive cyclic voltammetry scanning because it is
      protected by PEG or Nafion coating. In cell viability test, Nafion-coated BPt
      does not show cytotoxicity to rat Schwann cell line (S16) at 24 and 72 h with the
      Nafion coating ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg cm-2 . In addition, real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) analysis indicates that Schwann cell differentiation (S100
      calcium-binding protein B, myelin basic protein, peripheral myelin protein 22),
      proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin-dependent kinase 1
      (CDK1)), and adhesion molecules (neural cell adhesion molecule, laminin,
      fibronectin) are upregulated up to 5 mg cm-2 of Nafion. In animal study, the
      BPt/Nafion reduces infiltration of fibrotic tissue with high axonal maintenance
      with upregulation of proliferation (CDK1), adhesion (laminin, neuronal cell
      adhesion molecule), and neurotrophic factor receptor-related (gdnf family
      receptor alpha 1) mRNA expressions.

PMID- 28092439
TI  - Molecular Details of the PH Domain of ACAP1BAR-PH Protein Binding to PIP
      Containing Membrane.
AB  - ACAP1 proteins were previously reported to specifically bind PIP2-containing cell
      membranes and form well-structured protein lattices in order to conduct membrane
      tubulation. We carried out molecular dynamics simulations to characterize
      orientation of the PH domains with respect to the BAR domains inside the protein
      dimer. Followed by molecular dynamics simulations, we present a comprehensive
      orientation analysis of PH domain under different states including unbound and
      bound with lipids. We have examined two binding pockets on the PH domain and
      present PMF profiles of the two pockets to account for their preference to PIP2
      lipids. Combining orientation analysis and studies of binding pockets, our
      simulations results reveal valuable molecular basis for protein-lipid
      interactions of ACAP1 proteins during membrane remodeling process.

PMID- 28092440
TI  - Molecular Interactions between Graphene and Biological Molecules.
AB  - Applications of graphene have extended into areas of nanobio-technology such as
      nanobio-medicine, nanobio-sensing, as well as nanoelectronics with biomolecules.
      These applications involve interactions between proteins, peptides, DNA, RNA etc.
      and graphene, therefore understanding such molecular interactions is essential.
      For example, many applications based on using graphene and peptides require
      peptides to interact with (e.g., noncovalently bind to) graphene at one end,
      while simultaneously exposing the other end to the surrounding medium (e.g., to
      detect analytes in solution). To control and characterize peptide behavior on a
      graphene surface in solution is difficult. Here we successfully probed the
      molecular interactions between two peptides (cecropin P1 and MSI-78(C1)) and
      graphene in situ and in real-time using sum frequency generation (SFG)
      vibrational spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. We demonstrated
      that the distribution of various planar (including aromatic (Phe, Trp, Tyr, and
      His)/amide (Asn and Gln)/Guanidine (Arg)) side-chains and charged hydrophilic
      (such as Lys) side-chains in a peptide sequence determines the orientation of the
      peptide adsorbed on a graphene surface. It was found that peptide interactions
      with graphene depend on the competition between both planar and hydrophilic
      residues in the peptide. Our results indicated that part of cecropin P1 stands up
      on graphene due to an unbalanced distribution of planar and hydrophilic residues,
      whereas MSI-78(C1) lies down on graphene due to an even distribution of Phe
      residues and hydrophilic residues. With such knowledge, we could rationally
      design peptides with desired residues to manipulate peptide-graphene
      interactions, which allows peptides to adopt optimized structure and exhibit
      excellent activity for nanobio-technological applications. This research again
      demonstrates the power to combine SFG vibrational spectroscopy and MD simulation
      in studying interfacial biological molecules.

PMID- 28092441
TI  - Local Mode Analysis: Decoding IR Spectra by Visualizing Molecular Details.
AB  - Integration of experimental and computational approaches to investigate chemical
      reactions in proteins has proven to be very successful. Experimentally, time
      resolved FTIR difference-spectroscopy monitors chemical reactions at atomic
      detail. To decode detailed structural information encoded in IR spectra, QM/MM
      calculations are performed. Here, we present a novel method which we call local
      mode analysis (LMA) for calculating IR spectra and assigning spectral IR-bands on
      the basis of movements of nuclei and partial charges from just a single QM/MM
      trajectory. Through LMA the decoding of IR spectra no longer requires several
      simulations or optimizations. The novel approach correlates the motions of atoms
      of a single simulation with the corresponding IR bands and provides direct access
      to the structural information encoded in IR spectra. Either the contributions of
      a particular atom or atom group to the complete IR spectrum of the molecule are
      visualized, or an IR-band is selected to visualize the corresponding structural
      motions. Thus, LMA decodes the detailed information contained in IR spectra and
      provides an intuitive approach for structural biologists and biochemists. The
      unique feature of LMA is the bidirectional analysis connecting structural details
      to spectral features and vice versa spectral features to molecular motions.

PMID- 28092442
TI  - Upconverted Photosensitization of Tb Visible Emission by NIR Yb Excitation in
      Discrete Supramolecular Heteropolynuclear Complexes.
AB  - Addition of Tb3+ salts to a solution of a (YbLD) complex in D2O resulted in the
      formation of [(YbLD)2Tbx] (x = 1 to 3) complexes that, upon NIR excitation at 980
      nm, showed an unprecedented Yb to Tb upconversion sensitization phenomenon
      resulting in the observation of the typical green emission of Tb.

PMID- 28092443
TI  - Kinetics and Structure of a Cold-Adapted Hetero-Octameric ATP
      Phosphoribosyltransferase.
AB  - Adenosine 5'-triphosphate phosphoribosyltransferase (ATPPRT) catalyzes the first
      step in histidine biosynthesis, the condensation of ATP and 5-phospho-alpha-d
      ribosyl-1-pyrophosphate to generate N1-(5-phospho-beta-d-ribosyl)-ATP and
      inorganic pyrophosphate. The enzyme is allosterically inhibited by histidine. Two
      forms of ATPPRT, encoded by the hisG gene, exist in nature, depending on the
      species. The long form, HisGL, is a single polypeptide chain with catalytic and
      regulatory domains. The short form, HisGS, lacks a regulatory domain and cannot
      bind histidine. HisGS instead is found in complex with a regulatory protein,
      HisZ, constituting the ATPPRT holoenzyme. HisZ triggers HisGS catalytic activity
      while rendering it sensitive to allosteric inhibition by histidine. Until
      recently, HisGS was thought to be catalytically inactive without HisZ. Here,
      recombinant HisGS and HisZ from the psychrophilic bacterium Psychrobacter
      arcticus were independently overexpressed and purified. The crystal structure of
      P. arcticus ATPPRT was determined at 2.34 A resolution, revealing an equimolar
      HisGS-HisZ hetero-octamer. Steady-state kinetics indicate that both the ATPPRT
      holoenzyme and HisGS are catalytically active. Surprisingly, HisZ confers only a
      modest 2-4-fold increase in kcat. Reaction profiles for both enzymes cannot be
      distinguished by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance, indicating that the same
      reaction is catalyzed. The temperature dependence of kcat shows deviation from
      Arrhenius behavior at 308 K with the holoenzyme. Interestingly, such deviation is
      detected only at 313 K with HisGS. Thermal denaturation by CD spectroscopy
      resulted in Tm's of 312 and 316 K for HisZ and HisGS, respectively, suggesting
      that HisZ renders the ATPPRT complex more thermolabile. This is the first
      characterization of a psychrophilic ATPPRT.

PMID- 28092444
TI  - Engineering of the Bacillus circulans beta-Galactosidase Product Specificity.
AB  - Microbial beta-galactosidase enzymes are widely used as biocatalysts in industry
      to produce prebiotic galactooligosaccharides (GOS) from lactose. GOS mixtures are
      used as beneficial additives in infant formula to mimic the prebiotic effects of
      human milk oligosaccharides (hMOS). The structural variety in GOS mixtures is
      significantly lower than in hMOS. Since this structural complexity is considered
      as the basis for the multiple biological functions of hMOS, it is important to
      broaden the variety of GOS structures. In this study, residue R484 near +1
      subsite of the C-terminally truncated beta-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans
      (BgaD-D) was subjected to site saturation mutagenesis. Especially the R484S and
      R484H mutant enzymes displayed significantly altered enzyme specificity, leading
      to a new type of GOS mixture with altered structures and linkage types. The GOS
      mixtures produced by these mutant enzymes contained 14 structures that were not
      present in the wild-type enzyme GOS mixture; 10 of these are completely new
      structures. The GOS produced by these mutant enzymes contained a combination of
      (beta1 -> 3) and (beta1 -> 4) linkages, while the wild-type enzyme has a clear
      preference toward (beta1 -> 4) linkages. The yield of the trisaccharide beta-d
      Galp-(1 -> 3)-beta-d-Galp-(1 -> 4)-d-Glcp produced by mutants R484S and R484H
      increased 50 times compared to that of the wild-type enzyme. These results
      indicate that residue R484 is crucial for the linkage specificity of BgaD-D. This
      is the first study showing that beta-galactosidase enzyme engineering results in
      an altered GOS linkage specificity and product mixture. The more diverse GOS
      mixtures produced by these engineered enzymes may find industrial applications.

PMID- 28092445
TI  - miR-29b promotes skin wound healing and reduces excessive scar formation by
      inhibition of the TGF-beta1/Smad/CTGF signaling pathway.
AB  - The hypertrophic scar is a medical difficulty of humans, which has caused great
      pain to patients. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effect of miR-29b on scar
      formation. The scalded model was established in mice and miR-29b mimics or a
      negative control was subcutaneously injected into the injury skin. Then various
      molecular biological experiments were performed to assess the effect of miR-29b
      on scar formation. According to our present study, first, the results
      demonstrated that miR-29b was down-regulated in thermal injury tissue and miR-29b
      treatment could promote wound healing, inhibit scar formation, and alleviate
      histopathological morphologic alteration in scald tissues. Additionally, miR-29b
      treatment suppressed collagen deposition and fibrotic gene expression in scar
      tissues. Finally, we found that miR-29b treatment inhibited the TGF
      beta1/Smad/CTGF signaling pathway. Taken together, our data suggest that miR-29b
      treatment has an inhibitory effect against scar formation via inhibition of the
      TGF-beta1/Smad/CTGF signaling pathway and may provide a potential molecular basis
      for future treatments for hypertrophic scars.

PMID- 28092446
TI  - When the Next Disease Strikes: How To Communicate (and How Not To).

PMID- 28092447
TI  - Healthcare Preparedness: Saving Lives.

PMID- 28092448
TI  - Prevention of the Development or Use of Biological Weapons.

PMID- 28092449
TI  - Long noncoding RNA as an indicator differentiating schizophrenia from major
      depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in nonpsychiatric hospital.
AB  - AIM: Depression and anxiety are common symptoms for schizophrenia (SZ) in the
      early onset. This study aimed to determine whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)
      can be indicators for diagnosing SZ in nonpsychiatric hospitals. MATERIALS &
      METHODS: Three upregulated SZ lncRNAs, six downregulated major depressive
      disorder (MDD) lncRNAs and three upregulated generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
      lncRNAs were cross-validated in 45 SZ patients, 48 MDD patients, 52 GAD patients
      and 40 controls by reverse transcription-PCR. RESULTS: Three SZ lncRNAs were
      significantly downregulated in GAD patients. The expression of the six MDD
      lncRNAs showed an opposite trend in SZ patients, and the three GAD lncRNAs also
      showed significant differences between SZ and GAD patients. CONCLUSION: The three
      upregulated SZ lncRNAs are not entirely replicated in MDD and GAD patients and
      could be potential indicators for distinguishing SZ from MDD and GAD in
      nonpsychiatric hospital.

PMID- 28092451
TI  - Assessing and Addressing US Health Security Risks.

PMID- 28092450
TI  - Preintervention Profiles of Information, Motivational, and Behavioral Self
      Efficacy for Methamphetamine Use and HIV Medication Adherence Among Gay and
      Bisexual Men.
AB  - Although rates of crystal methamphetamine use in the United States have fallen
      from their peak in the mid-2000s, use remains a major public health concern,
      which disproportionately affects gay and bisexual men (GBM). It poses a
      particular challenge for HIV-positive men, for whom it has been linked to
      medication adherence problems as well as compromised immune function. Although
      the information, motivation, and behavioral skills (IMB) model has been widely
      used to conceptualize health behavior, little is known about GBM's initial levels
      of information, motivation, and behavioral self-efficacy to improve HIV
      medication adherence and to reduce crystal methamphetamine use at the outset of
      treatment. The present study identified profiles of IMB factors related to HIV
      medication adherence and crystal methamphetamine use in a sample of 210 HIV
      positive GBM who consented to participate in an intervention study. Results
      indicated three distinct patterns of IMB factors. The largest group was ready to
      change both adherence and methamphetamine use (n = 104). This group also had
      depression scores that were significantly lower than other groups. A second group
      appeared ready to change medication adherence, but was ambivalent about changing
      methamphetamine use (n = 60). This group reported significantly more symptoms of
      methamphetamine dependence than the other groups. A third group was characterized
      by global IMB barriers to change (n = 46). Results are discussed in the context
      of tailoring psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral
      interventions to match these preintervention patterns of IMB factors.

PMID- 28092452
TI  - Partnering with Communities to Foster Trust, Save More Lives, and Prompt Recovery
      in Epidemics and Disasters.

PMID- 28092453
TI  - International Engagement Is Critical to Fighting Epidemics.

PMID- 28092454
TI  - Maintaining US Leadership in Emerging Biotechnologies to Grow the Economy of the
      Future.

PMID- 28092455
TI  - Funding and Organization of US Federal Health Security Programs.

PMID- 28092456
TI  - Improving Biosurveillance Systems to Enable Situational Awareness During Public
      Health Emergencies.

PMID- 28092458
TI  - A Biosafety Agenda to Spur Biotechnology Development and Prevent Accidents.

PMID- 28092457
TI  - Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammation Mediate the Impact of Fitness on
      Cerebrovascular Health in Adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To investigate in adolescents the relationships between
      retinal vessel diameter, physical fitness, insulin sensitivity, and systemic
      inflammation. METHODS: We evaluated 157 adolescents, 112 with excessive weight
      and 45 lean, all without type 2 diabetes mellitus. All received detailed
      evaluations, including measurements of retinal vessel diameter, insulin
      sensitivity, levels of inflammation, and physical fitness. RESULTS:
      Overweight/obese adolescents had significantly narrower retinal arteriolar and
      wider venular diameters, significantly lower insulin sensitivity, and physical
      fitness. They also had decreased levels of anti-inflammatory and increased levels
      of proinflammatory markers as well as an overall higher inflammation balance
      score. Fitness was associated with larger retinal arteriolar and narrower venular
      diameters and these relationships were mediated by insulin sensitivity. We
      demonstrate that inflammation also mediates the relationship between fitness and
      retinal venular, but not arterial diameter; insulin sensitivity and inflammation
      balance score jointly mediate this relationship with little overlap in their
      effects. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing fitness and insulin sensitivity and reducing
      inflammation among adolescents carrying excess weight may improve microvascular
      integrity. Interventions to improve physical fitness and insulin function and
      reduce inflammation in adolescents, a group likely to benefit from such
      interventions, may reduce not only cardiovascular disease in middle age, but also
      improve cerebrovascular function later in life.

PMID- 28092459
TI  - Toward High-Throughput and Multiplexed Imaging of Genome Organization.
AB  - Dr. Eric Joyce from the Department of Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania
      was awarded The President's Innovation award at the annual Society of
      Biomolecular Imaging and Informatics meeting held in Boston, September 2016.
      Chromosome interactions are a fundamental aspect of nuclear organization that can
      activate and silence genes or even direct chromosome rearrangements. However, the
      molecular mechanisms underlying how chromosomal segments find each other and form
      stable interactions within cells remain unknown. To address this gap, we have
      recently developed two technologies that use fluorescent in situ hybridization
      (FISH) to interrogate chromosome positioning at single-cell resolution. The first
      is a technology for high-throughput FISH, and the other, called Oligopaints, is a
      new type of probe that reduces the cost and increases the resolution of FISH.
      Here, I review our use of these two technologies to uncover and characterize the
      molecular mechanisms that govern chromosome pairing in Drosophila. I further
      describe how these methods should benefit a broad spectrum of research fields,
      including those focusing on chromatin looping, compaction, replication,
      homologous recombination, and DNA repair.

PMID- 28092460
TI  - A Three-Dimensional Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Tube Formation Assay to Identify
      Novel Kinases Involved in Lymphatic Vessel Remodeling.
AB  - The lymphatic system is a series of vessels that transport cells and excess fluid
      from tissues to the blood vascular system. Normally quiescent, the lymphatics can
      grow or remodel in response to developmental, immunological, or cells
      pathological stimuli. Lymphatic vessels comprise lymphatic endothelial cells
      (LECs) that can respond to external growth factors by undergoing proliferation,
      migration, adhesion, and tube and lumen formation into new vessel structures, a
      process known as lymphangiogenesis. To understand the key gene and signaling
      pathways necessary for lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel remodeling, we have
      developed a three-dimensional LEC tube formation assay to explore the role of
      kinase signaling in these processes. The collagen-overlay-based assay was used
      with primary human adult dermal LECs to investigate a library of 60 tyrosine
      kinase (TK) and TK-like genes by siRNA knockdown. Nine candidate genes were
      identified and characterized for their ability to modify key parameters of
      lymphatic tube formation, including tube length, area, thickness, branching, and
      number of blind-ended sacs. Four genes-ZAP70, IRAK4, RIPK1, and RIPK2-were
      identified as high-confidence hits after tertiary deconvolution screens and
      demonstrate the utility of the assay to define LEC genes critical for the
      formation of tube structures. This assay facilitates the identification of
      potential molecular targets for novel drugs designed to modulate the remodeling
      of lymphatics that is important for the metastatic spread of cancer and other
      pathologies.

PMID- 28092461
TI  - SBI2 HCS/HCA 3D Imaging: Best Practices and Unmet Needs Colloquium.

PMID- 28092462
TI  - Adolescent Cardiovascular Functional and Structural Outcomes of Growth
      Trajectories from Infancy: Prospective Community-Based Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adult BMI trajectories outperform single BMI measurements as
      predictors of cardiovascular mortality; however, it is unknown whether this also
      holds in childhood. We aimed to identify BMI trajectory categories from birth to
      adolescence, and examine their associations with adolescent cardiovascular
      function and structure. METHODS: Adolescents from a community-based prospective
      birth cohort completed 11-16 BMI measurements between birth and adolescence. BMI
      trajectory categories were identified using latent class analysis. Associations
      between trajectories and cardiovascular outcomes (14 years) were assessed using
      adjusted linear regression models (n = 187). Cardiovascular outcomes included
      systolic/diastolic blood pressure, augmentation index, pulse wave velocity,
      carotid intima-media thickness, and retinal arteriole-to-venule ratio. Regression
      models were adjusted for child age, gender, height, socioeconomic status, and
      puberty status at outcome. RESULTS: Three BMI trajectories emerged that diverged
      sharply by the age of 1 year. BMI increments were thereafter roughly parallel for
      those in the low normal (39%) and high normal (51%) groups, but steeper in the
      consistently overweight (10%) group, which was notable for lack of an obvious
      adiposity rebound. Cardiovascular function and structure were similar across the
      three trajectory groups. The only exception was augmentation index, which was
      7.8% (95% CI: 2.6 to 13.0) higher in the consistently overweight individuals than
      the low normal individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We found little evidence that those with
      consistently higher BMI from infancy experienced poorer cardiovascular function
      or structure by the age of 14 years. Nonetheless, childhood BMI trajectories
      track strongly, meaning resolution of risky BMI, while essential to decrease
      later cardiovascular risk, is unlikely without intervention.

PMID- 28092463
TI  - CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein beta Mediates the Killing of Toxoplasma gondii by
      Inducing Autophagy in Nonhematopoietic Cells.
AB  - Autophagy is a main defense strategy by which infected host cells can virtually
      induce the killing of parasite, including Toxoplasma gondii. However, the
      regulatory mechanisms of autophagy in T. gondii-infected nonhematopoietic cells
      are still unknown. Emerging evidence indicates that CCAAT/enhancer-binding
      protein beta (C/EBP beta) is associated with the regulation of autophagy. Herein,
      we hypothesized that C/EBP beta plays roles in inducing autophagy in
      nonhematopoietic cells. Expression of C/EBP beta was aberrantly regulated in
      endothelial cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells challenged by T. gondii.
      Inhibition of C/EBP beta reduced the killing of T. gondii in nonhematopoietic
      cells, whereas C/EBP beta overexpression resulted in the enhancement of killing
      of T. gondii as well as the increase in autophagy in infected cells. Furthermore,
      the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation was found to be reduced by
      C/EBP beta overexpression, but increased by C/EBP beta inhibition. The increase
      in T. gondii killing induced by C/EBP beta overexpression was blocked by the mTOR
      activator phosphatidic acid and was increased by the inhibitor AZD8055. In
      conclusion, we demonstrate that C/EBP beta expression is increased in
      nonhematopoietic cells infected by T. gondii, resulting in the activation of
      autophagy in host cells by inhibiting mTOR pathway.

PMID- 28092465
TI  - A medieval physician: Amirdovlat Amasiatsi (1420-1495).
AB  - We aimed to acquaint the reader with a medieval physician, Amirdovlat Amasiatsi,
      who lived and practiced in the 15th century Anatolia. Amirdovlat wrote several
      books on medicine mainly focusing on phytotherapy and pharmacology using
      medicinal plants, animal-derived products and minerals. All his works were
      written in Middle Armenian, spoken Armenian language of the time. In his
      writings, Amirdovlat described unique recipes that represent a portrayal of
      medical knowledge and practice at the time in Anatolia where he lived and worked.
      He discussed the physical and therapeutic properties as well as geographic
      distributions of various plants and minerals, using different languages, mainly
      Turkish, Greek, Arabic, French and Persian. Amirdovlat's works not only enhanced
      our understanding of Armenian medical practices but also provided great deal of
      information on those of Ancient Greco-Roman as well as Islamic world,
      demonstrating close relationship of Armenian medicine with Greco-Roman and
      Islamic medicine. Amirdovlat accomplished this by amalgamating the past and
      contemporary practices of his time. In this regard, Amirdovlat's works, in
      particular "Useless for the Ignorant", are very unique playing a significant role
      in preserving traditions and heritage of different cultures.

PMID- 28092464
TI  - Expectations for Treatment in Pediatric Weight Management and Relationship to
      Attrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attrition in pediatric weight management negatively impacts treatment
      outcomes. A potentially modifiable contributor to attrition is unmet family
      expectations. This study aimed to evaluate the association between adolescent and
      parent/guardian treatment expectations and attrition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      prospective, nonrandomized, uncontrolled, single-arm pilot trial was conducted
      among 12 pediatric weight management programs in the Children's Hospital
      Association's FOCUS on a Fitter Future collaborative. Parents/guardians and
      adolescents completed an expectations/goals survey at their initial visit, with
      categories including healthier food/drinks, physical activity/exercise, family
      support/behavior, and weight management goals. Attrition was assessed at 3
      months. RESULTS: From January to August 2013, 405 parents/guardians were
      recruited and reported about their children (203 adolescents, 202 children <12
      years). Of the 203 adolescents, 160 also self-reported. Attrition rate was 42.2%
      at 3 months. For adolescents, greater interest in family support/behavior skills
      was associated with decreased odds of attrition at 3 months [odds ratio (OR)
      0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57-0.98, p = 0.04]. The more discordant the
      parent/adolescent dyad responses in this category, the higher the odds of
      attrition at 3 months (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.04-1.78, p = 0.02). Weight loss was an
      important weight management goal for both adolescents and parents. For
      adolescents with this goal, the median weight-loss goal was 50 pounds. Attrition
      was associated with adolescent weight-loss goals above the desired median (50%
      above the median vs. 28% below the median, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Assessing
      initial expectations may help tailor treatment to meet families' needs,
      especially through focus on family-based change and realistic goal setting.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01753063.

PMID- 28092466
TI  - Clinical performance of the Solana(r) Point-of-Care Trichomonas Assay from
      clinician-collected vaginal swabs and urine specimens from symptomatic and
      asymptomatic women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Solana(r) (Quidel) is a new rapid (<40 min.) point-of-care (POC) test
      for qualitative detection of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) DNA. The assay has two
      steps: 1) specimen preparation, and 2) amplification and detection using
      isothermal Helicase-Dependent Amplification (HDA). The objective was to
      demonstrate the performance of Solana for vaginal swabs and female urines based
      on comparison to wet mount and TV culture. Performance was also compared to the
      Aptima-TV assay. METHODS: Urine and four clinician-collected vaginal swabs were
      collected. The first two were used for FDA composite reference (wet mount;
      InPouch TV Culture). The third swab was used for Solana. Sensitivity/specificity
      were based on the reference method. A specimen was considered positive if either
      test was positive. The fourth swab was for Aptima-TV. RESULTS: Vaginal swabs and
      urines were obtained from 501 asymptomatic and 543 symptomatic women. Prevalence
      of TV by was 11.5%. For swabs, Solana(r) demonstrated high sensitivity and
      specificity from asymptomatic (100%/98.9%) and symptomatic (98.6%/98.5%) women,
      as well as for urines from asymptomatic (98.0%/98.4%) and symptomatic
      (92.9%/97.9%) women, compared to the reference method. Compared to Aptima-TV, the
      sensitivity/specificity was 89.7%/99.0% for swabs and 100%/98.9% for urines.
      CONCLUSION: The Solana(r) assay performed well compared to the reference assays.

PMID- 28092467
TI  - Early investigational antibiotics for the treatment of acute exacerbations of
      chronic bronchitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute exacerbations in patients with chronic bronchitis are a
      leading cause of hospitalizations and death. Bacteria contribute significantly to
      such exacerbations. The aim of this review was to explore the potential role of
      investigational antibiotics in the treatment of these episodes. Areas covered:
      The available literature in PubMed database, in websites related to
      investigational drugs and in websites of the producing companies has been
      searched. The in vitro activity against pathogens involved in acute exacerbations
      of chronic bronchitis and the pharmacokinetic profile of antibiotics currently
      under development were taken into consideration for inclusion in the review.
      Expert opinion: Several novel antimicrobial agents have completed preclinical and
      Phase I studies and were well-tolerated. Further investigation is mandatory in
      order to evaluate their future in treatment of chronic bronchitis exacerbations
      and discover potential advantages compared to already approved antimicrobials.

PMID- 28092468
TI  - Protecting the Nation from Health Security Threats.

PMID- 28092470
TI  - Strengthening the US Medical Countermeasure Enterprise for Biological Threats.

PMID- 28092469
TI  - Investigational drugs in recent clinical trials for treatment-resistant
      depression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The authors describe the medications for treatment-resistant
      depression (TRD) in phase II/III of clinical development in the EU and USA and
      provide an opinion on how current treatment can be improved in the near future.
      Areas covered: Sixty-two trials were identified in US and EU clinical trial
      registries that included six investigational compounds in recent phase III
      development and 12 others in recent phase II clinical trials. Glutamatergic
      agents have been the focus of many studies. A single intravenous dose of the
      glutamatergic modulator ketamine produces a robust and rapid antidepressant
      effect in persons with TRD; this effect continues to remain significant for 1
      week. This observation was a turning point that opened the way for other, more
      selective glutamatergic modulators (intranasal esketamine, AVP-786, AVP-923, AV
      101, and rapastinel). Of the remaining compounds, monoclonal antibodies open
      highly innovative therapeutic options, based on new pathophysiological approaches
      to depression. Expert commentary: Promising new agents are emerging for TRD
      treatment. Glutamatergic modulators likely represent a very promising alternative
      to monoaminergic antidepressant monotherapy. We could see the arrival of the
      first robust and rapid acting antidepressant drug in the near future, which would
      strongly facilitate the ultimate goal of recovery in persons with TRD.

PMID- 28092472
TI  - Using biomarkers to predict and to prevent cardiotoxicity of cancer therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiotoxicity is a common complication that may compromise the
      clinical effectiveness of anticancer therapy. The current standard for monitoring
      cardiac function detects cardiotoxicity only when a functional impairment has
      already occurred, not allowing for any early preventive strategy. Areas covered:
      A novel approach, based on the use of biomarkers has recently emerged, resulting
      in a very effective tool for early, real-time identification, and monitoring of
      cardiotoxicity. In particular, cardiac troponin elevation during chemotherapy
      allows to identify patients more prone to develop myocardial dysfunction and
      cardiac events. In these patients, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors, such as enalapril, has shown to be effective in improving clinical
      outcomes, giving the chance for cardioprotective strategies in a selected
      population. The authors reviewed the currently available data about the role of
      biomarkers in this setting. Expert commentary: Early identification of patients
      at high risk of cardiotoxicity by cardiac biomarkers - in particular troponin -
      provides a rationale for targeted preventive strategies against cancer therapy
      induced left ventricular dysfunction and its associated clinical complications,
      with the advantage of limiting prophylactic therapy only to a restricted number
      of patients. Although the major international oncologic societies encourage this
      approach, some limitations to a routinely use of biomarkers still exist.

PMID- 28092471
TI  - Genomics pipelines and data integration: challenges and opportunities in the
      research setting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The emergence and mass utilization of high-throughput (HT)
      technologies, including sequencing technologies (genomics) and mass spectrometry
      (proteomics, metabolomics, lipids), has allowed geneticists, biologists, and
      biostatisticians to bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype on a massive
      scale. These new technologies have brought rapid advances in our understanding of
      cell biology, evolutionary history, microbial environments, and are increasingly
      providing new insights and applications towards clinical care and personalized
      medicine. Areas covered: The very success of this industry also translates into
      daunting big data challenges for researchers and institutions that extend beyond
      the traditional academic focus of algorithms and tools. The main obstacles
      revolve around analysis provenance, data management of massive datasets, ease of
      use of software, interpretability and reproducibility of results. Expert
      commentary: The authors review the challenges associated with implementing
      bioinformatics best practices in a large-scale setting, and highlight the
      opportunity for establishing bioinformatics pipelines that incorporate data
      tracking and auditing, enabling greater consistency and reproducibility for basic
      research, translational or clinical settings.

PMID- 28092473
TI  - Changing the Culture of Academic Medicine: Critical Mass or Critical Actors?
AB  - PURPOSE: By 2006, women constituted 34% of academic medical faculty, reaching a
      critical mass. Theoretically, with critical mass, culture and policy supportive
      of gender equity should be evident. We explore whether having a critical mass of
      women transforms institutional culture and organizational change. METHODS: Career
      development program participants were interviewed to elucidate their experiences
      in academic health centers (AHCs). Focus group discussions were held with
      institutional leaders to explore their perceptions about contemporary challenges
      related to gender and leadership. Content analysis of both data sources revealed
      points of convergence. Findings were interpreted using the theory of critical
      mass. RESULTS: Two nested domains emerged: the individual domain included the
      rewards and personal satisfaction of meaningful work, personal agency, tensions
      between cultural expectations of family and academic roles, and women's efforts
      to work for gender equity. The institutional domain depicted the sociocultural
      environment of AHCs that shaped women's experience, both personally and
      professionally, lack of institutional strategies to engage women in
      organizational initiatives, and the influence of one leader on women's ascent to
      leadership. CONCLUSIONS: The predominant evidence from this research demonstrates
      that the institutional barriers and sociocultural environment continue to be
      formidable obstacles confronting women, stalling the transformational effects
      expected from achieving a critical mass of women faculty. We conclude that the
      promise of critical mass as a turning point for women should be abandoned in
      favor of "critical actor" leaders, both women and men, who individually and
      collectively have the commitment and power to create gender-equitable cultures in
      AHCs.

PMID- 28092474
TI  - Novel histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) selective inhibitors: a patent evaluation
      (WO2014181137).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are known to deacetylate histones and
      other proteins, which makes HDAC inhibitors able to affect cell survival, cell
      signaling, transport, and gene expression. Those effects have been associated to
      the therapeutic success of HDAC inhibitors. Class I-selective or pan-HDAC
      inhibitors have been approved for cancer therapy by the US Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA). Moreover, HDAC6 selective inhibitors entered phase I and II
      clinical trials for treating multiple myeloma. The development of potent and
      selective HDAC inhibitors is a hot topic in current drug discovery. Areas
      covered: The invention described in this patent (WO2014181137) is related to
      hydroxamic acid derivatives with inhibitory activity towards HDACs, their
      synthetic process and pharmaceutical formulations, as well as a method for
      treating patients suffering from a list of selected tumoral, inflammatory,
      cardiac and chronic disorders. Expert opinion: The compounds disclosed within
      this patent are selective against HDAC6 and their structure is related to
      tubastatin A, a known HDAC6 selective inhibitor. They are newly synthesized
      diarylamines showing an improved selectivity profile compared to other
      diarylamines under clinical investigation.

PMID- 28092476
TI  - A Reviewer's Guide to an Evaluation of the Scientific Literature.

PMID- 28092475
TI  - Temperature Development on the External Root Surface During Laser-Assisted
      Endodontic Treatment Applying a Microchopped Mode of a 980 nm Diode Laser.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to investigate the temperature increase of
      the external root surface during laser-assisted endodontic treatment using a
      diode laser (980 nm) in a microchopped mode. METHODS: Ten freshly extracted,
      human maxillary incisors with mature apices were collected, prepared to size F4
      at working length (ProTaper; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland),
      mounted to a holder, and irradiated (using spiral movements in coronal direction)
      with a diode laser (GENTLEray 980 Classic Plus; KaVo, Biberach, Germany) with a
      200 MUm fiber in four different treatment groups: Group 1 (control group) was
      irradiated in six cycles of 5-sec irradiation/20-sec pause with 2.5 W in the
      pulse mode. Groups 2 to 4 were irradiated at six cycles of 5-sec irradiation/20
      sec pause in the microchopped mode (Group 2-1.6 W; Group 3-2.0 W; Group 4-2.5 W).
      The applied mode was 25 ms on/25 ms off. Within the on period, the laser
      delivered an intermittent sequence of energy complexes and the maximum output was
      equal to the nominated output of the device (12 W). Canals were kept moist by
      sterile saline irrigation in between irradiations, and temperature changes were
      continuously measured using a thermal imaging camera. Recordings were analyzed by
      a mixed model (analysis of variance [ANOVA] for repeated measurements). RESULTS:
      The highest mean of temperature rise, 1.94 degrees C +/- 1.07 degrees C, was
      measured in Group 4, followed by Group 3 (1.74 degrees C +/- 1.22 degrees C) and
      Group 2 (1.58 degrees C +/- 1.18 degrees C). The lowest increase occurred in
      Group 1 (1.06 degrees C +/- 1.20 degrees C). There was a significant difference
      (p = 0.041) between the groups. Significant differences were found between Groups
      1 and 4 (p = 0.007) and 1 and 2 (p = 0.035). In addition, a marginally
      significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.052) was noted. There was no
      significant difference between Groups 2, 3, and 4. Despite the low mean values
      reported, the highest temperature increase (+5.7 degrees C) was measured in one
      of the specimens of treatment Group 2 at the middle third. CONCLUSIONS: Under the
      conditions used and within the limitations of the study, the microchopped diode
      laser irradiation is a safe possible treatment option in laser-assisted
      endodontic treatment, concerning the temperature elevation on the external root
      surface.

PMID- 28092477
TI  - Long-Term Oncological Outcomes of Endoscopic Stenting as a Bridge to Surgery
      Versus Emergency Surgery for Malignant Colorectal Obstruction: A Comparative
      Study.
AB  - AIM: With consideration of the theoretical link between the stent insertion and
      the increased risk of tumor cells spillaged, which may lead to distant
      metastases, there is a concern about long-term clinical outcomes after the usage
      of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) as a "bridge to surgery" in the
      malignant colorectal obstruction (MCO) treatment. This cohort study aimed to
      compare the long-term oncological outcomes of SEMS as a bridge to surgery (SEMS
      group) with those of emergency surgery (ES group) for MCO. METHODS: Twenty-seven
      patients who underwent semielective curative resection after endoscopic SEMS
      insertion were included from October 2007 to December 2012 in the SEMS group were
      compared with 33 patients who underwent emergency curative surgery for MCO during
      the same period in the ES group. The clinical pathologic characteristics and the
      overall survival (OS) rate were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There
      were no significant differences in demographics, tumor stage, location, and
      histology between the SEMS and ES groups. The median OS times were 37 months for
      the SEMS group and 23 months for the ES group. The proportions of patients who
      received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy were comparable (SEMS group versus
      ES group, 70.4% versus 45.5%; P = .138). There were no significant differences in
      terms of the long-term oncological outcome between two groups in the 3-year OS
      rate (55.6% versus 39.4%; P = .2119) and the 5-year OS rate (48.1% versus 36.4%;
      P = .3570). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term oncological outcomes of the SEMS group were
      comparable to those of the ES group.

PMID- 28092478
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28092479
TI  - Prospects for proteomics in kidney stone disease.

PMID- 28092480
TI  - A nurse working for the Third Reich: Eva Justin, RN, PhD.
AB  - Eugenics underpinned the Nazi race theories which saw the murder of over 10
      million people from "undesirable" groups, including Sinti (referred to in Nazi
      times as "Gypsies"), during the Holocaust. Eva Justin, from Dresden, completed a
      doctoral dissertation which examined a group of Sinti children of St Josef's Home
      in Mulfingen, Germany. She aimed to prove the racial inferiority of these
      children; her work was done with no informed consent, and the children were sent
      to Auschwitz after her experiments. The study was supported by senior Nazis,
      supervised by Nazi "scientists" and examined by committed Nazis. We argue that
      her work was biased, poorly designed, and ultimately unethical, but was in
      keeping with methods of the emerging disciplines of anthropology and racial
      hygiene, in Germany and other countries, at the time. It is not possible to say
      that her work caused the children to meet their deaths (of the 39 children she
      included, only four survived); however, she did reinforce the Nazi racial
      theories. It is unfortunate that one of the first nurses in the world to receive
      a PhD did so through research attempting to prove that a group of children were
      "racially inferior" in support of National Socialism.

PMID- 28092482
TI  - Alfred Caleb Taylor (1860-1927): X-ray pioneer and martyr.
AB  - Alfred Caleb Taylor was the first radiographer at the Peterborough Infirmary and
      Dispensary from 1896 to 1923. He constructed the first X-ray apparatus and
      oversaw the development of the X-ray service in Peterborough. He contracted a
      chronic radiation dermatitis from exposure to X-rays which was a source of
      considerable suffering for him. When he died in 1927, X-ray dermatitis was
      considered to have contributed to his death, and he was recognised as an X-ray
      martyr and a victim of science. In spite of his achievements and his ill-health
      from working with X-rays, his name is not included on the Martyrs Memorial in
      Hamburg.

PMID- 28092481
TI  - The effect of main urine inhibitors on the activity of different DNA polymerases
      in loop-mediated isothermal amplification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of rapid amplification methods to detect pathogens in
      biological samples is mainly limited by the amount of pathogens present in the
      sample and the presence of inhibiting substances. Inhibitors can affect the
      amplification efficiency by either binding to the polymerase, interacting with
      the DNA, or interacting with the polymerase during primer extension.
      Amplification is performed using DNA polymerase enzymes and even small changes in
      their activity can influence the sensitivity and robustness of molecular assays
      Methods: The main purpose of this research was to examine which compounds present
      in urine inhibit polymerases with strand displacement activity. To quantify the
      inhibition, we employed quantitative loop-mediated isothermal amplification
      Results: The authors found that the presence of BSA, Mg 2+, and urea at
      physiologically relevant concentrations, as well as acidic or alkaline conditions
      did not affect the activity of any of the tested polymerases. However, addition
      of salt significantly affected the activity of the tested polymerases.
      CONCLUSION: These findings may aid in the development of more sensitive, robust,
      cost effective isothermal amplification based molecular assays suitable for both
      point-of-care testing and on-site screening of pathogens directly from
      unprocessed urine which avoid the need for long and tedious DNA purification
      steps prior to amplification.

PMID- 28092483
TI  - Photodynamic Inactivation of Cariogenic Pathogens Using Curcumin as
      Photosensitizer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This investigation assessed the susceptibility of Streptococcus mutans
      and Lactobacillus acidophilus to Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) when grown
      simultaneously in dentine carious lesions. BACKGROUND DATA: PDT is a technique
      that utilizes light to activate photosensitizers in the presence of oxygen to
      produce reactive radicals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A culture medium of 1% glucose,
      2% sucrose, 1% young primary culture of L. acidophilus 108 CFU/mL, and S. mutans
      108 CFU/mL was utilized to inoculate the bacterial induced caries on human
      dentine slabs. Different concentrations of the photosensitizer (0.75, 1.5, 3.0,
      4.0, and 5.0 g/L) were activated through exposure to the light-emitting diode
      source with a central wavelength of 450 nm and a fluency of 5.7 J/cm2. Two light
      intensities (19 and 47.5 mW/cm2) were tested. Four different groups were
      analyzed: L-D- (control group), L-D+ (drug group), L+D+1 (PDT group 1, light
      intensity of 19 mW/cm2), and L+D+2 (PDT group 2, light intensity of 47.5 mW/cm2).
      ANOVA/Tukey tests were utilized to compare groups (alpha = 5%). RESULTS: Both
      light intensities required 5.0 g/L of curcumin for significant bacterial
      reduction (p < 0.05). No significant effect was found for L-D+, thus proving the
      absence of a potential inherent toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin has a toxic
      effect on microorganisms at appreciable concentrations upon photoactivation.
      However, it was required to use the maximum concentration of the drug for a
      successful procedure.

PMID- 28092484
TI  - An amended history of tissue culture: Concerning Harrison, Burrows, Mall, and
      Carrel.
AB  - The origin of tissue culture is commonly dated to 1907 and credited to Ross
      Harrison at Hopkins Medical School. But an unpublished letter from the 1942
      offers a different interpretation and gives priority to Montrose Burrows with
      important contributions for the development of cell culture by Franklin Mall at
      Hopkins and Alexis Carrel at the Rockefeller Institute in New York City. The
      early development of tissue culture is reviewed and its applications in modern
      biology and medicine are briefly outlined.

PMID- 28092485
TI  - Enduring biographic heritage - Medical numismatics.
AB  - The most enduring archive of medical biography is that composed of coins and
      medals. More than 20,000 commemorative and tribute medals comprise the domain of
      medical numismatics. Several thousand of these portray individual doctors whose
      lives and work are thus recorded in gold, silver, bronze and the alloys of
      medallic art. Such enduring records range from the names and images of the most
      famous and significant of doctors in international perspective, to those held in
      local or parochial esteem by their peers. The medical numismatic archive includes
      medals and coins which portray the gods of medicine; founders of the profession
      such as Hippocrates and Galen; and those who have been held in local esteem, all
      such that the record of their service to medicine might not be forgotten.

PMID- 28092486
TI  - Use of polyclonal/monoclonal antibody therapies in transplantation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: For over thirty years, antibody (mAb)-based therapies have been a
      standard component of transplant immunosuppression, and yet much remains to be
      learned in order for us to truly harness their therapeutic capabilities. Current
      mAbs used in transplant directly target and destroy graft-destructive immune
      cells, interrupt cytokine and costimulation-dependent T and B cell activation,
      and prevent down-stream complement activation. Areas covered: This review
      summarizes our current approaches to using antibody-based therapies to prevent
      and treat allograft rejection. It also provides examples of promising novel mAb
      therapies, and discusses the potential for future mAb development in
      transplantation. Expert opinion: The broad capability of antibodies, in parallel
      with our growing ability to synthetically modulate them, offers exciting
      opportunities to develop better biologic therapeutics. In order to do so, we must
      further our understanding about the basic biology underlying allograft rejection,
      and gain better appreciation of how characteristics of therapeutic antibodies
      affect their efficacy.

PMID- 28092487
TI  - Strengthening US Public Health Preparedness and Response Operations.

PMID- 28092488
TI  - Low-Level Laser Therapy in Enhancing Wound Healing and Preserving Tissue
      Thickness at Free Gingival Graft Donor Sites: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of low-level laser
      therapy (LLLT) on wound healing at free gingival graft (FGG) donor sites.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients requiring FGG were selected for this
      randomized, controlled, and double-blinded prospective clinical trial. The FGG
      donor sites were treated with LLLT and compared with an untreated control group.
      The Wound-Healing Index (WHI), tissue consistency, color match, and H2O2 bubbling
      test for the evaluation of complete wound epithelialization were recorded on the
      3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st days. The pain-burning level, number of analgesics, and
      bleeding were recorded for 7 days. Donor area soft tissue thickness (TT) was
      measured at baseline and at the first month. RESULTS: The prevalence of Complete
      Wound Epithelization was higher in the LLLT group than in the control group on
      the 14th day (p < 0.001). The bleeding was lower in the test group than in the
      control group during the first 2 days (p <= 0.001). Higher WHI Scores were
      observed in the test group relative to the control group at all visits (p <=
      0.001). Color match scores were higher in the test group than in the control
      group at the first 3 visits (p < 0.05). The TT changed from 4.62 +/- 0.79 to 4.71
      +/- 0.82 mm in the LLLT group and from 4.23 +/- 0.62 to 4.01 +/- 0.68 mm in the
      control group. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that LLLT enhances FGG donor site
      wound healing and preserves TT at palatinal donor sites.

PMID- 28092489
TI  - Akhawayni or Al-Akhawayni: Which term is correct?

PMID- 28092490
TI  - Dr. Fraser Macintosh Rose, OBE, MB ChB (Edin), FCGP (1897-1972) co-founder of the
      Royal College of General Practitioners.
AB  - Fraser Rose was a general practitioner in Preston, Lancashire, England and a
      medical politician. He was one of two doctors who in 1951 took the initial steps
      and subsequently played a major role in the founding of the College of General
      Practitioners, later to become the Royal College of General Practitioners. This
      paper examines his life, his career in general practice and medical politics, and
      his unique contribution to the 'Steering Committee' that set up the College.

PMID- 28092491
TI  - An analysis of the hospitals of Sultan Suleyman and Hurrem: Two different
      approaches to healthcare in sixteenth-century Ottoman Empire.
AB  - This study concentrates on two monumental Ottoman pious endowments, each with a
      major component devoted to healing. The first is the hospital of the Haseki
      Mosque Complex built by the wife of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. An
      examination of the deed and the modus operandi of this endowment will impart a
      sense of the role that women of the ruling class played in Ottoman society as
      builders and healers in the sixteenth century. The analysis of the Haseki
      Hospital will be followed by an examination of the hospital that is part of the
      Suleymaniye Mosque Complex built by Sultan Suleyman. The differences between the
      two perspectives in the promotion of public health will be emphasized, arguing
      that the Sultan's approach to healthcare was academic and research-oriented,
      whereas his wife's was holistic and devoted to rehabilitation. The endowment
      deeds and the physical layouts of the two hospitals shed light upon a dual
      approach to healthcare with gender-specific roles affirmed and shaped by Hurrem
      and Suleyman the Magnificent, who each built hospitals of their own in Istanbul,
      the Ottoman capital city.

PMID- 28092492
TI  - Self-Care in Palliative Care Nursing and Medical Professionals: A Cross-Sectional
      Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-care is an important consideration for palliative care
      professionals. To date, few details have been recorded about the nature or uptake
      of self-care practices in the palliative care workforce. As part of a broader
      mixed methods study, this article reports findings from a national survey of
      nurses and doctors. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine
      perceptions, education, and practices relating to self-care among palliative care
      nursing and medical professionals. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey using REDCap
      software was conducted between April and May 2015. Perceived importance of self
      care, self-care education and planning, and self-care strategies most utilized
      were explored. Descriptive statistics were calculated and content analysis used
      to identify domains of self-care. SETTING/SUBJECTS: Three hundred seventy-two
      palliative care nursing and medical professionals practicing in Australia.
      RESULTS: Most respondents regarded self-care as very important (86%). Some rarely
      practised self-care and less than half (39%) had received training in self-care.
      Physical self-care strategies were most commonly reported, followed closely by
      social self-care and inner self-care. Self-care plans had been used by a small
      proportion of respondents (6%) and over two-thirds (70%) would consider using
      self-care plans if training could be provided. CONCLUSIONS: Self-care is
      practised across multiple health related domains, with physical self-care
      strategies used most frequently. Australian palliative care nurses and doctors
      recognize the importance of self-care practice, but further education and
      training are needed to increase their understanding of, and consistency in, using
      effective self-care strategies. These findings carry implications for
      professional practice and future research.

PMID- 28092493
TI  - Enhancing Collaborative Case Diagnoses Through Unified Medical Language System
      Based Disambiguation: A Case Study of the Zika Virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During clinical case diagnoses, especially in low-resourced areas,
      the use of vocabularies within Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) can
      strengthen discussions between health professionals and, in certain cases,
      eliminate the need, enabling faster treatment. INTRODUCTION: This article
      presents the benefits of using UMLS as a collaborative discussion tool and
      verifies its impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Sanar system has been improved by
      UMLS when using text retrieval to extract relevant medical concepts from cases
      investigated by the user and to provide contextualized searches of related
      articles. An experiment was conducted, focused on team engagement and discussion
      of a Zika virus case using Sanar, both with and without UMLS contextualization.
      RESULTS: The use of the tool was measured, and it was determined that the
      discussion in the group with UMLS support was more complete based on better
      information and inclusion of more variables. Clinicians involved responded to a
      questionnaire evaluating the relevance of functions. DISCUSSION: From the
      questionnaire showed that most of the group supported UMLS as important in
      complex diagnostics; the use of knowledge extraction before discussion is
      relevant to align knowledge of participants with more variables, such as the Zika
      virus, and to minimize the need for interaction in widely discussed cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results obtained with the questionnaire, the use of
      UMLS provides acceleration in the diagnostic process that precedes interaction
      with other health professionals through clinical discussion tools. For future
      work, a mobile version will support offline navigation for locations with limited
      Internet access.

PMID- 28092494
TI  - Zebrafish Are Able to Detect Ethanol in Their Environment.
AB  - Zebrafish have become a popular animal model for studying the development of
      alcohol addiction. Several behavioral paradigms for studying alcohol addiction
      have been developed for zebrafish, including conditioned place preference,
      alcohol-induced tolerance, and withdrawal. However, alcohol choice preference
      tasks have not been established in zebrafish as of yet. The ability of zebrafish
      to detect alcohol in their environment is required in alcohol choice or
      preference tasks. To our knowledge, it is currently unknown whether zebrafish are
      able to detect alcohol in their environment immediately following bath immersion.
      In the current study, we analyzed the time course of alcohol-induced behavioral
      changes of zebrafish while being immersed in alcohol solution in a 1.5 L tank. We
      recorded each trial in high-definition and quantified behavioral responses using
      automated video tracking-based and manual observation-based methods to quantify
      temporal changes in alcohol-induced behaviors. As alcohol is known to require
      several minutes of bath immersion to reach the brain in zebrafish, we argued that
      behavioral responses before this time point would prove zebrafish's ability to
      detect this substance in the water. Our results show that a 60-min exposure to 1%
      alcohol alters behavioral responses in a time-dependent manner. Notably, alcohol
      exposure significantly increased absolute turn angle, decreased distance to
      bottom, and variance of distance to bottom within the first 3 min immediately
      following exposure, a response that occurred before alcohol could reach the brain
      of the subjects in measurable amounts. These results imply that zebrafish are
      able to detect alcohol in their environment immediately following immersion into
      the drug solution.

PMID- 28092495
TI  - Nonhypervascular Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Differential Diagnosis from
      Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas at MR Imaging-Retrospective Cross-sectional
      Study.
AB  - Purpose To determine useful magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features to
      differentiate nonhypervascular pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) from
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). Materials and Methods The
      institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the
      informed consent requirement. Seventy-four patients with surgically confirmed
      PNETs and 82 patients with PDACs who underwent gadobutrol-enhanced MR imaging
      were included. Two radiologists independently evaluated the morphologic
      characteristics and temporal enhancement patterns of each tumor. Quantitative
      analysis, including measurement of tumor size, maximal upstream parenchymal
      thickness (MUPT), contrast-to-noise ratio, and apparent diffusion coefficient
      values, was performed. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were
      performed to identify relevant features to differentiate between PNETs and PDACs.
      Results On the basis of arterial enhancement, 38 PNETs (51%, 38 of 74) were
      hypervascular and 36 PNETs (49%, 36 of 74) were nonhypervascular. At MR imaging,
      nonhypervascular PNETs showed significantly higher frequencies of a well-defined
      margin, portal hyper- or isoenhancement, and MUPT of 10 mm or greater but lower
      frequencies of ductal dilatation, vascular invasion, and peripancreatic
      infiltration when compared with PDACs (P < .05 for all). At multivariate
      analysis, a well-defined margin and portal hyper- or isoenhancement were
      independent significant differentiators of PNETs from PDACs (odds ratio, 20.3 and
      16.1, respectively). When applying the criteria of a well-defined margin and
      portal hyper- or isoenhancement, 64% of sensitivity and 99% of specificity were
      observed for the differential diagnosis of PNETs from PDACs. Conclusion A well
      defined margin and hyper- or isoenhancement in the portal venous phase are useful
      MR imaging features that are more common in nonhypervascular PNETs and may help
      discriminate nonhypervascular PNETs from PDACs. (c) RSNA, 2017 Online
      supplemental material is available for this article.

PMID- 28092496
TI  - The Effect of Contrast Material on Radiation Dose at CT: Part I. Incorporation of
      Contrast Material Dynamics in Anthropomorphic Phantoms.
AB  - Purpose To develop a method to incorporate the propagation of contrast material
      into computational anthropomorphic phantoms for estimation of organ dose at
      computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods A patient-specific
      physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of the human cardiovascular
      system was incorporated into 58 extended cardiac-torso (XCAT) patient phantoms.
      The PBPK model comprised compartmental models of vessels and organs unique to
      each XCAT model. For typical injection protocols, the dynamics of the contrast
      material in the body were described according to a series of patient-specific
      iodine mass-balance differential equations, the solutions to which provided the
      contrast material concentration time curves for each compartment. Each organ was
      assigned to a corresponding time-varying iodinated contrast agent to create the
      contrast material-enhanced five-dimensional XCAT models, in which the fifth
      dimension represents the dynamics of contrast material. To validate the accuracy
      of the models, simulated aortic and hepatic contrast-enhancement results
      throughout the models were compared with previously published clinical data by
      using the percentage of discrepancy in the mean, time to 90% peak, peak value,
      and slope of enhancement in a paired t test at the 95% significance level.
      Results The PBPK model allowed effective prediction of the time-varying
      concentration curves of various contrast material administrations in each organ
      for different patient models. The contrast-enhancement results were in agreement
      with results of previously published clinical data, with mean percentage, time to
      90% peak, peak value, and slope of less than 10% (P > .74), 4%, 7%, and 14% for
      uniphasic and 12% (P > .56), 4%, 12%, and 14% for biphasic injection protocols,
      respectively. The exception was hepatic enhancement results calculated for a
      uniphasic injection protocol for which the discrepancy was less than 25%.
      Conclusion A technique to model the propagation of contrast material in XCAT
      human models was developed. The models with added contrast material propagation
      can be applied to simulate contrast-enhanced CT examinations. (c) RSNA, 2017
      Online supplemental material is available for this article.

PMID- 28092497
TI  - Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion for Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct hemoperfusion with
      polymyxin B-immobilized fiber (PMX-DHP) therapy in patients with sepsis. DESIGN:
      A systematic review and meta-analysis of four major databases: Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Science Citation Index
      Expanded. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials comparing PMX-DHP with
      conventional therapy on the outcome of mortality in patients with severe
      sepsis/septic shock. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently applied
      eligibility criteria, assessed quality, and extracted data. Primary outcomes were
      mortality and adverse events. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
      Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to rate quality of evidence and grade
      the strength of recommendation. RESULTS: In seven trials enrolling 841 patients,
      assessment for risk of bias indicated variations in study quality from high (n =
      4) to unclear (n = 3) resulting from a lack of adequate randomization, blinding,
      and incomplete outcomes. Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber therapy was associated
      with lower mortality (risk ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-0.89;
      p = 0.007; I2 = 72%). Significant heterogeneity among trials was explained partly
      by study venue and baseline mortality rate. Meta-regression analysis revealed a
      significant negative slope between effect size of PMX-DHP therapy and baseline
      mortality rate in individual studies (p = 0.003), suggesting the probability of a
      beneficial effect with PMX-DHP increased with increasing baseline risk. Polymyxin
      B-immobilized fiber therapy did not increase the risk of hemoperfusion-related
      adverse events. The quality of the body of evidence was considered low for both
      mortality and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber therapy
      was associated with reduced mortality in sepsis/septic shock. Based on the low
      quality of evidence, therapeutic use of PMX-DHP for survival benefit may be
      recommended conditionally for patients with high risk of death. Additional large
      randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm or refute this evidence.

PMID- 28092498
TI  - Adaptive Fuzzy Output Feedback Control for Switched Nonlinear Systems With
      Unmodeled Dynamics.
AB  - This paper investigates a robust adaptive fuzzy control stabilization problem for
      a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with arbitrary switching signals that use
      an observer-based output feedback scheme. The considered switched nonlinear
      systems possess the unstructured uncertainties, unmodeled dynamics, and without
      requiring the states being available for measurement. A state observer which is
      independent of switching signals is designed to solve the problem of unmeasured
      states. Fuzzy logic systems are used to identify unknown lumped nonlinear
      functions so that the problem of unstructured uncertainties can be solved. By
      combining adaptive backstepping design principle and small-gain approach, a novel
      robust adaptive fuzzy output feedback stabilization control approach is
      developed. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved via the common
      Lyapunov function theory and small-gain theorem. Finally, the simulation results
      are given to demonstrate the validity and performance of the proposed control
      strategy.

PMID- 28092500
TI  - A Model of a Synthetic Biological Communication Interface between Mammalian Cells
      and Mechatronic Systems.
AB  - The creation of communication interfaces between abiotic and biotic systems
      represents a significant research challenge. In this work, we design and model a
      system linking the biochemical signaling pathways of mammalian cells to the
      actions of a mobile robotic prosthesis. We envision this system as a robotic
      platform carrying an optically monitored bioreactor that harbors mammalian cells.
      The cellular, optical signal is captured by an onboard fluorescent microscope and
      converted into an electronic signal. We first present a design for the overall
      cell-robot system, with a specific focus on the design of the synthetic gene
      networks needed for the system. We use these synthetic networks to encode motion
      commands within the cell's endogenous, oscillatory calcium signaling pathways. We
      then describe a potential system whereby this oscillatory signal could be
      outputted and monitored as a change in cellular fluorescence. Next, we use the
      changes resulting from the synthetic biological modifications as new parameters
      in a simulation of a well-established mathematical model for intracellular
      calcium signaling. The resulting signal is processed in the frequency domain,
      with specific frequencies activating cognate robot motion subroutines.

PMID- 28092501
TI  - Parallel Molecular Distributed Detection With Brownian Motion.
AB  - This paper explores the in vivo distributed detection of an undesired biological
      agent's (BAs) biomarkers by a group of biological sized nanomachines in an
      aqueous medium under drift. The term distributed, indicates that the system
      information relative to the BAs presence is dispersed across the collection of
      nanomachines, where each nanomachine possesses limited communication,
      computation, and movement capabilities. Using Brownian motion with drift, a
      probabilistic detection and optimal data fusion framework, coined molecular
      distributed detection, will be introduced that combines theory from both
      molecular communication and distributed detection. Using the optimal data fusion
      framework as a guide, simulation indicates that a sub-optimal fusion method
      exists, allowing for a significant reduction in implementation complexity while
      retaining BA detection accuracy.

PMID- 28092502
TI  - Capacity Evaluation of a Quantum-Based Channel in a Biological Context.
AB  - Nanotechnology, as enabler of the miniaturization of devices in a scale ranging
      from 1 to few hundreds of nm , represents a viable solution for " alternative"
      communication paradigms that could be effective in complex networked systems, as
      body area networks. Traditional communication paradigms are not effective in the
      context of joint body and nano-networked systems, for several reasons, and then
      novel approaches have been investigated such as nanomechanical, electromagnetic,
      acoustic, molecular, etc. On the other hand, quantum phenomena represent a
      natural direction for developing nanotechnology, since it has to be considered as
      a new scale where new phenomena can occur and can be exploited for information
      purpose. Specific quantum particles are phonons, the quanta of mechanical
      vibrations (i.e., acoustic excitations), that can be analyzed as potential
      information carriers in a body networked context. In this paper we will focus on
      the generation of phonons from photon-phonon interaction, by irradiating a sample
      of human tissue with an electro-magnetic field, and then we will theoretically
      derive the information capacity and the bit rate in the frequency range [103 -
      1012] Hz.

PMID- 28092503
TI  - Propagation Modeling and Analysis of Molecular Motors in Molecular Communication.
AB  - Molecular motor networks (MMNs) are networks constructed from molecular motors to
      enable nanomachines to perform coordinated tasks of sensing, computing, and
      actuation at the nano- and micro- scales. Living cells are naturally enabled with
      this same mechanism to establish point-to-point communication between different
      locations inside the cell. Similar to a railway system, the cytoplasm contains an
      intricate infrastructure of tracks, named microtubules, interconnecting different
      internal components of the cell. Motor proteins, such as kinesin and dynein, are
      able to travel along these tracks directionally, carrying with them large
      molecules that would otherwise be unreliably transported across the cytoplasm
      using free diffusion. Molecular communication has been previously proposed for
      the design and study of MMNs. However, the topological aspects of MMNs, including
      the effects of branches, have been ignored in the existing studies. In this
      paper, a physical end-to-end model for MMNs is developed, considering the
      location of the transmitter node, the network topology, and the receiver nodes.
      The end-to-end gain and group delay are considered as the performance measures,
      and analytical expressions for them are derived. The analytical model is
      validated by Monte-Carlo simulations and the performance of MMNs is analyzed
      numerically. It is shown that, depending on their nature and position, MMN nodes
      create impedance effects that are critical for the overall performance. This
      model could be applied to assist the design of artificial MMNs and to study cargo
      transport in neurofilaments to elucidate brain diseases related to microtubule
      jamming.

PMID- 28092499
TI  - Nanoparticles for siRNA-Based Gene Silencing in Tumor Therapy.
AB  - Gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a potential
      strategy in manipulating cancer causing genes by complementary base-pairing
      mechanism. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is an important RNAi tool that has found
      significant application in cancer therapy. However due to lack of stability, poor
      cellular uptake and high probability of loss-of-function due to degradation,
      siRNA therapeutic strategies seek safe and efficient delivery vehicles for in
      vivo applications. The current review discusses various nanoparticle systems
      currently used for siRNA delivery for cancer therapy, with emphasis on liposome
      based gene delivery systems. The discussion also includes various methods availed
      to improve nanoparticle based-siRNA delivery with target specificity and superior
      efficiency. Further this review describes challenges and perspectives on the
      development of safe and efficient nanoparticle based-siRNA-delivery systems for
      cancer therapy.

PMID- 28092504
TI  - Wall Shear Rate Measurement: Validation of a New Method Through Multiphysics
      Simulations.
AB  - Wall shear stress is known to affect the vessel endothelial function and to be
      related to important pathologies like the development of atherosclerosis. It is
      defined as the product of the blood viscosity by the blood velocity gradient at
      the wall position, i.e., the wall shear rate (WSR). The WSR measurement is
      particularly challenging in important cardiovascular sites, like the carotid
      bifurcation, because of the related complex flow configurations characterized by
      high spatial and temporal gradients, wall movement, and clutter noise. Moreover,
      accuracy of any method for WSR measurement can be effectively tested only if
      reliable gold standard WSR values, considering all the aforementioned disturbing
      effects, are available. Unfortunately, these requirements are difficult to
      achieve in a physical phantom, so that the accuracy test of the novel WSR
      measurement methods was so far limited to straight pipes and/or similar
      idealistic configurations. In this paper, we propose a new method for WSR
      measurement and its validation based on a mathematical model of the carotid
      bifurcation, which, exploiting fluid-structure simulations, is capable of
      reproducing realistic flow configuration, wall movement, and clutter noise. In
      particular, the profile near the wall, not directly measurable because affected
      by clutter, is estimated through a power-law fitting and compared with the gold
      standard provided by the model. In this condition, the WSR measurements featured
      an accuracy of +/-20 %. A preliminary test on a volunteer confirmed the
      feasibility of the WSR method for in vivo application.

PMID- 28092505
TI  - Fabrication of Linear Array and Top-Orthogonal-to-Bottom Electrode CMUT Arrays
      With a Sacrificial Release Process.
AB  - The microfabrication processes for sacrificial-release-based capacitive
      micromachined ultrasound transducer arrays are provided with an emphasis on top
      orthogonal-to-bottom electrode 2-D arrays. These arrays have significant promise
      for high-quality 3-D imaging with reduced wiring complexity compared with fully
      wired arrays. The protocols and best practices are outlined in significant detail
      along with design considerations and notes of caution for pitfalls and factors
      impacting yield.

PMID- 28092506
TI  - Wideband 2-D Array Design Optimization With Fabrication Constraints for 3-D US
      Imaging.
AB  - Ultrasound (US) 2-D arrays are of increasing interest due to their electronic
      steering capability to investigate 3-D regions without requiring any probe
      movement. These arrays are typically populated by thousands of elements that,
      ideally, should be individually driven by the companion scanner. Since this is
      not convenient, the so-called microbeamforming methods, yielding a prebeamforming
      stage performed in the probe handle by suitable custom integrated circuits, have
      so far been implemented in a few commercial high-end scanners. A possible
      approach to implement relatively cheap and efficient 3-D US imaging systems is
      using 2-D sparse arrays in which a limited number of elements can be coupled to
      an equal number of independent transmit/receive channels. In order to obtain US
      beams with adequate characteristics all over the investigated volume, the layout
      of such arrays must be carefully designed. This paper provides guidelines to
      design, by using simulated annealing optimization, 2-D sparse arrays capable of
      fitting specific applications or fabrication/implementation constraints. In
      particular, an original energy function based on multidepth 3-D analysis of the
      beam pattern is also exploited. A tutorial example is given, addressed to find
      the N e elements that should be activated in a 2-D fully populated array to yield
      efficient acoustic radiating performance over the entire volume. The proposed
      method is applied to a 32 *32 array centered at 3 MHz to select the 128, 192, and
      256 elements that provide the best acoustic performance. It is shown that the 256
      element optimized array yields sidelobe levels even lower (by 5.7 dB) than that
      of the reference 716-element circular and (by 10.3 dB) than that of the reference
      1024-element array.

PMID- 28092507
TI  - Real-Time Intravascular Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging.
AB  - Combined intravascular ultrasound and intravascular photoacoustic (IVUS/IVPA)
      imaging is an emerging hybrid modality being explored as a means of improving the
      characterization of atherosclerotic plaque anatomical and compositional features.
      While initial demonstrations of the technique have been encouraging, they have
      been limited by catheter rotation and data acquisition, displaying, and
      processing rates on the order of several seconds per frame as well as the use of
      off-line image processing. Herein, we present a complete IVUS/IVPA imaging system
      and method capable of real-time IVUS/IVPA imaging, with online data acquisition,
      image processing, and display of both IVUS and IVPA images. The integrated
      IVUS/IVPA catheter is fully contained within a 1-mm outer diameter torque cable
      coupled on the proximal end to a custom-designed spindle enabling optical and
      electrical coupling to system hardware, including a nanosecond-pulsed laser with
      a controllable pulse repetition frequency capable of greater than 10 kHz, motor
      and servo drive, a US pulser/receiver, and a 200-MHz digitizer. The system
      performance is characterized and demonstrated on a vessel-mimicking phantom with
      an embedded coronary stent intended to provide IVPA contrast within content of an
      IVUS image.

PMID- 28092508
TI  - Ultrasonic Shear Wave Elasticity Imaging Sequencing and Data Processing Using a
      Verasonics Research Scanner.
AB  - Ultrasound elasticity imaging has been developed over the last decade to estimate
      tissue stiffness. Shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) quantifies tissue
      stiffness by measuring the speed of propagating shear waves following acoustic
      radiation force excitation. This paper presents the sequencing and data
      processing protocols of SWEI using a Verasonics system. The selection of the
      sequence parameters in a Verasonics programming script is discussed in detail.
      The data processing pipeline to calculate group shear wave speed (SWS), including
      tissue motion estimation, data filtering, and SWS estimation, is demonstrated. In
      addition, the procedures for calibration of beam position, scanner timing, and
      transducer face heating are provided to avoid SWS measurement bias and transducer
      damage.

PMID- 28092509
TI  - A BCI-based Environmental Control System for Patients with Severe Spinal Cord
      Injuries.
AB  - : This study proposes an event-related potential (ERP) BCI-based environmental
      control system that integrates household electrical appliances, a nursing bed,
      and an intelligent wheelchair to provide daily assistance to paralyzed patients
      with severe spinal cord injuries (SCIs). METHODS: An asynchronous mode is used to
      switch the environmental control system on or off or to select a device (e.g., a
      TV) for achieving selfpaced control. In the asynchronous mode, we introduce
      several pseudo-keys and a verification mechanism to effectively reduce the false
      operation rate. By contrast, when the user selects a function of the device
      (e.g., a TV channel), a synchronous mode is used to improve the accuracy and
      speed of BCI detection. Two experiments involving six SCI patients were conducted
      separately in a nursing bed and a wheelchair, and the patients were instructed to
      control the nursing bed, the wheelchair, and household electrical appliances (an
      electric light, an air conditioner, and a TV). RESULTS: The average false rate of
      BCI commands in the control state was 10.4%, whereas the average false operation
      ratio was 4.9% (a false BCI command might not necessarily result in a false
      operation according to our system design). During the idle state, there was an
      average of 0.97 false positives per minute, which did not result in any false
      operations. CONCLUSION: All SCI patients could use the proposed ERP BCIbased
      environmental control system satisfactorily. SIGNIFICANCE: The proposed ERP-based
      environmental control system could be used to assist patients with severe SCIs in
      their daily lives.

PMID- 28092510
TI  - Unobtrusive and Wearable Systems for Automatic Dietary Monitoring.
AB  - The threat of obesity, diabetes, anorexia, and bulimia in our society today has
      motivated extensive research on dietary monitoring. Standard self-report methods
      such as 24-h recall and food frequency questionnaires are expensive, burdensome,
      and unreliable to handle the growing health crisis. Long-term activity monitoring
      in daily living is a promising approach to provide individuals with quantitative
      feedback that can encourage healthier habits. Although several studies have
      attempted automating dietary monitoring using wearable, handheld, smart-object,
      and environmental systems, it remains an open research problem. This paper aims
      to provide a comprehensive review of wearable and hand-held approaches from 2004
      to 2016. Emphasis is placed on sensor types used, signal analysis and machine
      learning methods, as well as a benchmark of state-of-the art work in this field.
      Key issues, challenges, and gaps are highlighted to motivate future work toward
      development of effective, reliable, and robust dietary monitoring systems.

PMID- 28092511
TI  - The Concept of Effective Inflow: Application to Interictal Localization of the
      Epileptogenic Focus From iEEG.
AB  - GOAL: Accurate determination of the epileptogenic focus is of paramount
      diagnostic and therapeutic importance in epilepsy. The current gold standard for
      focus localization is from ictal (seizure) onset and thus requires the occurrence
      and recording of multiple typical seizures of a patient. Localization of the
      focus from seizure-free (interictal) periods remains a challenging problem,
      especially in the absence of interictal epileptiform activity. METHODS: By
      exploring the concept of effective inflow, we developed a focus localization
      algorithm (FLA) based on directed connectivity between brain sites. Subsequently,
      using the measure of generalized partial directed coherence over a broad
      frequency band in FLA for the analysis of interictal periods from long-term
      (days) intracranial electroencephalographic signals, we identified the brain
      region that is the most frequent receiver of maximal effective inflow from other
      brain regions. RESULTS: In six out of nine patients with temporal lobe epilepsy,
      the thus identified brain region was a statistically significant outlier (p <
      0.01) and coincided with the clinically assessed epileptogenic focus. In the
      remaining three patients, the clinically assessed focus still exhibited the
      highest inflow, but it was not deemed an outlier (p > 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that the epileptogenic focus is a region of intense influence
      from other regions interictally, possibly as a mechanism to keep it under control
      in seizure-free periods. SIGNIFICANCE: The developed framework is expected to
      assist with the accurate epileptogenic focus localization, reduce hospital stay
      and healthcare cost, and provide guidance to treatment of epilepsy via resective
      surgery or neuromodulation.

PMID- 28092512
TI  - A Hidden Markov Model for Seismocardiography.
AB  - We propose a hidden Markov model approach for processing seismocardiograms. The
      seismocardiogram morphology is learned using the expectation-maximization
      algorithm, and the state of the heart at a given time instant is estimated by the
      Viterbi algorithm. From the obtained Viterbi sequence, it is then straightforward
      to estimate instantaneous heart rate, heart rate variability measures, and
      cardiac time intervals (the latter requiring a small number of manual
      annotations). As is shown in the conducted experimental study, the presented
      algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art in seismocardiogram-based heart rate
      and heart rate variability estimation. Moreover, the isovolumic contraction time
      and the left ventricular ejection time are estimated with mean absolute errors of
      about 5 [ms] and [Formula: see text], respectively. The proposed algorithm can be
      applied to any set of inertial sensors; does not require access to any additional
      sensor modalities; does not make any assumptions on the seismocardiogram
      morphology; and explicitly models sensor noise and beat-to-beat variations (both
      in amplitude and temporal scaling) in the seismocardiogram morphology. As such,
      it is well suited for low-cost implementations using off-the-shelf inertial
      sensors and targeting, e.g., at-home medical services.

PMID- 28092513
TI  - Automatic Nuclear Segmentation Using Multiscale Radial Line Scanning With Dynamic
      Programming.
AB  - In the diagnosis of various cancers by analyzing histological images, automatic
      nuclear segmentation is an important step. However, nuclear segmentation is a
      difficult problem because of overlapping nuclei, inhomogeneous staining, and
      presence of noisy pixels and other tissue components. In this paper, we present
      an automatic technique for nuclear segmentation in skin histological images. The
      proposed technique first applies a bank of generalized Laplacian of Gaussian
      kernels to detect nuclear seeds. Based on the detected nuclear seeds, a
      multiscale radial line scanning method combined with dynamic programming is
      applied to extract a set of candidate nuclear boundaries. The gradient,
      intensity, and shape information are then integrated to determine the optimal
      boundary for each nucleus in the image. Nuclear overlap limitation is finally
      imposed based on a Dice coefficient measure such that the obtained nuclear
      contours do not severely intersect with each other. Experiments have been
      thoroughly performed on two datasets with H&E and Ki-67 stained images, which
      show that the proposed technique is superior to conventional schemes of nuclear
      segmentation.

PMID- 28092514
TI  - A Multivariate Approach for Patient-Specific EEG Seizure Detection Using
      Empirical Wavelet Transform.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper investigates the multivariate oscillatory nature of
      electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in adaptive frequency scales for epileptic
      seizure detection. METHODS: The empirical wavelet transform (EWT) has been
      explored for the multivariate signals in order to determine the joint
      instantaneous amplitudes and frequencies in signal adaptive frequency scales. The
      proposed multivariate extension of EWT has been studied on multivariate
      multicomponent synthetic signal, as well as on multivariate EEG signals of
      Children's Hospital Boston-Massachusetts Institute of Technology (CHB-MIT) scalp
      EEG database. In a moving-window-based analysis, 2-s-duration multivariate EEG
      signal epochs containing five automatically selected channels have been
      decomposed and three features have been extracted from each 1-s part of the 2-s
      duration joint instantaneous amplitudes of multivariate EEG signals. The
      extracted features from each oscillatory level have been processed using a
      proposed feature processing step and joint features have been computed in order
      to achieve better discrimination of seizure and seizure-free EEG signal epochs.
      RESULTS: The proposed detection method has been evaluated over 177 h of EEG
      records using six classifiers. We have achieved average sensitivity, specificity,
      and accuracy values as 97.91%, 99.57%, and 99.41%, respectively, using tenfold
      cross-validation method, which are higher than the compared state of art methods
      studied on this database. CONCLUSION: Efficient detection of epileptic seizure is
      achieved when seizure events appear for long duration in hours long EEG
      recordings. SIGNIFICANCE: The proposed method develops time-frequency plane for
      multivariate signals and builds patient-specific models for EEG seizure
      detection.

PMID- 28092515
TI  - Toward a Run-to-Run Adaptive Artificial Pancreas: In Silico Results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Contemporary and future outpatient long-term artificial pancreas (AP)
      studies need to cope with the well-known large intra- and interday glucose
      variability occurring in type 1 diabetic (T1D) subjects. Here, we propose an
      adaptive model predictive control (MPC) strategy to account for it and test it in
      silico. METHODS: A run-to-run (R2R) approach adapts the subcutaneous basal
      insulin delivery during the night and the carbohydrate-to-insulin ratio (CR)
      during the day, based on some performance indices calculated from subcutaneous
      continuous glucose sensor data. In particular, R2R aims, first, to reduce the
      percentage of time in hypoglycemia and, secondarily, to improve the percentage of
      time in euglycemia and average glucose. In silico simulations are performed by
      using the University of Virginia/Padova T1D simulator enriched by incorporating
      three novel features: intra- and interday variability of insulin sensitivity,
      different distributions of CR at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and dawn
      phenomenon. RESULTS: After about two months, using the R2R approach with a
      scenario characterized by a random 30% variation of the nominal insulin
      sensitivity the time in range and the time in tight range are increased by 11.39%
      and 44.87%, respectively, and the time spent above 180 mg/dl is reduced by
      48.74%. CONCLUSIONS: An adaptive MPC algorithm based on R2R shows in silico great
      potential to capture intra- and interday glucose variability by improving both
      overnight and postprandial glucose control without increasing hypoglycemia.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Making an AP adaptive is key for long-term real-life outpatient
      studies. These good in silico results are very encouraging and worth testing in
      vivo.

PMID- 28092516
TI  - Single-Camera-Based Method for Step Length Symmetry Measurement in Unconstrained
      Elderly Home Monitoring.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: single-camera-based gait monitoring is unobtrusive, inexpensive, and
      easy-to-use to monitor daily gait of seniors in their homes. However, most
      studies require subjects to walk perpendicularly to camera's optical axis or
      along some specified routes, which limits its application in elderly home
      monitoring. To build unconstrained monitoring environments, we propose a method
      to measure step length symmetry ratio (a useful gait parameter representing gait
      symmetry without significant relationship with age) from unconstrained straight
      walking using a single camera, without strict restrictions on walking directions
      or routes. METHODS: according to projective geometry theory, we first develop a
      calculation formula of step length ratio for the case of unconstrained straight
      line walking. Then, to adapt to general cases, we propose to modify noncollinear
      footprints, and accordingly provide general procedure for step length ratio
      extraction from unconstrained straight walking. RESULTS: Our method achieves a
      mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 1.9547% for 15 subjects' normal and
      abnormal side-view gaits, and also obtains satisfactory MAPEs for non-side-view
      gaits (2.4026% for 45 degrees -view gaits and 3.9721% for 30 degrees -view
      gaits). The performance is much better than a well-established monocular gait
      measurement system suitable only for side-view gaits with a MAPE of 3.5538%.
      CONCLUSION: Independently of walking directions, our method can accurately
      estimate step length ratios from unconstrained straight walking. SIGNIFICANCE:
      This demonstrates our method is applicable for elders' daily gait monitoring to
      provide valuable information for elderly health care, such as abnormal gait
      recognition, fall risk assessment, etc. OBJECTIVE: single-camera-based gait
      monitoring is unobtrusive, inexpensive, and easy-to-use to monitor daily gait of
      seniors in their homes. However, most studies require subjects to walk
      perpendicularly to camera's optical axis or along some specified routes, which
      limits its application in elderly home monitoring. To build unconstrained
      monitoring environments, we propose a method to measure step length symmetry
      ratio (a useful gait parameter representing gait symmetry without significant
      relationship with age) from unconstrained straight walking using a single camera,
      without strict restrictions on walking directions or routes. METHODS: according
      to projective geometry theory, we first develop a calculation formula of step
      length ratio for the case of unconstrained straight-line walking. Then, to adapt
      to general cases, we propose to modify noncollinear footprints, and accordingly
      provide general procedure for step length ratio extraction from unconstrained
      straight walking. RESULTS: Our method achieves a mean absolute percentage error
      (MAPE) of 1.9547% for 15 subjects' normal and abnormal side-view gaits, and also
      obtains satisfactory MAPEs for non-side-view gaits (2.4026% for 45 degrees -view
      gaits and 3.9721% for 30 degrees -view gaits). The performance is much better
      than a well-established monocular gait measurement system suitable only for side
      view gaits with a MAPE of 3.5538%. CONCLUSION: Independently of walking
      directions, our method can accurately estimate step length ratios from
      unconstrained straight walking. SIGNIFICANCE: This demonstrates our method is
      applicable for elders' daily gait monitoring to provide valuable information for
      elderly health care, such as abnormal gait recognition, fall risk assessment,
      etc.

PMID- 28092517
TI  - Transformations Based on Continuous Piecewise-Affine Velocity Fields.
AB  - We propose novel finite-dimensional spaces of well-behaved transformations. The
      latter are obtained by (fast and highly-accurate) integration of continuous
      piecewise-affine velocity fields. The proposed method is simple yet highly
      expressive, effortlessly handles optional constraints (e.g., volume preservation
      and/or boundary conditions), and supports convenient modeling choices such as
      smoothing priors and coarse-to-fine analysis. Importantly, the proposed approach,
      partly due to its rapid likelihood evaluations and partly due to its other
      properties, facilitates tractable inference over rich transformation spaces,
      including using Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo methods. Its applications include, but
      are not limited to: monotonic regression (more generally, optimization over
      monotonic functions); modeling cumulative distribution functions or histograms;
      time-warping; image warping; image registration; real-time diffeomorphic image
      editing; data augmentation for image classifiers. Our GPU-based code is publicly
      available.

PMID- 28092518
TI  - Compositional Model Based Fisher Vector Coding for Image Classification.
AB  - Deriving from the gradient vector of a generative model of local features, Fisher
      vector coding (FVC) has been identified as an effective coding method for image
      classification. Most, if not all, FVC implementations employ the Gaussian mixture
      model (GMM) as the generative model for local features. However, the
      representative power of a GMM can be limited because it essentially assumes that
      local features can be characterized by a fixed number of feature prototypes, and
      the number of prototypes is usually small in FVC. To alleviate this limitation,
      in this work, we break the convention which assumes that a local feature is drawn
      from one of a few Gaussian distributions. Instead, we adopt a compositional
      mechanism which assumes that a local feature is drawn from a Gaussian
      distribution whose mean vector is composed as a linear combination of multiple
      key components, and the combination weight is a latent random variable. In doing
      so we greatly enhance the representative power of the generative model underlying
      FVC. To implement our idea, we design two particular generative models following
      this compositional approach. In our first model, the mean vector is sampled from
      the subspace spanned by a set of bases and the combination weight is drawn from a
      Laplace distribution. In our second model, we further assume that a local feature
      is composed of a discriminative part and a residual part. As a result, a local
      feature is generated by the linear combination of discriminative part bases and
      residual part bases. The decomposition of the discriminative and residual parts
      is achieved via the guidance of a pre-trained supervised coding method. By
      calculating the gradient vector of the proposed models, we derive two new Fisher
      vector coding strategies. The first is termed Sparse Coding-based Fisher Vector
      Coding (SCFVC) and can be used as the substitute of traditional GMM based FVC.
      The second is termed Hybrid Sparse Coding-based Fisher vector coding (HSCFVC)
      since it combines the merits of both pre-trained supervised coding methods and
      FVC. Using pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) activations as local
      features, we experimentally demonstrate that the proposed methods are superior to
      traditional GMM based FVC and achieve state-of-the-art performance in various
      image classification tasks.

PMID- 28092519
TI  - Newton-Type Greedy Selection Methods for $?ell _0$ -Constrained Minimization.
AB  - We introduce a family of Newton-type greedy selection methods for -constrained
      minimization problems. The basic idea is to construct a quadratic function to
      approximate the original objective function around the current iterate and solve
      the constructed quadratic program over the cardinality constraint. The next
      iterate is then estimated via a line search operation between the current iterate
      and the solution of the sparse quadratic program. This iterative procedure can be
      interpreted as an extension of the constrained Newton methods from convex
      minimization to non-convex -constrained minimization. We show that the proposed
      algorithms converge asymptotically and the rate of local convergence is
      superlinear up to certain estimation error. Our methods compare favorably against
      several state-of-the-art greedy selection methods when applied to sparse logistic
      regression and sparse support vector machines.

PMID- 28092520
TI  - Robust Matrix Factorization by Majorization Minimization.
AB  - -norm based low rank matrix factorization in the presence of missing data and
      outliers remains a hot topic in computer vision. Due to non-convexity and non
      smoothness, all the existing methods either lack scalability or robustness, or
      have no theoretical guarantee on convergence. In this paper, we apply the
      Majorization Minimization technique to solve this problem. At each iteration, we
      upper bound the original function with a strongly convex surrogate. By minimizing
      the surrogate and updating the iterates accordingly, the objective function has
      sufficient decrease, which is stronger than just being non-increasing that other
      methods could offer. As a consequence, without extra assumptions, we prove that
      any limit point of the iterates is a stationary point of the objective function.
      In comparison, other methods either do not have such a convergence guarantee or
      require extra critical assumptions. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and
      real data sets testify to the effectiveness of our algorithm. The speed of our
      method is also highly competitive.

PMID- 28092521
TI  - Measuring and Predicting Tag Importance for Image Retrieval.
AB  - Textual data such as tags, sentence descriptions are combined with visual cues to
      reduce the semantic gap for image retrieval applications in today's Multimodal
      Image Retrieval (MIR) systems. However, all tags are treated as equally important
      in these systems, which may result in misalignment between visual and textual
      modalities during MIR training. This will further lead to degenerated retrieval
      performance at query time. To address this issue, we investigate the problem of
      tag importance prediction, where the goal is to automatically predict the tag
      importance and use it in image retrieval. To achieve this, we first propose a
      method to measure the relative importance of object and scene tags from image
      sentence descriptions. Using this as the ground truth, we present a tag
      importance prediction model to jointly exploit visual, semantic and context cues.
      The Structural Support Vector Machine (SSVM) formulation is adopted to ensure
      efficient training of the prediction model. Then, the Canonical Correlation
      Analysis (CCA) is employed to learn the relation between the image visual feature
      and tag importance to obtain robust retrieval performance. Experimental results
      on three real-world datasets show a significant performance improvement of the
      proposed MIR with Tag Importance Prediction (MIR/TIP) system over other MIR
      systems.

PMID- 28092522
TI  - Active Self-Paced Learning for Cost-Effective and Progressive Face
      Identification.
AB  - This paper aims to develop a novel cost-effective framework for face
      identification, which progressively maintains a batch of classifiers with the
      increasing face images of different individuals. By naturally combining two
      recently rising techniques: active learning (AL) and self-paced learning (SPL),
      our framework is capable of automatically annotating new instances and
      incorporating them into training under weak expert recertification. We first
      initialize the classifier using a few annotated samples for each individual, and
      extract image features using the convolutional neural nets. Then, a number of
      candidates are selected from the unannotated samples for classifier updating, in
      which we apply the current classifiers ranking the samples by the prediction
      confidence. In particular, our approach utilizes the high-confidence and low
      confidence samples in the self-paced and the active user-query way, respectively.
      The neural nets are later fine-tuned based on the updated classifiers. Such
      heuristic implementation is formulated as solving a concise active SPL
      optimization problem, which also advances the SPL development by supplementing a
      rational dynamic curriculum constraint. The new model finely accords with the
      "instructor-student-collaborative" learning mode in human education. The
      advantages of this proposed framework are two-folds: i) The required number of
      annotated samples is significantly decreased while the comparable performance is
      guaranteed. A dramatic reduction of user effort is also achieved over other state
      of-the-art active learning techniques. ii) The mixture of SPL and AL effectively
      improves not only the classifier accuracy compared to existing AL/SPL methods but
      also the robustness against noisy data. We evaluate our framework on two
      challenging datasets, which include hundreds of persons under diverse conditions,
      and demonstrate very promising results. Please find the code of this project at:
      http://hcp.sysu.edu.cn/projects/aspl/.

PMID- 28092523
TI  - Longitudinal Study of Automatic Face Recognition.
AB  - The two underlying premises of automatic face recognition are uniqueness and
      permanence. This paper investigates the permanence property by addressing the
      following: Does face recognition ability of state-of-the-art systems degrade with
      elapsed time between enrolled and query face images? If so, what is the rate of
      decline w.r.t. the elapsed time? While previous studies have reported
      degradations in accuracy, no formal statistical analysis of large-scale
      longitudinal data has been conducted. We conduct such an analysis on two mugshot
      databases, which are the largest facial aging databases studied to date in terms
      of number of subjects, images per subject, and elapsed times. Mixed-effects
      regression models are applied to genuine similarity scores from state-of-the-art
      COTS face matchers to quantify the population-mean rate of change in genuine
      scores over time, subject-specific variability, and the influence of age, sex,
      race, and face image quality. Longitudinal analysis shows that despite decreasing
      genuine scores, 99% of subjects can still be recognized at 0.01% FAR up to
      approximately 6 years elapsed time, and that age, sex, and race only marginally
      influence these trends. The methodology presented here should be periodically
      repeated to determine age-invariant properties of face recognition as state-of
      the-art evolves to better address facial aging.

PMID- 28092524
TI  - CODE: Coherence Based Decision Boundaries for Feature Correspondence.
AB  - A key challenge in feature correspondence is the difficulty in differentiating
      true and false matches at a local descriptor level. This forces adoption of
      strict similarity thresholds that discard many true matches. However, if analyzed
      at a global level, false matches are usually randomly scattered while true
      matches tend to be coherent (clustered around a few dominant motions), thus
      creating a coherence based separability constraint. This paper proposes a non
      linear regression technique that can discover such a coherence based separability
      constraint from highly noisy matches and embed it into a correspondence
      likelihood model. Once computed, the model can filter the entire set of nearest
      neighbor matches (which typically contains over 90 percent false matches) for
      true matches. We integrate our technique into a full feature correspondence
      system which reliably generates large numbers of good quality correspondences
      over wide baselines where previous techniques provide few or no matches.

PMID- 28092525
TI  - Light Field Reconstruction Using Shearlet Transform.
AB  - In this article we develop an image based rendering technique based on light
      field reconstruction from a limited set of perspective views acquired by cameras.
      Our approach utilizes sparse representation of epipolar-plane images (EPI) in
      shearlet transform domain. The shearlet transform has been specifically modified
      to handle the straight lines characteristic for EPI. The devised iterative
      regularization algorithm based on adaptive thresholding provides high-quality
      reconstruction results for relatively big disparities between neighboring views.
      The generated densely sampled light field of a given 3D scene is thus suitable
      for all applications which require light field reconstruction. The proposed
      algorithm compares favorably against state of the art depth image based rendering
      techniques and shows superior performance specifically in reconstructing scenes
      containing semi-transparent objects.

PMID- 28092527
TI  - Block-Matching Distortion Correction of Echo-Planar Images With Opposite Phase
      Encoding Directions.
AB  - By shortening the acquisition time of MRI, Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) enables the
      acquisition of a large number of images in a short time, compatible with clinical
      constraints as required for diffusion or functional MRI. However such images are
      subject to large, local distortions disrupting their correspondence with the
      underlying anatomy. The correction of those distortions is an open problem,
      especially in regions where large deformations occur. We propose a new block
      matching registration method to perform EPI distortion correction based on the
      acquisition of two EPI with opposite phase encoding directions (PED). It relies
      on new transformations between blocks adapted to the EPI distortion model, and on
      an adapted optimization scheme to ensure an opposite symmetric transformation. We
      present qualitative and quantitative results of the block-matching correction
      using different metrics on a phantom dataset and on in-vivo data. We show the
      ability of the block-matching to robustly correct EPI distortion even in strongly
      affected areas.

PMID- 28092528
TI  - Low-Rank and Adaptive Sparse Signal (LASSI) Models for Highly Accelerated Dynamic
      Imaging.
AB  - Sparsity-based approaches have been popular in many applications in image
      processing and imaging. Compressed sensing exploits the sparsity of images in a
      transform domain or dictionary to improve image recovery
      fromundersampledmeasurements. In the context of inverse problems in dynamic
      imaging, recent research has demonstrated the promise of sparsity and low-rank
      techniques. For example, the patches of the underlying data are modeled as sparse
      in an adaptive dictionary domain, and the resulting image and dictionary
      estimation from undersampled measurements is called dictionary-blind compressed
      sensing, or the dynamic image sequence is modeled as a sum of low-rank and sparse
      (in some transform domain) components (L+S model) that are estimated from limited
      measurements. In this work, we investigate a data-adaptive extension of the L+S
      model, dubbed LASSI, where the temporal image sequence is decomposed into a low
      rank component and a component whose spatiotemporal (3D) patches are sparse in
      some adaptive dictionary domain. We investigate various formulations and
      efficient methods for jointly estimating the underlying dynamic signal components
      and the spatiotemporal dictionary from limited measurements. We also obtain
      efficient sparsity penalized dictionary-blind compressed sensing methods as
      special cases of our LASSI approaches. Our numerical experiments demonstrate the
      promising performance of LASSI schemes for dynamicmagnetic resonance image
      reconstruction from limited k-t space data compared to recent methods such as k-t
      SLR and L+S, and compared to the proposed dictionary-blind compressed sensing
      method.

PMID- 28092529
TI  - Sub-Category Classifiers for Multiple-Instance Learning and its Application to
      Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Visibility Classification.
AB  - We propose a novel multiple instance learning method to assess the visibility
      (visible/not visible) of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in fundus camera
      images. Using only image-level labels, our approach learns to classify the images
      as well as to localize the RNFL visible regions. We transform the original
      feature space to a discriminative subspace, and learn a region-level classifier
      in that subspace. We propose a margin-based loss function to jointly learn this
      subspace and the region-level classifier. Experiments with a RNFL dataset
      containing 884 images annotated by two ophthalmologists give a system-annotator
      agreement (kappa values) of 0:73 and 0:72 respectively, with an inter-annotator
      agreement of 0:73. Our system agrees better with the more experienced annotator.
      Comparative tests with three public datasets (MESSIDOR and DR for diabetic
      retinopathy, UCSB for breast cancer) show that our novel MIL approach improves
      performance over the state-of-the-art. Our Matlab code is publicly available at
      https://github.com/ManiShiyam/Sub-category-classifiersfor- Multiple-Instance
      Learning/wiki.

PMID- 28092530
TI  - Feasibility of Multiplane-Transmit Beamforming for Real-Time Volumetric Cardiac
      Imaging: A Simulation Study.
AB  - Today's 3-D cardiac ultrasound imaging systems suffer from relatively low spatial
      and temporal resolution, limiting their applicability in daily clinical practice.
      To address this problem, 3-D diverging wave imaging with spatial coherent
      compounding (DWC) as well as 3-D multiline-transmit (MLT) imaging have recently
      been proposed. Currently, the former improves the temporal resolution
      significantly at the expense of image quality and the risk of introducing motion
      artifacts, whereas the latter only provides a moderate gain in volume rate but
      mostly preserves quality. In this paper, a new technique for real-time volumetric
      cardiac imaging is proposed by combining the strengths of both approaches.
      Hereto, multiple planar (i.e., 2-D) diverging waves are simultaneously
      transmitted in order to scan the 3-D volume, i.e., multiplane transmit (MPT)
      beamforming. The performance of a 3MPT imaging system was contrasted to that of a
      3-D DWC system and that of a 3-D MLT system by computer simulations during both
      static and moving conditions of the target structures while operating at similar
      volume rate. It was demonstrated that for stationary targets, the 3MPT imaging
      system was competitive with both the 3-D DWC and 3-D MLT systems in terms of
      spatial resolution and sidelobe levels (i.e., image quality). However, for moving
      targets, the image quality quickly deteriorated for the 3-D DWC systems while it
      remained stable for the 3MPT system while operating at twice the volume rate of
      the 3-D-MLT system. The proposed MPT beamforming approach was thus demonstrated
      to be feasible and competitive to state-of-the-art methodologies.

PMID- 28092531
TI  - A 200-1380-kHz Quadrifrequency Focused Ultrasound Transducer for Neurostimulation
      in Rodents and Primates: Transcranial In Vitro Calibration and Numerical Study of
      the Influence of Skull Cavity.
AB  - Low intensity transcranial focused ultrasound has been demonstrated to produce
      neuromodulation in both animals and humans. Primarily for technical reasons,
      frequency is one of the most poorly investigated critical wave parameters. We
      propose the use of a quadri-band transducer capable of operating at 200, 320,
      850, and 1380 kHz for further investigation of the frequency dependence of
      neuromodulation efficacy while keeping the position of the transducer fixed with
      respect to the subject's head. This paper presents the results of the transducer
      calibration in water, in vitro transmission measurements through a monkey skull
      flap, 3-D simulations based on both a MU -computed tomography ( MU CT)-scan of a
      rat and on CT-scans of two macaques. A maximum peak pressure greater than 0.52
      MPa is expected at each frequency in rat and macaque heads. According to the
      literature, our transducer can achieve neuromodulation in rodents and primates at
      each four frequencies. The impact of standing waves is shown to be most prominent
      at the lowest frequencies.

PMID- 28092532
TI  - Improved Shear Wave Group Velocity Estimation Method Based on Spatiotemporal Peak
      and Thresholding Motion Search.
AB  - Quantitative ultrasound elastography is increasingly being used in the assessment
      of chronic liver disease. Many studies have reported ranges of liver shear wave
      velocity values for healthy individuals and patients with different stages of
      liver fibrosis. Nonetheless, ongoing efforts exist to stabilize quantitative
      ultrasound elastography measurements by assessing factors that influence tissue
      shear wave velocity values, such as food intake, body mass index, ultrasound
      scanners, scanning protocols, and ultrasound image quality. Time-to-peak (TTP)
      methods have been routinely used to measure the shear wave velocity. However,
      there is still a need for methods that can provide robust shear wave velocity
      estimation in the presence of noisy motion data. The conventional TTP algorithm
      is limited to searching for the maximum motion in time profiles at different
      spatial locations. In this paper, two modified shear wave speed estimation
      algorithms are proposed. The first method searches for the maximum motion in both
      space and time [spatiotemporal peak (STP)]; the second method applies an
      amplitude filter [spatiotemporal thresholding (STTH)] to select points with
      motion amplitude higher than a threshold for shear wave group velocity
      estimation. The two proposed methods (STP and STTH) showed higher precision in
      shear wave velocity estimates compared with TTP in phantom. Moreover, in a cohort
      of 14 healthy subjects, STP and STTH methods improved both the shear wave
      velocity measurement precision and the success rate of the measurement compared
      with conventional TTP.

PMID- 28092533
TI  - Linear System Models for Ultrasonic Imaging: Intensity Signal Statistics.
AB  - Despite a great deal of work characterizing the statistical properties of radio
      frequency backscattered ultrasound signals, less is known about the statistical
      properties of demodulated intensity signals. Analysis of intensity is made more
      difficult by a strong nonlinearity that arises in the process of demodulation.
      This limits our ability to characterize the spatial resolution and noise
      properties of B-mode ultrasound images. In this paper, we generalize earlier
      results on two-point intensity covariance using a multivariate systems approach.
      We derive the mean and autocovariance function of the intensity signal under
      Gaussian assumptions on both the object scattering function and acquisition
      noise, and with the assumption of a locally shift-invariant pulse-echo system
      function. We investigate the limiting cases of point statistics and a uniform
      scattering field with a stationary distribution. Results from validation studies
      using simulation and data from a real system applied to a uniform scattering
      phantom are presented. In the simulation studies, we find errors less than 10%
      between the theoretical mean and variance, and sample estimates of these
      quantities. Prediction of the intensity power spectrum (PS) in the real system
      exhibits good qualitative agreement (errors less than 3.5 dB for frequencies
      between 0.1 and 10 cyc/mm, but with somewhat higher error outside this range that
      may be due to the use of a window in the PS estimation procedure). We also
      replicate the common finding that the intensity mean is equal to its standard
      deviation (i.e., signal-to-noise ratio = 1) for fully developed speckle. We show
      how the derived statistical properties can be used to characterize the quality of
      an ultrasound linear array for low-contrast patterns using generalized noise
      equivalent quanta directly on the intensity signal.

PMID- 28092534
TI  - A $k$ -Space Pseudospectral Method for Elastic Wave Propagation in Heterogeneous
      Anisotropic Media.
AB  - This paper presents the theory of the k -space method generalized to model
      elastic wave propagation in heterogeneous anisotropic media. The k -space methods
      are promising time integration techniques giving, in conjunction with collocation
      spectral methods, accurate and efficient numerical schemes for problems in
      heterogeneous media. In this paper, the k -space operator is derived in a
      spatially continuous form using the Fourier analysis of the displacement
      formalism of elastodynamics. An efficient numerical algorithm is then constructed
      by applying a Fourier collocation spectral method, leading to define the discrete
      k -space scheme. The proposed method is temporally exact for homogeneous media,
      unconditionally stable for heterogeneous media, and also allows larger time steps
      without loss of accuracy. Implementation of the method is discussed in detail.
      The method is validated through a set of numerical tests. The numerical results
      show the efficacy of the method compared with the conventional schemes.

PMID- 28092535
TI  - Super-Resolution Person Re-Identification With Semi-Coupled Low-Rank Discriminant
      Dictionary Learning.
AB  - Person re-identification has been widely studied due to its importance in
      surveillance and forensics applications. In practice, gallery images are high
      resolution (HR), while probe images are usually low resolution (LR) in the
      identification scenarios with large variation of illumination, weather, or
      quality of cameras. Person re-identification in this kind of scenarios, which we
      call super-resolution (SR) person re-identification, has not been well studied.
      In this paper, we propose a semi-coupled low-rank discriminant dictionary
      learning (SLD2L) approach for SR person re-identification task. With the HR and
      LR dictionary pair and mapping matrices learned from the features of HR and LR
      training images, SLD2L can convert the features of the LR probe images into HR
      features. To ensure that the converted features have favorable discriminative
      capability and the learned dictionaries can well characterize intrinsic feature
      spaces of the HR and LR images, we design a discriminant term and a low-rank
      regularization term for SLD2L. Moreover, considering that low resolution results
      in different degrees of loss for different types of visual appearance features,
      we propose a multi-view SLD2L (MVSLD2L) approach, which can learn the type
      specific dictionary pair and mappings for each type of feature. Experimental
      results on multiple publicly available data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of
      our proposed approaches for the SR person re-identification task.

PMID- 28092536
TI  - Improved Denoising via Poisson Mixture Modeling of Image Sensor Noise.
AB  - This paper describes a study aimed at comparing the real image sensor noise
      distribution to the models of noise often assumed in image denoising designs. A
      quantile analysis in pixel, wavelet transform, and variance stabilization domains
      reveal that the tails of Poisson, signal-dependent Gaussian, and Poisson-Gaussian
      models are too short to capture real sensor noise behavior. A new Poisson mixture
      noise model is proposed to correct the mismatch of tail behavior. Based on the
      fact that noise model mismatch results in image denoising that undersmoothes real
      sensor data, we propose a mixture of Poisson denoising method to remove the
      denoising artifacts without affecting image details, such as edge and textures.
      Experiments with real sensor data verify that denoising for real image sensor
      data is indeed improved by this new technique.

PMID- 28092537
TI  - Detail-Enhanced Multi-Scale Exposure Fusion.
AB  - Multi-scale exposure fusion is an effective image enhancement technique for a
      high dynamic range (HDR) scene. In this paper, a new multi-scale exposure fusion
      algorithm is proposed to merge differently exposed low dynamic range (LDR) images
      by using the weighted guided image filter to smooth the Gaussian pyramids of
      weight maps for all the LDR images. Details in the brightest and darkest regions
      of the HDR scene are preserved better by the proposed algorithm without relative
      brightness change in the fused image. In addition, a new weighted structure
      tensor is introduced to the differently exposed images and it is adopted to
      design a detail extraction component for the proposed fusion algorithm, such that
      users are allowed to manipulate fine details in the enhanced image according to
      their preference. The proposed multi-scale exposure fusion algorithm is also
      applied to design a simple single image brightening algorithm for both low-light
      imaging and back-light imaging.

PMID- 28092538
TI  - Spatio-Temporal Closed-Loop Object Detection.
AB  - Object detection is one of the most important tasks of computer vision. It is
      usually performed by evaluating a subset of the possible locations of an image,
      that are more likely to contain the object of interest. Exhaustive approaches
      have now been superseded by object proposal methods. The interplay of detectors
      and proposal algorithms has not been fully analyzed and exploited up to now,
      although this is a very relevant problem for object detection in video sequences.
      We propose to connect, in a closed-loop, detectors and object proposal generator
      functions exploiting the ordered and continuous nature of video sequences.
      Different from tracking we only require a previous frame to improve both proposal
      and detection: no prediction based on local motion is performed, thus avoiding
      tracking errors. We obtain three to four points of improvement in mAP and a
      detection time that is lower than Faster Regions with CNN features (R-CNN), which
      is the fastest Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based generic object detector
      known at the moment.

PMID- 28092539
TI  - Object-Based Multiple Foreground Segmentation in RGBD Video.
AB  - We present an RGB and Depth (RGBD) video segmentation method that takes advantage
      of depth data and can extract multiple foregrounds in the scene. This video
      segmentation is addressed as an object proposal selection problem formulated in a
      fully-connected graph, where a flexible number of foregrounds may be chosen. In
      our graph, each node represents a proposal, and the edges model intra-frame and
      inter-frame constraints on the solution. The proposals are selected based on an
      RGBD video saliency map in which depth-based features are utilized to enhance the
      identification of foregrounds. Experiments show that the proposed multiple
      foreground segmentation method outperforms related techniques, and the depth cue
      serves as a helpful complement to RGB features. Moreover, our method provides
      performance comparable to the state-of-the-art RGB video segmentation techniques
      on regular RGB videos with estimated depth maps.

PMID- 28092540
TI  - Robust and Discriminative Labeling for Multi-Label Active Learning Based on
      Maximum Correntropy Criterion.
AB  - Multi-label learning draws great interests in many real world applications. It is
      a highly costly task to assign many labels by the oracle for one instance.
      Meanwhile, it is also hard to build a good model without diagnosing
      discriminative labels. Can we reduce the label costs and improve the ability to
      train a good model for multi-label learning simultaneously? Active learning
      addresses the less training samples problem by querying the most valuable samples
      to achieve a better performance with little costs. In multi-label active
      learning, some researches have been done for querying the relevant labels with
      less training samples or querying all labels without diagnosing the
      discriminative information. They all cannot effectively handle the outlier labels
      for the measurement of uncertainty. Since maximum correntropy criterion (MCC)
      provides a robust analysis for outliers in many machine learning and data mining
      algorithms, in this paper, we derive a robust multi-label active learning
      algorithm based on an MCC by merging uncertainty and representativeness, and
      propose an efficient alternating optimization method to solve it. With MCC, our
      method can eliminate the influence of outlier labels that are not discriminative
      to measure the uncertainty. To make further improvement on the ability of
      information measurement, we merge uncertainty and representativeness with the
      prediction labels of unknown data. It cannot only enhance the uncertainty but
      also improve the similarity measurement of multi-label data with labels
      information. Experiments on benchmark multi-label data sets have shown a superior
      performance than the state-of-the-art methods.

PMID- 28092541
TI  - Quality Assessment of Sharpened Images: Challenges, Methodology, and Objective
      Metrics.
AB  - Most of the effort in image quality assessment (QA) has been so far dedicated to
      the degradation of the image. However, there are also many algorithms in the
      image processing chain that can enhance the quality of an input image. These
      include procedures for contrast enhancement, deblurring, sharpening, up-sampling,
      denoising, transfer function compensation, etc. In this work, possible strategies
      for the quality assessment of sharpened images are investigated. This task is not
      trivial because the sharpening techniques can increase the perceived quality, as
      well as introduce artifacts leading to the quality drop (over-sharpening). Here,
      the framework specifically adapted for the quality assessment of sharpened images
      and objective metrics comparison in this context is introduced. However, the
      framework can be adopted in other quality assessment areas as well. The problem
      of selecting the correct procedure for subjective evaluation was addressed and a
      subjective test on blurred, sharpened, and over-sharpened images was performed in
      order to demonstrate the use of the framework. The obtained ground-truth data
      were used for testing the suitability of state-ofthe- art objective quality
      metrics for the assessment of sharpened images. The comparison was performed by
      novel procedure using ROC analyses which is found more appropriate for the task
      than standard methods. Furthermore, seven possible augmentations of the no
      reference S3 metric adapted for sharpened images are proposed. The performance of
      the metric is significantly improved and also superior over the rest of the
      tested quality criteria with respect to the subjective data.

PMID- 28092542
TI  - Bayesian Face Sketch Synthesis.
AB  - Exemplar-based face sketch synthesis has been widely applied to both digital
      entertainment and law enforcement. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian framework
      for face sketch synthesis, which provides a systematic interpretation for
      understanding the common properties and intrinsic difference in different methods
      from the perspective of probabilistic graphical models. The proposed Bayesian
      framework consists of two parts: the neighbor selection model and the weight
      computation model. Within the proposed framework, we further propose a Bayesian
      face sketch synthesis method. The essential rationale behind the proposed
      Bayesian method is that we take the spatial neighboring constraint between
      adjacent image patches into consideration for both aforementioned models, while
      the state-of-the-art methods neglect the constraint either in the neighbor
      selection model or in the weight computation model. Extensive experiments on the
      Chinese University of Hong Kong face sketch database demonstrate that the
      proposed Bayesian method could achieve superior performance compared with the
      state-of-the-art methods in terms of both subjective perceptions and objective
      evaluations.

PMID- 28092543
TI  - A Robust Wrap Reduction Algorithm for Fringe Projection Profilometry and
      Applications in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - In this paper, we present an effective algorithm to reduce the number of wraps in
      a 2D phase signal provided as input. The technique is based on an accurate
      estimate of the fundamental frequency of a 2D complex signal with the phase given
      by the input, and the removal of a dependent additive term from the phase map.
      Unlike existing methods based on the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), the
      frequency is computed by using noise-robust estimates that are not restricted to
      integer values. Then, to deal with the problem of a non-integer shift in the
      frequency domain, an equivalent operation is carried out on the original phase
      signal. This consists of the subtraction of a tilted plane whose slope is
      computed from the frequency, followed by a re-wrapping operation. The technique
      has been exhaustively tested on fringe projection profilometry (FPP) and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) signals. In addition, the performance of several
      frequency estimation methods has been compared. The proposed methodology is
      particularly effective on FPP signals, showing a higher performance than the
      state-of-the-art wrap reduction approaches. In this context, it contributes to
      canceling the carrier effect at the same time as it eliminates any potential
      slope that affects the entire signal. Its effectiveness on other carrier-free
      phase signals, e.g., MRI, is limited to the case that inherent slopes are present
      in the phase data.

PMID- 28092544
TI  - Discriminative Multi-View Interactive Image Re-Ranking.
AB  - Given an unreliable visual patterns and insufficient query information, content
      based image retrieval is often suboptimal and requires image re-ranking using
      auxiliary information. In this paper, we propose a discriminative multi-view
      interactive image re-ranking (DMINTIR), which integrates user relevance feedback
      capturing users' intentions and multiple features that sufficiently describe the
      images. In DMINTIR, heterogeneous property features are incorporated in the multi
      view learning scheme to exploit their complementarities. In addition, a
      discriminatively learned weight vector is obtained to reassign updated scores and
      target images for re-ranking. Compared with other multi-view learning techniques,
      our scheme not only generates a compact representation in the latent space from
      the redundant multi-view features but also maximally preserves the discriminative
      information in feature encoding by the large-margin principle. Furthermore, the
      generalization error bound of the proposed algorithm is theoretically analyzed
      and shown to be improved by the interactions between the latent space and
      discriminant function learning. Experimental results on two benchmark data sets
      demonstrate that our approach boosts baseline retrieval quality and is
      competitive with the other state-of-the-art re-ranking strategies.

PMID- 28092545
TI  - Heterogeneous Face Recognition: A Common Encoding Feature Discriminant Approach.
AB  - Heterogeneous face recognition is an important, yet challenging problem in face
      recognition community. It refers to matching a probe face image to a gallery of
      face images taken from alternate imaging modality. The major challenge of
      heterogeneous face recognition lies in the great discrepancies between different
      image modalities. Conventional face feature descriptors, e.g., local binary
      patterns, histogram of oriented gradients, and scale-invariant feature transform,
      are mostly designed in a handcrafted way and thus generally fail to extract the
      common discriminant information from the heterogeneous face images. In this
      paper, we propose a new feature descriptor called common encoding model for
      heterogeneous face recognition, which is able to capture common discriminant
      information, such that the large modality gap can be significantly reduced at the
      feature extraction stage. Specifically, we turn a face image into an encoded one
      with the encoding model learned from the training data, where the difference of
      the encoded heterogeneous face images of the same person can be minimized. Based
      on the encoded face images, we further develop a discriminant matching method to
      infer the hidden identity information of the cross-modality face images for
      enhanced recognition performance. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is
      demonstrated (on several public-domain face datasets) in two typical
      heterogeneous face recognition scenarios: matching NIR faces to VIS faces and
      matching sketches to photographs.

PMID- 28092546
TI  - Geometry Guided Multi-Scale Depth Map Fusion via Graph Optimization.
AB  - In depth discontinuous and untextured regions, depth maps created by multiple
      view stereopsis are with heavy noises, but existing depth map fusion methods
      cannot handle it explicitly. To tackle the problem, two novel strategies are
      proposed: 1) a more discriminative fusion method, which is based on geometry
      consistency, measuring the consistency, and stability of surface geometry
      computed on both partial and global surfaces, different from traditional methods
      only using visibility consistency; 2) a graph optimization method which fuses
      pyramids of depth maps as mutual complementary information is available in
      different scales, and differs from existing multi-scale fusion methods. The
      method considers both sampling scale of a point and relations among points, and
      is proven to be solvable by graph cuts. Experimental results verify the superior
      performance of the proposed method to the traditional visibility consistency
      based methods, and the proposed method is also compared favorably with a number
      of state-of-the-art methods. Moreover, the proposed method achieves the highest
      completeness among all the methods compared.

PMID- 28092547
TI  - Asymmetrically Compressed Stereoscopic 3D Videos: Quality Assessment and Rate
      Distortion Performance Evaluation.
AB  - Objective quality assessment of stereoscopic 3D video is challenging but highly
      desirable, especially in the application of stereoscopic video compression and
      transmission, where useful quality models are missing, that can guide the
      critical decision making steps in the selection of mixed-resolution coding,
      asymmetric quantization, and pre- and post-processing schemes. Here we first
      carry out subjective quality assessment experiments on two databases that contain
      various asymmetrically compressed stereoscopic 3D videos obtained from mixed
      resolution coding, asymmetric transform-domain quantization coding, their
      combinations, and the multiple choices of postprocessing techniques. We compare
      these asymmetric stereoscopic video coding schemes with symmetric coding methods
      and verify their potential coding gains. We observe a strong systematic bias when
      using direct averaging of 2D video quality of both views to predict 3D video
      quality. We then apply a binocular rivalry inspired model to account for the
      prediction bias, leading to a significantly improved full reference quality
      prediction model of stereoscopic videos. The model allows us to quantitatively
      predict the coding gain of different variations of asymmetric video compression,
      and provides new insight on the development of high efficiency 3D video coding
      schemes.

PMID- 28092548
TI  - Linear Spectral Clustering Superpixel.
AB  - In this paper, we present a superpixel segmentation algorithm called linear
      spectral clustering (LSC), which is capable of producing superpixels with both
      high boundary adherence and visual compactness for natural images with low
      computational costs. In LSC, a normalized cuts-based formulation of image
      segmentation is adopted using a distance metric that measures both the color
      similarity and the space proximity between image pixels. However, rather than
      directly using the traditional eigen-based algorithm, we approximate the
      similarity metric through a deliberately designed kernel function such that pixel
      values can be explicitly mapped to a high-dimensional feature space. We then
      apply the conclusion that by appropriately weighting each point in this feature
      space, the objective functions of the weighted K-means and the normalized cuts
      share the same optimum points. Consequently, it is possible to optimize the cost
      function of the normalized cuts by iteratively applying simple K-means clustering
      in the proposed feature space. LSC possesses linear computational complexity and
      high memory efficiency, since it avoids both the decomposition of the affinity
      matrix and the generation of the large kernel matrix. By utilizing the underlying
      mathematical equivalence between the two types of seemingly different methods,
      LSC successfully preserves global image structures through efficient local
      operations. Experimental results show that LSC performs as well as or even better
      than the state-of-the-art superpixel segmentation algorithms in terms of several
      commonly used evaluation metrics in image segmentation. The applicability of LSC
      is further demonstrated in two related computer vision tasks.

PMID- 28092549
TI  - Learning Short Binary Codes for Large-scale Image Retrieval.
AB  - Large-scale visual information retrieval has become an active research area in
      this big data era. Recently, hashing/binary coding algorithms prove to be
      effective for scalable retrieval applications. Most existing hashing methods
      require relatively long binary codes (i.e., over hundreds of bits, sometimes even
      thousands of bits) to achieve reasonable retrieval accuracies. However, for some
      realistic and unique applications, such as on wearable or mobile devices, only
      short binary codes can be used for efficient image retrieval due to the
      limitation of computational resources or bandwidth on these devices. In this
      paper, we propose a novel unsupervised hashing approach called min-cost ranking
      (MCR) specifically for learning powerful short binary codes (i.e., usually the
      code length shorter than 100 b) for scalable image retrieval tasks. By exploring
      the discriminative ability of each dimension of data, MCR can generate one bit
      binary code for each dimension and simultaneously rank the discriminative
      separability of each bit according to the proposed cost function. Only top-ranked
      bits with minimum cost-values are then selected and grouped together to compose
      the final salient binary codes. Extensive experimental results on large-scale
      retrieval demonstrate that MCR can achieve comparative performance as the state
      of-the-art hashing algorithms but with significantly shorter codes, leading to
      much faster large-scale retrieval.

PMID- 28092550
TI  - $L_{0}$ Gradient Projection.
AB  - Minimizing L0 gradient, the number of the non-zero gradients of an image,
      together with a quadratic data-fidelity to an input image has been recognized as
      a powerful edge-preserving filtering method. However, the L0 gradient
      minimization has an inherent difficulty: a user-given parameter controlling the
      degree of flatness does not have a physical meaning since the parameter just
      balances the relative importance of the L0 gradient term to the quadratic data
      fidelity term. As a result, the setting of the parameter is a troublesome work in
      the L0 gradient minimization. To circumvent the difficulty, we propose a new edge
      preserving filtering method with a novel use of the L0 gradient. Our method is
      formulated as the minimization of the quadratic data-fidelity subject to the hard
      constraint that the L0 gradient is less than a user-given parameter alpha . This
      strategy is much more intuitive than the L0 gradient minimization because the
      parameter alpha has a clear meaning: the L0 gradient value of the output image
      itself, so that one can directly impose a desired degree of flatness by alpha .
      We also provide an efficient algorithm based on the so-called alternating
      direction method of multipliers for computing an approximate solution of the
      nonconvex problem, where we decompose it into two subproblems and derive closed
      form solutions to them. The advantages of our method are demonstrated through
      extensive experiments.

PMID- 28092551
TI  - Hierarchical Image Segmentation Based on Iterative Contraction and Merging.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a new framework for hierarchical image segmentation
      based on iterative contraction and merging. In the proposed framework, we treat
      the hierarchical image segmentation problem as a sequel of optimization problems,
      with each optimization process being realized by a contraction-and-merging
      process to identify and merge the most similar data pairs at the current
      resolution. At the beginning, we perform pixel-based contraction and merging to
      quickly combine image pixels into initial region-elements with visually
      indistinguishable intra-region color difference. After that, we iteratively
      perform region-based contraction and merging to group adjacent regions into
      larger ones to progressively form a segmentation dendrogram for hierarchical
      segmentation. Comparing with the state-of-the-art techniques, the proposed
      algorithm can not only produce high-quality segmentation results in a more
      efficient way, but also keep a lot of boundary details in the segmentation
      results.

PMID- 28092552
TI  - Discriminative Elastic-Net Regularized Linear Regression.
AB  - In this paper, we aim at learning compact and discriminative linear regression
      models. Linear regression has been widely used in different problems. However,
      most of the existing linear regression methods exploit the conventional zero-one
      matrix as the regression targets, which greatly narrows the flexibility of the
      regression model. Another major limitation of these methods is that the learned
      projection matrix fails to precisely project the image features to the target
      space due to their weak discriminative capability. To this end, we present an
      elastic-net regularized linear regression (ENLR) framework, and develop two
      robust linear regression models which possess the following special
      characteristics. First, our methods exploit two particular strategies to enlarge
      the margins of different classes by relaxing the strict binary targets into a
      more feasible variable matrix. Second, a robust elastic-net regularization of
      singular values is introduced to enhance the compactness and effectiveness of the
      learned projection matrix. Third, the resulting optimization problem of ENLR has
      a closed-form solution in each iteration, which can be solved efficiently.
      Finally, rather than directly exploiting the projection matrix for recognition,
      our methods employ the transformed features as the new discriminate
      representations to make final image classification. Compared with the traditional
      linear regression model and some of its variants, our method is much more
      accurate in image classification. Extensive experiments conducted on publicly
      available data sets well demonstrate that the proposed framework can outperform
      the state-of-the-art methods. The MATLAB codes of our methods can be available at
      http://www.yongxu.org/lunwen.html.

PMID- 28092553
TI  - Deep Aesthetic Quality Assessment With Semantic Information.
AB  - Human beings often assess the aesthetic quality of an image coupled with the
      identification of the image's semantic content. This paper addresses the
      correlation issue between automatic aesthetic quality assessment and semantic
      recognition. We cast the assessment problem as the main task among a multi-task
      deep model, and argue that semantic recognition task offers the key to address
      this problem. Based on convolutional neural networks, we employ a single and
      simple multi-task framework to efficiently utilize the supervision of aesthetic
      and semantic labels. A correlation item between these two tasks is further
      introduced to the framework by incorporating the inter-task relationship
      learning. This item not only provides some useful insight about the correlation
      but also improves assessment accuracy of the aesthetic task. In particular, an
      effective strategy is developed to keep a balance between the two tasks, which
      facilitates to optimize the parameters of the framework. Extensive experiments on
      the challenging Aesthetic Visual Analysis dataset and Photo.net dataset validate
      the importance of semantic recognition in aesthetic quality assessment, and
      demonstrate that multitask deep models can discover an effective aesthetic
      representation to achieve the state-of-the-art results.

PMID- 28092554
TI  - Graph Laplacian Regularization for Image Denoising: Analysis in the Continuous
      Domain.
AB  - Inverse imaging problems are inherently underdetermined, and hence, it is
      important to employ appropriate image priors for regularization. One recent
      popular prior-the graph Laplacian regularizer-assumes that the target pixel patch
      is smooth with respect to an appropriately chosen graph. However, the mechanisms
      and implications of imposing the graph Laplacian regularizer on the original
      inverse problem are not well understood. To address this problem, in this paper,
      we interpret neighborhood graphs of pixel patches as discrete counterparts of
      Riemannian manifolds and perform analysis in the continuous domain, providing
      insights into several fundamental aspects of graph Laplacian regularization for
      image denoising. Specifically, we first show the convergence of the graph
      Laplacian regularizer to a continuous-domain functional, integrating a norm
      measured in a locally adaptive metric space. Focusing on image denoising, we
      derive an optimal metric space assuming non-local self-similarity of pixel
      patches, leading to an optimal graph Laplacian regularizer for denoising in the
      discrete domain. We then interpret graph Laplacian regularization as an
      anisotropic diffusion scheme to explain its behavior during iterations, e.g., its
      tendency to promote piecewise smooth signals under certain settings. To verify
      our analysis, an iterative image denoising algorithm is developed. Experimental
      results show that our algorithm performs competitively with state-of-the-art
      denoising methods, such as BM3D for natural images, and outperforms them
      significantly for piecewise smooth images.

PMID- 28092555
TI  - Progressive Shape-Distribution-Encoder for Learning 3D Shape Representation.
AB  - Since there are complex geometric variations with 3D shapes, extracting efficient
      3D shape features is one of the most challenging tasks in shape matching and
      retrieval. In this paper, we propose a deep shape descriptor by learning shape
      distributions at different diffusion time via a progressive shape-distribution
      encoder (PSDE). First, we develop a shape distribution representation with the
      kernel density estimator to characterize the intrinsic geometry structures of 3D
      shapes. Then, we propose to learn a deep shape feature through an unsupervised
      PSDE. Specially, the unsupervised PSDE aims at modeling the complex non-linear
      transform of the estimated shape distributions between consecutive diffusion
      time. In order to characterize the intrinsic structures of 3D shapes more
      efficiently, we stack multiple PSDEs to form a network structure. Finally, we
      concatenate all neurons in the middle hidden layers of the unsupervised PSDE
      network to form an unsupervised shape descriptor for retrieval. Furthermore, by
      imposing an additional constraint on the outputs of all hidden layers, we propose
      a supervised PSDE to form a supervised shape descriptor. For each hidden layer,
      the similarity between a pair of outputs from the same class is as large as
      possible and the similarity between a pair of outputs from different classes is
      as small as possible. The proposed method is evaluated on three benchmark 3D
      shape data sets with large geometric variations, i.e., McGill, SHREC'10
      ShapeGoogle, and SHREC'14 Human data sets, and the experimental results
      demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method to the existing approaches.

PMID- 28092556
TI  - Study of Saliency in Objective Video Quality Assessment.
AB  - Reliably predicting video quality as perceived by humans remains challenging and
      is of high practical relevance. A significant research trend is to investigate
      visual saliency and its implications for video quality assessment. Fundamental
      problems regarding how to acquire reliable eye-tracking data for the purpose of
      video quality research and how saliency should be incorporated in objective video
      quality metrics (VQMs) are largely unsolved. In this paper, we propose a refined
      methodology for reliably collecting eye-tracking data, which essentially
      eliminates bias induced by each subject having to view multiple variations of the
      same scene in a conventional experiment. We performed a large-scale eye-tracking
      experiment that involved 160 human observers and 160 video stimuli distorted with
      different distortion types at various degradation levels. The measured saliency
      was integrated into several best known VQMs in the literature. With the assurance
      of the reliability of the saliency data, we thoroughly assessed the capabilities
      of saliency in improving the performance of VQMs, and devised a novel approach
      for optimal use of saliency in VQMs. We also evaluated to what extent the state
      of-the-art computational saliency models can improve VQMs in comparison to the
      improvement achieved by using "ground truth" eye-tracking data. The eye-tracking
      database is made publicly available to the research community.

PMID- 28092557
TI  - Single Image Super-Resolution Using Global Regression Based on Multiple Local
      Linear Mappings.
AB  - Super-resolution (SR) has become more vital, because of its capability to
      generate high-quality ultra-high definition (UHD) high-resolution (HR) images
      from low-resolution (LR) input images. Conventional SR methods entail high
      computational complexity, which makes them difficult to be implemented for up
      scaling of full-high-definition input images into UHD-resolution images.
      Nevertheless, our previous super-interpolation (SI) method showed a good
      compromise between Peak-Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) performances and
      computational complexity. However, since SI only utilizes simple linear mappings,
      it may fail to precisely reconstruct HR patches with complex texture. In this
      paper, we present a novel SR method, which inherits the large-to-small patch
      conversion scheme from SI but uses global regression based on local linear
      mappings (GLM). Thus, our new SR method is called GLM-SI. In GLM-SI, each LR
      input patch is divided into 25 overlapped subpatches. Next, based on the local
      properties of these subpatches, 25 different local linear mappings are applied to
      the current LR input patch to generate 25 HR patch candidates, which are then
      regressed into one final HR patch using a global regressor. The local linear
      mappings are learned cluster-wise in our off-line training phase. The main
      contribution of this paper is as follows: Previously, linear-mapping-based
      conventional SR methods, including SI only used one simple yet coarse linear
      mapping to each patch to reconstruct its HR version. On the contrary, for each LR
      input patch, our GLM-SI is the first to apply a combination of multiple local
      linear mappings, where each local linear mapping is found according to local
      properties of the current LR patch. Therefore, it can better approximate
      nonlinear LR-to-HR mappings for HR patches with complex texture. Experiment
      results show that the proposed GLM-SI method outperforms most of the state-of-the
      art methods, and shows comparable PSNR performance with much lower computational
      complexity when compared with a super-resolution method based on convolutional
      neural nets (SRCNN15). Compared with the previous SI method that is limited with
      a scale factor of 2, GLM-SI shows superior performance with average 0.79 dB
      higher in PSNR, and can be used for scale factors of 3 or higher.

PMID- 28092558
TI  - Discriminant Context Information Analysis for Post-Ranking Person Re
      Identification.
AB  - Existing approaches for person re-identification are mainly based on creating
      distinctive representations or on learning optimal metrics. The achieved results
      are then provided in the form of a list of ranked matching persons. It often
      happens that the true match is not ranked first but it is in the first positions.
      This is mostly due to the visual ambiguities shared between the true match and
      other "similar" persons. At the current state, there is a lack of a study of such
      visual ambiguities which limit the re-identification performance within the first
      ranks. We believe that an analysis of the similar appearances of the first ranks
      can be helpful in detecting, hence removing, such visual ambiguities. We propose
      to achieve such a goal by introducing an unsupervised post-ranking framework.
      Once the initial ranking is available, content and context sets are extracted.
      Then, these are exploited to remove the visual ambiguities and to obtain the
      discriminant feature space which is finally exploited to compute the new ranking.
      An in-depth analysis of the performance achieved on three public benchmark data
      sets support our believes. For every data set, the proposed method remarkably
      improves the first ranks results and outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches.

PMID- 28092559
TI  - Learning to Hash With Optimized Anchor Embedding for Scalable Retrieval.
AB  - Sparse representation and image hashing are powerful tools for data
      representation and image retrieval respectively. The combinations of these two
      tools for scalable image retrieval, i.e., sparse hashing (SH) methods, have been
      proposed in recent years and the preliminary results are promising. The core of
      those methods is a scheme that can efficiently embed the (high-dimensional) image
      features into a low-dimensional Hamming space, while preserving the similarity
      between features. Existing SH methods mostly focus on finding better sparse
      representations of images in the hash space. We argue that the anchor set
      utilized in sparse representation is also crucial, which was unfortunately
      underestimated by the prior art. To this end, we propose a novel SH method that
      optimizes the integration of the anchors, such that the features can be better
      embedded and binarized, termed as Sparse Hashing with Optimized Anchor Embedding.
      The central idea is to push the anchors far from the axis while preserving their
      relative positions so as to generate similar hashcodes for neighboring features.
      We formulate this idea as an orthogonality constrained maximization problem and
      an efficient and novel optimization framework is systematically exploited.
      Extensive experiments on five benchmark image data sets demonstrate that our
      method outperforms several state-of-the-art related methods.

PMID- 28092560
TI  - Diffeomorphic Multi-Frame Non-Rigid Registration of Cell Nuclei in 2D and 3D Live
      Cell Images.
AB  - To gain a better understanding of cellular and molecular processes, it is
      important to quantitatively analyze the motion of subcellular particles in live
      cell microscopy image sequences. Since, generally, the subcellular particles move
      and cell nuclei move as well as deform, it is important to decouple the movement
      of particles from that of the cell nuclei using non-rigid registration methods.
      We have developed a diffeomorphic multi-frame approach for non-rigid registration
      of cell nuclei in 2D and 3D live cell fluorescence microscopy images. Our non
      rigid registration approach is based on local optic flow estimation, exploits
      information from multiple consecutive image frames, and determines diffeomorphic
      transformations in the log-domain, which allows efficient computation of the
      inverse transformations. To register single images of an image sequence to a
      reference image, we use a temporally weighted mean image, which is constructed
      based on inverse transformations and multiple consecutive frames. Using multiple
      consecutive frames improves the registration accuracy compared to pairwise
      registration, and using a temporally weighted mean image significantly reduces
      the computation time compared with previous work. In addition, we use a flow
      boundary preserving method for regularization of computed deformation vector
      fields, which prevents from over-smoothing compared to standard Gaussian
      filtering. Our approach has been successfully applied to 2D and 3D synthetic as
      well as real live cell microscopy image sequences, and an experimental comparison
      with non-rigid pairwise, multi-frame, and temporal groupwise registration has
      been carried out.

PMID- 28092561
TI  - Realistic Data-Driven Traffic Flow Animation Using Texture Synthesis.
AB  - We present a novel data-driven approach to populate virtual road networks with
      realistic traffic flows. Specifically, given a limited set of vehicle
      trajectories as the input samples, our approach first synthesizes a large set of
      vehicle trajectories. By taking the spatio-temporal information of traffic flows
      as a 2D texture, the generation of new traffic flows can be formulated as a
      texture synthesis process, which is solved by minimizing a newly developed
      traffic texture energy. The synthesized output captures the spatio-temporal
      dynamics of the input traffic flows, and the vehicle interactions in it strictly
      follow traffic rules. After that, we position the synthesized vehicle trajectory
      data to virtual road networks using a cage-based registration scheme, where a few
      traffic-specific constraints are enforced to maintain each vehicle's original
      spatial location and synchronize its motion in concert with its neighboring
      vehicles. Our approach is intuitive to control and scalable to the complexity of
      virtual road networks. We validated our approach through many experiments and
      paired comparison user studies.

PMID- 28092562
TI  - Line Graph or Scatter Plot? Automatic Selection of Methods for Visualizing Trends
      in Time Series.
AB  - Line graphs are usually considered to be the best choice for visualizing time
      series data, whereas sometimes also scatter plots are used for showing main
      trends. So far there are no guidelines that indicate which of these visualization
      methods better display trends in time series for a given canvas. Assuming that
      the main information in a time series is its overall trend, we propose an
      algorithm that automatically picks the visualization method that reveals this
      trend best. This is achieved by measuring the visual consistency between the
      trend curve represented by a LOESS fit and the trend described by a scatter plot
      or a line graph. To measure the consistency between our algorithm and user
      choices, we performed an empirical study with a series of controlled experiments
      that show a large correspondence. In a factor analysis we furthermore demonstrate
      that various visual and data factors have effects on the preference for a certain
      type of visualization.

PMID- 28092563
TI  - Effects of Different Types of Virtual Reality Display on Presence and Learning in
      a Safety Training Scenario.
AB  - The increasing availability of head-mounted displays (HMDs) for home use
      motivates the study of the possible effects that adopting this new hardware might
      have on users. Moreover, while the impact of display type has been studied for
      different kinds of tasks, it has been scarcely explored in procedural training.
      Our study considered three different types of displays used by participants for
      training in aviation safety procedures with a serious game. The three displays
      were respectively representative of: (i) desktop VR (a standard desktop monitor),
      (ii) many setups for immersive VR used in the literature (an HMD with narrow
      field of view and a 3-DOF tracker), and (iii) new setups for immersive home VR
      (an HMD with wide field of view and 6-DOF tracker). We assessed effects on
      knowledge gain, and different self-reported measures (self-efficacy, engagement,
      presence). Unlike previous studies of display type that measured effects only
      immediately after the VR experience, we considered also a longer time span (2
      weeks). Results indicated that the display type played a significant role in
      engagement and presence. The training benefits (increased knowledge and self
      efficacy) were instead obtained, and maintained at two weeks, regardless of the
      display used. The paper discusses the implications of these results.

PMID- 28092564
TI  - Static Versus Dynamic Decoding Algorithms in a Non-Invasive Body-Machine
      Interface.
AB  - In this study, we consider a non-invasive body-machine interface that captures
      body motions still available to people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and maps
      them into a set of signals for controlling a computer user interface while
      engaging in a sustained level of mobility and exercise. We compare the
      effectiveness of two decoding algorithms that transform a high-dimensional body
      signal vector into a lower dimensional control vector on six subjects with high
      level SCI and eight controls. One algorithm is based on a static map from current
      body signals to the current value of the control vector set through principal
      component analysis (PCA), the other on dynamic mapping a segment of body signals
      to the value and the temporal derivatives of the control vector set through a
      Kalman filter. SCI and control participants performed straighter and smoother
      cursor movements with the Kalman algorithm during center-out reaching, but their
      movements were faster and more precise when using PCA. All participants were able
      to use the BMI's continuous, two-dimensional control to type on a virtual
      keyboard and play pong, and performance with both algorithms was comparable.
      However, seven of eight control participants preferred PCA as their method of
      virtual wheelchair control. The unsupervised PCA algorithm was easier to train
      and seemed sufficient to achieve a higher degree of learnability and perceived
      ease of use.

PMID- 28092565
TI  - A Passive EEG-BCI for Single-Trial Detection of Changes in Mental State.
AB  - Traditional brain-computer interfaces often exhibit unstable performance over
      time. It has recently been proposed that passive brain-computer interfaces may
      provide a way to complement and stabilize these traditional systems. In this
      study, we investigated the feasibility of a passive brain-computer interface that
      uses electroencephalography to monitor changes in mental state on a single-trial
      basis. We recorded cortical activity from 15 locations while 11 able-bodied
      adults completed a series of challenging mental tasks. Using a feature clustering
      algorithm to account for redundancy in EEG signal features, we classified self
      reported changes in fatigue, frustration, and attention levels with 74.8 +/-
      9.1%, 71.6 +/- 5.6%, and 84.8 +/- 7.4% accuracy, respectively. Based on the most
      frequently-selected features across all participants, we note the importance of
      the frontal and central electrodes for fatigue detection, posterior alpha band
      and frontal beta band activity for frustration detection, and posterior alpha
      band activity for attention detection. Future work will focus on integrating
      these results with an active brain-computer interface.

PMID- 28092566
TI  - WAKE-Up Exoskeleton to Assist Children With Cerebral Palsy: Design and
      Preliminary Evaluation in Level Walking.
AB  - This paper presents the modular design and control of a novel compliant lower
      limbmulti-joint exoskeleton for the rehabilitation of ankle kneemobility and
      locomotion of pediatric patients with neurological diseases, such as Cerebral
      Palsy (CP). The device consists of an untethered powered knee-ankle-foot orthosis
      (KAFO), addressed as WAKE-up (Wearable Ankle Knee Exoskeleton), characterized by
      a position control and capable of operating synchronously and synergistically
      with the human musculoskeletal system. The WAKE-up mechanical system, control
      architecture and feature extraction are described. Two test benches were used to
      mechanically characterize the device. The full system showed a maximum value of
      hysteresis equal to 8.8% and a maximum torque of 5.6 N m/rad. A pre-clinical use
      was performed, without body weight support, by four typically developing children
      and three children with CP. The aims were twofold: 1) to test the structure under
      weight-bearing conditions and 2) to ascertain its ability to provide appropriate
      assistance to the ankle and the knee during overground walking in a real
      environment. Results confirm the effectiveness of the WAKE-up design in providing
      torque assistance in accordance to the volitionalmovements especially in the
      recovery of correct foot landing at the start of the gait cycle.

PMID- 28092567
TI  - Inter-Joint Coordination Deficits Revealed in the Decomposition of Endpoint Jerk
      During Goal-Directed Arm Movement After Stroke.
AB  - It is well documented that neurological deficits after stroke can disrupt motor
      control processes that affect the smoothness of reaching movements. The
      smoothness of hand trajectories during multi-joint reaching depends on shoulder
      and elbow joint angular velocities and their successive derivatives as well as on
      the instantaneous arm configuration and its rate of change. Right-handed
      survivors of unilateral hemiparetic stroke and neurologically-intact control
      participants held the handle of a two-joint robot and made horizontal planar
      reaching movements. We decomposed endpoint jerk into components related to
      shoulder and elbow joint angular velocity, acceleration, and jerk. We observed an
      abnormal decomposition pattern in the most severely impaired stroke survivors
      consistent with deficits of inter-joint coordination. We then used numerical
      simulations of reaching movements to test whether the specific pattern of inter
      joint coordination deficits observed experimentally could be explained by either
      a general increase in motor noise related to weakness or by an impaired ability
      to compensate for multi-joint interaction torque. Simulation results suggest that
      observed deficits in movement smoothness after stroke more likely reflect an
      impaired ability to compensate for multi-joint interaction torques rather than
      the mere presence of elevated motor noise.

PMID- 28092568
TI  - Equivalent Discrete-Time Channel Modeling for Molecular Communication With
      Emphasize on an Absorbing Receiver.
AB  - This paper introduces the equivalent discrete-time channel model (EDTCM) to the
      area of diffusion-based molecular communication (DBMC). Emphasis is on an
      absorbing receiver, which is based on the so-called first passage time concept.
      In the wireless communications community the EDTCM is well known. Therefore, it
      is anticipated that the EDTCM improves the accessibility of DBMC and supports the
      adaptation of classical wireless communication algorithms to the area of DBMC.
      Furthermore, the EDTCM has the capability to provide a remarkable reduction of
      computational complexity compared to random walk based DBMC simulators. Besides
      the exact EDTCM, three approximations thereof based on binomial, Gaussian, and
      Poisson approximation are proposed and analyzed in order to further reduce
      computational complexity. In addition, the Bahl-Cocke-Jelinek-Raviv (BCJR)
      algorithm is adapted to all four channel models. Numerical results show the
      performance of the exact EDTCM, illustrate the performance of the adapted BCJR
      algorithm, and demonstrate the accuracy of the approximations.

PMID- 28092569
TI  - Discovery of microRNAs and Transcription Factors Co-Regulatory Modules by
      Integrating Multiple Types of Genomic Data.
AB  - It is well known that regulators known as microRNA (miRNA) and transcription
      factor (TF) have been found to play an important role in gene regulation.
      However, there are few researches of collaborative regulatory (co-regulatory)
      mechanism between miRNA and TF on system level (function level). Meanwhile,
      recent advances in high-throughput genomic technologies have enabled researchers
      to collect diverse large-scale genomic data, which can be used to study the co
      regulatory mechanism between miRNA and TF. In this paper, we propose a novel
      method called Sparse Network regularized non-negative matrix factorization for co
      regulatory modules identification which adopts multiple non-negative matrix
      factorization framework to identify co-regulatory modules including miRNAs, TFs
      and genes. This method jointly integrates miRNA, TF and gene expression profiles,
      and additional priori networks were added in a regularized manner. In addition,
      to avoid the sparsity of these networks, we employ the sparsity penalties to the
      variables to achieve modular solutions. The mathematical formulation can be
      effectively solved by an iterative multiplicative updating algorithm. We apply
      this method to multiple genomic data including the expression profiles of miRNAs,
      TFs and genes on breast cancer obtained from TCGA, priori miRNA-gene regulations,
      TF-gene regulations and gene-gene interactions. The results show that the miRNAs,
      TFs and genes of the co-regulatory modules are significantly associated and
      modules have a reasonable size distribution. Furthermore, the co-regulatory
      modules are significantly enriched in Gene Ontology biological processes and
      Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, respectively.

PMID- 28092570
TI  - Identifying Epigenetic Biomarkers using Maximal Relevance and Minimal Redundancy
      Based Feature Selection for Multi-Omics Data.
AB  - Epigenetic Biomarker discovery is an important task in bioinformatics. In this
      article, we develop a new framework of identifying statistically significant
      epigenetic biomarkers using maximal-relevance and minimal-redundancy criterion
      based feature (gene) selection for multi-omics dataset. Firstly, we determine the
      genes that have both expression as well as methylation values, and follow normal
      distribution. Similarly, we identify the genes which consist of both expression
      and methylation values, but do not follow normal distribution. For each case, we
      utilize a gene-selection method that provides maximal-relevant, but variable
      weighted minimum-redundant genes as top ranked genes. For statistical validation,
      we apply t-test on both the expression and methylation data consisting of only
      the normally distributed top ranked genes to determine how many of them are both
      differentially expressed andmethylated. Similarly, we utilize Limma package for
      performing non-parametric Empirical Bayes test on both expression and methylation
      data comprising only the non-normally distributed top ranked genes to identify
      how many of them are both differentially expressed and methylated. We finally
      report the top-ranking significant gene-markerswith biological validation.
      Moreover, our framework improves positive predictive rate and reduces false
      positive rate in marker identification. In addition, we provide a comparative
      analysis of our gene-selection method as well as othermethods based on
      classificationperformances obtained using several well-known classifiers.

PMID- 28092571
TI  - Machine Learned Replacement of N-Labels for Basecalled Sequences in DNA
      Barcoding.
AB  - This study presents a machine learning method that increases the number of
      identified bases in Sanger Sequencing. The system post-processes a KB basecalled
      chromatogram. It selects a recoverable subset of N-labels in the KB-called
      chromatogram to replace with basecalls (A,C,G,T). An N-label correction is
      defined given an additional read of the same sequence, and a human finished
      sequence. Corrections are added to the dataset when an alignment determines the
      additional read and human agree on the identity of the N-label. KB must also rate
      the replacement with quality value of in the additional read. Corrections are
      only available during system training. Developing the system, nearly 850,000 N
      labels are obtained from Barcode of Life Datasystems, the premier database of
      genetic markers called DNA Barcodes. Increasing the number of correct bases
      improves reference sequence reliability, increases sequence identification
      accuracy, and assures analysis correctness. Keeping with barcoding standards, our
      system maintains an error rate of percent. Our system only applies corrections
      when it estimates low rate of error. Tested on this data, our automation selects
      and recovers: 79 percent of N-labels from COI (animal barcode); 80 percent from
      matK and rbcL (plant barcodes); and 58 percent from non-protein-coding sequences
      (across eukaryotes).

PMID- 28092572
TI  - PSPEL: In Silico Prediction of Self-Interacting Proteins from Amino Acids
      Sequences Using Ensemble Learning.
AB  - Self interacting proteins (SIPs) play an important role in various aspects of the
      structural and functional organization of the cell. Detecting SIPs is one of the
      most important issues in current molecular biology. Although a large number of
      SIPs data has been generated by experimental methods, wet laboratory approaches
      are both time-consuming and costly. In addition, they yield high false negative
      and positive rates. Thus, there is a great need for in silico methods to predict
      SIPs accurately and efficiently. In this study, a new sequence-based method is
      proposed to predict SIPs. The evolutionary information contained in Position
      Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSM) is extracted from of protein with known sequence.
      Then, features are fed to an ensemble classifier to distinguish the self
      interacting and non-self-interacting proteins. When performed on Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae and Human SIPs data sets, the proposed method can achieve high
      accuracies of 86.86 and 91.30 percent, respectively. Our method also shows a good
      performance when compared with the SVM classifier and previous methods.
      Consequently, the proposed method can be considered to be a novel promising tool
      to predict SIPs.

PMID- 28092573
TI  - Environment Sensitivity-based Cooperative Co-evolutionary Algorithms for Dynamic
      Multi-objective Optimization.
AB  - Dynamic multi-objective optimization problems (DMOPs) not only involve multiple
      conflicting objectives, but these objectives may also vary with time, raising a
      challenge for researchers to solve them. This paper presents a cooperative co
      evolutionary strategy based on environment sensitivities for solving DMOPs. In
      this strategy, a new method that groups decision variables is first proposed, in
      which all the decision variables are partitioned into two subcomponents according
      to their interrelation with environment. Adopting two populations to
      cooperatively optimize the two subcomponents, two prediction methods, i.e.,
      differential prediction and Cauchy mutation, are then employed respectively to
      speed up their responses on the change of the environment. Furthermore, two
      improved dynamic multi-objective optimization algorithms, i.e., DNSGAII-CO and
      DMOPSO-CO, are proposed by incorporating the above strategy into NSGA-II and
      multi-objective particle swarm optimization, respectively. The proposed
      algorithms are compared with three state-of-the-art algorithms by applying to
      seven benchmark DMOPs. Experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithms
      significantly outperform the compared algorithms in terms of convergence and
      distribution on most DMOPs.

PMID- 28092574
TI  - Dynamics in Epistasis Analysis.
AB  - Finding regulatory relationships between genes, including the direction and
      nature of influence between them, is a fundamental challenge in the field of
      molecular genetics. One classical approach to this problem is epistasis analysis.
      Broadly speaking, epistasis analysis infers the regulatory relationships between
      a pair of genes in a genetic pathway by considering the patterns of change in an
      observable trait resulting from single and double deletion of genes. While
      classical epistasis analysis has yielded deep insights on numerous genetic
      pathways, it is not without limitations. Here, we explore the possibility of
      dynamic epistasis analysis, in which, in addition to performing genetic
      perturbations of a pathway, we drive the pathway by a time-varying upstream
      signal. We explore the theoretical power of dynamical epistasis analysis by
      conducting an identifiability analysis of Boolean models of genetic pathways,
      comparing static and dynamic approaches. We find that even relatively simple
      input dynamics greatly increases the power of epistasis analysis to discriminate
      alternative network structures. Further, we explore the question of experiment
      design, and show that a subset of short time-varying signals, which we call
      dynamic primitives, allow maximum discriminative power with a reduced number of
      experiments.

PMID- 28092575
TI  - A CMOS Current Steering Neurostimulation Array With Integrated DAC Calibration
      and Charge Balancing.
AB  - An 8-channel current steerable, multi-phasic neural stimulator with on-chip
      current DAC calibration and residue nulling for precise charge balancing is
      presented. Each channel consists of two sub-binary radix DACs followed by wide
      swing, high output impedance current buffers providing time-multiplexed source
      and sink outputs for anodic and cathodic stimulation. A single integrator is
      shared among channels and serves to calibrate DAC coefficients and to closely
      match the anodic and cathodic stimulation phases. Following calibration, the
      differential non-linearity is within +/-0.3 LSB at 8-bit resolution, and the two
      stimulation phases are matched within 0.3%. Individual control in digital
      programming of stimulation coefficients across the array allows altering the
      spatial profile of current stimulation for selection of stimulation targets by
      current steering. Combined with the self-calibration and current matching
      functions, the current steering capabilities integrated on-chip support use in
      fully implanted neural interfaces with autonomous operation for and adaptive
      stimulation under variations in electrode and tissue conditions. As a proof-of
      concept we applied current steering stimulation through a multi-channel cuff
      electrode on the sciatic nerve of a rat.

PMID- 28092576
TI  - Multiple-Instance Learning for Medical Image and Video Analysis.
AB  - Multiple-instance learning (MIL) is a recent machine-learning paradigm that is
      particularly well suited to medical image and video analysis (MIVA) tasks. Based
      solely on class labels assigned globally to images or videos, MIL algorithms
      learn to detect relevant patterns locally in images or videos. These patterns are
      then used for classification at a global level. Because supervision relies on
      global labels, manual segmentations are not needed to train MIL algorithms,
      unlike traditional single-instance learning (SIL) algorithms. Consequently, these
      solutions are attracting increasing interest from the MIVA community: since the
      term was coined by Dietterich et al. in 1997, 73 research papers about MIL have
      been published in the MIVA literature. This paper reviews the existing strategies
      for modeling MIVA tasks as MIL problems, recommends general-purpose MIL
      algorithms for each type of MIVA tasks, and discusses MIVA-specific MIL
      algorithms. Various experiments performed in medical image and video datasets are
      compiled in order to back up these discussions. This meta-analysis shows that,
      besides being more convenient than SIL solutions, MIL algorithms are also more
      accurate in many cases. In other words, MIL is the ideal solution for many MIVA
      tasks. Recent trends are discussed, and future directions are proposed for this
      emerging paradigm.

PMID- 28092578
TI  - Experienced Gray Wolf Optimization Through Reinforcement Learning and Neural
      Networks.
AB  - In this paper, a variant of gray wolf optimization (GWO) that uses reinforcement
      learning principles combined with neural networks to enhance the performance is
      proposed. The aim is to overcome, by reinforced learning, the common challenge of
      setting the right parameters for the algorithm. In GWO, a single parameter is
      used to control the exploration/exploitation rate, which influences the
      performance of the algorithm. Rather than using a global way to change this
      parameter for all the agents, we use reinforcement learning to set it on an
      individual basis. The adaptation of the exploration rate for each agent depends
      on the agent's own experience and the current terrain of the search space. In
      order to achieve this, experience repository is built based on the neural network
      to map a set of agents' states to a set of corresponding actions that
      specifically influence the exploration rate. The experience repository is updated
      by all the search agents to reflect experience and to enhance the future actions
      continuously. The resulted algorithm is called experienced GWO (EGWO) and its
      performance is assessed on solving feature selection problems and on finding
      optimal weights for neural networks algorithm. We use a set of performance
      indicators to evaluate the efficiency of the method. Results over various data
      sets demonstrate an advance of the EGWO over the original GWO and over other
      metaheuristics, such as genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization.

PMID- 28092577
TI  - Social Touch Technology: A Survey of Haptic Technology for Social Touch.
AB  - This survey provides an overview of work on haptic technology for social touch.
      Social touch has been studied extensively in psychology and neuroscience. With
      the development of new technologies, it is now possible to engage in social touch
      at a distance or engage in social touch with artificial social agents. Social
      touch research has inspired research into technology mediated social touch, and
      this line of research has found effects similar to actual social touch. The
      importance of haptic stimulus qualities, multimodal cues, and contextual factors
      in technology mediated social touch is discussed. This survey is concluded by
      reflecting on the current state of research into social touch technology, and
      providing suggestions for future research and applications.

PMID- 28092579
TI  - Cooperative Adaptive Output Regulation for Second-Order Nonlinear Multiagent
      Systems With Jointly Connected Switching Networks.
AB  - This paper studies the cooperative global robust output regulation problem for a
      class of heterogeneous second-order nonlinear uncertain multiagent systems with
      jointly connected switching networks. The main contributions consist of the
      following three aspects. First, we generalize the result of the adaptive
      distributed observer from undirected jointly connected switching networks to
      directed jointly connected switching networks. Second, by performing a new
      coordinate and input transformation, we convert our problem into the cooperative
      global robust stabilization problem of a more complex augmented system via the
      distributed internal model principle. Third, we solve the stabilization problem
      by a distributed state feedback control law. Our result is illustrated by the
      leader-following consensus problem for a group of Van der Pol oscillators.

PMID- 28092580
TI  - Determination of the Edge of Criticality in Echo State Networks Through Fisher
      Information Maximization.
AB  - It is a widely accepted fact that the computational capability of recurrent
      neural networks (RNNs) is maximized on the so-called "edge of criticality." Once
      the network operates in this configuration, it performs efficiently on a specific
      application both in terms of: 1) low prediction error and 2) high short-term
      memory capacity. Since the behavior of recurrent networks is strongly influenced
      by the particular input signal driving the dynamics, a universal, application
      independent method for determining the edge of criticality is still missing. In
      this paper, we aim at addressing this issue by proposing a theoretically
      motivated, unsupervised method based on Fisher information for determining the
      edge of criticality in RNNs. It is proved that Fisher information is maximized
      for (finite-size) systems operating in such critical regions. However, Fisher
      information is notoriously difficult to compute and requires the analytic form of
      the probability density function ruling the system behavior. This paper takes
      advantage of a recently developed nonparametric estimator of the Fisher
      information matrix and provides a method to determine the critical region of echo
      state networks (ESNs), a particular class of recurrent networks. The considered
      control parameters, which indirectly affect the ESN performance, are explored to
      identify those configurations lying on the edge of criticality and, as such,
      maximizing Fisher information and computational performance. Experimental results
      on benchmarks and real-world data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed
      method.

PMID- 28092581
TI  - An Integrated Maximum Current Density Approach for Noninvasive Detection of
      Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - We present a new approach of integrated maximum current density (IMCD) for the
      noninvasive detection of myocardial infarction (MI) using magnetocardiography
      (MCG) data acquired from a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)
      system. In this paper, we investigated the relationship of the maximum current
      density (MCD) in the current density map and the underlying equivalent current
      dipole (ECD) based on a novel method of reconstructing the ECD in the extremum
      circle of the magnetic field map. The performance of IMCD and the integrated ECD
      (IECD) approaches were also evaluated by using 61-channel MCG data from 39
      healthy subjects and 102 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI). Statistical analysis of the healthy and STEMI groups demonstrate that
      the IMCD approach obtains sensitivity and specificity up to 91.2% and 84.6%,
      somewhat higher than that of IECD, respectively. The results indicate that IMCD
      provides spatiotemporal information regarding cardiac electrical activity during
      ventricular repolarization. This approach may be helpful to diagnose MI in clinic
      application. The physical concept of the approach is also explained in this
      paper.

PMID- 28092582
TI  - Automatic Prediction of Health Status Using Smartphone-Derived Behavior Profiles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Current methods of assessing the affect patients' health has on their
      daily lives are extremely limited. The aim of this paper is to develop a sensor
      based approach to health status measurement in order to objectively measure
      health status. METHODS: Techniques to generate human behavior profiles, derived
      from the smartphone accelerometer and gyroscope sensors, are proposed.
      Experiments, using SVM regression models, are then conducted in order to evaluate
      the use of the proposed behavior profiles as a predictor of health status.
      RESULTS: Experiments were conducted on data from 171 participants, with an
      average of 114 h of data per participant. Regression models were trained and
      tested on the 10 SF-36 self-ratings. Results showed that the eight individual SF
      36 scales and two component scores could be predicted with an average correlation
      of 0.683 and 0.698, respectively. General health was predicted with an average
      correlation of 0.752. CONCLUSION: Research shows that the clinically important
      difference for SF-36 self-ratings are approximately 10 points. Health status
      prediction errors in this study were 11.7 points on average. While the problem
      has not been fully solved, this paper presents a hugely promising direction for
      health status prediction. SIGNIFICANCE: Using the proposed techniques, health
      status could be measured using unobtrusive, inexpensive, and already available
      hardware. It could provide a means for clinicians to accurately and objectively
      assess the daily life benefits of treatments on an individual patient basis.

PMID- 28092583
TI  - Deep Learning and Insomnia: Assisting Clinicians With Their Diagnosis.
AB  - Effective sleep analysis is hampered by the lack of automated tools catering to
      disordered sleep patterns and cumbersome monitoring hardware. In this paper, we
      apply deep learning on a set of 57 EEG features extracted from a maximum of two
      EEG channels to accurately differentiate between patients with insomnia or
      controls with no sleep complaints. We investigated two different approaches to
      achieve this. The first approach used EEG data from the whole sleep recording
      irrespective of the sleep stage (stage-independent classification), while the
      second used only EEG data from insomnia-impacted specific sleep stages (stage
      dependent classification). We trained and tested our system using both healthy
      and disordered sleep collected from 41 controls and 42 primary insomnia patients.
      When compared with manual assessments, an NREM + REM based classifier had an
      overall discrimination accuracy of 92% and 86% between two groups using both two
      and one EEG channels, respectively. These results demonstrate that deep learning
      can be used to assist in the diagnosis of sleep disorders such as insomnia.

PMID- 28092584
TI  - Temporally Coherent Illumination Normalization for Indocyanine Green Video
      Angiography.
AB  - Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography is an imaging method for doctors to observe
      choroidal abnormalities in human eyes. The ICG angiograms typically exhibit
      inhomogeneous illumination, which poses serious difficulties for the development
      of computer-aided diagnostic tools. In this paper, we propose a novel
      illumination normalization method to alleviate the inhomogeneous illumination in
      ICG video angiograms. In particular, we first align the viewpoint of the input
      ICG video angiogram using an image registration method. Then, we acquire temporal
      information using time-dependent intrinsic image and compute the corresponding
      illumination image. Finally, we correct inhomogeneous illumination from the
      illumination image by estimating contrast and luminosity distortion. We have
      conducted extensive evaluation using ICG video angiograms of 60 patients. Two
      video quality assessment methods are utilized to evaluate the performance of our
      proposed illumination normalization method. The results show that our proposed
      method can help improve the visual quality of ICG video angiogram. Visual
      evaluation by a human expert also confirms that our method yields better
      illumination normalization results.

PMID- 28092586
TI  - Consensus Problem Over High-Order Multiagent Systems With Uncertain
      Nonlinearities Under Deterministic and Stochastic Topologies.
AB  - The leaderless consensus problem over a class of high-order nonlinear multiagent
      systems (MASs) is studied. A robust protocol is proposed which guarantees
      achieving consensus in the network in the presences of uncertainties in agents
      models. Achieving consensus in the case of stochastic links failure is studied as
      well. Based on the concept super-martingales, it is shown that if the probability
      of the network connectivity is not zero, under some conditions, achieving almost
      sure consensus in the network can be guaranteed. Despite existing consensus
      protocols for high-order stochastic networks, the proposed consensus protocol in
      this paper is robust to uncertain nonlinearities in the agents models, and it can
      be designed independent of knowledge on the set of feasible topologies
      (topologies with nonzero probabilities). Numerical examples for a team of single
      link flexible joint manipulators with fourth-order models verify the accuracy of
      the proposed strategy for consensus control of high-order MASs with uncertain
      nonlinearities.

PMID- 28092585
TI  - Saliency-Based Lesion Segmentation Via Background Detection in Dermoscopic
      Images.
AB  - The segmentation of skin lesions in dermoscopic images is a fundamental step in
      automated computer-aided diagnosis of melanoma. Conventional segmentation
      methods, however, have difficulties when the lesion borders are indistinct and
      when contrast between the lesion and the surrounding skin is low. They also
      perform poorly when there is a heterogeneous background or a lesion that touches
      the image boundaries; this then results in under- and oversegmentation of the
      skin lesion. We suggest that saliency detection using the reconstruction errors
      derived from a sparse representation model coupled with a novel background
      detection can more accurately discriminate the lesion from surrounding regions.
      We further propose a Bayesian framework that better delineates the shape and
      boundaries of the lesion. We also evaluated our approach on two public datasets
      comprising 1100 dermoscopic images and compared it to other conventional and
      state-of-the-art unsupervised (i.e., no training required) lesion segmentation
      methods, as well as the state-of-the-art unsupervised saliency detection methods.
      Our results show that our approach is more accurate and robust in segmenting
      lesions compared to other methods. We also discuss the general extension of our
      framework as a saliency optimization algorithm for lesion segmentation.

PMID- 28092587
TI  - Learning Domain-Invariant Subspace Using Domain Features and Independence
      Maximization.
AB  - Domain adaptation algorithms are useful when the distributions of the training
      and the test data are different. In this paper, we focus on the problem of
      instrumental variation and time-varying drift in the field of sensors and
      measurement, which can be viewed as discrete and continuous distributional change
      in the feature space. We propose maximum independence domain adaptation (MIDA)
      and semi-supervised MIDA to address this problem. Domain features are first
      defined to describe the background information of a sample, such as the device
      label and acquisition time. Then, MIDA learns a subspace which has maximum
      independence with the domain features, so as to reduce the interdomain
      discrepancy in distributions. A feature augmentation strategy is also designed to
      project samples according to their backgrounds so as to improve the adaptation.
      The proposed algorithms are flexible and fast. Their effectiveness is verified by
      experiments on synthetic datasets and four real-world ones on sensors,
      measurement, and computer vision. They can greatly enhance the practicability of
      sensor systems, as well as extend the application scope of existing domain
      adaptation algorithms by uniformly handling different kinds of distributional
      change.

PMID- 28092588
TI  - A Many-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm Using A One-by-One Selection Strategy.
AB  - Most existing multiobjective evolutionary algorithms experience difficulties in
      solving many-objective optimization problems due to their incapability to balance
      convergence and diversity in the high-dimensional objective space. In this paper,
      we propose a novel many-objective evolutionary algorithm using a one-by-one
      selection strategy. The main idea is that in the environmental selection,
      offspring individuals are selected one by one based on a computationally
      efficient convergence indicator to increase the selection pressure toward the
      Pareto optimal front. In the one-by-one selection, once an individual is
      selected, its neighbors are de-emphasized using a niche technique to guarantee
      the diversity of the population, in which the similarity between individuals is
      evaluated by means of a distribution indicator. In addition, different methods
      for calculating the convergence indicator are examined and an angle-based
      similarity measure is adopted for effective evaluations of the distribution of
      solutions in the high-dimensional objective space. Moreover, corner solutions are
      utilized to enhance the spread of the solutions and to deal with scaled
      optimization problems. The proposed algorithm is empirically compared with eight
      state-of-the-art many-objective evolutionary algorithms on 80 instances of 16
      benchmark problems. The comparative results demonstrate that the overall
      performance of the proposed algorithm is superior to the compared algorithms on
      the optimization problems studied in this paper.

PMID- 28092589
TI  - Policy Iteration for $H_?infty $ Optimal Control of Polynomial Nonlinear Systems
      via Sum of Squares Programming.
AB  - Sum of squares (SOS) polynomials have provided a computationally tractable way to
      deal with inequality constraints appearing in many control problems. It can also
      act as an approximator in the framework of adaptive dynamic programming. In this
      paper, an approximate solution to the optimal control of polynomial nonlinear
      systems is proposed. Under a given attenuation coefficient, the Hamilton-Jacobi
      Isaacs equation is relaxed to an optimization problem with a set of inequalities.
      After applying the policy iteration technique and constraining inequalities to
      SOS, the optimization problem is divided into a sequence of feasible semidefinite
      programming problems. With the converged solution, the attenuation coefficient is
      further minimized to a lower value. After iterations, approximate solutions to
      the smallest -gain and the associated optimal controller are obtained. Four
      examples are employed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

PMID- 28092590
TI  - Adaptive Neural Synchronization Control for Bilateral Teleoperation Systems With
      Time Delay and Backlash-Like Hysteresis.
AB  - This paper considers the master and slave synchronization control for bilateral
      teleoperation systems with time delay and backlash-like hysteresis. Based on
      radial basis functions neural networks' approximation capabilities, two improved
      adaptive neural control approaches are developed. By Lyapunov stability analysis,
      the position and velocity tracking errors are guaranteed to converge to a small
      neighborhood of the origin. The contributions of this paper can be summarized as
      follows: 1) by using the matrix norm established using the weight vector of
      neural networks as the estimated parameters, two novel control schemes are
      developed and 2) the hysteresis inverse is not required in the proposed
      controllers. The simulations are performed, and the results show the
      effectiveness of the proposed method.

PMID- 28092591
TI  - Relational-Regularized Discriminative Sparse Learning for Alzheimer's Disease
      Diagnosis.
AB  - Accurate identification and understanding informative feature is important for
      early Alzheimer's disease (AD) prognosis and diagnosis. In this paper, we propose
      a novel discriminative sparse learning method with relational regularization to
      jointly predict the clinical score and classify AD disease stages using
      multimodal features. Specifically, we apply a discriminative learning technique
      to expand the class-specific difference and include geometric information for
      effective feature selection. In addition, two kind of relational information are
      incorporated to explore the intrinsic relationships among features and training
      subjects in terms of similarity learning. We map the original feature into the
      target space to identify the informative and predictive features by sparse
      learning technique. A unique loss function is designed to include both
      discriminative learning and relational regularization methods. Experimental
      results based on a total of 805 subjects [including 226 AD patients, 393 mild
      cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects, and 186 normal controls (NCs)] from AD
      neuroimaging initiative database show that the proposed method can obtain a
      classification accuracy of 94.68% for AD versus NC, 80.32% for MCI versus NC, and
      74.58% for progressive MCI versus stable MCI, respectively. In addition, we
      achieve remarkable performance for the clinical scores prediction and
      classification label identification, which has efficacy for AD disease diagnosis
      and prognosis. The algorithm comparison demonstrates the effectiveness of the
      introduced learning techniques and superiority over the state-of-the-arts
      methods.

PMID- 28092592
TI  - Adaptive Fuzzy Bounded Control for Consensus of Multiple Strict-Feedback
      Nonlinear Systems.
AB  - This paper studies the adaptive fuzzy bounded control problem for leader-follower
      multiagent systems, where each follower is modeled by the uncertain nonlinear
      strict-feedback system. Combining the fuzzy approximation with the dynamic
      surface control, an adaptive fuzzy control scheme is developed to guarantee the
      output consensus of all agents under directed communication topologies. Different
      from the existing results, the bounds of the control inputs are known as a
      priori, and they can be determined by the feedback control gains. To realize
      smooth and fast learning, a predictor is introduced to estimate each error
      surface, and the corresponding predictor error is employed to learn the optimal
      fuzzy parameter vector. It is proved that the developed adaptive fuzzy control
      scheme guarantees the uniformly ultimate boundedness of the closed-loop systems,
      and the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin. The
      simulation results and comparisons are provided to show the validity of the
      control strategy presented in this paper.

PMID- 28092593
TI  - Robust Estimation of ARX Models With Time Varying Time Delays Using Variational
      Bayesian Approach.
AB  - This paper is concerned with robust identification of processes with time-varying
      time delays. In reality, the delay values do not simply change randomly, but
      there is a correlation between consecutive delays. In this paper, the correlation
      of time delay is modeled by the transition probability of a Markov chain.
      Furthermore, the measured data are often contaminated by outliers, and therefore,
      -distribution is adopted to model the measurement noise. The variational Bayesian
      (VB) approach is applied to estimate the model parameters along with time delays.
      Compared with the classical expectation-maximization algorithm, VB approach has
      the advantage of capturing the uncertainty of the estimated parameter and time
      delays by providing their full probabilities. The effectiveness of the proposed
      method is demonstrated by both a numerical example and a pilot-scale hybrid-tank
      experiment.

PMID- 28092594
TI  - Adaptive Trajectory Tracking of Nonholonomic Mobile Robots Using Vision-Based
      Position and Velocity Estimation.
AB  - Despite tremendous efforts made for years, trajectory tracking control (TC) of a
      nonholonomic mobile robot (NMR) without global positioning system remains an open
      problem. The major reason is the difficulty to localize the robot by using its
      onboard sensors only. In this paper, a newly designed adaptive trajectory TC
      method is proposed for the NMR without its position, orientation, and velocity
      measurements. The controller is designed on the basis of a novel algorithm to
      estimate position and velocity of the robot online from visual feedback of an
      omnidirectional camera. It is theoretically proved that the proposed algorithm
      yields the TC errors to asymptotically converge to zero. Real-world experiments
      are conducted on a wheeled NMR to validate the feasibility of the control system.

PMID- 28092595
TI  - Command Filter-Based Adaptive Neural Tracking Controller Design for Uncertain
      Switched Nonlinear Output-Constrained Systems.
AB  - In this paper, a new adaptive approximation-based tracking controller design
      approach is developed for a class of uncertain nonlinear switched lower
      triangular systems with an output constraint using neural networks (NNs). By
      introducing a novel barrier Lyapunov function (BLF), the constrained switched
      system is first transformed into a new system without any constraint, which means
      the control objectives of the both systems are equivalent. Then command filter
      technique is applied to solve the so-called "explosion of complexity" problem in
      traditional backstepping procedure, and radial basis function NNs are directly
      employed to model the unknown nonlinear functions. The designed controller
      ensures that all the closed-loop variables are ultimately boundedness, while the
      output limit is not transgressed and the output tracking error can be reduced
      arbitrarily small. Furthermore, the use of an asymmetric BLF is also explored to
      handle the case of asymmetric output constraint as a generalization result.
      Finally, the control performance of the presented control schemes is illustrated
      via two examples.

PMID- 28092596
TI  - A General Framework of Dynamic Constrained Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms
      for Constrained Optimization.
AB  - A novel multiobjective technique is proposed for solving constrained optimization
      problems (COPs) in this paper. The method highlights three different
      perspectives: 1) a COP is converted into an equivalent dynamic constrained
      multiobjective optimization problem (DCMOP) with three objectives: a) the
      original objective; b) a constraint-violation objective; and c) a niche-count
      objective; 2) a method of gradually reducing the constraint boundary aims to
      handle the constraint difficulty; and 3) a method of gradually reducing the niche
      size aims to handle the multimodal difficulty. A general framework of the design
      of dynamic constrained multiobjective evolutionary algorithms is proposed for
      solving DCMOPs. Three popular types of multiobjective evolutionary algorithms,
      i.e., Pareto ranking-based, decomposition-based, and hype-volume indicator-based,
      are employed to instantiate the framework. The three instantiations are tested on
      two benchmark suites. Experimental results show that they perform better than or
      competitive to a set of state-of-the-art constraint optimizers, especially on
      problems with a large number of dimensions.

PMID- 28092597
TI  - Role of probiotics in nutrition and health of small ruminants.
AB  - Small ruminants represent an important economic source in small farm systems and
      agriculture. Feed is the main component of livestock farming, which has gained
      special attention to improve animal performance. Many studies have been done to
      improve feed utilisation through addition of feed additives. For a long period,
      antibiotics have been widely used as growth promoters in livestock diets. Due to
      their ban in many countries, search for alternative feed additives has been
      intensified. Probiotics are one of these alternatives recognised to be safe to
      the animals. Use of probiotics in small ruminant nutrition has been confirmed to
      improve animal health, productivity and immunity. Probiotics improved growth
      performance through enhancing of rumen microbial ecosystem, nutrient
      digestibility and feed conversion rate. Moreover, probiotics have been reported
      to stabilise rumen pH, increase volatile fatty acids production and to stimulate
      lactic acid utilising protozoa, resulting in a highly efficient rumen function.
      Furthermore, use of probiotics has been found to increase milk production and can
      reduce incidence of neonatal diarrhea and mortality. However, actual mechanisms
      through which probiotics exert these functions are not known. Since research on
      application of probiotics in small ruminants is scarce, the present review
      attempts to discuss the potential roles of this class of feed additives on
      productive performance and health status of these animals.

PMID- 28092598
TI  - Evaluation of venous blood gas levels, blood chemistry and haemocytometric
      parameters in milk fed veal calves at different periods of livestock cycle.
AB  - An evaluation of blood chemistry profile in relation to specific stages of
      livestock cycle can help better understand variations in physiological conditions
      in order to adjust management systems to animal needs. In addition to basal
      hematological investigation, the acid-base balance and blood gases are essential
      tools in evaluating metabolism in calves. The relationship between blood gas
      parameters, diet and growth should be further investigated. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate changes in acid-base status, blood gases, serum chemistry and
      hematological parameters in veal calves at different periods of livestock cycle.
      One hundred twenty-eight healthy cross breeding calves were enrolled in a farm in
      North-East Italy. Blood samplings were carried out from the jugular vein on day 1
      (t1), 60 (t2) and 150 (t3) after arrival. Blood gas analysis was performed and
      hematological parameters were evaluated. One-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc
      test were performed to assess differences between blood parameter values at the
      different periods. The main differences in blood gas parameter levels during the
      livestock cycle concerned pH, Base Excess and HCO3 with higher values recorded in
      t3. Urea, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and bilirubin mean values
      were significantly higher in t1 than in t2 and t3. Aspartate aminotransferase
      increased from t1 to t2 and t3. Alkaline Phosphatase was higher in t2. Fe levels
      severely dropped in t2 and in t3, and the decrease led to a restrained but
      significant reduction in haemoglobin values. A correspondent decrease in the
      other haemocytometric parameters was found.

PMID- 28092599
TI  - Wild boars (Sus scrofa) as bioindicators of environmental levels of selenium in
      Poland.
AB  - The objective of the study was to determine selenium content in selected organs
      (liver, kidney) of wild boars from different regions of Poland. Materials for the
      study were obtained from 28 sites located in 16 provinces of Poland. Selenium
      concentrations in organs were determined using spectrofluorometric methods after
      wet mineralization in HNO3 and HClO4 mixture. Mean selenium concentrations in the
      investigated wild boars from Poland were 0.230 MUg/g wet weight in the liver and
      1.327 MUg/g w.w. in the kidneys. Hepatic and nephric Se concentrations ranged
      from 0.036-0.626 MUg/g w.w. and 0.322-4.286 MUg/g w.w., respectively. Selenium
      concentrations in the wild boars differed considerably according to geographical
      location. Concentrations of selenium were highest in wild boars from south
      eastern provinces and lowest in animals from northern provinces. Most of Poland's
      area is environmentally deficient in this trace element, as evidenced by marginal
      selenium levels in the organs of the wild boars.

PMID- 28092600
TI  - Influence of horse breed on transepidermal water loss.
AB  - Non-invasive methods of skin condition assessment include, among others, the
      evaluation of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The aim of the study was to
      examine whether TEWL values depend on horse breed. The study was conducted on
      four breeds: "Felin" ponies (FP) (n=16), Polish koniks (PK) (n=15), Polish cold
      blooded horses (PcbH) (n=11) and Wielkopolska horses (WH) (n=12). It was found
      that horse breed influences TEWL values. In the neck region, statistically
      significant differences were found between PK and FP (p=0.006), and PK and WH
      (p=0.0005). In the lumbar region, there were statistically significant
      differences between FP and PK (p=0.0009), FP and PcbH (p=0.0016) as well as
      between PK and WH (p=0.000037), and PcbH and WH (p=0.0006). In the inguinal
      region statistically significant differences were found between FP and PK
      (p=0.0003), FP and PcbH (p=0.0005), PK and WH (p=0.009) and PcbH and WH
      (p=0.006). In the lip region statistically significant differences were observed
      between FP and PK (p=0.013) as well as between PK and PcbH (p=0.029) and PK and
      WH (p=0.009). In the examination of TEWL animal breed should be taken into
      consideration. The non-significant differences found in three of the examined
      body regions may suggest that these regions are the most adequate for TEWL
      assessment.

PMID- 28092601
TI  - Prevalence of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in Poland from 2010-2014.
AB  - This study investigated the prevalence of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH)
      infections during the past five years (2010-2014) in broiler chicken flocks in
      Poland. The diagnosis of IBH was based on anatomopathological investigations and
      histopathological analyzes. IBH was the most prevalent disease in broiler flocks
      in Poland (10.4%) during this time period, and occurred as a primary infection.
      The fewest cases of IBH occurred in the summer, suggesting that the temperature
      may have been a possible stressor that increased susceptibility to IBH. However,
      over the last 5 years the occurrence of clinical IBH cases in Poland has
      systematically decreased.

PMID- 28092602
TI  - The investigation of correlation among selected biochemical parameters and vital
      signs in dairy herd to design the bio-cybernetic dairy cow model.
AB  - The paper presents investigations of the relationship between the biochemical
      parameters and vital signs in dairy cows. We analyzed the welfare and functioning
      of a dairy herd using biochemical parameters and vital signs. Life and
      biochemical parameters were examined. In the model indicators useful for
      monitoring the herd are: the age of the cows, the number of cows' lactating,
      daily amount of received milk, length of lactation period for cows in the herd,
      the length of inter-calving period for cows, the number of days to effective
      insemination, the amount of protein in the feed, the level of beta-oxidation in
      leucocytes, glucose transport through red blood cells and plasma insulin. Based
      on the results the mathematical model was designed allowing the presentation of a
      cybernetic model of cow's organism. There was constructed a multi-equation model
      which determined the relationships between the selected variables describing the
      state of dairy cows in the herd and variables that characterize their welfare
      with its statistical verification.

PMID- 28092603
TI  - Gut microbiota isolated from the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and its
      antimicrobial resistance.
AB  - The aim of the study was to isolate cultivable gut microbiota from European pond
      turtles kept at the Lithuanian Zoo and to determine antimicrobial resistance of
      the isolates. The study subjects included 8 elderly turtles living at the
      Lithuanian Zoo for about 50 years as well as their offspring - 24 young
      individuals (1-2 years old) that were hatched at the same zoo. Animals were not
      exposed by treatment with antimicrobials during the last 3 years. Gut samples
      were taken from the cloaca and inoculated onto universal media. Isolates then
      were identified using sequence analysis of 16S rRNA. The antimicrobial
      susceptibility testing was performed using the agar diffusion method according to
      Kirby-Bauer. Clinical breakpoints according to CLSI whenever possible, were used
      for interpretation of susceptibility. Bacterial isolates resistant to at least
      three antimicrobials of different classes were treated as multi-resistant. Fifty
      two bacterial isolates were obtained and identified from turtle gut samples. The
      most prevalent genera included Aeromonas, Chryseobacterium and Citrobacter. Fifty
      percent of the isolates obtained from elderly turtles (CI 95% - 19.01-80.99) and
      54.8% (CI 95% - 39.75-69.85) of the isolates from young animals were identified
      as multi-resistant. The most common resistance rates of the isolates from both
      groups of the turtles were observed toward ampicillin (86.6%), ciprofloxacin
      (61.5%) and gentamicin (40.4%). The lowest number of resistant isolates were
      detected toward combination of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (26.9%). The study
      revealed that European pond turtles kept in captivity are carriers of multi
      resistant bacteria however, further studies need to be performed to investigate
      whether the resistant microorganisms are natural microbiota for this species or
      they were acquired in the zoo.

PMID- 28092604
TI  - Replication kinetics of neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic equine
      herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) strains in primary murine neurons and ED cell line.
AB  - Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory infections, abortion and
      neurological disorders in horses. Molecular epidemiology studies have
      demonstrated that a single-point mutation in DNA polymerase gene, resulting in an
      amino acid variation (N752/D752), is significantly associated with the
      neuropathogenic potential of EHV-1 strains. The aim of the study was to elucidate
      if there are any differences between neuropathogenic (EHV-1 26) and non
      neuropathogenic (Jan-E and Rac-H) EHV-1 strains in their ability to infect
      neuronal cells. For the tested EHV-1 strains, cytopathic effect (CPE) was
      manifested by changed morphology of cells, destruction of actin cytoskeleton and
      nuclei degeneration, which led to focal degeneration. Moreover, EHV-1 26 strain
      caused fusion of the infected cells to form syncytia in culture. Real-time PCR
      analysis demonstrated that both neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic EHV-1
      strains replicated in neurons and ED cells (equine dermal cell line) at a similar
      level. We can assume that a point mutation in the EHV-1 polymerase does not
      affect viral replication in this cell type.

PMID- 28092605
TI  - Molecular diversity of Clostridium botulinum and phenotypically similar strains.
AB  - This study was undertaken to examine phenotypic and genetic features of strains
      preliminary classified as Clostridium botulinum species. The phenotypic
      characteristics were assessed with different culture media and biochemical tests.
      The genetic characterization included detection of botulinum toxin genes by PCR
      and macrorestriction analysis with SmaI, XhoI and SacII by PFGE (Pulsed-field Gel
      Electrophoresis). Despite similar biochemical properties of all analysed strains,
      only 47% of them contained genes determining toxicity specific to C. botulinum
      species. The most valuable differentiation of C. botulinum and C. botulinum-like
      strains was obtained after SmaI digestion. The highest affinity was observed
      among C. botulinum type B profiles which was even up to 100%. It was found 100%
      of affinity between C. botulinum and C. botulinum-like strains, however, the
      similarity among C. botulinum and C. botulinum-like was generally lower than 80%.

PMID- 28092606
TI  - Molecular characterization and expression analysis of the NLR family CARD
      containing five transcripts in the pig.
AB  - The NOD-like receptor (NLR) family caspase recruitment domain-containing 5
      (NLRC5) is one of the newly discovered and largest NLR family members. The NLRC5
      has recently received extensive attention because of its important role in
      regulating innate and adaptive immune responses. The NLRC5 in many vertebrates,
      such as humans, mice, cattle, and horses, has already been proven and studied.
      However, the NLRC5 gene characteristics of pigs remain unclear. Thus, we
      completely cloned the NLRC5 cDNA sequence of the pig using the rapid
      amplification of cDNA ends(RACE) technology. A characteristic and tissue
      expression analysis was also conducted on the pig sequence. The sequence analysis
      showed that the complete cDNA sequence of the NLRC5 of the pig is 6638 bp, and
      the open reading frame is 5538 bp which encoded 1846 amino acids. The protein
      prediction analysis indicates that the overall performance of the NLRC5 protein
      of the pig is hydrophilic and possesses a typical nucleotide binding and
      oligomerization domain(NBD) and 20 leucine-rich repeats(LRRs). The homology
      analysis result indicates that the NLRC5 transcript in pigs is highly homologous
      to cattle, sheep, macaques, and humans, and accounts for around 80%. The genetic
      evolutionary tree analysis shows that the NLRC5 transcript in pigs has the
      closest evolutionary relationship with cattle and sheep. Further tissue
      expression analysis shows that immune organ systems (e.g., lymph node and spleen)
      and mucosa organs (e.g., intestinal lymph node, stomach, and lungs) possess high
      expressions with NLRC5 mRNA. The result of this study indicates that the NLRC5
      transcript in pigs is relatively conservative among mammals and may play a vital
      role in immune reaction, which provides a basis for further studies on the NLRC5
      function in the pig immune system and the role in comparative immunity.

PMID- 28092607
TI  - ProANP as a screening biomarker for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine coon
      cats.
AB  - : The aim of this study was to determine if atrial natriuretic peptide can be
      used as an early screening tool for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine coon
      cats. ANIMALS: The study was performed in 43 Maine coon cats of both sexes, aged
      11 to 92 months. Clinical and echocardiographic examinations were done and proANP
      serum concentrations were measured every three months over a period of one year
      (each cat had a total of five examinations). Cats were divided into 3 groups
      based on echocardiographic results: group 1 - healthy cats, group 2 - cats with
      unequivocal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy results, group 3 - cats with HCM. The
      study showed that the concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide correlates with
      the severity of HCM. A significant increase in serum concentration of this
      peptide was observed in cats from group 3, but it did not differ significantly
      between cats from group 2 and the healthy animals (p>0.05). A correlation was
      also found between proANP and age of the cats (p<0.01, r=0.5578) as well as
      between the ejection fraction (p=0.0285, r=0.5305) and end-systolic left
      ventricular diameter (p=0.05, r=0.48) in the affected animals. Atrial natriuretic
      peptide may be used to help in the diagnosis of advanced stages of HCM in Maine
      coon cats. Cats with high levels of proANP should be assigned to
      echocardiographic studies to confirm the disease.

PMID- 28092608
TI  - White and red blood cell picture in rabbits experimentally infected with strains
      of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) virus without or with variable
      haemagglutination capacity.
AB  - The aim of the study was to establish if haemagglutination of rabbit haemorrhagic
      disease virus (RHDV) affects haematological picture of peripheral blood in
      rabbits and the pathogenicity of the virus. The study analyzed white and red
      blood cell picture in rabbits experimentally infected with two non
      haemagglutinating (HA-) RHDV strains (Frankfurt and Asturias) and one strain with
      variable haemagglutination capacity (HA+/-) (Hagenow). Studies with HA- and HA +/
      are rare and relate only to 4 HA- strains (2 RHDV: BLA and Rainham; 2 RHDVa:
      Pv97 and 9905) and 1 HA+/- RHDV strain: ZD, where less changes in haematological
      indices and less pathogenicity were observed. We found that changes caused by HA-
      Frankfurt strain were related to the number of neutrophils and thrombocytes,
      while in HA- strain Asturias, in thrombocytes and leukocytes. Changes evoked by
      HA+/- Hagenow strain pertained to the number of eosinophils, thrombocytes,
      leukocytes, monocytes, and concentration of hemoglobin. Mortality caused by the
      Frankfurt strain was 100% between 36 and 48 h post infection (p.i.), while that
      caused by Asturias strain was 100% between 24 and 36 h p.i., and that observed in
      case of Hagenow strain was 90% between 36 and 48 h p.i. The changes in
      haematological picture caused by the HA- and HA+/- RHDV strains were less
      intensive than those found in case of the HA+ RHDV strains, which cannot be
      confirmed for pathogenicity, and is not in line with the existing hypothesis
      suggesting higher pathogenicity in HA+ viruses.

PMID- 28092609
TI  - Horse-Expert: An aided expert system for diagnosing horse diseases.
AB  - In contrast to the rapid development of the horse husbandry in China, the ability
      of horse veterinarians to diagnose diseases has not been improved and only a few
      domain experts have considerable expertise. At present, many expert systems have
      been developed for diseases diagnosis, but few for horse diseases diagnosis have
      been studied in depth. This paper presents the design and development of a
      computer-aided expert system for diagnosing horse diseases. We suggest an
      approach for diagnosis of horse diseases based on the analysis of diagnostic
      characteristics and the experiential knowledge of domain experts. It is based on
      using evidence-weighted uncertainty reasoning theory, which is a combination of
      evidence theory and an uncertainty pass algorithm of confidence factors. It
      enables drawing of inferences with atypical clinical signs and the uncertainty of
      the user's subjective understanding. It reduces the influence of subjective
      factors on diagnostic accuracy. The system utilizes a user friendly interface for
      users and requests a confidence factor from users when feedback is given to the
      system. Horse-Expert combines the confidence factors with weight factors assigned
      to clinical signs by experts during the knowledge acquisition process to make
      diagnostic conclusions. The system can diagnose 91 common horse diseases, and
      provides suggestions for appropriate treatment options. In addition, users can
      check the medical record through statistical charts. The system has been tested
      in seven demonstration areas of Xinjiang province in northwestern China. By
      constantly maintaining and updating the knowledge base, the system has potential
      application in veterinary practice.

PMID- 28092610
TI  - Effects of antioxidant vitamins (A, D, E) and trace elements (Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) on
      some metabolic and reproductive profiles in dairy cows during transition period.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effects of some antioxidant
      vitamins and trace elements on some metabolic and postpartum reproductive
      profiles in dairy cows during transition period. In the study, altogether 20
      clinically healthy Brown Swiss dairy cows (aged 4-5 years-old) under the same
      management and feeding conditions in periparturient period were used. The animals
      were divided into two equal groups: control (C) and treatment (T) group (n=10 for
      each group). Vitamins (A, D, E) and trace elements (Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) were
      administered intramuscularly into the cows of the T group, while isotonic saline,
      as placebo, was injected subcutaneously into those in the C group. Blood samples
      were collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein at the beginning of transition
      period, parturition and 3-weeks after the parturition. The metabolic and
      reproductive parameters were determined. In the C group, statistically
      significant changes were observed in the levels of non-esterified fatty acids
      (NEFA), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total
      protein (TP) (p<0.05), glucose (GLU), progesterone (P4) (p<0.01), total
      cholesterol (T.CHOL), triglycerides (TG), UREA, creatinine (CRSC) and total
      bilirubin (TBIL) (p<0.001). In the T group, significant changes in the levels of
      NEFA, TBIL (p<0.05), T.CHOL, HDL, LDL (p<0.01), TG, GLU, P4, TAC and TOC
      (p<0.001) were observed. It was concluded that the administration of various
      vitamins and trace elements could be effective to improve some metabolic and
      reproductive profiles in dairy cows during the transition period.

PMID- 28092611
TI  - Prevalence of Bovine herpesvirus type 4 in aborting dairy cows.
AB  - Bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BHV-4) is related to many different conditions:
      infertility, postpartal metritis, vulvovaginitis, mastitis, encephalitis, calf
      pneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis, cutaneous lesions, digital dermatitis and
      abortion. In this study a retrospective PCR examination of 100 extracted DNA
      samples from aborting cows was performed in order to determine: prevalence of BHV
      4 in abortive cattle, whether coinfections BHV-4 with other abortifacient
      pathogens are present in the same sample and to determine the month of gestation
      when BHV-4 associated abortions were detected. Out of 100 examined samples, the
      BHV-4 genome was detected in 21 samples (21%). In two samples we detected
      coinfection of BHV-4 with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and in one with
      Neospora caninum. Most of the BHV-4-associated abortions were detected during the
      seventh month of gestation. It was concluded that an active BHV-4 infection was
      present among cows that aborted on the farms examined. The high prevalence of the
      BHV-4 genome in abortion material suggests that this virus may have cause the
      abortions. Further studies and examinations are needed to establish causative
      connection between presence of BHV-4 and abortion.

PMID- 28092612
TI  - Evaluation of serum cytokine levels in recurrent airway obstruction.
AB  - Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) represents a serious health problem and is
      traditionally classified as an allergic disease, where contact with an antigen
      can induce clinical airway inflammation, bronchial hyper-responsiveness and
      reversible airway obstruction. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of
      the Th2 response in the lungs of human patients with asthma and horses with
      heaves. These cells are involved in the production of cytokines which regulate
      the synthesis of immunoglobulins. 40 horses were evaluated: 30 horses with RAO
      and 10 healthy animals. The expression levels of interferon-alpha 1 (IFN-alpha1),
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-1beta, (IL-1beta), IL-2, IL-4, IL-13
      and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured in the serum obtained
      from control and RAO-susceptible horses during crisis. In all the patients, serum
      cytokine levels were detected. Serum median IL-13 and IFN-gamma levels were
      significantly higher in RAO-affected horses than in the healthy group (p <
      0.001). The serum median IFN-alpha1, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, and TNF-alpha levels
      were similar in both groups. These results indicate a low variability of the
      levels of cytokines and a high frequency of their detection in serum samples from
      horses with RAO. Immune mechanisms involved in equine RAO are more complex than
      those defined by a simple Th1/Th2 dichotomy.

PMID- 28092613
TI  - Effects of udder infections with Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus
      warneri on the composition and physicochemical changes in cows milk.
AB  - The aim of this study was an evaluation of the effects of two species of
      coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus
      warneri, on the changes in technological parameters of cows' milk. The study was
      conducted in a herd of Slovak Pied cattle breed (with share of HF blood). Based
      on the performance results from three subsequent months, cows in the 2nd and 3rd
      lactation with SCC up to 200 thousand/ml (8 heads, 32 quarters), and above 800
      thousand/ml (8 heads, 32 quarters), after the 4th month of lactation, were
      selected. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, total bacteria
      count, somatic cell count; basic milk composition and physicochemical properties
      were also examined. The research has found the impact of bacterial infection on
      the increasing (p<0.05) of the number of somatic cells and a decrease (p<0.01) in
      protein levels in milk due to both types of staphylococci. There was a
      significant (p<0.05) reduction in C8: 0, C10: 0 and the total amount of saturated
      fatty acids in the milk of the infected cows in comparison to the healthy ones.
      The research also revealed higher (p<0.01) levels of C14: 0 and C20: 1 in milk
      from the healthy cows.

PMID- 28092614
TI  - The distribution of different virulence grass carp reovirus strains in some
      neglected tissues.
AB  - Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) is the causative agent of hemorrhagic disease in
      infected grass carp. During an outbreak, a mortality rate of up to 85% can be
      experienced, thus leading to substantial economic losses. The current
      understanding of disease pathogenesis is limited, with the distribution and
      dynamics of replication amongst different GCRV strains in vivo largely unknown.
      We determined distribution of different GCRV strains in infected grass carp,
      especially in some neglected tissues, such as the gill, brain, blood and so on.
      The results showed elevated viral RNA copy numbers in the blood, with some
      tissues such as the kidney, heart, brain, and bladder exhibiting even higher
      viral loads following infection with the virulent GCRV-CL strain. Even more
      interesting is that the brain exhibited the highest viral load, with a copy
      number of 800,000 following GCRV-CL infection. Overall, this study provides
      further insight into GCRV viral load distributions following infection and
      potentially identified some new viral tropism sites to provide a foundation for
      further studies aimed at characterizing GCRV viral pathogenesis.

PMID- 28092615
TI  - Immunoreactivity of arcuate nucleus astrocytes in rats after intragastric
      administration of habanero peppers (Capsicum Chinese Jacq.).
AB  - Habanero pepper fruits contain capsaicin (CAP) characterised by a spicy taste.
      Astrocytes express vanilloid receptor (TRPV1), which interacts with cannabinoids
      including CAP. Only a few studies revealed that CAP leads to alterations of the
      arcuate nucleus (ARC) structures. The aim of this study was to analyse the GFAP
      (GFAP-IR) and S100beta (S100beta-IR) immunoreactive astrocytes of ARC in adult
      rats after intragastric administration of habanero pepper fruits. Adult, Wistar
      rats received a peanut oil - control group (C) - and oil suspension of habanero
      pepper fruits at a dose of 0.08 g dm/kg b.w. for 7 days - E1 group - and 28 days 
      E2 group. After euthanasia, the brains were embedded in paraffin blocks using a
      routine histological technique. Frontal slices of ARC were immunohistochemically
      stained for GFAP and S100beta using specific antibodies in the peroxidase
      antiperoxidase method. Astrocytes of ARC were morphologically and
      morphometrically analysed under a light microscope. The results of the study did
      not reveal statistically significant changes in the density of GFAP-IR cells in
      E1 and E2 groups of rats in comparison with group C. A statistically significant
      increase in the density of S100beta-IR astrocytes was observed in the E1 group
      and a decrease in the E2 group. Astrocytes with expression of both studied
      proteins were characterised by morphological alterations in ARC in the E2 group.
      The obtained results suggest an influence of CAP contained in habanero pepper
      fruits on the reactivity of astroglia, which may have an impact on the astrocyte
      neuron interactions in order to maintain a proper activity of nervous cells in
      ARC.

PMID- 28092616
TI  - Generation and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against duck Tembusu
      virus envelope protein.
AB  - Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is a newly emerging pathogenic flavivirus that has
      caused massive economic losses to the duck industry in China. Envelope (E)
      protein of DTMUV is an important structural protein, which is able to induce
      protective immune response in target animals and can be used as specific
      serological diagnosis tool. In this study, a novel monoclonal antibody,
      designated mAb 3E9, was generated against DTMUV E protein. It is positive in
      indirect ELISA against both His-E protein and the purified whole viral antigen.
      Also, this mAb showed positive reaction with DTMUV in Western blot and indirect
      immunofluorescence assay, and the isotype was IgG1. End-point neutralizing assay
      performed in BHK-21 cells revealed that the neutralization titer of 3E9 against
      DTMUV JS804 strain reached 1:50. Furthermore, functional studies revealed that
      3E9 blocks infection of DTMUV at a step on viral attachment. The anti-E mAbs
      produced in the present work may be valuable in developing an antigen-capture
      ELISA test for antigen detection or a competitive ELISA test for antibody
      detection or therapeutic medicine for DTMUV in poultry.

PMID- 28092617
TI  - Supplementation of pigs diet with zinc and copper as alternative to conventional
      antimicrobials.
AB  - Modern commercial pig farming systems inflict increased stress in animals, which
      often leads to various negative changes in the gastro-intestinal tract,
      especially in the case of piglets. Ban of antibiotics, used as growth promoters,
      has caused a need for alternatives to conventional antimicrobials in swine diets.
      Use of pre-/or probiotics, organic acids and plant extracts is often recommended,
      but it seems that zinc oxide and cooper salts, which were traditionally included
      in high doses to piglets diet, possess the highest efficacy. In commercial
      conditions feeding piglets with high doses of Zn and/or Cu stimulates piglets
      daily gain and decreases feed conversion factor. However, as heavy metals Zn and
      Cu tend to accumulate in soil and cause serious environmental pollution of soil
      and tap-water. Furthermore, high zinc concentrations (2500/3000 mg/kg feed) in
      feed may have an impact on development of antimicrobial resistance, and may
      regulate the expression of genes that modify piglets' immune response. Therefore,
      the use of high doses of ZnO and/or Cu salts, as growth promoter, has always been
      a subject of discussion, and caused different legal status of such treatment in
      various EU countries. This short review describes current European Food Safety
      Authority (EFSA) point of view on the use of ZnO in medicated feed. The higher
      bioavailability of recently introduced new sources or forms of these metals
      allows for substantial reduction of dietary inclusion rate, which should have a
      positive outcome for pigs health and the environment.

PMID- 28092618
TI  - Evaluation of portable blood glucose meters using canine and feline pooled blood
      samples.
AB  - This study evaluated the accuracy and reproducibility of a human portable blood
      glucose meter (PBGM) for canine and feline whole blood. Reference plasma glucose
      values (RPGV) were concurrently measured using glucose oxidation methods. Fifteen
      healthy dogs and 6 healthy cats were used for blood sampling. Blood glucose
      concentrations and hematocrits were adjusted using pooled blood samples for our
      targeted values. A positive correlation between the PBGM and RPGV was found for
      both dogs (y = 0.877, x = -24.38, r = 0.9982, n = 73) and cats (y = 1.048, x = 
      27.06, r = 0.9984, n = 69). Acceptable results were obtained in error grid
      analysis between PBGM and RPGV in both dogs and cats; 100% of these results were
      within zones A and B. Following ISO recommendations, a PBGM is considered
      accurate if 95% of the measurements are within +/- 15 mg/dl of the RPGV when the
      glucose concentration is <100 mg/dl and within +/-15% when it is >=100 mg/dl;
      however, small numbers of samples were observed inside the acceptable limits for
      both dogs (11%, 8 of 73 dogs) and cats (39%, 27 of 69 cats). Blood samples with
      high hematocrits induced lower whole blood glucose values measured by the PBGM
      than RPGV under hypoglycemic, normoglycemic, and hyperglycemic conditions in both
      dogs and cats. Therefore, this device is not clinically useful in dogs and cats.
      New PBGMs which automatically compensate for the hematocrit should be developed
      in veterinary practice.

PMID- 28092619
TI  - Concentration of lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G in cows' milk in relation to
      health status of the udder, lactation and season.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze an effect of udder health status, somatic
      cell count (SCC), stage and number of lactations, and different seasons on the
      concentration of lactoferrin (LF) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in quarter milk
      samples (n=120) from crossbreed (Lithuanian Black-and-White & Holstein) dairy
      cows. Quarter health status was based on SCC and microbiological analysis. The
      highest mean value of LF and IgG were observed in quarters with subclinical
      mastitis 0.1 +/- 0.02 mg/ml and 0.41 +/- 0.06 mg/ml, respectively. Grouping the
      data according to SCC revealed increased LF (0.07 +/- 0.01 mg/ml as against 0.06
      +/- 0.01 mg/ml) and IgG values (0.27 +/- 0.05 mg/ml as against 0.23 +/- 0.02
      mg/ml) in DQ (SCC from 201,000 >= 401,000 cells/ml) compared to HQ (SCC up to
      200,000 cells/ml). The milk LF and IgG levels were effected by stage of lactation
      (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) and season of the year (p<0.001 and p<0.001,
      respectively). Nevertheless, SCC and subsequent lactation (p>0.05) had no effect
      on these immunity components.

PMID- 28092620
TI  - Correlation between peripheral blood cell transcriptomic profile and clinical
      parameters of chronic mitral valve disease in Dachshunds.
AB  - Studies identifying specific pathologically expressed genes have been performed
      on diseased myocardial tissue samples, however less invasive studies on gene
      expression of peripheral blood mononucleated cells give promising results. This
      study assessed transcriptomic data that may be used to evaluate Dachshunds with
      chronic mitral valve disease. Dachshunds with different stages of heart disease
      were compared to a control, healthy group. Microarray data analysis revealed
      clusters of patients with similar expression profiles. The clusters were compared
      to the clinical classification scheme. Unsupervised classification of the studied
      groups showed three clusters. Clinical and laboratory parameters of patients from
      the cluster 1 were in accordance with those found in patients without heart
      disease. Data obtained from patients from the cluster 3 were typical of advanced
      heart failure patients. Comparison of the cluster 1 and 3 groups revealed 1133
      differentially expressed probes, 7 significantly regulated process pathways and 2
      significantly regulated Ariadne Metabolic Pathways. This study may serve as a
      guideline for directing future research on gene expression in chronic mitral
      valve disease.

PMID- 28092621
TI  - Cholesterol Deficiency - new genetic defect transmitted to Polish Holstein
      Friesian cattle.
AB  - The aim of the study was to find out whether carriers of new genetic defect
      Cholesterol Deficiency (CD) occur in the population of Polish Holstein-Friesian
      bulls. Twenty seven bulls were included in the analysis. Bulls were selected as
      having in the pedigree known carrier of CD (Maughlin Storm CANM000005457798). All
      bulls were diagnosed by the test described by Menzi et al. (2016) by using allele
      specific PCR. Among 27 bulls, 9 new CD carriers were found. Our results show that
      causal mutation for CD is already transmitted to Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle.
      The results are sufficient ground to take practical action in order to avoid
      further spreading of mutation causing CD.

PMID- 28092622
TI  - Electroencephalographic changes associated with non-invasive nociceptive stimulus
      in minimally anaesthetised dogs.
AB  - Electroencephalography (EEG) has been reported as an objective, non-invasive and
      stress free technique for nociceptive studies. Electrical stimuli can be used to
      evaluate the efficacy of centrally acting agents. Peripheral nerve stimulator can
      be a good and cheap source of electric stimulus for studies of nociception, and
      studies evaluating analgesic effect of drugs under EEG. In this study suitability
      of peripheral nerve stimulator, and milliamperage for nociceptive studies under
      electroencephalography were evaluated. Six dogs were subjected to electric
      stimulus of 20, 40, 60 and 80 milliamperes (mAs) before and after tramadol
      administration at 4 mg/kg IV. Electroencephalograph was recorded during electric
      stimulus prior tramadol (pre-tramadol) and during electric stimulus after
      tramadol (post-tramadol) under minimal anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was induced with
      propofol and maintained with halothane at a stable concentration between 0.85 and
      0.95%. Pre-tramadol median frequency (MF) increased significantly (p<0.05) at 40,
      60 and 80 mAs post-electric stimulus compared to baseline MF. No difference in
      pre-tramadol MF was observed between 60 and 80 mAs. Tramadol produced significant
      effect by depression of MF at all intensities. The effect was less evident at 80
      mAs. The results revealed that tramadol produced evident effect between 20 and 60
      mAs. Thus, it is concluded that nerve stimulator can be used with the current
      between 20 and 60 mAs for nociceptive studies.

PMID- 28092623
TI  - Ultrasonography: a method used for pregnancy imaging of the fire salamander
      (Salamandra salamandra).
AB  - Ultrasound imaging has more frequently been used in veterinary medicine of
      amphibians and reptiles. In this study, we have verified the usefulness of
      ultrasound imaging in pregnancy determination of the fire salamander Salamandra
      salamandra. We have also undertaken to estimate the number of larvae and their
      developmental stage directly in the oviducts. Three gravid females from Lower
      Silesia (southern Poland) were examined. Due to the small size of the scanned
      animals, and the particular arrangement of embryos in the oviducts and ultrasound
      beams dispersal, the method proved to be inaccurate. Therefore, the minimum
      number of well-visualized larvae was determined. The maximum number of larvae was
      established on the basis of the visible fragments of embryos. After birth, we
      found that the number of larvae born was included in the "min-max" range in only
      one case. In the remaining two salamanders the number of larvae was higher than
      estimated in 3 to 7 individuals. The results showed that ultrasound imaging
      allows the minimum number of larvae in salamander; oviducts to be specified.
      However, total length measurements were possible only for single and clearly
      visible embryos.

PMID- 28092625
TI  - Adrenergic control of pinealocyte chondriome - an in vitro study.
AB  - Norepinephrine released from sympathetic innervation plays the main role in the
      regulation of melatonin secretion in mammalian pinealocytes. The present study
      was conducted for the following reasons: 1) to establish whether the pinealocyte
      chondriome is controlled by norepinephrine, 2) to determine the effect of
      adrenergic stimulation on mitochondria, and 3) to characterize adrenoceptors
      involved in the regulation of the chondriome. The static organ culture of the
      pineal gland was used. The explants were incubated for 5 consecutive days in
      control medium and between 20:00 and 08:00 in medium with the presence of 10 MUM
      norepinephrine - adrenergic agonist; isoproterenol - beta-adrenoceptor agonist;
      cirazoline, methoxamine, M-6364 - alfa1 - adrenoceptors agonists or PMA -
      activator of PKC. The explants were then subjected to ultrastructural examination
      and morphometric analysis. The incubation of explants in the presence of
      norepinephrine or isoproterenol caused a decrease in the relative volume and the
      numerical density of mitochondria and induced an increase in the percentage of
      free mitochondria in pinealocytes. Significant changes in these parameters were
      not observed after treatment with methoxamine, cirazoline, M-6463 and PMA. The
      results obtained show that the chondriome of pig pinealocytes is controlled by
      norepinephrine acting via beta-adrenoceptors. Adrenergic stimulation, repeated
      for five consecutive days of organ culture, causes a decrease in the number of
      mitochondria and a shift in the distribution of mitochondria from the form of
      networks and filaments into the form of single particles. This indicates the
      intensive remodeling of the mitochondria network, which is closely linked to the
      metabolic status of the cell.

PMID- 28092624
TI  - Changes in reticulorumen content temperature and pH according to time of day and
      yearly seasons.
AB  - The monitoring of rumen content temperature can be useful for the evaluation of
      cow health condition and heat. The aim of this research was to evaluate the
      influence of the circadian rhythm (time of day) and season on reticulorumen
      acidity (pH) and temperatures (RT) in lactating dairy cows. The research was
      performed on ten 2nd - lactation, clinically healthy Lithuanian Black and White
      fresh dairy cows (up to 1 day after calving). The cows were milked twice daily at
      05:00 and 17:00. The cows were kept in a loose housing system, and were fed a
      feed ration throughout the year at the same time, balanced according to their
      physiological needs. Cow feeding took place every day at 06:00 and 18:00. The pH
      and temperature of the contents of cow reticulorumens were measured using
      specific smaXtec boluses manufactured for animal care. The temperature starts
      rising 6 hours after the evening feeding and milking, whereas 1 hour after the
      morning milking, it starts decreasing. The lowest temperature observed in the
      springtime was 38.81+/-0.001, and the highest was in autumn 39.17+/-0.001. The pH
      starts decreasing 3 hours after the morning feed, whereas 4 hours after the
      evening feed, it starts increasing. The lowest pH was observed in the summertime 
      5.99+/-0.001, and the highest was in autumn and springtime - 6.18+/-0.001. In
      conclusion the reticulorumen temperature in lactating cows was found to be
      influenced by the circadian rhythm and season. The acidity of the reticulorumen
      content changes similar to the temperature. The pH of the reticulorumen contents
      was also found to be influenced by the circadian rhythm and season.

PMID- 28092626
TI  - The impact of surface geometry, cavitation, and condensation on wetting
      transitions: posts and reentrant structures.
AB  - The fundamental impacts of surface geometry on the stability of wetting states,
      and the transitions between them are elucidated for square posts and reentrant
      structures in three dimensions. We identify three principal outcomes of
      particular importance for future surface design of liquid-repellent surfaces.
      Firstly, we demonstrate and quantify how capillary condensation and vapour
      cavitation affect wetting state stabilities. At high contact angles, cavitation
      is enhanced about wide, closely-spaced square posts, leading to the existence of
      suspended states without an associated collapsed state. At low contact angles,
      narrow reentrant pillars suppress condensation and enable the suspension of even
      highly wetting liquids. Secondly, two distinct collapse mechanisms are observed
      for 3D reentrant geometries, base contact and pillar contact, which are operative
      at different pillar heights. As well as morphological differences in the
      interface of the penetrating liquid, each mechanism is affected differently by
      changes in the contact angle with the solid. Finally, for highly-wetting liquids,
      condensates are shown to critically modify the transition pathways in both the
      base contact and pillar contact modes.

PMID- 28092627
TI  - The effect of surface transport on water desalination by porous electrodes
      undergoing capacitive charging.
AB  - Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a technology in which water is desalinated by
      ion electrosorption into the electric double layers (EDLs) of charging porous
      electrodes. In recent years significant advances have been made in modeling the
      charge and salt dynamics in a CDI cell, but the possible effect of surface
      transport within diffuse EDLs on these dynamics has not been investigated. We
      here present theory which includes surface transport in describing the dynamics
      of a charging CDI cell. Through our numerical solution to the presented models,
      the possible effect of surface transport on the CDI process is elucidated. While
      at some model conditions surface transport enhances the rate of CDI cell
      charging, counter-intuitively this additional transport pathway is found to slow
      down cell charging at other model conditions.

PMID- 28092628
TI  - Ultrafast adiabatic second harmonic generation.
AB  - We introduce a generalization of the adiabatic frequency conversion method for an
      efficient conversion of ultrashort pulses in the full nonlinear regime. Our
      analysis takes into account dispersion as well as two-photon processes and Kerr
      effect, allowing complete analysis of any three waves with arbitrary phase
      mismatched design and any nonlinear optical process. We use this analysis to
      design an efficient and robust second harmonic generation, the most widely used
      nonlinear process for both fundamental and applied research. We experimentally
      show that such design not only allows for very efficient conversion of various of
      ultrashort pulses, but is also very robust to variations in the parameters of
      both the nonlinear crystal and the incoming light. These include variation of
      more than 100  degrees C in the crystal temperature, a wide bandwidth of up to 75
      nm and a chirp variation of 300 fs to 3.5 ps of the incoming pulse. Also, we show
      the dependency of the adiabatic second harmonic generation design on the pump
      intensity and the crystal length. Our study shows that two photon absorption
      plays a critical role in such high influence nonlinear dynamics, and that it must
      be considered in order to achieve agreement with experimental results.

PMID- 28092629
TI  - Transition metal substitution for H in graphane: a high-throughput study.
AB  - This systematic study of transition metal (TM) substitution for H on graphane TM
      x H1-x C, (TM  =  Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn) combines ab initio calculations and cluster
      expansion to explore a huge variety of structures in more than 20 supercells over
      the full concentration range from x  =  0 to 1. We find energetically favorable
      structures at each concentration in supercells not studied before. At low x the
      lowest-energy structures contain lines and bands of TM atoms. For the larger
      atoms (Sc, Ti, V) the ordering becomes complex at higher concentrations, and
      their increased interaction in graphene causes H atoms to detach from the
      graphene to positions above the TMs. The smaller atoms (Cr, Mn) have much simpler
      ordering that favors TM atoms all on one side before filling the other side. At
      full coverage (x  =  1), the TM atoms remain well bound to the graphene, the
      structure being more stable than a free monolayer by 0.5 to 0.8 eV. The binding
      energies of TM atoms are strongly enhanced by the binding of H to graphene, with
      strengths similar to the bulk cohesive energy of Ti.

PMID- 28092630
TI  - Comparative Monte Carlo study on the performance of integration- and list-mode
      detector configurations for carbon ion computed tomography.
AB  - Ion beam therapy offers the possibility of a highly conformal tumor-dose
      distribution; however, this technique is extremely sensitive to inaccuracies in
      the treatment procedures. Ambiguities in the conversion of Hounsfield units of
      the treatment planning x-ray CT to relative stopping power (RSP) can cause
      uncertainties in the estimated ion range of up to several millimeters. Ion CT
      (iCT) represents a favorable solution allowing to directly assess the RSP. In
      this simulation study we investigate the performance of the integration-mode
      configuration for carbon iCT, in comparison with a single-particle approach under
      the same set-up. The experimental detector consists of a stack of 61 air-filled
      parallel-plate ionization chambers, interleaved with 3 mm thick PMMA absorbers.
      By means of Monte Carlo simulations, this design was applied to acquire iCTs of
      phantoms of tissue-equivalent materials. An optimization of the acquisition
      parameters was performed to reduce the dose exposure, and the implications of a
      reduced absorber thickness were assessed. In order to overcome limitations of
      integration-mode detection in the presence of lateral tissue heterogeneities a
      dedicated post-processing method using a linear decomposition of the detector
      signal was developed and its performance was compared to the list-mode
      acquisition. For the current set-up, the phantom dose could be reduced to below
      30 mGy with only minor image quality degradation. By using the decomposition
      method a correct identification of the components and a RSP accuracy improvement
      of around 2.0% was obtained. The comparison of integration- and list-mode
      indicated a slightly better image quality of the latter, with an average median
      RSP error below 1.8% and 1.0%, respectively. With a decreased absorber thickness
      a reduced RSP error was observed. Overall, these findings support the potential
      of iCT for low dose RSP estimation, showing that integration-mode detectors with
      dedicated post-processing strategies can provide a RSP accuracy comparable to
      list-mode configurations.

PMID- 28092631
TI  - Optoelectrofluidic printing system for fabricating hydrogel sheets with on-demand
      patterned cells and microparticles.
AB  - This paper presents a novel optoelectrofluidic printing system that facilitates
      not only the optoelectrofluidic patterning of microparticles and mammalian cells
      but also the harvesting of the patterned microparticles encapsulated within
      poly(ethylene glycol) dicarylate (PEGDA) hydrogel sheets. Although
      optoelectrofluidic technology has numerous advantages for programmable and on
      demand patterning and the feasibility of manipulating single microparticles,
      practical applications using existing laboratory infrastructure in biological and
      clinical research fields have been strictly restricted due to the impossibility
      of recovering the final patterned product. In order to address these harvesting
      limitations, PEGDA was employed to utilize optoelectrofluidic printing. The
      Clausius-Mossotti factor was calculated to investigate the dielectrophoretic
      mobility of the microparticle and the cell in the PEGDA precursor solution. As a
      proof of concept, three basic controllabilities of the optoelectrofluidic
      printing system were characterized: the number of microparticles, the distance
      between the microparticle columns, and the ratio of two different microparticles.
      Furthermore, the optoelectrofluidic patterning and printing of human liver
      carcinoma cells (HepG2) were demonstrated in 5 min with a single-cell level of
      resolution. The appropriate ranges of frequency were experimentally defined based
      on the calculated result of the dielectrophoretic mobility of HepG2 cells.
      Finally, optoelectrofluidically cell-patterned hydrogel sheets were successfully
      recovered under a highly viable physiological condition.

PMID- 28092632
TI  - The tilt-dependent potential of mean force of a pair of DNA oligomers from all
      atom molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - Electrostatic interactions between DNA molecules have been extensively studied
      experimentally and theoretically, but several aspects (e.g. its role in
      determining the pitch of the cholesteric DNA phase) still remain unclear. Here,
      we performed large-scale all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit
      water and 150 mM sodium chloride, to reconstruct the potential of mean force
      (PMF) of two DNA oligomers 24 base pairs long as a function of their interaxial
      angle and intermolecular distance. We find that the potential of mean force is
      dominated by total DNA charge, and not by the helical geometry of its charged
      groups. The theory of homogeneously charged cylinders fits well all our
      simulation data, and the fit yields the optimal value of the total compensated
      charge on DNA to  ~65% of its total fixed charge (arising from the phosphorous
      atoms), close to the value expected from Manning's theory of ion condensation.
      The PMF calculated from our simulations does not show a significant dependence on
      the handedness of the angle between the two DNA molecules, or its size is on the
      order of [Formula: see text]. Thermal noise for molecules of the studied length
      seems to mask the effect of detailed helical charge patterns of DNA. The fact
      that in monovalent salt the effective interaction between two DNA molecules is
      independent on the handedness of the tilt may suggest that alternative mechanisms
      are required to understand the cholesteric phase of DNA.

PMID- 28092633
TI  - Unconventional superconductivity in generalized Hubbard model: role of electron
      hole symmetry breaking terms.
AB  - We investigate the effect of the electron-hole (e-h) symmetry breaking on d-wave
      superconductivity induced by non-local effects of correlations in the generalized
      Hubbard model. The symmetry breaking is introduced in a two-fold manner: by the
      next-to-nearest neighbor hopping of electrons and by the charge-bond interaction
      the off-diagonal term of the Coulomb potential. Both terms lead to a pronounced
      asymmetry of the superconducting order parameter. The next-to-nearest neighbor
      hopping enhances superconductivity for h-doping, while diminishes it for e
      doping. The charge-bond interaction alone leads to the opposite effect and,
      additionally, to the kinetic-energy gain upon condensation in the underdoped
      regime. With both terms included, with similar amplitudes, the height of the
      superconducting dome and the critical doping remain in favor of h-doping. The
      influence of the charge-bond interaction on deviations from [Formula: see text]
      symmetry of the shape of the gap at the Fermi surface in the momentum space is
      briefly discussed.

PMID- 28092634
TI  - Correlation of cation distribution with the hyperfine and magnetic behaviour of
      Ni0.3Zn0.4Co0.2Cu0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles and their microwave absorption properties
      when encapsulated in multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
AB  - Nanocrystalline samples of Ni0.3Zn0.4Co0.2Cu0.1Fe2O4 (NZCCF) are prepared by a
      simple co-precipitation method. To obtain nanoparticles of different sizes, the
      as prepared sample is annealed at 400, 600, 800 and 1000  degrees C.
      Nanoparticles of the sample annealed at 600  degrees C are encapsulated in multi
      walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). To confirm the crystallographic phase, x-ray
      diffraction (XRD) patterns are analyzed by the Rietveld method and cation
      distribution in A- and B-sites is estimated from the analysis. Occupancy of Zn2+
      ions in A-site and that of Fe3+ ions in B-site increase with the increase of
      annealing temperature (T A) and lattice parameters lie within 8.365-8.398 A.
      Morphology of the encapsulated sample is examined by taking micrographs in high
      resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Hyperfine behaviour of the
      prepared samples is studied by analyzing Mossbauer spectra recorded at room
      temperature (RT) and 77 K. Average values of isomer shift (IS) are found to
      decrease with the increase of crystallite size. Static and dynamic magnetic
      hysteresis loops are recorded to analyze the magnetic properties of the sample.
      Maximum saturation magnetization of ~75 emu g-1 is obtained for the sample of
      NZCCF annealed at 800  degrees C with crystallite size of ~48 nm. Microwave
      absorption capability of the encapsulated sample is measured by recording the
      reflection loss in X and K u bands of microwave region of frequency. Maximum
      value of reflection loss is  -25.71 dB observed at 15.24 GHz for a sample layer
      thickness of 1 mm. Moreover, the reflection loss is less than  -10 dB for the
      entire range of observation (8-18 GHz) which shows that MWCNT encapsulated NZCCF
      could be considered as a potential candidate for applications in microwave
      devices.

PMID- 28092635
TI  - Evaluating the accuracy of a three-term pencil beam algorithm in heterogeneous
      media.
AB  - The goal of this work was to evaluate the accuracy of our in-house analytical
      dose calculation code against MCNPX data in heterogeneous phantoms. The
      analytical model utilizes a pencil beam model based on Fermi-Eyges theory to
      account for multiple Coulomb scattering and a least-squares fit to Monte Carlo
      data to account for nonelastic nuclear interactions as well as any remaining,
      uncharacterized scatter (the 'nuclear halo'). The model characterized dose
      accurately (up to 1% of maximum dose in broad fields (4  *  4 cm2 and 10  *  10
      cm2) and up to 0.01% in a narrow field (0.1  *  0.1 cm2) fit to MCNPX data). The
      accuracy of the model was benchmarked in three types of stylized phantoms: (1)
      homogeneous, (2) laterally infinite slab heterogeneities, and (3) laterally
      finite slab heterogeneities. Results from homogeneous phantoms and laterally
      infinite slab heterogeneities showed high levels of accuracy (>98% of points
      within 2% or 0.1 cm distance-to-agreement (DTA)). However, because range
      straggling and secondary particle production were not included in our model,
      central-axis dose differences of 2-4% were observed in laterally infinite slab
      heterogeneities when compared to Monte Carlo dose. In the presence of laterally
      finite slab heterogeneities, the analytical model resulted in lower pass rates
      (>96% of points within 2% or 0.1 cm DTA), which was attributed to the use of the
      central-axis approximation.

PMID- 28092636
TI  - An analysis of intrinsic variations of low-frequency shear wave speed in a
      stochastic tissue model: the first application for staging liver fibrosis.
AB  - Shear wave elastography is increasingly being used to non-invasively stage liver
      fibrosis by measuring shear wave speed (SWS). This study quantitatively
      investigates intrinsic variations among SWS measurements obtained from
      heterogeneous media such as fibrotic livers. More specifically, it aims to
      demonstrate that intrinsic variations in SWS measurements, in general, follow a
      non-Gaussian distribution and are related to the heterogeneous nature of the
      medium being measured. Using the principle of maximum entropy (ME), our primary
      objective is to derive a probability density function (PDF) of the SWS
      distribution in conjunction with a lossless stochastic tissue model. Our
      secondary objective is to evaluate the performance of the proposed PDF using
      Monte Carlo (MC)-simulated shear wave (SW) data against three other commonly used
      PDFs. Based on statistical evaluation criteria, initial results showed that the
      derived PDF fits better to MC-simulated SWS data than the other three PDFs. It
      was also found that SW fronts stabilized after a short (compared with the SW
      wavelength) travel distance in lossless media. Furthermore, in lossless media,
      the distance required to stabilize the SW propagation was not correlated to the
      SW wavelength at the low frequencies investigated (i.e. 50, 100 and 150 Hz).
      Examination of the MC simulation data suggests that elastic (shear) wave
      scattering became more pronounced when the volume fraction of hard inclusions
      increased from 10 to 30%. In conclusion, using the principle of ME, we
      theoretically demonstrated for the first time that SWS measurements in this model
      follow a non-Gaussian distribution. Preliminary data indicated that the proposed
      PDF can quantitatively represent intrinsic variations in SWS measurements
      simulated using a two-phase random medium model. The advantages of the proposed
      PDF are its physically meaningful parameters and solid theoretical basis.

PMID- 28092637
TI  - Non-invasive classification of breast microcalcifications using x-ray coherent
      scatter computed tomography.
AB  - We investigate the use of energy dispersive x-ray coherent scatter computed
      tomography (ED-CSCT) as a non-invasive diagnostic method to differentiate between
      type I and type II breast calcifications. This approach is sensitive to the
      differences of composition and internal crystal structure of different types of
      microcalcifications. The study is carried out by simulating a CSCT system with a
      scanning pencil beam, considering a polychromatic x-ray source and an energy
      resolving photon counting detector. In a first step, the multidimensional angle
      and energy distributed CSCT data is reduced to the projection-space distributions
      of only a few components, corresponding to the expected target composition:
      adipose, glandular tissue, weddellite (calcium oxalate) for type I
      calcifications, and hydroxyapatite for type II calcifications. The maximum
      likelihood estimation of scatter components algorithm used, operating in the
      projection space, takes into account the polychromatic source, the detector
      response function and the energy dependent attenuation. In the second step,
      component images are reconstructed from the corresponding estimated component
      projections using filtered backprojection. In a preliminary step the coherent
      scatter differential cross sections for hydroxyapatite and weddellite minerals
      were determined experimentally. The classification of type I or II calcifications
      is done using the relative contrasts of their components as the criterion.
      Simulation tests were carried out for different doses and energy resolutions for
      multiple realizations. The results were analyzed using relative/receiver
      operating characteristic methodology and show good discrimination ability at
      medium and higher doses. The noninvasive CSCT technique shows potential to
      further improve the breast diagnostic accuracy and reduce the number of breast
      biopsies.

PMID- 28092638
TI  - MR elastography to measure the effects of cancer and pathology fixation on
      prostate biomechanics, and comparison with T 1, T 2 and ADC.
AB  - MRI is under evaluation for image-guided intervention for prostate cancer. The
      sensitivity and specificity of MRI parameters is determined via correlation with
      the gold-standard of histopathology. Whole-mount histopathology of prostatectomy
      specimens can be digitally registered to in vivo imaging for correlation. When
      biomechanical-based deformable registration is employed to account for
      deformation during histopathology processing, the ex vivo biomechanical
      properties are required. However, these properties are altered by pathology
      fixation, and vary with disease. Hence, this study employs magnetic resonance
      elastography (MRE) to measure ex vivo prostate biomechanical properties before
      and after fixation. A quasi-static MRE method was employed to measure high
      resolution maps of Young's modulus (E) before and after fixation of canine
      prostate and prostatectomy specimens (n  =  4) from prostate cancer patients who
      had previously received radiation therapy. For comparison, T 1, T 2 and apparent
      diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured in parallel. E (kPa) varied across
      clinical anatomy and for histopathology-identified tumor: peripheral zone: 99(+/
      22), central gland: 48(+/-37), tumor: 85(+/-53), and increased consistently with
      fixation (factor of 11  +/-  5; p  <  0.02). T 2 decreased consistently with
      fixation, while changes in T 1 and ADC were more complex and inconsistent. The
      biomechanics of the clinical prostate specimens varied greatly with fixation, and
      to a lesser extent with disease and anatomy. The data obtained will improve the
      precision of prostate pathology correlation, leading to more accurate disease
      detection and targeting.

PMID- 28092639
TI  - Lithographic patterning of antibodies by direct lift-off and improved surface
      adhesion.
AB  - The inherent property of antibodies binding to their antigen with high
      specificity makes them a strong candidate for sensing and detection applications.
      Microscale patterning of antibodies is desired for the miniaturization of sensors
      and fundamental cell biology studies. However, existing methodologies to pattern
      antibodies at the microscale are multi-step. In this work, we demonstrate
      microscale patterning of antibodies on a glass coverslip in a single step
      photolithography process. The microscale features of the photoresist were
      generated on the coverslip using photolithography, and the antibody solution was
      incubated. Acetone lift-off of the antibody incubated photoresist, and subsequent
      washing by isopropanol (IPA), produced a micro-array of antibodies. The
      functionality of patterned primary antibody was confirmed using the corresponding
      antigen and strict controls. One of the striking features of this method of
      patterning is that the process steps and chemicals inherently improve the
      adhesion between the antibodies and glass without the need to functionalize the
      glass surface. We performed an ultrasonication test, detergent washing test, and
      Scotch tape test to show improved adhesion. Using appropriate controls, we show
      that the interaction taking place between the antibodies and the glass surface,
      after our process, is stronger than the simple physisorption taking place between
      the antibodies and the glass surface, without any treatment.

PMID- 28092640
TI  - A Tale of Two Heat Strokes: A Comparative Case Study: Erratum.

PMID- 28092641
TI  - Performance characterization of a novel electronic number connection test to
      detect minimal hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent complication of
      cirrhosis, characterized by cognitive deficits that negatively impact patients'
      quality of life. The mild, minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE) can only be
      detected by psychometric tests and early mHE detection can prevent more severe
      complications or even survival times. Here, we aimed to investigate the
      feasibility and validity of the novel-developed electronic number connection test
      (eNCT), which is designed as a fast and easy-to-perform mHE patient self-test.
      METHODS: The eNCT design was inspired by the paper-pencil number connection test
      version A, showing 25 numbers on the screen (1-25), in a random order. The time
      required to tap on all digits in the correct order was measured. A total of 238
      individuals (112 patients with liver cirrhosis) were enrolled in this study and
      eNCT times were compared with well-established paper-pencil tests. The
      Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score test battery was used to detect mHE and
      cut-off values for mHE detection by the eNCT were defined. RESULTS: Overall,
      cirrhotic patients showed significantly slower test completion times compared
      with control participants. The eNCT performance was inversely correlated with
      Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score test performance in cirrhotic patients,
      independent of the HE status. Thirty cirrhotic patients fulfilled the mHE
      criteria and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high
      sensitivity (>82%) and specificity (>85%) for mHE detection. Finally, the eNCT
      showed excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation
      coefficient=0.94). CONCLUSION: The novel eNCT is a reliable HE self-test to
      monitor cognitive function and detect cognitive impairment in cirrhotic patients.

PMID- 28092642
TI  - The number of patients with chronic hepatitis C in times of new therapy options:
      a retrospective observational study on German health insurance funds data.
AB  - AIM/OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection is a leading
      cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. In Germany, as in many other
      countries, there is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological data. Routine data
      from sickness funds can support the estimation of the true prevalence and
      incidence of CHC. METHODS: In this article, the results of annual and quarterly
      analyses of prevalence and incidence for the years 2007-2013 are presented using
      data of several German sickness funds. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence rate
      remained relatively stable at 0.2%, which is lower than the general assumption
      for Germany of 0.3%. CONCLUSION: We found that despite the introduction of the
      breakthrough designated triple therapies with telaprevir or boceprevir in 2011,
      there was no increase of prevalence or incidence between 2010 and 2011.

PMID- 28092643
TI  - Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among Children with Disabilities at School.
AB  - PURPOSES: Physical activity (PA) is important for the development of children
      with disabilities, but rarely does this population meet the recommended
      standards. Schools are salient locations for PA, but little is known about how
      specific school settings affect the PA of children with diverse disabilities. We
      assessed PA and sedentary time (ST) of children with disabilities in three school
      settings (physical education, recess, lunchtime). METHODS: Participants included
      259 children from 13 Hong Kong special schools for five primary disabilities:
      visual impairments, hearing impairments, physical disabilities, intellectual
      disabilities, and social development problems. Children wore accelerometers at
      school for 3 d, and the time (min and %) they engaged in moderate-to-vigorous PA
      (MVPA) and ST was extracted for each school setting by sex. Analyses included
      multiple linear mixed models to determine differences in MVPA and ST by sex
      across disability types, adjusting for body mass index, grade level, and duration
      in each setting. RESULTS: Overall, children spent 70% of their day at school
      being sedentary and accrued little MVPA (mean, 17 +/- 4.2 min daily). Children
      with intellectual disabilities (severe) had especially low levels of MVPA. All
      three settings contributed significantly to both MVPA and ST, with recess
      contributing more to MVPA than physical education or lunchtime. CONCLUSIONS: This
      is the first study to examine MVPA and ST among different disability types at
      school using accelerometry. Given the low levels of PA, this population should
      receive priority in the development of cost-effective interventions to improve
      their PA opportunities.

PMID- 28092644
TI  - Modified Slow Mohs Technique for Treatment of Cellular Neurothekeoma of the Lip
      in a Pediatric Patient.

PMID- 28092645
TI  - Phenotypes and treatment response: it's difficult to make predictions, especially
      about the future.

PMID- 28092647
TI  - Dietary intake mediates the relationship of body fat to pain.
AB  - Prior studies have documented an association of obesity with chronic pain, but
      the mechanism explaining the association remains unknown. This study evaluated
      the degree to which dietary intake of foods with anti-inflammatory effects
      mediates the relationship of body fat to body pain. Ninety-eight community
      residing healthy adults (60% women; mean age = 43.2 +/- 15.3 years; range: 20-78
      years) participated in a home-based study of home environment, food-related
      behaviors, health, and adiposity. During a 3-hour home visit evaluation, 3
      measures of body fat were collected, including height and weight for calculation
      of body mass index (BMI). Participants also completed a 24-hour food recall
      interview and self-report measures of bodily pain (BP; BP subscale from the
      Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36) and psychological distress (Hospital
      Anxiety and Depression Scale). Quality of dietary intake was rated using the
      Healthy Eating Index-2010. Mediation models were conducted with the PROCESS macro
      in SAS 9.3. Mean BMI was consistent with obesity (30.4 +/- 7.8; range: 18.2
      53.3), and BP values (73.2 +/- 22.1; range: 0-100) and dietary intake quality
      (59.4 +/- 15.5; range: 26.8-88.1) were consistent with population norms. Modeling
      in PROCESS revealed that Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores mediated the
      relationship between BMI and BP (bindirect = -0.34, 95% confidence interval = 
      0.68 to -0.13). The mediation model remained significant when controlling for
      biomechanical factors (arthritis/joint pain), medication use, psychological
      distress, age, and education, and models remained significant using the other 2
      body fat measures. Thus, the data indicate that dietary intake of foods with anti
      inflammatory effects mediates the relationship of body fat to body pain in
      healthy men and women.

PMID- 28092648
TI  - Does brief chronic pain management education change opioid prescribing rates? A
      pragmatic trial in Australian early-career general practitioners.
AB  - We aimed to evaluate the effect of pain education on opioid prescribing by early
      career general practitioners. A brief training workshop was delivered to general
      practice registrars of a single regional training provider. The workshop
      significantly reduced "hypothetical" opioid prescribing (in response to paper
      based vignettes) in an earlier evaluation. The effect of the training on "actual"
      prescribing was evaluated using a nonequivalent control group design nested
      within the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) cohort study: 4
      other regional training providers were controls. In ReCEnT, registrars record
      detailed data (including prescribing) during 60 consecutive consultations, on 3
      occasions. Analysis was at the level of individual problem managed, with the
      primary outcome factor being prescription of an opioid analgesic and the
      secondary outcome being opioid initiation. Between 2010 and 2015, 168,528
      problems were recorded by 849 registrars. Of these, 71% were recorded by
      registrars in the nontraining group. Eighty-two percentages were before training.
      Opioid analgesics were prescribed in 4382 (2.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]:
      2.40-2.63) problems, with 1665 of these (0.97%, 95% CI: 0.91-1.04) representing a
      new prescription. There was no relationship between the training and total
      prescribing after training (interaction odds ratio: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.75-1.35; P
      value 0.96). There was some evidence of a reduction in initial opioid
      prescriptions in the training group (interaction odds ratio: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.48
      1.16; P value 0.19). This brief training package failed to increase overall
      opioid cessation. The inconsistency of these actual prescribing results with
      "hypothetical" prescribing behavior suggests that reducing opioid prescribing in
      chronic noncancer pain requires more than changing knowledge and attitudes.

PMID- 28092646
TI  - Ex vivo nonviral gene delivery of MU-opioid receptor to attenuate cancer-induced
      pain.
AB  - Virus-mediated gene delivery shows promise for the treatment of chronic pain.
      However, viral vectors have cytotoxicity. To avoid toxicities and limitations of
      virus-mediated gene delivery, we developed a novel nonviral hybrid vector: HIV-1
      Tat peptide sequence modified with histidine and cysteine residues combined with
      a cationic lipid. The vector has high transfection efficiency with little
      cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines including HSC-3 (human tongue squamous cell
      carcinoma) and exhibits differential expression in HSC-3 (~45-fold) relative to
      HGF-1 (human gingival fibroblasts) cells. We used the nonviral vector to
      transfect cancer with OPRM1, the MU-opioid receptor gene, as a novel method for
      treating cancer-induced pain. After HSC-3 cells were transfected with OPRM1, a
      cancer mouse model was created by inoculating the transfected HSC-3 cells into
      the hind paw or tongue of athymic mice to determine the analgesic potential of
      OPRM1 transfection. Mice with HSC-3 tumors expressing OPRM1 demonstrated
      significant antinociception compared with control mice. The effect was reversible
      with local naloxone administration. We quantified beta-endorphin secretion from
      HSC-3 cells and showed that HSC-3 cells transfected with OPRM1 secreted
      significantly more beta-endorphin than control HSC-3 cells. These findings
      indicate that nonviral delivery of the OPRM1 gene targeted to the cancer
      microenvironment has an analgesic effect in a preclinical cancer model, and
      nonviral gene delivery is a potential treatment for cancer pain.

PMID- 28092649
TI  - New-onset depression following stable, slow, and rapid rate of prescription
      opioid dose escalation.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that longer durations of opioid use, independent of
      maximum morphine equivalent dose (MED) achieved, is associated with increased
      risk of new-onset depression (NOD). Conversely, other studies, not accounting for
      duration, found that higher MED increased probability of depressive symptoms. To
      determine whether rate of MED increase is associated with NOD, a retrospective
      cohort analysis of Veterans Health Administration data (2000-2012) was conducted.
      Eligible patients were new, chronic (>90 days) opioid users, aged 18 to 80, and
      without depression diagnoses for 2 years before start of follow-up (n = 7051).
      Mixed regression models of MED across follow-up defined 4 rate of dose change
      categories: stable, decrease, slow increase, and rapid increase. Cox proportional
      hazard models assessed the relationship of rate of dose change and NOD,
      controlling for pain, duration of use, maximum MED, and other confounders using
      inverse probability of treatment-weighted propensity scores. Incidence rate for
      NOD was 14.1/1000PY (person-years) in stable rate, 13.0/1000PY in decreasing,
      19.3/1000PY in slow increasing, and 27.5/1000PY in rapid increasing dose.
      Compared with stable rate, risk of NOD increased incrementally for slow (hazard
      ratio = 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.42) and rapid (hazard ratio = 1.58;
      95% confidence interval: 1.30-1.93) rate of dose increase. Faster rates of MED
      escalation contribute to NOD, independent of maximum dose, pain, and total opioid
      duration. Dose escalation may be a proxy for loss of control or undetected abuse
      known to be associated with depression. Clinicians should avoid rapid dose
      increase when possible and discuss risk of depression with patients if dose
      increase is warranted for pain.

PMID- 28092650
TI  - Sociodemographic disparities in chronic pain, based on 12-year longitudinal data.
AB  - Existing estimates of sociodemographic disparities in chronic pain in the United
      States are based on cross-sectional data, often treat pain as a binary construct,
      and rarely test for nonresponse or other types of bias. This study uses 7
      biennial waves of national data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2010;
      n = 19,776) to describe long-term pain disparities among older (age 51+) American
      adults. It also investigates whether pain severity, reporting heterogeneity,
      survey nonresponse, and/or mortality selection might bias estimates of social
      disparities in pain. In the process, the article clarifies whether 2 unexpected
      patterns observed cross-sectionally-plateauing of pain above age 60, and lower
      pain among racial/ethnic minorities-are genuine or artefactual. Findings show
      high prevalence of chronic pain: 27.3% at baseline, increasing to 36.6%
      thereafter. Multivariate latent growth curve models reveal extremely large
      disparities in pain by sex, education, and wealth, which manifest primarily as
      differences in intercept. Net of these variables, there is no racial/ethnic
      minority disadvantage in pain scores, and indeed a black advantage vis-a-vis
      whites. Pain levels are predictive of subsequent death, even a decade in the
      future. No evidence of pain-related survey attrition is found, but surveys not
      accounting for pain severity and reporting heterogeneity are likely to
      underestimate socioeconomic disparities in pain. The lack of minority
      disadvantage (net of socioeconomic status) appears genuine. However, the age
      related plateauing of pain observed cross-sectionally is not replicated
      longitudinally, and seems partially attributable to mortality selection, as well
      as to rising pain levels by birth cohort.

PMID- 28092652
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28092653
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28092651
TI  - Long-lasting antinociceptive effects of green light in acute and chronic pain in
      rats.
AB  - Treatments for chronic pain are inadequate, and new options are needed.
      Nonpharmaceutical approaches are especially attractive with many potential
      advantages including safety. Light therapy has been suggested to be beneficial in
      certain medical conditions such as depression, but this approach remains to be
      explored for modulation of pain. We investigated the effects of light-emitting
      diodes (LEDs), in the visible spectrum, on acute sensory thresholds in naive rats
      as well as in experimental neuropathic pain. Rats receiving green LED light
      (wavelength 525 nm, 8 h/d) showed significantly increased paw withdrawal latency
      to a noxious thermal stimulus; this antinociceptive effect persisted for 4 days
      after termination of last exposure without development of tolerance. No apparent
      side effects were noted and motor performance was not impaired. Despite LED
      exposure, opaque contact lenses prevented antinociception. Rats fitted with green
      contact lenses exposed to room light exhibited antinociception arguing for a role
      of the visual system. Antinociception was not due to stress/anxiety but likely
      due to increased enkephalins expression in the spinal cord. Naloxone reversed the
      antinociception, suggesting involvement of central opioid circuits. Rostral
      ventromedial medulla inactivation prevented expression of light-induced
      antinociception suggesting engagement of descending inhibition. Green LED
      exposure also reversed thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in rats with spinal
      nerve ligation. Pharmacological and proteomic profiling of dorsal root ganglion
      neurons from green LED-exposed rats identified changes in calcium channel
      activity, including a decrease in the N-type (CaV2.2) channel, a primary
      analgesic target. Thus, green LED therapy may represent a novel,
      nonpharmacological approach for managing pain.

PMID- 28092654
TI  - Promoter Polymorphism of Toll-Like Receptor 4 is Associated with a Decreased Risk
      of Coronary Artery Disease: A Case-Control Study in the Chinese Han Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered a chronic inflammatory
      disease of the blood vessels. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a transmembrane
      receptor involved in inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to
      determine the association between polymorphisms in the promoter region and 3'
      untranslated region (3'-UTR) of TLR4, and the associated CAD risk. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS This study enrolled 424 participants with CAD and 424 controls without
      CAD. The polymorphisms in the promoter region and 3'-UTR of TLR4 were identified
      from the HapMap database, including rs10116253, rs10983755, and rs11536889.
      Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. Polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to identify genotype
      polymorphisms. Relative luciferase activity was measured using the dual
      luciferase reporter assay system. RESULTS TLR4 rs10116253 in the promoter region
      was associated with CAD risk. The variant (CC+TC) genotypes of rs10116253 were
      associated with a decreased CAD risk (OR 95% CI 0.73 (0.54-0.98), p=0.034). In
      the stratification analyses, the variant (CC+TC) genotypes of rs10116253 were
      observed to have a relationship with decreased CAD risk in the male subgroup (OR:
      95% CI 0.68 (0.48-0.98), p=0.041). Moreover, the variant CC and (CC+TC) genotypes
      of rs10116253 were correlated with a decreased CAD risk in participants younger
      than 60-year-old (TC: OR (95% CI 0.62 (0.39-0.98), p=0.042; TC+CC: OR 95% CI 0.63
      (0.41-0.98), p=0.039). Regarding rs10116253, the luciferase activity of the
      mutant C allele construct was lower than that of the wild T allele construct
      (5.215+/-0.009 vs. 5.304+/-0.041; p=0.087). CONCLUSIONS The results provided
      evidence of an association between the TLR4 rs10116253 in the promoter region and
      a reduced risk of CAD.

PMID- 28092655
TI  - Circadian- and UPR-dependent control of CPEB4 mediates a translational response
      to counteract hepatic steatosis under ER stress.
AB  - The cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding (CPEB) proteins regulate pre-mRNA
      processing and translation of CPE-containing mRNAs in early embryonic development
      and synaptic activity. However, specific functions in adult organisms are poorly
      understood. Here we show that CPEB4 is required for adaptation to high-fat-diet-
      and ageing-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and subsequent
      hepatosteatosis. Stress-activated liver CPEB4 expression is dual-mode regulated.
      First, Cpeb4 mRNA transcription is controlled by the circadian clock, and then
      its translation is regulated by the unfolded protein response (UPR) through
      upstream open reading frames within the 5'UTR. Thus, the CPEB4 protein is
      synthesized only following ER stress but the induction amplitude is circadian. In
      turn, CPEB4 activates a second wave of UPR translation required to maintain ER
      and mitochondrial homeostasis. Our results suggest that combined transcriptional
      and translational Cpeb4 regulation generates a 'circadian mediator', which
      coordinates hepatic UPR activity with periods of high ER-protein-folding demand.
      Accordingly, CPEB4 deficiency results in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

PMID- 28092656
TI  - Influence of node abundance on signaling network state and dynamics analyzed by
      mass cytometry.
AB  - Signaling networks are key regulators of cellular function. Although the
      concentrations of signaling proteins are perturbed in disease states, such as
      cancer, and are modulated by drug therapies, our understanding of how such
      changes shape the properties of signaling networks is limited. Here we couple
      mass-cytometry-based single-cell analysis with overexpression of tagged signaling
      proteins to study the dependence of signaling relationships and dynamics on
      protein node abundance. Focusing on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
      signaling network in HEK293T cells, we analyze 20 signaling proteins during a 1-h
      EGF stimulation time course using a panel of 35 antibodies. Data analysis with BP
      R2, a measure that quantifies complex signaling relationships, reveals abundance
      dependent network states and identifies novel signaling relationships. Further,
      we show that upstream signaling proteins have abundance-dependent effects on
      downstream signaling dynamics. Our approach elucidates the influence of node
      abundance on signal transduction networks and will further our understanding of
      signaling in health and disease.

PMID- 28092657
TI  - Lipid production in Yarrowia lipolytica is maximized by engineering cytosolic
      redox metabolism.
AB  - Microbial factories have been engineered to produce lipids from carbohydrate
      feedstocks for production of biofuels and oleochemicals. However, even the best
      yields obtained to date are insufficient for commercial lipid production. To
      maximize the capture of electrons generated from substrate catabolism and thus
      increase substrate-to-product yields, we engineered 13 strains of Yarrowia
      lipolytica with synthetic pathways converting glycolytic NADH into the lipid
      biosynthetic precursors NADPH or acetyl-CoA. A quantitative model was established
      and identified the yield of the lipid pathway as a crucial determinant of overall
      process yield. The best engineered strain achieved a productivity of 1.2 g/L/h
      and a process yield of 0.27 g-fatty acid methyl esters/g-glucose, which
      constitutes a 25% improvement over previously engineered yeast strains. Oxygen
      requirements of our highest producer were reduced owing to decreased NADH
      oxidization by aerobic respiration. We show that redox engineering could enable
      commercialization of microbial carbohydrate-based lipid production.

PMID- 28092658
TI  - Mutation effects predicted from sequence co-variation.
AB  - Many high-throughput experimental technologies have been developed to assess the
      effects of large numbers of mutations (variation) on phenotypes. However,
      designing functional assays for these methods is challenging, and systematic
      testing of all combinations is impossible, so robust methods to predict the
      effects of genetic variation are needed. Most prediction methods exploit
      evolutionary sequence conservation but do not consider the interdependencies of
      residues or bases. We present EVmutation, an unsupervised statistical method for
      predicting the effects of mutations that explicitly captures residue dependencies
      between positions. We validate EVmutation by comparing its predictions with
      outcomes of high-throughput mutagenesis experiments and measurements of human
      disease mutations and show that it outperforms methods that do not account for
      epistasis. EVmutation can be used to assess the quantitative effects of mutations
      in genes of any organism. We provide pre-computed predictions for ~7,000 human
      proteins at http://evmutation.org/.

PMID- 28092659
TI  - REM sleep selectively prunes and maintains new synapses in development and
      learning.
AB  - The functions and underlying mechanisms of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep remain
      unclear. Here we show that REM sleep prunes newly formed postsynaptic dendritic
      spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mouse motor cortex during development
      and motor learning. This REM sleep-dependent elimination of new spines
      facilitates subsequent spine formation during development and when a new motor
      task is learned, indicating a role for REM sleep in pruning to balance the number
      of new spines formed over time. Moreover, REM sleep also strengthens and
      maintains newly formed spines, which are critical for neuronal circuit
      development and behavioral improvement after learning. We further show that
      dendritic calcium spikes arising during REM sleep are important for pruning and
      strengthening new spines. Together, these findings indicate that REM sleep has
      multifaceted functions in brain development, learning and memory consolidation by
      selectively eliminating and maintaining newly formed synapses via dendritic
      calcium spike-dependent mechanisms.

PMID- 28092662
TI  - Neuroimmune communication.

PMID- 28092660
TI  - The role of peripheral immune cells in the CNS in steady state and disease.
AB  - The CNS is protected by the immune system, including cells that reside directly
      within the CNS and help to ensure proper neural function, as well as cells that
      traffic into the CNS with disease. The CNS-resident immune system is comprised
      mainly of innate immune cells and operates under homeostatic conditions. These
      myeloid cells in the CNS parenchyma and at CNS-periphery interfaces are highly
      specialized but also extremely plastic cells that immediately react to any
      changes in CNS homeostasis and become reactive in the context of
      neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
      However, when the blood-brain barrier is impaired during CNS diseases such as
      multiple sclerosis or altered with cerebral ischemia, peripheral adaptive and
      innate immune cells, including monocytes, neutrophils, T cells and B cells, can
      enter the CNS, where they execute distinct cell-mediated effects. On the basis of
      these observations, we assess strategies for targeting peripheral immune cells to
      reduce CNS disease burden.

PMID- 28092661
TI  - Interactions between the microbiota, immune and nervous systems in health and
      disease.
AB  - The diverse collection of microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract,
      collectively called the gut microbiota, profoundly influences many aspects of
      host physiology, including nutrient metabolism, resistance to infection and
      immune system development. Studies investigating the gut-brain axis demonstrate a
      critical role for the gut microbiota in orchestrating brain development and
      behavior, and the immune system is emerging as an important regulator of these
      interactions. Intestinal microbes modulate the maturation and function of tissue
      resident immune cells in the CNS. Microbes also influence the activation of
      peripheral immune cells, which regulate responses to neuroinflammation, brain
      injury, autoimmunity and neurogenesis. Accordingly, both the gut microbiota and
      immune system are implicated in the etiopathogenesis or manifestation of
      neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as autism
      spectrum disorder, depression and Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we discuss
      the role of CNS-resident and peripheral immune pathways in microbiota-gut-brain
      communication during health and neurological disease.

PMID- 28092663
TI  - Neural regulation of immunity: molecular mechanisms and clinical translation.
AB  - Studies bridging neuroscience and immunology have identified neural pathways that
      regulate immunity and inflammation. Recent research using methodological advances
      in molecular genetics has improved our understanding of the neural control of
      immunity. Here we outline mechanistic insights, focusing on translational
      relevance and conceptual developments. We also summarize findings from recent
      clinical studies of bioelectronic neuromodulation in inflammatory and autoimmune
      diseases.

PMID- 28092664
TI  - Expression of specific inflammasome gene modules stratifies older individuals
      into two extreme clinical and immunological states.
AB  - Low-grade, chronic inflammation has been associated with many diseases of aging,
      but the mechanisms responsible for producing this inflammation remain unclear.
      Inflammasomes can drive chronic inflammation in the context of an infectious
      disease or cellular stress, and they trigger the maturation of interleukin-1beta
      (IL-1beta). Here we find that the expression of specific inflammasome gene
      modules stratifies older individuals into two extremes: those with constitutive
      expression of IL-1beta, nucleotide metabolism dysfunction, elevated oxidative
      stress, high rates of hypertension and arterial stiffness; and those without
      constitutive expression of IL-1beta, who lack these characteristics. Adenine and
      N4-acetylcytidine, nucleotide-derived metabolites that are detectable in the
      blood of the former group, prime and activate the NLRC4 inflammasome, induce the
      production of IL-1beta, activate platelets and neutrophils and elevate blood
      pressure in mice. In individuals over 85 years of age, the elevated expression of
      inflammasome gene modules was associated with all-cause mortality. Thus,
      targeting inflammasome components may ameliorate chronic inflammation and various
      other age-associated conditions.

PMID- 28092665
TI  - Antibody 10-1074 suppresses viremia in HIV-1-infected individuals.
AB  - Monoclonal antibody 10-1074 targets the V3 glycan supersite on the HIV-1 envelope
      (Env) protein. It is among the most potent anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies
      isolated so far. Here we report on its safety and activity in 33 individuals who
      received a single intravenous infusion of the antibody. 10-1074 was well
      tolerated and had a half-life of 24.0 d in participants without HIV-1 infection
      and 12.8 d in individuals with HIV-1 infection. Thirteen individuals with viremia
      received the highest dose of 30 mg/kg 10-1074. Eleven of these participants were
      10-1074-sensitive and showed a rapid decline in viremia by a mean of 1.52 log10
      copies/ml. Virologic analysis revealed the emergence of multiple independent 10
      1074-resistant viruses in the first weeks after infusion. Emerging escape
      variants were generally resistant to the related V3-specific antibody PGT121, but
      remained sensitive to antibodies targeting nonoverlapping epitopes, such as the
      anti-CD4-binding-site antibodies 3BNC117 and VRC01. The results demonstrate the
      safety and activity of 10-1074 in humans and support the idea that antibodies
      targeting the V3 glycan supersite might be useful for the treatment and
      prevention of HIV-1 infection.

PMID- 28092666
TI  - Loss of MU opioid receptor signaling in nociceptors, but not microglia, abrogates
      morphine tolerance without disrupting analgesia.
AB  - Opioid pain medications have detrimental side effects including analgesic
      tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). Tolerance and OIH counteract
      opioid analgesia and drive dose escalation. The cell types and receptors on which
      opioids act to initiate these maladaptive processes remain disputed, which has
      prevented the development of therapies to maximize and sustain opioid analgesic
      efficacy. We found that MU opioid receptors (MORs) expressed by primary afferent
      nociceptors initiate tolerance and OIH development. RNA sequencing and
      histological analysis revealed that MORs are expressed by nociceptors, but not by
      spinal microglia. Deletion of MORs specifically in nociceptors eliminated
      morphine tolerance, OIH and pronociceptive synaptic long-term potentiation
      without altering antinociception. Furthermore, we found that co-administration of
      methylnaltrexone bromide, a peripherally restricted MOR antagonist, was
      sufficient to abrogate morphine tolerance and OIH without diminishing
      antinociception in perioperative and chronic pain models. Collectively, our data
      support the idea that opioid agonists can be combined with peripheral MOR
      antagonists to limit analgesic tolerance and OIH.

PMID- 28092667
TI  - Oncogenic BRAF fusions in mucosal melanomas activate the MAPK pathway and are
      sensitive to MEK/PI3K inhibition or MEK/CDK4/6 inhibition.
AB  - Despite remarkable progress in cutaneous melanoma genomic profiling, the
      mutational landscape of primary mucosal melanomas (PMM) remains unclear. Forty
      six PMMs underwent targeted exome sequencing of 111 cancer-associated genes.
      Seventy-six somatic nonsynonymous mutations in 42 genes were observed, and
      recurrent mutations were noted on eight genes, including TP53 (13%), NRAS (13%),
      SNX31 (9%), NF1 (9%), KIT (7%) and APC (7%). Mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK; 37%), cell cycle (20%) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-mTOR (15%)
      pathways were frequently mutated. We biologically characterized a novel ZNF767
      BRAF fusion found in a vemurafenib-refractory respiratory tract PMM, from which
      cell line harboring ZNF767-BRAF fusion were established for further molecular
      analyses. In an independent data set, NFIC-BRAF fusion was identified in an oral
      PMM case and TMEM178B-BRAF fusion and DGKI-BRAF fusion were identified in two
      malignant melanomas with a low mutational burden (number of mutation per
      megabase, 0.8 and 4, respectively). Subsequent analyses revealed that the ZNF767
      BRAF fusion protein promotes RAF dimerization and activation of the MAPK pathway.
      We next tested the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of vemurafenib, trametinib,
      BKM120 or LEE011 alone and in combination. Trametinib effectively inhibited tumor
      cell growth in vitro, but the combination of trametinib and BKM120 or LEE011
      yielded more than additive anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo in a
      melanoma cells harboring the BRAF fusion. In conclusion, BRAF fusions define a
      new molecular subset of PMM that can be targeted therapeutically by the
      combination of a MEK inhibitor with PI3K or cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6
      inhibitors.

PMID- 28092668
TI  - Upregulation of RET induces perineurial invasion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Tumor spread along nerves, a phenomenon known as perineurial invasion, is common
      in various cancers including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Neural
      invasion is associated with poor outcome, yet its mechanism remains unclear.
      Using the transgenic Pdx-1-Cre/KrasG12D /p53R172H (KPC) mouse model, we
      investigated the mechanism of neural invasion in PDAC. To detect tissue-specific
      factors that influence neural invasion by cancer cells, we characterized the
      perineurial microenvironment using a series of bone marrow transplantation (BMT)
      experiments in transgenic mice expressing single mutations in the Cx3cr1, GDNF
      and CCR2 genes. Immunolabeling of tumors in KPC mice of different ages and
      analysis of human cancer specimens revealed that RET expression is upregulated
      during PDAC tumorigenesis. BMT experiments revealed that BM-derived macrophages
      expressing the RET ligand GDNF are highly abundant around nerves invaded by
      cancer. Inhibition of perineurial macrophage recruitment, using the CSF-1R
      antagonist GW2580 or BMT from CCR2-deficient donors, reduced perineurial
      invasion. Deletion of GDNF expression by perineurial macrophages, or inhibition
      of RET with shRNA or a small-molecule inhibitor, reduced perineurial invasion in
      KPC mice with PDAC. Taken together, our findings show that RET is upregulated
      during pancreas tumorigenesis and its activation induces cancer perineurial
      invasion. Trafficking of BM-derived macrophages to the perineurial
      microenvironment and secretion of GDNF are essential for pancreatic cancer neural
      spread.

PMID- 28092670
TI  - Neuropilin-1 is upregulated in the adaptive response of prostate tumors to
      androgen-targeted therapies and is prognostic of metastatic progression and
      patient mortality.
AB  - Recent evidence has implicated the transmembrane co-receptor neuropilin-1 (NRP1)
      in cancer progression. Primarily known as a regulator of neuronal guidance and
      angiogenesis, NRP1 is also expressed in multiple human malignancies, where it
      promotes tumor angiogenesis. However, non-angiogenic roles of NRP1 in tumor
      progression remain poorly characterized. In this study, we define NRP1 as an
      androgen-repressed gene whose expression is elevated during the adaptation of
      prostate tumors to androgen-targeted therapies (ATTs), and subsequent progression
      to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Using short hairpin
      RNA (shRNA)-mediated suppression of NRP1, we demonstrate that NRP1 regulates the
      mesenchymal phenotype of mCRPC cell models and the invasive and metastatic
      dissemination of tumor cells in vivo. In patients, immunohistochemical staining
      of tissue microarrays and mRNA expression analyses revealed a positive
      association between NRP1 expression and increasing Gleason grade, pathological T
      score, positive lymph node status and primary therapy failure. Furthermore,
      multivariate analysis of several large clinical prostate cancer (PCa) cohorts
      identified NRP1 expression at radical prostatectomy as an independent prognostic
      biomarker of biochemical recurrence after radiation therapy, metastasis and
      cancer-specific mortality. This study identifies NRP1 for the first time as a
      novel androgen-suppressed gene upregulated during the adaptive response of
      prostate tumors to ATTs and a prognostic biomarker of clinical metastasis and
      lethal PCa.

PMID- 28092669
TI  - Interplay between epigenetics and metabolism in oncogenesis: mechanisms and
      therapeutic approaches.
AB  - Epigenetic and metabolic alterations in cancer cells are highly intertwined.
      Oncogene-driven metabolic rewiring modifies the epigenetic landscape via
      modulating the activities of DNA and histone modification enzymes at the
      metabolite level. Conversely, epigenetic mechanisms regulate the expression of
      metabolic genes, thereby altering the metabolome. Epigenetic-metabolomic
      interplay has a critical role in tumourigenesis by coordinately sustaining cell
      proliferation, metastasis and pluripotency. Understanding the link between
      epigenetics and metabolism could unravel novel molecular targets, whose
      intervention may lead to improvements in cancer treatment. In this review, we
      summarized the recent discoveries linking epigenetics and metabolism and their
      underlying roles in tumorigenesis; and highlighted the promising molecular
      targets, with an update on the development of small molecule or biologic
      inhibitors against these abnormalities in cancer.

PMID- 28092671
TI  - PDE4D promotes FAK-mediated cell invasion in BRAF-mutated melanoma.
AB  - The cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathway is critical in melanocyte biology for
      regulating differentiation. It is downregulated by phosphodiesterase (PDE)
      enzymes, which degrade cAMP itself. In melanoma evidence suggests that inhibition
      of the cAMP pathway by PDE type 4 (PDE4) favors tumor progression. For example,
      in melanomas harboring RAS mutations, the overexpression of PDE4 is crucial for
      MAPK pathway activation and proliferation induced by oncogenic RAS. Here we
      showed that PDE4D is overexpressed in BRAF-mutated melanoma cell lines,
      constitutively disrupting the cAMP pathway activation. PDE4D promoted melanoma
      invasion by interacting with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) through the scaffolding
      protein RACK1. Inhibition of PDE4 activity or inhibition of PDE4D interaction
      with FAK reduced invasion. PDE4D expression is increased in patients with
      advanced melanoma and PDE4D-FAK interaction is detectable in situ in metastatic
      melanoma. Our study establishes the role of PDE4D in BRAF-mutated melanoma as
      regulator of cell invasion, and suggests its potential as a target for preventing
      metastatic dissemination.

PMID- 28092672
TI  - BPGAP1 spatially integrates JNK/ERK signaling crosstalk in oncogenesis.
AB  - Simultaneous hyperactivation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal
      protein kinase (SAPK/JNK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase
      kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) signaling cascades has
      been reported in carcinogenesis. However, how they are integrated to promote
      oncogenesis remains unknown. By analyzing breast invasive carcinoma database (The
      Cancer Genome Altas), we found that the mRNA expression levels of both JNK1 and
      ERK2 are positively correlated with the mRNA level of EEA1, an endosome
      associated protein, indicating the potential JNK/ERK crosstalk at endosome.
      Unbiased screen of different endosome-associated Rab GTPases reveals that late
      endosome serves as a unique platform to integrate JNK/ERK signaling. Furthermore,
      we identify that BPGAP1 (a BCH domain-containing, Cdc42GAP-like Rho GTPase
      activating protein) promotes MEK partner 1 (MP1)-induced ERK activation on late
      endosome through scaffolding MP1/MEK1 complex. This regulatory function requires
      phosphorylation of BPGAP1 by JNK at its C terminal tail (Ser424) to unlock its
      autoinhibitory conformation. Consequently, phosphorylated BPGAP1 facilitates
      endosomal ERK signaling transduction to the nucleus, driving cell proliferation
      and transformation via the ERK-Myc-CyclinA axis. BPGAP1 therefore provides a
      crucial spatiotemporal checkpoint where JNK and MP1/MEK1 work in concert to
      regulate endosomal and nuclear ERK signaling in cell proliferation control.

PMID- 28092673
TI  - IRF7 regulates the development of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells
      through S100A9 transrepression in cancer.
AB  - Accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is one of the major
      obstacles against achieving appropriate anti-tumor immune responses and
      successful tumor immunotherapy. Granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) are common in tumor
      bearing hosts. However, the mechanisms regulating the development of MDSCs,
      especially G-MDSCs, remain poorly understood. In this report, we showed that
      interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) plays an important role in the development
      of G-MDSCs, but not monocytic MDSCs. IRF7 deficiency caused significant elevation
      of G-MDSCs, and therefore enhanced tumor growth and metastasis in mice. IRF7
      deletion did not affect the suppressive activity of G-MDSCs. Mechanistic studies
      showed that S100A9, a negative regulator of myeloid cell differentiation, was
      transrepressed by the IRF7 protein. S100A9 knockdown almost completely abrogated
      the effects of IRF7 deletion on G-MDSC development and tumor metastasis.
      Importantly, IRF7 expression levels negatively correlated with the G-MDSC
      frequency and tumor metastasis, as well as S100A9 expression, in cancer patients.
      In summary, our study demonstrated that IRF7 represents a novel regulator of G
      MDSC development in cancer, which may have predictive value for tumor
      progression.

PMID- 28092674
TI  - A targetable HB-EGF-CITED4 axis controls oncogenesis in lung cancer.
AB  - Aberrant epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) signaling contributes to
      neoplastic initiation and progression in lung. Mutated EGFR has become as an
      important therapeutic target in lung cancer, whereas targeted treatment is not
      available for wild-type EGFR or its ligands. In this study, we found that heparin
      binding (HB)-EGF, a member of the EGF family, was highly expressed in a subset of
      lung cancer, proliferation of which was dependent on HB-EGF signaling. Silencing
      of HB-EGF with RNA interference inhibited cell cycle progression in lung cancer
      cells. We observed that, upon HB-EGF induction, CITED4 was induced through a
      signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-dependent pathway,
      regulating cell proliferation. CITED4 interacted with MYC and potentiated MYC
      mediated transactivation of the CCND1 promoter, leading to cell cycle
      progression. Correlation analysis revealed that HB-EGF and CITED4 were
      significantly positively associated in primary lung tumors, and expression of HB
      EGF predicted a poor survival outcome in patients. In vitro and in vivo
      experiments revealed that pharmacological inhibition of HB-EGF with CRM197
      significantly attenuated tumor cell growth. Thus, CITED4 functions as a molecular
      switch in HB-EGF-induced growth control, and HB-EGF provides a novel therapeutic
      target for lung cancer intervention.

PMID- 28092675
TI  - Unbalancing p53/Mdm2/IGF-1R axis by Mdm2 activation restrains the IGF-1-dependent
      invasive phenotype of skin melanoma.
AB  - Melanoma tumors usually retain wild-type p53; however, its tumor-suppressor
      activity is functionally disabled, most commonly through an inactivating
      interaction with mouse double-minute 2 homolog (Mdm2), indicating p53 release
      from this complex as a potential therapeutic approach. P53 and the tumor-promoter
      insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) compete as substrates for the
      E3 ubiquitin ligase Mdm2, making their relative abundance intricately linked.
      Hence we investigated the effects of pharmacological Mdm2 release from the
      Mdm2/p53 complex on the expression and function of the IGF-1R. Nutlin-3 treatment
      increased IGF-1R/Mdm2 association with enhanced IGF-1R ubiquitination and a dual
      functional outcome: receptor downregulation and selective downstream signaling
      activation confined to the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal
      regulated kinase pathway. This Nutlin-3 functional selectivity translated into
      IGF-1-mediated bioactivities with biphasic effects on the proliferative and
      metastatic phenotype: an early increase and late decrease in the number of
      proliferative and migratory cells, while the invasiveness was completely
      inhibited following Nutlin-3 treatment through an impaired IGF-1-mediated matrix
      metalloproteinases type 2 activation mechanism. Taken together, these experiments
      reveal the biased agonistic properties of Nutlin-3 for the mitogen-activated
      protein kinase pathway, mediated by Mdm2 through IGF-1R ubiquitination and
      provide fundamental insights into destabilizing p53/Mdm2/IGF-1R circuitry that
      could be developed for therapeutic gain.

PMID- 28092676
TI  - Intracellular IL-37b interacts with Smad3 to suppress multiple signaling pathways
      and the metastatic phenotype of tumor cells.
AB  - Multiple signaling pathways that promote tumor cell metastasis are differentially
      activated in low/non-metastatic and metastatic tumor cells, resulting in the
      differential expression of metastasis-related genes. The underlying mechanism may
      involve the alterations of the intrinsic negative regulation in tumor cells. Here
      we report that the differential expression of interleukin-37b (IL-37b) in tumor
      cells alters the intrinsic negative regulation of signaling pathways, resulting
      in the difference of metastatic capacity. IL-37b could bind Smad3 and suppress
      Smad pathway by interfering with the formation and nuclear translocation of
      Smad2/3/4 complex. In turn, Smad3 could function as a co-regulator, enabling IL
      37b to suppress multiple non-Smad pathways. IL-37b-Smad3 translocated into
      nucleus to upregulate the expression of non-receptor protein tyrosine
      phosphatases (PTPNs), thus promoting dephosphorylation to suppress the activation
      of tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways such as ERK, p38 MAPK,
      JNK, PI3K, NF-kappaB, and STAT3 pathways. Intriguingly, 13 of 17 PTPNs, most of
      which are metastasis suppressors, were downregulated in metastatic tumor cells
      because of the low expression of IL-37b. The marked decrease of intracellular IL
      37b attenuated the intrinsic negative regulation in tumor cells, resulting in the
      enhanced activation of multiple signaling pathways and the increased capacity of
      invasiveness and metastatic colonization. Consistently, low expression of IL-37b
      in tumors was significantly associated with poor prognosis of cancer patients.
      Taken together, these findings reveal that intracellular IL-37b is a critical
      factor in the negative regulation of multiple signaling pathways that modulate
      the expression of metastasis-related genes, and suggest that IL-37b expression in
      tumor cells can potentially be a histopathological prognostic parameter for
      cancer patients and a therapeutic target for preventing tumor metastasis.

PMID- 28092677
TI  - WNT/beta-catenin signaling regulates mitochondrial activity to alter the
      oncogenic potential of melanoma in a PTEN-dependent manner.
AB  - Aberrant regulation of WNT/beta-catenin signaling has a crucial role in the onset
      and progression of cancers, where the effects are not always predictable
      depending on tumor context. In melanoma, for example, models of the disease
      predict differing effects of the WNT/beta-catenin pathway on metastatic
      progression. Understanding the processes that underpin the highly context
      dependent nature of WNT/beta-catenin signaling in tumors is essential to achieve
      maximal therapeutic benefit from WNT inhibitory compounds. In this study, we have
      found that expression of the tumor suppressor, phosphatase and tensin homolog
      deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), alters the invasive potential of melanoma cells
      in response to WNT/beta-catenin signaling, correlating with differing metabolic
      profiles. This alters the bioenergetic potential and mitochondrial activity of
      melanoma cells, triggered through regulation of pro-survival autophagy. Thus,
      WNT/beta-catenin signaling is a regulator of catabolic processes in cancer cells,
      which varies depending on the metabolic requirements of tumors.

PMID- 28092679
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of p53-regulated transcription in Myc-driven lymphomas.
AB  - The tumour suppressor p53 is a transcription factor that controls cellular stress
      responses. Here, we dissected the transcriptional programmes triggered upon
      restoration of p53 in Myc-driven lymphomas, based on the integrated analysis of
      p53 genomic occupancy and gene regulation. p53 binding sites were identified at
      promoters and enhancers, both characterized by the pre-existence of active
      chromatin marks. Only a small fraction of these sites showed the 20 base-pair p53
      consensus motif, suggesting that p53 recruitment to genomic DNA was primarily
      mediated through protein-protein interactions in a chromatin context. p53 also
      targeted distal sites devoid of activation marks, at which binding was
      prevalently driven by sequence recognition. In all instances, the relevant motif
      was the canonical unsplit consensus element, with no clear evidence for p53
      recruitment by split motifs. At promoters, p53 binding to the consensus motif was
      associated with gene induction, but not repression, indicating that the latter
      was most likely indirect. Altogether, our data highlight key features of genome
      recognition by p53 and provide unprecedented insight into the pathways associated
      with p53 reactivation and tumour regression, paving the way for their therapeutic
      application.

PMID- 28092678
TI  - 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 4 is essential for p53-null
      cancer cells.
AB  - The bifunctional enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase-4
      (PFKFB4) controls metabolic flux through allosteric regulation of glycolysis.
      Here we show that p53 regulates the expression of PFKFB4 and that p53-deficient
      cancer cells are highly dependent on the function of this enzyme. We found that
      p53 downregulates PFKFB4 expression by binding to its promoter and mediating
      transcriptional repression via histone deacetylases. Depletion of PFKFB4 from p53
      deficient cancer cells increased levels of the allosteric regulator fructose-2,6
      bisphosphate, leading to increased glycolytic activity but decreased routing of
      metabolites through the oxidative arm of the pentose-phosphate pathway. PFKFB4
      was also required to support the synthesis and regeneration of nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) in p53-deficient cancer cells. Moreover,
      depletion of PFKFB4-attenuated cellular biosynthetic activity and resulted in the
      accumulation of reactive oxygen species and cell death in the absence of p53.
      Finally, silencing of PFKFB4-induced apoptosis in p53-deficient cancer cells in
      vivo and interfered with tumour growth. These results demonstrate that PFKFB4 is
      essential to support anabolic metabolism in p53-deficient cancer cells and
      suggest that inhibition of PFKFB4 could be an effective strategy for cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 28092680
TI  - Utilizing somatic mutation data from numerous studies for cancer research: proof
      of concept and applications.
AB  - Large cancer projects measure somatic mutations in thousands of samples,
      gradually assembling a catalog of recurring mutations in cancer. Many methods
      analyze these data jointly with auxiliary information with the aim of identifying
      subtype-specific results. Here, we show that somatic gene mutations alone can
      reliably and specifically predict cancer subtypes. Interpretation of the
      classifiers provides useful insights for several biomedical applications. We
      analyze the COSMIC database, which collects somatic mutations from The Cancer
      Genome Atlas (TCGA) as well as from many smaller scale studies. We use multi
      label classification techniques and the Disease Ontology hierarchy in order to
      identify cancer subtype-specific biomarkers. Cancer subtype classifiers based on
      TCGA and the smaller studies have comparable performance, and the smaller studies
      add a substantial value in terms of validation, coverage of additional subtypes,
      and improved classification. The gene sets of the classifiers are used for
      threefold contribution. First, we refine the associations of genes to cancer
      subtypes and identify novel compelling candidate driver genes. Second, using our
      classifiers we successfully predict the primary site of metastatic samples.
      Third, we provide novel hypotheses regarding detection of subtype-specific
      synthetic lethality interactions. From the cancer research community perspective,
      our results suggest that curation efforts, such as COSMIC, have great added and
      complementary value even in the era of large international cancer projects.

PMID- 28092682
TI  - Limited heterogeneity of known driver gene mutations among the metastases of
      individual patients with pancreatic cancer.
AB  - The extent of heterogeneity among driver gene mutations present in naturally
      occurring metastases-that is, treatment-naive metastatic disease-is largely
      unknown. To address this issue, we carried out 60* whole-genome sequencing of 26
      metastases from four patients with pancreatic cancer. We found that identical
      mutations in known driver genes were present in every metastatic lesion for each
      patient studied. Passenger gene mutations, which do not have known or predicted
      functional consequences, accounted for all intratumoral heterogeneity. Even with
      respect to these passenger mutations, our analysis suggests that the genetic
      similarity among the founding cells of metastases was higher than that expected
      for any two cells randomly taken from a normal tissue. The uniformity of known
      driver gene mutations among metastases in the same patient has critical and
      encouraging implications for the success of future targeted therapies in advanced
      stage disease.

PMID- 28092681
TI  - Genomic analysis of globally diverse Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains provides
      insights into the emergence and spread of multidrug resistance.
AB  - Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), caused by drug-resistant strains of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is an increasingly serious problem worldwide. Here we
      examined a data set of whole-genome sequences from 5,310 M. tuberculosis isolates
      from five continents. Despite the great diversity of these isolates with respect
      to geographical point of isolation, genetic background and drug resistance, the
      patterns for the emergence of drug resistance were conserved globally. We have
      identified harbinger mutations that often precede multidrug resistance. In
      particular, the katG mutation encoding p.Ser315Thr, which confers resistance to
      isoniazid, overwhelmingly arose before mutations that conferred rifampicin
      resistance across all of the lineages, geographical regions and time periods.
      Therefore, molecular diagnostics that include markers for rifampicin resistance
      alone will be insufficient to identify pre-MDR strains. Incorporating knowledge
      of polymorphisms that occur before the emergence of multidrug resistance,
      particularly katG p.Ser315Thr, into molecular diagnostics should enable targeted
      treatment of patients with pre-MDR-TB to prevent further development of MDR-TB.

PMID- 28092683
TI  - Case-control association mapping by proxy using family history of disease.
AB  - Collecting cases for case-control genetic association studies can be time
      consuming and expensive. In some situations (such as studies of late-onset or
      rapidly lethal diseases), it may be more practical to identify family members of
      cases. In randomly ascertained cohorts, replacing cases with their first-degree
      relatives enables studies of diseases that are absent (or nearly absent) in the
      cohort. We refer to this approach as genome-wide association study by proxy
      (GWAX) and apply it to 12 common diseases in 116,196 individuals from the UK
      Biobank. Meta-analysis with published genome-wide association study summary
      statistics replicated established risk loci and yielded four newly associated
      loci for Alzheimer's disease, eight for coronary artery disease and five for type
      2 diabetes. In addition to informing disease biology, our results demonstrate the
      utility of association mapping without directly observing cases. We anticipate
      that GWAX will prove useful in future genetic studies of complex traits in large
      population cohorts.

PMID- 28092684
TI  - Biallelic mutations in the 3' exonuclease TOE1 cause pontocerebellar hypoplasia
      and uncover a role in snRNA processing.
AB  - Deadenylases are best known for degrading the poly(A) tail during mRNA decay. The
      deadenylase family has expanded throughout evolution and, in mammals, consists of
      12 Mg2+-dependent 3'-end RNases with substrate specificity that is mostly
      unknown. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 7 (PCH7) is a unique recessive syndrome
      characterized by neurodegeneration and ambiguous genitalia. We studied 12 human
      families with PCH7, uncovering biallelic, loss-of-function mutations in TOE1,
      which encodes an unconventional deadenylase. toe1-morphant zebrafish displayed
      midbrain and hindbrain degeneration, modeling PCH-like structural defects in
      vivo. Surprisingly, we found that TOE1 associated with small nuclear RNAs
      (snRNAs) incompletely processed spliceosomal. These pre-snRNAs contained 3'
      genome-encoded tails often followed by post-transcriptionally added adenosines.
      Human cells with reduced levels of TOE1 accumulated 3'-end-extended pre-snRNAs,
      and the immunoisolated TOE1 complex was sufficient for 3'-end maturation of
      snRNAs. Our findings identify the cause of a neurodegenerative syndrome linked to
      snRNA maturation and uncover a key factor involved in the processing of snRNA 3'
      ends.

PMID- 28092685
TI  - Precision oncology for acute myeloid leukemia using a knowledge bank approach.
AB  - Underpinning the vision of precision medicine is the concept that causative
      mutations in a patient's cancer drive its biology and, by extension, its clinical
      features and treatment response. However, considerable between-patient
      heterogeneity in driver mutations complicates evidence-based personalization of
      cancer care. Here, by reanalyzing data from 1,540 patients with acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML), we explore how large knowledge banks of matched genomic-clinical
      data can support clinical decision-making. Inclusive, multistage statistical
      models accurately predicted likelihoods of remission, relapse and mortality,
      which were validated using data from independent patients in The Cancer Genome
      Atlas. Comparison of long-term survival probabilities under different treatments
      enables therapeutic decision support, which is available in exploratory form
      online. Personally tailored management decisions could reduce the number of
      hematopoietic cell transplants in patients with AML by 20-25% while maintaining
      overall survival rates. Power calculations show that databases require
      information from thousands of patients for accurate decision support. Knowledge
      banks facilitate personally tailored therapeutic decisions but require
      sustainable updating, inclusive cohorts and large sample sizes.

PMID- 28092687
TI  - A charge density wave-like instability in a doped spin-orbit-assisted weak Mott
      insulator.
AB  - Layered perovskite iridates realize a rare class of Mott insulators that are
      predicted to be strongly spin-orbit coupled analogues of the parent state of
      cuprate high-temperature superconductors. Recent discoveries of pseudogap,
      magnetic multipolar ordered and possible d-wave superconducting phases in doped
      Sr2IrO4 have reinforced this analogy among the single layer variants. However,
      unlike the bilayer cuprates, no electronic instabilities have been reported in
      the doped bilayer iridate Sr3Ir2O7. Here we show that Sr3Ir2O7 realizes a weak
      Mott state with no cuprate analogue by using ultrafast time-resolved optical
      reflectivity to uncover an intimate connection between its insulating gap and
      antiferromagnetism. However, we detect a subtle charge density wave-like Fermi
      surface instability in metallic electron doped Sr3Ir2O7 at temperatures (TDW)
      close to 200 K via the coherent oscillations of its collective modes, which is
      reminiscent of that observed in cuprates. The absence of any signatures of a new
      spatial periodicity below TDW from diffraction, scanning tunnelling and
      photoemission based probes suggests an unconventional and possibly short-ranged
      nature of this density wave order.

PMID- 28092686
TI  - Epigenomic reprogramming during pancreatic cancer progression links anabolic
      glucose metabolism to distant metastasis.
AB  - During the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), heterogeneous
      subclonal populations emerge that drive primary tumor growth, regional spread,
      distant metastasis, and patient death. However, the genetics of metastases
      largely reflects that of the primary tumor in untreated patients, and PDAC driver
      mutations are shared by all subclones. This raises the possibility that an
      epigenetic process might operate during metastasis. Here we report large-scale
      reprogramming of chromatin modifications during the natural evolution of distant
      metastasis. Changes were targeted to thousands of large chromatin domains across
      the genome that collectively specified malignant traits, including euchromatin
      and large organized chromatin histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9)-modified (LOCK)
      heterochromatin. Remarkably, distant metastases co-evolved a dependence on the
      oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway (oxPPP), and oxPPP inhibition
      selectively reversed reprogrammed chromatin, malignant gene expression programs,
      and tumorigenesis. These findings suggest a model whereby linked metabolic
      epigenetic programs are selected for enhanced tumorigenic fitness during the
      evolution of distant metastasis.

PMID- 28092688
TI  - Buckled two-dimensional Xene sheets.
AB  - Silicene, germanene and stanene are part of a monoelemental class of two
      dimensional (2D) crystals termed 2D-Xenes (X = Si, Ge, Sn and so on) which,
      together with their ligand-functionalized derivatives referred to as Xanes, are
      comprised of group IVA atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice - similar to
      graphene but with varying degrees of buckling. Their electronic structure ranges
      from trivial insulators, to semiconductors with tunable gaps, to semi-metallic,
      depending on the substrate, chemical functionalization and strain. More than a
      dozen different topological insulator states are predicted to emerge, including
      the quantum spin Hall state at room temperature, which, if realized, would enable
      new classes of nanoelectronic and spintronic devices, such as the topological
      field-effect transistor. The electronic structure can be tuned, for example, by
      changing the group IVA element, the degree of spin-orbit coupling, the
      functionalization chemistry or the substrate, making the 2D-Xene systems
      promising multifunctional 2D materials for nanotechnology. This Perspective
      highlights the current state of the art and future opportunities in the
      manipulation and stability of these materials, their functions and applications,
      and novel device concepts.

PMID- 28092689
TI  - Three-dimensional imaging of dislocation dynamics during the hydriding phase
      transformation.
AB  - Crystallographic imperfections significantly alter material properties and their
      response to external stimuli, including solute-induced phase transformations.
      Despite recent progress in imaging defects using electron and X-ray techniques,
      in situ three-dimensional imaging of defect dynamics remains challenging. Here,
      we use Bragg coherent diffractive imaging to image defects during the hydriding
      phase transformation of palladium nanocrystals. During constant-pressure
      experiments we observe that the phase transformation begins after dislocation
      nucleation close to the phase boundary in particles larger than 300 nm. The three
      dimensional phase morphology suggests that the hydrogen-rich phase is more
      similar to a spherical cap on the hydrogen-poor phase than to the core-shell
      model commonly assumed. We substantiate this using three-dimensional phase field
      modelling, demonstrating how phase morphology affects the critical size for
      dislocation nucleation. Our results reveal how particle size and phase morphology
      affects transformations in the PdH system.

PMID- 28092690
TI  - Post-translational selective intracellular silencing of acetylated proteins with
      de novo selected intrabodies.
AB  - The ability to selectively interfere with post-translationally modified proteins
      would have many biological and therapeutic applications. However, post
      translational modifications cannot be selectively targeted by nucleic-acid-based
      interference approaches. Here we describe post-translational intracellular
      silencing antibody technology (PISA), a method for selecting intrabodies against
      post-translationally modified proteins. We demonstrate our method by generating
      intrabodies against native acetylated proteins and showing functional
      interference in living cells.

PMID- 28092691
TI  - Effective detection of variation in single-cell transcriptomes using MATQ-seq.
AB  - The quantification of transcriptional variation in single cells, particularly
      within the same cell population, is currently limited by the low sensitivity and
      high technical noise of single-cell RNA-seq assays. We report multiple annealing
      and dC-tailing-based quantitative single-cell RNA-seq (MATQ-seq), a highly
      sensitive and quantitative method for single-cell sequencing of total RNA. By
      systematically determining technical noise, we show that MATQ-seq captures
      genuine biological variation between whole transcriptomes of single cells.

PMID- 28092692
TI  - SMiLE-seq identifies binding motifs of single and dimeric transcription factors.
AB  - Resolving the DNA-binding specificities of transcription factors (TFs) is of
      critical value for understanding gene regulation. Here, we present a novel,
      semiautomated protein-DNA interaction characterization technology, selective
      microfluidics-based ligand enrichment followed by sequencing (SMiLE-seq). SMiLE
      seq is neither limited by DNA bait length nor biased toward strong affinity
      binders; it probes the DNA-binding properties of TFs over a wide affinity range
      in a fast and cost-effective fashion. We validated SMiLE-seq by analyzing 58 full
      length human, mouse, and Drosophila TFs from distinct structural classes. All
      tested TFs yielded DNA-binding models with predictive power comparable to or
      greater than that of other in vitro assays. De novo motif discovery on all JUN
      FOS heterodimers and several nuclear receptor-TF complexes provided novel
      insights into partner-specific heterodimer DNA-binding preferences. We also
      successfully analyzed the DNA-binding properties of uncharacterized human C2H2
      zinc-finger proteins and validated several using ChIP-exo.

PMID- 28092693
TI  - Pathogenic Streptococcus strains employ novel escape strategy to inhibit
      bacteriostatic effect mediated by mammalian peptidoglycan recognition protein.
AB  - Pathogenic streptococcal species are responsible for some of the most lethal and
      prevalent animal and human infections. Previous reports have identified a
      candidate pathogenicity island (PAI) in two highly virulent clinical isolates of
      Streptococcus suis type 2, a causative agent of high-mortality streptococcal
      toxic shock syndrome. This PAI contains a type-IVC secretion system C subgroup
      (type-IVC secretion system) that is involved in the secretion of unknown
      pathogenic effectors that are responsible for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
      caused by highly virulent strains of S. suis. Both virulence protein B4 and
      virulence protein D4 were demonstrated to be key components of this type-IVC
      secretion system. In this study, we identify a new PAI family across 3
      streptococcal species; Streptococcus genomic island contains type-IV secretion
      system, which contains a genomic island type-IVC secretion system and a novel
      PPIase molecule, SP1. SP1 is shown to interact with a component of innate
      immunity, peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGLYRP-1) and to perturb the PGLYRP
      1-mediated bacteriostatic effect by interacting with protein PGLYRP-1. Our study
      elucidates a novel mechanism by which bacteria escape by components of the innate
      immune system by secretion of the SP1 protein in pathogenic Streptococci, which
      then interacts with PGLYRP-1 from the host. Our results provide potential targets
      for the development of new antimicrobial drugs against bacteria with resistance
      to innate host immunity.

PMID- 28092694
TI  - Proton pump inhibitors: Risks of long-term use.
AB  - Proton pump inhibitors are among the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs,
      and their use is increasing, in particular for long-term treatment, often being
      over-prescribed and used for inappropriate conditions. In recent years,
      considerable attention has been directed towards a wide range of adverse effects,
      and even when a potential underlying biological mechanism is plausible, the
      clinical evidence of the adverse effect is often weak. Several long-term side
      effects have been investigated ranging from interaction with other drugs,
      increased risk of infection, reduced intestinal absorption of vitamins and
      minerals, and more recently kidney damage and dementia. The most recent
      literature regarding these adverse effects and their association with long-term
      proton pump inhibitor treatment is reviewed, and the mechanisms through which
      these possible complications might develop are discussed.

PMID- 28092698
TI  - Microfluidics and Miniaturization 2017.

PMID- 28092695
TI  - Absorption, distribution and excretion of the anti-tuberculosis drug delamanid in
      rats: Extensive tissue distribution suggests potential therapeutic value for
      extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
AB  - Delamanid (OPC-67683, DeltybaTM, nitro-dihydro-imidazooxazoles derivative) is
      approved for the treatment of adult pulmonary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
      The absorption, distribution and excretion of delamanid-derived radioactivity
      were investigated after a single oral administration of 14 C-delamanid at 3 mg/kg
      to rats. In both male and female rats, radioactivity in blood and all tissues
      reached peak levels by 8 or 24 h post-dose, and thereafter decreased slowly.
      Radioactivity levels were 3- to 5-fold higher in lung tissue at time to maximum
      concentration compared with plasma. In addition, radioactivity was broadly
      distributed in various tissues, including the central nervous system, eyeball,
      placenta and fetus, indicating that 14 C-delamanid permeated the brain, retinal
      and placental blood barriers. By 168 h post-dose, radioactivity in almost all the
      tissues was higher than that in the plasma. Radioactivity was also transferred
      into the milk of lactating rats. Approximately 6% and 92% of radioactivity was
      excreted in the urine and feces, respectively, indicating that the absorbed
      radioactivity was primarily excreted via the biliary route. No significant
      differences in the absorption, distribution and excretion of 14 C-delamanid were
      observed between male and female rats. The pharmacokinetic results suggested that
      delamanid was broadly distributed to the lungs and various tissues for a
      prolonged duration of time at concentrations expected to effectively target
      tuberculosis bacteria. These data indicate that delamanid, in addition to its
      previously demonstrated efficacy in pulmonary tuberculosis, might be an effective
      therapeutic approach to treating extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Copyright (c) 2017
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28092699
TI  - Infection of human intestinal epithelial cells by invasive bacteria activates NF
      kappaB and increases ICAM-1 expression through NOD1.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) is required
      for primary intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) to respond to natural mucopeptides
      secreted by gram-negative bacteria. Infection of human IECs with invasive
      bacteria up-regulates intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression.
      However, the role of NOD family members in host defense has been largely unknown.
      The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a functional role for
      NOD1 in the up-regulation of ICAM-1 expression in invasive bacteria-infected
      IECs. METHODS: ICAM-1 mRNA expression was compared between controls, Caco-2 or
      HT29 cells transfected with an empty vector, and IECs stably transfected with a
      dominant-negative (DN) NOD1. Expression was compared using qualitative reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR, and flow
      cytometry after infection with enteroinvasive Escherichia coli O29:NM or Shigella
      flexneri. Nuclear factor kB (NF-kappaB) activation was determined by
      electrophoretic mobility shift assays. RESULTS: DN NOD1 significantly inhibited
      the up-regulation of ICAM-1 expression in response to an enteroinvasive bacterial
      infection. The Caco-2 cells transfected with DN NOD1 manifested marked inhibition
      of NF-kB activation in response to E. coli O29:NM infection. CONCLUSIONS:
      Signaling through NOD1 may play an essential role in neutrophil trafficking
      following infection with enteroinvasive bacteria.

PMID- 28092700
TI  - Association between thyroid autoimmunity and Helicobacter pylori infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: There have been controversial reports linking Helicobacter
      pylori infection to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). However, data regarding
      the relationship are limited for Asian populations, which have an extremely high
      prevalence of H. pylori infection. We performed this study to investigate the
      association between H. pylori infection and AITD in Koreans. METHODS: This study
      involved adults aged 30 to 70 years who had visited a health promotion center. A
      total of 5,502 subjects were analysed. Thyroid status was assessed by free
      thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO
      Ab). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to H. pylori were measured as an
      indication of H. pylori infection. We compared the prevalence of TPO-Ab in
      subjects with and without H. pylori infection. RESULTS: H. pylori IgG antibodies
      were found in 2,875 subjects (52.3%), and TPO-Ab were found in 430 (7.8%).
      Individuals positive for H. pylori Ab were older than those negative for H.
      pylori Ab (p < 0.01). The proportion of females was significantly higher in the
      TPO-Ab positive group (41.0% vs. 64.2%, p < 0.01). Prevalence of TPO-Ab
      positivity was higher in subjects with H. pylori infection (8.6% vs. 7.00%, p =
      0.03), and this association was significant after adjusting for age, sex, and
      body mass index (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.03; p =
      0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, prevalence of TPO-Ab positivity is more
      frequent in subjects with H. pylori infection. Our findings suggest H. pylori
      infection may play a role in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis.

PMID- 28092701
TI  - Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism due to a mutation in the luteinizing hormone beta
      subunit gene.

PMID- 28092702
TI  - Multiple metastasis of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
      coexistent with malignant melanoma.

PMID- 28092703
TI  - Enantioselective Three-Component Amination of Enecarbamates Enables the Synthesis
      of Structurally Complex Small Molecules.
AB  - The control of asymmetric synthesis tools represents a major challenge,
      especially when it comes to the synthesis of bioactive molecules. In this
      context, the asymmetric synthesis of 1,2-diamines through amination of
      enecarbamates has been proposed as a highly efficient and tunable approach.
      Indeed, reactivity of the latter species could be exploited to realize a double
      functionalization via an electrophilic amination followed by nucleophilic
      trapping. Herein, we describe a chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed electrophilic
      amination of enecarbamates with dibenzyl azodicarboxylate and oxygenated or thiol
      containing nucleophiles affording stable precursors of alpha-hydrazinoimines in
      high yields and with almost complete enantioselectivities (up to >99%). These
      precursors were successfully functionalized with various silylated nucleophiles
      without epimerization of the stereogenic center, giving access to a wide range of
      1,2-disubstituted 1,2-diamines. We also show that the thiolated precursors were
      successfully engaged in a Friedel-Crafts reaction against a variety of aromatic
      and heteroaromatic nucleophiles, leading to various 1-(hetero)aryl-1,2-diamines
      without loss of enantioselectivity and with complete diastereoselectivity.
      Reductive N-N bond cleavage provided the N,N-diprotected 1,2-diamines with no
      loss in diastereo- or enantioselectivity. The protocol was successfully scaled up
      to a multigram scale and the catalyst was successfully recovered, demonstrating
      the potential applications of this new methodology.

PMID- 28092704
TI  - X-ray Reflectivity Study of the Interaction of an Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid
      with a Soft Supported Lipid Membrane.
AB  - Ionic liquids (ILs) are important for their antimicrobial activity and are found
      to be toxic to some microorganisms. To shed light on the mechanism of their
      activities, the interaction of an imidazolium-based IL 1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium tetrfluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]) with E. coli bacteria and cell
      membrane-mimicking lipid mono- and bilayers has been studied. The survival of the
      bacteria and corresponding growth inhibition are observed to be functions of the
      concentration of the IL. The IL alters the pressure-area isotherm of the
      monolayer formed at an air-water interface by the 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphocholine (DPPC) lipid. The in-plane elasticity of the lipid layer is
      reduced as a consequence of the insertion of this IL. The X-ray reflectivity
      study from a polymer-supported lipid bilayer shows strong perturbation in the
      self-assembled structure of the bilayer due to the interaction. As a consequence,
      there is a considerable decrease in bilayer thickness and a corresponding
      increase in electron density. These results, however, depend on the chain
      configurations of the lipid molecules.

PMID- 28092706
TI  - [Editor's Note: The Man as Integrating Center of Bioethics].

PMID- 28092705
TI  - O-H Activation by an Unexpected Ferryl Intermediate during Catalysis by 2
      Hydroxyethylphosphonate Dioxygenase.
AB  - Activation of O-H bonds by inorganic metal-oxo complexes has been documented, but
      no cognate enzymatic process is known. Our mechanistic analysis of 2
      hydroxyethylphosphonate dioxygenase (HEPD), which cleaves the C1-C2 bond of its
      substrate to afford hydroxymethylphosphonate on the biosynthetic pathway to the
      commercial herbicide phosphinothricin, uncovered an example of such an O-H-bond
      cleavage event. Stopped-flow UV-visible absorption and freeze-quench Mossbauer
      experiments identified a transient iron(IV)-oxo (ferryl) complex. Maximal
      accumulation of the intermediate required both the presence of deuterium in the
      substrate and, importantly, the use of 2H2O as solvent. The ferryl complex forms
      and decays rapidly enough to be on the catalytic pathway. To account for these
      unanticipated results, a new mechanism that involves activation of an O-H bond by
      the ferryl complex is proposed. This mechanism accommodates all available data on
      the HEPD reaction.

PMID- 28092707
TI  - [Introduction. What is Environmental Ethics? From its Roots to the Future].

PMID- 28092708
TI  - [Applying Ethics, Placating Ethics, or Applying ourselves to Ethics? A Critical
      View of Environmental Ethics as Applied Ethics].
AB  - There is actually a pervasive tendency to consider environmental ethics and
      bioethics as specific cases pertaining to a supposed kind of "applied ethics".
      Application can be understood in two different meanings: a concrete sense, as in
      technical applications, and a psychological meaning, as when we mentally apply
      ourselves to a task. Ethics has been always thought as a practical knowledge, in
      a "praxical" sense and not in a "poietic" one. Ethics has to do with "ends" not
      with "means"; in this sense ethics is "useless". Since ethics has to do with the
      ultimate meaning of things, ethical choices give meaning to all practical
      activities. In that sense ethics instead of being useless must be considered as
      "over-useful" (Maritain). Nowadays politics tend to instrumentalize ethics in
      order to political objectives. The consequence has been the reconceptualization
      of specific ethics as applied ethics. Environmental ethics and bioethics are then
      submitted to politics following the logic of technical applications.
      Environmental ethics and bioethics considered as applied ethics are at risk to
      becoming not only useless, but also meaningless.

PMID- 28092709
TI  - The Centrality of Philosophical Anthropology to (a Future) Environmental Ethics.
AB  - While environmental ethics has successfully established itself in philosophy, as
      presently conceived it is still largely irrelevant to grappling the global
      ecological crisis because, as Alasdair MacIntyre has argued, ethical philosophy
      itself is in grave disorder. MacIntyre's historically oriented recovery of virtue
      ethics is defended, but it is argued that even MacIntyre was too constrained by
      received assumptions to overcome this disorder. As he himself realized, his ideas
      need to be integrated and defended through philosophical anthropology. However,
      it is suggested that current defenders of philosophical anthropology have not
      done it justice. To appreciate its importance it is necessary accept that we are
      cultural beings in which the core of culture is the conception of what are
      humans. This is presupposed not only in thought but in social practices and forms
      of life. This was understood by Aristotle, but modernity has been
      straightjacketed by the Seventeenth Century scientific revolution and Hobbes'
      philosophical anthropology, identifying knowledge and with techno-science and
      eliminating any place for questioning this conception of humans. The only
      conception of humanity that could successfully challenge and replace Hobbes'
      philosophical anthropology, it is argued, is Hegel's philosophical anthropology
      reformulated and developed on naturalistic foundations. This involves
      subordinating science to a reconceived humanities with a fundamentally different
      role accorded to ethics, placing it at the center of social life, politics and
      economics and at the centre of the struggle to transform culture and society to
      create an ecologically sustainable civilization.

PMID- 28092710
TI  - [Sobre la (No) Responsabilidad de la Tecnociencia en los Problemas Ambientales y
      la Busqueda de Politica].
AB  - In this paper I propose to reflect upon modern configuration of technique, i.e.,
      technoscience, and our responsibility towards environmental management. I show
      that the technological products of our world imply a certain attitude of
      aggression towards nature, contrasting with the attitude of protection from her,
      which was peculiar of the pre-technological world. Finally I suggest recovering
      the classical notion of politics as a possible alternative for controlling techno
      scientific imperatives.

PMID- 28092711
TI  - [The Future of Ecology: Wisdom as The Speculative Centre of Environmental
      Ethics].
AB  - This article argues that it is necessary to go back to Potter's proposal to
      rediscover a concept of bioethics wider than medical ethics, and strongly
      connected to environmental ethics. The two disciplines share, among others, the
      following dimensions: the consciousness of the sin as a consequence of recent
      technological developments; the need for a salvation; the need for a science of
      survival; wisdom as a possible solution. Referring to the latter, the work of Van
      Rennselaer Potter (father of bioethics) and Arne Naess (father of deep ecology,
      and in a broader sense, of environmental ethics) are particularly linked: it
      seems that wisdom should be the virtue providing answers about our way of
      dwelling the world. Finally, we will argue about the need for a practical wisdom
      (phronesis) for the future of environmental ethics.

PMID- 28092712
TI  - [Global Bioethics and Biocultural Ethics].
AB  - The biocultural ethic recovers an understanding of the vital links between the
      life habits of the coinhabitants (humans and other-than-human) that share a
      habitat. The "3Hs" formal framework of the biocultural ethics provides a
      conceptual and methodological tool to understand and to better manage complex eco
      social or biocultural systems in heterogeneous regions of the planet. From the
      global bioethics originally proposed by V.R. Potter, the integration of theory
      and praxis promoted by Alfredo Pradenas in the Bioethics Society of Chile, and
      the conceptual framework of biocultural ethics (including traditions of
      philosophical thought, scientific and Amerindians), I develop a comparative
      analysis of: 1. an ecosystemic and intercultural concept of the human body, 2. an
      intercultural understanding of health with complementary Western and Native
      American medicinal practices, and 3. an appreciation and respect for the
      fundamental links among the life habits, the habitats where they take place, and
      the well-being and identity of the communities of cohabitants. Implicit links in
      the "3Hs" biocultural ethics are present in the archaic meanings of the term
      ethos. This understanding retrieves a primordial root in the genesis of Western
      ethics, which did not start bounded to how to inhabit or dwell, but also
      considered where to inhabit and with whom to co-inhabit. I propose to restore the
      complexity and breadth of the concept of ethics originated in Ancient Greece, to
      reaffirm the common roots of bioethics and environmental ethics contained in
      Potter's global bioethics, and to incorporate the systemic and contextual
      perspective of the biocultural ethic that values biological and cultural
      diversity (and their interrelationships), to sustain a conception of human health
      interconnected with the sustainability of the biosphere.

PMID- 28092713
TI  - "The Anthropocene", Ecosystem Management, and Environmental Virtue.
AB  - *Portions of this article are drawn from: Sandler, R. Environmental Ethics:
      Theory in Practice, Oxford University Press, New York, in press. In this article
      I consider contrasting views on the implications of rapid, macroscale
      anthropogenic change for environmental ethics, particularly ecosystem management,
      species conservation, and environmental virtue. I begin by reviewing the
      Anthropocene debate, which has become a primary point of discourse on whether we
      ought to embrace a more interventionist stance regarding ecosystem management and
      species conservation. I then discuss the challenges posed by rapid ecological
      change to predominant ecosystem management and species conservation practices. I
      argue that these challenges not withstanding, we ought not go all in on
      interventionist management, even as novel conservation and management techniques
      can be justified in particular cases. It is possible to adopt a more forward
      looking normative stance, without licensing robust interventionism. Finally, I
      discuss the implications of this for some environmental virtues.

PMID- 28092714
TI  - The Food in our Future: Where Will We Find Ethics?
AB  - Food and agricultural systems are in large part driven by technology. Together
      with public policy, the kinds of technologies that are induced into, or chosen by
      actors in, food systems, dictates their structure and activities. The "Big Story"
      or ideology which underlies research, development and adoption of technologies
      provides the justification for choices we make about the future of the food
      system. A combination of productionism -more is better, and "feed the world"- is
      what governs, and seems to be what will govern Western food systems. Important
      ethical questions include whether more is better and whether we will feed the
      world with our technology and policy. But a parallel question is how will we
      include critical consideration of the continued legitimacy of our Big Story? This
      system, after all, has worked well for the past century.

PMID- 28092715
TI  - [Family: a Challenge for the Future of our Earth].
AB  - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the family as the basic cell
      of society, highlighting its importance, the need to protect it, to promote it as
      a natural and fundamental group unit of society. To reflect on the effects that
      the actual culture is in the family is important from the situation as it is now
      presented, then move to raise the changes seen necessary to ensure their own
      future and that of their habitat that is Earth. To accomplish this first task
      some study results World Family Map 2015 is glossed. Later reflections on the
      binomial environmental ecology and human ecology, where the importance of
      adequate from anthropological concepts to succeed in each of these fields. The
      current decline of culture directly affects the family by undermining one of its
      main bases, human love, which is a real threat. They are proposed some challenges
      for the family and mentioned strategies to address them. As outlined that
      conclusion not to follow the activity of endangering the human species and
      destroy the planet, it is necessary to change the current social structure and
      culture, beginning with the family; must be helped to become aware of their
      problems and limitations, so that later you can give truly human solutions to
      these problems, almost always produced by the same man.

PMID- 28092716
TI  - View Points of an Ecologist on Practical Environmental Ethic: Socioecology,
      Common-Pool Resources and Conservation.
AB  - The paper centers on environmental practical ethic point of views according to a
      professional ecologist. Ecology and the science of Socio-ecology are defined. The
      framework of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment initiative (MA 2003), including
      the use of ecosystems as the environmental unit of analysis, ecosystem services
      and human well-being as the center for assessment are discussed. Common-pool
      resources (CPR) and the allegory of the tragedy of the commons are used to
      illustrate main scientific and ethical environmental approaches, and above all to
      highlight the case of climate change, considering "air-atmosphere" as a CPR. The
      need to adopt practical personal environmental ethical positions is highlighted.
      Furthermore, on climate change, a discussion on the need to develop environmental
      and socio-ecological polycentric approaches: top-down and bottom-up, is included.
      An updated discussion on the concept of conservation, including main scientific
      and ethic points of view, is presented. Pope Francis's Encyclical, Laudato Si',
      is used to highlight environmental, socio-ecological and ethical aspects behind
      the comprehensive concept of Integral Ecology. The paper ends with a short
      synthesis on Earth modern unseen and astonishing environmental and socio
      ecological rates of changes, and identifying the main barriers for personal
      environmental engagement. A call is done regarding the urgent need for socio
      environmental ethic personal engagement and collective actions.

PMID- 28092717
TI  - The Culture War, Modern Economics, and Environmental Education in The United
      States.
AB  - Teaching ethics in public schools in the United States has been made almost
      impossible because of the Culture War and Modern Economics. When Catholics began
      to migrate to the United States in the early nineteenth century, they found that
      Protestant religion and ethics were taught in public schools and they created
      their own parochial schools. This controversy has continued for two hundred
      years. To encourage the Catholics to send their children to the public schools,
      by 1860 religion and ethics had been removed from the public schools. Concern
      about the teaching of ethics spread to other religious and non-religious groups.
      These groups attack the teaching of ethics as the indoctrination of the personal
      values of teachers, and when teachers include alternative ethical views to avoid
      indoctrination they are accused of relativism. According to Modern Economics,
      value terms are meaningless unless they have been translated into economic terms
      based on willingness to pay. This approach overlooks the social values that make
      up the cultural heritage of a society. Although children acquire these social
      values tacitly, since they are not taught these values as a common heritage, they
      come to believe that they invented them ahistorically and that they are just how
      they feel (ethical emotivism). By teaching children social values as a common
      heritage, the charges of indoctrination and relativism and the replacement of
      these values with economic terms can be avoided, later permitting a more
      objective role for ethics in public affairs among adults.

PMID- 28092719
TI  - [Commentary on The Case: Request for Vasectomy Reversion in HIV Male with
      Serodiscordant Couple].

PMID- 28092718
TI  - [Case: Request for Vasectomy Reversion in HIV Male with Serodiscordant Couple].

PMID- 28092720
TI  - [Rethinking Intellectual Disability: A Professor, a Family and an Exceptional
      Child].

PMID- 28092721
TI  - Use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in the battle against bacterial infectious
      diseases: recent achievements and future perspectives.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Advancements in microbial identification occur increasingly faster
      as more laboratories explore, refine and extend the use of mass spectrometry in
      the field of microbiology. Areas covered: This review covers the latest knowledge
      found in the literature for quick identification of various classes of bacterial
      pathogens known to cause human infection by the use of MALDI-TOF MS technology.
      Except for identification of bacterial strains, more researchers try to 'battle
      time' in favor of the patient. These novel approaches to identify bacteria
      directly from clinical samples and even determine antibiotic resistance are
      extensively revised and discussed. Expert commentary: Mass spectrometry is the
      future of bacterial identification and creates a new era in modern microbiology.
      Its incorporation in routine practice seems to be not too far, providing a
      valuable alternative, especially in terms of time, to conventional techniques. If
      the technology further advances, quick bacterial identification and probable
      identification of common antibiotic resistance might guide patient decision
      making regarding bacterial infectious diseases in the near future.

PMID- 28092722
TI  - Synthetic and natural Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) agonists
      as candidates for the therapy of the metabolic syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are the
      molecular targets of hypolipidemic and insulin-sensitizing drugs and implicated
      in a multitude of processes that fine-tune the functions of all organs in
      vertebrates. As transcription factors they sense endogenous and exogenous lipid
      signaling molecules and convert these signals into intricate gene responses that
      impact health and disease. The PPARs act as modulators of cellular, organ, and
      systemic processes, such as lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, making them
      valuable for understanding body homeostasis influenced by nutrition and exercise.
      Areas covered: This review concentrates on synthetic and natural PPAR ligands and
      how they have helped reveal many aspects of the transcriptional control of
      complex processes important in health. Expert opinion: The three PPARs have
      complementary roles in the fine-tuning of most fundamental body functions,
      especially energy metabolism. Understanding their inter-relatedness using ligands
      that simultaneously modulate the activity of more than one of these receptors is
      a major goal. This approach may provide essential knowledge for the development
      of dual or pan-PPAR agonists or antagonists as potential new health-promoting
      agents and for nutritional approaches to prevent metabolic diseases.

PMID- 28092723
TI  - Pertuzumab and breast cancer: another piece in the anti-HER2 puzzle.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The mechanism of action of pertuzumab, a recombinant anti-HER2
      humanized monoclonal antibody, is complementary to trastuzumab's. On 8 June 2012,
      the Food and Drug Administration approved the combination of pertuzumab with
      trastuzumab and docetaxel as first-line treatment of HER2-positive metastatic
      breast cancer. Furthermore, pertuzumab is the first drug to be approved in the
      neoadjuvant setting using a pathological complete response as an endpoint. Areas
      covered: The review provides insights into the main mechanisms of action of
      pertuzumab. In addition, it gives complete coverage of the landmark clinical and
      translational trials for this agent. Expert opinion: The new therapeutic
      algorithm in the treatment of HER2-positive advanced disease and the awaited
      results of the Aphinity trial are expected to impact the sequence of anti-HER2
      treatment. Accordingly, the value of pertuzumab beyond progression needs to be
      properly studied. Furthermore, to improve the toxicity profile and efficacy of
      future treatment, new pertuzumab-based regimens are being investigated.

PMID- 28092724
TI  - The pediatric Rome IV criteria: what's new?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in
      children of all ages and comprise of a wide range of conditions related to the
      gastrointestinal tract that cannot be attributed to structural or biochemical
      abnormalities. FGIDs are diagnosed according to the symptom-based Rome criteria.
      Areas covered: In 2016, the revised pediatric Rome IV criteria were published,
      these revised criteria are discussed in this review article. For the youngest age
      group (neonates/toddlers), the criteria for infant colic have undergone the most
      notable revisions. The most prominent changes in Rome IV were made in the
      criteria for children/adolescents, with the definition of two new FGIDs
      (functional nausea and functional vomiting) and the restructuring of the criteria
      for functional abdominal pain disorders, including the definition of FGID
      subtypes for functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Expert
      commentary: Overall, the Rome IV have been refined and are expected to improve
      the process of diagnosing FGIDs in the pediatric population and to better
      facilitate the healthcare professional in distinguishing different clinical
      entities. These changes will likely benefit future research and clinical care.

PMID- 28092725
TI  - Strontium ranelate, a promising disease modifying osteoarthritis drug.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The articular cartilage and subchondral bone may have potential
      crosstalk in the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Strontium
      ranelate (SrR) has the ability to dissociate the bone remodeling process and to
      change the balance between bone resorption and bone formation. Its effect on
      subchondral bone makes it a potential disease- modifying osteoarthritis drug
      (DMOAD) in the treatment of OA. The aim of the current review is to summarize up
      to-date pharmacological and clinical data of SrR for OA treatment. Areas covered:
      A literature search was performed on PubMed and European Medicines Agency (EMA)
      website for all publications and documents related to SrR and OA. References of
      related studies were searched by hand. Treatment with SrR, especially at the
      dosage of 2 g/day, was associated with reduced radiographic knee OA progression,
      and with meaningful clinical improvement. It was also significantly associated
      with decreased MRI-assessed cartilage volume loss (CVL) and bone marrow lesions
      (BMLs). Expert opinion: SrR could be a promising DMOAD particularly for OA
      patients with bone phenotypes. The clinical efficacy and side effects of SrR for
      OA treatment need to be further investigated in future clinical trials before
      clinical application.

PMID- 28092726
TI  - Pathophysiology, incidence and predictors of conduction disturbances during
      Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, transcatheter aortic valve implantation
      (TAVI) has evolved rapidly toward an extremely reproducible, safe and effective
      procedure, with a marked reduction of its related complications. However, the
      occurrence of conduction disturbances and the need for permanent pacemaker
      implantation (PPI) after TAVI remains a concern. Areas covered: In this article
      review, we will go through the mechanisms involved in conduction disturbances
      after TAVI, and we will discuss the key aspects of pathophysiology, incidence and
      predictors of conduction disturbances following Transcatheter Aortic Valve
      Implantation. The evaluation of patient's valve anatomy and the selection of the
      most appropriate prosthesis have been proposed as a valuable options to reduce
      the incidence of conductions disturbances. Moreover, in recent times, a great
      number of new TAVI devices, so-called 'second-generation devices', have been
      introduced to address the limitations of the first-generation devices, including
      conduction disturbance, with scarce results. Expert commentary: Conduction
      disturbances after TAVI are increasingly recognized as an important issue in TAVI
      complications. Further characterization of the procedural- and patient-related
      factors that contribute to the development of conduction abnormalities will help
      to improve prosthesis designs and patient selection, making TAVI even more safer.

PMID- 28092727
TI  - Sitting ducks face chronic disease: an analysis of newspaper coverage of
      sedentary behaviour as a health issue in Australia 2000-2012.
AB  - Issue addressed This study examines how sedentary behaviour (too much sitting)
      was covered as a health issue by Australian newspapers and how physical activity
      was framed within this newspaper coverage. Methods Articles featuring sedentary
      behaviour published in Australian newspapers between 2000 and 2012 were analysed
      for content and framing. Main outcome measures were volume, number and content of
      newspaper articles; framing and types of sedentary behaviour; responsibility for
      the problem of and solutions to high levels of sedentary behaviour; and physical
      activity mentions and how it was framed within sedentary behaviour coverage.
      Results Out of 48 articles, prolonged sitting was framed as bad for health (52%)
      and specifically as health compromising for office workers (25%). Adults who sat
      a lot were framed as 'easy targets' for ill health (21% of headlines led with
      'sitting ducks' or 'sitting targets'). Prolonged sitting was framed as an issue
      of individual responsibility (>90%) with less mention of environmental and
      sociocultural contributors. Thirty-six of 48 articles mentioned physical
      activity; 39% stated that being physically active does not matter if a person
      sits for prolonged periods of time or that the benefits of physical activity are
      undone by too much sitting. Conclusions News coverage should reflect the full
      socio-ecological model of sedentary behaviour and continually reinforce the
      independent and well-established benefits of health-enhancing physical activity
      alongside the need to limit prolonged sitting. So what? It is important that the
      entire 'move more, sit less, every day!' message is communicated by news media.

PMID- 28092728
TI  - Effect of time interval between the second Improvest(r) dose and slaughter and
      corn dried distillers grains with solubles feeding strategies on carcass
      composition, primal cutout, and pork quality of immunologically castrated pigs.
AB  - Effects of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) feeding strategies on
      carcass composition, primal cutout, and lean quality of immunologically castrated
      (IC; n=863) pigs were evaluated, and consisted of: 1) corn-soybean meal (CS) diet
      (PCon); 2) CS+40% DDGS (NCon); 3) CS+40, 30, 20, or 10% DDGS fed in phases 1 to
      4, respectively (SD); or 4) CS+40% DDGS fed in phase 1 to 3 and CS in phase 4
      (WD). All pigs received the first dose of Improvest(r) at 11weeks. of age, and
      the second dose was administered at either 9, 7, or 5weeks. before slaughter at
      24weeks. of age. The SD and WD improved carcass dressing percentage and resulted
      in intermediate primal cut yields and pork loin quality compared with pigs fed
      PCon and NCon. Increasing the time interval between second dose of Improvest(r)
      and slaughter increased adipose tissue accretion but did not affect lean quality
      of pork.

PMID- 28092729
TI  - Diverse functions for different forms of nuclear actin.
AB  - In addition to its essential roles as part of the cytoskeleton, actin has also
      been linked to many processes in the nucleus. Recent data has demonstrated the
      presence of both monomeric and polymeric actin in the nucleus, and implied
      distinct functional roles for these actin pools. Monomeric actin seems to be
      involved in regulation of gene expression through transcription factors,
      chromatin regulating complexes and RNA polymerases. In addition to cytoplasmic
      actin regulators, nuclear proteins, such as emerin, can regulate actin
      polymerization properties specifically in this compartment. Besides of structural
      roles, nuclear actin filaments may be required for organizing the nuclear
      contents and for the maintenance of genomic integrity.

PMID- 28092730
TI  - Serum AGR2 as a useful biomarker for pituitary adenomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate whether the serum Anterior Gradient-2
      (AGR2) can be used as a potential biomarker screening in the diagnosis of
      Pituitary adenomas(PAs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The serum AGR2 protein levels were
      preoperatively measured in 163 PA patients, 43 patients with other sellar lesions
      excluding PAs, 7 patients with prostate cancer as a positive control and 20
      normal people(10 female and 10 male) using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay
      (ELISA). Differences in the serum AGR2 level between different groups were
      analyzed for statistical significance with a Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The
      data showed that serum AGR2 level was significantly higher in the serum of PA
      patients (250.10+/-79.14ng/ml) than the patients with other sellar lesions
      (220.84+/-79.62ng/ml, P=0.017) and normal people (163.67+/-50.38ng/ml, P <0.001).
      Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used. The detected
      area under the curve (AUC) was 0.835. The calculated optimal cut-off point for
      AGR2 level in serum samples was 158.63ng/ml (Youden index=0.564). The sensitivity
      was 91.4% and the specificity was 65.0%. Despite the variety of PA clinical
      features, the serum level of AGR2 are definite in PAs, although there may be a
      difference between male or female patients. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests AGR2 as
      a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of PAs.

PMID- 28092731
TI  - Biological removal of selenate and ammonium by activated sludge in a sequencing
      batch reactor.
AB  - Wastewaters contaminated by both selenium and ammonium need to be treated prior
      to discharge into natural water bodies, but there are no studies on the
      simultaneous removal of selenium and ammonium. A sequencing batch reactor (SBR)
      was inoculated with activated sludge and operated for 90days. The highest
      ammonium removal efficiency achieved was 98%, while the total nitrogen removal
      was 75%. Nearly a complete chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency was attained
      after 16days of operation, whereas complete selenate removal was achieved only
      after 66days. The highest total Se removal efficiency was 97%. Batch experiments
      showed that the total Se in the aqueous phase decreased by 21% with increasing
      initial ammonium concentration from 50 to 100mgL-1. This study showed that SBR
      can remove both selenate and ammonium via, respectively, bioreduction and partial
      nitrification-denitrification and thus offer possibilities for treating selenium
      and ammonium contaminated effluents.

PMID- 28092732
TI  - Enhancement of lipid productivity by adopting multi-stage continuous cultivation
      strategy in Nannochloropsis gaditana.
AB  - In the present study, a novel process-based cultivation system was designed to
      improve lipid productivity of Nannochloropsis gaditana, an oleaginous microalga
      that has high potential for biofuel production. Specifically, four flat-panel
      photobioreactors were connected in series, and this system was subjected to
      continuous chemostat cultivation by feeding fresh medium to the first reactor at
      dilution rates of 0.028 and 0.056day-1, which were determined based on Monod
      kinetics. The results show that the serially connected photobioreactor system
      achieved 20.0% higher biomass productivity and 46.1% higher fatty acid methyl
      ester (FAME) productivity than a conventional single photobioreactor with
      equivalent dilution rate. These results suggest that a process-based approach
      using serially connected photobioreactors for microalgal cultivation can improve
      the productivity of lipids that can be used for biofuel production.

PMID- 28092733
TI  - Enzymatic synthesis of an ezetimibe intermediate using carbonyl reductase coupled
      with glucose dehydrogenase in an aqueous-organic solvent system.
AB  - (4S)-3-[(5S)-5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxypentanoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one
      ((S)-ET-5) is an important chiral intermediate in the synthesis of chiral side
      chain of ezetimibe. Recombinant Escherichia coli expressing carbonyl reductase
      (CBR) was successfully constructed in this study. The total E. coli biomass and
      the specific activity of recombinant CBR in 5L fermenter culture were 10.9gDCWL-1
      and 14900.3Ug-1DCW, respectively. The dual-enzyme coupled biocatalytic process in
      an aqueous-organic biphasic solvent system was first constructed using p-xylene
      as the optimal organic phase under optimized reaction conditions, and 150gL-1
      (4S)-3-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,5-dioxophentyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one (ET-4)
      was successfully converted to (S)-ET-5 with a conversion of 99.1% and
      diastereomeric excess of 99% after 24-h, which are the highest values reported to
      date for the production of (S)-ET-5.

PMID- 28092734
TI  - Combined utilization of nutrients and sugar derived from wheat bran for d-Lactate
      fermentation by Sporolactobacillus inulinus YBS1-5.
AB  - To decrease d-Lactate production cost, wheat bran, a low-cost waste of milling
      industry, was selected as the sole feedstock. First, the nutrients were recovered
      from wheat bran by acid protease hydrolysis. Then, cellulosic hydrolysates were
      prepared from protease-treated samples after acid pretreatment and enzymatic
      saccharification. The combined use of nutrients and hydrolysates as nitrogen and
      carbon sources for fermentation by S. inulinus YB1-5 resulted in d-Lactate levels
      of 99.5g/L, with an average production efficiency of 1.94g/L/h and a yield of
      0.89g/g glucose. Moreover, fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and
      fermentation process at 40 degrees C, 20% (w/v) solid loading and 20FPU/g solid
      cellulase concentration was obtained. d-Lactate concentrations, yield,
      productivity, and optical purity were 87.3g/L, 0.65g/g glucose, 0.81g/L/h and
      99.1%, respectively. This study provided a feasible procedure that can help
      produce cellulosic d-Lactate using agricultural waste without external nutrient
      supplementation.

PMID- 28092735
TI  - Toxicity assessment of arsenic and cobalt in the presence of aquatic humic
      substances of different molecular sizes.
AB  - The release of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems can be influenced by humic
      acids. In this study, toxicity tests using environmentally relevant
      concentrations of arsenic and cobalt were conducted both in the presence and
      absence of aquatic humic substances (AHS) and the fractions of different
      molecular sizes in the range of (<5, 5-10;10-30; 30-100 and >100kDa) using the
      microcrustacean Ceriodaphnia dubia. AHS together with arsenic reduced the
      toxicity, and the toxicity decreased in fractions of larger molecular size AHS.
      Despite the presence of cobalt, the reduction in toxicity was not observed and
      that depended on the molecular size of AHS. There was a trend of enhanced
      toxicity for Co in fractions of larger molecular sizes, opposed to that found for
      arsenic. Thus, the humic substances alter toxicity of trace elements, and this
      effect varies depending on the size of the humic substances.

PMID- 28092736
TI  - Negative effect of chronic cadmium exposure on growth, histology, ultrastructure,
      antioxidant and innate immune responses in the liver of zebrafish: Preventive
      role of blue light emitting diodes.
AB  - The present study explored the possible preventive effects of blue light emitting
      diodes (LEDs) on cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in
      zebrafish. To this end, zebrafish were exposed to a white fluorescent bulb or
      blue LEDs (LDB, peak at 450nm, at an irradiance of 0.9W/m2), and 0 or 30ugL-1
      waterborne Cd for 5 weeks. Growth performance, survival rate, and hepatic
      histology, ultrastructure, antioxidant and innate immune responses were
      determined in zebrafish. Cd exposure alone reduced growth and survival rate, and
      induced oxidative damage and changes in histology and ultrastructure. However, Cd
      exposure in combination with LDB apparently relieved these negative effects. The
      alleviation of adverse effects might result from the up-regulation of antioxidant
      and innate immune genes at transcriptional, translational, or post-translational
      levels. Cd exposure alone dramatically enhanced mRNA levels of nuclear
      transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and E2-related factor (Nrf2). However,
      compared to Cd exposure alone, Cd exposure in combination with LDB apparently
      down-regulated both genes. Taken together, our results suggest that chronic Cd
      exposure induced a negative effect on zebrafish, possibly involved in NF-kappaB
      induced immunotoxicity and Nrf2-induced oxidative stress. Finally, for the first
      time, our data demonstrated that LDB could protect fish against Cd toxicity.

PMID- 28092737
TI  - Complex molecular changes induced by chronic progestogens exposure in roach,
      Rutilus rutilus.
AB  - In our previous study, we measured 0.23-13.67ng/L progestogens (progesterone,
      drospirenone, levonorgestrel) in natural waters in the catchment area of the
      largest shallow lake of Central Europe, Lake Balaton. Progestogen contaminations
      act as potent steroids with mixed progestagenic, androgenic and mild estrogenic
      effects that is why our aim was to investigate the morphological and molecular
      effects of mixture of progesterone, drospirenone, and levonorgestrel in
      environmentally relevant (10ng/L) and higher (50 and 500ng/L) exposure
      concentrations in common roach, Rutilus rutilus. Steroids (e.g. progestogens) and
      the protein deglycase DJ-1 chaperon molecule aim the same target molecules in
      cells, therefore, we hypothesized that a relationship may exist between
      progestogens and DJ-1. Furthermore, our other aim was to follow the changes of
      signal molecules of different biological function due to progestogen treatment in
      serum and brain. Adult roaches were exposed to 10, 50 and 500ng/L of mixture of
      progestogen for 42 days and their somatic indices (brain-somatic, liver-somatic,
      gonadosomatic and kidney-somatic) were measured. Vitellogenin (VTG) expression
      (estrogen effect) or inhibition (androgen effect) in fish is a widely used
      biomarker so we measured its changes in liver by ELISA. To determine the quantity
      and to map the spatial distribution of DJ-1 chaperon protein the brain and liver
      tissues were analyzed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we also
      studied molecular alterations: a) in the serum by measuring cholesterol, low
      density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride
      concentrations and b) in brain homogenate using a cell stress array kit (26
      protein). The somatic index of liver and kidney significantly in all the treated
      groups, whereas the gonadosomatic index of 500ng/L treated group showed
      significant decrease compared to control animals. VTG level increased
      significantly in 500ng/L progestogen treated group. Since the concentration of DJ
      1 significantly increased in brain and liver in all progestogen treatment groups,
      the DJ-1 protein could be able to a more sensitive marker than VTG. Serum LDL and
      cholesterol levels of exposed fish were significantly decreased. DJ-1 was
      mediated through the stimulation of the expression of LDL-receptor which
      facilitates reuptake subsequently. In summary, our observations unfolded new data
      about molecular alterations induced by the combined action of environmental
      progestogens. In addition, the DJ-1 chaperon protein as a possible biomarker
      helped to trace the abiotic chemical environmental contaminations, like
      progestogens in the freshwater ecosystems.

PMID- 28092738
TI  - Hearing children's voices? Including children's perspectives on their experiences
      of domestic violence in welfare reports prepared for the English courts in
      private family law proceedings.
AB  - This research examined Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service
      (Cafcass) reports prepared for private family court proceedings in domestic
      violence cases in England. The research found that in cases where children's
      accounts identified them as victims of violence, these disclosures regularly
      disappeared from report recommendations. Particular discourses regarding 'child
      welfare' and 'contact' were identified, which routinely impacted on the ways in
      which children's voices were taken into account. Whilst culturally there has
      undoubtedly been an influential move towards including children's perspectives in
      decision-making that affects them, how these views are interpreted and
      represented is subject to adult 'gate-keeping' and powerful cultural and
      professional ideologies regarding 'child welfare' and 'post-separation family
      relationships'. This research found that the unrelenting influence of deeply
      embedded beliefs regarding the preservation or promotion of relationships with
      fathers continues to have the effect of marginalising issues of safeguarding,
      including children's voiced experiences of violence, in all but the most
      exceptional of cases. Rather, safeguarding concerns in respect of domestic
      violence and child abuse were persistently overshadowed by a dominant presumption
      of the overall benefits of contact with fathers.

PMID- 28092739
TI  - An EMG-driven biomechanical model of the canine cervical spine.
AB  - Due to the frequency of cervical spine injuries in canines, the purpose of this
      effort was to develop an EMG-driven dynamic model of the canine cervical spine to
      assess a biomechanical understanding that enables one to investigate the risk of
      neck disorders. A canine subject was recruited in this investigation in order to
      collect subject specific data. Reflective markers and a motion capture system
      were used for kinematic measurement; surface electrodes were used to record
      electromyography signals, and with the aid of force plate kinetics were recorded.
      A 3D model of the canine subject was reconstructed from an MRI dataset. Muscles
      lines of action were defined through a new technique with the aid of 3D white
      light scanner. The model performed well with a 0.73 weighted R2 value in all
      three planes. The weighted average absolute error of the predicted moment was
      less than 10% of the external moment. The proposed model is a canine specific
      forward-dynamics model that precisely tracks the canine subject head and neck
      motion, calculates the muscle force generated from the twelve major moment
      producing muscles, and estimates resulting loads on specific spinal tissues.

PMID- 28092740
TI  - Temporal variations in early developmental decisions: an engine of forebrain
      evolution.
AB  - Tight control of developmental timing is pivotal to many major processes in
      developmental biology, such as patterning, fate specification, cell cycle
      dynamics, cell migration and connectivity. Temporal change in these ontogenetic
      sequences is known as heterochrony, a major force in the evolution of body plans
      and organogenesis. In the last 5 years, studies in fish and rodents indicate that
      heterochrony in signaling during early development generates diversity in
      forebrain size and complexity. Here, we summarize these findings and propose
      that, additionally to spatio-temporal tuning of neurogenesis, temporal and
      quantitative modulation of signaling events drive pivotal changes in shape, size
      and complexity of the forebrain across evolution, participating to the generation
      of diversity in animal behavior and emergence of cognition.

PMID- 28092741
TI  - Waste to energy ash monofill mining: An environmental characterization of
      recovered material.
AB  - Samples of combined bottom and fly ash produced at a U.S. waste-to-energy
      facility were collected from an ash monofill. These samples represented ash
      monofilled between 1991 and 2008. The ash samples were characterized for total
      element content and leachability; trends in these parameters were evaluated as a
      function of sample depth and ash age. Comparison to risk thresholds was used to
      assess the relative magnitude of the total and leachable mass of elements in the
      monofilled ash. Natural carbonation was found to have occurred in the monofilled
      ash, reducing the pH and leachability of Al and Pb. Sb was the element with the
      highest leachable concentration when compared to risk thresholds, driven
      primarily by the pH of the ash (9.8). The release of Mo, Sr, Ba, Na and K (all
      readily soluble elements in ash) was higher (48-122%) when comparing the samples
      taken from the 0 to 1.5m bore to the 6.1-7.62m bore; total concentration analysis
      also demonstrated that more of these elements were present in the deeper samples
      (25-53%). These data support the hypothesis that as infiltrating rainwater moves
      through an ash monofill leached concentrations are depleted from the upper layers
      of the ash first.

PMID- 28092742
TI  - Short-term in vivo exposure to graphene oxide can cause damage to the gut and
      testis.
AB  - Graphene oxide (GO) has unique physicochemical properties and also has a
      potentially widespread use in every field of daily life (industry, science,
      medicine). Demand for nanotechnology is growing every year, and therefore many
      aspects of its toxicity and biocompatibility still require further clarification.
      This research assesses the in vivo toxicity of pure and manganese ion
      contaminated GO that were administrated to Acheta domesticus with food (at
      200mgkg-1 of food) throughout their ten-day adult life. Our results showed that
      short-term exposure to graphene oxide in food causes an increase in the
      parameters of oxidative stress of the tested insects (catalase - CAT, total
      antioxidant capacity - TAC), induces damage to the DNA at a level of
      approximately 35% and contributes to a disturbance in the stages of the cell
      cycle and causes an increase of apoptosis. Moreover, upon analyzing histological
      specimens, we found numerous degenerative changes in the cells of the gut and
      testis of Acheta domesticus as early as ten days after applying GO. A more
      complete picture of the GO risk can help to define its future applications and
      methods for working with the material, which may help us to avoid any adverse
      effects and damage to the animal.

PMID- 28092743
TI  - Stable isotope composition of mercury forms in flue gases from a typical coal
      fired power plant, Inner Mongolia, northern China.
AB  - Mercury forms emitted from coal combustion via air pollution control devices are
      speculated to carry different Hg isotope signatures. Yet, their Hg isotope
      composition is still not reported. Here, we present the first onsite Hg isotope
      data for gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) and gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM) of flue gases
      from a typical lignite-fired power plant (CFPP). Significant mass dependent
      fractionation (MDF) and insignificant mass independent fractionation (MIF) are
      observed between feed coal and coal combustion products. As compared to feed coal
      (delta202Hg=-2.04+/-0.250/00), bottom ash, GEM and GOM in flue gases before and
      after wet flue gas desulfurization system significantly enrich heavy Hg isotopes
      by 0.7-2.60/00 in delta202Hg, while fly ash, desulfurization gypsum and waste
      water show slight but insignificant enrichment of light Hg isotopes. GEM is
      significantly enriched heavy Hg isotopes compared to GOM and Hg in fly ash. Our
      observations verify the previous speculation on Hg isotope fractionation
      mechanism in CFPPs, and suggest a kinetically-controlled mass dependent Hg
      isotope fractionation during transformation of Hg forms in flue gases. Finally,
      our data are compared to Hg isotope compositions of atmospheric Hg pools,
      suggesting that coal combustion Hg emission is likely an important atmospheric Hg
      contributor.

PMID- 28092744
TI  - Quercetin induces apoptosis and autophagy in primary effusion lymphoma cells by
      inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR and STAT3 signaling pathways.
AB  - Quercetin, a bioflavonoid contained in several vegetables daily consumed, has
      been studied for long time for its antiinflammatory and anticancer properties.
      Quercetin interacts with multiple cancer-related pathways such as PI3K/AKT,
      Wnt/beta-catenin and STAT3. These pathways are hyperactivated in primary effusion
      lymphoma (PEL), an aggressive B cell lymphoma whose pathogenesis is strictly
      linked to the oncogenic virus Kaposis' Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV). In
      this study, we found that quercetin inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR and STAT3 pathways in
      PEL cells, and as a consequence, it down-regulated the expression of the
      prosurvival cellular proteins such as c-FLIP, cyclin D1 and cMyc. It also reduced
      the release of IL-6 and IL-10 cytokines, leading to PEL cell death. Moreover,
      quercetin induced a prosurvival autophagy in these cells and increased the
      cytotoxic effect of bortezomib, a proteasomal inhibitor, against them.
      Interestingly, quercetin decreased also the expression of latent and lytic KSHV
      proteins involved in PEL tumorigenesis and up-regulated the surface expression of
      HLA-DR and calreticulin, rendering the dying cells more likely detectable by the
      immune system. The results obtained in this study indicate that quercetin, which
      does not exert any cytotoxicity against normal B cells, may represent a good
      candidate for the treatment of this aggressive B cell lymphoma, especially in
      combination with autophagy inhibitors or with bortezomib.

PMID- 28092745
TI  - Omija fruit ethanol extract improves adiposity and related metabolic disturbances
      in mice fed a high-fat diet.
AB  - This study investigated the biological and molecular mechanisms underlying the
      antiobesity effect of omija fruit ethanol extract (OFE) in mice fed a high-fat
      diet (HFD). C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD (20% fat, w/w) with or without OFE (500
      mg/kg body weight) for 16 weeks. Dietary OFE significantly increased brown
      adipose tissue weight and energy expenditure while concomitantly decreasing white
      adipose tissue (WAT) weight and adipocyte size by up-regulating the expression of
      brown fat-selective genes in WAT. OFE also improved hepatic steatosis and
      dyslipidemia by enhancing hepatic fatty acid oxidation-related enzymes activity
      and fecal lipid excretion. In addition to steatosis, OFE decreased the expression
      of pro-inflammatory genes in the liver. Moreover, OFE improved glucose tolerance
      and lowered plasma glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin
      resistance, which may be linked to decreases in the activity of hepatic
      gluconeogenic enzymes and the circulating level of gastric inhibitory
      polypeptide. These findings suggest that OFE may protect against diet-induced
      adiposity and related metabolic disturbances by controlling brown-like
      transformation of WAT, fatty acid oxidation, inflammation in the liver and fecal
      lipid excretion. Improved insulin resistance may be also associated with its
      antiobesity effects.

PMID- 28092746
TI  - Supranutritional selenium intake from enriched milk casein impairs hepatic
      insulin sensitivity via attenuated IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling and decreased PGC
      1alpha expression in male Sprague-Dawley rats.
AB  - Selenium (Se)-enriched milk provides antioxidant benefits and has therapeutic
      potential against cancer. However, both antidiabetic and prodiabetic effects have
      been attributed to Se. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of Se-enriched
      milk casein on insulin sensitivity in rats when given at the requirement of 0.25
      ppm Se and supranutritionally on both low- and high-fat diets. Two hundred
      sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed low- or high-fat diets containing one,
      two or eight times the Se requirement in a randomized block design. After 7
      weeks, 72 rats were subjected to the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with [3
      3H]glucose infusion to estimate glucose fluxes. Tissues were collected from the
      remaining 144 rats 8 min after ip saline or insulin injection. During
      hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, glucose infusion rate was 22% lower (P=.058),
      and endogenous glucose production was 76% higher (P=.054) when Se content
      increased from one to eight times the requirement on low-fat diets, indicating
      impaired hepatic insulin sensitivity. Se also decreased the ability for insulin
      to stimulate Akt phosphorylation at Thr308. Hepatic oxidation state and
      expression of selenoprotein P and glutathione peroxidase-1 were unaffected while
      expression of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and-2 and PPARgamma coactivator
      1alpha (PGC-1alpha) decreased with supranutritional Se and high-fat intake. In
      addition, hepatic expression of regulatory and catalytic subunits of
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) decreased with supranutritional intake of
      Se. Se intake from enriched casein up to eight times the requirement impairs
      hepatic insulin sensitivity in a mechanism similar to fat feeding, via attenuated
      IRS/PI3K/Akt signaling and decreased PGC-1alpha expression.

PMID- 28092747
TI  - Ecological control line: A decade of exploration and an innovative path of
      ecological land management for megacities in China.
AB  - Ecological control line is a system innovation in the field of ecological
      environment protection in China and it has become as an important strategy of
      national ecological protection. Ten years have passed since the first ecological
      control line in Shenzhen was delimited in 2005. This study examines the
      connotations of ecological control line and the current study status in China and
      abroad, and then takes a brief description about the delimitation background and
      existing problems of the ecological control line in Shenzhen. The problem-solving
      strategy is gradually transforming from extensive management to refined
      management. This study proposes a differential ecological space management model
      that merges the space system, management system, and support system. The
      implementation paths include the following five aspects: delimiting ecological
      bottom lines to protect core ecological resources; formulating access systems for
      new construction projects to strictly control new construction; implementing
      construction land inventory reclamation assisted by market means; regulating
      boundary adjusting procedures and processes; and constructing ecological equity
      products by using multiple means to implement rights relief. Finally, this study
      illustrates the progress of the implementation and discusses the rigorousness and
      flexibility problems of ecological control line and calls for the promotion of
      the legislation. The management model and implementation paths proposed in this
      study have referential significance for developing countries and megacities to
      achieve ecological protection and sustainable development.

PMID- 28092748
TI  - Optimizing selective cutting strategies for maximum carbon stocks and yield of
      Moso bamboo forest using BIOME-BGC model.
AB  - The selective cutting method currently used in Moso bamboo forests has resulted
      in a reduction of stand productivity and carbon sequestration capacity. Given the
      time and labor expense involved in addressing this problem manually, simulation
      using an ecosystem model is the most suitable approach. The BIOME-BGC model was
      improved to suit managed Moso bamboo forests, which was adapted to include age
      structure, specific ecological processes and management measures of Moso bamboo
      forest. A field selective cutting experiment was done in nine plots with three
      cutting intensities (high-intensity, moderate-intensity and low-intensity) during
      2010-2013, and biomass of these plots was measured for model validation. Then
      four selective cutting scenarios were simulated by the improved BIOME-BGC model
      to optimize the selective cutting timings, intervals, retained ages and
      intensities. The improved model matched the observed aboveground carbon density
      and yield of different plots, with a range of relative error from 9.83% to
      15.74%. The results of different selective cutting scenarios suggested that the
      optimal selective cutting measure should be cutting 30% culms of age 6, 80% culms
      of age 7, and all culms thereafter (above age 8) in winter every other year. The
      vegetation carbon density and harvested carbon density of this selective cutting
      method can increase by 74.63% and 21.5%, respectively, compared with the current
      selective cutting measure. The optimized selective cutting measure developed in
      this study can significantly promote carbon density, yield, and carbon sink
      capacity in Moso bamboo forests.

PMID- 28092749
TI  - Public value at risk from Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae spread
      in England and Wales.
AB  - Heritage gardens, heathland and woodland are increasingly under threat from the
      non-native tree and plant diseases Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora
      kernoviae. However, there exist only limited literature that estimates the public
      non-market value that may be lost from a continued spread of Phytophthora ramorum
      and Phytophthora kernoviae into these habitats. This paper therefore uses a
      contingent valuation survey to assess the non-extractive public use and non-use
      values at risk from an uncontrolled spread of these diseases in England and
      Wales. Results estimate that L1.446bn of public value is at risk in England and
      Wales per year from an uncontrolled spread of Phytophthora ramorum and
      Phytophthora kernoviae. The greatest public value at risk, of L578  m/year, is
      from an uncontrolled spread of these diseases to heritage gardens, while the
      lowest public value at risk, of L386  m/year, is from disease spread to
      heathland. The findings of this paper should help policymakers make informed
      decisions as to the public resources to dedicate towards Phytophthora ramorum and
      Phytophthora kernoviae control in England and Wales. In this regard, the current
      control programme to contain these diseases appears cost-effective in light of
      the public value at risk estimates produced by this paper.

PMID- 28092750
TI  - Assessing common birds' ecological requirements to address nature conservation in
      permanent crops: Lessons from Italian vineyards.
AB  - Viticulture has contributed to shaping cultural landscapes in several regions
      across all continents. Recent farming intensification is causing landscape
      homogenization and biodiversity loss in several of those areas, but knowledge
      about the impacts on biodiversity in vineyards is still scarce. Simplified agro
      ecosystems resulting from intensification host mainly generalist and common
      species, which still play a key role in the regulation of ecosystems and in the
      provision of ecosystem services. We assessed the abundance of 11 common bird
      species at 47 linear transects in a vineyard-dominated landscape in Trentino (NE
      Italy), in both spring and winter, and analysed abundance variation in relation
      to three independent groups of predictors: landscape, management, and topographic
      climatic variables. In the majority of species (7), abundance was primarily or
      considerably affected by landscape attributes. However, an additional 5 species
      were largely affected by management practices, often with conspicuous seasonal
      differences. Overall, landscape and management heterogeneity positively affected
      the abundance of 6 species. Vineyard cover (and in particular the new spalliera
      trellising system) was negatively related with the abundance of 6 species, with
      the strongest impacts occurring in winter. On the contrary, the cover of marginal
      habitats had major positive effects over 8 species. Hedgerows, tree rows, and dry
      stone walls, as well as traditional pergola vineyards and landscape and
      management heterogeneity should be conserved or restored in viticultural
      landscapes to promote the abundance of common bird species. This strategy would
      ensure the maintenance of the ecosystem services they provide, while promoting
      the general sustainability of the agroecosystem.

PMID- 28092751
TI  - The effect of listing the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species on rural
      property values.
AB  - This paper estimates the effect of Endangered Species Act protections for the
      lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) on rural property values in
      Oklahoma. The political and legal controversy surrounding the listing of
      imperiled species raises questions about the development restrictions and
      opportunity costs the Endangered Species Act imposes on private landowners.
      Examining parcel-level sales data before and after the listing of the endemic
      lesser prairie chicken, we employ difference-in-differences (DD) regression to
      measure the welfare costs of these restrictions. While our basic DD regression
      provides evidence the listing was associated with a drop in property values, this
      finding does not hold up in models that control for latent county and year
      effects. The lack of a significant price effect is confirmed by several
      robustness checks. Thus, the local economic costs of listing the lesser prairie
      chicken under the Endangered Species Act appear to have been small.

PMID- 28092752
TI  - Optimising UK urban road verge contributions to biodiversity and ecosystem
      services with cost-effective management.
AB  - Urban road verges can contain significant biodiversity, contribute to structural
      connectivity between other urban greenspaces, and due to their proximity to road
      traffic are well placed to provide ecosystem services. Using the UK as a case
      study we review and critically evaluate a broad range of evidence to assess how
      this considerable potential can be enhanced despite financial, contractual and
      public opinion constraints. Reduced mowing frequency and other alterations would
      enhance biodiversity, aesthetics and pollination services, whilst delivering
      costs savings and potentially being publically acceptable. Retaining mature trees
      and planting additional ones is favourable to residents and would enhance
      biodiversity, pollution and climate regulation, carbon storage, and stormwater
      management. Optimising these services requires improved selection of tree
      species, and creating a more diverse tree stock. Due to establishment costs
      additional tree planting and maintenance could benefit from payment for ecosystem
      service schemes. Verges could also provide areas for cultivation of biofuels and
      possibly food production. Maximising the contribution of verges to urban
      biodiversity and ecosystem services is economical and becoming an increasingly
      urgent priority as the road network expands and other urban greenspace is lost,
      requiring enhancement of existing greenspace to facilitate sustainable urban
      development.

PMID- 28092753
TI  - Immobilization and reduction of bioavailability of lead in shooting range soil
      through hydrothermal treatment.
AB  - Immobilization of Pb in contaminated soil by hydrothermal treatment (HT) under
      subcritical conditions was investigated using a lab-scale apparatus. The Pb
      immobilization was evaluated thorough investigating the transformation of Pb
      fractions and by single chemical extraction. The results showed that HT and
      treatment temperature significantly affected the immobilization through
      redistribution of Pb fractions. The results of bioavailability and eco-toxicity
      assessment demonstrated a drastic decrease in the bioavailable fraction from
      41.33 to 14.66%, and an increase in the non-bioavailable fraction from 2.90 to
      15.76%. Moreover, the leaching potential of Pb was significantly reduced after
      treatment. Based on the risk assessment code (RAC), the treated soil residues
      exhibited medium risk (21.7-14.6 of RAC value for treated soil), which
      represented a decrease from high risk (41.3 for untreated soil). Immobilization
      was associated with Pb fractionation from weakly bound to stable fractions. A
      variety of mechanisms including adsorption and precipitation were suspected to be
      responsible for Pb immobilization. The findings of this study suggest that the HT
      may facilitate quantitative reduction of the bioavailability and eco-toxicity of
      Pb-contaminated soil. Considering the effectiveness of HT in remediating
      contaminated soil with organic pollutants, this approach might enable remediation
      of soil co-contaminated with organics and heavy metals.

PMID- 28092754
TI  - Public participation GIS for improving wood burning emissions from residential
      heating and urban environmental management.
AB  - A crowdsourcing study supported by a public participation GIS tool was designed
      and carried out in two Norwegian regions. The aim was to improve the knowledge
      about emissions from wood burning for residential heating in urban areas based on
      the collection of citizens' localized insights. We focus on three main issues: 1)
      type of dwelling and residential heating source; 2) wood consumption and type of
      wood appliances; and 3) citizens' perception of the urban environment. Our study
      shows the importance of wood burning for residential heating, and of the resulted
      particle emissions, in Norwegian urban areas. Citizens' localized insights on
      environmental perception highlight the areas in the city that require particular
      attention as part of clean air strategies. Information about environmental
      perception is combined with existing environmental data showing certain
      correlation. The results support the urban environmental management based on co
      benefit approaches, achieving several outcomes from a single policy measure.
      Measures to reduce urban air pollution will have a positive impact on the
      citizens' environmental perception, and therefore on their quality of life, in
      addition to reducing the negative consequences of air pollution on human health.
      The characterization of residential heating by fuelwood is still a challenging
      activity. Our study shows the potential of a crowdsourcing method as means for
      bottom-up approaches designed to increase our knowledge on human activities at
      urban scale that result on emissions.

PMID- 28092755
TI  - Coagulation-flocculation sequential with Fenton or Photo-Fenton processes as an
      alternative for the industrial textile wastewater treatment.
AB  - In this study, the industrial textile wastewater was treated using a chemical
      based technique (coagulation-flocculation, C-F) sequential with an advanced
      oxidation process (AOP: Fenton or Photo-Fenton). During the C-F, Al2(SO4)3 was
      used as coagulant and its optimal dose was determined using the jar test. The
      following operational conditions of C-F, maximizing the organic matter removal,
      were determined: 700 mg/L of Al2(SO4)3 at pH = 9.96. Thus, the C-F allowed to
      remove 98% of turbidity, 48% of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and let to increase
      in the BOD5/COD ratio from 0.137 to 0.212. Subsequently, the C-F effluent was
      treated using each of AOPs. Their performances were optimized by the Response
      Surface Methodology (RSM) coupled with a Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD).
      The following optimal conditions of both Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2) and Photo-Fenton
      (Fe2+/H2O2/UV) processes were found: Fe2+ concentration = 1 mM, H2O2 dose = 2
      mL/L (19.6 mM), and pH = 3. The combination of C-F pre-treatment with the Fenton
      reagent, at optimized conditions, let to remove 74% of COD during 90 min of the
      process. The C-F sequential with Photo-Fenton process let to reach 87% of COD
      removal, in the same time. Moreover, the BOD5/COD ratio increased from 0.212 to
      0.68 and from 0.212 to 0.74 using Fenton and Photo-Fenton processes,
      respectively. Thus, the enhancement of biodegradability with the physico-chemical
      treatment was proved. The depletion of H2O2 was monitored during kinetic study.
      Strategies for improving the reaction efficiency, based on the H2O2 evolution,
      were also tested.

PMID- 28092756
TI  - Effects of assisted outpatient treatment and health care services on psychotic
      symptoms.
AB  - RATIONALE: An ongoing debate concerns acceptability, benefits, and shortcomings
      of coercive treatment such as assisted outpatient treatment (AOT). The hypothesis
      that involuntary commitment to outpatient treatment may lead to a better clinical
      outcome for a subgroup of persons with severe mental illness (SMI) is
      controversial. Nonetheless, positive effects of AOT may be mediated by an
      increased availability of healthcare resources or increased service use.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the course of
      delusions, hallucinations, and negative symptoms among patients with SMI
      receiving AOT compared to patients receiving non-compulsory treatment (NCT).
      Moreover, we assessed if the effects of AOT on psychotic symptoms were mediated
      by increased healthcare service use. METHODS: This study used a quasi
      experimental design to examine the effect of AOT and the use of healthcare
      services on psychotic symptoms. In total, 76 (41.3%) participants with SMI
      received AOT, and 108 (58.7%) received NCT. The participants were interviewed at
      baseline every 3 months up to 1 year. Propensity score matching was used to
      control for group differences. RESULTS: In the basic model, AOT was associated
      with lower severity of psychotic symptoms over all follow-up points. In the model
      including healthcare service use, the frequency of case manager visits predicted
      a reduction in severity of all psychotic symptoms. The frequency of visits to the
      outpatient clinics, frequency of emergency room, and psychiatrist visits were
      independently associated with lower levels of delusional symptoms. Psychiatrist
      visits were related to a decrease in negative symptoms. CONCLUSION: Results
      indicate that the treatment benefits of AOT are enhanced with the increased use
      of mental healthcare services, suggesting that the positive effect of AOT on
      psychotic symptoms is related to the availability of mental healthcare service
      use. Coercive outpatient treatment might be more effective through greater use of
      intensive services.

PMID- 28092757
TI  - Climate change threats to family farmers' sense of place and mental wellbeing: A
      case study from the Western Australian Wheatbelt.
AB  - 'Sense of place' has become a central concept in the analysis of the cultural,
      personal and mental health risks posed by a changing climate. However, such place
      related understandings of mental health and wellbeing remain largely limited to
      Indigenous health contexts. In this article we argue the relevance of sense of
      place in understanding the mental health impacts of climate change on family
      farmers who retain close living and working relationships to the land. We
      conducted a community-based qualitative case study located in the Western
      Australian Wheatbelt - a region that has experienced some of the most significant
      climate change in Australia. A three-part interview series was conducted with 22
      family farmers between February 2013 and April 2014, and 15 interviews with
      various agricultural and mental health key informants. The research findings
      reveal that recently observed patterns of climate change have exacerbated
      farmers' worries about the weather, undermined notions of self-identity, and
      contributed to cumulative and chronic forms of place-based distress, culminating
      in heightened perceived risk of depression and suicide. The research findings
      highlight the tightly coupled ecosystem health-human health relationships that
      exist for family farmers living in regions affected by climate change, as well as
      the significance of farmers' place-based attachments and identities for their
      mental health and wellbeing.

PMID- 28092758
TI  - Between a rock and a hard place: Economic expansion and social responsibility in
      UK media discourses on the global alcohol industry.
AB  - CONTEXT: Transnational alcohol corporations (TACs) employ a range of strategies
      to achieve their business objectives, including attempts to frame perceptions of
      their activities in media debates. TACs aim to achieve a favourable regulatory
      environment by presenting themselves as socially responsible actors. However, the
      need to secure financial investment means they must also emphasise their
      potential for growth. This article investigates tensions between these objectives
      in coverage of the global alcohol industry in the UK print media. METHODS: This
      article examines coverage of the world's four largest TACs in five British daily
      newspapers and one industry publication between March 2012 and February 2013. 477
      articles were identified for analysis through keyword searches of the LexisNexis
      database. Thematic coding of articles was conducted using Nvivo software.
      FINDINGS: Two conflicting framings of the alcohol industry emerge from our
      analysis. The first presents TACs as socially responsible actors; key partners to
      government in reducing alcohol-related harms. This is targeted at policy-makers
      and the public in an attempt to shape policy debates. The second framing
      highlights TACs' potential for economic growth by establishing new markets and
      identifying new customer bases. This is targeted at an audience of potential
      investors. CONCLUSIONS: A fundamental contradiction lies at the heart of these
      framings, reflecting the tensions that exist between TACs' political and
      financial strategies. Alcohol industry involvement in policy-making thus involves
      a fundamental conflict of interests. Consequently, the UK government should
      reassess the prominence it currently affords to the industry in the development
      and delivery of alcohol policy.

PMID- 28092759
TI  - Effects of donor proliferation in development aid for health on health program
      performance: A conceptual framework.
AB  - Development aid for health increased dramatically during the past two decades,
      raising concerns about inefficiency and lack of coherence among the growing
      number of global health donors. However, we lack a framework for how donor
      proliferation affects health program performance to inform theory-based
      evaluation of aid effectiveness policies. A review of academic and gray
      literature was conducted. Data were extracted from the literature sample on study
      design and evidence for hypothesized effects of donor proliferation on health
      program performance, which were iteratively grouped into categories and mapped
      into a new conceptual framework. In the framework, increases in the number of
      donors are hypothesized to increase inter-donor competition, transaction costs,
      donor poaching of recipient staff, recipient control over aid, and donor
      fragmentation, and to decrease donors' sense of accountability for overall
      development outcomes. There is mixed evidence on whether donor proliferation
      increases or decreases aid volume. These primary effects in turn affect donor
      innovation, information hoarding, and aid disbursement volatility, as well as
      recipient country health budget levels, human resource capacity, and corruption,
      and the determinants of health program performance. The net effect of donor
      proliferation on health will vary depending on the magnitude of the framework's
      competing effects in specific country settings. The conceptual framework provides
      a foundation for improving design of aid effectiveness practices to mitigate
      negative effects from donor proliferation while preserving its potential
      benefits.

PMID- 28092761
TI  - Chlorinated and ultraviolet radiation -treated reclaimed irrigation water is the
      source of Aeromonas found in vegetables used for human consumption.
AB  - Wastewater is increasingly being recognized as a key water resource, and
      reclaimed water (or treated wastewater) is used for irrigating vegetables
      destined for human consumption. The aim of the present study was to determine the
      diversity and prevalence of Aeromonas spp. both in reclaimed water used for
      irrigation and in the three types of vegetables irrigated with that water. Seven
      of the 11 (63.6%) samples of reclaimed water and all samples of vegetables were
      positive for the presence of Aeromonas. A total of 216 Aeromonas isolates were
      genotyped and corresponded to 132 different strains that after identification by
      sequencing the rpoD gene belonged to 10 different species. The prevalence of the
      species varied depending on the type of sample. In the secondary treated
      reclaimed water A. caviae and A. media dominated (91.4%) while A. salmonicida, A.
      media, A. allosaccharophila and A. popoffii represented 74.0% of the strains in
      the irrigation water. In vegetables, A. caviae (75.0%) was the most common
      species, among which a strain isolated from lettuce had the same genotype (ERIC
      pattern) as a strain recovered from the irrigation water. Furthermore, the same
      genotype of the species A. sanarellii was recovered from parsley and tomatoes
      demonstrating that irrigation water was the source of contamination and
      confirming the risk for public health.

PMID- 28092760
TI  - Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and stability of depressive symptoms in
      coronary heart disease patients: A prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports neurogenesis,
      angiogenesis, and promotes the survival of various cell types in the brain and
      the coronary system. Moreover, BDNF is associated with both coronary heart
      disease (CHD) and depression. The current study aims to investigate whether serum
      BDNF levels are associated with the course of depressive symptoms in CHD
      patients. METHODS: At baseline, N=225 CHD patients were enrolled while
      hospitalized. Of these, N=190 (84%) could be followed up 6 months later.
      Depressive symptoms were assessed both at baseline and at the 6-months follow-up
      using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Serum BDNF concentrations were
      measured using fluorometric Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). RESULTS:
      Logistic regression models showed that lower BDNF levels were associated with
      persistent depressive symptoms, even after adjustment for age, sex, smoking and
      potential medical confounders. The incidence of depressive symptoms was not
      related to lower BDNF levels. However, somatic comorbidity (as measured by the
      Charlson Comorbidity Index) was significantly associated with the incidence of
      depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a role of BDNF in the link
      between CHD and depressive symptoms. Particularly, low serum BDNF levels could be
      considered as a valuable biomarker for the persistence of depressive symptoms
      among depressed CHD patients.

PMID- 28092762
TI  - A novel approach for exposure assessment in air pollution epidemiological studies
      using neuro-fuzzy inference systems: Comparison of exposure estimates and
      exposure-health associations.
AB  - Many epidemiological studies have used proximity to sources as air pollution
      exposure assessment method. However, proximity measures are not generally good
      surrogates because of their complex non-linear relationship with exposures. Neuro
      fuzzy inference systems (NFIS) can be used to map complex non-linear systems, but
      its usefulness in exposure assessment has not been extensively explored. We
      present a novel approach for exposure assessment using NFIS, where the inputs of
      the model were easily-obtainable proximity measures, and the output was
      residential exposure to an air pollutant. We applied it to a case-study on NH3
      pollution, and compared health effects and exposures estimated from NFIS, with
      those obtained from emission-dispersion models, and linear and non-linear
      regression proximity models, using 10-fold cross validation. The agreement
      between emission-dispersion and NFIS exposures was high (Root-mean-square error
      (RMSE) =0.275, correlation coefficient (r)=0.91) and resulted in similar health
      effect estimates. Linear models showed poor performance (RMSE=0.527, r=0.59),
      while non-linear regression models resulted in heterocedasticity, non-normality
      and clustered data. NFIS could be a useful tool for estimating individual air
      pollution exposures in epidemiological studies on large populations, when
      emission-dispersion data are not available. The tradeoff between simplicity and
      accuracy needs to be considered.

PMID- 28092763
TI  - Growth and antioxidant defense responses of wheat seedlings to di-n-butyl
      phthalate and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate stress.
AB  - Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are vital environmental hormone-like chemicals that
      are noxious to plants, animals, and human beings. In this study, the influences
      of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on the seed
      germination, root morphology, and various physiological changes of wheat
      seedlings were investigated by analyzing superoxide anion (O2-) accumulation,
      antioxidant enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation. DBP and DEHP were found to
      obviously inhibit germination only at high concentrations, but significantly
      affected root morphology even at lower concentrations. Their toxic effects were
      the most severe on root elongation, followed by shoot elongation, and were the
      least severe on germination rate, indicating that root elongation was the best
      index for evaluating DBP and DEHP eco-toxicity. DBP and DEHP also enhanced O2-
      and malondialdehyde levels and membrane permeability, as well as produced changes
      in the antioxidant status and PAE content in the stem and leaf (combined tissues,
      hereafter shoot) and root tissues. The activities of superoxide dismutase,
      catalase, and peroxidase increased at low and medium DBP and DEHP concentrations,
      but declined at high PAE concentrations. These results indicated that PAEs could
      exert oxidative damage in the early development stage of wheat, particularly at
      higher concentrations. DBP and DEHP accumulation was higher in the roots than in
      the shoot tissues, and their levels in these tissues increased with increasing
      PAE concentrations, supporting their more-serious toxic effects on roots than
      those on shoots. Further, the physicochemical properties of DBP rendered it more
      harmful than DEHP.

PMID- 28092764
TI  - Common deregulated gene expression profiles and morphological changes in
      developing zebrafish larvae exposed to environmental-relevant high to low
      concentrations of glucocorticoids.
AB  - Synthetic glucocorticoids have been detected in environmental waters and their
      biological potency have raised concerns of their impact on aquatic vertebrates
      especially fish. In this study, developing zebrafish larvae exposed to
      representative glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, prednisolone and triamcinolone) at
      50 pM to 50 nM from 3 h post-fertilisation to 5 days post-fertilisation were
      investigated. Microarray analysis identified 1255, 1531, and 2380 gene probes,
      which correspondingly mapped to 660, 882 and 1238 human/rodent homologs, as
      deregulated by dexamethasone, prednisolone and triamcinolone, respectively. A
      total of 248 gene probes which mapped to 159 human/rodent homologs were commonly
      deregulated by the three glucocorticoids. These homologs were associated with
      over 20 molecular functions from cell cycle to cellular metabolisms, and were
      involved in the development and function of connective tissue, nervous,
      haematological, and digestive systems. Glucocorticoid receptor signalling, NRF2
      mediated oxidative stress response and RAR signalling were among the top
      perturbed canonical pathways. Morphological analyses using four transgenic
      zebrafish lines revealed that the hepatic and endothelial-vascular systems were
      affected by all three glucocorticoids while nervous, pancreatic and myeloid cell
      systems were affected by one of them. Quantitative real-time PCR detected
      significant change in the expression of seven genes at 50 pM of all three
      glucocorticoids, a concentration comparable to total glucocorticoids reported in
      environmental waters. Three genes (cry2b, fbxo32, and klhl38b) responded robustly
      to all glucocorticoid concentrations tested. The common deregulated genes with
      the associated biological processes and morphological changes can be used for
      biological inference of glucocorticoid exposure in fish for future studies.

PMID- 28092765
TI  - Cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic evaluation of surface waters from a coal
      exploration region.
AB  - Coal mining generates a considerable amount of waste, which is disposed of in
      piles or dams near mining sites. As a result, leachates may reach rivers and
      streams, promoting the wide dispersion of contaminants in solution and as
      particulate matter. The present study evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and
      mutagenic action of surface waters collected around a thermoelectric power plant
      and the largest mining area in Brazil (Candiota). Four sites in Candiota stream
      were selected, and samples were collected in winter and summer. Water samples
      were analyzed using the comet and CBMN assays in V79 and HepG2 cells.
      Furthermore, genotoxicity of water samples was evaluated in vivo using the SMART
      in Drosophila melanogaster. In addition, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and
      inorganic elements were quantified. The results indicate that water samples
      exhibited no genotoxic and mutagenic activities, whether in vitro or in vivo. On
      the other hand, surface water samples collected in sites near the power plant in
      both summer and winter inhibited cell proliferation and induced increased
      frequencies of V79 cell death, apoptosis, and necrosis. The cytotoxicity observed
      may be associated with the presence of higher concentration of inorganic
      elements, especially aluminum, silicon, sulfur, titanium and zinc at sites 1 and
      2 in the stream, as well as with the complex mixture present in the coal, in both
      seasons. Therefore, the results obtained point to the toxicity potential of water
      samples with the influence of coal mining and combustion processes and the
      possible adverse effects on the health of exposed organisms.

PMID- 28092766
TI  - Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on phytotoxicity of sediments
      contaminated by phenanthrene and cadmium.
AB  - To implement effective control and abatement programs for contaminants
      accumulating in sediments, strategies are needed for evaluating the quality of
      amended sediments. In this study, phytotoxicity of the sediments contaminated by
      cadmium and phenanthrene was evaluated after in situ remediation with multi
      walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as adsorbents. Adsorption experiments and
      measurement of aqueous concentrations of the contaminants in overlying water were
      used to investigate the remediation effectiveness from physical and chemical
      aspects. The results indicated that MWCNTs showed a much better adsorption
      performance towards phenanthrene and Cd(II) compared with the sediments. The in
      situ remediation with MWCNTs could distinctly decrease the aqueous concentrations
      of phenanthrene and Cd(II) released from the sediments, reducing environmental
      risk towards overlying water. Influences of MWCNTs dose, MWCNTs diameter, and
      contact time on phtotoxicity of the contaminated sediments were studied. No
      significant inhibition of the amended sediments on germination of the test
      species was observed in the experiments, while the root growth was more sensitive
      than biomass production to the changes of contaminant concentrations. The
      analysis of Pearson correlation coefficients between evaluation indicators and
      associated remediation parameters suggested that phytotoxicity of sediments might
      inaccurately indicate the changes of pollutant content, but it was significant in
      reflecting the ecotoxicity of sediments after remediation.

PMID- 28092767
TI  - Effects of oil dispersant on ozone oxidation of phenanthrene and pyrene in marine
      water.
AB  - This work investigated effects of a popular oil dispersant (Corexit EC9500A) on
      oxidation of phenanthrene and pyrene (two model polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)
      in Gulf coast seawater under simulated atmospheric ozone. The degradation data
      followed a two-stage pseudo-first order kinetics, a slower initial reaction rate
      followed by a much faster rate in longer time. The ozonation rate for pyrene was
      faster than that for phenanthrene. The presence of 18 and 180 mg/L of the
      dispersant inhibited the first-order degradation rate by 32-80% for phenanthrene,
      and 51-85% for pyrene. In the presence of 18 mg/L of the dispersant, the pyrene
      degradation rate increased with increasing ozone concentration, but decreased
      with increasing solution pH and temperature, while remained independent of ionic
      strength. For the first time, the results indicate that atmospheric ozone may
      play a significant role in the weathering of dispersed persistent oil components
      in natural and engineered systems.

PMID- 28092768
TI  - Mercury levels in herring gulls and fish: 42 years of spatio-temporal trends in
      the Great Lakes.
AB  - Total mercury levels in aquatic birds and fish communities have been monitored
      across the Canadian Great Lakes by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
      for the past 42 years (1974-2015). These data (22 sites) were used to examine
      spatio-temporal variability of mercury levels in herring gull (Larus argentatus)
      eggs, lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), walleye (Sander vitreus), and rainbow
      smelt (Osmerus mordax). Trends were quantified with dynamic linear models, which
      provided time-variant rates of change of mercury concentrations. Lipid content
      (in both fish and eggs) and length in fish were used as covariates in all models.
      For the first three decades, mercury levels in gull eggs and fish declined at all
      stations. In the 2000s, trends for herring gull eggs reversed at two sites in
      Lake Erie and two sites in Lake Ontario. Similar trend reversals in the 2000s
      were observed for lake trout in Lake Superior and at a single station in Lake
      Ontario. Mercury levels in lake trout continued to slowly decline at all of the
      remaining stations, except for Lake Huron, where the levels remained stable. A
      post-hoc Bayesian regression analysis suggests strong trophic interactions
      between herring gulls and rainbow smelt in Lake Superior and Lake Ontario, but
      also pinpoints the likelihood of a trophic decoupling in Lake Huron and Lake
      Erie. Continued monitoring of mercury levels in herring gulls and fish is
      required to consolidate these trophic shifts and further evaluate their broader
      implications.

PMID- 28092769
TI  - Spatiotemporal change of phosphorous speciation and concentration in stormwater
      in the St. Lucie Estuary watershed, South Florida.
AB  - Phosphorous (P) concentration in stormwater runoff varies at different spatial
      and temporal scales. Excessive P loading from agriculture system into the St.
      Lucie Estuary (SLE) contributed to water quality deterioration in southern Indian
      River Lagoon. This study examines the spatial and temporal shifts of different P
      forms in runoff and storm water under different land use, water management, and
      rainfall conditions. Storm water samplings were conducted monthly between April
      2013 and December 2014 in typical farmland and along the waterway (Canal C-24)
      that connects lands to the SLE. Concentrations of different P forms and related
      water quality variables were measured. Approximately 89% of the collected water
      samples contained total P (TP) concentrations exceeding the total maximum daily
      load (TMDL) level (0.081 mg L-1). Concentrations of different P forms declined
      from agricultural field furrows to the canal and then increased from the upstream
      to the downstream in the canal where urban activities dominated land use. Total
      dissolved P (TDP) was the predominant form of TP, followed by PO4-P. Speciation
      and concentrations of P varied with sites and sampling times, but were
      significantly higher in the summer months (from June to September) than in the
      winter. Water pH explained ~20% of TP variation. Spatiotemporal variations of P
      concentrations and compositions provide a data-based guide for development of
      best management practices (BMPs) to minimize P export from the SLE watershed.

PMID- 28092770
TI  - Magnolin inhibits prostate cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnolin is the most active ingredient in the herb Magnolia fargesii,
      which has been traditionally used in oriental medicine to treat headaches and
      nasal congestion. Recent researches demonstrate that Magnolin inhibits cancer
      cell migration and invasion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used cell culture
      and the BALB/c nu/nu mouse xenograft model to investigate whether or not magnolin
      can inhibit the growth of PC3 and Du145 prostate cancer cells. MTT assay and flow
      cytometry were performed to estimate the proliferation, cycle, and apoptosis of
      the cells in vitro. Clone formation assay was also conducted. In the animal
      study, Ki-67 immunostaining and TUNEL assay were carried out to evaluate cell
      proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. To elucidate the possible mechanism by
      which magnolin attenuates prostate cancer cell growth, we estimated the
      expression levels of Akt/p-Akt, P53, P21, BCL-2, and cleaved Caspase3 by using
      Western blot 48h after magnolin-treatment of the cells. RESULTS: Magnolin
      inhibited the proliferation and viability of the tumor cells by triggering cell
      cycle arrest via P53/P21 activation and inducing apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
      Magnolin downregulated the phosphorylation of Akt protein kinase and upregulated
      cleaved Caspase3 during anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis. CONCLUSION:
      Magnolin may be a novel medicine for prostate cancer therapy.

PMID- 28092772
TI  - The expression of endothelin-1 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is controlled by
      epigenetic mechanisms and extracellular stimuli.
AB  - Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a hormone peptide widely expressed and is involved in
      several biological processes, important not only for normal cell function but
      also for tumor development, including cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis,
      angiogenesis and osteogenesis. In accordance, ET-1 was already shown to
      contribute to the growth and progression of many different solid cancers. We
      recently demonstrated that ET-1 has a role in the pathogenesis of chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) where it is abnormally expressed. In the context of
      this malignancy, ET-1 is able to mediate survival, drug-resistance and growth
      signals in leukemic cells. Previous studies, not conducted in CLL, have shown
      that ET-1 regulatory mechanisms are numerous and cell specific. Here, we valued
      the expression of ET-1 in CLL, in relation to DNA methylation but also in
      response to stimulation of some important pathways for the dialogue between CLL
      and microenvironment. We found that a high methylation of ET-1 first intron
      affects the basal expression of ET-1 in CLL. Moreover, we showed that the
      activation of CD40 or Toll-like receptor (TLR) by extracellular stimuli produces
      an augment of ET-1 level in CLL cells. Finally, we demonstrated the fundamental
      role of NF-kB signalling pathway in promoting and maintaining ET-1 expression in
      CLL cells, both in basal conditions and after CD40 activation.

PMID- 28092771
TI  - Plant peroxisomes: A nitro-oxidative cocktail.
AB  - Although peroxisomes are very simple organelles, research on different species
      has provided us with an understanding of their importance in terms of cell
      viability. In addition to the significant role played by plant peroxisomes in the
      metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS), data gathered over the last two
      decades show that these organelles are an endogenous source of nitric oxide (NO)
      and related molecules called reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Molecules such as
      NO and H2O2 act as retrograde signals among the different cellular compartments,
      thus facilitating integral cellular adaptation to physiological and environmental
      changes. However, under nitro-oxidative conditions, part of this network can be
      overloaded, possibly leading to cellular damage and even cell death. This review
      aims to update our knowledge of the ROS/RNS metabolism, whose important role in
      plant peroxisomes is still underestimated. However, this pioneering approach, in
      which key elements such as beta-oxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and NO have
      been mainly described in relation to plant peroxisomes, could also be used to
      explore peroxisomes from other organisms.

PMID- 28092773
TI  - How does a newly encountered face become familiar? The effect of within-person
      variability on adults' and children's perception of identity.
AB  - Adults and children aged 6years and older easily recognize multiple images of a
      familiar face, but often perceive two images of an unfamiliar face as belonging
      to different identities. Here we examined the process by which a newly
      encountered face becomes familiar, defined as accurate recognition of multiple
      images that capture natural within-person variability in appearance. In
      Experiment 1 we examined whether exposure to within-person variability in
      appearance helps children learn a new face. Children aged 6-13years watched a 10
      min video of a woman reading a story; she was filmed on a single day (low
      variability) or over three days, across which her appearance and filming
      conditions (e.g., camera, lighting) varied (high variability). After
      familiarization, participants sorted a set of images comprising novel images of
      the target identity intermixed with distractors. Compared to participants who
      received no familiarization, children showed evidence of learning only in the
      high-variability condition, in contrast to adults who showed evidence of learning
      in both the low- and high-variability conditions. Experiment 2 highlighted the
      efficiency with which adults learn a new face; their accuracy was comparable
      across training conditions despite variability in duration (1 vs. 10min) and type
      (video vs. static images) of training. Collectively, our findings show that
      exposure to variability leads to the formation of a robust representation of
      facial identity, consistent with perceptual learning in other domains (e.g.,
      language), and that the development of face learning is protracted throughout
      childhood. We discuss possible underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 28092774
TI  - The lonely road to paranoia. A path-analytic investigation of loneliness and
      paranoia.
AB  - Loneliness and paranoia are related, but the mechanisms that link them to each
      other remain unclear. Systematic reviews on loneliness propose a social-cognitive
      model in which loneliness leads to negative evaluations of other persons and a
      lack of interpersonal trust. However, the data discussed in these reviews are
      based on healthy individuals. Building on this model, the present study
      investigated 1) whether negative interpersonal schemata mediate the association
      between loneliness and paranoia and 2) whether a low level of perceived social
      support and less frequent social contact are related to loneliness. Using a cross
      sectional design, sixty-five participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were
      recruited online and completed questionnaire-based measures of loneliness,
      paranoia, negative interpersonal schemata, perceived social support and frequency
      of social contact. Data were analyzed taking a path-analytic approach. The
      association between loneliness and paranoia was significantly and fully mediated
      by negative schemata of others. Moreover, a low level of perceived social support
      was significantly associated with loneliness, whereas self-reported frequency of
      social contact was not. The present results highlight the potential role of
      interpersonal negative schemata in the formation and maintenance of paranoia and
      elucidate the crucial role of loneliness in the way individuals construe
      themselves within a social environment.

PMID- 28092775
TI  - Alcohol use and suicidality in firefighters: Associations with depressive
      symptoms and posttraumatic stress.
AB  - Both suicidality and alcohol use disorders are significant public health concerns
      among firefighters, and alcohol use is associated with increased suicide risk. In
      addition, firefighters endorse high rates of symptoms of depression and
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, the current investigation examined
      associations between alcohol dependence and suicide risk among a large sample of
      firefighters. Specifically, this study examined the indirect effects of alcohol
      dependence on suicidality outcomes via both depression and posttraumatic stress,
      using structural equation modeling. A total of 2883 male firefighters completed a
      self-report survey, containing measures of alcohol use, suicidality, PTSD, and
      depressive symptoms. Results indicated good model fit. The latent alcohol
      dependence variable was directly related to the latent suicide risk variable.
      However, when depression and posttraumatic stress latent variables were added
      into the model, alcohol dependence was no longer associated with suicide risk.
      Furthermore, alcohol dependence was indirectly related to suicide risk via latent
      depression and posttraumatic stress variables. Indirect effects were established
      after controlling for relevant covariates. Clinical implications are discussed.

PMID- 28092776
TI  - Periosteum tissue engineering in an orthotopic in vivo platform.
AB  - The periosteum plays a critical role in bone homeostasis and regeneration. It
      contains a vascular component that provides vital blood supply to the cortical
      bone and an osteogenic niche that acts as a source of bone-forming cells.
      Periosteal grafts have shown promise in the regeneration of critical size
      defects, however their limited availability restricts their widespread clinical
      application. Only a small number of tissue-engineered periosteum constructs
      (TEPCs) have been reported in the literature. A current challenge in the
      development of appropriate TEPCs is a lack of pre-clinical models in which they
      can reliably be evaluated. In this study, we present a novel periosteum tissue
      engineering concept utilizing a multiphasic scaffold design in combination with
      different human cell types for periosteal regeneration in an orthotopic in vivo
      platform. Human endothelial and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were
      used to mirror both the vascular and osteogenic niche respectively.
      Immunohistochemistry showed that the BM-MSCs maintained their undifferentiated
      phenotype. The human endothelial cells developed into mature vessels and
      connected to host vasculature. The addition of an in vitro engineered endothelial
      network increased vascularization in comparison to cell-free constructs.
      Altogether, the results showed that the human TEPC (hTEPC) successfully
      recapitulated the osteogenic and vascular niche of native periosteum, and that
      the presented orthotopic xenograft model provides a suitable in vivo environment
      for evaluating scaffold-based tissue engineering concepts exploiting human cells.

PMID- 28092777
TI  - Controlling the 3D architecture of Self-Lifting Auto-generated Tissue Equivalents
      (SLATEs) for optimized corneal graft composition and stability.
AB  - Ideally, biomaterials designed to play specific physical and physiological roles
      in vivo should comprise components and microarchitectures analogous to those of
      the native tissues they intend to replace. For that, implantable biomaterials
      need to be carefully designed to have the correct structural and compositional
      properties, which consequently impart their bio-function. In this study, we
      showed that the control of such properties can be defined from the bottom-up,
      using smart surface templates to modulate the structure, composition, and bio
      mechanics of human transplantable tissues. Using multi-functional peptide
      amphiphile-coated surfaces with different anisotropies, we were able to control
      the phenotype of corneal stromal cells and instruct them to fabricate self
      lifting tissues that closely emulated the native stromal lamellae of the human
      cornea. The type and arrangement of the extracellular matrix comprising these
      corneal stromal Self-Lifting Analogous Tissue Equivalents (SLATEs) were then
      evaluated in detail, and was shown to correlate with tissue function.
      Specifically, SLATEs comprising aligned collagen fibrils were shown to be
      significantly thicker, denser, and more resistant to proteolytic degradation
      compared to SLATEs formed with randomly-oriented constituents. In addition,
      SLATEs were highly transparent while providing increased absorption to near-UV
      radiation. Importantly, corneal stromal SLATEs were capable of constituting
      tissues with a higher-order complexity, either by creating thicker tissues
      through stacking or by serving as substrate to support a fully-differentiated,
      stratified corneal epithelium. SLATEs were also deemed safe as implants in a
      rabbit corneal model, being capable of integrating with the surrounding host
      tissue without provoking inflammation, neo-vascularization, or any other signs of
      rejection after a 9-months follow-up. This work thus paves the way for the de
      novo bio-fabrication of easy-retrievable, scaffold-free human tissues with
      controlled structural, compositional, and functional properties to replace
      corneal, as well as other, tissues.

PMID- 28092778
TI  - Electrocortical consequences of image processing: The influence of working memory
      load and worry.
AB  - Research suggests that worry precludes emotional processing as well as biases
      attentional processes. Although there is burgeoning evidence for the relationship
      between executive functioning and worry, more research in this area is needed. A
      recent theory suggests one mechanism for the negative effects of worry on neural
      indicators of attention may be working memory load, however few studies have
      examined this directly. The goal of the current study was to document the
      influence of both visual and verbal working memory load and worry on attention
      allocation during processing of emotional images in a cued image paradigm. It was
      hypothesized that working memory load will decrease attention allocation during
      processing of emotional images. This was tested among 38 participants using a
      modified S1-S2 paradigm. Results indicated that both the visual and verbal
      working memory tasks resulted in a reduction of attention allocation to the
      processing of images across stimulus types compared to the baseline task,
      although only for individuals low in worry. These data extend the literature by
      documenting decreased neural responding (i.e., LPP amplitude) to imagery both the
      visual and verbal working memory load, particularly among individuals low in
      worry.

PMID- 28092779
TI  - Aberrant spontaneous neural activity and correlation with evoked-brain potentials
      in first-episode, treatment-naive patients with deficit and non-deficit
      schizophrenia.
AB  - The goals of the study were to analyze spontaneous neural activity between
      deficit and non-deficit schizophrenia (DS, NDS) using resting-state fMRI, and to
      investigate the correlation of fMRI with clinical features and evoked brain
      potentials. The amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was measured in 41
      DS participants, 42 NDS participants, and 42 healthy controls. ALFF in the
      bilateral cerebellum posterior lobe was significantly decreased in patients,
      while ALFF in the right fusiform gyrus and the bilateral putamen was
      significantly increased. In schizophrenia patients, ALFF in the right putamen
      positively correlated with excited/activation on Positive and Negative Syndrome
      Scale (PANSS-EXC/ACT). In DS patients, ALFF in the right insula was significantly
      increased than in controls and positively correlated with S2-P50 amplitude of
      sensory gating P50. ALFF in the left cerebellum posterior lobe negatively
      correlated with negative symptoms and withdrawn on PANSS (PANSS-NS, PANSS-WIT),
      ALFF in the right putamen positively correlated with PANSS-WIT. In NDS patients,
      ALFF in the middle temporal gyrus decreased than in controls and negatively
      correlated with P3b subcomponent of P300 latency. ALFF in the left cerebellum
      posterior lobe negatively correlated with PANSS-EXC/ACT. The middle temporal
      gyrus in NDS or the right insula in DS may show spatiotemporal defects.

PMID- 28092780
TI  - Standardization of 106Ru/Rh by live-timed anticoincidence counting and gamma
      emission determination.
AB  - The absolute activity standardization measurement system of radionuclide by live
      timed anticoincidence counting was implemented at LNMRI in 2008 to reduce the
      effects of some correction factors on the determination of activity with
      coincidence counting technique used for decades in the laboratory, for example,
      the corrections of dead time and resolution. With the live-timed anticoincidence
      system, the variety of radionuclides that can be calibrated by LNMRI was
      increased in relation to the type of decay. The objective of this study was to
      standardize the 106Ru activity, determine gamma emission probabilities by
      spectrometric method for some energies, and estimate measurement uncertainties.

PMID- 28092781
TI  - Social consequences of subclinical negative symptoms: An EMG study of facial
      expressions within a social interaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The negative symptoms of schizophrenia are related to
      lower social functioning even in non-clinical samples, but little is known about
      the distinct social consequences of motivational and expressive negative
      symptoms. In this study we focused on expressive negative symptoms and examined
      how these symptoms and varying degrees of pro-social facial expressiveness
      (smiling and mimicry of smiling) relate to the social evaluations by face-to-face
      interaction partners and to social support. METHODS: We examined 30 dyadic
      interactions within a sample of non-clinical participants (N = 60) who were rated
      on motivational and expressive negative symptoms with the Clinical Assessment
      Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS). We collected data on both interaction
      partners' smiling-muscle (zygomaticus major) activation simultaneously with
      electromyography and assessed the general amount of smiling and the synchrony of
      smiling muscle activations between interaction partners (mimicry of smiling).
      Interaction partners rated their willingness for future interactions with each
      other after the interactions. RESULTS: Interaction partners of participants
      scoring higher on expressive negative symptoms expressed less willingness for
      future interactions with these participants (r = -0.37; p = 0.01). Smiling
      behavior was negatively related to expressive negative symptoms but also
      explained by motivational negative symptoms. Mimicry of smiling and both negative
      symptom domains were also associated with participants' satisfaction with their
      social support network. LIMITATIONS: Non-clinical sample with (relatively) low
      levels of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Expressive negative symptoms have tangible
      negative interpersonal consequences and directly relate to diminished pro-social
      behavior and social support, even in non-clinical samples.

PMID- 28092782
TI  - An intestinal carcinoid causing transient jejunal intussusception in an adult-A
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Transient jejunal intussusception in an adult is a rare clinical
      finding as reported in the English literature. The diagnosis is usually a matter
      of exclusion given the extremely rare nature of this medical condition.
      PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: A young female presented to our hospital with abdominal
      pain and distention of six months duration. The episodes were intermittent in
      nature and resolved with conservative management. The aetiology remained obscure
      until a computerized tomography(CT) scan diagnosed a small bowel
      intussusceptionIntraoperatively a small bowel tumour was identified and resected.
      Pathology confirmed an intestinal carcinoid of the small bowel with no evidence
      of metastatic disease. DISCUSSION: Transient jejunal intussusception is a rare
      finding with only eight reported cases in the English literature. All previously
      reported cases have been ascribed to benign aetiologies and to our knowledge this
      is the first case of a malignancy causing transient jejunal intussusception. The
      management is usually conservative unless an actual cause for the intussusception
      can be ascertained. The diagnosis is usually one of exclusion and CT scan remains
      the gold standard in eliciting a diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Transient jejunal
      intussuception in adults is an extremely rare pathological condition and the
      diagnosis is usually entertained as a matter of exclusion.

PMID- 28092783
TI  - Pulmonary emboli cardiac arrest with CPR complication: Liver laceration and
      massive abdominal bleed, a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Massive pulmonary emboli may cause right ventricular failure and
      backward stasis with parenchymal organ swelling thus increasing the risk for
      laceration, e.g. if CPR is needed. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 28-year-old Colombian
      female with no medical history but taking contraceptive pills and having had a
      recent longer flight was admitted to Danderyds hospital Emergency Department
      because of respiratory failure. She developed cardiac arrest in the emergence
      department following the emergent diagnosis of pulmonary emboli. Cardio-pulmonary
      resuscitation was initiated, initially with manual and subsequent mechanical
      compressions with a so called LUCAS device. Patients did not respond properly to
      the CPR and showed signs of hypovolemia. Emergent ultrasound raised suspicion of
      abdominal bleed. Emergent laparotomy confirmed liver laceration and massive
      haemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary emboli with subsequent right ventricular
      failure may cause backwards stasis, and parenchymal organ e.g. liver enlargement.
      The risk for laceration injuries and internal bleed must be acknowledged when
      applying external forces as in case of cardiac arrest and need for resuscitation.
      Frequent and vigilant control of positioning of manual as well as mechanical
      compressions is of importance.

PMID- 28092784
TI  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor involving liver, gallbladder, pylorus &
      duodenum: A rare case presentation.
AB  - Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are rare benign tumors that can mimic
      malignancy of unknown aetiology. It has spectrum of myofibroblastic proliferation
      along with varying amount of inflammatory infiltrate. Recently, the concept of
      this lesion being reactive has been challenged based on the clinical
      demonstration of recurrences and metastasis and cytogenetic evidence of acquired
      clonal chromosomal abnormalities. We hereby report a case of inflammatory
      myofibroblastic tumor involving liver, gallbladder pylorus and 1st part of
      duodenum.

PMID- 28092785
TI  - Integrated SSFP for functional brain mapping at 7T with reduced susceptibility
      artifact.
AB  - Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) offers an alternative and
      potentially important tool to the standard gradient-echo echo-planar imaging (GE
      EPI) for functional MRI (fMRI). Both passband and transition band based bSSFP
      have been proposed for fMRI. The applications of these methods, however, are
      limited by banding artifacts due to the sensitivity of bSSFP signal to off
      resonance effects. In this article, a unique case of the SSFP-FID sequence,
      termed integrated-SSFP or iSSFP, was proposed to overcome the obstacle by
      compressing the SSFP profile into the width of a single voxel. The magnitude of
      the iSSFP signal was kept constant irrespective of frequency shift. Visual
      stimulation studies were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of fMRI using
      iSSFP at 7T with flip angles of 4 degrees  and 25 degrees , compared to standard
      bSSFP and gradient echo (GRE) imaging. The signal changes for the complex iSSFP
      signal in activated voxels were 2.48+/-0.53 (%) and 2.96+/-0.87 (%) for flip
      angles (FA) of 4 degrees  and 25 degrees  respectively at the TR of 9.88ms.
      Simultaneous multi-slice acquisition (SMS) with the CAIPIRIHNA technique was
      carried out with iSSFP scanning to detect the anterior temporal lobe activation
      using a semantic processing task fMRI, compared with standard 2D GE-EPI. This
      study demonstrates the feasibility of iSSFP for fMRI with reduced susceptibility
      artifacts, while maintaining robust functional contrast at 7T.

PMID- 28092787
TI  - Perfect 1JCH-resolved HSQC: Efficient measurement of one-bond proton-carbon
      coupling constants along the indirect dimension.
AB  - A versatile 1JCH-resolved HSQC pulse scheme for the speedy, accurate and
      automated determination of one-bond proton-carbon coupling constants is reported.
      The implementation of a perfectBIRD element allows a straightforward measurement
      from the clean doublets obtained along the highly resolved F1 dimension, even for
      each individual 1JCHa and 1JCHb in diastereotopic HaCHb methylene groups. Real
      time homodecoupling during acquisition and other alternatives to minimize
      accidental signal overlapping in overcrowded spectra are also discussed.

PMID- 28092786
TI  - Imaging thiol redox status in murine tumors in vivo with rapid-scan electron
      paramagnetic resonance.
AB  - Thiol redox status is an important physiologic parameter that affects the success
      or failure of cancer treatment. Rapid scan electron paramagnetic resonance (RS
      EPR) is a novel technique that has shown higher signal-to-noise ratio than
      conventional continuous-wave EPR in in vitro studies. Here we used RS EPR to
      acquire rapid three-dimensional images of the thiol redox status of tumors in
      living mice. This work presents, for the first time, in vivo RS EPR images of the
      kinetics of the reaction of 2H,15N-substituted disulfide-linked dinitroxide
      (PxSSPx) spin probe with intracellular glutathione. The cleavage rate is
      proportional to the intracellular glutathione concentration. Feasibility was
      demonstrated in a FSa fibrosarcoma tumor model in C3H mice. Similar to other in
      vivo and cell model studies, decreasing intracellular glutathione concentration
      by treating mice with l-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) markedly altered the kinetic
      images.

PMID- 28092788
TI  - Patient-level meta-analysis of efficacy and hypoglycaemia in people with type 2
      diabetes initiating insulin glargine 100U/mL or neutral protamine Hagedorn
      insulin analysed according to concomitant oral antidiabetes therapy.
AB  - AIMS: Evaluate efficacy and hypoglycaemia according to concomitant oral
      antidiabetes drug (OAD) in people with type 2 diabetes initiating insulin
      glargine 100U/mL (Gla-100) or neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin once
      daily. METHODS: Four studies (target fasting plasma glucose [FPG] ?100mg/dL
      [?5.6mmol/L]; duration ?24weeks) were included. Standardised data from 2091
      subjects (Gla-100, n=1024; NPH insulin, n=1067) were analysed. Endpoints included
      glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and FPG change, glycaemic target achievement,
      hypoglycaemia, weight change, and insulin dose. RESULTS: Mean HbA1c and FPG
      reductions were similar with Gla-100 and NPH insulin regardless of concomitant
      OAD (P=0.184 and P=0.553, respectively) and similar proportions of subjects
      achieved HbA1c <7.0% (P=0.603). There was a trend for more subjects treated with
      Gla-100 achieving FPG ?100mg/dL versus NPH insulin (relative risk [RR] 1.09 [95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.97-1.23]; P=0.135). Plasma glucose confirmed
      (<70mg/dL) overall and nocturnal hypoglycaemia incidences and rates were lower
      with Gla-100 versus NPH insulin (overall RR 0.93 [95% CI 0.87-1.00]; P=0.041;
      nocturnal RR 0.73 [95% CI 0.65-0.83]; P<0.001). After 24weeks, weight gain and
      insulin doses were higher with Gla-100 versus NPH insulin (2.7kg vs 2.3kg,
      P=0.009 and 0.42U/kg vs 0.39U/kg; P=0.003, respectively). Insulin doses were
      higher when either insulin was added to sulfonylurea alone. CONCLUSIONS: Pooled
      results from treat-to-target trials in insulin-naive people with type 2 diabetes
      demonstrate a significantly lower overall and nocturnal hypoglycaemia risk across
      different plasma glucose definitions with Gla-100 versus NPH insulin at similar
      glycaemic control. OAD therapy co-administered with Gla-100 or NPH insulin
      impacts glycaemic control and overall nocturnal hypoglycaemia risk.

PMID- 28092789
TI  - Facial emotion recognition among typically developing young children: A
      psychometric validation of a subset of NimStim stimuli.
AB  - We evaluated the psychometric properties of NimStim taking into account the
      effects of chronological age on the ability of typically developing young
      children (aged 2-6 years old) to recognize basic facial expressions (i.e., happy,
      sad, angry, and fearful). We also examined the psychometric sufficiency of
      NimStim under race-matched and -mismatched facial emotion stimuli. In the current
      study, race-matched stimuli referred to when children with African American
      backgrounds received African American faces to rate their emotions and vice versa
      for race-mismatched stimuli. Results of the current study represent the first
      psychometric analysis of reliability and validity for using NimStim pictures
      depicting happy, sad, angry, and fearful with typically developing children aged
      2-6 years old as well as examining race-matched versus -mismatched stimuli.
      Analyses revealed the psychometric sufficiency of a subset of pictures depicting
      happy, sad, angry, and fearful from NimStim among young children across race
      matched and mismatched stimuli.

PMID- 28092790
TI  - Comparison of quality of life in homeless and non-homeless Chinese patients with
      psychiatric disorders.
AB  - To date, there are no data on quality of life (QOL) and its correlates in
      homeless Chinese patients with psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to compare
      QOL between homeless and non-homeless patients with psychiatric disorders in
      China. A total of 278 homeless and 222 non-homeless patients matched in age and
      gender were consecutively recruited. Socio-demographic and clinical data were
      collected from medical records. A clinical interview was conducted using
      standardized instruments. The physical and mental QOL in both groups were lower
      than the normative data for Chinese general population, but there was no
      significant difference in any QOL domain between the two groups. Multivariate
      analyses of homeless patients revealed that male gender was associated with
      higher physical QOL, while living in cities and lower education level were
      associated with higher mental QOL. In non-homeless patients, use of second
      generation antipsychotics was associated with lower physical QOL, while having
      more severe depressive symptoms was associated with lower mental QOL.
      Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the contributing factors of QOL in
      both homeless and non-homeless patients.

PMID- 28092791
TI  - Minor physical anomalies in bipolar I and bipolar II disorders - Results with the
      Mehes Scale.
AB  - Minor physical anomalies (MPAs) are external markers of abnormal brain
      development, so the more common appearence of these signs among bipolar I and
      bipolar II patients can confirm the possibility of a neurodevelopmental deficit
      in these illnesses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the rate and
      topological profile of minor physical anomalies in patients with bipolar I and -
      first in literature - with bipolar II disorders compared to matched healthy
      control subjects. Using a list of 57 minor physical anomalies (the Mehes Scale),
      30 bipolar I and 30 bipolar II patients, while as a comparison 30 matched healthy
      control subjects were examined. Significant differences were detected between the
      three groups comparing the total number of minor physical anomalies, minor
      malformations and phenogenetic variants and in the cases of the ear and the mouth
      regions. The individual analyses of the 57 minor physical anomalies by
      simultaneous comparison of the three groups showed, that in the cases of furrowed
      tongue and high arched palate were significant differences between the three
      groups. The results can promote the concept, that a neurodevelopmental deficit
      may play a role in the etiology of both bipolar I and bipolar II disorders.

PMID- 28092792
TI  - Curiosity improves coping efficacy and reduces suicidal ideation severity among
      military veterans at risk for suicide.
AB  - Curiosity, the tendency to engage in novel and challenging opportunities, may be
      an important source of resilience for those at risk for suicide. We hypothesized
      that curiosity would have a buffering effect against risk conferred by multiple
      sources of distress, whereby curiosity would be associated with reduced suicidal
      ideation and increased coping efficacy. As part of a larger intervention trial
      designed to improve coping skills and reduce suicidal ideation, 117 military
      veterans with suicidal ideation completed measures of curiosity and distress
      (perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances) at baseline, and
      completed measures of suicidal ideation and coping efficacy (to stop negative
      thoughts, to enlist support from friends and family) at baseline and 3-, 6-, and
      12-week follow up. Growth curve models showed that curiosity moderated the
      association between distress and suicidal ideation at baseline and that curiosity
      moderated the association between distress and increased coping efficacy to stop
      negative thoughts over time. Findings suggest that curiosity may buffer against
      the effect of heightened levels of distress on suicidal ideation and help
      facilitate stronger gains in coping efficacy over time. Additional work should
      further examine the role of curiosity as a protective factor for veterans with
      suicidal ideation.

PMID- 28092793
TI  - High dilutions of antimony modulate cytokines production and macrophage -
      Leishmania (L.) amazonensis interaction in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In previous results mice treated with high dilutions of antimony
      presented reduction of monocyte migration to the site of infection with increase
      in B lymphocytes population in the local lymph node. AIMS: To know the mechanisms
      involved, a series of in vitro studies was done, using co-cultures of macrophages
      (RAW 264.7) and Leishmania (L.) amazonensis treated with different dilutions of
      antimony (Antimonium crudum or AC), in different times. METHODOLOGY: Spreading,
      phagocytosis, the oxidative activity of macrophages, the viability of free
      promastigotes and the cytokines/chemokines concentration in the supernatant were
      evaluated. The assays were performed in quadruplicate. RESULTS: Cells treated
      with AC 30cH (10-58M) and AC 200cH (10-398M) presented a temporary reduction of
      the spreading after 02h of incubation, followed by increase after 48h, being the
      most significant increase observed after the AC 200cH treatment. However, the
      percentage of internalized parasites at 48, 96 and 120h of incubation was also
      higher in cells treated with AC 200cH. It is suggested that the AC 200cH improves
      the ability of phagocytes to internalize the parasites, but not to digest them.
      The cytokines-chemokines panel corroborated these results. Both dilutions
      potentiated the parasite-induced reduction of cytokines production, especially IL
      6, IL 12 p40 and gamma-IFN, after 48h of incubation. In addition, the production
      of MIP-1 beta (CCL4), a chemokine involved in chronic inflammation, was also
      reduced after 120h. A specific effect of AC 30cH was seen by the inhibition of
      two peaks of CCL2 (MCP-1) observed in infected macrophages, at 24 and 120h. Since
      this cytokine is an important chemokine for monocytes, it explains the results
      obtained formerly in vivo. The morphology of macrophages after acridine orange
      staining revealed that the treatment with AC 30cH reduced substantially the acid
      vacuoles in the cytoplasm, indicating a certain inability of these cells to
      digest the parasites. On the other hand, a large peak of VEGF-A, associated with
      increase of internalized parasites was observed after 120h of treatment with AC
      200cH, which could be associated to the regulation of the chronic inflammation
      events by M1-M2 polarization. There was no statistical difference among groups
      regarding the production of TNF, NO and H2O2, showing that the drugs do not alter
      macrophage cytotoxic activity. A clear quantitative and qualitative variation of
      the modulatory effects of AC 30cH and 200cH was seen, in function of time.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both dilutions were able to potentiate the decrease of most of
      cytokines and chemokines induced by the parasite infection in vitro, which
      explains the clinical improvement seen previously in vivo, however, the
      mechanisms involved and the epidemiological significance of these findings are
      still under discussion.

PMID- 28092794
TI  - beta-defensin 3 modulates macrophage activation and orientation during acute
      inflammatory response to Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide.
AB  - beta-defensin 3, a multifunctional antimicrobial peptide, has immuno-regulatory
      activities. We investigated the modulatory mechanism of human beta-defensin 3
      (hBD3) on acute inflammatory response resulted from Porphyromonas gingivalis
      lipopolysaccharide (P.g-LPS), which plays a pro-inflammatory role in periodontal
      infection and its derived systemic inflammation. P.g-LPS was administrated to
      mice and murine macrophages alone or along with hBD3. P.g-LPS could lead to acute
      inflammation as soon as 2h. And it was observed that hBD3 significantly decreased
      the production of pro-inflammatory biomarkers of in response to P.g-LPS in vivo
      and in vitro in the early stage. Interestingly, although hBD3 as well as P.g-LPS
      stimulated the expression of TLR2 mRNA in macrophages in this study, hBD3
      exhibited suppressive effect on the downstream NF-kappaB signaling pathway
      activated by P.g-LPS. And above all, hBD3 could polarize macrophages into M2
      phenotype and this contributed to its anti-inflammatory property. These results
      indicated that hBD3 could have therapeutic effect on systemic inflammation
      associated with periodontal infections via modulating macrophage activation and
      orientation.

PMID- 28092795
TI  - Moderate aerobic exercise training for improving reproductive function in
      infertile patients: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - This study investigated for the first time the changes in seminal markers of
      inflammation, oxidative stress status, semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity as
      well as pregnancy rate following 24weeks of moderate aerobic exercise in
      infertile patients. A total of 1026 sedentary men (aged 25-40years) attending the
      infertility clinic with history of more than one year of infertility, were
      screened and 419 were randomized to either exercise (EX, n=210) or non-exercise
      (NON-EX, n=209) groups. Exercise training favorably attenuated seminal markers of
      both inflammation (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha) and oxidative stress
      (ROS, MDA, 8-Isoprostane) as well as enhanced antioxidant defense system (SOD,
      catalase and TAC) (P<0.05). These changes correlate with favorable improvements
      in semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity and pregnancy rate (P<0.05). The results
      provide information about the effectiveness of moderate aerobic exercise training
      as a treatment option for male factor infertility. The 4-week detraining period
      was not enough to reverse all benefits promoted by exercise intervention.

PMID- 28092796
TI  - Global open data management in metabolomics.
AB  - Chemical Biology employs chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry and other tools
      to study biological systems. Recent advances in both molecular biology such as
      next generation sequencing (NGS) have led to unprecedented insights towards the
      evolution of organisms' biochemical repertoires. Because of the specific data
      sharing culture in Genomics, genomes from all kingdoms of life become readily
      available for further analysis by other researchers. While the genome expresses
      the potential of an organism to adapt to external influences, the Metabolome
      presents a molecular phenotype that allows us to asses the external influences
      under which an organism exists and develops in a dynamic way. Steady advancements
      in instrumentation towards high-throughput and highresolution methods have led to
      a revival of analytical chemistry methods for the measurement and analysis of the
      metabolome of organisms. This steady growth of metabolomics as a field is leading
      to a similar accumulation of big data across laboratories worldwide as can be
      observed in all of the other omics areas. This calls for the development of
      methods and technologies for handling and dealing with such large datasets, for
      efficiently distributing them and for enabling re-analysis. Here we describe the
      recently emerging ecosystem of global open-access databases and data exchange
      efforts between them, as well as the foundations and obstacles that enable or
      prevent the data sharing and reanalysis of this data.

PMID- 28092797
TI  - Undergraduate nursing student mentors' experiences of peer mentoring in Korea: A
      qualitative analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although mentoring involves the achievement of a mutual relationship
      between mentors and mentees, most studies have focused on the effects of
      mentoring on the mentees rather than that on the mentors, which necessitates the
      need to identify mentors' experiences to provide original resources for
      mentoring. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the mentoring
      experience of nursing students who participated as mentors in a mentoring
      learning program, to offer evidence-based resources for nursing educators to
      develop mentoring programs and to use mentorship as an educational method.
      DESIGN: A qualitative content analysis of transcribed focus groups was conducted
      to describe and explore the undergraduate nursing students' mentoring
      experiences. SETTING: This study was conducted in two nursing schools in South
      Korea. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen student mentors from the peer mentoring program
      participated in the present study. They were aged between 21 and 24years, and 87%
      of the participants were female. METHODS: The experiences of the mentors were
      explored through focus groups, and the collected data were analyzed by content
      analysis. RESULTS: The mentors' experiences could be summarized by the core
      theme, "Self-growth as a leader," consisting of the following themes: taking
      pride, guiding mentees, coping with conflicts, and building leadership.
      CONCLUSION: The themes and codes derived from mentors' experiences would provide
      evidence-based guidelines and resources for nursing educators and professionals
      in related disciplines regarding successful peer mentoring, which could
      facilitate self-growth and foster the development of leadership skills in
      undergraduate students.

PMID- 28092798
TI  - Acute kidney injury and risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in
      Taiwan: A nationwide retrospective cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases risk for deep vein
      thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). However, few studies have
      investigated the relationship between acute kidney injury (AKI) and risk of DVT
      and PE. Therefore, we conducted a nationwide longitudinal cohort study to
      determine whether patients with AKI are associated with increased risk of
      developing DVT and PE. METHODS: We included >30years-old inpatients (n=4734)
      receiving the diagnosis of AKI from 2000 to 2006 and their age-and sex-matched
      non-AKI inpatients using medical service in the same year (n=47.340). Diagnosis
      of DVT and PE was recorded within 5-year after the AKI event or index use of
      medical service. The hazard ratios were analyzed using Cox regression model and
      adjustments were made for demographic factors, selected comorbidities and
      treatments. A time-dependent covariate survival analysis was performed for
      variations of some comorbidities, treatments and hospitalization. Competing risk
      regression (CRR) model was also used to adjust the risk for death. Propensity
      score matching was used to minimize potential selection bias. We also performed
      sensitivity analysis to examine the effect of other possible residual confounding
      factors. RESULTS: After adjusting for demographic characteristics, selected
      comorbidities and treatment, AKI remained a predisposing factor with a 1.44-fold
      (95% CI, 1.04-2.01) and 1.49-fold (95% CI, 1.12-1.97) increase in patients who
      were at a risk for developing DVT within 3 and 5years. AKI also remained a
      significant predisposing factor with a 2.66-fold (95% CI, 1.49-3.20) increase in
      patients who were at a risk for developing PE within 3years. However, there were
      no significant results for PE within 5years. The hazard ratios of time-dependent
      covariate survival analysis and CRR model showed the similar results.
      CONCLUSIONS: Risk of DVT and PE is higher in patients with AKI than in the
      general population.

PMID- 28092799
TI  - Fibrin improves skin wound perfusion in a diabetic rat model.
AB  - : The fibrin matrix of the thrombus that is formed directly after wounding, is an
      important determinant of the success of the early phase of wound healing. This
      phase is often impaired in patients with diabetes. A promising approach to
      improve skin wound healing is the application of a pro-angiogenic fibrin matrix
      onto the wound. We studied this in 59 female WAG/RijCrl diabetic rats, in which
      we created two dorsal full-thickness wounds of which one was treated with a human
      physiological fibrin matrix (2mg/ml) and one with PBS as control. Wound healing
      parameters were determined at different time points. The wound closure was
      significantly improved in fibrin-treated wounds on day 3 and 7. Also, fibrin
      treated wounds showed a significantly higher perfusion on day 28 and 35 compared
      to control wounds (p<0.05). CD68 staining revealed that human fibrin did not
      induce an immune response. IN CONCLUSION: the application of a fibrin matrix on a
      diabetic wound showed improved perfusion and an increased early closure rate of
      the wound area.

PMID- 28092800
TI  - Effect of venepuncture process design on efficiency and failure rates: A
      simulation model study for secondary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare aims to deliver good patient outcomes. For many clinical
      procedures there are multiple alternative task sequences that can be performed.
      These deviations can influence procedure reliability, efficiency of usage of
      hospital resources and risk to staff and patient safety. Venepuncture is one of
      the most common invasive procedures in healthcare. Literature of clinical
      practice shows evidence of wide variability in the procedure order and the
      duration of each step, which can depend on attributes, such as patient health,
      sampling method and staff skills. OBJECTIVE: To use a computer simulation model
      based on Petri nets to evaluate the impact on outcomes of commonly practiced
      deviations from the venepuncture procedure guideline and variations in key
      dependent variables. The outcomes considered include the probability of
      successfully obtaining a blood sample and the procedure completion time. DESIGN:
      A computer simulation model was constructed using the Petri net technique which
      mimics the different variations of the venepuncture procedure. Qualitative and
      quantitative data for the model was collected from the literature and through
      interviews and questionnaire responses from doctors and phlebotomists. Statistics
      on the reliability and duration for different variations were then calculated
      from the model output. SETTING: A digital laboratory to model venepuncture in
      secondary care. RESULTS: The model showed that the common practice of applying
      the tourniquet prior to vein identification and releasing it after sample tubes
      are filled may result in a ten-fold increase in sample haemolysis, compared to
      the recommended guideline procedure. Equipment layout on wards and patient vein
      prominence were identified as the two most important factors influencing time
      efficiency of blood sample collection. CONCLUSIONS: Petri net computer models
      were shown to be an effective method for evaluating the success rate and
      completion time of the venepuncture procedure under alternative task sequences
      and variations in key dependent variables. The results obtained from the model
      showed a significant increase in the rate of sample laboratory rejection due to
      haemolysis when commonly practiced deviations from the guideline procedure were
      performed. The rate of failure to collect a sample and the mean time for
      performing the procedure increased significantly for patients with less prominent
      veins and when the procedure was performed on unfamiliar wards. These results
      highlight the need for healthcare providers to ensure guidelines are followed
      when performing venepuncture, equipment layouts are standardised across locations
      and that the vein prominence of different patient groups is considered when
      allocating resources for blood sample collection.

PMID- 28092801
TI  - The association between personal income and aging: A population-based 13-year
      longitudinal study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Population aging is set to increase the elder dependency ratio,
      causing a rapid increase in healthcare expenditures and financial burden on the
      government. This study aims to construct an aging score from age-related diseases
      and to perform longitudinal analyses to examine the association between personal
      income and aging. METHODS: A total of 86,838 subjects drawn from a community with
      384,617 residents in northern Taiwan were examined. Personal income and aging
      related diseases were measured from the National Health Insurance database during
      1997-2010. Multiple linear regression and stratified analyses were used. RESULTS:
      Our results indicate that subjects with low personal income (defined as monthly
      income <=610 USD) can have high aging scores as calculated by selected aging
      related diseases. In stratified analyses, moreover, subjects with low personal
      income tended to have higher aging scores across different anthropometric groups.
      The association was particularly evident in subjects >60years old, and they were
      noted across multiple strata, including those of catastrophic illness as well as
      type of primary care setting. CONCLUSIONS: This study found evidence for
      association between low income and aging in a population with compulsory health
      insurance program, where accessibility barriers were low in terms of health care
      resources and personal socioeconomic status. The economic inequity causes
      difference in aging process, which deserves for future interventions.

PMID- 28092802
TI  - Signal and binding. I. Physico-chemical response to macromolecule-ligand
      interactions.
AB  - Obtaining a detailed knowledge about energetics of ligand-macromolecule
      interactions is a prerequisite for elucidation of the nature, behavior, and
      activities of the formed complexes. The most commonly used methods in
      characterizing molecular interactions are physico-chemical techniques based
      mainly on spectroscopic, calorimetric, hydrodynamic, etc., measurements. The
      major advantage of the physico-chemical methods is that they do not require large
      quantities of material and, if performed carefully, do not perturb examined
      reactions. Applications of several different physico-chemical approaches,
      commonly encountered in analyses of biochemical interactions, are here reviewed
      and discussed, using examples of simple binding reactions. It is stressed that
      without determination of the relationship between the measured signal and the
      total average degree of binding, the performed analysis of a single physico
      chemical titration curve may provide only fitting parameters, instead of
      meaningful interaction parameters, already for the binding systems with only two
      ligand molecules. Some possible pitfalls in the analyses of single titration
      curves are discussed.

PMID- 28092803
TI  - OX40: Structure and function - What questions remain?
AB  - OX40 is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein, reported nearly 30 years ago as a
      cell surface antigen expressed on activated T cells. Since its discovery, it has
      been validated as a bone fide costimulatory molecule for T cells and member of
      the TNF receptor family. However, many questions still remain relating to its
      function on different T cell sub-sets and with recent interest in its utility as
      a target for antibody-mediated immunotherapy, there is a growing need to gain a
      better understanding of its biology. Here, we review the expression pattern of
      OX40 and its ligand, discuss the structure of the receptor:ligand interaction,
      the downstream signalling it can elicit, its function on different T cell subsets
      and how antibodies might engage with it to provide effective immunotherapy.

PMID- 28092804
TI  - Enhancement of NK cell-mediated lysis of non-small lung cancer cells by nPKC
      activator, ingenol 3,20 dibenzoate.
AB  - The IFN-gamma production is crucial for NK cell-mediated lysis of cancer cells.
      Thus increasing the IFN-gamma production by NK cells may be an ideal strategy to
      improve their tumoricidal effect. Since the focus on new drug development has
      shifted towards natural products, limited information is out there about natural
      products that enhance the IFN-gamma production by NK cells. In this study,
      through a high-throughput screening, we have identified a natural product ingenol
      3,20 dibenzoate (IDB), an activator of tumor suppressor protein kinase C (PKC)
      isozymes, could increase the IFN-gamma production and degranulation by NK cells,
      especially when NK cells were stimulated by non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.
      IDB also significantly enhanced the NK cell-mediated lysis of NSCLC cells.
      Furthermore, PKC inhibitor, sotrastaurin abrogated IDB-induced IFN-gamma
      production, degranulation and cytotoxicity, but did not affect IFN-gamma
      production by NK cells without IDB treatment and NSCLC cell stimulation. The IFN
      gamma neutralization reversed the IDB-induced enhancement of NK cell mediated
      killing. In conclusion, our study indicated that IDB enhanced NK cell-mediated
      lysis of NSCLC cells is dependent on specific PKC mediated IFN-gamma production
      and degranulation. Thus, IDB may have a promising application in clinic for NK
      cell-based cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 28092805
TI  - Circumstantial evidence of life history events in loricate choanoflagellates.
AB  - Sex is found in all major eukaryotic groups of organisms. It has been known for
      some time that the choanoflagellates also possess the genes involved in meiosis
      and a full sexual cycle was also recently accounted for in Salpingoeca rosetta.
      With reference to the loricate choanoflagellates the current status is that only
      circumstantial evidence, from wild material of Bicosta spinifera, exists in
      favour of documenting division patterns that go beyond plain asexual division,
      and that has the potential to represent stages in a sexual life cycle. Here we
      present further evidence from wild material documenting possible morphotype
      changes that might similarly indicate the existence of complex life cycles. In
      this particular case, it revolves around the existence of so-called 'combination
      loricas' (i.e. two loricas that occur physically united), representing consistent
      species combinations from the genera Acanthocorbis and Stephanoeca.

PMID- 28092806
TI  - Life-cycle, ultrastructure, and phylogeny of Parvilucifera corolla sp. nov.
      (Alveolata, Perkinsozoa), a parasitoid of dinoflagellates.
AB  - Recent studies of marine protists have revealed parasites to be key components of
      marine communities. Here we describe a new species of the parasitoid genus
      Parvilucifera that was observed infecting the dinoflagellate Durinskia baltica in
      salt marshes of the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean). In parallel, the same
      species was detected after the incubation of seawater from the Canary Islands
      (Lanzarote, NE Atlantic). The successful isolation of strains from both
      localities allowed description of the life cycle, ultrastructure, and phylogeny
      of the species. Its infection mechanism consists of a free-living zoospore that
      penetrates a dinoflagellate cell. The resulting trophont gradually degrades the
      dinoflagellate cytoplasm while growing in size. Once the host is consumed,
      schizogony of the parasitoid yields a sporocyte. After cytokinesis is complete,
      the newly formed zoospores are released into the environment and are ready to
      infect new host cells. A distinguishing feature of the species is the radial
      arrangement of its zoospores around the central area of the sporocyte during
      their formation. The species shows a close morphological similarity with other
      species of the genus, including P. infectans, P. sinerae, and P. rostrata.

PMID- 28092807
TI  - Application of the DREADD technique in biomedical brain research.
AB  - The DREADD (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) technique
      is a new chemogenetic approach allowing for selective and remote control of
      neural activity with a high degree of spatial resolution. Since its discovery in
      2007 the DREADD technique was successfully employed into basic research, and
      together with the optogenetic method provided so far the best tool to influence
      the activity of the brain circuits and cell populations. The first aim of this
      review was to concisely describe the technique with regard to such issues like
      the history of its development, biochemistry as well as modes of the designer
      receptors delivery and expression. The other aim was to summarize approaches
      employed for probing of the brain circuits using the DREADD technique and to
      characterize the current knowledge of the method's application in medical
      research focusing on two diseases - Parkinson's disease and drug addiction - in
      which designer receptors were found notably valuable.

PMID- 28092808
TI  - Antinociceptive effect of co-administered NMDA and histamine H4 receptor
      antagonists in a rat model of acute pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The histamine H4 receptor (H4R) has attracted a lot of attention in
      terms of its role in antinociception. The N-Methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA)
      receptor is a well-characterized participant in pain pathways. However, it's
      influence on H4R signaling is poorly understood. Thus, in the present study we
      investigated the effect of a selective H4R antagonist JNJ7777120 (25mg/kg) and a
      NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 (0.1-10MUg) on nociceptive thresholds in a rat
      acute pain model. METHODS: The influence of intrathecally (it),
      intracerebroventricularly (icv) and intraplantarly (ipl) administered MK-801 co
      injected with JNJ7777120 administered intraperitoneally (ip) was determined in
      the modified Randall-Selitto paw pressure, the tail flick and plantar tests.
      RESULTS: Both ip JNJ7777120 as well as MK-801 delivered it and ipl increased
      nociceptive pain thresholds. It and ipl pretreatment with MK-801 additively
      augmented JNJ7777120 mechanical antinociception. A weaker effect was also
      observed after it co-administration with MK-801 and JNJ7777120 in the tail flick
      test. Intracerebroventricular MK-801 failed to produce any effect nor did ipl MK
      801 in the plantar test. CONCLUSIONS: The results show for the first time that
      the H4R and NMDA receptors play a significant role in antinociception in an acute
      non-inflammatory pain. Furthermore, the blockage of NMDA receptors at the
      peripheral and spinal, but not supraspinal sites produces a profound
      antinociceptive response upon simultaneous H4R antagonism. Thus, this study
      clearly demonstrates the relevance of NMDA and H4R receptors in the modulation of
      pain signals and that their role is not exclusively limited to their modulatory
      activity in inflammatory pain states.

PMID- 28092809
TI  - Retained surgical sponge.

PMID- 28092810
TI  - Expectation and futurity: The remarkable success of genetic determinism.
AB  - Genetic determinism is nowadays largely questioned and widely criticized.
      However, if we look at the history of biology in the last one hundred years, we
      realize that genetic determinism has always been controversial. Why, then, did it
      acquire such relevance in the past despite facing longstanding criticism? Through
      the analysis of some of the ambitious expectations of future scientific
      applications, this article explores the possibility that part of the historical
      success of genetic determinism lies in the powerful rhetorical strategies that
      have connected the germinal matter with alluring bio-technological visions.
      Indeed, in drawing on the recent perspectives of "expectation studies" in science
      and technology, it will be shown that there has been an interesting historical
      relationship between reductionist notions of the gene as a hereditary unit, coded
      information or functional DNA segment, and startling prophecies of what
      controlling such an entity might achieve. It will also be suggested that the well
      known promissory nature of genomics is far older than the emergence of
      biotechnology in the 1970s. At least from the time of the bio-utopias predicted
      by J.B.S. Haldane and J. S. Huxley, the gene has often been surrounded by what I
      call the "rhetoric of futurity": a promissory rhetoric that, despite momentous
      changes in the life sciences throughout the 20th century, has remained relatively
      consistent over time.

PMID- 28092811
TI  - Towards the structure of the TIR-domain signalosome.
AB  - TIR (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor/resistance protein) domains feature in animal,
      plant and bacterial proteins involved in innate immunity pathways and associated
      processes. They function through protein:protein interactions, in particular self
      association and homotypic association with other TIR domains. Structures of TIR
      domains from all phyla have been determined, but common association modes have
      only emerged for plant and bacterial TIR domains, and not for mammalian TIR
      domains. Numerous attempts involving hybrid approaches, which have combined
      structural, computational, mutagenesis and biophysical data, have failed to
      converge onto common models of how these domains associate and function. We
      propose that the available data can be reconciled in the context of higher-order
      assembly formation, and that TIR domains function through signaling by
      cooperative assembly formation (SCAF).

PMID- 28092812
TI  - Delta14CO2 from dark respiration in plants and its impact on the estimation of
      atmospheric fossil fuel CO2.
AB  - Radiocarbon (14C) has been widely used for quantification of fossil fuel CO2
      (CO2ff) in the atmosphere and for ecosystem source partitioning studies. The
      strength of the technique lies in the intrinsic differences between the 14C
      signature of fossil fuels and other sources. In past studies, the 14C content of
      CO2 derived from plants has been equated with the 14C content of the atmosphere.
      Carbon isotopic fractionation mechanisms vary among plants however, and
      experimental study on fractionation associated with dark respiration is lacking.
      Here we present accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon results of CO2
      respired from 21 plants using a lab-incubation method and associated bulk organic
      matter. From the respired CO2 we determine Delta14Cres values, and from the bulk
      organic matter we determine Delta14Cbom values. A significant difference between
      Delta14Cres and Delta14Cbom (P < 0.01) was observed for all investigated plants,
      ranging from -42.30/00 to 10.10/00. The results show that Delta14Cres values are
      in agreement with mean atmospheric Delta14CO2 for several days leading up to the
      sampling date, but are significantly different from corresponding bulk organic
      Delta14C values. We find that although dark respiration is unlikely to
      significantly influence the estimation of CO2ff, an additional bias associated
      with the respiration rate during a plant's growth period should be considered
      when using Delta14C in plants to quantify atmospheric CO2ff.

PMID- 28092813
TI  - Walking mechanics for patellofemoral pain subjects with similar self-reported
      pain levels can differ based upon neuromuscular activation.
AB  - Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is often studied on subjects who are classified using
      only self-reported data. Neuromuscular activation influences movement mechanics
      for PFP subjects, but is not likely to be self-reported. We compared lower
      extremity mechanics, during a common movement (walking), between two subdivisions
      of a group of PFP subjects that were similar, based on common self-report tools,
      but different, based on a common objective measure of quadriceps activation. Our
      intent was to highlight the importance of objectively considering neuromuscular
      activation when researching PFP movement mechanics. Thirty similar PFP research
      subjects (based on four common self-report tools) were divided into two
      subdivisions, based on different quadriceps central activation ratios (CAR): a
      quadriceps deficit (QD; CAR <0.95) group and a no quadriceps deficit (NQD; CAR
      >=0.95) group. All subjects in both groups performed five walking trials, while
      common mechanical characteristics were measured: 3D ground reaction force, and 3D
      joint kinematics and kinetics. Functional statistics were used to compare
      mechanical characteristics between the groups across the entire stance phase of
      gait (alpha=0.05). Numerous differences were found between the two groups for
      ground reaction force, and joint kinematics and kinetics. For example, the NQD
      group exhibited 5% greater vertical ground reaction force at peak impact, and 5%
      less vertical ground reaction force during the unloading portion of stance,
      relative to the QD group. The results indicate that when researching movement
      mechanics associated with PFP, it is important to consider objectively-measured
      neuromuscular activation characteristics that are not likely to be self-reported
      by PFP subjects.

PMID- 28092814
TI  - A participatory action research study exploring women's understandings of the
      concept of informed choice during pregnancy and childbirth in Ireland.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to explore women's understandings and definitions of the concept of
      informed choice during pregnancy and childbirth. METHODS: a three-phase action
      research approach. In the first phase of the study (reported in this paper),
      fifteen women were interviewed to establish their understandings and experiences
      of informed choice. SETTING: Dublin, Ireland in a large maternity hospital.
      PARTICIPANTS: fifteen postnatal women who gave birth to a live healthy infant,
      women attended obstetric or midwifery-led care. FINDINGS: we found that multiple
      factors influence how women define informed choice including; their expectations
      of exercising choice, their sense of responsibility towards their infant, their
      sense of self and the quality of their relationships with maternity care
      professionals. The interdependence of the mother-baby relationship deems that in
      the context of pregnancy and childbirth, women's definitions, perceptions and
      experiences of informed choice should be considered to be relational. Women
      consider that informed choice means more than just the provision of information;
      rather it requires an in-depth discussion with a professional who is known to
      them. Women's understandings reveal that informed choice, is not only defined by
      but contingent on the quality of women's relationships with their caregiver and
      their ability to engage in a process of shared decision-making with them. KEY
      CONCLUSION: Informed choice is defined and experienced as a relational construct,
      the support provided by maternity care professionals to women in contemporary
      maternity care must reflect this.

PMID- 28092815
TI  - Facile fabrication of Fe(3)O(4) octahedra/nanoporous copper network composite for
      high-performance anode in Li-Ion batteries.
AB  - Fe3O4 octahedra embedded in conductive nanoporous copper (NPC) network are
      straightforwardly fabricated by means of alloy refining followed by facile
      electroless dealloying in mild condition. During selectively dissolving the Al
      from FeCuAl alloy, the residual Cu atoms assemble to form sponge-like
      nanostructure, meanwhile the Fe atoms undergo spontaneous oxidation and
      aggregation to grow into Fe3O4 octahedra travelled through NPC network. Owing to
      the combination of conductive NPC network, Fe3O4 octahedra exhibit dramatically
      enhanced lithium storage performances with excellent reversible capacity,
      enhanced rate performance, as well outstanding cyclability compared with pure
      Fe3O4 octahedra. Especially, Fe3O4/Cu nanocomposite shows superior cycling
      stability with the excellent reversible capacity of 664.0 and 512.6mAhg-1
      retained over 500 cycles at the current densities of 300 and 1000mAg-1,
      respectively. Moreover, it shows good rate capability even when cycled at 1000mAg
      1. With the advantages of exceptional performances and facile preparation, the as
      made Fe3O4/Cu nanocomposite shows prospective application potential as an
      advanced anode material in lithium ion batteries.

PMID- 28092816
TI  - Encapsulation of cisplatin in a pegylated calcium phosphate nanoparticle (CPNP)
      for enhanced cytotoxicity to cancerous cells.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Exchange of the chloride ion (Cl-) ligands of cisplatin with
      carboxylates is widely used in fabricating cisplatin loaded nanoparticles for
      improved cancer therapy. However, the dynamic exchange may cause premature
      cisplatin release and even disintegration of the nanoparticles in Cl--containing
      medium such as in plasma. Molecules bearing carboxylates are capable of mediating
      the mineralization process of calcium phosphate; therefore, it is possible to
      overcome the disadvantage by sequestering cisplatin in a calcium phosphate
      nanoparticle (CPNP). EXPERIMENTS: With the hypothesis, precipitation reaction of
      calcium nitrate and disodium hydrogen phosphate was performed in a solution of
      poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(acrylic acid) block copolymers with their carboxylates
      partly conjugated with cisplatin. Then, structure, physicochemical properties,
      and bioactivity of the product were carefully investigated with multiple
      characterization methods. FINDINGS: It was revealed a pegylated, cisplatin
      encapsulated CPNP was prepared; and with appropriate mole ratio of cisplatin to
      carboxylates, the nanoparticle encapsulated cisplatin efficiently (>90%), was
      stable and almost entirely prevented the cisplatin release in Cl--containing
      medium at pH 7.4 but released them in an acidic condition, and showed moderately
      and greatly enhanced cytotoxicities to the lung cancer cell line A549 and its
      cisplatin resistance form A549R respectively in comparison with the free
      cisplatin.

PMID- 28092817
TI  - Porous bimetallic PdNi catalyst with high electrocatalytic activity for ethanol
      electrooxidation.
AB  - Porous bimetallic PdNi catalysts were fabricated by a novel method, namely,
      reduction of Pd and Ni oxides prepared via calcining the complex chelate of PdNi
      dimethylglyoxime (PdNi-dmg). The morphology and composition of the as-prepared
      PdNi were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the electrochemical
      properties of PdNi catalysts towards ethanol electrooxidation were also studied
      by electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and
      chronoamperometry (CA) measurement. In comparison with porous Pd and commercial
      Pd/C catalysts, porous structural PdNi catalysts showed higher electrocatalytic
      activity and durability for ethanol electrooxidation, which may be ascribed to Pd
      and Ni property, large electroactive surface area and high electron transfer
      property. The Ni exist in the catalyst in the form of the nickel hydroxides
      (Ni(OH)2 and NiOOH) which have a high electron and proton conductivity enhances
      the catalytic activity of the catalysts. All results highlight the great
      potential application of the calcination-reduction method for synthesizing high
      active porous PdNi catalysts in direct ethanol fuel cells.

PMID- 28092818
TI  - Heterostructured ZnFe(2)O(4)/TiO(2) nanotube arrays with remarkable visible-light
      photoelectrocatalytic performance and stability.
AB  - A series of heterostructured ZnFe2O4/TiO2-nanotube arrays (NTAs) with remarkable
      visible-light photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) activity were successfully prepared via
      a two-step process of anodization and impregnation, followed by annealing. The
      structure and morphology of the as-prepared ZnFe2O4/TiO2-NTAs samples, PEC
      degradation abilities and photoelectrochemical performances, as well as long-term
      stabilities toward degradation of methyl orange (MO) solution under visible-light
      irradiation were deeply investigated. Results showed that forming a
      heterojunction by combination of TiO2-NTAs with ZnFe2O4 successfully extended the
      absorption edge of TiO2-NTAs to visible-light region. Among all the ZnFe2O4/TiO2
      NTAs samples, the 2-ZnFe2O4/TiO2-NTAs sample, named ZT(2), obtained the best PEC
      activity and the highest photocurrent density under visible-light irradiation.
      Moreover, the ZT(2) sample retained a good reproducibility and high stability
      after 20days of PEC degradation. The outstanding visible-light PEC activity and
      photocurrent response of the ZT(2) sample were attributed to the proper amount of
      ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles loaded onto the TiO2-NTAs, which not only dramatically
      improved the visible-light absorption of TiO2-NTAs, but also assisted the
      separation of photo-induced electron-hole pairs and reduced their recombination
      by forming a ZnFe2O4/TiO2-NTAs heterojunction. The reaction mechanism responsible
      for the enhanced visible-light PEC performance of the ZnFe2O4/TiO2-NTAs
      heterostructure was also discussed.

PMID- 28092819
TI  - Silver nanoparticles supported over mesoporous alumina as an efficient
      nanocatalyst for N-alkylation of hetero (aromatic) amines and aromatic amines
      using alcohols as alkylating agent.
AB  - We have successfully embedded rhombohedral crystallites of silver nanoparticles
      (Ag-NPs) over mesoporous alumina (Ag@Al2O3) material for the first time. The
      Ag@Al2O3 has been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), ultra high
      resolution transmission electron microscopy (UHR-TEM), scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra (UV-Vis), and
      thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The PXRD confirms the presence of the
      rhombohedral phase of Ag nanoparticles. The agglomeration of the silver
      nanoparticle having a dimension of 80-90nmhas been clearly observed from UHR-TEM
      images. This novel nanocatalyst showed excellent catalytic activity towards the N
      alkylation of hetero (aromatic) amines and aromatic amines using alcohols as the
      alkylating agent. The catalyst is heterogeneous in nature and can be recovered
      and recycled more than five reaction cycles without any noticeable loss in its
      catalytic activity.

PMID- 28092820
TI  - PCR screening of an African fermented pearl-millet porridge metagenome to
      investigate the nutritional potential of its microbiota.
AB  - Cereals are staple foods in most African countries, and many African cereal-based
      foods are spontaneously fermented. The nutritional quality of cereal products can
      be enhanced through fermentation, and traditional cereal-based fermented foods
      (CBFFs) are possible sources of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with useful
      nutritional properties. The nutritional properties of LAB vary depending on the
      species and even on the strain, and the microbial composition of traditional
      CBFFs varies from one traditional production unit (TPU) to another. The
      nutritional quality of traditional CBFFs may thus vary depending on their
      microbial composition. As the isolation of potentially useful LAB from
      traditional CBFFs can be very time consuming, the aim of this study was to use
      PCR to assess the nutritional potential of LAB directly on the metagenomes of
      pearl-millet based fermented porridges (ben-saalga) from Burkina Faso. Genes
      encoding enzymes involved in different nutritional activities were screened in 50
      metagenomes extracted from samples collected in 10 TPUs in Ouagadougou. The
      variability of the genetic potential was recorded. Certain genes were never
      detected in the metagenomes (genes involved in carotenoid synthesis) while others
      were frequently detected (genes involved in folate and riboflavin production,
      starch hydrolysis, polyphenol degradation). Highly variable microbial composition
      - assessed by real-time PCR - was observed among samples collected in different
      TPUs, but also among samples from the same TPU. The high frequency of the
      presence of genes did not necessarily correlate with in situ measurements of the
      expected products. Indeed, no significant correlation was found between the
      microbial variability and the variability of the genetic potential. In spite of
      the high rate of detection (80%) of both genes folP and folK, encoding enzymes
      involved in folate synthesis, the folate content in ben-saalga was rather low
      (median: 0.5MUg/100g fresh weight basis). This work highlighted the limit of
      evaluating the nutritional potential of the microbiota of traditional fermented
      foods by the only screening of genes in metagenomes, and suggests that such a
      screening should be completed by a functional analysis.

PMID- 28092821
TI  - Efficacy of vacuum steam pasteurization for inactivation of Salmonella PT 30,
      Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Enterococcus faecium on low moisture foods.
AB  - Low moisture foods such as nuts, spices, and seeds have been implicated in
      several outbreaks due to Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Such foods
      may be consumed raw, and can be used as ingredients in other food products. While
      numerous thermal inactivation studies have been conducted for Salmonella on nuts,
      studies on other seeds and grains are minimal. Product water activity can
      influence the thermal resistance of pathogens, where thermal resistance increases
      as water activity decreases, leading to a requirement for higher temperatures and
      longer exposure times to achieve significant reduction of pathogen numbers.
      Vacuum steam pasteurization uses steam under vacuum, which can be operated at
      temperatures above and below 100 degrees C. The objective of this study was to
      determine the efficacy of vacuum steam pasteurization for inactivation of
      pathogens on whole flaxseed, quinoa, sunflower kernels, milled flaxseed and whole
      black peppercorns. The use of E. faecium as a potential surrogate for Salmonella
      and E. coli O157:H7 in vacuum steam pasteurization was also evaluated.
      Pasteurization for 1min at 75 degrees C yielded average log reductions of 5.48+/
      1.22, 5.71+/-0.40 and 5.23+/-0.61 on flaxseed, 4.29+/-0.92, 5.89+/-0.26 and
      2.39+/-0.83 on quinoa, and 4.01+/-0.74, 5.40+/-0.83 and 2.99+/-0.92 on sunflower
      kernels for Salmonella PT 30, E. coli O157:H7 and E. faecium, respectively.
      Similarly, on milled flaxseed and black peppercorns average log reductions of
      3.02+/-0.79 and 6.10+/-0.64CFU/g were observed for Salmonella PT 30 after 1min of
      treatment at 75 degrees C but, on average, >6.0 log reductions were observed
      after pasteurization at 85 degrees C. Our data demonstrate that vacuum steam
      pasteurization can be effectively used to reduce pathogens on these low moisture
      foods at temperature as low as 75 and 85 degrees C, and that E. faecium may be
      used as a potential surrogate for Salmonella PT 30 and E. coli O157:H7.

PMID- 28092822
TI  - Combination of Everolimus with Sorafenib for Solid Renal Tumors in Tsc2+/- Mice
      Is Superior to Everolimus Alone.
AB  - Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is an inherited tumor syndrome caused by mutations in
      TSC1 or TSC2 that lead to aberrant activation of mTOR and development of tumors
      in multiple organs including the kidneys. The mTOR inhibitors rapamycin and
      everolimus (rapalogs) have demonstrated clinical efficacy in treating TSC
      associated tumors including renal angiomyolipomas. However, tumor responses are
      usually only partial, and regrowth occurs after drug withdrawal. TSC-associated
      tumors are highly vascular, and TSC patients with renal angiomyolipomas have
      elevated levels of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A and
      VEGFD. Sorafenib inhibits multiple kinases including VEGF receptors and has been
      used to treat metastatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma in one case, but formal
      trials have not been undertaken. In this study, we investigated tumor
      angiogenesis and the therapeutic efficacy of everolimus in combination with
      sorafenib for renal tumors in Tsc2+/- mice. We found that these tumors exhibited
      remarkably variable angiogenesis despite consistent aberrant activation of mTOR
      and increased expression of HIF1alpha and VEGFA. Treatment of 11-month-old Tsc2+/
      mice for 2 months with a combination of everolimus and sorafenib significantly
      reduced the number and size of solid renal tumors, whereas everolimus or
      sorafenib alone did not. These results suggest that inhibition of mTOR and
      multiple kinases including VEGF receptors using combination therapy could hold
      promise for the treatment of TSC-associated tumors that have responded
      inadequately to a rapalog alone.

PMID- 28092824
TI  - Chemically modified amino porphyrin/TiO2 for the degradation of Acid Black 1
      under day light illumination.
AB  - In this paper, for the first time, chemically modified 5,10,15,20-meso-tetra
      (para-amino)-phenyl-porphyrin/TiO2 (TPAPP/TiO2) was prepared and used for the
      degradation of an azo dye Acid Black 1 (AB 1) under direct sunlight. Initially,
      TiO2 was prepared by sol-gel method. Before making a TPAPP/TiO2 composite, the
      surface modification of TiO2 was carried out with glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy
      silane (GPTMS) which acts as a coupling agent. This is an epoxy terminated silane
      and could easily bond to the amino group of TPAPP through epoxy cleavage. The
      formation of TPAPP/TiO2 was confirmed by different characterization techniques
      such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM and DRS. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 was highly
      influenced by TPAPP. A mechanism was proposed for AB 1 degradation by TPAPP/TiO2
      under sun light.

PMID- 28092825
TI  - Non-invasive techniques for revealing the palette of the Romantic painter
      Francesco Hayez.
AB  - This paper describes the first systematic analysis of the palette of Francesco
      Hayez, one of the most outstanding artists of European Romanticism, whose
      painting technique has never been extensively investigated despite the plethora
      of artistic studies. He lived in a particular moment in the history of painting,
      as in the first half of the 19th century many synthetic pigments were available,
      also in tin tubes, but traditional materials were still used. Sixteen paintings
      on canvas and on panels, created between 1823 and 1868, were analyzed in situ
      through non-invasive techniques (infrared reflectography and infrared reflection
      spectroscopy). Imaging investigation provided clues on painting technique,
      revealing some cases of pentimenti and underdrawings. A preliminary survey was
      carried out on a hundred pure pigments used up to the 19th century and on new
      synthetic colours, in order to attain reference spectra for the interpretation of
      painting spectra. The portable infrared instrument provided insight into Hayez's
      painting materials, identifying barite, ivory black, lead-tin yellow, Naples
      yellow, ochres, Prussian blue, and white lead. The pigments were often blended,
      to obtain a unique fabric appearance or to attain cold shades. The results
      pointed to a siccative oil as a binder, mixed with white lead so that it could
      act as a catalyzer in polymerization reactions, and in some cases with a
      proteinaceous binder and resins. The preparation was made with gypsum and white
      lead mixed with a siccative oil. The results showed that the artist used a
      typical traditional palette, throughout his career, in order to lead to brilliant
      colours and with long-term stability. Anyway, the possible presence of cobalt
      blue in a few paintings suggests that Hayez had probably started testing the new
      colours, since the second decade of 19th century.

PMID- 28092823
TI  - pH, Lactate, and Hypoxia: Reciprocity in Regulating High-Affinity Monocarboxylate
      Transporter Expression in Glioblastoma.
AB  - Highly malignant brain tumors harbor the aberrant propensity for aerobic
      glycolysis, the excessive conversion of glucose to lactic acid even in the
      presence of ample tissue oxygen. Lactic acid is rapidly effluxed to the tumor
      microenvironment via a group of plasma-membrane transporters denoted
      monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) to prevent "self-poisoning." One isoform,
      MCT2, has the highest affinity for lactate and thus should have the ability to
      respond to microenvironment conditions such as hypoxia, lactate, and pH to help
      maintain high glycolytic flux in the tumor. Yet, MCT2 is considered to not
      respond to hypoxia, which is counterintuitive. Its response to tumor lactate has
      not been reported. In this report, we experimentally identify the transcription
      initiation site/s for MCT2 in astrocytes (normal) and glioma (tumor). We then use
      a BACmid library to isolate a 4.2-kbp MCT2 promoter-exon I region and examine
      promoter response to glycolysis-mediated stimuli in glioma cells. Reporter
      analysis of nested-promoter constructs indicated response of MCT2 to hypoxia, pH,
      lactate, and glucose, the major physiological "players" that facilitate a tumor's
      growth and proliferation. Immunoblot analysis of native MCT2 expression under
      altered pH and hypoxia reflected the reporter data. The pH-mediated gene
      regulation studies we describe are the first to record H+-based reporter studies
      for any mammalian system and demonstrate the exquisite response of the MCT2 gene
      to minute changes in tumor pH. Identical promoter usage also provides the first
      evidence of astrocytes harnessing the same gene regulatory regions to facilitate
      astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttling, a metabolic feature of normal brain.

PMID- 28092826
TI  - Synthesis, pH dependent photometric and electrochemical investigation, redox
      mechanism and biological applications of novel Schiff base and its metallic
      derivatives.
AB  - A novel Schiff base, 1-((2, 4-dimethylphenylimino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol
      abbreviated as (HL) and its four metallic complexes were synthesized and
      confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR, FTIR, TGA and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Schiff base
      was also characterized by X-ray analysis. The photometric and electrochemical
      responses of all the synthesized compounds were investigated in a wide pH range.
      Structures of the compounds were optimized computationally for the evaluation of
      different physico-chemical parameters. On the basis of electrochemical results
      the redox mechanistic pathways of the compounds were proposed. The cytotoxicity
      analysis on Hela cells revealed that HL and its complexes inhibit cell growth as
      revealed from their IC50 values (HL):106.7MUM, (L2VO): 40.66MUM, (L2Sn): 5.92MUM,
      (L2Zn): 42.82 and (L2Co): 107.68MUM. The compounds were tested for anti-diabetic,
      triglyceride, cholesterol, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and enzyme inhibition
      activities. The results revealed that HL and its complexes are promising new
      therapeutic options as these compounds exhibit strong activity against cancer
      cells, diabetics, fungal and microbial inhibition.

PMID- 28092827
TI  - Conjugated polymer with carboxylate groups-Hg2+ system as a turn-on fluorescence
      probe for label-free detection of cysteine-containing compounds.
AB  - In this work, a turn on fluorescent sensor, based on Hg2+ coordination conjugated
      polymer, was developed to detect cysteine-containing compounds. The fluorescence
      of conjugated polymer (poly(2,5-bis (sodium 4-oxybutyrate) -1,4 -
      phenylethynylene-alt-1,4-phenyleneethynylene; PPE-OBS) would be quenched by Hg2+
      because of the coordination-induced aggregation and electron transfers of PPE-OBS
      toward Hg2+. When there were some cysteine-containing compounds in PPE-OBS-Hg2+
      system, the fluorescence of PPE-OBS would be recovered. It indicated that the PPE
      OBS-Hg2+ system could be used to detect cysteine-containing compounds. Under the
      optimized conditions, the experiment results showed that there were particularly
      linear range, high sensitivity and selectivity over other amino acids. The limit
      of detection (LOD) of cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH)
      were 0.725MUmolL-1, 0.982MUmolL-1 and 1.21MUmolL-1 by using this sensor. In
      addition, Cys standard recovery in several green tea drink and honey samples was
      also demonstrated. The recovery of Cys was range from 96.3 to 105.0% and RSD was
      less than 3.25%. The satisfactory results demonstrated that the proposed method
      could be as a potential fluorescent method for determining cysteine-containing
      compounds in real samples.

PMID- 28092828
TI  - A flexible microbial co-culture platform for simultaneous utilization of methane
      and carbon dioxide from gas feedstocks.
AB  - A new co-cultivation technology is presented that converts greenhouse gasses, CH4
      and CO2, into microbial biomass. The methanotrophic bacterium, Methylomicrobium
      alcaliphilum 20z, was coupled to a cyanobacterium, Synechococcus PCC 7002 via
      oxygenic photosynthesis. The system exhibited robust growth on diverse gas
      mixtures ranging from biogas to those representative of a natural gas feedstock.
      A continuous processes was developed on a synthetic natural gas feed that
      achieved steady-state by imposing coupled light and O2 limitations on the
      cyanobacterium and methanotroph, respectively. Continuous co-cultivation resulted
      in an O2 depleted reactor and does not require CH4/O2 mixtures to be fed into the
      system, thereby enhancing process safety considerations over traditional
      methanotroph mono-culture platforms. This co-culture technology is scalable with
      respect to its ability to utilize different gas streams and its biological
      components constructed from model bacteria that can be metabolically customized
      to produce a range of biofuels and bioproducts.

PMID- 28092829
TI  - Enhancing 4-propylheptane dissociation with nickel nanocluster based on molecular
      dynamics simulations.
AB  - In the present work, a 0.4nm nickel cluster has been theoretically studied. Its
      equilibrium structural parameters have been calculated by the DFT method based on
      the PBEH1PBE hybrid functional and split-valence basis set Lanl2DZ including
      effective core potentials. We have systematically considered diverse spin states
      of this cluster and find out its ground state. The relative stability of these
      states depends on the HOMO-LUMO gap. The interaction of the Ni6 with 4
      propylheptane S10N22 has been studied to simulate the process of catalytic
      cracking of hydrocarbons. The optimization of this structure has been performed
      by the omegaPBE/Lanl2DZ_ecp method (the TeraChem V.1.9 program package) with no
      symmetry restrictions; the electron shells of the metal were described by
      effective core pseudopotentials. For visualization and quantitative estimation of
      the bonding bonds between the nickel nanocluster and 4-propylheptane, the
      analysis of weak interactions based on RGD has been performed. To confirm the
      proposition about the formation of Ni-H bonds, we have scrutinized critical
      points of electronic density. Values of laplasian of electronic density and Bader
      atomic charge distribution in the global minimum of the total energy have been
      estimated by the AIMAll 15.05.18 program suite. Finally, we have simulated
      interaction of Ni6 with 4-propylheptane in terms of the Born-Oppenheimer ab
      initio molecular dynamics. The results of the molecular dynamics simulation
      provide pair radial distribution function CH at 1500 degrees C and a detailed
      picture of the processes occurring in the system.

PMID- 28092830
TI  - TRPV1 antagonism by piperazinyl-aryl compounds: A Topomer-CoMFA study and its use
      in virtual screening for identification of novel antagonists.
AB  - Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid, member 1 (TRPV1), is a non-selective
      cation channel belonging to the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion
      channels. It occurs in the peripheral and central nervous system, activated by a
      variety of exogenous and endogenous stimuli, thus playing a key role in
      transmission of pain. This has been a target for chronic pain since more than a
      decade and a number of antagonists that progressed into clinical trials have
      failed due to the unexpected side effect of core body temperature rise, thus
      halting progress in this field. Of late, there has been an upsurge in research on
      this target, with the rat TRPV1 structure being determined, many new antagonists
      discovered that are temperature-neutral and many new therapeutic avenues being
      discovered for TRPV1, including diseases of respiratory and digestive systems,
      skin and bladder. Towards identifying diverse compounds to decipher the role of
      this target in various indications, here we report a 3D-QSAR model built using
      the new topomer-CoMFA methodology on a series of piperazinyl-aryl TRPV1
      antagonists and the use of this model, along with a pharmacophore model and the
      shape of one of the potent compounds of this series, to virtually screen a subset
      of the ZINC database to find novel and diverse hits. These can serve as starting
      points to develop modality-selective antagonists for chronic pain and to
      elucidate the critical role of TRPV1 in the various new therapeutic areas.

PMID- 28092831
TI  - DFT study on the chemical sensing properties of B24N24 nanocage toward
      formaldehyde.
AB  - It has been previously shown that the toxic formaldehyde gas (H2CO) cannot be
      detected by pristine BC2N, carbon, and BN nanotubes, BC3 nanosheet and graphene.
      Herein, density functional theory calculations were employed to investigate the
      electronic and structural behavior of a pristine B24N24 nanocluster toward H2CO
      molecules. It was found that [4,6] BN bonds of the nanocluster are the most
      favorable sites for the H2CO adsorption, compared to the [4,8], and [6,8] ones.
      When an H2CO molecule is adsorbed on a [4,6] BN bond, an energy of about
      16.40kcal/mol is released and the HOMO-LUMO gap of the cluster is decreased from
      6.45 to 2.98eV. Thus, the electrical conductivity of the cluster is significantly
      increased, indicating that it can produce an electronic noise at the presence of
      H2CO molecules. Increasing the number of adsorbed H2CO molecules, the electrical
      conductivity more increases. The recovery time for the H2CO from the surface of
      B24N24 is calculated to be very short (~1.02s). Also, the UV-vis spectrum shows
      that the lambdamax of the B24N24 shows a large redshift upon the adsorption
      process and transfers from the UV to the visible region.

PMID- 28092832
TI  - Sampling conformational space of intrinsically disordered proteins in explicit
      solvent: Comparison between well-tempered ensemble approach and solute tempering
      method.
AB  - Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are a class of proteins that expected to
      be largely unstructured under physiological conditions. Due to their
      heterogeneous nature, experimental characterization of IDP is challenging.
      Temperature replica exchange molecular dynamics (T-REMD) is a widely used
      enhanced sampling method to probe structural characteristics of these proteins.
      However, its application has been hindered due to its tremendous computational
      cost, especially when simulating large systems in explicit solvent. Two methods,
      parallel tempering well-tempered ensemble (PT-WTE) and replica exchange with
      solute tempering (REST), have been proposed to alleviate the computational
      expense of T-REMD. In this work, we select three different IDP systems to compare
      the sampling characteristics and efficiencies of the two methods Both the two
      methods could efficiently sample the conformational space of IDP and yield highly
      consistent results for all the three IDPs. The efficiencies of the two methods:
      are compatible, with about 5-6 times better than the plain T-REMD. Besides, the
      advantages and disadvantages of each method are also discussed. Specially, the PT
      WTE method could provide temperature dependent data of the system which could not
      be achieved by REST, while the REST method could readily be used to a part of the
      system, which is quite efficient to simulate some biological processes.

PMID- 28092833
TI  - Study of molecular interactions between Chitosan and Vi Antigen.
AB  - Chitosan has attracted much interest due to its special physical and chemical
      properties related to drug administration. Nanoparticles delivery systems from Vi
      Antigen are a promising approach in the struggle against typhoid fever. In this
      paper, we reported the obtainment and the characterization of Vi Antigen by
      Infrared spectroscopy as well as Molecular Modeling and Computational Chemistry
      studies of the Chitosan-Vi Antigen interaction through theoretical models. The
      results of the theoretical and experimental Infrared spectroscopy showed
      important bands related to N-Acetyl and O-Acetyl groups present in Vi Antigen.
      Important interactions related to its adsorption were observed through three
      dimensional optimized structures. Two models were proposed for the Chitosan-Vi
      Antigen in adsorption system, one as a monomer and another as an optimized
      tetrasaccharide antigen. The Molecular Modeling studies presented the best
      conformation and binding site on the nanoparticle Chitosan-Vi Antigen in models
      proposed. Interactions were observed between O-Acetyl and N-Acetyl groups the Vi
      Antigen and hydroxy, amino and methyl groups the Chitosan.

PMID- 28092834
TI  - Computational exploration of regioselectivity and atmospheric lifetime in NO3
      initiated reactions of CH3OCH3 and CH3OCH2CH3.
AB  - The NO3-initiated reactions of CH3OCH3 and CH3OCH2CH3 have been investigated by
      the BHandHLYP method in conjunction with the 6-311G(d,p) basis set. Thermodynamic
      and kinetic data are further refined using the comparatively accurate CCSD(T)
      method. According to the values of reaction enthalpies (DeltaHr,298theta) and
      reaction Gibbs free energies (DeltaGr,298theta) from CH3OCH2CH3 with NO3 system,
      we find that H-abstraction pathway from the alpha-CH2 group is more exothermic.
      It is further confirmed by the calculated CH bond dissociation energy of
      CH3OCH2CH3 molecule. All the rate constants, computed through means of canonical
      variational transition state with small-curvature tunneling correction, are
      fitted to the three-parameter expressions k1=1.54*10-23T3.34exp(-1035.53/T) and
      k2=3.55*10-26T4.31exp(-281.24/T)cm3molecule-1s-1 and branching ratios are
      computed over the temperature range 200-600K. The branching ratios are also
      discussed. The atmospheric lifetimes of CH3OCH3 and CH3OCH2CH3 determined by the
      NO3 radical are about 270 and 29days, respectively.

PMID- 28092835
TI  - Effects of the central potassium ions on the G-quadruplex and stabilizer binding.
AB  - Human telomeres undertake the structure of intra-molecular parallel G-quadruplex
      in the presence of K+ in eukaryotic cell. Stabilization of the telomere G
      quadruplex represents a potential strategy to prevent telomere lengthening by
      telomerase in cancer therapy. Current work demonstrates that the binding of
      central K+ with the parallel G-quadruplex is a coordinated water directed step
      wise process. The K+ above the top G-tetrad is prone to leak into environment and
      the 5'-adenine quickly flips over the top G-tetrad, leading to the bottom gate of
      G-tetrads as the only viable pathway of K+ binding. Present molecular dynamics
      studies on the two most potent stabilizers RHPS4 and BRACO-19 reveal that the
      central K+ has little influence on the binding conformations of the bound
      stabilizers. But without the central K+, either RHPS4 or BRACO-19 cannot
      stabilize the structure of G-quadruplex. The binding strength of stabilizers
      evaluated by the MM-PBSA method follows the order of BRACO-19> RHPS4, which
      agrees with the experimental results. The difference in binding affinities
      between RHPS4 and BRACO-19 is probably related to the ability to form
      intramolecular hydrogen bonds and favorable van del Waals interactions with G
      quadruplex. In the models that have one central K+ located at the upper/lower
      binding site, the corresponding top/bottom stacked stabilizers show more
      favorable binding affinities, indicating the apparent promoting effect of central
      K+ on the stabilizer binding. Our findings provide further insights into the
      regulatory effect of K+ on the G-quadruplex targeted binding, which is meaningful
      to the development of G-quadruplex stabilizers.

PMID- 28092836
TI  - Antiviral drug acyclovir exhibits antitumor activity via targeting betaTrCP1:
      Molecular docking and dynamics simulation study.
AB  - The critical role of betaTrCP1 in cancer development makes it a discerning target
      for the development of small drug like molecules. Currently, no inhibitor exists
      that is able to target its substrate binding site. Through molecular docking and
      dynamics simulation assays, we explored the comparative binding pattern of
      betaTrCP1-WD40 domain with ACV and its phospho-derivatives (ACVMP, ACVDP and
      ACVTP). Consequently, through principal component analysis, betaTrCP1-ACVTP was
      found to be more stable complex by obscuring a reduced conformational space than
      other systems. Thus based on the residual contribution and hydrogen bonding
      pattern, ACVTP was considered as a noteworthy inhibitor which demarcated binding
      in the cleft formed by betaTrCP1-WD40 specific beta-propeller. The outcomes of
      this study may provide a platform for rational design of specific and potent
      inhibitor against betaTrCP1, with special emphasis on anticancer activity.

PMID- 28092837
TI  - Differential diagnosis of a paroxysmal neurological event: Do neurologists know
      how to clinically recognize it?
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate ability to recognize paroxysmal neurological events (PNE)
      based on video-recorded events alone in a group of physicians treating prevalent
      neurological conditions. METHODS: Total of 12 patients' videos (6 epileptic
      seizures (ES), 4 psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), 2 other nonepileptic
      seizures (oNES)) were selected. Videos were displayed once to physicians blind to
      clinical data and final diagnosis. Physicians determined their clinical choice:
      ES, PNES, oNES, and I don't know (IDK). When ES was chosen, subjects determined
      type of ES: focal ES, secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS), primary
      GTCS, and IDK. RESULTS: In total 145 physicians (62% female, mean age 46.2+/
      9years) (neurologists 58.6%, neuropsychiatrists 25.5%, psychiatrists 5%, and
      neurology residents 10.3%) were enrolled. Physician's exposure to patients with
      epilepsy per week was diverse: <=1 patient (43.7%); 1-7 patients (37.2%); >7
      patients (14.5%). Reported frequency of observation of PNE was as follows:
      frequent (21.4%), sometimes (47.6%); rarely (26.9%); never (2.1%). Majority of
      subjects were not EEG readers (60.7%). Median percentage (Mdn%) of correct
      answers (CA) was 75% (range 25-100). Predictor of better PNE recognition was
      higher frequency of clinical exposure to PNE (OR 1.65; CI95% 1.11-2.45; p=0.013).
      Mdn% of ES CA was 83.3%, (range 33.3-100), and of PNES CA was 50% (range 0-100).
      Physicians were more accurate in ES than PNES identification (p<0,001). Mdn% of
      type of ES CA was 50%, (range 0-100). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the need for
      education about clinical features of PNE across subgroups of physicians who
      deliver neurological service, with emphasis on PNES and ES type classification.

PMID- 28092838
TI  - Development and validation of the stigma scale for epilepsy in Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a chronic disease with an increased risk of stigma. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a scale developed by the
      authors to determine the level of stigma in Turkish patients with epilepsy and
      their relatives. METHODS: In this pilot study, two scales were developed, one
      consisting of 32 questions for the patients and one of 20 questions for the
      patients' relatives. Initially, a total of 30 patients with epilepsy and 30
      relatives of the patients were included. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was
      calculated in a reliability analysis of validity applying the scales to 302
      patients and 201 relatives of the patients. The Pearson correlation coefficient
      was used for the reliability analysis of the test-retest. The t-test was used in
      paired series, and factor analysis was conducted. The correlation between the
      clinical and demographical data and the stigma scores was evaluated. RESULTS: The
      scales were applied to participants twice under the same conditions in one-week
      interval. In the test-retest analysis, the internal consistency of the scales was
      high and reliable. In the analysis of the patients, the Cronbach's alpha value of
      the scale was found to be 0.915. In the factor analysis, the questions were
      grouped into five factors including social isolation, discrimination,
      insufficiency, false beliefs, and stigma resistance. The factors with the highest
      contribution to the stigma level were social isolation and discrimination. In the
      stigma scores, a significant correlation was found between the age of the
      patient, frequency of seizures, education status, level of income, and the amount
      of antiepileptic drugs used. In the analysis of the patients' relatives, the
      Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.892. In the factor
      analysis, the questions were classified as discrimination, prejudgments, and
      false beliefs. The factor which most contributed to the stigma level was
      discrimination. A significant correlation was found in the stigma scores between
      sex, education status, marital status, and income distribution. CONCLUSION:
      According to our study results, it is clearly seen that both patients and their
      relatives suffer from epilepsy-associated stigma. Patients with epilepsy and
      their relatives are faced with discrimination in society, resulting in social
      isolation. We, therefore, believe that both patients and their relatives should
      be informed in detail about discrimination to overcome this challenge.

PMID- 28092839
TI  - Effect and mechanism of Sorbus pohuashanensis (Hante) Hedl. flavonoids protect
      against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity.
AB  - The cardiotoxicity of arsenic trioxide (ATO) limits its clinical application in
      cancer treatment. Evidences suggest that sorbus has antioxidant activity and its
      consumption has been linked with improved cardioprotection. In this study, we
      investigated the cardio-protective effect and mechanisms of Sorbus pohuashanensis
      (Hante) Hedl. flavonoids (SPF) against ATO in BALB/c mice and H9c2 cells. Eleven
      major flavonoids were confirmed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography
      electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q
      TOF-MS). SPF recovered the ATO-induced disordered electrocardiogram (ECG) and
      abnormal cardiac structure in the heart of mice. At the same time, SPF
      significantly reduced levels of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB)
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) against
      ATO-induced injury and inhibited ATO-induced apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro.
      In addition, SPF regulated ATO-induced oxidative stress damage by increasing the
      levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase
      (GSH-Px) in vivo and in vitro, and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS).
      Analysis of the oxidative stress pathways showed that SPF prevented the ATO
      induced downregulation of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in vivo and in
      vitro. Pre-treatment of H9c2 cells with SPF inhibited attenuation of nuclear
      factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1). Hence, SPF could be used as a preventive
      and therapeutic plant ingredient against ATO-induced cardiotoxicity.

PMID- 28092840
TI  - Suppressive effect of Spirulina fusiformis on diclofenac-induced hepato-renal
      injury and gastrointestinal ulcer in Wistar albino rats: A biochemical and
      histological approach.
AB  - CONTEXT: The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac causes
      hepato-renal toxicity and gastric ulcer. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the protective effect of Spirulina fusiformis on Diclofenac-induced toxicity in
      Wistar albino rats. METHODS: Rats were treated as follows: normal control (group
      I); diclofenac (50mg/kgb.w., i.p.) treated rats (group II); diclofenac-induced
      (50mg/kgb.w., i.p.) rats treated with Spirulina fusiformis (400mg/kgb.w., p.o.)
      (group III); diclofenac-induced (50mg/kgb.w., i.p.) rats treated with silymarin
      (25mg/kgb.w., p.o.) (group IV); Spirulina fusiformis (400mg/kgb.w., p.o.) alone
      treated rats (groupV). Biochemical (liver and kidney functional markers) and
      antioxidant parameters (enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants) were measured in
      the blood and tissue homogenates of the rats. Evaluation of intestinal ulcer
      score and assessment of liver and kidney histology were also done. DISCUSSION:
      Alterations in the levels of biochemical and antioxidant assays and
      histopathological changes in liver and kidney proved the toxic effect of
      diclofenac. The ulcer score was significantly increased in the diclofenac treated
      rats. Spirulina fusiformis showed to reduce such changes and was able to restore
      normal antioxidant status in the rats. CONCLUSION: Our study proves the hepato
      renal and gastroprotective activity of Spirulina fusiformis in diclofenac-treated
      rats.

PMID- 28092841
TI  - Phytochemical study and protective effect of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek
      seeds) against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in liver and kidney of male
      rat.
AB  - Liver and kidney diseases are a global concern, therefore considerable efforts to
      obtain fine herbs useful as drugs from medicinal plants are currently in
      progress. The aim of this work was to study the antioxidant effects of previous
      supplementation with fenugreek seeds (FS) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)
      toxicity in the liver and kidney. CCl4 toxicity was induced by one dose (i.g. 5ml
      CCl4/kg of body weight, 50% CCl4 in olive oil) after 7 weeks of normal diet or
      diet rich in 10% of grinded fenugreek seeds (20g of pellet rat food/rat/day). 24h
      after the treatment with CCl4, all animals were scarified and biological analyses
      were performed. A phytochemical study of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) was also
      carried out. The phytochemical analysis of FS and FSE revealed the presence of
      polyphenols (5.92+/-0.02mg EGA/g DM), flavonoids (0.44+/-0.19mg ER/g DM),
      polysaccharides and trace elements. DPPH radical-scavenging activity of FSE
      showed an EC50 of 285.59+/-2.01MUg/ml. In vivo, CCl4 administration significantly
      (p<0.05) induced an increase liver and kidney biomarkers. A significant (p<0.05)
      alteration of the antioxidant enzyme activities was also observed. In animals
      pretreated with FS, the studied parameters were much less shifted. These results
      indicate that the supplementation with fenugreek seeds is significantly effective
      in protecting the liver and kidneys from CCl4 toxicity.

PMID- 28092842
TI  - Blocking TGF-beta1 by P17 peptides attenuates gastric cancer cell induced
      peritoneal fibrosis and prevents peritoneal dissemination in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Our previous study demonstrated that the peritoneal stroma environment favors
      proliferation of tumor cells by serving as a rich source of growth factors and
      chemokines known to be involved in tumor metastasis. In this study, we
      investigated the interaction between gastric cancer cells and peritoneal
      mesothelial cells, and determined the effects of TGF-beta1 in this processing.
      Human peritoneal tissues and peritoneal wash fluid were obtained, which examined
      by hematoxylin and eosin staining or ELISA for measurements of TGF-beta1 levels.
      The peritoneal mesothelial cells were co-incubated with the supernatants of
      gastric cancer, the expression of TGF-beta1, collagen and fibronectin was
      observed by ELISA and western blot. We then investigated the effects of serum
      free conditioned media from HSC-39 gastric cancer cells on the peritoneum of nude
      mice, and the effects of peritoneal fibrosis on the development of peritoneal
      metastasis in vivo. The peritoneum from gastric patients were thickened and
      contained extensive fibrosis. After co-culture both gastric tumor cells and
      mesothelial cells, we found that TGF-beta1 expression was greatly increased in
      the co-culture system compared to individual culture condition. Serum-free
      Conditioned Media from HSC-39 was able to induce extracellular matrix expression
      in vitro and in vivo, and tumorigenicity in mice with peritoneal fibrosis was
      greater than in mice with normal peritoneum, while blocking TGF-beta1 by peptide
      P17 can partially inhibit these effects. In conclusion, these results indicated
      that the interaction of gastric cancer with peritoneal fibrosis and determined
      that TGF-beta1 plays a key role in induction of peritoneal fibrosis, which in
      turn affected dissemination of gastric cancer.

PMID- 28092843
TI  - Therapeutic effects of bach1 siRNA on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the great improvements in clinical and therapeutic techniques
      in recent years, many advanced breast cancer patients still died of the
      postoperative recurrence and metastasis of disease. Bach1 plays a role in the
      development of the invasive phenotypes of cancer, cell division and apoptosis in
      tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of specific
      bach1 siRNAs, on the proliferation, migration, invasive, induction of apoptosis,
      cell cycle arrest and alter EMT related miRNA of MDA-MB-468 cells (breast
      cancer). METHODS: siRNA transfection was performed with transfection reagent. The
      expression levels of Bach1 mRNA and protein were measured by qRT-PCR and western
      blot analysis, respectively. The survival of cells was determined using MTT assay
      cells, apoptosis using Tunel assay, Cell migration using scratch assay and Cell
      cycle analysis by Propidium Iodide (PI) DNA staining method by using flow
      cytometry on the MDA-MB-468. The expression levels of MMP-9 and CXCR4 were
      measured by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Transfection with siRNA significantly suppressed
      the expression of bach1 gene in dose dependent manner after 48h (p<0.0001).
      Surprisingly, treatment with bach1 siRNA arrest cell cycle in S phases
      (p<0.0001). Moreover siRNA transfection had effects on breast adenocarcinoma
      cells and inhibits the migration (p<0.0001), proliferation (p<0.0001), cell cycle
      arrest (p=0.03) and induces apoptosis (p<0.0001) and reduces the expression of
      miR-21 (P=0.0014). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the bach1 can be
      considered as a potent adjuvant in breast cancer therapy.

PMID- 28092844
TI  - Enhanced effect in combination of curcumin- and ketoconazole-loaded methoxy poly
      (ethylene glycol)-poly (epsilon-caprolactone) micelles.
AB  - In order to enhance water-solubility and realize controlled release while keeping
      synergistic effects of ketoconazole and curcumin, drug-loaded methoxy poly
      (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (epsilon-caprolactone) micelles were prepared through
      thin membrane hydration method. Transmission electric microscopy and dynamitic
      light scattering characterization revealed the formation of ketoconazole- and
      curcumin-loaded micelles with an average size of 44.70nm and 39.56nm,
      respectively. The drug-loaded micelles endowed the two drugs' slow controlled
      release with water-solubility enhanced to 85 and 82000 folds higher than the
      corresponding raw drugs, respectively. In vitro antifungal activity test,
      chequerboard test and inhibition zone test indicated that efficacy of
      ketoconazole-loaded micelles was improved by introduction of curcumin-loaded
      micelles with a low fractional inhibitory concentration index (0.073). Biofilm
      formation inhibition assay also demonstrated that participation of curcumin
      loaded micelles obviously strengthened the inhibition of fungal biofilms
      formation induced by ketoconazole-loaded micelles. The high synergistic activity
      of combinations is encouraging and the MPEG-PCL micelle is a potential drug
      delivery system for the combination of ketoconazole and curcumin.

PMID- 28092845
TI  - Cinnamaldehyde potentially attenuates gestational hyperglycemia in rats through
      modulation of PPARgamma, proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.
AB  - Cinnamon has a history of use for medicinal purposes and its major benefits have
      been linked to cinnamaldehyde. The present study aimed to investigate the
      hypoglycemic action of cinnamaldehyde against fatty-sucrosed diet/streptozotocin
      (FSD/STZ)-rat model of gestational diabetes. Female albino rats were divided into
      three groups. Group I fed with normal diet (ND) while group II and III were fed
      with FSD for eight weeks (five weeks pre-gestational and three weeks
      gestational). Rats of group III were administered with a daily oral dose of
      20mg/kg cinnamaldehyde one week before mating onward. At the 7th day of
      gestation, FSD-fed rats were injected intraperitoneally with STZ (25mg/kg b.wt.)
      to induce gestational diabetes. Pre-mating treatment of cinnamaldehyde controls
      hyperphagia and glucose intolerance during the gestational period than in
      diabetic rats. It also reduced levels of fructosamine, total cholesterols,
      triglycerides, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), malondialdehyde
      (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), while it significantly increased levels of high
      density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, adiponectin, liver glycogen, reduced
      glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity at term pregnancy. In addition,
      cinnamaldehyde administration up-regulated the mRNA expression of peroxisome
      proliferated activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) and also ameliorated the number
      of viable fetuses, implantation loss sites, fetal glucose and insulin levels. In
      conclusion, cinnamaldehyde has safe hypoglycemic action on gestational diabetes
      by potentiating insulin secretion and sensitivity through activating the
      antioxidant defense system, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines production,
      upregulating PPARgamma gene expression and alleviating the reproductive
      performance.

PMID- 28092846
TI  - Status epilepticus in patients with cirrhosis: How to avoid misdiagnosis in
      patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Status epilepticus (SE) in patients with cirrhosis is a rare but serious
      situation. Diagnosis may be difficult in emergency presentation, especially when
      patients present with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Misdiagnosis must be avoided
      since some anti-epileptic drugs aggravate HE. In this retrospective study, we
      therefore assessed the frequency of SE in patients with cirrhosis, evaluated the
      accuracy of diagnosis and determined rates of mortality. METHOD: We reviewed data
      from all patients hospitalized from 2005 to 2013 in the Hepatology ICU for
      complications of cirrhosis with an initial diagnosis of SE. We attempted to reach
      a consensus decision on a possible diagnosis of SE in reviews of EEG traces and
      medical records by an expert electrophysiologist, a hepatologist and a
      neurologist. RESULTS: An initial diagnosis of SE was made for 20 patients with
      cirrhosis. Critical review suggested that 15 of these patients were correctly
      diagnosed with true SE. However, initial diagnoses may have been mistaken for at
      least 3 patients, who presented clinical and electrical signs of HE without
      evidence for SE. Overall, we estimated a prevalence of 0.7% for SE in patients
      with cirrhosis (15 of 2010 patients admitted to our ICU) in our series. In
      hospital mortality was of 73%. In the 12 months after the SE episode, mortality
      was 87%. CONCLUSION: As SE may be misdiagnosed in patients with cirrhosis, a
      joint review of the patients by neurologists and hepatologists could reduce
      errors in diagnosis.

PMID- 28092847
TI  - Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of post-stroke
      depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled
      clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Every year, more than fifteen million people worldwide experience a
      stroke, nearly 30% of stroke survivors are likely to experience post-stroke
      depression (PSD). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is one of
      the emerging techniques which assist in targeting rehabilitation after stroke.
      Although deterioration of PSD greatly affects the recovery and quality of life of
      stroke sufferers, the effect of rTMS therapy has not been systematically studied.
      OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the
      effect of rTMS on PSD. METHODS: We carried out a systematic review and meta
      analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of rTMS for the treatment of PSD.
      Primary outcome was severity of depression measured by the Hamilton Depression
      Rating Scale (HAMD). Secondary outcomes were response rates, remission rates,
      stroke severity and ability to perform daily activities. RESULTS: 22 RCTs studies
      (n=1764 patients) were included. The results demonstrated that rTMS was
      beneficial on PSD using three scales: HAMD (MD=-6.09, 95% CI: -7.74, -4.45,
      P<0.001); response rates (OR=3.46, 95% CI: 2.52, 4.76, P<0.00001); remission
      rates (OR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.75, P<0.00001); National Institutes of Health
      Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (MD=-2.74, 95% CI: -3.33, -2.15, P<0.001); Activities of
      daily living (ADL) (SMD=-1.20, 95% CI: 0.68, 1.72, P<0.001); Montgomery-Asberg
      Depression Scale (MARDE) (MD=-6.21; 95% CI: -9.34, -3.08; P=0.0001); CONCLUSION:
      In present meta-analysis, the positive findings suggest rTMS has beneficial
      effects on PSD. However, those findings should be treated with caution because of
      heterogeneity and potential biases.

PMID- 28092848
TI  - The initial use of arterial spin labeling perfusion and diffusion-weighted
      magnetic resonance images in the diagnosis of nonconvulsive partial status
      epileptics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the diagnosis of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), capture
      of ongoing ictal electroencephalographic (EEG) findings is the gold standard;
      however, this is practically difficult without continuous EEG monitoring
      facilities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion-weighted
      imaging (DWI) and perfusion MRI with arterial spin labeling (ASL), have been
      applied mainly in emergency situations. Recent reports have described that ictal
      MRI findings, including ictal hyperperfusion on ASL and cortical hyperintensity
      of cytotoxic edema on DWI, can be obtained from epileptically activated cortex.
      We demonstrate the characteristics and clinical value of ictal MRI findings.
      METHODS: Fifteen patients diagnosed as having NCSE (eight had complex partial
      status epilepticus (SE) and seven subtle SE) who underwent an initial MRI and
      subsequent EEG confrmation, participated in this study. Follow-up MRI and
      repeated routine EEG were performed. RESULTS: In 11 patients (73%), ictal MRI
      findings were obtained on both DWI and ASL, while in four (27%) patients, ictal
      hyperperfusion was found on ASL without any DWI findings being obtained. In all
      10 patients with an epileptogenic lesion, there was a tight topographical
      relationship between the lesion and the localization of ictal MRI findings. In
      the other five patients, ictal MRI findings were useful to demonstrate the
      pathophysiological mechanism of NCSE of non-lesional elderly epilepsy, or 'de
      novo' NCSE of frontal origin as situation-related NCSE. Ictal MRI findings are
      generally transient; however, in three cases they still persisted, even though
      ictal EEG findings had completely improved. CONCLUSION: The present study clearly
      demonstrates that the initial use of ASL and DWI could help to diagnose partial
      NCSE and also combined use of the MRI and EEG allows documentation of the
      pathophysiological mechanism in each patient.

PMID- 28092849
TI  - Magnesium and manganese affect photosynthesis, essential oil composition and
      phenolic compounds of Tanacetum parthenium.
AB  - The accumulation of plant defense metabolites is closely associated with the
      concentration of nutrient elements, yet data related to the interactive effects
      of two nutrients on the deployment of phenolics and terpenoids are scare. In the
      present study, the interaction between magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) on
      nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, oxidative status and the accumulation of
      phenolics and terpenoids in the leaves of feverfew plants grown at different
      concentrations of Mg and Mn was investigated. Nutrient uptake and photosynthesis
      were associated with the amount of applied Mg but could be modified by the
      concentration of Mn. Phenolic biosynthetic enzymes and individual phenolics were
      not only induced by Mg, but their levels were also dependent on the Mn supply.
      Additionally, the proportion of monoterpenes was enhanced by a deficiency of Mg
      rather than an excess of Mn. Deprivation of Mg also decreased the proportion of
      sesquiterpenes in the essential oil. Therefore, it appears that a high Mg and a
      low Mn supply lead to a marked shift from monoterpene to sesquiterpene
      production. Phenolic compounds also differentially accumulated under varying Mg
      and Mn concentrations. These results suggest a profound effect of the combined
      supply of Mg and Mn on the biosynthesis of terpenes and phenolics.

PMID- 28092850
TI  - Tomato SlGGP-LIKE gene participates in plant responses to chilling stress and
      pathogenic infection.
AB  - Plants are always exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses which can adversely
      affect their growth and development. As an important antioxidant, AsA plays a
      vital role in plant defence against damage caused by stresses. In this study, we
      cloned a tomato GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase-like (SlGGP-LIKE) gene and
      investigated its role in resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses by using
      antisense transgenic (AS) tomato lines. The AsA content in AS plants was lower
      than that in WT plants. Under chilling stress, the growth of AS plants was
      inhibited significantly, and they yielded higher levels of ROS, REC and MDA but
      demonstrated weaker APX activity than that shown by WT plants. Additionally, the
      declined values of Pn, Fv/Fm, oxidisable P700, and D1 protein content of PSII in
      AS lines were significant. Furthermore, the effect on xanthophyll cycle of AS
      plants was more severe than that on WT plants, and the ratio of zeaxanthin (Z)/(V
      + A + Z) and (Z + 0.5 A)/(V + A + Z) in AS lines was lower than that in WT
      plants. In spite of chilling stress, under Pseudomonas syringae pv.tomato (Pst)
      DC3000 strain infection, AS plants showed lesser bacterial cell growth and dead
      cells than those shown by WT plants. This finding indicated that AS plants
      demonstrated stronger resistance against pathogenic infection. Results suggest
      that SlGGP-LIKE gene played an important role in plant defence against chilling
      stress and pathogenic infection.

PMID- 28092851
TI  - Plasmid DNA affinity partitioning using polyethylene glycol - sodium sulfate
      aqueous two-phase systems.
AB  - Extraction of plasmid DNA (pDNA) from an alkaline bacterial cell lysate has been
      investigated using partitioning and affinity partitioning in aqueous two-phase
      systems (ATPSs) containing 12% (w/w) polyethylene glycol and 12% (w/w) sodium
      sulfate. In this work, a modified 20bp pyrimidine oligonucleotide acting as a
      triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO) was employed as an affinity ligand to
      improve the partition behavior. The pUC118 plasmid was chosen to be extracted
      because of its specific oligonucleotide recognition sequence. In order to find
      the proper conditions, operational parameters such as PEG molecular weight, pH
      and lysate load were also studied. The results showed that adding the affinity
      ligand strongly changed the partitioning behavior of pDNA without any
      considerable impact on the partitioning of RNA and protein content. The best
      achieved result was at pH=6 and PEG MW of 600Da and 60% of lysate load. In these
      conditions, 67% of pDNA was recovered in the top phase while the contaminants
      mainly accumulated in the bottom phase.

PMID- 28092852
TI  - Graphene oxide adsorbent based dispersive solid phase extraction coupled with
      multi-pretreatment clean-up for analysis of trace aflatoxins in traditional
      proprietary Chinese medicines.
AB  - Graphene oxide (GO)-based dispersive solid phase extraction (D-SPE) method
      combined with multi-step preparation has been proposed for the evaluation of
      trace aflatoxins in proprietary Chinese medicines (PCM). After being extracted by
      methanol, the sample was purified based on multi-step preparation, including
      dehydration with MgSO4/NaCl and cleanup with neutral alumina. Then GO was used as
      an adsorbent in D-SPE method for further preconcentration of aflatoxins prior to
      high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection. The selected
      conditions were investigated. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize
      factors affecting adsorption procedure. Under the optimized conditions, good
      linear relationships had been achieved with the correlation coefficient (R2)
      varying from 0.9904 to 0.9990. The LODs and LOQs were ranging from 0.020 to
      0.041ng/mL and 0.061 to 0.125ng/mL, respectively. The results of the recoveries
      were 74.0-102.7% for the four aflatoxins, while the precisions from 1.8% to 7.2%
      were obtained, which indicated that the method was suitable for the analysis of
      aflatoxins in PCM.

PMID- 28092853
TI  - Operative vaginal delivery and invasive procedures in pregnancy among women
      living with HIV.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the use and outcomes of operative delivery and invasive
      procedures in pregnancy amongst women living with HIV. STUDY DESIGN: The National
      Study of HIV in Pregnancy and Childhood (NSHPC) is a comprehensive population
      based surveillance study in the UK and Ireland. The NSHPC has collected data on
      operative delivery since 2008, and invasive procedures in pregnancy
      (amniocentesis, cordocentesis, chorionic villus sampling) from 2012. Descriptive
      analyses were conducted on 278 pregnancies expected to deliver from 1 January
      2008 with outcome reported to the NSHPC by 31 March 2016. RESULTS: Among 9372
      pregnancies in 2008-2016, there were 9072 livebirths with 251 operative
      deliveries and 27 invasive procedures in pregnancy reported. Information was
      available for 3023/3490 vaginal deliveries, and use of forceps or vacuum reported
      in 251deliveries (8.2%), increasing over calendar time to almost 10% by 2014-16.
      Forceps were used twice as often as vacuum delivery, and forceps use increased
      over time. One infant delivered operatively is known to have acquired HIV. From
      2012 there were 4063 pregnancies resulting in 3952 livebirths, 83 terminations
      and 28 stillbirths. 2163/4063 had information on use (or not) of invasive
      procedures in pregnancy. Amniocentesis was reported in 25/2163 pregnancies, there
      was one report of chorionic villus sampling and one of cordocentesis. There were
      no reported transmissions following invasive procedures in pregnancy.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date to report on operative delivery in
      women living with HIV on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), and provides an
      up-to-date picture of invasive procedures during pregnancy in this group.
      Findings from this comprehensive national study are reassuring but numbers are
      currently low; on-going monitoring is crucial as obstetric care of women with HIV
      becomes normalised.

PMID- 28092854
TI  - Biopharmaceutical characterization of praziquantel cocrystals and cyclodextrin
      complexes prepared by grinding.
AB  - Mechanochemical activation using several different co-grinding additives was
      applied as a green chemistry approach to improve physiochemical and
      biopharmaceutical properties of praziquantel (PZQ). Liquid assisted grinding with
      an equimolar amount of citric acid (CA), malic acid (MA), salicylic acid (SA) and
      tartaric acid (TA) gained in cocrystal formation, which all showed pH-dependent
      solubility and dissolution rate. However, the most soluble cocrystal of PZQ with
      MA was chemically unstable, as seen during the stability testing. Equimolar
      cyclodextrin complexes prepared by neat grinding with amorphous hydroxypropyl
      beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) and randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin (MEbetaCD)
      showed the highest improvement in drug solubility and the dissolution rate, but
      only PZQ/HPbetaCD product presented an acceptable chemical and photostability
      profile. A combined approach, by co-grinding the drug with both MA and HPbetaCD
      in equimolar ratio, also gave highly soluble amorphous product which again was
      chemical instable and therefore not suitable for the pharmaceutical use. Studies
      on Caco-2 monolayer confirmed the biocompatibility of PZQ/HPbetaCD complex and
      showed that complexation did not adversely affect the intrinsically high PZQ
      permeability (Papp(PZQ)=(3.72+/-0.33)*10-5cms-1 and Papp(PZQ/HPbetaCD)=(3.65+/
      0.21)*10-5cms-1; p>0.05). All this confirmed that the co-grinding with the proper
      additive is as a promising strategy to improve biopharmaceutical properties of
      the drug.

PMID- 28092855
TI  - LC-MS/MS determination of d-mannose in human serum as a potential cancer
      biomarker.
AB  - Several metabolites in human serum have been identified as potential cancer
      biomarkers for early detection. This study focuses on the LC-MS/MS method
      development and validation of d-mannose in human serum. Surrogate blank serum,
      coupled with stable isotope d-mannose-13C6, as internal standard, was used for
      generating standard curves ranging from 1 to 50MUg/mL. Separation was achieved by
      an Agilent 1200 series HPLC equipped with a SUPELCOGELTM Pb, 6% Crosslinked
      column with HPLC water as a mobile phase at flow rate of 0.5mL/min at 80 degrees
      C. Mass detection was performed under negative ionization electrospray. Inter-
      and intra-day accuracy and precision were <2%. The extraction recovery and matrix
      effect were 104.1%-105.5% and 97.0%-100.0%, respectively. This method was
      successfully applied for the quantification of d-mannose in the serum samples of
      320 esophageal cancer patients and 323 healthy volunteers. We report a simple,
      specific and reproducible LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of d-mannose in
      human serum as a potential cancer biomarker.

PMID- 28092856
TI  - Separation of antibody drug conjugate species by RPLC: A generic method
      development approach.
AB  - This study reports the use of modelling software for the successful method
      development of IgG1 cysteine conjugated antibody drug conjugate (ADC) in RPLC.
      The goal of such a method is to be able to calculate the average drug to antibody
      ratio (DAR) of and ADC product. A generic method development strategy was
      proposed including the optimization of mobile phase temperature, gradient profile
      and mobile phase ternary composition. For the first time, a 3D retention
      modelling was presented for large therapeutic protein. Based on a limited number
      of preliminary experiments, a fast and efficient separation of the DAR species of
      a commercial ADC sample, namely brentuximab vedotin, was achieved. The prediction
      offered by the retention model was found to be highly reliable, with an average
      error of retention time prediction always lower than 0.5% using a 2D or 3D
      retention models. For routine purpose, four to six initial experiments were
      required to build the 2D retention models, while 12 experiments were recommended
      to create the 3D model. At the end, RPLC can therefore be considered as a good
      method for estimating the average DAR of an ADC, based on the observed peak area
      ratios of RPLC chromatogram of the reduced ADC sample.

PMID- 28092857
TI  - Universal efavirenz determination in transport study, rat placenta perfusion and
      placenta lysate by HPLC-UV.
AB  - Efavirenz is an antiretroviral drug used in the treatment of HIV-positive
      patients. A simple, fast and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) method was developed in order to determine efavirenz in three types of
      samples provided from pharmacokinetic studies. The analysis took 5min and was
      performed using a C18 analytical column (Discovery HS C18, 150*4.6mm, particle
      size of 5MUm) in isocratic mode with a mobile phase containing acetonitrile and
      water (65:35, v/v), a flow rate of 1.6mLmin-1, a sample volume of 10MUL and UV
      detection at 245nm. Three different sample matrices (Opti-MEM medium, Krebs
      perfusion liquid and tissue lysate) and their treatment (dilution, SPE) were
      considered. The validated method was applied for the analysis of 805 real samples
      arising from in vitro transcellular transport assays and in vivo organ perfusion
      experiments in order to evaluate the interaction of efavirenz with ATP-dependent
      drug efflux transporters. The lack of interaction of efavirenz with ABCB1, ABCG2
      and ABCC2 transporters as well as technical aspects of this analysis, including
      the adhesion of efavirenz to the plastic materials and the stability of the drug
      during different tissue lysis approaches are discussed.

PMID- 28092858
TI  - The synthesis and antistaphylococcal activity of 9, 13-disubstituted berberine
      derivatives.
AB  - A series of novel 9, 13-disubstituted berberine derivatives have been synthesized
      and evaluated for the antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus,
      including Newman strain and multidrug-resistant strains (NRS-1, NRS-70, NRS-100,
      NRS-108, and NRS-271). Compound 20 shows the most potent activity against the
      growth of Newman strain, with a MIC value of 0.78 MUg/mL, which is comparable
      with the positive control vancomycin. In addition, compound 20, 21, and 33 are
      highly antistaphylococcal active against five strains of multidrug-resistant S.
      aureus, with MIC values of 0.78-1.56 MUg/mL. Of note, theses antibacterial active
      compounds have no obvious toxicity to the viability of human fibroblast (HAF)
      cells at the MIC concentration.

PMID- 28092859
TI  - N-(2-(arylmethylimino)ethyl)-7-chloroquinolin-4-amine derivatives, synthesized by
      thermal and ultrasonic means, are endowed with anti-Zika virus activity.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV), an emerging Flavivirus, was recently associated with severe
      neurological complications and congenital diseases. Therefore, development of
      antiviral agents capable of inhibiting ZIKV replication is urgent. Chloroquine is
      a molecule with a confirmed safety history for use with pregnant women, and has
      been found to exhibit anti-ZIKV activity at concentrations around 10 MUM. This
      suggests that modifications to the chloroquine structure could be promising for
      obtaining more effective anti-ZIKV agents. Here, we report the ability of a
      series of N-(2-(arylmethylimino)ethyl)-7-chloroquinolin-4-amine derivatives to
      inhibit ZIKV replication in vitro. We have found that the quinoline derivative, N
      (2-((5-nitrofuran-2-yl)methylimino)ethyl)-7-chloroquinolin-4-amine, 40, was the
      most potent compound within this series, reducing ZIKV replication by 72% at 10
      MUM. Compound 40 exhibits an EC50 value of 0.8 +/- 0.07 MUM, compared to that of
      chloroquine of 12 +/- 3.2 MUM. Good activities were also obtained for other
      compounds, including those with aryl groups = phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4
      nitrophenyl, 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl, 3-pyridinyl and 5-nitrothien-2-yl. Syntheses of
      these quinoline derivatives have been obtained both by thermal and ultrasonic
      means. The ultrasonic method produced comparable yields to the thermal (reflux)
      method in very much shorter times 30-180 s compared to 30-180 min reactions
      times. These results indicate that this group of compounds is a good follow-up
      point for the potential discovery of new drugs against the Zika disease.

PMID- 28092860
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of quinazoline-phosphoramidate
      mustard conjugates as anticancer drugs.
AB  - A series of novel compounds with phosphoramide mustard functionality incorporated
      into the quinazoline scaffold of EGFR/HER2 inhibitors were designed and
      synthesized as multi-target-directed ligands against tumor cells. In vitro assays
      showed that tumor cell lines with high HER2 level were more sensitive to the
      compounds than tumor cells with low HER2 level. Compound 10d (EMB-3) was one of
      the most potent inhibitors with IC50 of 7.4 nM and 82 nM against EGFR and HER2,
      respectively. The mechanism studies were also supported by the effect of 10d
      induced DNA damage in MDA-MB-468 cells. In vivo efficacy study showed that 10d
      could significantly inhibit H522 tumor xenograft model with a TGI of 68% at dose
      of 100 mg/kg (QDx28, p.o.) and no significant body weight loss was observed. MTD
      study indicated that compound 10d had no acute toxicity to mice at doses up to
      900 mg/kg (single dose).

PMID- 28092861
TI  - A deafening flash! Visual interference of auditory signal detection.
AB  - In some people, visual stimulation evokes auditory sensations. How prevalent and
      how perceptually real is this? 22% of our neurotypical adult participants
      responded 'Yes' when asked whether they heard faint sounds accompanying flash
      stimuli, and showed significantly better ability to discriminate visual 'Morse
      code' sequences. This benefit might arise from an ability to recode visual
      signals as sounds, thus taking advantage of superior temporal acuity of audition.
      In support of this, those who showed better visual relative to auditory sequence
      discrimination also had poorer auditory detection in the presence of
      uninformative visual flashes, though this was independent of awareness of
      visually-evoked sounds. Thus a visually-evoked auditory representation may occur
      subliminally and disrupt detection of real auditory signals. The frequent natural
      correlation between visual and auditory stimuli might explain the surprising
      prevalence of this phenomenon. Overall, our results suggest that learned
      correspondences between strongly correlated modalities may provide a precursor
      for some synaesthetic abilities.

PMID- 28092862
TI  - Protective effects of total flavonoids of Astragalus against adjuvant-induced
      arthritis in rats by regulating OPG/RANKL/NF-kappaB pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Astragalus membranaceus Bunge is one of the oldest and most
      frequently used crude herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. The total flavonoids
      of Astragalus (TFA) are the main active components isolated from Astragalus
      membranaceus Bunge. Our recent study has shown its potential immunomodulatory and
      anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. However, its anti-arthritic
      effects and mechanisms of action involved have not been elucidated. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible mechanisms of TFA
      on Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis in rats. METHODS: Wistar
      rats were intradermally injected FCA into the right hind metatarsal footpads to
      establish adjuvant-arthritic model. The rats were intragastrically administered
      daily with TFA at 25, 50 and 100mg/kg for 28days after FCA induction. Body
      weight, primary paw swelling, arthritis index, thymus and spleen indices were
      measured. The levels of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)
      1beta, prostaglandin (PG)E2, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of
      nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) were determined using ELISA.
      Histopathological changes and scores in joint tissues were examined using
      hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The expression of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB p65 in
      synovial tissues was assayed using immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: TFA
      significantly increased body weight, attenuated primary paw swelling and
      arthritis index, decreased thymus and spleen indices of rats induced by FCA.
      Furthermore, TFA significantly inhibited serum TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, PGE2 and
      RANKL production, and promoted serum OPG production and OPG/RANKL ratio of rats
      induced by FCA. Histopathological examination indicated that TFA significantly
      attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, pannus
      formation, and bone and cartilage damage. Immunohistochemical assay indicated
      that TFA inhibited NF-kappaB p65 expression in synovial tissues of rats induced
      by FCA. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TFA exerts potential protective
      effects against FCA-induced arthritis in rats by regulating OPG/RANKL/NF-kappaB
      pathway.

PMID- 28092863
TI  - Adipose-derived stem cells ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis through
      inhibition of EMT and inflammatory response via TGF-beta1 signaling pathway.
AB  - Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been successfully used to treat acute
      kidney injury or acute renal failure. However, the effect of ADSCs on treating
      renal interstitial fibrosis remains unknown. Here, we assessed the therapeutic
      efficacy of ADSCs on renal interstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureter
      obstruction (UUO) and explored the potential mechanisms. After 7days of UUO, rats
      were injected with ADSCs (5*106) or vehicle via tail vein. We found that ADSCs
      administration significantly ameliorated renal interstitial fibrosis, the
      occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammatory response.
      Furthermore, ADSCs administration could inhibit the activation of transforming
      growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) signaling pathway, which might play a crucial
      role in renal interstitial fibrosis of the UUO model rats. These results
      suggested that ADSCs treatment attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis possibly
      through inhibition of EMT and inflammatory response via TGF-beta1 signaling
      pathway. Therefore, ADSCs may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the
      treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis.

PMID- 28092864
TI  - Augmentation of humoral and cellular immunity in response to Tetanus and
      Diphtheria toxoids by supercritical carbon dioxide extracts of Hippophae
      rhamnoides L. leaves.
AB  - Hippophae rhamnoides L. commonly known as Seabuckthorn (SBT), a wild shrub of
      family Elaegnacea, has extensively used for treating various ailments like skin
      diseases, jaundice, asthma, lung troubles. SBT leaves have been reported to
      possess several pharmacological properties including immunomodulatory,
      antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and tissue regeneration etc. The
      present study was undertaken to evaluate the adjuvant property of supercritical
      carbon dioxide extracts (SCEs 300ET and 350ET) of SBT leaves in balb/c mice
      immunized with Tetanus and Diphtheria toxoids. The dynamic changes in the immune
      response were measured in terms of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. We
      have seen the effect of SCEs on immunoglobulin subtypes and secondary immune
      response generation. In addition, the effect of SCEs on antigen specific cellular
      immunity was evaluated. Our results show that SCEs 300ET and 350ET significantly
      enhanced antibody titers in response to both TT and DT antigens. The secondary
      immune response generated was significantly increased in case of TT immunized
      animals. SCEs also enhanced cytokine levels (IFN-gamma, IL-4, TNF-alpha and IL
      1beta) and increased lymphoproliferation. Besides, both SCEs did not show any
      toxic effects. Therefore, the study suggests that SCEs are safe and have potent
      immunostimulatory activity and hence, seems to be a promising balanced Th1 and
      Th2 directing immunological adjuvant for various veterinary as well as human
      vaccines.

PMID- 28092865
TI  - Investigations on the immunosuppressive activity of derivatives of mycophenolic
      acid in immature dendritic cells.
AB  - The main activity of mycophenolic acid 1 (MPA) and its analogs is the inhibition
      of proliferation of T cells. Here, we hypothesized that MPA and its conjugates
      inhibits also the activity of antigen-presenting cells (APC) including dendritic
      cells (DCs). We tested the effect of novel amino acid derivatives of MPA and
      conjugates of MPA with acridines/acridones on DCs by flow cytometry, ELISA and
      MLR assay. Both acridines/acridone derivatives could inhibit the maturation of
      DC, as shown by the decreased expression of B7 family receptors. It was confirmed
      in the mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR), in which T cells challenged with DCs
      pretreated with the analogs showed decreased proliferation and reduced cytokine
      secretion. The most interesting activity in this series of studies, that is, the
      suppression of CD86 receptor expression, decreased cytokine production and
      suppressed mixed leucocyte reaction, exhibited (mycophenoyl-N-3-propyl)-9
      acridone-4-carboxamide ester 5a and (mycophenoyl-N-5-pentyl)-9-acridone-4
      carboxamide ester 5b. These compounds reduced also the secretion of IL-2 and IL
      15. In addition, they increased secretion of suppressive IL-10. Equally promising
      results were obtained for the N-mycophenoyl-D-glutamic acid 4b, which previously
      gave the highest value of selectivity. Acridone derivatives of MPA are therefore
      good immunosuppressive drug candidates for further testing.

PMID- 28092866
TI  - Transmembrane tumor necrosis factor-alpha promotes the recruitment of MDSCs to
      tumor tissue by upregulating CXCR4 expression via TNFR2.
AB  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulated in tumor sites promote
      immune evasion. We found that TNFR deficiency-induced rejection of transplanted
      tumor was accompanied with markedly decreased accumulation of MDSCs. However, the
      mechanism(s) behind this phenomenon is not completely understood. Here, we
      demonstrated that TNFR deficiency did not affect the amount of MDSCs in bone
      marrow (BM), but decreased accumulation of Gr-1+CD11b+ MDSCs in the spleen and
      tumor tissues. The chemotaxis of Tnfr-/- MDSCs was prominently decreased in
      response to both tumor cell culture supernatants and tumor tissue homogenates
      from Tnfr-/- and wild-type mice, indicating an effect of TNFR signaling on
      chemokine receptor expression in MDSCs. We used real-time PCR to detect gene
      expression for several chemokine receptors in MDSCs from BM and found that CXCR4
      was the most affected molecule at the transcriptional level in Tnfr-/- MDSCs.
      Neutralizing CXCR4 in wild-type MDSCs by a specific antibody blocked their
      chemotactic migration. Interestingly, it was tmTNF-alpha, but not sTNF-alpha,
      that induced CXCR4 expression in MDSCs. This effect of tmTNF-alpha was totally
      blocked in TNFR2-/- but not in TNFR1-/- MDSCs, and partially inhibited by PDTC or
      SB203580, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB or p38 MAPK pathway, respectively. Adoptive
      transfer of wild-type MDSCs restored MDSCs accumulation in tumors of Tnfr-/-
      mice, but this could be partially blocked by treatment with a CXCR4 inhibitor
      AMD3100. Our data suggest that tmTNF-alpha upregulates CXCR4 expression that
      promotes chemotaxis of MDSCs to tumor, and give a new insight into a novel
      mechanism by which tmTNF-alpha facilitates tumor immune evasion.

PMID- 28092868
TI  - A practical evaluation of measurement uncertainty in gamma-ray efficiency curve
      determination through an analytical approach.
AB  - An example of uncertainty evaluation of an efficiency curve is reported. In the
      applied method, the efficiency curve is determined through the weighted least
      square method based on measured efficiencies employing a mixed-radionuclide
      standard source. The variance-covariance matrix of the efficiencies is determined
      by evaluating the uncertainties of the counting, the calibrated radioactivities,
      the correction factors for true coincidence summing, and the inadequacy of the
      fitting function. The proposed method can be a basis to develop a more general
      procedure.

PMID- 28092867
TI  - Expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 during rapid maxillary expansion in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of MMP-2 and
      TIMP-1 during midpalatal suture expansion in rats. DESIGN: 72 male Wistar rats
      were randomly divided into 2 groups: the experimental group and the control
      group. In the experimental group, opening loops were applied across the
      midpalatal suture with an initial force of 50g, whereas in the control group,
      rats were subjected to sham installation of opening loops without activation. On
      day 1, 4, 7 and 14, nine rats from each group were sacrificed, and the maxillae
      were dissected and prepared for Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT- PCR
      examination of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression. RESULTS: The results of IHC and Real
      Time PCR revealed that both protein and mRNA expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were
      significantly increased after midpalatal expansion, and the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-1
      was also significantly enhanced. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggested that MMP-2 and
      TIMP-1 might play an important role during the mid-palatal suture remodeling
      process of maxillary expansion.

PMID- 28092869
TI  - Chronic myelogenous leukemia evolving after treatment of multiple myeloma.

PMID- 28092870
TI  - Anaplastic variant of plasma cell myeloma with Dutcher bodies.

PMID- 28092871
TI  - Discrete vacuoles in lymphocytes as a subtle clue to mantle cell lymphoma.

PMID- 28092872
TI  - Diagnostic pitfall: primary effusion lymphoma with rare cytokeratin
      immunoreactivity.

PMID- 28092873
TI  - Reverse variant of follicular lymphoma: uncommon morphology in a common lymphoma.

PMID- 28092874
TI  - Marked stress dyspoiesis secondary to sepsis and extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation.

PMID- 28092875
TI  - Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow from anorexia nervosa.

PMID- 28092876
TI  - Unexpected cause of high fever in the blood film.

PMID- 28092878
TI  - Amelanotic melanoma in the bone marrow.

PMID- 28092877
TI  - Peripheral blood findings in GM1 gangliosidosis.

PMID- 28092879
TI  - Acute myeloid leukemia with erythrophagocytosis indicative of KAT6A
      rearrangement.

PMID- 28092880
TI  - Lymphocytosis, villi, and nucleoli: a variant of hairy cell leukemia.

PMID- 28092881
TI  - Unexpected babesiosis in a patient with worsening anemia after allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 28092882
TI  - Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm associated with chronic
      myelomonocytic leukemia.

PMID- 28092883
TI  - Rhabdomyosarcoma presenting with leukemic phase and massive bone marrow
      infiltration.

PMID- 28092884
TI  - Gray-zone lymphoma: a complex reality.

PMID- 28092885
TI  - Plasma cell leukemia mimicking acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 28092886
TI  - EBV-associated aggressive natural killer cell leukemia.

PMID- 28092887
TI  - Acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes demonstrating
      prominent basophilic differentiation.

PMID- 28092889
TI  - Acquired elliptocytosis in the setting of a refractory anemia with excess blasts
      and del(20q).

PMID- 28092888
TI  - Abnormal chromatin clumping in myeloblasts.

PMID- 28092890
TI  - Cytokeratin-type intermediate filaments in a gastric myeloid sarcoma: a
      diagnostic pitfall.

PMID- 28092891
TI  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to iatrogenic disseminated
      histoplasmosis.

PMID- 28092892
TI  - Deformation of erythroblasts in transient erythroblastopenia of childhood caused
      by HHV-6.

PMID- 28092893
TI  - Folding two lobes, you don't get a cup?

PMID- 28092894
TI  - Apoptotic neutrophils in ascitic fluid.

PMID- 28092895
TI  - Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma in a kidney biopsy.

PMID- 28092896
TI  - Primary effusion lymphoma and concurrent progressive Kaposi sarcoma associated
      with elevated interleukin-6.

PMID- 28092897
TI  - Bone marrow smear examination in the diagnosis of Niemann-Pick B disease.

PMID- 28092898
TI  - Florid erythrophagocytosis by neutrophils in peripheral blood.

PMID- 28092899
TI  - B cells mimicking blasts after an allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 28092900
TI  - Mimics of megakaryocytes: giant bizarre myeloma cells.

PMID- 28092901
TI  - A Waldenstrom amyloidoma.

PMID- 28092902
TI  - Morphology of Niemann-Pick type C metabolic storage disorder.

PMID- 28092903
TI  - You GATA look at the marrow!

PMID- 28092904
TI  - CML with complex chromosome rearrangements and dysplastic megakaryocytes.

PMID- 28092905
TI  - Endocranial Morphology of the Extinct North American Lion (Panthera atrox).
AB  - The extinct North American lion (Panthera atrox) is one of the largest felids
      (Mammalia, Carnivora) to have ever lived, and it is known from a plethora of
      incredibly well-preserved remains. Despite this abundance of material, there has
      been little research into its endocranial anatomy. CT scans of a skull of P.
      atrox from the Pleistocene La Brea Tar pits were used to generate the first
      virtual endocranium for this species and to elucidate previously unknown details
      of its brain size and gross structure, cranial nerves, and inner-ear morphology.
      Results show that its gross brain anatomy is broadly similar to that of other
      pantherines, although P. atrox displays less cephalic flexure than either extant
      lions or tigers, instead showing a brain shape that is reminiscent of earlier
      felids. Despite this unusual reduction in flexure, the estimated absolute brain
      size for this specimen is one of the largest reported for any felid, living or
      extinct. Its encephalization quotient (brain size as a fraction of the expected
      brain mass for a given body mass) is also larger than that of extant lions but
      similar to that of the other pantherines. The advent of CT scans has allowed
      nondestructive sampling of anatomy that cannot otherwise be studied in these
      extinct lions, leading to a more accurate reconstruction of endocranial
      morphology and its evolution.

PMID- 28092907
TI  - Sinus Thrombosis after Endovascular Treatment of Vein of Galen Aneurysmal
      Malformation.

PMID- 28092906
TI  - Association between Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase and de novo
      Lipogenesis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study explored the association between serum nicotinamide
      phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and determined whether or not this
      association is sex dependent. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional
      study, 62 consecutive patients (32 males, 30 females) with NAFLD were recruited.
      Serum NAMPT (by ELISA), palmitic acid, and the DNL index of erythrocyte membranes
      as markers of hepatic DNL (by gas chromatography) were analyzed. The controlled
      attenuation parameter (CAP) and body impedance analyzer were used to assess
      hepatic and body fat, respectively. Univariate and multiple linear regressions
      (to adjust for confounders) were used to analyze the association of serum NAMPT
      with palmitic acid, DNL index, CAP, and body fat. RESULTS: The respective values
      of serum NAMPT (2.44 +/- 1.03 vs. 2.45 +/- 1.13 ng/mL, p = 0.98), DNL index (3.11
      [2.60-3.71] vs. 3.05 [2.40-3.59], p = 0.90), and palmitic acid (20.55% [15.34
      24.04] vs. 22.64% [21.15-25.95], p = 0.07) were not significantly different
      between men and women, but those of CAP (326 [300-340] vs. 300 [261.25-329], p =
      0.002) and body fat (37.71 +/- 3.80 vs. 26.60 +/- 5.70, p < 0.001) were
      significantly higher in women. In women, serum NAMPT had a significant negative
      association with the DNL index (beta = -0.56, p = 0.01). The DNL index also had a
      significant negative association with body fat (beta = -0.46, p = 0.02). In men,
      the only significant association was the positive association between serum NAMPT
      and CAP (beta = 0.35, p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Higher serum NAMPT in women was
      associated with a lower hepatic DNL index, while in men it was associated with
      higher hepatic fat and had no association with the DNL index. Therefore, the
      serum NAMPT level interpretation for NAFLD prognosis is probably sex dependent.

PMID- 28092908
TI  - 2016 Biennial Meeting of the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional
      Neurosurgery, Chicago, IL, USA, June 18-21, 2016: Abstracts.

PMID- 28092909
TI  - Immune-Mediated Neuropathies following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for
      Multiple Myeloma: Case Series and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Neuropathy is a common finding in patients with multiple myeloma. Several
      different factors can cause neuropathy in these patients, such as the underlying
      disease itself, medications used for treatment, or immune-mediated processes.
      Immune-mediated neuropathies (IMN) consist of a heterogeneous spectrum of
      peripheral nerve disorders. Although IMN is associated with several hematological
      disorders, it remains a very rare complication of hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HCT). We describe our experiences of 3 patients with multiple
      myeloma who experienced IMN following autologous HCT (auto-HCT). These 3 patients
      were felt to have IMN clearly attributable to auto-HCT because of a clear
      temporal association with auto-HCT and absence of any other obvious causative
      factor. The variety in their clinical presentations, diagnostic approach, and
      approaches to management are explained. The pathophysiology of how HCT may
      predispose to IMN remains poorly understood. Our report helps highlight several
      potential causes of this phenomenon, such as a paraneoplastic syndrome, immune
      reconstitution syndrome, or drug toxicity. We emphasize that a comprehensive
      approach is needed to address this rare entity, and that there should be a low
      threshold to initiate immune-specific therapy, such as plasmapheresis, if
      symptoms do not resolve spontaneously.

PMID- 28092910
TI  - Effects of in utero and Postnatal Exposure to Secondhand Smoke on Lung Function
      by Gender and Asthma Status: The Seven Northeastern Cities (SNEC) Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little information exists on whether gender or asthma status modifies
      the effects of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on lung function. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate whether gender or asthma status modifies the association of SHS exposure
      with lung function. METHODS: A total of 6,740 children (average 11.6 years) were
      recruited from 24 districts of 7 cities in northeast China in 2012. SHS exposure
      included exposure to environmental and maternal smoking both in utero and during
      early childhood (postnatal). Lung function was measured using electronic
      spirometers. Two-step regressions were used to analyze the association between
      SHS and lung function. RESULTS: In utero and postnatal exposure to SHS was
      independently associated with decreased lung function in both genders; however,
      this association was greater among males. For example, when exposed to maternal
      smoking during pregnancy, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for decreased forced
      vital capacity (FVC) was 6.46 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.58-16.17) among
      males, while only 2.16 (95% CI: 0.96-4.88) among females. More positive
      associations between SHS exposure and decreased lung function were detected among
      nonasthmatic compared with asthmatic children. Nonasthmatics had significantly
      larger deficits from in utero exposure to maternal smoking, which concerned
      decreased lung FVC function (aOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.28-5.21) and decreased lung
      forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) function (aOR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.01-5.33).
      A similar pattern was also observed for the associations between SHS exposure and
      continuous pulmonary function test measurements. CONCLUSIONS: SHS exposure was
      associated with decreased lung function. Males and nonasthmatics seem to be more
      susceptible than their respective counterparts.

PMID- 28092911
TI  - Behaviour of CD11b-Positive Cells in an Animal Model of Laser-Induced Choroidal
      Neovascularisation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Immune cells, e.g. microglial cells of the retina, appear to be
      involved in pathological processes in neovascular age-related macular
      degeneration. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to immunohistochemically
      check the expression of various factors and cytokines by CD11b-positive (CD11b+)
      immune cells in an animal model of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). METHODS:
      We used the animal model of laser-induced CNV in mice. Eyes were isolated at 1,
      4, 7, and 14 days after laser treatment. Cryosections were prepared and checked
      immunohistochemically for the presence of different growth factors and cytokines
      on microglial cells and other immune cells identified by CD11b immunoreactivity.
      RESULTS: We found that the number of CD11b+ cells at the laser spots increased
      dramatically 4 days after laser treatment, the majority of them entering the
      laser spot most probably by migration. CD11b+ cells in the laser spot were
      positive for a variety of pro-angiogenic factors, such as PDGF-beta, FGF-1, FGF
      2, and TGF-beta1. They were also positive for some inflammatory cytokines, in
      particular TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CXCL1. In non-treated retinas, CD11b+ cells
      showed almost no immunoreactivity for these proteins. CONCLUSION: Microglial
      cells, macrophages, and other CD11b+ cells may promote the neovascularisation in
      the laser spot and show a moderate inflammatory behaviour. Immunoreactivity for
      most of these molecules was found to decrease during the time of observation.
      Modulation of immune cell activity may thus be a tool to reduce the extent of
      CNV.

PMID- 28092912
TI  - Production and Rheological Properties of Welan Gum Produced by Sphingomonas sp.
      ATCC 31555 with Different Nitrogen Sources.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen sources on the production
      and rheological properties of welan gum produced by Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 31555.
      Six different nitrogen sources were used for ATCC 31555 fermentation, and 2 of
      these were further analyzed due to their more positive influence on welan gum
      production and bacterial biomass. Bacterial biomass, welan gum yield, welan
      viscosity, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, acyl content, and welan
      structure were analyzed. Welan gum production and the biomass concentration of
      ATCC 31555 were higher in media containing NaNO3 and beef extract. Welan
      viscosity decreased at higher temperatures of 30-90 degrees C, and it increased
      with a higher welan concentration. In the media containing NaNO3 (3 g.L-1), welan
      viscosity was higher at 30-70 degrees C and a welan solution concentration of 6
      10 g.L-1. With a reduced NaNO3 concentration, the molecular weight of welan gum
      and the molar ratio of mannose decreased, but the molar ratio of glucuronic acid
      increased. With different nitrogen sources, the acetyl content of welan gum
      differed but its structure was similar. NaNO3 and beef extract facilitated welan
      production. A reduced NaNO3 concentration promoted welan viscosity.

PMID- 28092914
TI  - Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration Associated with Pelvic Liposarcoma: A Rare
      Case Report.
AB  - Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is one of the most common
      paraneoplastic neurological syndromes characterized by the rapid development of
      severe cerebellar ataxia. In this report, a 23-year-old female with noticeable
      dizziness and gait instability was described. The enhanced CT scanning suggested
      the presence of a pelvic tumor. Then, PCD was established. Postoperative
      pathological result defined it as a liposarcoma (LS) with dedifferentiation.
      Interestingly, clinical symptoms disappeared after the surgical removal of the
      pelvic tumor. To our knowledge, this was the first case report with PCD due to
      LS.

PMID- 28092913
TI  - Umbilical Venous Catheter Malposition Is Associated with Necrotizing
      Enterocolitis in Premature Infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The etiology of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains elusive
      despite known associations with several factors, including intestinal ischemia
      related to the effects of umbilical arterial catheterization on the mesenteric
      circulation. However, the role of the mesenteric venous circulation has yet to be
      studied as a potential cause of NEC. We examined the association between
      umbilical venous catheter (UVC) position and the development of NEC in premature
      infants. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was performed to examine the effect
      of UVC on portosystemic shunting via the ductus venosus (DV) and its potential
      role in NEC. RESULTS: We recruited 132 premature infants, 62 of which had a birth
      weight <=1,500 g. NEC was noted in 12 (19%) patients. All infants weighing
      <=1,500 g underwent an attempt at UVC insertion. The UVC status was classified as
      appropriate (n = 39), unsuccessful (n = 9), or malpositioned (n = 14). Among the
      NEC patients, 7 (58%) had a UVC malposition and 3 (25%) had an unsuccessful
      attempt. These rates were significantly higher than in patients without NEC (14
      and 12%, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed
      birth weight (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.7, p = 0.001) and UVC malpositioning (OR 6.9,
      95% CI 1.6-35.4, p = 0.007) as independent risk factors associated with NEC.
      CONCLUSIONS: Unrecognized withdrawal of a UVC into the portal vein or DV is
      associated with an increased incidence of NEC in infants weighing <=1,500 g. The
      data support the need for additional studies to examine this effect. Confirmation
      of a causal relationship will raise the need to reassess UVC insertion criteria
      and strategies for more closely monitoring the catheter tip position.

PMID- 28092915
TI  - Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumour of the Uterus: Analysis of 44 Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features
      and prognostic factors of uterine carcinosarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this
      retrospective study, the clinical characteristics of 44 patients with uterine
      MMMT were evaluated. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method
      and compared by the log-rank test. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with uterine
      carcinosarcoma were referred to our unit between 1995 and 2015. Their median age
      was 66.5 years. All women underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral
      salpingo-oophorectomy. Twenty-five percent had omental resection. Pelvic
      lymphadenectomy was performed in 18.2% of the cases. Twenty-six of the patients
      presented with stage I/II disease, 17 with advanced stages. In 20.5% of the cases
      there were metastases at diagnosis. Forty women received adjuvant chemotherapy,
      with complete remission in 67.9% of the cases. Recurrences were observed in 27.3%
      of the women. Disease-free and overall survival was 27 and 103 months,
      respectively. The FIGO stage, histological type, tumour size, chemotherapy
      regimen, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and myometrial invasion did not affect survival.
      CONCLUSIONS: Uterine MMMT is an aggressive tumour, often diagnosed at an advanced
      stage and with a high rate of metastases or recurrences. Because of its rarity,
      its management is controversial and fixed prognostic factors cannot be defined.

PMID- 28092916
TI  - Differences in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes between Brand-Name and Generic
      Tacrolimus Used in Stable Liver Transplant Recipients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, peripheral blood lymphocytes were compared between a
      brand-name and a generic tacrolimus group in stable liver transplant recipients.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients who underwent ABO-compatible living donor
      liver transplants between 2012 and 2013 and had stable graft function were
      included in this study. Ten patients received brand-name tacrolimus and 6
      patients received generic tacrolimus. CD3, CD4, CD8, gammadelta, CD4+FoxP3+, and
      CD3-CD56+ T cells were analyzed in peripheral blood obtained preoperatively and
      4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after liver transplantation. Categorical variables were
      compared using a chi2 test or Fisher exact test, and continuous variables were
      compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Regarding the baseline and
      perioperative characteristics, there were no statistically significant
      differences between the 2 groups. Immunosuppression also was not different.
      Subtype analysis of T-cell populations carried out in parallel showed similar
      levels of CD3, CD4, CD8, and gammadeltaT cells with brand-name tacrolimus and
      generic tacrolimus in stable liver transplant recipients. However, the levels of
      CD4+Foxp3+ and CD3-CD56+ T cells were higher in the brand-name tacrolimus group
      than in the generic tacrolimus group 8 weeks after transplantation (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The level of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells was higher in the brand-name
      tacrolimus group than in the generic tacrolimus group after transplantation. This
      finding showed that brand-name tacrolimus could have more potential
      immunosuppressive activity than generic tacrolimus regarding the contribution of
      CD4+Foxp3+ T cells to graft tolerance in liver transplant recipients.

PMID- 28092917
TI  - Is Fat Mass Accretion of Late Preterm Infants Associated with Insulin Resistance?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late preterm infants show a major fat mass accretion from birth to
      term. The contribution of preterm birth to the development of the metabolic
      syndrome is still under investigation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate body composition
      changes in late preterm infants during the first 3 months and to investigate
      their insulin sensitivity and resistance. METHODS: We conducted an observational,
      longitudinal study. A total of 216 late preterm infants underwent body
      composition assessment using an air displacement plethysmograph at term and at 3
      months of corrected age. In a subgroup of infants (n = 48) the blood glucose and
      insulin concentration were determined at term and insulin resistance (homeostasis
      model assessment for insulin resistance; HOMA-IR) and sensitivity (quantitative
      insulin sensitivity check index; QUICKI) were then calculated. The reference
      group comprised 71 healthy term infants. RESULTS: The mean birth weight and
      gestational age were 2,390 +/- 391 g and 35.2 +/- 0.8 weeks, respectively. At
      term the fat mass index (kg/m2) of late preterm infants, born adequate for their
      gestational age and small for their gestational age, was higher than that of term
      infants (2.08 +/- 0.82 vs. 1.62 +/- 0.64 vs. 1.03 +/- 0.36, p < 0.005,
      respectively), whereas at 3 months of corrected age no difference was found among
      the groups. The mean values of glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and QUICKI were within
      the 5th and 95th percentiles. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these preliminary
      findings, fat mass accretion of late preterm infants appears not to be associated
      with perturbation of the glucose homeostasis.

PMID- 28092918
TI  - Complete Sequence and Organization of pFR260, the Bacillus thuringiensis INTA Fr7
      4 Plasmid Harboring Insecticidal Genes.
AB  - We report the complete sequence and analysis of pFR260, a novel megaplasmid of
      260,595 bp from the Bacillus thuringiensis strain INTA Fr7-4 isolated in
      Argentina. It carries 7 insecticidal genes: 3 cry8 copies previously reported, 2
      vip1, and 2 vip2. Also, it carries a gene encoding a putative atypical Cry
      protein. These genes are arranged in a region of approximately 105 kbp in size
      with characteristics of a pathogenicity island with a potential coleopteran
      specific insecticide profile. DNA strand composition asymmetry, as determined by
      GC skew analysis, and the presence of a Rep protein involved in the initiation of
      replication suggest a bidirectional theta mechanism of replication. In addition,
      many genes involved in conjugation and a CRISPR-Cas system were detected. The
      pFR260 sequence was deposited in GenBank under accession number KX258624.

PMID- 28092919
TI  - Compensatory water effects link yearly global land CO2 sink changes to
      temperature.
AB  - Large interannual variations in the measured growth rate of atmospheric carbon
      dioxide (CO2) originate primarily from fluctuations in carbon uptake by land
      ecosystems. It remains uncertain, however, to what extent temperature and water
      availability control the carbon balance of land ecosystems across spatial and
      temporal scales. Here we use empirical models based on eddy covariance data and
      process-based models to investigate the effect of changes in temperature and
      water availability on gross primary productivity (GPP), terrestrial ecosystem
      respiration (TER) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) at local and global scales. We
      find that water availability is the dominant driver of the local interannual
      variability in GPP and TER. To a lesser extent this is true also for NEE at the
      local scale, but when integrated globally, temporal NEE variability is mostly
      driven by temperature fluctuations. We suggest that this apparent paradox can be
      explained by two compensatory water effects. Temporal water-driven GPP and TER
      variations compensate locally, dampening water-driven NEE variability. Spatial
      water availability anomalies also compensate, leaving a dominant temperature
      signal in the year-to-year fluctuations of the land carbon sink. These findings
      help to reconcile seemingly contradictory reports regarding the importance of
      temperature and water in controlling the interannual variability of the
      terrestrial carbon balance. Our study indicates that spatial climate covariation
      drives the global carbon cycle response.

PMID- 28092920
TI  - Evolutionary genomics of the cold-adapted diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus.
AB  - The Southern Ocean houses a diverse and productive community of organisms.
      Unicellular eukaryotic diatoms are the main primary producers in this
      environment, where photosynthesis is limited by low concentrations of dissolved
      iron and large seasonal fluctuations in light, temperature and the extent of sea
      ice. How diatoms have adapted to this extreme environment is largely unknown.
      Here we present insights into the genome evolution of a cold-adapted diatom from
      the Southern Ocean, Fragilariopsis cylindrus, based on a comparison with
      temperate diatoms. We find that approximately 24.7 per cent of the diploid F.
      cylindrus genome consists of genetic loci with alleles that are highly divergent
      (15.1 megabases of the total genome size of 61.1 megabases). These divergent
      alleles were differentially expressed across environmental conditions, including
      darkness, low iron, freezing, elevated temperature and increased CO2. Alleles
      with the largest ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitutions
      also show the most pronounced condition-dependent expression, suggesting a
      correlation between diversifying selection and allelic differentiation. Divergent
      alleles may be involved in adaptation to environmental fluctuations in the
      Southern Ocean.

PMID- 28092922
TI  - The Effectiveness of Free Vascularized Fibular Flaps in Osteonecrosis of the
      Femoral Head and Neck: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Background Free vascularized fibular flaps (FVFFs) are accepted surgical options
      to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head and neck (ONFHN) to prevent conversion
      to total hip replacement (THR), yet many studies are single institution cohorts,
      with little generalizability. Purpose The purpose of this study was to perform a
      systematic review examining the comparative effectiveness of FVFF to treat ONFHN,
      particularly preventing conversion to a THR and improving hip function/symptoms.
      Methods We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases using femoral head, free fibula,
      and femoral neck keywords. Articles were excluded if not translated into English,
      n < 10 hips, article was a compilation/review, outcomes were not relevant, or
      prior to 1994. If from the same institution, we included the largest cohort and
      excluded others within the same timeline. Two investigators independently
      reviewed articles and reported number of patients/hips, average age/follow-up
      time/graft survival before THR, Harris hip score, THR rate, complications, and
      radiographic progression rates. Results We identified 128 and 157 articles from
      PubMed and EMBASE. After screening/duplicate removal, 21 studies were included
      from 14 institutions in 9 countries. Overall, 71% were level IV evidence. The
      average patient number was 129, number of hips was 166, age at surgery was 34
      years, and follow-up time was 92 months. HHS improved on average 21.7 points,
      with the number of patients requiring THR being 19.4%. Graft survival before THR
      was 5.2 years, and 47.7% of hips had radiographic progression. Conclusions There
      is a significant amount of level IV evidence describing the favorable role of
      FVFF to treat ONFHN. Although efficacious, there is a need for higher level
      evidence. The level of evidence is 3.

PMID- 28092921
TI  - The ligand Sas and its receptor PTP10D drive tumour-suppressive cell competition.
AB  - Normal epithelial cells often exert anti-tumour effects against nearby oncogenic
      cells. In the Drosophila imaginal epithelium, clones of oncogenic cells with loss
      of-function mutations in the apico-basal polarity genes scribble or discs large
      are actively eliminated by cell competition when surrounded by wild-type cells.
      Although c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling plays a crucial role in this
      cell elimination, the initial event, which occurs at the interface between normal
      cells and polarity-deficient cells, has not previously been identified. Here,
      through a genetic screen in Drosophila, we identify the ligand Sas and the
      receptor-type tyrosine phosphatase PTP10D as the cell-surface ligand-receptor
      system that drives tumour-suppressive cell competition. At the interface between
      the wild-type 'winner' and the polarity-deficient 'loser' clones, winner cells
      relocalize Sas to the lateral cell surface, whereas loser cells relocalize PTP10D
      there. This leads to the trans-activation of Sas-PTP10D signalling in loser
      cells, which restrains EGFR signalling and thereby enables elevated JNK
      signalling in loser cells, triggering cell elimination. In the absence of Sas
      PTP10D, elevated EGFR signalling in loser cells switches the role of JNK from pro
      apoptotic to pro-proliferative by inactivating the Hippo pathway, thereby driving
      the overgrowth of polarity-deficient cells. These findings uncover the mechanism
      by which normal epithelial cells recognize oncogenic polarity-deficient
      neighbours to drive cell competition.

PMID- 28092923
TI  - Teasing apart NAD+ metabolism in inflammation: commentary on Zhou et al. (2016).
      Br J Pharmacol 173: 2352-2368.

PMID- 28092924
TI  - Evaluation of the use of rotational thromboelastometry in the assessment of FXI
      deficency.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The absence of a reliable clinical test to predict bleeding
      tendency leaves factor XI (FXI)-deficient individuals at risk of overtreatment or
      under treatment. AIM: To assess whether rotational thromboelastometry has value
      in detection of FXI deficiency and identification of bleeding tendency. METHODS:
      Thromboelastometry was measured in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
      samples containing corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI) from controls (n = 50) and FXI
      deficient individuals (n = 93) at tissue factor (TF) 0.12 pm. The effect of
      tissue plasminogen activator was also assessed. For analysis, FXI-deficient
      individuals were divided into bleeders (n = 24) and non-bleeders (n = 44) based
      on experience of tonsillectomy and/or dental extraction prior to diagnosis.
      RESULTS: In whole blood, thromboelastometry distinguished those with major FXI
      deficiency (FXI:C <= 15 IU dL-1 ) but not partial deficiency from control
      populations, but did not identify bleeding phenotype. In PRP, bleeders had
      significantly longer clot formation time [CFT; 434 +/- 179 s vs. 277 +/- 70 s
      (mean +/- SD); P < 0.05] and smaller alpha angle [43.8 +/- 9.5 degrees  vs. 52.4
      +/- 5.8 degrees  (mean +/- SD); P < 0.05] compared to non-bleeders. However,
      these parameters were found to depend on multiple additional variables and on an
      individual basis, ROC analysis showed test specificity for bleeding phenotype
      identification to be only 38.5% at 100% sensitivity: CFT (area under first
      derivative curve: AUC = 0.8091, P = 0.0014), alpha angle (AUC = 0.7804, P =
      0.006). CONCLUSION: Thromboelastometry in PRP with CTI samples triggered with TF
      0.12 pm was able to distinguish between bleeders and non-bleeders in FXI
      deficiency, but poor specificity restricts its clinical application as a test to
      identify bleeding phenotype. Further technical advances to the assay may allow
      better discrimination.

PMID- 28092925
TI  - Risk-based management of dental procedures in patients with inherited bleeding
      disorders: Development of a Dental Bleeding Risk Assessment and Treatment Tool
      (DeBRATT).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Successful outcomes in dental management for patients with
      inherited bleeding disorders require close collaboration between haematology
      teams and dentists. AIM: To review outcomes of an interdisciplinary pathway for
      dental procedures by assessing adequacy and appropriateness of haemostatic
      management. METHODS: Two hundred dental procedures in 30 patients with inherited
      bleeding disorders were included. A Dental Bleeding Risk Assessment and Treatment
      Tool (DeBRATT) was developed to identify four categories of bleeding risk (no
      risk, low, moderate and high risk of bleeding) in relation to the severity of the
      bleeding disorder and the invasiveness of dental procedure. The adequacy and
      appropriateness of haemostatic therapy provided in relation to the bleeding risk
      was assessed with reference to the published literature. Treatment was classified
      as appropriate, over or under-treatment. Bleeding complication was the primary
      outcome. RESULTS: A high level of dental disease was noted, with 83% of patients
      having at least one decayed tooth and 46.7% having chronic gum disease. A total
      of 59.1% of the dental procedures in patients with mild bleeding disorders were
      over-treated (n = 65/110) and 8.9% in patients with severe disorders had an
      extended duration of treatment (n = 7/79). One bleeding complication was observed
      in a patient with Von Willebrand's disease and severe thrombocytopenia. All other
      procedures (99.5%) were uneventful. CONCLUSION: DeBRATT enables a risk-based
      approach for the management of dental procedures in patients with inherited
      bleeding disorders. The tool facilitates a comprehensive evaluation of bleeding
      risk with the potential to minimize unnecessary treatment and aid
      interdisciplinary communication among different clinical teams.

PMID- 28092926
TI  - Effect of gravity and microgravity on intracranial pressure.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Astronauts have recently been discovered to have impaired vision,
      with a presentation that resembles syndromes of elevated intracranial pressure on
      Earth. Gravity has a profound effect on fluid distribution and pressure within
      the human circulation. In contrast to prevailing theory, we observed that
      microgravity reduces central venous and intracranial pressure. This being said,
      intracranial pressure is not reduced to the levels observed in the 90 deg seated
      upright posture on Earth. Thus, over 24 h in zero gravity, pressure in the brain
      is slightly above that observed on Earth, which may explain remodelling of the
      eye in astronauts. ABSTRACT: Astronauts have recently been discovered to have
      impaired vision, with a presentation that resembles syndromes of elevated
      intracranial pressure (ICP). This syndrome is considered the most mission
      critical medical problem identified in the past decade of manned spaceflight. We
      recruited five men and three women who had an Ommaya reservoir inserted for the
      delivery of prophylactic CNS chemotherapy, but were free of their malignant
      disease for at least 1 year. ICP was assessed by placing a fluid-filled 25 gauge
      butterfly needle into the Ommaya reservoir. Subjects were studied in the upright
      and supine position, during acute zero gravity (parabolic flight) and prolonged
      simulated microgravity (6 deg head-down tilt bedrest). ICP was lower when seated
      in the 90 deg upright posture compared to lying supine (seated, 4 +/- 1 vs.
      supine, 15 +/- 2 mmHg). Whilst lying in the supine posture, central venous
      pressure (supine, 7 +/- 3 vs. microgravity, 4 +/- 2 mmHg) and ICP (supine, 17 +/-
      2 vs. microgravity, 13 +/- 2 mmHg) were reduced in acute zero gravity, although
      not to the levels observed in the 90 deg seated upright posture on Earth.
      Prolonged periods of simulated microgravity did not cause progressive elevations
      in ICP (supine, 15 +/- 2 vs. 24 h head-down tilt, 15 +/- 4 mmHg). Complete
      removal of gravity does not pathologically elevate ICP but does prevent the
      normal lowering of ICP when upright. These findings suggest the human brain is
      protected by the daily circadian cycles in regional ICPs, without which pathology
      may occur.

PMID- 28092927
TI  - Preventive behaviors by the level of perceived infection sensitivity during the
      Korea outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in 2015.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate the relationship between
      community residents' infection sensitivity and their levels of preventive
      behaviors during the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak in
      Korea. METHODS: Seven thousands two hundreds eighty one participants from nine
      areas in Gyeonggi-do including Pyeongtaek, the origin of the outbreak in 2015
      agreed to participate in the survey and the data from 6,739 participants were
      included in the final analysis. The data on the perceived infection sensitivity
      were subjected to cluster analysis. The levels of stress, reliability/practice of
      preventive behaviors, hand washing practice and policy credibility during the
      outbreak period were analyzed for each cluster. RESULTS: Cluster analysis of
      infection sensitivity due to the MERS outbreak resulted in classification of
      participants into four groups: the non-sensitive group (14.5%), social concern
      group (17.4%), neutral group (29.1%), and overall sensitive group (39.0%). A
      logistic regression analysis found that the overall sensitive group with high
      sensitivity had higher stress levels (17.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 13.77
      to 23.00), higher reliability on preventive behaviors (5.81; 95% CI, 4.84 to
      6.98), higher practice of preventive behaviors (4.53; 95% CI, 3.83 to 5.37) and
      higher practice of hand washing (2.71; 95% CI, 2.13 to 3.43) during the outbreak
      period, compared to the non-sensitive group. CONCLUSIONS: Infection sensitivity
      of community residents during the MERS outbreak correlated with gender, age,
      occupation, and health behaviors. When there is an outbreak in the community,
      there is need to maintain a certain level of sensitivity while reducing excessive
      stress, as well as promote the practice of preventive behaviors among local
      residents. In particular, target groups need to be notified and policies need to
      be established with a consideration of the socio-demographic characteristics of
      the community.

PMID- 28092928
TI  - Meta-analysis for genome-wide association studies using case-control design:
      application and practice.
AB  - This review aimed to arrange the process of a systematic review of genome-wide
      association studies in order to practice and apply a genome-wide meta-analysis
      (GWMA). The process has a series of five steps: searching and selection,
      extraction of related information, evaluation of validity, meta-analysis by type
      of genetic model, and evaluation of heterogeneity. In contrast to intervention
      meta-analyses, GWMA has to evaluate the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in the
      third step and conduct meta-analyses by five potential genetic models, including
      dominant, recessive, homozygote contrast, heterozygote contrast, and allelic
      contrast in the fourth step. The 'genhwcci' and 'metan' commands of STATA
      software evaluate the HWE and calculate a summary effect size, respectively. A
      meta-regression using the 'metareg' command of STATA should be conducted to
      evaluate related factors of heterogeneities.

PMID- 28092929
TI  - The effect of smoking on lung cancer: ethnic differences and the smoking paradox.
AB  - The objectives of this review were to determine whether the smoking paradox still
      exists and to summarize possible explanations for the smoking paradox. Based on
      published data, we compared the risk of cigarette smoking for lung cancer in
      Western and Asian countries. We extracted data from the relevant studies about
      annual tobacco consumption, lung cancer mortality rates according to smoking
      status from each country, and possible explanations for the smoking paradox. A
      significantly greater risk of lung cancer death was found among current smokers
      in Asian countries than among nonsmokers, with relative risks (RRs) of 4.0 to 4.6
      for Koreans, 3.7 to 5.1 for Japanese, and 2.4 to 6.5 for Chinese. Although a
      significantly greater risk of lung cancer was present among current smokers in
      Asian countries, the RRs in Asian countries were much lower than those reported
      in Western countries (range, 9.4 to 23.2). Possible explanations for the smoking
      paradox included epidemiologic characteristics, such as the smoking amount, age
      at smoking initiation, and the use of filtered or mild tobacco. The smoking
      paradox definitely exists, but may be explained by major epidemiologic
      characteristics. Therefore, the smoking paradox should not be interpreted as
      indicating that tobacco is safer or less harmful for Asians.

PMID- 28092930
TI  - Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among tuberculosis laboratory workers
      in Iran.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The risk of transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from patients
      to health care workers (HCWs) is a neglected problem in many countries, including
      Iran. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis
      (TB) infection (LTBI) among TB laboratory staff in Iran, and to elucidate the
      risk factors associated with LTBI. METHODS: All TB laboratory staff (689
      individuals) employed in the TB laboratories of 50 Iranian universities of
      medical sciences and a random sample consisting of 317 low-risk HCWs were
      included in this cross-sectional study. Participants with tuberculin skin test
      indurations of 10 mm or more were considered to have an LTBI. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of LTBI among TB laboratory staff and low-risk HCWs was 24.83% (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 21.31 to 27.74%) and 14.82% (95% CI, 11.31 to 19.20%),
      respectively. No active TB cases were found in either group. After adjusting for
      potential confounders, TB laboratory staff were more likely to have an LTBI than
      low-risk HCWs (prevalence odds ratio, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.35 to 3.17). CONCLUSIONS:
      This study showed that LTBI are an occupational health problem among TB
      laboratory staff in Iran. This study reinforces the need to design and implement
      simple, effective, and affordable TB infection control programs in TB
      laboratories in Iran.

PMID- 28092931
TI  - The criteria for metabolic syndrome and the national health screening and
      education system in Japan.
AB  - Two major definitions of metabolic syndrome have been proposed. One focuses on
      the accumulation of risk factors, a measure used by the American Heart
      Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); the
      other focuses on abdominal obesity, a measure used by the International Diabetes
      Federation (IDF) and the Japanese government. The latter definition takes waist
      circumference (WC) into consideration as an obligatory component, whereas the
      former does not. In 2009, the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, and other organizations attempted
      to unify these criteria; as a result, WC is no longer an obligatory component of
      those systems, while it remains obligatory in the Japanese criteria. In 2008, a
      new Japanese cardiovascular screening and education system focused on metabolic
      syndrome was launched. People undergoing screening are classified into three
      groups according to the presence of abdominal obesity and the number of metabolic
      risk factors, and receive health educational support from insurers. This system
      has yielded several beneficial outcomes: the visibility of metabolic syndrome at
      the population level has drastically improved; preventive measures have been
      directed toward metabolic syndrome, which is expected to become more prevalent in
      future generations; and a post-screening education system has been established.
      However, several problems with the current system have been identified and are
      under debate. In this review, we discuss topics related to metabolic syndrome,
      including (1) the Japanese criteria for metabolic syndrome; (2) metabolic
      syndrome and the universal health screening and education system; and (3) recent
      debates about Japanese criteria for metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 28092932
TI  - The burden of infectious and cardiovascular diseases in India from 2004 to 2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In India, both communicable and non-communicable diseases have been
      argued to disproportionately affect certain socioeconomic strata of the
      population. Using the 60th (2004) and 71st (2014) rounds of the National Sample
      Survey, this study assessed the balance between infectious diseases and
      cardiovascular diseases (CVD) from 2004 to 2014, as well as changes in the
      disease burden in various socioeconomic and demographic subpopulations. METHODS:
      Prevalence rates, hospitalization rates, case fatality rates, and share of in
      patients deaths were estimated to compare the disease burdens at these time
      points. Logistic regression and multivariate decomposition were used to evaluate
      changes in disease burden across various socio-demographic and socioeconomic
      groups. RESULTS: Evidence of stagnation in the infectious disease burden and
      rapid increase in the CVD burden was observed. Along with the drastic increase in
      case fatality rate, share of in-patients deaths became more skewed towards CVD
      from 2004 to 2014. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant shift
      of the chance of succumbing to CVD from the privileged class, comprising non
      Scheduled Castes and Tribes, more highly educated individuals, and households
      with higher monthly expenditures, towards the underprivileged population.
      Decomposition indicated that a change in the probability of suffering from CVD
      among the subcategories of age, social groups, educational status, and monthly
      household expenditures contributed to the increase in CVD prevalence more than
      compositional changes of the population from 2004 to 2014. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study provides evidence of the ongoing tendency of CVD to occur in older
      population segments, and also confirms the theory of diffusion, according to
      which an increased probability of suffering from CVD has trickled down the
      socioeconomic gradient.

PMID- 28092933
TI  - Estimation of the size of the iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease outbreak
      associated with cadaveric dura mater grafts in Korea.
AB  - Purpose: This study estimated the overall magnitude of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
      (iCJD) based on dura graft cases in Korea using a mathematical model. Methods: We
      estimated the number of annual cases of dura grafts performed between 1980 and
      1995 by applying the proportion of dura grafts recorded by the Health Insurance
      Review Agency claim dataset in Korea to the number of nationwide neurosurgery
      cases. The distribution of the incubation period was assumed to fall under a
      Weibull distribution with density function or a log-logistic distribution with
      density function. Results: The total number of neurosurgeries performed from 1980
      to 1995 was estimated to be 263,945, and among these surgeries, 37% used dura
      graft products. Between the years of 1980 and 2020, our model predicts that the
      total number of iCJD cases was between 14.9 and 33.2 (95% CI: 13.4-50.9).
      Notably, we estimated that the cumulative number of iCJD cases caused by dura
      grafts between 1980 and 2011 was approximately 13.3 to 27.3 (95% CI: 12.2-40.6).
      Conclusions: Estimations made using this model are consistent with the actual
      development of cases, indicating that this model is valid for future projection.
      Based on our model, we postulate that iCJD will undergo a sharp decline from 2012
      to 2020.

PMID- 28092934
TI  - Visceral leishmaniasis treatment outcome and its determinants in northwest
      Ethiopia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Poor treatment outcomes of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are
      responsible for the high mortality rate of this condition in resource-limited
      settings such as Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the proportion of poor VL
      treatment outcomes in northwest Ethiopia and to evaluate the determinants
      associated with poor outcomes. METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective study was
      conducted among 595 VL patients who were admitted to Kahsay Abera Hospital in
      northwest Ethiopia from October 2010 to April 2013. Data were entered into Epi
      Info version 7.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and
      multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify the determinants
      of VL treatment outcomes. Adjusted odds ratio (aORs) with 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) were used, and p-values <0.05 were considered to indicate
      statistical significance. RESULTS: The proportion of poor treatment outcomes was
      23.7%. Late diagnosis (>=29 days) (aOR, 4.34; 95% CI, 2.22 to 8.46), severe
      illness at admission (inability to walk) (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.40) and
      coinfection with VL and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (aOR, 2.72; 95% CI,
      1.40 to 5.20) were found to be determinants of poor VL treatment outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Poor treatment outcomes, such as death, treatment failure, and non
      adherence, were found to be common. Special attention must be paid to severely
      ill and VL/HIV-coinfected patients. To improve VL treatment outcomes, the early
      diagnosis and treatment of VL patients is recommended.

PMID- 28092935
TI  - Alloying Strategy in Cu-In-Ga-Se Quantum Dots for High Efficiency Quantum Dot
      Sensitized Solar Cells.
AB  - I-III-VI2 group "green" quantum dots (QDs) are attracting increasing attention in
      photoelectronic conversion applications. Herein, on the basis of the
      "simultaneous nucleation and growth" approach, Cu-In-Ga-Se (CIGSe) QDs with light
      harvesting range of about 1000 nm were synthesized and used as sensitizer to
      construct quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). Inductively coupled plasma
      atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), wild-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses demonstrate that the Ga element was
      alloyed in the Cu-In-Se (CISe) host. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS)
      and femtosecond (fs) resolution transient absorption (TA) measurement results
      indicate that the alloying strategy could optimize the electronic structure in
      the obtained CIGSe QD material, thus matching well with TiO2 substrate and
      favoring the photogenerated electron extraction. Open circuit voltage decay
      (OCVD) and impedance spectroscopy (IS) tests indicate that the intrinsic
      recombination in CIGSe QDSCs was well suppressed relative to that in CISe QDSCs.
      As a result, CIGSe based QDSCs with use of titanium mesh supported mesoporous
      carbon counter electrode exhibited a champion efficiency of 11.49% (Jsc = 25.01
      mA/cm2, Voc = 0.740 V, FF = 0.621) under the irradiation of full one sun in
      comparison with 9.46% for CISe QDSCs.

PMID- 28092936
TI  - Effect of Ozonation and Biological Activated Carbon Treatment of Wastewater
      Effluents on Formation of N-nitrosamines and Halogenated Disinfection Byproducts.
AB  - Ozonation followed by biological activated carbon (O3/BAC) is being considered as
      a key component of reverse osmosis-free advanced treatment trains for potable
      wastewater reuse. Using a laboratory-scale O3/BAC system treating two nitrified
      wastewater effluents, this study characterized the effect of different ozone
      dosages (0-1.0 mg O3/mg dissolved organic carbon) and BAC empty bed contact times
      (EBCT; 15-60 min) on the formation after chlorination or chloramination of 35
      regulated and unregulated halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs), 8 N
      nitrosamines, and bromate. DBP concentrations were remarkably similar between the
      two wastewaters across O3/BAC conditions. Ozonation increased bromate, TCNM, and
      N-nitrosodimethylamine, but ozonation was less significant for other DBPs. DBP
      formation generally decreased significantly with BAC treatment at 15 min EBCT,
      but little further reduction was observed at higher EBCT where low dissolved
      oxygen concentrations may have limited biological activity. The O3/BAC-treated
      wastewaters met regulatory levels for trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids
      (HAAs), and bromate, although N-nitrosodimethylamine exceeded the California
      Notification Level in one case. Regulated THMs and HAAs dominated by mass. When
      DBP concentrations were weighted by measures of their toxic potencies,
      unregulated haloacetonitriles, haloacetaldehydes, and haloacetamides dominated.
      Assuming toxicity is additive, the calculated DBP-associated toxicity of the
      O3/BAC-treated chloraminated effluents were comparable or slightly higher than
      those calculated in a recent evaluation of Full Advanced Treatment trains
      incorporating reverse osmosis.

PMID- 28092937
TI  - Updating the U.S. Life Cycle GHG Petroleum Baseline to 2014 with Projections to
      2040 Using Open-Source Engineering-Based Models.
AB  - The National Energy Technology Laboratory produced a well-to-wheels (WTW) life
      cycle greenhouse gas analysis of petroleum-based fuels consumed in the U.S. in
      2005, known as the NETL 2005 Petroleum Baseline. This study uses a set of
      engineering-based, open-source models combined with publicly available data to
      calculate baseline results for 2014. An increase between the 2005 baseline and
      the 2014 results presented here (e.g., 92.4 vs 96.2 g CO2e/MJ gasoline, + 4.1%)
      are due to changes both in modeling platform and in the U.S. petroleum sector. An
      updated result for 2005 was calculated to minimize the effect of the change in
      modeling platform, and emissions for gasoline in 2014 were about 2% lower than in
      2005 (98.1 vs 96.2 g CO2e/MJ gasoline). The same methods were utilized to
      forecast emissions from fuels out to 2040, indicating maximum changes from the
      2014 gasoline result between +2.1% and -1.4%. The changing baseline values lead
      to potential compliance challenges with frameworks such as the Energy
      Independence and Security Act (EISA) Section 526, which states that Federal
      agencies should not purchase alternative fuels unless their life cycle GHG
      emissions are less than those of conventionally produced, petroleum-derived
      fuels.

PMID- 28092938
TI  - 50 Years of Accounts.

PMID- 28092939
TI  - For Better or Worse, Iron Overload by Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
      as a MRI Contrast Agent for Chronic Liver Diseases.
AB  - Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have recently been used as an
      effective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent for the noninvasive
      diagnosis of chronic liver diseases including nonalcohol fatty liver diseases,
      nonalcohol steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis as well as liver tumors. However, the
      potential risk of the iron overload by SPIONs has been highly underestimated in
      chronic liver diseases. While most of SPIONs have been shown safe in the healthy
      group, significant toxicity potential by the iron overload has been revealed
      through immunotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, and fatty acid and cholesterol
      metabolism in cirrhosis as a high risk factor. As a result, the systems
      toxicology assessments of SPIONs are crucial in both healthy ones and chronic
      liver disease models to determine the margin of safety. In addition, the
      challenge of the iron overload by SPIONs requires better designed SPIONs as MRI
      contrast agents for chronic liver diseases such as the biodegradable nanocluster
      assembly with urine clearance.

PMID- 28092940
TI  - A Special Issue of CRT: Celebrating Volume 30.

PMID- 28092941
TI  - 21st Century Cell Culture for 21st Century Toxicology.
AB  - There is no good science in bad models. Cell culture is especially prone to
      artifacts. A number of novel cell culture technologies have become more broadly
      available in the 21st century, which allow overcoming limitations of traditional
      culture and are more physiologically relevant. These include the use of stem-cell
      derived human cells, cocultures of different cell types, scaffolds and
      extracellular matrices, perfusion platforms (such as microfluidics), 3D culture,
      organ-on-chip technologies, tissue architecture, and organ functionality. The
      physiological relevance of such models is further enhanced by the measurement of
      biomarkers (e.g., key events of pathways), organ specific functionality, and more
      comprehensive assessment cell responses by high-content methods. These approaches
      are still rarely combined to create microphysiological systems. The complexity of
      the combination of these technologies can generate results closer to the in vivo
      situation but increases the number of parameters to control, bringing some new
      challenges. In fact, we do not argue that all cell culture needs to be that
      sophisticated. The efforts taken are determined by the purpose of our experiments
      and tests. If only a very specific molecular target to cell response is of
      interest, a very simple model, which reflects this, might be much more suited to
      allow standardization and high-throughput. However, the less defined the end
      point of interest and cellular response are, the better we should approximate
      organ- or tissue-like culture conditions to make physiological responses more
      probable. Besides these technologic advances, important progress in the quality
      assurance and reporting on cell cultures as well as the validation of cellular
      test systems brings the utility of cell cultures to a new level. The advancement
      and broader implementation of Good Cell Culture Practice (GCCP) is key here. In
      toxicology, this is a major prerequisite for meaningful and reliable results,
      ultimately supporting risk assessment and product development decisions.

PMID- 28092942
TI  - Advances in Structural and Single-Molecule Methods for Investigating DNA Lesion
      Bypass and Repair Polymerases.
AB  - Innovative advances in X-ray crystallography and single-molecule biophysics have
      yielded unprecedented insight into the mechanisms of DNA lesion bypass and damage
      repair. Time-dependent X-ray crystallography has been successfully applied to
      view the bypass of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanine (8-oxoG), a major oxidative
      DNA lesion, and the incorporation of the triphosphate form, 8-oxo-dGTP, catalyzed
      by human DNA polymerase beta. Significant findings of these studies are
      highlighted here, and their contributions to the current mechanistic
      understanding of mutagenic translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) and base excision
      repair are discussed. In addition, single-molecule Forster resonance energy
      transfer (smFRET) techniques have recently been adapted to investigate nucleotide
      binding and incorporation opposite undamaged dG and 8-oxoG by Sulfolobus
      solfataricus DNA polymerase IV (Dpo4), a model Y-family DNA polymerase. The
      mechanistic response of Dpo4 to a DNA lesion and the complex smFRET technique are
      described here. In this perspective, we also describe how time-dependent X-ray
      crystallography and smFRET can be used to achieve the spatial and temporal
      resolutions necessary to answer some of the mechanistic questions that remain in
      the fields of TLS and DNA damage repair.

PMID- 28092944
TI  - Reaction Chemistry to Characterize the Molecular Initiating Event in Skin
      Sensitization: A Journey to Be Continued.
AB  - The publication by the OECD of the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for skin
      sensitization has accelerated the development and validation of mechanistic tests
      and testing strategies to assess the potential of new molecules to trigger skin
      allergies. The molecular initiating event (MIE) in the AOP is reaction with skin
      peptides/proteins. It is followed by a number of cellular events. Currently, only
      one in chemico test to characterize the MIE was proposed to and underwent
      adoption by the OECD, while two cell-based assays have completed the process. A
      multitude of further cellular assays is currently in the validation pipeline, but
      no further reactivity test has gone through full standardization. Here, we review
      data on in chemico methods, identify gaps, and discuss how these methods can be
      improved to better characterize the MIE and to become even more informative. We
      focus on the importance of kinetics, the information gained from studying adduct
      formation, and the difficulties posed by side reactions such as peptide
      oxidation. We then highlight mechanistic insights from reaction chemistry: the
      relative contribution of different target nucleophiles, the migration of amino
      acid modifications, and the potential of peptide-cross-linking. We illustrate in
      a case study how kinetic in chemico methods might have been used to better
      predict the risk of three preservatives, which have led to serious epidemics of
      contact dermatitis. In a case study on Michael acceptors, we show the impact of
      additional substituents around the electrophilic olefin moiety on reactivity, and
      we highlight the shortcomings which current in silico methods to predict reaction
      chemistry still have, illustrating the need for experimental in chemico data to
      improve such models. Finally, based on the information reviewed and the presented
      case studies, a strong argument is made to continue the journey of developing
      nonredundant, informative in chemico methods, and not to solely focus on new cell
      based methods to further populate the AOP for skin sensitization.

PMID- 28092945
TI  - Nicotine Metabolism and Smoking: Ethnic Differences in the Role of P450 2A6.
AB  - Nicotine is the primary addictive agent in tobacco, and P450 2A6 (gene name:
      CYP2A6) is the primary catalyst of nicotine metabolism. It was proposed more than
      20 years ago that individuals who metabolize nicotine poorly would smoke less,
      either fewer cigarettes per day or less intensely per cigarette, compared to
      smokers who metabolize nicotine more efficiently. These poor metabolizers would
      then be less likely to develop lung cancer due to their lower exposure to the
      many carcinogens delivered with nicotine in each puff of smoke. Numerous studies
      have reported that smokers who carry reduced activity or null CYP2A6 alleles do
      smoke less. Yet only in Asian populations, both Japanese and Chinese, which have
      a high prevalence of genetic variants, has a link between CYP2A6, smoking dose,
      and lung cancer been established. In other ethnic groups, it has been challenging
      to confirm a direct link between P450 2A6-mediated nicotine metabolism and the
      risk of lung cancer. This challenge is due in part to the difficulty in
      accurately quantifying smoking dose and accurately predicting or measuring P450
      2A6-mediated nicotine metabolism. Biomarkers of nicotine metabolism and smoking
      exposure, including the ratio of trans-3-hydroxycotine to cotinine, a measure of
      P450 2A6 activity and plasma cotinine, or urinary total nicotine equivalents (the
      sum of nicotine and six metabolites) as measures of exposure are useful for
      addressing this challenge. However, to take full advantage of these biomarkers in
      the study of ethnic/racial differences in the risk of lung cancer requires the
      complete characterization of nicotine metabolism across ethnic/racial groups.
      Variation in metabolism pathways, other than those catalyzed by P450 2A6, can
      impact biomarkers of both nicotine metabolism and dose. This is clearly important
      for smokers with low levels of UGT2B10-catalyzed nicotine and cotinine
      glucuronidation because the UGT2B10 genotype influences plasma cotinine levels.
      Cotinine is not glucuronidated in 15% of African American smokers (compared to 1%
      of Whites) due to the prevalence of a UGT2B10 splice variant. This variant
      contributes significantly to the higher plasma cotinine levels per cigarette in
      this group and may also influence the accuracy of the 3HCOT to cotinine ratio as
      a measure of P450 2A6 activity.

PMID- 28092943
TI  - Context Matters: Contribution of Specific DNA Adducts to the Genotoxic Properties
      of the Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamine NNK.
AB  - The tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone
      (NNK) is a potent pulmonary carcinogen in laboratory animals. It is classified as
      a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Cancer Research. NNK
      is bioactivated upon cytochrome P450 catalyzed hydroxylation of the carbon atoms
      adjacent to the nitrosamino group to both methylating and pyridyloxobutylating
      agents. Both pathways generate a spectrum of DNA damage that contributes to the
      overall mutagenic and toxic properties of this compound. NNK is also reduced to
      form 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), which is also
      carcinogenic. Like NNK, NNAL requires metabolic activation to DNA alkylating
      agents. Methyl hydroxylation of NNAL generates pyridylhydroxybutyl DNA adducts,
      and methylene hydroxylation leads to DNA methyl adducts. The consequence of this
      complex metabolism is that NNK generates a vast spectrum of DNA damage, any form
      of which can contribute to the overall carcinogenic properties of this potent
      pulmonary carcinogen. This Perspective reviews the chemistry and genotoxic
      properties of the collection of DNA adducts formed from NNK. In addition, it
      provides evidence that multiple adducts contribute to the overall carcinogenic
      properties of this chemical. The adduct that contributes to the genotoxic effects
      of NNK depends on the context, such as the relative amounts of each DNA
      alkylating pathway occurring in the model system, the levels and genetic variants
      of key repair enzymes, and the gene targeted for mutation.

PMID- 28092947
TI  - Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Metabolic Activation Pathways Leading to Liver Tumor
      Initiation.
AB  - Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and PA N-oxides are a class of phytochemical
      carcinogens contained in over 6000 plant species spread around the world. It has
      been estimated that approximately half of the 660 PAs and PA N-oxides that have
      been characterized are cytotoxic, genotoxic, and tumorigenic. It was recently
      determined that a genotoxic mechanism of liver tumor initiation mediated by PA
      derived DNA adducts is a common metabolic activation pathway of a number of PAs.
      We proposed this set of PA-derived DNA adducts could be a common biological
      biomarker of PA exposure and a potential biomarker of PA-induced liver tumor
      formation. We have also found that several reactive secondary pyrrolic
      metabolites can dissociate and interconvert to other secondary pyrrolic
      metabolites, resulting in the formation of the same exogenous DNA adducts. This
      present perspective reports the current progress on these new findings and
      proposes future research needed for obtaining a greater understanding of the role
      of this activation pathway and validating the use of this set of PA-derived DNA
      adducts as a biological biomarker of PA-induced liver tumor initiation.

PMID- 28092946
TI  - Carcinogenesis of the Oral Cavity: Environmental Causes and Potential Prevention
      by Black Raspberry.
AB  - Worldwide, cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx comprise the sixth most common
      malignancies. Histologically, more than 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC). Epidemiologic data strongly support the role of exogenous
      factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and human papilloma virus infection as major
      causative agents. Avoidance of risk factors has only been partially successful,
      and survival rates have not improved despite advances in therapeutic approaches.
      Therefore, new or improved approaches to prevention and/or early detection are
      critical. Better understanding of the mechanisms of oral carcinogenesis can
      assist in the development of novel biomarkers for early detection and strategies
      for disease prevention. Toward this goal, several animal models for
      carcinogenesis in the oral cavity have been developed. Among these are xenograft,
      and transgenic animal models, and others employing the synthetic carcinogens such
      as 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in hamster cheek pouch and 4-nitroquinoline-N
      oxide in rats and mice. Additional animal models employing environmental
      carcinogens such as benzo[a]pyrene and N'-nitrosonornicotine have been reported.
      Each model has certain advantages and disadvantages. Models that (1) utilize
      environmental carcinogens, (2) reflect tumor heterogeneity, and (3) accurately
      represent the cellular and molecular changes involved in the initiation and
      progression of oral cancer in humans could provide a realistic platform. To
      achieve this goal, we introduced a novel nonsurgical mouse model to study oral
      carcinogenesis induced by dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DB[a,l]P), an environmental
      pollutant and tobacco smoke constituent, and its diol epoxide metabolite (+/-)
      anti-11,12-dihydroxy-13,14-epoxy-11,12,13,14-tetrahydrodibenzo[a,l]pyrene [(+/-)
      anti-DB[a,l]PDE]. On the basis of a detailed comparison of oral cancer induced by
      DB[a,l]P with that induced by the other above-mentioned oral carcinogens with
      respect to dose, duration, species and strain, cellular and molecular targets,
      and relative carcinogenic potency, our animal model may offer a more realistic
      platform to study oral carcinogenesis. In this perspective, we also discuss our
      preclinical studies to demonstrate the potential of black raspberry extracts on
      the prevention of OSCC. Specifically, we were the first to demonstrate that black
      raspberry inhibited DB[a,l]P-DNA binding and of particular importance its
      capacity to enhance the repair of DB[a,l]P-induced bulky lesions in DNA. We
      believe that the information presented in this perspective will stimulate further
      research on the impact of environmental carcinogens in the development of oral
      cancer and may lead to novel strategies toward the control and prevention of this
      disease.

PMID- 28092949
TI  - Label-Free Separation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with Anti-SSEA-1 Antibody
      Immobilized Microfluidic Channel.
AB  - When induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are routinely cultured, the obtained
      cells are a heterogeneous mixture, including feeder cells and partially
      differentiated cells. Therefore, a purification process is required to use them
      in a clinical stage. We described a label-free separation of iPSCs using a
      microfluidic channel. Antibodies against stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 (SSEA
      1) was covalently immobilized on the channel coated with a phospholipid polymer.
      After injection of the heterogeneous cell suspension containing iPSCs, the
      velocity of cell movement under a liquid flow condition was measured. The mean
      velocity of the cell movement was 2.1 mm/sec in the unmodified channel, while
      that in the channel with the immobilized-antibody was 0.4 mm/sec. The eluted
      cells were fractionated by eluting time. As a result, the SSEA-1 positive iPSCs
      were mainly contained in later fractions, and the proportion of iPSCs was
      increased from 43% to 82% as a comparison with the initial cell suspension. These
      results indicated that iPSCs were selectively separated by the microfluidic
      channel. This channel is a promising device for label-free separation of iPSCs
      based on their pluripotent state.

PMID- 28092948
TI  - Oral Cell DNA Adducts as Potential Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Susceptibility in
      Cigarette Smokers.
AB  - This perspective considers the use of oral cell DNA adducts, together with
      exposure and genetic information, to potentially identify those cigarette smokers
      at highest risk for lung cancer, so that appropriate preventive measures could be
      initiated at a relatively young age before too much damage has been done. There
      are now well established and validated analytical methods for the quantitation of
      urinary and serum metabolites of tobacco smoke toxicants and carcinogens. These
      metabolites provide a profile of exposure and in some cases lung cancer risk, but
      they do not yield information on the critical DNA damage parameter that leads to
      mutations in cancer growth control genes such as KRAS and TP53. Studies
      demonstrate a correlation between changes in the oral cavity and lung in
      cigarette smokers, due to the field effect of tobacco smoke. Oral cell DNA is
      readily obtained in contrast to DNA samples from the lung. Studies in which oral
      cell DNA and salivary DNA have been analyzed for specific DNA adducts are
      reviewed; some of the adducts identified have also been previously reported in
      lung DNA from smokers. The multiple challenges of developing a panel of oral cell
      DNA adducts that could be routinely quantified by mass spectrometry are
      discussed.

PMID- 28092950
TI  - Two-Phase Contiguous Supported Lipid Bilayer Model for Membrane Rafts via Polymer
      Blotting and Stenciling.
AB  - The supported lipid bilayer has been portrayed as a useful model of the cell
      membrane compatible with many biophysical tools and techniques that demonstrate
      its appeal in learning about the basic features of the plasma membrane. However,
      some of its potential has yet to be realized, particularly in the area of bilayer
      patterning and phase/composition heterogeneity. In this work, we generate
      contiguous bilayer patterns as a model system that captures the general features
      of membrane domains and lipid rafts. Micropatterned polymer templates of two
      types are investigated for generating patterned bilayer formation: polymer
      blotting and polymer lift-off stenciling. While these approaches have been used
      previously to create bilayer arrays by corralling bilayers patches with various
      types of boundaries impenetrable to bilayer diffusion, unique to the methods
      presented here, there are no physical barriers to diffusion. In this work,
      interfaces between contiguous lipid phases define the pattern shapes, with
      continuity between them allowing transfer of membrane-bound biomolecules between
      the phases. We examine effectors of membrane domain stability including
      temperature and cholesterol content to investigate domain dynamics. Contiguous
      patterning of supported bilayers as a model of lipid rafts expands the
      application of the SLB to an area with current appeal and brings with it a useful
      toolset for characterization and analysis. These combined tools should be helpful
      to researchers investigating lipid raft dynamics and function and biomolecule
      partitioning studies. Additionally, this patterning technique may be useful for
      applications such as bioseparations that exploit differences in lipid phase
      partitioning or creation of membranes that bind species like viruses
      preferentially at lipid phase boundaries, to name a few.

PMID- 28092951
TI  - CuSO4/H2O2-Triggered Polydopamine/Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) Coatings for
      Antifouling Membrane Surfaces.
AB  - Mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) coatings have been broadly exploited for
      constructing functional membrane surfaces. One-step codeposition of PDA with
      antifouling polymers, especially zwitterionic polymers, has been regarded as a
      promising strategy for fabricating antifouling membrane surfaces. However, one
      challenge is that the codeposition is usually a slow process over 10 h or even
      several days. Herein, we report that CuSO4/H2O2 is able to notably accelerate the
      codeposition process of PDA with poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA). In our
      case, PSBMA is facilely anchored to the polypropylene microporous membrane (PPMM)
      surfaces within 1 h with the assistance of PDA because of its strong interfacial
      adhesion. The PDA/PSBMA-coated PPMMs show excellent surface hydrophilicity, high
      water permeation flux (7506 +/- 528 L/m2.h at 0.1 MPa), and an outstanding
      antifouling property. Moreover, the antifouling property is maintained after the
      membranes are treated with acid and alkali solutions as well as organic solvents.
      To recap, it provides a facile, universal, and time-saving strategy for
      exploiting high-efficiency and durable antifouling membrane surfaces.

PMID- 28092952
TI  - Total Synthesis of Zaragozic Acid C: Implementation of Photochemical C(sp3)-H
      Acylation.
AB  - Zaragozic acid C (1) was isolated as a potent squalene synthase inhibitor. The
      2,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane core of 1 is decorated with the three
      hydroxycarbonyl (C3,4,5), two hydroxy (C4,7), one acyloxy (C6), and one alkyl
      (C1) groups. Installation of the contiguous C4- and C5-fully substituted carbons
      presents a formidable synthetic challenge. Our approach to address this problem
      used a two-step photochemical C(sp3)-H acylation. Persilylated d-gluconolactone 4
      was derivatized into 3 with the 1,2-diketone moiety at the C5-tetrasubstituted
      center. Norrish-Yang cyclization of 3 under violet LED irradiation followed by
      oxidative opening of the resultant alpha-hydroxycyclobutanone regio- and
      stereoselectively transformed the electron-rich tertiary C(sp3)-H bond at C4 into
      a C(sp3)-C bond to produce densely functionalized 2. A subsequent series of
      judicious functional group transformations gave rise to 1.

PMID- 28092953
TI  - Sub-10 nm Nanopattern Architecture for 2D Material Field-Effect Transistors.
AB  - Two-dimensional materials (2DMs) are competitive candidates in replacing or
      supplementing conventional semiconductors owing to their atomically uniform
      thickness. However, current conventional micro/nanofabrication technologies
      realize hardly ultrashort channel and integration, especially for sub-10 nm.
      Meanwhile, experimental device performance associated with the scaling of
      dimension needs to be investigated, due to the short channel effects. Here, we
      show a novel and universal technological method to fabricate sub-10 nm gaps with
      sharp edges and steep sidewalls. The realization of sub-10 nm gaps derives from a
      corrosion crack along the cleavage plane of Bi2O3. By this method, ultrathin body
      field-effect transistors (FETs), consisting of 8.2 nm channel length, 6 nm high-k
      dielectric, and 0.7 nm monolayer MoS2, exhibit no obvious short channel effects.
      The corresponding current on/off ratio and subthreshold swing reaches to 106 and
      140 mV/dec, respectively. Moreover, integrated circuits with sub-10 nm channel
      are capable of operating as digital inverters with high voltage gain. The results
      suggest our technological method can be used to fabricate the ultrashort channel
      nanopatterns, build the experimental groundwork for 2DMs FETs with sub-10 nm
      channel length and 2DMs integrated circuits, and offer new potential
      opportunities for large-scale device constructions and applications.

PMID- 28092955
TI  - Flow optimization in vascular networks.
AB  - The development of mathematical models for studying phenomena observed in
      vascular networks is very useful for its potential applications in medicine and
      physiology. Detailed 3D studies of flow in the arterial system based on the
      Navier-Stokes equations require high computational power, hence reduced models
      are often used, both for the constitutive laws and the spatial domain. In order
      to capture the major features of the phenomena under study, such as variations in
      arterial pressure and flow velocity, the resulting PDE models on networks require
      appropriate junction and boundary conditions. Instead of considering an entire
      network, we simulate portions of the latter and use inflow and outflow conditions
      which realistically mimic the behavior of the network that has not been included
      in the spatial domain. The resulting PDEs are solved numerically using a
      discontinuous Galerkin scheme for the spatial and Adam-Bashforth method for the
      temporal discretization. The aim is to study the effect of truncation to the flow
      in the root edge of a fractal network, the effect of adding or subtracting an
      edge to a given network, and optimal control strategies on a network in the event
      of a blockage or unblockage of an edge or of an entire subtree.

PMID- 28092954
TI  - Modeling and simulation for toxicity assessment.
AB  - The effect of various toxicants on growth/death and morphology of human cells is
      investigated using the xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analysis High Troughput in
      vitro assay. The cell index is measured as a proxy for the number of cells, and
      for each test substance in each cell line, time-dependent concentration response
      curves (TCRCs) are generated. In this paper we propose a mathematical model to
      study the effect of toxicants with various initial concentrations on the cell
      index. This model is based on the logistic equation and linear kinetics. We
      consider a three dimensional system of differential equations with variables
      corresponding to the cell index, the intracellular concentration of toxicant, and
      the extracellular concentration of toxicant. To efficiently estimate the model's
      parameters, we design an Expectation Maximization algorithm. The model is
      validated by showing that it accurately represents the information provided by
      the TCRCs recorded after the experiments. Using stability analysis and numerical
      simulations, we determine the lowest concentration of toxin that can kill the
      cells. This information can be used to better design experimental studies for
      cytotoxicity profiling assessment.

PMID- 28092956
TI  - Mathematical analysis of a quorum sensing induced biofilm dispersal model and
      numerical simulation of hollowing effects.
AB  - We analyze a mathematical model of quorum sensing induced biofilm dispersal. It
      is formulated as a system of non-linear, density-dependent, diffusion-reaction
      equations. The governing equation for the sessile biomass comprises two non
      linear diffusion effects, a degeneracy as in the porous medium equation and fast
      diffusion. This equation is coupled with three semi-linear diffusion-reaction
      equations for the concentrations of growth limiting nutrients, autoinducers, and
      dispersed cells. We prove the existence and uniqueness of bounded non-negative
      solutions of this system and study the behavior of the model in numerical
      simulations, where we focus on hollowing effects in established biofilms.

PMID- 28092957
TI  - Germinal center dynamics during acute and chronic infection.
AB  - The ability of the immune system to clear pathogens is limited during chronic
      virus infections where potent long-lived plasma and memory B-cells are produced
      only after germinal center B-cells undergo many rounds of somatic hypermutations.
      In this paper, we investigate the mechanisms of germinal center B-cell formation
      by developing mathematical models for the dynamics of B-cell somatic
      hypermutations. We use the models to determine how B-cell selection and
      competition for T follicular helper cells and antigen influences the size and
      composition of germinal centers in acute and chronic infections. We predict that
      the T follicular helper cells are a limiting resource in driving large numbers of
      somatic hypermutations and present possible mechanisms that can revert this
      limitation in the presence of non-mutating and mutating antigen.

PMID- 28092958
TI  - Moments of von Mises and Fisher distributions and applications.
AB  - The von Mises and Fisher distributions are spherical analogues to the Normal
      distribution on the unit circle and unit sphere, respectively. The computation of
      their moments, and in particular the second moment, usually involves solving
      tedious trigonometric integrals. Here we present a new method to compute the
      moments of spherical distributions, based on the divergence theorem. This method
      allows a clear derivation of the second moments and can be easily generalized to
      higher dimensions. In particular we note that, to our knowledge, the variance
      covariance matrix of the three dimensional Fisher distribution has not previously
      been explicitly computed. While the emphasis of this paper lies in calculating
      the moments of spherical distributions, their usefulness is motivated by their
      relationship to population statistics in animal/cell movement models and
      demonstrated in applications to the modelling of sea turtle navigation, wolf
      movement and brain tumour growth.

PMID- 28092959
TI  - Mixed vaccination strategy for the control of tuberculosis: A case study in
      China.
AB  - This study first presents a mathematical model of TB transmission considering BCG
      vaccination compartment to investigate the transmission dynamics nowadays. Based
      on data reported by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the basic
      reproduction number is estimated approximately as R0=1.1892. To reach the new End
      TB goal raised by WHO in 2015, considering the health system in China, we design
      a mixed vaccination strategy. Theoretical analysis indicates that the infectious
      population asymptotically tends to zero with the new vaccination strategy which
      is the combination of constant vaccination and pulse vaccination. We obtain that
      the control of TB is quicker to achieve with the mixed vaccination. The new
      strategy can make the best of current constant vaccination, and the periodic
      routine health examination provides an operable environment for implementing
      pulse vaccination in China. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the
      theoretical results and help to design the final mixed vaccination strategy once
      the new vaccine comes out.

PMID- 28092960
TI  - Mathematical analysis and dynamic active subspaces for a long term model of HIV.
AB  - a long-term model of HIV infection dynamics [8] was developed to describe the
      entire time course of the disease. It consists of a large system of ODEs with
      many parameters, and is expensive to simulate. In the current paper, this model
      is analyzed by determining all infection-free steady states and studying the
      local stability properties of the unique biologically-relevant equilibrium.
      Active subspace methods are then used to perform a global sensitivity analysis
      and study the dependence of an infected individual's T-cell count on the
      parameter space. Building on these results, a global-in-time approximation of the
      T-cell count is created by constructing dynamic active subspaces and reduced
      order models are generated, thereby allowing for inexpensive computation.

PMID- 28092961
TI  - Effect of the epidemiological heterogeneity on the outbreak outcomes.
AB  - Multi-host pathogens infect and are transmitted by different kinds of hosts and,
      therefore, the host heterogeneity may have a great impact on the outbreak outcome
      of the system. This paper deals with the following problem: consider the system
      of interacting and mixed populations of hosts epidemiologically different, what
      would be the outbreak outcome for each host population composing the system as a
      result of mixing in comparison to the situation with zero mixing? To address this
      issue we have characterized the epidemic response function for a single-host
      population and defined a heterogeneity index measuring how host systems are
      epidemiologically different in terms of generation time, basic reproduction
      number R0 and, therefore, epidemic response function. Based on the individual
      epidemiological characteristics of populations, with heterogeneities and mixing
      affinities, the response of subpopulations in a multi-host system is compared to
      that of a single-host system. The case of a two-host system, in which the
      infection transmission depends solely on the infection susceptibility of the
      receiver, is analyzed in detail. Three types of responses are observed: dilution,
      amplification or no effect, corresponding to lower, higher or equal attack rates,
      respectively, for a host population in an interacting multi-host system compared
      to the zero-mixing situation. We find that no effect is generally observed for
      zero heterogeneity. A dilution effect is always observed for all the host
      populations when their individual R0,i < 1. Whereas, when at least one of the
      individual R0,i > 1, then the hosts ''i'' with R0,i > R0,j undergo a dilution
      effect while the hosts ''j'' undergo an amplification effect.

PMID- 28092962
TI  - Effects of selection and mutation on epidemiology of X-linked genetic diseases.
AB  - The epidemiology of X-linked recessive diseases, a class of genetic disorders, is
      modeled with a discrete-time, structured, non linear mathematical system. The
      model accounts for both de novo mutations (i.e., affected sibling born to
      unaffected parents) and selection (i.e., distinct fitness rates depending on
      individual's health conditions). Assuming that the population is constant over
      generations and relying on Lyapunov theory we found the domain of attraction of
      model's equilibrium point and studied the convergence properties of the
      degenerate equilibrium where only affected individuals survive. Examples of
      applications of the proposed model to two among the most common X-linked
      recessive diseases (namely the red and green color blindness and the Hemophilia
      A) are described.

PMID- 28092963
TI  - Mathematical modeling of continuous and intermittent androgen suppression for the
      treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer among men. It is
      stimulated by the androgens, or male sexual hormones, which circulate in the
      blood and diffuse into the tissue where they stimulate the prostate tumor to
      grow. One of the most important treatments for advanced prostate cancer has
      become androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). In this paper we present three
      different models of ADT for prostate cancer: continuous androgen suppression
      (CAS), intermittent androgen suppression (IAS), and periodic androgen
      suppression. Currently, many patients in the U.S. receive CAS therapy of ADT, but
      many undergo a relapse after several years and experience adverse side effects
      while receiving treatment. Some clinical studies have introduced various IAS
      regimens in order to delay the time to relapse, and/or to reduce the economic
      costs and adverse side effects. We will compute and analyze parameter sensitivity
      analysis for CAS and IAS which may give insight to plan effective data collection
      in a future clinical trial. Moreover, a periodic model for IAS is used to develop
      an analytical formulation for relapse times which then provides information about
      the sensitivity of relapse to the parameters in our models.

PMID- 28092964
TI  - A note on the global properties of an age-structured viral dynamic model with
      multiple target cell populations.
AB  - Some viruses can infect different classes of cells. The age of infection can
      affect the dynamics of infected cells and viral production. Here we develop a
      viral dynamic model with the age of infection and multiple target cell
      populations. Using the methods of semigroup and Lyapunov function, we study the
      global asymptotic property of the steady states of the model. The results show
      that when the basic reproductive number falls below 1, the infection is predicted
      to die out. When the basic reproductive number exceeds 1, there exists a unique
      infected steady state which is globally asymptotically stable. The model can be
      extended to study virus dynamics with multiple compartments or coinfection by
      multiple types of viruses. We also show that under some scenarios the age
      structured model can be reduced to an ordinary differential equation system with
      or without time delays.

PMID- 28092965
TI  - A national analysis of dental waiting lists and point-in-time geographic access
      to subsidised dental care: can geographic access be improved by offering public
      dental care through private dental clinics?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Australia is one of the least densely populated countries in the
      world, with a population concentrated on or around coastal areas. Up to 33% of
      the Australian population are likely to have untreated dental decay, while people
      with inadequate dentition (fewer than 21 teeth) account for up to 34% of
      Australian adults. Historically, inadequate access to public dental care has
      resulted in long waiting lists, received much media coverage and been the subject
      of a new federal and state initiative. The objective of this research was to
      gauge the potential for reducing the national dental waiting list through
      geographical advantage, which could arise from subcontracting the delivery of
      subsidised dental care to the existing network of private dental clinics across
      Australia. METHODS: Eligible population data were collected from the Australian
      Bureau of Statistics website. Waiting list data from across Australia were
      collected from publicly available sources and confirmed through direct
      communication with each individual state or territory dental health body. Quantum
      geographic information system software was used to map distribution of the
      eligible population across Australia by statistical area, and to plot locations
      of government and private dental clinics. Catchment areas of 5 km for
      metropolitan clinics and 5 km and 50 km for rural clinics were defined. The
      number of people on the waiting list and those eligible for subsidised dental
      care covered by each of the catchment areas was calculated. Percentage of the
      eligible population and those on the waiting list that could benefit from the
      potential improvement in geographic access was ascertained for metropolitan and
      rural residents. RESULTS: Fifty three percent of people on the waiting list
      resided within metropolitan areas. Rural and remote residents made up 47% of the
      population waiting to receive care. The utilisation of both government and
      private dental clinics for the delivery of subsidised dental care to the eligible
      population has the potential to improve geographic access for up to 25% of those
      residing within metropolitan areas and up to 59% for eligible country residents.
      CONCLUSIONS: This research finds that utilisation of the existing network of
      private dental practices across Australia for delivery of subsidised dental care
      could dramatically increase geographic reach, reduce waiting lists, and possibly
      make good oral health a more realistic goal to achieve for the economically
      disadvantaged members of the community. In addition, this approach has the
      potential to improve service availability in rural and remote areas for entire
      communities where existing socioeconomic dynamics do not foster new practice
      start-up.

PMID- 28092966
TI  - Avian influenza prevalence among hunter-harvested birds in a remote Canadian
      First Nation community.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Avian influenza virus (AIV) prevalence has been associated with
      wild game and other bird species. The contamination of these birds may pose a
      greater risk to those who regularly hunt and consumed infected species. Due to
      resident concerns communicated by local Band Council, hunter-harvested birds from
      a remote First Nation community in subArctic Ontario, Canada were assessed for
      AIV. Hunters, and especially those who live a subsistence lifestyle, are at
      higher risk of AIV exposure due to their increased contact with wild birds, which
      represent an important part of their diet. METHODS: Cloacal swabs from 304
      harvested game birds representing several species of wild birds commonly hunted
      and consumed in this First Nation community were analyzed for AIV using real-time
      reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Subtyping was performed using
      reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Sequences were assembled using
      Lasergene, and the sequences were compared to Genbank. RESULTS: In total, 16 of
      the 304 cloacal swab samples were positive for AIV. Of the 16 positive samples,
      12 were found in mallard ducks, 3 were found in snow geese (wavies), and 1
      positive sample was found in partridge. The AIV samples were subtyped, when
      possible, and found to be positive for the low pathogenic avian influenza virus
      subtypes H3 and H4. No samples were positive for subtypes of human concern,
      namely H5 and H7. CONCLUSIONS: This work represents the first AIV monitoring
      program results of hunter-harvested birds in a remote subsistence First Nation
      community. Community-level surveillance of AIV in remote subsistence hunting
      communities may help to identify future risks, while educating those who may have
      the highest exposure about proper handling of hunted birds. Ultimately, only low
      pathogenic strains of AIV were found, but monitoring should be continued and
      expanded to safeguard those with the highest exposure risk to AIV.

PMID- 28092967
TI  - Disparities in dental health of rural Australians: hospitalisation rates and
      utilisation of public dental services in three communities in North Queensland.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The oral health of rural Australians continues to lag behind that
      of those living in metropolitan areas. Research has shown that people living in
      rural areas are more likely to suffer from dental caries (decay), visit the
      dentist less often and have poorer access to oral health services. The purpose of
      the study was to examine hospitalisations for dental conditions and utilisation
      of public dental services in three rural communities in Queensland compared with
      the whole of Queensland. METHODS: Aggregated hospitalisation data for dental
      conditions and counts of public outpatient service data were requested for
      residents of three rural communities in Queensland and for the whole of
      Queensland for the calendar year 2013. Hospitalisation rates per 1000 and risk
      ratios were calculated to examine the risk of hospitalisation for dental
      procedures for those living in the selected rural communities and the rest of
      Queensland. Data were grouped by gender, age and Indigenous status and
      comparisons made between Queensland and the rural communities. Outpatient service
      data were converted to percentage of all services delivered to allow comparisons
      between groups of different sizes. Population data were grouped into age cohorts
      and compared with the proportion of public oral health services delivered to each
      age cohort. RESULTS: Residents of the rural communities were twice as likely to
      be hospitalised and children aged 0-14 years living in the communities were three
      times more likely to be hospitalised for dental conditions compared to residents
      of the rest of Queensland. Outpatient oral service data showed that the
      proportion of services delivered to children aged up to 14 years living in the
      rural communities was less than the whole of Queensland. Interestingly, in one
      rural community where the public dental service was open to all, the distribution
      of public oral health services aligned with the age distribution of the
      population. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that residents of these rural
      communities experience poorer oral health and are a greater risk of
      hospitalisation for dental conditions compared with the whole of Queensland.
      Whilst public dental services account for a small proportion of all dental care
      across the state, service utilisation data provide a unique insight into the
      population groups who may not be accessing public dental services. In the rural
      context, more effective use of the local workforce and a flexible approach to
      funding models could have a positive impact on access to dental care.

PMID- 28092968
TI  - Effect of Suture Caliber and Number of Core Strands on Repair of Acute Achilles
      Ruptures: A Biomechanical Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the ideal Achilles rupture treatment;
      however, operative treatment is considered for athletes and active patients. The
      ideal repair construct is evolving, and the effect of suture caliber or number of
      core strands has not been studied. METHODS: Simulated mid-substance Achilles
      ruptures were performed in 24 cadavers. Specimens were randomized to three 6-core
      strand style repair constructs: (1) 4 No. 2 sutures and two 2-mm tapes (2T); (2)
      2 No. 2 sutures and four 2-mm tapes (4T); (3) 12 (double-6-strand) strand repair
      (12 No. 2-0 sutures [12S]). Repairs were subjected to a cyclic loading protocol
      representative of postoperative rehabilitation. These data were compared to a
      previously published standard open repair technique (6-core strands with No. 2
      sutures) on 9 specimens tested under the same conditions.6 Results: No
      significant elongation differences were observed between the repair groups and
      the previously published standard repair group in the first 2 stages of the
      simulated rehabilitation protocol. Both the 2T and 12S repairs survived a
      significantly greater number of cycles to failure ( P = 0.0005, P = 0.0267,
      respectively) and had a significantly higher failure load ( P = .0005, P = .0118,
      respectively) compared to the previously published data. These 2 constructs
      consistently survived the advanced stages of the simulated rehabilitation
      protocol. The majority of repairs failed at the knots. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      study, the 2T and 12S constructs survived the later stages of our simulated
      rehabilitation protocol, suggesting that they may be able to accommodate a more
      aggressive clinical rehabilitation protocol. Substituting suture-tape for 2 core
      strands or doubling the core strands with a smaller-caliber suture created a
      biomechanically stronger construct. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Achilles repair with an
      added nonabsorbable, high-tensile strength tape allowed for a stronger construct
      that may allow for a more aggressive, early rehabilitation protocol and earlier
      return to function.

PMID- 28092969
TI  - Problem Internet Use and Internet Gaming Disorder: a survey of health literacy
      among psychiatrists from Australia and New Zealand.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Research is limited on psychiatrists' opinions on the concepts of
      Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and Problematic Internet Use (PIU). We aimed to
      assess health literacy among psychiatrists on IGD/PIU. METHODS: A self-report
      survey was administered online to members of the Royal Australia and New Zealand
      College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) ( n=289). RESULTS: The majority (93.7%) were
      familiar with the concepts of IGD/PIU. The majority (78.86%) thought it is
      possible to be 'addicted' to non-gaming internet content, and 76.12% thought non
      gaming addictions could possibly be included in classificatory systems. Forty
      eight (35.6%) felt that IGD maybe common in their practice. Only 22 (16.3%) felt
      they were confident in managing IGD. Child psychiatrists were more likely to
      screen routinely for IGD (11/45 vs. 7/95; Fishers Exact test chi2=7.95, df=1,
      p<0.01) and were more likely to elicit specific symptoms of addiction (16/45 vs.
      9/95; Fishers Exact test chi2=14.16, df=1, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend
      adoption of terms alternate to PIU/IGD which are more in line with the content of
      material irrespective of medium of access. Screening instruments/ protocols are
      needed to assist in early diagnosis and service planning. Barriers to screening
      would need to be addressed both in research and service settings.

PMID- 28092970
TI  - Surgery of Anterior Skull Base Lesions in Children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lesions affecting the anterior skull base represent a rare group of
      craniofacial pathologies. A tumor of the facial midline, meningitis, or
      rhinoliquorrhea may be indicative of malformations like dermoid cysts, gliomas,
      encephaloceles, or nasal fistulas. METHODS: We present a case series of 13
      children (4 months to 12 years; 8 males, 5 females) with lesions involving the
      anterior skull base, which were treated surgically in an interdisciplinary
      setting. This case series includes cases of nasal fistulae (n = 5), nasal cysts
      (n = 5), aneurysmal bone cyst, nasal glioma, and meningoencephalocele (n = 1).
      RESULTS: All lesions were resected with a transnasal, transcutaneous, and/or
      transcranial approach with reconstruction of the anterior skull base if
      intracranial/intradural extension was detected. In 5 cases, a dura leakage was
      visible, which was sealed via Onlay-technique in 3 cases, whereas in 2 cases
      involving a greater dural defect, the GAP-CAS technique was performed. No
      complications occurred, and no recurrence was visible in a long-term follow-up.
      An algorithm for a systematic approach to these various pathologies is provided.
      CONCLUSION: Congenital pathologies of the anterior skull base are rare,
      challenging to diagnose, and present as clinical emergencies. An
      interdisciplinary surgical approach is needed for best functional and aesthetic
      results.

PMID- 28092971
TI  - Literature Review of Idiopathic Toe Walking: Etiology, Prevalence,
      Classification, and Treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: The main objective of this review is to gather the information available
      about idiopathic toe walking (ITW), its prevalence and classification, and
      possible therapeutic approaches. In addition, this review aims to clarify the
      differences between idiopathic toe walkers and tiptoe walkers with underlying
      neurological or muscle deficiency as primary conditions. Understanding its causes
      and learning to make a differential diagnosis will help determine the adequate
      therapeutic approach. METHODS: This is a review of different articles and case
      studies from 1967 to 2016. The information was gathered to update and unify all
      the information about ITW that has been published. CONCLUSION: The literature
      offers limited research regarding the possible etiology, prevalence,
      classification, and evaluation of ITW. This review puts together all the
      information regarding the etiology, prevalence, classifications, evaluation, and
      treatment of ITW. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

PMID- 28092972
TI  - Tracking Dynamic Interactions Between Structural and Functional Connectivity: A
      TMS/EEG-dMRI Study.
AB  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in combination with neuroimaging
      techniques allows to measure the effects of a direct perturbation of the brain.
      When coupled with high-density electroencephalography (TMS/hd-EEG), TMS pulses
      revealed electrophysiological signatures of different cortical modules in health
      and disease. However, the neural underpinnings of these signatures remain
      unclear. Here, by applying multimodal analyses of cortical response to TMS
      recordings and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) tractography, we
      investigated the relationship between functional and structural features of
      different cortical modules in a cohort of awake healthy volunteers. For each
      subject, we computed directed functional connectivity interactions between
      cortical areas from the source-reconstructed TMS/hd-EEG recordings and correlated
      them with the correspondent structural connectivity matrix extracted from dMRI
      tractography, in three different frequency bands (alpha, beta, gamma) and two
      sites of stimulation (left precuneus and left premotor). Each stimulated area
      appeared to mainly respond to TMS by being functionally elicited in specific
      frequency bands, that is, beta for precuneus and gamma for premotor. We also
      observed a temporary decrease in the whole-brain correlation between directed
      functional connectivity and structural connectivity after TMS in all frequency
      bands. Notably, when focusing on the stimulated areas only, we found that the
      structure-function correlation significantly increases over time in the premotor
      area controlateral to TMS. Our study points out the importance of taking into
      account the major role played by different cortical oscillations when
      investigating the mechanisms for integration and segregation of information in
      the human brain.

PMID- 28092973
TI  - Elevated ambulatory systolic-diastolic pressure regression index is genetically
      determined in hypertensive patients with coronary heart disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ambulatory systolic-diastolic pressure regression index (ASDPRI) as a
      composite marker of cardiovascular (CV) properties is related to CV
      complications. However, genetic determinants of ASDPRI are not known. The aim of
      this study is to report the relationship between certain single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNP) and ASDPRI in hypertensive patients with CAD confirmed by
      coronary angiography. METHODS: A total of 1345 hypertensive subjects with CAD
      were included. SNPs were selected from genome-wide association studies. SNPs were
      reported to be associated with coronary artery disease risk. There were
      significant differences in 24 h and daytime and nighttime ASDPRIs for PHCTR1, LPA
      and ADAMTS7 polymorphisms. Genetic risk score (GRS18) was constructed to evaluate
      additive effect of 18 SNPs for ASDPRI. RESULTS: Analysis of covariance revealed a
      significant relationship between the PPAB2B (beta - 0.85; 95 CI -1.85--0.16, p <
      0.02), WDR12 (beta - 1.31; 95 CI -2.19--0.43, p < 0.01) polymorphisms and
      nighttime ASDPRI dipping. Analysis of covariance revealed a significant
      relationship between GRS 18 and 24-h ASDPRI (beta 0.34; 95 CI 0.16-0.31, p <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, ADAMTS7 and LPA polymorphisms are related to
      24-h ASDPRI but PPAB2B and WDR12 gene polymorphisms are associated with nighttime
      ASDPRI dipping. A total of 24-h ASDPRI is determined by GRS18.

PMID- 28092974
TI  - The Development of a Brief Version of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory
      (PTCI-9).
AB  - Negative posttraumatic cognitions lead to the development and maintenance of
      posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. There is a need for a brief measure to
      assess these cognitions. Participants were administered the Posttraumatic
      Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) and measures of mental health symptomatology. These
      data were used to develop a brief version of the PTCI (PTCI-9) in 223 male and
      female veterans, which was then examined in a sample of 117 female civilians.
      Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated an acceptable fit in both samples. The
      PTCI-9 total and subscale scores showed strong internal consistencies (Cronbach's
      alphas = .80-.87) and strong correlations with the PTCI in veterans ( rs = .90
      .96) and civilians ( rs = .91-.96). Measurement invariance testing demonstrated
      partial invariance between the two samples. The PTCI-9 significantly correlated
      with measures of PTSD, depression, and quality of life. These findings
      demonstrate that the PTCI-9 is a reliable and valid measure of posttraumatic
      cognitions that can reduce patient and provider burden.

PMID- 28092975
TI  - Characterisation of the antiproliferative constituents and activity of Ficus
      exasperata (Vahl) on ovarian cancer cells -a preliminary investigation.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynaecological cancers today. This study
      therefore investigates the anticancer effects of Ficus exasperata extracts and
      fractions on ovarian cancer cells. The antiproliferative activity of the crude
      extracts (1 mg/mL) was assessed using the MTT assay on A2780 (ovarian cancer)
      cell line. Bio-activity guided fractionation was performed and preliminary
      identification was further achieved using high resolution mass spectrometry and
      nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All crude extracts tested exhibited
      antiproliferative activity except for the methanol extract which interestingly
      showed proliferative effects. Five fatty acids were identified from the active
      fractions (FB1-10 and FB1-12). FB1-12 exhibited an IC50 value of 15.20 MUg/mL.
      The least potent fraction (FB1-4 + 5) had an IC50 value of 34.51 MUg/mL. H1-HEX
      and H1-MET exhibited 97.2 and 97.9%, respectively, compared to control. This
      study therefore provides proof-of-principle that fatty acids of Ficus exasperata
      exhibit significant antiproliferative effects on ovarian cancer cells.

PMID- 28092979
TI  - Endovascular treatment of HIV-associated spontaneous common carotid artery
      pseudoaneurysm in a case of miliary and CNS tuberculosis.
AB  - HIV and tuberculosis infections are known to be associated with vasculopathy
      including occlusive disease and aneurysm formation. We report a case of 43-year
      old male with miliary and central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis; recently,
      diagnosed as HIV seropositive, on antiretroviral and antitubercular treatment
      presenting with painful neck swelling. He was found to have common carotid artery
      (CCA) pseudoaneurysm that was managed by endovascular stent grafting. HIV
      vasculopathy-related CCA pseudoaneurysm is a potentially life-threatening rare
      entity. Treatment of an immunocompromised patient by endovascular approach
      minimizes hospital stay and avoids wound-related complications. To the best of
      our knowledge, there has been no case report describing endovascular treatment of
      CCA pseudoaneurysm in an HIV-positive patient with low CD4 count and coexistent
      disseminated tuberculosis.

PMID- 28092977
TI  - Hypertension is associated with increased mortality in patients with ischaemic
      heart disease after revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention - a
      report from SCAAR.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic role of hypertension on long-term survival after
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is limited and inconsistent. We
      hypothesize that hypertension increases long-term mortality after PCI. METHODS:
      We analyzed data from SCAAR (Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty
      Registry) for all consecutive patients admitted coronary care units in Sweden
      between January 1995 and May 2013 and who underwent PCI due to ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction
      (NSTEMI)/unstable angina (UA) or stable angina pectoris. We used Cox proportional
      hazards regression for statistical modelling on complete-case data as well as on
      imputed data sets. We used interaction test to evaluate possible effect
      modulation of hypertension on risk estimates in several pre-specified subgroups:
      age categories, gender, diabetes, smoking and indication for PCI (STEMI,
      NSTEMI/UA and stable angina). RESULTS: During the study period, 175,892
      consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography due to STEMI, NSTEMI/UA or
      stable angina. 78,100 (44%) of these had hypertension. Median follow-up was 5.5
      years. After adjustment for differences in patient's characteristics,
      hypertension was associated with increased risk for mortality (HR 1.12, 95% CI
      1.09-1.15, p < .001). In subgroup analysis, risk was highest in patients less
      than 65 years, in smokers and in patients with STEMI. The risk was lowest in
      patients with stable angina (p < .001 for interaction test). CONCLUSION:
      Hypertension is associated with higher mortality in patients with STEMI,
      NSTEMI/UA or stable angina who are treated with PCI.

PMID- 28092978
TI  - Variability in Foot and Ankle Case Volume in Orthopaedic Residency Training.
AB  - : Surgical case volume during orthopaedic surgical residency is a concern among
      trainees and program directors alike. With an ongoing trend toward further
      subspecialization and the rapid development of new techniques and devices, the
      breadth of procedures that residents are exposed to continues to increase.
      Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education surgical case logs from 2009
      to 2013 for graduating orthopaedic surgery residents were examined to assess the
      national averages of orthopaedic procedures logged by graduating orthopaedic
      surgery residents in the leg/ankle and foot/toes categories. This investigation
      revealed that there was an 8% increase in the total number of leg/ankle cases and
      12% increase in foot/toes cases performed by graduating orthopaedic surgery
      residents, which has not significantly increased from 2009 to 2013. Across years
      examined in this study, significant variability existed between the 10th and 90th
      percentiles for total foot and ankle resident case exposure (P < .05),
      particularly within ankle arthroscopy, where there was a 15-fold difference in
      the number of arthroscopy cases performed by residents in the 90th percentile
      compared with the 10th percentile. The overall volume of foot and ankle cases
      performed by graduating orthopaedic surgery residents has increased despite not
      being statistically significantly from 2009 to 2013. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level
      III: Cohort study.

PMID- 28092981
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28092980
TI  - Hydrogeochemical and isotope study of perched aquifers in the Cuvelai-Etosha
      Basin, Namibia.
AB  - A hydrogeochemical and stable isotope study (2H and 18O) was carried out in the
      Cuvelai-Etosha Basin in order to characterize available groundwater and to
      identify possible recharge mechanisms for the perched aquifers. Data were
      collected during seven field campaigns between 2013 and 2015 from a total of 24
      shallow and deep groundwater hand-dug wells. In the investigated groundwaters,
      hydrogencarbonate is the dominating anion in both well types, whereas cations
      vary between calcium and magnesium in deep wells, and sodium and potassium in
      shallow wells. Groundwater chemistry is controlled by dissolution of carbonate
      minerals, silicate weathering and ion exchange. Stable isotopic composition
      suggests that deep groundwater is recharged by high-intensity/large rainfall
      events, whereas the shallow wells can even be recharged by less-intense/small
      rainfall events. Water in deep wells reflect a mixture of water influenced by
      evaporation during or before infiltration and water that infiltrated through fast
      preferential pathways, whereas shallow wells are strongly influenced by
      evaporation. The findings of this research contribute to improve the
      understanding of hydrogeochemistry, recharge paths and temporal variations of
      perched aquifers.

PMID- 28092982
TI  - Second malignancy risk in prostate cancer and radiotherapy.

PMID- 28092983
TI  - Essential oil constituents and antimicrobial activity of Pycnocycla bashagardiana
      Mozaff. from Iran.
AB  - Pycnocycla bashagardiana is a rare endemic and endangered species that has been
      used in folkloric medicine in Southern Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the
      essential oil constituents and antimicrobial activity of wild and cultivated p.
      bashagardiana. The aerial parts of wild and cultivated plants were collected from
      two provinces of Iran. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation and
      analyzed by a combination of capillary GC and GC-MS. The main components in wild
      plants were myristicin (39.12%), (E)-beta-ocimene (21.97%), sabinene (15.0%) and
      cis-iso-miristicin (2.67%) and in cultivated plants, (E)-beta-ocimene (55.40%),
      myristicin (18.27%), (Z)-beta-ocimene (12.47%) and cis-iso-miristicin (2.94%)
      were the main constituents in essential oil. The in vitro antimicrobial activity
      of the essential oil of P. bashagardiana were studied against Staphylococcus
      aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans for the
      first time. The results showed that the oil exhibited strong antimicrobial
      activity against all the tested pathogens.

PMID- 28092984
TI  - Vipera ammodytes bites treated with antivenom ViperaTAb: a case series with
      pharmacokinetic evaluation.
AB  - CONTEXT: In clinical practice it is difficult to differentiate between V. berus
      and V. ammodytes venomous bites. In the past this was not a concern, but due to
      the current shortage in ViperfavTM and European viper venom antiserum
      availability, V. a. ammodytes venomous bites have recently been treated with
      ViperaTAb(r), which is a pharmaceutical formulation containing a monospecific
      ovine Fab fragments against the venom of V. berus. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      ViperaTAb(r) in V. a. ammodytes envenomations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a
      prospective case series of three consecutive patients envenomed by V. a.
      ammodytes snakebite treated with ViperaTAb(r). V. ammodytes venom, neurotoxic
      ammodytoxins, and Fab fragment levels were determined in serum samples and a
      pharmacokinetic analysis of the antivenom Fab fragments was carried out. RESULTS:
      Three patients bitten by V. a. ammodytes with extensive local swelling,
      neurological symptoms and recurrent thrombocytopenia were treated with
      ViperaTAb(r). V. ammodytes venom was detected in serum of all three patients.
      Ammodytoxins were detected in the serum of only the most severely envenomed
      patient who developed neurological symptoms. In the presented moderate cases, a
      dose of 8 mL of ViperaTAb(r) reduced swelling and improved systemic effects, such
      as thrombocytopenia. However, this dose of ViperaTAb(r) was not effective in the
      most severely envenomed patient with the highest serum values of V. ammodytes
      venom. In this case ViperaTAb(r) did not stop local swelling and it had no effect
      on neurological signs. ViperaTAb(r)'s systemic clearance, distribution and
      elimination half-lives were 4.3-13.4 mL/h/kg, 1.2-3.2 h and 14.1-55.4 h,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients envenomed by V. a. ammodytes venom,
      ViperaTAb(r) reduces moderate swelling and temporarily improves systemic effects,
      except neurological symptoms. ViperaTAb(r) application induces a decrement of V.
      ammodytes venom level in the blood, but did not affect serum concentration of
      neurotoxic ammodytoxins in the one patient with measurable concentrations.

PMID- 28092985
TI  - Plague and war: political breakdown and the spread of HIV.
AB  - This exploratory data analysis finds a negative relationship between some types
      of war and HIV prevalence (i.e. as the former increases in intensity, the latter
      decreases). The study uses a longer time-frame and broader range of countries
      than similar studies, with explicit differentiation between sub-Saharan African
      and other developing countries. The study uses a variety of methods for analyzing
      time-series-cross-section data. These methods serve as both a robustness check
      for the results as well as a real-world demonstration of common suggestions for
      TSCS data.

PMID- 28092986
TI  - The Treatment of Primary Orthostatic Hypotension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and
      nonpharmacological strategies used to treat primary orthostatic hypotension (OH).
      DATA SOURCES: A literature review using PubMed and MEDLINE databases searching
      hypotension, non-pharmacological therapy, midodrine, droxidopa, pyridostigmine,
      fludrocortisone, atomoxetine, pseudoephedrine, and octreotide was performed.
      STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Randomized or observational studies,
      cohorts, case series, or case reports written in English between January 1970 and
      November 2016 that assessed primary OH treatment in adult patients were
      evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS: Based on the chosen criteria, it was found that OH
      patients make up approximately 15% of all syncope patients, predominantly as a
      result of cardiovascular or neurological insults, or offending medication.
      Nonpharmacological strategies are the primary treatment, such as discontinuing
      offending medications, switching medication administration to bedtime, avoiding
      large carbohydrate-rich meals, limiting alcohol, maintaining adequate hydration,
      adding salt to diet, and so on. If these fail, pharmacotherapy can help
      ameliorate symptoms, including midodrine, droxidopa, fludrocortisone,
      pyridostigmine, atomoxetine, sympathomimetic agents, and octreotide. CONCLUSIONS:
      Midodrine and droxidopa possess the most evidence with respect to increasing
      blood pressure and alleviating symptoms. Pyridostigmine and fludrocortisone can
      be used in patients who fail to respond to these agents. Emerging evidence with
      low-dose atomoxetine is promising, especially in those with central autonomic
      failure, and may prove to be a viable alternative treatment option. Data
      surrounding other therapies such as sympathomimetic agents or octreotide are
      minimal. Medication management of primary OH should be guided by patient-specific
      factors, such as tolerability, adverse effects, and drug-drug and drug-disease
      interactions.

PMID- 28092987
TI  - Emerging treatment approaches for myeloma-related bone disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multiple myeloma is characterized by the presence of osteolytic
      lesions that leads to devastating skeletal-related events in the majority of
      patients. Myeloma bone disease is attributed to increased osteoclastic and
      suppressed osteoblastic activity. Areas covered: Bisphosphonates remain the main
      treatment option, however they have limitations on their own. Understanding the
      pathogenesis of myeloma bone disease may provide a roadmap for new therapeutic
      approaches. The pathway of RANKRANKLOPG pathway has revealed denosumab, a
      monoclonal antibody targeting RANKL as a novel emerging therapy for myeloma
      related bone disease. Furthermore, the Wnt signaling inhibitors dicckopf-1 and
      sclerostin that are implicated in the pathogenesis of bone destruction of myeloma
      are now targeted by novel monoclonal antibodies. Activin-A is a TGF-beta
      superfamily member which increases osteoclast activity and inhibits osteoblast
      function in myeloma; sotatercept and other molecules targeting activin-A have
      entered into clinical development. Several other molecules and pathways that play
      an important role in the pathogenesis of bone destruction in myeloma, such as
      periostin, adiponectin, Notch and BTK signaling are also targeted in an attempt
      to develop novel therapies for myeloma-related bone disease. Expert commentary:
      We summarize the current advances in the biology of myeloma bone disease and the
      potential therapeutic targets.

PMID- 28092988
TI  - Measurement Invariance of the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief Among White, Asian,
      Hispanic, and Multiracial Populations.
AB  - The Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief is a scale that is used to screen individuals
      for risk for the development of psychosis. It has promising psychometric
      properties in clinical and nonclinical populations, including undergraduates.
      However, the measurement invariance of the scale has not been examined in Asian,
      White, Hispanic, and Multiracial samples. A total of 2,767 undergraduates at two
      large public U.S. universities completed the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief. The
      Total scores had configural and scalar invariance, while the Distress scores
      displayed configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance. Follow-up analyses
      revealed that three items were responsible for the lack of complete scalar
      invariance for the Distress scores. This suggests that the Total and Distress
      scores are measuring the same construct across groups and mean scores represent
      the same level of latent prodromal traits across groups. Mean comparisons for the
      Distress Scale across ethnicity should be interpreted with caution because it
      lacks complete scalar invariance. White and Hispanic participants had lower Total
      scores that Multiracial and Asian participants, and this pattern emerged for 13
      items. For the distress items that were scalar invariant, the Asian group
      reported more distress than the White and Hispanic groups, while the Multiracial
      group reported more distress than the White group.

PMID- 28092989
TI  - Therapeutic complement inhibition: a promising approach for treatment of
      neuroimmunological diseases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Autoimmunity is an important cause of disease both in the central
      and peripheral nervous systems. Aetiologies and clinical manifestations are
      complex and heterogeneous. Inappropriate control of complement activation at
      inappropriate sites has been recognized as a major determinant in several
      neurological conditions, including Guillain-Barre syndrome and neuromyelitis
      optica. In each case pathogenesis is thought to be associated with generation of
      autoantibodies which upon binding guide activation of the complement system to
      self-tissue. Areas covered: Modulation of the complement system activation at
      such sites may represent a novel therapeutic approach for treatment of immune
      mediated inflammatory conditions. In this review we focus on the therapeutic
      effects of complement inhibitors in Guillain-Barre syndrome and neuromyelitis
      optica and highlight recent developments within the field. Expert Commentary:
      Conventional first line treatment strategies in GBS and NMO have the potential
      disadvantage of causing widespread immunosuppressive effects. A more targeted
      approach may therefore be more effective and less disruptive to the immune
      system, especially in the case of NMO, which requires long term
      immunosuppression. Modulation of the complement system may hold the key and has
      already been shown to be of clinical benefit in other non-neurological
      conditions, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and hereditary
      angioedema.

PMID- 28092990
TI  - In-hospital statin underutilization among high-risk patients: delayed uptake of
      the 2013 cholesterol guidelines in a U.S. cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Clinician utilization of the 2013 cholesterol lowering guidelines
      remains variable and unknown. We sought to examine statin prescribing patterns
      and compare rates among specialists who treat high-risk cardiovascular patients
      admitted to the hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively (via chart review) examined
      four specialty groups: (i) Cardiology, (ii) Cardiovascular or Vascular (CV)
      Surgery, (iii) Neurology, and (iv) Internal Medicine. Adult patients were
      included based on a discharge diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, coronary
      artery bypass graft surgery, carotid endarterectomy, acute ischemic stroke,
      transient ischemic attack, or high-risk chest pain. Prescribing patterns were
      evaluated 6 months and 18 months after the release of the 2013 guidelines. High
      intensity statin was defined as atorvastatin 40-80 mg or rosuvastatin 20-40 mg
      per day. RESULTS: 632 patients were included in our study. The following
      percentages of patients were discharged on high-intensity statin (6 months; 18
      months): (i) Cardiology (80%; 85%), (ii) CV Surgery (52%, 65%), (iii) Neurology
      (59%; 66%), and (iv) Internal Medicine (45%; 48%). Among the four groups,
      Cardiology was the most likely to discharge patients on high-intensity statin (p
      < 0.001) in 2014 and in 2015. Cardiology, CV Surgery, and Neurology significantly
      increased the percentage of patients on high-intensity statin from pre-admission
      to time of discharge in both years. CONCLUSION: High-intensity statin therapy is
      underutilized among high-risk cardiovascular patients admitted to the hospital.
      Variations exist in prescribing patterns of different specialties who manage high
      risk populations. This data can be used to test quality improvement interventions
      to improve rates of high-intensity statin utilization among high-risk patients
      prior to hospital discharge.

PMID- 28092991
TI  - Reproducibility and relative validity of food group intake in a food frequency
      questionnaire developed for Nepalese diet.
AB  - We developed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed to measure the dietary
      practices of adult Nepalese. The present study examined the validity and
      reproducibility of the FFQ. To evaluate the reproducibility of the FFQ, 116
      subjects completed two 115-item FFQ across a four-month interval. Six 24-h
      dietary recalls were collected (1 each month) to assess the validity of the FFQ.
      Seven major food groups and 23 subgroups were clustered from the FFQ based on
      macronutrient composition. Spearman correlation coefficients evaluating
      reproducibility for all food groups were greater than 0.5, with the exceptions of
      oil. The correlations varied from 0.41 (oil) to 0.81 (vegetables). All crude
      spearman coefficients for validity were greater than 0.5 except for dairy
      products, pizzas/pastas and sausage/burgers. The FFQ was found to be reliable and
      valid for ranking the intake of food groups for Nepalese dietary intake.

PMID- 28092992
TI  - +1q: amplifying the bad genes in myeloma.

PMID- 28092993
TI  - Do all patients with chronic myeloid leukemia need to receive interferon during
      pregnancy?

PMID- 28092994
TI  - Current status and future prospects of hyperthermic intraoperative
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) clinical trials in ovarian cancer.
AB  - The natural history of advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer is one of
      clinical remission after surgery and platinum/taxane-based intravenous (IV)
      and/or intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy followed by early or late recurrence in
      the majority of patients. Prevention of progression and recurrence remains a
      major hurdle in the management of ovarian cancer. Recently, many investigators
      have evaluated the use of normothermic and hyperthermic intraoperative IP drug
      delivery as a management strategy. This is a narrative review of the current
      status of clinical trials of hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy (HIPEC) in ovarian cancer and the future directions for this
      treatment strategy. The existing studies on HIPEC in patients with epithelial
      ovarian cancer are mostly retrospective in nature, are heterogeneous with regards
      to combined inclusion of primary and recurrent disease and lack unbiased data.
      Until data are available from evidence-based trials, it is reasonable to conclude
      that surgical cytoreduction and HIPEC is a rational and interesting, though still
      investigative, approach in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer, whose use
      should be employed within prospective clinical trials.

PMID- 28092995
TI  - FDG PET in follicular lymphoma: more than a staging test?

PMID- 28092996
TI  - Chromosome 1 amplification has similar prognostic value to del(17p13) and
      t(4;14)(p16;q32) in multiple myeloma patients: analysis of real-life data from
      the Polish Myeloma Study Group.
AB  - The study aimed to assess prognostic significance of del(13q14), del(17p13),
      t(4;14)(p16;q32), and amp(1q21) in newly diagnosed myeloma patients treated
      mostly with thalidomide-based therapies. All genetic abnormalities except
      del(13q14) were independent prognostic factors associated with shortened
      progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with no
      abnormalities, one abnormality, and >=2 abnormalities had a median PFS of 41.8,
      17.0, and 10.0 months, respectively; a median OS was not reached, 48.0 and 23.3
      months, respectively. According to the presence of amp(1q21), t(4;14)(p16;q32),
      and del(17p13) and the International Staging System (ISS), we stratified patients
      into low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk groups. A median PFS was 52.9,
      25.6, and 10.0 months, respectively; a median OS was not reached, 64.0 and 25.0
      months, respectively. In conclusion, our study confirmed the prognostic value of
      cytogenetic changes and showed that prognostic models based on ISS and
      cytogenetic studies should include not only del(17p13) and t(4;14)(p16;q32), but
      also amp(1q21).

PMID- 28092997
TI  - The t(8;21) fusion protein RUNX1-ETO downregulates PKM2 in acute myeloid leukemia
      cells.

PMID- 28092998
TI  - Treatment patterns and outcomes with subcutaneous bortezomib in patients with
      relapsed mantle cell lymphoma: a retrospective, observational study of patient
      medical records from US community oncology practices.

PMID- 28092999
TI  - Second malignancies in survivors of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: a U.S.
      population-based study.

PMID- 28093000
TI  - Circulating proteasomes: circling myeloma with a new potential biomarker.

PMID- 28093001
TI  - miR-505-5p and miR-193b-3p: potential biomarkers of imatinib response in patients
      with chronic myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 28093002
TI  - Predictive value of some hematological parameters for non-invasive and invasive
      mole pregnancies.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to discriminate mole pregnancies and invasive
      forms among cases with first trimester vaginal bleeding by the utilization of
      some complete blood count parameters conjunct to sonographic findings and beta
      human chorionic gonadotropin concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive
      257 cases with histopathologically confirmed mole pregnancies and 199 women
      without mole pregnancy presented with first trimester vaginal bleeding who
      admitted to Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training Hospital between
      January 2012 and January 2016 were included in this cross-sectional study. The
      serum beta HCG level at presentation, and beta hCG levels at 1st, 2nd and 3rd
      weeks of postevacuation with some parameters of complete blood count were
      utilized to discriminate cases with molar pregnancy and cases with invasive mole
      among first trimester pregnants presented with vaginal bleeding and abnormal
      sonographic findings. RESULTS: Levels of beta hCG at baseline (AUC = 0.700, p <
      0.05) and 1st (AUC = 0.704, p < 0.05), 2nd (AUC = 0.870, p < 0.001) and 3rd (AUC
      = 0.916, p < 0.001) weeks of postevacuation period were significant predictors
      for the cases with persistent disease. While area under curve for mean platelet
      volume is 0.715, it means that mean platelet volume has 21.5% additional
      diagnostic value for predicting persistency in molar patients. For 8.55 cut-off
      point for mean platelet volume, sensitivity is 84.6% and specificity is 51.6%.
      Area under curve for platelet/lymphocyte ratio is 0.683 means that
      platelet/lymphocyte ratio has additional 18.3% diagnostic value. For 102.25 cut
      off point sensitivity is 86.6% and specificity is 46.2. CONCLUSIONS: Simple,
      widely available complete blood count parameters may be used as an adjunct to
      other risk factors to diagnose molar pregnancies and predict postevacuation
      trophoblastic disease.

PMID- 28093003
TI  - Outcome for patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive lymphoma treated with
      gemcitabine and oxaliplatin with or without rituximab; a retrospective,
      multicentre study.
AB  - The treatment of relapsed aggressive lymphoma remains a challenge. Platinum
      containing chemotherapy is standard of care. Gemcitabine/oxaliplatin (Gem-Ox)
      with or without rituximab (R) is an outpatient regimen with a favorable toxicity
      profile. This retrospective 'real world' study reports outcomes for 44 unselected
      patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive lymphoma treated with Gem-Ox +/- R.
      41% had primary refractory disease. The overall response rate (ORR) was 43% with
      a complete response (CR) of 30%. Response to the prior treatment regimen
      significantly affected the ORR with only 8% achieving CR if prior remission was
      <12 months. Grade 3-4 hematological toxicity was common and 22% had febrile
      neutropenia. Eight patients proceeded to stem cell transplant. Overall, outcomes
      remain poor with a median overall survival of 8 months. In this high-risk group
      of patients, Gem-Ox +/- R results in similar responses to other more toxic,
      inpatient regimens and should therefore be considered as second line therapy in
      relapsed lymphoma.

PMID- 28093004
TI  - Immunotherapy with the trifunctional anti-CD20 * anti-CD3 antibody FBTA05 in a
      patient with relapsed t(8;14)-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative
      disease.

PMID- 28093005
TI  - Cardiac and respiratory effects of deep regional hyperthermia using an 8-MHz
      radiofrequency-capacitive device on patients with cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hyperthermia (HT), an adjuvant therapy for variable cancers, may cause
      physiological changes in the patients, which may lead to cardiovascular problems.
      Among various HT treatments, the physiological effects of deep regional HT are
      still unclear. We examined the physiological alterations throughout deep regional
      HT to improve the HT safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients (age:
      61+/-12 years) with cancer received HT in the thoracic or upper abdominal regions
      using an 8-MHz radiofrequency-capacitive-device for 50 min. Rectal temperature
      (Trec), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP), pulse rate (PR),
      respiratory rate (RR), percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2), and sweating volume
      were evaluated throughout HT. RESULTS: At 50 min after starting HT, Trec, PR, and
      RR were significantly increased compared with the baseline values (Trec: 38.2+/
      1.4 vs. 36.3+/-0.8 degrees C, p < 0.001, PR: 104+/-15 vs. 85+/-16 bpm, p < 0.05,
      RR: 23+/-3 vs. 21+/-3/min, p < 0.05). Although the average SBP and DBP were both
      stable during HT in a recumbent position, these values dropped significantly in a
      standing position (SBP: 113+/-16 vs. 127+/-18 mmHg, p < 0.001, DBP: 70+/-12 vs.
      75+/-13 mmHg, p < 0.01). The total amount of sweating was 356+/-173 g/m2 on
      average. CONCLUSIONS: Deep regional HT increased the deep body temperature and
      resulted in an increase of sweating with peripheral vasodilatation. Consequently,
      a significant reduction in BP would be induced on standing after HT. Careful
      attention is needed for patients receiving HT, especially when standing after HT.

PMID- 28093006
TI  - Blood malignancies presenting with mutations at equivalent residues in RUNX1-2
      suggest a common leukemogenic pathway.

PMID- 28093007
TI  - Thalidomide analog CC-122 induces a refractory state in monocytes from patients
      with diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

PMID- 28093008
TI  - Hearing-loss-associated gene detection in neonatal intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency and mutation spectrum of hearing loss
      associated gene mutation in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). METHODS:
      Neonates (n=2305) admitted to NICU were enrolled in this study. Nine prominent
      hearing loss-associated genes, GJB2 (35 del G, 176 del 16,235 del C, 299 del AT),
      GJB3 (538 C > T), SLC26A4 (IVS7-2A > G, 2168 A > G) and mtDNA 12S rRNA(1555 A >
      G, 1494 C > T), were detected. RESULT: There were 73 cases hearing-loss
      associated gene mutation among 2305 cases, the mutation frequency was 3.1%, with
      40 cases GJB2 (235del C) mutation (54.8%), 6 cases GJB2 (299 del AT) mutation
      (8.2%), 21 cases SLC26A4 (IVS 7-2 A > G) mutation (28.7%), 4 cases SLC26A4 (2168
      A > G) mutation (5.5%), 2 cases of GJB2 (235del C) combined SLC26A4 (IVS 7-2 A >
      G, 2168 A > G) mutation (2.8%). Among 73 gene mutation cases, preterm neonates
      presented in 18 cases, accounting for 24.7% (18/73); hyperbilirubinemia in 13
      cases, accounting for 17.8% (13/73); Torch Syndrome in 15 cases, with 12 cases
      CMV, 2 cases rubella, 1 case toxoplasm, respectively, totally accounting for
      20.54% (15/73); neonatal pneumonia in 12 cases, accounting for 16.4% (12/73);
      birth asphyxia in 5 cases, accounting for 6.9% (5/73); sepsis in 5 cases,
      accounting for 6.9% (5/73); others in 5 cases, accounting for 6.8% (5/73) .
      CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of hearing loss-associated gene mutation was higher in
      NICU.There were hearing loss-associated gene mutations in the NICU, suggesting
      this mutation may complicate with perinatal high-risk factors.

PMID- 28093010
TI  - Correction to: Factors influencing the fabrication of albumin-bound drug
      nanoparticles (ABDns): Part I. Albumin-bound betulinic acid nanoparticles
      (ABBns).

PMID- 28093009
TI  - Genetic identification of prey species from teeth in faeces from the Endangered
      leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene
      sequence.
AB  - To understand the dietary ecology of the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis),
      DNA analysis was performed to identify prey species using DNA isolated from teeth
      harvested from the faeces of this feline species. From 70 DNA samples, a total of
      52 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b (cytb) gene sequences of mammals were
      identified. The results of a sequence identity test indicated that those
      sequences were derived from four rodent species (Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus
      peninsulae, Eothenomys regulus and Tamias sibiricus) and two shrew species
      (Crocidura lasiura and Crocidura shantungensis). The sequences contained nine
      unique cytb sequences from site 1 and 13 from site 2. These results indicate that
      the leopard cat hunts rodents and shrews, and at least nine animals at site 1 and
      13 animals at site 2 were eaten. These findings suggest that the animal molecular
      signatures that remain undigested in the faeces may provide useful ecological
      information about food items and may contribute to a better understanding of the
      leopard cat's feeding ecology.

PMID- 28093011
TI  - Individuals with dark eyes and hair exhibit higher pain sensitivity.
AB  - Emerging evidence suggests that some phenotypic features, such as eye or hair
      colour, might predict pain. We investigated if light and dark eye and hair colour
      would influence pain in 60 healthy subjects divided in groups of 15 according to
      their eye-hair colour and gender. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), cold pressor
      test (CPT), and quality of the perceived pain were assessed. Findings indicated
      that dark pigmentation phenotype is more sensitive in response to CPT.

PMID- 28093012
TI  - Male coping through a long-term cancer trajectory. Secondary outcomes from a RTC
      examining the effect of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program (RePCa) among
      radiated men with prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine if rehabilitation
      influenced self-reported male coping styles during and up to three years after
      treatment with radiotherapy for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a
      single-center oncology unit in Odense, Denmark, 161 prostate cancer patients
      treated with radiotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy were included in a
      randomized controlled trial from 2010 to 2012. The trial examined the effect of a
      multidisciplinary rehabilitation program within six months of treatment
      consisting of two nursing counseling sessions and two instructive sessions with a
      physical therapist (n = 79), or standard care (n = 82). As secondary outcomes
      coping was measured before radiotherapy, one month after radiotherapy (baseline),
      six month post-intervention (assessment) and three years after radiotherapy
      (follow-up) by the Mini-mental adjustment to cancer scale (Mini-MAC). The male
      coping styles towards the illness are expressed in five mental adjustment styles:
      Fighting Spirit, Helplessness-Hopelessness, Anxious Preoccupation, Fatalism and
      Cognitive Avoidance. Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis
      adjusting for the longitudinal design were conducted. RESULTS: Most coping styles
      remained stable during the patient trajectory but Anxious Preoccupation declined
      from before radiotherapy to follow-up in both intervention and control groups.
      After six months the intervention group retained Fighting Spirit significantly (p
      = 0.025) compared with controls, but after three years this difference evened
      out. After three years the intervention group had lower Cognitive Avoidance (p =
      0.044) than the controls. Factors as educational level, and depression influenced
      the use of coping styles after three years. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary
      rehabilitation in irradiated prostate cancer patients retained the adjustment
      style Fighting Spirit stable after six months of radiotherapy, and in the long
      term reduced Cognitive Avoidance. Thus, the rehabilitation program supported the
      patient's active coping style and played down the passive coping style.

PMID- 28093013
TI  - Long term changes in health complaints after removal of amalgam restorations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Concerns over adverse effects of mercury released from dental amalgam
      sometimes lead patients to request removal of their amalgam restorations. Several
      studies report improvement of subjective health after removal of amalgam
      restorations, but the mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this paper is to present
      data on long term changes in intensity of health complaints after amalgam removal
      in a group of patients with health complaints self-attributed to dental amalgam.
      Data from the five years follow-up in a clinical trial are presented and related
      to potential determinants of change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients previously
      referred to a specialty unit for health complaints attributed to amalgam
      restorations were included in the study. The 20 participants who were allocated
      to the treatment group had all amalgam restorations removed and replaced with
      other dental restorative materials. Intensity of health complaints was calculated
      from questionnaire data and personality variables were measured by MMPI-2.
      RESULTS: At the follow-up five years after the amalgam removal was completed,
      intensity of general health complaints was significantly reduced (p=.001), but
      the symptom load was still high. The reduction was significantly correlated with
      concentration of mercury in urine at pre-treatment. There were no significant
      correlations with personality variables. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of amalgam
      restorations was followed by a long term reduction of general health complaints,
      which was associated with mercury concentration in urine before amalgam removal.
      Additional studies are needed to confirm the potential mechanisms for the
      observed reduction.

PMID- 28093014
TI  - Using InVivoStat to perform the statistical analysis of experiments.
AB  - The need to improve reproducibility and reliability of animal experiments has led
      some journals to increase the stringency of the criteria that must be satisfied
      before manuscripts can be considered suitable for publication. In this article we
      give advice on experimental design, including minimum group sizes, calculating
      statistical power and avoiding pseudo-replication, which can improve
      reproducibility. We also give advice on normalisation, transformations, the
      gateway analysis of variance strategy and the use of p-values and confidence
      intervals. Applying all these statistical procedures correctly will strengthen
      the validity of the conclusions. We discuss how InVivoStat, a free-to-use
      statistical software package, which was designed for life scientists, especially
      animal researchers, can be used to help with these principles.

PMID- 28093015
TI  - Prevalence and incidence of doctor-diagnosed Dupuytren's disease: a population
      based study.
AB  - : The prevalence and incidence of doctor-diagnosed Dupuytren's disease in the
      general population is unknown. From the healthcare register for Skane region
      (population 1.3 million) in southern Sweden, we identified all residents aged ?20
      years (on 31 December 2013), who 1998 to 2013 had consulted a doctor and received
      the diagnosis Dupuytren's disease (International Classification of Diseases 10th
      Revision code M720). During the 16 years, 7207 current residents (72% men) had
      been diagnosed with Dupuytren's disease; the prevalence among men was 1.35% and
      among women 0.5%. Of all people diagnosed, 56% had received treatment (87%
      fasciectomy). In 2013, the incidence of first-time doctor-diagnosed Dupuytren's
      disease among men was 14 and among women five per 10,000. The annual incidence
      among men aged ?50 years was 27 per 10,000. Clinically important Dupuytren's
      disease is common in the general population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 28093016
TI  - Acute and residual effects in adolescent rats resulting from exposure to the
      novel synthetic cannabinoids AB-PINACA and AB-FUBINACA.
AB  - Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have rapidly proliferated as recreational drugs, and
      may present a substantial health risk to vulnerable populations. However,
      information on possible effects of long-term use is sparse. This study compared
      acute and residual effects of the popular indazole carboxamide SC compounds AB
      PINACA and AB-FUBINACA in adolescent rats with ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and
      control treatments. Albino Wistar rats were injected (i.p.) with AB-PINACA or AB
      FUBINACA every second day (beginning post-natal day (PND) 31), first at a low
      dose (0.2 mg/kg on 6 days) followed by a higher dose (1 mg/kg on a further 6
      days). THC-treated rats received equivalent doses of 6 * 1 mg/kg and 6 * 5 mg/kg.
      During drug treatment, THC, AB-PINACA, and AB-FUBINACA decreased locomotor
      activity at high and low doses, increased anxiety-like behaviours and audible
      vocalisations, and reduced weight gain. Two weeks after dosing was completed, all
      cannabinoid pre-treated rats exhibited object recognition memory deficits. These
      were notably more severe in rats pre-treated with AB-FUBINACA. However, social
      interaction was reduced in the THC pre-treated group only. Six weeks post-dosing,
      plasma levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1alpha and IL-12 were reduced by AB
      FUBINACA pre-treatment, while cerebellar endocannabinoids were reduced by THC and
      AB-PINACA pre-treatment. The acute effects of AB-PINACA and AB-FUBINACA were
      broadly similar to those of THC, suggesting that acute SC toxicity in humans may
      be modulated by dose factors, including inadvertent overdose and product
      contamination. However, some lasting residual effects of these different
      cannabinoid receptor agonists were subtly different, hinting at recruitment of
      different mechanisms of neuroadaptation.

PMID- 28093017
TI  - The Bone Health Team: A Team-Based Approach to Improving Osteoporosis Care for
      Primary Care Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Significant improvements in secondary prevention of osteoporotic
      fractures have been noted with fracture liaison services. However, similar models
      for the primary prevention of such fractures have not been reported. OBJECTIVE:
      To determine the impact of a Bone Health Team (BHT) on osteoporosis screening and
      treatment rates in U.S. veterans in primary care practices. DESIGN: Historical
      cohort study of a primary care-based intervention of a BHT from February 2013 to
      February 2015. SETTING: Community-based outpatient clinics of the Salt Lake City
      Veterans Affairs Health Care System. PARTICIPANTS: Men aged 70 years and older
      and women aged 65 years and older. INTERVENTION: Enrollment in the BHT.
      MEASUREMENTS: Rates of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) completion, chart
      diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia, completion of vitamin D measurement, and
      initiation of fracture reducing medication. RESULTS: Our cohort consisted of 7644
      individuals, 975 of whom were exposed to the BHT and 6669 of whom were not.
      Comparison of patients exposed to the BHT versus non-exposed subjects
      demonstrated a substantial increase in all outcome measures studied. Hazard
      ratios (HRs) from multivariable cox proportional hazard models were: measurement
      of vitamin D, HR = 1.619 ( P < .001); chart diagnosis of osteopenia, HR = 37.00 (
      P < .001); chart diagnosis of osteoporosis, HR = 16.38 ( P < .001); osteoporosis
      medication, HR = 17.03 ( P < .001); and completion of DXA, HR = 139.9 ( P <
      .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The implementation of a dedicated BHT produced
      significantly increased rates of intermediate osteoporosis outcome measures in US
      veterans in primary care practices. Additional research describing medication
      adherence rates and cost-effectiveness is forthcoming.

PMID- 28093018
TI  - Algorithm for bionic hand reconstruction in patients with global brachial
      plexopathies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Global brachial plexus lesions with multiple root avulsions are among
      the most severe nerve injuries, leading to lifelong disability. Fortunately, in
      most cases primary and secondary reconstructions provide a stable shoulder and
      restore sufficient arm function. Restoration of biological hand function,
      however, remains a reconstructive goal that is difficult to reach. The recently
      introduced concept of bionic reconstruction overcomes biological limitations of
      classic reconstructive surgery to restore hand function by combining selective
      nerve and muscle transfers with elective amputation of the functionless hand and
      its replacement with a prosthetic device. The authors present their treatment
      algorithm for bionic hand reconstruction and report on the management and long
      term functional outcomes of patients with global brachial plexopathies who have
      undergone this innovative treatment. METHODS Thirty-four patients with
      posttraumatic global brachial plexopathies leading to loss of hand function
      consulted the Center for Advanced Restoration of Extremity Function between 2011
      and 2015. Of these patients, 16 (47%) qualified for bionic reconstruction due to
      lack of treatment alternatives. The treatment algorithm included progressive
      steps with the intent of improving the biotechnological interface to allow
      optimal prosthetic hand replacement. In 5 patients, final functional outcome
      measurements were obtained with the Action Arm Research Test (ARAT), the
      Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP), and the Disabilities of the Arm,
      Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. RESULTS In all 5 patients who completed
      functional assessments, partial hand function was restored with bionic
      reconstruction. ARAT scores improved from 3.4 +/- 4.3 to 25.4 +/- 12.7 (p =
      0.043; mean +/- SD) and SHAP scores improved from 10.0 +/- 1.6 to 55 +/- 19.7 (p
      = 0.042). DASH scores decreased from 57.9 +/- 20.6 to 32 +/- 28.6 (p = 0.042),
      indicating decreased disability. CONCLUSIONS The authors present an algorithm for
      bionic reconstruction leading to useful hand function in patients who lack
      biological treatment alternatives for a stiff, functionless, and insensate hand
      resulting from global brachial plexopathies.

PMID- 28093019
TI  - Prophylactic and curative effect of rosemary leaves extract in a bleomycin model
      of pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating disease without effective treatment.
      Rosemary is appreciated since ancient times for its medicinal properties, while
      biomolecules originated from the plant have an antioxidant and antifibrotic
      effect. OBJECTIVE: The effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) leaves
      extract (RO) on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis were investigated. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Male Wistar rats were given a single dose of bleomycin (BLM, 4 mg/kg,
      intratracheal), while RO (75 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was administered 3 days
      later and continued for 4 weeks (BLM/RO1-curative group). Alternatively, RO was
      administered 2 weeks before BLM and continued 15 days thereafter (BLM/RO2
      prophylactic group). Antioxidant activities of RO and lung tissues were studied
      by standard methods. Histological staining revealed lung architecture and
      collagen deposition. RO was characterized for its polyphenol content and by high
      performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: RO polyphenol content was 60.52 mg/g
      of dry weight, carnosic and rosmarinic acids being major components (6.886 and
      2.351 mg/g). Antioxidant effect of RO (DPPH and FRAP assay) expressed as IC50
      values were 2.23 MUg/mL and 0.074 MUg/mL, respectively. In BLM/RO1 and BLM/RO2
      lung architecture was less compromised compared to BLM, which was reflected in
      lower fibrosis score (2.33 +/- 0.33 and 1.8 +/- 0.32 vs 3.7 +/- 0.3).
      Malondialdehyde levels were attenuated (141% and 108% vs 258% of normal value).
      Catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities were normalized (103% and 117%
      vs 59%, 85% and 69% vs 23%, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: RO has a
      protective effect against BLM-induced oxidative stress and lung fibrosis due to
      its phenolic compounds.

PMID- 28093020
TI  - What causes the greater perceived similarity of consonant-transposed nonwords?
AB  - Nonwords created by transposing two non-adjacent orthographic consonants
      (CONDISER) have been reported to produce more priming for their baseword
      (CONSIDER), and to be classified as a nonword less readily than nonwords created
      by transposing two orthographic vowels (CINSODER). We investigate the origin of
      this difference and its relevance for theories of letter position coding. In the
      unprimed versions of the lexical decision and same-different tasks, a consonant
      vowel difference was found in the transposition condition, not when those letters
      are substituted (Experiment 1). We found that when transpositions involved the
      disruption of a consonant cluster (OPMITAL), reaction times were slowed compared
      to when transpositions involved only letters that are separated (CHOLOCATE;
      Experiment 2). As transpositions more frequently disrupt in consonant clusters
      than vowel clusters, this introduces a confound in studies investigating
      consonant and vowel transposition effects. Consistent with the idea that letter
      order is harder to resolve in clusters, the difference between consonants and
      vowels was eliminated when transpositions involve singleton consonants or vowels
      rather than those in clusters (Experiment 3). These results suggest that the
      precision of position coding does not differ between consonants and vowels, but
      that consonant-vowel status plays a role in structuring orthographic
      representations.

PMID- 28093021
TI  - Altering ethanol pharmacokinetics to treat alcohol use disorder: Can you teach an
      old dog new tricks?
AB  - Disulfiram was the first pharmacotherapy approved to treat alcohol use disorder
      in the 1950s. Disulfiram alters ethanol pharmacokinetics and causes uncomfortable
      reactions (e.g. headache, tachycardia, nausea, flushing and hypotension) when
      alcohol is consumed. Subsequently, a better understanding of the neurobiological
      pathways involved in alcohol use disorder led to the development of other
      medications (e.g. naltrexone and acamprosate). These neurobiological-based
      medications act on alcohol use disorder-related phenotypes including craving,
      stress, and/or withdrawal. The original approach to treat alcohol use disorder,
      by altering ethanol pharmacokinetics has been much less investigated. Recent
      research on ethanol pharmacokinetics has shed light on the mechanisms of action
      underlying alcohol use disorder and how some medications that alter ethanol
      pharmacokinetics may be helpful in treating alcohol use disorder. This review
      summarizes and discusses the complex pharmacokinetics of ethanol, and proposes
      that altering ethanol pharmacokinetics via novel pharmacological approaches may
      be a viable approach to treat alcohol use disorder.

PMID- 28093022
TI  - Blunted neural response to anticipation, effort and consummation of reward and
      aversion in adolescents with depression symptomatology.
AB  - Neural reward function has been proposed as a possible biomarker for depression.
      However, how the neural response to reward and aversion might differ in young
      adolescents with current symptoms of depression is as yet unclear. Thirty-three
      adolescents were recruited, 17 scoring low on the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire
      (low risk group) and 16 scoring high (high risk group). Our functional magnetic
      resonance imaging task measured; anticipation (pleasant/unpleasant cue), effort
      (achieve a pleasant taste or avoid an unpleasant taste) and consummation
      (pleasant/unpleasant tastes) in regions of interest; ventral medial prefrontal
      cortex, pregenual cingulate cortex, the insula and ventral striatum. We also
      examined whole brain group differences. In the regions of interest analysis we
      found reduced activity in the high risk group in the pregenual cingulate cortex
      during anticipation and reduced pregenual cingulate cortex and ventral medial
      prefrontal cortex during effort and consummation. In the whole brain analysis we
      also found reduced activity in the high risk group in the prefrontal cortex and
      the precuneus during anticipation. We found reduced activity in the hippocampus
      during the effort phase and in the anterior cingulate/frontal pole during
      consummation in the high risk group. Increased anhedonia measures correlated with
      decreased pregenual cingulate cortex activity during consummation in the high
      risk group only. Our results are the first to show that adolescents with
      depression symptoms have blunted neural responses during the anticipation, effort
      and consummation of rewarding and aversive stimuli. This study suggests that
      interventions in young people at risk of depression, that can reverse blunted
      responses, might be beneficial as preventative strategies.

PMID- 28093023
TI  - Sustained employability and health-related quality of life in cancer survivors up
      to four years after diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most cancer survivors are able to return to work at some point after
      diagnosis. However, literature on sustained employability and health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL) is limited. Therefore, the aims of this study were to
      explore the influence of change in employment status on HRQoL in cancer survivors
      long term after diagnosis, and to identify predictors of work continuation in
      occupationally active survivors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used prospective data
      (T0 = two years after diagnosis, T1 = one-year follow-up, and T2 = two-year
      follow-up) from a cohort of cancer survivors that had an employment contract and
      were of working age at T0 (N = 252, 69.8% female). Groups were formed on the
      basis of change in employment status: 'continuously not working' (19.8%),
      'positive change in employment status' (5.6%), 'negative change in employment
      status' (14.7%), and 'continuously working' (59.9%). ANCOVA was used to explore
      the relationship between change in employment status and HRQoL at T1. Generalized
      estimating equations (GEE) were used to identify predictors of work continuation
      (at T1 and T2) in survivors that were occupationally active at T0 (N = 212).
      RESULTS: 'Continuously working' survivors scored significantly better on the
      EORTC QLQ-C30 scales: role functioning, fatigue, pain, constipation, global
      health/QoL and the Summary score, than 'continuously not working' survivors, and
      better on physical, role and emotional functioning, fatigue, financial impact,
      global health/QoL and the Summary score than survivors with a 'negative change in
      employment status' (effect size range = 0.49-0.74). In occupationally active
      survivors, a high score on current work ability was associated with work
      continuation one year later [odds ratio (OR) 1.46; 95% CI 1.11-1.92]. CONCLUSION:
      Cancer survivors 'continuously working' function better and have a better health
      and QoL than those who are not able to work. However, in occupationally active
      cancer survivors, one should monitor those with low self-perceived work ability,
      because they have an increased risk to discontinue their work.

PMID- 28093024
TI  - Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult
      Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To culturally adapt the Turkish version of Rapid Estimate of Adult
      Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30) for Turkish-speaking adult dental patients and
      to evaluate its psychometric properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After translation
      and cross-cultural adaptation, TREALD-30 was tested in a sample of 127 adult
      patients who attended a dental school clinic in Istanbul. Data were collected
      through clinical examinations and self-completed questionnaires, including TREALD
      30, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy
      in Medicine (REALM), two health literacy screening questions, and socio
      behavioral characteristics. Psychometric properties were examined using Classical
      Test Theory (CTT) and Rasch analysis. RESULTS: Internal consistency (Cronbach's
      Alpha = 0.91) and test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient =
      0.99) were satisfactory for TREALD-30. It exhibited good convergent and
      predictive validity. Monthly family income, years of education, dental flossing,
      health literacy, and health literacy skills were found as stronger predictors of
      patients'oral health literacy (OHL). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed
      a two-factor model. The Rasch model explained 37.9% of the total variance in this
      dataset. In addition, TREALD-30 had eleven misfitting items, which indicated
      evidence of multidimensionality. The reliability indeces provided in Rasch
      analysis (person separation reliability = 0.91 and expected-a
      posteriori/plausible reliability = 0.94) indicated that TREALD-30 had acceptable
      reliability. CONCLUSION: TREALD-30 showed satisfactory psychometric properties.
      It may be used to identify patients with low OHL. Socio-demographic factors, oral
      health behaviors and health literacy skills should be taken into account when
      planning future studies to assess the OHL in both clinical and community
      settings.

PMID- 28093025
TI  - A fuzzy integral method based on the ensemble of neural networks to analyze fMRI
      data for cognitive state classification across multiple subjects.
AB  - The huge number of voxels in fMRI over time poses a major challenge to for
      effective analysis. Fast, accurate, and reliable classifiers are required for
      estimating the decoding accuracy of brain activities. Although machine-learning
      classifiers seem promising, individual classifiers have their own limitations. To
      address this limitation, the present paper proposes a method based on the
      ensemble of neural networks to analyze fMRI data for cognitive state
      classification for application across multiple subjects. Similarly, the fuzzy
      integral (FI) approach has been employed as an efficient tool for combining
      different classifiers. The FI approach led to the development of a classifiers
      ensemble technique that performs better than any of the single classifier by
      reducing the misclassification, the bias, and the variance. The proposed method
      successfully classified the different cognitive states for multiple subjects with
      high accuracy of classification. Comparison of the performance improvement, while
      applying ensemble neural networks method, vs. that of the individual neural
      network strongly points toward the usefulness of the proposed method.

PMID- 28093026
TI  - Out of sight, out of mind: racial retrieval cues increase the accessibility of
      social justice concepts.
AB  - Photographs provide critical retrieval cues for personal remembering, but few
      studies have considered this phenomenon at the collective level. In this
      research, we examined the psychological consequences of visual attention to the
      presence (or absence) of racially charged retrieval cues within American racial
      segregation photographs. We hypothesised that attention to racial retrieval cues
      embedded in historical photographs would increase social justice concept
      accessibility. In Study 1, we recorded gaze patterns with an eye-tracker among
      participants viewing images that contained racial retrieval cues or were
      digitally manipulated to remove them. In Study 2, we manipulated participants'
      gaze behaviour by either directing visual attention toward racial retrieval cues,
      away from racial retrieval cues, or directing attention within photographs where
      racial retrieval cues were missing. Across Studies 1 and 2, visual attention to
      racial retrieval cues in photographs documenting historical segregation predicted
      social justice concept accessibility.

PMID- 28093027
TI  - Effects of amphetamine and methylphenidate on attentional performance and
      impulsivity in the mouse 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the effects of conventional attention
      deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication in the mouse 5-choice serial
      reaction time task (5-CSRTT), and rat studies have yielded inconsistent results.
      OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the effects of acute methylphenidate (MPH) and
      amphetamine (AMPH) treatment in the mouse 5-CSRTT. METHODS: Trained male C57Bl/6J
      mice were tested in a variable stimulus duration schedule. Effects of AMPH (0.25,
      0.5, and 1 mg/kg) and MPH (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg) on discriminative accuracy,
      omissions, and premature responses were assessed. Saline treatment data
      determined high- and low-attentive (LA), and high- and low-impulsive (LI)
      subgroups according to the upper and lower 30th percentiles, respectively.
      RESULTS: In the LA subgroup accuracy was improved by 0.5 mg/kg AMPH and 2 mg/kg
      MPH, while no effect was found in the high-attentive (HA) subgroup. Premature
      responses were increased by 1 mg/kg AMPH and 0.5 mg/kg MPH for all animals, and
      by 1 mg/kg AMPH for the LI subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: The use of variable stimulus
      duration, along with the division into high- and LA, and high-and LI subgroups,
      may improve the sensitivity of the 5-CSRTT when investigating drug effects on
      attention and impulsivity.

PMID- 28093028
TI  - Helicoidal splinting after wrist surgery: a laboratory study.

PMID- 28093029
TI  - Low doses of mirtazapine or quetiapine for transient insomnia: A randomised,
      double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - Low doses of the antidepressant mirtazapine or the neuroleptic quetiapine are
      often prescribed off-label for insomnia. However, studies on the effects on sleep
      and hangover effects the following day are scarce. In this randomised, double
      blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial, the influence of 7.5 mg mirtazapine
      and 50 mg quetiapine on both normal sleep and sleep disturbed by acoustic stress
      (traffic noise) as a model for transient insomnia was assessed. Additionally,
      hangover effects on next-day alertness and cognitive functioning were examined. A
      total of 19 healthy men without sleep complaints completed three treatment
      sessions, each session consisting of three consecutive nights in one of the
      mirtazapine, quetiapine or placebo conditions. Sleep was assessed using
      polysomnography and the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire. Daytime sleepiness
      and cognitive functioning were assessed using the Leeds Sleep Evaluation
      Questionnaire, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, Digit Symbol Substitution Task,
      Psychomotor Vigilance Task and an addition task. Under acoustic stress, both
      mirtazapine and quetiapine increased total sleep time by half an hour and reduced
      the number of awakenings by 35-40% compared to placebo. While quetiapine
      specifically increased the duration of non-rapid eye movement sleep, stage N2,
      mirtazapine mainly increased deep sleep stage N3. Subjects reported that both
      mirtazapine and quetiapine eased getting to sleep and improved sleep quality.
      Both drugs caused daytime sleepiness and lessened sustained attention. These
      findings support the use of low doses of mirtazapine and quetiapine for the
      treatment of insomnia. Further prospective studies on the long-term effects
      regarding effectiveness and adverse effects are needed.

PMID- 28093030
TI  - Caregiver Asthma in Urban Families: Implications for School Absenteeism.
AB  - Asthma is a significant contributor to missed school days, especially for
      children living in urban settings. This preliminary study examined the impact of
      caregiver asthma on school absenteeism in a sample of 102 urban children with
      asthma from African American, Latino, and non-Latino White backgrounds.
      Caregivers and children participated in a single research session; 32 caregivers
      had asthma. Children of caregivers with asthma missed more days of school than
      children whose caregivers did not have asthma (3.97 vs. 2.43 days, p < .05,
      Cohen's d = .40). Other indicators of child asthma morbidity (e.g.,
      hospitalizations) did not differ across caregiver asthma status. Findings
      highlight that caregiver asthma may be an added risk factor for school
      absenteeism among children with asthma. For children with a high frequency of
      asthma-related school absenteeism, school nurses may find it useful to provide
      educational resources and referrals for caregivers with asthma.

PMID- 28093031
TI  - The inhibitory effects of five alkaloids on the substrate transport mediated
      through human organic anion and cation transporters.
AB  - 1. Human solute carrier transporters (SLCs) are important membrane proteins
      mediate the cellular transport of many endogenous and exogenous substances.
      Organic anion/cation transporters (OATs/OCTs) and organic anion transporting
      polypeptides (OATPs) are essential SLCs involved in drug influx. Drug-drug/herb
      interactions through competing for specific SLCs often lead to unsatisfied
      therapeutic outcomes and/or unwanted side effects. In this study, we
      comprehensively investigated the inhibitory effects of five clinically relevant
      alkaloids (dendrobine, matrine, oxymatrine, tryptanthrin and chelerythrine) on
      the substrate transport through several OATs/OCTs and OATPs. 2. We performed
      transport functional assay and kinetic analysis on the HEK-293 cells over
      expressing each SLC gene. 3. Our data showed tryptanthrin significantly inhibited
      the transport activity of OAT3 (IC50 = 0.93 +/- 0.22 MUM, Ki = 0.43 MUM);
      chelerythrine acted as a potent inhibitor to the substrate transport mediated
      through OATP1A2 (IC50 = 0.63 +/- 0.43 MUM, Ki = 0.60 MUM), OCT1 (IC50 = 13.60 +/-
      2.81 MUM) and OCT2 (IC50 =10.80 +/- 1.16 MUM). 4. Our study suggested
      tryptanthrin and chelerythrine could potently impact on the drug transport via
      specific OATs/OCTs. Therefore, the co-administration of these alkaloids with
      drugs could have clinical consequences due to drug-drug/herb interactions.
      Precautions should be warranted in the multi-drug therapies involving these
      alkaloids.

PMID- 28093032
TI  - Editorial. Myoelectric functional hand prosthesis for total brachial plexus
      injury.

PMID- 28093033
TI  - The Functional Impact of Sleep Disorders in Children With ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Children with ADHD display higher rates of sleep problems, and both
      sleep disorders and ADHD have been shown to affect functioning in childhood. The
      current study examines the frequency and relationship between sleep problems and
      ADHD, and their impact on quality of life (QoL) and functional impairment.
      METHOD: Parents of 192 children with ADHD ( M = 10.23 years) completed measures
      regarding their child's ADHD symptoms (Swanson, Nolan and Pelham [SNAP]), sleep
      disorders (Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire [PSQ]), QoL (Child Health Illness
      Profile [CHIP-PE]), and functioning (Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale
      Parent Report [WFIRS-P]). RESULTS: Common sleep complaints in participants were
      insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and variability in sleep schedule.
      Regression analysis indicated that sleep problems and ADHD symptoms independently
      predicted lower levels of QoL (Delta R2 = .12, p < .001) and social functioning
      (Delta R2 = .12, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that ADHD may coexist
      with somnolence and that both conditions have a significant impact on a child's
      functioning and QoL.

PMID- 28093034
TI  - Fear of cancer recurrence and unmet needs among breast cancer survivors in the
      first five years. A cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear to which degree the services available after end of
      treatment are sufficient to meet the needs of women treated for breast cancer.
      The aim of the present study was to identify patient-reported supportive care
      needs and the prevalence of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) following end of
      treatment in women treated for breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a cross
      sectional design, women treated for breast cancer (n = 155; mean age 63)
      completed questionnaires concerning supportive care needs and FCR. Inclusion
      criteria were: >=18 years of age and treated for primary breast cancer at Aarhus
      University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark and between three months and five years
      after diagnosis. Associations between demographic characteristics, clinical
      factors, side effects, late effects and the two dependent variables, unmet needs
      (examined with linear regression model), and FCR (examined with logistic
      regression model) were analyzed. RESULTS: The response rate was 79.9%. Almost all
      (82.6%) women reported at least one unmet need (mean number 9.3; range 0-34).
      More than half (59.3%) of the unmet needs were rated as strong unmet needs. The
      most frequent unmet needs were concerned with doctors collaborate to coordinate
      care; the need for having ongoing dialog with healthcare providers to receive
      available local health care services, understandable and up-to-date information,
      to manage side effects and feeling reassured that the best medical care are
      given. Having unmet needs were associated with young age, short time since
      primary surgery, and having clinical FCR. FCR was reported by 54.8% of the women
      and was associated with short time since primary surgery, having chemotherapy,
      having unmet needs, and moderate to severe muscle and joint pain and fatigue.
      CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors experience substantial unmet needs years
      after end of treatment, particularly among younger women and women having
      clinical FCR. Furthermore, FCR is frequent among women, particularly when closer
      in time to primary surgery.

PMID- 28093035
TI  - Cognitive emotion regulation in adulthood and old age: positive gaze preferences
      across two strategies.
AB  - While positive emotional functioning may be enhanced across adulthood and old
      age, research is mixed as to the types of regulatory strategies that are more or
      less beneficial for facilitating well-being. The goal of the present study was to
      examine how specific cognitive emotion regulation strategies assumed to rely on
      varying levels of effortful processing (selective attention vs. reappraisal)
      would impact regulatory behaviors (via eye gaze deployment) and resultant
      affective outcomes. Participants viewed a series of positive, negative, and
      neutral film clips while their eyes were tracked across three conditions: passive
      viewing, selective attention, and reappraisal. Results revealed that (a) both
      younger and older adults displayed positive fixation preferences and showed mood
      improvement across both regulatory conditions and (b) there was a marginal
      association between positive fixation and post-regulation mood. Implications for
      linking positivity to emotion regulation and well-being across adulthood are
      discussed.

PMID- 28093036
TI  - Combining nanoscale magnetic nimodipine liposomes with magnetic resonance image
      for Parkinson's disease targeting therapy.
AB  - AIM: To enhance drug targeting and blood-brain barrier penetration for
      Parkinson's disease (PD), a novel nanoscale magnetic nimodipine (NMD) delivery
      system was designed and prepared. MATERIALS & METHODS: The PD rats were
      established and treated with free NMD or Fe3O4-modified NMD liposomes (Fe3O4-NMD
      lips). Then, factional anisotropy values were measured by MRI to evaluate therapy
      efficacy. RESULTS: Fe3O4-NMD-lips showed the best neuroprotective effect, and the
      NMD concentration of lesions was 2.5-fold higher in Fe3O4-NMD-lips group than
      that of free NMD group. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that the magnetic
      drug system had a great potential to cross the blood-brain barrier and provided a
      noninvasive and effective therapeutic strategy for PD.

PMID- 28093037
TI  - Encapsulation of lemongrass oil with cyclodextrins by spray drying and its
      controlled release characteristics.
AB  - Inclusion of the two isomers of citral (E-citral and Z-citral), components of
      lemongrass oil, was investigated within the confines of various cyclodextrin
      (alpha-CD, beta-CD and gamma-CD) host molecules. Aqueous complex formation
      constants for E-citral with alpha-CD, beta-CD and gamma-CD were determined to be
      123, 185, and 204 L/mol, respectively, whereas Z-citral exhibited stronger
      affinities (157, 206, and 253 L/mol, respectively). The binding trend gamma-CD >
      beta-CD > alpha-CD is a reflection of the more favorable geometrical
      accommodation of the citral isomers with increasing cavity size. Encapsulation of
      lemongrass oil within CDs was undertaken through shaking citral:CD (1:1, 1.5:1,
      and 2:1 molar ratio) mixtures followed by spray drying. Maximum citral retention
      occurred at a 1:1 molar ratio with beta-CD and alpha-CD demonstrating the highest
      levels of total E-citral and Z-citral retention, respectively. Furthermore, the
      beta-CD complex demonstrated the slowest release rate of all inclusion complex
      powders.

PMID- 28093038
TI  - Metabonomic Strategy for the Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza
      and Dalbergia odorifera Interfering with Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
      in Rats.
AB  - Extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Dalbergia Odorifera (SM-DOO) has been
      traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
      However, information regarding the pharmacodyamic material basis and potential
      mechanism remain unknown. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups:
      Sham, Model, Diltiazem, and SM-DOO group, n = 6. Rats were pretreated with
      homologous drugs for 7 days, and then subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia
      followed by 180 minutes of reperfusion. Cardioprotection effects of SM-DOO on
      myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury rats were examined by hemodynamics,
      infarct area, histopathology, biochemical indicators, and Western blot analysis.
      Metabonomics technology was further performed to evaluate the endogenous
      metabolites profiling systematically. According to the results of pattern
      recognition analysis, a clear separation of MI/R injury in the Model group and
      Sham group was achieved and SM-DOO pretreatment group was located much closer to
      the Sham group than the Model group, which was consistent with results of
      biochemistry and histopathological assay. Moreover, potential biomarkers were
      identified to elucidate the drug mechanism of SM-DOO, which may be related with
      pathways of energy metabolism, especially tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (citric
      acid) and beta-oxidation of fatty acids (3-hydroxybutyric, palmitoleic acid,
      heptadecanoic acid, and arachidonic acid). In addition, the protein expressions
      of p-AMPK and p-ACC in the SM-DOO group were significantly elevated, while the
      levels of carnitine palmitoyl-CoA transferase-1 (CPT-1), p-PDK, and p-PDC were
      dramatically reduced by SM-DOO. In conclusion, SM-DOO pretreatment could
      ameliorate MI/R injury by intervening with energy metabolism, especially TCA
      cycle and beta-oxidation of fatty acids. This work showed that the metabonomics
      method combinate with conventional pharmacological methods is a promising tool in
      the efficacy and mechanism research of traditional Chinese medicines.

PMID- 28093039
TI  - Clarifying the Construct of Occupational Engagement for Occupational Therapy
      Practice.
AB  - Occupational engagement (OE) has been presented as a core construct in
      occupational therapy; however, its broad conceptualization and confounding
      definitions are problematic. Clarifying the construct of OE would help
      occupational therapists to explicate the nature of their practice. The purpose of
      this study was to explore occupational therapists' perspectives of the construct
      of OE. Qualitative descriptive methodology was used to collect data using
      semistructured interviews with nine practicing occupational therapists in the
      Greater Toronto Area. Qualitative content analysis, using an inductive approach,
      was employed to uncover emerging categories. Participants spoke about
      transitioning from therapeutic engagement to OE with a client by following a
      client's path of choice. The essential elements and influencers of OE were
      highlighted, and the relationship between OE and occupational performance was
      discussed. The findings provide an initial understanding of essential elements
      necessary to enable clients to initiate engagement in therapy and then,
      subsequently, in occupations of their choice.

PMID- 28093040
TI  - Cadmium in liver and kidneys of domestic Balkan and Alpine dairy goat breeds from
      Montenegro and Serbia.
AB  - Concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were determined in the samples of 144 animals
      around 1 and of 144 animals around 4 years old. Cd was analysed by inductively
      coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), after microwave
      digestion. Cd concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in kidney than in liver and
      higher (p < 0.05) in older animals than in young ones. In domestic Balkan goat
      which was raised in a free-ranged system Cd accumulation was lower (p < 0.05)
      than in Alpine goat raised in an intensive production system. Geographic region
      did influence Cd accumulation only in older animals. Higher Cd levels (p < 0.05)
      were determined in goats from Serbia. The highest obtained Cd concentrations in
      both tissues were lower than maximum levels set by European and national
      legislation for ruminants (cattle and sheep).

PMID- 28093041
TI  - Blastocyst Development in a Single Medium Compared to Sequential Media: A
      Prospective Study With Sibling Oocytes.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to compare blastocyst formation rates after
      embryo culture in a single medium (Global) as compared to sequential media
      (ISM1/BlastAssist). In this prospective trial with sibling oocytes, 542 metaphase
      II (MUIotaIota) oocytes from 31 women were randomly and equally divided to be
      fertilized and cultured to the blastocyst stage in either sequential media
      (ISM1/BlastAssist; n = 271 MII oocytes) or a single medium (Global; n = 271 MII
      oocytes). In both groups, embryos were cultured in an interrupted fashion with
      media changes on day 3. Embryo transfer was performed on day 5. Blastocyst
      formation rates on day 5 (61.7% +/- 19.9% vs 37.0% +/- 25.5%, P < .001) were
      significantly higher following culture in Global as compared to ISM1/BlastAssist,
      respectively. Fertilization rates, cleavage rates, and percentage of good quality
      embryos on day 3 were similar between Global and ISM1/BlastAssist, respectively.
      The percentages of good quality blastocysts (63.0% +/- 24.8% vs 32.1% +/- 37.2%,
      P < .001), blastocysts selected for transfer (27.8% +/- 19.2% vs 11.1% +/- 14.4%,
      P = .005), and utilization rates (62.5% +/- 24.8% vs 39.0% +/- 25.2%, P < .001)
      were significantly higher in Global as compared to ISM1/BlastAssist,
      respectively. In conclusion, culture in Global was associated with higher
      blastocyst formation rates compared to ISM1/BlastAssist, suggesting that the
      single medium may provide better support to the developing embryo.

PMID- 28093042
TI  - Chloramphenicol stereoisomers need to be distinguished: consequences observed
      from a proficiency test.
AB  - Although the use of chloramphenicol (CAP) as a veterinary drug is banned in the
      European Union and many other countries, monitoring for CAP residues in food is
      routine. Positive detections are few, but taken extremely seriously. European
      Union laboratories analysing for CAP should validate methods according to
      European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, must be accredited to ISO 17025, and
      will generally participate in proficiency testing (PT) schemes, such as those
      offered by the Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS(r)). The FAPAS
      PTs aim to cover a wide range of relevant matrices including honey, prawns, fish,
      milk and kidney. Test materials are prepared either by animal dosing studies or
      by spiking raw matrix. The most common method reported by FAPAS participants used
      to screen for CAP residues is LC-MS/MS, but ELISA kits are increasingly being
      used. A recent PT round highlighted that the result obtained might be correlated
      with the type of analytical method being employed. Follow-up investigations have
      demonstrated that some of these variations in data are a function of the
      different stereoisomeric forms of CAP. This paper discusses the implication of
      this research on method validation requirements and European Union legislation.

PMID- 28093043
TI  - Electrospun Yarn Reinforced NanoHA Composite Matrix as a Potential Bone
      Substitute for Enhanced Regeneration of Segmental Defects.
AB  - Nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHA) is a well-established synthetic bone substitute with
      excellent osteoconduction and osteointegration. However, brittleness coupled with
      slow degradation curtails its load-bearing and bone regeneration potential,
      respectively. To address these limitations, nanoHA composite matrix reinforced
      with electrospun fibrous yarns was fabricated and tested in vitro and in vivo.
      Different weight percentages (5, 10, 15 wt%) and varying lengths (short and
      continuous) of poly(l-lactic acid) yarns were randomly dispersed in a gelatinous
      matrix containing nanoHA. This significantly improved the compressive strength as
      well as work of fracture, especially for continuous yarns at high weight
      percentages (10 and 15 wt%). Incorporation of yarns did not adversely affect the
      pore size (50-350 MUm) or porosity of the scaffolds as well as the in vitro
      cellular response. Finally, when tested in a critical-sized femoral segmental
      defect in rat, the nanocomposite scaffolds induced osteoblast cell infiltration
      at 2 months that subsequently underwent increased mature lamellar bone formation
      at 4 months, in both the mid and peripheral defect regions. Histomorphometric
      analysis demonstrated that new bone formation and biomaterial degradation were
      significantly enhanced in the composite scaffold when compared to commercially
      available HA. Overall, the composite matrix reinforced with electrospun yarns
      proved to be a potential bone substitute having an appropriate balance between
      mechanical strength, porosity, biodegradation, and bone regeneration ability.

PMID- 28093044
TI  - Changes in biosynthesis of exopolysaccharide in Lactococcus lactis subspecies
      cremoris treated by moderate pulsed electric field treatment.
AB  - Metabolome analysis and physicochemical analyses were executed with cell extracts
      of a Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremoris strain treated by moderate pulsed
      electric field (PEF) to elucidate the mechanism of enhanced production of
      exopolysaccharide (EPS) by the treatment. Metabolome analysis by capillary
      electrophoresis time of flight mass spectrometry annotated 224 metabolites from
      the cytoplasmic extract of the strain, which, however, showed no significant
      changes in metabolites related to the EPS production. Electron microscopic
      observation and chemical analysis of undecaprenoids as carrier of EPS
      biosynthetic intermediates suggested that PEF treatment dissociated immature EPSs
      from the intermediates due to the focal electro-condensation of hydrogen ions at
      the cell surface. Thus, liberated undecaprenyl phosphates were recycled
      efficiently, which resulted in mass increase of EPS with smaller molecular
      weight. The study suggested the feasibility of moderate PEF treatment as a food
      processing technique and revealed the mechanism of enhanced production of EPS by
      the treatment.

PMID- 28093046
TI  - Sensitivity and specificity of Urdu version of the PHQ-9 to screen depression in
      patients with coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) possesses many
      characteristics of a good screening tool and has the capacity to be used for
      screening depression in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). AIM: To
      examine the psychometric properties and criterion validity of the PHQ-9 to screen
      and detect depression in patients with CAD in Pakistan. DESIGN: In this
      validation study, 150 patients with CAD completed the Urdu version of the PHQ-9.
      The major depressive episode module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric
      Interview (MINI) was used as the gold standard. RESULTS: The Urdu version of the
      PHQ-9 revealed a good internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha of 0.83. Optimal
      sensitivity (76%) and specificity (76%) were achieved using the cut-off score of
      PHQ-9 >=6, with area under the ROC curve of 0.86. CONCLUSION: The Urdu version of
      the PHQ-9 has acceptable psychometric properties to screen and detect major
      depression in patients with CAD.

PMID- 28093045
TI  - Exploring urban health in Cape Town, South Africa: an interdisciplinary analysis
      of secondary data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With modern information technology, an overwhelming amount of data is
      available on different aspects of societies. Our research investigated the
      feasibility of using secondary data sources to get an overview of determinants of
      health and health outcomes in different population strata of Cape Town, a large
      city of South Africa. METHODS: The methodological approach of secondary-data
      analysis was similar in the different disciplines: Biological Anthropology,
      Public Health, Environmental Health, Mental Health, Palliative Care, Medical
      Psychology and Sociology at the University of Freiburg and Public Health at the
      University of Cape Town. The teams collected information on Cape Town through
      Internet searches and published articles. The information was extracted,
      analyzed, condensed, and jointly interpreted. RESULTS: Data show the typical
      picture of a population in epidemiological and demographic transition exposed to
      often difficult social, mental, and physical environmental conditions. Comparison
      between low and higher socioeconomic districts demonstrated that the former had
      higher air pollution, poorer water quality, and deficient sanitary conditions in
      addition to sub-optimal mental health services and palliative care. CONCLUSION:
      Although important information gaps were identified, the data draw attention to
      critical public health interventions required in poor health districts, and to
      motivate for pro-equity policies.

PMID- 28093047
TI  - Three-Dimensional Cell Printing of Large-Volume Tissues: Application to Ear
      Regeneration.
AB  - The three-dimensional (3D) printing of large-volume cells, printed in a
      clinically relevant size, is one of the most important challenges in the field of
      tissue engineering. However, few studies have reported the fabrication of large
      volume cell-printed constructs (LCCs). To create LCCs, appropriate fabrication
      conditions should be established: Factors involved include fabrication time,
      residence time, and temperature control of the cell-laden hydrogel in the syringe
      to ensure high cell viability and functionality. The prolonged time required for
      3D printing of LCCs can reduce cell viability and result in insufficient
      functionality of the construct, because the cells are exposed to a harsh
      environment during the printing process. In this regard, we present an advanced
      3D cell-printing system composed of a clean air workstation, a humidifier, and a
      Peltier system, which provides a suitable printing environment for the production
      of LCCs with high cell viability. We confirmed that the advanced 3D cell-printing
      system was capable of providing enhanced printability of hydrogels and
      fabricating an ear-shaped LCC with high cell viability. In vivo results for the
      ear-shaped LCC also showed that printed chondrocytes proliferated sufficiently
      and differentiated into cartilage tissue. Thus, we conclude that the advanced 3D
      cell-printing system is a versatile tool to create cell-printed constructs for
      the generation of large-volume tissues.

PMID- 28093048
TI  - Myofibroblasts Are Evidence of Chronic Tissue Microtrauma at the Endometrial
      Myometrial Junctional Zone in Uteri With Adenomyosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adenomyosis (AM) uteri exhibit hyperperistalsis. The latter causes a
      chronic tissue trauma at the endometrial-myometrial junctional zone (EMJZ). Upon
      tissue trauma, microdehiscences in the myometrium facilitate the translocation of
      basal endometrial fragments into the myometrium. There, a metaplasia (mediated by
      transforming growth factor beta1 [TGFbeta1] and connective tissue growth factor
      [CTGF]) occurs and AM lesions develop. The abundance of myofibroblasts in a
      tissue hallmarks metaplasia and points to a tissue microtrauma. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: To study if myofibroblasts-as an evidence of tissue microtrauma-are more
      abundant at EMJZ in AM-uteri, a case-control experimental study was carried out
      at Charite University Hospital-Endometriosis Research Centre. In all, 18 uteri
      with AM and 14 uteri without AM were obtained during laparoscopy-assisted vaginal
      hysterectomy. The immunolabeling of myofibroblastic metaplasia (alpha smooth
      muscle actin [ASMA] and collagen I), differentiated smooth muscle marker (desmin)
      and metaplasia mediators (TGF-beta receptors 1, 2, 3 and CTGF) was investigated.
      The ultrastructure of myofibroblasts at EMJZ of AM uterus was characterized by
      transmission electron microscopy, in addition to an in vitro study to
      characterize myofibroblasts in the endometrium of non-AM uterus. RESULTS:
      Immunolabeling of ASMA and collagen I was significantly higher at EMJZ of AM
      uteri versus non-AM uteri. Furthermore, myofibroblasts were ultrastructurally
      characterized at EMJZ of AM. Endometrium of non-AM uterus exhibited 5% to 8% of
      its cells, expressing ASMA and collagen I. No difference was noted regarding
      metaplasia mediators immunolabeling between both the groups. CONCLUSION: The
      abundant and persistent myofibroblasts (expressing ASMA/collagen I) at EMJZ in AM
      uteri are ultra-/microscopic evidence of chronic tissue trauma. They are of
      nonmyometrial origin, as they lack desmin immunolabeling.

PMID- 28093049
TI  - Efficient Variational Approach to Multimodal Registration of Anatomical and
      Functional Intra-Patient Tumorous Brain Data.
AB  - This paper addresses the functional localization of intra-patient images of the
      brain. Functional images of the brain (fMRI and PET) provide information about
      brain function and metabolism whereas anatomical images (MRI and CT) supply the
      localization of structures with high spatial resolution. The goal is to find the
      geometric correspondence between functional and anatomical images in order to
      complement and fuse the information provided by each imaging modality. The
      proposed approach is based on a variational formulation of the image registration
      problem in the frequency domain. It has been implemented as a C/C[Formula: see
      text] library which is invoked from a GUI. This interface is routinely used in
      the clinical setting by physicians for research purposes (Inscanner, Alicante,
      Spain), and may be used as well for diagnosis and surgical planning. The
      registration of anatomic and functional intra-patient images of the brain makes
      it possible to obtain a geometric correspondence which allows for the
      localization of the functional processes that occur in the brain. Through 18
      clinical experiments, it has been demonstrated how the proposed approach
      outperforms popular state-of-the-art registration methods in terms of efficiency,
      information theory-based measures (such as mutual information) and actual
      registration error (distance in space of corresponding landmarks).

PMID- 28093050
TI  - Second-toe wrap-around flap for reconstruction of a ring avulsion injury.

PMID- 28093051
TI  - Prolonged job strain and subsequent risk of cancer in women - a longitudinal
      study, based on the Danish Nurse Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of psychological stress in cancer risk is continuously
      debated. Stress at work is the most common form of stress and previous studies
      have shown inconsistent results regarding cancer risk. In this longitudinal
      study, we examined the association between prolonged job strain across six years
      and subsequent cancer risk. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We used data from 6571 cancer
      free women from the Danish Nurse Cohort aged 45-70 years at inclusion, and self
      reported questionnaires on job strain at baseline in 1993 and again in 1999.
      Prolonged job strain was defined as high job busyness and speed, and low control
      in both 1993 and 1999. Information on cancer diagnosis was obtained from the
      Danish Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate
      hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for overall cancer as well as
      subgroups of virus immune-related, hormone-related, digestive and lung cancers
      according to level of prolonged job strain. The women were followed from 1
      January 2000 until cancer diagnosis, emigration, death or 31 December 2013 (mean
      follow-up 13 years) and models were adjusted for potential confounders. Effect
      modification was examined according to working nightshifts and full time.
      RESULTS: No significant differences in the risk of overall cancer or any of the
      cancer subgroups were identified in relation to prolonged busyness, speed,
      influence, or overall job strain. Effect modification by working full time was
      observed when examining job influence in relation to overall cancer risk, and by
      working nightshifts when examining job influence in relation to hormone related
      cancer risk. However, none of the associations were significant in stratified
      analyses. CONCLUSION: We found no evidence of an increased risk of any cancer
      among women with prolonged job strain. Since a large proportion of cancer
      patients perceive psychological stress as a possible cause of their cancer
      disease, it is of importance to communicate these findings to the public.

PMID- 28093052
TI  - Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase/Nuclear Factor-Erythroid2-like2/Heme
      Oxygenase-1 Pathway-Mediated Mitophagy Alleviates Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced
      Intestinal Mucosa Damage and Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction.
AB  - Gastrointestinal dysfunction is one of several physiologic complications in
      patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI can result in increased
      intestinal permeability resulting from apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells,
      which contain a large number of mitochondria for persisting barrier function.
      Autophagy of damaged mitochondria (mitophagy) controls the quality of the
      mitochondria and regulates cellular homeostasis. However, the exact mechanism of
      mitophagy that underlies the pathological changes induced by TBI is unknown.
      Here, we report that mitophagy decreases the intestinal epithelial cell damage
      and apoptosis that are activated in a rat model of controlled cortical impact
      (CCI). CCI-induced mitophagy is associated with an increase in 3-nitrotyrosine
      and 4-hydroxynonenal, indicating that oxidative stress may increase in response
      to mitochondrial disturbance. CCI also results in the expression of the tight
      junction proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, which may regulate the
      in vivo intestinal hyperpermeability induced by CCI. Additionally, CCI-induced
      mitophagy was shown to be mediated by the oxidative stress-related extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/nuclear factor-erythroid2-like2 (Nrf2)/heme
      oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway, which may serve to reduce the apoptosis
      induced by oxidative stress. These results suggest that CCI-induced mitophagy
      serves to diminish apoptosis-mediated intestinal epithelial cell damage and to
      improve intestinal permeability, via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. These findings may
      be useful in the design of rational approaches for the prevention and treatment
      of symptoms associated with TBI.

PMID- 28093053
TI  - Examiner's experience and the outcome interpretation of ICDAS and Nyvad's system 
      a prospective in vitro study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, prospectively, the influence of examiner's experience in
      interpreting and applying the caries detection systems ICDAS (IC) and Nyvad (NY).
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve second-year undergraduate dental students (UG) and
      12 postgraduates (PG) MSc level analysed and codified 77 clinical dental caries
      photographs at three different moments: initially, without any training; after
      one week of receiving training through a theoretical class; and after two years.
      Reproducibility and correlation was evaluated; sensitivity, specificity and area
      under ROC curve (AUC) were dichotomized according to the presence of cavitation
      (IC) and in relation to disease activity (NY). RESULTS: IC presented good kappa
      values for the first two evaluations. Both criteria resulted in good Spearman's
      correlation after two years (IC = UG: 0.89; PG: 0.93/NY = UG: 0.81; PG: 0.82).
      Sensitivity, specificity and AUC were statistically higher in the third
      evaluation by UG for Nyvad. CONCLUSIONS: ICDAS criteria seem to be instinctively
      understood by students without clinical experience. Nyvad's concepts performed
      better after two years where the students deepened their theoretical knowledge
      and experienced clinical practice, collaborating with the identification of
      activity signs.

PMID- 28093054
TI  - Impact of Psychological Stress on Pain Perception in an Animal Model of
      Endometriosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pain in patients with endometriosis is considered a significant source
      of stress but does not always correlate with severity of the condition. We have
      demonstrated that stress can worsen endometriosis in an animal model. Here, we
      tested the impact of a psychological stress protocol on pain thresholds and pain
      receptors. METHODS: Endometriosis was induced in female rats by suturing uterine
      horn tissue next to the intestinal mesentery. Sham rats had sutures only. Rats
      were exposed to water avoidance stress for 7 consecutive days or handled for 5
      minutes (no stress). Fecal pellets and serum corticosterone (CORT) levels were
      measured as an index of anxiety. Pain perception was assessed using hot plate and
      Von Frey tests. Substance P, enkephalin, endomorphin-2, Mu opioid receptor (MOR),
      and neurokinin-1 receptor expression in the spinal cord were measured by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Fecal pellets and CORT were significantly higher
      in the endo-stress (ES) group than endo-no stress (ENS; P < .01) and sham-no
      stress groups (SNS; P < .01). The ES rats had more colonic damage ( P < .001 vs
      SNS; P < .05 vs ENS), vesicle mast cell infiltration ( P < .01 vs ENS), and more
      severe vesicles than ENS. The ES developed significant hyperalgesia ( P < .05)
      but stress reversed the allodynic effect caused by endo ( P < .001). The MOR
      expression was significantly reduced in ENS versus SNS ( P < .05) and more
      enkephalin expression was found in endo groups. CONCLUSION: Animals subjected to
      stress develop more severe symptoms but interestingly stress seems to have
      beneficial effects on abdominal allodynia, which could be a consequence of the
      stress-induced analgesia phenomenon.

PMID- 28093055
TI  - Low Rates of HIV Testing Among Adults With Severe Mental Illness Receiving Care
      in Community Mental Health Settings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to characterize HIV testing rates among Medicaid
      recipients with severe mental illness who received public specialty mental health
      services. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study examined California Medicaid
      records from October 1, 2010, to September 30, 2011 (N=56,895). Study
      participants were between age 18 and 67, utilized specialty mental health care
      services, were prescribed antipsychotic medications, and were not dually eligible
      for Medicare. Adjusted Poisson regression models were used to estimate the
      overall effects of predictor variables on HIV testing prevalence. RESULTS: During
      the study period, 6.7% of people with severe mental illness received HIV testing.
      Men were 32% less likely to be tested for HIV than women (p<.001). Compared with
      whites, Asians/Pacific Islanders were 53% less likely and blacks were 82% more
      likely to be tested (p<.001). Those with comorbid drug or alcohol use disorders
      were more likely to be tested than those without such disorders (p<.001).
      Utilization of nonpsychiatric medical care was the strongest predictor of HIV
      testing (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most adults with severe mental illness receiving
      public specialty mental health services were not tested for HIV during a one-year
      period. Public health administrators must prioritize HIV testing for early
      identification of HIV infection and prevention of HIV transmission.

PMID- 28093057
TI  - If It Works for Pills, Can It Work for Skills? Direct-to-Consumer Social
      Marketing of Evidence-Based Psychological Treatments.
AB  - The emergence of evidence-based psychological treatments (EVPTs) is a scientific
      success story, but unfortunately the application of these empirically supported
      procedures has been slow to gain ground in treatment-as-usual settings. This Open
      Forum commentary argues that direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing, which has worked
      well in communicating the advantages of various medicines, should perhaps be
      considered for use in social marketing of EVPTs. DTC marketing of pharmaceuticals
      is a long-standing advertising strategy in the United States. In fact, DTC
      marketing of psychotropic medicines is quite a success story. The authors
      recommend various strategies for using marketing science to devise DTC
      advertising of EVPTs, discuss previous research on DTC campaigns, and describe
      initiatives launched in the United Kingdom and Europe to promote EVPTs.
      Suggestions for evaluating and regulating DTC marketing of EVPTs are included.
      Finally, the potential for DTC marketing of EVPTs to increase mental health
      literacy and reduce health disparities is explored.

PMID- 28093056
TI  - Using Peer Navigators to Address the Integrated Health Care Needs of Homeless
      African Americans With Serious Mental Illness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study examined the impact of a peer navigator program (PNP)
      developed by a community-based participatory research team and used with a group
      of African Americans with serious mental illness who were homeless. METHODS:
      Sixty-seven research participants were randomly assigned to receive PNP or
      treatment as usual (control) for one year. Data on general health and mental
      health, recovery, and quality of life were collected at baseline and at four,
      eight, and 12 months. RESULTS: Findings from group * trial analyses of variance
      of omnibus measures of the four constructs showed significant impact over the
      year for participants in PNP compared with those in the control group, with
      analyses showing small to moderate effect sizes: general health status
      (eta2=.24), psychological experience of physical health (eta2=.42), recovery
      (eta2=.36), and quality of life (eta2=.14). These differences emerged even though
      both groups showed significant reductions in homelessness and increases in
      insurance coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for improving in-the-field health
      care for this population are discussed. Whether these results occurred because
      navigators were peers per se needs to be examined in future research.

PMID- 28093058
TI  - Off-Label Prescribing of Psychotropic Medication, 2005-2013: An Examination of
      Potential Influences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined rates of psychotropic prescriptions for various on
      and off-label uses in 2005 and 2013 in the context of changes in labeled
      indications. METHODS: The National Disease and Therapeutic Index, a survey of
      nationally representative office-based physicians that identifies the diagnosis
      attached to each prescription, was used to capture the number of psychiatric
      medications prescribed for a particular diagnosis in 2005 (N=4,120) and 2013
      (N=4,140). Labeled indications for each year were abstracted, and the association
      of prescribing patterns and changes in labeled indications was evaluated.
      RESULTS: Expanded labeling was associated with increased use of antidepressants
      for anxiety (an increase of 3.4 percentage points); antipsychotics for depression
      (8.3), bipolar disorder (3.4), and tic disorders, autism, and related disorders
      (1.5); and anxiolytics for anxiety disorders (5.5). Use of antidepressants for
      depression decreased, by 5.6 percentage points, as did use of antipsychotics
      (4.6) and anxiolytics (.7) for dementia-related disorders and of antipsychotics
      for attention-deficit and related disorders (2.7), likely reflecting black box
      warnings and evidence of side effects. Off-label use of antidepressants for
      attention deficit and related disorders and anxiolytics for bipolar disorders
      increased by 1.1 and 1.3 percentage points, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: FDA
      labeling plays an important but imperfect role in influencing how providers
      select medications. Prescribing increases for medications with new indications.
      Conversely, black box warnings of potentially dangerous side effects result in
      decreased prescribing. However, labeled indications often lag the science, and
      prescribing patterns should be tracked to inform the need for more education,
      research, and labeling changes.

PMID- 28093059
TI  - Insurance Coverage and Treatment Use Under the Affordable Care Act Among Adults
      With Mental and Substance Use Disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many adults who have mental or substance use disorders or both
      experience insurance-related barriers to care, contributing to low treatment
      utilization. Expanded insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could improve
      coverage and access. The study identified changes in coverage and treatment use
      following 2014 ACA insurance expansions. METHODS: Data from the National Survey
      on Drug Use and Health were used to identify individuals ages 18-64 screening
      positive for any mental disorder (N=29,962) or substance use disorder (N=19,243)
      for two periods: 2011-2013 and 2014. Regression-adjusted means were calculated
      for insurance rates and treatment used in each period overall and among
      individuals with household incomes <=200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
      RESULTS: Compared with 2011-2013, in 2014 significant reductions were seen in the
      uninsured rate for individuals with mental disorders (-5.4 percentage points,
      p<.01) and substance use disorders (-5.1 percentage points, p<.01). Increases in
      insurance coverage occurred mostly through Medicaid. Insurance gains were larger
      for adults with incomes <=200% of FPL compared with the overall sample. Use of
      mental health treatment increased by 2.1 percentage points (p=.04), but use of
      substance use disorder treatment did not change. No significant changes were
      noted in treatment settings for mental and substance use disorder treatments.
      Payment by Medicaid for substance use disorder treatment increased by 7.4
      percentage points (p=.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sizable increases in coverage for adults
      with mental disorders and adults with substance use disorders were identified in
      the year following the 2014 ACA expansions; however, low treatment rates among
      this population remain a concern. Initiatives to engage the newly insured in
      treatment are needed.

PMID- 28093060
TI  - Follow-Up Care After Emergency Department Visits for Mental and Substance Use
      Disorders Among Medicaid Beneficiaries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether characteristics of Medicaid beneficiaries
      were associated with receipt of follow-up care after discharge from the emergency
      department (ED) following a visit for mental or substance use disorders. METHODS:
      Medicaid fee-for-service claims from 15 states and the District of Columbia in
      2008 were used to calculate whether adults received follow-up (seven and 30 days)
      after being discharged from the ED following a visit for mental disorders
      (N=31,952 discharges) or substance use disorders (N=13,337 discharges). Random
      effects logistic regression was used to model the odds of receiving follow-up as
      a function of beneficiary characteristics. RESULTS: Receipt of follow-up varied
      widely across states and by beneficiary characteristics. The odds of seven- and
      30-day follow-up after mental health ED discharges were lower among males;
      African Americans versus whites; and beneficiaries who qualified for Medicaid on
      the basis of income rather than disability, beneficiaries with depression and
      other mood disorders compared with other psychiatric diagnoses, and (at seven-day
      follow-up) beneficiaries who lived in rural versus metropolitan areas. In
      contrast, the odds of follow-up after substance use disorder ED discharges were
      lower among whites (seven-day follow-up) and among beneficiaries who qualified
      for Medicaid on the basis of disability rather than income, who were diagnosed as
      having drug use disorders rather than alcohol use disorders, or who lived in
      metropolitan versus suburban areas (seven- and 30-day follow-ups). CONCLUSIONS:
      State Medicaid programs have an opportunity to improve follow-up after ED visits
      for mental and substance use disorders, perhaps by focusing on groups of
      beneficiaries who are less likely to receive follow-up.

PMID- 28093061
TI  - Polyphyllin II Restores Sensitization of the Resistance of PC-9/ZD Cells to
      Gefitinib by a Negative Regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are widely used for advanced
      nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a sensitizing EGFR mutation and
      provide a promising treatment strategy. However, acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs
      restricts their application. The mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to
      TKIs have been explored and Phosphoinositide 3- kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR pathway
      plays a very important role in NSCLC development as well as EGFR-TKI resistance.
      Polyphyllin II(PP II) is the main steroidal saponin constituent which derives
      from the root of Paris polychylia. OBJECTIVE: We examined the sensitizing effect
      of PP II to gefitinib on proliferation, apoptosis, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling
      pathway and tumor growth on gefitinib-resistant NSCLC in vitro and in vivo.
      METHODS: Gefitinib-resistant PC-9/ZD cells and gefitinib-sensitive PC-9 cells
      were used. In the absence of PI3K siRNA, MTT assay, Annexin V/PI analyses,
      Western blot, and Immunohistochemistry analysis by TUNEL assays for xenograft
      model were carried out. RESULTS: PP II promoted the anti-proliferative effects of
      gefitinib and gefitinib-induced apoptosis via activation of caspases and cleavage
      of PARP. PP II elevated sensitization of gefitinib through targeting the
      PI3K/Akt/mTOR. PP II with gefitinib treatment was more effective in inhibiting
      tumor growth and PI3K inactivation on gefitinib-resistant xenograft. CONCLUSION:
      The results indicated that PP II elevated sensitization of drug-resistant PC-9/ZD
      cells to gefitinib through the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. It
      provides a potential new strategy to overcome gefitinib resistance for EGFR-TKI
      resistant NSCLC.

PMID- 28093062
TI  - Derivation of economic values for production traits in aquaculture species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In breeding programs for aquaculture species, breeding goal traits
      are often weighted based on the desired gains but economic gain would be higher
      if economic values were used instead. The objectives of this study were: (1) to
      develop a bio-economic model to derive economic values for aquaculture species,
      (2) to apply the model to determine the economic importance and economic values
      of traits in a case-study on gilthead seabream, and (3) to validate the model by
      comparison with a profit equation for a simplified production system. METHODS: A
      bio-economic model was developed to simulate a grow-out farm for gilthead
      seabream, and then used to simulate gross margin at the current levels of the
      traits and after one genetic standard deviation change in each trait with the
      other traits remaining unchanged. Economic values were derived for the traits
      included in the breeding goal: thermal growth coefficient (TGC), thermal feed
      intake coefficient (TFC), mortality rate (M), and standard deviation of harvest
      weight ([Formula: see text]). For a simplified production system, improvement in
      TGC was assumed to affect harvest weight instead of growing period. Using the bio
      economic model and a profit equation, economic values were derived for harvest
      weight, cumulative feed intake at harvest, and overall survival. RESULTS: Changes
      in gross margin showed that the order of economic importance of the traits was:
      TGC, TFC, M, and [Formula: see text]. Economic values in ? (kg production)-1
      (trait unit)-1 were: 0.40 for TGC, -0.45 for TFC, -7.7 for M, and -0.0011 to 
      0.0010 for [Formula: see text]. For the simplified production system, similar
      economic values were obtained with the bio-economic model and the profit
      equation. The advantage of the profit equation is its simplicity, while that of
      the bio-economic model is that it can be applied to any aquaculture species,
      because it can include any limiting factor and/or environmental condition that
      affects production. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the validity of the bio-economic
      model. TGC is the most important trait to improve, followed by TFC and M, and the
      effect of [Formula: see text] on gross margin is small.

PMID- 28093063
TI  - Whole-genome sequence-based genomic prediction in laying chickens with different
      genomic relationship matrices to account for genetic architecture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the availability of next-generation sequencing technologies,
      genomic prediction based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data is now feasible in
      animal breeding schemes and was expected to lead to higher predictive ability,
      since such data may contain all genomic variants including causal mutations. Our
      objective was to compare prediction ability with high-density (HD) array data and
      WGS data in a commercial brown layer line with genomic best linear unbiased
      prediction (GBLUP) models using various approaches to weight single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs). METHODS: A total of 892 chickens from a commercial brown
      layer line were genotyped with 336 K segregating SNPs (array data) that included
      157 K genic SNPs (i.e. SNPs in or around a gene). For these individuals, genome
      wide sequence information was imputed based on data from re-sequencing runs of 25
      individuals, leading to 5.2 million (M) imputed SNPs (WGS data), including 2.6 M
      genic SNPs. De-regressed proofs (DRP) for eggshell strength, feed intake and
      laying rate were used as quasi-phenotypic data in genomic prediction analyses.
      Four weighting factors for building a trait-specific genomic relationship matrix
      were investigated: identical weights, -(log10 P) from genome-wide association
      study results, squares of SNP effects from random regression BLUP, and variable
      selection based weights (known as BLUP|GA). Predictive ability was measured as
      the correlation between DRP and direct genomic breeding values in five
      replications of a fivefold cross-validation. RESULTS: Averaged over the three
      traits, the highest predictive ability (0.366 +/- 0.075) was obtained when only
      genic SNPs from WGS data were used. Predictive abilities with genic SNPs and all
      SNPs from HD array data were 0.361 +/- 0.072 and 0.353 +/- 0.074, respectively.
      Prediction with -(log10 P) or squares of SNP effects as weighting factors for
      building a genomic relationship matrix or BLUP|GA did not increase accuracy,
      compared to that with identical weights, regardless of the SNP set used.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that little or no benefit was gained when using all
      imputed WGS data to perform genomic prediction compared to using HD array data
      regardless of the weighting factors tested. However, using only genic SNPs from
      WGS data had a positive effect on prediction ability.

PMID- 28093064
TI  - Erratum to: Integrative analysis of multi-omics data for identifying multi
      markers for diagnosing pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 28093065
TI  - Comparison of alternative approaches to single-trait genomic prediction using
      genotyped and non-genotyped Hanwoo beef cattle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genomic predictions from BayesA and BayesB use training data that
      include animals with both phenotypes and genotypes. Single-step methodologies
      allow additional information from non-genotyped relatives to be included in the
      analysis. The single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (SSGBLUP)
      method uses a relationship matrix computed from marker and pedigree information,
      in which missing genotypes are imputed implicitly. Single-step Bayesian
      regression (SSBR) extends SSGBLUP to BayesB-like models using explicitly imputed
      genotypes for non-genotyped individuals. METHODS: Carcass records included 988
      genotyped Hanwoo steers with 35,882 SNPs and 1438 non-genotyped steers that were
      measured for back-fat thickness (BFT), carcass weight (CWT), eye-muscle area, and
      marbling score (MAR). Single-trait pedigree-based BLUP, Bayesian methods using
      only genotyped individuals, SSGBLUP and SSBR methods were compared using cross
      validation. RESULTS: Methods using genomic information always outperformed
      pedigree-based BLUP when the same phenotypic data were modeled from either
      genotyped individuals only or both genotyped and non-genotyped individuals. For
      BFT and MAR, accuracies were higher with single-step methods than with BayesB,
      BayesC and BayesCpi. Gains in accuracy with the single-step methods ranged from
      +0.06 to +0.09 for BFT and from +0.05 to +0.07 for MAR. For CWT, SSBR always
      outperformed the corresponding Bayesian methods that used only genotyped
      individuals. However, although SSGBLUP incorporated information from non
      genotyped individuals, prediction accuracies were lower with SSGBLUP than with
      BayesC (pi = 0.9999) and BayesB (pi = 0.98) for CWT because, for this particular
      trait, there was a benefit from the mixture priors of the effects of the single
      nucleotide polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: Single-step methods are the preferred
      approaches for prediction combining genotyped and non-genotyped animals.
      Alternative priors allow SSBR to outperform SSGBLUP in some cases.

PMID- 28093066
TI  - Predictive performance of genomic selection methods for carcass traits in Hanwoo
      beef cattle: impacts of the genetic architecture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hanwoo beef is known for its marbled fat, tenderness, juiciness and
      characteristic flavor, as well as for its low cholesterol and high omega 3 fatty
      acid contents. As yet, there has been no comprehensive investigation to estimate
      genomic selection accuracy for carcass traits in Hanwoo cattle using dense
      markers. This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy of alternative statistical
      methods that differed in assumptions about the underlying genetic model for
      various carcass traits: backfat thickness (BT), carcass weight (CW), eye muscle
      area (EMA), and marbling score (MS). METHODS: Accuracies of direct genomic
      breeding values (DGV) for carcass traits were estimated by applying fivefold
      cross-validation to a dataset including 1183 animals and approximately 34,000
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). RESULTS: Accuracies of BayesC, Bayesian
      LASSO (BayesL) and genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) methods were
      similar for BT, EMA and MS. However, for CW, DGV accuracy was 7% higher with
      BayesC than with BayesL and GBLUP. The increased accuracy of BayesC, compared to
      GBLUP and BayesL, was maintained for CW, regardless of the training sample size,
      but not for BT, EMA, and MS. Genome-wide association studies detected consistent
      large effects for SNPs on chromosomes 6 and 14 for CW. CONCLUSIONS: The
      predictive performance of the models depended on the trait analyzed. For CW, the
      results showed a clear superiority of BayesC compared to GBLUP and BayesL. These
      findings indicate the importance of using a proper variable selection method for
      genomic selection of traits and also suggest that the genetic architecture that
      underlies CW differs from that of the other carcass traits analyzed. Thus, our
      study provides significant new insights into the carcass traits of Hanwoo cattle.

PMID- 28093067
TI  - CAPZA1 modulates EMT by regulating actin cytoskeleton remodelling in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) elicits dramatic changes,
      including cytoskeleton remodelling as well as changes in gene expression and
      cellular phenotypes. During this process, actin filament assembly plays an
      important role in maintaining the morphology and movement of tumour cells.
      Capping protein, a protein complex referred to as CapZ, is an actin-binding
      complex that can regulate actin cytoskeleton remodelling. CAPZA1 is the alpha1
      subunit of this complex, and we hypothesized that CAPZA1 regulates EMT through
      the regulation of actin filaments assembly, thus reducing the metastatic ability
      of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used
      to detect CAPZA1 expression in 129 HCC tissues. Western blotting and qPCR were
      used to detect CAPZA1, EMT markers and EMT transcription factors in HCC cells.
      Transwell migration and invasion assays were performed to observe the migration
      and invasion of HCC cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the
      proliferation of HCC cells. Immunoprecipitation was used to detect the
      interaction between CAPZA1 and actin filaments. Finally, a small animal magnetic
      resonance imager (MRI) was used to observe metastases in HCC cell xenografts in
      the liver. RESULTS: CAPZA1 expression levels were negatively correlated with the
      biological characteristics of primary HCC and patient prognosis. CAPZA1
      expression was negatively correlated with the migration and invasion of HCC
      cells. CAPZA1 down regulation promoted the migration and invasion of HCC cells.
      Conversely, CAPZA1 overexpression significantly inhibited the migration and
      invasion of HCC cells. Moreover, CAPZA1 expression levels were correlated with
      the expression of the EMT markers E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin.
      Furthermore, the expression of Snail1 and ZEB1 were negatively correlated with
      CAPZA1 expression levels. Similarly, CAPZA1 significantly inhibited intrahepatic
      metastases of HCC cells in an orthotopic transplantation tumour model.
      CONCLUSIONS: CAPZA1 inhibits EMT in HCC cells by regulating actin cytoskeleton
      remodelling, thereby reducing the metastatic ability of the cells. Together, our
      data suggest that CAPZA1 could be a useful biomarker for clinical determination
      of the prognosis of HCC patients.

PMID- 28093068
TI  - Potential of gene drives with genome editing to increase genetic gain in
      livestock breeding programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This paper uses simulation to explore how gene drives can increase
      genetic gain in livestock breeding programs. Gene drives are naturally occurring
      phenomena that cause a mutation on one chromosome to copy itself onto its
      homologous chromosome. METHODS: We simulated nine different breeding and editing
      scenarios with a common overall structure. Each scenario began with 21
      generations of selection, followed by 20 generations of selection based on true
      breeding values where the breeder used selection alone, selection in combination
      with genome editing, or selection with genome editing and gene drives. In the
      scenarios that used gene drives, we varied the probability of successfully
      incorporating the gene drive. For each scenario, we evaluated genetic gain,
      genetic variance [Formula: see text], rate of change in inbreeding ([Formula: see
      text]), number of distinct quantitative trait nucleotides (QTN) edited, rate of
      increase in favourable allele frequencies of edited QTN and the time to fix
      favourable alleles. RESULTS: Gene drives enhanced the benefits of genome editing
      in seven ways: (1) they amplified the increase in genetic gain brought about by
      genome editing; (2) they amplified the rate of increase in the frequency of
      favourable alleles and reduced the time it took to fix them; (3) they enabled
      more rapid targeting of QTN with lesser effect for genome editing; (4) they
      distributed fixed editing resources across a larger number of distinct QTN across
      generations; (5) they focussed editing on a smaller number of QTN within a given
      generation; (6) they reduced the level of inbreeding when editing a subset of the
      sires; and (7) they increased the efficiency of converting genetic variation into
      genetic gain. CONCLUSIONS: Genome editing in livestock breeding results in short
      , medium- and long-term increases in genetic gain. The increase in genetic gain
      occurs because editing increases the frequency of favourable alleles in the
      population. Gene drives accelerate the increase in allele frequency caused by
      editing, which results in even higher genetic gain over a shorter period of time
      with no impact on inbreeding.

PMID- 28093070
TI  - Clonidine is effective for the treatment of primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis and
      hot flushes: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While primary hyperhidrosis can be seen in men, accompanying hot
      flushes is rarely seen in men. Primary hyperhidrosis is thought to be related to
      overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system while hot flushes are believed to
      be related to altered peripheral vascular reactivity and a narrowed
      thermoregulatory zone. CASE PRESENTATION: I report the case of a 29-year-old man
      of Arab origin who presented to a dermatology clinic with a complaint of
      generalized sweating, with heavier involvement of his inguinal region, axilla,
      and lower back. His complaint was associated with a transient hot sensation and
      erythema over the affected areas. He did not respond to topical antiperspirants
      containing aluminum chloride, topical aluminum chloride, or to botulinum toxin A
      injected in both inguinal areas. He was then referred to an endocrinology clinic
      to rule out secondary causes of hyperhidrosis and hot flushes; a primary
      diagnosis was confirmed. He did not respond to oral glycopyrrolate and
      additionally was complaining of its anticholinergic side effects. The
      glycopyrrolate was then replaced with oral clonidine 0.15 mg twice a day.
      Clonidine was well tolerated without remarkable side effects and he quickly
      started to feel marked improvement which was maintained for 2 years. CONCLUSIONS:
      I report an atypical presentation of primary hyperhidrosis and hot flushes that
      was effectively controlled by clonidine without remarkable side effects. Further
      research on a large number of patients may be required before recommending
      clonidine in similar conditions.

PMID- 28093069
TI  - Assessing the progression of chronic periodontitis using subgingival pathogen
      levels: a 24-month prospective multicenter cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of the progression of periodontitis presently depends
      on the use of clinical symptoms (such as attachment loss) and radiographic
      imaging. The aim of the multicenter study described here was to evaluate the
      diagnostic use of the bacterial content of subgingival plaque recovered from the
      deepest pockets in assessing disease progression in chronic periodontitis
      patients. METHODS: This study consisted of a 24-month investigation of a total of
      163 patients with chronic periodontitis who received trimonthly follow-up care.
      Subgingival plaque from the deepest pockets was recovered and assessed for
      bacterial content of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and
      Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans using the modified Invader PLUS assay. The
      corresponding serum IgG titers were measured using ELISA. Changes in clinical
      parameters were evaluated over the course of 24 months. The sensitivity,
      specificity, and prediction values were calculated and used to determine cutoff
      points for prediction of the progression of chronic periodontitis. RESULTS: Of
      the 124 individuals who completed the 24-month monitoring phase, 62 exhibited
      progression of periodontitis, whereas 62 demonstrated stable disease. The P.
      gingivalis counts of subgingival plaque from the deepest pockets was
      significantly associated with the progression of periodontitis (p < 0.001,
      positive predictive value = 0.708). CONCLUSIONS: The P. gingivalis counts of
      subgingival plaque from the deepest pockets may be associated with the
      progression of periodontitis.

PMID- 28093071
TI  - SPAG6 and L1TD1 are transcriptionally regulated by DNA methylation in non-small
      cell lung cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA methylation regulates together with other epigenetic mechanisms
      the transcriptional activity of genes and is involved in the pathogenesis of
      malignant diseases including lung cancer. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      various tumor suppressor genes are already known to be tumor-specifically
      methylated. However, from the vast majority of a large number of genes which were
      identified to be tumor-specifically methylated, tumor-specific methylation was
      unknown so far. Thus, the major aim of this study was to investigate in detail
      the mechanism(s) responsible for transcriptional regulation of the genes SPAG6
      and L1TD1 in NSCLCs. METHODS: We analysed publically available RNA-sequencing
      data and performed gene expression analyses by RT-PCR. DNA methylation analyses
      were done by methylation-sensitive high-resolution melt analyses and bisulfite
      genomic sequencing. We additionally investigated protein expression using
      immunohistochemistry. Cell culture experiments included tumor cell growth,
      proliferation, viability as well as colony formation assays. Moreover, we
      performed xenograft experiments using immunodeficient mice. RESULTS: We observed
      frequent downregulation of SPAG6 and L1TD1 mRNA expression in primary tumor  (TU)
      samples compared to corresponding non-malignant lung tissue (NL) samples of NSCLC
      patients. We furthermore observed re-expression of both genes after treatment
      with epigenetically active drugs in most NSCLC cell lines with downregulated
      SPAG6 and L1TD1 mRNA expression. Frequent tumor-specific DNA methylation of SPAG6
      and L1TD1 was detected when we analysed TU and corresponding NL samples of NSCLC
      patients. ROC curve analyses demonstrated that methylation of both genes is able
      to distinguish between TU and NL samples of these patients. Immunohistochemistry
      revealed a close association between SPAG6/L1TD1 methylation and downregulated
      protein expression of these genes. Moreover, by performing functional assays we
      observed reduced cell growth, proliferation and viability of pCMV6-L1TD1
      transfected NSCLC cells. In addition, reduced volumes of tumors derived from
      pCMV6-L1TD1 compared to pCMV6-ENTRY transfected NCI-H1975 cells were seen in a
      xenograft tumor model. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our results demonstrate that SPAG6
      and L1TD1 are tumor-specifically methylated in NSCLCs and that DNA methylation is
      involved in the transcriptional regulation of these genes. Moreover, in vitro as
      well as in vivo experiments revealed tumor-cell growth suppressing properties of
      L1TD1 in NSCLC cells.

PMID- 28093072
TI  - In vitro effects of hyaluronic acid on human periodontal ligament cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been reported to have a positive effect on
      periodontal wound healing following nonsurgical and surgical therapy. However, to
      date, a few basic in vitro studies have been reported to investigating the
      potential of HA on human periodontal ligament (PDL) cell regeneration. Therefore,
      the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HA on PDL cell
      compatibility, proliferation, and differentiation in vitro. METHODS: Either non
      cross-linked (HA_ncl) or cross-linked (HA_cl) HA was investigated. Human PDL
      cells were seeded in 7 conditions as follows (1) Control tissue culture plastic
      (TCP) (2) dilution of HA_ncl (1:100), (3) dilution of HA_ncl (1:10), 4) HA_ncl
      directly coated onto TCP, (5) dilution of HA_cl (1:100), 6) dilution of HA_cl
      (1:10) and (7) HA_cl directly coated onto TCP. Samples were then investigated for
      cell viability using a live/dead assay, an inflammatory reaction using real-time
      PCR and ELISA for MMP2, IL-1 and cell proliferation via an MTS assay.
      Furthermore, the osteogenic potential of PDL cells was assessed by alkaline
      phosphatase(ALP) activity, collagen1(COL1) and osteocalcin(OCN) immunostaining,
      alizarin red staining, and real-time PCR for genes encoding Runx2, COL1, ALP, and
      OCN. RESULTS: Both HA_ncl and HA_cl showed high PDL cell viability (greater than
      90%) irrespective of the culturing conditions. Furthermore, no significant
      difference in both mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines,
      including MMP2 and IL-1 expression was observed. Both diluted HA_ncl and HA_cl
      significantly increased cell numbers compared to the controlled TCP samples at 3
      and 5 days. HA_ncl and HA_cl in standard cell growth media significantly
      decreased ALP staining, COL1 immunostaining and down-regulated early osteogenic
      differentiation, including Runx2, COL1, and OCN mRNA levels when compared to
      control samples. When osteogenic differentiation medium (ODM) was added,
      interestingly, the expression of early osteogenic markers increased by
      demonstrating higher levels of COL1 and ALP expression; especially in HA 1:10
      diluted condition. Late stage osteogenic markers remained inhibited. CONCLUSIONS:
      Both non-cross-linked and cross-linked HA maintained high PDL cell viability,
      increased proliferation, and early osteogenic differentiation. However, HA was
      consistently associated with a significant decrease in late osteogenic
      differentiation of primary human PDL cells. Future in vitro and animal research
      is necessary to further characterize the effect of HA on periodontal
      regeneration.

PMID- 28093073
TI  - Application of meta-omics techniques to understand greenhouse gas emissions
      originating from ruminal metabolism.
AB  - Methane emissions from ruminal fermentation contribute significantly to total
      anthropological greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. New meta-omics technologies are
      beginning to revolutionise our understanding of the rumen microbial community
      structure, metabolic potential and metabolic activity. Here we explore these
      developments in relation to GHG emissions. Microbial rumen community analyses
      based on small subunit ribosomal RNA sequence analysis are not yet predictive of
      methane emissions from individual animals or treatments. Few metagenomics studies
      have been directly related to GHG emissions. In these studies, the main genes
      that differed in abundance between high and low methane emitters included
      archaeal genes involved in methanogenesis, with others that were not apparently
      related to methane metabolism. Unlike the taxonomic analysis up to now, the gene
      sets from metagenomes may have predictive value. Furthermore, metagenomic
      analysis predicts metabolic function better than only a taxonomic description,
      because different taxa share genes with the same function. Metatranscriptomics,
      the study of mRNA transcript abundance, should help to understand the dynamic of
      microbial activity rather than the gene abundance; to date, only one study has
      related the expression levels of methanogenic genes to methane emissions, where
      gene abundance failed to do so. Metaproteomics describes the proteins present in
      the ecosystem, and is therefore arguably a better indication of microbial
      metabolism. Both two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and shotgun
      peptide sequencing methods have been used for ruminal analysis. In our
      unpublished studies, both methods showed an abundance of archaeal methanogenic
      enzymes, but neither was able to discriminate high and low emitters. Metabolomics
      can take several forms that appear to have predictive value for methane
      emissions; ruminal metabolites, milk fatty acid profiles, faecal long-chain
      alcohols and urinary metabolites have all shown promising results. Rumen
      microbial amino acid metabolism lies at the root of excessive nitrogen emissions
      from ruminants, yet only indirect inferences for nitrogen emissions can be drawn
      from meta-omics studies published so far. Annotation of meta-omics data depends
      on databases that are generally weak in rumen microbial entries. The Hungate 1000
      project and Global Rumen Census initiatives are therefore essential to improve
      the interpretation of sequence/metabolic information.

PMID- 28093074
TI  - Insights into the design and interpretation of iCLIP experiments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP)
      identifies the sites on RNAs that are in direct contact with RNA-binding proteins
      (RBPs). Several variants of CLIP exist, which require different computational
      approaches for analysis. This variety of approaches can create challenges for a
      novice user and can hamper insights from multi-study comparisons. Here, we
      produce data with multiple variants of CLIP and evaluate the data with various
      computational methods to better understand their suitability. RESULTS: We perform
      experiments for PTBP1 and eIF4A3 using individual-nucleotide resolution CLIP
      (iCLIP), employing either UV-C or photoactivatable 4-thiouridine (4SU) combined
      with UV-A crosslinking and compare the results with published data. As previously
      noted, the positions of complementary DNA (cDNA)-starts depend on cDNA length in
      several iCLIP experiments and we now find that this is caused by constrained cDNA
      ends, which can result from the sequence and structure constraints of RNA
      fragmentation. These constraints are overcome when fragmentation by RNase I is
      efficient and when a broad cDNA size range is obtained. Our study also shows that
      if RNase does not efficiently cut within the binding sites, the original CLIP
      method is less capable of identifying the longer binding sites of RBPs. In
      contrast, we show that a broad size range of cDNAs in iCLIP allows the cDNA
      starts to efficiently delineate the complete RNA-binding sites. CONCLUSIONS: We
      demonstrate the advantage of iCLIP and related methods that can amplify cDNAs
      that truncate at crosslink sites and we show that computational analyses based on
      cDNAs-starts are appropriate for such methods.

PMID- 28093075
TI  - GAVIN: Gene-Aware Variant INterpretation for medical sequencing.
AB  - We present Gene-Aware Variant INterpretation (GAVIN), a new method that
      accurately classifies variants for clinical diagnostic purposes. Classifications
      are based on gene-specific calibrations of allele frequencies from the ExAC
      database, likely variant impact using SnpEff, and estimated deleteriousness based
      on CADD scores for >3000 genes. In a benchmark on 18 clinical gene sets, we
      achieve a sensitivity of 91.4% and a specificity of 76.9%. This accuracy is
      unmatched by 12 other tools. We provide GAVIN as an online MOLGENIS service to
      annotate VCF files and as an open source executable for use in bioinformatic
      pipelines. It can be found at http://molgenis.org/gavin .

PMID- 28093077
TI  - Genome Informatics 2016.
AB  - A report on the Genome Informatics conference, held at the Wellcome Genome Campus
      Conference Centre, Hinxton, United Kingdom, 19-22 September 2016.

PMID- 28093076
TI  - Genetic source tracking of an anthrax outbreak in Shaanxi province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anthrax is an acute zoonotic infectious disease caused by the
      bacterium known as Bacillus anthracis. From 26 July to 8 August 2015, an outbreak
      with 20 suspected cutaneous anthrax cases was reported in Ganquan County, Shaanxi
      province in China. The genetic source tracking analysis of the anthrax outbreak
      was performed by molecular epidemiological methods in this study. METHODS: Three
      molecular typing methods, namely canonical single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (canSNP), multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), and
      single nucleotide repeat (SNR) analysis, were used to investigate the possible
      source of transmission and identify the genetic relationship among the strains
      isolated from human cases and diseased animals during the outbreak. RESULTS: Five
      strains isolated from diseased mules were clustered together with patients'
      isolates using canSNP typing and MLVA. The causative B. anthracis lineages in
      this outbreak belonged to the A.Br.001/002 canSNP subgroup and the MLVA15-31
      genotype (the 31 genotype in MLVA15 scheme). Because nine isolates from another
      four provinces in China were clustered together with outbreak-related strains by
      the canSNP (A.Br.001/002 subgroup) and MLVA15 method (MLVA15-31 genotype), still
      another SNR analysis (CL10, CL12, CL33, and CL35) was used to source track the
      outbreak, and the results suggesting that these patients in the anthrax outbreak
      were probably infected by the same pathogen clone. CONCLUSIONS: It was deduced
      that the anthrax outbreak occurred in Shaanxi province, China in 2015 was a local
      occurrence.

PMID- 28093078
TI  - Treatment outcomes for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis under DOTS-Plus: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anti-tuberculosis drug resistance is a major public health problem
      that threatens the progress made in tuberculosis care and control worldwide.
      Treatment success rates of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a key
      issue that cannot be ignored. There is a paucity of evidence that assessed
      studies on the treatment of MDR-TB, which focus on the effectiveness of the
      directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS)-Plus program. Therefore, it is
      crucial to assess and summarize the overall treatment outcomes for MDR-TB
      patients enrolled in the DOTS-Plus program in recent years. The purpose of this
      study was to thus assess and summarize the available evidence for MDR-TB
      treatment outcomes under DOTS-Plus. METHODS: A systematic review and meta
      analysis of published literature was conducted. Original studies were identified
      using the databases MEDLINE(r)/PubMed(r), Hinari, and Google Scholar.
      Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the Cochran's Q test and I2
      statistic. Pooled estimates of treatment outcomes were computed using the random
      effect model. RESULTS: Based on the 14 observational studies included in the meta
      analysis, it was determined that 5 047 patients reported treatment outcomes. Of
      these, the pooled prevalence, 63.5% (95% CI: 58.4-68.5%) successfully completed
      full treatment (cured or treatment completed) with a pooled cure rate of 55.6%,
      whereas 12.6% (95% CI: 9.0-16.2%) of the patients died, 14.2% (95% CI: 11.6
      16.8%) defaulted from therapy, and 7.6% (95% CI: 5.6-9.7%) failed therapy.
      Overall 35.4% (95% CI: 30-40.8%) of patients had unsuccessful treatment outcomes.
      An unsatisfactorily high percentage 43% (95% CI: 32-54%) of unsuccessful
      treatment outcomes was observed among patients who were enrolled in standardized
      treatment regimens. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that patients with MDR-TB
      exhibited a very low treatment success rate compared to the World Health
      Organization 2015 target of at least 75 to 90%. The high default rate observed by
      conducting this literature review could possibly explain the spread of the MDR-TB
      strain in various populations. A better treatment success rate was observed among
      patients in individualized treatment regimens than in standardized ones.
      Conducting further individual-based meta-analysis is recommended to identify
      potential factors for defaulting treatment using large-scale and multi-center
      studies.

PMID- 28093079
TI  - Albumin and surgical site infection risk in orthopaedics: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUD: Surigical site infection has been a challenge for surgeons for many
      years, the prevalence of serum albumin <3.5g/dL has been reported to be
      associated with increased orthopaedic complications. However, the prognostic
      implications and significance of serum albumin <3.5g/dL after orthopaedic
      surgeries remain ambiguity. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to access
      the predictive value of serum albumin level on SSI. METHODS: A basic data search
      was performed in PubMed and Web of Science, in addition, references were manually
      searched. All of the observational studies contained preoperative albumin,
      outcomes of SSI or valuable data that could be abstracted and analysed for meta
      analysis in orthopaedics. All of the studies were assessed using the classic
      Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). They conformed to critical quality evaluation
      standards, and the final data analysis was performed with RevMan 5.2 software.
      RESULTS: A total of 112,183 patients included in 13 studies were involved. The
      pooled MD of albumin between the infection group and the non-infection group was
      MD = -2.28 (95 % CI -3.97-0.58), which was statistically significant (z = 2.63, P
      = 0.008). The pooled RR of infection when comparing albumin <3.5 with albumin
      >3.5 was 2.39 (95 % CI 1.57 3.64), which was statistically significant (z = 4.06,
      P < 0.0001). Heterogeneity were found in the pooled MD of albumin and in the
      pooled RR for infection (P = 0.05, I2 = 61 % and P = 0.003, I2 = 68 %). No
      publication bias occurred based on two basically symmetrical funnel plots.
      CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that an albumin level <3.5 g/dL had an
      almost 2.5 fold increased risk of SSI in orthopaedics, although this conclusion
      requires well-designed prospective cohort studies to be confirmed further.

PMID- 28093080
TI  - Efficacy of fluralaner against Otodectes cynotis infestations in dogs and cats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of fluralaner for the treatment of Otodectes cynotis
      infestations in dogs and cats was evaluated after oral (dogs) or topical
      administration (dogs and cats). Twenty-four dogs and sixteen cats were
      experimentally infested with O. cynotis and randomly allocated to equal sized
      groups (n = 8/group). Dog groups were treated once, either orally with fluralaner
      at a minimum dose of 25 mg/kg body weight, topically with fluralaner at a dose of
      25 mg/kg body weight or topically with saline solution (control). Cat groups were
      treated once, either topically with fluralaner at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight
      or topically with saline solution. Ears of all animals were examined
      otoscopically for live visible mites and the amount of debris and cerumen before,
      and 14 and 28 days after treatment. Twenty-eight days after treatment, animals
      were sedated and both ears were flushed to obtain the total number of live mites
      per animal. The efficacy was calculated, based on the results of the ear
      flushing, by comparing mean live mite counts in the fluralaner treated groups
      versus the saline solution treated group. RESULTS: A single topical treatment of
      cats with fluralaner reduced the mean mite counts by 100% (P < 0.001) at 28 days
      after treatment. Similarly, a single oral or topical treatment of dogs with
      fluralaner reduced the mean mite counts by 99.8% (P < 0.001) at 28 days after
      treatment. Cats treated topically with fluralaner had no mites visible during
      otoscopic examination at either 14 or 28 days after treatment. All dogs treated
      orally or topically with fluralaner had no mites visible during otoscopic
      examination at 28 days after treatment. At 14 days after treatment, only 1-2
      mites were visible in three dogs (oral treatment: 2 dogs, topical treatment: 1
      dog). All fluralaner-treated animals showed improvement in the amount of cerumen
      exudation compared with observations performed before treatment. No treatment
      related adverse events were observed in any dogs or cats enrolled in these
      studies. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, fluralaner administered topically to cats
      and orally or topically to dogs was highly effective against Otodectes cynotis
      mite infestations.

PMID- 28093081
TI  - The most important questions in cancer research and clinical oncology : Question
      1. Could the vertical transmission of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
      account for the cause, characteristics, and epidemiology of HPV-positive
      oropharyngeal carcinoma, non-smoking East Asian female lung adenocarcinoma,
      and/or East Asian triple-negative breast carcinoma?
AB  - Specific research foci: (1) Mouse models of gamma-herpes virus-68 (gammaHV-68)
      and polyomavirus (PyV) infections during neonatal versus adult life. (2) For
      human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC)-(a) Asking the
      question: Is oral sex a powerful carcinogen? (b) Examining the evidence for the
      vertical transmission of HPV infection. (c) Examining the relationship between
      HPV and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections and nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) in
      West European, East European, and East Asian countries. (d) Examining the
      association between HPV-positive OPC and human leukocyte antigen (HLA). (3) For
      non-smoking East Asian female lung adenocarcinoma-(a) Examining the incidence
      trends of HPV-positive OPC and female lung adenocarcinoma according to birth
      cohorts. (b) Examining the association between female lung adenocarcinoma and
      HPV. (c) Examining the associations of lung adenocarcinoma with immune modulating
      factors. (4) For triple-negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) in East Asians-(a)
      Examining the association between TNBC and HPV. (b) Examining the unique
      epidemiological characteristics of patients with TNBC. A summary
      "epidemiological" model tying some of these findings together.

PMID- 28093082
TI  - Less extrusion debris during the retreatment of curved canals using twisted files
      with higher rotational speeds: an ex vivo study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Debris extrusion from the apical foramen can be problematic in
      severely curved canals. This study aimed to assess the use of Twisted Files (TF)
      at different rotational speeds during retreatment, compared with manual technique
      using Triple-Flex Files (TFF). METHODS: Forty-eight mesiobuccal root canals were
      randomized to four groups (n = 12 per group). In groups A, B, and C, gutta-percha
      was removed using TF at 500, 1000, and 1500 rpm, respectively, while it was
      removed using TFF in group D. Apical debris was collected in a pre-weighed
      centrifuge tube. The weight of dry debris was assessed by comparing the pre- and
      post-instrumentation weight for each group. RESULTS: Instrumentation in group D
      (0.69 +/- 0.04 mg) extruded significantly more debris than any of the TF groups
      (A: 0.54 +/- 0.05 mg; B: 0.48 +/- 0.04 mg; C: 0.42 +/- 0.03 mg; all P < 0.001).
      In addition, increasing the rotational speed of TF decreased the amount of
      extruded debris (A vs. B: P = 0.006; B vs. C: P < 0.001; A vs. C: P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: TF at 1500 rpm produced less apical extrusion debris than other TF
      operating speeds and TFF.

PMID- 28093083
TI  - Genetic analysis of teat number in pigs reveals some developmental pathways
      independent of vertebra number and several loci which only affect a specific
      side.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Number of functional teats is an important trait in commercial swine
      production. As litter size increases, the number of teats must also increase to
      supply nutrition to all piglets. Therefore, a genome-wide association analysis
      was conducted to identify genomic regions that affect this trait in a commercial
      swine population. Genotypic data from the Illumina Porcine SNP60v1 BeadChip were
      available for 2951 animals with total teat number (TTN) records. A subset of
      these animals (n = 1828) had number of teats on each side recorded. From this
      information, the following traits were derived: number of teats on the left (LTN)
      and right side (RTN), maximum number of teats on a side (MAX), difference between
      LTN and RTN (L - R) and absolute value of L - R (DIF). Bayes C option of GENSEL
      (version 4.61) and 1-Mb windows were implemented. Identified regions that
      explained more than 1.5% of the genomic variation were tested in a larger group
      of animals (n = 5453) to estimate additive genetic effects. RESULTS: Marker
      heritabilities were highest for TTN (0.233), intermediate for individual side
      counts (0.088 to 0.115) and virtually nil for difference traits (0.002 for L - R
      and 0.006 for DIF). Each copy of the VRTN mutant allele increased teat count by
      0.35 (TTN), 0.16 (LTN and RTN) and 0.19 (MAX). 15, 18, 13 and 18 one-Mb windows
      were detected that explained more than 1.0% of the genomic variation for TTN,
      LTN, RTN, and MAX, respectively. These regions cumulatively accounted for over
      50% of the genomic variation of LTN, RTN and MAX, but only 30% of that of TTN.
      Sus scrofa chromosome SSC10:52 Mb was associated with all four count traits,
      while SSC10:60 and SSC14:54 Mb were associated with three count traits. Thirty
      three SNPs accounted for nearly 39% of the additive genetic variation in the
      validation dataset. No effect of piglet sex or percentage of males in litter was
      detected, but birth weight was positively correlated with TTN. CONCLUSIONS: Teat
      number is a heritable trait and use of genetic markers would expedite selection
      progress. Exploiting genetic variation associated with teat counts on each side
      would enhance selection focused on total teat counts. These results confirm QTL
      on SSC4, seven and ten and identify a novel QTL on SSC14.

PMID- 28093084
TI  - Association between DNA mismatch repair gene polymorphisms and platinum-based
      chemotherapy toxicity in non-small cell lung cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy toxicity is a serious problem from which non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) patients suffer. The mismatch repair (MMR) system is
      associated with platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity in NSCLC patients. In this
      study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms in
      the MMR pathway and platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity in NSCLC patients.
      METHODS: A total of 220 Chinese lung cancer patients who received at least two
      cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy were recruited for this study. Toxicity was
      evaluated in each patient after two cycles of chemotherapy. A total of 44 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms were selected to investigate their associations with
      platinum-based chemotherapy toxicity. RESULTS: MutS homolog 2 (MSH2) rs6544991
      [odds ratio (OR) 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-7.40, P = 0.019] was
      associated with gastrointestinal toxicity in the dominant model; MSH3 rs6151627
      (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.23-4.60, P = 0.010), rs6151670 (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.07-3.93, P =
      0.031), and rs7709909 (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.23-4.64, P = 0.010) were associated with
      hematologic toxicity in the dominant model. Additionally, MSH5 rs805304 was
      significantly associated with overall toxicity (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.19-4.09, P =
      0.012), and MSH5 rs707939 was significantly associated with both overall toxicity
      (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.23-0.76, P = 0.004) and gastrointestinal toxicity (OR 0.44,
      95% CI 0.20-0.96, P = 0.038) in the dominant model. CONCLUSION: Genetic
      polymorphisms in the MMR pathway are potential clinical markers for predicting
      chemotherapy toxicity in NSCLC patients.

PMID- 28093085
TI  - Gene design, fusion technology and TEV cleavage conditions influence the
      purification of oxidized disulphide-rich venom peptides in Escherichia coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal venoms are large, complex libraries of bioactive, disulphide
      rich peptides. These peptides, and their novel biological activities, are of
      increasing pharmacological and therapeutic importance. However, recombinant
      expression of venom peptides in Escherichia coli remains difficult due to the
      significant number of cysteine residues requiring effective post-translational
      processing. There is also an urgent need to develop high-throughput recombinant
      protocols applicable to the production of reticulated peptides to enable
      efficient screening of their drug potential. Here, a comprehensive study was
      developed to investigate how synthetic gene design, choice of fusion tag,
      compartment of expression, tag removal conditions and protease recognition site
      affect levels of solubility of oxidized venom peptides produced in E. coli.
      RESULTS: The data revealed that expression of venom peptides imposes significant
      pressure on cysteine codon selection. DsbC was the best fusion tag for venom
      peptide expression, in particular when the fusion was directed to the bacterial
      periplasm. While the redox activity of DsbC was not essential to maximize
      expression of recombinant fusion proteins, redox activity did lead to higher
      levels of correctly folded target peptides. With the exception of proline, the
      canonical TEV protease recognition site tolerated all other residues at its C
      terminus, confirming that no non-native residues, which might affect activity,
      need to be incorporated at the N-terminus of recombinant peptides for tag
      removal. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that E. coli is a convenient
      heterologous host for the expression of soluble and functional venom peptides.
      Using the optimal construct design, a large and diverse range of animal venom
      peptides were produced in the uM scale. These results open up new possibilities
      for the high-throughput production of recombinant disulphide-rich peptides in E.
      coli.

PMID- 28093086
TI  - Do children's previous dental experience and fear affect their perceived oral
      health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been used to
      describe the consequences of oral health conditions and treatments in children. A
      better understanding of OHRQoL and its relationship with dental fear and previous
      dental experience is necessary to improve children's oral health status. The aim
      of this study was to investigate the association of dental history and experience
      with dental fear and the OHRQoL of children aged 11 to 14 years. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage stratified sample of 1,312
      middle school children. Information regarding OHRQoL was collected from the
      children using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14), and information
      regarding dental fear was collected using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule
      Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). Information on past dental experiences and
      sociodemographic data were collected from the parents using self-administered
      questionnaires. Dental examinations were performed to assess caries experience.
      RESULTS: The multivariable model indicated that dental fear was the strongest
      predictor of OHRQoL as the fearful children had on average CPQ11-14 scores that
      were 10 units higher than those of the non-fearful children. Regarding past
      dental experience, pain as the reason for the most recent dental visit was
      associated with poor OHRQoL, while receiving a filling during the previous dental
      visits was significantly associated with better OHRQoL. In addition, a larger
      number of siblings, a lower family income, a lower paternal education level,
      health problems and prior hospitalization were significantly associated with poor
      OHRQoL. CONCLUSION: This study identified that dental fear and some factors
      related to previous dental experience are associated with OHRQoL. In dental
      practice, children with dental fear should be identified, guided and treated
      early to avoid deterioration of their OHRQoL.

PMID- 28093087
TI  - Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in cancer patients treated with Cisplatin
      based chemotherapy - a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer related thrombosis not only increases morbidity and mortality
      but also poses a significant financial burden on health care system. Risk of
      venous thromboembolism (VTE) in these patients substantially increases with the
      addition of chemotherapy. Lately, cisplatin has been implicated as an independent
      factor. There is little data estimating the risk of venous thromboembolism in
      patients receiving cisplatin based chemotherapy when compared to other
      chemotherapeutic agents. METHODS: Patients who had received chemotherapy between
      November 2010 and October 2012 were retrospectively identified from a single
      institute cancer registry. 200 patients who had received cisplatin based
      chemotherapy were identified as the exposed group while 200 patients who had
      received non-Cisplatin based regimens were identified as the non-exposed group.
      Patients were followed for development of VTE throughout the entire duration of
      therapy and one month thereafter. Cox proportional hazard model was used to
      compute relative risks with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The baseline
      characteristics were similar in the two groups. Mean age for the entire cohort
      was 55.4 +/- 10.7 years and male to female ratio was almost 1:1. On univariate
      analysis, cisplatin based chemotherapy, presence of central venous catheter,
      female gender, poor performance status, high risk stratification according to the
      Khorana model and use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor were all
      significantly associated with the development of VTE. The crude relative risk for
      the incidence of VTE in cisplatin group was 2.8 (95% CI, 1.4 - 4.2) times
      compared to the non-Cisplatin group. When the relative risk was adjusted for the
      above variables in multivariable analysis, it increased to 3.3 (95% CI, 1.6 -
      6.8) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: A high incidence of VTE in
      patients receiving cisplatin based chemotherapy was demonstrated in this study.
      Prospective studies are warranted to establish this observation with certainty
      and to explore the possible use of thromboprophylaxis in patients receiving
      cisplatin based chemotherapeutic regimens.

PMID- 28093088
TI  - Diagnostic impact of [18F]flutemetamol PET in early-onset dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early-onset dementia patients often present with atypical clinical
      symptoms, hampering an accurate clinical diagnosis. The purpose of the present
      study was to assess the diagnostic impact of the amyloid-positron emission
      tomography (PET) imaging agent [18F]flutemetamol in early-onset dementia
      patients, in terms of change in (confidence in) diagnosis and patient management
      plan. METHODS: This prospective bi-center study included 211 patients suspected
      of early-onset dementia who visited a tertiary memory clinic. Patients were
      eligible with Mini Mental State Examination >= 18 and age at diagnosis <= 70
      years and in whom the diagnostic confidence was <90% after routine diagnostic
      work-up. All patients underwent [18F]flutemetamol PET, which was interpreted as
      amyloid-negative or amyloid-positive based on visual rating. Before and after
      disclosing the PET results, we assessed the diagnostic confidence (using a visual
      analog scale of 0-100%) and clinical diagnosis. The impact of [18F]flutemetamol
      PET on the patient management plan was also evaluated. RESULTS: [18F]flutemetamol
      PET scans were positive in 133 out of 211 (63%) patients, of whom 110 out of 144
      (76%) patients had a pre-PET Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis and 23 out of 67
      (34%) patients had a non-AD diagnosis. After disclosure of PET results, 41/211
      (19%) diagnoses changed. Overall, diagnostic confidence increased from 69 +/- 12%
      to 88 +/- 15% after disclosing PET results (P < 0.001; in 87% of patients). In 79
      (37%) patients, PET results led to a change in patient management and
      predominantly the initiation of AD medication when PET showed evidence for
      amyloid pathology. CONCLUSIONS: [18F]flutemetamol PET changed clinical diagnosis,
      increased overall diagnostic confidence, and altered the patient management plan.
      Our results suggest that amyloid PET may have added value over the standardized
      diagnostic work-up in early-onset dementia patients with uncertain clinical
      diagnosis. This study provides evidence for the recommendations put forward in
      the appropriate use criteria for amyloid PET in clinical practice. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Nederlands Trial Register NTR3743 . Registered 7 December 2012.

PMID- 28093089
TI  - Atrial septal defect with right-to-left shunt in the absence of pulmonary
      hypertension.
AB  - We describe the case of a 27-year-old gentleman who developed late-onset clubbing
      and cyanosis. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a 27-mm ostium secundum
      atrial septal defect and a large, floppy Eustachian valve directing right atrial
      blood to the left side of the heart.

PMID- 28093090
TI  - Potential involvement of dietary advanced glycation end products in impairment of
      skeletal muscle growth and muscle contractile function in mice.
AB  - Diets enriched with advanced glycation end products (AGE) have recently been
      related to muscle dysfunction processes. However, it remains unclear whether long
      term exposure to an AGE-enriched diet impacts physiological characteristics of
      skeletal muscles. Therefore, we explored the differences in skeletal muscle mass,
      contractile function and molecular responses between mice receiving a diet high
      in AGE (H-AGE) and low in AGE (L-AGE) for 16 weeks. There were no significant
      differences between L-AGE and H-AGE mice with regard to body weight, food intake
      or epididymal fat pad weight. However, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and
      plantaris (PLA) muscle weights in H-AGE mice were lower compared with L-AGE mice.
      Higher levels of N epsilon -(carboxymethyl)-l-lysine, a marker for AGE, in EDL
      muscles of H-AGE mice were observed compared with L-AGE mice. H-AGE mice showed
      lower muscle strength and endurance in vivo and lower muscle force production of
      PLA muscle in vitro. mRNA expression levels of myogenic factors including
      myogenic factor 5 and myogenic differentiation in EDL muscle were lower in H-AGE
      mice compared with L-AGE mice. The phosphorylation status of 70-kDa ribosomal
      protein S6 kinase Thr389, an indicator of protein synthesis signalling, was lower
      in EDL muscle of H-AGE mice than that of L-AGE mice. These findings suggest that
      long-term exposure to an AGE-enriched diet impairs skeletal muscle growth and
      muscle contractile function, and that these muscle dysfunctions may be attributed
      to the inhibition of myogenic potential and protein synthesis.

PMID- 28093091
TI  - Is there an association between diet and depression in children and adolescents?
      A systematic review.
AB  - This review critically evaluates previous studies investigating the association
      between dietary intake of children and young people and depression and related
      mental health problems. A systematic literature search was conducted using
      electronic databases such as PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane. A total of
      twenty studies were identified that met inclusion criteria and were subsequently
      rated for quality. The studies used a range of methods to measure dietary intake
      and mental health. Important potential confounding variables (e.g. socio-economic
      status) were often not included or controlled. There were also inconsistencies in
      the use of key constructs, which made comparisons between studies difficult.
      Despite some contradictory results, overall there was support for an association
      between healthy dietary patterns or consumption of a high-quality diet and lower
      levels of depression or better mental health. Similarly, there was a relationship
      between unhealthy diet and consumption of low-quality diet and depression or poor
      mental health. However, where significant relationships were reported, effect
      sizes were small. Future research on the relationship between diet and mental
      health in young people should use more clearly defined constructs to define diet
      and include or control for important confounders.

PMID- 28093092
TI  - Evaluation of Analysis Conditions for Laser-Pulsed Atom Probe Tomography: Example
      of Cemented Tungsten Carbide.
AB  - Cemented tungsten carbide has been analyzed using laser-pulsed atom probe
      tomography (APT). The influence of experimental parameters, including laser pulse
      energy, pulse repetition rate, and specimen base temperature, on the acquired
      data were evaluated from different aspects, such as mass spectrum, chemical
      composition, noise-to-signal ratio, and multiple events. Within all the applied
      analysis conditions, only 1 MHz pulse repetition rate led to a strong detector
      saturation effect, resulting in a largely biased chemical composition. A
      comparative study of the laser energy settings showed that an ~12 times higher
      energy was required for the less focused green laser of the LEAPTM 3000X HR
      system to achieve a similar evaporation field as the finer spot ultraviolet laser
      of the LEAPTM 5000 XS system.

PMID- 28093093
TI  - Innovations for Tomorrow: Summary of the 2016 Disaster Health Education
      Symposium.
AB  - In an effort to enhance education, training, and learning in the disaster health
      community, the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH)
      gathered experts from around the nation in Bethesda, Maryland, on September 8,
      2016, for the 2016 Disaster Health Education Symposium: Innovations for Tomorrow.
      This article summarizes key themes presented during the disaster health symposium
      including innovations in the following areas: training and education that saves
      lives, practice, teaching, sharing knowledge, and our communities. This summary
      article provides thematic content for those unable to attend. Please visit
      http://ncdmph.usuhs.edu/ for more information. (Disaster Med Public Health
      Preparedness. 2017;11:160-162).

PMID- 28093094
TI  - Impact of Hurricane Exposure on Reproductive Health Outcomes, Florida, 2004.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prenatal hurricane exposure may be an increasingly important
      contributor to poor reproductive health outcomes. In the current literature,
      mixed associations have been suggested between hurricane exposure and
      reproductive health outcomes. This may be due, in part, to residual confounding.
      We assessed the association between hurricane exposure and reproductive health
      outcomes by using a difference-in-difference analysis technique to control for
      confounding in a cohort of Florida pregnancies. METHODS: We implemented a
      difference-in-difference analysis to evaluate hurricane weather and reproductive
      health outcomes including low birth weight, fetal death, and birth rate. The
      study population for analysis included all Florida pregnancies conceived before
      or during the 2003 and 2004 hurricane season. Reproductive health data were
      extracted from vital statistics records from the Florida Department of Health. In
      2004, 4 hurricanes (Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne) made landfall in rapid
      succession; whereas in 2003, no hurricanes made landfall in Florida. RESULTS:
      Overall models using the difference-in-difference analysis showed no association
      between exposure to hurricane weather and reproductive health. CONCLUSIONS: The
      inconsistency of the literature on hurricane exposure and reproductive health may
      be in part due to biases inherent in pre-post or regression-based county-level
      comparisons. We found no associations between hurricane exposure and reproductive
      health. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:407-411).

PMID- 28093095
TI  - Pregnant Women's Awareness of Social Capital in the Great East Japan Earthquake
      Affected Areas of Miyagi Prefecture: The Japan Environment and Children's Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to clarify the correlation between the 2011 Great East Japan
      Earthquake and pregnant women's awareness of social capital 3 to 9 months after
      the tsunami disaster. METHODS: We analyzed data on responses to a questionnaire
      by 7451 pregnant women in their second to third trimesters. The proportions of
      social capital-related items were calculated in the north and south coastal areas
      of Miyagi Prefecture and were compared with national samples. The factors
      associated with social capital were estimated by use of multivariate logistic
      regression analyses. RESULTS: The proportion of women feeling that they had
      helpful neighbors was higher (69.0% vs 56.7%, P=0.0005), the proportion of women
      regarding their communities as safe and secure was lower (51.7% vs 62.4%,
      P=0.002), and the proportion of women feeling that most people were trustworthy
      was lower (23.7% vs 32.9%, P=0.006) in the north coastal area than nationwide.
      Such differences were not observed in the less severely affected south coastal
      area. Age of 35 years or older, extended family, college or university
      graduation, and being multiparous were associated with the feeling of having
      helpful neighbors. CONCLUSION: The current status of pregnant women's awareness
      of social capital in disaster-affected areas was revealed. Continuous monitoring
      and support may be necessary to address this issue.(Disaster Med Public Health
      Preparedness. 2017;11:355-364).

PMID- 28093097
TI  - Present-day central African forest is a legacy of the 19th century human history.
AB  - The populations of light-demanding trees that dominate the canopy of central
      African forests are now aging. Here, we show that the lack of regeneration of
      these populations began ca. 165 ya (around 1850) after major anthropogenic
      disturbances ceased. Since 1885, less itinerancy and disturbance in the forest
      has occurred because the colonial administrations concentrated people and
      villages along the primary communication axes. Local populations formerly
      gardened the forest by creating scattered openings, which were sufficiently large
      for the establishment of light-demanding trees. Currently, common logging
      operations do not create suitable openings for the regeneration of these species,
      whereas deforestation degrades landscapes. Using an interdisciplinary approach,
      which included paleoecological, archaeological, historical, and dendrological
      data, we highlight the long-term history of human activities across central
      African forests and assess the contribution of these activities to present-day
      forest structure and composition. The conclusions of this sobering analysis
      present challenges to current silvicultural practices and to those of the future.

PMID- 28093098
TI  - TLR-induced immunomodulatory cytokine expression by human gingival
      stem/progenitor cells.
AB  - During therapeutic application, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may interact with
      their environment via their expressed toll-like-receptors (TLRs) leading to pro-
      or anti-inflammatory immune responses. The present study aimed to describe the
      gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells' (G-MSCs) TLR-induced immune
      regulatory response to specific TLR agonists. Gingival cells were obtained,
      immunomagnetically sorted via anti-STRO-1 antibodies and seeded out to achieve
      colony forming units (CFUs). G-MSCs were investigated for stem cell
      characteristics and TLR expression. Specific TLR agonists were applied and m-RNA
      expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors was analyzed via real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. G-MSCs showed all characteristics of stem/progenitor
      cells. All TLR agonists induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, except for the TLR3
      agonist, which significantly promoted the anti-inflammatory response. (p?0.05,
      Wilcoxon-Signed-Ranks-Test). TLR-induced immunomodulation by G-MSCs could impact
      their therapeutic potential in vivo. Two distinctive pro-inflammatory and an anti
      inflammatory TLR-induced phenotypes of G-MSCs become noticeable in this study.

PMID- 28093100
TI  - Increased Risk of Stroke in Patients With Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic
      Neuropathy: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

PMID- 28093099
TI  - [Infective endocarditis: Clinical features and prognosis between 2004 and 2014 in
      a non-teaching hospital].
AB  - AIMS: Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, infective endocarditis (IE)
      remains a severe disease. The aim of the study was to describe clinical features
      and prognosis of patients with IE in a non-teaching hospital and compare them
      with current data and a similar study conducted 10 years earlier in the same
      center. METHODS: We performed a single institution retrospective study including
      all patients with Duke-Li definite IE between 2004 and 2014. RESULTS: Ninety-four
      patients were included. Results are consistent with current French and
      international data, including in-hospital death rate of 16%. In accordance with
      literature, we report on an increase in Staphylococcus and health care-associated
      IE and endocarditis on pacemaker leads, but without significant difference
      compared to our previous study. In univariate analyses, renal failure, age over
      77 years and Staphylococcus aureus IE were associated with in-hospital mortality.
      In multivariate analyses, predictors of in-hospital death were renal failure and
      lack of surgery. There was a non-significant trend of excess mortality in
      Staphylococcus endocarditis and in patients with heart failure. CONCLUSION: IE
      remains a severe disease and S. aureus is more often involved. IE seems to be
      safely managed in a peripheral hospital provided that there is a partnership with
      a reference hospital.

PMID- 28093101
TI  - Autoinmune pancreatitis: Differential diagnosis with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 28093096
TI  - Structural biology of supramolecular assemblies by magic-angle spinning NMR
      spectroscopy.
AB  - In recent years, exciting developments in instrument technology and experimental
      methodology have advanced the field of magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) to new heights. Contemporary MAS NMR yields atomic-level
      insights into structure and dynamics of an astounding range of biological
      systems, many of which cannot be studied by other methods. With the advent of
      fast MAS, proton detection, and novel pulse sequences, large supramolecular
      assemblies, such as cytoskeletal proteins and intact viruses, are now accessible
      for detailed analysis. In this review, we will discuss the current MAS NMR
      methodologies that enable characterization of complex biomolecular systems and
      will present examples of applications to several classes of assemblies comprising
      bacterial and mammalian cytoskeleton as well as human immunodeficiency virus 1
      and bacteriophage viruses. The body of work reviewed herein is representative of
      the recent advancements in the field, with respect to the complexity of the
      systems studied, the quality of the data, and the significance to the biology.

PMID- 28093102
TI  - Proteomic changes in the ileum of sheep infected with Mycobacterium avium
      subspecies paratuberculosis.
AB  - Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic enteritis of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium
      avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). To identify the processes activated in
      the sheep intestine during natural MAP infection, and to provide a panel of
      differential host and pathogen proteins with diagnostic and prognostic potential,
      a differential shotgun proteomics workflow, including mass spectrometry, label
      free quantisation and pathway analysis, was applied to ileal tissues of ewes with
      and without JD. Out of 2889 total proteins identified, 384 were differentially
      expressed and 341 were expressed at a higher level in JD. On the basis of Search
      Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) analysis, these
      proteins were involved in numerous relevant biological networks and Kyoto
      Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, including inhibition of
      phagosome acidification (such as V-ATPase), bacterial invasion, leucocyte
      recruitment and activation, and antimicrobial activity (such as haptoglobin,
      lactoferrin, cathelicidins, calgranulins and interleukins). A total of 28 MAP
      proteins were identified, including bacterioferritin, beta-lactamase and heparin
      binding haemagglutinin (HBHA), a mycobacterial adhesin crucial for dissemination
      of infection.

PMID- 28093103
TI  - Urinary 3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (3-HPMA) concentrations in dogs with
      acute spinal cord injury due to intervertebral disc herniation.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate urinary 3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid
      (3-HPMA), a metabolite of acrolein, as a novel biomarker in acute spinal cord
      injury (ASCI) due to intervertebral disc herniation in dogs. Urine from 10 client
      owned dogs with ASCI collected at presentation and 10 control dogs was analyzed
      for 3-HPMA. The median urinary 3-HPMA concentration in ASCI dogs was
      significantly higher than in control dogs, but was not correlated with the
      severity of ASCI. The median urinary 3-HPMA concentration in intact dogs was
      higher than in neutered dogs. Higher urinary 3-HPMA concentrations in dogs after
      ASCI support a role for acrolein, a cytotoxic by-product of lipid peroxidation,
      in canine ASCI. Urinary 3-HPMA could be used as a biomarker in future clinical
      trials to measure the effect of therapeutic intervention of reducing acrolein
      after ASCI.

PMID- 28093104
TI  - Faecal shedding of canine parvovirus after modified-live vaccination in healthy
      adult dogs.
AB  - Since little is known about the persistence and faecal shedding of canine
      parvovirus (CPV) in dogs after modified-live vaccination, diagnostic tests for
      CPV can be difficult to interpret in the post-vaccination period. The primary aim
      of this study was to determine the incidence, duration and extent of CPV vaccine
      virus shedding in adult dogs and to investigate related factors, including the
      presence of protective antibodies, increase in anti-CPV antibody titres and
      development of any gastrointestinal side-effects. A secondary objective was to
      assess prevalence of CPV field virus shedding in clinically healthy dogs due to
      subclinical infections. One hundred adult, healthy privately owned dogs were
      vaccinated with a commercial CPV-2 modified-live vaccine (MLV). Faeces were
      tested for the presence of CPV DNA on days 0 (prior to vaccination), 3, 7, 14, 21
      and 28 by quantitative real-time PCR. Pre- and post-vaccination serum titres were
      determined by haemagglutination inhibition on days 0, 7 and 28. Transient
      excretion of CPV DNA was detected in 2.0% of dogs before vaccination. About one
      quarter of dogs (23.0%) shed CPV DNA during the post-vaccination period, but
      field and vaccine virus differentiation by VP2 gene sequencing was only
      successful in few samples. Faecal CPV excretion occurred despite protective serum
      antibody titres. Post-vaccination CPV shedding was not related to adequate
      antibody response after vaccination or to the occurrence of gastrointestinal side
      effects. Despite individual differences, CPV DNA was detectable for up to 28 days
      after vaccination, although the faecal CPV DNA load in these clinically healthy
      dogs was very low.

PMID- 28093105
TI  - Comparison of submaximal exercise test results and severity of brachycephalic
      obstructive airway syndrome in English bulldogs.
AB  - Canine brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a complex respiratory
      disease related to congenitally flattened facial and skull anatomy. BOAS causes
      respiratory distress, heat and exercise intolerance, and gastrointestinal signs.
      English bulldogs (EB) have a high prevalence of BOAS. Currently, the severity of
      BOAS signs in veterinary practice is assessed subjectively. To reduce BOAS in
      brachycephalic breeds, an objective and easy-to-use tool could help breeders
      select healthier animals. Exercise tests, such as the 6 min walk test (distance
      walked measured) or the 1000 m walk test (duration measured), could be used to
      assess the severity of BOAS, as exercise intolerance and impaired recovery are
      key features of BOAS. This study evaluated the severity of signs and anatomic
      components of BOAS in a group of prospectively recruited young adult EBs (n = 28)
      and investigated the correlations of the 6 min walk test or the 1000 m walk test
      with a veterinary assessment of BOAS severity, using an ordinal 4 level scale of
      respiratory signs. EBs with more severe BOAS walked a shorter distance, more
      slowly and their recovery from exercise took longer than those with only mild
      signs of BOAS. Control dogs of different breeds (n = 10) performed the exercise
      tests significantly better (i.e. longer distance, faster time and recovery) than
      EBs. Increases in body temperature during exercise were significantly higher in
      EBs than in controls. The results of this study support the use of exercise tests
      for objective evaluation of the severity of BOAS in EBs.

PMID- 28093106
TI  - Genetic and epigenetic aberrations of p16 in feline primary neoplastic diseases
      and tumor cell lines of lymphoid and non-lymphoid origins.
AB  - The p16 gene acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating the cell cycle and is
      frequently inactivated in human and canine cancers. The aim of this study was to
      characterize genetic and epigenetic alterations of the p16 in feline lymphoid and
      non-lymphoid malignancies, using 74 primary tumors and 11 tumor cell lines.
      Cloning of feline p16 and subsequent sequence analysis revealed 11 germline
      sequence polymorphisms in control cats. Bisulfite sequencing analysis of the p16
      promoter region in a feline lymphoma cell line revealed that promoter methylation
      was associated with decreased mRNA expression. Treatment with a demethylating
      agent restored mRNA expression of the silenced p16. PCR amplification and
      sequencing analysis detected homozygous loss (five tumors, 6.7%) and a missense
      mutation (one tumor, 1.4%) in the 74 primary tumors analyzed. Methylation
      specific PCR analysis revealed promoter methylation in 10 primary tumors (14%).
      Promoter methylation was frequent in B cell lymphoid tumors (7/21 tumors, 33%).
      These genetic and epigenetic alterations were also observed in lymphoma and
      mammary gland carcinoma cell lines, but not detected in non-neoplastic control
      specimens. These data indicate that molecular alterations of the p16 locus may be
      involved in the development of specific types of feline cancer, and warrant
      further studies to evaluate the clinical value of this evolutionarily-conserved
      molecular alteration in feline cancers.

PMID- 28093107
TI  - Characterization and identification of microbial communities in bovine necrotic
      vulvovaginitis.
AB  - Bovine necrotic vulvovaginitis (BNVV) is a severe and potentially fatal disease
      of post-partum cows that emerged in Israel after large dairy herds were merged.
      While post-partum cows are commonly affected by mild vulvovaginitis (BVV), in
      BNVV these benign mucosal abrasions develop into progressive deep necrotic
      lesions leading to sepsis and death if untreated. The etiology of BNVV is still
      unknown and a single pathogenic agent has not been found. We hypothesized that
      BNVV is a polymicrobial disease where the normally benign vaginal microbiome is
      remodeled and affects the local immune response. To this end, we compared the
      histopathological changes and the microbial communities using 16S rDNA
      metagenetic technique in biopsies taken from vaginal lesions in post-partum cows
      affected by BVV and BNVV. The hallmark of BNVV was the formation of complex
      polymicrobial communities in the submucosal fascia and abrogation of neutrophil
      recruitment in these lesions. Additionally, there was a marked difference in the
      composition of bacterial communities in the BNVV lesions in comparison to the
      benign BVV lesions. This difference was characterized by the abundance of
      Bacteroidetes and lower total community membership in BNVV. Indicator taxa for
      BNVV were Parvimonas, Porphyromonas, unclassified Veillonellaceae, Mycoplasma and
      Bacteroidetes, whereas unclassified Clostridiales was an indicator for BVV. The
      results support a polymicrobial etiology for BNVV.

PMID- 28093108
TI  - Antimicrobial stewardship in the treatment of equine bacterial infections.

PMID- 28093109
TI  - Neonatal Anaplasma platys infection in puppies: Further evidence for possible
      vertical transmission.
AB  - Anaplasma platys, the aetiological agent of infectious canine cyclic
      thrombocytopaenia, infects platelets of dogs, usually causing mild or
      asymptomatic disease. Although A. platys is transmitted by ticks, as for other
      Anaplasma species, alternative modes of transmission may be involved. The aim of
      the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of A. platys infection in
      litters of puppies, which could suggest possible vertical transmission. Twelve
      litters, together with the respective bitches, were included in the study for the
      detection of A. platys DNA by PCR, followed by sequencing. Five puppies, from 2/4
      litters <28 days of age, tested positive for A. platys DNA. No puppies from eight
      litters 1-3 months of age tested positive for A. platys DNA. The identical
      sequences (16S rRNA and gltA partial gene), the absence of ticks on puppies at
      the time of collection and the young age of the five infected puppies suggest
      vertical transmission of A. platys. This mode of transmission might contribute to
      the maintenance and spread of the pathogen in canine populations.

PMID- 28093110
TI  - Furthering our understanding of positive urine cultures in dogs.

PMID- 28093111
TI  - Efficacy of tildipirosin metaphylaxis for the prevention of respiratory disease,
      otitis and mortality in pre-weaned Holstein calves.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two metaphylactic
      approaches (long acting antibiotic injected once at 10 days of life or twice at
      10 and 35 days of life) on the prevention of bovine respiratory disease (BRD),
      otitis and mortality in high-risk group-housed pre-weaned Holstein heifer calves.
      The antibiotic of choice for the metaphylactic approach was a long acting
      macrolide (tildipirosin) administered subcutaneously at the base of the neck at a
      dose of 1 mL per 45 kg body weight. A clinical trial was carried out on one dairy
      farm with random allocation of newborn calves to one of three treatments: (1)
      control (CTR); (2) one injection at 10 days of life (M1); and (3) two injections
      at 10 and 35 days of life (M2). Study heifers (n = 795) were reared in group pens
      of 25 calves per pen and fed unrestricted acidified non-saleable milk from day 1
      to day 65 of life. Cox proportional hazard and general linear mixed models were
      used to evaluate the effect of treatment on mortality, BRD and otitis, and
      average daily weight gain. The birth weights, proportions of calves with
      inadequate transfer of passive immunity, proportions of calves born from
      primiparous dams and proportions of calves born from assisted parturitions were
      not different among CTR, M1 and M2 treatments. A significantly lower hazard of
      being affected with BRD and/or otitis (but not for BRD or otitis alone) was
      observed for M1 (hazard ratio, HR = 0.70, P = 0.009) and M2 (HR = 0.72, P = 0.01)
      when compared to the CTR group. Metaphylactic treatments had no effect on
      mortality, otitis and average daily weight gain during the pre-weaning period.

PMID- 28093112
TI  - Clinical indicators of blood gas disturbances, elevated L-lactate concentration
      and other abnormal blood parameters in newborn beef calves.
AB  - Blood gas disturbances, commonly resulting from dystocia, are associated with
      failed transfer of passive immunity, morbidity and mortality in newborn calves.
      Modified APGAR scores intended to identify compromised calves are not widely
      adopted due to lack of practicality and inconsistent associations with blood
      parameters. The objective of this study was to determine clinical indicators of
      acidemia in newborn beef calves. Blood parameters at 10 min and 24 h after birth
      were compared to at-birth clinical examination parameters and calving
      characteristics in 77 commercial beef calves. There were no associations between
      heart rate or respiratory rate and blood pH or blood L-lactate concentration
      (LAC; r < 0.25); however, LAC was highly correlated with blood pH (r, -0.86).
      Abnormal mucous membrane color (red, white or blue) was associated with increased
      LAC (P = 0.002) but not decreased blood pH (P = 0.07). Abnormal results for tests
      of muscle tonicity and reflexes, namely inability to completely withdraw the
      tongue when pinched and a weak suckle reflex, were associated with decreased
      blood pH and increased LAC (P <0.05). Calves born to primiparous dams or from an
      assisted calving also had decreased blood pH and increased LAC (P <0.05).
      Differences in blood pH between at-birth categories resolved for all parameters
      by 24 h after birth, except for tongue withdrawal (P= 0.04). In conclusion,
      traditional APGAR parameters, heart rate, respiratory rate and mucous membrane
      color were not useful for the identification of acidemic calves; however, tongue
      withdrawal, calving ease, and parity should be included in such an assessment.
      Utilizing hand-held LAC meters may be a practical method to quickly identify
      compromised calves with acidemia in a field setting.

PMID- 28093113
TI  - A new year for The Veterinary Journal.

PMID- 28093114
TI  - In vitro effects of the toll-like receptor agonists monophosphoryl lipid A and
      CpG-rich oligonucleotides on cytokine production by equine cells.
AB  - Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is an equine allergic dermatitis to Culicoides
      spp. antigens. Attempts at using allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) as a
      treatment for IBH have so far proven unsuccessful. Toll-like receptor (TLR)
      agonists can promote a shift in the immune response from the allergy-promoting T
      helper cell 2 (Th2) response towards a Th1 and/or regulatory response. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate two immunomodulatory TLR agonists in vitro as
      potential vaccine adjuvants for a more efficacious AIT in IBH. Peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy and IBH-affected horses were stimulated
      with the TLR-agonists monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) or CpG-rich
      oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) in the presence or absence of Culicoides spp.
      allergens. Cytokine concentrations of interferon (IFN)-alpha, IFN-gamma,
      interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and IL-17 were quantified in the supernatants of
      stimulated PBMCs. MPLA induced IL-10 secretion in all horses, regardless of
      presence and nature of antigens, while suppressing antigen-induced production of
      IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-17. CpG-ODN significantly increased IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma
      and IL-4 production, but had little effect on IL-10 production. In conclusion,
      MPLA promotes a regulatory immune response and is therefore a promising adjuvant
      candidate for allergy vaccines in horses. While C-class CpG-ODN is an unsuitable
      adjuvant for AIT, it induces IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha, and thus may be a useful
      adjuvant in combination with vaccines for equine infectious or neoplastic
      diseases.

PMID- 28093115
TI  - Use of an implantable pump for controlled subcutaneous insulin delivery in
      healthy cats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the safety and reliability of a research
      grade implantable pump for controlled delivery of insulin glargine in cats. For
      this purpose, a small telemetrically controlled drug delivery pump with a
      refillable reservoir was implanted into the subcutaneous tissues of the dorsal
      neck in 10 clinically healthy cats. The reservoir was filled with insulin
      glargine, and the pump was programmed to deliver four boluses of 0.25 IU/kg, 2-3
      weeks apart. As a control, insulin glargine (0.25 IU/kg) was injected SC. Blood
      glucose and plasma insulin glargine concentrations were measured before each
      bolus and SC injection and for 8 h afterward. Cats were monitored for signs of
      discomfort. Pumps were easily implanted and well tolerated by all cats. The
      experiment was completed in five of 10 cats. In four, the pump failed because of
      technical reasons; another cat developed severe hypoglycaemia attributable to
      insulin leakage. Overall, plasma insulin glargine increased after six of eight
      (75%) initial boluses and after one of 16 (6%) successive boluses. Glucose
      decreased after seven of eight (88%) initial boluses and after four of 16 (25%)
      successive boluses. Only the first bolus significantly increased plasma insulin
      glargine (P = 0.008) and decreased glucose (P = 0.008). Of 20 SC injections, 10
      (50%) increased plasma insulin glargine (P <0.001) and 12 (60%) decreased glucose
      (P <0.001). The pump did not cause discomfort in cats, but life-threatening
      hypoglycaemia occurred in one. Frequent device problems suggest that the pump
      needs improvements. Because successive boluses did not increase plasma insulin
      glargine, this type of insulin may not be appropriate with the pump.

PMID- 28093116
TI  - Captive and free-living urban pigeons (Columba livia) from Brazil as carriers of
      multidrug-resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli.
AB  - Thirty Escherichia coli isolates from captive and free-living pigeons in Brazil
      were characterised. Virulence-associated genes identified in pigeons included
      those which occur relatively frequently in avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) from
      commercial poultry worldwide. Eleven of 30 E. coli isolates from pigeons,
      belonging mainly to B1 and B2 phylogenetic groups, had high or intermediate
      pathogenicity for 1-day-old chicks. The frequency of multi-drug resistant (MDR)
      E. coli in captive pigeons was relatively high and included one isolate positive
      for the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) gene blaCTX-M-8. Pulsed field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE) showed high heterogeneity among isolates. There is
      potential for pigeons to transmit antibiotic resistant pathogenic E. coli to
      other species through environmental contamination or direct contact.

PMID- 28093117
TI  - The biological prosthesis is a viable option for abdominal wall reconstruction in
      pediatric high risk defects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our aim was to explore the indications for and outcome of biological
      prostheses to repair high risk abdominal wall defects in children. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review was performed of all cases of abdominal wall
      reconstruction in a single institution between 2007 and 2015. Demographic and
      clinical variables, technique and complications were described and compared
      between prosthesis types. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients underwent abdominal
      wall reconstruction using a biological prosthesis including 17 neonates. The main
      indication was gastroschisis (17 patients) followed by ruptured omphalocele and
      miscellaneous conditions. AllodermTM was most commonly used followed by
      SurgisisTM, StratticeTM, Flex-HDTM and PermacolTM. In 22 cases wounds were
      contaminated or infected. Open bowel/stomas were present in 9 cases. Skin was not
      closed in 11 cases. Post-operative complication rate was 30% and hernia
      recurrence rate was 17% after a mean follow-up time of 16 months. CONCLUSIONS:
      The use of a biological prosthesis may offer advantages over a synthetic mesh in
      pediatric high risk abdominal wall defects. The surgeon should be ready to
      consider its use in selected cases.

PMID- 28093118
TI  - Surgical Fires and Operative Burns: Lessons Learned From a 33-Year Review of
      Medical Litigation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to understand the setting and litigation outcomes of surgical
      fires and operative burns. METHODS: Westlaw, an online legal research data-set,
      was utilized. Data were collected on patient, procedure, and case
      characteristics. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine cases were identified; 114
      (82%) operative burns and 25 (18%) surgical fires. Median plaintiff (patient) age
      was 46 (IQR:28-59). Most common site of operative burn was the face (26% [n =
      36]). Most common source of injury was a high energy device (43% [n = 52]). Death
      was reported in 2 (1.4%) cases. Plaintiff age <18 vs age 18-50 and mention of a
      non-surgical physician as a defendant both were shown to be independently
      associated with an award payout (OR = 4.90 [95% CI, 1.23-25.45]; p = .02) and (OR
      = 4.50 [95% CI, 1.63-13.63]; p = .003) respectively. Plaintiff award payment
      (settlement or plaintiff verdict) was reported in 83 (60%) cases; median award
      payout was $215,000 (IQR: $82,000-$518,000). CONCLUSION: High energy devices
      remain as the most common cause of injury. Understanding and addressing pitfalls
      in operative care may mitigate errors and potentially lessen future liability.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 28093119
TI  - Impact of minimally invasive vs. open distal pancreatectomy on use of adjuvant
      chemoradiation for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Published data examining the impact of minimally invasive distal
      pancreatectomy (MIDP) on survival are generally limited to experiences from high
      volume institutions. Our aim was to compare utilization of adjuvant
      chemoradiation and time from surgery until its initiation following MIDP vs. open
      surgery (ODP) at a national level. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing distal
      pancreatectomy for Stage I and II pancreatic adenocarcinoma were identified from
      the National Cancer Data Base, 2010-2012. RESULTS: A total of 1807 patients
      underwent distal pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma at 506 institutions (27.9%
      MIDP). After adjustment, those who underwent MIDP were more likely to have
      complete tumor resections and a shorter hospital length of stay. Patients
      undergoing MIDP vs. ODP were more likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy; time
      to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation was not different between
      groups. After adjustment, overall survival for MIDP vs. ODP remained similar (HR
      0.85, CI 0.67-1.10, p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: MIDP is associated with increased use
      of adjuvant chemotherapy; further study is needed to understand the etiology and
      impact of this association.

PMID- 28093120
TI  - Elucidating rhizosphere processes by mass spectrometry - A review.
AB  - The presented review discusses state-of-the-art mass spectrometric methods, which
      have been developed and applied for investigation of chemical processes in the
      soil-root interface, the so-called rhizosphere. Rhizosphere soil's physical and
      chemical characteristics are to a great extent influenced by a complex mixture of
      compounds released from plant roots, i.e. root exudates, which have a high impact
      on nutrient and trace element dynamics in the soil-root interface as well as on
      microbial activities or soil physico-chemical characteristics. Chemical
      characterization as well as accurate quantification of the compounds present in
      the rhizosphere is a major prerequisite for a better understanding of rhizosphere
      processes and requires the development and application of advanced sampling
      procedures in combination with highly selective and sensitive analytical
      techniques. During the last years, targeted and non-targeted mass spectrometry
      based methods have emerged and their combination with specific separation methods
      for various elements and compounds of a wide polarity range have been
      successfully applied in several studies. With this review we critically discuss
      the work that has been conducted within the last decade in the context of
      rhizosphere research and elemental or molecular mass spectrometry emphasizing
      different separation techniques as GC, LC and CE. Moreover, selected applications
      such as metal detoxification or nutrient acquisition will be discussed regarding
      the mass spectrometric techniques applied in studies of root exudates in plant
      bacteria interactions. Additionally, a more recent isotope probing technique as
      novel mass spectrometry based application is highlighted.

PMID- 28093121
TI  - Phenyltrichlorosilane-functionalized magnesium oxide microspheres: Preparation,
      characterization and application for the selective extraction of dioxin-like
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils with matrix solid-phase dispersion.
AB  - Magnesium oxide microspheres functionalized with phenyltrichlorosilane (PTS-MgO)
      were synthesized by surface modification through silanization reaction, which was
      confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and N2 adsorption
      desorption. The result indicated that PTS-MgO not only possessed the ability of
      enhancing the retention with PAHs, but also weakening the interference from
      chlorinated compounds. As a sorbent for the matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD)
      extraction, PTS-MgO was used to selectively extract seven dioxin-like polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (DL-PAHs) from soil samples. Various parameters affecting
      the recoveries of seven DL-PAHs were investigated and optimized, such as
      sorbent/sample mass ratio, grinding time, rinsing and eluting conditions. Under
      the optimized conditions, the developed method combining MSPD with HPLC-FLD
      exhibited good sensitivity (0.02-0.12 ng g-1 detection of limits) and linearity
      (linear correlation coefficient greater than 0.9997). Satisfactory recoveries
      with DL-PAHs spiked at two levels (10 and 80 ng g-1) were obtained in the range
      of 72.2-113.1% with RSD < 9.6%, indicating that PTS-MgO had a potential in MSPD
      extraction of DL-PAHs in soils. Additionally, the proposed MSPD-HPLC-FLD method
      was also verified by detecting seven DL-PAHs in the standard reference soil.
      Based on the developed method, DL-PAHs in soil samples were detected with the
      concentration ranging from 70.08 to 555.05 ng g-1 dry weight (dw). The total
      toxic equivalency quotients (TEQ) of seven DL-PAHs varied from 9.93 to 143.94 ng
      TEQ/g dw.

PMID- 28093122
TI  - Sequential enzymatic derivatization coupled with online microdialysis sampling
      for simultaneous profiling of mouse tumor extracellular hydrogen peroxide,
      lactate, and glucose.
AB  - Probing tumor extracellular metabolites is a vitally important issue in current
      cancer biology. In this study an analytical system was constructed for the in
      vivo monitoring of mouse tumor extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lactate,
      and glucose by means of microdialysis (MD) sampling and fluorescence
      determination in conjunction with a smart sequential enzymatic derivatization
      scheme-involving a loading sequence of fluorogenic reagent/horseradish
      peroxidase, microdialysate, lactate oxidase, pyruvate, and glucose oxidase-for
      step-by-step determination of sampled H2O2, lactate, and glucose in mouse tumor
      microdialysate. After optimization of the overall experimental parameters, the
      system's detection limit reached as low as 0.002 mM for H2O2, 0.058 mM for
      lactate, and 0.055 mM for glucose, based on 3 MUL of microdialysate, suggesting
      great potential for determining tumor extracellular concentrations of lactate and
      glucose. Spike analyses of offline-collected mouse tumor microdialysate and
      monitoring of the basal concentrations of mouse tumor extracellular H2O2,
      lactate, and glucose, as well as those after imparting metabolic disturbance
      through intra-tumor administration of a glucose solution through a prior
      implanted cannula, were conducted to demonstrate the system's applicability. Our
      results evidently indicate that hyphenation of an MD sampling device with an
      optimized sequential enzymatic derivatization scheme and a fluorescence
      spectrometer can be used successfully for multi-analyte monitoring of tumor
      extracellular metabolites in living animals.

PMID- 28093123
TI  - Synthesis of stable isotopically labeled peptides with filter-assisted enzymatic
      labeling for the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus infection utilizing mass
      spectrometry-based proteomics strategy.
AB  - A facile method for the preparation of stable isotopically labeled peptides was
      developed by means of filter-assisted tryptic 16O/18O water labeling, which could
      be directly applied to the determination of hepatitis B virus infection from
      human serum with tandem mass spectrometry. Tryptic peptides of hepatitis B
      surface antigen or hepatitis B e antigen from different subtypes of hepatitis B
      virus were synthesized with traditional solid-phase peptide synthesis as
      potential biomarkers. Trypsin catalyzed oxygen-18 exchange at their amidated c
      terminus of arginine or lysine residue. The protease catalyzed oxygen-18 to
      oxygen-16 back exchange reaction was eliminated due to the complete removal of
      trypsin by the centrifugal filter containing a thin membrane associated with
      molecular weight cut-off of 10 KDa. The synthetic isotopic peptides were spiked
      into trichloroacetic acid/acetone precipitated human serum as internal standards
      and were selectively detected with multiplexed parallel reaction monitoring on a
      hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometer. The limit of detection for all
      synthetic peptides were in the range of 0.09 fmol-1.13 fmol. The results
      indicated that the peptide YLWEWASVR derived from hepatitis B surface antigen was
      quantified approximately 200 fmol per MUl serum and may serve as a diagnostic
      biomarker for the detection of hepatitis B virus infected disease.

PMID- 28093124
TI  - The co-feature ratio, a novel method for the measurement of chromatographic and
      signal selectivity in LC-MS-based metabolomics.
AB  - Evaluation of analytical procedures, especially in regards to measuring
      chromatographic and signal selectivity, is highly challenging in untargeted
      metabolomics. The aim of this study was to suggest a new straightforward approach
      for a systematic examination of chromatographic and signal selectivity in LC-MS
      based metabolomics. By calculating the ratio between each feature and its co
      eluting features (the co-features), a measurement of the chromatographic
      selectivity (i.e. extent of co-elution) as well as the signal selectivity (e.g.
      amount of adduct formation) of each feature could be acquired, the co-feature
      ratio. This approach was used to examine possible differences in chromatographic
      and signal selectivity present in samples exposed to three different sample
      preparation procedures. The capability of the co-feature ratio was evaluated both
      in a classical targeted setting using isotope labelled standards as well as
      without standards in an untargeted setting. For the targeted analysis, several
      metabolites showed a skewed quantitative signal due to poor chromatographic
      selectivity and/or poor signal selectivity. Moreover, evaluation of the
      untargeted approach through multivariate analysis of the co-feature ratios
      demonstrated the possibility to screen for metabolites displaying poor
      chromatographic and/or signal selectivity characteristics. We conclude that the
      co-feature ratio can be a useful tool in the development and evaluation of
      analytical procedures in LC-MS-based metabolomics investigations. Increased
      selectivity through proper choice of analytical procedures may decrease the false
      positive and false negative discovery rate and thereby increase the validity of
      any metabolomic investigation.

PMID- 28093125
TI  - Hairpin stabilized fluorescent silver nanoclusters for quantitative detection of
      NAD+ and monitoring NAD+/NADH based enzymatic reactions.
AB  - A set of 90 mer long ssDNA candidates, with different degrees of cytosine (C
      levels) (% and clusters) was analyzed for their function as suitable Ag
      nanocluster (AgNC) nucleation scaffolds. The sequence (P4) with highest C-level
      (42.2%) emerged as the only candidate supporting the nucleation process as
      evident from its intense fluorescence peak at lambda660 nm. Shorter DNA subsets
      derived from P4 with only stable hairpin structures could support the AgNC
      formation. The secondary hairpin structures were confirmed by PAGE, and CD
      studies. The number of base pairs in the stem region also contributes to the
      stability of the hairpins. A shorter 29 mer sequence (Sub 3) (DeltaG = -1.3
      kcal/mol) with 3-bp in the stem of a 7-mer loop conferred highly stable AgNC.
      NAD+ strongly quenched the fluorescence of Sub 3-AgNC in a concentration
      dependent manner. Time resolved photoluminescence studies revealed the quenching
      involves a combined static and dynamic interaction where the binding constant and
      number of binding sites for NAD+ were 0.201 L mol-1 and 3.6, respectively. A
      dynamic NAD+ detection range of 50-500 MUM with a limit of detection of 22.3 MUM
      was discerned. The NAD+ mediated quenching of AgNC was not interfered by NADH,
      NADP+, monovalent and divalent ions, or serum samples. The method was also used
      to follow alcohol dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase catalyzed physiological
      reactions in a turn-on and turn-off assay, respectively. The proposed method with
      ssDNA-AgNC could therefore be extended to monitor other NAD+/NADH based enzyme
      catalyzed reactions in a turn-on/turn-off approach.

PMID- 28093126
TI  - Sensitive detection of DNA methyltransferase using the dendritic rolling circle
      amplification-induced fluorescence.
AB  - The analysis of DNA methylation and MTase activities is very important in the
      early clinical diagnosis of cancer, on purposes of providing insights into the
      mechanism of gene repression and developing novel drugs of treating methylation
      related diseases. Combining the dendritic rolling circle amplification and Mg2+
      dependent DNAzyme with a function of catalyzing the generation of a fluorophore
      labeled nucleic acid acting as readout signal for the analyses, a new fluorescent
      method for DNA methyltransferase detection was reported. In the presence of DNA
      methyltransferases (MTase), the methylation-responsive sequence of double
      stranded DNA probe was methylated and then cleaved by the methylation-sensitive
      restriction endonuclease DpnI. The cleaved hybrid DNA probe then functioned as a
      signal primer to initiate the dendritic rolling circle amplification reaction,
      containing a circular DNA and a structurally tailored hairpin structure.
      Subsequently, the circular nucleic acid template produced a complementary
      sequence to the Mg2+-dependent DNAzyme and a sequence identical to the loop
      region of the co-added hairpin structure. At last, a fluorescence readout signal
      was afforded by the DNAzyme-catalyzed cleavage of a fluorophore/quencher-modified
      substrate. This method enabled the analysis of the target MTase with a detection
      limit up to 0.36 U mL-1, and a dynamic range was obtained from 1.0 to 10 U mL-1.
      Moreover, the proposed strategy was successfully applied in real sample assay.
      With this assay, the inhibitors of MTase were evaluated and screened which might
      be helpful for the discovery of anticancer drugs.

PMID- 28093127
TI  - Magnetic beads-based DNA hybridization chain reaction amplification and DNAzyme
      recognition for colorimetric detection of uranyl ion in seafood.
AB  - A novel colorimetric biosensor, which employs DNAzyme-functionalized magnetic
      beads (MBs) as recognition probe, enzyme-assisted catalytic oxidation of TMB
      (3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine sulfate) as signal and DNA hybridization chain
      reaction as amplification strategy, has been developed for detecting trace uranyl
      ion (UO22+) in seafood and aqueous environment with high sensitivity and
      specificity. We demonstrated that UO22+ can specifically cleave DNAzyme
      immobilized on MBs surface to release a short single-strand DNA (primer), and the
      released primer trigger DNA hybridization chain reaction to form a long one
      dimensional DNA concatamer on the MBs surface. The resulting long DNA concatamer
      could capture a large amount of HRP to generate the one UO22+-to-multiple HRP
      amplification effect. Upon the addition of TMB-H2O2 solution, the HRP-tagged DNA
      concatamer-MBs conjugates could catalyze the H2O2-mediated oxidation of TMB, and
      thus results in a color change from colorless to blue in solution. This provided
      a sensitive and selective sensing platform for the visual or colorimetric
      detection of UO22+. The proposed biosensor has high sensitivity and strong anti
      interference capability, it can be used to detect as low as 2.5 ppb (9.25 nM) of
      UO22+ by naked-eye observation and 0.09 ppb (0.33 nM) of UO22+ by UV-visible
      spectrometry with no interference of other ions and a RSD <= 6% (n = 5). With the
      help of this method, we have successfully determined trace UO22+ in fish muscle
      and river water with a recovery of 93-106%. High sensitivity and specificity, as
      well operation convenience, low cost and strong resistibility to the matrix,
      which makes our method a potential approach for the on-site detection of UO22+ in
      seafood and aqueous environment.

PMID- 28093128
TI  - Alcohol use disorders.

PMID- 28093129
TI  - Transplanted lives.

PMID- 28093130
TI  - Bespoke practice.

PMID- 28093131
TI  - Halfdan Mahler.

PMID- 28093132
TI  - Controlled-release oxycodone improves pain management after uterine artery
      embolisation for symptomatic fibroids.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate if pre- and post-procedure administration of controlled-release
      oxycodone (CRO) in combination with standard analgesia improves pain control and
      decreases the amount of required post-procedure opioids in uterine fibroid
      embolisation (UFE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2009 and March 2010,
      60 consecutive women were prospectively randomised in two groups for UFE: the
      control group, in which 30 patients underwent the standard anaesthetic procedure
      and the CRO group, in which 30 patients underwent the standard anaesthetic
      procedure with the addition of CRO. Age, pain, nausea/vomiting, fibroid volume,
      length of hospital stay, and use and dose of morphine received via the patient
      controlled analgesia (PCA) device in both groups were evaluated to compare the
      two methods of pain control. Fibroid volume as measured at magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) was evaluated for correlation with post-embolisation pelvic pain
      over a period of 24 hours. RESULTS: A significant difference was seen in the pain
      scores at 24 hours (p=0.029), with less pain in the CRO group. More patients from
      the control group required morphine (p=0.017), and at higher levels (p=0.130).
      Pruritus was lower in patients of the CRO group, probably because they received
      less morphine (p=0.029). No correlation was seen between leiomyoma volume and
      pain levels over 24 hours (Spearman's rho=0.02; p=0.881). Length of hospital stay
      was not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of CRO to
      standard analgesia for UFE provides more effective analgesia, with a reduction in
      pain scores in 24 hours, less morphine use, and decreased side effects, mainly
      pruritus.

PMID- 28093135
TI  - Re: Population-Based Assessment of Cancer-Specific Mortality after Local Tumour
      Ablation or Observation for Kidney Cancer: A Competing Risks Analysis.

PMID- 28093134
TI  - Management of Clostridium difficile Infection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
      Expert Review from the Clinical Practice Updates Committee of the AGA Institute.
AB  - The purpose of this expert review is to synthesize the existing evidence on the
      management of Clostridium difficile infection in patients with underlying
      inflammatory bowel disease. The evidence reviewed in this article is a summation
      of relevant scientific publications, expert opinion statements, and current
      practice guidelines. This review is a summary of expert opinion in the field
      without a formal systematic review of evidence. Best Practice Advice 1:
      Clinicians should test patients who present with a flare of underlying
      inflammatory bowel disease for Clostridium difficile infection. Best Practice
      Advice 2: Clinicians should screen for recurrent C difficile infection if
      diarrhea or other symptoms of colitis persist or return after antibiotic
      treatment for C difficile infection. Best Practice Advice 3: Clinicians should
      consider treating C difficile infection in inflammatory bowel disease patients
      with vancomycin instead of metronidazole. Best Practice Advice 4: Clinicians
      strongly should consider hospitalization for close monitoring and aggressive
      management for inflammatory bowel disease patients with C difficile infection who
      have profuse diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, a markedly increased peripheral
      blood leukocyte count, or other evidence of sepsis. Best Practice Advice 5:
      Clinicians may postpone escalation of steroids and other immunosuppression agents
      during acute C difficile infection until therapy for C difficile infection has
      been initiated. However, the decision to withhold or continue immunosuppression
      in inflammatory bowel disease patients with C difficile infection should be
      individualized because there is insufficient existing robust literature on which
      to develop firm recommendations. Best Practice Advice 6: Clinicians should offer
      a referral for fecal microbiota transplantation to inflammatory bowel disease
      patients with recurrent C difficile infection.

PMID- 28093136
TI  - Re: Homogeneous T1 Hyperintense Renal Lesions with Smooth Borders: Is Contrast
      Enhanced MR Imaging Needed?

PMID- 28093137
TI  - Re: Quantitative Assessment of Solid Renal Masses by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
      with Time-Intensity Curves: How we do it.

PMID- 28093138
TI  - Re: Efficacy and Safety of Axitinib in Elderly Patients with Metastatic Renal
      Cell Carcinoma.

PMID- 28093140
TI  - Re: Trends in Kidney Cancer among the Elderly in Denmark, 1980-2012.

PMID- 28093139
TI  - Re: Trends in Cancer of the Urinary Bladder and Urinary Tract in Elderly in
      Denmark, 2008-2012.

PMID- 28093141
TI  - Re: Utility and Significance of Ureteric Frozen Section Analysis during Radical
      Cystectomy.

PMID- 28093142
TI  - Re: Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of 295 Cases of Clinically Advanced
      Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder Reveals a High Frequency of
      Clinically Relevant Genomic Alterations.

PMID- 28093143
TI  - Re: Predictive Parameters of Symptomatic Hematochezia following 5-Fraction Gantry
      Based SABR in Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28093144
TI  - Re: Study of Testosterone-Guided Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Management of
      Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28093145
TI  - Re: Inherited DNA-Repair Gene Mutations in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28093146
TI  - Re: Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy during Prostate Cancer
      Active Surveillance.

PMID- 28093147
TI  - Re: Urologist-Level Correlation in the Use of Observation for Low- and High-Risk
      Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28093148
TI  - Re: The Metabolic Co-Regulator PGC1alpha Suppresses Prostate Cancer Metastasis.

PMID- 28093149
TI  - Re: Late Relapses in Stage I Testicular Cancer Patients on Surveillance.

PMID- 28093150
TI  - Re: Inhibition of the Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway Promotes Castration
      Resistant Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28093151
TI  - Re: DaPeCa-1: Diagnostic Accuracy of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in 222 Patients
      with Penile Cancer at Four Tertiary Referral Centres-A National Study from
      Denmark.

PMID- 28093152
TI  - Re: N-Glycosylation Critically Regulates Function of Oxalate Transporter SLC26A6.

PMID- 28093153
TI  - Re: Molecular Modifiers Reveal a Mechanism of Pathological Crystal Growth
      Inhibition.

PMID- 28093154
TI  - Re: Patients Attending Shared Medical Appointments for Metabolic Stone Prevention
      have Decreased Stone Risk Factors.

PMID- 28093155
TI  - Re: Response of Germ-Free Mice to Colonization with O. formigenes and Altered
      Schaedler Flora.

PMID- 28093156
TI  - Re: Conservative Therapy is an Effective Option in Patients with Localized
      Infection after Penile Implant Surgery.

PMID- 28093157
TI  - Re: Evidence-Based Management Guidelines on Peyronie's Disease.

PMID- 28093158
TI  - Re: Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: Analysis of Symptomatic Patients
      with Equivocal Renal Scans.

PMID- 28093159
TI  - Re: Reoperation Rates for Penile Prosthetic Surgery.

PMID- 28093160
TI  - Re: Successful Outcomes in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty Using a
      Unidirectional Barbed Suture.

PMID- 28093161
TI  - Re: Perioperative Events and Complications in Minimally Invasive Live Donor
      Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 28093162
TI  - Re: Affective Symptoms and the Overactive Bladder-A Systematic Review.

PMID- 28093163
TI  - Re: Adolescent Urology and Transitional Care.

PMID- 28093164
TI  - Re: Trends in Mesh Use for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair from the Medicare
      Database.

PMID- 28093165
TI  - Re: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery in Academic Female Pelvic Medicine and
      Reconstructive Surgery Urology Practice in the Setting of the Food and Drug
      Administration Public Health Notifications.

PMID- 28093166
TI  - Re: Comparison of the Effects of beta3-Adrenoceptor Agonism on Urinary Bladder
      Function on Conscious, Anesthetized, and Spinal Cord Injured Rats.

PMID- 28093167
TI  - Re: Retrograde Transport of Radiolabelled Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A to the CNS
      after Intradetrusor Injection in Rats.

PMID- 28093168
TI  - Re: Drug Adherence and Clinical Outcomes for Patients under Pharmacological
      Therapy for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:
      Population-Based Cohort Study.

PMID- 28093169
TI  - Re: Prospective, Randomized, Multinational Study of Prostatic Urethral Lift
      versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: 12-Month Results from the BPH6
      Study.

PMID- 28093170
TI  - Re: Effects of Mediterranean Diet on Sexual Function in People with Newly
      Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: The MEDITA Trial.

PMID- 28093171
TI  - Re: Sex and Intimacy after Stroke.

PMID- 28093172
TI  - Re: Lifestyle Factors and Premature Ejaculation: Are Physical Exercise, Alcohol
      Consumption, and Body Mass Index Associated with Premature Ejaculation and
      Comorbid Erectile Problems?

PMID- 28093173
TI  - Re: Is Risk of Artificial Urethral Sphincter Cuff Erosion Higher in Patients with
      Penile Prosthesis?

PMID- 28093174
TI  - Re: Preserved Erectile Function in the Aged Transgenic Rat Harboring Human Tissue
      Kallikrein 1.

PMID- 28093175
TI  - Re: Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Erectile Dysfunction Using Endothelial
      Progenitor Cells Genetically Modified with Human Telomerase Reverse
      Transcriptase.

PMID- 28093176
TI  - Re: Effects of Testosterone Treatment in Older Men.

PMID- 28093178
TI  - Re: One Uterus Bridging Three Generations: First Live Birth after Mother-to
      Daughter Uterus Transplantation.

PMID- 28093177
TI  - Re: Testosterone Treatment and Sexual Function in Older Men with Low Testosterone
      Levels.

PMID- 28093179
TI  - Re: Bioengineered Uterine Tissue Supports Pregnancy in a Rat Model.

PMID- 28093180
TI  - Re: Emoting Infertility Online: A Qualitative Analysis of Men's Forum Posts.

PMID- 28093181
TI  - Re: Inequity between Male and Female Coverage in State Infertility Laws.

PMID- 28093182
TI  - Re: Can IVF Influence Human Evolution?

PMID- 28093183
TI  - Re: Congenital Infundibulopelvic Stenosis: Indications for Intervention, Surgical
      Technique, and Review of Literature.

PMID- 28093184
TI  - Re: Early Mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG-3) Diuretic Renography Results after
      Pyeloplasty.

PMID- 28093185
TI  - Re: Anuria Since Birth: Does it Impact Outcome of Kidney Transplant in Infants?

PMID- 28093186
TI  - Re: Reoperative Robotic Pyeloplasty in Children.

PMID- 28093187
TI  - Re: Do Overweight and Obese Pediatric Stone Formers Have Differences in Metabolic
      Abnormalities Compared with Normal-Weight Stone Formers?

PMID- 28093189
TI  - Advancing High-Value Health Care: A New AJM Column Dedicated to Cost-Conscious
      Care Quality Improvement.

PMID- 28093190
TI  - Ghrelin fibers from lateral hypothalamus project to nucleus tractus solitaries
      and are involved in gastric motility regulation in cisplatin-treated rats.
AB  - Ghrelin can alleviate cancer chemotherapy-induced dyspepsia in rodents, though
      the neural mechanisms involved are not known. Therefore, ghrelin projections from
      the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and its involvement in the regulation of gastric
      motility in cisplatin-treated rats were investigated with a multi-disciplined
      approach. Retrograde tracing combined with fluoro-immunohistochemical staining
      were used to investigate ghrelin fiber projections arising from LH and projecting
      to nucleus tractus solitaries (NTS). Results revealed that ghrelin fibers
      originating in LH project to NTS. Expression of ghrelin and its receptor growth
      hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) in LH and NTS were detected by Western
      Blot. 2days after cisplatin dosing, expression of ghrelin in LH decreased while
      GHS-R1a in both LH and NTS increased. In electrophysiological experiments, the
      effects of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) microinjection in LH on neuronal discharge
      of gastric distension-responsive neurons in NTS and gastric motility were
      assessed. NMDA in LH excited most of ghrelin-responsive gastric distension (GD)
      sensitive neurons in NTS and promoted gastric motility. This effect was partially
      blocked by ghrelin antibody in NTS. Furthermore, the excitatory effects of NMDA
      in cisplatin-treated rats were weaker than those in saline-treated rats.
      Behaviorally, cisplatin induced a significant increase of kaolin consumption and
      decrease of food intake. These studies reveal a decreased expression of ghrelin
      in LH and up-regulation of GHS-R1a in LH and NTS, which are involved in the
      regulation of GD neuronal discharge in NTS and gastric motility.

PMID- 28093191
TI  - RE: Galen Wagner, another perspective.

PMID- 28093192
TI  - Spectrum of mutations in leiomyosarcomas identified by clinical targeted next
      generation sequencing.
AB  - Recurrent genomic mutations in uterine and non-uterine leiomyosarcomas have not
      been well established. Using a next generation sequencing (NGS) panel of common
      cancer-associated genes, 25 leiomyosarcomas arising from multiple sites were
      examined to explore genetic alterations, including single nucleotide variants
      (SNV), small insertions/deletions (indels), and copy number alterations (CNA).
      Sequencing showed 86 non-synonymous, coding region somatic variants within 151
      gene targets in 21 cases, with a mean of 4.1 variants per case; 4 cases had no
      putative mutations in the panel of genes assayed. The most frequently altered
      genes were TP53 (36%), ATM and ATRX (16%), and EGFR and RB1 (12%). CNA were
      identified in 85% of cases, with the most frequent copy number losses observed in
      chromosomes 10 and 13 including PTEN and RB1; the most frequent gains were seen
      in chromosomes 7 and 17. Our data show that deletions in canonical cancer-related
      genes are common in leiomyosarcomas. Further, the spectrum of gene mutations
      observed shows that defects in DNA repair and chromosomal maintenance are central
      to the biology of leiomyosarcomas, and that activating mutations observed in
      other common cancer types are rare in leiomyosarcomas.

PMID- 28093193
TI  - HBXIP over expression as an independent biomarker for cervical cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence demonstrated that hepatitis B virus X-interacting
      protein (HBXIP) has broad roles in cancers. However, high-level expression of
      HBXIP has been correlated with human malignancies, suggesting roles in
      carcinogenesis and tumor progression. The aim of the study is to investigate the
      role and mechanism of HBXIP oncogene and the correlation to the
      clinicopathological status in cervical cancers. METHODS: A total of 107 cervical
      cancer patients with strict follow-up, 105 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
      (CIN) and 31 normal cervical epithelia samples were selected for
      immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of HBXIP protein. Additionally, the cervical
      cancer cell line of SiHa was included in this study. The relationship between
      HBXIP expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed to verify
      the clinical value of HBXIP protein expression in patient prognosis, and survival
      rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: HBXIP protein
      showed a mainly cytoplasmic staining pattern in cervical cancers by using IHC
      staining in paraffin embedded cervical cancer tissues and IF staining in SiHa
      cervical cancer cells. The strongly positive rate of HBXIP protein expression was
      significantly higher in cervical SCCs and CINs than in normal cervical epithelia.
      HBXIP protein over-expression was significantly correlated with the clinical
      stage, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, HPV infection, the over-expression
      of P63 and overall survival rates in cervical cancer. All of these data defined
      that HBXIP was involved in the progression of the cervical cancer. However, the
      detailed mechanism need to the further study. CONCLUSIONS: HBXIP over-expression
      appears to associate with cervical cancer progression, and may potentially be
      used as a cervical cancer biomarker for the early diagnosis, prognostic
      evaluation and therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

PMID- 28093194
TI  - Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation During Hemodialysis on Peripheral
      Muscle Strength and Exercise Capacity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of
      high and low frequency and intensity, performed during hemodialysis, on physical
      function and inflammation markers in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
      DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Hemodialysis clinic. PARTICIPANTS:
      Patients with CKD (N=51) were randomized into blocks of 4 using opaque sealed
      envelopes. They were divided into a group of high frequency and intensity
      neuromuscular electrical stimulation and a group of low frequency and intensity
      neuromuscular electrical stimulation. INTERVENTIONS: The high frequency and
      intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation group was submitted to
      neuromuscular electrical stimulation at a frequency of 50Hz and a medium
      intensity of 72.90mA, and the low frequency and intensity neuromuscular
      electrical stimulation group used a frequency of 5Hz and a medium intensity of
      13.85mA, 3 times per week for 1 hour, during 12 sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Peripheral muscle strength, exercise capacity, levels of muscle trophism marker
      (insulin growth factor 1) and levels of proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor
      alpha) and anti-inflammatory (interleukin 10) cytokines. RESULTS: The high
      frequency and intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation group showed a
      significant increase in right peripheral muscle strength (155.35+/-65.32Nm
      initial vs 161.60+/-68.73Nm final; P=.01) and left peripheral muscle strength
      (156.60+/-66.51Nm initial vs 164.10+/-69.76Nm final; P=.02) after the training,
      which did not occur in the low frequency and intensity neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation group for both right muscle strength (109.40+/-32.08Nm initial vs
      112.65+/-38.44Nm final; P=.50) and left muscle strength (113.65+/-37.79Nm initial
      vs 116.15+/-43.01Nm final; P=.61). The 6-minute walk test distance (6MWTD)
      increased in both groups: high frequency and intensity neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation group (435.55+/-95.81m initial vs 457.25+/-90.64m final; P=.02) and
      low frequency and intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation group (403.80+/
      90.56m initial vs 428.90+/-87.42m final; P=.007). The groups did not differ in
      peripheral muscle strength and 6MWTD after the training protocol. In the high
      frequency and intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation group, a correlation
      was observed between the initial and final values of 6MWTD and muscle strength.
      In the low frequency and intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation group,
      correlations occurred only between the 6MWTD and the initial muscle strength.
      Only the low frequency and intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation group
      increased levels of insulin growth factor 1 (252.38+/-156.35pg/mL initial vs
      336.97+/-207.34pg/mL final; P=.03), and only the high frequency and intensity
      neuromuscular electrical stimulation group reduced levels of interleukin 10
      (7.26+/-1.81pg/mL vs 6.32+/-1.54pg/mL; P=.03). The groups showed no differences
      in tumor necrosis factor alpha levels. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CKD on
      hemodialysis improve exercise capacity after peripheral neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation of high and low frequency and intensity. However, the benefits on
      muscle and inflammatory outcomes seem to be specific for the adopted electrical
      stimulation strategy.

PMID- 28093195
TI  - Health and functioning of adolescents conceived by assisted reproductive
      technology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the general health, mental health, and cognitive ability
      of assisted reproductive technology (ART)-conceived adolescents. DESIGN: A nested
      case-control study within a historic cohort. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S):
      A total of 253 ART-conceived adolescents born between 1982 and 1993 and 253
      matched references according to birth year, gender, and the high-school they
      attended. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Medical and psychiatric
      diagnoses, and cognitive ability recorded at the military preinduction screening
      (ages 16-17 years) and doctor's appointments throughout the military service.
      RESULT(S): No differences were detected in general and mental health of ART
      adolescents or cognitive ability, compared with the reference group. Similar
      results were obtained after stratification for gender and singleton births. The
      ART adolescents had fewer cases of discharge from military service due to health
      reasons (4% vs. 8.3%). Follow-up during the military service revealed that male
      ART adolescents had significantly more doctor's appointments compared with the
      reference group (23.80 +/- 15.59 vs. 19.95 +/- 13.79). CONCLUSION(S): Our
      preliminary results provide reassurance that in the long-run health and
      functioning of ART-conceived adolescents is not compromised. Further studies with
      larger cohorts are needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 28093196
TI  - A prospective single centre pilot evaluation of a serum calprotectin assay in
      unselected GI patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whilst C-reactive protein (CRP) is an established serum marker of
      inflammation, its use in gastroenterology has been limited by its poor
      sensitivity and specificity for GI disease. Faecal calprotectin (FC) has been
      adopted into mainstream GI practice as a sensitive but non-specific marker of
      intestinal inflammation. However, stool samples collection for FC can be
      challenging and the possibility of utilising a sensitive and specific serum
      biomarker of intestinal inflammation in luminal gastroenterology is an attractive
      prospect. This work investigates the performance of serum calprotectin (SC)
      compared to current biomarkers, FC and CRP, in an unselected cohort of patients
      attending our GI unit. METHODS: Patients attending in and outpatients within an
      adult GI service who submitted a stool sample for FC analysis were identified. A
      total of 109 who had a serum sample obtained within one day of stool sample
      collection had the serum analysed for CRP and SC and the correlation between
      these biomarkers was investigated. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation
      coefficient (ICC) between SC, FC and CRP was 0.10, 95% CI -0.09-0.28 and 0.18,
      95% CI -0.01-0.35, respectively. The ICC between FC and CRP was 0.18, 95% CI 
      0.01-0.35. CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveals that there is no significant correlation
      between SC and FC, nor between SC and CRP in a large unselected cohort of GI
      patients. Therefore, as a serum biomarker for intestinal inflammation, SC is
      unlikely to be of clinical utility and the search for an appropriate serum GI
      biomarker continues.

PMID- 28093197
TI  - Influence of the bacterial growth phase on the magnetic properties of
      magnetosomes synthesized by Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The magnetosome biosynthesis is a genetically controlled process but
      the physical properties of the magnetosomes can be slightly tuned by modifying
      the bacterial growth conditions. METHODS: We designed two time-resolved
      experiments in which iron-starved bacteria at the mid-logarithmic phase are
      transferred to Fe-supplemented medium to induce the magnetosomes biogenesis along
      the exponential growth or at the stationary phase. We used flow cytometry to
      determine the cell concentration, transmission electron microscopy to image the
      magnetosomes, DC and AC magnetometry methods for the magnetic characterization,
      and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to analyze the magnetosome structure. RESULTS:
      When the magnetosomes synthesis occurs during the exponential growth phase, they
      reach larger sizes and higher monodispersity, displaying a stoichiometric
      magnetite structure, as fingerprinted by the well defined Verwey temperature. On
      the contrary, the magnetosomes synthesized at the stationary phase reach smaller
      sizes and display a smeared Verwey transition, that suggests that these
      magnetosomes may deviate slightly from the perfect stoichiometry. CONCLUSIONS:
      Magnetosomes magnetically closer to stoichiometric magnetite are obtained when
      bacteria start synthesizing them at the exponential growth phase rather than at
      the stationary phase. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The growth conditions influence the
      final properties of the biosynthesized magnetosomes. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled "Recent Advances in Bionanomaterials" Guest Editors: Dr.
      Marie-Louise Saboungi and Dr. Samuel D. Bader.

PMID- 28093198
TI  - Mild hypothermia pretreatment protects hepatocytes against ischemia reperfusion
      injury via down-regulating miR-122 and IGF-1R/AKT pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mild hypothermia has been well known as an effective way to reduce
      ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), while the mechanisms are still unclear. More
      and more evidences have indicated that miRNAs should been involved in the
      regulation of IRI and expecially some miRNAs have shown temp-responsiveness for
      temperature variation. Therefore, the role of miR-122 in mild hypothermia
      pretreatment after IRI was investigated. METHODS: We established a LO2 cell
      anoxia-reoxygenation injury model to simulate liver IRI. Five groups of
      differently pretreated L02 cells were studied. ALT, AST and LDH as well as cell
      viability were measured. Flow cytometric analysis was used to evaluate the
      apoptosis. The expression of miR-122 was quantified by qRT-PCR. Insulin-like
      growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), protein kinase B (p-AKT), AKT, forkhead box
      O3a (p-FOXO3a) and Caspase3 were examined using western blot analysis. RESULTS:
      We found that mild hypothermia pretreatment could reduce the hepatocellular
      injury and induce a significant down-regulation in miR-122 expression after IRI.
      However, those effects of protection were attenuated by overexpressed miR-122
      blockade. We further demonstrated that down-regulation of miR-122 promoted IGF-1R
      translation and AKT activity, suppressed FOXO3a activity and Caspase3 expression
      after mild hypothermia pretreatment, which was abrogated by miR-122 mimic.
      CONCLUSION: Our data clearly demonstrate that mild hypothermia pretreatment can
      down-regulate miR-122 to protect hepatocytes against IRI through activation IGF
      1R/AKT signaling pathway and inhibit cells apoptosis.

PMID- 28093199
TI  - Effect of different cryo-devices on in vitro maturation and development of
      vitrified-warmed immature buffalo oocytes.
AB  - The aim of the study was to identify a cryo-device that would be best suited for
      the vitrification of buffalo immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) as judged
      by viability and meiotic competence of the vitrified-warmed oocytes and their
      development ability following in vitro fertilization (IVF). The expression of
      oocyte secreting factors and their receptors (GDF9, BMP15, BMPR2, TGFBR1) and
      apoptosis related genes (BCL2, BAX, P53, C-MYC) were compared in vitrified-warmed
      oocytes after in vitro maturation. COCs from the ovaries of slaughtered buffaloes
      were vitrified in a combination of dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene glycol, and
      sucrose using either a conventional straw (CS), open pulled straw (OPS), cryoloop
      (CL), hemistraw (HS) or cryotop (CT). The fresh COCs were exposed to
      vitrification and warming solutions as in other vitrification methods without
      plunging in to liquid nitrogen (EC). The viability of vitrified-warmed COCs, 2 h
      post warming in HS and CT was similar to fresh and EC groups but significantly
      higher than CS and OPS methods. The proportions of oocytes with first polar body
      after 24 h in vitro maturation were significantly higher in HS and CT methods
      than in CS, OPS and CL methods. The development ability of these vitrified-warmed
      oocytes to blastocyst stage following IVF in all vitrified groups was
      significantly lower than control and EC groups. Among the vitrified groups, the
      blastocyst rate in HS, CT and CL groups was significantly higher than in OPS and
      CS groups. It was also observed that the expression levels of GDF9, BMP15, BMPR2,
      TGFBR1, BCL2, BAX, P53 and C-MYC genes in vitrified-warmed COCs in CT, HS and CL
      groups were similar to control. The results indicated that HS, CT and CL are more
      suitable cryo-devices for vitrification of buffalo immature oocytes.

PMID- 28093200
TI  - Postoperative serum thioredoxin concentrations correlate with delirium and
      cognitive dysfunction after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress correlates with occurrence and development of
      postoperative delirium (POD) and cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Thioredoxin (TRX)
      is a potent anti-oxidant and its circulating concentrations reflect extent of
      brain injury. We determined the relation of serum TRX concentrations to POD and
      POCD in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. METHODS: In this
      prospective, observatory study, TRX concentrations in preoperative and
      postoperative serum from 192 patients and serum from 192 controls were measured
      using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between TRX
      concentrations and risk of POD and POCD was assessed using a multivariate
      analysis. RESULTS: As compared to the controls, postoperative, but not
      preoperative serum TRX concentrations were significantly increased in the
      patients. Furthermore, postoperative TRX concentrations and age were identified
      as the independent predictors for POD and POCD. Also, area under receiver
      operating characteristic curve (AUC) of postoperative TRX concentrations was
      obviously higher than that of age in the prediction of POD and POCD.
      Additionally, in a combined logistic-regression model, TRX concentrations
      significantly improved the AUCs of age to predict POD and POCD. CONCLUSIONS: TRX
      in postoperative serum may be a potential biomarker to predict POD and POCD in
      elder patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

PMID- 28093201
TI  - Molecular targets of the Warburg effect and inflammatory cytokines in the
      pathogenesis of pulmonary artery hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular disease
      characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure and vasoconstriction and
      structural remolding of pulmonary arterioles. Recent clinical and experimental
      studies have discovered the relationship between metabolic alterations and the
      pathogenesis of PAH. The primary metabolic alteration, previously demonstrated in
      various cancers, is a gradual change in energy generated from complete aerobic
      cellular respiration to from solely "aerobic glycolysis," termed the "Warburg
      effect." Understanding the Warburg effect of metabolic dysregulation and its
      interaction with inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PAH has provided
      a valuable explanation of this disease and has guided formulation of new clinical
      treatments at the molecular level.

PMID- 28093202
TI  - Sensorless Hinfinity speed-tracking synthesis for surface-mount permanent magnet
      synchronous motor.
AB  - In this paper, a sensorless speed tracking control is proposed for a surface
      mount permanent magnet synchronous motor by using a nonlinear Hinfinity
      controller via stator currents measurements for feedback. An output feedback
      nonlinear Hinfinity-controller was designed such that the undisturbed system is
      uniformly asymptotically stable around the desired speed reference, while also
      the effects of external vanishing and non-vanishing disturbances, noise, and
      input backlash were attenuated locally. The rotor position was calculated from
      the causal dynamic output feedback compensator and from the desired speed
      reference. The existence of the proper solutions of the perturbed differential
      Riccati equations ensures stabilizability and detectability of the control
      system. The efficiency of the proposed sensorless controller was supported by
      numerical simulations.

PMID- 28093203
TI  - A compound scheme on parameters identification and adaptive compensation of
      nonlinear friction disturbance for the aerial inertially stabilized platform.
AB  - A compound scheme is proposed to compensate the effect of nonlinear friction
      disturbance on the control precision of a three-axis inertially stabilized
      platform (ISP) for aerial remote sensing applications. The scheme consists of
      friction parameters identification and adaptive compensation. A LuGre model-based
      ISP friction model is first developed. Then, a comprehensive experimental scheme
      is proposed to obtain the static friction parameters. Further, the dynamic
      parameters are identified by experiments and dynamic optimization. On the basis
      of identified parameters and Lyapunov stability theory, a backstepping integral
      adaptive compensator is designed to compensate the nonlinear friction
      disturbance. Simulations and experiments are carried out to validate the scheme.
      The results show that the compound scheme can accurately obtain the friction
      parameters and improve the control precision and stability of ISP.

PMID- 28093204
TI  - Chin Symphysis Bone, Allograft, and Platelet-Rich Fibrin: Is the Combination
      Effective in Repair of Alveolar Cleft?
AB  - PURPOSE: Secondary grafting of alveolar defects with iliac crest bone is a common
      treatment method in cleft patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      effectiveness of the combination of symphysis bone, allograft, and platelet-rich
      fibrin in regeneration of alveolar defects compared with iliac bone graft.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, patients with
      unilateral alveolar defects were divided randomly into two categories. Group A
      comprised patients in whom the combination of chin symphysis bone plus allogeneic
      bone material plus leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin was considered for
      treatment. Group B comprised patients in whom iliac bone graft was considered.
      Cone beam computed tomography before treatment and 1 year postoperatively was
      used for measurement of bone formation (bone volume in cubic centimeters). The
      data were analyzed by paired t and chi2 tests via SPSS software (version 23; IBM,
      Armonk, NY). P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Each group included 10
      patients (with 6 male patients in group A and 5 male patients in group B). The
      mean age of patients in groups A and B was 9.5 +/- 1.5 years and 9.9 +/- 1.9
      years, respectively. The mean volume of alveolar defects was 0.89 +/- 0.29 cm3 in
      group A and 0.95 +/- 0.27 cm3 in group B. The percentage of bone regeneration in
      groups A and B was 69.5% and 73.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that chin
      symphysis bone plus allogeneic bone material plus platelet-rich fibrin is a
      proper combination for bone regeneration in alveolar defects with a small to
      moderate volume range.

PMID- 28093205
TI  - Characterization of peak capacity of microbore liquid chromatography columns
      using gradient kinetic plots.
AB  - The performance of micro-liquid chromatography columns with an inner diameter of
      0.3mm was investigated on a dedicated micro-LC system for gradient elution. Core
      shell as well as fully porous particle packed columns were compared on the basis
      of peak capacity and gradient kinetic plot limits. The results for peak capacity
      showed the superior performance of columns packed with sub-2MUm fully porous
      particles compared to 3.0MUm fully porous and 2.7MUm core-shell particles within
      a range of different gradient time to column void time ratios. For ultra-fast
      chromatography a maximum peak capacity of 16 can be obtained using a 30s gradient
      for the sub-2MUm fully porous particle packed column. A maximum peak capacity of
      121 can be achieved using a 5min gradient. In addition, the influence of an
      alternative detector cell on the basis of optical waveguide technology and
      contributing less to system variance was investigated showing an increased peak
      capacity for all applied gradient time/column void time ratios. Finally, the
      influence of pressure was evaluated indicating increased peak capacity for
      maximum performance whereas a limited benefit for ultra-fast chromatography with
      gradient times below 30s was observed.

PMID- 28093206
TI  - Urea-formaldehyde monolithic column for hydrophilic in-tube solid-phase
      microextraction of aminoglycosides.
AB  - A novel urea-formaldehyde (UF) monolithic column has been developed and exploited
      as a sorbent for hydrophilic in-tube solid-phase microextraction (in-tube SPME)
      of aminoglycosides (AGs). Because of the innate hydrophilicity, UF monolith
      showed high extraction efficiency towards these hydrophilic analytes. The
      adsorption capacities for target compounds dissolved in water/ACN (1:1, v/v) were
      in the range of 5.18-7.36MUg/cm. Due to the lack of a chromophore, evaporative
      light scattering detector (ELSD) was selected as the detector for AGs, and
      coupled with the online in-tube SPME-HPLC system. Several factors of the online
      system, such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and ACN percentage in the sampling
      solution, ionic strength in the sample solution, elution volume, sampling and
      elution flow rate, were optimized with respect to the extraction efficiencies.
      Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) of streptomycin,
      tobramycin and neomycin were discovered in the range of 3.0-5.2MUg/kg. The
      recoveries were ranged from 82.1 to 96.7% with relative standard deviations
      (RSDs) of 2.3-5.1% (n=4) at spiking levels of 50, 200 and 500MUg/kg,
      respectively. The excellent applicability of the UF monolithic column was
      examined by the determination of streptomycin in practical tilapia samples, which
      showed the potential advantages for the analysis of polar analytes in complicated
      samples.

PMID- 28093207
TI  - p53 mediates the suppression of cancer cell invasion by inducing LIMA1/EPLIN.
AB  - The tumor suppressor gene p53 is frequently mutated in human cancer. p53 executes
      various functions, such as apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest, by
      modulating transcriptional regulation. In this study, LIM domain and Actin
      binding protein 1 (LIMA1) was identified as a target of the p53 family using a
      cDNA microarray. We also evaluated genome-wide occupancy of the p53 protein by
      performing chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) and identified two
      p53 response elements in the LIMA1 gene. LIMA1 protein levels were increased by
      treatment with nutlin-3a, a small molecule that activates endogenous p53. In
      addition, LIMA1 expression was significantly downregulated in cancers compared
      with normal tissues. Knockdown of LIMA1 significantly enhanced cancer cell
      invasion and partially inhibited p53-induced suppression of cell invasion.
      Furthermore, low expression of LIMA1 in cancer patients correlated with decreased
      survival and poor prognosis. Thus, p53-induced LIMA1 inhibits cell invasion, and
      the downregulation of LIMA1 caused by p53 mutation results in decreased survival
      in cancer patients. Collectively, this study reveals the molecular mechanism of
      LIMA1 downregulation in various cancers and suggests that LIMA1 may be a novel
      prognostic predictor and a therapeutic target for cancer.

PMID- 28093209
TI  - Combinatorial effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AG1 biosurfactant and Bacillus
      thuringiensis Vip3Aa16 toxin on Spodoptera littoralis larvae.
AB  - Spodoptera littoralis, one of the most serious and destructive agricultural pests
      in the world, is very susceptible to Vip3 toxin. In order to develop a new
      efficient bioinsecticide and to prevent the development of resistance by the
      target pest, insecticidal activity of biosurfactant produced by Bacillus
      amyloliquefaciens AG1 was evaluated against S. littoralis. Bioassays revealed the
      susceptibility of the first instar larvae of this pest to AG1 biosurfactant with
      an LC50 of 245ng/cm2. Moreover, the histopathology examination of the larval
      midgut treated by AG1 biosurfactant showed vacuolization, necrosis and
      disintegration of the basement membrane. Binding experiments revealed that the
      AG1 biosurfactant recognized three putative receptors located in the brush border
      membrane vesicles of S. littoralis with sizes of 91, 72 and 64kDa. Competition
      assays using biotinylated metabolites indicated that AG1 biosurfactant and
      Vip3Aa16 toxin did not compete for the same S. littoralis receptors. When
      combined, AG1 biosurfactant and Vip3Aa16 showed an additive effect against S.
      littoralis larvae. These findings suggested that B. amyloliquefaciens AG1
      biosurfactant could be a promising biocontrol agent to eradicate S. littoralis
      and to prevent resistance development by this pest.

PMID- 28093208
TI  - Selective reporting of antibiotic susceptibility test results in European
      countries: an ESCMID cross-sectional survey.
AB  - Selective reporting of antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) results is one
      possible laboratory-based antibiotic stewardship intervention. The primary aim of
      this study was to identify where and how selective reporting of AST results is
      implemented in Europe both in inpatient and in outpatient settings. An ESCMID
      cross-sectional, self-administered, internet-based survey was conducted among all
      EUCIC (European Committee on Infection Control) or EUCAST (European Committee on
      Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) national representatives in Europe and
      Israel. Of 38 countries, 36 chose to participate in the survey. Selective
      reporting of AST results was implemented in 11/36 countries (31%), was partially
      implemented in 4/36 (11%) and was limited to local initiatives or was not adopted
      in 21/36 (58%). It was endorsed as standard of care by health authorities in only
      three countries. The organisation of selective reporting was everywhere
      discretionally managed by each laboratory, with a pronounced intra- and inter
      country variability. The most frequent application was in uncomplicated community
      acquired infections, particularly urinary tract and skin and soft-tissue
      infections. The list of reported antibiotics ranged from a few first-line
      options, to longer reports where only last-resort antibiotics were hidden.
      Several barriers to implementation were reported, mainly lack of guidelines, poor
      system support, insufficient resources, and lack of professionals' capability. In
      conclusion, selective reporting of AST results is poorly implemented in Europe
      and is applied with a huge heterogeneity of practices. Development of an
      international framework, based on existing initiatives and identified barriers,
      could favour its dissemination as one important element of antibiotic stewardship
      programmes.

PMID- 28093210
TI  - Neuroprotection by Paeoniflorin in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Paeoniflorin (PF) is a major bioactive ingredient in Radix Paeonia alba roots
      that has low toxicity and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects. Our in
      vitro experiments suggested that PF affords a significant neuroprotective effect
      against MPP+-induced damage and apoptosis in PC12 cells through Bcl-2/Bax/caspase
      3 pathway. The objectives of the present study were to explore the potential
      neuroprotective effect of PF in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine
      (MPTP)-treated mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Our results demonstrated
      that PF treatment ameliorated the behavioral deficits of "in spontaneous motor
      activity and latency to fall of the rotarod test", and reduced dopaminergic cell
      loss that were induced by MPTP in a dose-dependent manner in an in vivo model of
      PD. In addition, we found that treatment of PF protected dopaminergic neurons by
      preventing MPTP-induced decreases in striatal and substantia nigra dopaminergic
      transporter (DAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels, and by changing
      dopamine catabolism and inhibiting dopamine turnover. Furthermore, it was also
      associated with up-regulation of the Bcl-2/BAD ratio, and inhibition of the
      activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. These results showed that PF promoted
      dopamine neuron survival in vivo due to the MAO-B inhibition, and the PI3K/Akt
      signaling pathway may have mediated the protection of PF against MPTP, suggesting
      that PF treatment might represent a neuroprotective treatment for PD.

PMID- 28093211
TI  - Pharmacological properties of SAK3, a novel T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel
      enhancer.
AB  - T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (T-VGCCs) function in the pathophysiology of
      epilepsy, pain and sleep. However, their role in cognitive function remains
      unclear. We previously reported that the cognitive enhancer ST101, which
      stimulates T-VGCCs in rat cortical slices, was a potential Alzheimer's disease
      therapeutic. Here, we introduce a more potent T-VGCC enhancer, SAK3 (ethyl 8'
      methyl-2',4-dioxo-2-(piperidin-1-yl)-2'H-spiro[cyclopentane-1,3'-imidazo [1,2
      a]pyridin]-2-ene-3-carboxylate), and characterize its pharmacological properties
      in brain. Based on whole cell patch-clamp analysis, SAK3 (0.01-10 nM)
      significantly enhanced Cav3.1 currents in neuro2A cells ectopically expressing
      Cav3.1. SAK3 (0.1-10 nM nM) also enhanced Cav3.3 but not Cav3.2 currents in the
      transfected cells. Notably, Cav3.1 and Cav3.3 T-VGCCs were localized in
      cholinergic neurve systems in hippocampus and in the medial septum. Indeed, acute
      oral administration of SAK3 (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.), but not ST101 (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.)
      significantly enhanced acetylcholine (ACh) release in the hippocampal CA1 region
      of naive mice. Moreover, acute SAK3 (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) administration
      significantly enhanced hippocampal ACh levels in olfactory-bulbectomized (OBX)
      mice, rescuing impaired memory-related behaviors. Treatment of OBX mice with the
      T-VGCC-specific blocker NNC 55-0396 (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) antagonized both enhanced
      ACh release and memory improvements elicited by SAK3 administration. We also
      observed that SAK3-induced ACh releases were significantly blocked in the
      hippocampus from Cav3.1 knockout (KO) mice. These findings suggest overall that T
      VGCCs play a key role in cognition by enhancing hippocampal ACh release and that
      the cognitive enhancer SAK3 could be a candidate therapeutic in Alzheimer's
      disease.

PMID- 28093212
TI  - Long-term sera storage does not significantly modify the interpretation of
      toxoplasmosis serologies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii can answer many
      questions about toxoplasmosis in human pathology. Along these lines, studies on
      serum storage in biobanks need to be performed especially in terms of determining
      the impact of storage on relevance of sera analysis after freezing. This study
      assessed the impact of long-term sera storage on the stability of anti-Toxoplasma
      immunoglobulins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The stability of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and
      IgM was studied in 244 and 242 sera respectively, stored at -20 degrees C from
      one month to ten years. ELISA-immunoassay (Vidas(r), bioMerieux) was used for
      initial and post-storage analyses. Linear models for repeated measures and
      subgroup analyses were performed to assess the effect of storage duration and
      sample characteristics on immunoglobulins stability. RESULTS: Until ten years,
      the variability attributed to storage (maximum 8.07% for IgG, 13.17% for IgM) was
      below the variations inherent to the serological technique and allowed by quality
      assurance systems (15%). Subgroup analysis reported no variation attributed to
      sera storage. Serological interpretation was modified for 3 sera (1.2%) tested
      for IgM, all stored more than seven years. CONCLUSION: Anti-Toxoplasma
      immunoglobulins can reliably be measured for at least up to six years of storage
      with no modification of interpretation of toxoplasmosis serologies.

PMID- 28093213
TI  - Characterization of the efficiency and uncertainty of skimmed milk flocculation
      for the simultaneous concentration and quantification of water-borne viruses,
      bacteria and protozoa.
AB  - In this study, the use of skimmed milk flocculation (SMF) to simultaneously
      concentrate viruses, bacteria and protozoa was evaluated. We selected strains of
      faecal indicator bacteria and pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and
      Helicobacter pylori. The viruses selected were adenovirus (HAdV 35), rotavirus
      (RoV SA-11), the bacteriophage MS2 and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). The
      protozoa tested were Acanthamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The mean
      recoveries with q(RT)PCR were 66% (HAdV 35), 24% (MS2), 28% (RoV SA-11), 15%
      (BVDV), 60% (E. coli), 30% (H. pylori) and 21% (Acanthamoeba castellanii). When
      testing the infectivity, the mean recoveries were 59% (HAdV 35), 12% (MS2), 26%
      (RoV SA-11) and 0.7% (BVDV). The protozoa Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium
      parvum were studied by immunofluorescence with recoveries of 18% and 13%,
      respectively. Although q(RT)PCR consistently showed higher quantification values
      (as expected), q(RT)PCR and the infectivity assays showed similar recoveries for
      HAdV 35 and RoV SA-11. Additionally, we investigated modelling the variability
      and uncertainty of the recovery with this method to extrapolate the
      quantification obtained by q(RT)PCR and estimate the real concentration. The 95%
      prediction intervals of the real concentration of the microorganisms inoculated
      were calculated using a general non-parametric bootstrap procedure adapted in our
      context to estimate the technical error of the measurements. SMF shows recoveries
      with a low variability that permits the use of a mathematical approximation to
      predict the concentration of the pathogen and indicator with acceptable low
      intervals. The values of uncertainty may be used for a quantitative microbial
      risk analysis or diagnostic purposes.

PMID- 28093214
TI  - The UPR reduces glucose metabolism via IRE1 signaling.
AB  - Neurons are highly dependent on glucose. A disturbance in glucose homeostasis
      therefore poses a severe risk that is counteracted by activation of stress
      responses to limit damage and restore the energy balance. A major stress response
      that is activated under conditions of glucose deprivation is the unfolded protein
      response (UPR) that is aimed to restore proteostasis in the endoplasmic
      reticulum. The key signaling of the UPR involves the transient activation of a
      transcriptional program and an overall reduction of protein synthesis. Since the
      UPR is strategically positioned to sense and integrate metabolic stress signals,
      it is likely that - apart from its adaptive response to restore proteostasis - it
      also directly affects metabolic pathways. Here we investigate the direct role of
      the UPR in glucose homeostasis. O-GlcNAc is a post-translational modification
      that is highly responsive to glucose fluctuations. We find that UPR activation
      results in decreased O-GlcNAc modification, in line with reduced glucose
      metabolism. Our data indicate that UPR activation has no direct impact on the
      upstream processes in glucose metabolism; glucose transporter expression, glucose
      uptake and hexokinase activity. In contrast, prolonged UPR activation decreases
      glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism. Decreased mitochondrial respiration is
      not accompanied by apoptosis or a structural change in mitochondria indicating
      that the reduction in metabolic rate upon UPR activation is a physiological non
      apoptotic response. Metabolic decrease is prevented if the IRE1 pathway of the
      UPR is inhibited. This indicates that activation of IRE1 signaling induces a
      reduction in glucose metabolism, as part of an adaptive response.

PMID- 28093215
TI  - Melanocortin 4 receptor constitutive activity inhibits L-type voltage-gated
      calcium channels in neurons.
AB  - The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is
      expressed in several brain nuclei playing a crucial role in the regulation of
      energy balance controlling the homeostasis of the organism. It displays both
      agonist-evoked and constitutive activity, and moreover, it can couple to
      different G proteins. Most of the research on MC4R has been focused on agonist
      induced activity, while the molecular and cellular basis of MC4R constitutive
      activity remains scarcely studied. We have previously shown that neuronal N-type
      voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV2.2) are inhibited by MC4R agonist-dependent
      activation, while the CaV subtypes that carry L- and P/Q-type current are not.
      Here, we tested the hypothesis that MC4R constitutive activity can affect CaV,
      with focus on the channel subtypes that can control transcriptional activity
      coupled to depolarization (L-type, CaV1.2/1.3) and neurotransmitter release (N-
      and P/Q-type, CaV2.2 and CaV2.1). We found that MC4R constitutive activity
      inhibits specifically CaV1.2/1.3 and CaV2.1 subtypes of CaV. We also explored the
      signaling pathways mediating this inhibition, and thus propose that agonist
      dependent and basal MC4R activation modes signal differentially through Gs and
      Gi/o pathways to impact on different CaV subtypes. In addition, we found that
      chronic incubation with MC4R endogenous inverse agonist, agouti and agouti
      related peptide (AgRP), occludes CaV inhibition in a cell line and in amygdaloid
      complex cultured neurons as well. Thus, we define new mechanisms of control of
      the main mediators of depolarization-induced calcium entry into neurons by a GPCR
      that displays constitutive activity.

PMID- 28093216
TI  - Longitudinal variation of serum periostin levels in adults with stable asthma.

PMID- 28093218
TI  - 'The effect of different genres of music on the stress levels of kennelled dogs'.
AB  - Classical music has been shown to reduce stress in kennelled dogs; however, rapid
      habituation of dogs to this form of auditory enrichment has also been
      demonstrated. The current study investigated the physiological and behavioural
      response of kennelled dogs (n=38) to medium-term (5days) auditory enrichment with
      five different genres of music including Soft Rock, Motown, Pop, Reggae and
      Classical, to determine whether increasing the variety of auditory stimulation
      reduces the level of habituation to auditory enrichment. Dogs were found to spend
      significantly more time lying and significantly less time standing when music was
      played, regardless of genre. There was no observable effect of music on barking,
      however, dogs were significantly (z=2.2, P<0.05) more likely to bark following
      cessation of auditory enrichment. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was significantly
      higher, indicative of decreased stress, when dogs were played Soft Rock and
      Reggae, with a lesser effect observed when Motown, Pop and Classical genres were
      played. Relative to the silent period prior to auditory enrichment, urinary
      cortisol:creatanine (UCCR) values were significantly higher during Soft Rock
      (t=2.781, P<0.01) and the second silent control period following auditory
      enrichment (t=2.46, P<0.05). Despite the mixed response to different genres, the
      physiological and behavioural changes observed remained constant over the 5d of
      enrichment suggesting that the effect of habituation may be reduced by increasing
      the variety of auditory enrichment provided.

PMID- 28093217
TI  - Abnormal CD161+ immune cells and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor
      gammat-mediate enhanced IL-17F expression in the setting of genetic hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is considered an immunologic disorder. However, the role
      of the IL-17 family in genetic hypertension in the spontaneously hypertensive rat
      (SHR) has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that
      enhanced TH17 programming and IL-17 expression in abundant CD161+ immune cells in
      SHRs represent an abnormal proinflammatory adaptive immune response. Furthermore,
      we propose that this response is driven by the master regulator retinoic acid
      receptor-related orphan receptor gammat (RORgammat) and a nicotinic
      proinflammatory innate immune response. METHODS: We measured expression of the
      CD161 surface marker on splenocytes in SHRs and normotensive control Wistar-Kyoto
      (WKY) rats from birth to adulthood. We compared expression of IL-17A and IL-17F
      in splenic cells under different conditions. We then determined the functional
      effect of these cytokines on vascular reactivity. Finally, we tested whether
      pharmacologic inhibition of RORgammat can attenuate hypertension in SHRs.
      RESULTS: SHRs exhibited an abnormally large population of CD161+ cells at birth
      that increased with age, reaching more than 30% of the splenocyte population at
      38 weeks. The SHR splenocytes constitutively expressed more RORgammat than those
      of WKY rats and produced more IL-17F on induction. Exposure of WKY rat aortas to
      IL-17F impaired endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation, whereas IL-17A did
      not. Moreover, in vivo inhibition of RORgammat by digoxin decreased systolic
      blood pressure in SHRs. CONCLUSIONS: SHRs have a markedly enhanced potential for
      RORgammat-driven expression of proinflammatory and prohypertensive IL-17F in
      response to innate immune activation. Increased RORgammat and IL-17F levels
      contribute to SHR hypertension and might be therapeutic targets.

PMID- 28093219
TI  - A mixed glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid receptor modulator dampens endocrine and
      hippocampal stress responsivity in male rats.
AB  - Aberrant glucocorticoid secretion is implicated in the pathophysiology of stress
      related disorders (i.e., depression, anxiety). Glucocorticoids exert biological
      effects via mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors. Previous
      data from our laboratory indicate that GR antagonism/modulation (i.e.,
      mifepristone, CORT 108297) regulate endocrine, behavioral, and central stress
      responses. Because of the dynamic interplay between MR and GR on HPA axis
      regulation and emotionality, compounds targeting both receptors are of interest
      for stress-related pathology. We investigated the effects of CORT 118335 (a dual
      selective GR modulator/MR antagonist) on endocrine, behavioral, and central (c
      Fos) stress responses in male rats. Rats were treated for five days with CORT
      118335, imipramine (positive control), or vehicle and exposed to restraint or
      forced swim stress (FST). CORT 118335 dampened corticosterone responses to both
      stressors, without a concomitant antidepressant-like effect in the FST.
      Imipramine decreased corticosterone responses to restraint stress; however, the
      antidepressant-like effect of imipramine in the FST was independent of
      circulating glucocorticoids. These findings indicate dissociation between
      endocrine and behavioral stress responses in the FST. CORT 118335 decreased c-Fos
      expression only in the CA1 division of the hippocampus. Imipramine decreased c
      Fos expression in the basolateral amygdala and CA1 and CA3 divisions of the
      hippocampus. Overall, the data indicate differential effects of CORT 118335 and
      imipramine on stress-induced neuronal activity in various brain regions. The data
      also highlight a complex relationship between neuronal activation in stress and
      mood regulatory brain regions and the ensuing impact on endocrine and behavioral
      stress responses.

PMID- 28093220
TI  - Increased oxytocin levels among abstinent heroin addicts: Association with
      aggressiveness, psychiatric symptoms and perceived childhood neglect.
AB  - A disruption of the oxytocin system seems to affect a variety of brain functions
      including emotions, mood and social behavior possibly underlying severe social
      deficits and susceptibility for substance use and mental health disorders. Early
      life adversity, such as insecure attachment in childhood, has been suggested to
      influence oxytocin tone contributing to a condition of neurobiological
      vulnerability. Aim of the present study was to investigate oxytocin serum levels
      in abstinent heroin addicted patients, in comparison with healthy controls, and
      the possible correlation with co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, aggressiveness
      and perception of parental neglect. Eighteen (18) abstinent patients, affected by
      heroin use disorders, and 18 control subjects, who never used drugs or abused
      alcohol, were included in the study and submitted to 1) collection of a blood
      sample for oxytocin assay, 2) Symptoms Check List 90 for psychiatric symptoms
      evaluation 3) Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory to measure aggressiveness 4) Child
      Experience of Care and Abuse-Questionnaire to retrospectively test the perception
      of parental neglect. Heroin exposure extent and heroin dosages were also
      recorded. Oxytocin serum levels were unexpectedly significantly higher among
      abstinent patients affected by heroin use disorders and positively correlated
      with psychiatric symptoms, aggressiveness and mother neglect scores. No
      correlation was evidenced between oxytocin and heroin exposure extent or dosages.
      Our findings appear to contradict the simplistic view of oxytocin as a pro-social
      hormone and confirm previous evidence concerning the peptide levels direct
      association with aggressive behavior and mood disorders. Considering a more
      complex mechanism, oxytocin would increase the sensitivity to social salience
      cues related to contextual or inter-individual factors, promoting pro-sociality
      in "safe" conditions and, in contrast, inducing more defensive and "anti-social"
      emotions and behaviors when the social cues are interpreted as "unsafe". This
      latter condition is often characterizing the clinical history of addicted
      patients.

PMID- 28093221
TI  - Exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles in physiological fluid induced synergistic
      biological effects in a keratinocyte model.
AB  - Nanoparticles (NPs) possess distinctive physicochemical properties that in
      addition to differentiating them from their bulk counterparts can induce negative
      cellular consequences. Standard in vitro systems have served as the primary model
      for NP safety evaluations, but suffer from a lack physiological relevance. One
      way to overcome this limitation and evaluate NP characteristics under more
      accurate conditions is through the use of artificial physiological fluids, which
      mimic the composition of in vivo environments. In this study, we identified that
      copper oxide (CuO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs displayed modified behavior
      when dispersed in artificial interstitial fluid (IF) versus traditional media,
      including extensive agglomeration and increased particle deposition. When
      keratinocyte cells underwent CuO NP exposure, synergistic stress and toxicity
      responses occurred within an IF environment, correlating with augmented particle
      deposition. However, following IF incubation alone or concurrently with TiO2 NPs,
      which are not innately toxic, no combinatorial responses were identified. These
      results indicate that synergistic outcomes arise when toxic NPs undergo fluid
      induced alterations to key physicochemical properties and behaviors. This study
      highlights the necessity of carrying out NP characterization and safety
      assessments in physiologically-representative environments; as altered behavior
      patterns have the potential to induce bioresponses not identified within
      traditional models.

PMID- 28093222
TI  - Swainsonine-induced lysosomal storage disease in goats caused by the ingestion of
      Sida rodrigoi Monteiro in North-western Argentina.
AB  - There are numerous poisonous plants that can induce intralysosomal accumulation
      of glycoproteins and neurologic syndromes. Here we describe for the first time, a
      disease caused by ingesting Sida rodrigoi Monteiro in goats in North-western
      Argentina. The animals showed weight loss, indifference to the environment,
      unsteady gait and ataxia. Histopathologic studies showed vacuolization in cells
      of various organs, mainly in the CNS. The material deposited in the cells was
      positive for LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin), WGA (Triticum vulgaris agglutinin),
      sWGA (succinyl-Triticum vulgaris agglutinin) and Con-A (Concanavalia ensiformis
      agglutinin) lectins. Finally, toxic levels of swansonine were identified in the
      plant. The present investigation allowed to recognize S. rodrigoi Monteiro
      poisoning as a plant induced alpha-mannosidosis.

PMID- 28093223
TI  - Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by mixed mycotoxins (T-2 and HT-2 toxin) on
      primary hepatocytes of broilers in vitro.
AB  - T-2 and HT-2 (T-2/HT-2) induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in hepatocytes from
      broilers. In this study, hepatocytes treated with T-2/HT-2 were analyzed for
      cytotoxic effects and apoptosis and for the associated mechanisms. To assay
      cytotoxicity, we used the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide (MTT) viability assay, hematoxylin-eosin staining and aspartase
      transaminase and alanine transaminase (ALT/AST) activities. We evaluated
      apoptosis by fluorescence microscopy using the Terminal transferase nick-end
      labeling (TUNEL) assay. The apoptotic ratio and the apoptotic stage of the
      hepatocytes were next assessed with fluorescently labeled (FITC) Annexin V and
      propidium iodide (PI) staining. Finally, expression levels of apoptosis-related
      mRNAs were assessed by real-time PCR and those of apoptosis-related proteins by
      western blotting. We found that cells treated with T-2/HT-2 showed, in a dose
      dependent manner, significantly lower cell viabilities (P < 0.05) and markedly
      increased intercellular spaces, dead cells and ALT/AST activities. T-2/HT-2
      treatment also significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells and the
      apoptotic ratio (P < 0.05). T-2/HT-2 induced early stage apoptosis of the
      hepatocytes and levels of apoptosis-related mRNAs and proteins changed in a
      manner implicating them in the apoptotic process. These changes occurred from 0
      to 24 h of T-2/HT-2 exposure. Expression of bax and caspase-7 mRNAs was
      significantly upregulated, in a time-dependent manner, during this period (P <
      0.05). Levels of mRNAs for caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased from 0 to 12 h
      (P < 0.05) and then decreased after 12 h (P < 0.05). There were no significant
      effects on expression of bcl-2 mRNA (P > 0.05). Expression of all apoptosis
      related proteins examined, except for bcl-2, was significantly increased from 0
      to 24 h in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Overall, T-2/HT-2 induced
      cytotoxicity and apoptosis in hepatocytes. The resulting changes in mRNA and
      protein expression were shown that several apoptosis-related proteins were
      involved in the liver toxicity of these agents.

PMID- 28093224
TI  - Beta-2-adrenoreceptor polymorphism at position 16 determines the clinical
      severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - The Arg/Arg homozygosity at codon 16 of the beta-2-adrenoreceptor (ADRB2) gene
      has been thought to predispose asthma patients to a poorer therapeutic response
      to beta-2-mimetics, or to worse control of the disease. In contrast, the results
      of the studies analysing the effect of ADRB2 polymorphisms on the response to
      beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonists in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      patients are sparse and inconclusive. The aim of this research was to verify if
      p.Arg16Gly (c.46A > G) and p.Gly27Glu (c.79G > C) single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) exert a negative effect on the selected clinical indicators of COPD. The
      SNPs of the ADRB2 were identified by multiplex allele-specific PCR on DNA
      isolated from the venous blood leukocytes of 92 patients with stable grade COPD.
      In addition, all of the patients were asked about the course of COPD during the
      12 months preceding the study, including the frequency of exacerbations requiring
      hospitalisation, the number of antibiotic therapy courses given due to the lower
      respiratory tract infection, and the number of courses of systemic corticosteroid
      therapy administered due to the exacerbation of COPD. Arg/Arg homozygotes at
      codon 16 required at least two courses of antibiotic therapy administered as a
      result of a lower respiratory tract infection significantly more frequently than
      carriers of other polymorphic variants of the ADRB2. Moreover, they were the only
      ones who required three or more courses of corticosteroid therapy due to COPD
      exacerbation. No significant relationships were observed between the polymorphism
      at codon 27 and the analysed clinical indicators of COPD severity. These data
      suggested that Arg/Arg homozygosity at codon 16 of the ADRB2 gene predisposes
      patients to a clinically more severe course of COPD.

PMID- 28093225
TI  - IL-4R suppresses airway inflammation in bronchial asthma by inhibiting the IL
      4/STAT6 pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the mechanisms of how IL-4R suppresses
      airway inflammation in bronchial asthma by inhibiting the IL-4/STAT6 pathway.
      METHODS: A total of 27 BALB/c male mice were selected and divided into control,
      asthma and IL-4R groups. Ovalbumin-induced mouse asthma model was established.
      Maximal pulmonary resistance was recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and
      periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining were conducted to observe the pathological
      changes in lung tissue. Optical microscope was used to detect numbers of total
      cells, mastocytes, eosinophils (EOS), neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted for the levels of immunoglobulin (IgE),
      IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and interferon (IFN)-gamma, flow cytometry for the percentages
      of IL-4+ CD4+, IFN-gamma+ CD4+ and IFN-gamma+/IL-4+ in total thymus-derived (T)
      cells, qRT-PCR for the mRNA expressions of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, STAT6, pSTAT6,
      suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)
      and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and Western blotting for the
      protein expressions of STAT6 and pSTAT6. RESULTS: Compared with the control
      group, the asthma group had irregular tissue structure and severe inflammation,
      increases in maximal pulmonary resistance, numbers of total cells, EOS,
      neutrophils, and lymphocytes, levels of IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, percentages of
      IFN-gamma+ CD4+ and IFN-gamma+/IL-4+ in total T cells, mRNA expressions of IL-4,
      IL-5, IL-13, STAT6, pSTAT6, SOCS, iNOS and VCAM-1, and protein expressions of
      STAT6 and pSTAT6, but decreases in IFN-gamma level and percentage of IL-4+ CD4+
      in total T cells. Compared with the asthma group, the IL-4R group had relatively
      regular tissue structure and light inflammation, declined maximal RL, numbers of
      total cells, EOS, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, contents of IgE, IL-4, IL-5 and
      IL-13, percentages of IFN-gamma+ CD4+ and IFN-gamma+/IL-4+ in total T cells, mRNA
      expressions of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, STAT6, pSTAT6, SOCS, iNOS and VCAM-1, and
      protein expressions of STAT6 and pSTAT6, but elevated IFN-gamma content and
      percentage of IL-4+ CD4+ in total T cells. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate
      that IL-4R can suppress airway inflammation in bronchial asthma by inhibited the
      IL-4/STAT6 pathway, which may provide a new therapeutic approach for the
      treatment of bronchial asthma.

PMID- 28093227
TI  - Wnt/beta-catenin signaling activates nephronectin expression in osteoblasts.
AB  - Nephronectin (Npnt), an extracellular matrix protein, is considered to play
      critical roles as an adhesion molecule in the development and functions of
      various organs and tissues, such as the kidneys and bone. In the present study,
      we found that Wnt3a strongly enhanced Npnt mRNA expression in osteoblast-like
      MC3T3-E1 cells, while it also induced an increase in Npnt gene expression in both
      time- and dose-dependent manners via the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
      These results suggest novel mechanisms for Wnt3a-induced osteoblast proliferation
      and cell survival via Npnt gene expression.

PMID- 28093226
TI  - Conformational Transitions and Alternating-Access Mechanism in the Sarcoplasmic
      Reticulum Calcium Pump.
AB  - Ion pumps are integral membrane proteins responsible for transporting ions
      against concentration gradients across biological membranes. Sarco/endoplasmic
      reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), a member of the P-type ATPases family, transports
      two calcium ions per hydrolyzed ATP molecule via an "alternating-access"
      mechanism. High-resolution crystallographic structures provide invaluable insight
      on the structural mechanism of the ion pumping process. However, to understand
      the molecular details of how ATP hydrolysis is coupled to calcium transport, it
      is necessary to gain knowledge about the conformational transition pathways
      connecting the crystallographically resolved conformations. Large-scale
      transitions in SERCA occur at time-scales beyond the current reach of unbiased
      molecular dynamics simulations. Here, we overcome this challenge by employing the
      string method, which represents a transition pathway as a chainofstates linking
      two conformational endpoints. Using a multiscale methodology, we have determined
      all-atom transition pathways for three main conformational transitions
      responsible for the alternating-access mechanism. The present pathways provide a
      clear chronology and ordering of the key events underlying the active transport
      of calcium ions by SERCA. Important conclusions are that the conformational
      transition that leads to occlusion with bound ATP and calcium is highly concerted
      and cooperative, the phosphorylation of Asp351 causes areorganization of the
      cytoplasmic domains that subsequently drives the opening of the luminal gate, and
      thereclosing of luminal gate induces a shift in the cytoplasmic domains that
      subsequently enables the dephosphorylation of Asp351-P. Formation of transient
      residue-residue contacts along the conformational transitions predicted by the
      computations provide an experimental route to test the general validity of the
      computational pathways.

PMID- 28093228
TI  - NDRG2, suppressed expression associates with poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer,
      is hypermethylated in the second promoter in human gastrointestinal cancers.
AB  - Although N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is frequently downregulated in
      various cancers and is considered to be a candidate tumor suppressor gene,
      molecular mechanisms of the expressional suppression that lead to cancers are
      largely unknown. Recent studies indicated that epigenetic suppression of NDRG2
      involved carcinogenesis and progression in several tumor types, and we
      demonstrated positive association with NDRG2 suppression and poor prognosis in
      pancreatic cancer. In this study, we analyzed mRNA and protein expressions of
      NDRG2 in 26 cancer cell lines (20 colorectal and 6 gastric cancers) and found
      that many cell lines showed variously reduced NDRG2 expressions. Furthermore,
      NDRG2 expressions were significantly reduced in primary resected cancer tissues
      compared to corresponding normal tissues immunohistochemically (19 of 20
      colorectal and 14 of 17 gastric cancers). Treatment with 5-Aza-2' deoxycytidine
      predominantly upregulated NDRG2 expressions in NDRG2 low-expressing cell lines.
      Bisulfite sequencing analyses and methylation specific PCR revealed that
      methylation status at one of the two promoters (around exon 2) correlated well
      with the suppressed expression, and this is the major promoter in colorectal and
      gastric cancer cell lines. Our present results suggest that hypermethylation in
      promoter around exon 2 is functioning as essential factors of NDRG2 silencing in
      gastrointestinal cancers.

PMID- 28093229
TI  - Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of PDC213, an endogenous peptide from human
      milk.
AB  - Human milk has always been considered an ideal source of elemental nutrients to
      both preterm and full term infants in order to optimally develop the infant's
      tissues and organs. Recently, hundreds of endogenous milk peptides were
      identified in human milk. These peptides exhibited angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibition, immunomodulation, or antimicrobial activity. Here, we report the
      antimicrobial activity and mechanism of a novel type of human antimicrobial
      peptide (AMP), termed PDC213 (peptide derived from beta-Casein 213-226 aa).
      PDC213 is an endogenous peptide and is present at higher levels in preterm milk
      than in full term milk. The inhibitory concentration curve and disk diffusion
      tests showed that PDC213 had obvious antimicrobial against S. aureus and Y.
      enterocolitica, the common nosocomial pathogens in neonatal intensive care units
      (NICUs). Fluorescent dye methods, electron microscopy experiments and DNA-binding
      activity assays further indicated that PDC213 can permeabilize bacterial
      membranes and cell walls rather than bind intracellular DNA to kill bacteria.
      Together, our results suggest that PDC213 is a novel type of AMP that warrants
      further investigation.

PMID- 28093230
TI  - Gastrin-releasing peptide induces monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium by
      upregulating endothelial adhesion molecules.
AB  - Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is a neuropeptide that plays roles in various
      pathophysiological conditions including inflammatory diseases in peripheral
      tissues; however, little is known about whether GRP can directly regulate
      endothelial inflammatory processes. In this study, we showed that GRP promotes
      the adhesion of leukocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and
      the aortic endothelium. GRP increased the expression of intercellular adhesion
      molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by activating
      nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in endothelial cells. In addition, GRP
      activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38MAPK, and AKT,
      and the inhibition of these signaling pathways significantly reduced GRP-induced
      monocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Overall, our results suggested that GRP may
      cause endothelial dysfunction, which could be of particular relevance in the
      development of vascular inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 28093231
TI  - The effects of 6-Gingerol on reproductive improvement, liver functioning and
      Cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression in estradiol valerate - Induced polycystic ovary
      syndrome in Wistar rats.
AB  - 6-Gingerol is the major pungent ingredient of ginger with anti-inflammatory and
      antioxidant properties. In this study, we evaluate the effects of 6-gingerol on
      the biochemical parameters and ovarian histological improvements in estradiol
      valerate (EV) induced PCOS rats. Thirty six female Wistar rats were divided into
      4 groups: control, received normal diet, PCOS control, received 4 mg/kg EV
      injection for 28 days and two experimental groups, received an EV injection for
      28 days and followed by 6-gingerol (200 MUg/kg and 400 MUg/kg) for 14 days. The
      administration of EV led to increase body and ovarian weights, abnormality in
      serum sex steroid profile, decrease in antioxidant activity and increase in COX-2
      gene expression. 6-gingerol treatments, particularly the 400 MUg/kg dose,
      markedly attenuated these alterations. 6-gingerol showed beneficial effects in
      the EV induced PCOS rats via decreased expression of COX-2, restored biochemical
      parameters to normal and decreased of cysts in the ovaries.

PMID- 28093232
TI  - Phospholipase Cepsilon deficiency delays the early stage of cutaneous wound
      healing and attenuates scar formation in mice.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the role of phospholipase Cepsilon (PLCepsilon)
      in the skin wound healing process. PLCepsilon, an effect factor of Ras/Rap small
      G protein, plays a crucial role in skin inflammation by regulating inflammatory
      cytokines. Inflammatory responses are closely associated with wound healing. Full
      thickness skin wounds were made in the PLCepsilon knockout (KO) and wild-type
      (WT) mice, and the healing process was analyzed. The macroscopic wound closure
      rate declined in the PLCepsilon KO mice on days 3, 4, and 5 after wounding,
      following the decreased expression of interleukin (IL)-6, chemokine (C-X-C motif)
      ligand (Cxcl)-1, Cxcl-2, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (Ccl) 20. The
      proliferation rate of epidermal keratinocytes was not affected by PLCepsilon, but
      silencing of PLCepsilon resulted in the delayed migration of keratinocytes.
      Moreover, the scars were found to be much smaller in the PLCepsilon KO mice than
      in the WT mice. The mRNA expression of Ccl20, collagen (Col) 6a1, and Col17a1
      decreased in the PLCepsilon KO mice. These results were in agreement with a
      previous hypothesis that PLCepsilon might delay the early stage of cutaneous
      wound healing by inhibiting the migration of keratinocytes, and decrease the
      expression of Col6a1, Col17a1, and Ccl20 by inhibiting the inflammatory response
      to reduce scar formation. This study shed light on a novel role of PLCepsilon in
      wound healing and provided new therapeutic approaches to target PLCepsilon for
      diminishing scar formation after injury.

PMID- 28093233
TI  - Changes in vascular responsiveness during a hyperglycemia challenge measured by
      near-infrared spectroscopy vascular occlusion test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with impaired vascular
      responsiveness. Recent studies have established the use of a near-infrared
      spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived approach, combined with a vascular occlusion test
      (VOT), to examine vascular responsiveness within the microvasculature in
      normoglycemia. The aim of this study was to examine whether this NIRS-VOT
      technique could detect differences in vascular responsiveness following a
      hyperglycemic challenge. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fourteen young healthy individuals
      participated in the study. Participants underwent five vascular occlusion tests
      (pre, 30, 60, 90 and 120min after glucose ingestion). Vascular responsiveness was
      determined by the slope 2 of oxygen saturation (Slope 2 StO2) and the area under
      the curve of oxygen saturation (StO2AUC) signal. All individuals had a
      significant increase in blood glucose concentration after 30min (p<0.001), 60min
      (p<0.001) and 90min (p<0.01) after glucose ingestion. The Slope 2 StO2 increased
      at 90min (p<0.01) after glucose ingestion. Conversely, The StO2AUC was
      significantly decreased 90min following the glucose challenge (p<0.01). A
      negative correlation was observed between average StO2AUC and average Slope 2
      StO2 (r=-0.995; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the NIRS-VOT
      technique is capable of detecting differential changes in vascular responsiveness
      to a hyperglycemic challenge, as indicated by a steeper Slope 2 StO2 and
      decreased StO2AUC following 90min of an oral glucose challenge.

PMID- 28093234
TI  - The 1910HK/RR two-component system is essential for the virulence of
      Streptococcus suis serotype 2.
AB  - Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is a major zoonotic pathogen, and the two-component
      system plays an important role in bacterial pathogenesis. The present study
      targeted the 1910HK/RR two-component system of S. suis 2. A 1910HK/RR deletion
      mutant (Delta1910HK/RR) and the corresponding complementation strain
      (CDelta1910HK/RR) were constructed in S. suis 2 strain 05ZYH33. 1910HK/RR
      deletion had no effect on S. suis 2 growth, but significantly inhibited the
      adherence and invasion of S. suis 2 to HEp-2 cells. Analysis of the role of
      1910HK/RR in murine and pig infection models demonstrated that 1910HK/RR played a
      distinct role in the virulence of S. suis 2. In addition, deletion of 1910HK/RR
      significantly impaired the survival of 05ZYH33 in human blood. These data
      provided important insights into the pathogenesis of S. suis 2.

PMID- 28093235
TI  - Expression profile of lncRNA in human bronchial epithelial cells response to
      Talaromyces marneffei infection: A microarray analysis.
AB  - Talaromyces marneffei is an important opportunistic pathogenic fungus capable of
      causing systemic lethal infection through inhalation of its conidia. However,
      little is known about the pathogenesis and interactions between Talaromyces
      marneffei and host. The aim of this study was to identify potential long
      noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and coding genes associated with interactions between
      airway epithelial cell and Talaromyces marneffei conidia. We carried out a
      microarray analysis to determine the expression profile of lncRNA and mRNA in
      human bronchial epithelial cell in response to Talaromyces marneffei infection.
      Compared to control group, we found that 370 and 149 lncRNAs were up and down
      regulated, respectively. Meanwhile, the expression level of 269 and 60 mRNAs was
      increased and decreased, respectively. To understand the potential role of the
      differentially expressed lncRNAs, we performed functional annotations of the
      corresponding coding genes using gene ontology and pathway analyses. Our results
      provide insights into the pathogenesis of early infection by Talaromyces
      marneffei.

PMID- 28093236
TI  - Extracellular ATP and adenosine: The Yin and Yang in immune responses?
AB  - Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine molecules are
      intimately involved in immune responses. ATP is mostly a pro-inflammatory
      molecule and is released during hypoxic condition and by necrotic cells, as well
      as by activated immune cells and endothelial cells. However, under certain
      conditions, for instance at low concentrations or at prolonged exposure, ATP may
      also have anti-inflammatory properties. Extracellular ATP can activate both P2X
      and P2Y purinergic receptors. Extracellular ATP can be hydrolyzed into adenosine
      in a two-step enzymatic process involving the ectonucleotidases CD39 (ecto
      apyrase) and CD73. These enzymes are expressed by many cell types, including
      endothelial cells and immune cells. The counterpart of ATP is adenosine, which is
      produced by breakdown of intra- or extracellular ATP. Adenosine has mainly anti
      inflammatory effects by binding to the adenosine, or P1, receptors (A1, A2A, A2B,
      and A3). These receptors are also expressed in many cells, including immune
      cells. The final effect of ATP and adenosine in immune responses depends on the
      fine regulatory balance between the 2 molecules. In the present review, we will
      discuss the current knowledge on the role of these 2 molecules in the immune
      responses.

PMID- 28093237
TI  - Transgenerational epigenetics: Integrating soma to germline communication with
      gametic inheritance.
AB  - Evidence supporting germline mediated epigenetic inheritance of environmentally
      induced traits has increasingly emerged over the past several years. Although the
      mechanisms underlying this inheritance remain unclear, recent findings suggest
      that parental gamete-borne epigenetic factors, particularly RNAs, affect post
      fertilization and developmental gene regulation, ultimately leading to phenotypic
      appearance in the offspring. Complex processes involving gene expression and
      epigenetic regulation are considered to perpetuate across generations. In
      addition to transfer of germline factors, epigenetic inheritance via gametes also
      requires a mechanism whereby the information pertaining to the induced traits is
      communicated from soma to germline. Despite violating a century-old view in
      biology, this communication seems to play a role in transmission of environmental
      effects across generations. Circulating RNAs, especially those associated with
      extracellular vesicles like exosomes, are emerging as promising candidates that
      can transmit gene regulatory information in this direction. Cumulatively, these
      new observations provide a basis to integrate epigenetic inheritance. With
      significant implications in health, disease and ageing, the latter appears poised
      to revolutionize biology.

PMID- 28093238
TI  - A model of the mitochondrial basis of bipolar disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder phenomenologically is a biphasic disorder of energy
      availability; increased in mania and decreased in depression. In consort, there
      is accumulating evidence indicating increased mitochondrial respiration and ATP
      production in bipolar mania which contrasts with decreased mitochondrial function
      in patients in the euthymic or depressive phase of the illness. Consequently, the
      central thesis of this paper is that bipolar disorder is due to a phasic
      dysregulation of mitochondrial biogenergetics. The elements responsible for this
      dysregulation may thus represent critical treatment targets for mood disorders,
      and are the subject of this paper. DISCUSSION: There are many potential mediators
      of mitochondrial function which collectively are implicated in bipolar disorder.
      Levels of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and intracellular calcium
      ions are all higher in bipolar mania than in the euthymic and depressive phases
      of the illness. Increased levels of calcium ions can partly account for increased
      oxidative phosphorylation via well documented pathways such as the modulation of
      the F1-FO elements of ATP synthase. Likewise, increased levels of oxidative
      stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines lead to the upregulation of AMPK, SIRT-1,
      SIRT-3 and NAD+ which directly stimulate oxidative phosphorylation. Uric acid and
      melatonin are also differentially elevated in bipolar mania and both molecules
      stimulate the production of ATP. The pro-apoptotic, neurotoxic and mitotoxic
      effects of elevated glutamate, dopamine and GSK-3 in bipolar mania may be
      counterbalanced by higher basal levels and activity of p53, Bcl-2, PI3K and Akt
      in an environment of elevated uric acid and decreased BDNF. SUMMARY: Details of
      these pathways are discussed as an explanatory model for the existence of
      increased ATP generation in mania. We also offer a model explaining the biphasic
      nature of mitochondrial respiration in bipolar disorder and the transition
      between mania and depression based on increasing levels of TNFalpha, ROS, NO,
      AMPK and SIRT-1 together with the antagonistic relationship between p53 and NF
      kappaB.

PMID- 28093239
TI  - Application of technology to social communication impairment in childhood and
      adolescence.
AB  - Social communication impairment has been implicated in various mental health
      disorders. The primary aim of this review paper is to summarize the extant
      research on the development and application of technologies to address social
      communication deficits, conceptualized according to the four constructs outlined
      by the NIMH's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), transdiagnostically in children
      and adolescents. An exhaustive and systematic search yielded 69 peer-reviewed
      articles meeting all inclusion criteria (i.e., used technology, applied the
      technology to target impairment in at least one of four constructs of social
      communication, included a child or adolescent samples). We found limited use of
      technology for exploration of impairment in reception of non-facial
      communication, compared to the other social communication constructs. In
      addition, there has been an overwhelming focus on social communication impairment
      in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with relatively
      few studies evaluating technology application in other clinical populations.
      Implications for future directions for technological interventions to treat
      social communication impairments transdiagnostically are discussed.

PMID- 28093240
TI  - The crystal structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipoxygenase Ala420Gly mutant
      explains the improved oxygen affinity and the altered reaction specificity.
AB  - Secreted LOX from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA-LOX) has previously been identified
      as arachidonic acid 15S-lipoxygenating enzyme. Here we report that the
      substitution of Ala420Gly in PA-LOX leads to an enzyme variant with pronounced
      dual specificity favoring arachidonic acid 11R-oxygenation. When compared with
      other LOX-isoforms the molecular oxygen affinity of wild-type PA-LOX is 1-2
      orders of magnitude lower (Km O2 of 0.4mM) but Ala420Gly exchange improved the
      molecular oxygen affinity (Km O2 of 0.2mM). Experiments with stereo-specifically
      deuterated linoleic acid indicated that the formation of both 13S- and 9R-HpODE
      involves abstraction of the proS-hydrogen from C11 of the fatty acid backbone. To
      explore the structural basis for the observed functional changes (altered
      specificity, improved molecular oxygen affinity) we solved the crystal structure
      of the Ala420Gly mutant of PA-LOX at 1.8A resolution and compared it with the
      wild-type enzyme. Modeling of fatty acid alignment at the catalytic center
      suggested that in the wild-type enzyme dioxygen is directed to C15 of arachidonic
      acid by a protein tunnel, which interconnects the catalytic center with the
      protein surface. Ala420Gly exchange redirects intra-enzyme O2 diffusion by
      bifurcating this tunnel so that C11 of arachidonic acid also becomes accessible
      for O2 insertion.

PMID- 28093241
TI  - New isatin derivative inhibits neurodegeneration by restoring insulin signaling
      in brain.
AB  - Diabetes is associated with neurodegeneration. Glycation ensues in diabetes and
      glycated proteins cause insulin resistance in brain resulting in amyloid plaques
      and NFTs. Also glycation enhances gliosis by promoting neuroinflammation.
      Currently there is no therapy available to target neurodegenration in brain
      therefore, development of new therapy that offers neuroprotection is critical.
      The objective of this study was to evaluate mechanistic effect of isatin
      derivative URM-II-81, an anti-glycation agent for improvement of insulin action
      in brain and inhibition of neurodegenration. Methylglyoxal induced stress was
      inhibited by treatment with URM-II-81. Also, Ser473 and Ser9 phosphorylation of
      Akt and GSK-3beta respectively were restored by URM-II-81. Effect of URM-II-81 on
      axonal integrity was studied by differentiating Neuro2A using retinoic acid. URM
      II-81 restored axonal length in MGO treated cells. Its effects were also studied
      in high fat and low dose streptozotocin induced diabetic mice where it reduced
      RBG levels and inhibited glycative stress by reducing HbA1c. URM-II-81 treatment
      also showed inhibition of gliosis in hippocampus. Histological analysis showed
      reduced NFTs in CA3 hippocampal region and restoration of insulin signaling in
      hippocampii of diabetic mice. Our findings suggest that URM-II-81 can be
      developed as a new therapeutic agent for treatment of neurodegenration.

PMID- 28093243
TI  - Clinical Study on efficacy of allopurinol in patients with acute coronary
      syndrome and its functional mechanism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of allopurinol treatment on
      acute coronary syndrome and to elucidate its possible mechanism. METHODS:
      Patients with acute coronary syndrome (n = 100) were recruited as research
      subjects in our hospital. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, an
      allopurinol group (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50). These two groups were
      treated with conventional antiplatelet, anticoagulation and anti-ischemic
      therapy; allopurinol therapy was added to the allopurinol group based on
      conventional treatment indications. Biochemical markers such as serum creatinine,
      uric acid, BNP, blood glucose and blood lipid were compared between the two
      groups. Indicators of oxidative stress and inflammatory response (MDA, OX-LDL,
      NO, hs-CRP and TNF-alpha), as well as cardiovascular events during 2-years follow
      up, were recorded. RESULTS: On admission, there was no difference in serum
      creatinine, uric acid, BNP, blood glucose or lipid levels between the two groups
      (P > 0.05). However, after 1 month of treatment, these levels were improved in
      patients in the allopurinol group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). MDA,
      OX-LDL, hs-CRP and TNF-alpha decreased after treatment periods of 14 days and 1
      month. They were also decreased at 3 month, 6 month, 1 year, and 2 year follow-up
      visits. However, data from the allopurinol group demonstrated significantly lower
      levels than in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared with the
      control group, allopurinol treatment significantly elevated the level of NO (P <
      0.05). The total effective rates of the allopurinol group are much higher than in
      the control group for both angina pectoris (93.2% and 76%, respectively) and ECG
      (96% and 82%, respectively). Most patients in the allopurinol group (n = 40) and
      the control group (n = 41) received stent implantation with no significant
      difference shown between them. The incidence of cardiovascular events during 2
      years of follow-up in the allopurinol group was 10%; it was 30% in the control
      group. CONCLUSION: Allopurinol has a remarkable effect in the treatment of ACS
      and can improve the oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction indicators of
      patients. The protective mechanism of allopurinol might be achieved by
      suppressing the secretion and release of inflammatory mediators such as TNF
      alpha, hs-CRP, OX-LDL and MDA while increasing levels of NO.

PMID- 28093244
TI  - Novel Mutations on EGFR Leu792 Potentially Correlate to Acquired Resistance to
      Osimertinib in Advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 28093245
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 28093242
TI  - The Zn2+-sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39, upregulates colonocytic Cl- absorption, via
      basolateral KCC1, and reduces fluid loss.
AB  - Administration of zinc, as a complement to oral rehydration solutions,
      effectively diminishes duration and severity of diarrhea, but it is not known
      whether it merely fulfills a nutritional deficiency, or if zinc has a direct role
      of regulating solute absorption. We show that Zn2+ acts via a specific receptor,
      ZnR/GPR39, to reduce fluid loss. Intestinal fluid secretion triggered by cholera
      toxin (CTx) was lower in WT mice compared to ZnR/GPR39 KO. In the absence of
      dietary Zn2+ we observed similar fluid accumulation in WT and ZnR/GPR39 KO mice,
      indicating that Zn2+ and ZnR/GPR39 are both required for a beneficial effect of
      Zn2+ in diarrhea. In primary colonocytes and in Caco-2 colonocytic cells,
      activation of ZnR/GPR39 enhanced Cl- transport, a critical factor in diarrhea, by
      upregulating K+/Cl- cotransporter (KCC1) activity. Importantly, we show
      basolateral expression of KCC1 in mouse and human colonocytes, thus identifying a
      novel Cl- absorption pathway. Finally, inhibition of KCC-dependent Cl- transport
      enhanced CTx-induced fluid loss. Altogether, our data indicate that Zn2+ acting
      via ZnR/GPR39 has a direct role in controlling Cl- absorption via upregulation of
      basolateral KCC1 in the colon. Moreover, colonocytic ZnR/GPR39 and KCC1 reduce
      water loss during diarrhea and may therefore serve as effective drug targets.

PMID- 28093246
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 28093247
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 28093249
TI  - Reply by Authors.

PMID- 28093248
TI  - Reply by Authors.

PMID- 28093250
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 28093251
TI  - Malalignment after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in distal femoral
      fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is a
      preferred operative treatment for fractures of the distal femur, malalignment is
      a significant concern because of indirect reduction of the fracture. The purpose
      of this study, therefore, was to evaluate radiologic alignment after MIPO for
      distal femoral fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of the 138 patients with fracture
      of the distal femur who underwent MIPO, we enrolled 51 patients in whom bilateral
      rotational alignment could be assessed by postoperative computed tomography (CT).
      The patients included 32 men and 19 women, with a mean age of 54.3 years.
      Thirteen patients had femoral shaft fractures (according to the AO/OTA
      classification: 32-A, n=2; 32-B, n=6; 32-C, n=5), whereas 38 patients had distal
      femoral fractures (33-A, n=7; 33-C, n=31). Coronal and sagittal alignments were
      assessed using simple radiography, whereas rotational alignment was assessed
      using CT. According to the difference between the affected and unaffected sides,
      we divided the patients into satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups (reference
      point of 8 degrees , using Handolin's classification). Thereafter, we determined
      which factors can lead to malalignment, including fracture location (distal
      femoral shaft fracture or metaphyseal fracture), fracture pattern (simple
      fracture, n=15; complex fractures, n=36 patients), coronal and sagittal
      alignments, and combined ipsilateral long bone fractures. RESULTS: Coronal and
      sagittal alignment were satisfactory in 96.2% (average, 2.8 degrees ) and 98%
      (average, 2.2 degrees ), respectively, whereas the rotational alignment was
      satisfactory in 56.9% of patients. Leg length discrepancy was satisfactory in
      92.3% of the patients (average, 10.9mm). Concerning rotational malalignment, an
      unsatisfactory result was obtained in 48.6% of subjects with complex fractures
      and 26.7% of subjects with simple fractures (p=0.114). No significant correlation
      was noted between the angular deformity in the coronal and sagittal planes and
      the degree of rotational alignment (p=0.607 and 0.774, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the fracture pattern, rotational malalignment may
      occur at an extremely high rate after MIPO for fractures of the distal femur.

PMID- 28093252
TI  - Low energy open ankle fractures in the elderly: Outcome and treatment algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With an aging but still active population, open ankle fractures are
      increasingly presenting as low energy fragility injuries, sharing many
      characteristics with that of hip fractures. Yet, there is little in the
      literature on the management and outcome of these fractures. The primary aim of
      this study was to describe the outcome following open, ankle fragility fracture.
      Our secondary aim was to identify potential factors that improved outcome.
      METHODS: All consecutive, low energy open ankle fractures treated at a Level I
      Trauma Centre over a five-year period were included. The method of fracture
      fixation, soft tissue closure, patient demographics, complications and mortality
      were recorded. Functional outcome was assessed using the Enneking Scoring system.
      RESULTS: The cohort comprised 61 patients with a mean age of 73 years (range 27
      100); 50 (82%) were females and all patients requiring operative intervention.
      The overall rate of complication was 24.5% (n=15), with reoperation due to loss
      of reduction, non-union, infection or amputation required in 7 cases (11.5%). The
      one-year mortality was 23%. The mean Enneking score, measuring functional
      outcome, was 36 out of 40 (SD: 6, range: 16-40). It was significantly higher for
      those treated with internal fixation (37, SD: 5 range: 16-40) than those with
      external fixation (31, SD: 6 range: 21-38) (p=0.01). Similarly, definitive wound
      closure - primary closure (37, SD: 5) or flap with split thickness skin graft
      (SSG) (36, SD: 6) - led to better outcomes than non-definitive closure (31, SD:
      8). CONCLUSIONS: The high morbidity associated with low energy ankle fractures is
      likely to reflect the hosts' reserves and is comparable to other fractures seen
      in the elderly. It is evident that definitive fracture fixation providing
      absolute, rather than relative stability; and definitive wound cover, with either
      primary closure or flap and SSG, enable early mobilization and shorter hospital
      stays with improved overall functional outcomes.

PMID- 28093253
TI  - Orthopaedic surgical training and collaborative research in North East England:
      The 'CORNET' experience.

PMID- 28093254
TI  - Risperidone ameliorated Abeta1-42-induced cognitive and hippocampal synaptic
      impairments in mice.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with cognitive
      impairment and major neuropathologic hallmark of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides.
      Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, can improve concentration and cognitive
      deficit in schizophrenia patients. In this study, behavior tests including Morris
      Water Maze test, Step-through passive avoidance test, Open Field test, Step-Down
      test, Hole-Board test and Novel object recognition test were preformed to examine
      the effect of Risperidone on Abeta1-42-induced cognitive dysfunction in both long
      term and short-term memory. Furthermore, ELISA assay was conducted to measure the
      levels of Abeta1-42, BACE1 and p-Tau in the hippocampus and cortex. Moreover,
      primary cortical neuron was cultured in vitro, and the cell viability,
      mitochondrial membrane potential, and the level of p-Akt, GSK3beta and Caspase-3
      protein were measured. For behavior tests, the results showed that Risperidone
      significantly reversed the Abeta1-42-induced dysfunction in learning, memory,
      locomotor activity and exploratory behavior. As detected by ELISA assay,
      risperidone decreased the levels of Abeta1-42, BACE1 and p-Tau in the hippocampus
      and cortex of AD model mice. Biochemical assay showed that Risperidone reversed
      the Abeta1-42-induced decrease of cell viability and mitochondrial membrane
      potential in cultured cortical neurons. The expression of p-Akt was increased,
      whereas the expression of GSK3beta and Caspase-3 were decreased. These results
      suggested that Risperidone may be used as a promising candidate for AD treatment,
      for its effects of inhibiting Abeta generation and improving cognitive impairment
      in mice.

PMID- 28093255
TI  - NLRP3 gene knockout blocks NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathway in CUMS-induced
      depression mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abundant researches indicate that neuroinflammation has important
      roles in the pathophysiology of depression. Our previous study found that the
      NLRP3 inflammasome mediated stress-induced depression-like behavior in mice via
      regulating neuroinflammation. However, it still remains unclear that how the
      NLRP3 inflammasome influences related inflammatory signaling pathway to
      contribute to neuroinflammation in depression. METHODS: We used wild-type mice
      and NLRP3 gene knockout mice to explore the role of NLRP3 inflammasome and
      related inflammatory signaling pathways in chronic unpredictable mild stress
      (CUMS) induced depression mouse model. RESULTS: Both wild-type and NLRP3 knockout
      stress group mice gained less weight than control group mice after 4 weeks CUMS
      exposure. The wild-type mice subjected to 4 weeks CUMS displayed depression-like
      behaviors, including decreased sucrose preference and increased immobility time
      in the tail suspension test. The NLRP3 knockout stress group mice didn't
      demonstrate depression-like behaviors. The levels of interleukin-1beta protein in
      serum and hippocampi of CUMS exposed wild-type mice were significantly higher,
      while the NLRP3 knockout stress group mice didn't show an elevation of
      interleukin-1beta levels. Similarly to early researches, we found that CUMS led
      to promoted NLRP3 expression in hippocampi. In addition, the hippocampi in CUMS
      exposed wild-type mice had higher p-JNK and p-p38 protein expression, which
      indicated activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway. The
      knockout of NLRP3 gene inhibited CUMS-induced activation of the MAPK pathway. The
      nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB)
      protein complex was activated in the hippocampi of wild-type mice after CUMS
      exposure, while knockout of NLRP3 gene hindered its activation. CONCLUSIONS:
      These data further proved that the NLRP3 inflammasome mediated CUMS-induced
      depression-like behavior. The NLRP3 inflammasome regulated CUMS-induced MAPK
      pathway and NF-kappaB protein complex activation in depression mouse model.
      Further researches targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome-signaling pathway might be
      under a promising future in the prevention and treatment of depression.

PMID- 28093256
TI  - Effects of gut microbiota on the microRNA and mRNA expression in the hippocampus
      of mice.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: Gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as an important
      environmental factor that could influence the brain function and behaviors
      through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. METHOD: Here, we used the germ-free (GF)
      mice to explore the effect of gut microbiota on hippocampal microRNA (miRNA) and
      messenger RNAs (mRNAs) expression. RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed that,
      compared to specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice, the GF mice displayed more center
      time, center distance and less latency to familiar food. Colonization of the GF
      mice with gut microbiota from SPF mice did not reverse these behaviors. However,
      7 differentially expressed miRNAs and 139 mRNAs were significantly restored.
      Through microRNA Target Filter analysis, 4 of 7 restored miRNAs had 2232 target
      mRNAs. Among these target mRNAs, 21 target mRNAs levels were decreased. Further
      analysis showed that the most significant GO terms were metabolic process (GO:
      0008152), binding (GO: 0005488) and cell part (GO: 0044464) for biological
      process, molecular function and cellular component, respectively, and the most
      significantly altered pathway was axon guidance (mmu04360). CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings indicated that colonization of gut microbiota to adolescent GF mice was
      not sufficient to reverse the behavioral alterations. Gut microbiota could
      significantly influence the expression levels of miRNAs and mRNAs in hippocampus.
      Our results could provide original and valuable data for researchers to further
      study the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

PMID- 28093257
TI  - Selective preservation of cholinergic MeCP2 rescues specific Rett-syndrome-like
      phenotypes in MeCP2stop mice.
AB  - RTT is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by growth regression, motor
      dysfunction, stereotypic hand movements, and autism features. Typical Rett
      syndrome (RTT) is predominantly caused by mutations in X-linked MeCP2 gene which
      encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). The brain-abundant MeCP2 protein
      mainly functions as a transcriptional regulator for neurodevelopment-associated
      genes. Specific functions of MeCP2 in certain neuron types remain to be known.
      Although cholinergic system is an important modulating system in brain, how MeCP2
      in cholinergic neurons contribute to RTT has not been clearly understood. Here we
      use a mouse model with selectively activated endogenous MeCP2 in cholinergic
      neurons in otherwise MeCP2stop mice to determine the cholinergic MeCP2 effects on
      rescuing the RTT-like phenotypes. We found cholinergic MeCP2 preservation could
      reverse some aspects of the RTT-like phenotypes in mice including hypolocomotion
      and increased anxiety level, and delay the onset of underweight, instead of
      improving the hypersocial abnormality and the poor general conditions such as
      short lifespan, low brain weight, and increasing severity score. Our findings
      suggest that selective activation of cholinergic MeCP2 is sufficient to reverse
      the locomotor impairment and increased anxiety-like behaviors at least in early
      symptomatic stage, supporting future development of RTT therapies associated with
      cholinergic system.

PMID- 28093258
TI  - Stooping, crouching, and standing - Characterizing balance control strategies
      across postures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While stooping and crouching postures are critical for many
      activities of daily living, little is known about the balance control mechanisms
      employed during these postures. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to
      characterize the mechanisms driving net center of pressure (COPNet) movement
      across three postures (standing, stooping, and crouching) and to investigate if
      control in each posture was influenced by time. METHODS: Ten young adults
      performed the three postures for 60s each. Kinetic signals were collected via a
      force platform under each foot. To quantify mechanisms of control, correlations
      (CorrelLR) were calculated between the left and right COP trajectories in the
      anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions. To examine the
      potential effects of time on balance control strategies, outcomes during the
      first 30s were compared to the last 30s. RESULTS: CorrelLR values did not differ
      across postures (AP: p = 0.395; ML: p = 0.647). Further, there were no main
      effects of time on CorrelLR (AP: p = 0.976; ML: p = 0.105). A significant posture
      time interaction was observed in the ML direction (p = 0.045) characterized by
      35% decreases in CorrelLR over time for stooping (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: The
      dominant controllers of sway (i.e., AP: ankle plantar/dorsi flexors; ML: hip
      load/unload mechanism) are similar across quiet stance stooping, and crouching.
      Changes in ML control strategies over time suggests that fatigue could affect
      prolonged stooping more so than crouching or standing.

PMID- 28093259
TI  - Suspending loads decreases load stability but may slightly improve body
      stability.
AB  - Here, we seek to determine how compliantly suspended loads could affect the
      dynamic stability of legged locomotion. We theoretically model the dynamic
      stability of a human carrying a load using a coupled spring-mass-damper model and
      an actuated spring-loaded inverted pendulum model, as these models have
      demonstrated the ability to correctly predict other aspects of locomotion with a
      load in prior work, such as body forces and energetic cost. We report that
      minimizing the load suspension natural frequency and damping ratio significantly
      reduces the stability of the load mass but may slightly improve the body
      stability of locomotion when compared to a rigidly attached load. These results
      imply that a highly-compliant load suspension could help stabilize body motion
      during human, animal, or robot load carriage, but at the cost of a more awkward
      (less stable) load.

PMID- 28093260
TI  - Shear and pressure under the first ray in neuropathic diabetic patients:
      Implications for support of the longitudinal arch.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess dynamic arch support in diabetic patients at risk for
      Charcot neuroarthopathy whose arch index has not yet shown overt signs of foot
      collapse. METHODS: Two indirect measures of toe flexor activation (ratios: peak
      hallux pressure to peak metatarsal pressure - Ph/Pm; peak posterior hallux shear
      to peak posterior metatarsal shear - Sh/Sm) were obtained with a custom built
      system for measuring shear and pressure on the plantar surface of the foot during
      gait. In addition, the tendency of the longitudinal arch to flatten was measured
      by quantifying the difference in shear between the 1st metatarsal head and the
      heel (Sflatten) during the first half of the stance phase. Four stance phases
      from the same foot for 29 participants (16 control and 13 neuropathic diabetic)
      were assessed. RESULTS: The peak load ratio under the hallux (Ph/Pm) was
      significantly higher in the control group (2.10+/-1.08 versus 1.13+/-0.74,
      p=0.033). Similarly, Sh/Sm was significantly higher in the control group (1.87+/
      0.88 versus 0.88+/-0.45, p=0.004). The difference in anterior shear under the
      first metatarsal head and posterior shear under the lateral heel (Sflatten) was
      significantly higher in the diabetic group (p<0.01). Together these findings
      demonstrate reduced plantar flexor activity in the musculature responsible for
      maintaining the longitudinal arch. CONCLUSIONS: With no significant difference in
      arch index between the two groups, but significant differences in Ph/Pm, Sh/Sm
      and Sflatten the collective results suggest there are changes in muscle activity
      that precede arch collapse.

PMID- 28093261
TI  - Experimental evaluation of a new morphological approximation of the articular
      surfaces of the ankle joint.
AB  - The mechanical characteristics of the ankle such as its kinematics and load
      transfer properties are influenced by the geometry of the articulating surfaces.
      A recent, image-based study found that these surfaces can be approximated by a
      saddle-shaped, skewed, truncated cone with its apex oriented laterally. The goal
      of this study was to establish a reliable experimental technique to study the
      relationship between the geometry of the articular surfaces of the ankle and its
      mobility and stability characteristics and to use this technique to determine if
      morphological approximations of the ankle surfaces based on recent discoveries,
      produce close to normal behavior. The study was performed on ten cadavers. For
      each specimen, a process based on medical imaging, modeling and 3D printing was
      used to produce two subject specific artificial implantable sets of the ankle
      surfaces. One set was a replica of the natural surfaces. The second approximated
      the ankle surfaces as an original saddle-shaped truncated cone with apex oriented
      laterally. Testing under cyclic loading conditions was then performed on each
      specimen following a previously established technique to determine its mobility
      and stability characteristics under three different conditions: natural surfaces;
      artificial surfaces replicating the natural surface morphology; and artificial
      approximation based on the saddle-shaped truncated cone concept. A repeated
      measure analysis of variance was then used to compare between the three
      conditions. The results show that (1): the artificial surfaces replicating
      natural morphology produce close to natural mobility and stability behavior thus
      establishing the reliability of the technique; and (2): the approximated surfaces
      based on saddle-shaped truncated cone concept produce mobility and stability
      behavior close to the ankle with natural surfaces.

PMID- 28093262
TI  - The anchor-based minimal important change, based on receiver operating
      characteristic analysis or predictive modeling, may need to be adjusted for the
      proportion of improved patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients have their individual minimal important changes (iMICs) as
      their personal benchmarks to determine whether a perceived health-related quality
      of life (HRQOL) change constitutes a (minimally) important change for them. We
      denote the mean iMIC in a group of patients as the "genuine MIC" (gMIC). The aims
      of this paper are (1) to examine the relationship between the gMIC and the anchor
      based minimal important change (MIC), determined by receiver operating
      characteristic analysis or by predictive modeling; (2) to examine the impact of
      the proportion of improved patients on these MICs; and (3) to explore the
      possibility to adjust the MIC for the influence of the proportion of improved
      patients. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Multiple simulations of patient samples
      involved in anchor-based MIC studies with different characteristics of HRQOL
      (change) scores and distributions of iMICs. In addition, a real data set is
      analyzed for illustration. RESULTS: The receiver operating characteristic-based
      and predictive modeling MICs equal the gMIC when the proportion of improved
      patients equals 0.5. The MIC is estimated higher than the gMIC when the
      proportion improved is greater than 0.5, and the MIC is estimated lower than the
      gMIC when the proportion improved is less than 0.5. Using an equation including
      the predictive modeling MIC, the log-odds of improvement, the standard deviation
      of the HRQOL change score, and the correlation between the HRQOL change score and
      the anchor results in an adjusted MIC reflecting the gMIC irrespective of the
      proportion of improved patients. CONCLUSION: Adjusting the predictive modeling
      MIC for the proportion of improved patients assures that the adjusted MIC
      reflects the gMIC. LIMITATIONS: We assumed normal distributions and global
      perceived change scores that were independent on the follow-up score.
      Additionally, floor and ceiling effects were not taken into account.

PMID- 28093263
TI  - "Cross-sectional" stepped wedge designs always reduce the required sample size
      when there is no time effect.

PMID- 28093264
TI  - The CONSORT guidelines for noninferiority trials should be updated to go beyond
      the absolute risk difference.

PMID- 28093265
TI  - Developmental tracing of oocyte development in gonadal soma-derived factor
      deficiency medaka (Oryzias latipes) using a transgenic approach.
AB  - Gonadal soma-derived factor (gsdf) is reported to be a male initiator in medaka
      based on loss- and gain- of function via targeted disruption, or transgenic over
      expression. However, little is known about how gsdf promotes undifferentiated
      gonad entry into male pathways or prevents entry into the female pathway. We
      utilized a visible folliculogenesis system with a reporter cassette of dual-color
      fluorescence expression to identify difference between oocyte development from
      wildtype and gsdf deficiency medaka. A red fluorescent protein (RFP) is driven by
      a major component of the synaptonemal complex (SYCP3) promoter which enables RFP
      expression solely in oocytes after the onset of meiosis, and a histone 2b-EGFP
      fused protein (H2BEGFP) under the control of an elongation factor (EF1alpha)
      promoter, wildly used as a mitotic reporter of cell cycle. This mitosis-meiosis
      visible switch revealed that early meiotic oocytes present in gsdf deficiency
      were more than those in wildtype ovaries, corresponding to the decrease of
      inhibin expression detected by real-time qPCR analysis, suggesting gsdf is
      tightly involved in the process of medaka oocyte development at early stage.

PMID- 28093266
TI  - Comparative analysis of NK cell receptor repertoire in adults and very elderly
      subjects with cytomegalovirus infection.
AB  - Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in children and young adults has been
      associated with changes in the innate immune system. We herein analyzed the
      possible effect of very long term HCMV infection on the expression of several NK
      cell receptors. Ninety HCMV-seropositive individuals were included and classified
      as young adults (n=30), elderly (n=30) and very elderly subjects (n=30). A
      peripheral blood sample was obtained and the expression of NK cell receptors
      (NKG2A, NKG2C, ILT2, CD161, KIR2DL1, KIR3DL1, and KIR3DL2) by NK and other
      lymphocyte subsets was assessed by flow cytometry. In addition, the frequency of
      the sixteen KIR genes was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. We found a
      significant increase in the number of NKG2C+ NK and T cells in elderly
      individuals compared to young adults accompanied by an opposite trend in the
      number of NKG2A+ lymphocytes, and ILT2+ cells were also increased in elderly
      individuals. A significant increase in the levels of CD3-CD56+NKG2C+CD57+ cells
      was also detected in the elderly groups. Finally, KIR gene analysis revealed that
      the KIR genotype 2 was significantly less frequent in the elderly individuals.
      Our results support that long-term infection by HCMV exerts a significant
      progressive effect on the innate immune system.

PMID- 28093267
TI  - Interleukin 6 induces cell proliferation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by
      suppressing hepaCAM via the STAT3-dependent up-regulation of DNMT1 or DNMT3b.
AB  - Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a tumor promoting cytokine, has been largely implicated in
      the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Hepatocyte cell adhesion molecule
      (hepaCAM) is a novel tumor suppressor, which is lost or down-regulated in many
      cancer types including RCC. In the present study, we intensively investigated the
      connection between IL-6 and hepaCAM in RCC. Our analysis of RCC tissues, adjacent
      tissues and paired serum samples from RCC patients revealed that IL-6 was
      elevated in patient serum and RCC tissue, whereas hepaCAM was completely lost or
      significantly down-regulated. Furthermore, we observed an association between IL
      6 increase and hepaCAM decrease in RCC tissue samples. In the section of
      cytological researches, we found in RCC cell lines that IL-6 was a direct
      upstream regulator of hepaCAM, and that hepaCAM down-regulation was involved in
      IL-6-driven cell proliferation. We also demonstrated that IL-6-mediated promoter
      hypermethylation largely accounted for the hepaCAM loss in RCC, and it was STAT3
      dependent. Additionally, our data showed that DNMT1 up-regulation induced by IL
      6/STAT3 signaling was indispensable for IL-6-mediated hepaCAM loss in RCC cell
      lines ACHN and 769-P, while DNMT3b up-regulation was crucial for hepaCAM loss in
      A498. Our findings provide a novel signal pathway regulating cell proliferation,
      potentially representing a therapeutic target for RCC.

PMID- 28093268
TI  - Bronchiectasis Rheumatoid Overlap Syndrome Is an Independent Risk Factor for
      Mortality in Patients With Bronchiectasis: A Multicenter Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed if bronchiectasis (BR) and rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA), when manifesting as an overlap syndrome (BROS), were associated with worse
      outcomes than other BR etiologies applying the Bronchiectasis Severity Index
      (BSI). METHODS: Data were collected from the BSI databases of 1,716 adult
      patients with BR across six centers: Edinburgh, United Kingdom (608 patients);
      Dundee, United Kingdom (n = 286); Leuven, Belgium (n = 253); Monza, Italy (n =
      201); Galway, Ireland (n = 242); and Newcastle, United Kingdom (n = 126).
      Patients were categorized as having BROS (those with RA and BR without
      interstitial lung disease), idiopathic BR, bronchiectasis-COPD overlap syndrome
      (BCOS), and "other" BR etiologies. Mortality rates, hospitalization, and
      exacerbation frequency were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients with BROS
      (8.5% of the cohort) were identified. There was a statistically significant
      relationship between BROS and mortality, although this relationship was not
      associated with higher rates of BR exacerbations or BR-related hospitalizations.
      The mortality rate over a mean of 48 months was 9.3% for idiopathic BR, 8.6% in
      patients with other causes of BR, 18% for RA, and 28.5% for BCOS. Mortality was
      statistically higher in patients with BROS and BCOS compared with those with all
      other etiologies. The BSI scores were statistically but not clinically
      significantly higher in those with BROS compared with those with idiopathic BR
      (BSI mean, 7.7 vs 7.1, respectively; P < .05). Patients with BCOS had
      significantly higher BSI scores (mean, 10.4), Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization
      rates (24%), and previous hospitalization rates (58%). CONCLUSIONS: Both the BROS
      and BCOS groups have an excess of mortality. The mechanisms for this finding may
      be complex, but these data emphasize that these subgroups require additional
      study to understand this excess mortality.

PMID- 28093269
TI  - Invasive Disease vs Urinary Antigen-Confirmed Pneumococcal Community-Acquired
      Pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden of pneumococcal disease is measured only through patients
      with invasive pneumococcal disease. The urinary antigen test (UAT) for
      pneumococcus has exhibited high sensitivity and specificity. We aimed to compare
      the pneumococcal pneumonias diagnosed as invasive disease with pneumococcal
      pneumonias defined by UAT results. METHODS: A prospective observational study of
      consecutive nonimmunosuppressed patients with community-acquired pneumonia was
      performed from January 2000 to December 2014. Patients were stratified into two
      groups: invasive pneumococcal pneumonia (IPP) defined as a positive blood culture
      or pleural fluid culture result and noninvasive pneumococcal pneumonia (NIPP)
      defined as a positive UAT result with negative blood or pleural fluid culture
      result. RESULTS: We analyzed 779 patients (15%) of 5,132, where 361 (46%) had IPP
      and 418 (54%) had NIPP. Compared with the patients with IPP, those with NIPP
      presented more frequent chronic pulmonary disease and received previous
      antibiotics more frequently. Patients with IPP presented more severe community
      acquired pneumonia, higher levels of inflammatory markers, and worse oxygenation
      at admission; more pulmonary complications; greater extrapulmonary complications;
      longer time to clinical stability; and longer length of hospital stay compared
      with the NIPP group. Age, chronic liver disease, mechanical ventilation, and
      acute renal failure were independent risk factors for 30-day crude mortality.
      Neither IPP nor NIPP was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality.
      CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of confirmed pneumococcal pneumonia is diagnosed
      by UAT. Despite differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes, IPP is not
      an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality compared with NIPP, reinforcing
      the importance of NIPP for pneumococcal pneumonia.

PMID- 28093270
TI  - Cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking in right ventricle: Feasibility and
      normal values.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate right ventricular (RV) strain in patients without
      identified cardiac pathology using cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking
      (CMR TT). METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive patients with no identified cardiac
      pathology were analyzed. RV longitudinal and circumferential strain was assessed
      by CMR TT. The age range was 4-81years with a median of 32years (interquartile
      range, 15 to 56years). RESULTS: Analysis time per patient was <5min. The peak
      longitudinal strain (Ell) was -22.11+/-3.51%. The peak circumferential strains
      (Ecc) for global, basal, mid-cavity and apical segments were as follows: -11.69+/
      2.25%, -11.00+/-2.45%, -11.17+/-3.36%, -12.90+/-3.34%. There were significant
      gender differences in peak Ecc at the base (P=0.04) and the mid-cavity (P=0.03)
      with greater deformation in females than in males. On Bland-Altman analysis, peak
      Ell (mean bias, 0.22+/-1.67; 95% CI -3.05 to 3.49) and mid-cavity Ecc (mean bias,
      0.036+/-1.75; 95% CI, -3.39 to 3.47) had the best intra-observer agreement and
      inter-observer agreement, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RV longitudinal and
      circumferential strains can be quickly assessed with good intra-observer and
      inter-observer variability using TT.

PMID- 28093271
TI  - Characterization and clinical validation of MCM2 and TOP2A monoclonal antibodies
      in the BD ProExTM C assay: An immunoassay which detects aberrant S-phase
      induction in cervical tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Papanicolaou (Pap) screen has been successful in reducing
      cervical cancer; but exhibits low sensitivity when detecting cervical dysplasia.
      Use of molecular biomarkers in Pap tests may improve diagnostic accuracy. DESIGN:
      Monoclonal antibodies to Minichromosome Maintenance Protein 2 (MCM2) and DNA
      Topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) were selected for use in IHC based on their
      ability to differentiate normal from diseased cervical tissues in tissue
      microarrays. Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein Western blot analysis was used to
      help identify binding epitopes specific to MCM2 and TOP2A antibody clones.
      Antibody affinity was determined by solution phase affinity measurement and
      immunohistochemistry was performed using high affinity MCM2 or TOP2A antibodies
      on serial histological sections. RESULTS: Antibody clones to MCM2 and TOP2A
      clones were selected based on their ability to detect over expression in abnormal
      cervical epithelia. In IHC, MCM2-27C5.6 and MCM2-26H6.19 demonstrated superior
      staining in abnormal cervical tissue over the MCM2-CRCT2.1 antibody. A
      combination of MCM2 and TOP2A antibodies showed greater staining when compared to
      staining with any of the antibodies alone on serial histological sections.
      Distinct linear epitopes were elucidated for each of the MCM2 and TOP2A clones.
      Affinity values (Kd) for MCM2 or TOP2A antibodies had a similar range. In a
      research study, the MCM2 and TOP2A (BD ProExTM C) antibody cocktail showed
      increased epithelia staining with increasing dysplasia. The use of BD ProExTM C
      in combination with H&E staining enhanced immunohistochemical discrimination of
      dysplastic and non-dysplastic FFPE cervical tissue specimens. CONCLUSIONS: BD
      ProExTM C containing MCM2 and TOP2A antibodies showed strong specific nuclear
      staining that correlated with increased dysplasia and lesion severity. Enhanced
      performance of the antibodies was linked to their unique topography recognition.
      BD ProExTM C incorporates antibodies that enhance detection of CIN2+ cervical
      disease.

PMID- 28093272
TI  - A method for obtaining simian immunodeficiency virus RNA sequences from laser
      capture microdissected and immune captured CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages from
      frozen tissue sections of bone marrow and brain.
AB  - Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is used to extract cells or tissue regions
      for analysis of RNA, DNA or protein. Several methods of LCM are established for
      different applications, but a protocol for consistently obtaining lentiviral RNA
      from LCM captured immune cell populations is not described. Obtaining optimal
      viral RNA for analysis of viral genes from immune-captured cells using
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) and LCM is challenging. IHC protocols have long
      antibody incubation times that increase risk of RNA degradation. But, immune
      capture of specific cell populations like macrophages without staining for virus
      cannot result in obtaining only a fraction of cells which are productively
      lentivirally infected. In this study we sought to obtain simian immunodeficiency
      virus (SIV) RNA from SIV gp120+ and CD68+ monocyte/macrophages in bone marrow
      (BM) and CD163+ perivascular macrophages in brain of SIV-infected rhesus
      macaques. Here, we report an IHC protocol with RNase inhibitors that consistently
      results in optimal quantity and yield of lentiviral RNA from LCM-captured immune
      cells.

PMID- 28093274
TI  - A direct quantitative PCR-based measurement of herpes simplex virus
      susceptibility to antiviral drugs and neutralizing antibodies.
AB  - Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are common human pathogens that can cause painful
      but benign manifestations and recurrent complaints, but can also cause
      significant morbidity and mortality on infection of the eye or brain and with
      disseminated infection of an immunosuppressed patient or a neonate. HSV growth
      inhibition measurement by plaque or yield reduction is a key task in the
      development of novel antiviral compounds but the manual methods are very labour
      intensive. The sensitive and specific PCR technology could be an effective method
      for quantitation of HSV DNA related to virus replication; however the currently
      described PCR approaches have a major limitation, namely the requirement of
      purification of DNA from the infected cells. This limitation makes this approach
      unfeasible for high-throughput screenings. The monitoring of HSV specific
      antibody titre is essential in vaccination trials and in the improvement of HSV
      based oncolytic virotherapy. Usually, conventional cytopathic effect-based and
      plaque reduction neutralization tests are applied to measure the neutralization
      titre, but these methods are also time-consuming. To overcome this, we developed
      a quantitative PCR (qPCR) method for the detection of HSV-2 DNA directly from the
      infected cells (direct qPCR) and the method was further adapted to measure the
      titre of HSV specific neutralizing antibody in human sera. The conditions of
      direct qPCR assay were optimized to measure the antiviral activity of known and
      novel antiviral substances. Using HSV-2 seronegative and seropositive patients'
      sera, the validity of the direct qPCR neutralization test was compared to
      traditional cytopathic effect-based assay. The direct qPCR method was able to
      detect the HSV-2 DNA quantitatively between multiplicity of infection 1/64 and
      1/4194304, indicating that the dynamic range of the detection was approximately
      65,500 fold with high correlation between the biological and technical
      replicates. As a proof of the adaptability of the method, we applied the direct
      qPCR for antiviral inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) measurements of known and
      novel antiviral compounds. The measured IC50 of acyclovir was ~0.28MUg/ml,
      similar to the previously published IC50 value. The IC50 of novel antiviral
      candidates was between 1.6-3.1MUg/ml. The direct qPCR-based neutralization titres
      of HSV positive sera were 1:32-1:64, identical to the neutralization titres
      determined using a traditional neutralization assay. The negative sera did not
      inhibit the HSV-2 replication in either of the tests. Our direct qPCR method for
      the HSV-2 growth determination of antiviral IC50 and neutralization titre is less
      time-consuming, less subjective and a more accurate alternative to the
      traditional plaque titration and growth reduction assays.

PMID- 28093275
TI  - Reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid detection
      of respiratory syncytial virus directly from nasopharyngeal swabs.
AB  - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract
      infection in young infants and a major cause of nosocomial infection in pediatric
      care. Currently available RSV point-of-care tests are of limited sensitivity and
      relatively expensive. We developed and evaluated a novel RSV rapid test for use
      at point-of-care, based on reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification (RT-LAMP) for direct testing of nasopharyngeal swab specimens. RT
      LAMP can detect RSV within 30min, without the need for RNA extraction. The
      sensitivity of our RT-LAMP assay was 70-80% in comparison to RT-PCR. The RT-LAMP
      test sensitivity is at least equivalent to currently available rapid antigen
      detection tests (RADT), and the cost of RT-LAMP test reagents is only
      approximately 10% of that of commercially available RADT tests. RT-LAMP appears
      to be an attractive alternative to RADT, particularly in settings with limited
      financial resources. Future improvements could include lyophilization of test
      reagents and automated read-out of RT-LAMP results.

PMID- 28093273
TI  - Identification of Fhit as a post-transcriptional effector of Thymidine Kinase 1
      expression.
AB  - FHIT is a genome caretaker gene that is silenced in >50% of cancers. Loss of Fhit
      protein expression promotes accumulation of DNA damage, affects apoptosis and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition, though molecular mechanisms underlying these
      alterations have not been fully elucidated. Initiation of genome instability
      directly follows Fhit loss and the associated reduced Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1)
      protein expression. The effects on TK1 of Fhit knockdown and Fhit induction in
      the current study confirmed the role of Fhit in regulating TK1 expression.
      Changes in Fhit expression did not impact TK1 protein turnover or transcription
      from the TK1 promoter, nor steady-state levels of TK1 mRNA or turnover. Polysome
      profile analysis showed that up-regulated Fhit expression resulted in decreased
      TK1 RNA in non-translating messenger ribonucleoproteins and increased ribosome
      density on TK1 mRNA. Fhit does not bind RNA but its expression increased
      luciferase expression from a transgene bearing the TK1 5'-UTR. Fhit has been
      reported to act as a scavenger decapping enzyme, and a similar result with a
      mutant (H96) that binds but does not cleave nucleoside 5',5'-triphosphates
      suggests the impact on TK1 translation is due to its ability to modulate the
      intracellular level of cap-like molecules. Consistent with this, cells expressing
      Fhit mutants with reduced activity toward cap-like dinucleotides exhibit DNA
      damage resulting from TK1 deficiency, whereas cells expressing wild-type Fhit or
      the H96N mutant do not. The results have implications for the mechanism by which
      Fhit regulates TK1 mRNA, and more broadly, for its modulation of multiple
      functions as tumor suppressor/genome caretaker.

PMID- 28093276
TI  - Asymmetry in visual information processing depends on the strength of eye
      dominance.
AB  - Unlike handedness, sighting eye dominance, defined as the eye unconsciously
      chosen when performing monocular tasks, is very rarely considered in studies
      investigating cerebral asymmetries. We previously showed that sighting eye
      dominance has an influence on visually triggered manual action with shorter
      reaction time (RT) when the stimulus appears in the contralateral visual
      hemifield with respect to the dominant eye (Chaumillon et al. 2014). We also
      suggested that eye dominance may be more or less pronounced depending on
      individuals and that this eye dominance strength could be evaluated through
      saccadic peak velocity analysis in binocular recordings (Vergilino-Perez et al.
      2012). Based on these two previous studies, we further examine here whether the
      strength of the eye dominance can modulate the influence of this lateralization
      on manual reaction time. Results revealed that participants categorized as having
      a strong eye dominance, but not those categorized as having a weak eye dominance,
      exhibited the difference in RT between the two visual hemifields. This present
      study reinforces that the analysis of saccade peak velocity in binocular
      recordings provides an effective tool to better categorize the eye dominance. It
      also shows that the influence of eye dominance in visuo-motor tasks depends on
      its strength. Our study also highlights the importance of considering the
      strength of eye dominance in future studies dealing with brain lateralization.

PMID- 28093277
TI  - Evaluating the relationship between sublexical and lexical processing in speech
      perception: Evidence from aphasia.
AB  - Several studies have reported that aphasic patients may perform substantially
      better on lexical than sublexical perception tasks (e.g., Miceli et al., 1980).
      These findings challenge claims made by models of speech perception which assume
      obligatory sublexical processing (e.g., McClelland and Elman, 1986; Norris,
      1994). However, prior studies have not closely matched the phonological
      similarity of targets and distractors or task demands of the sublexical and
      lexical perception tasks. The current study addressed shortcomings of these prior
      studies, testing 13 aphasic patients on sublexical and lexical tasks matched in
      phonological similarity of stimuli and task demands. When the lexical and
      sublexical tasks were not matched (Experiment 1a), as in prior studies (e.g.,
      Miceli et al., 1980), several patients with impaired sublexical perception were
      within the control range on tasks tapping lexical perception. In contrast, when
      the lexical and sublexical tasks (sublexical: syllable discrimination, auditory
      written syllable matching (AWSM); lexical: word discrimination, lexical decision,
      and picture-word matching (PWM)) were matched on these factors (Experiments 1b
      and 2), in most instances, patients were impaired on both sublexical and lexical
      tasks relative to controls and performance on the lexical tasks was not
      significantly greater than that on the sublexical tasks. For two patients,
      performance on one lexical task was statistically better than that on one
      sublexical task, but the advantage was not replicated across other task
      comparisons. The current study is consistent with models of speech perception
      which assume obligatory sublexical processing and fails to support models that do
      not require successful sublexical perception in order to access lexical levels
      (e.g., Goldinger, 1998; Hickok and Poeppel, 2000).

PMID- 28093278
TI  - Similar patterns of brain activation abnormalities during emotional and non
      emotional judgments of faces in a schizophrenia family study.
AB  - Schizophrenia patients have impaired performance and abnormal brain activation
      during facial emotion recognition, which may represent a marker of genetic
      liability to schizophrenia. However, it remains unclear whether the impairment is
      specific to recognizing emotion from faces or is instead attributable to more
      generalized dysfunction. The current study aimed to distinguish between specific
      and generalized neural dysfunction underlying impaired facial emotion recognition
      in schizophrenia and examine associations with genetic liability. Twenty-eight
      schizophrenia patients, 27 nonpsychotic first-degree relatives, and 27 community
      controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while making judgments
      about either the emotion or age of emotional faces. Patients had performance
      deficits during the emotion and age discrimination conditions compared to
      relatives and controls, while relatives had intact performance. Patients had
      hypoactivation compared to controls across conditions, mainly in medial
      prefrontal cortex. Unlike controls, patients demonstrated a failure to recruit
      the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, a region involved in social cognition and
      decision-making, and relatives had a pattern of recruitment intermediate between
      patients and controls. Compared to controls, relatives had greater deactivation
      of regions associated with the default mode network, and patients had similar
      findings during age discrimination. The common patterns of performance deficits
      and activation abnormalities during emotion and age discrimination in
      schizophrenia suggest that generalized cognitive impairment, notably in social
      cognition and decision-making, contributes to impaired facial emotion
      recognition. Similar functional activation patterns in relatives, despite intact
      performance, suggest that brain activation may represent a more sensitive marker
      of genetic liability than behaviour. Hyperdeactivation of default mode network
      regions in relatives may represent cognitive inefficiency, or compensatory
      mechanisms that help maintain intact performance.

PMID- 28093280
TI  - Metronomics in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of breast cancer.
AB  - The concept of metronomic chemotherapy (MC) has evolved from a descriptive
      preclinical phenomenon encompassing inhibition of angiogenesis to a clinically
      validated treatment concept involving multiple potential mechanisms of action.
      Clinicians are progressively more incline to consider MC as a component of
      mainstream medical oncology practice in advanced breast cancer. However, more
      recently MC has been tested even in the adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting, taking the
      opportunity to obtain tumor specimens and blood samples, in order to identify
      tumor-specific or patient-specific biomarkers for personalizing treatments. In
      addition, the antiangiogenic and pro-immune nature of metronomic chemotherapy
      made triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) a good candidate for exploring low-dose
      maintenance treatment in the adjuvant setting or in combination with
      immunomodulatory drugs. The potential development of MC in breast cancer pass
      through the research to identify biomarkers and individual tumor characteristics
      that can better address the use of this treatment strategy in the future.
      Finally, the subjective attitude of patients represents one of the major factors
      that influence the choice and acceptance of a therapeutic program. Personal
      preference and considerations about quality of life should guide the treatment
      choice eventually prioritizing the use of MC. Nevertheless, more robust data from
      randomized phase III trials are needed in the future, in order to make clinicians
      more confident in using metronomic strategies.

PMID- 28093281
TI  - Kindlin-2 in pancreatic stellate cells promotes the progression of pancreatic
      cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a pivotal role in pancreatic fibrosis
      associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Kindlin-2 is a focal
      adhesion protein that regulates the activation of integrins. This study aimed to
      clarify the role of kindlin-2 in PSCs in pancreatic cancer. Kindlin-2 expression
      in 79 resected pancreatic cancer tissues was examined by immunohistochemical
      staining. Kindlin-2-knockdown immortalized human PSCs were established using
      small interfering RNA. Pancreatic cancer cells were treated with conditioned
      media of PSCs, and the cell proliferation and migration were examined. SUIT-2
      pancreatic cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice alone or with
      PSCs and the size of the tumors was monitored. Kindlin-2 expression was observed
      in PDAC and the peritumoral stroma. Stromal kindlin-2 expression was associated
      with shorter recurrence-free survival time after R0 resection. Knockdown of
      kindlin-2 resulted in decreased proliferation, migration, and cytokine expression
      in PSCs. The PSC-induced proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells
      were suppressed by kindlin-2 knockdown in PSCs. In vivo, co-injection of PSCs
      increased the size of the tumors, but this effect was abolished by kindlin-2
      knockdown in PSCs. In conclusion, kindlin-2 in PSCs promoted the progression of
      pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 28093282
TI  - IL-1beta induces up-regulation of BIRC3, a gene involved in chemoresistance to
      doxorubicin in breast cancer cells.
AB  - Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells facilitates their
      progress to metastasis. In the tumor microenvironment the inflammatory cytokine
      1beta (IL-1beta) has been associated with tumor development and invasiveness. IL
      1beta-induced EMT triggers the expression of markers associated with malignancy.
      We have recently reported that an IL-1beta-highly responsive clone (6D cells)
      from non-invasive MCF-7 breast cancer cells activates PI3K/Rac and IL-1RI/beta
      catenin pathways that up-regulate the transcription of genes involved in an EMT
      like process. However, a correlation between the EMT program induced by a pro
      inflammatory environment, and the acquisition of chemoresistance has not been yet
      determined in these cells. In this work, we report the expression of cell
      survival genes after IL-1beta stimulation of 6D cells. The expression of CDKN1A,
      TP63, SFN and, particularly, BIRC3 was found to be up-regulated in a RNA-seq
      analysis and validated by qPCR. Cells stimulated with IL-1beta when challenged
      with doxorubicin showed resistance to the drug, whereas silencing of BIRC3
      decreased viability of the cells treated with the drug. Our present results show
      that IL-1beta confers doxorubicin resistance to breast cancer cells, underlining
      the importance of an inflammatory environment in cancer malignancy.

PMID- 28093279
TI  - Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with reduced activity in core
      memory regions of the brain.
AB  - Increasing research in animals and humans suggests that obesity may be associated
      with learning and memory deficits, and in particular with reductions in episodic
      memory. Rodent models have implicated the hippocampus in obesity-related memory
      impairments, but the neural mechanisms underlying episodic memory deficits in
      obese humans remain undetermined. In the present study, lean and obese human
      participants were scanned using fMRI while completing a What-Where-When episodic
      memory test (the "Treasure-Hunt Task") that assessed the ability to remember
      integrated item, spatial, and temporal details of previously encoded complex
      events. In lean participants, the Treasure-Hunt task elicited significant
      activity in regions of the brain known to be important for recollecting episodic
      memories, such as the hippocampus, angular gyrus, and dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex. Both obesity and insulin resistance were associated with significantly
      reduced functional activity throughout the core recollection network. These
      findings indicate that obesity is associated with reduced functional activity in
      core brain areas supporting episodic memory and that insulin resistance may be a
      key player in this association.

PMID- 28093283
TI  - Lipophilic triphenylphosphonium derivatives enhance radiation-induced cell
      killing via inhibition of mitochondrial energy metabolism in tumor cells.
AB  - It has recently been reported that radiation enhances mitochondrial energy
      metabolism in various tumor cell lines. To examine how this radiation-induced
      alteration in mitochondrial function influences tumor cell viability, various
      lipophilic triphenylphosphonium (TPP+) cation derivatives and related compounds
      such as 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxy-piperidin (Tempol) with TPP+ (named
      "Mito-") were designed to inhibit the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
      Mito-(CH2)10-Tempol (M10T) and its derivatives, Mito-(CH2)5-Tempol (M5T), Mito
      (CH2)10-Tempol-Methyl (M10T-Me), Mito-C10H21 (M10), and C10H21-Tempol (10T), were
      prepared. In HeLa human cervical adenocarcinoma cells and A549 human lung
      carcinoma cells, the fractional uptake of the compound into mitochondria was
      highest among the TTP+ analogs conjugated with Tempol (M10T, M5T, and 10T). M10T,
      M10T-Me, and M10 exhibited strong cytotoxicity and enhanced X-irradiation-induced
      reproductive cell death, while 10T and M5T did not. Furthermore, M10T, M10T-Me,
      and M10 decreased basal mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ATP.
      M10T treatment inhibited X-ray-induced increases in ATP production. These results
      indicate that the TPP cation and a long hydrocarbon linker are essential for
      radiosensitization of tumor cells. The reduction in intracellular ATP by
      lipophilic TPP+ is partly responsible for the observed radiosensitization.

PMID- 28093284
TI  - Pancreatic cancer: Stroma and its current and emerging targeted therapies.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal human
      malignancies with a 5-year survival rate of 8%. Dense, fibrotic stroma associated
      with pancreatic tumors is a major obstacle for drug delivery to the tumor bed and
      plays a crucial role in pancreatic cancer progression. Targeting stroma is
      considered as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve anti-cancer drug
      efficacy and patient survival. Although numerous stromal depletion therapies have
      reached the clinic, they add little to overall survival and are often associated
      with toxicity. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests the anti-tumor
      properties of stroma. Its complete ablation enhanced tumor progression and
      reduced survival. Consequently, efforts are now focused on developing stromal
      targeted therapies that normalize the reactive stroma and avoid the extremes:
      stromal abundance vs. complete depletion. In this review, we summarized the state
      of current and emerging anti-stromal targeted therapies, with major emphasis on
      the role of miRNAs in PDAC stroma and their potential use as novel therapeutic
      agents to modulate PDAC tumor-stromal interactions.

PMID- 28093285
TI  - The depletion of ATM inhibits colon cancer proliferation and migration via
      B56gamma2-mediated Chk1/p53/CD44 cascades.
AB  - Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein kinase is a major guardian of genomic
      stability, and its well-established function in cancer is tumor suppression.
      Here, we report an oncogenic role of ATM. Using two isogenic sets of human colon
      cancer cell lines that differed only in their ATM status, we demonstrated that
      ATM deficiency significantly inhibits cancer cell proliferation, migration, and
      invasion. The tumor-suppressive function of ATM depletion is not modulated by the
      compensatory activation of ATR, but it is associated with B56gamma2-mediated
      Chk1/p53/CD44 signaling pathways. Under normal growth conditions, the depletion
      of ATM prevents B56gamma2 ubiquitination and degradation, which activates PP2A
      mediated Chk1/p53/p21 signaling pathways, leading to senescence and cell cycle
      arrest. CD44 was validated as a novel ATM target based on its ability to rescue
      cell migration and invasion defects in ATM-depleted cells. The activation of p53
      induced by ATM depletion suppresses CD44 transcription, thus resulting in
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration suppression. Our study
      suggests that ATM has tumorigenic potential in post-formed colon neoplasia, and
      it supports ATM as an appealing target for improving cancer therapy.

PMID- 28093286
TI  - BMP4 promotes metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by an induction of
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition via upregulating ID2.
AB  - The role of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), a crucial epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) mediator, in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      patients heretofore has not been elucidated. The present study analyzed BMP4
      expression in tumors and paired non-tumorous liver tissue and its correlation
      with clinicopathological characteristics from two independent cohorts consisting
      of 420 HCC patients. Functional analysis of BMP4 was performed in Bel-7402 and
      HCCLM3 HCC cells, and in a murine HCC model. The downstream targets of BMP4 in
      HCC were screened and confirmed. The results indicated that BMP4 expression was
      significantly increased in HCC tissue and highly metastatic HCC cells. BMP4
      expression was correlated with vein invasion, overall survival and recurrence
      free survival of HCC. BMP4 promoted HCC EMT and metastasis in vitro, and
      consistently in vivo. BMP4 knockdown blocked EMT and tumor metastasis in nude
      mice. ID2 was up-regulated by recombinant human BMP4, resulting in HCC EMT.
      Knockdown of ID2 blocked BMP4-induced EMT. In conclusion, BMP4 promotes invasion
      and metastasis of HCC by an induction of EMT via up-regulating ID2. BMP4 may be a
      valuable prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target for HCC therapy.

PMID- 28093287
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of imaging devices in glaucoma: A meta-analysis.
AB  - Imaging devices such as the Heidelberg retinal tomograph-3 (HRT3), scanning laser
      polarimetry (GDx), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) play an important role
      in glaucoma diagnosis. A systematic search for evidence-based data was performed
      for prospective studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of HRT3, GDx, and OCT.
      The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was calculated. To compare the accuracy among
      instruments and parameters, a meta-analysis considering the hierarchical summary
      receiver-operating characteristic model was performed. The risk of bias was
      assessed using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies, version 2.
      Studies in the context of screening programs were used for qualitative analysis.
      Eighty-six articles were included. The DOR values were 29.5 for OCT, 18.6 for
      GDx, and 13.9 for HRT. The heterogeneity analysis demonstrated statistically a
      significant influence of degree of damage and ethnicity. Studies analyzing
      patients with earlier glaucoma showed poorer results. The risk of bias was high
      for patient selection. Screening studies showed lower sensitivity values and
      similar specificity values when compared with those included in the meta
      analysis. The classification capabilities of GDx, HRT, and OCT were high and
      similar across the 3 instruments. The highest estimated DOR was obtained with
      OCT. Diagnostic accuracy could be overestimated in studies including prediagnosed
      groups of subjects.

PMID- 28093288
TI  - Assessing the Impact of Lithium Chloride on the Expression of P-Glycoprotein at
      the Blood-Brain Barrier.
AB  - In addition to extruding drugs from the brain, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) at the blood
      brain barrier (BBB) facilitates the brain-to-blood clearance of beta-amyloid
      (Abeta) and is down-regulated in Alzheimer's disease. Studies suggest that the
      mood-stabilizing drug lithium exerts a protective effect against Alzheimer's
      disease. Although the mechanisms underlying this effect are not fully understood,
      evidence suggests that lithium chloride (LiCl) increases P-gp expression in
      vitro, albeit at concentrations substantially outside the therapeutic window.
      Therefore, we investigated the effects of pharmacologically-relevant
      concentrations of LiCl on P-gp expression using in vitro and in vivo approaches.
      Swiss outbred mice administered LiCl (300 mg/kg/day, 21 days) showed no change in
      brain microvascular P-gp protein expression. Furthermore, P-gp transcript and
      protein levels were unaltered by LiCl (1.25-5 mM, 24 h) in human immortalized
      brain endothelial cells, while both gene and protein expression were
      significantly enhanced by the P-gp up-regulator, SR12813 by 1.5-fold and 2.0
      fold, respectively. P-gp efflux function was also unaffected by LiCl in vitro, by
      measuring accumulation of the fluorescent P-gp substrate rhodamine-123. This
      suggests therefore that LiCl is unlikely to affect the BBB efflux of Abeta or
      other P-gp substrates at pharmacologically-relevant concentrations, suggesting
      that the Abeta-lowering effects of LiCl are unrelated to elevated BBB P-gp
      expression.

PMID- 28093289
TI  - R- and S-Warfarin Were Transported by Breast Cancer Resistance Protein: From In
      Vitro to Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Studies.
AB  - Warfarin, a racemate of R- and S-warfarin, is an important oral anticoagulant
      with narrow therapeutic window. Being an acidic drug, warfarin (pKa = 4.94)
      exists mainly as anion under physiological pH. We hypothesized that the transport
      of warfarin anion across cell membrane was mediated by breast cancer resistance
      protein (BCRP), an efflux transporter having a variety of acidic substrates. This
      study aimed at verifying that warfarin was a substrate of BCRP. Cell lines and
      mice were used for transport assay and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies,
      respectively. The concentrations of R- and S-warfarin were simultaneously
      determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Transport assay
      showed that the intracellular concentrations of R- and S-warfarin in MDCKII-BCRP
      were significantly lower than those in MDCKII. In addition, Ko143, a potent BCRP
      inhibitor, significantly inhibited the efflux transport of R- and S-warfarin in
      MDCKII-BCRP, but not in MDCKII. Pharmacokinetic study showed that the plasma
      concentrations of R- and S-warfarin in Bcrp-/- mice were significantly higher
      than those in wild-type mice at 6 h after dosing. Anticoagulation measurement
      showed that the international normalized ratio in Bcrp-/- mice was significantly
      higher than that in wild-type mice at 24 h after dosing. In conclusion, R- and S
      warfarin were transported by BCRP.

PMID- 28093290
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28093291
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28093292
TI  - Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance/Ultrasound Fusion Prostate Biopsy: Number and
      Spatial Distribution of Cores for Better Index Tumor Detection and
      Characterization.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the minimum core number for better index tumor detection to
      determine the best core site as well as biopsy Gleason score heterogeneity in the
      same index lesion. The aim was to optimize the highest Gleason score detection.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 327 patients with negative digital rectal
      examination underwent magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound fusion
      targeted biopsy for elevated/rising prostate specific antigen and/or 1 or more
      detectable lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging after a previous
      negative standard biopsy. Depending on the diameter of each index lesion (8 or
      less, or greater than 8 mm) 4 or 6 cores, respectively, were taken according to a
      well determined sequence. RESULTS: Of the patients 166 (50.7%) had prostate
      cancer, including 79 (47.6%) with an 8 mm or less index lesion and 87 (52.4%)
      with a greater than 8 mm index lesion. Of patients with an index tumor 8 mm or
      less 7 (8.9%) had 1, 31 (39.2%) had 2, 27 (34.2%) had 3 and 14 (17.7%) had 4
      positive cores. Similarly, of patients with a lesion greater than 8 mm 8 (9.2%)
      had 1, 30 (34.5%) had 2, 13 (14.9%) had 3, 14 (16.1%) had 4, 12 (13.8%) had 5 and
      10 (11.5%) had 6 positive cores. The major prevalence of positive cores was
      observed in the center of the target. Gleason score heterogeneity was found in
      12.6% of those with an 8 mm or less target vs 26.4% with a target greater than 8
      mm. In the center of the target there was a slight prevalence of Gleason pattern
      4 or greater, or a lesser pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Approaching magnetic resonance
      imaging/transrectal ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy with a single core might be
      inadequate. Rather, taking 2 cores in the center of the index lesion may provide
      more accurate cancer detection and optimize the chances of finding the highest
      Gleason pattern.

PMID- 28093293
TI  - Core Needle Biopsy and Fine Needle Aspiration Alone or in Combination: Diagnostic
      Accuracy and Impact on Management of Renal Masses.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fine needle aspiration with and without concurrent core needle biopsy is
      a minimally invasive method to diagnose and assist in management of renal masses.
      We assessed the pathological accuracy of fine needle aspiration compared to and
      associated with core needle biopsy and the impact on management. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We performed a single institution, retrospective study of 342 cases from
      2001 to 2015 with small and large renal masses (4 or less and greater than 4 cm,
      respectively). Diagnostic and concordance rates, and the impact on management
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Adequacy rates for fine needle aspiration only, core
      needle biopsy only and fine needle aspiration plus core needle biopsy were 21%,
      12% and 8% (aspiration vs aspiration plus biopsy p <0.026). In the aspiration
      plus biopsy group adding aspiration to biopsy and biopsy to aspiration reduced
      the inadequacy rate from 23% to 8% and from 27% to 8% for a total reduction rate
      of 15% and 19%, respectively, corresponding to 32 cases (9.3%). Rapid on-site
      examination contributed to a 22.5% improvement in fine needle aspiration adequacy
      rates. In this cohort 30% of aspiration only, 5% of biopsy only and 12% of
      aspiration plus biopsy could not be subtyped (aspiration vs biopsy p <0.0001,
      aspiration vs aspiration plus biopsy p <0.0127 and biopsy vs aspiration plus
      biopsy p = 0.06). The diagnostic concordance rate with surgical resection was
      99%. Conversion of an inadequate specimen to an adequate one by a concurrent
      procedure impacted treatment in at least 29 of 32 patients. Limitations include
      the retrospective design and accuracy measurement based on surgical intervention.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fine needle aspiration plus core needle biopsy vs at least fine
      needle aspiration alone may improve diagnostic yield when sampling renal masses
      but it has subtyping potential similar to that of core needle biopsy only.

PMID- 28093294
TI  - Strehler-Mildvan correlation is a degenerate manifold of Gompertz fit.
AB  - Gompertz empirical law of mortality is often used in practical research to
      parametrize survival fraction as a function of age with the help of just two
      quantities: the Initial Mortality Rate (IMR) and the Gompertz exponent, inversely
      proportional to the Mortality Rate Doubling Time (MRDT). The IMR is often found
      to be inversely related to the Gompertz exponent, which is the dependence
      commonly referred to as Strehler-Mildvan (SM) correlation. In this paper, we
      address fundamental uncertainties of the Gompertz parameters inference from
      experimental Kaplan-Meier plots and show, that a least squares fit often leads to
      an ill-defined non-linear optimization problem, which is extremely sensitive to
      sampling errors and the smallest systematic demographic variations. Therefore, an
      analysis of consequent repeats of the same experiments in the same biological
      conditions yields the whole degenerate manifold of possible Gompertz parameters.
      We find that whenever the average lifespan of species greatly exceeds MRDT, small
      random variations in the survival records produce large deviations in the
      identified Gompertz parameters along the line, corresponding to the set of all
      possible IMR and MRDT values, roughly compatible with the properly determined
      value of average lifespan in experiment. The best fit parameters in this case
      turn out to be related by a form of SM correlation. Therefore, we have to
      conclude that the combined property, such as the average lifespan in the group,
      rather than IMR and MRDT values separately, may often only be reliably determined
      via experiments, even in a perfectly homogeneous animal cohort due to its finite
      size and/or low age-sampling frequency, typical for modern high-throughput
      settings. We support our findings with careful analysis of experimental survival
      records obtained in cohorts of C. elegans of different sizes, in control groups
      and under the influence of experimental therapies or environmental conditions. We
      argue that since, SM correlation may show up as a consequence of the fitting
      degeneracy, its appearance is not limited to homogeneous cohorts. In fact, the
      problem persists even beyond the simple Gompertz mortality law. We show that the
      same degeneracy occurs exactly in the same way, if a more advanced Gompertz
      Makeham aging model is employed to improve the modeling. We explain how SM type
      of relation between the demographic parameters may still be observed even in
      extremely large cohorts with immense statistical power, such as in human census
      datasets, provided that systematic historical changes are weak in nature and lead
      to a gradual change in the mean lifespan.

PMID- 28093295
TI  - In silico enhancement of the stability and activity of keratinocyte growth
      factor.
AB  - Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
      family, has been implicated in some biological processes such as cell
      proliferation, development and differentiation. High mitogenic activity of this
      protein has made it very suitable for repairing radiation-and chemotherapy
      induced damages. Palifermin, which has been developed from human KGF, is
      clinically applied to reduce the incidence and duration of cancer therapeutic
      agents. However, the activity of Palifermin is limited during treatment due to
      its poor stability. In this study, we have improved the stability and activity of
      recombinant human KGF (Palifermin) using a computational mutagenesis approach.
      According to the KGF multiple sequence alignment among different species as well
      as literature-based information, we have generated several mutations using PyMOL
      program and evaluated their effects on the stability and activity of KGF in
      silico. In order to preserve the KGF activity, we did not change the predicted
      functional residues. Prior to mutagenesis, the 3D structure of rhKGF was
      predicted by Modeller v9.15 program and quantitative evaluation of predicted
      models were carried out using VADAR and PROSESS servers. The stability and
      activity of rhKGF mutants were analyzed using GROMACS molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations and docking tools, respectively. The results showed that N159S (N105S
      in rhKGF sequence) and I172V (I118V in rhKGF) substitutions caused an increased
      stability and affinity of the rhKGF to Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2
      (FGFR2). We will evaluate the effects of favorable mutations on the rhKGF
      stability and activity in vitro.

PMID- 28093296
TI  - Inhibition of CD44v3 and CD44v6 function blocks tumor invasion and metastatic
      colonization.
AB  - The prevention of cancer cell dissemination and secondary tumor formation are
      major goals of cancer therapy. Here, we report on the development of a new CD44
      targeted copolymer carrying multiple copies of the A5G27 peptide, known for its
      ability to bind specifically to CD44v3 and CD44v6 on cancer cells and inhibit
      tumor cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. We hypothesized that
      conjugation of A5G27 to N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer would
      enhance tumor tissue accumulation, promote selective binding to cancer cells,
      with concomitant increased inhibition of cancer cell invasiveness and migration.
      Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate or the near-infrared fluorophore IR783 were attached
      to the copolymer backbone through a non-cleavable linkage to assess in vitro
      binding to cancer cells and biodistribution of the polymer in 4T1 murine mammary
      adenocarcinoma-bearing mice, respectively. The anti-migratory activity was
      evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The binding of the targeted copolymer to
      cancer cells correlated well with the level of CD44 expression, with the polymer
      being internalized more efficiently by cancer cells. Pre-treatment of mice with
      polymer-bound A5G27 significantly inhibited lung colonization of migrating 4T1
      cells in vivo, with the targeted copolymer accumulating preferentially in
      subcutaneous 4T1 tumors, when compared to a non-targeted system. As such, the
      HPMA copolymer-A5G27 conjugate is a promising candidate for inhibiting cancer
      cell migration and can also be used as a drug or imaging probe carrier for
      detection and treatment of cancer.

PMID- 28093298
TI  - Metronomic chemotherapy using orally active carboplatin/deoxycholate complex to
      maintain drug concentration within a tolerable range for effective cancer
      management.
AB  - Metronomic chemotherapy has translated into favorable toxicity profile and
      capable of delaying tumor progression. Despite its promise, conventional
      injectable chemotherapeutics are not meaningful to use as metronomic due to the
      necessity of frequent administration for personalized therapy in long-term cancer
      treatments. This study aims to exploit the benefits of the oral application of
      carboplatin as metronomic therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We
      developed an orally active carboplatin by physical complexation with a
      deoxycholic acid (DOCA). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed the
      disappearance of crystalline peaks from carboplatin by forming the complex with
      DOCA. In vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) study confirmed the oral absorption of
      carboplatin/DOCA complex. The oral bioavailability of carboplatin/DOCA complex
      and native carboplatin were calculated as 24.33% and 1.16%, respectively, when a
      single 50mg/kg oral dose was administered. Further findings of oral
      bioavailability during a low-dose daily administration of the complex (10mg/kg)
      for 3weeks were showed 19.17% at day-0, 30.27% at day-7, 26.77% at day-14, and
      22.48% at day-21, demonstrating its potential for metronomic chemotherapy. The
      dose dependent antitumor effects of oral carboplatin were evaluated in SCC7 and
      A549 tumor xenograft mice. It was found that the oral carboplatin complex
      exhibited potent anti-tumor activity at 10mg/kg (74.09% vs. control, P<0.01) and
      20mg/kg dose (86.22% vs. control, P<0.01) in A549 tumor. The number of TUNEL
      positive cells in the tumor sections was also significantly increased during oral
      therapy (3.95% in control, whereas 21.37% and 32.39% in 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg dose,
      respectively; P<0.001). The enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of oral metronomic
      therapy was attributed with its antiangiogenic mechanism where new blood vessel
      formation was notably decreased. Finally, the safety of oral complex was
      confirmed by three weeks toxicity studies; there were no significant systemic or
      local abnormalities found in mice at 10mg/kg daily oral dose. Our study thus
      describes an effective and safe oral formulation of carboplatin as a metronomic
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 28093297
TI  - Bottom-up synthesis of carbon nanoparticles with higher doxorubicin efficacy.
AB  - Nanomedicine requires intelligent and non-toxic nanomaterials for real clinical
      applications. Carbon materials possess interesting properties but with some
      limitations due to toxic effects. Interest in carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) is
      increasing because they are considered green materials with tunable optical
      properties, overcoming the problem of toxicity associated with quantum dots or
      nanocrystals, and can be utilized as smart drug delivery systems. Using black tea
      as a raw material, we synthesized CNPs with a narrow size distribution, tunable
      optical properties covering visible to deep red absorption, non-toxicity and easy
      synthesis for large-scale production. We utilized these CNPs to label subcellular
      structures such as exosomes. More importantly, these new CNPs can escape
      lysosomal sequestration and rapidly distribute themselves in the cytoplasm to
      release doxorubicin (doxo) with better efficacy than the free drug. The release
      of doxo from CNPs was optimal at low pH, similar to the tumour microenvironment.
      These CNPs were non-toxic in mice and reduced the tumour burden when loaded with
      doxo due to an improved pharmacokinetics profile. In summary, we created a new
      delivery system that is potentially useful for improving cancer treatments and
      opening a new window for tagging microvesicles utilized in liquid biopsies.

PMID- 28093299
TI  - Freeze concentration-induced PLGA and polystyrene nanoparticle aggregation:
      Imaging and rational design of lyoprotection.
AB  - Long-term storage of stable nanoparticulate systems is critical to the
      utilization of nanotechnology in biomedical applications. Freeze-drying or
      lyophilization is the most commonly used approach to preparing stable injectable
      nano formulations. A detailed understanding of the freezing stress on
      nanoparticles is essential to the successful preservation of original particle
      attributes and to the development of reliable lyophilization processes. However,
      visualization of the freezing process and the underlying mechanisms that result
      in particle aggregation remains challenging. Here, we show a clear causal
      relationship between the freeze-concentration event and particle aggregation by
      employing correlative imaging techniques, encompassing both real-time dynamic
      visualization and super-resolution imaging for frozen systems. Direct evidence
      was obtained to corroborate the particle isolation hypothesis. Moreover, ice-ice,
      ice-air and ice-container interfaces were identified as hotspots for generating
      freezing stress on susceptible nanoparticles. In light of these observations,
      sphere close packing models were explored. Based on the relationship between
      jammed particles and void fraction within a confined interfacial space, we are
      able to define the boundary condition of the minimal 'cryoprotectant to particle
      ratio' required for effective design space of particle isolation and
      cryoprotection. These findings clearly demonstrated the utility of visualization
      techniques and modeling in elucidating the mechanism of freezing stress and
      protection, providing guiding tools to the rational design of cryoprotectant
      containing nano formulations and processes.

PMID- 28093300
TI  - The Surgeon as the Second Victim? Results of the Boston Intraoperative Adverse
      Events Surgeons' Attitude (BISA) Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An intraoperative adverse event (iAE) is often directly attributable
      to the surgeon's technical error and/or suboptimal intraoperative judgment. We
      aimed to examine the psychological impact of iAEs on surgeons as well as the
      surgeons' attitude about iAE reporting. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a web-based
      cross-sectional survey of all surgeons at 3 major teaching hospitals of the same
      university. The 29-item questionnaire was developed using a systematic closed and
      open approach focused on assessing the surgeons' personal account of iAE
      incidence, emotional response to iAEs, available support systems, and perspective
      about the barriers to iAE reporting. RESULTS: The response rate was 44.8% (n =
      126). Mean age of respondents was 49 years, 77% were male, and 83% performed >150
      procedures/year. During the last year, 32% recalled 1 iAE, 39% recalled 2 to 5
      iAEs, and 9% recalled >6 iAEs. The emotional toll of iAEs was significant, with
      84% of respondents reporting a combination of anxiety (66%), guilt (60%), sadness
      (52%), shame/embarrassment (42%), and anger (29%). Colleagues constituted the
      most helpful support system (42%) rather than friends or family; a few surgeons
      needed psychological therapy/counseling. As for reporting, 26% preferred not to
      see their individual iAE rates, and 38% wanted it reported in comparison with
      their aggregate colleagues' rate. The most common barriers to reporting iAEs were
      fear of litigation (50%), lack of a standardized reporting system (49%), and
      absence of a clear iAE definition (48%). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative AEs occur
      often, have a significant negative impact on surgeons' well-being, and barriers
      to transparency are fear of litigation and absence of a well-defined reporting
      system. Efforts should be made to support surgeons and standardize reporting when
      iAEs occur.

PMID- 28093301
TI  - Protocol-Driven Management of Suspected Common Duct Stones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Common duct stones can be diagnosed by magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)/ERCP, and
      intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC). In 2015, our group adopted a standard
      approach of preoperative EUS/ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy for
      patients with an admission bilirubin >4.0 mg/dL. For bilirubin <4.0 mg/dL,
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy with IOC was the initial procedure. Postoperative
      EUS/ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy was pursued for positive IOC. Exclusions
      included clinical suspicion of malignancy and surgically altered anatomy making
      endoscopic management impractical. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective comparison of
      protocol and pre-protocol (baseline) patients was performed, looking at patient
      demographics, presence of pancreatitis, common duct stone risk factors,
      comorbidities, length of hospitalization, and postoperative morbidity.
      Statistical analysis was performed with t-test, chi-square, and Wilcoxon rank-sum
      test with significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There were 56 patients in each
      group, with a mean +/- SD age of 50.5 +/- 20.88 years and 49.3 +/- 20.92 years,
      respectively (p = NS). There were no significant differences between baseline and
      protocol patients with respect to individual and cumulative preoperative
      comorbidities, pancreatitis, elevation of liver function tests, bilirubin, common
      duct size, and postoperative morbidity. There were fewer endoscopies (22 vs 35; p
      = 0.014), and shorter length of stay in protocol patients (2.8 days vs 3.8 days;
      p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Protocol-driven management of patients with suspected
      common duct stones reduced the number of endoscopies and length of
      hospitalization, with no change in postoperative morbidity. This approach has the
      potential to decrease endoscopy-related morbidity and overall cost without
      affecting quality of care.

PMID- 28093302
TI  - Aging and risky decision-making: New ERP evidence from the Iowa Gambling Task.
AB  - Several pieces of evidence have highlighted the presence of an age-related
      decline in risky decision-making (DM), but the reason of this decline is still
      unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neural correlates of
      feedback processing in risky DM. Twenty-one younger (age <50 years) and 15 older
      (age >50 years) adults were tested with the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) during Event
      Related Potentials (ERP) recording. The analysis was focused on the feedback
      related negativity (FRN) and P3, two ERP components that represent different
      stages of feedback processing. Behavioral results revealed that older adults,
      despite showing a significant learning trend, completed the IGT with a gain of a
      smaller amount of money compared to the younger ones. ERP results revealed that
      while the FRN response was comparable in the two groups, the P3 amplitude was
      significantly reduced after negative feedback in older adults, compared with the
      younger ones. Furthermore, the difference in the P3 amplitude evoked by positive
      and negative feedback was significantly correlated with age. Hence, the present
      findings suggest that older adults seem to be less willing to shift attention
      from positive to negative information, and that this relevant change in the later
      stages of feedback processing could be the cause of a poor performance in risky
      DM contexts.

PMID- 28093303
TI  - Chlorogenic acid rescues sensorineural auditory function in a diabetic animal
      model.
AB  - Recently, many studies have reported that sensorineural hearing impairment
      related to neurological disorders may be caused by diabetes mellitus. However, to
      date, only a small number of studies have investigated the treatment of
      sensorineural hearing impairment. In the present study, the effects of
      chlorogenic acid on diabetic auditory pathway impairment were evaluated by neuro
      electrical physiological measurements and morphological investigations. We have
      shown that CA efficiently prevents the progression of auditory pathway
      dysfunction caused by DM using auditory brainstem responses and auditory middle
      latency responses in mice. Additionally, using transient-evoked otoacoustic
      emissions measurement and scanning electron microscope observation of hair cells
      in DM mice, we found that CA may aid in the recovery from outer hair cell and
      otic hair cell damage. In conclusion, CA has beneficial effects for the
      management of diabetic sensorineural auditory dysfunction.

PMID- 28093304
TI  - Chloride conducting light activated channel GtACR2 can produce both cessation of
      firing and generation of action potentials in cortical neurons in response to
      light.
AB  - Optogenetics is a powerful technique in neuroscience that provided a great
      success in studying the brain functions during the last decade. Progress of
      optogenetics crucially depends on development of new molecular tools. Light
      activated cation-conducting channelrhodopsin2 was widely used for excitation of
      cells since the emergence of optogenetics. In 2015 a family of natural light
      activated chloride channels GtACR was identified which appeared to be a very
      promising tool for using in optogenetics experiments as a cell silencer. Here we
      examined properties of GtACR2 channel expressed in the rat layer 2/3 pyramidal
      neurons by means of in utero electroporation. We have found that despite strong
      inhibition the light stimulation of GtACR2-positive neurons can surprisingly lead
      to generation of action potentials, presumably initiated in the axonal terminals.
      Thus, when using the GtACR2 in optogenetics experiments, its ability to induce
      action potentials should be taken into account. Our results also open an
      interesting possibility of using the GtACR2 both as cell silencer and cell
      activator in the same experiment varying the pattern of light stimulation.

PMID- 28093305
TI  - Role of leptin in conditioned place preference to high-fat diet in leptin
      deficient ob/ob mice.
AB  - Leptin is an adipocyte-derived anorexic hormone that exerts its effects via the
      hypothalamus and other brain regions, including the reward system. Leptin
      deficient ob/ob mice that present morbid obesity, hyperphagia, insulin
      resistance, and infertility are one of the most investigated mouse models of
      obesity. Conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm is a standard behavioral
      model to evaluate the rewarding value of substrates. While leptin is reported to
      decrease the CPP of lean mice for high fat diet (HFD), it is unknown how CPP
      toward HFD is affected by leptin replacement in the pathophysiological condition
      of ob/ob mice. In the present study, we performed the CPP test in order to
      clarify the effect of leptin on the preference of ob/ob mice for HFD. Ob/ob mice
      had a significantly higher HFD preference in CPP test when compared with wild
      type (WT) mice and this preference was suppressed to the levels comparable to the
      WT mice by leptin replacement with or without normalization of body weight. These
      results demonstrate that leptin decreases the reward value of HFD independently
      of obesity, suggesting that leptin reduces food intake by suppressing the hedonic
      feeding pathway in ob/ob mice.

PMID- 28093306
TI  - Establishing between-session reliability of TMS-conditioned soleus H-reflexes.
AB  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) can be
      used to evaluate descending corticomotor influences on spinal reflex excitability
      through modulation of the Hoffman reflex (H-reflex). The purpose of this study
      was to characterize between-session reliability of cortical, spinal, and cortical
      conditioned spinal excitability measures collected from the soleus muscle.
      Thirteen able-bodied young adult participants were tested over four sessions.
      Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to quantify between-session
      reliability of active motor threshold (AMT), unconditioned H-reflexes (expressed
      as a percentage of Mmax), and conditioned H-reflexes using short-latency
      facilitation (SLF) and long-latency facilitation (LLF). Pearson correlation
      coefficients were calculated to assess associations between H-reflex facilitation
      and unconditioned H-reflex amplitude. Between-session reliability for SLF
      (ICC=0.71) was higher than for LLF (ICC=0.45), was excellent for AMT (ICC=0.95),
      and was moderate for unconditioned H-reflexes (ICC=0.63). Our results suggest
      moderate-to-good reliability of SLF and LLF to evaluate cortical influences on
      spinal reflex excitability across multiple testing sessions in able-bodied
      individuals.

PMID- 28093307
TI  - The Impact of Baseline Functional Bladder Capacity on Short-term Neuromodulation
      Outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of functional bladder capacity (FBC) on
      clinical outcomes after a staged neuromodulation procedure. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Adults in our prospective neuromodulation database were evaluated. Data
      were collected from medical records, voiding diaries (FBC defined as average
      volume per void), Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index-Problem Index, Overactive
      Bladder Questionnaire, and Global Response Assessment over 3 months. Descriptive
      statistics, Pearson's chi-square tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, logistic
      regression, repeated measures analyses, and Spearman correlation coefficients
      were performed. RESULTS: Of the 216 patients (mean age 59 years; 84% female),
      most had urinary urgency and frequency with or without urge incontinence (71%), a
      sacral lead placement (82%), and implantable pulse generator (IPG) implantation
      (92%). Baseline FBC was similar between implanted and not implanted patients (P =
      .17); however implanted patients had a median 19 mL increase in FBC after lead
      placement compared to a 2.7 mL decrease in explanted patients (P = .0014). There
      was a strong association between percent change in FBC after lead placement and
      IPG implantation (P = .021; C-statistic 0.68), but baseline FBC (mL) was not
      associated. Baseline FBC (mL), or percent change in FBC after lead placement, was
      not related to symptom improvement. When grouped by baseline FBC < 150 mL and FBC
      >= 150 mL, FBC only improved significantly in the <150 group but both
      demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms. CONCLUSION: FBC improvements
      were associated with IPG implantation but not other symptom measures. Patients
      with low FBC (baseline FBC < 150) also achieved significant improvements in
      symptoms.

PMID- 28093308
TI  - Antibiotic Coating of the Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AMS 800): Is it
      Worthwhile?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the antibiotic coating InhibiZone on the
      infection and explantation rates of the AMS 800 in comparison to the AMS 800
      without InhibiZone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 305
      patients with an AMS 800 in a multicenter cohort study. Patients were
      subsequently divided into InhibiZone and without InhibiZone-coated groups.
      Infection and explantation rates were analyzed by univariate and consecutively by
      multivariate logistic regression adjusted to variable risk factors. The infection
      free interval was estimated by Kaplan-Meier plot and compared by the log-rank
      test. A P value below .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We
      identified 47 patients with InhibiZone and 258 without InhibiZone coating. In
      univariate analysis, we could not identify a significant difference in infection
      (P = .932) or explantation (P = .715) rates between the groups. In multivariate
      analysis, impaired wound healing (P = .008) and urethral erosion (P < .001) were
      independent predictors for infection. The InhibiZone coating neither demonstrated
      significant influence on the infection rate (P = .534) nor on the explantation
      rate (P = .214). There was no significant difference in estimated infection-free
      survival between the groups (P = .265). CONCLUSION: The antibiotic coating of the
      AMS 800 had no significant impact on infection or explantation rates in our
      cohort.

PMID- 28093310
TI  - Effects of glucose and insulin administration on glucose transporter expression
      in the North Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi).
AB  - Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) are a primarily carnivorous group of
      fish, consuming few carbohydrates. Further, they tend to exhibit delayed
      responses to glucose and insulin administration in vivo relative to mammals,
      leading to a presumption of glucose-intolerance. To investigate the
      glucoregulatory capabilities of the spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi), plasma
      glucose concentration, muscle and liver glycogen content, and glucose transporter
      (glut1 and 4) mRNA levels were measured following intra-arterial administration
      of bovine insulin (10ngkg-1) or an approximate doubling of fasting plasma glucose
      concentration. Within 6h, following glucose administration, approximately half of
      the introduced glucose load had been cleared, with control levels being restored
      by 24h post-injection. It was determined that plasma clearance was due in part to
      increased uptake by the tissues as muscle and liver glycogen content increased
      significantly, correlating with an upregulation of glut mRNA levels. Following
      administration of bovine insulin, plasma glucose steadily decreased through 18h
      before returning toward control levels. Observed decreases in plasma glucose
      following insulin injection were, however, relatively minor, and no increases in
      tissue glycogen content were observed. glut4 and glycogen synthase mRNA levels
      did significantly increase in the muscle in response to insulin, but no changes
      occurred in the liver. The responses observed mimic what occurs in mammals and
      teleosts, thus suggesting a conserved mechanism for glucose homeostasis in
      vertebrates and a high degree of glucose tolerance in these predominantly
      carnivorous fish.

PMID- 28093309
TI  - Paracoccidioides spp. catalases and their role in antioxidant defense against
      host defense responses.
AB  - Dimorphic human pathogenic fungi interact with host effector cells resisting
      their microbicidal mechanisms. Yeast cells are able of surviving within the tough
      environment of the phagolysosome by expressing an antioxidant defense system that
      provides protection against host-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). This
      includes the production of catalases (CATs). Here we identified and analyzed the
      role of CAT isoforms in Paracoccidioides, the etiological agent of
      paracoccidioidomycosis. Firstly, we found that one of these isoforms was absent
      in the closely related dimorphic pathogen Coccidioides and dermatophytes, but all
      of them were conserved in Paracoccidioides, Histoplasma and Blastomyces species.
      We probed the contribution of CATs in Paracoccidioides by determining the gene
      expression levels of each isoform through quantitative RT-qPCR, in both the yeast
      and mycelia phases, and during the morphological switch (transition and
      germination), as well as in response to oxidative agents and during interaction
      with neutrophils. PbCATP was preferentially expressed in the pathogenic yeast
      phase, and was associated to the response against exogenous H2O2. Therefore, we
      created and analyzed the virulence defects of a knockdown strain for this
      isoform, and found that CATP protects yeast cells from H2O2 generated in vitro
      and is relevant during lung infection. On the other hand, CATA and CATB seem to
      contribute to ROS homeostasis in Paracoccidioides cells, during endogenous
      oxidative stress. CAT isoforms in Paracoccidioides might be coordinately
      regulated during development and dimorphism, and differentially expressed in
      response to different stresses to control ROS homeostasis during the infectious
      process, contributing to the virulence of Paracoccidioides.

PMID- 28093311
TI  - Long non-coding RNA FTH1P3 facilitates oral squamous cell carcinoma progression
      by acting as a molecular sponge of miR-224-5p to modulate fizzled 5 expression.
AB  - A growing body of evidence has indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)
      function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) during tumorigenesis. In this
      study, the qRT-PCR results revealed that the lncRNA ferritin heavy chain 1
      pseudogene 3 (FTH1P3) was over-expressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)
      and decreased the survival rate of OSCC patients. Ectopic expression of FTH1P3
      facilitates cell proliferation and colony formation in OSCC cells. Moreover,
      FTH1P3 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), effectively becoming sponge
      for miR-224-5p and thereby modulating the expression of fizzled 5. Importantly,
      expression analysis revealed that both FTH1P3 and fizzled 5 were up-regulated in
      OSCC cell lines and tissues, and over-expression of fizzled 5 also functioned as
      an oncogene in OSCC cells. Our data demonstrated FTH1P3 facilitated OSCC
      progression by acting as a molecular sponge of miR-224-5p to modulate fizzled 5
      expression. Thus, targeting the ceRNA network referring FTH1P3 may be a
      therapeutic target for treatment of OSCC.

PMID- 28093312
TI  - Palliative Medicine and Preparedness Planning for Patients Receiving Left
      Ventricular Assist Device as Destination Therapy-Challenges to Measuring Impact
      and Change in Institutional Culture.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy (DT
      LVAD) can improve survival, quality of life, and functional capacity in well
      selected patients with advanced heart failure, there remain unique challenges to
      providing quality end-of-life care in this population. Palliative care
      involvement is universally recommended, but how to best operationalize this care
      and measure success is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the process of
      preparedness planning (PP) for patients receiving DT-LVAD at our institution and
      better understand opportunities for quality improvement or procedural
      transferability. METHODS: Retrospective review of 107 consecutive patients
      undergoing DT-LVAD implantation at a single institution between 2009 and 2013.
      Information regarding demographics, advance care planning, and mortality was
      abstracted from the medical record and analyzed. Findings were compared with a
      historical cohort who received DT-LVAD implantation at the same institution
      before the development of PP (2003-2009). RESULTS: Mean age of patients receiving
      DT-LVAD was 64.3 years (SD +/- 10.7). At last follow-up, 46 patients (43%) had
      died. Mean post-DT-LVAD survival in this group was 1.1 years (SD +/- 1.2). Eighty
      nine percent of patient had palliative care consultation before implantation, and
      70% completed PP. Although 66% of patients completed an advance directive (AD)
      preimplantation, only two ADs (2.8%) specifically mentioned DT-LVAD and none
      addressed core elements of PP. AD completion rates improved from 47% before our
      policy on PP (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: A disconnect was evident between the rigor
      of PP discussions and the content of ADs in the medical record. We urge that
      future efforts focus on narrowing this gap.

PMID- 28093313
TI  - Knockdown of nuclease activity in the gut enhances RNAi efficiency in the
      Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, but not in the desert locust,
      Schistocerca gregaria.
AB  - The responsiveness towards orally delivered dsRNA and the potency of a subsequent
      environmental RNA interference (RNAi) response strongly differs between different
      insect species. While some species are very sensitive to dsRNA delivery through
      the diet, others are not. The underlying reasons for this may vary, but
      degradation of dsRNA by nucleases in the gut lumen is believed to play a crucial
      role. The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a voracious
      defoliator of potato crops worldwide, and is currently under investigation for
      novel control methods based on dsRNA treatments. Here we describe the
      identification and characterization of two nuclease genes exclusively expressed
      in the gut of this pest species. Removal of nuclease activity in adults increased
      the sensitivity towards dsRNA and resulted in improved protection of potato
      plants. A similar strategy in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, for which
      we show a far more potent nuclease activity in the gut juice, did however not
      lead to an improvement of the RNAi response. Possible reasons for this are
      discussed. Taken together, the present data confirm a negative effect of
      nucleases in the gut on the environmental RNAi response, and further suggest that
      interfering with this activity is a strategy worth pursuing for improving RNAi
      efficacy in insect pest control applications.

PMID- 28093314
TI  - Remote sensing of multiple vital signs using a CMOS camera-equipped infrared
      thermography system and its clinical application in rapidly screening patients
      with suspected infectious diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infrared thermography (IRT) is used to screen febrile passengers at
      international airports, but it suffers from low sensitivity. This study explored
      the application of a combined visible and thermal image processing approach that
      uses a CMOS camera equipped with IRT to remotely sense multiple vital signs and
      screen patients with suspected infectious diseases. METHODS: An IRT system that
      produced visible and thermal images was used for image acquisition. The subjects'
      respiration rates were measured by monitoring temperature changes around the
      nasal areas on thermal images; facial skin temperatures were measured
      simultaneously. Facial blood circulation causes tiny color changes in visible
      facial images that enable the determination of the heart rate. A logistic
      regression discriminant function predicted the likelihood of infection within
      10s, based on the measured vital signs. Sixteen patients with an influenza-like
      illness and 22 control subjects participated in a clinical test at a clinic in
      Fukushima, Japan. RESULTS: The vital-sign-based IRT screening system had a
      sensitivity of 87.5% and a negative predictive value of 91.7%; these values are
      higher than those of conventional fever-based screening approaches. CONCLUSIONS:
      Multiple vital-sign-based screening efficiently detected patients with suspected
      infectious diseases. It offers a promising alternative to conventional fever
      based screening.

PMID- 28093315
TI  - Using acoustic reflex threshold, auditory brainstem response and loudness
      judgments to investigate changes in neural gain following acute unilateral
      deprivation in normal hearing adults.
AB  - Unilateral auditory deprivation induces a reduction in the acoustic reflex
      threshold (ART) and an increase in loudness. These findings have been interpreted
      as a compensatory change in neural gain, governed by changes in excitatory and
      inhibitory neural inputs. There is also evidence to suggest that changes in
      neural gain can be measured using the auditory brainstem response (ABR). The
      present study extended Munro et al. (2014) [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 135, 315-322] by
      investigating changes after 4 days of unilateral earplug use to: (i) ART, (ii)
      ABR and (iii) loudness. Because changes may occur during the post-deprivation
      test session (day 4), ART measurements were taken 1 h and 2 h post-earplug
      removal. There was a significant reduction in ART in the treatment ear
      immediately after the removal of the earplug, which is consistent with a
      compensatory increase in neural gain. A novel finding was the significant return
      of ARTs to baseline within 2 h of earplug removal. A second novel finding was a
      significant decrease in the mean amplitude of ABR wave V in the treatment ear,
      but a significant increase in the control ear, both after 4 days of deprivation.
      These changes in the ABR are in the opposite direction to those predicted. We
      were unable to replicate the change in loudness reported in previous deprivation
      studies; however, the short period of earplug use may have contributed to this
      null finding.

PMID- 28093316
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of UVB-induced senescence of dermal fibroblasts and its
      relevance for photoaging of the human skin.
AB  - Due to its ability to cross the epidermis and reach the upper dermis where it
      causes cumulative DNA damage and increased oxidative stress, UVB is considered
      the most harmful component of sunlight to the skin. The consequences of chronic
      exposition to UVB are related to photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. There are
      limitations to the study of human skin aging and for this reason the use of
      models is required. Human dermal fibroblasts submitted to mild and repeated doses
      of UVB are considered a versatile model to study UVB effects in the process of
      skin photoaging, which depends on the accumulation of senescent cells, in
      particular in the dermis. Here we provide updated information about the current
      model of UVB-induced senescence with special emphasis on the process of protein
      quality control.

PMID- 28093318
TI  - Massive Vulvar Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus Presenting at Menarche.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidermal nevi are benign hamartomatous growths of the skin that
      present at birth and develop in early childhood often linearly along the "lines
      of Blaschko." Verrucous linear epidermal nevi are the most common epidermal nevi
      and often are located on the trunk or extremities. There is minimal evidence
      regarding vulvar involvement and subsequent management of the associated cosmetic
      deformity in this anatomic location. CASE: An 11-year-old menarchal girl who
      underwent full-thickness dermal excision of a 9.6 * 4.5 * 3.2 cm left benign
      vulvar epidermal nevus (noninflammatory type) with primary reconstruction and
      closure using a mons rotational skin flap. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Surgical
      excision of large vulvar nevi can be achieved with desirable cosmetic outcomes
      with use of rotational skin flaps and primary closure.

PMID- 28093317
TI  - Stem cell therapies in preclinical models of stroke. Is the aged brain
      microenvironment refractory to cell therapy?
AB  - : Stroke is a devastating disease demanding vigorous search for new therapies.
      Initial enthusiasm to stimulate restorative processes in the ischemic brain by
      means of cell-based therapies has meanwhile converted into a more balanced view
      recognizing impediments that may be related to unfavorable age-associated
      environments. Recent results using a variety of drug, cell therapy or combination
      thereof suggest that, (i) treatment with Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G
      CSF) in aged rats has primarily a beneficial effect on functional outcome most
      likely via supportive cellular processes such as neurogenesis; (ii) the
      combination therapy, G-CSF with mesenchymal cells (G-CSF+BM-MSC or G-CSF+BM-MNC)
      did not further improve behavioral indices, neurogenesis or infarct volume as
      compared to G-CSF alone in aged animals; (iii) better results with regard to
      integration of transplanted cells in the aged rat environment have been obtained
      using iPS of human origin; (iv) mesenchymal cells may be used as drug carriers
      for the aged post-stroke brains. CONCLUSION: While the middle aged brain does not
      seem to impair drug and cell therapies, in a real clinical practice involving
      older post-stroke patients, successful regenerative therapies would have to be
      carried out for a much longer time.

PMID- 28093319
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effect of the Salvia sclarea L. ethanolic extract on
      lipopolysaccharide-induced periodontitis in rats.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Salvia sclarea L., clary, is an aromatic plant
      traditionally used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases and
      conditions. Although it has been primarily used as a stomachic, there are data on
      traditional use of S. sclarea as an agent against gingivitis, stomatitis and
      aphthae. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the
      S. sclarea ethanolic extract on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced
      periodontitis in rats from the immunological and histopathological standpoint.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontal inflammation in rats was induced by repeated
      injections of LPS from Escherichia coli into the interdental papilla between the
      first and second right maxillary molars. The extract was administered two times a
      day by oral gavage (200mg/kg body weight). The inflammatory status was assessed
      by the measurements of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) of gingival
      tissues and descriptive analysis of histological sections of periodontium.
      Chemical characterization of the extract was determined using high performance
      liquid chromatography system (HPLC). Antioxidant activity of the extract was
      estimated with two in vitro complementary methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
      and beta-carotene/linoleic acid models. RESULTS: Treatment with S. sclarea
      extract, compared to the untreated group of the rats, significantly diminished
      the process of inflammation decreasing the levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF
      alpha, reducing the gingival tissue lesions and preserving bone alveolar
      resorption. Considerably smaller number of inflammatory cells and larger number
      of fibroblasts was noticed. The administration of the extract three days earlier
      did not have significant preventive effects. Rosmarinic acid was the predominant
      compound in the extract. The extract showed strong antioxidant effects in both
      test systems. CONCLUSIONS: S. sclarea extract manifested anti-inflammatory effect
      in LPS-induced periodontitis suggesting that it may have a role as a therapeutic
      agent in periodontal diseases. Having in mind that overproduction of reactive
      oxygen species is connected to periodontitis, the strong antioxidant capacity may
      be contributable to anti-inflammatory properties of the extract.

PMID- 28093320
TI  - Activation and pathogenic manipulation of the sensors of the innate immune
      system.
AB  - The innate immune system detects the presence of microbes through different
      families of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). PRRs detect pathogens of all
      origins and trigger signaling events that activate innate and adaptive immunity.
      These events need to be tightly regulated in order to ensure optimal activation
      when required, and minimal signaling in the absence of microbial encounters. This
      regulation is achieved, at least in part, through the precise subcellular
      positioning of receptors and downstream signaling proteins. Consequently,
      mislocalization of these proteins inhibits innate immune pathways, and pathogens
      have evolved to alter host protein localization as a strategy to evade immune
      detection. This review describes the importance of subcellular localization of
      various PRR families and their adaptors, and highlights pathogenic immune evasion
      strategies that operate by altering immune protein localization.

PMID- 28093321
TI  - Sulfur compound oxidation and carbon co-assimilation in the haloalkaliphilic
      sulfur oxidizers Thioalkalivibrio versutus and Thioalkalimicrobium aerophilum.
AB  - Alkaliphilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are highly abundant in naturally occurring
      soda lakes, where they are found both in surface waters and sediments. Here we
      studied oxidation of sulfide and thiosulfate in batch cultures of
      Thioalkalimicrobium aerophilum and Thioalkalivibrio versutus, two species that
      represent different metabolic types, as indicated by the absence or presence of
      sulfur production during growth, respectively. With thiosulfate, both species
      showed the expected sulfur oxidation patterns; however, during growth on sulfide,
      both T. aerophilum and T. versutus produced sulfur as an intermediate. While T.
      aerophilum likely uses a Sox-type sulfur oxidation pathway, T. versutus appeared
      to use a combination of some Sox proteins with heterodisulfide reductase
      complexes, which is supported by gene expression data. Interestingly,
      intermediate sulfur production by T. versutus occurred when the sulfur source in
      the medium had been nearly exhausted, which is unlike what has been described for
      the well-studied Dsr/Sox pathway in phototrophic sulfur bacteria. Inclusion of
      some carbon sources (acetate, propionate, fructose) slightly enhanced growth of
      T. versutus and T. aerophilum in batch cultures, suggesting that carbon co
      assimilation may be occurring. Our results indicate that sulfur oxidation
      processes in alkaliphilic sulfur oxidizers are more complex than previously
      assumed, and that the enzymes involved warrant further study.

PMID- 28093322
TI  - Anti-pathogenic and probiotic attributes of Lactobacillus salivarius and
      Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from feces of Algerian infants and
      adults.
AB  - Sixty-seven (67) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates belonging to Lactobacillus
      genus were isolated from human feces and tested for their auto-aggregation and
      cell surface hydrophobicity in order to establish their adhesion capabilities, a
      prerequisite for probiotic selection. Strains with the upmost auto-aggregation
      and cell surface hydrophobicity scores were identified by MALDI-TOF spectrometry
      and 16S rDNA sequencing as Lactobacillus plantarum (p25lb1 and p98lb1) and
      Lactobacillus salivarius (p85lb1 and p104lb1). These strains were also able to
      adhere to human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells, with
      percentages ranging from 4.68 to 9.59%. They displayed good survival under
      conditions mimicking the gastrointestinal environment and remarkably impeded
      adhesion and invasion of human Caco-2 by Listeria monocytogenes and
      Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. It should also be noted that Lb. plantarum
      p98lb1 was able to reduce in vitro cholesterol concentration by about 32%,
      offering an additional health attribute.

PMID- 28093323
TI  - In vitro gastric survival of commercially available probiotic strains and oral
      dosage forms.
AB  - Although the intestinal microbial community is still incompletely understood,
      there is strong evidence of the benefits of using probiotics to address some
      medical states or conditions. As a result, the probiotics oral supplements market
      has exploded during the last few years. However, while their sensitivity to
      gastric juices, acidic pH and bile is well known, most of these oral forms would
      not guarantee any survival of the strains in such conditions. In this work, we
      have studied the resistance to simulated gastric juices of several commercially
      available probiotics products. These included sixteen strains and ten oral forms
      such as enteric/non-enteric capsules/tablets and microencapsulated strains.
      Results demonstrated that all tested strains showed high sensitivity to acidic
      conditions and suggested that most of these microorganisms would not show any
      viability when immersed in the stomach at fasting. Most probiotics oral forms did
      not provide any protection to strains, unless these forms presented strong
      enteric protection. Consequently, the efficacy of non-enteric products to fully
      provide to the patient the benefits related to the consumption of probiotics
      supplement would be strongly questionable. This study underlines the chasm
      between the current opinion about probiotics protection needs and the products
      proposed by many companies in the dietary supplements area.

PMID- 28093324
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, and in-vitro antitumor activity of the polyethylene
      glycol (350 and 1000) succinate derivatives of the tocopherol and tocotrienol
      isomers of Vitamin E.
AB  - Vitamin E refers to a group of saturated tocopherol (T) isomers and the
      biologically more active unsaturated tocotrienol (T3) isomers. PEGylated alpha
      tocopherol, commercially known as Vitamin E TPGS, has been used as an emulsifier
      and therapeutic agent for children with vitamin E deficiency. Limited
      information, however, is available about the PEG conjugates of the tocotrienol
      isomers of vitamin E. The current work was therefore undertaken to synthesize and
      characterize the water soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG 350 and 1000) derivatives
      of T and T3. Yield and the identity of the synthesized products were confirmed by
      1H NMR, mass spectroscopy, HPLC, and thermal analysis. The self-assembly of the
      PEGylated vitamin E isomers in water at critical micelle concentrations (CMC) was
      further confirmed by size, zeta, and Cryo-TEM image analysis. While stable at pH
      7.4, PEG conjugates were found to rapidly hydrolyze at pH 1.2. Our data showed
      that PEGylated T3 isomers were significantly more active as inhibitors for P
      glycoprotein than PEGylated T. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the conjugates was
      also tested against a large panel of normal and tumorigenic cells. Of the
      conjugates, gamma-T3PGS 1000 and delta-T3PGS 1000 were found to have the least
      toxicity against non-tumorigenic breast and pancreatic cell lines, which may be
      advantageous for its use as functional excipients in drug delivery. The results
      from the current work have demonstrated the feasibility of synthesizing PEGylated
      conjugates of vitamin E isomers and highlighted the potential use of these
      conjugates in drug delivery as functional and safer excipients especially for
      gamma-T3PGS 1000 and delta-T3PGS 1000 conjugate.

PMID- 28093325
TI  - Gold nanostar-polymer hybrids for siRNA delivery: Polymer design towards
      colloidal stability and in vitro studies on breast cancer cells.
AB  - To overcome the low bioavailability of siRNA (small interfering RNA) and to
      improve their transfection efficiency, the use of non-viral delivery carriers is
      today a feasible approach to transform the discovery of these incredibly potent
      and versatile drugs into clinical practice. Polymer-modified gold nanoconstructs
      (AuNCs) are currently viewed as efficient and safe intracellular delivery
      carriers for siRNA, as they have the possibility to conjugate the ability to
      stably entrap and deliver siRNAs inside cells with the advantages of gold
      nanoparticles, which can act as theranostic agents and radiotherapy enhancers
      through laser-induced hyperthermia. In this study, AuNCs were prepared by coating
      Gold Nano Stars (GNS) with suitable functionalised polymers, to give new insight
      on the choice of the coating in order to obtain colloidal stability, satisfying
      in vitro transfection behaviour and reliability in terms of homogeneous results
      upon GNS type changing. For this goal, GNS synthesized with three different sizes
      and shapes were coated with two different polymers: i) alpha-mercapto-omega-amino
      polyethylene glycol 3000Da (SH-PEG3000-NH2), a hydrophilic linear polymer; ii)
      PHEA-PEG2000-EDA-LA (PPE-LA), an amphiphilic hydroxyethylaspartamide copolymer
      containing a PEG moiety. Both polymers contain SH or SS groups for anchoring on
      gold surface and NH2 groups, which can be protonated in order to obtain a
      positive surface for successive siRNA layering. The effect of the features of the
      coating polymers on siRNA layering, and the extent of intracellular uptake and
      luciferase gene silencing effect were evaluated for each of the obtained coated
      GNS. The results highlight that amphiphilic biocompatible polymers with multi
      grafting function are more suitable for ensuring the colloidal stability and the
      effectiveness of these colloidal systems, compared to the coating with linear
      PEG.

PMID- 28093326
TI  - In vivo pharmacokinetic studies and intracellular delivery of methotrexate by
      means of glycine-tethered PLGA-based polymeric micelles.
AB  - Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used drug for the management of various kinds of
      cancers. However, numerous challenges are associated with MTX like poor aqueous
      solubility, dose-dependent side effects and poor-bioavailability. With an aim to
      explore the potential benefits in drug delivery of MTX, it was intended to
      fabricate glycine-PLGA-based polymeric micelles. Glycine was chemically linked to
      PLGA and the linkage was confirmed by FT-IR, and NMR-Spectroscopy. The developed
      polymeric micelles offered substantial loading to MTX with a pH-dependent drug
      release profile. The drug was released maximally at the cancer cell pH vis-a-vis
      blood plasma pH. The cytotoxicity of drug against MDA-MB-231 cell lines was
      enhanced by approx. 100% and the confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the
      localization of dye-tagged nanocarriers in the interiors of cancer cells. The
      bioavailable fraction of the drug was increased by approx. 4-folds, whereas
      elimination half-life was enhanced by around two-folds in Wistar rats. The novel
      approach offers a biodegradable and promising carrier for the better delivery of
      anticancer agents with immense promises of efficacy enhancement, improved
      delivery and better pharmacokinetic profile.

PMID- 28093327
TI  - Amorphous solid dispersion of cyclosporine A prepared with fine droplet drying
      process: Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characterization.
AB  - The present study aimed to develop an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) of
      cyclosporine A (CsA) by a fine droplet drying (FDD) process for improvement in
      oral absorption of CsA. CsA and hydroxypropyl cellulose-SSL were dissolved in 1,4
      dioxane, and the solution was powdered by the FDD process to obtain the ASD
      formulation of CsA (ASD/CsA). The ASD/CsA was characterized in terms of
      morphology, particle size distribution, crystallinity, dissolution behavior,
      physicochemical stability, and pharmacokinetic behavior in rats. The ASD/CsA was
      obtained in the form of uniform spherical particles, and the span factor was
      calculated to be ca. 0.4. CsA in the formulation existed in an amorphous state.
      The ASD/CsA exhibited a higher dissolution behavior of CsA than amorphous CsA,
      whereas storage of the ASD/CsA under accelerated conditions led to impairment in
      the dissolution behavior. The constant release of CsA from non-aged ASD/CsA was
      observed during dissolution testing. After oral administration of CsA samples
      (10mg-CsA/kg) in rats, the ASD/CsA showed a high and sustained plasma
      concentration of CsA as evidenced by a 18-fold increase in the oral
      bioavailability of CsA compared with amorphous CsA. From these findings, the FDD
      process might be an efficacious option for the ASD formulation of CsA with
      enhanced biopharmaceutics properties.

PMID- 28093328
TI  - Cinnamaldehyde induces apoptosis and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      through inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Cinnamaldehyde, the main chemical component of the essential oil separated from
      the traditional herb Cinnamomum cassia, has been demonstrated to be an efficient
      cytotoxic agent against several human cancers. The present experiment showed that
      cinnamaldehyde dose-dependently depresses the proliferation of three types of
      NSCLC cells and induces cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover,
      cinnamaldehyde attenuated CoCl2-induced EMT and decreased matrix metalloprotease
      (MMP) family while the in vivo study showed the same trend. Mechanistically,
      cinnamaldehyde imitated the suppressive effect of XAV939 on cell motility and EMT
      which could be impaired by LiCl. Collectively, our research demonstrated for the
      first time that cinnamaldehyde is able to inhibit NSCLC cell growth by inducing
      apoptosis and reverse EMT through terminating Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, which
      might supply further insight into cinnamaldehyde-mediated anti-tumor effect
      against NSCLC for better prognosis.

PMID- 28093329
TI  - Antioxidant, antitumor and immunostimulatory activities of the polypeptide from
      Pleurotus eryngii mycelium.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, antitumor and
      immunological activities of the polypeptide from Pleurotus eryngii mycelium
      (PEMP). The ability of the polypeptide to stimulate Ana-1 macrophages to englobe
      neutral red, secrete NO, H2O2, TNF-alpha, and IL-6, increase TLR2 and TLR4
      expression levels and Ana-1 cell survival rate were investigated to study its
      immunocompetence. Its antitumor activities were studied by examining the survival
      of cervical, breast, and stomach cancer cells. The antioxidant activities of the
      polypeptide were studied by examining its reducing power and its ability to
      scavenge DPPH, O2-, and OH radicals. The results showed that the PEMP was a good
      antioxidant with antitumor and immunostimulatory activities that was
      concentration dependent. At concentrations from 0.05 to 2mg/mL, it inhibited the
      proliferation of cancer cells, but promoted the proliferation of macrophages, TNF
      alpha and IL-6 secretion, TLR2 and TLR4 expression and increased macrophage
      phagocytic ability through NO and H2O2 release. From 0.2 to 1mg/mL, the
      polypeptide had strong reducing power to clear free radical of DPPH, O2-, OH-,
      with a concentration-response relationship. Based on these results, PEMP has
      potential applications in functional foods as a natural anti-aging and anti-virus
      agent with antioxidant and immunostimulatory activities.

PMID- 28093330
TI  - Effect of solution plasma process with bubbling gas on physicochemical properties
      of chitosan.
AB  - In the present work, solution plasma process (SPP) with bubbling gas was used to
      prepare oligochitosan. The effect of SPP irradiation with bubbling gas on the
      degradation of chitosan was evaluated by the intrinsic viscosity reduction rate
      and the degradation kinetic. The formation of OH radical was studied. Changes of
      the physicochemical properties of chitosan were measured by scanning electron
      microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis, as well as
      ultraviolet-visible, Fourier-transform infrared, and 13C nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy. The results indicated an obvious decrease in the
      intrinsic viscosity reduction rate after SPP irradiation with bubbling gas, and
      that the rate with bubbling was higher than that without. The main chemical
      structure of chitosan remained intact after irradiation, but changes in the
      morphology, crystallinity, and thermal stability of oligochitosan were observed.
      In particular, the crystallinity and thermal stability tended to decrease. The
      present study indicated that SPP can be effectively used for the degradation of
      chitosan.

PMID- 28093331
TI  - Synthesis of 2-alkenyl-3-butoxypropyl guar gum with enhanced rheological
      properties.
AB  - A new guar gum derivative was synthesized though the nucleophilic substitution of
      sodium hydroxide-activated guar gum with n-butyl glycidyl (BGE) ether. The
      physicochemical properties of 2-alkenyl-3-butoxypropyl guar gum (ABPG) were
      characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared
      spectrometry (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric analyses
      (TGA). The results showed that sodium hydroxide can be effectively substituted
      with BGE to form the ABPG. The steady and dynamic rheological properties of the
      aqueous solution and ABPG gel were determined using an RS6000 rheometer. Compared
      with the guar gum, ABPG enhanced the thickening property and improved the
      solution stability. The ABPG gel exhibited good temperature resistance and shear
      stability properties.

PMID- 28093332
TI  - Chitin and chitinase: Role in pathogenicity, allergenicity and health.
AB  - Chitin, a polysaccharide with particular abundance in fungi, nematodes and
      arthropods is immunogenic. It acts as a threat to other organisms, to tackle
      which they have been endowed with chitinase enzyme. Even if this enzyme is not
      present in all organisms, they possess proteins having chitin-binding domain(s)
      (ChtBD). Many lethal viruses like Ebola, and HCV (Hepatitis C virus) have these
      domains to manipulate their carriers and target organisms. In keeping with the
      basic rule of survival, the self-origin (own body component) chitins and
      chitinases are protective, but that of non-self origin (from other organisms) are
      detrimental to health. The exogenous chitins and chitinases provoke human innate
      immunity to generate a deluge of inflammatory cytokines, which injure organs
      (leading to asthma, atopic dermatitis etc.), and in persistent situations lead to
      death (multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE), cancer, etc.).
      Unfortunately, chitin-chitinase-stimulated hypersensitivity is a common cause of
      occupational allergy. On the other hand, chitin, and its deacetylated derivative
      chitosan are increasingly proving useful in pharmaceutical, agriculture, and
      biocontrol applications. This critical review discusses the complex nexus of
      chitin and chitinase and assesses both their pathogenic as well as utilitarian
      aspects.

PMID- 28093333
TI  - Characterization of oral disintegrating film of peanut skin extract-Potential
      route for buccal delivery of phenolic compounds.
AB  - This paper aimed to develop and characterize oral disintegrating films (ODF)
      based on gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) incorporated with
      peanut skin extract (PSE) as phenolic compounds vehicle. Films were prepared by
      casting technique varying the polymer ratio (GEL:HPMC 100:0, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25,
      0:100) and PSE concentration (20 and 30g/100g film-forming solution).
      Formulations with high content of gelatin presented insoluble complex possibly
      due to cross-linking between gelatin and polyphenols. For formulations which
      gelatin was in a minority or equal concentration of HPMC, the increase in the PSE
      concentration favored the association of rich phases in gelatin and HPMC. This
      also increased inter- and intramolecular bonding which led to a more compact
      matrix and reduction of films elongation and tensile strength around 45%. The
      HPMC film with PSE (20%) presented tensile strength of 26.63+/-1.89MPa,
      elongation of 4.97+/-0.41%, contact angle of 67.17+/-0.41 degrees  and
      disintegration time of 17.87+/-1.77s. In the in vitro release profile, 80% of
      phenolics were released in 5min, and in accelerated stability test the films
      retained 60% of the total phenolic compounds. HPMC-based film can be a good
      alternative to vehicle the active compounds present in peanut skin.

PMID- 28093334
TI  - In vitro antitumor and antiangiogenic effects of Bothropoidin, a
      metalloproteinase from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom.
AB  - Breast cancer is a highly malignant carcinoma and remains the second leading
      cause of mortality among women. The antitumor effects of metalloproteinases and
      disintegrins from snake venom on various types of cancer cells have been
      investigated. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor and antiangiogenic
      effects on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and endothelial cells induced by
      Bothropoidin, a disintegrin-like metalloproteinase isolated from Bothrops
      pauloensis snake venom. At 24h after treatment at 100MUg/mL, Bothropoidin exerted
      a moderate cytotoxic effect of 30% on MDA-MB-231 versus 10% cytotoxicity against
      MCF10A (a non-tumorigenic breast cell line), a significant difference that
      suggests a possible preference by this protein for targets in cancer cells. Early
      and late apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 was observed after Bothropoidin treatment
      (10MUg/mL and 40MUg/mL). Furthermore, this toxin inhibited not only the adhesion
      of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner but also cell migration by
      approximately 45%. In addition, Bothropoidin decreased endothelial cells
      viability and adhesion in Matrigel and inhibited in vitro angiogenesis in
      Matrigel stimulated by bFGF, showing significantly fewer formed vessels. The
      results demonstrated that Bothropoidin has potent in vitro antitumor and
      antiangiogenic effect and represents a biotechnological tool for elucidating the
      antitumor effect of disintegrins-like metalloproteinases in cancer cells.

PMID- 28093335
TI  - Intracoerulear microinjection of orexin-A induces morphine withdrawal-like signs
      in rats.
AB  - Orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptides play a pivotal role in expression of opioid
      withdrawal signs. Hypothalamic orexinergic neurons provide dense afferents for
      the nucleus locus coeruleus (LC). Somatic signs of opioid withdrawal are
      associated with the enhanced activity of LC neurons. In addition, intra-LC
      administration of orexin-A leads to the hyperactivity of LC neurons. The present
      study was an attempt to investigate whether intra-LC microinjection of orexin-A
      induces morphine withdrawal-like signs in both morphine dependent and control
      rats. To end this, adult male Wistar rats weighing 250-300g were used. For
      induction of morphine dependence, animals received morphine sulfate
      subcutaneously (10mg/kg, s.c.) at an interval of 12h for 9days. On day 10, intra
      LC orexin injection (100MUM, 200nl) was carried out two hours after last morphine
      administration. Morphine withdrawal-like signs were assessed in a transparent
      Plexiglas test chamber (30cm diameter, 50cm height) for 25min. Orexin-A
      microinjection induced some morphine withdrawal-like signs in both morphine
      dependent (chewing, scratching, rearing, teeth chattering, wet-dog shake and paw
      tremor) and control (chewing, scratching, rearing, sniffing, wet-dog shake and
      head tremor) rats. Furthermore, microinjection of SB-334867, a selective orexin
      type-1 receptor antagonist before orexin-A significantly suppressed orexin
      induced morphine withdrawal-like signs. It seems that orexin-A, via increasing
      the activity of LC neurons, mediates the induction of some morphine withdrawal
      like signs independent of morphine dependence.

PMID- 28093336
TI  - Peripheral nerve injury potentiates excitatory synaptic transmission in locus
      coeruleus neurons.
AB  - Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is believed to cause maladaptive changes at
      synaptic level, leading to neuropathic pain which is difficult to treat with
      common analgesic drugs. Noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons have a crucial
      role in neuropathic pain modulation. In this study we examined whether chronic
      constriction injury (CCI) could affect glutamatergic synaptic transmission in LC
      neurons. CCI was performed on P10 to P12 Sprague Dawley pups. Seven days after
      CCI, horizontal slices of brainstem (300MUm thick) were prepared and whole-cell
      patch clamp recording was performed. Evoked and spontaneous excitatory
      postsynaptic currents (eEPSC and sEPSC) were recorded from LC neurons at a
      holding potential of -70mV, in the presence of bicuculline (20MUM). The sEPSCs
      recorded from LC neurons of neuropathic rats showed a significant increase in
      amplitude, but not in frequency. The eEPSC amplitude in neurons of rats under
      gone CCI was significantly increased compared to the control group (P<0.05). The
      paired pulse ratio (PPR) elicited with different inter-stimulus intervals (50
      250ms) did not show any difference between neurons of CCI and control pups. This
      study shows that PNI increases excitatory synaptic transmission in LC neurons
      7days after chronic constriction injury. The observed synaptic potentiation is
      mainly due to postsynaptic mechanisms.

PMID- 28093337
TI  - NK cell phenotypic and functional shifts coincide with specific clinical phases
      in the natural history of chronic HBV infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic HBV infection can be divided into 4 distinct clinical phases:
      immune tolerant, immune active, inactive carrier, and HBeAg-negative hepatitis.
      Using a systems biology approach, we recently identified innate immune response
      components, specifically NK cells as a distinctive factor of specific HBV
      clinical phases. To expand on this study and identify the underlying
      immunological mechanisms, we performed a comprehensive profiling of NK cells in
      chronic HBV infection. METHODS: Peripheral blood from untreated chronic HBV
      patients was used to analyze phenotypic markers, as well as cytokine production
      and cytoxicity of NK cells. RESULTS: The overall composition, phenotype, and
      cytolytic activity of the NK cells remained constant across all clinical phases,
      with the exception of a few specific markers (KIRs, NKp46). CD56bright NK cells
      of chronic HBV patients differed in their ability to produce IFN-gamma between
      the clinical phases pre- and post-HBeAg seroconversion. CONCLUSION: This depicts
      a shift in NK cell characteristics between the immune active, under heavy viral
      or immune pressure, and inactive carrier phases, that coincides with HBeAg
      seroconversion. Although these changes in NK cells do not appear to be completely
      responsible for differences in liver damage characteristic of specific clinical
      phases, they could provide a step toward understanding immune dysregulation in
      chronic HBV infection.

PMID- 28093338
TI  - A virus-like particle vaccination strategy expands its tolerance to H3N2
      antigenic drift by enhancing neutralizing antibodies against hemagglutinin stalk.
AB  - Seasonal influenza viruses impact public health annually due to their continual
      evolution. However, the current inactivated seasonal vaccines provide poor
      protection against antigenically drifted viruses and require periodical
      reformulation through hit-and-miss predictions about which strains will circulate
      during the next season. To reduce the impact caused by vaccine mismatch, we
      investigated the drift-tolerance of virus-like particles (VLP) as an improved
      vaccine candidate. The cross-protective humoral immunity elicited by the H3N2-VLP
      vaccine constructed for the 2011-2012 season was examined against viruses
      isolated from 2010 to 2015 in Taiwan evolving chronologically through clades 1,
      4, 5, 3B and 3C, as well as viruses that were circulating globally in 2005, 2007
      and 2009. Mouse immunization results demonstrated that H3N2-VLP vaccine elicited
      superior immunological breadth in comparison with the cognate conventional whole
      inactivated virus (WIV) vaccine. Titers of neutralizing antibodies against
      heterologous strains representing each epidemic period in the VLP group were
      significantly higher than in the WIV group, indicating the antibody repertoire
      induced by the H3N2-VLPs was insensitive to viral antigenic drift over a span of
      at least 10 years. Noticeably, H3N2-VLP elicited higher levels of anti-stalk
      antibodies than H3N2-WIV, which offset the ineffectiveness caused by antigenic
      drift. This advantageous effect was attributed to the uncleaved precursor of
      their HA proteins. These results suggest a mechanism through which VLP-induced
      humoral immunity may better tolerate the evolutionary dynamics of influenza
      viruses and point to the possible use of a VLP vaccine as a method by which the
      requirement for annual updates of seasonal influenza vaccines may be diminished.

PMID- 28093339
TI  - Short-term clinical safety profile of brincidofovir: A favorable benefit-risk
      proposition in the treatment of smallpox.
AB  - Brincidofovir (BCV, CMX001) is an orally available, long-acting, broad-spectrum
      antiviral that has been evaluated in healthy subjects in Phase I studies and in
      hematopoietic cell transplant recipients and other immunocompromised patients in
      Phase II/III clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus
      and adenovirus infections. BCV has also shown in vitro activity against
      orthopoxviruses such as variola (smallpox) virus, and is under advanced
      development as a treatment for smallpox under the US FDA's 'Animal Rule'. The
      anticipated treatment regimen for smallpox is a total weekly dose of 200 mg
      administered orally for 3 consecutive weeks. To assess the benefit-to-risk
      profile of BCV for the treatment of smallpox, we evaluated short-term safety data
      associated with comparable doses from Phase I studies and from adult and
      pediatric subjects in the cytomegalovirus and adenovirus clinical programs. When
      administered at doses and durations similar to that proposed for the treatment of
      smallpox, BCV was generally well tolerated in both adults and pediatric subjects.
      The most common adverse events were mild gastrointestinal events and
      asymptomatic, transient, and reversible elevations in serum transaminases. The
      data presented herein indicate a favorable safety profile for BCV for the
      treatment of smallpox, and support its continued development for this indication.

PMID- 28093340
TI  - Bacteriological profile of ocular surface flora in meibomian gland dysfunction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the bacteriological profile of meibomian gland secretion and
      conjunctival cul-de-sac in subjects with and without meibomian gland dysfunction
      (MGD). METHODS: This hospital-based study enrolled 201 eyes from 201 MGD patients
      and 84 eyes from 84 age- and gender-matched controls. Samples from the
      conjunctivae and meibomian gland secretion were obtained. Both aerobic and
      anaerobic cultures were performed. Differences in the culture-positivity and
      bacterial strains between two groups were compared. RESULTS: 36.9% and 10.7% of
      the control meibomian gland secretion recovered aerobes and anaerobes,
      respectively. A higher rate of aerobic (44.0%) and similar rate of anaerobic
      (10.7%) bacteria were isolated from the conjunctival cul-de-sac in these
      controls. Patients with MGD showed significantly higher positive culture rates
      from both the meibomian gland secretion (75.6% for aerobes and 34.3% for
      anaerobes) and conjunctival cul-de-sac (64.7% for aerobes and 30.8% for
      anaerobes). All p values were <= 0.001. In both groups and at either location,
      the predominant species isolated were Staphylococcus epidermidis (aerobes) and
      Propionibacterium acnes (anaerobes). Of note, the MGD patients harbor a much more
      complex bacterial profile than the controls. CONCLUSION: Both aerobic and
      anaerobic bacteria can be isolated from the ocular surface of healthy subjects.
      Patients with MGD demonstrate significantly higher culture positivity and more
      complex bacterial profiles than the controls. Bacterial related cytotoxicity
      and/or inflammation may contribute to the pathological process of MGD.

PMID- 28093342
TI  - March 2017 Editor-in-Chief Letter.

PMID- 28093341
TI  - Physicians, Poverty, and Profits: Can Robin Hood Finance Health Care in
      Developing Countries?

PMID- 28093343
TI  - Moyamoya and Inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 50 years have elapsed since moyamoya disease was initially
      described; however, the disease etiology remains unknown. Although certain
      genetic loci and immunologic characteristics are associated with moyamoya
      disease, this does not fully explain its pathophysiology. An association with
      inflammatory disease has been postulated but not rigorously explored. We sought
      to examine the epidemiologic association of moyamoya and inflammatory diseases by
      analyzing data from a large administrative database. METHODS: The National
      Inpatient Sample database for 2009-2012 was obtained. The diagnoses of moyamoya
      disease and inflammatory diseases were made using the International
      Classification of Disease, 9th revision. Sample prevalence, sex, age, and
      admission type were recorded. Patients were grouped into inflammatory disease
      clusters on the basis of the presence of diagnosis codes for atherosclerotic,
      adult-onset autoimmune, and juvenile-onset autoimmune diseases. RESULTS: There
      were 2633 total admissions for moyamoya disease. Atherosclerotic (P < 0.05) and
      juvenile-onset autoimmune disease (P < 0.05) were associated with moyamoya
      disease in both pediatric and adult patient groups. Adult-onset autoimmune
      disease was associated with moyamoya disease in pediatric (P < 0.05) but not
      adult groups. CONCLUSION: Moyamoya is associated with inflammatory disease
      clusters in both pediatric and adult populations. Further studies are warranted
      to investigate the pathophysiologic association between moyamoya disease and
      inflammatory disease processes.

PMID- 28093344
TI  - Unusual Intracerebral Presentation of a Myxoid Neurofibroma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neurofibromas are benign nerve sheath tumors that usually affect
      peripheral nerves and are related to neurofibromatosis type 1; however, they have
      not been described as a cause of intraparenchymal brain tumor. CASE DESCRIPTION:
      We report a case of intracranial myxoid neurofibroma in a 19-year-old female
      patient manifested as an intense and progressive cephalea, followed by nausea,
      vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Computed tomography and magnetic
      resonance imaging showed an extant, expansive left frontoparietal
      parafalcine/parasagittal tumor. Histopathologic examination determined S-100
      protein and CD34 positivity, as well as sparse expression of Ki67 protein, and
      indicated Schwann cells with characteristic wavy nuclei and intraneural
      fibroblasts in a myxoid background. Together, these observations characterized
      the tumor as myxoid neurofibroma. The tumor was excised, and the patient
      recovered without deficits and with no signs of recurrence after 6 years of
      follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This is a novel presentation of a myxoid neurofibroma.
      The tumorigenesis mechanisms are likely complex and possibly involve the
      differentiation of Schwann cells present in adrenergic autonomic nerves in the
      subarachnoid arterial branches or in trigeminal nerves present in the meningeal
      convexity.

PMID- 28093345
TI  - Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Melanoma Brain Metastases: A Comprehensive Clinical
      Case Series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melanoma has high propensity to metastasize to the brain. With recent
      gains in improving patient survival, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may offer an
      effective and less neurotoxic alternative to whole-brain radiation. In the study,
      we report on the safety and efficacy of SRS in treating melanoma brain metastases
      in 87 patients. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study examined 87
      patients with 309 metastases who underwent single-dose or multifractionated SRS
      for treatment of intracranial metastases from malignant melanoma. RESULTS: A
      total of 87 patients with a median age of 62 years (26-85) were treated from 2007
      2014. Eighty patients (92%) also had extracranial metastases at time of
      treatment, and 69 patients (79%) had uncontrolled systemic disease. Seventy-nine
      patients (91%) underwent single-dose fractions, 7 (8%) underwent 3 fractions, and
      1 (1%) was treated in 5 fractions. The mean tumor volume (GTV) treated was 1.92
      cc. Five patients developed symptoms of acute phase toxicity, and 4 developed
      late phase toxicity. None had radionecrosis. The median survival was 6 months.
      The Kaplan-Meier 1-year survival rate was 31%, and the 1-year local control rate
      was 91%. The 1-year survival rate for BRAF-positive patients was 42%, and for
      BRAF-negative patients it was 27%. Forty-two patients (48%) had distant
      intracranial recurrences, and 1-year distant control rate was 32%. CONCLUSIONS:
      SRS is a safe and effective treatment option for intracranial metastases from
      malignant melanoma. This paper serves as a reference for what is achievable in
      the absence of highly effective systemic therapy.

PMID- 28093346
TI  - Impact of Obesity on Complications and 30-Day Readmission Rates After Cranial
      Surgery: A Single-Institutional Study of 224 Consecutive Craniotomy/Craniectomy
      Procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is increasing at a disparaging rate in the
      United States. Although previous studies have associated obesity with increased
      surgical complications and readmission rates, the impact of obesity on surgical
      outcomes after cranial surgery remains understudied. The aim of this study is to
      assess the effect of obesity on complication and 30-day readmission rates after
      cranial surgery. METHODS: The medical records of 224 consecutive patients
      (nonobese, n = 164; obese, n = 60) undergoing either craniotomy or craniectomy at
      a major academic institution in 2011 were reviewed. Preoperative body mass index
      equal to or greater than 30 kg/m2 was classified as obese. The primary outcome
      investigated in this study was the rate of intraoperative and postoperative
      complications and 30-day readmissions after craniectomy/craniotomy. RESULTS:
      Baseline patient characteristics and comorbidities were similar between the
      cohorts. The mean body mass indexes for both cohorts were significantly different
      (nonobese, 22.8 +/- 4.2 kg/m2 vs. obese, 45.1 +/- 15.9 kg/m2; P < 0.0001). Most
      patients underwent tumor excision in both cohorts (nonobese, 64.0% vs. obese,
      66.7%; P = 0.75). Compared with the nonobese cohort, the obese cohort had
      significantly higher estimated blood loss (nonobese, 209.9 +/- 201.3 mL vs.
      obese, 284.9 +/- 250.0 mL; P = 0.04), but similar length of operation (nonobese,
      187.3 +/- 89.4 minutes vs. obese, 209.6 +/- 100.5; P = 0.14). Length of hospital
      stay and rate of postoperative complications were similar between both cohorts.
      Obese patients had increased rate of 30-day readmission, but this was not
      statistically significant (nonobese, 3.1% vs. obese, 6.7%; P = 0.25).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that obesity may not have a significant impact on
      surgical outcomes after cranial surgery.

PMID- 28093347
TI  - A Novel Invasive-Related Biomarker in Three Subtypes of Nonfunctioning Pituitary
      Adenomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify biomarkers key to invasiveness of the 3 subtypes of
      nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) and provide a guidance for therapeutic
      decision making and identification of potential adjuvant drugs. METHODS: Fifty
      NFPA tumor tissues obtained from transsphenoidal surgery were used in the study.
      Three invasive NFPAs and 4 noninvasive NFPAs were used for gene expression
      microarray analyses. In addition, there are 5 invasive NFPAs and 4 noninvasive
      NFPAs used for proteomic analyses. Invasive-related biomarkers were identified by
      bioinformatics analysis by integrating the transcriptomics and proteomics data
      sets. All 3 subtypes of NFPAs (null cell adenomas, oncocytomas, and gonadotroph
      adenomas) were used to validate differentially expressed candidate biomarkers by
      means of quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
      and Western blot. The level of EZR was downregulated in pituitary adenoma cell
      line GH3 to investigate the invasive effect of EZR on GH3 cells by using the RNA
      interference technique. RESULTS: Eight genes involved in the invasion function
      were found by bioinformatics analysis, and the EZR gene was identified as a novel
      invasive-related biomarker in the 3 subtypes of NFPAs. The expression level of
      EZR was found higher in terms of invasiveness than the noninvasive ones of the 3
      subtypes of NFPAs. Moreover, the knockdown of EZR inhibited the invasion of GH3
      cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: EZR is a novel biomarker in terms of invasion among
      the 3 subtypes of NFPAs, and it is a promising guide for therapeutic decision
      making as well.

PMID- 28093348
TI  - Caudally Directed Inferior Facetal and Transfacetal Screws for C1-C2 and C1-2-3
      Fixation.
AB  - An alternative caudally directed C2 inferior facetal screw is described. Such
      screw insertion can form the axial stabilization point in cases undergoing
      atlantoaxial lateral mass plate/rod and screw fixation and those undergoing C1-2
      and C1-2-3 spinal fixation. The C2 screw courses from the medial point of the
      pedicle-laminar junction and travels caudally and laterally toward the C2-3
      articulation. Deploying a longer screw that traverses in a transarticular fashion
      into the facetal mass of C3 vertebra, one can perform C1-2-3 stabilization.
      Sixteen patients underwent C2 inferior facetal or C2-3 transarticular screw in
      combination with a C1 screw for atlantoaxial fixation. Three of these patients
      with multilevel spinal instability underwent atlantoaxial and C2-3 fixation using
      the discussed technique. The technical issues, anatomic subtleties, and
      indication for use of the C2 inferior facetal screws are discussed. With an
      average follow-up of 9 months, all screws have successfully provided stability
      that resulted in arthrodesis of the treated spinal segments. A caudally directed
      C2 inferior facetal screw can enhance the armamentarium of the surgeon, provide
      an alternative to conventional techniques or a bailout option, and add to the
      safety of the procedure of atlantoaxial lateral mass fixation in anatomically
      challenged situations.

PMID- 28093349
TI  - Combining Internal Carotid Ligation with Low-Flow Bypass for Treating Large-Giant
      Cavernous Sinus Segment Aneurysms: A Report of Four Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We summarize the treatment effectiveness and experience of 4 patients
      who underwent internal carotid ligation combined with low-flow bypass as a
      treatment for large-giant cavernous sinus segment (CS ICA) aneurysms. METHODS:
      Surgery-suitable patients with large-giant CS ICA aneurysms received internal
      carotid ligation combined with low-flow superficial temporal artery-middle
      cerebral artery bypass surgery. All the patients were followed up for aneurysm
      prognosis, anastomosis patency, and occurrences of low-flow-related ischemic
      complications. RESULTS: Four suitable cases between 2012 and 2015 were studied.
      They consisted of 1 man and 3 women, with the mean age of 56.3 +/- 11.9 years.
      Maximum and minimum aneurysm diameter were 26 mm and 20 mm, respectively, with an
      average of 22.3 +/- 2.6 mm. During surgery, the mean blockage time of the middle
      cerebral artery was 19.3 +/- 1.3 minutes. Postoperative computed tomography
      angiography examination indicated that thrombosis could be found in the aneurysm
      lumen. No patient was found with low-flow-related ischemic complications after
      surgery. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 25.0 +/- 10.4 months. During
      the follow-up period, no patient showed low-flow-related ischemic complications
      or aneurysm recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with large-giant CS ICA
      aneurysms, treatment of internal carotid ligation combined with low-flow
      superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass surgery was an
      effective and safe surgical strategy. To improve surgery safety and for
      appropriate selection of surgery cases, the details, risks, and benefits
      associated with the surgery should be considered by the surgeon.

PMID- 28093350
TI  - A visual screen for diet-regulated proteins in the Drosophila ovary using GFP
      protein trap lines.
AB  - The effect of diet on reproduction is well documented in a large number of
      organisms; however, much remains to be learned about the molecular mechanisms
      underlying this connection. The Drosophila ovary has a well described, fast and
      largely reversible response to diet. Ovarian stem cells and their progeny
      proliferate and grow faster on a yeast-rich diet than on a yeast-free (poor)
      diet, and death of early germline cysts, degeneration of early vitellogenic
      follicles and partial block in ovulation further contribute to the ~60-fold
      decrease in egg laying observed on a poor diet. Multiple diet-dependent factors,
      including insulin-like peptides, the steroid ecdysone, the nutrient sensor Target
      of Rapamycin, AMP-dependent kinase, and adipocyte factors mediate this complex
      response. Here, we describe the results of a visual screen using a collection of
      green fluorescent protein (GFP) protein trap lines to identify additional factors
      potentially involved in this response. In each GFP protein trap line, an
      artificial GFP exon is fused in frame to an endogenous protein, such that the GFP
      fusion pattern parallels the levels and subcellular localization of the
      corresponding native protein. We identified 53 GFP-tagged proteins that exhibit
      changes in levels and/or subcellular localization in the ovary at 12-16 hours
      after switching females from rich to poor diets, suggesting them as potential
      candidates for future functional studies.

PMID- 28093351
TI  - In vitro uptake and transport studies of PEG-PLGA polymeric micelles in
      respiratory epithelial cells.
AB  - Polymeric micelles are considered promising carriers for pulmonary drug delivery.
      Their interaction with the respiratory epithelium, however, is mostly unknown. In
      the present study, methoxypoly (ethylene glycol) (mPEG)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic
      acid) (PLGA) micelles containing curcumin acetate (CA) or a mixture of CA and
      Nile Red (NR) were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. Calu-3 and NCI
      H441 human respiratory epithelial cell monolayers were used as in vitro models of
      upper and lower respiratory tract epithelium barrier, respectively, to study the
      cellular uptake and transport of the vesicles. The results show that Calu-3 and
      NCI-H441 cells internalized micellar particles and that micelles were able to
      translocate across the cell monolayers. Micelles were more readily internalized
      into and permeated across Calu-3 cell monolayers when compared to NCI-H441 cells.
      Furthermore, the presence of inhibitors of endocytic processes, such as methyl
      beta-cyclodextrin, NaN3 and hypertonic sucrose attenuated the cellular uptake and
      trafficking of micelles. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that mPEG-PLGA
      micelles translocate human respiratory epithelium in vitro through clathrin-,
      energy- and cholesterol-mediated endocytosis.

PMID- 28093352
TI  - CYP24A1 loss of function: Clinical phenotype of monoallelic and biallelic
      mutations.
AB  - CYP24A1, encoding the vitamin D-24-hydroxylase, is of major clinical and
      physiologic importance, serving to regulate the catabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D, the
      physiologically active vitamin D metabolite. In addition to facilitating
      catabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D, CYP24A1 also enhances the turnover and elimination of
      25-OHD, the abundant precursor metabolite and storage form of the vitamin.
      CYP24A1 can be stimulated hormonally by 1,25-(OH)2D and by FGF23, whereas
      CYP27B1, encoding the vitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase, is stimulated hormonally by
      parathyroid hormone (PTH) and downregulated by FGF23. Thus CYP24A1 and CYP27B1,
      together, provide for alternate and regulated fates of 25-OHD, and control the
      availability of the active metabolite, 1,25-(OH)2D, depending upon physiologic
      needs. These two enzymes, are therefore central to the homeostatic control of
      vitamin D metabolism, and as a result affect calcium metabolism in critical ways.
      Disruption of CYP24A1 in mice results in elevated circulating 1,25-(OH)2D,
      substantiating the importance of the enzyme in the maintenance of vitamin D
      metabolism. The consequential skeletal phenotype in these mice further
      demonstrates the biologic sequelae of the disruption of the vitamin D pathway,
      and illustrates a specific developmental pathology mediated largely by oversupply
      of 1,25-(OH)2D. More recent evidence has identified loss of function mutations in
      CYP24A1 in association with hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis in
      humans. Initial reports described certain variant mutations in CYP24A1 as an
      unrecognized cause of "Idiopathic Infantile Hypercalcemia," and more recently
      older children and adults have been identified with a similar phenotype. Over 25
      likely disease-causing variants are described. Homozygous and compound
      heterozygote mutations account for the overwhelming majority of cases, however
      the heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of CYP24A1 do not appear to
      consistently result in symptomatic hypercalcemia. Considerations ripe for
      exploration include the potential role for such mutations in the tolerance to
      challenges to the calcium homeostatic system, such as changes in dietary calcium
      intake, vitamin D supplementation, sunlight exposure or pregnancy.

PMID- 28093353
TI  - Vitamin D metabolites in captivity? Should we measure free or total 25(OH)D to
      assess vitamin D status?
AB  - There is general consensus that serum 25(OH)D is the best biochemical marker for
      nutritional vitamin D status. Whether free 25(OH)D would be a better marker than
      total 25(OH)D is so far unclear. Free 25(OH)D can either be calculated based on
      the measurement of the serum concentrations of total 25(OH)D, vitamin D-binding
      protein (DBP), albumin, and the affinity between 25(OH)D and its binding proteins
      in physiological situations. Free 25(OH)D can also be measured directly by
      equilibrium dialysis, ultrafitration or immunoassays. During the vitamin D
      workshop held in Boston in March 2016, a debate was organized about the
      measurements and clinical value of free 25(OH)D, and this debate is summarized in
      the present manuscript. Overall there is consensus that most cells apart from the
      renal tubular cells are exposed to free rather than to total 25(OH)D. Therefore
      free 25(OH)D may be highly relevant for the local production and action of
      1,25(OH)2D. During the debate it became clear that there is a need for
      standardization of measurements of serum DBP and of direct measurements of free
      25(OH)D. There seems to be very limited genetic or racial differences in DBP
      concentrations or (probably) in the affinity of DBP for its major ligands.
      Therefore, free 25(OH)D is strongly correlated to total 25(OH)D in most normal
      populations. Appropriate studies are needed to define the clinical implications
      of free rather than total 25(OH)D in normal subjects and in disease states.
      Special attention is needed for such studies in cases of abnormal DBP
      concentrations or when one could expect changes in its affinity for its ligands.

PMID- 28093354
TI  - Low dose resveratrol ameliorates mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction and
      enhances cellular reprogramming.
AB  - Mitochondrial disease is associated with a wide variety of clinical
      presentations, even among patients carrying heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA
      (mtDNA) mutations, probably because of variations in mutant mtDNA proportions at
      the tissue and organ levels. Although several case reports and clinical trials
      have assessed the effectiveness of various types of drugs and supplements for the
      treatment of mitochondrial diseases, there are currently no cures for these
      conditions. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that low dose
      resveratrol (RSV) ameliorated mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction in patient
      derived fibroblasts carrying homoplasmic mtDNA mutations. Furthermore, low dose
      RSV also facilitated efficient cellular reprogramming of the patient-derived
      fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells, partly due to improved cellular
      viability. Our results highlight the potential of RSV as a new therapeutic drug
      candidate for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases.

PMID- 28093355
TI  - Evaluating the therapeutic potential of idebenone and related quinone analogues
      in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.
AB  - Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is an important cause of mitochondrial
      blindness among young adults. In this study, we investigated the potential of
      four quinone analogues (CoQ1, CoQ10, decylubiquinone and idebenone) in
      compensating for the deleterious effect of the m.11778G>A mitochondrial DNA
      mutation. The LHON fibroblast cell lines tested exhibited reduced cell growth,
      impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics and elevated levels of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS). Idebenone increased ATP production and reduced ROS levels, but the
      effect was partial and cell-specific. The remaining quinone analogues had
      variable effects and a negative impact on certain mitochondrial parameters was
      observed in some cell lines.

PMID- 28093356
TI  - Laser and photochemotherapy for the treatment of oral mucositis in young
      patients: Randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of low-level
      laser therapy (LLLT) combined with photochemotherapy (PCT) for the treatment of
      chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in young patients. METHODS: A randomized,
      blind, clinical trial with a split-mouth design was conducted involving a sample
      of 15 cancer patients aged three to 16 years at the Aldenora Bello Hospital in
      the city of Sao Luis, Brazil. The treatments (PCT+LLLT and LLLT alone) were
      randomly determined for each side of the oral cavity. The patients were blinded
      to the type of therapy performed on each side. The outcome was the area of the
      lesion measured in cm2 over an eight-day evaluation period. Treatment and follow
      up of the lesions under evaluation as well as other lesions occurred until
      complete remission. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were employed. Significance was
      set at a 95% confidence level (alpha=0.05) and the effect size was calculated.
      RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between therapies for
      lesion area on Days 6-8 (p=0.020, 0.011 and 0.005, respectively), which was
      confirmed by the moderate effect size. Lesions submitted to PCT+LLLT had a
      smaller area at the end of the evaluation period. CONCLUSION: Based on the
      present findings, PCT+LLLT had a greater therapeutic effect in comparison to LLLT
      alone regarding the reduction in the degree of severity of chemotherapy-induced
      oral mucositis.

PMID- 28093357
TI  - Are the innate and adaptive immune systems setting hypertension on fire?
AB  - Hypertension is the most common chronic cardiovascular disease and is associated
      with several pathological states, being an important cause of morbidity and
      mortality around the world. Low-grade inflammation plays a key role in
      hypertension and the innate and adaptive immune systems seem to contribute to
      hypertension development and maintenance. Hypertension is associated with
      vascular inflammation, increased vascular cytokines levels and infiltration of
      immune cells in the vasculature, kidneys and heart. However, the mechanisms that
      trigger inflammation and immune system activation in hypertension are completely
      unknown. Cells from the innate immune system express pattern recognition
      receptors (PRR), which detect conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns
      (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that induce innate
      effector mechanisms to produce endogenous signals, such as inflammatory cytokines
      and chemokines, to alert the host about danger. Additionally, antigen-presenting
      cells (APC) act as sentinels that are activated by PAMPs and DAMPs to sense the
      presence of the antigen/neoantigen, which ensues the adaptive immune system
      activation. In this context, different lymphocyte types are activated and
      contribute to inflammation and end-organ damage in hypertension. This review will
      focus on experimental and clinical evidence demonstrating the contribution of the
      innate and adaptive immune systems to the development of hypertension.

PMID- 28093358
TI  - Mapping the functional connectome traits of levels of consciousness.
AB  - Examining task-free functional connectivity (FC) in the human brain offers
      insights on how spontaneous integration and segregation of information relate to
      human cognition, and how this organization may be altered in different
      conditions, and neurological disorders. This is particularly relevant for
      patients in disorders of consciousness (DOC) following severe acquired brain
      damage and coma, one of the most devastating conditions in modern medical care.
      We present a novel data-driven methodology, connICA, which implements Independent
      Component Analysis (ICA) for the extraction of robust independent FC patterns (FC
      traits) from a set of individual functional connectomes, without imposing any a
      priori data stratification into groups. We here apply connICA to investigate
      associations between network traits derived from task-free FC and
      cognitive/clinical features that define levels of consciousness. Three main
      independent FC-traits were identified and linked to consciousness-related
      clinical features. The first one represents the functional configuration of a
      "resting" human brain, and it is associated to a sedative (sevoflurane), the
      overall effect of the pathology and the level of arousal. The second FC-trait
      reflects the disconnection of the visual and sensory-motor connectivity patterns.
      It also relates to the time since the insult and to the ability of communicating
      with the external environment. The third FC-trait isolates the connectivity
      pattern encompassing the fronto-parietal and the default-mode network areas as
      well as the interaction between left and right hemispheres, which are also
      associated to the awareness of the self and its surroundings. Each FC-trait
      represents a distinct functional process with a role in the degradation of
      conscious states of functional brain networks, shedding further light on the
      functional sub-circuits that get disrupted in severe brain-damage.

PMID- 28093359
TI  - fMRI characterisation of widespread brain networks relevant for behavioural
      variability in fine hand motor control with and without visual feedback.
AB  - A bilateral visuo-parietal-motor network is responsible for fine control of hand
      movements. However, the sub-regions which are devoted to maintenance of
      contraction stability and how these processes fluctuate with trial-quality of
      task execution and in the presence/absence of visual feedback remains unclear. We
      addressed this by integrating behavioural and fMRI measurements during right-hand
      isometric compression of a compliant rubber bulb, at 10% and 30% of maximum
      voluntary contraction, both with and without visual feedback of the applied
      force. We quantified single-trial behavioural performance during 1) the whole
      task period and 2) stable contraction maintenance, and regressed these metrics
      against the fMRI data to identify the brain activity most relevant to trial-by
      trial fluctuations in performance during specific task phases. fMRI-behaviour
      correlations in a bilateral network of visual, premotor, primary motor, parietal
      and inferior frontal cortical regions emerged during performance of the entire
      feedback task, but only in premotor, parietal cortex and thalamus during the
      stable contraction period. The trials with the best task performance showed
      increased bilaterality and amplitude of fMRI responses. With feedback, stronger
      BOLD-behaviour coupling was found during 10% compared to 30% contractions. Only a
      small subset of regions in this network were weakly correlated with behaviour
      without feedback, despite wider network activated during this task than in the
      presence of feedback. These findings reflect a more focused network strongly
      coupled to behavioural fluctuations when providing visual feedback, whereas
      without it the task recruited widespread brain activity almost uncoupled from
      behavioural performance.

PMID- 28093360
TI  - Ultra-high field MRI: Advancing systems neuroscience towards mesoscopic human
      brain function.
AB  - Human MRI scanners at ultra-high magnetic field strengths of 7 T and higher are
      increasingly available to the neuroscience community. A key advantage brought by
      ultra-high field MRI is the possibility to increase the spatial resolution at
      which data is acquired, with little reduction in image quality. This opens a new
      set of opportunities for neuroscience, allowing investigators to map the human
      cortex at an unprecedented level of detail. In this review, we present recent
      work that capitalizes on the increased signal-to-noise ratio available at ultra
      high field and discuss the theoretical advances with a focus on sensory and motor
      systems neuroscience. Further, we review research performed at sub-millimeter
      spatial resolution and discuss the limits and the potential of ultra-high field
      imaging for structural and functional imaging in human cortex. The increased
      spatial resolution achievable at ultra-high field has the potential to unveil the
      fundamental computations performed within a given cortical area, ultimately
      allowing the visualization of the mesoscopic organization of human cortex at the
      functional and structural level.

PMID- 28093361
TI  - NEIL1 is a candidate gene associated with common variable immunodeficiency in a
      patient with a chromosome 15q24 deletion.
AB  - We report the first patient with an interstitial deletion of chromosome 15q24.1
      q24.3 associated with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The 18-year old
      female patient's clinical and immunological phenotype was compared with 8
      additional previously published patients with chr15q24 deletions. A CGH analysis
      estimated the deletion to be 3.767Mb in size (chr15: 74,410,916-78,178,418) and
      the result was confirmed using qRT-PCR. We defined an immune-related commonly
      deleted region (ICDR) within the chromosomal band 15q24.2, deleted in all four
      patients with different forms of antibody deficiencies. Mutations in the 14 genes
      within this ICDR were not identified in the remaining allele in our patient by
      WES and gene expression analyses showed haploinsufficiency of all the genes.
      Among these genes, we consider Nei Like DNA Glycosylase 1 (NEIL1) as a likely
      candidate gene due to its crucial role in B-cell activation and terminal
      differentiation.

PMID- 28093362
TI  - Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha inhibition modulates airway hyperresponsiveness
      and nitric oxide levels in a BALB/c mouse model of asthma.
AB  - : Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha is a master regulator of inflammation and
      is upregulated in alveolar macrophages and lung parenchyma in asthma. HIF-1alpha
      regulates select pathways in allergic inflammation, and thus may drive particular
      asthma phenotypes. This work examines the role of pharmacologic HIF-1alpha
      inhibition in allergic inflammatory airway disease (AIAD) pathogenesis in BALB/c
      mice, which develop an airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) asthma phenotype.
      Systemic treatment with HIF-1alpha antagonist YC-1 suppressed the increase in HIF
      1alpha expression seen in control AIAD mice. Treatment with YC-1 also decreased
      AHR, blood eosinophilia, and allergic inflammatory gene expression: IL-5, IL-13,
      myeloperoxidase and iNOS. AIAD mice had elevated BAL levels of NO, and treatment
      with YC-1 eliminated this response. However, YC-1 did not decrease BAL, lung or
      bone marrow eosinophilia. We conclude that HIF-1alpha inhibition in different
      genetic backgrounds, and thus different AIAD phenotypes, decreases airway
      resistance and markers of inflammation in a background specific manner. CAPSULE
      SUMMARY: Asthma is a common disease that can be difficult to control with current
      therapeutics. We describe how pharmacologic targeting of a specific transcription
      factor, HIF-1alpha, suppresses asthmatic airway reactivity and inflammation.

PMID- 28093363
TI  - Alignment of collagen fiber in knitted silk scaffold for functional massive
      rotator cuff repair.
AB  - : Rotator cuff tear is one of the most common types of shoulder injuries, often
      resulting in pain and physical debilitation. Allogeneic tendon-derived
      decellularized matrices do not have appropriate pore size and porosity to
      facilitate cell infiltration, while commercially-available synthetic scaffolds
      are often inadequate at inducing tenogenic differentiation. The aim of this study
      is to develop an advanced 3D aligned collagen/silk scaffold (ACS) and investigate
      its efficacy in a rabbit massive rotator cuff tear model. ACS has similar 3D
      alignment of collagen fibers as natural tendon with superior mechanical
      characteristics. Based on ectopic transplantation studies, the optimal collagen
      concentration (10mg/ml), pore diameter (108.43+/-7.25MUm) and porosity (97.94+/
      0.08%) required for sustaining a stable macro-structure conducive for cellular
      infiltration was determined. Within in vitro culture, tendon stem/progenitor
      cells (TSPCs) displayed spindle-shaped morphology, and were well-aligned on ACS
      as early as 24h. TSPCs formed intercellular contacts and deposited extracellular
      matrix after 7days. With the in vivo rotator cuff repair model, the regenerative
      tendon of the ACS group displayed more conspicuous native microstructures with
      larger diameter collagen fibrils (48.72+/-3.75 vs. 44.26+/-5.03nm) that had
      better alignment and mechanical properties (139.85+/-49.36vs. 99.09+/-33.98N) at
      12weeks post-implantation. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the positive
      efficacy of the macroporous 3D aligned scaffold in facilitating rotator cuff
      tendon regeneration, and its practical applications for rotator cuff tendon
      tissue engineering. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Massive rotator cuff tear is one
      of the most common shoulder injuries, and poses a formidable clinical challenge
      to the orthopedic surgeon. Tissue engineering of tendon can potentially overcome
      the problem. However, more efficacious scaffolds with good biocompatibility,
      appropriate pore size, favorable inductivity and sufficient mechanical strength
      for repairing massive rotator cuff tendon injuries need to be developed. In this
      study, we developed a novel macroporous 3D aligned collagen/silk scaffold, and
      demonstrated that this novel scaffold enhanced the efficacy of rotator cuff
      tendon regeneration by inducing aligned supracellular structures similar to
      natural tendon, which in turn enhanced cellular infiltration and tenogenic
      differentiation of stem/progenitor cells from both the tendon itself and
      surrounding tissues. Hence, it can potentially be a clinically useful application
      for tendon tissue engineering.

PMID- 28093364
TI  - Fabrication of nanofibrous electrospun scaffolds from a heterogeneous library of
      co- and self-assembling peptides.
AB  - : Self-assembling (SAPs) and co-assembling peptides (CAPs) are driving increasing
      enthusiasm as synthetic but biologically inspired biomaterials amenable of easy
      functionalization for regenerative medicine. On the other hand, electrospinning
      (ES) is a versatile technique useful for tailoring the nanostructures of various
      biomaterials into scaffolds resembling the extracellular matrices found in organs
      and tissues. The synergistic merging of these two approaches is a long-awaited
      advance in nanomedicine that has not been deeply documented so far. In the
      present work, we describe the successful ES of a library of diverse SAPs and CAPs
      into biomimetic nanofibrous mats. Our results suggest that suitable ES solutions
      are characterized by high concentrations of peptides, providing backbone physical
      chain entanglements, and by random coil/alpha-helical conformations while beta
      sheet aggregation may be detrimental to spinnability. The resulting peptide
      fibers feature interconnected seamless mats with nanofibers average diameters
      ranging from ~100nm to ~400nm. Also, peptide chemical nature and ES set up
      parameters play pivotal roles in determining the conformational transitions and
      morphological properties of the produced nanofibers. Far from being an exhaustive
      description of the just-opened novel field of ES-assembled peptides, this seminal
      work aims at shining a light on a still missing general theory for the production
      of electrospun peptidic biomaterials bringing together the spatial, biochemical
      and biomimetic of these two techniques into unique scaffolds for tissue
      engineering. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Construction of peptide hydrogels has
      received considerable attention due to their potential as nanostructures amenable
      of easy functionalization and capable of creating microenvironments suited for
      culturing cells and triggering tissue regeneration. They display a superior
      biocompatibility unmatched by other known synthetic biomaterials so far. However,
      their applications are confined to body fillers because most of them do
      spontaneously form hydrogels, while effective tissue regeneration often requires
      well-defined fibrous scaffolds. In this work, we developed electrospun fibers of
      various peptides (cross-beta self-assembling, hierarchically assembling,
      functionalized, co-assembling) and we provided a deep understanding of the
      crucial phenomena to be taken into account when peptides fibers fabrication.
      These results open new venues for exploring novel regenerative applications of
      peptide nanofibrous scaffolds.

PMID- 28093365
TI  - Vitamin B3 metal-organic frameworks as potential delivery vehicles for
      therapeutic nitric oxide.
AB  - The synthesis and structural characterization of two isostructural metal (M=Ni,
      Co) 3D framework structure that integrate vitamin B3 building blocks with NO
      delivery capabilities and low toxicity is presented. The compounds with a formula
      [M2(MU2-H2O)(MU-vitamin B3)4].2H2O contain two crystallographic distinct divalent
      metal centres connected by a bridging water and carboxylate group from vitamin
      B3. The porous compounds have the capability of storing and releasing nitric
      oxide (NO) in a slow and reversible manner, with released amounts of 2.6 and
      2.0MUmol NOmgsolid-1, on the Ni and Co compound, respectively. The NO release
      followed a convenient slow release kinetic profile in both gas and liquid phases.
      Haemoglobin tests demonstrated that NO is released to the medium in a
      biologically active form, thus suitable to trigger the desired response in
      biological systems. The toxicity of the samples with and without loaded NO was
      evaluated from cytotoxicity tests in HeLa and HEKn cells, showing low toxicity of
      the compounds at concentrations below 180MUgcm-3. The overall results indicate
      that these bio based MOFs are of interest for therapeutic applications related
      with NO delivery. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE.

PMID- 28093366
TI  - Strategy for constructing vascularized adipose units in poly(l-glutamic acid)
      hydrogel porous scaffold through inducing in-situ formation of ASCs spheroids.
AB  - : Vascularization is of great importance to adipose tissue regeneration. Here we
      introduced a paradigm that using scaffold to induce ASC spheroids, so to promote
      vascularized adipose tissue regeneration. Poly (l-glutamic acid) (PLGA) was
      activated by EDC, followed by being cross-linked by Adipic dihydrazide (ADH) to
      form a homogeneous hydrogel. Lyophilization was then carried out to create porous
      structure. The PLGA hydrogel scaffold possessed a significant swollen hydrophilic
      network to weaken cell-scaffold adhesion but drive ASCs to aggregate to form
      spheroids. Increase of seeding cell density was proved to result in the increase
      of spheroid size, upregulating angiogenic genes (VEGF and FGF-2) expression by
      enhancing the hypoxia-induced paracrine secretion. Also, the adipogenic
      differentiation of ASCs was achieved in spheroids in vitro. Moreover, the in vivo
      vascularized adipose tissue regeneration was evaluated in the dorsum of nude
      mice. After 12weeks post-implantation, the significant angiogenesis was found in
      both adipogenic induced and non-induced engineered tissue. In adipogenic induced
      group, the clear ring-like morphology, the large vacuole in the middle of the
      cell and the Oil red O staining demonstrated adipose tissue formation. STATEMENT
      OF SIGNIFICANCE: Vascularization is of great importance to adipose tissue
      regeneration. Adipose derived stem cell (ASC) spheroids possessed not only the
      high efficiency of vascularization, but also the improved differentiation
      ability. Several research works have illustrated the advantage of ASC spheroids
      in vascularization. However, in adipose regeneration, ASC spheroid was rarely
      used. Even so, it is reasonable to believe that ASC spheroids hold a great
      promise in vascularized adipose tissue engineering. Thus in the present study, we
      introduced a method to create lots of ASC spheroids that acted as lots of
      individual adipogenesis and angiogenesis units inside of a porous hydrogel
      scaffold. Then, the scaffold carrying ASC spheroids was implanted subcutaneously
      in nude mice to preliminarily evaluate the adipose tissue generation and blood
      vessel formation.

PMID- 28093367
TI  - Effect of construction of TiO2 nanotubes on platelet behaviors: Structure
      property relationships.
AB  - : Blood compatibility of TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) has been assessed in rabbit
      platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which combines activation of both blood plasma
      coagulation and platelets. We find that (i) amorphous TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) with
      relatively larger outer diameters led to reduced platelet adhesion/activation,
      (ii) TNTs with relatively smaller outer diameters in a predominately rutile phase
      also inhibited platelet adhesion and activation, and (iii) a pervasive fibrin
      network formed on larger outer diameter TNTs in a predominately anatase phase.
      Thus, this study suggests that combined effect of crystalline phase and surface
      chemistry controls blood-contact behavior of TNTs. A more comprehensive mechanism
      is proposed for understanding hemocompatibility of TiO2 which might prove helpful
      as a guide to prospective design of TiO2-based biomaterials. STATEMENT OF
      SIGNIFICANCE: To realize optimal design and construction of biomaterials with
      desired properties for blood contact materials, a comprehensive understanding of
      structure-property relationships is required. In the existing literature, TiO2
      nanotube has been reported to be a good candidate for biomedical applications.
      However, it is noticeable that the blood compatibility of TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs)
      remains obscure or even inconsistent in the previously published works. The
      inconsistency could derive from different research protocols, material properties
      or blood sources. Thus, a thorough investigation of the effect of surface
      properties on blood compatibility is crucial to the development of titanium based
      materials. In this paper, we explored the effect of surface properties on the
      response of platelet-rich plasma, especially surface morphology, chemistry,
      wettability and crystalline phase. The results indicated that crystalline phase
      was a dominant factor in platelet behaviors. Reduced adhesion and activation of
      platelets were observed on amorphous and rutile dominated TNTs, whereas anatase
      dominated TNTs activated the formation of fibrin network. We further proposed a
      hypothetical mechanism for better understanding of how surface properties affect
      the response of platelet-rich plasma. Therefore, this study expands the
      fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationships of titanium
      based materials.

PMID- 28093369
TI  - Rehabilitation of the Pontine Ataxia-Dysmetria Syndrome.
AB  - : We present a case of a patient with significant ataxia and dysmetria following
      a lacunar pontine infarction and review the literature on this uncommon syndrome.
      The patient had an excellent clinical course with near resolution of symptoms and
      signs in less than 3 weeks. We illustrate the patient's ataxia and dysmetria with
      videos and also use the videos to demonstrate and characterize the features of
      the dysmetria. Interestingly, the characteristics of the dysmetria appear to be
      different from those seen in patients with dysmetria arising from a cerebellar or
      thalamic lesion. We discuss the likely neurophysiologic mechanisms responsible
      for the condition and recovery. Simple noninvasive study of patients with ataxia
      and dysmetria secondary to a pontine lacunar infarct may be most helpful in
      elucidating the contribution of pontocerebellar fibers to motor control. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: V.

PMID- 28093368
TI  - Surface modification of PdlLGA microspheres with gelatine methacrylate:
      Evaluation of adsorption, entrapment, and oxygen plasma treatment approaches.
AB  - : Injectable poly (dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PdlLGA) microspheres are
      promising candidates as biodegradable controlled release carriers for drug and
      cell delivery applications; however, they have limited functional groups on the
      surface to enable dense grafting of tissue specific biocompatible molecules. In
      this study we have evaluated surface adsorption, entrapment and oxygen plasma
      treatment as three approaches to modify the surfaces of PdlLGA microspheres with
      gelatine methacrylate (gel-MA) as a biocompatible and photo cross-linkable
      macromolecule. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF SIMS) and X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to detect and quantify gel-MA on
      the surfaces. Fluorescent and scanning electron microscopies (SEM) were used to
      image the topographical changes. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) of
      immortalised cell line were cultured on the surface of gel-MA modified PdlLGA
      microspheres and Presto-Blue assay was used to study the effect of different
      surface modifications on cell proliferation. Data analysis showed that the oxygen
      plasma treatment approach resulted in the highest density of gel-MA deposition.
      This study supports oxygen plasma treatment as a facile approach to modify the
      surface of injectable PdlLGA microspheres with macromolecules such as gel-MA to
      enhance proliferation rate of injected cells and potentially enable further
      grafting of tissue specific molecules. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Poly (dl lactic
      co-glycolic) acid (PdlLGA) microspheres offer limited functional groups on their
      surface to enable proper grafting of tissue specific bioactive molecules. To
      overcome this limitation, previous approaches have suggested using alkaline
      solutions to introduce active groups to the surface; however, they may compromise
      surface topography and lose any potential surface patterns. Plasma polymerisation
      of bioactive monomers has been suggested to enhance surface biocompatibility;
      however, it is not applicable on low vapour pressure macromolecules such as most
      extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and growth factors. This study aims to
      evaluate three different approaches to modify the surface of PdlLGA microspheres
      with gelatine-methacrylate (gel-MA) to enable further grafting of cross-linkable
      biomolecules without compromising the surface topography or the biocompatibility
      of the system.

PMID- 28093370
TI  - A Comparison of Locomotor Therapy Interventions: Partial-Body Weight-Supported
      Treadmill, Lokomat, and G-EO Training in People With Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Literature in the application of gait training techniques in persons
      with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is limited. Current techniques require multiple
      staff and are physically demanding. The use of a robotic locomotor training may
      provide improved training capacity for this population. OBJECTIVE: To examine the
      impact of 3 different modes of locomotor therapy on gait velocity and
      spatiotemporal symmetry using an end effector robot (G-EO); a robotic exoskeleton
      (Lokomat), and manual assisted partial-body weight-supported treadmill training
      (PBWSTT) in participants with traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: Randomized,
      prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A
      total of 22 individuals with >=12 months chronic TBI with hemiparetic pattern
      able to walk overground without assistance at velocities between 0.2 and 0.6 m/s.
      INTERVENTION: Eighteen sessions of 45 minutes of assigned locomotor training.
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Overground walking self-selected velocity (SSV), maximal
      velocity (MV), spatiotemporal asymmetry ratio, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and
      mobility domain of Stroke Impact Scale (MSIS). RESULTS: Severity in walking
      dysfunction was similar across groups as determined by walking velocity data. At
      baseline, participants in the Lokomat group had a baseline velocity that was
      slightly slower compared with the other groups. Training elicited a statistically
      significant median increase in SSV for all groups compared with pretraining
      (Lokomat, P = .04; G-EO, P = .03; and PBWSTT, P = .02) and MV excluding the G-EO
      group (Lokomat, P = .04; PBWSTT, P = .03 and G-EO, P = .15). There were no pre
      post significant differences in swing time, stance time, and step length
      asymmetry ratios at SSV or MV for any of the interventions. Mean rank in the
      change of SSV and MV was not statistically significantly different between
      groups. Participants in the G-EO and PBWSTT groups significantly improved their
      6MWT posttraining (P = .04 and .03, respectively). The MSIS significantly
      improved only for the Lokomat group (P = .04 and .03). The data did not elicit
      between-groups significant differences for 6MWT and MSIS. There was less use of
      staff for Lokomat than G-EO. CONCLUSIONS: Locomotor therapy using G-EO, Lokomat,
      or PBWSTT in individuals with chronic TBI increased SSV and MV without
      significant changes in gait symmetry. Staffing needed for therapy provision was
      the least for the Lokomat. A larger study may further elucidate changes in gait
      symmetry and other training parameters. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 28093371
TI  - Sonographically Guided Knee Meniscus Injections: Feasibility, Techniques, and
      Validation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in the use of biologic agents such as
      platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells to treat musculoskeletal
      injuries, including meniscal tears. Although previous research has documented the
      role of diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate meniscal tears, sonographically guided
      (SG) techniques to specifically deliver therapeutic agents into the meniscus have
      not been described. OBJECTIVE: To describe and validate SG injection techniques
      for the body and posterior horn of the medial and lateral meniscus. DESIGN:
      Prospective, cadaveric laboratory investigation. SETTING: Academic institution
      procedural skills laboratory. SUBJECTS: Five unenbalmed cadaveric knee-ankle-foot
      specimens from 5 donors (3 female and 2 male) ages 33-92 years (mean age 74
      years) with body mass indices of 21.1-32.4 kg/m2 (mean 24.1 kg/m2). METHODS: A
      single, experienced operator completed SG injections into the bodies and
      posterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci of 5 unenbalmed cadaveric knees
      using colored latex and a 22-gauge, 38-mm needle. After injection,
      coinvestigators dissected each specimen to assess latex distribution within the
      menisci and identify injury to intra-articular and periarticular structures. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Latex location within the target region of meniscus
      (accurate/inaccurate), and iatrogenic injury to "at risk" intra- and
      periarticular structures (present/absent). RESULTS: Seventeen of 20 injections
      were accurate. Two of 3 inaccurate injections infiltrated the posterior horn of
      the medial meniscus instead of the targeted meniscal body. One inaccurate lateral
      meniscus injection did not contain latex despite sonographically accurate needle
      placement. No specimen exhibited injury to regional neurovascular structures or
      intra-articular hyaline cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: SG meniscus injections are
      feasible and can accurately and safely deliver injectates such as regenerative
      agents into bodies and posterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci. The
      role of SG intrameniscal injections in the treatment of patients with
      degenerative and traumatic meniscal disorders warrants further exploration. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

PMID- 28093372
TI  - Does Trainee Involvement in Fluoroscopic Injections Affect Fluoroscopic Time,
      Immediate Pain Reduction, and Complication Rate?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients have expressed concern about undergoing procedures involving
      trainees, even with direct attending physician supervision. Little literature has
      examined the effect of trainee involvement on patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We
      aimed to evaluate the effect of trainee involvement on patient complications,
      immediate pain reduction, and fluoroscopic time for different fluoroscopic
      injection types. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Four academic outpatient
      institutions with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
      accredited residency (physical medicine and rehabilitation, or anesthesiology) or
      fellowship (sports medicine or pain medicine) programs from 2000 to 2015.
      PATIENTS: All patients receiving fluoroscopically guided hip (HI), sacroiliac
      joint (SIJI), transforaminal epidural (TFEI), and/or interlaminar epidural
      injections (ILEI, performed at only 1 institution). METHODS: Outcome measures
      were examined based on the presence or absence of a trainee during the procedure.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the number of immediate
      complications, with secondary outcomes being fluoroscopic time per injection
      (FTPI) and immediate numeric rating scale percentage improvement. RESULTS:
      Trainees were involved in 67.0% of all injections (N = 7,833). Complication rates
      or improvements in numeric rating scale scores showed no significant differences
      with trainee involvement for any injection type (P > .05). Trainee involvement
      was associated with increased FTPI for ILEIs (18.2 +/- 10.1 seconds with trainees
      versus 15.1 +/- 8.5 seconds without trainees, P < .001), but not for HIs (P =
      .60) or SIJIs (P = .51). Trainee involvement with TFEIs was dependent on
      institution for outcome with respect to FTPI (P < .001), with 28.1 +/- 17.9
      seconds with trainees and 32.1 +/- 22.1 seconds without trainees (P = 0.51).
      CONCLUSIONS: This large multicenter study of academic institutions demonstrates
      that trainee involvement in fluoroscopically guided injections does not affect
      immediate patient complications or pain improvement. Trainee involvement does not
      increase fluoroscopic time for most injections, although there is an
      institutional difference seen. This study supports the notion that appropriate
      trainee supervision likely does not compromise patient safety for
      fluoroscopically guided injections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 28093373
TI  - Improved Arousal and Motor Function Using Zolpidem in a Patient With Space
      Occupying Intracranial Lesions: A Case Report.
AB  - : Patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) have profound functional
      limitations with few treatment options for improving arousal and quality of life.
      Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used to treat insomnia that has also
      been observed to paradoxically improve arousal in those with DOC, such as the
      vegetative or minimally conscious states. Little information exists on its use in
      patients with DOC who have intracranial space-occupying lesions. We present a
      case of a 24-year-old man in a minimally conscious state due to central nervous
      system lymphoma who was observed to have increased arousal and improved motor
      function after the administration of zolpidem. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

PMID- 28093374
TI  - Predictors of Pharmacological Intervention in Adolescents With Protracted
      Symptoms After Sports-Related Concussion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although recovery after concussion is spontaneous and typically
      occurs within 2-3 weeks, a subset of adolescents develop persistent symptoms
      after a sports-related concussion. Medications are frequently prescribed as part
      of a comprehensive treatment approach to alleviate these symptoms; however, there
      are no guidelines for prescription of pharmacologic therapy after concussion.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate common factors that are associated with the use of
      medications (antiepileptic, antidepressant, neurostimulant, or sleeping
      medication) during recovery from a sports-related concussion. DESIGN:
      Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Single-center specialty concussion
      center. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 100 adolescents, between the ages of 12 and 18
      years, who sustained concussion due to sports. ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS:
      Independent variables collected included age at the time of concussion, gender,
      sports played, personal history of prior concussion or mental health disorder,
      and personal or family history of headache (eg, migraines) or seizure disorder.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prescription of medications for treatment of concussion.
      RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (24%) were prescribed medications in this study,
      all of whom reported headache at the time of medication prescription. Amantadine
      was the most commonly prescribed medication, with amitriptyline and melatonin
      also being prescribed. Among the demographic information collected, only age and
      gender met criteria for inclusion in the regression model. Logistic regression
      analysis demonstrated that the odds that female participants were prescribed
      medications was 3.790 (95% confidence interval = 1.262-11.380) higher than male
      participants. A higher symptom score on the initial Post Concussion Symptom Scale
      (PCSS) was associated with increased odds of being prescribed medications (odds
      ratio = 1.031, 95% CI = 1.009-1.052). CONCLUSIONS: The current study found that
      initial symptom severity and female gender were associated with use of medication
      in recovery from sports-related concussion among variables available for study.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 28093375
TI  - Biomechanical strength and failure mechanism of different tubercula refixation
      methods within the framework of an arthroplasty for shoulder fracture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberosity repair in shoulder fracture prosthesis implantation still
      remains a challenge often leading to poor functional outcomes, despite a variety
      of materials and suggested suture patterns. We aimed to evaluate, which forces
      currently used suture and cerclage materials withstand and to assess whether they
      are useful with regard to stability of reconstruction of tuberosities and which
      failure modes they display. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using sheep infraspinatus
      tendons with attached tuberosities three different suture materials (suture 1:
      Ethibond size 2; suture 2: Orthocord size 2; suture 3: Fiberwire size 5) and a
      0.8mm titanium cerclage wire were investigated. For each suture material as well
      as the cerclage wire 6 tests were carried out. A material testing machine was
      used to perform cyclic loading tests (20mm/min, Fmin=50N, Fmax=100N, respectively
      after 50 cycles: Fmax+50N until failure). Outcome measures and thus comparison
      criteria were the maximum holding force, number of cycles reached, total
      elongation of the system (tendon and suture) and qualitative appraisal and
      documentation of the mechanism of failure. RESULTS: Overall average maximum
      forces between the fixation materials differed significantly (P=0.003),
      especially suture 3 (braided polyethylene coating, non-resorbable polyfile UHMW
      core) displayed superior results in comparison to the cerclage wire (P=0.016).
      Although, primary elongation of the cerclage technique was significantly lower
      compared to the suture materials (P=0.002). All tests showed a high initial
      lengthening and caused incision-like defects in the bone or tendon and led to
      failure and huge displacement of the tuberosities. DISCUSSION: Currently used
      suture and cerclage materials have a limited usefulness for refixation of
      tuberosities due to an increased risk of obstruction for bony consolidation.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science, Biomechanics.

PMID- 28093376
TI  - A new angle and its relationship with early fixation failure of femoral neck
      fractures treated with three cannulated compression screws.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Pauwels angle has been used widely, however an accurate
      evaluation of this angle is difficult because of deformity of the affected lower
      extremity. Therefore we designed a new measurement of the orientation of femoral
      neck fracture and applied this in a retrospective study to assess: (1) its
      reproducibility, (2) its advantages compared with the Pauwels angle, (3) its
      relationship with the short-term prognosis treated with three cannulated
      compression screws. HYPOTHESIS: This new measurement is reproducible and has some
      reference meaning for the treatment of femoral neck fractures. METHODS: Two
      hundred and twenty-eight patients with femoral neck fractures treated with three
      cannulated compression screws were retrospectively analyzed. The VN angle, which
      was the angle between the fracture line and the vertical of the neck axis, and
      the Pauwels angle were measured respectively. The method of ICC was performed to
      assess the reproducibility of the two angles, and the absolute value of
      difference in pre-operative and post-operative radiographs was used to evaluate
      the uniformity of the two angles. These fractures were divided into four groups
      according to VN angle (VN<0 degrees  (n=92), 0 degrees <=VN<10 degrees  (n=82),
      10 degrees <=VN<15 degrees  (n=26), VN>=15 degrees  (n=28)), and the short-term
      (within 6 months) fixation results of radiographs in these fractures were
      evaluated. RESULTS: The ICC of the VN angle and the Pauwels angle in pre
      operative radiographs were 0.937 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.922-0.950) and
      0.942 respectively (95% CI: 0.914-0.970), indicating both angles had a good inter
      rater reproducibility. However, there was a great difference between the Pauwels
      angle in pre-operative and post-operative radiographs (P=0.037), the absolute
      difference was 10.66+/-6.47 (range: 1.72-38.48), while no statistical difference
      for the VN angle (P=0.084) and the absolute difference was 2.20+/-1.63 (range:
      0.05-7.56). The overall fixation failure rate which was defined as screw
      loosening, varus collapse, obvious fracture displacement or femoral neck
      shortening was 11.84%, and the mean failure rates according to VN angles were
      respectively 0%, 3.24% (95% CI: 1.64-4.84), 22.69% (95% CI: 16.43-28.96), 65.45%
      (95% CI: 59.36-71.53). The mean failure rates of fractures according to post
      operative Pauwels angle (<30 degrees , 30-50 degrees , >50 degrees ) were
      respectively 0%, 1.46% (95% CI: 1.42-1.50) and 36.24% (95% CI: 34.93-37.54).
      DISCUSSION: The VN angle has a good inter-rater reproducibility, a higher
      reliability than the Pauwels angle and is closely related to the short-term
      prognosis of femoral neck fractures treated with cannulated compression screws.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective diagnostic study.

PMID- 28093377
TI  - Ten-year experience of retrievable inferior vena cava filters in a tertiary
      referral center.
AB  - PURPOSE: A significant proportion of patients undergoing surgery have an
      increased incidence of acute pulmonary embolus (PE). We analyzed all patients who
      had a retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placed preoperatively for PE
      prophylaxis and investigated the long-term outcomes of the patients who did not
      have their filter removed. METHODS: Patients who underwent retrievable IVC filter
      insertion and attempted removal were identified from the radiology information
      systems database in a large tertiary referral university teaching hospital.
      Results of all clinical investigations (including computed tomography, magnetic
      resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and plain radiography) while the IVC filters
      were in situ were reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 393 retrievable IVC filters were
      inserted, 254 with the indication of preoperative thromboembolic prophylaxis.
      Recurrent PE was reported in five patients (1.9%) despite the IVC filter. Of the
      254 retrievable filters inserted prior to surgery, an attempt at retrieval was
      made in 168 filters (66.1%). Successful retrieval at the first attempt occurred
      in 143 cases (85.1%), while 25 cases failed or were aborted (14.9%). No attempt
      at retrieval was made in 86 (33.9%) patients and a significant proportion of
      these patients had undergone cancer surgery (P < 0.0107). In those patients where
      there was no attempt at retrieval, there was an association between cancer
      surgery and a shorter absolute survival time (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The
      majority of attempted filter retrievals were successful, and a proportion of
      nonretrieved IVC filters are accounted for in patients who underwent cancer
      surgery and ultimately died with the filter in situ. A departmental protocol is
      recommended to ensure the filter is removed where appropriate and possible.

PMID- 28093379
TI  - The Epital Care Model: A New Person-Centered Model of Technology-Enabled
      Integrated Care for People With Long Term Conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is worldwide recognition that the future provision of health
      care requires a reorganization of provision of care, with increased empowerment
      and engagement of patients, along with skilled health professionals delivering
      services that are coordinated across sectors and organizations that provide
      health care. Technology may be a way to enable the creation of a coherent,
      cocreative, person-centered method to provide health care for individuals with
      one or more long-term conditions (LTCs). It remains to be determined how a new
      care model can be introduced that supports the intentions of the World Health
      Organization (WHO) to have integrated people-centered care. OBJECTIVE: To design,
      pilot, and test feasibility of a model of health care for people with LTCs based
      on a cocreative, iterative, and stepwise process in a way that recognizes the
      need for person-centered care, and embraces the use of digital technology.
      METHODS: The overall research method was inspired by action research and used an
      agile, iterative approach. In 2012, a living lab was established in a Danish
      municipality which allowed for the freedom of redesigning health care processes.
      As the first step, a wide group of stakeholders was gathered to create a layout
      for the reorganization of services and development of technology, based on
      established principles for innovative management of people with chronic
      conditions. The next three steps were (1) a proof of concept in 2012, (2) a pilot
      study, and (3) a feasibility study from 2013 to 2015, in which a total of 93
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients were enrolled. Citizens
      were provided a tablet-based solution for remote follow-up and communication
      purposes, and access to a 24/7 response and coordination center that coordinated
      both virtual and face-to-face support for COPD management. In step five the
      initial model was extended with elements that support continuity of care.
      Beginning in the autumn of 2013, 1102 frail elderly individuals were included and
      offered two additional services: an outgoing acute medical team and a local
      subacute bed function. RESULTS: Based on the findings from the iterative process,
      and evolving technology and workflow solutions, we propose a robust and feasible
      model that can provide a framework for developing solutions to support an active
      life with one or more LTCs. The resulting Epital Care Model (ECM) consists of six
      stages, and serves as a template for how a digitally-enhanced health service can
      be provided based on patients' medical needs. The model is designed to be a
      proactive, preventive, and monitoring health care system that involves
      individuals in the management of their own health conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The
      ECM is in accordance with WHO's framework for integrated people-centered health
      services, and may serve as a framework for the development of new technologies
      and provide a template for future reorganization.

PMID- 28093380
TI  - Cleveland Clinic to re-evaluate its Wellness Institute after director questions
      vaccines.

PMID- 28093378
TI  - Factors Associated With Weight Change in Online Weight Management Communities: A
      Case Study in the LoseIt Reddit Community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent research has shown that of the 72% of American Internet users
      who have looked for health information online, 22% have searched for help to lose
      or control weight. This demand for information has given rise to many online
      weight management communities, where users support one another throughout their
      weight loss process. Whether and how user engagement in online communities
      relates to weight change is not totally understood. OBJECTIVE: We investigated
      the activity behavior and analyze the semantic content of the messages of active
      users in LoseIt (r/loseit), a weight management community of the online social
      network Reddit. We then explored whether these features are associated with
      weight loss in this online social network. METHODS: A data collection tool was
      used to collect English posts, comments, and other public metadata of active
      users (ie, users with at least one post or comment) on LoseIt from August 2010 to
      November 2014. Analyses of frequency and intensity of user interaction in the
      community were performed together with a semantic analysis of the messages, done
      by a latent Dirichlet allocation method. The association between weight loss and
      online user activity patterns, the semantics of the messages, and real-world
      variables was found by a linear regression model using 30-day weight change as
      the dependent variable. RESULTS: We collected posts and comments of 107,886
      unique users. Among these, 101,003 (93.62%) wrote at least one comment and 38,981
      (36.13%) wrote at least one post. Median percentage of days online was 3.81 (IQR
      9.51). The 10 most-discussed semantic topics on posts were related to healthy
      food, clothing, calorie counting, workouts, looks, habits, support, and unhealthy
      food. In the subset of 754 users who had gender, age, and 30-day weight change
      data available, women were predominant and 92.9% (701/754) lost weight. Female
      gender, body mass index (BMI) at baseline, high levels of online activity, the
      number of upvotes received per post, and topics discussed within the community
      were independently associated with weight change. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      suggest that among active users of a weight management community, self
      declaration of higher BMI levels (which may represent greater dissatisfaction
      with excess weight), high online activity, and engagement in discussions that
      might provide social support are associated with greater weight loss. These
      findings have the potential to aid health professionals to assist patients in
      online interventions by focusing efforts on increasing engagement and/or starting
      discussions on topics of higher impact on weight change.

PMID- 28093381
TI  - Media must report celebrity health stories responsibly.

PMID- 28093382
TI  - Aspirin for frequent episodic tension-type headache has limited evidence.

PMID- 28093384
TI  - Qualitative evidence synthesis to improve implementation of clinical guidelines.

PMID- 28093383
TI  - Effect of minimal acupuncture for infantile colic: a multicentre, three-armed,
      single-blind, randomised controlled trial (ACU-COL).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence for treating infantile colic with acupuncture is
      contradictory. AIM: To evaluate and compare the effect of two types of
      acupuncture versus no acupuncture in infants with colic in public child health
      centres (CHCs). METHODS: A multicentre, randomised controlled, single-blind,
      three-armed trial (ACU-COL) comparing two styles of acupuncture with no
      acupuncture, as an adjunct to standard care, was conducted. Among 426 infants
      whose parents sought help for colic and registered their child's fussing/crying
      in a diary, 157 fulfilled the criteria for colic and 147 started the
      intervention. All infants received usual care plus four extra visits to CHCs with
      advice/support (twice a week for 2 weeks), comprising gold standard care. The
      infants were randomly allocated to three groups: (A) standardised minimal
      acupuncture at LI4; (B) semi-standardised individual acupuncture inspired by
      Traditional Chinese Medicine; and (C) no acupuncture. The CHC nurses and parents
      were blinded. Acupuncture was given by nurses with extensive experience of
      acupuncture. RESULTS: The effect of the two types of acupuncture was similar and
      both were superior to gold standard care alone. Relative to baseline, there was a
      greater relative reduction in time spent crying and colicky crying by the second
      intervention week (p=0.050) and follow-up period (p=0.031), respectively, in
      infants receiving either type of acupuncture. More infants receiving acupuncture
      cried <3 hours/day, and thereby no longer fulfilled criteria for colic, in the
      first (p=0.040) and second (p=0.006) intervention weeks. No serious adverse
      events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture appears to reduce crying in
      infants with colic safely. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01761331; Results.

PMID- 28093385
TI  - Switzerland voted against a universal basic income.

PMID- 28093386
TI  - Association of Facebook Use With Compromised Well-Being: A Longitudinal Study.
AB  - Face-to-face social interactions enhance well-being. With the ubiquity of social
      media, important questions have arisen about the impact of online social
      interactions. In the present study, we assessed the associations of both online
      and offline social networks with several subjective measures of well-being. We
      used 3 waves (2013, 2014, and 2015) of data from 5,208 subjects in the nationally
      representative Gallup Panel Social Network Study survey, including social network
      measures, in combination with objective measures of Facebook use. We investigated
      the associations of Facebook activity and real-world social network activity with
      self-reported physical health, self-reported mental health, self-reported life
      satisfaction, and body mass index. Our results showed that overall, the use of
      Facebook was negatively associated with well-being. For example, a 1-standard
      deviation increase in "likes clicked" (clicking "like" on someone else's
      content), "links clicked" (clicking a link to another site or article), or
      "status updates" (updating one's own Facebook status) was associated with a
      decrease of 5%-8% of a standard deviation in self-reported mental health. These
      associations were robust to multivariate cross-sectional analyses, as well as to
      2-wave prospective analyses. The negative associations of Facebook use were
      comparable to or greater in magnitude than the positive impact of offline
      interactions, which suggests a possible tradeoff between offline and online
      relationships.

PMID- 28093387
TI  - Dying at home of cancer: whose needs are being met? The experience of family
      carers and healthcare professionals (a multiperspective qualitative study).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Supporting patients to die in the place of their choosing is an
      important aspect of end of life care. Our study set out to answer the question:
      'How does the home environment influence perceptions of quality of death, and the
      experience of caring for the dying at home, for family carers and healthcare
      professionals (HCPs)? METHODS: A qualitative approach, using multiperspective
      interviews with bereaved family carers (n=15) and a nominated HCP (n=13) ensured
      depth of insight gained into supporting a home death. The semistructured
      interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using
      Framework. RESULTS: We found that the home environment enabled normality, a sense
      of control and individualised care which family carers often perceived as
      contributing towards a good death. However, the home environment created
      challenges for both family carers and HCPs, due to the differing and at times
      conflicting needs of the dying person and their family carers. CONCLUSIONS: We
      have shed light on the complexity of balancing the demands and the satisfaction
      of caring for someone dying at home. The ability to manage these conflicting
      needs influenced whether carers perceived the home setting as the best place for
      the person to have received care in their last days of life.

PMID- 28093388
TI  - University fresher campaign doubles meningitis vaccination rate, UK study finds.

PMID- 28093389
TI  - "Unresponsive" complaints system is failing NHS patients.

PMID- 28093390
TI  - Margaret McCartney: Theresa May and the blame game.

PMID- 28093391
TI  - Universal basic income may be a Trojan horse.

PMID- 28093392
TI  - Russia plans to ban tobacco sales to all citizens born after 2014.

PMID- 28093393
TI  - Prescription data for open toe sandals syndrome.

PMID- 28093395
TI  - Australian health minister resigns amid scandal over expense claims.

PMID- 28093394
TI  - Angry GPs hit back at PM over seven day service threats.

PMID- 28093397
TI  - Are we doing ineffective CPR?

PMID- 28093396
TI  - Bogus doctor jailed a second time for using fake credentials.

PMID- 28093399
TI  - New Beginnings.

PMID- 28093398
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Smoking Cessation Interventions in Patients With
      Cardiovascular Disease: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the efficacy and safety of smoking cessation interventions
      are well established, their efficacy and safety in patients with cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) remain unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      efficacy and safety of pharmacological and behavioral smoking cessation
      interventions in CVD patients via a meta-analysis of randomized controlled
      trials. METHODS AND RESULTS: EMBASE, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane
      Tobacco Addiction Specialized Register were searched for randomized controlled
      trials evaluating the efficacy of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies and
      behavioral therapies in CVD patients. Outcomes of interest were smoking
      abstinence at 6 and 12 months, defined using the most rigorous criteria reported.
      Data were pooled across studies for direct comparisons using random-effects
      models. Network meta-analysis using a graph-theoretical approach was used to
      generate the indirect comparisons. Seven pharmacotherapy randomized controlled
      trials (n=2809) and 17 behavioral intervention randomized controlled trials
      (n=4666) met our inclusion criteria. Our network meta-analysis revealed that
      varenicline (relative risk [RR]: 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-5.21)
      and bupropion (RR: 1.42; 95% CI, 1.01-2.01) were associated with greater
      abstinence than placebo. The evidence about nicotine replacement therapies was
      inconclusive (RR: 1.22; 95% CI, 0.72-2.06). Telephone therapy (RR: 1.47; 95% CI:
      1.15-1.88) and individual counseling (RR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.17-2.28) were both more
      efficacious than usual care, whereas in-hospital behavioral interventions were
      not (RR: 1.05; 95% CI, 0.78-1.43). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests
      varenicline and bupropion, as well as individual and telephone counseling, are
      efficacious for smoking cessation in CVD patients.

PMID- 28093400
TI  - Evaluating Value Series.

PMID- 28093401
TI  - Sixty seconds on . . . antidepressants.

PMID- 28093402
TI  - Local authorities must take responsibility for housing homeless people.

PMID- 28093403
TI  - Review fails to advise on cannabis use because of poor research.

PMID- 28093404
TI  - Development and application of an algorithm to compute weighted multiple glycan
      alignments.
AB  - Motivation: A glycan consists of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds, has
      branches and forms complex molecular structures. Databases have been developed to
      store large amounts of glycan-binding experiments, including glycan arrays with
      glycan-binding proteins. However, there are few bioinformatics techniques to
      analyze large amounts of data for glycans because there are few tools that can
      handle the complexity of glycan structures. Thus, we have developed the MCAW
      (Multiple Carbohydrate Alignment with Weights) tool that can align multiple
      glycan structures, to aid in the understanding of their function as binding
      recognition molecules. Results: We have described in detail the first algorithm
      to perform multiple glycan alignments by modeling glycans as trees. To test our
      tool, we prepared several data sets, and as a result, we found that the glycan
      motif could be successfully aligned without any prior knowledge applied to the
      tool, and the known recognition binding sites of glycans could be aligned at a
      high rate amongst all our datasets tested. We thus claim that our tool is able to
      find meaningful glycan recognition and binding patterns using data obtained by
      glycan-binding experiments. The development and availability of an effective
      multiple glycan alignment tool opens possibilities for many other
      glycoinformatics analysis, making this work a big step towards furthering
      glycomics analysis. Availability and Implementation:
      http://www.rings.t.soka.ac.jp. Contact: kkiyoko@soka.ac.jp. Supplementary
      information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28093407
TI  - Protein multiple sequence alignment benchmarking through secondary structure
      prediction.
AB  - Motivation: Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is commonly used to analyze sets of
      homologous protein or DNA sequences. This has lead to the development of many
      methods and packages for MSA over the past 30 years. Being able to compare
      different methods has been problematic and has relied on gold standard benchmark
      datasets of 'true' alignments or on MSA simulations. A number of protein
      benchmark datasets have been produced which rely on a combination of manual
      alignment and/or automated superposition of protein structures. These are either
      restricted to very small MSAs with few sequences or require manual alignment
      which can be subjective. In both cases, it remains very difficult to properly
      test MSAs of more than a few dozen sequences. PREFAB and HomFam both rely on
      using a small subset of sequences of known structure and do not fairly test the
      quality of a full MSA. Results: In this paper we describe QuanTest, a fully
      automated and highly scalable test system for protein MSAs which is based on
      using secondary structure prediction accuracy (SSPA) to measure alignment
      quality. This is based on the assumption that better MSAs will give more accurate
      secondary structure predictions when we include sequences of known structure.
      SSPA measures the quality of an entire alignment however, not just the accuracy
      on a handful of selected sequences. It can be scaled to alignments of any size
      but here we demonstrate its use on alignments of either 200 or 1000 sequences.
      This allows the testing of slow accurate programs as well as faster, less
      accurate ones. We show that the scores from QuanTest are highly correlated with
      existing benchmark scores. We also validate the method by comparing a wide range
      of MSA alignment options and by including different levels of mis-alignment into
      MSA, and examining the effects on the scores. Availability and Implementation:
      QuanTest is available from http://www.bioinf.ucd.ie/download/QuanTest.tgz.
      Contact: quan.le@ucd.ie. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28093408
TI  - VCF-kit: assorted utilities for the variant call format.
AB  - Summary: The variant call format (VCF) is a popular standard for storing genetic
      variation data. As a result, a large collection of tools has been developed that
      perform diverse analyses using VCF files. However, some tasks common to
      statistical and population geneticists have not been created yet. To streamline
      these types of analyses, we created novel tools that analyze or annotate VCF
      files and organized these tools into a command-line based utility named VCF-kit.
      VCF-kit adds essential utilities to process and analyze VCF files, including
      primer generation for variant validation, dendrogram production, genotype
      imputation from sequence data in linkage studies, and additional tools.
      Availability and Implementation: https://github.com/AndersenLab/VCF-kit. Contact:
      erik.andersen@northwestern.edu.

PMID- 28093409
TI  - DeuteRater: a tool for quantifying peptide isotope precision and kinetic
      proteomics.
AB  - Motivation: Using mass spectrometry to measure the concentration and turnover of
      the individual proteins in a proteome, enables the calculation of individual
      synthesis and degradation rates for each protein. Software to analyze
      concentration is readily available, but software to analyze turnover is lacking.
      Data analysis workflows typically don't access the full breadth of information
      about instrument precision and accuracy that is present in each peptide isotopic
      envelope measurement. This method utilizes both isotope distribution and changes
      in neutromer spacing, which benefits the analysis of both concentration and
      turnover. Results: We have developed a data analysis tool, DeuteRater, to measure
      protein turnover from metabolic D 2 O labeling. DeuteRater uses theoretical
      predictions for label-dependent change in isotope abundance and inter-peak
      (neutromer) spacing within the isotope envelope to calculate protein turnover
      rate. We have also used these metrics to evaluate the accuracy and precision of
      peptide measurements and thereby determined the optimal data acquisition
      parameters of different instruments, as well as the effect of data processing
      steps. We show that these combined measurements can be used to remove noise and
      increase confidence in the protein turnover measurement for each protein.
      Availability and Implementation: Source code and ReadMe for Python 2 and 3
      versions of DeuteRater are available at https://github.com/JC-Price/DeuteRater .
      Data is at https://chorusproject.org/pages/index.html project number 1147.
      Critical Intermediate calculation files provided as Tables S3 and S4. Software
      has only been tested on Windows machines. Contact: jcprice@chem.byu.edu.
      Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics
      online.

PMID- 28093410
TI  - FASTdoop: a versatile and efficient library for the input of FASTA and FASTQ
      files for MapReduce Hadoop bioinformatics applications.
AB  - Summary: MapReduce Hadoop bioinformatics applications require the availability of
      special-purpose routines to manage the input of sequence files. Unfortunately,
      the Hadoop framework does not provide any built-in support for the most popular
      sequence file formats like FASTA or BAM. Moreover, the development of these
      routines is not easy, both because of the diversity of these formats and the need
      for managing efficiently sequence datasets that may count up to billions of
      characters. We present FASTdoop, a generic Hadoop library for the management of
      FASTA and FASTQ files. We show that, with respect to analogous input management
      routines that have appeared in the Literature, it offers versatility and
      efficiency. That is, it can handle collections of reads, with or without quality
      scores, as well as long genomic sequences while the existing routines concentrate
      mainly on NGS sequence data. Moreover, in the domain where a comparison is
      possible, the routines proposed here are faster than the available ones. In
      conclusion, FASTdoop is a much needed addition to Hadoop-BAM. Availability and
      Implementation: The software and the datasets are available at
      http://www.di.unisa.it/FASTdoop/ . Contact: umberto.ferraro@uniroma1.it.
      Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics
      online.

PMID- 28093411
TI  - Age- and Sex-Related Influences on Left Ventricular Mechanics in Elderly
      Individuals Free of Prevalent Heart Failure: The ARIC Study (Atherosclerosis Risk
      in Communities).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advanced age is related to left ventricular (LV) remodeling. We
      sought to investigate the relationships between aging, elevated hemodynamic load,
      cardiac mechanics, and LV remodeling in an elderly community-based population.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 1105 subjects (76+/-5 years, 61% women) without
      prevalent heart failure, who attended the visit 5 of the ARIC study
      (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities). LV global longitudinal strain, global
      circumferential strain, and torsion indices were analyzed using 3-dimensional
      echocardiography. Advanced age was associated with greater LV concentricity,
      lower myocardial diastolic relaxation, reduced global longitudinal strain
      (adjusted estimate, 0.39+/-0.19% (SE)/decade; P=0.038), borderline greater global
      circumferential strain (adjusted estimate, -0.59+/-0.36% (SE)/decade; P=0.08),
      and higher torsion indices (adjusted estimate for torsion, 0.33+/-0.04 degrees 
      (SE)/decade; P<0.001). In addition, greater concentricity was associated with
      decreased global longitudinal strain and greater torsion in multivariable models
      (all P<0.001). Women showed smaller LV cavity size, greater concentricity, lower
      myocardial relaxation velocity E', though demonstrated greater global
      longitudinal strain, global circumferential strain, and torsion than men (all
      P<0.05). Overall, subjects with hypertension and increasing age were more likely
      to have higher torsion, though the association between advanced age and greater
      torsion was more pronounced in women than in men (both interaction P<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: In an asymptomatic, senescent community-dwelling population, we
      observed a distinct, sex-specific pattern of cardiac remodeling. Although we
      observed worse diastolic and longitudinal function with advanced age or elevated
      load in both sexes, a significant increase of torsion was more pronounced in
      women.

PMID- 28093413
TI  - Persistence of Cardiac Remodeling in Preadolescents With Fetal Growth
      Restriction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 5% to 10% of newborns and is
      associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in adulthood. We evaluated
      whether prenatal cardiovascular changes previously demonstrated in FGR persist
      into preadolescence. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cohort study of 58 FGR (defined as
      birth weight below 10th centile) and 94 normally grown fetuses identified in
      utero and followed-up into preadolescence (8-12 years of age) by echocardiography
      and 3-dimensional shape computational analysis. Compared with controls, FGR
      preadolescents had a different cardiac shape, with more spherical and smaller
      hearts. Left ventricular ejection fraction was similar among groups, whereas FGR
      had decreased longitudinal motion (decreased mitral annular systolic peak
      velocities: control median, 0.11 m/s [interquartile range, 0.09-0.12] versus FGR
      median 0.09 m/s [interquartile range, 0.09-0.10]; P<0.01) and impaired relaxation
      (isovolumic relaxation time: control, 0.21 ms [interquartile range, 0.12-0.35]
      versus FGR, 0.35 ms [interquartile range, 0.20-0.46]; P=0.04). Global
      longitudinal strain was decreased (control mean, -22.4% [SD, 1.37] versus FGR
      mean, -21.5% [SD, 1.16]; P<0.001) compensated by an increased circumferential
      strain and with a higher prevalence of postsystolic shortening in FGR as compared
      with controls. These differences persisted after adjustment for parental
      ethnicity and smoking, prenatal glucocorticoid administration, preeclampsia,
      gestational age at delivery, days in intensive care unit, sex, age, and body
      surface area at evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that
      cardiac remodeling induced by FGR persists until preadolescence with findings
      similar to those reported in their prenatal life and childhood. The findings
      support the hypothesis of primary cardiac programming in FGR for explaining the
      association between low birth weight and cardiovascular risk in adulthood.

PMID- 28093414
TI  - Fetal Growth Restriction and Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk: Is It Time to Get
      With the Program?

PMID- 28093412
TI  - Beyond Bernoulli: Improving the Accuracy and Precision of Noninvasive Estimation
      of Peak Pressure Drops.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transvalvular peak pressure drops are routinely assessed
      noninvasively by echocardiography using the Bernoulli principle. However, the
      Bernoulli principle relies on several approximations that may not be appropriate,
      including that the majority of the pressure drop is because of the spatial
      acceleration of the blood flow, and the ejection jet is a single streamline
      (single peak velocity value). METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed the accuracy of
      the Bernoulli principle to estimate the peak pressure drop at the aortic valve
      using 3-dimensional cardiovascular magnetic resonance flow data in 32 subjects.
      Reference pressure drops were computed from the flow field, accounting for the
      principles of physics (ie, the Navier-Stokes equations). Analysis of the pressure
      components confirmed that the spatial acceleration of the blood jet through the
      valve is most significant (accounting for 99% of the total drop in stenotic
      subjects). However, the Bernoulli formulation demonstrated a consistent
      overestimation of the transvalvular pressure (average of 54%, range 5%-136%)
      resulting from the use of a single peak velocity value, which neglects the
      velocity distribution across the aortic valve plane. This assumption was a source
      of uncontrolled variability. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the Bernoulli
      formulation results in a clinically significant overestimation of peak pressure
      drops because of approximation of blood flow as a single streamline. A corrected
      formulation that accounts for the cross-sectional profile of the blood flow is
      proposed and adapted to both cardiovascular magnetic resonance and
      echocardiographic data.

PMID- 28093415
TI  - The Aging Human Heart.

PMID- 28093416
TI  - Noninvasive Estimation of the Severity of Aortic Stenosis: Going Beyond
      Bernoulli.

PMID- 28093417
TI  - Cardiovascular risk of patients with gout seen at rheumatology clinics following
      a structured assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Gout-associated cardiovascular (CV) risk relates to comorbidities and
      crystal-led inflammation. The aim was to estimate the CV risk by prediction tools
      in new patients with gout and to assess whether ultrasonographic carotid changes
      are present in patients without high CV risk. METHODS: Cross-sectional study.
      Consecutive new patients with crystal-proven gout underwent a structured CV
      consultation, including CV events, risk factors and two risk prediction tools-the
      Systematic COronary Evaluation (SCORE) and the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). CV
      risk was stratified according to current European guidelines. Carotid ultrasound
      (cUS) was performed in patients with less than very high CV risk. The presence of
      carotid plaques was studied depending on the SCORE and FHS by the area under the
      curve (AUC) of receiver operating curves. RESULTS: 237 new patients with gout
      were recruited. CV stratification by scores showed a predominance of very high
      (95 patients, 40.1%) and moderate (72 patients, 30.5%) risk levels. cUS was
      performed in 142 patients, finding atheroma plaques in 66 (46.5%, 95% CI 37.8 to
      54.2). Following cUS findings, patients classified as very high risk increased
      from 40.1% up to 67.9% (161/237 patients). SCORE and FHS predicted moderately
      (AUC 0.711 and 0.683, respectively) the presence of atheroma plaques at cUS.
      CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients presenting with gout may be at very high CV
      risk, indicating the need for initiating optimal prevention strategies at this
      stage. Risk prediction tools appear to underestimate the presence of carotid
      plaque in patients with gout.

PMID- 28093418
TI  - Cell-specific epigenome-wide DNA methylation profile in long-term cultured minor
      salivary gland epithelial cells from patients with Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aetiology of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), also referred to
      as autoimmune epithelitis, is incompletely understood but includes an epigenetic
      contribution. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate DNA
      methylation in salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC), and to compare results
      with those publicly available from pSS B and T cells. METHODS: Long-term cultured
      SGEC were selected to conduct an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) in
      patients with pSS with comparison to controls using the HumanMethylation 450 K
      array from Illumina. RESULTS: The analysis of differentially methylated CpG (DMC)
      uncovered 4662 positions corresponding to 2560 genes, and 575 genes with two or
      more DMC sites (DMCs), in SGEC as compared with controls. Further analysis
      highlighted an important proportion of interferon-regulated genes (61%), the
      calcium pathway (hypomethylated) and the Wnt pathway (hypermethylated). When
      comparing SGEC with pSS T and/or B cell results, an important overlap was
      observed with respect to differentially methylated genes (38.8%) and pSS risk
      factors (71.4%), although such assertion was not true when comparing DMCs.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study conducted in SGEC emphasises the role of DNA methylation
      in pSS pathogenesis and supports the necessity to conduct pure cell analysis for
      future EWAS studies when analysing salivary glands from patients with pSS.

PMID- 28093419
TI  - The risk of fracture among patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis: a
      population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of fracture and osteoporosis among patients with
      psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis, compared with the general population and
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A population-based cohort study
      was performed in The Health Improvement Network in the UK using data from 1994 to
      2014. Patients aged 18-89 years with PsA or psoriasis and up to five unexposed
      controls matched by practice and start date within that practice were included.
      Patients with RA and matched controls were included for comparison. Severe
      psoriasis was defined by a code for psoriasis and either phototherapy or a
      systemic medication for psoriasis. Incidence and adjusted HRs (aHR) for fracture
      (all, hip, vertebral) were calculated. RESULTS: Patients with PsA (n=9788),
      psoriasis (n=158 323) and controls (n=821 834) were identified. Patients with PsA
      had an elevated risk of all fracture aHR 1.26 (1.06 to 1.27). Patients with mild
      psoriasis had elevated risk of all fractures, vertebral and hip fracture: aHR
      1.07 (1.05 to 1.10), 1.17 (1.03 to 1.33) and 1.13 (1.04 to 1.22). Patients with
      severe psoriasis had significantly elevated risk of all fracture and vertebral
      fracture: aHR 1.26 (1.15 to 1.39) and 2.23 (1.54 to 3.22). CONCLUSIONS: PsA and
      psoriasis are associated with an elevated risk for fracture.

PMID- 28093421
TI  - GP views on strategies to cope with increasing workload: a qualitative interview
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The existence of a crisis in primary care in the UK is in little
      doubt. GP morale and job satisfaction are low, and workload is increasing. In
      this challenging context, finding ways for GPs to manage that workload is
      imperative. AIM: To explore what existing or potential strategies are described
      by GPs for dealing with their workload, and their views on the relative merits of
      each. DESIGN AND SETTING: Semi-structured, qualitative interviews with GPs
      working within NHS England. METHOD: All GPs working within NHS England were
      eligible. Of those who responded to advertisements, a maximum-variation sample
      was selected and interviewed until data saturation was reached. Data were
      analysed thematically. RESULTS: Responses were received from 171 GPs, and, from
      these, 34 were included in the study. Four main themes emerged for workload
      management: patient-level, GP-level, practice-level, and systems-level
      strategies. A need for patients to take greater responsibility for self
      management was clear, but many felt that GPs should not be responsible for this
      education. Increased delegation of tasks was felt to be key to managing workload,
      with innovative use of allied healthcare professionals and extended roles for non
      clinical staff suggested. Telephone triage was a commonly used tool for managing
      workload, although not all participants found this helpful. CONCLUSION: This in
      depth qualitative study demonstrates an encouraging resilience among GPs. They
      are proactively trying to manage workload, often using innovative local
      strategies. GPs do not feel that they can do this alone, however, and called
      repeatedly for increased recruitment and more investment in primary care.

PMID- 28093420
TI  - Incidence of venous thromboembolism in care homes: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Care home residents have venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk profiles
      similar to medical inpatients; however, the epidemiology of VTE in care homes is
      unclear. AIM: To determine the incidence of VTE in care homes. DESIGN AND
      SETTING: Observational cohort study of 45 care homes in Birmingham and Oxford,
      UK. METHOD: A consecutive sample of care home residents was enrolled and followed
      up for 12 months. Data were collected via case note reviews of care home and GP
      records; mortality information was supplemented with Health and Social Care
      Information Centre (now called NHS Digital) cause of death data. All potential
      VTE events were adjudicated by an independent committee according to three
      measures of diagnostic certainty: definite VTE (radiological evidence), probable
      VTE (high clinical indication but no radiological evidence), or possible VTE (VTE
      cannot be ruled out). (Study registration number: ISTCTN80889792.) RESULTS: There
      were 1011 participants enrolled, and the mean follow-up period was 312 days
      (standard deviation 98 days). The incidence rate was 0.71 per 100 person years of
      observation (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26 to 1.54) for definite VTE, 0.83
      per 100 person years (95% CI = 0.33 to 1.70) for definite and probable VTE, and
      2.48 per 100 person years (95% CI = 1.53 to 3.79) for definite, probable, and
      possible VTE. CONCLUSION: The incidence of VTE in care homes in this study (0.71
      2.48 per 100 person years) is substantial compared with that in the community
      (0.117 per 100 person years) and in people aged >=70 years (0.44 per 100 person
      years). Further research regarding risk stratification and VTE prophylaxis in
      this population is needed.

PMID- 28093422
TI  - GPs' perceptions of workload in England: a qualitative interview study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: GPs report the lowest levels of morale among doctors, job
      satisfaction is low, and the GP workforce is diminishing. Workload is frequently
      cited as negatively impacting on commitment to a career in general practice, and
      many GPs report that their workload is unmanageable. AIM: To gather an in-depth
      understanding of GPs' perceptions and attitudes towards workload. DESIGN AND
      SETTING: All GPs working within NHS England were eligible. Advertisements were
      circulated via regional GP e-mail lists and national social media networks in
      June 2015. Of those GPs who responded, a maximum-variation sample was selected
      until data saturation was reached. METHOD: Semi-structured, qualitative
      interviews were conducted. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: In total,
      171 GPs responded, and 34 were included in this study. GPs described an increase
      in workload over recent years, with current working days being long and intense,
      raising concerns over the wellbeing of GPs and patients. Full-time partnership
      was generally not considered to be possible, and many participants felt workload
      was unsustainable, particularly given the diminishing workforce. Four major
      themes emerged to explain increased workload: increased patient needs and
      expectations; a changing relationship between primary and secondary care;
      bureaucracy and resources; and the balance of workload within a practice.
      Continuity of care was perceived as being eroded by changes in contracts and
      working patterns to deal with workload. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the
      urgent need to address perceived lack of investment and clinical capacity in
      general practice, and suggests that managing patient expectations around what
      primary care can deliver, and reducing bureaucracy, have become key issues, at
      least until capacity issues are resolved.

PMID- 28093423
TI  - Medical and psychosocial factors associated with antibiotic prescribing in
      primary care: survey questionnaire and factor analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute upper respiratory infections (AURI) are the leading causes of
      antibiotic prescribing in primary care although antibiotics are often not
      indicated. AIM: To gain an understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and
      practices (KAP) of GPs in Singapore and the associated latent factors to guide
      the implementation of an effective programme to reduce antibiotic use in primary
      care. DESIGN AND SETTING: An anonymous survey on the KAP of antibiotic use in
      AURI of GPs in Singapore. METHOD: KAP survey questionnaires were posted to all
      GPs from a database. To ascertain the latent factors affecting prescribing
      patterns, exploratory factor analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among 427
      responses, 351 (82.2%) were from GPs working in private practice. It was found
      that 58.4% of GPs in the private versus 72.4% of those in the public sector
      recognised that >80% of AURIs were caused by viruses (P = 0.02). The majority of
      GPs (353/427; 82.7%) felt that antibiotics were overprescribed in primary care.
      Significant factors associated with low antibiotic prescribing were good medical
      knowledge and clinical competency (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.2, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 2.4 to 4.3), good clinical practice (aOR 2.7 [95% CI = 2.0 to
      3.6]), availability of diagnostic tests (aOR 1.4 [95% CI = 1.1 to 1.8]), and
      desire to improve clinical practice (aOR 1.5 [95% CI = 1.2 to 1.9]). The
      conservative practice of giving antibiotics 'to be on the safe side' is
      significantly less likely to be associated with low antibiotic prescribing (aOR
      0.7 [95% CI = 0.5 to 0.9]). CONCLUSION: This is the first KAP survey on
      antibiotic prescribing for AURI among GPs in Singapore. With the latent factors
      identified, future interventions should be directed at addressing these factors
      to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.

PMID- 28093424
TI  - Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and VRE pneumonia.
AB  - Immunocompromised patients have high risk of infections from bacteria, viruses,
      fungi and parasites. One of these infections is those caused by Strongyloides
      stercoralis Immunocompromised patients are at risk of hyperinfection syndrome
      which is characterised with more systemic manifestation and a higher risk of
      morbidity and mortality. This can be complicated by coinfection with enteric
      organisms, specifically Gram-negative. Enterococci are Gram-positive cocci which
      are inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract. Even though enterococci can
      cause serious infections in multiple sites, they are a rare cause of pneumonia.
      We present a case of disseminated strongyloides with vancomycin-resistant
      enterococcus causing pneumonia. The patient had a complicated course with
      respiratory failure and septic shock. He died eventually due to his severe
      infections. After a literature review, we could not find a similar case of
      coinfection of disseminated strongyloides with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus
      pneumonia in immune-compromised patients.

PMID- 28093425
TI  - Unexpected complication of colonoscopy.
AB  - The authors present a rare case of a 71-year-old man presenting with large bowel
      obstruction after attempted colonoscopy. The procedure was impossible to complete
      due to a tight sigmoid stricture and the patient presented with an acute abdomen
      the following day. He was managed conservatively and discharged before returning
      for an elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy. The potential differentials of an
      acute abdomen post-colonoscopy are discussed and the literature reviewed on this
      rare complication. Finally, the authors review whether there is pressure on
      endoscopists to 'complete' colonoscopies (by achieving caecal intubation) based
      on regulatory indices in quality, and how this might have to be disregarded in
      unfavourable circumstances.

PMID- 28093426
TI  - Oesophageal presentation of Crohn's disease.
AB  - Crohn's disease (CD) is characterised by a transmural inflammatory process, which
      can affect any part of the digestive tract; however, CD with oesophageal
      presentation is rare. We report a case of a previously healthy young woman with
      symptoms of dysphagia, odynophagia, chest pain and weight loss, who presented
      oesophageal ulcers at upper endoscopy and whose histology revealed granulomatous
      oesophagitis. After complementary study, a mild ileocaecal involvement of CD was
      demonstrated. The patient became asymptomatic with proton pump inhibitor and a
      course of prednisolone. Mucosal healing was obtained after maintenance therapy
      with azathioprine. In the absence of extraoesophageal symptoms, oesophageal CD
      may be overlooked. CD must always be considered as differential diagnosis in the
      presence of oesophageal ulcers.

PMID- 28093427
TI  - Bilateral presence of radix entomolaris in first and second permanent mandibular
      molars identified in a Caucasian woman.

PMID- 28093428
TI  - Exploring health literacy competencies towards patient education programme for
      Chinese-speaking healthcare professionals: a Delphi study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To achieve consensus on a set of competencies in health literacy
      practice based on a literature review and expert consultation. SETTING: Hospitals
      and community health centres in Taiwan. METHOD: A 2-stage modified Delphi study
      involving a literature review was conducted, followed by qualitative interviews
      and 3 rounds of email-based data collection over a 3-month period in 2011.
      PARTICIPANTS: 15 Chinese healthcare practitioners with more than 6 months'
      experience in patient education were interviewed to collect data on health
      literacy practice. 24 experts (12 academic scholars in health literacy and 12
      professionals with training related to health literacy practice) were invited to
      participate in the Delphi process. RESULTS: Qualitative data from the interviews
      were analysed and summarised to form 99 competency items for health literacy
      practice, which were categorised into 5 domains of health literacy practice
      including those pertaining to knowledge and skills. Consensus was reached on 92
      of 99 competencies, using a modified Delphi technique. CONCLUSIONS: The 92
      competencies in health literacy practice embraced core components of patient
      education in the Chinese healthcare profession.

PMID- 28093429
TI  - Paediatric ED BiPAP continuous quality improvement programme with patient
      analysis: 2005-2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In paediatric moderate-to-severe asthmatics, there is significant
      bronchospasm, airway obstruction, air trapping causing severe hyperinflation with
      more positive intraplural pressure preventing passive air movement. These effects
      cause an increased respiratory rate (RR), less airflow and shortened inspiratory
      breath time. In certain asthmatics, aerosols are ineffective due to their
      inadequate ventilation. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in acute
      paediatric asthmatics can be an effective treatment. BiPAP works by unloading
      fatigued inspiratory muscles, a direct bronchodilation effect, offsetting
      intrinsic PEEP and recruiting collapsed alveoli that reduces the patient's work
      of breathing and achieves their total lung capacity quicker. Unfortunately,
      paediatric emergency department (PED) BiPAP is underused and quality analysis is
      non-existent. A PED BiPAP Continuous Quality Improvement Program (CQIP) from 2005
      to 2013 was evaluated using descriptive analytics for the primary outcomes of
      usage, safety, BiPAP settings, therapeutics and patient disposition.
      INTERVENTIONS: PED BiPAP CQIP descriptive analytics. SETTING: Academic PED.
      PARTICIPANTS: 1157 patients. INTERVENTIONS: A PED BiPAP CQIP from 2005 to 2013
      for the usage, safety, BiPAP settings, therapeutic response parameters and
      patient disposition was evaluated using descriptive analytics. PRIMARY AND
      SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Safety, usage, compliance, therapeutic response parameters,
      BiPAP settings and patient disposition. RESULTS: 1157 patients had excellent
      compliance without complications. Only 6 (0.5%) BiPAP patients were intubated.
      BiPAP median settings: IPAP 18 (16,20) cm H2O range 12-28; EPAP 8 cmH2O (8,8)
      range 6-10; inspiratory-to-expiratory time (I:E) ratio 1.75 (1.5,1.75). Pediatric
      Asthma Severity score and RR decreased (p<0.001) while tidal volume increased
      (p<0.001). Patient disposition: 325 paediatric intensive care units (PICU), 832
      wards, with 52 of these PED ward patients were discharged home with only 2 hours
      of PED BiPAP with no returning to the PED within 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: BiPAP is
      a safe and effective therapeutic option for paediatric patients with asthma
      presenting to a PED or emergency department. This BiPAP CQIP showed significant
      patient compliance, no complications, improved therapeutics times, very low
      intubations and decreased PICU admissions. CQIP analysis demonstrated that using
      a higher IPAP, low EPAP with longer I:E optimises the patient's BiPAP settings
      and showed a significant improvement in PAS, RR and tidal volume. BiPAP should be
      considered as an early treatment in the PED severe or non-responsive moderate
      asthmatics.

PMID- 28093430
TI  - Development and validation of a prediction model for gestational hypertension in
      a Ghanaian cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a prediction model for identifying women at
      increased risk of developing gestational hypertension (GH) in Ghana. DESIGN: A
      prospective study. We used frequencies for descriptive analysis, chi2 test for
      associations and logistic regression to derive the prediction model.
      Discrimination was estimated by the c-statistic. Calibration was assessed by
      calibration plot of actual versus predicted probability. SETTING: Primary care
      antenatal clinics in Ghana. PARTICIPANTS: 2529 pregnant women in the development
      cohort and 647 pregnant women in the validation cohort. Inclusion criterion was
      women without chronic hypertension. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Gestational hypertension.
      RESULTS: Predictors of GH were diastolic blood pressure, family history of
      hypertension in parents, history of GH in a previous pregnancy, parity, height
      and weight. The c-statistic of the original model was 0.70 (95% CI 0.67-0.74) and
      0.68 (0.60 to 0.77) in the validation cohort. Calibration was good in both
      cohorts. The negative predictive value of women in the development cohort at high
      risk of GH was 92.0% compared to 94.0% in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The
      prediction model showed adequate performance after validation in an independent
      cohort and can be used to classify women into high, moderate or low risk of
      developing GH. It contributes to efforts to provide clinical decision-making
      support to improve maternal health and birth outcomes.

PMID- 28093431
TI  - Which is best for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: balloon
      kyphoplasty, percutaneous vertebroplasty or non-surgical treatment? A study
      protocol for a Bayesian network meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) commonly cause
      both acute and chronic back pain, substantial spinal deformity, functional
      disability and decreased quality of life and increase the risk of future
      vertebral fractures and mortality. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), balloon
      kyphoplasty (BK) and non-surgical treatment (NST) are mostly used for the
      treatment of OVCFs. However, which treatment is preferred is unknown. The purpose
      of this study is to comprehensively review the literature and ascertain the
      relative efficacy and safety of BK, PVP and NST for patients with OVCFs using a
      Bayesian network meta-analysis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will comprehensively
      search PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, to
      include randomided controlled trials that compare BK, PVP or NST for treating
      OVCFs. The risk of bias for individual studies will be assessed according to the
      Cochrane Handbook. Bayesian network meta-analysis will be performed to compare
      the efficacy and safety of BK, PVP and NST. The quality of evidence will be
      evaluated by GRADE. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval and patient
      consent are not required since this study is a meta-analysis based on published
      studies. The results of this network meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer
      reviewed journal for publication. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016039452;
      Pre-results.

PMID- 28093432
TI  - Adiposity, physical activity and risk of diabetes mellitus: prospective data from
      the population-based HUNT study, Norway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity may counteract the adverse effects of adiposity on
      cardiovascular mortality; however, the evidence of a similar effect on diabetes
      is sparse. This study examines whether physical activity may compensate for the
      adverse effect of adiposity on diabetes risk. METHODS: The study population
      consisted of 38 231 individuals aged 20 years or more who participated in two
      consecutive waves of the prospective longitudinal Nord-Trondelag Health Study in
      Norway: in 1984-1986 and in 1995-1997. A Poisson regression model with SEs
      derived from robust variance was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios of
      diabetes between categories of body mass index and physical activity. RESULTS:
      Risk of diabetes increased both with increasing body mass (Ptrend <0.001) and
      with decreasing physical activity level (Ptrend <0.001 in men and 0.01 in women).
      Combined analyses showed that men who were both obese and had low activity levels
      had a risk ratio of 17 (95% CI 9.52 to 30) compared to men who were normal weight
      and highly active, whereas obese men who reported high activity had a risk ratio
      of 13 (95% CI 6.92 to 26). Corresponding analysis in obese women produced risk
      ratios of 15 (95% CI 9.18 to 25) and 13 (95% CI 7.42 to 21) among women reporting
      low and high activity levels, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that
      overweight and obesity are associated with a substantially increased risk of
      diabetes, particularly among those who also reported being physically inactive.
      High levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of diabetes
      within all categories of body mass index, but there was no clear evidence that
      being physically active could entirely compensate for the adverse effect of
      adiposity on diabetes risk.

PMID- 28093433
TI  - Is questionnaire-based sitting time inaccurate and can it be improved? A cross
      sectional investigation using accelerometer-based sitting time.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the differences between a questionnaire-based and
      accelerometer-based sitting time, and develop a model for improving the accuracy
      of questionnaire-based sitting time for predicting accelerometer-based sitting
      time. METHODS: 183 workers in a cross-sectional study reported sitting time per
      day using a single question during the measurement period, and wore 2 Actigraph
      GT3X+ accelerometers on the thigh and trunk for 1-4 working days to determine
      their actual sitting time per day using the validated Acti4 software. Least
      squares regression models were fitted with questionnaire-based siting time and
      other self-reported predictors to predict accelerometer-based sitting time.
      RESULTS: Questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based average sitting times were
      ~272 and ~476 min/day, respectively. A low Pearson correlation (r=0.32), high
      mean bias (204.1 min) and wide limits of agreement (549.8 to -139.7 min) between
      questionnaire-based and accelerometer-based sitting time were found. The
      prediction model based on questionnaire-based sitting explained 10% of the
      variance in accelerometer-based sitting time. Inclusion of 9 self-reported
      predictors in the model increased the explained variance to 41%, with 10%
      optimism using a resampling bootstrap validation. Based on a split validation
      analysis, the developed prediction model on ~75% of the workers (n=132) reduced
      the mean and the SD of the difference between questionnaire-based and
      accelerometer-based sitting time by 64% and 42%, respectively, in the remaining
      25% of the workers. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that questionnaire-based
      sitting time has low validity and that a prediction model can be one solution to
      materially improve the precision of questionnaire-based sitting time.

PMID- 28093434
TI  - Forty years of shunt surgery at Rigshospitalet, Denmark: a retrospective study
      comparing past and present rates and causes of revision and infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to review our experience of shunt
      surgery by investigating 40 years of development in terms of rates of revision
      and infection, shunt survival and risk factors. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Medical
      records and operative reports were reviewed retrospectively for all patients who
      underwent primary shunt surgery at our department in the years 2010 to 2012. All
      results were compared with a previous study from our department. A mixed
      population consisting of 434 patients was included. Adults (>=15 years) accounted
      for 89.9% of all patients and the mean follow-up time was 1.71 years. RESULTS:
      Overall, 42.6% had a revision of which 65.4% fell within 6 months
      postoperatively. Low age, high-risk diagnoses and less severe brain injury were
      associated with a higher risk of revision. One and 5-year shunt survival
      probabilities were 66.2% (61.5-70.9) and 48.0% (41.1-54.9). Within 4 weeks
      postoperatively, 3.2% had an infection and overall infection rate was 5.5%. Short
      duration of surgery and the use of antibiotic prophylaxis were associated with a
      lower risk of infection. The most frequent causes of revision were valve defects
      (18.4%) and proximal defects or obstructions (15.7%). Compared to the previous
      study, no convincing improvement was found with regard to the revision rate
      (42.6% vs 48.3%, p 0.060) or overall infection rate (5.5% vs 7.4%, p 0.261).
      CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of changes in patient demographics, techniques and
      equipment, risk of revision and infection still constitutes a major challenge in
      shunt surgery. The absence of convincing improvements calls for more studies
      concerning strategies to reduce complications.

PMID- 28093435
TI  - Asthma and lung cancer, after accounting for co-occurring respiratory diseases
      and allergic conditions: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Asthma is one of the most frequently diagnosed respiratory diseases
      in the UK, and commonly co-occurs with other respiratory and allergic diseases,
      such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atopic dermatitis.
      Previous studies have shown an increased risk of lung cancer related to asthma,
      but the evidence is mixed when accounting for co-occurring respiratory diseases
      and allergic conditions. A systematic review of published data that investigate
      the relationship between asthma and lung cancer, accounting for co-occurring
      respiratory and allergic diseases, will be conducted to investigate the
      independent association of asthma with lung cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A
      systematic review will be conducted, and include original reports of cohort,
      cross-sectional and case-control studies of the association of asthma with lung
      cancer after accounting for co-occurring respiratory diseases. Articles published
      up to June 2016 will be included, and their selection will follow the Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A
      standardised data extraction form will be developed and pretested, and
      descriptive analyses will be used to summarise the available literature. If
      appropriate, pooled effect estimates of the association between asthma and lung
      cancer, given adjustment for a specific co-occurring condition will be estimated
      using random effects models. Potential sources of heterogeneity and between study
      heterogeneity will also be investigated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study will
      be a review of published data and does not require ethical approval. Results will
      be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number
      CRD42016043341.

PMID- 28093436
TI  - Burden of disease associated with lower levels of income among US adults aged 65
      and older.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persons aged 65 years and older represent a heterogeneous group whose
      prevalence in the USA is expected to markedly increase. Few investigations have
      examined the total burden of disease attributable to lower levels of income in a
      single number that accounts for morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We ascertained
      respondents' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores and mortality status
      from the 2003 to 2004, 2005 to 2006, 2007 to 2008 and 2009 to 2010 cohorts of the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with mortality follow
      up through 31 December 2011. A mapping algorithm based on respondents' age and
      answers to the 4 core Healthy Days questions was used to obtain values of a
      preference-based measure of HRQOL, the EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ
      5D) index, which enables quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to be calculated. We
      included only respondents aged 65 years and older at the baseline, yielding a
      total sample size of 4952. We estimated mean QALYs according to different
      categories of income based on the percentage of Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
      RESULTS: After adjusting for age, gender and education, the remaining QALYs
      decreased with each successive decrement of category of income, ranging from 18.4
      QALY (>=500% FPL) to 8.6 QALY (<100% FPL). Compared with participants with a mean
      income of >=250% FPL, participants with an income <250% FPL had significant
      losses in QALY for most of the sociodemographic groups examined. In contrast,
      persons with a lower educational attainment did not show a corresponding loss in
      QALY according to income category. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the
      association between lower income category and greater burden of disease, as
      measured by QALYs lost, among the US population aged 65 years and older. Our
      findings provide additional evidence of the role played by other key determinants
      of health and how factors not traditionally addressed by the healthcare system
      impact the life cycle of individuals and communities.

PMID- 28093437
TI  - Risk of sepsis in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population-based
      retrospective cohort study in Taiwan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative
      disease, and sepsis is a frequent cause of death in hospitalised patients. We
      investigated the relationship between ALS and the subsequent risk of sepsis.
      DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING: Patients with ALSs diagnosed
      between 2000 and 2010 in Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.
      PARTICIPANTS: We included 701 and 2804 patients as the ALS and the non-ALS
      groups, respectively. OUTCOME MEASURES: The risk of sepsis was calculated by Cox
      proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, the
      incidence density rates were 77.8 and 11.1 per 1000 person-years in the ALS and
      non-ALS groups, respectively. After adjusting for sex, age, Charlson comorbidity
      index score, life-support measures, and beta2-adrenoceptor agonists treatment,
      the ALS group had a higher risk of sepsis (HR=3.42; 95% CI 2.60 to 4.50) than the
      non-ALS group. An increase of the risk was observed in patients with ALS
      receiving life support treatment measures, whereas a decrease of the risk was
      associated with treatment of beta2-adrenoceptor agonists. CONCLUSIONS: The risk
      of sepsis is associated with a prior ALS diagnosis, and may be increased by the
      use of life support measures and decreased by beta2-adrenoceptor agonists.

PMID- 28093438
TI  - Risk for metabolic diseases in normal weight individuals with visceral fat
      accumulation: a cross-sectional study in Japan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between visceral fat area (VFA) and
      metabolic syndrome (Mets) among normal weight Japanese. DESIGN: A cross-sectional
      study. SETTING: The health check-up centre of the Takeda Hospital group in Kyoto,
      Japan. METHODS: This study involved 1674 men and 1448 women aged 30-74 years who
      underwent medical check-ups in 2012 in the health check-up centre. They were
      stratified by Body Mass Index (BMI cut-off for obesity is set at 23.0 kg/m2 for
      Asians): normal weight 18.5-22.9 kg/m2 or higher weight >=23.0 kg/m2. The age
      adjusted ORs of the 2nd to 4th groups of sex-specific VFA quartiles compared with
      the 1st quartile for a Mets component clustering were estimated. The clustering
      was having two or more of the following factors: high blood pressure, high
      fasting blood glucose (FBG), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and
      high triglycerides. Statistical analyses were conducted in 2016. RESULTS:
      Participants in the 2nd to 4th VFA quartiles had significantly higher clustering
      risks; ORs were 3.4 (1.5 to 8.0), 6.3 (2.8 to 14.2) and 9.3 (4.2 to 20.7) for
      normal weight participants, and 1.7 (1.2 to 2.6), 2.6 (1.8 to 3.9) and 6.0 (4.1
      to 8.8) for higher weight participants, respectively. The ORs of the 4th VFA
      quartile for Mets components were significantly higher; ORs for normal weight
      participants were 2.1 (1.5 to 3.0) (high blood pressure), 2.4 (1.4 to 4.2) (high
      FBG), 5.2 (2.1 to 12.9) (low HDL-C) and 12.0 (5.7 to 25.3) (high triglycerides),
      and higher weight participants were 3.9 (2.8 to 5.5), 4.1 (2.8 to 6.2), 3.9 (2.2
      to 6.9) and 5.0 (3.4 to 7.4), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among participants with
      normal weight, as well as those of higher weight, dose-dependent responses were
      observed between VFA and risk for Mets components and the clustering among
      Japanese adults. VFA may be useful information for interventions to improve
      metabolic risk factors in people with normal weight.

PMID- 28093439
TI  - National estimation of children in residential care institutions in Cambodia: a
      modelling study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to collect baseline data on
      the number of children living in residential care institutions in Cambodia. The
      secondary objective was to describe the characteristics of the children (eg, age,
      sex, duration of stay, education and health). The data were intended to guide
      recent efforts by the Government of Cambodia to reduce the number of children
      living in residential care institutions and increase the number of children
      growing up in supportive family environments. SETTING: Data were collected in
      Cambodia across 24 sites at the commune level. Communes-administrative divisions
      roughly equivalent to counties-were selected by the National Institute of
      Statistics using a two-stage sampling method. DESIGN: Government lists and key
      informant interviews were used to construct a complete roster of institutions
      across the 24 communes. All identified institutions were visited to count the
      number of children and gather data on their basic characteristics. The rate of
      children in residential care in the selected communes was calculated as a
      percentage of total population using a Poisson model. This rate was applied to
      all districts in Cambodia with at least one reported residential care
      institution. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3588 children were counted across 122
      institutions. A child living in a residential care institution was defined as
      anyone under the age of 18 years who was sleeping in the institution for at least
      four nights per week during the data collection period. RESULTS: There are an
      estimated 48 775 children living in residential care institutions in Cambodia.
      The vast majority of children have a living parent and are school-aged. More than
      half are between 13 and 17 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 of every 100
      children in Cambodia is living in residential care. This raises substantial
      concerns for child health, protection and national development.

PMID- 28093440
TI  - Cross-sectional, descriptive study of Chagas disease among citizens of Bolivian
      origin living in Munich, Germany.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chagas disease (CD) has become a global health issue mainly due to
      migration. Germany lacks surveillance data and is home to a large Latin American
      immigrant population. Recognising that Bolivia is the country with the highest CD
      prevalence in Latin America, this cross-sectional, descriptive pilot study
      investigated CD and associated factors among citizens of Bolivian origin living
      in Munich, Germany. METHODS: Participants completed a questionnaire in order to
      collect socioeconomic and health-related data. In addition, serology was
      performed. In case of positive serological tests, PCR diagnostic and clinical
      staging together with disease management was initiated. Qualitative research was
      conducted to identify personal and community barriers as well as strategies to
      increase CD awareness among the population at risk. RESULTS: Between June 2013
      and June 2014, 43 people from Bolivia (or descendants) were enrolled. A total of
      9.3% (4/43), of whom two women were of childbearing age, tested seropositive
      (ELISA and IFAT), and one also by PCR. For 2/4 positive participants, clinical
      evaluation was performed and the indeterminate form of CD was diagnosed.
      Knowledge about CD symptoms and ways of transmission were completely absent among
      55.8% (24/43, 2/4 with CD) and 30.2% (13/43, 1/4 with CD) of participants,
      respectively. A total of 27.9% (12/43, 0/4 with CD) of participants had donated
      blood prior to the study, whereas 62.8% (27/43, 3/4 with CD) were motivated to
      donate blood in the future. The qualitative research identified lack of knowledge
      as well as stigma and fears related to CD. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small number
      of participants, the prevalence of CD as well as the potential risk of non
      vectorial transmission was alarming. Campaigns adapted for Latin American
      migrants as well as control strategies should be developed and put in place in
      order to prevent non-vectorial transmission and actively detect cases of CD in
      Germany.

PMID- 28093441
TI  - Influence of premium versus value brand names on the smoking experience in a
      plain packaging environment: an experimental study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of branding, as indicated by brand name, on
      evaluation of the cigarette smoking experience. DESIGN: Between-subjects and
      within-subjects experimental study. Participants were randomly allocated to smoke
      a cigarette from a pack featuring a premium brand name and a cigarette from a
      pack featuring a value brand name. Within each condition, participants
      unknowingly smoked two identical cigarettes (either two premium or two value
      cigarettes). SETTING: Australia, October 2014, 2 years after tobacco plain
      packaging implementation. PARTICIPANTS: 81 current cigarette smokers aged 19-39
      years. From apparently premium and value brand-name packs, 40 smokers were
      allocated to smoke the same actual premium cigarettes and 41 were allocated to
      smoke the same actual value cigarettes. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Experienced
      taste (flavour, satisfaction, enjoyment, quality, liking, mouthfeel and
      aftertaste), harshness, dryness, staleness, harm/strength measures (strength,
      tar, lightness, volume of smoke), draw effort and purchase intent. RESULTS:
      Cigarettes given a premium brand name were rated as having a better taste, were
      less harsh and less dry than identical cigarettes given a value brand name. This
      pattern was observed irrespective of whether the two packs actually contained
      premium or value cigarettes. These effects were specific: the brand name did not
      influence ratings of cigarette variant attributes (strength, tar, volume of
      smoke, lightness and draw effort). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the belief that brand
      names represent genuine differences between cigarette products, the results
      suggest that at least some of this perceived sensory difference is attributable
      to brand image.

PMID- 28093442
TI  - Rococo study: a real-world evaluation of an over-the-counter medicine in acute
      cough (a multicentre, randomised, controlled study).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of CS1002, an over-the-counter
      cough treatment containing diphenhydramine, ammonium chloride and levomenthol in
      a cocoa-based demulcent. DESIGN: A multicentre, randomised, parallel group,
      controlled, single-blinded study in participants with acute upper respiratory
      tract infection-associated cough. SETTING: 4 general practitioner (GP) surgeries
      and 14 pharmacies in the UK. PARTICIPANTS: Participants aged >=18 years who self
      referred to a GP or pharmacist with acute cough of <7 days' duration. Participant
      inclusion criterion was cough severity >=60 mm on a 0-100 mm visual analogue
      scale (VAS). Exclusion criteria included current smokers or history of smoking
      within the past 12 months (including e-cigarettes). 163 participants were
      randomised to the study (mean participant age 38 years, 57% females).
      INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomised to CS1002 (Unicough) or simple
      linctus (SL), a widely used cough treatment, and treatment duration was 7 days or
      until resolution of cough. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary analysis was
      intention-to-treat (157 participants) and comprised cough severity assessed using
      a VAS after 3 days' treatment (prespecified primary end point at day 4). Cough
      frequency, sleep disruption, health status (Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ
      acute)) and cough resolution were also assessed. RESULTS: At day 4 (primary end
      point), the adjusted mean difference (95% CI) in cough severity VAS between
      CS1002 and SL was -5.9 mm (-14.4 to 2.7), p=0.18. At the end of the study (day 7)
      the mean difference in cough severity VAS was -4.2 mm (-12.2 to 3.9), p=0.31.
      CS1002 was associated with a greater reduction in cough sleep disruption (mean
      difference -11.6 mm (-20.6 to 2.7), p=0.01) and cough frequency (mean difference 
      8.1 mm (-16.2 to 0.1), p=0.05) compared with SL. There was greater improvement in
      LCQ-acute quality of life scores with CS1002 compared with SL: mean difference
      (95% CI) 1.2 (0.05 to 2.36), p=0.04 after 5 days' treatment. More participants
      prematurely stopped treatment due to cough improvement in the CS1002 group
      (24.4%) compared with SL (10.7%; p=0.02). Adverse events (AEs) were comparable
      between CS1002 (20.5%) and SL (27.6%) and largely related to the study
      indication. 6 participants (7%) in the CS1002 group reduced the dose of
      medication due to drowsiness/tiredness, which subsequently resolved. These events
      were not reported by participants as AEs. CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary end
      point was not achieved, CS1002 was associated with greater reductions in cough
      frequency, sleep disruption and improved health status compared with SL. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: EudraCT number 2014-004255-31.

PMID- 28093443
TI  - Impact of advanced autonomous non-medical practitioners in emergency care:
      protocol for a scoping study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Emergency care services are looking for new models of care delivery
      to deal with changing patient demographics and increased pressures. It has been
      suggested that advanced non-medical practitioners might be valuable for
      delivering such new models of care. However, it is not clear what the impact of
      the deployment of advanced non-medical practitioners in emergency care is. This
      scoping study addresses the following research question: What is known from the
      literature about the different types of impact of the deployment of advanced
      (autonomous) non-medical practitioners in emergency care? METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A
      scoping study will be undertaken to examine and map the impact of the deployment
      of advanced non-medical practitioners in emergency care. The scoping study
      follows the methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Searches will be carried
      out on databases of peer-reviewed literature and other sources to systematically
      identify and characterise the literature. Papers will be screened using a 2-stage
      process to identify the most relevant literature. Papers will be screened by
      title and abstract, followed by full-text review. Data abstraction and synthesis
      will be performed using a narrative thematic analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION:
      We will communicate the findings to Health Education England, NHS Improvement and
      the Royal College of Emergency Medicine through existing links provided by
      members of the project team. We anticipate that the findings will also be of
      interest to other similar organisations internationally. By identifying gaps in
      the research literature, we anticipate that the study will generate
      recommendations for informing future high-quality research studies about the
      impact of advanced non-medical practitioners in emergency care as well as in
      other settings. The research findings will be submitted for publication to
      relevant peer-reviewed journals as well as professional magazines. The scoping
      study uses only previously published material, and does not require ethical
      review.

PMID- 28093445
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 28093444
TI  - Chinese patent medicine Fei-Liu-Ping ointment as an adjunctive treatment for non
      small cell lung cancer: protocol for a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fei-Liu-Ping ointment has been widely applied as adjunctive drug in
      the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there has been no
      systematic review of research findings regarding the efficacy of this treatment.
      Here, we provide a protocol for assessing the effectiveness and safety of Fei-Liu
      Ping ointment in the treatment of NSCLC. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The electronic
      databases to be searched will include MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register
      of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, Excerpt Medica Database
      (EMBASE), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Scientific
      Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Database and Chinese Biomedical Literature
      Database (CBM). Papers in English or Chinese published from inception to 2016
      will be included without any restrictions. We will conduct a meta-analysis of
      randomised controlled trial if possible. The therapeutic effects according to the
      standard for treatment of solid tumours by the WHO and the quality of life as
      evaluated by Karnofsky score and weight will be applied as the primary outcomes.
      We will also evaluate the data synthesis and risk of bias using Review Manager
      5.3 software. DISSEMINATION: The results of this review will offer implications
      for the use of Fei-Liu-Ping ointment as an adjunctive treatment for NSCLC. This
      knowledge will inform recommendations by surgeons and researchers who are
      interested in the treatment of NSCLC. The results of this systematic review will
      be disseminated through presentation at a conference and publication of the data
      in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42016036911.

PMID- 28093446
TI  - Tumor-Infiltrating Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Specific T Cells Are Diverse and
      Associated with Improved Patient Survival.
AB  - Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells are associated with improved survival of patients
      with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive skin cancer causally linked to
      Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). However, CD8+ T-cell infiltration is robust in
      only 4% to 18% of MCC tumors. We characterized the T-cell receptor (TCR)
      repertoire restricted to one prominent epitope of MCPyV (KLLEIAPNC, "KLL") and
      assessed whether TCR diversity, tumor infiltration, or T-cell avidity correlated
      with clinical outcome. HLA-A*02:01/KLL tetramer+ CD8+ T cells from MCC patient
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
      (TIL) were isolated via flow cytometry. TCRbeta (TRB) sequencing was performed on
      tetramer+ cells from PBMCs or TILs (n = 14) and matched tumors (n = 12).
      Functional avidity of T-cell clones was determined by IFNgamma production. We
      identified KLL tetramer+ T cells in 14% of PBMC and 21% of TIL from MCC patients.
      TRB repertoires were strikingly diverse (397 unique TRBs were identified from 12
      patients) and mostly private (only one TCRb clonotype shared between two
      patients). An increased fraction of KLL-specific TIL (>1.9%) was associated with
      significantly increased MCC-specific survival P = 0.0009). T-cell cloning from
      four patients identified 42 distinct KLL-specific TCRa/b pairs. T-cell clones
      from patients with improved MCC-specific outcomes were more avid (P < 0.05) and
      recognized an HLA-appropriate MCC cell line. T cells specific for a single MCPyV
      epitope display marked TCR diversity within and between patients. Intratumoral
      infiltration by MCPyV-specific T cells was associated with significantly improved
      MCC-specific survival, suggesting that augmenting the number or avidity of virus
      specific T cells may have therapeutic benefit. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(2); 137-47.
      (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28093447
TI  - Inflammasomes and Cancer.
AB  - Inflammation affects all stages of tumorigenesis. A key signaling pathway leading
      to acute and chronic inflammation is through activation of the caspase-1
      inflammasome. Inflammasome complexes are assembled on activation of certain
      nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing proteins (NLR), AIM2
      like receptors, or pyrin. Of these, NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP6, and AIM2
      influence the pathogenesis of cancer by modulating innate and adaptive immune
      responses, cell death, proliferation, and/or the gut microbiota. Activation of
      the inflammasome and IL18 signaling pathways is largely protective in colitis
      associated colorectal cancer, whereas excessive inflammation driven by the
      inflammasome or the IL1 signaling pathways promotes breast cancer, fibrosarcoma,
      gastric carcinoma, and lung metastasis in a context-dependent manner. The
      clinical relevance of inflammasomes in multiple forms of cancer highlights their
      therapeutic promise as molecular targets. In this review, we explore the
      crossroads between inflammasomes and the development of various tumors and
      discuss possible therapeutic values in targeting the inflammasome for the
      prevention and treatment of cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(2); 94-99. (c)2017
      AACR.

PMID- 28093448
TI  - Eating Alone Yet Living With Others Is Associated With Mortality in Older Men:
      The JAGES Cohort Survey.
AB  - Objectives: Eating by oneself may be a risk factor for poor nutritional and
      mental statuses among older adults. However, their longitudinal association with
      mortality in relation to coresidential status is unknown. Method: We conducted a
      3-year follow-up of participants in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, a
      population-based cohort of 65 years or older Japanese adults. We analyzed
      mortality for 33,083 men and 38,698 women from 2010 to 2013 and used. Cox
      regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for mortality.
      Results: A total of 3,217 deaths occurred during the follow-up. Compared with men
      who ate and lived with others, the HRs after adjusting for age and health status
      were 1.48 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.26-1.74) for men who ate alone yet
      lived with others and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.01-1.41) for men who ate and lived alone.
      Among women, the adjusted HR was 1.18 (95% CI: 0.97-1.43) for women who ate alone
      yet lived with others and 1.10 (95% CI: 0.93-1.29) for women who ate and lived
      alone. Discussion: A setting in which older adults eat together may be protective
      for them. Promotion of this intervention should focus on men who eat alone yet
      live with others.

PMID- 28093449
TI  - Fluoride levels in drinking water and hypothyroidism: Response to Grimes and
      Newton et al.

PMID- 28093450
TI  - Editorial note: Peckham versus Newton.

PMID- 28093451
TI  - Are fluoride levels in drinking water associated with hypothyroidism prevalence
      in England? Comments on the authors' response to earlier criticism.

PMID- 28093452
TI  - A Time to Save.
AB  - Group B Streptococcus (GBS), characterized by Lancefield in 1933, was not
      recognized as a human pathogen until the early 1970s when it emerged and replaced
      Escherichia coli as the most common cause of sepsis and meningitis among neonates
      and young infants. This article briefly gives a personnel account of the
      discovery of clinical syndromes of GBS distinguished by age at onset, vertical
      mode of transmission for early-onset disease, meningeal tropism for GBS capsular
      (CPS) type III strains, and protective CPS epitopes. It also reviews the
      difficult evolution of the now routine program for antenatal GBS culture
      screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, development of the first GBS
      candidate vaccines, clinical trials documenting the immunogenicity and safety of
      CPS tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccines, ongoing need to prevent morbidity and
      mortality in neonates and young infants, and critical need for commercial
      vaccines for routine use in pregnant women.

PMID- 28093453
TI  - Interactions between microsatellite instability and human gut colonization by
      Escherichia coli in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that colonization of colonic mucosa by pathogenic
      Escherichia coli could be involved in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC),
      especially through the production of genotoxins such as colibactin and/or by
      interfering with the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway that leads to
      microsatellite instability (MSI). The present study, performed on 88 CRC
      patients, revealed a significant increase in E. coli colonization in the MSI CRC
      phenotype. In the same way, E. coli persistence and internalization were
      increased in vitro in MMR-deficient cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that
      colibactin-producing E. coli induce inhibition of the mutL homologue 1 (MLH1) MMR
      proteins, which could lead to genomic instability. However, colibactin-producing
      E. coli were more frequently identified in microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. The
      present study suggests differences in the involvement of colibactin-producing E.
      coli in colorectal carcinogenesis according to the CRC phenotype. Further host
      pathogen interactions studies should take into account CRC phenotypes.

PMID- 28093454
TI  - Mdm proteins: critical regulators of embry ogenesis and homeostasis.
AB  - Mdm2 and Mdm4 are negative regulators of the tumor suppressor p53; hence, this
      relationship is the focus of many cancer related studies. A multitude of
      experiments across various developmental stages have been conducted to explore
      the tissue-specific roles of these proteins in the mouse. When Mdm2 or Mdm4 are
      deleted in the germline or specific tissues, they display different phenotypic
      defects, some of which lead to embryonic lethality. Mdm2 loss is often more
      deleterious than loss of its homolog Mdm4 All tissues experience activation of
      p53 target genes upon loss of Mdm2 or Mdm4; however, the degree to which the p53
      pathway is perturbed is highly tissue-specific and does not correlate to the
      severity of the morphological phenotypes. Therefore, a need for further
      understanding of how these proteins regulate p53 activity is warranted, as
      therapeutic targeting of the p53 pathway is rapidly evolving and gaining
      attention in the field of cancer research. In this review, we discuss the tissue
      specificity of Mdm proteins in regulating p53 and expose the need for
      investigation at the cell-specific level.

PMID- 28093455
TI  - Genomewide landscape of gene-metabolome associations in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Metabolism is one of the best-understood cellular processes whose network
      topology of enzymatic reactions is determined by an organism's genome. The
      influence of genes on metabolite levels, however, remains largely unknown,
      particularly for the many genes encoding non-enzymatic proteins. Serendipitously,
      genomewide association studies explore the relationship between genetic variants
      and metabolite levels, but a comprehensive interaction network has remained
      elusive even for the simplest single-celled organisms. Here, we systematically
      mapped the association between > 3,800 single-gene deletions in the bacterium
      Escherichia coli and relative concentrations of > 7,000 intracellular metabolite
      ions. Beyond expected metabolic changes in the proximity to abolished enzyme
      activities, the association map reveals a largely unknown landscape of gene
      metabolite interactions that are not represented in metabolic models. Therefore,
      the map provides a unique resource for assessing the genetic basis of metabolic
      changes and conversely hypothesizing metabolic consequences of genetic
      alterations. We illustrate this by predicting metabolism-related functions of 72
      so far not annotated genes and by identifying key genes mediating the cellular
      response to environmental perturbations.

PMID- 28093456
TI  - Effect of lipid-bound apolipoprotein A-I cysteine mutant on ATF3 in RAW264.7
      cells.
AB  - Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a TLR-induced repressor that plays an
      important role in the inhibition of specific inflammatory signals. We previously
      constructed recombinant high density lipoproteins (rHDL) (including rHDLWT,
      rHDLM, rHDL228 and rHDL74) and found that rHDL74 had a strong anti-inflammatory
      ability. In the present study, we investigate the roles of recombinant
      apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) (rHDLWT) and its cysteine mutant HDLs (rHDLM, rHDL228
      and rHDL74) on ATF3 function in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide.
      Our results showed that compared with the LPS group, rHDL74 can decrease the
      level of TNF-alpha and IL-6, whereas rHDL228 increases their expression levels.
      RT-PCR and Western blotting results showed that compared with the LPS group,
      rHDL74, rHDLWT and rHDLM can markedly increase the expression level of ATF3,
      whereas the level of ATF3 decreases in the rHDL228 group. In summary, the
      different anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the ApoA-I cysteine mutants might be
      associated with the regulation of ATF3 level.

PMID- 28093458
TI  - Single-cell gene expression analysis reveals diversity among human spermatogonia.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Is the molecular profile of human spermatogonia homogeneous or
      heterogeneous when analysed at the single-cell level? SUMMARY ANSWER:
      Heterogeneous expression profiles may be a key characteristic of human
      spermatogonia, supporting the existence of a heterogeneous stem cell population.
      WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Despite the fact that many studies have sought to identify
      specific markers for human spermatogonia, the molecular fingerprint of these
      cells remains hitherto unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Testicular tissues
      from patients with spermatogonial arrest (arrest, n = 1) and with qualitatively
      normal spermatogenesis (normal, n = 7) were selected from a pool of 179
      consecutively obtained biopsies. Gene expression analyses of cell populations and
      single-cells (n = 105) were performed. Two OCT4-positive individual cells were
      selected for global transcriptional capture using shallow RNA-seq. Finally,
      expression of four candidate markers was assessed by immunohistochemistry.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Histological analysis and blood hormone
      measurements for LH, FSH and testosterone were performed prior to testicular
      sample selection. Following enzymatic digestion of testicular tissues,
      differential plating and subsequent micromanipulation of individual cells was
      employed to enrich and isolate human spermatogonia, respectively. Endpoint
      analyses were qPCR analysis of cell populations and individual cells, shallow RNA
      seq and immunohistochemical analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:
      Unexpectedly, single-cell expression data from the arrest patient (20 cells)
      showed heterogeneous expression profiles. Also, from patients with normal
      spermatogenesis, heterogeneous expression patterns of undifferentiated (OCT4,
      UTF1 and MAGE A4) and differentiated marker genes (BOLL and PRM2) were obtained
      within each spermatogonia cluster (13 clusters with 85 cells). Shallow RNA-seq
      analysis of individual human spermatogonia was validated, and a spermatogonia
      specific heterogeneous protein expression of selected candidate markers (DDX5,
      TSPY1, EEF1A1 and NGN3) was demonstrated. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The
      heterogeneity of human spermatogonia at the RNA and protein levels is a snapshot.
      To further assess the functional meaning of this heterogeneity and the dynamics
      of stem cell populations, approaches need to be developed to facilitate the
      repeated analysis of individual cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our
      data suggest that heterogeneous expression profiles may be a key characteristic
      of human spermatogonia, supporting the model of a heterogeneous stem cell
      population. Future studies will assess the dynamics of spermatogonial populations
      in fertile and infertile patients. LARGE SCALE DATA: RNA-seq data is published in
      the GEO database: GSE91063. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was
      supported by the Max Planck Society and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG
      Research Unit FOR 1041 Germ Cell Potential (grant numbers SCHO 340/7-1,
      SCHL394/11-2). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

PMID- 28093459
TI  - Syphilis and HIV: Is HAART at the heart of this epidemic?

PMID- 28093457
TI  - Functional analysis of the mammalian RNA ligase for IRE1 in the unfolded protein
      response.
AB  - The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved signalling pathway activated
      on the accumulation of unfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER),
      termed ER stress. Upon ER stress, HAC1/XBP1 undergoes exon/intron-specific
      excision by inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) to remove an intron and liberate
      the 5' and 3' exons. In yeast, the 5' and 3' HAC1 exons are subsequently ligated
      by tRNA ligase (Rlg1p), whereas XBP1 ligation in mammalian cells is catalysed by
      a recently identified ligase, RtcB. In the present study, RNA ligase activity of
      the human RtcB (hRtcB) involved in the unconventional splicing of XBP1/HAC1 mRNA
      was explored in an rlg1-100 mutant yeast strain. Distinct from Escherichia coli
      RtcB and Rlg1p, expression of hRtcB alone inefficiently complemented HAC1/XBP1
      splicing and the hRtcB cofactor (archease) was required to promote enzymatic
      activity of hRtcB to catalyse RNA ligation.

PMID- 28093460
TI  - A double-edged sword: does highly active antiretroviral therapy contribute to
      syphilis incidence by impairing immunity to Treponema pallidum?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Recently, the world has experienced a rapidly
      escalating outbreak of infectious syphilis primarily affecting men who have sex
      with men (MSM); many are taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for
      HIV-1 infection. The prevailing hypothesis is that HAART availability and
      effectiveness have led to the perception among both individuals who are HIV-1
      infected and those who are uninfected that HIV-1 transmission has become much
      less likely, and the effects of HIV-1 infection less deadly. This is expected to
      result in increased sexual risk-taking, especially unprotected anal intercourse,
      leading to more non-HIV-1 STDs, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis.
      However, syphilis incidence has increased more rapidly than other STDs. We
      hypothesise that HAART downregulates the innate and acquired immune responses to
      Treponema pallidum and that this biological explanation plays an important role
      in the syphilis epidemic. METHODS: We performed a literature search and developed
      a mathematical model of HIV-1 and T. pallidum confection in a population with two
      risk groups with assortative mixing to explore the consequence on syphilis
      prevalence of HAART-induced changes in behaviour versus HAART-induced biological
      effects. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Since rising syphilis incidence appears to
      have outpaced gonorrhoea and chlamydia, predominantly affecting HIV-1 positive
      MSM, behavioural factors alone may be insufficient to explain the unique, sharp
      increase in syphilis incidence. HAART agents have the potential to alter the
      innate and acquired immune responses in ways that may enhance susceptibility to
      T. pallidum. This raises the possibility that therapeutic and preventative HAART
      may inadvertently increase the incidence of syphilis, a situation that would have
      significant and global public health implications. We propose that additional
      studies investigating the interplay between HAART and enhanced T. pallidum
      susceptibility are needed. If our hypothesis is correct, HAART should be combined
      with enhanced patient management including frequent monitoring for pathogens such
      as T. pallidum.

PMID- 28093461
TI  - Coil embolization of left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysms: techniques
      and 5-year results.
AB  - We present 3 cases of percutaneous coil embolization of left ventricular outflow
      tract (LVOT) pseudoaneurysms. All patients had a history of repetitive aortic
      root surgery and/or inflammatory disease. Computed tomography showed
      pseudoaneurysms connecting the sacs to the LVOT lumen. In each case, a 6-Fr
      catheter was advanced to the sac by the transfemoral approach. A 0.052-in coil
      was placed across the tract. There was no significant complications associated
      with the procedure. No recurrence was evident in any case during the 5-year
      follow-up. Coil embolization may be an effective treatment for these
      pseudoaneurysms in patients with complicated histories of aortic root surgery.

PMID- 28093462
TI  - Predictors and impact of massive bleeding in acute type A aortic dissection.
AB  - Objectives: Bleeding complications associated with acute type A aortic dissection
      (aTAAD) are a well-known clinical problem. Here, we evaluated predictors of
      massive bleeding related to aTAAD and associated surgery and assessed the impact
      of massive bleeding on complications and survival. Methods: This retrospective
      study of 256 patients used Blood Conservation Using Antifibrinolytics in a
      Randomized Trial (BART) criteria to define massive bleeding, which was met by 66
      individuals (Group I) who were compared to the remaining patients (Group II).
      Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of
      massive bleeding and in-hospital mortality, Kaplan-Meier estimates for analysis
      of late survival, and Cox regression analysis to evaluate independent predictors
      of late mortality. Results: Independent predictors of massive bleeding included
      symptom duration (odds ratio [OR], 0.974 per hour increment; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 0.950-0.999; P  =   0.041) and DeBakey type 1 dissection (OR,
      2.652; 95% CI, 1.004-7.008; P  =   0.049). In-hospital mortality was higher in
      Group I (30.3% vs 8.0%, P  <0.001). Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival indicated
      poorer survival for Group I at 1, 3 and 5 years (68.8 +/- 5.9% vs 92.8 +/- 1.9%;
      65.2 +/- 6.2% vs 85.3 +/- 2.7%; 53.9 +/- 6.9% vs 82.1 +/- 3.3 %, respectively;
      log rank P  <   0.001). Re-exploration for bleeding was an independent predictor
      of in-hospital (OR, 3.109; 95% CI, 1.044-9.256; P  =   0.042) and late
      mortalities (hazard ratio, 3.039; 95% CI, 1.605-5.757; P  =   0.001).
      Conclusions: Massive bleeding in patients with aTAAD is prompted by shorter
      symptom duration and longer extent of dissection and has deleterious effects on
      outcomes of postoperative complications as well as in-hospital and late
      mortalities.

PMID- 28093463
TI  - Bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis with additional pulmonary blood flow:
      good or bad pre-Fontan strategy.
AB  - Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preserved additional
      pulmonary blood flow (APBF) on survival after bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt
      (BCPS) and completion of Fontan circulation. Methods: From March 2003 and April
      2015, 156 patients with a single ventricle underwent BCPS. After performing
      propensity score analysis (1:1) for the entire sample, 50 patients with APBF
      (APBF group) were matched with 50 patients without APBF (no-APBF group). Results:
      Age ( P  = 0.90), sex ( P  = 0.57), weight ( P  = 0.75), single ventricle
      morphology ( P =  0.87), type of neonatal palliative procedure ( P =  0.52),
      saturation ( P =  0.35), ejection fraction ( P =  0.90), Nakata index ( P  =
      0.70) and mean pulmonary artery pressure ( P  = 0.72) were not significantly
      different between the groups. No significant survival difference was demonstrated
      ( P  = 0.54). One and 4-year survival rates were both 89.1% +/- 4.6% in the APBF
      group and 87.2% +/- 4.9% and 83.4% +/- 5.9%, respectively, in the no-APBF group.
      There was no significant difference in rates of Fontan completion ( P  = 0.24),
      which was achieved in 22 patients from the APBF group (55.0%) and 26 patients
      from the no-APBF group (65.0%). However, Fontan completion occurred significantly
      earlier in the no-APBF group ( P  < 0.01). In this group, Fontan procedure was
      performed before 36 months of inter-stage period in 45.9% +/- 8.5% of cases (95%
      CI 31.0-63.7%) compared to only 13.3 +/- 5.6% (95% CI 5.8-29.1%) in the APBF
      group. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that APBF does not affect survival
      after BCPS or Fontan completion rate. APBF allows postponing the Fontan procedure
      without a negative effect on clinical status.

PMID- 28093464
TI  - Socioeconomic Status, Smoke Exposure, and Health Outcomes in Young Children With
      Cystic Fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lower socioeconomic status (SES) and environmental tobacco smoke
      (ETS) exposure are both associated with poorer disease outcomes in cystic
      fibrosis (CF), and children with low SES are disproportionately exposed to ETS.
      We analyzed a large cohort of young children with CF to distinguish the impact of
      SES and ETS on clinical outcomes. METHODS: The Early Pseudomonas Infection
      Control Observational study enrolled Pseudomonas-negative young children with CF
      <13 years of age. An enrollment survey assessed SES and ETS exposures. Forced
      expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), crackles and wheezes, and weight-for-age
      percentile were assessed at each clinical encounter over at least 4 years.
      Repeated measures analyses estimated the association of SES and ETS exposures
      with longitudinal clinical outcomes, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Of 1797
      participants, 1375 were eligible for analysis. Maternal education was high school
      or less in 28.1%, 26.8% had household income <$40 000, and 43.8% had Medicaid or
      no insurance. Maternal smoking after birth was present in 24.8%, more prevalent
      in household with low SES. In separate models, lower SES and ETS exposure were
      significantly associated with lower FEV1% predicted, presence of crackles or
      wheezes, and lower weight percentile. In combined models, effect estimates for
      SES changed minimally after adjustment for ETS exposures, whereas estimates for
      ETS exposures were attenuated after adjusting for SES. CONCLUSIONS: ETS exposure
      was disproportionately high in low SES families in this cohort of children with
      CF. Lower SES and ETS exposure had independent adverse effects on pulmonary and
      nutritional outcomes. Estimated effect of SES on FEV1 decreased minimally after
      ETS adjustment, suggesting health disparity risks independent of ETS exposure.

PMID- 28093465
TI  - Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and High School Performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known of the long-term, including school,
      outcomes of children diagnosed with Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
      (International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Problems [10th
      Edition], Australian Modification, P96.1). METHODS: Linked analysis of health and
      curriculum-based test data for all children born in the state of New South Wales
      (NSW), Australia, between 2000 and 2006. Children with NAS (n = 2234) were
      compared with a control group matched for gestation, socioeconomic status, and
      gender (n = 4330, control) and with other NSW children (n = 598 265, population)
      for results on the National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy, in grades
      3, 5, and 7. RESULTS: Mean test scores (range 0-1000) for children with NAS were
      significantly lower in grade 3 (359 vs control: 410 vs population: 421). The
      deficit was progressive. By grade 7, children with NAS scored lower than other
      children in grade 5. The risk of not meeting minimum standards was independently
      associated with NAS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 2.2-2.7), indigenous status (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 2.2-2.3), male gender (aOR,
      1.3; 95% CI, 1.3-1.4), and low parental education (aOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6),
      with all Ps < .001. CONCLUSIONS: A neonatal diagnostic code of NAS is strongly
      associated with poor and deteriorating school performance. Parental education may
      decrease the risk of failure. Children with NAS and their families must be
      identified early and provided with support to minimize the consequences of poor
      educational outcomes.

PMID- 28093466
TI  - Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan Versus Olmesartan on Central Hemodynamics in the
      Elderly With Systolic Hypertension: The PARAMETER Study.
AB  - Effective treatment of systolic hypertension in elderly patients remains a major
      therapeutic challenge. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
      with sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696), a first-in-class angiotensin receptor
      neprilysin inhibitor, was conducted to determine its effects versus olmesartan
      (angiotensin receptor blocker) on central aortic pressures, in elderly patients
      (aged >=60 years) with systolic hypertension and pulse pressure >60 mm Hg,
      indicative of arterial stiffness. Patients (n=454; mean age, 67.7 years; mean
      seated systolic blood pressure, 158.6 mm Hg; mean seated pulse pressure, 69.7 mm
      Hg) were randomized to receive once-daily sacubitril/valsartan 200 mg or
      olmesartan 20 mg, force titrated to double the initial doses after 4 weeks,
      before primary assessment at 12 weeks. The study extended double-blind treatment
      for 12 to 52 weeks, during which amlodipine (2.5-5 mg) and subsequently
      hydrochlorothiazide (6.25-25 mg) were added-on for patients not achieving blood
      pressure target (<140/90). At week 12, sacubitril/valsartan reduced central
      aortic systolic pressure (primary assessment) greater than olmesartan by -3.7 mm
      Hg (P=0.010), further corroborated by secondary assessments at week 12 (central
      aortic pulse pressure, -2.4 mm Hg, P<0.012; mean 24-hour ambulatory brachial
      systolic blood pressure and central aortic systolic pressure, -4.1 mm Hg and -3.6
      mm Hg, respectively, both P<0.001). Differences in 24-hour ambulatory pressures
      were pronounced during sleep. After 52 weeks, blood pressure parameters were
      similar between treatments (P<0.002); however, more patients required add-on
      antihypertensive therapy with olmesartan (47%) versus sacubitril/valsartan (32%;
      P<0.002). Both treatments were equally well tolerated. The PARAMETER study
      (Prospective Comparison of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor With
      Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Measuring Arterial Stiffness in the Elderly), for
      the first time, demonstrated superiority of sacubitril/valsartan versus
      olmesartan in reducing clinic and ambulatory central aortic and brachial
      pressures in elderly patients with systolic hypertension and stiff arteries.

PMID- 28093468
TI  - One Step Further Toward a Targeted Screening Program.

PMID- 28093467
TI  - Blood Pressure Trajectories From Childhood to Young Adulthood Associated With
      Cardiovascular Risk: Results From the 23-Year Longitudinal Georgia Stress and
      Heart Study.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to identify subgroups of individuals with similar
      trajectories in blood pressure (BP) from childhood to young adulthood and to
      determine the relationship of BP trajectories with carotid intima-media thickness
      (IMT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). BP was measured <=16 times during a
      23-year period in 683 participants from childhood to young adulthood. IMT and
      LVMI were measured in 551 participants and 546 participants, respectively. Using
      latent class models, 3 trajectory groups in BP from childhood to young adulthood
      were identified, including high-increasing, moderate-increasing, and low
      increasing groups. We found that trajectory of systolic BP was a significant
      predictor of both IMT and LVMI with increased rate of growth in systolic BP
      associated with higher levels of IMT and LVMI (Pfor trend <0.001). Similar to the
      BP trajectory groups from childhood to young adulthood, 3 trajectory groups in BP
      during childhood (<=18 years) were identified, and participants in the high
      increasing group had thicker IMT (P<0.001) and increased LVMI (P=0.043) in
      comparison with those in the low-increasing group. Results were similar for mid
      BP trajectories but not for diastolic BP trajectories. Our results suggested that
      different BP trajectories exist from childhood to young adulthood, and the
      trajectories were independently associated with IMT and LVMI. We, for the first
      time, reported the association between systolic BP trajectories derived from
      childhood with subclinical cardiovascular risk in young adulthood, indicating
      that monitoring trajectories of BP from childhood may help identify a high
      cardiovascular risk population in early life.

PMID- 28093469
TI  - Assembly of the elongated collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase alpha2beta2
      heterotetramer around a central alpha2 dimer.
AB  - Collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase (C-P4H), an alpha2beta2 heterotetramer, is a
      crucial enzyme for collagen synthesis. The alpha-subunit consists of an N
      terminal dimerization domain, a central peptide substrate-binding (PSB) domain,
      and a C-terminal catalytic (CAT) domain. The beta-subunit [also known as protein
      disulfide isomerase (PDI)] acts as a chaperone, stabilizing the functional
      conformation of C-P4H. C-P4H has been studied for decades, but its structure has
      remained elusive. Here, we present a three-dimensional small-angle X-ray
      scattering model of the entire human C-P4H-I heterotetramer. C-P4H is an
      elongated, bilobal, symmetric molecule with a length of 290 A. The dimerization
      domains from the two alpha-subunits form a protein-protein dimer interface,
      assembled around the central antiparallel coiled-coil interface of their N
      terminal alpha-helices. This region forms a thin waist in the bilobal tetramer.
      The two PSB/CAT units, each complexed with a PDI/beta-subunit, form two bulky
      lobes pointing outward from this waist region, such that the PDI/beta-subunits
      locate at the far ends of the betaalphaalphabeta complex. The PDI/beta-subunit
      interacts extensively with the CAT domain. The asymmetric shape of two truncated
      C-P4H-I variants, also characterized in the present study, agrees with this
      assembly. Furthermore, data from these truncated variants show that dimerization
      between the alpha-subunits has an important role in achieving the correct PSB-CAT
      assembly competent for catalytic activity. Kinetic assays with various proline
      rich peptide substrates and inhibitors suggest that, in the competent assembly,
      the PSB domain binds to the procollagen substrate downstream from the CAT domain.

PMID- 28093470
TI  - Active-site maturation and activity of the copper-radical oxidase GlxA are
      governed by a tryptophan residue.
AB  - GlxA from Streptomyces lividans is a mononuclear copper-radical oxidase and a
      member of the auxiliary activity family 5 (AA5). Its domain organisation and low
      sequence homology make it a distinct member of the AA5 family in which the fungal
      galactose 6-oxidase (Gox) is the best characterised. GlxA is a key cuproenzyme in
      the copper-dependent morphological development of S. lividans with a function
      that is linked to the processing of an extracytoplasmic glycan. The catalytic
      sites in GlxA and Gox contain two distinct one-electron acceptors comprising the
      copper ion and a 3'-(S-cysteinyl) tyrosine. The latter is formed post
      translationally through a covalent bond between a cysteine and a copper-co
      ordinating tyrosine ligand and houses a radical. In GlxA and Gox, a second co
      ordination sphere tryptophan residue (Trp288 in GlxA) is present, but the
      orientation of the indole ring differs between the two enzymes, creating a marked
      difference in the pi-pi stacking interaction of the benzyl ring with the 3'-(S
      cysteinyl) tyrosine. Differences in the spectroscopic and enzymatic activity have
      been reported between GlxA and Gox with the indole orientation suggested as a
      reason. Here, we report a series of in vivo and in vitro studies using the W288F
      and W288A variants of GlxA to assess the role of Trp288 on the morphology,
      maturation, spectroscopic and enzymatic properties. Our findings point towards a
      salient role for Trp288 in the kinetics of copper loading and maturation of GlxA,
      with its presence essential for stabilising the metalloradical site required for
      coupling catalytic activity and morphological development.

PMID- 28093471
TI  - Interaction studies between periplasmic cytochromes provide insights into
      extracellular electron transfer pathways of Geobacter sulfurreducens.
AB  - Geobacter bacteria usually prevail among other microorganisms in soils and
      sediments where Fe(III) reduction has a central role. This reduction is achieved
      by extracellular electron transfer (EET), where the electrons are exported from
      the interior of the cell to the surrounding environment. Periplasmic cytochromes
      play an important role in establishing an interface between inner and outer
      membrane electron transfer components. In addition, periplasmic cytochromes, in
      particular nanowire cytochromes that contain at least 12 haem groups, have been
      proposed to play a role in electron storage in conditions of an environmental
      lack of electron acceptors. Up to date, no redox partners have been identified in
      Geobacter sulfurreducens, and concomitantly, the EET and electron storage
      mechanisms remain unclear. In this work, NMR chemical shift perturbation
      measurements were used to probe for an interaction between the most abundant
      periplasmic cytochrome PpcA and the dodecahaem cytochrome GSU1996, one of the
      proposed nanowire cytochromes in G. sulfurreducens The perturbations on the haem
      methyl signals of GSU1996 and PpcA showed that the proteins form a transient
      redox complex in an interface that involves haem groups from two different
      domains located at the C-terminal of GSU1996. Overall, the present study provides
      for the first time a clear evidence for an interaction between periplasmic
      cytochromes that might be relevant for the EET and electron storage pathways in
      G. sulfurreducens.

PMID- 28093472
TI  - Social Status-Dependent Shift in Neural Circuit Activation Affects Decision
      Making.
AB  - In a social group, animals make behavioral decisions that fit their social ranks.
      These behavioral choices are dependent on the various social cues experienced
      during social interactions. In vertebrates, little is known of how social status
      affects the underlying neural mechanisms regulating decision-making circuits that
      drive competing behaviors. Here, we demonstrate that social status in zebrafish
      (Danio rerio) influences behavioral decisions by shifting the balance in neural
      circuit activation between two competing networks (escape and swim). We show that
      socially dominant animals enhance activation of the swim circuit. Conversely,
      social subordinates display a decreased activation of the swim circuit, but an
      enhanced activation of the escape circuit. In an effort to understand how social
      status mediates these effects, we constructed a neurocomputational model of the
      escape and swim circuits. The model replicates our findings and suggests that
      social status-related shift in circuit dynamics could be mediated by changes in
      the relative excitability of the escape and swim networks. Together, our results
      reveal that changes in the excitabilities of the Mauthner command neuron for
      escape and the inhibitory interneurons that regulate swimming provide a cellular
      mechanism for the nervous system to adapt to changes in social conditions by
      permitting the animal to select a socially appropriate behavioral
      response.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding how social factors influence
      nervous system function is of great importance. Using zebrafish as a model
      system, we demonstrate how social experience affects decision making to enable
      animals to produce socially appropriate behavior. Based on experimental evidence
      and computational modeling, we show that behavioral decisions reflect the
      interplay between competing neural circuits whose activation thresholds shift in
      accordance with social status. We demonstrate this through analysis of the
      behavior and neural circuit responses that drive escape and swim behaviors in
      fish. We show that socially subordinate animals favor escape over swimming, while
      socially dominants favor swimming over escape. We propose that these differences
      are mediated by shifts in relative circuit excitability.

PMID- 28093473
TI  - Differential Regulation of NMDA Receptor-Mediated Transmission by SK Channels
      Underlies Dorsal-Ventral Differences in Dynamics of Schaffer Collateral Synaptic
      Function.
AB  - Behavioral, physiological, and anatomical evidence indicates that the dorsal and
      ventral zones of the hippocampus have distinct roles in cognition. How the unique
      functions of these zones might depend on differences in synaptic and neuronal
      function arising from the strikingly different gene expression profiles exhibited
      by dorsal and ventral CA1 pyramidal cells is unclear. To begin to address this
      question, we investigated the mechanisms underlying differences in synaptic
      transmission and plasticity at dorsal and ventral Schaffer collateral (SC)
      synapses in the mouse hippocampus. We find that, although basal synaptic
      transmission is similar, SC synapses in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus
      exhibit markedly different responses to theta frequency patterns of stimulation.
      In contrast to dorsal hippocampus, theta frequency stimulation fails to elicit
      postsynaptic complex-spike bursting and does not induce LTP at ventral SC
      synapses. Moreover, EPSP-spike coupling, a process that strongly influences
      information transfer at synapses, is weaker in ventral pyramidal cells. Our
      results indicate that all these differences in postsynaptic function are due to
      an enhanced activation of SK-type K+ channels that suppresses NMDAR-dependent
      EPSP amplification at ventral SC synapses. Consistent with this, mRNA levels for
      the SK3 subunit of SK channels are significantly higher in ventral CA1 pyramidal
      cells. Together, our findings indicate that a dorsal-ventral difference in SK
      channel regulation of NMDAR activation has a profound effect on the transmission,
      processing, and storage of information at SC synapses and thus likely contributes
      to the distinct roles of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus in different
      behaviors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Differences in short- and long-term plasticity
      at Schaffer collateral (SC) synapses in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus likely
      contribute importantly to the distinct roles of these regions in cognition and
      behavior. Although dorsal and ventral CA1 pyramidal cells exhibit markedly
      different gene expression profiles, how these differences influence plasticity at
      SC synapses is unclear. Here we report that increased mRNA levels for the SK3
      subunit of SK-type K+ channels in ventral pyramidal cells is associated with an
      enhanced activation of SK channels that strongly suppresses NMDAR activation at
      ventral SC synapses. This leads to striking differences in multiple aspects of
      synaptic transmission at dorsal and ventral SC synapses and underlies the reduced
      ability of ventral SC synapses to undergo LTP.

PMID- 28093474
TI  - Behavioral Status Influences the Dependence of Odorant-Induced Change in Firing
      on Prestimulus Firing Rate.
AB  - The firing rate of the mitral/tufted cells in the olfactory bulb is known to
      undergo significant trial-to-trial variability and is affected by anesthesia.
      Here we ask whether odorant-elicited changes in firing rate depend on the rate
      before application of the stimulus in the awake and anesthetized mouse. We find
      that prestimulus firing rate varies widely on a trial-to-trial basis and that the
      stimulus-induced change in firing rate decreases with increasing prestimulus
      firing rate. Interestingly, this prestimulus firing rate dependence was different
      when the behavioral task did not involve detecting the valence of the stimulus.
      Finally, when the animal was learning to associate the odor with reward, the
      prestimulus firing rate was smaller for false alarms compared with correct
      rejections, suggesting that intrinsic activity reflects the anticipatory status
      of the animal. Thus, in this sensory modality, changes in behavioral status alter
      the intrinsic prestimulus activity, leading to a change in the responsiveness of
      the second-order neurons. We speculate that this trial-to-trial variability in
      odorant responses reflects sampling of the massive parallel input by subsets of
      mitral cells.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The olfactory bulb must deal with processing
      massive parallel input from ~1200 distinct olfactory receptors. In contrast, the
      visual system receives input from a small number of photoreceptors and achieves
      recognition of complex stimuli by allocating processing for distinct spatial
      locations to different brain areas. Here we find that the change in firing rate
      elicited by the odorant in second-order mitral cells depends on the intrinsic
      activity leading to a change of magnitude in the responsiveness of these neurons
      relative to this prestimulus activity. Further, we find that prestimulus firing
      rate is influenced by behavioral status. This suggests that there is top-down
      modulation allowing downstream brain processing areas to perform dynamic readout
      of olfactory information.

PMID- 28093475
TI  - Hippocampal Contribution to Context Encoding across Development Is Disrupted
      following Early-Life Adversity.
AB  - Context can drastically influence responses to environmental stimuli. For
      example, a gunshot should provoke a different response at a public park than a
      shooting range. Little is known about how contextual processing and neural
      correlates change across human development or about individual differences
      related to early environmental experiences. Children (N = 60; 8-19 years, 24
      exposed to interpersonal violence) completed a context encoding task during fMRI
      scanning using a delayed match-to-sample design with neutral, happy, and angry
      facial cues embedded in realistic background scenes. Outside the scanner,
      participants completed a memory test for context-face pairings. Context memory
      and neural correlates of context encoding did not vary with age. Larger
      hippocampal volume was associated with better context memory. Posterior
      hippocampus was recruited during context encoding, and greater activation in this
      region predicted better memory for contexts paired with angry faces. Children
      exposed to violence had poor memory of contexts paired with angry faces, reduced
      hippocampal volume, and atypical neural recruitment on encoding trials with angry
      faces, including reduced hippocampal activation and greater functional
      connectivity between hippocampus and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC).
      Greater hippocampus-vlPFC connectivity was associated with worse memory for
      contexts paired with angry faces. Posterior hippocampus appears to support
      context encoding, a process that does not exhibit age-related variation from
      middle childhood to late adolescence. Exposure to dangerous environments in
      childhood is associated with poor context encoding in the presence of threat,
      likely due to greater vlPFC-dependent attentional narrowing on threat cues at the
      expense of hippocampus-dependent processing of the broader context.SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT The ability to use context to guide reactions to environmental stimuli
      promotes flexible behavior. Remarkably little research has examined how
      contextual processing changes across development or about influences of the early
      environment. We provide evidence for posterior hippocampus involvement in context
      encoding in youth and lack of age-related variation from middle childhood to late
      adolescence. Children exposed to interpersonal violence exhibited poor memory of
      contexts paired with angry faces and atypical neural recruitment during context
      encoding in the presence of threatening facial cues. Heightened attention to
      threat following violence exposure may come at the expense of encoding contextual
      information, which may ultimately contribute to pathological fear expressed in
      safe contexts.

PMID- 28093477
TI  - Differential Presynaptic ATP Supply for Basal and High-Demand Transmission.
AB  - The relative contributions of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to
      neuronal presynaptic energy demands are unclear. In rat hippocampal neurons, ATP
      production by either glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation alone sustained
      basal evoked synaptic transmission for up to 20 min. However, combined inhibition
      of both ATP sources abolished evoked transmission. Neither action potential
      propagation failure nor depressed Ca2+ influx explained loss of evoked synaptic
      transmission. Rather, inhibition of ATP synthesis caused massive spontaneous
      vesicle exocytosis, followed by arrested endocytosis, accounting for the
      disappearance of evoked postsynaptic currents. In contrast to its weak effects on
      basal transmission, inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation alone depressed
      recovery from vesicle depletion. Local astrocytic lactate shuttling was not
      required. Instead, either ambient monocarboxylates or neuronal glycolysis was
      sufficient to supply requisite substrate. In summary, basal transmission can be
      sustained by glycolysis, but strong presynaptic demands are met preferentially by
      oxidative phosphorylation, which can be maintained by bulk but not local
      monocarboxylates or by neuronal glycolysis.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuronal energy
      levels are critical for proper CNS function, but the relative roles for the two
      main sources of ATP production, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, in
      fueling presynaptic function in unclear. Either glycolysis or oxidative
      phosphorylation can fuel low-frequency synaptic function and inhibiting both
      underlies loss of synaptic transmission via massive vesicle release and
      subsequent failure to endocytose lost vesicles. Oxidative phosphorylation, fueled
      by either glycolysis or endogenously released monocarboxylates, can fuel more
      metabolically demanding tasks such as vesicle recovery after depletion. Our work
      demonstrates the flexible nature of fueling presynaptic function to maintain
      synaptic function.

PMID- 28093476
TI  - Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors and M-Currents Underlie Efferent-Mediated Slow
      Excitation in Calyx-Bearing Vestibular Afferents.
AB  - Stimulation of vestibular efferent neurons excites calyx and dimorphic (CD)
      afferents. This excitation consists of fast and slow components that differ >100
      fold in activation kinetics and response duration. In the turtle, efferent
      mediated fast excitation arises in CD afferents when the predominant efferent
      neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) activates calyceal nicotinic ACh receptors
      (nAChRs); however, it is unclear whether the accompanying efferent-mediated slow
      excitation is also attributed to cholinergic mechanisms. To identify synaptic
      processes underlying efferent-mediated slow excitation, we recorded from CD
      afferents innervating the turtle posterior crista during electrical stimulation
      of efferent neurons, in combination with pharmacological probes and mechanical
      stimulation. Efferent-mediated slow excitation was unaffected by nAChR compounds
      that block efferent-mediated fast excitation, but were mimicked by muscarine and
      antagonized by atropine, indicating that it requires ACh and muscarinic ACh
      receptor (mAChR) activation. Efferent-mediated slow excitation or muscarine
      application enhanced the sensitivity of CD afferents to mechanical stimulation,
      suggesting that mAChR activation increases afferent input impedance by closing
      calyceal potassium channels. These observations were consistent with suppression
      of a muscarinic-sensitive K+-current, or M-current. Immunohistochemistry for
      putative M-current candidates suggested that turtle CD afferents express KCNQ3,
      KCNQ4, and ERG1-3 potassium channel subunits. KCNQ channels were favored as
      application of the selective antagonist XE991 mimicked and occluded efferent
      mediated slow excitation in CD afferents. These data highlight an efferent
      mediated mechanism for enhancing afferent sensitivity. They further suggest that
      the clinical effectiveness of mAChR antagonists in treating balance disorders may
      also target synaptic mechanisms in the vestibular periphery, and that KCNQ
      channel modulators might offer similar therapeutic value.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT
      Targeting the efferent vestibular system (EVS) pharmacologically might prove
      useful in ameliorating some forms of vestibular dysfunction by modifying ongoing
      primary vestibular input. EVS activation engages several kinetically distinct
      synaptic processes that profoundly alter the discharge rate and sensitivity of
      first-order vestibular neurons. Efferent-mediated slow excitation of vestibular
      afferents is of considerable interest given its ability to elevate afferent
      activity over an extended time course. We demonstrate for the first time that
      efferent-mediated slow excitation of vestibular afferents is mediated by
      muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) activation and the subsequent closure
      of KCNQ potassium channels. The clinical effectiveness of some anti-mAChR drugs
      in treating motion sickness suggest that we may, in fact, already be targeting
      the peripheral EVS.

PMID- 28093478
TI  - Long Noncoding RNA Malat1 Regulates Cerebrovascular Pathologies in Ischemic
      Stroke.
AB  - The study was designed to determine the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA),
      metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Malat1), in ischemic
      stroke outcome. Primary mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were
      cultured and treated with Malat1 GapmeR before 16 h oxygen and glucose
      depravation (OGD). Cell death was assayed by LDH and MTT methods. Malat1 knock
      out and wild-type mice were subjected to 1 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion
      (MCAO) and 24-72 h of reperfusion. To explore the underlying mechanism, apoptotic
      and inflammatory factors were measured by qPCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. The
      physical interaction between Malat1 and apoptotic or inflammatory factors was
      measured by RNA immunoprecipitation. Increased Malat1 levels were found in
      cultured mouse BMECs after OGD as well as in isolated cerebral microvessels in
      mice after MCAO. Silencing of Malat1 by Malat1 GapmeR significantly increased OGD
      induced cell death and Caspase 3 activity in BMECs. Silencing of Malat1 also
      significantly aggravated OGD-induced expression of the proapoptotic factor Bim
      and proinflammatory cytokines MCP-1, IL-6, and E-selectin. Moreover, Malat1 KO
      mice presented larger brain infarct size, worsened neurological scores, and
      reduced sensorimotor functions. Consistent with in vitro findings, significantly
      increased expression of proapoptotic and proinflammatory factors was also found
      in the cerebral cortex of Malat1 KO mice after ischemic stroke compared with WT
      controls. Finally, we demonstrated that Malat1 binds to Bim and E-selectin both
      in vitro and in vivo Our study suggests that Malat1 plays critical protective
      roles in ischemic stroke.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Accumulative studies have
      demonstrated the important regulatory roles of microRNAs in vascular and neural
      damage after ischemic stroke. However, the functional significance and mechanisms
      of other classes of noncoding RNAs in cerebrovascular pathophysiology after
      stroke are less studied. Here we demonstrate a novel role of Malat1, a long
      noncoding RNA that has been originally identified as a prognostic marker for non
      small cell lung cancer, in cerebrovascular pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Our
      experiments have provided the first evidence that Malat1 plays anti-apoptotic and
      anti-inflammatory roles in brain microvasculature to reduce ischemic cerebral
      vascular and parenchymal damages. Our studies also suggest that lncRNAs can be
      therapeutically targeted to minimize poststroke brain damage.

PMID- 28093479
TI  - Paired Stimulation for Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity in Primate Sensorimotor
      Cortex.
AB  - Classic in vitro studies have described spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP)
      at a synapse: the connection from neuron A to neuron B is strengthened (or
      weakened) when A fires before (or after) B within an optimal time window.
      Accordingly, more recent in vivo works have demonstrated behavioral effects
      consistent with an STDP mechanism; however, many relied on single-unit
      recordings. The ability to modify cortical connections becomes useful in the
      context of injury, when connectivity and associated behavior are compromised. To
      avoid the need for long-term, stable isolation of single units, one could control
      timed activation of two cortical sites with paired electrical stimulation. We
      tested the hypothesis that STDP could be induced via prolonged paired stimulation
      as quantified by cortical evoked potentials (EPs) in the sensorimotor cortex of
      awake, behaving monkeys. Paired simulation between two interconnected sites
      produced robust effects in EPs consistent with STDP, but only at 2/15 tested
      pairs. The stimulation protocol often produced increases in global network
      excitability or depression of the conditioned pair. Together, these results
      suggest that paired stimulation in vivo is a viable method to induce STDP between
      cortical populations, but that factors beyond activation timing must be
      considered to produce conditioning effects.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Plasticity of
      neural connections is important for development, learning, memory, and recovery
      from injury. Cellular mechanisms underlying spike-timing-dependent plasticity
      have been studied extensively in vitro Recent in vivo work has demonstrated
      results consistent with the previously defined cellular mechanisms; however, the
      output measure in these studies was typically an indirect assessment of
      plasticity at the neural level. Here, we show direct plasticity in recordings of
      neuronal populations in awake, behaving nonhuman primates induced by paired
      electrical stimulation. In contrast to in vitro studies, we found that plastic
      effects were only produced between specific cortical areas. These findings
      suggest that similar mechanisms drive plasticity in vitro and in vivo, but that
      cortical architecture may contribute significantly to site-dependent effects.

PMID- 28093480
TI  - Comprehensive screening for PD-L1 expression in thyroid cancer.
AB  - PD-L1 expression is being considered a potential biomarker for response of anti
      PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 agents in various tumors. The reported frequency of PD-L1
      positivity varies in thyroid carcinomas, and multiple factors may contribute to
      the variability in PD-L1 positivity. We evaluated the PD-L1 expression in various
      thyroid cancers on a large scale. A total of 407 primary thyroid cancers with a
      median 13.7-year of follow-up were included. We evaluated the frequency of PD-L1
      expression using a rabbit monoclonal antibody (clone SP142). In addition, we
      analyzed the relationships between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathologic
      factors, including TERT promoter, BRAF status and disease progression. Tumoral PD
      L1 was expressed in 6.1% of papillary thyroid carcinomas, 7.6% of follicular
      thyroid carcinomas and 22.2% of anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. The distribution
      of PD-L1 positivity was different according to cancer histology types (P <
      0.001). All PD-L1-positive cases of follicular thyroid carcinoma and anaplastic
      thyroid carcinoma showed strong intensity. The proportions of positivity in PD-L1
      positive anaplastic thyroid carcinomas were more than 80%. PD-L1 in immune cells
      was positive in 28.5% of papillary thyroid carcinoma, 9.1% of follicular thyroid
      carcinomas and 11.1% of anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. There was no significant
      association between clinicopathologic variables, disease progression, oncogenic
      mutation and PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 was highly expressed in a subset of patients
      with advanced thyroid cancer, such as follicular and anaplastic thyroid
      carcinoma. Identification of PD-L1 expression may have direct therapeutic
      relevance to patients with refractory thyroid cancer.

PMID- 28093481
TI  - Phylogenetic and pathogenic analysis of Mycoplasma Synoviae isolated from native
      chicken breeds in China.
AB  - Mycoplasma synoviae (M. synoviae) infection leads to serious economic losses in
      the world every year. Between 2013 and 2014, the infectious synovitis, caused by
      M. synoviae infection, occurred in native chickens in China and resulted in the
      loss of millions of chickens in Chinese poultry farms. However, there has been no
      data about phylogenetic and pathogenic analysis of Chinese M. synoviae isolates.
      In this study, a total of 110 M. synoviae strains were isolated from M. synoviae
      infected chickens. The isolates identified in the present study were classified
      into a new distinct subgroup based on analysis of the 5'-end vlhA sequences,
      tentatively termed the K group. In addition, though the pathogenicity was
      significantly different among isolates, there was no close relationship between
      pathogenicity and genotype for Chinese M. synoviae based on a pathogenic analysis
      of the 5'-end of the vlhA gene.

PMID- 28093482
TI  - Dissemination of blaOXA-58 in Proteus mirabilis isolates from Germany.
AB  - Objectives: Characterization of Proteus mirabilis isolates harbouring bla OXA-58
      with emphasis on the genetic environment of this resistance determinant. Methods:
      Strains of P. mirabilis ( n  =   37) isolated from different patients were tested
      for the presence of bla OXA-58 . The genetic context of bla OXA-58 was determined
      by WGS of two strains and Sanger sequencing. Clonality of the strains was
      assessed by PFGE. Susceptibility testing was performed by microdilution according
      to EUCAST. Results: Four strains isolated in different geographical regions of
      Germany were positive for bla OXA-58 , and WGS showed that this resistance gene
      was harboured on a plasmid. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of two
      nearly identical plasmids, 6219 and 6208 bp in size, in all four strains.
      Upstream of bla OXA-58 an IS Aba 3-like transposase gene was located. The P.
      mirabilis strains were not clonally related according to PFGE. MICs of meropenem
      for three of the strains were only just above the EUCAST breakpoint and the Carba
      NP test was positive for only two of the strains. Conclusions: To our knowledge,
      this is the first description of bla OXA-58 in the species P. mirabilis . The
      resistance gene is harboured by almost identical plasmids in strains not clonally
      related and from different geographical regions. Apart from an IS Aba 3-like
      transposase gene upstream of bla OXA-58 the genetic context is different from bla
      OXA-58 harboured on plasmids in the genus Acinetobacter . With MICs of meropenem
      well below the EUCAST breakpoint or only just above it and equivocal or false
      negative results from the Carba NP test, bla OXA-58 can be easily overlooked in
      P. mirabilis .

PMID- 28093483
TI  - Treatment simplification to atazanavir/ritonavir + lamivudine versus maintenance
      of atazanavir/ritonavir + two NRTIs in virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected
      patients: 48 week results from a randomized trial (ATLAS-M).
AB  - Background: Combination ART (cART)-related toxicities and costs have prompted the
      need for treatment simplification. The ATLAS-M trial explored 48 week non
      inferior efficacy of simplification to atazanavir/ritonavir  +  lamivudine versus
      maintaining three-drug atazanavir/ritonavir-based cART in virologically
      suppressed patients. Methods: We performed an open-label, multicentre,
      randomized, non-inferiority study, enrolling HIV-infected adults on
      atazanavir/ritonavir + two NRTIs, with stable HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL and CD4 +
      >200 cells/mm 3 . Main exclusion criteria were hepatitis B virus coinfection,
      past virological failure on or resistance to study drugs, recent AIDS and
      pregnancy. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to either switch to 300 mg of
      atazanavir/100 mg of ritonavir once daily and 300 mg of lamivudine once daily
      (atazanavir/ritonavir + lamivudine arm) or to continue the previous regimen
      (atazanavir/ritonavir + two NRTIs arm). The primary study outcome was the
      maintenance of HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL at week 48 of the ITT-exposed (ITT-e)
      analysis with switch = failure. The non-inferiority margin was 12%. This study is
      registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01599364. Results: Between July 2011
      and June 2014, 266 patients were randomized (133 to each arm). After 48 weeks,
      the primary study outcome was met by 119 of 133 patients (89.5%) in the
      atazanavir/ritonavir + lamivudine arm and 106 of 133 patients (79.7%) in the
      atazanavir/ritonavir + two NRTIs arm [difference atazanavir/ritonavir +
      lamivudine versus atazanavir/ritonavir + two NRTIs arm: +9.8% (95% CI + 1.2 to +
      18.4)], demonstrating non-inferiority and superior efficacy of the
      atazanavir/ritonavir + lamivudine arm. Virological failure occurred in two (1.5%)
      patients in the atazanavir/ritonavir + lamivudine arm and six (4.5%) patients in
      the atazanavir/ritonavir + two NRTIs arm, without resistance selection. A similar
      proportion of adverse events occurred in both arms. Conclusions: Treatment
      simplification to atazanavir/ritonavir + lamivudine showed non-inferior efficacy
      (superiority on post-hoc analysis) and a comparable safety profile over
      continuing atazanavir/ritonavir + two NRTIs in virologically suppressed patients.

PMID- 28093484
TI  - MIC of amoxicillin/clavulanate according to CLSI and EUCAST: discrepancies and
      clinical impact in patients with bloodstream infections due to
      Enterobacteriaceae.
AB  - Objectives: To compare results of amoxicillin/clavulanate susceptibility testing
      using CLSI and EUCAST methodologies and to evaluate their impact on outcome in
      patients with bacteraemia caused by Enterobacteriaceae. Patients and methods: A
      prospective observational cohort study was conducted in 13 Spanish hospitals.
      Patients with bacteraemia due to Enterobacteriaceae who received empirical
      intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanate treatment for at least 48 h were included.
      MICs were determined following CLSI and EUCAST recommendations. Outcome variables
      were: failure at the end of treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanate (FEAMC);
      failure at day 21; and 30 day mortality. Classification and regression tree
      (CART) analysis and logistic regression were performed. Results: Overall, 264
      episodes were included; the urinary tract was the most common source (64.7%) and
      Escherichia coli the most frequent pathogen (76.5%). Fifty-two isolates (19.7%)
      showed resistance according to CLSI and 141 (53.4%) according to EUCAST. The
      kappa index for the concordance between the results of both committees was only
      0.24. EUCAST-derived, but not CLSI-derived, MICs were associated with failure
      when considered as continuous variables. CART analysis suggested a 'resistance'
      breakpoint of > 8/4 mg/L for CLSI-derived MICs; it predicted FEAMC in adjusted
      analysis (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 0.98-3.90). Isolates with EUCAST-derived MICs >16/2
      mg/L independently predicted FEAMC (OR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.05-4.21) and failure at
      day 21 (OR= 3.01; 95% CI: 0.93-9.67). MICs >32/2 mg/L were only predictive of
      failure among patients with bacteraemia from urinary or biliary tract sources.
      Conclusions: CLSI and EUCAST methodologies showed low agreement for determining
      the MIC of amoxicillin/clavulanate. EUCAST-derived MICs seemed more predictive of
      failure than CLSI-derived ones. EUCAST-derived MICs >16/2 mg/L were independently
      associated with therapeutic failure.

PMID- 28093485
TI  - Molecular insights into fosfomycin resistance in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Objectives: Fosfomycin activity in Escherichia coli depends on several genes of
      unknown importance for fosfomycin resistance. The objective was to characterize
      the role of uhpT , glpT , cyaA and ptsI genes in fosfomycin resistance in E.
      coli. Methods: WT E. coli BW25113 and null mutants, Delta uhpT , Delta glpT ,
      Delta cyaA , Delta ptsI , Delta glpT-uhpT , Delta glpT-cyaA , Delta glpT-ptsI ,
      Delta uhpT-cyaA , Delta uhpT-ptsI and Delta ptsI-cyaA , were studied.
      Susceptibility to fosfomycin was tested using CLSI guidelines. Fosfomycin mutant
      frequencies were determined at concentrations of 64 and 256 mg/L. Fosfomycin in
      vitro activity was tested using time-kill assays at concentrations of 64 and 307
      mg/L (human C max ). Results: Fosfomycin MICs were: WT E. coli BW25113 (2 mg/L),
      Delta glpT (2 mg/L), Delta uhpT (64 mg/L), Delta cyaA (8 mg/L), Delta ptsI (2
      mg/L), Delta glpT-uhpT (256 mg/L), Delta glpT-cyaA (8 mg/L), Delta glpT-ptsI (2
      mg/L), Delta uhpT-cyaA (512 mg/L), Delta uhpT-ptsI (64 mg/L) and Delta ptsI-cyaA
      (32 mg/L). In the mutant frequency assays, no mutants were recovered from
      BW25113. Mutants appeared in Delta glpT , Delta uhpT , Delta cyaA and Delta ptsI
      at 64 mg/L and in Delta uhpT and Delta cyaA at 256 mg/L. Delta glpT-ptsI , but
      not Delta glpT-cyaA , Delta uhpT-cyaA or Delta uhpT-ptsI , increased the mutant
      frequency compared with the highest frequency found in each single mutant. In
      time-kill assays, all mutants regrew at 64 mg/L. Initial bacterial reductions of
      2-4 log 10 cfu/mL were observed for all strains, except for Delta uhpT-ptsI ,
      Delta glpT-uhpT and Delta uhpT-cyaA . Only Delta glpT and Delta ptsI mutants were
      cleared using 307 mg/L. Conclusions: Fosfomycin MIC may not be a good efficacy
      predictor, as highly resistant mutants may appear, depending on other pre
      existing mutations with no impact on MIC.

PMID- 28093488
TI  - Correction: Genomic EWSR1 Fusion Sequence as Highly Sensitive and Dynamic Plasma
      Tumor Marker in Ewing Sarcoma.

PMID- 28093489
TI  - Correction: The Future Is Now: Chimeric Antigen Receptors as New Targeted
      Therapies for Childhood Cancer.

PMID- 28093487
TI  - A Pilot Trial of the Combination of Vemurafenib with Adoptive Cell Therapy in
      Patients with Metastatic Melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: This pilot feasibility clinical trial evaluated the coadministration of
      vemurafenib, a small-molecule antagonist of BRAFV600 mutations, and tumor
      infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A metastatic tumor was resected for growth of TILs, and
      patients were treated with vemurafenib for 2 weeks, followed by resection of a
      second lesion. Patients then received a nonmyeloablative preconditioning regimen,
      infusion of autologous TILs, and high-dose interleukin-2 administration.
      Vemurafenib was restarted at the time of TIL infusion and was continued for 2
      years or until disease progression. Clinical responses were evaluated by Response
      Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.0. Metastases resected prior to
      and after 2 weeks of vemurafenib were compared using TCRB deep sequencing,
      immunohistochemistry, proliferation, and recognition of autologous tumor.
      RESULTS: The treatment was well tolerated and had a safety profile similar to
      that of TIL or vemurafenib alone. Seven of 11 patients (64%) experienced an
      objective clinical response, and 2 patients (18%) had a complete response for 3
      years (one response is ongoing at 46 months). Proliferation and viability of
      infusion bag TILs and peripheral blood T cells were inhibited in vitro by
      research-grade vemurafenib (PLX4032) when approaching the maximum serum
      concentration of vemurafenib. TCRB repertoire (clonotypes numbers, clonality, and
      frequency) did not significantly change between pre- and post-vemurafenib
      lesions. Recognition of autologous tumor by T cells was similar between TILs
      grown from pre- and post-vemurafenib metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Coadministration of
      vemurafenib and TILs was safe and feasible and generated objective clinical
      responses in this small pilot clinical trial. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 351-62.
      (c)2016 AACRSee related commentary by Cogdill et al., p. 327.

PMID- 28093490
TI  - Retraction: Effective Targeting of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells by PF
      4942847, a Novel Oral Inhibitor of Hsp 90.

PMID- 28093492
TI  - A Surgeon's View on the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28093493
TI  - Adding Rigor to Stroke Rate Investigations in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

PMID- 28093491
TI  - Early microgliosis precedes neuronal loss and behavioural impairment in mice with
      a frontotemporal dementia-causing CHMP2B mutation.
AB  - Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)-causing mutations in the CHMP2B gene lead to the
      generation of mutant C-terminally truncated CHMP2B. We report that transgenic
      mice expressing endogenous levels of mutant CHMP2B developed late-onset brain
      volume loss associated with frank neuronal loss and FTD-like changes in social
      behaviour. These data are the first to show neurodegeneration in mice expressing
      mutant CHMP2B and indicate that our mouse model is able to recapitulate
      neurodegenerative changes observed in FTD. Neuroinflammation has been
      increasingly implicated in neurodegeneration, including FTD. Therefore, we
      investigated neuroinflammation in our CHMP2B mutant mice. We observed very early
      microglial proliferation that develops into a clear pro-inflammatory phenotype at
      late stages. Importantly, we also observed a similar inflammatory profile in
      CHMP2B patient frontal cortex. Aberrant microglial function has also been
      implicated in FTD caused by GRN, MAPT and C9orf72 mutations. The presence of
      early microglial changes in our CHMP2B mutant mice indicates neuroinflammation
      may be a contributing factor to the neurodegeneration observed in FTD.

PMID- 28093494
TI  - Exercise Dynamics in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: Pathophysiology and
      Therapeutic Implications.
AB  - Secondary mitral valve regurgitation (MR) remains a challenging problem in the
      diagnostic workup and treatment of patients with heart failure. Although
      secondary MR is characteristically dynamic in nature and sensitive to changes in
      ventricular geometry and loading, current therapy is mainly focused on resting
      conditions. An exercise-induced increase in secondary MR, however, is associated
      with impaired exercise capacity and increased mortality. In an era where a
      multitude of percutaneous solutions are emerging for the treatment of patients
      with heart failure, it becomes important to address the dynamic component of
      secondary MR during exercise as well. A critical reappraisal of the underlying
      disease mechanisms, in particular the dynamic component during exercise, is of
      timely importance. This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanisms
      involved in the dynamic deterioration of secondary MR during exercise, its
      functional and prognostic impact, and the way current treatment options affect
      the dynamic lesion and exercise hemodynamics in general.

PMID- 28093495
TI  - Effect of Clopidogrel by Smoking Status on Secondary Stroke Prevention.

PMID- 28093496
TI  - Letter by Colli and Gerosa Regarding Article, "Transapical Beating-Heart Mitral
      Valve Repair With an Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Cordal Implantation Device:
      Initial Clinical Experience".

PMID- 28093497
TI  - Response by Gammie et al to Letter Regarding Article, "Transapical Beating-Heart
      Mitral Valve Repair With an Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Cordal Implantation
      Device: Initial Clinical Experience".

PMID- 28093498
TI  - Letter by Dhruva and Redberg Regarding Article, "Sex and Race/Ethnicity
      Differences in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Counseling and Use Among
      Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure: Findings From the Get With The
      Guidelines-Heart Failure Program".

PMID- 28093499
TI  - Response by Hess et al to Letter Regarding Article, "Sex and Race/Ethnicity
      Differences in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Counseling and Use Among
      Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure: Findings From the Get With The
      Guidelines-Heart Failure Program".

PMID- 28093500
TI  - Cytosolic thioredoxin reductase 1 is required for correct disulfide formation in
      the ER.
AB  - Folding of proteins entering the secretory pathway in mammalian cells frequently
      requires the insertion of disulfide bonds. Disulfide insertion can result in
      covalent linkages found in the native structure as well as those that are not, so
      called non-native disulfides. The pathways for disulfide formation are well
      characterized, but our understanding of how non-native disulfides are reduced so
      that the correct or native disulfides can form is poor. Here, we use a novel
      assay to demonstrate that the reduction in non-native disulfides requires NADPH
      as the ultimate electron donor, and a robust cytosolic thioredoxin system, driven
      by thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1 or TXNRD1). Inhibition of this reductive
      pathway prevents the correct folding and secretion of proteins that are known to
      form non-native disulfides during their folding. Hence, we have shown for the
      first time that mammalian cells have a pathway for transferring reducing
      equivalents from the cytosol to the ER, which is required to ensure correct
      disulfide formation in proteins entering the secretory pathway.

PMID- 28093501
TI  - Discrete cytosolic macromolecular BRAF complexes exhibit distinct activities and
      composition.
AB  - As a central element within the RAS/ERK pathway, the serine/threonine kinase BRAF
      plays a key role in development and homeostasis and represents the most
      frequently mutated kinase in tumors. Consequently, it has emerged as an important
      therapeutic target in various malignancies. Nevertheless, the BRAF activation
      cycle still raises many mechanistic questions as illustrated by the paradoxical
      action and side effects of RAF inhibitors. By applying SEC-PCP-SILAC, we analyzed
      protein-protein interactions of hyperactive BRAFV600E and wild-type BRAF
      (BRAFWT). We identified two macromolecular, cytosolic BRAF complexes of distinct
      molecular composition and phosphorylation status. Hyperactive BRAFV600E resides
      in large complexes of higher molecular mass and activity, while BRAFWT is
      confined to smaller, slightly less active complexes. However, expression of
      oncogenic K-RasG12V, either by itself or in combination with RAF dimer promoting
      inhibitors, induces the incorporation of BRAFWT into large, active complexes,
      whereas pharmacological inhibition of BRAFV600E has the opposite effect. Thus,
      the quaternary structure of BRAF complexes is shaped by its activation status,
      the conformation of its kinase domain, and clinically relevant inhibitors.

PMID- 28093502
TI  - Heat strain, volume depletion and kidney function in California agricultural
      workers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Agricultural work can expose workers to increased risk of heat strain
      and volume depletion due to repeated exposures to high ambient temperatures,
      arduous physical exertion and limited rehydration. These risk factors may result
      in acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: We estimated AKI cumulative incidence in a
      convenience sample of 283 agricultural workers based on elevations of serum
      creatinine between preshift and postshift blood samples. Heat strain was assessed
      based on changes in core body temperature and heart rate. Volume depletion was
      assessed using changes in body mass over the work shift. Logistic regression
      models were used to estimate the associations of AKI with traditional risk
      factors (age, diabetes, hypertension and history of kidney disease) as well as
      with occupational risk factors (years in farm work, method of payment and farm
      task). RESULTS: 35 participants were characterised with incident AKI over the
      course of a work shift (12.3%). Workers who experienced heat strain had increased
      adjusted odds of AKI (1.34, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.74). Piece rate work was associated
      with 4.24 odds of AKI (95% CI 1.56 to 11.52). Females paid by the piece had
      102.81 adjusted odds of AKI (95% CI 7.32 to 1443.20). DISCUSSION: Heat strain and
      piece rate work are associated with incident AKI after a single shift of
      agricultural work, though gender differences exist. Modifications to payment
      structures may help prevent AKI.

PMID- 28093503
TI  - Work and health in Latin America: results from the working conditions surveys of
      Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Central America and Uruguay.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe working and employment conditions, and health status
      between non-agricultural employees with a written contract from Colombia,
      Argentina, Chile, Central America and Uruguay. METHODS: We compared data from the
      first working condition surveys (WCS) of Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Central
      America and Uruguay. For comparative purposes, we selected a subsample of 15 241
      non-agricultural employees aged 18-64 years and working with a written contract.
      We calculated prevalences and 95% CIs for the selected variables on working and
      employment conditions, and health status, separated by sex. RESULTS: Across all
      countries, at least 40% of women and 58% of men worked >40 hours a week. The most
      prevalent exposures were repetitive movements, followed by noise and manual
      handling, especially among men. Psychosocial exposures were very common among
      both sexes. Workers in Chile (33.4% of women and 16.6% of men) and Central
      America (24.3% of women and 19.1% of men) were more likely to report poor self
      perceived health and were least likely to do so in Colombia (5.5% of women and
      4.2% of men). The percentage of workers reporting occupational injuries was <10%
      across all countries. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides, for the first time, a
      broad picture of work and health in different Latin American countries, based on
      the national WCSs available. This allows for a better understanding of
      occupational health and could serve as a baseline for future research and
      surveillance of work and health in the Region. However, greater efforts are
      needed to improve WCSs comparability.

PMID- 28093504
TI  - A model of type 2 diabetes in the guinea pig using sequential diet-induced
      glucose intolerance and streptozotocin treatment.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among
      noncommunicable diseases, and additional animal models that more closely
      replicate the pathogenesis of human type 2 diabetes are needed. The goal of this
      study was to develop a model of type 2 diabetes in guinea pigs, in which diet
      induced glucose intolerance precedes beta-cell cytotoxicity, two processes that
      are crucial to the development of human type 2 diabetes. Guinea pigs developed
      impaired glucose tolerance after 8 weeks of feeding on a high-fat, high
      carbohydrate diet, as determined by oral glucose challenge. Diet-induced glucose
      intolerance was accompanied by beta-cell hyperplasia, compensatory
      hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia with hepatocellular steatosis. Streptozotocin
      (STZ) treatment alone was ineffective at inducing diabetic hyperglycemia in
      guinea pigs, which failed to develop sustained glucose intolerance or fasting
      hyperglycemia and returned to euglycemia within 21 days after treatment. However,
      when high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet-fed guinea pigs were treated with STZ,
      glucose intolerance and fasting hyperglycemia persisted beyond 21 days post-STZ
      treatment. Guinea pigs with diet-induced glucose intolerance subsequently treated
      with STZ demonstrated an insulin-secretory capacity consistent with insulin
      independent diabetes. This insulin-independent state was confirmed by response to
      oral antihyperglycemic drugs, metformin and glipizide, which resolved glucose
      intolerance and extended survival compared with guinea pigs with uncontrolled
      diabetes. In this study, we have developed a model of sequential glucose
      intolerance and beta-cell loss, through high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet and
      extensive optimization of STZ treatment in the guinea pig, which closely
      resembles human type 2 diabetes. This model will prove useful in the study of
      insulin-independent diabetes pathogenesis with or without comorbidities, where
      the guinea pig serves as a relevant model species.

PMID- 28093505
TI  - Modeling the ferrochelatase c.315-48C modifier mutation for erythropoietic
      protoporphyria (EPP) in mice.
AB  - Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is caused by deficiency of ferrochelatase
      (FECH), which incorporates iron into protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) to form heme.
      Excitation of accumulated PPIX by light generates oxygen radicals that evoke
      excessive pain and, after longer light exposure, cause ulcerations in exposed
      skin areas of individuals with EPP. Moreover, ~5% of the patients develop a liver
      dysfunction as a result of PPIX accumulation. Most patients (~97%) have a severe
      FECH mutation (Mut) in trans to an intronic polymorphism (c.315-48C), which
      reduces ferrochelatase synthesis by stimulating the use of an aberrant 3' splice
      site 63 nt upstream of the normal site for exon 4. In contrast, with the
      predominant c.315-48T allele, the correct splice site is mostly used, and
      individuals with a T/Mut genotype do not develop EPP symptoms. Thus, the C allele
      is a potential target for therapeutic approaches that modify this splicing
      decision. To provide a model for pre-clinical studies of such approaches, we
      engineered a mouse containing a partly humanized Fech gene with the c.315-48C
      polymorphism. F1 hybrids obtained by crossing these mice with another inbred line
      carrying a severe Fech mutation (named m1Pas) show a very strong EPP phenotype
      that includes elevated PPIX in the blood, enlargement of liver and spleen,
      anemia, as well as strong pain reactions and skin lesions after a short period of
      light exposure. In addition to the expected use of the aberrant splice site, the
      mice also show a strong skipping of the partly humanized exon 3. This will limit
      the use of this model for certain applications and illustrates that engineering
      of a hybrid gene may have unforeseeable consequences on its splicing.

PMID- 28093507
TI  - Mosaic expression of Atrx in the mouse central nervous system causes memory
      deficits.
AB  - The rapid modulation of chromatin organization is thought to play a crucial role
      in cognitive processes such as memory consolidation. This is supported in part by
      the dysregulation of many chromatin-remodelling proteins in neurodevelopmental
      and psychiatric disorders. A key example is ATRX, an X-linked gene commonly
      mutated in individuals with syndromic and nonsyndromic intellectual disability.
      The consequences of Atrx inactivation for learning and memory have been difficult
      to evaluate because of the early lethality of hemizygous-null animals. In this
      study, we evaluated the outcome of brain-specific Atrx deletion in heterozygous
      female mice. These mice exhibit a mosaic pattern of ATRX protein expression in
      the central nervous system attributable to the location of the gene on the X
      chromosome. Although the hemizygous male mice die soon after birth, heterozygous
      females survive to adulthood. Body growth is stunted in these animals, and they
      have low circulating concentrations of insulin growth factor 1. In addition, they
      are impaired in spatial, contextual fear and novel object recognition memory. Our
      findings demonstrate that mosaic loss of ATRX expression in the central nervous
      system leads to endocrine defects and decreased body size and has a negative
      impact on learning and memory.

PMID- 28093506
TI  - The tyrosine kinase receptor Tyro3 enhances lifespan and neuropeptide Y (Npy)
      neuron survival in the mouse anorexia (anx) mutation.
AB  - Severe appetite and weight loss define the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, and
      can also accompany the progression of some neurodegenerative disorders such as
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although acute loss of hypothalamic neurons
      that produce appetite-stimulating neuropeptide Y (Npy) and agouti-related peptide
      (Agrp) in adult mice or in mice homozygous for the anorexia (anx) mutation causes
      aphagia, our understanding of the factors that help maintain appetite regulatory
      circuitry is limited. Here we identify a mutation (C19T) that converts an
      arginine to a tryptophan (R7W) in the TYRO3 protein tyrosine kinase 3 (Tyro3)
      gene, which resides within the anx critical interval, as contributing to the
      severity of anx phenotypes. Our observation that, like Tyro3-/- mice, anx/anx
      mice exhibit abnormal secondary platelet aggregation suggested that the C19T
      Tyro3 variant might have functional consequences. Tyro3 is expressed in the
      hypothalamus and other brain regions affected by the anx mutation, and its mRNA
      localization appeared abnormal in anx/anx brains by postnatal day 19 (P19). The
      presence of wild-type Tyro3 transgenes, but not an R7W-Tyro3 transgene, doubled
      the weight and lifespans of anx/anx mice and near-normal numbers of hypothalamic
      Npy-expressing neurons were present in Tyro3-transgenic anx/anx mice at P19.
      Although no differences in R7W-Tyro3 signal sequence function or protein
      localization were discernible in vitro, distribution of R7W-Tyro3 protein
      differed from that of Tyro3 protein in the cerebellum of transgenic wild-type
      mice. Thus, R7W-Tyro3 protein localization deficits are only detectable in vivo
      Further analyses revealed that the C19T Tyro3 mutation is present in a few other
      mouse strains, and hence is not the causative anx mutation, but rather an anx
      modifier. Our work shows that Tyro3 has prosurvival roles in the appetite
      regulatory circuitry and could also provide useful insights towards the
      development of interventions targeting detrimental weight loss.

PMID- 28093510
TI  - De novo formation of a symptomatic arachnoid cyst in an adult.

PMID- 28093508
TI  - Vertical sleeve gastrectomy reduces blood pressure and hypothalamic endoplasmic
      reticulum stress in mice.
AB  - Bariatric surgery, such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), causes remarkable
      improvements in cardiometabolic health, including hypertension remission.
      However, the mechanisms responsible remain undefined and poorly studied.
      Therefore, we developed and validated the first murine model of VSG that
      recapitulates the blood pressure-lowering effect of VSG using gold-standard
      radiotelemetry technology. We used this model to investigate several potential
      mechanisms, including body mass, brain endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress
      signaling and brain inflammatory signaling, which are all critical contributors
      to the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hypertension. Mice fed on a high-fat
      diet underwent sham or VSG surgery and radiotelemeter implantation. Sham mice
      were fed ad libitum or were food restricted to match their body mass to VSG
      operated mice to determine the role of body mass in the ability of VSG to lower
      blood pressure. Blood pressure was then measured in freely moving unstressed mice
      by radiotelemetry. VSG decreased energy intake, body mass and fat mass. Mean
      arterial blood pressure (MAP) was reduced in VSG-operated mice compared with both
      sham-operated groups. VSG-induced reductions in MAP were accompanied by a body
      mass-independent decrease in hypothalamic ER stress, hypothalamic inflammation
      and sympathetic nervous system tone. Assessment of gut microbial populations
      revealed VSG-induced increases in the relative abundance of Gammaproteobacteria
      and Enterococcus, and decreases in Adlercreutzia These results suggest that VSG
      reduces blood pressure, but this is only partly due to the reduction in body
      weight. VSG-induced reductions in blood pressure may be driven by a decrease in
      hypothalamic ER stress and inflammatory signaling, and shifts in gut microbial
      populations.

PMID- 28093512
TI  - Letter re: The clinical spectrum of Caspr2 antibody-associated disease.

PMID- 28093513
TI  - Author response: The clinical spectrum of Caspr2 antibody-associated disease.

PMID- 28093514
TI  - Letter re: Huntington disease reduced penetrance alleles occur at high frequency
      in the general population.

PMID- 28093515
TI  - Author response: Huntington disease reduced penetrance alleles occur at high
      frequency in the general population.

PMID- 28093516
TI  - Tilt-induced vasovagal syncope and psychogenic pseudosyncope: Overlapping
      clinical entities.

PMID- 28093517
TI  - Cathepsin A-related arteriopathy with strokes and leukoencephalopathy (CARASAL).

PMID- 28093518
TI  - Clinical Reasoning: Sudden-onset pulsatile headache in a previously healthy young
      man.

PMID- 28093519
TI  - Teaching Video NeuroImages: Functional saccadic oculomotor disturbances.

PMID- 28093520
TI  - Teaching Video NeuroImages: Alternating horizontal single saccadic pulses in
      progressive supranuclear palsy.

PMID- 28093521
TI  - Oncostatin M Suppresses Activation of IL-17/Th17 via SOCS3 Regulation in CD4+ T
      Cells.
AB  - Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine and a member of the IL-6 family. It
      has both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions and is involved in the
      activation of STAT3 and STAT5. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that
      causes chronic and excessive inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to
      induction of Th17 cells, which express IL-17. The aim of this study was to
      measure the effects of OSM on the proliferation of regulatory T cells and Th17
      cells from mice. IL-2 immune complex suppressed the development of collagen
      induced arthritis in mice and altered the regulatory T/Th17 cell balance by
      increasing OSM expression. OSM mitigated the proliferation of Th17 cells and
      decreased the expression of IL-17 and IL-21. It promoted the activation of
      suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), STAT3, and STAT5. Inhibition of
      SOCS3, STAT3, and STAT5 lessened the OSM-induced reduction in proliferation of
      Th17 cells. These observations suggest that OSM can inhibit Th17 differentiation
      by reciprocally controlling SOCS3, STAT3, and STAT5.

PMID- 28093522
TI  - Cutting Edge: Human CD49e- NK Cells Are Tissue Resident in the Liver.
AB  - Most knowledge on NK cells is based on studies of what are now known as
      conventional NK cells in the mouse spleen or human peripheral blood. However,
      recent studies in mice indicate the presence of tissue-resident NK cells in
      certain organs, such as the liver, that display different markers and
      transcription factor dependencies as compared with conventional NK cells. In this
      study, we provide evidence from cytometry by time-of-flight analysis and
      humanized mice indicating that human CD49e- NK cells are tissue resident in the
      liver. Thus, these studies indicate that tissue-resident NK cells are
      evolutionarily conserved in humans and mice, providing a foundation to explore
      their role in human disease.

PMID- 28093523
TI  - Cutting Edge: NANOG Activates Autophagy under Hypoxic Stress by Binding to BNIP3L
      Promoter.
AB  - Hypoxia upregulates the core pluripotency factors NANOG, SOX2, and OCT4,
      associated with tumor aggressiveness and resistance to conventional anticancer
      treatments. We have previously reported that hypoxia-induced NANOG contributed in
      vitro to tumor cell resistance to autologous-specific CTL and in vivo to the in
      situ recruitment of immune-suppressive cells. In this study, we investigated the
      mechanisms underlying NANOG-mediated tumor cell resistance to specific lysis
      under hypoxia. We demonstrated the tumor-promoting effect of hypoxia on tumor
      initiation into immunodeficient mice using human non-small lung carcinoma cells.
      We next showed a link between NANOG and autophagy activation under hypoxia
      because inhibition of NANOG decreased autophagy in tumor cells. Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays revealed a direct binding of
      NANOG to a transcriptionally active site in a BNIP3L enhancer sequence. These
      data establish a new link between the pluripotency factor NANOG and autophagy
      involved in resistance to CTL under hypoxia.

PMID- 28093524
TI  - Age-Associated B Cells Express a Diverse Repertoire of VH and Vkappa Genes with
      Somatic Hypermutation.
AB  - The origin and nature of age-associated B cells (ABCs) in mice are poorly
      understood. In this article, we show that their emergence required MHC class II
      and CD40/CD40L interactions. Young donor B cells were adoptively transferred into
      congenic recipients and allowed to remain for 1 mo in the absence of external Ag.
      B cells expressing the T-bet transcription factor, a marker for ABCs, were
      generated after multiple cell divisions from C57BL/6 donors but not from MHC
      class II- or CD40-deficient donors. Furthermore, old CD154 (CD40L)-deficient mice
      did not accrue ABCs, confirming that they arise primarily through T-dependent
      interactions. To determine what Igs ABCs express, we sequenced VH and Vkappa
      rearranged genes from unimmunized 22-mo-old C57BL/6 mice and showed that they had
      a heterogeneous repertoire, which was comparable to that seen in old follicular
      and marginal zone B cell subsets. However, in contrast to the follicular and
      marginal zone cells, ABCs displayed significant somatic hypermutation. The
      mutation frequency was lower than found in germinal center cells after deliberate
      immunization, suggesting that ABCs have undergone mild stimulation from
      endogenous Ags over time. These observations show that quiescent ABCs are Ag
      experienced cells that accumulate during T cell-dependent responses to diverse
      Ags during the life of an individual.

PMID- 28093525
TI  - MAFB Determines Human Macrophage Anti-Inflammatory Polarization: Relevance for
      the Pathogenic Mechanisms Operating in Multicentric Carpotarsal Osteolysis.
AB  - Macrophage phenotypic and functional heterogeneity derives from tissue-specific
      transcriptional signatures shaped by the local microenvironment. Most studies
      addressing the molecular basis for macrophage heterogeneity have focused on
      murine cells, whereas the factors controlling the functional specialization of
      human macrophages are less known. M-CSF drives the generation of human monocyte
      derived macrophages with a potent anti-inflammatory activity upon stimulation. We
      now report that knockdown of MAFB impairs the acquisition of the anti
      inflammatory profile of human macrophages, identify the MAFB-dependent gene
      signature in human macrophages and illustrate the coexpression of MAFB and MAFB
      target genes in CD163+ tissue-resident and tumor-associated macrophages. The
      contribution of MAFB to the homeostatic/anti-inflammatory macrophage profile is
      further supported by the skewed polarization of monocyte-derived macrophages from
      multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
      #166300), a pathology caused by mutations in the MAFB gene. Our results
      demonstrate that MAFB critically determines the acquisition of the anti
      inflammatory transcriptional and functional profiles of human macrophages.

PMID- 28093529
TI  - Anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the spinal cord.

PMID- 28093527
TI  - Human Cystic Fibrosis Macrophages Have Defective Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase
      C Activation of the NADPH Oxidase, an Effect Augmented by Burkholderia
      cenocepacia.
AB  - Macrophage intracellular pathogen killing is defective in cystic fibrosis (CF),
      despite abundant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung tissue.
      Burkholderia species can cause serious infection in CF and themselves affect key
      oxidase components in murine non-CF cells. However, it is unknown whether human
      CF macrophages have an independent defect in the oxidative burst and whether
      Burkholderia contributes to this defect in terms of assembly of the NADPH oxidase
      complex and subsequent ROS production. In this article, we analyze CF and non-CF
      human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) for ROS production, NADPH assembly
      capacity, protein kinase C expression, and calcium release in response to PMA and
      CF pathogens. CF MDMs demonstrate a nearly 60% reduction in superoxide production
      after PMA stimulation compared with non-CF MDMs. Although CF MDMs generally have
      increased total NADPH component protein expression, they demonstrate decreased
      expression of the calcium-dependent protein kinase C conventional subclass
      alpha/beta leading to reduced phosphorylation of NADPH oxidase components p47
      phox and p40 phox in comparison with non-CF MDMs. Ingestion of B. cenocepacia
      independently contributes to and worsens the overall oxidative burst deficits in
      CF MDMs compared with non-CF MDMs. Together, these results provide evidence for
      inherent deficits in the CF macrophage oxidative burst caused by decreased
      phosphorylation of NADPH oxidase cytosolic components that are augmented by
      Burkholderia These findings implicate a critical role for defective macrophage
      oxidative responses in persistent bacterial infections in CF and create new
      opportunities for boosting the macrophage immune response to limit infection.

PMID- 28093526
TI  - Cathepsin K Deficiency Ameliorates Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-like
      Manifestations in Faslpr Mice.
AB  - Cysteinyl cathepsin K (CatK) is expressed in osteoclasts to mediate bone
      resorption, but is also inducible under inflammatory conditions. Faslpr mice on a
      C57BL/6 background develop spontaneous systemic lupus erythematosus-like
      manifestations. Although normal mouse kidneys expressed negligible CatK, those
      from Faslpr mice showed elevated CatK expression in the glomeruli and
      tubulointerstitial space. Faslpr mice also showed elevated serum CatK levels.
      CatK deficiency in Faslpr mice reduced all tested kidney pathologies, including
      glomerulus and tubulointerstitial scores, glomerulus complement C3 and IgG
      deposition, chemokine expression and macrophage infiltration, and serum
      autoantibodies. CatK contributed to Faslpr mouse autoimmunity and pathology in
      part by its activity in TLR-7 proteolytic processing and consequent regulatory T
      (Treg) cell biology. Elevated TLR7 expression and proteolytic processing in
      Faslpr mouse kidneys and Tregs showed significantly reduced levels in CatK
      deficient mice, leading to increased spleen and kidney Treg content. Purified
      CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs from CatK-deficient mice doubled their immunosuppressive
      activity against T effector cells, compared with those from CatK-sufficient mice.
      In Faslpr mice, repopulation of purified Tregs from CatK-sufficient mice reduced
      spleen sizes, autoantibody titers, and glomerulus C3 and IgG deposition, and
      increased splenic and kidney Treg contents. Tregs from CatK-deficient mice had
      significantly more potency than CatK-sufficient Tregs in reducing spleen sizes,
      serum autoantibody titers, and glomerulus C3 deposition, and in increasing
      splenic and kidney Treg content. This study established a possible role of CatK
      in TLR7 proteolytic activation, Treg immunosuppressive activity, and lupus
      autoimmunity and pathology.

PMID- 28093530
TI  - What causes occupational asthma in cleaners?

PMID- 28093528
TI  - A B Cell Epitope Peptide Derived from the Major Grass Pollen Allergen Phl p 1
      Boosts Allergen-Specific Secondary Antibody Responses without Allergen-Specific T
      Cell Help.
AB  - More than 40% of allergic patients suffer from grass pollen allergy. Phl p 1, the
      major timothy grass pollen allergen, belongs to the cross-reactive group 1 grass
      pollen allergens that are thought to initiate allergic sensitization to grass
      pollen. Repeated allergen encounter boosts allergen-specific IgE production and
      enhances clinical sensitivity in patients. To investigate immunological
      mechanisms underlying the boosting of allergen-specific secondary IgE Ab
      responses and the allergen epitopes involved, a murine model for Phl p 1 was
      established. A B cell epitope-derived peptide of Phl p 1 devoid of allergen
      specific T cell epitopes, as recognized by BALB/c mice, was fused to an allergen
      unrelated carrier in the form of a recombinant fusion protein and used for
      sensitization. This fusion protein allowed the induction of allergen-specific IgE
      Ab responses without allergen-specific T cell help. Allergen-specific Ab
      responses were subsequently boosted with molecules containing the B cell epitope
      derived peptide without carrier or linked to other allergen-unrelated carriers.
      Oligomeric peptide bound to a carrier different from that which had been used for
      sensitization boosted allergen-specific secondary IgE responses without a
      detectable allergen-specific T cell response. Our results indicate that allergen
      specific secondary IgE Ab responses can be boosted by repetitive B cell epitopes
      without allergen-specific T cell help by cross-linking of the B cell epitope
      receptor. This finding has important implications for the design of new allergy
      vaccines.

PMID- 28093531
TI  - Lifestyle Factors and Early Clinical Outcome in Patients With Acute Stroke: A
      Population-Based Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We examined the associations of individual and combined
      lifestyle factors with early adverse stroke outcomes. METHODS: A total of 82 597
      patients were identified from nationwide registries. Lifestyle factors at the
      time of stroke admission included body mass index (kg/m2), smoking habits, and
      alcohol intake, which were grouped (healthy, moderately healthy, moderately
      unhealthy, and unhealthy). The associations between lifestyle and outcomes were
      examined using multivariable regression. RESULTS: A total of 18.3% had a severe
      stroke, 7.8% pneumonia, 12.5% urinary tract infection, and 9.9% died within 30
      days. The association between lifestyle, stroke severity, and mortality,
      respectively, differed according to sex. Unhealthy lifestyle was associated with
      lower risk of severe stroke (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 0.63-0.84) and 30-day mortality among men (adjusted OR, 0.71; 95%
      CI, 0.58-0.87), but not among women (severe stroke: adjusted OR, 1.14; 95% CI,
      0.85-1.55, and mortality: adjusted OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.90-1.99). No sex
      differences were found for pneumonia and urinary tract infection. Unhealthy
      lifestyle was not associated with a statistically significant increased risk of
      developing in-hospital pneumonia (adjusted OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.98-1.73) or
      urinary tract infection (adjusted OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.72-1.33). Underweight was
      associated with a higher 30-day mortality (men: adjusted OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.50
      1.96, and women: adjusted OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.34-1.60). CONCLUSIONS: Healthy
      lifestyle was not associated with a lower risk of adverse stroke outcomes, in
      particularly among men. However, underweight may be a particular concern being
      associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes among both sexes.

PMID- 28093532
TI  - Soil Ingestion is Associated with Child Diarrhea in an Urban Slum of Nairobi,
      Kenya.
AB  - Diarrhea is a leading cause of mortality in children under 5 years of age. We
      conducted a cross-sectional study of 54 children aged 3 months to 5 years old in
      Kibera, an urban slum in Nairobi, Kenya, to assess the relationship between
      caregiver-reported soil ingestion and child diarrhea. Diarrhea was significantly
      associated with soil ingestion (adjusted odds ratio = 9.9, 95% confidence
      interval = 2.1-47.5). Soil samples from locations near each household were also
      collected and analyzed for Escherichia coli and a human-associated Bacteroides
      fecal marker (HF183). Escherichia coli was detected in 100% of soil samples (mean
      5.5 log colony forming units E. coli per gram of dry soil) and the Bacteroides
      fecal marker HF183 was detected in 93% of soil samples. These findings suggest
      that soil ingestion may be an important transmission pathway for diarrheal
      disease in urban slum settings.

PMID- 28093533
TI  - Effect of Deworming on Indices of Health, Cognition, and Education Among
      Schoolchildren in Rural China: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - AbstractSoil-transmitted helminths (STHs) infect over one billion people
      worldwide. There is concern that chronic infection with STHs among school-aged
      children may detrimentally affect their development, including their health,
      cognition, and education. However, two recent Cochrane reviews examining the
      impact of deworming drugs for STH on nutrition, hemoglobin, and school
      performance found that randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the literature
      provide an insufficient evidence base to draw reliable conclusions. This study
      uses a cluster-RCT to add to existing evidence by assessing the impact of a
      deworming intervention on nutrition, cognition, and school performance among
      schoolchildren in rural China. The intervention, implemented by local health
      practitioners in a setting with a baseline infection prevalence of 41.9% (95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 39.8%, 43.9%) and infection intensity of 599.5 eggs
      per gram of feces among positive-tested schoolchildren (95% CI = 473.2, 725.8),
      consisted of distributing a 400-mg dose of albendazole accompanied with
      educational training about STH infection, treatment, and prevention. The
      intervention was conducted twice over the course of the study-at baseline in May
      2013 and later in November 2013. We found that the deworming intervention reduced
      both infection prevalence and infection intensity, but these declines in
      infection were not accompanied by an impact on outcomes of nutrition, cognition,
      or school performance. Our interpretation is that the impact of deworming was
      attenuated by the light infection intensity in our sample population. Evidence
      from future RCTs is needed to assess the effect of deworming on key outcomes in
      areas with moderate and severe worm infections.

PMID- 28093534
TI  - The Role of Adherence on the Impact of a School-Based Water, Sanitation, and
      Hygiene Intervention in Mali.
AB  - AbstractStudies assessing the impacts of school-based water, sanitation, and
      hygiene (WASH) interventions have revealed inconsistent improvements in pupils'
      health and educational outcomes. This may be in part due to suboptimal project
      fidelity or adherence. As part of a matched-control trial of a comprehensive
      school-based WASH project in Mali, we measured the degree to which schools met
      four prespecified WASH targets, comprised of 15 criteria, 0-3 years after program
      implementation. We compared achievement of the targets and criteria between
      beneficiary and matched control schools, and compared achievement within
      beneficiary schools at baseline and at follow-up visits. We assessed the "as
      treated" associations between WASH target achievement and pupil diarrhea,
      respiratory symptoms, and absence. Between 44% and 81% of beneficiary schools
      achieved each target. Although adherence was inconsistent across schools,
      beneficiary schools, on average, met more WASH targets than matched control
      schools, and beneficiary schools also met more WASH targets at follow-up than at
      baseline. Very few of the targets were individually associated with health and
      absenteeism outcomes. Increasing achievement of multiple WASH targets together
      was associated with a lower odds of pupils having diarrhea (P trend < 0.01) and
      having respiratory symptoms (P trend < 0.01), but was not associated with roll
      call absence (P trend = 0.14) or pupil-reported absence (P trend = 0.41). These
      results indicate that a comprehensive WASH intervention and a focus on increasing
      adherence may help maximize the health effects of school WASH programs, but that
      WASH alone might not be sufficient to decrease pupils' absenteeism.

PMID- 28093535
TI  - Hepatitis E in Singapore: A Case-Series and Viral Phylodynamics Study.
AB  - AbstractThe incidence of hepatitis E in Singapore appears to be increasing. A
      retrospective case-series study of patients diagnosed with hepatitis E in a
      tertiary hospital from 2009 to 2013 was conducted. Of 16 cases, eight (50%) were
      solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), and 14 (88%) were found infected by
      genotype 3 hepatitis E virus (HEV-3). Bayesian inferences based on HEV subgenomic
      sequences from seven cases suggest that HEV-3 strains were introduced to
      Singapore as two principal lineages. Within limitations of the study, it can be
      inferred that one lineage, in the 3efg clade, emerged about 83 years ago,
      probably originating from Japan, whereas the other, in the 3abchij clade, emerged
      about 40 years ago, from the United States. Establishment and subsequent
      transmissions of strains from these two lineages likely contribute to the current
      endemicity of hepatitis E in Singapore.

PMID- 28093536
TI  - Noma: Overview of a Neglected Disease and Human Rights Violation.
AB  - Noma is an orofacial gangrene affecting malnourished children and mainly observed
      in tropical countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Epidemiological data on
      noma are scarce, but a current estimate of the global incidence is 30,000-40,000
      cases per year, with a mortality rate of approximately 85% and a burden of
      disease calculated to be a loss of 1-10 million disability-adjusted life years.
      The etiology of noma is multifactorial with malnutrition as an ever present
      factor, often in combination with concomitant diseases, such as measles, malaria,
      and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and poor oral hygiene. The pathogenesis
      is a fast-spreading, noncontagious gangrenous infection occurring in the face,
      often preceded by acute necrotizing gingivitis, and stomatitis. Rare
      microbiological studies suggest an opportunistic infection caused by an imbalance
      in normal intraoral microorganisms. Prevention lies in food security, measles
      vaccination, prevention of malaria and HIV, including the early detection and
      treatment of necrotizing gingivitis and stomatitis. Early treatment with
      antibiotics may prevent gangrene or reduce its extent. Late treatment consists of
      surgical rehabilitation, which is often complex. However, access to medical care
      is very limited for noma patients due to the extremely poor conditions in which
      they live that are frequently located in remote rural areas. The authors support
      the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 19/7 adopted on March 22, 2012
      "The right to food," and advocate for the inclusion of noma on the list of
      neglected tropical diseases to encourage more medical and institutional attention
      for this often lethal or very mutilating infectious gangrene.

PMID- 28093537
TI  - Dengue Epidemic in Postconflict Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan,
      2013.
AB  - AbstractSwat, a lush green valley of 1.3 million persons, remained under militant
      insurgency from 2007 to 2009, which damaged the health infrastructure. An
      outbreak of dengue fever (DF) was declared in the valley in 2013. To investigate
      this outbreak, we established active surveillance of national hospitals and
      private clinics, reviewed available clinical and laboratory records, and
      conducted entomological survey. From August to November 2013, 16,000 suspected
      patients with acute febrile illness were presented to health facilities. Among
      those, 9,036 were confirmed positive for DF by clinical manifestation and
      presence of nonstructural protein 1-soluble antigen. Of 9,036 patients, majority
      were men and aged 21-40. The epidemic peaked in September 2013 (N = 6,487). The
      attack rate was 7.18/1,000 populations. Among the confirmed case-patients, 36
      deaths were reported, and proportion of mortality was 0.4%. Each year, increase
      in age was significantly associated with risk of complication due to DF leading
      to death (P < 0.001).

PMID- 28093538
TI  - Prevalence and Determinants of Cryptosporidium Infection in an Underdeveloped
      Rural Region of Southwestern China.
AB  - Few studies have focused on the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in resource
      challenged settings in China. We report a community-based cross-sectional study
      to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection and its risk factors
      and associations with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium
      infection was 12.6% (95% confidence interval = 11.0-14.3). Individuals living in
      households with >= 5 family members and raising domestic pigs tended to have a
      greater risk of Cryptosporidium infection. In addition, Cryptosporidium infection
      was significantly associated with HBV infection. There were no significant
      associations of Cryptosporidium infection with HIV viral load and HBV viral load.
      Further studies are needed to determine the association of Cryptosporidium
      infection with HBV infection.

PMID- 28093539
TI  - Leishmaniasis in Thailand: A Review of Causative Agents and Situations.
AB  - Before 1999, leishmaniasis was considered an imported disease in Thailand. Since
      then, autochthonous leishmaniasis was reported in both immmunocompetent and
      immmunocompromised patients especially in human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A new species was identified and
      named as Leishmania siamensis consisting of two lineages, that is, lineages TR
      and PG. Analysis of isoenzymes has clarified the more commonly detected L.
      siamensis lineage PG as Leishmania martiniquensis (MON-229), a species originally
      reported from the Martinique Island, whereas the L. siamensis lineage TR has been
      identified as the true novel species, L. siamensis (MON-324). Both cutaneous
      leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have been found among Thai
      patients. Disseminated CL and VL could be presented in some reported patients who
      had HIV/AIDS coinfection. So far, only sporadic cases have been reported; thus,
      the true prevalence of leishmaniasis should be determined in Thailand among the
      high-risk populations such as people with HIV/AIDS. A recent survey among animals
      identified L. martiniquensis DNA in black rats (Rattus rattus) suggesting a
      potential animal reservoir. In addition, L. martiniquensis DNA was identified in
      Sergentomyia gemmea and Sergentomyia barraudi, the predominant sandfly species in
      the affected areas. However, further studies are needed to prove that these
      sandflies could serve as the vector of leishmaniasis in Thailand.

PMID- 28093540
TI  - Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis as a Cause of Febrile Illness in Korea Since at
      Least 2006.
AB  - AbstractHuman granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne rickettsial
      zoonosis with fever, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. HGA has been reported in
      Korea in 2013 but it is uncertain how long it has existed. A retrospective study
      was conducted on patients who underwent bone marrow examination due to fever and
      cytopenia, with no clear hematologic or microbiologic causes, from 2003 through
      2012. Laboratory diagnosis was made by detecting 16S rRNA genes of Anaplasma
      phagocytophilum from the stored blood samples. Among the 70 patients, five (7.1%)
      HGA cases were found, and the earliest case dated back to 2006. Two cases met the
      diagnostic criteria of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and were fatal.
      Although HGA has been prevalent in Korea since at least 2006, it is not always
      diagnosed and has posed a possible lethal health risk to the people in Korea. HGA
      should be considered as a cause of fever with cytopenia or HLH.

PMID- 28093541
TI  - Association of Toll-Like Receptor 3 and Toll-Like Receptor 9 Single Nucleotide
      Polymorphisms with Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Hepatic Fibrosis in Egyptian
      Patients.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are recognized as fundamental contributors to the
      immune system function against infections. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
      represents a global health problem especially in Egypt having the highest HCV
      prevalence worldwide where HCV infection is a continuing epidemic. The aim of the
      present study was to investigate the possible association between genetic
      variation in TLR-3 and TLR-9 and HCV infection and hepatic fibrosis in chronic
      HCV-positive Egyptian patients. The present study included 100 naive chronic HCV
      positive patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Genotyping of
      TLR-3 (_7 C/A [rs3775296]), TLR-3 (c.1377C/T [rs3775290]) and TLR-9 (1237T/C
      [rs5743836]) were done by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length
      polymorphism technique. Frequency of polymorphic genotypes in TLR-3 (_7 C/A), TLR
      3 (c.1377C/T) and TLR-9 (1237T/C) were not significantly different between
      studied HCV-positive patients and controls with P values 0.121, 0.112, and 0.683,
      respectively. TLR-3 c.1377 T-allele was associated with advanced stage of hepatic
      fibrosis (P = 0.003).

PMID- 28093542
TI  - Disease Burden of Dengue in the Philippines: Adjusting for Underreporting by
      Comparing Active and Passive Dengue Surveillance in Punta Princesa, Cebu City.
AB  - AbstractDengue virus (DENV) is a serious threat to public health. Having reliable
      estimates of the burden of dengue is important to inform policy and research, but
      surveillance systems are not designed to capture all symptomatic DENV infections.
      We derived the rate of reporting of dengue by comparing active surveillance of
      symptomatic DENV infections in a prospective community-based seroepidemiological
      cohort study (N = 1008) of acute febrile illness in Punta Princesa, Cebu City,
      Philippines, with passive surveillance data from the Cebu City Health Department.
      Febrile episodes detected in a weekly follow-up of participants were tested for
      serotype-specific DENV by hemi-nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction (nested RT-PCR) and acute/convalescent blood samples tested by dengue
      IgM/IgG enzyme immunoassay. We estimated the burden of dengue in the Philippines
      in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and conducted a probabilistic
      sensitivity analysis using Monte-Carlo simulations to address uncertainty. The
      results showed a 21% cumulative reporting rate of symptomatic DENV infections,
      equivalent to an expansion factor of 4.7 (95% certainty level [CL]: 2.2-15.1).
      Based on surveillance data in the Philippines for 2010-2014, we estimated 794,255
      annual dengue episodes (95% CL: 463,000-2,076,000) and a disease burden of 535
      (95% CL: 380-994) DALYs per million population using age weights and time
      discounting and 997 (95% CL: 681-1,871) DALYs per million population without age
      and time adjustments. Dengue imposes a substantial burden in the Philippines;
      almost 10 times higher than estimated for rabies, about twice the burden of
      intestinal fluke infections, and about 10% of the burden of tuberculosis. Our
      estimates should inform policy makers and raise awareness among the public.

PMID- 28093543
TI  - Intestinal Parasite Infections and Accuracy of Direct Thin and Thick Smear,
      Formol-Ether Sedimentation, Centrifugal Flotation, and Mini-FLOTAC Techniques
      Among Patients with Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders from the Greater Cairo
      Region, Egypt.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of intestinal parasitic
      infection among patients with gastrointestinal tract disorders from the Greater
      Cairo region, Egypt. In addition, a comparison was made of the accuracy of direct
      thin and thick smear, formol-ether sedimentation (FEC), centrifugal flotation
      (CF), and mini-FLOTAC techniques in the diagnosis of infection. Out of 100
      patients, the overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 51%. Only 6% had dual
      infection. Giardia lamblia was the most common parasite (26%), followed by
      Hymenolepis nana (20%), Entamoeba coli (8%), and Enterobius vermicularis (3%).
      Except the statistically significant association between E. vermicularis
      infection and perianal itching and insomnia (P < 0.001), age, gender, and
      complaints of the examined individuals had no association with prevalence of
      parasitic infection. Both FEC and CF were equally the most accurate techniques
      (accuracy = 98.2%, confidence interval [CI] = 0.95-1.0, and kappa index = 0.962),
      whereas the Kato-Katz method was the least accurate (accuracy = 67.5%, CI = 0.57
      0.78, and kappa index = 0.333). However, mini-FLOTAC-ZnSO4 was the most accurate
      for diagnosis of helminthic infection, and FEC was more accurate for diagnosis of
      protozoal infection (accuracy = 100%, CI = 1.0-1.0, and kappa index = 1).

PMID- 28093544
TI  - Annual Incidence of Lassa Virus Infection in Southern Mali.
AB  - AbstractPreviously, we reported a high seroprevalence rate of Lassa virus
      antibodies in inhabitants of three villages in southern Mali where infected
      rodents have been demonstrated. Herein, we report a 1-year follow-up study in
      which we were able to collect a second blood samples from 88.7% of participants
      of the same cohort. We identified 23 seroconversions for IgG antibodies reactive
      against Lassa virus, representing an incidence of 6.3% (95% confidence interval =
      3.8-8.8%). Seroconversion was frequently seen in preteenage children (12/23,
      51.7%) and two household/familial clusters were identified. These results confirm
      active transmission of Lassa virus is occurring in southern Mali and appropriate
      diagnostic testing should be established for this etiological agent of severe
      viral hemorrhagic fever.

PMID- 28093545
TI  - Die Another Day, James Bond's smoking over six decades.
AB  - We aimed to examine smoking-related content in all 24 James Bond movies in the
      Eon Productions series from 1962 to 2015. There were favourable downward trends
      for any smoking by James Bond (p=0.015 for trend), and for tobacco-related spy
      gadgetry (p=0.009). Around 20% of Bond's 60 sexual partners smoked in each
      decade, and most recently in 2012. There were regular mentions of smoking risks
      to health (starting from 1967) and product placement of branded packs was present
      in two movies. Overall, the persisting smoking content remains problematic from a
      public health perspective, especially given the popularity of this movie series.

PMID- 28093546
TI  - Time-course and mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity in layers 2/3 and 5 of the
      barrel cortex.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that ocular dominance plasticity in layer 2/3 of the
      visual cortex exhibits a form of homeostatic plasticity that is related to
      synaptic scaling and depends on TNFalpha. In this study, we tested whether a
      similar form of plasticity was present in layer 2/3 of the barrel cortex and,
      therefore, whether the mechanism was likely to be a general property of cortical
      neurons. We found that whisker deprivation could induce homeostatic plasticity in
      layer 2/3 of barrel cortex, but not in a mouse strain lacking synaptic scaling.
      The time-course of homeostatic plasticity in layer 2/3 was similar to that of L5
      regular spiking (RS) neurons (L5RS), but slower than that of L5 intrinsic
      bursting (IB) neurons (L5IB). In layer 5, the strength of evoked whisker
      responses and ex vivo miniature excitatory post-synaptic currents (mEPSCs)
      amplitudes showed an identical time-course for homeostatic plasticity, implying
      that plasticity at excitatory synapses contacting layer 5 neurons is sufficient
      to explain the changes in evoked responses. Spontaneous firing rate also showed
      homeostatic behaviour for L5IB cells, but was absent for L5RS cells over the time
      course studied. Spontaneous firing rate homeostasis was found to be independent
      of evoked response homeostasis suggesting that the two depend on different
      mechanisms.This article is part of the themed issue 'Integrating Hebbian and
      homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093547
TI  - Functional consequences of pre- and postsynaptic expression of synaptic
      plasticity.
AB  - Growing experimental evidence shows that both homeostatic and Hebbian synaptic
      plasticity can be expressed presynaptically as well as postsynaptically. In this
      review, we start by discussing this evidence and methods used to determine
      expression loci. Next, we discuss the functional consequences of this diversity
      in pre- and postsynaptic expression of both homeostatic and Hebbian synaptic
      plasticity. In particular, we explore the functional consequences of a
      biologically tuned model of pre- and postsynaptically expressed spike-timing
      dependent plasticity complemented with postsynaptic homeostatic control. The pre-
      and postsynaptic expression in this model predicts (i) more reliable receptive
      fields and sensory perception, (ii) rapid recovery of forgotten information
      (memory savings), and (iii) reduced response latencies, compared with a model
      with postsynaptic expression only. Finally, we discuss open questions that will
      require a considerable research effort to better elucidate how the specific locus
      of expression of homeostatic and Hebbian plasticity alters synaptic and network
      computations.This article is part of the themed issue 'Integrating Hebbian and
      homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093548
TI  - Astrocytic control of synaptic function.
AB  - Astrocytes intimately interact with synapses, both morphologically and, as
      evidenced in the past 20 years, at the functional level. Ultrathin astrocytic
      processes contact and sometimes enwrap the synaptic elements, sense synaptic
      transmission and shape or alter the synaptic signal by releasing signalling
      molecules. Yet, the consequences of such interactions in terms of information
      processing in the brain remain very elusive. This is largely due to two major
      constraints: (i) the exquisitely complex, dynamic and ultrathin nature of distal
      astrocytic processes that renders their investigation highly challenging and (ii)
      our lack of understanding of how information is encoded by local and global
      fluctuations of intracellular calcium concentrations in astrocytes. Here, we will
      review the existing anatomical and functional evidence of local interactions
      between astrocytes and synapses, and how it underlies a role for astrocytes in
      the computation of synaptic information.This article is part of the themed issue
      'Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093549
TI  - A metaplasticity view of the interaction between homeostatic and Hebbian
      plasticity.
AB  - Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity are two major forms of plasticity in the
      nervous system: Hebbian plasticity provides a synaptic basis for associative
      learning, whereas homeostatic plasticity serves to stabilize network activity.
      While achieving seemingly very different goals, these two types of plasticity
      interact functionally through overlapping elements in their respective
      mechanisms. Here, we review studies conducted in the mammalian central nervous
      system, summarize known circuit and molecular mechanisms of homeostatic
      plasticity, and compare these mechanisms with those that mediate Hebbian
      plasticity. We end with a discussion of 'local' homeostatic plasticity and the
      potential role of local homeostatic plasticity as a form of metaplasticity that
      modulates a neuron's future capacity for Hebbian plasticity.This article is part
      of the themed issue 'Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093550
TI  - Experience-dependent homeostasis of 'noise' at inhibitory synapses preserves
      information coding in adult visual cortex.
AB  - Synapses are intrinsically 'noisy' in that neurotransmitter is occasionally
      released in the absence of an action potential. At inhibitory synapses, the
      frequency of action potential-independent release is orders of magnitude higher
      than that at excitatory synapses raising speculations that it may serve a
      function. Here we report that the frequency of action potential-independent
      inhibitory synaptic 'noise' (i.e. miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents,
      mIPSCs) is highly regulated by sensory experience in visual cortex. Importantly,
      regulation of mIPSC frequency is so far the predominant form of functional
      plasticity at inhibitory synapses in adults during the refractory period for
      plasticity and is a locus of rapid non-genomic actions of oestrogen. Models
      predict that regulating the frequency of mIPSCs, together with the previously
      characterized synaptic scaling of miniature excitatory PSCs, allows homeostatic
      maintenance of both the mean and variance of inputs to a neuron, a necessary
      feature of probabilistic population codes. Furthermore, mIPSC frequency
      regulation allows preservation of the temporal profile of neural responses while
      homeostatically regulating the overall firing rate. Our results suggest that the
      control of inhibitory 'noise' allows adaptive maintenance of adult cortical
      function in tune with the sensory environment.This article is part of the themed
      issue 'Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093551
TI  - Multiple shared mechanisms for homeostatic plasticity in rodent somatosensory and
      visual cortex.
AB  - We compare the circuit and cellular mechanisms for homeostatic plasticity that
      have been discovered in rodent somatosensory (S1) and visual (V1) cortex. Both
      areas use similar mechanisms to restore mean firing rate after sensory
      deprivation. Two time scales of homeostasis are evident, with distinct
      mechanisms. Slow homeostasis occurs over several days, and is mediated by
      homeostatic synaptic scaling in excitatory networks and, in some cases,
      homeostatic adjustment of pyramidal cell intrinsic excitability. Fast homeostasis
      occurs within less than 1 day, and is mediated by rapid disinhibition,
      implemented by activity-dependent plasticity in parvalbumin interneuron circuits.
      These processes interact with Hebbian synaptic plasticity to maintain cortical
      firing rates during learned adjustments in sensory representations.This article
      is part of the themed issue 'Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093553
TI  - Enhancement of visual cortex plasticity by dark exposure.
AB  - Dark rearing is known to delay the time course of the critical period for ocular
      dominance plasticity in the visual cortex. Recent evidence suggests that a period
      of dark exposure (DE) may enhance or reinstate plasticity even after closure of
      the critical period, mediated through modification of the excitatory-inhibitory
      balance and/or removal of structural brakes on plasticity. Here, we investigated
      the effects of a week of DE on the recovery from a month of monocular deprivation
      (MD) in the primary visual cortex (V1) of juvenile mice. Optical imaging of
      intrinsic signals revealed that ocular dominance in V1 of mice that had received
      DE recovered slightly more quickly than of mice that had not, but the level of
      recovery after three weeks was similar in both groups. Two-photon calcium imaging
      showed no significant difference in the recovery of orientation selectivity of
      excitatory neurons between the two groups. Parvalbumin-positive (PV+)
      interneurons exhibited a smaller ocular dominance shift during MD but again no
      differences in subsequent recovery. The percentage of PV+ cells surrounded by
      perineuronal nets, a structural brake on plasticity, was lower in mice with than
      those without DE. Overall, DE causes a modest enhancement of mouse visual cortex
      plasticity.This article is part of the themed issue 'Integrating Hebbian and
      homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093552
TI  - Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity: the current state of the field
      and future research directions.
AB  - We summarize here the results presented and subsequent discussion from the
      meeting on Integrating Hebbian and Homeostatic Plasticity at the Royal Society in
      April 2016. We first outline the major themes and results presented at the
      meeting. We next provide a synopsis of the outstanding questions that emerged
      from the discussion at the end of the meeting and finally suggest potential
      directions of research that we believe are most promising to develop an
      understanding of how these two forms of plasticity interact to facilitate
      functional changes in the brain.This article is part of the themed issue
      'Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093554
TI  - Tumour necrosis factor-mediated homeostatic synaptic plasticity in behavioural
      models: testing a role in maternal immune activation.
AB  - The proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) has long
      been characterized for its role in the innate immune system, but more recently
      has been found to have a distinct role in the nervous system that does not
      overlap with other proinflammatory cytokines. Through regulation of neuronal
      glutamate and GABA receptor trafficking, TNF mediates a homeostatic form of
      synaptic plasticity, but plays no direct role in Hebbian forms of plasticity. As
      yet, there is no evidence to suggest that this adaptive plasticity plays a
      significant role in normal development, but it does maintain neuronal circuit
      function in the face of several types of disruption. This includes developmental
      plasticity in primary sensory cortices, as well as modulating the response to
      antidepressants, chronic antipsychotics and drugs of abuse. TNF is also a
      prominent component of the neuroinflammation occurring in most neuropathologies,
      but the role of TNF-mediated synaptic plasticity in this context remains to be
      determined. We tested this in a maternal immune activation (MIA) model of
      neurodevelopmental disorders. Using TNF-/- mice, we observed that TNF is not
      required for the expression of abnormal social or anxious behaviour in this
      model. This indicates that TNF does not uniquely contribute to the development of
      neuronal dysfunction in this model, and suggests that during neuroinflammatory
      events, compensation between the various proinflammatory cytokines is the
      norm.This article is part of the themed issue 'Integrating Hebbian and
      homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093555
TI  - Variance and invariance of neuronal long-term representations.
AB  - The brain extracts behaviourally relevant sensory input to produce appropriate
      motor output. On the one hand, our constantly changing environment requires this
      transformation to be plastic. On the other hand, plasticity is thought to be
      balanced by mechanisms ensuring constancy of neuronal representations in order to
      achieve stable behavioural performance. Yet, prominent changes in synaptic
      strength and connectivity also occur during normal sensory experience, indicating
      a certain degree of constitutive plasticity. This raises the question of how
      stable neuronal representations are on the population level and also on the
      single neuron level. Here, we review recent data from longitudinal
      electrophysiological and optical recordings of single-cell activity that assess
      the long-term stability of neuronal stimulus selectivities under conditions of
      constant sensory experience, during learning, and after reversible modification
      of sensory input. The emerging picture is that neuronal representations are
      stabilized by behavioural relevance and that the degree of long-term tuning
      stability and perturbation resistance directly relates to the functional role of
      the respective neurons, cell types and circuits. Using a 'toy' model, we show
      that stable baseline representations and precise recovery from perturbations in
      visual cortex could arise from a 'backbone' of strong recurrent connectivity
      between similarly tuned cells together with a small number of 'anchor' neurons
      exempt from plastic changes.This article is part of the themed issue 'Integrating
      Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093556
TI  - The dialectic of Hebb and homeostasis.
AB  - It has become widely accepted that homeostatic and Hebbian plasticity mechanisms
      work hand in glove to refine neural circuit function. Nonetheless, our
      understanding of how these fundamentally distinct forms of plasticity compliment
      (and under some circumstances interfere with) each other remains rudimentary.
      Here, I describe some of the recent progress of the field, as well as some of the
      deep puzzles that remain. These include unravelling the spatial and temporal
      scales of different homeostatic and Hebbian mechanisms, determining which aspects
      of network function are under homeostatic control, and understanding when and how
      homeostatic and Hebbian mechanisms must be segregated within neural circuits to
      prevent interference.This article is part of the themed issue 'Integrating
      Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093557
TI  - Hebbian plasticity requires compensatory processes on multiple timescales.
AB  - We review a body of theoretical and experimental research on Hebbian and
      homeostatic plasticity, starting from a puzzling observation: while homeostasis
      of synapses found in experiments is a slow compensatory process, most
      mathematical models of synaptic plasticity use rapid compensatory processes
      (RCPs). Even worse, with the slow homeostatic plasticity reported in experiments,
      simulations of existing plasticity models cannot maintain network stability
      unless further control mechanisms are implemented. To solve this paradox, we
      suggest that in addition to slow forms of homeostatic plasticity there are RCPs
      which stabilize synaptic plasticity on short timescales. These rapid processes
      may include heterosynaptic depression triggered by episodes of high postsynaptic
      firing rate. While slower forms of homeostatic plasticity are not sufficient to
      stabilize Hebbian plasticity, they are important for fine-tuning neural circuits.
      Taken together we suggest that learning and memory rely on an intricate interplay
      of diverse plasticity mechanisms on different timescales which jointly ensure
      stability and plasticity of neural circuits.This article is part of the themed
      issue 'Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093559
TI  - Gradation (approx. 10 size states) of synaptic strength by quantal addition of
      structural modules.
AB  - Memory storage involves activity-dependent strengthening of synaptic
      transmission, a process termed long-term potentiation (LTP). The late phase of
      LTP is thought to encode long-term memory and involves structural processes that
      enlarge the synapse. Hence, understanding how synapse size is graded provides
      fundamental information about the information storage capability of synapses.
      Recent work using electron microscopy (EM) to quantify synapse dimensions has
      suggested that synapses may structurally encode as many as 26 functionally
      distinct states, which correspond to a series of proportionally spaced synapse
      sizes. Other recent evidence using super-resolution microscopy has revealed that
      synapses are composed of stereotyped nanoclusters of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5
      methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors and scaffolding proteins;
      furthermore, synapse size varies linearly with the number of nanoclusters. Here
      we have sought to develop a model of synapse structure and growth that is
      consistent with both the EM and super-resolution data. We argue that synapses are
      composed of modules consisting of matrix material and potentially one
      nanocluster. LTP induction can add a trans-synaptic nanocluster to a module,
      thereby converting a silent module to an AMPA functional module. LTP can also add
      modules by a linear process, thereby producing an approximately 10-fold gradation
      in synapse size and strength.This article is part of the themed issue
      'Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093558
TI  - Glutamatergic synapses are structurally and biochemically complex because of
      multiple plasticity processes: long-term potentiation, long-term depression,
      short-term potentiation and scaling.
AB  - Synapses are complex because they perform multiple functions, including at least
      six mechanistically different forms of plasticity. Here, I comment on recent
      developments regarding these processes. (i) Short-term potentiation (STP), a
      Hebbian process that requires small amounts of synaptic input, appears to make
      strong contributions to some forms of working memory. (ii) The rules for long
      term potentiation (LTP) induction in CA3 have been clarified: induction does not
      depend obligatorily on backpropagating sodium spikes but, rather, on dendritic
      branch-specific N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) spikes. (iii) Late LTP, a process
      that requires a dopamine signal (and is therefore neoHebbian), is mediated by
      trans-synaptic growth of the synapse, a growth that occurs about an hour after
      LTP induction. (iv) LTD processes are complex and include both homosynaptic and
      heterosynaptic forms. (v) Synaptic scaling produced by changes in activity levels
      are not primarily cell-autonomous, but rather depend on network activity. (vi)
      The evidence for distance-dependent scaling along the primary dendrite is firm,
      and a plausible structural-based mechanism is suggested.Ideas about the
      mechanisms of synaptic function need to take into consideration newly emerging
      data about synaptic structure. Recent super-resolution studies indicate that
      glutamatergic synapses are modular (module size 70-80 nm), as predicted by
      theoretical work. Modules are trans-synaptic structures and have high
      concentrations of postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5
      methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor. These modules function as quasi
      independent loci of AMPA-mediated transmission and may be independently
      modifiable, suggesting a new understanding of quantal transmission.This article
      is part of the themed issue 'Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity.'

PMID- 28093560
TI  - Integrating Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity: introduction.
AB  - Hebbian plasticity is widely considered to be the mechanism by which information
      can be coded and retained in neurons in the brain. Homeostatic plasticity moves
      the neuron back towards its original state following a perturbation, including
      perturbations produced by Hebbian plasticity. How then does homeostatic
      plasticity avoid erasing the Hebbian coded information? To understand how
      plasticity works in the brain, and therefore to understand learning, memory,
      sensory adaptation, development and recovery from injury, requires development of
      a theory of plasticity that integrates both forms of plasticity into a whole. In
      April 2016, a group of computational and experimental neuroscientists met in
      London at a discussion meeting hosted by the Royal Society to identify the
      critical questions in the field and to frame the research agenda for the next
      steps. Here, we provide a brief introduction to the papers arising from the
      meeting and highlight some of the themes to have emerged from the
      discussions.This article is part of the themed issue 'Integrating Hebbian and
      homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093561
TI  - Homeostatic plasticity mechanisms in mouse V1.
AB  - Mechanisms thought of as homeostatic must exist to maintain neuronal activity in
      the brain within the dynamic range in which neurons can signal. Several distinct
      mechanisms have been demonstrated experimentally. Three mechanisms that act to
      restore levels of activity in the primary visual cortex of mice after occlusion
      and restoration of vision in one eye, which give rise to the phenomenon of ocular
      dominance plasticity, are discussed. The existence of different mechanisms raises
      the issue of how these mechanisms operate together to converge on the same set
      points of activity.This article is part of the themed issue 'Integrating Hebbian
      and homeostatic plasticity'.

PMID- 28093562
TI  - Factors Associated with a Family's Delay of Decision for Organ Donation After
      Brain Death.
AB  - BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the factors associated with a family's
      delay of decision for organ donation after brain death, and to investigate the
      effect of such a delay on organ donation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical records
      and data on counseling about organ donation with the families of 107 brain-dead
      potential donors between September 2012 and March 2016 at a single tertiary
      medical center were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS The final consent rate was
      58% (62/107), and successful donation was performed in 40% (43/107). Ninety-two
      families (86%) made a decision within 48 hours, whereas 15 (14%) required more
      than 48 hours for a final decision. In univariate and multivariate analyses, the
      independent factors associated with a decision delay were mean arterial pressure
      <=60 mm Hg and coma therapy. In the early decision group (<48 hours), the consent
      and successful donation rates were 55% (51/92) and 39% (36/92), respectively,
      whereas in the delayed decision group (>=48 hours), these rates were 73% (11/15)
      and 47% (7/15), respectively. The consent and successful donation rates were not
      inferior in the delayed decision group. CONCLUSIONS These findings justify
      continuous efforts to maintain organ viability and to extend counseling to
      encourage donation even if the family cannot decide immediately.

PMID- 28093563
TI  - Asymptomatic Mild Hyperperfusion for the Prediction of Clinical Outcome in
      Postoperative Patients After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is one of the main causes of poor
      outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The early identification of DCI by
      noninvasive imaging modalities would provide valuable information of therapeutic
      intervention for improving the patient outcomes. We aimed to describe the
      clinical features of cerebral blood flow (CBF) data obtained from the single
      photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) during the risk period for DCI after
      SAH. MATERIAL AND METHODS Clinical data from 94 SAH patients who underwent
      surgical clipping of anterior circulation aneurysms were reviewed
      retrospectively. 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT images were visually and semiquantitatively
      analyzed on days 7 and 14 after SAH. RESULTS In all cases, the areas of
      hypoperfusion were found in the middle cerebral artery territories. By contrast,
      the areas of mild hyperperfusion were always detected on the surgical side, the
      prevalence which increased from days 7 (n=28; 30%) to 14 (n=48; 51%) without
      neurological defects. Univariate analysis revealed that the hyperperfusion on day
      14 had a significant relationship with functional outcome at 3 months (P=0.04).
      Multivariate analysis including age, clinical SAH grade, DCI, and hyperperfusion
      on day 14 showed that DCI (P=0.004; odds ratio [OR], 0.10; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 0.02-0.48) and hyperperfusion on day 14 (P=0.002; OR, 2.44; 95%
      CI, 1.40-4.29) were independently associated with functional outcome at 3 months.
      CONCLUSIONS Delayed mild hyperperfusion around the surgical site can predict good
      prognosis after SAH, although it may hinder the CBF diagnosis of focal ischemia
      attributable to DCI.

PMID- 28093564
TI  - Postoperative Conversion Disorder Presenting as Inspiratory Stridor and
      Hemiparesis in a Pediatric Patient.
AB  - BACKGROUND Postoperative conversion disorder is rare and has been reported. The
      diagnosis is usually made after all major organic causes have been ruled out.
      CASE REPORT We describe a case of a 13-year-old female who presented in the post
      anesthesia care unit with acute-onset inspiratory stridor and unresponsiveness to
      verbal or painful stimuli after receiving a general anesthetic for upper
      endoscopy. Later in the post-anesthesia care unit, she presented with acute-onset
      right hemiplegia and sensory loss. She was first evaluated for causes of her
      stridor and unresponsiveness. The evaluation revealed paradoxical vocal cord
      movement, and all laboratory test values were normal. For her hemiplegia and
      sensory loss, she was evaluated for stroke with head MRI and CT scans, which were
      normal. CONCLUSIONS After extensive workup and consideration of multiple
      etiologies for her presenting signs and symptoms, the most likely diagnosis was
      conversion disorder.

PMID- 28093565
TI  - Treatment-free remission in chronic myeloid leukemia: floating between
      expectation and evidence.

PMID- 28093566
TI  - Estrogen-dependent association of HDAC4 with fear in female mice and women with
      PTSD.
AB  - Women are at increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      following a traumatic event. Recent studies suggest that this may be mediated, in
      part, by circulating estrogen levels. This study evaluated the hypothesis that
      individual variation in response to estrogen levels contributes to fear
      regulation and PTSD risk in women. We evaluated DNA methylation from blood of
      female participants in the Grady Trauma Project and found that serum estradiol
      levels associates with DNA methylation across the genome. For genes expressed in
      blood, we examined the association between each CpG site and PTSD diagnosis using
      linear models that adjusted for cell proportions and age. After multiple test
      correction, PTSD associated with methylation of CpG sites in the HDAC4 gene,
      which encodes histone deacetylase 4, and is involved in long-term memory
      formation and behavior. DNA methylation of HDAC4 CpG sites were tagged by a
      nearby single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs7570903), which also associated with
      HDAC4 expression, fear-potentiated startle and resting-state functional
      connectivity of the amygdala in traumatized humans. Using auditory Pavlovian fear
      conditioning in a rodent model, we examined the regulation of Hdac4 in the
      amygdala of ovariectomized (OVX) female mice. Hdac4 messenger RNA levels were
      higher in the amygdala 2 h after tone-shock presentations, compared with OVX
      homecage control females. In naturally cycling females, tone-shock presentations
      increased Hdac4 expression relative to homecage controls for metestrous (low
      estrogen) but not the proestrous (high estrogen) group. Together, these results
      support an estrogenic influence of HDAC4 regulation and expression that may
      contribute to PTSD in women.

PMID- 28093567
TI  - Beta-amyloid sequelae in the eye: a critical review on its diagnostic
      significance and clinical relevance in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder.
      There is no test for its definitive diagnosis in routine clinical practice.
      Although phase III clinical trials have failed, only symptomatic treatment is
      currently available; a possible reason for these failed trials is that
      intervention commenced at an advanced stage of the disease. The hallmarks of an
      AD brain include plaques comprising of extracellular beta-amyloid (Abeta) protein
      aggregates and intracellular hyperphosphorylated neurofibrillary tangles of tau.
      Research into the preclinical diagnosis of AD has provided considerable evidence
      regarding early neuropathological changes using brain Abeta imaging and the
      cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, Abeta and tau. Both these approaches have
      limitations that are expensive, invasive or time consuming and thus preclude them
      from screening at-risk population. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence
      of Abeta plaques in the eyes of AD subjects, which is positively associated with
      their brain Abeta burden. Thus ocular biomarkers point to a potential avenue for
      an earlier, relatively low-cost diagnosis in order for therapeutic interventions
      to be effective. Here we review the literature that spans the investigation for
      the presence of Abeta in aging eyes and the significance of its deposition in
      relation to AD pathology. We discuss clinical studies investigating in vivo
      imaging of Abeta in the eye and its association with brain Abeta burden and
      therapies that target ocular Abeta. Finally, we focus on the need to characterize
      AD-specific retinal Abeta to differentiate Abeta found in some eye diseases.
      Based on the current evidence, we conclude that integration of ocular biomarkers
      that can correctly predict brain Abeta burden would have an important role as a
      non-invasive, yet economical surrogate marker in the diagnostic process of AD.

PMID- 28093569
TI  - Translational evaluation of translocator protein as a marker of neuroinflammation
      in schizophrenia.
AB  - Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with radiotracers that target
      translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has become a popular approach to assess
      putative neuroinflammatory processes and associated microglia activation in
      psychotic illnesses. It remains unclear, however, whether TSPO imaging can
      accurately capture low-grade inflammatory processes such as those present in
      schizophrenia and related disorders. Therefore, we evaluated the validity of TSPO
      as a disease-relevant marker of inflammation using a translational approach,
      which combined neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative mouse models with PET
      imaging in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia and matched controls. Using
      an infection-mediated neurodevelopmental mouse model, we show that schizophrenia
      relevant behavioral abnormalities and increased inflammatory cytokine expression
      are associated with reduced prefrontal TSPO levels. On the other hand, TSPO was
      markedly upregulated in a mouse model of acute neurodegeneration and reactive
      gliosis, which was induced by intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid. In both
      models, the changes in TSPO levels were not restricted to microglia but emerged
      in various cell types, including microglia, astrocytes and vascular endothelial
      cells. Human PET imaging using the second-generation TSPO radiotracer [11C]DPA
      713 revealed a strong trend towards reduced TSPO binding in the middle frontal
      gyrus of patients with recent-onset schizophrenia, who were previously shown to
      display increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in peripheral and central
      tissues. Together, our findings challenge the common assumption that central low
      grade inflammation in schizophrenia is mirrored by increased TSPO expression or
      ligand binding. Our study further underscores the need to interpret altered TSPO
      binding in schizophrenia with caution, especially when measures of TSPO are not
      complemented with other markers of inflammation. Unless more selective microglial
      markers are available for PET imaging, quantification of cytokines and other
      inflammatory biomarkers, along with their molecular signaling pathways, may be
      more accurate in attempts to characterize inflammatory profiles in schizophrenia
      and other mental disorders that lack robust reactive gliosis.

PMID- 28093570
TI  - Vitamin D administration, cognitive function, BBB permeability and
      neuroinflammatory factors in high-fat diet-induced obese rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of
      vitamin D administration on cognitive function, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF
      kappaB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration in the
      hippocampus and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in high-fat diet (HFD)
      induced obese rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were fed either a control diet or
      HFD for 16 weeks (n=20); then, each group was randomized into two subgroups
      supplemented orally with 500 IU kg-1 vitamin D for 5 weeks. A Morris water maze
      (MWM) test was performed at the 21st week to examine cognitive function. BBB
      permeability was characterized by Evans blue dye in the hippocampus. BDNF and NF
      kappaB concentrations in the hippocampus and serum vitamin D concentrations were
      also measured. RESULTS: HFD led to a significant delay in escape latency time and
      reduced time of MWM probe test because of increased NF-kappaB and decreased BDNF
      concentrations in the hippocampus. Vitamin D supplementation in the HFD group
      significantly reduced body weight, NF-kappaB concentrations, BBB permeability and
      increased BDNF concentrations in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D reversed
      HFD-induced cognitive impairments by reduction of the NF-kappaB and elevation of
      BDNF concentrations and modulation of the BBB permeability in rats' hippocampus.

PMID- 28093568
TI  - GWAS meta-analysis reveals novel loci and genetic correlates for general
      cognitive function: a report from the COGENT consortium.
AB  - The complex nature of human cognition has resulted in cognitive genomics lagging
      behind many other fields in terms of gene discovery using genome-wide association
      study (GWAS) methods. In an attempt to overcome these barriers, the current study
      utilized GWAS meta-analysis to examine the association of common genetic
      variation (~8M single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with minor allele frequency
      ?1%) to general cognitive function in a sample of 35 298 healthy individuals of
      European ancestry across 24 cohorts in the Cognitive Genomics Consortium
      (COGENT). In addition, we utilized individual SNP lookups and polygenic score
      analyses to identify genetic overlap with other relevant neurobehavioral
      phenotypes. Our primary GWAS meta-analysis identified two novel SNP loci (top
      SNPs: rs76114856 in the CENPO gene on chromosome 2 and rs6669072 near
      LOC105378853 on chromosome 1) associated with cognitive performance at the genome
      wide significance level (P<5 * 10-8). Gene-based analysis identified an
      additional three Bonferroni-corrected significant loci at chromosomes 17q21.31,
      17p13.1 and 1p13.3. Altogether, common variation across the genome resulted in a
      conservatively estimated SNP heritability of 21.5% (s.e.=0.01%) for general
      cognitive function. Integration with prior GWAS of cognitive performance and
      educational attainment yielded several additional significant loci. Finally, we
      found robust polygenic correlations between cognitive performance and educational
      attainment, several psychiatric disorders, birth length/weight and smoking
      behavior, as well as a novel genetic association to the personality trait of
      openness. These data provide new insight into the genetics of neurocognitive
      function with relevance to understanding the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric
      illness.

PMID- 28093571
TI  - Roux-en-Y gastric bypass increases systemic but not portal bile acid
      concentrations by decreasing hepatic bile acid uptake in minipigs.
AB  - Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is widely used in the management of
      morbid obesity. RYGB improves metabolism independently of weight loss by still
      unknown mechanisms. Bile acids (BAs) are good candidates to explain this benefit,
      since they regulate metabolic homeostasis and their systemic concentrations
      increase upon RYGB. Here we analyzed the mechanisms underlying the increase in
      systemic BA concentrations after RYGB and the role of the liver therein. To this
      aim, we used the Gottingen-like minipig, a human-size mammalian model, which
      allows continuous sampling and simultaneous analysis of pre-hepatic portal and
      systemic venous blood. BA concentrations and pool composition were measured in
      portal blood, containing intestinal reabsorbed BAs and compared to systemic blood
      during a standardized meal test before and after RYGB. Systemic total BA
      concentrations increased after RYGB, due to an increase in conjugated BAs.
      Interestingly, the ratio of portal:systemic conjugated BAs decreased after RYGB,
      indicating a role for the liver in systemic BA concentrations changes. In line,
      hepatic expression of BA transporter genes decreased after RYGB. Our results show
      that the increase in systemic BAs after surgery is due to decreased selective
      hepatic recapture. Thus, alterations in hepatic function contribute to the
      increase in systemic BAs after RYGB.

PMID- 28093572
TI  - Longitudinal changes in body mass index of children affected by the Great East
      Japan Earthquake.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evacuation and disruption in housing caused by the 2011 Great
      East Japan Earthquake and following nuclear radiation may have influenced child
      health in many respects. However, studies regarding longitudinal childhood growth
      are limited. Therefore, in this study we aimed to explore the influence of the
      earthquake on longitudinal changes in body mass index in preschool children.
      METHODS: Participants were children from nursery schools who cooperated with the
      study in the Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures. The exposed group consisted
      of children who experienced the earthquake during their preschool-age period (4-5
      years old). The historical control group included children who were born 2 years
      earlier than the exposed children in the same prefectures. Trajectories regarding
      body mass index and prevalence of overweight/obesity were compared between the
      two groups using multilevel analysis. Differences in the changes in BMI between
      before and after the earthquake, and proportion of overweight/obesity was
      compared between the two groups. We also conducted subgroup analysis by defining
      children with specific personal disaster experiences within the exposed group.
      RESULTS: A total of 9722 children were included in the study. Children in the
      exposed group had higher body mass indices and a higher proportion of overweight
      after the earthquake than the control group. These differences were more obvious
      when confined to exposed children with specific personal disaster experiences.
      CONCLUSIONS: Children's growth and development-related health issues such as
      increased BMI after natural disasters should evoke great attention.

PMID- 28093574
TI  - An acoustically-driven vocal tract model for stop consonant production.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to further develop a multi-tier model of the vocal
      tract area function in which the modulations of shape to produce speech are
      generated by the product of a vowel substrate and a consonant superposition
      function. The new approach consists of specifying input parameters for a target
      consonant as a set of directional changes in the resonance frequencies of the
      vowel substrate. Using calculations of acoustic sensitivity functions, these
      "resonance deflection patterns" are transformed into time-varying deformations of
      the vocal tract shape without any direct specification of location or extent of
      the consonant constriction along the vocal tract. The configuration of the
      constrictions and expansions that are generated by this process were shown to be
      physiologically-realistic and produce speech sounds that are easily identifiable
      as the target consonants. This model is a useful enhancement for area function
      based synthesis and can serve as a tool for understanding how the vocal tract is
      shaped by a talker during speech production.

PMID- 28093575
TI  - Development process of an assessment tool for disruptive behavior problems in
      cross-cultural settings: the Disruptive Behavior International Scale - Nepal
      version (DBIS-N).
AB  - Systematic processes are needed to develop valid measurement instruments for
      disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) in cross-cultural settings. We employed a
      four-step process in Nepal to identify and select items for a culturally valid
      assessment instrument: 1) We extracted items from validated scales and local free
      list interviews. 2) Parents, teachers, and peers (n=30) rated the perceived
      relevance and importance of behavior problems. 3) Highly rated items were piloted
      with children (n=60) in Nepal. 4) We evaluated internal consistency of the final
      scale. We identified 49 symptoms from 11 scales, and 39 behavior problems from
      free-list interviews (n=72). After dropping items for low ratings of relevance
      and severity and for poor item-test correlation, low frequency, and/or poor
      acceptability in pilot testing, 16 items remained for the Disruptive Behavior
      International Scale-Nepali version (DBIS-N). The final scale had good internal
      consistency (alpha=0.86). A 4-step systematic approach to scale development
      including local participation yielded an internally consistent scale that
      included culturally relevant behavior problems.

PMID- 28093573
TI  - Impact of lifestyle intervention for obese women during pregnancy on maternal
      metabolic and inflammatory markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Offspring of obese mothers have increased risk of developing obesity
      and related short- and long-term disease. The cause is multifactorial and may
      partly be explained by the unfavorable intrauterine environment. Intervention
      during pregnancy leading to a healthier lifestyle among obese may alter this.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of lifestyle intervention on markers of maternal
      metabolism and inflammation in 'the TOP (Treatment of Obese Pregnant Women)
      study', a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: In the TOP-study 425 participants
      with body mass index ?30 kg/m2 were randomized to intervention with dietary
      advices and physical activity assessed by pedometer (PA+D), physical activity
      assessed by pedometer (PA) or control (C). Of 389 participants completing the
      study 376 had available blood samples. Serum was analyzed for insulin, c-peptide,
      lipid profile, leptin, high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) and Soluble urokinase
      Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR), in week 18-20 and 28-30, and
      simultaneously a 2-h oral glucose-tolerance-test was performed. Diet was assessed
      in gestational week 11-14 and 36-37 using a validated 360-item Food Frequency
      Questionnaire. RESULTS: Median levels of hsCRP in gestational week 28-30 were
      lower in each of the intervention groups (8.3 mg/l in PA+D group, P=0.03; and 8.8
      mg/l in PA group, P=0.02) versus the control group (11.5 mg/l). Obtaining 11 000
      steps per day as aimed for resulted in a 21% lower hsCRP compared to non
      compliant women. Women reporting high carbohydrate intake had around 30% higher
      hsCRP concentrations in late gestation than women reporting the lowest intake.
      There were no differences in lipid profile or any of the metabolic markers in
      gestational week 28-30 when comparing the intervention and control groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle intervention in obese women can reduce hsCRP representing
      a marker of inflammation during pregnancy. The effect may partly be mediated by
      more physical activity and partly by changes in intake of carbohydrates and the
      glycaemic load.

PMID- 28093576
TI  - Synthetic alpha-Hydroxytropolones as Inhibitors of HIV Reverse Transcriptase
      Ribonuclease H Activity.
AB  - HIV Reverse Transcriptase-associated ribonuclease H activity is a promising
      enzymatic target for drug development that has not been successfully targeted in
      the clinic. While the alpha-hydroxytropolone-containing natural products beta
      thujaplicinol and manicol have emerged as some of the most potent leads described
      to date, structure-function studies have been limited to the natural products and
      semi-synthetic derivatives of manicol. Thus, a library of alpha-hydroxytropolones
      synthesized through a convenient oxidopyrylium cycloaddition/ring-opening
      sequence have been tested in in vitro and cell-based assays, and have been
      analyzed using computational support. These studies reveal new synthetic alpha
      hydroxytropolones that, unlike the natural product leads they are derived from,
      demonstrate protective antiviral activity in cellular assays.

PMID- 28093578
TI  - Mouse Liver Mitochondria Isolation, Size Fractionation, and Real-time MOMP
      Measurement.
AB  - The mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis involves a complex interplay between
      dozens of proteins and lipids, and is also dependent on the shape and size of
      mitochondria. The use of cellular models in past studies has not been ideal for
      investigating how the complex multi-factor interplay regulates the molecular
      mechanisms of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Isolated
      systems have proven to be a paradigm to deconstruct MOMP into individual steps
      and to study the behavior of each subset of MOMP regulators. In particular,
      isolated mitochondria are key to in vitro studies of the BCL-2 family proteins, a
      complex family of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic proteins that directly control
      the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis (Renault et al., 2013). In this protocol,
      we describe three complementary procedures for investigating in real-time the
      effects of MOMP regulators using isolated mitochondria. The first procedure is
      "Liver mitochondria isolation" in which the liver is dissected from mice to
      obtain mitochondria. "Mitochondria labeling with JC-1 and size fractionation" is
      the second procedure that describes a method to label, fractionate by size and
      standardize subpopulations of mitochondria. Finally, the "Real-time MOMP
      measurements" protocol allows to follow MOMP in real-time on isolated
      mitochondria. The aforementioned procedures were used to determine in vitro the
      role of mitochondrial membrane shape at the level of isolated cells and isolated
      mitochondria (Renault et al., 2015).

PMID- 28093577
TI  - Epigenetic Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: the "Tissue Issue".
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Evidence has linked neuropsychiatric disorders with epigenetic
      marks as either a biomarker of disease, biomarker of exposure, or mechanism of
      disease processes. Neuropsychiatric epidemiologic studies using either target
      brain tissue or surrogate blood tissue each have methodological challenges and
      distinct advantages. RECENT FINDINGS: Brain tissue studies are challenged by
      small sample sizes of cases and controls, incomplete phenotyping, post-mortem
      timing, and cellular heterogeneity, but the use of a primary disease relevant
      tissue is critical. Blood-based studies have access to much larger sample sizes
      and more replication opportunities, as well as the potential for longitudinal
      measurements, both prior to onset and during the course of treatments. Yet, blood
      studies also are challenged by cell-type heterogeneity, and many question the
      validity of using peripheral tissues as a brain biomarker. Emerging evidence
      suggests that these limitations to blood-based epigenetic studies are
      surmountable, but confirmation in target tissue remains important. SUMMARY:
      Epigenetic mechanisms have the potential to help elucidate biology connecting
      experiential risk factors with neuropsychiatric disease manifestation. Cross
      tissue studies as well as advanced epidemiologic methods should be employed to
      more effectively conduct neuropsychiatric epigenetic research.

PMID- 28093579
TI  - Progression of Transsynaptic Retinal Degeneration With Spectral-Domain Optical
      Coherence Tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To illustrate the progression of retrograde transsynaptic retinal
      degeneration using spectral- domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).
      OBSERVATIONS: A 60 year-old man with a stroke was followed over a 17-month period
      using SD-OCT of the macula, ganglion cell layer (GCC), and retinal nerve fiber
      layer. Transsynaptic retinal degeneration progressed over this time. CONCLUSIONS
      AND IMPORTANCE: Retrograde transsynaptic retinal degeneration may occur in
      patients with homonymous visual field loss caused by post-geniculate neurologic
      disease. This is best detected as homonymous thinning of the retina,
      corresponding to the pattern of visual field loss, using SD-OCT of the GCC and
      macula. The retinal changes occur at a variable time following the onset of
      neurologic disease.

PMID- 28093580
TI  - Observation of a metal-centered B2-Ta@B18- tubular molecular rotor and a perfect
      Ta@B20- boron drum with the record coordination number of twenty.
AB  - A tubular molecular rotor B2-Ta@B18- (1) and boron drum Ta@B20- (2) with the
      highest coordination number of twenty in chemistry are observed via a joint
      photoelectron spectroscopy and first-principles theory investigation.

PMID- 28093581
TI  - A ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for selective and visual detection of
      phosgene in solutions and in the gas phase.
AB  - A ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor, Phos-1, was constructed with 4,5
      diaminonaphthalimide as a fluorophore for selective and visual detection of
      phosgene. The sensing mechanism was demonstrated to be the phosgene molecule
      acylating both amine groups of Phos-1. A test paper with Phos-1 was fabricated
      for facile, selective and visual detection of phosgene gas.

PMID- 28093582
TI  - A novel aggregation-induced emission platform from 2,3-diphenylbenzo[b]thiophene
      S,S-dioxide.
AB  - New aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens with high solid-state emission
      efficiencies are developed by adopting a benzo[b]thiophene S,S-dioxide core, and
      steric and electronic effects on the AIE property are elucidated.

PMID- 28093583
TI  - Interaction of organic ions with proteins.
AB  - In this study we have investigated how different proteins interact with big
      organic ions. Two ions that are similar in size and chemical structure (Ph4B-
      anion and Ph4As+ cation) were studied. The proteins chosen are the two major
      allergenic proteins of cow's milk, beta-lactoglobulin and beta-casein, and bovine
      serum albumin, BSA, as the reference protein. First, a quantitative study to
      determine the hydrophobic degree of the proteins was performed. Then,
      electrokinetic and stability measurements on protein-coated polystyrene (PS)
      microspheres as a function of the tetraphenyl ion concentration were carried out.
      Our results show that the affinity of the organic ions depends on the
      hydrophobicity of the interface. Big charge inversions and re-stabilization
      patterns were observed at very low concentrations of tetraphenyl ions for the
      most hydrophobic protein studied (with beta-casein). Besides, the ionic
      concentrations needed to destabilize these colloidal systems were roughly one
      order of magnitude lower for the anion than for the cation. In addition, we
      studied conformational changes of the adsorbed proteins with a quartz crystal
      microbalance. Proteins were adsorbed onto hydrophobic flat substrates and then
      exposed to the tetraphenyl ions. The protein films swelled or collapsed as a
      function of the accumulation of tetraphenyl ions. Similarly to the
      electrokinetic/stability studies, the ionic concentration necessary to trigger
      structural changes of the protein films was one order of magnitude larger for the
      cation than for the anion. All the results evidence that the accumulation of
      these organic ions on an interface depends directly on its degree of
      hydrophobicity. We attribute the different interactions of the anion and the
      cation with these interfaces to their dissimilar hydration, which makes the anion
      show a more hydrophobic behaviour than the cation.

PMID- 28093584
TI  - Phase diagram and superconductivity of compressed zirconium hydrides.
AB  - It is known that pressure can be applied to fundamentally alter the bonding
      patterns between the chemical elements. By employing an unbiased structure search
      method based on a particle swarm optimization (PSO) methodology, the phase
      diagram and crystal structures of Zr-H compounds are systematically investigated
      at a high pressure up to 150 GPa. Interestingly, some unexpectedly stable
      compounds with unusual chemical and physical properties are predicted to be
      formed, for example, four stable and metallic species with stoichiometries of
      ZrH, ZrH2, ZrH3, and ZrH6 are identified for the first time. It is interesting to
      note that Cmc21-ZrH6 adopts intriguing structures with H2 units. Surprisingly, it
      is found that Cmcm-ZrH is superconducting with Tc as high as 10.6 K. Our study
      opens a novel avenue for designing superconducting Zr-H compounds by applying
      pressure.

PMID- 28093585
TI  - Surface-mounted MOF templated fabrication of homochiral polymer thin film for
      enantioselective adsorption of drugs.
AB  - A self-polymerized chiral monomer 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (l-DOPA) has been
      introduced into the pores of an achiral surface-mounted metal organic framework
      (SURMOF), and then the homochiral poly(l-DOPA) thin film has been successfully
      formed after UV light irradiation and etching of the SURMOF. Remarkably, such a
      poly(l-DOPA) thin film exhibited enantioselective adsorption of naproxen. This
      study opened a SURMOF-templated approach for preparing porous polymer thin films.

PMID- 28093586
TI  - A highly efficient bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst for morphological control
      of discharged products in Na-air batteries.
AB  - Heterogeneous catalysts with Co3O4 and liquid redox mediators were utilized for
      the morphological control of discharged products in SABs. With Co3O4 nanowires/C
      as air cathodes, the discharge product tended to be like nanoflakes. However,
      after the addition of ferrocene to the electrolyte, the discharge product tended
      to be like nanofilms and the cyclic performance can achieve 570 cycles.

PMID- 28093587
TI  - A copper(ii) metal-organic hydrogel as a multifunctional precatalyst for CuAAC
      reactions and chemical fixation of CO2 under solvent free conditions.
AB  - A copper(ii) metal-organic hydrogel has been synthesised and characterised. This
      hydrogel is an efficient, reusable precatalyst for CuAAC reactions and chemical
      fixation of CO2 under solvent free conditions.

PMID- 28093588
TI  - One-pot synthesis of quaternary carbon centered cyclobutanes via Pd(ii)-catalyzed
      cascade C(sp3)-H activations.
AB  - A novel approach toward quaternary carbon centered cyclobutanes through Pd(ii)
      catalyzed sequential intramolecular methylene C-H alkylation and intermolecular
      methine C-H bond arylation, alkenylation, alkylation, alkynylation, allylation,
      benzylation or alkoxylation is described. These quaternary carbon centered
      cyclobutanes could be further diversified through Pd(ii)-catalyzed gamma-C(sp3)-H
      bond activations. The synthetic utility of this novel approach was exemplified by
      its application to the synthesis of a bioactive small molecule.

PMID- 28093589
TI  - Selective bond breaking of CO2 in phase-locked two-color intense laser fields:
      laser field intensity dependence.
AB  - Selective bond breaking of CO2 in phase-locked omega-2omega two-color intense
      laser fields (lambda = 800 nm and 400 nm, total field intensity I ~ 1014 W cm-2)
      has been investigated by coincidence momentum imaging. The CO+ and O+ fragment
      ions produced by two-body Coulomb explosion, CO22+ -> CO+ + O+, exhibit
      asymmetric distributions along the laser polarization direction, showing that one
      of the two equivalent C-O bonds is selectively broken by the laser fields. At a
      field intensity higher than 2 * 1014 W cm-2, the largest fragment asymmetry is
      observed when the relative phase phi between the omega and 2omega laser fields is
      ~0 and pi. On the other hand, an increase of the asymmetry and a shift of the
      phase providing the largest asymmetry are observed at lower field intensities.
      The selective bond breaking and its dependence on the laser field intensity are
      discussed in terms of a mechanism involving deformation of the potential energy
      surfaces and electron recollision in intense laser fields.

PMID- 28093590
TI  - Hydrogen diffusion into the subsurfaces of model metal catalysts from first
      principles.
AB  - Diffusion pathways of atomic hydrogen on model catalyst surfaces and into
      subsurfaces are of great significance in the exploration of novel catalytic
      hydrogenation in heterogeneous catalysis. We present in detail the diffusion
      pathways of hydrogen on seven different open and closed model catalyst surfaces
      from first principles calculations. Seven transition metal catalysts with
      thirteen different crystal surfaces, i.e., Co(001), Ni(100) and Ni(111), Pd(100)
      and (111), Pt(100) and (111), Cu(100) and (111), Ag(100) and (111) and Au(100)
      and (111), are taken into account. Thirteen corresponding potential energy
      surfaces (PESs) are constructed for modelling hydrogen diffusion on these model
      catalyst surfaces and into the subsurfaces by interpolating ab initio density
      functional theory energy points (~2000 for each surface). The minimum energy
      diffusion pathways for hydrogen on the surfaces and into the subsurfaces are
      globally searched for based on PESs using a mesh method, and are in excellent
      agreement with those calculated from the nudged elastic band method. Furthermore,
      the important substrate relaxation effect can decrease the diffusion barriers for
      hydrogen into catalyst subsurfaces. The high reactivity of subsurface reactants
      mainly comes from the residual energy of subsurface hydrogen emerging from the
      subsurface onto the surface.

PMID- 28093591
TI  - Hidden negative linear compressibility in lithium l-tartrate.
AB  - By decoupling the mechanical behaviour of building units for the first time in a
      wine-rack framework containing two different strut types, we show that lithium l
      tartrate exhibits NLC with a maximum value, Kmax = -21 TPa-1, and an overall NLC
      capacity, chiNLC = 5.1%, that are comparable to the most exceptional materials to
      date. Furthermore, the contributions from molecular strut compression and angle
      opening interplay to give rise to so-called "hidden" negative linear
      compressibility, in which NLC is absent at ambient pressure, switched on at 2 GPa
      and sustained up to the limit of our experiment, 5.5 GPa. Analysis of the changes
      in crystal structure using variable-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction
      reveals new chemical and geometrical design rules to assist the discovery of
      other materials with exciting hidden anomalous mechanical properties.

PMID- 28093592
TI  - Synthesis and optical and electrochemical properties of julolidine-structured
      pyrido[3,4-b]indole dye.
AB  - The julolidine-structured pyrido[3,4-b]indole dye ET-1 has been newly designed
      and developed as a small D-A fluorescent dye. ET-1 showed bathochromic shifts of
      the fluorescence band upon changing from aprotic solvents to protic solvents, as
      well as positive fluorescence solvatochromism. Moreover, it was found that ET-1
      can form a 1 : 1 Py(N)-B complex with boron trifluoride and a hydrogen-bonded
      proton transfer (Py(N)-H) complex with trifluoroacetic acid, which exhibit
      photoabsorption and fluorescence bands at a longer wavelength region than the
      pristine ET-1. Based on optical (photoabsorption and fluorescence spectroscopy)
      and electrochemical (cyclic voltammetry) measurements, Lippert-Mataga plots, 1H
      NMR spectral measurement and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, this
      work indicated that the Py(N)-B complex or the Py(N)-H complex is effectively
      formed and stable in solution. This is due to the strong Py(N)-B interaction or
      Py(N)-hydrogen-bond, which can be attributed to the enhanced basicity or the
      accumulated electron density on the nitrogen atom of the pyridine ring caused by
      the introduction of a julolidine (quinolizidine) moiety as a strong electron
      donating group. We propose that the D-A-type dye ET-1 based on the julolidine
      structured pyrido[3,4-b]indole possesses the ability to act as a calorimetric and
      fluorescent sensor for Bronsted and Lewis acids.

PMID- 28093593
TI  - Self-assembled 4-(1,2-diphenylbut-1-en-1-yl)aniline based nanoparticles:
      podophyllotoxin and aloin as building blocks.
AB  - The ability of 4-(1,2-diphenylbut-1-en-1-yl)aniline as a self-assembly inducer is
      reported. The conjugation of this moiety with aloin or podophyllotoxin resulted
      in spherical nanoparticles that were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering
      (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and NanoSight technology. A
      preliminary biological evaluation on two cancer cell lines is reported.

PMID- 28093594
TI  - Fast and accurate MAS-DNP simulations of large spin ensembles.
AB  - A deeper understanding of parameters affecting Magic Angle Spinning Dynamic
      Nuclear Polarization (MAS-DNP), an emerging nuclear magnetic resonance
      hyperpolarization method, is crucial for the development of new polarizing agents
      and the successful implementation of the technique at higher magnetic fields (>10
      T). Such progress is currently impeded by computational limitation which prevents
      the simulation of large spin ensembles (electron as well as nuclear spins) and to
      accurately describe the interplay between all the multiple key parameters at
      play. In this work, we present an alternative approach to existing cross-effect
      and solid-effect MAS-DNP codes that yields fast and accurate simulations. More
      specifically we describe the model, the associated Liouville-based formalism
      (Bloch-type derivation and/or Landau-Zener approximations) and the linear time
      algorithm that allows computing MAS-DNP mechanisms with unprecedented time
      savings. As a result, one can easily scan through multiple parameters and
      disentangle their mutual influences. In addition, the simulation code is able to
      handle multiple electrons and protons, which allows probing the effect of
      (hyper)polarizing agents concentration, as well as fully revealing the interplay
      between the polarizing agent structure and the hyperfine couplings, nuclear
      dipolar couplings, nuclear relaxation times, both in terms of depolarization
      effect, but also of polarization gain and buildup times.

PMID- 28093595
TI  - Mortality and Cause of Death in Patients with Pemphigus.
AB  - All-cause and cause-specific mortality among patients with pemphigus compared
      with the general population is yet to be established. This study investigated
      overall mortality and cause-specific mortality in a large immunopathologically
      validated cohort of patients with pemphigus. Mortality of patients with pemphigus
      was compared with age- and gender-matched control subjects in the general
      population. All-cause and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs)
      were estimated. The study cohort included 245 patients newly-diagnosed with
      pemphigus between January 1990 and June 2016, contributing 2,679.4 person-years
      of follow-up. Overall, 48 deaths were observed during a mean follow-up period of
      10.9 +/- 8.1 years, which was more than twice the number expected (SMR 2.4; 95%
      confidence interval (95% CI) 1.82-3.20). The SMRs for death due to infections
      (22.6; 95% CI 13.6-35.3), namely pneumonia (25.7; 95% CI 11.7-48.8) and
      septicaemia (8.6; 95% CI 1.7-25.0), and due to cardiovascular diseases (2.8; 95%
      CI 1.0-6.0) were significantly higher than expected. Overall mortality among
      patients with pemphigus is 2.4-times greater than for the general population,
      mainly due to infections.

PMID- 28093596
TI  - Diagnostic Value of Linear Fluorescence Along the Basement Membrane of Sweat
      Gland Ducts in Bullous Pemphigoid.
AB  - Linear IgG deposits along the basement membrane of adnexa has been proposed to be
      useful in the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid (BP), but no controlled studies
      have been performed. This study evaluated linear IgG fluorescence of the basement
      membrane of sweat gland ducts (SGD) and other adnexa in perilesional biopsies
      from patients with BP (n = 64) and controls (n = 82), using direct
      immunofluorescence microscopy. Fluorescence intensity was graded semi
      quantitatively. Positive SGDs were found in 58 (90.6%) patients with BP and 44
      (53.7%) controls, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). The
      sensitivity of positive SGDs for BP was high (90.6%), but the specificity was low
      (46.3%). Only strong fluorescence intensity was associated with high specificity.
      In conclusion, positive SGDs in direct immunofluorescence microscopy are highly
      sensitive for BP; however, only strong fluorescence has acceptable specificity.
      Weak positivity of SGDs without linear fluorescence of the epidermal basement
      membrane may not be sufficiently specific for BP.

PMID- 28093597
TI  - Telangiectatic Mycosis Fungoides: A New Clinicopathological Presentation
      Mimicking Acquired Naevoid Telangiectasia.

PMID- 28093598
TI  - Increased Incidence of Cutaneous Vasculitic Ulcers: 30-year Results from a
      Population-based Retrospective Study.

PMID- 28093599
TI  - Risk Factors for De Novo Squamous Cell Carcinoma Development in Renal Transplant
      Recipients with a Previous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PMID- 28093600
TI  - Vascular Patterns in Cutaneous Ulcerated Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective
      Blinded Study Including Dermoscopy.
AB  - The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the type and prevalence of
      vascular patterns in the ulcerated and non-ulcerated portions of histologically
      proven basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and correlate them with other dermoscopic and
      clinical features, including the clinically supposed diagnosis. Three authors
      retrospectively collected 156 clinical and 156 dermoscopic digital images of
      ulcerated BCCs (histologically confirmed); each image was blindly evaluated by 2
      other authors, who did not know the histological diagnosis. Seventeen lesions
      were completely ulcerated, while 139 lesions presented ulcerated and non
      ulcerated portions. Correct clinical diagnosis was associated with the type of
      lesion, in particular 90.6% of partially ulcerated lesions were correctly
      diagnosed with clinical-dermoscopic examination, compared with 11.8% of totally
      ulcerated lesions (chi2 = 64.00, p = 0.000). Presence of arborizing pattern in
      the ulcerated portion was associated with a correct diagnosis (Fisher's exact
      test, p = 0.015). Correct diagnosis was also associated with absence of dotted
      pattern in the non-ulcerated area (chi2 = 16.18, p = 0.000); the absence of
      hairpin (chi2 = 6.08, p = 0.000) and glomerular patterns were associated with
      correct diagnosis in the ulcerated areas (chi2 = 18.64, p = 0.000). In case of
      completely ulcerated BCC the clinician lacks the means to correctly identify the
      correct nature of the lesion, and is driven towards an incorrect diagnostic
      conclusion.

PMID- 28093601
TI  - Ambulatory Photodynamic Therapy for Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma: An
      Effective Light Source?

PMID- 28093602
TI  - Annular Erythematous Scaly Lesions on the Face: A Quiz.

PMID- 28093603
TI  - Monitoring Ingenol Mebutate Gel Treatment of Actinic Keratoses by Reflectance
      Confocal Microscopy.

PMID- 28093604
TI  - Pretreatment with 5-Fluorouracil Cream Enhances the Efficacy of Daylight-mediated
      Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratosis.
AB  - The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with methyl aminolevulinate is reduced
      when treating actinic keratosis (AK) on the extremities in comparison with the
      face and scalp. Studies indicate that PDT efficacy can be improved by combining
      PDT with other treatment modalities. This randomized intra-individual study
      investigated whether pretreatment with topical 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) enhanced
      the treatment efficacy of daylight-mediated PDT in 24 patients with AKs on the
      hands. One hand of each patient was given 7 days of pretreatment with 5-FU twice
      daily before daylight-PDT, whereas the other hand was treated with daylight-PDT
      alone. At 3-month follow-up the overall lesion response rate was significantly
      higher for the combination of 5-FU and daylight-PDT (62.7%) than for daylight-PDT
      alone (51.8%) (p = 0.001). Furthermore, pain and erythema in relation to
      treatment were similar in the 2 groups (p = 1.0 and p = 0.2, respectively).
      Combination therapy is a safe and effective method to improve daylight-PDT for
      acral AKs.

PMID- 28093605
TI  - Erratum to: Animal cognition in a human-dominated world.

PMID- 28093606
TI  - Erratum to: Adjusting foraging strategies: a comparison of rural and urban common
      mynas (Acridotheres tristis).

PMID- 28093607
TI  - Osmopriming-induced salt tolerance during seed germination of alfalfa most likely
      mediates through H2O2 signaling and upregulation of heme oxygenase.
AB  - The present study showed that osmopriming or pretreatment with low H2O2 doses (2
      mM) for 6 h alleviated salt-reduced seed germination. The NADPH oxidase activity
      was the main source, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity might be a secondary
      source of H2O2 generation during osmopriming or H2O2 pretreatment. Hematin
      pretreatment similar to osmopriming improved salt-reduced seed germination that
      was coincident with the enhancement of heme oxygenase (HO) activity. The semi
      quantitative RT-PCR confirmed that osmopriming or H2O2 pretreatment was able to
      upregulate heme oxygenase HO-1 transcription, while the application of N,N
      dimethyl thiourea (DMTU as trap of endogenous H2O2) and diphenyleneiodonium (DPI
      as inhibitor of NADPHox) not only blocked the upregulation of HO but also
      reversed the osmopriming-induced salt attenuation. The addition of CO-saturated
      aqueous rescued the inhibitory effect of DMTU and DPI on seed germination and
      alpha-amylase activity during osmopriming or H2O2 pretreatment, but H2O2 could
      not reverse the inhibitory effect of ZnPPIX (as HO inhibitor) or Hb (as CO
      scavenger) that indicates that the CO acts downstream of H2O2 in priming-driven
      salt acclimation. The antioxidant enzymes and proline synthesis were upregulated
      in roots of seedlings grown from primed seeds, and these responses were reversed
      by adding DMTU, ZnPPIX, and Hb during osmopriming. These findings for the first
      time suggest that H2O2 signaling and upregulation of heme oxygenase play a
      crucial role in priming-driven salt tolerance.

PMID- 28093608
TI  - Spatiotemporal drivers of energy expenditure in a coastal marine fish.
AB  - Animal behavior and energy expenditure often vary significantly across the
      landscape, and quantifying energy expenditure over space and time provides
      mechanistic insight into ecological dynamics. Yet, spatiotemporal variability in
      energy expenditure has rarely been explored in fully aquatic species such as
      fish. Our objective was to quantify spatially explicit energy expenditure for a
      tropical marine teleost fish, bonefish (Albula vulpes), to examine how bonefish
      energetics vary across landscape features and temporal factors. Using a swim
      tunnel respirometer, we calibrated acoustic accelerometer transmitters implanted
      in bonefish to estimate their metabolic rates and energy expenditure, and applied
      this technology in situ using a fine-scale telemetry system on a heterogeneous
      reef flat in Puerto Rico. Bonefish energy expenditure varied most among habitats,
      with significant interactions between habitat and temporal factors (i.e., diel
      period, tide state, season). The energy expenditure was generally highest in
      shallow water habitats (i.e., seagrass and reef crest). Variation in activity
      levels was the main driver of these differences in energy expenditure, which in
      shallow, nearshore habitats is likely related to foraging. Bonefish moderate
      energy expenditure across seasonal fluctuations in temperature, by selectively
      using shallow nearshore habitats at moderate water temperatures that correspond
      with their scope for activity. Quantifying how animals expend energy in
      association with environmental and ecological factors can provide important
      insight into behavioral ecology, with implications for bioenergetics models.

PMID- 28093609
TI  - Periprosthetic fracture around a stable femoral stem treated with locking plate
      osteosynthesis: distal femoral locking plate alone versus with cerclage cable.
AB  - To promote rapid bone healing, an adequate stable fixation implant with a
      percutaneous reduction instrument should be used for Vancouver type B1 or C
      fractures. The objective of this study was to describe radiographic and clinical
      outcomes of patients with periprosthetic fracture (PPF) around a stable femoral
      stem, treated with a distal femoral locking plate alone or with a cerclage cable.
      A total of 21 patients with PPF amenable to either a reverse distal femoral
      locking plate (LCP DF(r)) alone or with a cerclage cable, with a mean age of 75.7
      years, were included. In these patients, ten fractures were treated with a
      reverse LCP DF(r) alone and were classified as group I, and 11 additionally
      received a cerclage cable and were classified as group II. Group II had a
      significantly longer operation time (P = 0.019) than group I and included one
      patient with nonunion at the final 24-month follow-up visit after the initial
      fracture reduction. However, this difference in nonunion rate for the two groups
      is more likely to inappropriate indications than surgical techniques. When
      comparing the stability of the fractures in both groups, there was no
      statistically significant difference, which might be attributed to the stable
      fixed-angle implant.

PMID- 28093610
TI  - The new WHO 2016 classification of brain tumors-what neurosurgeons need to know.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The understanding of molecular alterations of tumors has severely
      changed the concept of classification in all fields of pathology. The
      availability of high-throughput technologies such as next-generation sequencing
      allows for a much more precise definition of tumor entities. Also in the field of
      brain tumors a dramatic increase of knowledge has occurred over the last years
      partially calling into question the purely morphologically based concepts that
      were used as exclusive defining criteria in the WHO 2007 classification. METHODS:
      Review of the WHO 2016 classification of brain tumors as well as a search and
      review of publications in the literature relevant for brain tumor classification
      from 2007 up to now. RESULTS: The idea of incorporating the molecular features in
      classifying tumors of the central nervous system led the authors of the new WHO
      2016 classification to encounter inevitable conceptual problems, particularly
      with respect to linking morphology to molecular alterations. As a solution they
      introduced the concept of a "layered diagnosis" to the classification of brain
      tumors that still allows at a lower level a purely morphologically based
      diagnosis while partially forcing the incorporation of molecular characteristics
      for an "integrated diagnosis" at the highest diagnostic level. In this context
      the broad availability of molecular assays was debated. On the one hand molecular
      antibodies specifically targeting mutated proteins should be available in nearly
      all neuropathological laboratories. On the other hand, different high-throughput
      assays are accessible only in few first-world neuropathological institutions. As
      examples oligodendrogliomas are now primarily defined by molecular
      characteristics since the required assays are generally established, whereas
      molecular grouping of ependymomas, found to clearly outperform morphologically
      based tumor interpretation, was rejected from inclusion in the WHO 2016
      classification because the required assays are currently only established in a
      small number of institutions. CONCLUSION: In summary, while neuropathologists
      have now encountered various challenges in the transitional phase from the
      previous WHO 2007 version to the new WHO 2016 classification of brain tumors,
      clinical neurooncologists now face many new diagnoses allowing a clearly improved
      understanding that could offer them more effective therapeutic opportunities in
      neurooncological treatment. The new WHO 2016 classification presumably presents
      the highest number of modifications since the initial WHO classification of 1979
      and thereby forces all professionals in the field of neurooncology to intensively
      understand the new concepts. This review article aims to present the basic
      concepts of the new WHO 2016 brain tumor classification for neurosurgeons with a
      focus on neurooncology.

PMID- 28093611
TI  - A highly divergent Puumala virus lineage in southern Poland.
AB  - Puumala virus (PUUV) represents one of the most important hantaviruses in Central
      Europe. Phylogenetic analyses of PUUV strains indicate a strong genetic
      structuring of this hantavirus. Recently, PUUV sequences were identified in the
      natural reservoir, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), collected in the northern
      part of Poland. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of PUUV
      in bank voles from southern Poland. A total of 72 bank voles were trapped in 2009
      at six sites in this part of Poland. RT-PCR and IgG-ELISA analyses detected three
      PUUV positive voles at one trapping site. The PUUV-infected animals were
      identified by cytochrome b gene analysis to belong to the Carpathian and Eastern
      evolutionary lineages of bank vole. The novel PUUV S, M and L segment nucleotide
      sequences showed the closest similarity to sequences of the Russian PUUV lineage
      from Latvia, but were highly divergent to those previously found in northern
      Poland, Slovakia and Austria. In conclusion, the detection of a highly divergent
      PUUV lineage in southern Poland indicates the necessity of further bank vole
      monitoring in this region allowing rational public health measures to prevent
      human infections.

PMID- 28093612
TI  - [GeSRU e. V. - a success story].

PMID- 28093613
TI  - Recent trends in the distribution of causative diseases of fever of unknown
      origin.
AB  - Fever of unknown origin is a challenging diagnostic problem and the aim of this
      research was to analyze trends in the distribution of its causative diseases.
      This retrospective study makes a comparison between two different clinical series
      of patients from two different periods: 227 from period 1 (1998-2002) and 602
      from period 2 (2008-2012). There were fewer infections (31.72% vs.16.45%) and
      more miscellaneous causes (5.29% vs. 13.12%) in the period 2 series, whereas no
      significant differences in autoimmune diseases, malignancies and undiagnosed
      cases were found. Adult onset Still's disease and lymphoma occupied the largest
      proportion in autoimmune diseases (75.00%) and malignancies (89.81%),
      respectively. Interestingly, the autoimmune diseases group, instead of
      infections, was found to be the leading category of the causative diseases in
      fever of unknown origin, which is contrary to previous reports. Further, adult
      onset Still's disease and lymphoma were suggested to be valued more highly in
      view of the large and rising proportions found in this study. These trends could
      support the diagnosis and treatment of fever of unknown origin better in the
      future.

PMID- 28093614
TI  - ?

PMID- 28093615
TI  - The Open Abdomen Route by EuraHS: introduction of the data set and initial
      results of procedures and procedure-related complications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Open abdomen management has become a well-established strategy in
      the treatment of serious intra-abdominal pathologies. Key objectives are fistula
      prevention and high fascial closure rates. The current level of evidence on
      laparostoma is insufficient. This is due to the rareness of laparostomas, the
      heterogeneity of study cohorts, and broad diversity of techniques. Collecting
      data in a standardised, multicentre registry is necessary to draw up evidence
      based guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to improve the level of
      evidence on laparostomy, CAMIN (surgical working group for military and emergency
      surgery) of DGAV (German Society for General and Visceral Surgery), initiated the
      implementation of a laparostomy registry. This registry was established as the
      Open Abdomen Route by EuraHS (European Registry of Abdominal Wall Hernias). Key
      objectives include collection of data, quality assurance, standardisation of
      therapeutic concepts and the development of guidelines. Since 1 May 2015, the
      registry is available as an online database called Open Abdomen Route of EuraHS
      (European Registry of Abdominal Wall Hernias). It includes 11 categories for data
      collection, including three scheduled follow-up examinations. RESULTS: As part of
      this pilot study, all entries of the first 120 days were analysed, resulting in a
      review of 82 patients. At 44%, secondary peritonitis was the predominant
      indication. The mortality rate was 22%. A comparison of methods with and without
      fascial traction reveals fascial closure rates of 67% and 25%, respectively
      (intention-to-treat analysis, p < 0.03). Inert visceral protection was used in
      67% of patients and achieved a small bowel fistula incidence of only 5.5%.
      DISCUSSION: Optimising laparostomy management techniques in order to achieve low
      incidence of fistulation and high fascial closure rates is possible. The method
      that ensures the best possible outcome-based on current evidence-would involve
      fascial traction, visceral protection and negative pressure. The laparostomy
      registry is a useful tool for quickly generating sufficient evidence for open
      abdomen treatment.

PMID- 28093616
TI  - Rare germline alterations in cancer-related genes associated with the risk of
      multiple primary tumor development.
AB  - : Multiple primary tumors (MPT) have been described in carriers of inherited
      cancer predisposition genes. However, the genetic etiology of a large proportion
      of MPT cases remains unclear. We reviewed 267 patients with hereditary cancer
      predisposition syndromes (HCPS) that underwent genetic counseling and selected 22
      patients with MPT to perform genomic analysis (CytoScan HD Array, Affymetrix)
      aiming to identify new alterations related to a high risk of developing MPT.
      Twenty patients had a positive family history of cancer and 11 met phenotypic
      criteria for HCPS. Genetic testing for each of the genes associated with these
      syndromes revealed negative results for pathogenic mutations. Seventeen rare
      germline copy number variations (CNVs) covering 40 genes were identified in 11
      patients, including an EPCAM/MSH2 deletion in one Lynch syndrome patient. An
      enrichment analysis revealed a significant number of genes (where the CNVs are
      mapped) associated with carcinogenesis and/or related to functions implicated
      with tumor development, such as proliferation and cell survival. An interaction
      network analysis highlighted the importance of TP53 pathway in cancer emergence.
      A high number of germline copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) was
      identified in nine cases, particularly in two patients. Eighteen genes were
      covered by both rare CNVs and cnLOH, including 14 related to tumorigenesis and
      seven genes (ABCC1, KDM4C, KIAA0430, MYH11, NDE1, PIWIL2, and ULK2) specifically
      associated with cellular growth and proliferation. Overall, we identified 14
      cases with rare CNVs and/or cnLOH that may contribute to the risk of MPT
      development. KEY MESSAGE: CNVs may explain the risk of hereditary cancer
      syndromes in MPT patients. CNVs affecting genes related to cancer are candidates
      to be involved in MPT risk. EPCAM/MSH2 deletions should be investigated in
      patients suspected to have LS. Gene enrichment related to the TP53 network is
      associated with MPT development. cnLOH and CNVs contribute to the risk of MPT
      development.

PMID- 28093617
TI  - The developing temporal bone: computed tomography measurements and assessment of
      suture closure from birth to 18 years of age.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the normal CT appearance of the developing temporal bone in
      children from birth to 18 years of age. METHODS: Two hundred and six temporal
      bone CTs of children from 0.14 to 18.95 years were retrospectively selected and
      reviewed. Temporal bones were measured in a standardized slice orientation using
      the length of the basal turn of the cochlea, the length and width of the petrous
      bone, the coronal extent, trailing edge and anterior-posterior dimension of the
      temporal bone and the angle between petrous bone's length and the midsagittal
      line in the axial plane showing the basal turn of the cochlea in its greatest
      extent. Two sutures, two synchondroses and three fissures of the temporal bone
      were evaluated and graded. RESULTS: Chosen measurements and calculations
      demonstrate an increase of values from 0 to 18 years with the greatest increase
      occurring during the first 2 years of life. The angle between the basal turn of
      the cochlea and the midsagittal line shows a large variability. Logarithmic trend
      lines illustrate larger measurements of males as compared to females. The ratio
      of the basal turn of the cochlea and the length of the petrous bone is about
      1:4.1 (f/m) during the first year of life and about 1:6.1 (f)/1:6.8 (m) from 17
      years onwards. Results of suture closure are described using box-and-whisker
      plots. CONCLUSIONS: The developing temporal bone grows the most during the first
      2 years of life. Knowledge of changing proportions and suture closure is
      essential for evaluation of temporal bone CT of children.

PMID- 28093618
TI  - MRI assessment of calf injuries in Australian Football League players: findings
      that influence return to play.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Calf muscle strains have become increasingly prevalent in recent
      seasons of the Australian Football League (AFL) and represent a significant cause
      of time lost from competition. The purpose of this study was to examine the
      association between MRI features of calf muscle strains and games missed and to
      thereby identify parameters that are of prognostic value. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A retrospective analysis of MRI scans of AFL players with calf strains referred
      to a musculoskeletal radiology clinic over a 5-year period (2008-2012) was
      performed. The muscle(s) and muscle component affected, the site and size of
      strain, and the presence of an intramuscular tendon tear or intermuscular fluid
      were recorded. These data were cross-referenced with whether a player missed at
      least one game. Imaging features of prognostic value were thus identified.
      RESULTS: Sixty-three athletes had MRI scans for calf muscle strains. Soleus
      strains were more common than strains of other muscles. Players with soleus
      strains were more likely to miss at least one game if they had multiple muscle
      involvement (p = 0.017), musculotendinous junction strains (p = 0.046), and deep
      strains (p = 0.036). In a combined analysis of gastrocnemius and soleus strains,
      intramuscular tendon tears were observed in a significantly greater proportion of
      players who missed games (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Amongst AFL players with calf
      injuries, there is an association between missing at least one game and multiple
      muscle involvement, musculotendinous junction strains, deep strain location, and
      intramuscular tendon tears. In this setting, MRI may therefore provide prognostic
      information to help guide return-to-play decisions.

PMID- 28093619
TI  - Dendritic cells in autoimmunity, infections, and cancer.

PMID- 28093620
TI  - Inflammatory bowel disease and cancer response due to anti-CTLA-4: is it in the
      flora?
AB  - Checkpoint inhibitors blocking CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) and PD-1 (nivolumab,
      pembrolizumab) have transfigured our cancer treatment paradigm. However, these
      drugs can induce immune-related adverse events that share clinical and
      pathological characteristics with immune-mediated diseases. One of the most
      severe immune-related adverse event observed with anti-CTLA-4 is an enterocolitis
      that mirrors naturally occurring inflammatory bowel disease. This paper reviews
      the clinical, immunological, and microbiota data associated with the immune
      related enterocolitis induced by the cancer immunotherapy blocking CTLA-4,
      ipilimumab. A parallel analysis of the mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel
      diseases on the one hand, and anti-CTLA-4-induced colitis on the other hand,
      stresses the crucial role of the gut microbiota and of resident Treg in the
      genesis of both iatrogenic and spontaneous inflammatory bowel diseases.

PMID- 28093622
TI  - Quantification of Chloroflexi Eikelboom morphotype 1851 for prediction and
      control of bulking events in municipal activated sludge plants in Japan.
AB  - The dominant filamentous bacteria associated with bulking incidents in Japanese
      activated sludge plants with nutrient removal were identified and their
      quantitative correlations with sludge settleability were assessed, with the aim
      of controlling bulking incidents by specifically suppressing bacterial growth.
      Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses using existing oligonucleotide
      FISH probes indicated that the presence of Eikelboom type 1851 filamentous
      bacteria belonging to the phylum Chloroflexi is correlated with biomass
      settleability in the municipal wastewater treatment plants examined. Real-time
      quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays developed in this study also showed a linear
      correlation between type 1851 filament members and sludge settleability, with the
      exception of some winter samples. The real-time qPCR assays and 16S ribosomal RNA
      gene amplicon sequencing to reveal the microbial community of activated sludge
      showed that the abundance of type 1851 at 200 mL g-1 of sludge volume index was
      estimated to be about 1.9% of the total microbial cells. The abundance of type
      1851 served as a bulking indicator in plants where type 1851 was dominant.

PMID- 28093621
TI  - Outcome of elderly undergoing extracorporeal life support in refractory
      cardiogenic shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study presents data from a real-world cohort of patients
      with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) undergoing extracorporeal life support
      (ECLS) focusing on the comparison of elderly versus younger patients. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: One hundred consecutive patients with refractory CS underwent
      percutaneous ECLS implantation performed by interventional cardiologists. Follow
      up was performed at hospital discharge as well as at a median of 18 months
      [interquartile range 15-36]. Patients were grouped according to median age (<=60
      versus >60 years). ECLS could be weaned in more than half of the cohort (n = 56,
      56%) with no differences between the age groups (p = 1.00). Despite similar rates
      of initial haemodynamic stabilisation, in-hospital mortality was higher in
      patients >60 years (82% versus 58%, p = 0.02). At mid-term follow-up, only three
      patients were alive in the group of patients >60 years. This resulted in a
      mortality rate of 94% in the elderly in comparison with 68% in patients aged <=60
      years (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high rate of initial successful ECLS
      weaning, mid-term prognosis of patients with CS undergoing ECLS above the age of
      60 years is poor with superior results in patients aged <=60 years.

PMID- 28093623
TI  - What factor within the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM)
      disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) criteria is most strongly correlated
      with trauma induced DIC? A retrospective study using thromboelastometry in a
      single center in Japan.
AB  - PURPOSE: The diagnostic criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
      established by the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) is able to
      diagnose DIC accurately and promptly. The aim of this retrospective study is to
      evaluate the degree of association between each parameter of JAAM DIC criteria
      and the diagnosis of trauma induced DIC (T-DIC) utilizing thromboelastometry
      (ROTEM). METHODS: Trauma patients transported to our hospital with ROTEM
      performed in the emergency department between January 2013 and December 2015 were
      enrolled in this study. We evaluated (1) the characteristics of T-DIC, (2) the
      relationships between T-DIC and each parameter of the JAAM DIC criteria and (3)
      the diagnostic accuracies of each parameter for T-DIC by statistical measurement.
      RESULTS: All 72 patients (21 T-DIC and 51 control) were included in primary
      analysis. T-DIC was significantly related to younger age, more severe trauma
      scores, more cases of massive transfusions, and remarkable coagulation
      abnormality detected by standard coagulation tests. In the cases of T-DIC, ROTEM
      showed longer clotting time, lower acceleration, lower clot firmness, and
      inhibited fibrinolysis in EXTEM/INTEM. Within the JAAM DIC score, PT-INR >=1.2
      was the most accurate factor for T-DIC diagnosis; sensitivity 60.0%, specificity
      100.0%, and accuracy 88.7%. PT-INR >=1.2 was statistically correlated with the
      JAAM DIC score (p < 0.001, r = 0.709). The univariate analysis based on 1.2 of PT
      INR indicated statistical differences in most categories of ROTEM, which is
      similar to analysis performed for the presence and absence of T-DIC. CONCLUSIONS:
      Among JAAM DIC criteria, the PT-INR >=1.2 was the most accurate factor for both
      the diagnosis of T-DIC and the evaluation of its severity.

PMID- 28093624
TI  - Osteoporotic vertebral body fractures of the thoracolumbar spine: indications and
      techniques of a 360 degrees -stabilization.
AB  - Unstable vertebral body fragility fractures of the thoracolumbar spine can occur
      with or without relevant trauma. Initially, a standardized diagnostic algorithm
      including magnetic resonance tomography is recommended to detect accompanied
      further vertebral body fractures, to interpret the individual fracture stability,
      and to screen for relevant traumatic intervertebral disc lesions. Aim of the
      therapy is to assure fast mobilization and to maintain spinal alignment. Unstable
      fracture morphology is defined by vertebral body fractures including a relevant
      defect of the posterior vertebral cortex as well as type B or C fractures. With
      respect of type A fractures, a combined anterior-posterior approach including a
      primary cement-augmented posterior stabilization and anterior spondylodesis is
      indicated in those patients with relevant intervertebral lesions or in those
      suffering from high-energy accidents resulting in unstable burst-type fractures.
      The others will benefit from hybrid stabilizations including cement-augmented
      posterior stabilizations and cement augmentation (kyphoplasty) of the fractured
      level to gain a ventral transosseous stability. In addition, individually adapted
      antiosteoporotic therapy is essential.

PMID- 28093625
TI  - Ultralow dose CT for pulmonary nodule detection with chest x-ray equivalent dose 
      a prospective intra-individual comparative study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the accuracy of ultralow radiation dose CT of
      the chest with tin filtration at 100 kV for pulmonary nodule detection. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: 202 consecutive patients undergoing clinically indicated chest CT
      (standard dose, 1.8 +/- 0.7 mSv) were prospectively included and additionally
      scanned with an ultralow dose protocol (0.13 +/- 0.01 mSv). Standard dose CT was
      read in consensus by two board-certified radiologists to determine the presence
      of lung nodules and served as standard of reference (SOR). Two radiologists
      assessed the presence of lung nodules and their locations on ultralow dose CT.
      Sensitivity and specificity of the ultralow dose protocol was compared against
      the SOR, including subgroup analyses of different nodule sizes and types. A mixed
      effects logistic regression was used to test for independent predictors for
      sensitivity of pulmonary nodule detection. RESULTS: 425 nodules (mean diameter
      3.7 +/- 2.9 mm) were found on SOR. Overall sensitivity for nodule detection by
      ultralow dose CT was 91%. In multivariate analysis, nodule type, size and
      patients BMI were independent predictors for sensitivity (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Ultralow dose chest CT at 100 kV with spectral shaping enables a
      high sensitivity for the detection of pulmonary nodules at exposure levels
      comparable to plain film chest X-ray. KEYPOINTS: * 91% of all lung nodules were
      detected with ultralow dose CT * Sensitivity for subsolid nodule detection is
      lower in ultralow dose CT (77.5%) * The mean effective radiation dose in 202
      patients was 0.13 mSv * Ultralow dose CT seems to be feasible for lung cancer
      screening.

PMID- 28093626
TI  - Contrast-enhanced CT in determining resectability in patients with pancreatic
      carcinoma: a meta-analysis of the positive predictive values of CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To obtain a summary positive predictive value (sPPV) of contrast
      enhanced CT in determining resectability. METHODS: The MEDLINE and EMBASE
      databases from JAN2005 to DEC2015 were searched and checked for inclusion
      criteria. Data on study design, patient characteristics, imaging techniques,
      image evaluation, reference standard, time interval between CT and reference
      standard, and data on resectability/unresectablity were extracted by two
      reviewers. We used a fixed-effects or random-effects approach to obtain sPPV for
      resectability. Several subgroups were defined: 1) bolus-triggering versus fixed
      timing; 2) pancreatic and portal phases versus portal phase alone; 3) all
      criteria (liver metastases/lymphnode involvement/local advanced/vascular
      invasion) versus only vascular invasion as criteria for unresectability. RESULTS:
      Twenty-nine articles were included (2171 patients). Most studies were performed
      in multicentre settings, initiated by the department of radiology and
      retrospectively performed. The I2-value was 68%, indicating heterogeneity of
      data. The sPPV was 81% (95%CI: 75-86%). False positives were mostly liver,
      peritoneal, or lymphnode metastases. Bolus-triggering had a slightly higher sPPV
      compared to fixed-timing, 87% (95%CI: 81-91%) versus 78% (95%CI: 66-86%) (p =
      0.077). No differences were observed in other subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: This meta
      analysis showed a sPPV of 81% for predicting resectability by CT, meaning that
      19% of patients falsely undergo surgical exploration. KEY POINTS: * Predicting
      resectability of pancreatic cancer by CT is 81% (95%CI: 75-86%). * The percentage
      of patients falsely undergoing surgical exploration is 19%. * The false positives
      are liver metastases, peritoneal metastases, or lymph node metastases.

PMID- 28093627
TI  - [Validation of the German version of the 6-item screener : Brief cognitive test
      with broad application possibilities].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Especially during admission the detection of cognitive deficits
      relevant to everyday life should burden patient and examiner as little as
      possible. The 6-item screener (SIS) takes approximately 1 min, is easy to learn,
      does not require any material and is independent of the patient's visual and fine
      motor skills. The test was first published in 2002 by Callahan who approved the
      present German translation. OBJECTIVE: We checked the convergent and discriminant
      validity, reliability and sensitivity to change of the German translation among
      geriatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 165 patients in an acute
      geriatric department performed the SIS (4 times), the mini mental state
      examination (MMSE, 2 times), clock-drawing test according to Shulman (2 times),
      the Regensburg verbal fluency test (2 times) and the Montgomery-Asberg depression
      rating scale within a period of 16 days. The overall judgment of a physician
      blinded to the test results served as the reference standard. RESULTS: The SIS
      closely correlated with the medical judgment (-0.729). The retest reliability was
      0.705 and the internal consistency 0.821 (Cronbach's alpha). The sensitivity to
      detect cognitive deficits relevant to activities of daily living was 100% if a
      threshold of 5 points was chosen. The achievement of maximum points largely rules
      out even mild cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: The SIS is a valid, reliable
      short cognitive test. Using a threshold of 5 points the SIS detects cognitive
      deficits relevant to daily living with a higher sensitivity than the MMSE with a
      threshold of 25. When the maximum score is achieved there are no medical
      indications for further cognitive assessment of clinically unremarkable geriatric
      patients. The brevity and simple application of the SIS also enable its
      application outside geriatric wards.

PMID- 28093628
TI  - Perioperative patient education improves long-term satisfaction rates of low-risk
      prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate patient-reported functional outcomes after radical
      prostatectomy (RP) and to analyse the effect of perioperative patient education
      on satisfaction rates among low-risk prostate cancer patients. METHODS: Inclusion
      criteria encompassed low-risk prostate cancer patients as defined by the D'Amico
      criteria, undergoing nerve-sparing RP without pelvic lymph node dissection.
      Patient-centred functional outcomes, subjective evaluation of perioperative
      counselling, and patient satisfaction rates were documented. Stress urinary
      incontinence (SUI) was assessed by daily pad usage. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was
      assessed using IIEF5 score. Patients' histories were attained from the electronic
      medical records. The effect of pre-defined predictive features for satisfaction
      rates was analysed in low-risk patients. Statistical analyses included Fisher's
      exact test, Mann-Whitney-U test, and binary logistic regression models (p <
      0.05). RESULTS: 266 patients met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 94
      months (68-118). The global satisfaction rate was 75.1%. Regarding SUI, 69.5% of
      patients required no pads. 67.1% felt very well informed, while 11.7% felt poorly
      educated about postoperative SUI. Regarding ED, an IIEF score of >=18 was reached
      by 33.7%. 59.6% felt very well educated, while 13.0% felt poorly informed. Poor
      patient counselling regarding SUI and ED led to significantly decreased long-term
      satisfaction rates [40.7, 33.3% (p < 0.001)]. In multivariate analysis, poor ED
      patient counselling [OR 0.190, 95% CI 0.055-0.652 (p = 0.008)], and postoperative
      IIEF5 score [OR 3.061, 95% CI 1.013-3.111 (p = 0.013)] could be confirmed as
      independent predictors for patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-centred
      functional outcome analysis has illustrated the importance of perioperative
      patient education on long-term patient satisfaction rates after RP in low-risk
      prostate cancer patients.

PMID- 28093629
TI  - Liquid release as a source of potential drug exposure during the handling of
      intravenous infusions in nursing.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims at experimentally determining the incidence and extent
      of liquid releases onto the operator's hands and into the work environment during
      common nursing operations involving infusions. METHODS: A sequence of operations
      related to the preparation and administration of infusions was conducted by three
      subjects for 15 times each using fluorescein marked infusion solutions and two
      different infusion sets (standard set vs. safety-optimized set). Unintended
      release of liquid was quantified by glove and surface wipe sampling and HPLC/FD
      analysis of the samples. Operations concerning the disposal of infusions were
      also part of the study. RESULTS: In over 90% of the simulations, a release of
      infusion solution was observed in a standard workflow, comprising priming and
      decapping the infusion set, connecting it to a peripheral intravenous (IV)
      cannula, and detaching it again. Based on median values (229 vs. 26 MUl), the
      release of infusion solution was about ninefold higher when using the non
      optimized standard infusion set. During decapping, a hand contamination was found
      in a majority of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The handling of infusions may involve a risk
      of nurses' exposure to active agents by release of infusion solution into the
      work environment. According to our results with different infusion sets, exposure
      risks can be reduced technically and by appropriate handling. Nevertheless, hand
      contaminations found for both sets emphasize the necessity for additional
      measures such as more consistent use of protective gloves.

PMID- 28093631
TI  - [Retinal artery occlusion].
AB  - Retinal artery occlusion leads to profound visual impairment in the affected eye.
      It is rarely caused by local ophthalmic pathologies. Most patients present with a
      large number of cardio- and cerebrovascular risk factors. Visual loss is the
      leading symptom in central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), whereas a
      circumscribed visual field defect is claimed in branch retinal artery occlusion
      (BRAO). Although many attempts have been made to improve the course of the
      disease, no effective therapy is available. There is some hope that intravenous
      fibrinolysis could influence the natural course but the therapeutic window is
      small (ca. 4.5 h), and treatment efficacy is still not proven. It is important
      for ophthalmologists to guide the patients to a comprehensive and prompt
      neurological and cardiological diagnostic work-up.

PMID- 28093630
TI  - Brassica napus DS-3, encoding a DELLA protein, negatively regulates stem
      elongation through gibberellin signaling pathway.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Identification and characterization of a semi-dwarfing gene ds-3
      encoding a mutant DELLA protein regulating plant height through gibberellin
      signaling pathway. Lodging is one of the most important factors causing severe
      yield loss in oilseed rape. Utilization of semi-dwarf varieties has been proved
      the most effective way to increase lodging resistance and yield in many crops. To
      develop semi-dwarf germplasm in oilseed rape, we identified a semi-dwarf mutant
      ds-3 which showed a reduced response to phytohormones gibberellins (GAs). Genetic
      analysis indicated the dwarfism was controlled by a single semi-dominant gene, ds
      3. The DS-3 gene was mapped to a genomic region on chromosome C07, which is
      syntenic to the region of a previously identified semi-dwarf gene ds-1
      (BnaA06.RGA). In this region, DS-3 (BnaC07.RGA) gene was identified to encode a
      DELLA protein that functions as a repressor in GA signaling pathway. A
      substitution of proline to leucine was identified in ds-3 in the conserved VHYNP
      motif, which is essential for GA-dependent interaction between gibberellin
      receptor GID1 and DELLA proteins. Segregation analysis in the F2 population
      derived from the cross between ds-1 and ds-3 demonstrated that BnaA06.RGA
      displayed a stronger effect on plant height than BnaC07.RGA, indicating that
      different RGA genes may play different roles in stem elongation. In addition to
      BnaA06.RGA and BnaC07.RGA, two more RGA genes (BnaA09.RGA and BnaC09.RGA) were
      identified in the Brassica napus (B. napus) genome. Reverse-transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays suggest that
      both BnaA09.RGA and BnaC09.RGA are transcribed in leaves and stems and can
      mediate GA signaling in vivo. These genes represent potential targets for
      screening ideal semi-dwarfing alleles for oilseed rape breeding.

PMID- 28093632
TI  - Ureterocystoneostomy in complex oncological cases with an "Uebelhoer" modified
      Boari bladder flap.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study aims to describe the technique and analyze the outcome of an
      arcuated bladder incision with building of a triangular flap, first described by
      Uebelhoer (UBBF), as a modification of the classical rectangular Boari bladder
      flap (BBF), that is often viable, but can present difficulties, such as reduced
      flap vascularization and mobility in pretreated patients. METHODS: Twelve
      consecutive patients with distal or mid ureteral leakage or stenosis, that
      underwent UBBF, were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed postoperative
      morbidity using Clavien-Dindo classification. Short- and long-term functional
      outcomes were assessed using glomerular filtration rate (GFR), ultrasound, and
      renal scintigraphy. RESULTS: Patients underwent UBBF during initial oncological
      surgery in five cases and due to ureteral defects following oncological surgery
      or radiotherapy in seven cases. Median patient age was 57 (interquartile range
      (IQR) 46-72), defect length was 7.5 cm (IQR 5-8 cm), and median follow-up period
      was 41 (IQR 36-48) months. In short-term follow-up, 11/13 postoperative
      morbidities were Clavien-Dindo level I-II complications, mostly infections. Two
      level IIIa complications occurred. One anastomotic leakage was treated
      sufficiently with temporarily ureteral stenting and one voiding disorder needed
      intervention. In the long-term follow-up, 84% of patients had improved or
      constant GFR. In the one-year renal scintigraphy, no urodynamically relevant
      voiding disorder occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The UBBF is a reliable procedure to
      reconstruct ureteral trauma even in complex oncological, pretreated patients
      suffering from distal or mid ureteral defects. It can be performed easily by a
      modified arcuate incision and provides good long-term functional outcomes.

PMID- 28093633
TI  - Dietary potassium intake is beneficial to bone health in a low calcium intake
      population: the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)
      (2008-2011).
AB  - : Dietary potassium may neutralize acid load and reduce calcium loss from the
      bone, leading to beneficial effect on bone mineral density. In this nationwide
      Korean population study, dietary potassium intake was associated with improved
      bone mineral density in older men and postmenopausal women. INTRODUCTION:
      Nutrition is a major modifiable factor that affects bone health. The accompanying
      anion in dietary potassium may act as an alkaline source by neutralizing the acid
      load and reducing calcium loss from the bone. We aimed to evaluate the
      association between dietary potassium intake and bone mineral density (BMD) in
      the Korean population. METHODS: We analyzed a total of 3135 men aged >50 years
      and 4052 postmenopausal women from the Korean National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey (KNHANES). Lumbar spine, total hip, and femur neck BMD were
      measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The daily food intake was
      assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: When we divided the
      participants into tertiles based on the intake of potassium intake, the highest
      potassium intake tertile group showed a significantly higher total hip and femur
      neck BMD as compared to lower tertile groups (0.914 +/- 0.004, 0.928 +/- 0.003,
      0.925 +/- 0.004 mg/day across the tertiles, P = .014 for total hip; 0.736 +/-
      0.003, 0.748 +/- 0.003, 0.750 +/- 0.004 mg/day, P = .012 for femur neck).
      Postmenopausal women in the highest potassium intake tertile group showed
      significantly higher lumbar, total hip, and femur neck BMD as compared to those
      in lower potassium intake tertile groups (0.793 +/- 0.004, 0.793 +/- 0.003, 0.805
      +/- 0.004 mg/day across the tertiles, P = .029 for lumbar spine; 0.766 +/- 0.003,
      0.770 +/- 0.002, 0.780 +/- 0.003 mg/day, P = .002 for total hip; 0.615 +/- 0.003,
      0.619 +/- 0.002, 0.628 +/- 0.003 mg/day, P = .002 for femur neck). CONCLUSIONS:
      Dietary potassium intake was positively associated with BMD in men aged >50 years
      and postmenopausal women, indicating the beneficial effects of dietary potassium
      intake on bone health.

PMID- 28093634
TI  - International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Calcified Tissue Society
      Working Group. Recommendations for the screening of adherence to oral
      bisphosphonates.
AB  - : Adherence to oral bisphosphonates is low. A screening strategy is proposed
      based on the response of biochemical markers of bone turnover after 3 months of
      therapy. If no change is observed, the clinician should reassess the adherence to
      the treatment and also other potential issues with the drug. INTRODUCTION: Low
      adherence to oral bisphosphonates is a common problem that jeopardizes the
      efficacy of treatment of osteoporosis. No clear screening strategy for the
      assessment of compliance is widely accepted in these patients. METHODS: The
      International Osteoporosis Foundation and the European Calcified Tissue Society
      have convened a working group to propose a screening strategy to detect a lack of
      adherence to these drugs. The question to answer was whether the bone turnover
      markers (BTMs) PINP and CTX can be used to identify low adherence in patients
      with postmenopausal osteoporosis initiating oral bisphosphonates for
      osteoporosis. The findings of the TRIO study specifically address this question
      and were used as the basis for testing the hypothesis. RESULTS: Based on the
      findings of the TRIO study, specifically addressing this question, the working
      group recommends measuring PINP and CTX at baseline and 3 months after starting
      therapy to check for a decrease above the least significant change (decrease of
      more than 38% for PINP and 56% for CTX). Detection rate for the measurement of
      PINP is 84%, for CTX 87% and, if variation in at least one is considered when
      measuring both, the level of detection is 94.5%. CONCLUSIONS: If a significant
      decrease is observed, the treatment can continue, but if no decrease occurs, the
      clinician should reassess to identify problems with the treatment, mainly low
      adherence.

PMID- 28093635
TI  - Different intraoperative kinematics, stability, and range of motion between
      cruciate-substituting ultracongruent and posterior-stabilized total knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was the comparison of intraoperative kinematics,
      stability, and range of motion (ROM) between the native osteoarthritic knee and
      cruciate-substituting fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using both an
      ultracongruent (UC) and a posterior-stabilized (PS) insert design in the same
      patient. We hypothesized less knee flexion and less antero-posterior stability in
      the UC TKA. METHODS: Intraoperative measurements of kinematics, stability, and
      ROM were performed in 40 patients before soft-tissue release and bone cuts, and
      after implantation of the final femoral and tibial implants with both a UC insert
      and a PS insert. All measurements were performed using a navigation system.
      RESULTS: Kinematics changed significantly from a constant posterior femoral
      rollback before surgery to a paradoxical anterior translation during initial knee
      flexion with both inserts, but less pronounced with the PS insert (p < 0.001).
      There was significantly more posterior femoral rollback with the PS insert
      compared to the UC insert (p < 0.01). Stability measurements demonstrated no
      differences at full extension and 30 degrees  of knee flexion but significantly
      increased antero-posterior translation in 60 degrees  and 90 degrees  of knee
      flexion with the UC insert compared to the PS insert (p < 0.001). ROM
      measurements demonstrated improvement of knee flexion from 118 degrees  at the
      beginning of the surgery to 123 degrees  with the UC insert and 128 degrees  with
      the PS insert (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of a UC insert intraoperatively
      resulted in less antero-posterior stability and slightly less knee flexion
      compared to a PS insert. Surgeons should be aware of these differences when
      deciding for one of these options to substitute the posterior cruciate ligament
      (PCL). The impact of these findings on clinical outcome needs further
      investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 28093636
TI  - Non-surgical treatment of pubic overload and groin pain in amateur football
      players: a prospective double-blinded randomised controlled study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The incidence of groin pain in athletes is steadily increasing.
      Symptomatic pubic overload with groin pain and aseptic osteitis pubis represent
      well-known and frequently misdiagnosed overuse injuries in athletes. This study
      investigated the benefits of standardised non-surgical treatment for swift return
      to-football. METHODS: In a prospective double-blinded controlled study, 143
      amateur football players with groin pain as well as radiological signs and
      clinical symptoms of pubic overload were analysed for 1 year. Two randomised
      study groups participated in an intensive physical rehabilitation programme,
      either with or without shock wave therapy. The control group did not participate
      in any standardised rehabilitation programme but only stopped participating in
      sports activity. Follow-up examinations took place 1, 3 months and 1 year after
      the beginning of therapy. Endpoints were visual analogue scale (VAS), functional
      tests, the time of return-to-football, recurrent complaints and changes in the MR
      image. RESULTS: Forty-four football players with groin pain and aseptic osteitis
      pubis were randomised into two study groups; 26 received shock wave therapy, 18
      did not. Clinical examination showed pubic overload as a multi-located disease.
      Players receiving shock wave therapy showed earlier pain relief in the VAS (p <
      0.001) and returned to football significantly earlier (p = 0.048) than players
      without this therapy. Forty-two of 44 players of both study groups returned to
      football within 4 months after the beginning of therapy and had no recurrent
      groin pain within 1 year after trauma. Fifty-one players of the control group
      returned to football after 240 days (p < 0.001), of whom 26 (51%) experienced
      recurrent groin pain. Follow-up MRI scans did not show any effect of shock wave
      therapy. CONCLUSION: Non-surgical therapy is successful in treating pubic
      overload and osteitis pubis in athletes. Shock wave therapy as a local treatment
      significantly reduced pain, thus enabling return-to-football within 3 months
      after trauma. Early and correct diagnosis is essential for successful intensive
      physiotherapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

PMID- 28093637
TI  - Exploring differences in adverse symptom event grading thresholds between
      clinicians and patients in the clinical trial setting.
AB  - PURPOSE: Symptomatic adverse event (AE) monitoring is essential in cancer
      clinical trials to assess patient safety, as well as inform decisions related to
      treatment and continued trial participation. As prior research has demonstrated
      that conventional concordance metrics (e.g., intraclass correlation) may not
      capture nuanced aspects of the association between clinician and patient-graded
      AEs, we aimed to characterize differences in AE grading thresholds between
      doctors (MDs), registered nurses (RNs), and patients using the Bayesian Graded
      Item Response Model (GRM). METHODS: From the medical charts of 393 patients aged
      26-91 (M = 62.39; 43% male) receiving chemotherapy, we retrospectively extracted
      MD, RN and patient AE ratings. Patients reported using previously developed
      Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) patient-language
      adaptations called STAR (Symptom Tracking and Reporting). A GRM was fitted to
      calculate the latent grading thresholds between MDs, RNs and patients. RESULTS:
      Clinicians have overall higher average grading thresholds than patients when
      assessing diarrhea, dyspnea, nausea and vomiting. However, RNs have lower grading
      thresholds than patients and MDs when assessing constipation. The GRM shows
      higher variability in patients' AE grading thresholds than those obtained from
      clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence to support the
      notion that patients report some AEs that clinicians might not consider
      noteworthy until they are more severe. The availability of GRM methodology could
      serve to enhance clinical understanding of the patient symptomatic experience and
      facilitate discussion where AE grading discrepancies exist. Future work should
      focus on capturing explicit AE grading decision criteria from MDs, RNs, and
      patients.

PMID- 28093638
TI  - Depletion of p42.3 gene inhibits proliferation and invasion in melanoma cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: The p42.3 gene is identified recently, and the upregulated expression
      has been characterized in a variety of human cancers and embryonic tissues but
      not yet in malignant melanoma. In this study, we explored the role of p42.3 gene
      in the development of melanoma. METHODS: The expression of p42.3 was detected by
      immunohistochemistry staining of 261 cases of patient lesions, including nevi and
      melanoma, and its correlation with clinical pathological characteristics and
      prognosis was analyzed. Furthermore, a series of in vitro assays were used to
      investigate the biological function of p42.3 in melanoma cells. RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemistry staining showed an elevated expression level of p42.3 in
      melanoma compared to nevi (P = 0.001). Statistical analysis indicated that this
      high level was well correlated with patients' clinical stage (P = 0.045), but not
      with gender, age, clinical type, mitotic rate, and overall survival (P > 0.05).
      Moreover, in vitro assays showed knockdown p42.3 gene expression could inhibit
      the biological profiling, including proliferation, migration, and invasion of
      melanoma cells, and also affect PI3K/Akt pathway, MAPK pathway, and beta-catenin.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that p42.3, acting like an oncogene, is involved
      in the malignant transformation process of melanoma and may serve as a biomarker
      for diagnostic and treatment purposes.

PMID- 28093639
TI  - The effectiveness of radiotherapy for leukemia cutis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leukemia cutis (LC) is a rare clinical presentation of leukemia that
      is associated with poor prognosisabs. To date, the value of radiotherapy (RT) for
      the treatment of LC remains controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was
      to analyse the effectiveness of various RT doses for LC. METHODS AND MATERIALS:
      Between January 2000 and January 2016, 13 patients underwent RT at our
      institution after exhibiting progressive disease following other treatment
      modalities. RESULTS: A total of 36 radiation courses were administered to 13
      patients (8 females, 5 males) with a median age of 41 years (range 2-76).
      Radiation modalities included 32 focal treatments, while total skin electron beam
      therapy was applied to four patients. The median RT dose was 27 Gy (range 8-34).
      A complete response rate (CRR) to RT was achieved for 32/36 (89%) lesions (100%
      for AML lesions versus 33% for the other leukemias; P < 0.001). The median
      duration of local control (DOLC) for the entire cohort was 38 months (range 0
      98), while the median survival (MS) from the time of LC presentation was 13
      months (range 2.5-106). The CRR for the LC lesions treated with high-dose
      regimens (>26 Gy) versus low-dose regimens (<=26 Gy) was 95 versus 83%,
      respectively (P = 0.26), and the median DOLC was 44 months versus 10 months,
      respectively (P = 0.019). AML patients had a better long-term outcome than the
      other patients according to median DOLC (40 months versus 2 months, respectively;
      P < 0.001) and MS (24 versus 6 months, P = 0.004). RT was well tolerated without
      significant adverse events. CONCLUSION: A radiation dose <=26 Gy confer a
      comparable CRR to high-dose regimens and appears to be an effective treatment for
      controlling LC progression. However, radiation doses >26 Gy were associated with
      a longer DOLC. LC patients with underlying AML are associated with better outcome
      compared with other types of leukemia.

PMID- 28093641
TI  - Dwell times and risk of non-elective removal of 1-French peripherally inserted
      central catheters according to catheter tip position in very preterm infants.
AB  - : We investigated dwell times and risk of non-elective removal of 975 single
      lumen 1-French peripherally inserted central catheters (1FR-PICC) according to
      tip position in a cohort of very preterm infants with a mean (SD) gestational age
      of 27+6 (2+1) weeks and a mean (SD) birth weight of 988 (294) g over an eight
      year period. Infants with a 1FR-PICC inserted for continuous infusion of
      intravenous fluids within the first 30 days of life were eligible. Dwell times of
      PICC with elective versus non-elective removal, risk of non-elective removal of
      PICC according to tip position, and differences between upper versus lower limb
      catheter insertion were analysed. 33.8% PICC were removed non-electively. Median
      (IQR) dwell time was 193 (142-287) versus 154 (102-260) h for elective versus non
      elective removal (p < 0.001). Non-elective removal was more common for lower limb
      insertion sites: 41 versus 31% (p = 0.002). PICC were significantly more likely
      to be removed non-electively when located in the axillary (odds ratio (OR) 2.08),
      cephalic (OR 8.93), external iliac (OR 4.99), and femoral (OR 10.31) vein.
      CONCLUSION: In this cohort, dwell times of 1FR-PICC lines removed non-electively
      were similar to 1.9- or 2.0FR-PICC. PICC tips positioned in the axillary,
      cephalic, external iliac, and femoral veins had a higher risk of non-elective
      removal. What is Known: *Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are
      widely used in neonatal intensive care. *Previous studies focused on 2-French
      PICC and newborns of all gestational ages. What is New: *Dwell times of 1-French
      PICC removed non-electively were similar to 2-French PICC. *1-French PICC tips
      positioned more peripherally had a higher risk of non-elective removal.

PMID- 28093640
TI  - Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications: a cross-sectional
      analysis among 451 nursing homes in France.
AB  - PURPOSE: The quality of drug therapy is an important issue for nursing homes.
      This study aimed to assess the prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially
      inappropriate medications (PIMs) in a large sample of nursing home residents by
      using the data recorded during the preparation of pill dispensers. METHODS: This
      is a cross-sectional study that included 451 nursing homes across France.
      Information about the medications received by the 30,702 residents (73.8% women)
      living in these nursing homes was extracted from the system that assists in the
      preparation of pill dispensers in pharmacies. The anonymized database included
      age, sex, and medications prescribed to residents, as well as nursing home
      characteristics (capacity, legal status). Factors associated with excessive
      polypharmacy (>=10 different drugs) and PIMs according to the Laroche list were
      studied using multilevel regression models. RESULTS: The average number of drugs
      prescribed was 6.9 +/- 3.3, and excessive polypharmacy concerned 21.1% of the
      residents (n = 6468). According to the Laroche list, 47.4% of residents (n =
      14,547) received at least one PIM. Benzodiazepines (excessive doses, long-acting
      benzodiazepines, and combination of benzodiazepines) and anticholinergic
      medications (hydroxyzine, cyamemazine, alimemazine) accounted for a large part of
      PIMs. Individual characteristics (age, gender) influenced the risk of receiving
      PIMs whereas nursing home characteristics (capacity, legal status) influenced the
      risk of excessive polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that polypharmacy
      and PIMs remain highly prevalent among nursing home residents. Main PIMs
      concerned psychotropic and anticholinergic medications.

PMID- 28093642
TI  - The ethical framework for performing research with rare inherited neurometabolic
      disease patients.
AB  - : The need for performing clinical trials to develop well-studied and appropriate
      medicines for inherited neurometabolic disease patients faces ethical concerns
      mainly raising from four aspects: the diseases are rare; include young and very
      young patients; the neurological impairment may compromise the capability to
      provide 'consent'; and the genetic nature of the disease leads to further ethical
      implications. This work is intended to identify the ethical provisions applicable
      to clinical research involving these patients and to evaluate if these cover the
      ethical issues. Three searches have been performed on the European
      regulatory/legal framework, the literature and European Union-funded projects.
      The European legal framework offers a number of ethical provisions ruling the
      clinical research on paediatric, rare, inherited diseases with neurological
      symptoms. In the literature, relevant publications deal with informed consent,
      newborn genetic screenings, gene therapy and rights/interests of research
      participants. Additional information raised from European projects on sharing
      patients' data from different countries, the need to fill the gap of the
      regulatory framework and to improve information to stakeholders and
      patients/families. CONCLUSION: Several recommendations and guidelines on ethical
      aspects are applicable to the inherited neurometabolic disease research in
      Europe, even though they suffer from the lack of a common ethical approach. What
      is Known: * When planning and conducting clinical trials, sponsors and
      researchers know that clinical trials are to be performed according to well
      established ethical rules, and patients should be aware about their rights. * In
      the cases of paediatric patients, vulnerable patients unable to provide consent,
      genetic diseases' further rules apply. What is New: * This work discusses which
      ethical rules apply to ensure protection of patient's rights if all the above
      mentioned features coexist. * This work shows available data and information on
      how these rules have been applied.

PMID- 28093643
TI  - High Content of Dicranin in Anisothecium spirale (Mitt.) Broth., a Moss from
      Eastern Himalayas and Its Chemotaxonomic Significance.
AB  - Chemical investigation of Anisothecium spirale (Mitt.) Broth. (Family
      Dicranaceae), an epiphytic moss from the Darjeeling district hill region of the
      Eastern Himalayas was performed for the first time. Analysis of neutral lipid and
      phospholipid classes as well as their respective fatty acids revealed the
      presence of a significantly high content of octadeca-6-yn-9,12,15-trienoic acid,
      an acetylenic fatty acid commonly known as dicranin. Dicranin and a less abundant
      acetylenic fatty acid were detected in neutral lipids. The unique nature of the
      fatty acid signature supports the view of considering dicranin as chemotaxonomic
      marker for Dicranaceae members.

PMID- 28093645
TI  - Erratum to: Urinary angiotensin converting enzyme 2 is strongly related to
      urinary nephrin in type 2 diabetes patients.

PMID- 28093644
TI  - Guidelines for proton pump inhibitor prescriptions in paediatric intensive care
      unit.
AB  - Background Stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) is recommended in some situations to
      prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding and is a component of standard care for
      patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Proton pump inhibitors
      (PPIs), already among the most widely prescribed drug classes, are being
      increasingly used. Objective To describe PPI prescribing patterns and their
      changes after the dissemination of guidelines. Setting Paediatric ICU (PICU),
      Robert-Debre Teaching Hospital, Paris, France, which admits about 800 patients
      annually, from full-term neonates to 18-year-olds. Method Prospective
      observational study with two 6-week observation periods (July-August and
      September-October, 2013), before and after dissemination in the PICU of PPI
      prescribing guidelines. Main outcome measure Changes in PPI prescribing patterns
      (prevalence, dosage, and indication) after the guidelines. Results The number of
      patients admitted to the PICU was 77 (mean age 4.6 years [range 1 day-18 years])
      before and 70 (mean age 3.8 years [range 1 day-17 years]) after the guidelines.
      During both periods, SUP was the most common reason for PPI prescribing. The
      proportion of patients prescribed PPIs dropped significantly, from 51% before the
      guidelines to 30% after the guidelines (p < 0.001). Mean daily dosage also
      decreased significantly, from 1.5 mg/kg/(range 0.5-4.4) to 1.1 mg/kg (range 0.7
      1.8) (p < 0.002). None of the patients experienced upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding during either period. Conclusion Off-label PPI prescribing for SUP was
      common in our PICU. The introduction of guidelines was associated with a
      significant decrease in PPI use and dosage. This study confirms that guidelines
      can change PPI prescribings patterns in paediatric practice.

PMID- 28093647
TI  - Evaluation of Particle Size Influence on Proximate Composition, Physicochemical,
      Techno-Functional and Physio-Functional Properties of Flours Obtained from
      Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Trumb.) Coproducts.
AB  - The aim of the work was to study the influence of particle size in the
      composition, physicochemical, techno-functional and physio-functional properties
      of two flours obtained from persimmon (Diospyros kaki Trumb. cvs. 'Rojo
      Brillante' (RBF) and 'Triump' (THF) coproducts. The cultivar (RBF and THF) and
      particle size significantly affected all parameters under study, although
      depending on the evaluated property, only one of these effects predominated.
      Carbohydrates (38.07-46.98 g/100 g) and total dietary fiber (32.07-43.57 g/100 g)
      were the main components in both flours (RBF and THF). Furthermore, insoluble
      dietary fiber represented more than 68% of total dietary fiber content. All color
      properties studied were influenced by cultivar and particle size. For both
      cultivars, the lower particle size, the higher lightness and hue values. RBF
      flours showed high values for emulsifying activity (69.33-74.00 mL/mL), while THF
      presented high values for water holding capacity (WHC: 9.47-12.19 g water/g
      sample). The bile holding capacity (BHC) and fat/oil binding values were, in
      general, higher in RBF (19.61-12.19 g bile/g sample and 11.98-9.07, respectively)
      than THF (16.12-12.40 g bile/g sample and 9.78-7.96, respectively). The effect of
      particle size was really evident in both WHC and BHC. Due to their dietary fiber
      content, techno-functional and physio-functional properties, persimmon flours
      seem to have a good profile to be used as potential functional ingredient.

PMID- 28093646
TI  - Mechanisms of inhibitory action of TRK-130 (Naltalimide), a MU-opioid receptor
      partial agonist, on the micturition reflex.
AB  - PURPOSE: To clarify the mechanism of inhibitory action of TRK-130 (Naltalimide),
      a unique u-opioid receptor partial agonist, on the micturition reflex. METHODS:
      The effect of TRK-130 on isovolumetric rhythmic bladder contractions (RBCs) was
      examined in guinea pigs, the effect of which was clarified by co-treatment with
      naloxone or in spinal cord transection. The effect of TRK-130 on urodynamic
      parameters was also observed in guinea pigs. In addition, the effect of TRK-130
      on bladder contraction induced by peripheral stimulation of the pelvic nerve was
      investigated in rats. RESULTS: TRK-130 (0.001-0.01 mg/kg, iv) dose-dependently
      inhibited RBCs, which was dose-dependently antagonized by naloxone; however, the
      antagonism susceptibility was different from morphine (1 mg/kg, iv). The minimum
      effective dose (0.003 mg/kg) of TRK-130 remained similar in spinal cord
      transected animals. TRK-130 (0.0025 mg/kg, iv) increased bladder capacity without
      changing the voiding efficiency, maximum flow rate, and intravesical pressure at
      the maximum flow rate, whereas oxybutynin (1 mg/kg, iv) increased the bladder
      capacity but affected the other parameters. TRK-130 (0.005 mg/kg, iv) did not
      produce significant changes on the bladder contractions induced by peripheral
      stimulation of the pelvic nerve, while oxybutynin (1 mg/kg, iv) significantly
      suppressed the bladder contractions. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TRK
      130 enhances the bladder storage function by modulating the afferent limb of the
      micturition reflex through u-opioid receptors in the spinal cord. TRK-130 could
      be a more effective and safer therapeutic agent with a different fashion from
      antimuscarinics and conventional opioids for overactive bladder.

PMID- 28093648
TI  - Predicting cell viability within tissue scaffolds under equiaxial strain: multi
      scale finite element model of collagen-cardiomyocytes constructs.
AB  - Successful tissue engineering and regenerative therapy necessitate having
      extensive knowledge about mechanical milieu in engineered tissues and the
      resident cells. In this study, we have merged two powerful analysis tools, namely
      finite element analysis and stochastic analysis, to understand the mechanical
      strain within the tissue scaffold and residing cells and to predict the cell
      viability upon applying mechanical strains. A continuum-based multi-length scale
      finite element model (FEM) was created to simulate the physiologically relevant
      equiaxial strain exposure on cell-embedded tissue scaffold and to calculate
      strain transferred to the tissue scaffold (macro-scale) and residing cells (micro
      scale) upon various equiaxial strains. The data from FEM were used to predict
      cell viability under various equiaxial strain magnitudes using stochastic damage
      criterion analysis. The model validation was conducted through mechanically
      straining the cardiomyocyte-encapsulated collagen constructs using a custom-built
      mechanical loading platform (EQUicycler). FEM quantified the strain gradients
      over the radial and longitudinal direction of the scaffolds and the cells
      residing in different areas of interest. With the use of the experimental
      viability data, stochastic damage criterion, and the average cellular strains
      obtained from multi-length scale models, cellular viability was predicted and
      successfully validated. This methodology can provide a great tool to characterize
      the mechanical stimulation of bioreactors used in tissue engineering applications
      in providing quantification of mechanical strain and predicting cellular
      viability variations due to applied mechanical strain.

PMID- 28093650
TI  - Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased bleeding in pulmonary embolism
      receiving conventional anticoagulant therapy: findings from a "real-world" study.
AB  - Bleeding refers to the most important complication during anticoagulation therapy
      in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the incidence and risk factors
      of bleeding in Chinese population with anticoagulant therapy remains unknown.
      Although diabetes mellitus (DM) has been demonstrated to increase the risk of PE,
      little information of its influence on anticoagulation-associated bleeding risk
      can be available. In our study, 563 acute PE patients, who fulfilled the
      including criteria were enrolled from a single center and received conventional
      anticoagulant therapy. And there were 539 patients completed the 3 months
      following-up. The cumulative incidences of major bleeding (MB) and clinically
      relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) were 3.0% (95% CI 1.01-3.05) and 14.0% (95%
      CI 1.47-5.21), respectively. Besides, anemia (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.12-11.41) and
      recent history of MB (OR 8.14, 95% CI 1.41-31.95) were independently associated
      with MB. Age >65 year (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.12-3.11), cancer (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.12
      4.01) and therapeutic range (TTR) during 3 months (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91-0.98)
      were independently associated with CRNMB. Additionally, DM was an independent
      risk factor for both MB (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.10-4.12) and CRNMB (OR 2.11, 95% CI
      1.10-4.12). Notably, the incidence of MB or CRNMB was significantly higher in DM
      patients than non-DM patients. At the end of 3-month follow-up, the HbA1C in
      CRNMB group was 8.3%, yet it was 7.0% in non-CRNMB group among diabetic patients
      (p = 0.04). In conclusions, the bleeding rates are high in patients with acute PE
      who receive anticoagulant therapy. In addition to the already known bleeding risk
      factors, DM can also increase the bleeding risk significantly. Thus, good
      glycemic control may be essential after prescription of anticoagulant therapy.

PMID- 28093649
TI  - Naturalistic Experimental Designs as Tools for Understanding the Role of Genes
      and the Environment in Prevention Research.
AB  - Before genetic approaches were applied in experimental studies with human
      populations, they were used by animal and plant breeders to observe, and
      experimentally manipulate, the role of genes and environment on specific
      phenotypic or behavioral outcomes. For obvious ethical reasons, the same level of
      experimental control is not possible in human populations. Nonetheless, there are
      natural experimental designs in human populations that can serve as logical
      extensions of the rigorous quantitative genetic experimental designs used by
      animal and plant researchers. Applying concepts such as cross-fostering and
      common garden rearing approaches from the life science discipline, we describe
      human designs that can serve as naturalistic proxies for the controlled
      quantitative genetic experiments facilitated in life sciences research. We
      present the prevention relevance of three such human designs: (1) children
      adopted at birth by parents to whom they are not genetically related (common
      garden approach); (2) sibling designs where one sibling is reared from birth with
      unrelated adoptive parents and the other sibling is reared from birth by the
      biological mother of the sibling pair (cross-fostering approach); and (3) in
      vitro fertilization designs, including egg donation, sperm donation, embryo
      donation, and surrogacy (prenatal cross-fostering approach). Each of these
      designs allows for differentiation of the effects of the prenatal and/or
      postnatal rearing environment from effects of genes shared between parent and
      child in naturalistic ways that can inform prevention efforts. Example findings
      from each design type are provided and conclusions drawn about the relevance of
      naturalistic genetic designs to prevention science.

PMID- 28093651
TI  - Infections in intensive care unit adult patients harboring multidrug-resistant
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa: implications for prevention and therapy.
AB  - The purpose of this paper was to report the burden and characteristics of
      infection by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) in clinical
      samples from intensive care unit (ICU) adults, and to identify predictors. This
      was a retrospective observational study at four medical-surgical ICUs. The case
      cohort comprised adults with documented isolation of an MDR-PA strain from a
      clinical specimen during ICU stay. Multivariate analysis was performed to
      identify predictors for MDR-PA infection. During the study period, 5667 patients
      were admitted to the ICU and P. aeruginosa was isolated in 504 (8.8%). MDR-PA was
      identified in 142 clinical samples from 104 patients (20.6%); 62 (43.6%) of these
      samples appeared to be true infections. One hundred and eighteen (83.1%) isolates
      were susceptible only to amikacin and colistin, and 13 (9.2%) were susceptible
      only to colistin. Overall, the MIC50 to meropenem was 16 MUg/mL and the MIC90 was
      >32 MUg/mL, with 60.4% of respiratory samples being MIC >32 MUg/mL to meropenem.
      Independent predictors for MDR-PA infection were fever/hypothermia [odds ratio
      (OR) 9.09], recent antipseudomonal cephalosporin therapy (OR 6.31), vasopressors
      at infection onset (OR 4.40), and PIRO (predisposition, infection, response, and
      organ dysfunction) score >2 (OR 2.06). This study provides novel information that
      may be of use for the clinical management of patients harboring MDR-PA and for
      the control of the spread of this organism.

PMID- 28093652
TI  - Structural basis for the isotype-specific interactions of ferredoxin and
      ferredoxin: NADP+ oxidoreductase: an evolutionary switch between photosynthetic
      and heterotrophic assimilation.
AB  - In higher plants, ferredoxin (Fd) and ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR) are each
      present as distinct isoproteins of photosynthetic type (leaf type) and non
      photosynthetic type (root type). Root-type Fd and FNR are considered to
      facilitate the electron transfer from NADPH to Fd in the direction opposite to
      that occurring in the photosynthetic processes. We previously reported the
      crystal structure of the electron transfer complex between maize leaf FNR and Fd
      (leaf FNR:Fd complex), providing insights into the molecular interactions of the
      two proteins. Here we show the 2.49 A crystal structure of the maize root FNR:Fd
      complex, which reveals that the orientation of FNR and Fd remarkably varies from
      that of the leaf FNR:Fd complex, giving a structural basis for reversing the
      redox path. Root FNR was previously shown to interact preferentially with root Fd
      over leaf Fd, while leaf FNR retains similar affinity for these two types of Fds.
      The structural basis for such differential interaction was investigated using
      site-directed mutagenesis of the isotype-specific amino acid residues on the
      interface of Fd and FNR, based on the crystal structures of the FNR:Fd complexes
      from maize leaves and roots. Kinetic and physical binding analyses of the
      resulting mutants lead to the conclusion that the rearrangement of the charged
      amino acid residues on the Fd-binding surface of FNR confers isotype-specific
      interaction with Fd, which brings about the evolutional switch between
      photosynthetic and heterotrophic redox cascades.

PMID- 28093653
TI  - The administrative project of Helicobacter pylori infection screening among
      junior high school students in an area of Japan with a high incidence of gastric
      cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Helicobacter pylori infection is a common chronic infection that is
      closely associated with gastric cancer, known to be decreasing worldwide. We set
      up an administrative project of screening examination for H. pylori infection in
      junior high school students in Akita Prefecture to investigate the current
      prevalence of H. pylori infection in childhood in an area where the incidence of
      gastric cancer is particularly high. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All students in their
      second or third year of junior high school (13 to 15 years old) in two cities in
      Akita Prefecture were recruited. First, a urine-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay for detection of H. pylori antibody was performed. Then, a 13C-urea breath
      test (13C-UBT) was carried out in students who tested positive on the urinary
      test. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants and their
      parents. RESULTS: A total of 1813 students were recruited in this study; 1765
      (97.3%) students agreed to participate in this project and underwent a screening
      examination. Among 96 students (5.4%) testing positive for H. pylori on the
      initial screening examination, 90 (93.7%, 90/96) underwent a subsequent 13C-UBT,
      and 85 (4.8%, 85/1765) were diagnosed as positive for H. pylori. CONCLUSIONS: The
      current prevalence of H. pylori infection among students was low even in an area
      of Japan with a high incidence of gastric cancer.

PMID- 28093654
TI  - Long-term outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with
      suprapancreatic nodal dissection for clinical stage I gastric cancer: a
      multicenter phase II trial (JCOG0703).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastrectomy has become a common surgical treatment for
      gastric cancer in eastern Asian countries. However, a large-scale prospective
      study to investigate the benefit of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy
      (LADG) regarding long-term outcomes has never been reported. We have already
      reported the short-term outcomes of this study. Here we report long-term outcomes
      as the secondary endpoints of this study after a 5-year follow-up period.
      METHODS: This study comprised patients with clinical stage I gastric cancer who
      were able to undergo a distal gastrectomy. LADG with D1 plus suprapancreatic
      lymph node dissection was performed by credentialed gastric surgeons who had each
      conducted at least 30 LADG and 30 open gastrectomy procedures. The primary
      endpoint was the proportion of patients who developed either anastomotic leakage
      or pancreatic fistula. The secondary endpoints included overall survival and
      relapse-free survival. RESULTS: From November 2007 to September 2008, 176
      eligible patients were enrolled, comprising 140 patients with pathological stage
      IA disease, 23 patients with pathological stage IB disease, 9 patients with
      pathological stage II disease, and 4 patients with pathological stage IIIA
      disease. No patients had recurrent disease, and three of the patients died within
      the follow-up period. The 5-year overall survival was 98.2% (95% confidence
      interval 94.4-99.4%) and the 5-year relapse-free survival was 98.2% (95%
      confidence interval 94.4-99.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term outcomes of stage I
      gastric cancer patients undergoing LADG seem comparable to those of patients
      undergoing an open procedure, although this result should be confirmed by a
      randomized control trial. We have already completed accrual of 921 patients for a
      multicenter randomized phase III trial (JCOG0912) to confirm the noninferiority
      of LADG compared with open gastrectomy in terms of relapse-free survival.

PMID- 28093655
TI  - Antibacterial efficacy and cytotoxicity of low intensity direct current activated
      silver-titanium implant system prototype.
AB  - Silver-based devices activated by electric current are of interest in biomedicine
      because of their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This study investigates
      the in vitro antibacterial efficacy and cytotoxicity of a low intensity direct
      current (LIDC)-activated silver-titanium implant system prototype designed for
      localized generation and delivery of silver ions at the implantation site. First,
      the antibacterial efficacy of the system was assessed against methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) over 48 h at current levels of 3 and 6 uA
      in Mueller-Hinton broth. The cytotoxicity of the system was then evaluated over
      48 h in two phases using an in vitro model with in which the activated electrodes
      were suspended in growth medium in a cell-seeded tissue culture plate. In phase
      1, the system was tested on human osteosarcoma (MG-63) cell line and compared to
      titanium controls. In phase-2, the cytotoxicity characteristics were validated
      with normal human diploid osteoblast cells. The LIDC-activated system
      demonstrated high antimicrobial efficacy against MRSA, but was also toxic to
      human cells immediately surrounding the electrodes. The statistical analysis
      showed that the cytotoxicity was a result of the presence of silver, and the
      electric activation did not make it worse.

PMID- 28093656
TI  - Measurement of crude-cell-extract glycerol dehydratase activity in recombinant
      Escherichia coli using coupled-enzyme reactions.
AB  - Glycerol dehydratase (GDHt), which converts glycerol to 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde,
      is essential to the production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) or 3-hydroxypropionic
      acid (3-HP). A reliable GDHt activity assay in crude-cell extract was developed.
      In the assay, GDHt converted 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) to propionaldehyde, which
      was further converted to 1-propionic acid by aldehyde dehydrogenase (KGSADH) or
      to 1-propanol by yeast-alcohol dehydrogenase (yADH), while the NADH concentration
      change was monitored spectrophotometrically. Cells should be disintegrated by
      Bead Beater/French Press, not by chemical methods (BugBuster(r)/B-PERTM), because
      the reagents significantly inactivated GDHt and coupling enzymes. Furthermore, in
      the assay mixture, a much higher activity of KGSADH (>200-fold) or yADH (>400
      fold) than that of GDHt should have been maintained. Under optimal conditions,
      both KGSADH and yADH showed practically the same activity. The coupled-enzyme
      assay method established here should prove to be applicable to recombinant
      strains developed for the production of 3-HP and/or 1,3-PDO from glycerol.

PMID- 28093658
TI  - Distinguishing Pathways from Negative Emotions to Suicide Ideation and to Suicide
      Attempt: the Differential Mediating Effects of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury.
AB  - Negative emotion (NE) is one of the most widely examined risk factors for suicide
      ideation (SI) and suicide attempt (SA). However, little is known about the
      possibly different mechanisms underlying the pathways from NE to these two
      different suicide phenomena. Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is related to both
      negative emotions and suicidality. Thus, the present study aimed to test the
      differential roles of NSSI in the pathways from NE (specified by depression,
      anxiety, and stress) to SI and from NE to SA. This study hypothesized that NSSI
      served as a mediator in the relationship from NE to SA, but not in the
      relationship from NE to SI. We assessed the study variables among 3600 Chinese
      students (56.6% females, mean age = 14.63 years) for 3times at 6-month intervals.
      Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Results partly
      supported the hypothesized longitudinal mediation model, such that NSSI fully
      mediated the relation from NE to SA in females, while partially mediated the
      relation from NE to SI in both females and males. Findings of this study may help
      to better understand the distinct mechanisms underlying the relationships from NE
      to SI and SA. Moreover, our finding regarding gender differences suggests the
      different emphases in suicide prevention and intervention programs across
      genders.

PMID- 28093659
TI  - Clinical and molecular relevance of mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity in breast
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) plays a pivotal role in driving breast
      cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. We used a mutant-allele tumor
      heterogeneity (MATH) algorithm to measure ITH and explored its correlation with
      clinical parameters and multi-omics data. METHODS: We assessed 916 female breast
      cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We calculated the MATH values from
      whole-exome sequencing data and further investigated their correlation with
      clinical characteristics, somatic mutations, somatic copy number alterations
      (SCNAs), and gene enrichment. RESULTS: The patients were divided into low,
      intermediate, and high MATH groups. High T stage, African American race, and
      triple-negative or basal-like subtype were associated with a higher MATH level
      (all P < 0.001). In hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor
      receptor-negative patients, the high MATH group showed a tendency toward a worse
      overall survival (P = 0.052); Furthermore, the TP53 mutation rate increased as
      MATH was elevated (P < 0.001), whereas CDH1 mutations were correlated with a
      lower level of MATH (P = 0.002). Several focal and arm-level SCNA events were
      more common in the high MATH group (P < 0.05), including Chr8q24 with only the
      MYC gene in the "peak" region. Similarly, high MATH was associated with gene set
      enrichment related to the MYC pathway and proliferation. CONCLUSION: Our
      integrative analysis reveals the clinical and genetic relevance of ITH in breast
      cancer. These results also suggest the origin and natural history of clonal
      evolution and intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity, which warrant further
      investigation.

PMID- 28093660
TI  - Privacy-Preserving Integration of Medical Data : A Practical Multiparty Private
      Set Intersection.
AB  - Medical data are often maintained by different organizations. However, detailed
      analyses sometimes require these datasets to be integrated without violating
      patient or commercial privacy. Multiparty Private Set Intersection (MPSI), which
      is an important privacy-preserving protocol, computes an intersection of multiple
      private datasets. This approach ensures that only designated parties can identify
      the intersection. In this paper, we propose a practical MPSI that satisfies the
      following requirements: The size of the datasets maintained by the different
      parties is independent of the others, and the computational complexity of the
      dataset held by each party is independent of the number of parties. Our MPSI is
      based on the use of an outsourcing provider, who has no knowledge of the data
      inputs or outputs. This reduces the computational complexity. The performance of
      the proposed MPSI is evaluated by implementing a prototype on a virtual private
      network to enable parallel computation in multiple threads. Our protocol is
      confirmed to be more efficient than comparable existing approaches.

PMID- 28093657
TI  - Advances in clinical neurology through the journal "Neurological Sciences" (2015
      2016).

PMID- 28093661
TI  - Evolution of a neglected ureteral stent.

PMID- 28093662
TI  - A cost-effectiveness analysis of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in the treatment of
      adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic
      neurobehavioral disorder in children that may persist into adulthood.
      Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is approved in many countries for ADHD
      treatment in children, adolescents, and adults. OBJECTIVES: Estimate the cost
      effectiveness of LDX as a first- or second-line treatment for adults with ADHD
      from the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) perspective compared
      with methylphenidate extended release (MPH-ER) and atomoxetine (ATX). METHODS: A
      1-year decision-analytic model was developed. Health outcomes included response,
      non-response and inability to tolerate. Efficacy data were obtained from a mixed
      treatment comparison (MTC). Response was a score of 1 or 2 on the Clinical Global
      Impression-Improvement scale. Tolerability was assessed by discontinuation rates
      due to adverse events. Utilities were identified via a systematic literature
      review. Health care resource use estimates were obtained via a survey of
      clinicians. Daily drug costs were estimated from mean doses reported in the
      trials used in the MTC. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSAs)
      were performed. RESULTS: LDX dominated MPH-ER and ATX; reducing mean per-patient
      annual cost by L5 and L200, and increasing mean quality-adjusted life years
      (QALYs) by 0.005 and 0.009, respectively. In the PSA, the probability of cost
      effectiveness for LDX vs. MPH-ER and ATX at a threshold of L20,000 per QALY was
      61% and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: From the perspective of the UK NHS, LDX
      is likely to provide a cost-effective treatment for adults with ADHD. This
      conclusion may be drawn with more certainty in comparison with ATX than with MPH
      ER.

PMID- 28093663
TI  - Large, Prospective Analysis of the Reasons Patients Do Not Pursue BRCA Genetic
      Testing Following Genetic Counseling.
AB  - Genetic counseling (GC) and genetic testing (GT) identifies high-risk individuals
      who benefit from enhanced medical management. Not all individuals undergo GT
      following GC and understanding the reasons why can impact clinical efficiency,
      reduce GT costs through appropriate identification of high-risk individuals, and
      demonstrate the value of pre-GT GC. A collaborative project sponsored by the
      Michigan Department of Health and Human Services prospectively collects anonymous
      data on BRCA-related GC visits performed by providers in Michigan, including
      demographics, patient/family cancer history, GT results, and reasons for
      declining GT. From 2008 to 2012, 10,726 patients underwent GC; 3476 (32.4%) did
      not pursue GT. Primary reasons included: not the best test candidate (28.1%), not
      clinically indicated (23.3%), and insurance/out of pocket cost concerns (13.6%).
      Patient disinterest was the primary reason for declining in 17.1%. Insurance/out
      of pocket cost concerns were the primary reason for not testing in 13.4% of
      untested individuals with private insurance. Among untested individuals with
      breast and/or ovarian cancer, 22.5% reported insurance/out of pocket cost
      concerns as the primary reason for not testing and 6.6% failed to meet Medicare
      criteria. In a five-year time period, nearly one-third of patients who underwent
      BRCA GC did not pursue GT. GT was not indicated in almost half of patients.
      Insurance/out of pocket cost concerns continue to be barriers.

PMID- 28093664
TI  - Cell proliferation and differentiation during the three dimensional
      reconstitution of eccrine sweat glands.
AB  - The aim of this study is to characterize the cell proliferation and proliferating
      cell types during three-dimensional reconstitution of eccrine sweat glands.
      Eccrine sweat gland cells suspended in Matrigel were injected subcutaneously into
      the inguinal regions of nude mice. At 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days
      post-implantation, Matrigel plugs were immunostained for Ki67, to detect cycling
      cells, and the Ki67 labeling index at different time points was calculated. Three
      pairs of antibodies, Ki67/K7, Ki67/K14 and Ki67/alpha-SMA, were used to identify
      proliferating cell types in the plugs, on days 28, 35 and 42, by
      immunofluorescence double staining. The Ki67 labeling index on the first day of
      implantation was 30.53%, rapidly reached a peak value of 81.43% at 2 days post
      implantation, and then decreased gradually to a low of 2.87% at 42 days. Double
      immunofluorescence staining showed that K14/Ki67 double-stained cells accounted
      for 80% of the Ki67-positive cells, whereas K7/Ki67 and alpha-SMA/Ki67 double
      stained cells each accounted for 10% of the Ki67-positive population on days 28,
      35, or 42 post-implantation. We conclude that eccrine sweat gland cells rapidly
      enter the cell cycle after implantation, but quickly show decreased cell
      proliferation and increased cell differentiation.

PMID- 28093665
TI  - Disproportionality and Disparities among Sexual Minority Youth in Custody.
AB  - Research indicates that sexual minority youth are disproportionately criminalized
      in the U.S. and subjected to abusive treatment while in correctional facilities.
      However, the scope and extent of disparities based on sexual orientation remains
      largely overlooked in the juvenile justice literature. This study, based on a
      nationally representative federal agency survey conducted in 2012 (N = 8785; 9.9%
      girls), reveals that 39.4% of girls and 3.2% of boys in juvenile correctional
      facilities identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. These youth, particularly gay
      and bisexual boys, report higher rates of sexual victimization compared to their
      heterosexual peers. Sexual minority youth, defined as both lesbian, gay, and
      bisexual identified youth as well as youth who identified as straight and
      reported some same-sex attraction, were also 2-3 times more likely than
      heterosexual youth to report prior episodes of detention lasting a year or more.
      Implications for future research and public policy are discussed.

PMID- 28093667
TI  - Low and Increasing Trajectories of Perpetration of Physical Dating Violence: 7
      Year Associations with Suicidal Ideation, Weapons, and Substance Use.
AB  - Understanding the interrelation among problem behaviors and their change over
      time is fundamental for prevention research. The Healthy Teens Longitudinal Study
      followed a cohort of adolescents from Grades 6-12. Prior research identified two
      distinct trajectories of perpetration of physical dating violence: Low and
      Increasing. The purpose of this study was to examine whether adolescents in these
      two trajectories differed longitudinally on other problem behaviors: (1) suicidal
      ideation and attempts, (2) weapon-carrying and threats with a weapon, and (3)
      substance use, particularly alcohol and marijuana. The sample consisted of 588
      randomly-selected students (52% males; 49% White, 36% Black, 12% Latino).
      Students completed a self-reported, computer-based survey each spring from Grades
      6-12. To examine significant differences by perpetration of physical dating
      violence trajectory, we used Chi-square test and generalized estimating equations
      modeling. Across most grades, significantly more students in Increasing than in
      the Low trajectory reported suicidal ideation and attempts, carried a weapon, and
      threatened someone with a weapon. Adolescents in the Increasing trajectory also
      had higher trajectories of alcohol use, being drunk, and marijuana use than those
      in the Low trajectory. All differences were already significant in Grade 6. The
      difference in the rate of change between groups was not significant. This
      longitudinal study highlights that problem behaviors-physical dating violence,
      suicidal ideation and attempts, weapon carrying and threats, marijuana and
      alcohol use-cluster together as early as sixth grade and the clustering persists
      over time. The combination of these behaviors poses a great public health concern
      and highlight the need for early interventions.

PMID- 28093668
TI  - Molecular characterization of HOXC8 gene and methylation status analysis of its
      exon 1 associated with the length of cashmere fiber in Liaoning cashmere goat.
AB  - Homeobox protein Hox-C8 (HOXC8) is a member of Hox family. It is expressed in the
      dermal papilla of the skin and is thought to be associated with the hair
      inductive capacity of dermal papilla cells. In the present study, we isolated and
      characterized a full-length open reading frame of HOXC8 cDNA from the skin tissue
      of Liaoning cashmere goat, as well as, established a phylogenetic relationship of
      goat HOXC8 with that of other species. Also, we investigated the effect of
      methylation status of HOXC8 exon 1 at anagen secondary hair follicle on the
      cashmere fiber traits in Liaoning cashmere goat. The sequence analysis indicated
      that the obtained cDNA was 1134-bp in length containing a complete ORF of 729-bp.
      It encoded a peptide of 242 amino acid residues in length. The structural
      analysis indicated that goat HOXC8 contained a typical homeobox domain. The
      phylogenetic analysis revealed that Capra hircus HOXC8 had a closer genetic
      relationship with that of Ovis aries, followed by Bos Taurus and Bubalus bubalis.
      The methylation analysis suggested that the methylation degree of HOXC8 exon 1 in
      anagen secondary hair follicle might be involved in regulating the growth of
      cashmere fiber in Liaoning cashmere goat. Our results provide new evidence for
      understanding the molecular structural and evolutionary characteristics of HOXC8
      in Liaoning cashmere goat, as well as, for further insight into the role of
      methylation degree of HOXC8 exon 1 regulates the growth of cashmere fiber in
      goat.

PMID- 28093669
TI  - Genetic diversity and population structure of Anastrepha striata (Diptera:
      Tephritidae) in three natural regions of southwestern Colombia using
      mitochondrial sequences.
AB  - Anastrepha striata is widely distributed across the Americas and is a pest of
      economically important crops, especially crops of the Myrtaceae family. Insect
      population structures can be influenced by the presence of physical barriers or
      characteristics associated with habitat differences. This study evaluated the
      effect of the Western Andes on the population structure of A. striata.
      Individuals were collected from Psidium guajava fruits from three natural regions
      of southwestern Colombia (Pacific Coast, mountainous region and the inter-Andean
      valley of the Cauca River). Based on a 1318 bp concatenated of the genes
      Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6), 14
      haplotypes with few changes among them (between 1 and 3) were found. There was
      only one dominant haplotype in all three regions. No genetic structure associated
      with the three eco-geographical regions of the study was found. Moreover, the
      Western Andes are not an effective barrier for the genetic isolation of the
      populations from the Pacific Coast compared with the inter-Andean valley
      populations. This genetic homogeneity could be partially due to anthropogenic
      intervention, which acts as a dispersal agent of infested fruits. Another
      hypothesis to explain the lack of structure would be the relatively recent
      arrival of A. striata to the region, as indicated by an analysis of the
      demographic history, which reveals a process of population expansion. This study
      represents the first attempt to understand the population genetics of A. striata
      in Colombia and could contribute to the integral management of this pest.

PMID- 28093670
TI  - Natural Colorants: Historical, Processing and Sustainable Prospects.
AB  - With the public's mature demand in recent times pressurized the textile industry
      for use of natural colorants, without any harmful effects on environment and
      aquatic ecosystem, and with more developed functionalities simultaneously.
      Advanced developments for the natural bio-resources and their sustainable use for
      multifunctional clothing are gaining pace now. Present review highlights
      historical overview of natural colorants, classification and predominantly
      processing of colorants from sources, application on textiles surfaces with the
      functionalities provided by them. Chemistry of natural colorants on textiles also
      discussed with relevance to adsorption isotherms and kinetic models for dyeing of
      textiles.

PMID- 28093671
TI  - Evaluation of laboratory-scale in situ capping sediments with purple parent rock
      to control the eutrophication.
AB  - In this study, the effectiveness of controlling the eutrophication using purple
      parent rock to cap the sediments was evaluated in the laboratory scale. Sediments
      were collected from Sanxikou reservoir (China) in July 2013. Then, three types of
      purple parent rock (T1f, J3p, and J2s) which are distributed widely in southwest
      China were used to cap the sediments. Limestone and calcite were used as the
      contrast group, because they had been reported as effective controls on
      eutrophication. Then, they were incubated at 20  degrees C for 46 days. The
      results indicated that the application of purple parent rock as a barrier
      material can effectively inhibit the release of nutrient elements in sediments,
      and the inhibition rates of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ammonium
      (NH4-N), and nitrate (NO3-N) were much better than that of limestone and calcite.
      Among the three types of purple parent rock, J3p exhibited the best inhibitory
      effect on the release of nitrogen in sediments, and the inhibition efficiency of
      TN, NH4-N, and NO3-N was 59.7, 77.6, and 45.1%, respectively. As for T1f, it
      exhibited the best inhibitory effect on the release of TP in sediments with the
      inhibition rate of 94.4%. Whereas all these capping materials showed weak
      inhibition on release of organic matter in sediments, and the inhibition
      efficiencies were less than 20%. Moreover, these treatments could also cause
      distinct changes in the microbial community in sediments and overlying water, and
      the contents of TN and TP in all capping materials increased. All results
      demonstrated that purple parent rock could inhibit the release of nutrient in
      sediments through mechanical interception, physical adsorption, and chemical
      absorption as well as changing the microbial activity in the covering layer,
      sediments, or overlying water.

PMID- 28093672
TI  - Influence of QuEChERS modifications on recovery and matrix effect during the
      multi-residue pesticide analysis in soil by GC/MS/MS and GC/ECD/NPD.
AB  - A QuEChERS extraction followed by GC/MS/MS and GC-MUECD/NPD for 216 pesticide and
      metabolites determination in soil simultaneously were developed and compared.
      Volume of water, volume and polarity of solvent, and cleanup sorbents (C18, GCB,
      PSA) were optimized. The QuEChERS with and without purification step were applied
      to estimate effectiveness of the method. The recovery and matrix effect (ME) were
      critical parameters within each tested procedure. The optimal method without
      cleanup was validated. Accuracy (expressed as recovery), precision (expressed as
      RSD), linearity, LOQ, and uncertainty were determined. The recoveries at the
      three spiking levels using matrix-matched standards ranged between 65 and 116%
      with RSD <=17 and 60-112% with RSD <=18% for MS/MS and MUEC/NP, respectively. The
      LOQ ranged from 0.005-0.01 mg/kg for MS/MS to 0.05 mg/kg for MUEC/NP. The ME for
      most of pesticides resulted in enhancement of the signal and depended on the
      analyte and detection system: MS/MS showed ME from -25 to 74%, while MUEC/NP from
      -45 to 96%. A principal component analysis was performed to explain the
      relationships between physicochemical parameters and ME of 216 pesticides. The
      QuEChERS protocol without the cleanup step is a promising option to make the
      method less expensive and faster. This methodology was applied in routine
      analysis of 263 soil samples in which p,p' DDT was the most frequently detected
      (23.5% of samples) and pendimethalin with the highest concentration (1.63 mg/kg).

PMID- 28093673
TI  - Metagenomic insights into effects of spent engine oil perturbation on the
      microbial community composition and function in a tropical agricultural soil.
AB  - Analyzing the microbial community structure and functions become imperative for
      ecological processes. To understand the impact of spent engine oil (SEO)
      contamination on microbial community structure of an agricultural soil, soil
      microcosms designated 1S (agricultural soil) and AB1 (agricultural soil polluted
      with SEO) were set up. Metagenomic DNA extracted from the soil microcosms and
      sequenced using Miseq Illumina sequencing were analyzed for their taxonomic and
      functional properties. Taxonomic profiling of the two microcosms by MG-RAST
      revealed the dominance of Actinobacteria (23.36%) and Proteobacteria (52.46%)
      phyla in 1S and AB1 with preponderance of Streptomyces (12.83%) and Gemmatimonas
      (10.20%) in 1S and Geodermatophilus (26.24%), Burkholderia (15.40%), and
      Pseudomonas (12.72%) in AB1, respectively. Our results showed that soil microbial
      diversity significantly decreased in AB1. Further assignment of the metagenomic
      reads to MG-RAST, Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG) of proteins, Kyoto
      Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), GhostKOALA, and NCBI's CDD hits
      revealed diverse metabolic potentials of the autochthonous microbial community.
      It also revealed the adaptation of the community to various environmental
      stressors such as hydrocarbon hydrophobicity, heavy metal toxicity, oxidative
      stress, nutrient starvation, and C/N/P imbalance. To the best of our knowledge,
      this is the first study that investigates the effect of SEO perturbation on soil
      microbial communities through Illumina sequencing. The results indicated that SEO
      contamination significantly affects soil microbial community structure and
      functions leading to massive loss of nonhydrocarbon degrading indigenous
      microbiota and enrichment of hydrocarbonoclastic organisms such as members of
      Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria.

PMID- 28093674
TI  - Prospect of recovering phosphorus in magnesium slag-packed wetland filter.
AB  - Phosphorus recovery from wastewater not only reduces the unbearable impacts of
      excessive nutrient discharge on environmental systems but also favor the reuse of
      phosphorus resource. Based on the mechanism as well as technical analysis for
      major phosphorus recovery techniques including struvite precipitation and wetland
      substrate adsorption, a novel magnesium slag-packed wetland filter and
      corresponding operational procedures are proposed, which aim to reduce the
      dependence of using magnesium-containing chemical reagent as magnesium sources
      for struvite precipitation, and improve the accumulation and recovery performance
      for struvite precipitation within porous wetland substrate. Results from
      preliminary experiments indicated that magnesium slag particles with
      approximately 2 mm in diameter can recover 43.20-72.39% phosphorus from 1-25
      mol/L PO43- solution, and the presence of 5-50 mol/L NH4+ contributed to 11.71
      29.11% enhancement of phosphorus recovery mainly due to struvite precipitation.
      The detected generation of struvite via XRD spectrum analysis partly demonstrated
      the potential of phosphorus recovery in magnesium slag-packed wetland filter. The
      proposed phosphorus recovery technology is free of secondary pollution and solid
      waste generation; phosphorus-saturated (mainly due to struvite precipitation and
      adsorption) magnesium slag particles can be potentially used as phosphorus
      fertilizer and thus partly solved the traditional shortages of disposing
      phosphorus-saturated substrate due to low phosphorus contents.

PMID- 28093675
TI  - Solar photocatalytic degradation of textile effluent with TiO2, ZnO, and Nb2O5
      catalysts: assessment of photocatalytic activity and mineralization.
AB  - The photocatalytic degradation of textile effluent was investigated using TiO2,
      ZnO, and Nb2O5 catalysts under solar irradiation. The procedures were carried out
      at ambient conditions in April 2014, with pH 3.0 and catalyst concentration of
      0.250 g L-1. The photocatalytic activity of the oxides was evaluated by means of
      kinetic efficiency (rate constant and half-life time), chemical oxygen demand
      reduction, and absorbance reduction at 228, 254, 284, 310, 350, 500, and 660 nm
      (lambdamax). Mineralization in terms of the formation of inorganic ions and
      toxicity reduction using bioassays with Artemia salina were performed. TiO2
      reduced the absorbance at 660 nm (lambdamax) after 300 min of solar irradiation
      around 94 and 93%; and 68 and 60% of COD, respectively. ZnO showed lower
      photocatalytic activity giving 64 and 42% of absorbance and COD reduction,
      respectively. The photocatalytic activity of Nb2O5 was very close to TiO2-P25. In
      this sense, Nb2O5 becomes a promising alternative to replace the commercial TiO2
      P25. Bioassays confirmed the efficacy of treatment, increasing the lethal
      concentration of 27.59 (in natura) to 131.95% in the presence of Nb2O5.

PMID- 28093676
TI  - Aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling involved in the invasiveness of LNCaP cells.
AB  - There is now mounting evidence that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays an
      important role in physiologic responses such as development, cell cycle
      regulation, immune function and also malignant transformation in various tissues.
      The strong nuclear AhR expression is observed in the invasive phenotype, and an
      elevated nuclear AhR expression is associated with a poor prognosis of human
      prostate cancer. On the other hand, there are conflicting results that the AhR
      deficiency results in increased susceptibility to prostate tumors in mouse model.
      In the present study, we investigated AhR expression and its role in the growth
      and invasiveness of human prostate cancer cells. The AhR protein expression was
      detected in prostate cancer cell lines and human prostate cancer tissues. A small
      interfering RNA targeting AhR, constitutive active AhR expression vector, and AhR
      agonist and antagonist were used to moderate its expression and signaling. The
      induction of AhR signaling attenuated invasiveness of prostate cancer cells
      without affecting the cellular growth rate. These results suggest that AhR
      signaling in prostate cancer cells facilitates invasion of these cells, and
      modulation with this signaling can be a potential therapeutic target of invasive
      tumors.

PMID- 28093677
TI  - Communication Intervention for Young Children with Severe Neurodevelopmental
      Disabilities Via Telehealth.
AB  - Young children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum
      disorders (ASD) and Rett syndrome often experience severe communication
      impairments. This study examined the efficacy of parent-implemented communication
      assessment and intervention with remote coaching via telehealth on the
      acquisition of early communication skills of three young children with ASD (2)
      and Rett syndrome (1). Efficacy of the intervention was evaluated using single
      case experimental designs. First, functional assessment was used to identify
      idiosyncratic/potentially communicative responses and contexts for each child.
      Next, parents implemented functional communication training (FCT). All of the
      children acquired the targeted communication responses. The findings support the
      efficacy of telehealth as a service delivery model to coach parents on
      intervention strategies for their children's early communication skills.

PMID- 28093678
TI  - Changes in serum vascular endothelial growth factor and endostatin concentrations
      associated with circulating endothelial progenitor cells after acute ischemic
      stroke.
AB  - Angiogenesis is an important pathophysiological response to cerebral ischemia,
      and can be modulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endostatin.
      Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) also play an important role as an
      endogenous repair mechanism for ischemic injury. We sought to investigate early
      changes in the expression of VEGF and endostatin in serum and the circulating
      EPCs in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and analyzed the relations
      between them. The peripheral blood and serum samples were obtained from 30
      patients at 1, 3, 5 and 7 d after AIS. Flow cytometry was used to quantify EPCs,
      and VEGF and endostatin were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.
      Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relations between them. Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to appraise the value of EPCs
      levels in predicting the 90-day prognosis after AIS. Compared with control
      subjects, circulating EPCs numbers increased from a very lower initial level (P <
      0.001) until 7 d after AIS. Serum VEGF and endostatin levels increased and peaked
      at 3 d and 5 d post-stroke (both P < 0.001), respectively. A significant
      correlation (P = 0.001) was found between peak serum VEGF concentration and peak
      endostatin concentration. VEGF/endostatin ratio at day 1 and day 3 after AIS
      significantly correlated with circulating EPCs numbers at day 5 (P < 0.001) and
      day 7 post-stroke (P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis suggested that circulating EPCs
      number at day 7 had a significantly predictive power for good prognosis. VEGF and
      endostatin may mediate EPCs proliferation in the early phase of ischemic stroke,
      and the circulating EPCs levels can be a predictor of clinical outcome in AIS.

PMID- 28093679
TI  - Effect of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR 4) on
      Reproductive Performance and Immune Function in Dairy Cows.
AB  - In dairy cows, inflammatory diseases caused by infection with pathogenic bacteria
      post calving affect ovarian functions. This study examined the relationship
      between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4),
      reproductive performances [the number of artificial insemination (AI) application
      and days open], and immune cell functions (apoptosis and migration). Two hundred
      Holstein cows from the Obihiro University farm were included. The SNPs of TLR4
      were genotyped by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.
      Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood. The number of AI application in the
      animals with T/C genotype in the TLR4 exon3 was lower than that in animals with
      C/C genotype (1.6 +/- 0.2 and 2.2 +/- 0.2, respectively). Among the animals with
      TLR4 exon3 polymorphisms, the days open was shorter for the T/C cows than that
      for C/C cows (100.7 +/- 6.9 days and 136.6 +/- 9.0 days, respectively). The SNPs
      in the TLR4 intron did not affect the number of AI and days open. The apoptosis
      percentage of PMNs treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.001 and 1 MUg/ml)
      tended to be lower in the T/C genotype compared to that in the C/C genotype. The
      transmigration rates of PMNs, and IL-1beta production in PBMCs were tended to be
      higher for the animals with the T/C genotype compared to those for animals with
      the C/C genotype. Taken together, these results suggest that TLR4 polymorphisms
      offer a meaningful tool to judge the reproductive potential and immune activity
      in individual cows.

PMID- 28093680
TI  - The international diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma registry: an infrastructure to
      accelerate collaborative research for an orphan disease.
AB  - Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare, often fatal childhood brain
      tumor, remains a major therapeutic challenge. In 2012, investigators, funded by
      the DIPG Collaborative (a philanthropic partnership among 29 private
      foundations), launched the International DIPG Registry (IDIPGR) to advance
      understanding of DIPG. Comprised of comprehensive deidentified but linked
      clinical, imaging, histopathological, and genomic repositories, the IDIPGR uses
      standardized case report forms for uniform data collection; serial imaging and
      histopathology are centrally reviewed by IDIPGR neuro-radiologists and neuro
      pathologists, respectively. Tissue and genomic data, and cell cultures derived
      from autopsies coordinated by the IDIPGR are available to investigators for
      studies approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee. From April 2012 to
      December 2016, 670 patients diagnosed with DIPG have been enrolled from 55
      participating institutions in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The
      radiology repository contains 3558 studies from 448 patients. The pathology
      repository contains tissue on 81 patients with another 98 samples available for
      submission. Fresh DIPG tissue from seven autopsies has been sent to investigators
      to develop primary cell cultures. The bioinformatics repository contains next
      generation sequencing data on 66 tumors. Nine projects using data/tissue from the
      IDIPGR by 13 principle investigators from around the world are now underway. The
      IDIPGR, a successful alliance among philanthropic agencies and investigators, has
      developed and maintained a highly collaborative, hypothesis-driven research
      infrastructure for interdisciplinary and translational projects in DIPG to
      improve diagnosis, response assessment, treatment and outcome for patients.

PMID- 28093681
TI  - Quantifying the Benefits of Dimethyl Fumarate Over beta Interferon and Glatiramer
      Acetate Therapies on Work Productivity Outcomes in MS Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a novel oral therapy used for the
      treatment of relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In two 2-year pivotal
      Phase 3 trials in patients with RRMS, DMF significantly reduced disease activity
      based on both clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and
      demonstrated an acceptable safety profile. However, there is currently a lack of
      comparative data which explore the relationship between work productivity and
      health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in RRMS and how these differ
      among RRMS therapies, including DMF. METHODS: We explored this relationship
      through patient-reported data from the EuroQol Five-Dimensions (EQ-5D) tool, Work
      Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI), and the Hamburg
      Quality of Life Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS) using the Adelphi
      MS DSP(r) dataset. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that patients receiving DMF
      experienced better outcomes, relative to patients receiving beta
      (beta)interferons or glatiramer acetate, in all WPAI subscales [overall; average
      treatment effect (ATE) -13.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) -18.87 to -7.08; p <
      0.001], EQ-5D (ATE +0.075, 95% Cl 0.014-0.136; p = 0.016) and HAQUAMS [ATE -0.45,
      95% Cl -0.61 to -0.29; p < 0.001]. The EQ-5D and HAQUAMS were used with WPAI to
      determine the relationship between HRQoL outcomes and work productivity. Multiple
      linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, body mass
      index, ethnicity and number of comorbid conditions. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      demonstrate that therapy with DMF was associated with increased work productivity
      and HRQoL for patients with RRMS and that these outcomes were consistently
      improved compared to outcomes with interferon and glatiramer acetate therapies.

PMID- 28093682
TI  - Association between ischemic heart disease and systemic lupus erythematosus-a
      large case-control study.
AB  - Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a well identified cause of mortality in systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients due to an accelerated premature
      atherosclerosis. We investigated the proportion of comorbid IHD among SLE
      patients derived from a large, national real-life database. Using data from the
      largest HMO in Israel, the Clalit Health Services, we selected for patients with
      SLE. These patients were compared with age and sex matched controls with regards
      to the proportion of IHD in a case-control study. Chi-square and t tests were
      used for univariate analysis, and a logistic regression model was used for
      multivariate analysis. The study included 5018 patients with SLE and 25090 age
      and sex-frequency matched controls. The prevalence of IHD in patients with SLE
      was increased in comparison to controls (11.3 and 3.1%, P < 0.001). In a
      multivariate analysis, SLE was associated with IHD (OR 3.77, 95% confidence
      interval 3.34-4.26). We have confirmed that SLE patients suffer a high prevalence
      of IHD. Our data supports that SLE is an independent risk factor for IHD. When
      evaluating by gender, the risk seems even more substantial in females. No
      significant difference was found in the risk of IHD in SLE among the difference
      socioeconomic strata.

PMID- 28093683
TI  - Simple Clinical Score to Predict 24-Week Survival Times in Patients with
      Inoperable Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction as a Tool for Selecting
      Palliative Metallic or Plastic Stents.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) is the mainstay treatment
      for inoperable malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). Some authorities
      suggest that metallic stents are more cost-effective than plastic stents in
      patients with expected survival of at least 6 months. However, studies attempting
      to define the predictive factors for such survival times are limited. This study
      aims to develop a scoring system for predicting a survival time of <24 weeks in
      these patients. METHOD: Patients with MDBO from inoperable periampullary cancers
      who underwent EBD at Songklanagarind Hospital during 2004-2009 were
      retrospectively analyzed. Baseline clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were
      retrieved. The survival time data were retrieved from the medical records and
      Thailand's civil registration database. Multivariate Cox regression model
      coefficients were used in the development of a survival time prediction scoring
      system. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were included. The overall median survival
      was 17.6 weeks. Fifty-seven (58.1%) survived <24 weeks. By multivariate analysis,
      cancer type and liver metastasis were significant predictive factors. The Simple
      Clinical Score (SCS) was calculated from (2* liver metastasis) + (1* pancreatic
      cancer) - (2* ampullary cancer) - (1* cholangiocarcinoma), when 1 and 0 were used
      for the presence and absence of each factor, respectively. The cutoff value of
      the score >=0 had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.77 and 0.63, respectively,
      for predicting a survival time of <24 weeks, with AUC of 0.76. The median
      survival of patients with SCS <0 and >=0 was 36.6 and 13.1 weeks, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: The scoring system from this study may be beneficial for clinicians
      to select the appropriate stents in endoscopic biliary drainage in inoperable
      MDBO patients.

PMID- 28093684
TI  - Portocaval Paraganglioma : First Case Report and Review of Literature.

PMID- 28093685
TI  - Sleep duration, obesity, and asthma, in Florida adolescents: analysis of data
      from the Florida Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2009-2013).
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the association between sleep duration and asthma among
      Florida high school students and whether body mass index (BMI) modifies this
      association. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis included 16,728 participants
      in the Florida Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2009-2013). Using logistic regression,
      we examined the association between sleep duration and asthma, and, after
      controlling for potential confounders, analyzed the interaction between sleep
      duration and BMI. RESULTS: Sleeping for less than 7 h or more than 8 h on school
      night was associated with increased odds of current asthma. Compared with 7-8 h
      of sleep per night, sleeping for <7 h had an OR of 1.22 (95% CI 1.07, 1.40),
      while sleeping for >=9 h had and OR of 1.31 (1.06, 1.63). When stratified by body
      mass index (BMI), these associations were significant only in overweight
      adolescents, with those sleeping for <7 or >=9 h having approximately twice the
      odds of having current asthma (OR = 1.75 (1.45, 2.11) and OR = 2.00 (1.32, 3.02)
      respectively), compared with normal weight adolescents who slept for 7-8 h per
      night. CONCLUSION: The association between sleep duration and asthma in
      adolescents is modified by BMI. Short and long sleep durations are associated
      with asthma in overweight adolescents while no significant association is seen in
      those with normal BMI.

PMID- 28093686
TI  - Pregnancy Intention and Pregnancy Outcome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Introduction Previous systematic reviews concluded that rigorous research on the
      relationships between pregnancy intentions and pregnancy outcomes is limited.
      They further noted that most studies were conducted in high-income countries and
      had methodological limitations. We aim to assess the current evidence base for
      the relationship between pregnancy intention and miscarriage, stillbirth, low
      birthweight (LBW) and neonatal mortality. In March 2015 Embase, PubMed, Scopus
      and PsychInfo were searched for studies investigating the relationship between
      pregnancy intention and the outcomes of interest. Methods Studies published since
      1975 and in English, French or Spanish were included. Two reviewers screened
      titles and abstracts, read the full text of identified articles and extracted
      data. Meta-analyses were conducted where possible. Results Thirty-seven studies
      assessing the relationships between pregnancy intention and LBW were identified.
      A meta-analysis of 17 of these studies found that unintended pregnancies are
      associated with 1.41 times greater odds of having a LBW baby (95%CI 1.31, 1.51).
      Eight studies looking at miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death were found.
      The limited data concerning pregnancy loss and neonatal mortality precluded meta
      analysis but suggest these outcomes may be more common in unintended pregnancies.
      Discussion While there seems to be an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome
      in unintended pregnancies, there has been little improvement in either the
      quantity of evidence from low-income countries or in the quality of evidence
      generally. Longitudinal studies of pregnancy intention and pregnancy outcome,
      where pregnancy intention is assessed prospectively with a validated measure and
      where analyses include confounding or mediating factors, are required in both
      high- and low-income countries.

PMID- 28093687
TI  - Maternal Birthplace is Associated with Low Birth Weight Within Racial/Ethnic
      Groups.
AB  - Introduction While disparities in low birth weight (LBW) incidence by
      racial/ethnic group are well known, differences in LBW incidence by maternal
      birthplace within racial/ethnic groups, and particularly, differences after
      adjustment for pregnancy complications, are less clear. Methods We conducted a
      population-based study of LBW using 113,760 singleton, live birth records from
      King County, Washington (2008-2012), a region in the Pacific Northwest with a
      large immigrant population. Study participants were Asian, non-Hispanic black,
      Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI), and non-Hispanic white
      women. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we calculated odds ratios
      (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate relative risk of LBW (<2500
      g) related to maternal race/ethnicity and birthplace (defined by the Millennium
      Development Goals Regional Groupings). Results Compared with non-Hispanic white
      women, non-Hispanic black, Asian Indian, Filipino, Japanese, and Vietnamese women
      had 1.57-2.23-fold higher, statistically significant, risk of having a LBW
      infant, and NHOPI and Mexican women had 1.30-1.33-fold, statistically
      significant, higher risk. LBW risk was lower for Asian women from Eastern Asia
      (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.85), non-Hispanic black women from Sub-Saharan Africa (OR
      0.58, 95% CI 0.47-0.73), and non-Hispanic white women from other developed
      countries (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.69-1.00), as compared with their US-born
      racial/ethnic counterparts. Results were, in general, similar after adjustment
      for pregnancy complications. Conclusions Compared with most other racial/ethnic
      groups, non-Hispanic whites had lower risk of LBW. Foreign-born women had lower
      risk of LBW compared with their US-born counterparts in the majority of
      racial/ethnic groups. Pregnancy complications had minimal effect on the
      associations.

PMID- 28093688
TI  - Kentucky Health Access Nurturing Development Services Home Visiting Program
      Improves Maternal and Child Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Home visitation programs are one of the numerous
      efforts to help reduce the rates of preterm birth and low birth weight as well as
      offering other improvements in maternal and child health and development. The
      Kentucky Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) is a voluntary,
      home visiting program serving first-time, high-risk mothers. This study's
      objective was to evaluate the impact of HANDS on maternal and child health
      outcomes. METHODS: HANDS administrative data, live birth certificate records and
      data from the Division of Child Protection and Safety were used in these
      analyses. We analyzed 2253 mothers who were referred to HANDS between July 2011
      and June 2012 and received a minimum of one prenatal home visit (mean number of
      prenatal visits = 12.9) compared to a demographically similar group of women (n =
      2253) who did not receive a visit. Chi square statistics and conditional logistic
      regression models were used to evaluate the impact of HANDS. RESULTS: HANDS
      participants had lower rates of preterm delivery (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.61-0.88) and
      low birth weight infants (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.44-0.67). HANDS participants also
      were significantly less likely to have a substantiated report of child
      maltreatment compared to controls (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.43-0.65). HANDS participants
      also had an increase in adequate prenatal care and a reduction in maternal
      complications during pregnancy. Of particular important, outcomes improved as the
      number of prenatal home visits increased: among women receiving 1-3 prenatal home
      visits was 12.1%, the rate among women receiving 4-6 prenatal home visits was
      13.2%, while the rate of PTB among those receiving 7 or more prenatal home visits
      was 9.4%. CONCLUSIONS: HANDS program participation appears to result in
      significant improvements in maternal and child health outcomes, most specifically
      for those receiving seven or more prenatal home visits. As a state-wide, large
      scale home visiting program, this has significant implications for the continued
      improvement of maternal and child health outcomes in Kentucky.

PMID- 28093690
TI  - Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions About Routine Childhood Vaccinations Among
      Jewish Ultra-Orthodox Mothers Residing in Communities with Low Vaccination
      Coverage in the Jerusalem District.
AB  - Background and aims Childhood vaccinations are an important component of primary
      prevention. Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinics in Israel provide routine
      vaccinations without charge. Several vaccine-preventable-diseases outbreaks
      (measles, mumps) emerged in Jerusalem in the past decade. We aimed to study
      attitudes and knowledge on vaccinations among mothers, in communities with low
      immunization coverage. Methods A qualitative study including focus groups and
      semi-structured interviews. Results Low immunization coverage was defined below
      the district's mean (age 2 years, 2013) for measles-mumps-rubella-varicella 1st
      dose (MMR1?MMRV1) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis 4th dose (DTaP4), 96 and 89%,
      respectively. Five communities were included, all were Jewish ultra-orthodox. The
      mothers' (n = 87) median age was 30 years and median number of children 4. Most
      mothers (94%) rated vaccinations as the main activity in the MCH clinics with
      overall positive attitudes. Knowledge about vaccines and vaccination schedule was
      inadequate. Of vaccines scheduled at ages 0-2 years (n = 13), the mean number
      mentioned was 3.9 +/- 2.8 (median 4, range 0-9). Vaccines mentioned more often
      were outbreak-related (measles, mumps, polio) and HBV (given to newborns).
      Concerns about vaccines were obvious, trust issues and religious beliefs were
      not. Vaccination delay was very common and timeliness was considered
      insignificant. Practical difficulties in adhering to the recommended schedule
      prevailed. The vaccinations visits were associated with pain and stress. Overall,
      there was a sense of self-responsibility accompanied by inability to influence
      others. Conclusion Investigating maternal knowledge and attitudes on childhood
      vaccinations provides insights that may assist in planning tailored intervention
      programs aimed to increase both vaccination coverage and timeliness.

PMID- 28093691
TI  - Middle age enhances expression of innate immunity genes in a female mouse model
      of pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - The lungs are highly sensitive to tissue fibrosis, with a clear age-related
      component. Among the possible triggers of pulmonary fibrosis are repeated
      inhalations of fine organic particles. How age affects this response, is still
      far from being fully understood. We examined the impact of middle-age on gene
      expression in pulmonary fibrosis, using the novel "inhalation challenge set"
      mouse model. Our results demonstrate that the response of female mice to exposure
      of Pantoea agglomerans extract primarily involves various immune-related pathways
      and cell-cell/cell-extracellular matrix interactions. We found that middle-age
      had a strong effect on the response to the P. agglomerans-induced lung fibrosis,
      featured by a more rapid response and increased magnitude of expression changes.
      Genes belonging to innate immunity pathways (such as the TLR signaling and the NK
      cell mediated cytotoxicity) were particularly up-regulated in middle-aged
      animals, suggesting that they may be potential targets for the treatment of
      pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhalations of organic particles. Our analysis also
      highlights the relevance of the "inhalation challenge set" mouse model to lung
      aging and related pathology.

PMID- 28093689
TI  - Characterizing a "Big Data" Cohort of Over 200,000 Low-Income U.S. Infants and
      Children for Obesity Research: The ADVANCE Early Life Cohort.
AB  - Introduction Low-income populations have elevated exposure to early life risk
      factors for obesity, but are understudied in longitudinal research. Our objective
      was to assess the utility of a cohort derived from electronic health record data
      from safety net clinics for investigation of obesity emerging in early life.
      Methods We examined data from the PCORNet ADVANCE Clinical Data Research Network,
      a national network of Federally-Qualified Health Centers serving >1.7 million
      safety net patients across the US. This cohort includes patients who, in 2012
      2014, had >=1 valid body mass index measure when they were 0-5 years of age. We
      characterized the cohort with respect to factors required for early life obesity
      research in vulnerable subgroups: sociodemographic diversity, weight status based
      on World Health Organization (<2 years) or Centers for Disease Control (>=2
      years) growth curves, and data longitudinality. Results The cohort includes
      216,473 children and is racially/ethnically diverse (e.g., 17.9% Black, 45.4%
      Hispanic). A majority (56.9%) had family incomes below the Federal Poverty Level
      (FPL); 32% were <50% of FPL. Among children <2 years, 7.6 and 5.3% had high and
      low weight-for-length, respectively. Among children 2-5 years, 15.0, 12.7 and
      2.4% were overweight, obese, and severely obese, respectively; 5.3% were
      underweight. In the study period, 79.2% of children had >=2 BMI measures. Among 4
      5 year olds, 21.9% had >1 BMI measure when they were <2 years. Discussion The
      ADVANCE Early Life cohort offers unique opportunities to investigate early life
      determinants of obesity in the understudied population of low income and minority
      children.

PMID- 28093692
TI  - A case of fatal Clostridium perfringens bacteremia and sepsis following CT-guided
      liver biopsy of a rare neuroendocrine hepatic tumor.

PMID- 28093693
TI  - A simple post mortem room angiography method for the investigation of traumatic
      basal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - Identifying the site of vascular bleeding in fatal cases of traumatic basal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (TBSAH) is important, but can be very difficult to
      achieve when there is extensive blood clot in the posterior cranial fossa. Post
      mortem angiography in these circumstances has been reported previously but with
      mixed results, and is rarely used in current practice within the United Kingdom.
      We have developed a simple and effective post mortem angiography method, using
      fluoroscopy and clear modern contrast medium, suitable for use in the autopsy
      room. Contrast medium was injected through an angiographic catheter positioned
      (with water filled balloon) in the extracranial vertebral artery (ECVA) just
      behind the clavicle, whilst the base of the skull and upper cervical spine area
      was visualized by fluoroscopy following digital subtraction of the bony images.
      The procedure was developed over a series of 8 TBSAH cases and using unfixed
      cadaveric specimens. A clear leak point was identified in 3 cases and the likely
      site indicated in a further fatality (all with tears subsequently confirmed by
      histology). In 4 cases, the bleeding point was not identified by angiography. In
      7 deaths, the anatomy of the upper cervical loops and intracranial course of the
      vertebral arteries were well delineated by angiography and several small loop
      segments were documented. In 1 case, with severe degenerative vascular disease,
      extracranial vessel wall trauma and luminal thrombosis, angiography was
      unsuccessful above the level of the first cervical (C1) vertebra. Injecting
      contrast through the internal carotid artery, just above the bifurcation, was
      also shown to visualize the anterior cerebral circulation well. This method is
      likely to identify the main site of vascular tearing in about 50% of cases of
      TBSAH and to delineate the important anatomy of the vessels, prior to dissection
      of the upper neck and posterior fossa, thus minimizing handling artefacts and
      guiding the histological sampling of the vessels.

PMID- 28093694
TI  - Comparative Analysis on the Effect of Plantago Species Aqueous Extracts on Tissue
      Trace Element Content in Rats.
AB  - The primary objective of this study is to assess the influence of water extracts
      of Plantago major L., Plantago lanceolata L., and Plantago maxima Juss. ex Jacq.
      leaves on tissue trace element content in healthy adult Wistar rats. Twenty-eight
      female Wistar rats consumed pure drinking water or one of the three aqueous
      extracts of Plantago for 1 month. The extracts and liver, serum, hair, and
      adipose tissue of the rats were examined for trace element contents using
      inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The aqueous extracts of Plantago
      species contained significant levels of trace elements, which were highest in P.
      lanceolata and P. major. The administration of every extract led to an increase
      in V and Si levels in the rats. At the same time, the consumption of P.
      lanceolata aqueous extract resulted in the accumulation of toxic elements (As,
      Pb) in the rats' tissues. Despite the rather high concentration of heavy metals
      in the P. major leaf extract, its administration did not result in the
      accumulation of these elements. In turn, P. maxima extract induced a significant
      decrease in the tissue levels of Al, Cr, I, Li, and Mn in the rats. The
      beneficial effect of the P. major and P. maxima preparations may be at least
      partially associated with the increased supply of essential trace elements,
      whereas the use of P. lanceolata may be harmful due to the possibility of heavy
      metal overexposure.

PMID- 28093695
TI  - Serum Zinc Deficiency and its Relation to Liver Fibrosis in Chronic HCV: a Real
      Life Egyptian Study.
AB  - Zinc is essential for the activation of approximately 300 metallo-enzymes. Serum
      and hepatic zinc is decreased in chronic liver disease patients, and zinc
      depletion has been suggested to accelerate liver fibrosis. The study was designed
      to assess Zinc status in chronic HCV Egyptian patients and its relationship to
      fibrosis stage diagnosed by FibroScan. This was a cross-sectional study on 297
      Egyptian patients with naive chronic HCV. All patients underwent laboratory tests
      (including assessment of serum Zinc) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by
      Transient Elastography (FibroScan(r)). The study included 170 (57.2%) females and
      127 (42.8%) males with a mean age 52.4 +/- 10.2 years. Most of the patients had
      zinc deficiency as the mean zinc level was 55.5 +/- 30.7 MUg/dl. The FibroScan
      scores showed that 97 patients had mild to moderate fibrosis (<=F2), while 200
      patients had advanced to severe fibrosis (?F2). Zinc level was significantly
      lower in patients with ?F2 than those with <=F2 (52 +/- 30.7 vs 62.5 +/- 29.7, p
      value: 0.005), as the zinc values decreased with the progression of liver
      fibrosis. Serum zinc level had a negative significant correlation with INR and
      negative significant correlation with FibroScan score but no correlation to
      bilirubin, ALT, AST, or albumin. Most of Egyptian chronic liver disease patients
      had zinc deficiency. Zinc level gets significantly lower with progression of
      fibrosis. Zinc supplementation is essential before and during antiviral therapy
      for HCV.

PMID- 28093697
TI  - Sensory deafferentation syndromes: a case of Charles Bonnet and musical ear
      syndrome.

PMID- 28093698
TI  - ?

PMID- 28093696
TI  - Secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by postnatally acquired
      cytomegalovirus infection in a late preterm infant.
AB  - Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory condition with
      impairment of cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer cells. Causes in infants are
      mostly hereditary immune defects as well as various infectious triggering
      factors, amongst these cytomegalovirus (CMV). Vertical CMV transmission may occur
      in utero, during birth, and by breast feeding. Usually, a CMV infection
      transmitted via breast milk is symptomatic only in very immature preterm infants.
      We report on a late preterm infant born after 35 + 5 weeks of gestation with a
      birth weight of 1840 g, being admitted to our intensive care unit at the age of 9
      weeks with acute enteritis and severe dehydration. After a prolonged recovery,
      the infant developed a sepsis-like condition with hyperpyrexia,
      hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. Combination with high ferritin levels (2809
      MUg/l), hypertriglyceridaemia (481 mg/dl), elevated soluble IL-2 receptor (sCD25,
      9120 U/ml), and reduced perforin expression allowed diagnosis of HLH, caused by
      an acute CMV infection. Since connatal CMV infection had been ruled out earlier,
      we report the rare case of secondary HLH triggered by a postnatally acquired
      symptomatic CMV infection in an immunocompetent infant, most likely transmitted
      via breast milk. The infant was successfully treated with ganciclovir without
      need for immunosuppressive therapy.

PMID- 28093699
TI  - Anti-Alzheimer's disease activity of compounds from the root bark of Morus alba
      L.
AB  - The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and
      beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) plays important
      roles in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among the
      individual parts of Morus alba L. including root bark, branches, leaves, and
      fruits, the root bark showed the most potent enzyme inhibitory activities.
      Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-AD activity of the M.
      alba root bark and its isolate compounds, including mulberrofuran G (1), albanol
      B (2), and kuwanon G (3) via inhibition of AChE, BChE, and BACE1. Compounds 1 and
      2 showed strong AChE- and BChE-inhibitory activities; 1-3 showed significant
      BACE1 inhibitory activity. Based on the kinetic study with AChE and BChE, 2 and 3
      showed noncompetitive-type inhibition; 1 showed mixed-type inhibition. Moreover,
      1-3 showed mixed-type inhibition against BACE1. The molecular docking simulations
      of 1-3 demonstrated negative binding energies, indicating a high affinity to AChE
      and BACE1. The hydroxyl group of 1-3 formed hydrogen bond with the amino acid
      residues located at AChE and BACE1. Consequently, these results indicate that the
      root bark of M. alba and its active compounds might be promising candidates for
      preventive and therapeutic agents for AD.

PMID- 28093700
TI  - Postdiagnostic use of beta-blockers and other antihypertensive drugs and the risk
      of recurrence and mortality in head and neck cancer patients: an observational
      study of 10,414 person-years of follow-up.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Growing evidence indicates that norepinephrine promotes cancer
      growth and metastasis whereas beta-blockers decrease these risks. This study
      aimed to examine the clinical impact of beta-blockers and other hypertensive
      drugs on disease recurrence and survival in patients with head and neck squamous
      cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed a cohort of
      1274 consecutive patients who received definitive treatments for previously
      untreated HNSCC at our tertiary referral center between January 2001 and December
      2012. Antihypertensive use was considered positive if patients were on medication
      from HNSCC diagnosis to at least 1 year after treatment initiation. Cox
      proportional hazard models were utilized to determine associations between
      antihypertensive drugs and recurrence, survival, and second primary cancer (SPC)
      occurrence. RESULTS: Hypertension itself was not a significant variable of
      recurrence and survival and no antihypertensive drug use affected SPC occurrence
      (all P > 0.1). After controlling for clinical factors, calcium-channel blocker
      use remained an independent variable for index cancer recurrence, and beta
      blocker use was significantly associated with poor cancer-specific mortality,
      competing mortality, and all-cause mortality (all P < 0.05). beta-blocker use
      significantly affected competing and all-cause mortalities in normotensive
      patients, and calcium-channel blocker use affected index cancer recurrence in
      normotensive patients (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that beta
      blocker use is associated with decreased survival and calcium-channel blockers is
      associated with increased cancer recurrence in patients of HNSCC.

PMID- 28093702
TI  - Rabies virus vaccine as an immune adjuvant against cancers and glioblastoma: new
      studies may resurrect a neglected potential.
AB  - To review the literature about the use of Rabies Virus-Vaccine (RV-V) as an
      anticancer immunotherapeutic modality in the light of recent findings. The
      literature search in relevant databases with the following key words: Rabies
      virus, cancer, remission. Remissions occured following RV-V injections in
      patients with cervical cancer and melanoma. Pilot clinical studies showed that RV
      V injections enhanced survival in glioblastoma patients, which is supported by
      findings in GL261 mouse glioma model. If public health studies demonstrate
      protective role of RV-V against certain types of cancers, it can be benefitted as
      a novel immune adjuvant in clinic.

PMID- 28093701
TI  - Cancer incidence in Spain, 2015.
AB  - PURPOSE: Periodic cancer incidence estimates of Spain from all existing
      population-based cancer registries at any given time are required. The objective
      of this study was to present the current situation of cancer incidence in Spain.
      METHODS: The Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN) estimated the numbers
      of new cancer cases occurred in Spain in 2015 by applying the incidence-mortality
      ratios method. In the calculus, incidence data from population-based cancer
      registries and mortality data of all Spain were used. RESULTS: In 2015, nearly a
      quarter of a million new invasive cancer cases were diagnosed in Spain, almost
      149,000 in men (60.0%) and 99,000 in women. Globally, the five most common
      cancers were those of colon-rectum, prostate, lung, breast and urinary bladder.
      By gender, the four most common cancers in men were those of prostate (22.4%),
      colon-rectum (16.6%), lung (15.1%) and urinary bladder (11.7%). In women, the
      most common ones were those of breast (28.0%), colon-rectum (16.9%), corpus uteri
      (6.2%) and lung (6.0%). In recent years, cancer incidence in men seems to have
      stabilized due to the fact that the decrease in tobacco-related cancers
      compensates for the increase in other types of cancer like those of colon and
      prostate. In women, despite the stabilization of breast cancer incidence,
      increased incidence is due, above all, to the rise of colorectal and tobacco
      related cancers. CONCLUSION: To reduce these incident cancer cases, improvement
      of smoking control policies and extension of colorectal cancer screening should
      be the two priorities in cancer prevention for the next years.

PMID- 28093703
TI  - African-American and Caribbean-Born Men's Perceptions of Prostate Cancer Fear and
      Facilitators for Screening Behavior: a Pilot Study.
AB  - This study describes how a concurrent exploratory mixed methodology (CEMM)
      approach was used to investigate perceptions of prostate cancer (CaP) fear and
      facilitators of screening behavior in African-American (AA) and Caribbean-born
      (CB) black men for instrument development. A quantitative paper-based
      questionnaire was modified, adapted, and administered to participants from the
      Personal Integrative Model of Prostate Cancer Disparity Survey and the Powe
      Fatalism Inventory. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted and
      analyzed using thematic analysis. Of the 31 participants, 17 (55%) were CB black
      men and 14 (45%) were AA men. CB black men reported significantly higher mean
      perception of CaP treatment scores compared to AA men (8.23 versus 6.14, p <
      0.05). Overall, the focus group and interview data revealed highly interrelated
      key themes. These themes included perceived barriers to CaP screening (e.g.,
      health-care affordability), misconceptions about CaP (e.g., limited knowledge),
      and misinformation about CaP (e.g., conflicting CaP screening information from
      health-care providers). Feeling responsible to make sure family members were
      taken care of and the role of a significant other were reported as motivation for
      visiting the doctor. As a result of the CEMM design, a reliable survey instrument
      was developed to measure CaP fear and facilitators for screening behavior within
      subpopulations of AA men, which is important because despite their shared genetic
      ancestry, AA and CB black males may have very different lifestyles.

PMID- 28093704
TI  - Extracellular Vesicles in Multiple Sclerosis as Possible Biomarkers: Dream or
      Reality?
AB  - Extracellular vesicles are recently described as specialized structures for
      intercellular communication. Their role in the central nervous system was
      diffusely studied in both physiological and pathological condition. In
      particular, an increased extracellular vesicle number was detected in several
      autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune,
      inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease. This chapter
      summarizes the available information on the involvement of the extracellular
      vesicles in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and their possible use as biomarker
      of therapy efficacy.

PMID- 28093705
TI  - Manipulation of Oxygen and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Factors as Possible
      Interventions for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: Evidence for and Against.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is normally considered a chronic inflammatory disease of
      the central nervous system (CNS), where T-cells breaching the blood brain barrier
      react against proteins of the axonal myelin sheaths, leading to focal plaques and
      demyelination in the brain and spinal cord. Many current therapies are
      immunosuppressive in nature and are designed to target the immune system at an
      early stage of the disease. But there is no cure and MS may evolve into a
      neurodegenerative disease, where immunomodulatory treatments appear less
      effective. Neurodegeneration is influenced by oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) mediated stress which can be induced independently of immune processes.
      Since 1970, MS patients have been self-managing their long term symptoms using
      hyperbaric oxygen and reporting improvement in their symptoms, especially bladder
      control. In contrast, the majority of clinical trial evidence does not support
      the views of patients. Therefore does oxygen under pressure affect brain tissue
      by modulating oxidative or ER stress at the cellular level resulting in CNS
      tissue repair or deterioration? This chapter reviews our understanding and the
      role of oxidative and ER stress in the context of employing hyperoxia treatments
      to treat MS and evaluate its effects on neural cells.

PMID- 28093706
TI  - Heat Shock Proteins in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated and neurodegenerative central
      nervous system disease, mostly affect myelin sheaths. The MS pathogenesis is
      still under debate. It is influenced by genetic, environment factors. Heat shock
      proteins (HSPs) are highly conserved proteins seen in all organisms. Not only
      heat stress but also under many stress conditions they are overexpressed. Their
      roles in MS pathogenesis are highly correlated with their location (intracellular
      or extracellular). In this chapter, we will discuss the role of HSP in MS
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 28093707
TI  - Meaning of Self in Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Treatment and
      Rehabilitation.
AB  - Low participation of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the therapeutic process
      is considered a primary area in research on the management of this condition. One
      of the key research directions is the role of self and self-involvement in MS
      patients. Clinical symptoms of MS and unpredictability of this condition may
      affect patients' attitude to their self and self-involvement. Self-image and self
      appraisal of one's abilities to cope with the disease exert significant effects
      not only on patient's emotional status but also on their behavior. This
      assumption is consistent with the cognitive-behavioral paradigm according to
      which emotions and behaviors of an individual reflect specific self
      interpretation, self-assessed situational context and self-perceived ability to
      cope with a given situation. Enforcement of self-esteem and self-efficacy may
      promote self-management and thus, increase patients' participation in the
      therapeutic process. In this paper, we briefly review recent advances in research
      on the role of self in treatment and rehabilitation of MS patients.

PMID- 28093708
TI  - Multiple Sclerosis and EIF2B5: A Paradox or a Missing Link.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an encumbering inflammatory condition of the central
      nervous system (CNS) caused by axonal demyelination. There is sufficient evidence
      suggesting role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (EIF2B) gene
      family encoding the five subunits of eIF2B complex-alpha, beta, gamma, delta and
      epsilon respectively, in causing vanishing white matter (VWM) disease of the
      brain. Incidentally researchers have proposed overlapping between MS and VWM in
      terms of clinical, biochemical and genetic aspects, which incited us to write
      this chapter to explore the association between EIF2B5 and MS. eIF2B plays an
      essential role in translation initiation and its regulation in eukaryotes. Among
      EIF2B gene family, EIF2B5 gene encodes the catalytic and a crucial epsilon
      subunit of the eIF2B protein as most of the alterations have been found in this
      gene. The recent findings on the association between EIF2B5 and MS susceptibility
      point towards unfathomable and contentious role of EIF2B5 in MS development. This
      chapter briefly reviews the insights gleaned from recent studies conducted in
      understanding the association between EIF2B5 and MS risk. The need of hour is to
      conduct large scale conclusive studies aimed at expounding the mechanisms behind
      this relationship.

PMID- 28093709
TI  - Molecular Genetic and Epigenetic Basis of Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of spinal cord and
      brain. The initial event in MS occurs when activated CD4+ T cells in periphery
      exacerbates immune responses by stimulating immune cells such as B cells, CD8+
      cells, mast cells, granulocytes and monocytes. These proinflammatory cells pass
      blood brain barrier by secreting proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha
      and INF-gamma which activate adhesion factors. APCs (antigen-presenting cells)
      reactivate CD4+ T cells after infiltrating the CNS and CD4+ T cells produce
      cytokines and chemokines. These proinflammatory cytokines aggravate inflammation
      by inducing myelin phagocytosis through microglia and astrocytes activation. MS
      is believed to have a multifactorial origin that includes a combination of
      multiple genetic, environmental and stochastic factors. Although the exact
      component of MS risks that can be explained by these factors is difficult to
      determine, estimates based on genetic and epidemiological studies suggest that up
      to 60-70 % of the total risk of MS may be contribute to genetic factors. In
      continue, firstly we provide an overview of the current understanding of
      epigenetic mechanisms, and so present evidence of how the epigenetic
      modifications contribute to increased susceptibility of MS. We also explain how
      specified epigenetic modifications may influence the pathophysiology and key
      aspects of disease in MS (demyelination, remyelination, inflammation, and
      neurodegeneration). Finally, we tend to discuss how environmental factors and
      epigenetic mechanisms may interact to have an effect on MS risk and clinical
      outcome and recommend new therapeutic interventions that might modulate patients'
      epigenetic profiles.

PMID- 28093710
TI  - Role of Oligodendrocyte Dysfunction in Demyelination, Remyelination and
      Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system
      (CNS) during development and throughout adulthood. They result from a complex and
      well controlled process of activation, proliferation, migration and
      differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) from the germinative
      niches of the CNS. In multiple sclerosis (MS), the complex pathological process
      produces dysfunction and apoptosis of OLs leading to demyelination and
      neurodegeneration. This review attempts to describe the patterns of demyelination
      in MS, the steps involved in oligodendrogenesis and myelination in healthy CNS,
      the different pathways leading to OLs and myelin loss in MS, as well as
      principles involved in restoration of myelin sheaths. Environmental factors and
      their impact on OLs and pathological mechanisms of MS are also discussed.
      Finally, we will present evidence about the potential therapeutic targets in re
      myelination processes that can be accessed in order to develop regenerative
      therapies for MS.

PMID- 28093711
TI  - Clinical Neurophysiology of Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Different neurophysiological methods such as evoked potentials (EP), testing of
      the autonomic nervous system (ANS) or polysomnography have the potential to
      detect clinically silent lesions or to confirm the existence of an association
      between a clinical symptom and multiple sclerosis (MS); previously undetected by
      MRI. Therefore, in the most recent MRI criteria for the diagnosis of MS (MAGNIMS
      consensus guidelines), neurophysiological confirmation of optic nerve dysfunction
      (slowed conduction on visual EP), support dissemination in space and, in patients
      without concurrent visual symptoms, dissemination in time. In this chapter we
      will review the existing evidence regarding the role of different
      neurophysiological tests (specifically the role of EPs, autonomic nervous system
      testing and sleep testing in MS) in the diagnosis and management of MS.

PMID- 28093712
TI  - Multiple Sclerosis Epidemiology in Europe.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis is characterized by a non-homogeneous distribution around the
      world. Some authors in past described a latitude gradient, with increasing risk
      from the equator to North and South Poles, but this theory is still
      controversial. Regarding Europe, there are many articles in the literature
      concerning the epidemiology of this disease but, unfortunately, they are not
      always comparable due to different methodologies, they do not cover all countries
      in the continent, and most of them reported data of small areas and rarely at a
      national level. In 2012 there were 20 national registries that could help to
      describe the epidemiology of the disease and, in addition, there is an European
      Register for Multiple Sclerosis that collect data from already existing national
      or regional MS registries and databases. Another valid alternative to obtain
      epidemiological data, also at national level, in a routinely and cost-saving way
      is through administrative data that are of increasing interest in the last years.

PMID- 28093713
TI  - Timing of Future Remyelination Therapies and Their Potential to Stop Multiple
      Sclerosis Progression.
AB  - Prior to the onset of demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS), early
      oligodendrocyte injury, axonal degeneration and astroglial scarring occur. The
      irreversible progressive phase of MS begins when the axonal loss threshold is
      reached. Progressive disease onset has the highest impact on a poor prognosis in
      MS. Conversion to progressive disease is essentially an age-dependent process
      independent of disease duration and initial disease course. Although prevention
      of relapses has been the primary approach in the disease management, incomplete
      recovery from even the first relapse correlates with the long-term
      neurodegenerative phenotype of progressive MS onset. Therefore, the provider
      should review each patient's potential for relapse-related disability and start
      DMDs with the goal of preventing relapses. Existing immunomodulatory medications
      used to prevent MS relapses do not prevent long-term disability, which requires
      agents focused on remyelination and axonal repair. If applied immediately after a
      relapse rather than during the progressive phase of MS, remyelination-stimulating
      strategies may result in full recovery and prevention of long-term
      neurodegeneration and progressive disease course.

PMID- 28093714
TI  - Neuroplasticity-Based Technologies and Interventions for Restoring Motor
      Functions in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Motor impairments are very common in multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to a
      reduced Quality of Life and active participation. In the past decades, new
      insights into the functional reorganization processes that occur after a brain
      injury have been introduced. Specifically, the motor practice seems to be
      determinant to induce neuroplastic changes and motor recovery. More recently,
      these findings have been extended to multiple sclerosis, in particular, it has
      been hypothesized that disease progression, functional reorganization and
      disability are mutually related. For this reason, neuroplasticity-based
      technologies and interventions have been rapidly introduced in MS rehabilitation.
      Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), robotics and virtual reality training
      are new rehabilitative interventions that deliver an intensive e task-specific
      practice, which are two critical factors associated with functional improvements
      and cortical reorganization. Another promising strategy for enhancing
      neuroplastic changes is non-invasive brain stimulation that can be used with a
      priming effect on motor training. The aims of this chapter are to review the
      evidence of neuroplastic changes in multiple sclerosis and to present
      technologies and interventions that have been tested in clinical trials.

PMID- 28093715
TI  - Detection of PR-39, a porcine host defence peptide, in different cell sub-linages
      in pigs infected with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.
AB  - Innate immunity is critically important for the outcome of infection in many
      diseases. It was previously shown that cathelicidin PR-39, an important porcine
      multifunctional host defence peptide, is elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
      and respiratory tract tissue after experimental infection with Actinobacillus
      pleuropneumoniae (A.pp.). To date, neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)
      are thought to be the only source of PR-39. The aim of this study was to further
      characterize PR-39+ cells and selected immune cell populations in lung tissue
      during the peracute (7-10 hours), acute (2 days), reconvalescent (7 days) and
      chronic (21 days) stages of experimental infection with A.pp. serotype 2. In
      total, six mock-infected control pigs and 12 infected pigs were examined. Using
      immunofluorescence double-labeling, antibodies against PR-39 were combined with
      antibodies against CD3 (T-cells), CD79 (B-cells), Iba1 (activated macrophages),
      TTF-1 (lung epithelial cells expressing surfactant proteins), macrophage/L1
      protein and myeloperoxidase (MPO, cells of the myeloid linage). In the peracute
      and acute phases of infection, total PR-39+ cells and myeloid linage cells
      increased, whereas CD3+ cells and TTF-1+ cells decreased. Double labeling
      revealed that most Macrophage/L1 protein+ cells and to a lesser extent MPO+ cells
      co-expressed PR-39. In addition, few bronchial epithelial cells and type 2
      alveolar epithelial cells (both identified with TTF-1) produced PR-39.
      Occasionally, CD3+ T cells expressing PR-39 were seen in infected animals. Taken
      together, this study identifies cell types, other than PMNs, in lungs of A.pp.
      infected pigs that are capable of producing PR-39. In addition, these findings
      provide further insights into the dynamics of different immune cell populations
      during A.pp.-infection.

PMID- 28093716
TI  - Syphilitic chancre and condylomata lata possibly coexisting with neurosyphilis.

PMID- 28093717
TI  - Sixteen novel mutations in PNPLA1 in patients with autosomal recessive congenital
      ichthyosis reveal the importance of an extended patatin domain in PNPLA1 that is
      essential for proper human skin barrier function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a genetically
      heterogeneous group of rare Mendelian skin disorders characterized by
      cornification and differentiation defects of keratinocytes. Mutations in nine
      genes including PNPLA1 are known to cause nonsyndromic forms of ARCI. To date,
      only 10 distinct pathogenic mutations in PNPLA1 have been reported. OBJECTIVES:
      To identify new causative PNPLA1 mutations. METHODS: We screened genetically
      unresolved cases, including our ARCI collection, comprising more than 700
      families. Screening for mutations was performed either by direct Sanger
      sequencing or in combination with a multigene panel, followed by sequence and
      mutation analysis. RESULTS: Here we report on 16 novel mutations present in
      patients from 17 families. While all previously reported mutations and most of
      our novel mutations are located within the core patatin domain, we report five
      novel PNPLA1 mutations that are downstream of this domain. Thus, as recently
      described for PNPLA2, we hypothesize that a region larger than the core domain is
      required for full enzymatic activity of PNPLA1 in human skin barrier formation.
      CONCLUSIONS: We estimate the frequency of PNPLA1 mutations among patients with
      ARCI to be around 3%. Most of our patients were born as collodion babies and
      showed a relatively mild ichthyosis phenotype. In four unrelated patients we
      observed a cyclic scaling course, which seems to be a potential phenotypic
      variation in a small percentage of patients with PNPLA1 mutations. The
      variability of the clinical manifestations and the lack of typical clinical
      features are specific for patients with PNPLA1 mutations, and emphasize the
      importance of DNA sequencing for differential diagnosis of ARCIs.

PMID- 28093718
TI  - Ribosomal protein S3 gene silencing protects against experimental allergic
      asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3) is a 40S ribosomal protein of
      the S3P family essential for implementing protein translation. RPS3 has recently
      been found to interact with the p65 subunit of the NF-kappaB complex and promote
      p65 DNA-binding activity. Persistent activation of the NF-kappaB pathway is
      evident in allergic asthma. We hypothesized that gene silencing of lung RPS3 can
      ameliorate allergic airway inflammation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The gene
      silencing efficacy of RPS3 siRNA was screened in three different mouse cell lines
      by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Protective effects of intratracheal RPS3
      siRNA in a house dust mite (HDM) mouse asthma model were determined by measuring
      cell counts in lung lavage fluid and lung sections, lung cytokine profiles and
      airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). KEY RESULTS: RPS3 siRNA markedly knocked down
      RPS3 levels in all mouse cell lines tested, and in mouse lung tissues, blocked
      TNF-alpha- or HDM-induced release of mediators by the cultured cells and reduced
      eosinophil counts in lung lavage fluid from the HDM mouse asthma model. RPS3
      siRNA lessened HDM-induced airway mucus hypersecretion, cytokine production and
      serum IgE elevation. Moreover, RPS3 knockdown significantly suppressed
      methacholine-induced AHR in experimental asthma. RPS3 siRNA disrupted TNF-alpha
      induced NF-kappaB activation in a NF-kappaB reporter gene assay in vitro and
      prevented the nuclear accumulation of p65 subunit and p65 transcriptional
      activation in HDM-challenged lungs and cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: RPS3
      gene silencing ameliorates experimental asthma, probably by disrupting NF-kappaB
      activity. RPS3 could be a novel therapeutic target for allergic airway
      inflammation.

PMID- 28093720
TI  - Septum resection for women of reproductive age with a septate uterus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women with a septate uterus are at increased risk for subfertility,
      recurrent miscarriage, and preterm birth. Restoration of the anatomy of the
      uterus by hysteroscopic septum resection is an established intervention. This
      treatment has been assessed mainly in retrospective cohort studies, which
      suggested a positive effect on pregnancy outcomes. The major flaw in these
      studies is the before/after design, which will always favour the tested
      intervention. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether hysteroscopic septum resection in
      women of reproductive age with a septate uterus improves live birth rates and to
      assess the safety of this procedure. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane
      Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register (inception to May 2016), the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL CRSO) (inception to May
      2016), MEDLINE (1946 to May 2016), Embase (1974 to May 2016), PsycINFO (1806 to
      May 2016), and CINAHL database (1982 to May 2016). We also searched trial
      registers for ongoing and registered trials, reference lists, the Cochrane
      Library, unpublished dissertations and theses, conference abstracts, OpenGrey,
      LILACS, PubMed, and Google. SELECTION CRITERIA: We planned to include randomised
      controlled trials that assessed the effect on reproductive outcomes and the
      safety of hysteroscopic septum resection in women of reproductive age with a
      septate uterus. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: If there had been studies to
      include, two review authors would have independently selected studies, assessed
      trial risk of bias, and extracted data. They would also have contacted study
      authors for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: As in the 2011 version of this
      review, we identified no randomised controlled trials for inclusion in this
      update. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Hysteroscopic septum resection in women of
      reproductive age with a septate uterus is performed worldwide to improve
      reproductive outcomes. At present, there is no evidence to support the surgical
      procedure in these women. Randomised controlled trials are urgently needed. Two
      trials are currently underway.

PMID- 28093719
TI  - Metabolic nodal response as a prognostic marker after neoadjuvant therapy for
      oesophageal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability to predict recurrence and survival after neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy (NAC) and surgery for oesophageal cancer remains elusive. This study
      evaluated the role of [18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET-CT in assessing tumour
      and nodal response as a prognostic marker. METHODS: This was a single-centre UK
      cohort study. From 2006 to 2014, patients with oesophageal cancer staged with PET
      CT before NAC, and restaged by CT or PET-CT before resection, were included.
      Pathological tumour response was evaluated using Mandard regression grades.
      Metabolic tumour and nodal responses (mTR and mNR respectively) were quantified
      using absolute and threshold reductions. RESULTS: Among 294 included patients,
      mTR and mNR independently predicted prognosis before surgery. After surgery, mNR
      (but not mTR), pathological tumour response, resection margin status and
      pathological node category predicted prognosis. Patients with FDG-avid nodal
      disease after NAC were at high risk of recurrence/death at 1 and 2 years (43 and
      71 per cent respectively; P = 0.030 and P = 0.025 versus patients without avid
      nodes), and had a worse prognosis than patients with non-avid nodal metastases:
      hazard ratio 4.19 (95 per cent c.i. 1.87 to 9.40) and 2.11 (1.12 to 3.97)
      respectively versus patients without nodal metastases. Considering mTR and mNR
      response separately improved prognostication. CONCLUSION: mNR is a novel
      prognostic factor, independent of conventional N status. Primary and nodal
      tumours may respond discordantly and patients with FDG-avid nodes after NAC have
      a poor prognosis.

PMID- 28093721
TI  - Application of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pemphigus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is a rare and fatal autoimmune disease for which the
      treatment options are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of
      autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (APHSCT) for
      pemphigus. METHODS: We conducted APHSCT for 12 pemphigus patients (seven males
      and five females, mean age 23.8 years) with life-threatening complications or who
      responded poorly to conventional therapy. Peripheral blood stem cells were
      mobilized with cyclophosphamide, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and
      rituximab, and purified autologous CD34+ stem cells were infused. Overall
      survival rate, progression-free survival, and adverse events were recorded.
      RESULTS: With a mean follow-up period of 80.3 months, overall survival and
      complete clinical remission rates were 92% (11/12) and 75% (9/12), respectively.
      Adverse effects included pyrexia, allergy, infection, and elevation of enzymes.
      Only one patient died of severe sepsis and multiple organ failure 2 months after
      APHSCT. CONCLUSION: Overall APHSCT is a promising therapeutic option for
      pemphigus.

PMID- 28093722
TI  - Triptan use in Australia 1997-2015: A pharmacoepidemiological study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the use of triptan derivatives in Australia
      between 1997 and 2015, based on a national drug reimbursement database, and
      compared patterns of use with available international data. METHODS: We obtained
      publically available data on the number of prescriptions for triptans marketed in
      Australia (sumatriptan, eletriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan).
      Dispensed use was measured as defined daily dose (DDD per 1000 population per
      day) for Australia's concessional beneficiaries (low-income earners, people with
      disabilities, and seniors). RESULTS: Total triptan use increased at an average
      annual rate of 112% over the 18-year period. Sumatriptan was the preferred
      triptan throughout (average annual increase 45%). Zolmitriptan and naratriptan
      use peaked in 2004, then decreased. Rizatriptan and eletriptan became available
      in 2010. There were 3.2-fold and 5.9-fold annual increases in their use from 2011
      to 2105. There was some evidence suggesting that pattern of triptan use in
      concessional beneficiaries probably reflected pattern of overall triptan use in
      Australia. CONCLUSIONS: The use of triptan derivatives in Australia per head of
      population for treating migraine attacks continued to increase over the 18-year
      period studied, with use of recently introduced derivatives more than
      substituting for decreased use of older triptans. This suggests that the
      available treatments of migraine attacks had achieved what were considered less
      than adequate therapeutic outcomes.

PMID- 28093723
TI  - Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of triclosan-coated sutures for the
      prevention of surgical-site infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Triclosan-coated sutures (TCS) were developed to reduce the risk of
      surgical-site infection (SSI). Level 1A evidence of effectiveness has been
      presented in various recent meta-analyses, yet well designed RCTs have not been
      able to reproduce these favourable results. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      all available evidence critically with comprehensive analysis to seek a more
      reliable answer regarding the effectiveness of TCS in the prevention of SSI.
      METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched
      from 1990 to November 2015 for RCTs that compared TCS with sutures that were
      exactly the same, but uncoated, in the prevention of SSI. Pooled relative risks
      (RRs) with corresponding 95 per cent confidence intervals were estimated using a
      random-effects model. Metaregression was used to substantiate subgroup effects,
      trial sequential analysis was employed to assess the risk of random error, and
      quality of evidence was determined using Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
      Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. RESULTS: Twenty-one RCTs
      including 6462 patients were included. Risk of bias was serious. Pooled effects
      showed a RR of 0.72 (95 per cent c.i. 0.60 to 0.86; P < 0.001) for all
      publications. At a risk of 138 SSIs per 1000 procedures, the use of TCS reduced
      this by 39 (95 per cent c.i. 19, 55). Trial sequential analysis confirmed a RR
      reduction of 15 per cent for the use of TCS. CONCLUSION: GRADE assessment shows
      moderate-quality evidence that TCS are effective in reducing SSI. Trial
      sequential analysis indicates that the effect was robust, and additional data are
      unlikely to alter the summary effect.

PMID- 28093724
TI  - The Potential of High-Dimensional Propensity Scores in Health Services Research:
      An Exemplary Study on the Quality of Care for Elective Percutaneous Coronary
      Interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the potential of the high-dimensional propensity score
      (HDPS) to control for residual confounding in studies analyzing quality of care
      based on administrative health insurance data. DATA SOURCE: Secondary data from
      2004 to 2009 from three German statutory health insurance providers. STUDY
      DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients with elective
      percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and compared the mortality risk
      between the in- and outpatient setting using Cox regression. Adjustment for
      predefined confounders was performed using conventional propensity score (PS)
      techniques. Further, an HDPS was calculated based on predefined and empirically
      selected confounders from the database. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Conventional PS
      methods showed a decreased mortality risk for outpatient compared to inpatient
      PCIs, while trimming of patients with nonoverlap in the HDPS distribution and
      weighting resulted in a comparable risk. Most comorbidities were less prevalent
      in the HDPS-trimmed population compared to the original one. CONCLUSION: The HDPS
      methodology may reduce residual confounding by rendering the studied cohort more
      comparable through restriction. However, results cannot be generalized for the
      entire study population. To provide unbiased results, full assessment of all
      unmeasured confounders from proxy information in the database would be necessary.

PMID- 28093725
TI  - Shape and geometry control of the Drosophila tracheal tubule.
AB  - For efficient respiration, tubular airways must be constructed with an optimal
      diameter and length for the dimensions of the body. In Drosophila, the growth of
      embryonic tracheal tubules proceeds in two dimensions, by axial elongation and
      diameter expansion. The growth forces in each dimension are controlled by
      distinct genetic programs and cellular mechanisms. Recent studies reveal that the
      apical cortex and the apical extracellular matrix filling the luminal space are
      essential for the generation, balancing, and equilibrium of these growth forces.
      We here discuss the mechanical properties and architecture of the apical cortex
      and extracellular matrix, and their crucial roles in the tissue-level
      coordination of tubule shape and geometry.

PMID- 28093726
TI  - A preoperative and intraoperative scoring system to predict nodal metastasis in
      endometrial cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a scoring system that guides surgical decision-making
      regarding the need to perform lymphadenectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study was
      performed of patients who underwent complete surgical staging of endometrial
      cancer between 2003 and 2014 at three centers in Brazil. Preoperative and
      intraoperative risk factors were used to develop a scoring system to predict
      lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: Among 329 patients included, 71 (21.6%) had
      positive lymph nodes and 259 (78.4%) had negative lymph nodes. The
      characteristics associated with nodal metastasis in univariate analysis included
      the level of cancer antigen 125 (P<0.001), preoperative histological grade
      (P<0.001), endometrial thickness (P=0.012), and pathologic features including
      tumor size (P<0.001), tumor extension (P<0.001), and lower uterine segment
      involvement (P<0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, tumor grade,
      tumor extension, and lower uterine segment involvement remained significantly
      associated. The resulting scoring system showed good accuracy as demonstrated by
      an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.858 (95%
      confidence interval 0.804-0.913). CONCLUSION: A highly accurate scoring system
      for the prediction of lymph node metastasis was developed on the basis of three
      preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. After validation, this model could
      greatly aid clinicians in the surgical management of endometrial cancer.

PMID- 28093727
TI  - Gene expression boundary scaling and organ size regulation in the Drosophila
      embryo.
AB  - How the shape and size of tissues and organs is regulated during development is a
      major question in developmental biology. Such regulation relies upon both
      intrinsic cues (such as signaling networks) and extrinsic inputs (such as from
      neighboring tissues). Here, we focus on pattern formation and organ development
      during Drosophila embryogenesis. In particular, we outline the importance of both
      biochemical and mechanical tissue-tissue interactions in size regulation. We
      describe how the Drosophila embryo can potentially provide novel insights into
      how shape and size are regulated during development. We focus on gene expression
      boundary scaling in the early embryo and how size is regulated in three organs
      (hindgut, trachea, and ventral nerve cord) later in development, with particular
      focus on the role of tissue-tissue interactions. Overall, we demonstrate that
      Drosophila embryogenesis provides a suitable model system for studying spatial
      and temporal scaling and size control in vivo.

PMID- 28093728
TI  - Meta-analysis of the potential economic impact following introduction of
      absorbable antimicrobial sutures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite several randomized trials, systematic reviews and meta
      analyses that have demonstrated the effectiveness of antimicrobial (triclosan
      coated or -impregnated) sutures (TCS), the clinical and economic impact of using
      these sutures compared with conventional non-antimicrobial-coated absorbable
      sutures (NCS) remains poorly documented. METHODS: An independent systematic
      review and meta-analysis of all published evidence from January 2005 to September
      2016 comparing TCS with NCS was conducted. Surgical-site infection (SSI) was the
      primary outcome. The results of the meta-analysis were used in a decision-tree
      deterministic and stochastic cost model, using the National Health Service (NHS
      England)-based cost of inpatient admissions for infections and differential costs
      of TCS versus NCS. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies were included in the final
      assessment from an initial 163 identified citations; 20 of 34 studies were
      randomized, and 17 of 34 reported blinding of physicians and assessors. Using a
      random-effects model, the odds ratio for SSI in the TCS compared with NCS control
      groups was statistically significant (odds ratio 0.61, 95 per cent c.i. 0.52 to
      0.73; P < 0.001). There was significant heterogeneity (I2 = 49 per cent). Using
      random-effects event estimates of SSI for TCS and NCS for each individual wound
      type, the mean savings per surgical procedure from using antimicrobial sutures
      were significant: L91.25 (90 per cent c.i. 49.62 to 142.76) (?105.09 (57.15 to
      164.41); exchange rate 15 November 2016) across all wound types. CONCLUSION: The
      reviewed literature suggested that antimicrobial sutures may result in
      significant savings across various surgical wound types.

PMID- 28093729
TI  - Knowledge about, attitude toward, and practice of skin lightening products use
      and its social correlates among university students in five Association of
      Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge about,
      attitude toward, and use of skin lightening products (SLP) and its social and
      psychological correlates among university students from five Association of
      Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. METHODS: In a cross sectional survey,
      3259 undergraduate university students (Mean age = 20.5 years, SD = 1.6) from
      five ASEAN countries responded to an anonymous questionnaire. Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between
      sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, poor mental health, and
      SLP use. RESULTS: Overall, 79.1% of the students were aware that the use of SLP
      can harm the skin, and 30.1% knew the active ingredients of SLP. Most students
      had a positive perception of having a lighter skin tone and SLP. Overall, the
      prevalence of SLP use over the past 12 months was 30.7%, 16.7% of male, and 30.0%
      of female students, ranging from 13.4% in Myanmar to 69.4% in Thailand. In
      multivariate logistic regression analysis, among women, older age, coming from a
      poorer family, residing in an upper middle income country, awareness of active
      skin lightening ingredients, and poor mental health were associated with SLP,
      while among men, not aware of the negative effects of SLP and awareness of active
      skin lightening ingredients and poor mental health were associated with SLP use.
      CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of SLP use was found in a large sample of ASEAN
      university students, and several social and mental health-related risk factors
      were found that may help in guiding interventions.

PMID- 28093730
TI  - Tumor necrosis factor alpha gene promoter -238G/A polymorphism increases the risk
      of psoriasis vulgaris in Indian patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) gene -238G/A polymorphism
      (rs361525) is associated with psoriasis in several populations worldwide. To the
      best of our knowledge, there is no information about this polymorphism in Indian
      psoriatic patients. This study was undertaken to fill the gap in knowledge.
      METHODS: This case-control study involved 72 patients with psoriasis vulgaris
      (PsV) and 72 age and gender matched healthy individuals. TNFalpha -238G/A
      polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: TNFalpha -238A allele was
      5 times commoner in PsV patients than in the control group (P = 4.1 * 10-7 ; odds
      ratio [OR] = 6.5 [0.95 CI: 2.9-14.6]). Distribution of the genotypes in the two
      groups showed statistically significant difference in dominant genetic model (P =
      2.3 * 10-7 ) and not in recessive genetic model (P = 2.5 * 10-1 ). Odds ratio for
      the occurrence of -238A genotype in PsV patients was 8.8 (0.95 CI: 3.5-20.2). The
      association showed no major difference when PsV patients were subgrouped into
      type I and type II categories and tested separately. Subgroup analysis on the
      basis of disease severity showed higher association with the moderate-severe
      subgroup (P = 2.4 * 10-9 , OR 15.4 [0.95 CI: 5.8-41.0]) than with mild subgroup
      (P = 1.3 * 10-2 , OR 3.8 [0.95 CI: 1.3-10.9]). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate
      that TNFalpha gene -238G/A polymorphism increases the risk of developing
      psoriasis vulgaris among Indians. Also, the data show that severity and not the
      type affects the strength of association in this population.

PMID- 28093731
TI  - Sexual activity among Nigerian women following successful obstetric fistula
      repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate post-operative sexual activity among women who have
      undergone obstetric fistula repair. METHODS: The present descriptive cross
      sectional study recruited married women who had undergone successful obstetric
      fistula repair who were attending reunion activities at Bingham University
      Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria, between March 13 and March 15, 2014.
      Participants were interviewed regarding penetrative vaginal intercourse after
      surgery, and any changes in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, sexual satisfaction,
      and the presence of coital pain compared with before they experienced obstetric
      fistula. RESULTS: There were 102 patients who participated in interviews; 23
      (22.5%) reported not being able to engage in penetrative vaginal intercourse and
      12 (52%) of these patients ascribed this to a "tight" or "narrow" vagina.
      Compared with the pre-fistula period, 63 (61.7%) patients reported reduced sexual
      desire, 57 (55.9%) reported lack of or inadequate lubrication during intercourse,
      12 (11.8%) reported anorgasmia, and 60 (58.8%) reported reduced attainment of
      orgasm. Dyspareunia was reported by 48 (47.1%) patients; 43 (90%) experienced
      superficial or deep dyspareunia, and 5 (10%) experienced both. A lack of and
      lower sexual satisfaction were reported by 20 (19.6%) and 40 (39.2%) patients,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Following obstetric fistula repair, many women
      experienced difficulty engaging in penetrative vaginal intercourse and reported
      sexual dysfunction. Management of sexual dysfunction should be part of fistula
      rehabilitation programs.

PMID- 28093733
TI  - ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire: responsive to change or room for change?

PMID- 28093732
TI  - Long-term hormone therapy for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hormone therapy (HT) is widely provided for control of menopausal
      symptoms and has been used for the management and prevention of cardiovascular
      disease, osteoporosis and dementia in older women. This is an updated version of
      a Cochrane review first published in 2005.OBJECTIVES: To assess effects of long
      term HT (at least 1 year's duration) on mortality, cardiovascular outcomes,
      cancer, gallbladder disease, fracture and cognition in perimenopausal and
      postmenopausal women during and after cessation of treatment.SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the following databases to September 2016: Cochrane Gynaecology and
      Fertility Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO. We searched the registers of ongoing
      trials and reference lists provided in previous studies and systematic
      reviews.SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised double-blinded studies of HT
      versus placebo, taken for at least 1 year by perimenopausal or postmenopausal
      women. HT included oestrogens, with or without progestogens, via the oral,
      transdermal, subcutaneous or intranasal route.DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      review authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and
      extracted data. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data and mean
      differences (MDs) for continuous data, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
      We assessed the quality of the evidence by using GRADE methods.MAIN RESULTS: We
      included 22 studies involving 43,637 women. We derived nearly 70% of the data
      from two well-conducted studies (HERS 1998; WHI 1998). Most participants were
      postmenopausal American women with at least some degree of comorbidity, and mean
      participant age in most studies was over 60 years. None of the studies focused on
      perimenopausal women.In relatively healthy postmenopausal women (i.e. generally
      fit, without overt disease), combined continuous HT increased the risk of a
      coronary event (after 1 year's use: from 2 per 1000 to between 3 and 7 per 1000),
      venous thromboembolism (after 1 year's use: from 2 per 1000 to between 4 and 11
      per 1000), stroke (after 3 years' use: from 6 per 1000 to between 6 and 12 per
      1000), breast cancer (after 5.6 years' use: from 19 per 1000 to between 20 and 30
      per 1000), gallbladder disease (after 5.6 years' use: from 27 per 1000 to between
      38 and 60 per 1000) and death from lung cancer (after 5.6 years' use plus 2.4
      years' additional follow-up: from 5 per 1000 to between 6 and 13 per
      1000).Oestrogen-only HT increased the risk of venous thromboembolism (after 1 to
      2 years' use: from 2 per 1000 to 2 to 10 per 1000; after 7 years' use: from 16
      per 1000 to 16 to 28 per 1000), stroke (after 7 years' use: from 24 per 1000 to
      between 25 and 40 per 1000) and gallbladder disease (after 7 years' use: from 27
      per 1000 to between 38 and 60 per 1000) but reduced the risk of breast cancer
      (after 7 years' use: from 25 per 1000 to between 15 and 25 per 1000) and clinical
      fracture (after 7 years' use: from 141 per 1000 to between 92 and 113 per 1000)
      and did not increase the risk of coronary events at any follow-up time.Women over
      65 years of age who were relatively healthy and taking continuous combined HT
      showed an increase in the incidence of dementia (after 4 years' use: from 9 per
      1000 to 11 to 30 per 1000). Among women with cardiovascular disease, use of
      combined continuous HT significantly increased the risk of venous thromboembolism
      (at 1 year's use: from 3 per 1000 to between 3 and 29 per 1000). Women taking HT
      had a significantly decreased incidence of fracture with long-term use.Risk of
      fracture was the only outcome for which strong evidence showed clinical benefit
      derived from HT (after 5.6 years' use of combined HT: from 111 per 1000 to
      between 79 and 96 per 1000; after 7.1 years' use of oestrogen-only HT: from 141
      per 1000 to between 92 and 113 per 1000). Researchers found no strong evidence
      that HT has a clinically meaningful impact on the incidence of colorectal
      cancer.One trial analysed subgroups of 2839 relatively healthy women 50 to 59
      years of age who were taking combined continuous HT and 1637 who were taking
      oestrogen-only HT versus similar-sized placebo groups. The only significantly
      increased risk reported was for venous thromboembolism in women taking combined
      continuous HT: Their absolute risk remained low, at less than 1/500. However,
      other differences in risk cannot be excluded, as this study was not designed to
      have the power to detect differences between groups of women within 10 years of
      menopause.For most studies, risk of bias was low in most domains. The overall
      quality of evidence for the main comparisons was moderate. The main limitation in
      the quality of evidence was that only about 30% of women were 50 to 59 years old
      at baseline, which is the age at which women are most likely to consider HT for
      vasomotor symptoms.AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Women with intolerable menopausal
      symptoms may wish to weigh the benefits of symptom relief against the small
      absolute risk of harm arising from short-term use of low-dose HT, provided they
      do not have specific contraindications. HT may be unsuitable for some women,
      including those at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, increased risk of
      thromboembolic disease (such as those with obesity or a history of venous
      thrombosis) or increased risk of some types of cancer (such as breast cancer, in
      women with a uterus). The risk of endometrial cancer among women with a uterus
      taking oestrogen-only HT is well documented.HT is not indicated for primary or
      secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia, nor for prevention of
      deterioration of cognitive function in postmenopausal women. Although HT is
      considered effective for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, it is
      generally recommended as an option only for women at significant risk for whom
      non-oestrogen therapies are unsuitable. Data are insufficient for assessment of
      the risk of long-term HT use in perimenopausal women and in postmenopausal women
      younger than 50 years of age.

PMID- 28093734
TI  - YAP is essential for 3D organogenesis withstanding gravity.
AB  - Cells of our body are constantly exposed to physical forces such as tissue
      tension. In recent years, it has been shown that such mechanical signals greatly
      influence a number of cellular processes, including proliferation,
      differentiation, and migration. Conversely, cells maintain the mechanical
      properties of tissues by remodeling their own extracellular environment. To date,
      however, it is unclear about the molecular mechanisms to maintain the mechanical
      environment ("mechano-homeostasis") in which extracellular mechanical cues are
      integrated with cell proliferation and differentiation to ensure tissue, organ
      and body form. In this review, we outline the molecular basis of
      mechanotransduction, and overview some useful techniques for measuring cellular
      tension. In the latter part, we describe our recent finding that a
      transcriptional cofactor YAP plays a crucial role in three-dimensional organ
      formation and its maintenance by controlling tissue tension, and functions as a
      key molecule governing mechano-homeostasis.

PMID- 28093736
TI  - Inadvertent carotid catheterisation.

PMID- 28093737
TI  - Forcing functions and their consequences - a reply.

PMID- 28093735
TI  - Challenges faced by older nurses in Singapore: a mixed methods study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Singapore, employees aged 62-65 can continue to be employed if
      they meet the re-employment eligibility criteria. This policy, coupled with an
      ageing workforce, calls for age-friendly initiatives, specific to work-related
      challenges faced by older nurses. AIM: To determine work-related challenges faced
      by older nurses. METHODS: A mixed method sequential explanatory study was
      conducted with nurses, aged 50 and above, working in a healthcare cluster in
      Singapore. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was administered to 534
      nurses to elicit work-related challenges, then in-depth interviews with 30 nurses
      were carried out to help explain why certain tasks and work circumstances became
      harder. RESULTS: Results of the survey indicated that the top three challenges
      were coping with changes, working with computers and reading labels. Place of
      work, salary range, gender and race were significantly associated with different
      work-related challenges. Five themes emerged from the qualitative data: physical
      demands of work and workload, new technology, need for further education, working
      with younger nurses and in intercultural teams, and changing public expectations
      and professional image. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The study supports the current
      literature on the challenges older nurses face with technological advancement.
      However, older nurses in our study reported less aches and pain as compared to
      that reported elsewhere. There is a need for specific strategies that will
      address changes in work processes and environment in order to retain older
      nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND NURSING POLICY: When devising age-friendly
      work improvement initiatives, it is important for nurse leaders to factor in the
      needs of nurses working in different care environments, who are of different
      ranks, or are from different ethnic backgrounds.

PMID- 28093738
TI  - Bootstrapping and resampling.

PMID- 28093739
TI  - Presumed air entrainment through the gastric port of a paediatric i-gel device.

PMID- 28093740
TI  - Barriers to challenging senior anaesthetists' decisions.

PMID- 28093741
TI  - Ultrasound evaluation of cricoid pressure vs. 'paralaryngeal pressure' - a reply.

PMID- 28093742
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 28093743
TI  - Epidural securement device failure.

PMID- 28093744
TI  - A method of recording electronic anaesthetic monitor data for research.

PMID- 28093745
TI  - Epidural pump malfunction - manufacturer's reply.

PMID- 28093746
TI  - Presumed air entrainment through the gastric port of a paediatric i-gel(r) device
      - manufacturer's reply.

PMID- 28093747
TI  - Ultrasound evaluation of cricoid pressure vs. 'paralaryngeal pressure'.

PMID- 28093748
TI  - Epidural pump malfunction.

PMID- 28093749
TI  - Forcing functions and their consequences.

PMID- 28093750
TI  - What is a Jungian analyst dreaming when myth comes to mind? Thirdness as an
      aspect of the anima media natura.
AB  - Listening analytically is not listening just to what is said but listening to
      what is just below the surface waiting to be said. This paper looks at Jung's
      insight into a 'third thing' being created intra-psychically and within the
      analytic encounter. Ogden's concept of an 'analytic third' is used to describe
      the clinical aspects of this thirdness. This paper explores: how the state of
      thirdness is created and accessed through use of reverie and associative
      dreaming; how the material emerging from it is used in a from or about manner;
      and the eventual fate of the third in a successful analysis by a reexamination of
      plates four and ten of the Rosarium. The focus is particularly on the awareness
      and possible meanings of mythological motifs appearing in the mind of the analyst
      while in session. Thirdness can be viewed as the interpersonal aspect of the
      anima media natura and functions in a way that informs us of permeability in and
      between individuals, while the operation of the anima mundi means that there is
      always an inseparability of the individual with the world.

PMID- 28093751
TI  - The emergence of the ecological mind in Hua-Yen/Kegon Buddhism and Jungian
      psychology.
AB  - The complexity associated with deep interconnectedness in nature is beginning to
      be articulated and elaborated in the field of ecological studies. While some
      parallels to the psyche have been made and the field of Eco-psychology has been
      developing, Jung's explicit contribution by way of the image of rhizomes has not
      been considered in detail. Philosopher Gilles Deleuze acknowledges borrowing the
      term from Jung, though he disagreed with Jung's Empedoclean use of the term. The
      paper presents some fundamental properties of rhizomes along with contemporary
      scientific research on mycorrhizal (fungal) networks. Comparisons are made, first
      with classical symbolic forms, demonstrating some overlap but also some
      differences. Then comparison of rhizomal networks is made to those found both in
      mammalian brains and in recent images of the 'cosmic web'. While no hard
      conclusions can be drawn from these images, their remarkable similarities are
      suggestive of a need to reconsider what is meant by 'intelligence'. The cosmic
      web is one of the largest structures in the known universe (clusters of galaxies
      which form into filaments and walls) with empty spaces in between. Exploration of
      the structure of this web leads to a discussion of dark matter and dark energy,
      current hot topics in science, probing into the mysteries of our 'Big-Bang'
      cosmology. An additional comparison of the emerging image of the universe as a
      whole with the ancient Chinese Buddhist cosmological vision from the Hua-Yen
      School (Kegon in Japan) again reveals profound parallels. The potential
      convergence of aspects of subjective, or meditative, explorations with objective
      scientific constructions is striking and offers links between East and West, as
      well as potential confirmation of the objective aspects of empathy.

PMID- 28093754
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28093753
TI  - A lemma science of mind: the potential of the Kegon (Flower Ornament) Sutra.
AB  - The paper argues for a new perspective on the relationship between Buddhism and
      European psychology, or sciences of the mind, based in the Kegon Sutra, a text
      that emerged in the early stages of Mahayana Buddhism (3rd - 5th century CE). The
      basis of European science is logos intellection, formalized by Aristotle as
      following three laws: the law of identity, the law of contradiction and the law
      of the excluded middle. Logic in the Buddhist tradition, by contrast, is based in
      lemma (meaning to understand as a whole not with language, but with intuition).
      Lemma-based science born in the Buddhist tradition shows that rational perception
      is possible even without the three laws of logos. The Kegon Sutra, which explains
      what Buddha preached only a week after he attained enlightenment, is unified
      under the logic of lemma and can be seen as an effort to create a 'lemma science
      of the mind'. The fundamental teaching of the Kegon Sutra is explored, and its
      principles are compared with primary process thinking and the unconscious as
      outlined by Freud and Jung. Jung's research of Eastern texts led him to create a
      science of the mind that went further than Freud: his concept of synchronicity is
      given by way of example and can be seen anew within the idea of a lemma-based
      science.

PMID- 28093755
TI  - XIV International Conference : Dissociation: Trauma and the Self The Roosevelt
      Hotel, New York, 20th - 23rd April 2017.

PMID- 28093756
TI  - Mottainai: a Japanese sense of anima mundi.
AB  - The Japanese expression 'Mottainai!' can be translated as 'What a waste!' or
      'Don't be wasteful!' However, mottainai means much more than that. It expresses a
      sense of concern or regret for whatever is wasted because its intrinsic value is
      not properly utilized. Buddhism and Japan's indigenous religion, Shinto, are
      integral to the Japanese psyche, accordingly the other-than-human world is also
      experienced and lived in daily life. In the Japanese worldview everything in
      nature is endowed with spirit, every individual existence is dependent on others
      and all are connected in an ever-changing world. Mottainai offers a glimpse of
      the anima mundi inherent in this worldview. This contrasts with our
      anthropocentric Zeitgeist, which manifests outwardly as environmental crisis and
      inwardly as fixation upon social interactions, especially through communication
      technologies, to the exclusion of all else. Jung's statement, 'The decisive
      question for man is: Is he related to something infinite or not? That is the
      telling question of his life', has never been more pertinent. Encounters beyond
      the human world could be understood as touching this 'something infinite', and
      the apparent benefits of such experiences in the analytical process are
      illustrated with clinical vignettes from the author's practice.

PMID- 28093757
TI  - The Journal of Analytical Psychology Special issue: call for papers.

PMID- 28093758
TI  - From Freudian narcissism to the Buddhist notion of anatman, via Jung's idea of
      identity.
AB  - Starting from the question the youthful Carl Gustav pondered as he sat on 'his'
      stone - 'Am I he who sits on the stone, or am I the stone on which he sits?' -
      the author has attempted to show that, for Jung, the idea of identity is founded
      on a wilful non-determination. This stance results in ethical and methodological
      repercussions that differentiate it both from the Freudian project and from Hindu
      and Buddhist thought, while at the same time having much in common with them. The
      paper refers to the notions of emergence and (Varela et al. 1992) enaction and
      argues that the concept of the archetype, especially in relation to the self,
      merits a re-evaluation in light of the new scientific paradigm.

PMID- 28093759
TI  - Supervising away from home: clinical, cultural and professional challenges.
AB  - This paper explores some challenges of supervising clinical work of trainees,
      known as 'routers', who live in countries with diverse cultural, social and
      political traditions, and the analysts who travel to supervise them. It is
      written as an evolving dialogue between the authors, who explore together the
      effects of their own culture of origin, and in particular the legacy and values
      of their own training institutes on the styles and models of analytic
      supervision. Their dialogue is framed around the meaning of home and experiences
      of homesickness for analysts working away from home in an interactive field of
      strangeness in countries where analytical psychology is a relatively new
      discipline. The authors outline the findings from their own qualitative survey,
      where other supervisors working abroad, and those they have supervised, describe
      their experiences and their encounters with difference. The dialogue ends with
      both authors discussing what they have learned about teaching and supervising
      abroad, the implications for more flexible use of Jungian concepts, and how such
      visits have changed their clinical practice in their home countries.

PMID- 28093761
TI  - Soul in the world: symbolic culture as the medium for psyche.
AB  - Whilst the loss of a sense of living connection with the material world is mainly
      associated with the scientific revolution in seventeenth century Europe, it can
      be traced back to Plato's introduction of a hierarchy between soul and body.
      Jung's attempted solution to this - esse in anima - is ingenious but maintains
      the Cartesian split by which the aliveness of the world is reduced to a
      projection of psychic forces (the archetypes). An alternative approach is
      proposed, rooted in the Aristotelean emphasis on practical activity that sees the
      soul as a function of our way of being in the world. Human cognition is extended
      and distributed by our social and material engagement with the world, especially
      via collective representations whose symbolic character is constitutive of the
      reality of the world in which we live. Despite the dominance of 'scientific
      Cartesian' representations in the modern Western world, there remain numerous
      instances of participation mystique that cannot be captured by the Cartesian
      notion of projection. These indicate an opening to ways of being in the world
      that may lead us out of the impasse of the Cartesian matrix.

PMID- 28093762
TI  - Floating worlds and their phantoms in the aftermath of social catastrophes.
AB  - In this paper the author describes certain kinds of images (phantoms) that appear
      in the aftermath of social catastrophes. These phantoms come with an underlying
      narrative structure, which the author describes as phantom narratives. Phantom
      narratives show how the unconscious, working at the group and individual levels,
      provides political and social contexts within which the individual may find a
      different kind of containment for these catastrophes. In this way their suffering
      may be potentially processed psychologically and related to symbolically.

PMID- 28093763
TI  - Where East meets West: in the house of individuation.
AB  - The psychological process of individuation as experienced in Jungian work may
      lead to states of consciousness that resemble advanced spiritual developments
      across religious traditions and cultures. This is where Westerners may reach a
      common ground with the East. In the essentials and with respect to the final goal
      there is little difference among the many ways to the self, even if the cultural
      features in the landscape are disparate. In late stage Jungian analysis and
      individuation and in what Erich Neumann calls 'centroversion', the personal and
      the impersonal aspects of the personality accumulate around the ego-self axis to
      form a composite identity. In this complex structure the ego does not vanish but
      is joined to the impersonal archetypal levels of the psyche and identity thus
      becomes at once individual and archetypal. This is the third stage of conjunction
      as described by Jung in Mysterium Coniunctionis and it is identical to the type
      of consciousness depicted in the final scenes of Zen Buddhism's Ten Ox-Herding
      Pictures.

PMID- 28093765
TI  - Does an aggressor's target choice matter? Assessing change in the social network
      prestige of aggressive youth.
AB  - Based on a social dominance approach, aggression is conceptualized as a strategy
      used to gain position, power, and influence within the peer network. However,
      aggression may only be beneficial when targeted against particular peers; both
      victims' social standing and the number of victims targeted may impact
      aggressors' social standing. The current study examined associations between
      aggressors' targeting tendencies (victims' social standing and number of victims)
      and aggressors' own social standing, both concurrently and over time. Analyses
      were conducted using three analytic samples of seventh and eighth grade
      aggressors (Ns ranged from 161 to 383, 49% girls; 50% Latina/o). Participants
      nominated their friends; nominations were used to calculate social network
      prestige. Peer nominations were used to identify aggressors and their victim(s).
      For each aggressor, number of victims and victims' social network prestige were
      assessed. Aggressors with more victims and with highly prestigious victims had
      higher social network prestige themselves, and they increased more in prestige
      over time than aggressors with fewer victims and less prestigious victims (though
      there were some differences across analytic samples). Findings have implications
      for the need to extend the social dominance approach to better address the links
      between aggressors and victims. Aggr. Behav. 43:364-374, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28093764
TI  - Pre-ischaemic mitochondrial substrate constraint by inhibition of malate
      aspartate shuttle preserves mitochondrial function after ischaemia-reperfusion.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Pre-ischaemic administration of aminooxiacetate (AOA), an inhibitor
      of the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS), provides cardioprotection against
      ischaemia-reperfusion injury. The underlying mechanism remains unknown. We
      examined whether transient inhibition of the MAS during ischaemia and early
      reperfusion by AOA treatment could prevent mitochondrial damage at later
      reperfusion. The AOA treatment preserved mitochondrial respiratory capacity with
      reduced mitochondrial oxidative stress during late reperfusion to the same extent
      as ischaemic preconditioning (IPC). However, AOA treatment, but not IPC, reduced
      the myocardial interstitial concentration of tricarboxylic acid cycle
      intermediates at the onset of reperfusion. The results obtained in the present
      study demonstrate that metabolic regulation by inhibition of the MAS at the onset
      of reperfusion may be beneficial for the preservation of mitochondrial function
      during late reperfusion in an IR-injured heart. ABSTRACT: Mitochondrial
      dysfunction plays a central role in ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Pre
      ischaemic administration of aminooxyacetate (AOA), an inhibitor of the malate
      aspartate shuttle (MAS), provides cardioprotection against IR injury, although
      the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We hypothesized that a transient
      inhibition of the MAS during ischaemia and early reperfusion could preserve
      mitochondrial function at later phase of reperfusion in the IR-injured heart to
      the same extent as ischaemic preconditioning (IPC), which is a well-validated
      cardioprotective strategy against IR injury. In the present study, we show that
      pre-ischaemic administration of AOA preserved mitochondrial complex I-linked
      state 3 respiration and fatty acid oxidation during late reperfusion in IR
      injured isolated rat hearts. AOA treatment also attenuated the excessive emission
      of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species during state 3 with complex I-linked
      substrates during late reperfusion, which was consistent with reduced oxidative
      damage in the IR-injured heart. As a result, AOA treatment reduced infarct size
      after reperfusion. These protective effects of MAS inhibition on the mitochondria
      were similar to those of IPC. Intriguingly, the protection of mitochondrial
      function by AOA treatment appears to be different from that of IPC because AOA
      treatment, but not IPC, downregulated myocardial tricarboxilic acid (TCA)-cycle
      intermediates at the onset of reperfusion. MAS inhibition thus preserved
      mitochondrial respiratory capacity and decreased mitochondrial oxidative stress
      during late reperfusion in the IR-injured heart, at least in part, via metabolic
      regulation of TCA cycle intermediates in the mitochondria at the onset of
      reperfusion.

PMID- 28093766
TI  - Psychometric Evaluation of the Sex After Myocardial Infarction Knowledge Test in
      Iranian Context.
AB  - PURPOSE: To translate, adapt, and assess the psychometric properties of the Sex
      After MI Knowledge Test in Iranian context (where MI is myocardial infarction).
      DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed. The
      sample comprised 250 patients with MI. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied
      to extract three indicators. FINDINGS: The Sex After MI Knowledge Test indicated
      good reproducibility (Cronbach's alpha = .76, Intraclass correlation (ICC) =
      0.729, CI = 0.7280-0.781, p < .001 ICC: Intraclass correlation). Nonnormed and
      normed fit indices (FI) were 0.89, and incremental and comparative FIs were 0.90.
      Goodness-of-fit index (GFI) and adjusted GFI were below the criteria. After a
      varimax rotation, the first six items of the instrument explained 58.71% of total
      variance. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The instrument showed acceptable psychometric
      properties in terms of construct validity and internal consistency. The
      instrument might be used to stimulate conversations patients with MI regarding
      sexual knowledge and concerns.

PMID- 28093767
TI  - Progress in modification of sunflower oil to expand its industrial value.
AB  - Increasing the sunflower seed oil content as well as improving its quality makes
      it compatible for industrial demands. This is an important breeding objective of
      sunflower which increases its market value and ensures high returns for the
      producers. The present review focuses on determining the progress of improving
      sunflower seed oil content and modifying its quality by empirical and advanced
      molecular breeding methods. It is known that the sunflower oil content and
      quality have been altered through empirical selection methods and mutation
      breeding programmes in various parts of the world. Further improvement in seed
      oil content and its components (such as phytosterols, tocopherols and modified
      fatty acid profile) has been slowed down due to low genetic variation in elite
      germplasm and complex of hereditary traits. Introgression from wild species can
      be carried out to modify the fatty acids profile and tocopherol contents with
      linkage drags. Different transgenes introduced through biotechnological methods
      may produce novel long-chain fatty acids within sunflower oil. Bio-engineering of
      sunflower oil could allow it to be used in diverse industrial products such as
      bio-diesel or bio-plastics. These results showed that past and current trends of
      modifying sunflower oil quality are essential for its further expansion as an
      oilseed crop. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28093768
TI  - Short-term and long-term follow-up of pulmonary function in patients with COPD
      after total laryngectomy: A prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There exists no standardized method for examining lung function in
      laryngectomized patients. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We established a base plate
      adapter (BPA) system for patients after laryngectomy. In 10 patients with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we evaluated pulmonary function before
      laryngectomy, as well as 2 weeks and 3 months after laryngectomy. RESULTS: The
      BPA system was well tolerated and delivered reliable results comparable to
      measurements with a mouthpiece. The parameters forced expiratory volume in one
      second (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), and mean forced expiratory flow
      between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (MFEF25-75 ) changed in the early
      postoperative examinations (2 weeks postoperative), whereas MFEF25-75 , FEF75 ,
      peak expiratory flow (PEF), and peak inspiratory flow (PIF)) showed differences
      from baseline in long-term follow-up (3 months postoperative). CONCLUSION: We
      provide a practicable method of lung function testing in laryngectomized patients
      with COPD that is essential to tailor inhalation therapy despite tracheotomy.
      Lung function measurements of laryngectomized patients with COPD should be
      performed under stable clinical conditions a few weeks after surgery. Guidelines
      of COPD might be complemented considering the subgroup of laryngectomized
      patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:2045-2049, 2017.

PMID- 28093769
TI  - Low migratory connectivity is common in long-distance migrant birds.
AB  - Estimating how much long-distance migrant populations spread out and mix during
      the non-breeding season (migratory connectivity) is essential for understanding
      and predicting population dynamics in the face of global change. We quantify
      variation in population spread and inter-population mixing in long-distance,
      terrestrial migrant land-bird populations (712 individuals from 98 populations of
      45 species, from tagging studies in the Neotropic and Afro-Palearctic flyways).
      We evaluate the Mantel test as a metric of migratory connectivity, and explore
      the extent to which variance in population spread can be explained simply by
      geography. The mean distance between two individuals from the same population
      during the non-breeding season was 743 km, covering 10-20% of the maximum width
      of Africa/South America. Individuals from different breeding populations tended
      to mix during the non-breeding season, although spatial segregation was
      maintained in species with relatively large non-breeding ranges (and, to a lesser
      extent, those with low population-level spread). A substantial amount of between
      population variation in population spread was predicted simply by geography, with
      populations using non-breeding zones with limited land availability (e.g. Central
      America compared to South America) showing lower population spread. The high
      levels of population spread suggest that deterministic migration tactics are not
      generally adaptive; this makes sense in the context of the recent evolution of
      the systems, and the spatial and temporal unpredictability of non-breeding
      habitat. The conservation implications of generally low connectivity are that the
      loss (or protection) of any non-breeding site will have a diffuse but widespread
      effect on many breeding populations. Although low connectivity should engender
      population resilience to shifts in habitat (e.g. due to climate change), we
      suggest it may increase susceptibility to habitat loss. We hypothesize that,
      because a migrant species cannot adapt to both simultaneously, migrants generally
      may be more susceptible to population declines in the face of concurrent
      anthropogenic habitat and climate change.

PMID- 28093770
TI  - Mortality event involving larvae of the carpet shell clam Ruditapes decussatus in
      a hatchery: isolation of the pathogen Vibrio tubiashii subsp. europaeus.
AB  - Diseases caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Vibrio are a common, as yet
      unresolved, cause of mortality in shellfish hatcheries. In this study, we report
      the results of routine microbiological monitoring of larval cultures of the
      carpet shell clam Ruditapes decussatus in a hatchery in Galicia (NW Spain).
      Previous episodes of mortality with signs similar to those of vibriosis affecting
      other species in the installation indicated the possibility of bacterial
      infection and led to division of the culture at the early D-veliger larval stage.
      One batch was cultured under routine conditions, and the other was experimentally
      treated with antibiotic (chloramphenicol). Differences in larval survival were
      assessed, and culturable bacterial population in clams and sea water was
      evaluated, with particular attention given to vibrios. Severe mortalities were
      recorded from the first stages of culture onwards. The pathogen Vibrio tubiashii
      subsp. europaeus was detected in both batches, mainly associated with larvae.
      Moreover, initial detection of the pathogen in the eggs suggested the vertical
      transmission from broodstock as a possible source. Experimental use of antibiotic
      reduced the presence and diversity of vibrios in sea water, but proved
      inefficient in controlling vibrios associated with larvae from early stages and
      it did not stop mortalities.

PMID- 28093771
TI  - Improving prospective memory performance with future event simulation in
      traumatic brain injury patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients
      have difficulties with prospective memory (PM). Considering that PM is closely
      linked to independent living it is of primary interest to develop strategies that
      can improve PM performance in TBI patients. METHOD: This study employed Virtual
      Week task as a measure of PM, and we included future event simulation to boost PM
      performance. Study 1 evaluated the efficacy of the strategy and investigated
      possible practice effects. Twenty-four healthy participants performed Virtual
      Week in a no strategy condition, and 24 healthy participants performed it in a
      mixed condition (no strategy - future event simulation). In Study 2, 18 TBI
      patients completed the mixed condition of Virtual Week and were compared with the
      24 healthy controls who undertook the mixed condition of Virtual Week in Study 1.
      All participants also completed a neuropsychological evaluation to characterize
      the groups on level of cognitive functioning. RESULTS: Study 1 showed that
      participants in the future event simulation condition outperformed participants
      in the no strategy condition, and these results were not attributable to practice
      effects. Results of Study 2 showed that TBI patients performed PM tasks less
      accurately than controls, but that future event simulation can substantially
      reduce TBI-related deficits in PM performance. The future event simulation
      strategy also improved the controls' PM performance. CONCLUSIONS: These studies
      showed the value of future event simulation strategy in improving PM performance
      in healthy participants as well as in TBI patients. PRACTITIONER POINTS: TBI
      patients performed PM tasks less accurately than controls, confirming prospective
      memory impairment in these patients. Participants in the future event simulation
      condition out-performed participants in the no strategy condition. Future event
      simulation can substantially reduce TBI-related deficits in PM performance.
      Future event simulation strategy also improved the controls' PM performance.

PMID- 28093772
TI  - The Reciprocity of Prosocial Behavior and Positive Affect in Daily Life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine whether prosocial behaviors help sustain a positive mood,
      we tested the dynamic reciprocal associations between prosocial behavior and
      positive affect (PA) in daily life. A second aim was to examine whether the
      personality traits Neuroticism and Extraversion moderate these associations.
      METHOD: The study included a community sample (N = 553). Participants completed
      an electronic diary assessing prosocial behavior and PA three times a day over 30
      days. A subsample of 322 participants filled out the NEO Five-Factor Inventory to
      assess Neuroticism and Extraversion. Multilevel autoregressive models were
      performed to examine the within-person bidirectional associations between
      prosocial behavior and PA and possible moderation by Neuroticism and
      Extraversion. RESULTS: Within individuals, more PA was followed by more prosocial
      behavior at the next assessment, and more prosocial behavior was followed by more
      PA. The effect of prosocial behavior on PA was stronger for individuals high on
      Neuroticism. Extraversion did not moderate the associations under study.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that prosocial behavior and PA reinforce each
      other in daily life. Prosocial behavior seems most beneficial for individuals
      high on Neuroticism.

PMID- 28093773
TI  - Establishment of a cell line for assessing drugs as canine P-glycoprotein
      substrates: proof of principle.
AB  - P-glycoprotein (P-gp), encoded by the ABCB1 (MDR1) gene, dramatically impacts
      drug disposition. P-gp is expressed in the intestines, biliary canaliculi, renal
      tubules, and brain capillaries where it functions to efflux substrate drugs. In
      this capacity, P-gp restricts oral absorption, enhances biliary and renal
      excretion, and inhibits central nervous system entry of substrate drugs. Many
      drugs commonly used in veterinary medicine are known substrates for canine P-gp
      (vincristine, loperamide, ivermectin, others). Because these drugs have a narrow
      therapeutic index, defective P-gp function can cause serious adverse drug
      reactions due to enhanced brain penetration and/or decreased clearance. P-gp
      dysfunction in dogs can be intrinsic (dogs harboring ABCB1-1Delta) or acquired
      (drug interactions between a P-gp inhibitor and P-gp substrate). New human drug
      candidates are required to undergo assessment for P-gp interactions according to
      FDA and EMA regulations to avoid adverse drug reactions and drug-drug
      interactions. Similar information regarding canine P-gp could prevent adverse
      drug reactions in dogs. Because differences in P-gp substrates have been
      documented between species, one should not presume that human or murine P-gp
      substrates are necessarily canine P-gp substrates. Thus, our goal was to develop
      a cell line for assessing drugs as canine P-gp substrates.

PMID- 28093774
TI  - Comparative pharmacokinetics of diaveridine in pigs and chickens following single
      intravenous and oral administration.
AB  - Comparative pharmacokinetic profiles of diaveridine following single intravenous
      and oral dose of 10 mg/kg body weight in healthy pigs and chickens were
      investigated, respectively. Concentrations of diaveridine in plasma samples were
      determined using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet
      (HPLC-UV) method. The concentration-time data were subjected to noncompartmental
      kinetic analysis by WinNonlin program. The corresponding pharmacokinetic
      parameters in pigs or chickens after single intravenous administration were as
      follows, respectively: t1/2beta (elimination half-life) 0.74 +/- 0.28 and 3.44 +/
      1.07 h; Vd (apparent volume of distribution) 2.70 +/- 0.99 and 3.86 +/- 0.92
      L/kg; ClB (body clearance) 2.59 +/- 0.62 and 0.80 +/- 0.14 L/h/kg; and AUC0
      infinity (area under the blood concentration vs. time curve) 4.11 +/- 1.13 and
      12.87 +/- 2.60 MUg?h/mL. The corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters in pigs or
      chickens after oral administration were as follows, respectively: t1/2beta 1.78
      +/- 0.41 and 2.91 +/- 0.57 h; Cmax (maximum concentration) 0.43 +/- 0.24 and 1.45
      +/- 0.57 MUg/mL; Tmax (time to reach Cmax ) 1.04 +/- 0.67 and 3.25 +/- 0.71 h;
      and AUC0-infinity 1.33 +/- 0.55 and 9.28 +/- 2.69 MUg?h/mL. The oral
      bioavailability (F) of diaveridine in pigs or chickens was determined to be 34.6%
      and 72.2%, respectively. There were significant differences between the
      pharmacokinetics profiles in these two species.

PMID- 28093775
TI  - How does temperature influences the development of lactococcosis? Transcriptomic
      and immunoproteomic in vitro approaches.
AB  - Lactococcus garvieae is the aetiological agent of lactococcosis, a haemorrhagic
      septicaemia that affects marine and freshwater fish, with special incidence and
      economic relevance in farmed rainbow trout. Water temperature is one of the most
      important predisposing factors in the development of lactococcosis outbreaks.
      Lactococcosis in trout usually occur when water temperatures rise to about 18 
      degrees C, while fish carriers remain asymptomatic at temperatures below 13 
      degrees C. The aim of this work was to analyse the differences in the complete
      transcriptome response of L. garvieae grown at 18  degrees C and at 13  degrees C
      and to identify the immunogenic proteins expressed by this bacterium at 18 
      degrees C. Our results show that water temperature influences the expression of
      L. garvieae genes involved in the lysis of part of the bacterial cell population
      and in the cold response bacterial adaptation. Moreover, the surface immunogenic
      protein profile at 18  degrees C suggests an important role of the lysozyme-like
      enzyme, WxL surface proteins and some putative moonlighting proteins (proteins
      with more than one function, usually associated with different cellular
      locations) as virulence factors in L. garvieae. The results of this study could
      provide insights into the understanding of the virulence mechanisms of L.
      garvieae in fish.

PMID- 28093776
TI  - A message from the "True" ground.

PMID- 28093777
TI  - Description of non-covalent interactions in SCC-DFTB methods.
AB  - We have analyzed the description of non-covalent interactions in multiple
      variants of the self-consistent charges density functional tight binding (SCC
      DFTB) method. While the description of London dispersion can be easily improved
      by empirical correction, hydrogen bonding poses a much more difficult problem. We
      have implemented an interaction energy decomposition scheme that allowed us to
      quantify the error at the level of first-order electrostatic and polarization
      terms. Both are underestimated because of the monopole approximation used in SCC
      DFTB, with the latter being affected also by the use of minimal basis set. Among
      the methods tested, SCC-DFTB with the empirical D3H4 corrections worked best. To
      make this correction compatible with the latest development in SCC-DFTB, we have
      reparameterized it for use with third-order SCC-DFTB with the 3OB parameter set.
      (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28093778
TI  - Brainstem reflex excitability changes in patients with amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study we explored brainstem reflex excitability changes,
      blink reflex recovery cycles (BRRCs), and masseter inhibitory reflexes (MIRs) in
      patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: Fourteen ALS patients
      and 14 healthy control subjects were recruited. The BRRC was examined at
      interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 ms. The
      latencies and durations of silent period 1 (SP1) and silent period 2 (SP2) of the
      MIR were measured. RESULTS: Decreased R2 area suppression was prominent in the
      ALS group at ISIs of 200, 300, and 400 ms (P < 0.02), whereas no significant
      differences between groups at 100, 500, and 600 ms ISIs (P > 0.05) were observed.
      SP2 duration was significantly prolonged in the ALS group compared with controls
      (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Brainstem inhibitory and excitatory interneuronal
      activity is altered in ALS, possibly brought about by physiological and
      morphological changes at the cortical or bulbar levels. Muscle Nerve 56: 925-929,
      2017.

PMID- 28093779
TI  - Reaching multi-nanosecond timescales in combined QM/MM molecular dynamics
      simulations through parallel horsetail sampling.
AB  - We report an enhanced sampling technique that allows to reach the multi
      nanosecond timescale in quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics molecular dynamics
      simulations. The proposed technique, called horsetail sampling, is a specific
      type of multiple molecular dynamics approach exhibiting high parallel efficiency.
      It couples a main simulation with a large number of shorter trajectories launched
      on independent processors at periodic time intervals. The technique is applied to
      study hydrogen peroxide at the water liquid-vapor interface, a system of
      considerable atmospheric relevance. A total simulation time of a little more than
      6 ns has been attained for a total CPU time of 5.1 years representing only about
      20 days of wall-clock time. The discussion of the results highlights the strong
      influence of the solvation effects at the interface on the structure and the
      electronic properties of the solute. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28093780
TI  - Subacute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy complicating Epstein-Barr virus
      infection in GATA2 haploinsufficiency.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Autosomal dominant haploinsufficiency of GATA2 causes monocytopenia
      and natural killer cell lymphopenia, resulting in predisposition to
      mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections. METHODS: Herein we report on the
      clinical, serologic, electrophysiologic, and pathologic evaluations of a 29-year
      old woman with GATA2 haploinsufficiency and active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
      infection complicated by subacute painful neuropathy. RESULTS: Nerve conduction
      and electromyography studies showed predominantly demyelinating sensorimotor
      polyradiculoneuropathy. Lumbar spine MRI showed thickening and enhancement of the
      cauda equina nerve roots. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid anti-IgG and IgM EBV
      capsid and nucleic acid antibodies were positive. Sural nerve biopsy showed
      microvasculitis and an increased frequency of fibers with segmental
      demyelination. Intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids improved the patient's
      neuropathy. CONCLUSION: GATA2 mutation-related immunodeficiency may predispose to
      EBV-associated subacute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy by both viral
      susceptibility and immune dysregulation. In patients who present in this manner,
      immunodeficiency syndromes should be considered when lymphomatous infiltration is
      excluded. Immunotherapy can be helpful. Muscle Nerve 57: 150-156, 2018.

PMID- 28093781
TI  - The dynamic landscape of liver transplant in the era of effective hepatitis C
      virus therapy.

PMID- 28093782
TI  - Relapsing polychondritis as an unusual cause of multiple cranial nerve palsies-A
      Case report.

PMID- 28093783
TI  - Maltreatment increases spontaneous false memories but decreases suggestion
      induced false memories in children.
AB  - We examined the creation of spontaneous and suggestion-induced false memories in
      maltreated and non-maltreated children. Maltreated and non-maltreated children
      were involved in a Deese-Roediger-McDermott false memory paradigm where they
      studied and remembered negative and neutral word lists. Suggestion-induced false
      memories were created using a misinformation procedure during which both
      maltreated and non-maltreated children viewed a negative video (i.e., bank
      robbery) and later received suggestive misinformation concerning the event. Our
      results showed that maltreated children had higher levels of spontaneous negative
      false memories but lower levels of suggestion-induced false memories as compared
      to non-maltreated children. Collectively, our study demonstrates that
      maltreatment both increases and decreases susceptibility to memory illusions
      depending on the type of false memory being induced. Statement of contribution
      What is already known on this subject? Trauma affects memory. It is unclear how
      trauma affects false memory. What does this study add? This study focuses on two
      types of false memories.

PMID- 28093784
TI  - Electrodiagnosis of reversible conduction failure in Guillain-Barre syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study we propose electrodiagnostic criteria for early
      reversible conduction failure (ERCF) in axonal Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and
      apply them to a cohort of GBS patients. METHODS: Serial nerve conduction studies
      (NCS) were retrospectively analyzed in 82 GBS patients from 3 centers. The
      criteria for the presence of ERCF in a nerve were: (i) a 50% increase in
      amplitude of distal compound muscle action potentials or sensory nerve action
      potentials; or (ii) resolution of proximal motor conduction block with an
      accompanying decrease in distal latencies or compound muscle action potential
      duration or increase in conduction velocities. RESULTS: Of 82 patients from 3
      centers, 37 (45%) had ERCF, 21 (26%) had a contrasting evolution pattern, and 8
      (10%) had both. Sixteen patients did not show an amplitude increase of at least
      50%. CONCLUSION: Our proposed criteria identified a group of patients with a
      characteristic evolution of NCS abnormality that is consistent with ERCF. Muscle
      Nerve 56: 919-924, 2017.

PMID- 28093785
TI  - Primary biliary cholangitis: Treatment options finally expand.

PMID- 28093786
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28093787
TI  - In situ data analytics and indexing of protein trajectories.
AB  - The transition toward exascale computing will be accompanied by a performance
      dichotomy. Computational peak performance will rapidly increase; I/O performance
      will either grow slowly or be completely stagnant. Essentially, the rate at which
      data are generated will grow much faster than the rate at which data can be read
      from and written to the disk. MD simulations will soon face the I/O problem of
      efficiently writing to and reading from disk on the next generation of
      supercomputers. This article targets MD simulations at the exascale and proposes
      a novel technique for in situ data analysis and indexing of MD trajectories. Our
      technique maps individual trajectories' substructures (i.e., alpha-helices, beta
      strands) to metadata frame by frame. The metadata captures the conformational
      properties of the substructures. The ensemble of metadata can be used for
      automatic, strategic analysis within a trajectory or across trajectories, without
      manually identify those portions of trajectories in which critical changes take
      place. We demonstrate our technique's effectiveness by applying it to 26.3k
      helices and 31.2k strands from 9917 PDB proteins and by providing three empirical
      case studies. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28093789
TI  - Chronic Infection of the Prostate by Chlamydia muridarum Is Accompanied by Local
      Inflammation and Pelvic Pain Development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis urogenital infections are the leading cause of
      sexually transmitted bacterial infections. Although the prevalence of chlamydial
      infection is similar in men and women, current research is mainly focused on
      women, neglecting the study of male genital tract infections. We, therefore,
      investigated Chlamydia infection in the rodent male genital tract. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Male NOD and C57BL/6 mice were inoculated in the meatus urethra with C.
      muridarum. Bacterial DNA, leukocyte infiltration of male genital tract tissues,
      pelvic pain, and Chlamydia-specific immune responses were analyzed at different
      time points. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The inoculation of C. muridarum in the
      meatus urethra of male mice resulted in an ascending and widely disseminated
      infection of the male genital tract. C. muridarum remained longer and with the
      highest bacterial burdens in the prostate, thus showing a special tropism for
      this organ. Infection caused leukocyte infiltration, mainly composed by
      neutrophils, and also induced early pelvic pain development that rapidly dropped
      and resolved as the infection became chronic. Bacterial load and leukocyte
      infiltration was observed in all prostate lobes, although dorsolateral prostate
      was the most affected lobe. Interestingly, immune responses induced by both mice
      strains were characterized by the production of high levels of IL-10 during early
      stages of the infection, with highest and sustained levels observed in NOD mice,
      which showed to be less efficient in clearing the infection. Chronic infection of
      the prostate accompanied by local inflammation and pelvic pain development
      described herein have important implications for the improvement of the diagnosis
      and for the design of new efficient therapies. Prostate 77:517-529, 2017. (c)
      2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28093788
TI  - North American Population-Based Validation of the National Comprehensive Cancer
      Network Practice Guideline Recommendation of Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in
      Contemporary Prostate Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend a
      pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated
      with radical prostatectomy (RP) if a nomogram predicted risk of lymph node
      invasion (LNI) is >=2%. We examined this and other thresholds, including nomogram
      validation. METHODS: We examined records of 26,713 patients treated with RP and
      PLND between 2010 and 2013, within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End
      Results database. Nomogram thresholds of 2-5% were tested and external validation
      was performed. RESULTS: LNI was recorded in 4.7% of patients. Nomogram accuracy
      was 80.4% and maintained minimum accuracy of 75.6% in subgroup analyses,
      according to age, race, and nodal yield >10. With the NCCN recommended 2%
      nomogram threshold, PLND could be avoided in 22.3% of patients at the expense of
      missing 3.0% of individuals with LNI. Alternative thresholds of 3%, 4%, and 5%
      yielded respective PLND avoidance rates of 60.4%, 71.0%, and 79.8% at the expense
      of missing 17.8%, 27.2%, and 36.6% of patients with LNI. NCCN cut-off
      recommendation was best satisfied with a threshold of <2.6%, at which PLND could
      be avoided in 13,234 patients (49.5%) versus missing 141 patients with LNI
      (11.2%). CONCLUSION: NCCN LNI nomogram remains accurate in contemporary patients.
      However, the 2% threshold appears to be too strict, since only 22.3% of PLNDs can
      be avoided, instead of the stipulated 47.7%. The optimal 2.6% threshold allows a
      higher rate of PLND avoidance (49.5%), at the cost of 11.2% missed instances of
      LNI, as recommended by NCCN guidelines. PATIENT SUMMARY. External validation in
      contemporary SEER prostate cancer patients showed that the NCCN nomogram remains
      accurate for predicting lymph node invasion and seems to be optimal at an
      alternative 2.6% threshold, with best ratio of avoided pelvic lymph node
      dissections (49.5%) and missed LNIs (11.2%), as recommended by NCCN guideline.
      Prostate 77:542-548, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28093790
TI  - A case series of family-based treatment for adolescents with atypical anorexia
      nervosa.
AB  - The aim of this case series was to examine engagement in and outcomes of family
      based treatment (FBT) for adolescents with DSM-5 atypical AN, that is,
      adolescents who were not underweight at presentation. Consecutive referrals for
      FBT of adolescents with atypical AN to a specialist child and adolescent eating
      disorder program were examined. Engagement in treatment (i.e., dose of treatment,
      completion rate), and changes in psychological symptomatology (i.e., eating
      disorder symptoms, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, obsessive compulsiveness),
      weight, and menstrual function were examined. The need for additional
      interventions (i.e., hospitalization and medication), and estimated remission
      rates were also examined. The sample comprised 42 adolescents aged 12-18 years
      (88% female). Engagement in FBT was high, with 83% completing at least half the
      treatment dose. There were significant decreases in eating disorder and
      depressive symptoms during FBT (p < .05) but no improvement in self-esteem. There
      was no significant change in percent of median BMI for age and gender for the
      sample as a whole (105 vs. 106%, p = .128). However, adolescents who were not
      admitted to hospital prior to FBT gained some weight (M = 3.4 kg) while those who
      were admitted did not gain weight during FBT (M = 0.2 kg, p < .01). The overall
      remission rate ranged from 38 to 52% depending on the criteria applied. FBT
      appears to be an effective treatment for adolescents with atypical AN. However,
      more research is needed into systematic adaptations of FBT and other treatments
      that could improve overall remission rates.

PMID- 28093791
TI  - Local Therapy Improves Overall Survival in Patients With Newly Diagnosed
      Metastatic Prostate Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of local therapy, in the form of radiation therapy (RT) or
      radical prostatectomy(RP), and its association on outcomes is not well
      established in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS: Using the
      National Cancer Database (NCDB), we evaluated patterns of care and outcomes among
      patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer from 2004 to 2013 treated with
      local therapy (RP, intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT], or 2D/3D
      conformal radiation therapy [CRT]). The association between local therapy, co
      variates, and outcomes was assessed in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards
      model and Propensity score (PS) matching was performed to balance confounding
      factors. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Among the
      1,208,180 patients in the NCDB with prostate cancer, 6,051 patients met the
      inclusion criteria. No local therapy was used in 5,224 patients, while 622
      (10.3%), 52 (0.9%), 153 (2.5%) patients received RP, IMRT, and 2D/3D-CRT,
      respectively. Use of local therapy was associated with younger age (<=70), lower
      co-morbidity score, lower T-stage, Gleason score <8, node-negative status,
      private, and Medicare insurance, higher income quartile, and treatment at
      comprehensive or academic/research programs (P < 0.05). Five-year overall
      survival for patients receiving local therapy was 45.7% versus 17.1% for those
      not receiving local therapy (P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, RP (HR = 0.51;
      95%CI, 0.45-0.59, P < 0.01) and IMRT (HR = 0.47; 95%CI, 0.31-0.72, P < 0.01) were
      independently associated with superior overall survival. After PS-matching, the
      use of local therapy (RP or IMRT) remained significantly associated with overall
      survival (HR = 0.35; 95%CI, 0.30-0.41, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of RP and
      IMRT, to treat the primary disease, was associated with improvements in overall
      survival for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. We have identified patient
      specific variations in the use of local therapy that may be tested in subsequent
      prospective clinical trials to improve patient outcomes in this setting. Prostate
      77: 559-572, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28093792
TI  - Prognostic Role of Preoperative Serum Lipid Levels in Patients Undergoing Radical
      Prostatectomy for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic role of preoperative serum lipid levels in patients
      undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized prostate cancer
      (PCa) is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate preoperative
      serum lipid levels in patients with clinically localized PCa undergoing RP and
      their association with clinicopathological features and oncological outcome.
      METHODS: Preoperative lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL
      cholesterol and triglycerides) and statin use from consecutive patients with
      clinically localized PCa undergoing RP in a tertiary referral center between 2008
      and 2015 were recorded and patients were followed prospectively. Logistic
      regression analysis was used to test the association between lipid levels and
      clinicopathological parameters. Lipid values were analyzed both as continuous and
      dichotomized variables. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses
      were performed to identify predictors for recurrence-free survival (RFS).
      Recurrence was defined as rising and verified PSA levels >0.1 ng/ml. RESULTS: Our
      cohort consisted of 371 men with a median age of 63 years (range 41-78 years) and
      a median preoperative PSA value of 6.79 ng/ml (0.43-81.4 ng/ml). Median follow-up
      was 28 months (1-64). No association was found between lipid levels and adverse
      pathological characteristics such as >=pT3, Gleason score >=8, positive nodal
      status and positive surgical margins. Recurrence occurred in 49 patients (15.4%)
      at a median time of 18 months (2-51 month). Compared to low LDL cholesterol, high
      LDL cholesterol was associated with longer RFS in univariable analysis
      (continuous: Hazard Ratio (HR): 0.67, 95%-Confidence Interval (CI): 0.47-0.96, P
      = 0.03; 3 mM cut-point: HR: 0.44, 95%-CI: 0.24-0.79, P = 0.006). Neither levels
      of other lipids, nor statin use were associated with RFS. Preoperative LDL
      cholesterol remained an independent predictor for PCa recurrence in a
      multivariable model adjusted for age, preoperative PSA, statin use, tumor stage,
      Gleason score, nodal status and surgical margin status (continuous: HR: 0.66, 95%
      CI: 0.44-0.99, P = 0.04; 3 mM cut-point: HR: 0.41, 95%-CI: 0.21-0.78, P = 0.007).
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study showing the potential adverse
      and independent prognostic role of low preoperative LDL cholesterol levels in
      patients with localized PCa undergoing RP. Prostate 77:549-556, 2017. (c) 2017
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28093793
TI  - Sex-dependent effects of letrozole on anxiety in middle-aged rats.
AB  - Aromatase catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and is involved
      in the physiological effects of sex hormones on brain function. Animal
      experiments have shown that the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, can induce
      anxiety in young ovariectomized females that are used as a model of aging.
      Whether or not these effects would be similar in intact middle-aged animals is
      unknown. The aim of our study was to analyze the effects of letrozole on anxiety
      in middle-aged rats of both sexes. Fifteen month old male and female rats were
      treated daily with either letrozole or vehicle for 2 weeks. The elevated plus
      maze was used to test anxiety-like behaviour. Sex differences were found not only
      in plasma concentrations of testosterone but also in the effects of letrozole
      treatment on plasma testosterone (P<.05). The interaction between sex and
      treatment was also proven in locomotor activity (P<.05) and time spent in the
      open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<.05). Letrozole-treated male rats spent
      95% less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze than the control rats
      did (P<.05) suggesting an anxiogenic effect of aromatase inhibition. This
      difference was not found between letrozole-treated and vehicle-treated females.
      In contrast to previous experiments on young animals, letrozole seems to induce
      anxiety in male but not in female middle-aged rats. This sex-specific effect
      might be related to sex differences of oestrogen and androgen signalling in aging
      brains. These results should be taken into account in clinical applications of
      letrozole, especially in men.

PMID- 28093794
TI  - Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Quinazoline Clubbed
      Thiazoline Derivatives.
AB  - A novel series of quinazoline clubbed thiazoline derivatives was rationally
      designed and synthesized. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for in
      vitro dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitory activity. Compounds that showed
      good to moderate activity were compared using linagliptin as standard. Compound
      4x (IC50  = 1.12 nM) exhibited the most promising results. The special chemical
      feature of compound 4x also imparts good inhibition selectivity for DPP-4 over
      DPP-8/9. Moreover, docking of compound 4x into the active site of DPP-4
      illustrates its possible binding interactions.

PMID- 28093796
TI  - The Role of Perceived Burden and Social Support in Suicide and Depression.
AB  - In a sample of 114 military veterans with depression histories, perceived burden
      was related to depression symptoms and suicide attempt history. After accounting
      for perceived burden, sense of belonging was negatively related to depression.
      Among the areas of social support, family support was inversely related to both
      depression and suicide history. After accounting for family support, personal
      meaning from relationships and friend support were related to depression. The
      results of this study suggest that perceived burdensomeness may be a stronger
      determinant of suicidality than sense of belonging or social support. This study
      highlights the contribution of perceived burdensomeness to suicide and
      depression.

PMID- 28093795
TI  - Natural history of pure autonomic failure: A United States prospective cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical features and biomarkers that predict which
      patients with pure autonomic failure will develop Parkinson disease, dementia
      with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy. METHODS: One hundred patients who
      presented with pure autonomic failure were recruited at 5 medical centers in the
      United States. Seventy-four patients agreed to be followed prospectively.
      Patients underwent clinical evaluations including neurological rating scales,
      sleep questionnaires, smell test, and sympathetic and parasympathetic
      cardiovascular autonomic function tests. RESULTS: At enrollment, patients were 68
      +/- 12 years old (median +/- interquartile range) and had had autonomic failure
      for 5 +/- 7 years. Within 4 years of follow-up, 25 of 74 subjects (34%) developed
      dementia with Lewy bodies (n = 13), Parkinson disease (n = 6), or multiple system
      atrophy (n = 6). The presence of probable rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior
      disorder was strongly associated with the development of a manifest central
      nervous system (CNS) synucleinopathy (odds ratio = 7.1). Patients who
      phenoconverted to multiple system atrophy had younger age at onset of autonomic
      failure, severe bladder/bowel dysfunction, preserved olfaction, and a cardiac
      chronotropic response upon tilt > 10 beats per minute. Those who phenoconverted
      to Parkinson disease or dementia with Lewy bodies had decreased olfaction, a
      lesser chronotropic response to tilt, and a longer duration of illness. The small
      group of patients retaining the pure autonomic failure phenotype had very low
      plasma norepinephrine levels, slow resting heart rate, no REM sleep behavior
      disorder, and preserved smell. INTERPRETATION: Patients presenting with pure
      autonomic failure are at high risk of phenoconverting to a manifest CNS
      synucleinopathy. Specific clinical features predict future diagnosis. Ann Neurol
      2017;81:287-297.

PMID- 28093798
TI  - The Student Volunteer Army: a 'repeat emergent' emergency response organisation.
AB  - This paper seeks to contribute to understanding of the factors associated with an
      effective emergent emergency response organisation and to provide new insights
      into this understudied area. It examines, through an analysis of a range of
      textual resources, the emergence and re-emergence of the Student Volunteer Army
      (SVA) during the devastating earthquakes in Canterbury, New Zealand, in 2010-11.
      This evaluation is conducted in relation to the four key features of an effective
      emergency response organisation: adaptability; direction; leadership; and
      communication. In addition, the paper aims to further understanding of 'emergency
      entrepreneurship' and thus of the values and strategies that underpin social
      entrepreneur organisations in times of normalcy. The paper concludes that the
      unique position of the SVA as a 'repeat emergent' emergency response organisation
      enabled it to innovate continually and to improve repeatedly its systems,
      relationships, and image, such that it exhibited features common to emergent and
      established emergency response organisations.

PMID- 28093797
TI  - Adverse reactions to dietary supplements containing red yeast rice: assessment of
      cases from the Italian surveillance system.
AB  - AIMS: Red yeast rice (RYR) is contained in dietary supplements for patients with
      dyslipidemia. RYR supplements contain monacolin K, which is chemically identical
      to lovastatin, a licensed drug with a well-known risk profile. We aim to describe
      the safety profile of RYR by analysing spontaneous reports of suspected adverse
      reactions (ARs). METHODS: Within the Italian Surveillance System of Natural
      Health Products, suspected ARs were collected and evaluated by a
      multidisciplinary group of experts to assess causality using the WHO-UMC system
      or the CIOMS/RUCAM score, for hepatic reactions. The public version of the WHO
      Vigibase was also queried. RESULTS: From April 2002 to September 2015, out of
      1261 total reports, 52 reports concerning 55 ARs to RYR dietary supplements were
      collected. ARs consisted in myalgia and/or increase in creatine phosphokinase
      (19), rhabdomyolysis (1), liver injury (10), gastrointestinal reactions (12),
      cutaneous reactions (9) and other reactions (4). Women were involved in 70% of
      cases. In 13 cases, the reaction required hospitalization, and 28 patients were
      taking other medications. Dechallenge was positive in 40 reactions (73%),
      rechallenge was positive in 7. Causality resulted as certain (1), probable (31,
      56%), possible (18, 34%), unlikely (3) or unassessable (2). Similar distribution
      emerged from the WHO-Vigibase. CONCLUSIONS: The potential safety signals of
      myopathies and liver injury raise the hypothesis that the safety profile of RYR
      is similar to that of statins. Continuous monitoring of dietary supplements
      should be promoted to finally characterize their risk profile, thus supporting
      regulatory bodies for appropriate actions.

PMID- 28093799
TI  - Computing the Z Score and Centiles for Cross-sectional Analysis: A Practical
      Approach.
AB  - Although Z scores have been reported in the literature, one of the problems for
      the nonstatistician is understanding the systematic approach used to compute the
      predicted mean and standard deviation, components of the Z score equation, which
      may vary as the independent variable changes over time (eg, gestational age).
      This review focuses on a step-by-step analysis using linear, quadratic, and
      fractional polynomials to compute the mean and standard deviation as a function
      of a continuous independent variable. Once the mean and standard deviation are
      computed, the Z score and centile can be derived and Z score calculators created
      that enable investigators to implement the results in the laboratory and/or
      clinical setting.

PMID- 28093800
TI  - Evaluation of the Normal Tonsils in Pediatric Patients With Ultrasonography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how well the tonsils can be viewed, in addition to
      echogenicity, using ultrasound, and to compare these results between children
      younger and older than the age of 3. METHODS: We evaluated the tonsils of 99
      patients (72.0 +/- 59.1 months) by ultrasound. Ultrasound scans of both the left
      and right side, in both the transverse and longitudinal planes, were obtained.
      Images were scored with one of four grades according to how well the tonsil
      border could be distinguished, 0 being the worst and 3 being the best. Grades 2
      or 3 (>50% of the tonsil border was detectable) in both tonsils, in either the
      transverse or longitudinal image, were considered "evaluable." Echogenicity was
      designated as imperceptible, low echoic, or striated in appearance. Statistical
      analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Bilateral tonsils
      were evaluable in 96.0% (96/99) of cases. The mean grades were 2.44 +/- 0.65/2.03
      +/- 0.68 in the right transverse/longitudinal images, and 2.40 +/- 0.59/2.12 +/-
      0.73 in the left transverse/longitudinal images. The grades in children older
      than the age of 3 were significantly higher than those in younger patients (all P
      < .05). Echogenicity classification on the right and left side revealed a
      striated appearance in 97.0% (96/99) and 90.0% (89/99) of cases, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The tonsils of almost all pediatric patients could be evaluated by
      ultrasound, particularly for patients older than 3 years. Additionally, a
      striated pattern of the tonsils was observed in most cases.

PMID- 28093802
TI  - Simple matters in complex times.

PMID- 28093801
TI  - From questions to answers: Examining the role of pediatric surveillance units in
      eating disorder research.
AB  - Pediatric Surveillance Units (PSUs) provide a unique model for the study of
      pediatric eating disorders (EDs). Australia, Britain, and Canada have
      surveillance programs that have generated valuable epidemiological and clinical
      data on early-onset eating disorders (EOED). The PSUs represent an important
      collaborative tool that has helped shape our understanding of EOEDs and offers
      potential to contribute to decisions regarding health resource allocation and
      public health policy. This paper reviews the role of PSUs as a unique model to
      study pediatric EDs and its success in translating the knowledge generated by
      these programs into improving the health of children and adolescents with EDs
      worldwide.

PMID- 28093803
TI  - Novel ECG-Synchronized Pulsatile ECLS System With Various Heart Rates and Cardiac
      Arrhythmias: An In Vitro Study.
AB  - The objective of this study is to evaluate electrocardiography (ECG)-synchronized
      pulsatile flow under varying heart rates and different atrial and ventricular
      arrhythmias in a simulated extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system. The ECLS
      circuit consisted of an i-cor diagonal pump and console, an iLA membrane
      ventilator, and an 18 Fr arterial cannula. The circuit was primed with lactated
      Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells (hematocrit 35%). An ECG simulator
      was used to trigger pulsatile flow and to generate selected cardiac rhythms. All
      trials were conducted at a flow rate of 2.5 L/min at room temperature for normal
      sinus rhythm at 45-180 bpm under non-pulsatile and pulsatile modes. Various
      atrial and ventricular arrhythmias were also tested. Real-time pressure and flow
      data were recorded using a custom-based data acquisition system. The energy
      equivalent pressure (EEP) generated by pulsatile flow was always higher than the
      mean pressure. No surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) was recorded under non
      pulsatile mode. Under pulsatile mode, SHE levels increased with increasing heart
      rates (45-120 bpm). SHE levels under a 1:2 assist ratio were higher than the 1:1
      and 1:3 assist ratios with a heart rate of 180 bpm. A similar trend was recorded
      for total hemodynamic energy levels. There was no statistical difference between
      the two perfusion modes with regards to pressure drops across the ECLS circuit.
      The main resistance and energy loss came from the arterial cannula. The i-cor
      console successfully tracked electrocardiographic signals of 12 atrial and
      ventricular arrhythmias. Our results demonstrated that the i-cor pulsatile ECLS
      system can be synchronized with a normal heart rate or with various
      atrial/ventricular arrhythmias. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm
      our findings.

PMID- 28093804
TI  - Successful Bridge-to-Transplant of Functionally Univentricular Patients With a
      Modified Continuous-Flow Ventricular Assist Device.
AB  - A continuous flow extracorporeal ventricular assist device (VAD) was modified to
      support functionally univentricular infants and children awaiting heart
      transplantation. A centrifugal VAD, designed to flow from 1.5 to 8 L/min, was
      used as a bridge-to-transplant in four patients with functionally univentricular
      circulation. A variable restrictive recirculation shunt permitted lower flow
      ranges in small patients. In hypoxic patients, an oxygenator was incorporated
      into the circuit. From 2012 to 2015, the modified VAD was placed in four patients
      with Glenn physiology. Age ranged from 0.97 to 6.98 years (median = 2.2 yrs).
      Body surface area ranged from 0.41 to 0.84 m2 (median = 0.54 m2 ). One patient
      was on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation prior to VAD. A recirculation shunt
      was used in three patients. Three patients required temporary use of an
      oxygenator for 4, 10, and 27 days. Median time on the VAD was 32.3 days (range =
      23-43 days). A decrease in the cavopulmonary pressure was noted in all patients,
      as was a fall in the B-type natriuretic peptide. Three patients survived
      transplant and were discharged at 28-82 days post-transplantation. One patient
      died after 35 days of support. Two patients experienced major bleeding events.
      Two patients experienced cerebrovascular accidents, one major and one minor. The
      centrifugal VAD successfully supported palliated functionally univentricular
      patients awaiting heart transplantation. The modified recirculation shunt
      facilitated the successful support of patients in whom optimal flows were
      substantially lower than that recommended by the manufacturer. The continuous
      flow VAD effectively decompressed the cavopulmonary system. The design allowed
      placement of an in-line oxygenator in hypoxic patients. Further investigation is
      required to decrease the thromboembolic events, and associated morbidity, in
      patients supported with this device.

PMID- 28093805
TI  - HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in Patients With Fontan
      Physiology.
AB  - We aim to describe the clinical course of a series of patients with hypoplastic
      left heart syndrome and refractory systolic heart failure supported with a
      HeartWare ventricular assist device (HVAD) following Fontan palliation. This is a
      retrospective review of three consecutive patients supported with a HVAD
      following Fontan palliation through February 2016. Data include patient
      characteristics, operative variables, postimplantation hemodynamic/device
      parameters, event outcomes, and duration of HVAD support. Patient ages were 11.7,
      13.5, and 17.5 years, respectively, at the time of HVAD implant. The duration of
      HVAD support was 148, 272, and 271 days, respectively, of which 86, 222, and 211
      were outpatient days. Inflow cannula position was the morphologic right ventricle
      with depth adjustment and manipulation of the tricuspid subvalvar apparatus to
      ensure good inflow. Echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and noninvasive oximetric
      monitoring resulted in high RPM settings for all patients. Despite various
      complications, all patients were successfully transplanted and discharged home
      alive. We present three patients bridged to transplantation using the HVAD
      following Fontan palliation. We demonstrate potential for durable support with
      transition to outpatient care while awaiting heart transplantation in a subset of
      patients status post Fontan surgery.

PMID- 28093806
TI  - Outcomes of the Twelfth International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical
      Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion.

PMID- 28093807
TI  - Report on the 43rd Congress of the European Society for Artificial Organs and the
      3rd Middle East Conference on Biomedical Engineering.

PMID- 28093808
TI  - Dr. Yves Durandy, February 20, 1947-October 6, 2016.

PMID- 28093810
TI  - A Hybrid Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit for Complex Suprahepatic
      Inferior Vena Cava Reconstruction.

PMID- 28093811
TI  - Routine Use of Distal Arterial Perfusion in Pediatric Femoral Venoarterial
      Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
AB  - Lower-extremity ischemia is a significant complication in children on femoral
      venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). Our institution
      currently routinely uses distal perfusion catheters (DPCs) in all femoral
      arterial cannulations in attempts to reduce ischemia. We performed a single
      center, retrospective review of pediatric patients supported with femoral VA ECMO
      from January 2005 to November 2015. The outcomes of patients with prophylactic
      DPC placement at cannulation (prophylactic DPC) were compared to a historical
      group with DPCs placed in response only to clinically evident ischemic changes
      (reactive DPC). Ischemic complication requiring invasive intervention (fasciotomy
      or amputation) was the primary outcome. Twenty-nine patients underwent a total of
      31 femoral arterial cannulations, 17 with prophylactic DPC and 14 with reactive
      DPC. Ischemic complications requiring invasive intervention developed in 2 of 17
      (12%) prophylactic DPC patients versus 4 of 14 (29%) reactive DPC. In the
      reactive DPC group, 7 of 14 (50%) had ischemic changes postcannulation, six
      underwent DPC placement, and three out of six of these patients still required
      invasive intervention. One of the seven patients had ischemic changes, did not
      undergo DPC, and required amputation. While a greater percentage of patients in
      the prophylactic group was cannulated during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation (ECPR), statistical significance was not otherwise demonstrated. We
      demonstrate feasibility of superficial femoral artery (SFA) access in pediatric
      patients. We note fewer ischemic complications with prophylactic DPC placement,
      and observe that salvaging a limb with a reactive DPC was only successful 50% of
      the time. Although there was no statistical difference in the primary outcome
      between the two groups, limitations and confounding factors include small sample
      size and a greater percentage of patients in the prophylactic DPC group
      cannulated with ECPR in progress.

PMID- 28093812
TI  - Factors predicting incidence of post-operative delirium in older people following
      hip fracture surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Delirium is one of the most common complications following hip
      fracture surgery in older people. This study identified pre- and peri-operative
      factors associated with the development of post-operative delirium following hip
      fracture surgery. METHODS: Published and unpublished literature were searched to
      identify all evidence reporting variables on patient characteristics, on
      admission, intra-operative and post-operative management assessing incident
      delirium in older people following hip fracture surgery. Pooled odds ratio (OR)
      and mean difference of those who experienced delirium compared to those who did
      not were calculated for each variable. Evidence was assessed using the Downs and
      Black appraisal tool and interpreted using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: A total
      of 6704 people (2090 people with post-operative delirium) from 32 studies were
      analysed. There was moderate evidence of nearly a two-times greater probability
      of post-operative delirium for those aged 80 years and over (OR: 1.77; 95% CI:
      1.09, 2.87), whether patients lived in a care institution pre-admission (OR:
      2.65; 95% CI: 1.79, 3.92), and a six-times greater probability of developing post
      operative delirium with a pre-admission diagnosis of dementia (OR: 6.07, 95% CI:
      4.84, 7.62). There was no association with intra-operative variables and
      probability of delirium. CONCLUSION: Clinicians treating people with a hip
      fracture should be vigilant towards post-operative delirium if their patients are
      older, have pre-existing cognitive impairment and poorer overall general health.
      This is also the case for those who experience post-operative complications such
      as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 28093813
TI  - Nerolidol Protects Against LPS-induced Acute Kidney Injury via Inhibiting TLR4/NF
      kappaB Signaling.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical care syndrome, resulting in acute
      reduction of renal function and up to 22% mortality of hospitalized patients.
      Nerolidol is a major component in several essential oils that possesses various
      pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to investigate the potential
      effect of nerolidol on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI. Nerolidol dose
      dependently reduced the pathological injuries of kidney induced by LPS in rats.
      Nerolidol significantly decreased the levels of blood urea nitrogen and
      creatinine in LPS-treated rats in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, nerolidol
      inhibited LPS-induced decrease of cell viability in NRK-52E rat proximal tubular
      cells, which effect was concentration dependent. Nerolidol notably inhibited the
      increase of TNFalpha and IL-1beta in LPS-treated rats and the mRNA expression of
      TNFalpha and IL-1beta in LPS-treated NRK-52E cells. Nerolidol suppressed the
      increase of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, phosphorylation and nuclear
      translocation of p65 NF-kappaB in kidneys of LPS-treated rats and LPS-treated NRK
      52E cells. Overexpression of TLR4 and p65 NF-kappaB significantly suppressed
      nerolidol-induced inhibition of TNFalpha and IL-1beta expression and increase of
      cell viability in LPS-treated cells. In summary, we found that nerolidol played a
      critical anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of TLR4/NF-kappaB signaling
      and protected against LPS-induced AKI. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28093814
TI  - Management of sickle cell disease in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
AB  - Sickle cell disease is a life-limiting inherited hemoglobinopathy that poses
      inherent risk for surgical complications following cardiac operations. In this
      review, we discuss preoperative considerations, intraoperative decision-making,
      and postoperative strategies to optimize the care of a patient with sickle cell
      disease undergoing cardiac surgery.

PMID- 28093815
TI  - Nigella sativa Supplementation Improves Asthma Control and Biomarkers: A
      Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
AB  - Poor compliance with conventional asthma medications remains a major problem in
      achieving asthma control. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) is used traditionally for many
      inflammatory conditions such as asthma. We aimed to investigate the benefits of
      NSO supplementation on clinical and inflammatory parameters of asthma. NSO
      capsules 500 mg twice daily for 4 weeks were used as a supplementary treatment in
      a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in asthmatics
      (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02407262). The primary outcome was Asthma Control Test
      score. The secondary outcomes were pulmonary function test, blood eosinophils and
      total serum Immunoglobulin E. Between 1 June and 30 December 2015, 80 asthmatics
      were enrolled, with 40 patients in each treatment and placebo groups. After 4
      weeks, ten patients had withdrawn from each group. Compared with placebo, NSO
      group showed a significant improvement in mean Asthma Control Test score 21.1
      (standard deviation = 2.6) versus 19.6 (standard deviation = 3.7) (p = 0.044) and
      a significant reduction in blood eosinophils by -50 (-155 to -1) versus 15 (-60
      to 87) cells/MUL (p = 0.013). NSO improved forced expiratory volume in 1 second
      as percentage of predicted value by 4 (-1.25 to 8.75) versus 1 (-2 to 5) but non
      significant (p = 0.170). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
      demonstrated that NSO supplementation improves asthma control with a trend in
      pulmonary function improvement. This was associated with a remarkable
      normalization of blood eosinophlia. Future studies should follow asthmatics for
      longer periods in a multicentre trial. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28093816
TI  - Fetal trisomy 8 mosaicism associated with truncus arteriosus Type I.

PMID- 28093817
TI  - Cryptic inbreeding depression in a growing population of a long-lived species.
AB  - Genetic effects are often overlooked in endangered species monitoring, and
      populations showing positive growth are often assumed to be secure. However, the
      continued reproductive success of a few individuals may mask issues such as
      inbreeding depression, especially in long-lived species. Here, we test for
      inbreeding depression in little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) by comparing a
      population founded with two birds to one founded with 40 birds, both from the
      same source population and both showing positive population growth. We used a
      combination of microsatellite genotypes, nest observations and modelling to
      examine the consequences of assessing population viability exclusively via
      population growth. We demonstrate (i) significantly lower hatching success
      despite significantly higher reproductive effort in the population with two
      founders; (ii) positive growth in the population with two founders is mainly
      driven by ongoing chick production of the founding pair; and (iii) a substantial
      genetic load in the population founded with two birds (10-15 diploid lethal
      equivalents). Our results illustrate that substantial, cryptic inbreeding
      depression may still be present when a population is growing, especially in long
      lived species with overlapping generations.

PMID- 28093818
TI  - Intraoperative Microstimulation Predicts Outcome of Postoperative
      Macrostimulation in Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's
      Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus for
      treatment of Parkinson's Disease, a commonly encountered stimulation side effect
      is involuntary muscle contractions from spread of electrical current to cortico
      spinal and cortico-bulbar fibers in the internal capsule. During surgery, a
      variety of techniques, including microelectrode recording (MER), are used to
      avoid positioning the DBS electrode too close to the internal capsule. At some
      centers, MER includes stimulating through the microelectrode (microstimulation).
      OBJECTIVE: To assess if intraoperative microstimulation can help avoid
      positioning the DBS electrode too close to the internal capsule. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: From clinical records, we compiled microelectrode and DBS-electrode
      locations, microstimulation effect thresholds and DBS side effect thresholds.
      RESULTS: We found that capsular macrostimulation thresholds were significantly
      lower in cases where capsular microstimulation effects were observed. In
      addition, we found that lower-threshold for microstimulation-induced involuntary
      muscle contractions from a given DBS electrode contact predicts a lower threshold
      for involuntary muscle contractions as a side effect of stimulation with that
      contact. Specifically, our results suggest that capsular macrostimulation
      thresholds below 2V are avoided when the product of microstimulation threshold
      (in uA) and distance (in mm) is greater than 500. CONCLUSIONS: intraoperative
      microstimulation can help avoid positioning the DBS electrode too close to the
      internal capsule.

PMID- 28093819
TI  - Investigation of the quasi-simultaneous arrival (QSA) effect on a CAMECA IMS 7f
      GEO.
AB  - RATIONALE: IMS 7f-GEO isotope ratio applications increasingly involve analyses
      (e.g., S- or O- isotopes, coupled with primary ion currents <30 pA) for which
      quasi-simultaneous arrival (QSA) could compromise precision and accuracy of data.
      QSA and associated correction have been widely investigated for the CAMECA
      NanoSIMS instruments, but not for the IMS series. METHODS: Sulfur and oxygen
      isotopic ratio experiments were performed using an electron multiplier (EM)
      detector, employing Cs+ primary ion currents of 1, 2, 5 and 11.5 pA (nominal) and
      a variety of secondary ion transmissions to vary QSA probability. An experiment
      to distinguish between QSA undercounting and purported aperture-related mass
      fractionation was performed using an EM for 16 O- and 18 O- plus an additional 16
      O- measurement using a Faraday cup (FC) detector. An experiment to investigate
      the accuracy of the QSA correction was performed by comparing S isotopic ratios
      obtained using an EM with those obtained on the same sample using dual FCs.
      RESULTS: The QSA effect was observed on the IMS-7f-GEO, and QSA coefficients
      (beta) of ~0.66 were determined, in agreement with reported NanoSIMS
      measurements, but different from the value (0.5) predicted using Poisson
      statistics. Aperture-related fractionation was not sufficient to explain the
      difference but uncertainties in primary ion flux measurement could play a role.
      When QSA corrected, the isotope ratio data obtained using the EM agreed with the
      dual FC data, within statistical error. CONCLUSIONS: QSA undercounting could
      compromise isotope ratio analyses requiring ~1 * 105 counts per second for the
      major isotope and primary currents <20 pA. The error could be >80/00 for a 1 pA
      primary current. However, correction can be accurately applied. For instrumental
      mass fractionation (IMF)-corrected data, the magnitude of the error resulting
      from not correcting for QSA is dependent on the difference in secondary ion count
      rate between the unknown and standard analyses. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28093820
TI  - Synthesis of 2,2,2,-Trichloroethyl Aryl- and Vinyldiazoacetates by Palladium
      Catalyzed Cross-Coupling.
AB  - An efficient and convenient synthesis of 2,2,2-trichloroethyl (TCE) aryl- and
      vinyldiazoacetates was achieved by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions
      between TCE diazoacetates and aryl or vinyl iodides. The broad substrate scope
      allows for rapid and facile formation of TCE aryl- and vinyldiazoacetates, which
      recently have emerged as versatile reagents for rhodium-carbene chemistry.

PMID- 28093821
TI  - Decreasing Rates of Pediatric Bipolar Within an Outpatient Practice.
AB  - PROBLEM: Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) prevalence is estimated to be 1-3%.
      Nationally and internationally, rates of PBD have increased by over 400%.
      However, in Iowa and at one psychiatric clinic in Iowa, from 2008-2013, there was
      a decrease in PBD diagnosis of 33 and 51.2% respectively. This study examined the
      diagnosing practices of PBD by local providers in one outpatient mental health
      center. METHOD: Parents completed a screening packet to differentiate between PBD
      and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using three tools: Child
      Mania Rating Scale (CMRS), Child Behavior Checklist-Mania Scale (CBCL-MS), and
      the NICHQ Vanderbilt. Symptom agreement analysis between the screeners and the
      provider's clinical diagnoses was performed using ANOVA and Tukey HSD posthoc
      analysis. FINDINGS: A 19.6% of the participants were positive for PBD on the CMRS
      and 55.9% were positive on the CBCL-MS.  A total of 36.60% were positive for ADHD
      on the Vanderbilt.  The screening data compared to the provider's clinical
      diagnosis showed no diagnostic agreement for PBD (p < .05). Providers' rates of
      diagnosing PBD did not match the rate of PBD symptoms identified by the
      screeners. CONCLUSION: Further evidence to determine the criteria and use of
      current screening measures for PBD is needed to guide practice for distinguishing
      PBD from related disorders.

PMID- 28093822
TI  - The role of guilt sensitivity in OCD symptom dimensions.
AB  - : Although some studies have found that guilt may precede, motivate, or be a
      consequence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the relationship between
      guilt and OCD has been under investigated. The studies that explored the role of
      trait guilt (guilt propensity) in OCD reported inconsistent findings and failed
      to support its predictive role. Since it has been suggested that OCD patients
      perceive guilt in a more threatening manner, it might also be relevant to test to
      what extent they negatively evaluate the experience of guilt (i.e., guilt
      sensitivity; GS). Study 1 investigated the psychometric properties of a new 10
      item Italian measure developed to assess GS-named Guilt Sensitivity Questionnaire
      in a nonclinical sample (N = 473). Results from exploratory factor analyses
      supported the unidimensionality of the scale. It also showed excellent internal
      consistency and good discriminant validity. Study 2 investigated the role of GS
      in OCD symptoms, in particular with regard to responsibility for harm obsessions
      and checking compulsions, using a heterogeneous OCD sample (N = 61) and a control
      group of patients with anxiety disorders (N = 47). GS was the unique significant
      predictor of checking related OCD symptoms independent of negative mood states
      and obsessive beliefs. Guilt Sensitivity Questionnaire scores of patients with
      responsibility for harm concerns were significantly higher than those of patients
      with other kinds of obsessive concerns and with anxiety disorders. Findings
      supported the hypothesis that GS plays a relevant role in OCD symptoms when
      checking rituals are primarily involved. Implications for current cognitive
      behavioral models are discussed. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: Guilt sensitivity may
      play a role in checking-related OCD symptoms. We developed a psychometrically
      sound unidimensional 10-item scale to assess guilt sensitivity. Guilt sensitivity
      was a unique predictor of checking-related OCD symptoms. Targeting beliefs about
      the intolerability/dangerousness of experiencing guilt may be useful. Acceptance
      based approaches may be helpful as they promote the acceptance of guilt.

PMID- 28093823
TI  - Sleep and its associations with perceived and objective cognitive impairment in
      individuals with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Problems with sleep and cognitive impairment are common among people with
      multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study examined the relationship between self
      reported sleep and both objective and perceived cognitive impairment in MS. Data
      were obtained from the baseline assessment of a multi-centre intervention trial
      (NCT00841321). Participants were 121 individuals with MS. Nearly half (49%) of
      participants met the criteria for objective cognitive impairment; however,
      cognitively impaired and unimpaired participants did not differ on any self
      reported sleep measures. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of participants met the criteria
      for 'poor' sleep, and poorer sleep was significantly associated with greater
      levels of perceived cognitive impairment. Moreover, the relationships between
      self-reported sleep and perceived cognitive impairment were significant beyond
      the influence of clinical and demographic factors known to influence sleep and
      cognitive functioning (e.g. age, sex, education level, disability severity, type
      of MS, disease duration, depression and fatigue). However, self-reported sleep
      was not associated with any measures of objective cognitive impairment. Among
      different types of perceived cognitive impairment, poor self-reported sleep was
      most commonly related to worse perceived executive function (e.g.
      planning/organization) and prospective memory. Results from the present study
      emphasize that self-reported sleep is significantly and independently related to
      perceived cognitive impairment in MS. In terms of clinical implications,
      interventions focused on improving sleep may help improve perceived cognitive
      function and quality of life in this population; however, the impact of improved
      sleep on objective cognitive function requires further investigation.

PMID- 28093825
TI  - Three decades of continuous wrist-activity recording: analysis of sleep duration.
AB  - Motor activity recording by a wrist-worn device is a common method to monitor the
      rest-activity cycle. The first author wore an actimeter continuously for more
      than three decades, starting in 1982 at the age of 43.5 years. Until November
      2006 analysis was performed on a 15-min time base, and subsequently on a 2-min
      time base. The timing of night-time sleep was determined from the cessation and
      re-occurrence of daytime-level activity. Sleep duration declined from an initial
      6.8 to 6 h in 2004. The declining trend was reversed upon retirement, whereas the
      variance of sleep duration declined throughout the recording period. Before
      retirement, a dominant 7-day rhythm of sleep duration as well as an annual
      periodicity was revealed by spectral analysis. These variations were attenuated
      or vanished during the years after retirement. We demonstrate the feasibility of
      continuous long-term motor activity recordings to study age-related variations of
      the rest-activity cycle. Here we show that the embeddedness in a professional
      environment imparts a temporal structure to sleep duration.

PMID- 28093824
TI  - Excess mortality after hip fracture in elderly persons from Europe and the USA:
      the CHANCES project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip fractures are associated with diminished quality of life and
      survival especially amongst the elderly. OBJECTIVE: All-cause mortality after hip
      fracture was investigated to assess its magnitude. METHODS: A total of 122 808
      participants from eight cohorts in Europe and the USA were followed up for a mean
      of 12.6 years, accumulating 4273 incident hip fractures and 27 999 deaths.
      Incident hip fractures were assessed through telephone interviews/questionnaires
      or national inpatient/fracture registries, and causes of death were verified with
      death certificates. Cox proportional hazards models and the time-dependent
      variable methodology were used to assess the association between hip fracture and
      mortality and its magnitude at different time intervals after the injury in each
      cohort. We obtained the effect estimates through a random-effects meta-analysis.
      RESULTS: Hip fracture was positively associated with increased all-cause
      mortality; the hazard ratio (HR) in the fully adjusted model was 2.12, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.76-2.57, after adjusting for potential confounders.
      This association was stronger amongst men [HR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.72-3.31] than
      amongst women [HR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.54-2.39], although this difference was not
      significant. Mortality was higher during the first year after the hip fracture
      [HR: 2.78, 95% CI: 2.12-3.64], but it remained elevated without major
      fluctuations after longer time since hip fracture [HR (95% CI): 1.89 (1.50-2.37)
      after 1-4 years; 2.15 (1.81-2.55) after 4-8 years; 1.79 (1.57-2.05) after 8 or
      more years]. CONCLUSION: In this large population-based sample of older persons
      across eight cohorts, hip fracture was associated with excess short- and long
      term all-cause mortality in both sexes.

PMID- 28093826
TI  - Highly sensitive detection of E2 activity in ubiquitination using an artificial
      RING finger.
AB  - The ubiquitin-conjugating (E2) enzymes of protein ubiquitination are associated
      with various diseases such as leukemia, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Rapid and
      accurate detection of E2 enzymatic activities remains poor. Here, we described
      the detection of E2 activity on a signal accumulation ISFET biosensor (AMIS
      sensor) using an artificial RING finger (ARF). The use of ARF enables the
      simplified detection of E2 activity without a substrate. The high-sensitivity
      quantitative detection of E2 activities was demonstrated via real-time monitoring
      over a response range of femtomolar to micromolar concentrations. Furthermore,
      the monitoring of E2 activities was successfully achieved using human acute
      promyelocytic leukemia cells following treatment with the anticancer drug
      bortezomib, which allowed the assessment of the pathological conditions. This
      strategy is extremely simple and convenient, and the present detection could be
      widely applied to specific E2s for various types of cancers. Copyright (c) 2017
      European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28093827
TI  - Trajectories of sleep and cardiac sympathetic activity indexed by pre-ejection
      period in childhood.
AB  - Fragmented and insufficient sleep has been implicated in disrupted autonomic
      nervous system activity during resting state conditions in typically developing
      children. Towards explication of these relations over development, the current
      study tested reciprocal relations between the development of sleep parameters
      (efficiency, duration, latency) and cardiac sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
      activity indexed by pre-ejection period (PEP) during waking-resting state
      conditions throughout middle and late childhood. Whether sleep derives changes in
      PEP or vice versa was examined. A longitudinal design was employed and latent
      growth modelling was used to examine the research questions. During the first
      assessment, 282 children aged 9.44 years (65% European American, 35% African
      American) participated. Two more assessments followed, with a 1-year lag between
      consecutive study waves. Sleep was examined with 7 nights of actigraphy in the
      child's home. Controlling for many potential confounds (sex, race/ethnicity, body
      mass index and family socioeconomic status), higher sleep efficiency and more
      sleep minutes predicted increases in PEP (less SNS activity) over 3 years. PEP
      did not predict changes in sleep efficiency or duration over time and there were
      no significant effects for sleep latency. Findings highlight the probable
      direction of effects between these two key bioregulatory systems. High levels of
      cardiac SNS activity are associated with many negative health outcomes, and thus
      these findings may have important implications.

PMID- 28093828
TI  - A systematic review on ethnomedicines of anti-cancer plants.
AB  - Cancer is a serious health problem and the second leading cause of death around
      the globe. Present review is an attempt to provide utmost information based on
      ethno-pharmacological and toxicological aspects of anti-cancer plants of the
      world. A total of 276 articles published in English journals and containing
      maximum ethnomedicinal information were reviewed using several data sources such
      as; Google scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and floras of different
      countries. A total of 199 anti-cancer plants were recorded in present review and
      results indicated that traditional medicines are mostly being use in developing
      countries for cancer treatment. Traditionally and scientifically skin and breast
      cancer types gained more focus. Seventy plants were reportedly analyzed for in
      vitro activities while 32 plants were having in-vivo reports. Twenty nine pure
      compounds (mostly phenolic) were reportedly isolated from anti-cancer plants and
      tested against different cancer cell lines. Inspite having better efficiency of
      ethnomedicines as compared to synthetic drugs, several plants have also shown
      toxic effects on living system. Therefore, we invite researchers attention to
      carry out detailed ethno-pharmacological and toxicological studies on un-explored
      anti-cancer plants in order to provide reliable knowledge to the patients and
      develop novel anti-cancer drugs. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28093829
TI  - Unprecedented Access to beta-Arylated Selenophenes through Palladium-Catalysed
      Direct Arylation.
AB  - Several reported methods allow access to alpha-arylated selenophenes, whereas the
      synthesis of beta-arylated selenophenes remains very challenging. Here, the Pd
      catalysed coupling of benzenesulfonyl chlorides with selenophenes affording
      regiospecific beta-arylated selenophenes is reported. The reaction proceeds with
      easily accessible catalyst, base and substrates, and tolerates a variety of
      substituents both on the benzene and selenophene moieties. This transformation
      allows the programmed synthesis of polyarylated selenophenes with potential
      applications in pharmaceutical and materials chemistry, as the installation of
      aryl groups at the desired positions can be achieved.

PMID- 28093830
TI  - Age affects sleep microstructure more than sleep macrostructure.
AB  - It is well known that the quantity and quality of physiological sleep changes
      across age. However, so far the effect of age on sleep microstructure has been
      mostly addressed in small samples. The current study examines the effect of age
      on several measures of sleep macro- and microstructure in 211 women (22-71 years
      old) of the 'Sleep and Health in Women' study for whom ambulatory polysomnography
      was registered. Older age was associated with significantly lower fast spindle
      (effect size f2  = 0.32) and K-complex density (f2  = 0.19) during N2 sleep, as
      well as slow-wave activity (log) in N3 sleep (f2  = 0.21). Moreover, total sleep
      time (f2  = 0.10), N3 sleep (min) (f2  = 0.10), rapid eye movement sleep (min)
      (f2  = 0.11) and sigma (log) (f2  = 0.05) and slow-wave activity (log) during non
      rapid eye movement sleep (f2  = 0.09) were reduced, and N1 sleep (f2  = 0.03) was
      increased in older age. No significant effects of age were observed on slow
      spindle density, rapid eye movement density and beta power (log) during non-rapid
      eye movement sleep. In conclusion, effect sizes indicate that traditional sleep
      stage scoring may underestimate age-related changes in sleep.

PMID- 28093831
TI  - Light-Controlled Reversible Modulation of Frontier Molecular Orbital Energy
      Levels in Trifluoromethylated Diarylethenes.
AB  - Among bistable photochromic molecules, diarylethenes (DAEs) possess the distinct
      feature that upon photoisomerization they undergo a large modulation of their pi
      electronic system, accompanied by a marked shift of the HOMO/LUMO energies and
      hence oxidation/reduction potentials. The electronic modulation can be utilized
      to remote-control charge- as well as energy-transfer processes and it can be
      transduced to functional entities adjacent to the DAE core, thereby regulating
      their properties. In order to exploit such photoswitchable systems it is
      important to precisely adjust the absolute position of their HOMO and LUMO levels
      and to maximize the extent of the photoinduced shifts of these energy levels.
      Here, we present a comprehensive study detailing how variation of the
      substitution pattern of DAE compounds, in particular using strongly electron
      accepting and chemically stable trifluoromethyl groups either in the periphery or
      at the reactive carbon atoms, allows for the precise tuning of frontier molecular
      orbital levels over a broad energy range and the generation of photoinduced
      shifts of more than 1 eV. Furthermore, the effect of different DAE architectures
      on the transduction of these shifts to an adjacent functional group is discussed.
      Whereas substitution in the periphery of the DAE motif has only minor
      implications on the photochemistry, trifluoromethylation at the reactive carbon
      atoms strongly disturbs the isomerization efficiency. However, this can be
      overcome by using a nonsymmetrical substitution pattern or by combination with
      donor groups, rendering the resulting photoswitches attractive candidates for the
      construction of remote-controlled functional systems.

PMID- 28093833
TI  - Cracking the code: residents' interpretations of written assessment comments.
AB  - CONTEXT: Interest is growing in the use of qualitative data for assessment.
      Written comments on residents' in-training evaluation reports (ITERs) can be
      reliably rank-ordered by faculty attendings, who are adept at interpreting these
      narratives. However, if residents do not interpret assessment comments in the
      same way, a valuable educational opportunity may be lost. OBJECTIVES: Our purpose
      was to explore residents' interpretations of written assessment comments using
      mixed methods. METHODS: Twelve internal medicine (IM) postgraduate year 2 (PGY2)
      residents were asked to rank-order a set of anonymised PGY1 residents (n = 48)
      from a previous year in IM based solely on their ITER comments. Each PGY1 was
      ranked by four PGY2s; generalisability theory was used to assess inter-rater
      reliability. The PGY2s were then interviewed separately about their rank-ordering
      process, how they made sense of the comments and how they viewed ITERs in
      general. Interviews were analysed using constructivist grounded theory. RESULTS:
      Across four PGY2 residents, the G coefficient was 0.84; for a single resident it
      was 0.56. Resident rankings correlated extremely well with faculty member
      rankings (r = 0.90). Residents were equally adept at reading between the lines to
      construct meaning from the comments and used language cues in ways similarly
      reported in faculty attendings. Participants discussed the difficulties of
      interpreting vague language and provided perspectives on why they thought it
      occurs (time, discomfort, memorability and the permanency of written records).
      They emphasised the importance of face-to-face discussions, the relative value of
      comments over scores, staff-dependent variability of assessment and the perceived
      purpose and value of ITERs. They saw particular value in opportunities to review
      an aggregated set of comments. CONCLUSIONS: Residents understood the 'hidden
      code' in assessment language and their ability to rank-order residents based on
      comments matched that of faculty. Residents seemed to accept staff-dependent
      variability as a reality. These findings add to the growing evidence that
      supports the use of narrative comments and subjectivity in assessment.

PMID- 28093832
TI  - IL-15-deficient mice develop enhanced allergic responses to airway allergen
      exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is critical for the
      development and survival of multiple haematopoietic lineages. Mice lacking IL-15
      have selective defects in populations of several pro-allergic immune cells
      including natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, and memory CD8+ T cells. We
      therefore hypothesized that IL-15-/- mice will have reduced inflammatory
      responses during the development of allergic airway disease (AAD). OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether IL-15-/- mice have attenuated allergic responses in a mouse
      model of AAD. METHODS: C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and IL-15-/- mice were sensitized
      and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and the development of AAD was ascertained
      by examining changes in airway inflammatory responses, Th2 responses, and lung
      histopathology. RESULTS: Here, we report that IL-15-/- mice developed enhanced
      allergic responses in an OVA-induced model of AAD. In the absence of IL-15, OVA
      challenged mice exhibited enhanced bronchial eosinophilic inflammation, elevated
      IL-13 production, and severe lung histopathology in comparison with WT mice. In
      addition, increased numbers of CD4+ T and B cells in the spleens and
      bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were also observed. Examination of OVA-challenged IL
      15Ralpha-/- animals revealed a similar phenotype resulting in enhanced airway
      eosinophilia compared to WT mice. Adoptive transfer of splenic CD8+ T cells from
      OVA-sensitized WT mice suppressed the enhancement of eosinophilia in IL-15-/-
      animals to levels observed in WT mice, but had no further effects. CONCLUSION AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data demonstrate that mice with an endogenous IL-15
      deficiency are susceptible to the development of severe, enhanced Th2-mediated
      AAD, which can be regulated by CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the development of
      disease as well as allergen-specific Th2 responses occurs despite deficiencies in
      several IL-15-dependent cell types including NK, NKT, and gammadelta T cells,
      suggesting that these cells or their subsets are dispensable for the induction of
      AAD in IL-15-deficient mice.

PMID- 28093834
TI  - Seasonality of pathogens causing community-acquired pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Seasonal distribution of microbial aetiology in
      patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) may add important information
      both for epidemiologists and clinicians. We investigate the seasonal distribution
      of microbial aetiology in CAP. METHODS: This prospective observational study was
      carried out in the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain (January 2003-December
      2014). RESULTS: We studied 4431 patients with CAP, of whom 2689 (61%) were males.
      Microbial aetiology was identified in 1756 patients (40%). CAP was most frequent
      in winter (34%) but two-third of patients with CAP presented in other seasons.
      Seasonal variations included Streptococcus pneumoniae (winter 21% vs spring 17%
      vs summer 14% vs autumn 13%, overall P < 0.001). Influenza viruses were most
      prevalent in autumn (6%) and winter (5%) compared with spring (3%) and summer
      (1%) (overall P < 0.001). Legionella pneumophila was most frequent in autumn (4%)
      and summer (4%) compared with spring (2%) and winter (1%) (overall P < 0.001).
      Incidence of polymicrobial pneumonia also differed between seasons (winter 7% vs
      spring 5% vs summer 3% vs autumn 6%, overall P = 0.001). We observed a
      significant correlation between the lowest seasonal average temperature and
      polymicrobial pneumonia, pneumococcal pneumonia, and influenza viruses;
      conversely, L. pneumophila was more common when temperatures were higher.
      CONCLUSION: CAP should not be regarded as a seasonal disease but occurs
      throughout all seasons. However, S. pneumoniae, influenza viruses, polymicrobial
      pneumonia and L. pneumophila are clearly subject to seasonal variations.

PMID- 28093835
TI  - The assessment and treatment of unhealthy exercise in adolescents with anorexia
      nervosa: A Delphi study to synthesize clinical knowledge.
AB  - This study aimed to explore and synthesize expert clinical knowledge on defining
      and managing unhealthy exercise in adolescents with AN. The Delphi methodology
      was used. Clinicians (n = 25) considered experts in the treatment of AN in
      adolescents were recruited internationally to form the panel. The first round of
      the questionnaires was comprised of five open-ended questions regarding defining,
      assessing, and treating unhealthy exercise in adolescents with AN. Statements
      were derived from this data using content analysis, and included as Likert-based
      items in two subsequent rounds, in which panellists were required to rate their
      level of agreement for each item. All 25 respondents completed the three rounds
      of questionnaires. Consensus was achieved for 59.0% of the items included in the
      second and third round of questionnaires. Although consensus was not achieved,
      compulsive exercise was the preferred term for the panel when referring to
      unhealthy exercise in adolescents with AN. The panel clearly delineated features
      of unhealthy and healthy exercise, and endorsed a number of items considered
      important to assess for when evaluating exercise in this clinical population. A
      variety of treatment approaches and strategies reached consensus. Notably, for
      those who are medically stable and progressing toward recovery, the panel
      recommended initial exercise restriction practices and reintroducing healthy
      exercise behaviors, rather than exercise cessation practices. The current
      findings can serve as preliminary treatment guidelines. A unified approach to
      labeling and defining unhealthy exercise in the eating disorder literature and
      clinical settings is required to achieve further progress.

PMID- 28093836
TI  - Incremental validity of weight suppression in predicting clinical impairment in
      bulimic syndromes.
AB  - Research has shown that weight suppression (WS; the difference between a person's
      highest and current body weight in pounds) is a robust predictor of weight gain
      and eating-disorder (ED) symptoms among individuals with bulimic syndromes. Given
      the important prognostic role that WS plays in ED course and outcome, we
      hypothesized that WS would represent a clinically useful indicator of impairment
      for bulimic syndromes. We further posited that WS would demonstrate incremental
      validity above-and-beyond other proposed indicators in explaining clinical
      impairment in bulimic syndromes. Participants were community-recruited adults (N
      = 101; 80.2% female) with full-threshold (n = 51) or subthreshold (n = 50)
      bulimia nervosa. Other indicators of impairment included body mass index,
      frequency of inappropriate compensatory behaviors, lifetime history of any
      internalizing disorder, and multiple purging. Clinical impairment was assessed
      with the clinical impairment assessment (CIA). Hierarchical linear regression
      tested whether WS added to the explanation of CIA score variance above-and-beyond
      other indicators of bulimic-syndrome impairment. WS was significantly associated
      with clinical impairment (p = .011), but did not demonstrate incremental validity
      over other independent variables in predicting CIA scores. WS explained an
      additional 1.7% of the variance in CIA scores above-and-beyond other variables
      and the independent effect of WS on CIA scores represented a medium-sized effect
      (Cohen's d = 0.521). Results suggested that WS may be an indicator of ED-related
      clinical impairment. Inquiring about WS could be an informative component of
      routine bulimic-syndrome assessment, given that WS explains some of the variance
      in clinical impairment in bulimic syndromes.

PMID- 28093837
TI  - Effects of simulation education on oral care practices - a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implementation of evidence-based oral care protocols, nurse education
      programmes and assessment tools may reduce the risk of developing ventilator
      associated pneumonia by increasing critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in
      adhering to current oral care recommendations. AIMS: To evaluate the longitudinal
      effects of single-dose simulation education with structured debriefing and verbal
      feedback on critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in adhering to current
      oral care recommendations. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with repeated
      measurements. METHOD: The data for the study were collected in a single academic
      centre in a 22-bed adult, mixed, medical-surgical intensive care unit in Finland
      from February 2012 to March 2014. The effectiveness of simulation education was
      evaluated through the validated Ventilator Bundle Questionnaire and Observation
      Schedule at baseline (n = 30) and 24 months (n = 17) after simulation education.
      Data were analysed using a linear mixed model and intention-to-treat analyses.
      RESULTS: During the study period, the average knowledge score in the intervention
      group increased significantly (44.0% to 56.0% of the total score) in the final
      post-intervention measurement (pt  = 0.51, pg  = 0.002, pt*g  = 0.023). However,
      single-dose simulation education with structured debriefing and verbal feedback
      had no impact on critical care nurses' skill scores. CONCLUSION: Single-dose
      simulation education had only a minimal effect on critical care nurses' knowledge
      and skills in adhering to current oral care recommendations. Despite increased
      awareness, there was no significant difference in oral care practices between the
      study groups after simulation education. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The
      need for regularly repeated educational sessions with theoretical training and
      practical exercises and direct feedback is evident. Certain aspects of oral care,
      such as prevention of microaspiration of oropharyngeal secretions and moistening
      of oral mucosa and lips, require more reinforcement than others.

PMID- 28093838
TI  - Fusaric acid contributes to virulence of Fusarium oxysporum on plant and
      mammalian hosts.
AB  - Fusaric acid (FA) is amongst the oldest identified secondary metabolites produced
      by Fusarium species, known for a long time to display strong phytotoxicity and
      moderate toxicity to animal cells; however, the cellular targets of FA and its
      function in fungal pathogenicity remain unknown. Here, we investigated the role
      of FA in Fusarium oxysporum, a soil-borne cross-kingdom pathogen that causes
      vascular wilt on more than 100 plant species and opportunistic infections in
      humans. Targeted deletion of fub1, encoding a predicted orthologue of the
      polyketide synthase involved in FA biosynthesis in F. verticillioides and F.
      fujikuroi, abolished the production of FA and its derivatives in F. oxysporum. We
      further showed that the expression of fub1 was positively controlled by the
      master regulator of secondary metabolism LaeA and the alkaline pH regulator PacC
      through the modulation of chromatin accessibility at the fub1 locus. FA exhibited
      strong phytotoxicity on tomato plants, which was rescued by the exogenous supply
      of copper, iron or zinc, suggesting a possible function of FA as a chelating
      agent of these metal ions. Importantly, the severity of vascular wilt symptoms on
      tomato plants and the mortality of immunosuppressed mice were significantly
      reduced in fub1Delta mutants and fully restored in the complemented strains.
      Collectively, these results provide new insights into the regulation and mode of
      action of FA, as well as on the function of this phytotoxin during the infection
      process of F. oxysporum.

PMID- 28093840
TI  - A Unique Genetically Encoded FRET Pair in Mammalian Cells.
AB  - Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between two suitable fluorophores is a
      powerful tool to monitor dynamic changes in protein structure in vitro and in
      vivo. The ability to genetically encode a FRET pair represents a convenient
      "labeling-free" strategy to incorporate them into target protein(s). Currently,
      the only genetically encoded FRET pairs available for use in mammalian cells use
      fluorescent proteins. However, their large size can lead to unfavorable
      perturbations, particularly when two are used at the same time. Additionally,
      fluorescent proteins are largely restricted to a terminal attachment to the
      target, which might not be optimal. Here, we report the development of an
      alternative genetically encoded FRET pair in mammalian cells that circumvents
      these challenges by taking advantage of a small genetically encoded fluorescent
      unnatural amino acid as the donor and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)
      as the acceptor. The small size of Anap relative to fluorescent proteins, and the
      ability to co-translationally incorporate it into internal sites on the target
      protein, endows this novel FRET pair with improved versatility over its
      counterparts that rely upon two fluorescent proteins.

PMID- 28093839
TI  - Serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin correlates with hemoglobin A1c in children
      with recently diagnosed pediatric diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteocalcin (OC), a hormone secreted by osteoblasts, improves beta
      cell function in vitro and in vivo. We aimed to understand the relationship
      between OC and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in pediatric diabetes. METHODS: Children (n
      = 70; mean [SD] age = 11.8 years [3.1]; 34.3% non-Hispanic white, 46.3% Hispanic,
      14.9% African-American, 4.5% other) newly diagnosed with diabetes (69.1% type 1
      diabetes [T1D], 30.9% type 2 diabetes [T2D]) were studied. We collected clinical
      data at diagnosis and first clinical visit (V1) 9 weeks later (interquartile
      range [IQR] = 7.9-12.0). Serum undercarboxylated OC (uOC) and carboxylated OC
      (cOC) were measured 7.0 weeks (IQR 4.3-8.9) after diagnosis. RESULTS: Mean [SD]
      uOC was 20.3 (19.6) ng/mL, cOC 29.7 [13.7] ng/mL and u/cOC 0.68 [0.81]. uOC, cOC,
      or u/cOC were not different by gender, race/ethnicity, age, diabetes type, BMI
      percentile, or random C-peptide, glucose or HbA1c at diagnosis. However, among 61
      children with V1 within 4 months of diagnosis, uOC was higher in those with V1
      HbA1c < 7.5% (HbA1c < 58 mmol/mol) (uOC=33.1 [22.0]) compared with children with
      HbA1c >= 7.5% (uOC=17.4 [2.3], P = .0004). The difference was larger among
      patients with T2D (34.6 and 4.7 ng/mL, respectively, P = .0001) than T1D (32.2
      and 19.3, P = .0169), and in males (36.1 and 17.4, P = .018) than females (27.6
      and 17.3, P = .072). Analysis for u/cOC were similar while there were no
      differences in cOC. uOC was inversely correlated with HbA1c at V1 (Spearman's rho
      = -0.29, P = .02). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that serum uOC is inversely
      related to HbA1c shortly after diagnosis of pediatric diabetes. This potentially
      modifiable factor of glucose metabolism warrants further studies.

PMID- 28093841
TI  - Effect of valsartan on kidney outcomes in people with impaired glucose tolerance.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the effect of valsartan on kidney outcomes in patients with
      impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). METHODS: In a double-blind randomized trial,
      9306 patients with IGT were assigned to valsartan (160 mg daily) or placebo. The
      co-primary endpoints were the development of diabetes and two composite
      cardiovascular outcomes. Prespecified renal endpoints included: the composite of
      renal death, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or doubling of serum creatinine;
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <=30 mL/min/1.73 m2 ; hospitalization
      for renal failure; and progression from normoalbuminuria to microalbuminuria,
      microalbuminuria to macroalbuminuria, and normoalbuminuria to macroalbuminuria.
      The median follow-up was 6.2 years. RESULTS: Valsartan reduced the incidence of
      diabetes but not cardiovascular events. In the valsartan group, 25/4631 patients
      (0.5%), vs 26/4675 (0.6%) patients in the placebo group, developed ESRD or
      experienced doubling of serum creatinine (hazard ratio [HR] 0.96, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.55-1.66; P  = .87). Few patients in either group developed an
      eGFR of <=30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or had a renal hospitalization. Fewer patients on
      valsartan (237/4084 [5.8%]) than on placebo (342/4092 [8.4%]) developed
      microalbuminuria (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.57-0.80; P  < .0001), and fewer valsartan
      treated patients developed macroalbuminuria. Overall, urinary albumin-to
      creatinine ratio (UACR) was 11% lower with valsartan (95% CI 8-13; P  < .0001)
      and 9% lower (95% CI 6-11; P  < .0001) after adjusting for both glucose and blood
      pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of valsartan on UACR was not wholly explained
      by change in blood pressure or glucose. Valsartan reduced the incidence of
      microalbuminuria in IGT without increasing the incidence of hyperkalaemia or
      renal dysfunction compared with placebo.

PMID- 28093842
TI  - Gilbert syndrome in patients with type 1 diabetes-Prevalence, glycemic control,
      and microalbuminuria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gilbert syndrome (GS) is a common hereditary condition, characterized
      by intermittent unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. In adults with type 2 diabetes
      and GS, a markedly lower prevalence of nephropathy was documented, suggesting a
      beneficial effect of hyperbilirubinemia. We investigated the prevalence of GS
      among individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and the prevalence of
      microalbuminuria. METHODS: The prevalence of GS was assessed in 401 (204 female)
      patients with T1DM, median age 21.0 years, (interquartile range [IQR], 15.7
      27.9), median disease duration 10.8 years (IQR, 5.7-15.8); and was compared with
      GS prevalence in 181 children (control). The prevalence of microalbuminuria was
      assessed in patients with T1DM and GS (group I) and compared with that of
      patients with T1DM alone (group II), in a ratio of 1:2 matched by gender, age,
      and duration of diabetes. RESULTS: The prevalence of GS in TIDM patients was
      significantly higher than in the control group (10.7% vs 3.3% respectively, p =
      .004), with no gender difference. Patients with T1DM and GS had significantly
      lower HbA1c levels than did those with T1DM alone 7.3 +/- 1.2 vs 7.9 +/- 1.3%
      respectively (56 +/- 13 vs 63 +/- 14 mmol/mol), p = .02. The rate of
      microalbuminuria was 14.0% vs 11.0% for patients with T1DM and GS, compared with
      those with T1DM alone (p = .6). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of GS was 3-fold
      higher among individuals with T1DM than in a healthy control group. Despite
      better glycemic control, the rate of microalbuminuria was similar among young
      individuals with T1DM and GS, and those with T1DM alone, suggesting no protective
      value to elevated bilirubin.

PMID- 28093843
TI  - The discovery of the virulence gene ToxA in the wheat and barley pathogen
      Bipolaris sorokiniana.
AB  - Bipolaris sorokiniana is the causal agent of multiple diseases on wheat and
      barley and is the primary constraint to cereal production throughout South Asia.
      Despite its significance, the molecular basis of disease is poorly understood. To
      address this, the genomes of three Australian isolates of B. sorokiniana were
      sequenced and screened for known pathogenicity genes. Sequence analysis revealed
      that the isolate BRIP10943 harboured the ToxA gene, which has been associated
      previously with disease in the wheat pathogens Parastagonospora nodorum and
      Pyrenophora tritici-repentis. Analysis of the regions flanking ToxA within B.
      sorokiniana revealed that it was embedded within a 12-kb genomic element nearly
      identical to the corresponding regions in P. nodorum and P. tritici-repentis. A
      screen of 35 Australian B. sorokiniana isolates confirmed that ToxA was present
      in 12 isolates. Sequencing of the ToxA genes within these isolates revealed two
      haplotypes, which differed by a single non-synonymous nucleotide substitution.
      Pathogenicity assays showed that a B. sorokiniana isolate harbouring ToxA was
      more virulent on wheat lines that contained the sensitivity gene when compared
      with a non-ToxA isolate. This work demonstrates that proteins that confer host
      specific virulence can be horizontally acquired across multiple species. This
      acquisition can dramatically increase the virulence of pathogenic strains on
      susceptible cultivars, which, in an agricultural setting, can have devastating
      economic and social impacts.

PMID- 28093844
TI  - Dispersal and neutral sampling mediate contingent effects of disturbance on plant
      beta-diversity: a meta-analysis.
AB  - A major challenge in ecology, conservation and global-change biology is to
      understand why biodiversity responds differently to similar environmental
      changes. Contingent biodiversity responses may depend on how disturbance and
      dispersal interact to alter variation in community composition (beta-diversity)
      and assembly mechanisms. However, quantitative syntheses of these patterns and
      processes across studies are lacking. Using null-models and meta-analyses of 22
      factorial experiments in herbaceous plant communities across Europe and North
      America, we show that disturbance diversifies communities when dispersal is
      limited, but homogenises communities when combined with increased immigration
      from the species pool. In contrast to the hypothesis that disturbance and
      dispersal mediate the strength of niche assembly, both processes altered beta
      diversity through neutral-sampling effects on numbers of individuals and species
      in communities. Our synthesis suggests that stochastic effects of disturbance and
      dispersal on community assembly play an important, but underappreciated, role in
      mediating biotic homogenisation and biodiversity responses to environmental
      change.

PMID- 28093845
TI  - Response to comment on 'Randomization inference for treatment effects on a binary
      outcome'.

PMID- 28093846
TI  - Speaking a tone language enhances musical pitch perception in 3-5-year-olds.
AB  - Young children learn multiple cognitive skills concurrently (e.g., language and
      music). Evidence is limited as to whether and how learning in one domain affects
      that in another during early development. Here we assessed whether exposure to a
      tone language benefits musical pitch processing among 3-5-year-old children. More
      specifically, we compared the pitch perception of Chinese children who spoke a
      tone language (i.e., Mandarin) with English-speaking American children. We found
      that Mandarin-speaking children were more advanced at pitch processing than
      English-speaking children but both groups performed similarly on a control music
      task (timbre discrimination). The findings support the Pitch Generalization
      Hypothesis that tone languages drive attention to pitch in nonlinguistic
      contexts, and suggest that language learning benefits aspects of music perception
      in early development. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at:
      https://youtu.be/UY0kpGpPNA0.

PMID- 28093847
TI  - Quality of life and clinical correlates in older adults living in the community
      and in nursing homes in Macao.
AB  - AIM: There have been no previous studies of quality of life (QOL) in older adults
      in Macao. This study aimed to examine QOL in relation to the sociodemographic and
      clinical characteristics of adults aged >=50 years in Macao. METHODS: A sample of
      451 subjects (203 living in the community, 248 living in nursing homes) was
      interviewed using standardized instruments. Basic sociodemographic and clinical
      data including QOL were collected. RESULT: There were no significant differences
      between the community and nursing home groups in any of the QOL domains. Multiple
      linear regression analyses revealed that poor physical QOL was significantly
      predicted by severe depressive symptoms, insomnia, major medical conditions,
      unmarried status, and lower education ( F 11,438  = 26.2, P < 0.001), which
      accounted for 38.2% of the variance. Poor psychological QOL was significantly
      predicted by severe depressive symptoms and lower educational level ( F 11,438  =
      24.3, P < 0.001), which accounted for 36.4% of the variance. Poor social QOL was
      significantly predicted by severe depressive symptoms, male gender, and unmarried
      status ( F 11,438  = 5.6, P < 0.001), which accounted for 12.5% of the variance.
      Poor environment QOL was significantly predicted by lower educational level,
      severe depressive symptoms, and younger age ( F 11,438  = 6.6, P < 0.001), which
      accounted for 12.1% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Older Macanese adults had poorer
      scores on physical and social QOL domains than the general Hong Kong Chinese
      population. Their QOL was more strongly related to severe depressive symptoms,
      major medical conditions, and insomnia.

PMID- 28093848
TI  - One mutation, two distinct disease variants: unravelling the impact of
      transthyretin amyloid fibril composition.
AB  - Although hereditary transthyretin (h-ATTR) amyloidosis is a monogenetic disease,
      a large variation in its phenotype has been observed. The common hypothesis of
      amyloid fibril formation involves dissociation of the transthyretin (TTR)
      tetramer into monomers that after misfolding reassemble into amyloid fibrils.
      This notion is partly challenged by the finding of two distinct types of amyloid
      fibrils. One of these, type A, consists of C-terminal ATTR fragments and full
      length TTR, whereas the other, type B, consists only of full-length TTR. All
      organs of an individual patient contain ATTR deposits of either type A or type B
      fibrils, and the composition in each individual remains unchanged over time. The
      finding of two distinct types of ATTR fibrils suggests that there are at least
      two different pathways in operation for ATTR fibril formation. For the most
      common European mutation, TTR Val30Met, ATTR fibril composition is related to the
      outcome of liver transplantation, which is the first successful treatment for the
      disease, and the penetrance of the trait. In addition, the presence of C-terminal
      ATTR fragments has an impact on the affinity for various tracers used for
      noninvasive imaging of amyloid depositions such as 99 m-technetium-diphosphono
      propanodicarboxylic acid scintigraphy and positron emission tomography utilizing
      Pittsburgh component B, and even for the gold standard diagnostic procedure,
      tissue biopsy stained by Congo red and examined under polarized light. The
      importance of amyloid fibril composition needs to be taken into consideration
      when designing clinical trials of treatment modalities, and also in the
      evaluation of diagnostic methods such as imaging techniques.

PMID- 28093851
TI  - New year's greetings.

PMID- 28093849
TI  - Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with elevated PCSK9 levels in young
      women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key
      regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk,
      and is an emerging therapeutic target. OBJECTIVE: We compared serum PCSK9 levels
      in young adults, with and without type 2 diabetes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross
      sectional analysis was conducted in a cohort, aged 15 to 26 years, in Cincinnati,
      OH, from 2005 to 2010. Serum PCSK9 levels were measured in 94 youth with type 2
      diabetes, 93 obese control subjects, and 99 lean control subjects. Correlative
      analyses were conducted to determine significant covariates of PCSK9 by group and
      sex, and multivariate linear regression models were used to study the independent
      determinants of PCSK9. RESULTS: In females, PCSK9 levels were significantly
      increased in the obese and type 2 diabetes subjects relative to the lean controls
      (P < .01). Moreover, PCSK9 was positively correlated with multiple metabolic
      parameters in females: body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose,
      fasting insulin, and C-reactive protein levels (P <= .02). In males, PCSK9 levels
      were decreased overall compared with females (P = .03), and did not differ
      between the lean, obese, or type 2 diabetes groups. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and type
      2 diabetes were associated with significantly higher levels of PCSK9 in young
      women, but not in young men. These data suggest that sex could modify the effects
      of obesity and diabetes on PCSK9 in young adults.

PMID- 28093852
TI  - Factors influencing fatigue among mothers with hospitalized children: A
      structural equation model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the physiological, psychological,
      and situational factors affecting fatigue among mothers of hospitalized children.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design with a
      self-report questionnaire. Participants were 211 mothers with children younger
      than 6 years old who were admitted to general hospitals. Based on the theory of
      unpleasant symptoms, the physiological, psychological, and situational factors
      were tested using structural equation modeling. RESULTS: Mothers' fatigue was
      influenced by physiological (beta = .24), situational, and psychological factors
      (beta = .17), and situational (beta = .37) factors such as the mother's sleeping
      hours, the child's adaptation to hospitalization, anxiety and having support with
      their housework. These three factors explained 31.34% of the variance in fatigue.
      In particular, it was found that the psychological factors exacerbate the
      negative influence of the situational factors on fatigue. Moreover, the
      situational factors were most strongly related to mothers' fatigue, and they had
      an indirect effect via the psychological factors as a mediator. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: It is necessary to implement a nursing intervention that targets
      the controllable factors such as anxiety and children's adaptation to
      hospitalization that were identified in this study. Pediatric nursing care should
      not be limited to treating children's illnesses, but should be extended to
      providing family-centered care.

PMID- 28093854
TI  - Reduced representation genome sequencing reveals patterns of genetic diversity
      and selection in apple.
AB  - Identifying DNA sequence variations is a fundamental step towards deciphering the
      genetic basis of traits of interest. Here, a total of 20 cultivated and 10 wild
      apples were genotyped using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing, and
      39,635 single nucleotide polymorphisms with no missing genotypes and evenly
      distributed along the genome were selected to investigate patterns of genome-wide
      genetic variations between cultivated and wild apples. Overall, wild apples
      displayed higher levels of genetic diversity than cultivated apples. Linkage
      disequilibrium (LD) decays were observed quite rapidly in cultivated and wild
      apples, with an r2 -value below 0.2 at 440 and 280 bp, respectively. Moreover,
      bidirectional gene flow and different distribution patterns of LD blocks were
      detected between domesticated and wild apples. Most LD blocks unique to
      cultivated apples were located within QTL regions controlling fruit quality, thus
      suggesting that fruit quality had probably undergone selection during apple
      domestication. The genome of the earliest cultivated apple in China, Nai, was
      highly similar to that of Malus sieversii, and contained a small portion of
      genetic material from other wild apple species. This suggested that introgression
      could have been an important driving force during initial domestication of apple.
      These findings will facilitate future breeding and genetic dissection of complex
      traits in apple.

PMID- 28093855
TI  - Typical and atypical appearance of early-onset Alzheimer's disease: A clinical,
      neuroimaging and neuropathological study.
AB  - The International Working Group (IWG) has classified Alzheimer's disease (AD) as
      two different types, the typical form and the atypical form, but
      clinicopathological studies of atypical AD are limited. Because atypical AD cases
      usually present with early-onset dementia, we investigated 12 patients with early
      onset AD, including two patients with typical AD and 10 patients with atypical
      AD. Of these patients, six had the posterior variant, three had the frontal
      variant and one had the logopenic variant mixed with semantic dementia. We
      reported MRI, single-photon emission CT and neuropathological findings in six
      representative cases. We also described a "left temporal variant" of AD
      presenting with transcortical cortical sensory aphasia, which has not been
      reported previously and is another subtype of the posterior variant of AD. We
      found a significant correlation between regional cerebral blood flow and counts
      of NFTs in the cerebral cortices. An atypical presentation with focal
      neuropsychological symptoms roughly correlated with the density of NFTs in the
      cerebral cortex and more directly related to spongiform changes in the
      superficial layers of these areas. In contrast, the distribution of amyloid
      depositions was diffuse and did not necessarily correlate with focal
      neuropsychological symptoms. Braak staging or ABC score is not necessarily
      appropriate to evaluate atypical AD, and instead, spongiform changes in addition
      to tau pathology in the association cortices better explain the diversity of
      atypical AD. Interestingly, another patient with a posterior variant of AD had a
      novel type of atypical plaque, which we referred to as "lucent plaque". They were
      recognizable with HE staining in the circumference and dystrophic neurites were
      abundant with Gallyas-Braak staining. These plaques demonstrated intense
      immunoreactivity to both tau AT-8 and amyloid beta (Abeta), suggesting a peculiar
      coexistence pattern of amyloid and tau in these plaques. Clinicopathological
      studies of atypical AD will provide a new understanding of the pathophysiology of
      AD.

PMID- 28093853
TI  - Randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of treatment with the
      once-weekly dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor omarigliptin or the once
      daily DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately
      controlled on metformin monotherapy.
AB  - AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of the once-weekly oral dipeptidyl
      peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor omarigliptin or once-daily DPP-4 inhibitor
      sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and inadequate glycaemic
      control on metformin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with T2DM with a glycated
      haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration >=6.5% to <=9.0% while on a stable dose of
      metformin (>=1500 mg/d) were randomized in a double-blind manner to receive
      omarigliptin 25 mg once weekly (n = 322) or sitagliptin 100 mg once daily (n =
      320). The primary analysis assessed whether omarigliptin was non-inferior to
      sitagliptin in reducing HbA1c at week 24, based on the criterion of having an
      upper bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) about the difference less than
      the non-inferiority bound of 0.3%. RESULTS: The mean baseline HbA1c was 7.5% in
      both groups. After 24 weeks, the least squares (LS) mean change in HbA1c from
      baseline was -0.47% in the omarigliptin group and -0.43% in the sitagliptin
      group, with a between-group difference of -0.03% (95% CI -0.15, 0.08). This
      result met the prespecified criterion for declaring non-inferiority. The LS mean
      change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose and the percentage of patients
      with HbA1c <7.0% or <6.5% at week 24 were similar in the two treatment groups.
      There were no notable differences in adverse events and the incidence of
      symptomatic hypoglycaemia was low and similar in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with T2DM and inadequate glycaemic control on metformin, the addition of
      omarigliptin 25 mg once weekly or sitagliptin 100 mg once daily led to similar
      improvements in glycaemic control. Both agents were generally well tolerated with
      a low incidence of hypoglycaemia.

PMID- 28093856
TI  - The Nature of Metal-Metal Interactions in Dimeric Hydrides and Halides of Group
      11 Elements in the Light of High Level Relativistic Calculations.
AB  - The titular calculations show that charges at metal atoms M are apparently the
      main factor governing the nature of M???M interactions in two-nuclear coinage
      metal complexes, and there are certain critical values of positive charges on M
      atoms, on exceeding which the pair-wise M???M interactions and/or the binding
      between M atoms in such complexes become repulsive despite negative formation
      energies of such complexes, short M-M internuclear distances, and the existence
      of a bond critical point (BCP) between M atoms.

PMID- 28093857
TI  - Can blood flow restriction augment muscle activation during high-load training?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Blood flow restriction has been shown to augment muscle activation
      and increase muscle size when combined with low-load training; however, much less
      is known on whether blood flow restriction can augment muscle activation during
      high-load exercise. PURPOSE: To determine whether applying blood flow restriction
      can augment muscle activation with traditional high-load resistance exercise.
      METHOD: Ten individuals completed two sets of elbow flexion exercise to
      volitional fatigue. The control arm rested for 3 min between sets while the
      experimental arm had blood flow restriction applied for 3 min. RESULT: The blood
      flow restricted arm completed significantly fewer repetitions in set 2 in
      comparison with set 1 [set 1: 9 (1), set 2: 4 (1); P<0.001], whereas no
      meaningful differences were observed in the control arm [set 1: 8 (1), set 2: 7
      (1); P = 0.057]. There was no interaction for muscle activation (P = 0.851) with
      both conditions significantly lower at the start of set 2 [87 (26)%] in
      comparison with the end of set 1 [106 (40)%] or end of set 2 [103 (33)%].
      CONCLUSION: The application of blood flow restriction does not augment muscle
      activation present with high-load exercise and would seem unlikely to induce
      greater muscle hypertrophy.

PMID- 28093858
TI  - Parent perceptions of health promotion for school-age children with spina bifida.
AB  - PURPOSE: To gain insight into how parents develop their beliefs of health
      promotion for their children with spina bifida (SB) and how they develop and
      promote health promotion practices for their children. DESIGN: Qualitative,
      exploratory design with semi-structured interviews of parents of children between
      6 and 12 years of age diagnosed with SB was used for this study. RESULTS:
      Perceptions of health promotion were maintaining healthy bowel function and
      managing SB care. Good bowel function and SB management is health promotion and
      adequate bowel function is viewed as a marker of health. Maintaining healthy
      bowel function was identified by parents as the key marker of health for their
      children with SB. Further, the term health promotion brought up plans, concerns,
      and goals more related to their child's physiologic functioning and health care
      needs rather than promoting health and avoiding preventable disease. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: Nurses and healthcare providers are in unique and powerful
      positions for strategizing with parents on how to integrate health promotion into
      the lives of children with SB. Team-based, whole-person, holistic assessment and
      teaching inclusive of promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in addition to
      providing excellent care related to their physiologic systems affected by SB can
      improve how we promote health for these children.

PMID- 28093859
TI  - Anion-Templated Nanosized Silver Alkynyl Clusters: Cluster Engineering and
      Solution Behavior.
AB  - Assembly of nanosized polynuclear metal clusters from simple building blocks
      usually involves complicated self-organization processes and thus is a long
      standing challenge. Here, we demonstrate the controllable assembly, single
      crystal structures and solution behaviors of four molecular assemblies based on
      nanosized silver alkynyl clusters, formulated as {[(CrO4 )2 Cl@Ag42 (PhC=C)34
      (CF3 COO)2 ]?CF3 COO} (1), {(NH4 )[(CrO4 )2 Cl@Ag42 (PhC=C)34 (CrO4 )(H2 O)2
      ]?2BF4 ?CH3 OH}n (2), [(CrO4 )@Ag22 (PhC=C)16 (CF3 SO3 )4 ]n (3), and {[(CrO4 )2
      @Ag31 (PhC=C)22 (CF3 SO3 )4 ]?CF3 SO3 ?2CH3 OH?H2 O}n (4). In the presence of
      concomitant CrO42- and Cl- templates, we could isolate a discrete cluster 1 and a
      polymeric chain-like compound 2 by using different silver salts. Both 1 and 2
      have a similar 42-metallic cage, which traps two CrO42- and one Cl- as anion
      templates. Using sole CrO42- template, 3 and 4 were simultaneously isolated in a
      one-pot reaction. Both of them are 1D chain structures based on single CrO42-
      templated Ag18 and double CrO42- templated Ag30 clusters, respectively. HR-ESI-MS
      was used to study the solution behaviors of 1-4. This work has the following
      purposes: i) it presents the cluster engineering concept used in the assembly of
      polynuclear silver alkynyl clusters; ii) it exemplifies template effects from
      hetero and homo anions; and iii) it provides a controllable way to achieve
      assembly of silver alkynyl clusters.

PMID- 28093860
TI  - Monolithic implant-supported lithium disilicate (LS2) crowns in a complete
      digital workflow: A prospective clinical trial with a 2-year follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The technical development of digital processing allows the production
      of anatomically full-contoured implant-supported restorations. PURPOSE: The aim
      of this prospective clinical trial was to analyze the treatment concept of
      monolithic lithium disilicate (LS2) single-unit restorations in a complete
      digital workflow. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four patients were restored with 50
      screw-retained monolithic implant LS2 crowns bonded to pre-fabricated titanium
      abutments on soft tissue level implants (Institut Straumann AG, Basel,
      Switzerland) in premolar and molar sites. All implant restorations were digitally
      designed after intraoral optical scanning (IOS) and CAD/CAM-processing without
      physical model situations. Study participants were clinically and
      radiographically examined based on an annually performed follow-up. The
      "Functional Implant Prosthodontic Score" (FIPS) was applied for objective outcome
      assessment after 2 years of loading. Five variables were defined for FIPS
      evaluation, resulting in a maximum score of 10 per implant restoration.
      Descriptive statistics were calculated for mean scores standard deviations,
      medians, and Q25 -Q75 . RESULTS: All patients could be successfully treated
      within two clinical appointments. No clinical modifications were necessary for
      the seating of the monolithic crowns, neither for interproximal nor occlusal
      sites. The implant LS2 restorations demonstrated survival rates of 100% without
      any technical or biological complications after 2 years. The mean total FIPS
      score was 7.7 +/- 1.0, ranging from 6 to 10. CONCLUSIONS: CAD/CAM-produced
      monolithic implant crowns out of LS2 in a complete digital workflow seem to be a
      feasible treatment concept for the rehabilitation of single-tooth gaps in
      posterior sites under mid-term observation.

PMID- 28093862
TI  - The International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in Perspective.

PMID- 28093861
TI  - Laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery for a duodenal neuroendocrine tumor:
      A case report.
AB  - For neuroendocrine tumor G1, local resection is one of the primary treatment
      options. Endoscopic submucosal dissection has been proven to ensure complete
      resection with sufficient margins. However, duodenal endoscopic submucosal
      dissection has a high risk of duodenal perforation because of the thin duodenal
      wall and poor endoscopic maneuverability. During laparoscopic dissection,
      suturing can resolve perforation. Therefore, laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative
      surgery (LECS) can ensure complete resection with a minimal margin to prevent
      stenosis, and suturing can resolve perforation. In short, LECS combines the
      advantages of both techniques. In the present case, a duodenal neuroendocrine
      tumor G1 in a 75-year-old man was successfully treated using LECS. The patient
      remained free from recurrence at 21 months postoperatively. LECS is feasible for
      a neuroendocrine tumor G1 <=20 mm in size that has not invaded the muscularis
      propria or the lymphatic and venous vessels.

PMID- 28093863
TI  - Do self-reports provide valid information about driving fitness in seniors?

PMID- 28093864
TI  - Alzheimer's disease and Toxoplasma gondii infection; seromolecular assess the
      possible link among patients.

PMID- 28093866
TI  - Advancing Clinical and Translational Science.

PMID- 28093865
TI  - Nanoscale physicochemical properties of chain- and step-growth polymerized PEG
      hydrogels affect cell-material interactions.
AB  - Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels provide a versatile platform to develop
      cell instructive materials through incorporation of a variety of cell adhesive
      ligands and degradable chemistries. Synthesis of PEG gels can be accomplished via
      two mechanisms: chain and step growth polymerizations. The mechanism dramatically
      impacts hydrogel nanostructure, whereby chain polymerized hydrogels are highly
      heterogeneous and step growth networks exhibit more uniform structures.
      Underpinning these alterations in nanostructure of chain polymerized hydrogels
      are densely-packed hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) or poly(acrylate)
      kinetic chains between hydrophilic PEG crosslinkers. As cell-material
      interactions, such as those mediated by integrins, occur at the nanoscale and
      affect cell behavior, it is important to understand how different modes of
      polymerization translate into nanoscale mechanical and hydrophobic
      heterogeneities of hydrogels. Therefore, chain- and step-growth polymerized PEG
      hydrogels with macroscopically similar macromers and compliance (for example,
      methacrylate-functionalized PEG (PEGDM), MW  = 10 kDa and norbornene
      functionalized 4-arm PEG (PEGnorb), MW  = 10 kDa) were used to examine potential
      nanoscale differences in hydrogel mechanics and hydrophobicity using atomic force
      microscopy (AFM). It was found that chain-growth polymerized network yielded
      greater heterogeneities in both stiffness and hydrophobicity as compared to step
      growth polymerized networks. These nanoscale heterogeneities impact cell-material
      interactions, particularly human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) adhesion and
      spreading, which has implications in use of these hydrogels for tissue
      engineering applications. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res
      Part A: 105A: 1112-1122, 2017.

PMID- 28093867
TI  - Paramedic resuscitation competency: A survey of Australian and New Zealand
      emergency medical services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We have previously established that paramedic exposure to out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is relatively rare, therefore clinical exposure
      cannot be relied on to maintain resuscitation competency. We aimed to identify
      the current practices within emergency medical services (EMS) for developing and
      maintaining paramedic resuscitation competency. METHODS: We developed and
      conducted an online cross-sectional survey of Australian and New Zealand EMS in
      2015. The survey was piloted by one EMS and targeted at education managers.
      RESULTS: A total of nine of the 10 EMS responded to the survey. All EMS reported
      that they provide resuscitation training to paramedics at the commencement of
      their employment (median 16 h, interquartile range [IQR]: 7-80). With the
      exception of one EMS that did not provide any refresher training, a median of 4 h
      (IQR: 1-7) resuscitation training was provided to paramedics annually. All EMS
      used cardiac arrest simulations and skill stations to train paramedics. Paramedic
      exposure to OHCA was not taken into account to determine their training needs.
      Resuscitation competency was tested by EMS: annually (3/9), biennially (4/9) or
      not at all (2/9). Two EMS used CPR-feedback devices in clinical practice and only
      one EMS regularly performed formal debriefing after OHCA cases. Barriers to
      resuscitation competency included: difficulty removing paramedics from clinical
      duties for training and a lack of paramedic exposure to OHCA. CONCLUSION: All of
      the surveyed EMS provided initial resuscitation training to paramedics, but
      competency testing and refresher training practices varied between services. A
      lack of individual exposure to cardiac arrest and training time were identified
      as barriers to resuscitation competency.

PMID- 28093868
TI  - Applicability of the Chinese version of the Personal and Social Performance scale
      in patients with severe mental disorders.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to determine the reliability and validity
      of the Chinese version of the Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP-CHN) and
      assess the applicability of using the PSP-CHN in patients with severe mental
      disorders. METHODS: A total of 285 outpatients with severe mental disorders, 220
      with schizophrenia and 65 with major depressive disorder, were enrolled into the
      study. Both diagnoses were made using the DSM-IV. All the patients were assessed
      with the PSP-CHN, the GAF, and the CGI-S. In addition, the PANSS and the MADRS
      were used to assess the patients with schizophrenia and major depressive
      disorder, respectively. RESULTS: The PSP-CHN showed good internal consistency
      (Cronbach alpha = 0.839, n = 285), high interrater reliability for total scores
      (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.865, n = 48), and good test-retest
      reliability (ICC = 0.892, n = 130). The PSP-CHN total score showed a
      statistically significant positive correlation with the GAF score (r = 0.927, P <
      .01, n = 285), as well as a significant negative correlation with the CGI-S total
      score (r = -0.793, P < .01, n = 285), the PANSS total score (r = -0.694, P < .01,
      n = 220), and the MADRS total score (r = -0.721, P < .01, n = 65). DISCUSSION: We
      were able to demonstrate that the PSP-CHN is a reliable and valid measurement
      tool to assess the personal and social functioning in patients with severe mental
      disorders.

PMID- 28093870
TI  - Acute management of autoimmune toxicity in cancer patients on immunotherapy:
      Common toxicities and the approach for the emergency physician.
AB  - When a patient receiving anti-cancer treatment presents acutely unwell, an
      understanding of associated side effects of their therapy is critical. This
      review will discuss the approach to patients receiving anti-cancer treatment with
      immunotherapy presenting with autoimmune toxicities in the emergency setting.
      These toxicities are commonly referred to as immune-related adverse events
      (irAE). IrAE might consist of, but are not limited to, dermatologic,
      gastrointestinal (diarrhoea, colitis), hepatic, endocrine (thyroid dysfunction,
      hypophysitis, adrenal crisis), renal, ocular and pulmonary toxicity. General
      principles of managing these irAE in the acute setting will be outlined. Steroid
      therapy is a critical component of the treatment algorithm, being administered at
      high doses and for prolonged periods to switch off immune over-activation. Prompt
      intervention might prevent multi-organ failure and fatality, and allow patients
      to remain on effective anti-cancer therapy.

PMID- 28093869
TI  - Biosynthesis of micro- and nanocrystals of Pb (II), Hg (II) and Cd (II) sulfides
      in four Candida species: a comparative study of in vivo and in vitro approaches.
AB  - Nature produces biominerals (biogenic minerals) that are synthesized as complex
      structures, in terms of their physicochemical properties. These biominerals are
      composed of minerals and biological macromolecules. They are produced by living
      organisms and are usually formed through a combination of chemical, biochemical
      and biophysical processes. Microorganisms like Candida in the presence of heavy
      metals can biomineralize those metals to form microcrystals (MCs) and
      nanocrystals (NCs). In this work, MCs and NCs of PbS, HgS or HgCl2 as well as CdS
      are synthesized both in vitro (gels) and in vivo by four Candida species. Our in
      vivo results show that, in the presence of Pb2+ , Candida cells are able to
      replicate and form extracellular PbS MCs, whereas in the presence of Hg2+ and
      Cd2+ , they did synthesize intercellular MCs from HgS or HgCl2 and CdS NCs
      respectively. The MCs and NCs biologically obtained in Candida were compared with
      those PbS, HgS and CdS crystals synthetically obtained in vitro through the gel
      method (grown either in agarose or in sodium metasilicate hydrogels). This is, to
      our knowledge, the first time that the biosynthesis of the various MCs and NCs
      (presented in several species of Candida) has been reported. This biosynthesis is
      differentially regulated in each of these pathogens, which allows them to adapt
      and survive in different physiological and environmental habitats.

PMID- 28093871
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28093872
TI  - Nitrogenated Azaphilone Derivatives through a Silver-Catalysed Reaction of Imines
      from ortho-Alkynylbenzaldehydes.
AB  - Nitrogenated azaphilones are interesting natural products with a wide range of
      applications. The structure of these compounds is characterized by the presence
      of an isoquinolinone framework. Here, we describe a new multicomponent silver
      catalysed reaction that allows the transformation of simple imines derived from
      ortho-alkynylbenzaldehydes into complex nitrogenated azaphilone-type molecules in
      a straightforward way. This atom-economical process is high yielding, technically
      very simple and proceeds through a series of cascade processes that imply
      cycloisomerisation and formal cross-coupling reactions. This conceptually new
      process formally involves the synchronised catalytic generation and selective
      coupling of a nucleophile (isoquinolinone) and an electrophile (isoquinolinium).
      Some interesting colour properties of the synthesized azaphilone-type molecules
      are discussed.

PMID- 28093873
TI  - Diagnostic and management challenges from childhood, puberty through to
      transition in severe insulin resistance due to insulin receptor mutations.
AB  - Two Caucasian girls, both of normal weight and body mass indices, were diagnosed
      with type A insulin resistance (IR) in childhood. Case 1 presented with premature
      adrenarche aged 7 years, then by age 12 years had hirsutism, acne, acanthosis
      nigricans, and asymptomatic diabetes. Subsequent investigation revealed raised
      adiponectin (15.3 mg/L) and heterozygous p.Pro1205Leu mutation in the INSR gene
      encoding the insulin receptor. She experienced postprandial hypoglycaemia on
      metformin; acarbose was trialled and discontinued aged 16 years, as she became
      normoglycaemic. Hirsutism was treated with topical eflornithine, oral
      spironolactone and flutamide, and laser therapy. Unfortunately, diabetes
      reemerged in young adulthood with obesity. Case 2: during an emergency admission
      for acute abdominal pain aged 11 years, hyperglycaemia was noted which led to
      further investigation. An oral glucose tolerance test showed diabetes and
      ultrasound showed polycystic ovaries. Further investigations revealed raised
      adiponectin (18 mg/L) and compound heterozygous mutations in the INSR gene:
      p.Pro1263Ala and p.Ser748Leu (latter probable normal variant). She was treated
      with metformin and experienced postprandial hypoglycaemia. Symptoms of
      hyperandrogenism were controlled by flutamide. She maintained a healthy weight
      and reassessment at young adulthood showed resolution of diabetes. Type A IR may
      present in childhood with overlapping features of common endocrine entities such
      as premature adrenarche and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Patients with abnormal
      glucose tolerance yet normal weight merit screening with adiponectin; raised
      adiponectin levels prompt insulin receptor mutational analysis. Postprandial
      hypoglycaemia is characteristic. Management includes optimization of glycaemic
      control with oral hypoglycaemic agents and maintenance of healthy weight, and
      controlling the effects of hyperandrogenism.

PMID- 28093874
TI  - Management of coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome in the chronic
      kidney disease population-A review of the current literature.
AB  - Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a large contributor to morbidity and mortality
      in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
      population. Due to the fact that many large-scale trials evaluating management
      for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and CAD have excluded patients with CKD, there
      is a paucity of data investigating medical management of CAD and
      revascularization strategies of these patients. Further, while there have been
      many advances in the treatment for ACS and CAD, both medically and
      technologically, few studies have focused on the CKD population and many predate
      these advancements in management. Newer studies that include CKD patients have
      shown heterogeneity in various outcomes, making management decisions challenging.
      In this review, we summarize the epidemiologic significance of ACS and CAD in
      patients with CKD, discuss the diagnosis of ACS in this patient population, and
      review the therapeutic interventions in patients with CKD.

PMID- 28093875
TI  - What are the evolutionary origins of stomatal responses to abscisic acid in land
      plants?
AB  - The evolution of active stomatal closure in response to leaf water deficit,
      mediated by the hormone abscisic acid (ABA), has been the subject of recent
      debate. Two different models for the timing of the evolution of this response
      recur in the literature. A single-step model for stomatal control suggests that
      stomata evolved active, ABA-mediated control of stomatal aperture, when these
      structures first appeared, prior to the divergence of bryophyte and vascular
      plant lineages. In contrast, a gradualistic model for stomatal control proposes
      that the most basal vascular plant stomata responded passively to changes in leaf
      water status. This model suggests that active ABA-driven mechanisms for stomatal
      responses to water status instead evolved after the divergence of seed plants,
      culminating in the complex, ABA-mediated responses observed in modern
      angiosperms. Here we review the findings that form the basis for these two
      models, including recent work that provides critical molecular insights into
      resolving this intriguing debate, and find strong evidence to support a
      gradualistic model for stomatal evolution.

PMID- 28093876
TI  - Development of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles functionalized with a
      mitochondria penetrating peptide.
AB  - The development of mitochondria-targeting cell permeable vectors represents a
      promising therapeutic approach for several diseases, such as cancer and oxidative
      pathologies. Nevertheless, access to mitochondria can be difficult. A new hybrid
      material composed by poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) functionalized with a 6
      mer mitochondria penetrating peptide (MPP), consisting in alternating arginine
      and unnatural cyclohexylalanine, was developed. Circular dichroism, FT-IR and DSC
      studies indicated that the conjugation of the peptide with the polymer led to the
      obtainment of a more rigid material with respect to both PLGA and MPP as such. In
      particular, a conformational rearrangement to a helical structure was observed
      for MPP. MPP-PLGA conjugates were used for the preparation of nanoparticles that
      showed no cytotoxicity in MTT assay, suggesting their putative use for future
      studies on mitochondria targeting. Copyright (c) 2017 European Peptide Society
      and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28093877
TI  - A Shovel-Ready Solution to Fill the Nursing Data Gap in the Interdisciplinary
      Clinical Picture.
AB  - PURPOSE: To critically evaluate 2014 American Academy of Nursing (AAN) call-to
      action plan for generating interoperable nursing data. DATA SOURCES: Healthcare
      literature. DATA SYNTHESIS: AAN's plan will not generate the nursing data needed
      to participate in big data science initiatives in the short term because Logical
      Observation Identifiers Names and Codes and Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine
      - Clinical Terms are not yet ripe for generating interoperable data. Well-tested
      viable alternatives exist. CONCLUSIONS: Authors present recommendations for
      revisions to AAN's plan and an evidence-based alternative to generating
      interoperable nursing data in the near term. These revisions can ultimately lead
      to the proposed terminology goals of the AAN's plan in the long term.

PMID- 28093878
TI  - In Pursuit of Greater Reproducibility and Credibility of Early Clinical Biomarker
      Research.

PMID- 28093879
TI  - Valproate-induced encephalopathy in a comorbid elderly woman.

PMID- 28093880
TI  - PEG-Induced Synthesis of Coordination-Polymer Isomers with Tunable Architectures
      and Iodine Capture.
AB  - Controllable synthesis of coordination polymer (CP) isomers and revealing their
      structure-property relationships remain enormous challenges. Three new
      supramolecular isomers have been synthesized by tuning the poly(ethylene glycol)
      (PEG) content in the feed. These supramolecular isomers have the same framework
      formula of [Cu2 I2 (tppe)] and different architectures from the classical 2D
      stacking framework to a 3D entangled system with the coexistence of
      interpenetration and polycatenation, and a 3D topological framework.
      Interestingly, these CPs could be utilized for capturing iodine molecules.
      According to multiple complementary experiments and crystallographic analyses,
      iodine capture is mainly based on halogen-bond interactions in the inorganic {Cu2
      I2 } building blocks of the framework. The present study describes a structure
      property relationship in supramolecular isomerism with distinct topological
      structures.

PMID- 28093881
TI  - A case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive ciliated muconodular
      papillary tumor (CMPT) of the lung.
AB  - Ciliated muconodular papillary tumor (CMPT) is a rare papillary tumor that arises
      in the peripheral lung fields and is associated with the proliferation of ciliate
      d and goblet cells and increased mucin production. We report a case of CMPT
      involving the rearrangement of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. The
      patient was an 84-year-old Japanese female who had exhibited a small nodular
      shadow on chest computed tomography during a regular checkup 10 years ago. She
      underwent a partial resection of segment S10 of the right lung. The cut surface
      of the surgical specimen revealed a well-circumscribed, jelly-like mass measuring
      8 * 8 * 10 mm. Histologically, the tumor was composed of a mixture of ciliated,
      goblet, and basal cells arranged in a papillary pattern together with pools of
      mucin. A diagnosis of CMPT was made. The lung tumor cells were subjected to
      fluorescent in situ hybridization and highly sensitive immunohistochemical
      staining for the ALK protein, both of which produced positive results. CMPT
      usually follows a favorable course, but the exact nature of this tumor; i.e.,
      whether it is benign or malignant, has not been established. This is the first
      reported case of an ALK-positive CMPT.

PMID- 28093883
TI  - Consumers in mental health service leadership: A systematic review.
AB  - Contemporary mental health policies call for greater involvement of mental health
      service consumers in all aspects and at all levels of service planning, delivery,
      and evaluation. The extent to which consumers are part of the decision-making
      function of mental health organizations varies. This systematic review
      synthesizes empirical and review studies published in peer-reviewed academic
      journals relating to consumers in leadership roles within mental health
      organizations. The Cochrane Library, Medline, and PsycINFO were searched for
      articles specifically analysing and discussing consumers' mental health service
      leadership. Each article was critically appraised against the inclusion criteria,
      with 36 articles included in the final review. The findings of the review
      highlight current understandings of organizational resources and structures in
      consumer-led organizations, determinants of leadership involvement, and how
      consumer leadership interacts with traditional mental health service provision.
      It appears that organizations might still be negotiating the balance between
      consumer leadership and traditional structures and systems. The majority of
      included studies represent research about consumer-run organizations, with
      consumer leadership in mainstream mental health organizations being less
      represented in the literature. Advocates of consumer leadership should focus more
      on emphasizing how such leadership itself can be a valuable resource for
      organizations and how this can be better articulated. This review highlights the
      current gaps in understandings of consumer leadership in mental health, including
      a need for more research exploring the benefits of consumer leadership for other
      consumers of services.

PMID- 28093882
TI  - The gastrointestinal tract of farmed mink (Neovison vison) maintains a diverse
      mucosa-associated microbiota following a 3-day fasting period.
AB  - Although it is well documented that the gut microbiota plays an important role in
      health and disease in mammalian species, this area has been poorly studied among
      carnivorous animals, especially within the mustelidae family. The
      gastrointestinal tract of carnivores is characterized by its short length and
      fast transit time, as compared to omnivores and herbivores, which is due to the
      low level of inherent fermentation. Mink represents an example of this, which
      have a GI tract only four times the length of the body and a transit time of
      approximately 4-5 hr. In this study, we used high-throughput 16S rRNA gene
      sequencing to explore the resident gut microbiota of the mink in terms of intra
      and interindividual diversity. We report, for the first time, that the mucosa
      associated bacterial community within the colon is diverse and dissimilar from
      the community found in the feed. We found large interindividual differences in
      bacterial composition between individual animals being dominated generally by the
      phylum Firmicutes, but in some cases also Proteobacteria or Fusobacteria. The
      bacterial load and community structure within the mucus was not severely impacted
      by 3 days of fasting, which implies that a resident and stable microbiota is
      hosted by these animals.

PMID- 28093884
TI  - Considering the culture of blame in mental health care and service delivery.

PMID- 28093885
TI  - Claims to the benefits of clinical supervision: A critique of the policy
      development process and outcomes in New South Wales, Australia.
AB  - The historical development of clinical supervision has been variously interpreted
      in the international literature. Creditable evidence has accumulated,
      particularly over the past two decades, to show that clinical supervision has a
      positive demonstrable effect on supervisees. However, comparatively little
      research evidence has entered the public domain on any effect that clinical
      supervision might have on other nominated outcomes. In Australia, developments in
      clinical supervision were recently prompted by initiatives at national and state
      levels. Since 2010, lead agencies for these have sought feedback from
      professional bodies and organizations on a number of inter-related draft policy
      documents. The present article tracked changes over time between the draft and
      final versions of these documents in New South Wales, and reviewed the original
      sources of literature cited within them. The strength of evidence upon which the
      final published versions were reportedly predicated was scrutinized. Upon
      examination, claims to the wider benefits of clinical supervision were found to
      be unconvincingly supported, not least because the examples selected by the
      agencies from the international literature and cited in their respective
      documents were either silent, parsimonious, or contradictory. Many claims remain
      at the level of folklore/hypothetical propositions, therefore, and stay worthy of
      rigorous empirical testing and faithful public reporting. Such investigations
      have been acknowledged as notoriously difficult to conduct. The present article
      identified noteworthy examples in the contemporary literature that signpost
      robust ways forward for empirical outcomes-orientated research, the findings from
      which might strengthen the evidence base of future policy documents.

PMID- 28093887
TI  - Collagen hydrogel scaffold promotes mesenchymal stem cell and endothelial cell
      coculture for bone tissue engineering.
AB  - The generation of functional, vascularized tissues is a key challenge for the
      field of tissue engineering. Before clinical implantations of such tissue
      engineered bone constructs can succeed, tactics to promote neovascularization
      need to be strengthened. We have previously demonstrated that the tubular
      perfusion system (TPS) bioreactor is an effective culturing method to augment
      osteogenic differentiation and maintain viability of human mesenchymal stem cells
      (hMSC). Here, we devised a strategy to address the need for a functional
      microvasculature by designing an in vitro coculture system that simultaneously
      cultures osteogenic differentiating hMSCs with endothelial cells (ECs). We
      utilized the TPS bioreactor as a dynamic coculture environment, which we
      hypothesize will encourage prevascularization of endothelial cells and early
      formation of bone tissue and could aid in anastomosis of the graft with the host
      vasculature after patient implantation. To evaluate the effect of different
      natural scaffolds for this coculture system, the cells were encapsulated in
      alginate and/or collagen hydrogel scaffolds. We discovered the necessity of cell
      to-cell proximity between the two cell types as well as preference for the
      natural cell binding capabilities of hydrogels like collagen. We discovered
      increased osteogenic and angiogenic potential as seen by amplified gene and
      protein expression of ALP, BMP-2, VEGF, and PECAM. The TPS bioreactor further
      augmented these expressions, indicating a synergistic effect between coculture
      and applied shear stress. The development of this dynamic coculture platform for
      the prevascularization of engineered bone, emphasizing the importance of the
      construct microenvironments and will advance the clinical use of tissue
      engineered constructs. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part
      A: 105A: 1123-1131, 2017.

PMID- 28093886
TI  - Regulatory elements in molecular networks.
AB  - Regulatory elements determine the connectivity of molecular networks and mediate
      a variety of regulatory processes ranging from DNA looping to transcriptional,
      posttranscriptional, and posttranslational regulation. This review highlights our
      current understanding of the different types of regulatory elements found in
      molecular networks with a focus on DNA regulatory elements. We highlight
      technical advances and current challenges for the mapping of regulatory elements
      at the genome-wide scale, and describe new computational methods to uncover these
      elements via reconstructing regulatory networks from large genomic datasets.
      WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1374. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1374 For further resources
      related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 28093888
TI  - Synthesis of Butyl Levulinate Based on alpha-Angelica Lactone in the Presence of
      Easily Separable Heteropoly Acid Catalysts.
AB  - A series of choline (Ch)-exchanged heteropoly acids (HOCH2 CH2 N(CH3 )3 )x H(6-x)
      P2 W18 O62 [abbreviated as Chx H(6-x) P2 W18 O62 , x=1-6] was synthesized and
      used as catalysts for the reaction of alpha-angelica lactone (alpha-AL) with n
      butanol to form butyl levulinate (BL). The solubility of Chx H(6-x) P2 W18 O62 in
      the reaction mixture was temperature dependent: The catalysts were soluble under
      the reaction conditions and precipitated upon cooling of the reaction mixture.
      This facilitated recovery of the catalysts from the liquid phase. Importantly, an
      increase of the Ch content caused a decrease of the catalyst solubility.
      Catalytic activity of Chx H(6-x) P2 W18 O62 for the reaction with n-butanol
      appeared to be in good agreement with the concentration of Bronsted-acidic sites.
      The results suggest that the reaction proceeded through formation of pseudo-butyl
      levulinate as intermediate. Ch2 H4 P2 W18 O62 exhibited the best balance between
      catalytic activity and temperature-dependent solubility. The yield of BL reached
      79.4 % at full conversion of alpha-AL at a moderate temperature of 75  degrees C
      in an open system. Chx H(6-x) P2 W18 O62 could be successfully reused five times
      without significant loss of activity.

PMID- 28093889
TI  - Power in methods: language to infants in structured and naturalistic contexts.
AB  - Methods can powerfully affect conclusions about infant experiences and learning.
      Data from naturalistic observations may paint a very different picture of
      learning and development from those based on structured tasks, as illustrated in
      studies of infant walking, object permanence, intention understanding, and so
      forth. Using language as a model system, we compared the speech of 40 mothers to
      their 13-month-old infants during structured play and naturalistic home routines.
      The contrasting methods yielded unique portrayals of infant language experiences,
      while simultaneously underscoring cross-situational correspondence at an
      individual level. Infants experienced substantially more total words and
      different words per minute during structured play than they did during
      naturalistic routines. Language input during structured play was consistently
      dense from minute to minute, whereas language during naturalistic routines showed
      striking fluctuations interspersed with silence. Despite these differences,
      infants' language experiences during structured play mirrored the peak language
      interactions infants experienced during naturalistic routines, and correlations
      between language inputs in the two conditions were strong. The implications of
      developmental methods for documenting the nature of experiences and individual
      differences are discussed.

PMID- 28093890
TI  - Long-term follow-up of treatment of erectile dysfunction after radical
      prostatectomy using nerve grafts and end-to-side somatic-autonomic neurorraphy: a
      new technique.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study a novel penile reinnervation technique using four sural nerve
      grafts and end-to-side neurorraphies connecting bilaterally the femoral nerve and
      the cavernous corpus and the femoral nerve and the dorsal penile nerves. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Ten patients (mean [+/- sd; range] age 60.3 [+/- 4.8; 54-68] years),
      who had undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) at least 2 years previously,
      underwent penile reinnervation in the present study. Four patients had undergone
      radiotherapy after RP. All patients reported satisfactory sexual activity prior
      to RP. The surgery involved bridging of the femoral nerve to the dorsal nerve of
      the penis and the inner part of the corpus cavernosum with sural nerve grafts and
      end-to-side neurorraphies. Patients were evaluated using the International Index
      of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and pharmaco-penile Doppler
      ultrasonography (PPDU) preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 18 months postoperatively,
      and using a Clinical Evolution of Erectile Function (CEEF) questionnaire,
      administered after 36 months. RESULTS: The IIEF scores showed improvements with
      regard to erectile dysfunction (ED), satisfaction with intercourse and general
      satisfaction. Evaluation of PPDU velocities did not reveal any difference between
      the right and left sides or among the different time points. The introduction of
      nerve grafts neither caused fibrosis of the corpus cavernosum, nor reduced penile
      vascular flow. CEEF results showed that sexual intercourse began after a mean of
      13.7 months with frequency of sexual intercourse varying from once daily to once
      monthly. Acute complications were minimal. The study was limited by the small
      number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 60% of patients were able to achieve
      full penetration, on average, 13 months after reinnervation surgery. Patients
      previously submitted to radiotherapy had slower return of erectile function. We
      conclude that penile reinnervation surgery is a viable technique, with effective
      results, and could offer a new treatment method for ED after RP.

PMID- 28093891
TI  - Multifaceted effects of antimetabolite and anticancer drug, 2-deoxyglucose on
      eukaryotic cancer models budding and fission yeast.
AB  - Glycolytic inhibitors are of interest therapeutically as they are effective
      against cancers that display increased glycolytic rate and mitochondrial defects.
      2-Deoxyglucose (2-DG) is one such glycolytic inhibitor and was identified to be a
      competitive inhibitor of glucose. Studies from past few decades have shown that
      the mechanism of action of 2-DG is complex involving several metabolic and
      signaling pathways. Budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fission yeast
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe are two important models for studying metabolism, cell
      cycle and cell signaling. These two unicellular eukaryotes are Crabtree positive
      yeasts exhibiting a metabolism similar to that of cancer cells. Effects of 2-DG
      in yeast is of interest owing to these similarities and hence yeasts have emerged
      as ideal model organisms to study the mode of action and resistance to 2-DG. In
      this review, we summarize the studies on biological effect and resistance to 2-DG
      in budding and fission yeasts and give an insight into its possible mechanism of
      action as models for understanding cancer metabolism and drugs affecting cancer
      progression. (c) 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(3):137-147, 2017.

PMID- 28093892
TI  - Multinucleated giant cells in the implant bed of bone substitutes are foreign
      body giant cells-New insights into the material-mediated healing process.
AB  - In addition to macrophages, multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) are involved in
      the tissue reaction to a variety of biomaterials. Especially in the case of bone
      substitute materials it has been assumed that the MNGCs are osteoclasts, based on
      the chemical and physical similarity of many materials to the calcified matrix
      and the bony environment in which they are used. However, many studies indicate
      that these cells belong to the cell line of the foreign body giant cells (FBGCs),
      which are of "inflammatory origin", although they have been shown to possess both
      a pro- and also anti-inflammatory phenotype. Moreover, no information is
      available about their role in the tissue reaction to bone substitute materials.
      The present study was conducted to analyze the origin of MNGCs in the implant
      beds of a synthetic and a xenogeneic bone substitute and focused on the
      application of immunohistochemical methods. Two antibodies against integrin
      molecules specific for osteoclasts (beta-3 integrin) or FBGCs (beta-2 integrin)
      were used to distinguish both giant cell types. The results of the present study
      indicate that the MNGCs induced by both kinds of bone substitutes are FBGCs, as
      they express only beta-2 integrin in contrast to the osteoclasts outside of the
      immediate implantation areas, which only demonstrate beta-3 integrin expression.
      These data give new insight into the tissue reaction to both xenogeneic and
      synthetic bone substitutes. Based on this new knowledge further research
      concerning the proteomic profile of the FBGCs especially based on the different
      physicochemical properties of bone substitutes is necessary. This may show that
      specific characteristics of bone substitutes may exhibit a substantial influence
      on the regeneration process via the expression of anti-inflammatory molecules by
      FBGCs. Based on this information it may be possible to formulate and choose bone
      substitutes that can guide the process of bone tissue regeneration on the
      molecular level. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:
      105A: 1105-1111, 2017.

PMID- 28093893
TI  - Arabidopsis thaliana GLUTATHIONE-S-TRANSFERASE THETA 2 interacts with RSI1/FLD to
      activate systemic acquired resistance.
AB  - A partly infected plant develops systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and shows
      heightened resistance during subsequent infections. The infected parts generate
      certain mobile signals that travel to the distal tissues and help to activate
      SAR. SAR is associated with epigenetic modifications of several defence-related
      genes. However, the mechanisms by which mobile signals contribute to epigenetic
      changes are little known. Previously, we have shown that the Arabidopsis REDUCED
      SYSTEMIC IMMUNITY 1 (RSI1, alias FLOWERING LOCUS D; FLD), which codes for a
      putative histone demethylase, is required for the activation of SAR. Here, we
      report the identification of GLUTATHIONE-S-TRANSFERASE THETA 2 (GSTT2) as an
      interacting factor of FLD. GSTT2 expression increases in pathogen-inoculated as
      well as pathogen-free distal tissues. The loss-of-function mutant of GSTT2 is
      compromised for SAR, but activates normal local resistance. Complementation lines
      of GSTT2 support its role in SAR activation. The distal tissues of gstt2 mutant
      plants accumulate significantly less salicylic acid (SA) and express a reduced
      level of the SA biosynthetic gene PAL1. In agreement with the established histone
      modification activity of FLD, gstt2 mutant plants accumulate an enhanced level of
      methylated and acetylated histones in the promoters of WRKY6 and WRKY29 genes.
      Together, these results demonstrate that GSTT2 is an interactor of FLD, which is
      required for SAR and SAR-associated epigenetic modifications.

PMID- 28093894
TI  - Importance of Body Water in the Efficacy of Convective Solute Transport in Online
      Hemodiafiltration.
AB  - High-volume online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) has been associated with improved
      patient survival compared to conventional hemodialysis in recent trials, where
      the importance of convective volume (CV) in this benefit is noted. The purpose of
      this study was to determine the corporal composition parameters influencing the
      efficacy of CV in the removal of different molecular weight (MW) molecules.
      Demographic data, corporal composition parameters with bioimpedance spectroscopy,
      dialysis features and the reduction rates of different MW molecules in a four
      hour OL-HDF session were collected in 61 patients. We observed a significant
      negative correlation of beta2-microglobulin, cystatin-C, myoglobin and prolactin
      reduction rates with body surface area, weight, total body extracellular (ECW)
      and intracellular water (ICW), lean tissue mass and body cellular mass. The
      multivariable regression analysis identified ECW and ICW as the only corporal
      composition factors independently associated to the relative elimination of beta2
      microglobulin (Beta: -0.801, P = 0.002 for ECW and Beta: -1.710, P = 0.001 for
      ICW), cystatin-C (Beta: -0.656, P = 0.010 for ECW and Beta: -1.511, P = 0.004 for
      ICW) and myoglobin (Beta: -0.745, P = 0.014 for ECW and Beta: -2.103, P = 0.001
      for ICW), in addition to CV. Prolactin reduction was only associated with ICW
      (Beta: -1.540, P = 0.028). When adjusting CV with ECW and ICW, only the ratio
      CV/ECW was an independent predictor for higher elimination of beta2
      microglobulin, cystatin-C and myoglobin. The corporal composition parameters
      independently associated to the reduction of medium-sized molecules are the
      extracellular and intracellular water. The ratio "convective volume/extracellular
      water" predicts higher efficacy of convective transport. Adjusting the convective
      volume to patient features could be useful to monitor the efficacy of OL-HDF and
      to prescribe individualized therapies.

PMID- 28093895
TI  - Identification of a conserved cis-regulatory element controlling mid-diencephalic
      expression of mouse Six3.
AB  - The sine oculis homeobox protein Six3 plays pivotal roles in the development of
      the brain and craniofacial structures. In humans, SIX3 haploinsufficiency results
      in holoprosencephaly, a defect in anterior midline formation. Although much is
      known about the evolutionarily conserved functions of Six3, the regulatory
      mechanism responsible for the expression pattern of Six3 remains relatively
      unexplored. To understand how the transcription of Six3 is controlled during
      embryogenesis, we screened ~300 kb of genomic DNA encompassing the Six3 locus for
      cis-acting regulatory elements capable of directing reporter gene expression to
      sites of Six3 transcription in transgenic mouse embryos. We identified a novel
      enhancer element, whose activity recapitulates endogenous Six3 expression in the
      ventral midbrain, pretectum, and thalamus. Cross-species comparisons revealed
      that this Six3 brain enhancer is functionally conserved in other vertebrates. We
      also showed that normal Six3 transcription in the ventral midbrain and pretectum
      is dependent on Ascl1, a basic helix-loop-helix proneural factor. Moreover, loss
      of Ascl1 resulted in downregulation of the Six3 brain enhancer activity,
      emphasizing its unique role in regulating Six3 expression in the developing
      brain.

PMID- 28093896
TI  - Intravenous Combined with Topical Administration of Tranexamic Acid in Primary
      Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although there are still some controversies, large previous studies
      have confirmed that intravenous (i.v.) tranexamic acid (TXA) can effectively
      reduce blood loss and transfusions in total hip arthroplasty (THA) without
      increasing the risk of deep venous thrombosis. However, few studies have
      investigated the combination of i.v. and topical application of TXA in primary
      THA. The purpose of our current study is to examine whether i.v. combined with
      topical administration of TXA decreases postoperative blood loss and transfusion
      rates after THA. METHODS: From December 2013 to May 2014, all adult patients
      undergoing primary THA at our arthroplasty center were considered for inclusion
      in the present study. Included patients were randomly assigned to two groups by
      computer-generated list number: a TXA group and a placebo group. Patients in the
      TXA group received i.v. (15 mg/kg) combined with topical administration (1.0 g)
      of TXA during the THA procedure, and patients in the other group received the
      same dosage of normal saline both i.v. and topically. Our primary outcome
      measures were total blood loss (calculated using Gross's equation), hemoglobin,
      hematocrit and platelet concentration changes on the third postoperative day, the
      amount of drainage, the amount of intraoperative blood loss, the frequency of
      transfusion, and the number of blood units transfused. Secondary outcome measures
      were the length of postoperative stay, range of hip motion (measured by
      goniometer), Harris hip scores (HHS), and any perioperative complications or
      events such as infection, DVT or PE. Range of motion and HHS were measured at 3
      week follow-up and compared with preoperative values. RESULTS: This trial
      included 100 patients (50 in each group). Patients in the TXA group had
      significantly higher postoperative hemoglobin (103 vs 87.7 g/dL, P < 0.01), lower
      hemoglobin changes (32.2 vs 44.9 g/dL, P < 0.01), higher postoperative hematocrit
      (0.32 vs 0.27 L/L, P < 0.01), lower hematocrit changes (0.1 vs 0.14 L/L, P <
      0.01), lower total blood loss (822 vs 1100 mL, P = 0.004), lower drainage (117.8
      vs 242.4 mL, P < 0.01), lower intraoperative blood loss (193.8 vs 288.2 mL, P <
      0.01), and lower transfusion rate (2% vs 34%, P < 0.01) compared with those in
      the placebo group. No statistical difference was found in postoperative platelets
      between the two groups. There were no differences in perioperative complications
      or venous thromboembolism (VTE) events. CONCLUSIONS: The combined administration
      of i.v. and topical TXA resulted in a clinically relevant reduction in blood
      loss, compared with placebo group. No thromboembolic complications were observed.
      This randomized controlled trial supports the combined i.v. and topical
      administration of TXA in primary THA.

PMID- 28093898
TI  - Effect of Heat Treatment on the Nitrogen Content and Its Role on the Carbon
      Dioxide Adsorption Capacity of Highly Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Nitride.
AB  - Mesoporous carbon nitrides (MCNs) with rod-shaped morphology and tunable nitrogen
      contents have been synthesized through a calcination-free method by using ethanol
      washed mesoporous SBA-15 as templates at different carbonization temperatures.
      Carbon tetrachloride and ethylenediamine were used as the sources of carbon and
      nitrogen, respectively. The resulting MCN materials were characterized with low-
      and high-angle powder XRD, nitrogen adsorption, high-resolution (HR) SEM, HR-TEM,
      elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption near
      edge structure techniques. The carbonization temperature plays a critical role in
      controlling not only the crystallinity, but also the nitrogen content and
      textural parameters of the samples, including specific surface area and specific
      pore volume. The nitrogen content of MCN decreases with a concomitant increase in
      specific surface area and specific pore volume, as well as the crystallinity of
      the samples, as the carbonization temperature is increased. The results also
      reveal that the structural order of the materials is retained, even after heat
      treatment at temperatures up to 900  degrees C with a significant reduction of
      the nitrogen content, but the structure is partially damaged at 1000  degrees C.
      The carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of these materials is not only dependent
      on the textural parameters, but also on the nitrogen content. The MCN prepared at
      900  degrees C, which has an optimum BET surface area and nitrogen content,
      registers a carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of 20.1 mmol g-1 at 273 K and 30
      bar, which is much higher than that of mesoporous silica, MCN-1, activated
      carbon, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

PMID- 28093897
TI  - Presence of early stage cancer does not impair the early protein metabolic
      response to major surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combined bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction is a common major
      surgical procedure in women with breast cancer and in those with a family history
      of breast cancer. As this large surgical procedure induces muscle protein loss, a
      preserved anabolic response to nutrition is warranted for optimal recovery. It is
      unclear whether the presence of early stage cancer negatively affects the protein
      metabolic response to major surgery as this would mandate perioperative
      nutritional support. METHODS: In nine women with early stage (Stage II) breast
      malignancy and nine healthy women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer
      undergoing the same large surgical procedure, we examined whether surgery
      influences the catabolic response to overnight fasting and the anabolic response
      to nutrition differently. Prior to and within 24 h after combined bilateral
      mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, whole body protein synthesis and breakdown
      rates were assessed after overnight fasting and after meal intake by stable
      isotope methodology to enable the calculation of net protein catabolism in the
      post-absorptive state and net protein anabolic response to a meal. RESULTS: Major
      surgery resulted in an up-regulation of post-absorptive protein synthesis and
      breakdown rates (P < 0.001) and lower net protein catabolism (P < 0.05) and was
      associated with insulin resistance and increased systemic inflammation (P <
      0.01). Net anabolic response to the meal was reduced after surgery (P < 0.05) but
      higher in cancer (P < 0.05) indicative of a more preserved meal efficiency. The
      significant relationship between net protein anabolism and the amount of amino
      acids available in the circulation (R2  = 0.85, P < 0.001) was independent of the
      presence of non-cachectic early stage breast cancer or surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The
      presence of early stage breast cancer does not enhance the normal catabolic
      response to major surgery or further attenuates the anabolic response to meal
      intake within 24 h after major surgery in patients with non-cachectic breast
      cancer. This indicates that the acute anabolic potential to conventional feeding
      is maintained in non-cachectic early stage breast cancer after major surgery.

PMID- 28093899
TI  - Crucial Role of Donor Density in the Performance of Oxynitride Perovskite LaTiO2
      N for Photocatalytic Water Oxidation.
AB  - LaTiO2 N photocatalysts were prepared by thermal ammonolysis of flux-synthesized
      La2 Ti2 O7 and La2 TiO5 , and were investigated for water oxidation. Though
      LaTiO2 N derived from La2 TiO5 appears defect-free by UV/Vis/near-IR and electron
      paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, its performance is much lower than
      that of conventional La2 Ti2 O7 -derived LaTiO2 N with defects. It is shown by
      Mott-Schottky analysis that La2 TiO5 -derived LaTiO2 N has significantly lower
      donor density; this can result in insufficient built-in electric field for the
      separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. The lower donor density is also
      consistent with the smaller difference between the Fermi level and the valence
      band maximum, which accounts for a lower oxidative power of the holes. In light
      of this discovery, the donor density was increased substantially by introducing
      anion vacancies through annealing in Ar. This resulted in improved performance.
      The CoOx -assisted La2 TiO5 -derived LaTiO2 N annealed at 713  degrees C has a
      higher quantum efficiency (25 %) at 450 nm than high-performance conventional
      CoOx /LaTiO2 N (21 %).

PMID- 28093900
TI  - Who is responsible for metabolic screening for mental health clients taking
      antipsychotic medications?
AB  - Metabolic syndrome is common in mental health consumer populations, and is linked
      to cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes. Metabolic screening is a way of
      recognising consumers who are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome but
      internationally screening rates remain low. A retrospective audit was completed
      at one Australian public mental health service on the case files of 100 randomly
      selected consumers to determine nurses level of compliance with metabolic
      screening policies over a 12 month period. Consumers included in the review were
      prescribed antipsychotic medications for at least 12 months and had their care in
      the community coordinated by mental health nurses. Data were entered into an
      Excel spreadsheet for analysis. Low levels of metabolic screening were identified
      and these levels decreased over the 12 months under review. No consumers had
      metabolic screening that recorded all parameters at three monthly intervals over
      the 12 month period. Only one consumer had every metabolic parameter recorded on
      the physical health screen tool at baseline assessment. The findings demonstrated
      that while there is increased awareness of co-morbid physical health issues in
      this consumer population, the translation of guidelines and policy directives to
      clinical practice to address this disparity remains low. Improving physical
      health outcomes is the responsibility of all health professionals, particularly
      doctors who prescribe and nurses who administer antipsychotic medications
      regularly to mental health consumers. Moreover, nurses are well placed to
      demonstrate leadership in reducing the rate of metabolic syndrome through the
      delivery of holistic care that includes effective screening programs.

PMID- 28093901
TI  - Does hospital readmission following colorectal cancer resection and enhanced
      recovery after surgery affect long term survival?
AB  - AIM: Hospital readmission is undesirable for patients and care providers as this
      can affect short-term recovery and carries financial consequences. It is unknown
      if readmission has long-term implications. We aimed to investigate the impact of
      30-day readmission on long-term overall survival (OS) following colorectal cancer
      resection within enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) care and explore the
      reasons for and the severity and details of readmission episodes. METHOD: A
      dedicated, prospectively populated database was reviewed. All patients were
      managed within an established ERAS programme. Five-year OS was calculated using
      the Kaplan-Meier method. The number, reason for and severity of 30-day
      readmissions were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo (CD) system, along
      with total (initial and readmission) length of stay (LoS). Multivariate analysis
      was used to identify factors predicting readmission. RESULTS: A total of 1023
      consecutive patients underwent colorectal cancer resection between 2002 and 2015.
      Of these, 166 (16%) were readmitted. Readmission alone did not have a significant
      impact on 5-year OS (59% vs 70%, P = 0.092), but OS was worse in patients with
      longer total LoS (20 vs 14 days, P = 0.04). Of the readmissions, 121 (73%) were
      minor (CD I-II) and 27 (16%) required an intervention of which 16 (10%) were
      returned to theatre. Gut dysfunction 32 (19%) and wound complications 23 (14%)
      were the most frequent reasons for readmission. Prolonged initial LoS, rectal
      cancer and younger age predicted for hospital readmission. CONCLUSION:
      Readmission does not have a significant impact on 5-year OS. A broad range of
      conditions led to readmission, with the majority representing minor
      complications.

PMID- 28093902
TI  - Making sense of metabolic obesity and hedonic obesity.
AB  - Body weight is neither stationary nor does it change unidirectionally. Rather,
      body weight usually oscillates up and down around a set point. Two types of
      forces determine the direction of weight changes. Forces that push body weight
      away from the set point are defined as non-homeostatic and are governed by
      multiple mechanisms, including, but not limited to, hedonic regulation of food
      intake. Forces that restore the set point weight are defined as homeostatic, and
      they operate through mechanisms that regulate short-term energy balance driven by
      hunger and satiation and long-term energy balance driven by changes in adiposity.
      In the normal physiological state, the deviation of body weight from the set
      point is usually small and temporary, and is constantly corrected by homeostatic
      forces. Metabolic obesity develops when body weight set point is shifted to an
      abnormally high level and the obese body weight becomes metabolically defended.
      In hedonic obesity, the obese body weight is maintained by consistent overeating
      due to impairments in the reward system, although the set point is not elevated.
      Adaptive increases in energy expenditure are elicited in hedonic obesity because
      body weight is elevated above the set point. Neither subtype of obesity undergoes
      spontaneous resolution unless the underlying disorders are corrected. In this
      review, the need for both appropriate patient stratification and tailored
      treatments is discussed in the context of the new framework of metabolic and
      hedonic obesity.

PMID- 28093903
TI  - Selectivity Enhancement in Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Transformations.
AB  - Photocatalysis has been invariably considered as an unselective process
      (especially in water) for a fairly long period of time, and the investigation on
      selective photocatalysis has been largely neglected. In recent years, the field
      of selective photocatalysis is developing rapidly and now extended to several
      newer applications. This review focuses on the overall strategies which can
      improve the selectivity of photocatalysis encompassing a wide variety of
      photocatalysts, and modifications thereof, as well as the related vital processes
      of industrial significance such as reduction and oxidation of organics,
      inorganics, and CO2 transformation. Comprehensive and successful strategies for
      enhancing the selectivity in photocatalysis are abridged to reinvigorate and
      stimulate future investigations. In addition, nonsemiconductor type
      photocatalysts, such as Ti-Si molecular sieves and carbon quantum dots (CQDs),
      are also briefly appraised in view of their special role in special selective
      photocatalysis, namely epoxidation reactions, among others. In the end, a summary
      and outlook on the challenges and future directions in the research field are
      included in the comprehensive review.

PMID- 28093905
TI  - Inkjet Printing of Soft, Stretchable Optical Waveguides through the
      Photopolymerization of High-Profile Linear Patterns.
AB  - Optical waveguides have been fabricated via photopolymerization of stable, inkjet
      printed patterns. In order to obtain high-profile lines, the properties of both
      the ink and the substrate were adjusted. We prove that suitable patterns, with
      contact angles close to 90 degrees , can be printed by using not fully cured,
      "sticky" PDMS as a substrate. In addition, we propose a simple sliding-drop
      experiment to show the crucial difference in how the ink dewets the "sticky" and
      the fully cured substrate, which is otherwise difficult to demonstrate. The light
      attenuation vs strain curve of the obtained waveguides was determined
      experimentally and was found to be almost linear within the measured strain
      range.

PMID- 28093904
TI  - Supramolecular Polymer Dot Ensemble for Ratiometric Detection of Lectins and
      Targeted Delivery of Imaging Agents.
AB  - A supramolecular, polymer-dot-based ensemble has been developed for the
      ratiometric detection of lectins and targeted delivery of glycoprobes. Self
      assembly between a blue-emitting polymer dot and a red-emitting glycoprobe,
      results in an ensemble that shows red emission upon excitation of the polymer dot
      because of Forster resonance energy transfer. Resulting in ratiometric detection
      of lectins in buffer solution as well as targeted delivery of the glycoprobe to
      cells that highly express a sugar receptor. Unlike conventional systems where
      both the agent and vector are codelivered intracellularly, our ensemble developed
      here shows a receptor-controlled dissociation on the cell membrane.

PMID- 28093906
TI  - Floating and Sinking of a Pair of Spheres at a Liquid-Fluid Interface.
AB  - Spheres floating at liquid-fluid interfaces cause interfacial deformations such
      that their weight is balanced by the resultant forces of surface tension and
      hydrostatic pressure while also satisfying a contact angle condition. Determining
      the meniscus shape around several floating spheres is a complicated problem
      because the vertical locations of the spheres and the horizontal projections of
      the three-phase contact lines are not known a priori. Here, a new computational
      algorithm is developed to simultaneously satisfy the nonlinear Laplace-Young
      equation for the meniscus shape, the vertical force balance, and the geometric
      properties of the spheres. We implement this algorithm to find the shape of the
      interface around a pair of floating spheres and the horizontal force required to
      keep them at a fixed center-center separation. Our numerical simulations show
      that the ability of a pair of spheres to float (rather than sink) depends on
      their separation. Similar to previous work on horizontal cylinders, sinking may
      be induced at close range for small spheres that float when isolated. However, we
      also discover a new and unexpected behavior: at intermediate inter-particle
      distances, spheres that would sink in isolation can float as a pair. This effect
      is more pronounced for spheres of radius comparable to the capillary length,
      suggesting that this effect is a result of hydrostatic pressure, rather than
      surface tension. An approximate solution confirms these phenomena and shows that
      the mechanism is indeed the increased supporting force provided by the
      hydrostatic pressure. Finally, the horizontal force of capillary attraction
      between the spheres is calculated using the results of the numerical simulations.
      These results show that the classic linear superposition approximation (due to
      Nicolson) can lose its validity for relatively heavy particles at close range.

PMID- 28093907
TI  - Diastereoselective Electrophilic alpha-Hydroxyamination of N-tert-Butanesulfinyl
      Imidates.
AB  - Diastereoselective alpha-hydroxyamination of N-tert-butanesulfinyl imidates using
      nitrosoarenes is reported. A catalytic amount of base effectively promotes the
      hydroxyamination reaction of alpha-aryl-substituted imidates, and the resulting
      alpha-hydroxyamino imidates can be transformed into a range of synthetically
      useful intermediates.

PMID- 28093908
TI  - Thermal Ring Contraction Reactions of 9-Aryl-5H,7H-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4
      h][2,3,4]benzothiadiazepine 6,6-Dioxides. Experimental and Computational Studies
      for Understanding the Course of the Transformations.
AB  - When refluxing with sodium hydrogen carbonate in acetonitrile, 7-chloro-5-(4
      fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2,3,4-benzothiadiazepine 2,2-dioxide afforded, after
      loss of dinitrogen and subsequent ring contraction, the corresponding sulfone in
      83% yield. Similar treatment of the related thiadiazolo-fused tricycles, i.e. 9
      aryl-5H,7H-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-h][2,3,4]benzothiadiazepine 6,6-dioxides,
      resulted in a substantially different product mixture: formation of sultines and
      benzocyclobutenes was observed, while only small amounts of the sulfones were
      formed, if any. Density functional theory calculations support the mechanism
      proposed for the transformations involving a zwitterionic intermediate formed by
      the tautomerization of the thiadiazepine ring followed by dinitrogen extrusion.
      When starting from 7-chloro-substituted 2,3,4-benzothiadiazepine 2,2-dioxide, the
      formation of sulfone via o-quinodimethane is the preferred pathway from the
      zwitterion. However, in the case of thiadiazolobenzothiadiazepine 6,6-dioxides it
      has been found that the ring closure of the zwitterion leading to the formation
      of sultines was kinetically preferred over the loss of sulfur dioxide leading to
      o-quinodimethane, which is the key intermediate to benzocyclobutene-type
      products. The calculations explain the differences observed between the product
      distributions of the chloro-substituted and the thiadiazolo-fused derivatives.

PMID- 28093909
TI  - Transition-Metal-Free Amination of Pyridine-2-sulfonyl Chloride and Related N
      Heterocycles Using Magnesium Amides.
AB  - A new transition-metal-free amination of pyridine-2-sulfonyl chloride and related
      N-heterocycles using magnesium amides of type R2NMgCl.LiCl is reported.
      Additionally, the directed ortho-magnesiation of pyridine-2-sulfonamides using
      TMPMgCl.LiCl was investigated. Reaction of the magnesium intermediates with
      various electrophiles and subsequent amination using magnesium amides led to a
      range of 2,3-functionalized pyridines. Also, cyclization reactions providing an
      aza-indole and an aza-carbazole were carried out.

PMID- 28093910
TI  - Structural and Spectral Properties of Photochromic Diarylethenes: Size Effect of
      the Ethene Bridge.
AB  - The effect of the size of the ethene bridge on the structural and spectral
      properties of photochromic diarylethenes, which remains a poorly understood
      phenomenon, was studied as applied to diarylethenes containing unsymmetrical
      (cyclohexenone and cyclopentenone) and symmetrical (cyclohexene and cyclopentene)
      ethene bridges. Thiophene, oxazole, and imidazole derivatives were used as aryl
      moieties. An increase in the size of the ethene bridge in the cycloalkenone
      series was found to be accompanied by a hypsochromic shift of the absorption
      maximum of the photoinduced form, whereas no difference was found for
      cycloalkenes. A detailed analysis of the NMR spectra (including 2D experiments)
      revealed previously unknown effects associated with the existence of an
      intramolecular hydrogen bond (CH...N) between the six-membered ethene bridge and
      the azole substituents. The NMR experimental data obtained were confirmed by DFT
      quantum chemical calculations and X-ray analysis. It was found that an
      intramolecular hydrogen bond favors an increase of the quantum yield of the
      photocyclization reaction.

PMID- 28093911
TI  - Synthesis of Multisubstituted Allenes, Furans, and Pyrroles via Tandem Palladium
      Catalyzed Substitution and Cycloisomerization.
AB  - A palladium-catalyzed propargyl substitution reaction of propargyl acetates with
      indium organothiolates is developed for the synthesis of multisubstituted allenyl
      sulfides. This procedure can be applied to the synthesis of multisubstituted
      furans and pyrroles via tandem palladium-catalyzed propargyl substitution and
      cycloisomerization reaction in one pot.

PMID- 28093912
TI  - Alternative Route Toward Nitrones: Experimental and Theoretical Findings.
AB  - Nitrones are important building blocks for natural and biologically active
      compounds, used as spin-trap reagents and therapeutic agents. All this makes
      nitrones intriguing and valuable compounds for fundamental studies and as useful
      chemicals in various synthetic strategies. Therefore, nitrones are still of great
      interest and in the limelight of researches. With our initial goal to solve
      synthetic problems toward 5-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (Phbpy), we found that this
      reaction can proceed through the formation of 6-phenyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4
      triazin-4(3H)-ol (4-OH), which rapidly isomerizes to a 3,4-dihydro-1,2,4-triazine
      based nitrone, namely 6-phenyl-3-pyridin-2-yl-2,3-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-4-oxide
      (4'), This encouraged us to study condensation of hydrazonophenylacetaldehyde
      oxime (2), obtained from 2-isonitrosoacetophenone (1), with other aldehydes. The
      reaction with both salicylaldehyde and p-tolualdehyde leads to the open-chain
      isomers, namely (2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazono-2-phenylacetaldehyde oxime (5)
      and (4-methylbenzylidene)hydrazono-2-phenylacetaldehyde oxime (6), respectively.
      The latter product exists in solution in equilibrium with its cyclic isomer 6
      phenyl-3-(4-methylphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-4-oxide (6'), while the
      former one exists in solution exclusively in the open-chain form. It was also
      found that 2 reacts with acetone with the formation of 3,3-dimethyl-6-phenyl-2,3
      dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-4-oxide (7'), which also exists in solution in equilibrium
      with its open-chain isomer 2-phenyl-2-(propan-2-ylidenehydrazono)acetaldehyde
      oxime (7). The static DFT as well as ab initio molecular dynamics simulations
      have corroborated the experimental findings.

PMID- 28093913
TI  - Synergistic Photoredox/Nickel Coupling of Acyl Chlorides with Secondary
      Alkyltrifluoroborates: Dialkyl Ketone Synthesis.
AB  - Visible light photoredox/nickel dual catalysis has been employed in the cross
      coupling of acyl chlorides with potassium alkyltrifluoroborates. This protocol,
      based on single-electron-mediated alkyl transfer, circumvents the restriction of
      using reactive alkylmetallic nucleophiles in transition-metal-catalyzed acylation
      and achieves a mild and efficient method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical alkyl
      ketones. In this approach, a variety of acyl chlorides have been successfully
      coupled with structurally diverse potassium alkyltrifluoroborates, generating the
      corresponding ketones with good yields.

PMID- 28093914
TI  - Semisynthesis of (-)-Rutamarin Derivatives and Their Inhibitory Activity on
      Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Replication.
AB  - (+)-Rutamarin inhibits EBV lytic DNA replication with an IC50 of 7.0 MUM. (-)
      Chalepin, a (-)-rutamarin derivative, was isolated from the whole plant of Ruta
      graveolens and used as a precursor of (-)-rutamarin. Altogether, 28 (-)-rutamarin
      derivatives were synthesized starting from (-)-chalepin. Of these, 16 compounds
      (2a-e, 3b-e, 3g, 4f, 4k, 4m-p) were found to be more potent against EBV lytic DNA
      replication than (-)-chalepin. Compounds 4m, 4n, and 4p exhibited IC50 values of
      1.5, 0.32, and 0.83 MUM and showed selectivity index values (SI) of 801, 211, and
      >120, respectively. Thus, compounds 4m, 4n, and 4p are considered promising leads
      for further laboratory investigation.

PMID- 28093916
TI  - Understanding Coulomb Scattering Mechanism in Monolayer MoS2 Channel in the
      Presence of h-BN Buffer Layer.
AB  - As the thickness becomes thinner, the importance of Coulomb scattering in two
      dimensional layered materials increases because of the close proximity between
      channel and interfacial layer and the reduced screening effects. The Coulomb
      scattering in the channel is usually obscured mainly by the Schottky barrier at
      the contact in the noise measurements. Here, we report low-temperature (T) noise
      measurements to understand the Coulomb scattering mechanism in the MoS2 channel
      in the presence of h-BN buffer layer on the silicon dioxide (SiO2) insulating
      layer. One essential measure in the noise analysis is the Coulomb scattering
      parameter (alphaSC) which is different for channel materials and electron excess
      doping concentrations. This was extracted exclusively from a 4-probe method by
      eliminating the Schottky contact effect. We found that the presence of h-BN on
      SiO2 provides the suppression of alphaSC twice, the reduction of interfacial
      traps density by 100 times, and the lowered Schottky barrier noise by 50 times
      compared to those on SiO2 at T = 25 K. These improvements enable us to
      successfully identify the main noise source in the channel, which is the trapping
      detrapping process at gate dielectrics rather than the charged impurities
      localized at the channel, as confirmed by fitting the noise features to the
      carrier number and correlated mobility fluctuation model. Further, the reduction
      in contact noise at low temperature in our system is attributed to inhomogeneous
      distributed Schottky barrier height distribution in the metal-MoS2 contact
      region.

PMID- 28093915
TI  - Oscarellin, an Anthranilic Acid Derivative from a Philippine Sponge, Oscarella
      stillans, as an Inhibitor of Inflammatory Cytokines in Macrophages.
AB  - A new anthranilic acid derivative (1) was isolated from a Philippine sponge,
      Oscarella stillans (Bergquist and Kelly). The structure of compound 1, named
      oscarellin, was determined as 2-amino-3-(3'-aminopropoxy)benzoic acid from
      spectroscopic data and confirmed by synthesis. We examined the immunomodulating
      effect of compound 1 and its mechanism in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW
      264.7 macrophages. Our data indicated that the expression of tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6 were significantly reduced by the
      pretreatment of 1 (0.1-10 MUM) for 2 h. In addition, compound 1 suppressed
      activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun NH2
      termimal kinase (JNK), but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in LPS
      stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Compound 1 abrogated LPS-induced nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) activities, whereas the
      induction of activating transcription factor-3 (ATF-3) was increased. Taken
      together, our results suggest that compound 1 attenuates pro-inflammatory
      cytokines via the suppression of JNK, ERK, AP-1, and NF-kappaB and the activation
      of the ATF-3 signaling pathway.

PMID- 28093917
TI  - Cobalt(II)-Catalyzed Oxidative C-H Arylation of Indoles and Boronic Acids.
AB  - Co(II)-catalyzed C-H C2 selective arylation of indoles with boronic acids through
      monodentate chelation assistance has been achieved for the first time. The unique
      features of this methodology include mild reaction conditions, highly C2
      regioselectivity, and employment of a Grignard reagent-free catalytic system. A
      wide range of substrates, including unreactive arenes, are well tolerated, which
      enables the construction of the coupling products efficiently. This new strategy
      provides an alternative and versatile approach to construct biaryls using
      inexpensive cobalt catalyst.

PMID- 28093918
TI  - A General Approach to the Aza-Diketomorpholine Scaffold.
AB  - A stereoconservative three-step synthesis to access to 1,2,4-oxadiazine-3,6-dione
      is presented. This underexplored platform could be considered as a constrained
      oxy-azapeptide or an aza-diketomorpholine, the methodology being then
      successfully applied to produce enantiopure aza-analogs of diketomorpholine
      natural products. Importantly, the first crystal structures were obtained and
      compared to diketomorpholine and diketopiperazine structures. Finally, a
      straightforward procedure concerning the coupling of this heterocyclic scaffold
      with various amino acids to afford original pseudodipeptide analogs was
      described.

PMID- 28093919
TI  - Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Ketones with Accessible and Modular
      Ferrocene-Based Amino-phosphine Acid (f-Ampha) Ligands.
AB  - A series of tridentate ferrocene-based amino-phosphine acid (f-Ampha) ligands
      have been successfully developed. The f-Ampha ligands are extremely air stable
      and exhibited excellent performance in the Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation
      of ketones (full conversions, up to >99% ee, and 500 000 TON). DFT calculations
      were performed to elucidate the reaction mechanism and the importance of the 
      COOH group. Control experiments also revealed that the -COOH group played a key
      role in this reaction.

PMID- 28093920
TI  - Inspiratory muscle training is effective to reduce postoperative pulmonary
      complications and length of hospital stay: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study systematically review and meta-analyse the effectiveness of
      inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications
      (PPC) and length of hospital stay (LOS), both in the preoperative and/or
      postoperative periods of cardiac, pulmonary, and abdominal surgical patients.
      Sensitive analysis was performed to examine which patients benefit more from IMT
      according to methodological features (quality of studies and sample size),
      patient's characteristics (pulmonary risk stratification, age, and body mass
      index), type of surgery, period of training, and training protocols (training
      doses and level of supervision). METHODS: The literature search was made in the
      electronic databases PubMed(r), EBSCO, Web of Science(r), PEDro and Scopus(r).
      Only randomized controlled trials were included. Data extraction, quality
      assessment and meta-analysis were performed. RESULTS: We included 17 randomized
      controlled trials in the systematic review, of which, 12 were included for the
      PPC meta-analysis and 11 for the LOS meta-analysis. IMT significantly reduced the
      risk of PPC (Risk Ratio (RR) = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.39, 0.64, I2 = 0.0%), and a
      decrease in LOS (Mean Difference = -1.41, 95%CI: -2.07, -0.75, I2 = 0.0%).
      CONCLUSION: IMT is effective to reduce PPC and LOS in patients undergoing
      surgery. Implications for Rehabilitation Physiotherapy interventions with
      inspiratory muscle training (IMT) are effective to reduce postoperative pulmonary
      complications (PPC) and length of hospital stay (LOS) after major surgery, and
      should start preoperatively. Rehabilitation with IMT is beneficial at all ages
      and risk levels, but older and high-risk patients benefit more, as well as
      pulmonary surgery patients. IMT is more effective if it is supervised, and
      prescription target at least two-week period, sessions with more than 15 minutes,
      with imposed load increment, and adding other exercise modes.

PMID- 28093921
TI  - Microbial genomics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is key in modern clinical
      microbiology. With pandemic emergence of (multi-)antibiotic resistance, methods
      to detect and quantify resistance of clinically important bacterial species are
      imperative. Historically, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was mostly
      performed using methods relying on bacterial growth. Such methods may be time
      consuming and more rapid alternatives have been actively sought for. Areas
      covered: Among the new AST methods there are many that focus on detection of
      causal resistance genes and/or gene mutations. The approaches most used are based
      on nucleic acid amplification and, more recently, high-throughput (next
      generation) sequencing of amplified targets and complete microbial genomes. The
      authors provide a review of PCR-mediated and genomic AST methods used for human
      and veterinary pathogens and show where these approaches work well or may become
      difficult to interpret. Expert commentary: Microbial genome sequencing will play
      an important role in the field of AST, but there remain issues to be resolved.
      These include the development of user friendly data analysis, reducing the
      duration and cost of sequencing and comprehensiveness of the databases. In
      addition, clinical evaluation studies need to be performed involving real-life
      patients.

PMID- 28093923
TI  - Cultural Differences in Young Adults' Perceptions of the Probability of Future
      Family Life Events.
AB  - Most young adults are exposed to family caregiving; however, little is known
      about their perceptions of their future caregiving activities such as the
      probability of becoming a caregiver for their parents or providing assistance in
      relocating to a nursing home. This study examined the perceived probability of
      these events among 182 young adults and the following predictors of their
      probability ratings: gender, ethnicity, work or volunteer experience, experiences
      with caregiving and nursing homes, expectations about these transitions, and
      filial piety. Results indicated that Asian or South Asian participants rated the
      probability of being a caregiver as significantly higher than Caucasian
      participants, and the probability of placing a parent in a nursing home as
      significantly lower. Filial piety was the strongest predictor of the probability
      of these life events, and it mediated the relationship between ethnicity and
      probability ratings. These findings indicate the significant role of filial piety
      in shaping perceptions of future life events.

PMID- 28093922
TI  - Toll-like receptors and their soluble forms differ in the knee and thumb basal
      osteoarthritic joints.
AB  - Background and purpose - Although the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is not
      well understood, chondrocyte-mediated inflammatory responses (triggered by the
      activation of innate immune receptors by damage-associated molecules) are thought
      to be involved. We examined the relationship between Toll-like receptors (TLRs)
      and OA in cartilage from 2 joints differing in size and mechanical loading: the
      first carpometacarpal (CMC-I) and the knee. Patients and methods - Samples of
      human cartilage obtained from OA CMC-I and knee joints were immunostained for
      TLRs (1-9) and analyzed using histomorphometry and principal component analysis
      (PCA). mRNA expression levels were analyzed with RT-PCR. Collected synovial fluid
      (SF) samples were screened for the presence of soluble forms of TLR2 and TLR4 by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results - In contrast to knee OA, TLR
      expression in CMC-I OA did not show grade-dependent overall profile changes, but
      PCA revealed that TLR expression profiles clustered according to their cellular
      compartment organization. Protein levels of TLR4 were substantially higher in
      knee OA than in CMC-I OA, while the opposite was the case at the mRNA level.
      ELISA assays confirmed the presence of soluble forms of TLR2 and TLR4 in SF, with
      sTLR4 being considerably higher in CMC-I OA than in knee OA. Interpretation - We
      observed that TLRs are differentially expressed in OA cartilage, depending on the
      joint. Soluble forms of TLR2 and TLR4 were detected for the first time in SF of
      osteoarthritic joints, with soluble TLR4 being differentially expressed.
      Together, our results suggest that negative regulatory mechanisms of innate
      immunity may be involved in the pathomolecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis.

PMID- 28093924
TI  - Effects of an adapted cardiac rehabilitation programme on arterial stiffness in
      patients with type 2 diabetes without cardiac disease diagnosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation programme
      of aerobic and resistance exercise training on arterial stiffness, peak calf
      vasodilatory reserve, and haemostatic markers in patients with type 2 diabetes.
      METHODS: Observational cohort study examining effects of 12 weeks of exercise
      training in 23 subjects (13 men, 10 women; mean age of 56.1 +/- 10.1 years) with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects performed exercise training for 12 weeks
      [aerobic training 5 days/week, 70%-75% peak cardiovascular fitness (VO2peak) and
      resistance training 2-3 days/week, 60% of one repetition maximum]. Vascular
      stiffness (pulse-wave velocity), augmentation index, peak calf vasodilatory
      reserve, and VO2peak were measured pre- and post-exercise training. Secondary
      outcomes included heart rate variability and haemostatic measures. RESULTS:
      VO2peak increased by 16% (20.1 +/- 5.5 vs 23.2 +/- 8.8 mL/kg/min, p = 0.002) and
      abdominal circumference was reduced (101.9 +/- 13.3 vs 97.9 +/- 12.7 cm, p <
      0.03). Vascular function was improved including central arterial stiffness
      (central pulse-wave velocity: 8.44 +/- 1.75 vs 8.02 +/- 1.60 m/s, p = 0.026) and
      the aortic augmentation index (21.7 +/- 10.6% vs 18.3 +/- 12.6%, p = 0.005); peak
      calf vasodilatory reserve increased from 30.3 +/- 10.6 mL/100 mL/min to 38.0 +/-
      15.3 mL/100 mL/min ( p = 0.04). No changes were seen in heart rate variability,
      blood lipids, glycated haemoglobin and C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION: A 12-week
      cardiac rehabilitation programme of aerobic and resistance training significantly
      reduces arterial stiffness and improves aerobic fitness in individuals with type
      2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 28093925
TI  - Hypermethylation of antisense long noncoding RNAs in acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia.
AB  - AIM: Long noncoding RNAs serve critical regulatory functions highly specific for
      a tissue and its developmental stage. Antisense long ncRNA (AS-lncRNA)
      methylation changes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) versus normal pre-B
      cell lymphoblasts were evaluated to identify potential differential methylation
      in this group of genes. MATERIALS & METHODS: The methylome of ALL and normal
      lymphoblasts was examined by the methylated CpG island recovery assay followed by
      NGS. CONCLUSION: The potential effect of trans regulation by AS-lncRNA through
      DNA/RNA binding is significant as sequence alignment analysis of the 25 most
      differentially methylated AS-lncRNAs revealed 368 genes containing highly similar
      sequences with a median nucleotide identity of 90.8% and binding span of 122 base
      pairs. Regulation of biological processes and anatomical structure development
      were over represented. ALL classification schemes based on AS-lncRNA methylation
      can provide new insights into its pathogenesis and treatment.

PMID- 28093926
TI  - Oestradiol treatment for mood stabilisation in borderline personality disorder.

PMID- 28093927
TI  - Impact of social disadvantage and parental offending on rates of criminal
      offending among offspring of women with severe mental illness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Children of parents with severe mental illness have an increased risk
      of offending. Studies suggest that risk factors such as parental offending and
      social disadvantage may be associated with the increased risk. This paper
      assesses the impact of these risk factors on offending rates in the offspring of
      women with severe mental illness compared to offspring of unaffected women.
      METHODS: This is part of a longitudinal record-linked whole-population study of
      467,945 children born in Western Australia from 1980 to 2001 to mothers with
      severe mental illness and mothers with no recorded psychiatric illness. These
      data were linked to Western Australia corrective services data producing a
      dataset of 12,999 people with at least one offence (3.7% of birth cohort). Cox
      proportional hazard was used to calculate incidence rate ratios of offspring
      offending. RESULTS: The offending rate for offspring of mothers with severe
      mental illness (cases) was almost three times the rate for offspring of
      unaffected mothers (comparison) with an unadjusted incidence rate ratio of 2.75
      (95% confidence interval: [2.58, 2.93]). Adjusting for sex, indigenous status,
      socio-economic status and geographical remoteness reduced the rate ratio by 24%
      to incidence rate ratio 2.10, 95% confidence interval: [1.97, 2.23]. Adjusting
      for parental offending further reduced the rate ratio by 23% to incidence rate
      ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval: [1.52, 1.72]. The mean age at first recorded
      offence was significantly lower for cases compared to comparison offspring.
      CONCLUSION: Children of mothers with a severe mental illness have a higher rate
      of offending than children of unaffected mothers, and social disadvantage and
      parental offending have a major impact on this rate. Services supporting these
      vulnerable children need to focus on improving the social environment in which
      they and their families live in.

PMID- 28093928
TI  - Functional electrical stimulation therapy for severe hemiplegia: Randomized
      control trial revisited.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. Stroke survivors
      seldom improve their upper-limb function when their deficit is severe, despite
      recently developed therapies. PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the efficacy of
      functional electrical stimulation therapy in improving voluntary reaching and
      grasping after severe hemiplegia. METHOD: A post hoc analysis of a previously
      completed randomized control trial ( clinicaltrials.gov , No. NCT00221078) was
      carried out involving 21 participants with severe upper-limb hemiplegia (i.e.,
      Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity [FMA-UE] <= 15) resulting from stroke.
      FINDINGS: Functional Independence Measure Self-Care subscores increased 22.8 (+/
      6.7) points in the intervention group and 9 (+/-6.5) in the control group,
      following 40 hr of equal-intensity therapy. FMA-UE score changes were 27.2 (+/
      13.5) and 5.3 (+/-11.0) for the intervention and control groups, respectively.
      IMPLICATIONS: The results may represent the largest upper-limb function
      improvements in any stroke population to date, especially in those with severe
      upper-limb deficit.

PMID- 28093930
TI  - An Australian collaborative research network: Building the evidence for inpatient
      psychiatry.

PMID- 28093929
TI  - Characterization of mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms in the Han population in
      Liaoning Province, Northeast China.
AB  - This study characterized the genetic variations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to
      elucidate the maternal genetic structure of Liaoning Han Chinese. A total of 317
      blood samples of unrelated individuals were collected for analysis in Liaoning
      Province. The mtDNA samples were analyzed using two distinct methods: sequencing
      of the hypervariable sequences I and II (HVSI and HVSII), and polymerase chain
      reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the
      coding region. The results indicated a high gene diversity value (0.9997 +/-
      0.0003), a high polymorphism information content (0.99668) and a random match
      probability (0.00332). These samples were classified into 305 haplotypes, with 9
      shared haplotypes. The most common haplogroup was D4 (12.93%). The principal
      component analysis map, the phylogenetic tree map, and the genetic distance
      matrix all indicated that the genetic distance of the Liaoning Han population
      from the Tibetan group was distant, whereas that from the Miao group was
      relatively close.

PMID- 28093931
TI  - Usefulness of human papillomavirus detection in oral rinse as a biomarker of
      oropharyngeal cancer.
AB  - CONCLUSION: The detection of human papillomavirus (HPV)-DNA in oral rinse with
      auto-nested GP5+/GP6 + PCR is useful as a biomarker of oropharyngeal cancer.
      BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the usefulness of oral rinse to detect
      HPV-DNA as a biomarker of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: One hundred and ten patients with various head and neck diseases,
      including 19 patients with OPC, were enrolled. Oral rinse and tonsillar swab were
      collected, and auto-nested GP5+/GP6 + PCR for HPV-DNA was performed. For
      oropharyngeal cancer, p16 immunostaining was also conducted. RESULTS: The rate of
      HPV-DNA detection in both oral rinse and tonsillar swab was significantly higher
      in OPC compared with non-OPC upper respiratory tract cancer and non-cancer
      diseases. HPV-DNA was detected in oral rinse in nine out of 12 p16-positive OPC
      cases, while none of the p16-negative OPC cases demonstrated detectable HPV-DNA.
      All p16-positive cases were also positive for HPV-DNA in tumor tissue. Based on
      p16 immunostaining, the sensitivity and specificity of HPV-DNA detection in oral
      rinse were 75% and 100%, respectively. Among eight of nine evaluable OPC cases
      positive for HPV-DNA in oral rinse at diagnosis, HPV-DNA was undetectable in oral
      rinse in seven cases after treatment.

PMID- 28093932
TI  - Involvement of p53 and Bcl-2 in sensory cell degeneration in aging rat cochleae.
AB  - CONCLUSION: p53 and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) are involved in the process of
      sensory cell degeneration in aging cochleae. OBJECTIVE: To determine molecular
      players in age-related hair cell degeneration, this study examined the changes in
      p53 and Bcl-2 expression at different stages of apoptotic and necrotic death of
      hair cells in aging rat cochleae. METHODS: Young (3-4 months) and aging (23-24
      months) Fisher 344/NHsd rats were used. The thresholds of the auditory brainstem
      response (ABR) were measured to determine the auditory function. Immunolabeling
      was performed to determine the expression of p53 and Bcl-2 proteins in the
      sensory epithelium. Propidium iodide staining was performed to determine the
      morphologic changes in hair cell nuclei. RESULTS: Aging rats exhibited a
      significant elevation in ABR thresholds at all tested frequencies (p < 0.001).
      The p53 and Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was increased in aging hair cells showing the
      early signs of apoptotic changes in their nuclei. The Bcl-2 expression increase
      was also observed in hair cells displaying early signs of necrosis. As the hair
      cell degenerative process advanced, p53 and Bcl-2 immunoreactivity became reduced
      or absent. In the areas where no detectable nuclear staining was present, p53 and
      Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was absent.

PMID- 28093933
TI  - Acute kidney injury in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome of childhood is a major risk
      factor for the development of chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important complication of idiopathic
      nephrotic syndrome (INS) and is associated with adverse outcomes, especially the
      development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to determine the clinical
      profile of children with INS who developed AKI and its short-term outcome.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from March 2014 to
      October 2015. A total of 119 children of INS (age: 2-18 years) fulfilling the
      pediatric RIFLE criteria for the diagnosis of AKI were enrolled and followed up
      for 3 months to determine the outcome. Factors predisposing to CKD were studied.
      RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 8.8 +/- 3.59 years and males were 74
      (62.2%). At presentation, 61 (51.3%) children were in Risk category, 43 (36.1%)
      in Injury category, and 15 (12.6%) in Failure category. Most of them (41.2%) had
      steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and focal segmental
      glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) on histopathology (33.6%). Infections were the major
      predisposing factor for AKI in 67 (56.3%) cases. Drug toxicity was the next
      common, found in 52 (43.7%) children. A total of 65 (54.6%) children recovered
      from AKI, while 54 (45.4%) did not. CKD developed in 49 (41.2%) non-recovered
      cases and 5 (4.2%) children succumbed to acute illness. SRNS, cyclosporine use,
      FSGS on histology, and drug toxicity were significant factors associated with the
      development of CKD. CONCLUSION: AKI associated with INS is a reversible condition
      in most cases but it can progress to CKD, especially among those who have SRNS,
      FSGS, and drug toxicity.

PMID- 28093934
TI  - Efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in treatment of pediatric head and neck
      lymphatic malformations.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: Low dose oral sildenafil citrate tablets are safe and effective to
      decrease the lesions volume in some LMs children, especially with macrocystic
      lesion or mixed type. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral
      sildenafil in treatment of pediatric head and neck lymphatic malformations (LMs).
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this open-label study, 21 children diagnosed with LMs
      were given oral sildenafil and stopped at week 24. Volume change of lesions
      compared with baseline was used to evaluate therapeutic outcome. The improvement
      of various symptoms and the adverse effects of sildenafil were recorded during
      the follow-up period. RESULTS: Eight patients (38.0%) showed excellent
      improvement (>75-100%), one patient (4.8%) had good (>50-75%), two patients
      (9.6%) had fair (>25-50%), three patients (14.3%) had minimal (0-25%), and seven
      patients (33.3%) had no improvement. The snoring or stridor completely
      disappeared in two subjects, although there was no apparent decrease in LMs size.
      Moreover, all three patients with macrocystic lesions displayed a positive
      response to sildenafil treatment, followed by mixed type (9/12, 75%). Only two
      out of six patients with microcystic lesions had minimal clearance. Only four
      patients showed transient mild diarrhea, there was no other adverse effect in
      this series.

PMID- 28093935
TI  - New methods for monitoring mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy in vitro and in
      vivo.
AB  - Removal of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy is critical for maintaining
      cellular homeostasis and functions. Increasing evidence implicates mitophagy in
      red blood cell differentiation, neurodegeneration, macrophage-mediated
      inflammation, ischemia, adipogenesis, drug-induced tissue injury, and cancer.
      Considerable progress has been made toward understanding the biochemical
      mechanisms involved in mitophagy regulation. However, few reliable assays to
      monitor and quantify mitophagy have been developed, particularly in vivo. In this
      review, we summarize the recent development of three assays, MitoTimer, mt-Keima
      and mito-QC, for monitoring and quantifying mitophagy in cells and in animal
      tissues. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of these three assays
      when using them to monitor and quantify mitophagy. Impact statement Removal of
      damaged mitochondria through mitophagy is critical for maintaining cellular
      homeostasis and functions. However, reliable quantitative assays to monitor
      mitophagy, particularly in vivo, are just emerging. This review will summarize
      the current novel quantitative assays to monitor mitophagy in vivo.

PMID- 28093936
TI  - Biological activities of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) extract as analyzed
      in microorganisms and cells.
AB  - R. officinalis L. is an aromatic plant commonly used as condiment and for
      medicinal purposes. Biological activities of its extract were evaluated in this
      study, as antimicrobial effect on mono- and polymicrobial biofilms, cytotoxicity,
      anti-inflammatory capacity, and genotoxicity. Monomicrobial biofilms of Candida
      albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa and polymicrobial biofilms composed of C. albicans with
      each bacterium were formed in microplates during 48 h and exposed for 5 min to R.
      officinalis L. extract (200 mg/mL). Its cytotoxic effect was examined on murine
      macrophages (RAW 264.7), human gingival fibroblasts (FMM-1), human breast
      carcinoma cells (MCF-7), and cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa) after exposure to
      different concentrations of the extract, analyzed by MTT, neutral red (NR), and
      crystal violet (CV) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on RAW
      264.7 non-stimulated or stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia
      coli and treated with different concentrations of the extract for 24 h.
      Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were
      quantified by ELISA. Genotoxicity was verified by the frequency of micronuclei
      (MN) at 1000 cells after exposure to concentrations of the extract for 24 h. Data
      were analyzed by T-Test or ANOVA and Tukey Test ( P <= 0.05). Thus, significant
      reductions in colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) were observed in all
      biofilms. Regarding the cells, it was observed that concentrations <= 50 mg/mL
      provided cell viability of above 50%. Production of proinflammatory cytokines in
      the treated groups was similar or lower compared to the control group. The MN
      frequency in the groups exposed to extract was similar or less than the untreated
      group. It was shown that R. officinalis L. extract was effective on mono- and
      polymicrobial biofilms; it also provided cell viability of above 50% (at <= 50
      mg/mL), showed anti-inflammatory effect, and was not genotoxic. Impact statement
      Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract effectively contributed to in vitro control of
      important species of microorganisms such as Candida albicans, Staphylococcus
      aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      in mono- and polymicrobial biofilms that are responsible for several infections
      in oral cavity as in other regions of the body. Furthermore, this extract
      promoted also cell viability above 50% at concentrations <= 50 mg/mL, excellent
      anti-inflammatory effect, showing inhibition or reduction of the synthesis of
      proinflammatory cytokines, being also non-genotoxic to cell lines studied. Thus,
      this extract may be a promising therapeutic agent that can be added in some
      medical and dental formulations such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, irrigating root
      canals, ointments, soaps, in order to control pathogenic microorganisms and
      biofilms, with anti-inflammatory effect and absence of cytotoxic and genotoxic.

PMID- 28093938
TI  - Capacity and consent.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Healthcare practitioners have a legal, ethical and professional
      obligation to obtain patient consent for all healthcare treatments. There is
      increasing evidence which suggests dissonance and variation in practice in
      assessment of decision-making capacity and consent processes. AIMS: This study
      explores healthcare practitioners' knowledge and practices of assessing decision
      making capacity and obtaining patient consent to treatment in the acute
      generalist setting. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive cross-sectional survey
      design, using an online questionnaire, method was employed with all professional
      groups invited via email to participate. Data were collected over 3 months from
      July to September 2015. Survey content and format was reviewed by the liaison
      psychiatry team and subsequently contained five sections (demographics, general
      knowledge and practice, delirium context, legal aspects and education/training).
      Descriptive, univariate and bivariate analysis of quantitative data and
      qualitative content analysis of qualitative data were undertaken. Ethical
      considerations: The study was approved by the institutional Human Research and
      Ethics Committee and informed consent was taken to be provided by participants
      upon completion and submission of the de-identified survey. RESULTS: In total, 86
      participants engaged the survey with n = 24, exiting at the first consent
      question. Almost two-thirds of respondents indicated that all treatments required
      patient consent. Knowledge of consent and decision-making capacity as legal
      constructs was deficient. Decision-making capacity was primarily assessed using
      professional judgement and perceived predominantly as the responsibility of
      medical and psychology staff. A range of patient psychological and behavioural
      symptoms were identified as indicators requiring assessment of decision-making
      capacity. Despite this, many patients with delirium have their decision-making
      capacity assessed and documented only sometimes. Uncertain knowledge and
      inconsistent application of legislative frameworks are evident. Many participants
      were unsure of the legal mechanisms for obtaining substitute consent in patients
      with impaired decision-making capacity and refusing treatment. CONCLUSION: The
      legal context of decision-making capacity and consent to treatment appears
      complex for healthcare practitioners. Professional, ethical and legal standards
      of care in this context can benefit from structured education programmes and
      supportive governance processes. An understanding of why 'duty of care' is being
      used as a framework within the context of impaired decision-making capacity is
      warranted, alongside a review of the context of Duty of Care within health
      policy, guidance and faculty teaching.

PMID- 28093937
TI  - Unmet needs in developing nanoparticles for precision medicine.

PMID- 28093939
TI  - Do catalytic nanoparticles offer an improved therapeutic strategy to combat
      dental biofilms?

PMID- 28093940
TI  - Self-targeted salinomycin-loaded DSPE-PEG-methotrexate nanomicelles for targeting
      both head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cancer cells and cancer stem cells.
AB  - AIM: To target both head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells and
      cancer stem cells (CSCs) by salinomycin-loaded DSPE-PEG-MTX (synthesized using
      DSPE-PEG2000-NH2 and methotrexate) nanomicelles (M-SAL-MTX). MATERIALS & METHODS:
      The characterization, antitumor activity and mechanism of M-SAL-MTX were
      evaluated. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: M-SAL-MTX showed enhanced inhibitory effect
      toward both HNSCC CSCs and non-CSCs compared with a single treatment of
      methotrexate and salinomycin. In nude mice-bearing HNSCC xenografts, M-SAL-MTX
      suppressed tumor growth more effectively than other controls including
      combination of methotrexate and salinomycin. Therefore, M-SAL-MTX may provide a
      strategy for treating HNSCC by targeting both HNSCC CSCs and HNSCC cells.

PMID- 28093941
TI  - Novel surface-engineered solid lipid nanoparticles of rosuvastatin calcium for
      low-density lipoprotein-receptor targeting: a Quality by Design-driven
      perspective.
AB  - AIM: The present studies describe Quality by Design-oriented development and
      characterization of surface-engineered solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of
      rosuvastatin calcium for low density lipoprotein-receptor targeting. MATERIALS &
      METHODS: SLNs were systematically prepared employing Compritol 888 and Tween-80.
      Surface modification of SLNs was accomplished with Phospholipon 90G and DSPE-mPEG
      2000 as the ligands for specific targeting to the low density lipoprotein
      receptors. SLNs were evaluated for size, potential, entrapment, drug release
      performance and gastric stability. Also, the formulations were evaluated for
      cellular cytotoxicity, uptake and permeability, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic
      and biochemical studies. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: Overall, the studies ratified
      enhanced biopharmaceutical performance of the surface-engineered SLNs of
      rosuvastatin as a novel approach for the management of hyperlipidemia-like
      conditions.

PMID- 28093942
TI  - Self-assembling peptide nanostructures on aligned poly(lactide-co-glycolide)
      nanofibers for the functional regeneration of sciatic nerve.
AB  - AIM: Regeneration of functional peripheral nerve tissue at critical-sized defect
      requires extracellular matrix analogs impregnated with appropriate biosignals to
      regulate the cell fate process and subsequent tissue progression. The aim of the
      study was to develop electrospun aligned nanofibers as architectural analogs
      integrated with RADA16-I-BMHP1 as biofunctional peptides. MATERIALS & METHODS:
      Aligned poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-RADA16-I-BMHP1 nanofibers were
      fabricated and characterized for their in vitro potential using rat Schwann cell
      line and in vivo potential using a 10 mm sciatic nerve transection rat model.
      RESULTS: PLGA-peptide scaffolds significantly promoted higher expression of
      genotypic markers and bipolar extension of Schwann cells. Further, PLGA-peptide
      treated animals promoted the native collagen organization, remyelination and
      showed significantly higher recovery of sensorimotor and motor function than PLGA
      treated groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that self
      assembling peptide nanostructures on aligned PLGA nanofibers provided better cell
      matrix communication with significant functional restoration of the sciatic
      nerve.

PMID- 28093943
TI  - Clinical Evidence Supporting US Food and Drug Administration Premarket Approval
      of High-Risk Otolaryngologic Devices, 2000-2014.
AB  - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves high-risk medical devices
      based on premarket pivotal clinical studies demonstrating reasonable assurance of
      safety and effectiveness and may require postapproval studies (PAS) to further
      inform benefit-risk assessment. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using
      publicly available FDA documents to characterize industry-sponsored pivotal
      studies and PAS of high-risk devices used in the treatment of otolaryngologic
      diseases. Between 2000 and 2014, the FDA approved 23 high-risk otolaryngologic
      devices based on 28 pivotal studies. Median enrollment was 118 patients
      (interquartile range, 67-181), and median duration of longest primary
      effectiveness end point follow-up was 26 weeks (interquartile range, 16-96).
      Fewer than half were randomized (n = 13, 46%), blinded (n = 12, 43%), or
      controlled (n = 10, 36%). The FDA required 23 PASs for 16 devices (70%): almost
      two-thirds (n = 15, 65%) monitored long-term performance, and roughly one-third
      (n = 8, 35%) focused on subgroups. Otolaryngologists should be aware of
      limitations in the strength of premarket evidence when considering the use of
      newly approved devices.

PMID- 28093944
TI  - Healing efficacy of fracture-targeted GSK3beta inhibitor-loaded micelles for
      improved fracture repair.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the fracture healing capabilities of a GSK3beta inhibitor, 6
      bromoindirubin-3'-oxime, coupled with an aspartic acid octapeptide in a micellar
      delivery system. MATERIALS & METHODS: The efficacy of the intravenously
      administered micelles to accelerate healing of femoral fracture in mice was
      evaluated. Micro-computed tomography analysis was employed to obtain bone
      density, total volume, relative volume, trabecular thickness and trabecular
      spacing. RESULTS: Both fracture bone mineral density and volume were
      significantly higher in the micelle treatment groups when compared with controls.
      The fracture-targeted micelle demonstrates fracture-specific bone anabolism and
      biocompatibility in off-target tissues. CONCLUSION: Accelerated fracture healing
      in mice was achieved by targeting the GSK3beta inhibitor, 6-bromoindirubin-3'
      oxime, to the fracture site.

PMID- 28093945
TI  - A feasibility study to improve practice nurses' competence and confidence in
      providing care for mothers and infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postnatal care is best provided in primary health care settings, yet
      Practice Nurses (PNs) lack relevant training and report difficulty in providing
      postnatal care. AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of a pilot educational
      intervention in improving PN competence and confidence to care for mothers and
      infants in the first postnatal year. DESIGN: A feasibility study. METHODS: PNs
      were recruited from selected general practices Queensland, Australia to undertake
      the pilot educational intervention that included a pre-intervention survey, two
      day education program, program evaluation and completion of a practice journal.
      RESULTS: Thirteen PNs from three general practices participated, with 31%
      completing all study components. Evaluation of the intervention was positive and
      all participants reported increased confidence and competence in providing
      postnatal care. Following detailed consideration of feasibility (process,
      resource, management and scientific assessment) we propose that changes to
      intervention delivery and data collection should be incorporated into a larger
      trial.

PMID- 28093946
TI  - Commentary: Endovascular Treatment of Popliteal Lesions Requires Advanced
      Physician Skills.

PMID- 28093947
TI  - Comparative Effectiveness of Partial versus Total Tonsillectomy in Children.
AB  - Objective To assess the effectiveness of partial versus total tonsillectomy in
      children. Data Sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library from January 1980 to
      June 2016. Review Methods Two investigators independently screened studies and
      extracted data. Investigators independently assessed risk of bias and strength of
      evidence of the literature. Heterogeneity precluded quantitative analysis.
      Results In 16 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), definitions of
      "partial" tonsillectomy varied. In addition to comparing partial with total
      tonsil removal, 11 studies compared surgical techniques (eg, coblation). In
      studies comparing the same technique, return to normal diet or activity was
      faster with partial removal (more favorable outcomes in 4 of 4 RCTs). In studies
      with differing surgical techniques, return to normal diet and activity was faster
      with partial versus total tonsillectomy (more favorable outcomes in 5 of 6
      studies). In 3 of 4 RCTs, partial tonsillectomy was associated with more throat
      infections than total tonsillectomy. Differences between groups were generally
      not statistically significant for obstructive symptom persistence, quality of
      life, or behavioral outcomes. Across all studies, 10 (6%) of roughly 166 children
      had tonsillar regrowth after partial tonsillectomy. Conclusions Data do not allow
      firm conclusions regarding the comparative benefit of partial versus total
      removal; however, neither surgical technique nor extent of surgery appears to
      affect outcomes markedly. Partial tonsillectomy conferred moderate advantages in
      return to normal diet/activity but was also associated with tonsillar regrowth
      and symptom recurrence. Effects may be due to confounding given differences in
      populations and surgical approaches/techniques. Heterogeneity and differences in
      the operationalization of "partial" tonsillectomy limited comparative analyses.

PMID- 28093949
TI  - Scottish Cardiac Society 24th annual general meeting.

PMID- 28093950
TI  - GEMS 2015 Abstract Submission for Publication.

PMID- 28093948
TI  - Design and evaluation of a stearylated multicomponent peptide-siRNA nanocomplex
      for efficient cellular siRNA delivery.
AB  - AIM: To develop a new synthetic peptide-based nanoparticulate siRNA delivery
      system. MATERIALS & METHODS: DEN-K(GALA)-TAT-K(STR) was generated by
      incorporating stearic acid into a multicomponent peptide (DEN-K(GALA)-TAT),
      containing a cationic poly-L-lysine dendron, an endosome-disrupting peptide GALA
      and a cell-penetrating peptide TAT(48-60). Its physicochemical characteristics,
      size, toxicity, cellular uptake and gene knockdown activity of the peptide/siRNA
      complexes were studied. RESULTS: DEN-K(GALA)-TAT-K(STR) exhibited a pH-responsive
      behavior, which assists with endosomal escape. When siRNA was delivered by DEN
      K(GALA)-TAT-K(STR), it showed a significantly enhanced cellular uptake, compared
      with the nonlipidic peptide. This system also displayed enhanced knockdown
      efficiency and reduced cytotoxicity over the widely used delivery system branched
      25-kDa polyethyleneimine. CONCLUSION: Our stearylated multicomponent delivery
      system has great potential as an efficient siRNA delivery vector.

PMID- 28093951
TI  - Qualitative comparison of polyethylene terephthalate flakes from various
      collection systems in Germany.
AB  - In 2003, a deposit system for one-way packaging was introduced in Germany. Since
      that time, polyethylene terephthalate beverage packaging is collected through
      various collection systems, a deposit system, a reusable packaging system and the
      'Green Dot' (the dual system) with the yellow bag. The manner of collection had a
      decisive influence on the quality of the generated recycled materials. The
      research at hand shows for the first time how the quality of polyethylene
      terephthalate flakes depends on the type of collection system. The results are
      based on a 14-year time frame, during which the quality of the polyethylene
      terephthalate flakes was examined using the different collection systems. The
      criterion used was the amount of contamination of polyethylene terephthalate
      flakes with various polymers, metals and other substances. Grain size and bulk
      density were also compared. The outcome shows that material from the deposit
      systems resulted in a better quality of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes.

PMID- 28093952
TI  - Nanocarriers protecting toward an intestinal pre-uptake metabolism.
AB  - Pre-uptake metabolism within the GI tract is responsible for the poor oral
      bioavailability of numerous drugs. As nanocarriers function as a 'shield',
      protecting incorporated drugs from enzymatic attack, there is an increasing
      interest in utilizing them as a tool for overcoming drug degradation. Degradation
      of carriers resulting in the release of incorporated drugs, mucus permeation,
      enzyme inhibitory properties and their toxicity are crucial factors that must be
      taken into account when designing proper nanocarriers. The use of polymer- and
      lipid-based nanocarriers as protective vehicles are discussed within this review.
      Lipid-based carriers and novel mucopenetrating particles seem to have a great
      potential in avoiding metabolizing enzymes. Accordingly, nanocarriers are
      promising tools for improving the bioavailability of drugs, being sensitive to a
      pre-uptake metabolism.

PMID- 28093953
TI  - Case study: Is the 'catch-all-plastics bin' useful in unlocking the hidden
      resource potential in the residual waste collection system?
AB  - Austria's performance in the collection of separated waste is adequate. However,
      the residual waste still contains substantial amounts of recyclable materials -
      for example, plastics, paper and board, glass and composite packaging. Plastics
      (lightweight packaging and similar non-packaging materials) are detected at an
      average mass content of 13% in residual waste. Despite this huge potential, only
      3% of the total amount of residual waste (1,687,000 t y-1) is recycled. This
      implies that most of the recyclable materials contained in the residual waste are
      destined for thermal recovery and are lost for recycling. This pilot project,
      commissioned by the Land of Lower Austria, applied a holistic approach, unique in
      Europe, to the Lower Austrian waste management system. It aims to transfer excess
      quantities of plastic packaging and non-packaging recyclables from the residual
      waste system to the separately collected waste system by introducing a so-called
      'catch-all-plastics bin'. A quantity flow model was constructed and the results
      showed a realistic increase in the amount of plastics collected of 33.9 wt%. This
      equals a calculated excess quantity of 19,638 t y-1. The increased plastics
      collection resulted in a positive impact on the climate footprint (CO2
      equivalent) in line with the targets of EU Directive 94/62/EG (Circular Economy
      Package) and its Amendments. The new collection system involves only moderate
      additional costs.

PMID- 28093954
TI  - Inhibitory effect of high calcium concentration on municipal solid waste leachate
      treatment by the activated sludge process.
AB  - This research focused on the inhibitory effects of Ca on the aerobic biological
      treatment of landfill leachate containing extremely high Ca concentrations. When
      the Ca concentration in leachate to be treated was more than 4500 mg l-1, the
      total organic carbon removal rate was significantly reduced and the processing
      time to achieve the same removal efficiency was 1.4 times that in the control
      treatment without added Ca. In contrast, the total nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen
      (NH4+-N) removal efficiencies were positively related to the Ca concentration,
      increasing from 65.2% to 81.2% and from 69.2% to 83.7%, respectively, when the
      dosage of added Ca increased from zero to 8000 mg l-1. During aerobic treatment,
      the reductions of solution Ca concentration were in the range of 1003-2274 mg l-1
      and were matched with increases in the Ca content in the residual sludge. The
      inhibition threshold of Ca in the leachate treated by the activated sludge
      process appeared to be 4500 mg l-1, which could be realized by controlling the
      influent Ca concentration and using an appropriate sludge return ratio in the
      activated sludge process.

PMID- 28093956
TI  - Praluent (Alirocumab)-Induced Renal Injury.

PMID- 28093955
TI  - Anatomically Realistic Simulations of Liver Ablation by Irreversible
      Electroporation.
AB  - Irreversible electroporation is a novel tissue ablation technique which entails
      delivering intense electrical pulses to target tissue, hence producing fatal
      defects in the cell membrane. The present study numerically analyzes the
      potential impact of liver blood vessels on ablation by irreversible
      electroporation because of their influence on the electric field distribution. An
      anatomically realistic computer model of the liver and its vasculature within an
      abdominal section was employed, and blood vessels down to 0.4 mm in diameter were
      considered. In this model, the electric field distribution was simulated in a
      large series of scenarios (N = 576) corresponding to plausible percutaneous
      irreversible electroporation treatments by needle electrode pairs. These modeled
      treatments were relatively superficial (maximum penetration depth of the
      electrode within the liver = 26 mm) and it was ensured that the electrodes did
      not penetrate the vessels nor were in contact with them. In terms of total
      ablation volume, the maximum deviation caused by the presence of the vessels was
      6%, which could be considered negligible compared to the impact by other sources
      of uncertainty. Sublethal field magnitudes were noticed around vessels covering
      volumes of up to 228 mm3. If in this model the blood was substituted by a liquid
      with a low electrical conductivity (0.1 S/m), the maximum volume covered by
      sublethal field magnitudes was 3.7 mm3 and almost no sublethal regions were
      observable. We conclude that undertreatment around blood vessels may occur in
      current liver ablation procedures by irreversible electroporation. Infusion of
      isotonic low conductivity liquids into the liver vasculature could prevent this
      risk.

PMID- 28093957
TI  - New Faculty Members at Touro College of Pharmacy-New York.

PMID- 28093958
TI  - President's Address.

PMID- 28093960
TI  - Journal watch: diagnostic nanoparticles.

PMID- 28093961
TI  - Submental Ultrasonographic Parameters among Patients with Obstructive Sleep
      Apnea.
AB  - Objective This study aimed to determine the value of submental ultrasonography
      (US) parameters for diagnostic workup among patients with obstructive sleep apnea
      (OSA) and to determine whether there is a correlation between US findings and the
      severity of OSA. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting Tertiary
      education hospital. Subjects and Methods The study included 147 patients with
      suspected OSA who underwent submental US to evaluate various parameters following
      overnight polysomnography. US findings were compared with the apnea-hypopnea
      index and other parameters. Results All US parameters, except for subcutaneous
      tissue thickness, were significantly different among patients with OSA. Of note,
      distance between lingual arteries (DLA), geniohyoid muscle thickness (GMT), and
      lateral parapharyngeal wall thickness (LPWT) were significantly greater in the
      patients with severe OSA than those with mild and moderate OSA ( P < .001). GMT
      had the strongest correlation with OSA ( r = 0.419, P < .001); LPWT and DLA also
      had high correlation coefficient values ( r = 0.343, P < .001, and r = 0.342, P <
      .001, respectively). Stepwise regression analysis showed that GMT (beta = 0.243,
      P = 0.004), LPWT (beta = 0.236, P = 0.004), and DLA (beta = 0.204, P = 0.008)
      were the most significant factors for predicting the severity of OSA according to
      the apnea-hypopnea index. Conclusion Submental US can be used to determine
      whether there is a correlation between US findings and severity of OSA. GMT could
      be considered a novel parameter for determining the severity of OSA.

PMID- 28093962
TI  - The LMSR method for providing a multidimensional understanding of growth standard
      in human fetuses.
AB  - A new nonlinear multivariate regression method called the LMSR method is
      proposed, by which a multidimensional understanding for the development process
      of human fetuses can be provided. Statistically important quantities such as
      median, skewness, coefficient of variation, and correlation of underlying
      structure can be described by corresponding smooth curves. Those curves can be
      obtained by a fine combination of a multivariate power transformation of data and
      penalized likelihood. It will be shown that the LMSR method and some associated
      tools are clearly efficient in analyzing development process of human fetuses.

PMID- 28093963
TI  - An efficient test based on the inferential model for the non-inferiority of odds
      ratio in matched-pairs design.
AB  - Non-inferiority of one treatment to another based on odds ratio for the matched
      pair design is a common issue in the medical research. Liu et al. derived two
      asymptotic tests, delta method and score test, which can be applicable for large
      samples but may tend to be liberal for small sample sizes. Jin et al. proposed an
      IM-based method that can control the type I risk well but may be somewhat
      conservative. In this paper, we extend the IM-based method to RIM-based test
      using the randomized plausibility function. We prove that our new proposed method
      is not only valid but also efficient. Simulation studies confirm that the RIM
      based test is better than other methods. A numerical example illustrates the
      proposed method.

PMID- 28093964
TI  - CUSUM chart to monitor autocorrelated counts using Negative Binomial GARMA model.
AB  - Cumulative sum control charts have been used for health surveillance due to its
      efficiency to detect soon small shifts in the monitored series. However, these
      charts may fail when data are autocorrelated. An alternative procedure is to
      build a control chart based on the residuals after fitting autoregressive moving
      average models, but these models usually assume Gaussian distribution for the
      residuals. In practical health surveillance, count series can be modeled by
      Poisson or Negative Binomial regression, this last to control overdispersion. To
      include serial correlations, generalized autoregressive moving average models are
      proposed. The main contribution of the current article is to measure the impact,
      in terms of average run length on the performance of cumulative sum charts when
      the serial correlation is neglected in the regression model. Different statistics
      based on transformations, the deviance residual, and the likelihood ratio are
      used to build cumulative sum control charts to monitor counts with time varying
      means, including trend and seasonal effects. The monitoring of the weekly number
      of hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases for people aged over 65 years
      in the city Sao Paulo-Brazil is considered as an illustration of the current
      method.

PMID- 28093965
TI  - IRMA study: Prevalence of subdiaphragmatic visceral infarction in ischemic stroke
      and atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Background Occult atrial fibrillation (AF) may, in part, explain cryptogenic
      stroke. A 22% prevalence of subdiaphragmatic visceral infarction (SDVI) among
      patients with ischemic stroke (IS) due to AF has been reported, using abdominal
      MRI. We sought to assess the reproducibility of this method and to confirm that
      SDVI is more prevalent in cases of AF-caused IS than in IS of other etiologies.
      Methods In consecutive patients admitted to our hospital, we compared SDVI
      prevalence in three groups: patients with IS due to AF (IS+/AF+ group), patients
      with stroke of another determined cause (IS+/AF- group) and patients with AF
      without stroke (IS-/AF+ group). Results A total of 111 patients were included.
      The median time between inclusion and abdominal MRI was six days. SDVI was more
      frequent in the IS+/AF+ group ( n = 10; 21.3%), than in IS+/AF- ( n = 1; 3.3%)
      and IS-/AF+ ( n = 0) groups, p = 0.002. The most frequent localization was the
      kidney. Conclusions The prevalence of SDVI was higher among patients with AF
      caused IS. In cases of cryptogenic stroke, a positive abdominal MRI may suggest
      occult AF as the cause and identify a high risk of AF in this subgroup of
      patients.

PMID- 28093966
TI  - Physical inactivity is a strong risk factor for stroke in the oldest old:
      Findings from a multi-ethnic population (the Northern Manhattan Study).
AB  - Background The fastest growing segment of the population is those age >=80 who
      have the highest stroke incidence. Risk factor management is complicated by
      polypharmacy-related adverse events. Aims To characterize the impact of physical
      inactivity for stroke by age in a multi-ethnic prospective cohort study (NOMAS, n
      = 3298). Methods Leisure time physical activity was assessed by a validated
      questionnaire and our primary exposure was physical inactivity (PI). Participants
      were followed annually for incident stroke. We fit Cox-proportional hazard models
      to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (HR 95% CI) for the
      association of PI and other risk factors with risk of stroke including two-way
      interaction terms between the primary exposures and age (<80 vs. >=80). Results
      The mean age was 69 +/- 10.3 years and 562 (17%) were >=80 at enrolment. PI was
      common in the cohort (40.8%). Over a median of 14 years, we found 391 strokes. We
      found a significant interaction of age >=80 on the risk of stroke with PI ( p =
      0.03). In stratified models, PI versus any activity (adjusted HR 1.60, 95%CI 1.05
      2.42) was associated with an increased risk of stroke among those >=80.
      Conclusion Physical inactivity is a treatable risk factor for stroke among those
      older than age 80. Improving activity may reduce the risk of stroke in this
      segment of the population.

PMID- 28093967
TI  - Anchored Lentiviral Vector Episomes for Stem Cell Gene Therapy in Fanconi Anemia.
AB  - Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive, multisystem DNA repair disorder
      with prominent defects in the hematopoietic stem cell maintenance that result in
      the progressive attrition and failure in the early school age. Allogeneic stem
      cell transplantation has proved curative for patients with suitable donors. This,
      along with the characteristic survival advantage of phenotypically normal over
      non-corrected FA stem cells underscores the compelling rationale for stem cell
      gene therapy in the FA. While integrating lentiviral vectors (LV) have become the
      preferred platform for genetic correction in several hematologic and
      immunodeficiency disorders, the residual oncogenic potential by these vectors
      raises concerns in the FA stem cells about insertional mutagenic genetic lesions.
      On this backdrop, investigators are developing a new generation of non
      integrating viral vectors capable of nuclear persistence through serial mitotic
      cycles and stable under selection to offset the comparatively lower transduction
      rates. Here, we review the competing approaches to develop such non-integrating
      lentiviral (NILV) episome vectors that faithfully replicate in the stem cells.

PMID- 28093968
TI  - Quantification of Etodolac in Human Plasma for Pharmacokinetics and
      Bioequivalence Studies in 27 Korean Subjects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We developed a simple and validated liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry( LC-MS/MS) for quantification of etodolac using pioglitazone as an
      internal standard (IS) to assess pharmacokinetics and to appraise bioequivalence
      of two formulations of etodolac (reference and tested) in 27 healthy Korean
      subjects. METHODS: Isocratic mobile phase consisted of 10 mM ammonium formate and
      acetonitrile were used to separate the analytes on a Gemini C18 column. Also,
      analytes were analyzed by MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using
      the transitions of (M+H)+ ions, m/z 288.2-> 172.3 and m/z 357.1-> 134.2 for
      quantification of etodolac and IS each. The standard calibration curves displayed
      significant linearity within the range of 0.2-30.0 MU g/mL (r2=0.9956, 1/x2
      weighting) with LLOQ of 0.1 MUg/mL. RESULTS: The retention times of etodolac and
      the IS were 0.77 min and 0.57 min each, indicating the high-throughput potential
      of the proposed method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the
      plasma samples and data form the reference and test drugs were represented as
      follows; Area under plasma concentration-time curve (AUCt) (78.03 vs. 84.00
      MUgxh/mL), AUCinfinity (86.67 vs. 93.92 MUgxh/mL), maximal plasma concentration
      (Cmax) (19.49 vs. 18.94 MUg/mL), time for maximal concentrations (Tmax) (2.13 vs.
      2.26 h), Plasma elimination half-life (T1/2) (8.12 vs. 8.47 h), elimination rate
      constant (lambdaz) (0.0853 vs. 0.0818 h-1). Pharmacokinetic parameters with 90%
      confidence interval fall within the bioequivalence range of 80-125%. CONCLUSION:
      Thus, the new testified method was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic
      and bioequivalence studies for two etodolac formulations.

PMID- 28093969
TI  - Traumatic Brain Injury: Preclinical Imaging Diagnostic(s) and Therapeutic
      Approaches.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the result of an external physical
      force to the head that harms the brain. TBI is a major public health problem
      worldwide and mainly results from falls, vehicle accidents and violence. Clinical
      problem: The management of TBI, causing a wide spectrum of possible health
      outcomes, has barely changed over the years as encouraging outcomes from many pre
      clinical therapeutic and pharmacological studies have only rarely been translated
      to the clinical situation. New management options: In the last decades management
      of TBI is rapidly advancing and new innovative imaging modalities with
      sophisticated treatment options by using nanomedicine based drug delivery systems
      are under investigation. Nano formulations such as PLGA, exosomes and liposomes
      have the advantage of a targeted and controlled delivery of their cargo, such as
      diagnostic probes and/or therapeutic drugs. SUMMARY: Here we provide an overview
      of new promising pre-clinical developments in TBI management that may find their
      way to the clinic in the near future. Nanotechnology and nanomedicine in TBI
      intervention may establish new platforms for targeted drug delivery to the
      traumatized brain to improve the quality of life and survival of TBI patients.

PMID- 28093970
TI  - Evaluation of Salivary Vitamin C and Catalase in HIV Positive and Healthy HIV
      Negative Control Group.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Saliva is a complex oral biologic fluid secreted by major and minor
      salivary glands. Saliva has immunological, enzymatic and antioxidant defense
      mechanisms. Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a life
      threatening disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate salivary
      vitamin C and catalase levels in HIV-positive patients in comparison to a healthy
      control group. METHOD: Forty-nine HIV-infected individuals and 49 healthy
      subjects were selected. Five mL of unstimulated saliva was collected in 5 minutes
      using a sterilized Falcon tube with Navazesh method. Catalase and vitamin C
      levels were assessed by spectrophotometric assay. Data were analyzed with STATA
      12. RESULTS: Salivary catalase levels were 7.99+/-2.40 and 8.37+/-1.81 in the
      case and control groups, respectively. Catalase level was lower in the case group
      but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.380). Salivary vitamin
      C levels in the case and control groups were 3.76+/-1.92 and 4.87+/-2.20,
      respectively (P=0.009). CONCLUSION: HIV can alter salivary antioxidant capacity
      as well as vitamin C and catalase levels. Saliva may reflect serum antioxidative
      changes in these patients. Therefore, further research is necessary on salivary
      and serum oxidants and the antioxidant changes.

PMID- 28093972
TI  - Conformation as the Therapeutic Target for Neurodegenerative Diseases.
AB  - Therapeutic strategies that target pathways of protein misfolding and the
      toxicity of intermediates along these pathways are mainly at discovery and early
      development stages, with the exception of monoclonal antibodies that have mainly
      failed to produce convincing clinical benefits in late stage trials. The clinical
      failures represent potentially critical lessons for future neurodegenerative
      disease drug development. More effective drugs may be achieved by pursuing the
      following two strategies. First, conformational targeting of aggregates of
      misfolded proteins, rather than less specific binding that includes monomer
      subunits, which vastly outnumber the toxic targets. Second, since
      neurodegenerative diseases frequently include more than one potential protein
      pathology, generic targeting of aggregates by shape might also be a crucial
      feature of a drug candidate. Incorporating both of these critical features into a
      viable drug candidate along with high affinity binding has not been achieved with
      small molecule approaches or with antibody fragments. Monoclonal antibodies
      developed so far are not broadly acting through conformational recognition. Using
      GAIM (General Amyloid Interaction Motif) represents a novel approach that
      incorporates high affinity conformational recognition for multiple protein
      assemblies, as well as recognition of an array of assemblies along the misfolding
      pathway between oligomers and fibers. A GAIM-Ig fusion, NPT088, is nearing
      clinical testing.

PMID- 28093971
TI  - Preparation Methods and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides and Their
      Derivatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, the antioxidant effects of polysaccharides have
      become a hot spot in the field of polysaccharide research. METHOD: Herein, the
      action mechanisms of polysaccharide antioxidation and scavenging free radicals
      were analyzed. The research progresses on the preparation methods and antioxidant
      properties of polysaccharides and their derivatives were summarized. CONCLUSION:
      Investigating the antioxidant activities of polysaccharides and their derivatives
      can find useful polysaccharides and their derivatives, which have great potential
      as natural antioxidants used in functional foods or medicines.

PMID- 28093973
TI  - Adsorptive Removal of Metal Ions from Water using Functionalized Biomaterials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Synthesis and modification of cost-effective sorbents for removing
      heavy metals from water resources is an area of significance. It had been
      reported that materials with biological origins, such as agricultural and animal
      waste, are excellent alternatives to conventional adsorbents due to their higher
      affinity, capacity and selectivity towards metal ions. These properties of
      biomaterials help to reduce or detoxify metal ions concentration in contaminated
      water to acceptable regulatory standards. OBJECTIVE: Synthesis of novel,
      efficient, cost effective, eco-friendly biomaterials for heavy metal adsorption
      from water is still an area of challenge. METHOD: In this comprehensive review,
      acompilation of patents as well as published articles is carried out to outline
      the properties of different biomaterials based on their precursors along
      withdetailed description of biomaterial morphology and various surface
      modification approaches. RESULTS: A detailed study of the performance of
      adsorbents and the role of physical and chemical modification in terms of
      enhancing their potential for metal adsorption from water is compiled here. The
      factors affecting adsorption behavior i.e., capacity and affinity of e
      biomaterials is also compiled. CONCLUSION: This paper presents a concise review
      of reported studies on the synthesis and modification of biomaterials, their use
      for heavy metal removal from waters and future prospects of this technology.

PMID- 28093974
TI  - Anticancer Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is a systemic disease. Cancer occurrence is associated with
      several factors, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, tumor
      microenvironment and immune system. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been
      widely used for thousands of years in China for its anti-cancer therapeutic
      effect. The advantage of using TCM is related to its action on multiple signaling
      pathways and molecular targets related to cancer, whilst causing few adverse
      effects. OBJECTIVE: The review focuses on the most recent studies on TCM through
      examples that demonstrate the anticancer effects and the mechanisms. CONCLUSION:
      The review shows a large number of works which demonstrated that TCM is useful in
      the treatment of various types of cancers through different mechanisms of action.
      The results indicate that TCM exerts its anticancer effects through apoptosis
      induction, proliferation inhibition, metastasis suppression, multidrug resistance
      reversal and immune function regulation. Moreover, TCM can improve patients'
      quality of life. The advantage of TCM suggests that TCM may represent a promising
      therapeutic approach for patients with diverse cancers.

PMID- 28093975
TI  - Molecular Modeling and Dynamics Simulation Analysis of KATNAL1 for Identification
      of Novel Inhibitor of Sperm Maturation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hormone based birth control often causes various side effects. A
      recent study revealed that temporary infertility without changing hormone levels
      can be attained by inhibiting Katanin p60 ATPase-containing subunit A-like 1
      protein (KATNAL1) which is critical for sperm maturation in the testes.
      OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at attaining the most energetically stable three
      dimensional (3D) structure of KATNAL1 protein using comparative modeling followed
      by screening of a ligand library of known natural spermicidal compounds for their
      binding affinity with KATNAL1. This in turn may inhibit the development of mature
      sperm in the seminiferous epithelium. METHOD: A series of computational
      techniques were used for building the 3D structure of KATNAL1 which was further
      optimized by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. For revealing the ATP binding
      mode of KATNAL1, docking study was carried out using the optimized model obtained
      from the MD simulation. The docking study was also employed to test the binding
      efficiency of the ligand library. RESULTS: Molecular docking study confirmed the
      ATP binding of KATNAL1 with various hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions.
      Binding efficiency of the ligand library suggested that calotropin, a cardenolide
      of Calotropis procera showed the highest binding efficiency against the target
      protein without toxicity. MD simulation of the docked complex validated the
      results of the docking study. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the ATP binding
      mode of KATNAL1 and identified calotropin as a potential lead molecule against it
      showing high binding efficiency with good bioavailability and no mutagenicity.
      Further in vitro and in vivo bioassay of calotropin could facilitate the
      development of novel non-hormonal male-specific contraceptive in near future.

PMID- 28093976
TI  - Chemoinformatics Profiling of the Chromone Nucleus as a MAO-B/A2AAR Dual Binding
      Scaffold.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the context of the current drug discovery efforts to find disease
      modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) the current single target
      strategy has proved inefficient. Consequently, the search for multi-potent agents
      is attracting more and more attention due to the multiple pathogenetic factors
      implicated in PD. Multiple evidences points to the dual inhibition of the
      monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), as well as adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAR) blockade,
      as a promising approach to prevent the neurodegeneration involved in PD.
      Currently, only two chemical scaffolds has been proposed as potential dual MAO-B
      inhibitors/A2AAR antagonists (caffeine derivatives and benzothiazinones).
      METHODS: In this study, we conduct a series of chemoinformatics analysis in order
      to evaluate and advance the potential of the chromone nucleus as a MAO-B/A2AAR
      dual binding scaffold. RESULTS: The information provided by SAR data mining
      analysis based on network similarity graphs and molecular docking studies support
      the suitability of the chromone nucleus as a potential MAOB/ A2AAR dual binding
      scaffold. Additionally, a virtual screening tool based on a group fusion
      similarity search approach was developed for the prioritization of potential MAO
      B/A2AAR dual binder candidates. Among several data fusion schemes evaluated, the
      MEAN-SIM and MIN-RANK GFSS approaches demonstrated to be efficient virtual
      screening tools. Then, a combinatorial library potentially enriched with MAO
      B/A2AAR dual binding chromone derivatives was assembled and sorted by using the
      MIN-RANK and then the MEAN-SIM GFSS VS approaches. CONCLUSION: The information
      and tools provided in this work represent valuable decision making elements in
      the search of novel chromone derivatives with a favorable dual binding profile as
      MAOB inhibitors and A2AAR antagonists with the potential to act as a disease
      modifying therapeutic for Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 28093978
TI  - Perspective in Medicinal Chemistry: Structure-Based Drug Design.

PMID- 28093979
TI  - Editorial: Small and Supramolecular Chemistry in Drug Design, Drug Discovery and
      Drug Delivery.

PMID- 28093977
TI  - The Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis in Alzheimer's Disease: It's Time to Change Our
      Mind.
AB  - Since its discovery in 1984, the beta amyloid peptide has treaded the boards of
      neurosciences as the star molecule in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. In the
      last decade, however, this vision has been challenged by evidence-based medicine
      showing the almost complete failure of clinical trials that experimented anti
      amyloid therapies with great hopes. Moreover, data have accumulated which clearly
      indicate that this small peptide plays a key role in the physiological processes
      of memory formation. In the present review, we will discuss the different aspects
      of the amyloid cascade hypothesis, highlighting its pros and cons, and we will
      analyse the results of the therapeutic approaches attempted to date that should
      change the direction of Alzheimer's disease research in the future.

PMID- 28093980
TI  - Emerging Advances in Nanomedicine as a Nanoscale Pharmacotherapy in Rheumatoid
      Arthritis: State of the Art.
AB  - There are several significant setbacks including limited bioavailability, high
      clearance, and further current therapies require higher and frequent dosing to
      gain desired therapeutic effects. Nanomedicines have been widely investigated for
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Though, higher doses also increase the incidence of
      dreadful adverse effects. Further, nanocarrier properties are tuned by the use of
      different approaches like varied methods of loading, hydrophilic polymers and
      targeting ligands, to change the physicochemical properties including higher
      encapsulation, better penetrating ability to biological barriers, thus preventing
      the uptake of various nanocarriers by liver and spleen. Along with these they
      provide longer circulation which enhances drug localization at the inflamed site
      and selective targeting to enhance the therapeutic index of anti-rheumatic drugs.
      However, the optimal properties also depend on the route of administration and
      nanocarrier size, thus larger size show more retention upon local injection and
      smaller sized ones are more optimal for passive targeting. The present review
      discusses the emergence of nano-carriers for anti-rheumatic drugs, which delivers
      drug molecule to the inflamed site by topical, intra-articular (i.a) and intra
      venous (i.v) administration to achieve therapeutic efficacy by passive and active
      drug targeting. Advancements have been made extensively but still better
      investigations are needed to optimize the risk-benefit ratio for the development
      of safe and stable targeting nanocarriers for the effective treatment of
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

PMID- 28093981
TI  - Chemical and Biological Aspects of the Natural 1,4-Benzoquinone Embelin and its
      (semi-)Synthetic Derivatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Like the impressive biological properties of embelin, its chemical
      aspects have raised the interest of scientists in the field as well. A detailed
      understanding of the chemistry of embelin is necessary to fully exploit it
      medicinally. METHODS: Search for embelin isolation and its chemical modifications
      was carried out using web-based literature searching tools such as Pubmed and
      Scifinder. Pertinent literature is covered up to 2016. Structures of bioactive
      embelin derivatives are provided. RESULTS: Pure embelin, obtained from Embelia
      ribes berries extraction or by total synthesis, was applied for a number of
      biological assays. Semi-synthetic and total synthetic approaches led to new high
      affinity embelin-derived inhibitors of crucial protein targets and to new embelin
      derivatives with improved pharmacological properties (e.g., with better water
      solubility or as applications for drug carrier systems). CONCLUSION: This review
      provides a summary of the rich chemistry of embelin and the latest developments
      in the field of optimized (semi-)synthetic embelin derivatives including their
      biological activities.

PMID- 28093982
TI  - PDE7-Selective and Dual Inhibitors: Advances in Chemical and Biological Research.
AB  - Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) is an intracellular enzyme that specifically
      hydrolyzes the second messenger, cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP),
      into inactive noncyclic nucleotide, 5'-AMP. To date, many structurally diverse
      compounds with PDE7 inhibitory properties have been described, including
      selective PDE7 inhibitors, dual PDE4/PDE7, PDE7/PDE8, and PDE7/GSK-3 inhibitors,
      and non-selective PDE inhibitors with high affinity for PDE7. Inhibitors of PDE7
      have provided beneficial effects in animal models of inflammatory and
      neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
      multiple sclerosis, and many others. This review is a comprehensive summary of
      the current state-of-the-art in the field of design and synthesis of PDE7
      inhibitors, their physicochemical properties, biological evaluation, and
      structure-activity relationships as well as it highlights the updated evidence
      for a potential therapeutic utility of these compounds. Moreover, new approaches
      to obtain more effective and safer PDE7 inhibitors than those available now are
      presented.

PMID- 28093984
TI  - Polymer Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles in Biomedical Applications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research interest on the properties of polymer conjugated gold
      nanoparticle (GNP) in biomedicine is rapidly rising because of the extensive
      evidences for their unique properties. In the field of biomedicine, GNPs have
      been widely used because of their inertness and low levels of cytotoxicity.
      Therefore, when exposed to cells, they are less prone to exert damaging effects.
      GNPs are capable of being functionalized as desired and are ideal as they do not
      encourage undesired side reactions that might counter react with the intention of
      the functionalization. Biofouling is an occurrence that takes place at cellular
      and biological molecular level, binds non-specifically on the detection surface
      and forms a wrong output. This undesired incidence can be avoided by conjugating
      the surface of biomolecules with polymers. Densely packed repeating chains of
      polymers such as polyethylene glycol are capable of decreasing non-specific
      reactions. Applications of polymer conjugated GNPs in the field of biomedicine
      are as biosensors, delivery and therapeutic agents. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the
      properties and applications of polymer conjugated GNPs are studied widely as
      overviewed here.

PMID- 28093983
TI  - An Approach Towards Structure Based Antimicrobial Peptide Design for Use in
      Development of Transgenic Plants: A Strategy for Plant Disease Management.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), are
      ubiquitous and vital components of innate defense response that present
      themselves as potential candidates for drug design, and aim to control plant and
      animal diseases. Though their application for plant disease management has long
      been studied with natural AMPs, cytotoxicity and stability related shortcomings
      for the development of transgenic plants limit their usage. Newer technologies
      like molecular modelling, NMR spectroscopy and combinatorial chemistry allow
      screening for potent candidates and provide new avenues for the generation of
      rationally designed synthetic AMPs with multiple biological functions. Such AMPs
      can be used for the control of plant diseases that lead to huge yield losses of
      agriculturally important crop plants, via generation of transgenic plants. Such
      approaches have gained significant attention in the past decade as a consequence
      of increasing antibiotic resistance amongst plant pathogens, and the shortcomings
      of existing strategies that include environmental contamination and human/animal
      health hazards amongst others. This review summarizes the recent trends and
      approaches used for employing AMPs, emphasizing on designed/modified ones, and
      their applications toward agriculture and food technology.

PMID- 28093985
TI  - Ketogenic Diet and Other Dietary Intervention Strategies in the Treatment of
      Cancer.
AB  - Pre-clinical and clinical studies have investigated the role of a dysregulated
      metabolism in the sustainability of tumor initiation and progression. One of the
      most familiar metabolic alterations encountered in several types of cancers is
      the upregulation of glycolysis, which is also maintained in conditions of normal
      oxygen tension (aerobic glycolysis, Warburg effect) while oxidative
      phosphorylation is apparently reduced. As a result, cancer cells convert most
      incoming glucose to lactate. Although more rapid, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      production by glycolysis is less efficient in terms of ATP generated per unit of
      glucose consumed than oxidative phosphorylation. The consequence is that tumor
      cells require an abnormally higher rate of glucose compared to the normal
      counterpart. New evidence shows that other metabolic substrates such as glutamine
      may also have an important role in cancer metabolism. Ketogenic diet (KD)
      replaces all but non-starchy vegetable carbohydrates with low to moderate amounts
      of proteins and high amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The
      rationale of KD is valid both because it lowers carbohydrate uptake possibly
      leading to cancer cell starvation and apoptosis and, at the same time, increases
      the levels of ketone bodies available for energy production in normal cells but
      not in cancer cells which have an allegedly downregulated oxidative
      phosphorylation. For this reason, several authors speculate on the possibility to
      evaluate KD as a novel approach in the treatment of cancer. In this review we
      will assess the data supporting the use of such alimentary regimen and its impact
      on tumor development and progression.

PMID- 28093986
TI  - Antimicrobial Polymers: Mimicking Amino Acid Functionali ty, Sequence Control and
      Three-dimensional Structure of Host-defen se Peptides.
AB  - Peptides and proteins control and direct all aspects of cellular function and
      communication. Having been honed by nature for millions of years, they also
      typically display an unsurpassed specificity for their biological targets. This
      underlies the continued focus on peptides as promising drug candidates. However,
      the development of peptides into viable drugs is hampered by their lack of
      chemical and pharmacokinetic stability and the cost of large scale production.
      One method to overcome such hindrances is to develop polymer systems that are
      able to retain the important structural features of these biologically active
      peptides, while being cheaper and easier to produce and manipulate chemically.
      This review illustrates these principles using examples of polymers designed to
      mimic antimicrobial host-defence peptides. The host-defence peptides have been
      identified as some of the most important leads for the next generation of
      antibiotics as they typically exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial ability, low
      toxicity toward human cells and little susceptibility to currently known
      mechanisms of bacterial resistance. Their movement from the bench to clinic is
      yet to be realised, however, due to the limitations of these peptides as drugs.
      The literature provides a number of examples of polymers that have been able to
      mimic these peptides through all levels of structure, starting from specific
      amino acid sidechains, through to more global features such as overall charge,
      molecular weight and threedimensional structure (e.g. alpha-helical). The
      resulting optimised polymers are able retain the activity profile of the
      peptides, but within a synthetic macromolecular construct that may be better
      suited to the development of a new generation of antimicrobial therapeutics. Such
      work has not only produced important new leads to combat the growing threat of
      antibiotic resistance, but may also open up new ways for polymers to mimic other
      important classes of biologically active peptides.

PMID- 28093989
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 28093987
TI  - The Prognostic Value of Heart Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein in Patients with
      Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart type fatty acid protein (HFABP) is a cytosolic protein released
      early after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) even in the absence of myocardial
      necrosis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine
      whether HFABP levels in patients with suspected, or confirmed ACS, improve risk
      stratification when added to established means of risk assessment. METHODS: We
      searched Medline, Pubmed and Embase databases from inception to July 2015 to
      identify prospective studies with suspected or confirmed ACS, who had HFABP
      measured during the index admission with at least 1 month follow up data. A
      prognostic event was defined as allcause mortality or acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI). RESULTS: 7 trials providing data on 6935 patients fulfilled inclusion
      criteria. There were considerable differences between studies and this was
      manifest in variation in prognostic impact of elevated HFABP(Odds ratio range 1.2
      15.2 for death). All studies demonstrated that HFABP provide unadjusted
      prognostic information and in only one study this was negated after adjusting for
      covariates. A combination of both negative troponin and normal HFABP conferred a
      very low event rate. No study evaluated the incremental value of HFABP beyond
      that of standard risk scores. Only one study used a high sensitive troponin
      assay. CONCLUSION: There was marked heterogeneity in prognostic impact of HFABP
      in ACS between studies reflecting differences in sampling times and population
      risk. Prospective studies of suspected ACS with early sampling of HFABP in the
      era of high sensitivity troponin are necessary to determine the clinical value of
      HFABP. HFABP should not currently be used clinically as a prognostic marker in
      patients with suspected ACS.

PMID- 28093988
TI  - Adherence to Secondary Prophylaxis for Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart
      Disease: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal delivery of regular benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections
      prescribed as secondary prophylaxis for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic
      heart disease (RHD) is vital to preventing disease morbidity and cardiac sequelae
      in affected pediatric and young adult populations. However, poor uptake of
      secondary prophylaxis remains a significant challenge to ARF/RHD control
      programs. OBJECTIVE: In order to facilitate better understanding of this
      challenge and thereby identify means to improve service delivery, this systematic
      literature review explored rates of adherence and factors associated with
      adherence to secondary prophylaxis for ARF and RHD worldwide. METHODS: MEDLINE
      was searched for relevant primary studies published in the English language from
      1994-2014, and a search of reference lists of eligible articles was performed.
      The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using a modified
      assessment tool. RESULTS: Twenty studies were included in the review. There was a
      range of adherence to varying regimens of secondary prophylaxis reported
      globally, and a number of patient demographic, clinical, socio-cultural and
      health care service delivery factors associated with adherence to secondary
      prophylaxis were identified. CONCLUSION: Insights into factors associated with
      lower and higher adherence to secondary prophylaxis may be utilized to facilitate
      improved delivery of secondary prophylaxis for ARF and RHD. Strategies may
      include ensuring an effective active recall system, providing holistic care,
      involving community health workers and delivering ARF/RHD health education.

PMID- 28093990
TI  - Insight to Pharmacokinetics of TKIs: Optimizing Practical Guidelines for
      Individualized Therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are widely used drugs which have
      high availability in reducing the activity of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase, therefore
      they play an indispensable role in the treatment of Chronic myeloid leukemia
      (CML). Imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib have been proved to have absolute
      bioavailability and stable blood concentration in humans. TKIs pharmacokinetics
      has close relationships with the clinical response and clinical treatment of CML.
      METHOD: We conducted a systematic PubMed search to look for studies relating to
      TKIs pharmacokinetics with proper inclusion/exclusion criteria. After looking
      through a large number of references, we investigated that different generations
      of TKIs could be influenced by many factors. We chose some typical factors which
      were closely linked to the common treatment of CML. These factors contain daily
      dose, diet, individual variability, drug-drug interaction, drugs resistance and
      drug withdrawal. RESULTS: By summarizing up these influence factors, we hope it
      can make a contribution to clinical therapy. Above all, the relationship between
      influence factors and the clinical therapeutic effect is the key point that our
      research pays attention to. CONCLUSION: This review highlights certain influence
      factors of TKIs clinical pharmacokinetics.

PMID- 28093991
TI  - Cancer Nanotechnology: Recent Trends and Developments in Strategies for Targeting
      Cancer Cells to Improve Cancer Imaging and Treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field, which have the potential
      to cover applications in many subjects such as biology, chemistry and physics.
      METHOD: The combined efforts of these subjects can lead to the successful
      engineering of nanodevices and nanovectors for targeted delivery and
      sensing/detection of cancer cells/tissues. The modulation of nanomaterials at
      surface and bulk level further adds value to this technology and develop
      strategies for early detection of precancerous and malignant cells from
      biological fluids. Furthermore, the novel nanotechnology-based imaging modalities
      have the prospects to offer non-invasive cancer imaging and treatment response
      study in real-time. RESULT: This review covers the advantages of nanotechnology,
      which have been exploited for effective and targeted delivery of anti-cancer
      agents. CONCLUSION: Moreover, the initiatives taken by National Cancer
      Laboratory, USA to improve the clinical success of nanomedicines and nanovectors
      have also been comprehensively summarized.

PMID- 28093992
TI  - Effects of Thyroid Hormones and their Metabolites on Learning and Memory in
      Normal and Pathological Conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Classical thyroid hormones have an established necessary role in the
      normal development of the central nervous system, and they have been recently
      considered as decisive factors influencing cognitive functions in the adult brain
      and involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The picture summarizing
      thyroid hormone effects on the adult brain, however, does not only include
      classical thyroid hormones but also the products of their peripheral metabolism.
      These latter have been considered as inactive breakdown products for long but
      recently were proved to produce significant biological effects. OBJECTIVE: In
      this review article we presented recent evidence supporting the hypothesis that
      thyroid hormones exert a neuroprotective effect in the brain areas involved in
      learning and memory. Moreover, we summarized the evidence that suggests that non
      classical thyroid hormones produce significant neurological effects in the adult
      brain. We also discussed the possible role of thyroid hormones in the cognitive
      impairment, typical of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: A comprehensive review of
      the literature based on the current knowledge of the effects of classical and
      nonclassical thyroid hormones on the adult brain and their role in Alzheimer's
      disease was performed. RESULTS: The available literature suggests that both
      classical and non-classical thyroid hormones act as neuroprotective agents in the
      brain areas related to learning and memory. Their role in these areas supports
      the idea that they may be involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
      CONCLUSION: Thyroid hormones produce significant neurological effects, act as
      neuroprotective agents and might be considered as future diagnostic and
      therapeutic tools for Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 28093993
TI  - Methods of Screening-Purification and Antimicrobial Potentialities of Bacteriocin
      in Health Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacteriocin have been tested as safe and effective alternative
      molecules over the currently used chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, being an
      important clinical significance, its screening and recovery methods along with
      its application are poorly described. Therefore, their screening, purification
      strategies and utilities must me extended. Thus, in this review, we, summarize
      potential application, various screening and purification methods used for
      recovery of bacteriocins. METHODS: To complete this review, many reviews and
      previously published reports were studied. We, concentrated on review question
      and exclusion and inclusion criteria. The quality of content was evaluated by the
      quality the quality contents evaluation method. The standard method is used to
      describe the useful contents of available resources and appraised. RESULTS: One
      hundred twenty research and review reports were used to complete this report.
      Sixty reports were used to make a collective information on screening and
      production of Bacteriocin Eighty two papers were used to explore the
      antimicrobial, therapeutic, diagnostic etc potentialities of bacteriocin in
      diverse field. The summarize form of data also presented in the form of tables
      and figures. This review describes the various methods and parameters that must
      be considered during the screening and purification methods. Moreover, the useful
      information is collected in regard represent it therapeutic potentialities in
      various fields for the welfare of human being. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusion of
      this review presented the significance of a fundamental framework for planning to
      understanding the basic requirement needed for fast, cost effective screening and
      purification of bacteriocins. The summered area of their utilities also helpful
      to extend the research field of bacteriocin. Thus, this report would be useful
      not only to scale up the screening and production strategies faster at economical
      rate, but also provides a platform to extend the research field of bacteriocin in
      many ways.

PMID- 28093994
TI  - Viral Infection and Obesity: Current Status and Future Prospective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association of pathogenic viruses with obesity has now been well
      known in both human and animals. Globally, human obesity has become a serious
      problem leading to the emergence of multiple lifethreatening diseases.
      Adenoviruses contribute a significant role in the induction of obesity by
      affecting various pathways. Due to impaired immunity, obese individuals are more
      prone to nosocomial infections leading to complications of obesity. In contrast,
      several other important factors contributing to human obesity are known. METHODS:
      Currently, many published reports showed strong evidence of the role and linkage
      of Ad36 infection in human obesity. The Ad36 pathogenesis effect on the hepatic
      steatosis reduces leptin gene expression, reduced antibody response in
      vaccination, reduces immune system, insulin sensitivity, increases glucose
      uptake, activates the lipogenic and pro-inflammatory pathways in adipose tissue
      increases the level of Macrophage Chemo attractant Protein-1 leading chronic
      inflammation and affect lipid metabolism. RESULTS: The E4-ORF1 gene of Ad36 play
      an important role in the induction of adipogenesis and regulation of adipocyte
      differentiation and also known to activate the sensitizing effect of insulin. The
      use of E4-ORF1gene as a ligand to develop new drugs against diabetes and the
      prevention of Ad36 infection by an effective vaccination will attract researchers
      and open new area of research in the field of obesity and obesity-related
      multiple diseases. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the identification and management of
      important contributory factors by identifying the regulation of adipocyte
      differentiation leading to a chronic condition like adipogenesis and insulin
      resistance resulting in obesity is an urgent requirement globally for human
      health.

PMID- 28093995
TI  - Glycosides as Possible Lead Antimalarial in New Drug Discovery: Future
      Perspectives.
AB  - Malaria remains one of the major public health problems worldwide and it is
      responsible for a large number of morbidity and mortality. Especially, in the
      third world countries, it is still alarming. The development of drugresistant to
      Plasmodium falciparum strains has further degraded the overall situation.
      However, a limited number of effective drugs available emphasize how essential it
      is to establish new anti-malarial compounds. New antimalarial agents with
      distinctive structures and mechanism of action from the natural origin are thus
      immediately required to treat sensitive and drug-resistant strains of malaria.
      Over the years, phytopharmaceuticals have provided numerous lead compounds.
      Similarly, the success rate of botanicals in terms of clinical significance is
      also very high. Of them, glycoside is one of the most widely distributed and
      emerging class of plant secondary metabolites. This review provides an outlook to
      recently isolated glycosides from plants with marked antimalarial effects in an
      in-vitro and in-vivo protocols and thus ideal candidates for clinical trials to
      ascertain their clinical utility and or led compounds.

PMID- 28093996
TI  - Challenges Related to Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with long-term complications.
      Glycemic control is an important part in management of DM. The first line in
      treatment of type 2 DM (T2DM) is diet and life style change. Metformin is the
      first choice of medication in T2DM patients. Sulfonylureas have high risk of
      hypoglycemia. Glinides are associated with lower risk of hypoglycemia in
      comparison to sulfonylureas. Also, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors decrease the
      polysaccharides' digestion in small intestine and are less effective in
      comparison to metformin and sulfonylureas in lowering hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).
      These have no risk for hypoglycemia, but gastrointestinal symptoms are common.
      Thiazolidinediones are known as insulin sensitizers and are effective for a
      longer duration in comparison to sulfonylureas, however, have side effects such
      as fluid retention, edema and heart failure. Incretin mimetics including
      exenatide and liraglutide act through increase in insulin secretion by pancreatic
      beta cells, in a glucose-dependent manner. Therefore, these are associated with
      no risk of hypoglycemia. Pramlintide is an amylin agonist which is also effective
      in lowering postprandial blood glucose. Sitagliptin and vildagliptin are
      dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and have no risk of hypoglycemia when used as
      monotherapy. Canagliflozin and dapagliflozin decrease blood glucose level by
      increasing urinary glucose excretion and are associated with weight loss.

PMID- 28093997
TI  - Sonication-Assisted Nanoprecipitation in Drug Delivery.
AB  - Sonication-assisted nanoprecipitation provides an effective tool for nanomedicine
      engineering in therapeutic improvement. In the scope of this review, original
      works in interdisciplinary areas of using sonication with precipitation method
      for nanoparticulate drug delivery systems and its applications in management of
      different diseases are discussed. The use of sonication-assisted
      nanoprecipitation has been proved to improve drug bioavailability, which attracts
      tremendous interests as an effective strategy for drug delivery. However, many
      challenges still remain. To overcome these barriers, different approaches such as
      precipitation method, rational design, optimization and modification have been
      investigated. Accordingly, current knowledge of sonication-assisted
      nanoprecipitation proposes a broad perspective and optimization for the
      applications of nanotechnology in drug delivery.

PMID- 28093998
TI  - Potential of Plant Alkaloids as Antipyretic Drugs of Future.
AB  - Fever or Pyrexia means abnormal rise in body temperature above the usual range of
      normal in response to a variety of infectious, immunological and neoplastic
      stimuli. To normalize these febrile conditions, several synthetic agents are in
      clinical practice such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. However, they
      are having many side effects which sometimes challenge their applications. The
      various sources are under investigation worldwide to overcome issues of unwanted
      effects and to better therapeutic response. In this scenario botanicals such as
      alkaloids, the most widely distributed and studied plant secondary metabolites,
      could effectively produce the molecules with better antipyretic effect and safety
      profile. The current review deals with 21 isolated alkaloids from 14 plants
      species having some antipyretic effect in preliminary screening/preclinical
      studies with the possible mechanism and structural edges. Therefore, these
      alkaloids of plant origin are candidates for further detail studies to ascertain
      their mechanism(s) and clinical utility or as lead compounds for future drugs.

PMID- 28093999
TI  - Health-related quality of life with hereditary angioedema following prophylaxis
      with subcutaneous C1-inhibitor with recombinant hyaluronidase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To estimate health-related quality-of-life changes in patients with
      hereditary angioedema due to C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency who received
      subcutaneous C1-INH with recombinant hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) for attack
      prophylaxis in a randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging, cross-over study.
      METHODS: Patients with type I/II hereditary angioedema received 1000 U of C1-INH
      with 24,000 U of rHuPH20 or 2000 U of C1-INH with 48,000 U of rHuPH20 every 3-4
      days for 8 weeks and then crossed over for another 8-week period. The study was
      terminated early as a precaution related to non-neutralizing antibodies to
      rHuPH20. The Angioedema Quality of Life questionnaire (AE-QoL) was administered
      at weeks 1 and 5 of both periods, and at 1 week after the second treatment
      period. Changes in AE-QoL scores were calculated over both treatment periods and
      within each treatment period for patients with >=4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS:
      Forty-one patients had evaluable AE-QoL data, and 22 patients completed
      treatment. At screening, 43% of the patients were receiving intravenous C1-INH. A
      significant average AE-QoL total score decline (improvement) of -8.1 (95%
      confidence interval, -13.7 to -2.5) was observed from baseline to the end of the
      study, and significant AE-QoL score declines were observed in the Functioning,
      Fear/Shame, and Nutrition domains. Patients on 2000 U reported higher mean AE-QoL
      score declines in Functioning and Nutrition domains relative to the 1000 U dose.
      Overall, 43.9% of all the patients, 45.5% of the study completers, and 46.7% of
      the nonprophylaxis users at baseline on high treatment doses achieved a reduction
      in the AE-QoL total score of six points. CONCLUSION: Despite early termination
      and prestudy prophylactic intravenous C1-INH use by 43% of the patients, improved
      AE-QoL scores were observed after <=16 weeks of subcutaneous C1-INH-rHuPH20
      prophylaxis.

PMID- 28094000
TI  - Molecular Tracing of the Origin of Six Different Plant Species in Bee Honey Using
      Real-Time PCR.
AB  - The quality of honey is significantly influenced by floral origin. Mislabeling
      floral species occurs frequently in bee honey products. To protect consumers from
      economic fraud and maintain a fair market environment, methods to identify floral
      species in honey are necessary. In our study, real-time PCRs were established,
      targeting six honey types mainly produced in China (canola, Chinese milkvetch,
      Chinese chaste tree, locust tree, litchi, and longan). Sensitivity testing on DNA
      from plant tissues exhibited LODs of about 0.5-5 pg/MUL. For DNA extracts of
      pollen sediments from different honey species, LODs ranged from 13.6 to 403.2
      pg/MUL. In an experiment to determine the practical LODs of honey in which
      adulterant honey was spiked in the genuine honey, adulterant honey as low as
      about 0.1-0.5% was detected in 90-100% in 10 parallel tests. Additionally, pollen
      was spiked in the honey and stored under various conditions to investigate the
      migration of pollen DNA into the honey supernatant. Finally, the efficiency of
      our method was investigated by testing honey samples of unknown compositions from
      different geographic regions. Of the 159 honey samples that were supposed to be
      monofloral that had been collected in five provinces, a small portion were found
      to be contaminated with foreign pollen (7%). The methods proved to be specific,
      sensitive, and reliable in identifying the six plant species in honey, which
      would be a useful tool during the market supervision and QC of honey products.

PMID- 28094001
TI  - Autophagy inhibition overcomes multiple mechanisms of resistance to BRAF
      inhibition in brain tumors.
AB  - Kinase inhibitors are effective cancer therapies, but tumors frequently develop
      resistance. Current strategies to circumvent resistance target the same or
      parallel pathways. We report here that targeting a completely different process,
      autophagy, can overcome multiple BRAF inhibitor resistance mechanisms in brain
      tumors. BRAFV600Emutations occur in many pediatric brain tumors. We previously
      reported that these tumors are autophagy-dependent and a patient was successfully
      treated with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine after failure of the BRAFV600E
      inhibitor vemurafenib, suggesting autophagy inhibition overcame the kinase
      inhibitor resistance. We tested this hypothesis in vemurafenib-resistant brain
      tumors. Genetic and pharmacological autophagy inhibition overcame molecularly
      distinct resistance mechanisms, inhibited tumor cell growth, and increased cell
      death. Patients with resistance had favorable clinical responses when chloroquine
      was added to vemurafenib. This provides a fundamentally different strategy to
      circumvent multiple mechanisms of kinase inhibitor resistance that could be
      rapidly tested in clinical trials in patients with BRAFV600E brain tumors.

PMID- 28094003
TI  - Recombinant thrombomodulin suppresses tumor growth of pancreatic cancer by
      blocking thrombin-induced PAR1 and NF-kappaB activation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombomodulin, an anticoagulant that inhibits thrombin-induced
      growth factor promotion, also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore,
      thrombomodulin inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B activation, which plays a crucial
      role in cancer progression. We assessed the antitumor activity of recombinant
      thrombomodulin for pancreatic cancer. METHODS: A xenograft orthotopic model was
      established in mice by implantation of human pancreatic cancer cells. The animals
      were treated with intraperitoneal injection of recombinant thrombomodulin 5 times
      a week for 4 weeks. Nuclear factor-kappa B activation was evaluated by measuring
      nuclear localization of the p65. Efficacy of recombinant thrombomodulin on the
      signal transduction of nuclear factor-kappa B was measured in vitro under
      preconditioning with thrombin or epidermal growth factor. RESULTS: Tumor growth
      was suppressed by recombinant thrombomodulin (P < .05). Recombinant
      thrombomodulin inhibited the expression of IkappaB kinase beta (P < .05) and
      pIkappaBalpha (P < .01), as well as the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B NF
      kappaB (P < .001). Furthermore, recombinant thrombomodulin inhibited thrombin
      induced protease activate receptor 1 and nuclear factor-kappa B activation in
      vitro (P < .05). The number of Ki67-positive cells was decreased by recombinant
      thrombomodulin (P < .01). Recombinant thrombomodulin also suppressed body weight
      loss associated with pancreatic cancer (P < .05). No obvious adverse effects were
      observed. CONCLUSION: Recombinant thrombomodulin significantly suppressed tumor
      growth against human pancreatic cancer by blocking thrombin-induced nuclear
      factor-kappa B activation without adverse effects.

PMID- 28094002
TI  - The RFamide receptor DMSR-1 regulates stress-induced sleep in C. elegans.
AB  - In response to environments that cause cellular stress, animals engage in sleep
      behavior that facilitates recovery from the stress. In Caenorhabditis elegans,
      stress-induced sleep(SIS) is regulated by cytokine activation of the ALA neuron,
      which releases FLP-13 neuropeptides characterized by an amidated arginine
      phenylalanine (RFamide) C-terminus motif. By performing an unbiased genetic
      screen for mutants that impair the somnogenic effects of FLP-13 neuropeptides, we
      identified the gene dmsr-1, which encodes a G-protein coupled receptor similar to
      an insect RFamide receptor. DMSR-1 is activated by FLP-13 peptides in cell
      culture, is required for SIS in vivo, is expressed non-synaptically in several
      wake-promoting neurons, and likely couples to a Gi/o heterotrimeric G-protein.
      Our data expand our understanding of how a single neuroendocrine cell coordinates
      an organism-wide behavioral response, and suggest that similar signaling
      principles may function in other organisms to regulate sleep during sickness.

PMID- 28094004
TI  - The vertebrae and ribs of Homo naledi.
AB  - Hominin evolution featured shifts from a trunk shape suitable for climbing and
      housing a large gut to a trunk adapted to bipedalism and higher quality diets.
      Our knowledge regarding the tempo, mode, and context in which these derived
      traits evolved has been limited, based largely on a small-bodied Australopithecus
      partial skeleton (A.L. 288-1; "Lucy") and a juvenile Homo erectus skeleton (KNM
      WT 15000; "Turkana Boy"). Two recent discoveries, of a large-bodied
      Australopithecus afarensis (KSD-VP-1/1) and two Australopithecus sediba partial
      skeletons (MH1 and MH2), have added to our understanding of thorax evolution;
      however, little is known about thorax morphology in early Homo. Here we describe
      hominin vertebrae, ribs, and sternal remains from the Dinaledi chamber of the
      Rising Star cave system attributed to Homo naledi. Although the remains are
      highly fragmented, the best-preserved specimens-two lower thoracic vertebrae and
      a lower rib-were found in association and belong to a small-bodied individual. A
      second lower rib may belong to this individual as well. All four of these
      individual elements are amongst the smallest known in the hominin fossil record.
      H. naledi is characterized by robust, relatively uncurved lower ribs and a
      relatively large spinal canal. We expect that the recovery of additional material
      from Rising Star Cave will clarify the nature of these traits and shed light on
      H. naledi functional morphology and phylogeny.

PMID- 28094005
TI  - Imprinted genes and the regulation of placental endocrine function: Pregnancy and
      beyond.
AB  - Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic process responsible for the monoallelic
      expression of a subset of genes in mammals. Imprinted genes have been
      demonstrated to play important functions prenatally regulating fetal growth and
      placental development with some functions persisting beyond pregnancy to
      influence both metabolism and behaviour in adults. This review focuses on the
      function of imprinted genes in regulating placental hormones, and the probability
      that these functions manifest their impact beyond pregnancy.

PMID- 28094007
TI  - Obtaining the biomechanical behavior of ascending aortic aneurysm via the use of
      novel speckle tracking echocardiography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ex vivo measurement of ascending aortic biomechanical properties
      may help understand the risk for rupture or dissection of dilated ascending
      aortas. A validated in vivo method that can predict aortic biomechanics does not
      exist. Speckle tracking transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been used to
      measure ventricular stiffness; we sought to determine whether speckle TEE could
      be adapted to estimate aortic stiffness in vivo and compare these findings with
      those obtained by ex vivo tissue measurements. METHODS: A total of 17 patients
      undergoing ascending aortic resection were recruited to with a mean aortic
      diameter was 56.16 +/- 15 mm. Intraoperative speckle TEE tracking analysis was
      used to calculate aortic stiffness index using the following equation:
      beta2=ln(SBP/DBP)/AoS, where beta2 is the stiffness index; SBP is systolic blood
      pressure; DBP is diastolic blood pressure; and AoS is the circumferential strain.
      Ex vivo stiffness was obtained by mechanical tissue testing according to
      previously described methods. The aortic ring at the pulmonary trunk was divided
      into 4 equal quadrants. RESULTS: The in vivo stiffness index for the inner
      curvature, anterior wall, outer curvature, and posterior wall were 0.0544 +/-
      0.0490, 0.0295 +/- 0.0199, 0.0411 +/- 0.0328, and 0.0502 +/- 0.0320,
      respectively. The mean ex vivo 25% apparent stiffness for inner curvature,
      anterior wall, outer curvature, and posterior wall were 0.0616 +/- 0.0758 MPa,
      0.0352 +/- 0.00992 MPa, 0.0405 +/- 0.0199 MPa, and 0.0327 +/- 0.0106 MPa,
      respectively. The patient-matched ex vivo 25% apparent stiffness and in vivo
      stiffness index were not significantly different (P = .8617, 2-way analysis of
      variance with repeated measures). CONCLUSIONS: The use of speckle TEE appears to
      be a promising technique to estimate ex vivo mechanical properties of the
      ascending aortic tissue.

PMID- 28094006
TI  - Salt, aldosterone and extrarenal Na+ - sensitive responses in pregnancy.
AB  - Outside of pregnancy excessive salt consumption is known to be harmful being
      linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. However, pregnancy
      represents a major change to a woman's physiology resulting in an intimate
      adaptation to environmental conditions. It is now becoming apparent that salt is
      essential for a number of these changes during pregnancy including
      haematological, cardiac adaptations as well as directly influencing placental
      development and the uteroplacental immune environment. The present review
      discusses the important role that salt has during normal pregnancy and evidence
      will also be presented to show how the placenta may act as a salt sensing organ
      temporarily, yet substantially regulating maternal blood pressure.

PMID- 28094008
TI  - Discussion.

PMID- 28094009
TI  - q-space Myelin Map imaging: A new imaging technique for treatment evaluation in
      multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 28094010
TI  - El Greco depicted his own neurological disabilities.

PMID- 28094012
TI  - Mammalian Mitochondria and Aging: An Update.
AB  - Mitochondria were first postulated to contribute to aging more than 40 years ago.
      During the following decades, multiple lines of evidence in model organisms and
      humans showed that impaired mitochondrial function can contribute to age
      associated disease phenotypes and aging. However, in contrast to the original
      theory favoring oxidative damage as a cause for mtDNA mutations, there are now
      strong data arguing that most mammalian mtDNA mutations originate as replication
      errors made by the mtDNA polymerase. Currently, a substantial amount of
      mitochondrial research is focused on finding ways to either remove or counteract
      the effects of mtDNA mutations with the hope of extending the human health- and
      lifespan. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the formation of
      mtDNA mutations and their impact on mitochondrial function. We also critically
      discuss proposed pathways interlinked with mammalian mtDNA mutations and suggest
      future research strategies to elucidate the role of mtDNA mutations in aging.

PMID- 28094011
TI  - Metabolomics and Metabolic Diseases: Where Do We Stand?
AB  - Metabolomics, or the comprehensive profiling of small molecule metabolites in
      cells, tissues, or whole organisms, has undergone a rapid technological evolution
      in the past two decades. These advances have led to the application of
      metabolomics to defining predictive biomarkers for incident cardiometabolic
      diseases and, increasingly, as a blueprint for understanding those diseases'
      pathophysiologic mechanisms. Progress in this area and challenges for the future
      are reviewed here.

PMID- 28094013
TI  - Pulmonary outcome of esophageal atresia patients and its potential causes in
      early childhood.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to illustrate the pulmonary long term
      outcome of patients with repaired esophageal atresia and to further examine
      causes and correlations that might have led to this outcome. METHODS: Twenty
      seven of 62 possible patients (43%) aged 5-20years, with repaired esophageal
      atresia were recruited. Body plethysmography and spirometry were performed to
      evaluate lung function, and the Bruce protocol treadmill exercise test to assess
      physical fitness. Results were correlated to conditions such as interpouch
      distance, gastroesophageal reflux or duration of post-operative mechanical
      ventilation. RESULTS: Seventeen participants (63%) showed abnormal lung function
      at rest or after exercise. Restrictive ventilatory defects (solely restrictive or
      combined) were found in 11 participants (41%), and obstructive ventilatory
      defects (solely obstructive or combined) in 13 subjects (48%). Twenty-two
      participants (81%) performed the Bruce protocol treadmill exercise test to
      standard. The treadmill exercise results were expressed in z-score and revealed
      to be significantly below the standard population mean (z-score=-1.40). Moreover,
      significant correlations between restrictive ventilatory defects and the
      interpouch distance; duration of post-operative ventilation; gastroesophageal
      reflux disease; plus recurrent aspiration pneumonia during infancy; were
      described. CONCLUSION: It was shown that esophageal atresia and associated early
      complications have significant impact on pulmonary long term outcomes such as
      abnormal lung function and, in particular restrictive ventilatory defects. Long
      running and regular follow-ups of patients with congenital esophageal atresia are
      necessary in order to detect and react to the development and progression of
      associated complications such as ventilation disorders or gastroesophageal reflux
      disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis study, Level II.

PMID- 28094014
TI  - A new methodology for assessment of pectus excavatum correction after bar removal
      in Nuss procedure: Preliminary study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective is to present a new methodology to assess quantitatively
      the impact of bar removal on the anterior chest wall, among patients with pectus
      excavatum who have undergone the Nuss procedure, and present a preliminary study
      using this methodology. METHODS: We propose to acquire, for each patient, the
      surface of the anterior chest wall using a three-dimensional laser scanner at
      subsequent time points (short term: before and after surgery; long term: follow
      up visit, 6months, and 12months after surgery). After surfaces postprocessing,
      the changes are assessed by overlapping and measuring the distances between
      surfaces. In this preliminary study, three time points were acquired and two
      assessments were performed: before vs after bar removal (early) and before vs 2
      8weeks after bar removal (interim). In 21 patients, the signed distances and
      volumes between surfaces were computed and the data analysis was performed.
      RESULTS: This methodology revealed useful for monitoring changes in the anterior
      chest wall. On average, the mean, maximum, and volume variations, in the early
      assessment, were -0.1+/-0.1cm, -0.6+/-0.2cm, and 47.8+/-22.2cm3, respectively;
      and, in the interim assessment, were -0.5+/-0.2cm, -1.3+/-0.4cm, and 122.1+/
      47.3cm3, respectively (p<0.05). Data analysis revealed that the time the bar was
      in situ was inversely and significantly correlated with postretraction and was a
      relevant predictor of its decrease following surgery (p<0.05). Additionally,
      gender and age suggested influencing the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This methodology
      is novel, objective and safe, helping on follow-up of pectus excavatum patients.
      Moreover, the preliminary study suggests that the time the bar was in situ may be
      the main determinant of the anterior chest wall retraction following bar removal.
      Further studies should continue to corroborate and reinforce the preliminary
      findings, by increasing the sample size and performing long-term assessments.
      LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 28094015
TI  - A Nordic multicenter survey of long-term bowel function after transanal
      endorectal pull-through in 200 patients with rectosigmoid Hirschsprung disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transanal endorectal pull-through (ERPT) is the most popular technique
      to treat Hirschsprung disease (HD). Still, there is limited knowledge on long
      term bowel function. This cross-sectional, multicenter study assessed long-term
      bowel function in a large HD population and examined predictors of poor outcome.
      METHODS: Patients older than four years or their parents filled out a validated
      questionnaire on bowel function. Clinical details were recorded retrospectively
      from medical records. RESULTS: 73/200 (37%) patients reported absolutely no
      impaired bowel function, meaning no constipation, fecal accidents, stoma,
      appendicostomy or need for enemas. Seven (4%) had a stoma, and 33 (17%) used
      antegrade or rectal colonic enemas. Most disarrangements of fecal control and
      constipation were significantly less common in older age group, but abnormal
      defecation frequency and social problems remained unchanged. Syndromic patients
      (n=31) experienced frequent fecal accidents (46%) more often than nonsyndromic
      (14%, P<0.001). Having a syndrome (adjusted OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.1-15, P=0.001) or a
      complete transanal ERPT (adjusted OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.7, P=0.038) was
      significantly associated with poor outcome defined as having a stoma, an
      appendicostomy, daily fecal accidents or need of regular rectal wash outs.
      CONCLUSION: A significant number of HD patients experience bowel problems many
      years after definite surgery. Fecal control was significantly better in older
      than younger HD patients, but some continued to have considerable bowel problems
      also as adults. A total transanal ERPT was associated with poorer outcome. Long
      term follow-up of HD patients is warranted. Prognosis Study: Level II.

PMID- 28094018
TI  - Single-Cell Analysis Reveals a Close Relationship between Differentiating
      Dopamine and Subthalamic Nucleus Neuronal Lineages.
AB  - Stem cell engineering and grafting of mesencephalic dopamine (mesDA) neurons is a
      promising strategy for brain repair in Parkinson's disease (PD). Refinement of
      differentiation protocols to optimize this approach will require deeper
      understanding of mesDA neuron development. Here, we studied this process using
      transcriptome-wide single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse neural progenitors
      expressing the mesDA neuron determinant Lmx1a. This approach resolved the
      differentiation of mesDA and neighboring neuronal lineages and revealed a
      remarkably close relationship between developing mesDA and subthalamic nucleus
      (STN) neurons, while also highlighting a distinct transcription factor set that
      can distinguish between them. While previous hESC mesDA differentiation protocols
      have relied on markers that are shared between the two lineages, we found that
      application of these highlighted markers can help to refine current stem cell
      engineering protocols, increasing the proportion of appropriately patterned mesDA
      progenitors. Our results, therefore, have important implications for cell
      replacement therapy in PD.

PMID- 28094016
TI  - A Single-Cell Roadmap of Lineage Bifurcation in Human ESC Models of Embryonic
      Brain Development.
AB  - During human brain development, multiple signaling pathways generate diverse cell
      types with varied regional identities. Here, we integrate single-cell RNA
      sequencing and clonal analyses to reveal lineage trees and molecular signals
      underlying early forebrain and mid/hindbrain cell differentiation from human
      embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Clustering single-cell transcriptomic data
      identified 41 distinct populations of progenitor, neuronal, and non-neural cells
      across our differentiation time course. Comparisons with primary mouse and human
      gene expression data demonstrated rostral and caudal progenitor and neuronal
      identities from early brain development. Bayesian analyses inferred a unified
      cell-type lineage tree that bifurcates between cortical and mid/hindbrain cell
      types. Two methods of clonal analyses confirmed these findings and further
      revealed the importance of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in controlling this lineage
      decision. Together, these findings provide a rich transcriptome-based lineage map
      for studying human brain development and modeling developmental disorders.

PMID- 28094017
TI  - Predictive Markers Guide Differentiation to Improve Graft Outcome in Clinical
      Translation of hESC-Based Therapy for Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Stem cell treatments for neurodegenerative diseases are expected to reach
      clinical trials soon. Most of the approaches currently under development involve
      transplantation of immature progenitors that subsequently undergo phenotypic and
      functional maturation in vivo, and predicting the long-term graft outcome already
      at the progenitor stage remains a challenge. Here, we took an unbiased approach
      to identify predictive markers expressed in dopamine neuron progenitors that
      correlate with graft outcome in an animal model of Parkinson's disease through
      gene expression analysis of >30 batches of grafted human embryonic stem cell
      (hESC)-derived progenitors. We found that many of the commonly used markers did
      not accurately predict in vivo subtype-specific maturation. Instead, we
      identified a specific set of markers associated with the caudal midbrain that
      correlate with high dopaminergic yield after transplantation in vivo. Using these
      markers, we developed a good manufacturing practice (GMP) differentiation
      protocol for highly efficient and reproducible production of transplantable
      dopamine progenitors from hESCs.

PMID- 28094019
TI  - The first model of keeping energy balance and optimal psycho affective
      development: Breastfed infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breastfed infants follow a peculiar growth fashion characterized by a
      rapid weight gain in the first weeks of life, then followed by a fast decrease in
      growth rates, a capacity to self-regulate the sense of hungry and satiety, and a
      minor propensity towards overweight and obesity later on, in parallel with a
      better neurodevelopmental performance. METHODS: We searched studies investigating
      the relationship between the feeding mode in infancy and the energy balance, so
      the possible associations with total energy expenditure and intake regulation. We
      focused the research on the interaction with the neuropsychological development
      and the possible role of microbiome in determinating the normal generation and
      regular functioning of the brain through the so named "gut-brain axis". RESULTS:
      Total energy expenditure (TEE) is different for breast-fed and formula-fed
      infants, in particular the feeding mode seems to affect the sleep organisation.
      Long-term breastfeeding, is one of the most studied factors of neurodevelopment,
      several studies reporting beneficial effects on child neuropsychological
      development. Probably this effect is modulated by genetic variations in fatty
      acid metabolism. Increasing data also showed that the intestinal microbiome
      exerts several functions which are able to influence neurodevelopment.
      LIMITATIONS: There is considerable controversy over whether nutrition in early
      life has a long-term influence on neurodevelopment. Other studies are needed to
      confirm the association between breastfeeding and brain development. CONCLUSIONS:
      The key points of energy disposal, the role and effects of the instestinal flora
      represent promising fields of investigation possibly leading to indications for
      the wide area of preventive medicine.

PMID- 28094020
TI  - The Wertheim hysterectomy: Development, modifications, and impact in the present
      day.
AB  - Ernst Wertheim was a pioneer in the history of the surgical treatment of cervical
      cancer. His English-language manuscript "The extended abdominal operation for
      carcinoma uteri (based on 500 operative cases)," which was published in 1912,
      detailed his standardization of the radical hysterectomy and formed the basis of
      the current treatment for early stage cervical cancer. We contextualize the
      Wertheim hysterectomy, emphasizing medical advances that allowed for its
      development and subsequent modification. We then discuss modifications to the
      originally proposed procedure, including a maximally extended parametrical
      resection pioneered by Takayama, and the addition of the Taussig en bloc lymph
      node dissection by Meigs, both of which afforded an improved mortality profile
      due to decreased disease recurrence. Finally, we discuss progress that has been
      made in the present day, such as the development of nerve-sparing and fertility
      sparing surgeries, as well as the introduction of the robotic platform. In this
      way, we hope to provide a historical background for the Wertheim hysterectomy-a
      cornerstone of gynecologic oncology.

PMID- 28094021
TI  - Neuropsychological characteristics of encephalopathy in Susac's Syndrome - Case
      report.
AB  - Susac's Syndrome (SS) is a rare, autoimmune angiopathy characterized by hearing
      loss, retinal artery occlusions and encephalopathy, which is usually expressed in
      multifocal neurological signs and symptoms, confusion state and cognitive
      impairment. There have been few descriptions of neuropsychological assessment of
      SS. We present a case study of 29-year-old woman who developed full SS. During
      the post-acute stage of disease, she was admitted to neurorehabilitation ward to
      improve her cognitive-behavioral and motor functioning. The initial assessment
      revealed attention, memory and executive dysfunctions, as well as behavioral
      changes including impulsivity, affective dysregulation and reduced self-awareness
      of disease deficits. After five weeks recovery process supported by
      rehabilitation program, improvement was observed, although some cognitive
      behavioral deficits were still present in the follow-up assessment.

PMID- 28094022
TI  - A case report of an adolescent with cluster headaches following neck trauma:
      Coincidence or trigger?
AB  - Posttraumatic headaches usually have tension-type or migraine-like
      characteristics. A correlation between head trauma and cluster headaches (CH) has
      been previously reported. CH in children are rare and require thorough
      differential diagnosis. We present an original case of a 15-year-old boy with
      cluster headaches associated with allodynia probably evoked by a neck trauma.
      Severe headache attacks started one month after neck trauma. At the beginning
      clinical presentation of our patient's headaches was very misleading. Headaches
      were bilateral and associated with infection. Initial diagnosis of sinusitis was
      made. During further observation headaches have become unilateral with typical
      for CH associated symptoms and additionally with allodynia. Other causes of
      secondary CH like cervicogenic headaches, brain tumor and vascular malformation
      have been excluded. The boy has undergone prophylactic treatment based on
      flunarizine and gabapentin with good result. Possible pathogenesis of our
      patient's headaches has been proposed and diagnostic traps discussed.

PMID- 28094023
TI  - Monodisperse silica-filled composite restoratives mechanical and light
      transmission properties.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to formulate resin-based composites using
      spherical silica particulate fillers with graded size (75, 150, 350, 500, and
      1000nm), and to evaluate the influence of their size and loading on the
      mechanical and light transmission properties of the resulting material. METHODS:
      A series of five spherical silica fillers were synthesized, and then formulated
      with BisGMA/TEGDMA or UDMA/TEGDMA resins. These were then tested for maximum
      filler loading, flexural strength and modulus, as well as transparency and depth
      of cure. RESULTS: Low dispersity spherical silica particles of 75, 150, 350, 500,
      and 1000nm were synthesized. Maximum loading was 70wt% for the three largest
      particle, and decreased for the smaller sizes, where UDMA-based resins allowed
      slightly higher loading. When maximally loaded, the largest particle sizes
      produced the highest flexural properties. However, when using the same loading,
      all filler sized produced similar flexural strengths and moduli. The optical
      properties and depth of cure were increased as the filler size decreased.
      SIGNIFICANCE: While hybrid filler particles are the norm in commercial materials,
      by studying and understanding the influence of individual components on the
      material properties, we can finely tune the properties of the materials as
      desired.

PMID- 28094024
TI  - Effect of nanoclay addition on physical, chemical, optical and biological
      properties of experimental dental resin composites.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prepare organically modified montmorillonite (OM MMT) and assess
      mechanical, physical, chemical and biological effects of its introduction into
      resin-composites. METHODS: Natural MMT clay was modified by a methacrylate
      functionalized quaternary ammonium intercalating agent. Interlayer distance was
      measured by X-ray diffraction. Dental composites were then prepared with x=0, 1,
      2.5, 5 or 7.5wt.% of OM MMT, (75-x) wt.% of silanated barium glass and 25wt.% of
      methacrylate based matrix). Relative weight loss was measured and the effect of
      the substitution on mechanical properties was studied by dynamic mechanical
      analysis and hardness tests. Properties of resin composites were evaluated in
      terms of water sorption, light transmittance, biological tests and by high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Resin based composites with
      well-dispersed organically modified MMT were successfully prepared. There were no
      significant weight loss differences shown by TGA within all samples. The DMA
      analysis showed that the introduction of clays have a beneficial effect in
      increasing the storage and elastic modulus of composites. Clay presence was shown
      to interfere with the blue light transmittance, affecting Vickers hardness and
      water sorption levels. The amount of released monomers measured from extracts was
      below expected levels for this type of materials and biological tests show
      satisfactory cell compatibility. SIGNIFICANCE: This paper reports the successful
      functionalization of MMT by a methacrylate group and further incorporation in
      experimental dental composites. Physical and biological results show a potential
      interest to the application of nanoclays into dental resin composites.

PMID- 28094025
TI  - Mechanical and microbiological properties and drug release modeling of an etch
      and-rinse adhesive containing copper nanoparticles.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of addition of copper nanoparticles (CN) at
      different concentrations into a two-step etch-and-rinse (2-ER) adhesive on
      antimicrobial activity (AMA), copper release (CR), ultimate tensile strength
      (UTS), degree of conversion (DC), water sorption (WS), solubility (SO), as well
      as the immediate (IM) and 1-year resin-dentin bond strength (MUTBS) and
      nanoleakage (NL). METHODS: Seven adhesives were formulated according to the
      addition of CN (0, 0.0075, 0.015, 0.06, 0.1, 0.5 and 1wt%) in adhesive. The AMA
      was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans using agar diffusion assay. For CR, WS
      and SO, specimens were constructed and tested for 28 days. For UTS, specimens
      were tested after 24h and 28 days. For DC, specimens were constructed and tested
      after 24h by FTIR. After enamel removal, the ER was applied to dentin. After
      composite resin build-ups, specimens were sectioned to obtain resin-dentin
      sticks. For MUTBS and NL, specimens were tested after 24h and 1-year periods. All
      data were submitted to statistical analysis (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: The addition
      of CN provided AMA to the adhesives at all concentrations. Higher CR was observed
      in adhesives with higher concentration of CN. UTS, DC, WS and SO were not
      influenced. For MUTBS an increase was observed in 0.1 and 0.5% copper group. For
      NL, a significant decrease was observed in all groups in comparison with control
      group. After 1-year, no significant reductions of MUTBS and no significant
      increases of NL were observed for copper containing adhesives compared to the
      control group. SIGNIFICANCE: The addition of CN in concentrations up to 1wt% in
      the 2-ER adhesive may be an alternative to provide AMA and preserve the bonding
      to dentin, without reducing adhesives' mechanical properties evaluated.

PMID- 28094026
TI  - Nanoporous hydroxyapatite/sodium titanate bilayer on titanium implants for
      improved osteointegration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to improve the strength and quality of the
      titanium-hydroxyapatite interface in order to prevent long-term failure of the
      implanted devices originating from coating delamination and to test it in an in
      vivo model. METHODS: Ti disks and dental commercial implants were etched in Kroll
      solution. Thermochemical treatments of the acid-etched titanium were combined
      with sol-gel hydroxyapatite (HA) coating processes to obtain a nanoporous
      hydroxyapatite/sodium titanate bilayer. The sodium titanate layer was created by
      incorporating sodium ions onto the Ti surface during a NaOH alkaline treatment
      and stabilized using a heat treatment. HA layer was added by dip-coating in a sol
      gel solution. The bioactivity was assessed in vitro with murine MC3T3-E1 and
      human SaOs-2 cells. Functional and histopathological evaluations of the coated Ti
      implants were performed at 22, 34 and 60days of implantation in a dog lower
      mandible model. RESULTS: Nanoporous hydroxyapatite/sodium titanate bilayer on
      titanium implants was sensitive neither to crack propagation nor to layer
      delamination. The in vitro results on murine MC3T3-E1 and human SaOs-2 cells
      confirm the advantage of this coating regarding the capacity of cell growth and
      differentiation. Signs of progressive bone incorporation, such as cancellous bone
      formed in contact with the implant over the existing compact bone, were notable
      as early as day 22. Overall, osteoconduction and osteointegration mean scores
      were higher for test implants compared to the controls at 22 and 34 days.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Nanoporous hydroxyapatite/sodium titanate bilayer improves the in
      vivo osteoconduction and osteointegration. It prevents the delamination during
      the screwing and it could increase HA-coated dental implant stability without
      adhesive failures. The combination of thermochemical treatments with dip coating
      is a low-cost strategy.

PMID- 28094027
TI  - Persistent Females and Compliant Males Coordinate Alarm Calling in Diana Monkeys.
AB  - Sexual dimorphisms in animal vocal behavior have been successfully explained by
      sexual selection theory (e.g., mammals [1-5]; birds [6, 7]; anurans [8, 9]), but
      this does not usually include alarm calls, which are thought to be the product of
      kin or individual selection (e.g., [10, 11]). Here, we present the results of
      playback experiments with wild Diana monkeys, a species with highly dimorphic
      predator-specific alarms, to investigate the communication strategies of males
      and females during predator encounters. First, we simulated predator presence by
      broadcasting vocalizations of their main predators, leopards or eagles. We found
      that males only produced predator-specific alarms after the females had produced
      theirs, in response to which the females ceased alarm calling. In a second
      experiment, we created congruent and incongruent situations, so that the calls of
      a predator were followed by playbacks of male or female alarms with a matching or
      mismatching referent. For congruent conditions, results were the same as in the
      first experiment. For incongruent conditions, however, the males always gave
      predator-specific alarms that referentially matched the females' calls,
      regardless of the previously displayed predator. In contrast, females always gave
      predator-specific alarms that matched the predator type, regardless of their own
      male's subsequent calls. Moreover, the females persistently continued to alarm
      call until their own male produced calls with the matching referent. Results show
      that males and females attend to the informational content of each other's alarm
      calls but prioritize them differently relative to an experienced external event,
      a likely reflection of different underlying selection pressures.

PMID- 28094028
TI  - Annual 10-Month Aerial Life Phase in the Common Swift Apus apus.
AB  - The common swift (Apus apus) is adapted to an aerial lifestyle, where food and
      nest material are captured in the air. Observations have prompted scientists to
      hypothesize that swifts stay airborne for their entire non-breeding period [1,
      2], including migration into sub-Saharan Africa [3-5]. It is mainly juvenile
      common swifts that occasionally roost in trees or buildings before autumn
      migration when weather is bad [1, 6]. In contrast, the North American chimney
      swift (Chaetura pelagica) and Vaux's swift (C. vauxi) regularly settle to roost
      in places like chimneys and buildings during migration and winter [7, 8].
      Observations of common swifts during the winter months are scarce, and roost
      sites have never been found in sub-Saharan Africa. In the breeding season, non
      breeding individuals usually spend the night airborne [9], whereas adult nesting
      birds roost in the nest [1]. We equipped common swifts with a micro data logger
      with an accelerometer to record flight activity (years 1-2) and with a light
      level sensor for geolocation (year 2). Our data show that swifts are airborne for
      >99% of the time during their 10-month non-breeding period; some individuals
      never settled, but occasional events of flight inactivity occurred in most
      individuals. Apparent flight activity was lower during the daytime than during
      the nighttime, most likely due to prolonged gliding episodes during the daytime
      when soaring in thermals. Our data also revealed that twilight ascents,
      previously observed during the summer [10], occur throughout the year. The
      results have important implications for understanding physiological adaptations
      to endure prolonged periods of flight, including the need to sleep while
      airborne.

PMID- 28094029
TI  - Nanostructures and Monolayers of Spheres Reduce Surface Reflections in Hyperiid
      Amphipods.
AB  - Transparent zooplankton and nekton are often nearly invisible when viewed under
      ambient light in the pelagic zone [1-3]. However, in this environment, where the
      light field is directional (and thus likely to cause reflections), and under the
      bioluminescent searchlights of potential predators, animals may be revealed by
      reflections from their body surface [4-7]. We investigated the cuticle surfaces
      of seven species of hyperiids (Crustacea; Amphipoda) using scanning electron
      microscopy and found two undocumented features that may reduce reflectance. We
      found that the legs of Cystisoma spp. (n = 5) are covered with an ordered array
      of nanoprotuberances 200 +/- 20 nm SD in height that function optically as a
      gradient refractive index material [6, 8, 9]. Additionally, we observed that
      Cystisoma and six other species of hyperiids are covered with a monolayer of
      homogenous spheres (diameters ranging from 52 +/- 7 nm SD on Cystisoma spp. to
      320 +/- 15 nm SD on Phronima spp.). Optical modeling using effective medium
      theory and transfer matrix methods demonstrated that both the nanoprotuberances
      and the monolayers reduce reflectance by as much as 100-fold, depending on the
      wavelength and angle of the incident light and the thickness of the gradient
      layer. Even though we only consider surface reflectance and not internal light
      scattering, our study demonstrates that these nanoprotuberances and spheres can
      improve crypsis in a featureless habitat where the smallest reflection can render
      an animal vulnerable to visual predation.

PMID- 28094030
TI  - Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper protein regulates sodium and potassium
      balance in the distal nephron.
AB  - Glucocorticoid induced leucine zipper protein (GILZ) is an aldosterone-regulated
      protein that controls sodium transport in cultured kidney epithelial cells. Mice
      lacking GILZ have been reported previously to have electrolyte abnormalities.
      However, the mechanistic basis has not been explored. Here we provide evidence
      supporting a role for GILZ in modulating the balance of renal sodium and
      potassium excretion by regulating the sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC)
      activity in the distal nephron. Gilz-/- mice have a higher plasma potassium
      concentration and lower fractional excretion of potassium than wild type mice.
      Furthermore, knockout mice are more sensitive to NCC inhibition by thiazides than
      are the wild type mice, and their phosphorylated NCC expression is higher.
      Despite increased NCC activity, knockout mice do not have higher blood pressure
      than wild type mice. However, during sodium deprivation, knockout mice come into
      sodium balance more quickly, than do the wild type, without a significant
      increase in plasma renin activity. Upon prolonged sodium restriction, knockout
      mice develop frank hyperkalemia. Finally, in HEK293T cells, exogenous GILZ
      inhibits NCC activity at least in part by inhibiting SPAK phosphorylation. Thus,
      GILZ promotes potassium secretion by inhibiting NCC and enhancing distal sodium
      delivery to the epithelial sodium channel. Additionally, Gilz-/- mice have
      features resembling familial hyperkalemic hypertension, a human disorder that
      manifests with hyperkalemia associated variably with hypertension.

PMID- 28094031
TI  - Patients receiving frequent hemodialysis have better health-related quality of
      life compared to patients receiving conventional hemodialysis.
AB  - Most patients with end-stage kidney disease value their health-related quality of
      life (HRQoL) and want to know how it will be affected by their dialysis modality.
      We extended the findings of two prior clinical trial reports to estimate the
      effects of frequent compared to conventional hemodialysis on additional measures
      of HRQoL. The Daily Trial randomly assigned 245 patients to receive frequent (six
      times per week) or conventional (three times per week) in-center hemodialysis.
      The Nocturnal Trial randomly assigned 87 patients to receive frequent nocturnal
      (six times per week) or conventional (three times per week) home hemodialysis.
      All patients were on conventional hemodialysis prior to randomization, with an
      average feeling thermometer score of 70 to 75 (a visual analog scale from 0 to
      100 where 100 is perfect health), an average general health scale score of 40 to
      47 (a score from 0 to 100 where 100 is perfect health), and an average dialysis
      session recovery time of 2 to 3 hours. Outcomes are reported as the between
      treatment group differences in one-year change in HRQoL measures and analyzed
      using linear mixed effects models. After one year in the Daily Trial, patients
      assigned to frequent in-center hemodialysis reported a higher feeling thermometer
      score, better general health, and a shorter recovery time after a dialysis
      session compared to standard thrice-weekly dialysis. After one year in the
      Nocturnal Trial, patients assigned to frequent home hemodialysis also reported a
      shorter recovery time after a dialysis session, but no statistical difference in
      their feeling thermometer or general health scores compared to standard home
      dialysis schedules. Thus, patients receiving day or nocturnal hemodialysis on
      average recovered approximately one hour earlier from a frequent compared to
      conventional hemodialysis session. Patients treated in an in-center dialysis
      facility reported better HRQoL with frequent compared to conventional
      hemodialysis.

PMID- 28094032
TI  - The airway approach to a neonate with Treacher Collins syndrome - Case report.
AB  - Neonates and small infants with syndromes characterized by the presence of
      craniofacial abnormalities may represent great challenges regarding the
      management of the airway. We describe the case of a 9-day-old neonate with
      Treacher Collins syndrome, in which a laryngeal mask was essential to improve the
      airway obstruction, ventilate the patient and serve as an airway conduit for a
      fiberoptic intubation. By presenting this case, we intend to show that in
      neonates with Treacher Collins syndrome, in whom difficulties ventilation and
      intubation are expected, a thoughtful airway management planning is mandatory.

PMID- 28094033
TI  - Vancomycin added to the wash solution of the cell-saver. Effect on bacterial
      contamination.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to test whether the addition of a low-dose
      of antibiotic (vancomycin) to the wash solution (saline) of the cell-saver
      reduces the incidence of bacterial contamination of the autologous red blood cell
      (RBCs) concentrate recovered. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Experimental, randomized,
      double-blind, parallel group study performed on 20 consecutive patients scheduled
      for posterior spinal fusion surgery. Intraoperative bleeding was processed
      through a cell-saver: HaemoLite(r) 2+, in which the RBCs were washed according to
      randomization group, with saline (control group) or saline+10MUg/ml-1 vancomycin
      (vanco group). Data regarding age, weight, processed and recovered volume, blood
      count, blood culture, and vancomycin concentration in RBCs concentrates obtained
      and incidence of fever after reinfusion were collected. RESULTS: Processed volume
      was 843+/-403ml and recovered volume 121+/-29ml, with haemoglobin concentration
      10.4+/-5.0g/dl-1 and haematocrit 29.1+/-15.9% (mean+/-SD). Recovered RBC
      concentrate cultures were positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 5
      cases (50%) of the control group while all cultures were negative in the vanco
      group (P=.016). The difference between the theoretical concentration of
      vancomycin administered and the concentration determined in the recovered RBC
      concentrate was 1.31MUg/ml-1 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.43; P=.074). CONCLUSIONS: The
      addition of vancomycin at a concentration of 10ug/ml-1 to the wash solution of
      the cell-saver achieved similar concentrations in the autologous blood
      concentrate recovered allowing for bacterial removal, with negative blood
      cultures in all cases.

PMID- 28094034
TI  - Dynamical Representation of Dominance Relationships in the Human Rostromedial
      Prefrontal Cortex.
AB  - Humans and other primates have evolved the ability to represent their status in
      the group's social hierarchy, which is essential for avoiding harm and accessing
      resources. Yet it remains unclear how the human brain learns dominance status and
      adjusts behavior accordingly during dynamic social interactions. Here we address
      this issue with a combination of fMRI and transcranial direct current stimulation
      (tDCS). In a first fMRI experiment, participants learned an implicit dominance
      hierarchy while playing a competitive game against three opponents of different
      skills. Neural activity in the rostromedial PFC (rmPFC) dynamically tracked and
      updated the dominance status of the opponents, whereas the ventromedial PFC and
      ventral striatum reacted specifically to competitive victories and defeats. In a
      second experiment, we applied anodal tDCS over the rmPFC to enhance neural
      excitability while subjects performed a similar competitive task. The stimulation
      enhanced the relative weight of victories over defeats in learning social
      dominance relationships and exacerbated the influence of one's own dominance over
      competitive strategies. Importantly, these tDCS effects were specific to trials
      in which subjects learned about dominance relationships, as they were not present
      for control choices associated with monetary incentives but no competitive
      feedback. Taken together, our findings elucidate the role of rmPFC computations
      in dominance learning and unravel a fundamental mechanism that governs the
      emergence and maintenance of social dominance relationships in humans.

PMID- 28094035
TI  - Extinction Generates Outcome-Specific Conditioned Inhibition.
AB  - Extinction involves altering a previously established predictive relationship
      between a cue and its outcome by repeatedly presenting that cue alone. Although
      it is widely accepted that extinction generates some form of inhibitory learning
      [1-4], direct evidence for this claim has been lacking, and the nature of the
      associative changes induced by extinction have, therefore, remained a matter of
      debate [5-8]. In the current experiments, we used a novel behavioral approach
      that we recently developed and that provides a direct measure of conditioned
      inhibition [9] to compare the influence of extinguished and non-extinguished cues
      on choice between goal-directed actions. Using this approach, we provide direct
      evidence that extinction generates outcome-specific conditioned inhibition.
      Furthermore, we demonstrate that this inhibitory learning is controlled by the
      infralimbic cortex (IL); inactivation of the IL using M4 DREADDs abolished
      outcome-specific inhibition and rendered the cue excitatory. Importantly, we
      found that context modulated this inhibition. Outside its extinction context, the
      cue was excitatory and functioned as a specific predictor of its previously
      associated outcome, biasing choice toward actions earning the same outcome. In
      its extinction context, however, the cue acted as a specific inhibitor and biased
      choice toward actions earning different outcomes. Context modulation of these
      excitatory and inhibitory memories was mediated by the dorsal hippocampus (HPC),
      suggesting that the HPC and IL act in concert to control the influence of
      conditioned inhibitors on choice. These findings demonstrate for the first time
      that extinction turns a cue into a net inhibitor that can influence choice via
      counterfactual action-outcome associations.

PMID- 28094036
TI  - Centriole Remodeling during Spermiogenesis in Drosophila.
AB  - The first cell of an animal (zygote) requires centrosomes that are assembled from
      paternally inherited centrioles and maternally inherited pericentriolar material
      (PCM) [1]. In some animals, sperm centrioles with typical ultrastructure are the
      origin of the first centrosomes in the zygote [2-4]. In other animals, however,
      sperm centrioles lose their proteins and are thought to be degenerated and non
      functional during spermiogenesis [5, 6]. Here, we show that the two sperm
      centrioles (the giant centriole [GC] and the proximal centriole-like structure
      [PCL]) in Drosophila melanogaster are remodeled during spermiogenesis through
      protein enrichment and ultrastructure modification in parallel to previously
      described centrosomal reduction [7]. We found that the ultrastructure of the
      matured sperm (spermatozoa) centrioles is modified dramatically and that the PCL
      does not resemble a typical centriole. We also describe a new phenomenon of Poc1
      enrichment of the atypical centrioles in the spermatozoa. Using various mutants,
      protein expression during spermiogenesis, and RNAi knockdown of paternal Poc1, we
      found that paternal Poc1 enrichment is essential for the formation of centrioles
      during spermiogenesis and for the formation of centrosomes after fertilization in
      the zygote. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that the sperm centrioles are
      remodeled both in their protein composition and in ultrastructure, yet they are
      functional and are essential for normal embryogenesis in Drosophila.

PMID- 28094037
TI  - Identifying risk factors for occult lower extremity lymphedema using computed
      tomography in patients undergoing lymphadenectomy for gynecologic cancers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) using
      computed tomographic (CT) scan in patients undergoing lymphadenectomy for
      gynecologic cancers. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 511 consecutive
      gynecologic cancer patients undergoing lymphadenectomy. Mean difference (3.77+/
      3.14mm) of subcutaneous layer thicknesses between preoperative and postoperative
      1-year CT scans of 106 patients with clinical LEL was used as an objective
      criterion for regrouping all the patients into those with mean difference >3.77mm
      and <=3.77mm. Risk factors for clinical LEL and significant increase of
      subcutaneous layer thickness on CT were evaluated using a logistic regression
      model. RESULTS: A total of 106 (20.7%) patients were clinically diagnosed with
      LEL by a physician. Total number of lymph nodes (LNs) retrieved >30 (Odds ratio
      [OR] 3.2; 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.94-5.32; p<0.001) and adjuvant pelvic
      radiotherapy (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.75-5.52; p<0.001) were risk factors for clinical
      LEL. One hundred-nineteen (23.3%) had subcutaneous layer thickness increase of
      >3.77mm. In addition to number of LNs retrieved >30 (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.40-3.74;
      p=0.001) and adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.01-2.74; p=0.046),
      open surgery (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.01-3.11; p=0.045), long operation time (OR 1.7;
      95% CI 1.05-2.83; p=0.032), and no use of intermittent pneumatic compression
      (IPC) (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.06-4.16; p=0.034) were risk factors for thick
      subcutaneous layer on postoperative CT. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to high LN
      retrieval and adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy, open surgery, long operation time,
      and no IPC use could be risk factors for occult LEL after lymphadenectomy in
      gynecologic cancers.

PMID- 28094038
TI  - Triaging HPV-positive women with p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology: Results from a
      sub-study nested into the ATHENA trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In addition to genotyping for HPV16/18, dual-immunostaining for
      p16/Ki-67 has shown promise as a triage of HPV-positive women. We assessed the
      performance of p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology for triaging HPV-positive women
      undergoing primary HPV screening. METHODS: All women >=25years with valid
      cervical biopsy and cobas(r) HPV Test results from the cross-sectional phase of
      ATHENA who were referred to colposcopy (n=7727) were eligible for enrolment.
      p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology was retrospectively performed on residual
      cytologic material collected into a second liquid-based cytology vial during the
      ATHENA enrolment visit. The diagnostic performance of dual-stained cytology, with
      or without HPV16/18 genotyping, for the detection of biopsy-confirmed cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) was determined and compared to
      Pap cytology. Furthermore, the number of colposcopies required per CIN3+ detected
      was determined. RESULTS: Dual-stained cytology was significantly more sensitive
      than Pap cytology (74.9% vs. 51.9%; p<0.0001) for triaging HPV-positive women,
      whereas specificity was comparable (74.1% vs. 75.0%; p=0.3198). Referral of all
      HPV16/18 positive women combined with dual-stained cytology triage of women
      positive for 12 "other" HPV genotypes provided the highest sensitivity for CIN3+
      (86.8%; 95% CI: 81.9-90.8). A similar strategy but using Pap cytology for the
      triage of women positive for 12 "other" HPV genotypes was less sensitive (78.2%;
      95% CI: 72.5-83.2; p=0.0003), but required a similar number of colposcopies per
      CIN3+ detected. CONCLUSIONS: p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology, either alone or
      combined with HPV16/18 genotyping, represents a promising approach as a sensitive
      and efficient triage for colposcopy of HPV-positive women when primary HPV
      screening is utilized.

PMID- 28094039
TI  - Cisplatin can be safely administered to ovarian cancer patients with
      hypersensitivity to carboplatin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) are frequently reported in patients
      rechallenged with carboplatin for recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) and represent a
      critical issue, since discontinuation of the platinum-based therapy could affect
      prognosis. Several strategies to allow platinum rechallenge have been described,
      with controversial outcomes. The aim of this study is to illustrate a 10-year
      experience with cisplatin in patients with a previous HSR to carboplatin or at
      risk for allergy. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with platinum
      sensitive ROC retreated with carboplatin was performed between January 2007 and
      May 2016 at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione "G. Pascale", Naples.
      RESULTS: Among 183 patients, 49 (26.8%) presented HSR to carboplatin, mainly
      during second line therapy. Mean number of cycles before HSR was 8 (range 3-17).
      G2, G3 and G4 reaction were detected in 83%, 15% and 2% of patients,
      respectively. In a multivariate analysis including age, hystotype, BRCA status,
      previous known HSR, and combination drug administered, only the type of
      carboplatin-based doublet used as 2nd line therapy was found to significantly
      affect HSR development, with a protective effect of PLD (pegylated liposomal
      doxorubicin) (p = 0.014, OR = 0.027). Thirty seven patients (77%) with a previous
      HSR to carboplatin were rechallenged with cisplatin. Treatment was generally well
      tolerated. 5 patients (13.1%) experienced mild HSR to cisplatin, successfully
      managed in all cases. 14 patients were treated with cisplatin even without a
      carboplatin-related HSR due to other allergies. Among these, only one developed
      HSR (7.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Cisplatin rechallenge is a feasible approach in patients
      experiencing HSR to carboplatin to maintain the beneficial effect of platinum
      while reducing hypersensitivity-related risks.

PMID- 28094041
TI  - Superstars: Assessing nutrient thresholds for enhanced larval success of
      Acanthaster planci, a review of the evidence.
AB  - Crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci (COTS), predation is a major cause
      of coral reef decline, but the factors behind their population outbreaks remain
      unclear. Increased phytoplankton food resulting from eutrophication is suggested
      to enhance larval survival. We addressed the hypothesis that larval success is
      associated with particular chl-a levels in tightly controlled larval:algal
      conditions. We used chl-a conditions found on coral reefs (0.1-5.0MUgchl-aL-1),
      including nominal threshold levels for disproportionate larval success
      (>=1.0MUgchl-aL-1). High success to the juvenile occurred across an order of
      magnitude of chl-a concentrations (0.5-5.0MUgchl-aL-1), suggesting there may not
      be a narrow value for optimal success. Oligotrophic conditions (0.1MUgchl-aL-1)
      appeared to be a critical limit. With a review of the evidence, we suggest that
      opportunistic COTS larvae may be more resilient to low food levels than
      previously appreciated. Initiation of outbreak populations need not require
      eutrophic conditions.

PMID- 28094040
TI  - A phase 2 study of alisertib (MLN8237) in recurrent or persistent uterine
      leiomyosarcoma: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study 0231D.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This two-stage Phase II study assessed the activity of single agent
      alisertib in patients with recurrent/persistent uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS).
      METHODS: Eligibility criteria included histologically-confirmed, recurrent or
      persistent uLMS, age>=18, 1-2 prior cytotoxic regimens, and RECIST version 1.1
      measurable disease. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the
      efficacy of alisertib through the frequency of patients with objective tumor
      responses and the frequency who survived event-free for at least 6months (EFS6).
      The endpoints for EFS were RECIST progression, death, or beginning a subsequent
      therapy. The null hypothesis jointly specified the probability of a patient
      experiencing a tumor response to less than or equal to 5% and the probability of
      a patient surviving event-free for at least 6months to less than or equal to 20%.
      A two-stage design was used with a target accrual of 23 patients for stage 1 and
      47 pts. cumulative for stage 2. Confidence intervals do not correct for
      multiplicity. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were enrolled with two patients
      excluded on central histology review, yielding 21 eligible patients. Median age
      was 61years. Prior treatment was either 1 cytotoxic regimen (71.4%) or 2 (28.6%).
      The most common treatment related AEs (grade 3 or worse) were anemia Hensley et
      al. (2008a) , leukopenia Hensley et al. (2008b) , neutropenia Maki et al. (2007)
      , thrombocytopenia Huang et al. (2012) , mucositis Hensley et al. (2008a) ,
      diarrhea Huang et al. (2012) , and palmer-planter syndrome Zivanovic et al.
      (2012) . There were no objective responses (0%; 90% CI: 0-10.4%). Best response
      was stable disease (38.1%); 12 patients had progressive disease (57.1%). EFS6 was
      0% (90% CI: 0-10.4%). Median PFS and OS were 1.7 (90% CI: 1.4-3.2) and 14.5months
      (90% CI: 7.6 - NA), respectively. CONCLUSION: Alisertib did not demonstrate
      clinically meaningful single agent activity in previously treated uLMS.

PMID- 28094042
TI  - Responses of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis to flame retardant (BDE-47)
      stress.
AB  - A series of short-term toxicological tests were conducted on the rotifer
      Brachionus plicatilis to assess the toxicity of the flame retardant 2,2',4,4'
      tetrabrominated biphenyl ether (BDE-47). BDE-47 increased mortality,
      morphological damage, and altered population dynamics and fecundity of rotifer.
      Antioxidant enzymes were differentially changed to maintain the balance between
      antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity. However, with increases in the
      concentration of BDE-47, the metabolic and antioxidant activity decreased.
      Moreover, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde contents
      increased and the ratio between glutathione and glutathione-SH decreased,
      indicating oxidative stress. The addition of the ROS-inhibitor N-acetylcysteine
      alleviated the degree of damage and stimulated the activity of xenobiotic
      metabolizing and antioxidant system, which suggested that ROS were the most
      important loop in the stress response.

PMID- 28094043
TI  - Incidence and Clinical Course of Immune Reactions after Descemet Membrane
      Endothelial Keratoplasty: Retrospective Analysis of 1000 Consecutive Eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the incidence and clinical course of graft rejection episodes
      after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). DESIGN: Retrospective
      analysis of a consecutive, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand
      eyes that underwent DMEK from July 2011 through August 2015 at the Department of
      Ophthalmology, University of Cologne. METHODS: All cases with follow-up of at
      least 1 month were included (mean follow-up, 18.5 months). Patients with a graft
      rejection episode were followed up for 1 additional year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Incidence of graft rejection, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA),
      central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD), and need for
      regraft. RESULTS: Nine hundred five cases met the inclusion criteria. A graft
      rejection episode developed in 12 patients (estimated probability of rejection at
      1 year, 0.9%; at 2 years, 2.3%; at 4 years, 2.3%). At time of rejection, 9 of 12
      patients had stopped corticosteroids. Five patients were symptomatic and 7 did
      not note the rejection episode. Intensified topical corticosteroid therapy was
      started immediately after diagnosis of rejection. Two eyes decompensated and
      required a regraft, whereas the remaining 10 eyes required no regraft (BSCVA,
      0.27+/-0.28 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; CCT, 554.1+/
      39.1 MUm at last visit before rejection vs. BSCVA, 0.21+/-0.15 logMAR; CCT,
      540.0+/-15.0 MUm 3 months after rejection). One year after the rejection
      episodes, BSCVA and CCT in these eyes remained unchanged when compared with the
      last visit before rejection (BSCVA, 0.15+/-0.11 logMAR; CCT, 533.8+/-26.0 MUm).
      Significant changes were observed for ECD values (1741+/-274.5 cells/mm2 at last
      visit before rejection vs. 1356+/-380.3 cells/mm2 after 3 months [P = 0.04] and
      1290+/-359.0 cells/mm2 after 1 year [P = 0.01]). CONCLUSIONS: The risk for graft
      rejection after DMEK is low, and an even smaller minority requires a regraft.
      After intensified local corticosteroid therapy, most patients show stable visual
      acuity and CCT, although ECD decreases. The occurrence of immune reactions up to
      2 years after surgery predominantly in patients not receiving corticosteroids
      supports the prolonged use of corticosteroids after DMEK.

PMID- 28094044
TI  - Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Retinal Necrosis: A Report by the American
      Academy of Ophthalmology.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the available evidence in peer-reviewed publications about
      the diagnosis and treatment of acute retinal necrosis (ARN). METHODS: Literature
      searches of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were last conducted on July
      27, 2016. The searches identified 216 unique citations, and 49 articles of
      possible clinical relevance were reviewed in full text. Of these 49 articles, 27
      were deemed sufficiently relevant or of interest, and they were rated according
      to strength of evidence. An additional 6 articles were identified from the
      reference lists of these articles and included. All 33 studies were
      retrospective. RESULTS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of aqueous or
      vitreous humor was positive for herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella zoster
      virus (VZV) in 79% to 100% of cases of suspected ARN. Aqueous and vitreous
      specimens are both sensitive and specific. There is level II and III evidence
      supporting the use of intravenous and oral antiviral therapy for the treatment of
      ARN. Data suggest that equivalent plasma drug levels of acyclovir can be achieved
      after administration of oral valacyclovir or intravenous acyclovir. There is
      level II and III evidence suggesting that the combination of intravitreal
      foscarnet and systemic antiviral therapy may have greater therapeutic efficacy
      than systemic therapy alone. The effectiveness of prophylactic laser or early
      pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in preventing retinal detachment (RD) remains
      unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Polymerase chain reaction testing of ocular fluid is useful
      in supporting a clinical diagnosis of ARN, but treatment should not be delayed
      while awaiting PCR results. Initial oral or intravenous antiviral therapy is
      effective in treating ARN. The adjunctive use of intravitreal foscarnet may be
      more effective than systemic therapy alone. The role of prophylactic laser
      retinopexy or early PPV is unknown at this time.

PMID- 28094045
TI  - Quantification of User and Manufacturer Variabilities in Urinary Catheter
      Anchoring Balloon Inflation and Mitigation of Variability by Flow Resistance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify user variability and manufacturer variability in urinary
      catheter anchoring balloon inflation pressure and to mitigate any significant
      variance by incorporating flow resistance into the anchoring balloon inflation
      process. METHODS: Inflation of a urinary catheter anchoring balloon was performed
      at atmospheric pressure by different users (n = 8) to investigate user
      variability. A calibrated pressure transducer measured inflation pressures, and a
      video extensometer measured balloon inflation profiles. Manufacturer variability
      was investigated by applying constant forces to the plunger of conventional
      syringes to mimic "heavy-," "intermediate-," and "light"-handed users for 3
      brands of catheter. Flow restrictors of variable reduced cross-sectional areas
      were introduced to the outflow of the inflation syringes to investigate the
      effect of flow resistance on anchoring balloon inflation profiles. RESULTS:
      Variations in maximum inflation pressures (range: 75-355 kPa) were observed among
      the different users. There were no significant differences in maximum inflation
      pressure between brands at any of the 3 simulated hand forces (P = .97).
      Increasing the flow resistance significantly reduces the applicable inflation
      pressure of all hand forces (P < .001). Specifically, the difference in inflation
      pressure between heavy- and light-handed forces is reduced from over 405 kPa to
      under 65 kPa. Introducing flow resistance does not result in a significant
      difference in inflation pressure between brands (P = .254). CONCLUSION: There is
      significant user variability in urinary catheter balloon inflation pressure. This
      variation can be significantly reduced by introducing flow resistance to the
      inflation technique.

PMID- 28094046
TI  - Spatiotemporal variation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in olive
      (Olea europaea L.) roots across a broad mesic-xeric climatic gradient in North
      Africa.
AB  - This study aims to determine the spatiotemporal dynamics of root colonization and
      spore density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere of olive
      trees (Olea europaea) with different plantation ages and under different climatic
      areas in Algeria. Soil and root samples were seasonally collected from three
      olive plantations of different ages. Other samples were carried out in productive
      olive orchards cultivated under a climatic gradient (desertic, semi-arid,
      subhumid, and humid). The olive varieties analysed in this study were Blanquette,
      Rougette, Chemlel and the wild-olive. Spore density, mycorrhization intensity
      (M%), spore diversity and the most probable number (MPN) were determined. Both
      the intensity of mycorrhizal colonization and spore density increased with the
      increase of seasonal precipitation and decreased with the increase of air
      temperature regardless of the climatic region or olive variety. The variety
      Rougette had the highest mycorrhizal levels in all plantation ages and climates.
      Spore community was composed of the genera Rhizophagus, Funneliformis, Glomus,
      Septoglomus, Gigaspora, Scutellospora and Entrophospora. The genus Glomus, with
      four species, predominated in all climate regions. Spores of Gigaspora sp. and
      Scutellospora sp. were the most abundant in desertic plantations. Statistical
      models indicated a positive relationship between spore density and M% during
      spring and winter in young seedlings and old plantations. A significant positive
      relationship was found between MPN and spore density under different climates.
      For a mycotrophic species, the rhizosphere of olive trees proved to be poor in
      mycorrhiza in terms of mycorrhizal colonization and numbers of the infective AMF
      propagules.

PMID- 28094047
TI  - Methanogenic biodegradation of paraffinic solvent hydrocarbons in two different
      oil sands tailings.
AB  - Microbial communities drive many biogeochemical processes in oil sands tailings
      and cause greenhouse gas emissions from tailings ponds. Paraffinic solvent
      (primarily C5-C6; n- and iso-alkanes) is used by some oil sands companies to aid
      bitumen extraction from oil sands ores. Residues of unrecovered solvent escape to
      tailings ponds during tailings deposition and sustain microbial metabolism. To
      investigate biodegradation of hydrocarbons in paraffinic solvent, mature fine
      tailings (MFT) collected from Albian and CNRL ponds were amended with paraffinic
      solvent at ~0.1wt% (final concentration: ~1000mgL-1) and incubated under
      methanogenic conditions for ~1600d. Albian and CNRL MFTs exhibited ~400 and ~800d
      lag phases, respectively after which n-alkanes (n-pentane and n-hexane) in the
      solvent were preferentially metabolized to methane over iso-alkanes in both MFTs.
      Among iso-alkanes, only 2-methylpentane was completely biodegraded whereas 2
      methylbutane and 3-methylpentane were partially biodegraded probably through
      cometabolism. 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing showed dominance of Anaerolineaceae
      and Methanosaetaceae in Albian MFT and Peptococcaceae and co-domination of
      "Candidatus Methanoregula" and Methanosaetaceae in CNRL MFT bacterial and
      archaeal communities, respectively, during active biodegradation of paraffinic
      solvent. The results are important for developing future strategies for tailings
      reclamation and management of greenhouse gas emissions.

PMID- 28094048
TI  - Optimization of the skimmed-milk flocculation method for recovery of adenovirus
      from sludge.
AB  - Return of treated sludge to the environment poses concerns and has stimulated the
      development of studies on viral monitoring in this matrix, in order to assess its
      potential risks for public health. Human adenovirus (HAdV) has been identified as
      a putative viral marker of faecal contamination due to its stability and
      resistance to the sewage treatment process. The aim of this study was to optimize
      the organic flocculation procedure in order to establish an appropriate
      methodology for HAdV recovery from sewage sludge samples. Four protocols (A-D)
      have been proposed, with changes in the initial sample dilution, in the stirring
      time and in the final concentration of skimmed-milk. A single sludge sample was
      obtained in Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and divided into aliquots. In each
      protocol, three aliquots were inoculated with HAdV and bacteriophage PP7 and a
      non-inoculated one was used as negative control. Viral load and recovery rate
      were determined by quantitative PCR. HAdV recovery rate varied between the
      protocols tested (p=0.016) and the best result was obtained through the protocol
      C. In order to confirm this result a field study with activated, thickened and
      digested sludge samples was carried out. Different types of sludge were obtained
      in two WWTPs and processed using protocol C. HAdV was detected in all samples,
      with a similar or higher viral load than those obtained with other concentration
      techniques already applied to sludge. Protocol C proved to be really efficient,
      with the advantage of showing low cost and practicability in routine
      laboratories.

PMID- 28094050
TI  - Corruption and use of antibiotics in regions of Europe.
AB  - The aim of this article is to investigate the association between corruption and
      antibiotic use at sub-national level. We explore the correlation between, on the
      one hand, two measures of corruption (prevalence of corruption in the health
      sector and prevalence of bribes in the society) at regional level from the
      European Quality of Government Index; and, on the other, the consumption of
      antibiotics in those European regions from a 2009 Special Euro Barometer. In a
      multivariate regression model, we control for potential confounders: purchasing
      power of standardized regional gross domestic product, inhabitants per medical
      doctor and age-standardized all-cause mortality rates. We find that there is a
      strong positive association between both measures of corruption (i.e. in the
      health sector, and in the society at large) and antibiotics use; and that this
      association is robust to the introduction of the control variables. These results
      support previous findings in the literature linking corruption to higher
      antibiotic use at cross-national level. We show that corruption does seem to
      account for some of the remarkable between-region variation in antibiotic
      consumption in Europe.

PMID- 28094049
TI  - EP4 receptor promotes invadopodia and invasion in human breast cancer.
AB  - The production of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is elevated in human breast cancer
      cells. The abnormal expression of COX-2, which is involved in the synthesis of
      PGE2, was recently reported as a critical determinant for invasiveness of human
      breast cancer cells. Autocrine and paracrine PGE2-mediated stimulation of the
      PGE2 receptor EP4 transduces multiple signaling pathways leading to diverse patho
      physiological effects, including tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is known
      that PGE2-induced EP4 activation can transactivate the intracellular signaling
      pathway of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In malignant cancer
      cells, EGFR pathway activation promotes invadopodia protrusions, which further
      leads to degradation of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite the
      known influence of EP4 on the EGFR signaling pathway, the effect of EP4
      stimulation on invadopodia formation in human breast cancer was never tested
      directly. Here we demonstrate the involvement of EP4 in invasion and its effect
      on invadopodia in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells using 2D invadopodia and 3D
      invasion in vitro assays as well as intravital microscopy. The results show that
      stimulation with the selective EP4 agonist CAY10598 or PGE2 promotes invadopodia
      mediated degradation of the ECM, as well as the invasion of breast cancer cells
      in in vitro models. The effect on matrix degradation can be abrogated via direct
      inhibition of EP4 signaling as well as via inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase,
      indicating that EP4-mediated effects on invadopodia-driven degradation are EGFR
      dependent. Finally, using xenograft mouse models, we show that short-term
      systemic treatment with CAY10598 results in a >9-fold increase in the number of
      invadopodia. These findings highlight the importance of further investigation on
      the role of EP4-EGFR crosstalk in invadopodia formation.

PMID- 28094051
TI  - Competition policy for health care provision in Portugal.
AB  - We review the role of competition among healthcare providers in Portugal, which
      has a public National Health Service (NHS) at the core of the health system.
      There is little competition among healthcare providers within the NHS.
      Competition among NHS primary care providers is hindered by excess demand (many
      residents in Portugal do not have a designated family doctor). Competition among
      NHS hospitals has been traditionally limited to cases of maximum guaranteed
      waiting time for surgery being exceeded. The Portuguese Competition Authority
      enforces competition law. It has focused on mergers between private hospitals and
      abuse of market power (including cartel cases) by private healthcare providers.
      The Healthcare Regulation Authority produced several reports on particular areas
      of activity by private healthcare providers. The main conclusion of these reviews
      was lack of conditions for effective competition, with the exception of
      dentistry. Within the NHS, the use of tendering procedures was able to create
      "competition for the market" in particular areas though it was not problem free.
      Details in the particular design adopted matter a lot. Overall, the scope for
      competition policy and for competition among healthcare providers to have a main
      role in a health system based on a public National Health Service seems limited,
      with more relevance to "competition for the market" situations than to
      "competition in the market".

PMID- 28094052
TI  - The association of cancer risks with pentachlorophenol exposure: Focusing on
      community population in the areas along certain section of Yangtze River in
      China.
AB  - Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was used in large quantities, and mainly for killing the
      intermediate host snails of schistosome in China, thereby resulting in ubiquitous
      PCP residue in the environment. However, studies considering the carcinogenicity
      of PCP for humans mainly focused on occupational workers, and the actual
      carcinogenicity of PCP for general population is uncertain. To investigate the
      association between cancer risks and PCP exposure in a community population, an
      ecological study was conducted in three contaminated areas along the Yangtze
      River. Standardized rate ratio (SRR) was calculated to represent the risk of
      cancer incidence, by using incidence in the low PCP exposure category as the
      reference group. A total of 15,962 cancer records were collected, and 76 water
      samples and 213 urine samples in three areas were examined. Our findings
      suggested that compared with the low PCP group, the high PCP group had
      significantly excessive incidences of various cancers related to different organs
      including lymph (SRR = 19.44, 95% CI = 15.00-25.19), blood (SRR = 17.24, 95% CI =
      12.92-23.01), nasopharynx (SRR = 3.97, 95% CI = 3.75-4.21), gallbladder (SRR =
      3.46, 95% CI = 3.09-3.87), pancreas (SRR = 3.41, 95% CI = 3.07-3.79), respiratory
      system (SRR = 3.41, 95% CI = 3.27-3.57) and liver (SRR = 3.31, 95% CI = 3.09
      3.56). Taken together, our present study provides evidence that general community
      population exposed to high level of PCP exhibits a broader spectrum of increased
      cancer risks as compared to occupational groups.

PMID- 28094053
TI  - When the cows come home: occupational tinea barbae in a cattle farmer.

PMID- 28094054
TI  - Re: Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Bladder Cancer Using
      Whole Transcriptome Gene Expression Signatures.

PMID- 28094055
TI  - Renal Cell Carcinoma with Isolated Lymph Node Involvement: Long-term Natural
      History and Predictors of Oncologic Outcomes Following Surgical Resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with isolated lymph node (LN) involvement
      has historically been associated with poor prognosis. However, a subset of
      patients may experience long-term survival. OBJECTIVE: To examine the natural
      history of RCC with isolated LN involvement following surgical resection with
      long-term follow-up, and to evaluate clinicopathologic features associated with
      disease progression and survival. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of
      138 patients with isolated pN1M0 RCC underwent partial or radical nephrectomy and
      LN dissection from 1980 to 2010. INTERVENTION: Partial or radical nephrectomy
      with LN dissection. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Metastasis
      free survival (MFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS)
      were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations between
      clinicopathologic features and oncologic outcomes were evaluated using Cox
      regression models. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Median follow-up among survivors was
      8.5 yr. The 5-yr and 10-yr MFS, CSS, and OS rates were 16% and 15%, 26% and 21%,
      and 25% and 15%, respectively. The median time to development of metastases was
      only 4.2 mo. On multivariable analysis, symptoms at presentation (hazard ratio
      [HR] 2.40; p=0.03), inferior vena cava tumor thrombus (HR 1.99; p=0.003), clear
      cell (HR 2.21; p=0.01) and collecting duct/not otherwise specified (HR 4.28;
      p<0.001) histologic subtypes, pT4 stage (HR 2.64; p=0.005), and coagulative tumor
      necrosis (HR 2.51; p<0.001) were independently associated with development of
      metastases. MFS rates at 1 yr after surgery were 71%, 63%, 33%, and 7% for
      patients with one, two, three, and four to five adverse features, respectively.
      Limitations include surgical selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Although isolated pN1
      disease portends a poor prognosis, a small subset of patients experience durable
      long-term survival after surgical resection of isolated lymphatic metastases.
      Adverse prognostic features may enhance patient risk stratification and
      facilitate multimodal management approaches. PATIENT SUMMARY: Although isolated
      lymph node metastases portend a poor prognosis, a small subset of patients
      experience long-term survival following surgical resection.

PMID- 28094056
TI  - Re: The Role of Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Pathologically Lymph Node Positive
      Prostate Cancer.

PMID- 28094057
TI  - Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Targeted Biopsy for Early Detection of
      Prostate Cancer: All That Glitters Is Not Gold!

PMID- 28094058
TI  - Association between dietary patterns, cadmium intake and chronic kidney disease
      among adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Almost one in ten Chinese adults has chronic kidney disease
      (CKD). However, the link between dietary patterns, dietary cadmium intake and CKD
      has not been studied in China. METHOD: Adults (n = 8429) in the China Health and
      Nutrition Survey who had at least one 3-day 24 h food record in combination with
      household food inventory in 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, and 2009 and
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measured in 2009. Dietary pattern was
      identified using factor analysis. CKD was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.
      RESULTS: There were 641 (7.6%) cases of CKD in the sample. After adjustment for
      demographic, lifestyle factors (i.e. smoking, alcohol drinking, physical
      activity) and chronic conditions, the odds ratio (OR) for CKD was 4.05 (95%CI
      2.91-5.63, p for trend <0.001) for extreme quartiles of estimated cumulative
      cadmium intake. A traditional southern dietary pattern (high intake of rice,
      pork, and vegetables, and low intake of wheat) was associated with more than four
      times increased prevalence of CKD (comparing extreme quartiles, OR 4.56, 95%CI
      3.18-6.56). A modern dietary pattern (high intake of fruit, soy milk, egg, milk
      and deep fried products) was inversely associated with CKD (for extreme
      quartiles, OR 0.5, 95%CI 0.36-0.71). The association between dietary patterns and
      CKD were attenuated by cadmium intake. CONCLUSION: Traditional southern dietary
      pattern is positively associated, and modern dietary pattern is inversely
      associated, with CKD among Chinese adults. However, these associations can be
      partly attributed to cadmium contamination in parts of the food supply.

PMID- 28094059
TI  - Alteration of methylation status in the ATXN3 gene promoter region is linked to
      the SCA3/MJD.
AB  - DNA methylation has been acknowledged as one of the key epigenetic mechanisms
      involved in the regulation of gene expression and genomic functions. Alteration
      of the DNA methylation level has been linked to modification of the disease
      progression and instability regulation of certain disease-causing repeats in
      neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, blood samples collected from
      spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) patients versus
      control were used to explore the potential link of DNA methylation levels at
      ATXN3 gene promoter to the pathogenesis of SCA3/MJD. We found that the
      methylation levels in the ATXN3 promoter were significantly higher in SCA3/MJD
      patients relative to the controls. Furthermore, higher methylation levels were
      detected in the SCA3/MJD patients with earlier age at onset and the families with
      an intergenerational CAG repeats instability. In addition, the first CpG island
      of the ATXN3 promoter served as the main regulation region of DNA methylation.
      These findings suggested that an epigenetic change may contribute to the
      pathogenesis of the SCA3/MJD and provide potential therapeutic targets for CAG
      repeats-based diseases.

PMID- 28094060
TI  - Corrigendum to "Parenting very preterm infants and stress in Neonatal Intensive
      Care Units" [Early Hum. Dev. 101 (2016) 3-9].

PMID- 28094061
TI  - Vitiligo-like lesions occurring in patients receiving anti-programmed cell death
      1 therapies are clinically and biologically distinct from vitiligo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1 therapies in metastatic
      tumors is associated with cutaneous side effects including vitiligo-like lesions.
      OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize clinically and biologically vitiligo-like
      lesions occurring in patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapies by studying a case
      series of 8 patients with metastatic tumors and 30 control subjects with
      vitiligo. METHODS: Eight patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapies with features of
      vitiligo-like lesions seen in our department were recruited. Clinical features
      and photographs were analyzed. For some patients, skin and blood samples were
      obtained. Results were compared with the vitiligo group. RESULTS: All patients
      developed lesions localized on photoexposed areas with a specific depigmentation
      pattern consisting of multiple flecked lesions without Koebner phenomenon. In
      contrast to vitiligo, patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapies who developed
      vitiligo-like lesions did not report any personal or family histories of
      vitiligo, thyroiditis, or other autoimmune disorders. Analysis of blood and skin
      samples revealed increased C-X-C motif ligand 10 levels in serum of patients
      developing vitiligo-like lesions, associated with skin infiltration of CD8 T
      cells expressing C-X-C motif receptor 3 and producing elevated levels of
      interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alfa. LIMITATIONS: This cross
      sectional study concerned a single center. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and biological
      patterns of vitiligo-like lesions occurring in patients receiving anti-PD-1
      therapies differ from vitiligo, suggesting a different mechanism.

PMID- 28094062
TI  - [Optic disc granuloma secondary to sarcoidosis].
AB  - We report a case of optic disc granuloma due to sarcoidosis. A 64-year-old,
      caucasian female with a history of pulmonary sarcoidosis presented with a vision
      loss on her left eye. The ophthalmologic examination revealed a discrete optic
      disc infiltrate compatible with the diagnosis of optic disc granuloma.
      Fluorescein angiography showed diffusion and impregnation of the granuloma
      without vascularitis. The optical coherence tomography demonstrated a homogenous
      and isoreflective lesion at the optic disc. The patient recovered her visual
      acuity after systemic corticosteroid treatment. Isolated optic disc granuloma is
      a rare condition of ocular sarcoidosis.

PMID- 28094063
TI  - A change in landscape: Lessons learned from abandonment of ancient Wari
      agricultural terraces in Southern Peru.
AB  - Ancient agricultural terrace practices have survived for millennia, sustaining
      populations through extreme climatic shifts and political regime changes. In arid
      regions with abrupt relief such as Southern Peru, agricultural terracing is
      undergoing a resurgence, as has seen revitalization of once abandoned terrace and
      hydraulic systems. Wari terraces at Cerro Baul provide clues to past cultural
      practices. They also document sustainable farming practices by using resilient
      land management techniques which can help combat desertification and degradation
      of arable lands. Three abandoned Wari terrace systems were mapped using
      microtopographic methods, the erosion patterns examined, the states of
      preservation compared, and then the design contrasted with modern terracing
      practices in the Moquegua Valley. In order to negate the harmful effects of
      desertification, rehabilitation and reconstruction of these terraces using
      ancient knowledge and techniques may be necessary. Rehabilitation must be
      conducted with consideration for preservation of cultural patrimony that may be
      encountered within the terrace treads or riser structures. With future climatic
      shifts impacting vulnerable dryland areas more than others, the ability to
      resiliently respond to these changes may be found in the lessons learned from
      ancient farming techniques such as the Wari.

PMID- 28094064
TI  - Bioprospecting of antimicrobial activity of extracts of endophytic fungi from
      Bauhinia guianensis.
AB  - Antibiotic resistance results in higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays
      and increased mortality and is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of
      the world. Therefore, this study aims to search for new antimicrobial agents
      through bioprospecting of extracts of endophytic fungi from Bauhinia guianensis,
      a typical Amazonian plant used in combating infections. Seventeen (17) fungi were
      isolated and as result the methanolic extract of the fungus Exserohilum rostratum
      showed good activity against the bacteria tested. The polyketide monocerin was
      isolated by the chromatographic technique, identified by NMR and MS, showing
      broad antimicrobial spectrum.

PMID- 28094065
TI  - Risk factors for antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and
      characteristics of patients infected with gonorrhea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are very few data available regarding risk factors associated
      with antibiotic resistant-Neisseria gonorrhoeae. METHODS: A study was conducted
      on 110 samples from 101 patients with gonococcal infection, in order to describe
      their characteristics and compare them with the antimicrobial susceptibility
      profile of their samples. RESULTS: An association was observed between resistant
      infections and heterosexual men, older age, concurrent sexually transmitted
      infection, and unsafe sexual behaviors. CONCLUSION: There is a need for improved
      data on the risk factors associated with antibiotic resistant gonococcal
      infection in order to identify risk groups, and to propose public health
      strategies to control this infection.

PMID- 28094066
TI  - Implementation of Elastography Score and Strain Ratio in Combination with B-Mode
      Ultrasound Avoids Unnecessary Biopsies of Breast Lesions.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the combination of B-mode
      ultrasound, elastography score (ES) and strain ratio (SR) improves diagnostic
      performance with respect to breast lesions. One hundred thirty lesions were
      prospectively evaluated by B-mode ultrasound and strain elastography, followed by
      fine-needle aspiration cytology/biopsy in 117 woman who were scheduled for
      regular breast BUS. The median ES (4.5 vs. 2.9, p < 0.001) and SR (4.9 vs. 2.3, p
      < 0.001) were significantly higher for malignant than for benign lesions. A
      sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 93.2% for the ES (cutoff point = 3.8) and
      a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 87.6% for the SR (cutoff point = 3.5)
      were obtained. Elastography combined with B-mode ultrasound improved the
      specificity, accuracy and positive predictive value. Receiver operating
      characteristic curves yielded a higher value for the combined technique for
      diagnosis of breast lesions. Routine use of such a diagnostic algorithm could
      reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.

PMID- 28094068
TI  - [Large vessel vasculitis with myelodysplastic syndrome: A rare association].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The vasculitis can be the consequence of malignancy: most often
      hematologic rather than solid tumors. The association between large vessels
      vasculitis and myelodysplastic syndrome is rare. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old man
      experienced asthenia, fever, polyarthritis and inflammatory syndrome.
      Haematological investigations found a type 2 refractory anemia with excess blasts
      (RAEB-2) with discovery of severe anemia (Hb: 7,8g/dl) and thrombopenia
      (platelets: 40,000/mm3). Radiological examinations found thoracic aortitis and
      carotid vasculitis. Treatment in the form of steroids and azacitidine was
      instituted. The lack of control of both RAEB-2 and vasculitis was responsible for
      the death of the patient. CONCLUSION: Myelodysplastic syndrome and large vessels
      vasculitis is a rare but serious association disease. The lack of efficiency of
      corticosteroids seems to be common. Prognosis depends on the haematological
      treatment effectiveness.

PMID- 28094067
TI  - Differential Intensity Projection for Visualisation and Quantification of Plaque
      Neovascularisation in Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Images of Carotid Arteries.
AB  - Studies have reported that intraplaque neovascularisation (IPN) is closely
      correlated with plaque vulnerability. In this study, a new image processing
      approach, differential intensity projection (DIP), was developed to visualise and
      quantify IPN in contrast-enhanced non-linear ultrasound image sequences of
      carotid arteries. DIP used the difference between the local temporal maximum and
      the local temporal average signals to identify bubbles against tissue non-linear
      artefact and noise. The total absolute and relative areas occupied by bubbles
      within each plaque were calculated to quantify IPN. In vitro measurements on a
      laboratory phantom were made, followed by in vivo measurements in which 24
      contrast-enhanced non-linear ultrasound image sequences of carotid arteries from
      48 patients were selected and motion corrected. The results using DIP were
      compared with those obtained by maximum intensity projection (MIP) and visual
      assessment. The results indicated that DIP can significantly reduce non-linear
      propagation tissue artefacts and is much more specific in detecting bubble
      signals than MIP, being able to reveal microbubble signals that are buried in
      tissue artefacts in the corresponding MIP image. A good correlation was found
      between microvascular area (MVA) (r = 0.83, p < 0.001)/microvascular density (r =
      0.77, p < 0.001) obtained using DIP and the corresponding expert visual grades,
      comparing favourably to r = 0.26 and 0.23 obtained using MIP on the same data. In
      conclusion, the proposed method exhibits great potential in quantification of IPN
      in contrast-enhanced ultrasound images of carotid arteries.

PMID- 28094069
TI  - Nobel prizes and the pancreatic knowledge.

PMID- 28094070
TI  - Endometriosis: Modern management of an ancient disease.

PMID- 28094071
TI  - Benefit of on nephrectomy for treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Systemic treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has
      changed with the new therapies, and it is not clear if nephrectomy (NEP) has a
      survival benefit in this kind of patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if NEP
      associated to systemic treatment improves overall survival (OS) and progression
      free survival (PFS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational,
      descriptive study of 45 patients with diagnosis of mRCC between 2006-2014.
      Advanced cases with only palliative care were excluded, also patients with
      solitary metastasis who were managed with surgical resection. RESULTS: Finally 34
      patients were treated with systemic treatment. Twenty-six also with surgery
      associated. Seventy percent were intermediate/low risk at the Motzer
      classification and>80% Karnofsky performance status. PFS was 7m. NEP improves PFS
      (10 vs. 4m). High risk Motzer decreased PFS (P<.001). The OS was 11.5m. Patients
      with Karnofsky performance status>80, intermediate or low risk Motzer treated
      with NEP and mTOR as second line treatment, increased the OS (14 vs. 3m, P=.0001;
      14 vs. 6m, P=.001; and 9 vs. 5m, P=.003, respectively). In the multivariate
      analysis only NEP (P=0,006; HR 4.5) and intermediate/low risk at the Motzer
      classification(P=.020; HR 8.9) demonstrated significant improvement in OS.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with NEP associated to systemic treatment and with
      an intermediate/low risk in the Motzer classification had a better PFS and OS.
      The OS also improves in patients treated with mTOR in second line, and Karnofsky
      performance status>80%in the univariate study, but not in the multivariable one.

PMID- 28094072
TI  - Survey on graduate education in the Confederacion Americana de Urologia: Opinions
      and reality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Quality graduate medical training is a concern of Confederacion
      Americana de Urologia (CAU), the third largest urological society worldwide. It
      is important to analyse the diversity in the state training programmes and the
      feasibility and implications of conducting a common CAU programme. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A 20-item questionnaire was distributed to the directors of national
      societies who are members of the CAU concerning the graduate urological training
      in their institutions. RESULTS: A total of 28 presidents and expresidents
      representing 21 countries responded, the total number of independent states that
      constitute the confederation. In this setting, 664 residents start their training
      programme every year, in an area that treats 645.4 million inhabitants, with an
      active professional force of 16,752 specialists. We present data on the realities
      of the training (length of the programme, core curriculum) and occupation (job
      access, possible flow between countries) and on how accreditation and re
      certification of specialists in these countries are conducted. We also present
      the opinions on the feasibility of a joint CAU degree, as well as a number of its
      implications. CONCLUSIONS: The actual graduate training in the CAU setting is
      heterogeneous in its programmes and in its accreditation and re-certification
      methods. There is a strong desire to achieve joint degrees, except in Spain and
      Portugal. To enable joint certification, there will need to be intervention on
      numerous aspects and levels, redefining the desire for healthcare coverage in
      each country and considering the possible flow of specialists.

PMID- 28094073
TI  - Muscle function of the pelvic floor in healthy, puerperal women with pelvic floor
      dysfunction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To understand the function of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) at
      different ages in healthy women and in puerperal women with pelvic floor
      dysfunctions (PFD) and to ascertain whether there are differences among them.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between
      June 2014 and September 2016 and included 177 women, 70 of whom had no symptoms
      of PFD, 53 primiparous mothers in late postpartum and 54 with PFD. The function
      of the PFM was measured through vaginal palpation (quality of the contraction);
      manometry (force); dynamometer (tone, strength, and response to stretching), and
      surface electromyography (neuromuscular activity and resistance). RESULTS: The
      healthy women showed superior values for PFM tone, maximum strength,
      neuromuscular activity and resistance than the puerperal mothers and the women
      with PFD (P<.01). The puerperal women and those with PFD showed similar
      functional PFM values (P>.05). The muscle function of the healthy women did not
      vary significantly with age, except in the case of tone, which was lower in the
      women older than 46 years (P=.004). CONCLUSIONS: Age and births decrease the
      baseline tone of the PFM in healthy women. Therefore, lower strength, resistance
      and neuromuscular activity appear to be the main difference between the PFM of
      women with PFD and the PFM of healthy women.

PMID- 28094074
TI  - Farewell to Prof. Jens Overgaard.

PMID- 28094075
TI  - Re-assessing the total burden of norovirus circulating in the United Kingdom
      population.
AB  - The second Infectious Intestinal Diseases study (IID2) estimated the incidence of
      norovirus in the UK at 47/1000 population (three million cases annually).
      Clinically significant norovirus was defined using a cycle threshold (ct) value
      of <30; a more stringent cut-off than used in diagnostic laboratories. The low
      infectious dose of norovirus means asymptomatic individuals potentially
      contribute to ongoing transmission. Using a less stringent but diagnostically
      relevant threshold increases the estimation of the population burden of norovirus
      infection by around 26% to 59/1000 person years (95% CI 52.32-64.98), equating to
      3.7 million norovirus infections annually (3.3-4.1 million). With possible
      vaccines on the horizon for norovirus, having a good estimate of the total burden
      of norovirus infection, as well as symptomatic disease will be useful in helping
      to guide vaccination policy when candidate vaccines become available.

PMID- 28094076
TI  - Influenza vaccination in older people with diabetes and their household contacts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of influenza infections and
      severe complications. The vaccination of close contacts could offer indirect
      protection to people with diabetes; this is known as "herd immunity." The aim of
      this study is to investigate the vaccination rates of people with diabetes and
      their household contacts in Hong Kong. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Face-to-face
      interviews with 158 patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and aged ?65years
      were conducted in clinics. Telephone interviews were then conducted with 281
      adult household contacts. RESULTS: Seasonal influenza vaccination rates were
      54.5% and 27.4%, in people with diabetes and their contacts, respectively. The
      vaccination status of patients was not significantly associated with the
      vaccination of their household contacts (p=0.073). Among household contacts,
      children or the elderly, the partners or couples of patients, and those with more
      hours of daily contact, or with chronic conditions, were associated with higher
      vaccination rates. However, only age remained significant after adjusting for
      confounding factors in logistic regression models. CONCLUSIONS: The low
      vaccination rates of people with diabetes and their close contacts highlight the
      need to promote vaccination in susceptible populations and to educate the public
      about herd immunity.

PMID- 28094077
TI  - Human papillomavirus vaccine series completion in boys before and after
      recommendation for routine immunization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of HPV-attributable cancers in males is
      rapidly increasing, HPV vaccine uptake in males remains poor. While quadrivalent
      human papillomavirus vaccine (4vHPV) series initiation in males increased
      following the Advisory Committee Immunization Practices (ACIP) male routine use
      recommendation, its impact on 4vHPV series completion in males at ACIP
      recommended intervals has not been evaluated in large male cohorts. We examined
      trends and correlates of 4vHPV completion since licensure in males in a large
      cohort of insured boys before and after the ACIP routine use recommendation.
      METHODS: We grouped data from electronic medical records of males aged 9-17years
      from Kaiser Permanente Southern California health plan who initiated 4vHPV into 3
      cohorts by 4vHPV initiation date: licensure and ACIP permissive use: 2009-2010;
      addition of anal cancer indication: 2010-2011; ACIP routine use: 2011-2013. We
      estimated adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) between patient and provider
      characteristics and vaccination using Marginal Cox proportional hazards models.
      RESULTS: Of 80,800 boys initiating 4vHPV, 24.3% completed the series within
      12months with minimal differences across cohorts. Completion decreased with
      increasing age at initiation (13-17vs. 11-12year olds: AHR=0.85; 95% confidence
      interval [CI]=0.80, 0.89) and was greater among patients with a primary care
      provider (AHR=1.28, 95%CI=1.17, 1.41), influenza vaccine recipients (AHR=1.50,
      95% CI=1.43, 1.57), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (AHR=1.07, 95% CI=1.00, 1.15),
      and lower among non-Hispanic Blacks (AHR=0.72, 95% CI=0.65, 0.80) and Hispanics
      (AHR=0.86, 95% CI=0.81, 0.90) compared to non-Hispanic Whites. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite the ACIP routine use recommendation in males, 4vHPV series completion
      remained low. 4vHPV initiation at 11-12years and identification of a provider
      responsible for the adolescents' health care may increase 4vHPV series
      completion. Given the rapidly increasing incidence of HPV-related cancers in
      males, it is important to identify measures to increase HPV vaccine series
      completion, particularly among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic males.

PMID- 28094078
TI  - Response to "Reassessing Claims of Non-inferiority of Daptomycin".

PMID- 28094079
TI  - A Stroke Mimic: Methotrexate-induced Neurotoxicity in the Emergency Department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of
      childhood leukemia. The treatment of ALL involves multimodality therapy, and
      methotrexate (MTX) remains a mainstay of treatment. A complication of MTX therapy
      includes acute, subacute, and chronic neurotoxocity. Signs and symptoms may range
      from headaches, dizziness, and mood disorders to seizures and stroke-like
      symptoms. CASE REPORT: An 18-year-old woman with a history of ALL presented to
      the emergency department with acute onset of right-sided facial paralysis, right
      upper extremity flaccid paralysis, and right lower extremity weakness after
      receiving MTX therapy 3 days earlier. Diagnostic studies were unremarkable and
      the patient was treated with oral dextromethorphan for presumed MTX-induced
      neurotoxicity. The patient's symptoms began to improve within hours and she was
      discharged home within 48 hours with no neurologic deficits. WHY SHOULD AN
      EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Emergency physicians should be aware of
      this complication of MTX therapy given the sensitivity in regards to time with
      respect to cerebral vascular accidents. An awareness of this complication in the
      setting of the appropriate history and physical examination can lead to an
      accurate diagnosis and intervention and the avoidance of administering
      thrombolytics.

PMID- 28094080
TI  - Respectful Modeling: Addressing Uncertainty in Dynamic System Models for
      Molecular Biology.
AB  - Although there is still some skepticism in the biological community regarding the
      value and significance of quantitative computational modeling, important steps
      are continually being taken to enhance its accessibility and predictive power. We
      view these developments as essential components of an emerging 'respectful
      modeling' framework which has two key aims: (i) respecting the models themselves
      and facilitating the reproduction and update of modeling results by other
      scientists, and (ii) respecting the predictions of the models and rigorously
      quantifying the confidence associated with the modeling results. This respectful
      attitude will guide the design of higher-quality models and facilitate the use of
      models in modern applications such as engineering and manipulating microbial
      metabolism by synthetic biology.

PMID- 28094081
TI  - Emerging Human Fetuin A Assays for Biomedical Diagnostics.
AB  - Human fetuin A (HFA) plays a prominent pathophysiological role in numerous
      diseases and pathophysiological conditions with considerable biomedical
      significance; one example is the formation of calciprotein particles in
      osteoporosis and impaired calcium metabolisms. With impressive advances in in
      vitro diagnostic assays during the last decade, ELISAs have become a workhorse in
      routine clinical diagnostics. Recent diagnostic formats involve high-sensitivity
      immunoassay procedures, surface plasmon resonance, rapid immunoassay chemistries,
      signal enhancement, and smartphone detection. The current trend is toward fully
      integrated lab-on-chip platforms with smartphone readouts, enabling health-care
      practitioners and even patients to monitor pathological changes in biomarker
      levels. This review provides a critical analysis of advances made in HFA assays
      along with the challenges and future prospects.

PMID- 28094082
TI  - The LMA Fastrach(r) as a conduit for endotracheal intubation during simulated
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

PMID- 28094083
TI  - Unmasking evolutionary diversity among two closely related South African legless
      skink species (Acontinae: Acontias) using molecular data.
AB  - We examined species boundaries among two phylogenetically closely related and
      morphologically similar South African fossorial legless skink species, Acontias
      breviceps and Acontias gracilicauda. Samples of these two species were collected
      throughout their distribution ranges and sequenced for three DNA loci (two
      mitochondrial loci, 16S rRNA and cytochrome b (Cyt b), plus the nuclear locus
      prolactin). Phylogenetic relationships were determined using maximum parsimony,
      Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses of the combined DNA sequence
      data set. The total evidence topology retrieved two paraphyletic clades in both
      Acontias species with strong statistical support. The phylogenetic results
      revealed that A. breviceps specimens from the Eastern Cape Province were basal
      (Clade 1), while the Highveld specimens of A. breviceps from the Mpumalanga
      Province (Clade 2) were retrieved as sister to A. gracilicauda (Clade 1). In
      addition, the A. gracilicauda specimens from the interior of the Northern Cape
      Province (Clade 2) were found embedded within the A. occidentalis species
      complex. These clades were characterised by marked sequence divergence for the
      Cyt b locus. Furthermore, no maternal or nuclear haplotypes were shared between
      clades within both A. breviceps and A. gracilicauda, alluding to genetic and
      reproductive isolation. The results provide overwhelming evidence to assign A.
      breviceps from the Mpumalanga Highveld to a novel species. Further sampling is
      required to accurately delineate species boundaries within A. gracilicauda. The
      conservation implications of our results are briefly discussed.

PMID- 28094084
TI  - Incontinence and psychological symptoms in individuals with Mowat-Wilson
      Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mowat-Wilson Syndrome (MWS) is caused by deletion/mutation of the
      ZEB2 gene on chromosome 2q22. MWS is characterized by a distinctive facial
      appearance, severe intellectual disability and other anomalies, e.g. seizures
      and/or Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Most individuals have a sociable demeanor,
      but one third show psychological problems. AIMS: The aim was to investigate
      incontinence and psychological problems in MWS. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 26
      children (4-12 years), 13 teens (13-17 years) and 8 adults (>18years) were
      recruited through a MWS support group. The Parental Questionnaire:
      Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence, as well as the Developmental Behaviour Checklist
      (DBC) were completed by parents or care-givers. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: 97.7% of
      persons with MWS had incontinence (nocturnal enuresis 74.4%; daytime urinary
      incontinence 76.2%; fecal incontinence 81.4%). Incontinence remained high over
      age groups (children 95.8%, teens 100%, adults 100%). 46.2% of children, 25% of
      teens and 37.5% of adults exceeded the clinical cut-off on the DBC. The ability
      to use the toilet for micturition improved with age. CONCLUSIONS AND
      IMPLICATIONS: MWS incontinence rates are very high. All had physical disabilities
      including anomalies of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract. Due to the
      high prevalence rates, a screening for incontinence and psychological problems in
      MWS is recommended.

PMID- 28094085
TI  - What is the most accurate lymph node staging method for perihilar
      cholangiocarcinoma? Comparison of UICC/AJCC pN stage, number of metastatic lymph
      nodes, lymph node ratio, and log odds of metastatic lymph nodes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We compared the prognostic performance of the International Union
      Against Cancer/American Joint Committee on Cancer (UICC/AJCC) 7th edition pN
      stage, number of metastatic LNs (MLNs), LN ratio (LNR), and log odds of MLNs
      (LODDS) in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCC) undergoing curative
      surgery in order to identify the best LN staging method. METHODS: Ninety-nine
      patients who underwent surgery with curative intent for PCC in a single tertiary
      hepatobiliary referral center were included in the study. Two approaches were
      used to evaluate and compare the predictive power of the different LN staging
      methods: one based on the estimation of variable importance with prediction error
      rate and the other based on the calculation of the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: LN dissection was performed in 92 (92.9%)
      patients; 49 were UICC/AJCC pN0 (49.5%), 33 pN1 (33.3%), and 10 pN2 (10.1%). The
      median number of LNs retrieved was 8. The prediction error rate ranged from 42.7%
      for LODDS to 47.1% for UICC/AJCC pN stage. Moreover, LODDS was the variable with
      the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) for prediction of 3-year survival (AUC
      = 0.71), followed by LNR (AUC = 0.60), number of MLNs (AUC = 0.59), and UICC/AJCC
      pN stage (AUC = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: The number of MLNs, LNR, and LODDS appear to
      better predict survival than the UICC/AJCC pN stage in patients undergoing
      curative surgery for PCC. Moreover, LODDS seems to be the most accurate and
      predictive LN staging method.

PMID- 28094086
TI  - Differentiated and Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Surgical Management of Cervical
      Lymph Nodes.
AB  - Thyroid cancer metastasises to the central and lateral compartments of the neck
      frequently and early. The impact of nodal metastases on outcome is affected by
      the histological subtype of the primary tumour and the patient's age, as well as
      the size, number and location of those metastases. The impact of extranodal
      extension has recently been highlighted as an important prognosticating factor.
      Although clinically evident nodal disease in the lateral neck compartments has a
      significant impact on both survival and recurrence, microscopic metastases to the
      central or the lateral neck in well-differentiated thyroid cancer do not
      significantly affect outcome. Here we discuss the surgical management of neck
      metastases in well-differentiated and medullary thyroid carcinoma.

PMID- 28094087
TI  - [Management of jaundice in the newborn>=35 GW: From screening to follow-up after
      discharge. Guidelines for clinical practice].
AB  - Jaundice due to unconjugated bilirubin is an everyday condition in the neonatal
      period because it results from the adaptation of bilirubin metabolism at this
      time of life. Hyperbilirubinemia has a potential neurotoxicity and although it
      most often resolves spontaneously, it can lead to acute and sometimes chronic
      encephalopathy. The latter condition is called kernicterus and induces severe and
      irreversible neurological sequelae. This rare complication is still reported in
      all countries throughout the world even if severe hyperbilirubinemia can be
      prevented and critical points points of failure in jaundice management are
      identified. Jaundice management are identified, jaundice is the most frequent
      symptom during the first days of life and after discharge from the maternity ward
      but also the major cause of readmission in the 15 first days of life. Therefore
      in the past 20 years, numerous countries have written national practical
      guidelines for the management of neonatal jaundice using various methodologies.
      Most of the time, the guidelines resulted from expert consensus more than from an
      evidence-based argument. The Societe francaise de neonatologie created a working
      group to provide the first French clinical guidelines for the management of
      jaundice in the near-term newborn (35 weeks and more). They were written
      following a physiopathological argument and taking into account both clinical
      risk factors for severe hyperbilirubinemia and interindividual variability in
      vulnerability to bilirubin neurotoxicity. Practical tools were also developed to
      facilitate implementation of the guidelines and are also included.

PMID- 28094088
TI  - Usefulness of multiparametric computerized tomography findings in the
      differential diagnosis of stroke mimics of epileptic origin: A preliminary study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thirty percent of the patients for whom code stroke is activated have
      stroke mimics, the most common being epilepsy. Our purpose was to evaluate the
      usefulness of multiparametric CT for differentiating between seizure-related
      symptoms and vascular events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective
      observational study; data were gathered prospectively during one year. We studied
      multiparametric CT images of patients admitted following code stroke activation
      and finally diagnosed with epilepsy. RESULTS: The study included a total of 11
      patients; 36% were men and mean age was 74.5 years. Three patients had right
      hemisphere syndrome, 4 displayed left hemisphere syndrome, and the remaining 4
      had isolated aphasia. Maximum time from symptom onset to multiparametric CT study
      was 8.16hours. Perfusion CT results were normal in 2 patients. Nine patients
      showed longer or shorter times to peak (Tmax); cerebral blood volume (CBV) and
      cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps varied. EEG was performed a maximum of 47.6hours
      after symptom onset. Four patients showed findings compatible with status
      epilepticus, 2 displayed focal epileptiform activity, and 5 showed post-ictal
      slowing ipsilateral to perfusion CT abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The most sensitive
      parameter for differentiating between stroke and epilepsy in our series was
      increased time to peak in multilobar cortical locations in the absence of large
      vessel occlusion and basal ganglia involvement. Multiparametric CT is a fast,
      readily available, and useful tool for the differential diagnosis of acute-onset
      neurological signs of epileptic origin in patients initially attended after code
      stroke activation.

PMID- 28094089
TI  - Use of emergency medical transport and impact on time to care in patients with
      ischaemic stroke.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: According to numerous studies, using emergency medical services
      (EMS) to transport stroke patients to hospitals decreases diagnostic and
      treatment delays. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of use of EMS by stroke
      patients in Bizkaia (Spain), analyse the factors associated with using EMS, and
      study the impact of EMS on time to care. METHODS: We gathered data from 545
      patients hospitalised for acute ischaemic stroke and recruited consecutively.
      Data were obtained from the patients' medical histories and interviews with the
      patients themselves or their companions. We studied the following variables:
      previous health status, stroke symptoms and severity (NIHSS), type of transport,
      and time to medical care. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to
      identify factors associated with use of EMS and care delays. RESULTS: Patients
      transported to hospital by the EMS accounted for 47.2% of the total. Greater
      stroke severity, arriving at the hospital at night, and poor functional status at
      baseline were found to be independently associated with use of EMS. Use of EMS
      was linked to earlier arrival at the hospital. Door-to-imaging times were shorter
      in the EMS group; however, this association disappeared after adjusting for
      stroke severity. Revascularisation was more frequent among patients transported
      by the EMS. CONCLUSIONS: EMS transport was associated with shorter prehospital
      delays. Effective health education programmes should be developed to promote EMS
      transport for patients with stroke symptoms. In-hospital stroke management should
      also be improved to reduce time to medical care.

PMID- 28094090
TI  - Biogas production from co-digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste
      and fruit and vegetable waste.
AB  - The anaerobic co-digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW)
      and fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) was evaluated in terms of biogas and methane
      yield, volatile solids (VS) removal rate and stability of the process. The batch
      experiment was conducted in mesophilic conditions (35 degrees C), with four
      different OFMSW/FVW ratios (VS basis) of 1/0, 1/1, 1/3, and 0/1. The methane
      yield from the co-digestion was higher than the mono-digestion for OFMSW and FVW.
      The optimal mixing ratio of OFMSW/FVW was found to be 1/3. The average cumulative
      biogas and methane yield in this condition was 493.8NmL/gVS and 396.6NmL/gVS,
      respectively, and the VS removal rate was 54.6%. Compared with the mono-digestion
      of OFMSW and FVW, the average increase in methane yield was 141% and 43.8%,
      respectively.

PMID- 28094091
TI  - Can MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Reasonably Type Bacteria?
AB  - Bacterial typing is crucial to tackle the spread of bacterial pathogens but
      current methods are time-consuming and costly. Matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been recently
      integrated into the microbiology laboratory workflow for a quick and low-cost
      microbial species identification. Independent research groups have successfully
      redirected the original function of this technology from their primary purpose to
      discriminate subgroups within pathogen species. However, identical bacterial
      subgroups could be identified by unrelated peaks by independent methods, thus
      limiting their robustness and exportability. We propose several guidelines that
      could improve the performance of MALDI-TOF MS-based typing methods for use as a
      first-line epidemiological tool.

PMID- 28094092
TI  - Step by Step, Cell by Cell: Quantification of the Bacterial Cell Cycle.
AB  - The Escherichia coli cell cycle is a classic, but we are still missing some of
      its essential aspects. The reason is that our knowledge is mostly based on
      population data, and our grasp of the behavior of single cells is still very
      limited. Today, new dynamic single-cell data promise to overcome this barrier.
      Existing data from single cells have already led to findings and hypotheses that
      challenge standard views, and have raised new questions. Here, we review these
      recent developments and propose that a systematic exploration of the correlation
      patterns between 'cell-cycle intervals' defined by key molecular events measured
      in many single cells could lead to a quantitative characterization of the cell
      cycle in terms of inherent stochasticity and homeostatic controls.

PMID- 28094093
TI  - AChiralPentagonalPolyhedralFramework forCharacterizingVirusCapsidStructures.
AB  - Recent developments of rational strategies for the design of antiviral therapies,
      including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), have naturally relied extensively on
      available viral structural information. As new strategies continue to be
      developed, it is equally important to continue to refine our understanding and
      interpretation of viral structural data. There are known limitations to the
      traditional (Caspar-Klug) theory for describing virus capsid structures that
      involves subdividing a capsid into triangular subunits. In this context, we
      describe a more general polyhedral framework for describing virus capsid
      structures that is able to account for many of these limitations, including a
      more thorough characterization of intersubunit interfaces. Additionally, our use
      of pentagonal subunits instead of triangular ones accounts for the intrinsic
      chirality observed in all capsids. In conjunction with the existing theory, the
      framework presented here provides a more complete picture of a capsid's structure
      and therefore can help contribute to the development of more effective antiviral
      strategies.

PMID- 28094094
TI  - SIRA+P: Development and Testing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the development of a new skin risk assessment scale
      called Skin Injury Risk Assessment and Prevention (SIRA+P) and to establish
      initial reliability and validity of the scale among patients ranging in age from
      birth, including pre-term, to adulthood, regardless of age or acuity of illness.
      STUDY DESIGN: The single-site study was a retrospective chart review to evaluate
      the measurement properties of SIRA+P. Charts of 385 patients of all ages and in
      all units (including the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units) of a free
      standing children's hospital were included. Concurrent validity was assessed with
      scales having previously established reliability and validity. For subjects
      <30days of age, the comparison scale was the Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale
      (NSRAS); for subjects 31days through 17years, the Braden Q Scale (Braden Q) was
      used; and for subjects 18years and older, the Braden Scale (Braden) was used.
      Interrater reliability was examined using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients
      (ICC). Concurrent validity procedures compared SIRA+P with NSRAS, Braden Q, and
      Braden using Pearson Correlation Coefficients. RESULTS: Interrater reliability
      for SIRA+P was very high (0.878). SIRA+P strongly correlated with the NSRAS
      (0.725), the Braden Q (-0.634), and the Braden (-0.778). CONCLUSION: SIRA+P is
      designed to be used within the EHR and includes nursing decision support to guide
      pressure injury prevention interventions for specific skin integrity risks.
      SIRA+P has good interrater reliability, is valid across all age groups and
      accounts for device-related pressure.

PMID- 28094096
TI  - Component columella augmentation in cleft nose rhinoplasty: a preliminary study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a component columella
      augmentation technique in cleft nose rhinoplasty. This prospective study included
      rhinoplasty procedures in bilateral cleft nose patients treated by component
      columella augmentation technique. After surgery, all patients were followed up
      daily for the first week, and then at 1 month and 6 months postoperative. The
      following four parameters were assessed: nasal tip projection, infratip lobule
      length, infratip lobule-to-base distance, and columella-labial angle. Thirteen
      rhinoplasty patients were included. Tip projection was increased (5.6+/-3.5mm) in
      all cases postoperatively (P<0.05); the increase was seen mostly in the lobule-to
      base length (4.5+/-0.4mm), with a minimal change in lobule length (1.1+/-3.6mm).
      Preoperative and postoperative lobule lengths were not statistically different
      (P>0.05). With this technique, it is not necessary to involve the upper and lower
      lips. Therefore, the non-aesthetic vertical scars and tissue distortion that may
      occur with local flaps are easily avoided. Compared to composite augmentation,
      each part of the deformity (cartilage and skin) is precisely and separately
      restored with this technique.

PMID- 28094095
TI  - Analysis of stereoselective drug interactions with serum proteins by high
      performance affinity chromatography: A historical perspective.
AB  - The interactions of drugs with serum proteins are often stereoselective and can
      affect the distribution, activity, toxicity and rate of excretion of these drugs
      in the body. A number of approaches based on affinity chromatography, and
      particularly high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC), have been used as
      tools to study these interactions. This review describes the general principles
      of affinity chromatography and HPAC as related to their use in drug binding
      studies. The types of serum agents that have been examined with these methods are
      also discussed, including human serum albumin, alpha1-acid glycoprotein, and
      lipoproteins. This is followed by a description of the various formats based on
      affinity chromatography and HPAC that have been used to investigate drug
      interactions with serum proteins and the historical development for each of these
      formats. Specific techniques that are discussed include zonal elution, frontal
      analysis, and kinetic methods such as those that make use of band-broadening
      measurements, peak decay analysis, or ultrafast affinity extraction.

PMID- 28094097
TI  - Diverse genotypes of Bradyrhizobium nodulate herbaceous Chamaecrista (Moench)
      (Fabaceae, Caesalpinioideae) species in Brazil.
AB  - The genus Chamaecrista comprises more than 330 species which are mainly
      distributed across tropical America, especially in Brazil (256 spp.), the main
      center of radiation. In this study, nodulation of herbaceous Chamaecrista species
      that are commonly found growing in different vegetation types in the north
      eastern Brazilian state of Bahia was assessed together with the diversity of
      rhizobia isolated from their root nodules. Genetic characterization of the
      isolates was performed using molecular markers to examine the phylogeny of their
      "core" (16S rRNA, ITS, recA, glnII, dnaK and gyrB) and symbiosis-related (nifH,
      nodC) genomes. Nodule morphology, anatomy and ultrastructure were also examined,
      as was the capacity of the isolates to form nodules on Chamaecrista desvauxii and
      siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum). Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences
      demonstrated that the isolates belonged to seven clusters within the genus
      Bradyrhizobium, and more detailed analyses using sequences of the ITS region and
      concatenated housekeeping genes grouped the Chamaecrista rhizobia by vegetation
      type and plant species. These analyses also suggested some potentially novel
      Bradyrhizobium species, which was corroborated by analyses of their nifH and nodC
      sequences, as these formed separated branches from all Bradyrhizobium type
      strains. All the 47 strains tested produced effective nodules on C. desvauxii but
      none on siratro. Chamaecrista nodules are herein described for the first time in
      detail: they are indeterminate and structurally similar to others described in
      the Caesalpinioideae, with infection threads in the invasion and nitrogen
      fixation zones, and with both infected and uninfected (interstitial) cells in the
      nitrogen fixation zone.

PMID- 28094098
TI  - Altered balance of epidermis-related chemokines in epidermolysis bullosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a congenital, refractory skin disease
      and there are no fundamental treatments. Recently, allogenic cell therapies are
      beginning to be applied as potential treatments, that are based on the concept
      that the allogenic cells can migrate into the skin and reconstitute the skin
      components. Although the mechanisms of cell migration into skin are not fully
      understood, chemokines are regarded as key factors in recruiting bone marrow
      derived cells. OBJECTIVES: Our study aims to elucidate the expression of
      chemokines in the EB patients. METHODS: We determined the expression of wound
      healing related chemokines in the sera, keratinocytes, and skin tissues of EB
      patients and compared them to those of healthy volunteers by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and
      immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: The serum levels of CXCL12 and HMGB1 were
      found to be significantly elevated in the EB patients. Conversely, the serum
      levels of CCL21 were found to be lower in the EB patients than in healthy
      controls. In addition, the serum levels of CXCL12 tended to increase and the
      serum levels of CCL27 tended to decrease with an increase in the affected body
      surface areas. To detect the origin of the circulating chemokines, we performed
      immunofluorescence staining. CCL21, CCL27, HMGB1 and CXCL12 were stained more
      broadly in the EB patient tissues than those in the control tissues. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results suggest that fluctuations in chemokine levels may contribute in a
      coordinated way to the wound-healing process and lend clues toward efficient cell
      therapies for EB.

PMID- 28094099
TI  - Association between -1082 A/G polymorphism in IL-10 and oral lichen planus: A
      meta-analysis.

PMID- 28094100
TI  - Inhibition of collagen production by ICG-001, a small molecule inhibitor for
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, in skin fibroblasts.

PMID- 28094101
TI  - Retinoic Acid and Immune Homeostasis: A Balancing Act.
AB  - In the immune system, the vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA) is known for
      its role in inducing gut-homing molecules in T and B cells, inducing regulatory T
      cells (Tregs), and promoting tolerance. However, it was suggested that RA can
      have a broad spectrum of effector functions depending on the local
      microenvironment. Under specific conditions, RA can also promote an inflammatory
      environment. We discuss the dual role of RA in immune responses and how this
      might be regulated. Furthermore, we focus on the role of RA in autoimmune
      diseases and whether RA might be used as a therapeutic agent.

PMID- 28094103
TI  - Characterization of particulate matter binding peptides screened from phage
      display.
AB  - Particulate matter (PM), especially particulates with diameters of less than 2.5
      MUm, can penetrate the alveolar region and increase the risk of respiratory
      diseases. This has stimulated research efforts to develop detection methods so
      that counter measures can be taken. In this study, four PM binding peptides were
      obtained by phage display and binding characteristics of these peptides were
      investigated using the peptide array. The strongest binding peptide,
      WQDFGAVRSTRS, displayed a binding property, measured in terms of spot intensity,
      11.4 times higher than that of the negative control, AAAAA. Inductively coupled
      plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) analysis of the transition metal compounds in
      the PM bound to the peptide spots was performed, and two peptides showed higher
      binding towards Cu and Zn compounds in PM. These results suggest that the
      screened peptides could serve as an indicator of transition metal compounds,
      which are related to adverse health effects, contained in PM.

PMID- 28094102
TI  - Single-Cell Genomics: Approaches and Utility in Immunology.
AB  - Single-cell genomics offers powerful tools for studying immune cells, which make
      it possible to observe rare and intermediate cell states that cannot be resolved
      at the population level. Advances in computer science and single-cell sequencing
      technology have created a data-driven revolution in immunology. The challenge for
      immunologists is to harness computing and turn an avalanche of quantitative data
      into meaningful discovery of immunological principles, predictive models, and
      strategies for therapeutics. Here, we review the current literature on
      computational analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data and discuss underlying
      assumptions, methods, and applications in immunology, and highlight important
      directions for future research.

PMID- 28094104
TI  - Zolpidem in movement disorders after cardiac arrest.

PMID- 28094105
TI  - Sonographic alteration of substantia nigra is related to parkinsonism-predominant
      course of X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: X-linked recessive dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP, DYT3) is highly
      prevalent in the Philippines and manifests with varying phenotype. We sought to
      evaluate the significance of transcranial brain sonography as a biomarker for
      parkinsonism-predominant phenotype. METHODS: 90 Filipino participants were
      enrolled into a cross-sectional study: 39 patients with XDP, 21 asymptomatic
      first-degree relatives of XDP patients, and 30 healthy control subjects.
      Echogenicity of the substantia nigra and the lenticular nuclei was digitally
      quantified. Brain sonography data were compared with video-based clinical
      assessment, genetic status and pedigree charts. RESULTS: The majority of patients
      had hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra (79%) and/or the lenticular nuclei
      (81%). Disease duration correlated with echointensity of lenticular nuclei
      (Pearson test, r = 0.55, p = 0.029) but not substantia nigra (p = 0.31). Abnormal
      substantia-nigra hyperechogenicity was more frequent in patients with prominent
      parkinsonism (100%) compared to those without (68%; chi2 test, p = 0.035). The
      grading of substantia-nigra echogenicity (normal/increased) in patients was in
      all cases identical to that in their respective asymptomatic relatives. All
      patients with "familial" substantia-nigra normoechogenicity presented with a
      phenotype of predominant dystonia and only mild parkinsonism. In turn, "familial"
      substantia-nigra hyperechogenicity indicated a phenotype with moderate to severe
      parkinsonism (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 67%; Fisher test, p = 0.021).
      CONCLUSION: Findings imply early alteration of the substantia nigra in XDP
      mutation carriers prone to develop parkinsonism. Thus, substantia-nigra
      hyperechogenicity may be regarded as a preclinical risk marker of parkinsonism
      predominant XDP. Furthermore, this biomarker is clustered in some families
      suggesting the existence of one or more genetic co-factors influencing the
      phenotype of the disease.

PMID- 28094106
TI  - Expanded phenotype and hippocampal involvement in a novel compound heterozygosity
      of adult PLA2G6 associated neurodegeneration (PARK14).

PMID- 28094107
TI  - Drug eruption caused by esomeprazole: A case report and mini-review.

PMID- 28094108
TI  - Analysis of primary treatment and prognosis of spontaneous urticaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis of spontaneous urticaria in association with early
      treatment remains unclear. In this study, we retrospectively studied the
      prognosis of acute spontaneous urticaria in relation to age and treatments in a
      local clinic of dermatology. METHODS: Out of 5000 patients who visited an office
      dermatology clinic, clinical records of patients with spontaneous urticaria were
      extracted. Their prognosis and the relation to age and treatments were analyzed
      by the Kaplan-Meier method and generalized Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Among 386
      patients diagnosed with spontaneous urticaria, 284 patients (73.6%) began
      treatments within a week after the onset. Their non-remission rates after one
      week, four weeks and one year from the onset were 26.8%, 15.0% and 6.7%,
      respectively. The non-remission rates of patients who were 20-years-old or
      younger by one year after the onset of urticaria, were significantly lower than
      those of patients older than 20-years-old. No apparent relationship between
      remission rates and sex or the use of steroids was detected. However, the non
      remission rates of urticaria treated with a standard dose of antihistamine were
      lower than that treated with additional medications. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients
      who began treatments within one week from the onset remitted quickly. However
      approximately 7% of them continued to suffer from symptoms for more than a year.
      Such prolongation tended to be seen among patients who required other medications
      in addition to a standard dose of antihistamine.

PMID- 28094109
TI  - Significant changes in the 6th edition of FACT-JACIE standards affecting
      apheresis facilities.
AB  - FACT-JACIE cellular therapy standards are being revised every 3years and
      currently in their 6th edition. Significant changes in the 6th edition of the
      standards that affect apheresis facilities participating in cellular therapy
      product collections are presented.

PMID- 28094110
TI  - Use of convalescent plasma in Ebola virus infection.
AB  - The recent Ebola virus epidemics which threatened three West African countries
      (Dec.2014-Apr.2016) has urged global collaborative health organizations and
      countries to set up measures to stop the infection and to treat patients, near
      half of them being at risk of death. Convalescent plasma-recovered from rescued
      West Africans-was considered a feasible therapeutic option. Efficacy was
      difficult to evaluate because of numerous unknowns (especially evolution of
      neutralizing antibodies), prior to the cessation of active transmission. This
      raises a large body of questions spanning epidemiological, virological,
      immunological but also ethical, sociological and anthropological aspects,
      alongside with public health concerns, in order to be better prepared to the next
      outbreak. This essay summarizes efforts made by a large number of groups
      worldwide, and attempts to address still unanswered questions on the benefit of
      specific versus non-specific plasma on altered-leaking-vascular endothelia in
      Ebola infection.

PMID- 28094111
TI  - Rupture of the stem cell bag before stem cell infusion: Evolving standard
      operating procedures.
AB  - The lives of recipients of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) depend upon
      the availability of PBPC. Rupture of stem cell bags does occur and can have
      devastating consequences. Each transplant center should agree on a rescue
      procedure and train its personnel to use it. We provide an example of such a
      procedure, and its update after the procedure was used for the first time.

PMID- 28094112
TI  - Extracorporeal photopheresis for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after
      allogeneic stem cell transplant: An emerging therapeutic approach?
AB  - Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the main manifestation of pulmonary
      GVHD. It has often a dramatic and fast evolution and current treatment (change or
      increase in immunosuppression, macrolides and inhaled therapy) is poor with high
      mortality rates. In this scenario, extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) bursts as a
      new immunomodulatory approach with a different philosophical purpose. In fact,
      available data show that ECP treatment is intended to delay the inflammatory
      process and consequently respiratory lung function decline, rather than reverse
      the damage itself. Preliminary results reported in literature show that ECP may
      effectively improve/slow lung function decline in cGVHD patients with BOS after
      standard treatment failure. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of
      ECP, assess the optimal schedule and consider it for early treatment.

PMID- 28094114
TI  - The quality of oncology nursing care: A cross sectional survey in three countries
      in Europe.
AB  - PURPOSE: The increase in patients diagnosed with and living with cancer calls for
      the provision of quality nursing care within this paradigm, one that can reflect
      the complex needs of the patient that cancer and its treatments induce. The study
      aimed to evaluate the quality of oncology nursing care, as perceived, by
      hospitalized cancer patients in three European countries. METHODS: This was a
      cross-sectional descriptive study. In-patients diagnosed with cancer were
      selected based on explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected
      with the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale- QONCS, comprising of 34 items
      grouped in 5 domains. Sociodemographic data was also retrieved. RESULTS: The
      sample included 610 patients receiving care in 2 hospitals in Cyprus (n = 274), 1
      hospital in Greece (n = 144) and 2 hospitals in the Czech Republic (n = 192).
      Statistically significant differences were found between the three countries and
      across all domains of the QONCS, with the exception of the spiritual and
      religious care (p = 0.136). Age and days of treatment produced statistically
      significant differences across all the domains of the QONCS, whilst gender did
      not produced any statistically significant differences (p ranged from (0.136
      0.369). CONCLUSION: This is one of the first studies that provide evidence on the
      Quality of Nursing Care delivered to patients diagnosed with cancer in various
      European countries. Discrepancies were found between the participating countries.
      However, the provision of spiritual and religious care by the nurses received the
      lowest scores across the three participating countries.

PMID- 28094116
TI  - A qualitative study about experiences and emotions of emergency medical
      technicians and out-of-hospital emergency nurses after performing cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation resulting in death.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences, emotions and coping skills among emergency
      medical technicians and emergency nurses after performing out-of-hospital
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres resulting in death. METHOD: An
      exploratory qualitative research was performed. Seven emergency medical
      technicians and six emergency nurses were selected by non-probability sampling
      among emergency medical system workers. The meetings took place up to information
      saturation, achieved after six individual interviews and a focal group. The
      meetings were then transcribed and a manual and inductive analysis of the
      contents performed. MAIN RESULTS: After a failed resuscitation several short and
      long-term reactions appear. They can be negatives, such as sadness or
      uncertainty, or positives, such as the feeling of having done everything possible
      to save the patient's life. Emotional stress increases when ambulance staff have
      to talk with the deceased's family or when the patient is a child. The workers
      don't know of a coping strategy other than talking about their emotions with
      their colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Death after a failed resuscitation can be viewed
      as a traumatic experience for rescuers. Being in contact with the suffering of
      others is an emotional, stress-generating factor with direct repercussions on the
      working and personal lives of emergency staff. Nevertheless, structured coping
      techniques are not common among those professionals.

PMID- 28094115
TI  - Oxidative stress and antioxidant response in a thermotolerant yeast.
AB  - Stress tolerance is a key attribute that must be considered when using yeast
      cells for industrial applications. High temperature is one factor that can cause
      stress in yeast. High environmental temperature in particular may exert a natural
      selection pressure to evolve yeasts into thermotolerant strains. In the present
      study, three yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, MC4, and Kluyveromyces marxianus,
      OFF1 and SLP1) isolated from hot environments were exposed to increased
      temperatures and were then compared with a laboratory yeast strain. Their
      resistance to high temperature, oxidative stress, and antioxidant response were
      evaluated, along with the fatty acid composition of their cell membranes. The
      SLP1 strain showed a higher specific growth rate, biomass yield, and biomass
      volumetric productivity while also showing lower duplication time, reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production, and lipid peroxidation. In addition, the SLP1
      strain demonstrated more catalase activity after temperature was increased, and
      this strain also showed membranes enriched in saturated fatty acids. It is
      concluded that the SLP1 yeast strain is a thermotolerant yeast with less
      oxidative stress and a greater antioxidant response. Therefore, this strain could
      be used for fermentation at high temperatures.

PMID- 28094117
TI  - Maternal Weight after Childbirth versus Aging-Related Weight Changes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnancy weight gain is believed to contribute to female overweight
      and obesity. However, most studies do not account for the changes in body weight
      expected to occur as women age. We examined the long-term weight trajectory of
      childbearing women relative to weight progression that could be expected in the
      absence of pregnancy. METHODS: From the hospital records of 32,187 women with two
      births in Wisconsin during 2006 to 2013, we extracted the maternal weight at
      pregravid, delivery, and subsequent pregravid. We predicted the corresponding
      aging-progressed weights using a weight-for-age equation adjusted for
      sociodemographic variables. Nonparametric mixed effects models estimated the
      average maternal weight trajectory and the corresponding aging-related
      progression through 5 years after birth. RESULTS: The estimated aging-related
      progression predicted a gradual annual weight increase of 1.94 pounds (95%
      confidence interval 1.90-1.98), from 152.79 pounds at pregravid to 163.76 pounds
      by 5 years after birth. Actual maternal weight followed a sinusoidal pattern:
      increasing during gestation, decreasing during the first postbirth year,
      converging with the aging-related progression during the second postbirth year,
      and then increasing at 2.89 pounds (95% confidence interval 2.23-3.55) annually
      and diverging upward from the aging-related progression to 168.03 pounds by 5
      years after birth. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy weight gain did not contribute to the
      aging-related trend, but lifestyle changes of parenthood may later exacerbate the
      long-term trend.

PMID- 28094118
TI  - Receipt of public assistance during childhood and hypertension risk in adulthood.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined if receipt of public assistance during childhood lowered
      risk for hypertension by mid-life in a cohort of African Americans in the
      Southeastern United States. METHODS: We used multiple logistic regression models
      to assess the relationship between receipt of public assistance during childhood
      and adult hypertension among 405 male and 737 female adult participants enrolled
      between 1988 and 2001 in the Pitt County Study, a community-based prospective
      cohort study of African Americans in North Carolina. Statistical analyses were
      adjusted for child and adult sociodemographic measures as well as adult
      psychosocial and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: Women who grew up in economically
      disadvantaged families and who received public assistance during childhood had a
      66% decreased odds of hypertension by mid-life compared with women similarly
      disadvantaged in childhood but who did not receive public assistance, odds ratio
      = 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.14-0.83. No association was observed for
      African American men. CONCLUSIONS: Receipt of anti-poverty federal assistance
      during childhood was associated with reduced risk for hypertension by mid-life
      among African American women. It is possible that social expenditures on public
      assistance programs for families in need could produce long-term health benefits
      for children.

PMID- 28094119
TI  - [Safety of repeat median sternotomy in the palliative treatment of patients with
      a univentricular heart].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the morbidity and mortality of patients with
      univentricular hearts who underwent a repeat median sternotomy at the Instituto
      Nacional de Pediatria. METHOD: A retrospective review was performed on the
      clinical charts of all patients who underwent a repeat median sternotomy from
      2001 to 2016. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients underwent 76 surgeries by repeat
      median sternotomy. Fifty-nine patients had a first repeat median sternotomy, with
      a mean age of 36 months (range: 4-176 months) and a mean weight of 12.2 kg
      (range: 3.2-21.5 kg). Forty patients had a Glenn procedure, and 19 patients had a
      Fontan procedure. There were 17 patients with a second repeat median sternotomy,
      with a mean age of 89 months (range 48-156 months), and a mean weight of 22.7 kg
      (14.4-41 kg). A Fontan procedure was performed on all these 17 patients. A
      section of the right coronary artery with electrocardiographic changes and a
      right atrium tear that caused hypotension occurred during first repeat
      sternotomy. An aortic tear occurred during a second repeat sternotomy with
      massive bleeding and subsequent death. This represents 3.9% of re-entry injuries.
      CONCLUSION: It is concluded that repeat median sternotomy is a safe procedure.

PMID- 28094120
TI  - Omalizumab-associated eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg
      Strauss syndrome).

PMID- 28094121
TI  - Mealtime behavior among parents and their young children with food allergy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food allergies are increasingly prevalent in the pediatric
      population. Balancing allergen avoidance with the promotion of healthy eating
      behaviors can be challenging for families. OBJECTIVE: To characterize mealtime
      behaviors among parents of young children with food allergy. METHODS: Seventy
      four parents of young children with food allergies (<=7 years of age) completed
      measures of mealtime behavior, perceptions of food allergy risk and severity,
      pediatric parenting stress, and food allergy-related quality of life. Mealtime
      behavior reports were compared with published data regarding typically developing
      children, young children with type 1 diabetes, and children with diagnosed
      feeding disorders (with or without related medical factors). RESULTS: Parents of
      young children with food allergies reported frequent mealtime concerns.
      Specifically, they reported significantly more mealtime behavioral concerns than
      typically developing peers, comparable mealtime behavioral concerns to young
      children with type 1 diabetes, and significantly fewer mealtime behavioral
      concerns than children with diagnosed feeding disorders. Parental mealtime
      concerns were positively correlated with other parent perceptions of food
      allergy, such as risk of allergen exposure, illness-related parenting stress, and
      food allergy-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Young children with food
      allergy and their parents are more likely to exhibit mealtime behavioral concerns
      than typically developing peers and their parents. Future research should
      investigate the effect of food allergies and maladaptive mealtime behaviors on
      children's nutrition to provide clinical guidelines for parents who may benefit
      from psychosocial and/or nutritional support.

PMID- 28094122
TI  - Cardiac Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning: Mechanistic and Clinical
      Considerations.
AB  - Brief, non-harmful ischaemic insults to an organ remote from the heart, remote
      ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC), has been proposed to confer protection to the
      heart against ischaemia-reperfusion injury. While most clinical trials of RIPC
      during coronary interventions (PCI) suggest benefit, recent large, multicentre
      trials in coronary artery bypass surgery suggest a lack of efficacy.
      Mechanistically, RIPC most likely promotes the release of circulating factors
      which modulate multiple cellular pathways in the heart, promoting cell survival.
      This review explores potential mechanisms underlying RIPC and includes a
      contemporary evaluation of clinical studies in PCI and cardiac surgery,
      highlighting methodological differences which may explain discrepant findings
      between these two clinical groups.

PMID- 28094123
TI  - Myocardial and Serum Galectin-3 Expression Dynamics Marks Post-Myocardial
      Infarction Cardiac Remodelling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) causes significant changes in
      cardiac morphology and function. Galectin-3 is a novel and potentially
      therapeutically important mediator of cardiac remodelling. Myocardial and serum
      galectin-3 expression dynamics in response to the early cardiovascular outcomes
      after acute MI are not fully elucidated. METHODS: We first performed a
      comprehensive longitudinal microarray analyses in mice after acute MI. We then
      measured the serum levels of galectin-3 in a translational porcine model of
      coronary microembolism-induced post-ischaemic cardiac remodelling. We validated
      our pre-clinical studies in humans by measuring serum galectin-3 levels of 52
      patients with acute ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and 11 healthy controls. We analysed
      galectin-3 data in relation to the development of major adverse cardiovascular
      outcomes (MACO). RESULTS: Of the 9,753 genes profiled at infarcted and remote
      myocardium at eight different time points, dynamic myocardial overexpression of
      galectin-3 mRNA was detected. In a pig model of diffuse myocardial damage and
      cardiac remodelling, galectin-3 localised to the areas of tissue damage and
      myocardial fibrosis, with proportionate increase of their serum galectin-3
      expression levels. In humans, increased serum galectin-3 level was associated
      with in-hospital MACO. CONCLUSIONS: In this translational study, we demonstrated
      that galectin-3 is dynamically overexpressed in response to acute MI-induced
      cardiac remodelling. Elevated galectin-3 levels are associated with the
      development of in-hospital MACO.

PMID- 28094124
TI  - Quality control in QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube for screening latent tuberculosis
      infection in health care workers.
AB  - QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube has been used for screening latent tuberculosis
      infection in newly employed health care workers in Japan. There have been a few
      studies concerning quality control. We retrospectively analysed QuantiFERON-TB
      gold in-tube results in a hospital in Japan. Interferon-gamma values in three
      blood collection tubes for QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube were analysed in
      association with the positivity rate. The data set consisted of health care
      workers aged 20-29 years during the 7 years between 2010 and 2016. The yearly
      QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube positivity rate was 0.9%, 16.4%, 3.0%, 39.3%, 2.8%,
      0.9% and 1.5%, and was extremely high in 2011 and 2013. The interferon-gamma
      values in the tuberculosis antigen tube were elevated in these two years, as
      indicated by higher median and wider interquartile range. The interferon-gamma
      value in the negative control tube was also higher in 2011. The higher interferon
      gamma values in collection tubes (tuberculosis antigen tube and/or negative
      control tube) resulted in higher QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube positivity rate. The
      distribution of interferon-gamma in tuberculosis antigen tube and negative
      control tube, as evaluated by median and interquartile range, proved to be an
      effective index for the quality control of QuantiFERON-TB gold in-tube.

PMID- 28094125
TI  - Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation of M1 reduces corticospinal
      excitability without distorting sensorimotor integration in humans.

PMID- 28094126
TI  - Prevalence of Neuroendocrine Tumors in Patients With Cyanotic Congenital Heart
      Disease.

PMID- 28094127
TI  - Reply to: Catecholamine in Takotsubo syndrome.

PMID- 28094128
TI  - Lessons from contemporary trials of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation:
      A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses of cardiac rehabilitation trials up to 2010 showed a
      significant reduction in all-cause mortality but many of these trials were
      conducted before the modern management of acute coronary syndromes. METHODS: We
      undertook a meta-analysis of contemporary randomised controlled trials published
      in the period 2010 to 2015, including patients with other forms of
      atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, to investigate the impact of
      cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation on hard outcomes including survival.
      RESULTS: 18 trials randomising 7691 patients to cardiovascular prevention and
      rehabilitation or usual care were selected. All-cause mortality was not reduced
      (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.14), but cardiovascular mortality was by 58% (95% CI
      0.21, 0.88). Myocardial infarction was also reduced by 30% (95% CI 0.54, 0.91)
      and cerebrovascular events by 60% (95% CI 0.22, 0.74). Comprehensive programmes
      managing six or more risk factors reduced all-cause mortality in a subgroup
      analysis (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.43, 0.93) but those managing less did not. In the
      three programmes that prescribed and monitored cardioprotective medications for
      blood pressure and lipids all-cause mortality was also reduced (RR 0.35, 95% CI
      0.18, 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation programmes
      managing six or more risk factors, and those prescribing and monitoring
      medications within programmes to lower blood pressure and lipids, continue to
      reduce all-cause mortality. In addition, these comprehensive programmes not only
      reduced cardiovascular mortality and myocardial infarction but also, for the
      first time, cerebrovascular events, and all these outcomes across a broader
      spectrum of patients with atherosclerotic disease.

PMID- 28094129
TI  - Le-Compte maneuver in surgical correction of absent pulmonary valve. Does it
      improve severe bronchial compression?

PMID- 28094130
TI  - Acute systolic heart failure with normal admission BNP: clinical features and
      outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with
      acute systolic heart failure (HF) and normal admission B-type natriuretic peptide
      (BNP) has not been previously explored. METHODS: Using the ESCAPE trial data, we
      compared patients with acute HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
      <=30% who have either normal or elevated BNP on the day of hospitalization. The
      study endpoints were 30-day and 6-month mortality, all-cause rehospitalization
      and rehospitalization for HF. RESULTS: Among 347 patients with acute systolic HF,
      43 had normal (mean 50.6pg/mL) and 304 had elevated admission BNP (mean
      1144pg/mL). Compared with patients with elevated BNP, those with normal admission
      BNP were younger (51.5 vs. 56.8years, P=0.01), with higher body mass index (33.6
      vs. 28.7kg/m2, P<0.0001), lower frequency of ischemic etiology for heart disease
      (20.9% vs. 51.7%, P<0.001), lower blood urea nitrogen (29.1 vs. 36.3mg/dL,
      P=0.005) and creatinine (1.34 vs. 1.52mg/dL, P=0.038) levels, higher LVEF (25.5%
      vs. 19.1%, P=0.018), higher cardiac index (2.34 vs. 1.96, P=0.013), and better
      diastolic function evident by lower E/A ratio (1.73 vs. 2.67, P=0.001) and longer
      deceleration of E velocity (166 vs. 141ms, P=0.028). There was no difference
      between patients with normal or elevated admission BNP with regards to the degree
      of congestion. There were no differences between both groups in post-discharge
      hard endpoints such as 30-day (P=0.101) and 6-month (P=0.143) mortality,
      rehospitalization for any cause (P=0.992) or for HF (P=0.763). CONCLUSION:
      Patients hospitalized with acute systolic HF and normal admission BNP had no
      significant differences in the degree of congestion and post-discharge outcomes
      compared with those with elevated BNP. A normal BNP in this instance was not
      valuable for diagnostic or prognostic purposes.

PMID- 28094131
TI  - Prognostic significance of serial high-sensitivity troponin I measurements
      following acute cardiac decompensation-correlation with longer-term clinical
      outcomes and reverse remodelling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the correlation of levels of and changes in
      serial high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hsTnI) with subsequent clinical event
      rates and changes in cardiac morphology and function in patients hospitalized for
      acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: HsTnI levels
      were determined in 875 ADHF patients before discharge from hospital (baseline
      cohort) and clinical outcomes assessed after 180days. HsTnI was re-measured at
      180days in 456/875 patients (follow-up cohort). Follow-up hsTnI values were
      grouped according to baseline hsTnI tertiles; echocardiographic changes from 0
      180days and event rates from 180-540days were assessed in these subgroups. At
      baseline and 180-day follow-up, hsTnI levels were elevated (>0.06ng/mL) in
      322/875 (37%) and 68/456 (15%) patients, respectively. At 180days, 85/875
      patients (9.7%) had died (cardiovascular causes: 56/875 [6.4%]). Hazard ratios
      (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality
      (per two-fold hsTnI increase) were 1.2 (1.0-1.3; p=0.004) and 1.2 (1.1-1.4;
      p=0.001), respectively. In the follow-up cohort, 35/456 patients (7.7%) died
      between days 180 and 540 (cardiovascular death: 20/456, 4.4%). HsTnI was a
      significant predictor of cardiovascular re-hospitalization within 180-540days (HR
      1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.4; p=0.028). Patients with hsTnI in the lowest tertile at
      follow-up had more frequent and more pronounced reverse cardiac remodelling on
      echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated baseline hsTnI was common and associated
      with adverse clinical outcomes. Changes in hsTnI from baseline to 180-day follow
      up predicted longer-term risk. Low or decreasing hsTnI was associated with better
      reverse cardiac remodelling and more favourable long-term outcomes. CLINICAL
      TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com. Unique identifier:
      ISRCTN23325295.

PMID- 28094132
TI  - Cardiovascular maladaptation to exercise in young hypertensive patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impairment of the adaptive mechanisms that increase cardiac output
      during exercise can translate to a reduced functional capacity. We investigated
      cardiovascular adaptation to exertion in asymptomatic hypertensive patients,
      aiming to identify the early signs of cardiac and vascular dysfunction. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We enrolled 54 subjects: 30 patients (45.1+/-11.9years, 19 males)
      and 24 age-matched healthy controls (44.4+/-9.6years, 14 males). Speckle-tracking
      echocardiography (STE) and echo-tracking were performed at rest and during
      exertion to assess myocardial deformation and arterial stiffness. RESULTS: E/E'
      increased from rest to peak exercise more in patients than in controls (peak
      stage: p=0.024). Global longitudinal strain increased significantly from rest to
      peak stage in controls (p=0.011) whereas it remained unchanged in patients
      (p=0.777). Left atrial (LA) reservoir was significantly increased throughout the
      exercise only in controls (p=0.001) whereas it was almost unchanged in patients
      (p=0.293). LA stiffness was significantly higher in patients than in controls
      both at rest (p=0.023) and during exercise (p<0.001). Beta index and pulse wave
      velocity (PWV) increased during exercise in both groups, showing higher values in
      patients in each step. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a more pronounced
      maladaptation during exercise, with respect to rest, of the cardiovascular system
      with impaired cardiac-vessel coupling in hypertensive patients compared to
      healthy subjects. Exercise echocardiography implemented by STE and echo-tracking
      is invaluable in the early detection of these cardiovascular abnormalities.

PMID- 28094134
TI  - Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening After CARES: A Community Program for
      Immigrant and Marginalized Women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Marginalized populations such as immigrants and refugees are less
      likely to receive cancer screening. Cancer Awareness: Ready for Education and
      Screening (CARES), a multifaceted community-based program in Toronto, Canada,
      aimed to improve breast and cervical screening among marginalized women. This
      matched cohort study assessed the impact of CARES on cervical and mammography
      screening among under-screened/never screened (UNS) attendees. METHODS:
      Provincial administrative data collected from 1998 to 2014 and provided in 2015
      were used to match CARES participants who were age eligible for screening to
      three controls matched for age, geography, and pre-education screening status.
      Dates of post-education Pap and mammography screening up to June 30, 2014 were
      determined. Analysis in 2016 compared screening uptake and time to screening for
      UNS participants and controls. RESULTS: From May 15, 2012 to October 31, 2013, a
      total of 1,993 women attended 145 educational sessions provided in 20 languages.
      Thirty-five percent (118/331) and 48% (99/206) of CARES participants who were age
      eligible for Pap and mammography, respectively, were UNS on the education date.
      Subsequently, 26% and 36% had Pap and mammography, respectively, versus 9% and
      14% of UNS controls. ORs for screening within 8 months of follow-up among UNS
      CARES participants versus their matched controls were 5.1 (95% CI=2.4, 10.9) for
      Pap and 4.2 (95%=CI 2.3, 7.8) for mammography. Hazard ratios for Pap and
      mammography were 3.6 (95% CI=2.1, 6.1) and 3.2 (95% CI=2.0, 5.3), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: CARES' multifaceted intervention was successful in increasing Pap
      and mammography screening in this multiethnic under-screened population.

PMID- 28094133
TI  - Transgender Use of Cigarettes, Cigars, and E-Cigarettes in a National Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tobacco use among transgender adults continues to be an area of
      research with few reported findings. The limited literature indicates higher
      cigarette use among transgender adults, compared with the general population.
      This national study is the first to report on cigarettes, cigars, and e
      cigarettes by examining differences in transgender tobacco use independent of
      sexual orientation. METHODS: Data were collected in 2013 using a nationally cross
      sectional online survey of U.S. adults (cisgender, n=17,164; transgender, n=168)
      and analyzed in 2015. Past 30-day tobacco use point estimates and adjusted
      logistic regression while controlling for false discovery rate were reported for
      transgender and cisgender respondents. RESULTS: Transgender adults reported
      higher past 30-day use of any cigarette/cigar/e-cigarette product (39.7% vs
      25.1%) and current use of cigarettes (35.5% vs 20.7%), cigars (26.8% vs 9.3%),
      and e-cigarettes (21.3% vs 5.0%) compared with cisgender adults (all p-values
      <=0.003). Transgender respondents had significantly higher odds of past 30-day
      tobacco product use for any cigarette/cigar/e-cigarette product (OR=1.97, 95%
      CI=1.25, 3.1), e-cigarettes (OR=5.15, 95% CI=3.36, 7.88), cigars (OR=3.56, 95%
      CI=2.27, 5.59), and cigarettes (OR=2.10, 95% CI=1.35, 3.28) versus cisgender
      respondents (all p-values <=0.0035). CONCLUSIONS: Transgender adults are at
      higher risk for tobacco use than cisgender adults and risk of specific product
      use varies by gender. This is the first U.S. national study to assess differences
      in use of various tobacco products using questions that specifically ask for
      gender identity separately from sexual orientation. This study provides data that
      can inform targeted interventions to promote transgender health.

PMID- 28094135
TI  - Diabetes Prevention Program Translation in the Veterans Health Administration.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This clinical demonstration trial compared the effectiveness of the
      Veterans Affairs Diabetes Prevention Program (VA-DPP) with an evidence-based
      usual care weight management program (MOVE!(r)) in the Veterans Health
      Administration health system. DESIGN: Prospective, pragmatic, non-randomized
      comparative effectiveness study of two behavioral weight management
      interventions. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Obese/overweight Veterans with prediabetes
      were recruited from three geographically diverse VA sites between 2012 and 2014.
      INTERVENTION: VA-DPP included 22 group-based intensive lifestyle change sessions.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight change at 6 and 12 months, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
      at 12 months, and VA health expenditure changes at 15 months were assessed using
      VA electronic health record and claims data. Between- and within-group
      comparisons for weight and HbA1c were done using linear mixed-effects models
      controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, baseline outcome values, and site.
      Analyses were conducted in 2015-2016. RESULTS: A total of 387 participants
      enrolled (273 VA-DPP, 114 MOVE!). More VA-DPP participants completed at least one
      (73.3% VA-DPP vs 57.5% MOVE! p=0.002); four (57.5% VA-DPP vs 42.5% MOVE!,
      p=0.007); and eight or more sessions (42.5% VA-DPP vs 31% MOVE!, p=0.035). Weight
      loss from baseline was significant at both 6 (p<0.001) and 12 months (p<0.001)
      for VA-DPP participants, but only significant at 6 months for MOVE! participants
      (p=0.004). Between groups, there were significant differences in 6-month weight
      loss (-4.1 kg VA-DPP vs -1.9 kg MOVE!, p<0.001), but not 12-month weight loss (
      3.4 kg VA-DPP vs -2.0 kg MOVE!, p=0.16). There were no significant differences in
      HbA1c change or outpatient, inpatient, and total VA expenditures. CONCLUSIONS: VA
      DPP participants had higher participation rates and weight loss at 6 months, but
      similar weight, HbA1c, and health expenditures at 12 months compared to MOVE!
      PARTICIPANTS: Features of VA-DPP may help enhance the capability of MOVE! to
      reach a larger proportion of the served population and promote individual-level
      weight maintenance.

PMID- 28094137
TI  - The artificial pancreas-ready for prime time?

PMID- 28094138
TI  - New normoxic N-(Hydroxymethyl)acrylamide based polymer gel for 3D dosimetry in
      radiation therapy.
AB  - A novel composition of normoxic polymer gel dosimeters based on radiation-induced
      polymerization of N-(Hydroxymethyl)acrylamide (NHMA) is introduced in this study
      for 3D dosimetry for Quality Assurance (QA) in radiation therapy. Dosimeters were
      irradiated by 6, 10 and 18MV photon beams of a medical linear accelerator at
      various dose rates to doses of up to 20Gy. The dose response of polymer gel
      dosimeters was studied using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-spin
      relaxation rate (R2) of hydrogen protons within the water molecule. Also, we
      measured gel response using absorption spectroscopy and found that this novel gel
      can be successfully utilized for both MRI- and OCT- (Optical Computed Tomography)
      based 3D dosimetry. We investigated dosimetric properties of six different
      compositions of the new NHMA-based gel in terms of dose rate, radiation beam
      quality and stability of dose-dependent polymerization after irradiation. We
      found no significant effects of these parameters on the novel gel dosimeter
      performance in both relaxation rate and absorbance measurements.

PMID- 28094136
TI  - Day-and-night glycaemic control with closed-loop insulin delivery versus
      conventional insulin pump therapy in free-living adults with well controlled type
      1 diabetes: an open-label, randomised, crossover study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tight control of blood glucose concentration in people with type 1
      diabetes predisposes to hypoglycaemia. We aimed to investigate whether day-and
      night hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery can improve glucose control while
      alleviating the risk of hypoglycaemia in adults with HbA1c below 7.5% (58
      mmol/mol). METHODS: In this open-label, randomised, crossover study, we recruited
      adults (aged >=18 years) with type 1 diabetes and HbA1c below 7.5% from
      Addenbrooke's Hospital (Cambridge, UK) and Medical University of Graz (Graz,
      Austria). After a 2-4 week run-in period, participants were randomly assigned
      (1:1), using web-based randomly permuted blocks of four, to receive insulin via
      the day-and-night hybrid closed-loop system or usual pump therapy for 4 weeks,
      followed by a 2-4 week washout period and then the other intervention for 4
      weeks. Treatment interventions were unsupervised and done under free-living
      conditions. During the closed-loop period, a model-predictive control algorithm
      directed insulin delivery, and prandial insulin delivery was calculated with a
      standard bolus wizard. The primary outcome was the proportion of time when sensor
      glucose concentration was in target range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) over the 4 week study
      period. Analyses were by intention to treat. This study is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02727231, and is completed. FINDINGS: Between March
      21 and June 24, 2016, we recruited 31 participants, of whom 29 were randomised.
      One participant withdrew during the first closed-loop period because of
      dissatisfaction with study devices and glucose control. The proportion of time
      when sensor glucose concentration was in target range was 10.5 percentage points
      higher (95% CI 7.6-13.4; p<0.0001) during closed-loop delivery compared with
      usual pump therapy (65.6% [SD 8.1] when participants used usual pump therapy vs
      76.2% [6.4] when they used closed-loop). Compared with usual pump therapy, closed
      loop delivery also reduced the proportion of time spent in hypoglycaemia: the
      proportion of time with glucose concentration below 3.5 mmol/L was reduced by 65%
      (53-74, p<0.0001) and below 2.8 mmol/L by 76% (59-86, p<0.0001). No episodes of
      serious hypoglycaemia or other serious adverse events occurred. INTERPRETATION:
      Use of day-and-night hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery under unsupervised, free
      living conditions for 4 weeks in adults with type 1 diabetes and HbA1c below 7.5%
      is safe and well tolerated, improves glucose control, and reduces hypoglycaemia
      burden. Larger and longer studies are warranted. FUNDING: Swiss National Science
      Foundation (P1BEP3_165297), JDRF, UK National Institute for Health Research
      Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, and Wellcome Strategic Award
      (100574/Z/12/Z).

PMID- 28094140
TI  - Corrections.

PMID- 28094139
TI  - Theranostics in severe influenza.

PMID- 28094141
TI  - Intravenous zanamivir or oral oseltamivir for hospitalised patients with
      influenza: an international, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, phase 3
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuraminidase inhibitors are effective for the treatment of acute
      uncomplicated influenza. However, there is an unmet need for intravenous
      treatment for patients admitted to hospital with severe influenza. We studied
      whether intravenous zanamivir was a suitable treatment in this setting. METHODS:
      In this international, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, phase 3 trial, we
      recruited patients aged 16 years or older with severe influenza admitted to 97
      hospitals from 26 countries. We randomly assigned patients (1:1:1 stratified by
      symptom onset <=4 days or 5-6 days) to receive 300 mg or 600 mg intravenous
      zanamivir, or standard-of-care (75 mg oral oseltamivir) twice a day for 5-10
      days; patients were followed up for 28 days. The randomisation schedule,
      including stratification, was generated using GlaxoSmithKline's RandAll software.
      Patients, site study staff, and sponsor were masked to study treatment. The
      primary endpoint was time to clinical response-a composite of vital sign
      stabilisation and hospital discharge-in the influenza-positive population. The
      trial was powered to show an improvement of 1.5 days or greater with 600 mg
      intravenous zanamivir. Pharmacokinetic, safety, and virology endpoints were also
      assessed. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01231620.
      FINDINGS: Between Jan 15, 2011, and Feb 12, 2015, 626 patients were randomly
      assigned to receive 300 mg intravenous zanamivir (n=201), 600 mg intravenous
      zanamivir (n=209), or 75 mg oral oseltamivir (n=205) twice a day; 11 patients
      discontinued the study before receiving any study treatment. 488 (78%) of 626
      patients had laboratory-confirmed influenza. Compared with a median time to
      clinical response of 5.14 days in the 600 mg intravenous zanamivir group, the
      median time to clinical response was 5.87 days (difference of -0.73 days, 95% CI 
      1.79 to 0.75; p=0.25) in the 300 mg intravenous zanamivir group and 5.63 days
      (difference of -0.48 days, 95% CI -2.11 to 0.97; p=0.39) in the oseltamivir
      group. Four patients with influenza A/H1N1pdm09 in the oseltamivir group
      developed H275Y resistance mutations. Adverse events were reported in 373 (61%)
      of treated patients and were similar across treatment groups; the most common
      adverse events (300 mg intravenous zanamivir, 600 mg intravenous zanamivir,
      oseltamivir) were diarrhoea (10 [5%], 15 [7%], 14 [7%]), respiratory failure (11
      [5%], 14 [7%], 11 [5%]), and constipation (7 [3%], 13 [6%], 10 [5%]). 41 (7%)
      treated patients died during the study (15 [7%], 15 [7%], 11 [5%]); the most
      common causes of death were respiratory failure and septic shock. INTERPRETATION:
      Time to clinical response to intravenous zanamivir dosed at 600 mg was not
      superior to oseltamivir or 300 mg intravenous zanamivir. All treatments had a
      similar safety profile in hospitalised patients with severe influenza. FUNDING:
      GlaxoSmithKline.

PMID- 28094142
TI  - Epigenetic game theory and its application in plants: Comment on: "Epigenetic
      game theory: How to compute the epigenetic control of maternal-to-zygotic
      transition" by Qian Wang et al.

PMID- 28094143
TI  - Maturity as quantifier for physiological time: Comment on "Physics of metabolic
      organization" by Marko Jusup et al.

PMID- 28094144
TI  - More practical and gentler guides are required for non-mathematicians in
      ecotoxicology and beyond: Comment on "Physics of metabolic organization" by Marko
      Jusup et al.

PMID- 28094145
TI  - Constraints and DEB parameter estimation: Comment on: "Physics of metabolic
      organization" by Marko Jusup et al.

PMID- 28094146
TI  - The role of Dynamic Energy Budget theory in predictive modeling of stressor
      impacts on ecological systems: Comment on: "Physics of metabolic organization" by
      Marko Jusup et al.

PMID- 28094147
TI  - Integrating evolutionary game theory into epigenetic study of embryonic
      development: Comment on "Epigenetic game theory: How to compute the epigenetic
      control of maternal-to-zygotic transition" by Qian Wang et al.

PMID- 28094148
TI  - Epigenetic battle of the sexes: Comment on: "Epigenetic game theory: How to
      compute the epigenetic control of maternal-to-zygotic transition" by Qian Wang et
      al.

PMID- 28094149
TI  - The universality of the von Bertalanffy growth curve: Comment on: "Physics of
      metabolic organization" by Marko Jusup et al.

PMID- 28094150
TI  - Applications and extensions of epigenetic game theory: Comment on: "Epigenetic
      game theory: How to compute the epigenetic control of maternal-to-zygotic
      transition" by Qian Wang et al.

PMID- 28094151
TI  - Comparison of the BD MAX MRSA XT to the CepheidTM Xpert(r) MRSA assay for the
      molecular detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from nasal
      swabs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Variation in MRSA genotypes may affect the sensitivity of molecular
      assays to detect this organism. METHODS: We compared 2 commonly used screening
      assays, the CepheidTM Xpert(r) MRSA and the BD MAXTM MRSA XT on consecutively
      obtained nasal swabs from 479 subjects. Specimens giving discordant results were
      subjected to additional microbiologic and molecular testing. RESULTS: Six hundred
      forty-two (97.6%) of the 658 test results were concordant. Of the 16 discordant
      results from 12 subjects, additional results suggested that 9 (60%) of the 15
      MRSA XT assays were likely correct, and 6 (40%) of the 15 Xpert(r) assays were
      likely correct. One discordant result could not be resolved. A mecA dropout and
      novel mec right-extremity junction (MREJ) sites led to false-positive and
      negative results by Xpert(r). CONCLUSION: While both assays performed well,
      continued vigilance is needed to monitor for Staphylococcus aureus with novel
      MREJ sites, mecA dropouts, and mecC, leading to inaccurate results in screening
      assays.

PMID- 28094152
TI  - Use of 3D printer technology to facilitate surgical correction of a complex
      vascular anomaly with esophageal entrapment in a dog.
AB  - A 10 week old female intact Staffordshire terrier was presented with a total of
      five congenital cardio-thoracic vascular anomalies consisting of a patent ductus
      arteriosus (PDA) with an aneurysmic dilation, pulmonic stenosis, persistent right
      aortic arch, aberrant left subclavian artery and persistent left cranial vena
      cava. These abnormalities were identified with a combination of echocardiogram
      and computed tomography angiography (CTA). The abnormalities were associated with
      esophageal entrapment, regurgitation, and volume overload of the left heart with
      left atrial and ventricular enlargement. A 2 cm diameter aneurysmic dilation at
      the junction of the PDA, right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery
      presented an unusual surgical challenge and precluded simple circumferential
      ligation and transection of the structure. A full scale three dimensional model
      of the heart and vasculature was constructed from the CTA and plasma sterilized.
      The model was used preoperatively to facilitate surgical planning and enhance
      intraoperative communication and coordination between the surgical and anesthesia
      teams. Intraoperatively the model facilitated spatial orientation, atraumatic
      vascular dissection, instrument sizing and positioning. A thoracoabdominal
      stapler was used to close the PDA aneurysm prior to transection. At the four
      month postoperative follow-up the patient was doing well. This is the first
      reported application of new imaging and modeling technology to enhance surgical
      planning when approaching correction of complex cardiovascular anomalies in a
      dog.

PMID- 28094153
TI  - Development and validation of a fast ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid-liquid
      microextraction procedure combined with LC-MS/MS analysis for the quantification
      of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like hypnotics in whole blood.
AB  - To date, thorough clean-up of complex biological samples remains an essential
      part of the analytical process. The solid phase extraction (SPE) technique is the
      well-known standard, however, its main weaknesses are the labor-intensive and
      time-consuming protocols. In this respect, dispersive liquid-liquid
      microextractions (DLLME) seem to offer less complex and more efficient extraction
      procedures. Furthermore, ionic liquids (ILs) - liquid salts - are emerging as new
      promising extraction solvents, thanks to their non-flammable nature, negligible
      vapor pressure and easily adaptable physiochemical properties. In this study, we
      investigated whether ILs can be used as an extraction solvent in a DLLME
      procedure for the extraction of a broad range of benzodiazepines and
      benzodiazepine-like hypnotics in whole blood samples. 1.0mL whole blood was
      extracted using an optimized 30-min IL-based DLLME procedure, followed by LC
      ESI(+)-MS/MS analysis in scheduled MRM scan mode. The optimized analytical method
      was successfully validated for 7-aminoflunitrazepam, alprazolam, bromazepam,
      clobazam, clonazepam, clotiazepam, diazepam, estazolam, ethyl loflazepate,
      etizolam, flurazepam, lormetazepam, midazolam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam,
      triazolam, zolpidem and zopiclone. The method showed good selectivity for
      endogenous interferences based on 12 sources of blank whole blood. No
      benzodiazepine interferences were observed, except for clorazepate and
      nordiazepam, which were excluded from the quantitative method. Matrix-matched
      calibration curves were constructed covering the whole therapeutic range,
      including low toxic plasma concentrations. Accuracy and precision results met the
      proposed acceptance criteria for the vast majority of compounds, except for
      brotizolam, chlordiazepoxide, cloxazolam, flunitrazepam, loprazolam, lorazepam
      and nitrazepam, which can only be determined in a semi-quantitative way.
      Recoveries were within the range of 24.7%-127.2% and matrix effects were within
      20.0%-92.6%. Both parameters were tested using 5 sources of whole blood and
      coefficients of variance were below 20%. Overall, the applicability of ILs as
      promising solvents for the extraction of benzodiazepines in whole blood samples
      has been proven. Moreover, a fast and easy IL-based DLLME procedure was developed
      for the quantification of 19 benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like hypnotics.

PMID- 28094154
TI  - Mandatory reporting for child protection in health settings and the rights of
      parents with disabilities.
AB  - This commentary considers the intersection of mandatory reporting in health
      settings and the public child protection system's treatment of parents with
      disabilities. Its impetus is the August 2015 technical assistance document issued
      jointly by the U.S. departments of Justice (DOJ) and Health and Human Services
      (HHS) that affirms the applicability of the ADA and Section 504 to child
      protection system (CPS) processes. The DOJ/HHS document speaks to actions of
      state child protection agencies and courts, without addressing the first step,
      mandatory reporting. Nonetheless, there are implications for how mandated
      reporters understand child risk in the presence of disability, and health
      settings are one venue where mandated reports initiate. This commentary seeks to
      provide medical professionals with greater understanding of the CPS process and
      its intersection with disability rights. It concludes that mandatory reporter
      training must include ADA principles for addressing disability so parents are not
      unnecessarily reported for investigation.

PMID- 28094155
TI  - Sustainable options for the utilization of solid residues from wine production.
AB  - The efficient use of solid organic waste materials is an issue of particular
      importance for the wine industry. This paper focuses on the valorization of grape
      marc, the major component of winery organic waste (60-70%). Two methods were
      designed and compared: combustion to generate electricity, and the pyrolysis for
      the production of bio-char, bio-oil, and bio-gas. Each of these processes was
      analysed to determine their economic and environmental viability. The flow
      sheeting software, ASPEN PLUS, was used to model the two cases. Data from the
      simulations was used to inform techno-economic and environmental analyses.
      Pyrolysis was found to be the superior method of utilizing grape marc from both
      economic and environmental perspectives. Both pyrolysis and combustion exploit
      the energy content of the waste, which is not recovered by the traditional
      treatments, composting or distillation. In addition to the production of energy,
      pyrolysis yielded 151kg of bio-char and 140kg of bio-oil per tonne of grape marc.
      These products may be used in place of fossil fuels, resulting in a net reduction
      of carbon dioxide emissions. However, the potential deleterious effects resulting
      from the replacement of the traditional treatments was not considered. Investment
      in either pyrolysis or combustion had a negligible impact on the price of the
      wine produced for wineries with an annual grape crush larger than 1000 tonnes.
      Composting has significant economic advantages in wineries with a small grape
      crush of less than 50 tonnes.

PMID- 28094156
TI  - Removal of toxic metals during biological treatment of landfill leachates.
AB  - Progressive implementation of the European Water Framework Directive has resulted
      in substantial changes in limits for discharges of heavy metals both to
      watercourses, and to sewer. The objective of this paper is to provide original,
      real, full-scale data obtained for removal of metals during aerobic biological
      leachate treatment, and also to report on studies carried out to look at further
      trace metal removal. Polishing technologies examined and investigated include;
      the incorporation of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes into biological treatment
      systems, the use of ion exchange, and of activated carbon polishing processes.
      Ultrafiltration was able to provide a 60 percent reduction in COD values in
      treated leachates, compared with COD values found in settled/clarified effluents.
      Removal rates for COD varied from 30.5 to 79.8 percent. Additionally,
      ultrafiltration of treated leachates significantly reduced both chromium and
      nickel concentrations of effluents by 61.6% and 34.3% respectively (median
      values). Despite mean reductions of chromium (9.7%) and nickel (13.7%) noted
      during the ion exchange trials, these results would not justify use of this
      technology for metals removal at full-scale. Further preliminary studies used
      pulverized activated carbon (PAC) polishing of UF effluents to demonstrate that
      significant (up to 80 per cent) removal of COD, TOC and heavy metals could
      readily be achieved by doses of up to 10g/l of suitable activated carbons.
      Additional evidence is provided that many trace metals are present not in ionic
      form, but as organic complexes; this is likely to make their removal to low
      levels more difficult and expensive.

PMID- 28094157
TI  - Stabilization of tannery sludge by co-treatment with aluminum anodizing sludge
      and phytotoxicity of end-products.
AB  - A global demand for efficient re-utilization of produced solid wastes, which is
      based on the principles of re-use and recycling, results to a circular economy,
      where one industry's waste becomes another's raw material and it can be used in a
      more efficient and sustainable way. In this study, the influence of a by-product
      addition, such as aluminum anodizing sludge, on tannery waste (air-dried sludge)
      stabilization was examined. The chemical characterization of tannery waste
      leachate, using the EN 12457-2 standard leaching test, reveals that tannery waste
      cannot be accepted even in landfills for hazardous wastes, according to the EU
      Decision 2003/33/EC. The stabilization of tannery waste was studied applying
      different ratios of tannery waste and aluminum anodizing sludge, i.e. 50:50,
      60:40, 70:30 and 80:20 ratios respectively. Subsequently, the stabilization rate
      of the qualified as optimum homogenized mixture of 50:50 ratio was also tested
      during time (7, 15 and 30days). Moreover, this stabilized product was subjected
      to phytotoxicity tests using the Lepidium sativum, Sinapis alba and Sorghum
      saccharatum seeds. The experimental results showed that aluminum anodizing sludge
      managed to stabilize effectively chromium and organic content of tannery waste,
      which are the most problematic parameters influencing its subsequent disposal. As
      a result, tannery waste stabilized with the addition of aluminum anodizing sludge
      at 50:50 ratio can be accepted in non-hazardous waste landfills, as chromium and
      dissolved organic carbon concentrations in the respective leachate are below the
      relevant regulation limits, while the stabilized waste shows decreased
      phytotoxicity.

PMID- 28094158
TI  - The mass flow and proposed management of bisphenol A in selected Norwegian waste
      streams.
AB  - Current initiatives for waste-handling in a circular economy favor prevention and
      recycling over incineration or landfilling. However, the impact of such a
      transition on environmental emissions of contaminants like bisphenol A (BPA)
      during waste-handling is not fully understood. To address this, a material flow
      analysis (MFA) was constructed for selected waste categories in Norway, for which
      the amount recycled is expected to increase in the future; glass, vehicle,
      electronic, plastic and combustible waste. Combined, 92tons/y of BPA are disposed
      of via these waste categories in Norway, with 98.5% associated with plastic and
      electronic waste. During the model year 2011, the MFA showed that BPA in these
      waste categories was destroyed through incineration (60%), exported for recycling
      into new products (35%), stored in landfills (4%) or released into the
      environment (1%). Landfilling led to the greatest environmental emissions (up to
      13% of landfilled BPA), and incinerating the smallest (0.001% of incinerated
      BPA). From modelling different waste management scenarios, the most effective way
      to reduce BPA emissions are to incinerate BPA-containing waste and avoid
      landfilling it. A comparison of environmental and human BPA concentrations with
      CoZMoMAN exposure model estimations suggested that waste emissions are an
      insignificant regional source. Nevertheless, from monitoring studies, landfill
      emissions can be a substantial local source of BPA. Regarding the transition to a
      circular economy, it is clear that disposing of less BPA-containing waste and
      less landfilling would lead to lower environmental emissions, but several
      uncertainties remain regarding emissions of BPA during recycling, particularly
      for paper and plastics. Future research should focus on the fate of BPA, as well
      as BPA alternatives, in emerging reuse and recycling processes, as part of the
      transition to a circular economy.

PMID- 28094159
TI  - Performance of polydimethylsiloxane membrane contactor process for selective
      hydrogen sulfide removal from biogas.
AB  - H2S in biogas affects the co-generation performance adversely by corroding some
      critical components within the engine and it has to be removed in order to
      improve the biogas quality. This work presents the use of polydimethylsiloxane
      (PDMS) membrane contactor for selective removal of H2S from the biogas.
      Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of different pH of
      absorption liquid, biogas flowrate and temperature on the absorption
      performances. The results revealed that at the lowest loading rate (91mg
      H2S/m2.h) more than 98% H2S and 59% CO2 absorption efficiencies were achieved.
      The CH4 content in the treated gas increased from 60 to 80% with nearly 5% CH4
      loss. Increasing the pH (7-10) and loading rate (91-355mg H2S/m2.h) enhanced the
      H2S absorption capacity, and the maximum H2S/CO2 and H2S/CH4 selectivity factors
      were 2.5 and 58, respectively. Temperature played a key role in the process and
      lower temperature was beneficial for intensifying H2S absorption performance. The
      highest H2S fluxes at pH 10 and 7 were 3.4g/m2.d and 1.8g/m2.d with overall mass
      transfer coefficients of 6.91*10-6 and 4.99*10-6m/s, respectively. The results
      showed that moderately high H2S fluxes with low CH4 loss may be achieved by using
      a robust and cost-effective membrane based absorption process for desulfurization
      of biogas. A tubular PDMS membrane contactor was tested for the first time to
      remove H2S from biogas under slightly alkaline conditions and the suggested
      process could be a promising for real scale applications.

PMID- 28094160
TI  - A case of generalized lymphatic anomaly causing skull-base leakage and bacterial
      meningitis.
AB  - Generalized lymphatic anomaly is a multifocal lymphatic malformation that affects
      the skin, thoracic viscera, and bones. A 3year-old Japanese boy presented with
      right facial palsy due to cystic tumors in the ipsilateral petrous bone.
      Pericardial effusion had been found incidentally and generalized lymphatic
      anomaly had been diagnosed by pericardial biopsy. Petrous bone tumor had been
      followed up without surgery. At the age of seven he presented with fever and
      disturbance of consciousness, and bacterial meningitis due to Streptococcus
      pneumoniae was diagnosed. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
      revealed middle skull-base leakage due to lymphatic malformation. He achieved
      complete recovery under intensive care with antibiotics and mechanical
      ventilation. One year later, he presented with multiple cystic formations in
      bilateral femora. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient was healthy with no
      recurrence of meningitis and osteolytic lesions in the femora were non
      progressive. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful for
      demonstration of skull-base leakage by generalized lymphatic anomaly. We should
      consider generalized lymphatic anomaly among the differential diagnoses for skull
      base leakage.

PMID- 28094161
TI  - Disinhibition in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Changes
      in [oxy-Hb] on near-infrared spectroscopy during "rock, paper, scissors" task.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a common
      developmental disorder. Many reports have suggested that symptoms of AD/HD are
      related to frontal lobe dysfunctions, particularly disinhibition. However,
      measuring neurological findings with biomarkers during frontal functional tasks
      has sometimes been difficult in children with AD/HD. This study aimed to
      investigate frontal inhibitory function objectively in children with AD/HD during
      "rock, paper, scissors" (RPS) tasks, as a familiar game for Japanese children,
      using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighteen children
      with AD/HD were compared with 27 typically developing children (TDC). Children
      from each group were divided into two age groups: younger, 6-10years; and older,
      11-16years. Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin [oxy-Hb] were measured in the
      prefrontal region using NIRS during a 'to lose' RPS task, in which subjects were
      asked to present the RPS signal that would lose in response to one of the three
      signals displayed randomly on a computer screen every 2.0s. RESULTS: The rate of
      correct performance with both TDC and AD/HD increased with age. Only in the older
      group, the rate of correct performance was significantly higher with TDC than
      with AD/HD. However, children with AD/HD in both age groups showed significantly
      lower [oxy-Hb] activity in the prefrontal region during the 'to lose' RPS task,
      particularly in the dorsolateral area. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      prefrontal region activation during the 'to lose' RPS task could offer a
      biomarker for diagnosing AD/HD, and may help in the early treatment of AD/HD.

PMID- 28094162
TI  - Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma, also referred to as cholangiocellular carcinoma (particularly
      in Japan), develops along the biliary tract. The tumor may be intra- or
      extrahepatic and have different features with specific treatments based on the
      site of origin. Guidelines for diagnosis and management of cholangiorcarcinoma,
      such as those proposed by EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver)1
      and the Mayo Clinic2 classify the tumor into intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal
      cholangiocarcinoma. There are three main macroscopic patterns of growth of
      cholangiocarcinoma: mass-forming, periductal-infiltrating and intraductal. A
      combination of mass-forming and periductal infiltrating tumors have been shown to
      have a poor prognosis.3 Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) comprises two
      microscopic subtypes: bile duct and cholangiolar.4 The bile duct subtype has tall
      columnar cells that form large glands, whereas cholangiolar tumors are composed
      of cuboidal and low columnar cells. Patients with cholangiolar tumors, referred
      to as cholangiolocellular carcinoma, reportedly have a better 5-year survival
      rate than those with the bile duct type.4.

PMID- 28094163
TI  - Granulomatous & histiocytic dermatitides.
AB  - Granulomas of the skin may be classified in several ways. They are either
      infectious or non-infectious in character, and they contain areas of necrobiosis
      or necrosis, or not. Responsible infectious agents may be mycobacterial, fungal,
      treponemal, or parasitic organisms, and each case of granulomatous dermatitis
      should be assessed histochemically for those microbes. In the non-infectious
      group, examples of necrobiotic or necrotizing granulomas include granuloma
      annulare; necrobiosis lipoidica; rheumatoid nodule; and lupus miliaris
      disseminates faciei. Non-necrobiotic/necrotizing and non-infectious lesions are
      exemplified by sarcoidosis; foreign-body reactions; Melkersson-Rosenthal
      syndrome; Blau syndrome; elastolytic granuloma; lichenoid and granulomatous
      dermatitis; interstitial granulomatous dermatitis; cutaneous involvement by Crohn
      disease; granulomatous rosacea; and granulomatous pigmented purpura. Histiocytic
      dermatitides that do not feature granuloma formation are peculiar reactions to
      infection, such as cutaneous malakoplakia; leishmaniasis; histoplasmosis;
      lepromatous leprosy; rhinoscleroma; lymphogranuloma venereum; and granuloma
      inguinale.

PMID- 28094164
TI  - Disorders characterized by predominant or exclusive dermal inflammation.
AB  - Some cutaneous inflammatory disorders are typified by a predominant or exclusive
      localization in the dermis. They can be further subdivided by the principal cell
      types into lymphocytic, neutrophilic, and eosinophilic infiltrates, and mixtures
      of them are also seen in a proportion of cases. This review considers such
      conditions. Included among the lymphoid lesions are viral exanthems, pigmented
      purpuras, gyrate erythemas, polymorphous light eruption, lupus tumidus, and
      cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia. Neutrophilic infiltrates are represented by
      infections, Sweet syndrome, pyoderma gangrenosum, and hidradenitis suppurativa,
      as well as a group of so-called "autoinflammatory" dermatitides comprising
      polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Eosinophil-dominated lesions include arthropod bite
      reactions, cutaneous parasitic infestations, the urticarial phase of bullous
      pemphigoid, Wells syndrome (eosinophilic cellulitis), hypereosinophilic syndrome,
      and Churg-Strauss disease. In other conditions, eosinophils are admixed with
      neutrophils in the corium, with or without small-vessel vasculitis. Exemplary
      disorders with those patterns include drug eruptions, chronic idiopathic
      urticaria, urticarial vasculitis, granuloma faciale, and Schnitzler syndrome
      (chronic urticarial with a monoclonal gammopathy).

PMID- 28094165
TI  - Psoriasiform dermatitides: A brief review.
AB  - Psoriasis vulgaris (PV)-the prototypical "psoriasiform" dermatitis-may assume a
      spectrum of histologic appearances, depending on whether it has been treated or
      not. Because of that relative lack of morphological uniformity, other skin
      disorders that feature epidermal acanthosis, with or without associated
      inflammation, may be confused diagnostically with PV. This brief review considers
      the clinicopathologic attributes of PV and its imitators, including chronic
      spongiotic dermatitides, lichen simplex chronicus, prurigo nodularis, pityriasis
      rubra pilaris, psoriasiform secondary syphilis, and Reiter syndrome.

PMID- 28094166
TI  - Carotid Stenting Prior to Coronary Bypass Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review
      and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim was to determine 30-day outcomes in patients with concurrent
      carotid and cardiac disease who underwent carotid artery stenting (CAS) followed
      by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: This was a systematic review
      with searches of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. "Same-day"
      procedures involved CAS + CABG being performed on the same day, and "staged"
      interventions involved at least 1 day's delay between undergoing CAS and then
      CABG. RESULTS: There were 31 eligible studies (2727 patients), with 80% being
      neurologically asymptomatic with unilateral stenoses. Overall, the 30-day
      death/stroke rate was 7.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.9-9.2), while
      death/stroke/MI was 8.8% (95% CI 7.3-10.5). Staged CAS + CABG was associated with
      30-day death/stroke rate of 8.5% (95% CI 7.3-9.7) compared with 5.9% (95% CI 4.0
      8.5) after "same-day" procedures. Outcomes following CAS + CABG in neurologically
      symptomatic patients were poorer, with procedural stroke rates of 15%. There were
      five antiplatelet (APRx) strategies: (a) no APRx (death/stroke/MI, 4.2%; no data
      on bleeding complications); (b) single APRx before CAS and CABG, then dual APRx
      after CABG (death/stroke/MI, 6.7%; 7.3% bleeding complications); (c) dual APRx
      pre-CAS down to one APRx pre-CABG (death/stroke/MI, 10.1%; 2.8% bleeding
      complications); (d) dual APRx pre-CAS, both stopped pre-CABG (death/stroke/MI,
      14.4%); (e) dual APRx pre-CAS and continued through CABG (death/stroke/MI, 16%).
      There were insufficient data on bleeding complication in the last two strategies.
      CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of predominantly asymptomatic patients with unilateral
      carotid stenoses, the 30-day rate of death/stroke was about 8%. Notwithstanding
      the effect of potential biases, this meta-analysis did not find evidence that
      outcomes after same-day CAS + CABG were higher than after staged interventions.
      However, outcomes were poorer in neurologically symptomatic patients. More data
      are required to establish the optimal antiplatelet strategy in patients
      undergoing same-day or staged CAS + CABG.

PMID- 28094167
TI  - Seizures and Antiseizure Medications are Important to Parents of Newborns With
      Seizures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal seizures and antiseizure medications both have potentially
      serious consequences on the developing brain. As such, optimal treatment of
      neonatal seizures remains unclear. Moreover, little is known about parental
      experiences, concerns, or unanswered questions. We conducted an online survey to
      assess parental perspectives regarding neonatal seizures and their management,
      along with their suggestions for specific high priority research topics. METHODS:
      Parents whose children had neonatal seizures were recruited through social media
      support groups to complete an online survey. Respondents progressed through a
      tiered series of questions about their experiences with neonatal seizures and
      antiseizure medications. RESULTS: There were 126 eligible respondents. On a
      Likert scale, parents reported that neonatal seizures had a major effect on their
      families (median 10 of 10; interquartile range 3; n = 85). They also reported
      that antiseizure medications had a significant impact on their families (median 7
      of 10; interquartile range 5.5; n = 75). The emotional impact of the uncertainty
      regarding seizures and medications was highlighted. Effects on neurodevelopment,
      continued seizures, and adverse effects of medications were some of the most
      commonly reported parental concerns and their highest priority research topics.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both neonatal seizures and the medications used to treat them
      contribute to parental worries and have major impact on families. Patient
      centered outcomes research should focus on the risk-benefit ratio of neonatal
      seizures and antiseizure medication. The emotional impact on parents related to
      the uncertainty regarding both immediate and long-term neonatal seizure
      management is important to address in the clinical setting.

PMID- 28094168
TI  - Clinical Epidemiology and Treatment of Febrile and Afebrile Convulsions With Mild
      Gastroenteritis: A Multicenter Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated features and responses to treatment in patients with
      febrile and afebrile convulsions with mild gastroenteritis and characterized
      convulsions with rotavirus and norovirus gastroenteritis. METHODS: We conducted a
      prospective, observational study to evaluate patients with febrile and afebrile
      convulsions with mild gastroenteritis who were hospitalized between November 2011
      and March 2014 at 13 facilities in the National Hospital Organization. We
      classified the patients into two groups: presence or absence of fever. We
      investigated the background, clinical and laboratory characteristics, viral
      antigen in stool, and efficacy of anticonvulsant drugs. RESULTS: Of 126 patients
      enrolled in this study, 50 were febrile (Fc group) and 76 were afebrile (aFc
      group). A family history of febrile seizures was significantly more frequent in
      the Fc group than in the aFc group (28.0% vs 9.2%, P = 0.005). Clinical
      characteristics were similar between the rotavirus and norovirus groups, but
      fever was significantly more frequent in the rotavirus group (46.2% vs 8.3%, P <
      0.001). Serum sodium levels were significantly negatively related to the number
      of seizures in the aFc group (beta = -0.13; 95% confidence interval, -0.24, 
      0.03; P = 0.01). Carbamazepine was significantly more efficacious than diazepam
      suppositories in the aFc group (odds ratio = 49.3, 95% confidence interval, 2.35,
      1037; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Febrile convulsions with mild gastroenteritis show
      characteristics of both febrile seizures and convulsions with mild
      gastroenteritis. Carbamazepine is optimal for convulsions with mild
      gastroenteritis. Clinical features of convulsions with rotavirus and norovirus
      gastroenteritis are similar, except for fever. Serum sodium levels may play a
      major role in the onset of convulsions with mild gastroenteritis.

PMID- 28094169
TI  - A 12-week randomized controlled trial of twice-daily intranasal oxytocin for
      social cognitive deficits in people with schizophrenia.
AB  - Social cognition is impaired in people with schizophrenia and these deficits are
      strongly correlated with social functioning. Oxytocin is a hypothalamic peptide
      that contributes to maternal infant bonding and has diverse pro-social effects in
      adults. This study tested the hypothesis that 12weeks of intranasal oxytocin will
      improve social cognitive function in outpatients with schizophrenia and
      schizoaffective disorder. Sixty-eight eligible participants were randomized to
      oxytocin (24IU twice daily) or placebo. Social cognitive function was assessed
      using the Emotion Recognition-40, Brune Theory of Mind, Reading the Mind in the
      Eyes test, Trustworthiness task and Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire
      at baseline, 6weeks and 12weeks. In addition, social function was assessed using
      the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale and a role-play test, and
      psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
      (PANSS). Fifty-five participants completed the 12-week trial. The study found no
      evidence for a differential advantage of oxytocin over placebo on social
      cognition. Among secondary outcomes, there was a modest advantage for oxytocin
      over placebo on a component of social functioning, although there was also
      evidence that the placebo group outperformed the oxytocin group on the role-play
      task. No between-group differences emerged on measures of psychopathology in pre
      specified comparisons, but oxytocin showed significant within-group reduction in
      PANSS negative symptoms and significant between-group improvement in negative
      symptoms in the schizophrenia subgroup. Further testing is needed to clarify
      whether oxytocin has therapeutic potential for social cognitive deficits and/or
      negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia.

PMID- 28094171
TI  - The relationship of cognitive improvement after cognitive remediation with social
      functioning in patients with schizophrenia and severe cognitive deficits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aims to examine the effects of change in neurocognition on
      functional outcomes and to examine predictors of change in social functions
      following a 12-week course of cognitive remediation in patients with
      schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder with severe cognitive impairments.
      METHOD: Level of social functioning was assessed using a performance based
      measure of functional capacity (PSP) in patients prior to and after the
      completion of 12-week cognitive remediation treatment (CRT). Participants
      completed a neuropsychological battery (MCCB-MATRICS) and clinical measures at
      both time points. RESULTS: 63 subjects with a mean age of 41.4 (SD=12.2) and with
      12.2years of education (SD=2.4) were enrolled. There were significant
      improvements in overall PSP score from baseline to endpoint (p=0.021) as well as
      in PSP domain A (socially useful activities) (p<=0.001), domain B (personal and
      social relationships) (p=0.009), and domain D (disturbing and aggressive
      behaviors) (p=0.003). There was a significant improvement in the composite MCCB
      score (p=0.020) and the Working Memory (p<0.046). Stepwise logistic regression
      yielded a significant association for baseline Visual Learning (Wald=6.537,
      p=0.011, OR=1.195), Speed of Processing (Wald=4.112, p=0.043, OR=0.850) and level
      of PANSS positive symptoms (Wald=4.087, p=0.043, OR=0.739) with PSP overall
      improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Faster speed of processing, better visual and verbal
      learning and less prominent positive symptoms were associated with greater
      functional improvement after a systematic cognitive intervention within a
      rehabilitative setting.

PMID- 28094172
TI  - Interval Changes in Myocardial Performance Index Predict Outcome in Severe
      Sepsis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Septic cardiomyopathy is a well-described consequence of septic shock
      and is associated with increased sepsis-related mortality. The myocardial
      performance index (MPI), a parameter derived from echocardiographic tissue
      Doppler measurements, allows for a more sensitive assessment of global cardiac
      function than do traditional metrics for cardiac function. The authors
      hypothesized that changes in left ventricular MPI in patients with severe sepsis
      would be associated with a higher 90-day mortality. DESIGN: Prospective,
      observational study. SETTING: Intensive care units of a tertiary medical center.
      PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 47 patients admitted with new diagnoses of
      severe sepsis or septic shock. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent
      transthoracic echocardiograms with assessment of MPI at enrollment and 24 hours
      later. Hemodynamic data and information on sepsis-related mortality were
      collected. In the primary analysis, the association between change in MPI from
      enrollment to 24 hours and sepsis-related 90-day mortality was assessed.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 47 patients enrolled, 30 demonstrated an
      improvement in MPI from 0 to 24 hours ("improved" group), and MPI worsened in the
      remaining 17 patients ("worsened" group). Despite no significant differences in
      ejection fraction or severity of illness, the median MPI at enrollment in the
      "improved" group was higher than baseline values in the "worsened" group (p =
      0.005). A worsening MPI over the 24-hour study interval was associated with
      increased mortality at 90 days (p = 0.04), which remained significant (hazard
      ratio 3.72; 95% confidence interval 1.12-12.41; p = 0.03) after adjusting for
      severity of illness (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score),
      intravenous fluids, and vasopressor use. CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted to the
      intensive care unit with a diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock, a
      worsening MPI during the first 24 hours after intensive care unit admission was
      associated with higher 90-day mortality.

PMID- 28094173
TI  - A Rare Complication of Metastatic Osteosarcoma.

PMID- 28094174
TI  - Con: Atrial Fibrillation Prophylaxis Is Not Necessary in Patients Undergoing
      Major Thoracic Surgery.

PMID- 28094175
TI  - Septic Shock in Low-Cardiac-Output Patients With Heart and Lung Transplantation:
      Diagnosis and Management Dilemma.

PMID- 28094170
TI  - Common developmental genome deprogramming in schizophrenia - Role of Integrative
      Nuclear FGFR1 Signaling (INFS).
AB  - The watershed-hypothesis of schizophrenia asserts that over 200 different
      mutations dysregulate distinct pathways that converge on an unspecified common
      mechanism(s) that controls disease ontogeny. Consistent with this hypothesis, our
      RNA-sequencing of neuron committed cells (NCCs) differentiated from established
      iPSCs of 4 schizophrenia patients and 4 control subjects uncovered a dysregulated
      transcriptome of 1349 mRNAs common to all patients. Data reveals a global
      dysregulation of developmental genome, deconstruction of coordinated mRNA
      networks, and the formation of aberrant, new coordinated mRNA networks indicating
      a concerted action of the responsible factor(s). Sequencing of miRNA
      transcriptomes demonstrated an overexpression of 16 miRNAs and deconstruction of
      interactive miRNA-mRNA networks in schizophrenia NCCs. ChiPseq revealed that the
      nuclear (n) form of FGFR1, a pan-ontogenic regulator, is overexpressed in
      schizophrenia NCCs and overtargets dysregulated mRNA and miRNA genes. The nFGFR1
      targeted 54% of all human gene promoters and 84.4% of schizophrenia dysregulated
      genes. The upregulated genes reside within major developmental pathways that
      control neurogenesis and neuron formation, whereas downregulated genes are
      involved in oligodendrogenesis. Our results indicate (i) an early (preneuronal)
      genomic etiology of schizophrenia, (ii) dysregulated genes and new coordinated
      gene networks are common to unrelated cases of schizophrenia, (iii) gene
      dysregulations are accompanied by increased nFGFR1-genome interactions, and (iv)
      modeling of increased nFGFR1 by an overexpression of a nFGFR1 lead to up or
      downregulation of selected genes as observed in schizophrenia NCCs. Together our
      results designate nFGFR1 signaling as a potential common dysregulated mechanism
      in investigated patients and potential therapeutic target in schizophrenia.

PMID- 28094176
TI  - Atrial Septal Defect in a Patient With a Mechanical Mitral Valve Prosthesis
      Undergoing Implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device: To Repair or Not to
      Repair.

PMID- 28094177
TI  - Cognitive Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

PMID- 28094178
TI  - "Efficacy and Safety of Fibrinogen Concentrate in Surgical Patients: A Meta
      analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials".

PMID- 28094179
TI  - Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of novel heteroarylpyrimidines analogs as HBV
      capsid effectors.
AB  - New modifications to the scaffold of previously reported HBV capsid assembly
      effectors such as BAY 41-4109, HAP-12 and GLS4 were explored. The anti-HBV
      activity in the HepAD38 system, and cytotoxicity profiles of each of the new
      compounds has been assessed. Among them, five new iodo- and bromo
      heteroarylpyrimidines analogs displayed anti-HBV activity in the low micromolar
      range.

PMID- 28094180
TI  - Antifungal activity of substituted aurones.
AB  - Novel antifungals are in high demand as there is a growing resistance to
      antifungals currently in use. In particular, opportunistic fungal infections
      caused by Candida spp. are on the rise with infections by this genus accounting
      for the most severe fungal infections following chemotherapy, implantation
      procedures, and in patients with HIV/AIDS. A series of simple aurone analogs were
      synthesized and screened for antifungal activity versus Candida spp. Several
      compounds displayed activity at 100MUM, with two having IC50 values below 20MUM
      for three species of Candida. One of the compounds tested here also exhibits anti
      biofilm activity for mid-maturation growth.

PMID- 28094181
TI  - The oxidative induction of DNA lesions in cancer cells by 5-thio-d-glucose and 6
      thio-d-fructopyranose and their genotoxic effects. Part 3.
AB  - Thio-sugars have been described as potent inhibitors of cancer cell growth but
      the detailed mechanism of action remains unknown. Herein we investigated the
      mechanism of their anticancer action in the HeLa cell line. We investigated two
      thio-sugars: 5-thio-d-glucose (FCP1) and 6-thio-beta-d-fructopyranose (FCP2). We
      have observed that FCP1 as well as FCP2 clearly induced oxidative DNA lesions in
      cancer cells and increased the level of cellular ROS. A spin trap and
      antioxidants have decreased the level of DNA lesions induced by FCPs. FCPs also
      induced significant changes in the oxidative-stress gene expression. Therefore,
      we assume that ROS generation is correlated with the increased NOX5 expression by
      FCPs. Higher cyto- and genotoxicity of FCPs for HeLa cells in a low glucose
      environment suggested their role in the glucose metabolism. The data indicates
      that thio-sugars may become drug alternatives for the cancer treatment but such
      undertaking needs further studies.

PMID- 28094182
TI  - DNA-duplex linker for AFM-SELEX of DNA aptamer against human serum albumin.
AB  - DNA-duplex interactions in thymines and adenins are used as a linker for the
      novel methodology of Atomic Force Microscope-Systematic Evolution of Ligands by
      EXpotential enrichment (AFM-SELEX). This study used the hydrogen bonds in 10 mer
      of both thymines (T10) and adenines (A10). Initially, the interactive force in
      T10-A10 was measured by AFM, which returned an average interactive force of
      approximately 350pN. Based on this result, DNA aptamers against human serum
      albumin could be selected in the 4th round, and 15 different clones could be
      sequenced. The lowest dissociation constant of the selected aptamer was
      identified via surface plasmon resonance, and it proved to be identical to that
      of the commercial aptamer. Therefore, specific hydrogen bonds in DNA can be
      useful linkers for AFM-SELEX.

PMID- 28094183
TI  - Discovering novel 7-azaindole-based series as potent AXL kinase inhibitors.
AB  - AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a key role in tumor growth and
      proliferation. The scientific community has validated AXL as therapeutic target
      in the treatment of cancers for several years now, and several AXL inhibitors
      have been developed but none of them are approved. In this context, we started to
      design new kinase inhibitors targeting AXL from the 7-azaindole scaffold well
      known to interact with the ATP binding site of the kinase. Focused screening and
      chemical diversification around 7-azaindole scaffold were developed, based on
      modeling studies and medicinal chemistry rational, leading to the discovery of a
      new family of hits with potent inhibitory activity against AXL.

PMID- 28094184
TI  - In vivo evaluation of IGF1R/IR PET ligand [18F]BMS-754807 in rodents.
AB  - In vivo evaluation of [18F]BMS-754807 binding in mice and rats using microPET and
      biodistribution methods is described herein. The radioligand shows consistent
      binding characteristics, in vivo, in both species. Early time frames of the
      microPET images and time activity curves of brain indicate poor penetration of
      the tracer across the blood brain barrier (BBB) in both species. However,
      microPET experiments in mice and rats show high binding of the radioligand
      outside the brain to heart, pancreas and muscle, the organs known for higher
      expression of IGF1R/1R. Biodistribution analysis 2h after injection of [18F]BMS
      754807 in rats show negligible [18F]defluorination as reflected by the low bone
      uptake and clearance from blood. Overall, the data indicate that [18F]BMS-754807
      can potentially be a radiotracer for the quantification of IGF1R/IR outside the
      brain using PET.

PMID- 28094185
TI  - Anticomplement triterpenoids from the roots of Ilex asprella.
AB  - Five new (1-5) and twenty-eight known (6-33) triterpenoids were isolated from the
      roots of Ilex asprella. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by
      the detailed spectral analysis. The ursane and oleanane triterpenoids were found
      to show anticomplement activity with some structure-activity relationships.
      Several triterpenoids (1-3, 6-7) exhibited potent anticomplement activity with
      the CH50 and AP50 values of 0.058-0.131mg/mL and 0.080-0.444mg/mL, respectively.
      It was found that caffeoyl group could enhance activity remarkably, followed by
      coumaroyl and feruloyl group. The 28-carboxyl group was also important to
      anticomplement activity for the triterpenoids. However, the triterpenoids with
      lactone ring (4, 9-14) exhibited weak activity and triterpenoid glycosides (5, 23
      33) showed no inhibition. The targets of several bioactive triterpenoids in
      complement activation cascade were identified as well.

PMID- 28094187
TI  - Midwives' perceptions and experiences of engaging fathers in perinatal services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The active engagement of fathers in maternity care is associated with
      long-term benefits for the father, their partner, and their child. Midwives are
      ideally placed to engage fathers, but few studies have explored midwives'
      experiences of working with men. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe
      midwives' perceptions and experiences of engaging fathers in perinatal services.
      METHOD: A multi-method approach was utilised. Registered midwives (N=106)
      providing perinatal services to families in Australia participated in an online
      survey. Of these, 13 also participated in semi-structured telephone interviews.
      Descriptive analyses summarised the online survey data. The interview data were
      coded using semantic thematic analysis. RESULTS: Survey results indicated that
      midwives unanimously agreed that engaging fathers is part of their role and
      acknowledged the importance of receiving education to develop knowledge and
      skills about fathers. Analysis of the telephone interviews led to the
      identification of a range of strategies, facilitators and barriers to engaging
      fathers in midwifery services. Some of these were related to characteristics of
      midwives, factors related specifically to fathers, and several external factors
      relating to organisational policies. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study could
      inform maternity health care policies, as well the development of resources,
      education and ongoing professional training for midwives to promote father
      inclusive practice.

PMID- 28094186
TI  - Nardonaphthalenones A and B from the roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis
      Batal.
AB  - Nardonaphthalenones A and B (1-2), one new apo-alpha-carotenone (3) and four new
      monoterpenoids (4, 8-9 and 11), along with six known compounds (5-7, 10, 12-13)
      were isolated from the dried roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys chinensis Batal.
      Their structures were elucidated by analysis of the spectroscopic data including
      NMR, HRESIMS and circular dichroism data. Furthermore, the serotonin transporter
      (SERT)-regulating activities of these isolates were evaluated, among them
      compound 3 showed the strongest enhancement activity while compound 12 showed a
      moderate inhibition activity on SERT.

PMID- 28094188
TI  - Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis in the Acute Phase of the Stroke: Relevance of
      Detection and Follow-Up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke may be the first symptom of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT);
      therefore, rapid diagnosis and therapy are crucial. We aimed to evaluate the
      prevalence, main predictors, and long-term clinical evolution of patients with
      PVT in the acute phase of stroke. METHODS: We studied consecutive acute ischemic
      stroke patients with prosthetic heart valves who underwent emergent
      transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during a 5-year period. Two groups were
      defined depending on the presence of PVT (PVT or non-PVT groups). Baseline
      characteristics, TEE findings, and international normalized ratios (INRs) at the
      stroke event were registered. Follow-up visits and TEE control examinations were
      performed. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were registered. TEE was performed
      within the first week in 85% of patients (n = 57). PVT was diagnosed in 41.8% of
      cases (n = 28). Clinical severity and baseline INR level showed no differences
      when the PVT and non-PVT groups were compared. The presence of PVT was associated
      with the mitral valve location as compared with the aortic valve location (75%
      versus 25%, P = .003), the presence of spontaneous echocontrast (64.3% versus
      35.9%, P = .022), and low ejection fraction (66.7% versus 32.7%, P = .019). The
      PVT group showed a trend toward higher percentage of recurrence (10.7% versus
      2.5%, P = .102) in the follow up period (mean follow-up 25 months). CONCLUSIONS:
      The detection of PVT in the acute stroke phase was relevant, as the stroke
      recurrence rate was considerable. Therefore, all patients with prosthetic heart
      valve should undergo emergent TEE.

PMID- 28094189
TI  - Medicaid payer status is linked to increased rates of complications after
      treatment of proximal humerus fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low socioeconomic status and Medicaid insurance as a primary payer
      have been associated with major disparities in resource utilization and risk
      adjusted outcomes for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. With the
      expansion of Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act in 2014, examination of
      these disparities has become increasingly relevant for the treatment of proximal
      humerus fracture (PHF). METHODS: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project
      Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify patients who were
      treated for PHF from 2002 to 2012. Primary outcomes included treatment type,
      surgical fixation method, in-hospital complications, mean length of stay, and
      mean total charges for Medicaid patients vs. a matched privately insured cohort.
      In an effort to minimize confounding variables, each Medicaid patient was matched
      to a privately insured patient on the basis of gender, race, year of procedure,
      and age. RESULTS: Of the 678,831 patients treated with PHF, 4.9% (33,263) had
      Medicaid as the primary payer during the 10-year period. Medicaid patients were
      found to have a significantly higher risk (P < .05) of postoperative in-hospital
      complications, including postoperative infection (odds ratio [OR], 2.00 [1.37
      2.93]), wound complications (OR, 1.69 [1.04-2.75]), and acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (OR, 1.34 [1.15-1.59]). CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid patients have a
      significantly higher risk for certain postoperative hospital complications and
      consume more resources after treatment for PHFs. Additional work is needed to
      understand the optimal treatment type for Medicaid patients and to understand the
      complex interplay between socioeconomic status and outcomes to ensure appropriate
      resource allocation and risk stratification.

PMID- 28094190
TI  - Three or more preoperative injections is the most significant risk factor for
      revision surgery after operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis: an analysis
      of 3863 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to identify the rate of failure of operative
      treatment of lateral epicondylitis, defined as progression to ipsilateral
      revision surgery, and associated patient-specific risk factors for failure.
      METHODS: A national database was used to identify patients undergoing surgical
      treatment of lateral epicondylitis from 2005 to 2012. Patients undergoing
      concomitant procedures were excluded. Patients who then required subsequent
      ipsilateral extensor carpi radialis brevis debridement or release within 2 years
      were identified using similar methods. A multivariate binomial logistic
      regression analysis was used to evaluate patient-related risk factors for
      revision surgery. In addition, the number of preoperative injections (1, 2, or
      >=3) in the ipsilateral elbow was identified and included in the regression
      analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated
      for each risk factor. RESULTS: Of 3863 patients who underwent operative treatment
      of lateral epicondylitis, 58 (1.5%) required ipsilateral revision surgery. Risk
      factors for revision surgery included age <65 years (OR, 2.95; P = .003), male
      gender (OR, 1.53; P = .017), morbid obesity (OR, 2.13; P = .002), tobacco use
      (OR, 1.87; P < .001), and inflammatory arthritis (OR, 1.79; P = .009). Having >=3
      ipsilateral preoperative injections was the most significant risk factor (OR,
      3.55; P < .001), whereas having 2 (OR, 1.44; P = .135) or 1 (OR, 1.15; P = .495)
      was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of failure requiring revision
      surgery for lateral epicondylitis in the studied population is low (1.5%). Risk
      factors for revision surgery include younger age, male gender, morbid obesity,
      tobacco use, and inflammatory arthritis. The most significant risk factor for
      revision surgery is having >=3 ipsilateral preoperative injections.

PMID- 28094191
TI  - Functional results of bilateral reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze a population of patients
      with bilateral reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) to evaluate their
      ability to perform activities of daily living and personal hygiene tasks.
      METHODS: At a minimum 2-year follow-up, we retrospectively reviewed 50 patients
      (100 shoulders) with a mean age of 72 years who underwent staged bilateral RTSA.
      The average follow-up period was 61 months (range, 24-121 months), with a minimum
      2-year follow-up after the second surgical procedure. Functional outcomes were
      assessed with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test, and
      Short Form 12 (SF-12) scores. In addition, a unique questionnaire regarding
      personal hygiene habits and activities of daily living reliant on shoulder
      rotation was administered to all patients. RESULTS: Patients showed significant
      improvements in pain (mean improvement in visual analog scale score from 5.7 to
      1.0, P < .001) and forward elevation (mean improvement from 71 degrees  to 136
      degrees , P < .001). Clinical outcome scores showed significant improvements: The
      mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 35.8 to 76.5 (P <
      .001), Simple Shoulder Test score improved from 2.4 to 8.0 (P < .001), SF-12
      mental component subscore improved from 51.9 to 54.1 (P < .001), and SF-12
      physical component subscore improved from 30.5 to 39.7 (P < .001). Internal and
      external rotation showed significant improvements (from 33 degrees  to 53 degrees
      [P < .005] and from 27 degrees  to 44 degrees  [P < .001], respectively). All
      patients retained independence with personal hygiene and activities of daily
      living. Complications included prosthetic instability (3%), acromial fracture
      (5%), and periprosthetic joint infection (1%). The overall reoperation rate was
      5%. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral RTSA provides predictable pain relief and improved
      function. Hygiene practices are unaltered for most patients, and the other
      patients rapidly develop simple compensatory strategies and retain independence
      in activities of daily living.

PMID- 28094192
TI  - Risk factors for revision surgery following isolated ulnar nerve release at the
      cubital tunnel: a study of 25,977 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The literature investigating risk factors for failure after
      decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow (cubital tunnel release [CuTR]) is
      limited. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for failure of
      isolated CuTR, defined as progression to subsequent ipsilateral revision surgery.
      METHODS: The 100% Medicare Standard Analytic Files from 2005 to 2012 were queried
      for patients undergoing CuTR. Patients undergoing any concomitant procedures were
      excluded. A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was used to
      evaluate patient-related risk factors for ipsilateral revision surgery. Adjusted
      odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each risk
      factor. RESULTS: A total of 25,977 patients underwent primary CuTR, and 304
      (1.4%) of those with >=2 years of follow-up required revision surgery. Although
      the rate of primary procedures is on the rise (P = .002), the revision rate
      remains steady (P = .148). Significant, independent risk factors for revision
      surgery included age <65 years (OR, 1.5; P < .001), obesity (OR, 1.3; P = .022),
      morbid obesity (OR, 1.3; P = .044), tobacco use (OR, 2.0; P < .001), diabetes
      (OR, 1.3; P = .011), hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.2; P = .015), chronic liver disease
      (OR, 1.6; P = .001), chronic anemia (OR, 1.6; P = .001), and hypercoagulable
      disorder (OR, 2.1; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of failure requiring
      ipsilateral revision surgery after CuTR remained steadily low (1.4%) during the
      study period. There are numerous patient-related risk factors that are
      independently associated with an increased risk for revision surgery, the most
      significant of which are tobacco use, younger age, hypercoagulable disorder,
      liver disease, and anemia.

PMID- 28094193
TI  - Factors associated with infection after reconstructive shoulder surgery for
      proximal humerus tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main reconstruction techniques for proximal humerus tumors
      include osteoarticular allografts (OAs), endoprostheses (EPs), or allograft
      prosthetic composites (APCs). A common complication is infection, and constructs
      involving the use of allografts are believed to be at a higher risk of infection.
      Literature comparing infection rates between different modalities of
      reconstruction is scarce and underpowered. The study purposes were (1) to
      determine and compare the prevalence of infection in patients who underwent
      reconstruction of the proximal humerus including OAs, EPs, and APCs; (2) to
      identify preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative predictors of infection
      that might be modifiable; and (3) to present our protocol of treatment in
      patients with superficial and deep infections. METHODS: We reviewed 150 patients
      of all ages with proximal humerus tumors treated by an OA, EP, or APC at 2
      tertiary institutions. The prevalence of infection for each modality was
      calculated and compared between groups. We identified potential predictors of
      infection with stepwise backward multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS:
      An infection developed in 19 patients (12%): 5 of 45 (11%) in the OA group, 12 of
      85 (14%) in the EP group, and 2 of 20 (10%) in the APC group (P = .740). A lower
      preoperative hemoglobin blood level and low preoperative albumin blood level were
      independently associated with infection. CONCLUSIONS: We found similar infection
      rates compared with previously reported series. However, we did not identify a
      higher infection prevalence in constructs using allografts. Patients with a lower
      preoperative hemoglobin or albumin level are at higher risk of infection and
      should undergo optimization before surgery.

PMID- 28094194
TI  - MABp1 as a novel antibody treatment for advanced colorectal cancer: a randomised,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MABp1, an antibody that targets interleukin 1alpha, has been
      associated with antitumour activity and relief of debilitating symptoms in
      patients with advanced colorectal cancer. We sought to establish the effect of
      MABp1 with a new primary endpoint in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
      METHODS: Eligible patients for the double-blind phase of this ongoing, placebo
      controlled, randomised, phase 3 trial, had metastatic or unresectable disease,
      Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score 1 or 2, systemic
      inflammation, weight loss, and other disease-related morbidities associated with
      poor prognosis, and were refractory to oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Patients were
      randomly assigned 2:1 to receive either MABp1 or placebo. Randomisation codes
      were obtained from a centrally held list via an interactive web response system.
      Patients received an intravenous infusion of 7.5 mg/kg MABp1 or placebo given
      every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was assessed in patients who
      received at least one dose of MABp1 or placebo (modified intention-to-treat
      population), and was a composite of stable or increased lean body mass and
      stability or improvement in two of three symptoms (pain, fatigue, or anorexia) at
      week 8 compared with baseline measurements. This study is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02138422. FINDINGS: Patients were enrolled between
      May 20, 2014, and Sept 2, 2015. The double-blind phase of the study was completed
      on Nov 3, 2015. Of 333 patients randomly assigned treatment, 207 received at
      least one dose of MABp1 and 102 at least one dose of placebo. 68 (33%) and 19
      (19%) patients, respectively, achieved the primary endpoint (relative risk 1.76,
      95% CI 1.12-2.77, p=0.0045). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events in the
      MABp1 group compared with in the placebo group were anaemia (eight [4%] of 207 vs
      five [5%] of 102 patients), increased concentration of alkaline phosphatase (nine
      [4%] vs two [2%]), fatigue (six [3%] vs seven [7%]), and increased concentration
      of aspartate aminotransferase (six [3%] vs two [2%]). After 8 weeks, 17 (8%)
      patients in the MABp1 group and 11 (11%) in the placebo group had died, but no
      death was judged to be related to treatment. The incidence of serious adverse
      events was not significantly different in the MABp1 group and placebo groups (47
      [23%] vs 33 [32%], p=0.07). INTERPRETATION: The primary endpoint was a useful
      means of measuring clinical performance in patients. MABp1 might represent a new
      standard in the management of advanced colorectal cancer. FUNDING: XBiotech.

PMID- 28094195
TI  - Advanced colorectal cancer treatment options beyond standard systemic therapy.

PMID- 28094196
TI  - Is a negative prostate biopsy a risk factor for a prostate cancer related death?

PMID- 28094197
TI  - Another piece in the jigsaw of accelerated partial breast irradiation.

PMID- 28094199
TI  - Risk of prostate cancer diagnosis and mortality in men with a benign initial
      transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy set: a population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of missing prostate cancer in the transrectal ultrasound
      guided systematic biopsies of the prostate in men with suspected prostate cancer
      is a key problem in urological oncology. Repeat biopsy or MRI-guided biopsies
      have been suggested to increase sensitivity for diagnosis of prostate cancer, but
      the risk of disease-specific mortality in men who present with raised prostate
      specific antigen (PSA) concentration and a benign initial biopsy result remains
      unknown. We investigated the risk of overall and prostate cancer-specific
      mortality in men with a benign initial biopsy set. METHODS: Data were extracted
      from the Danish Prostate Cancer Registry-a population-based registry including
      all men undergoing histopathological assessment of prostate tissue. All men who
      were referred for transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy for assessment of
      suspected prostate cancer between Jan 1, 1995, and Dec 31, 2011, in Denmark were
      eligible for inclusion. Follow-up data were obtained on April 28, 2015. The
      primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of prostate cancer-specific
      mortality, analysed in a competing risk setting, with death from other causes as
      the competing event. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 1995, and Dec 31, 2011, 64 430 men
      were referred for transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, of whom 63 454 were
      eligible for inclusion. Median follow-up was 5.9 years (IQR 3.8-8.5) and the
      total follow-up time, from the enrolment of the first patient on Jan 1, 1995,
      until the extraction of causes of death on April 28, 2015, was 20 years. 10 407
      (30%) of 35 159 men with malignant initial biopsy sets died from prostate cancer,
      compared with 541 (2%) of 27 181 men with benign initial biopsy sets. Estimated
      overall 20-year mortality was 76.1% (95% CI 73.0-79.2). In all men referred for
      transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, the cumulative incidence of prostate cancer
      specific mortality after 20 years was 25.6% (24.7-26.5) versus 50.5% (47.5-53.5)
      for mortality from other causes. In men with benign initial biopsy sets, the
      cumulative incidence of prostate cancer-specific mortality was 5.2% (3.9-6.5)
      versus 59.9% (55.2-64.6) for mortality from other causes. In men with PSA
      concentrations 10 MUg/L or lower and benign initial biopsy sets (2779 men), the
      cumulative incidence of prostate cancer-specific mortality was 0.7% (0.2-1.3).
      Cumulative incidence of prostate cancer specific mortality in men with benign
      initial biopsy sets was 3.6% (95% CI 0.1-7.2) for men with a PSA higher than 10
      ng/mL but 20 ng/mL or less (855 men) and 17.6% (12.7-22.4) and for men with a PSA
      higher than 20 ng/mL (454 men). INTERPRETATION: The first systematic transrectal
      ultrasound-guided biopsy set holds important prognostic information. The 20-year
      risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality in men with benign initial results is
      low. Our findings question whether men with low PSA concentration and a benign
      initial biopsy set should undergo further diagnostic assessment in view of the
      high risk of mortality from other causes. FUNDING: Capital Region of Denmark's
      Fund for Health Research, Danish Cancer Society, Danish Association for Cancer
      Research, and Krista and Viggo Petersen's Foundation.

PMID- 28094198
TI  - Late side-effects and cosmetic results of accelerated partial breast irradiation
      with interstitial brachytherapy versus whole-breast irradiation after breast
      conserving surgery for low-risk invasive and in-situ carcinoma of the female
      breast: 5-year results of a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously confirmed the non-inferiority of accelerated partial
      breast irradiation (APBI) with interstitial brachytherapy in terms of local
      control and overall survival compared with whole-breast irradiation for patients
      with early-stage breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery in a phase
      3 randomised trial. Here, we present the 5-year late side-effects and cosmetic
      results of the trial. METHODS: We did this randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial
      at 16 centres in seven European countries. Women aged 40 years or older with
      stage 0-IIA breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery with
      microscopically clear resection margins of at least 2 mm were randomly assigned
      1:1, via an online interface, to receive either whole-breast irradiation of 50 Gy
      with a tumour-bed boost of 10 Gy or APBI with interstitial brachytherapy.
      Randomisation was stratified by study centre, menopausal status, and tumour type
      (invasive carcinoma vs ductal carcinoma in situ), with a block size of ten,
      according to an automated dynamic algorithm. Patients and investigators were not
      masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint of our initial analysis was
      ipsilateral local recurrence; here, we report the secondary endpoints of late
      side-effects and cosmesis. We analysed physician-scored late toxicities and
      patient-scored and physician-scored cosmetic results from the date of breast
      conserving surgery to the date of onset of event. Analysis was done according to
      treatment received (as-treated population). This trial is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00402519. FINDINGS: Between April 20, 2004, and
      July 30, 2009, we randomly assigned 1328 women to receive either whole-breast
      irradiation (n=673) or APBI with interstitial brachytherapy (n=655); 1184
      patients comprised the as-treated population (551 in the whole-breast irradiation
      group and 633 in the APBI group). At a median follow-up of 6.6 years (IQR 5.8
      7.6), no patients had any grade 4 toxities, and three (<1%) of 484 patients in
      the APBI group and seven (2%) of 393 in the whole-breast irradiation group had
      grade 3 late skin toxicity (p=0.16). No patients in the APBI group and two (<1%)
      in the whole-breast irradiation group developed grade 3 late subcutaneous tissue
      toxicity (p=0.10). The cumulative incidence of any late side-effect of grade 2 or
      worse at 5 years was 27.0% (95% CI 23.0-30.9) in the whole-breast irradiation
      group versus 23.3% (19.9-26.8) in the APBI group (p=0.12). The cumulative
      incidence of grade 2-3 late skin toxicity at 5 years was 10.7% (95% CI 8.0-13.4)
      in the whole-breast irradiation group versus 6.9% (4.8-9.0) in the APBI group
      (difference -3.8%, 95% CI -7.2 to 0.4; p=0.020). The cumulative risk of grade 2-3
      late subcutaneous tissue side-effects at 5 years was 9.7% (95% CI 7.1-12.3) in
      the whole-breast irradiation group versus 12.0% (9.4-14.7) in the APBI group
      (difference 2.4%; 95% CI -1.4 to 6.1; p=0.28). The cumulative incidence of grade
      2-3 breast pain was 11.9% (95% CI 9.0-14.7) after whole-breast irradiation versus
      8.4% (6.1-10.6) after APBI (difference -3.5%; 95% CI -7.1 to 0.1; p=0.074). At 5
      years' follow-up, according to the patients' view, 413 (91%) of 454 patients had
      excellent to good cosmetic results in the whole-breast irradiation group versus
      498 (92%) of 541 patients in the APBI group (p=0.62); when judged by the
      physicians, 408 (90%) of 454 patients and 503 (93%) of 542 patients,
      respectively, had excellent to good cosmetic results (p=0.12). No treatment
      related deaths occurred, but six (15%) of 41 patients (three in each group) died
      from breast cancer, and 35 (85%) deaths (21 in the whole-breast irradiation group
      and 14 in the APBI group) were unrelated. INTERPRETATION: 5-year toxicity
      profiles and cosmetic results were similar in patients treated with breast
      conserving surgery followed by either APBI with interstitial brachytherapy or
      conventional whole-breast irradiation, with significantly fewer grade 2-3 late
      skin side-effects after APBI with interstitial brachytherapy. These findings
      provide further clinical evidence for the routine use of interstitial
      multicatheter brachytherapy-based APBI in the treatment of patients with low-risk
      breast cancer who opt for breast conservation. FUNDING: German Cancer Aid.

PMID- 28094200
TI  - Type I Interferon in Malaria: A Balancing Act.
AB  - Type I interferons (IFN-Is) can now be considered as the wedge that balances
      clinical protection to malaria. New studies recently highlighted a central role
      for IFN-Is in orchestrating an immunoregulatory network leading to the dampening
      of proinflammatory responses, expansion of type 1 regulatory (Tr1) cells, and
      restriction of humoral immunity during malaria blood stage infection.
      Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) were identified as the major source of IFN
      Is. Here, we integrate the findings and provide a model for the mechanisms
      involved.

PMID- 28094201
TI  - Diagnosing Urogenital Schistosomiasis: Dealing with Diminishing Returns.
AB  - Urogenital schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma haematobium, is the most
      prevalent form of schistosomiasis affecting humans, and can result in severe
      bladder, kidney, ureteral, and genital pathologies. Chronic infection with S.
      haematobium has been linked with bladder cancer and increased risk for HIV
      infection. As mass drug administration with praziquantel increases in an attempt
      to transition from control to elimination of schistosomiasis, the need for
      updated, more sensitive diagnostic tools becomes more apparent, especially for
      use in areas of low infection intensity and for individuals with light
      infections. Here, we review established and investigational diagnostic tests
      utilized for urogenital schistosomiasis, highlighting new insights and recent
      advances.

PMID- 28094202
TI  - Engaging Early-Career Geriatric Mental Health Investigators as Associate
      Editorial Board Members.

PMID- 28094203
TI  - Implications of Differential Associations of Neuroticism Facets with Cognitive
      Function in Late-Life Depression.

PMID- 28094204
TI  - Microbial contamination of drinking water from risky tubewells situated in
      different hydrological regions of Bangladesh.
AB  - This study, conducted in 40 selected upazilas covering four hydrological regions
      of Bangladesh, aimed at determining the risk of selected shallow tubewells
      (depth<30m) used for drinking purpose (n=26,229). This was based on WHO's
      sanitary inspection guidelines and identifying the association of sanitary
      inspection indicators and risk scores with microbiological contamination of
      shallow tubewells. The main objective of the study was to observe the seasonal
      and regional differences of microbial contamination and finally reaching a
      conclusion about safe distance between tubewells and latrines by comparing the
      contamination of two tubewell categories (category-1: distance <=10m from nearest
      latrine; n=80 and category 2: distances 11-20m from nearest latrine; n=80) in
      different geographical contexts. About 62% of sampled tubewells were at medium to
      high risk according to WHO's sanitary inspection guidelines, while the situation
      was worst in south-west region. Microbiological contamination was significantly
      higher in sampled category-1 tubewells compared to category-2 tubewells, while
      the number of contaminated tubewells and level of contamination was higher during
      wet season. About 21% (CI95=12%-30%), 54% (CI95=43%-65%) and 58% (CI95=46%-69%)
      of water samples collected from category-1 tubewells were contaminated by E.
      coli, FC, and TC respectively during the wet season. The number of category-1
      tubewells having E.coli was highest in the north-west (n=8) and north-central
      (n=4) region during wet season and dry season respectively, while the level of
      E.coli contamination in tubewell water (number of CFU/100ml of sample) was
      significantly higher in north-central region. However, the south-west region had
      the highest number of FC contaminated category-1 tubewells (n=16 & n=17;
      respectively during wet and dry season) and significantly a higher level of TC
      and FC in sampled Category-1 tubewells than north-west, north-central and south
      east region, mainly during wet season. Multivariate regression analysis could
      identified some sanitary inspection indicators, such as tubewell within <10m of
      latrine, platform absent/broken, pollution source (i.e. household's waste dumping
      point/poultry/dairy farm) within 10m of tubewell and unimproved sanitation
      facility which were significantly associated with presence of microbial
      contaminants in tubewell water (p<0.01). A tubewell with high risk level was
      associated with a higher chance of having FC and TC in tubewell water than a
      tubewell with a medium risk during wet season, but no such conclusion could be
      drawn in case of E.coli contamination. Construction of pit latrine in areas with
      high water table should be highly discouraged. Raised sealed pits or flush/pour
      flash to septic tank could be installed considering sanitary inspection criteria.
      Water should be treated before drinking.

PMID- 28094205
TI  - Legionnaires' disease at a medical center in southern Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Legionella pneumophila had been recognized as a pathogen for
      both healthcare-associated and community-acquired pneumonia. We aimed to evaluate
      clinical features and outcomes of patients with Legionnaires' disease at a
      tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan. METHODS: From January 2005 to
      December 2013, a retrospective study of adult cases of Legionnaires' disease was
      conducted in a 1200-bed tertiary hospital. Their medical records were reviewed
      for further evaluation and analysis. RESULTS: A total of 61 cases of
      Legionnaires' disease were identified during the study period. Their mean age was
      61.1 years, with male predominance (43, 70.5%). Among them, 30 (49.2%) had
      healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP), 20 (32.8%) had community-acquired
      pneumonia, and notably 11 (18.0%) were caregivers. Patients with healthcare
      associated pneumonia tend to have higher Charlson comorbidity scores than those
      with community-acquired pneumonia (3.6+/-2.4 vs. 1.9+/-1.9, p=0.008) and
      caregivers (0.5+/-0.5, p<0.001). Six patients died, resulting in an in-hospital
      mortality rate of 9.8%. Underlying cancer (66.7% vs. 20.0%, p=0.028) and a higher
      Charlson comorbidity score (4.7+/-2.6 vs. 2.2+/-2.2, p=0.013) were related to a
      fatal outcome. CONCLUSION: L. pneumophila remains an important pathogen for
      pneumonia acquired from the community or associated with healthcare facility.
      Healthy caregivers may potentially be at risk for Legionella infection in certain
      clinical settings.

PMID- 28094206
TI  - Hepatocyte growth factor in physiology and infectious diseases.
AB  - Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic cytokine composed of an alpha
      chain and a beta-chain, and these chains contain four kringle domains and a
      serine protease-like structure, respectively. The receptor for HGF was identified
      as the c-met proto-oncogene product of transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase.
      HGF-induced signaling through the receptor Met provokes dynamic biological
      responses that support morphogenesis, regeneration, and the survival of various
      cells and tissues, which includes hepatocytes, renal tubular cells, and neurons.
      Characterization of tissue-specific Met knockout mice has further indicated that
      the HGF-Met system modulates immune cell functions and also plays an inhibitory
      role in the progression of chronic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the
      biological actions that are driven by the HGF-Met pathway all play a role in the
      acquisition of the malignant characteristics in tumor cells, such as invasion,
      metastasis, and drug resistance in the tumor microenvironment. Even though
      oncogenic Met signaling remains the major research focus, the HGF-Met axis has
      also been implicated in infectious diseases. Many pathogens try to utilize host
      HGF-Met system to establish comfortable environment for infection. Their
      strategies are not only simply change the expression level of HGF or Met, but
      also actively hijack HGF-Met system and deregulating Met signaling using their
      pathogenic factors. Consequently, the monitoring of HGF and Met expression, along
      with real-time detection of Met activation, can be a beneficial biomarker of
      these infectious diseases. Preclinical studies designed to address the
      therapeutic significance of HGF have been performed on injury/disease models,
      including acute tissue injury, chronic fibrosis, and cardiovascular and
      neurodegenerative diseases. Likewise, manipulating the HGF-Met system with
      complete control will lead to a tailor made treatment for those infectious
      diseases.

PMID- 28094207
TI  - Ebola virus disease sequelae: a challenge that is not going away.

PMID- 28094209
TI  - Simplified low-dose-rate infant total body irradiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Low-dose-rate total body irradiation (LDR TBI) in infants possesses
      unique challenges because of the setup limitations imposed by anesthesia. We
      present an LDR TBI method with an anteroposterior/posteroanterior arrangement and
      dose rate < 10 cGy/minute for infants (thickness <14 cm) without the use of a
      beam attenuator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The delivery used a 6 MV TrueBeam linear
      accelerator (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) with adjustable meterset
      rates below 100 MU/minute. A platform was constructed to support the patient 6 cm
      above the floor (~2 m from the source). A 40 * 40 cm2 field at isocenter along
      with a 45 degrees  collimator rotation was used to achieve a maximum field width
      of approximately 113 cm at 2 m. The patient was positioned supine with head
      turned toward the patient's right side for the anteroposterior beam and prone
      with the head continuing to turn towards the patient's right side for the
      posteroanterior beam. A scattering plate with custom organ blocks was placed
      approximately 20 cm from the patient's skin surface. Output, depth-dose, surface
      dose, block transmission, and off-axis measurements were taken using solid water
      slabs, ion chambers, and film. RESULTS: The TrueBeam provides several options for
      this treatment geometry to deliver LDR TBI at less than 10 cGy/min by lowering
      the linear accelerator meterset rate below 100 MU/minute. This allowed for a
      compromise between dose rate and treatment time to be selected by the radiation
      oncology team without the use of a beam attenuator, thus improving patient
      safety. Depth-dose and off-axis measurements confirmed a dose distribution within
      +/-5% of the central-axis dose. A scattering plate distance of ~20 cm from the
      patient increases surface dose while allowing easy access to the patient during
      anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The method described is useful to pediatric radiation
      oncologists seeking to deliver LDR TBI to an infant patient.

PMID- 28094208
TI  - Multidisciplinary assessment of post-Ebola sequelae in Guinea (Postebogui): an
      observational cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high number of survivors from the 2013-16 west African outbreak
      of Ebola virus disease (EVD) has raised several new issues: long-term clinical
      complications, psychosocial consequences, risks of EVD reactivation, and
      secondary transmission due to viral persistence in body fluids. We aimed to
      assess long-term clinical, psychosocial, and viral outcomes in EVD survivors in
      Guinea. METHODS: In this multidisciplinary observational cohort study, we
      recruited patients aged 1 year or more in four sites in Guinea (Donka National
      Hospital, Conakry; Macenta Prefectoral Hospital, Macenta; N'zerekore Regional
      Hospital, N'zerekore; and Forecariah Prefectoral Hospital, Forecariah) following
      discharge from any Ebola treatment centre in Guinea. Eligible patients had had
      laboratory-confirmed EVD and had then been declared clear of the virus in the
      blood. All consenting patients were included, with no exclusion criteria. Trained
      clinicians assessed patients at enrolment to the cohort, recording clinical
      symptoms and signs of depression. We did routine blood examinations and examined
      viral persistence in body fluids using RT-PCR. We did psychological evaluations
      using questionnaires developed for different age groups. Follow-up is planned to
      2 years, and here we present findings at enrolment. FINDINGS: Between March 23,
      2015, and July 11, 2016, we recruited 802 patients, of whom 360 (45%) were male,
      442 (55%) were female; 158 (20%) were younger than 18 years. The median age was
      28.4 years (range 1.0-79.9, IQR 19.4-39.8). The median delay after discharge was
      350 days (IQR 223-491). The most frequent symptoms were general symptoms (324
      [40%] patients), musculoskeletal pain (303 [38%]), headache (278 [35%]),
      depression (124 [17%] of 713 responses), abdominal pain (178 [22%]), and ocular
      disorders (142 [18%]). More adults than children had at least one clinical
      symptom (505 [78%] vs 101 [64%], p<0.0003), ocular complications (124 [19%] vs 18
      [11%], p=0.0200), or musculoskeletal symptoms (274 [43%] vs 29 [18%], p<0.0001).
      A positive RT-PCR in semen was found in ten (5%) of 188 men, at a maximum of 548
      days after disease onset. 204 (26%) of 793 patients reported stigmatisation.
      Ocular complications were more frequent at enrolment than at discharge (142 [18%]
      vs 61 [8%] patients). INTERPRETATION: Post-EVD symptoms can remain long after
      recovery and long-term viral persistence in semen is confirmed. The results
      justify calls for regular check-ups of survivors at least 18 months after
      recovery. FUNDING: INSERM/Reacting, the French Ebola Task Force, and Institut de
      Recherche pour le Developpement.

PMID- 28094210
TI  - Benefits of omitting primary site radiation therapy after transoral robotic
      surgery: Only time will tell.

PMID- 28094211
TI  - Likelihood of unacceptable normal tissue doses in breast cancer patients
      undergoing regional nodal irradiation in routine clinical practice.
AB  - PURPOSE: As indications for regional nodal irradiation (RNI) for breast cancer
      have expanded, so too has scrutiny over potential late toxicity from
      radiotherapy. This emphasizes the need for careful radiation treatment planning
      to maximize the therapeutic ratio. We sought to evaluate how often unacceptable
      doses (UDs) to organs at risk (OARs) occur and the associated factors for
      patients receiving RNI in daily practice. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Treatment
      records of patients who received RNI from February 2012 to May 2015 were studied.
      The NSABP B51/RTOG 1304 clinical dose-volume constraints for targets/OARs
      receiving RNI were used as the benchmark. Dose-volume histograms were analyzed
      for the rate of >=1 UD delivered to the following organs: heart, mean >5 Gy;
      ipsilateral lung, V20 >35%, V10 >60%, V5 >70%; contralateral lung (CL), V5 >15%;
      and contralateral breast, V4.1 >5%. Logistic regression was used to test the
      association between UDs to OAR and key variables. RESULTS: Two hundred three
      consecutive cases received RNI (105 left, 98 right), to the chest wall in 171
      (84%) and to the internal mammary nodes in 170 (84%); 77.4% of cases met all OAR
      constraints. The most common OAR UDs were delivered to the contralateral breast
      (n = 32, 15.7%) and ipsilateral lung V5 (n = 22, 10.8%). On multivariate
      analysis, use of intensity modulated radiation therapy (odds ratio [OR], 64.7;
      95% confidence interval, 20.8-201.5; P < .001) and use of nodal boost (OR, 5.5;
      95% confidence interval, 1.1-27.1; P = .04), but not internal mammary node
      irradiation (OR, 2.7; P = .35) or reconstruction (OR, 0.62; P = .33), were
      independently associated with higher OAR UD rate. For 3-dimensional conformal
      radiation therapy plans, 7.9% had OAR UDs. CONCLUSION: The OAR UD rate with 3
      dimensional conformal radiation therapy +/- deep inspiration breath-hold in
      routine clinical practice is low and not independently associated with internal
      mammary node irradiation or reconstruction presence. Women treated with intensity
      modulated radiation therapy had a significantly higher overall OAR UD rate, and
      clinicians should be aware of this as they initiate RNI treatment planning.

PMID- 28094212
TI  - Sparing of high retropharyngeal nodal basins in patients with unilateral
      oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The introduction of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has
      facilitated dose painting and sparing of uninvolved/low-risk nodal basins in head
      and neck cancers. In oropharynx cancer (OPC), the need for elective coverage of
      uninvolved high contralateral retropharyngeal (RP) nodes and the risk associated
      with sparing this region remain unclear. We examined outcomes of OPC patients
      treated with IMRT and omission of contralateral high RP coverage. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: We identified 102 OPC patients with cN0-N2b disease treated with
      definitive IMRT with or without concurrent chemotherapy between 2010 and 2013.
      The contralateral RP nodal basins superior to the vertebral level of C1 were
      omitted from the elective IMRT field for all patients. Of the 67 patients (66%)
      with p16 status available, 63 (94%) were p16+. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to
      estimate overall survival, as well as freedom from local failure, regional
      failure, distant failure, and retropharyngeal failure. RESULTS: The median follow
      up was 26.9 months (range, 3.0-59.9 months). There were no failures in the
      treated ipsilateral RP nodes or the spared contralateral high RP nodes in the
      entire cohort. In the p16+ cohort and the entire cohort, the 2-year rates of
      overall survival and freedom from local, regional, distant, and retropharyngeal
      failure were 98.0% and 95.1%, 98.1% and 97.7%, 96.4% and 96.7%, 98.1% and 95.1%,
      and 100% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Omission of contralateral high RP
      nodes in patients with p16+ OPC with unilateral disease is safe.

PMID- 28094214
TI  - Primary intraosseous adenoid cystic carcinoma of the mandible: a comprehensive
      review and analysis of four new cases with emphasis on morphologic,
      immunophenotypic, and molecular characteristics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively review the clinical manifestations, imaging,
      diagnosis, treatment, and pathologic features of primary intraosseous adenoid
      cystic carcinoma (PIACC) of the mandible and analyze PIACC histopathology and
      molecular features in four cases. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the literature and
      retrospectively studied four cases of PIACC. RESULTS: The clinical and imaging
      findings of PIACC are similar to other malignant or borderline-malignant mandible
      tumors. The four cases of PIACC included three males and one female (aged between
      41 and 58 years). The histopathologic features of the tumors resembled those of
      ACC. We observed abundant osteoclasts resorbing bone at the leading edge of the
      tumors characterized by solid structure histology but not by the cribriform
      subtype. Additionally, all four cases showed abnormalities in the MYB gene and
      high expression of MYB protein. All patients survived for the duration of follow
      up, and two patients had distant metastases (followed up for 3 to 36 months).
      CONCLUSIONS: PIACC is extremely rare and is often clinically misdiagnosed.
      Different histologic subtypes could show different mechanisms of invasion of the
      mandible. MYB gene and protein expression abnormalities can be used as indicators
      for the precise diagnosis of PIACC.

PMID- 28094213
TI  - Examination of the early wound healing process under different wound dressing
      conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Various types of wound-healing dressings have been used to assist in
      the healing of surgical wounds. We analyzed the wound-healing process in an
      animal model using different existing wound dressings. STUDY DESIGN: Full
      thickness defects were created using a biopsy punch on the backs of 7-week-old
      rats. The wounded areas were covered with NEOVEIL (polyglycolic acid [PGA]) or
      TERUDERMIS (collagen sponge [CS]) affixed using a rat jacket. The wound area, neo
      epithelium length, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expression were
      evaluated and compared among the control, PGA, and CS groups. RESULTS: The wound
      areas in the control group on days 4 and 7 were significantly smaller than those
      in the PGA and CS groups. The expression of alpha-SMA in granulation tissue
      peaked on day 4 for all groups. The expression of alpha-SMA in the control group
      on days 4 and 7 after injury was greater than in the PGA and CS groups. However,
      there was no significant difference in the expression of alpha-SMA between the
      PGA and CS groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, PGA and CS suppressed wound
      contracture and reduced expression of alpha-SMA in wound areas. However, PGA and
      CS did not affect the neo-epithelium length at the wound site.

PMID- 28094215
TI  - Effect of decompression for patients with various jaw cysts based on a three
      dimensional computed tomography analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of
      decompression according to reduction parameters by measuring cystic volume
      changes using computed tomography (CT). STUDY DESIGN: We chose patients who had
      undergone decompression for a cystic lesion of the jaw at the Department of Oral
      and Maxillofacial Surgery in our dental hospital between 2006 and 2015. All
      patients had been examined by CT before and after decompression. We measured the
      volume of cystic lesions using the threshold method and evaluated the volumetric
      changes after decompression according to various parameters. RESULTS: The mean
      reduction rates of 46 cystic cases was 57.95%. There was a statistically
      significant difference in reduction rates by initial volume; the group with large
      initial volume reported higher reduction rates. CONCLUSION: Decompression is more
      effective in larger initial lesions when carried out more than 6 months. CT is an
      efficient method for evaluating the bony healing within the cyst cavity by
      measuring changes in cystic volume after decompression. However, due to its high
      cost and radiation dose, a comparative study using another diagnostic
      radiographic tool should be considered.

PMID- 28094216
TI  - Mild to moderate dysplasia at surgical margin is a significant indicator of
      survival in patients with oral cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of
      mild and moderate dysplasia at the surgical margin with regard to survival and
      locoregional recurrence. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated cases of primary oral
      squamous cell carcinoma with negative margins retrospectively from the database
      of a tertiary cancer hospital. All patients had been treated between January 2010
      and December 2012, and margin dysplasia was investigated in a multivariate
      analysis for locoregional recurrence and overall survival. RESULTS: Of a total of
      425 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 28 patients had mild
      dysplasia, and 29 patients had moderate dysplasia; median period of follow-up was
      46.63 +/- 10.04 (standard deviation) months. Most of the patients with mild and
      moderate dysplasia in the margin were tobacco users (P = .007). Univariate
      analysis showed lower rates of survival among the patients with margin dysplasia
      (mild + moderate) (P = .043), and the multivariate cox regression revealed
      moderate dysplasia at the margin as an independent significant factor for
      survival (P < .0001) when adjusted with other cofounders. CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      with mild or moderate dysplasia at surgical margin were often tobacco users, and
      moderate dysplasia in the margin is an independent significant indicator for
      survival of patients with oral cancer in this single-institution, retrospective
      study.

PMID- 28094217
TI  - Development and validation of a quality-of-life questionnaire for patients with
      oral potentially malignant disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the validity and
      reliability of a quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaire for patients with oral
      potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). STUDY DESIGN: For item generation, 15
      personal interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted with OPMD
      patients existing QoL questionnaires were reviewed, and inputs from specialist
      clinicians (n = 10) were considered. Data collected from patients were analyzed
      by using NVivo. This led to the identification of themes, item writing, scaling,
      item reduction, formatting, and pretesting of the newly developed questionnaire.
      The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed in a separate
      sample of 300 patients (150 each of patients with OPMD and healthy individuals).
      RESULTS: Sixty items were generated from the qualitative data and by reviewing
      existing questionnaires. After item reduction, the final questionnaire comprised
      20 questions, which could be categorized under four domains. Exploratory factor
      analysis revealed a four-factor structure conforming to the four domains. The
      OPMD QoL questionnaire exhibited good discriminant and convergent validity, with
      OPMD patients reporting poorer QoL compared with healthy individuals and
      correlating significantly with existing questionnaires designed for similar
      purposes respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our OPMD QoL questionnaire was found to be
      valid and reliable. We recommend that it be applied in epidemiologic and
      treatment studies of these disorders.

PMID- 28094218
TI  - Cribriform adenocarcinoma of the soft palate with multiple lymph node metastasis
      and long-term follow-up.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary glands
      (CATMSG) is a recently described entity, with most cases previously published as
      polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA). Typical cases share some main
      characteristics, such as oral sites (mainly tongue), regional lymph node
      metastasis, and morphology resembling solid and follicular variants of papillary
      thyroid carcinoma. OBJECTIVE: To present a CATMSG and emphasize the importance of
      reclassifying PLGAs with unusual behavior. CASE REPORT: A 78-year-old male
      presented with an ulcerated mass in the soft palate treated as PLGA. The patient
      developed 5 regional metastases over 11 years of follow-up, all diagnosed as
      PLGA. He died due to the disease, and because of the very aggressive behavior of
      PLGA, all histopathologic slides were revised and the tumor was reclassified as
      CATMSG. CONCLUSION: This report emphasizes the importance of reevaluating
      aggressive PLGA and contributes to a better understanding of CATMSG.

PMID- 28094219
TI  - 3,4-Dihydropyrimidinone-coumarin analogues as a new class of selective agent
      against S. aureus: Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modelling
      study.
AB  - Bacterial infections are increasingly difficult to combat as bacteria evolve
      resistance to antibiotic drugs and have severely compromised the arsenal of
      antibiotic drugs. On the other hand matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a
      fundamental role in inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation in
      physiological and pathological conditions. In search of potent antibiotic, taking
      coumarin and dihydropyrimidinone as lead compound, a green, eco-friendly and
      efficient protocol has been developed and synthesized the dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)
      one/thione derivatives of coumarin 3/4 from substituted 4-formylcoumarins 2 and
      ethylacetoacetate using urea/thiourea in the presence of catalytic amount of
      ceric ammonium nitrate is reported. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated
      for their antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains by broth dilution
      method. The tested compounds have exhibited promising in vitro potency with low
      MIC values against the drug susceptive S. aureus strain with low MIC values
      ranging from 0.2 to 6.25MUg/mL. The in vivo anti-inflammatory potency of 3a-e and
      4a-e by gelatin zymography is comparable to that of tetracycline. Molecular
      docking study performed for all the synthesized compounds with S. aureus DNA
      gyrase and results obtained were quite promising.

PMID- 28094220
TI  - Molecular docking, discovery, synthesis, and pharmacological properties of new 6
      substituted-2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-4-phenyl quinoline derivatives; an approach to
      developing potent DNA gyrase inhibitors/antibacterial agents.
AB  - Synthesis and molecular validation of 6-substituted-2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-4
      phenylquinoline derivatives (4a-h) as antibacterial/DNA gyrase inhibitors
      reported. Primarily, 6-substituted-2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-4-phenylquinoline
      derivatives were docked into the active sites of DNA gyrase A&B, to ensure the
      binding mode of the compounds, and the results were superior on DNA gyrase A over
      DNA gyrase B. Based on this, S. aureus DNA gyrase A assay was proposed and
      executed. Most prominent DNA gyrase inhibition showed by 6-fluoro-2-(3
      phenoxyphenyl)-4-phenylquinoline (4c), IC50 0.389MUg/mL; 2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-4
      phenylquinolin-6-ol (4e), IC50 0.328MUg/mL; and 5,7-dichloro-2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)
      4-phenylquinolin-6-ol (4h), IC50 0.214MUg/mL which were substituted with fluorine
      (4F), nitrile (4CN), hydroxyl group (4OH) and dichloro-hydroxyl (3,5Cl, 4OH)
      groups in the quinoline scaffold. Antimicrobial activity on Gram-ve bacteria
      Escherichia coli (MTCC 443), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 424), and Gram+ve
      bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96) and Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC 442)
      was evaluated. Excellent antibacterial activity showed by S. aureus and S.
      pyogenes which indicates the activity dominance of 6-substituted-2-(3
      phenoxyphenyl)-4-phenylquinoline derivatives on Gram+ve bacteria rather than Gram
      ve. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of 6-substituted-2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-4
      phenylquinoline derivatives was evaluated. Cytotoxicity results of MCF-7 (human
      breast cancer) and G361 (skin melanoma cancer) cell lines reveals that the 6
      substituted-2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-4-phenylquinoline derivatives are highly toxic to
      cancer cells. Predicted SAR, Lipinski's filter, Pharmacokinetic, and ADMET
      properties were also ensured the druggability probabilities of most favorable
      compounds among 6-substituted-2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)-4-phenylquinoline derivatives.

PMID- 28094221
TI  - Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking analysis of 2-phenyl
      benzofuran-3-carboxamide derivatives as potential inhibitors of Staphylococcus
      aureus Sortase A.
AB  - In Gram-positive bacteria, Sortase A (Srt A) is a critical cysteine
      transpeptidase that is responsible for recognizing and assembling surface
      virulence proteins through the recognition of a LPXTG (leucine, proline, X,
      threonine, and glycine, where X is any amino acid) signal. Mutants lacking genes
      for Srt A attenuate infections without affecting microbial viability. Here a
      series of 2-phenyl-benzofuran-3-carboxamide derivatives were synthesized and
      identified as potent Srt A inhibitors. Activity assays revealed that multiple
      compounds exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against Srt A compared with
      known Sortase A inhibitor pHMB (IC50=130MUM). Structural activity relationships
      (SARs) demonstrated that the amide group at 3-position was essential for
      inhibitory activity. Replacement of the hydroxyl group at the 2-phenyl position
      of benzofuran with other substitutions such as a methoxyl, halogen or nitro group
      reduced the enzyme inhibitory activity in most cases. The compound Ia-22 was
      found to be the most potent inhibitor against the enzyme with an IC50 value of
      30.8MUM. Molecular docking studies showed Ia-22 shared similar binding pattern
      with substrate LPXTG in the binding pocket of Srt A (PDB: 2KID) including i-butyl
      stretching, L-shape pattern kinking, and H-bond interaction with Srt A functional
      site residues Cys184, Trp194 and Arg197.

PMID- 28094222
TI  - Recent developments in the isolation, biological function, biosynthesis, and
      synthesis of phenazine natural products.
AB  - Phenazines are natural products which are produced by bacteria or by archaeal
      Methanosarcina species. The tricyclic ring system enables redox processes, which
      producing organisms use for oxidation of NADH or for the generation of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS), giving them advantages over other microorganisms. In this
      review we summarize the progress in the field since 2005 regarding the isolation
      of new phenazine natural products, new insights in their biological function, and
      particularly the now almost completely understood biosynthesis. The review is
      complemented by a description of new synthetic methods and total syntheses of
      phenazines.

PMID- 28094223
TI  - Anti-tuberculosis activity and structure-activity relationships of oxygenated
      tricyclic carbazole alkaloids and synthetic derivatives.
AB  - A series of 49 oxygenated tricyclic carbazole derivatives has been tested for
      inhibition of the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and a mammalian cell line
      (vero cells). From this series, twelve carbazoles showed a significant anti-TB
      activity. The four most active compounds were the naturally occurring carbazole
      alkaloids clauszoline-M (45), murrayaline-C (41), carbalexin-C (27), and the
      synthetic carbazole derivative 22 with MIC90 values ranging from 1.5 to 3.7MUM.
      The active compounds were virtually nontoxic for the mammalian cell line in the
      concentration range up to 50MUM.

PMID- 28094224
TI  - Synthesis of pharmacologically important naphthoquinones and anticancer activity
      of 2-benzyllawsone through DNA topoisomerase-II inhibition.
AB  - Naphthoquinones are naturally occurring biologically active entities. Practical
      de novo syntheses of three naphthoquinones i.e. lawsone (1), lapachol (2), and
      beta-lapachone (3b) have been achieved from commercially available starting
      materials. The conversion of lapachol (2) to beta-lapachone (3b) was achieved
      through p-TSA/Iodine/BF3-etherate mediated regioselective cyclisation. Further, 2
      alkyl and 2-benzyllawsone derivatives have been prepared as possible anticancer
      agents. Four derivatives exhibited significant anticancer activity and the best
      analogue i.e. compound 21a exhibited potential anticancer activity (IC50=5.2MUM)
      against FaDu cell line. Compound 21a induced apoptosis through activation of
      caspase pathway and exerted cell cycle arrest at S phase in FaDU cells. It also
      exhibited significant topoisomerase-II inhibition activity. Compound 21a was
      found to be safe in Swiss albino mice up to 1000mg/kg oral dose.

PMID- 28094225
TI  - [Oral methadone for the management of difficult to control pain in Fabry
      disease].

PMID- 28094226
TI  - Relationship between age and cardiometabolic index in Japanese men and women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a new discriminator of the risk of
      diabetes and has been reported to be associated with the degree of
      atherosclerosis. However, it is unknown whether and how age influences CMI.
      METHODS: The subjects were Japanese men (n=35684) and women (n=18793) aged >=35
      and <=70 years who had received periodic health examinations at workplaces. CMI
      and its association with diabetes were compared among different age groups in men
      and women. RESULTS: CMI was much higher in men than in women (median: 1.06 vs.
      0.59). In men, CMI was significantly higher in the middle-aged (40-49 and 50-59
      years) groups than in the youngest (35-39 years) and oldest (60-70 years) groups
      and was significantly higher in the oldest group than in the youngest group. In
      women, CMI tended to be higher with an increase of age, and log-transformed CMI
      was significantly correlated with age (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.235,
      p<0.01). Both in men and women, odds ratios of CMI (high vs. not high) for
      diabetes were significantly higher than the reference level in all of the age
      groups and tended to be lower with an increase of age. The above relationships
      among age, CMI and diabetes were also found in multivariate analyses adjusting
      for histories of smoking, alcohol drinking and regular exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Age
      influences CMI differently in men and women, and the association between CMI and
      diabetes became weaker with an increase of age both in men and women.

PMID- 28094227
TI  - The Effectiveness of the Braden Scale as a Tool for Identifying Nutrition Risk.

PMID- 28094228
TI  - Health Promotion in Practice-District Nurses' Experiences of Working with Health
      Promotion and Lifestyle Interventions Among Patients at Risk of Developing
      Cardiovascular Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Health Promotion Practice (HPP) has the objective to promote a
      healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of disease. The aim of this study was to
      examine district nurses' experiences of working with health preventive actions
      among patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and to
      identify facilitators and obstacles in HPP. DESIGN/SETTING: The study was carried
      out with a qualitative approach where individual semistructured interviews were
      performed with a total of 12 district nurses in primary care. Data transcripts
      were analyzed with a manifest content analysis. FINDINGS: Five categories were
      identified. Firstly, informants regarded HPP as the core essence of their work.
      Secondly, counseling and coaching were reported as crucial elements in working
      with HPP. Thirdly, informants identified tools such as motivational interviewing
      (MI) to facilitate HPP. In the fourth category facilitators and barriers of HPP
      appeared, consisting of both positive and negative attitudes and presence as well
      as lack of organizational culture and structure. Finally, some informants were
      dissatisfied with HPP and viewed it as compulsory or as a burden, while others
      were satisfied and experienced it as a stimulating challenge. CONCLUSION: This
      study identified that HPP is the core of the district nurses' work to promote a
      healthier lifestyle in individuals with CVD. Organizational structures and
      culture need to be improved in order to support district nurses to successfully
      work with HPP. To optimize health promotion and strengthen patients' self-care,
      it is recommended that HPP include holistic elements of care.

PMID- 28094229
TI  - Perceived Stress in Patients with Common Gastrointestinal Disorders: Associations
      with Quality of Life, Symptoms and Disease Management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: Research supports relationships between stress and
      gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and disorders. This pilot study assesses
      relationships between perceived stress, quality of life (QOL), and self-reported
      pain ratings as an indicator of symptom management in patients who self-reported
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). RESULTS: In the full sample (n = 402) perceived
      stress positively correlated with depression (r = 0.76, P < .0001), fatigue (r =
      0.38, P < .0001), sleep disturbance (r = 0.40, P < .0001), average pain (r =
      0.26, P < .0001), and worst pain (r = 0.25, P < .0001). Higher perceived stress
      also correlated with lower mental health-related QOL. Similar correlations were
      found for the participants with GERD (n = 188), IBS (n = 132), and IBD (n = 82).
      Finally, there were significant correlations in the GERD cohort between perceived
      stress, and average pain (r = 0.34, P < .0001) and worst pain (r = 0.29, P <
      .0001), and in the IBD cohort between perceived stress, and average pain (r =
      0.32, P < .0001), and worst pain (r = 0.35, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Perceived
      stress broadly correlated with QOL characteristics in patients with GERD, IBS,
      and IBD, and their overall QOL was significantly lower than the general
      population. Perceived stress also appeared to be an indicator of symptom
      management (self-reported pain ratings) in GERD and IBD, but not IBS. While
      future research using objective measures of stress and symptom/disease management
      is needed to confirm these associations, as well as to evaluate the ability of
      stress reduction interventions to improve perceived stress, QOL and disease
      management in these GI disorders, integrative medicine treatment programs would
      be most beneficial to study.

PMID- 28094230
TI  - Duelling Ontologies: Might Vitalism Offer Balance and Value?
AB  - This article is part of a project investigating chiropractors' beliefs on the
      role of vitalism in their philosophical and practice approaches and how that
      might contribute to addressing current epidemics of non-communicable diseases. It
      aims to present atomism, reductionism, materialism and mechanism as fundamental
      ontologies in biomedicine and to examine what role these might play in its
      struggle to deal with these epidemics; to present vitalism as a fundamental
      ontology existing in chiropractic along with these ontologies of biomedicine; and
      to discuss how imbalances in the use of these ontologies and practices stemming
      from them might be contributing to difficulties in addressing these epidemics.
      The use of more balanced approaches by chiropractors involving not only
      mechanistic biomedical ontologies but also an increased focus on vitalism might
      offer value in addressing these epidemics and should be investigated.

PMID- 28094231
TI  - Improving Efficiency Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Methodology.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to increase efficiency in MR enterography
      using a time-driven activity-based costing methodology. METHODS: In February
      2015, a multidisciplinary team was formed to identify the personnel, equipment,
      space, and supply costs of providing outpatient MR enterography. The team mapped
      the current state, completed observations, performed timings, and calculated
      costs associated with each element of the process. The team used Pareto charts to
      understand the highest cost and most time-consuming activities, brainstormed
      opportunities, and assessed impact. Plan-do-study-act cycles were developed to
      test the changes, and run charts were used to monitor progress. The process
      changes consisted of revising the workflow associated with the preparation and
      administration of glucagon, with completed implementation in November 2015.
      RESULTS: The time-driven activity-based costing methodology allowed the radiology
      department to develop a process to more accurately identify the costs of
      providing MR enterography. The primary process modification was reassigning
      responsibility for the administration of glucagon from nurses to technologists.
      After implementation, the improvements demonstrated success by reducing non-value
      added steps and cost by 13%, staff time by 16%, and patient process time by 17%.
      The saved process time was used to augment existing examination time slots to
      more accurately accommodate the entire enterographic examination. Anecdotal
      comments were captured to validate improved staff satisfaction within the
      multidisciplinary team. CONCLUSIONS: This process provided a successful outcome
      to address daily workflow frustrations that could not previously be improved. A
      multidisciplinary team was necessary to achieve success, in addition to the use
      of a structured problem-solving approach.

PMID- 28094232
TI  - Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of metallic brackets bonded with
      two different bonding agents under dry conditions and with saliva contamination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study compared the shear bond strength of metallic brackets
      bonded with Single Bond and Assure bonding agents under dry and saliva
      contamination conditions. METHODS: Sixty sound premolar teeth were selected, and
      stainless-steel brackets were bonded on enamel surfaces with Single Bond and
      Assure bonding agents under dry condition or with saliva contamination. Shear
      bond strength values of brackets were measured in a universal testing machine.
      The adhesive remnant index scores were determined after debonding of the brackets
      under a stereomicroscope. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to
      analyze bond strength. Two-by-two comparisons were made with post hoc Tukey tests
      (p<0.001). Frequencies of adhesive remnant index scores were analyzed by Kruskal
      Wallis test. RESULTS: Bond strength values of brackets to tooth structure were
      9.29+/-8.56 MPa and 21.25+/-8.93 MPa with the use of Assure resin bonding agent
      under saliva-contamination and dry conditions, respectively. These values were
      10.13+/-6.69 MPa and 14.09+/-6.6 MPa, respectively, under the same conditions
      with the use of Single Bond adhesive. Contamination with saliva resulted in a
      significant decrease in the bond strength of brackets to tooth structure with the
      application of Assure adhesive resin (p<0.001). There were no significant
      differences in the adhesive remnant index scores between the study groups.
      CONCLUSION: Application of Single Bond and Assure bonding agents resulted in
      adequate bond strength of brackets to tooth structures. Contamination with saliva
      significantly decreased the bond strength of Assure bonding agent compared with
      dry conditions.

PMID- 28094233
TI  - Association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, blood folate and vitamin B12
      deficiency, and elevated serum total homocysteine in healthy individuals in
      Yunnan Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increased serum total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration is
      typically associated with genetic defects involved in Hcy metabolism or related
      nutritional deficiencies. In this study, the combined effects of
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and folate and
      vitamin B12 deficiency on serum total Hcy (tHcy) levels were evaluated in a
      healthy Chinese population in Yunnan Province, China. METHODS: The MTHFR C677T
      polymorphism was genotyped in 330 volunteers (164 men and 166 women) using
      polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.
      Folate, vitamin B12, and tHcy concentrations were determined by corpuscle immune
      chemiluminescence assays. The tHcy concentration was determined using an
      enzymatic assay. RESULTS: Significant negative correlations (p<0.001) were
      observed between the serum levels of tHcy and folate (r=-0.252) and vitamin B12
      (r=-0.243). Men had significantly higher serum tHcy concentrations than women
      (p<0.001). Individuals with the MTHFR TT genotype had significantly higher serum
      tHcy concentrations than individuals with the CC and CT genotypes (p<0.001). The
      folate level of red blood cells was significantly increased in individuals with
      the TT genotype than in individuals with the CC genotype (p<0.05). Moreover, in
      the low vitamin group, the serum tHcy level was significantly correlated with the
      levels of folate (r=-0.334, p=0.001) and vitamin B12 (r=-0.212, p=0.046).
      CONCLUSION: The MTHFR C677T polymorphism, folate deficiency, and B12 deficiency
      were significantly associated with elevated serum tHcy levels. Among these three
      factors, folate deficiency had the greatest contribution to the serum tHcy
      concentration, followed by (in order of decreasing effect) MTHFR C677T and
      vitamin B12 deficiency. Thus, folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation could
      help prevent diseases associated with tHcy accumulation, especially in
      individuals with the MTHFR 677TT genotype.

PMID- 28094234
TI  - Association between preterm labor and genitourinary tract infections caused by
      Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Gram-negative bacilli, and
      coryneforms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm labor (PTL) is responsible for most cases of neonatal death.
      In most of these cases, the causes of PTL have not been established although
      several risk factors have been described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to
      investigate risk factors for PTL before 37 gestational weeks among Egyptian
      women. METHODS: In this case-control study, 117 pregnant women without risk
      factors for PTL were chosen. The control group (n=45) had term labor (gestational
      weeks>=37 weeks), and the case group (n=72) had PTL (gestational weeks < 37
      weeks). The two groups were screened for urinary and vaginal infections. The role
      of different demographic characteristics, patient history, and clinical signs
      were also investigated. RESULTS: Several risk factors were identified in this
      study, including age<20 years, nulliparity, previous abortion and previous
      preterm birth, menses vaginal bleeding, a vaginal pH>5, a positive whiff test,
      Trichomonas vaginalis infection, Mycoplasma hominis infection, coryneforms heavy
      vaginal growth, and any vaginal growth of Gram-negative bacilli. Urinary tract
      infection with any colony count was not associated with PTL. CONCLUSION: Our
      study demonstrated that the main risk factors for PTL were vaginal infection with
      T. vaginalis, M. hominis, coryneforms, and Gram-negative bacilli, and their
      determinants (vaginal pH>5, positive whiff test, heavy vaginal bleeding). Both
      young age (< 20 years) and poor obstetric history were also the risk factors.
      Therefore, screening for genitourinary tract infections is strongly recommended
      to be included in prenatal care.

PMID- 28094235
TI  - Corrigendum to "Increased BOLD Signals Elicited by High Gamma Auditory
      Stimulation of the Left Auditory Cortex in Acute State Schizophrenia"
      [EBioMedicine 12 (2016) 143-149].

PMID- 28094238
TI  - Evaporating metal nanocrystal arrays.
AB  - Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrates with a self-ordered triangular array of
      nanopores provide the means to fabricate multiple forms of nano materials, such
      as nanowires and nanoparticles. This study focuses on nanostructures that emerge
      in thin films of metals thermally evaporated onto the surface of AAO. Previous
      work showed that films of different evaporated metals assume dramatically
      different structures, e.g. an ordered triangular array of nearly monodisperse
      nanoparticles forms for lead (Pb) while a polycrystalline nanohoneycomb structure
      forms for silver (Ag). Here, we present investigations of the effects of
      substrate temperature and deposition angle that reveal the processes controlling
      the nano particle array formation. Our findings indicate that arrays form
      provided the grain nucleation density exceeds the pore density and the atomic
      mobility is high enough to promote grain coalescence. They introduce a method for
      producing films with anisotropic grain array structure. The results provide
      insight into the influence of substrate nano-morphology on thin film growth
      energetics and kinetics that can be harnessed for creating films with other novel
      nano-structures.

PMID- 28094236
TI  - Deficiency of PTP1B Attenuates Hypothalamic Inflammation via Activation of the
      JAK2-STAT3 Pathway in Microglia.
AB  - Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) regulates leptin signaling in
      hypothalamic neurons via the JAK2-STAT3 pathway. PTP1B has also been implicated
      in the regulation of inflammation in the periphery. However, the role of PTP1B in
      hypothalamic inflammation, which is induced by a high-fat diet (HFD), remains to
      be elucidated. Here, we showed that STAT3 phosphorylation (p-STAT3) was increased
      in microglia in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of PTP1B knock-out mice (KO) on
      a HFD, accompanied by decreased Tnf and increased Il10 mRNA expression in the
      hypothalamus compared to wild-type mice (WT). In hypothalamic organotypic
      cultures, incubation with TNFalpha led to increased p-STAT3, accompanied by
      decreased Tnf and increased Il10 mRNA expression, in KO compared to WT.
      Incubation with p-STAT3 inhibitors or microglial depletion eliminated the
      differences in inflammation between genotypes. These data indicate an important
      role of JAK2-STAT3 signaling negatively regulated by PTP1B in microglia, which
      attenuates hypothalamic inflammation under HFD conditions.

PMID- 28094237
TI  - A Multiplex Microsphere Immunoassay for Zika Virus Diagnosis.
AB  - Rapid and accurate diagnosis of infectious agents is essential for patient care,
      disease control, and countermeasure development. The present serologic diagnosis
      of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection relies mainly on IgM-capture ELISA which is
      confounded with the flaw of cross-reactivity among different flaviviruses. In
      this communication, we report a multiplex microsphere immunoassay (MIA) that
      captures the diagnostic power of viral envelope protein (that elicits robust, yet
      cross-reactive antibodies to other flaviviruses) and the differential power of
      viral nonstructural proteins NS1 and NS5 (that induce more virus-type specific
      antibodies). Using 153 patient specimens with known ZIKV and/or dengue virus
      (DENV; a closely related flavivirus) infections, we showed that (i) ZIKV envelope
      based MIA is equivalent or more sensitive than IgM-capture ELISA in diagnosing
      ZIKV infection, (ii) antibody responses to NS1 and NS5 proteins are more ZIKV
      specific than antibody response to envelope protein, (iii) inclusion of NS1 and
      NS5 in the MIA improves the diagnostic accuracy when compared with the MIA that
      uses envelope protein alone. The multiplex MIA achieves a rapid diagnosis
      (turnaround time<4h) and requires small specimen volume (10MUl) in a single
      reaction. This serologic assay could be developed for use in clinical diagnosis
      of ZIKV infection and for monitoring immune responses in vaccine trials.

PMID- 28094239
TI  - Performance variation due to stiffness in a tuna-inspired flexible foil model.
AB  - Tuna are fast, economical swimmers in part due to their stiff, high aspect ratio
      caudal fins and streamlined bodies. Previous studies using passive caudal fin
      models have suggested that while high aspect ratio tail shapes such as a tuna's
      generally perform well, tail performance cannot be determined from shape alone.
      In this study, we analyzed the swimming performance of tuna-tail-shaped
      hydrofoils of a wide range of stiffnesses, heave amplitudes, and frequencies to
      determine how stiffness and kinematics affect multiple swimming performance
      parameters for a single foil shape. We then compared the foil models' kinematics
      with published data from a live swimming tuna to determine how well the hydrofoil
      models could mimic fish kinematics. Foil kinematics over a wide range of motion
      programs generally showed a minimum lateral displacement at the narrowest part of
      the foil, and, immediately anterior to that, a local area of large lateral body
      displacement. These two kinematic patterns may enhance thrust in foils of
      intermediate stiffness. Stiffness and kinematics exhibited subtle interacting
      effects on hydrodynamic efficiency, with no one stiffness maximizing both thrust
      and efficiency. Foils of intermediate stiffnesses typically had the greatest
      coefficients of thrust at the highest heave amplitudes and frequencies. The
      comparison of foil kinematics with tuna kinematics showed that tuna motion is
      better approximated by a zero angle of attack foil motion program than by
      programs that do not incorporate pitch. These results indicate that open
      questions in biomechanics may be well served by foil models, given appropriate
      choice of model characteristics and control programs. Accurate replication of
      biological movements will require refinement of motion control programs and
      physical models, including the creation of models of variable stiffness.

PMID- 28094240
TI  - Ectopic bone formation by gel-derived bioactive glass-poly-L-lactide-co-glycolide
      composites in a rabbit muscle model.
AB  - In this study we aimed to assess the in vivo osteoinductive properties of two
      composite scaffolds made of PLGA (poly-L-lactide-co-glycolide) and two types of
      gel-derived bioactive glasses, namely a high silica S2 bioactive glass (S2-PLGA
      composites) or high lime A2 bioactive glass (A2-PLGA composites). To achieve
      that, the potential of the composites to induce ectopic bone formation in a
      rabbit muscle has been examined along with the control PLGA scaffold. Cylinder
      like scaffolds of 7  *  3 mm (width  *  height) were implanted into pouches
      created in the latissimus dorsi muscle of 18 New Zealand rabbits. The tissue
      sections were obtained at 6, 12 or 24 weeks post-surgery (six rabbits per each
      time point) and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The process of wound healing, the
      formation of collagen-rich connective tissue and its transition to cartilage were
      examined by Sirius red and Alcian blue histological stainings. We also performed
      immunohistochemical verification of the presence of osteoblast- and osteoclast-
      like cells in the vicinity of the scaffolds. A typical foreign body reaction and
      wound healing process was observed for all implanted scaffolds. Osteoblast- and
      osteoclast-like cells were observed in the vicinity of the scaffolds as
      determined by the immunohistochemical staining for Osteocalcin, BMP-2 and
      Cathepsin K. Compared to plain PLGA scaffolds, numerous osteoblast-like cells
      were observed 12 weeks post implantation near the composites and the scaffolds
      gradually degraded as bone formation proceeded. S2-PLGA and A2-PLGA composites
      display osteoinductive properties in vivo. Furthermore, they are more effective
      at inducing ectopic bone formation in a rabbit muscle compared to plain PLGA.
      Thus these SBG-PLGA composite scaffolds have potential for clinical applications
      in dental and/or orthopedic-bone tissue engineering.

PMID- 28094241
TI  - Gelatin freeze casting of biomimetic titanium alloy with anisotropic and gradient
      pore structure.
AB  - Titanium is a material commonly used for dental and orthopaedic implants.
      However, due to large differences in properties between the titanium metal and
      the natural bone, stress shielding has been observed in the surrounding area,
      resulting in bone atrophy, and thus has raised concerns of the use of this
      material. Ideally implant materials should possess similar properties to the
      surrounding tissues in order to distribute the load as the joint would naturally,
      while also possessing a similar porous structure to the bone to enable
      interaction with the surrounding material. In this paper we report the formation
      of aligned porous titanium alloy scaffolds with the use of unidirectional freeze
      casting with a temperature gradient. The resulting scaffolds had a dense bottom
      part with sufficient strength for loading, while the top part remaining porous in
      order to allow bone growth in the scaffold and fully integrating with the
      surrounding tissue. The anisotropic nature of the pores within the titanium alloy
      samples were observed via micro computed tomography, where a gradient structure
      similar to bone was observed. The compressive strength of the fabricated
      scaffolds was found to be up to 427 MPa when measured with the pores aligned with
      the applied load, depending on the pore density. This is within the range of
      cortical bone.

PMID- 28094242
TI  - Wrinkle-free graphene electrodes in zinc tin oxide thin-film transistors for
      large area applications.
AB  - Wrinkle-free graphene was used to form the source-drain electrodes in thin film
      transistors based on a zinc tin oxide (ZTO) semiconductor. A 10 nm thick titanium
      adhesion layer was applied prior to transferring a conductive graphene film on
      top of it by chemical detachment. The formation of an interlayer oxide between
      titanium and graphene allows the achievement of uniform surface roughness over
      the entire substrate area. The resulting devices were thermally treated in
      ambient air, and a substantial decrease in field effect mobility is observed with
      increasing annealing temperature. The increase in electrical resistivity of the
      graphene film at higher annealing temperatures may have some influence, however
      the growth of the oxide interlayer at the ZTO/Ti boundary is suggested to be most
      influential, thereby inducing relatively high contact resistance.

PMID- 28094243
TI  - Linear and ultrafast nonlinear plasmonics of single nano-objects.
AB  - Single-particle optical investigations have greatly improved our understanding of
      the fundamental properties of nano-objects, avoiding the spurious inhomogeneous
      effects that affect ensemble experiments. Correlation with high-resolution
      imaging techniques providing morphological information (e.g. electron microscopy)
      allows a quantitative interpretation of the optical measurements by means of
      analytical models and numerical simulations. In this topical review, we first
      briefly recall the principles underlying some of the most commonly used single
      particle optical techniques: near-field, dark-field, spatial modulation and
      photothermal microscopies/spectroscopies. We then focus on the quantitative
      investigation of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of metallic nano-objects
      using linear and ultrafast optical techniques. While measured SPR positions and
      spectral areas are found in good agreement with predictions based on Maxwell's
      equations, SPR widths are strongly influenced by quantum confinement (or, from a
      classical standpoint, surface-induced electron scattering) and, for small nano
      objects, cannot be reproduced using the dielectric functions of bulk materials.
      Linear measurements on single nano-objects (silver nanospheres and gold nanorods)
      allow a quantification of the size and geometry dependences of these effects in
      confined metals. Addressing the ultrafast response of an individual nano-object
      is also a powerful tool to elucidate the physical mechanisms at the origin of
      their optical nonlinearities, and their electronic, vibrational and thermal
      relaxation processes. Experimental investigations of the dynamical response of
      gold nanorods are shown to be quantitatively modeled in terms of modifications of
      the metal dielectric function enhanced by plasmonic effects. Ultrafast
      spectroscopy can also be exploited to unveil hidden physical properties of more
      complex nanosystems. In this context, two-color femtosecond pump-probe
      experiments performed on individual bimetallic heterodimers are discussed in the
      last part of the review, demonstrating the existence of Fano interferences in the
      optical absorption of a gold nanoparticle under the influence of a nearby silver
      one.

PMID- 28094244
TI  - A bioinspired adaptive spider web.
AB  - This work presents an adaptive structure inspired by spider webs' behavior. To
      investigate the dynamic properties and performance of this system, numerical
      models are developed to examine the effects of pretension in radial strings, and
      Young's modulus, and damping ratio on the natural frequency and total energy of
      the system. An experimental study was conducted to validate theoretical results.
      Stepper motors controlled by a microcontroller are utilized to increase the
      pretension in the radial strings of the web in order to tune the web's energy
      absorption ability. It is demonstrated that the pretension, Young's modulus, and
      damping ratio in the radial strings can significantly affect the natural
      frequency and total energy of full and damaged webs. It is also shown that
      increasing the pretension in the radial strings compensates for the loss of
      stiffness due to the damaged strings. Finally, it is shown that controlling the
      pretension in radial strings can provide higher energy absorption capability for
      the spider web.

PMID- 28094245
TI  - External magnetic field dependent shift of superparamagnetic blocking temperature
      due to core/surface disordered spin interactions.
AB  - Although the blocking temperature of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPNPs) is
      crucial for various spintronics and biomedical applications, the precise
      determination of the blocking temperature is still not clear. Here, we present
      'intrinsic' and 'extrinsic' characteristics of the blocking temperature in SPNP
      systems. In zero-field-cooled/field-cooled (ZFC-FC) curves, there was no shift of
      'intrinsic blocking temperature' at different applied external (excitation)
      magnetic fields. However, 'extrinsic blocking temperature' shift is clearly
      dependent on the external (excitation) magnetic field. According to our newly
      proposed physical model, the 'intermediate spin layer' located between the core
      and surface disordered spin layers is primarily responsible for the physical
      nature of the shift of extrinsic blocking temperature. Our new findings offer
      possibilities for characterizing the thermally induced physical properties of
      SPNPs. Furthermore, these findings provide a new empirical approach to indirectly
      estimate the qualitative degree of the disordered surface spin status in SPNPs.

PMID- 28094247
TI  - Erratum: Fission and fusion scenarios for magnetic microswimmer clusters.

PMID- 28094246
TI  - Development of Sr-incorporated biphasic calcium phosphate bone cement.
AB  - To follow the design strategy of traditional biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)
      ceramic, in the present study, strontium-doped biphasic calcium phosphate bone
      cement (Sr-BCPC) composites comprising Sr-beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP)/Sr
      hydroxyapatite (HAP) had been prepared for the first time using Sr x -beta
      TCP/tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) as a cement powder and diluted phosphoric acid
      as a cement liquid. The phase composition, setting time, compressive strength,
      washout resistance, in vitro degradation rate, microstructure evolutions,
      hydration dynamics and cytotoxicity of Sr-BCPC at various Sr contents were
      intensively investigated. It was found that the final cement product was composed
      of entangled Sr-HAP nano-needles and cobblestone-like Sr-beta-TCP sub-micron
      particles, and the weight percentages in the final cement product after hydration
      in simulated body fluid for 24 h were in the ranges of 60 wt%-70 wt% Sr-HAP and
      30 wt%-40 wt% Sr-beta-TCP, respectively. Sr and the concentration of Sr exhibit
      significant effects on the phase compositions, compressive strength, setting
      time, in vitro degradation rate and cytotoxicity of the biphasic bone cement. In
      particular, the degradation rate increased considerably with the increase of the
      Sr-beta-TCP phase. It is anticipated that the introduction of the 'biphasic'
      design into calcium phosphate bone cements is an effective strategy to improve
      their degradation properties.

PMID- 28094248
TI  - Corrigendum: Tissue engineering of acellular vascular grafts capable of somatic
      growth in young lambs.

PMID- 28094249
TI  - Thermal engineering of FAPbI3 perovskite material via radiative thermal annealing
      and in situ XRD.
AB  - Lead halide perovskites have emerged as successful optoelectronic materials with
      high photovoltaic power conversion efficiencies and low material cost. However,
      substantial challenges remain in the scalability, stability and fundamental
      understanding of the materials. Here we present the application of radiative
      thermal annealing, an easily scalable processing method for synthesizing
      formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskite solar absorbers. Devices fabricated
      from films formed via radiative thermal annealing have equivalent efficiencies to
      those annealed using a conventional hotplate. By coupling results from in situ X
      ray diffraction using a radiative thermal annealing system with device
      performances, we mapped the processing phase space of FAPbI3 and corresponding
      device efficiencies. Our map of processing-structure-performance space suggests
      the commonly used FAPbI3 annealing time, 10 min at 170  degrees C, can be
      significantly reduced to 40 s at 170  degrees C without affecting the
      photovoltaic performance. The Johnson-Mehl-Avrami model was used to determine the
      activation energy for decomposition of FAPbI3 into PbI2.

PMID- 28094250
TI  - End-of-radiation PSA as a novel prognostic factor in patients undergoing
      definitive radiation and androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In men undergoing definitive radiation for prostate cancer, it is
      unclear whether early biochemical response can provide additional prognostic
      value beyond pre-treatment risk stratification. METHODS: Prostate cancer patients
      consecutively treated with definitive radiation at our institution by a single
      provider from 1993 to 2006 and who had an end-of-radiation (EOR) PSA (n=688,
      median follow-up 11.2 years). We analyzed the association of an EOR PSA level,
      obtained during the last week of radiation, with survival outcomes. Multivariable
      adjusted cox proportional hazards models were constructed to assess associations
      between a detectable EOR PSA (defined as ?0.1 ng ml-1) and biochemical failure
      free survival (BFFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), prostate cancer-specific
      survival (PCSS) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were
      constructed, with stratification by EOR PSA. RESULTS: At the end of radiation,
      the PSA level was undetectable in 30% of patients. Men with a detectable EOR PSA
      experienced inferior 10-year BFFS (49.7% versus 64.4%, P<0.001), 10-year MFS
      (84.8% versus 92.0%, P=0.003), 10-year PCSS (94.3% versus 98.2%, P=0.007) and 10
      year OS (75.8% versus 82.5%, P=0.01), as compared to men with an undetectable EOR
      PSA. Among National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) intermediate- and high-risk
      men who were treated with definitive radiation and androgen deprivation therapy
      (ADT), a detectable EOR PSA was more strongly associated with PCSS than initial
      NCCN risk level (EOR PSA: HR 5.89, 95% CI 2.37-14.65, P<0.001; NCCN risk level:
      HR 2.01, 95% CI 0.74-5.42, P=0.168). Main study limitations are retrospective
      study design and associated biases. CONCLUSIONS: EOR PSA was significantly
      associated with survival endpoints in men who received treatment with definitive
      radiation and ADT. Whether the EOR PSA can be used to modulate treatment
      intensity merits further investigation.

PMID- 28094251
TI  - Is prostate cancer stage migration continuing for black men in the PSA era?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United States, disease-specific mortality from prostate cancer
      (PC) is highest among black men. While the introduction of widespread PSA testing
      has been associated with a downward stage migration, whether this trend continues
      in the late PSA era and for black men is unknown. The objective of our study was
      to evaluate current PC stage migration patterns in the United States by race.
      METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry was
      queried to obtain all cases of PC reported between 2000 and 2013. Year of
      diagnosis was categorized into 2000-2003, 2004-2007, 2008-2010 and 2011-2013.
      Predictors of distant stage PC at diagnosis were determined using logistic
      regression adjusted for year of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, SEER region and
      race. RESULTS: A total of 791 184 PC cases were identified. The cohort comprised
      78.9% (n=594 920) white and 14.1% (n=106 133) black men. The stage at diagnosis
      was 83.3% localized, 12.0% regional and 4.7% distant. Age-adjusted incidence
      demonstrated a steady decline for black men in all time groups while white men
      had a stable incidence of distant disease between 2000 and 2013. In univariate
      analysis, black men in the 2004-2007 (OR 0.86 (0.81-0.93)) and 2008-2010 cohorts
      (OR 0.85 (0.79-0.91)) were less likely to be diagnosed with metastatic PC as
      compared with the 2000-2003 baseline cohort. In multivariate analysis, the 2004
      2007 black cohort was less likely to be diagnosed with distant PC (OR 0.90 (0.84
      0.97)). This trend was not observed in white men who in multivariate analysis had
      an increased risk of distant PC in the 2004-2007 (OR 1.08 (1.04-1.11)), 2008-2010
      (OR 1.22 (1.18-1.27)) and 2011-2013 (OR 1.65 (1.59-1.71)) groups. CONCLUSIONS: PC
      downward stage migration continues in black men but not in white men.
      Discontinuation of PSA-based screening for PC could disproportionately affect
      black men.

PMID- 28094253
TI  - Dynamical importance of van der Waals saddle and excited potential surface in
      C(1D)+D2 complex-forming reaction.
AB  - Encouraged by recent advances in revealing significant effects of van der Waals
      wells on reaction dynamics, many people assume that van der Waals wells are
      inevitable in chemical reactions. Here we find that the weak long-range forces
      cause van der Waals saddles in the prototypical C(1D)+D2 complex-forming reaction
      that have very different dynamical effects from van der Waals wells at low
      collision energies. Accurate quantum dynamics calculations on our highly accurate
      ab initio potential energy surfaces with van der Waals saddles yield cross
      sections in close agreement with crossed-beam experiments, whereas the same
      calculations on an earlier surface with van der Waals wells produce much smaller
      cross-sections at low energies. Further trajectory calculations reveal that the
      van der Waals saddle leads to a torsion then sideways insertion reaction
      mechanism, whereas the well suppresses reactivity. Quantum diffraction
      oscillations and sharp resonances are also predicted based on our ground- and
      excited-state potential energy surfaces.

PMID- 28094254
TI  - Describing polyhedral tilings and higher dimensional polytopes by sequence of
      their two-dimensional components.
AB  - Polyhedral tilings are often used to represent structures such as atoms in
      materials, grains in crystals, foams, galaxies in the universe, etc. In the
      previous paper, we have developed a theory to convert a way of how polyhedra are
      arranged to form a polyhedral tiling into a codeword (series of numbers) from
      which the original structure can be recovered. The previous theory is based on
      the idea of forming a polyhedral tiling by gluing together polyhedra face to
      face. In this paper, we show that the codeword contains redundant digits not
      needed for recovering the original structure, and develop a theory to reduce the
      redundancy. For this purpose, instead of polyhedra, we regard two-dimensional
      regions shared by faces of adjacent polyhedra as building blocks of a polyhedral
      tiling. Using the present method, the same information is represented by a
      shorter codeword whose length is reduced by up to the half of the original one.
      Shorter codewords are easier to handle for both humans and computers, and thus
      more useful to describe polyhedral tilings. By generalizing the idea of
      assembling two-dimensional components to higher dimensional polytopes, we develop
      a unified theory to represent polyhedral tilings and polytopes of different
      dimensions in the same light.

PMID- 28094252
TI  - A signature motif in LIM proteins mediates binding to checkpoint proteins and
      increases tumour radiosensitivity.
AB  - Tumour radiotherapy resistance involves the cell cycle pathway. CDC25
      phosphatases are key cell cycle regulators. However, how CDC25 activity is
      precisely controlled remains largely unknown. Here, we show that LIM domain
      containing proteins, such as FHL1, increase inhibitory CDC25 phosphorylation by
      forming a complex with CHK2 and CDC25, and sequester CDC25 in the cytoplasm by
      forming another complex with 14-3-3 and CDC25, resulting in increased
      radioresistance in cancer cells. FHL1 expression, induced by ionizing irradiation
      in a SP1- and MLL1-dependent manner, positively correlates with radioresistance
      in cancer patients. We identify a cell-penetrating 11 amino-acid motif within LIM
      domains (eLIM) that is sufficient for binding CHK2 and CDC25, reducing the CHK2
      CDC25 and CDC25-14-3-3 interaction and enhancing CDC25 activity and cancer
      radiosensitivity accompanied by mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis. Our results
      provide novel insight into molecular mechanisms underlying CDC25 activity
      regulation. LIM protein inhibition or use of eLIM may be new strategies for
      improving tumour radiosensitivity.

PMID- 28094255
TI  - Specific and Sensitive Isothermal Electrochemical Biosensor for Plant Pathogen
      DNA Detection with Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles as Probes.
AB  - Developing quick and sensitive molecular diagnostics for plant pathogen detection
      is challenging. Herein, a nanoparticle based electrochemical biosensor was
      developed for rapid and sensitive detection of plant pathogen DNA on disposable
      screen-printed carbon electrodes. This 60 min assay relied on the rapid
      isothermal amplification of target pathogen DNA sequences by recombinase
      polymerase amplification (RPA) followed by gold nanoparticle-based
      electrochemical assessment with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Our method
      was 10,000 times more sensitive than conventional polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR)/gel electrophoresis and could readily identify P. syringae infected plant
      samples even before the disease symptoms were visible. On the basis of the speed,
      sensitivity, simplicity and portability of the approach, we believe the method
      has potential as a rapid disease management solution for applications in
      agriculture diagnostics.

PMID- 28094256
TI  - Cymbiola nobilis shell: Toughening mechanisms in a crossed-lamellar structure.
AB  - Natural structural materials with intricate hierarchical architectures over
      several length scales exhibit excellent combinations of strength and toughness.
      Here we report the mechanical response of a crossed-lamellar structure in
      Cymbiola nobilis shell via stepwise compression tests, focusing on toughening
      mechanisms. At the lower loads microcracking is developed in the stacked
      direction, and channel cracking along with uncracked-ligament bridging and
      aragonite fiber bridging occurs in the tiled direction. At the higher loads the
      main mechanisms involve cracking deflection in the bridging lamellae in the tiled
      direction alongside step-like cracking in the stacked direction. A distinctive
      crack deflection in the form of "convex" paths occurs in alternative lamellae
      with respect to the channel cracks in the tiled direction. Furthermore, a barb
      like interlocking mechanism along with the uneven interfaces in the 1st-order
      aragonite lamellae is also observed. The unique arrangement of the crossed
      lamellar structure provides multiple interfaces which result in a complicated
      stress field ahead of the crack tip, hence increasing the toughness of shell.

PMID- 28094259
TI  - Immunotherapy: Glioblastoma regression obtained with CAR T cells.

PMID- 28094257
TI  - Pten is necessary for the quiescence and maintenance of adult muscle stem cells.
AB  - Satellite cells (SCs) are myogenic stem cells required for regeneration of adult
      skeletal muscles. A proper balance among quiescence, activation and
      differentiation is essential for long-term maintenance of SCs and their
      regenerative function. Here we show a function of Pten (phosphatase and tensin
      homologue) in quiescent SCs. Deletion of Pten in quiescent SCs leads to their
      spontaneous activation and premature differentiation without proliferation,
      resulting in depletion of SC pool and regenerative failure. However, prior to
      depletion, Pten-null activated SCs can transiently proliferate upon injury and
      regenerate injured muscles, but continually decline during regeneration,
      suggesting an inability to return to quiescence. Mechanistically, Pten deletion
      increases Akt phosphorylation, which induces cytoplasmic translocation of FoxO1
      and suppression of Notch signalling. Accordingly, constitutive activation of
      Notch1 prevents SC depletion despite Pten deletion. Our findings delineate a
      critical function of Pten in maintaining SC quiescence and reveal an interaction
      between Pten and Notch signalling.

PMID- 28094258
TI  - Interfacial superconductivity in a bi-collinear antiferromagnetically ordered
      FeTe monolayer on a topological insulator.
AB  - The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in Fe-based compounds
      triggered numerous investigations on the interplay between superconductivity and
      magnetism, and on the enhancement of transition temperatures through interface
      effects. It is widely believed that the emergence of optimal superconductivity is
      intimately linked to the suppression of long-range antiferromagnetic (AFM) order,
      although the exact microscopic picture remains elusive because of the lack of
      atomically resolved data. Here we present spin-polarized scanning tunnelling
      spectroscopy of ultrathin FeTe1-xSex (x=0, 0.5) films on bulk topological
      insulators. Surprisingly, we find an energy gap at the Fermi level, indicating
      superconducting correlations up to Tc~6 K for one unit cell FeTe grown on Bi2Te3,
      in contrast to the non-superconducting bulk FeTe. The gap spatially coexists with
      bi-collinear AFM order. This finding opens perspectives for theoretical studies
      of competing orders in Fe-based superconductors and for experimental
      investigations of exotic phases in superconducting layers on topological
      insulators.

PMID- 28094260
TI  - Targeted therapies: Selumetinib MEKing differences in NF1.

PMID- 28094263
TI  - Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer cells digest extracellular protein.

PMID- 28094264
TI  - First-line therapy for mCRC - the influence of primary tumour location on the
      therapeutic algorithm.

PMID- 28094265
TI  - Haematological cancer: Landmark survival achieved in MM.

PMID- 28094261
TI  - Beyond the margins: real-time detection of cancer using targeted fluorophores.
AB  - Over the past two decades, synergistic innovations in imaging technology have
      resulted in a revolution in which a range of biomedical applications are now
      benefiting from fluorescence imaging. Specifically, advances in fluorophore
      chemistry and imaging hardware, and the identification of targetable biomarkers
      have now positioned intraoperative fluorescence as a highly specific real-time
      detection modality for surgeons in oncology. In particular, the deeper tissue
      penetration and limited autofluorescence of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence
      imaging improves the translational potential of this modality over visible-light
      fluorescence imaging. Rapid developments in fluorophores with improved
      characteristics, detection instrumentation, and targeting strategies led to the
      clinical testing in the early 2010s of the first targeted NIR fluorophores for
      intraoperative cancer detection. The foundations for the advances that underline
      this technology continue to be nurtured by the multidisciplinary collaboration of
      chemists, biologists, engineers, and clinicians. In this Review, we highlight the
      latest developments in NIR fluorophores, cancer-targeting strategies, and
      detection instrumentation for intraoperative cancer detection, and consider the
      unique challenges associated with their effective application in clinical
      settings.

PMID- 28094266
TI  - Cancer metabolism: a therapeutic perspective.

PMID- 28094262
TI  - Radiotherapy and immunotherapy: a beneficial liaison?
AB  - Investigations into the interaction between radiotherapy and the host immune
      system have uncovered new mechanisms that can potentially be exploited to improve
      the efficacy of radiotherapy. Radiation promotes the release of danger signals
      and chemokines that recruit inflammatory cells into the tumour microenvironment,
      including antigen-presenting cells that activate cytotoxic T-cell function. By
      contrast, radiation can attract immunosuppressive cells into the tumour
      microenvironment. In rare circumstances, the antitumour effect of radiotherapy
      has been observed outside of the radiation field, known as the abscopal effect.
      This phenomenon is proposed to have an immune origin and indicates that local
      radiotherapy elicits systemic effects. Herein, we highlight data that provide new
      mechanistic explanations for the success or failure of radiotherapy, and
      postulate how the combination of immune-modulation and radiation could tip the
      balance of the host immune response to promote cure. We use the concept of
      radiation- induced tumour equilibrium (RITE) as a starting point to discuss the
      mechanistic influence of immune-checkpoint therapies on radiotherapy efficacy.

PMID- 28094267
TI  - CNS cancer: Local chemotherapy favours antitumour immunity.

PMID- 28094268
TI  - Contribution of classical end-joining to PTEN inactivation in p53-mediated
      glioblastoma formation and drug-resistant survival.
AB  - DNA repair gene defects are found in virtually all human glioblastomas, but the
      genetic evidence for a direct role remains lacking. Here we demonstrate that
      combined inactivation of the XRCC4 non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) DNA repair
      gene and p53 efficiently induces brain tumours with hallmark characteristics of
      human proneural/classical glioblastoma. The murine tumours exhibit PTEN loss of
      function instigated by reduced PTEN mRNA, and increased phosphorylated
      inactivation and stability as a consequence of aberrantly elevated CK2 provoked
      by p53 ablation and irrevocably deregulated by NHEJ inactivation. This results in
      DNA damage-resistant cytoplasmic PTEN and CK2 expression, and the attenuation of
      DNA repair genes. CK2 inhibition restores PTEN nuclear distribution and DNA
      repair activities and impairs tumour but not normal cell survival. These
      observations demonstrate that NHEJ contributes to p53-mediated glioblastoma
      suppression, and reveal a crucial role for PTEN in the early DNA damage
      signalling cascade, the inhibition of which promotes tumorigenicity and drug
      resistant survival.

PMID- 28094269
TI  - Dyslipidaemias: Cardiovascular effects of low Lp(a).

PMID- 28094270
TI  - Atherosclerosis in 2016: Advances in new therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28094271
TI  - Basic research: Cardioprotective benefits of dietary spermidine.

PMID- 28094272
TI  - Atherosclerosis: TREM1 in atherosclerosis development.

PMID- 28094273
TI  - Arrhythmias in 2016: Arrhythmia treatment - evidence catching up with technology.

PMID- 28094274
TI  - Folivory elicits a strong defense reaction in Catharanthus roseus: metabolomic
      and transcriptomic analyses reveal distinct local and systemic responses.
AB  - Plants deploy distinct secondary metabolisms to cope with environment pressure
      and to face bio-aggressors notably through the production of biologically active
      alkaloids. This metabolism-type is particularly elaborated in Catharanthus roseus
      that synthesizes more than a hundred different monoterpene indole alkaloids
      (MIAs). While the characterization of their biosynthetic pathway now reaches
      completion, still little is known about the role of MIAs during biotic attacks.
      As a consequence, we developed a new plant/herbivore interaction system by
      challenging C. roseus leaves with Manduca sexta larvae. Transcriptomic and
      metabolic analyses demonstrated that C. roseus respond to folivory by both local
      and systemic processes relying on the activation of specific gene sets and
      biosynthesis of distinct MIAs following jasmonate production. While a huge local
      accumulation of strictosidine was monitored in attacked leaves that could repel
      caterpillars through its protein reticulation properties, newly developed leaves
      displayed an increased biosynthesis of the toxic strictosidine-derived MIAs,
      vindoline and catharanthine, produced by up-regulation of MIA biosynthetic genes.
      In this context, leaf consumption resulted in a rapid death of caterpillars that
      could be linked to the MIA dimerization observed in intestinal tracts.
      Furthermore, this study also highlights the overall transcriptomic control of the
      plant defense processes occurring during herbivory.

PMID- 28094275
TI  - Sulfated Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides markedly attenuates inflammation and
      oxidative damage in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophage cells and mice.
AB  - Natural polysaccharides and their modified derivatives are crucial supplements to
      the prevention of inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of
      sulfated modification on the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of
      Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides (CP). A sulfated CP, S-CP1-4 was obtained
      using chlorosulfonic acid-pyridine method. The chemical components and FT-IR
      spectrum confirmed that sulfated group was synthesized to the polysaccharide
      chains successfully. S-CP1-4 was found to inhibit nitric oxide production,
      phagocytic activity and the release of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1beta in
      lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophage cells, RAW 264.7. S-CP1-4 significantly
      decreased the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-alpha and the thymus and spleen indexes,
      and increased the production of IL-10 in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. S-CP1-4
      could better protect the liver by inhibiting the activities of alanine
      aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde level while
      increasing the superoxide dismutase activity and total anti-oxidative capacity.
      These results suggested that S-CP1-4 may be an effective anti-inflammatory agent,
      and sulfated modification may be a reliable method for the development of food
      supplements.

PMID- 28094276
TI  - B7-H3 participates in the development of Asthma by augmentation of the
      inflammatory response independent of TLR2 pathway.
AB  - B7-H3, a new member of the B7 superfamily, acts as both a T cell costimulator and
      coinhibitor. Recent studies identified B7-H3 plays a critical role in the
      development of asthma. But the definitive mechanism is not clear. In this study,
      we further report that B7-H3 participates in the development of OVA-induced
      asthma in a murine model. And study its mechanism through the vitro and vivo
      experiment. Exogenous administration of B7-H3 strongly amplified the inflammatory
      response and augmented proinflammatory cytokines in vitro and vivo. These B7-H3
      associated proinflammatory effects were not dependent on TLR2 signaling, as
      airway inflammation, eosinophils infiltration and cytokins (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and
      IFN-gamma) augment were still amplified in TLR2-deficient mice after
      administrated recombinant mouse B7-H3. These results indicated an important role
      for B7-H3 in the development of Th1 and Th2 cells in a murine model of asthma and
      its proinflammatory effects are not dependent on TLR2 signaling.

PMID- 28094277
TI  - Peripheral arterial volume distensibility changes with applied external pressure:
      significant difference between arteries with different compliance.
AB  - This study aimed to quantify the different effect of external cuff pressure on
      arterial volume distensibility between peripheral arteries with different
      compliance. 30 healthy subjects were studied with the arm at two positions (0
      degrees  and 45 degrees  from the horizontal level) to introduce different
      compliance of arteries. The electrocardiogram and finger and ear
      photoplethysmograms were recorded simultaneously under five external cuff
      pressures (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mmHg) on the whole arm to obtain arterial volume
      distensibility. With the applied external cuff pressures of 10, 20, 30 and 40
      mmHg, the overall changes in arterial volume distensibility referred to those
      without external pressure were 0.010, 0.029, 0.054 and 0.108% per mmHg for the
      arm at the horizontal level, and 0.026, 0.071, 0.170 and 0.389% per mmHg for the
      arm at 45 degrees  from the horizontal level, confirming the non-linearity
      between arterial volume distensibility and external pressure. More interestingly,
      the significant differences in arterial volume distensibility changes were
      observed between the two arm positions, which were 0.016, 0.043, 0.116 and 0.281%
      per mmHg (all P < 0.01). Our findings demonstrated that arterial volume
      distensibility of peripheral arm arteries increased with external pressure, with
      a greater effect for more compliant arteries.

PMID- 28094278
TI  - Persistent fibroblast growth factor 23 signalling in the parathyroid glands for
      secondary hyperparathyroidism in mice with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Secondary hyperparathyroidism, in which parathyroid hormone (PTH) is excessively
      secreted in response to factors such as hyperphosphataemia, hypocalcaemia, and
      low 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) levels, is commonly observed in patients
      with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and is accompanied by high levels of
      fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). However, the effect of FGF23 on the
      parathyroid glands (PG) remains controversial. To bind to FGF receptors, FGF23
      requires alphaKlotho, which is highly expressed in the PG. Here, we examined the
      effects of Fgfr1-3, alphaKlotho, or Fgfr1-4 ablation specifically in the PG
      (conditional knockout, cKO). When mice with early to mid-stage CKD with and
      without cKO were compared, plasma concentrations of calcium, phosphate, FGF23,
      and 1,25(OH)2D did not change significantly. In contrast, plasma PTH levels,
      which were elevated in CKD mice, were significantly decreased in cKO mice. PG
      from CKD mice showed augmentation of cell proliferation, which was significantly
      suppressed by cKO. Parathyroid tissue cultured for 4 days showed upregulation of
      PTH secretion and cell proliferation in response to FGF23. Both these effects
      were inhibited by cKO. These findings suggest that FGF23 is a long-term inducer
      of parathyroid cell proliferation and PTH secretion, and is one cause of
      secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD.

PMID- 28094279
TI  - Quantitative separation of the anisotropic magnetothermopower and planar Nernst
      effect by the rotation of an in-plane thermal gradient.
AB  - A thermal gradient as the driving force for spin currents plays a key role in
      spin caloritronics. In this field the spin Seebeck effect (SSE) is of major
      interest and was investigated in terms of in-plane thermal gradients inducing
      perpendicular spin currents (transverse SSE) and out-of-plane thermal gradients
      generating parallel spin currents (longitudinal SSE). Up to now all spincaloric
      experiments employ a spatially fixed thermal gradient. Thus, anisotropic
      measurements with respect to well defined crystallographic directions were not
      possible. Here we introduce a new experiment that allows not only the in-plane
      rotation of the external magnetic field, but also the rotation of an in-plane
      thermal gradient controlled by optical temperature detection. As a consequence,
      the anisotropic magnetothermopower and the planar Nernst effect in a permalloy
      thin film can be measured simultaneously. Thus, the angular dependence of the
      magnetothermopower with respect to the magnetization direction reveals a phase
      shift, that allows the quantitative separation of the thermopower, the
      anisotropic magnetothermopower and the planar Nernst effect.

PMID- 28094280
TI  - Accumulation and transformation of inorganic and organic arsenic in rice and role
      of thiol-complexation to restrict their translocation to shoot.
AB  - Environmental contamination of arsenic (As) and its accumulation in rice (Oryza
      sativa L.) is of serious human health concern. In planta speciation of As is an
      important tool to understand As metabolism in plants. In the present study, we
      investigated root to shoot As translocation and speciation in rice exposed to
      inorganic and methylated As. Arsenate (AsV) and methylarsonate (MAV) were
      efficiently reduced to arsenite (AsIII) and MAIII, respectively in rice root and
      shoot but no trivalent form of dimethylarsinate (DMAV) was detected. Further, up
      to 48 and 83% of root As in AsV and MAV exposed plants, respectively were
      complexed with various thiols showing up to 20 and 16 As species, respectively.
      Several mixed As- and MA-complexes with hydroxymethyl-phytochelatin, DesGly
      phytochelatin, hydroxymethyl-GSH and cysteine were identified in rice. Despite
      high complexation in roots, more As was translocated to shoots in MAV exposed
      plants than AsV, with shoot/root As transfer factor being in order DMAV > MAV >
      AsV. Moreover, in shoots 78% MAIII and 71% AsIII were present as weakly bound
      species which is alarming, as MAIII has been found to be more cytotoxic than
      AsIII for human and it could also be an important factor inducing straighthead
      (spikelet sterility disorder) in rice.

PMID- 28094281
TI  - Electrically tunable organic-inorganic hybrid polaritons with monolayer WS2.
AB  - Exciton-polaritons are quasiparticles consisting of a linear superposition of
      photonic and excitonic states, offering potential for nonlinear optical devices.
      The excitonic component of the polariton provides a finite Coulomb scattering
      cross section, such that the different types of exciton found in organic
      materials (Frenkel) and inorganic materials (Wannier-Mott) produce polaritons
      with different interparticle interaction strength. A hybrid polariton state with
      distinct excitons provides a potential technological route towards in situ
      control of nonlinear behaviour. Here we demonstrate a device in which hybrid
      polaritons are displayed at ambient temperatures, the excitonic component of
      which is part Frenkel and part Wannier-Mott, and in which the dominant exciton
      type can be switched with an applied voltage. The device consists of an open
      microcavity containing both organic dye and a monolayer of the transition metal
      dichalcogenide WS2. Our findings offer a perspective for electrically controlled
      nonlinear polariton devices at room temperature.

PMID- 28094282
TI  - Evidence of neofunctionalization after the duplication of the highly conserved
      Polycomb group gene Caf1-55 in the obscura group of Drosophila.
AB  - Drosophila CAF1-55 protein is a subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex PRC2
      and other protein complexes. It is a multifunctional and evolutionarily conserved
      protein that participates in nucleosome assembly and remodelling, as well as in
      the epigenetic regulation of a large set of target genes. Here, we describe and
      analyze the duplication of Caf1-55 in the obscura group of Drosophila. Paralogs
      exhibited a strong asymmetry in evolutionary rates, which suggests that they have
      evolved according to a neofunctionalization process. During this process, the
      ancestral copy has been kept under steady purifying selection to retain the
      ancestral function and the derived copy (Caf1-55dup) that originated via a DNA
      mediated duplication event ~18 Mya, has been under clear episodic selection.
      Different maximum likelihood approaches confirmed the action of positive
      selection, in contrast to relaxed selection, on Caf1-55dup after the duplication.
      This adaptive process has also taken place more recently during the divergence of
      D. subobscura and D. guanche. The possible association of this duplication with a
      previously detected acceleration in the evolutionary rate of three CAF1-55
      partners in PRC2 complexes is discussed. Finally, the timing and functional
      consequences of the Caf1-55 duplication is compared to other duplications of
      Polycomb genes.

PMID- 28094283
TI  - Adolescent Chronic Unpredictable Stress Exposure Is a Sensitive Window for Long
      Term Changes in Adult Behavior in Mice.
AB  - Adolescence is a time period in development when the brain undergoes substantial
      remodeling in response to the environment. To determine whether a stressful
      experience during adolescence affects adult behavior, we exposed adolescent male
      and female C57BL/6J mice to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) for 12 days
      starting at postnatal day 28 (PND28). We also exposed adult male and female mice
      to CUS for 12 days beginning at PND70 to determine whether adolescence is a
      sensitive time period when stress can have long-lasting effects on behavior.
      Regardless of when mice were exposed to stress, they were all tested exactly 30
      days later in the marble burying task, elevated zero maze, acoustic startle
      response, and forced swim test. Adolescent stress exposure increased anxiety-like
      behaviors in adult male and female mice and decreased acoustic startle response
      in a sex-dependent manner. However, adult stress exposure did not change anxiety
      or response to an acoustic tone in adult male or female mice as compared with
      nonstressed animals. Of interest, increased depression-like behavior in the
      forced swim test was observed in all mice, regardless of when the stress
      occurred. Gene expression analysis showed significant upregulation of
      corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2 (CrfR2) in the amygdala of males
      subjected to CUS during adolescence, but not in males that experienced CUS during
      adulthood. In contrast, females, regardless of when they were exposed to CUS,
      were not affected. These data support clinical evidence suggesting that early
      life stress may predispose individuals to increased anxiety and depression later
      in life.

PMID- 28094284
TI  - The Composition of Human Milk and Infant Faecal Microbiota Over the First Three
      Months of Life: A Pilot Study.
AB  - Human milk contains a diverse array of bioactives and is also a source of
      bacteria for the developing infant gut. The aim of this study was to characterize
      the bacterial communities in human milk and infant faeces over the first 3 months
      of life, in 10 mother-infant pairs. The presence of viable Bifidobacterium and
      Lactobacillus in human milk was also evaluated. MiSeq sequencing revealed a large
      diversity of the human milk microbiota, identifying over 207 bacterial genera in
      milk samples. The phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and the genera Pseudomonas,
      Staphylococcus and Streptococcus were the predominant bacterial groups. A core of
      12 genera represented 81% of the microbiota relative abundance in milk samples at
      week 1, 3 and 6, decreasing to 73% at week 12. Genera shared between infant
      faeces and human milk samples accounted for 70-88% of the total relative
      abundance in infant faecal samples, supporting the hypothesis of vertical
      transfer of bacteria from milk to the infant gut. In addition, identical strains
      of Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus plantarum were isolated from the milk
      and faeces of one mother-infant pair. Vertical transfer of bacteria via
      breastfeeding may contribute to the initial establishment of the microbiota in
      the developing infant intestine.

PMID- 28094285
TI  - Urinary Exosomes Contain MicroRNAs Capable of Paracrine Modulation of Tubular
      Transporters in Kidney.
AB  - Exosomes derived from all nephron segments are present in human urine, where
      their functionality is incompletely understood. Most studies have focused on
      biomarker discovery rather than exosome function. Through sequencing we
      identified the miRNA repertoire of urinary exosomes from healthy volunteers; 276
      mature miRNAs and 345 pre-miRNAs were identified (43%/7% of reads). Among the
      most abundant were members of the miR-10, miR-30 and let-7 families. Targets for
      the identified miRNAs were predicted using five different databases; genes
      encoding membrane transporters and their regulators were enriched, highlighting
      the possibility that these miRNAs could modulate key renal tubular functions in a
      paracrine manner. As proof of concept, cultured renal epithelial cells were
      exposed to urinary exosomes and cellular exosomal uptake was confirmed;
      thereafter, reduced levels of the potassium channel ROMK and kinases SGK1 and
      WNK1 were observed in a human collecting duct cell line, while SPAK was
      unaltered. In proximal tubular cells, mRNA levels of the amino acid transporter
      gene SLC38A2 were diminished and reflected in a significant decrement of its
      encoded protein SNAT2. Protein levels of the kinase SGK1 did not change. Thus we
      demonstrated a novel potential function for miRNA in urinary exosomes.

PMID- 28094286
TI  - Creating stable Floquet-Weyl semimetals by laser-driving of 3D Dirac materials.
AB  - Tuning and stabilizing topological states, such as Weyl semimetals, Dirac
      semimetals or topological insulators, is emerging as one of the major topics in
      materials science. Periodic driving of many-body systems offers a platform to
      design Floquet states of matter with tunable electronic properties on ultrafast
      timescales. Here we show by first principles calculations how femtosecond laser
      pulses with circularly polarized light can be used to switch between Weyl
      semimetal, Dirac semimetal and topological insulator states in a prototypical
      three-dimensional (3D) Dirac material, Na3Bi. Our findings are general and apply
      to any 3D Dirac semimetal. We discuss the concept of time-dependent bands and
      steering of Floquet-Weyl points and demonstrate how light can enhance topological
      protection against lattice perturbations. This work has potential practical
      implications for the ultrafast switching of materials properties, such as optical
      band gaps or anomalous magnetoresistance.

PMID- 28094287
TI  - Relaxation dynamics in the strong chalcogenide glass-former of Ge22Se78.
AB  - The enthalpy relaxation is performed in the glassy Ge22Se78 to understand the
      dynamic behaviors. The structure of the glass is examined by X-ray diffraction
      and Raman spectra. The dynamic parameters such as the fragility, stretching
      exponent and non-linear factor are determined. A low fragility of m = 27 is
      exhibited for the chalcogenide, however, the stretching exponent is found not to
      have a larger value. The enthalpy relaxation spectra are constructed for various
      glass formers, and a relationship between the fragility and the symmetry of the
      spectra is demonstrated. The dynamic results are used to evaluate the structure
      of the Ge22Se78 glass.

PMID- 28094288
TI  - Predator personality and prey behavioural predictability jointly determine
      foraging performance.
AB  - Predator-prey interactions play important roles in ecological communities.
      Personality, consistent inter-individual differences in behaviour, of predators,
      prey or both are known to influence inter-specific interactions. An individual
      may also behave differently under the same situation and the level of such
      variability may differ between individuals. Such intra-individual variability
      (IIV) or predictability may be a trait on which selection can also act. A few
      studies have revealed the joint effect of personality types of both predators and
      prey on predator foraging performance. However, how personality type and IIV of
      both predators and prey jointly influence predator foraging performance remains
      untested empirically. Here, we addressed this using a specialized spider-eating
      jumping spider, Portia labiata (Salticidae), as the predator, and a jumping
      spider, Cosmophasis umbratica, as the prey. We examined personality types and
      IIVs of both P. labiata and C. umbratica and used their inter- and intra
      individual behavioural variation as predictors of foraging performance (i.e.,
      number of attempts to capture prey). Personality type and predictability had a
      joint effect on predator foraging performance. Aggressive predators performed
      better in capturing unpredictable (high IIV) prey than predictable (low IIV)
      prey, while docile predators demonstrated better performance when encountering
      predictable prey. This study highlights the importance of the joint effect of
      both predator and prey personality types and IIVs on predator-prey interactions.

PMID- 28094289
TI  - Analytically determined topological phase diagram of the proximity-induced gap in
      diffusive n-terminal Josephson junctions.
AB  - Multiterminal Josephson junctions have recently been proposed as a route to
      artificially mimic topological matter with the distinct advantage that its
      properties can be controlled via the superconducting phase difference, giving
      rise to Weyl points in 4-terminal geometries. A key goal is to accurately
      determine when the system makes a transition from a gapped to non-gapped state as
      a function of the phase differences in the system, the latter effectively playing
      the role of quasiparticle momenta in conventional topological matter. We here
      determine the proximity gap phase diagram of diffusive n-terminal Josephson
      junctions (), both numerically and analytically, by identifying a class of
      solutions to the Usadel equation at zero energy in the full proximity effect
      regime. We present an analytical equation which provides the phase diagram for an
      arbitrary number of terminals n. After briefly demonstrating the validity of the
      analytical approach in the previously studied 2- and 3-terminal cases, we focus
      on the 4-terminal case and map out the regimes where the electronic excitations
      in the system are gapped and non-gapped, respectively, demonstrating also in this
      case full agreement between the analytical and numerical approach.

PMID- 28094290
TI  - Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) represses MHC II transcription in
      macrophages by methylating CIITA.
AB  - Efficient presentation of alien antigens triggers activation of T lymphocytes and
      robust host defense against invading pathogens. This pathophysiological process
      relies on the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in
      antigen presenting cells such as macrophages. Aberrant MHC II transactivation
      plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Class II
      transactivator (CIITA) mediates MHC II induction by interferon gamma (IFN-gamma).
      CIITA activity can be fine-tuned at the post-translational level, but the
      mechanisms are not fully appreciated. We investigated the role of protein
      arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) in this process. We report here that CIITA
      interacted with PRMT1. IFN-gamma treatment down-regulated PRMT1 expression and
      attenuated PRMT1 binding on the MHC II promoter. Over-expression of PRMT1
      repressed MHC II promoter activity while PRMT1 depletion enhanced MHC II
      transactivation. Mechanistically, PRMT1 methylated CIITA and promoted CIITA
      degradation. Therefore, our data reveal a previously unrecognized role for PRMT1
      in suppressing CIITA-mediated MHC II transactivation.

PMID- 28094291
TI  - Differential Effects of Vitamins A and D on the Transcriptional Landscape of
      Human Monocytes during Infection.
AB  - Vitamin A and vitamin D are essential nutrients with a wide range of pleiotropic
      effects in humans. Beyond their well-documented roles in cellular
      differentiation, embryogenesis, tissue maintenance and bone/calcium homeostasis,
      both vitamins have attracted considerable attention due to their association with
      immunological traits. Nevertheless, our knowledge of their immunomodulatory
      potential during infection is restricted to single gene-centric studies, which do
      not reflect the complexity of immune processes. In the present study, we
      performed a comprehensive RNA-seq-based approach to define the whole
      immunomodulatory role of vitamins A and D during infection. Using human monocytes
      as host cells, we characterized the differential role of both vitamins upon
      infection with three different pathogens: Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans
      and Escherichia coli. Both vitamins showed an unexpected ability to counteract
      the pathogen-induced transcriptional responses. Upon infection, we identified 346
      and 176 immune-relevant genes that were regulated by atRA and vitD, respectively.
      This immunomodulatory activity was dependent on the inflammatory stimulus,
      allowing us to distinguish regulatory patterns which were specific for each
      stimulatory setting. Moreover, we explored possible direct and indirect
      mechanisms of vitamin-mediated regulation of the immune response. Our findings
      highlight the importance of vitamin-monitoring in critically ill patients.
      Moreover, our results underpin the potential of atRA and vitD as therapeutic
      options for anti-inflammatory treatment.

PMID- 28094292
TI  - Chromatin organization revealed by nanostructure of irradiation induced
      gammaH2AX, 53BP1 and Rad51 foci.
AB  - The spatial distribution of DSB repair factors gammaH2AX, 53BP1 and Rad51 in
      ionizing radiation induced foci (IRIF) in HeLa cells using super resolution STED
      nanoscopy after low and high linear energy transfer (LET) irradiation was
      investigated. 53BP1 and gammaH2AX form IRIF with same mean size of (540 +/- 40)
      nm after high LET irradiation while the size after low LET irradiation is
      significantly smaller. The IRIF of both repair factors show nanostructures with
      partial anti-correlation. These structures are related to domains formed within
      the chromatin territories marked by gammaH2AX while 53BP1 is mainly situated in
      the perichromatin region. The nanostructures have a mean size of (129 +/- 6) nm
      and are found to be irrespective of the applied LET and the labelled damage
      marker. In contrast, Rad51 shows no nanostructure and a mean size of (143 +/- 13)
      nm independent of LET. Although Rad51 is surrounded by 53BP1 it strongly anti
      correlates meaning an exclusion of 53BP1 next to DSB when decision for homologous
      DSB repair happened.

PMID- 28094293
TI  - The transmission potential of malaria-infected mosquitoes (An.gambiae-Keele,
      An.arabiensis-Ifakara) is altered by the vertebrate blood type they consume
      during parasite development.
AB  - The efficiency of malaria parasite development within mosquito vectors
      (sporogony) is a critical determinant of transmission. Sporogony is thought to be
      controlled by environmental conditions and mosquito/parasite genetic factors,
      with minimal contribution from mosquito behaviour during the period of parasite
      development. We tested this assumption by investigating whether successful
      sporogony of Plasmodium falciparum parasites through to human-infectious
      transmission stages is influenced by the host species upon which infected
      mosquitoes feed. Studies were conducted on two major African vector species that
      generally are found to differ in their innate host preferences: Anopheles
      arabiensis and An. gambiae sensu stricto. We show that the proportion of vectors
      developing transmissible infections (sporozoites) was influenced by the source of
      host blood consumed during sporogony. The direction of this effect was associated
      with the innate host preference of vectors: higher sporozoite prevalences were
      generated in the usually human-specialist An. gambiae s.s. feeding on human
      compared to cow blood, whereas the more zoophilic An. arabiensis had
      significantly higher prevalences after feeding on cow blood. The potential
      epidemiological implications of these results are discussed.

PMID- 28094294
TI  - Version 1.1 of the international spinal cord injury skin and thermoregulation
      function basic data set.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the changes made to the international spinal cord injury
      (SCI) skin and thermoregulation function basic data set in version 1.1. SETTING:
      International. METHODS: An international working group reviewed suggested changes
      to the international SCI skin and thermoregulation function basic data set
      version 1.0. These changes were discussed and the agreed changes were made.
      Subsequently, the recommended adjustments were circulated for review to the
      International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) Executive and Scientific Committees,
      the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Board, around 40 national and
      international societies, and to interested individuals who had signed up wishing
      to have the opportunity to review. In addition, the suggested changes were
      displayed at the ISCoS and ASIA websites for at least a month for possible
      comments. RESULTS: The recommendation 'largest diameter, including undermining'
      is changed to: 'Largest undermining', and a description of how to measure this is
      inserted. The 'smallest opening diameter' is changed to: 'Width' as the maximum
      dimension perpendicular to the length axis. In the literature, there is a
      tendency to replace 'grades' or 'stages' with 'categories'; therefore, the word
      'category' is used instead of 'grade' or 'stage'. CONCLUSIONS: Impracticable
      measurements have been adjusted and new terminology adopted. All are to be found
      on ISCoS website: http://www.iscos.org.uk/international-sci-skin-and
      thermoregulation-function-data-sets.

PMID- 28094295
TI  - Loss of PAFR prevents neuroinflammation and brain dysfunction after traumatic
      brain injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a principal cause of death and disability
      worldwide, which is a major public health problem. Death caused by TBI accounts
      for a third of all damage related illnesses, which 75% TBI occurred in low and
      middle income countries. With the increasing use of motor vehicles, the incidence
      of TBI has been at a high level. The abnormal brain functions of TBI patients
      often show the acute and long-term neurological dysfunction, which mainly
      associated with the pathological process of malignant brain edema and
      neuroinflammation in the brain. Owing to the neuroinflammation lasts for months
      or even years after TBI, which is a pivotal causative factor that give rise to
      neurodegenerative disease at late stage of TBI. Studies have shown that platelet
      activating factor (PAF) inducing inflammatory reaction after TBI could not be
      ignored. The morphological and behavioral abnormalities after TBI in wild type
      mice are rescued by general knockout of PAFR gene that neuroinflammation
      responses and cognitive ability are improved. Our results thus define a key
      inflammatory molecule PAF that participates in the neuroinflammation and helps
      bring about cerebral dysfunction during the TBI acute phase.

PMID- 28094296
TI  - Hydrophobic Residues near the Bilin Chromophore-Binding Pocket Modulate Spectral
      Tuning of Insert-Cys Subfamily Cyanobacteriochromes.
AB  - Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are a subfamily of phytochrome photoreceptors found
      exclusively in photosynthetic cyanobacteria. Four CBCRs containing a second Cys
      in the insert region (insert-Cys) have been identified from the nonheterocystous
      cyanobacterium Microcoleus B353 (Mbr3854g4 and Mbl3738g2) and the nitrogen
      fixing, heterocystous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme (NpF2164g3 and
      NpR1597g2). These insert-Cys CBCRs can sense light in the near-UV to orange
      range, but key residues responsible for tuning their colour sensitivity have not
      been reported. In the present study, near-UV/Green (UG) photosensors Mbr3854g4
      (UG1) and Mbl3738g2 (UG2) were chosen for further spectroscopic analysis of their
      spectral sensitivity and tuning. Consistent with most dual-Cys CBCRs, both UGs
      formed a second thioether linkage to the phycocyanobilin (PCB) chromophore via
      the insert-Cys. This bond is subject to breakage and relinkage during forward and
      reverse photoconversions. Variations in residues equivalent to Phe that are in
      close contact with the PCB chromophore D-ring in canonical red/green CBCRs are
      responsible for tuning the light absorption peaks of both dark and photoproducts.
      This is the first time these key residues that govern light absorption in insert
      Cys family CBCRs have been identified and characterised.

PMID- 28094298
TI  - A new type of two-dimensional carbon crystal prepared from 1,3,5
      trihydroxybenzene.
AB  - A new two-dimensional (2D) carbon crystal, different from graphene, has been
      prepared from 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, consisting of 4-carbon and 6-carbon rings
      in 1:1 ratio, named 4-6 carbophene by authors, in which all carbon atoms possess
      sp2 hybrid orbitals with some distortion, forming an extensive conjugated pi
      bonding planar structure. The angles between the three sigma-bonds of the carbon
      sp2 orbitals are roughly 120 degrees , 90 degrees , and 150 degrees . Each of the
      three non-adjacent sides of a 6C-ring is shared with a 4C-ring; and each of the
      two opposite sides of a 4C-ring is shared with a 6C-ring. Dodecagonal holes with
      a diameter of approximate 5.8 A are regularly located throughout the 2D carbon
      crystal. Even though the bond energies in 4-6 carbophene are weaker than those in
      the graphene, the new planar crystal is quite stable in ambient conditions. The 4
      6 carbophene can be synthetized from 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene or other benzene
      derivatives through dehydration and polymerization reactions, and may possess
      several possible patterns that form a family of 2D carbon crystals. A possible
      side reaction involving 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene is also discussed, which may
      produce a carbon-oxygen two dimensional crystal.

PMID- 28094297
TI  - High-throughput quantitation of inorganic nanoparticle biodistribution at the
      single-cell level using mass cytometry.
AB  - Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) are studied as drug carriers, radiosensitizers and
      imaging agents, and characterizing nanoparticle biodistribution is essential for
      evaluating their efficacy and safety. Tracking NPs at the single-cell level with
      current technologies is complicated by the lack of reliable methods to stably
      label particles over extended durations in vivo. Here we demonstrate that mass
      cytometry by time-of-flight provides a label-free approach for inorganic
      nanoparticle quantitation in cells. Furthermore, mass cytometry can enumerate
      AuNPs with a lower detection limit of ~10 AuNPs (3 nm core size) in a single cell
      with tandem multiparameter cellular phenotyping. Using the cellular distribution
      insights, we selected an amphiphilic surface ligand-coated AuNP that targeted
      myeloid dendritic cells in lymph nodes as a peptide antigen carrier,
      substantially increasing the efficacy of a model vaccine in a B16-OVA melanoma
      mouse model. This technology provides a powerful new level of insight into
      nanoparticle fate in vivo.

PMID- 28094299
TI  - Corrigendum: Critical exponents and scaling invariance in the absence of a
      critical point.

PMID- 28094301
TI  - The occurrence rate of acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract
      surgery in Chinese small- and medium-scale departments of ophthalmology.
AB  - Endophthalmitis can be a devastating complication after cataract surgery.
      Therefore, this study sought to better understand the occurrence rate of acute
      onset postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in Chinese small and
      medium-scale departments of ophthalmology, as well as identify its risk factors
      and assess the treatment options. This investigation revealed 52 postoperative
      endophthalmitis cases in 46,185 operations at 30 hospitals from 2011 to 2013, at
      an occurrence rate of 0.11%. A small cataract surgery volume of less than 500
      cases per year (OR 2.21; p = 0.006), the absence of 0.5% povidone iodine (PVP-I)
      irrigation (OR 1.73; p = 0.046), and intraoperative posterior capsular rupture
      (PCR) with vitreous loss (OR 4.40; p = 0.034) showed statistically significant
      associations with endophthalmitis in the multivariate analysis. The rate of
      culture positivity was 44.2%, with Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most
      common organism isolated in China. More than 40% of the endophthalmitis cases
      were treated with a nonstandard antibiotics regimen, and only 32.7% of these had
      a visual acuity of better than 20/40. We concluded that the occurrence rate of
      acute-onset endophthalmitis following cataract surgery in Chinese small and
      medium-scale departments of ophthalmology lags behind the level of developed
      countries, as well as Chinese top eye centers. Overall, the use of 0.5% PVP-I
      irrigation seemed to be an effective measure to reduce the risk of the
      development of postoperative endophthalmitis.

PMID- 28094300
TI  - Sequestration of PRMT1 and Nd1-L mRNA into ALS-linked FUS mutant R521C-positive
      aggregates contributes to neurite degeneration upon oxidative stress.
AB  - Mutations in fused in sarcoma (FUS), a DNA/RNA binding protein, are associated
      with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, little is known about
      how ALS-causing mutations alter protein-protein and protein-RNA complexes and
      contribute to neurodegeneration. In this study, we identified protein arginine
      methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) as a protein that more avidly associates with ALS
      linked FUS-R521C than with FUS-WT (wild type) or FUS-P525L using co
      immunoprecipitation and LC-MS analysis. Abnormal association between FUS-R521C
      and PRMT1 requires RNA, but not methyltransferase activity. PRMT1 was sequestered
      into cytosolic FUS-R521C-positive stress granule aggregates. Overexpression of
      PRMT1 rescued neurite degeneration caused by FUS-R521C upon oxidative stress,
      while loss of PRMT1 further accumulated FUS-positive aggregates and enhanced
      neurite degeneration. Furthermore, the mRNA of Nd1-L, an actin-stabilizing
      protein, was sequestered into the FUS-R521C/PRMT1 complex. Nd1-L overexpression
      rescued neurite shortening caused by FUS-R521C upon oxidative stress, while loss
      of Nd1-L further exacerbated neurite shortening. Altogether, these data suggest
      that the abnormal stable complex of FUS-R521C/PRMT1/Nd1-L mRNA could contribute
      to neurodegeneration upon oxidative stress. Overall, our study provides a novel
      pathogenic mechanism of the FUS mutation associated with abnormal protein-RNA
      complexes upon oxidative stress in ALS and provides insight into possible
      therapeutic targets for this pathology.

PMID- 28094302
TI  - Interfacial structures and energetics of the strengthening precipitate phase in
      creep-resistant Mg-Nd-based alloys.
AB  - The extraordinary creep-resistance of Mg-Nd-based alloys can be correlated to the
      formation of nanoscale-platelets of beta1-Mg3Nd precipitates, that grow along
      <110>Mg in bulk hcp-Mg and on dislocation lines. The growth kinetics of beta1 is
      sluggish even at high temperatures, and presumably occurs via vacancy migration.
      However, the rationale for the high-temperature stability of precipitate-matrix
      interfaces and observed growth direction is unknown, and may likely be related to
      the interfacial structure and excess energy. Therefore, we study two interfaces-
      {112}beta1/{100}Mg and {111}beta1/{110}Mg- that are commensurate with beta1/hcp
      Mg orientation relationship via first principles calculations. We find that beta1
      acquires plate-like morphology to reduce small lattice strain via the formation
      of energetically favorable {112}beta1/{100}Mg interfaces, and predict that beta1
      grows along <110>Mg on dislocation lines due to the migration of metastable
      {111}beta1/{110}Mg. Furthermore, electronic charge distribution of the two
      interfaces studied here indicated that interfacial-energy of coherent
      precipitates is sensitive to the population of distorted lattice sites, and their
      spatial extent in the vicinity of interfaces. Our results have implications for
      alloy design as they suggest that formation of beta1-like precipitates in the hcp
      Mg matrix will require well-bonded coherent interface along precipitate broad
      faces, while simultaneously destabilizing other interfaces.

PMID- 28094304
TI  - The different expression of TRPM7 and MagT1 impacts on the proliferation of colon
      carcinoma cells sensitive or resistant to doxorubicin.
AB  - The processes leading to anticancer drug resistance are not completely unraveled.
      To get insights into the underlying mechanisms, we compared colon carcinoma cells
      sensitive to doxorubicin with their resistant counterpart. We found that
      resistant cells are growth retarded, and show staminal and ultrastructural
      features profoundly different from sensitive cells. The resistant phenotype is
      accompanied by the upregulation of the magnesium transporter MagT1 and the
      downregulation of the ion channel kinase TRPM7. We demonstrate that the different
      amounts of TRPM7 and MagT1 account for the different proliferation rate of
      sensitive and resistant colon carcinoma cells. It remains to be verified whether
      they are also involved in the control of other "staminal" traits.

PMID- 28094303
TI  - Genetic Polymorphisms of rs3077 and rs9277535 in HLA-DP associated with Systemic
      lupus erythematosus in a Chinese population.
AB  - Although the SLE risk gene loci of HLA-DR and HLA-DQ within the major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) region has been gradually revealed by recent
      Genome-Wide Association studies (GWAS), the association of HLA-DP polymorphisms
      with SLE was minimally reported. Considering that the variants in rs3077 and
      rs9277535 in the HLA-DP region could influence the immune response by affecting
      antigen presentation of HLA class II molecules to CD4+ T cells, the present study
      aimed to explore the role of HLA-DP polymorphisms in SLE. In total, samples from
      335 SLE patients and 635 healthy controls were collected and genotyped by a
      polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melting (PCR-HRM) assay. A significant
      positive correlation was observed between the SNP rs3077, rs9277535 of HLA-DP and
      SLE susceptibility (rs3077, OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.60-0.91, P = 0.004; rs9277535,
      OR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.59-0.88, P = 0.001). Rs3077 polymorphism was corelated to IL
      17, INF-gamma and cutaneous vasculitis (P = 0.037, P = 0.020 and P = 0.006,
      respectively). Additionally, rs3077 AA genotype carriers showed lower
      concentration of inflammatory cytokines and lower cutaneous vasculitis incidence
      than did the other two genotype. No significant association was observed between
      rs9277535 and cytokines or any clinical features. In conclusion, HLA-DP
      polymorphisms (rs3077 and rs9277535) were associated with SLE susceptibility and
      the levels of some inflammatory cytokines in SLE patients.

PMID- 28094305
TI  - Association of the Intestinal Microbiome with the Development of Neovascular Age
      Related Macular Degeneration.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in
      the elderly. There is evidence that nutrition, inflammation and genetic risk
      factors play an important role in the development of AMD. Recent studies suggest
      that the composition of the intestinal microbiome is associated with metabolic
      diseases through modulation of inflammation and host metabolism. To investigate
      whether compositional and functional alterations of the intestinal microbiome are
      associated with AMD, we sequenced the gut metagenomes of patients with AMD and
      controls. The genera Anaerotruncus and Oscillibacter as well as Ruminococcus
      torques and Eubacterium ventriosum were relatively enriched in patients with AMD,
      whereas Bacteroides eggerthii was enriched in controls. Patient's intestinal
      microbiomes were enriched in genes of the L-alanine fermentation, glutamate
      degradation and arginine biosynthesis pathways and decreased in genes of the
      fatty acid elongation pathway. These findings suggest that modifications in the
      intestinal microbiome are associated with AMD, inferring that this common sight
      threatening disease may be targeted by microbiome-altering interventions.

PMID- 28094306
TI  - Maternal diabetes modulates dental epithelial stem cells proliferation and self
      renewal in offspring through apurinic/apyrimidinicendonuclease 1-mediated DNA
      methylation.
AB  - Maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has many adverse effects on the
      development of offspring. Aberrant DNA methylation is a potential mechanism
      associated with these effects. However, the effects of GDM on tooth development
      and the underlying mechanisms have not been thoroughly investigated. In the
      present study, a GDM rat model was established and incisor labial cervical loop
      tissue and dental epithelial stem cells (DESCs) were harvested from neonates of
      diabetic and control dams. GDM significantly suppressed incisor enamel formation
      and DESCs proliferation and self-renewal in offspring. Gene expression profiles
      showed that Apex1 was significantly downregulated in the offspring of diabetic
      dams. In vitro, gain and loss of function analyses showed that APEX1 was critical
      for DESCs proliferation and self-renewal and Oct4 and Nanog regulation via
      promoter methylation. In vivo, we confirmed that GDM resulted in significant
      downregulation of Oct4 and Nanog and hypermethylation of their promoters.
      Moreover, we found that APEX1 modulated DNA methylation by regulating DNMT1
      expression through ERK and JNK signalling. In summary, our data suggest that GDM
      induced APEX1 downregulation increased DNMT1 expression, thereby inhibiting Oct4
      and Nanog expression, through promoter hypermethylation, resulting in suppression
      of DESCs proliferation and self-renewal, as well as enamel formation.

PMID- 28094307
TI  - A transcriptome analysis focusing on inflammation-related genes of grass carp
      intestines following infection with Aeromonas hydrophila.
AB  - Inflammation is a protective response that is implicated in bacterial enteritis
      and other fish diseases. The inflammatory mechanisms behind Aeromonas hydrophila
      infections in fish remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed a de
      novo grass carp transcriptome assembly using Illumina's Solexa sequencing
      technique. On this basis we carried out a comparative analysis of intestinal
      transcriptomes from A. hydrophila-challenged and physiological saline solution
      (PSS/mock) -challenged fish, and 315 genes were up-regulated and 234 were down
      regulated in the intestines infected with A. hydrophila. The GO enrichment
      analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes were enriched to 12,
      4, and 8 GO terms in biological process, molecular function, and cellular
      component, respectively. A KEGG analysis showed that 549 DEGs were involved in
      165 pathways. Moreover, 15 DEGs were selected for quantitative real-time PCR
      analysis to validate the RNA-seq data. The results confirmed the consistency of
      the expression levels between RNA-seq and qPCR data. In addition, a time-course
      analysis of the mRNA expression of 12 inflammatory genes further demonstrated
      that the intestinal inflammatory responses to A. hydrophila infection
      simultaneously modulated gene expression variations. The present study provides
      intestine-specific transcriptome data, allowing us to unravel the mechanisms of
      intestinal inflammation triggered by bacterial pathogens.

PMID- 28094308
TI  - Silicon availability modifies nutrient use efficiency and content, C:N:P
      stoichiometry, and productivity of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
AB  - Silicon (Si) is known as beneficial element for graminaceous plants. The
      importance of Si for plant functioning of cereals was recently emphasized.
      However, about the effect of Si availability on biomass production, grain yield,
      nutrient status and nutrient use efficiency for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), as
      one of the most important crop plants worldwide, less is known so far.
      Consequently, we assessed the effect of a broad range of supply levels of
      amorphous SiO2 on wheat plant performance. Our results revealed that Si is
      readily taken up and accumulated basically in aboveground vegetative organs.
      Carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) status of plants were altered in response to
      varying Si supply. In bulk straw biomass C concentration decreased with
      increasing Si supply, while P concentration increased from slight limitation
      towards optimal nutrition. Thereby, aboveground biomass production increased at
      low to medium supply levels of silica whereas grain yield increased at medium
      supply level only. Nutrient use efficiency was improved by Si insofar that
      biomass production was enhanced at constant nitrogen (N) status of substrate and
      plants. Consequently, our findings imply fundamental influences of Si on C
      turnover, P availability and nitrogen use efficiency for wheat as a major staple
      crop.

PMID- 28094309
TI  - Blue Laser Diode Enables Underwater Communication at 12.4 Gbps.
AB  - To enable high-speed underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) in tap
      water and seawater environments over long distances, a 450-nm blue GaN laser
      diode (LD) directly modulated by pre-leveled 16-quadrature amplitude modulation
      (QAM) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) data was employed to
      implement its maximal transmission capacity of up to 10 Gbps. The proposed UWOC
      in tap water provided a maximal allowable communication bit rate increase from
      5.2 to 12.4 Gbps with the corresponding underwater transmission distance
      significantly reduced from 10.2 to 1.7 m, exhibiting a bit rate/distance decaying
      slope of -0.847 Gbps/m. When conducting the same type of UWOC in seawater, light
      scattering induced by impurities attenuated the blue laser power, thereby
      degrading the transmission with a slightly higher decay ratio of 0.941 Gbps/m.
      The blue LD based UWOC enables a 16-QAM OFDM bit rate of up to 7.2 Gbps for
      transmission in seawater more than 6.8 m.

PMID- 28094310
TI  - Rising temperatures may drive fishing-induced selection of low-performance
      phenotypes.
AB  - Climate warming is likely to interact with other stressors to challenge the
      physiological capacities and survival of phenotypes within populations. This may
      be especially true for the billions of fishes per year that undergo vigorous
      exercise prior to escaping or being intentionally released from fishing gear.
      Using adult coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus), an important fisheries
      species throughout the Indo-Pacific, we show that population-level survival
      following vigorous exercise is increasingly compromised as temperatures increase
      from current-day levels (100-67% survival at 24-30  degrees C) to those projected
      for the end of the century (42% survival at 33  degrees C). Intriguingly, we
      demonstrate that high-performance individuals take longer to recover to a resting
      metabolic state and subsequently have lower survival in warm water compared with
      conspecifics that exercise less vigorously. Moreover, we show that post-exercise
      mortality of high-performance phenotypes manifests after 3-13 d at the current
      summer maximum (30  degrees C), while mortality at 33  degrees C occurs within
      1.8-14.9 h. We propose that wild populations in a warming climate may become
      skewed towards low-performance phenotypes with ramifications for predator-prey
      interactions and community dynamics. Our findings highlight the susceptibility of
      phenotypic diversity to fishing activities and demonstrate a mechanism that may
      contribute to fishing-induced evolution in the face of ongoing climate change.

PMID- 28094311
TI  - Evidence of Microvascular Changes in the Retina following Kawasaki Disease.
AB  - It is unclear whether all children with Kawasaki disease (KD) have increased
      later cardiovascular risk. The retinal microvasculature reflects changes in the
      microcirculation and is associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors
      and events. The aim of this study was to investigate retinal microvascular
      parameters in two populations of patients with previous KD and control
      participants. We performed case-control studies of 116 (57 patients and 59
      control participants) Australian and 156 (78 patients and 78 control
      participants) Singaporean individuals, at least two years since their acute
      illness. Standardised retinal photographs were graded by trained technicians
      using a semi-automated software, which quantifies the retinal microvasculature
      (calibre, branching angle, fractal dimensions, and tortuosity). Retinal venules
      of Singaporean KD patients were 9.67 MUm (95% CI 4.87 to 14.51, p < 0.001) larger
      than control participants following correction for traditional cardiovascular
      risk factors. An incremental increase in the size of retinal venules in those
      with coronary artery abnormalities was observed. There was limited evidence that
      retinal venules were larger in Australian KD patients with coronary artery
      abnormalities compared to control participants (7.34 MUm, 95% CI 1.30 to 15.99, p
      = 0.10). Differences in retinal microvasculature were particularly evident in
      Singaporean KD patients. Larger retinal venules may reflect chronic inflammation
      and endothelial dysfunction, and are associated with coronary artery disease in
      adults.

PMID- 28094312
TI  - Unraveling the microbial processes of black band disease in corals through
      integrated genomics.
AB  - Coral disease outbreaks contribute to the ongoing degradation of reef ecosystems,
      however, microbial mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of most coral
      diseases are poorly understood. Black band disease (BBD) manifests as a
      cyanobacterial-dominated microbial mat that destroys coral tissues as it rapidly
      spreads over coral colonies. To elucidate BBD pathogenesis, we apply a
      comparative metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approach to identify taxonomic and
      functional changes within microbial lesions during in-situ development of BBD
      from a comparatively benign stage termed cyanobacterial patches. Results suggest
      that photosynthetic CO2-fixation in Cyanobacteria substantially enhances
      productivity of organic matter within the lesion during disease development.
      Photosynthates appear to subsequently promote sulfide-production by
      Deltaproteobacteria, facilitating the major virulence factor of BBD.
      Interestingly, our metagenome-enabled transcriptomic analysis reveals that BBD
      associated cyanobacteria have a putative mechanism that enables them to adapt to
      higher levels of hydrogen sulfide within lesions, underpinning the pivotal roles
      of the dominant cyanobacterium within the polymicrobial lesions during the onset
      of BBD. The current study presents sequence-based evidence derived from whole
      microbial communities that unravel the mechanism of development and progression
      of BBD.

PMID- 28094313
TI  - Comparison of Symptoms, Healthcare Utilization, and Treatment in Diagnosed and
      Undiagnosed Individuals With Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder
      characterized by symptoms including abdominal pain and altered bowel function. Up
      to 75% of individuals with IBS may be undiagnosed. The aim of this study was to
      characterize symptoms, healthcare utilization, and treatments in populations with
      both diagnosed and undiagnosed IBS. METHODS: An online survey was conducted to
      compare gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, healthcare visits, well-being, symptom
      management, and treatment satisfaction in individuals with and without medically
      diagnosed IBS (Rome III criteria). Symptom severity, disruptiveness, and
      treatment satisfaction were rated using a 7-point scale. Adjustments to daily
      life were determined by predefined survey responses. RESULTS: A total of 1,924
      individuals with a history of GI symptoms were eligible and completed the survey.
      Of these, 1,094 individuals (56.9%) met the criteria for IBS; 830 individuals
      (43.1%) had no medical diagnosis of IBS despite meeting diagnostic criteria. Most
      participants received a diagnosis from either gastroenterologists (45%) or
      primary care physicians (42%). A greater percentage of diagnosed patients had
      severe GI symptoms (score >=6) vs. undiagnosed individuals (16% vs. 8%,
      respectively; P<0.05); diagnosed patients were more likely to report that GI
      symptoms adversely affected their quality of life. Approximately 40% of
      participants received IBS-related treatment from primary care physicians; 26% and
      43% of diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals, respectively, were not receiving
      treatment for GI symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Many individuals with IBS-related
      symptoms have not been medically diagnosed with IBS. IBS-related symptoms impact
      quality of life, yet more than one-third of individuals are not receiving
      treatment for IBS.

PMID- 28094314
TI  - Reassessment of Rebleeding Risk of Forrest IB (Oozing) Peptic Ulcer Bleeding in a
      Large International Randomized Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our aims were to assess risks of early rebleeding after successful
      endoscopic hemostasis for Forrest oozing (FIB) peptic ulcer bleeding (PUBs)
      compared with other stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH). METHODS: These were post
      hoc multivariable analyses of a large, international, double-blind study
      (NCT00251979) of patients randomized to high-dose intravenous (IV) esomeprazole
      (PPI) or placebo for 72 h. Rebleeding rates of patients with PUB SRH treated with
      either PPI or placebo after successful endoscopic hemostasis were also compared.
      RESULTS: For patients treated with placebo for 72 h after successful endoscopic
      hemostasis, rebleed rates by SRH were spurting arterial bleeding (FIA) 22.5%,
      adherent clot (FIIB) 17.6%, non-bleeding visible vessel (FIIA) 11.3%, and oozing
      bleeding (FIB) 4.9%. Compared with FIB patients, FIA, FIIB, and FIIA had
      significantly greater risks of rebleeding with odds ratios (95% CI's) from 2.61
      (1.05, 6.52) for FIIA to 6.66 (2.19, 20.26) for FIA. After hemostasis, PUB
      rebleeding rates for FIB patients at 72 h were similar with esomeprazole (5.4%)
      and placebo (4.9%), whereas rebleed rates for all other major SRH (FIA, FIIA,
      FIIB) were lower for PPI than placebo, but the treatment by SRH interaction test
      was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: After successful endoscopic
      hemostasis, FIB patients had very low PUB rebleeding rates irrespective of PPI or
      placebo treatment. This implies that after successful endoscopic hemostasis the
      prognostic classification of FIB ulcers as a high-risk SRH and the recommendation
      to treat these with high-dose IV PPI's should be re-evaluated.

PMID- 28094317
TI  - Data mining of molecular dynamics data reveals Li diffusion characteristics in
      garnet Li7La3Zr2O12.
AB  - Understanding Li diffusion in solid conductors is essential for the next
      generation Li batteries. Here we show that density-based clustering of the
      trajectories computed using molecular dynamics simulations helps elucidate the Li
      diffusion mechanism within the Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) crystal lattice. This
      unsupervised learning method recognizes lattice sites, is able to give the site
      type, and can identify Li hopping events. Results show that, while the cubic LLZO
      has a much higher hopping rate compared to its tetragonal counterpart, most of
      the Li hops in the cubic LLZO do not contribute to the diffusivity due to the
      dominance of back-and-forth type jumps. The hopping analysis and local Li
      configuration statistics give evidence that Li diffusivity in cubic LLZO is
      limited by the low vacancy concentration. The hopping statistics also shows
      uncorrelated Poisson-like diffusion for Li in the cubic LLZO, and correlated
      diffusion for Li in the tetragonal LLZO in the temporal scale. Further analysis
      of the spatio-temporal correlation using site-to-site mutual information confirms
      the weak site dependence of Li diffusion in the cubic LLZO as the origin for the
      uncorrelated diffusion. This work puts forward a perspective on combining machine
      learning and information theory to interpret results of molecular dynamics
      simulations.

PMID- 28094315
TI  - The usefulness of CorvisST Tonometry and the Ocular Response Analyzer to assess
      the progression of glaucoma.
AB  - Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (CST) and Ocular Response Analyzer
      (ORA) measurements were carried out in 105 eyes of 69 patients with primary open
      angle glaucoma. All patients had axial length (AL), central corneal thickness
      (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP) with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and
      eight visual fields (VF)s with the Humphrey Field Analyzer. VF progression was
      summarized using a time trend analysis of mean total deviation (mTD) and the
      association between mTD progression rate and a number of ocular parameters
      (including CST and ORA measurements) was assessed using mixed linear regression
      analysis. The optimal model of VF progression selected based on the corrected
      Akaike Information Criteria (AICc) included ORA's corneal hysteresis (CH)
      parameter as well as a number of CST measurements: mTD progression rate = 1.2
      0.070 * mean GAT + 0.090 * CH-1.5 * highest concavity deformation amplitude with
      CST + 9.4 * A1 deformation amplitude with CST-0.05 * A2 length with CST (AICc =
      125.8). Eyes with corneas that experience deep indentation at the maximum
      deformation, shallow indentation at the first applanation and wide indentation at
      the second applanation in the CST measurement are more likely to experience
      faster rates of VF progression.

PMID- 28094316
TI  - Somatostatin receptor expression on von Hippel-Lindau-associated
      hemangioblastomas offers novel therapeutic target.
AB  - Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-associated hemangioblastomas (VHL-HB) arise in the
      central nervous system (CNS), and are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality
      in VHL disease. Currently, surgical resection is the most effective way to manage
      symptomatic VHL-HBs. Surgically unresectable VHL-HBs or those in frail patients
      are challenging problems. Therapies targeting oncologic and vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) pathways have failed to demonstrate tumor control. Our
      experience and previous reports on VHL-HB avidity to somatostatin analogues
      suggested somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression in VHL-HBs, offering an
      alternative therapeutic strategy. We explored this possibility by demonstrating
      consistent histologic expression of SSTR1, 2a, 4, and 5 in VHL-HBs. We found that
      somatostatin analogue octreotide induces apoptosis in VHL-HB stromal cells in a
      dose-dependent fashion by BAX - caspase-3 pathway unrelated to canonical VHL
      pathway. When administered to a patient with unresectable symptomatic suprasellar
      hemangioblastoma, octreotide resulted in tumor volume reduction, symptom
      stabilization, and tumor cytopenia on repeat 68Ga-DOTA-TATE positron emission
      tomography (PET) within 6 months, suggesting tumor infarction. We conclude that
      VHL-HBs harbor multiple SSTR subtypes that offer actionable chemo-therapeutic
      strategy for management of symptomatic, unresectable tumors by somatostatin
      analogue therapy.

PMID- 28094318
TI  - Hydrogen reduction of molybdenum oxide at room temperature.
AB  - The color changes in chemo- and photochromic MoO3 used in sensors and in organic
      photovoltaic (OPV) cells can be traced back to intercalated hydrogen atoms
      stemming either from gaseous hydrogen dissociated at catalytic surfaces or from
      photocatalytically split water. In applications, the reversibility of the process
      is of utmost importance, and deterioration of the layer functionality due to side
      reactions is a critical challenge. Using the membrane approach for high-pressure
      XPS, we are able to follow the hydrogen reduction of MoO3 thin films using atomic
      hydrogen in a water free environment. Hydrogen intercalates into MoO3 forming
      HxMoO3, which slowly decomposes into MoO2 +1/2 H2O as evidenced by the fast
      reduction of Mo6+ into Mo5+ states and slow but simultaneous formation of Mo4+
      states. We measure the decrease in oxygen/metal ratio in the thin film explaining
      the limited reversibility of hydrogen sensors based on transition metal oxides.
      The results also enlighten the recent debate on the mechanism of the high
      temperature hydrogen reduction of bulk molybdenum oxide. The specific mechanism
      is a result of the balance between the reduction by hydrogen and water formation,
      desorption of water as well as nucleation and growth of new phases.

PMID- 28094320
TI  - Improved motor performance in patients with acute stroke using the optimal
      individual attentional strategy.
AB  - It is believed that motor performance improves when individuals direct attention
      to movement outcome (external focus, EF) rather than to body movement itself
      (internal focus, IF). However, our previous study found that an optimal
      individual attentional strategy depended on motor imagery ability. We explored
      whether the individual motor imagery ability in stroke patients also affected the
      optimal attentional strategy for motor control. Individual motor imagery ability
      was determined as either kinesthetic- or visual-dominant by a questionnaire in 28
      patients and 28 healthy-controls. Participants then performed a visuomotor task
      that required tracing a trajectory under three attentional conditions: no
      instruction (NI), attention to hand movement (IF), or attention to cursor
      movement (EF). Movement error in the stroke group strongly depended on individual
      modality dominance of motor imagery. Patients with kinesthetic dominance showed
      higher motor accuracy under the IF condition but with concomitantly lower
      velocity. Alternatively, patients with visual dominance showed improvements in
      both speed and accuracy under the EF condition. These results suggest that the
      optimal attentional strategy for improving motor accuracy in stroke
      rehabilitation differs according to the individual dominance of motor imagery.
      Our findings may contribute to the development of tailor-made pre-assessment and
      rehabilitation programs optimized for individual cognitive abilities.

PMID- 28094319
TI  - Helminth-induced Ly6Chi monocyte-derived alternatively activated macrophages
      suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - Helminths cause chronic infections and affect the immune response to unrelated
      inflammatory diseases. Although helminths have been used therapeutically to
      ameliorate inflammatory conditions, their anti-inflammatory properties are poorly
      understood. Alternatively activated macrophages (AAMphis) have been suggested as
      the anti-inflammatory effector cells during helminth infections. Here, we define
      the origin of AAMphis during infection with Taenia crassiceps, and their disease
      modulating activity on the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our
      data show two distinct populations of AAMphis, based on the expression of PD-L1
      and PD-L2 molecules, resulting upon T. crassiceps infection. Adoptive transfer of
      Ly6C+ monocytes gave rise to PD-L1+/PD-L2+, but not PD-L1+/PD-L2- cells in T.
      crassiceps-infected mice, demonstrating that the PD-L1+/PD-L2+ subpopulation of
      AAMphis originates from blood monocytes. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of PD
      L1+/PD-L2+ AAMphis into EAE induced mice reduced disease incidence, delayed
      disease onset, and diminished the clinical disability, indicating the critical
      role of these cells in the regulation of autoimmune disorders.

PMID- 28094321
TI  - The reference frame of the tilt aftereffect measured by differential Pavlovian
      conditioning.
AB  - We used a differential Pavlovian conditioning paradigm to measure tilt
      aftereffect (TAE) strength. Gabor patches, rotated clockwise and anticlockwise,
      were used as conditioned stimuli (CSs), one of which (CS+) was followed by the
      unconditioned stimulus (UCS), whereas the other (CS-) appeared alone. The UCS was
      an air puff delivered to the left eye. In addition to the CS+ and CS-, the
      vertical test patch was also presented for the clockwise and anticlockwise
      adapters. The vertical patch was not followed by the UCS. After participants
      acquired differential conditioning, eyeblink conditioned responses (CRs) were
      observed for the vertical patch when it appeared to be tilted in the same
      direction as the CS+ owing to the TAE. The effect was observed not only when the
      adapter and test stimuli were presented in the same retinotopic position but also
      when they were presented in the same spatiotopic position, although spatiotopic
      TAE was weak-it occurred approximately half as often as the full effect.
      Furthermore, spatiotopic TAE decayed as the time after saccades increased, but
      did not decay as the time before saccades increased. These results suggest that
      the time before the performance of saccadic eye movements is needed to compute
      the spatiotopic representation.

PMID- 28094322
TI  - Rich structure in the correlation matrix spectra in non-equilibrium steady
      states.
AB  - It has been shown that, if a model displays long-range (power-law) spatial
      correlations, its equal-time correlation matrix will also have a power law tail
      in the distribution of its high-lying eigenvalues. The purpose of this paper is
      to show that the converse is generally incorrect: a power-law tail in the high
      lying eigenvalues of the correlation matrix may exist even in the absence of
      equal-time power law correlations in the initial model. We may therefore view the
      study of the eigenvalue distribution of the correlation matrix as a more powerful
      tool than the study of spatial Correlations, one which may in fact uncover
      structure, that would otherwise not be apparent. Specifically, we show that in
      the Totally Asymmetric Simple Exclusion Process, whereas there are no clearly
      visible correlations in the steady state, the eigenvalues of its correlation
      matrix exhibit a rich structure which we describe in detail.

PMID- 28094323
TI  - Gene set based association analyses for the WSSV resistance of Pacific white
      shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.
AB  - White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is regarded as a virus with the strongest
      pathogenicity to shrimp. For the threshold trait such as disease resistance,
      marker assisted selection (MAS) was considered to be a more effective approach.
      In the present study, association analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) located in a set of immune related genes were conducted to identify
      markers associated with WSSV resistance. SNPs were detected by bioinformatics
      analysis on RNA sequencing data generated by Illimina sequencing platform and
      Roche 454 sequencing technology. A total of 681 SNPs located in the exons of
      immune related genes were selected as candidate SNPs. Among these SNPs, 77 loci
      were genotyped in WSSV susceptible group and resistant group. Association
      analysis was performed based on logistic regression method under an additive and
      dominance model in GenABEL package. As a result, five SNPs showed associations
      with WSSV resistance at a significant level of 0.05. Besides, SNP-SNP interaction
      analysis was conducted. The combination of SNP loci in TRAF6, Cu/Zn SOD and
      nLvALF2 exhibited a significant effect on the WSSV resistance of shrimp. Gene
      expression analysis revealed that these SNPs might influence the expression of
      these immune-related genes. This study provides a useful method for performing
      MAS in shrimp.

PMID- 28094325
TI  - Measuring Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) States of Vortex Beams with Annular
      Gratings.
AB  - Measuring orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of vortex beams is of great
      importance in diverse applications employing OAM-carrying vortex beams. We
      present a simple and efficient scheme to measure OAM states (i.e. topological
      charge values) of vortex beams with annular gratings. The magnitude of the
      topological charge value is determined by the number of dark fringes after
      diffraction, and the sign of the topological charge value is distinguished by the
      orientation of the diffraction pattern. We first theoretically study the
      diffraction patterns using both annular amplitude and phase gratings. The annular
      phase grating shows almost 10-dB better diffraction efficiency compared to the
      annular amplitude grating. We then experimentally demonstrate the OAM states
      measurement of vortex beams using annular phase grating. The scheme works well
      even for high-order vortex beams with topological charge value as high as +/- 25.
      We also experimentally show the evolution of diffraction patterns when slightly
      changing the fractional topological charge value of vortex beam from 0.1 to 1.0.
      In addition, the proposed scheme shows potential large tolerance of beam
      alignment during the OAM states measurement of vortex beams.

PMID- 28094324
TI  - Early-life adversity accelerates cellular ageing and affects adult inflammation:
      Experimental evidence from the European starling.
AB  - Early-life adversity is associated with accelerated cellular ageing during
      development and increased inflammation during adulthood. However, human studies
      can only establish correlation, not causation, and existing experimental animal
      approaches alter multiple components of early-life adversity simultaneously. We
      developed a novel hand-rearing paradigm in European starling nestlings (Sturnus
      vulgaris), in which we separately manipulated nutritional shortfall and begging
      effort for a period of 10 days. The experimental treatments accelerated
      erythrocyte telomere attrition and increased DNA damage measured in the juvenile
      period. For telomere attrition, amount of food and begging effort exerted
      additive effects. Only the combination of low food amount and high begging effort
      increased DNA damage. We then measured two markers of inflammation, high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, when the birds were adults. The
      experimental treatments affected both inflammatory markers, though the patterns
      were complex and different for each marker. The effect of the experimental
      treatments on adult interleukin-6 was partially mediated by increased juvenile
      DNA damage. Our results show that both nutritional input and begging effort in
      the nestling period affect cellular ageing and adult inflammation in the
      starling. However, the pattern of effects is different for different biomarkers
      measured at different time points.

PMID- 28094326
TI  - Remission of lymphoblastic leukaemia in an intravascular fluidic environment by
      pliable drug carrier with a sliding target ligand.
AB  - A polyrotaxane-based nanoconstruct with pliable structure carrying a
      chemotherapeutic drug was developed for targeting circulating lymphoblastic
      leukaemia cells in a fluidic environment of blood vessels in vivo. By introducing
      lymphoblast targeting aptamer DNA through cyclodextrin, threaded in poly(ethylene
      glycol) as polyrotaxane, target aptamer slides along the long polymeric chain and
      actively search for target ligand, leading to active targeting in dynamic fluidic
      system which is enhanced by up to 6-fold compared with that of control carriers
      with non-sliding targeting ligands. Moreover, the drug carrier was made stimuli
      responsive by employing i-motif DNA to selective releases of its payload at
      intracellular acidic condition. These combined features resulted in the effective
      remission of lymphoblastic leukaemia both in vitro and in dynamic blood vessels
      in vivo.

PMID- 28094328
TI  - Does a Strong El Nino Imply a Higher Predictability of Extreme Drought?
AB  - The devastating North China drought in the summer of 2015 was roughly captured by
      a dynamical seasonal climate forecast model with a good prediction of the 2015/16
      big El Nino. This raises a question of whether strong El Ninos imply higher
      predictability of extreme droughts. Here we show that a strong El Nino does not
      necessarily result in an extreme drought, but it depends on whether the El Nino
      evolves synergistically with Eurasian spring snow cover reduction to trigger a
      positive summer Eurasian teleconnection (EU) pattern that favors anomalous
      northerly and air sinking over North China. The dynamical forecast model that
      only well represents the El Nino underpredicts the drought severity, while a
      dynamical-statistical forecasting approach that combines both the low- and high
      latitudes precursors is more skillful at long lead. In a warming future, the
      vanishing cryosphere should be better understood to improve predictability of
      extreme droughts.

PMID- 28094327
TI  - Rapid adaptation drives invasion of airway donor microbiota by Pseudomonas after
      lung transplantation.
AB  - In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, chronic airway infection by Pseudomonas leads
      to progressive lung destruction ultimately requiring lung transplantation (LT).
      Following LT, CF-adapted Pseudomonas strains, potentially originating from the
      sinuses, may seed the allograft leading to infections and reduced allograft
      survival. We investigated whether CF-adapted Pseudomonas populations invade the
      donor microbiota and adapt to the non-CF allograft. We collected sequential
      Pseudomonas isolates and airway samples from a CF-lung transplant recipient
      during two years, and followed the dynamics of the microbiota and Pseudomonas
      populations. We show that Pseudomonas invaded the host microbiota within three
      days post-LT, in association with a reduction in richness and diversity. A
      dominant mucoid and hypermutator mutL lineage was replaced after 11 days by non
      mucoid strains. Despite antibiotic therapy, Pseudomonas dominated the allograft
      microbiota until day 95. We observed positive selection of pre-LT variants and
      the appearance of novel mutations. Phenotypic adaptation resulted in increased
      biofilm formation and swimming motility capacities. Pseudomonas was replaced
      after 95 days by a microbiota dominated by Actinobacillus. In conclusion, mucoid
      Pseudomonas adapted to the CF-lung remained able to invade the allograft.
      Selection of both pre-existing non-mucoid subpopulations and of novel phenotypic
      traits suggests rapid adaptation of Pseudomonas to the non-CF allograft.

PMID- 28094331
TI  - Prostate cancer: More metastases - incidence increased in the USA.

PMID- 28094329
TI  - Fumarase activity: an in vivo and in vitro biomarker for acute kidney injury.
AB  - Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a leading cause of acute kidney injury
      (AKI), and at present, there is a lack of reliable biomarkers that can diagnose
      AKI and measure early progression because the commonly used methods cannot
      evaluate single-kidney IRI. Hyperpolarized [1,4-13C2]fumarate conversion to [1,4
      13C2]malate by fumarase has been proposed as a measure of necrosis in rat tumor
      models and in chemically induced AKI rats. Here we show that the degradation of
      cell membranes in connection with necrosis leads to elevated fumarase activity in
      plasma and urine and secondly that hyperpolarized [1,4-13C2]malate production 24
      h after reperfusion correlates with renal necrosis in a 40-min unilateral
      ischemic rat model. Fumarase activity screening on bio-fluids can detect injury
      severity, in bilateral as well as unilateral AKI models, differentiating moderate
      and severe AKI as well as short- and long-term AKI. Furthermore after
      verification of renal injury by bio-fluid analysis the precise injury location
      can be monitored by in vivo measurements of the fumarase activity non-invasively
      by hyperpolarized [1,4-13C]fumarate MR imaging. The combined in vitro and in vivo
      biomarker of AKI responds to the essential requirements for a new reliable
      biomarker of AKI.

PMID- 28094332
TI  - Bladder cancer: Genetic urinary biomarker panel is promising.

PMID- 28094330
TI  - Inhibition of Influenza A Virus Infection by Fucoidan Targeting Viral
      Neuraminidase and Cellular EGFR Pathway.
AB  - Development of novel anti-influenza A virus (IAV) drugs with high efficiency and
      low toxicity is critical for preparedness against influenza outbreaks. Herein, we
      investigated the anti-IAV activities and mechanisms of fucoidan in vitro and in
      vivo. The results showed that a fucoidan KW derived from brown algae
      Kjellmaniella crassifolia effectively blocked IAV infection in vitro with low
      toxicity. KW possessed broad anti-IAV spectrum and low tendency of induction of
      viral resistance, superior to the anti-IAV drug amantadine. KW was capable of
      inactivating virus particles before infection and blocked some stages after
      adsorption. KW could bind to viral neuraminidase (NA) and inhibit the activity of
      NA to block the release of IAV. KW also interfered with the activation of EGFR,
      PKCalpha, NF-kappaB, and Akt, and inhibited both IAV endocytosis and EGFR
      internalization in IAV-infected cells, suggesting that KW may also inhibit
      cellular EGFR pathway. Moreover, intranasal administration of KW markedly
      improved survival and decreased viral titers in IAV-infected mice. Therefore,
      fucoidan KW has the potential to be developed into a novel nasal drop or spray
      for prevention and treatment of influenza in the future.

PMID- 28094333
TI  - Penile cancer: Total glans resurfacing viable for all.

PMID- 28094334
TI  - Prostate cancer: The genomics of localized disease.

PMID- 28094335
TI  - Prostate cancer: An abiraterone ultraresponsive phenotype.

PMID- 28094336
TI  - Prevention: PFMT reduces the incidence of pelvic-organ-prolapse symptoms.

PMID- 28094337
TI  - Glatiramer acetate attenuates the activation of CD4+ T cells by modulating STAT1
      and -3 signaling in glia.
AB  - Interactions between immune effector cells of the central nervous system appear
      to directly or indirectly influence the progress/regression of multiple sclerosis
      (MS). Here, we report that glial STAT1 and -3 are distinctively phosphorylated
      following the interaction of activated lymphocytes and glia, and this effect is
      significantly inhibited by glatiramer acetate (GA), a disease-modifying drug for
      MS. GA also reduces the activations of STAT1 and -3 by MS-associated stimuli such
      as IFNgamma or LPS in primary glia, but not neurons. Experiments in IFNgamma- and
      IFNgamma receptor-deficient mice revealed that GA-induced inhibitions of STAT
      signaling are independent of IFNgamma and its receptor. Interestingly, GA induces
      the expression levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 and -3,
      representative negative regulators of STAT signaling in glia. We further found
      that GA attenuates the LPS-triggered enhancement of IL-2, a highly produced
      cytokine in patients with active MS, in CD4+ T cells co-cultured with glia, but
      not in CD4+ T cells alone. Collectively, these results provide that activation of
      glial STATs is an essential event in the interaction between glia and T cells,
      which is a possible underlying mechanism of GA action in MS. These findings
      provide an insight for the development of targeted therapies against MS.

PMID- 28094340
TI  - Lifetime prediction for organic coating under alternating hydrostatic pressure by
      artificial neural network.
AB  - A concept for prediction of organic coatings, based on the alternating
      hydrostatic pressure (AHP) accelerated tests, has been presented. An AHP
      accelerated test with different pressure values has been employed to evaluate
      coating degradation. And a back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN)
      has been established to predict the service property and the service lifetime of
      coatings. The pressure value (P), immersion time (t) and service property
      (impedance modulus |Z|) are utilized as the parameters of the network. The
      average accuracies of the predicted service property and immersion time by the
      established network are 98.6% and 84.8%, respectively. The combination of
      accelerated test and prediction method by BP-ANN is promising to evaluate and
      predict coating property used in deep sea.

PMID- 28094338
TI  - Mitochondrial protein import - Functional analysis of the highly diverged Tom22
      orthologue of Trypanosoma brucei.
AB  - The beta-barrel protein Tom40 and the alpha-helically anchored membrane protein
      Tom22 are the only universally conserved subunits of the protein translocase of
      the mitochondrial outer membrane (TOM). Tom22 has an N-terminal cytosolic and a C
      terminal intermembrane space domain. It occurs in two variants: one typified by
      the yeast protein which has a cytosolic domain containing a cluster of acidic
      residues, and a shorter variant typified by the plant protein that lacks this
      domain. Yeast-type Tom22 functions as a secondary protein import receptor and is
      also required for the stability of the TOM complex. Much less is known about the
      more widespread short variant of Tom22, which is also found in the parasitic
      protozoan Trypanosoma brucei. Here we show that the intermembrane space domain of
      trypanosomal Tom22 binds mitochondrial precursor proteins and that it is
      essential for normal growth and mitochondrial protein import. Moreover,
      complementation experiments indicate that the intermembrane space domain cannot
      be replaced by the corresponding regions of the yeast or plant Tom22 orthologues.
      Lack or replacement of the short cytosolic domain, however, does not interfere
      with protein function. Finally, we show that only the membrane-spanning domain of
      trypanosomal Tom22 is essential for assembly of the trypanosomal TOM complex
      analogue.

PMID- 28094339
TI  - Massive Effect on LncRNAs in Human Monocytes During Fungal and Bacterial
      Infections and in Response to Vitamins A and D.
AB  - Mycoses induced by C.albicans or A.fumigatus can cause important host damage
      either by deficient or exaggerated immune response. Regulation of chemokine and
      cytokine signaling plays a crucial role for an adequate inflammation, which can
      be modulated by vitamins A and D. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as transcription
      factors or cis-acting antisense RNAs are known to be involved in gene regulation.
      However, the processes during fungal infections and treatment with vitamins in
      terms of therapeutic impact are unknown. We show that in monocytes both vitamins
      regulate ncRNAs involved in amino acid metabolism and immune system processes
      using comprehensive RNA-Seq analyses. Compared to protein-coding genes, fungi and
      bacteria induced an expression change in relatively few ncRNAs, but with massive
      fold changes of up to 4000. We defined the landscape of long-ncRNAs (lncRNAs) in
      response to pathogens and observed variation in the isoforms composition for
      several lncRNA following infection and vitamin treatment. Most of the involved
      antisense RNAs are regulated and positively correlated with their sense protein
      coding genes. We investigated lncRNAs with stimulus specific immunomodulatory
      activity as potential marker genes: LINC00595, SBF2-AS1 (A.fumigatus) and RP11
      588G21.2, RP11-394l13.1 (C.albicans) might be detectable in the early phase of
      infection and serve as therapeutic targets in the future.

PMID- 28094341
TI  - Ecological impact of a secondary bacterial symbiont on the clones of Sitobion
      avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae).
AB  - Many insects harbor heritable endosymbionts, whether obligatory or facultative,
      and the role of facultative endosymbionts in shaping the phenotype of these
      species has become increasingly important. However, little is known about whether
      micro-injected endosymbionts can have any effects on aphid clones, which was
      measured using various ecological parameters. We examined the effects between
      symbiotic treatments and the vital life history traits generated by Regiella
      insecticola on the life table parameters of Sitobion avenae. The results showed
      that R. insecticola can decrease the intrinsic rate of increase (r), the finite
      rate of increase (lambda) and birth rate and can increase the mean generation
      times (T) of S. avenae clones, suggesting that R. insecticola may decelerate the
      normal development of the hosts. No significant differences of these parameters
      were observed between the examined Sitobion avenae clones, and the symbiont
      treatment by genotype interaction affected only the net reproduction rate R0, pre
      adult duration and total longevity but not the other parameters. Additionally, a
      population projection showed that R. insecticola decelerated the growth of the S.
      avenae clones. The evocable effects of R. insecticola on the S. avenae clones may
      have significant ramifications for the control of S. avenae populations under
      field/natural conditions.

PMID- 28094342
TI  - Optimizing isothiocyanate formation during enzymatic glucosinolate breakdown by
      adjusting pH value, temperature and dilution in Brassica vegetables and
      Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Consumption of glucosinolate-rich Brassicales vegetables is associated with a
      decreased risk of cancer with enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates playing a
      key role. However, formation of health-promoting isothiocyanates is inhibited by
      the epithiospecifier protein in favour of nitriles and epithionitriles. Domestic
      processing conditions, such as changes in pH value, temperature or dilution,
      might also affect isothiocyanate formation. Therefore, the influences of these
      three factors were evaluated in accessions of Brassica rapa, Brassica oleracea,
      and Arabidopsis thaliana. Mathematical modelling was performed to determine
      optimal isothiocyanate formation conditions and to obtain knowledge on the
      kinetics of the reactions. At 22  degrees C and endogenous plant pH, nearly all
      investigated plants formed nitriles and epithionitriles instead of health
      promoting isothiocyanates. Response surface models, however, clearly demonstrated
      that upon change in pH to domestic acidic (pH 4) or basic pH values (pH 8),
      isothiocyanate formation considerably increases. While temperature also affects
      this process, the pH value has the greatest impact. Further, a kinetic model
      showed that isothiocyanate formation strongly increases due to dilution. Finally,
      the results show that isothiocyanate intake can be strongly increased by
      optimizing the conditions of preparation of Brassicales vegetables.

PMID- 28094343
TI  - T Oligo-Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (TOP-PCR): A Robust Method for the
      Amplification of Minute DNA Fragments in Body Fluids.
AB  - Body fluid DNA sequencing is a powerful noninvasive approach for the diagnosis of
      genetic defects, infectious agents and diseases. The success relies on the
      quantity and quality of the DNA samples. However, numerous clinical samples are
      either at low quantity or of poor quality due to various reasons. To overcome
      these problems, we have developed T oligo-primed polymerase chain reaction (TOP
      PCR) for full-length nonselective amplification of minute quantity of DNA
      fragments. TOP-PCR adopts homogeneous "half adaptor" (HA), generated by annealing
      P oligo (carrying a phosphate group at the 5' end) and T oligo (carrying a T-tail
      at the 3' end), for efficient ligation to target DNA and subsequent PCR
      amplification primed by the T oligo alone. Using DNA samples from body fluids, we
      demonstrate that TOP-PCR recovers minute DNA fragments and maintains the DNA size
      profile, while enhancing the major molecular populations. Our results also showed
      that TOP-PCR is a superior method for detecting apoptosis and outperforms the
      method adopted by Illumina for DNA amplification.

PMID- 28094344
TI  - Estrogen related receptor is required for the testicular development and for the
      normal sperm axoneme/mitochondrial derivatives in Drosophila males.
AB  - Estrogen related receptors (ERRs), categorized as orphan nuclear receptors, are
      critical for energy homeostasis and somatic development. However, significance of
      ERRs in the development of reproductive organs/organelles/cells remain poorly
      understood, albeit their homology to estrogen receptors. In this context, here,
      we show that knockdown of ERR in the testes leads to improperly developed testes
      with mis-regulation of genes (aly, mia, bruce, bam, bgcn, fzo and eya) involved
      in spermatogenesis, resulting in reduced male fertility. The observed testicular
      deformity is consistent with the down-regulation of SOX-E group of gene (SOX100B)
      in Drosophila. We also show dispersion/disintegration of fusomes (microtubule
      based structures associated with endoplasmic reticulum derived vesicle,
      interconnecting spermatocytes) in ERR knockdown testes. A few ERR knockdown
      testes go through spermatogenesis but have significantly fewer sperm. Moreover,
      flagella of these sperm are defective with abnormal axoneme and severely reduced
      mitochondrial derivatives, suggesting a possible role for ERR in mitochondrial
      biogenesis, analogous to mammalian ERRalpha. Interestingly, similar knockdown of
      remaining seventeen nuclear receptors did not yield a detectable reproductive or
      developmental defect in Drosophila. These findings add newer dimensions to the
      functions envisaged for ERR and provide the foundation for deciphering the
      relevance of orphan nuclear receptors in ciliopathies and testicular dysgenesis.

PMID- 28094345
TI  - Bacterial plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in aquatic environments in
      China.
AB  - Emerging antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to human's health in the 21st
      century. Understanding and combating this issue requires a full and unbiased
      assessment of the current status on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance
      genes and their correlation with each other and bacterial groups. In aquatic
      environments that are known reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance genes, we
      were able to reach this goal on plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR)
      genes that lead to resistance to quinolones and possibly also to the co-emergence
      of resistance to beta-lactams. Novel findings were made that qepA and aac-(6')-Ib
      genes that were previously regarded as similarly abundant with qnr genes are now
      dominant among PMQR genes in aquatic environments. Further statistical analysis
      suggested that the correlation between PMQR and beta-lactam resistance genes in
      the environment is still weak, that the correlations between antimicrobial
      resistance genes could be weakened by sufficient wastewater treatment, and that
      the prevalence of PMQR has been implicated in environmental, pathogenic,
      predatory, anaerobic, and more importantly, human symbiotic bacteria. This work
      provides a comprehensive analysis of PMQR genes in aquatic environments in Jinan,
      China, and provides information with which combat with the antimicrobial
      resistance problem may be fought.

PMID- 28094346
TI  - Development of interface-dominant bulk Cu/V nanolamellar composites by cross
      accumulative roll bonding.
AB  - Traditional nanostructured metals are inherently comprised of a high density of
      high-energy interfaces that make this class of materials not stable in extreme
      conditions. Therefore, high performance bulk nanostructured metals containing
      stable interfaces are highly desirable for extreme environments applications.
      Here, we reported an attractive bulk Cu/V nanolamellar composite that was
      successfully developed by integrating interface engineering and severe plastic
      deformation techniques. The layered morphology and ordered Cu/V interfaces
      remained stable with respect to continued rolling (total strain exceeding 12).
      Most importantly, for layer thickness of 25 nm, this bulk Cu/V nanocomposite
      simultaneously achieves high strength (hardness of 3.68 GPa) and outstanding
      thermal stability (up to 700  degrees C), which are quite difficult to realize
      simultaneously in traditional nanostructured materials. Such extraordinary
      property in our Cu/V nanocomposite is achieved via an extreme rolling process
      that creates extremely high density of stable Cu/V heterophase interfaces and low
      density of unstable grain boundaries. In addition, high temperature annealing
      result illustrates that Rayleigh instability is the dominant mechanism driving
      the onset of thermal instability after exposure to 800  degrees C.

PMID- 28094347
TI  - Endozoicomonas genomes reveal functional adaptation and plasticity in bacterial
      strains symbiotically associated with diverse marine hosts.
AB  - Endozoicomonas bacteria are globally distributed and often abundantly associated
      with diverse marine hosts including reef-building corals, yet their function
      remains unknown. In this study we generated novel Endozoicomonas genomes from
      single cells and metagenomes obtained directly from the corals Stylophora
      pistillata, Pocillopora verrucosa, and Acropora humilis. We then compared these
      culture-independent genomes to existing genomes of bacterial isolates acquired
      from a sponge, sea slug, and coral to examine the functional landscape of this
      enigmatic genus. Sequencing and analysis of single cells and metagenomes resulted
      in four novel genomes with 60-76% and 81-90% genome completeness, respectively.
      These data also confirmed that Endozoicomonas genomes are large and are not
      streamlined for an obligate endosymbiotic lifestyle, implying that they have free
      living stages. All genomes show an enrichment of genes associated with carbon
      sugar transport and utilization and protein secretion, potentially indicating
      that Endozoicomonas contribute to the cycling of carbohydrates and the provision
      of proteins to their respective hosts. Importantly, besides these commonalities,
      the genomes showed evidence for differential functional specificity and
      diversification, including genes for the production of amino acids. Given this
      metabolic diversity of Endozoicomonas we propose that different genotypes play
      disparate roles and have diversified in concert with their hosts.

PMID- 28094348
TI  - Weight of ABCB1 and POR genes on oral tacrolimus exposure in CYP3A5 nonexpressor
      pediatric patients with stable kidney transplant.
AB  - Tacrolimus (TAC) is highly effective for the prevention of acute organ rejection.
      However, its clinical use may be challenging due to its large interindividual
      pharmacokinetic variability, which can be partially explained by genetic
      variations in TAC-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the influence of genetic and clinical factors on TAC
      pharmacokinetic variability in 21 stable pediatric renal transplant patients.
      This study was nested in a previous Prograf to Advagraf conversion clinical
      trial. CYP3A5, ABCB1 and two POR genotypes were assessed by real-time PCR. The
      impact on TAC pharmacokinetics of individual genetic variants on CYP3A5
      nonexpressors was evaluated by genetic score. Explicative models for TAC AUC0
      24h, Cmax and Cmin after Advagraf were developed by linear regression. The built
      genetic scores explain 13.7 and 26.5% of the total AUC0-24h and Cmin total
      variability, respectively. Patients genetic information should be considered to
      monitorizate and predict TAC exposure.

PMID- 28094350
TI  - Significantly enhanced creep resistance of low volume fraction in-situ
      TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites by architectured network reinforcements.
AB  - We present a new class of TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites with a network reinforcement
      architecture that exhibits a significant creep resistance compared to monolithic
      Ti6Al4V alloys. Creep tests performed at temperatures between 773 K and 923 K and
      stress range of 100 MPa-300 MPa indicate both a significant improvement of the
      composites creep resistance due to the network architecture made by the TiB
      whiskers (TiBw), and a decrease of the steady-state creep rates by augmenting the
      local volume fractions of TiBw in the network region. The deformation behavior is
      driven by a diffusion-controlled dislocation climb process. Moreover, the
      activation energies of these composites are significantly higher than that of
      Ti6Al4V alloys, indicating a higher creep resistance. The increase of the
      activation energy can be attributed to the TiBw architecture that severely
      impedes the movements of dislocation and grain boundary sliding and provides a
      tailoring of the stress transfer. These micromechanical mechanisms lead to a
      remarkable improvement of the creep resistance of these networked TiBw/Ti6Al4V
      composites featuring the special networked architecture.

PMID- 28094349
TI  - Proteomic and Carbonylation Profile Analysis at the Critical Node of Seed Ageing
      in Oryza sativa.
AB  - The critical node (CN), which is the transition from the plateau phase to the
      rapid decreasing phase of seed ageing, is extremely important for seed
      conservation. Although numerous studies have investigated the oxidative stress
      during seed ageing, information on the changes in protein abundance at the CN is
      limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the abundance and carbonylation
      patterns of proteins at the CN of seed ageing in rice. The results showed that
      the germination rate of seeds decreased by less than 20% at the CN; however, the
      abundance of 112 proteins and the carbonylation levels of 68 proteins markedly
      changed, indicating oxidative damage. The abundance and activity of
      mitochondrial, glycolytic, and pentose phosphate pathway proteins were reduced;
      consequently, this negatively affected energy production and germination.
      Proteins related to defense, including antioxidant system and heat shock
      proteins, also reduced in abundance. Overall, energy metabolism was reduced at
      the CN, leading to a decrease in the antioxidant capacity, whereas seed storage
      proteins were up-regulated and carbonylated, indicating that the seed had a lower
      ability to utilize seed storage proteins for germination. Thus, the significant
      decrease in metabolic activities at the CN might accelerate the loss of seed
      viability.

PMID- 28094351
TI  - Nature, Nurture or Interacting Developmental Systems? Endophenotypes for learning
      systems bridge genes, language and development.

PMID- 28094353
TI  - Surfactant-free synthesis of three-dimensional nitrogen-doped hierarchically
      porous carbon and its application as an electrode modification material for
      simultaneous sensing of ascorbic acid, dopamine and uric acid.
AB  - Three-dimensional N-doped hierarchically porous carbon (3D NHPC) was synthesized
      successfully without using any surfactant or etching agent. This simple and
      effective synthesis method was accomplished by solvothermal synthesis followed by
      pyrolysis. The physical morphology and chemical composition of 3D NHPC were
      verified by scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Its structural studies reveal that it exhibits a
      micro-mesoporous hierarchical structure and contains C, O and N atoms forming
      different functional groups. The characterization also reveals that 3D NHPC has a
      Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 594.774 m2 g-1 and the micropore
      volume was calculated to be 0.192 cm3 g-1 using the t-plot method. Its catalytic
      activity was investigated by studying its application for simultaneous
      determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) by cyclic
      voltammetry and square-wave voltammetry at physiological pH. A 3D NHPC-modified
      glassy carbon electrode exhibits linear ranges from 0.05 to 14.50 MUM, 1.0 to
      120.0 MUM, and 2.0 to 30.0 MUM for DA, AA and UA, respectively. It also exhibits
      low detection limits (0.02, 0.10, and 0.14 MUM for DA, AA, and UA, respectively),
      good reproducibility and stability. The urine sample analysis results show good
      recoveries ranging between 96.30% and 105.40%.

PMID- 28094352
TI  - Star-shaped copolymer grafted PEI and REDV as a gene carrier to improve migration
      of endothelial cells.
AB  - In this work, a biodegradable star-shaped copolymer poly(lactide-co-3(S)-methyl
      morpholine-2,5-dione)6 (Star-(PLMD)6) was synthesized via ring-opening
      polymerization (ROP), and subsequently a gene carrier Star-PLMD-g-PEI-g-PEG
      CREDVW was prepared by grafting polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyethylene glycol
      (PEG) and targeting peptide REDV onto Star-(PLMD)6. This gene carrier could form
      stable micelles to condense pEGFP-ZNF580 through electrostatic interaction. The
      resulting complexes were biocompatible and showed high efficiency in gene
      delivery. In addition, these complexes exhibited high selectivity for endothelial
      cells (ECs), high transfection efficiency and enhanced migration of ECs. The
      protein level of ZNF580 expression was significantly high (up to 85%), while the
      control group was only 51%. This combination of degradability, targeting ligand
      and star-structure strategy exhibits a significant advantage in transfection
      efficiency and migration of ECs.

PMID- 28094354
TI  - Accelerated room-temperature crystallization of ultrahigh-surface-area porous
      anatase titania by storing photogenerated electrons.
AB  - Room-temperature crystallization, a mild and energy-efficient process, shows
      important application potentials for developing functional materials. We
      significantly accelerated the crystallization of amorphous TiO2 at room
      temperature by storing photogenerated electrons and the resulting porous anatase
      titania exhibits ultrahigh surface areas up to 736 m2 g-1.

PMID- 28094355
TI  - Biopolymer-chitosan based supramolecular hydrogels as solid state electrolytes
      for electrochemical energy storage.
AB  - A biopolymer-chitosan based Supramolecular Hydrogel type solid state Electrolyte
      (SHE) is prepared via a simple and fast cross-linking between chitosan and
      Li+/Ag+. The obtained SHE itself shows high thermal stability and excellent
      flexible and mouldable properties. When integrated in an asymmetric
      supercapacitor with MnO2 as the positive electrode and active carbon as the
      negative electrode, it can survive more than 10 000 cycles with the areal
      capacity of 10 mF cm-2 at the 1.8 mA cm-2 current density.

PMID- 28094356
TI  - Morphology transition in helical tubules of a supramolecular gel driven by metal
      ions.
AB  - Our aim to access a particular chemical functionality on helical tubules has been
      achieved by the rational molecular design and synthesis of glucono-appended
      cardanol derivatives. For the first time, we report a chiral molecular packing
      with alpha-helical tubules, and chiral symmetry-breaking upon exposure to Cu2+
      that generated the final ordered structure via an in situ morphological
      transition without undergoing any phase change.

PMID- 28094357
TI  - Kinetic analysis of non-isothermal solid-state reactions: multi-stage modeling
      without assumptions in the reaction mechanism.
AB  - A novel non-linear regression method for modeling non-isothermal
      thermogravimetric data is proposed. Experiments for several heating rates are
      analyzed simultaneously. The method is applicable to complex multi-stage
      processes when the number of stages is unknown. Prior knowledge of the type of
      kinetics is not required. The main idea is a consequent estimation of parameters
      when the overall model is successively changed from one level of modeling to
      another. At the first level, the Avrami-Erofeev functions are used. At the second
      level, the Sestak-Berggren functions are employed with the goal to broaden the
      overall model. The method is tested using both simulated and real-world data. A
      comparison of the proposed method with a recently published 'model-free'
      deconvolution method is presented.

PMID- 28094358
TI  - Ascorbate as a pro-oxidant: mild N-terminal modification with vinylboronic acids.
AB  - We describe divergent reactivity of vinylboronic acids for protein modification.
      In addition to previously reported copper-catalyzed backbone N-H modification,
      ascorbate in air mediates N-terminal functionalization with the same
      vinylboronate reagents. This mild and selective aqueous reactivity enables
      selective single-modification of the B chain of human insulin.

PMID- 28094359
TI  - Fused multifunctionalized dibenzoselenophenes from tetraynes.
AB  - The facile synthesis of fused multifunctionalized dibenzoselenophenes by a one
      pot-three-step cascade hexadehydro-Diels-Alder reaction of tetraynes is reported.
      The overall transformation involves the formation of four new C-C bonds and one
      new Caryl-Se bond and C-H activation via both intramolecular cyclization and
      intermolecular free radical reactions.

PMID- 28094360
TI  - Impact of morphology on polaron delocalization in a semicrystalline conjugated
      polymer.
AB  - We investigate the delocalization of holes in the semicrystalline conjugated
      polymer poly(2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophene-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT) by
      directly measuring the hyperfine coupling between photogenerated polarons and
      bound nuclear spins using electron nuclear double resonance spectroscopy. An
      extrapolation of the corresponding oligomer spectra reveals that charges tend to
      delocalize over 4.0-4.8 nm with delocalization strongly dependent on molecular
      order and crystallinity of the PBTTT polymer thin films. Density functional
      theory calculations of hyperfine couplings confirm that long-range corrected
      functionals appropriately describe the change in coupling strength with
      increasing oligomer size and agree well with the experimentally measured polymer
      limit. Our discussion presents general guidelines illustrating the various
      pitfalls and opportunities when deducing polaron localization lengths from
      hyperfine coupling spectra of conjugated polymers.

PMID- 28094361
TI  - Two different critical regimes enclosed in the Bean-Rodbell model and their
      implications for the field dependence and universal scaling of the magnetocaloric
      effect.
AB  - In the last few years power laws and universal scaling have been extensively used
      to study the field dependence of the magnitudes involved in the magnetocaloric
      effect of materials. They are key tools which allow us to compare the performing
      properties of different materials regardless of their nature, processing or
      experimental conditions during measurements. It was proved that power laws and
      universal scaling are a direct consequence of critical phenomena in the
      neighborhood of phase transitions. However, there remains some controversy about
      the reliability of these procedures. In this work we use the well-known Bean
      Rodbell model to confirm that these features are unmistakably related to the
      critical behavior of the continuous phase transitions. In this specific model,
      universal scaling occurs either at a purely mean field second order transition or
      at a tricritical point. Finally, we analyze in detail if the universal scaling is
      compatible with materials at the tricitical point, making a comprehensive
      comparison with available experimental data from the literature. We conclude that
      it is really difficult to know with full certainty if a sample really is in the
      tricritical regime.

PMID- 28094362
TI  - The crucial role of Mn spiral spin order in stabilizing the Dy-Mn exchange
      striction in multiferroic DyMnO3.
AB  - DyMnO3 hosts the less addressed duality of multiferroicity, owing to the Dy-Mn
      exchange striction and inverse Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction between Mn spin
      pairs. Although the duality in DyMnO3 has been discussed earlier, there remains a
      question whether the Mn magnetic sublattice is necessarily multiferroic for
      generating the Dy-Mn exchange striction. In this work, we investigate the
      multiferroicity of Dy(Mn1-xFex)O3 (0 <= x <= 0.1) through detailed magnetic and
      ferroelectric characterization. It is found that Fe-doping continuously
      suppresses the independent Dy spin order but instead promotes the Dy-Mn(Fe)
      coupling. This coupling benefits the Dy-Mn(Fe) exchange striction which
      remarkably enhances the ferroelectric polarization at a low doping level (x <=
      0.015), beyond which the Mn spiral spin order breaks down leading to collapse of
      the macroscopic polarization at x >= 0.05. This work discloses the crucial role
      of Mn spiral spin order in stabilizing the Dy-Mn exchange striction and thus
      highlights the duality of multiferroicity in DyMnO3.

PMID- 28094363
TI  - Photoassist-phosphorylated TiO2 as a catalyst for direct formation of 5
      (hydroxymethyl)furfural from glucose.
AB  - Photo-assisted phosphorylation of an anatase TiO2 catalyst was examined to
      improve its catalytic performance for the direct production of 5
      (hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), a versatile chemical platform, from glucose. In
      phosphorylation based on simple esterification between phosphoric acid and
      surface OH groups on anatase TiO2 with water-tolerant Lewis acid sites, the
      density of phosphates immobilized on TiO2 is limited to 2 phosphates nm-2, which
      limits selective HMF production. Phosphorylation of the TiO2 surface under
      fluorescent light irradiation increases the surface phosphate density to 50%,
      which is higher than the conventional limit, thus preventing the adsorption of
      hydrophilic glucose molecules on TiO2 and resulting in a more selective HMF
      production over photoassist-phosphorylated TiO2.

PMID- 28094364
TI  - Effect of electron spectral diffusion on static dynamic nuclear polarization at 7
      Tesla.
AB  - Here, we present an integrated experimental and theoretical study of 1H dynamic
      nuclear polarization (DNP) of a frozen aqueous glass containing free radicals at
      7 T, under static conditions and at temperatures ranging between 4 and 20 K. The
      DNP studies were performed with a home-built 200 GHz quasi-optics microwave
      bridge, powered by a tunable solid-state diode source. DNP using monochromatic
      and continuous wave (cw) irradiation applied to the electron paramagnetic
      resonance (EPR) spectrum of the radicals induces the transfer of polarization
      from the electron spins to the surrounding nuclei of the solvent and solutes in
      the frozen aqueous glass. In our systematic experimental study, the DNP enhanced
      1H signals are monitored as a function of microwave frequency, microwave power,
      radical concentration, and temperature, and are interpreted with the help of
      electron spin-lattice relaxation times, experimental MW irradiation parameters,
      and the electron spectral diffusion (eSD) model introduced previously. This
      comprehensive experimental DNP study with mono-nitroxide radical spin probes was
      accompanied with theoretical calculations. Our results consistently demonstrate
      that eSD effects can be significant at 7 T under static DNP conditions, and can
      be systematically modulated by experimental conditions.

PMID- 28094365
TI  - Adsorbing the 3d-transition metal atoms to effectively modulate the electronic
      and magnetic behaviors of zigzag SiC nanoribbons.
AB  - On the basis of first-principles computations, we propose a simple and effective
      strategy through surface-adsorbing 3d-transition metal (TM) atoms, including Ti,
      Cr, Mn, Fe and Co, to modulate the electronic and magnetic behaviors of zigzag
      SiC nanoribbons (zSiCNRs), in view of the unique d electronic structures and
      intrinsic magnetic moments of TM atoms. It is revealed that like applying an
      electric field, the adsorption of these transition metal atoms can induce an
      evident change in the electrostatic potential of the substrate zSiCNRs owing to
      the electron transfer from the TM atom to the substrate. This can break the
      magnetic degeneracy of zSiCNRs and solely ferromagnetic (FM) or antiferromagnetic
      (AFM) metallicity and even intriguing FM or AFM half-metallicity can be observed
      in the TM-modified zSiCNR systems. Moreover, all these modified systems can
      exhibit considerably large adsorption energies ranging from -0.872 eV to -4.304
      eV, indicating their considerably high structural stabilities. These intriguing
      findings will be advantageous for promoting excellent SiC-based nanomaterials in
      the practical application of spintronics and multifunctional nanodevices in the
      near future.

PMID- 28094366
TI  - Band gap opening in stanene induced by patterned B-N doping.
AB  - Stanene is a quantum spin Hall insulator and a promising material for electronic
      and optoelectronic devices. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are
      performed to study the band gap opening in stanene by elemental mono-doping (B,
      N) and co-doping (B-N). Different patterned B-N co-doping is studied to change
      the electronic properties of stanene. A patterned B-N co-doping opens the band
      gap in stanene and its semiconducting nature persists under strain. Molecular
      dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to confirm the thermal stability of such
      a doped system. The stress-strain study indicates that such a doped system is as
      stable as pure stanene. Our work function calculations show that stanene and
      doped stanene have a lower work function than graphene and thus are promising
      materials for photocatalysts and electronic devices.

PMID- 28094367
TI  - Formation of carbon nanodots with different spin states in mechanically processed
      mixtures of ZnO with carbon nanoparticles: an electron paramagnetic resonance
      study.
AB  - Mixtures of zinc oxide with carbon nanoparticles, ZnO + xC (x = 0.1%, 1% and 3%
      by weight), were subjected to mechanical processing (MP) in a hermetically sealed
      grinding chamber. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, we
      monitored the evolution of spin centers in CNPs. While the initial CNPs were EPR
      silent, their short-duration MP (tMP) gave rise to emergence of low-intensity
      carbon signal. Increasing the sample temperature at tMP > 9 min induced CNP
      oxidation, which lead to a dramatic increase in the intensity of C signal. The
      oxidation process also manifested itself in the appearance of a photoluminescence
      (PL) band at ~2.8 eV, which is characteristic for carbon nanodots with an average
      size of ~2.7 nm. A limited amount of oxygen in the grinding chamber lead to
      different ways of carbon nanodot oxidation, depending on carbon content in the
      samples, which in turn influenced the characteristics of C EPR signals observed.
      The number of spins calculated per one CNP (NSOP) was found to depend on carbon
      content in ZnO + xC samples. Based on a detailed analysis of EPR spectral lines,
      we suggest the existence of a broad variety of relaxation mechanisms for forming
      C paramagnetic centers.

PMID- 28094368
TI  - Tris(S,S-dioxide)-trithiasumanene: strong fluorescence and cocrystal with
      1,2,6,7,10,11-hexabutoxytriphenylene.
AB  - Thiophene rings in trithiasumanene (1) are oxidized regioselectively to form
      tris(S,S-dioxide)-trithiasumanene (3). Compound 3 displays strong indigo
      fluorescence in both solution and the solid state, and forms a 1 : 1 cocrystal
      with HBT to give a yellow emission in crystalline form.

PMID- 28094369
TI  - Probing the electronic structures of Con (n = 1-5) clusters on gamma-Al2O3
      surfaces using first-principles calculations.
AB  - The electronic structure of the oxide-supported nanoclusters based on metal
      support interactions including charge and spin reorganization plays a crucial
      role in the catalytic activity at the interface region. In this work, by using
      density functional theory periodic calculations, we theoretically investigated
      the stability, nucleation and electronic properties of cobalt clusters Con (n = 1
      5) supported on gamma-Al2O3 surfaces including dehydrated (100) and hydrated
      (110) surfaces. In Con/gamma-Al2O3(100) (n = 1-5) and Con/gamma-Al2O3(110) (n = 1
      and 2), the Con clusters prefer to adsorb on the surface. However, for Con/gamma
      Al2O3(110) (n = 3-5), the Con clusters bind to surface hydroxyl groups directly.
      Our results revealed that due to the metal-support interaction, small Co clusters
      strongly adsorb onto the surfaces. Nucleation energy disclosed that the critical
      cluster sizes are 4 and 3 for the dehydrated (100) and hydrated (110) surfaces,
      respectively, suggesting that the presence of gamma-Al2O3 surfaces remarkably
      affects and even prevents the sintering process of small Co clusters. More
      importantly, the charge analysis showed that both metal cluster and support play
      important roles in the charge state of clusters.

PMID- 28094370
TI  - Probing sub-nano level molecular packing and correlated positron annihilation
      characteristics of ionic cross-linked chitosan membranes using positron
      annihilation spectroscopy.
AB  - Chitosan, CS, cross-linked with bivalent palladium has shown enhanced mechanical
      and thermal properties depending on the transformation of the structure at a
      microscopic scale. In the present study, CS directly cross-linked by palladium
      cation membranes (CS-cr-PM) was prepared through a solution-casting method.
      Mobility of chitosan chains were greatly reduced after crosslinking, making a
      great reduction in the swelling ratio studied by a water-swelling degree
      measurement, which led to an improvement in molecular chain rigidity. In order to
      investigate the chain packing at the molecular level in the ionic cross-linked CS
      system, the structure of chemically-crosslinked CS is investigated by means of
      the combined use of wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and infrared
      measurements, and a combination of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy
      (PALS) and simultaneous coincidence Doppler broadening (CDB) spectroscopy offers
      coherent information on both the free-volume related sub-nano level molecular
      packing and the chemical surrounding of free volume nanoholes in CS-cr-PM as a
      function of palladium salt loading. The variations in the free volume size and
      size distribution have been determined through the ortho-positronium (o-Ps)
      lifetime and its lifetime distribution. The studies showed that a strong
      interaction between CS molecules and palladium cations results in the change in
      crystallinity in formed CS-cr-PM leading to variational chain packing density.
      Meanwhile, significant inhibition effects on positronium formation due to doping
      are observed, which could be interpreted in terms of the existence of chloride
      ions. Applications of positron annihilation spectroscopy to study the
      microstructure and correlated positron annihilation characteristics of an ionic
      cross-linked CS system are systematically discussed.

PMID- 28094371
TI  - Polarization independence of laser-induced nucleation in supersaturated aqueous
      urea solutions.
AB  - In a seminal report on laser-induced nucleation in aqueous supersaturated
      solutions (Phys. Rev. Lett., 1996, 77, 3475) it was noted that needle-shaped
      crystals of urea were aligned with the direction of the electric field of the
      linearly polarized laser pulse. The results gave rise to a new mechanism for
      control of crystal nucleation involving alignment of solute molecules (optical
      Kerr effect) now commonly known as non-photochemical laser-induced nucleation
      (NPLIN). Recent theoretical and experimental work has cast doubts on the optical
      Kerr effect mechanism. In the present letter we present results from digital
      imaging of urea-crystal growth immediately following laser-induced nucleation.
      Analysis of the data shows no statistically significant correlation between
      crystal angle and direction of linear polarization. The results overturn a long
      held result that has shaped theoretical and experimental studies of NPLIN.

PMID- 28094372
TI  - Theoretical studies on FGFR isoform selectivity of FGFR1/FGFR4 inhibitors by
      molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations.
AB  - The activation and overexpression of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs)
      are highly correlated with a variety of cancers. Most small molecule inhibitors
      of FGFRs selectively target FGFR1-3, but not FGFR4. Hence, designing highly
      selective inhibitors towards FGFR4 remains a great challenge because FGFR4 and
      FGFR1 have a high sequence identity. Recently, two small molecule inhibitors of
      FGFRs, ponatinib and AZD4547, have attracted huge attention. Ponatinib, a type II
      inhibitor, has high affinity towards FGFR1/4 isoforms, but AZD4547, a type I
      inhibitor of FGFR1, displays much reduced inhibition toward FGFR4. In this study,
      conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, molecular mechanics/generalized
      Born surface area (MM/GBSA) free energy calculations and umbrella sampling (US)
      simulations were carried out to reveal the principle of the binding preference of
      ponatinib and AZD4547 towards FGFR4/FGFR1. The results provided by MM/GBSA
      illustrate that ponatinib has similar binding affinities to FGFR4 and FGFR1,
      while AZD4547 has much stronger binding affinity to FGFR1 than to FGFR4. A
      comparison of the individual energy terms suggests that the selectivity of
      AZD4547 towards FGFR1 versus FGFR4 is primarily controlled by the variation of
      the van der Waals interactions. The US simulations reveal that the PMF profile of
      FGFR1/AZD4547 has more peaks and valleys compared with that of FGFR4/AZD4547,
      suggesting that the dissociation process of AZD4547 from FGFR1 are easily trapped
      into local minima. Moreover, it is observed that FGFR1/AZD4547 has much higher
      PMF depth than FGFR4/AZD4547, implying that it is more difficult for AZD4547 to
      escape from FGFR1 than from FGFR4. The physical principles provided by this study
      extend our understanding of the binding mechanisms and provide valuable guidance
      for the rational design of FGFR isoform selective inhibitors.

PMID- 28094373
TI  - Conformational dynamics and self-association of intrinsically disordered
      Huntingtin exon 1 in cells.
AB  - Huntington's disease is caused by a CAG trinucleotide expansion mutation in the
      Huntingtin gene that leads to an artificially long polyglutamine sequence in the
      Huntingtin protein. A key feature of the disease is the intracellular aggregation
      of the Huntingtin exon 1 protein (Httex1) into micrometer sized inclusion bodies.
      The aggregation process of Httex1 has been extensively studied in vitro, however,
      the crucial early events of nucleation and aggregation in the cell remain
      elusive. Here, we studied the conformational dynamics and self-association of
      Httex1 by in-cell experiments using laser-induced temperature jumps and
      analytical ultracentrifugation. Both short and long polyglutamine variants of
      Httex1 underwent an apparent temperature-induced conformational collapse. The
      temperature jumps generated a population of kinetically trapped species
      selectively for the longer polyglutamine variants of Httex1 proteins. Their
      occurrence correlated with the formation of inclusion bodies suggesting that such
      species trigger further self-association.

PMID- 28094374
TI  - Combined in- and ex situ studies of pyrazine adsorption into the aliphatic MOF Al
      CAU-13: structures, dynamics and correlations.
AB  - The intercalation of different pyrazines (pyrazine, methylpyrazine, 2,5
      dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, trimethylpyrazine and
      tetramethylpyrazine) into the trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (CDC2-) based Al
      MOF [Al(OH)(CDC)], denoted as CAU-13, was investigated. The adsorption of the
      guest molecules into the flexible MOF was carried out from an aqueous solution or
      via vapour phase adsorption, starting with the hydrated narrow-pore form of the
      framework [Al(OH)(O2C-C6H10-CO2)].H2O (CAU-13-np). The obtained host-guest
      systems were characterised by thermogravimetry and vibrational spectroscopy and
      their crystal structures were elucidated using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD)
      data. The crystal structures indicate that guest molecules forming hydrogen-bonds
      with the host framework (pyrazine, methylpyrazine and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine)
      induce a slight opening of the channels, resulting in a semi-open framework
      conformation (CAU-13-so). For the bulkier guests 2,3-dimethylpyrazine,
      trimethylpyrazine and tetramethylpyrazine, only van der Waals interactions can be
      observed between the host and the guest molecules and a large pore conformation
      is observed (CAU-13-lp). We carried out in situ PXRD studies using synchrotron
      radiation during the adsorption of the respective guest molecules from aqueous
      solutions with various concentrations and at different temperatures. In general,
      stronger host-guest interactions required milder adsorption conditions while
      harsher conditions nevertheless accelerated the conversion. The kinetic
      parameters for the intercalation of pyrazine indicate that the rate limiting step
      differs, depending on the intercalation temperature.

PMID- 28094375
TI  - Crystallization kinetics of cerium oxide nanoparticles formed by spontaneous,
      room-temperature hydrolysis of cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate in light and heavy
      water.
AB  - A stable sol of cerium oxide nanoparticles forms spontaneously when cerium(iv)
      ammonium nitrate (CAN) is dissolved in room-temperature water at mM
      concentrations. Electron microscopy experiments reveal the formation of highly
      crystalline cerium oxide particles several nm in diameter and suggest that they
      are formed from amorphous particles that are similar in size. Under the low pH
      conditions of the experiments, the nanoparticles form a stable dispersion and
      show no evidence of aggregation, even many months after synthesis. The absence of
      particles large enough to scatter light significantly makes it possible to
      observe the crystallization kinetics through dramatic changes in the UV-visible
      absorption spectra that occur during solution aging. Measurements show that the
      cerium oxide nanocrystals are formed roughly an order of magnitude more slowly in
      D2O than in H2O solution. This large solvent kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD ~ 10),
      which is reported here for the first time for the crystallization of a solid
      metal oxide phase, indicates a rate-determining proton transfer reaction, which
      is assigned to the conversion of hydroxy to oxo bridges. In D2O solution, the
      absorption per mole of cerium ions increases by over 400% at 290 nm as the weakly
      absorbing precursor phase is transformed into nanocrystalline cerium oxide. An
      isosbestic point is detected at 368 nm, and the absorption spectra can be modeled
      throughout aging by the sum of spectra of just two interconverting species.
      Preliminary ultrafast transient absorption experiments confirm that the optical
      properties of the amorphous precursors differ greatly from those of the final,
      nanocrystalline phase. Crystallization of CeO2 from CAN in water has much in
      common with the crystallization of iron oxides from iron(iii) salts, including
      the importance of non-classical nucleation and growth pathways. It is an
      outstanding system for studying the poorly understood events that cause
      molecularly solvated ions to self-assemble into nanocrystals, following
      hydrolysis. At the same time, the strong susceptibility of CAN to spontaneously
      form CeO2 nanocrystals under the mildest of reaction conditions indicates that
      caution is needed when working with this common sacrificial oxidant.

PMID- 28094376
TI  - Cyclopentadithiophene organic core in small molecule organic solar cells:
      morphological control of carrier recombination.
AB  - Two new planar and symmetrical A-D-A (electron acceptor-electron donor-electron
      acceptor) small molecules based on a commercial cyclopentadithiophene derivative
      have been synthesized for solution processed small molecule organic solar cells.
      The aim was to synthesise the molecules to be energetically identical (similar
      HOMO-LUMO energy levels) in order to assign the differences observed to changes
      in the film morphology or to differences in the interfacial recombination
      kinetics or both. Devices were electrically characterized under one sun simulated
      (1.5 AM G) conditions by determining current-voltage curves, light harvesting
      efficiencies and external quantum efficiencies. Moreover, time-resolved photo
      induced techniques such as photo-induced charge extraction and photo-induced
      transient photo-voltage were also performed. The results demonstrate that,
      despite having the same core, i.e. cyclopentadithiophene, the use of one hexyl
      chain instead of two in the organic molecule leads to a greater control of the
      molecular ordering using solvent vapour annealing techniques and also to better
      solar cell efficiency.

PMID- 28094377
TI  - Mechanistic insights into heterogeneous methane activation.
AB  - While natural gas is an abundant chemical fuel, its low volumetric energy density
      has prompted a search for catalysts able to transform methane into more useful
      chemicals. This search has often been aided through the use of transition state
      (TS) scaling relationships, which estimate methane activation TS energies as a
      linear function of a more easily calculated descriptor, such as final state
      energy, thus avoiding tedious TS energy calculations. It has been shown that
      methane can be activated via a radical or surface-stabilized pathway, both of
      which possess a unique TS scaling relationship. Herein, we present a simple model
      to aid in the prediction of methane activation barriers on heterogeneous
      catalysts. Analogous to the universal radical TS scaling relationship introduced
      in a previous publication, we show that a universal TS scaling relationship that
      transcends catalysts classes also seems to exist for surface-stabilized methane
      activation if the relevant final state energy is used. We demonstrate that this
      scaling relationship holds for several reducible and irreducible oxides, promoted
      metals, and sulfides. By combining the universal scaling relationships for both
      radical and surface-stabilized methane activation pathways, we show that catalyst
      reactivity must be considered in addition to catalyst geometry to obtain an
      accurate estimation for the TS energy. This model can yield fast and accurate
      predictions of methane activation barriers on a wide range of catalysts, thus
      accelerating the discovery of more active catalysts for methane conversion.

PMID- 28094379
TI  - Luminescent aryl-group eleven metal complexes.
AB  - Among the coinage metal complexes displaying luminescent properties, those
      bearing C-donor aryl ligands have an increasing part in the chemistry of these
      metals. These types of ligands confer a high kinetic and thermodynamic stability
      on the complexes, but they can also be involved in the photoluminescent behaviour
      of the complexes. The development of new aryl-containing complexes of group
      eleven metals, the study of their photoluminescent properties and their related
      properties and applications are discussed in this perspective. Among these,
      luminescent gold(i) and gold(iii) compounds are being intensively used for the
      development of new properties with potential applications such as, for instance,
      electroluminescence, triboluminescence, mechanochromism, aggregated induced
      emissions, quenching, luminescent liquid crystals, low molecular weight gelators
      and photocatalysts, among others.

PMID- 28094378
TI  - Synthesis and SMM behaviour of trinuclear versus dinuclear 3d-5f uranyl(v)
      cobalt(ii) cation-cation complexes.
AB  - Trinuclear versus dinuclear heterodimetallic UVO2+Co2+ complexes were selectively
      assembled via a cation-cation interaction by tuning the ligand. The trimeric
      complex 2, with a linear [Co-O[double bond, length as m-dash]U[double bond,
      length as m-dash]O-Co] core, exhibits magnetic exchange and slow relaxation with
      a reversal barrier of 30.5 +/- 0.9 K providing the first example of a U-Co
      exchange-coupled SMM.

PMID- 28094380
TI  - Crystallization and flow in active patch systems.
AB  - Based upon recent experiments in which Janus particles are made into active
      swimmers by illuminating them with laser light, we explore the effect of applying
      a light pattern on the sample, thereby creating activity inducing zones or active
      patches. We simulate a system of interacting Brownian diffusers that become
      active swimmers when moving inside an active patch and analyze the structure and
      dynamics of the ensuing stationary state. We find that, in some respects, the
      effect of spatially inhomogeneous activity is qualitatively similar to a
      temperature gradient. For asymmetric patches, however, this analogy breaks down
      because the ensuing stationary state is specific to partial active motion.

PMID- 28094381
TI  - Order of magnitude improvement of nano-contact spin torque nano-oscillator
      performance.
AB  - Spin torque nano-oscillators (STNO) represent a unique class of nano-scale
      microwave signal generators and offer a combination of intriguing properties,
      such as nano sized footprint, ultrafast modulation rates, and highly tunable
      microwave frequencies from 100 MHz to close to 100 GHz. However, their low output
      power and relatively high threshold current still limit their applicability and
      must be improved. In this study, we investigate the influence of the bottom Cu
      electrode thickness (tCu) in nano-contact STNOs based on Co/Cu/NiFe GMR stacks
      and with nano-contact diameters ranging from 60 to 500 nm. Increasing tCu from 10
      to 70 nm results in a 40% reduction of the threshold current, an order of
      magnitude higher microwave output power, and close to two orders of magnitude
      better power conversion efficiency. Numerical simulations of the current
      distribution suggest that these dramatic improvements originate from a strongly
      reduced lateral current spread in the magneto-dynamically active region.

PMID- 28094382
TI  - The supercoiling state of DNA determines the handedness of both H3 and CENP-A
      nucleosomes.
AB  - Nucleosomes form the unit structure of the genome in eukaryotes, thereby
      constituting a fundamental tenet of chromatin biology. In canonical nucleosomes,
      DNA wraps around the histone octamer in a left-handed toroidal ramp. Here, in
      single-molecule magnetic tweezers studies of chaperone-assisted nucleosome
      assembly, we show that the handedness of the DNA wrapping around the nucleosome
      core is intrinsically ambidextrous, and depends on the pre-assembly supercoiling
      state of the DNA, i.e., it is not uniquely determined by the octameric histone
      core. Nucleosomes assembled onto negatively supercoiled DNA are found to exhibit
      a left-handed conformation, whereas assembly onto positively supercoiled DNA
      results in right-handed nucleosomes. This intrinsic flexibility to adopt both
      chiralities is observed both for canonical H3 nucleosomes, and for centromere
      specific variant CENP-A nucleosomes. These data support recent advances
      suggesting an intrinsic adaptability of the nucleosome, and provide insights into
      how nucleosomes might rapidly re-assemble after cellular processes that generate
      positive supercoiling in vivo.

PMID- 28094384
TI  - Foundation of correlation ellipsometry.
AB  - An experimental strategy for the detection of fluctuation dynamics at interfaces
      based on a combination of photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) with a nulling
      ellipsometry scheme is investigated theoretically. The intensity description of
      ellipsometry measurements is generalized to PCS time correlation functions. The
      nulling ellipsometry procedure is applied for every lag time t of the correlation
      functions, to extract the dynamics connected to the coherent signal which
      contains the interface dynamics. The classical ellipsometry parameters Delta and
      tanPsi are generalized to functions and tan [capital Psi, Greek, tilde]Q(t). A
      suitable Siegert relation is derived and employed to show that either field
      correlation functions or intensity correlation functions after baseline
      subtraction can be used as the starting point for the nulling ellipsometry
      procedure.

PMID- 28094385
TI  - Towards an all-in fiber photodetector by directly bonding few-layer molybdenum
      disulfide to a fiber facet.
AB  - Although photodetectors based on two dimensional (2D) materials have been
      intensively studied, there are few reports of optical fiber compatible devices.
      Herein we successfully fabricated an all-in fiber photodetector (FPD) based on an
      end-face bonded with few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Our FPD has a
      considerably high photo-responsivity of ~0.6 A W-1 at a bias voltage of 4 V and
      0.01 A W-1 under the bias-free conditions. We believe that the proposed platform
      may provide a new strategy for the integration of 2D materials in fibers and
      realization of optoelectronic and sensing applications.

PMID- 28094390
TI  - Simultaneous measurement of the Young's modulus and the Poisson ratio of thin
      elastic layers.
AB  - The behavior of cells and tissue is greatly influenced by the mechanical
      properties of their environment. For studies on the interactions between cells
      and soft matrices, especially those applying traction force microscopy the
      characterization of the mechanical properties of thin substrate layers is
      essential. Various techniques to measure the elastic modulus are available.
      Methods to accurately measure the Poisson ratio of such substrates are rare and
      often imply either a combination of multiple techniques or additional equipment
      which is not needed for the actual biological studies. Here we describe a novel
      technique to measure both parameters, the Youngs's modulus and the Poisson ratio
      in a single experiment. The technique requires only a standard inverted
      epifluorescence microscope. As a model system, we chose cross-linked
      polyacrylamide and poly-N-isopropylacrylamide hydrogels which are known to obey
      Hooke's law. We place millimeter-sized steel spheres on the substrates which
      indent the surface. The data are evaluated using a previously published model
      which takes finite thickness effects of the substrate layer into account. We
      demonstrate experimentally for the first time that the application of the model
      allows the simultaneous determination of both the Young's modulus and the Poisson
      ratio. Since the method is easy to adapt and comes without the need of special
      equipment, we envision the technique to become a standard tool for the
      characterization of substrates for a wide range of investigations of cell and
      tissue behavior in various mechanical environments as well as other samples,
      including biological materials.

PMID- 28094386
TI  - A universal mechanism of the planar boron rotors B11-, B13+, B15+, and B19-:
      inner wheels rotating in pseudo-rotating outer bearings.
AB  - Planar boron clusters B11-, B13+, B15+, and B19- have been introduced recently as
      molecular Wankel motors or tank treads. Here we present a universal mechanism for
      these dynamically fluxional clusters; that is, they are molecular rotors with
      inner wheels that rotate almost freely in pseudo-rotating outer bearings,
      analogous to rotating molecules trapped in pseudo-rotating cages. This mechanism
      has significant quantum mechanical consequences: the global-minimum structures of
      the clusters have C2v symmetry, whereas the wheels rotating in pseudo-rotating
      bearings generate rosette-type shapes with D9h, D10h, D11h, and D13h symmetries.
      The related rotational/pseudo-rotational energies appear with characteristic band
      structures, effecting the dynamics.

PMID- 28094391
TI  - Advantages of an optical nanosensor system for the mechanistic analysis of a
      novel topoisomerase I targeting drug: a case study.
AB  - The continuous need for the development of new small molecule anti-cancer drugs
      calls for easily accessible sensor systems for measuring the effect of vast
      numbers of new drugs on their potential cellular targets. Here we demonstrate the
      use of an optical DNA biosensor to unravel the inhibitory mechanism of a member
      of a new family of small molecule human topoisomerase I inhibitors, the so-called
      indeno-1,5-naphthyridines. By analysing human topoisomerase I catalysis on the
      biosensor in the absence or presence of added drug complemented with a few
      traditional assays, we demonstrate that the investigated member of the indeno-1,5
      naphthyridine family inhibited human topoisomerase I activity by blocking enzyme
      DNA dissociation. To our knowledge, this represents the first characterized
      example of a small molecule drug that inhibits a post-ligation step of catalysis.
      The elucidation of a completely new and rather surprising drug mechanism-of
      action using an optical real time sensor highlights the value of this assay
      system in the search for new topoisomerase I targeting small molecule drugs.

PMID- 28094392
TI  - 3D printing of self-assembling thermoresponsive nanoemulsions into hierarchical
      mesostructured hydrogels.
AB  - Spinodal decomposition and phase transitions have emerged as viable methods to
      generate a variety of bicontinuous materials. Here, we show that when arrested
      phase separation is coupled to the time scales involved in three-dimensional (3D)
      printing processes, hydrogels with multiple length scales spanning nanometers to
      millimeters can be printed with high fidelity. We use an oil-in-water
      nanoemulsion-based ink with rheological and photoreactive properties that satisfy
      the requirements of stereolithographic 3D printing. This ink is thermoresponsive
      and consists of poly(dimethyl siloxane) droplets suspended in an aqueous phase
      containing the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate and the cross-linker
      poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate. Control of the hydrogel microstructure can
      be achieved in the printing process due to the rapid structural recovery of the
      nanoemulsions after large strain-rate yielding, as well as the shear thinning
      behavior that allows the ink to conform to the build platform of the printer.
      Wiper operations are used to ensure even spreading of the yield stress ink on the
      optical window between successive print steps. Post-processing of the printed
      samples is used to generate mesoporous hydrogels that serve as size-selective
      membranes. Our work demonstrates that nanoemulsions, which belong to a class of
      solution-based materials with flexible functionalities, can be printed into
      prototypes with complex shapes using a commercially available 3D printer with a
      few modifications.

PMID- 28094393
TI  - Correction: Copper(ii) catalyzed synthesis of novel helical luminescent
      benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,10]phenanthrolines via an intramolecular C-H amination
      reaction.
AB  - Correction for 'Copper(ii) catalyzed synthesis of novel helical luminescent
      benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,10]phenanthrolines via an intramolecular C-H amination
      reaction' by Ramon Borges da Silva, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, DOI:
      10.1039/c6ob02508k.

PMID- 28094394
TI  - Complete ultrafast charge carrier dynamics in photo-excited all-inorganic
      perovskite nanocrystals (CsPbX3).
AB  - Understanding the nature and dynamics of the photo-induced transients of all
      inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) is key to their exploitation in potential
      applications. In order to determine the nature of charge carriers, their
      deactivation pathways and dynamics, the photo-induced transients of CsPbBr3,
      CsPbBr2I, CsPbBr1.5I1.5 and CsPbI3 NCs are spectrally and temporally
      characterized employing a combination of femtosecond transient absorption (TA)
      and photoluminescence (PL) up-conversion techniques and global analysis of the
      data. The results provide distinct identities of the excitons and free charge
      carriers and distinguish the hot charge carriers from the cold ones. The carrier
      trapping is attributed to the electrons and their dynamics is unaffected in mixed
      halide perovskites. The excitation energy dependence of the TA dynamics suggests
      that the trap states are shallow in nature and mainly limited near the band-edge
      level. In mixed halide perovskites, an increase in the iodine content leads to
      hole trapping in a short time scale (<5 ps). The insights obtained from this
      study are likely to be helpful for tuning the photo-response of these substances
      and their better utilization in light-based applications.

PMID- 28094396
TI  - Nanostructuration of ionic liquids: impact on the cation mobility. A multi-scale
      study.
AB  - When probed at the macroscopic scale, Ionic Liquids (ILs) behave as highly
      dissociated (i.e. strong) electrolytes while, at the molecular scale, they show
      clear characteristics of weak ionic solutions. The multi-scale analysis we report
      in this paper reconciles these apparently at odds behaviors. We investigate by
      quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) and neutron spin-echo (NSE), the
      nanometer/nanosecond dynamics of OMIM-BF4, an imidazolium-based IL showing strong
      nanostructuration. We also probe the same IL on the microscopic (MUm and ms)
      scale by pulsed field gradient NMR. To interpret the neutron data, we introduce a
      new physical model to account for the dynamics of the side-chains and for the
      diffusion of the whole molecule. This model describes the observables over the
      whole and unprecedented investigated spatial ([0.15-1.65] A-1) and time ([0.5
      2000] ps) ranges. We arrive at a coherent and unified structural/dynamical
      description of the local cation dynamics: a localized motion within the IL
      nanometric domains is combined with a genuine long-range translational motion.
      The QENS, NSE and NMR experiments describe the same long-range translational
      process, but probed at different scales. The associated diffusion coefficients
      are more than one order of magnitude different. We show how this apparent
      discrepancy is a manifestation of the IL nanostructuration.

PMID- 28094400
TI  - Synthesis of 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane derivatives via palladium-catalyzed
      cyclopropanation of maleimides with N-tosylhydrazones: practical and facile
      access to CP-866,087.
AB  - A palladium-catalyzed cyclopropanation of internal alkenes with N-tosylhydrazones
      is presented. This gram-scale cyclopropanation reaction of maleimides provides a
      wide spectrum of 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane derivatives in high yields and
      diastereoselectivities. The major diastereoisomers could be easily isolated by
      chromatography on silica gel. This protocol provides a practical route to the mu
      opioid receptor antagonist CP-866,087.

PMID- 28094402
TI  - Mesoporous carbon nanoshells for high hydrophobic drug loading, multimodal
      optical imaging, controlled drug release, and synergistic therapy.
AB  - Loading and controlled release of sufficient hydrophobic drugs to tumor cells has
      been the bottleneck in chemotherapy for decades. Herein we report the development
      of a fluorescent and mesoporous carbon nanoshell (FMP-CNS) that exhibits a
      loading capacity for the hydrophobic drug paclitaxel (PTX) as high as ~80 wt% and
      releases the drug in a controllable fashion under NIR irradiation (825 nm) at an
      intensity of 1.5 W cm-2. The high drug loading is primarily attributed to its
      mesoporous structure and to the supramolecular pi-stacking between FMP-CNSs and
      PTX molecules. The FMP-CNS also exhibits wavelength-tunable and upconverted
      fluorescence properties and thus can serve as an optical marker for confocal, two
      photon, and near infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, our in vitro
      results indicate that FMP-CNSs demonstrate high therapeutic efficacy through the
      synergistic effect of combined chemo-photothermal treatment. In vivo studies
      demonstrate marked suppression of tumor growth in mice bearing rat C6
      glioblastoma after administration with a single intratumoral injection of PTX
      loaded FMP-CNS.

PMID- 28094404
TI  - Excitation wavelength independent visible color emission of carbon dots.
AB  - Carbon dots (CDs) usually emit a strong blue light and excitation wavelength
      dependent long wavelength lights. This significantly limits their applications
      because one has to use a series of different excitation light sources to get
      different colors and the long wavelength emissions are usually very weak. We
      found that one type of CDs synthesized from p-phenylenediamine could emit various
      long wavelength lights (green to red) independent of the excitation wavelength
      when dispersed in different solvents. The photoluminescence quantum yields of the
      same CDs were 10-35% in different solvents for different color emissions. Based
      on this solvent-color effect, we further mixed the same CDs with different
      polymers to form solid CD films for various color emissions, and these film
      emissions were also excitation wavelength independent. Multicolor LEDs were
      demonstrated with the same CDs in solution and solid film states for color
      displays.

PMID- 28094405
TI  - Controlled and tunable design of polymer interface for immobilization of enzymes:
      does curvature matter?
AB  - Control and tuning of surface properties is indispensable for the programmed and
      rational design of materials. Particularly, polymeric brush-modified colloids can
      be used as carrier materials for enzyme immobilization. Although it is of prime
      importance to control the brush architecture, there is still a lack of systematic
      investigations concerning the impact of grafting density on the properties of the
      designed interface, as well as on the immobilization of biomolecules. In this
      work, we investigate the surface properties of polymer brushes with different
      grafting densities prepared using a "grafting from" approach on flat and on
      colloidal particle substrates by varying the density of initiator groups. In this
      way, we control and tune interfacial properties of the carrier material such as
      swelling, charge, adhesion as well as adsorption of laccase from Trametes
      versicolor on the grafted polyelectrolyte layer. We show that there is no direct
      transferability of the results received from planar to curved substrates
      regarding the swelling behavior in dependence on the grafting density. The
      maximum of swelling degree of PDMAEMA layers is achieved at 0.34 nm-2 and at 0.1
      nm-2 grafting density for planar and curved particle substrates, respectively.
      The adhesion properties of the polymeric layer on both substrates are also
      strongly influenced by the grafting density, i.e. a decrease of the grafting
      density causes a transition from the adhesive to non-adhesive state. As proven by
      the cryo-TEM and AFM force distance measurements, an immobilization of laccase
      from Trametes versicolor causes a decrease of the polymer swelling and therefore
      leads to the changes in the surface morphology, charge and adhesion performance
      of final polymer-enzyme layer. Moreover, the higher effectiveness and activity of
      laccase were observed for the intermediate grafting densities which seem to be
      preferable over the maximum brush densities.

PMID- 28094407
TI  - C-H imidation: a distinct perspective of C-N bond formation.
AB  - The direct imidation strategy proficiently constructs C-N bonds and creates the
      useful amine functional group in the molecular template. This review briefly
      discusses the synthetic methods developed for the direct imidation of unactivated
      C(sp2/sp3/sp)-H bonds. Transition-metal catalysts, metal-free processes, and/or
      photo-induced methods are invariably employed for accomplishing C-H imidation
      transformations. The contents summarized herein would benefit the research
      community to use the C-H imidation reactions for broad synthetic applications and
      to unravel novel C-N bond forming processes.

PMID- 28094408
TI  - Large-area tungsten disulfide for ultrafast photonics.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have
      attracted significant interest in various optoelectronic applications due to
      their excellent nonlinear optical properties. One of the most important
      applications of TMDs is to be employed as an extraordinary optical modulation
      material (e.g., the saturable absorber (SA)) in ultrafast photonics. The main
      challenge arises while embedding TMDs into fiber laser systems to generate
      ultrafast pulse trains and thus constraints their practical applications. Herein,
      few-layered WS2 with a large-area was directly transferred on the facet of the
      pigtail and acted as a SA for erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) systems. In our
      study, WS2 SA exhibited remarkable nonlinear optical properties (e.g., modulation
      depth of 15.1% and saturable intensity of 157.6 MW cm-2) and was used for
      ultrafast pulse generation. The soliton pulses with remarkable performances
      (e.g., ultrashort pulse duration of 1.49 ps, high stability of 71.8 dB, and large
      pulse average output power of 62.5 mW) could be obtained in a telecommunication
      band. To the best of our knowledge, the average output power of the mode-locked
      pulse trains is the highest by employing TMD materials in fiber laser systems.
      These results indicate that atomically large-area WS2 could be used as excellent
      optical modulation materials in ultrafast photonics.

PMID- 28094412
TI  - Ultrasound-guided approach to the cervical articular process joints in horses: a
      validation of the technique in cadavers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare accuracy of the ultrasound-guided craniodorsal (CrD)
      approach with the dorsal (D) approach to the cervical articular process joints,
      and to evaluate the effect of the transducer, needle gauge, and operator
      experience. METHODS: Cervical articular process joints from 14 cadaveric neck
      specimens were injected using either a D or CrD approach, a linear (13 MHx) or
      microconvex transducer (10 MHz), and an 18 or 20 gauge needle, by an experienced
      or inexperienced operator. Injectate consisted of an iodinated contrast material
      solution. Time taken for injection, number of redirects, and retrieval of
      synovial fluid were recorded. Accuracy was assessed using a scoring system for
      contrast seen on computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: The successful performance of
      intra-articular injections of contrast detected by CT using the D (61/68) and CrD
      (57/64) approaches was comparable. No significant effect of approach, transducer
      or needle gauge was observed on injection accuracy, time taken to perform
      injection, or number of redirects. The 18 gauge needle had a positive correlation
      with retrieval of synovial fluid. A positive learning curve was observed for the
      inexperienced operator. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both approaches to the cervical
      articular process joints were highly accurate. Ultrasound-guided injection of the
      cervical articular process joints is an easily-learnt technique for an
      inexperienced veterinarian. Either approach may be employed in the field with a
      high level of accuracy, using widely available equipment.

PMID- 28094413
TI  - Electrical impedance tomography for lung ventilation monitoring of the dog.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a radiation free technique
      which takes advantage of the different electrical conductivities of different
      tissues. Its main field of application is lung ventilation monitoring. The aim of
      this prospective study was to evaluate the feasibility of collecting EIT
      information on a sample of dogs with different thoracic shapes under clinical
      conditions by connecting an electrode belt without fur clipping. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Fifteen pulmonary healthy dogs were anaesthetized, positioned in sternal
      recumbency and ventilated in a pressure-controlled mode at three different
      positive end-expiratory pressure levels (PEEP) of 0, 5 and 10 cmH2O for five
      breaths each, with a peak inspiratory pressure of 15 cmH2O. The impedance changes
      were recorded with a commercial EIT device applied around the thorax.
      Subsequently, the ventilation regime was repeated and a computed tomography scan
      (CT) of the same thoracic segment was performed for each PEEP level. The tidal
      volume (Vt) was recorded. For the collection of EIT data the sum of regional
      impedance changes was recorded. The impedance value of the entire lung (global)
      was recorded and the ventilated area was quartered into four regions of interest
      (ROI). In a CT image with the fewest adjacent organs, lung tissue was selected to
      obtain the mean value of lung radiodensitiy in Hounsfield-Units (HU) for the
      entire lung and for the four ROIs. RESULTS: EIT recordings via the electrode belt
      were possible without clipping. There was a significant correlation for the
      parameters of aeration as measured by EIT and CT for both the entire ventilated
      lung and the corresponding ROIs. The increasing PEEP resulted in a proportional
      increase of the impedance, and there was a negative correlation between EIT and
      Vt. The better ventilated dorsal ROIs could be identified using both EIT and CT.
      An intra-assay coefficient of variation showed a good reproducibility for lung
      ventilation in anaesthetized dogs in the EIT. DISCUSSION: The results show that
      EIT is a reliable method for evaluating the ventilation of dogs in a clinical
      setting. The accuracy of EIT might be improved by using a mesh corresponding to
      the different thoracic shapes of the dogs.

PMID- 28094414
TI  - Asymmetrical lumbosacral transitional vertebrae in dogs may promote asymmetrical
      hip joint development.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examines the relationship between the morphology of the
      lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) and asymmetrical development of the hip
      joints in dogs. METHODS: A total of 4000 dogs which had been consecutively scored
      for canine hip dysplasia were checked for the presence of a LTV. A LTV was noted
      in 138 dogs and classified depending on the morphology of the transverse
      processes and the degree of contact with the ilium. RESULTS: In dogs with an
      asymmetrical LTV, the hip joint was significantly more predisposed to subluxation
      and malformation on the side of the intermediate or sacral-like transverse
      process (p <0.01), on the side of the elevated pelvis (p <0.01), or when an
      asymmetrical LTV resulted in pelvic rotation on its long axis (p <0.01), whereas
      hip joint conformation was less affected on the side featuring a free transverse
      process (p <0.01). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results support our hypothesis that
      an asymmetrical LTV favours pelvic rotation over its long axis, resulting in
      inadequate femoral head coverage by the acetabulum on one side. Inadequate
      coverage of the femoral head favours subluxation, malformation of the hip joint,
      and secondary osteoarthritis. Asymmetrical hip conformation may therefore be the
      sequela of a LTV and mask or aggravate genetically induced canine hip dysplasia.

PMID- 28094415
TI  - Outcome of nonunion fractures in dogs treated with fixation, compression
      resistant matrix, and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To report the use of compression resistant matrix (CRM) infused with
      recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) prospectively in the
      healing of nonunion long-bone fractures in dogs. METHODS: A longitudinal cohort
      of dogs that were presented with nonunion fractures were classified and treated
      with CRM soaked with rhBMP-2 and fracture fixation. They were followed with
      serial radiographs and evaluated for healing times and complications according to
      the time frame and definitions previously established for orthopaedic clinical
      cases. RESULTS: Eleven nonunion fractures in nine dogs were included. Median
      healing time was 10 weeks (range: 7-20 weeks). Major perioperative complications
      due to bandage morbidity were encountered in two of 11 limbs and resolved. All
      other complications were minor. They occurred perioperatively in eight of 11
      limbs. Minor follow-up complications included short-term in one of two limbs, mid
      term in one of three, and long-term in four of five limbs. Nine limbs returned to
      full function and two limbs returned to acceptable function at the last follow
      up. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Nonunion fractures given a poor prognosis via standard
      of-care treatment were successfully repaired using CRM with rhBMP-2 accompanying
      fixation. These dogs, previously at high risk of failure, returned to full or
      acceptable function.

PMID- 28094416
TI  - Seasonal leukotrichia in a German shepherd dog. A case report.
AB  - Leukotrichia can be caused by a variety of metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
      Canine alopecia areata is a rare multifactorial benign non-scarring alopecia.
      This case report describes a seasonally recurrent leukotrichia associated with
      alopecia areata in a German shepherd dog. Important differential diagnoses were
      ruled out and histopathology finally confirmed the diagnosis of alopecia areata.
      Topical tacrolimus and hydrocortisone aceponate were ineffective. The cause for
      the seasonal character in this case remained undetermined.

PMID- 28094417
TI  - Evaluation of proximal and distal motor nerve conduction using the electrical
      root stimulation technique in the femoral and obturator nerves.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the adaptability of the electrical
      root stimulation technique by achieving normative data from the obturator and
      femoral nerves of healthy dogs. METHODS: For this purpose, two stimulations and
      recordings were performed on both the obturator and femoral nerves in 40 dogs (22
      males and 18 females). Electrical root stimulation was applied via monopolar
      needle electrodes between the sixth to seventh and fifth to sixth lumbar
      interarcuate spaces to the obturator and femoral nerves, respectively. Muscle
      waves were recorded from the gracilis and sartorius muscles of the left and right
      pelvic limb. RESULTS: The proximal motor nerve conduction velocity was 60.89 +/-
      3.93 m/s and 59.87 +/- 4.83 m/s in the obturator and femoral nerves,
      respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our results showed that electrical root
      stimulation could be a useful method to test the integrity of the roots of
      obturator and femoral nerves and their proximal parts.

PMID- 28094418
TI  - Comparative anatomy and biomechanical properties of atlantoaxial ligaments in
      equine, bovine, and canine cadaveric specimens.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Atlantoaxial instability has been reported in humans, dogs, equids
      and ruminants. The functional role of the atlantoaxial ligaments has only been
      described rudimentarily in equids and ruminants. The goal of the present
      cadaveric study was to compare the anatomy between the different species and to
      comparatively assess the role of the stabilizing ligaments of the atlantoaxial
      joint under sagittal shear loading in canine, equine, and bovine cervical spines.
      METHODS: Three equine, bovine, and canine cadaveric specimens were investigated.
      Biomechanical testing was performed using a purpose built shear-testing device
      driven by a uniaxial servo-hydraulic testing machine. Three cycles in a
      dorsoventral direction with a constant quasi-static velocity of 0.2 mm/s up to a
      limiting force of 50 N (canine) or 250 N (bovine, equine), respectively, were
      performed for each specimen tested. Load and linear displacement were measured by
      the displacement sensor and load cell of the testing system at a sampling rate of
      20 Hz. Tests were performed and the range of motion determined with both intact
      and transected atlantoaxial ligaments. RESULTS: The range of motion was
      significantly increased after transection of the ligaments only in the canine
      specimens. The bovine atlantoaxial joint was biomechanically more stable than in
      equids. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Species-specific anatomical and biomechanical
      differences of the atlantoaxial ligaments in canines, equids, and bovines were
      detected. The significance of these differences and their impact on the
      pathogenesis of atlantoaxial subluxations and subsequent treatment remain open
      questions.

PMID- 28094419
TI  - Postoperative computed tomography and low-field magnetic resonance imaging
      findings in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis treated by dorsal
      laminectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe postoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) findings in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis
      (DLSS) treated by dorsal laminectomy and partial discectomy. METHODS: Prospective
      clinical case study of dogs diagnosed with and treated for DLSS. Surgical and
      clinical findings were described. Computed tomography and low field MRI findings
      pre- and postoperatively were described and graded. Clinical, CT and MRI
      examinations were performed four to 18 months after surgery. RESULTS: Eleven of
      13 dogs were clinically improved and two dogs had unchanged clinical status
      postoperatively despite imaging signs of neural compression. Vacuum phenomenon,
      spondylosis, sclerosis of the seventh lumbar (L7) and first sacral (S1) vertebrae
      endplates and lumbosacral intervertebral joint osteoarthritis became more
      frequent in postoperative CT images. Postoperative MRI showed mild disc
      extrusions in five cases, and in all cases contrast enhancing non-discal tissue
      was present. All cases showed contrast enhancement of the L7 spinal nerves both
      pre- and postoperatively and seven had contrast enhancement of the lumbosacral
      intervertebral joints and paraspinal tissue postoperatively. Articular process
      fractures or fissures were noted in four dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study
      indicates that imaging signs of neural compression are common after DLSS surgery,
      even in dogs that have clinical improvement. Contrast enhancement of spinal
      nerves and soft tissues around the region of disc herniation is common both pre-
      and postoperatively and thus are unreliable criteria for identifying
      complications of the DLSS surgery.

PMID- 28094420
TI  - Evaluation of the optimal plate position for the fixation of supraglenoid
      tubercle fractures in warmbloods.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine scapular cortex thickness, distal scapular bone density
      and describe the exact suprascapular nerve course to evaluate the best plate
      position for the fixation of supraglenoid tubercle fractures in horses. METHODS:
      Twelve equine cadaveric shoulders were examined with computed tomography.
      Computed tomography morphometry and density measurements (Hounsfield units [HU])
      of the scapula were recorded. Statistical comparisons were made between the
      cranial and caudal aspects of the scapula. Dissection of each shoulder was
      performed and the suprascapular nerve course was described morphometrically and
      morphologically. RESULTS: The suprascapular nerve was found on the periosteum and
      embedded in connective tissue at the cranial aspect of the scapula. It ramified
      proximally and distally into the supraspinatus muscle, coursed caudolaterally at
      a median of 2 cm (1-2 cm) distal to the scapular spine and ramified proximally
      and distally into the infraspinatus muscle. The scapular cortex measurements (HU)
      cranially were significantly larger than caudally at most levels of the scapula.
      The bone density of the distal scapula cranially (651.3 +/- 104.2) was
      significantly lower than caudally (745.7 +/- 179.1). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: For
      surgical access to the supraglenoid tubercle, knowledge of the anatomy is
      important. It is easiest to avoid the suprascapular nerve at the most cranial
      aspect of the scapula, where it has not yet ramified. For a stable fixation,
      knowledge of the characteristics of the equine scapula, such as scapular cortex
      thickness, is important.

PMID- 28094421
TI  - Biomechanical evaluation of simulated feline patellar fracture repairs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate four techniques for stabilization of feline patellar
      fracture. METHODS: Feline cadaveric stifles with simulated patellar fracture were
      stabilized with one of four techniques: Group A - circumferential wire, group B -
      figure-of-eight wire, group C - combined figure-of-eight and circumferential
      wire, group D - pin and tension band wire. All repairs were subjected to a period
      of cyclic loading prior to load to failure testing. Experiments were recorded by
      video capture to determine load at failure and failure mode. Failure was defined
      as an opening of the fracture gap of 3 mm. RESULTS: Mean fracture gap opening (+/
      SD) during peak loading after 1000 cycles was: group A with 1.66 mm (+/- 0.69),
      group B with 1.01 mm (+/- 0.45), group C with 0.81 mm (+/- 0.58), and group D
      with 0.65 mm (+/- 0.54). Groups C and D had significantly lower mean fracture gap
      opening after 1000 cycles when compared to group A (p <0.05). Mean loads (+/- SD)
      at failure were: group A with 171.4 N (+/- 62.2), group B with 208.7 N (+/-
      20.7), group C with 288.2 N (+/- 62.5), and group D with 219.5 N (+/- 48.0).
      Group C had significantly higher mean load to failure than all other groups (p
      <0.05). There was no difference between other groups. In groups A, B and C the
      principle mode of failure was wire elongation and tearing of sutures through the
      retinaculae and periarticular soft tissues. In group D, the principle mode of
      failure was the pin pulling through the bone of the distal fragment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Combined figure-of-eight and circumferential wires may be useful for treatment of
      transverse feline patellar fracture.

PMID- 28094422
TI  - Predicting the need for trochleoplasty in canine patellar luxation using pre- and
      intra-operative assessments of trochlear depth.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of ultrasonographic
      femoral trochlear depth measurements and to compare ultrasonographic and intra
      operative evaluations of femoral trochlear depth for predictive value in
      selecting trochleoplasty. METHODS: Repeatability and reproducibility of an
      ultrasonographic protocol were tested in a preclinical cadaveric study. Clinical
      patients undergoing corrective surgery for patellar luxation were evaluated
      preoperatively with ultrasound and intra-operatively using a depth gauge.
      Measurements were assessed for equivalence using linear regression, and agreement
      between decisions made based on these measurements assessed using Cohen's kappa.
      RESULTS: Although ultrasonographic and intra-operative measurements were in broad
      agreement, the prediction interval was too wide for clinical use. There was no
      significant agreement between predictions of the need for trochleoplasty using
      various cut-off values for the two measurements, nor between these and the
      surgeon's decision. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on our observations, use of
      ultrasound for evaluation of the femoral trochlea remains a largely qualitative
      assessment. A simpler and more direct objective measure of femoral trochlear
      adequacy is required for intra-operative use.

PMID- 28094423
TI  - Repeatability and accuracy testing of a weight distribution platform and
      comparison to a pressure sensitive walkway to assess static weight distribution.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of measurements collected
      using a weight distribution platform and a pressure sensitive walkway using an
      inanimate object with known weight distribution. METHODS: A custom-built jig with
      a range of weights was applied in a random order. Measurements were collected on
      both devices and compared to each other and to the known weight distribution.
      RESULTS: Weight distribution platform and pressure sensitive walkway measurements
      were highly correlated to each other (Pearson's correlation coefficient R = 0.98)
      and to actual weights (R = 0.99 for the weight distribution platform; 0.98 for
      the pressure sensitive walkway). Repeatability from day to day for both devices
      was greater than 0.99. For the weight distribution platform, the 95% confidence
      interval was +/- 2.5% from the true percentage and +/- 3.3% for the pressure
      sensitive walkway. The coefficient of variation (COV) was highest for both
      devices at the lightest weights (weight distribution platform 11.28%, pressure
      sensitive walkway 16.91%) and lowest with the heaviest weights (weight
      distribution platform 3.71%, pressure sensitive walkway 5.86%). CONCLUSION: Both
      the weight distribution platform and the pressure sensitive walkway provided
      accurate and consistent measures of weight distribution with no significant
      difference between devices. The rounded standard error was three percent for the
      weight distribution platform, and four percent for the pressure sensitive
      walkway. The higher variability when measuring the smallest weight suggests less
      accuracy at lower weights with both devices. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The weight
      distribution platform is a repeatable and accessible device to measure static
      weight distribution, and if proven the same in a clinical setting, it will be a
      valuable addition to current objective measures of limb use.

PMID- 28094424
TI  - Ex vivo torsional properties of a 2.5 mm veterinary interlocking nail system in
      canine femurs. Comparison with a 2.4 mm limited contact bone plate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the torsional properties of the Targon(r) Vet Nail System
      (TVS) in small canine femurs and to compare these properties to those of the 2.4
      mm LC-DCP(r) plates. METHODS: Thirty-six cadaveric femurs were allocated to three
      groups (n = 12). In all bones, points just distal to the lesser trochanter and
      just proximal to the fabellae were marked and a midshaft transverse osteotomy was
      performed. Group 1: bones were fixed with the 2.5 mm TVS with the bolts applied
      at the pre-identified marks. Group 2: A TVS system with 25% shorter inter-bolt
      distance was used. Group 3: A 7-hole 2.4 mm LC-DCP(r) plates were applied. All
      constructs were tested non-destructively for 10 cycles, followed by an acute
      torsion to failure. RESULTS: Torque at yield was 0.806 +/- 0.183 and 0.805 +/-
      0.093 Nm for groups 1 and 2 and 1.737 +/- 0.461 Nm for group 3. Stiffness was
      0.05 +/- 0.01, 0.05 +/- 0.007, and 0.14 +/- 0.015 Nm/ degrees  for groups 1 to 3
      respectively. Maximal angular displacement under cyclic loading was 16.6 degrees 
      +/- 2.5 degrees , 15.6 degrees  +/- 2.1 degrees , and 7.8 degrees  +/- 1.06
      degrees  respectively. There was no significant difference for any of the
      parameters between groups 1 and 2. Both torque at yield and stiffness were
      significantly greater between group 3 and groups 1 and 2. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
      The TVS had approximately half the torsional strength and approximately 1/3 of
      the stiffness of the 2.4 mm bone plate. Slippage of the locking mechanism was
      probably the cause of the early failure. The system should be considered as a low
      strength and low-stiffness system when compared to bone plates.

PMID- 28094425
TI  - Learning Curve in Anatomo-Electrophysiological Correlations in Subthalamic
      Nucleus Stimulation.
AB  - AIM: Advances in neuroradiological planning techniques in deep brain stimulation
      have put the need for intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring into doubt.
      Moreover intraoperative monitoring prolongs surgical time and there is potential
      association between the use of microelectrodes and increased incidence of
      hemorrhagic complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation
      between the anatomically planned trajectory and the final subthalamic electrode
      placement after electrophysiological monitoring in patients with Parkinson"s
      disease and its change with the increasing experience of the surgical team.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trajectories of right (first implanted) and left
      electrodes were compared in the first 50 patients operated on (Group 1) and the
      next 50 patients (Group 2). RESULTS: In Group 1, 52% of central trajectories were
      on the right and 38% on the left; in Group 2, the percentage of central
      trajectories was 76% on the right and 78% on the left; the difference was
      statistically significant (p=0.021 and 0.001). The difference in the percentage
      of posterior trajectories reflecting brain shift between the right and left sides
      was statistically insignificant in Groups 1 (26% and 28%, p=0.999) and 2 (18% and
      12%, p=0.549). The percentage of bilateral central electrodes was 14% and 62% in
      Groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: The correlation between anatomically
      planned trajectory and final electrode placement markedly improves with the
      number of patients. However the significant percentage of patients with final
      electrode trajectory differing from anatomically planned target supports the use
      of intraoperative monitoring.

PMID- 28094426
TI  - The Role of Cine Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Chiari 0
      Malformation.
AB  - AIM: To define the role of phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      in deciding the therapeutic strategy and underlying pathophysiology resulting in
      syrinx formation in patients with Chiari type 0 malformation. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Seven patients who were admitted to our clinic with the diagnosis of
      Chiari 0 malformation from January 2005 to July 2016 were enrolled in the study.
      All patients underwent a detailed preoperative neurological examination. Entire
      neuroaxis MRI and phase-contrast cine MRI were obtained preoperatively and
      postoperatively. RESULTS: Seven patients (5 female and 2 male) with Chiari type 0
      malformation fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All of the patients had absent
      cine flow at the craniovertebral junction except two patients. These five
      patients underwent surgical interventions; suboccipital decompression and
      duraplasty. All of them showed both clinical and radiological improvement in the
      postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Cine flow MRI appears to be a useful tool in
      the management of patients with Chiari 0 malformation. There was a good
      correlation between the clinical presentation and cine flow preoperatively, and
      between clinical improvement and cine flow in the postoperative period.

PMID- 28094427
TI  - Minimalism in Art, Medical Science and Neurosurgery.
AB  - The word "minimalism" is a word derived from French the word "minimum". Whereas
      the lexical meaning of minimum is "the least or the smallest quantity necessary
      for something", its expression in mathematics can be described as "the lowest
      step a variable number can descend, least, minimal". Minimalism, which advocates
      an extreme simplicity of the artistic form, is a current in modern art and music
      whose origins go to 1960s and which features simplicity and objectivity. Although
      art, science and philosophy are different disciplines, they support each other
      from time to time, sometimes they intertwine and sometimes they copy each other.
      A periodic schools or teaching in one of them can take the others into itself,
      so, they proceed on their ways empowering each other. It is also true for the
      minimalism in art and the minimal invasive surgical approaches in science.
      Concepts like doing with less, avoiding unnecessary materials and reducing the
      number of the elements in order to increase the effect in the expression which
      are the main elements of the minimalism in art found their equivalents in
      medicine and neurosurgery. Their equivalents in medicine or neurosurgery have
      been to protect the physical integrity of the patient with less iatrogenic
      injury, minimum damage and the same therapeutic effect in the most effective way
      and to enable the patient to regain his health in the shortest span of time. As
      an anticipation, we can consider that the minimal approaches started by Richard
      Wollheim and Barbara Rose in art and Lars Leksell, Gazi Yasargil and other
      neurosurgeons in neurosurgery in the 1960s are the present day equivalents of the
      minimalist approaches perhaps unconsciously started by Kazimir Malevich in art
      and Victor Darwin L"Espinasse in neurosurgery in the early 1900s. We can also
      consider that they have developed interacting with each other, not by chance.

PMID- 28094428
TI  - Intraoperative Results and Postoperative Clinical Outcomes of Lumbar
      Microdiscectomy in Patients who Previously Received a Transforaminal Anterior
      Epidural Steroid Injection for Lumbar Radiculopathy.
AB  - AIM: To describe the intra- and postoperative results of patients who received a
      transforaminal anterior epidural steroid injection (TAESI) prior to lumbar
      microdiscectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients who did not improve
      after minimally invasive techniques (MIT) for lumbar radiculopathy were
      evaluated. Thirty-two of them treated with techniques other than TAESI and those
      receiving thrombolytic or anticoagulant drugs before microdiscectomy were
      excluded. We recorded the type of MIT, numbers of levels and injections, time
      interval between the last MIT and microdiscectomy, duration of surgery, amount of
      intraoperative blood loss, rate of incidental durotomy, postoperative infection,
      and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for leg pain before and after
      microdiscectomy at 24 hours, and the 1st and 3rd months (Group 1). A total of 35
      patients with no history of MIT or lumbar surgery who had undergone unilateral,
      single-level lumbar microdiscectomy at our clinic were randomly selected to be
      included in the control group (Group 2) and same parameters were recorded for the
      comparison of both groups. RESULTS: The mean duration of lumbar discectomy was
      140 minutes, and the amount of average intraoperative blood loss was 227 cc in
      the study group (Group 1), and 65 minutes and 73 cc, respectively in the control
      group (Group 2)(p > 0.05). The comparison of VAS scores revealed that lumbar
      discectomy was still effective after TAESI (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: Although
      epidural steroid injection is an effective modality for the management of chronic
      pain, these patients should be informed preoperatively about the relatively long
      duration of surgery and the possible requirement for blood transfusion.

PMID- 28094429
TI  - A Comparison Between the Effectiveness of Full Outline of Unresponsiveness and
      Glasgow Coma Score at Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Patients.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and the use of Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and
      Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score by nurses in the follow-up and
      evaluation of patients admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit for
      cranial surgery or head trauma. MATERIAL and METHODS: The study was performed at
      a neurosurgical intensive care unit. Sample size was determined as 47 patients
      (a= 0.05, power= 0.95). The correlation coefficient less than 0.5 was accepted as
      weak. In the first 24 hours, Karnofsky Performance Scale was applied and the
      Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) Score calculated
      for patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit for cranial surgery or
      head trauma. Also FOUR and GCS were applied by two different nurses twice a day.
      Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, Pearson Correlation and Cronbach?s Alpha
      Security Index analyses were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS: Concordance was
      above 0.810 and correlation was above 0.837 between GCS and FOUR score evaluation
      results of nurses. Correlation of two different evaluation at every shift for GCS
      was 0.887, and for FOUR was 0.827 and above. Karnofsky Performance Scale
      correlation with FOUR and GCS scores of patients at admission and discharge from
      the intensive care unit was 0.709 and above. The correlation between APACHE II
      and FOUR was 0.851; between APACHE II and GCS 0.853. There was no difference
      between the evaluations of two scores and two nurses statistically. CONCLUSION:
      Concordance between nurses was found high both for GCS and FOUR. The FOUR score
      is as effective as GCS on the follow-up of patients who are managed in the
      neurosurgical intensive care units.

PMID- 28094430
TI  - Comparison of Sleep Quality and Sleepiness in Patients Operated for Pituitary
      Adenoma and in Healthy Individuals.
AB  - AIM: To investigate whether sleep quality and sleepiness of patients who undergo
      surgery for pituitary adenomas differ from healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Forty-four patients who were operated for pituitary adenomas and 44
      healthy individuals, 88 subjects in total, were evaluated by a questionnaire. All
      questionnaires and scales were applied by the same researcher without the name of
      the participant in order to maintain consistency. Statistical analyses were
      conducted with the SPSS for Windows 23.00 package program. RESULTS: Of the 88
      participants, 44 (50%) were patients who were operated for pituitary adenomas,
      while 44 (50%) were control subjects. 38 (43.2%) of the participants were male,
      50 (56.8%) were female. The average age of the participants was 37 +/- 12.24
      years. The best sleep quality was found in 41-50 years group (7 patients). In the
      control group, 23 patients (52.3%) had a sleep quality index above 5 and 21
      patients (47.7%) had a value below 5. In the control group, 8 patients (21.2%)
      between 21-30 years were found to have poor sleep quality by age. CONCLUSION:
      Sleepiness and sleep quality have physiological, social and psychological effects
      on individuals. There is no statistically significant difference in sleep quality
      and sleepiness scales between patients operated for pituitary adenomas and
      healthy individuals. However, it is recommended that polysomnography should be
      used to examine these patients in more detail.

PMID- 28094431
TI  - Chordoma: Immunohistochemical Analysis of Brachury.
AB  - AIM: Chordomas are rare, slow growing but locally aggressive malignancies of the
      axial skeleton. Skull base chordomas, due to their intricate anatomical
      localization, pose significant challenges to managing physicians. In classical
      and chondroid chordomas, the disease course cannot be reliably determined using
      only morphological criteria. Brachyury (T Gene) was shown to play a central role
      in chordoma pathogenesis and several studies also showed that this gene also
      carries potential as a prognostic biomarker. This study aims to correlate
      Brachyury expression with the clinical course in surgically treated skull base
      chordomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chordoma tumor samples from 14 patients with
      skull base chordomas, diagnosed using histopathological and immunohistochemistry
      criteria (epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), S100, pan cytokeratin (panCK)) were
      retrospectively analyzed for Brachyury expression using immunohistochemistry.
      Brachyury expression was graded using a 4 point semi-quantitative scoring system.
      Focal (grade II) and diffuse staining (grade III) were considered as
      overexpression. Patient recurrence-free survival and total survival were compared
      between Brachyury overexpressing and non-overexpressing groups using Kaplan-Meier
      survival analysis. RESULTS: Among the stained tumor samples, 85.7% were positive
      for brachyury expression. In both groups, there was one sample that was negative.
      We did not observe any significant difference among the groups for staining,
      grade and percentage of brachyury positive cells. CONCLUSION: Brachyury
      expression in tumor samples is not a sensitive indicator of prognosis in
      chordomas.

PMID- 28094432
TI  - Maltreatment-associated neurodevelopmental disorders: a co-twin control analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is strongly associated with psychiatric
      disorders in childhood and adulthood. Previous findings suggest that the
      association between CM and psychiatric disorders is partly causal and partly due
      to familial confounding, but few studies have investigated the mechanisms behind
      the association between CM and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Our objective
      was to determine whether maltreated children have an elevated number of NDDs and
      whether CM is a risk factor for an increased NDD 'load' and increased NDD
      symptoms when controlling for familial effects. METHODS: We used a cross
      sectional sample from a population-representative Swedish twin study, comprising
      8,192 nine-year-old twins born in Sweden between 1997 and 2005. CM was defined as
      parent-reported exposure to emotional abuse/neglect, physical neglect, physical
      abuse, and/or sexual abuse. Four NDDs were measured with the Autism-Tics, AD/HD,
      and other comorbidities inventory. RESULTS: Maltreated children had a greater
      mean number of NDDs than nonmaltreated children. In a co-twin control design, CM
      discordant monozygotic twins did not differ significantly for their number of
      NDDs, suggesting that CM is not associated with an increased load of NDDs when
      genetic and shared environmental factors are taken into account. However, CM was
      associated with a small increase in symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder and autism spectrum disorder in CM-discordant MZ twins, although most of
      the covariance of CM with NDD symptoms was explained by common genetic effects.
      CONCLUSIONS: Maltreated children are at higher risk of having multiple NDDs. Our
      findings are, however, not consistent with the notion that CM causes the
      increased NDD load in maltreated children. Maltreated children should receive a
      full neurodevelopmental assessment, and clinicians should be aware that children
      with multiple NDDs are at higher risk of maltreatment.

PMID- 28094433
TI  - BMP15 "knockout-like" effect in familial premature ovarian insufficiency with
      persistent ovarian reserve.
AB  - Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects 1% to 2% of women under 40 years.
      Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) variants have been described in POI. We
      studied a family with 2 sisters compound heterozygous for deletions in the BMP15
      gene on chromosome Xp11.22 yielding a human "knockout-like" effect: a
      c.151_152delGA deletion yielded a p.Glu51IlefsTer27 mutation transmitted by the
      hemizygous father and a c.189_198delAGGGCATTCAinsTG deletion/insertion yielded a
      p.Glu64AlafsTer12 mutation transmitted by the heterozygous mother. Both deletions
      resulted in frameshifts with premature stop codons at positions 78 and 76 in the
      proregion, precluding mature BMP15 production. One sister had primary amenorrhea
      and the other primo-secondary amenorrhea. No bone abnormality was observed.
      Despite streak ovaries devoid of follicles on ultrasonography, anti-Mullerian
      hormone (AMH) levels were low but detectable suggesting the presence of growing
      follicles. Five years later, AMH was undetectable in both sisters, 1 had received
      an egg donation. BMP15 did not seem critical for follicles to enter the growth
      phase. Genetic counselling should be performed and fertility preservation
      discussed before progressive loss of follicular reserve. The fertile heterozygous
      mother did not support previous reports of BMP15 haploinsufficiency and gene
      dosage in humans, as in bovine species. The hemizygous brother had
      asthenozoospermia, consistent with previous observations in bulls with a variant
      BMP15.

PMID- 28094434
TI  - The effect of remifentanil on propofol requirements to achieve loss of response
      to command vs. loss of response to pain.
AB  - When providing total intravenous anaesthesia, careful selection of end-points is
      required in titrating dose to effect during induction. Although propofol and
      remifentanil have predominantly different pharmacodynamic effects, they are seen
      to interact in achieving loss of consciousness and analgesia. To highlight these
      differences, we performed a double-blind, randomised controlled trial, comparing
      one group of patients receiving propofol alone (n = 42) with another group
      receiving remifentanil plus propofol (n = 46) as a target-controlled infusion of
      remifentanil (Minto; 3 ng.ml-1 ). Propofol was also titrated using a target
      controlled infusion (Marsh effect model) to produce loss of response to tactile
      and vocal stimuli, and subsequently to loss of response to pain. The effect-site
      concentration of propofol at which 50% of patients lost tactile/verbal response
      was 2.9 MUg.ml-1 in the propofol only group and 2.4 MUg.ml-1 in the remifentanil
      with propofol group. In contrast, loss of pain response occurred at 4.4 MUg.ml-1
      in the propofol group, and 2.7 MUg.ml-1 in the remifentanil with propofol group,
      with correspondingly lower bispectral index values. Judicious use of analgesia in
      total intravenous anaesthesia can have a propofol-sparing effect and potentially
      minimise the suppression of brain electrical activity. .

PMID- 28094435
TI  - New interactions between tumor suppressor Fhit protein and a nonhydrolyzable
      analog of its AP4 A substrate.
AB  - Fragile histidine triad protein (Fhit) is a protein which primarily hydrolyses
      dinucleoside polyphosphates. To investigate possible interactions between the
      protein and a substrate, we used a nonhydrolyzable phosphorothioate analog of Ap4
      A, containing 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine instead of one adenosine residue.
      Photocrosslinking, followed by LC-MS experiments, determined a complex in which
      the probe was covalently linked to the NDSIYEELQK peptide (residues 110-119). The
      peptide was located within the 'disordered' region, which is invisible in the
      known crystal structures of Fhit. This invisible and flexible part seems to play
      a role in the stabilization of the Fhit-substrate complex, which may be important
      for its tumor suppressor activity.

PMID- 28094436
TI  - Cartilage-hair hypoplasia with normal height in childhood-4 patients with a
      unique genotype.
AB  - The manifestations of cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH), a metaphyseal
      chondrodysplasia caused by RMRP mutations, include short stature, hypoplastic
      hair, immunodeficiency and increased risk of malignancies. Clinical features show
      significant variability. We report a patient with normal height until age 12.5
      years (-1.6 SDS at 11 years) who was diagnosed with CHH at 14 years. RMRP
      sequencing revealed compound heterozygosity for g.70A>G mutation and a 10
      nucleotide duplication at position -13 (TACTCTGTGA). Through the Finnish Skeletal
      Dysplasia Register, we identified 3 additional patients with identical genotype.
      Two of them also showed unusually mild growth failure (height SDS -1.6 at 14
      years and -3.0 at 12 years, respectively). Three of the 4 patients suffered from
      recurrent infections; 1 developed progressive bronchiectasis and another died
      from aggressive lymphoma. Our findings expand the phenotypic variability in CHH
      to include normal childhood height. The milder growth retardation related to this
      particular genotype was not associated with less severe extra-skeletal
      manifestations, emphasizing the need for careful follow-up also in CHH patients
      with mild-skeletal manifestations.

PMID- 28094438
TI  - Environmental niche conservatism explains the accumulation of species richness in
      Mediterranean-hotspot plant genera.
AB  - The causes of exceptionally high plant diversity in Mediterranean-climate
      biodiversity hotspots are not fully understood. We asked whether a mechanism
      similar to the tropical niche conservatism hypothesis could explain the diversity
      of four large genera (Protea, Moraea, Banksia, and Hakea) with distributions
      within and adjacent to the Greater Cape Floristic Region (South Africa) or the
      Southwest Floristic Region (Australia). Using phylogenetic and spatial data we
      estimated the environmental niche of each species, and reconstructed the mode and
      dynamics of niche evolution, and the geographic history, of each genus. For three
      genera, there were strong positive relationships between the diversity of clades
      within a region and their inferred length of occupation of that region. Within
      genera, there was evidence for strong evolutionary constraint on niche axes
      associated with climatic seasonality and aridity, with different niche optima for
      hotspot and nonhotspot clades. Evolutionary transitions away from hotspots were
      associated with increases in niche breadth and elevated rates of niche evolution.
      Our results point to a process of "hotspot niche conservatism" whereby the
      accumulation of plant diversity in Mediterranean-type ecosystems results from
      longer time for speciation, with dispersal away from hotspots limited by narrow
      and phylogenetically conserved environmental niches.

PMID- 28094437
TI  - The deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin-specific peptidase 50, regulates
      inflammasome activation by targeting the ASC adaptor protein.
AB  - NOD-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated inflammasome activation
      promotes caspase-1-dependent production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and
      requires the adaptor protein ASC. Compared with the priming and activation
      mechanisms of the inflammasome signaling pathway, post-translational
      ubiquitination/deubiquitination mechanisms controlling inflammasome activation
      have not been clearly addressed. We here demonstrate that the deubiquitinating
      enzyme USP50 binds to the ASC protein and subsequently regulates the inflammasome
      signaling pathway by deubiquitinating the lysine 63-linked polyubiquitination of
      ASC. USP50 knockdown in human THP-1 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived
      macrophages shows a significant decrease in procaspase-1 cleavage, resulting in a
      reduced secretion of IL-1beta and interleukin-18 (IL-18) upon treatment with
      NLRP3 stimuli and a reduction in ASC speck formation and oligomerization. Thus,
      we elucidate a novel regulatory mechanism of the inflammasome signaling pathway
      mediated by the USP50 deubiquitinating enzyme.

PMID- 28094439
TI  - Adaptive evolution to novel predators facilitates the evolution of damselfly
      species range shifts.
AB  - Most species have evolved adaptations to reduce the chances of predation. In many
      cases, adaptations to coexist with one predator generate tradeoffs in the ability
      to live with other predators. Consequently, the ability to live with one predator
      may limit the geographic distributions of species, such that adaptive evolution
      to coexist with novel predators may facilitate range shifts. In a case study with
      Enallagma damselflies, we used a comparative phylogenetic approach to test the
      hypothesis that adaptive evolution to live with a novel predator facilitates
      range size shifts. Our results suggest that the evolution of Enallagma shifting
      from living in ancestral lakes with fish as top predators, to living in lakes
      with dragonflies as predators, may have facilitated an increase in their range
      sizes. This increased range size likely arose because lakes with dragonflies were
      widespread, but unavailable as a habitat throughout much of the evolutionary
      history of Enallagma because they were historically maladapted to coexist with
      dragonfly predators. Additionally, the traits that have evolved as defenses
      against dragonflies also likely enhanced damselfly dispersal abilities. While
      many factors underlie the evolutionary history of species ranges, these results
      suggest a role for the evolution of predator-prey interactions.

PMID- 28094440
TI  - Bidirectional communication between sensory neurons and osteoblasts in an in
      vitro coculture system.
AB  - Recent studies have revealed that the sensory nervous system is involved in bone
      metabolism. However, the mechanism of communication between neurons and
      osteoblasts is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the signaling
      pathways between sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the
      osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells using an in vitro coculture system. Our findings
      indicate that signal transduction from DRG-derived neurons to MC3T3-E1 cells is
      suppressed by antagonists of the AMPA receptor and the NK1 receptor. Conversely,
      signal transduction from MC3T3-E1 cells to DRG-derived neurons is suppressed by a
      P2X7 receptor antagonist. Our results suggest that these cells communicate with
      each other by exocytosis of glutamate, substance P in the efferent signal, and
      ATP in the afferent signal.

PMID- 28094441
TI  - Sex, drugs and rock and roll: tales from preterm fetal life.
AB  - Premature fetuses and babies are at greater risk of mortality and morbidity than
      their term counterparts. The underlying causes are multifactorial, but include
      exposure to hypoxia. Immaturity of organs and their functional control may impair
      the physiological defence responses to hypoxia and the preterm fetal responses,
      or lack thereof, to moderate hypoxia appear to support this concept. However, as
      this review demonstrates, despite immaturity, the preterm fetus responds to
      asphyxia in a qualitatively similar manner to that seen at term. This highlights
      the importance in understanding metabolism versus homeostatic threat when
      assessing fetal responses to adverse challenges such as hypoxia. Data are
      presented to show that the preterm fetal adaptation to asphyxia is triphasic in
      nature. Phase one represents the rapid institution of maximal defences, designed
      to maintain blood pressure and central perfusion at the expense of peripheral
      organs. Phase two is one of adaptive compensation. Controlled reperfusion
      partially offsets peripheral tissue oxygen debt, while maintaining sufficient
      vasoconstriction to limit the fall in perfusion. Phase three is about
      decompensation. Strikingly, the preterm fetus generally performs better during
      phases two and three, and can survive for longer without injury. Paradoxically,
      however, the ability to survive can lead to longer exposure to hypotension and
      hypoperfusion and thus potentially greater injury. The effects of fetal sex,
      inflammation and drugs on the triphasic adaptations are reviewed. Finally, the
      review highlights the need for more comprehensive studies to understand the
      complexity of perinatal physiology if we are to develop effective strategies to
      improve preterm outcomes.

PMID- 28094442
TI  - Identifying niche-mediated regulatory factors of stem cell phenotypic state: a
      systems biology approach.
AB  - Understanding how the cellular niche controls the stem cell phenotype is often
      hampered due to the complexity of variegated niche composition, its dynamics, and
      nonlinear stem cell-niche interactions. Here, we propose a systems biology view
      that considers stem cell-niche interactions as a many-body problem amenable to
      simplification by the concept of mean field approximation. This enables
      approximation of the niche effect on stem cells as a constant field that induces
      sustained activation/inhibition of specific stem cell signaling pathways in all
      stem cells within heterogeneous populations exhibiting the same phenotype (niche
      determinants). This view offers a new basis for the development of single cell
      based computational approaches for identifying niche determinants, which has
      potential applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

PMID- 28094443
TI  - Validity of simple clinical and biological parameters as screening tool for
      sickle cell anemia for referral to tertiary center in highly resource
      constraints.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the incidence of sickle cell
      anemia (SCA) is estimated around 40 000 neonates per year. However, it is
      notoriously difficult to perform conventional electrophoresis in all hospitals
      and laboratories, especially at peripheral levels and rural area. A panel of
      multiple clinical and laboratory features that would enhance sickle cell disease
      were assessed for the detection of the disease in highly resource-scarce
      settings. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in Kinshasa. Venous blood
      samples were drawn from each study participant in order to determine the
      hematologic parameters, the peripheral smears, and the hemoglobin
      electrophoresis. We used Cohen's kappa statistic to examine the agreement of each
      variable and diagnosis of sickle cell disease. RESULTS: A total of 807 patients
      were screened for sickle cell disease. Among these 807 children, 36 (4.5%) were
      homozygous for Hb S disease. The presence of at least 8% erythroblasts (PPV: 91%,
      NPV: 99%, sensitivity: 83.3%, specificity: 99.6%, kappa value: .86) and sickle
      cells (PPV:100%, NPV: 98%, sensitivity: 50%, specificity: 100%, kappa value: .66)
      in the peripheral blood smear had an acceptable agreement for sickle cell
      disease. CONCLUSION: These two biological markers may guide the clinician in the
      decision-making to initiate the management of the children as a sickle cell
      patient, pending confirmation of the disease by electrophoresis techniques.

PMID- 28094444
TI  - The Current State of NAD+ -Dependent Histone Deacetylases (Sirtuins) as Novel
      Therapeutic Targets.
AB  - Sirtuins are NAD+ -dependent protein deacylases that cleave off acetyl, as well
      as other acyl groups, from the epsilon-amino group of lysines in histones and
      other substrate proteins. Seven sirtuin isotypes (Sirt1-7) have been identified
      in mammalian cells. As sirtuins are involved in the regulation of various
      physiological processes such as cell survival, cell cycle progression, apoptosis,
      DNA repair, cell metabolism, and caloric restriction, a dysregulation of their
      enzymatic activity has been associated with the pathogenesis of neoplastic,
      metabolic, infectious, and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, sirtuins are
      promising targets for pharmaceutical intervention. Growing interest in a
      modulation of sirtuin activity has prompted the discovery of several small
      molecules, able to inhibit or activate certain sirtuin isotypes. Herein, we give
      an update to our previous review on the topic in this journal (Schemies, 2010),
      focusing on recent developments in sirtuin biology, sirtuin modulators, and their
      potential as novel therapeutic agents.

PMID- 28094446
TI  - Deep sequencing of a candidate region harboring the SOX9 gene for the canine XX
      disorder of sex development.
AB  - A disorder of sex development (DSD) in dogs with female sex chromosomes (78, XX),
      a lack of the SRY gene and the presence of testes or ovotestes is commonly
      diagnosed in numerous breeds. The molecular background of DSD is not fully
      recognized but has been linked to the copy number variation in the region
      harboring the SOX9 gene. We applied a genome-wide association study and targeted
      next-generation sequencing techniques to compare DSD and normal female dogs. The
      genome-wide association study did not indicate a significant chromosome region.
      Targeted next-generation sequencing of a 1.5-Mb region on canine chromosome 9
      harboring the SOX9 gene revealed two putatively DSD-associated copy number
      variations 355 kb upstream and 691 kb downstream of SOX9, four blocks of low
      polymorphism and two blocks of an elevated heterozygosity. An initial next
      generation sequencing analysis showed an association with two SNPs, but
      validation in larger cohorts did not confirm this result. We identified a large
      homologous fragment (over 243.8 kb), named hfMAGI2, located upstream of SOX9,
      that overlaps a known copy number variation region. It shows a high sequence
      similarity with the 5' flanking region of the MAGI2 gene located on canine
      chromosome 18 that encodes a protein involved in ovary formation during early
      embryonic development. Our study showed that the identified copy number variation
      region located upstream of the SOX9 gene contains potential regulatory sequences
      (long non-coding RNA and hfMAGI2) and led to the assumption that a multiplication
      of this element may alter expression of the SOX9 gene, triggering the DSD
      phenotype.

PMID- 28094447
TI  - On the origins and genetic diversity of South American chickens: one step closer.
AB  - Local chicken populations are a major source of food in the rural areas of South
      America. However, very little is known about their genetic composition and
      diversity. Here, we analyzed five populations from South America to investigate
      their maternal genetic origin and diversity, hoping to mitigate the lack of
      information on local chicken populations from this region. We also included three
      populations of chicken from the Iberian Peninsula and one from Easter Island,
      which are potential sources of the first chickens introduced in South America.
      The obtained sequencing data from South American chickens indicate the presence
      of four haplogroups (A, B, E and D) that can be further subdivided into nine sub
      haplogroups. Of these, four (B1, D1a, E1a(b), E1b) were absent from local Iberian
      Peninsula chickens and one (D1a) was present only on Easter Island. The presence
      of the sub-haplogroups A1a(b) and E1a(b) in South America, previously only
      observed in Eastern Asia, and the significant population differentiation between
      Iberian Peninsula and South American populations, suggest a second maternal
      source of the extant genetic pool in South American chickens.

PMID- 28094445
TI  - Presynaptic inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1)
      receptors by noradrenaline in nociceptive neurons.
AB  - KEY POINTS: The transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptor is
      a polymodal molecular integrator in the pain pathway expressed in Adelta- and C
      fibre nociceptors and is responsible for the thermal hyperalgesia associated with
      inflammatory pain. Noradrenaline strongly inhibited the activity of TRPV1
      channels in dorsal root ganglia neurons. The effect of noradrenaline was
      reproduced by clonidine and antagonized by yohimbine, consistent with
      contribution of alpha2 adrenergic receptors. The inhibitory effect of
      noradrenaline on TRPV1 channels was dependent on calcium influx and linked to
      calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. In spinal cord slices, clonidine
      reduced the frequency of capsaicin-induced miniature EPSCs in the presence of
      tetrodotoxin and omega-conotoxin-MVIIC, consistent with inhibition of presynaptic
      TRPV1 channels by alpha2 adrenergic receptors. We suggest that modulation of
      presynaptic TRPV1 channels in nociceptive neurons by descending noradrenergic
      inputs may constitute a mechanism for noradrenaline to modulate incoming noxious
      stimuli in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. ABSTRACT: The transient receptor
      potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptor is a well-known contributor to
      nociceptor excitability. To address whether noradrenaline can down-regulate TRPV1
      channel activity in nociceptors and reduce their synaptic transmission, the
      effects of noradrenaline and clonidine were tested on the capsaicin-activated
      current recorded from acutely dissociated small diameter (<27 MUm) dorsal root
      ganglia (DRG) neurons and on miniature (m)EPSCs recorded from large lamina I
      neurons in horizontal spinal cord slices. Noradrenaline or clonidine inhibited
      the capsaicin-activated current by ~60%, and the effect was reversed by
      yohimbine, confirming that it was mediated by activation of alpha2 adrenergic
      receptors. Similarly, clonidine reduced the frequency of capsaicin-induced mEPSCs
      by ~60%. Inhibition of capsaicin-activated current by noradrenaline was mediated
      by GTP binding proteins, and was highly dependent on calcium influx. The
      inhibitory effect of noradrenaline on the capsaicin-activated current was not
      affected either by blocking the activity of protein kinase A with H89, or by
      blocking the activity of protein kinase C with bisindolylmaleimide II. In
      contrast, when the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was
      blocked with KN-93, the inhibitory effect of noradrenaline on the capsaicin
      activated current was greatly reduced, suggesting that activation of adrenergic
      receptors in DRG neurons is preferentially linked to CaMKII activity. We suggest
      that modulation of TRPV1 channels by noradrenaline in nociceptive neurons is a
      mechanism whereby noradrenaline may suppress incoming noxious stimuli at the
      primary synaptic afferents in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

PMID- 28094448
TI  - Human Antimicrobial Peptides in Bodily Fluids: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic
      Perspectives in the Postantibiotic Era.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an integral part of the innate immune defense
      mechanism of many organisms. Due to the alarming increase of resistance to
      antimicrobial therapeutics, a growing interest in alternative antimicrobial
      agents has led to the exploitation of AMPs, both synthetic and isolated from
      natural sources. Thus, many peptide-based drugs have been the focus of increasing
      attention by many researchers not only in identifying novel AMPs, but in defining
      mechanisms of antimicrobial peptide activity as well. Herein, we review the
      available strategies for the identification of AMPs in human body fluids and
      their mechanism(s) of action. In addition, an overview of the distribution of
      AMPs across different human body fluids is provided, as well as its relation with
      microorganisms and infectious conditions.

PMID- 28094450
TI  - Relational Priming Based on a Multiplicative Schema for Whole Numbers and
      Fractions.
AB  - Why might it be (at least sometimes) beneficial for adults to process fractions
      componentially? Recent research has shown that college-educated adults can
      capitalize on the bipartite structure of the fraction notation, performing more
      successfully with fractions than with decimals in relational tasks, notably
      analogical reasoning. This study examined patterns of relational priming for
      problems with fractions in a task that required arithmetic computations. College
      students were asked to judge whether or not multiplication equations involving
      fractions were correct. Some equations served as structurally inverse primes for
      the equation that immediately followed it (e.g., 4 * 3/4 = 3 followed by 3 * 8/6
      = 4). Students with relatively high math ability showed relational priming
      (speeded solution times to the second of two successive relationally related
      fraction equations) both with and without high perceptual similarity (Experiment
      2). Students with relatively low math ability also showed priming, but only when
      the structurally inverse equation pairs were supported by high perceptual
      similarity between numbers (e.g., 4 * 3/4 = 3 followed by 3 * 4/3 = 4). Several
      additional experiments established boundary conditions on relational priming with
      fractions. These findings are interpreted in terms of componential processing of
      fractions in a relational multiplication context that takes advantage of their
      inherent connections to a multiplicative schema for whole numbers.

PMID- 28094451
TI  - Development of Diversity Arrays Technology markers as a tool for rapid genomic
      assessment in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.
AB  - The development of genomic markers is described for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis
      niloticus, using the Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) genotype-by-sequencing
      platform. A total of 13 215 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and 12
      490 silicoDArT (dominant) markers were identified from broodstock of two
      selective breeding programs [Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain
      from Malaysia and the Abbassa strain from Egypt]. Over 10 000 SNPs were
      polymorphic in either strain, and 2985 and 3087 showed strain-specific
      polymorphisms for the GIFT and Abbassa strains respectively. We demonstrate the
      potential utility of these markers for rapid genomic screening and use in
      breeding programs.

PMID- 28094449
TI  - Genetic diversity and patterns of population structure in Creole goats from the
      Americas.
AB  - Biodiversity studies are more efficient when large numbers of breeds belonging to
      several countries are involved, as they allow for an in-depth analysis of the
      within- and between-breed components of genetic diversity. A set of 21
      microsatellites was used to investigate the genetic composition of 24 Creole goat
      breeds (910 animals) from 10 countries to estimate levels of genetic variability,
      infer population structure and understand genetic relationships among populations
      across the American continent. Three commercial transboundary breeds were
      included in the analyses to investigate admixture with Creole goats. Overall, the
      genetic diversity of Creole populations (mean number of alleles = 5.82 +/- 1.14,
      observed heterozygosity = 0.585 +/- 0.074) was moderate and slightly lower than
      what was detected in other studies with breeds from other regions. The Bayesian
      clustering analysis without prior information on source populations identified 22
      breed clusters. Three groups comprised more than one population, namely from
      Brazil (Azul and Grauna; Moxoto and Repartida) and Argentina (Long and shorthair
      Chilluda, Pampeana Colorada and Angora-type goat). Substructure was found in
      Criolla Paraguaya. When prior information on sample origin was considered, 92% of
      the individuals were assigned to the source population (threshold q >= 0.700).
      Creole breeds are well-differentiated entities (mean coefficient of genetic
      differentiation = 0.111 +/- 0.048, with the exception of isolated island
      populations). Dilution from admixture with commercial transboundary breeds
      appears to be negligible. Significant levels of inbreeding were detected
      (inbreeding coefficient > 0 in most Creole goat populations, P < 0.05). Our
      results provide a broad perspective on the extant genetic diversity of Creole
      goats, however further studies are needed to understand whether the observed
      geographical patterns of population structure may reflect the mode of goat
      colonization in the Americas.

PMID- 28094452
TI  - The dipteran parasitoid Exorista bombycis induces pro- and anti-oxidative
      reactions in the silkworm Bombyx mori: Enzymatic and genetic analysis.
AB  - Hymenopteran parasitoids inject various factors including polydnaviruses along
      with their eggs into their host insects that suppress host immunity reactions to
      the eggs and larvae. Less is known about the mechanisms evolved in dipteran
      parasitoids that suppress host immunity. Here we report that the dipteran,
      Exorista bombycis, parasitization leads to pro-oxidative reactions and activation
      of anti-oxidative enzymes in the silkworm Bombyx mori larva. We recorded
      increased activity of oxidase, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin peroxidase,
      catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and peroxidases in the hemolymph
      plasma, hemocytes, and fat body collected from B. mori after E. bombycis
      parasitization. Microarray and qPCR showed differential expression of genes
      encoding pro- and anti-oxidant enzymes in the hemocytes. The significance of this
      work lies in increased understanding of dipteran parasitoid biology.

PMID- 28094453
TI  - Down-regulation of a chitin synthase a gene by RNA interference enhances
      pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana ANU1 against Spodoptera exigua (HUBNER).
AB  - Chitin synthase (CHS) is an important enzymatic component, which is required for
      chitin formation in the cuticles and cuticular linings of other tissues in
      insects. CHSs have been divided into two classes, classes A and B, based on their
      amino acid sequence similarities and functions. Class A CHS (CHS-A) is
      specifically expressed in the epidermis and related ectodermal cells such as
      tracheal cells, while class B CHS (CHS-B) is expressed in gut epithelial cells
      that produce peritrophic matrices. In this study, we cloned the CHS-A gene from
      the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (SeCHS-A). The SeCHS-A contains an open
      reading frame of 4,698 nucleotides, encoding a protein of 1,565 amino acids with
      a predicted molecular mass of approximately 177.8 kDa. The SeCHS-A mRNA was
      expressed in all developmental stages and specifically in the epidermis and
      tracheae tissue by quantitative real-time-PCR analysis. Expression of SeCHS-A
      gene was suppressed by feeding double-stranded RNA (dsCHS-A, 400 ng/larva) in the
      third instar larvae of S. exigua. Suppression of the SeCHS-A gene expression
      significantly increased 35% of mortality on pupation of S. exigua. Also, the
      third instar larvae fed with dsCHS-A significantly increased susceptibility to
      entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana ANU1 at 3 days after treatment. These
      results suggest that the SeCHS-A gene plays an important role in development of
      S. exigua and RNA interference may apply to effective pest control with B.
      bassiana.

PMID- 28094454
TI  - Boosting the reserves: additive regulation of cardiac repolarisation.

PMID- 28094455
TI  - Body regions have an impact on the collagen/elastin index of the skin measured by
      non-invasive in vivo vertical two-photon microscopy.
AB  - It is known that the collagen and elastin fibre structures are changing with age.
      There is little knowledge about the influence of body area as these
      investigations have been limited for ethical reasons, so far. Thus, modified non
      invasive two-photon microscopy was used providing vertical optical sections of
      second harmonic generation and autofluorescence to calculate the collagen-to
      elastin ratio and its alterations depending on the investigated body site in
      vivo. The results of this study indicate that the impact of different body areas
      could be higher than the influence of age and should be considered in future
      studies.

PMID- 28094456
TI  - Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia: 2017 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and
      management.
AB  - : Disease Overview: Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic
      lymphoma with immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal protein. Clinical features
      include anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and rarely
      hyperviscosity. DIAGNOSIS: Presence of IgM monoclonal protein associated with
      >=10% clonal lymphoplasmacytic cells in bone marrow confirms the diagnosis. The
      L265P mutation in MYD88 is detectable in more than 90% of patients. Risk
      Stratification: Age, hemoglobin level, platelet count, beta2 microglobulin, and
      monoclonal IgM concentrations are characteristics required for prognosis. Risk
      Adapted Therapy: Not all patients who fulfill WM criteria require therapy; these
      patients can be observed until symptoms develop. Rituximab-based therapy is used
      in virtually all U.S. patients with WM and can be combined with bendamustine, an
      alkylating agent, or a proteosome inhibitor. Purine nucleoside analogues are
      widely used in Europe. The preferred Mayo Clinic nonstudy therapeutic induction
      is rituximab and bendamustine. Potential for stem cell transplantation should be
      considered in induction therapy selection. Management of Refractory Disease:
      Bortezomib, fludarabine, thalidomide, everolimus, ibrutinib, carfilzomib,
      lenalidomide, and bendamustine have all been shown to have activity in WM. Given
      WM's natural history, reduction of complications will be a priority for future
      treatment trials. Am. J. Hematol. 92:209-217, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 28094457
TI  - Granzyme A potentiates chemokine production in IL-17-stimulated keratinocytes.
AB  - Plaque psoriasis presents with focal skin inflammation, partially maintained by
      IL-17-mediated interactions between infiltrating epidermal T cells and activated
      keratinocytes. Here we show that the majority of lesional epidermal CD8 T cells
      express granzyme A, alone or in combination with IL-17. To assess proinflammatory
      properties of granzyme A in psoriasis, primary human keratinocytes were
      stimulated with granzyme A in the presence or absence of IL-17. Out of 33
      analysed keratinocyte-derived inflammatory mediators, granzyme A potentiated IL
      17-induced secretion of CXCL 1, CXCL 12 and CCL 4. Intriguingly, all three
      chemokines are implicated in psoriasis pathogenesis and are involved in
      recruitment of T cells, neutrophils and pDCs into inflamed tissues. Our results
      indicate that granzyme A produced by lesional CD8 T cells specifically increase
      the chemokine production from inflamed keratinocytes, thereby amplifying a
      chemotactic inflammatory loop that sustains psoriasis lesions.

PMID- 28094459
TI  - Investigation of Binding Behavior between Drug Molecule 5-Fluoracil and M4 L4 
      Type Tetrahedral Cages: Selectivity, Capture, and Release.
AB  - Two analogous M4 L4 -type tetrahedral cages (smaller: MOC-19; larger: MOC-22)
      were synthesized and investigated for their interactions with the anticancer drug
      5-fluoracil (5-FU) by NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray-ionization
      mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), and molecular simulation. The cage's size and
      window are of importance for the host-guest binding, and consequently the smaller
      MOC-19 with a more suitable size of cavity window was found to have much stronger
      hydrogen-bond interactions with 5-FU. The porous nanoparticles of MOC-19
      exhibited outstanding behavior for the controlled release of 5-FU in a simulated
      human body with liquid phosphate-buffered saline solution.

PMID- 28094458
TI  - Inquiring about insomnia may facilitate diagnosis of depression in the primary
      care setting.
AB  - AIM: Depression is often undiagnosed in primary care. Asking about sleep status
      is much easier than asking about mood. This study was conducted to examine the
      relation between insomnia and depression. METHODS: New patients aged 35-64 years
      were recruited from internal medicine clinics in Japan. Self-administered
      questionnaires were employed. Depression was evaluated by the Zung Self-Rating
      Depression Scale and the Profile of Mood States. Sleep status was investigated
      using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Likelihood ratios of insomnia for
      depression were calculated. To assess the relation between insomnia and
      depression independent of confounding factors, adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multiple logistic regression
      analyses. RESULTS: Among 598 subjects, 153 (25.6%) were assessed as having
      depression. 'Very bad sleep quality, with difficulty falling asleep within 30 min
      >=3 times/week' showed a positive likelihood ratio of 20.36 (95%CI, 2.53-164)
      while 'not very good sleep quality' had a negative likelihood ratio of 0.32
      (95%CI, 0.14-0.72). Adjusted for sex, age, underlying diseases, major life
      events, lifestyle habits, and relationship problems, significant OR for
      depression were observed for 'difficulty falling asleep within 30 min >=3
      times/week' (OR, 2.53; 95%CI, 1.07-5.98), 'waking up in the middle of the night
      or early morning >=3 times/week' (OR, 3.09; 95%CI, 1.58-6.05), and 'fairly bad
      sleep quality' (OR, 3.65; 95%CI, 1.34-9.96). CONCLUSION: Inquiring about the
      weekly frequency of difficulty 'falling asleep within 30 min,' 'waking up in the
      middle of the night or early morning,' and 'sleep quality' may help to diagnose
      depression.

PMID- 28094460
TI  - N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Intramolecular Nucleophilic Substitution:
      Enantioselective Construction of All-Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters.
AB  - An efficient enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed
      intramolecular SN 2' nucleophilic substitution of aldehydes with (E/Z)
      trisubstituted allylic bromides was accomplished. A range of enantioenriched
      chromanones bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter at the C3 position were
      prepared with up to 97 % yield and 98 % enantiomeric excess. The resulting vinyl
      and carbonyl groups in these products can be transformed into a variety of
      synthetically important building blocks.

PMID- 28094461
TI  - Comparison of the 32-item Hypomania Checklist, the 33-item Hypomania Checklist,
      and the Mood Disorders Questionnaire for bipolar disorder.
AB  - AIM: Bipolar disorder (BD) is frequently misdiagnosed as major depressive
      disorder (MDD) and hence reliable and culturally appropriate screening tools are
      needed. This study compared the 32-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32), the 33-item
      Hypomania Checklist (HCL-33), and the Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ) for BD.
      METHODS: Altogether, 350 depressed patients were included. The HCL-32, HCL-33,
      and MDQ were completed by patients to identify manic and/or hypomanic symptoms.
      The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative
      predictive value (NPV), and area under the curve among the HCL-32, HCL-33, and
      MDQ for BD and MDD were calculated and compared, using cut-offs suggested by
      respective validation studies. RESULTS: Of the three scales, the MDQ had the
      highest sensitivity and NPV (sensitivity = 0.90, 0.81, and 0.90 for BD vs MDD, BD
      I vs MDD, and BD-II vs MDD, respectively; NPV = 0.78, 0.86, and 0.86 for BD vs
      MDD, BD-I vs MDD, and BD-II vs MDD, respectively), while the HCL-33 had the
      highest specificity and PPV (specificity = 0.74, 0.69, and 0.66 for BD vs MDD, BD
      I vs MDD, and BD-II vs MDD, respectively; PPV = 0.74, 0.55, and 0.56 for BD vs
      MDD, BD-I vs MDD, and BD-II vs MDD, respectively). CONCLUSION: Compared to both
      HCL scales, the MDQ had higher sensitivity and lower specificity in screening for
      BD. These results contradict previous findings in Western populations. As a
      screening instrument for BD in Chinese clinical settings, the MDQ appears to be
      appropriate.

PMID- 28094462
TI  - Orientation of the OmpF Porin in Planar Lipid Bilayers.
AB  - The outer-membrane protein OmpF is an abundant trimeric general diffusion porin
      that plays a central role in the transport of antibiotics and colicins across the
      outer membrane of E. coli. Individual OmpF trimers in planar lipid bilayers
      (PLBs) show one of two current-voltage asymmetries, thus implying that insertion
      occurs with either the periplasmic or the extracellular end first. A method for
      establishing the orientation of OmpF in PLB was developed, based on targeted
      covalent modification with membrane-impermeant reagents of peripheral cysteine
      residues introduced near the periplasmic or the extracellular entrance. By
      correlating the results of the modification experiments with measurements of
      current asymmetry or the sidedness of binding of the antibiotic enrofloxacin,
      OmpF orientation could be quickly determined in subsequent experiments under a
      variety of conditions. Our work will allow the precise interpretation of past and
      future studies of antibiotic permeation and protein translocation through OmpF
      and related porins.

PMID- 28094463
TI  - Network over-connectivity differentiates autism spectrum disorder from other
      developmental disorders in toddlers: A diffusion MRI study.
AB  - Advanced connectivity studies in toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are
      increasing and consistently reporting a disruption of brain connectivity.
      However, most of these studies compare ASD and typically developing subjects,
      thus providing little information on the specificity of the abnormalities
      detected in comparison with other developmental disorders (other-DD). We
      recruited subjects aged below 36 months who received a clinical diagnosis of
      Neurodevelopmental Disorder (32 ASD and 16 other-DD including intellectual
      disability and language disorder) according to DSM-IV TR. Structural and
      diffusion MRI were acquired to perform whole brain probabilistic and anatomically
      constrained tractography. Network connectivity matrices were built encoding the
      number of streamlines (DNUM ) and the tract-averaged fractional anisotropy (DFA )
      values connecting each pair of cortical and subcortical regions. Network Based
      Statistics (NBS) was finally applied on the connectivity matrices to evaluate the
      network differences between the ASD and other-DD groups. The network differences
      resulted in an over-connectivity pattern (i.e., higher DNUM and DFA values) in
      the ASD group with a significance of P < 0.05. No contra-comparison results were
      found. The over-connectivity pattern in ASD occurred in networks primarily
      involving the fronto-temporal nodes, known to be crucial for social-skill
      development and basal ganglia, related to restricted and repetitive behaviours in
      ASD. To our knowledge, this is the first network-based diffusion study comparing
      toddlers with ASD and those with other-DD. Results indicate the detection of
      different connectivity patterns in ASD and other-DD at an age when clinical
      differential diagnosis is often challenging. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2333-2344, 2017.
      (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28094464
TI  - Test-retest reliability of functional connectivity networks during naturalistic
      fMRI paradigms.
AB  - Functional connectivity analysis has become a powerful tool for probing the human
      brain function and its breakdown in neuropsychiatry disorders. So far, most
      studies adopted resting-state paradigm to examine functional connectivity
      networks in the brain, thanks to its low demand and high tolerance that are
      essential for clinical studies. However, the test-retest reliability of resting
      state connectivity measures is moderate, potentially due to its low behavioral
      constraint. On the other hand, naturalistic neuroimaging paradigms, an emerging
      approach for cognitive neuroscience with high ecological validity, could
      potentially improve the reliability of functional connectivity measures. To test
      this hypothesis, we characterized the test-retest reliability of functional
      connectivity measures during a natural viewing condition, and benchmarked it
      against resting-state connectivity measures acquired within the same functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) session. We found that the reliability of
      connectivity and graph theoretical measures of brain networks is significantly
      improved during natural viewing conditions over resting-state conditions, with an
      average increase of almost 50% across various connectivity measures. Not only
      sensory networks for audio-visual processing become more reliable, higher order
      brain networks, such as default mode and attention networks, but also appear to
      show higher reliability during natural viewing. Our results support the use of
      natural viewing paradigms in estimating functional connectivity of brain
      networks, and have important implications for clinical application of fMRI. Hum
      Brain Mapp 38:2226-2241, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28094465
TI  - Determining the effective coverage of maternal and child health services in
      Kenya, using demographic and health survey data sets: tracking progress towards
      universal health coverage.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Effective coverage (EC) is a measure of health systems' performance
      that combines need, use and quality indicators. This study aimed to assess the
      extent to which the Kenyan health system provides effective and equitable
      maternal and child health services, as a means of tracking the country's progress
      towards universal health coverage. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Demographic Health
      Surveys (2003, 2008-2009 and 2014) and Service Provision Assessment surveys
      (2004, 2010) were the main sources of data. Indicators of need, use and quality
      for eight maternal and child health interventions were aggregated across
      interventions and economic quintiles to compute EC. EC has increased from 26.7%
      in 2003 to 50.9% in 2014, but remains low for the majority of interventions.
      There is a reduction in economic inequalities in EC with the highest to lowest
      wealth quintile ratio decreasing from 2.41 in 2003 to 1.65 in 2014, but maternal
      health services remain highly inequitable. CONCLUSIONS: Effective coverage of key
      maternal and child health services remains low, indicating that individuals are
      not receiving the maximum possible health gain from existing health services.
      There is an urgent need to focus on the quality and reach of maternal and child
      health services in Kenya to achieve the goals of universal health coverage.

PMID- 28094466
TI  - Effects of beta-blockers on all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes
      and coronary heart disease.
AB  - AIMS: To assess whether the use of beta-blockers influences mortality and the
      incidence of major cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and coronary
      heart disease (CHD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from the Bypass
      Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes trial, we performed Cox
      proportional hazards analysis to assess the effects of beta-blockers on all-cause
      mortality in 2244 patients with type 2 diabetes who had stable CHD with and
      without a history of myocardial infarction (MI)/heart failure with reduced left
      ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). RESULTS: All-cause mortality in patients
      with MI/HFrEF was significantly lower in those receiving beta-blockers than in
      those not receiving beta-blockers (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 0.37-0.98; P  = .04), whereas that in patients without
      MI/HFrEF did not significantly differ (adjusted HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.76-1.32; P  =
      .64). Among patients with MI/HFrEF, all-cause mortality in those who received
      intensive medical therapy alone for CHD was significantly lower in those on beta
      blockers than in those not on beta-blockers (adjusted HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.23-0.88;
      P  = .02); however, mortality in patients who received early revascularization
      for CHD was not significantly lower in those on beta-blockers (adjusted HR 0.81,
      95% CI 0.40-1.65; P  = .57). The risk of major cardiovascular events in patients
      without MI/HFrEF was not significantly different between those on and those not
      on beta-blocker treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with diabetes and CHD, the
      use of beta-blockers was effective in reducing all-cause mortality in those with
      MI/HFrEF but not in those without MI/HFrEF.

PMID- 28094467
TI  - Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Essential Oil from Leaves
      and Flowers of Pulicaria incisa sub. candolleana (Family Asteraceae).
AB  - The composition of the essential oil isolated from leaves and flowers of
      Pulicaria incisa sub. candolleana E. Gamal-Eldin, growing in Egypt, was analysed
      by GC and GC-MS. Forty-nine and 68 compounds were identified from the oils of the
      leaves and flowers accounting for 86.69 and 84.29%, respectively of the total
      detected constituents. Both leaves and flowers oils were characterized by the
      high content of carvotanacetone with 66.01, 50.87 and chrysanthenone 13.26,
      24.3%, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of both essential oils was evaluated
      against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HEPG-2, using MTT assay and
      vinblastine as a reference drug. Leaf oil showed higher activity with IC50 11.4
      MUg/ml compared with 37.4 MUg/ml for flower oil. The antimicrobial activity of
      both oils was evaluated using agar well diffusion method towards two
      representatives for each of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as well as
      four representatives for fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both
      essential oils against bacterial and fungal strains was obtained in the range of
      0.49 - 15.63 MUg/ml.

PMID- 28094468
TI  - Long-term outcomes of transobturator tapes in women with stress urinary
      incontinence: E-TOT randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term patient-reported outcomes and adverse events
      following surgery using transobturator tension-free vaginal tape (TO-TVT).
      DESIGN: Postal follow-up of the E-TOT randomised controlled trial (RCT). SETTING:
      A tertiary urogynaecology centre in the UK; all procedures took place in 2005
      2007. POPULATION: A total of 341 women were randomised to receive either 'inside
      out' TVT-O (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA) or 'outside-in' TOT-ARIS
      (Coloplast Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA) procedure. METHODS: Long-term follow-up
      (median 9 years) using validated symptom severity and quality-of-life (QoL)
      questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using spss 22.0 and GraphPad
      statistics 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was patient-reported
      success rate, defined as 'very much/much improved' on the Patient's Global
      Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale. Secondary outcomes included impact on
      women's QoL and sexual function, adverse events, and re-operations for stress
      urinary incontinence (SUI). RESULTS: The adjusted response rate was 67.8% and the
      median follow-up period was 9.2 years. The overall patient-reported success rate
      was 71.6%, with a further 14% reporting 'improvement', and there was no
      significant difference between inside-out and outside-in groups (P = 0.76; odds
      ratio, OR 0.8676; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.4744-1.5865). The success
      rate showed a significant reduction compared with 1-year results (71.6 versus
      80%; P = 0.004), but a clinically insignificant reduction when compared with the
      3-year results (71.6 versus 73.1%). A total of 7.96% underwent further continence
      surgery, the tape extrusion/erosion rate was 4.5%, and groin pain/discomfort was
      reported in 4.32%, with only 1.4% requiring treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      largest and longest follow-up randomised trial of TO-TVT. TO-TVT is associated
      with 71.6% patient-reported success rate, 4% groin pain/discomfort, and 8%
      continence re-operation rate at a median of 9 years follow-up. The success rate
      is almost stable after 3 years. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: The success rate for TO-TVT
      is 71% at 9 years, and is almost stable after 3 years; 8% required repeat
      surgery.

PMID- 28094469
TI  - Immunohistochemical assessment of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R)
      expression in the pancreas of patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone which stimulates
      insulin release and inhibits glucagon secretion from the pancreas in a glucose
      dependent manner. Incretin-based therapies, consisting of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R)
      agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, are used for the
      treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Immunohistochemical studies for GLP-1R
      expression have been hampered previously by the use of unspecific polyclonal
      antibodies. This study aimed to assess the expression levels of GLP-1R in a set
      of T2D donor samples obtained via nPOD. METHODS: This study used a new monoclonal
      antibody to assess GLP-1R expression in pancreatic tissue from 23 patients with
      T2D, including 7 with a DPP-4 inhibitor and 1 with a history of GLP-1R agonist
      treatment. A software-based automated image analysis algorithm was used for
      quantitating intensities and area fractions of GLP-1R positive compartments.
      RESULTS: The highest intensity GLP-1R immunostaining was seen in beta-cells in
      islets (average signal intensity, 76.1 [+/-8.1]). GLP-1R/insulin double-labelled
      single cells or small clusters of cells were also frequently located within or in
      close vicinity of ductal epithelium in all samples and with the same GLP-1R
      immunostaining intensity as found in beta-cells in islets. In the exocrine
      pancreas a large proportion of acinar cells expressed GLP-1R with a 3-fold lower
      intensity of immunoreactivity as compared to beta-cells (average signal intensity
      25.5 [+/-3,3]). Our studies did not unequivocally demonstrate GLP-1R
      immunoreactivity on normal-appearing ductal epithelium. Pancreatic
      intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs; a form of non-invasive pancreatic ductular
      neoplasia) was seen in most samples, and a minority of these expressed low levels
      of GLP-1R. CONCLUSION: These data confirm the ubiquity of early stage PanIN
      lesions in patients with T2D and do not support the hypothesis that incretin
      based therapies are associated with progression towards the more advanced stage
      PanIN lesions.

PMID- 28094470
TI  - Mechanistic Studies of Cyclohexene Oxide/CO2 Copolymerization by a Chromium(III)
      Pyridylamine-Bis(Phenolate) Complex.
AB  - Chromium(III) chlorido amine-bis(phenolate) complexes paired with nucleophilic co
      catalysts are a promising family of catalysts for the copolymerization of CO2 and
      epoxides to selectively produce polycarbonates with a very high degree of
      carbonate linkages. Single-component catalyst systems can be prepared, where the
      neutral nucleophile, 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), is coordinated to the metal
      site to provide a stable octahedral CrIII complex. These complexes possess the
      potential for both anionic (from the chlorido ligand) or neutral (DMAP)
      nucleophilic epoxide ring-opening during the proposed rate-determining initiation
      step. Concentration effect studies support a first-order dependence of the
      polymerization rate on the concentration of single-component catalyst. End-group
      analysis of polycarbonates by MALDI-TOF MS indicate the presence of predominantly
      DMAP-initiated chains as well as the occurrence of chain-transfer events
      resulting in ether linkages, likely from the presence of cyclohexene diol formed
      by the reaction of cyclohexene oxide and adventitious water.

PMID- 28094471
TI  - Cleanable Air Filter Transferring Moisture and Effectively Capturing PM2.5.
AB  - The lethal danger of particulate matter (PM) pollution on health leads to the
      development of challenging individual protection materials that should ideally
      exhibit a high PM2.5 purification efficiency, low air resistance, an important
      moisture-vapor transmission rate (MVTR), and an easy-to-clean property. Herein, a
      cleanable air filter able to rapidly transfer moisture and efficiently capture
      PM2.5 is designed by electrospinning superhydrophilic polyacrylonitrile/silicon
      dioxide fibers as the adsorption-desorption vector for moisture-vapor, and
      hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride fibers as the repellent components to avoid
      the formation of capillary water under high humidity. The desorption rate of
      water molecules increases from 10 to 18 mg min-1 , while the diameters of
      polyacrylonitrile fibers reduce from 1.02 to 0.14 um. Significantly, by
      introducing the hydroxyl on the surface of polyacrylonitrile nanofibers, rapid
      adsorption-desorption of the water molecules is observed. Moreover, by
      constructing a hydrophobic to super-hydrophilic gradient structure, the MVTR
      increases from 10 346 to 14 066 g m-2 d-1 . Interestingly, the prepared fibrous
      membranes is easy to clean. More importantly, benefiting from enhanced slip
      effect, the resultant fibrous membranes presented a low air resistance of 86 Pa.
      A field test in Shanghai shows that the air filter maintains stable PM2.5
      purification efficiency of 99.99% at high MVTR during haze event.

PMID- 28094473
TI  - Transmeatal tympanoplasty of subtotal and anterior perforations: a single
      institution experience including 94 patients.

PMID- 28094472
TI  - Outpatient 60-hour day-and-night glucose control with dual-hormone artificial
      pancreas, single-hormone artificial pancreas, or sensor-augmented pump therapy in
      adults with type 1 diabetes: An open-label, randomised, crossover, controlled
      trial.
AB  - AIMS: To assess whether the dual-hormone (insulin and glucagon) artificial
      pancreas reduces hypoglycaemia compared to the single-hormone (insulin alone)
      artificial pancreas in outpatient settings during the day and night. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: In a randomized, three-way, crossover trial we compared the dual-hormone
      artificial pancreas, the single-hormone artificial pancreas and sensor-augmented
      pump therapy (control) in 23 adults with type 1 diabetes. Each intervention was
      applied from 8 AM Day 1 to 8 PM Day 3 (60 hours) in outpatient free-living
      conditions. The primary outcome was time spent with sensor glucose levels below
      4.0 mmol/L. A P value of less than .017 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: The
      median difference between the dual-hormone system and the single-hormone system
      was -2.3% (P = .072) for time spent below 4.0 mmol/L, -1.3% (P = .017) for time
      below 3.5 mmol/L, and -0.7% (P = .031) for time below 3.3 mmol/L. Both systems
      reduced (P < .017) hypoglycaemia below 4.0, 3.5 and 3.3 mmol/L compared to
      control therapy, but reductions were larger with the dual-hormone system than
      with the single-hormone system (medians -4.0% vs -3.4% for 4.0 mmol/L; -2.7% vs 
      2.2% for 3.5 mmol/L; and -2.2% vs -1.2% for 3.3 mmol/L). There were 34
      hypoglycaemic events (<3.0 mmol/L for 20 minutes) with control therapy, 14 with
      the single-hormone system and 6 with the dual-hormone system. These differences
      in hypoglycaemia were observed while mean glucose level was low and comparable in
      all interventions (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The dual-hormone artificial pancreas had
      the lowest risk of hypoglycaemia, but the differences were not statistically
      significant. Larger studies are needed.

PMID- 28094475
TI  - Spotlights on our sister journals: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 5/2017.

PMID- 28094474
TI  - Introduction: integrative molecular ecology is rapidly advancing the study of
      adaptation and speciation.

PMID- 28094476
TI  - DNA-Encoded Compound Libraries as Open Source: A Powerful Pathway to New Drugs.
AB  - "... We envisioned an iterative system where a unique DNA tag identifier that
      encoded the event was appended to each newly formed molecule. These vast
      collections of molecules are known today as DNA- encoded chemical libraries
      (DECLs), and allow scientists to do selections on the benchtop that previously
      required access to large and complex high-throughput screening centers ..." Read
      more in the Guest Editorial by Richard A. Lerner and Sydney Brenner.

PMID- 28094477
TI  - Effects of intravenous lidocaine, dexmedetomidine and their combination on
      postoperative pain and bowel function recovery after abdominal hysterectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intravenous (IV) lidocaine and dexmedetomidine have been shown to
      decrease postoperative pain, reduce analgesic consumption and facilitate return
      of bowel function. We investigated whether lidocaine combined with
      dexmedetomidine infusion was superior in controlling pain and recovery of bowel
      function. METHODS: A total of 240 women undergoing elective abdominal
      hysterectomy were randomly assigned into four groups: group CON received normal
      saline infusion, group LIDO received lidocaine infusion (1.5 mg/kg loading, 1.5
      mg/kg/h infusion), group DEX received dexmedetomidine infusion (0.5 ug/kg
      loading, 0.4 ug/kg/h infusion) and group LIDO+DEX received lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg
      loading, 1.5 mg/kg/h infusion) and dexmedetomidine infusions (0.5 ug/kg loading,
      0.4 ug/kg/h infusion). The primary outcome was visual analog pain scale (VAS)
      scores at 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. The secondary outcomes
      included time to first bowel sounds and flatus, postoperative fentanyl
      requirement and perioperative propofol and remifentanil consumption. RESULTS: The
      VAS scores were significantly lower in groups LIDO and DEX at 4, 8, and 12 hours
      compared to group CON after surgery (P<0.01). The VAS scores were also
      significantly lower in group LIDO+DEX at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours compared to
      other three groups after surgery (P<0.01). Time to first bowel sounds and flatus
      was significantly shorter in groups LIDO and LIDO+DEX than groups CON and DEX
      (P<0.01). Postoperative fentanyl requirement was significantly lower in group
      LIDO at 1 and 4 hours and in group DEX at 1, 4, 8 hours compared to group CON
      after surgery (P<0.01). Postoperative fentanyl requirement was also significantly
      lower in group LIDO+DEX at 1, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours compared to other three
      groups after surgery (P<0.01). Propofol and remifentanil consumption was
      significantly lower in groups LIDO, DEX and LIDO+DEX compared to group CON
      (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine combined with dexmedetomidine infusion
      significantly improved postoperative pain and enhanced recovery of bowel function
      undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.

PMID- 28094478
TI  - Fluid management in cardiac surgery patients: pitfalls, challenges and solutions.
AB  - Fluid administration is a powerful tool for hemodynamic stabilization as it
      increases preload and improves cardiac function in fluid-responsive patients.
      However, there are various types of fluid to choose from. The use of colloids and
      crystalloids in non-cardiac Intensive Care Units (ICU) has been reported, showing
      controversial results. Many trials on sepsis in a non-cardiac ICU setting show
      that colloids, in particular hydroxyethyl starches and gelatins, might have a
      detrimental effect on kidney function, and on major outcomes such as mortality.
      Many small randomized clinical trials focusing on coagulation and bleeding show
      controversial results regarding fluid safety during the perioperative period in
      cardiac surgery, and in the cardiac ICU. No definitive data are available on the
      superiority of one fluid compared with another for fluid replacement after
      cardiac surgery. Only few data are available regarding the impact of fluids on
      kidney function in the cardiac ICU. On the other hand, there is much evidence
      showing that fluid administration requires strict protocols and close monitoring.
      Improved clinical outcomes are evident in protocols for goal-directed therapy. In
      conclusion, the application of a close monitoring and a pre-defined goal-directed
      protocol are far more important than the choice of a single fluid. This review
      examines the available evidence on fluid management in cardiac surgery and in the
      ICU, and analyzes the key steps of fluid strategy in these settings.

PMID- 28094479
TI  - Retromolar laryngoscopy: a randomized crossover vocal cords visualization study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vocal cords visualization is a major determinant for successful
      tracheal intubation. The aim of our study was to compare vocal cord visualization
      by using conventional direct laryngoscopy with retromolar direct laryngoscopy in
      patients with an existing retromolar gap at the right mandible. METHODS: We
      enrolled 100 adults needing endotracheal intubation for elective surgery. In each
      patient, the vocal cords were visualized and scored according to Cormack and
      Lehane with a Macintosh blade #3 for conventional technique and with a Miller
      blade #4 for the retromolar technique in a randomized sequence. Finally, tracheal
      intubation was performed primarily by conventional laryngoscopy and in the case
      of failing retromolar laryngoscopy was used as the rescue method. RESULTS:
      Overall 100 laryngoscopies with the conventional method and 100 laryngoscopies
      with the retromolar method were scored according to Cormack and Lehane. The
      retromolar technique achieved significant (P=0.000003) lower Cormack and Lehane
      scores compared to the conventional technique. In eleven patients, intubation by
      conventional laryngoscopy failed and seven of those patients were successfully
      intubated by the retromolar technique. A BURP-maneuver significantly improved
      vocal cord visualization during both methods. CONCLUSIONS: In summary,
      laryngoscopy via the retromolar method by using a Miller blade #4 lead to a
      significantly better vocal cord visualization compared to the conventional method
      performed with a Macintosh blade #3 in patients with an existing retromolar gap
      on the right side.

PMID- 28094480
TI  - Anesthetic complications during general anesthesia without intravenous access in
      pediatric ophthalmologic clinic: assessment of 5216 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: General anesthesia utilizing inhalational agents without intravenous
      (IV) access for minor procedures is controversial. Eliminating IV access
      increases efficiency and patient satisfaction; however, the ability to introduce
      rapid acting medications into the circulation during an unanticipated emergency
      becomes challenging. The objective of this study was to examine complication risk
      following pediatric ophthalmologic examinations under anesthesia (EUA) without IV
      placement. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive pediatric patients who
      underwent EUA for retinoblastoma management was performed from 2004 to 2014. The
      total number of anesthetics and elective IV placement were identified. Patient
      characteristics, length of the procedure, laryngeal mask airway (LMA) placement,
      and complications were also recorded. A survey of specialized ophthalmology
      institutions was performed in order to ascertain the state of standard practices.
      RESULTS: Over 10 years, 5216 anesthetics were identified. The mean age and weight
      of the patients were 2.7+/-2.0 years and 14.4+/-6.6 kg, respectively. In all, 298
      elective IVs were placed (6%) and 4918 cases (94%) were performed without IV
      access. A total of 1687 (32%) anesthetics were administered with a laryngeal mask
      airway (LMA), of which 1389 (82%) did not have IV access. There were no deaths
      and no unplanned admissions. There were 8/5216 complications (0.153%) which all
      resolved safely. CONCLUSIONS: The current study shows that it is safe to perform
      EUA and procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma in pediatric
      patients without securing IV access. All emergency post-complication IV
      placements were successful and no long-term sequelae were seen.

PMID- 28094481
TI  - Influence of the thoracic epidural anesthesia on the left ventricular function:
      an echocardiographic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) is widely used for major surgery,
      but studies assessing its impact on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic
      function are limited, and such studies have assessed patients already under
      general anesthesia and/or receiving volume expansion between examinations.
      METHODS: Observational study at a secondary university hospital including
      consecutive awake patients undergoing major abdominal surgery without significant
      pre-existing cardiac disease. Patients received a pre-emptive intravenous volume
      loading before epidural catheter placement with puncture between T6-T7 and T8-T9.
      Hemodynamic and trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters were assessed
      before and after establishing TEA with a 10 mL bolus of 2% lidocaine. Changes in
      heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output
      (CO), LV systolic function (as evaluated by fractional shortening [FS]; ejection
      fraction [EF]; Simpson; S prime [S']), and LV diastolic function were recorded.
      RESULTS: Twenty-four awake patients were included. After TEA, HR, MAP, SV and CO
      significantly decreased (15.0%, 29.3%, 6.8% and 22%, respectively; all P<0.01);
      LV systolic function was also reduced by TEA (FS by 28%, EF-Simpson by 26%, S' by
      15.3%, all P<0.001). TEA non-significantly reduced the incidence of diastolic
      dysfunction, from 65% (N.=15/23) to 43% (N.=10/23) patients (P=0.13) in the 23
      complete diastolic function evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: The net effect of TEA in
      awake patients is a reduction of HR and LV systolic function, which results in a
      reduction of the CO and the MAP. The effect of TEA on LV diastolic function
      remains to be addressed by larger studies.

PMID- 28094482
TI  - Real-time ultrasound-guided spinal anesthesia in patients with predicted
      difficult anatomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited reports of lumbar neuraxial blocks using real-time
      US in patients with predicted difficulties. We compared the number of attempts to
      perform spinal anesthesia using real-time US guidance versus landmark technique
      in patients meeting predefined criteria for difficult spinal anesthesia. We also
      compared procedure time, block success, patient satisfaction and difficulty
      scores between groups. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval
      patients scheduled for total hip or knee arthroplasty with expected difficulty to
      perform spinal anesthesia were included. Number of attempts, block time, success
      rate, patient satisfaction and difficulty scores were recorded and we conducted
      the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test of difference between the groups. RESULTS:
      Thirty-eight patients were enrolled and a total of 32 data sets was analyzed. For
      number of attempts, we observed no difference between the groups (P<0.83). The US
      group resulted in marginally higher time to block compared to the control
      (P<0.0653). The US group resulted in marginally higher satisfaction compared to
      the control group (P<0.09). The block success rate was 100% in both groups.
      Anesthesiologists rated the US group procedure more difficult than the control
      group (chi2=10.85, P<0.0010). CONCLUSIONS: This trial suggests that real-time US
      guidance for spinal anesthesia in challenging patients in comparison to the
      controlled group was completed in longer time, with lower needle insertion
      attempts, and higher patient satisfaction scores but without statistically
      significant differences.

PMID- 28094483
TI  - Italian validation of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is usually experienced by patients awaiting
      surgical procedures and it can negatively impact patient's outcome. The Amsterdam
      Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) is a questionnaire created to
      identify anxious patients and their need for information: it has been translated
      and validated in many languages because of its reliability and ease of
      completion. To date, no Italian version of the APAIS has been produced; our aim
      was to translate and validate the APAIS in Italian. METHODS: We produced an
      Italian version of the APAIS and we administered it to 110 patients undergoing
      elective surgery; we explored its structure by factor analysis and its
      reliability by Cronbach's alpha. We analyzed its external validity by confronting
      it to the Spielberg's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Sensitivity,
      specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the Italian version
      of the APAIS were determined. RESULTS: The Italian version of the APAIS confirmed
      the original structure of the questionnaire and its internal consistency; it well
      correlated with the STAI-Y1, the subscale of the STAI which explore the anxiety
      "state." An APAIS score of 14 was found as best cutoff to distinguish anxious and
      non-anxious patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Italian translation of the APAIS showed
      psychometric properties similar to the original version. Its reliability and its
      efficiency make it a powerful tool even in Italian population to detect anxiety
      and need for information.

PMID- 28094484
TI  - A simplified screening tool to identify seriously ill patients in the Emergency
      Department for referral to a palliative care team.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of an
      Emergency Department (ED)-initiated screening to identify seriously ill patients
      in need of palliative care (PC) and to develop a simplified screening tool (SST).
      METHODS: Eligible patients with known diagnosis of chronic heart, lung, liver,
      and kidney failures, progressive neurological diseases or advanced cancer,
      awaiting to be hospitalized after an ED visit, were assessed with the screening
      tool from the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation, and
      Intensive Care (SIAARTI). RESULTS: Out of 1497 patients with an ED visit, 485
      were hospitalized, and 257 of them met the inclusion criteria. Of 257 enrolled
      patients, 91 (35%) were identified as in need of PC. Comparing patients with 4
      positive criteria to those with <4, the general clinical indicators more
      frequently positive were: >=1 admission within the last 12 months (P<0.001);
      hospital admission from or awaiting admission to health care services
      (HCS)/Hospice (P<0.001); cachexia (P<0.012); home oxygen use (P<0.001); dialysis
      (P<0.008). A SST was developed to identify patients in need of PC when a
      Palliative Performance Scale score <50 was present with at least one of the
      following indicators: >=1 admission within the last 12 months; hospital admission
      from HCS; awaiting admission to HCS/Hospice; dialysis; home oxygen use; non
      invasive ventilation. This SST showed a good agreement with the SIAARTI one as
      sensitivity (97.8%), specificity (92.8%), and accuracy (94.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study estimated that over one-third of the people with chronic diseases awaiting
      to be hospitalized after an ED visit were in need of PC and can be identified
      with this easy-to-use, non-disease-specific SST.

PMID- 28094485
TI  - Management of coagulopathy in the severely burned patient: a place for
      antifibrinolytic therapy?

PMID- 28094486
TI  - Understanding developmental hemostasis through the use of viscoelastic tests of
      whole blood coagulation.

PMID- 28094487
TI  - Blood doping at the Olympic Games.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this paper was to review our knowledge of athletes
      who have, are believed to have or have attempted to engage in blood doping to
      enhance their performance at an Olympic Games. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The paper
      focused on the Games from Munich 1972 to London 2012 and the author had a medical
      role at each of the Olympics that is discussed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The study
      revealed that Olympic athletes have benefitted from manipulating their blood by
      re-infusion of autologous or infusion of homologous blood and by administering
      erythropoiesis stimulating agents, notably the three generations of
      erythropoietins. Fifty seven athletes have been sanctioned with 12 athletes
      forfeiting 17 Olympic medals including 12 gold medals because of blood doping.
      Until 1986, the infusion of blood was not prohibited in sport but considered
      unethical. Erythropoietin was prohibited by the International Olympic Committee's
      Medical Commission in 1990. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a change as to how
      Olympic athletes have enhanced performance by blood doping, commencing with blood
      infusion and later administering erythropoiesis stimulating agents and
      significant advances have occurred in detecting such misuse. Currently, the
      hematological component of World Anti-Doping Agency's athlete biological passport
      is an important but not infallible mechanism to identify athletes who cheat by
      blood doping.

PMID- 28094488
TI  - Effects of leg contrast strength training on sprint, agility and repeated change
      of direction performance in male soccer players.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contrast training is a popular technique among individuals who are
      involved in dynamic sports, having as its goal an increase in dynamic muscular
      performance. It is characterized by the use of high and low loads in the same
      strength training session. The present investigation aimed to determine the
      effects of adding 8 weeks of contrast strength training (CSTP) to regular soccer
      practice in U-17 male soccer players during the competitive season. We
      hypothesized that CSTP would enhance their performance. METHODS: Subjects were
      divided randomly between a control group (CG, N.=12) and a contrast strength
      group (CSG, N.=19). The 2 groups trained together; controls followed the regular
      soccer program, which was replaced by a contrast strength training program for
      the experimental group. Performance was assessed before and after training, using
      10 measures: 5-10-, 20- 30-, and 40-m sprints, a 4x5 m sprint (S4x5), a 9-3-6-3-9
      m sprint with 180 degrees  turns (S180), a 9-3-6-3-9 m sprint with backward and
      forward running (SBF), a Repeated-Shuttle-Sprint Ability Test (RSSA), and a
      Repeated Change of Direction Test (RCOD). RESULTS: CSG showed gains relative to
      controls in 5-m (P<0.000), 10-m (P<0.001), 20-m (P<0.001), 30-m (P<0.05) and 40-m
      (P<0.05) sprints. There were also significant gains in S180 degrees , SBF, and S4
      x 5 agility tests (P<0.01), and all RCOD parameters (P<0.05) except RCOD-FI
      (P=0.055) but no significant change in any RSSA parameters. CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that biweekly contrast strength training can be commended to U-17 male
      soccer players as a means of improving many important components of athletic
      performance relative to standard in-season training.

PMID- 28094489
TI  - The sex-specific internal and external demands imposed on players during Ultimate
      Frisbee game-play.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the growing popularity of Ultimate Frisbee (UF) across sexes,
      the game demands imposed on players have been predominately examined in males.
      This study aimed to compare the internal and external demands of UF game-play in
      males and females. METHODS: Male (N.=10) and female (N.=10) recreational UF
      players competed in separate sex-specific, indoor UF games. Internal responses
      (blood lactate concentration [BLa-], rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and
      heart rate [HR]) and external responses (direction-specific and total relative
      PlayerLoadTM [PL], and estimated equivalent distance [EED]) were measured. Data
      were analyzed using mixed ANOVAs with Cohen's effect sizes (d). RESULTS: During
      male game-play, significantly (P<0.01) higher BLa- (d=1.30, large), HR (d=0.40,
      small), PL (d=0.80-1.24, moderate-large), and EED (d=0.93, moderate) were
      apparent during the first half compared to the second half in males. During
      female game-play, a significantly (P<0.001) larger RPE (d=0.93, moderate) was
      evident during the second compared to the first half. In addition, females
      exhibited significantly (P<0.05) lower BLa- (d=1.43, large) in the first half and
      higher medio-lateral PL (d=1.10, moderate) in the second half compared to males.
      CONCLUSIONS: While similar global responses were observed between sexes across UF
      game-play, males experienced greater declines in physiological intensity and
      multi-directional activity than females. These data indicate overlap in game
      demands and training recommendations across sexes, with activity maintenance a
      focus, particularly in males.

PMID- 28094490
TI  - Urinary incontinence in women: non pharmacologic approaches and newer
      pharmacotherapies. An update.
AB  - Urinary incontinence is a widespread problem for women, with stress urinary
      incontinence (SUI) being the most common type. An updated review of PubMed
      literature using the following keywords was performed: "stress urinary
      incontinence", "women", "midurethral slings", "bulking agents", "pubovaginal
      slings", "retropubic suspension", "postoperative complications", and "treatment
      outcome". More recent publications, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were
      given preference. The aging population will increase the demand for care of women
      with SUI. Patient evaluation should include a careful history of present illness,
      physical examination, and a discussion about their quality of life and goals of
      care. Behavioral modifications are considered first line therapy. For surgical
      treatment, bulking agents are a minimally invasive option with adequate short
      term cure rates. Both midurethral slings and pubovaginal slings have reported
      high rates of short and long term success and patient satisfaction. Retropubic
      suspension and artificial urinary sphincter are also treatment options in
      appropriately selected patients. The ultimate treatment decision will rely on an
      informed conversation between the physician and patient.

PMID- 28094491
TI  - The first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Piedmont in the year
      2017.

PMID- 28094492
TI  - Tuning the Surface Properties of Graphene Oxide by Surface-Initiated
      Polymerization of Epoxides: An Efficient Method for Enhancing Gas Separation.
AB  - Here, we describe an in situ approach for growing polyepoxides from the surfaces
      of graphene oxide (GO) using a surface-initiated polymerization reaction. The
      polymerization methodology is facile and general as a broad range of epoxides
      carrying various functional groups have been successfully polymerized by simply
      adding GO powders in the epoxide monomers. The resultant polyepoxide grafted GO
      are found to show enhanced dispersibility in various common solvents and to
      exhibit increased d-spacing between the basal planes. In particular, grafting
      poly(2,3-epoxy-1-propanol) (PEP) to GO results in a composite (i.e., GO-g-PEP)
      that is dispersible in water and miscible with polyether block amide, i.e., Pebax
      MH 1657. Preliminary studies have indicated the membranes prepared using Pebax/GO
      g-PEP composites exhibit enhanced CO2 permeabilities and selectivities in
      comparison to H2, O2, or N2. The excellent performance in gas separation is
      attributed to the layered structure of the GO-g-PEP sheets with enlarged d
      spacing and the functional groups present on the PEP chains grafted to the
      surfaces of GO sheets.

PMID- 28094493
TI  - Facile and Scalable Synthesis Method for High-Quality Few-Layer Graphene through
      Solution-Based Exfoliation of Graphite.
AB  - Here we describe a facile and scalable method for preparing defect-free graphene
      sheets exfoliated from graphite using the positively charged polyelectrolyte
      precursor poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV-pre) as a stabilizer in an aqueous
      solution. The graphene exfoliated by PPV-pre was apparently stabilized in the
      solution as a form of graphene/PPV-pre (denoted to GPPV-pre), which remains in a
      homogeneous dispersion over a year. The thickness values of 300 selected 76% GPPV
      pre flakes ranged from 1 to 10 nm, corresponding to between one and a few layers
      of graphene in the lateral dimensions of 1 to 2 MUm. Furthermore, this approach
      was expected to yield a marked decrease in the density of defects in the
      electronic conjugation of graphene compared to that of graphene oxide (GO)
      obtained by Hummers' method. The positively charged GPPV-pre was employed to
      fabricate a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) electrode layer-by-layer with
      negatively charged GO, yielding (GPPV-pre/GO)n film electrode. The PPV-pre and GO
      in the (GPPV-pre/GO)n films were simultaneously converted using hydroiodic acid
      vapor to fully conjugated PPV and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), respectively. The
      electrical conductivity of (GPPV/RGO)23 multilayer films was 483 S/cm, about
      three times greater than that of the (PPV/RGO)23 multilayer films (166 S/cm)
      comprising RGO (prepared by Hummers method). Furthermore, the superior electrical
      properties of GPPV were made evident, when comparing the capacitive performances
      of two supercapacitor systems; (polyaniline PANi/RGO)30/(GPPV/RGO)23/PET
      (volumetric capacitance = 216 F/cm3; energy density = 19 mWh/cm3; maximum power
      density = 498 W/cm3) and (PANi/RGO)30/(PPV/RGO)23/PET (152 F/cm3; 9 mWh/cm3; 80
      W/cm3).

PMID- 28094494
TI  - Structural Evolution Induced by Interfacial Lattice Mismatch in Self-Organized
      YBa2Cu3O7-delta Nanocomposite Film.
AB  - Intriguing properties of self-organized nanocomposites of perovskite oxides are
      usually derived from the complex interface of constituent material phases. A
      sophisticated control of such a system is required for a broad range of energy
      and device applications, which demand a comprehensive understanding of the
      interface at the atomic scale. Here, we visualized and theoretically modeled the
      highly elastically strained nanorod, the interface region with misfit
      dislocations and heterointerface distortion, and the matrix with strain-induced
      oxygen vacancies in the self-organized YBa2Cu3O7-delta nanocomposite films with
      Ba perovskite nanorods. Large misfit strain was elastically accommodated in the
      nanocomposites, but since the elastic strain was mainly accommodated by the
      nanorods, the concentration of strain-induced oxygen vacancies was small enough
      for the matrix to keep high critical temperature (>85 K). The interfacial bonding
      distorted the atomic structure of YBa2Cu3O7-delta, but the thickness of
      distortion was limited to a few unit cells (less than the coherence length) due
      to the electron screening. The effect of volume fraction on elastic strain and
      the electron screening are crucial for strong vortex pinning without significant
      degradation of both the elementary pinning force and critical temperature in the
      nanocomposites. Thus, we comprehensively clarified the self-organized
      nanocomposite structure for on-demand control of superconductivity and oxide
      functionality in the nanocomposite engineering of perovskite oxides.

PMID- 28094495
TI  - Bacoside-A, an Indian Traditional-Medicine Substance, Inhibits beta-Amyloid
      Cytotoxicity, Fibrillation, and Membrane Interactions.
AB  - Bacoside-A, a family of compounds extracted from the Bacopa monniera plant, is a
      folk-medicinal substance believed to exhibit therapeutic properties, particularly
      enhancing cognitive functions and improving memory. We show that bacoside-A
      exerted significant inhibitory effects upon cytotoxicity, fibrillation, and
      particularly membrane interactions of amyloid-beta (1-42) (Abeta42), the peptide
      playing a prominent role in Alzeheimer's disease progression and toxicity.
      Specifically, preincubation of bacoside-A with Abeta42 significantly reduced cell
      toxicity and inhibited fibril formation both in buffer solution and, more
      significantly, in the presence of membrane vesicles. In parallel, spectroscopic
      and microscopic analyses reveal that bacoside-A blocked membrane interactions of
      Abeta42, while formation of Abeta42 oligomers was not disrupted. These
      interesting phenomena suggest that inhibition of Abeta42 oligomer assembly into
      mature fibrils, and blocking membrane interactions of the oligomers are likely
      the underlying factors for ameliorating amyloid toxicity by bacoside-A and its
      putative physiological benefits.

PMID- 28094496
TI  - Chemoproteomic Profiling of Acetanilide Herbicides Reveals Their Role in
      Inhibiting Fatty Acid Oxidation.
AB  - Acetanilide herbicides are among the most widely used pesticides in the United
      States, but their toxicological potential and mechanisms remain poorly
      understood. Here, we have used chemoproteomic platforms to map proteome-wide
      cysteine reactivity of acetochlor (AC), the most widely used acetanilide
      herbicide, in vivo in mice. We show that AC directly reacts with >20 protein
      targets in vivo in mouse liver, including the catalytic cysteines of several
      thiolase enzymes involved in mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation.
      We show that the fatty acids that are not oxidized, due to impaired fatty acid
      oxidation, are instead diverted into other lipid pathways, resulting in
      heightened free fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesteryl esters, and other lipid
      species in the liver. Our findings show the utility of chemoproteomic approaches
      for identifying novel mechanisms of toxicity associated with environmental
      chemicals like acetanilide herbicides.

PMID- 28094497
TI  - An Approach To Fabricate PDMS Encapsulated All-Solid-State Advanced Asymmetric
      Supercapacitor Device with Vertically Aligned Hierarchical Zn-Fe-Co Ternary Oxide
      Nanowire and Nitrogen Doped Graphene Nanosheet for High Power Device
      Applications.
AB  - We highlight the design and fabrication of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
      encapsulated advanced all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device
      consisting of hierarchical mesoporous zinc-iron-cobalt ternary oxide (ZICO)
      nanowire coated nickel (Ni) foam (ZICO@Ni foam) as a promising positive electrode
      and nitrogen doped graphene coated Ni foam (N-G@Ni foam) as negative electrode in
      the presence of PVA-KOH gel electrolyte. Owing to outstanding electrochemical
      behavior and ultrahigh specific capacitance of ZICO (~ 2587.4 F/g at 1 A/g) and N
      G (550 F/g at 1 A/g) along with their mutual synergistic outputs, the assembled
      all-solid-state ASC device exhibits an outstanding energy density of ~40.5 Wh/kg
      accompanied by a remarkable long-term cycle stability with ~95% specific
      capacitance retention even after 5000 charge-discharge cycles. The exclusive
      hierarchical ZICO nanowires were synthesized by a facile two-step process
      comprising of a hydrothermal protocol followed by an annealing treatment on a
      quartz substrate. While Zn2+ gives the stability of the oxide system, Fe and Co
      ions provide better electronic conductivity and capacitive response under
      vigorous cyclic condition. The extraordinary performance of as-fabricated ASC
      device resembles its suitability for the construction of advanced energy storage
      devices in modern electronic industries.

PMID- 28094498
TI  - Barium Titanate Film Interfaces for Hybrid Composite Energy Harvesters.
AB  - Energy harvesting utilizing piezoelectric materials has become an attractive
      approach for converting mechanical energy into electrical power for low-power
      electronics. Structural composites are ideally suited for energy scavenging due
      to the large amount of mechanical energy they are subjected to. Here, a
      multifunctional composite with embedded sensing and energy harvesting is
      developed by integrating an active interface into carbon fiber reinforced polymer
      composites. By modifying the composite matrix, both rigid and flexible
      multifunctional composites are fabricated. Through electromechanical testing of a
      cantilever beam of the rigid composite, it reveals a power density of 217 pW/cc
      from only 1 g root-mean-square acceleration when excited at its resonant
      frequency of 47 Hz. Electromechanical sensor testing of the flexible
      multifunctional composite reveals an average voltage generation of 23.5 mV/g at
      its resonant frequency of 96 Hz. This research introduces a route for integrating
      nonstructural functionality into structural fiber composites by utilizing BaTiO3
      coated woven carbon fiber fabrics with power scavenging and passive sensing
      capabilities.

PMID- 28094499
TI  - Organic Solar Cells with Controlled Nanostructures Based on Microphase Separation
      of Fullerene-Attached Thiophene-Selenophene Heteroblock Copolymers.
AB  - Heteroblock copolymers consisting of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and fullerene
      attached poly(3-alkylselenophene) (T-b-Se-PCBP) were synthesized for organic
      photovoltaic applications by quasi-living catalyst transfer polycondensation and
      subsequent conversion reactions. Characterization of the polymers confirmed the
      formation of well-defined diblock structures with high loading of the fullerene
      at the side chain (~40 wt %). Heteroblock copolymer cast as a thin film showed a
      clear microphase-separated nanostructure approximately 30 nm in repeating unit
      after thermal annealing, which is identical to the microphase-separated
      nanostructure of diblock copolymer consisting of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and
      fullerene-attached poly(3-alkylthiophene) (T-b-T-PCBP). These heteroblock
      copolymers provide an ideal platform for investigating the effects of
      nanostructures and interfacial energetics on the performance of organic
      photovoltaic devices.

PMID- 28094500
TI  - Chronic Mild Stress-Induced Alterations of Local Protein Synthesis: A Role for
      Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - Depression, a major cause of disability worldwide, is characterized by a complex
      and heterogeneous symptomatology. With this respect, cognitive deterioration
      represents a major problem that has a strong impact on a patient's function.
      Thus, within the context of a depressive phenotype, it is important to
      characterize the mechanisms that sustain cognitive dysfunctions and may represent
      an important target for pharmacological intervention. Here, using the chronic
      mild stress (CMS) paradigm of depression, we found that, independently from the
      anhedonic phenotype, CMS rats showed a deficit in the novel object recognition
      (NOR) test, which is associated with an inability to phosphorylate GluN2B subunit
      on Ser1303 and to activate the mTOR pathway. In agreement with the role of these
      systems in the control of local protein synthesis, we observed an increase
      phosphorylated eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) in the crude synaptosomal
      fraction after the NOR test specifically in control animals. Since it has been
      demonstrated that peEF2 leads to the translation of specific mRNAs, we
      investigated if the gene-specific translational control depends on the presence
      of upstream open reading frame (uORF). Interestingly, we found a significant
      increase of oligophrenin-1 (2 uORFs) and of Bmal1 (7 uORFs) protein levels
      specifically in the control animals exposed to the NOR test. Our results
      demonstrated that the cognitive decline associated with stress exposure might be
      due to alterations in local protein translation of specific mRNAs, suggesting
      that a pharmacological intervention able to correct these defects might be useful
      in the improvement of deteriorated functions in patients with major depression
      and stress-related disorders.

PMID- 28094501
TI  - Artificial Cells: Synthetic Compartments with Life-like Functionality and
      Adaptivity.
AB  - Cells are highly advanced microreactors that form the basis of all life. Their
      fascinating complexity has inspired scientists to create analogs from synthetic
      and natural components using a bottom-up approach. The ultimate goal here is to
      assemble a fully man-made cell that displays functionality and adaptivity as
      advanced as that found in nature, which will not only provide insight into the
      fundamental processes in natural cells but also pave the way for new applications
      of such artificial cells. In this Account, we highlight our recent work and that
      of others on the construction of artificial cells. First, we will introduce the
      key features that characterize a living system; next, we will discuss how these
      have been imitated in artificial cells. First, compartmentalization is crucial to
      separate the inner chemical milieu from the external environment. Current state
      of-the-art artificial cells comprise subcompartments to mimic the hierarchical
      architecture of eukaryotic cells and tissue. Furthermore, synthetic gene circuits
      have been used to encode genetic information that creates complex behavior like
      pulses or feedback. Additionally, artificial cells have to reproduce to maintain
      a population. Controlled growth and fission of synthetic compartments have been
      demonstrated, but the extensive regulation of cell division in nature is still
      unmatched. Here, we also point out important challenges the field needs to
      overcome to realize its full potential. As artificial cells integrate increasing
      orders of functionality, maintaining a supporting metabolism that can regenerate
      key metabolites becomes crucial. Furthermore, life does not operate in isolation.
      Natural cells constantly sense their environment, exchange (chemical) signals,
      and can move toward a chemoattractant. Here, we specifically explore recent
      efforts to reproduce such adaptivity in artificial cells. For instance, synthetic
      compartments have been produced that can recruit proteins to the membrane upon an
      external stimulus or modulate their membrane composition and permeability to
      control their interaction with the environment. A next step would be the
      communication of artificial cells with either bacteria or another artificial
      cell. Indeed, examples of such primitive chemical signaling are presented.
      Finally, motility is important for many organisms and has, therefore, also been
      pursued in synthetic systems. Synthetic compartments that were designed to move
      in a directed, controlled manner have been assembled, and directed movement
      toward a chemical attractant is among one of the most life-like directions
      currently under research. Although the bottom-up construction of an artificial
      cell that can be truly considered "alive" is still an ambitious goal, the recent
      work discussed in this Account shows that this is an active field with
      contributions from diverse disciplines like materials chemistry and biochemistry.
      Notably, research during the past decade has already provided valuable insights
      into complex synthetic systems with life-like properties. In the future,
      artificial cells are thought to contribute to an increased understanding of
      processes in natural cells and provide opportunities to create smart, autonomous,
      cell-like materials.

PMID- 28094502
TI  - Highly Efficient Full-Color Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Organic Light
      Emitting Diodes: Extremely Low Efficiency Roll-Off Utilizing a Host with Small
      Singlet-Triplet Splitting.
AB  - Numerous efforts have been devoted to boost the efficiency of thermally activated
      delayed fluorescence (TADF) devices; however, strategies to suppress the device
      efficiency roll-off are still in urgent need. Here, a general and effective
      approach to suppress the efficiency roll-off of TADF devices is proposed, that
      is, utilizing TADF materials as the hosts for TADF emitters. Bearing small
      singlet-triplet splitting (DeltaEST) with donor and acceptor units, TADF
      materials as the hosts possess the potential to achieve matched frontier energy
      levels with the adjacent transporting layers, facilitating balanced charge
      injection as well as bipolar charge transport mobilities beneficial to the
      balanced charges transportation. Furthermore, an enhanced Forster energy transfer
      from the host to the dopant can be anticipated, helpful to reduce the exciton
      concentration. Based on the principles, a new TADF material based on indeno[2,1
      b]carbazole/1,3,5-triazin derivation is synthesized and used as the universal
      host for the full-color TADF devices. Remarkable low efficiency roll-off was
      achieved with above 90% of the maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEmax's)
      maintained even at a brightness of 2000 cd/m2, along with EQEmax's of 23.2, 21.0,
      and 19.2% for orange, green, and sky-blue TADF devices, respectively. Through
      computational simulation, we identified the suppressed exciton annihilation rates
      compared with devices adopting conventional hosts. The state-of-the-art low
      efficiency roll-off of those TADF devices manifests the great potential of such
      host design strategy, paving an efficient strategy toward their practical
      application.

PMID- 28094503
TI  - Controlled Doping in Graphene Monolayers by Trapping Organic Molecules at the
      Graphene-Substrate Interface.
AB  - We report controlled doping in graphene monolayers through charge-transfer
      interaction by trapping selected organic molecules between graphene and
      underneath substrates. Controllability has been demonstrated in terms of shifts
      in Raman peaks and Dirac points in graphene monolayers. Under field effect
      transistor geometry, a shift in the Dirac point to the negative (positive) gate
      voltage region gives an inherent signature of n- (p-)type doping as a consequence
      of charge-transfer interaction between organic molecules and graphene. The
      proximity of organic molecules near the graphene surface as a result of trapping
      is evidenced by Raman and infrared spectroscopies. Density functional theory
      calculations corroborate the experimental results and also indicate charge
      transfer interaction between certain organic molecules and graphene sheets
      resulting p- (n-)type doping and reveals the donor and acceptor nature of
      molecules. Interaction between molecules and graphene has been discussed in terms
      of calculated Mulliken charge-transfer and binding energy as a function of
      optimized distance.

PMID- 28094504
TI  - 2-Fold Interpenetrating Bifunctional Cd-Metal-Organic Frameworks: Highly
      Selective Adsorption for CO2 and Sensitive Luminescent Sensing of Nitro Aromatic
      2,4,6-Trinitrophenol.
AB  - A robust primitive diamond-type topology 3-D metal-organic framework (MOF) of
      {[Cd4(hbhdpy)2(bdc)3(DMA)2].(H2O)4}n (1, DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide) was
      constructed from the planar secondary building units of the dinuclear cadmium
      clusters, Cd2(MU2-O)2, and two linear organic linkers of the new multidentate
      Schiff base of 4-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzyli-denehydrazino-carbonyl)-N-pyridin-4
      yl-benzamide (Hhbhdpy) through the solvothermal reaction. 1 presents a 2-fold
      interpenetrating network along with confined narrow channels and rich acylamide
      groups as well as potential metal open sites for excellent selective CO2 uptake
      over CH4/N2 and high luminescent response for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) in DMA
      solution under ambient conditions. With 2-amino-1,4-dicarboxy-benzene (H2bdc-NH2)
      replacing H2bdc, an amine-functionalized MOF of {[Cd4(hbhdpy)2(bdc-NH2)3
      (DMA)2].(H2O)4}n (1-NH2) as an isomorphism of 1, was synthesized under the same
      reaction conditions. Compared with 1, the corresponding bifunctional features of
      1-NH2 is more obvious. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first reported
      interpenetrating Cd-MOFs with highly sensitive luminescence response for TNP
      molecules combined with excellent selectivity for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4.

PMID- 28094505
TI  - Self-Assembly and Disassembly of Amphiphilic Zwitterionic Perylenediimide
      Vesicles for Cell Membrane Imaging.
AB  - Animal cells have complicated dynamics of cell membrane structures which require
      desirable dyes for in vivo imaging. Here, an asymmetric amphiphilic zwitterionic
      perylenediimide (ZP) derivative has been constructed by introducing an octyl
      chain and a zwitterionic head to each imide position of perylenediimide
      chromophore. ZP could self-assemble into vesicles in aqueous solution. The
      aggregated ZP vesicles have been explored to image cell inner or surface membrane
      structures by a controlled disassembly process. After being taken up into cells,
      ZP vesicles disassemble into monomers and then incorporate into cell inner
      membranes. The vesicles can also disassemble in acid food and incorporate into
      cell surface membrane of gut cells. The research provides a new tool to label the
      complicated cell membrane structures with up to 3 days long-term labeling for
      life science applications.

PMID- 28094506
TI  - Superior Performance of Artificial Nacre Based on Graphene Oxide Nanosheets.
AB  - Natural nacre is well-known by its unique properties due to the well-recognized
      "bricks-and-mortar" structure. Inspired by the natural nacre, graphene oxide (GO)
      was reduced by dopamine with simultaneous coating by polydopamine (PDA) in
      aqueous solution to yield polydopamine-capped reduce GO (PDG). The artificial
      nacre nanocomposite materials of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and PDG presenting
      layered structure had been successfully constructed via a vacuum-assisted
      assembly process, in which PDG and PVA served as "bricks" and "mortar",
      respectively. A combination of hydrogen bonding, strong adhesion and friction
      between PDG nanosheets and PVA chains resulted in enhancements for mechanical
      properties. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and toughness of PDG-PVA
      nanocomposite reached to 327 +/- 19.3 MPa, 8 +/- 0.2%, and 13.0 +/- 0.7 MJ m-3,
      which is simultaneously 2.4, 8, and 7 times higher than that of nature nacre with
      80-135 MPa, ~1%, and ~1.8 MJ m-3, respectively. More interestingly, the obtained
      nanocomposites demonstrated a high anisotropy of thermal conductivity (k?/k? ~
      380). Combined with superior mechanical properties and high anisotropy of thermal
      conductivity make these biomimetic materials promising candidates in aerospace,
      tissue engineering, and thermal management applications.

PMID- 28094507
TI  - Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Based Sensitive Detection and Removal of Antibiotics
      Tetracycline from Water.
AB  - A new conjugated polyelectrolyte poly[5,5'-(((2-phenyl-9H-fluorene-9,9
      diyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl))bis(oxy))diisophthalate] sodium (PFPT) was synthesized
      via the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling polymerization method and
      successfully applied for the rapid, real time, and highly sensitive detection of
      antibiotics tetracycline (Tc) in 100% aqueous media via photoinduced electron
      transfer with detection limit in the ppb level. Remarkably, PFPT could also be
      applied for the trace analysis of Tc in serum samples having recoveries well in
      the range 92-97% with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 1.01-1.14%,
      confirming reliability of the present method for the analysis of Tc.
      Additionally, PFPT was blended with the abundant natural polysaccharide chitosan
      to form CS-PFPT composite films and developed as a biopolymer based membrane for
      the removal of Tc from water samples with a good adsorption capacity of 3.12 mg g
      1, thus finding vital application in the treatment of antibiotic infested
      wastewater.

PMID- 28094508
TI  - Multiangular Rod-Shaped Na0.44MnO2 as Cathode Materials with High Rate and Long
      Life for Sodium-Ion Batteries.
AB  - The tunnel-structured Na0.44MnO2 is considered as a promising cathode material
      for sodium-ion batteries because of its unique three-dimensional crystal
      structure. Multiangular rod-shaped Na0.44MnO2 have been first synthesized via a
      reverse microemulsion method and investigated as high-rate and long-life cathode
      materials for Na-ion batteries. The microstructure and composition of prepared
      Na0.44MnO2 is highly related to the sintering temperature. This structure with
      suitable size increases the contact area between the material and the electrolyte
      and guarantees fast sodium-ion diffusion. The rods prepared at 850  degrees C
      maintain specific capacity of 72.8 mA h g-1 and capacity retention of 99.6% after
      2000 cycles at a high current density of 1000 mA g-1. The as-designed
      multiangular Na0.44MnO2 provides new insight into the development of tunnel-type
      electrode materials and their application in rechargeable sodium-ion batteries.

PMID- 28094509
TI  - Harvesting Ambient Vibration Energy over a Wide Frequency Range for Self-Powered
      Electronics.
AB  - Vibration is one of the most common energy sources in ambient environment.
      Harvesting vibration energy is a promising route to sustainably drive small
      electronics. This work introduces an approach to scavenge vibrational energy over
      a wide frequency range as an exclusive power source for continuous operation of
      electronics. An elastic multiunit triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is
      rationally designed to efficiently harvest low-frequency vibration energy, which
      can provide a maximum instantaneous output power density of 102 W.m-3 at as low
      as 7 Hz and maintain its stable current outputs from 5 to 25 Hz. A self-charging
      power unit (SCPU) combining the TENG and a 10 mF supercapacitor gives a
      continuous direct current (DC) power delivery of 1.14 mW at a power management
      efficiency of 45.6% at 20 Hz. The performance of the SCPU can be further enhanced
      by a specially designed power management circuit, with a continuous DC power of 2
      mW and power management efficiency of 60% at 7 Hz. Electronics such as a
      thermometer, hygrometer, and speedometer can be sustainably powered solely by the
      harvested vibration energy from a machine or riding bicycle. This approach has
      potential applications in self-powered systems for environment monitoring,
      machine safety, and transportation.

PMID- 28094510
TI  - Nanoporous-Gold-Based Electrode Morphology Libraries for Investigating Structure
      Property Relationships in Nucleic Acid Based Electrochemical Biosensors.
AB  - Nanoporous gold (np-Au) electrode coatings significantly enhance the performance
      of electrochemical nucleic acid biosensors because of their three-dimensional
      nanoscale network, high electrical conductivity, facile surface
      functionalization, and biocompatibility. Contrary to planar electrodes, the np-Au
      electrodes also exhibit sensitive detection in the presence of common biofouling
      media due to their porous structure. However, the pore size of the nanomatrix
      plays a critical role in dictating the extent of biomolecular capture and
      transport. Small pores perform better in the case of target detection in complex
      samples by filtering out the large nonspecific proteins. On the other hand,
      larger pores increase the accessibility of target nucleic acids in the nanoporous
      structure, enhancing the detection limits of the sensor at the expense of more
      interference from biofouling molecules. Here, we report a microfabricated np-Au
      multiple electrode array that displays a range of electrode morphologies on the
      same chip for identifying feature sizes that reduce the nonspecific adsorption of
      proteins but facilitate the permeation of target DNA molecules into the pores. We
      demonstrate the utility of the electrode morphology library in studying DNA
      functionalization and target detection in complex biological media with a special
      emphasis on revealing ranges of electrode morphologies that mutually enhance the
      limit of detection and biofouling resilience. We expect this technique to assist
      in the development of high-performance biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics
      and facilitate studies on the electrode structure-property relationships in
      potential applications ranging from neural electrodes to catalysts.

PMID- 28094511
TI  - Synthesis of Carboxylated-Graphenes by the Kolbe-Schmitt Process.
AB  - Graphene oxide is an oxidized form of graphene containing a large variety of
      oxygen groups. Although past models have suggested carboxylic acids to be present
      in significant amounts, recent evidence has shown otherwise. Toward the
      production of carboxyl-graphene, a synthetic method is presented herein based on
      the Kolbe-Schmitt process. A modified procedure of heating graphite oxide in the
      presence of a KOH/CaO mixture results in up to 11 atom % of carboxylic groups.
      The graphite oxide starting material and reaction temperature were investigated
      as two important factors, where a crumpled morphology of graphite oxide flakes
      and a lower 220  degrees C temperature preferentially led to greater carboxyl
      functionalization. Successful carboxylation caused a band gap opening of ~2.5 eV
      in the smallest carboxyl-graphene particles, which also demonstrated a yellow
      fluorescence under UV light unseen in its counterpart produced at 500  degrees C.
      These results are in good agreement with theoretical calculations showing band
      gap opening and spin polarization of impurity states. This demonstrates the
      current synthetic process as yet another approach toward tuning the physical
      properties of graphene.

PMID- 28094512
TI  - A Combined Spectroscopic/Molecular Dynamic Study for Investigating a Methyl
      Carboxylated PEI as a Potential Uranium Decorporation Agent.
AB  - Natural uranium has a very limited radioactive dose impact, but its chemical
      toxicity due to chronic exposure is still a matter of debate. Once inside the
      human body, the soluble uranium, under its uranyl form (U(VI)), is quickly
      removed from the blood system, partially excreted from the body, and partially
      retained in targeted organs, that is, the kidneys and bone matrix essentially. It
      is then crucial to remove or prevent the incorporation of uranium in these organs
      to limit the long-term chronic exposure. A lot of small chelating agents such as
      aminocarboxylates, catecholamides, and hydroxypyridonates have been developed so
      far. However, they suffer from poor selectivity and targeting abilities.
      Macromolecules and polymers are known to present a passive accumulation (size
      related), that is, the so-called enhanced permeability and retention effect,
      toward the main organs, which can be used as indirect targeting. Very
      interestingly, the methyl carboxylated polyethylenimine (PEI-MC) derivative has
      been described as a potent sequestering agent for heavy metals. It would be
      therefore an interesting candidate to evaluate as a new class of decorporation
      agents with passive targeting capabilities matching uranium preferential
      sequestering sites. In the present work, we explored the ability of a highly
      functionalized (89% rate) PEI-MC to uptake U(VI) close to physiological pH using
      a combination of analytical and spectroscopic techniques (inductively coupled
      plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES); extended X-ray absorption fine
      structure (EXAFS); and Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR)) together with
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. A maximum loading of 0.47 mg U(VI) per
      milligram of PEI-MC was determined by ICP-OES measurements. From FT-IR data, a
      majority of monodentate coordination of the carboxylate functions of the PEI-MC
      seems to occur. From EXAFS and MD, a mix of mono and bidentate coordination mode
      was observed. Note that agreement between the EXAFS metrical parameters and MD
      radial distribution functions is remarkable. To the best of our knowledge, this
      is the first comprehensive structural study of a macromolecular PEI-based agent
      considered for uranium decorporation purposes.

PMID- 28094513
TI  - Native State Volume Fluctuations in Proteins as a Mechanism for Dynamic
      Allostery.
AB  - Allostery enables tight regulation of protein function in the cellular
      environment. Although existing models of allostery are firmly rooted in the
      current structure-function paradigm, the mechanistic basis for allostery in the
      absence of structural change remains unclear. In this study, we show that a
      typical globular protein is able to undergo significant changes in volume under
      native conditions while exhibiting no additional changes in protein structure.
      These native state volume fluctuations were found to correlate with changes in
      internal motions that were previously recognized as a source of allosteric
      entropy. This finding offers a novel mechanistic basis for allostery in the
      absence of canonical structural change. The unexpected observation that function
      can be derived from expanded, low density protein states has broad implications
      for our understanding of allostery and suggests that the general concept of the
      native state be expanded to allow for more variable physical dimensions with
      looser packing.

PMID- 28094514
TI  - Structural Model of the Tubular Assembly of the Rous Sarcoma Virus Capsid
      Protein.
AB  - The orthoretroviral capsid protein (CA) assembles into polymorphic capsids, whose
      architecture, assembly, and stability are still being investigated. The N
      terminal and C-terminal domains of CA (NTD and CTD, respectively) engage in both
      homotypic and heterotypic interactions to create the capsid. Hexameric turrets
      formed by the NTD decorate the majority of the capsid surface. We report nearly
      complete solid-state NMR (ssNMR) resonance assignments of Rous sarcoma virus
      (RSV) CA, assembled into hexamer tubes that mimic the authentic capsid. The ssNMR
      assignments show that, upon assembly, large conformational changes occur in loops
      connecting helices, as well as the short 310 helix initiating the CTD. The
      interdomain linker becomes statically disordered. Combining constraints from
      ssNMR and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we establish an atomic resolution
      model of the RSV CA tubular assembly using molecular dynamics flexible fitting
      (MDFF) simulations. On the basis of comparison of this MDFF model with an earlier
      derived crystallographic model for the planar assembly, the induction of
      curvature into the RSV CA hexamer lattice arises predominantly from
      reconfiguration of the NTD-CTD and CTD trimer interfaces. The CTD dimer and CTD
      trimer interfaces are also intrinsically variable. Hence, deformation of the CA
      hexamer lattice results from the variable displacement of the CTDs that surround
      each hexameric turret. Pervasive H-bonding is found at all interdomain
      interfaces, which may contribute to their malleability. Finally, we find helices
      at the interfaces of HIV and RSV CA assemblies have very different contact
      angles, which may reflect differences in the capsid assembly pathway for these
      viruses.

PMID- 28094515
TI  - Nanoporous Materials for the Onboard Storage of Natural Gas.
AB  - Climate change, global warming, urban air pollution, energy supply uncertainty
      and depletion, and rising costs of conventional energy sources are, among others,
      potential socioeconomic threats that our community faces today. Transportation is
      one of the primary sectors contributing to oil consumption and global warming,
      and natural gas (NG) is considered to be a relatively clean transportation fuel
      that can significantly improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse-gas
      emissions, and decrease the energy dependency on oil sources. Internal combustion
      engines (ignited or compression) require only slight modifications for use with
      natural gas; rather, the main problem is the relatively short driving distance of
      natural-gas-powered vehicles due to the lack of an appropriate storage method for
      the gas, which has a low energy density. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has
      set some targets for NG storage capacity to obtain a reasonable driving range in
      automotive applications, ruling out the option of storing methane at cryogenic
      temperatures. In recent years, both academia and industry have foreseen the
      storage of natural gas by adsorption (ANG) in porous materials, at relatively low
      pressures and ambient temperatures, as a solution to this difficult problem. This
      review presents recent developments in the search for novel porous materials with
      high methane storage capacities. Within this scenario, both carbon-based
      materials and metal-organic frameworks are considered to be the most promising
      materials for natural gas storage, as they exhibit properties such as large
      surface areas and micropore volumes, that favor a high adsorption capacity for
      natural gas. Recent advancements, technological issues, advantages, and drawbacks
      involved in natural gas storage in these two classes of materials are also
      summarized. Further, an overview of the recent developments and technical
      challenges in storing natural gas as hydrates in wetted porous carbon materials
      is also included. Finally, an analysis of design factors and technical issues
      that need to be considered before adapting vehicles to ANG technology is also
      presented.

PMID- 28094516
TI  - Designed DNA Crystal Habit Modifiers.
AB  - DNA is now one of the most widely used molecules for programmed self-assembly of
      discrete nanostructures. One of the long-standing goals of the DNA nanotechnology
      field has been the assembly of periodic, macroscopic 3D DNA crystals for
      controlled positioning of guest molecules to be used in a variety of
      applications. With continuing successes in assembling DNA crystals, there is an
      enhanced need to tailor macroscopic crystal properties-including morphology-to
      enable their integration into more complex systems. Here we describe the ability
      to alter and control crystal habits of a 3D DNA crystal formed by self-assembly
      of a DNA 13-mer. The introduction of "poison" oligonucleotides that specifically
      disrupt critical noncanonical base-pairing interactions in the crystal lattice
      leads to predictably modified crystal habits. We demonstrate that the poison
      oligomers can act as habit modifiers both during the initial crystallization and
      during growth of shell layers on a crystal macroseed.

PMID- 28094517
TI  - China Must Reduce Its Antibiotic Use.

PMID- 28094518
TI  - Conformational Effects of UV Light on DNA Origami.
AB  - The responses of DNA origami conformation to UV radiation of different
      wavelengths and doses are investigated. Short- and medium-wavelength UV light can
      cause photo-lesions in DNA origami. At moderate doses, the lesions do not cause
      any visible defects in the origami, nor do they significantly affect the
      hybridization capability. Instead, they help relieve the internal stress in the
      origami structure and restore it to the designed conformation. At high doses,
      staple dissociation increases which causes structural disintegration. Long
      wavelength UV does not show any effect on origami conformation by itself. We show
      that this UV range can be used in conjunction with photoactive molecules for
      photo-reconfiguration, while avoiding any damage to the DNA structures.

PMID- 28094519
TI  - Targeted Multiresidue Analysis of Veterinary Drugs in Milk-Based Powders Using
      Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
AB  - An analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of 40
      veterinary drugs in various milk-based powders. The method involves
      acetonitrile/water extraction, solid-phase filtration for lipid removal in fat
      containing matrices, and analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The limits of quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.02 to 82
      ng/g. Acceptable recoveries (70-120%, RSD < 20%) were reached for 40 of 52 target
      compounds at three fortification levels in nonfat milk powder. Similar results
      were obtained for whole milk powder, milk protein concentrate, whey protein
      concentrate, and whey protein isolate. This new method will allow for better
      monitoring of a wide range of veterinary drugs in milk-based powders.

PMID- 28094520
TI  - Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Magnetic Properties, and Stability of the Manganese
      Rich "Mn3AlC" kappa Phase.
AB  - kappa-carbides of varying composition, seemingly responsible for age hardening in
      high-Al steel alloys, have been detected to precipitate both at grain boundaries
      and in the bulk grain of steels. Herein we report the bulk-phase synthesis of
      "Mn3AlC" by arc plasma sintering and rapid solidification. Single crystals have
      been found suitable for X-ray diffraction using Mo radiation and yield a lattice
      parameter of a = 3.875(2) A. We find a mixed occupation of the 1a position by Al
      and Mn, which, together with the C position being fully occupied, leads to the
      actual composition Mn3.1Al0.9C. Additional energy-dispersive X-ray-scanning
      electron microscopy measurements support the composition and corroborate the
      homogeneity. SQUID data collected on the polycrystalline ferromagnetic sample
      exhibit a Curie temperature of about 295 +/- 13 K and a soft magnetic behavior.
      The small but significant nonstoichiometry on 1a leads to a slightly larger
      lattice parameter, a higher electron count, and, thus, a lowered density of
      states at the Fermi level, indicative of increased phase stability.

PMID- 28094521
TI  - Titanium(III) Member of the Family of Trigonal Building Blocks with Scorpionate
      and Cyanide Ligands.
AB  - The titanium(III) cyanide compound [Et4N][Tp*Ti(CN)3] ([Et4N] =
      tetraethylamonium; Tp* = 3,5-dimethyltrispyrazolylhydroborate) is reported, which
      exhibits a trigonally distorted geometry. Magnetic data and ab initio
      calculations verified that the molecule is an S = 1/2 paramagnet and that it
      exhibits significant temperature-independent paramagnetism.

PMID- 28094523
TI  - Combining Agent-Based Modeling and Life Cycle Assessment for the Evaluation of
      Mobility Policies.

PMID- 28094522
TI  - Modulating the Primary and Secondary Coordination Spheres within a Series of CoII
      OH Complexes.
AB  - The interplay between the primary and secondary coordination spheres is crucial
      to determining the properties of transition metal complexes. To examine these
      effects, a series of trigonal bipyramidal Co-OH complexes have been prepared with
      tripodal ligands that control both coordination spheres. The ligands contain a
      combination of either urea or sulfonamide groups that control the primary
      coordination sphere through anionic donors in the trigonal plane and the
      secondary coordination sphere through intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Variations
      in the anion donor strengths were evaluated using electronic absorbance
      spectroscopy and a qualitative ligand field analysis to find that deprotonated
      urea donors are stronger field ligands than deprotonated sulfonamides. Structural
      variations were found in the CoII-O bond lengths that range from 1.953(4) to
      2.051(3) A; this range in bond lengths were attributed to the differences in the
      intramolecular hydrogen bonds that surround the hydroxido ligand. A similar trend
      was observed between the hydrogen bonding networks and the vibrations of the O-H
      bonds. Attempts to isolate the corresponding CoIII-OH complexes were hampered by
      their instability at room temperature.

PMID- 28094525
TI  - Photocatalytic Color Switching of Transition Metal Hexacyanometalate
      Nanoparticles for High-Performance Light-Printable Rewritable Paper.
AB  - Developing efficient photoreversible color switching systems for constructing
      rewritable paper is of significant practical interest owing to the potential
      environmental benefits including forest conservation, pollution reduction, and
      resource sustainability. Here we report that the color change associated with the
      redox chemistry of nanoparticles of Prussian blue and its analogues could be
      integrated with the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles to construct a
      class of new photoreversible color switching systems, which can be conveniently
      utilized for fabricating ink-free, light printable rewritable paper with various
      working colors. The current system also addresses the phase separation issue of
      the previous organic dye-based color switching system so that it can be
      conveniently applied to the surface of conventional paper to produce an ink-free
      light printable rewritable paper that has the same feel and appearance as the
      conventional paper. With its additional advantages such as excellent scalability
      and outstanding rewriting performance (reversibility >80 times, legible time >5
      days, and resolution >5 MUm), this novel system can serve as an eco-friendly
      alternative to regular paper in meeting the increasing global needs for
      environment protection and resource sustainability.

PMID- 28094524
TI  - Antimalarial Pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles: Lead Optimization, Parasite Life Cycle
      Stage Profile, Mechanistic Evaluation, Killing Kinetics, and in Vivo Oral
      Efficacy in a Mouse Model.
AB  - Further structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on the recently identified
      pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole (PBI) antimalarials have led to the identification of
      potent, metabolically stable compounds with improved in vivo oral efficacy in the
      P. berghei mouse model and additional activity against parasite liver and
      gametocyte stages, making them potential candidates for preclinical development.
      Inhibition of hemozoin formation possibly contributes to the mechanism of action.

PMID- 28094526
TI  - 1H NMR-Based Global Metabolic Studies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa upon Exposure of
      the Quorum Sensing Inhibitor Resveratrol.
AB  - Quorum sensing (QS) is a process of bacterial communication that has been a novel
      target for drug discovery. Pyocyanin quantification assay confirmed that
      resveratrol was an effective quorum sensing inhibitor (QSI) against Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa PAO1. In this study, the global metabolite changes of P. aeruginosa
      PAO1 exposed to QSI resveratrol were investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. A total
      of 40 metabolites containing amino acids, organic acid, organic amine, and energy
      storage compounds were identified. The changed metabolic profile indicated that
      resveratrol influenced pathways including oxidative stress, protein synthesis,
      and energy metabolism. Oxidative stress could upregulate the expression of genes
      related to QS in P. aeruginosa. It suggested that resveratrol could inhibit the
      QS systems in P. aeruginosa PAO1 by relieving oxidative stress due to its
      antioxidant activity. On the other hand, resveratrol could attenuate the
      pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa PAO1 by disturbing the TCA cycle so that anaerobic
      respiration could suppress the virulence because anaerobiosis could induce the
      loss of cytotoxicity regulated by QS in P. aeruginosa. These findings deepened
      our comprehending of the metabolic responses of P. aeruginosa PAO1 to resveratrol
      and pinpointed the possible underlying mechanism of resveratrol's inhibition
      effect on QS in P. aeruginosa PAO1.

PMID- 28094527
TI  - Binding and Inhibitory Effect of the Dyes Amaranth and Tartrazine on Amyloid
      Fibrillation in Lysozyme.
AB  - Interaction of two food colorant dyes, amaranth and tartrazine, with lysozyme was
      studied employing multiple biophysical techniques. The dyes exhibited hypochromic
      changes in the presence of lysozyme. The intrinsic fluorescence of lysozyme was
      quenched by both dyes; amaranth was a more efficient quencher than tartrazine.
      The equilibrium constant of amaranth was higher than that of tartarzine. From
      FRET analysis, the binding distances for amaranth and tartrazine were calculated
      to be 4.51 and 3.93 nm, respectively. The binding was found to be dominated by
      non-polyelectrolytic forces. Both dyes induced alterations in the
      microenvironment surrounding the tryptophan and tyrosine residues of the protein,
      with the alterations being comparatively higher for the tryptophans than the
      tyrosines. The interaction caused significant loss in the helicity of lysozyme,
      the change being higher with amaranth. The binding of both dyes was exothermic.
      The binding of amaranth was enthalpy driven, while that of tartrazine was
      predominantly entropy driven. Amaranth delayed lysozyme fibrillation at 25 MUM,
      while tartrazine had no effect even at 100 MUM. Nevertheless, both dyes had a
      significant inhibitory effect on fibrillogenesis. The present study explores the
      potential antiamyloidogenic property of these azo dyes used as food colorants.

PMID- 28094528
TI  - Noncontact Viscoelastic Measurement of Polymer Thin Films in a Liquid Medium
      Using Long-Needle Atomic Force Microscopy.
AB  - We report the noncontact measurement of the viscoelastic property of polymer thin
      films in a liquid medium using frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy with
      a newly developed long-needle probe. The probe contains a long vertical glass
      fiber with one end adhered to a cantilever beam and the other end with a sharp
      tip placed near the liquid-film interface. The nanoscale flow generated by the
      resonant oscillation of the needle tip provides a precise hydrodynamic force
      acting on the soft surface of the thin film. By accurately measuring the
      mechanical response of the thin film, we obtain the elastic and loss moduli of
      the thin film using the linear response theory of elastohydrodynamics. The
      experiment verifies the theory and demonstrates its applications. The technique
      can be used to accurately measure the viscoelastic property of soft surfaces,
      such as those made of polymers, nanobubbles, live cells, and tissues.

PMID- 28094529
TI  - Protonation Behavior of 1,1'-Bi-2-naphthol and Insights into Its Acid-Catalyzed
      Atropisomerization.
AB  - The behavior of 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (BINOL) in variety of (super)acid media has
      been studied by NMR. The results are combined with the theoretical (DFT) study of
      the role of mono- and diprotonated forms of BINOL in the acid-catalyzed
      atropisomerization of this compound. It is demonstrated that the process of
      enantiomeric configuration exchange proceeds mainly via internal rotation around
      the C1(sp3)-C1'(sp3) bond in intermediates such as C1-monoprotonated keto or
      C1,C1'-diprotonated forms of BINOL, depending on the acidity level.

PMID- 28094530
TI  - Unexpected O-H Insertion of Rhodium-Azavinylcarbenes with N-Acylhydrazones:
      Divergent Synthesis of 3,6-Disubstituted- and 3,5,6-Trisubstituted-1,2,4
      Triazines.
AB  - A practical and efficient method for divergent synthesis of 3,6-disubstituted-
      and 3,5,6-trisubstituted-1,2,4-triazines via unexpected rhodium-catalyzed O-H
      insertion/rearrangement/conditions-controlled intramolecular cyclization and
      oxidation reaction under mild conditions has been developed. Notably, it is the
      first example for the synthesis of 1,2,4-triazines with different substituted
      patterns via a common intermediate with excellent chemoselectivities by the
      reaction of N-acylhydrazones as aze-[3C] or [4C] synthons with N-sulfonyl-1,2,3
      triazoles as aze-[2C] synthons. Furthermore, this method allows direct access to
      di(het)aryl ketone frameworks containing 1,2,4-triazine moiety for the first
      time, serving as a versatile building block for the synthesis of other useful
      heterocyclic skeletons, such as pyridine or pyridazinone-fused triazine in
      excellent yields.

PMID- 28094531
TI  - Cyanoform and Its Isomers. Relative Stabilities, Spectroscopic Features, and
      Rearrangements by Coupled Cluster and MCSCF-Based Methods.
AB  - Although an isolation of elusive tricyanomethane HC(CN)3 was recently reported,
      the existence of other HC4N3 species has yet to be confirmed. In this work, the
      relative stabilities, spectroscopic features, and rearrangements of
      tricyanomethane and its four isomers are examined using single- (CCSD(T), CCSD(T)
      F12) and multireference (MCSCF, MRPT2) methods. Tricyanomethane and
      dicyanoketenimine (NC)2CCNH, which are found to be the two most stable HC4N3
      isomers lying within 9 kcal/mol, can be discriminated by their spectroscopic
      parameters. The predicted stepwise interconversion path relating HC(CN)3 and
      (NC)2CCNH features the HC4N3 species comprising the C-C-N ring moiety, with the
      largest barrier being associated with the initial H migration to one of the CN
      carbons. Adding a water molecule reduces the H migration barrier strongly and
      makes it possible to interconvert tricyanomethane to dicyanoketenimine in a
      "concerted" way.

PMID- 28094533
TI  - Animal experimentation: the statistics speak for themselves.

PMID- 28094532
TI  - Preclinical Comparison of Albumin-Binding Radiofolates: Impact of Linker Entities
      on the in Vitro and in Vivo Properties.
AB  - Tumor targeting with folic acid radioconjugates has been proposed as a promising
      strategy for radionuclide therapy of folate receptor alpha (FR)-positive cancer.
      Recently, it was shown that modification of radiofolates with an albumin-binding
      entity increased the tumor-to-kidney ratios of accumulated radioactivity in mice.
      The goal of this study was to evaluate the lead compound cm10 and compare it with
      new albumin-binding folate conjugates. Compound cm12 was designed with a long
      spacer consisting of a PEG-11 entity, and compound cm13 contained a short alkane
      chain between the albumin-binding moiety and folic acid. All of the derivatives
      were labeled with 177Lu (t1/2 = 6.65 days, Ebeta-,average = 134 keV; Egamma = 113
      keV, 208 keV), a clinically established radionuclide for therapeutic purposes.
      The evaluation revealed that all of the albumin-binding radiofolates exhibited
      increased in vitro stability compared with the reference compound (177Lu-cm14)
      without albumin binder. Serum protein binding, determined with an ultrafiltration
      assay, was high (>88%) for the derivatives with albumin-binding entities. The FR
      binding affinity was in the same range (KD = 4.0-7.5 nM) for all of the
      radiofolates, independent of the albumin-binding entity and spacer length. FR
      specific uptake was proven in vitro using FR-positive KB tumor cells. In vivo
      studies with KB-tumor-bearing mice were performed in order to assess the tissue
      distribution profile of the novel radiofolates. 177Lu-cm13 showed high tumor
      uptake at late time points (13.3 +/- 2.94% IA/g, 48 h p.i.) and tumor-to-kidney
      ratios (0.59 +/- 0.03, 48 h p.i.) in the same range as 177Lu-cm10 (0.55 +/- 0.07,
      48 h p.i.). However, the tumor-to-kidney ratio of 177Lu-cm12 (0.28 +/- 0.07, 48 h
      p.i.) was reduced compared with 177Lu-cm10 and 177Lu-cm13. The results of this
      study indicate that the spacer entity between folic acid and the albumin binder
      is of critical importance with regard to the tissue distribution profile of the
      radiofolate. The PEG spacer compromised the beneficial effects of the lead
      compound, but the design with a short alkane spacer appeared to be promising.
      Future studies will focus on the design of radiofolates with lipophilic and more
      rigid spacer entities, which may allow a further improvement of their tissue
      distribution profiles.

PMID- 28094534
TI  - In vitro assessment of skin irritation potential of surfactant-based formulations
      by using a 3-D skin reconstructed tissue model and cytokine response.
AB  - The personal care industry is focused on developing safe, more efficacious, and
      increasingly milder products, that are routinely undergoing preclinical and
      clinical testing before becoming available for consumer use on skin. In vitro
      systems based on skin reconstructed equivalents are now established for the
      preclinical assessment of product irritation potential and as alternative testing
      methods to the classic Draize rabbit skin irritation test. We have used the 3-D
      EpiDermTM model system to evaluate tissue viability and primary cytokine
      interleukin-1alpha release as a way to evaluate the potential dermal irritation
      of 224 non-ionic, amphoteric and/or anionic surfactant-containing formulations,
      or individual raw materials. As part of our testing programme, two representative
      benchmark materials with known clinical skin irritation potential were qualified
      through repeated testing, for use as references for the skin irritation
      evaluation of formulations containing new surfactant ingredients. We have
      established a correlation between the in vitro screening approach and clinical
      testing, and are continually expanding our database to enhance this correlation.
      This testing programme integrates the efforts of global manufacturers of personal
      care products that focus on the development of increasingly milder formulations
      to be applied to the skin, without the use of animal testing.

PMID- 28094535
TI  - Comparing the CORAL and Random Forest approaches for modelling the in vitro
      cytotoxicity of silica nanomaterials.
AB  - Nanotechnology is one of the most important technological developments of the
      21st century. In silico methods to predict toxicity, such as quantitative
      structure-activity relationships (QSARs), promote the safe-by-design approach for
      the development of new materials, including nanomaterials. In this study, a set
      of cytotoxicity experimental data corresponding to 19 data points for silica
      nanomaterials were investigated, to compare the widely employed CORAL and Random
      Forest approaches in terms of their usefulness for developing so-called 'nano
      QSAR' models. 'External' leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO) analysis was
      performed, to validate the two different approaches. An analysis of variable
      importance measures and signed feature contributions for both algorithms was
      undertaken, in order to interpret the models developed. CORAL showed a more
      pronounced difference between the average coefficient of determination (R2) for
      training and for LOO (0.83 and 0.65 for training and LOO, respectively), compared
      to Random Forest (0.87 and 0.78 without bootstrap sampling, 0.90 and 0.78 with
      bootstrap sampling), which may be due to overfitting. With regard to the
      physicochemical properties of the nanomaterials, the aspect ratio and zeta
      potential were found to be the two most important variables for Random Forest,
      and the average feature contributions calculated for the corresponding
      descriptors were consistent with the clear trends observed in the data set: less
      negative zeta potential values and lower aspect ratio values were associated with
      higher cytotoxicity. In contrast, CORAL failed to capture these trends.

PMID- 28094536
TI  - The novel induction of retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in porcine organ culture
      by NMDA - an opportunity for the replacement of animals in experiments.
AB  - Some of the advantages of retina organ culture models include their efficient and
      easy handling and the ability to standardise relevant parameters. Additionally,
      when porcine eyes are obtained from the food industry, no animals are killed
      solely for research purposes. To induce retinal degeneration, a commonly used
      toxic substance, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), was applied to the cultures. To
      this end, organotypic cultures of porcine retinas were cultured and treated with
      different doses of NMDA (0 [control], 50, 100 and 200MUM) on day 2 for 48 hours.
      On day 7, the retinas were cryo-conserved for histological, Western blot and
      quantitative rt-PCR (qrt-PCR) analyses. NMDA treatment was found to significantly
      increase retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis in all the treated groups, without
      a profound RGC loss. In addition, the intrinsic apoptotic pathway was activated
      in the 50MUM and 100MUM NMDA groups, whereas induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)
      expression was increased in the 200MUM group. A slight microglial response was
      detectable, especially in the 100MUM group. NMDA treatment induced apoptosis,
      oxidative stress and a slight microglia activation. All these effects mimic a
      chronic slow progressive disease that especially affects RGCs, such as glaucoma.
      A particular advantage of this model is that mediators that can interact in the
      very early stages of the onset of RGC death, can be easily detected and potential
      therapies can be tested.

PMID- 28094537
TI  - Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 2015 -
      highlighting an ongoing upward trend in animal use and missed opportunities.
AB  - The Annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain
      2015 indicate that the Home Office were correct in recommending that caution
      should be exercised when interpreting the 2014 data as an apparent decline in
      animal experiments. The 2015 report shows that, as the changes to the format of
      the annual statistics have become more familiar and less problematic, there has
      been a re-emergence of the upward trend in animal research and testing in Great
      Britain. The 2015 statistics report an increase in animal procedures (up to
      4,142,631) and in the number of animals used (up to 4,069,349). This represents
      1% more than the totals in 2013, and a 7% increase on the procedures reported in
      2014. This paper details an analysis of these most recent statistics, providing
      information on overall animal use and highlighting specific issues associated
      with genetically-altered animals, dogs and primates. It also reflects on areas of
      the new format that have previously been highlighted as being problematic, and
      concludes with a discussion about the use of animals in regulatory research and
      testing, and how there are significant missed opportunities for replacing some of
      the animal-based tests in this area.

PMID- 28094538
TI  - The Obesity Paradox in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: An Analysis of Korean
      Healthcare Big Data, 2012-2013.
AB  - Although it is well known that obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer,
      several studies have recently suggested that those who are overweight or class
      one obese have better outcomes after surgery. However, the impact of obesity on
      the success of colorectal cancer surgery remains controversial. The medical
      records of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who were treated surgically
      from 2012 through 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Data from a total of 36,740
      patients were provided by the Healthcare Big Data Hub of the Korean Health
      Insurance Review & Assessment Service. Multivariate analyses suggested that
      hospital length of stay (LOS) was significantly associated with age, cancer
      stage, and body mass index. The odds ratios of spending more than 2 weeks in the
      hospital for the overweight or class-one obese groups compared to the normal
      weight group were 0.903 (95% confidence interval, 0.866-0.941) and 0.887 (95%
      confidence interval, 0.851-0.924), respectively, while that of the underweight
      group was 1.280 (95% confidence interval, 1.202-1.362). The "obesity paradox"
      applies to colorectal cancer, as indicated by decreased hospital LOS of
      overweight and obese patients. This result suggests that there is a protective
      effect of nutritional status in obese patients, which contributes to recovery
      from colorectal cancer surgery.

PMID- 28094539
TI  - Genetic diversity and population structure of castor (Ricinus communis L.)
      germplasm within the US collection assessed with EST-SSR markers.
AB  - Castor is an important oilseed crop and although its oil is inedible, it has
      multiple industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The entire US castor
      germplasm collection was previously screened for oil content and fatty acid
      composition, but its genetic diversity and population structure has not been
      determined. Based on the screening results of oil content, fatty acid
      composition, and country origins, 574 accessions were selected and genotyped with
      22 polymorphic EST-SSR markers. The results from cluster analysis, population
      structure, and principal component analysis were consistent, and partitioned
      accessions into four subpopulations. Although there were certain levels of
      admixtures among groups, these clusters and subpopulations aligned with
      geographic origins. Both divergent and redundant accessions were identified in
      this study. The US castor germplasm collection encompasses a moderately high
      level of genetic diversity (pairwise dissimilarity coefficient = 0.53). The
      results obtained here will be useful for choosing accessions as parents to make
      crosses in breeding programs and prioritizing accessions for regeneration to
      improve germplasm management. A subset of 230 accessions was selected and will be
      planted in the field for establishing a core collection of the US castor
      germplasm. Further evaluation of the US castor germplasm collection is also
      discussed.

PMID- 28094540
TI  - Examining Mechanisms Underlying Fear-Control in the Extended Parallel Process
      Model.
AB  - This investigation sought to advance the extended parallel process model in
      important ways by testing associations among the strengths of efficacy and threat
      appeals with fear as well as two outcomes of fear-control processing,
      psychological reactance and message minimization. Within the context of print ads
      admonishing against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the fictitious
      Trepidosis virus, partial support was found for the additive model with no
      support for the multiplicative model. High efficacy appeals mitigated freedom
      threat perceptions across both contexts. Fear was positively associated with both
      freedom threat perceptions within the NIHL context and favorable attitudes for
      both NIHL and Trepidosis virus contexts. In line with psychological reactance
      theory, a freedom threat was positively associated with psychological reactance.
      Reactance, in turn, was positively associated with message minimization. The
      models supported reactance preceding message minimization across both message
      contexts. Both the theoretical and practical implications are discussed with an
      emphasis on future research opportunities within the fear-appeal literature.

PMID- 28094542
TI  - Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, and the Effects of Source Credibility on
      Health Risk Message Compliance.
AB  - The present study aims to explore the relationship between perceived message
      source (spokesperson) credibility and message compliance in response to a health
      risk message. Based on an experiment in Ireland (n = 406) and Belgium (n = 410),
      we test how the relationship between source credibility and message compliance is
      mediated by perceived threat and efficacy of the message, and moderated by power
      distance and uncertainty avoidance. A source that is perceived as more credible
      is found to increase message compliance by increasing both the perceived message
      threat and efficacy. The indirect effect of source credibility on message
      compliance through perceived efficacy is stronger for individuals with lower
      power distance and higher uncertainty avoidance.

PMID- 28094541
TI  - Intestinal Proportion of Blautia sp. is Associated with Clinical Stage and
      Histoprognostic Grade in Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer.
AB  - Improving knowledge about breast cancer etiology is crucial in order to propose
      prevention strategies for this pathology. Gut microbiota is involved in numerous
      physiopathological situations including cancers. Although its potential
      involvement in breast cancer through the alteration of the enterohepatic
      circulation of estrogens and/or the metabolism of phytoestrogens has been
      discussed for some time, it remains to be demonstrated. The present study seeks
      to strengthen this hypothesis by identifying possible links between the fecal
      microbiota composition and clinical characteristics in breast cancer patients.
      Bacterial DNA was extracted from the feces of 31 patients with early-stage breast
      cancer and amplified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), targeting 16S
      rRNA sequences specific to bacterial groups, and then analyzed in relation to
      clinical characteristics. The absolute numbers of total bacteria and of three
      bacterial groups (Firmicutes, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Blautia) differed
      significantly according to the patient's body mass index. The percentage and the
      absolute numbers of certain bacterial groups, namely C. coccoides, F.
      prausnitzii, and Blautia, differed significantly according to the clinical stages
      and the histoprognostic grades. Our study highlighted that intestinal microbiota
      composition in these patients differs according to clinical characteristics and
      BMI. Further studies are required to clarify the link between breast cancer and
      intestinal microbiota.

PMID- 28094543
TI  - The Decision: A Creative Autoethnographic Account with Poetry.
AB  - This is the story of my decision to place my mother in a continuing-care
      facility. It is interwoven with the experiences of 32 residents of two continuing
      care communities. Their stories are presented as a poem, short conversation, and
      dramatic monologue. The poem describes what it means to be healthy. The short
      conversation elucidates the decision-making process of a couple and the monologue
      of a widow or single individual in moving to one of these facilities.

PMID- 28094544
TI  - Red Wine and Pomegranate Extracts Suppress Cured Meat Promotion of Colonic Mucin
      Depleted Foci in Carcinogen-Induced Rats.
AB  - Processed meat intake is carcinogenic to humans. We have shown that intake of a
      workshop-made cured meat with erythorbate promotes colon carcinogenesis in rats.
      We speculated that polyphenols could inhibit this effect by limitation of
      endogenous lipid peroxidation and nitrosation. Polyphenol-rich plant extracts
      were added to the workshop-made cured meat and given for 14 days to rats and 100
      days to azoxymethane-induced rats to evaluate the inhibition of preneoplastic
      lesions. Colons of 100-d study were scored for precancerous lesions (mucin
      depleted foci, MDF), and biochemical end points of peroxidation and nitrosation
      were measured in urinary and fecal samples. In comparison with cured meat-fed
      rats, dried red wine, pomegranate extract, alpha-tocopherol added at one dose to
      cured meat and withdrawal of erythorbate significantly decreased the number of
      MDF per colon (but white grape and rosemary extracts did not). This protection
      was associated with the full suppression of fecal excretion of nitrosyl iron,
      suggesting that this nitroso compound might be a promoter of carcinogenesis. At
      optimized concentrations, the incorporation of these plant extracts in cured meat
      might reduce the risk of colorectal cancer associated with processed meat
      consumption.

PMID- 28094545
TI  - Electrochemical Analysis of Some Toxic Metals by Ion-Selective Electrodes.
AB  - An overview of potentiometric sensors that are capable of detecting toxic heavy
      metal ions in environmental samples is presented and discussed. Notwithstanding
      the tremendous work performed so far, it is obvious that still several
      limitations do exist in terms of selectivity, limits of detection, dynamic
      ranges, applicability to specific problems, and reversibility. A survey on
      important advances in potentiometric sensors with regard to high selectivity,
      lower detection limit, fast response time, and on-line environmental analysis is
      presented in this review article. [Supplemental materials are available for this
      article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Critical Reviews in Analytical
      Chemistry to view the free supplemental file.].

PMID- 28094546
TI  - Letter from the Editor.

PMID- 28094548
TI  - The Progress in Electron Microscopy Studies of Particulate Matters to Be Used as
      a Standard Monitoring Method for Air Dust Pollution.
AB  - The present article reviews studies on air solid particles carried out with the
      use of electron microscopy. Particle analysis combining scanning and transmission
      electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) can be used to derive size-resolved information
      of the composition, mixing state, morphology, and complex refractive index of
      atmospheric aerosol particles. It seems that electron microscopy is more widely
      used in atmospheric particulate matter analysis, but the usage of this method is
      sometimes problematic. First of all, there is no standard methodology adapted for
      dust analysis, and it is difficult to compare the results coming from different
      laboratories. Nevertheless, it was shown that this method has potential to be
      used in the future as a standard monitoring procedure of air solid particles.

PMID- 28094549
TI  - Flavonoids as Analytical Reagents.
AB  - Compounds from the flavonoid family, while exhibiting a wide range of biological
      effects, are interesting reagents for analytical purposes as well. They form
      complexes with several p-, d-, and f-electron metals, which could be employed in
      the determination of these metal ions in different kinds of samples by various
      techniques. This article presents and discusses the application of flavonoid
      compounds as chromogenic agents in spectrophotometric and fluorometric detection,
      as complexing modifiers in solid phase extraction for preconcentration and
      separation of metal ions, and in adsorptive voltammetry for the determination of
      metals. Selected applications are included to illustrate the scope and
      limitations of the various approaches.

PMID- 28094550
TI  - Pharmacophore modelling, atom-based 3D-QSAR generation and virtual screening of
      molecules projected for mPGES-1 inhibitory activity.
AB  - COX-2 inhibitors exhibit anticancer effects in various cancer models but due to
      the adverse side effects associated with these inhibitors, targeting molecules
      downstream of COX-2 (such as mPGES-1) has been suggested. Even after calls for
      mPGES-1 inhibitor design, to date there are only a few published inhibitors
      targeting the enzyme and displaying anticancer activity. In the present study, we
      have deployed both ligand and structure-based drug design approaches to hunt
      novel drug-like candidates as mPGES-1 inhibitors. Fifty-four compounds with
      tested mPGES-1 inhibitory value were used to develop a model with four
      pharmacophoric features. 3D-QSAR studies were undertaken to check the robustness
      of the model. Statistical parameters such as r2 = 0.9924, q2 = 0.5761 and F test
      = 1139.7 indicated significant predictive ability of the proposed model. Our QSAR
      model exhibits sites where a hydrogen bond donor, hydrophobic group and the
      aromatic ring can be substituted so as to enhance the efficacy of the inhibitor.
      Furthermore, we used our validated pharmacophore model as a three-dimensional
      query to screen the FDA-approved Lopac database. Finally, five compounds were
      selected as potent mPGES-1 inhibitors on the basis of their docking energy and
      pharmacokinetic properties such as ADME and Lipinski rule of five.

PMID- 28094551
TI  - Effect of bovine lactoferrin on Chlamydia trachomatis infection and inflammation.
AB  - Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate, intracellular pathogen responsible for the
      most common sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide, causing acute and
      chronic infections. The acute infection is susceptible to antibiotics, whereas
      the chronic one needs prolonged therapies, thus increasing the risk of developing
      antibiotic resistance. Novel alternative therapies are needed. The intracellular
      development of C. trachomatis requires essential nutrients, including iron. Iron
      chelating drugs inhibit C. trachomatis developmental cycle. Lactoferrin (Lf), a
      pleiotropic iron binding glycoprotein, could be a promising candidate against C.
      trachomatis infection. Similarly to the efficacy against other intracellular
      pathogens, bovine Lf (bLf) could both interfere with C. trachomatis entry into
      epithelial cells and exert an anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro and in vivo
      effects of bLf against C. trachomatis infectious and inflammatory process has
      been investigated. BLf inhibits C. trachomatis entry into host cells when
      incubated with cell monolayers before or at the moment of the infection and down
      regulates IL-6/IL-8 synthesized by infected cells. Six out of 7 pregnant women
      asymptomatically infected by C. trachomatis, after 30 days of bLf intravaginal
      administration, were negative for C. trachomatis and showed a decrease of
      cervical IL-6 levels. This is the first time that the bLf protective effect
      against C. trachomatis infection has been demonstrated.

PMID- 28094552
TI  - Glucose Metabolism in Cancer and Ischemia: Possible Therapeutic Consequences of
      the Warburg Effect.
AB  - The Warburg effect states that the main source of energy for cancer cells is not
      aerobic respiration, but glycolysis-even in normoxia. The shift from one to the
      other is governed by mutually counteracting enzymes: pyruvate dehydrogenase and
      pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). Anaerobic metabolism of cancer cells
      promotes cell proliferation, local tissue immunosuppression, resistance to
      hypoxic conditions, and metastatic processes. By switching glucose back to
      oxidative metabolism, these effects might be reversed. This can be achieved using
      PDK inhibitors, such as dichloroacetate. Patients suffering from ischemic
      conditions might benefit from this effect. On the other hand, the beta-blockers
      (adrenergic beta-antagonists) often used in these patients appear to improve
      cancer-specific survival, and nonselective beta-blockers have been shown to
      promote glucose oxidation. Might there be a link?

PMID- 28094553
TI  - Burden of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C Among Inmates in a Prison State
      System in Mexico.
AB  - We studied the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and associated risk behaviors in the prison
      state system of Guanajuato, Mexico between September 2011 and February 2012.
      Blood samples were drawn from adult inmates in all State prisons who agreed to
      participate in this cross-sectional study. Data on risk behaviors were collected
      by using self-administered questionnaires. The prevalence of HIV, syphilis, HBV,
      and HCV infection was 0.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.2-1.1], 0.7% (95% CI
      = 0.4-1.0), 0.4 (95% CI = 0.04-0.74), and 4.8 (95% CI = 3.6-5.9), respectively.
      Female inmates had a higher prevalence of HIV (1.5% vs. 0.6%, p = .05), whereas
      male inmates had a higher prevalence of HCV (1% vs. 5%, p = .008). Twenty percent
      (n = 443, 95% CI = 15-26) of the participants were tattooed during incarceration,
      and most of them were tattooed with recycled materials. Around 60% (57%, 95% CI =
      49-65) used drugs before incarceration, and 9.2% (n = 205) used injected drugs.
      During incarceration, 30% (95% CI = 23-39) used drugs and 43 continued injecting
      (20% of users). Consistent condom use was low among men before incarcerations but
      decreased by half during incarceration. The highest consistent condom use before
      incarceration was among men who have sex with men (MSM) (17.7%, 95% CI = 14-22),
      but it decreased (9%, 95% CI = 3-14) during incarceration. The prevalence of HIV,
      HBV, HCV, and syphilis in these inmates is higher than that of the local adult
      population. Most inmates had sex in prison, but few used condoms consistently.
      Access to condoms is apparently harder for MSM. Interventions to increase condom
      use, reduce use of shared or recycled materials for tattooing and injecting
      drugs, and treatment for drug abuse are needed.

PMID- 28094554
TI  - Impact of Phytochemicals and Dietary Patterns on Epigenome and Cancer.
AB  - Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death around the world. Initially it
      is recognized as a genetic disease, but now it is known to involve epigenetic
      abnormalities along with genetic alterations. Epigenetics refers to heritable
      changes that are not encoded in the DNA sequence itself, but play an important
      role in the control of gene expression. It includes changes in DNA methylation,
      histone modifications, and RNA interference. Although it is heritable,
      environmental factors such as diet could directly influence epigenetic mechanisms
      in humans. This article will focus on the role of dietary patterns and
      phytochemicals that have been demonstrated to influence the epigenome and more
      precisely histone and non-histone proteins modulation by acetylation that helps
      to induce apoptosis and phosphorylation inhibition, which counteracts with cells
      proliferation. Recent developments discussed here enhance our understanding of
      how dietary intervention could be beneficial in preventing or treating cancer and
      improving health outcomes.

PMID- 28094555
TI  - Loneliness and the risk of dementia among older Chinese adults: gender
      differences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine whether loneliness was
      associated with the risk of developing dementia in Chinese older adults and
      whether the association was moderated by gender. METHOD: A 3-year cohort study
      was conducted using data from the 2008/2009 and 2011/2012 waves of the Chinese
      Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Multiple logistic regression was
      used to analyze the relationship between loneliness and dementia. The interaction
      between loneliness and gender was also evaluated. RESULTS: At 3-year follow-up,
      393 of the 7867 participants had dementia. Loneliness was associated with
      dementia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11-1.56) after
      adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and baseline health
      status. A significant interaction between loneliness and gender was also found
      (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.65-0.99). CONCLUSION: Loneliness increased the risk of
      developing dementia among people aged 65 years and older in China. Moreover, the
      effect of loneliness on dementia risk varied by gender. Specifically, men who
      felt lonely were more likely to suffer from dementia than women.

PMID- 28094556
TI  - How I Learned to Count.
AB  - This is a poem about surviving familial childhood sexual abuse and the healing I
      found through the beauty and spiritual growth of motherhood.

PMID- 28094557
TI  - Cigarette Initiation Among Chinese Male Teenagers in Early Smoking Interactions.
AB  - To collect in-depth information regarding cigarette initiation interactions in
      the early smoking experimentation among male youth in China, twenty focus groups
      with male teenagers (N = 165) were conducted. Focus group discussions indicated a
      high prevalence of cigarette initiation among peers, and such initiation often
      translated into immediate smoking. Of the identified cigarette initiation
      appeals, "face" and normative pressure appeals were the most difficult to reject.
      Upon first initiation attempts, more teenagers accepted cigarettes than rejected
      them. The reasons behind both cigarette initiation and acceptance primarily
      related to facilitating social interaction. Upon being rejected, initiating
      teenagers (agents) who insisted on offering cigarettes often gained compliance.
      Profiles of peer agents were constructed in this study. Key practical
      implications suggest simultaneously prioritizing efforts to reduce cigarette
      initiation and encouraging cigarette refusal.

PMID- 28094558
TI  - The Arts and Health Communication in Uganda: A Light Under the Table.
AB  - This qualitative interview study brings the voices of 27 public health leaders,
      health communication experts, and artists who work in public health in Uganda
      together to articulate the principles and practices that make the country a
      shining example of effective, evidence-based use of the arts for health
      communication. The specific aim of the study was to identify best practices,
      theoretical foundations, and other factors that contribute to the success of arts
      based health communication campaigns in Uganda. The study presents four primary
      themes related to use of the arts for health communication in Uganda: (1) the
      arts empower health communication; (2) the arts engage people emotionally; (3)
      effective programs are highly structured; and (4) professionalism is critical to
      program effectiveness. The findings suggest that the arts humanize, clarify, and
      empower health communication. The arts can attract attention and engage target
      populations, reduce hierarchical divisions and tensions that can challenge
      communication between health professionals and community members, make concepts
      clearer and more personally and culturally relevant, and communicate at an
      emotional level wherein concepts can be embodied and made actionable. The
      findings articulate why and how the arts are an effective means for health
      communication and can guide best practices.

PMID- 28094559
TI  - Sweet Temptations: How Does Reading a Fotonovela About Diabetes Affect Dutch
      Adults with Different Levels of Literacy?
AB  - Recent studies suggest that health-related fotonovelas-booklets that portray a
      dramatic story using photographs and captions-may be effective health
      communication tools, especially for readers with a low level of literacy. In this
      experiment, effects on knowledge and behavioral intentions were assessed of a
      fotonovela originally developed for a Latin-American audience. Dutch readers from
      a low literacy group (N = 89) and a high literacy group (N = 113) were randomly
      assigned to one of three conditions: a fotonovela condition (all captions
      translated into Dutch), a traditional brochure condition (also in Dutch), and a
      control condition. On knowledge about diabetes, participants in the fotonovela
      condition outperformed participants in both other conditions. This finding was
      consistent across literacy levels. On behavioral intentions, however, readers of
      the fotonovela did not score significantly higher than participants in the other
      conditions. We also evaluated hypotheses proposed in the Entertainment Overcoming
      Resistance Model (EORM; Moyer-Guse, 2008) on the possible mechanisms underlying
      persuasion through narratives. No support was found for the mechanisms proposed
      in the EORM. The outcomes of this study suggest that a fotonovela may be a
      valuable health education format for adults with varying levels of literacy, even
      if it was developed for a target group with a different cultural background.

PMID- 28094560
TI  - Systemic Metabolite Changes in Wild-type C57BL/6 Mice Fed Black Raspberries.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Freeze-dried black raspberries (BRBs) elicit chemopreventive
      effects against colorectal cancer in humans and in rodents. The objective of this
      study was to investigate potential BRB-caused metabolite changes using wild-type
      (WT) C57BL/6 mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: WT mice were fed either control diet or
      control diet supplemented with 5% BRBs for 8 wk. A nontargeted metabolomic
      analysis was conducted on colonic mucosa, liver, and fecal specimens collected
      from both diet groups. BRBs significantly changed the levels of 41 colonic mucosa
      metabolites, 40 liver metabolites, and 34 fecal metabolites compared to control
      diet-fed mice. BRBs reduced 34 lipid metabolites in colonic mucosa and increased
      levels of amino acids in liver. One metabolite, 3-[3-(sulfooxy) phenyl] propanoic
      acid, might be a useful biomarker of BRB consumption. In addition, BRB powder was
      found to contain 30-fold higher levels of linolenate compared to control diets.
      Consistently, multiple omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs),
      including stearidonate, docosapentaenoate (omega-3 DPA), eicosapentaenoate (EPA),
      and docosahexaenoate (DHA), were significantly elevated in livers of BRB-fed
      mice. CONCLUSION: The data from the current study suggest that BRBs produce
      systemic metabolite changes in multiple tissue matrices, supporting our
      hypothesis that BRBs may serve as both a chemopreventive agent and a beneficial
      dietary supplement.

PMID- 28094561
TI  - The perioperative dental screening and management of patients undergoing
      cardiothoracic, vascular surgery and other cardiovascular invasive procedures: A
      systematic review.
AB  - Background One controversial issue in the relationship between oral care and
      cardiovascular diseases is how and whether to manage oral infections prior to
      cardiovascular surgery or other cardiovascular invasive procedures. Design We
      designed a systematic review to assess the information available on three main
      questions. Is there an agreement on the need for dental evaluation and treatment
      before cardiovascular interventions? Are consistent clinical recommendations or
      protocols available? Is dental treatment prior to cardiovascular interventions
      effective? Methods A systematic electronic search of MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of
      Science was performed from the database inceptions up to 31 April 2016. Searches
      were performed using Boolean operators to combine medical subject headings and
      free text words. Because this review included a large, heterogeneous group of
      study designs and sources, the results were synthesised in a narrative approach.
      Results In total, 2447 studies were identified: 2099 (+241 duplicates) were
      excluded after screening; 107 were included for full-text assessment; 55 were
      excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria; and 11 were not available. Thus,
      44 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analysed. We found that, for
      patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, there is a general agreement on the
      need for screening and treatment of dental infections, but not on the protocols.
      We also found that there are conflicting indications on when and to what extent
      to perform the treatment and that the risk-to-benefit ratios for these treatments
      are controversial. Conclusion No satisfactory answers regarding dental care
      before cardiovascular invasive procedures are available.

PMID- 28094563
TI  - Dental Arch Relationships and Reverse Headgear Effects in Southern Chinese
      Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Retrospective Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the severity of the dental arch relationships and the
      treatment outcomes of reverse headgear (RHG) in southern Chinese patients with
      unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING:
      Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong. PATIENTS: Thirty-eight UCLP
      patients with complete records. Among them, 14 were later treated with RHG (RHG
      group) and 24 were under review (non-RHG group) before definitive orthodontic or
      in conjunction with orthognathic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Study models at T1 (aged
      9.4 +/- 0.4 years old), prebone grafting and before any orthodontic treatment
      started; T2 (aged 11.3 +/- 0.6 years old), after bone grafting, and RHG treatment
      (RHG group) or under review (non-RHG group); and T3 (aged 15.3 +/- 3.2 years
      old), pretreatment of definitive orthodontic or in conjunction with orthognathic
      surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: With satisfactory intra- and interexaminer
      agreement proven by the kappa value, the dental arch relationships of the study
      models at T1, T2, and T3 were assessed by a solo calibrated examiner using the
      GOSLON Yardstick. RESULTS: The median GOSLON score for southern Chinese patients
      with UCLP at T1 was 4.0. Sixty percent of the patients were categorized as "poor"
      at T1. RHG significantly improved dental arch relationships from T1 to T2, and
      the improvement was maintained until T3 assessed by the GOSLON Yardstick.
      CONCLUSIONS: The dental arch relationships in southern Chinese UCLP patients at 8
      to 10 years old are unfavorable. RHG treatment shows positive effects in
      improving the dental arch relationships in UCLP patients, as assessed by the
      GOSLON Yardstick.

PMID- 28094562
TI  - Effects of Bisphosphonate Administration on Cleft Bone Graft in a Rat Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bone grafts in patients with cleft lip and palate can undergo a
      significant amount of resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      effects of bisphosphonates (BPs) on the success of bone grafts in rats. DESIGN:
      Thirty-five female 15-week-old Fischer F344 Inbred rats were divided into the
      following experimental groups, each receiving bone grafts to repair an intraoral
      CSD: (1) Graft/saline: systemic administration of saline and (2) systemic
      administration of zoledronic acid immediately following surgery (graft/BP/T0),
      (3) 1 week postoperatively (graft/BP/T1), and (4) 3 weeks postoperatively
      (graft/BP/T2). As an additional control, the defect was left empty without bone
      graft. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Microcomputed tomography and histologic analyses
      were performed in addition to evaluation of osteoclasts through tartrate
      resistant acid phosphatase staining. RESULTS: Bone volume fraction (bone
      volume/tissue volume) for the delayed BP treatment groups (graft/BP/T1 = 45.4% +/
      8.8%; graft/BP/T2 = 46.1% +/- 12.4%) were significantly greater than that for
      the graft/saline group (31.0% +/- 7.9%) and the graft/BP/T0 (27.6% +/- 5.9%) 6
      weeks postoperatively (P < .05). Hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed an
      evident increase in bone volume and fusion of defect margins with existing
      palatal bone in the graft/BP/T1 and graft/BP/T2 groups. The graft/BP/T0 group
      showed the lowest bone volume with signs of acute inflammation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Delayed BP administration following cleft bone graft surgery led to significant
      increase in bone volume and integration compared with saline controls. However,
      BP injection immediately after the surgery did not enhance bone volume, and
      rather, may negatively affect bone graft incorporation.

PMID- 28094564
TI  - Secondary Cleft Nasolabial Deformities: A New Classification System for
      Evaluation and Surgical Revision.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Secondary or residual cleft lip and nasal deformities following
      primary unilateral or bilateral cleft lip repair are common. Many classification
      systems have been proposed to describe congenital cleft lip and palate
      deformities before repair. This article proposes a one-of-a-kind classification
      system for residual cleft deformities and describes its application to 136 cleft
      lip revision cases from cleft outreach missions worldwide. METHODS: Patients'
      demographics and deformities were classified preoperatively, and a database of
      the classification was created. Postoperatively, the type of surgery performed
      was added to the database and comparison was done using an independent t test.
      RESULTS: Kappa coefficient was 0.92 and showed excellent agreement between the
      type assigned preoperatively to the patient and the type of procedure done.
      CONCLUSIONS: This system proves to provide good descriptions of the deformities,
      is user friendly, facilitates the planning of the corrective surgical procedure,
      and enhances the communicative lingo between surgeons and members of cleft
      multidisciplinary care teams. It is broadly applicable in outreach missions with
      limited resources and cleft referral centers with considerable load.

PMID- 28094565
TI  - The Decline in HIV-1 Drug Resistance in Heavily Antiretroviral-Experienced
      Patients Is Associated with Optimized Prescriptions in a Treatment Roll-Out
      Program in Mexico.
AB  - A decrease in the rate of acquired antiretroviral (ARV) drug resistance (ADR)
      over time has been documented in high-income settings, but data on the
      determinants of this phenomenon are lacking. We tested the hypothesis that in
      heavily ARV-experienced patients in the Mexican ARV therapy (ART) roll-out
      program, the drop in ADR would be associated with changes in ARV drug usage.
      Genotypic resistance tests obtained from 974 HIV-infected patients with
      virological failure and at least 2 previously failed ARV regimens from throughout
      the country were analyzed for the presence of nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease
      inhibitor (PI) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs). Patients were divided into
      two groups according to their first ART start date: 488 patients initiated ART
      before mid-2003 (group 1) and 486 after mid-2003 (group 2). The rate of RAMs,
      median resistance score of several sentinel ARVs, and composition of ART drugs in
      patient's entire treatment history were compared between both groups. Patients in
      group 2 were less likely to have >3 thymidine analogue-associated mutations
      (TAMs) and >3 PI-mRAMs [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.37; 95% confidence interval
      (95% CI) = 0.25-0.54; p < .001 and aOR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.36-0.77; p = .001,
      respectively] and had a significantly lower resistance score for zidovudine,
      tenofovir, ritonavir-boosted (r)-lopinavir, r-atazanavir, and r-darunavir than
      group 1 patients. A significantly lower proportion of patients in group 2 used
      monotherapy, bitherapy, thymidine analogue-containing regimens, nonboosted PI
      containing regimens, and low resistance barrier PI-containing regimens. In
      Mexican ARV-experienced patients, the occurrence of TAM and PI-mRAM has
      significantly declined over time. This can be explained by treatment optimization
      in the national ART roll-out program in recent years.

PMID- 28094566
TI  - Hepatitis C Virus Continuum of Care in the Interferon and Direct-Acting Agent
      Eras Among HIV-Coinfected Patients.

PMID- 28094567
TI  - A Vulnerable Age for the Introduction of Solid Foods in Pediatric Acute
      Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is little research concerning infant formula or the age at
      introduction to solid foods and pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The
      purpose of this case-control study was to estimate the association of age at
      introduction of solids and pediatric ALL. METHODS: 171 ALL cases aged 0-14 years
      were recruited at Texas Children's Cancer Center and matched on sex, age, and
      ethnicity to 342 population-based controls. Data were collected on infant feeding
      and known risk factors for ALL. Multivariable logistic regression was used to
      model the odds ratio of ALL by quartile of age at introduction of solids with the
      first/earliest quartile (0-4 months) as the reference group. RESULTS: In adjusted
      models, the odds ratio of ALL among children in quartile 3 (7-9 months) was 4.08,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-11.71; for children in quartile 4 (>=10 months)
      the odds ratio (OR) was 6.03, 95% CI 2.06-17.72. For each additional month of
      milk formula feeding, the OR of ALL was 1.16, 95% CI 1.08-1.25. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results suggest a window when later introduction to solids is positively
      associated with ALL and recommend compliance with the American Academy of
      Pediatrics guidelines.

PMID- 28094568
TI  - Barcode-based species delimitation in the marine realm: a test using Hexanauplia
      (Multicrustacea: Thecostraca and Copepoda).
AB  - DNA barcoding has been used successfully for identifying specimens belonging to
      marine planktonic groups. However, the ability to delineate species within
      taxonomically diverse and widely distributed marine groups, such as the Copepoda
      and Thecostraca, remains largely untested. We investigate whether a cytochrome c
      oxidase subunit I (COI-5P) global pairwise sequence divergence threshold exists
      between intraspecific and interspecific divergences in the copepods plus the
      thecostracans (barnacles and allies). Using publicly accessible sequence data, we
      applied a graphical method to determine an optimal threshold value. With these
      thresholds, and using a newly generated planktonic marine data set, we quantify
      the degree of concordance using a bidirectional analysis and discuss different
      analytical methods for sequence-based species delimitation (e.g., BIN, ABGD,
      jMOTU, UPARSE, Mothur, PTP, and GMYC). Our results support a COI-5P threshold
      between 2.1% and 2.6% p-distance across methods for these crustacean taxa,
      yielding molecular groupings largely concordant with traditional, morphologically
      defined species. The adoption of internal methods for clustering verification
      enables rapid biodiversity studies and the exploration of unknown faunas using
      DNA barcoding. The approaches taken here for concordance assessment also provide
      a more quantitative comparison of clustering results (as contrasted with
      "success/failure" of barcoding), and we recommend their further consideration for
      barcoding studies.

PMID- 28094569
TI  - Dietary Fat Consumption and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Risk: A Meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many studies suggest that high-fat diets are linked to the etiology of
      non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, the findings are inconsistent and
      therefore the association between fat and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma remains unclear.
      In this study, we aim to quantitatively assess the association between fat
      consumption and the risk for NHL. METHODS: We reviewed 221 published cohort and
      case-control studies that reported relative risk (RRs) and corresponding 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) of NHL and fat intake using PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE,
      and Google Scholar databases. A random-effects model computed summary risk
      estimates. RESULTS: Based on our literature search, 10 of 221 studies (two cohort
      and eight case-control studies) were relevant to this meta-analysis. There was a
      significant association between total fat consumption and increased risk of NHL
      (RR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.12-1.42); in addition, subgroup analysis showed a
      significant correlation with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (RR = 1.41; 95% CI:
      1.08-1.84) but not with follicular lymphoma (RR = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.97-1.52), small
      lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (RR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.68-1.23),
      nor with T cell lymphoma (RR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.60-2.09). The funnel plot revealed
      no evidence for publication bias. CONCLUSION: Total fat consumption, particularly
      animal fat, increases the risk for NHL.

PMID- 28094570
TI  - Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Genomic Stability Enhancement Effects of Zinc
      l-carnosine: A Potential Cancer Chemopreventive Agent?
AB  - Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide, and the incidence and
      mortality rates of cancer are expected to rise tremendously in the near future.
      Despite a better understanding of cancer biology and advancement in cancer
      management, current strategies in cancer treatment remain costly and ineffective.
      Hence, instead of putting more efforts to search for new cancer cures, attention
      has now been shifted to the development of cancer chemopreventive agents as a
      preventive measure for cancer formation. It is well known that neoplastic
      transformation of cells is multifactorial, and the occurrence of oxidative
      stress, chronic inflammation, and genomic instability events has been implicated
      in the carcinogenesis of cells. Zinc l-carnosine (ZnC), which is clinically used
      as gastric ulcer treatment in Japan, has been suggested to have the potential in
      preventing cancer development. Multiple studies have revealed that ZnC possesses
      potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and genomic stability enhancement effects.
      Thus, this review provides some mechanistic insight into the antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, and genomic stability enhancement effects of ZnC in relevance to
      its chemopreventive potential.

PMID- 28094571
TI  - Dietary Inflammatory Index and Risk of Colorectal Adenoma Recurrence: A Pooled
      Analysis.
AB  - No studies have evaluated the association between the dietary inflammatory index
      (DII) and colorectal adenoma recurrence. DII scores were calculated from a
      baseline food frequency questionnaire. Participants (n = 1727) were 40-80 years
      of age, enrolled in two Phase III clinical trials, who had >=1 colorectal
      adenoma(s) removed within 6 months of study registration, and a follow-up
      colonoscopy during the trial. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate
      odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). No statistically
      significant associations were found between DII and odds of colorectal adenoma
      recurrence [ORs (95% CIs) = 0.93 (0.73, 1.18) and 0.95 (0.73, 1.22)] for subjects
      in the second and third DII tertiles, respectively, compared to those in the
      lowest tertile (Ptrend = 0.72). No associations were found for recurrent
      colorectal adenoma characteristics, including advanced recurrent adenomas, large
      size, villous histology, or anatomic location. While our study did not support an
      association between a proinflammatory diet and colorectal adenoma recurrence,
      future studies are warranted to elucidate the role of a proinflammatory diet on
      the early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis.

PMID- 28094572
TI  - Lycopene in the Prevention of Radiation-Induced Esophagitis.
AB  - We aimed to research whether lycopene (L) could prevent radiation-induced acute
      esophageal toxicity in Wistar albino rats. 60 rats were placed in five groups as
      follows: control, L, radiotherapy (RT), L before RT (L + RT), and L before and
      after RT (L + RT + L). 6 mg/kg bw/day L was administered 7 days in the L group, 7
      days before RT in the L + RT group, and 7 days before and after in the L + RT + L
      group. 35 Gy thoracic RT was performed. Serum L levels were measured, and the
      esophagi were evaluated histopathologically for intraepithelial degenerative
      changes-necrosis, vacuole formation, inflammation, regeneration-mitosis, and
      subepithelial bulla formation. L levels were significantly higher in the L
      receiving groups. All histopathologic results were significantly worse in the RT
      group than in the none-RT groups. The L + RT and the L + RT + L groups had better
      results than the RT group. Grade 2-3 degenerative changes-necrosis and vacuole
      formation were significantly lesser in the L + RT and the L + RT + L groups than
      those in the RT group. There was a trend toward decreased subepithelial bulla
      formation and inflammation in the L + RT and the L + RT + L groups compared to
      the RT group. Regeneration-mitosis was insignificantly lesser in the L + RT and
      significantly fewer in the L + RT + L groups than that in the RT group.

PMID- 28094573
TI  - Advanced gastric adenocarcinoma: optimizing therapy options.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is the fifth most common cancer and
      third leading cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. When localized, cure
      is achievable with surgery and adjunctive therapies in some patients, however,
      once advanced, GAC is not a curable condition. Only two targeted agents
      (trastuzumab and ramucirumab) have been approved and apatinib was approved only
      in China. Because of the heterogeneous nature of GAC, it is not possible to
      assess a standard therapeutic approach. Areas covered: In this review, we aimed
      to describe the optimal systemic therapy regimens for advanced GAC. A literature
      search was performed to identify all phase II-III studies about advanced GAC from
      PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and
      European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) websites. Expert commentary: A
      combination of a platinum compound and a fluoropyrimidine is ideal as first line
      therapy. Trastuzumab should be added if the tumor is HER2 positive. In the second
      line setting, paclitaxel/ramucirumab is preferred over ramucirumab alone.
      Recently, two similar molecular classifications for GAC have been proposed. A
      better understanding of molecular and immune biology of GAC could identify new
      therapeutic targets.

PMID- 28094574
TI  - Inferring a role for methylation of intergenic DNA in the regulation of genes
      aberrantly expressed in precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - A complete understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of pre-B
      ALL is lacking. In this study, we integrated DNA methylation data and gene
      expression data to elucidate the impact of aberrant intergenic DNA methylation on
      gene expression in pre-B ALL. We found a subset of differentially methylated
      intergenic loci that were associated with altered gene expression in pre-B ALL
      patients. Notably, 84% of these regions were also bound by transcription factors
      (TF) known to play roles in differentiation and B-cell development in a
      lymphoblastoid cell line. Further, an overall downregulation of eRNA transcripts
      was observed in pre-B ALL patients and these transcripts were associated with the
      downregulation of putative target genes involved in B-cell migration,
      proliferation, and apoptosis. The identification of novel putative regulatory
      regions highlights the significance of intergenic DNA sequences and may
      contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of
      pre-B ALL.

PMID- 28094575
TI  - Treatment approaches of hard-to-treat non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Even after recent advancements with monoclonal antibodies, antibody
      drug conjugates and immune therapies, relapsed and refractory lymphomas remain
      challenging to treat; and the definition and treatment approaches of hard-to
      treat lymphomas (HTL) continue to evolve. Areas covered: In this review, we will
      address HTL encompassing diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular
      lymphoma (FL) and peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL). DLBCL, which comprises 30
      40% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous malignancy,
      with primary refractory or relapsed disease remaining a therapeutic challenge.
      Similarly, early relapse within 2 years of primary treatment in the more indolent
      FL is associated with inferior outcomes. Finally, PTCL are universally aggressive
      and carry a poor prognosis. Expert commentary: Recently, novel antibodies,
      antibody drug conjugates, immunotherapies and cellular therapy (CAR therapy) have
      shown promising results in early phase clinical trials. These agents are changing
      the landscape of treatment of lymphomas and will be extremely important for
      improving outcomes of HTL. Importantly, revising current strict eligibility
      criteria for clinical trial participation is needed to help these patients
      benefit from these novel agents.

PMID- 28094576
TI  - Growth of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Aligned to Choroidal Watershed Zone.

PMID- 28094577
TI  - Protective role of bentonite against aflatoxin B1- and ochratoxin A-induced
      immunotoxicity in broilers.
AB  - The present study was designed to investigate any ameliorative effects of
      bentonite (BN) against immuno-pathological alterations induced by dietary
      aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) or ochratoxin A (OTA) in broiler chicks. In one experiment,
      AFB1 (0.1, 0.2 or 0.6 mg/kg feed) was fed alone and par alley with bentonite clay
      (3.7 or 7.5 g/kg feed) to the broilers. In the second experiment, the broilers
      were given feed contaminated with OTA (0.15, 0.3 or 1.0 mg/kg feed) alone and in
      combination with bentonite clay (3.7, 7.5, or 15 g/kg feed). Experimental
      feedings were continued for 42 days. At various time points along the feeding
      schedule, immune system organ histologic status, as well as host humoral and
      cellular immune responses, were evaluated in all groups. The dietary addition of
      AFB1 and OTA alone significantly reduced immune responses in the birds as
      assessed by histological changes in the bursa of Fabricius and thymus, antibody
      responses to SRBC, in-vivo lympho-proliferative responses to Phytohemagglutinin-P
      (PHA-P) and, phagocytic function in situ. The dietary addition of BN
      significantly ameliorated the immunotoxicity of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg dietary AFB1,
      however with a level of 0.6 mg AFB1/kg only partial amelioration was seen. The co
      treatment of birds exposed to OTA with BN at all levels only partially alleviated
      deleterious effects on histology and immune responses. Taken together, the
      results here suggested to us that dietary addition of BN could help ameliorate
      AFB1-mediated immunotoxicities but could not afford such protection against OTA
      induced immune damage.

PMID- 28094578
TI  - Diversity and Inclusion in Occupational Therapy: Where We Are, Where We Must Go.
AB  - Diversity is a fundamental element of the AOTA Centennial Vision and a critical
      aspect for the visibility, growth, and sustainability of the occupational therapy
      profession. In this article, the authors suggest that, while the profession has
      been aware of the need for a diverse workforce and has taken steps to increase
      diversity and cultural competency, a more structured, comprehensive, and action
      oriented approach must be considered to address an issue which impacts
      professional roles and client engagement, satisfaction, and well-being. Informed
      by the value-added and mutual accommodation models of cultural diversity, the
      authors provide specific strategies and actions which promote diversity and
      inclusion at the personal, institutional/organizational, and professional levels.

PMID- 28094579
TI  - Expression Profile of the Integrin Receptor Subunits in the Guinea Pig Sclera.
AB  - PURPOSE: The ocular dimensional changes in myopia reflect increased scleral
      remodeling, and in high myopia, loss of scleral integrity leads to biomechanical
      weakening and continued scleral creep. As integrins, a type of cell surface
      receptors, have been linked to scleral remodeling, they represent potential
      targets for myopia therapies. As a first step, this study aimed to characterize
      the integrin subunits at the messenger RNA level in the sclera of the guinea pig,
      a more recently added but increasingly used animal model for myopia research.
      METHODS: Primers for alpha and beta integrin subunits were designed using
      NCBI/UCSC Genome Browser and Primer3 software tools. Total RNA was extracted from
      normal scleral tissue and isolated cultured scleral fibroblasts, as well as liver
      and lung, as reference tissues, all from guinea pig. cDNA was produced by reverse
      transcription, PCR was used to amplify products of predetermined sizes, and
      products were sequenced using standard methods. RESULTS: Guinea pig scleral
      tissue expressed all known integrin alpha subunits except alphaD and alphaE. The
      latter integrin subunits were also not expressed by cultured guinea pig scleral
      fibroblasts; however, their expression was confirmed in guinea pig liver. In
      addition, isolated cultured fibroblasts did not express integrin subunits alphaL,
      alphaM, and alphaX. This difference between results for cultured cells and intact
      sclera presumably reflects the presence in the latter of additional cell types.
      Both guinea pig scleral tissue and isolated scleral fibroblasts expressed all
      known integrin beta subunits. All results were verified through sequencing.
      CONCLUSION: The possible contributions of integrins to scleral remodeling make
      them plausible targets for myopia prevention. Data from this study will help
      guide future ex vivo and in vitro studies directed at understanding the
      relationship between scleral integrins and ocular growth regulation in the guinea
      pig model for myopia.

PMID- 28094580
TI  - Is walking symmetry important for ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury?
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess and compare the levels of walking symmetry in ambulatory
      participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) who had different degrees of lesion
      severity, levels of walking ability, and fall history. In addition, the study
      explored the relationship between the levels of walking symmetry and variables
      related to the ability of well-controlled walking of the participants. STUDY
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Sixty-six eligible participants were
      assessed and interviewed for levels of walking symmetry, walking speed,
      functional endurance, symmetrical lower limb support ability, balance control,
      and fall history over the last 6 months. RESULTS: Participants walked
      asymmetrically (85%) similar to those with unilateral impairments (i.e., patients
      with stroke and amputee, 79-93%). The levels of walking symmetry were
      significantly correlated to walking speed, functional endurance and balance
      ability of the participants (p < 0.05). The problem and correlation were
      particularly apparent in those with the history of multiple falls (79%, r = 0.613
      0.765, p < 0.005) Conclusions: The findings confirm problems of asymmetrical
      walking and the importance of walking symmetry for the ability of well-controlled
      walking and a risk of multiple falls in ambulatory participants with SCI.
      Therefore, apart from the levels of independence, the improvement of walking
      symmetry is crucial for these individuals. Implications for Rehabilitation:
      Ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury walked asymmetrically at the same
      level as those with unilateral impairments such as patients with stroke and
      amputee. Their levels of walking symmetry were significantly related to the
      ability of well-controlled walking, particularly in those with the history of
      multiple falls. The finding confirmed the importance of walking symmetry as a
      crucial parameter to detect walking improvement and fall risk reduction. Apart
      from the levels of independence, rehabilitation professionals also need to
      emphasize on the improvement of symmetrical walking for these patients.

PMID- 28094581
TI  - Early immunopathological events in acute model of mycobacterial hypersensitivity
      pneumonitis in mice.
AB  - Prolonged exposure to antigens of non-tuberculous mycobacteria species colonizing
      industrial metalworking fluid (MWF), particularly Mycobacterium immunogenum (MI),
      has been implicated in chronic forms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in
      machinists based on epidemiology studies and long-term exposure of mouse models.
      However, a role of short-term acute exposure to these antigens has not been
      described in the context of acute forms of HP. This study investigated short-term
      acute exposure of mice to MI cell lysate (or live cell suspension) via
      oropharyngeal aspiration. The results showed there was a dose- and time-dependent
      increase (peaking at 2 h post-instillation) in lung immunological responses in
      terms of the pro- (TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-1beta) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10)
      cytokines. Bronchoalveolar lavage and histology showed neutrophils as the
      predominant infiltrating cell type, with lymphocytes <5% at all timepoints or
      concentrations. Granulomatous inflammation peaked between 8 and 24 h post
      exposure, and resolved by 96 h. Live bacterial challenge, typically encountered
      in real-world exposures, showed no significant differences from bacterial lysate
      except for induction of appreciable levels of interferon (IFN)-gamma, implying
      additional immunogenic potential. Collectively, the short-term mycobacterial
      challenge in mice led to a transient early immunopathologic response, with little
      adaptive immunity, which is consistent with events associated with human acute
      forms of HP. Screening of MWF-originated mycobacterial genotypes/variants (six of
      MI, four of M. chelonae, two of M. abscessus) showed both inter- and intra
      species differences, with MI genotype MJY10 being the most immunogenic. In
      conclusion, this study characterized the first short-term mycobacterial exposure
      mouse model that mimics acute HP in machinists; this could serve as a potentially
      useful model for rapid screening of field MWF-associated mycobacteria for routine
      and timely occupational risk assessment and for investigating early biomarkers
      and mechanisms of this understudied immune lung disease.

PMID- 28094582
TI  - Effects of arsenic on porcine dendritic cells in vitro.
AB  - Exposure to arsenic (As) is an ongoing, and in some places increasing, health
      problem. Still, however, the effects of As exposure on the immune system are not
      well understood. Dendritic cells (DC) are a critical immune cell that bridges the
      innate and adaptive immune systems. To determine the impact of inorganic (i)As
      exposure on DC, the effects of (geo)anthropogenically relevant levels of NaAsO2
      on the function of porcine monocyte-derived DC (MoDC) were evaluated in an in
      vitro model. The results showed a low dose of iAs reduced the phagocytic capacity
      of MoDC. Furthermore, although surface expression of DC activation markers, such
      as major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II, CD80/86, CD40 and CD25, were only
      slightly changed, MoDC T-cell proliferation-inducing capacity was remarkably
      diminished by iAs treatment. Additionally, iAs induced significant interleukin
      (IL)-6 secretion by MoDC after 12- or 24-h incubation, whereas IL-1beta secretion
      was only significantly up-regulated after 12 h. The secretion patterns of IL-8,
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha and IL-10 by iAs-treated MoDC were almost
      similar to that by mock-treated MoDC. Considering the broad roles of DC in
      immunobiology, this finding deepens the understanding of molecular
      mechanisms/functional consequences underpinning the immunopathology,
      inflammation, and increases in infection arising from As exposure.

PMID- 28094583
TI  - Signal detection activity on EudraVigilance data: analysis of the procedure and
      findings from an Italian Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In July 2012 a new European legislation (Directive 2010/84/EU and
      Regulation No. 1235/2010) regarding pharmacovigilance has become effective. It
      has boosted the activity of Signal Detection through a monthly analysis of
      potential safety signals on EudraVigilance (EV). Our aim is to describe the
      procedure of signal detection on EV data and to present results obtained by the
      our pharmacovigilance centre. METHOD: Data are extracted from EV database, which
      collects suspected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) of medicinal products in Europe.
      We are appointed to supervise digoxin, nicardipine, delapril, manidipine and
      hydrochlorothiazide/ramipril. ADRs are coded through MedDRA Preferred Terms and
      collected in the electronic Reaction Monitoring Report (eRMR). Statistical
      analysis is based on the Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR) as a measure of
      disproportionality. RESULTS: Up to April 2016 we have analyzed 45 eRMR for each
      drug. Two signals for nicardipine were submitted to the Pharmacovigilance Risk
      Assessment Committee of European Medicines Agency (EMA): acute pulmonary oedema
      (off-label use as tocolytic) and thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience
      shows the scientific and regulatory value of signal detection activity on EV data
      in order to continuously evaluate the benefit/risk profile of recent and older
      drugs.

PMID- 28094584
TI  - Cytoskeletal Alteration and Change of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Birefringence in
      Hypertensive Retina.
AB  - PURPOSE: Glaucoma damages the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Both RNFL
      thickness and retardance can be used to assess the damage, but birefringence, the
      ratio of retardance to thickness, is a property of the tissue itself. This study
      investigated the relationship between axonal cytoskeleton and RNFL birefringence
      in retinas with hypertensive damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High intraocular
      pressure (IOP) was induced unilaterally in rat eyes. RNFL retardance in isolated
      retinas was measured. Cytostructural organization and bundle thickness were
      evaluated by confocal imaging of immunohistochemical staining of the cytoskeletal
      components: microtubules (MTs), F-actin, and neurofilaments. Bundles with
      different appearances of MT stain were studied, and their birefringence was
      calculated at different radii from the optic nerve head (ONH) center. RESULTS:
      Forty bundles in eight normal retinas and 37 bundles in 10 treated retinas were
      examined. In normal retinas, the stain of axonal cytoskeleton was approximately
      uniform within bundles, and RNFL birefringence did not change along bundles. In
      treated retinas, elevation of IOP caused non-uniform alteration of axonal
      cytoskeleton across the retina, and distortion of axonal MTs was associated with
      decreased birefringence. The study further demonstrated that change of RNFL
      birefringence profiles along bundles can imply altered axonal cytoskeleton,
      suggesting that ultrastructural change of the RNFL can be inferred from clinical
      measurements of RNFL birefringence. The study also demonstrated that measuring
      RNFL birefringence profiles along bundles, instead of at a single location, may
      provide a more sensitive way to detect axonal ultrastructural change.
      CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of RNFL birefringence along bundles can provide
      estimation of cytoskeleton alteration and sensitive detection of glaucomatous
      damage.

PMID- 28094585
TI  - Relationship between Plasma Homocysteine Level and Glaucomatous Retinal Nerve
      Fiber Layer Defect.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the association between plasma homocysteine levels and
      glaucomatous retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect in South Korean population.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included subjects
      who underwent screening at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Health Screening Center
      between August 2012 and July 2013. Subjects underwent physical examination and
      provided samples for laboratory analysis of homocysteine. Subjects were divided
      equally into four quartiles (Qs) based on plasma homocysteine level. Digital
      fundus photographs of both eyes were obtained. Determination of glaucomatous disc
      appearance was based on criteria set forth by the International Society of
      Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology and based on the appearance of the
      RNFL and optic disc. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to define
      elevated glaucoma risk with P < 0.2 on univariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of
      78,049 subjects were included; 76,093 subjects were male, and 1956 subjects were
      female. When analyzed by gender, the mean homocysteine level in the male group
      with glaucomatous RNFL defects (11.05 +/- 3.80 umol/L) was higher than those
      without RNFL defects (10.81 +/- 4.12 umol/L (P = 0.000, chi2 test). Upon
      multifactorial logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, creatinine,
      diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, glaucomatous RNFL defects
      had a significant correlation with plasma homocysteine level. Based on the Q2
      level, the odds ratio (OR) of Q3 was 1.267, while the OR of Q4 was 1.285 (95% CI
      = 1.067-1.505, 1.081-1.529, respectively, P for trend = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our
      results suggest that homocysteine level is associated with the presence of
      glaucomatous RNFL defects.

PMID- 28094586
TI  - Perceptions of Occupational Therapists on the Patient Protection and Affordable
      Care Act: Five Years After Its Enactment.
AB  - This study explored the perceptions of occupational therapists regarding the
      impact and implications of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA
      or ACA) on occupational therapy practice. Fifteen occupational therapists
      participated in an interview to answer open-ended questions related to their
      thoughts and perceptions regarding the impact and implications of the ACA on
      their practice. The participants were practicing in eight different states and
      worked in five different settings with clinical experience ranging from 3 to 38
      years; their positions ranged from staff therapist to owner of a free-standing
      outpatient clinic. Qualitative content analysis was used to synthesize the
      interview transcripts. Results showed that therapists did not have sufficient
      knowledge on the various mandates and provisions of the ACA, or were uncertain
      about what implications the ACA would have on practice, with the ACA affecting
      some settings more than others. Data revealed the perceived impacts of the ACA on
      occupational therapy practice include greater attention on documenting outcome
      focused care, external accountability pressures on productivity,
      conscientiousness about clients' insurance coverage, uncertainty about
      collaborative care delivery, and survival of small businesses. Findings suggest
      training regarding knowledge about and implications of different elements of the
      ACA is needed as well as practices needing to promote the services that
      occupational therapists can provide to improve cost-effectiveness and outcomes in
      collaborative care environments.

PMID- 28094587
TI  - Applying theories to better understand socio-political challenges in implementing
      evidence-based work disability prevention strategies.
AB  - PURPOSE: This article explores and applies theories for analyzing socio-political
      aspects of implementation of work disability prevention (WDP) strategies. METHOD:
      For the analysis, theories from political science are explained and discussed in
      relation to case examples from three jurisdictions (Sweden, Brazil and Quebec).
      RESULTS: Implementation of WDP strategies may be studied through a conceptual
      framework that targets: (1) the institutional system in which policy-makers and
      other stakeholders reside; (2) the ambiguity and conflicts regarding what to do
      and how to do it; (3) the bounded rationality, path dependency and social systems
      of different stakeholders; and (4) coalitions formed by different stakeholders
      and power relations between them. In the case examples, the design of social
      insurance systems, the access to and infrastructure of healthcare systems, labor
      market policies, employers' level of responsibility, the regulatory environment,
      and the general knowledge of WDP issues among stakeholders played different roles
      in the implementation of policies based on scientific evidence. CONCLUSIONS:
      Future research may involve participatory approaches focusing on building
      coalitions and communities of practice with policy-makers and stakeholders, in
      order to build trust, facilitate cooperation, and to better promote evidence
      utilization. Implications for Rehabilitation Implementation of work disability
      prevention policies are subject to contextual influences from the socio-political
      setting and from relationships between stakeholders Stakeholders involved in
      implementing strategies are bound to act based on their interests and previous
      courses of action To promote research uptake on the policy level, stakeholders
      and researchers need to engage in collaboration and translational activities
      Political stakeholders at the government and community levels need to be more
      directly involved as partners in the production and utilization of evidence.

PMID- 28094589
TI  - Leucine-rich alpha2-glycoprotein as the acute-phase reactant to detect systemic
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis disease activity during anti-interleukin-6 blockade
      therapy: A case series.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of leucine-rich alpha2-glycoprotein (LRG) as a
      biomarker for monitoring systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (s-JIA) disease
      activity during interleukin (IL)-6 blockade treatment. METHODS: We serially
      measured serum LRG levels in four s-JIA patients treated with the anti-IL-6
      receptor antibody tocilizumab and determined the correlation between clinical
      symptoms and other inflammatory biomarkers and proinflammatory cytokines,
      including IL-18, IL-6, neopterin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor type I
      and II. The serum levels of LRG and proinflammatory cytokines were determined
      using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum LRG levels increased
      concomitantly with s-JIA disease flare-up and macrophage activation syndrome
      development. Furthermore, even in the clinically inactive phase, serum LRG levels
      were well above normal values. There were no correlations between serum LRG
      levels and indicators of s-JIA disease activity other than aspartate
      aminotransferase. There were significant positive correlations between serum LRG
      levels and proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Serum LRG levels might be a
      unique and potential biomarker of s-JIA disease activity during IL-6 blockade
      treatment.

PMID- 28094590
TI  - Effects of Supernatants from Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and Faecalibacterium
      prausnitzii on Intestinal Epithelial Cells and a Rat Model of 5-Fluorouracil
      Induced Mucositis.
AB  - Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (Fp) and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) are
      probiotics, which have been reported to ameliorate certain gastrointestinal
      disorders. We evaluated the effects of supernatants (SN) derived from Fp and EcN
      on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated intestinal cells and in a rat model of
      mucositis. In vitro: IEC-6, Caco-2, and T-84 cells were analyzed for viability
      and monolayer permeability. In vivo: Female dark agouti rats were gavaged with Fp
      or EcN SN and injected intraperitoneally with saline (control) or 5-FU to induce
      mucositis. Rats were euthanized and intestinal tissues collected for
      myeloperoxidase assay and histological analyses. In vitro: Caco-2 cell viability
      was further reduced when treated with Fp SN + 5-FU compared to 5-FU controls. In
      both Caco-2 and T-84 cells, Fp SN partially prevented the decrease in
      transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) caused by 5-FU administration. In
      vivo: 5-FU-injected rats administered Fp SN or EcN SN partly prevented body
      weight loss and normalized water intake compared to 5-FU controls. These results
      suggest a growth inhibitory mechanism of Fp SN action on transformed epithelial
      cells that could be mediated by effects on tight junctions. Factors derived from
      Fp SN and EcN SN could have a role in reducing the severity of intestinal
      mucositis.

PMID- 28094591
TI  - Algo Used by Homecare Nonoccupational Therapists Selecting Bathing Assistive
      Technology: Enhancing Standardization by Exploring Clinical Reasoning.
AB  - Algo is a clinical decision algorithm developed to support nonoccupational
      therapists in establishing assistive technology recommendations to enable
      physically disabled adults to perform their hygiene at home. This study aimed to
      explore the in-depth clinical reasoning of nonoccupational therapists using Algo
      to pinpoint the items leading to disagreements regarding recommendations. A
      multiple-case study was conducted with eight nonoccupational therapists trained
      to use Algo and filmed while using it with six standardized clients.
      Explicitation interviews were conducted for the conflicting recommendations.
      Identifying the key reasoning skills to develop in Algo users has led to three
      recommendations to enhance standardization with seniors.

PMID- 28094592
TI  - Association among Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Job Stress, and Job
      Attitude of Occupational Therapists.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the associations among work-related
      musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), job stress, and job attitude of occupational
      therapists in South Korea. Self-reporting questionnaires were distributed to 150
      occupational therapists. Of the 128 occupational therapists who responded, 110
      (85.9%) reported WMSDs affecting at least one body site. The most affected WMSDs
      site was the low back (26.8%), and the most reported number of body site affected
      by WMSDs was one (53.9%). As a result, there were significant differences in job
      stress and job attitude depending on the age, work experience, working hour,
      presence or absence of WMSDs, and number of site of pain. Factors influencing job
      attitude included job stress, the presence or absence of WMSDs and duration of
      pain. The results showed that the occurrence of WMSDs in occupational therapists
      was associated with increased job stress and negative job attitude.

PMID- 28094593
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28094594
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28094596
TI  - Comment On: Clinical Trial: Vitamin D3 Treatment in Crohn's Disease: A Randomized
      Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has immune-regulatory functions in experimental colitis,
      and low vitamin D levels are present in Crohn's disease. METHODS: We performed a
      randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to assess the benefits of oral
      vitamin D3 treatment in Crohn's disease. We included 108 patients with Crohn's
      disease in remission, of which fourteen were excluded later. Patients were
      randomized to receive either 1200 IU vitamin D3 (n = 46) or placebo (n = 48) once
      daily during 12 months. The primary endpoint was clinical relapse. RESULTS: Oral
      vitamin D3 treatment with 1200 IU daily increased serum 25OHD from a mean of 69
      nmol/L [standard deviation (s.d.) 31 nmol/L] to a mean of 96 nmol/L (s.d. 27
      nmol/L) after 3 months (P < 0.001). The relapse rate was lower among patients
      treated with vitamin D3 (6/46 or 13%) among patients treated with placebo (14/48
      or 29%), (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Oral supplementation with 1200 IE vitamin D3
      significantly increased serum vitamin D levels and insignificantly reduced the
      risk of relapse from 29% to 13%, (P = 0.06). Given that vitamin D3 treatment
      might be effective in Crohn's disease, larger studies are required in order to
      elucidate this matter further. (Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010;32:377-383.).

PMID- 28094597
TI  - Comment On: Maintenance of Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Omega-3
      Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.
AB  - The objective was to systematically review the efficacy and safety of n-3 (omega
      3 fatty acids, fish oil) for maintaining remission in Crohn's disease (CD) and
      ulcerative colitis (UC). Electronic databases were searched systematically for
      randomized controlled trials of n-3 for maintenance of remission in inflammatory
      bowel disease (IBD). Studies of patients of any age group who were in remission
      at the time of recruitment and were followed for at least 6 months were included.
      The primary outcome was relapse rate at the end of the follow-up period. Nine
      studies were eligible for inclusion; six studies of CD (n = 1039) and three of UC
      (n = 138). There was a statistically significant benefit for n-3 in CD (relative
      risk [RR] 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.98); however, the studies
      were heterogeneous (I 2 = 58%). The absolute risk reduction was -0.14 (95% CI: 
      0.25 to -0.02). Opinions may vary on whether this is a clinically significant
      effect. Two well-done studies with a larger sample size reported no benefit. A
      sensitivity analysis excluding a small pediatric study resulted in the pooled RR
      being no longer statistically significant. A funnel plot analysis suggested
      publication bias for the smaller studies. For UC, there was no difference in the
      relapse rate between the n-3 and control groups (RR 1.02; 95% CI: 0.51-2.03). The
      pooled analysis showed a higher rate of diarrhea (RR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.01-1.84) and
      symptoms of the upper gastrointestinal tract (RR 1.96; 95% CI: 1.37-2.80) in the
      n-3 treatment group. There are insufficient data to recommend the use of omega-3
      fatty acids for maintenance of remission in CD and UC. ( Inflamm Bowel Dis.
      2011;17:336-345).

PMID- 28094600
TI  - Conversion Table-Conventional to SI Units.

PMID- 28094601
TI  - Recruiting newly referred lung cancer patients to a patient navigator
      intervention (PACO): lessons learnt from a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The incidence of and survival from lung cancer are associated with
      socioeconomic position, and disparities have been observed in both curative and
      palliative treatment for lung cancer. 'Patient navigation' is valuable in
      addressing health disparity, with timely treatment and transition to care. We
      conducted a pilot study to test the feasibility of a patient navigator program
      (PAtient COach) for newly diagnosed lung cancer. We present the trial, the
      findings from the pilot study and discuss factors that might have affected
      recruitment rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We invited 24 lung cancer patients
      referred for chemotherapy to the Oncology Department at Herlev University
      Hospital, Denmark, to participate in the pilot study. To be eligible, patients
      had to live alone, have no formal education beyond secondary school, have one or
      more comorbid conditions, have a performance status of 1 or 2 or be over 65 years
      of age. The patient navigators targeted four phases of treatment: planning,
      initiation, compliance and end of treatment. RESULTS: Six months after the start
      of the study, we had recruited only six patients, due mainly to inherent patient
      resistance and because only 50% of eligible patients were invited. Of the 18
      patients who did not wish to participate, 13 agreed to fill in a baseline
      questionnaire. The most frequent reason given for not wanting to participate was
      a belief that a patient navigator would be of no benefit. CONCLUSIONS: The pilot
      study met a number of internal and external obstacles to patients' recruitment.
      The study provides insight into the barriers to recruitment of socially
      disadvantaged cancer patients to clinical trials and will inform future trial
      designs.

PMID- 28094602
TI  - North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity.

PMID- 28094599
TI  - Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels in Colorectal Cancer Patients and Associations
      with Physical Activity.
AB  - Physical activity (PA) and vitamin D are thought to affect colorectal cancer
      prognosis. The present study investigates associations between 25(OH)D3 and PA in
      prospectively followed colorectal cancer patients in the ColoCare study. At 6,
      12, and 24 mo after surgery, patients donated a blood sample, wore an
      accelerometer for 10 consecutive days, and completed a PA questionnaire. Plasma
      25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels were measured by high-performance liquid
      chromatography. We tested associations using partial correlations and
      multivariate linear regression analysis, adjusted for season, age, and body mass
      index. A total of 137 assessments of 25(OH)D3 levels and PA were conducted (58 at
      6 mo, 51 at 12 mo, and 28 at 24 mo). More than 60% of the patients were vitamin D
      deficient (25(OH)D3 <=20 ng/ml), independent of study time point. At 6-mo follow
      up, accelerometry-based vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous PAs were positively
      associated with 25(OH)D3 levels (P = 0.04; P = 0.006,). PA together with season
      was a significant predictor of elevated 25(OH)D3 levels. Our results suggest that
      the majority of colorectal cancer patients may suffer from vitamin D deficiency.
      Engaging in PA may be an effective approach to increase their 25(OH)D3 levels.

PMID- 28094603
TI  - Lethal mechanisms in gastric volvulus.
AB  - A 55-year-old wheelchair-bound woman with severe cerebral palsy was found at
      autopsy to have marked distention of the stomach due to a volvulus. The stomach
      was viable, and filled with air and fluid and had pushed the left dome of the
      diaphragm upwards causing marked compression of the left lung with a mediastinal
      shift to the right (including the heart). There was no evidence of gastric
      perforation, ischaemic necrosis or peritonitis. Removal of the organ block
      revealed marked kyphoscoliosis. Histology confirmed the viability of the stomach
      and biochemistry showed no dehydration. Death in cases of acute gastric volvulus
      usually occurs because of compromise of the gastric blood supply resulting in
      ischaemic necrosis with distention from swallowed air and fluid resulting in
      perforation with lethal peritonitis. Hypovolaemic shock may also occur. However,
      the current case demonstrates an alternative lethal mechanism, that of
      respiratory compromise due to marked thoracic organ compression.

PMID- 28094604
TI  - North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity.

PMID- 28094588
TI  - Mechanisms and regulation of DNA replication initiation in eukaryotes.
AB  - Cellular DNA replication is initiated through the action of multiprotein
      complexes that recognize replication start sites in the chromosome (termed
      origins) and facilitate duplex DNA melting within these regions. In a typical
      cell cycle, initiation occurs only once per origin and each round of replication
      is tightly coupled to cell division. To avoid aberrant origin firing and re
      replication, eukaryotes tightly regulate two events in the initiation process:
      loading of the replicative helicase, MCM2-7, onto chromatin by the origin
      recognition complex (ORC), and subsequent activation of the helicase by its
      incorporation into a complex known as the CMG. Recent work has begun to reveal
      the details of an orchestrated and sequential exchange of initiation factors on
      DNA that give rise to a replication-competent complex, the replisome. Here, we
      review the molecular mechanisms that underpin eukaryotic DNA replication
      initiation - from selecting replication start sites to replicative helicase
      loading and activation - and describe how these events are often distinctly
      regulated across different eukaryotic model organisms.

PMID- 28094606
TI  - Trichinella Surveillance in Black Bears ( Ursus americanus ) from the Dehcho
      Region, Northwest Territories, Canada, 2002-15.
AB  - We used muscle digestion to test black bears ( Ursus americanus ) from the
      southwestern Northwest Territories, Canada, for Trichinella. Results showed a
      prevalence of 4.1%. Some bears had infection intensities of more than one larva
      per gram of muscle tissue; this level in meat is considered to pose a human
      consumption safety risk.

PMID- 28094605
TI  - Multiple protocadherins are expressed in brain microvascular endothelial cells
      and might play a role in tight junction protein regulation.
AB  - Protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a large family of cadherin-related molecules. They
      play a role in cell adhesion, cellular interactions, and development of the
      central nervous system. However, their expression and role in endothelial cells
      has not yet been characterized. Here, we examined the expression of selected
      clustered Pcdhs in endothelial cells from several vascular beds. We analyzed
      human and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) lines and primary
      cells, mouse myocardial microvascular endothelial cell line, and human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells. We examined the mRNA and protein expression of selected
      Pcdhs using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunostaining. A strong mRNA expression of
      Pcdhs was observed in all endothelial cells tested. At the protein level, Pcdhs
      gamma were detected using an antibody against the conserved C-terminal domain of
      Pcdhs-gamma or an antibody against PcdhgC3. Deletion of highly expressed PcdhgC3
      led to differences in the tight junction protein expression and mRNA expression
      of Wnt/mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway genes as well as lower
      transendothelial electrical resistance. Staining of PcdhgC3 showed diffused
      cytoplasmic localization in mouse BMEC. Our results suggest that Pcdhs may play a
      critical role in the barrier-stabilizing pathways at the blood-brain barrier.

PMID- 28094607
TI  - Detection of the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in
      Museum Specimens of Andean Aquatic Birds: Implications for Pathogen Dispersal.
AB  - The occurrence of the pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
      (Bd) in the feet of live waterfowl has been documented, but the potential role of
      birds as dispersers has not been studied. We report the presence of Bd in the
      feet of preserved aquatic birds in the Bolivian high Andes during the time of
      drastic amphibian declines in the country. We sampled 48 aquatic birds from the
      Bolivian Andes that were preserved in museum collections. Birds were sampled for
      the presence of Bd DNA by swabbing, taking small pieces of tissue from toe
      webbing, or both. We detected Bd by DNA using quantitative PCR in 42% of the
      birds sampled via toe tissue pieces. This method was significantly better than
      swabbing at detecting Bd from bird feet. We confirmed Bd presence by sequencing
      Bd -positive samples and found 91-98% homology with Bd sequences from GenBank.
      Our study confirms that aquatic birds can carry Bd and thus may serve as
      potential vectors of this pathogen across large distances and complex landscapes.
      In addition, we recommend using DNA from preserved birds as a novel source of
      data to test hypotheses on the spread of chytridiomycosis in amphibians.

PMID- 28094608
TI  - SURVEILLANCE FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS IN WILD BIRDS IN POLAND, 2008-15.
AB  - We tested wild birds in Poland during 2008-15 for avian influenza virus (AIV). We
      took 10,312 swabs and feces samples from 6,314 live birds representing 12 orders
      and 84 bird species, mostly from orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, for
      testing and characterization by various PCR methods. From PCR-positive samples,
      we attempted to isolate and subtype the virus. The RNA of AIV was detected in
      1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-2.1%) of birds represented by 48 Mallards
      ( Anas platyrhynchos ), 11 Mute Swans ( Cygnus olor ), 48 Common Teals ( Anas
      crecca ), three Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), one Common Coot
      ( Fulica atra ), one Garganey (Spatula querquedula), and one unidentified bird
      species. Overall, the prevalence of AIV detection in Mallards and Mute Swans (the
      most frequently sampled species) was 2.0% (95% CI, 1.4-2.5%) and 0.5% (95% CI,
      0.2-0.8%), respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P=0.000).
      Hemagglutinin subtypes from H1 to H13 were identified, including H5 and H7 low
      pathogenic AIV subtypes. Mallards and Common Teals harbored the greatest
      diversity of subtypes. We observed seasonality of viral detection in Mallards,
      with higher AIV prevalence in late summer and autumn than in winter and spring.
      In addition, two peaks in AIV prevalence in summer (August) and autumn (November)
      were demonstrated for Mallards. The prevalence of AIV in Mute Swans did not show
      any statistically significant seasonal patterns.

PMID- 28094609
TI  - Ecological Potential for Rabies Virus Transmission via Scavenging of Dead Bats by
      Mesocarnivores.
AB  - Multiple species of bats are reservoirs of rabies virus in the Americas and are
      occasionally the source of spillover infections into mesocarnivore species.
      Although rabies transmission generally is assumed to occur via bite, laboratory
      studies have demonstrated the potential for rabies transmission via ingestion of
      rabid animals. We investigated the ecological potential for this mode of
      transmission by assessing mesocarnivore scavenging behavior of dead bats in
      suburban habitats of Flagstaff, Arizona, US. In autumn 2013, summer 2014, and
      autumn 2015, we placed 104 rabies-negative bat carcasses either near buildings,
      in wildland areas, or in residential yards and then monitored them with trail
      cameras for 5 d. Overall, 52 (50%) bat carcasses were scavenged, with 39 (75%) of
      those scavenged by striped skunks ( Mephitis mephitis ). Within our study area,
      striped skunks had a higher ecological potential to contract rabies via ingestion
      of bat carcasses compared to other mesocarnivore species, due both to a greater
      number of encounters and a higher probability of ingestion per encounter (91%),
      and they were significantly more likely to approach bat carcasses in yards than
      in wildland areas. Raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) and gray foxes ( Urocyon
      cinereoargenteus ) had fewer encounters (nine and 13, respectively) and lower
      probability of ingesting bats (33% and 8%, respectively).

PMID- 28094611
TI  - 'Always go with your instincts'.
AB  - After qualifying as a registered nurse and sick children's nurse in the 1990s,
      Tracey Budding worked in variety of specialties, including orthopaedics, oncology
      and hospice care for adults and children, before specialising in neonatal care.
      She has been a modern matron on the neonatal unit at Birmingham Women's Hospital
      NHS Foundation Trust for 15 years. Ms Budding received the RCN Award of Merit for
      outstanding contribution and service to RCN members.

PMID- 28094610
TI  - Reference Intervals for Serum Biochemistries of Molting Pacific Black Brant (
      Branta bernicla nigricans) in Northern Alaska, USA.
AB  - We determined reference intervals for nine serum biochemistries in samples from
      329 molting, after-hatch-year, Pacific Black Brant ( Branta bernicla nigricans)
      in Alaska, US. Cholesterol and nonesterified fatty acids differed by sex, but no
      other differences were noted.

PMID- 28094612
TI  - Student essays.
AB  - I am proud to say I qualified in adult nursing this year with a 2:1 degree. I
      managed to achieve this while caring for two children and various pets and
      working part-time.

PMID- 28094613
TI  - We need our Admiral Nurses.
AB  - Despite the current emphasis on the importance of dementia care, it is
      disappointing to see Admiral Nurses falling victim to budget cuts (news online,
      23 December).

PMID- 28094614
TI  - Psychotropic drugs increase risk of falls in nursing homes.
AB  - The prescription of psychotropic drugs is associated with a sharply higher risk
      of falling among residents of nursing homes.

PMID- 28094615
TI  - Female students more likely to have suicidal thoughts than males.
AB  - Interventions to prevent suicide among students should be designed separately for
      males and females, say UK researchers who studied more than 1,000 university
      students.

PMID- 28094616
TI  - Racket sports stave off death better than swimming or aerobics.
AB  - Racket sports, swimming and aerobics are associated with the best chance of
      staving off death, new study results suggest.

PMID- 28094617
TI  - Smokers under 50 have eightfold increased risk of heart attack.
AB  - People under the age of 50 who smoke are more than eight times as likely as non
      smokers to have a heart attack, a study found.

PMID- 28094618
TI  - Diabetes.
AB  - What was the nature of the CPD activity, practice-related feedback and/or event
      and/or experience in your practice? The CPD article provided an overview of
      diabetes. It outlined the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and
      included information about the diagnosis, causes and treatment of the condition.

PMID- 28094620
TI  - Seacole campaigner made a dame in honours list.
AB  - A trailblazing nurse who was a leading figure in the Mary Seacole statue campaign
      has been made a dame in the new year's honours.

PMID- 28094622
TI  - Cuts to CPD funding undermine nursing.
AB  - It is worrying that for 2016-17, Health Education England's (HEE) funding for
      continuing professional development has suffered significant cuts of up to 45%,
      with little discussion about strategic plans for CPD at a national level.

PMID- 28094621
TI  - The therapeutic bond is so powerful.
AB  - I was working on a medical ward for older people in my first year of training
      when a patient, whom I will call Joyce, was admitted following a fall.

PMID- 28094623
TI  - More care at home is the best way to meet patients' needs, says chief nurse.
AB  - The NHS needs to spend more money looking after people in their own homes rather
      than in hospitals, England's chief nursing officer has urged.

PMID- 28094626
TI  - Real-terms pay down almost 9% for nurses and midwives.
AB  - Nurses and midwives have seen their pay plummet almost 9% over the past five
      years, according to new research by the TUC, the national trade union centre.

PMID- 28094624
TI  - 'Siobhan has helped me regain a good quality of life with diabetes'.
AB  - I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, involving insulin dependence, some 40 years
      ago.

PMID- 28094627
TI  - Preventing falls in hospital.
AB  - Falls are the most frequent adverse event reported in hospitals, usually
      affecting older patients. Every year, more than 240,000 falls are reported in
      acute hospitals and mental health trusts in England and Wales, equivalent to more
      than 600 per day, according to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

PMID- 28094628
TI  - 'Staff want to address cultural issues, but don't know how'.
AB  - Katie de Freitas believes a greater awareness of cultures is crucial if
      clinicians are to meet the needs of patients and families. 'Cultural competency
      is a matter of quality and safety,' says the quality improvement lead at Great
      Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH). 'It can help to
      bridge the gap between those providing care and those accessing services.

PMID- 28094629
TI  - Stories of George Michael's generosity and appreciation for nurses pour in.
AB  - Nurses have paid tribute to George Michael for championing the profession, and
      recalled how he once put on a concert especially for them.

PMID- 28094630
TI  - RCN Nurse of the Year 2016: 'Award win will open doors'.
AB  - 'The Nurse Awards have opened doors,' says Venetia Wynter-Blyth, RCN Nurse of the
      Year 2016. 'I cannot emphasise enough how many opportunities have been presented
      to us as a result of winning this award.'

PMID- 28094631
TI  - Stopping unnecessary deaths.
AB  - Cancer is a leading cause of death in the European Union. The European Commission
      has set goals for reducing cancer-related deaths by 15% in the next four years,
      and the World Health Assembly's global target is a 25% cut in premature non
      communicable mortality by 2025.

PMID- 28094633
TI  - Dying for a Drink: All You Need to Know to Beat the Booze (Second edition)
      Cantopher Tim Dying for a Drink: All You Need to Know to Beat the Booze (Second
      edition) 128pp L9.99 Sheldon Press 9781847094476 1847094473 [Formula: see text].
AB  - This is an interesting and well-written book. The author has been thorough in his
      interpretation of alcohol addiction and has used humour and references to his own
      practice.

PMID- 28094634
TI  - My Pancreas.
AB  - This app has been designed for patients facing a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
      It acts as an information resource for family members, carers and friends.

PMID- 28094635
TI  - New year set to bring new routes into nursing.
AB  - In September, the first nursing degree apprentices are due to begin working on
      wards in England. This new cohort will combine degree-level training with working
      for at least four years.

PMID- 28094637
TI  - Praying for patients.
AB  - I feel sad for the nurse who was sacked for praying for a patient. Whatever
      happened to freedom of speech? What is wrong with offering to pray with patients?
      I pray this nurse finds a job where people appreciate her.

PMID- 28094638
TI  - How to remove an indwelling urinary catheter in female patients.
AB  - Rationale and key points This article aims to assist nurses to undertake the
      removal of an indwelling urinary catheter in female patients in a safe, timely,
      effective and patient-centred manner, while maintaining the patient's privacy and
      dignity. It is important for the nurse to be competent in undertaking this
      procedure, and to be aware of local and national policies on catheter removal. "
      Indwelling urinary catheters should be changed only when clinically necessary, or
      according to the manufacturer's guidelines. " Urinary catheters should be removed
      using sterile equipment. " The balloon of the indwelling catheter must be
      deflated before removal, and the catheter should be removed slowly to minimise
      trauma. Reflective activity 'How to' articles can help you update your practice
      and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice.
      Reflect on and write a short account of: " How you think this article might
      change your practice when removing an indwelling urinary catheter. " How you
      could use this article to educate your colleagues.

PMID- 28094639
TI  - Chronic heart failure part 1: pathophysiology, signs and symptoms.
AB  - Chronic heart failure is a common and complex clinical syndrome that results from
      impaired cardiac relaxation or contraction. Patients with chronic heart failure
      may experience multiple debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and
      peripheral oedema. However, breathlessness may be considered the most
      debilitating symptom. This is the first of two articles on chronic heart failure,
      and outlines the pathophysiology of the condition, its causes, assessment, and
      signs and symptoms. Part 2 will discuss the treatment and management of the
      condition, including pharmacological strategies, device implantation, lifestyle
      modification, cardiac rehabilitation and palliative care.

PMID- 28094640
TI  - Students should befriend their library staff.
AB  - The article 'How to write a perfect essay' (students, 7 December) advises readers
      to 'make the library your friend'. However, it is not the library that students
      or researchers need to befriend, it is the library staff.

PMID- 28094641
TI  - Women in Catholic countries are less likely to breastfeed.
AB  - Women in Western Catholic countries are less likely to breastfeed than those from
      predominantly Protestant nations, a study suggests.

PMID- 28094644
TI  - Why become a clinical nurse educator?
AB  - I have been a registered nurse in acute care for more than 30 years. Throughout
      that time, I have learned something new in my clinical practice every day.

PMID- 28094646
TI  - Retirement crisis warnings becoming a reality.
AB  - The figures are startling: the number of NHS staff applying to retire has surged
      by a quarter since 2012. The potential consequences are alarming; a serious
      shortage of nurses and other healthcare professionals now seems inevitable.

PMID- 28094645
TI  - Boarding school rules.
AB  - Ofsted inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people,
      including boarding facilities. Medication management is an integral part of
      caring for children in boarding schools, and robust systems must be in place to
      pass inspection. These systems must cover how medicines are dispensed,
      administered and stored at the facility, risk assessments, identifying which
      pupils can manage their own medicines and the individual health needs of
      boarders, so that care plans can be put in place for children with specific
      needs.

PMID- 28094647
TI  - Using drawings as a reflective tool to enhance communication in dementia care.
AB  - Communication skills training can be a valuable means of supporting professional
      and family carers of people with dementia. Most communication skills training
      programmes for those caring for people with dementia focus on dementia awareness
      and the technical aspects of communication, such as the pace and volume of the
      carer's speech. However, it is also important to examine what is conveyed about a
      carer's internal experience in their non-verbal interactions with people living
      with dementia. This article explores how drawings can be used to help carers to
      reflect on what is communicated and question any hidden assumptions. It discusses
      three case studies to demonstrate the complex dynamics that may be involved in
      interactions with people with dementia: the loss of shared memories, facing
      towards someone with dementia rather than away from them, and talking about
      issues that may be upsetting. Drawings provide a means for carers to access their
      unspoken thoughts and emotions, and can help them to improve their understanding
      of non-verbal interactions with people who have dementia.

PMID- 28094648
TI  - How to cope with staff shortages.
AB  - More than half of NHS trust leaders in England are worried that they do not have
      the staff numbers or skill mix they need to continue delivering high quality
      care, according to a recent survey by NHS Providers. This will not come as a
      surprise to nurses on the front line.

PMID- 28094649
TI  - Guidance on safe staffing shies away from set ratio.
AB  - The head of the Safe Staffing Alliance has said new draft guidance on nurse
      staffing on acute adult inpatient wards in England 'does not go far enough'.

PMID- 28094650
TI  - New education models must not take us back.
AB  - Last year was a landmark one for nursing. As well as celebrating 100 years since
      the RCN was founded, in 2016 we learned of changes that will shape the future of
      our profession.

PMID- 28094651
TI  - Get the most out of your practice placements.
AB  - Before each placement you are likely to experience a range of emotions. Along
      with the excitement of facing a new clinical environment may come fear, anxiety
      and self-doubt. These feelings are entirely normal and similar to what most
      people feel when starting a new job.

PMID- 28094652
TI  - Fresh warnings over nurse shortages.
AB  - Brexit and an ageing population could combine to worsen the existing shortage of
      nurses in England, researchers have warned.

PMID- 28094653
TI  - Associate move is about years of poor decisions, not improving care.
AB  - Physician associates, nursing associates - before long everyone will be
      associated with their job without being fully qualified to do it. Will we have
      associate managers? Associate MPs? The whole thing is quite odd.

PMID- 28094654
TI  - Protest for those caring for civilians in Syria.
AB  - UK nurses and doctors staged a 'die in' outside the Houses of Parliament to call
      for protection for healthcare workers caring for civilians caught up in the war
      in Syria.

PMID- 28094656
TI  - Readers' panel - Is the nursing associate role undermining graduate nurses?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28094657
TI  - Surge in number of NHS staff applying to retire.
AB  - The number of NHS staff applying for retirement has surged by 25% over the past
      four years, Nursing Standard can reveal.

PMID- 28094658
TI  - Effects of Negative Affectivity and Odor Valence on Chemosensory and Symptom
      Perception and Perceived Ability to Focus on a Cognitive Task.
AB  - The aim was to gain understanding for the impact of negative affectivity (NA) and
      odor valance on perceptual aspects during low-level odorous exposure. Fifty-five
      young adults who were either relatively low or high in NA (anxiety, depression,
      and somatization) were randomized for exposure to either limonene (pleasant odor)
      or pyridine (unpleasant odor). In an exposure chamber, they took part in
      baseline, blank and stable exposure sessions, during which they rated odor
      intensity, impact on ability to focus on an imagined cognitive task, and
      intensity of symptoms. The results showed higher ratings of negative impact on
      ability to focus during exposure to the unpleasant odor compared with the
      pleasant odor, and an association between NA and symptom intensity, with 18% of
      the variance in symptom intensity explained by somatization. The association
      between NA and symptom intensity was found to be driven by the factor sex. These
      results imply (a) that prior findings of odorous exposure that interfere
      negatively with work performance may be due to impact of an unpleasant odor on
      ability to focus on cognitive tasks and (b) that there are associations between
      NA, sex, and symptoms that may partly be referred to attentiveness to and
      interpretation of bodily sensations.

PMID- 28094659
TI  - Current Literature: Standardization of IV Insulin Therapy Improves the Efficiency
      and Safety of Blood Glucose Control in Critically Ill Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aggressive glycemic control improves mortality and morbidity in
      critically ill adults; however, implementation of such a strategy can be
      logistically difficult. This study evaluates the efficiency and safety of a nurse
      managed insulin protocol in critically ill adults. DESIGN: Combined retrospective
      prospective before-after cohort study. SETTING: Twenty-one bed medical/surgical
      intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Two cohorts of
      50 consecutive ICU patients requiring insulin infusions. INTERVENTION: Patients
      in the control cohort received insulin infusions titrated according to target
      blood glucose ranges and sliding scales at the physician's discretion. Patients
      in the interventional cohort received an insulin infusion adjusted using a
      standardized protocol targeting a blood glucose of 4.5 to 6.1 mmol/L (81 to 110
      mg/dL). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Efficiency was measured by comparing the
      time to reach, and the time spent within, the target range between cohorts.
      Safety was assessed by comparing the incidence of severe hypoglycemia, the
      frequency of rescue dextrose administration, and the cumulative time that the
      infusion was held for hypoglycemia between cohorts. Patients in the
      interventional cohort reached their target more rapidly (11.3+/- 7.9 vs 16.4 +/-
      12.6 hours; p = .028) and maintained their blood glucose within the target range
      longer (11.5 +/- 3.7 vs 7.1 +/- 5.0 hours/day; p < .001) than controls. The
      standardized protocol yielded a 4-fold reduction in the incidence of severe
      hypoglycemia (4 vs 16%; p = .046) and reduced the median frequency of dextrose
      rescue therapy (0 [0 to 0.91] vs 0.17 [0 to 1.2] episodes/patient per day; p =
      .01) as compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Standardization of intensive insulin
      therapy improves the efficiency and safety of glycemic control in critically ill
      adults.

PMID- 28094661
TI  - Diagnosis of pancreatic disease in feline platynosomosis.
AB  - Objectives Platynosomum species are cat-specific parasitic trematodes that
      parasitize the biliary ducts and gall bladder. Due to the common connection to
      the major duodenal papilla of the pancreas and common bile ducts in addition to
      the periductal proximity of the pancreas, it is possible that platynosomosis
      could cause pancreatitis. The objective of this study was to determine whether
      platynosomosis, a commonly diagnosed parasitic disease in cats on St Kitts, has
      any association with pancreatic disease. Methods To investigate this possibility,
      the pancreas of free-roaming cats with naturally acquired platynosomosis were
      evaluated via ultrasound, serum concentrations of feline pancreatic lipase (fPL),
      cobalamin, folate and feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) and
      histopathology. Twenty free-roaming, young adult, feral cats, positive for feline
      immunodeficiency virus, and diagnosed with Platynosomum species infection via
      fecal analysis were recruited. The liver, biliary system and pancreas were
      evaluated via ultrasonography during a short duration anesthesia. Serum
      concentrations of fPL, fTLI, folate and cobalamin were measured. Sections of the
      right limb, left limb and body of the pancreas were evaluated histopathologically
      using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Results None of the cats had sufficient
      criteria to fulfill the ultrasonographic diagnosis of pancreatitis. One cat had
      an elevated fPL concentration in the range consistent with pancreatitis. Four
      cats had cobalamin deficiencies and 11 had abnormal folate concentration. The
      fTLI concentration was equivocal for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic
      insufficiency in one cat. With a single exception, histopathology changes, when
      present (n = 12), were mild, non-specific and predominantly characterized by
      lymphocytic infiltrates and fibrosis. The exception was a cat that presented a
      chronic interstitial and eosinophilic pancreatitis of slightly increased
      severity, likely the result of platynosomosis. Conclusions and relevance The
      results of this study suggest that platynosomosis rarely induces pancreatic
      damage in cats. With only one exception, chronic pancreatitis diagnosed in cats
      with fluke-induced cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis was subtle and interpreted
      as an incidental background lesion unrelated to platynosomosis.

PMID- 28094662
TI  - Clinical and psychological moderators of the effect of mindfulness-based
      cognitive therapy on persistent pain in women treated for primary breast cancer -
      explorative analyses from a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based intervention has been found efficacious in reducing
      persistent pain in women treated for breast cancer. Little, however, is known
      about possible moderators of the effect. We explored clinical and psychological
      moderators of the effect on pain intensity previously found in a randomized
      controlled trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) with women treated
      for breast cancer with persistent pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 129
      women treated for breast cancer reporting persistent pain were randomized to MBCT
      or a wait-list control. The primary outcome of pain intensity (11-point numeric
      rating scale) was measured at baseline, post-intervention, three, and six months
      follow-up. Proposed clinical moderators included age, axillary lymph node
      dissection (ALND), radiotherapy, and endocrine treatment. Psychological
      moderators included psychological distress [the Hospital Anxiety and Depression
      Scale (HADS)], the adult attachment dimensions anxiety and avoidance [the
      Experiences in Close Relationships Short Form (the ECR-SF)], and alexithymia [the
      Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)]. Multi-level models were used to test
      moderation effects over time, i.e. time * group * moderator. RESULTS: Only
      attachment avoidance (p = 0.03, d = 0.36) emerged as a statistically significant
      moderator. Higher levels of attachment avoidance predicted a larger effect of
      MBCT in reducing pain intensity compared with lower levels attachment avoidance.
      None of the remaining psychological or clinical moderators reached statistical
      significance. However, based on the effect size, radiotherapy (p = 0.075, d =
      0.49) was indicated as a possible clinical moderator of the effect, with
      radiotherapy being associated with a smaller effect of MBCT on pain intensity
      over time compared with no radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Attachment avoidance, and
      potentially radiotherapy, may be clinically relevant factors for identifying the
      patients who may benefit most from MBCT as a pain intervention. Due to the
      exploratory nature of the analyses, the results should be considered preliminary.

PMID- 28094663
TI  - High pressure-low flow remodeling of the rat saphenous vein wall.
AB  - Objective To better understand factors that may play a role in the development of
      varicosities. Methods We induced combined flow-pressure disturbance in the
      saphenous system of the rat by performing chronic partial clipping of the main
      branch. Biomechanical and quantitative histological testing was undertaken.
      Results A rich microvenous network developed. Bloodflow decreased to 0.65 +/-
      0.18 ul/s (control side, 3.5 +/- 1.4 ul/s) and pressure elevated to 6.8 +/- 0.7
      mmHg (control side, 2.3 +/- 0.2 mmHg, p < 0.05). Involution of the wall and lumen
      was observed (16.5%, 28.7% and 35.5% reduction in outer diameter, wall thickness
      and wall mass respectively, p < 0.05). Elevated macrophage (CD68) and cell
      division (Ki67) activity was observed. Elastic tissue and smooth muscle actin
      became less concentrated in the inner medial layers. Conclusions Low-flow induced
      morphological shrinking of the lumen in veins may override pressure-induced
      morphological distension. Loosening of the force-bearing elements during flow
      induced wall remodeling may be an important pathological component in varicosity.

PMID- 28094660
TI  - Postoperative Bleeding and Associated Utilization following Tonsillectomy in
      Children.
AB  - Objective To assess posttonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH), associated nonoperative
      readmissions/revisits, and reoperations in children. Data Sources MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Review Methods Two investigators independently
      screened studies against predetermined criteria and extracted key data.
      Investigators independently assessed study risk of bias and the strength of the
      evidence of the body of literature. We calculated unadjusted pooled estimates of
      PTH frequency and conducted a Bayesian meta-analysis to estimate frequency of
      primary and secondary PTH and PTH-associated reoperation and
      revisits/readmissions by partial and total tonsillectomy and surgical approach.
      Results In meta-analysis, the frequency of primary and secondary PTH associated
      with total and partial tonsillectomy was <4% for any technique and with
      overlapping confidence bounds. Pooled frequencies of PTH were also <5% overall
      (4.2% for total tonsillectomy, 1.5% for partial tonsillectomy) in comparative
      studies. Fewer PTH episodes occurred with tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep
      disordered breathing than for throat infection. In meta-analysis, frequency of
      PTH-associated nonoperative revisits/readmission or reoperation ranged from 0.2%
      to 5.7% for total tonsillectomy and from 0.1% to 3.7% for partial tonsillectomy.
      At least 4 deaths were reported in case series including 1,778,342 children.
      Conclusions PTH occurred in roughly 4% of tonsillectomies in studies included in
      this review. Although studies typically did not report bleeding severity or
      amount, relatively few episodes of PTH necessitated reoperation for hemostasis.
      Nonetheless, tonsillectomy is not without risk of harm. Frequency of PTH across
      techniques was similar; thus, we cannot conclude that a given technique is
      superior.

PMID- 28094664
TI  - Feasibility and acceptability of active book clubs in cancer survivors - an
      explorative investigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the increasing number of people surviving cancer is promising,
      the long-term health effects warrant broad, innovative interventions. We
      investigated the feasibility and acceptability of a 24-week intervention called
      'Active Book Club' comprising audio book listening, pedometer walking and
      supervised book club meetings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An exploratory and
      descriptive design was applied. Qualitative data included baseline and post
      intervention focus group interviews as well as post-intervention individual
      interviews. The study also included data on retention, attendance, and adherence.
      Seventeen self-referred cancer survivors with various oncological and
      sociodemographic backgrounds were included. RESULTS: Eight (47%) participants
      completed the entire intervention. Their median attendance at the book club
      meetings was eight [interquartile range (IQR) 6-9] of nine possible, and they
      reached the walking step goal in a median of 11 (IQR 7-12) of the first 12 weeks,
      and seven (IQR 1-10) of the last 12 weeks. The qualitative analysis revealed five
      themes including: Motivation and expectations (i.e. reasons for enrollment),
      Attentive listening (i.e. experiences of the audio book format), Affected by the
      story (i.e. experiences of the content of the books), Group involvement (i.e.
      experiences of the book club meetings) and Walking regularly (i.e. experiences of
      the walking program). Overall, findings revealed that while audio books may bring
      new meaning to physical activity and serve as a relief from own concerns, certain
      stories may affect some individuals negatively. The substantial dropout rate,
      however, suggested that modification is necessary and that patient involvement in
      choice of literature may be critical to enhance acceptability. CONCLUSION: The
      'Active Book Club' represents a novel psychosocial intervention potentially
      supporting physical activity adoption and mental health in cancer survivors.
      However, several issues related to feasibility and acceptability including choice
      of literature genre, format and supervision of book club meetings need to be
      considered before larger scale clinical trials are initiated.

PMID- 28094665
TI  - FDG-PET reproducibility in tumor-bearing mice: comparing a traditional SUV
      approach with a tumor-to-brain tissue ratio approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current [F-18]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG
      PET) procedures in tumor-bearing mice typically includes fasting, anesthesia, and
      standardized uptake value (SUV)-based quantification. Such procedures may be
      inappropriate for prolonged multiscan experiments. We hypothesize that
      normalization of tumor FDG retention relative to a suitable reference tissue may
      improve accuracy as this method may be less susceptible to uncontrollable day-to
      day changes in blood glucose levels, physical activity, or unnoticed imperfect
      tail vein injections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fed non-anesthetized tumor-bearing
      mice were administered FDG intravenously (i.v.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) and
      PET scanned on consecutive days using a Mediso nanoScan PET/magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI). Reproducibility of various PET-deduced measures of tumor FDG
      retention, including normalization to FDG signal in reference organs and a
      conventional SUV approach, was evaluated. RESULTS: Day-to-day variability in i.v.
      injected mice was lower when tumor FDG retention was normalized to brain signal
      (T/B), compared to normalization to other tissues or when using SUV-based
      normalization. Assessment of tissue radioactivity in dissected tissues confirmed
      the validity of PET-derived T/B ratios. Mean T/B and SUV values were similar in
      i.v. and i.p. administered animals, but SUV normalization was more robust in the
      i.p. group than in the i.v. group. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodality scanners allow
      tissue delineation and normalization of tumor FDG uptake relative to reference
      tissues. Normalization to brain, but not liver or kidney, improved scan
      reproducibility considerably and was superior to traditional SUV quantification
      in i.v. tracer-injected animals. Day-to-day variability in SUV's was lower in
      i.p. than in i.v. injected animals, and i.p. injections may therefore be a
      valuable alternative in prolonged rodent studies, where repeated vein injections
      are undesirable.

PMID- 28094667
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28094666
TI  - Stage IV advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus
      infection with achieving cure by using highly active antiretroviral therapy
      alone: a case report.
AB  - After the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there has
      been a decrease in the incidence of lymphoma among the HIV-infected population
      and also significantly improved survival rates. We describe a remarkable case of
      an HIV-infected patient with advanced stage IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      (DLBCL), completely regressed with the use of HAART alone. He remained disease
      free for 6 years and he achieved cure without chemotherapy. Although several
      cases of low-grade lymphoma with complete regression were reported, we could not
      find any case of stage IV high-grade malignant lymphoma with HAART alone in
      complete remission for over 5 years from our review of the literature. This
      unique case shows the importance of HAART in improving survival and achieving
      cure in HIV-high-grade malignant lymphoma.

PMID- 28094670
TI  - CLINICAL NUTRITION WEEK 2006 NUTRITION PRACTICE POSTER ABSTRACTS.

PMID- 28094672
TI  - A Randomized Study Comparing the Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet and a
      Conventional Diet on Lipoprotein Subfractions and C-reactive Protein Levels in
      Patients With Severe Obesity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet and a conventional
      (fat- and calorie-restricted) diet on lipoprotein subfractions and inflammation
      in severely obese subjects. METHODS: We compared changes in lipoprotein
      subfractions and C-reactive protein levels in 78 severely obese subjects,
      including 86% with either diabetes or metabolic syndrome, who were randomly
      assigned to either a low-carbohydrate or conventional diet for 6 months. RESULTS:
      Subjects on a low-carbohydrate diet experienced a greater decrease in large very
      low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels (difference =-0.26 mg/dL, p = .03) but more
      frequently developed detectable chylomicrons (44% vs 22%, p = .04). Both diet
      groups experienced similar decreases in the number of low-density lipoprotein
      (LDL) particles (difference = -30 nmol/L, p = .74) and increases in large high
      density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations (difference = 0.70 mg/dL, p = .63).
      Overall, C-reactive protein levels decreased modestly in both diet groups.
      However, patients with a high-risk baseline level (>3 mg/dL, n = 48) experienced
      a greater decrease in C-reactive protein levels on a low-carbohydrate diet
      (adjusted difference = -2 mg/dL, p = .005), independent of weight loss.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this 6-month study involving severely obese subjects, we found an
      overall favorable effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on lipoprotein subfractions
      and on inflammation in high-risk subjects. Both diets had similar effects on LDL
      and HDL subfractions. ( Am J Med. 2004;117:398-405.).

PMID- 28094674
TI  - Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary
      Artery Bypass Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of preoperative and
      postoperative treatment with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in
      preventing the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery
      bypass graft surgery (CABG). BACKGROUND: Postoperative AF is a common
      complication of CABG. There is growing clinical evidence that PUFAs have cardiac
      antiarrhythmic effects. METHODS: A total of 160 patients were prospectively
      randomized to a control group (81 patients, 13 female, 64.9 +/- 9.1 years) or
      PUFAs 2 g/day (79 patients, 11 female, 66.2 +/- 8.0 years) for at least 5 days
      before elective CABG and until the day of discharge from the hospital. The
      primary end point was the development of AF in the postoperative period. The
      secondary end point was the hospital length of stay after surgery. All end points
      were independently adjudicated by 2 cardiologists blinded to treatment
      assignment. RESULTS: The clinical and surgical characteristics of the patients in
      the 2 groups were similar. Postoperative AF developed in 27 patients of the
      control group (33.3%) and in 12 patients of the PUFAs group (15.2%) ( p = .013).
      There was no significant difference in the incidence of nonfatal postoperative
      complications, and postoperative mortality was similar in the PUFAs-treated
      patients (1.3%) vs controls (2.5%). After CABG, the PUFAs patients were
      hospitalized for significantly fewer days than controls (7.3 +/- 2.1 days vs 8.2
      +/- 2.6 days, p = .017). CONCLUSIONS: This study first demonstrates that PUFA
      administration during hospitalization in patients undergoing CABG substantially
      reduced the incidence of postoperative AF (54.4%) and was associated with a
      shorter hospital stay. ( J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45:1723-1728.).

PMID- 28094675
TI  - Dietary Folate and Vitamin B12 Intake and Cognitive Decline Among Community
      Dwelling Older Persons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deficiencies in folate and vitamin B12 have been associated with
      neurodegenerative disease. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between rates of
      age-related cognitive change and dietary intakes of folate and vitamin B12.
      DESIGN: Prospective study performed from 1993 to 2002. SETTING: Geographically
      defined biracial community in Chicago, Ill. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3718
      residents, 65 years and older, who completed 2 to 3 cognitive assessments and a
      food frequency questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Change in cognitive function
      measured at baseline and 3-year and 6-year follow-ups, using the average z score
      of 4 tests: the East Boston Tests of immediate and delayed recall, the Mini
      Mental State Examination, and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. RESULTS: High
      folate intake was associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in mixed
      models adjusted for multiple risk factors. The rate of cognitive decline among
      persons in the top fifth of total folate intake (median, 742 MUg/d) was more than
      twice that of those in the lowest fifth of intake (median, 186 MUg/d), a
      statistically significant difference of 0.02 standardized unit per year ( p =
      .002). A faster rate of cognitive decline was also associated with high folate
      intake from food ( p for trend = .04) and with folate vitamin supplementation of>
      400 MUg/d compared with nonusers (beta = -.03, p < .001). High total B12 intake
      was associated with slower cognitive decline only among the oldest participants.
      CONCLUSIONS: High intake of folate may be associated with cognitive decline in
      older persons. These unexpected findings call for further study of the cognitive
      implications of high levels of dietary folate in older populations. ( Arch
      Neurol. 2005;62:641-645.).

PMID- 28094677
TI  - Costs of formal and informal care in the last year of life for patients in
      receipt of specialist palliative care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Economic evaluation of palliative care has been slow to develop and
      the evidence base remains small. AIM: This article estimates formal and informal
      care costs in the last year of life for a sample of patients who received
      specialist palliative care in three different areas in Ireland. DESIGN: Formal
      care costs are calculated for community, specialist palliative care, acute
      hospital and other services. Where possible, a bottom-up approach is used,
      multiplying service utilisation by unit cost. Informal care is valued at the
      replacement cost of care. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Data on utilisation were
      collected during 215 'after death' telephone interviews with a person centrally
      involved in the care in the last year of life of decedents who received
      specialist palliative care in three areas in Ireland with varying levels of
      specialist palliative care. RESULTS: Mean total formal and informal costs in the
      last year of life do not vary significantly across the three areas. The
      components of formal costs, however, do vary across areas, particularly for
      hospital and specialist palliative care in the last 3 months of life. CONCLUSION:
      Costs in the last year of life for patients in receipt of specialist palliative
      care are considerable. Where inpatient hospice care is available, there are
      potential savings in hospital costs to offset specialist palliative care
      inpatient costs. Informal care accounts for a high proportion of costs during the
      last year of life in each area, underlining the important role of informal
      caregivers in palliative care.

PMID- 28094678
TI  - Orthotic treatment of positional brachycephaly associated with osteogenesis
      imperfecta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta is an inherited disorder of the connective
      tissue characterized primarily by fractures with no or small causal antecedents
      and extremely variable clinical presentation. The disorder requires a global and,
      therefore, multidisciplinary therapeutic approach that should aim, among other
      aspects, at the prevention and treatment of deformities resulting from
      osteogenesis imperfecta. Due to limitations related to bony deformities, it can
      be difficult to place these infants in a variety of positions that would help
      remediate skull deformities, so a cranial orthosis becomes the therapy of choice.
      The aim of this study was to demonstrate the results obtained during treatment
      with a cranial remolding orthosis (helmet) in babies with osteogenesis
      imperfecta. Case Description and Methods: For the first time in the scientific
      literature, this study describes the use of a cranial orthosis for the treatment
      of infants with osteogenesis imperfecta. Both children had severe asymmetrical
      brachycephaly documented by laser digital scanning and were submitted to
      treatment with a cranial remolding orthosis. Outcomes and Conclusion: The study
      showed that there was a significant improvement in cranial proportion and
      symmetry, with a reduction in the cephalic index at reevaluation. It is concluded
      that the orthotic therapy is an effective therapeutic modality to improve the
      proportion and minimize the asymmetry in children with osteogenesis imperfecta.
      Clinical relevance The clinical relevance of such a description is that children
      with osteogenesis imperfecta may have numerous deformities and minimizing them
      can be an important factor. This report showed a beneficial result as the
      orthotic therapy modality improved the proportions and minimized the asymmetry.
      This treatment offers too high levels of satisfaction to parents and brings these
      children closer to normal indices.

PMID- 28094679
TI  - A retrospective analysis of a pediatric tele-echocardiography service to treat,
      triage, and reduce trans-Pacific transport.
AB  - Introduction Tele-echocardiography can ensure prompt diagnosis and prevent the
      unnecessary transport of infants without critical congenital heart disease,
      particularly at isolated locations lacking access to tertiary care medical
      centers. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all infants who underwent tele
      echocardiography at a remote 16-bed level IIIB NICU from June 2005 to March 2014.
      Tele-echocardiograms were completed by cardiac sonographers in Okinawa, Japan,
      and transmitted asynchronously for review by pediatric cardiologists in Hawaii.
      Results During the study period 100 infants received 192 tele-echocardiograms:
      46% of infants had tele-echocardiograms completed for suspected patent ductus
      arteriosus, 28% for suspected congenital heart disease, 12% for possible
      congenital heart disease in the setting of likely pulmonary hypertension, and 10%
      for possible congenital heart disease in the setting of other congenital
      anomalies. Of these, 17 patients were aeromedically evacuated for cardiac
      reasons; 12 patients were transported to Hawaii, while five patients with complex
      heart disease were transported directly to the United States mainland for
      interventional cardiac capabilities not available in Hawaii. Discussion This
      study demonstrates the use of tele-echocardiography to guide treatment, reduce
      long and potentially risky trans-Pacific transports, and triage transports to
      destination centers with the most appropriate cardiac capabilities.

PMID- 28094680
TI  - Changes in the corticospinal tract after wearing prosthesis in bilateral
      transtibial amputation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After amputation, the brain is known to be reorganized especially in
      the primary motor cortex. We report a case to show changes in the corticospinal
      tract in a patient with serial bilateral transtibial amputations using diffusion
      tensor imaging. Case Description and Methods: A 78-year-old man had a transtibial
      amputation on his left side in 2008 and he underwent a right transtibial
      amputation in 2011. An initial brain magnetic resonance imaging with a diffusion
      tensor imaging was performed before starting rehabilitation on his right
      transtibial prosthesis, and a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion
      tensor imaging was performed 2 years after this. Findings and Outcomes: In the
      initial diffusion tensor imaging, the number of fiber lines in his right
      corticospinal tract was larger than that in his left corticospinal tract. At
      follow-up diffusion tensor imaging, there was no definite difference in the
      number of fiber lines between both corticospinal tracts. CONCLUSION: We found
      that side-to-side corticospinal tract differences were equalized after using
      bilateral prostheses. Clinical relevance This case report suggests that diffusion
      tensor imaging tractography could be a useful method to understand corticomotor
      reorganization after using prosthesis in transtibial amputation.

PMID- 28094681
TI  - Relationship between body height and spatiotemporal parameters during a 100-m
      sprint in able-bodied and unilateral transtibial sprinters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although anthropometric factors could influence sprint performance in
      able-bodied sprinters, little is known about the relationships between these
      anthropometric factors and sprint performance in amputee sprinters. OBJECTIVES:
      To investigate the relationships between body height and spatiotemporal
      parameters of 100-m sprints in unilateral transtibial amputee and able-bodied
      sprinters. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: We analyzed
      elite-level 100-m races of 14 male unilateral transtibial amputee sprinters and
      22 male able-bodied sprinters from publicly available Internet broadcasts. For
      each sprinter's run, the mean step length and frequency were determined using the
      number of steps in conjunction with the official race time. Furthermore, body
      height data for sprinters in both groups were obtained from publicly available
      resources. RESULTS: Linear relationships were found between body height and mean
      step length and frequency in able-bodied sprinters, respectively. However, there
      were no significant relationships between body height and spatiotemporal
      parameters in transtibial amputee sprinters. CONCLUSION: The results of this
      study suggest that the relationship between body height and spatiotemporal
      parameters during a 100-m sprint is not the same between unilateral transtibial
      amputees and able-bodied sprinters. Clinical relevance Understanding of the
      relationship between body height and spatiotemporal parameters during a 100-m
      sprint would provide important information that could be utilized for evaluating
      prosthetic sprint performance and coaching.

PMID- 28094682
TI  - Development, implementation and assessment of a concussion education programme
      for high school student-athletes.
AB  - Although experts have noted that adolescent athletes should be educated about
      concussions to improve their safety, there is no agreement on the most effective
      strategy to disseminate concussion education. The purpose of this study was to
      develop, implement and assess a concussion education programme. More precisely,
      four interactive oral presentations were delivered to high school student
      athletes (N = 35, Mage = 15.94, SD = 0.34) in a large urban centre. Participants
      completed a questionnaire at three time-points during the season to measure
      changes in their knowledge (CK) and attitudes (CA) of concussions, and focus
      group interviews were conducted following the concussion education programme.
      Questionnaire data revealed participants' post-intervention CK scores were higher
      than their pre-intervention scores. During the focus groups, the student-athletes
      said they acquired CK about the role of protective equipment and symptom
      variability, and in terms of CA, they intended to avoid dangerous in-game
      collisions in the future. Our study was the first to create and deliver a
      concussion education intervention across multiple time-points, and to use mixed
      methods in its assessment. These findings may be of interest to researchers,
      practitioners and stakeholders in sport who are invested in making the sport
      environment safer through concussion education and awareness.

PMID- 28094686
TI  - Northwestern University Flexible Subischial Vacuum Socket for persons with
      transfemoral amputation-Part 1: Description of technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current transfemoral prosthetic sockets restrict function, lack
      comfort, and cause residual limb problems. Lower proximal trim lines are an
      appealing way to address this problem. Development of a more comfortable and
      possibly functional subischial socket may contribute to improving quality of life
      of persons with transfemoral amputation. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study
      was to (1) describe the design and fabrication of a new subischial socket and (2)
      describe efforts to teach this technique. STUDY DESIGN: Development project.
      METHODS: Socket development involved defining the following: subject and liner
      selection, residual limb evaluation, casting, positive mold rectification, check
      socket fitting, definitive socket fabrication, and troubleshooting of socket fit.
      Three hands-on workshops to teach the socket were piloted and attended by 30
      certified prosthetists and their patient models. RESULTS: Patient models
      responded positively to the comfort, range of motion, and stability of the new
      socket while prosthetists described the technique as "straight forward,
      reproducible." CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to create
      a teachable subischial socket, and while it appears promising, more definitive
      evaluation is needed. Clinical relevance We developed the Northwestern University
      Flexible Subischial Vacuum (NU-FlexSIV) Socket as a more comfortable alternative
      to current transfemoral sockets and demonstrated that it could be taught
      successfully to prosthetists.

PMID- 28094688
TI  - President's message.

PMID- 28094687
TI  - Successful management of femoral trauma in a through-knee amputee with a previous
      malunited fracture: Implications and functional outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After amputation patients are more likely to injure their residual
      limb. An injury of a previously amputated limb, especially if the residuum is not
      anatomically normal, poses a dilemma for management. Case Description and
      Methods: This case report discusses a femoral fracture sustained proximal to a
      through-knee amputation. Findings and outcomes: The fracture was at the site of a
      malunited fracture. A shortening osteotomy with bone graft was undertaken to
      improve alignment and prosthetic fit and remove poor-quality bone. This was
      stabilised using an intramedullary nail, supplemented with an anti-rotation
      plate. This fracture went on to uneventful union, and the patient was able to
      comfortably use a prosthesis with increased functionality compared with prior to
      the recent injury. DISCUSSION: This management enabled quick healing of the
      fracture without the need to resort to a more proximal amputation. CONCLUSION: In
      these unusual cases, careful planning is necessary to ensure all aspects of the
      problem is dealt with. Each case should be treated on its own merits. Clinical
      relevance This case demonstrates the difficulty in care of complex limb trauma
      and offers a solution for management of similar cases. Excellent results are
      possible when all surgical options are considered.

PMID- 28094689
TI  - Quantification of rectifications for the Northwestern University Flexible Sub
      Ischial Vacuum Socket.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fit and function of a prosthetic socket depend on the
      prosthetist's ability to design the socket's shape to distribute load comfortably
      over the residual limb. We recently developed a sub-ischial socket for persons
      with transfemoral amputation: the Northwestern University Flexible Sub-Ischial
      Vacuum Socket. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantify the rectifications
      required to fit the Northwestern University Flexible Sub-Ischial Vacuum Socket to
      teach the technique to prosthetists as well as provide a computer-aided design
      computer-aided manufacturing option. STUDY DESIGN: Development project. METHODS:
      A program was used to align scans of unrectified and rectified negative molds and
      calculate shape change as a result of rectification. Averaged rectifications were
      used to create a socket template, which was shared with a central fabrication
      facility engaged in provision of Northwestern University Flexible Sub-Ischial
      Vacuum Sockets to early clinical adopters. Feedback regarding quality of fitting
      was obtained. RESULTS: Rectification maps created from 30 cast pairs of
      successfully fit Northwestern University Flexible Sub-Ischial Vacuum Sockets
      confirmed that material was primarily removed from the positive mold in the
      proximal-lateral and posterior regions. The template was used to fabricate check
      sockets for 15 persons with transfemoral amputation. Feedback suggested that the
      template provided a reasonable initial fit with only minor adjustments.
      CONCLUSION: Rectification maps and template were used to facilitate teaching and
      central fabrication of the Northwestern University Flexible Sub-Ischial Vacuum
      Socket. Minor issues with quality of initial fit achieved with the template may
      be due to inability to adjust the template to patient characteristics (e.g.
      tissue type, limb shape) and/or the degree to which it represented a fully mature
      version of the technique. Clinical relevance Rectification maps help communicate
      an important step in the fabrication of the Northwestern University Flexible Sub
      Ischial Vacuum Socket facilitating dissemination of the technique, while the
      average template provides an alternative fabrication option via computer-aided
      design-computer-aided manufacturing and central fabrication.

PMID- 28094690
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 28094692
TI  - Errata to "Side-by-Side Comparison of Field Monitoring Methods for Hot Bitumen
      Emission Exposures: The German BGIA Method 6305, the U.S. NIOSH Method 5042, and
      the Total Organic Matter Method" [JOEH 7:712-725, 2010].

PMID- 28094696
TI  - The Biology of Carcinogen-Induced Hepatocyte Nodules and Related Liver Lesions in
      the Rats 1.
AB  - The only known sequence of tissue changes seen during liver cancer development
      involves microscopic foci or islands of altered hepatocytes, hepatocyte nodules,
      a subset of these nodules, the persistent nodules, nodules in nodules and
      ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma. The nodules show an array of architectural,
      fine ultrastructural, vascular, biochemical and physiological properties
      characteristic of this new population of hepatocytes. Despite their origin
      following initiation with a chemical carcinogen, the vast majority (98-99%) of
      nodules undergo a complex process of remodeling or redifferentiation to normal
      looking mature liver. A very small minority persist, continue to grow slowly and
      ultimately may act as a site of origin for new later precancerous nodules and
      metastasizing hepatocellular carcinoma. The basis for the different behaviour
      patterns, remodelling of the majority and persistence of the minority is not
      understood. Even though the vast majority of nodules do undergo remodelling and
      "disappear", it would be unwise at this time to ignore this key role of nodules
      in general in cancer development.

PMID- 28094698
TI  - The Use of In vivo Hepatic Initiation-Promotion Systems in Understanding the
      Hepatocarcinogenesis of Technical Grade Dinitrotoluene.
AB  - A 2 year bioassay sponsored by the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology
      demonstrated the potent hepatocarcinogenicity of technical grade dinitrotoluene
      (DNT) which contains 76% 2,4-DNT, 18% 2,6-DNT and less than 3% of each 2,3; 2,5;
      3,4 and 3,5-DNT isomers. In contrast, a 2 year bioassay of 2,4-DNT sponsored by
      the National Cancer Institute did not result in the appearance of hepatic
      neoplasms above the spontaneous incidence. Using previously described in vivo
      hepatic initiation-promotion systems, an evaluation of the initiating and
      promoting activity of individual DNT isomers was undertaken to provide an
      understanding for the differences between the two bioassays. Weak hepatocyte
      initiating activity was identified in technical grade DNT and purified 2,6-DNT.
      In contrast, 2,3; 2,4; 2,5; 3,4 and 3,5 isomers had no detectable initiating
      activity. When fed following a diethylnitrosamine initiating regimen, technical
      grade DNT, purified 2,4 and 2,6-DNT isomers had demonstrable promoting activity.
      Therefore, the hepatic neoplasms resulting from technical grade DNT feeding
      apparently resulted from the initiating activity of 2,6-DNT followed by the
      promoting effect of both the 2,4 and 2,6-DNT isomers. The lack of hepatic
      neoplasms following chronic feeding of 2,4-DNT was apparently due to the lack of
      hepatic initiating activity.

PMID- 28094700
TI  - Liver Lesions from Sex Steroids.

PMID- 28094701
TI  - Human Liver Neoplasia and Steroid Exposure.
AB  - This study examines experience with over 250 liver tumors in young women. Most
      were oral contraceptive related. There were two distinct benign liver tumor
      types: focal nodular hyperplasia and liver cell adenoma. Six benign liver tumors
      were examined for estrogen receptors. They did not contain significant quantities
      of estrogen receptor, supporting experimental studies of an epigenetic origin.
      Multiple tumors occurred in about 20% of cases but did not change the favorable
      prognosis associated with benign tumors. The most significant source of morbidity
      and mortality was spontaneous hemorrhage or rupture. Twenty-three women in this
      series had hepatocellular carcinoma and the majority of these were associated
      with prolonged steroid usage. These malignant liver tumors occurred in young
      females without cirrhosis or other factors known to be associated with hepatic
      malignancy. Unlike "hepatocellular carcinomas" reported in males taking anabolic
      androgenic steroids, the tumors in females had a high rate of metastasis to a
      variety of organs. The risk of liver tumors in oral contraceptive users remains
      unknown, but must be very small since an estimated 150 million women worldwide
      and 40 million in the U.S.A. have used oral contraceptives.

PMID- 28094707
TI  - Hypolipidemics Hepatocarcinogenicity and Safety.

PMID- 28094702
TI  - Phenotypic Properties of Preneoplastic Rat Liver Lesions and Applications to
      Detection of Carcinogens and Tumor Promoters.
AB  - A variety of cellular lesions arise during liver carcinogenesis by chemicals in
      rats. The altered focus is a lesion of hepatocytes that occurs early in
      hepatocarcinogenesis and appears to give rise to both neoplastic nodules and
      carcinomas. Foci display numerous phenotypic abnormalities which together with
      nuclear abnormalities indicate that they are truly a new altered population.
      Using histochemical markers, the induction of foci can be measured as a
      quantitative index of hepatocarcinogenicity of genotoxic carcinogens. In
      addition, determination of the effect of agents on foci previously induced by
      genotoxic carcinogens can be used to assess the capacity of chemicals to act as
      liver tumor promoters.

PMID- 28094708
TI  - Sequential observation of pathomorphologic alterations in preneoplastic lesions
      during the promoting stage of hepatocarcinogenesis and the development of short
      term test system for hepatopromoters and hepatocarcinogens.
AB  - The aims of this study were 1) to observe the sequential development of
      hepatocellular carcinomas from preneoplastic lesions and to investigate
      hyperplastic (neoplastic) foci or nodules (HN) as an indicator of a preneoplastic
      population, and 2) to test the promoting effect of various agents and to study
      the dose-dependent effect of promoting agents in the induction of preneoplastic
      lesions in the rat liver. 1) F344 rats were injected with N-nitrosodiethylamine
      (DEN) and then given basal diet containing 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) or alpha
      hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH). Two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) was
      performed at the end of week 3. Animals were killed periodically for quantitative
      analysis of HN and for study of changes in blood supply to the lesions by method
      using a resin. In the liver of rats treated with 2-AAF after DEN, the number and
      area of HN were maximal in week 10, and then the number gradually decreased to
      week 50 (P < 0.001), whereas the area remained almost constant. In the group
      given alpha-HCH after DEN, the number of HN decreased temporarily in week 20 and
      then gradually increased, whereas the area of HN increased slowly throughout the
      experiment. Histological examination suggested that the decrease of HN after week
      10 was due to degeneration of HN with their change to a spongy or cystic
      appearance, and that the degeneration resulted from circulatory disturbance. The
      number and area of these degenerating hyperplastic nodules (DHN) increased
      reciprocally to the decrease of HN with time until week 30. The number of
      hepatocellular carcinomas was maximal at week 40. The blood supply to the early
      hyperplastic nodules was mainly through the portal vein as with normal or
      surrounding liver tissue, but at a later stage HN and hepatocellular carcinomas
      were supplied with a blood mainly from the hepatic artery. Therefore, arterial
      blood supply seemed important for the persistence of HN and development of
      hepatocellular carcinoma. Most of the HN which appeared within the first 10 weeks
      were histochemically positive for gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (gamma-GT)
      activity. This experiment showed that detectable preneoplastic lesions measured
      as gamma-GT positive foci or HN were induced by exposure to promoting agents for
      6 to 10 weeks after initiation with DEN. 2) In tests of the promoting activity
      and dose-dependent effect of various compounds, rats were injected
      intraperitoneally with DEN and given the test compounds for 6 to 10 weeks and
      then killed. PH was performed as in experiment 1. Potent hepatocarcinogens, such
      as 2-AAF, 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3'-Me-DAB), ethionine and N
      nitrosodimethylamine (DMN), induced a large number and area of HN or gamma-GT
      positive foci whereas weak ones, such as alpha-HCH, dieldrin, hormones and bile
      acids evoked less response. Both potent and weak carcinogens showed a clear dose
      dependent effect. A similar dose-dependent effect was also shown in the induction
      of hepatocellular carcinoma in a long-term experiment by continuous feeding of
      DMN. Non-hepatocarcinogens, such as N-ethylnitrosourea (ENU) and 3
      methylcholanthrene (3-MC) induced them only in small numbers.

PMID- 28094709
TI  - Ultrastructure of altered hepatocytes induced by diethylnitrosamine (DENA).
AB  - Administration of diethylnitrosamine I.P. at dose level of 2 mg/kg five days a
      week to young Sprague-Dawley rats induced foci of altered hepatocytes entirely
      devoid of glucose-6-phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase activity. Several
      weeks later, these foci developed hepatocellular carcinoma mostly of the
      trabecular type. Although these "preneoplastic" altered cells appeared as normal
      hepatocytes when examined in HE-sections, they were found to exhibit sites of
      dedifferentiation with ultrastructural features of hepatoma cells. Early
      morphological changes indicative of neoplastic transformation took place first as
      excessive storage of glycogen then as marked alterations at the surface membranes
      of such cells. Striking increase in coated pinocytotic vesicles appeared along
      the apposing cell membranes associated with loss of sinusoidal microvilli,
      protrusion of cytoplasmic blebs in the intercellular spaces, reduction or loss of
      desmosomes and obliteration of bile canaliculi. Subsequent changes were seen as
      dilation and disruption of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), dispersal of
      ribosomes, proliferation and clustering of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum
      (SER), predominance of annulate lamellae, depletion of glycogen, enlargement of
      the Golgi cisterns and segregation of nucleolar elements. After 20 weeks, rats
      given DENA at a dose level of 25 mg/kg twice a week developed pronounced
      cirrhotic nodules in addition to multiple hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast
      to the neoplastic nodules, the cirrhotic ones retained normal activity of glucose
      6-phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase and exhibited ultrastructural features
      typical of normal hepatocytes.

PMID- 28094710
TI  - Liver Tumors and Steroid Exposure.

PMID- 28094711
TI  - Initiation/promotion bioassay in rat liver: use of gamma glutamyltranspeptidase
      positive foci to indicate carcinogenic activity.
AB  - Gamma Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTase)-positive foci have been used to indicate
      activity in an initiation/promotion bioassay in rat liver. This rat liver foci
      bioassay has been proposed for inclusion in tier 2 of a three tier decision tree
      approach to carcinogenesis testing where it would function to confirm
      carcinogenic activity. The assay was sensitive to hepatocarcinogens and some non
      hepatocarcinogens and was able to distinguish between tumor initiators and tumor
      promoters. The induction of GGTase-positive foci by methylating agents was
      associated with the formation of O6-methylguanine and not N-7 methylguanine,
      which would indicate a mutagenic origin for the foci. The foci once induced did
      not regress over the life time of the animal. Zonal induction of GGTase activity
      was induced by some promoters which confounded the scoring of foci incidence. The
      results to date indicate that the rat liver foci bioassay warrants further
      validation for inclusion in tier 2 and emphasizes the need to demonstrate the
      predictive and precursor relationship of GGTase-positive foci to cancer.

PMID- 28094712
TI  - Biological markers of preneoplastic foci and neoplastic nodules in rodent liver.
AB  - Foci of altered hepatocytes are regularly observed early during
      hepatocarcinogenesis in rodents. The abnormal hepatocytes may show a number of
      different phenotypes as characterized by various cytomorphological and
      cytochemical markers. The first appearance and the further development of the
      abnormal cell populations depend on the dose of the carcinogen given and on the
      duration of the carcinogenic treatment. According to cytochemical, morphometric
      and autoradiographic findings in rats receiving low doses (2-10% of the LD 50/kg
      bw/day) of hepatocarcinogens for limited periods ("stop" experiments),
      glycogenotic (clear or acidophilic) hepatocytes indicate the first step of the
      neoplastic cell transformation which can be detected by these methods at present.
      The glycogenotic cells undergo a characteristic metamorphosis and give rise to
      basophilic tumor cells poor in glycogen, but rich in ribosomes. Under extreme
      experimental conditions, such as a single or repeated application of higher doses
      of one or several chemical carcinogens a puzzling picture emerges which is
      "reversible" to a large extent after withdrawal of the respective compounds. This
      observation points to a phenotypic instability of the cellular changes induced in
      certain experimental systems. Foci of altered hepatocytes persisting after
      withdrawal of the carcinogenic compounds are considered preneoplastic lesions.
      They may transform into neoplastic nodules which are also persistent and share a
      number of cytomorphological and cytochemical markers with the focal lesions. The
      persistent nodules progress to hepatocarcinomas after lag periods of weeks or
      months. However, the foci may also progress to hepatocarcinomas without passing a
      nodular intermediate stage. The development of both neoplastic nodules and
      carcinomas from the preneoplastic glycogen storage foci can proceed independent
      of further administration of carcinogen. The sequence of cellular changes during
      hepatocarcinogenesis derived from the experimental results in rodents is strongly
      supported by observations in humans, especially by the increasing reports on the
      appearance of hepatic tumors in patients who suffer from inborn hepatic
      glycogenosis.

PMID- 28094713
TI  - Hypolipidemics Carcinogenicity and Extrapolation of Experimental Results for
      Human Safety Assessments.
AB  - Dyslipoproteinemias represent a group of disorders closely related to alterations
      of cholesterol and triglycerides. The alterations of these lipids are considered
      important risk factors in coronary heart disease and indicate the need for
      clinically effective and safe drugs. Hypolipidemic agent therapy, however, does
      not appear without risk since the administration of these agents is by necessity,
      on a long-term basis. In the conduct of animal safety studies with some
      hypolipidemics, hyperplastic nodules or tumors developed in the liver of rodents.
      Data from the literature seem to indicate that the tumor response in rodents
      varies with the type of hypolipidemic drug administered. This paper summarizes
      the studies with the new lipid-regulating agent gemfibrozil. Aside from
      conventional long-term studies in rodents, the ultrastructural aspects of the
      liver were analyzed in several species and genotoxicity assays and short-term
      tests for hepatocarcinogenicity were conducted. Thus, it was possible to obtain
      an overview of these biological phenomena in order to allow for safety
      extrapolations. The biological behavior of these liver nodules showed that
      gemfibrozil and clofibrate-induced hepatocytes had not undergone malignant
      transformation. Further, the phenomenon of peroxisome proliferation, a
      characteristic event that follows hypolipidemic administration in rodents, was
      not confirmed in primate or human liver. Peroxisome proliferation has been linked
      to the process of hepatocarcinogenesis in rodents, although genotoxicity assays
      were negative and initiation/promotion tests failed to elicit tumors or nodules
      in a system where hepatocarcinogens manifest their activity. Thus, hypolipidemics
      such as gemfibrozil or clofibrate may possess low tumorigenic potential with low
      risk due to the lack of correlation between these tests. Nevertheless, these
      agents are indicated for specific lipoprotein phenotype alteration with the
      resulting clinical benefits.

PMID- 28094714
TI  - Response of liver foci in rats to hepatic tumor promoters.
AB  - Putative preneoplastic foci (islands) of altered hepatocytes were induced by
      single doses of initiating hepatocarcinogens and identified by various
      histochemical and morphological markers. DNA synthesis, measured by 3H-thymidine
      and autoradiography, as well as mitotic activity were found to be higher in the
      foci than in normal hepatocytes. Without promotion this proliferative advantage
      is partially counterbalanced by reversion of altered cells to the normal
      phenotype and/or increased incidence of cell death by apoptosis, so that the
      islands show little growth. Prolonged administration of promoters such as
      phenobarbital, hexachlorocyclohexane etc. resulted in the appearance of more and
      larger foci, which exhibited steady growth. Island enlargement was due to an
      upsurge of cell proliferation (in the initial stage only) and to interference of
      the promoter with phenotypic reversion and/or apoptosis of island cells. Island
      multiplication during promotion was essentially due to induction of the
      histochemical marker (gamma-GT) in "latent" islands. Promoter withdrawal led to
      rapid reductions in size and number of foci suggesting that the effect of
      promoters on the phenotype of island cells is reversible under the conditions
      employed. Finally we offer the hypothesis that non-mutagenic compounds may
      produce liver tumors in experimental animals by promotion of "spontaneous"
      preneoplastic lesions.

PMID- 28094717
TI  - Hepatic Initiation-Promotion.

PMID- 28094716
TI  - Interpretation of Rodent Hepatocellular Proliferative Alterations and
      Hepatocellular Tumors in Chemical Safety Assessment 1 , 2.
AB  - Benign and malignant liver tumors have been frequently observed in National
      Cancer Institute/National Toxicology Program rodent carcinogenesis bioassays
      using Fischer 344 rats and B6C3F1 mice. A multilayered pathology review process
      enhances consistency and accuracy of the histologic diagnoses. All data,
      including statistically analyzed tumor prevalences, are ultimately reviewed by a
      multidisciplinary team of scientists for judgment regarding the carcinogenicity
      of the chemical. Rationale for interpretation of hepatocellular alterations is
      illustrated with results from the recently completed NCI/NTP bioassays of di(2
      ethylhexyl)phthalate, C.I. Disperse Yellow 3, C.I. Solvent Yellow 14, and
      pentachloroethane.

PMID- 28094718
TI  - Experimental Diffuse Nodular Hepatic Hyperplasia.

PMID- 28094720
TI  - Hepatoproliferativ Changes in Rats.

PMID- 28094719
TI  - Chemically Induced Hepatocellular Proliferative Changes in the Rat Without
      Evidence of Neoplastic Transformation.
AB  - The hypothesis that hepatocellular proliferative changes give rise to autonomous,
      neoplastic lesions in rodents was tested in this study in which
      hepatoproliferative lesions induced in rats by feeding an experimental
      psychoactive drug, cyproximide, were examined at various times during the course
      of a 24 month study. A total of 610 male and female rats (Charles River
      Laboratories COBS(r)CD(r)(SD)BR, Wilmington, Mass.) were distributed into three
      groups. Each of two treatment groups contained 230 rats given 0.1% or 0.4% of
      cyproximide in the diet. One hundred and fifty rats were given a drug-free diet
      and served as controls. Five males and five females from each group were
      sacrificed for postmortem examination after 6, 12 and 20 months of drug diet
      feeding after which remaining rats were retained for recovery (nontreatment)
      periods of 18, 12 and 4 months, respectively. An additional 25 males and 25
      females from each dose level were treated for 24 months and then sacrificed along
      with all surviving recovery and control rats. The results of this study
      demonstrated that the incidence of proliferative lesions was greater in the liver
      of treated rats (especially females) than in control rats; however, the incidence
      of hepatocellular neoplasms was the same in treated and control rats.

PMID- 28094722
TI  - The Epidemiology of Human Liver Tumors.
AB  - The epidemiology of primary liver cancer is reviewed in relation to associated
      lesions, e.g., cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis. Little data are available to permit
      evaluation of the frequency of many preneoplastic and precirrhotic lesions which
      per se carry a low mortality. The proportion of cirrhotic livers in which primary
      cancer develops varies between countries due to etiological differences. The
      major factors suspected of causing cirrhosis and cancer in man are: i) hepatitis
      B, ii) aflatoxin, and iii) alcohol. There is a miscellaneous group of
      hepatoproliferative disorders due to a wide range of agents which form a small
      proportion of the total liver problem in industrial and non-industrial states. In
      contrast to rodents, few liver carcinomas are related to industrial or
      occupational factors, apart from an association with alcoholism and low
      socioeconomic class. Data on benign hepatocellular proliferative lesions are
      inadequate, apart from steroid-induced adenomas. In contrast to rodent studies,
      primary liver cancers have not been associated in man with enzyme inducers, such
      as pesticides or drugs. In conclusion, apart from aflatoxin and hepatitis B, it
      has proven difficult to make valid comparisons between experimental models and
      human liver cancer and disease except in relation to morphological pathogenetic
      pathways. This discrepancy between high frequency or experimental carcinogens
      identified in rodents and the rarity of demonstrating similar effects due to
      chemical exposures in man merits further consideration.

PMID- 28094723
TI  - Sequential Morphological Changes in Aflatoxin B1-Induced Liver Tumors During
      Chronic Administration of Glutathione 1.
AB  - The sequential light microscopic changes in aflatoxin B1-induced liver tumors
      during chronic administration of glutathione were studied. The results suggest
      that necrosis of neoplastic hepatocytes plays an important role during the
      regression of tumor growth induced by glutathione.

PMID- 28094726
TI  - Choline Deficiency, Partial Hepatectomy, and Liver Tumors in Rats and Mice.
AB  - Choline deficiency (CD) increases susceptability of (he rat liver to a number of
      hepatocellular carcinogens with a wide diversity of structure and potency. While
      severe CD results in micronodular cirrhosis and enhanced tumor induction, even a
      mild deficiency, without cirrhosis is sufficient to result in the increased
      carcinogenic response. The effects of CD are in part mediated via modulation of
      microsomal and, possibly, cytosolic enzymes responsible for
      activation/deactivation of carcinogens. The B6C3F1 hybrid mouse is remarkably
      sensitive to initiation/promotion of liver tumors by many substances or
      conditions. Choline deficiency or partial hepatectomy alone, or in concert,
      markedly enhances liver tumor induction in the absence of any known carcinogen.
      These data indicate that the liver of this strain of mouse is "initiated" at or
      shortly after birth and can be promoted by non-carcinogenic substances or
      conditions.

PMID- 28094727
TI  - Biology of Liver Nodules.

PMID- 28094728
TI  - Liver Tumor Induction.
AB  - The significance of the development of nodular liver lesions in rodents following
      the administration of test agents raises several questions which could be placed
      in one of two general categories: diagnostic and interpretational. From a
      diagnostic point of view, the proper classification of liver tumors into a benign
      and malignant category has to be based on the direct correlation between the
      morphology and the biologic behavior of the lesions. Therefore, extreme care
      should be taken to separate the malignant tumors from the benign and the benign
      neoplasia from the hyperplasia. The substitution of the term "neoplastic nodule"
      for hyperplastic nodule in rats is misleading. Most of these nodules, when
      induced under special experimental conditions, may regress or remodel and thus
      they are not neoplastic in nature. Chronic carcinogenicity bioassays should
      include "stop" type of treatment leaving enough of the observational time to
      establish the fate of induced nodular lesions. The induction of histochemically
      changed foci can serve only as an indication of potential hepatocarcinogenicity
      and should not be equated with the induction of bona fide cancer. The biologic
      interpretation of nodular liver lesions, especially in mice, needs further
      scrutiny because these lesions have a tendency to develop spontaneously with high
      incidence in some strains. This characteristic then raises the question as to the
      mechanism by which various agents augment and/or accelerate the development of
      such tumors. Is this action primarily promoting or initiating in nature or does
      it represent the induction of tumors de novo? The answer to this dilemma may have
      a decisive bearing on carcinogenic risk assessment and the type of regulatory
      action, since the promoting agents possess a threshold effect and the promoted
      changes may regress following withdrawal of treatment. The interpretation of
      hepatocarcinogenesis is further complicated by the fact that several factors,
      such as sex hormonal environment, increased mitotic activity following an
      excessive loss of parenchymal cells, degree of caloric intake, enzymatic
      complement, and animals' age at the time of the exposure to a test agent, may
      influence the outcome of liver tumor development by modulating "initiation"
      and/or "promotion" of carcinogenesis. Broad fluctuation in the historic incidence
      of liver tumors further compounds the complexity of the proper bioassay
      interpretation. The specifically designed experiments may have the objective to
      explore predominantly the initiating or promoting effects of the agent. Such
      protocols should be used whenever necessary to differentiate between these two
      mechanisms of action. In the Caucasians, the "spontaneous" development of the
      primary hepatocellular tumors is rare. The majority of these tumors are malignant
      and rapidly fatal. According to some human pathologists, the benign variety of
      liver tumors is rare and it does not represent necessarily a premalignant stage
      in tumor development. Carcinoma of the liver may occur in infancy, especially in
      males before the age of 2 years. This suggests a genetic causation or
      carcinogenic exposure in utero. One of the geographic factors which significantly
      enhances the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in humans is exposure to
      aflatoxin B1 which is apparently potentiated by concurrent liver cirrhosis.
      Because many more agents have been found to be hepatocarcinogenic in mice and
      rats than in men, a question arises as to the direct relevance of rodent studies
      to humans. A balanced assessment of the carcinogenicity of the agent could only
      be reached in considering both the pharmacokinetics and the development of
      malignant neoplasia in other organs. In the case of positive carcinogenicity
      assessment, the outcome of the mutagenicity bioassays can suggest genic
      (genotoxic) or paragenic (epigenetic) mode of action in mammalian systems.

PMID- 28094732
TI  - Proliferative liver lesions and sex steroids in rats.
AB  - In standard two year tumorigenicity studies some gestagens, alone or in
      combination with an estrogen have been shown to produce proliferative liver
      lesions (PLL) in rats. Estrogens in general have not produced PLLs; for ethinyl
      estradiol the situation is equivocal. The steroids which increase the incidence
      of PLLs have not been shown to have the characteristics usually associated with
      classical hepatocarcinogens such as diethylnitrosamine (e.g. negative
      mutagenicity and cytoxicity, failure to bind covalently to DNA). Therefore,
      another mechanism must be assumed. A possible explanation is given by the ability
      demonstrated for a few steroids (mestranol alone or in combination with
      norethindrone, ethinylestradiol) to promote preneoplastic islands induced by
      diethylnitrosamine, resulting in an increase in tumor incidence over rats given
      only the carcinogen. Spontaneous preneoplastic islands in rats occur in various
      incidence in different strains and we have recently shown that their reaction to
      steroids-enhanced proliferation-is the same as the effect on preneoplastic
      islands produced by classical carcinogens. Sex steroids also enhance the growth
      or normal hepatocytes. It, therefore, seems reasonable to assume that sex
      steroids produce PLLs by acting on spontaneous preneoplastic lesions and not by
      the mechanisms usually associated with classical carcinogens. Extrapolating the
      incidence of PLLs in rats to a risk in humans may be highly misleading because of
      different pharmacokinetic patterns. Even in rats treated orally for two years
      with sex steroids dosed as multiples of the human contraceptive dose, resorption
      and biovailability may vary by a factor of 10 or more. It is, therefore,
      inappropriate to state that one sex steroid is more active in the production of
      PLLs than another, unless the data from pharmacokinetic studies are taken into
      account. Available evidence shows that sex steroids act as tumor promotors and
      enhance the growth of normal hepatocytes. It is extremely doubtful whether a sex
      steroid producing PLLs in the rat after two years of oral treatment can be
      classified as an initiating tumorigen for the rat. Substantial risk for humans
      cannot be inferred, because of the high incidence of spontaneous preneoplastic
      lesions in rats, and because of the very high sensitivity of the rat liver to a
      variety of chemically unrelated compounds including sex steroids.

PMID- 28094735
TI  - The Gelweave Valsalva Graft to Better Reconstruct the Anatomy of the Aortic Root.
AB  - The Bentall procedure introduced in 1968 represents an undisputed cure to treat
      multiple pathologies involving the aortic valve and the ascending thoracic aorta.
      Over the years, multiple modifications have been introduced as well as a
      standardized approach to the operation with the goal to prevent long-term adverse
      events. The Gelweave Valsalva graft provides a novel manner to more efficiently
      reconstruct the anatomy of the aortic root either with a valve-sparing procedure
      or with the implantation of a valved conduit (bioprosthesis or mechanical valve).
      The prosthesis holds three sections: the collar anchoring the valve; the skirt
      mimicking the Valsalva, which is suitable for the anastomoses with the coronary
      arteries; and the main body of the graft, which is designed to replace the
      ascending aorta. The Gelweave Valsalva graft allows the Bentall operation to be
      standardized, and it provides a potential for longer durability with reduced
      adverse events.

PMID- 28094736
TI  - Characterization of Patient Expectations and Satisfaction after Total Hip
      Arthroplasty.
AB  - We conducted a prospective multicenter study in which outcome-related
      expectations of 236 primary total hip arthroplasty patients were determined.
      Clinical surveys and radiographs were used to determine the relationship between
      postoperative level of patient satisfaction and patient-reported and radiographic
      outcomes. At 1 year, 82.6% of expectations were achieved, most of the time with
      high satisfaction (89.3%). Younger, lower body-mass index, male patients were
      more likely to expect the surgery to benefit "return to work" and "sexual
      function", whereas older, heavier patients, selected "elimination of assistive
      devices" and "independence in daily activities". The ability of the patient to
      meet their expectations fully did not correlate directly with level of
      satisfaction or clinical outcomes, suggesting limitations in current clinical
      surveys. The characterization of patient expectations is essential in providing
      patient-centered care.

PMID- 28094737
TI  - Osteoinductive Activity of DFDBA Materials versus Growth Factors on Gene
      Expression of MG-63 Cells: An In Vitro Study.
AB  - Guided bone regeneration using demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA)
      and growth factors (GFs) is a current goal in implant dentistry because of their
      potential osteoinductive abilities. Regarding controversial results, the purpose
      of this study was to compare the osteoinductivity of three different DFDBAs from
      two different banks with two different GFs: transforming growth factor-beta (TGF
      beta) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were
      exposed to two different concentration of commercial DFDBAs (10 and 20 mg/mL) and
      growth factors (5 and 10 ng/mL). Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated
      using a quantitative MTT assay (24 and 72 hours after treatment). For the
      assessment of cell differentiation, the expression of osteogenic marker genes was
      evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction 72 hours after
      treatment. Cell viability and proliferation in different concentrations of GFs
      was similar but significantly different in the DFDBA groups. Although water
      soluble materials released from DFDBAs reduced viability and even caused
      cytotoxicity (viability <70%) in first 24 hours after treatment, increased
      viability and proliferation were seen after 72 hours. Dose-dependent up
      regulation of osteocalcin (OC) was seen in the two DFDBA groups and in TGF-beta
      treated cells. In contrast, dose-dependent down-regulation of OC was seen in PDGF
      treated cells. The results show that induction of osteogenic differentiation
      (osteoinduction) at higher concentrations of DFDBAs (with the exception of one
      group) is more rapid than in the GF groups. In addition, TGF-beta at higher
      concentrations but PDGF at lower concentrations were associated with better
      results.

PMID- 28094738
TI  - A Cost-Effective Technique for Spinal Instrumentation in the Treatment of
      Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.
AB  - Surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has evolved over the
      past decades to the point where instrumented arthrodesis with all pedicle screw
      and rod constructs is commonplace. Although these constructs provide superb
      correction and fixation, their financial burden is substantial. Here, we present
      a more cost-effective technique using a combination of pedicle screws (serving as
      the construct base), a sagittal precontoured unit rod, and sublaminar wires to
      provide segmental correction for the surgical treatment of AIS. Retrospective
      analyses of 42 patients treated with this construct were reviewed with a minimum
      2-year follow-up. Correction in both coronal and sagittal planes was assessed
      radiographically and blood loss, operative time, complications, and cost were
      reviewed from hospital records. We conclude that this technique provides
      comparable correction to all pedicle screw constructs with similar blood loss and
      operative time, but with substantially decreased implant cost. The mean implant
      cost was $8910.83 +/- $184.26.

PMID- 28094739
TI  - Astym(r) Therapy for the Management of Recalcitrant Knee Joint Stiffness after
      Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - Knee stiffness is a common complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
      Despite studies published on the surgical management of reduced range of motion
      (ROM) after TKA, there is limited evidence on the nonoperative management of
      joint and soft tissue imbalances possibly contributing to reduced knee ROM. This
      report assesses changes in ROM, pain, function, and patellar tendon length after
      Astym(r) joint mobilization use. A 38-year-old male professional skier had a
      right TKA 3 months before presentation with 2 subsequent manipulations under
      anesthesia secondary to persistent knee stiffness. He had patellar baja on
      radiograph, a reduced arc of ROM, reduced patellar mobility and muscular
      extensibility, and pain to palpation along the patellar tendon. He had 12 visits
      of physical therapy with the use of Astym(r), patellar mobilization, and tibio
      femoral mobilizations with movement. The patient also used a customized knee
      device at home for prolonged knee extension stretching. The patient was treated
      for 12 visits, along with home use of customized bracing for knee extension.
      Significant improvements were seen in pain, function, and ROM. He returned to
      work full-time, ambulated prolonged distances, and negotiated stairs pain-free.
      He also demonstrated resolution of patellar baja radiographically. Conservative
      management of recalcitrant knee joint stiffness after primary TKA can be
      effective in restoring knee mobility and reducing pain and activity limitation. A
      multimodal approach using Astym(r) treatment, customized knee bracing, and
      targeted joint mobilization can be effective in resolving knee joint stiffness.

PMID- 28094740
TI  - Strength of Syndesmosis Fixation: Two TightRope versus One TightRope with Plate
      and-Screw Construct.
AB  - Injuries involving the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis can lead to critical
      destabilization of the ankle mortise. Although specific indications for operative
      fixation remain unclear, accurate reduction of the syndesmosis has been
      correlated with the best functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the maximum torque and rotation to failure after fixation with a novel
      construct. Seven pairs (14 ankles) of embalmed cadaveric lower legs,
      disarticulated at the knee, were obtained. Each pair was randomly assigned to
      receive either two TightRopes (Arthrex) or a plate-and-screw construct with one
      TightRope. All samples were mechanically tested in torsion to determine peak
      torque, torsional stiffness, and the maximum rotation angle at which failure
      occurred. Differences between the groups were compared using paired Student's t
      test. The maximum torque to failure after fixation was not significantly
      different between the two TightRopes (28.8 N*m; range, 7.3-49.7 N*m) and the one
      TightRope group (29.5 N*m; range, 9.2-44.9 N*m; p = 0.92). The maximum rotation
      to fracture after fixation was not significantly different between the two
      TightRopes (33.3 degrees; range, 21.6-57.0 degrees) and one TightRope group (38.6
      degrees; range, 23.0-73.9 degrees). All specimens failed with the fracture of the
      fibula at the level of the inferior syndesmotic screw. The similar load to
      failure of the two TightRope and the one TightRope and plate-and-screw plate
      suggested similar stiffness between the two constructs. The addition of the plate
      may improve distribution of forces at the level of syndesmosis, reducing stress
      risers and decreasing the risk of failure, as demonstrated by a lower rotation to
      failure of the one TightRope with plate-and-screw construct. In addition, this
      construct is not likely to not be associated with any substantial cost increase.
      Further clinical studies may further elucidate the role of plate and/or TightRope
      augmentation to syndesmosis fixation.

PMID- 28094741
TI  - A Biomechanical Comparison of Different Tendon Repair Techniques.
AB  - Previous studies have examined multiple suture techniques for the repair of
      ruptured tendons. In this study, we investigated how the two- and four-stranded
      Krackow suture weave techniques compared with a novel Krackow/Bunnell suture
      technique. Our hypothesis was that the Krackow/Bunnell suture would have greater
      strength compared with the two- and four-stranded Krackow suture in terms of
      resistance to pullout from the muscle tendon. Thirty fresh bovine Achilles
      tendons were assigned randomly to three groups: (1) two-stranded Krackow, (2)
      fourstranded Krackow, and (3) the Krackow/Bunnell combination. After suture
      placement, all specimens were subjected to initial cyclic loading (0-200 N for
      200 cycles) and then the tension to failure force defined as the pullout through
      the muscle tendon was evaluated. Significantly greater deformation before suture
      failure was seen in the Krackow/Bunnell group compared with the four-stranded
      Krackow construct (36.2 vs. 28.7 mm, p = 0.009), as well as greater energy
      required to rupture the suture (4635 vs. 3346 N/mm; p = 0.016). There was no
      significant difference with regard to the force to failure between the two groups
      (four-stranded Krackow vs. Krackow/Bunnell). The two-stranded Krackow was found
      to be inferior to both the four-stranded Krakow and the Krakow/Bunnell techniques
      with regard to load to failure. We have found that the Krackow/Bunnell suture
      technique is at least comparable to, if not superior to, the four-stranded
      Krackow technique with regard to deformation before suture failure and energy
      required to rupture the tendon. Therefore, the Krackow/Bunnell technique may be
      an optimal construct if the surgeon is concerned about suture pullout through the
      tendon; however, future studies evaluating this technique in the clinical setting
      are required before making any final conclusions for patient use.

PMID- 28094742
TI  - Upper Extremity Nerve Function and Pain in Human Volunteers with Narrow versus
      Wide Tourniquets.
AB  - Nerve injury is a serious potential complication associated with clinical use of
      tourniquets during surgery. A novel narrow, single-use silicon ring tourniquet
      has been introduced, which may cause less nerve compression and provide a larger
      field of surgical exposure than standard wide tourniquets. We investigated both
      types of tourniquets in the non-dominant proximal upper arm of 15 healthy human
      volunteers. Pain and neurological effects were assessed during 15 minute trials
      with each tourniquet applied 1 week apart without anesthesia according to the
      manufacturers' recommendations. Median nerve function was studied using the
      pressure-specified sensory device, an instrumented two-point discriminator, and
      pain was assessed by two validated instruments. Skin sores, redness, nerve
      damage, or neurological complications did not occur in either group. Subjects
      reported more pain with the narrow tourniquet; however, measurable effect on
      median nerve function was the same in both groups. Tourniquet application with
      the narrow device was more efficient, the device was easier to use, and larger
      surgical field exposure was obtained. We conclude that the sensory deficit with
      the use of narrow tourniquets is not greater than that observed with
      pneumatic/wide tourniquets.

PMID- 28094743
TI  - Relationship between Genetic Polymorphisms with Periodontitis and Peri
      Implantitis in the Iranian Population: A Literature Review.
AB  - Periodontitis is an infectious disease of the tooth-supporting tissues. Specific
      periodontal pathogens trigger inflammatory responses and result in progressive
      bone loss, which eventually leads to exfoliation of teeth. Periimplantitis is the
      destructive inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding
      dental implants. The periodontal pathogens found around failing implants are very
      similar to those associated with various forms of periodontal diseases. Genetic
      susceptibility has been known to be an important risk factor for periodontitis
      and periimplantitis and there have been numerous studies evaluating this in
      different populations. Many gene polymorphisms may influence individual
      susceptibility to periodontitis and peri-implantitis. We conducted a review of
      the literature for gene polymorphisms associated with periodontitis and peri
      implantitis susceptibility in the Iranian population. A comprehensive search of
      the literature on human studies in English, published from January 2004 to
      February 2015 in PubMed database and Google scholar was performed using the key
      words "periodontitis," "peri-implantitis," "gene polymorphisms," and "Iranian
      population." Sixty-six studies were identified; 33 articles were excluded based
      on review of titles and abstracts. Thirty articles were eligible and had the full
      text evaluated. Further studies are needed to get more inclusive perception of
      the influence of gene polymorphisms in periodontitis and peri-implantitis.

PMID- 28094744
TI  - Genoprotective Capacity of Alternatively Cultivated Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal
      Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), Basidiocarps.
AB  - Ganoderma lucidum is traditionally used in Eastern medicine to preserve vitality,
      promote longevity, and treat disease. It possesses immunomodulatory, antitumor,
      antimicrobial, and antiaging activities, among others, but one of the most
      important is its antioxidant property, which is the basis for other effects,
      because free radicals trigger many diseases. The substrate commonly used for
      commercial cultivation of G. lucidum is not environmentally friendly nor
      economically justified, so there is a need to find new alternative substrates.
      The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of substrate composition on the
      bioactivity of G. lucidum basidiocarps. G. lucidum was cultivated on 2 different
      substrates: (1) a mixture of wheat straw, grapevine branches, and wheat bran, and
      (2) wheat straw. Commercial fruiting bodies, cultivated on oak sawdust, were used
      as the control. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability,
      total phenols, and flavonoid content were determined spectrophotometrically to
      define the antioxidative potential of basidiocarp extracts. The comet test was
      performed to detect the degree of DNA damage in the cells that were exposed to G.
      lucidum extracts before and after the effect of oxidants. Higher antioxidative
      potential was observed for the extract of G. lucidum basidiocarps cultivated on
      wheat straw compared with that from the mixed substrate and especially with
      commercial ones. The alternatively cultivated basidiocarps also showed stronger
      antigenotoxic potential compared with commercial ones. The study showed that
      fruiting bodies produced on wheat straw, one of the most accessible and cheapest
      crop residues, are more potent antioxidant and antigenotoxic agents than
      commercially cultivated ones.

PMID- 28094745
TI  - Purification, Characterization, Antioxidation, and Antiaging Properties of
      Exopolysaccharides and Endopolysaccharides of the Royal Sun Medicinal Mushroom,
      Agaricus brasiliensis (Agaricomycetes).
AB  - Exopolysaccharides (ExPSs) and endopolysaccharides (EnPSs) were isolated from
      mycelia and culture medium of Agaricus brasiliensis. Four polysaccharide
      fractions (ExPS-1-2, ExPS-2, EnPS-1, and EnPS-2) were puri!fied from ExPSs and
      EnPSs using diethylaminoethyl anion exchange and a Sephadex G-100 gel filtration
      column, respectively, and their physicochemical properties were analyzed and
      evaluated to determine antioxidant activity. The results showed that rhamnose and
      mannose were the main monosaccharides of the polysaccharide fractions. ExPS-2 and
      EnPS-2 were acidic polysaccharide fractions and showed higher scavenging effects
      on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl- hydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals, and had higher reducing
      power in the in vitro antioxidant assays. In addition, the malondialdehyde
      contents, the total antioxidant capacity, and the alanine transaminase activity
      were also assessed to determine the antiaging effects; ExPSs showed more
      antiaging effects compared with EnPSs. The results suggest that polysaccharides
      extracted from A. brasiliensis have significant potential as natural antioxidants
      and antiaging agents.

PMID- 28094746
TI  - Effect of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) on Physical
      Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming.
AB  - Cordyceps militaris is the one of the most important medicinal mushrooms, widely
      used in East Asian countries. Polysaccharide is considered to be the principal
      active component in C. militaris and has a wide range of biological and
      pharmacological properties. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect
      of polysaccharide from C. militaris (PCM) on physical fatigue induced in animals
      through a forced swimming test. The mice were divided into 4 groups receiving 28
      days' treatment with drinking water (exercise control) or low-, medium-, and high
      dose PCM (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg/day, respectively). After 28 days, the mice were
      subjected to the forced swimming test; the exhaustive swimming time was measured
      and fatigue-related biochemical parameters, including serum lactic acid, urea
      nitrogen, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase,
      superoxide dismutase, glutathi- one peroxidase, catalase, malondialdehyde, liver
      glycogen, and muscle glycogen, were analyzed. The results showed that PCM could
      significantly prolong the exhaustive swimming time of mice; decrease
      concentrations of serum lactic acid, urea nitrogen, creatine kinase, aspartate
      aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde; and increase
      liver and muscle glycogen contents and the concentrations of serum superoxide
      dismutase, glutathione per- oxidase, and catalase. The data suggest that PCM has
      an antifatigue effect, and it might become a new functional food or medicine for
      fatigue resistance.

PMID- 28094747
TI  - Investigation of the Tiger Milk Medicinal Mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerotis
      (Agaricomycetes), as an Antiulcer Agent.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the antiulcer activity of Lignosus
      rhinocerotis in rats. A total of 48 Sprague-Dawley rats were used in ethanol
      induced, aspirin-induced, and water immersion-restraint stress-induced ulcer
      models. Rats were equally divided into 4 groups for each model and orally
      administered 5 mL/kg distilled water, 20 mg/kg omeprazole, as well as 250 and 500
      mg/kg of L. rhinocerotis powder. L. rhinocerotis powder at both 250 and 500 mg/kg
      doses demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) protection against gastric ulceration
      in all the induced ulcer models. Histological studies revealed severe damage and
      hemorrhage of gastric mucosa in the negative control group for all ulcer-induced
      models. The study suggests that L. rhinocerotis powder possesses dose-dependent
      antiulcer activity in the gastric mucosa, as ascertained grossly and
      histologically, compared with the negative control groups.

PMID- 28094748
TI  - Renoprotective Effects of Shout Camphor Medicinal Mushroom (Taiwanofungus
      camphorates, Basidiomycetes) Mycelia on Several Media in Mice with Chronic Kidney
      Disease.
AB  - Taiwanofungus camphoratus has been widely used in Taiwan as a folk medicine to
      prevent and treat liver diseases, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itchy skin, and
      hypertension. Recent studies have shown that T. camphoratus mycelia extracts
      exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on some types of renal disease,
      but the effect of T. camphoratus mycelia on chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains
      unclear. In this study we used the Bioresource Collection and Research Center
      (BCRC) medium and modified media (e.g., BCRC+A, HKS1, and HKS1+A media) to
      incubate T. camphorates mycelia and detect the feasible benefits of renal
      protection in mice with CKD. Five groups of mice with a partial nephrectomy (each
      mouse weighed approximately 30 g) received a daily administration of different
      media-treated T. camphoratus mycelia water solutions (3 mg dried mycelia
      dissolved in 0.3 mL water) by oral gavage for 30 days, while a control group
      received distilled water. The results show that progressive increased blood urea
      nitrogen and serum creatinine were significantly inhibited in the HKS1+A group on
      days 10 and 30. Plasma total protein was effectively increased in the HKS1 and
      HKS1+A groups. The BCRC and BCRC+A groups exhibited no obvious improvement in
      renal function. The results suggest that the HKS1+A medium provides the optimal
      effect in preventing the deterioration of kidney function and might have a
      renoprotective effect on CKD.

PMID- 28094749
TI  - High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Studies to Estimate Ergosterol Content at
      Different Developmental Stages of the Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom,
      Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes).
AB  - Ganoderma lucidum has been widely used as a source of potent nutraceutical
      products. This study was planned to identify and characterize the role of
      ergosterol in the developmental process of G. lucidum. Four strains of G. lucidum
      (GL-I-IV) showed a gradual increase in biomass (from 25.52 to 31.72 g) after 3
      weeks of growth in mushroom complete medium broth, with maximum biomass observed
      for strain GL-III. Upon cultivation of G. lucidum strains on wheat straw
      supplemented with 5% wheat bran, maximum biological efficiency was recorded for
      the GL-I strain (31.23%), followed by GL-II (26.73%); the number of fruiting
      bodies were 927 and 693, each weighing 33.7 and 38.6 g, respectively. The amount
      of ergosterol in the Ganoderma test strains varied among the strains and at
      different developmental stages, namely, the vegetative mycelium, spawn run,
      pinhead, and fruiting body phases. The maximum ergosterol content was produced by
      the GL-I strain during the vegetative mycelium (4601 p.g/g) and reproductive
      fruiting body (7009 p.g/g) stages. However, strain GL-IV followed by strain GL-II
      exhibited maximum ergosterol content in the spawn run stage. The ergosterol
      content was better for GL-II at the pinhead stage. This report indicates that
      ergosterol content varies among the test strains. Moreover, it increases with
      each stage of the cultivation process, that is, from spawn run to pinhead to and
      fruiting body formation.

PMID- 28094750
TI  - Taxonomical Establishment and Compositional Studies of a New Cordyceps
      (Ascomycetes) Species from the Northwest Himalayas (India).
AB  - During a frequent survey in the northwest Indian Himalayan region, a new species
      Cordyceps macleodganensis-was encountered. This species is described on the basis
      of its macromorphological features, microscopic details, and internal transcribed
      spacer sequencing. This species showed only 90% resemblance to Cordyceps
      gracilis. The chemical composition of the mycelium showed protein (14.95 +/-
      0.2%) and carbohydrates (59.21 +/- 3.8%) as the major nutrients. This species
      showed appreciable amounts of P-carotene, lycopene, phenolic compounds,
      polysaccharides, and flavonoids. Mycelial culture of this species showed higher
      effectiveness for ferric-reducing antioxidant power, DPPH radical scavenging
      activity, ferrous ion-chelating activity, and scavenging ability on superoxide
      anion-derived radicals, calculated by half-maximal effective concentrations.

PMID- 28094751
TI  - Downregulation of Ethylene Production Increases Mycelial Growth and Primordia
      Formation in the Button Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Agaricus bisporus
      (Agaricomycetes).
AB  - Ethylene biosynthesis and function in Agaricus bisporus (the button mushroom)
      remain uncertain. The enzyme activities of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate
      (ACC) synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO) were detectable in A. bisporus AS2796
      and inhibited by alpha-aminooxyacetic acid and Co2+. We cloned and sequenced 2
      ACS genes (Ab-ACS1 and Ab-ACS2) and 1 ACO gene (Ab-ACO) from the mushroom strain.
      Ab-ACS1 and Ab-ACS2 demonstrated low amino acid sequence similarity. Ab-ACO
      demonstrated an amino acid sequence completely identical to that of ACO1_AGABI
      from A. bisporus. Antisense ACO significantly reduced ACO gene expression level,
      ACO enzyme activity, and ethylene production in the mushroom transformants. The
      transformants grew faster than the wild-type strain in sterilized compost and
      normally formed primordia when cultivated in sterilized compost with the
      sterilized casing vermiculite, but the wild-type strain did not. Our results show
      that ethylene is synthesized in button mushrooms via the ACC pathway. Ethylene
      inhibited button mushroom mycelial growth and development.

PMID- 28094752
TI  - Production of Basidiomata and Ligninolytic Enzymes by the Lingzhi or Reishi
      Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), in Licuri (Syagrus
      coronata) Wastes in Brazil.
AB  - Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom with different forms of bioactivity
      that has been used in popular medicine for centuries. This study aimed to test
      the application of agricultural wastes (fruit shells, leaves, and bracts) from
      the endemic Brazilian palm tree Syagrus coronata (licuri) as substrates for the
      production of G. lucidum basidiomata and ligninolytic enzymes via solid-state
      fermentation. The best culture conditions were the same for all substrates (pH
      6.5, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio = 40, and temperature 30 degrees C) and were
      established from preliminary assays. The yield was not significantly different
      for bracts (33.53 g/kg) and leaves (37.48 g/kg), nor for the biological
      efficiency in these same substrates: bracts, 3.35%; leaves, 3.75%. The highest
      laccase (13.80 U/L) and manganese peroxidase (14.92 U/L) activities were achieved
      after 14 and 28 days of incubation, respectively, using bracts as the substrate.
      Licuri residues are then potential substrates to be used in the bioconversion
      process for mycelia, basidiomata, and ligninolytic enzyme production by G.
      lucidum.

PMID- 28094753
TI  - Quantifying cutaneous adverse effects of systemic glucocorticoids in patients
      with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: EULAR guidelines state that adverse effects (AEs) of glucocorticoid
      (GC) therapy should be considered and discussed with the patient before treatment
      is initiated. However, reliable quantitative data, especially on cutaneous AEs of
      low-to-medium dose GCs are lacking. We performed a study assessing the occurrence
      of cutaneous AEs of GCs and its association with current and cumulative GC doses
      in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In a cross-sectional study
      performed in 2 outpatient rheumatology centres, 381 RA patients were enrolled.
      They were classed into 4 groups, according their mean daily dose during the past
      12 months: 0 mg (n=87), <5mg (n=108), 5-7.5 mg (n=130), and >7.5 mg (n=56) of
      prednisone equivalent. AEs of GC on the skin were assessed by physical
      examination using a predefined scoring system, and by patients' self-assessments.
      Data were analysed according GC dose categories and cumulative doses. RESULTS:
      Cushingoid habitus, easy bruising, skin atrophy, and impaired wound healing as
      reported by patients occurred significantly more frequently in those using a GC
      the past 12 months, compared to those not using a GC. At physicians' assessments,
      only Cushingoid habitus and ecchymosis were more prevalent in GC users. The
      prevalence of these AEs was statistically significantly positively associated
      with current and cumulative GC dose. There was low occurrence of abnormal stretch
      marks, acne, perioral dermatitis, alopecia and hirsutism, which were not
      correlated with GC use. CONCLUSIONS: Certain GC-associated cutaneous AEs are
      common in RA, but other AEs of GC occur infrequently at the low-to-medium GC
      doses used in RA.

PMID- 28094755
TI  - Profile of initial drug therapy in paediatric systemic lupus erythematosus in
      Finland, 2000-2007.

PMID- 28094754
TI  - Comparable therapeutic potential of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in
      collagen-induced arthritis to TNF inhibitor or anti-CD20 treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation on
      established collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were evaluated and compared to
      biologic therapies. METHODS: CIA was induced with the immunisation of type II
      collagen (CII) in DBA/1 mice. Human umbilical cord MSC, anti-TNF antibody,
      rhTNFR:Fc fusion protein and anti-CD20 antibody were respectively injected
      intraperitoneally into CIA mice. Arthritis severity was assessed by clinical and
      histological scoring. The frequencies of lymphocytes in spleen were analysed, and
      serum concentrations of cytokines and autoantibody to CII were also measured. The
      ability of MSC to regulate the balance of T helper cell subsets in CII stimulated
      CIA CD4+ T cells was assessed in vitro. RESULTS: MSC treatment significantly
      decreased the severity of arthritis, which was comparable to biologic treatments.
      All the treatments down-regulated Th1 subset. Except anti-CD20 all the treatments
      decreased Th17 subset. MSC treatment enhanced the proportion of regulatory T
      (Treg) cells and inhibited the generation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. The
      decrease in autoantibody level was detectable in all the treated groups. In vitro
      MSC induced Foxp3+ T cells, and down-regulated IL-17+, IFNgamma+ T cells and
      pathogenic IL-17+IFNgamma+ or IL-17+Foxp3+ T cells. MSC also reduced the
      secretion of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-alpha among collagen-specific T cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: MSC show comparable effects to the known biologic treatments and
      correct immune imbalance in CIA. MSC might provide a promising approach for the
      treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 28094756
TI  - Treatment modifying factors of biologics for psoriatic arthritis: a systematic
      review and Bayesian meta-regression.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore factors that modify treatment
      effects of non-conventional biologics versus placebo in patients with psoriatic
      arthritis. METHODS: A systematic literature review and meta-regression was
      conducted. The biologics included etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab,
      certolizumab, ustekinumab, tocilizumab, anakinra, abatacept, rituximab, and
      secukinumab. Outcomes included American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 and 50,
      Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF
      36) Physical and Mental Component Summaries (PCS and MCS). RESULTS: Twelve RCTs
      were eligible for meta-regression. Treatment effects for ACR-20 at 12 weeks were
      higher in trials with longer disease durations (OR=2.94), and lower in trials
      enrolling older patients (OR=0.48), and those recently published (OR=0.49).
      Treatment effects for ACR-50 at 12 weeks were higher in trials with more males
      (OR=2.27), but lower in trials with high prior anti-TNF use (OR=0.28) and
      recently published trials (OR=0.37). For PASI-75, trials with more male patients
      (24 weeks: OR=2.56), and with higher swollen and tender joint counts (12 weeks:
      OR=8.33; 24 weeks: OR=14.44) showed higher treatment effects, and trials with
      high prior anti-TNF use had lower effects (OR=0.41). Treatment effects for SF-36
      PCS at 24 weeks were higher in trials with longer psoriasis disease durations
      (OR=2.95) and PsA disease durations (OR=4.76), and those published earlier
      (OR=4.19). CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses show that differences in baseline
      characteristics may explain some of the differences in response to biologics
      versus placebo across different trials. Accounting for these factors in future
      studies will likely be important.

PMID- 28094757
TI  - Which joints and why do rheumatologists scan in rheumatoid arthritis by
      ultrasonography? A real life experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ultrasonography (US) has been demonstrated to improve assessment of
      synovitis and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the utility
      and feasibility of US in RA in clinical practice in real life is not known. We
      aimed to investigate: i) the indications for performing US in RA in daily
      practice; and ii) whether the number of scanned joints varies according to the
      purpose. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had a US scan either for diagnosis or
      follow-up for RA from 5 centres were recruited. The sonographers were asked to
      mark the joints that had a US scan and grade their findings. Descriptive analysis
      was applied to find out the sites and the number of joints scanned and compared
      according to the indications of US. RESULTS: Two hundred consecutive patients
      were recruited. The most common indication was assessing disease activity (48.5%)
      followed by diagnosis (45.5 %). Wrists (66%) and MCPs (63.5) were the most
      frequently scanned joints followed by knees (26%), PIPs (20%). The number of
      joints scanned by US was significantly higher when performed for diagnostic
      purposes as compared to assessing disease activity and guidance for injections
      (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current data highlight differences between the
      numbers of joints for which that the clinician feels necessary to perform US in
      real life. This observation may be a guide when providing recommendations
      regarding which joints need to be scanned according to the indication.

PMID- 28094758
TI  - Exosomes isolated from serum of systemic sclerosis patients display alterations
      in their content of profibrotic and antifibrotic microRNA and induce a
      profibrotic phenotype in cultured normal dermal fibroblasts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Exosomes are lipid bilayer-bound microvesicles containing various
      macromolecules including numerous microRNA (miRNA). Exosomes mediate
      intercellular communication by fusing and releasing their macromolecular content
      into target cells. Here, we analysed the content of profibrotic and antifibrotic
      miRNAs in exosomes isolated from the serum of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients
      and tested their ability to induce a profibrotic phenotype in normal human dermal
      fibroblasts in vitro. METHODS: Exosomes were isolated from serum from patients
      with limited cutaneous or diffuse cutaneous SSc and were characterised by
      Nanosight Particle Tracking Analysis, exosome antibody arrays, and transmission
      electron microscopy. The content of nine profibrotic and eighteen antifibrotic
      miRNA was assessed in the isolated exosomes by semiquantitative real time PCR.
      The effects of the isolated exosomes on cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts
      were assessed by real time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The isolated serum
      exosomes displayed the expected exosome size and morphology and contained
      characteristic exosome proteins. Six profibrotic miRNAs were increased and ten
      antifibrotic miRNAs were decreased in SSc serum exosomes compared to normal serum
      exosomes. The levels of eight miRNA were significantly different between exosomes
      from limited and diffuse SSc. Exosomes isolated from both limited or diffuse SSc
      patients caused dose-dependent stimulation of profibrotic gene expression and
      type I collagen and fibronectin production and secretion in normal human dermal
      fibroblasts in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Serum exosomes from SSc patients contain miRNA
      displaying a markedly profibrotic profile and induce a profibrotic phenotype in
      target normal fibroblasts in vitro suggesting a plausible mechanism for the
      extension of the fibrotic SSc process to non-affected tissues.

PMID- 28094759
TI  - Thymic findings before and after autologous stem cell transplantation for severe
      systemic sclerosis: a retrospective study using computed tomography in the pre-
      and post-transplantation setting.

PMID- 28094760
TI  - Treat-to-target biologic therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is more
      efficacious and safe compared to delayed initiation of biologics: a real-world
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, devastating disease. Treat-to
      target strategy (T2T) more than the usual care, reduces disease activity by using
      aggressively all therapeutic options. The aim of the study was to evaluate our
      hypothesis that T2T strategy using biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic
      drugs (bDMARDs), when needed, is also safer than the usual care characterised by
      delayed initiation of bDMARDs. METHODS: Disease activity was regularly measured
      by DAS-28 until the end of treatment with the first bDMARD. All adverse events
      (AEs) and their severity were recorded. Cox proportional-hazards models were
      performed examining the association of treatment groups, with the risk of first
      AE. RESULTS: There were 113 patients in T2T and 250 patients in usual care group.
      The likelihood (adjusted hazard ratio, HR) of achieving remission or LDA was 71%
      higher in the T2T group than in the usual care group, as it has been already
      shown by others. The novel finding of our work was that AEs, including cancers,
      were less frequent in the T2T group with the corresponding HRs being less than
      0.50 for serious AEs, infections and serious infections (significant or
      marginally non-significant results). There were 15 new cancer cases in usual care
      and 1 in T2T group (IR 1.99 vs. 0.4, p=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Treat-to-target
      treatment with bDMARDs offers a safer, rapid and better long-term outcome to
      patients with RA.

PMID- 28094762
TI  - Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome with Transverse Testicular Ectopia: A Novel
      Anti-Mullerian Hormone Receptor Mutation.
AB  - Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome is the result of either anti-Mullerian hormone
      (AMH) deficiency or AMH receptor resistance. A long tubular structure was
      palpated during the physical examination of a 13-month-old male patient who had
      presented with bilateral undescended testes. At physical examination, the testes
      were not palpable. The patient's karyotype was XY, SRY (+), and his AMH level was
      22 ng/mol. Structures suggestive of ovaries, a uterus, and fallopian tubes were
      observed during the laparoscopic examination of the ectopic testis. AMHR2 gene
      sequence analysis performed with a preliminary diagnosis of AMH receptor
      resistance revealed a previously unreported homozygous c.24G>A (p.W8X) mutation.
      The patient was assessed as a case of AMH receptor resistance. Orchiopexy was
      performed.

PMID- 28094761
TI  - Homeodomain protein Otp affects developmental neuropeptide switching in oxytocin
      neurons associated with a long-term effect on social behavior.
AB  - Proper response to stress and social stimuli depends on orchestrated development
      of hypothalamic neuronal circuits. Here we address the effects of the
      developmental transcription factor orthopedia (Otp) on hypothalamic development
      and function. We show that developmental mutations in the zebrafish paralogous
      gene otpa but not otpb affect both stress response and social preference. These
      behavioral phenotypes were associated with developmental alterations in
      oxytocinergic (OXT) neurons. Thus, otpa and otpb differentially regulate
      neuropeptide switching in a newly identified subset of OXT neurons that co
      express the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Single-cell analysis revealed
      that these neurons project mostly to the hindbrain and spinal cord. Ablation of
      this neuronal subset specifically reduced adult social preference without
      affecting stress behavior, thereby uncoupling the contribution of a specific OXT
      cluster to social behavior from the general otpa-/- deficits. Our findings reveal
      a new role for Otp in controlling developmental neuropeptide balance in a
      discrete OXT circuit whose disrupted development affects social behavior.

PMID- 28094763
TI  - Measuring the effect of femoral malrotation on knee joint biomechanics for total
      knee arthroplasty using computational simulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Malrotation of the femoral component can result in post-operative
      complications in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including patellar maltracking.
      Therefore, we used computational simulation to investigate the influence of
      femoral malrotation on contact stresses on the polyethylene (PE) insert and on
      the patellar button as well as on the forces on the collateral ligaments.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Validated finite element (FE) models, for internal and
      external malrotations from 0 degrees  to 10 degrees  with regard to the neutral
      position, were developed to evaluate the effect of malrotation on the femoral
      component in TKA. Femoral malrotation in TKA on the knee joint was simulated in
      walking stance-phase gait and squat loading conditions. RESULTS: Contact stress
      on the medial side of the PE insert increased with internal femoral malrotation
      and decreased with external femoral malrotation in both stance-phase gait and
      squat loading conditions. There was an opposite trend in the lateral side of the
      PE insert case. Contact stress on the patellar button increased with internal
      femoral malrotation and decreased with external femoral malrotation in both
      stance-phase gait and squat loading conditions. In particular, contact stress on
      the patellar button increased by 98% with internal malrotation of 10 degrees  in
      the squat loading condition. The force on the medial collateral ligament (MCL)
      and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) increased with internal and external
      femoral malrotations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide support
      for orthopaedic surgeons to determine a more accurate femoral component alignment
      in order to reduce post-operative PE problems.Cite this article: K-T. Kang, Y-G.
      Koh, J. Son, O-R. Kwon, C. Baek, S. H. Jung, K. K. Park. Measuring the effect of
      femoral malrotation on knee joint biomechanics for total knee arthroplasty using
      computational simulation. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:552-559. DOI: 10.1302/2046
      3758.511.BJR-2016-0107.R1.

PMID- 28094764
TI  - Neuromorphic meets neuromechanics, part II: the role of fusimotor drive.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We studied the fundamentals of muscle afferentation by building a
      Neuro-mechano-morphic system actuating a cadaveric finger. This system is a
      faithful implementation of the stretch reflex circuitry. It allowed the
      systematic exploration of the effects of different fusimotor drives to the muscle
      spindle on the closed-loop stretch reflex response. APPROACH: As in Part I of
      this work, sensory neurons conveyed proprioceptive information from muscle
      spindles (with static and dynamic fusimotor drive) to populations of alpha-motor
      neurons (with recruitment and rate coding properties). The motor commands were
      transformed into tendon forces by a Hill-type muscle model (with activation
      contraction dynamics) via brushless DC motors. Two independent afferented muscles
      emulated the forces of flexor digitorum profundus and the extensor indicis
      proprius muscles, forming an antagonist pair at the metacarpophalangeal joint of
      a cadaveric index finger. We measured the physical response to repetitions of bi
      directional ramp-and-hold rotational perturbations for 81 combinations of static
      and dynamic fusimotor drives, across four ramp velocities, and three levels of
      constant cortical drive to the alpha-motor neuron pool. MAIN RESULTS: We found
      that this system produced responses compatible with the physiological literature.
      Fusimotor and cortical drives had nonlinear effects on the reflex forces. In
      particular, only cortical drive affected the sensitivity of reflex forces to
      static fusimotor drive. In contrast, both static fusimotor and cortical drives
      reduced the sensitivity to dynamic fusimotor drive. Interestingly, realistic
      signal-dependent motor noise emerged naturally in our system without having been
      explicitly modeled. SIGNIFICANCE: We demonstrate that these fundamental features
      of spinal afferentation sufficed to produce muscle function. As such, our Neuro
      mechano-morphic system is a viable platform to study the spinal mechanisms for
      healthy muscle function-and its pathologies such as dystonia and spasticity. In
      addition, it is a working prototype of a robust biomorphic controller for
      compliant robotic limbs and exoskeletons.

PMID- 28094765
TI  - Selective antagonism of muscarinic receptors is neuroprotective in peripheral
      neuropathy.
AB  - Sensory neurons have the capacity to produce, release, and respond to
      acetylcholine (ACh), but the functional role of cholinergic systems in adult
      mammalian peripheral sensory nerves has not been established. Here, we have
      reported that neurite outgrowth from adult sensory neurons that were maintained
      under subsaturating neurotrophic factor conditions operates under cholinergic
      constraint that is mediated by muscarinic receptor-dependent regulation of
      mitochondrial function via AMPK. Sensory neurons from mice lacking the muscarinic
      ACh type 1 receptor (M1R) exhibited enhanced neurite outgrowth, confirming the
      role of M1R in tonic suppression of axonal plasticity. M1R-deficient mice made
      diabetic with streptozotocin were protected from physiological and structural
      indices of sensory neuropathy. Pharmacological blockade of M1R using specific or
      selective antagonists, pirenzepine, VU0255035, or muscarinic toxin 7 (MT7)
      activated AMPK and overcame diabetes-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro
      and in vivo. These antimuscarinic drugs prevented or reversed indices of
      peripheral neuropathy, such as depletion of sensory nerve terminals, thermal
      hypoalgesia, and nerve conduction slowing in diverse rodent models of diabetes.
      Pirenzepine and MT7 also prevented peripheral neuropathy induced by the
      chemotherapeutic agents dichloroacetate and paclitaxel or HIV envelope protein
      gp120. As a variety of antimuscarinic drugs are approved for clinical use against
      other conditions, prompt translation of this therapeutic approach to clinical
      trials is feasible.

PMID- 28094766
TI  - Matriptase-mediated cleavage of EpCAM destabilizes claudins and dysregulates
      intestinal epithelial homeostasis.
AB  - Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) is a severe autosomal recessive human
      diarrheal disorder with characteristic intestinal epithelial dysplasia. CTE can
      be caused by mutations in genes encoding EpCAM, a putative adhesion molecule, and
      HAI-2, a cell surface protease inhibitor. A similar phenotype occurs in mice
      whose intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) fail to express the tight junction
      associated protein claudin-7. EpCAM stabilizes claudin-7 in IECs, and HAI-2
      regulates the cell surface serine protease matriptase, a known modifier of
      intestinal epithelial physiology. Therefore, we hypothesized that HAI-2,
      matriptase, EpCAM, and claudin-7 were functionally linked. Herein we have
      demonstrated that active matriptase cleaves EpCAM after Arg80 and that loss of
      HAI-2 in IECs led to unrestrained matriptase activity and efficient cleavage of
      EpCAM. Cleavage of EpCAM decreased its ability to associate with claudin-7 and
      targeted it for internalization and lysosomal degradation in conjunction with
      claudin-7. CTE-associated HAI-2 mutant proteins exhibited reduced ability to
      inhibit matriptase and also failed to efficiently stabilize claudin-7 in IECs.
      These results identify EpCAM as a substrate of matriptase and link HAI-2,
      matriptase, EpCAM, and claudin-7 in a functionally important pathway that causes
      disease when it is dysregulated.

PMID- 28094767
TI  - Impaired SUMOylation of nuclear receptor LRH-1 promotes nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease.
AB  - Hepatic steatosis is caused by metabolic imbalances that could be explained in
      part by an increase in de novo lipogenesis that results from increased sterol
      element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) activity. The nuclear receptor liver receptor
      homolog 1 (LRH-1) is an important regulator of intermediary metabolism in the
      liver, but its role in regulating lipogenesis is not well understood. Here, we
      have assessed the contribution of LRH-1 SUMOylation to the development of
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mice expressing a SUMOylation-defective
      mutant of LRH-1 (LRH-1 K289R mice) developed NAFLD and early signs of
      nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) when challenged with a lipogenic, high-fat,
      high-sucrose diet. Moreover, we observed that the LRH-1 K289R mutation induced
      the expression of oxysterol binding protein-like 3 (OSBPL3), enhanced SREBP-1
      processing, and promoted de novo lipogenesis. Mechanistically, we demonstrated
      that ectopic expression of OSBPL3 facilitates SREBP-1 processing in WT mice,
      while silencing hepatic Osbpl3 reverses the lipogenic phenotype of LRH-1 K289R
      mice. These findings suggest that compromised SUMOylation of LRH-1 promotes the
      development of NAFLD under lipogenic conditions through regulation of OSBPL3.

PMID- 28094768
TI  - BCL-W has a fundamental role in B cell survival and lymphomagenesis.
AB  - Compromised apoptotic signaling is a prerequisite for tumorigenesis. The design
      of effective therapies for cancer treatment depends on a comprehensive
      understanding of the mechanisms that govern cell survival. The antiapoptotic
      proteins of the BCL-2 family are key regulators of cell survival and are
      frequently overexpressed in malignancies, leading to increased cancer cell
      survival. Unlike BCL-2 and BCL-XL, the closest antiapoptotic relative BCL-W is
      required for spermatogenesis, but was considered dispensable for all other cell
      types. Here, however, we have exposed a critical role for BCL-W in B cell
      survival and lymphomagenesis. Loss of Bcl-w conferred sensitivity to growth
      factor deprivation-induced B cell apoptosis. Moreover, Bcl-w loss profoundly
      delayed MYC-mediated B cell lymphoma development due to increased MYC-induced B
      cell apoptosis. We also determined that MYC regulates BCL-W expression through
      its transcriptional regulation of specific miR. BCL-W expression was highly
      selected for in patient samples of Burkitt lymphoma (BL), with 88.5% expressing
      BCL-W. BCL-W knockdown in BL cell lines induced apoptosis, and its overexpression
      conferred resistance to BCL-2 family-targeting BH3 mimetics. Additionally, BCL-W
      was overexpressed in diffuse large B cell lymphoma and correlated with decreased
      patient survival. Collectively, our results reveal that BCL-W profoundly
      contributes to B cell lymphoma, and its expression could serve as a biomarker for
      diagnosis and aid in the development of better targeted therapies.

PMID- 28094769
TI  - iPSC-derived beta cells model diabetes due to glucokinase deficiency.

PMID- 28094770
TI  - Rapamycin-mediated mTOR inhibition uncouples HIV-1 latency reversal from cytokine
      associated toxicity.
AB  - Current strategies for HIV-1 eradication require the reactivation of latent HIV-1
      in resting CD4+ T cells (rCD4s). Global T cell activation is a well-characterized
      means of inducing HIV-1 transcription, but is considered too toxic for clinical
      applications. Here, we have explored a strategy that involves a combination of
      immune activation and the immunosuppressive mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. In purified
      rCD4s from HIV-1-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy, rapamycin
      treatment downregulated markers of toxicity, including proinflammatory cytokine
      release and cellular proliferation that were induced after potent T cell
      activation using alphaCD3/alphaCD28 antibodies. Using an ex vivo assay for HIV-1
      mRNA, we demonstrated that despite this immunomodulatory effect, rapamycin did
      not affect HIV-1 gene expression induced by T cell activation in these rCD4s. In
      contrast, treating activated rCD4s with the immunosuppressant cyclosporin, a
      calcineurin inhibitor, robustly inhibited HIV-1 reactivation. Importantly,
      rapamycin treatment did not impair cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) recognition and
      killing of infected cells. These findings raise the possibility of using
      rapamycin in conjunction with T cell-activating agents in HIV-1 cure strategies.

PMID- 28094772
TI  - Cardiac afferent activity modulates the expression of racial stereotypes.
AB  - Negative racial stereotypes tend to associate Black people with threat. This
      often leads to the misidentification of harmless objects as weapons held by a
      Black individual. Yet, little is known about how bodily states impact the
      expression of racial stereotyping. By tapping into the phasic activation of
      arterial baroreceptors, known to be associated with changes in the neural
      processing of fearful stimuli, we show activation of race-threat stereotypes
      synchronized with the cardiovascular cycle. Across two established tasks, stimuli
      depicting Black or White individuals were presented to coincide with either the
      cardiac systole or diastole. Results show increased race-driven misidentification
      of weapons during systole, when baroreceptor afferent firing is maximal, relative
      to diastole. Importantly, a third study examining the positive Black-athletic
      stereotypical association fails to demonstrate similar modulations by cardiac
      cycle. We identify a body-brain interaction wherein interoceptive cues can
      modulate threat appraisal and racially biased behaviour in context-dependent
      ways.

PMID- 28094773
TI  - Methane Emissions and Microbial Communities as Influenced by Dual Cropping of
      Azolla along with Early Rice.
AB  - Azolla caroliniana Willd. is widely used as a green manure accompanying rice, but
      its ecological importance remains unclear, except for its ability to fix nitrogen
      in association with cyanobacteria. To investigate the impacts of Azolla
      cultivation on methane emissions and environmental variables in paddy fields, we
      performed this study on the plain of Dongting Lake, China, in 2014. The results
      showed that the dual cropping of Azolla significantly suppressed the methane
      emissions from paddies, likely due to the increase in redox potential in the root
      region and dissolved oxygen concentration at the soil-water interface.
      Furthermore, the floodwater pH decreased in association with Azolla cultivation,
      which is also a factor significantly correlated with the decrease in methane
      emissions. An increase in methanotrophic bacteria population (pmoA gene copies)
      and a reduction in methanogenic archaea (16S rRNA gene copies) were observed in
      association with Azolla growth. During rice cultivation period, dual cropping of
      Azolla also intensified increasing trend of 1/Simpson of methanogens and
      significantly decreased species richness (Chao 1) and species diversity
      (1/Simpson, 1/D) of methanotrophs. These results clearly demonstrate the
      suppression of CH4 emissions by culturing Azolla and show the environmental and
      microbial responses in paddy soil under Azolla cultivation.

PMID- 28094774
TI  - Ab Initio Calculations of the N-N Bond Dissociation for the Gas-phase RDX and
      HMX.
AB  - NO2 fission is a vital factor for 1,3,5-Trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and
      octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) decomposition. In this
      study, the geometry of the gas-phase RDX and HMX molecules was optimized, and the
      bond order and the bond dissociation energy of the N-N bonds were examined.
      Moreover, the rate constants of the gas-phase RDX and HMX conformers, concerning
      the N-N bond dissociation, were evaluated using the microcanonical variational
      transition state theory (MUVT). The calculation results have shown that HMX is
      more stable than RDX in terms of the N-N bond dissociation, and the conformers
      stability parameters were as follows: RDXaaa < RDXaae < HMX I < HMX II. In
      addition, for the RDX conformers, the N-N bond of the pseudo-equatorial
      positioning of the nitro group was more stable than the N-N bond of the axial
      positioning of the nitro group, while the results were opposite in the case of
      the HMX conformers. Moreover, it has been shown that the dissociation rate
      constant of the N-N bond is influenced by the temperature significantly, thus the
      rate constants were much lower (<10-10 s-1) when the temperature was less than
      1000 K.

PMID- 28094771
TI  - Orphan Gpr182 suppresses ERK-mediated intestinal proliferation during
      regeneration and adenoma formation.
AB  - Orphan GPCRs provide an opportunity to identify potential pharmacological
      targets, yet their expression patterns and physiological functions remain
      challenging to elucidate. Here, we have used a genetically engineered knockin
      reporter mouse to map the expression pattern of the Gpr182 during development and
      adulthood. We observed that Gpr182 is expressed at the crypt base throughout the
      small intestine, where it is enriched in crypt base columnar stem cells, one of
      the most active stem cell populations in the body. Gpr182 knockdown had no effect
      on homeostatic intestinal proliferation in vivo, but led to marked increases in
      proliferation during intestinal regeneration following irradiation-induced
      injury. In the ApcMin mouse model, which forms spontaneous intestinal adenomas,
      reductions in Gpr182 led to more adenomas and decreased survival. Loss of Gpr182
      enhanced organoid growth efficiency ex vivo in an EGF-dependent manner. Gpr182
      reduction led to increased activation of ERK1/2 in basal and challenge models,
      demonstrating a potential role for this orphan GPCR in regulating the
      proliferative capacity of the intestine. Importantly, GPR182 expression was
      profoundly reduced in numerous human carcinomas, including colon adenocarcinoma.
      Together, these results implicate Gpr182 as a negative regulator of intestinal
      MAPK signaling-induced proliferation, particularly during regeneration and
      adenoma formation.

PMID- 28094775
TI  - Nanotechnologies in delivery of mRNA therapeutics using nonviral vector-based
      delivery systems.
AB  - Because of its safe and effective protein expression profile, in vitro
      transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA) represents a promising candidate in the
      development of novel therapeutics for genetic diseases, vaccines or gene editing
      strategies, especially when its inherent shortcomings (for example, instability
      and immunogenicity) have been partially addressed via structural modifications.
      However, numerous unsolved technical difficulties in successful in vivo delivery
      of IVT-mRNA have greatly hindered the applications of IVT-mRNA in clinical
      development. Recent advances in nanotechnology and material science have yielded
      many promising nonviral delivery systems, some of which were able to efficiently
      facilitate targeted in vivo delivery of IVT-mRNA in safe and noninvasive manners.
      The diversity and flexibility of these delivery systems highlight the recent
      progress of IVT-mRNA-based therapy using nonviral vectors. In this review, we
      summarize recent advances of existing and emerging nonviral vector-based
      nanotechnologies for IVT-mRNA delivery and briefly summarize the interesting but
      rarely discussed applications on simultaneous delivery of IVT-mRNA with DNA.

PMID- 28094776
TI  - New Insights into Cooperative Binding of Homeodomain Transcription Factors PREP1
      and PBX1 to DNA.
AB  - PREP1 and PBX1 are homeodomain (HD) transcription factors that play crucial roles
      in embryonic development. Here, we present the first biophysical characterization
      of a PREP1 HD, and the NMR spectroscopic study of its DNA binding pocket. The
      data show that residues flanking the HD participate in DNA binding. The kinetic
      parameters for DNA binding of individual PREP1 and PBX1 HDs, and of their
      combination, show that isolated PREP1 and PBX1 HDs bind to DNA in a cooperative
      manner. A novel PREP1 motif, flanking the HD at the C-terminus, is required for
      cooperativity.

PMID- 28094777
TI  - High resolution structural evidence suggests the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum forms
      microdomains with Acidic Stores (lysosomes) in the heart.
AB  - Nicotinic Acid Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NAADP) stimulates calcium release
      from acidic stores such as lysosomes and is a highly potent calcium-mobilising
      second messenger. NAADP plays an important role in calcium signalling in the
      heart under basal conditions and following beta-adrenergic stress. Nevertheless,
      the spatial interaction of acidic stores with other parts of the calcium
      signalling apparatus in cardiac myocytes is unknown. We present evidence that
      lysosomes are intimately associated with the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in
      ventricular myocytes; a median separation of 20 nm in 2D electron microscopy and
      3.3 nm in 3D electron tomography indicates a genuine signalling microdomain
      between these organelles. Fourier analysis of immunolabelled lysosomes suggests a
      sarcomeric pattern (dominant wavelength 1.80 MUm). Furthermore, we show that
      lysosomes form close associations with mitochondria (median separation 6.2 nm in
      3D studies) which may provide a basis for the recently-discovered role of NAADP
      in reperfusion-induced cell death. The trigger hypothesis for NAADP action
      proposes that calcium release from acidic stores subsequently acts to enhance
      calcium release from the SR. This work provides structural evidence in cardiac
      myocytes to indicate the formation of microdomains between acidic and SR calcium
      stores, supporting emerging interpretations of NAADP physiology and pharmacology
      in heart.

PMID- 28094778
TI  - Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein Potentiates Toxic Lipids-Induced Endoplasmic
      Reticulum Stress in Macrophages via Inhibition of Janus Kinase 2-dependent
      Autophagy.
AB  - Lipotoxicity is implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-related inflammatory
      complications by promoting macrophage infiltration and activation. Endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) stress and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) play key
      roles in obesity and mediate inflammatory activity through similar signaling
      pathways. However, little is known about their interplay in lipid-induced
      inflammatory responses. Here, we showed that prolonged treatment of palmitic acid
      (PA) increased ER stress and expression of A-FABP, which was accompanied by
      reduced autophagic flux in macrophages. Over-expression of A-FABP impaired PA
      induced autophagy associating with enhanced ER stress and pro-inflammatory
      cytokine production, while genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of A
      FABP reversed the conditions. PA-induced expression of autophagy-related protein
      (Atg)7 was attenuated in A-FABP over-expressed macrophages, but was elevated in A
      FABP-deficient macrophages. Mechanistically, A-FABP potentiated the effects of PA
      by inhibition of Janus Kinase (JAK)2 activity, thus diminished PA-induced Atg7
      expression contributing to impaired autophagy and further augmentation of ER
      stress. These findings suggest that A-FABP acts as autophagy inhibitor to
      instigate toxic lipids-induced ER stress through inhibition of JAK2-dependent
      autophagy, which in turn triggers inflammatory responses in macrophages. A-FABP
      JAK2 axis may represent an important pathological pathway contributing to obesity
      related inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 28094779
TI  - Suppression of colitis by adoptive transfer of helminth antigen-treated dendritic
      cells requires interleukin-4 receptor-alpha signaling.
AB  - Infection with helminth parasites has been explored as a treatment for autoimmune
      and inflammatory diseases. As helminth antigens have potent immunomodulation
      properties capable of inducing regulatory programs in a variety of cell types,
      transferring cells treated with helminth antigens represents a novel extension to
      helminth therapy. Previous work determined that transfer of bone marrow-derived
      dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with a crude extract of the tapeworm Hymenolepis
      diminuta (HD) can suppress colitis in recipient mice. The present study explored
      the mechanism of disease suppression and the importance of interleukin (IL)-4
      signaling. Transfer of HD-DCs suppressed dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)
      induced colitis through activation of recipient IL-4 receptor-alpha. The
      transferred HD-DCs required IL-4Ralpha and the capacity to secrete IL-10 to drive
      IL-4 and IL-10 production and to suppress colitis in recipient mice. Treatment of
      DCs with IL-4 evokes an alternatively activated phenotype, but adoptive transfer
      of these cells did not affect the outcome of colitis. Collectively, these studies
      demonstrate the complexity between IL-4 and IL-10 in donor cells and recipient,
      and the requirement for parasite- and host-derived factors in this novel form of
      cell therapy. Thus IL-4Ralpha signaling is revealed as a pathway that could be
      exploited for helminth antigen cell-based therapy.

PMID- 28094781
TI  - Ultrastructure of sensilla of antennae and ovipositor of Sitotroga cerealella
      (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and location of female sex pheromone gland.
AB  - The Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, is a serious pest of stored
      grains worldwide. Presently, the best effective control against the moth is to
      disrupt the sexual communication between sexes. Sexual communication in moths
      includes two processes in which females produce and release pheromones from the
      sex pheromone gland and males detect and respond to them with a relatively
      sophisticated olfactory system in their antennae. To better understand these
      processes, we studied the ultrastructure of antennal and ovipositor sensilla of
      S. cerealella and determined the location of the female sex pheromone gland.
      Seven types of antennal sensilla were identified on both sexes: sensilla
      trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica,
      sensilla auricillica, sensilla squamiformia and Bohm bristles. Of these sensilla,
      the sensilla trichodea were significantly more abundant on male antennae than on
      those of females, suggesting that these sensilla may detect the sex pheromones.
      On the ovipositor, only sensilla chaetica of various lengths were found. The
      sexual gland was an eversible sac of glandular epithelium that was situated
      dorsally in the intersegmental membrane between the 8th and 9th abdominal
      segments. These results will lead to a better understanding of mate finding with
      sex pheromones for this worldwide pest species.

PMID- 28094780
TI  - Rapid acquisition of polymorphic virulence markers during adaptation of highly
      pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 virus in the mouse.
AB  - Emergence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 virus in Asia and
      its spread to Europe and North America has caused great concern for human health.
      Although the H5N8 virus has been only moderately pathogenic to mammalian hosts,
      virulence can still increase. We evaluated the pathogenic potential of several
      H5N8 strains via the mouse-adaptation method. Two H5N8 viruses were sequentially
      passaged in BALB/c mice and plaque-purified from lung samples. The viruses
      rapidly obtained high virulence (MLD50, up to 0.5 log10 PFU/mL) within 5
      passages. Sequence analysis revealed the acquisition of several virulence
      markers, including the novel marker P708S in PB1 gene. Combinations of markers
      synergistically enhanced viral replication and polymerase activity in human cell
      lines and virulence and multiorgan dissemination in mice. These results suggest
      that H5N8 viruses can rapidly acquire virulence markers in mammalian hosts; thus,
      rapid spread as well as repeated viral introduction into the hosts may
      significantly increase the risk of human infection and elevate pandemic
      potential.

PMID- 28094782
TI  - Cocaine Enhances DC to T-cell HIV-1 Transmission by Activating DC-SIGN/LARG/LSP1
      Complex and Facilitating Infectious Synapse Formation.
AB  - DC-SIGN is a dendritic cell surface structure which participates in binding and
      transmission of HIV-1. Here, for the first time we demonstrate that cocaine
      induces over expression of DC-SIGN and significantly enhances virus transfer from
      DCs to T-cells by increasing the binding and internalization of HIV-1 in DCs. We
      found that cocaine activates a DC-SIGN mediated 'signalosome' complex by
      enhancing its association with LARG and LSP1. Further, LARG was observed to
      participate in DC-SIGN mediated internalization of HIV-1 in DCs. Intracellular
      trafficking studies of HIV-1 in cocaine treated DCs revealed increased co
      localization of HIV-1 with endosomal or multi vesicular body (MVB) markers such
      as CD81 and VPS4 and decreased co-localization with the phagolysomal marker
      LAMP1; this signified altered intracellular trafficking and decreased degradation
      of HIV-1 in cocaine treated DCs. Furthermore, we found that cocaine induced
      activation of LARG which in turn activated Rho A and the focal adhesion molecules
      FAK, Pyk2 and paxillin. This signaling cascade enhanced the formation of an
      infectious synapse between DCs and T-cells. Our study provides insight into the
      molecular mechanisms of cocaine's contribution to key components in HIV
      pathogenesis and highlights novel targets for interrupting the virus life cycle
      in substance using hosts.

PMID- 28094783
TI  - A novel spontaneous model of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) using a
      primary prostate cancer derived cell line demonstrating distinct stem-like
      characteristics.
AB  - Cells acquire the invasive and migratory properties necessary for the invasion
      metastasis cascade and the establishment of aggressive, metastatic disease by
      reactivating a latent embryonic programme: epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT). Herein, we report the development of a new, spontaneous model of EMT which
      involves four phenotypically distinct clones derived from a primary tumour
      derived human prostate cancer cell line (OPCT-1), and its use to explore
      relationships between EMT and the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in
      prostate cancer. Expression of epithelial (E-cadherin) and mesenchymal markers
      (vimentin, fibronectin) revealed that two of the four clones were incapable of
      spontaneously activating EMT, whereas the others contained large populations of
      EMT-derived, vimentin-positive cells having spindle-like morphology. One of the
      two EMT-positive clones exhibited aggressive and stem cell-like characteristics,
      whereas the other was non-aggressive and showed no stem cell phenotype. One of
      the two EMT-negative clones exhibited aggressive stem cell-like properties,
      whereas the other was the least aggressive of all clones. These findings
      demonstrate the existence of distinct, aggressive CSC-like populations in
      prostate cancer, but, importantly, that not all cells having a potential for EMT
      exhibit stem cell-like properties. This unique model can be used to further
      interrogate the biology of EMT in prostate cancer.

PMID- 28094784
TI  - Targeted DNA sequencing and in situ mutation analysis using mobile phone
      microscopy.
AB  - Molecular diagnostics is typically outsourced to well-equipped centralized
      laboratories, often far from the patient. We developed molecular assays and
      portable optical imaging designs that permit on-site diagnostics with a cost
      effective mobile-phone-based multimodal microscope. We demonstrate that targeted
      next-generation DNA sequencing reactions and in situ point mutation detection
      assays in preserved tumour samples can be imaged and analysed using mobile phone
      microscopy, achieving a new milestone for tele-medicine technologies.

PMID- 28094785
TI  - High-resolution African population projections from radiative forcing and socio
      economic models, 2000 to 2100.
AB  - For its fifth assessment report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
      divided future scenario projections (2005-2100) into two groups: Socio-Economic
      Pathways (SSPs) and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). Each SSP has
      country-level urban and rural population projections, while the RCPs are based on
      radiative forcing caused by greenhouse gases, aerosols and associated land-use
      change. In order for these projections to be applicable in earth system models,
      SSP and RCP population projections must be at the same spatial scale. Thus, a
      gridded population dataset that takes into account both RCP-based urban fractions
      and SSP-based population projection is needed. To support this need, an annual
      (2000-2100) high resolution (approximately 1km at the equator) gridded population
      dataset conforming to both RCPs (urban land use) and SSPs (population) country
      level scenario data were created.

PMID- 28094786
TI  - Two replications of an investigation on empathy and utilitarian judgement across
      socioeconomic status.
AB  - Research by Cote, Piff, and Willer (2013) found that through the induction of
      empathy in an experimental condition, the association between socioeconomic
      status (SES) and utilitarian moral judgment was diminished. Participant self
      reported income interacted with experimental condition such that high SES
      participants who empathized with a disadvantaged group member redistributed fewer
      experimental dollars during an online task at the losing member's expense. This
      suggests that lower levels of empathy could help explain utilitarian decision
      making in high SES individuals. Two pre-registered, high-powered replications
      were conducted in order to assess the magnitude and reliability of this finding.
      While the first replication attempt failed to uncover the effect, the second
      attempt found a pattern consistent with the original study. A meta-analysis of
      the replication attempts with the original author's interaction effects was
      conducted. The confidence interval of the meta-analytic effect suggests that the
      true effect size may be as robust as reported by the original authors, or may be
      close to zero. Implications of the results found in the replication attempts are
      discussed.

PMID- 28094787
TI  - A dataset of human decision-making in teamwork management.
AB  - Today, most endeavours require teamwork by people with diverse skills and
      characteristics. In managing teamwork, decisions are often made under uncertainty
      and resource constraints. The strategies and the effectiveness of the strategies
      different people adopt to manage teamwork under different situations have not yet
      been fully explored, partially due to a lack of detailed large-scale data. In
      this paper, we describe a multi-faceted large-scale dataset to bridge this gap.
      It is derived from a game simulating complex project management processes. It
      presents the participants with different conditions in terms of team members'
      capabilities and task characteristics for them to exhibit their decision-making
      strategies. The dataset contains detailed data reflecting the decision
      situations, decision strategies, decision outcomes, and the emotional responses
      of 1,144 participants from diverse backgrounds. To our knowledge, this is the
      first dataset simultaneously covering these four facets of decision-making. With
      repeated measurements, the dataset may help establish baseline variability of
      decision-making in teamwork management, leading to more realistic decision
      theoretic models and more effective decision support approaches.

PMID- 28094789
TI  - Mate choice in fruit flies is rational and adaptive.
AB  - According to rational choice theory, beneficial preferences should lead
      individuals to sort available options into linear, transitive hierarchies,
      although the extent to which non-human animals behave rationally is unclear. Here
      we demonstrate that mate choice in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster results
      in the linear sorting of a set of diverse isogenic female lines, unambiguously
      demonstrating the hallmark of rational behaviour, transitivity. These rational
      choices are associated with direct benefits, enabling males to maximize offspring
      production. Furthermore, we demonstrate that female behaviours and cues act
      redundantly in mate detection and assessment, as rational mate choice largely
      persists when visual or chemical sensory modalities are impaired, but not when
      both are impaired. Transitivity in mate choice demonstrates that the quality of
      potential mates varies significantly among genotypes, and that males and females
      behave in such a way as to facilitate adaptive mate choice.

PMID- 28094788
TI  - Electronic control of gene expression and cell behaviour in Escherichia coli
      through redox signalling.
AB  - The ability to interconvert information between electronic and ionic modalities
      has transformed our ability to record and actuate biological function. Synthetic
      biology offers the potential to expand communication 'bandwidth' by using
      biomolecules and providing electrochemical access to redox-based cell signals and
      behaviours. While engineered cells have transmitted molecular information to
      electronic devices, the potential for bidirectional communication stands largely
      untapped. Here we present a simple electrogenetic device that uses redox
      biomolecules to carry electronic information to engineered bacterial cells in
      order to control transcription from a simple synthetic gene circuit. Electronic
      actuation of the native transcriptional regulator SoxR and transcription from the
      PsoxS promoter allows cell response that is quick, reversible and dependent on
      the amplitude and frequency of the imposed electronic signals. Further, induction
      of bacterial motility and population based cell-to-cell communication
      demonstrates the versatility of our approach and potential to drive intricate
      biological behaviours.

PMID- 28094790
TI  - Californium-252 neutron intracavity brachytherapy alone for T1N0 low-lying rectal
      adenocarcinoma: A definitive anal sphincter-preserving radiotherapy.
AB  - This study evaluated the 4-year results of 32 patients with T1N0 low-lying rectal
      adenocarcinoma treated solely with californium-252 (Cf-252) neutron intracavity
      brachytherapy (ICBT). Patients were solicited into the study from January 2008 to
      June 2011. All the patients had refused surgery or surgery was contraindicated.
      The patients were treated with Cf-252 neutron ICBT using a novel 3.5-cm diameter
      off-axis 4-channel intrarectal applicator designed by the authors. The dose
      reference point was defined on the mucosa surface, with a total dose of 55-62 Gy
      eq/4 f (13-16 Gy-eq/f/wk). All the patients completed the radiotherapy in
      accordance with our protocol. The rectal lesions regressed completely, and the
      acute rectal toxicity was mild (<=G2). The 4-year local control, overall
      survival, disease-free survival, and late complication (>=G2) rates were 96.9%,
      90.6%, 87.5% and 15.6%, respectively. No severe late complication (>=G3)
      occurred. The mean follow-up was 56.1 +/- 16.0 months. At the end of last follow
      up, 29 patients remained alive. The mean survival time was 82.1 +/- 2.7 months.
      Cf-252 neutron ICBT administered as the sole treatment (without surgery) for
      patients with T1N0 low-lying rectal adenocarcinoma is effective with acceptable
      late complications. Our study and method offers a definitive anal sphincter
      preserving radiotherapy for T1N0 low-lying rectal adenocarcinoma patients.

PMID- 28094791
TI  - Weakening of annual temperature cycle over the Tibetan Plateau since the 1870s.
AB  - The annual cycle of extra-tropical surface air temperature is an important
      component of the Earth's climate system. Over the past decades, a reduced
      amplitude of this mode has been observed in some regions. Although attributed to
      anthropogenic forcing, it remains unclear when dampening of the annual cycle
      started. Here we use a residual series of tree-ring width and maximum latewood
      density from the Tibetan Plateau >4,000 m asl to reconstruct changes in
      temperature seasonality over the past three centuries. The new proxy evidence
      suggests that the onset of a decrease in summer-to-winter temperature difference
      over the Tibetan Plateau occurred in the 1870s. Our results imply that the
      influence of anthropogenic forcing on temperature seasonality might have started
      in the late nineteenth century, and that future human influence may further
      contribute to a weakening of the annual temperature cycle, with subsequent
      effects on ecosystem functioning and productivity.

PMID- 28094792
TI  - Identification of a Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 Recognition Motif in the
      Apolipoprotein E Variant APOE4 linked to Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease affects tens of millions of people worldwide and its
      prevalence continues to rise. It is caused by a combination of a subject's
      heredity, environment, lifestyle, and medical condition. The most significant
      genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer's disease is a variant of the
      apolipoprotein E gene, APOE4. Here we show that the single nucleotide
      polymorphism rs429358 that defines APOE4 is located in a short sequence motif
      repeated several times within exon 4 of apolipoprotein E, reminiscent of the
      structure of transcriptional enhancers. A JASPAR database search predicts that
      the T to C transition in rs429358 generates a binding motif for nuclear
      respiratory factor NRF1. This site appears to be part of a binding site cluster
      for this transcription factor on exon 4 of APOE. This de novo NRF1 binding site
      has therefore the potential to affect the expression of multiple genes in its
      genomic vicinity. Our in silico analysis, suggesting a novel function for APOE4
      at the DNA level, offers a potential mechanism for the observed tissue specific
      neurodegeneration and the role of environmental factors in Alzheimer's disease
      etiology.

PMID- 28094793
TI  - Caloric restriction improves health and survival of rhesus monkeys.
AB  - Caloric restriction (CR) without malnutrition extends lifespan and delays the
      onset of age-related disorders in most species but its impact in nonhuman
      primates has been controversial. In the late 1980s two parallel studies were
      initiated to determine the effect of CR in rhesus monkeys. The University of
      Wisconsin study reported a significant positive impact of CR on survival, but the
      National Institute on Aging study detected no significant survival effect. Here
      we present a direct comparison of longitudinal data from both studies including
      survival, bodyweight, food intake, fasting glucose levels and age-related
      morbidity. We describe differences in study design that could contribute to
      differences in outcomes, and we report species specificity in the impact of CR in
      terms of optimal onset and diet. Taken together these data confirm that health
      benefits of CR are conserved in monkeys and suggest that CR mechanisms are likely
      translatable to human health.

PMID- 28094795
TI  - Impacts of chemical gradients on microbial community structure.
AB  - Succession of redox processes is sometimes assumed to define a basic microbial
      community structure for ecosystems with oxygen gradients. In this paradigm,
      aerobic respiration, denitrification, fermentation and sulfate reduction proceed
      in a thermodynamically determined order, known as the 'redox tower'. Here, we
      investigated whether redox sorting of microbial processes explains microbial
      community structure at low-oxygen concentrations. We subjected a diverse
      microbial community sampled from a coastal marine sediment to 100 days of tidal
      cycling in a laboratory chemostat. Oxygen gradients (both in space and time) led
      to the assembly of a microbial community dominated by populations that each
      performed aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in parallel. This was shown by
      metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and stable isotope incubations.
      Effective oxygen consumption combined with the formation of microaggregates
      sustained the activity of oxygen-sensitive anaerobic enzymes, leading to braiding
      of unsorted redox processes, within and between populations. Analyses of
      available metagenomic data sets indicated that the same ecological strategies
      might also be successful in some natural ecosystems.

PMID- 28094796
TI  - The evolution of no-cost resistance at sub-MIC concentrations of streptomycin in
      Streptomyces coelicolor.
AB  - At the high concentrations used in medicine, antibiotics exert strong selection
      on bacterial populations for the evolution of resistance. However, these lethal
      concentrations may not be representative of the concentrations bacteria face in
      soil, a recognition that has led to questions of the role of antibiotics in soil
      environments as well as the dynamics of resistance evolution during sublethal
      challenge. Here we examine the evolution of resistance to sub-minimal inhibitory
      concentrations (sub-MIC) of streptomycin in the filamentous soil bacterium
      Streptomyces coelicolor. First, we show that spontaneous resistance to
      streptomycin causes an average fitness deficit of ~21% in the absence of drugs;
      however, these costs are eliminated at concentrations as low as 1/10 the MIC of
      susceptible strains. Using experimental evolution, we next show that resistance
      to >MIC levels of streptomycin readily evolves when bacteria are exposed to sub
      MIC doses for 500 generations. Furthermore, the resistant clones that evolved at
      sub-MIC streptomycin concentrations carry no fitness cost. Whole-genome analyses
      reveal that evolved resistant clones fixed some of the same mutations as those
      isolated at high drug concentrations; however, all evolved clones carry
      additional mutations and some fixed mutations that either compensate for costly
      resistance or have no associated fitness costs. Our results broaden the
      conditions under which resistance can evolve in nature and suggest that rather
      than low-concentration antibiotics acting as signals, resistance evolves in
      response to antibiotics used as weapons.

PMID- 28094797
TI  - Whole genome sequencing data and de novo draft assemblies for 66 teleost species.
AB  - Teleost fishes comprise more than half of all vertebrate species, yet genomic
      data are only available for 0.2% of their diversity. Here, we present whole
      genome sequencing data for 66 new species of teleosts, vastly expanding the
      availability of genomic data for this important vertebrate group. We report on de
      novo assemblies based on low-coverage (9-39*) sequencing and present detailed
      methodology for all analyses. To facilitate further utilization of this data set,
      we present statistical analyses of the gene space completeness and verify the
      expected phylogenetic position of the sequenced genomes in a large mitogenomic
      context. We further present a nuclear marker set used for phylogenetic inference
      and evaluate each gene tree in relation to the species tree to test for
      homogeneity in the phylogenetic signal. Collectively, these analyses illustrate
      the robustness of this highly diverse data set and enable extensive reuse of the
      selected phylogenetic markers and the genomic data in general. This data set
      covers all major teleost lineages and provides unprecedented opportunities for
      comparative studies of teleosts.

PMID- 28094798
TI  - Stable isotopes in the atmospheric marine boundary layer water vapour over the
      Atlantic Ocean, 2012-2015.
AB  - The water vapour isotopic composition (1H216O, H218O and 1H2H16O) of the Atlantic
      marine boundary layer has been measured from 5 research vessels between 2012 and
      2015. Using laser spectroscopy analysers, measurements have been carried out
      continuously on samples collected 10-20 meter above sea level. All the datasets
      have been carefully calibrated against the international VSMOW-SLAP scale
      following the same protocol to build a homogeneous dataset covering the Atlantic
      Ocean between 4 degrees S to 63 degrees N. In addition, standard meteorological
      variables have been measured continuously, including sea surface temperatures
      using calibrated Thermo-Salinograph for most cruises. All calibrated observations
      are provided with 15-minute resolution. We also provide 6-hourly data to allow
      easier comparisons with simulations from the isotope-enabled Global Circulation
      Models. In addition, backwards trajectories from the HYSPLIT model are supplied
      every 6-hours for the position of our measurements.

PMID- 28094794
TI  - Diversity and carbon storage across the tropical forest biome.
AB  - Tropical forests are global centres of biodiversity and carbon storage. Many
      tropical countries aspire to protect forest to fulfil biodiversity and climate
      mitigation policy targets, but the conservation strategies needed to achieve
      these two functions depend critically on the tropical forest tree diversity
      carbon storage relationship. Assessing this relationship is challenging due to
      the scarcity of inventories where carbon stocks in aboveground biomass and
      species identifications have been simultaneously and robustly quantified. Here,
      we compile a unique pan-tropical dataset of 360 plots located in structurally
      intact old-growth closed-canopy forest, surveyed using standardised methods,
      allowing a multi-scale evaluation of diversity-carbon relationships in tropical
      forests. Diversity-carbon relationships among all plots at 1 ha scale across the
      tropics are absent, and within continents are either weak (Asia) or absent
      (Amazonia, Africa). A weak positive relationship is detectable within 1 ha plots,
      indicating that diversity effects in tropical forests may be scale dependent. The
      absence of clear diversity-carbon relationships at scales relevant to
      conservation planning means that carbon-centred conservation strategies will
      inevitably miss many high diversity ecosystems. As tropical forests can have any
      combination of tree diversity and carbon stocks both require explicit
      consideration when optimising policies to manage tropical carbon and
      biodiversity.

PMID- 28094799
TI  - Activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling via GSK3 inhibitors direct
      differentiation of human adipose stem cells into functional hepatocytes.
AB  - The generation of hepatocytes that are derived from human adipose stem cells
      (hASCs) represents an alternative to human hepatocytes for individualized
      therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications. However, the mechanisms facilitating
      hepatocyte differentiation from hASCs are not well understood. Here, we show that
      upon exposure to glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inhibitors alone, the
      expression of definitive endoderm specific genes GATA4, FOXA2, and SOX17 in hASCs
      significantly increased in a manner with activation of Wnt/beta-catenin
      signalling. Down regulation of the beta-catenin expression attenuates the effect
      of GSK3 inhibitors on the induction of these specific genes. The cells induced
      using GSK3 inhibitors were directed to differentiate synchronously into
      hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) after further combinations of soluble factors by a
      reproducible three-stage method. Moreover, hASC-HLCs induced using GSK3
      inhibitors possess low-density lipoprotein uptake, albumin secretion, and
      glycogen synthesis ability, express important drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450
      (CYP450) enzymes, and demonstrate CYP450 activity. Therefore, our findings
      suggest that activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling via GSK3 inhibitors in
      definitive endoderm specification may represent an important mechanism mediating
      hASCs differentiated to functional hepatocyte. Furthermore, development of
      similar compounds may be useful for robust, potentially scalable and cost
      effective generation of functional hepatocytes for drug screening and predictive
      toxicology platforms.

PMID- 28094800
TI  - Relationship of hyposalivation and xerostomia in Mexican elderly with
      socioeconomic, sociodemographic and dental factors.
AB  - We determined the prevalence of hyposalivation and xerostomia in older Mexicans
      (>=60 years), and its relationship with diverse factors. A cross-sectional study
      was realized in elderly subjects from Pachuca, Mexico. Chewing-stimulated saliva
      was collected under standardized conditions and salivary flow was measured;
      subjects were considered to have hyposalivation if their stimulated salivary flow
      was less than 0.7 mL per minute. Xerostomia was evaluated by asking subjects
      'Does your mouth feel dry?'. Hyposalivation was present in 59.7%, and xerostomia
      in 25.2% of subjects. 16.5% of subjects had both conditions. Xerostomia was
      present in 27.7% of subjects with hyposalivation and 21.4% of subjects without
      hyposalivation, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Thus, 68.3% of
      older Mexicans had xerostomia and/or hyposalivation. Factors associated with
      hyposalivation were: using fewer devices in oral hygiene, lacking social benefits
      for retirement/pension, living in a public retirement home, brushing teeth less
      than twice a day and lacking teeth without dentures. None of the factors included
      in this study were associated with xerostomia. We concluded that several
      variables studied were associated with hyposalivation, but none for xerostomia.
      Additional research should examine the amount of hyposalivation and factors
      associated with hyposalivation especially in elderly with increased risk for
      hyposalivation.

PMID- 28094801
TI  - Electronegative LDL-mediated cardiac electrical remodeling in a rat model of
      chronic kidney disease.
AB  - The mechanisms underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated higher risks
      for life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias remain poorly understood. In
      rats subjected to unilateral nephrectomy (UNx), we examined cardiac
      electrophysiological remodeling and relevant mechanisms predisposing to
      ventricular arrhythmias. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent UNx (n = 6) or
      sham (n = 6) operations. Eight weeks later, the UNx group had higher serum blood
      urea nitrogen and creatinine levels and a longer electrocardiographic QTc
      interval than did the sham group. Patch-clamp studies revealed epicardial (EPI)
      predominant prolongation of the action potential duration (APD) at 50% and 90%
      repolarization in UNx EPI cardiomyocytes compared to sham EPI cardiomyocytes. A
      significant reduction of the transient outward potassium current (Ito) in EPI but
      not in endocardial (ENDO) cardiomyocytes of UNx rats led to a decreased
      transmural gradient of Ito. The reduction of Ito currents in UNx EPI
      cardiomyocytes was secondary to downregulation of KChIP2 but not Kv4.2, Kv4.3,
      and Kv1.4 protein expression. Incubation of plasma electronegative low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) from UNx rats with normal EPI and ENDO cardiomyocytes
      recapitulated the electrophysiological phenotype of UNx rats. In conclusion, CKD
      disrupts the physiological transmural gradient of Ito via downregulation of
      KChIP2 proteins in the EPI region, which may promote susceptibility to
      ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Electronegative LDL may underlie downregulation of
      KChIP2 in CKD.

PMID- 28094802
TI  - Extrinsic MAVS signaling is critical for Treg maintenance of Foxp3 expression
      following acute flavivirus infection.
AB  - Given the rapid spread of flaviviruses such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika
      virus, it is critical that we develop a complete understanding of the key
      mediators of an effective anti-viral response. We previously demonstrated that
      WNV infection of mice deficient in mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein
      (MAVS), the signaling adaptor for RNA helicases such as RIG-I, resulted in
      increased death and dysregulated immunity, which correlated with a failure of
      Treg expansion following infection. Thus, we sought to determine if intrinsic
      MAVS signaling is required for participation of Tregs in anti-WNV immunity.
      Despite evidence of increased Treg cell division, Foxp3 expression was not stably
      maintained after WNV infection in MAVS-deficient mice. However, intrinsic MAVS
      signaling was dispensable for Treg proliferation and suppressive capacity.
      Further, we observed generation of an effective anti-WNV immune response when
      Tregs lacked MAVS, thereby demonstrating that Treg detection of the presence of
      WNV through the MAVS signaling pathway is not required for generation of
      effective immunity. Together, these data suggest that while MAVS signaling has a
      considerable impact on Treg identity, this effect is not mediated by intrinsic
      MAVS signaling but rather is likely an effect of the overproduction of pro
      inflammatory cytokines generated in MAVS-deficient mice after WNV infection.

PMID- 28094803
TI  - MiR-124 inhibits the migration and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma
      cells by suppressing integrin alphaV expression.
AB  - Tumor metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related death especially in human
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although microRNAs have been implicated in tumor
      development, the roles of miR-124 in HCC metastasis are still not well
      understood. We conducted functional analysis in this study to investigate miR
      124. We observed that miR-124 significantly retarded the wound healing and
      migration of HCC SMMC-7721 and BEL-7404 cells. Further analysis indicated miR-124
      directly targeting the transcriptional factor Sp1 which is an important
      transcription factor for the integrin alphaV subunit gene transcription. Co
      transfection of miR-124 with the luciferase reporter containing Sp1 3'
      untranslated region (UTR) significantly suppressed the luciferase activities.
      While mutation of the binding site of miR-124 in Sp1 mRNA 3'UTR completely
      abrogated the suppression of miR-124. Overexpression of miR-124 resulted in
      robust downregulation of Sp1 and integrin alphaV expression at either mRNA or
      protein level. Ectopic expression of miR-124 in HCC dramatically repressed the
      wound healing and migration in vitro and tumor metastasis in mouse experiments.
      Our findings demonstrated that miR-124 played as an important role in regulation
      of integrin alphaV expression in HCC, and reintroduction of miR-124 might be an
      alternative therapeutic strategy for controlling integrin alphaV expression in
      HCC.

PMID- 28094804
TI  - Six Years in the Life of a Mother Bear - The Longest Continuous Heart Rate
      Recordings from a Free-Ranging Mammal.
AB  - Physiological monitoring of free-ranging wild animals is providing new insights
      into their adaptations to a changing environment. American black bears (Ursus
      americanus) are highly adaptable mammals, spending up to half the year
      hibernating, and the remainder of the year attempting to gain weight on a
      landscape with foods that vary seasonally and year to year. We recorded heart
      rate (HR) and corresponding activity of an adult female black bear over the
      course of six years, using an implanted monitor. Despite yearly differences in
      food, and an every-other year reproductive cycle, this bear exhibited remarkable
      consistency in HR and activity. HR increased for 12 weeks in spring, from minimal
      hibernation levels (mean 20-25 beats/minute [bpm]; min 10 bpm) to summer active
      levels (July daytime: mean 95 bpm). Timing was delayed following one cold winter.
      In August the bear switched from primarily diurnal to nocturnal, coincident with
      the availability of baits set by legal hunters. Activity in autumn was higher
      when the bear was with cubs. Birthing of cubs in January was identified by a
      transient increase in HR and activity. Long-term physiological and behavioral
      monitoring is valuable for understanding adaptations of free-ranging animals to
      climate change, food availability, and human-related stressors.

PMID- 28094805
TI  - The genome sequence of Barbarea vulgaris facilitates the study of ecological
      biochemistry.
AB  - The genus Barbarea has emerged as a model for evolution and ecology of plant
      defense compounds, due to its unusual glucosinolate profile and production of
      saponins, unique to the Brassicaceae. One species, B. vulgaris, includes two
      'types', G-type and P-type that differ in trichome density, and their
      glucosinolate and saponin profiles. A key difference is the stereochemistry of
      hydroxylation of their common phenethylglucosinolate backbone, leading to
      epimeric glucobarbarins. Here we report a draft genome sequence of the G-type,
      and re-sequencing of the P-type for comparison. This enables us to identify
      candidate genes underlying glucosinolate diversity, trichome density, and study
      the genetics of biochemical variation for glucosinolate and saponins. B. vulgaris
      is resistant to the diamondback moth, and may be exploited for "dead-end" trap
      cropping where glucosinolates stimulate oviposition and saponins deter larvae to
      the extent that they die. The B. vulgaris genome will promote the study of
      mechanisms in ecological biochemistry to benefit crop resistance breeding.

PMID- 28094807
TI  - Antimicrobial Probiotics Reduce Salmonella enterica in Turkey Gastrointestinal
      Tracts.
AB  - Despite the arsenal of technologies employed to control foodborne nontyphoidal
      Salmonella (NTS), infections have not declined in decades. Poultry is the primary
      source of NTS outbreaks, as well as the fastest growing meat sector worldwide.
      With recent FDA rules for phasing-out antibiotics in animal production, pressure
      is mounting to develop new pathogen reduction strategies. We report on a
      technology to reduce Salmonella enteritidis in poultry. We engineered probiotic
      E. coli Nissle 1917, to express and secrete the antimicrobial peptide, Microcin
      J25. Using in vitro experiments and an animal model of 300 turkeys, we establish
      the efficacy of this technology. Salmonella more rapidly clear the ceca of birds
      administered the modified probiotic than other treatment groups. Approximately
      97% lower Salmonella carriage is measured in a treated group, 14 days post
      Salmonella challenge. Probiotic bacteria are generally regarded as safe to
      consume, are bile-resistant and can plausibly be modified to produce a panoply of
      antimicrobial peptides now known. The reported systems may provide a foundation
      for platforms to launch antimicrobials against gastrointestinal tract pathogens,
      including ones that are multi-drug resistant.

PMID- 28094806
TI  - Plant toxin beta-ODAP activates integrin beta1 and focal adhesion: A critical
      pathway to cause neurolathyrism.
AB  - Neurolathyrism is a unique neurodegeneration disease caused by beta-N-oxalyl-L
      alpha, beta- diaminopropionic (beta-ODAP) present in grass pea seed (Lathyrus
      stativus L.) and its pathogenetic mechanism is unclear. This issue has become a
      critical restriction to take full advantage of drought-tolerant grass pea as an
      elite germplasm resource under climate change. We found that, in a human glioma
      cell line, beta-ODAP treatment decreased mitochondrial membrane potential,
      leading to outside release and overfall of Ca2+ from mitochondria to cellular
      matrix. Increased Ca2+ in cellular matrix activated the pathway of ECM, and
      brought about the overexpression of beta1 integrin on cytomembrane surface and
      the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The formation of high
      concentration of FA units on the cell microfilaments further induced
      overexpression of paxillin, and then inhibited cytoskeleton polymerization. This
      phenomenon turned to cause serious cell microfilaments distortion and ultimately
      cytoskeleton collapse. We also conducted qRT-PCR verification on RNA-sequence
      data using 8 randomly chosen genes of pathway enrichment, and confirmed that the
      data was statistically reliable. For the first time, we proposed a relatively
      complete signal pathway to neurolathyrism. This work would help open a new window
      to cure neurolathyrism, and fully utilize grass pea germplasm resource under
      climate change.

PMID- 28094808
TI  - Butterfly eyespot organiser: in vivo imaging of the prospective focal cells in
      pupal wing tissues.
AB  - Butterfly wing eyespot patterns are determined in pupal tissues by organisers
      located at the centre of the prospective eyespots. Nevertheless, organiser cells
      have not been examined cytochemically in vivo, partly due to technical
      difficulties. Here, we directly observed organiser cells in pupal forewing
      epithelium via an in vivo confocal fluorescent imaging technique, using 1-h post
      pupation pupae of the blue pansy butterfly, Junonia orithya. The prospective
      eyespot centre was indented from the plane of the ventral tissue surface. Three
      dimensional reconstruction images revealed that the apical portion of "focal
      cells" at the bottom of the eyespot indentation contained many mitochondria. The
      mitochondrial portion was connected with a "cell body" containing a nucleus. Most
      focal cells had globular nuclei and were vertically elongated, but cells in the
      wing basal region had flattened nuclei and were tilted toward the distal
      direction. Epithelial cells in any wing region had cytoneme-like horizontal
      processes. From 1 h to 10 h post-pupation, nuclear volume increased, suggesting
      DNA synthesis during this period. Morphological differences among cells in
      different regions may suggest that organiser cells are developmentally ahead of
      cells in other regions and that position-dependent heterochronic development is a
      general mechanism for constructing colour patterns in butterfly wings.

PMID- 28094809
TI  - Genome-wide identification, evolution and expression analysis of RING finger
      protein genes in Brassica rapa.
AB  - More and more RING finger genes were found to be implicated in various important
      biological processes. In the present study, a total of 731 RING domains in 715
      predicted proteins were identified in Brassica rapa genome (AA, 2n = 20), which
      were further divided into eight types: RING-H2 (371), RING-HCa (215), RING-HCb
      (47), RING-v (44), RING-C2 (38), RING-D (10), RING-S/T (5) and RING-G (1). The
      715 RING finger proteins were further classified into 51 groups according to the
      presence of additional domains. 700 RING finger protein genes were mapped to the
      10 chromosomes of B. rapa with a range of 47 to 111 genes for each chromosome.
      667 RING finger protein genes were expressed in at least one of the six tissues
      examined, indicating their involvement in various physiological and developmental
      processes in B. rapa. Hierarchical clustering analysis of RNA-seq data divided
      them into seven major groups, one of which includes 231 members preferentially
      expressed in leaf, and constitutes then a panel of gene candidates for studying
      the genetic and molecular mechanisms of leafy head traits in Brassica crops. Our
      results lay the foundation for further studies on the classification, evolution
      and putative functions of RING finger protein genes in Brassica species.

PMID- 28094810
TI  - Aberrant development of intrinsic brain activity in a rat model of caregiver
      maltreatment of offspring.
AB  - Caregiver maltreatment induces vulnerability to later-life psychopathology.
      Clinical and preclinical evidence suggest changes in prefrontal and limbic
      circuitry underlie this susceptibility. We examined this question using a rat
      model of maternal maltreatment and methods translated from humans, resting-state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI). Rat pups were reared by mothers
      provided with insufficient or abundant bedding for nest building from postnatal
      (PN) days 8 to 12 and underwent behavioral assessments of affect-related
      behaviors (forced swim, sucrose preference and social interaction) in adolescence
      (PN45) and early adulthood (PN60). R-fMRI sessions were conducted under light
      anesthesia at both ages. Offspring reared with insufficient bedding (that is,
      maltreated) displayed enduring negative affective behaviors. Amygdala-prefrontal
      cortex (PFC) functional connectivity increased significantly from adolescence to
      adulthood in controls, but not in maltreated animals. We computed the fractional
      amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), an index of intrinsic brain
      activity, and found that fALFF in medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate
      cortex (MPFC/ACC) increased significantly with age in controls but remained
      unchanged in maltreated animals during adolescence and adulthood. We used a seed
      based analysis to explore changes in functional connectivity between this region
      and the whole brain. Compared with controls, maltreated animals demonstrated
      reduced functional connectivity between MPFC/ACC and left caudate/putamen across
      both ages. Functional connectivity between MPFC/ACC and right caudate/putamen
      showed a group by age interaction: decreased in controls but increased in
      maltreated animals. These data suggest that maltreatment induces vulnerability to
      psychopathology and is associated with differential developmental trajectories of
      prefrontal and subcortical circuits underlying affect regulation.

PMID- 28094811
TI  - Brain connectivity changes occurring following cognitive behavioural therapy for
      psychosis predict long-term recovery.
AB  - Little is known about the psychobiological mechanisms of cognitive behavioural
      therapy for psychosis (CBTp) and which specific processes are key in predicting
      favourable long-term outcomes. Following theoretical models of psychosis, this
      proof-of-concept study investigated whether the long-term recovery path of CBTp
      completers can be predicted by the neural changes in threat-based social
      affective processing that occur during CBTp. We followed up 22 participants who
      had undergone a social affective processing task during functional magnetic
      resonance imaging along with self-report and clinician-administered symptom
      measures, before and after receiving CBTp. Monthly ratings of psychotic and
      affective symptoms were obtained retrospectively across 8 years since receiving
      CBTp, plus self-reported recovery at final follow-up. We investigated whether
      these long-term outcomes were predicted by CBTp-led changes in functional
      connections with dorsal prefrontal cortical and amygdala during the processing of
      threatening and prosocial facial affect. Although long-term psychotic symptoms
      were predicted by changes in prefrontal connections during prosocial facial
      affective processing, long-term affective symptoms were predicted by threat
      related amygdalo-inferior parietal lobule connectivity. Greater increases in
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex connectivity with amygdala following CBTp also
      predicted higher subjective ratings of recovery at long-term follow-up. These
      findings show that reorganisation occurring at the neural level following
      psychological therapy can predict the subsequent recovery path of people with
      psychosis across 8 years. This novel methodology shows promise for further
      studies with larger sample size, which are needed to better examine the
      sensitivity of psychobiological processes, in comparison to existing clinical
      measures, in predicting long-term outcomes.

PMID- 28094812
TI  - Putative presynaptic dopamine dysregulation in schizophrenia is supported by
      molecular evidence from post-mortem human midbrain.
AB  - The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia posits that increased subcortical
      dopamine underpins psychosis. In vivo imaging studies indicate an increased
      presynaptic dopamine synthesis capacity in striatal terminals and cell bodies in
      the midbrain in schizophrenia; however, measures of the dopamine-synthesising
      enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), have not identified consistent changes. We
      hypothesise that dopamine dysregulation in schizophrenia could result from
      changes in expression of dopamine synthesis enzymes, receptors, transporters or
      catabolic enzymes. Gene expression of 12 dopamine-related molecules was examined
      in post-mortem midbrain (28 antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia cases/29
      controls) using quantitative PCR. TH and the synaptic dopamine transporter (DAT)
      proteins were examined in post-mortem midbrain (26 antipsychotic-treated
      schizophrenia cases per 27 controls) using immunoblotting. TH and aromatic acid
      decarboxylase (AADC) mRNA and TH protein were unchanged in the midbrain in
      schizophrenia compared with controls. Dopamine receptor D2 short, vesicular
      monoamine transporter (VMAT2) and DAT mRNAs were significantly decreased in
      schizophrenia, with no change in DRD3 mRNA, DRD3nf mRNA and DAT protein between
      diagnostic groups. However, DAT protein was significantly increased in putatively
      treatment-resistant cases of schizophrenia compared to putatively treatment
      responsive cases. Midbrain monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) mRNA was increased, whereas
      MAOB and catechol-O-methyl transferase mRNAs were unchanged in schizophrenia. We
      conclude that, whereas some mRNA changes are consistent with increased dopamine
      action (decreased DAT mRNA), others suggest reduced dopamine action (increased
      MAOA mRNA) in the midbrain in schizophrenia. Here, we identify a molecular
      signature of dopamine dysregulation in the midbrain in schizophrenia that mainly
      includes gene expression changes of molecules involved in dopamine synthesis and
      in regulating the time course of dopamine action.

PMID- 28094814
TI  - Meta-analysis reveals associations between genetic variation in the 5' and 3'
      regions of Neuregulin-1 and schizophrenia.
AB  - Genetic, post-mortem and neuroimaging studies repeatedly implicate neuregulin-1
      (NRG1) as a critical component in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Although
      a number of risk haplotypes along with several genetic polymorphisms in the 5'
      and 3' regions of NRG1 have been linked with schizophrenia, results have been
      mixed. To reconcile these conflicting findings, we conducted a meta-analysis
      examining 22 polymorphisms and two haplotypes in NRG1 among 16 720 cases, 20 449
      controls and 2157 family trios. We found significant associations for three
      polymorphisms (rs62510682, rs35753505 and 478B14-848) at the 5'-end and two
      (rs2954041 and rs10503929) near the 3'-end of NRG1. Population stratification
      effects were found for the rs35753505 and 478B14-848(4) polymorphisms. There was
      evidence of heterogeneity for all significant markers and the findings were
      robust to publication bias. No significant haplotype associations were found. Our
      results suggest genetic variation at the 5' and 3' ends of NRG1 are associated
      with schizophrenia and provide renewed justification for further investigation of
      NRG1's role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

PMID- 28094813
TI  - A methylome-wide mQTL analysis reveals associations of methylation sites with
      GAD1 and HDAC3 SNPs and a general psychiatric risk score.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies have identified a number of single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with psychiatric diseases. Increasing
      body of evidence suggests a complex connection of SNPs and the transcriptional
      and epigenetic regulation of gene expression, which is poorly understood. In the
      current study, we investigated the interplay between genetic risk variants,
      shifts in methylation and mRNA levels in whole blood from 223 adolescents
      distinguished by a risk for developing psychiatric disorders. We analyzed 37 SNPs
      previously associated with psychiatric diseases in relation to genome-wide DNA
      methylation levels using linear models, with Bonferroni correction and adjusting
      for cell-type composition. Associations between DNA methylation, mRNA levels and
      psychiatric disease risk evaluated by the Development and Well-Being Assessment
      (DAWBA) score were identified by robust linear models, Pearson's correlations and
      binary regression models. We detected five SNPs (in HCRTR1, GAD1, HADC3 and
      FKBP5) that were associated with eight CpG sites, validating five of these SNP
      CpG pairs. Three of these CpG sites, that is, cg01089319 (GAD1), cg01089249
      (GAD1) and cg24137543 (DIAPH1), manifest in significant gene expression changes
      and overlap with active regulatory regions in chromatin states of brain tissues.
      Importantly, methylation levels at cg01089319 were associated with the DAWBA
      score in the discovery group. These results show how distinct SNPs linked with
      psychiatric diseases are associated with epigenetic shifts with relevance for
      gene expression. Our findings give a novel insight on how genetic variants may
      modulate risks for the development of psychiatric diseases.

PMID- 28094815
TI  - DRD2 co-expression network and a related polygenic index predict imaging,
      behavioral and clinical phenotypes linked to schizophrenia.
AB  - Genetic risk for schizophrenia (SCZ) is determined by many genetic loci whose
      compound biological effects are difficult to determine. We hypothesized that co
      expression pathways of SCZ risk genes are associated with system-level brain
      function and clinical phenotypes of SCZ. We examined genetic variants related to
      the dopamine D2 receptor gene DRD2 co-expression pathway and associated them with
      working memory (WM) behavior, the related brain activity and treatment response.
      Using two independent post-mortem prefrontal messenger RNA (mRNA) data sets
      (total N=249), we identified a DRD2 co-expression pathway enriched for SCZ risk
      genes. Next, we identified non-coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      associated with co-expression of this pathway. These SNPs were associated with
      regulatory genetic loci in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (P<0.05). We
      summarized their compound effect on co-expression into a Polygenic Co-expression
      Index (PCI), which predicted DRD2 pathway co-expression in both mRNA data sets
      (all P<0.05). We associated the PCI with brain activity during WM performance in
      two independent samples of healthy individuals (total N=368) and 29 patients with
      SCZ who performed the n-back task. Greater predicted DRD2 pathway prefrontal co
      expression was associated with greater prefrontal activity and longer WM reaction
      times (all corrected P<0.05), thus indicating inefficient WM processing. Blind
      prediction of treatment response to antipsychotics in two independent samples of
      patients with SCZ suggested better clinical course of patientswith greater PCI
      (total N=87; P<0.05). The findings on this DRD2 co-expression pathway are a proof
      of concept that gene co-expression can parse SCZ risk genes into biological
      pathways associated with intermediate phenotypes as well as with clinically
      meaningful information.

PMID- 28094817
TI  - Immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental
      disorder with a complex pathogenesis. Many studies over the last four decades
      have recognized altered immune responses among individuals diagnosed with ASD.
      The purpose of this critical and comprehensive review is to examine the
      hypothesis that immune dysfunction is present more frequently, and it is related
      to ASD in humans. It was found that that often individuals diagnosed with ASD
      have alterations in immune cells such as T cells, B cells, monocytes, natural
      killer cells, and dendritic cells. Also, many individuals diagnosed with ASD have
      alterations in immunoglobulins and increased autoantibodies. Finally, an
      important portion of individuals diagnosed with ASD has elevated peripheral
      cytokines and chemokines and associated neuroinflammation. In conclusion, immune
      dysregulation and inflammation are important components of ASD diagnosis and are
      key components of the diagnosis and treatment of ASD.

PMID- 28094816
TI  - Methylation specific targeting of a chromatin remodeling complex from sponges to
      humans.
AB  - DNA cytosine methylation and methyl-cytosine binding domain (MBD) containing
      proteins are found throughout all vertebrate species studied to date. However,
      both the presence of DNA methylation and pattern of methylation varies among
      invertebrate species. Invertebrates generally have only a single MBD protein,
      MBD2/3, that does not always contain appropriate residues for selectively binding
      methylated DNA. Therefore, we sought to determine whether sponges, one of the
      most ancient extant metazoan lineages, possess an MBD2/3 capable of recognizing
      methylated DNA and recruiting the associated nucleosome remodeling and
      deacetylase (NuRD) complex. We find that Ephydatia muelleri has genes for each of
      the NuRD core components including an EmMBD2/3 that selectively binds methylated
      DNA. NMR analyses reveal a remarkably conserved binding mode, showing almost
      identical chemical shift changes between binding to methylated and unmethylated
      CpG dinucleotides. In addition, we find that EmMBD2/3 and EmGATAD2A/B proteins
      form a coiled-coil interaction known to be critical for the formation of NuRD.
      Finally, we show that knockdown of EmMBD2/3 expression disrupts normal cellular
      architecture and development of E. muelleri. These data support a model in which
      the MBD2/3 methylation-dependent functional role emerged with the earliest
      multicellular organisms and has been maintained to varying degrees across animal
      evolution.

PMID- 28094818
TI  - The physiology of blood platelets and changes of their biological activities in
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Increasing evidence indicates that blood platelets contribute to diverse
      processes that extend beyond hemostasis. Many of the same mechanisms that play a
      role in hemostasis and thrombosis facilitate platelets the participation in other
      physiological and pathological processes, particularly in the inflammation, the
      immune response and central nervous system disorders. Platelets are involved in
      pathophysiology of central nervous system diseases, especially in the
      pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, but their role appears to be neglected.
      Platelets contribute to the inflammation and cooperate with immune cells in
      inflammatory and immune responses. These blood cells were identified in inflamed
      spinal cord and in the brain in chronic active lesions of multiple sclerosis and
      in the related animal models referred as Experimental Autoimmune
      Encephalomyelitis. This review summarizes recent insights in the platelet
      activation accompanied by the exocytosis of bioactive compounds stored in
      granules, formation of platelet microparticles, expression of specific membrane
      receptors, synthesis of numerous biomediators, generation of free radicals, and
      introduces the mechanisms by which activated platelets may be involved in the
      pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. Understanding the role of platelets in
      multiple sclerosis may be essential for improved therapies.

PMID- 28094819
TI  - Age-dependent concomitant changes in synaptic dysfunction and GABAergic pathway
      in the APP/PS1 mouse model.
AB  - Synaptic dysfunction is a well-documented manifestation in animal models of
      Alzheimer's disease pathology. In this context, numerous studies have documented
      reduction in the functionality of synapses in various models. In addition, recent
      research has shed more light on increased excitability and its link to seizures
      and seizure-like activities in AD patients as well as in mouse models. These
      reports of hyperexcitability contradict the observed reduction in synaptic
      function and have been suggested to be as a result of the interplay between
      inhibitory and excitatory neuronal mechanism. The present study therefore
      investigates functional deficiency in the inhibitory system as complementary to
      the identified alterations in the glutamate excitatory pathway in AD. Since
      synaptic function deficit in AD is typically linked to progression/pathology of
      the disease, it is important to determine whether the deficits in the GABAergic
      system are functional and can be directly linked to the pattern of the disruption
      documented in the glutamate system. To build on previous research in this field,
      experiments were designed to determine if previously documented synaptic
      dysfunction in AD models is concomitantly observed with excitation/inhibition
      imbalance as suggested by observation of seizure and seizure-like pathology in
      such models. We report changes in synaptic function in aged APPPS1 mice not
      observable in the younger cohort. These changes in synaptic function are
      furthermore accompanied by alteration in the GABAergic neurotransmission. Thus,
      age-dependent alteration in the inhibitory/excitatory balance might underpin the
      symptomatic changes observed with the progression of Alzheimer's disease
      pathology including sleep disturbance and epileptic events.

PMID- 28094820
TI  - The effect of network template from normal subjects in the detection of network
      impairment.
AB  - This study aimed to provide a simple way to approach group differences by
      independent component analysis when researching functional connectivity changes
      of resting-state network in brain disorders. We used baseline resting state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging from the Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging
      initiative dataset and performed independent component analysis based on
      different kinds of subject selection, by including two downloaded templates and
      single-subject independent component analysis method. All conditions were used to
      calculate the functional connectivity of the default mode network, and to test
      group differences and evaluate correlation with cognitive measurements and
      hippocampal volume. The default mode network functional connectivity results most
      fitting clinical evaluations were from templates based on young healthy subjects
      and the worst results were from heterogeneous or more severe disease groups or
      single-subject independent component analysis method. Using independent component
      analysis network maps derived from normal young subjects to extract all
      individual functional connectivities provides significant correlations with
      clinical evaluations.

PMID- 28094821
TI  - Upregulation of CCL3/MIP-1alpha regulated by MAPKs and NF-kappaB mediates
      microglial inflammatory response in LPS-induced brain injury.
AB  - Growing evidence suggests that macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha
      (synonym CCL3) is upregulated in the neuroinflammatory processes initiated by
      some brain disorders, but its precise role and regulatory mechanism remain
      unclear. The present work aims to evaluate the role of CCL3/MIP-1alpha in
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced brain injury, and investigate whether the MAPKs
      and NF-kappaB regulate CCL3/MIP-1alpha expression. We firstly examined the
      patterns of CCL3/MIP-1alpha expression and phosphorylation of MAPKs in the brains
      of rats 6, 24, and 72 h after LPS administration. Additionally, LPS-treated rats
      were administered an anti-MIP-1alpha neutralizing antibody, and the microglial
      reaction and the expression of both cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS) were analyzed. We finally evaluated the effect of an inhibitor of
      P38 MAPK, an inhibitor of ERK1/2, or an inhibitor of NF-kappaB, on the levels of
      CCL3/MIP-1alpha protein and numbers of microglia in the brain. In the observation
      period, LPS induced CCL3/MIP-1alpha expression, which localized to OX-42-labeled
      microglia, leading to time-dependent increases in the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK
      and ERK1/2. The expression pattern of induced CCL3/MIP-1alpha was partly
      consistent with the phosphorylation of MAPKs (P38 MAPK, ERK1/2). Anti-MIP-1alpha
      attenuated microglial accumulation and the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and
      iNOS. The inhibition of P38 MAPK, ERK1/2, or NF-kappaB signaling reduced the
      induced upregulation of CCL3/MIP-1alpha and the microglial accumulation. Our data
      suggest that upregulated CCL3/MIP-1alpha mediates the accumulation of microglia
      and the neuroinflammatory reaction, and its expression may be regulated by MAPKs
      and NF-kappaB in LPS-induced brain injury.

PMID- 28094822
TI  - Analysis of methionine synthase (rs1805087) gene polymorphism in autism patients
      in Northern Iran.
AB  - Autism is characterized by impairment in reciprocal communication and speech,
      repetitive behaviors, and social communication. The genetic and environmental
      factors play roles in the pathogenesis of autism. It was recently shown that the
      genes involved in the folate/homocysteine pathway may be risk factors for
      autistic children. One of the genes that may be the risk factor for autism is
      Methionine synthase (MTR). MTR is responsible for the regeneration of methionine
      from homocysteine. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of MTR
      A2756G gene polymorphism (rs1805087) and the risk of autism in a population in
      northern Iran. The prevalence of MTR A2756G polymorphism was determined in 108
      children with autism and 130 controls in northern Iran. Genotypes and allele
      frequencies were determined in patients and controls by polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The prevalence of genotype
      frequencies of AA, AG and GG in autistic children were 57.41%, 22.22% and 20.37%,
      respectively, while in controls were 61.54%, 32.31% and 6.15%, respectively.
      There was significant difference between the MTR polymorphism distribution in
      control and patient groups. The prevalence of allele frequencies of A and G in
      autistic children were 0.69 and 0.31, respectively and in controls were 0.78 and
      0.22, respectively (P=0.03). The MTR G allele conferred a 1.6-fold increased risk
      to autism relative to the A allele (95% CI=1.06-2.41, P=0.02). The present study
      suggests that the G allele of MTR A2756G polymorphism is associated with an
      increased risk of autism.

PMID- 28094823
TI  - Anhedonia but not passive floating is an indicator of depressive-like behavior in
      two chronic stress paradigms.
AB  - Depression is the most common form of mental disability in the world. Depressive
      episodes may be precipitated by severe acute stressful events or by mild chronic
      stressors. Studies on the mechanisms of depression require both appropriate
      experimental models (most of them based on the exposure of animals to chronic
      stressors), and appropriate tests for assessment of depressive states. In this
      study male Wistar rats were exposed to two different chronic stress paradigms: an
      eight-week chronic unpredictable mild stress or a two-week combined chronic
      stress. The behavioral effects of stress were evaluated using sucrose preference,
      forced swim and open field tests. After the exposure to chronic unpredictable
      mild stress, anhedonia was developed, activity in the open field increased, while
      no changes in the duration of passive floating could be detected. After chronic
      combined stress, anhedonia was also evident, whereas behavior in the open field
      and forced swim test did not change. The levels of corticosterone in the blood
      and brain structures involved in stress-response did not differ from control in
      both experiments. The absence of significant changes in corticosterone levels and
      passive floating may be indicative of the adaptation of animals to chronic
      stress. Anhedonia appears to be a more sensitive indicator of depressive-like
      behavioral effects of chronic stress as compared to behavior in the forced swim
      or open field tests.

PMID- 28094824
TI  - Structural Neuroimaging in Polysubstance Users.
AB  - The simultaneous and/or concurrent use of licit and illicit substances
      (polysubstance use, PSU) is most common today. Structural magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) has been applied extensively to study individuals ostensibly using
      a single substance. These studies have produced a picture of regional gray matter
      and white matter alterations with each substance or class of substances. Very few
      studies measured regional brain morphometry in today's polysubstance users. This
      limited data suggest morphometric alterations with PSU that are not simply
      additive but often different from those of monosubstance users. Specifically,
      subcortical volume enlargements are observed that may be tied to mechanisms that
      also oppose volume reductions in cortical brain regions, thereby underestimating
      actual cortical atrophy. The complex actions of polysubstance use on brain
      structure and function need greater scrutiny with strong methodological
      approaches to inform more efficient treatment of polysubstance users.

PMID- 28094825
TI  - What people want in a prosthetic foot: A focus group study.

PMID- 28094826
TI  - Response to: Dittrich et al.: Non-Embryo-Destructive Extraction of Pluripotent
      Embryonic Stem Cells - Overlooked Legal Prohibitions, Professional Legal
      Consequences and Inconsistencies in Patent Law.
AB  - The publication of "Non-embryo-destructive Extraction of Pluripotent Embryonic
      Stem Cells: Implications for Regenerative Medicine and Reproductive Medicine" by
      Dittrich et al. in Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde 2015; 75: 1239-1242 1
      describes various possibilities which could result from the non-embryo
      destructive extraction of embryonic stem cells from human blastocysts. But
      implementing this method is more problematic, both legally and ethically, than
      the authors have represented it to be and is illegal in Germany. German patent DE
      10 2004 062 184 on the non-embryo-destructive extraction of embryonic stem cells
      referred to by Dittrich et al. contravenes the higher-ranking case-law of the
      European Court of Justice. Ultimately, the non-embryo-destructive harvesting of
      embryonic stem cells with the aim of storing these cells for use in potential
      therapies as proposed by Dittrich et al. is prohibited in Germany and could lead
      to criminal prosecution.

PMID- 28094828
TI  - Highly sensitive and fast monolayer WS2 phototransistors realized by SnS
      nanosheet decoration.
AB  - Two-dimensional chalcogenide monolayers are strong candidates for next-generation
      flexible and transparent optoelectronics. Due to the intrinsic ultrathin
      thickness and limited optical absorption, however, their responsivity is normally
      low. Here we develop a simple and low-cost method to fabricate high-performance
      hybrid phototransistors of monolayer WS2 with significantly enhanced responsivity
      and an extended spectral response range, by virtue of surface decoration with
      liquid-phase exfoliated SnS nanosheets (NSs). The hybrid phototransistors show a
      much enhanced responsivity of ~2 A W-1 and an ultrahigh light/dark signal-to
      noise ratio of 106 under 457 nm excitation, exhibiting a significant increase of
      3 orders of magnitude in responsivity and a 100 fold increase in signal-to-noise
      ratio, compared with pure WS2 devices. Our hybrid photodetectors also exhibit a
      respectable response speed, with a rise and decay time of 51 MUs and 98 MUs,
      respectively. After optimal surface decoration with narrow bandgap SnS NSs atop a
      monolayer WS2 channel, an emergent optical responsivity in the near infrared
      region (1064 nm) is also observed.

PMID- 28094829
TI  - News from Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts.

PMID- 28094830
TI  - Molecular electron acceptors for efficient fullerene-free organic solar cells.
AB  - Nowadays, organic solar cells (OSCs) with efficiencies over 10% have been
      achieved through the elaborate design of electron donors and fullerene acceptors.
      However, the drawbacks of fullerene acceptors, like poor absorption, limited
      chemical and energetic tunabilities, high-cost purification and morphological
      instability, have become the bottlenecks for the further improvement of OSCs. To
      overcome the mentioned shortages from fullerene, research studies on non
      fullerene electron acceptors have boomed. To date, the highest efficiency of
      fullerene-free OSCs has been pushed to be 12%, which surpasses that of fullerene
      based OSCs. In this perspective, we focus on summarizing the development of small
      molecule electron acceptors designed to replace the fullerene derivatives. Since
      it has been revealed that the search for matched donor:acceptor pairs is
      important for accomplishing high efficiencies, we therefore divide electron
      acceptors into several categories according to the donors used in fullerene-free
      OSCs. After the introduction of these acceptors, we outline the designing rules
      as well as perspectives for the development of non-fullerene acceptors. We
      believe that the development of non-fullerene electron acceptors will make
      organic photovoltaics closer to practical applications.

PMID- 28094831
TI  - [The child immunisation programme--effective but insufficient. Experiences from
      the Astrid Lindgren pediatric hospital, 2008-2013].
AB  - The national Swedish immunisation programme includes vaccine against diphtheria,
      tetanus, polio, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Pneumococcus as well as
      measles, mumps and rubella. Data were collected on hospital admissions for
      children 0- 17 years of age of vaccine-preventable diseases during 2008-2013 at
      Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm. Patients were identified by
      discharge diagnosis codes as well as from the clinical microbiology laboratory.
      There were rare cases of measles and mumps, and only a few cases of invasive
      bacterial diseases. The dominating pathogens were influenza A and B, rotavirus
      and varicella zoster virus. Our national programme is effective, but vaccine
      preventable infections still cause significant morbidity in young children. An
      extended vaccine programme might significantly reduce the need of
      hospitalisations.

PMID- 28094832
TI  - [Prescribed drug use for bipolar disorder type I and II in clinical practice].
AB  - Prescribed drug use for bipolar disorder type I and II in clinical practice
      Practice guidelines based on available evidence and clinical consensus are
      available for the treatment of bipolar disorder. We surveyed to which extent
      those guidelines are implemented in clinical practice in Sweden. We analysed
      pharmacological treatment in patients with bipolar disorder in 2015 using the
      national quality register for bipolar disorder (BipolaR). We compared bipolar
      disorder type I (BDI) with type bipolar disorder type II (BDII). The vast
      majority of patients were prescribed a mood stabilizer either as monotherapy or
      as a part of combination therapy (BDI 87%, BDII 83%, p<0.001). Whereas lithium
      was the most common mood stabilizer in type I (BDI 65%, BDII 40%, p<0.001),
      lamotrigine was the most common mood stabilizer in type II (BDI 18%, BDII 42%,
      p<0.001). Antidepressants were less common in BDI than BDII (35% vs. 53%,
      p<0.001). Antipsychotic drugs (first or second generation) were more frequently
      used in BDI than BDII (49% vs 35%, p<0.001). Central stimulants were rarely used
      (BDI 3.1%, BDII 6.6%, p<0.001). Combining a mood stabilizer with an antipsychotic
      drug was more common in BDI than BDII (27% vs. 12%, p<0.001), whereas combining a
      mood stabilizer with an antidepressant was less common in BDI than BDII (16% vs
      28%, p<0.001). We conclude that most patients are prescribed mood stabilizers and
      that the differences between BDI and BDII are rational given the differences in
      clinical manifestations. The use of antidepressants is surprisingly high given
      the long-standing debate about the risk and effectiveness of this class in
      bipolar disorder.

PMID- 28094834
TI  - ?

PMID- 28094833
TI  - [First aid proposal for the TV lawyers' eczema].

PMID- 28094835
TI  - [Sahlgrenska should take an "acid test"].

PMID- 28094836
TI  - [Management theory in a new suit--or the emperor's new clothes].

PMID- 28094837
TI  - [Should value-based care be introduced by consultants without scientific
      evidence?].

PMID- 28094838
TI  - [Health care alarmists counteracts quality development].

PMID- 28094839
TI  - Improved fluorescence assays to measure the defects associated with F508del-CFTR
      allow identification of new active compounds.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a debilitating disease caused by
      mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene,
      which codes for a Cl-/HCO3 - channel. F508del, the most common CF-associated
      mutation, causes both gating and biogenesis defects in the CFTR protein. This
      paper describes the optimization of two fluorescence assays, capable of measuring
      CFTR function and cellular localization, and their use in a pilot drug screen.
      EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: HEK293 cells expressing YFP-F508del-CFTR, in which halide
      sensitive YFP is tagged to the N-terminal of CFTR, were used to screen a small
      library of compounds based on the VX-770 scaffold. Cells expressing F508del-CFTR
      pHTomato, in which a pH sensor is tagged to the fourth extracellular loop of
      CFTR, were used to measure CFTR plasma membrane exposure following chronic
      treatment with the novel potentiators. KEY RESULTS: Active compounds with
      efficacy ~50% of VX-770, micromolar potency, and structurally distinct from VX
      770 were identified in the screen. The F508del-CFTR-pHTomato assay suggests that
      the hit compound MS131A, unlike VX-770, does not decrease membrane exposure of
      F508del-CFTR. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Most known potentiators have a
      negative influence on F508del-CFTR biogenesis/stability, which means membrane
      exposure needs to be monitored early during the development of drugs targeting
      CFTR. The combined use of the two fluorescence assays described here provides a
      useful tool for the identification of improved potentiators and correctors. The
      assays could also prove useful for basic scientific investigations on F508del
      CFTR, and other CF-causing mutations.

PMID- 28094840
TI  - Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and later dementia: a Swedish National
      Register Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to investigate the rate of vascular dementia and
      dementia in women with previous hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, since white
      matter lesions of the brain and cardiovascular disease are linked both to
      dementia and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Prospective population-based registry study on all women giving birth in Sweden
      between 1973 and 1975 (284 598). Women with and without hypertensive disorders in
      pregnancy were identified by means of the Swedish Medical Birth Register and
      linked to the National Patient Register, where data on somatic disease later in
      life were obtained. International classification of disease was used. The Cox
      proportional hazard model was used to calculate hazard ratios for both groups and
      adjusted for possible confounders. Main outcome measures were in-hospital
      diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia and dementia. RESULTS: No
      increased risks were seen for vascular dementia or dementia after any
      hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. If broken down in specific diagnoses for
      hypertensive disease in pregnancy, adjusted risks for vascular dementia after
      hypertension and proteinuria during pregnancy the hazard ratio was 6.27 (95% CI
      1.65-27.44). Higher risks for cardiovascular disease were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS:
      Because of the very low absolute risk, the wide confidence interval and risk of
      misclassification, our results on vascular dementia could be questioned.
      Considering the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, the findings of brain lesions
      and the increased risk for cardiovascular disease, the possibly increased risk
      for all kinds of dementia must be investigated in larger and more well-defined
      cohorts.

PMID- 28094841
TI  - Phase 2, randomized, double-blind study of pracinostat in combination with
      azacitidine in patients with untreated, higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis of patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes
      (MDS) remains poor despite available therapies. Histone deacetylase inhibitors
      have demonstrated activity in patients with MDS and in vitro synergy with
      azacitidine. METHODS: A phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of
      azacitidine and pracinostat was conducted in patients who had International
      Prognostic Scoring System intermediate-2-risk or high-risk MDS. The primary
      endpoint was the complete response (CR) rate by cycle 6 of therapy. RESULTS: Of
      102 randomized patients, there were 51 in the pracinostat group and 51 in the
      placebo group. The median age was 69 years. The CR rate by cycle 6 of therapy was
      18% and 33% (P = .07) in the pracinostat and placebo groups, respectively. No
      significant differences in overall survival (median, 16 vs 19 months,
      respectively; hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-2.23) or
      progression-free survival (11 vs 9 months, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.82; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.546-1.46) were observed between groups. Grade >=3 adverse
      events occurred more frequently in the pracinostat group (98% vs 74%), leading to
      more treatment discontinuations (20% vs 10%). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of
      azacitidine with pracinostat did not improve outcomes in patients with higher
      risk MDS. Higher rates of treatment discontinuation may partially explain these
      results, suggesting alternative dosing and schedules to improve tolerability may
      be required to determine the potential of the combination. Cancer 2017;123:994
      1002. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 28094842
TI  - Impact of microbial invasion of amniotic cavity and the type of microorganisms on
      short-term neonatal outcome in women with preterm labor and intact membranes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of microbial
      invasion of the amniotic cavity and the type of microorganisms on pregnancy and
      short-term neonatal outcomes in women with preterm labor. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Prospective observational cohort study including women with preterm labor from
      22.0 to 36.0 weeks. Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was defined based
      on amniotic fluid aerobic/anaerobic/mycoplasma cultures, and intra-amniotic
      inflammation on amniotic fluid interleukin-6 levels. Demographic data and
      pregnancy outcomes were compared among women exposed to microbial invasion of the
      amniotic cavity by Ureaplasma spp., women with microbial invasion of the amniotic
      cavity by other microorganisms, and a No-microbial invasion of the amniotic
      cavity/No-intra-amniotic inflammation group. The short-term neonatal outcome was
      evaluated in women delivering after 24.0 weeks. RESULTS: We included 228 women
      with preterm labor. Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity occurred in 35%
      (80/228), 28% (22/80) being caused by Ureaplasma spp. Gestational age at
      admission and at delivery were significantly earlier and the rate of delivery at
      <24.0 weeks' gestation and of women who further developed clinical
      chorioamnionitis were significantly higher in women with microbial invasion of
      the amniotic cavity by microorganisms other than Ureaplasma spp. However, after
      24 weeks, regardless of the microorganisms isolated, the short-term neonatal
      outcome was similar between women exposed to microbial invasion of the amniotic
      cavity and the No-microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity/No-intra-amniotic
      inflammation group when gestational age was considered. CONCLUSIONS: Microbial
      invasion of the amniotic cavity by microorganisms other than Ureaplasma spp. was
      associated with earlier gestational age at admission and at delivery, and a
      higher rate of preterm delivery <24.0 weeks and of women who developed clinical
      chorioamnionitis. However, we did not find differences in the short-term neonatal
      outcome between women exposed to microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and
      the no-microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity/no-intra-amniotic inflammation
      group delivering after 24.0 weeks' gestation when adjusted by gestational age at
      delivery.

PMID- 28094843
TI  - Hypomethylating agents in combination with histone deacetylase inhibitors in
      higher risk myelodysplastic syndromes: Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

PMID- 28094844
TI  - Local consolidative therapy may be beneficial in patients with oligometastatic
      non-small cell lung cancer.

PMID- 28094845
TI  - Five more years! Not everything changes.

PMID- 28094846
TI  - Chronic drug-induced effects on contractile motion properties and cardiac
      biomarkers in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the pharmaceutical industry risk assessments of
      chronic cardiac safety liabilities are mostly performed during late stages of
      preclinical drug development using in vivo animal models. Here, we explored the
      potential of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS
      CMs) to detect chronic cardiac risks such as drug-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity.
      EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Video microscopy-based motion field imaging was applied to
      evaluate the chronic effect (over 72 h) of cardiotoxic drugs on the contractile
      motion of hiPS-CMs. In parallel, the release of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), heart
      fatty acid binding protein (FABP3) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide
      (NT-proBNP) was analysed from cell medium, and transcriptional profiling of hiPS
      CMs was done at the end of the experiment. KEY RESULTS: Different cardiotoxic
      drugs altered the contractile motion properties of hiPS-CMs together with
      increasing the release of cardiac biomarkers. FABP3 and cTnI were shown to be
      potential surrogates to predict cardiotoxicity in hiPS-CMs, whereas NT-proBNP
      seemed to be a less valuable biomarker. Furthermore, drug-induced cardiotoxicity
      produced by chronic exposure of hiPS-CMs to arsenic trioxide, doxorubicin or
      panobinostat was associated with different profiles of changes in contractile
      parameters, biomarker release and transcriptional expression. CONCLUSION AND
      IMPLICATIONS: We have shown that a parallel assessment of motion field imaging
      derived contractile properties, release of biomarkers and transcriptional changes
      can detect diverse mechanisms of chronic drug-induced cardiac liabilities in hiPS
      CMs. Hence, hiPS-CMs could potentially improve and accelerate cardiovascular de
      risking of compounds at earlier stages of drug discovery. LINKED ARTICLES: This
      article is part of a themed section on New Insights into Cardiotoxicity Caused by
      Chemotherapeutic Agents. To view the other articles in this section visit
      http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.21/issuetoc.

PMID- 28094847
TI  - Increased regulatory T cell graft content is associated with improved outcome in
      haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review.
AB  - Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are at increased
      risk of morbidity and mortality, often due to the development of acute or chronic
      graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Low numbers or proportions of regulatory T
      cells (Tregs) have been reported in patients who develop GVHD. We undertook a
      systematic review of studies that reported the Treg composition of HSCT grafts in
      patients with haematological malignancies. Fourteen eligible studies were
      identified, eight of which stratified patients by Tregs (absolute dose or ratio
      to CD3+ or CD4+ cells). Meta-analyses showed that high levels of Tregs in the
      grafts were associated with improved overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.42,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23-0.74, P = 0.003, 2 studies], with a significant
      reduction in non-relapse mortality (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.14-0.64, P = 0.002, 2
      studies) and a reduced risk of acute GVHD (relative risk (RR) 0.59, 95% CI 0.40
      0.89, P = 0.01, 6 studies). The consistency of these findings strongly suggests
      that the Treg composition of HSCT grafts has a powerful effect on the success of
      allogeneic HSCT. The major challenge is to translate these findings into better
      selection of allografts and future donors to provide a substantial improvement in
      allogeneic HSCT outcomes and practice.

PMID- 28094848
TI  - The Eighth Edition AJCC Cancer Staging Manual: Continuing to build a bridge from
      a population-based to a more "personalized" approach to cancer staging.
AB  - The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual has become the
      benchmark for classifying patients with cancer, defining prognosis, and
      determining the best treatment approaches. Many view the primary role of the
      tumor, lymph node, metastasis (TNM) system as that of a standardized
      classification system for evaluating cancer at a population level in terms of the
      extent of disease, both at initial presentation and after surgical treatment, and
      the overall impact of improvements in cancer treatment. The rapid evolution of
      knowledge in cancer biology and the discovery and validation of biologic factors
      that predict cancer outcome and response to treatment with better accuracy have
      led some cancer experts to question the utility of a TNM-based approach in
      clinical care at an individualized patient level. In the Eighth Edition of the
      AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, the goal of including relevant, nonanatomic
      (including molecular) factors has been foremost, although changes are made only
      when there is strong evidence for inclusion. The editorial board viewed this
      iteration as a proactive effort to continue to build the important bridge from a
      "population-based" to a more "personalized" approach to patient classification,
      one that forms the conceptual framework and foundation of cancer staging in the
      era of precision molecular oncology. The AJCC promulgates best staging practices
      through each new edition in an effort to provide cancer care providers with a
      powerful, knowledge-based resource for the battle against cancer. In this
      commentary, the authors highlight the overall organizational and structural
      changes as well as "what's new" in the Eighth Edition. It is hoped that this
      information will provide the reader with a better understanding of the rationale
      behind the aggregate proposed changes and the exciting developments in the
      upcoming edition. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:93-99. (c) 2017 American Cancer
      Society.

PMID- 28094849
TI  - The "collimator monitoring fill factor" of a two-dimensional detector array, a
      measure of its ability to detect collimation errors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Two-dimensional detector arrays are routinely used for constancy checks
      and treatment plan verification in photon-beam radiotherapy. In addition to the
      spatial resolution of the dose profiles, the "coverage" of the radiation field
      with respect to the detection of any beam collimation deficiency appears as the
      second characteristic feature of a detector array. The here proposed "collimator
      monitoring fill factor" (CM fill factor) has been conceived to serve as a
      quantitative characteristic of this "coverage". METHODS: The CM fill factor is
      defined as the probability of a 2D array to detect any collimator position error.
      Therefore, it is represented by the ratio of the "sensitive area" of a single
      detector, in which collimator position errors are detectable, and the geometrical
      "cell area" associated with this detector within the array. Numerical values of
      the CM fill factor have been Monte Carlo simulated for 2D detector arrays
      equipped with air-vented ionization chambers, liquid-filled ionization chambers
      and diode detectors and were compared with the "FWHM fill factor" defined by Gago
      Arias et al. (2012). RESULTS: For arrays with vented ionization chambers, the
      differences between the CM fill factor and the FWHM fill factor are moderate, but
      occasionally the latter exceeds unity. For narrower detectors such as liquid
      filled ionization chambers and Si diodes and for small sampling distances, large
      differences between the FWHM fill factor and the CM fill factor have been
      observed. These differences can be explained by the shapes of the fluence
      response functions of these narrow detectors. CONCLUSIONS: A new parameter
      "collimator monitoring fill factor" (CM fill factor), applicable to quantitate
      the collimator position error detection probability of a 2D detector array, has
      been proposed. It is designed as a help in classifying the clinical performance
      of two-dimensional detector arrays in photon-beam radiotherapy.

PMID- 28094850
TI  - Discriminating solitary cysts from soft tissue lesions in mammography using a
      pretrained deep convolutional neural network.
AB  - PURPOSE: It is estimated that 7% of women in the western world will develop
      palpable breast cysts in their lifetime. Even though cysts have been correlated
      with risk of developing breast cancer, many of them are benign and do not require
      follow-up. We develop a method to discriminate benign solitary cysts from
      malignant masses in digital mammography. We think a system like this can have
      merit in the clinic as a decision aid or complementary to specialized modalities.
      METHODS: We employ a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify cyst and
      mass patches. Deep CNNs have been shown to be powerful classifiers, but need a
      large amount of training data for which medical problems are often difficult to
      come by. The key contribution of this paper is that we show good performance can
      be obtained on a small dataset by pretraining the network on a large dataset of a
      related task. We subsequently investigate the following: (a) when a mammographic
      exam is performed, two different views of the same breast are recorded. We
      investigate the merit of combining the output of the classifier from these two
      views. (b) We evaluate the importance of the resolution of the patches fed to the
      network. (c) A method dubbed tissue augmentation is subsequently employed, where
      we extract normal tissue from normal patches and superimpose this onto the actual
      samples aiming for a classifier invariant to occluding tissue. (d) We combine the
      representation extracted using the deep CNN with our previously developed
      features. RESULTS: We show that using the proposed deep learning method, an area
      under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.80 can be obtained on a set of benign
      solitary cysts and malignant mass findings recalled in screening. We find that it
      works significantly better than our previously developed approach by comparing
      the AUC of the ROC using bootstrapping. By combining views, the results can be
      further improved, though this difference was not found to be significant. We find
      no significant difference between using a resolution of 100 versus 200 micron.
      The proposed tissue augmentations give a small improvement in performance, but
      this improvement was also not found to be significant. The final system obtained
      an AUC of 0.80 with 95% confidence interval [0.78, 0.83], calculated using
      bootstrapping. The system works best for lesions larger than 27 mm where it
      obtains an AUC value of 0.87. CONCLUSION: We have presented a computer-aided
      diagnosis (CADx) method to discriminate cysts from solid lesion in mammography
      using features from a deep CNN trained on a large set of mass candidates,
      obtaining an AUC of 0.80 on a set of diagnostic exams recalled from screening. We
      believe the system shows great potential and comes close to the performance of
      recently developed spectral mammography. We think the system can be further
      improved when more data and computational power becomes available.

PMID- 28094851
TI  - Blood transfusion for preventing primary and secondary stroke in people with
      sickle cell disease.
AB  - BACKROUND: Sickle cell disease is one of the commonest severe monogenic disorders
      in the world, due to the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin (beta globin)
      genes. Sickle cell disease can cause severe pain, significant end-organ damage,
      pulmonary complications, and premature death. Stroke affects around 10% of
      children with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS). Chronic blood transfusions may reduce
      the risk of vaso-occlusion and stroke by diluting the proportion of sickled cells
      in the circulation.This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in
      2002, and last updated in 2013. OBJECTIVES: To assess risks and benefits of
      chronic blood transfusion regimens in people with sickle cell disease for primary
      and secondary stroke prevention (excluding silent cerebral infarcts). SEARCH
      METHODS: We searched for relevant trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from
      1946), Embase (from 1974), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980), and
      ongoing trial databases; all searches current to 04 April 2016.We searched the
      Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Haemoglobinopathies Trials
      Register: 25 April 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials
      comparing red blood cell transfusions as prophylaxis for stroke in people with
      sickle cell disease to alternative or standard treatment. There were no
      restrictions by outcomes examined, language or publication status. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and
      the risk of bias and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: We included five trials (660
      participants) published between 1998 and 2016. Four of these trials were
      terminated early. The vast majority of participants had the haemoglobin (Hb)SS
      form of sickle cell disease.Three trials compared regular red cell transfusions
      to standard care in primary prevention of stroke: two in children with no
      previous long-term transfusions; and one in children and adolescents on long-term
      transfusion.Two trials compared the drug hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) and
      phlebotomy to long-term transfusions and iron chelation therapy: one in primary
      prevention (children); and one in secondary prevention (children and
      adolescents).The quality of the evidence was very low to moderate across
      different outcomes according to GRADE methodology. This was due to the trials
      being at a high risk of bias due to lack of blinding, indirectness and imprecise
      outcome estimates. Red cell transfusions versus standard care Children with no
      previous long-term transfusionsLong-term transfusions probably reduce the
      incidence of clinical stroke in children with a higher risk of stroke (abnormal
      transcranial doppler velocities or previous history of silent cerebral infarct),
      risk ratio 0.12 (95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.49) (two trials, 326
      participants), moderate quality evidence.Long-term transfusions may: reduce the
      incidence of other sickle cell disease-related complications (acute chest
      syndrome, risk ratio 0.24 (95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.48)) (two trials,
      326 participants); increase quality of life (difference estimate -0.54, 95%
      confidence interval -0.92 to -0.17) (one trial, 166 participants); but make
      little or no difference to IQ scores (least square mean: 1.7, standard error 95%
      confidence interval -1.1 to 4.4) (one trial, 166 participants), low quality
      evidence.We are very uncertain whether long-term transfusions: reduce the risk of
      transient ischaemic attacks, Peto odds ratio 0.13 (95% confidence interval 0.01
      to 2.11) (two trials, 323 participants); have any effect on all-cause mortality,
      no deaths reported (two trials, 326 participants); or increase the risk of
      alloimmunisation, risk ratio 3.16 (95% confidence interval 0.18 to 57.17) (one
      trial, 121 participants), very low quality evidence. Children and adolescents
      with previous long-term transfusions (one trial, 79 participants)We are very
      uncertain whether continuing long-term transfusions reduces the incidence of:
      stroke, risk ratio 0.22 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 4.35); or all-cause
      mortality, Peto odds ratio 8.00 (95% confidence interval 0.16 to 404.12), very
      low quality evidence.Several review outcomes were only reported in one trial arm
      (sickle cell disease-related complications, alloimmunisation, transient ischaemic
      attacks).The trial did not report neurological impairment, or quality of life.
      Hydroxyurea and phlebotomy versus red cell transfusions and chelationNeither
      trial reported on neurological impairment, alloimmunisation, or quality of life.
      Primary prevention, children (one trial, 121 participants)Switching to
      hydroxyurea and phlebotomy may have little or no effect on liver iron
      concentrations, mean difference -1.80 mg Fe/g dry-weight liver (95% confidence
      interval -5.16 to 1.56), low quality evidence.We are very uncertain whether
      switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy has any effect on: risk of stroke (no
      strokes); all-cause mortality (no deaths); transient ischaemic attacks, risk
      ratio 1.02 (95% confidence interval 0.21 to 4.84); or other sickle cell disease
      related complications (acute chest syndrome, risk ratio 2.03 (95% confidence
      interval 0.39 to 10.69)), very low quality evidence. Secondary prevention,
      children and adolescents (one trial, 133 participants)Switching to hydroxyurea
      and phlebotomy may: increase the risk of sickle cell disease-related serious
      adverse events, risk ratio 3.10 (95% confidence interval 1.42 to 6.75); but have
      little or no effect on median liver iron concentrations (hydroxyurea, 17.3 mg
      Fe/g dry-weight liver (interquartile range 10.0 to 30.6)); transfusion 17.3 mg
      Fe/g dry-weight liver (interquartile range 8.8 to 30.7), low quality evidence.We
      are very uncertain whether switching to hydroxyurea and phlebotomy: increases the
      risk of stroke, risk ratio 14.78 (95% confidence interval 0.86 to 253.66); or has
      any effect on all-cause mortality, Peto odds ratio 0.98 (95% confidence interval
      0.06 to 15.92); or transient ischaemic attacks, risk ratio 0.66 (95% confidence
      interval 0.25 to 1.74), very low quality evidence. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is
      no evidence for managing adults, or children who do not have HbSS sickle cell
      disease.In children who are at higher risk of stroke and have not had previous
      long-term transfusions, there is moderate quality evidence that long-term red
      cell transfusions reduce the risk of stroke, and low quality evidence they also
      reduce the risk of other sickle cell disease-related complications.In primary and
      secondary prevention of stroke there is low quality evidence that switching to
      hydroxyurea with phlebotomy has little or no effect on the liver iron
      concentration.In secondary prevention of stroke there is low-quality evidence
      that switching to hydroxyurea with phlebotomy increases the risk of sickle cell
      disease-related events.All other evidence in this review is of very low quality.

PMID- 28094852
TI  - The fluorescent foible of Heinz bodies.

PMID- 28094853
TI  - High dose-per-pulse electron beam dosimetry - A model to correct for the ion
      recombination in the Advanced Markus ionization chamber.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to establish an empirical model of the ion
      recombination in the Advanced Markus ionization chamber for measurements in high
      dose rate/dose-per-pulse electron beams. In addition, we compared the observed
      ion recombination to calculations using the standard Boag two-voltage-analysis
      method, the more general theoretical Boag models, and the semiempirical general
      equation presented by Burns and McEwen. METHODS: Two independent methods were
      used to investigate the ion recombination: (a) Varying the grid tension of the
      linear accelerator (linac) gun (controls the linac output) and measuring the
      relative effect the grid tension has on the chamber response at different source
      to-surface distances (SSD). (b) Performing simultaneous dose measurements and
      comparing the dose-response, in beams with varying dose rate/dose-per-pulse, with
      the chamber together with dose rate/dose-per-pulse independent GafchromicTM EBT3
      film. Three individual Advanced Markus chambers were used for the measurements
      with both methods. All measurements were performed in electron beams with varying
      mean dose rate, dose rate within pulse, and dose-per-pulse (10-2  <= mean dose
      rate <= 103 Gy/s, 102  <= mean dose rate within pulse <= 107  Gy/s, 10-4  <= dose
      per-pulse <= 101  Gy), which was achieved by independently varying the linac gun
      grid tension, and the SSD. RESULTS: The results demonstrate how the ion
      collection efficiency of the chamber decreased as the dose-per-pulse increased,
      and that the ion recombination was dependent on the dose-per-pulse rather than
      the dose rate, a behavior predicted by Boag theory. The general theoretical Boag
      models agreed well with the data over the entire investigated dose-per-pulse
      range, but only for a low polarizing chamber voltage (50 V). However, the two
      voltage-analysis method and the Burns & McEwen equation only agreed with the data
      at low dose-per-pulse values (<= 10-2 and <= 10-1  Gy, respectively). An
      empirical model of the ion recombination in the chamber was found by fitting a
      logistic function to the data. CONCLUSIONS: The ion collection efficiency of the
      Advanced Markus ionization chamber decreases for measurements in electron beams
      with increasingly higher dose-per-pulse. However, this chamber is still
      functional for dose measurements in beams with dose-per-pulse values up toward
      and above 10 Gy, if the ion recombination is taken into account. Our results show
      that existing models give a less-than-accurate description of the observed ion
      recombination. This motivates the use of the presented empirical model for
      measurements with the Advanced Markus chamber in high dose-per-pulse electron
      beams, as it enables accurate absorbed dose measurements (uncertainty estimation:
      2.8-4.0%, k = 1). The model depends on the dose-per-pulse in the beam, and it is
      also influenced by the polarizing chamber voltage, with increasing ion
      recombination with a lowering of the voltage.

PMID- 28094854
TI  - Synthesis and antioxidant properties of caffeic acid corn bran arabinoxylan
      esters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: As a potential of bioactive additives, corn bran arabinoxylan (CAX)
      was prominent in its probiotic benefits and immuno-enhancing activities. To
      improve the antioxidant ability of CAX, naturally occurring caffeic acid (CA) was
      covalently attached to CAX by esterification to generate caffeic acid corn bran
      arabinoxylan esters (CA-CAX) with various degrees of substitution (DS). METHODS:
      The structure of CA-CAX was analysed by NMR, and the DS was determined by HPLC.
      The antioxidant activity of CA-CAX was investigated on scavenging the 2,2'
      diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and autoxidazing methyl linoleate, and
      an aqueous linolenic acid dispersion was also used as an in vitro test system to
      examine the inhibition effect of CA-CAX on the lipid peroxidation level after UV
      exposure. The ability of CA-CAX to prevent H2 O2 -induced oxidative damage of
      cell was studied by reducing MDA levels and increasing SOD and GSH-Px activities
      in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell. RESULTS: The results certificated that CA
      was linked to CAX successfully with various DS. Compared with CAX, the
      antioxidant capacity of CA-CAX was improved significantly and enhanced with the
      increasing concentration and DS.

PMID- 28094855
TI  - Technical Note: Dose distributions in the vicinity of high-density implants using
      3D gel dosimeters.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this work, we develop a methodology for using Fricke gel dosimeters
      for dose distribution measurements surrounding high-density implants which
      circumvents artifact production by removing the obstruction during imaging.
      METHODS: Custom 3D printed molds were used to set cavities in Fricke gel phantoms
      to allow for the suspension of high-density implants in different geometries.
      This allowed for the metal valve extracted from a temporary tissue expander to be
      suspended during irradiation, and removed during optical-CT scanning. RESULTS:
      The removal of the metal implant and subsequent backfilling of the remaining
      cavity with optically matched fluid prior to dose evaluation enables accurate
      optical-CT scanning of the gel dosimeters. Results have shown very good agreement
      between measured and calculated doses within 2 mm from the surface of the
      implant. Slight deviations are present within 1 mm of the interface. CONCLUSIONS:
      Artifacts in the form of radial streaking, cold spots, and hot spots were all
      reduced using this technique, enabling the broader and more accurate use of
      optical-CT for the imaging of gels containing opaque objects.

PMID- 28094856
TI  - Percent depth doses and X-ray beam characterizations of a fluoroscopic system
      incorporating copper filtration.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this investigation, we sought to characterize X-ray beam qualities
      and quantitate percent depth dose (PDD) curves for fluoroscopic X-ray beams
      incorporating added copper (Cu) filtration, such as those commonly used in
      fluoroscopically guided interventions (FGI). The intended application of this
      research is for dosimetry in soft tissue from FGI procedures using these data.
      METHODS: All measurements in this study were acquired on a Siemens (Erlangen,
      Germany) Artis zeego fluoroscope. X-ray beam characteristics of first half-value
      layer (HVL), second HVL, homogeneity coefficients (HCs), backscatter factors
      (BSFs) and kVp accuracy and precision were determined to characterize the X-ray
      beams used for the PDD measurements. A scanning water tank was used to measure
      PDD curves for 60, 80, 100, and 120 kVp X-ray beams with Cu filtration
      thicknesses of 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 mm at 11 cm, 22 cm, and 42 cm nominal
      fields of view, in water depths of 0 to 150 mm. RESULTS: X-ray beam
      characteristics of first HVLs and HCs differed from previous published research
      of fluoroscopic X-ray beam qualities without Cu filtration. PDDs for 60, 80, 100,
      and 120 kVp with 0 mm of Cu filtration were comparable to previous published
      research, accounting for differences in fluoroscopes, geometric orientation, type
      of ionization chamber, X-ray beam quality, and the water tank used for data
      collection. PDDs and X-ray beam characteristics for beam qualities with Cu
      filtration are presented, which have not been previously reported. CONCLUSIONS:
      The data sets of X-ray beam characteristics and PDDs presented in this study can
      be used to estimate organ or soft tissue doses at depth involving similar beam
      qualities or to compare with mathematical models.

PMID- 28094857
TI  - Use of Oncept melanoma vaccine in 69 canine oral malignant melanomas in the UK.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oral malignant melanomas carry a poor-to-guarded prognosis because of
      their local invasiveness and high metastatic propensity. The Oncept melanoma
      vaccine is licensed to treat dogs with stage II or III locally-controlled oral
      malignant melanoma and this retrospective study aimed to assess survival of
      affected dogs treated with the vaccine in the UK. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical
      records of dogs with histopathologically-confirmed oral malignant melanoma that
      received the vaccine as part of their treatment were evaluated. Survival analyses
      for potential prognostic factors were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-nine dogs were
      included; 56 dogs, staged I to III, and with previous locoregional therapy, had a
      median survival time of 455 days (95% CI: 324 to 586 days). Based on Kaplan-Meier
      survival analysis with associated log-rank testing, no significant prognostic
      factors were identified for this population. Of the 13 patients with macroscopic
      disease treated with vaccine alone or in combination therapy, eight showed
      clinical response. Three patients with stage IV oral malignant melanoma survived
      171, 178 and 288 days from diagnosis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Patients treated
      with the melanoma vaccine in our study had survival times similar to their
      counterparts receiving the vaccine in the USA. There were observed responses in
      patients with macroscopic disease and so the vaccine could be considered as
      palliative treatment in dogs with stage IV disease.

PMID- 28094858
TI  - Caudal mediastinal cystic lesion in a dog.

PMID- 28094859
TI  - Hair nicotine concentration measurement in cats and its relationship to owner
      reported environmental tobacco smoke exposure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between hair nicotine concentration in
      cats and owner-reported exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Owner questionnaires documented exposure. Nicotine was extracted from
      hair by sonification in methanol followed by hydrophilic interaction
      chromatography with mass spectrometry. Relationships between hair nicotine
      concentration and owner-reported exposure were examined using hypothesis-testing
      statistics and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: The
      hair nicotine concentration of reportedly exposed cats was significantly higher
      than unexposed cats and groups of cats with different levels of exposure had
      significantly different median hair nicotine concentrations corresponding to
      exposure. A hair nicotine concentration of 0.1 ng/mg had a specificity of 98%
      (95% confidence interval: 83 to 100) and a sensitivity of 69% (95% confidence
      interval: 54 to 84) for detecting environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Outdoors
      access, coat colour, urban or rural environment and length of time living with
      the owner were not obviously associated with hair nicotine concentration.
      CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Feline hair nicotine concentration appears strongly
      associated with owner-reported environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Feline hair
      nicotine concentration could therefore be used as a biomarker for tobacco smoke
      exposure, allowing future studies to assess whether exposed cats have an
      increased risk of specific diseases.

PMID- 28094860
TI  - TTA-Rapid in the treatment of the canine cruciate deficient stifle: short- and
      medium-term outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate complications, short- and medium-term outcomes following
      treatment of lameness associated with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency in
      dogs using the "TTA-Rapid" technique. METHODS: Patient records from two
      veterinary clinics were retrospectively examined to collect data from cases
      treated over a period of 21 months. An owner postal questionnaire using a
      clinical metrology instrument (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs) evaluated medium
      term outcome of at least six months. RESULTS: In total 152 procedures were
      carried out in 141 dogs by two surgeons. Major complications, requiring further
      intervention, were identified in 11 (7%). Nine of these involved "late" meniscal
      injuries and two sustained tibial fractures postoperatively, one requiring
      internal fixation and the other external coaptation. The 3-month outcome was
      considered satisfactory in 99% of 135 procedures whilst the medium-term outcome
      (mean 16 months) was considered satisfactory in 86% of 108 dogs. CLINICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: "TTA-Rapid" offers a treatment option for cranial cruciate
      deficient stifles with good short- and medium-term outcomes. The complication
      rate was low in our hands.

PMID- 28094861
TI  - Caudal vertebra transfer: treatment of radio-ulnar nonunion and severe bone
      shortening in a dog.

PMID- 28094862
TI  - Software platform for simulation of a prototype proton CT scanner.
AB  - PURPOSE: Proton computed tomography (pCT) is a promising imaging technique to
      substitute or at least complement x-ray CT for more accurate proton therapy
      treatment planning as it allows calculating directly proton relative stopping
      power from proton energy loss measurements. A proton CT scanner with a silicon
      based particle tracking system and a five-stage scintillating energy detector has
      been completed. In parallel a modular software platform was developed to
      characterize the performance of the proposed pCT. METHOD: The modular pCT
      software platform consists of (1) a Geant4-based simulation modeling the Loma
      Linda proton therapy beam line and the prototype proton CT scanner, (2) water
      equivalent path length (WEPL) calibration of the scintillating energy detector,
      and (3) image reconstruction algorithm for the reconstruction of the relative
      stopping power (RSP) of the scanned object. In this work, each component of the
      modular pCT software platform is described and validated with respect to
      experimental data and benchmarked against theoretical predictions. In particular,
      the RSP reconstruction was validated with both experimental scans, water column
      measurements, and theoretical calculations. RESULTS: The results show that the
      pCT software platform accurately reproduces the performance of the existing
      prototype pCT scanner with a RSP agreement between experimental and simulated
      values to better than 1.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The validated platform is a versatile
      tool for clinical proton CT performance and application studies in a virtual
      setting. The platform is flexible and can be modified to simulate not yet
      existing versions of pCT scanners and higher proton energies than those currently
      clinically available.

PMID- 28094863
TI  - Palatal morphology changes in post-stroke patients measured by geometric
      morphometrics.
AB  - This study aimed to describe longitudinal palatal shape changes in post-stroke
      patients when compared to a sample of healthy subjects through linear
      measurements and geometric morphometrics. The 3D palatal scanned models of seven
      stroke patients having a 1-year post-stroke follow-up were matched with seven
      control subjects of the same age group (range 50-87 years). Intercanine,
      intermolar distances and palatal height were measured. 3D images were also
      analysed through geometric morphometrics to assess changes in the shape of the
      palate from T0 to T1 (1 year after the stroke). Principal component analysis was
      used to describe shape morphology changes, and visual colour maps were used to
      qualitatively assess differences between T0 and T1. No changes were detected nor
      in linear measures neither in palatal shape in healthy subjects from T0 to T1.
      The palates of stroke patients showed no linear differences either. However, when
      visualising shape changes through colour maps, the lateral aspects of the palatal
      vault were slightly narrower in T1, with respect to T0 in stroke patients. This
      may be attributed to altered tongue function following the stroke.

PMID- 28094864
TI  - Quantifying the structural integrity of nanorod arrays.
AB  - Arrays of aligned nanorods oriented perpendicular to a support, which are
      accessible by top-down lithography or by means of shape-defining hard templates,
      have received increasing interest as sensor components, components for
      nanophotonics and nanoelectronics, substrates for tissue engineering, surfaces
      having specific adhesive or antiadhesive properties and as surfaces with
      customized wettability. Agglomeration of the nanorods deteriorates the
      performance of components based on nanorod arrays. A comprehensive body of
      literature deals with mechanical failure mechanisms of nanorods and design
      criteria for mechanically stable nanorod arrays. However, the structural
      integrity of nanorod arrays is commonly evaluated only visually and
      qualitatively. We use real-space analysis of microscopic images to quantify the
      fraction of condensed nanorods in nanorod arrays. We suggest the number of array
      elements apparent in the micrographs divided by the number of array elements a
      defect-free array would contain in the same area, referred to as integrity
      fraction, as a measure of structural array integrity. Reproducible procedures to
      determine the imaged number of array elements are introduced. Thus, quantitative
      comparisons of different nanorod arrays, or of one nanorod array at different
      stages of its use, are possible. Structural integrities of identical nanorod
      arrays differing only in the length of the nanorods are exemplarily analysed.

PMID- 28094865
TI  - Long-term side effects on the temporomandibular joints and oro-facial function in
      patients with obstructive sleep apnoea treated with a mandibular advancement
      device.
AB  - Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in long-term treatment with a
      mandibular advancement device (MAD) to increase the upper airway space may
      develop changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the oro-facial function
      due to the protruded jaw position during sleep. The aim was to investigate the
      influence of long-term MAD treatment on the TMJs, oro-facial function and
      occlusion. This prospective study included 30 men and 13 women (median age 54)
      with OSA [Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI): 7-57]. They were examined with the Nordic
      Orofacial Test Screening (NOT-S), the Research Diagnostic Criteria for
      Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of
      the TMJs. The examination was performed before MAD treatment (T0), and 3-6 months
      (T1, no CBCT), 1 year (T2) and 3 years (T3) after treatment start. The results
      were analysed as long term (T0-T3, n = 14) and short term (T0-T2, n = 24) by t
      test, Fisher's exact test and anova. Both long- and short-term analyses revealed
      a reduction in AHI (P < 0.002). Significant long term were increased scores in
      the NOT-S Interview (P < 0.045), reduced vertical overbite (P < 0.031) and
      increased jaw protrusive movement (P < 0.027). TMJ changes were found as joint
      sounds in terms of reciprocal clicking and crepitus, short term as a decrease and
      subsequent recurrence (P < 0.053; P < 0.037). No significant radiological changes
      were found. In conclusion, MAD treatment is beneficial to some OSA patients, but
      might induce changes in the TMJs, the oro-facial function and the occlusion.
      However, these changes seemed to be less harmful than previously reported with
      careful adaptation, control and follow-ups.

PMID- 28094866
TI  - Corticolimbic circuits in learning, memory, and disease.

PMID- 28094867
TI  - UVA-1 exposure in vivo leads to an IL-6 surge within the skin.
AB  - UVA-1 is a known promotor of skin ageing. Cytokines like IL-1alpha, Il-1beta or
      TNF-alpha, VEGF and IL-6 orchestrate UV effects, and IL-6 is furthermore an
      effector of UVA-induced photoageing. We investigated how fractionated UVA-1 doses
      influence the cytokine milieu and especially the IL-6 levels in the skin in vivo.
      In a study with 35 participants, we exposed previously unirradiated human skin to
      three UVA-1 irradiation regimes. Cytokine levels in interstitial skin fluid were
      measured up to 48 hours postexposure and compared to unirradiated control skin
      fluid. Our results show that IL-6 levels increased significantly after UVA-1
      exposure at selected time points. The other candidates IL-1alpha, Il-1beta or TNF
      alpha and VEGF show no significant response after UVA-1 exposure in vivo. UVA-1
      thus raises selectively IL-6 levels in vivo, a fact that underlines its role in
      photoageing and has potential implications for its modulatory effect on
      photoageing pathology.

PMID- 28094868
TI  - Biomaterials: A potential pathway to healing chronic wounds?
AB  - Chronic dermal wounds are a devastating problem, which disproportionally affect
      individuals with conditions such as diabetes, paralysis, or simply old age. These
      wounds are extremely challenging to treat due to a heterogeneous combination of
      causative factors, creating a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
      Despite their large impact, there is currently a startling lack of options for
      effectively treating the underlying biological changes that occur within the
      wounds. Biomaterials possess an enticing ability to provide new comprehensive
      approaches to healing these devastating wounds; advanced wound dressings are now
      being developed that enable the ability to coordinate temporal delivery of
      multiple therapeutics, protect sensitive biologics from degradation, and provide
      supportive matrices that encourage the growth of tissue. This positions
      biomaterials as a potential "conductor" of wound repair, allowing them to
      simultaneously address numerous barriers to healing, and in turn providing a
      promising pathway to innovative new technologies for driving successful healing.

PMID- 28094869
TI  - Loss of FAS/FASL signalling does not reduce apoptosis in Sharpin null mice.
AB  - Mice with mutations in SHANK-associated RH domain interactor (Sharpin) develop a
      hypereosinophilic auto-inflammatory disease known as chronic proliferative
      dermatitis. Affected mice have increased apoptosis in the keratinocytes of the
      skin, oesophagus and forestomach driven by extrinsic TNF receptor-mediated
      apoptotic signalling pathways. FAS receptor signalling is an extrinsic apoptotic
      signalling mechanism frequently involved in inflammatory skin diseases. Compound
      mutations in Sharpin and Fas or Fasl were created to determine whether these
      death domain proteins influenced the cutaneous phenotype in Sharpin null mice.
      Both Sharpin/Fas and Sharpin/Fasl compound mutant mice developed an auto
      inflammatory phenotype similar to that seen in Sharpin null mice, indicating that
      initiation of apoptosis by FAS signalling is likely not involved in the
      pathogenesis of this disease.

PMID- 28094870
TI  - Igf1r signalling acts on the anagen-to-catagen transition in the hair cycle.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1) is important for skin development and
      homoeostasis. However, overexpression and inactivation studies have produced
      variable findings regarding its role in hair follicle (HF) biology. Here, we
      studied a conditional and inducible knockout of the Igf1 receptor (Igf1r) in
      keratin 15-expressing bulge cells. Deletion of Igf1r after the development of the
      skin appendages in K15-Igf1rKO mice showed no abnormalities in epidermal
      homoeostasis. Numbers of bulge cells were lower in K15-Igf1rKO mice than in
      controls, without consequences on wound healing, at least in young mice. K15
      Igf1rKO HFs entered anagen phase earlier than controls and showed a delay in the
      anagen/catagen switch. The expression of Bmp-4 mRNA was inhibited in HFs from K15
      Igf1rKO . MED1 transcription was impaired in the epidermis of K15-Igf1rKO mice.
      These findings suggest that Igf1r controls the hair cycle, partly through Bmp-4
      activation.

PMID- 28094872
TI  - Niacinamide leave-on formulation provides long-lasting protection against
      bacteria in vivo.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) form a part of the skin's innate immune system.
      Their primary activity is to provide antimicrobial benefits and hence protect
      from infections. AMPs that are present on human skin include psoriasin (S100A7),
      RNase 7, lysozyme, LL-37 and defensins. Niacinamide is a well-known cosmetic
      ingredient that has been used traditionally for multiple skin benefits. Recent
      data indicate that niacinamide treatment can boost AMPs in human gut epithelial
      cells and in neutrophils. Treatment with niacinamide in mice also provided
      protection from skin infections by enhancing AMPs. In this article, we find that
      treatment with niacinamide formulation provides long-lasting protection against
      bacteria, potentially through the activation of an AMP response.

PMID- 28094871
TI  - Divergence of cAMP signalling pathways mediating augmented nucleotide excision
      repair and pigment induction in melanocytes.
AB  - Loss-of-function melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) polymorphisms are common in UV
      sensitive fair-skinned individuals and are associated with blunted cAMP second
      messenger signalling and higher lifetime risk of melanoma because of diminished
      ability of melanocytes to cope with UV damage. cAMP signalling positions
      melanocytes to resist UV injury by upregulating synthesis of UV-blocking
      eumelanin pigment and by enhancing the repair of UV-induced DNA damage. cAMP
      enhances melanocyte nucleotide excision repair (NER), the genome maintenance
      pathway responsible for the removal of mutagenic UV photolesions, through cAMP
      activated protein kinase (protein kinase A)-mediated phosphorylation of the
      ataxia telangiectasia-mutated and Rad3-related (ATR) protein on the S435 residue.
      We investigated the interdependence of cAMP-mediated melanin upregulation and
      cAMP-enhanced DNA repair in primary human melanocytes and a melanoma cell line.
      We observed that the ATR-dependent molecular pathway linking cAMP signalling to
      the NER pathway is independent of MITF activation. Similarly, cAMP-mediated
      upregulation of pigment synthesis is independent of ATR, suggesting that the key
      molecular events driving MC1R-mediated enhancement of genome maintenance (eg PKA
      mediated phosphorylation of ATR) and MC1R-induced pigment induction (eg MITF
      activation) are distinct.

PMID- 28094873
TI  - Effects of adding whole-body vibration to routine day activity program on
      physical functioning in elderly with mild or moderate dementia: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) added to a
      routine activity program on lower limb strength, balance, and mobility among
      community-dwelling individuals with mild or moderate dementia, compared with the
      routine program alone. METHODS: Fifty-four older adults (40 women; mean (SD) age:
      79.8 (6.1) years) with mild or moderate dementia were recruited from two daycare
      centers. The participants were randomly allocated to undergo a routine day
      activity program combined with WBV training (WBV at 30 Hz, 2-mm peak-to-peak
      amplitude) or the routine program only without WBV for 9 weeks (18 sessions). The
      primary outcome was functional mobility, measured using the timed up-and-go test.
      The following secondary outcomes were evaluated: Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti
      balance assessment, time to complete 5 repetitions of sit-to-stand, Quality of
      Life in Alzheimer's disease questionnaire, and Activities-specific Balance
      Confidence scale. The attendance rate and incidence of adverse events were also
      recorded. RESULTS: The attendance rate for the training was high (86.0%). The
      incidence of adverse events was low, with only two of the 27 participants in the
      WBV group reporting mild knee pain. While significant improvement in timed up-and
      go, Berg Balance Scale, and Tinetti balance score was found in both groups, none
      of the outcomes demonstrated a significant group by time interaction.
      CONCLUSIONS: WBV training is feasible and safe to use with people with mild or
      moderate dementia. However, it did not lead to further improvement in physical
      function and quality of life than the usual activity program provided at the
      daycare centers. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28094874
TI  - Skin microbiome and acne vulgaris: Staphylococcus, a new actor in acne.
AB  - Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the sebaceous gland and follicular
      keratinocytes are considered the three actors involved in the development of
      acne. This exploratory study investigated the characteristics of the skin
      microbiota in subjects with acne and determined microbiota changes after 28 days
      of application of erythromycin 4% or a dermocosmetic. Skin microbiota were
      collected under axenic conditions from comedones, papulo-pustular lesions and non
      lesional skin areas from subjects with mild to moderate acne according to the GEA
      grading using swabs. Samples were characterized using a high-throughput
      sequencing approach that targets a portion of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene.
      Overall, microbiota samples from 26 subjects showed an overabundance of
      Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and an under-representation of Actinobacteria.
      Staphylococci were more abundant on the surface of comedones, papules and
      pustules (P=.004 and P=.003 respectively) than on non-lesional skin. Their
      proportions increased significantly with acne severity (P<.05 between GEA-2 and
      GEA-3). Propionibacteria represented less than 2% of the bacteria on the skin
      surface. At Day 28, only the number of Actinobacteria had decreased with
      erythromycin while the dermocosmetic decreased also the number of Staphylococci.
      A significant reduction (P<.05) from Day 0 of comedones, papules and pustules
      with no significant difference between the products was observed. The bacterial
      diversity on all sampling areas was similar. The dermocosmetic decreased the
      number of Actinobacteria and Staphylococcus spp. after 28 days. Staphylococcus
      remained the predominant genus of the superficial skin microbiota. No significant
      reduction in Staphylococcus spp. was observed with the topical antibiotic.

PMID- 28094875
TI  - Neuroendocrinology of mast cells: Challenges and controversies.
AB  - Mast cells (MC) are hemotopoietically derived tissue immune cells that are
      ubiquitous in the body, including neuroendocrine organs such as the hypothalamus,
      pineal, pituitary, ovaries, pancreas and uterus where their action is not well
      understood. Mast cells have historically been associated with allergies because
      of their rich content of histamine and tryptase, but more recently with
      regulation of immunity and inflammation due to their synthesis and release of
      numerous cytokines and chemokines. Mast cells are located perivascularly and
      express numerous receptors for diverse ligands such as allergens, pathogens,
      neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones including acetylcholine, calcitonin
      gene-related peptide (CGRP), corticosteroids, corticotropin-releasing hormone
      (CRH), beta-endorphin, epinephrine, 17beta-oestradiol, gonadotrophins, hemokinin
      A (HKA), leptin, melatonin, neurotensin (NT), parathyroid hormone (PTH),
      substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Moreover, MC can
      synthesize and release most of their neurohormonal triggers, including
      adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), CRH, endorphins, HKA, leptin, melatonin, NT,
      SP and VIP. Animal experiments have shown that diencephalic MC increase in number
      during courting in doves, while stimulation of brain and nasal MC leads to
      activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Recent evidence
      indicates that MC reactivity exhibits diurnal variations, and it is interesting
      that melatonin appears to regulate MC secretion. However, the way MC change their
      phenotype or secrete specific molecules selectively at different
      pathophysiological settings still remains unknown. Mast cells developed over 500
      million years ago and may have served as the original prototype
      neuroimmunoendocrine cell and then evolved into a master regulator of such
      interactions, especially as most of the known diseases involve neuroinflammation
      that worsens with stress.

PMID- 28094876
TI  - Ultraviolet B irradiation increases keratin 1 and keratin 10 expressions in HaCaT
      keratinocytes via TRPV1 activation and ERK phosphorylation.
AB  - In this study, we characterized the effect of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation
      with or without epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the regulation of keratinocyte
      differentiation under physiological concentration of Ca2+ (1.8 mM). In addition,
      growth factor deprivation used to measure signal transduction and kinase
      phosphorylation in many studies is physiologically unreal. Therefore, 1% of serum
      was also included in all experiment. We found that UVB irradiation Ca2+
      dependently induced morphological differentiation and increased keratin 1 and 10
      (K1/K10) expressions. Both were inhibited by treatment of cells with EGF. In
      quiescent cells, phosphorylation of ERK was stimulated by acute EGF treatment,
      while it rapidly desensitized in chronic EGF treatment or 1% serum exposure. UVB
      irradiation-induced keratinocyte differentiation required Ca2+ influx through
      TRPV1. Ca2+ -dependent phosphorylation of ERK was responsible for the expression
      of K1/10. Cotreatment of cells with EGF during UVB irradiation inhibits the UVB
      irradiation-induced differentiation by desensitizing ERK phosphorylation.

PMID- 28094877
TI  - Hypothalamus Specific Re-Introduction of SNORD116 into Otherwise Snord116
      Deficient Mice Increased Energy Expenditure.
AB  - The Snord116 gene cluster has been recognised as a critical contributor to the
      Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), with mice lacking Snord116 displaying many classical
      PWS phenotypes, including low postnatal body weight, reduced bone mass and
      increased food intake. However, these mice do not develop obesity as a result of
      increased energy expenditure. To understand the physiological function of
      SNORD116 better and potentially rescue the altered metabolism of Snord116-/-
      mice, we used an adeno-associated viral (AAV) approach to reintroduce the product
      of the Snord116 gene into the hypothalamus in Snord116-/- mice at different ages.
      The results obtained show that mid-hypothalamic re-introduction of SNORD116 in 6
      week-old Snord116-/- mice leads to significantly reduced body weight and weight
      gain, which is associated with elevated energy expenditure. Importantly, when the
      intervention targets other areas such as the anterior region of the hypothalamus
      or the reintroduction occurs in older mice, the positive effects on energy
      expenditure are diminished. These data indicate that the metabolic symptoms of
      PWS develop gradually and the Snord116 gene plays a critical role during this
      process. Furthermore, when we investigated the consequences of SNORD116 re
      introduction under conditions of thermoneutrality where the mild cold stress
      influences are avoided, we also observed a significant increase in energy
      expenditure. In conclusion, the rescue of mid-hypothalamic Snord116 deficiency in
      young Snord116 germline deletion mice increases energy expenditure, providing
      fundamental information contributing to potential virus-mediated genetic therapy
      in PWS.

PMID- 28094878
TI  - Characterization of cellulose degrading bacteria from the larval gut of the white
      grub beetle Lepidiota mansueta (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).
AB  - The goal of this study is to identify and characterize the cellulose degrading
      microorganisms in the larval gut of the white grub beetle, Lepidiota mansueta.
      Thirty bacterial strains were isolated and tested for cellulolytic activity using
      soluble carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) degrading assays. Of these strains, five
      (FGB1, FB2, MB1, MB2, and HB1) degrade cellulose. Cellulolytic activity was
      determined based on formation of clear zone and cellulolytic index on CMC plate
      media. The highest cellulolytic index (2.14) was found in FGB1. Partial 16S rDNA
      sequencing, morphological, and biochemical tests were used to identify and
      characterize the five isolates, all Citrobacter sp. (Enterobacteriaceae). This
      study identifies new cellulose degrading microorganisms from the larval gut of L.
      mansueta. The significance of identifying these strains lies in possible
      application in cellulose degradation.

PMID- 28094879
TI  - Nutritional, inflammatory, and ecological correlates of maternal retinol
      allocation to breast milk in agro-pastoral Ariaal communities of northern Kenya.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Vitamin A (VA) is an essential micronutrient required for a range of
      biological functions throughout life. VA deficiency (VAD) claims an estimated 1
      million preschool children's lives annually. Human milk is enriched with VA
      (retinol) from the maternal blood, which originates from the hepatic reserve and
      dietary intake. Secreting retinol into milk will benefit the nursing infant
      through breast milk, but retaining retinol is also important for the maternal
      health. Previous studies found that the public health intervention of high-dose
      VA supplementation to lactating mothers did not significantly lower child
      mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently acknowledged that our
      understanding about the principle of VA allocation within the maternal system and
      the secretion into milk is too incomplete to devise an effective intervention.
      METHODS: We present a secondary analysis of data collected among lactating
      mothers in VAD endemic northern Kenya (n = 171), examining nutritional,
      inflammatory, and ecological factors that might associate with maternal retinol
      allocation. Regression models were applied using the outcome milk-retinol
      allocation index: milk retinol/(milk retinol + serum retinol). RESULTS: Ten
      percent of the sample was identified as VAD. The average milk retinol
      concentration was 0.1 MUmo/L, grossly below what is considered minimally
      necessary for an infant (1 MUmol/L). VAD mothers and mothers with inflammation
      did not seem to compromise their milk retinol even though their serum retinol was
      lower than non-VAD and noninflammation mothers. Breast milk fat concentration
      positively correlated with milk retinol but not with serum retinol. CONCLUSIONS:
      This exploratory study contributes toward an understanding of maternal retinol
      allocation.

PMID- 28094880
TI  - Milk ejection patterns remain consistent during the first and second lactations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Milk ejection is a critical physiological process for successful
      lactation in humans and without it little milk can be removed. Individual milk
      ejection patterns have been shown to remain consistent between breasts at
      different lactation stages and using different vacuum patterns with an electric
      breast pump. Little is known about the milk ejection characteristics during the
      second lactation period in the same mother. The objective of this study was to
      examine milk ejection characteristics in the same woman over two lactations.
      METHODS: One mother took part in two pumping studies during consecutive
      lactations. One pumping study examined milk ejection characteristics during
      simultaneous breast expression during the first lactation. The second pumping
      study (second lactation) used two different pumping patterns. Three distinct milk
      ejections were measured during each pumping session. RESULTS: Measurements of
      milk flow were used to compare the duration and time taken to reach the peak of
      each milk ejection for two pumping sessions from each of the lactations. There
      were no significant differences in milk ejection characteristics between breasts,
      using different pumping patterns, or between lactations in this mother (P > .05).
      CONCLUSION: Milk ejection appears to be a physiological response that is
      consistent across consecutive lactations within the same mother. This suggests
      that milk ejection characteristics are established during or prior to the first
      lactation. The infant appears to have little influence on the milk ejection
      characteristics of the mother.

PMID- 28094881
TI  - Children with motor impairment related to cerebral palsy: Prevalence, severity
      and concurrent impairments in China.
AB  - AIM: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor impairment in
      childhood. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, severity and concurrent
      impairments of CP-related motor impairment among Chinese children. METHODS:
      Children with CP-related motor impairment aged 0-17 years were identified through
      a national population-based survey based on World Health Organization
      International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Logistic
      regression models allowing for weights were used to examine individual and family
      factors in relation to CP-related motor impairment. RESULTS: The weighted
      prevalence of CP-related motor impairment was 1.25 per 1000 children (95%
      confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 1.35) in China. Male children, children in
      multiples and in families where adults suffered from CP, were more likely to be
      affected by CP-related motor impairment. For mild, moderate, severe and extremely
      severe groups of motor impairment, weighted proportions of CP were 14.12% (95%CI:
      11.70, 16.95), 20.35% (95%CI: 17.48, 23.56), 27.44% (95%CI: 24.25, 30.87) and
      38.09% (95%CI: 34.55, 41.76), respectively; and weighted proportions of
      concurrent visual, hearing and cognitive impairment were 5.00% (95%CI: 3.59,
      6.91), 6.98% (95%CI: 5.34, 9.08) and 71.06% (95%CI: 67.57, 74.31), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Gender, multiple births and family adults with CP were significantly
      associated with CP-related motor impairment in Chinese children. Proportions of
      CP and concurrent impairments that increased with severity of motor impairment
      were observed.

PMID- 28094882
TI  - Association of cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity with inflammatory
      biomarkers in young adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cardiorespiratory fitness (fitness) has been inversely associated
      with inflammation, but whether the association is attributed to fitness itself or
      lower levels of adiposity remains uncertain in young adults. The purpose of this
      study was to determine the association of fitness and adiposity with inflammation
      in young adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 88
      participants aged 20-34 years. Fitness was assessed by a submaximal treadmill
      walking test. Adiposity was assessed by body mass index (BMI) and waist
      circumference (WC). Inflammation was measured by plasma C-reactive protein (CRP),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels using
      immunoassays. Biological data were log10 transformed. A separate multiple
      regression analysis was conducted with each inflammatory biomarker as a dependent
      variable. Covariates (sex, oral contraceptive use, and education level) were
      adjusted. RESULTS: Fitness was inversely associated with log10 CRP after
      adjustment for covariates but not after adjusting for BMI or WC. Fitness was
      inversely associated with log10 IL-6 after adjustment for WC and covariates (beta
      = -0.341, P = .049) but not after adjusting for BMI. Fitness * WC interaction
      (partial eta2  = 0.056, P = .033) indicated that high fitness was more strongly
      associated with low log10 IL-6 in young adults with high WC than those with low
      WC. CONCLUSIONS: Although adiposity has a stronger association than fitness with
      CRP and IL-6, higher levels of fitness could be essential for maintaining low
      levels of IL-6, especially in the presence of high levels of central adiposity.

PMID- 28094883
TI  - In silico prediction of Leishmania major-specific CD8+ epitopes.
AB  - Infections with Leishmania (L.) major induce protective IFN-gamma-dependent
      Th1/Tc1 immunity in C57BL/6 mice as well as in immunocompetent humans. Even
      though antigen-specific immunity provides lifelong immunity against reinfection,
      a vaccine against this pathogen does not yet exist. Here, we compared the results
      obtained from in silico predictions of murine CD8-specific L. major peptides
      using the algorithm SYFPEITHI with the number and predicted affinity of known
      proteins/peptides. Our results indicate that the majority of "immunodominant"
      epitopes of L. major have not been identified so far; thus, computer-based
      prediction algorithms may aid the development of an effective vaccine.

PMID- 28094884
TI  - Oxygen Delivery as a Limiting Factor in Modelling Dicopper(II) Oxidase
      Reactivity.
AB  - Deprotonation of ligand-appended alkoxyl groups in mononuclear copper(II)
      complexes of N,O ligands L1 and L2 , gave dinuclear complexes sharing symmetrical
      Cu2 O2 cores. Molecular structures of these mono- and binuclear complexes have
      been characterized by XRD, and their electronic structures by UV/Vis, 1 H NMR,
      EPR and DFT; moreover, catalytic performance as models of catechol oxidase was
      studied. The binuclear complexes with anti-ferromagnetically coupled copper(II)
      centers are moderately active in quinone formation from 3,5-di-tert-butyl
      catechol under the established conditions of oxygen saturation, but are strongly
      activated when additional dioxygen is administered during catalytic turnover.
      This unforeseen and unprecedented effect is attributed to increased maximum
      reaction rates vmax , whereas the substrate affinity KM remains unaffected.
      Oxygen administration is capable of (partially) removing limitations to turnover
      caused by product inhibition. Because product inhibition is generally accepted to
      be a major limitation of catechol oxidase models, we think that our observations
      will be applicable more widely.

PMID- 28094885
TI  - Free-Radical Carbocyanation of Olefins.
AB  - The free-radical three-component carbocyanation of electron-rich olefins was
      investigated with p-tosyl cyanide as cyanide source. The scope and limitations of
      the process were established by varying the nature of the alkene and radical
      precursor. Carbocyanation of chiral allylsilanes was shown to occur with high
      diastereocontrol, leading to syn beta-silyl nitriles. The origin of the
      stereocontrol was rationalized by a Felkin-Anh-type transition-state model.
      Finally, a tin-free carbocyanation process was also devised, based on the use of
      a new alkylsulfonyl cyanide incorporating both carbon fragments to be added
      across the olefinic pi system.

PMID- 28094887
TI  - Influence of Aggregation on the Structure and Fluorescent Properties of a
      Tetraphenylethylene Derivative: a Theoretical Study.
AB  - The case that aggregation has a large influence on the structure and fluorescent
      properties of 5-(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)thiophene-2-carbaldehyde (P4 TA)
      is investigated in detail herein by employing quantum mechanics and molecular
      mechanics. Besides the isolated molecule, the aggregated molecule in water and in
      the crystalline state was studied by focusing on the comparison of
      photoelectronic properties, including the geometrical and electronic structures
      at ground and excited states, emission and internal conversation properties. For
      the aggregation state, the intermolecular interaction was used to explain the
      difference in structure, emission color and intensity of different polymorphs.
      The noticeable contribution from low-frequency region, corresponding to the four
      phenyl rings twisting vibration, to the Huang-Rhys factor and reorganization
      energy, as well as the possible potential energy surface crossing between S0 and
      S1 states for isolated molecules was considered as the reason of its aggregation
      induced emission (AIE) performance. Importantly, the aggregation process in water
      simulated at the same time helps us to have a deeper understanding of the AIE
      behavior of P4 TA, which also provides another perspective to explore the AIE
      phenomenon in theory.

PMID- 28094888
TI  - Association between body height and month of birth among women of European origin
      in northern and southern hemispheres.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the potential association
      between month of birth and body height among women in northern and southern
      hemispheres. METHODS: Body heights of adult women of European origin born between
      1935 and 1981 who lived in Poland (N = 3,933) and in Australia (N = 1,118) were
      examined in relation to month of birth by analysis of variance. RESULTS: No
      association between month of birth and body height was observed in either Polish
      or Australian women. For Polish women, a clear, statistically significant secular
      trend in body height was confirmed for the analyzed period (P < .0001). No such
      trend occurred among the Australian women. CONCLUSIONS: Results do not confirm a
      significant association between month of birth and adult body height in women. It
      is, however, important to see a difference in secular trends, which was large in
      Polish women and nonexistent in Australian females.

PMID- 28094886
TI  - The parathyroid hormone family member TIP39 interacts with sarco/endoplasmic
      reticulum Ca2+ - ATPase activity by influencing calcium homoeostasis.
AB  - Darier disease (DD) is a genetic skin disease that is associated with mutations
      in the ATP2A2 gene encoding the type 2 sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ -
      ATPase (SERCA2). Mutations of this gene result in alterations of calcium
      homoeostasis, abnormal epidermal adhesion and dyskeratosis. Silencing of ATP2A2
      in monolayer cell culture of keratinocytes reduces desmoplakin expression at the
      borders of cells and impacts cell adhesion. Here, we report establishment of a
      three-dimensional (3D) epidermal model of DD and use this model to evaluate
      peptide therapy with tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39) to
      normalize calcium transport. Gene silencing of ATP2A2 in keratinocytes grown in a
      3D model resulted in dyskeratosis, partial parakeratosis and suprabasal clefts
      that resembled the histological changes seen in skin biopsies from patients with
      DD. TIP39, a peptide recently identified as a regulator of keratinocyte calcium
      transport, was then applied to this ATP2A2-silenced 3D epidermal model. In normal
      keratinocytes, TIP39 increased [Ca2+ ]i through the inositol trisphosphate (IP3)
      receptor pathway and stimulated differentiation. In monolayer ATP2A2-silenced
      keratinocytes, although TIP39 increased cytosolic calcium from the ER, the
      response was incomplete compared with its control. TIP39 was observed to reduce
      intercellular clefts of the gene-silenced epidermal model but did not
      significantly upregulate keratinocyte differentiation genes such as keratin 10
      and filaggrin. These findings indicate that TIP39 is a modulator of ER calcium
      signalling and may be used as a potential strategy for improving aspects of DD.

PMID- 28094889
TI  - Selective Electrochemical Bleaching of the Outer Leaflet of Fluorescently Labeled
      Giant Liposomes.
AB  - Electrochemistry and confocal fluorescence microscopy were successfully combined
      to selectively bleach and monitor the fluorescence of NBD (7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3
      diazole)-labeled phospholipids of giant liposomes. Three types of giant
      unilamellar vesicles have been investigated, the fluorescent phospholipids being
      localized either mainly on their outer-, inner-, or both inner/outer leaflets. We
      established that only the fluorescent lipids incorporated in the outer leaflet of
      the vesicles underwent electrochemical bleaching upon reduction. The relative
      fluorescence intensity decay was quantified all along the electrochemical
      extinction through an original fluorescence loss in electrobleaching (FLIE)
      assay. As expected, the reorganization of the fluorescent phospholipids followed
      diffusion-driven dynamics. This was also evidenced by comparison with
      fluorescence loss in photobleaching (FLIP) and the corresponding numerical model.
      The value of the lateral diffusion coefficient of phospholipids was found to be
      similar to that obtained by other methods reported in the literature. This
      versatile and selective bleaching procedure appears reliable to explore important
      biological and pharmacological issues.

PMID- 28094890
TI  - Three months of Western diet induces small intestinal mucosa alteration in TLR KO
      mice.
AB  - Several studies support the role of Western-style diet (WD) in inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD). Toll-like receptors/NOD-like receptors (TLRs/NLRs) are important
      to maintain a healthy epithelium as well as inducing inflammation. Given that
      dietary factors influence IBD development, that epithelial dysfunction is thought
      to be involved in initiating intestinal inflammation and that TLR-NLR are
      involved in maintenance of the functionality of intestinal epithelium as well as
      in regulating inflammation, we decided to examine the role of TLR signals in the
      triggering events that lead to alteration of the small intestinal epithelium
      associated to consumption of WD. C57BL/6J mice deficient for TLR2, 4, 9, or NOD2
      and wild-type (WT) were fed a WD or a standard diet for 3 months. The effects of
      WD on small intestinal samples were evaluated by histological and
      immunohistochemical analysis. After 3 months, WD modifies the morphology and the
      organization of the small intestine in TLR9 KO mice compared with WT mice and the
      others TLRs. The most interesting change involved the expression of proliferative
      and differentiation markers of WNT signaling, Ki67 and FzD5. Mice deficient in
      TLR2, 4, and NOD2 have a significant reduction in the proliferative cell numbers
      but do not show any signs of histological alterations. Our results suggest that
      TLR9 is an important protective factor in intestinal epithelial homeostasis and
      provide new insights into an unrecognized role of TLR9 signaling in the small
      intestinal mucosa dysfunction associated with WD.

PMID- 28094891
TI  - Collapse of human scalp microbiome network in dandruff and seborrhoeic
      dermatitis.
AB  - We investigate the relationship between scalp microbiota and dandruff/seborrhoeic
      dermatitis (D/SD), an unpleasant scalp disorder common in human populations.
      Bacterial and fungal community analyses on scalp of 102 Korean were performed by
      next-generation sequencing. Overall scalp microbiome composition significantly
      differed between normal and disease groups, and especially co-occurrence network
      of dominant members was breakdown in disease groups. These findings will provide
      novel insights into shifts of microbial community relevant to D/SD.

PMID- 28094892
TI  - Histological features of the vomeronasal organ in the giraffe, Giraffa
      camelopardalis.
AB  - The vomeronasal organ (VNO) that preferentially detects species-specific
      substances is diverse among animal species, and its morphological properties seem
      to reflect the ecological features of animals. This histological study of two
      female reticulated giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) found that the
      VNO is developed in giraffes. The lateral and medial regions of the vomeronasal
      lumen were covered with sensory and nonsensory epithelia, respectively. The
      vomeronasal glands were positive for periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue (pH
      2.5) stains. The VNO comprises several large veins like others in the order
      Cetartiodactyla, suggesting that these veins function in a pumping mechanism in
      this order. In addition, numerous thin-walled vessels located immediately beneath
      the epithelia covering the lumen entirely surrounded the vomeronasal lumen. This
      sponge-like structure might function as a specific secondary pump in giraffes.

PMID- 28094893
TI  - A comparison of skeletal maturity assessed by radiological and ultrasonic
      methods.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The estimation of skeletal maturity is a useful tool in pediatric
      practice to determine the degree of delay or advancement in growth disorders and
      the effectiveness of treatment in conditions that influence linear growth.
      Skeletal maturity of children is commonly assessed using either Greulich-Pyle
      (GP) or Tanner-Whitehouse methods (TW2 and TW3). However, a less invasive
      ultrasonic method, that does not use ionizing radiation, has been suggested for
      use in epidemiological studies of skeletal maturity. The main purpose of the
      present study was to determine the accuracy of an ultrasonic method based on the
      GP maturity indicators compared to the standard GP radiographic method. METHODS:
      Skeletal maturity of 1502 healthy children, aged from 6 to 18 years, was
      estimated by quantitative ultrasound and compared to GP bone ages estimated from
      left hand and wrist radiographs of a subsample of 47 randomly selected
      participants. RESULTS: The ultrasonic bone age estimation demonstrated very
      strong correlations with all the radiological age estimations. The correlation
      coefficients ranged between 0.895 and 0.958, and the strongest correlation of
      ultrasonic skeletal maturity estimation was found with the Tanner-Whitehouse RUS
      method. The ultrasonic bone age estimation is suggested for use between the
      chronological ages of 8.5-16.0 years in boys and 7.5-15.0 years in girls.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasonic bone age estimation is suggested for use in
      epidemiological surveys since the sensitivity for screening for not normal bone
      development is appropriate, at least within the 8-15 years age interval.

PMID- 28094894
TI  - Transmission electron microscopy method providing high resolution in the cell
      section without radiation damage.
AB  - Several new features of mitochondrial nucleoid and its surroundings in mammalian
      cells were described previously (Prachar, 2016). Very small details were observed
      using the improved transmission electron microscopy method, as described in the
      article. In the meantime, the method has again been improved to 2 A resolutions
      in the cell section. The method described in detail in the present work is
      documented on the same records that were published in lower resolution in the
      work Prachar (2016), enabling comparison of the achieved resolution with the
      previous one. New records are also presented, showing extremely high resolution
      and thus implying the importance of the method. Potential use of this method in
      different fields is suggested.

PMID- 28094895
TI  - A simple 2D composite image analysis technique for the crystal growth study of L
      ascorbic acid.
AB  - This work was destined for 2D crystal growth studies of L-ascorbic acid using the
      composite image analysis technique. Growth experiments on the L-ascorbic acid
      crystals were carried out by standard (optical) microscopy, laser diffraction
      analysis, and composite image analysis. For image analysis, the growth of L
      ascorbic acid crystals was captured as digital 2D RGB images, which were then
      processed to composite images. After processing, the crystal boundaries emerged
      as white lines against the black (cancelled) background. The crystal boundaries
      were well differentiated by peaks in the intensity graphs generated for the
      composite images. The lengths of crystal boundaries measured from the intensity
      graphs of composite images were in good agreement (correlation coefficient "r" =
      0.99) with the lengths measured by standard microscopy. On the contrary, the
      lengths measured by laser diffraction were poorly correlated with both
      techniques. Therefore, the composite image analysis can replace the standard
      microscopy technique for the crystal growth studies of L-ascorbic acid.

PMID- 28094896
TI  - Characterisation of glufosinate resistance mechanisms in Eleusine indica.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An Eleusine indica population has evolved resistance to glufosinate,
      a major post-emergence herbicide of global agriculture. This population was
      analysed for target-site (glutamine synthetase) and non-target-site (glufosinate
      uptake, translocation and metabolism) resistance mechanisms. RESULTS: Glutamine
      synthetase (GS) activity extracted from susceptible (S) and resistant (R*) plants
      was equally sensitive to glufosinate inhibition, with IC50 values of 0.85 mm and
      0.99 mm, respectively. The extractable GS activity was also similar in S and R*
      samples. Foliar uptake of [14 C]-glufosinate did not differ in S and R* plants,
      nor did glufosinate net uptake in leaf discs. Translocation of [14 C]-glufosinate
      into untreated shoots and roots was also similar in both populations, with 44% to
      47% of the herbicide translocated out from the treated leaf 24 h after treatment.
      The HPLC and LC-MS analysis of glufosinate metabolism revealed no major
      metabolites in S or R* leaf tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Glufosinate resistance in this
      resistant population is not due to an insensitive GS, or increased activity, or
      altered glufosinate uptake and translocation, or enhanced glufosinate metabolism.
      Thus, target-site resistance is likely excluded and the exact resistance
      mechanism(s) remain to be determined. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28094897
TI  - Cytology assessment can predict survival for patients with metastatic pancreatic
      neuroendocrine neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histological features and Ki-67 index have known usefulness in
      predicting prognosis and guiding therapy among patients with metastatic
      pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Fine-needle aspiration may offer advantages
      for Ki-67 assessment because the technique obtains highly cellular, well
      preserved specimens with the potential for broader tumor sampling. In the current
      study, the authors evaluated concordance for grade and differentiation between
      concurrent core needle biopsy and cytology preparations. Cytological features and
      grade then were correlated with survival. METHODS: Differentiation, grade by Ki
      67 index, and correlation of these features with survival were compared between
      concurrent core needle biopsy and cytology specimens from 44 patients with
      metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. RESULTS: Differentiation by
      cytology smear resulted in 38 cases of well (86%) and 6 cases of poor (14%)
      differentiation. Agreement for differentiation between smear and cell block,
      smear and core needle biopsy, and cell block and core needle biopsy was 88%, 94%,
      and 83%, respectively, and agreement for grade was 68%, 54%, and 22%,
      respectively. Cytology differentiation and cytology grade were found to be strong
      predictors of outcome with respective hazard ratios of 8.3 (95% confidence
      interval [95% CI], 3.1-22.1; P<.001) and 1.9 (95% CI, 1.2-2.9) for each ascending
      grade. The median disease-specific survival cytology projections were 121 months
      (95% CI, 57-185 months [estimated]) for grade 1, 45 months (95% CI, 29-87 months)
      for grade 2, and 19 months (95% CI, 1-44 months) for grade 3, with median
      survivals of 45 months and 3 months, respectively, for patients with well
      differentiated and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (P<.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Grading of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms on cytology may not
      correlate exactly with concurrent core needle biopsy, but cytology
      differentiation and grade are predictive of survival based on stage-adjusted
      analysis. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:188-196. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 28094898
TI  - Polyelectrolyte Oil-Core Nanocarriers for Localized and Sustained Delivery of
      Daunorubicin to Colon Carcinoma MC38 Cells: The Case of Polysaccharide Multilayer
      Film in Relation to PEG-ylated Shell.
AB  - The authors examine properties of daunorubicin (DNR)-loaded oil-core multilayer
      nanocapsules prepared via layer-by-layer approach with different polyelectrolyte
      (PE) coatings such as a standard one (containing polysodium 4
      styrenesulphonate/poly(diallyldimethyl-ammonium) chloride) and a polysaccharide
      based shell (dextran/chitosan), in regard to the outer layer of poly-l-glutamic
      acid (PGA) grafted with polyethylene glycol (PGA-g-PEG). The nanocarriers are
      obtained on a cationic nanoemulsion template (stabilized by dicephalic-type
      surfactant, N,N-bis[3,30-(trimethylammonio)propyl]-dodecanamide dimethylsulfate)
      and layered with the PE shell of different thicknesses resulting in average size
      of 150 nm in diameter (as shown by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron
      microscopy and cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force
      microscopy). The nanocapsules demonstrate efficient DNR encapsulation and its
      sustained release under physiological conditions or in the attendance of human
      serum albumin. The biocompatibility studies using colon carcinoma MC38 and
      macrophage P388D1 cell lines as well as human erythrocytes reveal that surface
      charge and outer PE layer type determine nanocarrier features that control their
      biological activity: protein adsorption, cellular internalization and
      localization, induction of apoptosis, and hemolytic activity. The investigations
      indicate that polysaccharide-coated nanocapsules present a considerable potential
      for application as efficient DNR delivery systems in chemotherapy of colon cancer
      as an alternative to nanocarriers with PEG-ylated shell.

PMID- 28094899
TI  - Identification of glyphosate resistance in Salsola tragus in north-eastern
      Oregon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Farmers in the low-rainfall region of eastern Oregon rely on repeated
      applications of non-selective herbicides, predominately glyphosate, to control
      Salsola tragus in no-till fallow systems. Reports of poor glyphosate
      effectiveness have increased in recent years. Reduced efficacy is often
      attributed to dust, water stress, or generally poor growing conditions during
      application. Inadequate control also may be the result of the evolution of
      glyphosate resistance. Therefore, studies were undertaken to determine if
      glyphosate-resistant S. tragus populations occur in Oregon. RESULTS: Results from
      dose-response studies confirmed glyphosate resistance in three of 10 Oregon
      Salsola tragus populations. The ratio I50R /I50S from dose-response curves was,
      on average, 3.1 for the relative dry biomass per plant and 3.2 for the % of
      surviving plants per pot in these three populations. Plant mortality at
      recommended glyphosate doses for the resistant populations was less than 30% 3
      weeks after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Glyphosate resistance in S. tragus highlights
      the imperative need to diversify weed control strategies to preserve the
      longevity and sustainability of herbicides in semi-arid cropping systems of the
      Pacific Northwest. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28094901
TI  - Characteristics of dust particles abraded from pesticide treated seeds: 1. Size
      distribution using different measuring techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Particle size is one of the most important properties affecting the
      driftability and behaviour of dust particles abraded from pesticide dressed seeds
      during sowing. Three particle sizing techniques were used determine the particle
      size distribution of dust abraded from seeds from six different species. RESULTS:
      Important differences in dust particle size distribution between species were
      observed with the finest dust for rapeseed and the coarsest dust for barley. Wet
      laser diffraction and sonic sieving particle size results correlated well while
      micro-CT is able to deliver three-dimensional information and additional physical
      particle properties (shape, porosity). CONCLUSION: All particle sizing techniques
      have their (dis)advantages and none of them is able to perfectly describe the
      real size distribution of non-spherical particles. The particle size information
      gathered can be used in dust drift prediction models, risk assessment tools and
      will help to better understand the dust drift phenomenon. (c) 2017 Society of
      Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28094900
TI  - High-throughput precision measurement of subcellular localization in single
      cells.
AB  - To quantify visual and spatial information in single cells with a throughput of
      thousands of cells per second, we developed Subcellular Localization Assay (SLA).
      This adaptation of Proximity Ligation Assay expands the capabilities of flow
      cytometry to include data relating to localization of proteins to and within
      organelles. We used SLA to detect the nuclear import of transcription factors
      across cell subsets in complex samples. We further measured intranuclear re
      localization of target proteins across the cell cycle and upon DNA damage
      induction. SLA combines multiple single-cell methods to bring about a new
      dimension of inquiry and analysis in complex cell populations. (c) 2017
      International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

PMID- 28094902
TI  - Characteristics of dust particles abraded from pesticide treated seeds: 2.
      Density, porosity and chemical content.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apart from particle size, drift of abraded seed particles during
      sowing is mainly affected by two other physical properties, viz. particle shape
      and envelope density. The impact of these abraded seed particles on the
      environment is highly dependable on their active ingredient content. In this
      study, the envelope density and chemical content of dust abraded from seeds was
      determined as a function of particle size for six seed species. RESULTS: Envelope
      density and active ingredient content both change as a function of particle size.
      Important differences in these physico-chemical properties were observed between
      the six species. Functions were fitted to the collected data to describe the
      physico-chemical properties as a function of particle size. CONCLUSION: The
      gathered physico-chemical information is essential for the computational fluid
      dynamics (CFD)-based dust drift prediction models and can be useful for other
      prediction models as well as for the ongoing risk assessment of active
      ingredients used for seed treatment on ecosystems and ecosystem-services. In
      addition, the results can help to better understand the dust drift phenomenon and
      to develop mitigation strategies. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28094903
TI  - Evaluation of the efficacy of insecticidal coatings based on teflutrin and
      chlorpyrifos against Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), an important economic
      resource for many nations worldwide, has recently been threatened by the presence
      of different insect pests, like the red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus
      ferrugineus. RESULTS: Two products, a glue (polyvinyl acetate) and an oil (raw
      linseed oil) were used as coatings and applied together with a repellent and two
      insecticides (teflutrin and chlorpyrifos) at different dosages on two species of
      palm (P. dactylifera and P. canariensis). Phytotoxic effects of the treatments
      were evaluated in a greenhouse on 260 potted palms (130 P. dactylifera and 130 P.
      canariensis) and no negative effects were observed. Afterwards, a trial lasting
      400 days was carried out in a nursery located in Sicily (south Italy), treating
      572 potted palm trees (286 P. dactylifera and 286 P. canariensis) with an average
      diameter at the base of 18-20 cm. After 400 days, 48% of the untreated palms were
      infested, while only 3% of date palms and 7% of Canary palms treated with
      insecticide at lower dosages were infested. CONCLUSIONS: The application of an
      insecticide-based coating is a good strategy to control and prevent the red palm
      weevil infestation, in particular on date palms. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical
      Industry.

PMID- 28094904
TI  - Hormetic effects of glyphosate on plants.
AB  - As all herbicides act on pathways or processes crucial to plants, in an
      inhibitory or stimulatory way, low rates of any herbicide might be used to
      modulate plant growth, development, or plant composition. Glyphosate is the most
      used herbicide in the world, and very low rates of this herbicide can stimulate
      plant growth, an effect called hormesis. Several studies have shown that
      glyphosate applications at low rates can increase plant growth, induce shikimic
      acid accumulation, increase photosynthesis and stomatal opening, increase seed
      production, and shorten the plant life cycle. Low rates of glyphosate applied to
      leaves have been reported to cause one or more of these effects in an expanding
      group of species. Under field conditions, pesticide rates are not uniform,
      causing some target organisms to receive rates that are low enough to cause
      hormesis. Until the present, low rates of glyphosate have not been recommended as
      a growth stimulant for crops, because the hormetic dose can vary considerably,
      depending on many factors. The objective of the present review is to summarize
      and analyze existing information about the hormetic effects of glyphosate on
      plants, thus contributing to understanding how glyphosate hormesis takes place
      and evaluating the potential use of glyphosate to stimulate plant growth. (c)
      2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28094905
TI  - Abortion Incidence and Service Availability In the United States, 2014.
AB  - CONTEXT: National and state-level information about abortion incidence can help
      inform policies and programs intended to reduce levels of unintended pregnancy.
      METHODS: In 2015-2016, all U.S. facilities known or expected to have provided
      abortion services in 2013 or 2014 were surveyed. Data on the number of abortions
      were combined with population data to estimate national and state-level abortion
      rates. The number of abortion-providing facilities and changes since a similar
      2011 survey were also assessed. The number and type of new abortion restrictions
      were examined in the states that had experienced the largest proportionate
      changes in clinics providing abortion services. RESULTS: In 2014, an estimated
      926,200 abortions were performed in the United States, 12% fewer than in 2011;
      the 2014 abortion rate was 14.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44,
      representing a 14% decline over this period. The number of clinics providing
      abortions declined 6% between 2011 and 2014, and declines were steepest in the
      Midwest (22%) and the South (13%). Early medication abortions accounted for 31%
      of nonhospital abortions, up from 24% in 2011. Most states that experienced the
      largest proportionate declines in the number of clinics providing abortions had
      enacted one or more new restrictions during the study period, but reductions were
      not always associated with declines in abortion incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The
      relationship between abortion access, as measured by the number of clinics, and
      abortion rates is not straightforward. Further research is needed to understand
      the decline in abortion incidence.

PMID- 28094906
TI  - The Impact of Organizational Innovations in Nursing Homes on Staff Perceptions: A
      Secondary Data Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The shift in nursing home care for patients with dementia from
      traditional task-driven environments towards patient-centered small-scale
      environments has implications for nursing practice. Information about its
      implications for nursing staff is lacking, and only a few studies have addressed
      staff perceptions. We sought to explore staff perceptions of required skills and
      to determine differences in job satisfaction, motivation, and job characteristics
      of staff working in both care settings. DESIGN: A secondary data analysis was
      conducted. The data source used was drawn from a larger study testing the effects
      of small-scale living (Verbeek et al., 2009). METHODS: Nursing staff working on a
      permanent basis and who were directly involved in care were eligible to
      participate in the study. Data on job satisfaction, motivation, and job
      characteristics of nursing staff working in typical small-scale and traditional
      care environments were derived using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using
      descriptive statistics. Differences between nursing staff job satisfaction,
      motivation, and job characteristics were tested using multilinear regression
      analysis. FINDINGS: In total, 138 staff members were included (81 staff members
      working in traditional nursing home wards and 57 staff members working in small
      scale nursing home wards). The findings showed that in typical small-scale
      nursing homes, job satisfaction and job motivation were significantly higher
      compared to those in typical traditional nursing homes. Job autonomy and social
      support were also significantly higher, while job demands were significantly
      lower in these small-scale nursing homes. Social support was found to be the most
      significant predictor of job motivation and job satisfaction in both types of
      typical nursing homes. Nursing staff working in traditional care environments
      more often expressed the intention to switch to small-scale environments.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that
      nursing homes environments differ substantially in experienced job satisfaction
      and job motivation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To enable a balanced work environment for
      nursing staff, a clear understanding of the relation between living environments
      and experienced job satisfaction among nursing staff is required. Since social
      support seems to be one of the key contributors to a supportive beneficial work
      climate, managers should focus on enabling this in daily nursing home care.

PMID- 28094907
TI  - Better Nurse Autonomy Decreases the Odds of 30-Day Mortality and Failure to
      Rescue.
AB  - RESEARCH PURPOSE: Autonomy is essential to professional nursing practice and is a
      core component of good nurse work environments. The primary objective of this
      study was to examine the relationship between nurse autonomy and 30-day mortality
      and failure to rescue (FTR) in a hospitalized surgical population. STUDY DESIGN:
      This study was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. It included data
      from three sources: patient discharge data from state administrative databases, a
      survey of nurses from four states, and the American Hospital Association annual
      survey from 2006-2007. METHODS: Survey responses from 20,684 staff nurses across
      570 hospitals were aggregated to the hospital level to assess autonomy measured
      by a standardized scale. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the
      relationship between nurse autonomy and 30-day mortality and FTR. Patient
      comorbidities, surgery type, and other hospital characteristics were included as
      controls. FINDINGS: Greater nurse autonomy at the hospital level was
      significantly associated with lower odds of 30-day mortality and FTR for surgical
      patients even after accounting for patient risk and structural hospital
      characteristics. Each additional point on the nurse autonomy scale was associated
      with approximately 19% lower odds of 30-day mortality (p < .001) and 17% lower
      odds of failure to rescue (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals with lower levels of
      nurse autonomy place their surgical patients at an increased risk for mortality
      and FTR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients receiving care within institutions that
      promote high levels of nurse autonomy have a lower risk for death within 30 days
      and complications leading to death within 30 days. Hospitals can actively take
      steps to encourage nurse autonomy to positively influence patient outcomes.

PMID- 28094908
TI  - Improving Utilization of the Family History in the Electronic Health Record.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of Family History
      in the Electronic Health Record and to identify opportunities to advance the
      contributions of nurses in obtaining, updating and assessing family history in
      order to improve the health of all individuals and populations. ORGANIZING
      CONSTRUCT: The article presents an overview of the obstacles to charting Family
      History within the Electronic Health Record and recommendations for using
      specific Family History tools and core Family History data sets. METHODS:
      Opportunities to advance nursing contributions in obtaining, updating, and
      assessing family history in order to improve the health of all individuals were
      identified. These opportunities are focused within the area of promoting the
      importance of communication within families and between healthcare providers to
      obtain, document, and update family histories. FINDINGS: Nurses can increase
      awareness of existing resources that can guide collection of a comprehensive and
      accurate family history and facilitate family discussions. In this paper,
      opportunities to advance nursing contributions in obtaining, updating, and
      assessing family history in order to improve the health of all individuals were
      identified. CONCLUSIONS: Aligned with the clinical preparation of nurses, family
      health should be used routinely by nurses for risk assessment and to help inform
      patient and family members on screening, health promotion, and disease
      prevention. The quality of family health information is critical in order to
      leverage the use of genomic healthcare information and derive new knowledge about
      disease biology, treatment efficacy, and drug safety. These actionable steps need
      to be performed in the context of promoting evidence-based applications of family
      history that will be essential for implementing personalized genomic healthcare
      approaches and disease prevention efforts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Family health
      history is one of the most important tools for identifying the risk of developing
      rare and chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and
      diabetes, and represents an integration of disease risk from genetic,
      environmental, and behavioral/lifestyle factors. In fact, family history has long
      been recognized as a strong independent risk factor for disease and is the
      current best practice used in clinical practice to guide risk assessment.

PMID- 28094909
TI  - Integrated Working for Enhanced Health Care in English Nursing Homes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasingly complex nature of care home residents' health status
      means that this population requires significant multidisciplinary team input from
      health services. To address this, a multisector and multiprofessional enhanced
      healthcare programme was implemented in nursing homes across Gateshead Council in
      Northern England. STUDY AIMS: To explore the views and experiences of
      practitioners, social care officers, and carers involved in the enhanced health
      care in care home programme, in order to develop understanding of the service
      delivery model and associated workforce needs for the provision of health care to
      older residents. METHODS: A qualitative constructivist methodology was adopted.
      The study had two stages. Stage 1 explored the experiences of the programme
      enhanced healthcare workforce through group, dyad, and individual interviews with
      45 participants. Stage 2 involved two workshops with 28 participants to develop
      Stage 1 findings (data were collected during February-March 2016). Thematic and
      content analysis were applied. FINDINGS: The enhanced healthcare programme
      provides a whole system approach to the delivery of proactive and responsive care
      for nursing home residents. The service model enables information exchange across
      organizational and professional boundaries that support effective decision making
      and problem solving. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding of the processes and
      outcomes of a model of integrated health care between public and independent
      sector care home services for older people.

PMID- 28094910
TI  - Activated Carbon Fiber Paper Based Electrodes with High Electrocatalytic Activity
      for Vanadium Flow Batteries with Improved Power Density.
AB  - Vanadium flow batteries (VFBs) have received high attention for large-scale
      energy storage due to their advantages of flexibility design, long cycle life,
      high efficiency, and high safety. However, commercial progress of VFBs has so far
      been limited by its high cost induced by its low power density. Ultrathin carbon
      paper is believed to be a very promising electrode for VFB because it illustrates
      super-low ohmic polarization, however, is limited by its low electrocatalytic
      activity. In this paper, a kind of carbon paper (CP) with super-high
      electrocatalytic activity was fabricated via a universal and simple CO2
      activation method. The porosity and oxygen functional groups can be easily tuned
      via this method. The charge transfer resistance (denoting the electrochemical
      polarization) of a VFB with CP electrode after CO2 activation decreased
      dramatically from 970 to 120 mOmegacm2. Accordingly, the energy efficiency of a
      VFB with activated carbon paper as the electrode increased by 13% as compared to
      one without activation and reaches nearly 80% when the current density is 140
      mAcm-2. This paper provides an effective way to prepare high-performance porous
      carbon electrodes for VFBs and even for other battery systems.

PMID- 28094911
TI  - Codependence between Crystalline and Photovoltage Evolutions in P3HT:PCBM Solar
      Cells Probed with in-Operando GIWAXS.
AB  - We address the correlation between the crystalline state of photoactive materials
      in a model organic solar cell based on poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl):phenyl-C60
      butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) and the photovoltage in an in-operando
      investigation. I-V curves are simultaneously measured together with grazing
      incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering probing the crystalline state of the device
      active layer as a function of the operation time. The results show a high degree
      of correlation between open-circuit voltage VOC and the crystalline state of
      P3HT.

PMID- 28094912
TI  - Strong Strain Sensing Performance of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites.
AB  - A detail study concerning the strain (tensile) dependent electrical conductivity
      of elastomeric composites is reported in this present paper. Multiwall carbon
      nanotubes (CNT), conducting carbon black (CB), and their combinations were
      considered as conducting filler in cross-linked natural rubber matrix. The
      loadings of the fillers were considered from 3 to 11 phr (filler concentration
      close to their percolation threshold). Without hindering the elastic nature of
      the composite (reversible stretchability up to several 100%), the change of
      relative resistance, DeltaR/R0 (DeltaR is the change in the resistance with
      respect to strain and R0 is the initial resistance of the sample) of the CB
      filled composites was found to be as much as ~1300 at around 120% elongation.
      This value is much higher than any other reported values obtained from conducting
      polymeric composites. It was found that CNT offered a strong strain dependent
      character in the regime 100% to 150% elongation, whereas, the carbon black filled
      natural rubber showed strong strain dependencies at 50% to 100% elongation
      strain. The combination of two different fillers could be exploited to tailor and
      manipulate the sensing operating regime from 50% to 150% strain depending on the
      ratios of the two filler system. Additionally, after several loading-unloading
      cycles, the conductivity of the sample was very stable for CB filled system but
      for CNT filled system the conductivity of the sample was altered. This type of
      elastic materials could be used in structural health monitoring, sensors in
      different dynamic elastomeric parts like tires, valves, gaskets, engine mounts,
      etc.

PMID- 28094914
TI  - Confined Etching within 2D and 3D Colloidal Crystals for Tunable Nanostructured
      Templates: Local Environment Matters.
AB  - We report the isotropic etching of 2D and 3D polystyrene (PS) nanosphere hcp
      arrays using a benchtop O2 radio frequency plasma cleaner. Unexpectedly, this
      slow isotropic etching allows tuning of both particle diameter and shape. Due to
      a suppressed etching rate at the point of contact between the PS particles
      originating from their arrangement in 2D and 3D crystals, the spherical PS
      templates are converted into polyhedral structures with well-defined hexagonal
      cross sections in directions parallel and normal to the crystal c-axis.
      Additionally, we found that particles located at the edge (surface) of the hcp 2D
      (3D) crystals showed increased etch rates compared to those of the particles
      within the crystals. This indicates that 2D and 3D order affect how
      nanostructures chemically interact with their surroundings. This work also shows
      that the morphology of nanostructures periodically arranged in 2D and 3D
      supercrystals can be modified via gas-phase etching and programmed by the
      superlattice symmetry. To show the potential applications of this approach, we
      demonstrate the lithographic transfer of the PS template hexagonal cross section
      into Si substrates to generate Si nanowires with well-defined hexagonal cross
      sections using a combination of nanosphere lithography and metal-assisted
      chemical etching.

PMID- 28094913
TI  - Inhibition of Pax2 Transcription Activation with a Small Molecule that Targets
      the DNA Binding Domain.
AB  - The Pax gene family encodes DNA binding transcription factors that control
      critical steps in embryonic development and differentiation of specific cell
      lineages. Often, Pax proteins are re-expressed or ectopically expressed in cancer
      and other diseases of abnormal proliferation, making them attractive targets for
      tissue specific inhibition by small molecules. In this report, we used a homology
      model of the Pax2 paired domain and a virtual screen to identify small molecules
      that can inhibit binding of the paired domain to DNA and Pax2 mediated
      transcription activation. Candidates from the virtual screen were then confirmed
      in a cell based Pax2 transactivation assay. Subsequently, we tested analogs of
      these hits to identify a single compound that effectively blocked Pax2 activity
      and DNA binding with a Kd of 1.35-1.5 MUM. The compound, termed EG1, was used to
      inhibit embryonic kidney development, a process directly dependent on Pax2
      activity. Furthermore, we show that EG1 can inhibit proliferation of Pax2
      positive renal and ovarian cancer cell lines but has little effect on Pax2
      negative cancer cells. These data confirm that small molecules targeting the DNA
      binding paired domain can be identified and may be good lead compounds for
      developing tissue and cell-type specific anticancer therapies.

PMID- 28094915
TI  - Ultrasensitive, Stretchable Strain Sensors Based on Fragmented Carbon Nanotube
      Papers.
AB  - The development of strain sensors featuring both ultra high sensitivity and high
      stretchability is still a challenge. We demonstrate that strain sensors based on
      fragmented single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) paper embedded in
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) can sustain their sensitivity even at very high
      strain levels (with a gauge factor of over 107 at 50% strain). This record
      sensitivity is ascribed to the low initial electrical resistance (5-28 Omega) of
      the SWCNT paper and the wide change in resistance (up to 106 Omega) governed by
      the percolated network of SWCNT in the cracked region. The sensor response
      remains nearly unchanged after 10 000 strain cycles at 20% proving the robustness
      of this technology. This fragmentation based sensing system brings opportunities
      to engineer highly sensitive stretchable sensors.

PMID- 28094916
TI  - 3D Printing of Carbon Nanotubes-Based Microsupercapacitors.
AB  - A novel 3D printing procedure is presented for fabricating carbon-nanotubes
      (CNTs)-based microsupercapacitors. The 3D printer uses a CNTs ink slurry with a
      moderate solid content and prints a stream of continuous droplets. Appropriate
      control of a heated base is applied to facilitate the solvent removal and
      adhesion between printed layers and to improve the structure integrity without
      structure delamination or distortion upon drying. The 3D-printed electrodes for
      microsupercapacitors are characterized by SEM, laser scanning confocal
      microscope, and step profiler. Effect of process parameters on 3D printing is
      also studied. The final solid-state microsupercapacitors are assembled with the
      printed multilayer CNTs structures and poly(vinyl alcohol)-H3PO4 gel as the
      interdigitated microelectrodes and electrolyte. The electrochemical performance
      of 3D printed microsupercapacitors is also tested, showing a significant areal
      capacitance and excellent cycle stability.

PMID- 28094917
TI  - Tuning the Ignition Performance of a Microchip Initiator by Integrating Various
      Al/MoO3 Reactive Multilayer Films on a Semiconductor Bridge.
AB  - Reactive multilayer films (RMFs) can be integrated into semiconducting electronic
      structures with the use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and
      represent potential applications in the advancement of microscale energy
      demanding systems. In this study, aluminum/molybdenum trioxide (Al/MoO3)-based
      RMFs with different modulation periods were integrated on a semiconductor bridge
      (SCB) using a combination of an image reversal lift-off process and magnetron
      sputtering technology. This produced an energetic semiconductor bridge (ESCB)
      chip initiator with controlled ignition performance. The effects of the Al/MoO3
      RMFs with different modulation periods on ignition properties of the ESCB
      initiator were then systematically investigated in terms of flame duration,
      maximum flame area, and the reaction ratio of the RMFs. These microchip
      initiators achieved flame durations of 60-600 MUs, maximum flame areas of 2.85
      17.61 mm2, and reaction ratios of ~14-100% (discharged with 47 MUF/30 V) by
      simply changing the modulation periods of the Al/MoO3 RMFs. This behavior was
      also consistent with a one-dimensional diffusion reaction model. The microchip
      initiator exhibited a high level of integration and proved to have tuned ignition
      performance, which can potentially be used in civilian and military applications.

PMID- 28094918
TI  - Mercury Wet Scavenging and Deposition Differences by Precipitation Type.
AB  - We analyze the effect of precipitation type on mercury wet deposition using a new
      database of individual rain events spanning the contiguous United States.
      Measurements from the Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) containing single rainfall
      events were identified and classified into six precipitation types. Mercury
      concentrations in surface precipitation follow a power law of precipitation depth
      that is modulated by precipitation system morphology. After controlling for
      precipitation depth, the highest mercury deposition occurs in supercell
      thunderstorms, with decreasing deposition in disorganized thunderstorms, quasi
      linear convective systems (QLCS), extratropical cyclones, light rain, and land
      falling tropical cyclones. Convective morphologies (supercells, disorganized, and
      QLCS) enhance wet deposition by a factor of at least 1.6 relative to
      nonconvective morphologies. Mercury wet deposition also varies by geographic
      region and season. After controlling for other factors, we find that mercury wet
      deposition is greater over high-elevation sites, seasonally during summer, and in
      convective precipitation.

PMID- 28094919
TI  - Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Nanoporous Li-Rich Layered Cathode Oxides for High
      Volumetric and Power Energy Density Lithium-Ion Batteries.
AB  - As rechargeable Li-ion batteries have expanded their applications into on-board
      energy storage for electric vehicles, the energy and power must be increased to
      meet the new demands. Li-rich layered oxides are one of the most promising
      candidate materials; however, it is very difficult to make them compatible with
      high volumetric energy density and power density. Here, we develop an innovative
      approach to synthesize three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous Li-rich layered oxides
      Li[Li0.144Ni0.136Co0.136Mn0.544]O2, directly occurring at deep chemical
      delithiation with carbon dioxide. It is found that the as-prepared material
      presents a micrometer-sized spherical structure that is typically composed of
      interconnected nanosized subunits with narrow distributed pores at 3.6 nm. As a
      result, this unique 3D micro-/nanostructure not only has a high tap density over
      2.20 g cm-3 but also exhibits excellent rate capability (197.6 mA h g-1 at 1250
      mA g-1) as an electrode. The excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to
      the unique nanoporous micro-nanostructures, which facilitates the Li+ diffusion
      and enhances the structural stability of the Li-rich layered cathode materials.
      Our work offers a comprehensive designing strategy to construct 3D nanoporous Li
      rich layered oxides for both high volumetric energy density and power density in
      Li-ion batteries.

PMID- 28094920
TI  - Antifouling Thin-Film Composite Membranes by Controlled Architecture of
      Zwitterionic Polymer Brush Layer.
AB  - In this study, we demonstrate a highly antifouling thin-film composite (TFC)
      membrane by grafting a zwitterionic polymer brush via atom-transfer radical
      polymerization (ATRP), a controlled, environmentally benign chemical process.
      Initiator molecules for polymerization were immobilized on the membrane surface
      by bioinspired catechol chemistry, leading to the grafting of a dense
      zwitterionic polymer brush layer. Surface characterization revealed that the
      modified membrane exhibits reduced surface roughness, enhanced hydrophilicity,
      and lower surface charge. Chemical force microscopy demonstrated that the
      modified membrane displayed foulant-membrane interaction forces that were 1 order
      of magnitude smaller than those of the pristine TFC membrane. The excellent
      fouling resistance imparted by the zwitterionic brush layer was further
      demonstrated by significantly reduced adsorption of proteins and bacteria. In
      addition, forward osmosis fouling experiments with a feed solution containing a
      mixture of organic foulants (bovine-serum albumin, alginate, and natural organic
      matter) indicated that the modified membrane exhibited significantly lower water
      flux decline compared to the pristine TFC membrane. The controlled architecture
      of the zwitterionic polymer brush via ATRP has the potential for a facile
      antifouling modification of a wide range of water treatment membranes without
      compromising intrinsic transport properties.

PMID- 28094921
TI  - Uranium Redox Transformations after U(VI) Coprecipitation with Magnetite
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - Uranium redox states and speciation in magnetite nanoparticles coprecipitated
      with U(VI) for uranium loadings varying from 1000 to 10 000 ppm are investigated
      by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). It is demonstrated that the U M4 high
      energy resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure (HR-XANES) method is
      capable to clearly characterize U(IV), U(V), and U(VI) existing simultaneously in
      the same sample. The contributions of the three different uranium redox states
      are quantified with the iterative transformation factor analysis (ITFA) method. U
      L3 XAS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that initially sorbed
      U(VI) species recrystallize to nonstoichiometric UO2+x nanoparticles within 147
      days when stored under anoxic conditions. These U(IV) species oxidize again when
      exposed to air. U M4 HR-XANES data demonstrate strong contribution of U(V) at day
      10 and that U(V) remains stable over 142 days under ambient conditions as shown
      for magnetite nanoparticles containing 1000 ppm U. U L3 XAS indicates that this
      U(V) species is protected from oxidation likely incorporated into octahedral
      magnetite sites. XAS results are supported by density functional theory (DFT)
      calculations. Further characterization of the samples include powder X-ray
      diffraction (pXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fe 2p X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

PMID- 28094922
TI  - Nano-Photoelectrochemical Cell Arrays with Spatially Isolated Oxidation and
      Reduction Channels.
AB  - Photoelectrochemical conversion of solar energy is explored for many diverse
      applications but suffers from poor efficiencies due to limited solar absorption,
      inadequate charge carrier separation, redox half-reactions occurring in close
      proximity, and/or long ion diffusion lengths. We have taken a drastically
      different approach to the design of photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) to
      spatially isolate reaction sites at the nanoscale to different materials and flow
      channels, suppressing carrier recombination and back-reaction of intermediates
      while shortening ion diffusion paths and, importantly, avoiding mixed product
      generation. We developed massively parallel nano-PECs composed of an array of
      open-ended carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with photoanodic reactions occurring on the
      outer walls, uniformly coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2), and photocathodic
      reactions occurring on the inner walls, decorated with platinum (Pt). We verified
      the redox reaction isolation by demonstrating selective photodeposition of
      manganese oxide on the outside and silver on the inside of the TiO2/CNT/Pt
      nanotubes. Further, the nano-PECs exhibit improved solar absorption and efficient
      charge transfer of photogenerated carriers to their respective redox sites,
      leading to a 1.8% photon-to-current conversion efficiency (a current density of
      4.2 mA/cm2) under white-light irradiation. The design principles demonstrated can
      be readily adapted to myriads of photocatalysts for cost-effective solar
      utilization.

PMID- 28094923
TI  - Effect of E-waste Recycling on Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Flame
      Retardants and Plasticizers and Their Association with Oxidative Stress.
AB  - In this study, three chlorinated (Cl-mOPs) and five nonchlorinated (NCl-mOPs)
      organophosphate metabolites were determined in urine samples collected from
      participants living in an electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling area (n = 175)
      and two reference areas (rural, n = 29 and urban, n = 17) in southern China.
      Bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate [BCEP, geometric mean (GM): 0.72 ng/mL] was the most
      abundant Cl-mOP, and diphenyl phosphate (DPHP, 0.55 ng/mL) was the most abundant
      NCl-mOP. The GM concentrations of mOPs in the e-waste dismantling sites were
      higher than those in the rural control site. These differences were significant
      for BCEP (p < 0.05) and DPHP (p < 0.01). Results suggested that e-waste
      dismantling activities contributed to human exposure to OPs. In the e-waste
      sites, the urinary concentrations of bis(2-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (r =
      0.484, p < 0.01), BCEP (r = 0.504, p < 0.01), dibutyl phosphate (r = 0.214, p <
      0.05), and DPHP (r = 0.440, p < 0.01) were significantly increased as the
      concentration of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA oxidative
      stress, increased. Our results also suggested that human exposure to OPs might be
      correlated with DNA oxidative stress for residents in e-waste dismantling areas.
      To our knowledge, this study is the first to report the urinary levels of mOPs in
      China and examine the association between OP exposure and 8-OHdG in humans.

PMID- 28094924
TI  - Reversible and Selective Encapsulation of Dextromethorphan and beta-Estradiol
      Using an Asymmetric Molecular Capsule Assembled via the Weak-Link Approach.
AB  - An allosterically regulated, asymmetric receptor featuring a binding cavity large
      enough to accommodate three-dimensional pharmaceutical guest molecules as opposed
      to planar, rigid aromatics, was synthesized via the Weak-Link Approach. This
      architecture is capable of switching between an expanded, flexible "open"
      configuration and a collapsed, rigid "closed" one. The structure of the molecular
      receptor can be completely modulated in situ through the use of simple ionic
      effectors, which reversibly control the coordination state of the Pt(II) metal
      hinges to open and close the molecular receptor. The substantial change in
      binding cavity size and electrostatic charge between the two configurations is
      used to explore the capture and release of two guest molecules, dextromethorphan
      and beta-estradiol, which are widely found as pollutants in groundwater.

PMID- 28094925
TI  - Retinal-Based Proton Pumping in the Near Infrared.
AB  - Proteorhodopsin (PR) and Gloeobacter rhodopsin (GR) are retinal-based light
      driven proton pumps that absorb visible light (maxima at 520-540 nm). Shifting
      the action spectra of these proton pumps beyond 700 nm would generate new
      prospects in optogenetics, membrane sensor technology, and complementation of
      oxygenic phototrophy. We therefore investigated the effect of red-shifting
      analogues of retinal, combined with red-shifting mutations, on the spectral
      properties and pump activity of the resulting pigments. We investigated a variety
      of analogues, including many novel ones. One of the novel analogues we tested, 3
      methylamino-16-nor-1,2,3,4-didehydroretinal (MMAR), produced exciting results.
      This analogue red-shifted all of the rhodopsin variants tested, accompanied by a
      strong broadening of the absorbance band, tailing out to 850-950 nm. In
      particular, MMAR showed a strong synergistic effect with the PR-D212N,F234S
      double mutant, inducing an astonishing 200 nm red shift in the absorbance
      maximum. To our knowledge, this is by far the largest red shift reported for any
      retinal protein. Very importantly, all MMAR-containing holoproteins are the first
      rhodopsins retaining significant pump activity under near-infrared illumination
      (730 nm light-emitting diode). Such MMAR-based rhodopsin variants present very
      promising opportunities for further synthetic biology modification and for a
      variety of biotechnological and biophysical applications.

PMID- 28094926
TI  - The Room-Temperature Superionic Conductivity of Silver Iodide Nanoparticles under
      Pressure.
AB  - We performed variable-temperature synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction
      measurements and impedance spectroscopy under pressure for silver iodide (AgI)
      nanoparticles with a diameter of 11 nm. The superionic conducting alpha-phase of
      AgI nanoparticles was successfully stabilized down to at least 20  degrees C by
      applying a pressure of 0.18 GPa, whereas the transition temperature was 147 
      degrees C in bulk AgI at ambient pressure. To our knowledge, this is the first
      example of the alpha-phase of AgI existing stably at room temperature.

PMID- 28094927
TI  - Asymmetric Catalysis of the Carbonyl-Amine Condensation: Kinetic Resolution of
      Primary Amines.
AB  - A Bronsted acid catalyzed kinetic resolution of primary amines is described that
      is based on the condensation between an amine and a carbonyl compound. 1,3
      Diketones react with racemic alpha-branched amines to furnish the corresponding
      enantioenriched enaminone and recovered starting material. Good to excellent
      enantioselectivity was observed with both aromatic and aliphatic primary amines.
      This process represents the first small-molecule catalyzed kinetic resolution of
      aliphatic amines.

PMID- 28094928
TI  - Efficient Charge Transport via DNA G-Quadruplexes.
AB  - The dynamics and efficiency of photoinduced charge transport has been
      investigated in DNA capped hairpins possessing a stilbenedicarboxamide (Sa) hole
      donor and stilbenediether (Sd) hole acceptor separated by DNA G-quadruplex
      structures possessing 2-to-4 tetrads by means of femtosecond and nanosecond
      transient absorption spectroscopy with global analysis. The results for the
      quadruplex structures are compared with those for the corresponding duplex
      structures having G-C base pairs in place of the G-tetrads. Following
      photoinduced charge separation to form a contact radical ion pair, hole transport
      to form the Sa-*/Sd+* charge-separated state is slower but more efficient for the
      quadruplex vs duplex structures. Thus, the G-quadruplex serves as an effective
      conduit for positive charge rather than as a hole trap when inserted into a
      duplex, as previously postulated.

PMID- 28094929
TI  - Effect of in Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on Encapsulated and Nonencapsulated
      Phenolic Compounds of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Pulp Extracts and Their
      Antioxidant Capacity.
AB  - To determine the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the release and
      antioxidant capacity of encapsulated and nonencapsulated phenolics carob pulp
      extracts, unripe and ripe carob pulp extracts were microencapsulated with
      polycaprolactone via double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique.
      Microcapsules' characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy
      and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis. Total phenolics and
      flavonoids content and antioxidant activities (ORAC, DPPH, and FRAP) were
      evaluated after each digestion step. The release of phenolic acids and flavonoids
      was measured along the digestion process by HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The most
      important phenolics and flavonoids content as well as antioxidant activities were
      observed after gastric and intestinal phases for nonencapsulated and encapsulated
      extracts, respectively. The microencapsulation of carob polyphenols showed a
      protective effect against pH changes and enzymatic activities along digestion,
      thereby promoting a controlled release and targeted delivery of the encapsulated
      compound, which contributed to an increase in its bioaccessibility in the gut.

PMID- 28094930
TI  - Fe- and Ln-DOTAm-F12 Are Effective Paramagnetic Fluorine Contrast Agents for MRI
      in Water and Blood.
AB  - A series of fluorinated macrocyclic complexes, M-DOTAm-F12, where M is LaIII,
      EuIII, GdIII, TbIII, DyIII, HoIII, ErIII, TmIII, YbIII, and FeII, was
      synthesized, and their potential as fluorine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      contrast agents was evaluated. The high water solubility of these complexes and
      the presence of a single fluorine NMR signal, two necessary parameters for in
      vivo MRI, are substantial advantages over currently used organic
      polyfluorocarbons and other reported paramagnetic 19F probes. Importantly, the
      sensitivity of the paramagnetic probes on a per fluorine basis is at least 1
      order of magnitude higher than that of diamagnetic organic probes. This increased
      sensitivity is due to a substantial-up to 100-fold-decrease in the longitudinal
      relaxation time (T1) of the fluorine nuclei. The shorter T1 allows for a greater
      number of scans to be obtained in an equivalent time frame. The sensitivity of
      the fluorine probes is proportional to the T2/T1 ratio. In water, the optimal
      metal complexes for imaging applications are those containing HoIII and FeII, and
      to a lesser extent TmIII and YbIII. Whereas T1 of the lanthanide complexes are
      little affected by blood, the T2 are notably shorter in blood than in water. The
      sensitivity of Ln-DOTAm-F12 complexes is lower in blood than in water, such that
      the most sensitive complex in water, HoIII-DOTAm-F12, could not be detected in
      blood. TmIII yielded the most sensitive lanthanide fluorine probe in blood.
      Notably, the relaxation times of the fluorine nuclei of FeII-DOTAm-F12 are
      similar in water and in blood. That complex has the highest T2/T1 ratio (0.57)
      and the lowest limit of detection (300 MUM) in blood. The combination of high
      water solubility, single fluorine signal, and high T2/T1 of M-DOTAm-F12
      facilitates the acquisition of three-dimensional magnetic resonance images.

PMID- 28094931
TI  - Observation of Internal Photoinduced Electron and Hole Separation in Hybrid Two
      Dimentional Perovskite Films.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) organolead halide perovskites are promising for various
      optoelectronic applications. Here we report a unique spontaneous charge
      (electron/hole) separation property in multilayered (BA)2(MA)n-1PbnI3n+1 (BA =
      CH3(CH2)3NH3+, MA = CH3NH3+) 2D perovskite films by studying the charge carrier
      dynamics using ultrafast transient absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy.
      Surprisingly, the 2D perovskite films, although nominally prepared as "n = 4",
      are found to be mixture of multiple perovskite phases, with n = 2, 3, 4 and ~
      infinity, that naturally align in the order of n along the direction
      perpendicular to the substrate. Driven by the band alignment between 2D
      perovskites phases, we observe consecutive photoinduced electron transfer from
      small-n to large-n phases and hole transfer in the opposite direction on hundreds
      of picoseconds inside the 2D film of ~358 nm thickness. This internal charge
      transfer efficiently separates electrons and holes to the upper and bottom
      surfaces of the films, which is a unique property beneficial for applications in
      photovoltaics and other optoelectronics devices.

PMID- 28094932
TI  - Series d-f Heteronuclear Metal-Organic Frameworks: Color Tunability and
      Luminescent Probe with Switchable Properties.
AB  - A series of five unique d-f heteronuclear luminescent metal-organic frameworks
      (MOFs) in an entangled polyrotaxane array and the light-harvesting block
      homonuclear zinc compound have been isolated successfully and characterized. The
      series of isostructural polymers feature 3,4-connected
      (4.82)(4.83.92)(6.8.9)2(6.92)(83) topology and high stability, exhibiting diverse
      void spaces. By taking advantage of the isostructural MOFs 2 and 3, the
      intensities of red and green emissions can be modulated by adjusting the ratios
      of EuIII and TbIII ions correspondingly, and white-light emission can be
      generated by a combination of different doped TbIII and EuIII concentrations. The
      Tb-Zn-based framework {[Tb3Zn6(bipy2)2(Hmimda)7 (H2O)3].5H2O}n (3; H3mimda = 2
      methyl-1-H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid and bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine) can detect
      trace MgII ion with relatively high sensitivity and selectivity. Dehydrated MOF
      3a shows a remarkable emission quenching effect through the introduction of I2
      solids. Further investigation indicates that it exhibits turn on/off switchable
      properties for small solvent molecules or heavy-metal ions. Steady/transient
      state near-IR luminescence properties for MOFs 1, 4, and 5 were investigated
      under visible-light excitation.

PMID- 28094933
TI  - Accurate Gas Phase Formation Enthalpies of Alloys and Refractories Decomposition
      Products.
AB  - Accurate gas phase formation enthalpies, DeltaHf, of metal oxides and halides are
      critical for the prediction of the stability of high temperature materials used
      in the aerospace and nuclear industries. Unfortunately, the experimental DeltaHf
      values of these compounds in the most used databases, such as the NIST-JANAF
      database, are often reported with large inaccuracy, while some other DeltaHf
      values clearly differ from the value predicted by CCSD(T) methods. To address
      this point, in this work we systematically predicted the DeltaHf values of a
      series of these compounds having a group 4, 6, or 14 metal. The DeltaHf values in
      question were derived within a composite Feller-Dixon-Peterson (FDP) scheme based
      protocol that combines the DLPNO-CCSD(T) enthalpy of ad hoc designed reactions
      and the experimental DeltaHf values of few reference complexes. In agreement with
      other theoretical studies, we predict the DeltaHf values for TiOCl2, TiOF2, GeF2,
      and SnF4 to be significantly different from the values tabulated in NIST-JANAF
      and other sources, which suggests that the tabulated experimental values are
      inaccurate. Similarly, the predicted DeltaHf values for HfCl2, HfBr2, HfI2,
      MoOF4, MoCl6, WOF4, WOCl4, GeO2, SnO2, PbBr4, PbI4, and PbO2 also clearly differ
      from the tabulated experimental values, again suggesting large inaccuracy in the
      experimental values. In the case when largely different experimental values are
      available, we point to the value that is in better agreement with our results. We
      expect the DeltaHf values reported in this work to be quite accurate, and thus,
      they might be used in thermodynamic calculations, because the effects from core
      correlation, relativistic effects, and basis set incompleteness were included in
      the DLPNO-CCSD(T) calculations. T1 and T2 values were thoroughly monitored as
      indicators of the quality of the reference Hartree-Fock orbitals (T1) and
      potential multireference character of the systems (T2).

PMID- 28094934
TI  - Donor-Acceptor Stabilized Tetra(silanimine).
AB  - The synthesis of an oligo(silanimine) is described. The reaction of the amidinato
      silylene [LSiN(SiMe3)2] (1, L = PhC(NtBu)2) with SiI4 in toluene afforded a
      mixture of the silanimine [LSi(I)NSiI3] (2), SiMe3I, and Si2I6. The mechanistic
      studies showed that 1 reacts with SiI4 to form the silyl ionic intermediate
      "{LSi(I)N(SiMe3)2}+{SiI3}-", which then eliminates SiMe3I and "SiI2" to form the
      silanimine intermediate "LSi(I)NSiMe3". It further undergoes a substitution with
      another molecule of SiI4 to form a mixture of 2 and SiMe3I. In addition, "SiI2"
      undergoes an oxidative addition with SiI4 to form Si2I6. Subsequently, compound 2
      reacted with [LiN(SiMe3)Ar] to form the silanimine [LSi(I)NSiI2N(SiMe3)Ar] (6, Ar
      = 2,6-iPr2C6H3), which was then treated with KC8 to give the donor-acceptor
      stabilized tetra(silanimine) [LSiN(SiMe3)SiNAr]2 (7). It comprises four formal
      silanimine ">Si?N-" units, which are linked together. Compounds 2, 6, and 7 were
      characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.

PMID- 28094935
TI  - Sulfonic Group Functionalized Mixed Ligand Coordination Polymers: Synthesis,
      Characterization, Water Sorption, and Proton Conduction Studies.
AB  - Five sulfonic acid group functionalized mixed ligand coordination polymers (CPs),
      namely, {[Zn(bpeH)(5-sip)(H2O)].(H2O)}n (1), {[Cu(pyz)(5-Hsip)(H2O)2].(H2O)2}n
      (2), {[Cu(bpee)0.5(5-sip)(H2O)2].(H2O)4(bpeeH2)0.5}n (3), {[Cu(bpy)(5
      Hsip)(H2O)].(H2O)2}n (4), and {[Cu(bpy)2(5-H2sip)2].(H2O)6}n (5) [where sip3- = 5
      sulfoisophthalate; bpe = 4,4'-bispyridylethane; pyz = pyrazine; bpee = 4,4'
      bispyridylethylene; bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine], have been synthesized with varying
      different N,N'-donor linkers using slow diffusion techniques at room temperature.
      The CPs possess guest water filled 1D channels and noncoordinating sulfonic acid
      or coordinated sulfonate groups, which are interconnected by means of extended
      intermolecular H-bonding interaction, which supports the humidity dependent
      proton conductivity of the samples. Under 95% relative humidity (% RH), the CPs
      exhibit the temperature dependent proton conductivity which is maximum up to in
      the range of ~10-5-10-6 S cm-1 at 65  degrees C. In most of the cases, the
      framework shows activation energies with the value ranging from 0.35 to 0.54 eV,
      suggesting mostly the contribution of the Grotthuss mechanism of the proton
      conductivity.

PMID- 28094936
TI  - Computation of the Isotropic Hyperfine Coupling Constant: Efficiency and Insights
      from a New Approach Based on Wave Function Theory.
AB  - The present paper reports an original computational strategy for the computation
      of the isotropic hyperfine coupling constants (hcc). The algorithm proposed here
      is based on an approach recently introduced by some of the authors, namely, the
      first-order breathing orbital self-consistent field (FOBO-SCF). The approach is
      an almost parameter-free wave function method capable to accurately treat the
      spin delocalization together with the spin polarization effects while staying in
      a restricted formalism and avoiding spin contamination. The efficiency of the
      method is tested on a series of small radicals, among which four nitroxide
      radicals and the comparison with high-level ab initio methods show very
      encouraging results. On the basis of these results, the method is then applied to
      compute the hcc of a challenging system, namely, the DEPMPO-OOH radical in
      various conformations. The reference values obtained on such a large system
      allows us to validate a cheap computational method based on density functional
      theory (DFT). Another interesting feature of the model applied here is that it
      allows for the rationalization of the results according to a relatively simple
      scheme based on a two-step mechanism. More precisely, the results are analyzed in
      terms of two separated contributions: first the spin delocalization and then the
      spin polarization.

PMID- 28094937
TI  - Click Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Identifies PIWIL3 as a Mechanistic Target of
      RNA Interference Activator Enoxacin in Cancer Cells.
AB  - Enoxacin is a small molecule that stimulates RNA interference (RNAi) and acts as
      a growth inhibitor selectively in cancer but not in untransformed cells. Here, we
      used alkenox, a clickable enoxacin surrogate, coupled with quantitative mass
      spectrometry, to identify PIWIL3 as a mechanistic target of enoxacin. PIWIL3 is
      an Argonaute protein of the PIWI subfamily that is mainly expressed in the
      germline and that mediates RNAi through piRNAs. Our results suggest that cancer
      cells re-express PIWIL3 to repress RNAi through miRNAs and thus open a new
      opportunity for cancer-specific targeting.

PMID- 28094938
TI  - In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Fully Substituted (5-(3-Ethoxy-3-oxopropynyl)
      4-(ethoxycarbonyl)-1,2,3-triazolyl-glycosides as Original Nucleoside Analogues to
      Circumvent Resistance in Myeloid Malignancies.
AB  - A series of nucleoside analogues bearing a 1,4,5-trisubstituted-1,2,3-triazole
      aglycone was synthesized using a straightforward click/electrophilic addition or
      click/oxidative coupling tandem procedures. SAR analysis, using cell culture
      assays, led to the discovery of a series of compounds belonging to the 5-alkynyl
      1,2,3-triazole family that exhibits potent antileukemic effects on several
      hematologic malignancies including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and
      myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) either sensitive or resistant to their respective
      therapy. Compound 4a also proved efficient in vivo on mice xenografted with SKM1
      R MDS cell line. Additionally, some insights in its mode of action revealed that
      this compound induced cell death by caspase and autophagy induction.

PMID- 28094939
TI  - Unimolecular Decomposition Mechanism of 1,2-Dioxetanedione: Concerted or
      Biradical? That is the Question!
AB  - Determination of the ground- and excited-state unimolecular decomposition
      mechanisms of 1,2-dioxetanedione gives a level of insight into bimolecular
      decomposition reactions of this kind for which some experimental results are
      reported. Although a few studies have put some effort to describe a biradical
      mechanism of this decomposition, there is still no systematic study that proves
      an existence of a biradical character. In the present study, state-of-the-art
      high-level multistate multiconfigurational reference second-order perturbation
      theory calculations are performed to describe the reaction mechanism of 1,2
      dioxetanedione in detail. The calculations indicate that the decomposition of
      this four-membered ring peroxide containing two carbonyl carbon atoms occurs in
      concerted but not simultaneous fashion, so-called "merged", contrary to the case
      of unimolecular 1,2-dioxetane and 1,2-dioxetanone decompositions where biradical
      reaction pathways have been calculated. At the TS of the ground-state surface,
      the system enters an entropic trapping region, where four singlet and four
      triplet manifolds are degenerated, which can lead to the formation of triplet and
      singlet excited biradical species. However, these excited species have to
      overcome a second activation barrier for C-C bond cleavage for excited product
      formation, whereas the ground-state energy surface possesses only one TS. Thus
      our calculations indicate that the unimolecular decomposition of 1,2
      dioxetanedione should not lead to efficient excited-state formation, in agreement
      with the lack of direct emission from the peroxyoxalate reaction.

PMID- 28094941
TI  - Impact of Turn Propensity on the Folding Rates of Z34C Protein: Implications for
      the Folding of Helix-Turn-Helix Motif.
AB  - The rate-limiting step for the folding of the helix-turn-helix (HTH) protein,
      Z34C, involves beta-turn region 20DPNL23. This reverse turn has been observed to
      be part of the transition state in the folding process for Z34C, influencing its
      folding rates. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed on this turn peptide
      and its two mutants, D20A and P21A, to study turn formation using GROMOS54A7
      force field. We find that this region has a turn propensity of its own, and the
      highest turn propensity is observed for the wild-type, which correlates well with
      available experimental results. We also find that a slight unfavorable change in
      DeltaG turn folding causes a drastic change in the folding rates of HTH motif and
      a mechanistic interpretation is given. Implications of these observations for the
      folding of the HTH protein Z34C are discussed.

PMID- 28094940
TI  - High Electronic Conductance through Double-Helix DNA Molecules with Fullerene
      Anchoring Groups.
AB  - Determining the mechanism of charge transport through native DNA remains a
      challenge as different factors such as measuring conditions, molecule
      conformations, and choice of technique can significantly affect the final
      results. In this contribution, we have used a new approach to measure current
      flowing through isolated double-stranded DNA molecules, using fullerene groups to
      anchor the DNA to a gold substrate. Measurements were performed at room
      temperature in an inert environment using a conductive AFM technique. It is shown
      that the pi-stacked B-DNA structure is conserved on depositing the DNA. As a
      result, currents in the nanoampere range were obtained for voltages ranging
      between +/-1 V. These experimental results are supported by a theoretical model
      that suggests that a multistep hopping mechanism between delocalized domains is
      responsible for the long-range current flow through this specific type of DNA.

PMID- 28094942
TI  - Simulation of DBS, DBS-COOH, and DBS-CONHNH2 as Hydrogelators.
AB  - The organic gelator 1,3(R):2,4(S)-dibenzylidene-d-sorbitol (DBS) self-organizes
      to form a 3D network at relatively low concentrations in a variety of nonpolar
      organic solvents and polymer melt. DBS could be transformed into a hydrogelator
      by introduction of hydrophilic groups, which facilitate its self-assembly in an
      aqueous medium. In this work, we have investigated the hydrogelators DBS-COOH and
      DBS-CONHNH2 and the organogelator DBS by molecular modeling. We have used quantum
      mechanics (QM) to elucidate the preferred geometry of one molecule and a dimer of
      each of the gelators and molecular dynamics (MD) to simulate the pure gelators
      and their mixtures with water. The results of the simulation indicate that the
      interaction between DBS-COOH molecules is the strongest of the three and its
      water compatibility is the highest. Therefore, DBS-COOH seems to be a better
      hydrogelator than DBS-CONHNH2 and DBS. Intermolecular H-bonding interactions are
      formed between DBS, DBS-COOH, and DBS-CONHNH2 molecules as pure substances, and
      they dramatically decrease in the presence of water. In contrast, the
      intramolecular interactions increase in water. This result indicates that in
      aqueous environment the molecular structure tends to be more rigid and fixed in
      the preferred conformation. The most significant intramolecular interaction is
      formed between O3 acetal and H-O6 groups. Due to the H-bonds, DBS, DBS-COOH, and
      DBS-CONHNH2 molecules form a rigid structure similar to that of liquid crystal
      forming molecules, which might explain their tendency to create nanofibrils. It
      was found that the aromatic rings do not contribute significantly to the inter-
      and intramolecular interactions. Their main role is probably to stiffen the
      molecular structure.

PMID- 28094943
TI  - Exploitation of a Multienzymatic Stereoselective Cascade Process in the Synthesis
      of 2-Methyl-3-Substituted Tetrahydrofuran Precursors.
AB  - Enantiopure 2-methyl-3-substituted tetrahydrofurans are key precursors of several
      biologically active products (drugs, flavors, and agrochemicals). Thus, a
      stereocontrolled and efficient methodology for the obtainment of these synthons
      is highly desirable. We exploited a two-step multienzymatic stereoselective
      cascade reduction of alpha-bromo-alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones to give the
      corresponding bromohydrins in good yields, with high ee and de values. The
      cascade process is catalyzed by an ene-reductase and an alcohol dehydrogenase.
      Further manipulations of these bromohydrins, by two diastereodivergent routes,
      allowed the preparation of the tetrahydrofuran synthons. One route is based on a
      lipase catalyzed cleavage of the protecting group. The second route is
      characterized by a camphor sulfonic acid mediated isomerization of a beta
      hydroxyepoxide to give the tetrahydrofuran-2-ol. Finally, the synthesis of the
      most odorous and pleasant stereoisomer of the roasted meat aroma, i.e., (2S,3R)-2
      methyl-3-thioacetate tetrahydrofuran, is reported as well.

PMID- 28094944
TI  - Solvent-Directed Switch of a Left-Handed 10/12-Helix into a Right-Handed 12/10
      Helix in Mixed beta-Peptides.
AB  - Present study describes the synthesis and conformational analysis of beta
      peptides from C-linked carbo-beta-amino acids [beta-Caa(l)] with a d-lyxo
      furanoside side chain and beta-hGly in 1:1 alternation. NMR and CD investigations
      on peptides with an (S)-beta-Caa(l) monomer at the N-terminus revealed a right
      handed 10/12-mixed helix. An unprecedented solvent-directed "switch" both in
      helical pattern and handedness was observed when the sequence begins with a beta
      hGly residue instead of a (S)-beta-Caa(l) constituent. NMR studies on these
      peptides in chloroform indicated a left-handed 10/12-helix, while the CD spectrum
      in methanol inferred a right-handed secondary structure. The NMR data for these
      peptides in CD3OH showed the presence of a right-handed 12/10-helix. NMR
      investigations in acetonitrile indicated the coexistence of both helix types.
      Quantum chemical studies predicted a small energy difference of 0.3 kcal/mol
      between the two helix types, which may explain the possibility of solvent
      influence. Examples for a solvent-directed switch of both the H-bonding pattern
      and the handedness of foldamer helices are rare so far. A comparable solvent
      effect was not found in the corresponding peptides with (R)-beta-Caa(l) residues,
      where right-handed 12/10-helices are predominating.

PMID- 28094945
TI  - PdII/AgI-Catalyzed Room-Temperature Reaction of gamma-Hydroxy Lactams: Mechanism,
      Scope, and Antistaphylococcal Activity.
AB  - The present work reports a PdII/AgI-promoted amidoalkylation reaction involving
      various gamma-hydroxy lactams and C/O/S nucleophiles at room temperature. The
      dual mode of activation of both the electrophile and nucleophile by in situ
      generated catalytically active cationic PdII species facilitates the reaction at
      room temperature. Among the synthesized isoindoline derivatives, three compounds
      are found to be active against vancomycin and methicillin-resistant S. aureus
      strain with appreciable MIC values.

PMID- 28094946
TI  - Competing E2 and SN2 Mechanisms for the F- + CH3CH2I Reaction.
AB  - Anti-E2, syn-E2, inv-, and ret-SN2 reaction channels for the gas-phase reaction
      of F- + CH3CH2I were characterized with a variety of electronic structure
      calculations. Geometrical analysis confirmed synchronous E2-type transition
      states for the elimination of the current reaction, instead of nonconcerted
      processes through E1cb-like and E1-like mechanisms. Importantly, the controversy
      concerning the reactant complex for anti-E2 and inv-SN2 paths has been clarified
      in the present work. A positive barrier of +19.2 kcal/mol for ret-SN2 shows the
      least feasibility to occur at room temperature. Negative activation energies (
      16.9, -16.0, and -4.9 kcal/mol, respectively) for inv-SN2, anti-E2, and syn-E2
      indicate that inv-SN2 and anti-E2 mechanisms significantly prevail over the
      eclipsed elimination. Varying the leaving group for a series of reactions F- +
      CH3CH2Y (Y = F, Cl, Br, and I) leads to monotonically decreasing barriers, which
      relates to the gradually looser TS structures following the order F > Cl > Br >
      I. The reactivity of each channel nearly holds unchanged except for the
      perturbation between anti-E2 and inv-SN2. RRKM calculation reveals that the
      reaction of the fluorine ion with ethyl iodide occurs predominately via anti-E2
      elimination, and the inv-SN2 pathway is suppressed, although it is energetically
      favored. This phenomenon indicates that, in evaluating the competition between E2
      and SN2 processes, the kinetic or dynamical factors may play a significant role.
      By comparison with benchmark CCSD(T) energies, MP2, CAM-B3LYP, and M06 methods
      are recommended to perform dynamics simulations of the title reaction.

PMID- 28094947
TI  - Synthesis of 2-Azulenyltetrathiafulvalenes by Palladium-Catalyzed Direct
      Arylation of 2-Chloroazulenes with Tetrathiafulvalene and Their Optical and
      Electrochemical Properties.
AB  - Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives with 2-azulenyl substituents 5-11 were
      prepared by the palladium-catalyzed direct arylation reaction of 2-chloroazulenes
      with TTF in good yield. Photophysical properties of these compounds were
      investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Redox behavior
      of the novel azulene-substituted TTFs was examined by using cyclic voltammetry
      and differential pulse voltammetry, which revealed their multistep
      electrochemical oxidation and/or reduction properties. Moreover, these TTF
      derivatives showed significant spectral change in the visible region under the
      redox conditions.

PMID- 28094948
TI  - Liquid Cell Electron Microscopy of Nanoparticle Self-Assembly Driven by Solvent
      Drying.
AB  - Drying a colloidal solution of nanoparticles is a versatile method to construct
      self-assembled structures of nanoparticles. However, mechanistic understanding
      has mostly relied on empirical knowledge obtained from the final structures of
      self-assembly as relevant processes during solvent drying are likely kinetic and
      far from equilibrium. Here, we present in situ TEM studies of nanoparticle self
      assembly under various conditions, including the concentrations of the initial
      solution and the types of nanoparticles and substrates. The capability of
      tracking trajectories of individual nanoparticles enables us to understand the
      mechanisms of drying-mediated self-assembly at the single-nanoparticle level. Our
      results consistently show that a solvent boundary primarily affects nanoparticle
      motions and the resulting self-assembly processes regardless of different
      conditions. The solvent boundary drives nanoparticles to form two-dimensional
      assembly mainly through two pathways, transporting scattered nanoparticles by
      lateral dragging and flattening aggregated nanoparticles by vertical pressing.

PMID- 28094949
TI  - How High Concentrations of Proteins Stabilize the Amorphous State of Calcium
      Orthophosphate: A Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Study of the
      Casein Case.
AB  - Understanding how proteins stabilize amorphous calcium ortho-phosphate (ACP)
      phases is of great importance in biology and for pharmaceutical or food
      applications. Until now, most of the former investigations about ACP-protein
      stability and equilibrium were performed under conditions where ACP colloidal
      nanoclusters are surrounded by low to moderate concentrations of peptides or
      proteins (15-30 g L-1). As a result, the question of ACP-protein interactions in
      highly concentrated protein systems has clearly been overlooked, whereas it
      corresponds to actual industrial conditions such as drying or membrane filtration
      in the dairy industry for instance. In this study, the structure of an ACP phase
      is monitored in association with one model phosphorylated protein (casein) using
      solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) under two conditions of high
      protein concentration (300 and 400 g L-1). At both concentrations and at 25 
      degrees C, it is found that the caseins maintain the mineral phase in an
      amorphous form with no detectable influence on its structure or size.
      Interestingly, and in both cases, a significant amount of the nonphosphorylated
      side chains interacts with ACP through hydrogen bonds. The number of these
      interacting side chains is found to be higher at the highest casein
      concentration. At 45  degrees C, which is a destabilizing temperature of ACP
      under protein-free conditions, the amorphous structure of the mineral phase is
      partially transformed at a casein concentration of 300 g L-1, while it remains
      almost intact at a casein concentration of 400 g L-1. Therefore, these results
      clearly indicate that increasing the concentration of proteins favors ACP-protein
      interactions and stabilizes the ACP clusters more efficiently.

PMID- 28094950
TI  - Capillary-Force-Induced Cold Welding in Silver-Nanowire-Based Flexible
      Transparent Electrodes.
AB  - Silver nanowire (AgNW) films have been studied as the most promising flexible
      transparent electrodes for flexible photoelectronics. The wire-wire junction
      resistance in the AgNW film is a critical parameter to the electrical
      performance, and several techniques of nanowelding or soldering have been
      reported to reduce the wire-wire junction resistance. However, these methods
      require either specific facilities, or additional materials as the "solder", and
      often have adverse effects to the AgNW film or substrate. In this study, we show
      that at the nanoscale, capillary force is a powerful driving force that can
      effectively cause self-limited cold welding of the wire-wire junction for AgNWs.
      The capillary-force-induced welding can be simply achieved by applying moisture
      on the AgNW film, without any technical support like the addition of materials or
      the use of specific facilities. The moisture-treated AgNW films exhibit a
      significant decrease in sheet resistance, but negligible changes in transparency.
      We have also demonstrated that this method is effective to heal damaged AgNW
      films of wearable electronics and can be conveniently performed not only indoors
      but also outdoors where technical support is often unavailable. The capillary
      force-based method may also be useful in the welding of other metal NWs, the
      fabrication of nanostructures, and smart assemblies for versatile flexible
      optoelectronic applications.

PMID- 28094951
TI  - Diabat Interpolation for Polymorph Free-Energy Differences.
AB  - Existing methods to compute free-energy differences between polymorphs use
      harmonic approximations, advanced non-Boltzmann bias sampling techniques, and/or
      multistage free-energy perturbations. This work demonstrates how Bennett's diabat
      interpolation method ( J. Comput. Phys. 1976, 22, 245 ) can be combined with
      energy gaps from lattice-switch Monte Carlo techniques ( Phys. Rev. E 2000, 61,
      906 ) to swiftly estimate polymorph free-energy differences. The new method
      requires only two unbiased molecular dynamics simulations, one for each
      polymorph. To illustrate the new method, we compute the free-energy difference
      between face-centered cubic and body-centered cubic polymorphs for a Gaussian
      core solid. We discuss the justification for parabolic models of the free-energy
      diabats and similarities to methods that have been used in studies of electron
      transfer.

PMID- 28094952
TI  - Effect of an Enhanced Nose-to-Brain Delivery of Insulin on Mild and Progressive
      Memory Loss in the Senescence-Accelerated Mouse.
AB  - Insulin is now considered to be a new drug candidate for treating dementias, such
      as Alzheimer's disease, whose pathologies are linked to insulin resistance in the
      brain. Our recent work has clarified that a noncovalent strategy involving cell
      penetrating peptides (CPPs) can increase the direct transport of insulin from the
      nasal cavity into the brain parenchyma. The present study aimed to determine
      whether the brain insulin level increased by intranasal coadministration of
      insulin with the CPP penetratin has potential for treating dementia. The
      pharmacological actions of insulin were investigated at different stages of
      memory impairment using a senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) model. The
      results of spatial learning tests suggested that chronic intranasal
      administration of insulin with l-penetratin to SAMP8 slowed the progression of
      memory loss in the early stage of memory impairment. However, contrary to
      expectations, this strategy using penetratin was ineffective in recovering the
      severe cognitive dysfunction in the progressive stage, which involves brain
      accumulation of amyloid beta (Abeta). Immunohistological examination of
      hippocampal regions of samples from SAMP8 in the progressive stage suggested that
      accelerated nose-to-brain insulin delivery had a partial neuroprotective function
      but unexpectedly increased Abeta plaque deposition in the hippocampus. These
      findings suggest that the efficient nose-to-brain delivery of insulin combined
      with noncovalent CPP strategy has different effects on dementia during the mild
      and progressive stages of cognitive dysfunction.

PMID- 28094953
TI  - Structure-Sensitive CO2 Electroreduction to Hydrocarbons on Ultrathin 5-fold
      Twinned Copper Nanowires.
AB  - Copper is uniquely active for the electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide
      (CO2) to products beyond carbon monoxide, such as methane (CH4) and ethylene
      (C2H4). Therefore, understanding selectivity trends for CO2 electrocatalysis on
      copper surfaces is critical for developing more efficient catalysts for CO2
      conversion to higher order products. Herein, we investigate the electrocatalytic
      activity of ultrathin (diameter ~20 nm) 5-fold twinned copper nanowires (Cu NWs)
      for CO2 reduction. These Cu NW catalysts were found to exhibit high CH4
      selectivity over other carbon products, reaching 55% Faradaic efficiency (FE) at 
      1.25 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode while other products were produced
      with less than 5% FE. This selectivity was found to be sensitive to morphological
      changes in the nanowire catalyst observed over the course of electrolysis.
      Wrapping the wires with graphene oxide was found to be a successful strategy for
      preserving both the morphology and reaction selectivity of the Cu NWs. These
      results suggest that product selectivity on Cu NWs is highly dependent on
      morphological features and that hydrocarbon selectivity can be manipulated by
      structural evolution or the prevention thereof.

PMID- 28094954
TI  - Backbone Degradable N-(2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide Copolymer Conjugates with
      Gemcitabine and Paclitaxel: Impact of Molecular Weight on Activity toward Human
      Ovarian Carcinoma Xenografts.
AB  - Degradable diblock and multiblock (tetrablock and hexablock) N-(2
      hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-gemcitabine (GEM) and -paclitaxel
      (PTX) conjugates were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain
      transter (RAFT) copolymerization followed by click reaction for preclinical
      investigation. The aim was to validate the hypothesis that long-circulating
      conjugates are needed to generate a sustained concentration gradient between
      vasculature and a solid tumor and result in significant anticancer effect. To
      evaluate the impact of molecular weight of the conjugates on treatment efficacy,
      diblock, tetrablock, and hexablock GEM and PTX conjugates were administered
      intravenously to nude mice bearing A2780 human ovarian xenografts. For GEM
      conjugates, triple doses with dosage 5 mg/kg were given on days 0, 7, and 14
      (q7dx3), whereas a single dose regime with 20 mg/kg was applied on day 0 for PTX
      conjugates treatment. The most effective conjugates for each monotherapy were the
      diblock ones, 2P-GEM and 2P-PTX (Mw ~ 100 kDa). Increasing the Mw to 200 or 300
      kDa resulted in decrease of activity most probably due to changes in the
      conformation of the macromolecule because of interaction of hydrophobic residues
      at side chain termini and formation of "unimer micelles". In addition to
      monotherapy, a sequential combination treatment of diblock PTX conjugate followed
      by GEM conjugate (2P-PTX/2P-GEM) was also performed, which showed the best tumor
      growth inhibition due to synergistic effect: complete remission was achieved
      after the first treatment cycle. However, because of low dose applied, tumor
      recurrence was observed 2 weeks after cease of treatment. To assess optimal route
      of administration, intraperitoneal (i.p.) application of 2P-GEM, 2P-PTX, and
      their combination was examined. The fact that the highest anticancer efficiency
      was achieved with diblock conjugates that can be synthesized in one scalable step
      bodes well for the translation into clinics.

PMID- 28094955
TI  - Using Diffusion To Characterize Interfacial Heterogeneity.
AB  - We report on the use of molecular diffusional motion over a range of length
      scales to characterize compositional heterogeneity in monolayer structures. This
      work focuses on the diffusional motion of perylene in two types of films
      supported on functionalized silica surfaces: single-component (stearic acid) and
      two-component (hydrocarbon/fluorocarbon) films. Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayers
      were deposited directly on silica or were bound to surface-modified silica by
      means of metal ion complexation. The LB films were characterized by their pi-A
      isotherms and by Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) during formation and deposition.
      Chromophore mobility and monolayer structural heterogeneity were evaluated by
      comparing rotational diffusion data (fluorescence anisotropy decay imaging) and
      translational diffusion data (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) on the
      same LB films. Our results indicate that the mobility of the chromophore depends
      sensitively on both metal ion identity and film composition.

PMID- 28094956
TI  - Radiolabeled R954 Derivatives for Imaging Bradykinin B1 Receptor Expression with
      Positron Emission Tomography.
AB  - Peptide receptors have emerged as promising targets for diagnosis and therapy.
      The aberrant overexpression of these receptors in different cancer subtypes
      allows for the adoption of new treatment strategies that complement conventional
      chemotherapies. Bradykinin B1 receptor (B1R) is a G protein-coupled receptor that
      is overexpressed in many cancers, with limited expression in healthy tissues.
      Previously, we developed 68Ga- and 18F-labeled derivatives of B1R antagonist
      peptides B9858 and B9958, and successfully targeted B1R-expressing tumor
      xenografts in vivo. R954 (Ac-Orn-Arg-Oic-Pro-Gly-alphaMePhe-Ser-d-2-Nal-Ile), a
      potent B1R antagonist, is reportedly more stable than B9858 against peptidase
      degradation. We evaluated two radiolabeled derivatives of R954 (68Ga-HTK01083 and
      18F-HTK01146) for B1R PET imaging. Peptides were synthesized via solid phase
      strategy. Nonradioactive standards were obtain by reacting GaCl3 with DOTA-dPEG2
      R954 and by clicking N-propargyl-N,N-dimethylammoniomethyl-trifluoroborate with
      azidoacetyl-dPEG2-R954. Binding affinity for B1R was determined by an in vitro
      competition binding assay. 68Ga-HTK01083 was obtained by incubating DOTA-dPEG2
      R954 with 68GaCl3 under acidic conditions, while 18F-HTK01146 was prepared via an
      18F-19F isotope exchange reaction. Biodistribution and imaging studies were
      conducted at 1 h postinjection (p.i.) in mice inoculated with B1R-expressing
      (B1R+) and B1R-nonexpressing (B1R-) cells. HTK01083 and HTK01146 bound B1R with
      good affinity (Ki = 30.5 and 24.8 nM, respectively). 68Ga/18F-labeled R954 were
      obtained on average in >=10% decay-corrected radiochemical yield with >99%
      radiochemical purity and >=52 GBq/MUmol specific activity. For both tracers,
      clearance was predominantly renal with minimal involvement of the hepatobiliary
      system. For PET images, B1R+ tumors, kidneys, and bladder were visible. At 1 h
      p.i., uptake in B1R+ tumor was comparable between 68Ga-HTK01083 (8.46 +/-
      1.44%ID/g) and 18F-HTK01146 (9.25 +/- 0.69%ID/g). B1R+ tumor-to-blood and B1R+
      tumor-to-muscle ratios were 6.32 +/- 1.44 and 20.7 +/- 3.58 for 68Ga-HTK01083,
      and 7.24 +/- 2.56 and 19.5 +/- 4.29 for 18F-HTK01146. Our results indicate R954
      is a good lead sequence for optimization of B1R tracers for cancer imaging.

PMID- 28094957
TI  - Spatially Resolved Imaging on Photocarrier Generations and Band Alignments at
      Perovskite/PbI2 Heterointerfaces of Perovskite Solar Cells by Light-Modulated
      Scanning Tunneling Microscopy.
AB  - The presence of the PbI2 passivation layers at perovskite crystal grains has been
      found to considerably affect the charge carrier transport behaviors and device
      performance of perovskite solar cells. This work demonstrates the application of
      a novel light-modulated scanning tunneling microscopy (LM-STM) technique to
      reveal the interfacial electronic structures at the heterointerfaces between
      CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite crystals and PbI2 passivation layers of individual
      perovskite grains under light illumination. Most importantly, this technique
      enabled the first observation of spatially resolved mapping images of
      photoinduced interfacial band bending of valence bands and conduction bands and
      the photogenerated electron and hole carriers at the heterointerfaces of
      perovskite crystal grains. By systematically exploring the interfacial electronic
      structures of individual perovskite grains, enhanced charge separation and
      reduced back recombination were observed when an optimal design of interfacial
      PbI2 passivation layers consisting of a thickness less than 20 nm at perovskite
      crystal grains was applied.

PMID- 28094958
TI  - Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Mechanical Stimulation for Restoration of Mechano
      Sensitive Ion Channel Equilibrium in Neural Networks.
AB  - Techniques offering remote control of neural activity with high spatiotemporal
      resolution and specificity are invaluable for deciphering the physiological roles
      of different classes of neurons in brain development and disease. Here, we first
      confirm that microfabricated substrates with enhanced magnetic field gradients
      allow for wireless stimulation of neural circuits dosed with magnetic
      nanoparticles using calcium indicator dyes. We also investigate the mechanism of
      mechano-transduction in this system and identify that N-type mechano-sensitive
      calcium ion channels play a key role in signal generation in response to magnetic
      force. We next applied this method for chronic stimulation of a fragile X
      syndrome (FXS) neural network model and found that magnetic force-based
      stimulation modulated the expression of mechano-sensitive ion channels which are
      out of equilibrium in a number of neurological diseases including FXS. This
      technique can serve as a tool for acute and chronic modulation of endogenous ion
      channel expression in neural circuits in a spatially localized manner to
      investigate a number of disease processes in the future.

PMID- 28094960
TI  - Tunable Length and Optical Properties of CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) Nanowires with a
      Few Unit Cells.
AB  - Perovskite nanostructures, both hybrid organo-metal and fully inorganic
      perovskites, have gained a lot of interest in the past few years for their
      intriguing optical properties in the visible region. We report on inorganic
      cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) nanowires (NWs) having quantum confined dimensions
      corresponding to 5 unit cells. The addition of various hydrohalic acids (HX, X =
      Cl, Br, I) was found to highly affect the NW length, composition, and optical
      properties. Hydrochloric (HCl) and hydroiodic (HI) acids mixed in the reaction
      solution influence the crystal structure and optical properties and shorten the
      NWs, while the hydrobromic acid (HBr) addition results solely in shorter NWs,
      without any structural change. The addition of HX increases the acidity of the
      reaction solution, resulting in protonation of the oleylamine ligands from
      oleylamine into oleyl-ammonium cations that behave similarly to Cs+ during
      crystallization. Therefore, the positions of the Cs+ at the growing surface of
      the NWs are taken by the oleyl-ammonium cations, thus blocking further growth in
      the favored direction. The emission of the NWs is tunable between ~423-505 nm and
      possesses a potential in the optoelectronic field. Moreover, electrical
      conductivity measurements of the NWs are discussed to give a new point of view
      regarding the conductivity of perovskite nanostructures.

PMID- 28094959
TI  - Noninvasive Targeted Transcranial Neuromodulation via Focused Ultrasound Gated
      Drug Release from Nanoemulsions.
AB  - Targeted, noninvasive neuromodulation of the brain of an otherwise awake subject
      could revolutionize both basic and clinical neuroscience. Toward this goal, we
      have developed nanoparticles that allow noninvasive uncaging of a neuromodulatory
      drug, in this case the small molecule anesthetic propofol, upon the application
      of focused ultrasound. These nanoparticles are composed of biodegradable and
      biocompatible constituents and are activated using sonication parameters that are
      readily achievable by current clinical transcranial focused ultrasound systems.
      These particles are potent enough that their activation can silence seizures in
      an acute rat seizure model. Notably, there is no evidence of brain parenchymal
      damage or blood-brain barrier opening with their use. Further development of
      these particles promises noninvasive, focal, and image-guided clinical
      neuromodulation along a variety of pharmacological axes.

PMID- 28094961
TI  - Enhancing the Sensing Properties of TiO2 Nanosheets with Exposed {001} Facets by
      a Hydrogenation and Sensing Mechanism.
AB  - Hydrogenation is successfully employed to improve sensing performances of the gas
      sensors based on TiO2 nanosheets with exposed {001} facets for the first time.
      The hydrogenated TiO2 nanosheets show a significantly higher response toward
      ethanol, acetone, triethylamine, or formaldehyde than the samples without
      hydrogenation, and the response further increases with an increase of the
      hydrogenation temperature. The excellent sensing performances are ascribed to an
      increase of the density of unsaturated Ti5c atoms on the {001} surface resulting
      from the hydrogenation process. The unsaturated Ti5c atoms are considered to
      serve as sensing reaction active sites. They can generate noncontributing (free)
      electrons and adsorb oxygen molecules, and the detailed sensing mechanism is
      described at atomic and molecule level. The hydrogenated strategy may be employed
      to enhance the sensing performances of other metal oxide sensors and catalytic
      reaction activities of catalyst. The concept of the surface unsaturated metal
      atoms serving as sensing reaction active sites not only deepens the understanding
      of the sensing reaction and catalytic reaction mechanism but also provides new
      insights into the design of advanced gas sensing materials, catalysts, and
      photoelectronic devices.

PMID- 28094962
TI  - Coumarin to Isocoumarin: One-Pot Synthesis of 3-Substituted Isocoumarins from 4
      Hydroxycoumarins and Benzyne Precursors.
AB  - A novel transition-metal-free direct synthesis of 3-substituted isocoumarin from
      4-hydroxycoumarin and a benzyne precursor is developed. This synthetic strategy
      proceeds via C-O and C-C bond cleavage as well as C-O and C-C bond formations in
      a single reaction vessel by simple treatment with CsF in the absence of catalyst.
      This methodology affords moderate to good yields of 3-substituted isocoumarins
      and is tolerant of a variety of functional groups including halide.

PMID- 28094963
TI  - Four-Step Total Synthesis of Selaginpulvilin D.
AB  - An extremely concise total synthesis of a potent phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitory
      natural product, selaginpulvilin D, is reported. The synthesis features a one
      pot, 3-fold electrophilic aromatic substitution sequence to assemble a 9,9
      diarylfluorene core. The approach allows access to useful quantities of a
      selaginpulvilin natural product for the first time.

PMID- 28094964
TI  - Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Oxidative C-H/C-H Cross-Coupling Reaction
      of C3,N-Linked Biheterocycles: Rapid Access to Polycyclic Nitrogen Heterocycles.
AB  - A Pd(II)-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative C-H/C-H cross-coupling has been
      developed for the direct construction of valuable polycyclic heteroarene
      scaffolds. From a retrosynthetic point of view, the strategic formation of a C-C
      bond via C(sp2)-H/C(sp2)-H dehydrogenative coupling across C3,N-linked
      biheterocyclic precursors may be useful in de novo syntheses of indole-derived
      natural products and pharmaceuticals. The reaction exhibited good functional
      group/heterocycle tolerance, and a proposed mechanism involving an azoylpalladium
      complex is also supported.

PMID- 28094965
TI  - Taxodikaloids A and B, Two Dimeric Abietane-Type Diterpenoids from Taxodium
      ascendens Possessing an Oxazoline Ring Linkage.
AB  - Two dimeric diterpenoids, taxodikaloids A (1) and B (2), have been identified
      from the seeds of Taxodium ascendens. The diterpenoid structures were established
      on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute
      configuration of taxodikaloid A (1) was further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray
      diffraction. Both structures feature an unprecedented oxazoline ring linkage
      connecting two abietane diterpenoid monomers. A plausible biosynthetic pathway
      for compounds 1 and 2 is proposed. Both compounds show potential neuroprotective
      activity against Abeta25-35-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells.

PMID- 28094966
TI  - Advanced Nitroso Aldol Reaction: Metal-Free Cross-Coupling of Anilines with Silyl
      Enol Ethers en Route to alpha-Amino Ketones.
AB  - A practical and step-economical nitroso aldol reaction has been developed based
      on metal-free direct cross-coupling of ready-stock anilines with silyl enol
      ethers at room temperature affording alpha-amino ketones in high yields (up to
      82%). The protocol features a one-pot cascade of nitroso compound generation,
      selective C-N bond formation, and N-O bond cleavage using solely inexpensive and
      user-friendly Oxone and displays remarkable functional group tolerance. The
      method was further extended to prepare densely functionalized indoles that are
      otherwise difficult to synthesize.

PMID- 28094968
TI  - Computational Studies on Reaction Mechanism and Origins of Selectivities in
      Nickel-Catalyzed (2 + 2 + 2) Cycloadditions and Alkenylative Cyclizations of 1,6
      Ene-Allenes and Alkenes.
AB  - The reaction mechanism and origins of ligand-controlled selectivity,
      regioselectivity, and stereoselectivity of Ni-catalyzed (2 + 2 + 2)
      cycloadditions and alkenylative cyclizations of 1,6-ene-allenes and alkenes were
      studied by using density functional theory. The catalytic cycle involves
      intermolecular oxidative coupling and an intramolecular concerted 1,4-addition
      step to afford a stable metallacycloheptane intermediate; these steps determine
      both the regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. Subsequent C-C reductive
      elimination leads to the cyclohexane product, whereas the beta-hydride
      elimination leads to the trans-diene product. The selectivity between (2 + 2 + 2)
      cycloadditions and alkenylative cyclizations is controlled by the ligand.
      Irrespective of the nature of the terminal substituents on the ene-allene and
      alkene, the P(o-tol)3 ligand always favors the C-C reductive elimination,
      resulting in the cyclohexane product. On the other hand, the flexibility of the
      PBu3 ligand means that electronic and steric factors play important roles.
      Electron-withdrawing groups such as CO2Me in the ene-allene terminal substituent
      induce obvious substrate-ligand repulsion and destabilize the C-C reductive
      elimination, giving rise to the trans-diene product.

PMID- 28094967
TI  - Remote C(sp3)-H Oxygenation of Protonated Aliphatic Amines with Potassium
      Persulfate.
AB  - This letter describes the development of a method for selective remote C(sp3)-H
      oxygenation of protonated aliphatic amines using aqueous potassium persulfate.
      Protonation serves to deactivate the proximal C(sp3)-H bonds of the amine
      substrates and also renders the amines soluble in the aqueous medium. These
      reactions proceed under relatively mild conditions (within 2 h at 80  degrees C
      with amine as limiting reagent) and do not require a transition metal catalyst.
      This method is applicable to a variety of types of C(sp3)-H bonds, including 3
      degrees , 2 degrees , and benzylic C-H sites in primary, secondary, and tertiary
      amine substrates.

PMID- 28094969
TI  - Investigating Biogenetic Hypotheses of the Securinega Alkaloids: Enantioselective
      Total Syntheses of Secu'amamine E/ent-Virosine A and Bubbialine.
AB  - The synthesis of the Securinega alkaloid secu'amamine E (ent-virosine A) has been
      accomplished for the first time in 12 steps and 8.5% overall yield. In addition,
      bubbialine has been prepared and characterized. These two alkaloids and
      bubbialidine, all featuring an azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane core, were rearranged to
      their azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane congeners, a framework found in many Securinega
      alkaloids. These experiments suggest that azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives
      could serve as intermediates in the biosynthesis of the rearranged
      azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane products.

PMID- 28094970
TI  - Octagon to Square Wetting Area Transition of Water-Ethanol Droplets on a
      Micropyramid Substrate by Increasing Ethanol Concentration.
AB  - The wettability and evaporation of water-ethanol binary droplets on the substrate
      with micropyramid cavities are studied by controlling the initial ethanol
      concentrations. The droplets form octagonal initial wetting areas on the
      substrate. As the ethanol concentration increases, the side ratio of the initial
      wetting octagon increases from 1.5 at 0% ethanol concentration to 3.5 at 30%
      ethanol concentration. The increasing side ratio indicates that the wetting area
      transforms from an octagon to a square if we consider the octagon to be a square
      with its four corners cut. The droplets experience a pinning-depinning transition
      during evaporation. The pure water sessile droplet evaporation demonstrates three
      stages from the constant contact line (CCL) stage, and then the constant contact
      angle (CCA) stage, to the mixed stage. An additional mixed stage is found between
      the CCL and CCA stages in the evaporation of water-ethanol binary droplets due to
      the anisotropic depinning along the two different axes of symmetry of the
      octagonal wetting area. Droplet depinning occurs earlier on the patterned surface
      as the ethanol concentration increases.

PMID- 28094971
TI  - Predicting Nanoscale Dynamics of a Glass-Forming Liquid from Its Macroscopic Bulk
      Behavior and Vice Versa.
AB  - The properties of a molecular liquid confined at the nanometer length scale can
      be very distinct from the bulk. For that reason, the macro- and the nanoscopic
      behaviors of glass-forming liquids are regarded as two nonconnected realms,
      governed by their own rules. Here, we show that the glassy dynamics in molecular
      liquids confined to nanometer pores might obey the density scaling relation,
      rhogamma/T, just like in bulk fluids. Even more surprisingly, the same value of
      the scaling exponent gamma superposes the alpha-relaxation time measured at
      different state points in nanoscale confinement and upon increased pressure. We
      report this remarkable finding for van der Waals liquids tetramethyl-tetraphenyl
      trisiloxane (DC704) and polyphenyl ether (5PPE), considered as simple, single
      parameter liquids. Demonstrating that the density scaling idea can be fulfilled
      in both environments opens an exciting possibility to predict the dynamic
      features of the nanoconfined system close to its glass-transition temperature
      from the high-pressure studies of the bulk liquid. Likewise, we can describe the
      viscous liquid dynamics at any given combination of temperature and pressure
      based on analysis of its behavior in nanopores.

PMID- 28094972
TI  - Regioselective Construction of alpha,alpha-Disubstituted Allylic Amines by the
      Ruthenium-Catalyzed Allylic Amination of Tertiary Allylic Acetates.
AB  - The ruthenium-catalyzed regioselective allylic amination of tertiary allylic
      acetates with several types of amines has been accomplished. The reaction was
      effectively catalyzed by Cp*RuCl2/5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine or its related
      ruthenium catalyst systems, and alpha,alpha-disubstituted allylic amines were
      formed as a single regioisomer in moderate to high yields.

PMID- 28094973
TI  - Mild Functionalization of Tetraoxane Derivatives via Olefin Metathesis:
      Compatibility of Ruthenium Alkylidene Catalysts with Peroxides.
AB  - An easy and mild functionalization method of tetraoxane derivatives via olefin
      metathesis is reported. This reaction offers a new method to afford fully
      functionalized tetraoxanes in high yields. This method is also utilized in the
      functionalization of bioactive compounds.

PMID- 28094975
TI  - Endoribonuclease-Based Two-Component Repressor Systems for Tight Gene Expression
      Control in Plants.
AB  - Tight control and multifactorial regulation of gene expression are important
      challenges in genetic engineering and are critical for the development of
      regulatory circuits. Meeting these challenges will facilitate transgene
      expression regulation and support the fine-tuning of metabolic pathways to avoid
      the accumulation of undesired intermediates. By employing the endoribonuclease
      Csy4 and its recognition sequence from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and manipulating
      5'UTR of mRNA, we developed a two-component expression-repression system to
      tightly control synthesis of transgene products. We demonstrated that this
      regulatory device was functional in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant
      species, and showed that it can be used to repress transgene expression by >400
      fold and to synchronize transgene repression. In addition to tissue-specific
      transgene repression, this system offers stimuli-dependent expression control.
      Using a bioinformatics approach, we identified 54 orthologous systems from
      various bacteria, and then validated in planta the activity for a few of those
      systems, demonstrating the potential diversity of such a two-component repressor
      system.

PMID- 28094974
TI  - Monitoring Dopamine Responses to Potassium Ion and Nomifensine by in Vivo
      Microdialysis with Online Liquid Chromatography at One-Minute Resolution.
AB  - Recently, our laboratory has demonstrated the technical feasibility of monitoring
      dopamine at 1 min temporal resolution with microdialysis and online liquid
      chromatography. Here, we monitor dopamine in the rat striatum during local
      delivery of high potassium/low sodium or nomifensine in awake-behaving rats.
      Microdialysis probes were implanted and perfused continuously with or without
      dexamethasone in the perfusion fluid for 4 days. Dexamethasone is an anti
      inflammatory agent that exhibits several positive effects on the apparent health
      of the brain tissue surrounding microdialysis probes. Dopamine was monitored 1 or
      4 days after implantation under basal conditions, during 10 min applications of
      60 mM or 100 mM K+, and during 15 min applications of 10 MUM nomifensine. High K+
      and nomifensine were delivered locally by adding them to the microdialysis
      perfusion fluid using a computer-controlled, low-dead-volume six-port valve. Each
      day/K+/dexamethasone combination elicited specific dopamine responses.
      Dexamethasone treatment increased dopamine levels in basal dialysates (i.e., in
      the absence of K+ or nomifensine). Applications of 60 mM K+ evoked distinct
      responses on days one and four after probe implantation, depending upon the
      presence or absence of dexamethasone, consistent with dexamethasone's ability to
      mitigate the traumatic effect of probe implantation. Applications of 100 mM K+
      evoked dramatic oscillations in dopamine levels that correlated with changes in
      the field potential at a metal electrode implanted adjacent to the microdialysis
      probe. This combination of results indicates the role of spreading depolarization
      in response to 100 mM K+. With 1 min temporal resolution, we find that it is
      possible to characterize the pharmacokinetics of the response to the local
      delivery of nomifensine. Overall, the findings reported here confirm the benefits
      arising from the ability to monitor dopamine via microdialysis at high
      sensitivity and at high temporal resolution.

PMID- 28094976
TI  - Breath Figure Micromolding Approach for Regulating the Microstructures of
      Polymeric Films for Triboelectric Nanogenerators.
AB  - A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an innovative kind of energy harvester
      recently developed on the basis of organic materials for converting mechanical
      energy into electricity through the combined use of the triboelectric effect and
      electrostatic induction. Polymeric materials and their microstructures play key
      roles in the generation, accumulation, and retainment of triboelectric charges,
      which decisively determines the final electric performance of TENGs. Herein we
      report a simple and efficient breath figure (BF) micromolding approach to rapidly
      regulate the surface microstructures of polymeric films for the assembly of
      TENGs. Honeycomb porous films with adjustable pore size and dimensional
      architectures were first prepared by the BF technique through simply adjusting
      the concentration of the polymer solution. They were then used as negative molds
      for straightforward synthesis of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films with different
      microlens arrays (MLAs) and lens sizes, which were further assembled for TENGs to
      investigate the influence of film microstructures. All MLA-based TENGs were found
      to have an obviously enhanced electric performance in comparison with a flat-PDMS
      film-based TENG. Specifically, up to 3 times improvement in the electric
      performance can be achieved by the MLA-based TENG with optimal surface
      microstructures over flat-PDMS-film-based TENG under the same triggering
      conditions. A MLA-based TENG was further successfully used to harvest the waste
      mechanical energy generated by different human body motions, including finger
      tapping, hand clapping, and walking with a frequency ranging from 0.5 to 5.5 Hz.

PMID- 28094977
TI  - Crystallographic Mapping of Guided Nanowires by Second Harmonic Generation
      Polarimetry.
AB  - The growth of horizontal nanowires (NWs) guided by epitaxial and graphoepitaxial
      relations with the substrate is becoming increasingly attractive owing to the
      possibility of controlling their position, direction, and crystallographic
      orientation. In guided NWs, as opposed to the extensively characterized
      vertically grown NWs, there is an increasing need for understanding the relation
      between structure and properties, specifically the role of the epitaxial relation
      with the substrate. Furthermore, the uniformity of crystallographic orientation
      along guided NWs and over the substrate has yet to be checked. Here we perform
      highly sensitive second harmonic generation (SHG) polarimetry of polar and
      nonpolar guided ZnO NWs grown on R-plane and M-plane sapphire. We optically map
      large areas on the substrate in a nondestructive way and find that the
      crystallographic orientations of the guided NWs are highly selective and specific
      for each growth direction with respect to the substrate lattice. In addition, we
      perform SHG polarimetry along individual NWs and find that the crystallographic
      orientation is preserved along the NW in both polar and nonpolar NWs. While polar
      NWs show highly uniform SHG along their axis, nonpolar NWs show a significant
      change in the local nonlinear susceptibility along a few micrometers, reflected
      in a reduction of 40% in the ratio of the SHG along different crystal axes. We
      suggest that these differences may be related to strain accumulation along the
      nonpolar wires. We find SHG polarimetry to be a powerful tool to study both
      selectivity and uniformity of crystallographic orientations of guided NWs with
      different epitaxial relations.

PMID- 28094978
TI  - Phase Behavior and Self-Assembly of Perfectly Sequence-Defined and Monodisperse
      Multiblock Copolypeptides.
AB  - This paper investigates how the properties of multiblock copolypeptides can be
      tuned by their block architecture, defined by the size and distribution of blocks
      along the polymer chain. These parameters were explored by the precise,
      genetically encoded synthesis of recombinant elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs). A
      family of ELPs was synthesized in which the composition and length were conserved
      while the block length and distribution were varied, thus creating 11 ELPs with
      unique block architectures. To our knowledge, these polymers are unprecedented in
      their intricately and precisely varied architectures. ELPs exhibit lower critical
      solution temperature (LCST) behavior and micellar self-assembly, both of which
      impart easily measured physicochemical properties to the copolymers, providing
      insight into polymer hydrophobicity and self-assembly into higher order
      structures, as a function of solution temperature. Even subtle variation in block
      architecture changed the LCST phase behavior and morphology of these ELPs,
      measured by their temperature-triggered phase transition and nanoscale self
      assembly. Size and morphology of polypeptide micelles could be tuned solely by
      controlling the block architecture, thus demonstrating that when sequence can be
      precisely controlled, nanoscale self-assembly of polypeptides can be modulated by
      block architecture.

PMID- 28094979
TI  - Photoinduced Cross-Linking of Short Furan-Modified DNA on Surfaces.
AB  - We report for the first time the formation of site-specific interstrand cross
      linked (ICL) surface-immobilized furan-modified DNA duplexes via singlet oxygen.
      1O2, necessary for effecting furan-mediated ICL formation, was produced in situ
      using methylene blue or a zinc phthalocyanine derivative (TT1) as a
      photosensitizer. Via surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, we show that surface
      ICL was achieved, and a robust link formed that enhances the stability of the 12
      mer duplex even after surface regeneration. The described method represents a
      novel platform technology based on surfaces with addressable and stable DNA
      duplexes requiring only short oligonucleotides.

PMID- 28094981
TI  - GW100: A Plane Wave Perspective for Small Molecules.
AB  - In a recent work, van Setten and co-workers have presented a carefully converged
      G0W0 study of 100 closed shell molecules [ J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2015 , 11 ,
      5665 - 5687 ]. For two different codes they found excellent agreement to within a
      few 10 meV if identical Gaussian basis sets were used. We inspect the same set of
      molecules using the projector augmented wave method and the Vienna ab initio
      simulation package (VASP). For the ionization potential, the basis set
      extrapolated plane wave results agree very well with the Gaussian basis sets,
      often reaching better than 50 meV agreement. In order to achieve this agreement,
      we correct for finite basis set errors as well as errors introduced by
      periodically repeated images. For positive electron affinities differences
      between Gaussian basis sets and VASP are slightly larger. We attribute this to
      larger basis set extrapolation errors for the Gaussian basis sets. For quasi
      particle (QP) resonances above the vacuum level, differences between VASP and
      Gaussian basis sets are, however, found to be substantial. This is tentatively
      explained by insufficient basis set convergence of the Gaussian type orbital
      calculations as exemplified for selected test cases.

PMID- 28094980
TI  - Fe-Catalyzed C-C Bond Construction from Olefins via Radicals.
AB  - This Article details the development of the iron-catalyzed conversion of olefins
      to radicals and their subsequent use in the construction of C-C bonds.
      Optimization of a reductive diene cyclization led to the development of an
      intermolecular cross-coupling of electronically-differentiated donor and acceptor
      olefins. Although the substitution on the donor olefins was initially limited to
      alkyl and aryl groups, additional efforts culminated in the expansion of the
      scope of the substitution to various heteroatom-based functionalities, providing
      a unified olefin reactivity. A vinyl sulfone acceptor olefin was developed, which
      allowed for the efficient synthesis of sulfone adducts that could be used as
      branch points for further diversification. Moreover, this reactivity was extended
      into an olefin-based Minisci reaction to functionalize heterocyclic scaffolds.
      Finally, mechanistic studies resulted in a more thorough understanding of the
      reaction, giving rise to the development of a more efficient second-generation
      set of olefin cross-coupling conditions.

PMID- 28094982
TI  - Bacterial Genome Editing via a Designed Toxin-Antitoxin Cassette.
AB  - Manipulating the bacterial genomes in an efficient manner is essential to
      biological and biotechnological research. Here, we reprogrammed the bacterial TA
      systems as the toxin counter-selectable cassette regulated by an antitoxin switch
      (TCCRAS) for genetic modifications in the extensively studied and utilized Gram
      positive bacteria, B. subtilis and Corynebacterium glutamicum. In the five
      characterized type II TA systems, the RelBE complex can specifically and
      efficiently regulate cell growth and death by the conditionally controlled
      antitoxin RelB switch, thereby serving as a novel counter-selectable cassette to
      establish the TCCRAS system. Using a single vector, such a system has been
      employed to perform in-frame deletion, functional knock-in, gene replacement,
      precise point mutation, large-scale insertion, and especially, deletion of the
      fragments up to 194.9 kb in B. subtilis. In addition, the biosynthesis of
      lycopene was first achieved in B. subtilis using TCCRAS to integrate a 5.4-kb
      fusion cluster ( P spac- crtI- crtE- crtB). The system was further adapted for
      gene knockdown and replacement, and large-scale deletion of the fragments up to
      179.8 kb in C. glutamicum, with the mutation efficiencies increased by 0.8-1.0
      fold compared to the conventional SacB method. TCCRAS thus holds promise as an
      effective and versatile genome-scale engineering technology for metabolic
      engineering and synthetic genomics research in a broad range of the Gram-positive
      bacteria.

PMID- 28094983
TI  - Hybrid and Constrained Resolution-of-Identity Techniques for Coulomb Integrals.
AB  - The introduction of auxiliary bases to approximate molecular orbital products has
      paved the way to significant savings in the evaluation of four-center two
      electron Coulomb integrals. We present a generalized dual space strategy that
      sheds a new light on variants over the standard density and Coulomb-fitting
      schemes, including the possibility of introducing minimization constraints. We
      improve in particular the charge- or multipole-preserving strategies introduced
      respectively by Baerends and Van Alsenoy that we compare to a simple scheme where
      the Coulomb metric is used for lowest angular momentum auxiliary orbitals only.
      We explore the merits of these approaches on the basis of extensive Hartree-Fock
      and MP2 calculations over a standard set of medium size molecules.

PMID- 28094984
TI  - A Generalized Grid-Based Fast Multipole Method for Integrating Helmholtz Kernels.
AB  - A grid-based fast multipole method (GB-FMM) for optimizing three-dimensional (3D)
      numerical molecular orbitals in the bubbles and cube double basis has been
      developed and implemented. The present GB-FMM method is a generalization of our
      recently published GB-FMM approach for numerically calculating electrostatic
      potentials and two-electron interaction energies. The orbital optimization is
      performed by integrating the Helmholtz kernel in the double basis. The steep part
      of the functions in the vicinity of the nuclei is represented by one-center
      bubbles functions, whereas the remaining cube part is expanded on an equidistant
      3D grid. The integration of the bubbles part is treated by using one-center
      expansions of the Helmholtz kernel in spherical harmonics multiplied with
      modified spherical Bessel functions of the first and second kind, analogously to
      the numerical inward and outward integration approach for calculating two
      electron interaction potentials in atomic structure calculations. The expressions
      and algorithms for massively parallel calculations on general purpose graphics
      processing units (GPGPU) are described. The accuracy and the correctness of the
      implementation has been checked by performing Hartree-Fock self-consistent-field
      calculations (HF-SCF) on H2, H2O, and CO. Our calculations show that an accuracy
      of 10-4 to 10-7 Eh can be reached in HF-SCF calculations on general molecules.

PMID- 28094985
TI  - Beyond the Hofmeister Series: Ion-Specific Effects on Proteins and Their
      Biological Functions.
AB  - Ions differ in their ability to salt out proteins from solution as expressed in
      the lyotropic or Hofmeister series of cations and anions. Since its first
      formulation in 1888, this series has been invoked in a plethora of effects, going
      beyond the original salting out/salting in idea to include enzyme activities and
      the crystallization of proteins, as well as to processes not involving proteins
      like ion exchange, the surface tension of electrolytes, or bubble coalescence.
      Although it has been clear that the Hofmeister series is intimately connected to
      ion hydration in homogeneous and heterogeneous environments and to ion pairing,
      its molecular origin has not been fully understood. This situation could have
      been summarized as follows: Many chemists used the Hofmeister series as a mantra
      to put a label on ion-specific behavior in various environments, rather than to
      reach a molecular level understanding and, consequently, an ability to predict a
      particular effect of a given salt ion on proteins in solutions. In this Feature
      Article we show that the cationic and anionic Hofmeister series can now be
      rationalized primarily in terms of specific interactions of salt ions with the
      backbone and charged side chain groups at the protein surface in solution. At the
      same time, we demonstrate the limitations of separating Hofmeister effects into
      independent cationic and anionic contributions due to the electroneutrality
      condition, as well as specific ion pairing, leading to interactions of ions of
      opposite polarity. Finally, we outline the route beyond Hofmeister chemistry in
      the direction of understanding specific roles of ions in various biological
      functionalities, where generic Hofmeister-type interactions can be complemented
      or even overruled by particular steric arrangements in various ion binding sites.

PMID- 28094986
TI  - Improving Internal Cell Colonization of Porous Scaffolds with Chemical Gradients
      Produced by Plasma Assisted Approaches.
AB  - Cell colonization of the surrounding environment is a very significant process in
      both physiological and pathological events. In order to understand the tissue
      regeneration process and thereby provide guidance principles for designing new
      biomaterials, it is of paramount importance to study the cell colonization in the
      presence of physical, chemical, and biological cues. Flat "gradient" materials
      are generally used with this purpose. Three dimensional gradient scaffolds
      mimicking more precisely the situation in vivo are somewhat more complex to
      fabricate and characterize. Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering (TE) made of
      hydrophobic synthetic polymers do not allow good cell colonization: far from
      their periphery, in fact, internal cell colonization is usually low. In this
      research poly-epsilon caprolactone (PCL) scaffolds have been "decorated" with
      chemical gradients both on top and along their thickness by means of cold plasma
      processes, in order to improve cell colonization of their core. Plasma treatments
      with a mixture of argon and oxygen (Ar/O2), as well as plasma deposition of
      differently cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-like coatings, have been
      performed. This study establishes that cross-linked PEO-like domains interspaced
      with native PCL ones deposited only on top of the scaffold (i.e., coating that
      penetrates less than 300 MUm inside the scaffold) are more effective in promoting
      cell colonization across the scaffolds than the other tested materials including
      superhydrophilic samples and that ones produced by tested double step approaches.
      Last but not least, one result of this research is that, in the case of plasma
      coatings with low deposition rates and porous materials with a low pore
      interconnectivity, it is possible to improve penetration of low pressure plasma
      active species inside the scaffold's core thorough a pretreatment of the porous
      materials (i.e., penetration up to 4500 mm far from topside).

PMID- 28094987
TI  - Crystal Engineering of Self-Assembled Porous Protein Materials in Living Cells.
AB  - Crystalline porous materials have been investigated for development of important
      applications in molecular storage, separations, and catalysis. The potential of
      protein crystals is increasing as they become better understood. Protein crystals
      have been regarded as porous materials because they present highly ordered 3D
      arrangements of protein molecules with high porosity and wide range of pore
      sizes. However, it remains difficult to functionalize protein crystals in living
      cells. Here, we report that polyhedra, a natural crystalline protein assembly of
      polyhedrin monomer (PhM) produced in insect cells infected by cypovirus, can be
      engineered to extend porous networks by deleting selected amino acid residues
      located on the intermolecular contact region of PhM. The adsorption rates and
      quantities of fluorescent dyes stored within the mutant crystals are increased
      relative to those of the wild-type polyhedra crystal (WTPhC) under both in vitro
      and in vivo conditions. These results provide a strategy for designing self
      assembled protein materials with applications in molecular recognition and
      storage of exogenous substances in living cell as well as an entry point for
      development of bioorthogonal chemistry and in vivo crystal structure analysis.

PMID- 28094988
TI  - Multireference Perturbation Theory with Cholesky Decomposition for the Density
      Matrix Renormalization Group.
AB  - We present a second-order N-electron valence state perturbation theory (NEVPT2)
      based on a density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) reference wave function
      that exploits a Cholesky decomposition of the two-electron repulsion integrals
      (CD-DMRG-NEVPT2). With a parameter-free multireference perturbation theory
      approach at hand, the latter allows us to efficiently describe static and dynamic
      correlation in large molecular systems. We demonstrate the applicability of CD
      DMRG-NEVPT2 for spin-state energetics of spin-crossover complexes involving
      calculations with more than 1000 atomic basis functions. We first assess, in a
      study of a heme model, the accuracy of the strongly and partially contracted
      variant of CD-DMRG-NEVPT2 before embarking on resolving a controversy about the
      spin ground state of a cobalt tropocoronand complex.

PMID- 28094990
TI  - Bridging the Gap between Dielectric Nanophotonics and the Visible Regime with
      Effectively Lossless Gallium Phosphide Antennas.
AB  - We present all-dielectric gallium phosphide (GaP) nanoantennas as an efficient
      nanophotonic platform for surface-enhanced second harmonic generation (SHG) and
      fluorescence (SEF), showing negligible losses in the visible range. Employing
      single GaP nanodisks, we observe an increase of more than 3 orders of magnitude
      in the SHG conversion signal in comparison with the bulk. This constitutes an SHG
      efficiency as large as 0.0002%, which is to the best of our knowledge the highest
      yet achieved value for a single nano-object in the optical region. Furthermore,
      we show that GaP dimers with 35 nm gap can enhance up to 3600 times the
      fluorescence emission of dyes located in the gap of the nanoantenna. This is
      accomplished by a fluorescence lifetime reduction of at least 22 times,
      accompanied by a high-intensity field confinement in the gap region. These
      results open new avenues for low-loss nanophotonics in the optical regime.

PMID- 28094989
TI  - "Bitter-Sweet" Polymeric Micelles Formed by Block Copolymers from Glucosamine and
      Cholic Acid.
AB  - Natural compounds glucosamine and cholic acid have been used to make acrylic
      monomers which are subsequently used to prepare amphiphilic block copolymers by
      reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Despite
      the striking difference in polarity and solubility, three diblock copolymers
      consisting of glucosamine and cholic acid pendants with different hydrophilic and
      hydrophobic chain lengths have been synthesized without the use of protecting
      groups. They are shown to self-assemble into polymeric micelles with a "bitter"
      bile acid core and "sweet" sugar shell in aqueous solutions, as evidenced by
      dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The critical
      micelle concentration varies with the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio, ranging from
      0.62 to 1.31 mg/L. Longer chains of polymers induced the formation of larger
      micelles in range of 50-70 nm. These micelles can solubilize hydrophobic
      compounds such as Nile Red in aqueous solutions. Their loading capacity mainly
      depends upon the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio of the polymers, and may be also
      related to the length of the hydrophilic block. These polymeric micelles allowed
      for a 10-fold increase in the aqueous solubility of paclitaxel and showed no
      cytotoxicity below the concentration of 500 mg/L. Such properties make these
      polymeric micelles interesting reservoirs for hydrophobic molecules and drugs for
      biomedical applications.

PMID- 28094991
TI  - Polarization-Mediated Modulation of Electronic and Transport Properties of Hybrid
      MoS2-BaTiO3-SrRuO3 Tunnel Junctions.
AB  - Hybrid structures composed of ferroelectric thin films and functional two
      dimensional (2D) materials may exhibit unique characteristics and reveal new
      phenomena due to the cross-interface coupling between their intrinsic properties.
      In this report, we demonstrate a symbiotic interplay between spontaneous
      polarization of the ultrathin BaTiO3 ferroelectric film and conductivity of the
      adjacent molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layer, a 2D narrow-bandgap semiconductor.
      Polarization-induced modulation of the electronic properties of MoS2 results in a
      giant tunneling electroresistance effect in the hybrid MoS2-BaTiO3-SrRuO3
      ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) with an OFF-to-ON resistance ratio as high
      as 104, a 50-fold increase in comparison with the same type of FTJs with metal
      electrodes. The effect stems from the reversible accumulation-depletion of the
      majority carriers in the MoS2 electrode in response to ferroelectric switching,
      which alters the barrier at the MoS2-BaTiO3 interface. Continuous tunability of
      resistive states realized via stable sequential domain structures in BaTiO3 adds
      memristive functionality to the hybrid FTJs. The use of narrow band 2D
      semiconductors in conjunction with ferroelectric films provides a novel pathway
      for development of the electronic devices with enhanced performance.

PMID- 28094992
TI  - Measurement of Nanoplasmonic Field Enhancement with Ultrafast Photoemission.
AB  - Probing nanooptical near-fields is a major challenge in plasmonics. Here, we
      demonstrate an experimental method utilizing ultrafast photoemission from
      plasmonic nanostructures that is capable of probing the maximum nanoplasmonic
      field enhancement in any metallic surface environment. Directly measured field
      enhancement values for various samples are in good agreement with detailed finite
      difference time-domain simulations. These results establish ultrafast plasmonic
      photoelectrons as versatile probes for nanoplasmonic near-fields.

PMID- 28094994
TI  - Ag-Sn Bimetallic Catalyst with a Core-Shell Structure for CO2 Reduction.
AB  - Converting greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) to value-added chemicals is an
      appealing approach to tackle CO2 emission challenges. The chemical transformation
      of CO2 requires suitable catalysts that can lower the activation energy barrier,
      thus minimizing the energy penalty associated with the CO2 reduction reaction.
      First-row transition metals are potential candidates as catalysts for
      electrochemical CO2 reduction; however, their high oxygen affinity makes them
      easy to be oxidized, which could, in turn, strongly affect the catalytic
      properties of metal-based catalysts. In this work, we propose a strategy to
      synthesize Ag-Sn electrocatalysts with a core-shell nanostructure that contains a
      bimetallic core responsible for high electronic conductivity and an ultrathin
      partially oxidized shell for catalytic CO2 conversion. This concept was
      demonstrated by a series of Ag-Sn bimetallic electrocatalysts. At an optimal SnOx
      shell thickness of ~1.7 nm, the catalyst exhibited a high formate Faradaic
      efficiency of ~80% and a formate partial current density of ~16 mA cm-2 at -0.8 V
      vs RHE, a remarkable performance in comparison to state-of-the-art formate
      selective CO2 reduction catalysts. Density-functional theory calculations showed
      that oxygen vacancies on the SnO (101) surface are stable at highly negative
      potentials and crucial for CO2 activation. In addition, the adsorption energy of
      CO2- at these oxygen-vacant sites can be used as the descriptor for catalytic
      performance because of its linear correlation to OCHO* and COOH*, two critical
      intermediates for the HCOOH and CO formation pathways, respectively. The volcano
      like relationship between catalytic activity toward formate as a function of the
      bulk Sn concentration arises from the competing effects of favorable
      stabilization of OCHO* by lattice expansion and the electron conductivity loss
      due to the increased thickness of the SnOx layer.

PMID- 28094993
TI  - Biophysics of Artificially Expanded Genetic Information Systems. Thermodynamics
      of DNA Duplexes Containing Matches and Mismatches Involving 2-Amino-3
      nitropyridin-6-one (Z) and Imidazo[1,2-a]-1,3,5-triazin-4(8H)one (P).
AB  - Synthetic nucleobases presenting non-Watson-Crick arrangements of hydrogen bond
      donor and acceptor groups can form additional nucleotide pairs that stabilize
      duplex DNA independent of the standard A:T and G:C pairs. The pair between 2
      amino-3-nitropyridin-6-one 2'-deoxyriboside (presenting a {donor-donor-acceptor}
      hydrogen bonding pattern on the Watson-Crick face of the small component,
      trivially designated Z) and imidazo[1,2-a]-1,3,5-triazin-4(8H)one 2'
      deoxyriboside (presenting an {acceptor-acceptor-donor} hydrogen bonding pattern
      on the large component, trivially designated P) is one of these extra pairs for
      which a substantial amount of molecular biology has been developed. Here, we
      report the results of UV absorbance melting measurements and determine the
      energetics of binding of DNA strands containing Z and P to give short duplexes
      containing Z:P pairs as well as various mismatches comprising Z and P. All
      measurements were done at 1 M NaCl in buffer (10 mM Na cacodylate, 0.5 mM EDTA,
      pH 7.0). Thermodynamic parameters (DeltaH degrees , DeltaS degrees , and DeltaG
      degrees 37) for oligonucleotide hybridization were extracted. Consistent with the
      Watson-Crick model that considers both geometric and hydrogen bonding
      complementarity, the Z:P pair was found to contribute more to duplex stability
      than any mismatches involving either nonstandard nucleotide. Further, the Z:P
      pair is more stable than a C:G pair. The Z:G pair was found to be the most stable
      mismatch, forming either a deprotonated mismatched pair or a wobble base pair
      analogous to the stable T:G mismatch. The C:P pair is less stable, perhaps
      analogous to the wobble pair observed for C:O6-methyl-G, in which the pyrimidine
      is displaced into the minor groove. The Z:A and T:P mismatches are much less
      stable. Parameters for predicting the thermodynamics of oligonucleotides
      containing Z and P bases are provided. This represents the first case where this
      has been done for a synthetic genetic system.

PMID- 28094995
TI  - Photoluminescence Probing of Complex H2O Adsorption on InGaN/GaN Nanowires.
AB  - We demonstrate that the complex adsorption behavior of H2O on InGaN/GaN nanowire
      arrays is directly revealed by their ambient-dependent photoluminescence
      properties. Under low-humidity, ambient-temperature, and low-excitation-light
      conditions, H2O adsorbates cause a quenching of the photoluminescence. In
      contrast, for high humidity levels, elevated temperature, and high excitation
      intensity, H2O adsorbates act as efficient photoluminescence enhancers. We show
      that this behavior, which can only be detected due to the low operation
      temperature of the InGaN/GaN nanowires, can be explained on the basis of single
      H2O adsorbates forming surface recombination centers and multiple H2O adsorbates
      forming surface passivation layers. Reversible creation of such passivation
      layers is induced by the photoelectrochemical splitting of adsorbed water
      molecules and by the interaction of reactive H3O+ and OH- ions with
      photoactivated InGaN surfaces. Due to electronic coupling of adsorbing molecules
      with photoactivated surfaces, InGaN/GaN nanowires act as sensitive nanooptical
      probes for the analysis of photoelectrochemical surface processes.

PMID- 28094997
TI  - Combined Inkjet Printing and Infrared Sintering of Silver Nanoparticles using a
      Swathe-by-Swathe and Layer-by-Layer Approach for 3-Dimensional Structures.
AB  - Despite the advancement of additive manufacturing (AM)/3-dimensional (3D)
      printing, single-step fabrication of multifunctional parts using AM is limited.
      With the view of enabling multifunctional AM (MFAM), in this study, sintering of
      metal nanoparticles was performed to obtain conductivity for continuous line
      inkjet printing of electronics. This was achieved using a bespoke three
      dimensional (3D) inkjet-printing machine, JETx, capable of printing a range of
      materials and utilizing different post processing procedures to print
      multilayered 3D structures in a single manufacturing step. Multiple layers of
      silver were printed from an ink containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and
      infrared sintered using a swathe-by-swathe (SS) and layer-by-layer sintering (LS)
      regime. The differences in the heat profile for the SS and LS was observed to
      influence the coalescence of the AgNPs. Void percentage of both SS and LS samples
      was higher toward the top layer than the bottom layer due to relatively less IR
      exposure in the top than the bottom. The results depicted a homogeneous
      microstructure for LS of AgNPs and showed less deformation compared to the SS.
      Electrical resistivity of the LS tracks (13.6 +/- 1 MUOmega cm) was lower than
      the SS tracks (22.5 +/- 1 MUOmega cm). This study recommends the use of LS method
      to sinter the AgNPs to obtain a conductive track in 25% less time than SS method
      for MFAM.

PMID- 28094996
TI  - Characterization of Protein-Excipient Microheterogeneity in Biopharmaceutical
      Solid-State Formulations by Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy.
AB  - Protein-stabilizer microheterogeneity is believed to influence long-term protein
      stability in solid-state biopharmaceutical formulations and its characterization
      is therefore essential for the rational design of stable formulations. However,
      the spatial distribution of the protein and the stabilizer in a solid-state
      formulation is, in general, difficult to characterize because of the lack of a
      functional, simple, and reliable characterization technique. We demonstrate the
      use of confocal fluorescence microscopy with fluorescently labeled monoclonal
      antibodies (mAbs) and antibody fragments (Fabs) to directly visualize three
      dimensional particle morphologies and protein distributions in dried
      biopharmaceutical formulations, without restrictions on processing conditions or
      the need for extensive data analysis. While industrially relevant lyophilization
      procedures of a model IgG1 mAb generally lead to uniform protein-excipient
      distribution, the method shows that specific spray-drying conditions lead to
      distinct protein-excipient segregation. Therefore, this method can enable more
      definitive optimization of formulation conditions than has previously been
      possible.

PMID- 28094998
TI  - Impulsive personality traits and alcohol use: Does sleeping help with thinking?
AB  - Both impulsivity and sleep disturbance have been associated with heavy alcohol
      use among young adults; yet studies to date have not examined their interactive
      effects. The current study aimed to determine if adequate sleep moderates the
      association between impulsive personality traits and alcohol use among young
      adults. College students (N = 568) who had been mandated to alcohol treatment
      following violation of campus alcohol policy provided information regarding
      alcohol use and related consequences, impulsive personality traits (measured
      using the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale), and perception of sleep adequacy as
      part of a larger intervention trial. Higher urgency, lower premeditation, and
      higher sensation-seeking predicted greater levels of alcohol consumption, while
      higher urgency predicted more alcohol-related consequences. As hypothesized,
      there was a significant interaction between premeditation and sleep adequacy in
      the prediction of drinks per week; in contrast to hypotheses, however,
      premeditation was associated with drinking only among those reporting adequate
      (rather than inadequate) sleep. Specifically, the tendency to premeditate was
      associated with less drinking among those who reported adequate sleep and was not
      associated with drinking among those reporting inadequate sleep. Sensation
      seeking and urgency are associated with greater alcohol involvement among young
      adults, regardless of sleep adequacy. Conversely, the ability to plan ahead and
      anticipate the consequences of one's behaviors (premeditation) is only protective
      against heavy drinking among individuals receiving adequate sleep. With
      replication, these findings may inform alcohol prevention and intervention
      efforts. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095000
TI  - The challenge of abstract concepts.
AB  - concepts ("freedom") differ from concrete ones ("cat"), as they do not have a
      bounded, identifiable, and clearly perceivable referent. The way in which
      abstract concepts are represented has recently become a topic of intense debate,
      especially because of the spread of the embodied approach to cognition. Within
      this framework concepts derive their meaning from the same perception, motor, and
      emotional systems that are involved in online interaction with the world. Most of
      the evidence in favor of this view, however, has been gathered with regard to
      concrete concepts. Given the relevance of abstract concepts for higher-order
      cognition, we argue that being able to explain how they are represented is a
      crucial challenge that any theory of cognition needs to address. The aim of this
      article is to offer a critical review of the latest theories on abstract
      concepts, focusing on embodied ones. Starting with theories that question the
      distinction between abstract and concrete concepts, we review theories claiming
      that abstract concepts are grounded in metaphors, in situations and
      introspection, and in emotion. We then introduce multiple representation
      theories, according to which abstract concepts evoke both sensorimotor and
      linguistic information. We argue that the most promising approach is given by
      multiple representation views that combine an embodied perspective with the
      recognition of the importance of linguistic and social experience. We conclude by
      discussing whether or not a single theoretical framework might be able to explain
      all different varieties of abstract concepts. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28094999
TI  - Specificity of executive functioning and processing speed problems in common
      psychopathology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interest continues in neuropsychological measures as cross-disorder
      intermediate phenotypes in understanding psychopathology. A central question
      concerns their specificity versus generalizability to particular forms of
      psychopathology, particularly for executive functioning (EF) and response speed.
      Three conceptual models examining these relationships were tested to clarify this
      picture at different levels in the diagnostic hierarchy. METHOD: Participants
      (total n = 641, age 18-60) yielded complete structured diagnostic interviews and
      a neuropsychological test battery comprising measures of executive function,
      processing speed, and IQ. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance,
      linear regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to test (a) a
      specificity model, which proposes that individual disorders are associated with
      component EF processes and speed; (b) a severity model, which proposes that the
      total number of comorbid disorders explain poor EF and/or slow speed; and (c) a
      higher-order dimensional model, which proposes that internalizing versus
      externalizing disorders are differentially related to EF or speed. RESULTS: EF
      effects were best explained by a specificity model, with distinct aspects of EF
      related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder versus antisocial substance
      use disorders. Speed, on the other hand, emerged as a general indicator of
      externalizing psychopathology in the dimensional model, as well as overall
      severity of psychopathology in the severity model. CONCLUSIONS: Granular
      approaches are likely to be most productive for linking EF to psychopathology,
      whereas response speed has underused potential as an endophenotype for
      psychopathology liability. Results are discussed in terms of an integrated
      conceptualization of neuropsychological processes and putative neural systems
      involved in general and specific aspects of psychopathology. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 28095002
TI  - The personality context of relational aggression: A Five-Factor Model profile
      analysis.
AB  - Relational aggression (RAgg) is a form of behavior intended to damage the
      victim's social status or interpersonal relationships through the use of
      purposeful interpersonal manipulation or social exclusion (Archer & Coyne, 2005).
      RAgg is impairing, stable, and largely defined by dysfunctional patterns of
      interpersonal interactions-all of which invokes comparisons to personality and,
      more specifically, personality pathology. Leveraging research using the Five
      Factor Model (FFM) in personality disorder (PD) work, the present study aims to
      understand the personality context of RAgg by applying this FFM profile approach
      in 2 ways: (a) by compiling a personality profile of RAgg based on a thorough
      review of the relevant literature and (b) by compiling a personality profile of
      RAgg based on expert ratings (N = 19). We then compared these profiles to each
      other and to existing personality profiles of Cluster B PDs to examine how RAgg
      fits into the personality space represented by Cluster B PDs. These analyses
      indicate that both FFM profiles of RAgg show substantial overlap with the FFM
      profile of narcissistic PD. The present study has important implications for
      bridging disjointed domains of research on personality pathology and RAgg and
      underscores the relevance of RAgg for early emergence of PD characteristics.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095001
TI  - Callousness and affective face processing in adults: Behavioral and brain
      potential indicators.
AB  - The investigation of callous-unemotional (CU) traits has been central to
      contemporary research on child behavior problems, and served as the impetus for
      inclusion of a specifier for conduct disorder in the latest edition of the
      official psychiatric diagnostic system. Here, we report results from 2 studies
      that evaluated the construct validity of callousness as assessed in adults, by
      testing for affiliated deficits in behavioral and neural processing of fearful
      faces, as have been shown in youthful samples. We hypothesized that scores on an
      established measure of callousness would predict reduced recognition accuracy and
      diminished electocortical reactivity for fearful faces in adult participants. In
      Study 1, 66 undergraduate participants performed an emotion recognition task in
      which they viewed affective faces of different types and indicated the emotion
      expressed by each. In Study 2, electrocortical data were collected from 254 adult
      twins during viewing of fearful and neutral face stimuli, and scored for event
      related response components. Analyses of Study 1 data revealed that higher
      callousness was associated with decreased recognition accuracy for fearful faces
      specifically. In Study 2, callousness was associated with reduced amplitude of
      both N170 and P200 responses to fearful faces. Current findings demonstrate for
      the first time that callousness in adults is associated with both behavioral and
      physiological deficits in the processing of fearful faces. These findings support
      the validity of the CU construct with adults and highlight the possibility of a
      multidomain measurement framework for continued study of this important clinical
      construct. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095003
TI  - Cocaine addiction as a homeostatic reinforcement learning disorder.
AB  - Drug addiction implicates both reward learning and homeostatic regulation
      mechanisms of the brain. This has stimulated 2 partially successful theoretical
      perspectives on addiction. Many important aspects of addiction, however, remain
      to be explained within a single, unified framework that integrates the 2
      mechanisms. Building upon a recently developed homeostatic reinforcement learning
      theory, the authors focus on a key transition stage of addiction that is well
      modeled in animals, escalation of drug use, and propose a computational theory of
      cocaine addiction where cocaine reinforces behavior due to its rapid homeostatic
      corrective effect, whereas its chronic use induces slow and long-lasting changes
      in homeostatic setpoint. Simulations show that our new theory accounts for key
      behavioral and neurobiological features of addiction, most notably, escalation of
      cocaine use, drug-primed craving and relapse, individual differences underlying
      dose-response curves, and dopamine D2-receptor downregulation in addicts. The
      theory also generates unique predictions about cocaine self-administration
      behavior in rats that are confirmed by new experimental results. Viewing
      addiction as a homeostatic reinforcement learning disorder coherently explains
      many behavioral and neurobiological aspects of the transition to cocaine
      addiction, and suggests a new perspective toward understanding addiction.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095004
TI  - "Self-critical perfectionism and depressive and anxious symptoms over 4 years:
      The mediating role of daily stress reactivity": Correction to Mandel et al.
      (2015).
AB  - Reports an error in "Self-critical perfectionism and depressive and anxious
      symptoms over 4 years: The mediating role of daily stress reactivity" by Tobey
      Mandel, David M. Dunkley and Molly Moroz (Journal of Counseling Psychology,
      2015[Oct], Vol 62[4], 703-717). In the article, there were errors in Table 1. The
      corrected version of Table 1 appears in the erratum. (The following abstract of
      the original article appeared in record 2015-32534-001.) This study of 150
      community adults examined heightened emotional reactivity to daily stress as a
      mediator in the relationships between self-critical (SC) perfectionism and
      depressive and anxious symptoms over a period of 4 years. Participants completed
      questionnaires assessing: perfectionism dimensions, general depressive symptoms
      (i.e., shared with anxiety), specific depressive symptoms (i.e., anhedonia),
      general anxious symptoms (i.e., shared with depression), and specific anxious
      symptoms (i.e., somatic anxious arousal) at Time 1; daily stress and affect
      (e.g., sadness, negative affect) for 14 consecutive days at Month 6 and Year 3;
      and depressive and anxious symptoms at Year 4. Path analyses indicated that SC
      perfectionism predicted daily stress-sadness reactivity (i.e., greater increases
      in sadness in response to increases in stress) across Month 6 and Year 3, which
      in turn explained why individuals with higher SC perfectionism had more general
      depressive symptoms, anhedonic depressive symptoms, and general anxious symptoms,
      respectively, 4 years later. In contrast, daily reactivity to stress with
      negative affect did not mediate the prospective relation between SC perfectionism
      and anhedonic depressive symptoms. Findings also demonstrated that higher mean
      levels of daily stress did not mediate the relationship between SC perfectionism
      and depressive and anxious symptoms 4 years later. These findings highlight the
      importance of targeting enduring heightened stress reactivity in order to reduce
      SC perfectionists' vulnerability to depressive and anxious symptoms over the long
      term. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095005
TI  - Identifying stimuli that cue multiple responses triggers the congruency sequence
      effect independent of response conflict.
AB  - According to most accounts of executive control, resisting distraction requires
      enhancing task-relevant processing, reducing task-irrelevant processing, or both.
      Consistent with this view, the congruency effect in Stroop-like tasks-a putative
      measure of distraction-is often smaller after highly distracting incongruent
      trials than after less distracting congruent trials. Competing accounts of
      executive control, however, differ on which aspect of an incongruent trial
      triggers this congruency sequence effect (CSE). The activation-suppression
      account posits the activation of an incorrect response. In contrast, the response
      cueing account posits identifying stimuli that cue multiple responses. To
      distinguish between these accounts, we conducted 2 experiments involving a
      modified prime-probe task wherein participants respond to the distracter in
      occasional catch trials. We found that the CSE is triggered by identifying
      stimuli that cue multiple responses, rather than by the activation of an
      incorrect response. Further, we observed this effect while ruling out an
      alternative "response conflict" trigger. These findings are more consistent with
      the response cueing account than with the activation-suppression account.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095006
TI  - Can the structure of motor variability predict learning rate?
AB  - Recent studies show that motor variability is actively regulated as an
      exploration tool to promote learning in reward-based tasks. However, its role in
      learning processes during error-based tasks, when a reduction of the motor
      variability is required to achieve good performance, is still unclear. In this
      study, we hypothesized that error-based learning not only depends on exploration
      but also on the individuals' ability to measure and predict the motor error.
      Previous studies identified a less auto-correlated motor variability as a higher
      ability to perform motion adjustments. Two experiments investigated the
      relationship between motor learning and variability, analyzing the long-range
      autocorrelation of the center of pressure fluctuations through the alpha score of
      a Detrended Fluctuation Analysis in balance tasks. In Experiment 1, we assessed
      the relationship between variability and learning rate using a standing balance
      task. Based on the results of this experiment, and to maximize learning, we
      performed a second experiment with a more difficult sitting balance task and
      increased practice. The learning rate of the 2 groups with similar balance
      performances but different alpha scores was compared. Individuals with a lower
      alpha score showed a higher learning rate. Because the alpha scores reveal how
      the motor output changes over time, instead of the magnitude of those changes,
      the higher learning rate is mainly linked to the higher error sensitivity rather
      than the exploration strategies. The results of this study highlight the
      relevance of the structure of output motor variability as a predictor of learning
      rate in error-based tasks. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095007
TI  - Personality and behavior prediction and consistency across cultures: A
      multimethod study of Blacks and Whites in South Africa.
AB  - The cross-cultural universality of behavior's consistency and predictability from
      personality, assumed in trait models though challenged in cultural psychological
      models, has usually been operationalized in terms of beliefs and perceptions, and
      assessed using single-instance self-reports. In a multimethod study of actual
      behavior across a range of situations, we examined predictability and consistency
      in participants from the more collectivistic Black ethnic group and the more
      individualistic White group in South Africa. Participants completed personality
      questionnaires before the behavior measurements. In Study 1, 107 Black and 241
      White students kept diaries for 21 days, recording their behaviors and the
      situations in which they had occurred. In Study 2, 57 Black and 52 White students
      were video-recorded in 12 situations in laboratory settings, and external
      observers scored their behaviors. Across both studies, behavior was predicted by
      personality on average equally well in the 2 groups, and equally well when using
      trait-adjective- and behavior-based personality measures. The few cultural
      differences in situational variability were not in line with individualism
      collectivism; however, subjective perceptions of variability, operationalized as
      dialectical beliefs, were more in line with individualism-collectivism: Blacks
      viewed their behavior as more variable than Whites. We propose drawing a
      distinction between subjective beliefs and objective behavior in the study of
      personality and culture. Larger cultural differences can be expected in beliefs
      and perceptions than in the links between personality and actual behavior.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095008
TI  - Moving on or digging deeper: Regulatory mode and interpersonal conflict
      resolution.
AB  - Conflict resolution, in its most basic sense, requires movement and change
      between opposing motivational states. Although scholars and practitioners have
      long acknowledged this point, research has yet to investigate whether individual
      differences in the motivation for movement from state-to-state influence conflict
      resolution processes. Regulatory Mode Theory (RMT) describes this fundamental
      motivation as locomotion. RMT simultaneously describes an orthogonal motivational
      emphasis on assessment, a tendency for critical evaluation and comparison. We
      argue that this tendency, in the absence of a stronger motivation for locomotion,
      can obstruct peoples' propensity to reconcile. Five studies, using diverse
      measures and methods, found that the predominance of an individual's locomotion
      over assessment facilitates interpersonal conflict resolution. The first two
      studies present participants with hypothetical conflict scenarios to examine how
      chronic (Study 1) and experimentally induced (Study 2) individual differences in
      locomotion predominance influence the motivation to reconcile. The next two
      studies investigate this relation by way of participants' own conflict
      experiences, both through essay recall of previous conflict events (Study 3) and
      verbal narratives of ongoing conflict issues (Study 4). We then explore this
      association in the context of real-world conflict discussions between roommates
      (Study 5). Lastly, we examine results across these studies meta-analytically
      (Study 6). Overall, locomotion and assessment can inform lay theories of
      individual variation in the motivation to "move on" or "dig deeper" in conflict
      situations. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of using RMT to go beyond
      instrumental approaches to conflict resolution to understand fundamental
      individual motivations underlying its occurrence. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095009
TI  - Cross-lingual neighborhood effects in generalized lexical decision and natural
      reading.
AB  - The present study assessed intra- and cross-lingual neighborhood effects, using
      both a generalized lexical decision task and an analysis of a large-scale
      bilingual eye-tracking corpus (Cop, Dirix, Drieghe, & Duyck, 2016). Using new
      neighborhood density and frequency measures, the general lexical decision task
      yielded an inhibitory cross-lingual neighborhood density effect on reading times
      of second language words, replicating van Heuven, Dijkstra, and Grainger (1998).
      Reaction times for native language words were not influenced by neighborhood
      density or frequency but error rates showed cross-lingual neighborhood effects
      depending on target word frequency. The large-scale eye movement corpus confirmed
      effects of cross-lingual neighborhood on natural reading, even though
      participants were reading a novel in a unilingual context. Especially second
      language reading and to a lesser extent native language reading were influenced
      by lexical candidates from the nontarget language, although these effects in
      natural reading were largely facilitatory. These results offer strong and direct
      support for bilingual word recognition models that assume language-independent
      lexical access. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095010
TI  - Test expectancy and memory for important information.
AB  - Prior research suggests that learners study and remember information differently
      depending upon the type of test they expect to later receive. The current
      experiments investigate how testing expectations impact the study of and memory
      for valuable information. Participants studied lists of words ranging in value
      from 1 to 10 points with the goal being to maximize their score on a later memory
      test. Half of the participants were told to expect a recognition test after each
      list, whereas the other half were told to expect a recall test. After several
      lists of receiving tests congruent with expectations, participants studying for a
      recognition test instead received an unexpected recall test. In Experiment 1,
      participants who had studied for a recognition test recalled less of the valuable
      information than participants anticipating the recall format. These participants
      continued to attend less to item value on future (expected) recall tests than
      participants who had only ever experienced recall testing. When the recognition
      tests were made more demanding in Experiment 2, value-based recall improved
      relative to Experiment 1: though memory for the valuable information remained
      superior when participants studied with the expectation of having to recall the
      information, there were no longer significant differences after accounting for
      recall testing experience. Thus, recall-based testing encouraged strategic, value
      based encoding and enhanced retrieval of important information, whereas
      recognition testing in some cases limited value-based study and memory. These
      results extend prior work concerning the impact of testing expectations on
      memory, offering further insight into how people study important information.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095011
TI  - Investigating developmental trajectories of morphemes as reading units in German.
AB  - The developmental trajectory of the use of morphemes is still unclear. We
      investigated the emergence of morphological effects on visual word recognition in
      German in a large sample across the complete course of reading acquisition in
      elementary school. To this end, we analyzed lexical decision data on a total of
      1,152 words and pseudowords from a large cross-sectional sample of German
      children from the beginning of Grade 2 through 6, and a group of adults. We
      expand earlier evidence by (a) explicitly investigating processing differences
      between compounds, prefixes and suffixes, (b) taking into account vocabulary
      knowledge as an indicator for interindividual differences. Results imply that
      readers of German are sensitive to morphology in very early stages of reading
      acquisition with trajectories depending on morphological type and vocabulary
      knowledge. Facilitation from compound structure comes early in development,
      followed by facilitation from suffixes and prefixes later on in development. This
      indicates that stems and different types of affixes involve distinct processing
      mechanisms in beginning readers. Furthermore, children with higher vocabulary
      knowledge benefit earlier in development and to a greater extent from morphology.
      Our results specify the development and functional role of morphemes as reading
      units. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095012
TI  - How our own speech rate influences our perception of others.
AB  - In conversation, our own speech and that of others follow each other in rapid
      succession. Effects of the surrounding context on speech perception are well
      documented but, despite the ubiquity of the sound of our own voice, it is unknown
      whether our own speech also influences our perception of other talkers. This
      study investigated context effects induced by our own speech through 6
      experiments, specifically targeting rate normalization (i.e., perceiving phonetic
      segments relative to surrounding speech rate). Experiment 1 revealed that hearing
      prerecorded fast or slow context sentences altered the perception of ambiguous
      vowels, replicating earlier work. Experiment 2 demonstrated that talking at a
      fast or slow rate prior to target presentation also altered target perception,
      though the effect of preceding speech rate was reduced. Experiment 3 showed that
      silent talking (i.e., inner speech) at fast or slow rates did not modulate the
      perception of others, suggesting that the effect of self-produced speech rate in
      Experiment 2 arose through monitoring of the external speech signal. Experiment 4
      demonstrated that, when participants were played back their own (fast/slow)
      speech, no reduction of the effect of preceding speech rate was observed,
      suggesting that the additional task of speech production may be responsible for
      the reduced effect in Experiment 2. Finally, Experiments 5 and 6 replicate
      Experiments 2 and 3 with new participant samples. Taken together, these results
      suggest that variation in speech production may induce variation in speech
      perception, thus carrying implications for our understanding of spoken
      communication in dialogue settings. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095013
TI  - The tipping point of perceived change: Asymmetric thresholds in diagnosing
      improvement versus decline.
AB  - Change often emerges from a series of small doses. For example, a person may
      conclude that a happy relationship has eroded not from 1 obvious fight but from
      smaller unhappy signs that at some point "add up." Everyday fluctuations
      therefore create ambiguity about when they reflect substantive shifts versus mere
      noise. Ten studies reveal an asymmetry in this first point when people conclude
      "official" change: people demand less evidence to diagnose lasting decline than
      lasting improvement, despite similar evidential quality. This effect was
      pervasive and replicated across many domains and parameters. For example, a
      handful of poor grades, bad games, and gained pounds led participants to diagnose
      intellect, athleticism, and health as "officially" changed; yet corresponding
      positive signs were dismissed as fickle flukes (Studies 1a, 1b, and 1c). This
      further manifested in real-time reactions: participants interpreted the same
      graphs of change in the economy and public health as more meaningful if framed as
      depicting decline versus improvement (Study 2), and were more likely to gamble
      actual money on continued bad versus good luck (Study 3). Why? Effects held
      across self/other change, added/subtracted change, and intended/unintended change
      (Studies 4a, 4b, and 4c), suggesting a generalized negativity bias. Teasing this
      apart, we highlight a novel "entropy" component beyond standard accounts like
      risk aversion: good things seem more truly capable of losing their positive
      qualities than bad things seem capable of gaining them, rendering signs of
      decline to appear more immediately diagnostic (Studies 5 and 6). An asymmetric
      tipping point raises theoretical and practical implications for how people might
      inequitably react to smaller signs of change. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095014
TI  - The ability to choose can increase satiation.
AB  - The ability to choose should let people create more enjoyable experiences.
      However, in a set of 5 studies, people who chose repeatedly during ongoing
      consumption exhibited a greater drop in enjoyment compared with those who
      received a series of random selections from the same set of liked stimuli.
      Process evidence indicated that choosing increased satiation because it triggered
      overall reflections on the repetitive nature of the ongoing consumption
      experience. Moderating evidence also supported our theoretical account as
      differences in satiation disappeared when nonchoosers were explicitly cued to
      think about repetition in the general sense, or when choosers made all of their
      choices before the onset of repeated consumption. Additional measures and
      analyses further established that choice set size, the difficulty of choosing,
      and other alternative accounts could not fully explain the pattern of effects.
      The paper closes with a discussion of the implications of these findings for
      understanding the causes of satiation, the consequences of choosing, and
      improving individuals' experiences. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 28095015
TI  - Medicolegal-Malpractice and Ethical Issues in Radiology.Professional Liability
      (Malpractice) Insurance: Occurrence Versus Claims-Made.

PMID- 28095017
TI  - Spectrum of Xanthogranulomatous Processes in the Abdomen and Pelvis: A Pictorial
      Review of Infectious, Inflammatory, and Proliferative Responses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Xanthogranulomatous (XG) processes are rare inflammatory conditions
      with the characteristic pathologic feature of lipid-laden macrophages or
      histiocyte cells. Imaging findings are nonspecific and can simulate aggressive
      neoplastic processes. XG processes can be caused by infection, inflammation,
      histolytic process, or an inherited lysosomal disorder. XG infectious processes
      are mainly seen in cholecystitis and pyelonephritis, but several other organs can
      also be involved. Histiocytic processes can be divided into Langerhans and non
      Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis entities
      include Erdheim-Chester disease, Rosai-Dorfman disease, juvenile xanthogranuloma,
      and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The inherited lysosomal disorders
      resulting in XG processes include Nieman-Pick, Gaucher, and other lysosomal
      storage disorders. CONCLUSION: Radiologists need to be able to recognize features
      of xanthogranulomatous processes to help facilitate patient management.

PMID- 28095018
TI  - Hallway Conversations in PhysicsWhat Is the Typical Effective Dose From a Routine
      Eye-to-Thigh PET/CT Examination Assuming an Injected 18F-FDG Dose of 370 MBq?

PMID- 28095016
TI  - Renal Masses Detected on FDG PET/CT in Patients With Lymphoma: Imaging Features
      Differentiating Primary Renal Cell Carcinomas From Renal Lymphomatous
      Involvement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the 18F-FDG PET/CT features of
      solid renal masses detected in patients with lymphoma and to evaluate the ability
      of PET/CT to differentiate renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from renal lymphomatous
      involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with solid renal masses
      on PET/CT performed for staging or follow-up of lymphoma were evaluated
      retrospectively. The features recorded for each renal mass included the following
      standardized uptake values (SUVs) on PET/CT: the maximum SUV (SUVmax), the mean
      SUV (SUVmean), the ratio of the SUVmax of the tumor to that of the normal kidney
      cortex, the ratio of the SUVmean of the tumor to that of the normal kidney
      cortex, the ratio of the SUVmax of the tumor to that of the normal liver, and the
      ratio of the SUVmean of the tumor to that of the normal liver. Renal mass size
      and margins (well defined vs infiltrative) and the presence of calcifications
      were evaluated on CT. Renal biopsy results were used as the reference standard.
      Relationships between imaging parameters and histopathologic findings were
      assessed. RESULTS: Of the 36 renal masses evaluated, 22 (61.1%) were RCCs and 14
      (38.9%) were renal lymphomas. All SUV metrics were higher for renal lymphomas
      than for RCCs (p < 0.0001, for all). All renal lymphomas had an SUVmax higher
      than 5.98 g/mL (median, 10.99 g/mL), whereas all RCCs had an SUVmax lower than
      5.26 g/mL (median, 2.91 g/mL). No statistically significant differences in mass
      size or margins were found between RCCs and renal lymphoma. CONCLUSION: PET/CT
      features may be useful for differentiating RCCs from renal involvement in
      patients with lymphoma with solid renal masses.

PMID- 28095019
TI  - Elbow Injuries in Adult Overhead Athletes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review common elbow injuries found
      in overhead athletes with focus on mechanism, clinical features, imaging
      appearance, and treatment options. CONCLUSION: The overhead throwing motion
      subjects the elbow to a variety of complex forces, which places both osseous and
      soft-tissue structures at high risk for injury.

PMID- 28095020
TI  - Current Status of Ventilation-Perfusion Scintigraphy for Suspected Pulmonary
      Embolism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to outline recent progress made in
      ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy imaging techniques and the
      interpretation systems used for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). Various
      state-of-the-art approaches that can be selected according to the needs dictated
      by the medical practice environment and specific patient groups are presented.
      CONCLUSION: Although advances in tomographic imaging have certainly improved the
      sensitivity of V/Q scans for the diagnosis of PE, they may lead to overdiagnosis
      by revealing small and clinically insignificant PEs.

PMID- 28095021
TI  - Reply to "Comment on 'Maximum-Intensity-Projection and Computer-Aided-Detection
      Algorithms as Stand-Alone Reader Devices in Lung Cancer Screening Using Different
      Dose Levels and Reconstruction Kernels'".

PMID- 28095022
TI  - Estimating Effective Dose of Radiation From Pediatric Cardiac CT Angiography
      Using a 64-MDCT Scanner: New Conversion Factors Relating Dose-Length Product to
      Effective Dose.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the conversion factors that
      enable accurate estimation of the effective dose (ED) used for cardiac 64-MDCT
      angiography performed for children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anthropomorphic
      phantoms representative of 1- and 10-year-old children, with 50 metal oxide
      semiconductor field-effect transistor dosimeters placed in organs, underwent
      scanning performed using a 64-MDCT scanner with different routine clinical
      cardiac scan modes and x-ray tube potentials. Organ doses were used to calculate
      the ED on the basis of weighting factors published in 1991 in International
      Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) publication 60 and in 2007 in ICRP
      publication 103. The EDs and the scanner-reported dose-length products were used
      to determine conversion factors for each scan mode. The effect of infant heart
      rate on the ED and the conversion factors was also assessed. RESULTS: The mean
      conversion factors calculated using the current definition of ED that appeared in
      ICRP publication 103 were as follows: 0.099 mSv . mGy-1 . cm-1, for the 1-year
      old phantom, and 0.049 mSv . mGy-1 . cm-1, for the 10-year-old phantom. These
      conversion factors were a mean of 37% higher than the corresponding conversion
      factors calculated using the older definition of ED that appeared in ICRP
      publication 60. Varying the heart rate did not influence the ED or the conversion
      factors. CONCLUSION: Conversion factors determined using the definition of ED in
      ICRP publication 103 and cardiac, rather than chest, scan coverage suggest that
      the radiation doses that children receive from cardiac CT performed using a
      contemporary 64-MDCT scanner are higher than the radiation doses previously
      reported when older chest conversion factors were used. Additional up-to-date
      pediatric cardiac CT conversion factors are required for use with other
      contemporary CT scanners and patients of different age ranges.

PMID- 28095023
TI  - Reply to "Vertebral Venous Congestion Mimicking Sclerotic Metastasis in the
      Absence of Venous Obstruction".

PMID- 28095024
TI  - Pathologic Subtypes of Ampullary Adenocarcinoma: Value of Ampullary MDCT for
      Noninvasive Preoperative Differentiation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of ampullary
      MDCT in the noninvasive, preoperative differentiation of pancreatobiliary and
      intestinal subtypes of ampullary adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      retrospective study included 32 patients (20 men, 12 women; age range, 41-81
      years) with resected ampullary adenocarcinoma who underwent preoperative contrast
      enhanced ampullary MDCT. Two radiologists, blinded to pathologic diagnosis of
      adenocarcinoma subtype, evaluated the presence of seven MDCT features
      independently. MDCT findings and ampullary adenocarcinoma subtypes were
      correlated using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Interobserver agreement was
      evaluated using the Cohen kappa statistic. RESULTS: When evaluated with ampullary
      MDCT, the intestinal and pancreatobiliary subtypes were significantly different
      in terms of lesion morphology (p < 0.0001), papillary shape (p < 0.0001), common
      bile duct (CBD) infiltration and dilatation (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0004,
      respectively), duodenopancreatic groove infiltration (p = 0.0009), and
      pancreaticoduodenal artery involvement (p = 0.004). Pancreatobiliary subtype
      tumors were more often infiltrative in morphology (18/18) and showed retracted
      papilla (14/18), CBD (18/18) and main pancreatic duct (MPD) infiltration (12/18),
      dilated CBD (18/18) and MPD (13/18), fixed duodenopancreatic groove appearance
      (15/18), and pancreaticoduodenal artery involvement (12/18). Intestinal subtype
      carcinomas were more frequently nodular (14/14) and had a bulging papilla
      (13/14), a free duodenopancreatic groove appearance (11/14), and no
      pancreaticoduodenal artery involvement (2/14). When all features were taken into
      account, MDCT showed sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 83.3% in
      differentiating intestinal and pancreatobiliary subtype tumors. Accuracy,
      positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MDCT were 84.4%, 80%,
      and 88.2%, respectively. Interobserver agreement was almost perfect for the
      presence of each imaging feature (kappa > 0.8). CONCLUSION: Ampullary MDCT can be
      useful to differentiate pancreatobiliary and intestinal subtypes of ampullary
      adenocarcinoma preoperatively, provided the duodenum is optimally distended at
      imaging.

PMID- 28095025
TI  - The influence of personal protection equipment, occupant body size, and restraint
      system on the frontal impact responses of Hybrid III ATDs in tactical vehicles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although advanced restraint systems, such as seat belt pretensioners
      and load limiters, can provide improved occupant protection in crashes, such
      technologies are currently not utilized in military vehicles. The design and use
      of military vehicles presents unique challenges to occupant safety-including
      differences in compartment geometry and occupant clothing and gear-that make
      direct application of optimal civilian restraint systems to military vehicles
      inappropriate. For military vehicle environments, finite element (FE) modeling
      can be used to assess various configurations of restraint systems and determine
      the optimal configuration that minimizes injury risk to the occupant. The models
      must, however, be validated against physical tests before implementation. The
      objective of this study was therefore to provide the data necessary for FE model
      validation by conducting sled tests using anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs). A
      secondary objective of this test series was to examine the influence of occupant
      body size (5th percentile female, 50th percentile male, and 95th percentile
      male), military gear (helmet/vest/tactical assault panels), seat belt type (3
      point and 5-point), and advanced seat belt technologies (pretensioner and load
      limiter) on occupant kinematics and injury risk in frontal crashes. METHODS: In
      total, 20 frontal sled tests were conducted using a custom sled buck that was
      reconfigurable to represent both the driver and passenger compartments of a light
      tactical military vehicle. Tests were performed at a delta-V of 30 mph and a peak
      acceleration of 25 g. The sled tests used the Hybrid III 5th percentile female,
      50th percentile male, and 95th percentile male ATDs outfitted with standard
      combat boots and advanced combat helmets. In some tests, the ATDs were outfitted
      with additional military gear, which included an improved outer tactical vest
      (IOTV), IOTV and squad automatic weapon (SAW) gunner with a tactical assault
      panel (TAP), or IOTV and rifleman with TAP. ATD kinematics and injury outcomes
      were determined for each test. RESULTS: Maximum excursions were generally greater
      in the 95th percentile male compared to the 50th percentile male ATD and in ATDs
      wearing TAP compared to ATDs without TAP. Pretensioners and load limiters were
      effective in decreasing excursions and injury measures, even when the ATD was
      outfitted in military gear. CONCLUSIONS: ATD injury response and kinematics are
      influenced by the size of the ATD, military gear, and restraint system. This
      study has provided important data for validating FE models of military occupants,
      which can be used for design optimization of military vehicle restraint systems.

PMID- 28095026
TI  - Self-regulation of driving speed among distracted drivers: An application of
      driver behavioral adaptation theory.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The adaptive behavior of mobile phone-distracted drivers has been a
      topic of much discussion in the recent literature. Both simulator and
      naturalistic studies suggest that distracted drivers generally select lower
      driving speeds; however, speed adaptation is not observed among all drivers, and
      the mechanisms of speed selection are not well understood. The aim of this
      research was to apply a driver behavioral adaptation model to investigate the
      speed adaptation of mobile phone-distracted drivers. METHODS: The speed selection
      behavior of drivers was observed in 3 phone conditions including baseline (no
      conversation) and hands-free and handheld phone conversations in a high-fidelity
      driving simulator. Speed adaptation in each phone condition was modeled as a
      function of secondary task demand and self-reported personal/psychological
      characteristics with a system of seemingly unrelated equations (SURE) accounting
      for potential correlations due to repeated measures experiment design. RESULTS:
      Speed adaptation is similar between hands-free and handheld phone conditions, but
      the predictors of speed adaptation vary across the phone conditions. Though
      perceived workload of secondary task demand, self-efficacy, attitude toward
      safety, and driver demographics were significant predictors of speed adaptation
      in the handheld condition, drivers' familiarity with the hands-free interface,
      attitude toward safety, and sensation seeking were significant predictors in the
      hands-free condition. Drivers who reported more positive safety attitudes
      selected lower driving speeds while using phones. CONCLUSION: This research
      confirmed that behavioral adaptation models are suitable for explaining speed
      adaptation of mobile phone distracted drivers, and future research could be
      focused on further theoretical refinement.

PMID- 28095027
TI  - Severe and extensive traumatic axonal injury following minor and indirect head
      trauma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study reports on a patient with mild traumatic brain injury
      (TBI) who showed severe and extensive traumatic axonal injury (TAI) of various
      neural tracts following minor and indirect head trauma, which was demonstrated by
      diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 26-year-old female
      patient suffered from indirect head trauma resulting from flexion-hyperextension
      injury after being hit from behind by a slowly moving car. At the time of head
      trauma, she felt tingling sensation on her four extremities; however, she did not
      experience loss of consciousness. At 5-day after onset, she began to experience
      tremor on the right leg and, subsequently, tremor had also developed in the left
      leg. At 8-days after onset, she could not even stand due to tremor of both legs
      and began to feel a tingling sensation on both legs. Since ~ 2 weeks after head
      trauma, myoclonus had developed mainly in the trunk. After 10-weeks after head
      trauma, when she started rehabilitation, she showed mild quadriparesis (4+/4+)
      with severe weakness of the proximal joint (shoulder/hip, 4-/4-), severe resting
      and intentional tremor, ataxic gait and severe myoclonus. CONCLUSIONS: Severe and
      extensive TAI of various neural tracts was demonstrated in a patient with mild
      TBI following minor and indirect head trauma, using DTT.

PMID- 28095028
TI  - Time Matters: Framing Antismoking Messages Using Current Smokers' Preexisting
      Perceptions of Temporal Distance to Smoking-Related Health Risks.
AB  - This study examined the effects of temporal framing used in messages about the
      future likelihood of developing smoking-related diseases on intention to quit
      smoking. Based on construal level theory (CLT), a causal model delineating the
      relationships among four variables-perceived temporal distance, personal
      relevance, perceived susceptibility, and behavioral intention-was proposed. The
      model was validated by an online experiment with a sample of 222 current smokers,
      revealing the effects of perceived temporal distance on behavioral intention via
      personal relevance and perceived susceptibility. Following the CLT-grounded
      model, the effects of different temporal frames (near future vs. distant future)
      on the four variables were tested. The near-future frame featured a risk
      perceived to be more temporally proximal (i.e., heart attack), and the distant
      future frame featured a risk perceived to be more temporally distant (i.e.,
      larynx cancer) among current smokers. Participants exposed to the near-future
      frame reported significantly shorter perceived temporal distance, greater
      personal relevance and perceived susceptibility to the risk portrayed in the
      message, and greater intention to quit smoking than participants exposed to the
      distant-future frame. Implications for antismoking communications are discussed.

PMID- 28095029
TI  - Utilization of conventional neuroimaging following youth concussion.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Conventional neuroimaging is not recommended for the
      routine diagnosis of concussion, but some patients with concussion undergo
      computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The objective of
      this study was to explore the clinical factors that predict neuroimaging
      utilization in concussion. METHODS: Concussion-related CT and MRI data were
      analysed from 1953 patients, aged 10-19 years, who presented to a sports
      concussion clinic within 30 days of injury. RESULTS: The majority of CT scans (n
      = 193) were obtained during the acute concussion period (mean = 2.7 days post
      concussion), whereas MRI scans (n = 134) were ordered later during recovery (mean
      = 39.4 days post-concussion). Predictors of CT utilization included loss of
      consciousness, amnesia and vomiting (all p < 0.001). Prior concussion (p = 0.002)
      and continued participation in activity after injury (p = 0.03) predicted greater
      MRI utilization. Neuroimaging with either CT (p = 0.024, hazard ratio = 1.2) or
      MRI (p < 0.001, hazard ratio = 2.75) was associated with prolonged symptoms. Only
      3.1% of CTs and 1.5% of MRIs demonstrated signs of traumatic brain injury.
      CONCLUSION: Several clinical factors predict neuroimaging utilization in patients
      with concussion. CT is generally used acutely, while MRI is used in the sub-acute
      and chronic post-concussion periods. In a sports concussion clinic, delayed
      neuroimaging has limited clinical yield.

PMID- 28095030
TI  - Green Tea Consumption and the Risk of Liver Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Green tea is a commonly consumed beverage in Asia and has been suggested to have
      anticarcinogenic properties. To date, epidemiological evidence of the effect of
      green tea consumption on liver cancer risk remains ambiguous. The aim of this
      meta-analysis is to evaluate the association between green tea consumption and
      the risk of liver cancer. The summary relative risk for the highest consumption
      (>=5 cups/day) of green tea on liver cancer incidence compared with nondrinkers
      was 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.49-0.79). We also found a trend that the
      incidence of liver cancer was reduced with the increasing years of green tea
      intake (significance at >20 yr). A significant dose-response association was
      found between green tea drinking and liver cancer risk. The downward trend was
      most obvious when the consumption of green tea increased up to about 4 cups/day.
      The results showed that the increasing green tea intake may have a preventive
      effect against liver cancer.

PMID- 28095031
TI  - The role of drug and alcohol use and the risk of motor vehicle crashes in Shiraz,
      Iran, 2014: A case-crossover study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traffic accidents and traffic-related injuries and mortality have
      become a major public health concern in Iran. This study aimed to examine the
      role of drug and alcohol use in motor vehicle accidents in Iran. METHODS: This
      case-crossover study was conducted on 441 drivers who survived a road traffic
      crash and were taken to the emergency department of Shahid Rajaee trauma hospital
      in Shiraz, southern Iran. Data were collected using checklists that included
      demographic characteristics and drug and alcohol use prior to driving. Alcohol
      and drug use was identified through self-report, and cannabis, morphine, and
      methamphetamine urine tests were used to confirm drug abuse among drivers.
      RESULTS: In total 17.9% of drivers reported using drugs (cannabis, opium, or
      metamphetamine) and 8.84% of drivers reported consuming alcohol prior to the
      collision. The crude odds ratios (ORs) for having a crash for opium, cannabis,
      and metamphetamine were 1.94 (95% interval confidence [CI], 1.11-3.38), 2.37 (95%
      CI, 1.03-5.42), 5.5 (95% CI, 1.21-24.81), respectively, and for all drugs was
      3.83 (95% CI, 2.28-6.43). The OR for alcohol was 3.5 (95% CI, 1.73-7.06) based on
      self-report. CONCLUSION: Drug and alcohol use are increasing the risk of traffic
      crashes in Iran. Risk-reducing programs must be designed and implemented.

PMID- 28095032
TI  - The trajectories of overall disability in the first 5 years after moderate and
      severe traumatic brain injury.
AB  - PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: To assess longitudinal trajectories of overall disability
      after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to examine whether
      those trajectories could be predicted by socio-demographic and injury
      characteristics. METHODS: Demographics and injury characteristics of 105
      individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI were extracted from medical records. At
      the 1-, 2-, and 5-year follow-ups, TBI-related disability was assessed by the
      GOSE. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) was used to examine functional outcomes
      up to 5 years following injury and whether those outcomes could be predicted by:
      time, gender, age, relationship, education, employment pre-injury, occupation,
      GCS, cause of injury, length of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), CT findings and
      injury severity score, as well as the interactions between each of these
      predictors and time. RESULTS: Higher GOSE trajectories (lower disability) were
      predicted by younger age at injury and shorter PTA, as well as by the interaction
      terms of time*PTA and time*employment. Those who had been employed at injury
      decreased in disability over time, while those who had been unemployed increased
      in disability. CONCLUSION: The study results support the view that individual
      factors generally outweigh injury-related factors as predictors of disability
      after TBI, except for PTA.

PMID- 28095033
TI  - Detection of the toughest: Pedestrian injury risk as a smooth function of age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Though it is common to refer to age-specific groups (e.g., children,
      adults, elderly), smooth trends conditional on age are mainly ignored in the
      literature. The present study examines the pedestrian injury risk in full-frontal
      pedestrian-to-passenger car accidents and incorporates age-in addition to
      collision speed and injury severity-as a plug-in parameter. METHODS: Recent work
      introduced a model for pedestrian injury risk functions using explicit formulae
      with easily interpretable model parameters. This model is expanded by pedestrian
      age as another model parameter. Using the German In-Depth Accident Study (GIDAS)
      to obtain age-specific risk proportions, the model parameters are fitted to the
      raw data and then smoothed by broken-line regression. RESULTS: The approach
      supplies explicit probabilities for pedestrian injury risk conditional on
      pedestrian age, collision speed, and injury severity under investigation. All
      results yield consistency to each other in the sense that risks for more severe
      injuries are less probable than those for less severe injuries. As a side
      product, the approach indicates specific ages at which the risk behavior
      fundamentally changes. These threshold values can be interpreted as the most
      robust ages for pedestrians. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained age-wise risk functions
      can be aggregated and adapted to any population. The presented approach is
      formulated in such general terms that in can be directly used for other data sets
      or additional parameters; for example, the pedestrian's sex. Thus far, no other
      study using age as a plug-in parameter can be found.

PMID- 28095034
TI  - Self-reported driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis among Ontario
      students: Associations with graduated licensing, risk taking, and substance
      abuse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article describes the patterns of self-reported driving under the
      influence of alcohol (DUIA) and driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC)
      among licensed Ontario students in 2009 and examines their associations with
      graduated licensing, risk taking, and substance use problems for understanding
      DUIA and DUIC behaviors. Ontario's graduated licensing system requires new
      drivers to hold a G1 license for a minimum of 8 months and a G2 license for a
      minimum of 12 months before a full and unrestricted G license can be obtained.
      Among other restrictions, G1 drivers must maintain a 0 blood alcohol content
      (BAC), have an experienced driver in the passenger seat, not drive on any high
      speed expressways, and not drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. A G2
      license is more similar to a G license, with fewer restrictions. METHOD: This
      study analyzed data from the 2009 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey
      (OSDUHS). The OSDUHS is a biennial population-based survey of students (grades 7
      to 12) in Ontario, Canada. RESULTS: The results showed that 16.3% of licensed
      students in Ontario reported DUIC and 11.5% reported DUIA during the past year.
      After controlling for the effect of age, type of license emerged as a robust
      predictor for both DUIA and DUIC behavior, because students with a G2 and full
      license were significantly more likely to report DUIA and DUIC than drivers with
      a G1 license. Multivariate analyses suggested that risk-seeking behaviors were
      more important for understanding DUIA behavior than for DUIC behavior. Elevated
      problem indicators for alcohol and for cannabis were associated with DUIA and
      DUIC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Though much attention has been paid to drinking
      and driving among adolescents, this research shows that more Ontario students now
      report driving after cannabis use than after drinking alcohol. The results
      identify important correlates of both behaviors that may be useful for prevention
      purposes.

PMID- 28095035
TI  - Validation of a parametric finite element human femur model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Finite element (FE) models with geometry and material properties that
      are parametric with subject descriptors, such as age and body shape/size, are
      being developed to incorporate population variability into crash simulations.
      However, the validation methods currently being used with these parametric models
      do not assess whether model predictions are reasonable in the space over which
      the model is intended to be used. This study presents a parametric model of the
      femur and applies a unique validation paradigm to this parametric femur model
      that characterizes whether model predictions reproduce experimentally observed
      trends. METHODS: FE models of male and female femurs with geometries that are
      parametric with age, femur length, and body mass index (BMI) were developed based
      on existing statistical models that predict femur geometry. These parametric FE
      femur models were validated by comparing responses from combined loading tests of
      femoral shafts to simulation results from FE models of the corresponding femoral
      shafts whose geometry was predicted using the associated age, femur length, and
      BMI. The effects of subject variables on model responses were also compared with
      trends in the experimental data set by fitting similarly parameterized
      statistical models to both the results of the experimental data and the
      corresponding FE model results and then comparing fitted model coefficients for
      the experimental and predicted data sets. RESULTS: The average error in impact
      force at experimental failure for the parametric models was 5%. The coefficients
      of a statistical model fit to simulation data were within one standard error of
      the coefficients of a similarly parameterized model of the experimental data
      except for the age parameter, likely because material properties used in
      simulations were not varied with specimen age. In simulations to explore the
      effects of femur length, BMI, and age on impact response, only BMI significantly
      affected response for both men and women, with increasing BMI producing higher
      impact forces. CONCLUSIONS: Impactor forces from simulations, on average, matched
      experimental values at the time of failure. In addition, the simulations were
      able to match the trends in the experimental data set.

PMID- 28095036
TI  - Differentiation of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma From Other Renal Cortical
      Tumors by Use of a Quantitative Multiparametric MRI Approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative
      multiparametric MRI approach to differentiating clear cell renal cell carcinoma
      (RCC) from other renal cortical tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective
      study included 119 patients with 124 histopathologically confirmed renal cortical
      tumors who underwent preoperative MRI including DWI, contrast-enhanced, and
      chemical-shift sequences before nephrectomy. Two radiologists independently
      assessed each tumor volumetrically, and apparent diffusion coefficient values,
      parameters from multiphasic contrast-enhanced MRI (peak enhancement, upslope,
      downslope, AUC), and chemical-shift indexes were calculated. Univariate and
      multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify parameters
      associated with clear cell RCC. RESULTS: Interreader agreement was excellent
      (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.815-0.994). The parameters apparent
      diffusion coefficient (reader 1 AUC, 0.804; reader 2, 0.807), peak enhancement
      (reader 1 AUC, 0.629; reader 2, 0.606), and downslope (reader 1 AUC, 0.575;
      reader 2, 0.561) were significantly associated with discriminating clear cell RCC
      from other renal cortical tumors. The combination of all three parameters further
      increased diagnostic accuracy (reader 1 AUC, 0.889; reader 2, 0.907; both p <=
      0.001), yielding sensitivities of 0.897 for reader 1 and 0.897 for reader 2, and
      specificities of 0.762 for reader 1 and 0.738 for reader 2 in the identification
      of clear cell RCC. With maximized sensitivity, specificities of 0.429 and 0.262
      were reached for readers 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: A quantitative
      multiparametric approach statistically significantly improves diagnostic
      performance in differentiating clear cell RCC from other renal cortical tumors.

PMID- 28095037
TI  - NONINVASIVE FOLLICULAR TUMOR WITH PAPILLARY-LIKE NUCLEAR FEATURES: NOT A TEMPEST
      IN A TEAPOT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Encapsulated non-invasive follicular variant papillary thyroid cancer
      (ENIFVPTC) has recently been retermed noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm
      with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). This designation specifically omits
      the word "cancer" to encourage conservative treatment since patients with NIFTP
      tumors have been shown to derive no benefit from completion thyroidectomy or
      adjuvant radio-active iodine (RAI) therapy. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      study of consecutive cases of tumors from 2007 to 2015 that met pathologic
      criteria for NIFTP. The conservative management (CM) group included patients
      managed with lobectomy alone or appropriately indicated total thyroidectomy.
      Those included in the aggressive management (AM) group received either completion
      thyroidectomy or RAI or both. RESULTS: From 100 consecutive cases of ENIFVPTC
      reviewed, 40 NIFTP were included for the final analysis. Of these, 10 (27%)
      patients treated with initial lobectomy received completion thyroidectomy and 6
      of 40 (16%) also received postsurgical adjuvant RAI. The mean per-patient cost of
      care in the AM group was $17,629 +/- 2,865, nearly twice the $8,637 +/- 309 costs
      in the CM group, and was largely driven by the cost of completion thyroidectomy
      and RAI. CONCLUSION: The term NIFTP has been recently promulgated to identify a
      type of thyroid neoplasm, formerly identified as a low-grade cancer, for which
      initial surgery represents adequate treatment. We believe that since the new
      NIFTP nomenclature intentionally omits the word "cancer," the clinical indolence
      of these tumors will be better appreciated, and cost savings will result from
      more conservative and appropriate clinical management. ABBREVIATIONS: AM =
      aggressive management CM = conservative management ENIFVPTC = encapsulated
      noninvasive form of FVPTC FVPTC = follicular variant of papillary thyroid
      carcinoma NIFTP = noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like
      nuclear features PTC = papillary thyroid carcinoma PTMC = papillary thyroid
      microcarcinoma RAI = radio-active iodine US = ultrasound.

PMID- 28095038
TI  - PURE ANDROGEN-PRODUCING ADRENAL TUMOR: CLINICAL FEATURES AND PATHOGENESIS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pure androgen-secreting adrenal tumors (PASATs) are extremely rare,
      most reports involving only a single case. This study examined 9 cases of PASAT,
      with an attempt to characterize its clinical features and to explore the
      pathogenesis. METHODS: Clinical data of 9 patients with PASAT were
      retrospectively reviewed. Immunostaining was conducted, and the aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor-interacting protein gene (AIP) was amplified and directly sequenced.
      RESULTS: The onset age of the patients ranged from 3.5 to 64 years. All 8 female
      patients had virilization, whereas the 7-year-old male patient presented with
      sexual precocity. Serum testosterone levels were elevated (4.1 to 52.3 nmol/L).
      Adrenal masses were detected and removed in all patients and histologically
      diagnosed as adrenocortical adenoma or carcinoma. Two patients had both PASATs
      and growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (GH pituitary adenoma).
      Immunohistochemistry revealed nuclear immunoreactivity for p53 in 3 of 7 patients
      and nuclear immunoreactivity for cyclin D1 in 2 of 7 patients. Immunostaining of
      beta-catenin showed nuclear, cytoplasmic, and membrane immunoreactivity (2 of 7
      patients) or merely cytoplasmic immunoreactivity (1 of 7 patients). The
      adrenocortical carcinoma showed positive staining for both p53 and cyclin D1 and
      a high Ki-67 index of 60%. Mutations p.Lys177Argfs*19 and p.Asp287Val in the AIP
      gene were identified in PASATs of the 2 patients with concomitant presence of GH
      pituitary adenoma. CONCLUSION: Clinical features of PASATs vary with gender and
      age of the patients. Abnormal p53 and beta-catenin expression might be involved
      in the tumorigenesis of these tumors. AIP mutations might be responsible for the
      concomitant presence of PASATs and GH pituitary adenoma. ABBREVIATIONS: ACA =
      adrenocortical adenoma ACC = adrenocortical carcinoma AIP = aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor-interacting protein DHEAS = dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; GH growth
      hormone PASAT = pure androgen-secreting adrenal tumor.

PMID- 28095039
TI  - UPDATE ON A QUALITY INITIATIVE TO OVERCOME CLINICAL INERTIA IN THE POSTOPERATIVE
      CARE OF INPATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS.

PMID- 28095040
TI  - CONSENSUS STATEMENT BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND
      AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY ON THE COMPREHENSIVE TYPE 2 DIABETES MANAGEMENT
      ALGORITHM - 2017 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.
AB  - ABBREVIATIONS: A1C = hemoglobin A1C AACE = American Association of Clinical
      Endocrinologists ACCORD = Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes
      ACCORD BP = Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Blood Pressure ACEI
      = angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ADVANCE = Action in Diabetes and
      Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron MR Controlled Evaluation AGI = alpha
      glucosidase inhibitor apo B = apolipoprotein B ASCVD = atherosclerotic
      cardiovascular disease BAS = bile acid sequestrant BMI = body mass index BP =
      blood pressure CHD = coronary heart disease CKD = chronic kidney disease CVD =
      cardiovascular disease DASH = Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DPP-4 =
      dipeptidyl peptidase 4 eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate FDA = Food and
      Drug Administration GLP-1 = glucagon-like peptide 1 HDL-C = high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol IMPROVE-IT = Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin
      Efficacy International Trial LDL-C = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-P =
      low-density lipoprotein particle Look AHEAD = Look Action for Health in Diabetes
      NPH = neutral protamine Hagedorn OSA = obstructive sleep apnea SFU = sulfonylurea
      SGLT-2 = sodium glucose cotransporter-2 SMBG = self-monitoring of blood glucose
      T2D = type 2 diabetes TZD = thiazolidinedione VADT = Veterans Affairs Diabetes
      Trial.

PMID- 28095041
TI  - ORAL VERSUS TRANSDERMAL ESTROGEN IN TURNER SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META
      ANALYSIS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing transdermal
      estrogens (TDEs) versus oral estrogens (OEs) in Turner syndrome (TS). METHODS:
      Randomized trials and observational comparative studies with a minimal follow-up
      of 6 months for skeletal and metabolic outcomes and serum hormone changes were
      included. Outcomes were pooled with a random effects model and are reported as
      mean differences between OE and TDE groups and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
      RESULTS: Of 845 candidate references, 4 studies were included. Both OEs and TDEs
      were associated with an increase in whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) z
      score, with TDE therapy displaying a greater increase. OEs were associated with
      higher fasting glucose and total cholesterol. Both OEs and TDEs reduced low
      density lipo-protein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (HDL-C), with OEs providing a more favorable effect. The use of 17
      beta estradiol was associated with a higher total cholesterol and lower LDL-C
      than TDE. No statistically significant difference was found between OEs and TDEs
      in body mass index, fat mass, fat free mass, insulin-like growth factor 1,
      insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, fasting insulin, triglycerides,
      estradiol, or estrone levels. CONCLUSION: In girls with TS, TDEs may be
      associated with a more beneficial effect on fasting glucose, cholesterol, and
      whole-body BMD. However, OEs have a more favorable impact on LDL-C and HDL-C. 17
      beta estradiol has a more favorable effect on LDL-C. ABBREVIATIONS: BMI = body
      mass index BMD = bone mineral density CI = confidence interval HDL-C = high
      density lipo-protein-cholesterol IGF-1 = insulin-like growth factor 1 IGF-BP3 =
      insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 LDL-C = low density lipoprotein
      cholesterol MD = mean difference OE = oral estrogen RCT = randomized controlled
      trial TDE = transdermal estrogen TS = Turner syndrome.

PMID- 28095043
TI  - SERUM INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR 1 IN LEBANESE SCHOOLCHILDREN AND ITS RELATION TO
      VITAMIN D AND FERRITIN LEVELS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of our study were to establish reference values for insulin
      like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in Lebanese schoolchildren and to evaluate the
      relationship between IGF-1 and age, sex, body mass index (BMI), vitamin D, and
      ferritin. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 952 Lebanese
      schoolchildren (495 boys and 457 girls) aged 8 to 18 years. Blood samples were
      taken from children attending 10 schools with different socio-economic status
      (SES). Chemiluminescent immunoassays were used for IGF-1, 25 hydroxyvitamin D
      (25(OH)D), testosterone, and ferritin measurements. RESULTS: The mean age was
      13.46 +/- 2.80 with no significant difference according to sex. IGF-1 was
      correlated with age in both sexes (P<.0001); it was higher in girls compared to
      boys (P = .007) and peaked at the ages of 14 and 12 for boys and girls,
      respectively. For each age group, the median IGF-1 value was higher compared to
      the values provided by the kit. IGF-1 was significantly correlated with BMI in
      boys (r = 0.16, P<.0001) but not girls. In both sexes, IGF-1 was inversely
      correlated with 25(OH)D and ferritin values. After adjustment for age, BMI, and
      height, the correlation between IGF-1 and 25(OH)D disappeared, whereas the
      relationship with ferritin persisted (P<.001 for boys, P = .002 for girls). For
      both sexes, multivariate regression analysis revealed independent associations
      between IGF-1 and height, Tanner stage, and ferritin. An association was also
      noted in boys for BMI and testosterone. CONCLUSION: Our results showed higher and
      earlier peak IGF-1 values in the pediatric Lebanese population compared to
      western populations. In addition, an independent inverse relationship was
      observed between IGF-1 and ferritin. Further studies are needed to identify the
      reason(s) underlying these results. ABBREVIATIONS: BMI = body mass index CRP = C
      reactive protein CV = coefficient of variation GH = growth hormone IGF-1 =
      insulin-like growth factor 1 25(OH)D = 25 hydroxyvitamin D SES = socio-economic
      status TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone.

PMID- 28095042
TI  - GAUGING THE EXTENT OF THYROIDECTOMY FOR INDETERMINATE THYROID NODULES: AN
      ONCOLOGIC PERSPECTIVE.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Increasing emphasis is being placed on appropriateness of care and
      avoidance of over- and under-treatment. Indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs)
      present a particular risk for this problem because cancer found via diagnostic
      lobectomy (DL) often requires a completion thyroidectomy (CT). However, initial
      total thyroidectomy (TT) for benign ITN results in lifelong thyroid hormone
      replacement. We sought to measure the accuracy and factors associated with the
      extent of initial thyroidectomy for ITN. METHODS: We queried a single institution
      thyroid surgery database for all adult patients undergoing an initial operation
      for ITN. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with
      either oncologic under- or overtreatment at initial operation. RESULTS: There
      were 639 patients with ITN. The median age was 52 (range, 18 to 93) years, 78.4%
      were female, and final pathology revealed a cancer >1 cm in 24.7%. The most
      common cytology was follicular neoplasm (45.1%) followed by Hurthle cell neoplasm
      (20.2%). CT or initial oncologic undertreatment was required in 58 patients
      (9.3%). Excluding those with goiters, 19.0% were treated with TT for benign final
      pathology. Multivariate analysis failed to identify any factor that independently
      predicted the need for CT. Female gender was associated with TT in benign disease
      (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 4.5; P = .05). Age
      >45 years predicted correct initial use of DL (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.7; P =
      .02). Suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 2.1 to 15.3;
      P<.01) and frozen section (OR, 9.7; 95% CI, 2.5 to 38.6; P<.01) were associated
      with oncologically appropriate initial TT. The highest frequency of CT occurred
      in patients with follicular lesion of undetermined significance (11.6%). TT for
      benign final pathology occurred most frequently in patients with a Hurthle cell
      neoplasm (24.8%). CONCLUSION: In patients with ITN, nearly 30% received an
      inappropriate extent of initial thyroidectomy from an oncologic standpoint. Tools
      to pre-operatively identify both benign and malignant disease can assist in the
      complex decision making to gauge the proper extent of initial surgery for ITN.
      ABBREVIATIONS: ATA = American Thyroid Association AUS = atypia of undetermined
      significance CI = confidence interval CT = completion thyroidectomy FLUS =
      follicular lesion of undetermined significance ITN = indeterminate thyroid nodule
      OR = odds ratio PTC = papillary thyroid carcinoma TT = total thyroidectomy.

PMID- 28095044
TI  - VITAMIN D BINDING PROTEIN AND 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D LEVELS: EMERGING CLINICAL
      APPLICATIONS.
AB  - : The precursor of the active form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D),
      is recognized as the optimal indicator of vitamin D status. Vitamin D3 undergoes
      conversion through a multitude of enzymatic reactions described within the paper,
      and vitamin D levels are dependent on many factors including the vitamin D
      binding protein (DBP). The free hormone hypothesis postulates that protein-bound
      hormones are not biologically available and that unbound hormones are
      biologically active. The majority of circulating 25(OH)D and 1,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D is tightly bound to DBP and albumin, with less than 1%
      circulating in an unbound form. As a result, factors affecting DBP alter the
      interpretation of 25(OH)D levels. The aim of this review is to assess the current
      methodology used to measure total and free 25(OH)D, and DBP. Additionally, we
      analyze the effects of other endocrine hormones and disease processes on DBP
      levels and subsequently, the interpretation of 25(OH)D levels. ABBREVIATIONS: CF
      = cystic fibrosis DBP = vitamin D binding protein ELISA = enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay ESLD = end-stage liver disease HC = hormone contraceptives
      iPTH = intact parathyroid hormone LC-MS = liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
      MS = multiple sclerosis 25(OH)D = 25-hydroxyvitamin D PHPT = primary
      hyperparathyroidism RIA = radioimmunoassay.

PMID- 28095045
TI  - WHAT IS THE CLINICAL ROLE OF ORAL LIQUID PREPARATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF
      PATIENTS WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM?

PMID- 28095046
TI  - DOES VITAMIN D METABOLITE MEASUREMENT HELP PREDICT 25(OH)D CHANGE FOLLOWING
      VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Variability in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) change following vitamin
      D supplementation exists. Vitamin D metabolite measurement might assist in
      predicting 25(OH)D response and also contribute to defining vitamin D adequacy.
      This study assessed utility of vitamin D metabolite measurements to predict
      25(OH)D response and explored the relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      and a "vitamin D composite index" comprised of the sum of serum 25(OH) D,
      cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and 24,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D). METHODS:
      Sixty-two postmenopausal women were randomized to daily vitamin D3 1,800 IU or
      placebo for 4 months. Blood was drawn at baseline and after 1 and 4 months. Serum
      25(OH)D, vitamin D3, and 24,25(OH)2D were measured by liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectroscopy. Free 25(OH)D and PTH were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Repeated measures analysis of variance and regression
      analyses were performed. RESULTS: Baseline 25(OH)D was positively correlated
      (P<.05) with vitamin D3, 24,25(OH)2D and free 25(OH) D. Daily vitamin D
      supplementation increased all metabolites (P<.001). Substantial individual
      variability in 25(OH) D change at 4 months was observed but was unrelated to
      baseline vitamin D3, 25(OH)D or 24,25(OH)2D. Only body mass index, body weight,
      and body fat mass was associated with 25(OH)D change at 4 months. The vitamin D
      composite score was associated with serum PTH, but this association was similar
      to that observed with 25(OH) D alone. CONCLUSION: This study does not support
      measurement of vitamin D metabolites in a composite index to assist in prediction
      of 25(OH)D response to supplementation. Overweight individuals have less robust
      25(OH) D response to supplementation, but variability precludes prediction of the
      result following daily supplementation. ABBREVIATIONS: BMI = body mass index DXA
      = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry LC-MS/MS = liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectroscopy 25(OH)D = 25-hydroxyvitamin D 24,25(OH)2D = 24,25 dihydroxyvitamin D
      PTH = parathyroid hormone vitamin D3 = cholecalciferol.

PMID- 28095047
TI  - NIFTP: COMMENTARY ON AN EVOLVING ENTITY.

PMID- 28095048
TI  - AN APPROACH TO USING DATA MINING TO SUPPORT EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF ACROMEGALY.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Data mining using insurance claims presents an opportunity to
      incorporate new analytic techniques in identifying rare conditions. This study
      aims to identify dyads of clinical conditions associated with acromegaly that
      may, with further validation and testing, be used to initially identify and
      diagnose this rare disease more accurately and efficiently. METHODS: This case
      control study used two claims databases to identify acromegaly patients (cases)
      (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
      [ICD-9-CM]: 253.0) from 2008-2013. Each case was assigned two nonacromegaly
      controls (same age, gender, and region). Matched patients were randomly split
      into development and validation datasets. With expert clinician input, we
      isolated common associated conditions using ICD-9-CM codes. We identified all 2
      way combinations of these conditions (dyads) and calculated the rate and risk
      relative (RR) to controls. Dyads meeting certain criteria (case rate >=5% [or
      >=1% if RR >=5] or observed RR > expected) were replicated in the validation
      dataset to confirm results. RESULTS: We identified 3,731 cases and 7,462
      controls: mean age 41.8 (SD, 16.1) years, 51.8% female. A total of 32 and 38
      dyads, reduced from 630, met study criteria. Among replicated dyads, case rates
      varied -15.9% (hypertension and metabolic disorder) to 0.6% (arthritis and
      menstrual abnormalities). The highest RRs (e.g., valvular insufficiency and colon
      polyps [RR, 13.5; rate, 0.7%]) also exceeded expected values. Replication showed
      similar RR direction and size. CONCLUSION: This novel analytic approach revealed
      several dyads that were significantly associated with an acromegaly diagnosis.
      Presence of high-risk condition pairs, if verified by a detailed data source
      (e.g., medical charts), may be incorporated into screening tools or serve as
      potential markers for physicians to consider an acromegaly diagnosis.
      ABBREVIATIONS: ICD-9-CM = International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision, Clinical Modification ID = identification RR = relative risk.

PMID- 28095049
TI  - Visual Vignette.

PMID- 28095050
TI  - The Expressions of Klotho Family Genes in Human Ocular Tissues and in Anterior
      Lens Capsules of Age-Related Cataract.
AB  - PURPOSE: Klotho genes are expressed in limited tissues and have been found to be
      a pathogenic factor of age-related diseases in mammals, but their expressions and
      functions in human eyes are yet to be defined. This study was performed to
      investigate the expression of Klotho family genes in human ocular tissues and
      anterior lens capsules of age-related cataract. METHODS: Individual tissues were
      isolated from human eyeballs collected from Henan Eye Bank. Human anterior lens
      capsules were collected from cortical cataract patients during
      phacoemulsification with the informed consent. Real-time quantitative reverse
      transcription was performed to detect the mRNA expressions of alpha-Klotho, beta
      Klotho, gamma-Klotho, IGFR1, AKT, and ERK; Western blot analysis for detecting
      the expression of ERK1/2 and phosphor-ERK1/2 protein; and Pearson correlation
      analysis was performed to detect the relationship between Klotho genes and IGFR1,
      AKT or ERK genes. RESULTS: The expressions of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-Klotho
      mRNA were detected in human retina and optic nerve, but were not detected in
      iris, ciliary body, sclera, and choroid. Only alpha-and gamma-Klotho mRNA
      expressions were detected in the lens, and the expression levels were higher than
      that in the retina and optic nerve. The mRNA expressions of IGFR1 and AKT were
      not changed among the transparent and the opaque lens capsules. The mRNA
      expression of ERK was significantly decreased in the opaque lens capsule.
      Correlation analysis showed that the ERK mRNA expression was positively
      correlated with the expression of the gamma-Klotho gene. Western blot results
      showed a significant decrease of ERK1/2 and phosphor-ERK1/2 protein in opaque
      lens capsules. CONCLUSIONS: alpha- and gamma-Klotho genes express in the human
      retina, optic nerve, and lens. The beta-Klotho gene expresses only in retina and
      optic nerve. The gamma-Klotho gene may regulate human lens epithelial cells'
      function mainly by the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

PMID- 28095051
TI  - Improving personal self-advocacy skills for individuals with brain injury: A
      randomized pilot feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of a self-advocacy intervention for
      individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). DESIGN: Two-arm, parallel-design,
      randomized feasibility study. METHODS: Twelve participants, 1-year or more post
      ABI (TBI and cerebral vascular accident (CVA)), were randomized into
      treatment/control groups. The treatment group received a group intervention and
      workbook; the control group received the workbook only. Outcome measures, taken
      at baseline, post-treatment and 6-weeks follow-up, included the General Self
      Efficacy Scale (GSES), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and Goal Attainment
      Scale (GAS) and two exploratory measures developed for the study: the Self
      Advocacy Scale (SAS) and the Personal Advocacy Activity Scale (PAAS). RESULTS:
      Participants were successfully recruited and treated per protocol. The treatment
      group exhibited improvements from baseline to post-treatment on all measures; the
      control group improved on the GSES and declined on all others. Both groups
      exhibited improvement on all measures at follow-up, except the PAAS, which
      declined. There were no significant group differences on non-parametric analysis
      at any assessment points; however, the magnitude of change at post-treatment
      approached significance for the SAS and PAAS. CONCLUSIONS: Initial feasibility
      for the methodology was demonstrated. Positive trends were noted. Further
      research could result in an evidence-based intervention to enhance self-advocacy
      post-ABI.

PMID- 28095052
TI  - Increased gamma connectivity during working memory retention following traumatic
      brain injury.
AB  - PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Alterations to functional connectivity following a traumatic
      brain injury (TBI) may lead to impaired cognitive performance and major
      depressive disorder (MDD). In particular, functional gamma band connectivity is
      thought to reflect information binding important for working memory. The
      objective of this study was to determine whether altered functional gamma
      connectivity may be a factor in MDD following TBI (TBI-MDD). RESEARCH DESIGN:
      This study assessed individuals with TBI-MDD, as well as individuals with TBI
      alone and MDD alone using electroencephalographic recordings while participants
      performed a working memory task to assess differences in functional connectivity
      between these groups. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Functional connectivity was
      compared using the debiased weighted phase lag index (wPLI). wPLI was measured
      from a group of healthy controls (n = 31), participants with MDD (n = 17),
      participants with TBI (n = 20) and participants with TBI-MDD (n = 15). MAIN
      OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Contrary to the predictions, this study found both the
      groups with TBI and TBI-MDD showed higher gamma connectivity from posterior
      regions during WM retention. CONCLUSIONS: This may reflect dysfunctional
      functional connectivity in these groups, as a result of maladaptive neuroplastic
      reorganization.

PMID- 28095054
TI  - Adolescent Siblings of Individuals With and Without Intellectual and
      Developmental Disabilities: Self-Reported Empathy and Feelings About Their
      Brothers and Sisters.
AB  - Siblings of brothers or sisters with intellectual and developmental disabilities
      (IDD) are important but understudied family members. As many previous studies
      have relied on parent report of sibling outcomes, the use of sibling self-report
      is an important addition to the research. This study assessed the feelings of
      adolescent siblings toward their brothers or sisters with and without IDD, as
      well as broader aspects of sibling empathy. Data were collected via a national,
      online survey from 97 parent-sibling pairs. Siblings of individuals with IDD
      reported higher levels of anxiety toward the target child than did siblings of
      typically developing individuals. Sibling feelings toward the target child were
      related to both parental and target child factors, but only among families of
      individuals with IDD.

PMID- 28095056
TI  - Correlates of Adaptive Functioning in Minimally Verbal Children With Autism
      Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have significant delays
      in adaptive functioning. In this study, the relationship between adaptive
      behavior and ASD symptomatology was investigated in minimally verbal, school-aged
      children with ASD (n = 333). Both the social affect (SA) and restricted and
      repetitive behavior (RRB) domains from the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
      (ADOS) were analyzed in relation to adaptive skills. ADOS SA scores contributed
      unique variance to scores in each Vineland domain, though cognitive ability and
      age accounted for considerably more variance across domains. Results indicate
      that there is a significant, but small, association between social affect
      deficits and adaptive skills, challenging clinicians, educators, and caregivers
      to target adaptive skills in addition to more specific features of ASD.

PMID- 28095057
TI  - Age of Parental Concern, Diagnosis, and Service Initiation Among Children With
      Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require substantial support to
      address the core symptoms of ASD and co-occurring behavioral/developmental
      conditions. This study explores the early diagnostic experiences of school-aged
      children with ASD using survey data from a large probability-based national
      sample. Multivariate linear regressions were used to examine age when parent
      reported developmental concern to doctor, received ASD diagnosis, and first
      obtained services. Children whose parents had concerns about their child's verbal
      communication reported earlier ages for all outcomes when compared to children of
      parents who did not have verbal communication concerns. Children whose parents
      had concerns about their child's nonverbal communication or unusual
      gestures/movements received an earlier diagnosis than children whose parents did
      not have these specific concerns.

PMID- 28095058
TI  - Efficacy of Peer Support Arrangements to Increase Peer Interaction and AAC Use.
AB  - Supporting interaction in inclusive settings between students with complex
      communication needs (CCN) and their peers requires careful planning and support.
      We used a multiple-probe-across-participants design to investigate the efficacy
      of collaborative planning and peer support arrangements to increase peer
      interaction in inclusive classrooms. Participants were four middle school
      students with CCN who had an intellectual disability and used an iPad with
      Proloquo2Go as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Educational
      teams comprised of a special educator, general educator, paraprofessional, and
      speech-language pathologist participated in collaborative planning for the
      intervention. For all four students, the intervention substantially increased
      communication to and from their peers. AAC use increased for one student. We
      offer implications for research and practice on supporting social interaction in
      general education settings.

PMID- 28095059
TI  - What's the Harm? Harms in Research With Adults With Intellectual Disability.
AB  - Scientific advances can improve the lives of adults with intellectual disability,
      yet concerns that research participation may impose harm impede scientific
      progress. What counts as harmful can be subjective and perceptions of harm may
      vary among stakeholders. We studied perspectives on the harmfulness of research
      events among adults with intellectual disability, family members and friends,
      disability service providers, researchers, and Institutional Review Board
      members. We found considerable variance. For example, adults with intellectual
      disability see exclusion from research as more harmful, but most psychosocial
      harms as less significant than others. All stakeholders agree that having someone
      else make the participation decision is harmful. Findings provide insights into
      the concept of harm and ethical research with adults with intellectual
      disability.

PMID- 28095061
TI  - Methods of Monitoring Training Load and Their Relationships to Changes in Fitness
      and Performance in Competitive Road Cyclists.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the dose-response relationships between different training
      load methods and aerobic fitness and performance in competitive road cyclists.
      METHODS: Training data from 15 well-trained competitive cyclists were collected
      during a 10-wk (December-March) preseason training period. Before and after the
      training period, participants underwent a laboratory incremental exercise test
      with gas-exchange and lactate measures and a performance assessment using an 8
      min time trial (8MT). Internal training load was calculated using Banister TRIMP,
      Edwards TRIMP, individualized TRIMP (iTRIMP), Lucia TRIMP (luTRIMP), and session
      rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). External load was measured using Training
      Stress Score (TSS). RESULTS: Large to very large relationships (r = .54-.81)
      between training load and changes in submaximal fitness variables (power at 2 and
      4 mmol/L) were observed for all training-load calculation methods. The strongest
      relationships with changes in aerobic fitness variables were observed for iTRIMP
      (r = .81 [95% CI .51-.93, r = .77 [95% CI .43-.92]) and TSS (r = .75 [95% CI .31
      .93], r = .79 [95% CI .40-.94]). The strongest dose-response relationships with
      changes in the 8MT test were observed for iTRIMP (r = .63 [95% CI .17-.86]) and
      luTRIMP (r = .70 [95% CI .29-.89). CONCLUSIONS: Training-load quantification
      methods that integrate individual physiological characteristics have the
      strongest dose-response relationships, suggesting this to be an essential factor
      in the quantification of training load in cycling.

PMID- 28095060
TI  - Executive Functioning Mediates the Effect of Behavioral Problems on Depression in
      Mothers of Children With Developmental Disabilities.
AB  - The present investigation explored long-term relationships of behavioral symptoms
      of adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities with the mental health
      of their mothers. Fragile X premutation carrier mothers of an adolescent or adult
      child with fragile X syndrome (n = 95), and mothers of a grown child with autism
      (n = 213) were included. Behavioral symptoms at Time 1 were hypothesized to
      predict maternal depressive symptoms at Time 3 via maternal executive dysfunction
      at Time 2. Results provided support for the mediating pathway of executive
      dysfunction. Additionally, the association of behavioral symptoms with executive
      dysfunction differed across the two groups, suggesting that premutation carriers
      may be more susceptible to caregiving stress due to their genotype.

PMID- 28095062
TI  - MicroRNA-196a as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Esophageal Squamous Cell
      Carcinoma.
AB  - We observed significant up-regulation of miR-196a in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma (ESCC) as compared with their adjacent normal tissue (p = .002).
      Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis confirmed the suitability of
      miR-196a as a potential tumor marker for diagnosis of ESCC. Furthermore, analysis
      of miR-196a levels in saliva samples determined an average of 27-fold up
      regulations in ESCC patients compared with healthy group. Our results suggest
      that salivary miR-196a may be a suitable noninvasive biomarker for diagnosis of
      ESCC. In addition, molecular pathway enrichment analysis of microRNA (miR)-196a
      determined focal adhesion, spliceosome and p53 signaling pathways as the most
      relevant pathways with miR-196a targetome.

PMID- 28095063
TI  - Early primary care follow-up after ED and hospital discharge - does it affect
      readmissions?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: After hospitalization, timely discharge follow-up has been linked to
      reduced readmissions in the heart failure population, but data from general
      inpatients has been mixed. The objective of this study was to determine if there
      was an association between completed follow-up appointments within 14 days of
      hospital discharge and 30-day readmission amongst primary care patients at an
      urban academic medical center. Index discharges included both inpatient and
      emergency room settings. A secondary objective was to identify patient factors
      associated with completed follow-up appointments within 14 days. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective review of primary care patients at an urban academic
      medical center who were discharged from either the emergency department (ED) or
      inpatient services at the Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian
      Hospital from 1 January 2014-31 December 2014. Cox proportional hazard models
      were used to identify the relationship between follow-up in primary care within
      14 days and readmission within 30 days. Logistic regression was used to evaluate
      the association of patient factors with 14-day follow-up. RESULTS: Among 9,662
      inpatient and ED discharges, multivariable analysis (adjusting for age, gender,
      race/ethnicity, insurance, number of diagnoses on problem list, length of stay,
      and discharge service) showed that follow-up with primary care within 14 days was
      not associated with a lower hazard of readmission within 30 days (HR = 0.78; 95%
      CI 0.56-1.09). A higher number of diagnoses on the problem list was associated
      with greater odds of follow-up for both inpatient and emergency department
      discharges (inpatient: HR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04; ED: HR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.00
      1.04). For inpatient discharges, each additional day in length of stay was
      associated with 3% lower odds of follow-up (HR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.99).
      CONCLUSION: Early follow-up within 14 days after discharge from general inpatient
      services was associated with a trend toward lower hazard of 30-day readmission
      though this finding was not significant. Future studies should focus on
      identifying additional cohorts of patients in which readmission is reduced by
      early follow-up, so that access to primary care appointments is not compromised.

PMID- 28095064
TI  - Adipokines induce catabolism of newly synthesized matrix in cartilage and
      meniscus tissues.
AB  - PURPOSE: Altered synovial levels of various adipokines (factors secreted by fat
      as well as other tissues) have been associated with osteoarthritis (OA) onset and
      progression. However, the metabolic effects of adipokines on joint tissues, in
      particular the fibrocartilaginous menisci, are not well understood. This study
      investigated effects of several adipokines on release of recently synthesized
      extracellular matrix in bovine cartilage and meniscus tissue explants. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: After labeling newly synthesized proteins and sulfated
      glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) with 3H-proline and 35S-sulfate, respectively; bovine
      cartilage and meniscus tissue explants were cultured for 6 days in basal medium
      (control) or media supplemented with adipokines (1 ug/ml of leptin, visfatin,
      adiponectin, or resistin) or 20 ng/ml interleukin-1 (IL-1). Release of radiolabel
      and sGAG to the media during culture and the final explant water, DNA, sGAG, and
      retained radiolabel were measured. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) and MMP-3
      activities were assessed using gelatin and casein zymography, respectively.
      RESULTS: Water and DNA contents were not significantly altered by any treatment.
      Visfatin, adiponectin, resistin, and IL-1 stimulated sGAG release from meniscus,
      whereas only IL-1 stimulated sGAG release from cartilage. Release of 3H and 35S
      was stimulated not only by resistin and IL-1 in meniscus but also by IL-1 in
      cartilage. Retained 3H was unaltered by any treatment, while retained 35S was
      reduced by visfatin, resistin, and IL-1 in meniscus and by only IL-1 in
      cartilage. Resistin and IL-1 elevated active MMP-2 and total MMP-3 in meniscus,
      whereas cartilage MMP-3 activity was elevated by only IL-1. CONCLUSIONS: Resistin
      stimulated rapid and extensive catabolism of meniscus tissue, similar to IL-1,
      whereas adipokines minimally affected cartilage. Release of newly synthesized
      matrix was similar to overall release in both tissues. These observations provide
      further indications that meniscal tissue is more sensitive to pro-inflammatory
      factors than cartilage and also suggest further study of resistin's role in OA.

PMID- 28095065
TI  - Monitoring Fatigue Status in Elite Team-Sport Athletes: Implications for
      Practice.
AB  - The increase in competition demands in elite team sports over recent years has
      prompted much attention from researchers and practitioners to the monitoring of
      adaptation and fatigue in athletes. Monitoring fatigue and gaining an
      understanding of athlete status may also provide insights and beneficial
      information pertaining to player availability, injury, and illness risk.
      Traditional methods used to quantify recovery and fatigue in team sports, such as
      maximal physical-performance assessments, may not be feasible to detect
      variations in fatigue status throughout competitive periods. Faster, simpler, and
      nonexhaustive tests such as athlete self-report measures, autonomic nervous
      system response via heart-rate-derived indices, and to a lesser extent, jump
      protocols may serve as promising tools to quantify and establish fatigue status
      in elite team-sport athletes. The robust rationalization and precise detection of
      a meaningful fluctuation in these measures are of paramount importance for
      practitioners working alongside athletes and coaches on a daily basis. There are
      various methods for arriving at a minimal clinically important difference, but
      these have been rarely adopted by sport scientists and practitioners. The
      implementation of appropriate, reliable, and sensitive measures of fatigue can
      provide important information to key stakeholders in team-sport environments.
      Future research is required to investigate the sensitivity of these tools to
      fundamental indicators such as performance, injury, and illness.

PMID- 28095066
TI  - Association of Osteopontin Gene Polymorphisms with Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - We investigated the association of the Osteopontin (OPN) (rs9138 and rs1126616)
      polymorphisms with colorectal cancer (CRC). One hundred CRC patients and 112
      healthy individuals were subjected to OPN (rs9138 and rs1126616) genotyping and
      measurement of OPN protein plasma level. The C allele of OPN rs1126616 and the CC
      haplotype were significantly higher in CRC patient (p = 0.036, 0.003,
      respectively). In females, the C allele of OPN rs9318 (A/C) polymorphism was
      significantly associated with increased CRC risk (p = 0.036). The plasma OPN
      level >104.35 ng/mL was significantly associated with CRC. Our findings suggest a
      significant role played by OPN (rs9138 and rs1126616) in colorectal
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 28095067
TI  - Pacing Strategies and Metabolic Responses During 4-Minute Running Time Trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to investigate pacing strategies and
      the distribution of physiological resources in best vs worst performances during
      a series of 4-min self-paced running time trials (RunTTs). METHODS: Five male and
      5 female recreational runners (age 32 +/- 7 y) completed a submaximal ramp test
      and 5 RunTTs on a motor-driven treadmill fitted with a speed-controlling laser
      system. The supramaximal oxygen-uptake (VO2) demand was estimated by linear
      extrapolation from the submaximal relationship between VO2 and speed, enabling
      computation of the accumulated oxygen deficit. RESULTS: There were no significant
      differences between the 5 RunTTs for any of the performance, physiological, or
      subjective responses (P > .05). The trial-to-trial variability in pacing (ie,
      separate quarters) was typically low, with an average within-athlete coefficient
      of variation of 3.3%, being highest at the start and end of the 4 min. Total
      distance covered and distance covered over the first and last 2 min for best and
      worst performances were 1137 +/- 94 and 1090 +/- 89 (P < .001), 565 +/- 53 and
      526 +/- 40 m (P = .002), and 572 +/- 47 and 565 +/- 54 m (P = .346),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Negative pacing strategies were evident during both
      the best and the worst performances of the RunTT. Best performances were
      characterized by more aggressive pacing over the first 2 min compared with worst
      performances. In addition, the relatively low trial-to-trial variability in
      running speed suggests that pacing strategies are similar during a series of 4
      min self-paced running time trials.

PMID- 28095068
TI  - Impact of telepharmacy services as a way to increase access to asthma care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that real-time, telepharmacy-based asthma educational
      services are feasible and to support the efforts of local primary care
      prescribers to improve patient outcomes. METHODS: The lead investigator (a
      pharmacist, physician assistant, and certified asthma educator) identified an
      independent community pharmacy with telehealth capabilities in a rural area with
      a high prevalence of asthma. Working with the pharmacy, an asthma education
      program was developed based on the National Asthma Education and Prevention
      Program guidelines. It consisted of three monthly education visits, with
      subsequent visits every three months for one year. The Asthma Control Test (ACT)
      was administered at baseline and at each visit to assess a patient's perception
      of asthma control. RESULTS: Eighteen of 20 patients (90%) with reversible airway
      disease completed all six visits in this year-long study. For the 18 patients,
      the mean ACT scores of 18 at baseline (initiation of intervention) did not meet
      the threshold for "well-controlled" asthma. By the third educational visit (3
      months), 16 patients met ACT criteria for well-controlled asthma (mean score =
      20), and they maintained control for the remaining 9-month follow-up period (ACT
      >= 21). Local prescribers authorized medication changes recommended by the asthma
      educator 20 times and also requested six direct consults with the asthma educator
      over the study period. CONCLUSION: Using the local community pharmacy as a
      vehicle to deliver asthma education services by telepharmacy was utilized by
      local prescribers. The findings show this is an effective means to engage
      patients to gain and maintain asthma control.

PMID- 28095069
TI  - The Evolution of Champion Cross-Country-Skier Training: From Lumberjacks to
      Professional Athletes.
AB  - Competitive cross-country (XC) skiing has traditions extending back to the mid
      19th century and was included as a men's event in the first Winter Games in 1924.
      Since then, tremendous improvements in equipment, track preparation, and
      knowledge about training have prompted greater increases in XC-skiing speeds than
      in any other Olympic sport. In response, this commentary focuses on how the
      training of successful XC skiers has evolved, with interviews and training data
      from surviving Norwegian world and Olympic XC champions as primary sources.
      Before 1970, most male champion XC skiers were lumberjacks who ran or skied long
      distances to and from felling areas while working long days in the woods. In
      addition, they trained as much as possible, with increased intensity during the
      autumn, while less work but more ski-specific training and competitions were done
      during the winter. Until the 1970s, few XC skiers were women, whom coaches
      believed tolerated less training than men did. Today's XC skiers are less
      physically active, but the influence of both science and the systematic
      approaches of former athletes and coaches have gradually taught XC skiers to
      adopt smarter, more goal-oriented training practices. Although the very high
      VO2max of world-class XC skiers has remained the same since the 1960s, new events
      in modern XC skiing have additionally required superior upper-body power, high
      speed techniques, and tactical flexibility. These elements also emerge in the
      training of today's best skiers; women's physiological capacities and training
      routines especially seem to have improved dramatically.

PMID- 28095070
TI  - Player Responses to Match and Training Demands During an Intensified Fixture
      Schedule in Professional Rugby League: A Case Study.
AB  - Player loads and fatigue responses are reported in 15 professional rugby league
      players (24.3 +/- 3.8 y) during a period of intensified fixtures. Repeated
      measures of internal and external loads, perceived well-being, and jump flight
      time were recorded across 22 d, comprising 9 training sessions and matches on
      days 5, 12, 15, and 21 (player exposure: 3.6 +/- 0.6 matches). Mean training
      loads (session rating of perceived exertion * duration) between matches were
      1177, 1083, 103, and 650 AU. Relative distance in match 1 (82 m/min) and match 4
      (79 m/min) was very likely lower in match 2 (76 m/min) and likely higher in match
      3 (86 m/min). High-intensity running (>=5.5 m/s) was likely to very likely lower
      than match 1 (5 m/min) in matches 2-4 (2, 4, and 3 m/min, respectively). Low
      intensity activity was likely to very likely lower than match 1 (78 m/min) in
      match 2 (74 m/min) and match 4 (73 m/min) but likely higher in match 3 (81
      m/min). Accumulated accelerometer loads for matches 1-4 were 384, 473, 373, and
      391 AU, respectively. Perceived well-being returned to baseline values (~21 AU)
      before all matches but was very likely to most likely lower the day after each
      match (~17 AU). Prematch jump flight times were likely to most likely lower
      across the period, with mean values of 0.66, 0.65, 0.62, and 0.64 s before
      matches 1-4, respectively. Across a 22-d cycle with fixture congestion,
      professional rugby league players experience cumulative neuromuscular fatigue and
      impaired match running performance.

PMID- 28095071
TI  - Mevalonate kinase deficiency associated with ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa in
      two brothers with MVK gene mutations.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the clinical and molecular genetic findings in two brothers
      with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD). METHODS:
      The brothers were examined clinically and with fundus autofluorescence, near
      infrared autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography.
      Targeted resequencing was done with a custom designed gene panel containing 78
      genes associated with RP. Mutations were confirmed by direct Sanger sequencing.
      RESULTS: Both brothers, aged 46 and 47 years, were found to carry compound
      heterozygous mutations in the MVK gene (c.59A>C, c.1000G>A) encoding mevalonate
      kinase. They presented with severe ataxia, pseudophakia due to early onset
      cataract, and progressed retinitis pigmentosa. In one brother with cystoid
      macular edema, treatment with dorzolamide was beneficial. Serum IgD levels were
      markedly increased in both brothers and mevalonic acid blood and urine levels
      were markedly increased in the one brother who could be examined. The disease
      severity differed between the brothers-one had more severe ataxia and less severe
      visual deficiency compared to the other. CONCLUSION: MKD can be associated with
      RP and early onset cataract. Most MKD patients developing RP carry the
      (p.Ala334Thr) mutation. Macular edema can be treated using local dorzolamide.

PMID- 28095072
TI  - Parental coping, depressive symptoms, and children's asthma control and school
      attendance in low-income, racially, and ethnically diverse urban families.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Low-income urban children of color are at elevated risk for poor
      asthma control. This cross-sectional study examined associations among parents'
      coping (primary control, secondary control, and disengagement), parental
      depressive symptoms, and children's asthma outcomes (asthma control and school
      attendance) in a predominantly low-income, racially/ethnically diverse sample of
      families. METHODS: Parents (N = 78; 90% female) of children (33% female; 46%
      Black; 38% Latino) aged 5-17 years (M = 9.5 years) reported on their own coping
      and depressive symptoms, their child's asthma control, and full and partial days
      of school missed due to asthma. RESULTS: Parents' secondary control coping (i.e.,
      coping efforts to accommodate/adapt to asthma-related stressors) was negatively
      correlated, and disengagement coping (i.e. coping efforts to avoid/detach from
      stressors) was positively correlated, with their depressive symptoms. Secondary
      control coping was also correlated with fewer partial days of school missed.
      Primary control coping (i.e., coping efforts to change stressors) was not
      associated with depressive symptoms or asthma outcomes. Parents' depressive
      symptoms were also positively correlated with poorer asthma control and partial
      days of school missed. Regression models showed direct and indirect effects of
      secondary control and disengagement coping on asthma outcomes via depressive
      symptoms, after controlling for demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Parents'
      secondary control and disengagement coping are related to children's asthma
      outcomes. Secondary control coping may support parents' mental health and
      children's asthma control in low-income urban families.

PMID- 28095073
TI  - Preclinical and Potential Applications of Common Western Herbal Supplements as
      Complementary Treatment in Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder with a complex pathological
      etiology, which is not fully understood. Progression of PD may be the result of a
      buildup of iron in the substantia nigra, microglia-mediated neuroinflammation,
      dysfunctional mitochondria, or abnormal protein handling. Dopamine is the main
      neurotransmitter affected, but as the disease progresses, a decrease in all the
      brain's biogenic amines occurs. Current medication used in the treatment of PD
      aims to prevent the breakdown of dopamine or increase dopaminergic
      neurotransmission in the central nervous system. The complementary use of green
      tea (Camellia sinensis), red wine (Vitis vinifera), arctic root (Rhodiola rosea),
      and dwarf periwinkle (Vinca minor) may have a greater therapeutic effect than
      current pharmaceutical drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or dopamine
      agonists alone. The bioactive components of these plants have been shown to have
      neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-proteinopathies, neural-vasodilation, anti
      inflammatory, and iron chelating potential. They may treat the disease at the
      cellular level by decreasing microglia activation, attenuating damage from
      radical oxygen species, supporting correct protein folding, chelating iron,
      increasing the substantia nigra blood flow, and promoting dopaminergic cell
      growth. Although these alternative medicines appear to have potential, further
      human clinical trials need to be conducted to determine whether they could have a
      greater therapeutic effect than conventional medicines alone.

PMID- 28095074
TI  - Effects of Cycling Training at Imposed Low Cadences: A Systematic Review.
AB  - The present article reviews effects of training at low imposed cadences in
      cycling. The authors performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE and
      SPORTDiscus up to April 2016 to identify potentially relevant articles. Based on
      the titles and abstracts of the identified articles, a subset of articles was
      selected for evaluation. These articles constituted original-research articles on
      adaptation to training at different imposed cadences in cycling. Seven articles
      were selected for evaluation. With regard to the terminology in the present
      article, low cadences are those below the freely chosen cadence. The rate of 80
      rpm can, eg, be considered a low cadence if effort is maximal. On the other hand,
      the cadence has to be lower than 80 rpm (eg, 40-70 rpm) to be considered low if
      cycling is performed at low power output. The reason is that the choice of
      cadence depends on power output. In conclusion, there is presently no strong
      evidence for a benefit of training at low cadences. It can tentatively be
      recommended to consider including training bouts of cycling at low cadence at
      moderate to maximal intensity. The reason for the restrained recommendation is
      that some of the selected studies indicate no clear performance-enhancing effect
      of training at low cadence or even indicate a superior effect from training at
      freely chosen cadence. Furthermore, the selected studies are considerably
      dissimilar with respect to, eg, participant characteristics and to the applied
      training regimens.

PMID- 28095075
TI  - A Pilot Study Using Entropy as a Noninvasive Assessment of Running.
AB  - PURPOSE: Running performance is influenced by the interaction of biomechanical
      and physiological factors. Miniaturized accelerometers worn by athletes can be
      used to quantify mechanical aspects of running and as a noninvasive tool to
      assess training status and progression. The aim of this study was to define and
      validate a method to assess running regularity and allow the estimation of an
      individual's oxygen uptake (VO2) and/or blood lactate-[La]b-based on data
      collected with accelerometers and heart rate. METHODS: Male adolescent endurance
      athletes completed an incremental submaximal aerobic stage test where VO2 and
      [La]b were measured. The test was terminated when [La]b concentration at the end
      of the stage exceeded 4 mmol/L. Two wireless triaxial accelerometers were placed
      on participants' right shank and lower back throughout the test. The root mean
      square (RMS) and sample entropy (SampEn) were calculated for the vertical,
      mediolateral, and anteroposterior components of acceleration. RESULTS: There were
      significant positive correlations of acceleration and entropy variables with
      [La]b and VO2, with moderate to high coefficients (r = .43-.87). RMS of the shank
      acceleration was the most highly related with both physiological variables. When
      the accelerometer was attached on the trunk, SampEn of the vertical acceleration
      had the strongest relationship with VO2 (r = .76, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The
      described method analyzing running complexity may allow an assessment of gait
      variability, which noninvasively tracks VO2 and/or [La]b, allowing monitoring of
      fatigue or training readiness for trained adolescent individuals.

PMID- 28095076
TI  - Impaired Player-Coach Perceptions of Exertion and Recovery During Match
      Congestion.
AB  - : During intensified phases of competition, attunement of exertion and recovery
      is crucial to maintain performance. Although a mismatch between coach and player
      perceptions of training load is demonstrated, it is unknown if these
      discrepancies also exist for match exertion and recovery. PURPOSE: To determine
      match exertion and subsequent recovery and to investigate the extent to which the
      coach is able to estimate players' match exertion and recovery. METHODS: Rating
      of perceived exertion (RPE) and total quality of recovery (TQR) of 14
      professional basketball players (age 26.7 +/- 3.8 y, height 197.2 +/- 9.1 cm,
      weight 100.3 +/- 15.2 kg, body fat 10.3% +/- 3.6%) were compared with
      observations of the coach. During an in-season phase of 15 matches within 6 wk,
      players gave RPEs after each match. TQR scores were filled out before the first
      training session after the match. The coach rated observed exertion (ROE) and
      recovery (TQ-OR) of the players. RESULTS: RPE was lower than ROE (15.6 +/- 2.3
      and 16.1 +/- 1.4; P = .029). Furthermore, TQR was lower than TQ-OR (12.7 +/- 3.0
      and 15.3 +/- 1.3; P < .001). Correlations between coach- and player-perceived
      exertion and recovery were r = .25 and r = .21, respectively. For recovery within
      1 d the correlation was r = .68, but for recovery after 1-2 d no association
      existed. CONCLUSION: Players perceive match exertion as hard to very hard and
      subsequent recovery reasonable. The coach overestimates match exertion and
      underestimates degree of recovery. Correspondence between coach and players is
      thus not optimal. This mismatch potentially leads to inadequate planning of
      training sessions and decreases in performance during fixture congestion in
      basketball.

PMID- 28095078
TI  - Diagnosis, classification, and therapeutic interventions for sinopulmonary
      Aspergillosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sinopulmonary aspergillosis represents a diverse collection of
      allergic, invasive, and chronic sinus and respiratory conditions. These diseases
      can affect patients with and without immune impairment and in some cases may be
      life-threatening. Areas covered: We review the diagnosis, classification, and
      therapeutic options available to treat sinopulmonary aspergillosis and look ahead
      to emerging diagnostic and therapeutic options that may soon play an important
      role in clinical practice. Expert commentary: Histopathology and tissue culture
      remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of invasive sinopulmonary
      aspergillosis, but several new molecular detection methods have recently emerged,
      including various PCR-based platforms, MALDI-TOF, and lateral flow assays. We
      examine these methodologies as well as the barriers associated with the
      standardization, validation, and implementation. We also explore the pipeline of
      antifungal agents in development to treat sinopulmonary aspergillosis.

PMID- 28095077
TI  - Running Performance With Nutritive and Nonnutritive Sweetened Mouth Rinses.
AB  - : Using mouth rinse (MR) with carbohydrate during exercise has been shown to act
      as an ergogenic aid. PURPOSE: To investigate if nutritive or nonnutritive
      sweetened MR affects exercise performance and to assess the influence of
      sweetness intensity on endurance performance during a time trial (TT). METHODS:
      This randomized, single-blinded study had 4 treatment conditions. Sixteen
      subjects (9 men, 7 women) completed a 12.8-km TT 4 different times. During each
      TT, subjects mouth-rinsed and expectorated a different solution at time 0 and
      every 12.5% of the TT. The 4 MR solutions were sucrose (S) (sweet taste and
      provides energy of 4 kcal/g), a lower-intensity sucralose (S1:1) (artificial
      sweetener that provides no energy but tastes sweet), a higher-intensity sucralose
      (S100:1), and water as control (C). Completion times for each TT, heart rate
      (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were also recorded. RESULTS:
      Completion time for S was faster than for C (1:03:47 +/- 00:02:17 vs 1:06:56 +/-
      00:02:18, respectively; P < .001) and showed a trend to be faster vs S100:1
      (1:03:47 +/- 00:02:17 vs 1:05:38 +/- 00:02:12, respectively; P = .07). No other
      TT differences were found. Average HR showed a trend to be higher for S vs C (P =
      .08). The only difference in average or maximum RPE was for higher maximum RPE in
      C vs S1:1 (P = .02). CONCLUSION: A sweet-tasting MR did improve endurance
      performance compared with water in a significant manner (mean 4.5% improvement;
      3+ min.); however, the presence of energy in the sweet MR appeared necessary
      since the artificial sweeteners did not improve performance more than water
      alone.

PMID- 28095079
TI  - The use of ultrasound in the study of articulatory properties of vowels in clear
      speech.
AB  - Although the acoustic properties of clear speech have been extensively studied,
      its underlying articulatory details have not been well understood. The purpose of
      the present study is twofold: To examine the specific articulatory processes of
      clear speech using ultrasound and to investigate whether and how the type of
      listener (hard of hearing, normal hearing) and the lexical property of words
      (frequency) interact in the production of clear speech. To this end, we examined
      productions of /alpha/, /ae/ and /u/ from 16 speakers of US English. Overall, our
      ultrasound results suggested that the tongue's highest point moved in a direction
      that exaggerated the three vowels' phonological features, resulting in an
      expanded articulatory vowel space for the hard-of-hearing listener and low
      frequency words. No interaction was found between the listener and word
      frequency, suggesting that the effects of word frequency hold constant across the
      two types of listeners.

PMID- 28095080
TI  - Missed opportunities to transition from nebulizers to inhalers during
      hospitalization for acute asthma: A multicenter observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hospitalizations for acute asthma are thought to be highly preventable
      through the use of efficacious medications, though many patients have poor
      metered-dose inhaler (MDI) techniques, thus lessening these medications' real
      world effectiveness. Teaching MDI techniques during hospitalization may therefore
      lead to improved outcomes. However, MDIs may be underutilized to deliver short
      acting beta-agonists (SABAs) in the inpatient setting, despite equivalent
      efficacy to nebulizer delivery. We sought to characterize delivery methods of
      SABAs among hospitalized patients with acute asthma to understand if there are
      missed opportunities for self-management education. METHODS: In this secondary
      analysis of a cross-sectional 25-center chart review study of children and adults
      (ages 2-54 years) hospitalized for acute asthma across 18 states (2012-2013), we
      studied SABA therapy delivery methods during hospitalization and receipt of
      action plans and follow-up visits. Unadjusted associations were analyzed using
      chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Kruskal-Wallis tests. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Of 987 patients, 44% received only nebulizer-SABA (children 32% vs.
      adults 53%; p < 0.001) during hospitalization, and 55% (children 68% vs. adults
      47%; p < 0.001) received any MDI-SABA during hospitalization. Children receiving
      only nebulizer- vs. MDI-SABA were significantly less likely to receive
      individualized action plans (p < 0.001). Compared to children, adults were
      overall less likely to receive written plans (47% vs. 78%, p < 0.001) or to have
      a follow-up appointment (38% vs. 59%, p < 0.001) at discharge. CONCLUSIONS:
      Opportunities exist to increase the delivery of MDI-SABA during hospitalization,
      particularly for adult inpatients with asthma. Further studies are needed to
      determine if increased use of MDI-delivered therapies improves patient education
      and outcomes.

PMID- 28095081
TI  - The Influence of Blood Removal on Pacing During a 4-Minute Cycling Time Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the influence of manipulating aerobic contribution after
      whole-blood removal on pacing patterns, performance, and energy contribution
      during self-paced middle-distance cycling. METHODS: Seven male cyclists (33 +/- 8
      y) completed an incremental cycling test followed 20 min later by a 4-min self
      paced cycling time trial (4MMP) on 6 separate occasions over 42 d. The initial 2
      sessions acted as familiarization and baseline testing, after which 470 mL of
      blood was removed, with the remaining sessions performed 24 h, 7 d, 21 d, and 42
      d after blood removal. During all 4MMP trials, power output, oxygen uptake, and
      aerobic and anaerobic contribution to power were determined. RESULTS: 4MMP
      average power output significantly decreased by 7% +/- 6%, 6% +/- 8%, and 4% +/-
      6% at 24 h, 7 d, and 21 d after blood removal, respectively. Compared with
      baseline, aerobic contribution during the 4MMP was significantly reduced by 5% +/
      4%, 4% +/- 5%, and 4% +/- 10% at 24 h, 7 d, and 21 d, respectively. The rate of
      decline in power output on commencement of the 4MMP was significantly attenuated
      and was 76% +/- 20%, 72% +/- 24%, and 75% +/- 35% lower than baseline at 24 h, 21
      d, and 42 d, respectively. CONCLUSION: Removal of 470 mL of blood reduces aerobic
      energy contribution, alters pacing patterns, and decreases performance during
      self-paced cycling. These findings indicate the importance of aerobic energy
      distribution during self-paced middle-distance events.

PMID- 28095082
TI  - Effect of Concussion on Performance of National Football League Players.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lingering neurologic injury after concussion may expose athletes to
      increased risk if return to play is premature. The authors explored whether on
      field performance after concussion is a marker of lingering neurologic injury.
      DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study on 1882 skill-position players who played in
      the National Football League (NFL) during 2007-2010. METHODS: Players with
      concussion based on the weekly injury report were compared with players with
      other head and neck injuries (controls) on measures of on-field performance using
      Football Outsiders' calculation of defense-adjusted yards above replacement
      (DYAR), a measure of a player's contribution controlling for game context.
      Changes in performance, relative to a player's baseline level of performance,
      were estimated before and after injury using fixed-effects models. RESULTS: The
      study included 140 concussed players and 57 controls. Players with concussion
      performed no better or worse than their baseline on return to play. However, a
      decline in DYAR relative to their prior performance was noted 2 wk and 1 wk
      before appearing on the injury report. Concussed players performed slightly
      better than controls in situations where they returned to play the same week as
      appearing on the injury report. CONCLUSIONS: On return, concussed NFL players
      performed at their baseline level of performance, suggesting that players have
      recovered from concussion. Decline in performance noted 2 wk and 1 wk before
      appearing on the injury report may suggest that concussion diagnosis was delayed
      or that concussion can be a multihit phenomenon. Athletic performance may be a
      novel tool for assessing concussion injury and recovery.

PMID- 28095083
TI  - Physiological Capacity and Training Routines of Elite Cross-Country Skiers:
      Approaching the Upper Limits of Human Endurance.
AB  - Cross-country (XC) skiing is one of the most demanding of endurance sports,
      involving protracted competitions on varying terrain employing a variety of
      skiing techniques that require upper- and/or lower-body work to different
      extents. Through more effective training and extensive improvements in equipment
      and track preparation, the speed of cross-country ski races has increased more
      than that of any other winter Olympic sport, and, in addition, new types of
      racing events have been introduced. To a certain extent this has altered the
      optimal physiological capacity required to win, and the training routines of
      successful skiers have evolved accordingly. The long-standing tradition of
      researchers working closely with XC-ski coaches and athletes to monitor progress,
      improve training, and refine skiing techniques has provided unique physiological
      insights revealing how these athletes are approaching the upper limits of human
      endurance. This review summarizes current scientific knowledge concerning the
      demands involved in elite XC skiing, as well as the physiological capacity and
      training routines of the best athletes.

PMID- 28095084
TI  - Changes on Walking During Street Crossing Situations and on Dorsiflexion Strength
      of Older Caribbean Americans After an Exercise Program: A Pilot Study.
AB  - The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate a 6-month exercise program
      completed by 10 older Caribbean Americans. Assessments were done at baseline and
      3 and 6 months, and included walks on an instrumented mat at preferred speed, and
      during street crossing simulations with regular (10 s) and reduced time (5 s).
      There were no significant differences on preferred walking speed over time.
      Differences between the street crossing conditions were found only at 6 months.
      Significant changes over time among the assessments were found only during street
      crossing with reduced time. Street crossing with reduced time was the only
      walking condition sensitive to capture changes associated with participating in
      the exercise program. There was a significant increase in dorsiflexion strength
      overtime. At 6 months it was significantly higher than at baseline and 3 months.
      The program was feasible, acceptable, and had some positive effects on walking,
      knee flexion, and dorsiflexion strength.

PMID- 28095085
TI  - Building Community: Stakeholder Perspectives on Walking in Malls and Other
      Venues.
AB  - Mall walking has been a popular physical activity for decades. However, little is
      known about why mall managers support these programs or why adults choose to
      walk. Our study aim was to describe mall walking programs from the perspectives
      of walkers, managers, and leaders. Twenty-eight walkers, 16 walking program
      managers, and six walking program leaders from five states participated in a
      telephone or in-person semi-structured interview (N = 50). Interview guides were
      developed using a social-ecological model. Interviews were recorded, transcribed
      verbatim, and analyzed thematically. All informants indicated satisfaction with
      their program and environmental features. Differences in expectations were noted
      in that walkers wanted a safe, clean, and social place whereas managers and
      leaders felt a need to provide programmatic features. Given the favorable walking
      environments in malls, there is an opportunity for public health professionals,
      health care organizations, and providers of aging services to partner with malls
      to promote walking.

PMID- 28095086
TI  - Retinal findings and a novel TINF2 mutation in Revesz syndrome: Clinical and
      molecular correlations with pediatric retinal vasculopathies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Revesz syndrome is a telomere disorder in the dyskeratosis congenita
      (DKC) spectrum characterized by exudative retinopathy, bone marrow failure,
      neuroradiographic abnormalities, and integumentary findings. MATERIALS/METHODS:
      We report the ophthalmologic findings, documented by examinations under
      anesthesia with clinical photography and fluorescein angiography, as well as the
      systemic manifestations and genetic and molecular testing, in identical twins
      with Revesz syndrome, and compare and contrast these features to those of other
      pediatric retinal vasculopathies. RESULTS: Both twins exhibited widespread
      avascularity and anomalous vasculature of the retinal periphery, retinal
      telangiectasias, and exudation. One twin developed a combination
      exudative/tractional/rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, while the other exhibited
      a focal collection of buds of retinal neovascularization. Both twins developed
      bone marrow failure and were found to have cerebellar hypoplasia and widespread
      cerebral calcifications. Telomere testing in lymphocytes and granulocytes
      revealed telomere length less than the 1st percentile for age, and gene
      sequencing revealed a novel mutation in the TINF2 gene, resulting in the T284P
      TIN2 protein variant. CONCLUSIONS: We report ophthalmic findings in twins with
      Revesz syndrome due to a previously unreported mutation in TINF2 and propose that
      phenotypic and molecular overlaps between DKC spectrum disorders and pediatric
      retinal vasculopathies may reflect a shared pathophysiologic basis.

PMID- 28095088
TI  - Modeling Longitudinal Relationships Between Habit and Physical Activity: Two
      Cross-Lagged Panel Design Studies in Older Adults.
AB  - These longitudinal studies in older adults targeted mediated relationships
      between habit and physical activity (PA). In The Netherlands two independent
      studies were conducted among 1976 (Study 1: Mage = 63.63, SD = 8.66, 30%
      functional limitations) and 2140 (Study 2: Mage = 62.75, SD = 8.57, 45%
      functional limitations) adults aged 50 years or older. Cross-lagged panel designs
      were applied to examine whether habit mediates the relationship between prior and
      later PA and whether PA simultaneously mediates the relationship between prior
      and later habit. Data on habit and PA were collected by means of questionnaires
      at baseline (t0) and at 6 (t1) and 12 (t2) months after baseline measurement.
      Results of structural equation modeling analyses were not unambiguous.
      Indications for the existence of both hypothesized mediation effects were found,
      but no clear, unequivocal pattern appeared. Somewhat more support was found for
      the PA-habit-PA path than for the habit-PA-habit path. More research is needed to
      draw more definitive conclusions.

PMID- 28095087
TI  - Binocular and Accommodative Characteristics in a Normal Population.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study binocular and accommodative characteristics and their
      associations with age and gender in an Iranian young adult population. METHODS:
      In this cross-sectional study, multistage cluster sampling was done from the
      students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All participants had visual
      acuity, refraction, and cover tests followed by measurements of the near point of
      convergence (NPC), amplitude of accommodation (AA), monocular and binocular
      accommodative facility (MAF and BAF) using +/-2.00 diopter (D) flipper lenses,
      and negative and positive relative accommodation (NRA and PRA). Near and distance
      fusional vergence reserves were measured using prism bar, and near associated
      phoria was assessed using the Mallett unit. RESULTS: The mean age of the
      participants was 22.5+/-4.4 years (range: 18-35 years). The binocular and
      accommodative characteristics and their means in the studied sample included:
      mean distance dissociated phoria: 1.15 exophoria+/-2.04 prism diopters (PD), near
      dissociated phoria: 5.02 exophoria+/-4.74 PD, near associated phoria: 0.55 base
      in+/-1.02, gradient accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) ratio: 4.66+/
      1.59, NPC: 5.27+/-3.60 cm, MAF: 11.33+/-5.58 cpm, BAF: 8.84+/-4.47 cpm, NRA:
      2.08+/-0.33 D, PRA:-2.92+/-0.76 D, and AA: 11.14+/-2.6 D. In the multiple
      regression model including age and gender, near exophoria was significantly
      higher in men and levels of near base-out-break and near base-out-recovery were
      higher in females. Distance exophoria, distance base-in-break, distance base-in
      recovery, and NPC increased with age and near base-out-break, PRA, BAF, MAF, and
      AA significantly decreased with age. CONCLUSION: Studied indices in this study
      significantly differ from available guidelines and these differences must be
      considered when making diagnostic or therapeutic decisions. Certain indices can
      be affected by age and gender.

PMID- 28095089
TI  - Comparative data on SD-OCT for the retinal nerve fiber layer and retinal macular
      thickness in a large cohort with Marfan syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the distribution of macular and optic nerve topography in the
      eyes of individuals with Marfan syndrome aged 8-56 years using spectral domain
      optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Thirty-three patients with Marfan
      syndrome underwent a full eye examination including slit-lamp biomicroscopy,
      indirect ophthalmoscopy, and axial length measurement; and SD-OCT measurements of
      the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness. RESULTS: For patients
      between the ages of 8 and 12 years, the average RNFL thickness is 98 +/- 9 MUm,
      the vertical cup to disc (C:D) ratio is 0.50 +/- 0.10, the central subfield
      thickness (CST) is 274 +/- 38 MUm, and the macular volume is 10.3 +/- 0.6 mm3.
      For patients between the ages of 13 and 17 years, the average RNFL is 86 +/- 16
      MUm, the vertical C:D ratio is 0.35 +/- 0.20, the CST is 259 +/- 15 MUm, and the
      macular volume is 10.1 +/- 0.5 mm3. For patients 18 years or older, the average
      RNFL is 89 +/- 12 MUm, the vertical C:D ratio is 0.46 +/- 0.18, the CST is 262 +/
      20 MUm, and the macular volume is 10.2 +/- 0.4 mm3. When the average RNFL data
      are compared to a normative, age-adjusted database, 6 of 33 (18%) were thinner
      than the 5% limit. CONCLUSION: This study reports the distribution of SD-OCT data
      for patients with Marfan syndrome. Compared to a normative database, 18% of eyes
      with Marfan syndrome had RNFL thickness < 5% of the population.

PMID- 28095090
TI  - Associations between Rs4244285 and Rs762551 gene polymorphisms and age-related
      macular degeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in
      elderly individuals in developed countries. The etiology and pathophysiology of
      age-related macular degeneration have not been elucidated yet. Knowing that the
      main pathological change of age-related macular degeneration is formation of
      drusen containing about 40% of lipids, there have been attempts to find
      associations between age-related macular degeneration and genes controlling lipid
      metabolism. PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of CYP2C19 (G681A) Rs4244285 and
      CYP1A2 (-163C>A) Rs762551 genotypes in patients with age-related macular
      degeneration. METHODS: The study enrolled 150 patients with early age-related
      macular degeneration and 296 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The
      genotyping of Rs4244285 and Rs762551 was carried out by using the real-time
      polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: The CYP1A2 (-163C>A) Rs762551 C/C
      genotype was more frequently detected in patients with age-related macular
      degeneration than in the control group (32.7% vs. 21.6%, p = 0.011) and was
      associated with an increased risk of developing early age-related macular
      degeneration (OR = 1.759, 95% CI: 1.133-2.729; p = 0.012). The CYP1A2 (-163C>A)
      Rs762551 C/A genotype was more frequently documented in the control group
      compared with patients with age-related macular degeneration (46.3% vs. 30.7%, p
      = 0.002) and was associated with a decreased risk of having age-related macular
      degeneration (OR = 0.580. 95% CI: 0.362-0.929, p = 0.023) in the co-dominant
      model. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the CYP1A2 (-163C>A) Rs762551 C/C
      genotype was associated with an increased risk of age-related macular
      degeneration.

PMID- 28095091
TI  - Factors informing fear of reinjury after anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fear of reinjury is associated with cessation of sport after anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction despite normal postoperative knee
      function. The objective of this study is to describe factors informing athletes'
      experience of fear of reinjury post ACL reconstruction, in athletes who cited
      fear as the sole reason for not returning to their pre-injury level of sport.
      DESIGN: Mixed-methods study design of qualitative and a preliminary quantitative
      component. SETTING: A conveniently selected private hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Ten
      male and two female athletes, aged between 19 and 45 years, were eligible for the
      interview from 68 male and 32 female potential participants (age range 17-50) who
      underwent an ACL reconstruction using any graft type, excluding revision or multi
      ligament surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To explore factors informing fear of
      reinjury in participants citing fear of reinjury as the sole reason for not
      returning to sport, albeit normal knee function. RESULTS: From the participant
      interview, four themes emerged: undergoing the surgery and recovery again, nature
      of the pre-injury sport imposing risk of reinjury, personality traits, and social
      priorities. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of factors informing fear of
      reinjury post ACL reconstruction. Modifiable fears including pain, mode and
      length of rehabilitation and psychological factors should be considered during
      rehabilitation to potentially improve the return to sport rate.

PMID- 28095093
TI  - The effect of foot plantar massage on balance and functional reach in patients
      with type II diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of manual foot
      plantar massage (classic and friction massage) on functional mobility level,
      balance, and functional reach in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2 DM).
      METHODS: A total of 38 subjects diagnosed with T2 DM were included in the study.
      A healthy control group could not be formed in this study. After the subjects'
      socio-demographic data were obtained, Timed Up & Go (TUG) Test, functional reach
      test (FRT), one-leg standing test with eyes open-closed, and Visual Analogue
      Scale (VAS) to measure foot pain intensity were performed. The results were also
      divided and assessed in three groups according to the ages of the individuals (40
      54, 55-64, and 65 and over). RESULTS: As a result of statistical analysis, a
      difference was found in the values obtained from TUG, FRT, and one-leg standing
      test with eyes open and closed (p < 0.05). Following the massage, TUG values
      significantly decreased comparison with those before the massage, whereas the
      values of FRT and one-leg standing test with eyes open and closed significantly
      increased compared with those before the massage (p > 0.05). According to age
      groups, there were statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the TUG, one-leg
      standing test with eyes open and closed test values of the individuals before and
      after the massage. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicated that
      application of plantar massage to patients with T2 DM caused an improvement in
      balance, functional mobility, and functional reach values. An increase in body
      balance and functional mobility may explain the improvement in TUG. Foot massage
      to be added to rehabilitation exercise programs of DM patients will be important
      in improving balance and mobility of patients.

PMID- 28095092
TI  - Ophthalmic artery chemosurgery for eyes with advanced retinoblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical removal of one or both eyes has been the most common way to
      treat children with retinoblastoma worldwide for more than 100 years. Ophthalmic
      artery chemosurgery (OAC) was introduced 10 years ago and it has been used as an
      alternative to enucleation for eyes with advanced retinoblastoma. The purpose of
      this report is to analyze our 9-year experience treating advanced retinoblastoma
      eyes with OAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-arm retrospective study from a
      single center of 226 eyes with eyes of retinoblastoma patients with advanced
      intraocular disease defined as both Reese-Ellsworth (RE) "Va" or "Vb" and
      International Classification Retinoblastoma (ICRb) group "D" or "E" (COG
      Classification). Ocular survival, patient survival, second cancers, and
      electroretinography (ERG) were assessed. RESULTS: Ocular survival at five years
      for these advanced eyes was 70.2% (95% confidence interval, 57.3%-79.8%). When
      eyes were divided into groups either by RE classification or ICRb, no significant
      differences in ocular survival were seen. Ocular survival was significantly
      better in naive compared to non-naive eyes (80.2% vs 58.4%, p = 0.041). The ERG
      distribution was very similar before and after OAC treatment for the patient
      population that did not receive intravitreal chemotherapy. Three patients (1.5%)
      have developed metastatic retinoblastoma (previously reported) and were
      successfully treated (no deaths). CONCLUSION: Using OAC for advanced eyes (the
      majority of such eyes have been enucleated in the past) enables 70% 5-year ocular
      survival. Treated eyes have a similar ERG distribution before and after
      treatment. No patient has died of metastatic retinoblastoma.

PMID- 28095094
TI  - Female Age-Related Differences in Biomechanics and Muscle Activity During
      Descents on the Outstretched Arms.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to examine female age differences in: (1) upper
      extremity (UE) and trunk muscle activity, elbow joint moment, loading force, and
      UE energy absorption during a controlled forward body descent; and (2) UE muscle
      strength. Twenty young (mean 24.8 +/- 3.4 years) and 20 older (68.4 +/- 5.7
      years) women were assessed via dynamometry for isometric, concentric, and
      eccentric UE strength and performed forward descents on force plates at three
      body lean angles (60 degrees , 45 degrees , and 30 degrees  from horizontal).
      Significant differences (p < .05) were found for muscle strength, biomechanics,
      and muscle activity. Concentric UE strength averaged 15% lower in older women. At
      30 degrees  body lean, older women absorbed less energy. Older women had greater
      biceps brachii activation and less external oblique activation at all body lean
      angles. Age differences in muscle strength, activation, and energy absorption may
      contribute to fall-related injury risk.

PMID- 28095096
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28095095
TI  - Joint association of complement component 3 and CC-cytokine ligand2 (CCL2) or
      complement component 3 and CFH polymorphisms in age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the joint effect of complement component 3(C3 R102G)
      with CC-cytokine ligand2 (CCL2-2518) or complement factor H (CFH) Y402H
      polymorphisms on advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: In
      this case-control study, 233 patients with advanced AMD and 159 unrelated healthy
      controls enrolled for evaluation. Selected polymorphisms were determined by
      polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS:
      A combination of AA CCL2 (rs1024611) and GG C3 (R102G) genotypes resulted in a
      super-additivity of the risks: OR = 10.13, 95% CI 1.04-98.49, p = 0.04, adjusted
      OR = 7.74, 95% CI 0.71-84.75, p < 0.1, adjusted synergy indices: relative excess
      risk due to interaction (RERI) = 1.38, the attributable proportion due to
      interaction (AP) = 24.7% and the synergy index (S) = 1.43. Combination of at-risk
      genotypes of CFH Y402H and C3 R102G resulted in a strong super-additive risk:
      adjusted OR = 22.65, 95% CI 2.32-220.91, p = 0.007, adjusted AP = 90.4% and the S
      = 12.86. Attributable proportion of risk owing to C3-CCL2 and C3-CFH interaction
      calculated at 25% and 90% for advanced AMD. CONCLUSION: We have previously shown
      a strong association of C3 (R102G) and CFH Y402H with AMD whereas no association
      was found for CCL2-2518. This study enclosed strong synergistic association of
      risk genotypes of C3 and CFH Y402H with AMD. We also revealed synergistic
      influence of CCL2-2518 and the at-risk genotype of the C3 in AMD with an
      estimated AP = 50.9% (adjusted AP = 24.7%). Present findings show that CCL2-2518
      polymorphism is not an innocent bystander in AMD susceptibility when combined
      with the at-risk genotype of C3 (R102G).

PMID- 28095097
TI  - Facilitating awareness of philosophy of science, ethics and communication through
      manual skills training in undergraduate education.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Professional health science education includes a common theoretical
      basis concerning the theory of science, ethics and communication. Former
      evaluations by first-year students of the bachelor physiotherapy program at Oslo
      and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences (HiOA) show that they find it
      hard to understand the relation between these particular topics and future
      professional practice. This challenge is the starting point for a pedagogical
      development project that aims to develop learning contexts that highlight the
      relevance of these theoretical concepts. AIM: The aim of the study is to explore
      and present findings on the value of using Sykegrep manual skills classes as an
      arena in which students can be encouraged to think about, reflect on and
      appreciate the role and value of the philosophical perspectives that inform their
      practice and contributes to practise knowledge. METHOD: A qualitative study with
      data collection through focus groups was performed and analyzed using thematic
      content analysis. Eighteen first-year undergraduate students, who had completed
      the manual skills course, participated in the study. FINDINGS: Analysis of the
      data yielded three categories of findings that can be associated with aspects of
      philosophy of science, ethics and communication. These are as follows: 1)
      preconceived understanding of physiotherapy; 2) body knowledge perspectives; and
      3) relational aspects of interactions. Undergraduate students' understanding and
      experience of philosophy of science, ethics and communication may be facilitated
      by peer collaboration, reflection on intimacy and touch and the ethical aspects
      of interaction during manual skills training. CONCLUSION: Practical classes in
      Sykegrep provide a basis for students' discussions about the body as well as
      their experiences with the body in the collaborative learning context. The
      students' reflections on their expectations of manual skills in physiotherapy and
      experiences of touch and being touched can facilitate an awareness of philosophy
      of science, ethics and communication. IMPLICATIONS: Our study will be an
      incitement to further develop a manual skills teaching program that incorporates
      philosophy of science, ethics and communication in undergraduate education.

PMID- 28095098
TI  - Reduced penetrance in a large Caucasian pedigree with Stickler syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a four-generation Caucasian family variably diagnosed with
      autosomal dominant (AD) Stickler or Wagner disease, commercial gene screening
      failed to identify a mutation in COL2A1 or VCAN. We utilized linkage mapping and
      exome sequencing to identify the causal variant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genomic
      DNA samples collected from 40 family members were analyzed. A whole-genome
      linkage scan was performed using Illumina HumanLinkage-24 BeadChip followed by
      two-point and multipoint linkage analyses using FASTLINK and MERLIN. Exome
      sequencing was performed on two affected individuals, followed by co-segregation
      analysis. RESULTS: Parametric multipoint linkage analysis using an AD inheritance
      model demonstrated HLOD scores > 2.00 at chromosomes 1p36.13-1p36.11 and 12q12
      12q14.1. SIMWALK multipoint analysis replicated the peak in chromosome 12q (peak
      LOD = 1.975). FASTLINK two-point analysis highlighted several clustered
      chromosome 12q SNPs with HLOD > 1.0. Exome sequencing revealed a novel nonsense
      mutation (c.115C>T, p.Gln39*) in exon 2 of COL2A1 that is expected to result in
      nonsense-mediated decay of the RNA transcript. This mutation co-segregated with
      all clinically affected individuals and seven individuals who were clinically
      unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: The utility of combining traditional linkage mapping and
      exome sequencing is highlighted to identify gene mutations in large families
      displaying a Mendelian inheritance of disease. Historically, nonsense mutations
      in exon 2 of COL2A1 have been reported to cause a fully penetrant ocular-only
      Stickler phenotype with few or no systemic manifestations. We report a novel
      nonsense mutation in exon 2 of COL2A1 that displays incomplete penetrance and/or
      variable age of onset with extraocular manifestations.

PMID- 28095099
TI  - Efficacy of an Exercise and Nutritional Supplement Program on Physical
      Performance and Nutritional Status in Older Adults With Mobility Limitations
      Residing at Senior Living Facilities.
AB  - This cluster-randomized trial was designed to determine the efficacy of a 6-month
      exercise-nutritional supplement program (ENP) on physical function and
      nutritional status for older adults and the feasibility of implementing this
      program in a senior living setting. Twenty senior-living facilities were
      randomized to either a 3 day per week group-based ENP led by a trained facility
      staff member or a health education program (SAP). Participants (N = 121)
      completed a short physical performance battery, 400-m walk, handgrip strength
      test, and mini-nutrition assessment. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], insulin-like
      growth-factor 1 (IGF-1), and activity level were also measured. The ENP did not
      significantly improve physical function or nutritional status compared with the
      SAP. Compared with baseline, participants in the ENP engaged in 39 min less
      physical activity per week at 6 months. Several facility characteristics hindered
      implementation of the ENP. This study highlights the complexity of implementing
      an evidence-based program in a field setting.

PMID- 28095100
TI  - Association of combined cigarette smoking and ARMS2/LOC387715 A69S polymorphisms
      with age-related macular degeneration: A meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The age-related maculopathy susceptibility2 (ARMS2)/LOC387715 A69S
      (rs10490924) polymorphism and cigarette smoking have been shown to have
      significant association with AMD. In this meta-analysis we used the results of
      available association studies of combined ARMS2/LOC387715 genotypes and cigarette
      smoking with AMD to estimate the possible synergistic or multiplicative effects.
      METHODS: Heterogeneity of studies was evaluated using the Cochran Q-test and the
      I-square index. To compensate for the heterogeneity of the variables in the study
      we used a random effects model. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA. To
      estimate the additive or supra-additive effects, we calculated relative excess
      risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP),
      synergy index (S), and multiplicative index (V). RESULTS: We could include four
      studies with 1982 AMD patients and 1797 control subjects. Considering the GG-no
      smoking as a reference line the meta-analysis result of AMD odds ratios for
      stratified combined factors was 3.05 (95% CI 2.32-4.02) for nonGG-no smoking,
      2.24 (95% CI 1.39-3.63) for GG-smoking and 4.59 (95% CI 3.51-6.01) for nonGG
      smoking. The meta-analysis of synergy analysis revealed RERI = 2.01 (95% CI 1.01
      3.25), AP = 0.40 (95% CI 0.22-0.54), S = 2.02 (95% CI 1.35-3.01), and V = 1.31
      (95% CI 0.94-1.83). CONCLUSION: This analysis revealed the synergistic effect of
      these two factors indicating that there is a common pathway of ARMS2/LOC387715
      and smoking in AMD pathogenesis which may be the complement system pathway.

PMID- 28095101
TI  - An immediate effect of axial neck rotation training with real time visual
      feedback using a smartphone inclinometer on improvement in axial neck rotation
      function.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of
      axial neck rotation training (Axi-NRT) with and without real-time visual feedback
      (VF) using a smartphone inclinometer on the range of motion (ROM) for axial neck
      rotation and the onset of compensatory neck lateral bending and extension during
      active neck rotation. METHODS: Twenty participants with restricted ROM for neck
      rotation but no neck pain (21.1 +/- 1.6 years and 8 males, 12 females) were
      recruited for Axi-NRT with VF, and twenty age- and gender-matched participants
      with restricted ROM for neck rotation were recruited for Axi-NRT without VF.
      Changes in ROM for neck rotation and the onset time of compensatory neck movement
      during active neck rotation were measured using an electromagnetic tracking
      system. RESULTS: Axi-NRT with VF was more effective in increasing ROM for neck
      rotation and decreasing and delaying the onset of compensatory neck movements
      during active neck rotation compared with Axi-NRT without VF. CONCLUSIONS:
      Repeated Axi-NRT using VF is useful to educate participants in maintaining the
      axis of the cervical spine and to increase ROM for axial neck rotation with less
      compensatory neck motion in participants with a restricted range of neck
      rotations.

PMID- 28095103
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28095102
TI  - Electromyographic analysis of gluteus maximus and hamstring activity during the
      supine resisted hip extension exercise versus supine unilateral bridge to
      neutral.
AB  - Hip extension strengthening exercises which maximize gluteus maximus
      contributions and minimize hamstring influences may be beneficial for persons
      with hip pain. This study's aim was to compare muscle activation of the gluteus
      maximus and hamstrings from healthy subjects during a supine resisted hip
      extension exercise versus supine unilateral bridge to neutral. Surface
      electromyographic (EMG) signals were obtained from the right gluteus maximus and
      hamstrings in 13 healthy male and 13 healthy female subjects. Maximum voluntary
      isometric contractions (MVICs) were collected to normalize data and permit
      meaningful comparisons across muscles. Peak median activation of the gluteus
      maximus was 33.8% MVIC for the bridge and 34.7% MVIC for the hip extension
      exercise, whereas peak median recruitment for hamstrings was 28.4% MVIC for the
      bridge and 51% MVIC for the hip extension exercise. The gluteus maximus to
      hamstrings ratio was compared between the two exercises using the Wilcoxon signed
      ranks test (alpha = 0.05). The ratio (p = 0.014) was greater in the supine
      unilateral bridge (median = 111.3%) than supine hip extension exercise (median =
      59.2%), suggesting a reduction of hamstring recruitment in the unilateral bridge
      to neutral compared to the supine resisted hip extension exercise. The supine hip
      extension exercise demonstrated higher EMG activity of hamstrings in comparison
      with supine unilateral bridge and, therefore, may be less appropriate in subjects
      who need to increase gluteus maximus activation.

PMID- 28095104
TI  - The Relative Efficacy of Land-Based and Water-Based Exercise Training on Macro-
      and Microvascular Functions in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Microvascular and macrovascular dysfunction plays an important role in the
      pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease. Twenty-nine older patients with type 2
      diabetes were randomly assigned into the land-based (LB; n = 14) or water-based
      (WB; n = 15) groups. Both groups completed supervised aerobic cycling exercises
      three times per week for 12 weeks. The WB group performed cycling exercise
      training in warm water (36  degrees C) immersed to the hip level. After 12 weeks,
      blood glucose concentration and insulin resistance did not change but hemoglobin
      A1c levels decreased (P < .05) in both groups. Plasma nitric oxide concentrations
      increased (P < .05) in both groups. Flow-mediated dilation in the popliteal
      artery increased and arterial stiffness decreased (P < .05) in both exercise
      groups. Indices of microvascular reactivity improved (P < .05) only in the WB
      group. The benefits of warm water-based training were similar in general, and
      superior in some measures, to the more established land-based cycling exercise.

PMID- 28095106
TI  - Gender Differences in Static and Dynamic Postural Stability of Soldiers in the
      Army's 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
AB  - CONTEXT: Postural stability is essential for injury prevention and performance.
      Differences between genders may affect training focus. OBJECTIVE: To examine
      static and dynamic postural stability in male and female soldiers. DESIGN:
      Descriptive laboratory study. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 25
      healthy female soldiers (26.4 +/- 5.3 y) and 25 healthy male soldiers (26.4 +/-
      4.9 y) matched on physical demand rating and years of service from the Army's
      101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). INTERVENTIONS: Each person underwent
      static and dynamic postural stability testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Standard
      deviation of the ground reaction forces during static postural stability and the
      dynamic stability index for dynamic postural stability. RESULTS: Female soldiers
      had significantly better static postural stability than males but no differences
      were observed in dynamic postural stability. CONCLUSIONS: Postural stability is
      important for injury prevention, performance optimization, and tactical training.
      The differences observed in the current study may indicate the need for gender
      specific training emphasis on postural stability.

PMID- 28095105
TI  - Regular Latin Dancing and Health Education May Improve Cognition of Late Middle
      Aged and Older Latinos.
AB  - Disparities exist between Latinos and non-Latino Whites in cognitive function.
      Dance is culturally appropriate and challenges individuals physically and
      cognitively, yet the impact of regular dancing on cognitive function in older
      Latinos has not been examined. A two-group pilot trial was employed among
      inactive, older Latinos. Participants (N = 57) participated in the BAILAMOS(c)
      dance program or a health education program. Cognitive test scores were converted
      to z-scores and measures of global cognition and specific domains (executive
      function, episodic memory, working memory) were derived. Results revealed a group
      * time interaction for episodic memory (p < .05), such that the dance group
      showed greater improvement in episodic memory than the health education group. A
      main effect for time for global cognition (p < .05) was also demonstrated, with
      participants in both groups improving. Structured Latin dance programs can
      positively influence episodic memory, and participation in structured programs
      may improve overall cognition among older Latinos.

PMID- 28095107
TI  - Bioremediation of petroleum wastewater by hyper-phenol tolerant Bacillus cereus:
      Preliminary studies with laboratory-scale batch process.
AB  - Petroleum wastewater samples from oil refinery and oil exploration site were
      treated by hyper phenol-tolerant Bacillus cereus (AKG1 and AKG2) in laboratory
      scale batch process to assess their bioremediation efficacy. Quality of the
      treated wastewater samples were analyzed in terms of removal of chemical oxygen
      demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and ammonium nitrogen content, and
      improvement of biological oxygen demand (BOD). Adaptation of these bacteria to
      the toxic environment through structural changes in their cell membranes was also
      highlighted. Among different combinations, the co-culture of AKG1 and AKG2 showed
      the best performance in degrading the wastewater samples.

PMID- 28095108
TI  - The Relationship Between 2-Dimensional Knee-Valgus Angles During Single-Leg
      Squat, Single-Leg-Land, and Drop-Jump Screening Tests.
AB  - CONTEXT: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and patellofemoral
      joint (PFJ) are a significant problem in female athletes. A number of screening
      tasks have been used in the literature to identify those at greatest risk of
      injury. To date, no study has examined the relationship in 2-dimensional (2D)
      knee valgus between common screening tasks to determine whether individuals
      exhibit similar movement patterns across tasks. OBJECTIVE: To establish whether
      frontal-plane projection angle (FPPA) during the single-leg squat (SLS), single
      leg land (SLL), and drop jump (DJ) are related. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
      SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 52 national-league female football
      players and 36 national-league female basketball players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      2D FPPA during the SLS, SLL, and DJ screening tasks. RESULTS: Significant
      correlations were found between tasks. FPPA in the SLS was significantly
      correlated with SLL (r = .52) and DJ (r = .30), whereas FPPA in the SLL was also
      significantly correlated to DJ (r = .33). FPPA was significantly greater in the
      SLS than in the SLL (P < .001) and DJ (P < .001) and in the SLL than in the DJ (P
      < .001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that 2D FPPA is correlated across the
      SLS, SLL, and DJ tasks. However, significantly greater FPPA values in the
      unilateral tasks suggest that the DJ may not identify risk of injury in sports
      where primary injury mechanisms are during unilateral loading tasks. Therefore,
      it is recommended that both unilateral and bilateral tasks be included when
      screening for ACL and PFJ injury risk.

PMID- 28095109
TI  - Test-Retest Reliability and Practice Effects of the Stability Evaluation Test.
AB  - CONTEXT: Postural control plays an essential role in concussion evaluation. The
      Stability Evaluation Test (SET) aims to objectively analyze postural control by
      measuring sway velocity on the NeuroCom VSR portable force platform (Natus, San
      Carlos, CA). OBJECTIVE: To assess the test-retest reliability and practice
      effects of the SET protocol. DESIGN: Cohort. SETTING: Research laboratory.
      PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: 50 healthy adults (20 men, 30 women, age 25.30 +/
      3.60 y, height 166.60+/- 12.80 cm, mass 68.80 +/- 13.90 kg). INTERVENTIONS: All
      participants completed 4 trials of the SET. Each trial consisted of six 20-s
      balance tests with eyes closed, under the following conditions: double-leg firm
      (DFi), single-leg firm (SFi), tandem firm (TFi), double-leg foam (DFo), single
      leg foam (SFo), and tandem foam (TFo). Each trial was separated by a 5-min seated
      rest period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The dependent variable was sway velocity
      (deg/s), with lower values indicating better balance. Sway velocity was recorded
      for each of the 6 conditions as well as a composite score for each trial. Test
      retest reliability was analyzed across 4 trials with intraclass correlation
      coefficients (ICCs). Practice effects analyzed with repeated measures analysis of
      variance, followed by Tukey post hoc comparisons for any significant main effects
      (P < .05). RESULTS: Sway-velocity reliability values were good to excellent: DFi
      (ICC = .88; 95%CI: .81, .92), SFi (ICC = .75; 95%CI: .61, .85), TFi (ICC = .84;
      95%CI: .75, .90), DFo (ICC = .83; 95%CI: .74, .90), SFo (ICC = .82; 95%CI: .72,
      .89), TFo (ICC = .81; 95%CI: .69, .88), and composite score (ICC = .93; 95%CI:
      .88, .95). Significant practice effects (P < .05) were noted on the SFi, DFo,
      SFo, TFo conditions and composite scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the
      SET has good to excellent reliability for the assessment of postural control in
      healthy adults. Due to the practice effects noted, a familiarization session is
      recommended (ie, all 6 conditions) before data are recorded. Future studies
      should evaluate injured patients to determine meaningful change scores during
      various injuries.

PMID- 28095110
TI  - The Effect of Following Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Pain and Disability
      Outcomes of Patients With Low Back Pain-A Critically Appraised Topic.
AB  - : Clinical Scenario: Health care clinicians are encouraged to practice according
      to the best available evidence for the purpose of improving patient outcomes.
      Clinical practice guidelines are one form of evidence that has been developed to
      enhance the care that patients receive for particular conditions. Low back pain
      is a common condition in rehabilitation medicine that places a significant
      financial burden on the healthcare system. Patients with low back pain often
      suffer great pain and disability that can last a long time, making effective and
      efficient care a priority. Several guidelines for the treatment of low back pain
      have been created; however, there is no consensus on whether following these
      guidelines will positively reduce the pain and disability experienced by
      patients. CLINICAL QUESTION: Does adherence to clinical practice guidelines for
      patients with nonspecific low back pain reduce pain and disability? Summary of
      Key Findings: A total of 4 studies of level 3 or higher were found. Four studies
      noted an improvement in disability following guidelines adherent care. Two
      studies reported greater reduction in pain with guideline adherent care and 2 did
      not.  Clinical Bottom Line: Moderate evidence exists to support adherence to
      clinical practice guidelines to improve pain and disability ratings in patients
      with nonspecific low back pain.

PMID- 28095111
TI  - Increased Numb protein expression predicts poor clinical outcomes in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma patients.
AB  - Numb is a protein whose asymmetric segregation during cell division determines
      cell fate and has numerous functions relevant to multiple fields of study,
      including developmental neurobiology and cancer biology. Little is known about
      the role of Numb in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the predominant
      histological esophageal carcinoma in Asian populations. In this study, we focused
      on the expression and biologic functions of Numb in the context of ESCC. From
      analysis of tissue microarrays with 212 patients, it was found that Numb was
      significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues compared with corresponding non
      cancerous tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggests that higher expression
      of Numb was significantly associated with a high tumor recurrence (p = 0.015) and
      poor overall post-surgical survival (p = 0.016). Using multiple Cox regression,
      the expression of Numb was determined to be an independent predictor of poor
      prognosis. When siRNA was used to knockdown Numb in ESCC cell lines, there was a
      consistent increase in caspase-3 dependent apoptosis and inhibition of cellular
      proliferation, as well as downregulation of expression of the cancer stem cell
      markers Oct-4, SOX-2 and Nanog. In addition, downregulated Numb expression was
      not significantly associated with the migration of ESCC cells. These results
      indicate that Numb acts as an oncoprotein and has potential as a novel prognostic
      biomarker and therapeutic target in ESCC patients.

PMID- 28095112
TI  - Autogenous bone particle/titanium fiber composites for bone regeneration in a
      rabbit radius critical-size defect model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the effects of autogenous bone particle/titanium fiber
      composites on repairing segmental bone defects in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A model of bilateral radial bone defect was established in 36 New Zealand white
      rabbits which were randomly divided into 3 groups according to filling materials
      used for bilaterally defect treatment: in group C, 9 animal bone defect areas
      were prepared into simple bilateral radius bone defect (empty sham) as the
      control group; 27 rabbits were used in groups ABP and ABP-Ti. In group ABP, left
      defects were simply implanted with autogenous bone particles; meanwhile, group
      ABP-Ti animals had right defects implanted with autogenous bone particle/titanium
      fiber composites. Animals were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively,
      after operation. RESULTS: Micro-CT showed that group C could not complete bone
      regeneration. Bone volume to tissue volume values in group ABP-Ti were better
      than group ABP. From histology and histomorphometry Groups ABP and ABP-Ti
      achieved bone repair, the bone formation of group ABP-Ti was better. The
      mechanical strength of group ABP-Ti was superior to that of other groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed the effectiveness of autologous bone
      particle/titanium fiber composites for promoting bone regeneration and mechanical
      strength.

PMID- 28095113
TI  - Quantitative analysis of cell surface antigen-antibody interaction using Gaussia
      princeps luciferase antibody fusion proteins.
AB  - Cell surface antigen-specific antibodies are of substantial diagnostic and
      therapeutic importance. The binding properties of such antibodies are usually
      evaluated by cell-free assays, in particular surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
      analysis, or flow cytometry. SPR analyses allow the detailed quantitative and
      dynamic evaluation of the binding properties of antibodies, but need purified,
      typically recombinantly produced antigens. It can, however, be difficult to
      produce the required antigen. Furthermore, cellular factors influencing the
      antigen-antibody interaction are not considered by this method. Flow cytometry
      based analyses do not have these limitations, but require elaborated calibration
      controls for absolute quantification of bound molecules. To overcome the
      limitations of SRP and flow cytometry in the characterization of cell surface
      antigen-specific antibodies, we developed Fn14-specific antibody 18D1 as an
      example of an antibody fusion protein format that includes the luciferase of
      Gaussia princeps (GpL), which enables very simple and highly sensitive cellular
      binding studies. We found that GpL-tagging of the C-terminus of the antibody
      light chain does not affect the interaction of 18D1-IgG1 with its antigen and Fc
      gamma receptors (FcgammaRs). In accordance with this, the GpL(LC-CT)-18D1-IgG1
      antibody fusion protein showed basically the same FcgammaR-dependent agonistic
      properties as the parental 18D1 antibody. Similar results were obtained with
      isotype switch variants of 18D1 and antibodies specific for CD95, LTbetaR and
      CD40. In sum, we demonstrate that antibody GpL fusion proteins are easily
      manageable and versatile tools for the characterization of cell surface antigen
      antibody interactions that have the potential to considerably extend the
      instrumentarium for the evaluation of antibodies.

PMID- 28095114
TI  - Flowering time regulation by the CONSTANS-Like gene OsCOL10.
AB  - Plant flowering at the appropriate time is critical for reproductive success and
      influenced by a series of environmental factors such as photoperiod and
      temperature. A number of genes involved in photoperiodic flowering of have been
      cloned and their roles in modulating expression of the flowering genes have been
      characterized to a certain extent. However, much less is known about the pathway
      in transmitting the day length response signal(s) to induce transition to
      reproductive growth. Recently, we characterized a constitutive flowering
      repressor OsCOL10 encoding for a member of the CONSTANS-like (COL) family.
      Through transgenic analysis, we have showed that OsCOL10 repress flowering by
      reducing expression of the FT-like genes RFT1 and Hd3a through Ehd1. Moreover, we
      also showed that OsCOL10 acts downstream of Ghd7, a key LD-specific flowering
      repressor by reducing expression of Ehd1. Collectively, our finding identifies
      OsCOL10 functioning as a flowering-time repressor that links between Ghd7 and
      Ehd1 in rice.

PMID- 28095115
TI  - Working conditions and workplace health and safety promotion in home care: A
      mixed-method study from Swedish managers' perspectives.
AB  - Today, we can see a trend toward increased psychosocial strain at work among home
      care managers and staff. The aim of this study is to describe home care managers'
      views on their own psychosocial working conditions and on how to promote
      workplace health and safety in a municipality in northern Sweden. A mixed-methods
      design was used, including questionnaire and qualitative focus group data. The
      qualitative data were analyzed by manifest content analysis. The results indicate
      that most managers perceived increased variety in work and opportunities for
      development at work, but at the same time increased demands. The managers
      suggested that workplace health and safety could be improved by risk assessment
      and improved communication, a clear communication chain by a real as well as a
      virtual platform for communication. In summary, workplace health and safety could
      be improved by risk assessments and by a physical as well as a virtual platform
      for communication.

PMID- 28095116
TI  - Recent progress on the development of anisotropic gold nanoparticles: Design
      strategies and growth mechanism.
AB  - This review summarizes recent advances on design strategies for shape-controlled
      anisotropic gold nanoparticles. Detailed chemical mechanism has been discussed to
      understand the anisotropic growth. The effect of various chemical parameters and
      surface facets for the formation of different shaped anisotropic nanoparticles
      have been addressed.

PMID- 28095117
TI  - Parents' asthma information needs and preferences for school-based asthma
      support.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate parents' needs and preferences for
      school-based asthma support in Saudi Arabian primary schools. METHODS: Semi
      structured qualitative interviews were conducted in the period between November
      2015 and February 2016, with a convenience sample that comprised Saudi parents
      and carers of children with asthma. Recruitment of participants was primarily
      driven through Saudi primary schools; passive snowballing and social networks
      were used to boost participation rates further. Interviews were audio-recorded,
      transcribed verbatim, translated and data were thematically organised using a
      latent content analysis approach. RESULTS: Twenty interviews were conducted. Six
      themes emerged from the interviews and were grouped into three major categories:
      (1) general asthma management issues; (2) school-based asthma management issues;
      and (3) communication dissatisfaction. Participants expressed concern at schools'
      social and physical environments and a lack of confidence in the ability of
      schools to manage their child's asthma, especially when their child was ill. Most
      of the participants advocated for staff training and school community engagement
      to improve the management of asthma in Saudi primary schools. CONCLUSION: This
      research clearly describes a need for school-based asthma support, including
      asthma-related policies, procedures and education on asthma and first aid in
      Saudi primary schools.

PMID- 28095118
TI  - Modeling and optimization of lime-based stabilization in high alkaline arsenic
      bearing sludges with a central composite design.
AB  - This study focuses on the modeling and optimization of lime-based stabilization
      in high alkaline arsenic-bearing sludges (HAABS) and describes the relationship
      between the arsenic leachate concentration (ALC) and stabilization parameters to
      develop a prediction model for obtaining the optimal process parameters and
      conditions. A central composite design (CCD) along with response surface
      methodology (RSM) was conducted to model and investigate the stabilization
      process with three independent variables: the Ca/As mole ratio, reaction time and
      liquid/solid ratio, along with their interactions. The obvious characteristic
      changes of the HAABS before and after stabilization were verified by X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution
      (PSD) and the community bureau of reference (BCR) sequential extraction
      procedure. A prediction model Y(ALC) with a statistically significant P-value
      <0.01 and high correlation coefficient R2 = 93.22% was obtained. The optimal
      parameters were successfully predicted by the model for the minimum ALC of 0.312
      mg/L, which was validated with the experimental result (0.306 mg/L). The XRD, SEM
      and PSD results indicated that crystal calcium arsenate Ca5(AsO4)3OH and
      Ca4(OH)2(AsO4)2.4H2O formation played an important role in minimizing the ALC.
      The BCR sequential extraction results demonstrated that the treated HAABS were
      stable in a weak acidic environment for a short time but posed a potential
      environmental risk after a long time. The results clearly confirm that the
      proposed three-factor CCD is an effective approach for modeling the stabilization
      of HAABS. However, further solidification technology is suggested for use after
      lime-based stabilization treatment of arsenic-bearing sludges.

PMID- 28095119
TI  - Fecal Carriage of Extended-Spectrum beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae
      Strains Is Associated with Worse Outcome in Patients Hospitalized in the
      Pediatric Oncology Unit of Beni-Messous Hospital in Algiers, Algeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to investigate extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) fecal carriage in children with
      different cancers admitted in the pediatric oncology unit of Beni-Messous
      Hospital (Algiers, Algeria). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rectal swabs from children
      with cancer were sampled from February 2012 to May 2013 within 48 hours following
      their admission. After species identification and detection of ESBL production by
      double-disk synergy test (DD test), antibiotic susceptibility was determined by
      the standard disk diffusion method. Antibiotic resistance genes, including bla
      genes and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes, were investigated
      by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The phylogenetic grouping of Escherichia coli
      strains was determined by PCR. RESULTS: Of the 171 children studied, 93 (54%)
      were ESBL carriers. An antibiotic treatment for the last 3 months before
      admission (p = 0.01), hematological malignancies (p = 0.003), and death (p =
      0.0003) were more frequent in the ESBL-E group than in the non-ESBL group.
      Multivariate analysis showed that hematological malignancies (odds ratio [OR]:
      3.9; confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-14.1; p = 0.04) and ESBL-E carriage (OR: 6.2;
      CI: 1.7-22.00; p = 0.005) were two independent factors associated with increased
      risk of death. A total of 103 ESBL-E isolates were obtained. Klebsiella
      pneumoniae and E. coli isolates were the most frequently isolated. PCR
      amplification showed that all the isolates produced a CTX-M ESBL (CTX-M-15, CTX-M
      14, and CTX-M-3). The PMQR genes detected were qnrB, qnrS, and aac(6')-Ib-cr. E.
      coli isolates were assigned to four major extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli
      phylogroups, including B2 and D. CONCLUSION: This study provides, for the first
      time, insight into epidemiology of the ESBL-E fecal carriage among children with
      cancer in Algeria.

PMID- 28095120
TI  - The bent conformation of poly(A)-binding protein induced by RNA-binding is
      required for its translational activation function.
AB  - A recent study revealed that poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) bound to poly(A) RNA
      exhibits a sharply bent configuration at the linker region between RNA
      recognition motif 2 (RRM2) and RRM3, whereas free PABP exhibits a highly flexible
      linear configuration. However, the physiological role of the bent structure of
      mRNA-bound PABP remains unknown. We investigated a role of the bent structure of
      PABP by constructing a PABP variant that fails to form the poly(A)-dependent bent
      structure but maintains its poly(A)-binding activity. We found that the bent
      structure of PABP/poly(A) complex is required for PABP's efficient interaction
      with eIF4G and eIF4G/eIF4E complex. Moreover, the mutant PABP had compromised
      translation activation function and failed to augment the formation of 80S
      translation initiation complex in an in vitro translation system. These results
      suggest that the bent conformation of PABP, which is induced by the interaction
      with 3' poly(A) tail, mediates poly(A)-dependent translation by facilitating the
      interaction with eIF4G and the eIF4G/eIF4E complex. The preferential binding of
      the eIF4G/eIF4E complex to the bent PABP/poly(A) complex seems to be a mechanism
      discriminating the mRNA-bound PABPs participating in translation from the idling
      mRNA-unbound PABPs.

PMID- 28095121
TI  - Toxicity of new pyrethroid in pest insects Asciamonuste and Diaphania hyalinata,
      predator Solenopsis saevissima and stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula.
AB  - There is increasing demand for new products for vegetable pest management. Thus,
      the aim of this study was to assess the toxicity of pyrethroids with acid moiety
      modifications to measure the insecticidal activity of these compounds on the
      lepidopteran vegetable pests Diaphania hyalinata (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
      and Asciamonuste (Latreille) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and evaluate their
      selectivity for the predatory ant Solenopsis saevissima (F. Smith) (Hymenoptera:
      Formicidae) and pollinator Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille) (Hymenoptera:
      Apidae: Meliponinae). Racemic mixtures of five new pyrethroids (30 ug molecule mg
      1 insect body weight) resulted in high (100%) and rapid (stable LD50 after 12 h)
      mortality in D. hyalinata and A. monuste. In A. monuste, the trans-pyrethroid
      [12] isomer showed similar toxicity to permethrin. For D. hyalinata, the trans
      pyrethroid [9] isomer and cis-pyrethroid [10] isomer were as toxic as permethrin.
      Due to their low selectivity, these new pyrethroids should be applied on the
      basis of ecological selectivity principles to minimize impacts on nontarget
      organisms S. saevissima and T. angustula.

PMID- 28095122
TI  - Exome sequencing confirms ZNF408 mutations as a cause of familial retinitis
      pigmentosa.

PMID- 28095123
TI  - Seafood consumption habits of South Carolina shrimp baiters.
AB  - Shrimp baiting is a fishing technique used by many South Carolinians and has been
      regulated in the state since the late 1980s. A postcard survey was developed and
      included with 400 South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) annual
      surveys of registered shrimp baiters over a two-year period. The survey contained
      questions concerning frequency, portion size, baiting locations, and preparation
      techniques for shrimp as well as other species consumed and demographic
      information. An overall response rate of 37% was received. The majority of
      respondents were men over the age of 55 years. Charleston and Beaufort counties
      were the most common locations for shrimp baiting. Almost half (45.9%) of
      respondents reported eating locally caught shrimp at least 2-3 times per month.
      The most common portion size was 1/2 pound (8 oz. or 277 g), with 44.8% of
      respondents reporting this as their typical amount of shrimp ingested at one
      meal. Only 3.7% of respondents reported typically eating the whole shrimp, while
      all other respondents ingested shrimp with the head removed. The most commonly
      consumed species besides shrimp were blue crab, oysters, and flounder. According
      to the US Food and Drug Administration mercury (Hg) guidelines, the majority
      (97%) of our respondents were not at risk for consuming unsafe levels of Hg from
      locally caught shrimp. However, this does not take into account other local
      seafood eaten or other contaminants of concern. These consumption results may be
      used in conjunction with data on contaminant levels in shrimp to determine
      potential adverse health risks associated with consumption of locally caught
      shrimp.

PMID- 28095124
TI  - mlo-Based Resistance: An Apparently Universal "Weapon" to Defeat Powdery Mildew
      Disease.
AB  - Loss-of-function mutations of one or more of the appropriate Mildew resistance
      locus o (Mlo) genes are an apparently reliable "weapon" to protect plants from
      infection by powdery mildew fungi, as they confer durable broad-spectrum
      resistance. Originally detected as a natural mutation in an Ethiopian barley
      landrace, this so-called mlo-based resistance has been successfully employed in
      European barley agriculture for nearly four decades. More recently, mlo-mediated
      resistance was discovered to be inducible in virtually every plant species of
      economic or scientific relevance. By now, mlo resistance has been found (as
      natural mutants) or generated (by induced mutagenesis, gene silencing, and
      targeted or nontargeted gene knock-out) in a broad range of monocotyledonous and
      dicotyledonous plant species. Here, we review features of mlo resistance in
      barley, discuss approaches to identify the appropriate Mlo gene targets to induce
      mlo-based resistance, and consider the issue of pleiotropic effects often
      associated with mlo-mediated immunity, which can harm plant yield and quality. We
      portray mlo-based resistance as an apparently universal and effective weapon to
      defeat powdery mildew disease in a multitude of plant species.

PMID- 28095125
TI  - Nitrate in drinking water and risk of colorectal cancer in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
AB  - Nitrate concentration in well water in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and its
      surroundings tended to increase rapidly from time to time, and it may be
      associated with an elevated risk for several types of cancer. The purpose of this
      study was to examine the association between nitrate in drinking water and
      colorectal cancer (CRC) risk occurrence. A case-control study was conducted in
      Yogyakarta Special Province. Pathologically confirmed 75 CRC patients and 75
      controls were consulted and their individual well water was sampled and examined
      for nitrate concentrations. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to
      establish the association between nitrate and CRC risk development. There was a
      significant correlation between nitrate in drinking water and CRC occurrence, and
      this value was relatively stable after being adjusted for protein intake, smoking
      history, age, and family history of cancer. These findings demonstrated that the
      risk of CRC development was fourfold among those with >10 years of nitrate
      exposure from well water compared with those with <=10 years of nitrate exposure.
      Consequently, a significant association between nitrate in drinking water and
      occurrence of CRC in Yogyakarta was established.

PMID- 28095126
TI  - The association between sensation seeking and e-cigarette use in Texas young
      adults: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between sensation seeking and ever and
      current e-cigarette use in Texas young adults (18-29 years old). Current
      cigarette use was examined as a potential effect modifier of the associations.
      PARTICIPANTS: Participants included college students enrolled in four-year and
      two-year colleges in four metropolitan areas in Texas (n  =  5,418) who completed
      the survey between November 2014 and February 2015. METHODS: This cross-sectional
      study utilized mixed effects logistic regression to determine the associations
      between mean sensation seeking scores and ever and current e-cigarette use after
      controlling for covariates. RESULTS: After controlling for covariates,
      significant associations between sensation seeking and both ever and current e
      cigarette use were observed; however, these associations were significant for
      noncurrent smokers only (adjusted odds rations [AOR]  =  1.55, 95% confidence
      interval (CI)  =  1.39, 1.73; AOR  =  1.82, 95% CI  =  1.54, 2.15, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Sensation seeking is an important factor in identifying college
      students who may be at increased risk for e-cigarette use behaviors.

PMID- 28095127
TI  - Association of the DNA repair SMUG1 rs3087404 polymorphism and its interaction
      with high sensitivity C-reactive protein for age-related macular degeneration in
      Iranian patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease and
      recently the role of DNA repairing genes in its susceptibility has been studied.
      It has been hypothesized that polymorphism in DNA repair system genes reduce the
      capacity to repair DNA damages which may lead to a greater susceptibility to AMD.
      C-reactive protein (CRP) production is shown to enhance inflammatory processes by
      increasing oxidative stress and inducing DNA damage. We planned to evaluate the
      possible association of SMUG1 variants and their possible interaction with high
      sensitivity CRP levels in AMD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 500 case
      control samples consisting of 279 advanced type AMD patients and 221 genetically
      unrelated healthy controls enrolled for evaluation. Extracted-DNA samples were
      amplified to obtain fragments including the polymorphic region SMUG1 rs3087404.
      We calculated relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable
      proportion (AP), and synergy index (S) to clarify possible interaction of
      different genotypes and CRP levels for AMD. RESULTS: The distribution of the
      genotypes were not significantly different in the AMD patients compared to that
      of controls (p = 0.849). The allele frequency for SMUG1 was not different between
      study groups. No difference of SMUG1 polymorphism between case and control groups
      was evident in higher CRP levels (CRP>3mg/dl) compared with lower CRP levels.
      SMUG1/CRP synergy indices calculated as RERI = -0.12 and AP = -0.18 while S was
      not calculable. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that c.-31A/G-SMUG1
      genotypes/alleles do not have any association with the occurrence or severity of
      advanced type AMD. There was no interaction of CRP levels and SMUG1 genotypes in
      AMD susceptibility.

PMID- 28095128
TI  - Safety and benefits of inhaled hypertonic saline following airway challenges with
      endotoxin and allergen in asthmatics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether induced sputum (IS) with hypertonic saline
      inhalation is safe to use in asthmatics within 24 hours of two commonly used
      airway challenges, namely endotoxin and dust mite allergen, and to assess whether
      IS can enhance mucociliary clearance (MCC) rates in asthmatics. METHODS: IS
      (three 7-minute inhalation periods of 3%, 4%, and 5% hypertonic saline) was
      employed before (N = 29) and within 24 hours of inhaled challenges with endotoxin
      (N = 13) and dust mite allergen (N = 12) in a cohort of mild to moderate
      asthmatics. Safety was assessed by lung function (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1
      second; FEV1) and MCC was measured using a radiolabeled gamma scintigraphy method
      (Tcm99 sulfur colloid). IS was performed pre and post MCC. RESULTS: No
      significant lung function decrement was observed before or after inhaled
      challenges with endotoxin or dust mite allergen. IS significantly enhanced MCC
      rates before and after inhaled endotoxin challenge. CONCLUSION: Based on a small
      cohort, IS is safe to use in mild to moderate asthmatics before and within 24
      hours of inhaled challenges with endotoxin and dust mite allergen. Furthermore,
      IS has beneficial effects on host defense function in asthmatics by enhancing MCC
      rates.

PMID- 28095133
TI  - Trauma exposure and disordered eating: A qualitative study.
AB  - Quantitative studies have demonstrated a positive association between trauma
      exposure and disordered eating. However, reasons for this relationship are
      unclear. We used qualitative methods to understand why some individuals exposed
      to trauma report disordered eating. We conducted five focus groups and two dyadic
      interviews between spring 2013 and fall 2014 with women at a Veterans Health
      Administration medical center (N = 20). Most participants were recruited from
      outpatient mental health clinics. Participants completed demographic and
      psychological questionnaires. Using thematic analysis of transcripts, we
      identified trauma and disordered eating-related themes. Most participants were
      women of color (55%), and many reported psychological symptoms (65%). The mean
      age was 48 years (SD = 15). Thematic analysis resulted in three themes. First,
      trauma can be associated with disordered eating, often in relation to negative
      affect and maladaptive thoughts. Second, disordered eating can provide short
      term, but not long-term, relief from trauma-related negative affect. Third,
      disordered eating can provide a mechanism to avoid unwanted attention from
      potential and past perpetrators of trauma. Trauma-related disordered eating,
      particularly in relation to sexual trauma, may have a distinct profile. Querying
      patients about causes of disordered eating when women report trauma histories may
      help clinicians ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.

PMID- 28095134
TI  - Physical and Occupational Therapy for a Teenager with Acute Flaccid Myelitis: A
      Case Report.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this case report is to describe the inpatient rehabilitation
      program of a 13-year-old boy with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), specific to
      physical and occupational therapy examination, treatment, and outcomes. CASE
      DESCRIPTION: AFM is a rare, acute neurologic illness in children and young adults
      who present with weakness and/or paralysis of unknown etiology. The teenager was
      admitted to the program, dependent for all mobility and self-care. Interventions
      focused on range of motion, transfer training, self-care, power wheelchair
      mobility, and environmental adaptations. OUTCOMES: Weekly re-evaluations and the
      WeeFIM were used at admission and discharge to measure the teenager's progress.
      At discharge, the teenager had made small gains in his passive and active range
      of motion. He was independent in directing his care and able to drive his power
      wheelchair with supervision. DISCUSSION: Due to the scarcity of published data
      describing AFM, this report describes an individual's response to a
      rehabilitation program and will hopefully add to future research in order to
      provide patients and families with expectations for their recovery and ultimate
      level of function.

PMID- 28095135
TI  - Respirator Use Among US Farm Operators With Asthma: Results From the 2011 Farm
      and Ranch Safety Survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the national prevalence of
      respirator use among farm operators with farm work-related asthma and factors
      associated with respirator use. METHODS: The authors examined the 2011 Farm and
      Ranch Safety Survey, a national survey collected from 11,210 actively farming
      farm operators in the United States. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPORs) of
      respirator use were calculated by demographic characteristics, farm
      characteristics, asthma characteristics, and selected exposures and hazards.
      RESULTS: Among the estimated 2.2 million farm operators in 2011, 35.7% reported
      using a respirator in the past 12 months. Respirator use was significantly (P <
      .05) associated with age, marital status, sex, smoking status, farm value of
      sales, farm type, farm acreage, and geographic region. Operators who work with
      pesticides were 3.5 times more likely to use respirator than those who did not
      work with pesticides (P < .0001). Among those with current asthma, 60.8% of
      operators with farm work-related asthma used respirators compared with 44.4% of
      operators with non-farm work-related asthma (P = .03). Farm operators with farm
      work-related asthma who had an asthma attack at work were 11.3 times more likely
      to report respirator use than those who did not have an asthma attack at work (P
      = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Personal protective equipment, including respirators, is an
      approach to reducing respiratory exposures in agricultural settings, in
      particular among those with farm work-related asthma. Education for respirator
      use and evaluation for respirator tolerance should be considered.

PMID- 28095136
TI  - Homonationalism Before Homonationalism: Representations of Russia, Eastern
      Europe, and the Soviet Union in the U.S. Homophile Press, 1953-1964.
AB  - This essay focuses on representations of Russia, the Soviet Union, and Eastern
      Europe in U.S. homophile periodicals from 1953 to 1964. Extending the application
      of Jasbir Puar's concept of homonationalism to the Cold War period, the essay
      examines 128 articles and other items that were published in ONE, Mattachine
      Review, and The Ladder and demonstrates that these periodicals often engaged in
      homonationalist discourses when constructing the Russian, Soviet, and Eastern
      European "other." Negative constructions of these regions were sometimes used to
      affirm the political alignment of the homophile authors with the American nation.
      At other times, negative constructions were used in comparative assessments that
      critiqued both the United States and the Soviet and Eastern European regions. In
      contrast, positive constructions of Russian, Soviet, and Eastern European peoples
      and cultures were used as evidence that non-heteronormative desires and bodies
      had legitimate places in many "primitive" cultures and existed across all nations
      and periods.

PMID- 28095137
TI  - Diabetes mellitus and obesity in the French Caribbean: A special vulnerability
      for women?
AB  - The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence, awareness, treatment,
      and control of diabetes and its risk factors among French Caribbean adults. This
      cross-sectional study included 18-74-year olds (N = 2252; 56.5 percent women) who
      underwent a heath examination in Guadeloupe during July-December 2014. Diabetes
      was defined as using antidiabetic treatment, or fasting glucose >=7 mmol/l, and
      glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >=6.5 percent; diabetes control was defined as HbA1c
      < 7 percent. Multilevel logistic regression was used. Diabetes prevalence was 8.2
      percent for women and 5 percent for men (age-adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for women
      = 2.0; 95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-2.9). The proportion of women
      with diabetes who were aware of it was 84.5 versus 67.3 percent in men (aOR =
      2.7; 95 percent CI: 1.2-6.2). Nearly, all diagnosed participants were being
      treated. In less than a third of diabetics in both sexes was diabetes control
      obtained. Most women (55.3 percent) had a waist circumference at or above the
      National Cholesterol Education Program thresholds versus 14 percent of men (aOR =
      9.3; 95 percent CI: 7.5-11.7), which wholly accounted for excess diabetes in
      women. In women, obesity and diabetes were associated with low education and
      income. In this French Caribbean sample, abdominal obesity and diabetes affected
      more women. Diabetes was rarely controlled. A comprehensive women's health policy
      for the prevention of abdominal obesity and diabetes is needed.

PMID- 28095139
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28095141
TI  - An Old Problem: Aging and Skeletal-Muscle-Strain Injury.
AB  - : Clinical Scenario: Even though chronological aging is an inevitable
      phenomenological consequence occurring in every living organism, it is biological
      aging that may be the most significant factor challenging our quality of life.
      Development of functional limitations, resulting from improper maintenance and
      restoration of various organ systems, ultimately leads to reduced health and
      independence. Skeletal muscle is an organ system that, when challenged, is often
      injured in response to varying stimuli. Overt muscle-strain injury can be
      traumatic, clinically diagnosable, properly managed, and a remarkably common
      event, yet our contemporary understanding of how age and environmental stressors
      affect the initial and subsequent induction of injury and how the biological
      processes resulting from this event are modifiable and, eventually, lead to
      functional restoration and healing of skeletal muscle and adjacent tissues is
      presently unclear. Even though the secondary injury response to and recovery from
      "contraction-induced" skeletal-muscle injury are impaired with aging, there is no
      scientific consensus as to the exact mechanism responsible for this event. Given
      the multitude of investigative approaches, particular consideration given to the
      appropriateness of the muscle-injury model, or research paradigm, is critical so
      that outcomes may be physiologically relevant and translational. In this case,
      methods implementing stretch-shortening contractions, the most common form of
      muscle movements used by all mammals during physical movement, work, and
      activity, are highlighted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the fundamental
      evidence regarding how aging influences the responsivity of skeletal muscle to
      strain injury is vital for informing how clinicians approach and implement
      preventive strategies, as well as therapeutic interventions. From a practical
      perspective, maintaining or improving the overall health and tissue quality of
      skeletal muscle as one ages will positively affect skeletal muscle's safety
      threshold and responsivity, which may reduce incidence of injury, improve
      recovery time, and lessen overall fiscal burdens.

PMID- 28095140
TI  - PROM1 gene variations in Brazilian patients with macular dystrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the pathogenicity of the prominin-1 (PROM1) gene has already
      been described as associated with autosomal dominant Stargardt disease, little is
      known about sequence variations in this gene. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was
      to evaluate PROM1 gene sequence variations in patients with macular dystrophy.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated variations in the PROM1
      gene detected by next-generation sequencing test in patients with macular
      dystrophy and Stargardt disease. RESULTS: Of 25 medical records of patients with
      Stargardt disease, three records of patients with PROM1 gene sequence variations
      were selected for the study. The p.Asp776Val and p.Asp829Asn variants were
      detected in cases 1 and 2, respectively, and predicted to be pathogenic; they
      were probably responsible for macular dystrophy in these patients. Case 3 showed
      a p.Ala643Gly variant in the PROM1 gene and a single variation in the ABCA4 gene,
      but molecular testing results were inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of
      Stargardt disease, where molecular testing results are inconclusive for
      pathogenic variations in the ABCA4 gene, variations in the PROM1 gene may occur
      and be considered responsible for the disease in the molecular analysis. This
      study described three cases in which variations in PROM1 gene may play a role in
      the pathogenesis of macular dystrophy or be associated with both autosomal
      recessive and autosomal dominant inheritance.

PMID- 28095138
TI  - Leber congenital amaurosis, from darkness to light: An ode to Irene Maumenee.
AB  - This article is dedicated to Irene Hussels Maumenee, Professor of Human Genetics
      and Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins' Wilmer Eye Institute, Ocular Genetics
      Fellowship director in 1994-1995. Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) has almost
      come full circle, from a profound and molecularly uncharacterized form of
      congenital retinal blindness to one in which a large number of causative genes
      and disease pathways are known, and the world's first human retinal disease to be
      treated by gene therapy. Dr. Maumenee's insights, efforts, and leadership have
      contributed significantly to this remarkable scientific journey. In this
      manuscript, we present a short summary of the known LCA genes, LCA disease
      subtypes, and emerging treatment options. Our manuscript consolidates previous
      knowledge with current findings in an attempt to provide a more comprehensive
      understanding of LCA.

PMID- 28095142
TI  - Epidemiology of National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Lacrosse
      Injuries, 2009-10 Through 2014-15.
AB  - CONTEXT: Participation in collegiate women's lacrosse has increased dramatically,
      but little recent epidemiological data exists regarding injuries. OBJECTIVE:
      Describe the epidemiology of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
      women's lacrosse injuries during the 2009-10 through 2014-15 academic years.
      SETTING: Aggregate injury and exposure data collected from 40 women's lacrosse
      programs providing 83 team-seasons of data. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS:
      Collegiate women's lacrosse student-athletes. INTERVENTION: Women's lacrosse data
      from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Injury rates; injury rate ratios; and injury proportions by body site, diagnosis,
      and injury mechanism were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Time loss
      (TL) injuries resulted in participation restriction time of at least 24 hours.
      Nontime loss (NTL) injuries resulted in participation restriction time under 24
      hours. RESULTS: There were 705 TL and NTL women's lacrosse injuries, resulting in
      an injury rate of 4.93/1000 athlete-exposures (AEs; 95% CI: 4.57-5.30). The TL
      and NTL injury rates were 2.18/1000 AE (95% CI: 1.93-2.42) and 2.64/1000 AE (95%
      CI: 2.37-2.90), respectively. Most injuries were to the lower extremity
      (competition: 64.4%; practice: 71.2%). Most injuries in competition were sprains
      (26.0%), contusions (19.6%), and strains (19.2%); most injuries in practice were
      strains (21.4%), sprains (18.1%), and inflammatory conditions (15.8%).
      Concussions comprised the highest proportion of head/face injuries (competition:
      82.1%; practice: 54.5%). No eye injuries were reported. The highest proportion of
      injuries were player contact (27.4%) in competitions and noncontact (32.1%) in
      practices. Contact with the ball and stick comprised 21.5% of competition and
      14.0% of practice injuries. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the most robust assessment
      of collegiate women's lacrosse injuries to date, utilizing surveillance data that
      includes both TL and NTL injuries. Over half of all injuries were NTL; inclusion
      of such injuries further highlights the breadth of injuries managed by team
      medical staff.

PMID- 28095144
TI  - Pancreatic Cancer Survival: Plasma Levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Smoking.

PMID- 28095143
TI  - "The Madness of the Carnival": Representations of Latin America and the Caribbean
      in the U.S. Homophile Press.
AB  - This essay examines representations of Latin America and the Caribbean in U.S.
      homophile periodicals from 1953 to 1964. The 120 items in ONE, Mattachine Review,
      and The Ladder that referenced this region depicted Latin America and the
      Caribbean as different from the United States in a number of ways, in particular
      as more sexually repressive or more sexually liberal. These representations
      typically conformed to the general homophile movement tendency to challenge U.S.
      anti-homosexual campaigns during the "Lavender Scare," while arguing for
      acceptance based on rights claims. The representations also were based on Cold
      War, colonial, racist, nationalist, and imperialist frameworks. The essay argues
      that although the magazines generally affirmed the dominant homophile discourses
      of respectability and domesticity, they also challenged these discourses by
      presenting Latin American and Caribbean cultures as gender-nonconforming and
      sexually promiscuous.

PMID- 28095145
TI  - Performance of Four Frailty Classifications in Older Patients With Cancer:
      Prospective Elderly Cancer Patients Cohort Study.
AB  - Purpose Frailty classifications of older patients with cancer have been developed
      to assist physicians in selecting cancer treatments and geriatric interventions.
      They have not been compared, and their performance in predicting outcomes has not
      been assessed. Our objectives were to assess agreement among four classifications
      and to compare their predictive performance in a large cohort of in- and
      outpatients with various cancers. Patients and Methods We prospectively included
      1,021 patients age 70 years or older who had solid or hematologic malignancies
      and underwent a geriatric assessment in one of two French teaching hospitals
      between 2007 and 2012. Among them, 763 were assessed using four classifications:
      Balducci, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) 1, SIOG2, and a
      latent class typology. Agreement was assessed using the kappa statistic. Outcomes
      were 1-year mortality and 6-month unscheduled admissions. Results All four
      classifications had good discrimination for 1-year mortality (C-index >= 0.70);
      discrimination was best with SIOG1. For 6-month unscheduled admissions,
      discrimination was good with all four classifications (C-index >= 0.70). For
      classification into three (fit, vulnerable, or frail) or two categories (fit v
      vulnerable or frail and fit or vulnerable v frail), agreement among the four
      classifications ranged from very poor (kappa <= 0.20) to good (0.60 < kappa <=
      0.80). Agreement was best between SIOG1 and the latent class typology and between
      SIOG1 and Balducci. Conclusion These four frailty classifications have good
      prognostic performance among older in- and outpatients with various cancers. They
      may prove useful in decision making about cancer treatments and geriatric
      interventions and/or in stratifying older patients with cancer in clinical
      trials.

PMID- 28095148
TI  - Reply to A. Braillon.

PMID- 28095146
TI  - Phase I First-in-Human Study of Venetoclax in Patients With Relapsed or
      Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
AB  - Purpose B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) overexpression is common in many non
      Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes. A phase I trial in patients with NHL was
      conducted to determine safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of venetoclax, a
      selective, potent, orally bioavailable BCL-2 inhibitor. Patients and Methods A
      total of 106 patients with relapsed or refractory NHL received venetoclax once
      daily until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity at target doses from 200
      to 1,200 mg in dose-escalation and safety expansion cohorts. Treatment commenced
      with a 3-week dose ramp-up period for most patients in dose-escalation cohorts
      and for all patients in safety expansion. Results NHL subtypes included mantle
      cell lymphoma (MCL; n = 28), follicular lymphoma (FL; n = 29), diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 34), DLBCL arising from chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      (Richter transformation; n = 7), Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (n = 4), and
      marginal zone lymphoma (n = 3). Venetoclax was generally well tolerated. Clinical
      tumor lysis syndrome was not observed, whereas laboratory tumor lysis syndrome
      was documented in three patients. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported
      in 103 patients (97%), a majority of which were grade 1 to 2 in severity. Grade 3
      to 4 events were reported in 59 patients (56%), and the most common were
      hematologic, including anemia (15%), neutropenia (11%), and thrombocytopenia
      (9%). Overall response rate was 44% (MCL, 75%; FL, 38%; DLBCL, 18%). Estimated
      median progression-free survival was 6 months (MCL, 14 months; FL, 11 months;
      DLBCL, 1 month). Conclusion Selective targeting of BCL-2 with venetoclax was well
      tolerated, and single-agent activity varied among NHL subtypes. We determined
      1,200 mg to be the recommended single-agent dose for future studies in FL and
      DLBCL, with 800 mg being sufficient to consistently achieve durable response in
      MCL. Additional investigations including combination therapy to augment response
      rates and durability are ongoing.

PMID- 28095147
TI  - Management of Small Renal Masses: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical
      Practice Guideline.
AB  - Purpose To provide recommendations for the management options for patients with
      small renal masses (SRMs). Methods By using a literature search and prospectively
      defined study selection, we sought systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized
      clinical trials, prospective comparative observational studies, and retrospective
      studies published from 2000 through 2015. Outcomes included recurrence-free
      survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival. Results Eighty-three
      studies, including 20 systematic reviews and 63 primary studies, met the
      eligibility criteria and form the evidentiary basis for the guideline
      recommendations. Recommendations On the basis of tumor-specific findings and
      competing risks of mortality, all patients with an SRM should be considered for a
      biopsy when the results may alter management. Active surveillance should be an
      initial management option for patients who have significant comorbidities and
      limited life expectancy. Partial nephrectomy (PN) for SRMs is the standard
      treatment that should be offered to all patients for whom an intervention is
      indicated and who possess a tumor that is amenable to this approach. Percutaneous
      thermal ablation should be considered an option if complete ablation can reliably
      be achieved. Radical nephrectomy for SRMs should only be reserved for patients
      who possess a tumor of significant complexity that is not amenable to PN or for
      whom PN may result in unacceptable morbidity even when performed at centers with
      expertise. Referral to a nephrologist should be considered if chronic kidney
      disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2) or progressive
      chronic kidney disease occurs after treatment, especially if associated with
      proteinuria.

PMID- 28095149
TI  - Pertuzumab Use in the Adjuvant Setting: Why Not?

PMID- 28095150
TI  - Optimal Adjuvant Chemotherapy Regimens for Patients With Early-Stage Breast
      Cancer.

PMID- 28095151
TI  - Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With
      Cancer: A Longitudinal Study.
AB  - Purpose To examine changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its
      predictors during the first 2 years after initial cancer diagnosis in adolescent
      and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer. Patients and Methods A multicenter,
      longitudinal, prospective study was conducted among a diverse sample of AYA
      patients with cancer ages 15 to 39 years. One hundred seventy-six patients (75%
      response) completed a self-report measure of HRQoL (Short Form-36 [SF-36]) within
      the first 4 months after diagnosis and again 12 and 24 months later. Linear mixed
      models with random intercepts and slopes estimated changes in QoL. Results
      Recently diagnosed AYA patients with cancer had significantly worse physical
      component scale (PCS) scores (38.7 v 52.8; P < .001) and mental component scale
      (MCS) scores (42.9 v 48.9; P < .001) when compared with population norms.
      Significant improvements in PCS and MCS scores from baseline to 24-month follow
      up were observed; however, these increases were largest during the first 12
      months. At the 24-month follow-up, AYA patients still had significantly lower PCS
      scores (48.0 v 52.8; P < .001) and MCS scores (45.8 v 48.9; P = .002) when
      compared with population norms. Multivariable analyses revealed that improvements
      in PCS and MCS scores were primarily a function of being off-treatment and being
      involved in school or work. PCS but not MCS scores were worse for AYA patients
      diagnosed with cancers with poorer prognoses. Conclusion Although HRQoL improved
      over time, it was still compromised 24 months after primary diagnosis. Given
      relatively little observed improvement in HRQoL during the 12- to 24-month period
      after diagnosis, AYA patients may benefit from supportive care interventions
      administered during the second year after diagnosis.

PMID- 28095152
TI  - Tailored Approaches to Induction Therapy for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.
AB  - The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published
      in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a
      description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant
      literature, and a summary of the authors' suggested management approaches. The
      goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results
      of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to
      patients seen in their own clinical practice.

PMID- 28095154
TI  - Radiation-Induced Heart Disease After Breast Cancer Treatment: How Big a Problem,
      and How Much Can-and Should-We Try to Reduce It?

PMID- 28095153
TI  - Reply to L. Moscetti.

PMID- 28095155
TI  - Understanding the Relationship Between Care Volume and Clinical Outcomes in
      Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 28095156
TI  - Lung Cancer Risk Prediction Model Incorporating Lung Function: Development and
      Validation in the UK Biobank Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - Purpose Several lung cancer risk prediction models have been developed, but none
      to date have assessed the predictive ability of lung function in a population
      based cohort. We sought to develop and internally validate a model incorporating
      lung function using data from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. Methods
      This analysis included 502,321 participants without a previous diagnosis of lung
      cancer, predominantly between 40 and 70 years of age. We used flexible parametric
      survival models to estimate the 2-year probability of lung cancer, accounting for
      the competing risk of death. Models included predictors previously shown to be
      associated with lung cancer risk, including sex, variables related to smoking
      history and nicotine addiction, medical history, family history of lung cancer,
      and lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]). Results During
      accumulated follow-up of 1,469,518 person-years, there were 738 lung cancer
      diagnoses. A model incorporating all predictors had excellent discrimination
      (concordance (c)-statistic [95% CI] = 0.85 [0.82 to 0.87]). Internal validation
      suggested that the model will discriminate well when applied to new data
      (optimism-corrected c-statistic = 0.84). The full model, including FEV1, also had
      modestly superior discriminatory power than one that was designed solely on the
      basis of questionnaire variables (c-statistic = 0.84 [0.82 to 0.86]; optimism
      corrected c-statistic = 0.83; pFEV1 = 3.4 * 10-13). The full model had better
      discrimination than standard lung cancer screening eligibility criteria (c
      statistic = 0.66 [0.64 to 0.69]). Conclusion A risk prediction model that
      includes lung function has strong predictive ability, which could improve
      eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening programs.

PMID- 28095158
TI  - Are All Patients Truly Hormone Receptor Negative?

PMID- 28095157
TI  - At Sea.

PMID- 28095159
TI  - Validation and Modification of a Prediction Model for Acute Cardiac Events in
      Patients With Breast Cancer Treated With Radiotherapy Based on Three-Dimensional
      Dose Distributions to Cardiac Substructures.
AB  - Purpose A relationship between mean heart dose (MHD) and acute coronary event
      (ACE) rate was reported in a study of patients with breast cancer (BC). The main
      objective of our cohort study was to validate this relationship and investigate
      if other dose-distribution parameters are better predictors for ACEs than MHD.
      Patients and Methods The cohort consisted of 910 consecutive female patients with
      BC treated with radiotherapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery. The primary
      end point was cumulative incidence of ACEs within 9 years of follow-up. Both MHD
      and various dose-distribution parameters of the cardiac substructures were
      collected from three-dimensional computed tomography planning data. Results The
      median MHD was 2.37 Gy (range, 0.51 to 15.25 Gy). The median follow-up time was
      7.6 years (range, 0.1 to 10.1 years), during which 30 patients experienced an
      ACE. The cumulative incidence of ACE increased by 16.5% per Gy (95% CI, 0.6 to
      35.0; P = .042). Analysis showed that the volume of the left ventricle receiving
      5 Gy (LV-V5) was the most important prognostic dose-volume parameter. The most
      optimal multivariable normal tissue complication probability model for ACEs
      consisted of LV-V5, age, and weighted ACE risk score per patient (c-statistic,
      0.83; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.91). Conclusion A significant dose-effect relationship
      was found for ACEs within 9 years after RT. Using MHD, the relative increase per
      Gy was similar to that reported in the previous study. In addition, LV-V5 seemed
      to be a better predictor for ACEs than MHD. This study confirms the importance of
      reducing exposure of the heart to radiation to avoid excess risk of ACEs after
      radiotherapy for BC.

PMID- 28095160
TI  - Minimal Loss of Lifetime for Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in
      Remission and Event Free 24 Months After Treatment: A Danish Population-Based
      Study.
AB  - Purpose The general outlook for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      (DLBCL) in first remission is important information for patients and for planning
      post-treatment follow-up. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival
      of patients with DLBCL in remission compared with a matched general population.
      Methods A total of 1,621 patients from the Danish Lymphoma Registry who were
      newly diagnosed with DLBCL between 2003 and 2011 were included in this study. All
      patients were >= 16 years of age at diagnosis and had achieved complete remission
      or complete remission unconfirmed after first-line rituximab plus
      cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) or R-CHOP
      like therapy. Results The 5-year post-treatment DLBCL survival was inferior to
      survival in the matched general population (78%; 95% CI, 76 to 80; v 87%;
      standardized mortality ratio, 1.75; P < .001). Excess mortality was present but
      reduced for patients achieving post-treatment event-free survival for 24 months
      (pEFS24; standardized mortality ratio, 1.27; P < .001). In age-stratified
      analyses, the survival of patients < 50 years of age was normalized to the
      general population after achieving pEFS24 ( P = .99). During the first 8 years
      after pEFS24, the average loss of lifetime was 0.31 mo/y (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.50
      mo/y). Excess mortality diminished when analyzing death from lymphoma as
      competing event to death from other causes, suggesting that early and late
      relapse is responsible for increased mortality in patients with DLBCL. Conclusion
      Although this population-based study does not support complete normalization of
      survival for patients with DLBCL achieving pEFS24, the estimated loss of residual
      lifetime was low for patients in continuous remission 2 years after ending
      treatment. Therefore, pEFS24 is an appealing and relevant milestone for patient
      counseling and could be a surrogate end point in clinical trials.

PMID- 28095161
TI  - Reply to L. Del Mastro and A. Prat.

PMID- 28095165
TI  - Prevalence and Correlates of Misconduct Among Ethnically Diverse Adolescents of
      Native Hawaiian/Part-Hawaiian and Non-Hawaiian Ancestry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on the prevalence and correlates of adolescent misconduct,
      arrests, and juvenile delinquency has been greatly neglected for the ethnically
      diverse adolescent groups in Hawai'i (i.e. Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders).
      AIMS: The aims of the present study are three-fold: (1) to determine whether
      there are differential rates of adolescent misconduct based on ethnicity, gender,
      and socioeconomic (SES) factors; (2) on an exploratory basis, to ascertain the
      demographic, social-cultural, psychological-psychiatric, and school-related
      correlates of misconduct, with some focus on cultural identification; and (3) to
      derive a parsimonious model of the correlates for an ethnically diverse group of
      adolescents by disentangling cultural identification from other variables
      including ethnicity. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the Native Hawaiian Mental
      Health Research Development Program, consisting of 2,732 Asian/Pacific Islander
      youths. Misconduct was operationally defined as 'was arrested or got in serious
      trouble with the law' within the past six months via adolescent self-report. Of
      added importance were the inclusion of a valid measure of Hawaiian cultural
      identification and actual school data. RESULTS: Significantly higher rates were
      obtained for Native Hawaiians, males, and adolescents whose main wage earners'
      educational attainment was at the high school level or less. Absences may be a
      more important marker for females than males in the prediction of arrests and
      serious trouble with the law. The most parsimonious model of self-reported
      arrests/serious trouble with the law consisted of four variables in the following
      order of importance: substance use, actual grade-point average, aggressive
      symptoms, and gender. CONCLUSION: This is one of the first major studies to
      examine the prevalence and risk-protective factors of misconduct for adolescents
      of Asian/Pacific Islander ancestry, and the first to include a valid measure of
      cultural identification and actual school data. The findings indicated that
      gender-specific prevention and intervention programs are needed. However, the
      issues are also complex whereby the use of substances, school performance, and
      aggression must be taken into account in deriving successful programs. The lack
      of sustained association between culturally based factors (e.g., ethnicity,
      Hawaiian cultural identifi-cation) and misconduct in the final parsimonious model
      suggested that the culturally based variables are not direct causes of
      misconduct, but rather correlates of misconduct that are over-shadowed by more
      substantive factors, such as substance use and academic performance, the latter
      being variables that must be addressed for youths across the United States. The
      present results reaffirmed the common correlates of misconduct across different
      ethnic groups. Further research is needed in the causal relationships among these
      important associations with misconduct.

PMID- 28095167
TI  - The Social Functioning Questionnaire: A Rapid and Robust Measure of Perceived
      Functioning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ), an eight-item selfreport
      scale (score range 0-24), was developed from the Social Functioning Schedule
      (SFS), a semi-structured interview which has been used primarily with non
      psychotic patients and has good test-retest and inter-rater reliability as well
      as construct validity. The SFQ was developed following the need for a quick
      assessment of perceived social function. AIMS: To give further details of old and
      new data sets from studies involving over 4000 subjects assessed with the SFQ
      illustrating its epidemiological and clinical associations. METHOD: New data were
      analysed from a national epidemiological study, a comparison of key-worker and
      subject versions of the SFQ, and reanalysis of data from three earlier clinical
      studies, of psychiatric emergencies, general practice psychiatric patients and
      those with recurrent psychotic illnesses. These data were examined further to
      determine their range, their relationship to other clinical measures, and change
      over time in clinical trials. RESULTS: The population mean score in 4164 subjects
      was 4.6 and the data from all studies suggested that a score of 10 or more
      indicated poor social functioning. Those presenting as psychiatric emergencies
      had the poorest social function (mean 11.4) and psychiatric patients from general
      practice the best function (mean 7.7) of the clinical populations. The eight item
      scores had a normal distribution in psychiatric populations and a skewed one in a
      normal population; scores were relatively stable over the short (weeks) and long
      term (months), and were high in the presence of acute mental health disturbance
      and personality disorder, giving support to the validity of the scale. The
      results from a UK sample of a randomly selected population specifically weighted
      for ethnic minorities showed similar social function across groups.

PMID- 28095168
TI  - Does Having a Culturally Competent Health Care Provider Affect the Patients'
      Experience or Satisfaction? A Critically Appraised Topic.
AB  - Clinical Scenario: The level of cultural competence of health care providers has
      been studied. However, limited scholarship has examined whether the cultural
      competence of the health care provider affects patient satisfaction. Focused
      Clinical Question: Does cultural competence of health care providers influence
      patient satisfaction with their experience with their provider? Summary of Key
      Findings: Having a culturally competent health care provider, or one who a
      patient perceives as culturally competent, does increase patient satisfaction.
      Clinical Bottom Line: Cultural competence in health care plays an important role
      in patients being satisfied with their providers, as well as patients willingly
      and actively participating in their treatment. Strength of Recommendation:
      Questions 1 to 5 and 9 of the critical appraisal skills program were answered
      "yes" for all studies in the critically appraised topic. Thus, the authors
      strongly support the findings.

PMID- 28095169
TI  - Examination of Knee Morphology After Secondary Ipsilateral ACL Injury Compared
      With Those That Have Not Been Reinjured: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors have been identified for
      sustaining a primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; however, less
      research is available examining risk factors for a second injury. Identifying
      whether bony morphological factors are different (or more exaggerated) among
      those that experience a secondary ACL injury is critical to understanding if
      nonmodifiable risk factors are associated with a second injury. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine if bony morphology is different among those that experience a secondary
      ACL reinjury as compared with those that do not. DESIGN: Case-control. SETTING:
      University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: ACL participants were
      tracked after return to play following primary reconstruction, and if individuals
      experienced a second ipsilateral injury (ACLx2; n = 14, 8f/6m, 17.9 +/- 4.0 y),
      the primary clinical MRI was analyzed for bony morphological risk factors. ACLx2
      participants were matched to individuals (sex, age, height, graft, gender, and
      activity level) that had undergone reconstruction but did not experience reinjury
      (ACLx1, n = 14, 8f/6m, 18.7 +/- 4.0 y). Ten controls were also enrolled (5m/5f,
      20.8 +/- 3.9 y) for the purposes of comparing the authors' ACL data against
      healthy knees. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lateral and medial posterior tibial slopes
      (LPTS, MPTS), notch shape index (NSI), and medial tibial plateau depth of
      concavity (MDC). RESULTS: All ACL-reconstructed patients (combined ACLx1 and
      ACLx2 group) had a steeper LPTS than controls (d = 0.87, 95% CI 0.11-1.60, P =
      .023); however, no difference in LPTS was found between ACLx1 and ACLx2 (P >
      .05). No differences in MPTS, NSI, and MDC were found between all ACL
      participants (combined ACLx2 and ACLx1) and controls or between ACLx1 and ACLx2
      (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to healthy individuals, a steeper LPTS is a
      common bony abnormality in all ACL-injured participants. Individuals that go on
      to experience a second ipsilateral ACL injury do not have more exaggerated bony
      morphology than those that do not suggesting that differences in modifiable risk
      factors at return to play may contribute to reinjury.

PMID- 28095170
TI  - Financial Burden for Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Enrolled in Medicare
      Part D Taking Targeted Oral Anticancer Medications.
AB  - PURPOSE: The number of targeted oral anticancer medications (TOAMs) has grown
      rapidly in the past decade. The high cost of TOAMs raises concerns about the
      financial aspect of treatment, especially for patients enrolled in Medicare Part
      D plans because of the coverage gap. METHODS: We identified patients with chronic
      myeloid leukemia (CML) who were new TOAM users from the SEER registry data linked
      with Medicare Part D data, from years 2007 to 2012. We followed these patients
      throughout the calendar year when they started taking the TOAMs and examined
      their out-of-pocket (OOP) payments and gross drug costs, taking into account
      their benefit phase, plan type, and cost share group. RESULTS: We found that 726
      (81%) of the 898 patients with CML who received TOAMs had reached the
      catastrophic phase of their Medicare Part D benefit within the year of medication
      initiation, with a large majority of patients reaching this phase in less than a
      month. Patients without subsidies showed a clear pattern of a spike in OOP
      payments when they began treatment with TOAMs. The OOP payment for patients with
      subsidies was substantially lower. The monthly gross drug costs were similar
      between patients with and without subsidies. CONCLUSION: Patients experience
      quick entry and exit from the coverage gap (also called the donut hole) as a
      result of the high price of TOAMs. Closing the donut hole will provide financial
      relief during the initial month(s) of treatment but will not completely eliminate
      the financial burden.

PMID- 28095171
TI  - Drug Interaction Database Sensitivity With Oral Antineoplastics: An Exploratory
      Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Drug interactions are a concern in oncology with the shift toward oral
      antineoplastics (OAs). Using electronic databases to screen for drug interactions
      with OAs is a common practice. There is little literature to guide clinicians on
      the reliability of these systems with OAs. The primary objective of this study
      was to explore the sensitivity of commonly available drug interaction databases
      in detecting drug interactions with OAs. METHODS: A list of 20 drug interactions
      with OAs was developed by two Board-certified oncology pharmacists. The list
      included multiple types of drug interactions. The sensitivity in detecting these
      interactions by MicroMedex, Facts & Comparisons, Lexi-Interact, and Epocrates
      were evaluated. These databases were chosen based on their local availability and
      widespread use in practice. Drugs.com was evaluated as a surrogate for a patient
      accessible drug interaction database. The Cochran Q test was used to assess the
      sensitivity distribution across the five groups. RESULTS: Lexi-Interact and
      Drugs.com had a sensitivity of 95% for the 20 tested drug interaction pairs.
      Epocrates had a sensitivity of 90%, and both Micromedex and Facts & Comparisons
      had a sensitivity of 70%. There was a statistically significant difference ( P =
      .016) in the distribution across the databases in detecting clinically
      significant drug interactions. CONCLUSION: Commonly used databases for
      identifying drug interactions with oral antineoplastics vary significantly in
      their sensitivity. Clinicians should not rely on a single database and should
      consider using multiple resources as well as sound clinical judgment. Further
      work is needed in this area.

PMID- 28095172
TI  - Characterizing the Nature of Scan Results Discussions: Insights Into Why Patients
      Misunderstand Their Prognosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with incurable cancer have poor prognostic awareness. We
      present a detailed analysis of the dialogue between oncologists and patients in
      conversations with prognostic implications. METHODS: A total of 128 audio
      recorded encounters from a large multisite trial were obtained, and 64 involved
      scan results. We used conversation analysis, a qualitative method for studying
      human interaction, to analyze typical patterns and conversational devices.
      RESULTS: Four components consistently occurred in sequential order: symptom-talk,
      scan-talk, treatment-talk, and logistic-talk. Six of the encounters (19%) were
      identified as good news, 15 (45%) as stable news, and 12 (36%) as bad news. The
      visit duration varied by the type of news: good, 15 minutes (07:00-29:00);
      stable, 17 minutes (07:00-41:00); and bad, 20 minutes (07:00-28:00).
      Conversational devices were common, appearing in half of recordings. Treatment
      talk occupied 50% of bad-news encounters, 31% of good-news encounters, and 19% of
      stable-news encounters. Scan-talk occupied less than 10% of all conversations.
      There were only four instances of frank prognosis discussion. CONCLUSION:
      Oncologists and patients are complicit in constructing the typical encounter.
      Oncologists spend little time discussing scan results and the prognostic
      implications in favor of treatment-related talk. Conversational devices routinely
      help transition from scan-talk to detailed discussions about treatment options.
      We observed an opportunity to create prognosis-talk after scan-talk with a new
      conversational device, the question "Would you like to talk about what this
      means?" as the oncologist seeks permission to disclose prognostic information
      while ceding control to the patient.

PMID- 28095173
TI  - Performance of a Trigger Tool for Identifying Adverse Events in Oncology.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although patient safety is a priority in oncology, few tools measure
      adverse events (AEs) beyond treatment-related toxicities. The study objective was
      to assemble a set of clinical triggers in the medical record and assess the
      extent to which triggered events identified AEs. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective cohort study to assess the performance of an oncology medical
      record screening tool at a comprehensive cancer center. The study cohort included
      400 patients age 18 years or older diagnosed with breast (n = 128), colorectal (n
      = 136), or lung cancer (n = 136), observed as in- and outpatients for up to 1
      year. RESULTS: We identified 790 triggers, or 1.98 triggers per patient (range,
      zero to 18 triggers). Three hundred four unique AEs were identified from medical
      record reviews and existing AE databases. The overall positive predictive value
      (PPV) of the original tool was 0.40 for total AEs and 0.15 for preventable or
      mitigable AEs. Examples of high-performing triggers included return to the
      operating room or interventional radiology within 30 days of surgery (PPV, 0.88
      and 0.38 for total and preventable or mitigable AEs, respectively) and elevated
      blood glucose (> 250 mg/dL; PPV, 0.47 and 0.40 for total and preventable or
      mitigable AEs, respectively). The final modified tool included 49 triggers, with
      an overall PPV of 0.48 for total AEs and 0.18 for preventable or mitigable AEs.
      CONCLUSION: A valid medical record screening tool for AEs in oncology could offer
      a powerful new method for measuring and improving cancer care quality. Future
      improvements could optimize the tool's efficiency and create automated electronic
      triggers for use in real-time AE detection and mitigation algorithms.

PMID- 28095174
TI  - Medical Oncologists' Experiences in Using Genomic Testing for Lung and Colorectal
      Cancer Care.
AB  - PURPOSE: Genomic testing improves outcomes for many at-risk individuals and
      patients with cancer; however, little is known about how genomic testing for non
      small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is used in clinical
      practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 2012 to 2013, we surveyed medical oncologists
      who care for patients in diverse practice and health care settings across the
      United States about their use of guideline- and non-guideline-endorsed genetic
      tests. Multivariable regression models identified factors that are associated
      with greater test use. RESULTS: Of oncologists, 337 completed the survey
      (participation rate, 53%). Oncologists reported higher use of guideline-endorsed
      tests (eg, KRAS for CRC; EGFR for NSCLC) than non-guideline-endorsed tests (eg,
      Onco typeDX Colon; ERCC1 for NSCLC). Many oncologists reported having no patients
      with CRC who had mismatch repair and/or microsatellite instability (24%) or
      germline Lynch syndrome (32%) testing, and no patients with NSCLC who had ALK
      testing (11%). Of oncologists, 32% reported that five or fewer patients had KRAS
      and EGFR testing for CRC and NSCLC, respectively. Oncologists, rather than
      pathologists or surgeons, ordered the vast majority of tests. In multivariable
      analyses, fewer patients in nonprofit integrated health care delivery systems
      underwent testing than did patients in hospital or office-based single-specialty
      group settings (all P < .05). High patient volume and patient requests (CRC only)
      were also associated with higher test use (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: Genomic test
      use for CRC and NSCLC varies by test and practice characteristics. Research in
      specific clinical contexts is needed to determine whether the observed variation
      reflects appropriate or inappropriate care. One potential way to reduce unwanted
      variation would be to offer widespread reflexive testing by pathology for
      guideline-endorsed predictive somatic tests.

PMID- 28095175
TI  - Evaluation of the Droplet-Microarray Platform for High-Throughput Screening of
      Suspension Cells.
AB  - Phenotypic cell-based high-throughput screenings play a central role in drug
      discovery and toxicology. The main tendency in cell screenings is the increase of
      the throughput and decrease of reaction volume in order to accelerate the
      experiments, reduce the costs, and enable screenings of rare cells.
      Conventionally, cell-based assays are performed in microtiter plates, which exist
      in 96- to 1536-wells formats and cannot be further miniaturized. In addition,
      performing screenings of suspension cells is associated with risk of losing cell
      content during the staining procedures and incompatibility with high-content
      microscopy. Here, we evaluate the Droplet-Microarray screening platform for
      culturing, screening, and imaging of suspension cells. We demonstrate pipetting
      free cell seeding and proliferation of cells in individual droplets of 3-80 nL in
      volume. We developed a methodology to perform parallel treatment, staining, and
      fixation of suspension cells in individual droplets. Automated imaging of live
      suspension cells directly in the droplets combined with algorithms for pattern
      recognition for image analysis is demonstrated. We evaluated the developed
      methodology by performing a dose-response study with antineoplastic drugs. We
      believe that the DMA screening platform carries great potential to be adopted for
      broad spectrum of screenings of suspension cells.

PMID- 28095176
TI  - A Flexible Workflow for Automated Bioluminescent Kinase Selectivity Profiling.
AB  - Kinase profiling during drug discovery is a necessary process to confirm
      inhibitor selectivity and assess off-target activities. However, cost and
      logistical limitations prevent profiling activities from being performed in
      house. We describe the development of an automated and flexible kinase profiling
      workflow that combines ready-to-use kinase enzymes and substrates in convenient
      eight-tube strips, a bench-top liquid handling device, ADP-Glo Kinase Assay
      (Promega, Madison, WI) technology to quantify enzyme activity, and a multimode
      detection instrument. Automated methods were developed for kinase reactions and
      quantification reactions to be assembled on a Gilson (Middleton, WI) PIPETMAX,
      following standardized plate layouts for single- and multidose compound
      profiling. Pipetting protocols were customized at runtime based on user-provided
      information, including compound number, increment for compound titrations, and
      number of kinase families to use. After the automated liquid handling procedures,
      a GloMax Discover (Promega) microplate reader preloaded with SMART protocols was
      used for luminescence detection and automatic data analysis. The functionality of
      the automated workflow was evaluated with several compound-kinase combinations in
      single-dose or dose-response profiling formats. Known target-specific inhibitions
      were confirmed. Novel small molecule-kinase interactions, including off-target
      inhibitions, were identified and confirmed in secondary studies. By adopting this
      streamlined profiling process, researchers can quickly and efficiently profile
      compounds of interest on site.

PMID- 28095177
TI  - Integrated Colony Imaging, Analysis, and Selection Device for Regenerative
      Medicine.
AB  - Stem and progenitor cells derived from human tissues are being developed as cell
      sources for cell-based assays and therapies. However, tissue-derived stem and
      progenitor cells are heterogeneous. Differences in observed clones of stem cells
      likely reflect important aspects of the underlying state of the source cells, as
      well as future potency for cell therapies. This paper describes a colony analysis
      and picking device that provides quantitative analysis of heterogeneous cell
      populations and precise tools for cell picking for research or biomanufacturing
      applications. We describe an integrated robotic system that enables image
      acquisition and automated image analysis to be coupled with rapid automated
      selection of individual colonies in adherent cell cultures. Other automated
      systems have demonstrated feasibility with picking from semisolid media or off
      feeder layers. We demonstrate the capability to pick adherent bone-derived stem
      cells from tissue culture plastic. Cells are efficiently picked from a target
      site and transferred to a recipient well plate. Cells demonstrate viability and
      adherence and maintain biologic potential for surface markers CD73 and CD90 based
      on phase contrast and fluorescence imaging 6 days after transfer. Methods
      developed here can be applied to the study of other stem cell types and automated
      culture of cells.

PMID- 28095178
TI  - Current Trends in Multidrug Optimization.
AB  - The identification of effective and long-lasting cancer therapies still remains
      elusive, partially due to patient and tumor heterogeneity, acquired drug
      resistance, and single-drug dose-limiting toxicities. The use of drug
      combinations may help to overcome some limitations of current cancer therapies by
      challenging the robustness and redundancy of biological processes. However,
      effective drug combination optimization requires the careful consideration of
      numerous parameters. The complexity of this optimization problem is clearly
      nontrivial and likely requires the assistance of advanced heuristic optimization
      techniques. In the current review, we discuss the application of optimization
      techniques for the identification of optimal drug combinations. More
      specifically, we focus on the application of phenotype-based screening approaches
      in the field of cancer therapy. These methods are divided into three categories:
      (1) modeling methods, (2) model-free approaches based on biological search
      algorithms, and (3) merged approaches, particularly phenotypically driven network
      biology methods and computation network models relying on phenotypic data. In
      addition to a brief description of each approach, we include a critical
      discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each method, with a strong
      focus on the limitations and considerations needed to successfully apply such
      methods in biological research.

PMID- 28095179
TI  - Development of Fully Automated Low-Cost Immunoassay System for Research
      Applications.
AB  - Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) automation for routine operation in a
      small research environment would be very attractive. A portable fully automated
      low-cost immunoassay system was designed, developed, and evaluated with several
      protein analytes. It features disposable capillary columns as the reaction sites
      and uses real-time calibration for improved accuracy. It reduces the overall
      assay time to less than 75 min with the ability of easy adaptation of new testing
      targets. The running cost is extremely low due to the nature of automation, as
      well as reduced material requirements. Details about system configuration,
      components selection, disposable fabrication, system assembly, and operation are
      reported. The performance of the system was initially established with a rabbit
      immunoglobulin G (IgG) assay, and an example of assay adaptation with an
      interleukin 6 (IL6) assay is shown. This system is ideal for research use, but
      could work for broader testing applications with further optimization.

PMID- 28095180
TI  - An Introduction to the Special Issue: Contributions of Executive Function to
      Academic Skills.

PMID- 28095181
TI  - How tRNAs dictate nuclear codon reassignments: Only a few can capture non-cognate
      codons.
AB  - mRNA decoding by tRNAs and tRNA charging by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are
      biochemically separated processes that nevertheless in general involve the same
      nucleotides. The combination of charging and decoding determines the genetic
      code. Codon reassignment happens when a differently charged tRNA replaces a
      former cognate tRNA. The recent discovery of the polyphyly of the yeast CUG sense
      codon reassignment challenged previous mechanistic considerations and led to the
      proposal of the so-called tRNA loss driven codon reassignment hypothesis.
      Accordingly, codon capture is caused by loss of a tRNA or by mutations in the
      translation termination factor, subsequent reduction of the codon frequency
      through reduced translation fidelity and final appearance of a new cognate tRNA.
      Critical for codon capture are sequence and structure of the new tRNA, which must
      be compatible with recognition regions of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. The
      proposed hypothesis applies to all reported nuclear and organellar codon
      reassignments.

PMID- 28095182
TI  - Effect of intermittent aeration on microbial diversity in an intermittently
      aerated IFAS reactor treating municipal wastewater: A field study.
AB  - In the present study, the effect of three intermittent aeration (IA) cycles on
      treatment performance and microbial diversity was investigated in an integrated
      fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) reactor treating municipal wastewater. The
      results showed that IA strategies were able to achieve efficient removal of
      organics and nitrogen ranging between 90 and 95% and 70 and 80%, respectively,
      however the phosphorus removal was found to be inversely proportional to the
      duration of aeration off time in each IA cycle. The microscopic analysis revealed
      that the suspended and attached biomass had compact morphology and open floc
      structure, respectively. For each gram of volatile suspended solids, 165 and 148
      mg of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were extracted from attached and
      suspended biomass, respectively, constituting carbohydrates (~24%), proteins
      (~31%), humic acids (~28%), DNA (~2%) and unknown substances (~12%). The
      microbial diversities of suspended biomass in IFAS reactor were investigated
      using culture-dependent approach, which confirmed the presence of Clostridium
      spp., Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli spp., Nitrosococcus spp.,
      Streptococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Betaproteobacteria outliers, Klebsiella
      pneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Serratia marcescens, Micrococcus, Proteus
      vulgaris spp., Actinomycetes spp., and Actinobacteria including Micromonospora
      spp. and Streptomyces spp. Molecular tools for diversity analyses were used for
      ammonia and nitrite oxidizer identification, such as Nitrospira and Nitrosococcus
      species. Denitrifiers include the species of Pseudomonas, Betaproteobacteria and
      Flavobacterium. Acinetobacter, Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were
      responsible for the phosphorus removal in the present system. Overall, the system
      performed efficiently showing Proteobacteria (59%), Acinetobacter (12%) and
      Bacteroidetes (11%) as the dominant bacterial groups. However, the dominance of
      the bacterial diversity varied with the IA cycle time numerating the maximum
      percentage of bacterial species during IA1 phase i.e. 2.5 h aeration/0.5 h non
      aeration.

PMID- 28095183
TI  - Total mercury concentrations in white and striped Mullet (Mugil curema and M.
      cephalus) from a coastal lagoon in the SE Gulf of California.
AB  - The White and Striped mullets (Mugil curema and M. cephalus) are highly abundant
      and commercially important estuarine fish in northwest (NW) Mexico. Because of
      their feeding habits and habitat, they are likely to accumulate mercury (Hg) in
      their muscle and liver. The objectives of this study were to determine total Hg
      distribution in the tissues of interest, to correlate Hg levels between tissues
      and with length and weight of fish, to estimate the percentage weekly intake
      (PWI) of total Hg and methyl Hg (MeHg) through consumption of both mullet
      species, and to compare total Hg levels with mullets from other areas. The
      highest total Hg concentration (1.031 ug g-1 dry weight) was measured in liver of
      White mullet. In both species, the order of averaged Hg concentrations (M. curema
      liver 0.272, muscle 0.184; M. cephalus liver 0.211, muscle 0.129 ug g-1 dry
      weight) were liver>muscle. Correlations of Hg in muscle and liver with total
      weight of M. curema were significant. In M. cephalus, Hg levels in liver were
      significantly correlated with total length and weight. The PWI of THg (<4%) and
      MeHg (<10%) were not elevated for both species. Concentration of Hg in the
      studied mullets was comparable to levels in similar species from Mexican waters
      but lower than results in mugilids from other coastal areas.

PMID- 28095184
TI  - Ecotoxicological effects of larvicide used in the control of Aedes aegypti on
      nontarget organisms: Redefining the use of pyriproxyfen.
AB  - The continued widespread use of larvicides in Aedes aegypti control programs is
      still a necessary strategy, since there are no apparent efficient vaccines
      against arboviruses. However, chemical approaches may affect nontarget organisms
      and produce detrimental effects to environmental health. Therefore, the aim of
      this study was to conduct toxicity testing for pyriproxyfen at different
      concentrations using Daphnia magna and Artemia salina as model organisms to
      evaluate the ecotoxicological parameters. This study describes the toxicological
      effects of pyriproxyfen on both microcrustaceans, which are widely used in
      bioassays because of their sensitivity to changes in hydrosphere. Data
      demonstrated that the calculated EC50-48h value of pyriproxyfen was 2.5 MUg/for
      D. magna and A. salina; the no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) and the
      lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) of pyriproxyfen were found to be 0.63
      and 1.25 MUg/L for Artemia salina and Daphnia magna, respectively. In chronic
      toxicity and reproduction tests on D. magna, a calculated CL50-7day (lethality on
      50% of daphnids after 7 days of chronic test) and an EC50-21day (50% reduction in
      the reproductive output of parental daphnids after 21 days of exposure) higher
      than 1.25 MUg/L pyriproxyfen were observed. The time of first reproduction was
      significantly increased in D. magna after exposure to environmentally relevant
      concentrations of pyriproxyfen, but other reproduction parameters were not
      markedly altered. Environmental risk assessment revealed that pyriproxyfen is
      highly toxic for both branchiopods. Data demonstrated that pyriproxyfen may
      produce adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem at concentrations required to
      control Ae. aegypti.

PMID- 28095185
TI  - Seasonal, age and sex fluctuations in aflatoxin B1 content in the liver and
      kidney of brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pall).
AB  - The goal of this study was to monitor the accumulation of aflatoxin B1 in the
      liver and kidney of brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pall) in the region of south
      western Slovakia. A total of 65 samples were involved for analysis by RIA method.
      Brown hares were divided into the groups according to age, sex and season
      (month). The sex was determined visually after shooting, and the age was assigned
      from dried eye lens. The average concentration of AFB1 in the liver of hares was
      0.54 +/- 0.053 ug/kg, and lower values were measured in the kidney (0.41 +/-
      0.038 ug/kg). The significantly (P < 0.05) higher values were found in winter
      months when compared to summer months. According to the age, juvenile animals
      showed significant higher accumulation of B1 in both organs than adults (P <
      0.05). Wild animals can serve as a good model of real environmental
      contamination. Thus, monitoring of risk factors such as mycotoxins in the
      environment is important with regard to public health, as game animals constitute
      an important part of food chain for humans.

PMID- 28095186
TI  - Adaptable Categorization of Hands and Tools in Prosthesis Users.

PMID- 28095187
TI  - Fast extraction of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated
      dibenzofuran in sewage sludge and soil samples.
AB  - The current environmental legislations recommend monitoring chemical contaminants
      such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans
      before the use of sewage sludge on the agricultural land. In this study, a solid
      liquid extraction with low-temperature purification (SLE-LTP) was optimized and
      validated to determine 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and 2,3,7,8
      tetrachlorodibenzofuran in sewage sludge and soil samples. The analyses were
      performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry operating in the selective ion
      mode (GC-MS-SIM). Acetonitrile:ethyl acetate 6.5:1.5 (v/v) was the best
      extraction phase, and the recoveries percentages were close to 100%. The
      linearity was demonstrated in the range of 1.25-25 ug L-1 of 1.25-20 ug L-1 for
      sewage sludge and soil, respectively. Matrix effect was proved for the two
      compounds and in the two matrices studied. Extraction percentages were between 78
      and 109% and relative standard deviations <= 19%. The proposed method is faster
      than methods described in the literature because showed a few steps. The
      quantification limits (LOQ) in sewage sludge were 6.4 and 32 ng TEQ kg-1 for
      2,3,7,8-TCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDD, respectively. In soil, LOQs were 0.8 and 8.0 ng
      TEQ kg-1 for 2,3,7,8-TCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDD, respectively. These values are lower
      than the maximum residue limits established by European Legislation. The method
      was applied to 22 agricultural soil samples from different Brazilian cities and
      2,3,7,8-TCDF was detected in one of these samples.

PMID- 28095189
TI  - The unmet clinical need of novel antifungal drugs.

PMID- 28095188
TI  - miR-148a and miR-17-5p synergistically regulate milk TAG synthesis via PPARGC1A
      and PPARA in goat mammary epithelial cells.
AB  - MicroRNA (miRNA) are a class of '18-25' nt RNA molecules which regulate gene
      expression and play an important role in several biologic processes including
      fatty acid metabolism. Here we used S-Poly (T) and high-throughput sequencing to
      evaluate the expression of miRNA and mRNA during early-lactation and in the non
      lactating ("dry") period in goat mammary gland tissue. Results indicated that miR
      148a, miR-17-5p, PPARGC1A and PPARA are highly expressed in the goat mammary
      gland in early-lactation and non-lactating periods. Utilizing a Luciferase
      reporter assay and Western Blot, PPARA, an important regulator of fatty acid
      oxidation, and PGC1a (PPARGC1A), a major regulator of fat metabolism, were
      demonstrated to be targets of miR-148a and miR-17-5p in goat mammary epithelial
      cells (GMECs). It was also revealed that miR-148a expression can regulate PPARA,
      and miR-17-5p represses PPARGC1A in GMECs. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR
      148a and miR-17-5p promoted triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis while the knockdown
      of miR-148a and miR-17-5p impaired TAG synthesis in GMEC. These findings
      underscore the importance of miR-148a and miR-17-5p as key components in the
      regulation of TAG synthesis. In addition, miR-148a cooperates with miR-17-5p to
      regulate fatty acid metabolism by repressing PPARGC1A and PPARA in GMECs. Further
      studies on the functional role of miRNAs in lipid metabolism of ruminant mammary
      cells seem warranted.

PMID- 28095190
TI  - "But Oh! What Tales": Portraying the Middle East in U.S. Homophile Periodicals of
      the 1950s and 1960s.
AB  - This essay examines Middle East representations in U.S. homophile periodicals
      from 1953 to 1964. The essay uses more than 120 Middle East-related items that
      were published in ONE, Mattachine Review, and The Ladder to address the
      periodicals' engagement with the region (particularly ancient history and
      biblical themes) and discuss the types of sexual "knowledge" that the homophile
      periodicals created about the region. It then assesses the role of periodicals as
      a genre in the creation of a transnational homophile community, showing both
      their potential for democratizing participation in this community and their
      limits. The essay argues that the periodicals made visible the process of
      assembling a homosexual identity and the fragmentary nature of the parts it
      strove to unify. Though the views of key U.S. homophile organizations became
      hegemonic in the international gay rights movement, the periodicals show a more
      complex, ambivalent, and contested process.

PMID- 28095191
TI  - Maximum Pseudolikelihood Estimation for Model-Based Clustering of Time Series
      Data.
AB  - Mixture of autoregressions (MoAR) models provide a model-based approach to the
      clustering of time series data. The maximum likelihood (ML) estimation of MoAR
      models requires evaluating products of large numbers of densities of normal
      random variables. In practical scenarios, these products converge to zero as the
      length of the time series increases, and thus the ML estimation of MoAR models
      becomes infeasible without the use of numerical tricks. We propose a maximum
      pseudolikelihood (MPL) estimation approach as an alternative to the use of
      numerical tricks. The MPL estimator is proved to be consistent and can be
      computed with an EM (expectation-maximization) algorithm. Simulations are used to
      assess the performance of the MPL estimator against that of the ML estimator in
      cases where the latter was able to be calculated. An application to the
      clustering of time series data arising from a resting state fMRI experiment is
      presented as a demonstration of the methodology.

PMID- 28095192
TI  - Spike-Centered Jitter Can Mistake Temporal Structure.
AB  - Jitter-type spike resampling methods are routinely applied in neurophysiology for
      detecting temporal structure in spike trains (point processes). Several
      variations have been proposed. The concern has been raised, based on numerical
      experiments involving Poisson spike processes, that such procedures can be
      conservative. We study the issue and find it can be resolved by reemphasizing the
      distinction between spike-centered (basic) jitter and interval jitter. Focusing
      on spiking processes with no temporal structure, interval jitter generates an
      exact hypothesis test, guaranteeing valid conclusions. In contrast, such a
      guarantee is not available for spike-centered jitter. We construct explicit
      examples in which spike-centered jitter hallucinates temporal structure, in the
      sense of exaggerated false-positive rates. Finally, we illustrate numerically
      that Poisson approximations to jitter computations, while computationally
      efficient, can also result in inaccurate hypothesis tests. We highlight the value
      of classical statistical frameworks for guiding the design and interpretation of
      spike resampling methods.

PMID- 28095193
TI  - Semisupervised, Multilabel, Multi-Instance Learning for Structured Data.
AB  - Many classification tasks require both labeling objects and determining label
      associations for parts of each object. Example applications include labeling
      segments of images or determining relevant parts of a text document when the
      training labels are available only at the image or document level. This task is
      usually referred to as multi-instance (MI) learning, where the learner typically
      receives a collection of labeled (or sometimes unlabeled) bags, each containing
      several segments (instances). We propose a semisupervised MI learning method for
      multilabel classification. Most MI learning methods treat instances in each bag
      as independent and identically distributed samples. However, in many practical
      applications, instances are related to each other and should not be considered
      independent. Our model discovers a latent low-dimensional space that captures
      structure within each bag. Further, unlike many other MI learning methods, which
      are primarily developed for binary classification, we model multiple classes
      jointly, thus also capturing possible dependencies between different classes. We
      develop our model within a semisupervised framework, which leverages both labeled
      and, typically, a larger set of unlabeled bags for training. We develop several
      efficient inference methods for our model. We first introduce a Markov chain
      Monte Carlo method for inference, which can handle arbitrary relations between
      bag labels and instance labels, including the standard hard-max MI assumption. We
      also develop an extension of our model that uses stochastic variational Bayes
      methods for inference, and thus scales better to massive data sets. Experiments
      show that our approach outperforms several MI learning and standard
      classification methods on both bag-level and instance-level label prediction. All
      code for replicating our experiments is available from
      https://github.com/hsoleimani/MLTM .

PMID- 28095194
TI  - Unifying Adversarial Training Algorithms with Data Gradient Regularization.
AB  - Many previous proposals for adversarial training of deep neural nets have
      included directly modifying the gradient, training on a mix of original and
      adversarial examples, using contractive penalties, and approximately optimizing
      constrained adversarial objective functions. In this article, we show that these
      proposals are actually all instances of optimizing a general, regularized
      objective we call DataGrad. Our proposed DataGrad framework, which can be viewed
      as a deep extension of the layerwise contractive autoencoder penalty, cleanly
      simplifies prior work and easily allows extensions such as adversarial training
      with multitask cues. In our experiments, we find that the deep gradient
      regularization of DataGrad (which also has L1 and L2 flavors of regularization)
      outperforms alternative forms of regularization, including classical L1, L2, and
      multitask, on both the original data set and adversarial sets. Furthermore, we
      find that combining multitask optimization with DataGrad adversarial training
      results in the most robust performance.

PMID- 28095195
TI  - Deep Learning with Dynamic Spiking Neurons and Fixed Feedback Weights.
AB  - Recent work in computer science has shown the power of deep learning driven by
      the backpropagation algorithm in networks of artificial neurons. But real neurons
      in the brain are different from most of these artificial ones in at least three
      crucial ways: they emit spikes rather than graded outputs, their inputs and
      outputs are related dynamically rather than by piecewise-smooth functions, and
      they have no known way to coordinate arrays of synapses in separate forward and
      feedback pathways so that they change simultaneously and identically, as they do
      in backpropagation. Given these differences, it is unlikely that current deep
      learning algorithms can operate in the brain, but we that show these problems can
      be solved by two simple devices: learning rules can approximate dynamic input
      output relations with piecewise-smooth functions, and a variation on the feedback
      alignment algorithm can train deep networks without having to coordinate forward
      and feedback synapses. Our results also show that deep spiking networks learn
      much better if each neuron computes an intracellular teaching signal that
      reflects that cell's nonlinearity. With this mechanism, networks of spiking
      neurons show useful learning in synapses at least nine layers upstream from the
      output cells and perform well compared to other spiking networks in the
      literature on the MNIST digit recognition task.

PMID- 28095196
TI  - Analysis of Online Composite Mirror Descent Algorithm.
AB  - We study the convergence of the online composite mirror descent algorithm, which
      involves a mirror map to reflect the geometry of the data and a convex objective
      function consisting of a loss and a regularizer possibly inducing sparsity. Our
      error analysis provides convergence rates in terms of properties of the strongly
      convex differentiable mirror map and the objective function. For a class of
      objective functions with Holder continuous gradients, the convergence rates of
      the excess (regularized) risk under polynomially decaying step sizes have the
      order [Formula: see text] after [Formula: see text] iterates. Our results improve
      the existing error analysis for the online composite mirror descent algorithm by
      avoiding averaging and removing boundedness assumptions, and they sharpen the
      existing convergence rates of the last iterate for online gradient descent
      without any boundedness assumptions. Our methodology mainly depends on a novel
      error decomposition in terms of an excess Bregman distance, refined analysis of
      self-bounding properties of the objective function, and the resulting one-step
      progress bounds.

PMID- 28095197
TI  - Solving Nonlinearly Separable Classifications in a Single-Layer Neural Network.
AB  - Since the work of Minsky and Papert ( 1969 ), it has been understood that single
      layer neural networks cannot solve nonlinearly separable classifications (i.e.,
      XOR). We describe and test a novel divergent autoassociative architecture capable
      of solving nonlinearly separable classifications with a single layer of weights.
      The proposed network consists of class-specific linear autoassociators. The power
      of the model comes from treating classification problems as within-class feature
      prediction rather than directly optimizing a discriminant function. We show
      unprecedented learning capabilities for a simple, single-layer network (i.e.,
      solving XOR) and demonstrate that the famous limitation in acquiring nonlinearly
      separable problems is not just about the need for a hidden layer; it is about the
      choice between directly predicting classes or learning to classify indirectly by
      predicting features.

PMID- 28095198
TI  - Effects of Small-World Rewiring Probability and Noisy Synaptic Conductivity on
      Slow Waves: Cortical Network.
AB  - Physiological rhythms play a critical role in the functional development of
      living beings. Many biological functions are executed with an interaction of
      rhythms produced by internal characteristics of scores of cells. While
      synchronized oscillations may be associated with normal brain functions,
      anomalies in these oscillations may cause or relate the emergence of some
      neurological or neuropsychological pathologies. This study was designed to
      investigate the effects of topological structure and synaptic conductivity noise
      on the spatial synchronization and temporal rhythmicity of the waves generated by
      cells in the network. Because of holding the ability of clustering and
      randomizing with change of parameters, small-world (SW) network topology was
      chosen. The oscillatory activity of network was tried out by manipulating an
      insulated SW, cortical network model whose morphology is very close to real
      world. According to the obtained results, it was observed that at the optimal
      probabilistic rates of conductivity noise and rewiring of SW, powerful
      synchronized oscillatory small waves are generated in relation to the internal
      dynamics of cells, which are in line with the network's input. These two
      parameters were observed to be quite effective on the excitation-inhibition
      balance of the network. Accordingly, it may be suggested that the topological
      dynamics of SW and noisy synaptic conductivity may be associated with the normal
      and abnormal development of neurobiological structure.

PMID- 28095199
TI  - Multiway Array Decomposition of EEG Spectrum: Implications of Its Stability for
      the Exploration of Large-Scale Brain Networks.
AB  - Multiway array decomposition methods have been shown to be promising statistical
      tools for identifying neural activity in the EEG spectrum. They blindly decompose
      the EEG spectrum into spatial-temporal-spectral patterns by taking into account
      inherent relationships among signals acquired at different frequencies and
      sensors. Our study evaluates the stability of spatial-temporal-spectral patterns
      derived by one particular method, parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). We focused
      on patterns' stability over time and in population and divided the complete data
      set containing data from 50 healthy subjects into several subsets. Our results
      suggest that the patterns are highly stable in time, as well as among different
      subgroups of subjects. Further, we show with simultaneously acquired fMRI data
      that power fluctuations of some patterns have stable correspondence to
      hemodynamic fluctuations in large-scale brain networks. We did not find such
      correspondence for power fluctuations in standard frequency bands, the common way
      of dealing with EEG data. Altogether, our results suggest that PARAFAC is a
      suitable method for research in the field of large-scale brain networks and their
      manifestation in EEG signal.

PMID- 28095200
TI  - STDP-Compatible Approximation of Backpropagation in an Energy-Based Model.
AB  - We show that Langevin Markov chain Monte Carlo inference in an energy-based model
      with latent variables has the property that the early steps of inference,
      starting from a stationary point, correspond to propagating error gradients into
      internal layers, similar to backpropagation. The backpropagated error is with
      respect to output units that have received an outside driving force pushing them
      away from the stationary point. Backpropagated error gradients correspond to
      temporal derivatives with respect to the activation of hidden units. These lead
      to a weight update proportional to the product of the presynaptic firing rate and
      the temporal rate of change of the postsynaptic firing rate. Simulations and a
      theoretical argument suggest that this rate-based update rule is consistent with
      those associated with spike-timing-dependent plasticity. The ideas presented in
      this article could be an element of a theory for explaining how brains perform
      credit assignment in deep hierarchies as efficiently as backpropagation does,
      with neural computation corresponding to both approximate inference in continuous
      valued latent variables and error backpropagation, at the same time.

PMID- 28095201
TI  - Multisensory Bayesian Inference Depends on Synapse Maturation during Training:
      Theoretical Analysis and Neural Modeling Implementation.
AB  - Recent theoretical and experimental studies suggest that in multisensory
      conditions, the brain performs a near-optimal Bayesian estimate of external
      events, giving more weight to the more reliable stimuli. However, the neural
      mechanisms responsible for this behavior, and its progressive maturation in a
      multisensory environment, are still insufficiently understood. The aim of this
      letter is to analyze this problem with a neural network model of audiovisual
      integration, based on probabilistic population coding-the idea that a population
      of neurons can encode probability functions to perform Bayesian inference. The
      model consists of two chains of unisensory neurons (auditory and visual)
      topologically organized. They receive the corresponding input through a plastic
      receptive field and reciprocally exchange plastic cross-modal synapses, which
      encode the spatial co-occurrence of visual-auditory inputs. A third chain of
      multisensory neurons performs a simple sum of auditory and visual excitations.
      The work includes a theoretical part and a computer simulation study. We show how
      a simple rule for synapse learning (consisting of Hebbian reinforcement and a
      decay term) can be used during training to shrink the receptive fields and encode
      the unisensory likelihood functions. Hence, after training, each unisensory area
      realizes a maximum likelihood estimate of stimulus position (auditory or visual).
      In cross-modal conditions, the same learning rule can encode information on prior
      probability into the cross-modal synapses. Computer simulations confirm the
      theoretical results and show that the proposed network can realize a maximum
      likelihood estimate of auditory (or visual) positions in unimodal conditions and
      a Bayesian estimate, with moderate deviations from optimality, in cross-modal
      conditions. Furthermore, the model explains the ventriloquism illusion and,
      looking at the activity in the multimodal neurons, explains the automatic
      reweighting of auditory and visual inputs on a trial-by-trial basis, according to
      the reliability of the individual cues.

PMID- 28095202
TI  - Interpretation of the Precision Matrix and Its Application in Estimating Sparse
      Brain Connectivity during Sleep Spindles from Human Electrocorticography
      Recordings.
AB  - The correlation method from brain imaging has been used to estimate functional
      connectivity in the human brain. However, brain regions might show very high
      correlation even when the two regions are not directly connected due to the
      strong interaction of the two regions with common input from a third region. One
      previously proposed solution to this problem is to use a sparse regularized
      inverse covariance matrix or precision matrix (SRPM) assuming that the
      connectivity structure is sparse. This method yields partial correlations to
      measure strong direct interactions between pairs of regions while simultaneously
      removing the influence of the rest of the regions, thus identifying regions that
      are conditionally independent. To test our methods, we first demonstrated
      conditions under which the SRPM method could indeed find the true physical
      connection between a pair of nodes for a spring-mass example and an RC circuit
      example. The recovery of the connectivity structure using the SRPM method can be
      explained by energy models using the Boltzmann distribution. We then demonstrated
      the application of the SRPM method for estimating brain connectivity during stage
      2 sleep spindles from human electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings using an
      [Formula: see text] electrode array. The ECoG recordings that we analyzed were
      from a 32-year-old male patient with long-standing pharmaco-resistant left
      temporal lobe complex partial epilepsy. Sleep spindles were automatically
      detected using delay differential analysis and then analyzed with SRPM and the
      Louvain method for community detection. We found spatially localized brain
      networks within and between neighboring cortical areas during spindles, in
      contrast to the case when sleep spindles were not present.

PMID- 28095203
TI  - Avoiding Optimal Mean l2,1-Norm Maximization-Based Robust PCA for Reconstruction.
AB  - Robust principal component analysis (PCA) is one of the most important dimension
      reduction techniques for handling high-dimensional data with outliers. However,
      most of the existing robust PCA presupposes that the mean of the data is zero and
      incorrectly utilizes the average of data as the optimal mean of robust PCA. In
      fact, this assumption holds only for the squared [Formula: see text]-norm-based
      traditional PCA. In this letter, we equivalently reformulate the objective of
      conventional PCA and learn the optimal projection directions by maximizing the
      sum of projected difference between each pair of instances based on [Formula: see
      text]-norm. The proposed method is robust to outliers and also invariant to
      rotation. More important, the reformulated objective not only automatically
      avoids the calculation of optimal mean and makes the assumption of centered data
      unnecessary, but also theoretically connects to the minimization of
      reconstruction error. To solve the proposed nonsmooth problem, we exploit an
      efficient optimization algorithm to soften the contributions from outliers by
      reweighting each data point iteratively. We theoretically analyze the convergence
      and computational complexity of the proposed algorithm. Extensive experimental
      results on several benchmark data sets illustrate the effectiveness and
      superiority of the proposed method.

PMID- 28095204
TI  - Democratizing LGBTQ History Online: Digitizing Public History in "U.S. Homophile
      Internationalism".
AB  - This article argues that the online archive and exhibit "U.S. Homophile
      Internationalism" effectively contributes to the democratizing effects that
      digital archives and online initiatives are having on the practice of history.
      "U.S. Homophile Internationalism" is an online archive of over 800 digitized
      articles, letters, advertisements, and other materials from the U.S. homophile
      press that reference six non-U.S. regions of the world. It also provides visitors
      with introductory regional essays, annotated bibliographies, and an interactive
      map feature. This essay weaves "U.S. Homophile Internationalism" into the debates
      in community-run LGBTQ archives regarding the digitization of archival materials
      and the possibilities presented by digital public history. In doing so, it
      outlines the structure and content of "U.S. Homophile Internationalism,"
      highlighting how it increases the public accessibility of primary sources,
      encourages historical research on regions of the world that have not been
      adequately represented in LGBTQ history writing, and creates interactive
      components to support public engagements with the Web site.

PMID- 28095205
TI  - Imperial Queerness: The U.S. Homophile Press and Constructions of Sexualities in
      Asia and the Pacific, 1953-1964.
AB  - This essay examines the ways in which U.S. homophile magazines represented and
      constructed Asia and the Pacific from 1953 to 1964. Through an analysis of 209
      items that referenced Asia and the Pacific in ONE, Mattachine Review, and the
      Ladder, the essay argues that U.S. homophiles referenced the region in three
      primary ways: first, to create relationships, allies, and exchanges with people
      living in the region; second, to highlight the inferiority of the East and
      superiority of the West; and, third, to reveal the cross-cultural and
      transhistorical nature of homosexuality. These references were influenced by
      Orientalism, colonialism, and the Cold War, which framed Asia and the Pacific as
      both sexually and culturally backward, but also as a potential tourist
      destination for gay men and lesbian women.

PMID- 28095206
TI  - Achieving Durable Resistance Against Plant Diseases: Scenario Analyses with a
      National-Scale Spatially Explicit Model for a Wind-Dispersed Plant Pathogen.
AB  - Genetic resistance in crops is a cornerstone of disease management in
      agriculture. Such genetic resistance is often rapidly broken due to selection for
      virulence in the pathogen population. Here, we ask whether there are strategies
      that can prolong the useful life of plant resistance genes. In a modeling study,
      we compared four deployment strategies: gene pyramiding, sequential use,
      simultaneous use, and a mixed strategy. We developed a spatially explicit model
      for France and parameterized it for the fungal pathogen Puccinia striiformis f.
      sp. tritici (causing wheat yellow rust) to test management strategies in a
      realistic spatial setting. We found that pyramiding two new resistance genes in
      one variety was the most durable solution only when the virulent genotype had to
      emerge by mutation. Deploying single-gene-resistant varieties concurrently with
      the pyramided variety eroded the durability of the gene pyramid. We found that
      continuation of deployment of varieties with broken-down resistance prolonged the
      useful life of simultaneous deployment of four single-gene-resistant varieties
      versus sequential use. However, when virulence was already present in the
      pathogen population, durability was low and none of the deployment strategies had
      effect. These results provide guidance on effective strategies for using
      resistance genes in crop protection practice.

PMID- 28095207
TI  - The Constitutive Endopolygalacturonase TvPG2 Regulates the Induction of Plant
      Systemic Resistance by Trichoderma virens.
AB  - Trichoderma spp. are opportunistic fungi some of which are commonly present in
      the rhizosphere. Several species, such as T. virens, are also efficient
      biocontrol agents against phytopathogenic fungi and exert beneficial effects on
      plants. These effects are the consequence of interactions between Trichoderma and
      plant roots, which trigger enhanced plant growth and induce plant resistance. We
      have previously shown that T. virens I10 expresses two endopolygalacturonase
      genes, tvpg1 and tvpg2, during the interaction with plant roots; tvpg1 is
      inducible while tvpg2 is constitutively transcribed. Using the same system, the
      tomato polygalacturonase-inhibitor gene Lepgip1 was induced at the same time as
      tvpg1. Here we show by gene disruption that TvPG2 performs a regulatory role on
      the inducible tvpg1 gene and in triggering the plant immune response. A tvpg2
      knockout strain fails to transcribe the inducible tvpg1 gene in neither in vitro
      in inducing media containing pectin or plant cell walls, nor during the in vivo
      interaction with tomato roots. Likewise, the in vivo induction of Lepgip1 does
      not occur, and its defense against the pathogen Botrytis cinerea is significantly
      reduced. Our data prove the importance of a T. virens constitutively produced
      endopolygalacturonase in eliciting plant induced systemic resistance against
      pathogenic fungi.

PMID- 28095208
TI  - Tale of the Huanglongbing Disease Pyramid in the Context of the Citrus
      Microbiome.
AB  - The Huanglongbing (HLB) disease pyramid is composed of Liberibacters, psyllid
      vectors, citrus hosts, and the environment. The epidemiological outcomes for
      Liberibacter-associated plant diseases are collectively determined by the
      inherent relationships among plant-Liberibacters-psyllids, and how various
      environmental factors affect plant-Liberibacter-psyllid interactions. Citrus
      Liberibacter-psyllid interactions occur in a complex microbiome system. In this
      review, we focus on the progress in understanding the HLB disease pyramid, and
      how the microbiome affects the HLB disease pyramid including the interaction
      between HLB and the citrus microbiome; the interaction between Liberibacters and
      psyllids; the interaction between Liberibacters and gut microbiota in psyllids;
      and the effect of HLB on selected above- and belowground citrus pathogens. Their
      implications for HLB management are also discussed.

PMID- 28095209
TI  - Psychological factors influence the overlap syndrome in functional
      gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) among middle-aged women in South Korea.
AB  - This study investigated the psychological factors related to the overlap
      syndrome, i.e., multiple gastrointestinal conditions that are part of functional
      gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in the same individual and potentially related
      to quality of life (QOL) among women aged 45-60 years (n = 627) in South Korea.
      The study was undertaken between July 2014 and March 2015. Depressive and anxiety
      symptoms were ascertained using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression
      scale (CES-D) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively. Negative
      cognition and the cognitive triad were identified using the Automatic Thoughts
      Questionnaire-Negative (ATQ-N) and the Cognitive Triad Inventory (CTI),
      respectively. Resilience and QOL were assessed using the Connor-Davidson
      Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and World Health Organization Quality of Life scale
      abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF). Women with the overlap syndrome had the
      highest CES-D (mean = 16.66 +/- 11.79, p < .001), BAI (mean = 17.46 +/- 12.67, p
      < .001), and ATQ-N scores (mean = 53.61 +/- 20.88, p < .001), followed by women
      with gastrointestinal disorders but without the overlap syndrome and healthy
      controls. Healthy controls had the highest WHOQOL-BREF score (mean = 77.69 +/-
      12.53, p < .001). After stepwise selection, the final model explained 61.8
      percent of the variance in QOL. Thus, depressive symptoms, anxiety, negative
      cognition, cognitive triad, and resilience were significantly related to QOL in
      women with the overlap syndrome.

PMID- 28095210
TI  - Fatal Incidents in Australia's Older Farmers (2001-2015).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study assesses nonintentional injury deaths of older farmers and
      the causal agents associated with these fatalities in Australia (2001-2015). It
      also explores approaches based on the hierarchy of risk controls to reduce
      fatalities and injuries in this cohort. METHODS: Data on farm-related incidents
      were sourced from the National Coroners Information System (NCIS) for the study
      period and coded. Rates were calculated and regression analyses completed to
      assess trends over time. RESULTS: Those in the 50+ years category (n = 610)
      accounted for 49.8% of all on-farm nonintentional injury deaths, with males (n =
      566) dominating the cases. The annual mean was 40.66 cases (SD = 8.08) and the
      average rate 36/100,000. Trend analysis revealed a nonstatistically significant
      (P < 0.05) increase in cases over the period. Farm vehicles and machinery were
      responsible for almost two thirds of the fatal cases. CONCLUSION: Nonintentional
      fatality rates for older farmers have remained relatively unchanged for a
      significant period in Australia. There is a need to examine additional approaches
      that not only maintain the benefits of work activity for older farmers but also
      balance this against a safety perspective.

PMID- 28095212
TI  - Platelets - A fine balance.

PMID- 28095211
TI  - Social Networking in an Agricultural Research Center: Using Data to Enhance
      Outcomes.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to present a case study of one midwestern
      Agricultural Center (Ag Center) that used social network analysis (SNA) to (1)
      evaluate its collaborations with extramural stakeholders and (2) strategically
      plan for extending outreach for goal achievement. An evaluation team developed a
      data collection instrument based on SNA principles. It was administered to the Ag
      Center's intramural stakeholders (N = 9), who were asked to identify the key
      extramural stakeholders with whom they had collaborated within the previous 12
      months. Additional questions about each extramural stakeholder helped to
      categorize them according to SNA network measures for degree of centrality,
      betweenness centrality, and closeness centrality. Findings showed the Ag Center
      had N = 305 extramural stakeholders. Most of these were other researchers and did
      not represent the diverse group of stakeholders that the Ag Center had targeted
      for engagement. Only a few of the intramural stakeholders had national or
      international connections. Findings were used to improve and diversify
      connections in order to leverage the Ag Center's expertise and ability to
      translate research into new best practices and policies. The SNA case study has
      implications for other evaluators and project directors looking for methodologies
      that can monitor networks in large science consortia and help leaders plan for
      translating research into practice and policies by networking with those who can
      influence such change.

PMID- 28095213
TI  - Editorial: Platelet Genomics and Disorders of Platelet Number and Function.

PMID- 28095214
TI  - Stretching Exercises for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: Effects of 6-Week
      Program on Shoulder Tightness, Pain, and Disability Status.
AB  - CONTEXT: Increasing soft tissue flexibility and joint mobility is one of the
      important aims of studies to treat subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS).
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a stretching
      program on posterior capsule tightness, pectoralis minor tightness, pain
      severity, and disability status in SIS. DESIGN: Single-group pretest posttest
      design. SETTING: University outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: 18 participants
      diagnosed with SIS (34.8+/-9.4 y, symptoms duration 5.8+/-4.9 months) were
      included in the study. INTERVENTION: The 6-week self-stretching program for
      pectoralis minor, posterior capsule, levator scapula, and latissimus dorsi was
      performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Posterior capsule tightness, pectoralis minor
      tightness, pain severity (visual analog scale), and self-reported shoulder
      related pain and disability status (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) were used
      to assess changes in flexibility and symptoms. RESULTS: Comparisons showed that
      there was significantly less posterior capsule and pectoralis minor tightness,
      less pain severity on activity and at night, and a lower disability score
      reported after the 6-week stretching program (P < 0.05). There was no
      statistically significant difference in pain severity at rest after the 6-week
      stretching program (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study showed that
      flexibility, pain severity, and disability gains can be achieved with a 6-week
      stretching exercise training for participants with SIS. Therefore, shoulder
      girdle stretching exercises should be recommended early in shoulder
      rehabilitation program.

PMID- 28095215
TI  - Review: The role of angiotensin II AT1-receptors in the regulation of the
      cerebral blood flow and brain ischaemia.

PMID- 28095216
TI  - Review: Role of angiotensin in central regulation of sympathetic activity: effect
      of dietary sodium chloride.

PMID- 28095217
TI  - Persistent effect of treatment with candesartan cilexetil on blood pressure in
      spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - We have investigated whether the angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) receptor antagonist,
      candesartan cilexetil, has a persistent effect on blood pressure even after
      withdrawal of treatment, as has been shown consistently for angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-1). Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were
      divided into four groups (n=16 per group) and treated with candesartan cilexetil
      (high-dose: 5 mg/kg/day; middle-dose: 1 mg/kg/day; low-dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day) or
      control from age four weeks to 20 weeks. Normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY)
      were also investigated. The drug was given in the drinking water, the
      concentration adjusted for water consumption and rat weight. Blood pressure (BP)
      was measured regularly by the indirect tail-cuff method during the treatment
      period and after treatment, from age 20 weeks to 32 weeks. At age 20 weeks,
      candesartan treatment had caused a slight reduction in body weight, an increase
      in water consumption and a reduction in heart rate. During treatment, candesartan
      caused a dose-dependent reduction in BP. After withdrawal of treatment, BP
      increased but remained lower than that of untreated control SHR for the medium-
      and high-dose groups throughout the follow-up period, the reduction being 8-11%
      at the end of follow-up. At age 32 weeks, there was no significant difference
      between the three candesartan-treated groups. We conclude that treatment with the
      AT1-receptor antagonist candesartan has a modest persistent effect on BP after
      withdrawal of treatment.

PMID- 28095218
TI  - Review: Effect of combining angiotensin receptor blockers and ACE inhibitors on
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 28095220
TI  - Review: AT1-receptors in the central nervous system.

PMID- 28095219
TI  - Use of angiotensin II receptor blockers alone and in combination with other
      drugs: a large clinical experience trial.
AB  - Angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers are the newest class of
      antihypertensive drugs to be developed. No large-scale clinical trials have been
      performed to evaluate their efficacy alone, or in combination with other drugs. A
      large-scale, eight week, open-label, non-placebo-controlled, single-arm trial
      evaluated the efficacy, tolerability and dose-response of candesartan cilexetil,
      16-32 mg once-daily, either as monotherapy or as part of combination therapy, in
      a diverse hypertensive population in actual practice settings. 6465 patients with
      high blood pressure, of whom 52% were female and 16% African American, with a
      mean age of 58 years, were included. 5446 patients had essential hypertension and
      1014 patients had isolated systolic hypertension. In order to be included in this
      study, patients had either untreated or uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood
      pressure (SBP) 140-179 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 90-109 mmHg
      inclusive at baseline), despite a variety of other antihypertensive drugs. Of the
      5156 patients with essential hypertension and at least one post baseline efficacy
      measurement, the mean pretreatment blood pressure (BP) was 156/97 mmHg.
      Candesartan cilexetil monotherapy reduced mean SBP/DBP by 18.0/12.2 mmHg.
      Similarly, in the 964 patients with isolated systolic hypertension and at least
      one post baseline efficacy measurement, candesartan cilexetil monotherapy reduced
      SBP/DBP from 158/81 by 16.5/4.5 mmHg. Candesartan cilexetil was similarly
      effective when employed as add-on therapy. When added to baseline
      antihypertensive medication in 51% of the patients with essential hypertension
      not achieving BP control, additional reduction in BP was achieved regardless of
      the background therapy, including diuretics (17.8/11.7 mmHg) calcium antagonists
      (16.6/11.2 mmHg), beta-blockers (16.5/10.4 mmHg), angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors (ACE-I) (15.3/10.0 mmHg), and alpha blockers (16.4/10.4 mmHg).
      Likewise, when candesartan cilexetil was used as add-on therapy in patients with
      isolated systolic hypertension, there was a consistent further reduction of mean
      SBP/DBP, regardless of the background therapy. Moreover, these monotherapeutic or
      add-on efficacy benefits were seen regardless of age (<65 or >65 years), gender,
      or race. Despite the open-label design of the study which enhances efficacy owing
      to the placebo effect, the Ang II receptor blocker, candesartan cilexetil either
      alone, or as an add-on therapy, is highly effective for assisting in the control
      of systolic and diastolic hypertension.

PMID- 28095221
TI  - Effects of low-dose candesartan on the rate of re-endothelialisation following
      vascular wound healing.
AB  - The wound healing response of the vascular wall to injury involves re
      endothelialisation of the denuded luminal surface and thickening of the intimal
      area (intimal hyperplasia), as expressed by the intimal-to-medial area ratio
      (I/M). Candesartan, at doses of 1 mg/kg/day or higher, has been reported to
      attenuate the intimal hyperplastic response. We tested the hypothesis that
      candesartan, at doses lower than those associated with attenuation of intimal
      hyperplasia, may affect re-endothelialisation. New Zealand White rabbits were
      subjected to balloon catheter injury to the thoracic aorta. Candesartan, at doses
      of 50, 100, and 500 ug/kg/day, was delivered via an Alzet pump placed in the
      abdomen one week prior to aortic injury. There was no attenuation of the
      hyperplastic response of the aortic wall. However, at 50 ug/kg/day the rate of
      reendothelialisation was significantly increased. These data suggest that
      candesartan may exhibit pleiotropic effects on vascular wound healing, in
      addition to the well-known effect of attenuating the development of intimal
      hyperplasia.

PMID- 28095222
TI  - Improvements of renal lesions and function by angiotensin and endothelin receptor
      antagonism in nitric oxide-deficient rats.
AB  - In previous studies, we have observed that antagonism of angiotensin or
      endothelin receptors prevented the development of nephroangio- and glomerulo
      sclerosis during hypertension by inhibiting collagen I gene synthesis, through a
      mechanism independent of systemic haemodynamics. The present study investigated
      whether treatment with angiotensin or endothelin receptor antagonists, given at
      doses that did not reduce blood pressure, could produce regression of renal
      sclerotic lesions and improve renal function during hypertension. Hypertension
      and renal vascular fibrosis were induced in rats by chronic inhibition of NO
      synthesis using NGnitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Systolic blood pressure
      gradually increased following L-NAME administration, reaching a plateau of 170
      mmHg after four weeks of treatment. At the same time, urinary protein excretion
      and plasma creatinine concentration were increased ten- and three-fold compared
      with controls, respectively (p<0.001). This increase was accompanied by the
      appearance of sclerotic lesions within renal vessels and glomeruli, as evidenced
      by Masson's trichromic staining (sclerotic index 2.34+/-0.29 vs. 0.10+/-0.01 in L
      NAME four weeks and control, respectively, p<0.001). Thereafter, the L-NAME
      treatment was combined with either losartan (an AT1receptor antagonist), bosentan
      (an ETA/B antagonist), co-treatment with both agents, or vehicle for an
      additional period of four weeks. Blockade of AT1and/or ETA/B-receptors
      significantly reduced urinary protein excretion and plasma creatinine levels
      (p<0.01) and substantially improved renal vascular histology (sclerotic index
      1.78+/-0.13, 1.57+/-0.22 and 1.85+/-0.15 respectively, p<0.01, vs. L-NAME eight
      week) without altering the L-NAME-induced increase of systolic pressure. These
      data indicate that angiotensin II and endothelin-1 participate in the
      mechanism(s) of renal vascular fibrosis by increasing extracellular matrix
      formation. Treatment with their respective receptor antagonists leads to the
      regression of renal vascular fibrosis and to the improvement of renal function by
      a common antifibrogenic mechanism that is independent of systemic haemodynamics.

PMID- 28095223
TI  - Candesartan prevents L-NAME-induced cardio-renal injury in spontaneously
      hypertensive rats beyond hypotensive effects.
AB  - Our goal was to assess the cardiovascular and renal protection afforded by
      angiotensin II type 1-receptor blockade against NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester
      (L-NAME)-exacerbated hypertension in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR),
      in comparison with the antihypertensive drug, hydralazine. Male SHR were assigned
      to four groups (n=8 per group): no treatment (controls); L-NAME-treated group (20
      mg/kg/day, 10 days, orally); co-treatment with L-NAME and hydralazine (15
      mg/kg/day, by gavage); co-treatment with L-NAME and candesartan cilexetil (10
      mg/kg/day, by gavage), i.e. at a dose that inhibited acute pressor responses to 5
      20 ng angiotensin II. One animal died in the L-NAME group, and tail-cuff systolic
      blood pressure (SBP) increased significantly compared with controls to 201+/-5
      mmHg. Albumin excretion increased 235-fold in L-NAME-treated rats. Heart weight
      index averaged 3.5+/-0.1 and 3.8+/-0.1 mg/g body weight (p<0.05) in control and L
      NAME rats, respectively, indicating moderate cardiac hypertrophy induced by L
      NAME. Preglomerular vascular lesions affected 63+/-6% of interlobular arteries
      and 10+/-2% of afferent arterioles (vs. 8+/-3 and 0.8+/-0.4% in controls,
      respectively). Hydralazine and candesartan cilexetil treatment similarly reduced
      SBP to 153+/-7, and 165+/-6 mmHg, respectively. However, candesartan provided
      more protection, in terms of no significant change in albuminuria (vs. 25-fold
      increase with hydralazine), regression of cardiac hypertrophy, frequency of
      vascular lesions and histological indices of renal injury maintained within
      control values. In conclusion, candesartan cilexetil prevented L-NAME-exacerbated
      hypertension and associated cardio-renal injury in young SHR, the beneficial
      effects exceeding those of hydralazine.

PMID- 28095224
TI  - Comparison of the AT1-receptor blockers candesartan, irbesartan and losartan for
      inhibiting renal microvascular constriction.
AB  - Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptor blockers differ in their affinity
      for the AT1-receptor, suggesting a dissimilar potency for inhibiting Ang II
      induced vascular constriction. In the present study, we compared the effects of
      candesartan, irbesartan and losartan on the renal microvascular constriction to
      locally-formed Ang II, using isolated, perfused hydronephrotic rat kidneys.
      Addition of 1 nmol/L angiotensin I (Ang I, the precursor of Ang II) significantly
      reduced the diameters of interlobular arteries (ILAs; -47.6+/-2.6%), afferent
      arterioles (AAs; -43.6+/-2.3%) and efferent arterioles (EAs; -31.6+/-2.4%).
      Candesartan and irbesartan were more potent in antagonising the constriction to
      Ang I than losartan. By contrast, candesartan and irbesartan differed only
      slightly in potency. After a washing period of 60 minutes with drug-free medium,
      a second application of Ang I failed to induce vasoconstriction only in
      candesartan-treated kidneys. Pretreatment of hydronephrotic kidneys with
      candesartan, to further explore its antagonistic properties, shifted the dose
      response curves of Ang II approximately 2 log units to the right without reducing
      the maximal Ang II-induced constriction of ILAs, AAs or EAs. Additionally, dose
      response curves of Ang II were similar after short (10 minutes) and prolonged (60
      minutes) preincubation with candesartan. Our findings indicate that candesartan
      and irbesartan are more potent inhibitors of renal microvascular constriction to
      locally-formed Ang II than losartan. The inhibitory effect of candesartan is more
      prolonged, suggesting a slow dissociation from the AT1-receptor. Additionally,
      candesartan was found to block the Ang II-induced constriction of renal
      microvessels in a surmountable manner.

PMID- 28095225
TI  - Angiotensin II blockade causes acute renal failure in eNOS-deficient mice.
AB  - Compared with wild-type mice, adult endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)
      knockout mice (eight months of age) have increased blood pressure (BP) (126+/-9
      mmHg vs. 100+/-4 mmHg), and an increased renal vascular resistance (155+/-16 vs.
      65+/-4 mmHg.min/ml). Renal vascular resistance responses to i.v. administration
      of noradrenaline were markedly enhanced in eNOS knockout mice. Glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR) of anaesthetised eNOS -/- mice was 324+/-57 ul/min gKW,
      significantly lower than the GFR of 761+/-126 ul/min.gKW in wild-type mice. AT1
      receptor blockade with i.v. candesartan (1-1.5 mg/kg) reduced arterial blood
      pressure and renal vascular resistance, and increased renal blood flow (RBF) to
      about the same extent in wild-type and eNOS -/- mice. Candesartan did not alter
      GFR in wild-type mice (761+/-126 vs. 720+/-95 ul/min.gKW), but caused a marked
      decrease in GFR in eNOS -/- mice (324.5+/-75.2 vs. 77+/-18 ul/min.gKW). A similar
      reduction in GFR of eNOS deficient mice was also caused by angiotensin-converting
      enzyme (ACE) inhibition. Afferent arteriolar granularity, a measure of renal
      renin expression, was found to be reduced in eNOS -/- compared with wild-type
      mice. In chronically eNOS-deficient mice, angiotensin II (Ang II) is critical for
      maintaining glomerular filtration pressure and GFR, presumably through its effect
      on efferent arteriolar tone.

PMID- 28095226
TI  - Facilitative interaction between angiotensin II and oxidised LDL in cultured
      human coronary artery endothelial cells.
AB  - Background Several studies have shown that angiotensin II (Ang II) and oxidised
      low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) are critical factors in atherosclerosis. In this
      study, we examined the molecular basis of mutually facilitative interactions
      between Ang II and ox-LDL in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs).
      Methods and results We observed that incubation of cultured HCAECs with Ang II
      (10-12 to 10-6 M) for 24 hours caused a concentration-dependent increase in the
      expression of mRNA and protein of a specialised receptor for ox-LDL (LOX-1).
      These effects of Ang II were completely blocked by pretreatment of HCAECs with
      candesartan (10-6 M), a specific AT1-receptor blocker, but not by PD 123319 (10-6
      M), a specific AT2-receptor blocker. On the other hand, incubation of HCAECs with
      ox-LDL (10 and 40 ug/ml) for 24 hours progressively upregulated AT1-, but not AT
      2-, receptor mRNA and protein. Pretreatment of cells with the anti-oxidant alpha
      tocopherol (1-5 x 10-6 M) inhibited the upregulation of AT1-receptor expression
      induced by ox-LDL (p<0.05). To determine the significance of expression of AT1
      receptors and LOX-1, we measured cell injury in response to Ang II and ox-LDL.
      Incubation of cells with both ox-LDL and Ang II synergistically increased cell
      injury, measured as cell viability and LDH release, compared with either ox-LDL
      or Ang II alone (both p<0.05). Alpha-tocopherol, as well as candesartan,
      attenuated cell injury in response to Ang II and ox-LDL (both p<0.05).
      Conclusions These observations show that Ang II upregulates a novel endothelial
      receptor for ox-LDL (LOX-1) gene expression and ox-LDL in turn upregulates Ang II
      AT 1receptor gene expression. This interaction between Ang II and ox-LDL further
      augments cell injury in HCAECs. These findings provide basis for the use of AT1
      receptor blockers and anti-oxidants in designing therapy for atherosclerosis and
      myocardial ischaemia.

PMID- 28095227
TI  - The effect of high-dose angiotensin II receptor blockade beyond maximal
      recommended doses in reducing urinary protein excretion.
AB  - The optimal doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and/or
      angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for maximal reduction in urinary protein
      excretion are not known. Moreover, beneficial effects from ARBs, such as tissue
      protection owing to a more complete blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
      system (RAAS), may be independent of blood pressure-lowering by ARBs. In this
      investigation, we evaluated whether increasing the dose of candesartan cilexetil,
      in subjects already on the maximally-recommended FDA doses of 32 mg, would induce
      a further reduction in 24-hour urinary protein excretion in patients with heavy
      proteinuria (urinary protein excretion >1.5 g/day; mean 4.4+/-2 g/day). Ten
      patients were started on 16 or 32 mg of candesartan cilexetil daily. After 1-2
      months of therapy, the dose was titrated upwards to 96 mg. In all subjects, there
      were further reductions in 24-hour urinary protein excretion when the dose was
      increased beyond the recommended 32 mg maximal dose. Increasing the dose of
      candesartan cilexetil to 96 mg was safe, as most subjects showed no changes in
      serum potassium and, as expected, only a slight increase (0.5-0.7 mg/dl) in serum
      creatinine. These data warrant further investigation, since some subjects may
      require higher doses of candesartan to achieve optimal regression of proteinuria.

PMID- 28095228
TI  - Prevention of atherosclerosis by specific AT1-receptor blockade with candesartan
      cilexetil.
AB  - Several studies indicate that blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
      system (RAAS) can prevent atherosclerosis and vascular events, but the precise
      mechanisms involved are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect
      of the AT 1-receptor blocker, candesartan, in the prevention of atherosclerosis
      in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidaemic (WHHL) rabbits and also the effect of AT1
      receptor blockade in the uptake of oxidised LDL by macrophage cell cultures. In
      the first set of experiments, 12 WHHL rabbits were randomly assigned to three
      groups: placebo, atenolol 5 mg/kg daily or candesartan 2 mg/kg daily for six
      months. Compared with controls and atenolol-treated rabbits, candesartan
      treatment resulted in a significant 50-60% reduction of atherosclerotic plaque
      formation and a 66% reduction in cholesterol accumulation in the thoracic aorta.
      Studies in macrophage cultures indicated that candesartan prevented uptake of
      oxidised LDL-(oxLDL)-cholesterol by cultured macrophages. Candesartan inhibited
      the uptake of oxLDL in a dose-dependent manner, reaching a maximum inhibition of
      70% at concentrations of 5.6 ug/ml. Further studies in other animal models and
      well-designed trials in humans are warranted to further explore the role of AT1
      receptor blockade in the prevention of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28095229
TI  - Blockade of angiotensin AT1-receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of
      spontaneously hypertensive rats reduces blood pressure and sympathetic nerve
      discharge.
AB  - Microinjections of angiotensin II (Ang II) into the rostral ventrolateral medulla
      (RVLM) induce a sympathetically-mediated increase in blood pressure (BP), through
      an interaction with AT1-receptors. Under basal conditions in anaesthetised
      animals, microinjections of AT 1-receptor antagonists into the RVLM have little,
      or no effect on BP, suggesting that the angiotensin input to this nucleus is not
      tonically active. In contrast, microinjections of AT1-receptor antagonists into
      the RVLM of sodium-deplete rats and TGR(mRen2)27 rats, induce a depressor
      response through sympatho-inhibition. This indicates that when the renin
      angiotensin system is activated, angiotensin can act in the RVLM to support
      sympathetic nerve discharge and BP. This study examined whether angiotensin
      inputs to the RVLM are activated in the spontaneously hypertensive rat - a
      pathophysiological model which displays increases in both brain angiotensin
      levels and sympathetic nerve activity. Bilateral microinjections of the AT 1
      receptor antagonist candesartan cilexetil, (1 nmol in 100 nl), into the RVLM of
      the spontaneously hypertensive rat induced a significant decrease in lumbar
      sympathetic nerve discharge (-18+/-2%) and BP (140+/-6 to 115+/-6 mmHg). In
      contrast, similar microinjections in the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat had no effect on
      BP or sympathetic nerve discharge. These results are interpreted to suggest that
      Ang II inputs to the RVLM are activated in the spontaneously hypertensive rat to
      maintain an elevated level of sympathetic nerve discharge, even in the face of
      increased BP.

PMID- 28095230
TI  - Development of salt-sensitive hypertension in a sensory denervated model: the
      underlying mechanisms.
AB  - We use a novel salt-sensitive hypertensive model recently developed in our
      laboratory. This model shows that neonatal degeneration of capsaicin-sensitive
      sensory nerves renders a rat responsive to a salt load with a significant rise in
      blood pressure (BP). To test the hypothesis that development of salt-sensitive
      hypertension in sensory denervated rats is mediated by abnormal regulation of
      both circulating and tissue renin-angiotensin systems (RAS), neonatal Wistar rats
      were given capsaicin, 50 mg/kg s.c., on the first and second days of life.
      Control rats were treated with vehicle solution. After the weaning period, male
      rats were divided into four groups and subjected to the following treatments for
      three weeks: control + high sodium diet (4%, CON-HS), capsaicin pretreatment +
      normal sodium diet (0.5%, CAP-NS), capsaicin pretreatment + high sodium diet (CAP
      HS), and capsaicin pretreatment + high sodium diet + candesartan cilexetil (10
      mg/kg/per day, CAP-HS-CAN). Radioimmunoassay shows that plasma renin activity
      (ng/ml/hr, PRA) was higher in CAP-NS (2.58+/-0.17) than in CON-HS (0.14+/-0.03)
      and CAP-HS (0.74+/-0.15), and it was higher in CAP-HS than in CON-HS (p<0.05).
      Western blot analysis shows that expression of the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1
      (AT1) receptor in both the renal cortex and outer medulla was higher in CAP-HS
      than in CON-HS and CAP-NS rats (p<0.05). Expression of the Ang II type 2 (AT2)
      receptor in the renal cortex was higher in both CAP-HS and CAP-NS than in CON-HS
      rats (p<0.05), but there was no difference in AT2-receptor expression in the
      renal medulla between CAP-HS, CAP-NS, and CON-HS rats. Likewise, there was no
      difference in AT1-receptor expression in mesenteric resistance arteries between
      CAP-HS, CAP-NS, and CON-HS rats. In contrast, mesenteric AT2-receptor expression
      was lower in CAP-HS than in CAP-NS and CON-HS rats (p<0.05). Tail-cuff systolic
      BP (mmHg) shows that blockade of the AT1-receptor with candesartan prevents the
      development of hypertension in CAP-HS rats (by the end of the experiment, CON-HS,
      122+/-3; CAP-NS, 118+/-10; CAP-HS, 169+/-9; CAP-HS-CAN, 129+/-2, p<0.05). Thus,
      both circulating and tissue RAS in sensory-denervated rats are abnormally
      regulated in response to a high-salt intake, which may contribute to increased
      salt sensitivity and account for the effectiveness of candesartan in lowering BP
      in this model.

PMID- 28095231
TI  - The renin-angiotensin system in obesity hypertension.

PMID- 28095232
TI  - Does protein binding modulate the effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists?
AB  - Introduction Angiotensin II AT 1-receptor antagonists are highly bound to plasma
      proteins (>= 99%). With some antagonists, such as DuP-532, the protein binding
      was such that no efficacy of the drug could be demonstrated clinically. Whether
      protein binding interferes with the efficacy of other antagonists is not known.
      We have therefore investigated in vitro how plasma proteins may affect the
      antagonistic effect of different AT1-receptor antagonists. Methods A radio
      receptor binding assay was used to analyse the interaction between proteins and
      the ability of various angiotensin II (Ang II) antagonists to block AT1
      receptors. In addition, the Biacore technology, a new technique which enables the
      real-time monitoring of binding events between two molecules, was used to
      evaluate the dissociation rate constants of five AT1-receptor antagonists from
      human serum albumin. Results The in vitro AT 1-antagonistic effects of different
      Ang II receptor antagonists were differentially affected by the presence of human
      plasma, with rightward shifts of the IC50 ranging from one to several orders of
      magnitude. The importance of the shift correlates with the dissociation rate
      constants of these drugs from albumin. Our experiments also show that the way
      that AT1-receptor antagonists bind to proteins differs from one compound to
      another. These results suggest that the interaction with plasma proteins appears
      to modulate the efficacy of some Ang II antagonists. Conclusion Although the high
      binding level of Ang II receptor antagonist to plasma proteins appears to be a
      feature common to this class of compounds, the kinetics and characteristics of
      this binding is of great importance. With some antagonists, protein binding
      interferes markedly with their efficacy to block AT1-receptors.

PMID- 28095233
TI  - Characterisation of angiotensin II receptors in isolated human subcutaneous
      resistance arteries.
AB  - Subcutaneous arteries have been used as a model for resistance arteries, which
      are potentially involved in enhanced blood pressure (BP) regulation in man.
      Angiotensin II (Ang II) is an important regulator of tone, acting via type 1 (AT1
      ) and type 2 (AT2-) receptor subtypes. The aim of this study was to characterise
      the Ang II receptors in isolated human subcutaneous arteries, using
      pharmacological and molecular methods. Subcutaneous arteries were obtained from
      patients undergoing elective gut surgery and were carefully dissected from the
      abdominal wall. Cylindrical segments were mounted on two L-shaped metal prongs,
      one of which was connected to a force-displacement transducer for continuous
      recording of isometric tension. Concentration-response curves to Ang II were
      constructed in the presence and absence of various selective AT1-receptor
      antagonists, candesartan, EXP3174, irbesartan and losartan, and the AT2-receptor
      antagonist, PD 123319. Responses to Ang II were measured as increases in force
      (mN) and expressed as a percentage of the response to 60 mM of KCl. Ang II caused
      a concentration-dependent contraction (pEC50=9.45+/-0.48, Emax=120+/-13%).
      Candesartan and EXP3174 caused concentration-dependent depression of the Emax of
      Ang II without any major shift of pEC50. Losartan and irbesartan caused a
      significant, dose-dependent rightward shift of the Ang II contraction-response
      curve in human subcutaneous arteries. The results show that contractile responses
      of human subcutaneous arteries are mediated via the AT1-receptor. The AT1
      receptor antagonists, candesartan and EXP3174, acted in an insurmountable manner,
      while losartan and irbesartan were surmountable AT1-receptor antagonists. The AT2
      receptor antagonist, PD 123319, (10, 100 nM) had no effect on Ang II-induced
      contraction. This is supported by the positive identification of mRNA for the
      human AT 1-receptor by RT-PCR.

PMID- 28095234
TI  - Review: Lessons on renal function from transgenic mice lacking different
      angiotensin II receptors.

PMID- 28095235
TI  - Role of basic amino acids of the human angiotensin type 1 receptor in the binding
      of the non-peptide antagonist candesartan.
AB  - To explain the insurmountable/long-lasting binding of biphenyltetrazole
      containing AT1-receptor antagonists such as candesartan, to the human angiotensin
      II type 1-receptor, a model is proposed in which the basic amino acids Lys199 and
      Arg 167 of the receptor interact respectively with the carboxylate and the
      tetrazole group of the antagonists. To validate this model, we have investigated
      the impact of substitution of Lys199 by Ala or Gln and of Arg167 by Ala on the
      binding properties of [3H]candesartan and on competition binding by candesartan,
      EXP3174, irbesartan, losartan, angiotensin II (Ang II) and [Sar1
      Ile8]angiotensin. Our results indicate that both amino acids play an important
      role in the AT1-receptor ligand binding. Whereas the negative charge of Lys 199
      is involved in an ionic bond with the end-standing carboxylate group of the
      peptide ligands, its polarity also contributes to the non-peptide antagonist
      binding. Substitution of Arg167 by Ala completely abolished [3H]Ang II, as well
      as [3H] candesartan, binding. Whereas these results are in line with the proposed
      model, it cannot be excluded that both amino acid residues are important for the
      structural integrity of the AT1-receptor with respect to its ligand binding
      properties.

PMID- 28095236
TI  - Analysis of responses to angiotensin II in the mouse.
AB  - Responses to angiotensin II (Ang II) were investigated in anaesthetised CD1 mice.
      Injections of Ang II caused dose-related increases in systemic arterial pressure
      that were antagonised by candesartan. Responses to Ang II were not altered by PD
      123319. At the lowest dose studied (20 ug/kg i.v.), the inhibitory effects of
      candesartan were competitive, whereas at the highest dose (100 ug/kg i.v.), the
      dose-response curve for Ang II was shifted to the right in a non-parallel manner.
      The inhibitory effects of candesartan were selective and were similar in animals
      pretreated with enalaprilat to reduce endogenous Ang II production. Pressor
      responses to Ang II were not altered by propranolol, phentolamine or atropine,
      but were enhanced by hexamethonium. Increases in total peripheral resistance were
      inhibited by the AT1-receptor antagonist (ARB) but were not altered by AT2
      receptor, alpha- or beta-receptor antagonists. These results suggest that pressor
      responses to Ang II are mediated by AT 1-receptors, are buffered by the
      baroreceptors, are not modulated by effects on AT2receptors, and that activation
      of the sympathetic nervous system plays little role in mediating rapid
      haemodynamic responses to the peptide in anaesthetised mice.

PMID- 28095237
TI  - Candesartan abrogates G protein-coupled receptors agonist-induced MAPK activation
      and cardiac myocyte hypertrophy.
AB  - The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has been identified as a major
      contributor to the development of cardiac hypertrophy and the subsequent
      transition to heart failure. G protein-coupled receptors agonists such as
      angiotensin II (Ang II), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and phenylephrine (PE) have been
      implicated in hypertrophic responses in ventricular myocytes through the
      activation of several families of MAP kinases. In this study we examined the
      effect of candesartan, an Ang II type 1-(AT1)-receptor antagonist, on cardiac
      hypertrophy by using cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Stimulation with Ang
      II (100 nM), ET-1 (100 nM) or PE (1 uM) induced marked increases in [3H]Leucine
      incorporation (>= 50%), compatible with enhanced protein synthesis. The addition
      of candesartan abrogated the increase in [3H]Leucine incorporation in response
      not only to Ang II but also to ET-1 and PE. To elucidate the mechanisms involved
      in this antihypertrophic effect of candesartan, we studied the activation of p38
      MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and stress-activated
      protein kinases (SAPKs). Ang II, ET-1 and PE increased the phosphorylation levels
      of ERK1/2, p54 SAPK and p46SAPK and p38 in a time-dependent manner. This
      activation was completely blocked in the case of Ang II by pretreatment with
      candesartan. ET-1-induced activation of ERKs, SAPKs and p38 was also partially,
      but significantly, reduced by candesartan. PE-induced activation of SAPKs, but
      not ERKs and p38, was also reduced by candesartan. These results suggest that the
      hypertrophic response to ET-1 and PE, along with Ang II, is dependent upon a
      functioning AT1-receptor and may be mediated by AT 1 activation of the MAP
      kinases.

PMID- 28095238
TI  - Cardioprotective effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade with
      candesartan after reperfused myocardial infarction: role of angiotensin II type 2
      receptor.
AB  - To determine whether angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 (AT2)-receptor activation
      associated with cardioprotection induced by Ang II type 1 (AT1)-receptor blockade
      during ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) might be reflected in increased AT 2-receptor,
      IP3-(1,4,5- inositol trisphosphate type 2) receptor and PKC-epsilon (protein
      kinase C-epsilon) proteins and tissue cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), we
      measured in vivo left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and
      remodelling (echocardiogram/Doppler) and haemodynamics, and ex vivo infarct size,
      AT1-/AT 2receptor, IP3-receptor and PKC-epsilon proteins (immunoblots) and cGMP
      (enzyme immunoassay) in dogs with reperfused anterior acute myocardial infarction
      (MI) (90-minute ischaemia, 120-minute reperfusion). Compared with controls (C,
      n=6) in vivo, candesartan (1 mg/kg i.v. over 30-minute pre-ischaemia, n=6)
      effectively inhibited the Ang II pressor response (Delta%, -14+/-22% vs. -80+/
      11, p<0.003) and decreased preload (122+/-35 vs. -2+/-16%, p<0.01), improved LV
      systolic ejection fraction (-29+/-4 vs. -11+/-5, p<0.03) and diastolic function
      (E/A ratio, -25+/-7 vs. 33+/-13, p<0.004), decreased the extent of LV asynergy
      (26+/-20 vs. -31+/-10% LV, p<0.05) and limited acute LV remodelling (expansion
      index 19+/-6 vs. -3+/-5, p<0.05; thinning ratio -22+/-2 vs. -4+/-2, p<0.0003). Ex
      vivo, candesartan decreased infarct size (55+/-2 vs. 27+/-2% risk, p<0.001) and
      increased infarct zone (IZ) AT2 -receptor protein by 8-fold (but not AT1-receptor
      protein), IP3-receptor protein by 12-fold, PKC-epsilon protein by 5-fold and cGMP
      by 40%. Cardioprotective effects of AT1-receptor blockade on acute IR injury, LV
      function, and remodelling may also involve AT 2-receptor activation and
      downstream signalling via IP3-receptor, PKC-epsilon and cGMP.

PMID- 28095239
TI  - Evidence for a cyclic AMP-dependent pathway in angiotensin AT1-receptor
      activation of human omental arteries.
AB  - Enhanced responses to vasoconstriction induced by neuropeptide Y and alpha2
      adrenoceptor agonists have been seen following pharmacological activation of the
      adenylyl cyclase (AC) system. Since preliminary studies revealed only minor
      responses to angiotensin II (Ang II) in human omental arteries, we have
      investigated whether enhanced activity of AC may unravel further functional Ang
      II receptors. Human omental arteries were obtained in conjunction with elective
      gut surgery. After dissection of the vessel, the endothelium was removed by 10
      sec of Triton X-100 treatment. Ring segments (1-2 mm long) were mounted on a
      myograph and studied. Ang II produced small contractions, 27+/-5% relative to the
      response elicited by 60 mM K+. However, enhanced Ang II (105+/-10%, p<0.001)
      responses were seen during AC activation by forskolin (0.1-1 uM). This enhanced
      contractile response to Ang II was not inhibited by the angiotensin II type 2
      (AT2-receptor antagonist PD 123319 (0.1 uM), but was blocked in an insurmountable
      way by the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1)-receptor antagonist candesartan (1 nM) and
      in a surmountable manner by losartan (0.1 uM) and irbesartan (0.1 uM). Pertussis
      toxin (a Gi-protein blocker) and the protein kinase C inhibitor, RO31-8220 (0.01,
      0.1 and 1 uM), markedly reduced this response, while the protein kinase A
      inhibitor, H89 (1, 10 uM), had no effect. RT-PCR provided evidence for the
      presence of mRNA for both AT1- and AT2-receptors. The results suggest that both a
      cAMP-dependent and a cAMP-independent mechanism are involved in the contractile
      responses to Ang II in human omental arteries and that both responses are
      mediated via the AT1-receptor.

PMID- 28095240
TI  - Reversal of cardiovascular remodelling with candesartan.
AB  - Cardiovascular remodelling, defined as ventricular and vascular hypertrophy
      together with fibrosis, characterises hypertension following inhibition of the
      production of the endogenous vasodilator, nitric oxide (NO). This study has
      determined whether the cardiovascular remodelling following chronic NO synthase
      inhibition can be reversed by administration of the selective angiotensin II AT1
      receptor antagonist, candesartan. Male Wistar rats were treated with L
      nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 400 mg/l in drinking water) for eight weeks
      and with candesartan cilexetil (2 mg/kg/day by oral gavage) for the last four
      weeks. L-NAME-treated rats became hypertensive with systolic blood pressure
      increasing from 110+/-4 mmHg (control) to 170+/-10 mmHg. Rats developed left
      ventricular hypertrophy (control 1.70+/-0.06; L-NAME 2.10+/-0.04 mg/kg body wt)
      with markedly increased deposition of perivascular and interstitial collagen.
      Candesartan returned blood pressure, left ventricular weights and collagen
      deposition to control values. Echocardiographic assessment showed concentric
      hypertrophy with an increased fractional shortening; this was reversed by
      candesartan treatment. Heart failure was not evident. In the isolated Langendorff
      heart, diastolic stiffness increased in L-NAME-treated rats while the rate of
      increase in pressure (+dP/dt) increased after eight weeks only; candesartan
      reduced collagen deposition and normalised +dP/dt. In isolated left ventricular
      papillary muscles, the potency (negative log EC50) of noradrenaline as a positive
      inotropic compound was unchanged, (control 6.56+/-0.14); maximal increase in
      force before ectopic beats was reduced from 5.0+/-0.4 mN to 2.0+/-0.2 mN.
      Noradrenaline potency as a vasoconstrictor in thoracic aortic rings was
      unchanged, but maximal contraction was markedly reduced from 25.2+/-2.0 mN to
      3.0+/-0.3 mN; this was partially reversed by candesartan treatment. Thus, chronic
      inhibition of NO production with L-NAME induces hypertension, hypertrophy and
      fibrosis with increased toxicity and significant decreases in vascular responses
      to noradrenaline. These changes were at least partially reversible by treatment
      with candesartan, implying a significant role of AT1-receptors in L-NAME-induced
      cardiovascular changes.

PMID- 28095241
TI  - Review: Gene targeting studies of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors.

PMID- 28095242
TI  - Regression of cardiac hypertrophy in the SHR by combined renin-angiotensin system
      blockade and dietary sodium restriction.
AB  - Altered operation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and dietary
      sodium intake have been identified as independent risk factors for cardiac
      hypertrophy. The way in which sodium intake and the operation of the renin
      angiotensin-aldosterone system interact in the pathogenesis of cardiac
      hypertrophy is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to investigate the
      cardiac effects of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade in the
      spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), using co-treatment with an angiotensin II
      receptor blocker (ARB) and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor with
      different sodium intakes. Our experiments with SHR show that, at high levels of
      sodium intake (4.0%), aggressive RAS blockade treatment with candesartan (3
      mg/kg) and perindopril (6 mg/kg) does not result in regression of cardiac
      hypertrophy. In contrast, RAS blockade coupled with reduced sodium diet (0.2%)
      significantly regresses cardiac hypertrophy, impairs animal growth and is
      associated with elevated plasma renin and dramatically suppressed plasma
      angiotensinogen levels. Histological analyses indicate that the differential
      effect of reduced sodium on heart growth during RAS blockade is not associated
      with any change in myocardial interstitial collagen, but reflects modification of
      cellular geometry. Dimensional measurements of enzymatically-isolated ventricular
      myocytes show that, in the RAS blocked, reduced sodium group, myocyte length and
      width were decreased by about 16-19% compared with myocytes from the high sodium
      treatment group. Our findings highlight the importance of 'titrating' sodium
      intake with combined RAS blockade in the clinical setting to optimise therapeutic
      benefit.

PMID- 28095243
TI  - Review: Promise of prevention and reversal of target organ involvement in
      hypertension.

PMID- 28095244
TI  - Candesartan decreases the sympatho-adrenal and hormonal response to isolation
      stress.
AB  - A change from group housing to isolation in unfamiliar metabolic cages
      represents, for rodents, a significant emotional stress. We studied the effect of
      candesartan, a peripheral and central angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonist, on
      the hormonal and sympathetic response to acute isolation. We pretreated rats with
      1 mg/kg/day candesartan for 13 days via subcutaneously implanted osmotic
      minipumps, followed by 24-hour isolation in individual metabolic cages. We
      measured brain, pituitary and adrenal angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor binding by
      quantitative autoradiography and adrenal hormones and catecholamines by RIA and
      HPLC. Isolation increased adrenal catecholamines, aldosterone and corticosterone,
      AT1-receptor binding in the zona glomerulosa and AT2-receptor binding in the
      adrenal medulla. Candesartan pretreatment decreased adrenal catecholamines,
      aldosterone and corticosterone, AT1-receptor binding in adrenal zona glomerulosa
      and medulla, pituitary gland and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, and
      AT2-receptor binding in adrenal medulla, but increased AT2-receptor binding in
      zona glomerulosa. We conclude that peripheral and central AT1-receptor blockade
      with candesartan decreases the sympatho-adrenal and hormonal response to acute
      stress. Our results indicate that Ang II is an important stress hormone and
      suggest that blockade of the physiologically active AT 1-receptors could
      influence stress-related disorders.

PMID- 28095245
TI  - Distinctions between non-peptide angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonists.
AB  - A far-reaching understanding of the molecular action mechanism of AT1-receptor
      antagonists (AIIAs) was obtained by using CHO cells expressing transfected human
      AT 1-receptors. In this model, direct [3H]-antagonist binding and inhibition of
      agonist-induced responses (inositol phosphate accumulation) can be measured under
      identical experimental conditions. Whereas preincubation with a surmountable AIIA
      (losartan) causes parallel shifts of the angiotensin II (Ang II) concentration
      response curve, insurmountable antagonists also cause partial (i.e., 30% for
      irbesartan, 50% for valsartan, 70% for EXP3174,) to almost complete (95% for
      candesartan) reductions of the maximal response. The main conclusions are that
      all investigated antagonists are competitive with respect to Ang II. They bind to
      a common or overlapping site on the receptor in a mutually exclusive way.
      Insurmountable inhibition is related to the slow dissociation rate of the
      antagonist-receptor complex (t 1/2 of 7 minutes for irbesartan, 17 minutes for
      valsartan, 30 minutes for EXP3174 and 120 minutes for candesartan). Antagonist
      bound AT1-receptors can adopt a fast and a slow reversible state. This is
      responsible for the partial nature of the insurmountable inhibition. The long
      lasting effect of candesartan, the active metabolite of candesartan cilexetil, in
      vascular smooth muscle contraction studies, as well as in in vivo experiments on
      rat and in clinical studies, is compatible with its slow dissociation from, and
      continuous recycling between AT1-receptors. This recycling, or 'rebinding' takes
      place because of the very high affinity of candesartan for the AT1-receptor.

PMID- 28095246
TI  - Review: Structural requirements for signalling and regulation of AT1-receptors.

PMID- 28095247
TI  - Review: AT 1-receptor blockade in experimental myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion.

PMID- 28095248
TI  - The role of angiotensin II and TGF-beta on the progression of chronic allograft
      nephropathy.
AB  - Chronic allograft nephropathy is the most prevalent cause of graft dysfunction
      and failure. Its pathogenesis and treatment remains poorly defined. The
      calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine and tacrolimus, may play a role in the
      progressive loss of renal function in patients with chronic allograft
      nephropathy. This effect may be either related to the direct stimulation of
      profibrogenic cytokines such as transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) or indirect
      mechanisms, through increases in blood pressure or alterations in either
      carbohydrate or lipid metabolism. Experimental studies have demonstrated that
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin II receptor
      blockers (ARBs) can attenuate cyclosporine-mediated increases in TGF-beta
      production in renal tissue. Clinical studies have demonstrated that either
      cyclosporine or tacrolimus dose reduction may help reduce the rate of loss of
      renal function in patients with chronic allograft nephropathy. Moreover, other
      studies have demonstrated that a chronic reduction in the dose of cyclosporine in
      transplant patients can reduce serum TGF-beta levels. Treatment with an ARB can
      normalise the plasma levels of TGF-beta in renal transplant patients receiving
      cyclosporine. All these observations suggest that there may be a role of
      cyclosporine, and possibly tacrolimus, in worsening chronic allograft nephropathy
      through their effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and TGF
      beta production.

PMID- 28095249
TI  - Relative antihypertensive and glomeruloprotective efficacies of enalapril and
      candesartan cilexetil in the remnant kidney model.
AB  - The present studies were performed to investigate whether the differences
      described between the two modalities for interruption of the renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system (RAAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and
      angiotensin AT 1receptor antagonists (AIIA) result in differences in
      renoprotective efficacy in the rat remnant kidney model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats
      with an initial body weight of 225-300 g, underwent 5/6 renal ablation and had
      radiotransmitters installed for radiotelemetric blood pressure (BP) measurements,
      owing to the known limitations of periodic tail-cuff BP measurements to
      adequately reflect ambient BP profiles. After renal ablation surgery, the rats
      received no treatment (n=10); enalapril (n=11) or candesartan (n=9) after the
      first week, both administered initially at a dose of 50 mg/l of drinking water
      (~10 mg/kg). However, the dose of candesartan had to be reduced to 10-25 mg/l in
      4/9 rats to avoid excessive hypotension. Both enalapril and candesartan produced
      significant reductions in average systolic BP during the subsequent approximately
      six weeks of observations as compared with untreated rats (187+/-4 mmHg,
      p<0.001), but candesartan was significantly more effective at these relative
      doses (121+/-3 vs. 133+/-4 mmHg, p<0.05). At approximately seven weeks, serum
      creatinine and proteinuria were measured before sacrifice for morphologic
      assessment of percentage glomerulosclerosis (GS). Despite the described
      differences between ACE-I and AIIA after acute administration, the percentage GS
      was reduced similarly by enalapril (down to 6.8+/-2.8%) and candesartan (down to
      2.9+/-1.5%) as compared with untreated rats (37.2+/-4.3%). Moreover, GS in
      individual animals paralleled the BP reductions achieved. Proteinuria was reduced
      in parallel to the decrease in % GS. These data indicate that, at least in the
      5/6 renal ablation model, RAAS blockade by either ACE-I or AIIA provides
      protection by BPdependent rather than BP-independent mechanisms. This may reflect
      the primarily hypertensive pathogenesis of GS in this model, and the fact that
      hypertension is also very angiotensin II-dependent in this model. Thus, these
      data suggest that models other than the 5/6 ablation model may be more
      appropriate to demonstrate the BP-independent protective effects of RAAS
      blockade.

PMID- 28095250
TI  - Review: Interaction among angiotensin II, nitric oxide and oxidative stress.

PMID- 28095251
TI  - Improvement of endothelial dysfunction in experimental heart failure by chronic
      RAAS-blockade: ACE-inhibition or AT1-receptor blockade?
AB  - Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with endothelial dysfunction.
      Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is believed to be
      important in the deterioration of endothelial dysfunction in CHF through
      stimulation of oxidative stress. Whereas angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
      (ACE-I) improve endothelial function in CHF, the effects of angiotensin II AT1
      receptor blockers (ARB) are less well established. Therefore we compared the
      effects of the ACE-I lisinopril vs. the ARB candesartan on endothelial
      dysfunction in a rat model of CHF. CHF was induced by myocardial infarction (MI)
      after coronary ligation. Two weeks after MI, daily treatment with lisinopril (2
      mg/kg) or candesartan cilexetil (1.5 mg/kg) was started. After 13 weeks, rats
      were sacrificed and endothelial function was determined by measuring
      acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasodilation in aortic rings, with selective presence
      of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) to
      determine the contribution of nitric oxide (NO). ACh-induced vasodilation was
      attenuated in untreated MI (-50%) compared with control rats. This was in part
      due to an impaired contribution of NO (-49%). Lisinopril and candesartan
      cilexetil fully normalised ACh-induced dilation, including the part mediated by
      NO. Chronic RAAS-blockade with lisinopril and candesartan cilexetil normalised
      endothelial function in CHF in a comparable way. The effect of both treatments
      included the increase of the NO-mediated dilation, further indicating the
      important role of oxidative stress in the relationship between the RAAS and
      endothelial dysfunction in CHF.

PMID- 28095252
TI  - Review: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, blockade and diabetic
      nephropathy.

PMID- 28095253
TI  - Lichen microalgae are sensitive to environmental concentrations of atrazine.
AB  - The identification of new organisms for environmental toxicology bioassays is
      currently a priority, since these tools are strongly limited by the ecological
      relevance of taxa used to study global change. Lichens are sensitive
      bioindicators of air quality and their microalgae are an untapped source for new
      low-cost miniaturized bioassays with ecological importance. In order to increase
      the availability of a wider range of taxa for bioassays, the sensitivity of two
      symbiotic lichen microalgae, Asterochloris erici and Trebouxia sp. TR9, to
      atrazine was evaluated. To achieve this goal, axenic cultures of these
      phycobionts in suspension were exposed to a range of environmental concentrations
      of the herbicide atrazine, a common water pollutant. Optical density and
      chlorophyll autofluorescence were used as endpoints of ecotoxicity and
      ecophysiology on cell suspensions. Results show that lichen microalgae show high
      sensitivity to very low doses of atrazine, being higher in Asterochloris erici
      than in Trebouxia sp. TR9. We conclude that environmental concentrations of
      atrazine could modify population dynamics probably through a shift in
      reproduction strategies of these organisms. This seminal work is a breakthrough
      in the use of lichen microalgae in the assessment of micropollution effects on
      biodiversity.

PMID- 28095254
TI  - Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy does not increase the risk for
      adverse birth outcomes.
AB  - Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy is a potential risk factor for
      various birth complications. This study aimed to explore psychological factors
      associated with adverse birth outcomes. Symptoms of psychological distress,
      individual characteristics, and medical complications were assessed at two time
      points antenatally in 285 women from Australia and New Zealand; birth outcomes
      were assessed postpartum, between January 2014 and September 2015. Hierarchical
      multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relation of
      psychological distress to adverse birth outcomes. Medical complications during
      pregnancy, such as serious infections, placental problems and preeclampsia, and
      antenatal cannabis use, were the factors most strongly associated with adverse
      birth outcomes, accounting for 22 percent of the total variance (p < .001).
      Symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, low social support, and low sense of
      coherence were not associated with birth complications. In unadjusted analyses,
      self-reported diagnosis of anxiety disorder during pregnancy and an orientation
      toward a Regulator mothering style were associated with adverse birth outcomes;
      however, after controlling for medical complications, these were no longer
      associated. Our study results indicate that antenatal depressive and/or anxiety
      symptoms were not independently associated with adverse birth outcomes, a
      reassuring finding for women who are already psychologically vulnerable during
      pregnancy.

PMID- 28095255
TI  - Effect of heroin use on changes of brain functions as measured by functional
      magnetic resonance imaging, a systematic review.
AB  - In this study the authors focus on reviewing imaging studies that used resting
      state functional magnetic resonance imaging for individuals with a history of
      heroin use. This review study compiled existing research addressing the effect of
      heroin use on decision making by reviewing available functional neuroimaging
      data. Systematic review of the literatures using the Preferred Reporting Items
      for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Eligible articles were
      retrieved through a computer-based MEDLINE and PsycINFO search from 1960 to
      December 2015 using the major medical subject headings "heroin, fMRI" (all
      fields). Only English language was included. Thirty-seven articles were initially
      included in the review. Sixteen were excluded because they did not meet the
      inclusion criteria. The results of 21 articles that met all the inclusion
      criteria were presented. Based on the 21 studies included in the current review,
      there is evidence that heroin use may have a direct and damaging effect on
      certain brain functions and that these changes may be associated with impulsive
      and unhealthy decision making. From the review of these studies, the authors
      understand that a longer duration of heroin use may be associated with more
      damaging effects on brain functions. The authors also understand that these brain
      changes could last long after abstinence, which may increase the risk of relapse
      to heroin use. More research is needed to create a biomarker map for patients
      with heroin use disorder that can be used to guide and assess response to
      treatment.

PMID- 28095256
TI  - Evaluation of a Psychomotor Vigilance Task for Touch Screen Devices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our goals were to compare three techniques for performing a
      psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) on a touch screen device (fifth-generation iPod)
      and to determine the device latency. BACKGROUND: The PVT is a reaction-time test
      that is sensitive to sleep loss and circadian misalignment. Several PVT tests
      have been developed for touch screen devices, but unlike the standard PVT
      developed for laboratory use, these tests allow for touch responses to be
      recorded at any location on the device, with contact from any finger. In
      addition, touch screen devices exhibit latency in processing time between the
      touch response and the time registered by the device. METHOD: Thirteen
      participants completed a 5-min PVT on a touch screen device held in three
      positions (on a table with index finger, handheld portrait with index finger,
      handheld landscape with thumb). We compared reaction-time outcomes in each
      orientation condition using paired t tests. We recorded the first session using a
      high-speed video camera to determine the latency between the touch response and
      the documented response time. RESULTS: The participants had significantly faster
      reaction times in the landscape-oriented position using the thumb, compared with
      the portrait-oriented position using the index ( M = 224.13 and M = 244.26, p =
      .045). Using data from 1,241 unique touch events, we found a mean device latency
      of 68.53 ms that varied highly between individuals. CONCLUSION: Device
      orientation and device latency should be considered when using a touch screen
      version of a PVT. APPLICATION: Our findings apply to researchers administering
      touch screen versions of the PVT.

PMID- 28095257
TI  - Label-free affinity biosensor arrays: novel technology for molecular diagnostics.

PMID- 28095258
TI  - The safety of treatment options available for gout.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in humans. Gout
      treatment includes rapid initiation of anti-inflammatory medications for acute
      attacks and chronically treating with urate lowering drugs as well as chronic
      anti-inflammatory prophylaxis. Areas covered: This review aims to provide an
      overview and discussion of the safety concerns of current treatment options
      available for gout. Expert opinion: Gout is a curable disease with appropriate
      treatment. The advent of new therapies provides encouraging opportunities to
      improve gout management. However, clinicians should be aware of some of the
      safety concerns of medications used to treat acute and chronic gout. When
      prescribing medications for gout one has to be mindful of the presence of
      comorbidities commonly affecting gout patients that may affect drug safety and
      efficacy, especially in the elderly and in patients treated with multiple drugs.
      The benefits of gout drugs, usually, outweigh their safety concerns. Studies are
      needed in gout patients with chronic kidney disease and/or cardiovascular
      disease, so that escalation of dosing /combination of anti-inflammatory drugs
      needed to suppress gouty inflammation as well as escalation of dosing/combination
      of urate lowering drugs needed to achieve target serum urate level will lead to
      better understanding of gout treatment safety issues.

PMID- 28095259
TI  - Impact of Skill-Based Approaches in Reducing Stigma in Primary Care Physicians:
      Results from a Double-Blind, Parallel-Cluster, Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Most interventions to reduce stigma in health professionals emphasize
      education and social contact-based strategies. We sought to evaluate a novel
      skill-based approach: the British Columbia Adult Mental Health Practice Support
      Program. We sought to determine the program's impact on primary care providers'
      stigma and their perceived confidence and comfort in providing care for mentally
      ill patients. We hypothesized that enhanced skills and increased comfort and
      confidence on the part of practitioners would lead to diminished social distance
      and stigmatization. Subsequently, we explored the program's impact on clinical
      outcomes and health care costs. These outcomes are reported separately, with
      reference to this article. METHODS: In a double-blind, cluster randomized
      controlled trial, 111 primary care physicians were assigned to intervention or
      control groups. A validated stigma assessment tool, the Opening Minds Scale for
      Health Care Providers (OMS-HC), was administered to both groups before and after
      training. Confidence and comfort were assessed using scales constructed from ad
      hoc items. RESULTS: In the primary analysis, no significant differences in stigma
      were found. However, a subscale assessing social distance showed significant
      improvement in the intervention group after adjustment for a variable (practice
      size) that was unequally distributed in the randomization. Significant increases
      in confidence and comfort in managing mental illness were observed among
      intervention group physicians. A positive correlation was found between increased
      levels of confidence/comfort and improvements in overall stigma, especially in
      men. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides some preliminary evidence of a positive
      impact on health care professionals' stigma through a skill-building approach to
      management of mild to moderate depression and anxiety in primary care. The
      intervention can be used as a primary vehicle for enhancing comfort and skills in
      health care providers and, ultimately, reducing an important dimension of stigma:
      preference for social distance.

PMID- 28095260
TI  - Differential Expression and Roles of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 5 and the
      Wingless Homolog Wnt5a in Periodontitis.
AB  - The Wingless/integrase-1 (Wnt) family of protein ligands and their functional
      antagonists, secreted frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs), regulate various
      biological processes ranging from embryonic development to immunity and
      inflammation. Wnt5a and sFRP5 comprise a typical ligand/antagonist pair, and the
      former molecule was recently detected at the messenger RNA (mRNA) level in human
      periodontitis. The main objective of this study was to investigate the
      interrelationship of expression of Wnt5a and sFRP5 in human periodontitis (as
      compared to health) and to determine their roles in inflammation and bone loss in
      an animal model. We detected both Wnt5a and sFRP5 mRNA in human gingiva, with
      Wnt5a dominating in diseased and sFRP5 in healthy tissue. Wnt5a and sFRP5 protein
      colocalized in the gingival epithelium, suggesting epithelial cell expression,
      which was confirmed in cultured human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs). The HGEC
      expression of Wnt5a and sFRP5 was differentially regulated by a proinflammatory
      stimulus (lipopolysaccharide [LPS] from Porphyromonas gingivalis) in a manner
      consistent with the clinical observations (i.e., LPS upregulated Wnt5a and
      downregulated sFRP5). In HGECs, exogenously added Wnt5a enhanced whereas sFRP5
      inhibited LPS-induced inflammation, as monitored by interleukin 8 production.
      Consistent with this, local treatment with sFRP5 in mice subjected to ligature
      induced periodontitis inhibited inflammation and bone loss, correlating with
      decreased numbers of osteoclasts in bone tissue sections. As in humans, mouse
      periodontitis was associated with high expression of Wnt5a and low expression of
      sFRP5, although this profile was reversed after treatment with sFRP5. In
      conclusion, we demonstrated a novel reciprocal relationship between sFRP5 and
      Wnt5a expression in periodontal health and disease, paving the way to clinical
      investigation of the possibility of using the Wnt5a/sFRP5 ratio as a
      periodontitis biomarker. Moreover, we showed that sFRP5 blocks experimental
      periodontal inflammation and bone loss, suggesting a promising platform for the
      development of a new host modulation therapy in periodontitis.

PMID- 28095261
TI  - Serum alkaline phosphatase, a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver, but only
      for women in their 30s and 40s: evidence from a large cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several risk factors are able to predict non-alcoholic fatty liver
      (NAFL) development, but the predictive value of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
      remains uncertain. Our aim is to investigate the association between serum ALP
      levels and NAFL. METHODS: 21,331 NAFL-free subjects were included. Sex-specific
      ALP quartiles (Q1 to Q4) were defined. With Q1 used as reference, hazard ratios
      (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated across each quartile.
      RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding variables, values in Q2, Q3 and Q4 had
      HRs (95%CIs) of 1.16 (0.94-1.43), 1.38 (1.13-1.69), 1.51 (1.24-1.83) in females
      and 0.99 (0.90-1.09), 1.04 (0.95-1.14), 0.96 (0.87-1.05) in males, respectively.
      A subgroup analysis of age factors in females, from Q2 to Q4, adjusted HRs
      (95%CIs) were 1.31 (0.81-1.99), 1.86 (1.23-2.81), 2.44 (1.60-3.71) in their 30 s,
      1.13 (0.83-1.54), 1.17 (0.85-1.62), 1.65 (1.22-2.25) in their 40 s, and 0.95
      (0.51-1.78), 0.91 (0.52-1.62), 0.89 (0.53-1.52) in their 50 s. CONCLUSIONS:
      Higher serum ALP levels are considered a significant predictor for NAFL
      development in females aged 30 to 50.

PMID- 28095262
TI  - Biosimilars in Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Accumulating Clinical Evidence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Biologic antagonists to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- alpha)
      are effective medications and have become well established in the treatment of
      both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Biosimilar medications, which are
      medications deemed to be equivalent to reference biologic products in terms of
      clinical effectiveness, safety, pharmacokinetic analysis, and immunogenicity,
      have now been approved in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) based on indication
      exploration from clinical data in alternate disease states. Clinicians use these
      products with caution secondary to lack of clinical experience. Areas Covered:
      The authors performed a literature search using the following keywords: CT-P13,
      biosimilar, adalimumab, infliximab, ABP 501, and inflammatory bowel disease.
      Bibliographies were also reviewed for pertinent articles. Articles pertaining to
      the clinical efficacy of biosimilars in IBD were included. Expert commentary: The
      phase 3 trials, which provided the clinical justification to bring TNF- alpha
      biosimilars to market, were in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis;
      however, new clinical data suggests that biosimilar products have equivalent
      safety and efficacy to reference products in IBD. This has led to an increased
      acceptance amongst practicing gastroenterologists and a potential reduction in
      healthcare costs.

PMID- 28095263
TI  - Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at an increased risk
      of colorectal cancer when compared to the general population. Chronic
      inflammation is thought to be the underlying cause, and medications that reduce
      inflammation have the potential to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Areas
      covered: After conducting a PubMed search for relevant literature, we examined
      several classes of medications that have been studied as potential
      chemopreventive agents. These include 5-aminosalicylates, thiopurines, tumor
      necrosis factor antagonists, ursodeoxycholic acid, NSAIDs, and statins. Expert
      commentary: While each class of medications has some data to support its use in
      chemoprevention, the majority of the evidence in each case argues against the
      routine use of these medications solely for a chemopreventive benefit.

PMID- 28095264
TI  - Reply to G. Le Flahec et al.

PMID- 28095265
TI  - Reply to C.F. Hess et al.

PMID- 28095266
TI  - Reply to H.J.A. Adams et al and E.A. Hawkes et al.

PMID- 28095267
TI  - Survival After Early-Stage Breast Cancer of Women Previously Treated for
      Depression: A Nationwide Danish Cohort Study.
AB  - Purpose The aim of this nationwide, register-based cohort study was to determine
      whether women treated for depression before primary early-stage breast cancer are
      at increased risk for receiving treatment that is not in accordance with national
      guidelines and for poorer survival. Material and Methods We identified 45,325
      women with early breast cancer diagnosed in Denmark from 1998 to 2011. Of these,
      744 women (2%) had had a previous hospital contact (as an inpatient or
      outpatient) for depression and another 6,068 (13%) had been treated with
      antidepressants. Associations between previous treatment of depression and risk
      of receiving nonguideline treatment of breast cancer were assessed in
      multivariable logistic regression analyses. We compared the overall survival,
      breast cancer-specific survival, and risk of death by suicide of women who were
      and were not treated for depression before breast cancer in multivariable Cox
      regression analyses. Results Tumor stage did not indicate a delay in diagnosis of
      breast cancer in women previously treated for depression; however, those given
      antidepressants before breast cancer had a significantly increased risk of
      receiving nonguideline treatment (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.27) and
      significantly worse overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.28)
      and breast cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.20).
      Increased but nonsignificant estimated risks were also found for women with
      previous hospital contacts for depression. In subgroup analyses, the association
      of depression with poor survival was particularly strong among women who did not
      receive the indicated adjuvant systemic therapy. Conclusion Women previously
      treated for depression constitute a large subgroup of patients with breast cancer
      who are at risk for receiving nonguideline breast cancer treatment, which
      probably contributes to poorer overall and breast cancer-specific survival.

PMID- 28095269
TI  - Is Upfront Escalated BEACOPP for Advanced Hodgkin Lymphoma Becoming a Distant
      Memory?

PMID- 28095268
TI  - Impact of Increasing Age on Cause-Specific Mortality and Morbidity in Patients
      With Stage I Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Competing Risks Analysis.
AB  - Purpose To perform competing risks analysis and determine short- and long-term
      cancer- and noncancer-specific mortality and morbidity in patients who had
      undergone resection for stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and
      Methods Of 5,371 consecutive patients who had undergone curative-intent resection
      of primary lung cancer at our institution (2000 to 2011), 2,186 with pathologic
      stage I NSCLC were included in the analysis. All preoperative clinical variables
      known to affect outcomes were included in the analysis, specifically, Charlson
      comorbidity index, predicted postoperative (ppo) diffusing capacity of the lung
      for carbon monoxide, and ppo forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Cause-specific
      mortality analysis was performed with competing risks analysis. Results Of 2,186
      patients, 1,532 (70.1%) were >= 65 years of age, including 638 (29.2%) >= 75
      years of age. In patients < 65, 65 to 74, and >= 75 years of age, 5-year lung
      cancer-specific cumulative incidence of death (CID) was 7.5%, 10.7%, and 13.2%,
      respectively (overall, 10.4%); noncancer-specific CID was 1.8%, 4.9%, and 9.0%,
      respectively (overall, 5.3%). In patients >= 65 years of age, for up to 2.5 years
      after resection, noncancer-specific CID was higher than lung cancer-specific CID;
      the higher noncancer-specific, early-phase mortality was enhanced in patients >=
      75 years of age than in those 65 to 74 years of age. Multivariable analysis
      showed that low ppo diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide was an
      independent predictor of severe morbidity ( P < .001), 1-year mortality ( P <
      .001), and noncancer-specific mortality ( P < .001), whereas low ppo forced
      expiratory volume in 1 second was an independent predictor of lung cancer
      specific mortality ( P = .002). Conclusion In patients who undergo curative
      intent resection of stage I NSCLC, noncancer-specific mortality is a significant
      competing event, with an increasing impact as patient age increases.

PMID- 28095270
TI  - How Relevant Is Treatment-Related Infertility for Individual Treatment Selection
      in Hodgkin Lymphoma?

PMID- 28095271
TI  - Reply to G. Le Flahec et al.

PMID- 28095272
TI  - Reply to H.J.A. Adams et al, E.A. Hawkes et al, and C.F. Hess et al.

PMID- 28095273
TI  - Detection of Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Colorectal Cancers: Is It Really Time
      to Eliminate Immunohistochemistry?

PMID- 28095275
TI  - Tamoxifen Decreases Mortality, but How?

PMID- 28095274
TI  - Protein Intake and Breast Cancer Survival in the Nurses' Health Study.
AB  - Purpose Greater protein intake has been associated with better breast cancer
      survival in several prospective studies, including among 1,982 women in the
      Nurses' Health Study. We proposed to extend this previous finding. We
      hypothesized that protein, essential amino acid, branched-chain amino acid, and
      leucine intakes are associated with improved survival and that these associations
      are stronger in tumors expressing insulin receptor (IR). Patients and Methods We
      included 6,348 women diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer between 1976 and
      2004. There were 1,046 distant recurrences. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were
      calculated according to quintiles of updated postdiagnostic diet using adjusted
      Cox proportional hazards models based on follow-up until 2010. Results There was
      an inverse association between energy-adjusted protein intake and recurrence.
      Multivariable RRs for increasing quintiles of intake compared with the lowest
      were 0.95 (95% CI, 0.79 to 1.15), 0.92 (95% CI, 0.76 to 1.11), 0.75 (95% CI, 0.61
      to 0.91), and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69 to 1.03; trend P = .02). For animal protein
      intake, the RRs were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.06), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.70 to 1.02),
      0.75 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.92), and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.63 to 0.95; trend P = .003).
      Neither essential amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, nor any individual
      amino acid stood out as being the source of the association. The association also
      did not differ by IR status. There was no clear association with any protein
      containing foods. Conclusion We found a modest survival advantage with higher
      intake of protein, regardless of IR status. There was no clear mechanism for this
      association, although it is consistent with prior studies. Our data suggest that
      there is likely no advantage for women with a history of breast cancer in
      restricting protein intake or protein-containing foods.

PMID- 28095276
TI  - Predictive Value of Interim [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography
      in Advanced-Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma Is Not Well Established.

PMID- 28095277
TI  - Long-Term Follow-Up of the French Stop Imatinib (STIM1) Study in Patients With
      Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
AB  - Purpose Imatinib (IM) can safely be discontinued in patients with chronic myeloid
      leukemia (CML) who have had undetectable minimal residual disease (UMRD) for at
      least 2 years. We report the final results of the Stop Imatinib (STIM1) study
      with a long follow-up. Patients and Methods IM was prospectively discontinued in
      100 patients with CML with UMRD sustained for at least 2 years. Molecular
      recurrence (MR) was defined as positivity of BCR-ABL transcript in a quantitative
      reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay confirmed by a second
      analysis point that indicated an increase of one log in relation to the first
      analysis point at two successive assessments or loss of major molecular response
      at one point. Results The median molecular follow-up after treatment
      discontinuation was 77 months (range, 9 to 95 months). Sixty-one patients lost
      UMRD after a median of 2.5 months (range, 1 to 22 months), and one patient died
      with UMRD at 10 months. Molecular recurrence-free survival was 43% (95% CI, 33%
      to 52%) at 6 months and 38% (95% CI, 29% to 47%) at 60 months. Treatment was
      restarted in 57 of 61 patients with MR, and 55 patients achieved a second UMRD
      with a median time of 4 months (range, 1 to 16 months). None of the patients
      experienced a CML progression. Analyses of the characteristics of the study
      population identified that the Sokal risk score and duration of IM treatment were
      significantly associated with the probability of MR. Conclusion With a median
      follow-up of more than 6 years after treatment discontinuation, the STIM1 study
      demonstrates that IM can safely be discontinued in patients with a sustained deep
      molecular response with no late MR.

PMID- 28095278
TI  - Awareness of HIV Transmission Risks and Determinants of Sexual Behaviour:
      Descriptive and Multivariate Analyses among German Nursing Students.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Nursing students play a crucial role in sexual health
      education. Evidence suggests, however, that nursing students had several gaps in
      their knowledge of HIV transmission. This study investigates how nursing students
      in Germany assess the potential risks of spreading HIV in defined situations and
      which factors influence the self-expressed sexual behaviour patterns of these
      students. METHODS: A standardized anonymous questionnaire was administered to a
      sample (N=617) of nursing students in 2008 and 2013. The survey was conducted
      during lessons, resulting in a response rate of 100%. RESULTS: For 17.4% of the
      students, assistance with personal hygiene was associated with higher HIV
      transmission risk. Also, changing dirty linen (17.6%) and physical examination
      (14.1%) were also noted similarly risky. The average age of first sexual
      intercourse was 15.5 years and the number of lifetime sexual partners was 4.3.
      The higher the average number of lifetime sexual partners, the higher the
      likelihood to use condoms only sometimes or never (OR 1.11). Forty students
      reported an unintended pregnancy. The likelihood to be unintentionally pregnant
      was six times higher among students aged 25 years or older (OR 6.16).
      CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly show that students overestimated HIV
      transmission risks in most of the situations encountered during health services
      provided by nurses, but overall sexual health behaviour indicated rather less
      risky behaviour. Nonetheless, the relatively high rate of unintended pregnancies
      is quite concerning. The findings underline the need for stronger integration of
      HIV and sexual education in the curricula of nursing schools in Germany.

PMID- 28095279
TI  - Overweight and Obesity in Italian Adolescents: Examined Prevalence and Socio
      Demographic Factors.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity
      derived from measured data of weight and height in a cross-sectional sample of
      adolescents in the Italian region of Lazio and to analyse their association with
      different socio-demographic factors. METHODS: The study was conducted in a
      representative sample of 15-16-year-old adolescents recruited in secondary
      schools between December 2011 and May 2012. 369 adolescents were investigated.
      Body weight, height and waist circumference were measured. The BMI of each
      subject was calculated, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was
      determined by age and sex using the IOTF reference values and WHO growth
      standards. Waist circumference/height ratio (WC/Ht) was calculated and the
      subjects were classified using the cut-off of 0.5: WC/Ht>=0.5 and WC/Ht<0.5.
      Selected socio-demographic characteristics were assessed via questionnaire.
      RESULTS: The percentages of overweight and obesity were high, 15.4% and 7.9%,
      respectively, with significant difference between males and females (19.1% vs.
      12.6% for overweight and 11.1% vs. 5.3% for obese) using the IOFT reference. The
      ratio WC/Ht>=0.5 was observed in 12.7% of the sample (all the obese and 29.8% of
      the overweight subjects). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that
      gender, school municipality, mother's employment status, and family structure had
      a significant effect on ponderal status (overweight/obesity vs. normal weight).
      CONCLUSION: These findings show a high prevalence of body weight excess
      associated with socio-demographic factors in the Italian sample investigated, and
      the need for effective public health interventions to combact obesity with
      particular attention to disadvantaged adolescents.

PMID- 28095280
TI  - Relative Importance of Traditional Risk Factors for Malignant Melanoma in the
      Czech Population.
AB  - AIM: The Czech Republic is one of the leading European countries in incident
      cases of malignant melanoma (MM), which is on the rise. The study objective was
      to assess the strength of associations between MM and the known generally
      accepted risk factors for MM in the population of the Czech Republic. METHODS:
      The study was designed as a case-control study where cases were incident cases of
      MM detected at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Bulovka
      Hospital. Controls were selected from cancer-free patients admitted to
      departments other than Dermatology and Venereology. Validated questionnaires were
      used to collect demographic, epidemiological, and clinical data. RESULTS: The
      binary logistic model shows the main risk factors for MM: male, female (OR=0.292,
      95% CI=0.175-0.486), a changed mole (OR=6.371, 95% CI=3.774-10.756), a history of
      skin cancer (OR=95.704, 95% CI=37.241-10.756), and sunbeds use (OR=3.594, 95%
      CI=1.288-10.028). Using sunscreen products was considered as a protective factor
      against MM (OR=0.253, 95% CI=0.137-0.466). CONCLUSION: The primary and secondary
      prevention increasingly emerges as a public health priority in the effort to
      reverse the negative trend in cases of MM and mortality from this disease in the
      Czech Republic. A prerequisite for an effective secondary prevention through
      screening is, among others, the identification of the population groups at
      highest risk for MM.

PMID- 28095281
TI  - Nurses' Attitudes toward Intervening with Smokers: Their Knowledge, Opinion and E
      Learning Impact.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numbering about 90,000, nurses represent the largest group of health
      care providers in the Czech Republic. Therefore, nurses can make a significant
      impact in the treatment of tobacco dependence, particularly in applying brief
      interventions to smokers. METHODS: During 2014, 279 nurses from the Czech
      Republic participated in an e-learning education programme consisting of two
      Webcasts with additional web-based resources about smoking cessation in relation
      to health and treatment options in daily clinical practice, particularly
      regarding brief intervention methods. Before viewing the e-learning programme,
      and three months after viewing it, the nurses completed a questionnaire
      documenting their interventions with smokers and their knowledge, attitudes and
      opinions regarding nurses' roles in smoking cessation. RESULTS: The responses in
      all of the following categories significantly improved: usually/always asking
      patients about smoking from 58% to 69% (OR 1.62, CI=1.14-2.29, p=0.007);
      recommendations to stop smoking from 56% to 66% (OR 1.46, CI=1.03-2.06, p=0.03);
      assessing willingness to quit from 49% to 63% (OR 1.72, CI=1.23-2.42, p=0.002);
      assisting with cessation from 21% to 33% (OR 1.85, CI=1.26-2.71, p=0.002); and
      recommending a smoke-free home from 39% to 58% (OR 2.16, CI=1.54-3.04, p<0.001).
      The increase in arranging follow-up from 7% to 10% did not constitute a
      statistically significant improvement, however, this finding is understandable in
      relation to the status of nurses in the Czech Republic. However, nurses'
      confidence in helping smokers to quit smoking, their senses of responsibility and
      determining the appropriateness of these interventions remains inadequate.
      CONCLUSION: The nurses' brief intervention skills improved significantly after
      the completion of the e-learning programme, even though reservations remain among
      this group. The systematic education of nurses aimed at smoking cessation
      intervention and analyzing their motivation for treatment may contribute to
      improved nursing care, and thus lead to a reduction of smoking prevalence in the
      general population.

PMID- 28095282
TI  - Active Smoking and Associated Behavioural Risk Factors before and during
      Pregnancy - Prevalence and Attitudes among Newborns' Mothers in Mures County,
      Romania.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Smoking before, during and after pregnancy leads to
      detrimental outcomes on maternal and foetal health and represents an important
      public health issue. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and correlates of
      smoking before and during pregnancy in a sample of Romanian women. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional survey was conducted among mothers (N=1,278) in three maternity
      hospitals in Tirgu-Mures, Romania, immediately after childbirth, in 2014. We
      evaluated the prevalence of smoking before and during pregnancy and used binary
      logistic regression to assess the influence of socio-demographics and other
      health behaviour factors in three groups of women: non-smoking pregnant women,
      women who continued smoking during pregnancy, and smokers who quit during
      pregnancy. RESULTS: 30% of the interviewed mothers were smokers prior to
      pregnancy, of whom 43.3% continued smoking during pregnancy. Women with a family
      income of less than 100 Euro/month (OR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.02-8.83) and those who
      were unemployed (OR=13.2, 95% CI: 3.90-44.79) had increased odds of continued
      smoking versus quitting during pregancy in multivariable analyses. Women who
      continued smoking during pregnancy were also more likley to be of lower
      socioeconomic status than never smokers (OR=14.1, 95% CI: 4.97-39.6).
      CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of women of reproductive age smoke and continue to
      smoke despite their knowledge about risks of smoking during pregnancy. Smoking
      prior to and during pregnancy is predominantly associated with lower
      socioeconomic status. Women with limited economic means should be a high priority
      target group for smoking cessation interventions.

PMID- 28095283
TI  - Substance Use among European Students: East - West Comparison between 1995 and
      2011.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate long-term trends differences in
      student substance misuse between countries of former Eastern Bloc (FEB) and
      Western Europe (WEST). Overall data on student substance misuse gathered in five
      waves of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD)
      conducted between 1995 and 2011 were pooled and analysed. Findings were compared
      between FEB and WEST countries at the five time-points of data collection.
      METHODS: Over 396,000 of 16 years old students from thirteen FEB and thirteen
      WEST countries completed anonymous ESPAD questionnaires. The following data were
      compared by Wilcoxon test: proportion of students with experience of taking a
      legal drug at less than 13 years of age (early onset), regular tobacco use,
      emerging signs of alcohol abuse, and differences in prevalence of illegal drug
      use. RESULTS: Significant differences in selected variables were found in the
      early onset of legal and illegal drug use between FEB and WEST countries. On the
      contrary, no significant differences were present when several random samples
      from the pool of 26 participating countries were drawn and compared. This
      strengthens our confidence that the differences between FEB and WEST countries
      did not occur due to chance. CONCLUSIONS: Student drug use in FEB countries
      tended to follow the trends and patterns of legal and illegal drug use in WEST
      countries with some time lag. At the times of decline in use of both, legal and
      illegal substances in the WEST countries, the FEB countries were experiencing
      increase and later on stabilisation in drug use. The possible explanatory factors
      including the impact of profound political, cultural and socio-economic changes
      following the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 were discussed. The implications
      of these trends and suggestions for drug prevention strategies were outlined.

PMID- 28095284
TI  - Family Carers' Perspectives on Integrated Community Care in the Czech Republic.
AB  - AIM: The problem of family care for people dependent on another person has only
      recently become a focus of research. As demand for health and social services has
      not been adequately met by public service providers, growing attention has been
      given to informal care and the integration of families within systems of health
      and social care at the community level. This paper presents the results of a
      survey on informal carers' views and opinions under the current conditions of
      social support in the Czech Republic. The survey was based on theoretical
      concepts of caring societies, deinstitutionalization, refamilization, and
      integrated community care, and aimed to shed light on caring families'
      experiences and needs in the Czech Republic. METHODS: Family lay carers completed
      an original self-administered questionnaire. A convenient sample of 200 family
      carers was selected. RESULTS: The survey collected information about the most
      influential factors in determining whether the families continue to provide care
      for their relatives in the household. More than 50% of the caregivers provide
      care from moral and emotional reasons. Financial problems, risk of losing their
      jobs, and further deterioration of health of the person they care for emerged as
      key risk factors, but overall, determination among carers to continue providing
      care "at any cost" was high (53%). CONCLUSIONS: Involving local communities and
      services, e.g. general practitioners (GPs) to a greater extent in the
      coordination of various social and health services, and in support mechanisms at
      the juncture between informal and formal care would make it easier for family
      carers to continue providing long-term care.

PMID- 28095285
TI  - Urine Levels of Phthalate Metabolites and Bisphenol A in Relation to Main
      Metabolic Syndrome Components: Dyslipidemia, Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes. A
      Pilot Study.
AB  - AIM: Human exposure to organic pollutants (some of them also called endocrine
      disruptors) can be associated with adverse metabolic health outcomes including
      type 2 diabetes. The goal of this study was to compare the urine levels of
      bisphenol A and phthalate metabolites in subgroups of patients with metabolic
      syndrome composed of patients with and without three important components of
      metabolic syndrome (hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes). METHODS: We have
      investigated 24 hr urine samples of 168 patients with metabolic syndrome from the
      Metabolic Outpatient Department of General University Hospital in Prague. Using
      standard metabolic syndrome criteria, we classified patients as dyslipidemic
      (n=87), hypertensive (n=96), and type 2 diabetic (n=58). Bisphenol A and 15
      metabolites of phthalates were evaluated in relation to creatinine excretion.
      Samples were analysed with enzymatic cleavage of glucuronide using ultra-high
      performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass
      spectrometry in one laboratory with external quality control. RESULTS: Four
      metabolites, mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate,
      mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, and mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate
      showed significantly higher levels in diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients
      (p<0.001, p=0.002, p=0.002, and p=0.005, respectively). The differences remained
      significant after adjustment to hypertension, dyslipidemia, age, and BMI. No
      difference was found between either the hypertensive and non-hypertensive or
      dyslipidemic and non-dyslipidemic patients. There was no significant relation of
      bisphenol A level to diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, age, and BMI.
      CONCLUSIONS: Urine levels of four phthalate metabolites were significantly higher
      in type 2 diabetics independently on specified predictors. Phthalate levels can
      be in relation to beta cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients but this
      study is not able to show if the relation is causal.

PMID- 28095286
TI  - The Relations between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure and 1-OHP Levels
      as a Biomarker of the Exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the products of
      incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of various organic materials. Their ubiquity
      in the environment leads to measurable levels of exposure. However, the exposure
      varies strongly between different regions in Europe. Some PAHs with four or more
      rings are suspected to be human carcinogens. Therefore, the occupational and/or
      environmental exposure to PAHs may cause a significant health risk. The aim of
      the study was to evaluate current levels of PAH exposure in defined groups of
      workers. METHODS: The industrial sites selected in this survey involved PAHs
      originating from coal tar pitch, carbon black, bitumen, and rubber fumes. Based
      on the historical data, the sites were expected to exhibit quantifiable levels of
      exposure to PAHs. The total study population consisted of 139 persons: 108
      workers (85 males and 23 females) workers were occupationally exposed in
      aluminium production, the production of graphite electrodes, road construction,
      or the rubber forming industry and 31 control individuals in two groups. RESULTS:
      The highest concentrations - 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) levels (sum of 16
      components according to the EPA list), as expected, were found in the aluminium
      production plant (55.15 ug.m-3) and production of graphite electrodes (54.25 ug.m
      3). The lowest concentrations were found in personal air samples of road
      construction workers (1.93 ug.m-3). The concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene as a
      pyrene metabolite (1-OHP) in the urine of the exposed group of workers were found
      in levels 0.74 umol.mol-1 creatinine before the exposure and 2.27 umol.mol-1
      creatinine after the exposure (arithmetic mean values). 1-OHP concentrations in
      post-shift urine samples were highly correlated with the total airborne PAHs
      concentrations and pyrene concentrations in air. The correlation coefficients
      (rS) between 1-OHP concentration and pyrene or total PAHs in air were 0.710 and
      0.752 (p < 0.05). This statistical analysis confirmed the effect of the
      occupational exposure to PAHs and pyrene on body burden in workers. However, a
      modifying effect of gender, smoking habits, dietary intake, genetically modified
      metabolism, and the use of medication on the toxicokinetics of pyrene was not
      determined as significant. CONCLUSION: Based on the results a strong correlation
      between the concentration of 1-OHP in urine as an exposure biomarker and the
      concentration of pyrene or PAH was affirmed.

PMID- 28095287
TI  - Nanomaterials - a New and Former Public Health Issue. The Case of Slovakia.
AB  - Nanoparticles exist for a long time as both inorganic and organic parts of
      nature. Recently, massive expansion of nanotechnologies is evidenced, together
      with intentional production of new nanoparticles which have not been in contact
      with living organisms until now. Besides obvious positive aspects, potential
      threats related to their exposure should be taken into consideration. Unique
      physical-chemical properties of nanoparticles cause a high bioactivity following
      their intake (through air, ingestion and skin) and unrestricted spread in exposed
      organs. Primary effects of nanoparticles on cellular level represent oxidative
      stress and reactions leading to apoptosis, autophagocytosis and necrosis. Number
      of studies indicating contribution of nanoparticles to numerous disorders has
      been recently increasing. However, detailed mechanisms of health effects are not
      well known. Similarly, there is insufficient information on life cycle of
      nanoparticles in the environment. Research in this field as well as legislation
      is behind rapid development and use of nanotechnologies. Considering absence of
      mandatory exposure limits and other protective measures, nanomaterials represent
      a potential threat for population health. Recommendations and guidelines of
      international institutions can contribute to deal with situation, however,
      passing of effective legislation both on national and European level is urgently
      needed.

PMID- 28095288
TI  - Cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin G Avidity Index among Blood Donors in Alexandria,
      Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Transfusion transmitted diseases (TTD) are a major challenge
      to transfusion services all over the world. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is considered
      one of the main viruses associated with blood transfusion. As CMV screening is
      not included in routine screening tests done for donated blood in blood banks in
      Egypt, the detection of CMV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) avidity needs to be tested for
      being a useful tool to diagnose recent infection among blood donors. The aim of
      this work was to study CMV IgG avidity index (AI) among blood donors. METHODS: A
      total of 88 blood samples were collected from the non-remunerated volunteer blood
      donors who attended the Alexandria Regional Blood Transfusion Centre. A
      quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the avidity detection of the
      specific IgG antibodies to CMV in human serum samples was used. RESULTS: Eighty
      five studied blood donors (96.6%) were positive for CMV IgG. Eighty one donors
      (95.3%) showed high avidity (>45.0%). Regarding the remaining four CMV IgG
      positive donors; three had medium avidity (<45.0%) and only one had a low avidity
      of <25.0%. A moderate agreement of 42.4% was found between IgG concentration and
      avidity. CONCLUSIONS: CMV seroprevalence was found to be high among volunteer
      blood donors, where age and gender were statistically significant factors
      associated with CMV IgG concentration. The use of the avidity assay as a
      screening tool for CMV among blood donors is highly suggested. The exclusion of
      the low and medium AI units will ensure the availability of a safe stock of blood
      units, hence eliminating the risk of CMV transmission to vulnerable groups.

PMID- 28095289
TI  - Prevalence of HPV Infection in Croatian Men during a 12-year Period: a
      Comparative Study of External Genital and Urethral Swabs.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence and distribution of both
      low-risk and high-risk HPV infection of the urethra and outer genital region in
      Croatian men. Thus far there is a consensus that sampling the coronal sulcus and
      glans of the penis is essential for adequately assessing HPV status in men but
      less agreement is noted for urethral sampling. METHODS: External genital brushing
      and urethral swabs were taken from 1,342 men during a 12-year period and tested
      with the hc2 HPV DNA Test using Hybrid Capture 2 technology. RESULTS: The overall
      prevalence of male HPV infection in this study was 36.66%. Infection with high
      risk HPV types (44.72%) was significantly more frequent than infection with low
      risk HPV types (28.86%) or co-infection with both low-risk and high-risk HPV
      types (26.42%). HPV was more frequently demonstrated in the outer genital area
      (58.33%) when compared to the sole infection of the urethra (17.89%) or infection
      of both genital sites (23.78%). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study indicate
      high prevalence of HPV infection in men and suggest that optimal sampling method
      for the testing of men is the combination of external genital and urethral swabs.
      Further research about the proper collection of biological samples and testing
      methods for HPV detection in men is necessary since our future end-goal is to
      implement standardized guidelines on sampling and diagnostic testing of males.

PMID- 28095290
TI  - Study of the Microbiological Quality of Bulgarian Bottled Water in Terms of Its
      Contamination with Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the widespread use of bottled water, it is important from a
      hygienic point of view to ensure that these products have good quality and meet
      the requirements set out in regulations. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the period 2000
      2013, a large-scale study (2,500 samples) was carried out on the quality of
      Bulgarian bottled water as per the microbiological parameters laid down in the
      European and Bulgarian legislation. Standard microbiological methods were
      applied. There is strong evidence that the most frequently isolated contaminant
      in these products was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This agent was found in 274 samples
      out of a total of 2,500 analysed bottled waters. Because of the absolute
      prohibition of the presence of this microorganism in the finished product, the
      manufacturers should not allow their products with compromised quality to reach
      the market. They are obliged to check the quality of each batch by conducting an
      internal monitoring of production. When any inconsistencies are established in
      microbiological parameters, the producers must detect the critical point and
      apply more effective decontamination measures of the bottling lines. Given the
      importance of this fact for the health of consumers, the study also included
      determination of the antimicrobial resistance of P. aeruginosa strains isolated
      from Bulgarian bottled water. Ten strains of P. aeruginosa, isolated from bottled
      water and other water habitats in the environment, were tested for the effect of
      13 antimicrobial agents by applying the Kirby-Bauer's method. CONCLUSIONS: The
      investigation found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from bottled
      water are sensitive to Ceftazidime, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, and Cefepime and one
      of them is resistant to Meropenem and Piperacillin. Another important conclusion
      is that there is no specific behaviour of P. aeruginosa strains originating from
      different sources to the test antimicrobials. The authors consider that drinking
      tap water is perhaps a more appropriate way for newborns, infants, elderly, and
      people with compromised immunity to satisfy thirst than using bottled water.

PMID- 28095291
TI  - Genotyping of Varicella Zoster Virus Clinical Isolates from the Czech Republic.

PMID- 28095292
TI  - Should Enteroviruses Be Monitored in Natural Recreational Waters?
AB  - Enteroviruses (EVs) infections occur worldwide. Although, infections by these
      viruses are often asymptomatic and go unnoticed, they can be shed in stool for
      several weeks. The EVs are associated with sporadic outbreaks and a wide range of
      clinical symptoms, occasionally accompanied with fatal consequences. Presently in
      the Slovak Republic (SR) recreational waters are tested only for bacterial
      indicators. Our aim was to monitor EVs in recreational waters. Water samples were
      collected during the years 2012-2014 from different recreational natural lakes in
      Central and West regions of SR. The samples were concentrated by centrifugation
      using the two-phase separation method recommended by the World Health
      Organization (WHO) used for EVs surveillance in the treated sewage waste water.
      Each of the two phases collected from the samples was analysed by polymerase
      chain reaction for detection of EVs and primary sequencing was done. Our study
      demonstrated presence of EVs in three localities consecutively for three years,
      indicating a probability of constant local source of faecal contamination. This
      is the first monitoring report on the occurrence of EVs in the natural
      recreational waters in SR.

PMID- 28095294
TI  - A novel SLC12A1 gene mutation associated with hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia,
      nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and nephrocalcinosis in four patients.
AB  - Solute Carrier Family 12 member 1 (SLC12A1) gene encodes the sodium-potassium
      chloride co-transporter (NKCC2) at the apical membrane of the thick ascending
      loop of Henle (TAL). Bartter's syndrome (BS) type I is a rare, autosomal
      recessive, renal tubular disorder associated with mutation of the SLC12A1 gene.
      Presenting features include: hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypercalciuria and
      nephrocalcinosis. The many allelic variants reported present with a spectrum of
      phenotypes, biochemical abnormalities and clinical severities. However, to date,
      only two reports have described hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia in patients
      with SLC12A1 gene mutations. We describe 4 patients with 4 novel mutation
      variants in the SLC12A1 gene (c.735C>G, c.1137del, c.2498-2499del, and
      c.1833delT) presenting with variable degrees of hyperparathyroidism,
      hypercalcemia, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, nephrocalcinosis, and nephrogenic
      diabetes insipidus. The link between calcium and parathyroid hormone
      abnormalities in patients with SLC12A1 mutations is unclear; the cases described
      suggest an association between primary hyperparathyroidism and loss of function
      mutation of SLC12A1, which may result in an aberrant threshold of the calcium
      sensing receptor at the level of the kidney.

PMID- 28095293
TI  - MAPK signaling promotes axonal degeneration by speeding the turnover of the
      axonal maintenance factor NMNAT2.
AB  - Injury-induced (Wallerian) axonal degeneration is regulated via the opposing
      actions of pro-degenerative factors such as SARM1 and a MAPK signal and pro
      survival factors, the most important of which is the NAD+ biosynthetic enzyme
      NMNAT2 that inhibits activation of the SARM1 pathway. Here we investigate the
      mechanism by which MAPK signaling facilitates axonal degeneration. We show that
      MAPK signaling promotes the turnover of the axonal survival factor NMNAT2 in
      cultured mammalian neurons as well as the Drosophila ortholog dNMNAT in
      motoneurons. The increased levels of NMNAT2 are required for the axonal
      protection caused by loss of MAPK signaling. Regulation of NMNAT2 by MAPK
      signaling does not require SARM1, and so cannot be downstream of SARM1. Hence,
      pro-degenerative MAPK signaling functions upstream of SARM1 by limiting the
      levels of the essential axonal survival factor NMNAT2 to promote injury-dependent
      SARM1 activation. These findings are consistent with a linear molecular pathway
      for the axonal degeneration program.

PMID- 28095295
TI  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation corrects osteopetrosis in a child
      carrying a novel homozygous mutation in the FERMT3 gene.
AB  - Osteopetrosis (OPT) is a rare skeletal disorder with phenotypic and genotypic
      heterogeneity: a variety of clinical features besides the bony defect may be
      present, and at least ten different genes are known to be involved in the disease
      pathogenesis. In the framework of this heterogeneity, we report the clinical
      description of a neonate, first child of consanguineous parents, who had
      osteoclast-rich osteopetrosis and bone marrow failure in early life, but no other
      usual classical features of infantile malignant OPT, such as visual or hearing
      impairments. Because of the severe presentation at birth, the patient received
      Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) at 2months of age with successful
      outcome. Post-HSCT genetic investigation by means of exome sequencing identified
      a novel homozygous mutation in the Fermitin Family Member 3 (FERMT3) gene, which
      was predicted to disrupt the functionality of its protein product kindlin 3. Our
      report provides information relevant to physicians for recognizing patients with
      one of the rarest forms of infantile malignant OPT, and clearly demonstrates that
      HSCT cures kindlin 3 deficiency with severe phenotype.

PMID- 28095297
TI  - Dual estrogenic regulation of the nuclear progestin receptor and spermatogonial
      renewal during gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) spermatogenesis.
AB  - Studies in teleosts suggest that progestins have crucial functions during early
      spermatogenesis. However, the role of the different progestin receptors in these
      mechanisms is poorly understood. In this work, we investigated the expression
      pattern and hormonal regulation of the classical nuclear progestin receptor (Pgr)
      in the gilthead seabream at three different stages of spermatogenesis: the
      resting (postspawning) phase, onset of spermatogenesis, and spermiation.
      Immunolocalization experiments using a seabream specific Pgr antibody revealed
      that the receptor was expressed in Sertoli and Leydig cells, and also in a subset
      of spermatogonia type A, throughout spermatogenesis. Short-term treatment of
      testis explants with 17beta-estradiol (E2) increased pgr mRNA expression at all
      stages, while the progestin 17alpha,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20betaP)
      had the opposite effect. At the resting stage, Sertoli cell Pgr expression was
      positively correlated with the occurrence of proliferating spermatogonia type A
      in the tubules, and both processes were incremented in vitro by E2 likely through
      the estrogen receptor alpha (Era) expressed in Sertoli and Leydig cells. In
      contrast, treatment with 17,20betaP downregulated Pgr expression in somatic
      cells. The androgen 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) upregulated pgr expression in
      Leydig cells and promoted the proliferation of mostly spermatogonia type B, but
      only during spermiation. No relationship between the changes in the cell type
      specific expression of the Pgr with the entry into meiosis of germ cells was
      found. These data suggest a differential steroid regulation of Pgr expression
      during seabream spermatogenesis and the potential interplay of the E2/Era and
      17,20betaP/Pgr pathways for the maintenance of spermatogonial renewal rather than
      entry into meiosis.

PMID- 28095298
TI  - Molecular identification and genotyping of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in autochthonous
      Chagas disease patients from Texas, USA.
AB  - The parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease,
      is widely distributed throughout the Americas, from the southern United States
      (US) to northern Argentina, and infects at least 6 million people in endemic
      areas. Much remains unknown about the dynamics of T. cruzi transmission among
      mammals and triatomine vectors in sylvatic and peridomestic eco-epidemiological
      cycles, as well as of the risk of transmission to humans in the US.
      Identification of T. cruzi DTUs among locally-acquired cases is necessary for
      enhancing our diagnostic and clinical prognostic capacities, as well as to
      understand parasite transmission cycles. Blood samples from a cohort of 15
      confirmed locally-acquired Chagas disease patients from Texas were used for
      genotyping T. cruzi. Conventional PCR using primers specific for the minicircle
      variable region of the kinetoplastid DNA (kDNA) and the highly repetitive genomic
      satellite DNA (satDNA) confirmed the presence of T. cruzi in 12/15 patients.
      Genotyping was based on the amplification of the intergenic region of the
      miniexon gene of T. cruzi and sequencing. Sequences were analyzed by BLAST and
      phylogenetic analysis by Maximum Likelihood method allowed the identification of
      non-TcI DTUs infection in six patients, which corresponded to DTUs TcII, TcV or
      TcVI, but not to TcIII or TcIV. Two of these six patients were also infected with
      a TcI DTU, indicating mixed infections in those individuals. Electrocardiographic
      abnormalities were seen among patients with single non-TcI and mixed infections
      of non-TcI and TcI DTUs. Our results indicate a greater diversity of T. cruzi
      DTUs circulating among autochthonous human Chagas disease cases in the southern
      US, including for the first time DTUs from the TcII-TcV-TcVI group. Furthermore,
      the DTUs infecting human patients in the US are capable of causing Chagasic
      cardiac disease, highlighting the importance of parasite detection in the
      population.

PMID- 28095299
TI  - African and Asian Zika virus strains differentially induce early antiviral
      responses in primary human astrocytes.
AB  - ZIKA virus (ZIKV) is a newly emerging arbovirus. Since its discovery 60years ago
      in Uganda, it has spread throughout the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean,
      emphasizing the capacity of ZIKV to spread to non-endemic regions worldwide.
      Although infection with ZIKV often leads to mild disease, its recent emergence in
      the Americas has coincided with an increase in adults developing Guillain-Barre
      syndrome and neurological complications in new-borns, such as congenital
      microcephaly. Many questions remain unanswered regarding the complications caused
      by different primary isolates of ZIKV. Here, we report the permissiveness of
      primary human astrocytes for two clinically relevant, Asian and African ZIKV
      strains and show that both isolates strongly induce antiviral immune responses in
      these cells albeit with markedly different kinetics. This study describes for the
      first time the specific antiviral gene expression in infected primary human
      astrocytes, the major glial cells within the central nervous system.

PMID- 28095300
TI  - Knockdown of CXCL14 disrupts neurovascular patterning during ocular development.
AB  - The C-X-C motif ligand 14 (CXCL14) is a recently discovered chemokine that is
      highly conserved in vertebrates and expressed in various embryonic and adult
      tissues. CXCL14 signaling has been implicated to function as an antiangiogenic
      and anticancer agent in adults. However, its function during development is
      unknown. We previously identified novel expression of CXCL14 mRNA in various
      ocular tissues during development. Here, we show that CXCL14 protein is expressed
      in the anterior eye at a critical time during neurovascular development and in
      the retina during neurogenesis. We report that RCAS-mediated knockdown of CXCL14
      causes severe neural defects in the eye including precocious and excessive
      innervation of the cornea and iris. Absence of CXCL14 results in the malformation
      of the neural retina and misprojection of the retinal ganglion neurons. The
      ocular neural defects may be due to loss of CXCL12 modulation since recombinant
      CXCL14 diminishes CXCL12-induced axon growth in vitro. Furthermore, we show that
      knockdown of CXCL14 causes neovascularization of the cornea. Altogether, our
      results show for the first time that CXCL14 plays a critical role in modulating
      neurogenesis and inhibiting ectopic vascularization of the cornea during ocular
      development.

PMID- 28095301
TI  - Imaging the Photosystem I/Photosystem II chlorophyll ratio inside the leaf.
AB  - Oxygenic photosynthesis is driven by photosystems I (PSI) and II (PSII). In
      plants the number of chlorophylls of PSI versus PSII is adjusted to the light
      irradiance spectrum. On a timescale of days, this is regulated at the level of
      protein concentration. Instead, on a timescale of minutes, it is regulated by the
      dynamic association of light-harvesting complex II with either PSI or PSII. Thus
      far very diverse values have been reported for the PSI/PSII chlorophyll ratio,
      ranging from 0.54 to 1.4. The methods used require the isolation of chloroplasts
      and are time consuming. We present a fluorescence lifetime imaging approach that
      quantifies the PSI/PSII Chl ratio of chloroplasts directly in their natural leaf
      environment. In wild type Arabidopsis thaliana plants, grown under white light,
      the PSI/PSII chlorophyll ratio appeared to be 0.99+/-0.09 at the adaxial side and
      0.83+/-0.05 at the abaxial side of the leaf. When these plants were acclimated to
      far red light for several days the PSI/PSII chlorophyll ratio decreased by more
      than a factor of 3 to compensate for the ineffective far red light absorption of
      PSII. This shows how plants optimize their light-harvesting capacity to the
      specific light conditions they encounter. Zooming in on single chloroplasts
      inside the leaf allowed to study the grana/stroma membrane network and their
      PSI/PSII chlorophyll ratios. The developed method will be useful to study dynamic
      processes in chloroplasts in intact leaves which involve changes in the grana and
      the stroma membranes such as state transitions.

PMID- 28095302
TI  - Internal evaluation of impregnation treatment of waterlogged wood; relation
      between concentration of internal materials and relaxation time using magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to clarify the degree of impregnation resulting from
      treatment of internal waterlogged wood samples using MRI. On a 1.5T MR scanner,
      T1 and T2 measurements were performed using inversion recovery and spin-echo
      sequences, respectively. The samples were cut waterlogged pieces of wood treated
      with various impregnation techniques which were divided into different
      concentrations of trehalose (C12H22O11) and polyethylene glycol (PEG; HO-(C2H4O)n
      H) solutions. Then these samples underwent impregnation treatment every two
      weeks. From the results, we found that the slope of the T1-concentration curve
      using linear fitting showed the value of the internal area for PEG to be higher
      than the external area; internal, -2.73ms/wt% (R2=0.880); external, -1.50ms/wt%
      (R2=0.887). Furthermore, the slope of the T1-concentration curve using linear
      fitting showed the values for trehalose to have almost no difference when
      comparing the internal and the external areas; internal, -2.79ms/wt% (R2=0.759);
      external, -3.02ms/wt% (R2=0.795). However, the slope of the T2-concentration
      curve using linear fitting for PEG showed that there was only a slight change
      between the internal and the external areas; internal, 0.26ms/wt% (R2=0.642);
      external, 0.18ms/wt% (R2=0.920). The slope of the T2-concentration curve did not
      show a change in linear relationship between the internal and the external areas;
      internal, 0.06ms/wt% (R2=0.175); external, -0.14ms/wt% (R2=0.043). In conclusion,
      using visualization of relaxation time T1, it is possible to obtain more detail
      information noninvasively concerning the state of impregnation treatment of
      internal waterlogged wood.

PMID- 28095296
TI  - Diverse role of survival motor neuron protein.
AB  - The multifunctional Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein is required for the
      survival of all organisms of the animal kingdom. SMN impacts various aspects of
      RNA metabolism through the formation and/or interaction with ribonucleoprotein
      (RNP) complexes. SMN regulates biogenesis of small nuclear RNPs, small nucleolar
      RNPs, small Cajal body-associated RNPs, signal recognition particles and
      telomerase. SMN also plays an important role in DNA repair, transcription, pre
      mRNA splicing, histone mRNA processing, translation, selenoprotein synthesis,
      macromolecular trafficking, stress granule formation, cell signaling and
      cytoskeleton maintenance. The tissue-specific requirement of SMN is dictated by
      the variety and the abundance of its interacting partners. Reduced expression of
      SMN causes spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a leading genetic cause of infant
      mortality. SMA displays a broad spectrum ranging from embryonic lethality to an
      adult onset. Aberrant expression and/or localization of SMN has also been
      associated with male infertility, inclusion body myositis, amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis and osteoarthritis. This review provides a summary of various SMN
      functions with implications to a better understanding of SMA and other
      pathological conditions.

PMID- 28095303
TI  - Gd-DTPA-induced dynamic metabonomic changes in rat biofluids.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were (1) to detect the dynamic metabonomic
      changes induced by gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) and (2) to investigate the
      potential metabolic disturbances associated with the pathogenesis of nephrogenic
      systemic fibrosis (NSF) at the early stage. METHODS: A nuclear magnetic resonance
      (NMR)-based metabolomics approach was used to investigate the urinary and serum
      metabolic changes induced by a single tail vein injection of Gd-DTPA (dosed at 2
      and 5mmol/kg body weight) in rats. Urine and serum samples were collected on days
      1, 2 and 7 after dosing. RESULTS: Metabolic responses of rats to Gd-DTPA
      administration were systematic involving changes in lipid metabolism, glucose
      metabolism, TCA cycle, amino acid metabolism and gut microbiota functions.
      Urinary and serum metabonomic recovery could be observed in both the 2 and
      5mmol/kg body weight group, but the metabolic effects of high-dosed (5mmol/kg
      body weight) Gd-DTPA lasted longer. It is worth noting that hyperlipidemia was
      observed after Gd-DTPA injection, and nicotinate might play a role in the
      subsequent self-recovery of lipid metabolism. The disturbance of tyrosine,
      glutamate and gut microbiota metabolism might associate with the progression of
      NSF. CONCLUSION: These findings offered essential information about the metabolic
      changes induced by Gd-DTPA, and could be potentially important for investigating
      the pathogenesis of NSF at the early stage. Moreover, the recovery of rats
      administrated with Gd-DTPA may have implications in the treatment of early stage
      NSF.

PMID- 28095304
TI  - Adaptive significance of critical weight for metamorphosis in holometabolous
      insects.
AB  - Holometabolous insect larvae become committed to metamorphosis when they reach a
      critical weight. Although the physiological mechanisms involved in this process
      have been well-studied, the adaptive significance of the critical weight remains
      unclear. Here, we developed a life history model for holometabolous insects and
      evaluated it from the viewpoint of optimal energy allocation. We found that,
      without a priori assumptions about critical weight, the optimal growth schedule
      is always biphasic: larval tissues grow predominately until they reach a certain
      threshold, after which the imaginal tissues begin rapid growth, suggesting that
      the emergence of a critical weight as a phase-transition point is a natural
      consequence of optimal growth scheduling. Our model predicts the optimal timing
      of critical-weight attainment, in agreement with observations in phylogenetically
      distinct species. Furthermore, it also predicts the scaling of growth scheduling
      against environmental change, i.e., the relative value and timing of the critical
      weight should be constant, thus providing a general interpretation of observed
      phenotypic plasticity. This scaling relationship allows the classification of
      adaptive responses in critical weight into five possible types that reflect the
      ecological features of focal insects. In this manner, our theory and its
      consistency with experimental observations demonstrate the adaptive significance
      of critical weight.

PMID- 28095305
TI  - Fertility, kinship and the evolution of mass ideologies.
AB  - Traditional human societies are organised around kinship, and use kinship
      networks to generate large scale community projects. This is made possible by a
      combination of linguistic kin recognition, a uniquely human trait, which is
      mediated by the reliability of kin as collaborators. When effective fertility
      falls, this results in two simultaneous effects on social networks: there are
      fewer kin that can be relied on, and the limiting effect of the local kin
      clustering becomes stronger. To capture this phenomenon, we used a model of
      kinship lineages to build populations with a range of fertility levels combined
      with a behavioural synchrony model to measure the efficiency of collective action
      generated on kin networks within populations. Our findings suggest that, whenever
      effective cooperation depends on kinship, falling fertility creates a crisis when
      it results in too few kin to join the community project. We conclude that, when
      societies transition to small effective kin networks, due to falling fertility,
      increased relative distance to kin due to urbanisation or high mortality due to
      war or epidemics, they will be able to remain socially cohesive only if they
      replace disappearing kin networks with quasi-kin alternatives based on membership
      of guilds or clubs.

PMID- 28095306
TI  - The role of PTEN in regulation of hepatic macrophages activation and function in
      progression and reversal of liver fibrosis.
AB  - Activation of Kupffer cells (KCs) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of
      liver fibrosis. The progression and reversal of CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis
      showed a mixed induction of hepatic classical (M1) and alternative (M2)
      macrophage markers. Although the role of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted
      on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in modulating myeloid cell activation has recently been
      identified, its function in macrophage activation during hepatic fibrosis remains
      to be fully appreciated. In our study, PTEN expression of KCs was remarkably
      decreased in CCl4-induced mice but increased to a near-normal level in reversed
      mice. Moreover, PTEN was significantly decreased in IL4-induced RAW 264.7 cells
      in vitro and lower expression of PTEN was observed in M2 macrophages in vivo. In
      addition, loss- and gain-of-function studies suggested that PTEN regulates M2
      macrophages polarization via activation of PI3K/Akt/STAT6 signaling, but had a
      limited effect on M1 macrophages polarization in vitro. Additionally, Ly294002, a
      chemical inhibitor of PI3K/Akt, could dramatically down-regulate the hallmarks of
      M2 macrophages. In conclusion, PTEN mediates macrophages activation by
      PI3K/Akt/STAT6 signaling pathway, which provides novel compelling evidences on
      the potential of PTEN in liver injury and opens new cellular target for the
      pharmacological therapy of liver fibrosis.

PMID- 28095307
TI  - Pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral treatment interventions with drug
      resistance.
AB  - We introduce a model for HIV/AIDS which can be utilized to assess the impact of
      combining pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) use
      interventions (incorporating drug resistance). Mathematical and numerical
      analyses are carried out to investigate the effects of the combined controls in
      the presence of PrEP drug resistance. Our results predict a significant decrease
      in the number of new HIV infections when PrEP and ARVs are concurrently
      implemented at high levels. The results also reveal that PrEP drug resistance has
      the potential to slow down or reverse the effects of PrEP, especially at low
      efficacy levels.

PMID- 28095308
TI  - Lithium-induced malaise does not interfere with adaptation of the hypothalamic
      pituitary-adrenal axis to stress.
AB  - We have recently demonstrated that adaptation of the hypothalamic-pituitary
      adrenal (HPA) axis to repeated exposure to a stressor does not follow the rules
      of habituation and can be fully expressed after a single experience with severe
      stressors. In the present work we tested the hypothesis that adaptation could be
      impaired if animals experience malaise during initial exposure to the stressor.
      To this end, animals were allowed to drink saccharin for 30min before being
      exposed for 3h to immobilization on boards (IMO), a severe stressor; then they
      were given either saline or lithium ip after the first hour of IMO. Stress-naive
      rats followed exactly the same procedure except IMO. Exposure to IMO caused a
      strong activation of the HPA axis whereas the effect of lithium was modest. Both
      IMO and lithium administration resulted in conditioned taste aversion to
      saccharin when evaluated 4days later. When all animals were exposed to IMO 6days
      later, reduced HPA response and less impact on body weight was observed in the
      two groups previously exposed to IMO as compared with stress-naive rats.
      Therefore, lithium administration during the first IMO exposure did not affect
      adaptation of the HPA axis and weight gain. These results indicate that malaise
      per se only weakly activated the HPA axis and argue against the hypothesis that
      signs of physical malaise during exposure to the stressor could impair HPA
      adaptation.

PMID- 28095309
TI  - Microglia under psychosocial stressors along the aging trajectory: Consequences
      on neuronal circuits, behavior, and brain diseases.
AB  - Mounting evidence indicates the importance of microglia for proper brain
      development and function, as well as in complex stress-related neuropsychiatric
      disorders and cognitive decline along the aging trajectory. Considering that
      microglia are resident immune cells of the brain, a homeostatic maintenance of
      their effector functions that impact neuronal circuitry, such as phagocytosis and
      secretion of inflammatory factors, is critical to prevent the onset and
      progression of these pathological conditions. However, the molecular mechanisms
      by which microglial functions can be properly regulated under healthy and
      pathological conditions are still largely unknown. We aim to summarize recent
      progress regarding the effects of psychosocial stress and oxidative stress on
      microglial phenotypes, leading to neuroinflammation and impaired microglia
      synapse interactions, notably through our own studies of inbred mouse strains,
      and most importantly, to discuss about promising therapeutic strategies that take
      advantage of microglial functions to tackle such brain disorders in the context
      of adult psychosocial stress or aging-induced oxidative stress.

PMID- 28095310
TI  - Ilex paraguariensis supplementation may be an effective nutritional approach to
      modulate oxidative stress during perimenopause.
AB  - Perimenopause is a period in a woman's life that precedes menopause and is
      characterized by hormonal changes that result in increased oxidative stress.
      Since oxidative stress is associated with age-related diseases and perimenopausal
      symptoms including somato-vegetative manifestations, nutritional antioxidant
      supplementation may be an effective approach to minimizing this stress. Mate tea
      (MT) (Ilex paraguariensis), a typical and inexpensive beverage consumed in the
      Brazilian south-east, Argentina and Uruguay, increases antioxidant defense. We
      hypothesized that MT could minimize oxidative stress during perimenopause by
      modulating enzymatic antioxidant defense. To test this, we analyzed the lipid
      oxidative damage and antioxidant defense in erythrocytes and liver of rats, after
      MT treatment. Female Wistar rats (aged 16months) in proven perimenopause period
      received 20mg/kgBW/day of mate tea, by gavage (PM+MT group) or water (PM group).
      Female rats aged 4months (AD group) received water. Erythrocytes and liver were
      used to determine lipid oxidative damage, determined by malondialdehyde (MDA);
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT)
      activities. Total plasma antioxidant capacity was examined by ferric reducing
      antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and estrogen by radioimmunoassay. MT increased
      FRAP and did not change estrogen levels. Increased SOD and GPx, and reduced MDA
      were observed in both tissues studied. Increased CAT activity was observed only
      in the liver. We confirmed the hypothesis that MT was capable of minimizing
      oxidative stress in this period of life by modulating antioxidant defense.

PMID- 28095311
TI  - Therapeutic drug monitoring - Key to personalized pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 28095312
TI  - Neural correlates of babyish adult face processing in men.
AB  - The morphological characteristics of an infant's face are collectively referred
      to as baby schema or babyishness. It has been well established that infant traits
      are implicitly projected, or overgeneralized, to adults with babyish facial
      features. However, few studies to date have investigated the neural underpinnings
      of such overgeneralization. In the present study, we addressed this issue by
      comparing neural activations elicited by baby-faced and mature-faced adult faces
      in men using fMRI. We found increased activations in clusters surrounding the
      bilateral insula, bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, and right inferior frontal
      gyrus, which have been previously linked to the processing of facial
      attractiveness and infant-related information. We also discovered increased
      activation in the left medial prefrontal cortex, which might be related to
      emotional or empathic responses directed towards baby-faced adults. The activated
      region also included the left premotor cortex, which presumably reflects an
      embodied response or approach motivation directed toward infant-related
      information. Furthermore, the activation level of the left caudate correlated
      with the salivary concentration of oxytocin. Taken together, these findings
      indicate that passive viewing of babyish adult faces induces increased responses
      in neural regions linked to facial attractiveness and infant-related information
      processing, and that these responses are partially influenced by oxytocinergic
      factors.

PMID- 28095313
TI  - Prefrontal mediation of emotion regulation in social anxiety disorder during
      laughter perception.
AB  - Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by negatively biased perception of
      social cues and deficits in emotion regulation. While negatively biased
      perception is thought to maintain social anxiety, emotion regulation represents
      an ability necessary to overcome both biased perception and social anxiety. Here,
      we used laughter as a social threat in a functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI) study to identify cerebral mediators linking SAD with attention and
      interpretation biases and their modification through cognitive emotion regulation
      in the form of reappraisal. We found that reappraisal abolished the negative
      laughter interpretation bias in SAD and that this process was directly mediated
      through activation patterns of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
      serving as a cerebral pivot between biased social perception and its
      normalization through reappraisal. Connectivity analyses revealed reduced
      prefrontal control over threat-processing sensory cortices (here: the temporal
      voice area) during cognitive emotion regulation in SAD. Our results indicate a
      central role for the left DLPFC in SAD which might represent a valuable target
      for future research on interventions either aiming to directly modulate cognitive
      emotion regulation in SAD or to evaluate its potential as physiological marker
      for psychotherapeutic interventions relying on emotion regulation.

PMID- 28095314
TI  - Cloning and expression characterization of peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptors (PPARs) with their agonists, dietary lipids, and ambient salinity in
      rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus.
AB  - Rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus is the first marine teleost reported to have the
      ability of biosynthesizing C20-22 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC
      PUFA) from C18 precursors, and thus provides a model for studying the regulatory
      mechanisms of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in teleosts. To investigate the possible roles
      of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), critical transcription
      factors involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, in the regulation of LC
      PUFA biosynthesis in rabbitfish, the PPAR genes were cloned and their expression
      characterization with PPAR agonists, dietary lipid resource, and ambient salinity
      were examined. Three cDNA sequences respectively encoding 477, 516 and 519 amino
      acids of PPARalpha, PPARbeta, and PPARgamma isoforms were obtained. PPARalpha
      exhibited a wide tissue expression with its highest levels in the heart and
      brain; PPARbeta was predominantly expressed in the gills, while PPARgamma was
      highly expressed in the intestine and gills. In rabbitfish primary hepatocytes,
      both the PPAR agonists 2-bromopalmitate (2-Bro) and fenofibrate (FF) increased
      the expression of PPARgamma, SREBP1c and Elovl5, whereas FF depressed the
      expression of Delta6/Delta5 Fad. Moreover, a higher hepatic PPARbeta expression
      was observed in fish fed diets with vegetable oils (VO) than that with fish oil
      (FO), in the former the expression of PPARalpha, PPARbeta, and PPARgamma were
      increased at the low ambient salinity (10ppt), where an increasing expression of
      Delta5/Delta6 Fad, Delta4 Fad and Elovl5 genes was previously reported. These
      results suggest that PPARs might be involved in the upregulation of LC-PUFA
      biosynthesis with dietary VO and low ambient salinity in rabbitfish.

PMID- 28095315
TI  - Cytoplasmic stress granules: Dynamic modulators of cell signaling and disease.
AB  - Stress granule (SG) assembly is a conserved cellular strategy to minimize stress
      related damage and promote cell survival. Beyond their fundamental role in the
      stress response, SGs have emerged as key players for human health. As such, SG
      assembly is associated with cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, ischemia, and
      virus infections. SGs and granule-related signaling circuits are therefore
      promising targets to improve therapeutic intervention for several diseases. This
      is clinically relevant, because pharmacological drugs can affect treatment
      outcome by modulating SG formation. As membraneless and highly dynamic
      compartments, SGs regulate translation, ribostasis and proteostasis. Moreover,
      they serve as signaling hubs that determine cell viability and stress recovery.
      Various compounds can modulate SG formation and dynamics. Rewiring cell signaling
      through SG manipulation thus represents a new strategy to control cell fate under
      various physiological and pathological conditions.

PMID- 28095317
TI  - Formulation of liposomes functionalized with Lotus lectin and effective in
      targeting highly proliferative cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liposomes, used to improve the therapeutic index of new and
      established drugs, have advanced with the insertion of active targeting. The
      lectin from Lotus tetragonolobus (LTL), which binds glycans containing alpha-1,2
      linked fucose, reveals surface regionalized glycoepitopes in highly proliferative
      cells not detectable in normally growing cells. In contrast, other lectins
      localize the corresponding glycoepitopes all over the cell surface. LTL also
      proved able to penetrate the cells by an unconventional uptake mechanism.
      METHODS: We used confocal laser microscopy to detect and localize LTL-positive
      glycoepitopes and lectin uptake in two cancer cell lines. We then constructed
      doxorubicin-loaded liposomes functionalized with LTL. Intracellular delivery of
      the drug was determined in vitro and in vivo by confocal and electron microscopy.
      RESULTS: We confirmed the specific localization of Lotus binding sites and the
      lectin uptake mechanism in the two cell lines and determined that LTL
      functionalized liposomes loaded with doxorubicin greatly increased intracellular
      delivery of the drug, compared to unmodified doxorubicin-loaded liposomes. The
      LTL-Dox-L mechanism of entry and drug delivery was different to that of Dox-L and
      other liposomal preparations. LTL-Dox-L entered the cells one by one in tiny
      tubules that never fused with lysosomes. LTL-Dox-L injected in mice with melanoma
      specifically delivered loaded Dox to the cytoplasm of tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      Liposome functionalization with LTL promises to broaden the therapeutic potential
      of liposomal doxorubicin treatment, decreasing non-specific toxicity. GENERAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: Doxorubicin-LTL functionalized liposomes promise to be useful in
      the development of new cancer chemotherapy protocols.

PMID- 28095316
TI  - Rewiring protein synthesis: From natural to synthetic amino acids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The protein synthesis machinery uses 22 natural amino acids as
      building blocks that faithfully decode the genetic information. Such fidelity is
      controlled at multiple steps and can be compromised in nature and in the
      laboratory to rewire protein synthesis with natural and synthetic amino acids.
      SCOPE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes the major quality control mechanisms
      during protein synthesis, including aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, elongation
      factors, and the ribosome. We will discuss evolution and engineering of such
      components that allow incorporation of natural and synthetic amino acids at
      positions that deviate from the standard genetic code. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: The
      protein synthesis machinery is highly selective, yet not fixed, for the correct
      amino acids that match the mRNA codons. Ambiguous translation of a codon with
      multiple amino acids or complete reassignment of a codon with a synthetic amino
      acid diversifies the proteome. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Expanding the genetic code
      with synthetic amino acids through rewiring protein synthesis has broad
      applications in synthetic biology and chemical biology. Biochemical, structural,
      and genetic studies of the translational quality control mechanisms are not only
      crucial to understand the physiological role of translational fidelity and
      evolution of the genetic code, but also enable us to better design biological
      parts to expand the proteomes of synthetic organisms. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled "Biochemistry of Synthetic Biology - Recent Developments"
      Guest Editor: Dr. Ilka Heinemann and Dr. Patrick O'Donoghue.

PMID- 28095319
TI  - Autophagy and autoimmunity.
AB  - Autophagy is a highly conserved protein degradation pathway from yeasts to humans
      that is essential for removing protein aggregates and misfolded proteins in
      healthy cells. Recently, autophagy-related genes polymorphisms have been
      implicated in several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus,
      rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis. Numerous studies reveal
      autophagy and autophagy-related proteins also participate in immune regulation.
      Conditional deletions of autophagy-related proteins in mice have rendered
      protection from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and TNF-mediated joint
      destruction in animal models of multiple sclerosis and experimental arthritis
      respectively. As autophagy is strongly implicated in immune functions such as
      removal of intracellular bacteria, inflammatory cytokine secretion, antigen
      presentation, and lymphocyte development, in this review we summarized current
      understanding of the roles of autophagy and autophagy proteins in autoimmune
      diseases.

PMID- 28095318
TI  - Interoceptive modulation of neuroendocrine, emotional, and hypophagic responses
      to stress.
AB  - Periods of caloric deficit substantially attenuate many centrally mediated
      responses to acute stress, including neural drive to the hypothalamic-pituitary
      adrenal (HPA) axis, anxiety-like behavior, and stress-induced suppression of food
      intake (i.e., stress hypophagia). It is posited that this stress response
      plasticity supports food foraging and promotes intake during periods of negative
      energy balance, even in the face of other internal or external threats, thereby
      increasing the likelihood that energy stores are repleted. The mechanisms by
      which caloric deficit alters central stress responses, however, remain unclear.
      The caudal brainstem contains two distinct populations of stress-recruited
      neurons [i.e., noradrenergic neurons of the A2 cell group that co-express
      prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP+ A2 neurons), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP
      1) neurons] that also are responsive to interoceptive feedback about feeding and
      metabolic status. A2/PrRP and GLP-1 neurons have been implicated anatomically and
      functionally in the central control of the HPA axis, anxiety-like behavior, and
      stress hypophagia. The current review summarizes a growing body of evidence that
      caloric deficits attenuate physiological and behavioral responses to acute stress
      as a consequence of reduced recruitment of PrRP+ A2 and hindbrain GLP-1 neurons,
      accompanied by reduced signaling to their brainstem, hypothalamic, and limbic
      forebrain targets.

PMID- 28095320
TI  - Lethal dysregulation of energy metabolism during embryonic vitamin E deficiency.
AB  - Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, VitE) was discovered in 1922 for its role in
      preventing embryonic mortality. We investigated the underlying mechanisms causing
      lethality using targeted metabolomics analyses of zebrafish VitE-deficient
      embryos over five days of development, which coincided with their increased
      morbidity and mortality. VitE deficiency resulted in peroxidation of
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), depleting DHA-containing phospholipids, especially
      phosphatidylcholine, which also caused choline depletion. This increased lipid
      peroxidation also increased NADPH oxidation, which depleted glucose by shunting
      it to the pentose phosphate pathway. VitE deficiency was associated with
      mitochondrial dysfunction with concomitant impairment of energy homeostasis. The
      observed morbidity and mortality outcomes could be attenuated, but not fully
      reversed, by glucose injection into VitE-deficient embryos at developmental day
      one. Thus, embryonic VitE deficiency in vertebrates leads to a metabolic
      reprogramming that adversely affects methyl donor status and cellular energy
      homeostasis with lethal outcomes.

PMID- 28095321
TI  - Cellulose: To depolymerize... or not to?
AB  - Oxidation of the primary OH groups in cellulose is a pivotal reaction both at lab
      and industrial scale, leading to the value-added products, i.e. oxidized
      cellulose which have tremendous applications in medicine, pharmacy and hi-tech
      industry. Moreover, the introduction of carboxyl moieties creates prerequisites
      for further cellulose functionalization through covalent attachment or
      electrostatic interactions, being an essential achievement designed to boost the
      area of cellulose-based nanomaterials fabrication. Various methods for the
      cellulose oxidation have been developed in the course of time, aiming the
      selective conversion of the OH groups. These methods use: nitrogen dioxide in
      chloroform, alkali metal nitrites and nitrates, strong acids alone or in
      combination with permanganates or sodium nitrite, ozone, and sodium periodate or
      lead (IV) tetraacetate. In the case of the last two reagents, cellulose
      dialdehydes derivatives are formed, which are further oxidized by sodium chlorite
      or hydrogen peroxide to form dicarboxyl groups. A major improvement in the
      cellulose oxidation was represented by the introduction of the stable nitroxyl
      radicals, such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO). However, a major
      impediment for the researchers working in this area is related with the severe
      depolymerisation occurred during the TEMPO-mediated conversion of CH2OH into COOH
      groups. On the other hand, the cellulose depolymerisation represent the key step,
      in the general effort of searching for alternative strategies to develop new
      renewable, carbon-neutral energy sources. In this connection, exploiting the
      biomass feed stocks to produce biofuel and other low molecular organic compounds,
      involves a high amount of research to improve the overall reaction conditions,
      limit the energy consumption, and to use benign reagents. This work is therefore
      focused on the parallelism between these two apparently antagonist processes
      involving cellulose, building a necessary bridge between them, thinking how the
      reported drawbacks of the TEMPO-mediated oxidation of cellulose are heading
      towards to the biomass valorisation, presenting why the apparently undesired side
      reactions could be turned into beneficial processes if they are correlated with
      the existing achievements of particular significance in the field of cellulose
      conversion into small organic compounds, aiming the general goal of pursuing for
      alternatives to replace the petroleum-based products in human life.

PMID- 28095322
TI  - Competent processing techniques for scaffolds in tissue engineering.
AB  - Engineering a functional tissue ex vivo requires a synchronized effort towards
      developing technologies for ECM mimicking scaffold and cultivating tissue
      specific cells in an integrated and controlled manner. Cell-interactive scaffolds
      in three dimensions (3D), designed and processed appropriately with an apt
      biomaterial to yield optimal porosity and mechanical strength is the key in
      tissue engineering (TE). In order to accomplish these facets in a 3D scaffold,
      multiple techniques and processes have been explored by researchers all over the
      world. New techniques offering reasonable flexibility to use blends of different
      materials for integrated tissue-specific mechanical strength and biocompatibility
      have an edge over conventional methods. They may allow a combinatorial approach
      with a mix of materials while incorporating multiple processing techniques for
      successful creation of tissue-specific ECM mimics. In this review, we analyze the
      material requirement from different TE perspectives, while discussing pros and
      cons of advanced fabrication techniques for scale-up manufacturing.

PMID- 28095323
TI  - Pattern recognitions receptors in immunodeficiency disorders.
AB  - Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize common microbial or host-derived
      macromolecules and have important roles in early activation and response of the
      immune system. Initiation of the innate immune response starts with the
      recognition of microbial structures called pathogen associated molecular patterns
      (PAMPs). Recognition of PAMPs is performed by germline-encoded receptors
      expressed mainly on immune cells termed pattern recognition receptors (PRRs).
      Several classes of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are involved in the
      pathogenesis of diseases, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), C-type lectin
      receptors (CLRs), and Nod-like receptors (NLRs). Patients with primary immune
      deficiencies (PIDs) affecting TLR signaling can elucidate the importance of these
      proteins in the human immune system. Defects in interleukin-1 receptor-associated
      kinase-4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) lead to susceptibility to
      infections with bacteria, while mutations in nuclear factor-kappaB essential
      modulator (NEMO) and other downstream mediators generally induce broader
      susceptibility to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In contrast, TLR3 signaling
      defects are associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex virus type 1
      encephalitis. Other PIDs induce functional alterations of TLR signaling pathways,
      such as common variable immunodeficiency in which plasmacytoid dendritic cell
      defects enhance defective responses of B cells to shared TLR agonists. Altered
      TLR responses to TLR2 and 4 agonists are seen in chronic granulomatous disease
      (CGD) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA). Enhanced TLR responses, meanwhile,
      are seen for TLRs 5 and 9 in CGD, TLRs 4, 7/8, and 9 in XLA, TLRs 2 and 4 in
      hyper IgE syndrome (HIES), and for most TLRs in adenosine deaminase deficiency.
      In this review we provide the reader with an update on the role of TLRs and
      downstream signaling pathways in PID disorders.

PMID- 28095324
TI  - Formalin injection produces long-lasting hypersensitivity with characteristics of
      neuropathic pain.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 1%, 2% or 5% formalin
      injection produce hypersensitivity with characteristics of the neuropathic pain
      induced by spinal nerve injury. Formalin injection (1%, 2% and 5%) produced
      concentration-dependent long-lasting (at least 14 days) mechanical allodynia and
      hyperalgesia in both paws. Likewise, L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation induced
      allodynia and hyperalgesia in both paws. The intensity of hypersensitivity was
      greater in the ipsilateral than in the contralateral paw in all models. Systemic
      gabapentin or morphine completely reduced 1% formalin-induced hypersensitivity.
      In contrast, both drugs were not able to fully diminish 2-5% formalin- and nerve
      injury-induced hypersensitivity. Indomethacin produced a significant effect in
      the chronic 1% formalin test. Conversely, this drug did not modify 2 or 5%
      formalin- and nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity. Spinal nerve injury and 2
      5%, but not 1%, formalin injection enhanced ATF3 protein expression and
      immunofluorescence in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in a time-dependent manner.
      Furthermore, 2-5%, but not 1%, formalin injection or spinal nerve injury also
      enhanced alpha2delta-1 subunit protein levels in DRG. Our results suggest that 5%
      and, at lesser extent, 2% formalin injection produces long-lasting
      hypersensitivity with a pharmacological and molecular pattern that resembles
      neuropathic pain induced by spinal nerve ligation.

PMID- 28095325
TI  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activation inhibits liver growth
      through miR-122-mediated downregulation of cMyc.
AB  - Although NR1C3 agonists inhibit cell growth, the molecular mechanism of their
      action has not been thoroughly characterized to date. A recent study demonstrated
      that NR1C3 can regulate miR-122 by binding to its promoter. Given that miR-122
      can indirectly regulate cMyc-mediated promitogenic signaling by targeting E2f1,
      we hypothesized that NR1C3 activation inhibits hepatocyte proliferation through
      miR-122-mediated cMyc downregulation. In the present study, we examined if liver
      hyperplasia induced by a strong chemical mitogen for the liver, 1,4-bis[2-(3,5
      dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene (TCPOBOP), which is an agonist of NR1I3, can be
      repressed by NR1C3 activation through miR-122 upregulation. Acute TCPOBOP
      treatment caused a significant increase in liver-to-body weight ratio. The liver
      mass increase was accompanied with miR-122 downregulation. ChIP assays
      demonstrated that TCPOBOP-activated NR1I3 accumulated on the DR1 site in the pri
      miR-122 promoter; and the NR1I3 accumulation is accompanied by a decrease in miR
      122 and an increase in E2f1 and its transcription target cMyc. Rosiglitazone
      (Ros) treatment, which is an agonist of NR1C3, caused an opposite effect on liver
      to-body weight ratio. When Ros was given with TCPOBOP, it attenuated the
      inhibitory effect of TCPOBOP on miR-122. Moreover, Ros treatment inhibited the
      NR1I3 binding with the DR1 site in the pri-miR-122 promoter. Furthermore, the
      increase of miR-122 produced by Ros was correlated with the downregulation of its
      targets, E2f1 and cMyc. Thus, our finding demonstrated that the liver growth
      inhibitory effect of NR1C3 activation was at least partly related to the decrease
      of cMyc though the activation of miR-122 and the downregulation of E2f1.

PMID- 28095326
TI  - Additive antithrombotic effect of ASP6537, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-1
      inhibitor, in combination with clopidogrel in guinea pigs.
AB  - Clopidogrel (Plavix(r), Sanofi-Aventis), the adenosine diphosphate P2Y12 receptor
      antagonist, is reported to be effective in the prevention of cardiovascular
      events and is often used in combination with aspirin, particularly in high-risk
      patients. ASP6537 is a reversible cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 inhibitor that is under
      investigation as an anti-platelet agent. First, we investigated the reversibility
      of the antiplatelet effect of ASP6537 and its interaction with ibuprofen to
      compare the usability of ASP6537 with that of aspirin. We then evaluated the
      antithrombotic effect of ASP6537 in combination with clopidogrel using a FeCl3
      induced thrombosis model in guinea pigs. ASP6537 exerted reversible antiplatelet
      activity, and no pharmacodynamic interaction with ibuprofen was noted. When
      administered as monotherapy, ASP6537 exerted a significant antithrombotic effect
      at >=3mg/kg, while aspirin inhibited thrombosis at 100mg/kg. ASP6537 exerted
      significant additive effects in combination with clopidogrel, and the minimum
      antithrombotic dose was reduced by concomitant administration of clopidogrel. Our
      study showed that ASP6537 did not interact with ibuprofen and has clear additive
      effects in combination with clopidogrel. ASP6537 may therefore represent a
      promising antiplatelet agent for use in clinical settings in combination with
      clopidogrel.

PMID- 28095327
TI  - Proteomic and peptidomic analysis of human sweat with emphasis on proteolysis.
AB  - : Sweat is produced by eccrine and apocrine glands and represents a biological
      fluid with established roles in thermo-regulation and host infection defense. The
      composition of sweat is highly dynamic and alters significantly in various skin
      and other disorders. Therefore, in-depth profiling of sweat protein composition
      is expected to augment our understanding of the pathobiology of several skin
      diseases and may lead to the identification of useful sweat-based disease
      biomarkers. We here reported an in-depth analysis of the human sweat proteome and
      peptidome. Sweat was collected from healthy males and healthy females of ages 20
      60years, following strenuous exercise. Two sweat pools were prepared (1 for males
      and 1 for females) and were subjected to sample preparation for mass
      spectrometric analysis. We identified a total of 861 unique proteins during our
      proteomic analysis and 32,818 endogenous peptides (corresponding to additional
      1067 proteins) from our peptidomics workflow. As expected, the human skin was
      identified as the most abundant source of sweat proteins and peptides. Several
      skin proteases and protease inhibitors were identified in human sweat,
      highlighting the intense proteolytic activity of human skin. The presence of
      several antimicrobial peptides supports the functional roles of sweat in host
      defense and innate immunity. SIGNIFICANCE: Sweat is a skin-associated biological
      fluid, secreted by eccrine and apocrine glands, with essential function in body
      thermo-regulation and host infection defense. In the present study, we performed
      in-depth profiling of both sweat proteome and peptidome composition. Our data
      provide the most in-depth characterization of the skin's catalytic network
      present in sweat. For the first time, we brought to light novel peptides in human
      sweat that potentially have antimicrobial activity, which highlight the important
      role of this fluid in innate immunity. All these findings allow us to have a
      better understanding of the complex web of proteases in skin and may act as a
      platform for the future discovery of novel skin biomarkers.

PMID- 28095328
TI  - An integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of perivitelline fluid
      proteins in a freshwater gastropod laying aerial eggs.
AB  - : Proteins of the egg perivitelline fluid (PVF) that surrounds the embryo are
      critical for embryonic development in many animals, but little is known about
      their identities. Using an integrated proteomic and transcriptomic approach, we
      identified 64 proteins from the PVF of Pomacea maculata, a freshwater snail
      adopting aerial oviposition. Proteins were classified into eight functional
      groups: major multifunctional perivitellin subunits, immune response, energy
      metabolism, protein degradation, oxidation-reduction, signaling and binding,
      transcription and translation, and others. Comparison of gene expression levels
      between tissues showed that 22 PVF genes were exclusively expressed in albumen
      gland, the female organ that secretes PVF. Base substitution analysis of PVF and
      housekeeping genes between P. maculata and its closely related species Pomacea
      canaliculata showed that the reproductive proteins had a higher mean evolutionary
      rate. Predicted 3D structures of selected PVF proteins showed that some
      nonsynonymous substitutions are located at or near the binding regions that may
      affect protein function. The proteome and sequence divergence analysis revealed a
      substantial amount of maternal investment in embryonic nutrition and defense, and
      higher adaptive selective pressure on PVF protein-coding genes when compared with
      housekeeping genes, providing insight into the adaptations associated with the
      unusual reproductive strategy in these mollusks. SIGNIFICANCE: There has been
      great interest in studying reproduction-related proteins as such studies may not
      only answer fundamental questions about speciation and evolution, but also solve
      practical problems of animal infertility and pest outbreak. Our study has
      demonstrated the effectiveness of an integrated proteomic and transcriptomic
      approach in understanding the heavy maternal investment of proteins in the eggs
      of a non-model snail, and how the reproductive proteins may have evolved during
      the transition from laying underwater eggs to aerial eggs.

PMID- 28095329
TI  - Comparing ancient DNA survival and proteome content in 69 archaeological cattle
      tooth and bone samples from multiple European sites.
AB  - : Ancient DNA (aDNA) is the most informative biomolecule extracted from skeletal
      remains at archaeological sites, but its survival is unpredictable and its
      extraction and analysis is time consuming, expensive and often fails. Several
      proposed methods for better understanding aDNA survival are based upon the
      characterisation of some aspect of protein survival, but these are typically non
      specific; proteomic analyses may offer an attractive method for understanding
      preservation processes. In this study, in-depth proteomic (LC-Orbitrap-MS/MS)
      analyses were carried out on 69 archaeological bovine bone and dentine samples
      from multiple European archaeological sites and compared with mitochondrial aDNA
      and amino acid racemisation (AAR) data. Comparisons of these data, including
      estimations of the relative abundances for seven selected non-collagenous
      proteins, indicate that the survival of aDNA in bone or dentine may correlate
      with the survival of some proteins, and that proteome complexity is a more useful
      predictor of aDNA survival than protein abundance or AAR. The lack of a strong
      correlation between the recovery of aDNA and the proteome abundance may indicate
      that the survival of aDNA is more closely linked to its ability to associate with
      bone hydroxyapatite crystals rather than to associate with proteins.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Ancient biomolecule survival remains poorly understood, even with
      great advancements in 'omics' technologies, both in genomics and proteomics. This
      study investigates the survival of ancient DNA in relation to that of proteins,
      taking into account proteome complexity and the relative protein abundances to
      improve our understanding of survival mechanisms. The results show that although
      protein abundance is not necessarily directly related to aDNA survival, proteome
      complexity appears to be.

PMID- 28095330
TI  - Usnic acid and atranorin exert selective cytostatic and anti-invasive effects on
      human prostate and melanoma cancer cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: Lichens are an interesting source of potential anti-tumor
      compounds, among which usnic acid and atranorin seem to be the most promising,
      but their impact on invasive potential of tumor cells has not yet been
      comprehensively addressed. The aim of the study was focused on the impact of the
      two lichen metabolites, on the viability (by Trypan blue test and fluoresceine
      diacetate and ethidium bromide assay), proliferation (cell counting in a Burker's
      chamber), apoptosis (flow cytometry analysis and Western blot) and motile
      activity (cell movement recording and image analysis) and actin cytoskeleton
      organization (immunofluorescent staining) of melanoma HTB-140, prostate cancers
      DU-145 and PC-3, normal human skin fibroblasts and prostate epithelial PNT2
      cells, with special emphasis to their selectivity and versatility. RESULTS: Both
      compounds exerted strong inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation,
      migration and actin cytoskeleton organization, while their effect on apoptosis
      process was less relevant. The impact of usnic acid on the examined cancer cells
      was found more efficient in comparison to atranorin. Also, selective effect of
      both agents on tumor cells was observed. SIGNIFICANCE: The ability of usnic acid
      and atranorin to inhibit cancer cells motility may have future implications for
      development of new therapeutic strategies targeted at the interference with the
      metastatic cascade.

PMID- 28095331
TI  - The effect of combined avoidance and control training on implicit food evaluation
      and choice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Continual exposure to food cues in the environment contributes to
      unhealthy eating behaviour. According to dual-process models, such behaviour is
      partly determined by automatic processing of unhealthy food cues (e.g., approach
      bias), which fails to be regulated by controlled processing (e.g., inhibitory
      control). The current study aimed to investigate the effect of combined avoidance
      and control training on implicit evaluation (liking), choice, and consumption of
      unhealthy snack food. METHOD: Participants were 240 undergraduate women who were
      randomly allocated to one of four experimental conditions of a 2 (avoidance
      training: training versus control) x 2 (control training: training versus
      control) between-subjects design. RESULTS: The combined training group had a more
      negative implicit evaluation of unhealthy food than either of the two training
      conditions alone or the control condition. In addition, participants trained to
      avoid unhealthy food cues subsequently made fewer unhealthy snack food choices.
      No significant group differences were found for food intake. LIMITATIONS:
      Participants were women generally of a healthy weight. Overweight or obese
      individuals may derive greater benefit from combined training. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results lend support to the theoretical predictions of dual-process models, as
      the combined training reduced implicit liking of unhealthy food. At a practical
      level, the findings have implications for the effectiveness of interventions
      targeting unhealthy eating behaviour.

PMID- 28095332
TI  - Signal and binding. II. Converting physico-chemical responses to macromolecule
      ligand interactions into thermodynamic binding isotherms.
AB  - Physico-chemical titration techniques are the most commonly used methods in
      characterizing molecular interactions. These methods are mainly based on
      spectroscopic, calorimetric, hydrodynamic, etc., measurements. However, truly
      quantitative physico-chemical methods are absolutely based on the determination
      of the relationship between the measured signal and the total average degree of
      binding in order to obtain meaningful interaction parameters. The relationship
      between the observed physico-chemical signal of whatever nature and the degree of
      binding must be determined and not assumed, based on some ad hoc intuitive
      relationship/model, leading to determination of the true binding isotherm. The
      quantitative methods reviewed and discussed here allow an experimenter to
      rigorously determine the degree of binding and the free ligand concentration,
      i.e., they lead to the construction of the thermodynamic binding isotherm in a
      model-independent fashion from physico-chemical titration curves.

PMID- 28095333
TI  - Effect of resveratrol on platelet aggregation by fibrinogen protection.
AB  - The effect of resveratrol (RSV) in inhibiting platelet adhesion and aggregation,
      as well as fibrinogen (FBG) conformational changes promoted by epinephrine (EP),
      were studied, by using complementary experimental techniques. NMR and IR
      spectroscopies were used to investigate possible protective effects by RSV
      towards FBG, in presence of EP. The protective effect of RSV towards FBG was
      highlighted by spin nuclear relaxation experiments that were interpreted for
      determining the thermodynamic equilibrium constants of FBG-EP interaction, and by
      infrared measurements, that showed EP-induced conformational changes of FBG. The
      ability of RSV in inhibiting platelet adhesion and aggregation promoted by EP was
      evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), measuring the platelet adhesion
      and aggregation degree, in comparison to data obtained for platelet aggregation
      in platelet rich plasma (PRP). The experimental combined approach pointed out
      that RSV is able to protect both FBG and platelets from the denaturant and
      aggregating action of EP at stress level concentration.

PMID- 28095334
TI  - Predictors and mediators of trait anger across the psychosis continuum: The role
      of attachment style, paranoia and social cognition.
AB  - Anger in the context of psychosis has a significant impact on treatment outcomes
      and serious implications for risk management. Understanding mechanisms underlying
      anger will improve interventions and inform strategies for prevention. This study
      is the first to examine the relationships between anger and key theoretical
      drivers across different phases of the psychosis continuum. A battery including
      measures of theory of mind, attachment, hostile attribution bias, paranoia and
      anger was administered to 174 participants (14 ultra-high risk, 20 first-episode,
      20 established psychosis, 120 non-clinical participants). We tested the model
      that insecure attachment, paranoia, impaired theory of mind and hostile
      attribution bias would predict trait anger using multiple regression. Attachment
      avoidance, paranoia and hostile attribution bias were significantly associated
      with anger but attachment anxiety and theory of mind were not. Mediation analysis
      showed that paranoia partially mediated the relationship between avoidant
      attachment and anger but hostile attribution bias did not. Findings emphasise the
      importance of interventions targeting paranoia to reduce anger and the potential
      of preventive strategies focused on attachment relationships in early life or
      adulthood to reduce adult paranoia and anger.

PMID- 28095335
TI  - Guilt, shame and expressed emotion in carers of people with long-term mental
      health difficulties: A systematic review.
AB  - Expressed emotion (EE) is a global index of familial emotional climate, whose
      primary components are emotional over-involvement (EOI) and critical comments
      (CC)/hostility. There is a strong theoretical rationale for hypothesising that
      carers' guilt and shame may be differentially associated with their EOI and
      CC/hostility respectively. This systematic review investigates the magnitude of
      these theorised associations in carers of people with long-term mental health
      difficulties. Electronic searches (conducted in May 2016 across Medline, CINAHL,
      Embase, PsycINFO and ProQuest) were supplemented with iterative hand searches.
      Ten papers, reporting data from eight studies, were included. Risk of bias was
      assessed using a standardised checklist. Relevant data were extracted and
      synthesised narratively. EOI was positively associated with both guilt and shame,
      whereas CC/hostility was positively associated with shame. The strength of
      associations varied depending on whether or not guilt and shame were assessed
      within the context of the caring relationship. Based on these data, an argument
      can be made for the refinement, development and evaluation of systemic and
      individual interventions designed to target carers' guilt and shame. However,
      more research is needed to clarify the strength of these associations and their
      direction of effect before firm conclusions can be drawn.

PMID- 28095336
TI  - Psychiatric symptoms mediate the effects of neurological soft signs on functional
      outcomes in patients with chronic schizophrenia: A longitudinal path-analytic
      study.
AB  - Neurological soft signs (NSS) in motor coordination and sequencing occur in
      schizophrenia patients and are an intrinsic sign of the underlying neural
      dysfunctions. The present longitudinal study explored the relationships among
      NSS, psychiatric symptoms, and functional outcomes in 151 Chinese patients with
      chronic schizophrenia across a 6-month period. The participants completed
      neurological assessments at baseline (Time 1), psychiatric interviews at Time 1
      and 3-month follow-up (Time 2), and self-report measures on daily functioning at
      6-month follow-up (Time 3). Two possible (combined and cascading) path models
      were examined on predicting the functional outcomes. Direct and indirect effects
      of Time 1 NSS on Time 3 functional outcomes via Time 2 psychiatric symptoms were
      evaluated using path analysis under bootstrapping. Motor coordination and
      sequencing NSS did not have significant direct effects on functional outcomes.
      Motor coordination NSS exerted significant and negative indirect effects on
      functional outcomes via psychiatric symptoms. These results contribute to a
      better understanding of the determinants of functional outcomes by showing
      significant indirect pathways from motor coordination NSS to functional outcomes
      via psychiatric symptoms. That motor sequencing NSS did not affect functional
      outcomes either directly or indirectly may be explained by their trait marking
      features.

PMID- 28095337
TI  - Environment or beekeeping management: What explains better the prevalence of
      honey bee colonies with high levels of Varroa destructor?
AB  - Varroa destructor is one of the major threats to honey bee colonies. The mite
      abundance in the colonies is affected by environmental conditions as well as by
      beekeeping management. The aim of this study was to recognize the main drivers
      associated with autumn V. destructor infestation in honey bee colonies when
      different regions from Argentina are compared. A total of 361 colonies
      distributed in five Argentinean eco-regions were examined to evaluate Varroa mite
      infestation rate during autumn and Nosema sp. presence. Regions were different
      regarding annual temperature, precipitation and especially vegetation landscape.
      In addition, beekeeping management practices were obtained from a checklist
      questionnaire answered by the beekeepers. The prevalence of colonies with high
      infestation level was lower in semi-arid Chaco followed by humid and transition
      Chaco regions. Also, colonies that were positive for Nosema sp. showed a higher
      Varroa infestation rate. The "environmental" effect was stronger compared with
      the influence of secondary drivers associated with beekeeping activities. As
      well, a significant association between V. destructor infestation rates and
      Nosema presence was identified. Under contrasting natural conditions, environment
      seems a predominant driver on Varroa destructor infestation level in honey bee
      colonies.

PMID- 28095338
TI  - Docosahexaenoic acid attenuates LPS-stimulated inflammatory response by
      regulating the PPARgamma/NF-kappaB pathways in primary bovine mammary epithelial
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major dietary n-3 polyunsaturated
      fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) in fish oil, and has been reported to possess a number of
      biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor and immune-regulatory
      properties. However, whether DHA exert anti-inflammatory effect on
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis remains unclear. In this study, we
      investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of the effects of DHA on LPS
      stimulated primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC). METHODS: The
      experiment was divided into six groups as followed: control group, GW9662+LPS+DHA
      (100MUM) group, LPS and LPS+DHA (25, 50 and 100MUM) groups. bMEC were treated
      with DHA for 3h before LPS (200MUg/ml) stimulation, and incubated with the
      PPARgamma inhibitor GW9662 for 12h before DHA treatment. The mRNA levels of TNF
      alpha, IL-6 and IL-1beta were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
      Western blot was employed for measuring the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB
      and PPARgamma. RESULTS: Our results showed that DHA pretreatment significantly
      decreased the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in bMEC stimulated with
      LPS. Besides, DHA suppressed the phosphorylation of nuclear transcription factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65 and degradation inhibitor of NF-kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha)
      in NF-kappaB signal pathway, and activated proliferator activated receptor gamma
      (PPARgamma). But, all those effects were obviously abolished by addition of
      GW9662, a specific inhibitor of PPARgamma. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these
      results indicated that DHA may attenuate LPS-stimulated inflammatory response in
      bMEC by suppressing NF-kappaB activation through a mechanism partly dependent on
      PPARgamma activation.

PMID- 28095340
TI  - Body image in patients with mental disorders: Characteristics, associations with
      diagnosis and treatment outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite the increasing recognition in clinical practice of body image
      problems in other than appearance related mental disorders, the question remains
      how aspects of body image are affected in different disorders. The aim of this
      study was to measure body image in patients with a variety of mental disorders
      and to compare scores with those in the general population in order to obtain
      more insight in the relative disturbance of body image in the patients group
      compared to healthy controls. In a further exploration associations with self
      reported mental health, quality of life and empowerment were established as well
      as the changes in body image in patients over time. METHODS: 176 women and 91 men
      in regular psychiatric treatment completed the Dresden Body Image Questionnaire,
      the Outcome Questionnaire, the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life and
      the Mental Health Confidence Scale. Measurements were repeated after four months.
      RESULTS: Patients with mental disorders, especially those with post-traumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD), scored significantly lower on body image, with large
      effect sizes, in comparison with the healthy controls. Scores of patients from
      different diagnostic groups varied across domains of body image, with body
      acceptance lowest in the group with eating disorders, and sexual fulfillment
      extremely low in PTSD. Vitality did not differ significantly between the various
      disorders. Gender differences were large for body acceptance and sexual
      fulfillment and small for vitality. Associations of body image with self-reported
      mental health, quality of life and empowerment were moderate to strong. After
      four months of treatment positive changes in body image were observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Negative body image is a common problem occurring in most patients
      with mental disorders. Diagnosis-specific profiles emerge, with PTSD being the
      most affected disorder. Body acceptance and sexual fulfillment were the most
      differentiating aspects of body image between diagnoses. Changes in body image
      occur over the course of treatment.

PMID- 28095339
TI  - Preadolescent sensation seeking and early adolescent stress relate to at-risk
      adolescents' substance use by age 15.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Substance use during adolescence can lead to the development
      of substance use disorders and other psychosocial problems. These negative
      outcomes are especially likely for individuals who use substances at earlier ages
      and those who engage in heavier use during adolescence, behaviors which are both
      more common among youth at higher risk for developing a substance use disorder,
      such as those with a family history of substance use disorders (FH+). Factors
      such as increased sensation seeking and greater exposure to stressors among FH+
      youth may influence these associations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to
      examine the relative and unique contributions of sensation seeking during
      preadolescence and exposure to stressors during early to mid-adolescence to
      cumulative substance use by mid-adolescence among FH+ youth. METHODS: A total of
      167 mostly Hispanic FH+ youth (ages 12-15) who were participating in an ongoing
      longitudinal study were included in these analyses. Participants' data from
      biennial waves covering approximately 2.5years were used. Self-reported sensation
      seeking, exposure to stressors, and substance use were compared. RESULTS: Higher
      sensation seeking during preadolescence and greater exposure to stressors during
      early to mid-adolescence were both associated with substance use by age 15. These
      factors differentiated Substance Users from Non-Users, and also related to level
      of substance use. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated sensation seeking and exposure to
      stressors are both associated with substance use by age 15 among high-risk youth.
      Additionally, these factors can distinguish youth who develop heavier substance
      use during this important developmental period.

PMID- 28095341
TI  - Effect of the R119G mutation on human P5CR structure and its interactions with
      NAD: Insights derived from molecular dynamics simulation and free energy
      analysis.
AB  - Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR), an enzyme with conserved housekeeping
      roles, is involved in the etiology of cutis laxa. While previous work has shown
      that the R119G point mutation in the P5CR protein is involved, the structural
      mechanism behind the pathology remains to be elucidated. In order to probe the
      role of the R119G mutation in cutis laxa, we performed molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations, essential dynamics (ED) analysis, and Molecular mechanics Poisson
      Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) binding free energy calculations on wild type
      (WT) and mutant P5CR-NAD complex. These MD simulations and ED analyses suggest
      that the R119G mutation decreases the flexibility of P5CR, specifically in the
      substrate binding pocket, which could decrease the kinetics of the cofactor
      entrance and egress. Furthermore, the MM-PBSA calculations suggest the R119G
      mutant has a lower cofactor binding affinity for NAD than WT. Our study provides
      insight into the possible role of the R119G mutation during interactions between
      P5CR and NAD, thus bettering our understanding of how the mutation promotes cutis
      laxa.

PMID- 28095342
TI  - Orthognathic surgery during breast cancer treatment-A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In recent years, patients with orthognathic surgery in middle-aged
      and elderly people have come to be a more frequent occurrence. Breast cancer is
      the most frequently diagnosed cancer in woman worldwide, and its prevalence rate
      is steadily increasing. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a 47-year-old
      Japanese woman in whom left-side breast cancer (Stage 1) was unexpectedly found
      just before orthognathic surgery in April 2012. Breast-conserving surgery was
      performed (estrogen receptor+, progesterone receptor+, HER2 -, surgical margin+,
      sentinel lymph node +) that May. From June to August docetaxel (75mg/m2) and
      cyclophosphamide (600mg/m2) were administrated four times every 21days and
      thereafter radiotherapy (total 60Gy) was completed. The cancer surgeon declared
      the prognosis good and the patient had a strong desire to undergo orthognathic
      surgery, so in November we performed a bimaxillary osteotomy, and administration
      of tamoxifen began 6 weeks after the osteotomy. DISCUSSION: There are breast
      cancer cases in which the prognosis is sufficiently good for a planned
      orthognathic surgery to proceed. Good communication among surgeons and the
      patient is important. CONCLUSION: We experienced a case in which breast cancer
      was found just before the orthognathic surgery; we performed a bimaxillary
      osteotomy, including follow-up tamoxifen administration, during breast cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 28095343
TI  - Patient-tailored management of an asymptomatic massive substernal goiter
      presenting as brachiocephalic vein occlusion. Report of a case and review of
      sternotomy indications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Substernal goiters are characterized by the protrusion of at least
      50% of the thyroid mass below the level of the thoracic inlet. Still their
      definition is controversial. CASE PRESENTATION: The case refers to a 44year old
      male who presented to our department due to swelling and a feeling of 'heaviness'
      of his left upper extremity for the past 6 months. CT scan revealed a massive
      substernal goiter extending to the great vessels. Intraoperatively, a median
      sternotomy was performed due to the size of the gland and the close adhesion of
      the isthmus and lower left thyroid lobe to the brachiocephalic vein. Resection of
      the gland revealed the vein to have a cord-like shape, leading to reduced venous
      return and upper extremity symptoms. Recovery was uneventful for the patient who
      was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. DISCUSSION: While most substernal
      goiters can be surgically managed through a cervical incision, there are cases in
      which a median sternotomy is indicated. Those cases include excessive gland size,
      thoracic pain, ectopic thyroid tissue and the extent of the goiter to the aortic
      arch. Median sternotomy is associated with a number of intra and postoperative
      complications, although when performed by an experienced surgeon, mortality and
      morbidity rates along with long-term recovery are not affected. CONCLUSSION: The
      lack of a uniform definition and variety of indications, lead to a patient
      tailored approach regarding the execution of sternotomy during surgical
      management of massive substernal goiters.

PMID- 28095345
TI  - Forensic assignment to geographic origin, a useful tool in seafood fraud control.
AB  - Seafood fraud is an economically motivated and widely spread problem encompassing
      drastic consequences in both public health and species conservation. In Northern
      Spain, only the first Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) catch of the angling season
      (named Campanu) can be sold. In the year 2011, an angler denounced it on regional
      Court claiming that the Campanu (which was sold in 6000?) was fraudulent because
      it had been caught from another river than the fisherman ("the seller") stated.
      Here, we report the first judicial case of application of geographical genetic
      assignment in a fish species in Spain. In order to accomplish this, genetic
      assignments to their rivers of origin of the Campanu and another three following
      salmon catches of the angling season of the year 2011 were performed. A panel of
      eight microsatellite loci together with a comprehensive genetic baseline of the
      rivers of the region were employed. Results showed that the Campanu was the only
      case in which genetic assignment and fisherman declaration of the river of origin
      did not match. The methodology here employed showed to be very useful as a
      reinforcement of other evidences contributing to fight against seafood fraud in
      Courts.

PMID- 28095344
TI  - Concordance between maternal recall of birth complications and data from
      obstetrical records.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal complications are associated with poor outcomes in the
      offspring. Access to medical records is limited in the United States and
      investigators often rely on maternal report of prenatal complications. STUDY
      DESIGN AND AIMS: We tested concordance between maternal recall and birth records
      in a community-based sample of mothers participating in a longitudinal study in
      order to determine the accuracy of maternal recall of perinatal complications.
      SUBJECTS: Participants were 151 biological mothers, who were interviewed about
      gestational age at birth, birthweight, and the most commonly occurring birth
      complications: nuchal cord and meconium aspiration when the female child was on
      average 6years old, and for whom birth records were obtained. OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Concordance between reports was assessed using one-way random intra-class
      coefficients for continuous measures and kappa coefficients for dichotomous
      outcomes. Associations between maternal demographic and psychological factors and
      discrepancies also were tested. RESULTS: Concordance was excellent for
      continuously measured birthweight (ICC=0.85, p<0.001) and good for gestational
      age (ICC=0.68, p<0.001). Agreement was good for low birthweight (<2500g)
      (kappa=0.67, p<0.001), fair for preterm delivery (<37weeks gestation)
      (kappa=0.44, p<0.001), and poor for nuchal cord or meconium aspiration. Most
      discrepancies were characterized by presence according to birth record and
      absence according to maternal recall. Receipt of public assistance was associated
      with a decrease in discrepancy in report of nuchal cord. CONCLUSIONS: Concordance
      between maternal retrospective report and medical birth records varies across
      different types of perinatal events. There was little evidence that demographic
      or psychological factors increased the risk of discrepancies. Maternal recall
      based on continuous measures of perinatal factors may yield more valid data than
      dichotomous outcomes.

PMID- 28095346
TI  - Crystal structure, cytotoxicity and action mechanism of Zn(II)/Mn(II) complexes
      with isoquinoline ligands.
AB  - Four MU2-Cl bridged dinuclear metal complexes with isoquinoline ligands,
      (MPDQ)2Zn2Cl4 (1) (MPDQ=4.5-methylenedioxy-1-pyridinedihydroisoquinoline),
      (PYP)2Zn2Cl4 (2) (PYP=5-pyridin-2-yl-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinoline),
      (MPDQ)2Mn2Cl4 (3),and (PYP)2Mn2Cl4 (4) were synthesized and characterized. All
      complexes exhibited strong proliferation inhibition activity against various
      cancer cells. The underlying molecular mechanisms through which they caused the
      cancer cell death were also elucidated. Induction of apoptosis in MGC-803 cells
      by complex 2 was evidenced by annexin V+/PI- detection and DiD/DAPI staining
      assay. Further investigation revealed that complex 2 was able to induce intrinsic
      pathway-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells by triggering DNA damage which was
      caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Based on these studies,
      we suggest that Zn(II) complexes containing isoquinoline ligands can be developed
      as candidates for anti-cancer chemotherapeutics.

PMID- 28095347
TI  - Using Experience-based Co-design with older patients, their families and staff to
      improve palliative care experiences in the Emergency Department: A reflective
      critique on the process and outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing use of emergency departments among older patients with
      palliative needs has led to the development of several service-level
      interventions intended to improve care quality. There is little evidence of
      patient and family involvement in developmental processes, and little is known
      about the experiences of - and preferences for - palliative care delivery in this
      setting. Participatory action research seeking to enable collaborative working
      between patients and staff should enhance the impact of local quality improvement
      work but has not been widely implemented in such a complex setting. OBJECTIVES:
      To critique the feasibility of this methodology as a quality improvement
      intervention in complex healthcare settings, laying a foundation for future work.
      SETTING: an Emergency Department in a large teaching hospital in the United
      Kingdom. METHODS: Experience-based Co-design incorporating: 150h of
      nonparticipant observation; semi-structured interviews with 15 staff members
      about their experiences of palliative care delivery; 5 focus groups with 64 staff
      members to explore challenges in delivering palliative care; 10 filmed semi
      structured interviews with palliative care patients or their family members; a co
      design event involving staff, patients and family members. FINDINGS: the study
      successfully identified quality improvement priorities leading to changes in
      Emergency Department-palliative care processes. Further outputs were the creation
      of a patient-family-staff experience training DVD to encourage reflective
      discussion and the identification and application of generic design principles
      for improving palliative care in the Emergency Department. There were benefits
      and challenges associated with using Experience-based Co-design in this setting.
      Benefits included the flexibility of the approach, the high levels of engagement
      and responsiveness of patients, families and staff, and the impact of using
      filmed narrative interviews to enhance the 'voice' of seldom heard patients and
      families. Challenges included high levels of staff turnover during the 19 month
      project, significant time constraints in the Emergency Department and the ability
      of older patients and their families to fully participate in the co-design
      process. CONCLUSION: Experience-based Co-design is a useful approach for
      encouraging collaborative working between vulnerable patients, family and staff
      in complex healthcare environments. The flexibility of the approach allows the
      specific needs of participants to be accounted for, enabling fuller engagement
      with those who typically may not be invited to contribute to quality improvement
      work. Recommendations for future studies in this and similar settings include
      testing the 'accelerated' form of the approach and experimenting with alternative
      ways of increasing involvement of patients/families in the co-design phase.

PMID- 28095348
TI  - Immune transcriptome reveals the mincle C-type lectin receptor acts as a partial
      replacement for TLR4 in lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory response in
      barramundi (Lates calcarifer).
AB  - Fish represent the most diverse and abundant extant vertebrate infraclass. They
      are also one of the earliest divergent phyla with adaptive immunity based on
      antigen recognition by MHC and immunoglobulin. The aquaculture industry, which
      currently provides more than half of the fish for human consumption globally, has
      successfully exploited the adaptive immune system of fish through mass
      vaccination programs. However, vaccination against highly diverse antigens,
      mostly carbohydrates, such as capsular polysaccharides and lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) is challenging. Fish have a subdued innate response to LPS, but adaptive
      response is generally high and type-specific. To better understand the link
      between initial innate response and early onset of adaptive immunity to
      carbohydrate antigens in the perciform barramundi (Lates calcarifer), an immune
      transcriptome was prepared from pronephros and spleen following vaccination with
      LPS and peptidoglycan. From 163,661 transcripts derived by Illumina mRNA-Seq,
      most grouped in neuronal, endocrine or immune system categories, suggesting a
      close relationship between the three systems. Moreover, digestive enzyme
      transcripts in spleen appeared to be highly inducible in barramundi. Most of the
      known TLRs were transcribed in the barramundi spleen and HK transcriptome, with
      the notable exception of TLR4, which is primarily responsible for LPS recognition
      in mammals. Several C-type lectin receptors were also identified, including
      CD209, CD205, and CLEC4E (Mincle). As Mincle has been shown to bind LPS and is
      abundant on dendritic cells, its role in response to LPS in barramundi was
      further investigated. A high dose of LPS induced TNF-alpha expression via Mincle.
      However, IL-6 regulation, whilst still regulated in response to LPS, did not
      depend upon the Mincle pathway, suggesting other routes of activation. This study
      thus suggests that Mincle acts as a partial substitute for TLR4 in barramundi in
      the processing of LPS.

PMID- 28095349
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of ononin on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7
      cells.
AB  - Increasing evidence has shown that ononin, a major isoflavone, has anti
      inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. However,
      the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of ononin are
      still unclear. In the present study, we investigated these effects and the
      underlying mechanisms of ononin on LPS-induced inflammatory responses. Mouse RAW
      264.7 cells were treated with 1MUg/mL LPS and 5, 25, 50, 100 or 150MUM ononin for
      18h. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assays, and the production of nitric
      oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha,
      IL-1beta and IL-6 in cultures was examined by Griess and ELISA analyses. qRT-PCR
      was performed to detect the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase
      (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and
      nuclear transcription factor Kappa-B (NF-kappaB) signalling pathway-related
      proteins were assessed by western blot assays. The results showed that cell
      viability was not significantly affected by up to 100MUM ononin. The production
      of NO, PGE2 and the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 in
      the cultures, the mRNA expression of two major inflammatory mediators, COX-2 and
      iNOS, and the expression of phosphorylated IkappaB-alpha, ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPKs
      proteins in LPS-treated cells were significantly increased. These changes could
      be reversed by treatment with ononin in a concentration-dependent manner
      (P<0.05). The results suggest that ononin has anti-inflammatory effects on LPS
      induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NF-kappaB and MAPK pathways and
      may be a potential treatment for inflammation.

PMID- 28095350
TI  - Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with systemic
      mastocytosis treated with cladribine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare
      opportunistic brain infection caused by the human polyomavirus JC (JCPyV). A
      particular problem with the drug cladribine seems to be prolonged suppression of
      the CD4+ T-cells, a well-known risk factor for PML. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 67-year
      old male presented with a 3-weeks history of unsteady gait, dysarthria and a
      dysfunctional right arm. Seven years earlier, he had been diagnosed with
      urticaria pigmentosa, and 2 years later aggressive systemic mastocytosis.
      Cladribine treatment was initiated and regarded effective, but the course was
      complicated with bouts of severe anemia and recurrent episodes of salmonella
      associated gastroenteritis. His lymphocyte count fell to 0.1*109/L at its lowest
      level, but gradually rose. Despite this, in the 6 month wake of the last dose of
      cladribine given, the patient experienced herpetic stomatitis, had CMV present in
      blood, and ultimately developed the neurological symptoms. An MRI scan revealed a
      lesion in the right cerebellar hemisphere compatible with PML, and PCR analysis
      of the CSF showed positive for JCPyV DNA with a load of 323 950 copies/ml. No
      pathological cells were seen on CSF flow cytometry. The CD4/CD8-ratio was 0.45
      (160 CD4+ cells/mm3 and 360 CD8+ cells/mm3). The patient passed away 3 weeks
      later. CONCLUSION: PML may be the consequence of prolonged lymphopenia due to the
      use of cladribine.

PMID- 28095351
TI  - Level of Granzyme B-positive T-regulatory cells is a strong predictor biomarker
      of acute Graft-versus-host disease after day +30 after allo-HSCT.
AB  - Acute Graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD), the major complication and one of the
      main causes of poor outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (allo-HSCT). Nowadays there are no widely accepted cell, plasma
      or another biomarker that can be used for aGVHD prediction. We hypothesized that
      a level of Granzyme B-positive T regulatory (GZMB-positive Treg) cells on day+30
      after allo-HSCT could be the measure of immune response suppression and could
      predict aGVHD development after day +30. We applied a widespread and easy-to
      perform method of multicolor flow cytometry to measure level of GZMB-positive
      Treg cells. Levels of GZMB-positive Tregs on day +30 after allo-HSCT were
      significantly higher in those patients who never developed aGVHD in comparison
      with the other group of patient with aGVHD after day +30 (p=0.0229). We conclude
      that the level of GZMB-positive Treg cells is a strong predictor of acute Graft
      versus-host disease after day +30 after allo-HSCT.

PMID- 28095352
TI  - The relationship of REL proto-oncogene to pathobiology and chemoresistance in
      follicular and transformed follicular lymphoma.
AB  - Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a common type of indolent lymphoma that occasionally
      transforms to more aggressive B-cell lymphomas. These transformed follicular
      lymphomas (tFL) are often associated with chemoresistance whose mechanisms are
      currently unknown. REL, a proto-oncogene located on frequently amplified 2p16.1
      p15 locus, promotes tumorigenesis in many cancer types through deregulation of
      the NF-kappaB pathway; however, its role in FL pathobiology or chemoresistance
      has not been addressed. Here, we evaluated REL gene copy number by q-PCR on FFPE
      FL tumor samples, and observed REL amplification in 30.4% of FL cases that was
      associated with weak elevation of transcript levels. PCR-Sanger analysis did not
      show any somatic mutation in FL tumors. In support of a marginal oncogenic role,
      a REL-transduced FL cell line was positively selected under limiting serum
      conditions. Interestingly, reanalysis of previously reported gene expression
      profiles revealed significant enrichment of DNA damage-induced repair and cell
      cycle arrest pathways in tFL tumors with high REL expression compared to those
      with low REL expression consistent with the critical role of c-REL in
      genotoxicity-induced NF-kappaB signaling, which was reported to lead to drug
      resistance. In addition to DNA damage repair genes such as ATM and BRCA1, anti
      apoptotic BCL2 was significantly elevated in REL-high FL and tFL tumors.
      Altogether these data suggest that other genes located in amplified 2p16.1-p15
      locus may have more oncogenic role in FL etiology; however, high REL expression
      may be useful as a predictive biomarker of response to immunochemotherapy, and
      inhibition of c-REL may potentially sensitize resistant FL or tFL cells to
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 28095353
TI  - Liver alpha-amylase gene expression as an early obesity biomarker.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major health problem worldwide, for which preventive and
      therapeutic means are still needed. Alpha-amylase is a digestive enzyme whose
      inhibition has been targeted as a potential anti-obesity strategy. However, alpha
      amylase gene expression has not been particularly attended to, and in contrast
      with pancreatic and salivary amylases, fewer studies have focused on liver alpha
      amylase. The present study aimed at investigating the expression of alpha-amylase
      gene in obese and normal mice at RNA and protein level as well as acarbose effect
      on this gene expression in hepatocyte cell culture. METHODS: Control and case
      groups were fed by normal mouse pellet and high-fat diet respectively, during 8
      weeks. After this period, serum biochemical parameters including glucose,
      cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT and alpha-amylase were assayed. Liver alpha
      amylase gene was analyzed by real time PCR, and liver enzyme was assayed with
      Bernfeld and ELISA methods Hepatocyte cell culture derived from both group were
      also treated by acarbose and alpha-amylase activity and gene expression was
      analyzed by above mentioned methods. RESULTS: All biochemical factors showed an
      increase in obese mice, but the increase in ALT and AST were not statistically
      significant. Alpha-amylase levels were also increased in obese mice, both at RNA
      and protein level, while a decrease was seen in obese mice derived hepatocytes
      after acarbose treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated liver alpha-amylase levels may be
      indicative of initial stages of obesity and the use of acarbose could be
      considered as a treatment of obesity which could be potentially effective at
      multiple levels.

PMID- 28095354
TI  - Heliangin inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through signaling NF
      kappaB pathway on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.
AB  - The heliangin is a natural agent mainly isolated from Helianthus tuberosus L.
      (Asteraceae). In order to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of heliangin,
      several typical models in vivo and in vitro were performed. The RAW264.7 mouse
      macrophages cells were employed in vitro and dexamethasone were conducted as
      positive. The cytotoxicity results of heliangin on RAW 264.7 cells provided the
      safety in vitro for further study. The mRNA of TNF-alpha, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2
      were degraded under heliangin exposure in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The
      protein expression of iNOS, COX-2 were decreased via heliangin exposure in a dose
      dependent manner. Heliangin inhibited TNF-alpha, NO, IL-6 and PGE2 expression
      levels in macrophage cells lysate. The immunocytochemistry assay showed the
      fluorescence image of heliangin treatment intercepted the p65 translocation
      process from outside to inside of nuclei triggered by LPS. Moreover, we founded
      that MAPK and NF-kappaB signaling pathway play important roles in heliangin's
      activity on RAW264.7 cells. Secondly, the acute toxic study results of heliangin
      manifested the safety in vivo. Heliangin exerted anti-inflammation effect in a
      xylene-induced ear swelling in BALB/C mice and carrageenan-induced paw edema
      model in SD rats. The cytokines levels (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and PGE2) were decreased.
      The paw tissue immunochemistry assay demonstrated the IL-6 protein level changes
      in carrageenan-induced paw edema model under heliangin administration.

PMID- 28095355
TI  - Immune regulatory network in successful pregnancy and reproductive failures.
AB  - Maternal immune system must tolerate semiallogenic fetus to establish and
      maintain a successful pregnancy. Despite the existence of several strategies of
      trophoblast to avoid recognition by maternal leukocytes, maternal immune system
      may react against paternal alloantigenes. Leukocytes are important components in
      decidua. Not only T helper (Th)1/Th2 balance, but also regulatory T (Treg) cells
      play an important role in pregnancy. Although the frequency of Tregs is elevated
      during normal pregnancies, their frequency and function are reduced in
      reproductive defects such as recurrent miscarriage and preeclampsia. Tregs are
      not the sole population of suppressive cells in the decidua. It has recently been
      shown that regulatory B10 (Breg) cells participate in pregnancy through secretion
      of IL-10 cytokine. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature
      developing precursors of innate myeloid cells that are increased in pregnant
      women, implying their possible function in pregnancy. Natural killer T (NKT)
      cells are also detected in mouse and human decidua. They can also affect the
      fetomaternal tolerance. In this review, we will discuss on the role of different
      immune regulatory cells including Treg, gammad T cell, Breg, MDSC, and NKT cells
      in pregnancy outcome.

PMID- 28095356
TI  - A systems pharmacology perspective to decipher the mechanism of action of
      Parangichakkai chooranam, a Siddha formulation for the treatment of psoriasis.
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing immune mediated disorder of the skin. The
      disease presents itself with well featured clinical and histological
      characteristics however the aetiology of the disease still remains obscure. The
      current systemic therapies aim to eliminate the symptoms of disease rather than
      offering a complete cure. Parangichakkai chooranam (PC), a Siddha oral herbal
      formulation has been widely prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis. Though the
      medication is highly prescribed by the Siddha healers the mechanism of PC for the
      treatment of psoriasis remains to be elucidated. The current study utilizes an
      integrated systems pharmacology approach to decipher the mechanism of action of
      PC. The comprehensive network pharmacological approach resulted in the
      construction of a Compound-Target network which encloses 155 compounds and 583
      protein targets. A Disease-Target network was constructed by assembling disease
      proteins and their partners. When the compound targets were mapped to the network
      their involvement as controllers of the disease and triggers of disease
      associated comorbidities were identified. A Target-Pathway network raised from
      the pathway enrichment analysis not only identified disease specific pathways but
      also the pathways mediating secondary complications such as skin hemostasis,
      wound healing, desquamation and itch. The present work sheds light on the
      mechanism of action of PC in treating psoriasis. This work not only highlights
      the pharmacological action of the formulation but also emphasis on safe herbal
      remedies offered by the Siddha medicinal system.

PMID- 28095357
TI  - Establishment of a fluorescence-based method to evaluate endocytosis of
      desialylated glycoproteins in vitro.
AB  - Insufficient sialylation can result in rapid clearance of therapeutic
      glycoproteins by intracellular degradation, which is mainly mediated by
      asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) on hepatic cells. In contrast, for
      glycoproteins, a long half-life is often related to high level of terminal sialic
      acid. These could be extremely important for insufficient sialylated biomedicines
      in clinic, and development of therapeutic glycoproteins in laboratory. However,
      how the desialylated glycoproteins are removed and how to evaluate the ASGPRs
      mediated endocytosis in vitro needs further investigate. Herein we described an
      integrative characterization of ASGPRs in vitro to elucidate its endocytosis
      properties. The endocytosis was determined by a fluorescence-based quantization
      method. The results showed that the ASGPRs could bind to poorly sialylated
      glycoproteins including asialofetuin and low sialylated recombinant Factor VIIa
      with a relatively higher ASGPRs binding affinity, and induce a more rapid
      endocytosis in vitro. Moreover, the mechanism under the internalization of ASGPRs
      was also investigated, which was found to depend on clathrin and caveolin.
      Utilizing the relative fluorescence quantification can be suitable for
      measurement of insufficient sialylated glycoprotein endocytosis and quality
      control of therapeutic glycoproteins, which could be useful for the understanding
      of the development of therapeutic glycoproteins.

PMID- 28095358
TI  - Axial and torsional stiffness of pediatric prosthetic feet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prosthetic stiffness likely affects the walking biomechanics of
      toddlers and children with leg amputations, but the actual stiffness values for
      prostheses are not reported by manufacturers or in standardized testing
      procedures. AIM: We measured axial (kA) and torsional (kT) stiffness from four
      brands of pediatric prosthetic feet (Trulife, Kingsley Mfg. Co., TRS
      Incorporated, and College Park Industries) over a range of foot sizes. METHODS:
      We applied forces and torques onto prostheses with a materials testing machine
      that replicated those exhibited in vivo by using the kinetics measured from four
      non-amputee toddlers (2-3years) during walking. FINDINGS: Across brands, kA
      averaged 35.2kN/m during heel loading, was more stiff during midfoot loading
      (121.8kN/m, P<0.001) and less stiff during forefoot loading (11.8kN/m, P=0.013).
      kA was similar across brands with no statistically significant effect of
      prosthetic foot size, with the exception of the TRS feet. Plantarflexion
      torsional stiffness (kT1), was not statistically different across brands. For
      every 1cm increase in foot size, kT1 increased 0.16kN.m/rad (P<0.001). College
      Park prostheses had 4.54kN.m/rad lower dorsiflexion torsional stiffness (kT2)
      (P<0.001) compared to other brands. For every 1cm increase in foot size, the kT2
      applied on the foot increased 0.63kN.m/rad. INTERPRETATION: The axial and
      torsional stiffness testing methods are reproducible and should be adopted by
      prosthetic foot manufacturers. Axial and torsional stiffness values of
      commercially available prosthetic feet should be publically reported to health
      practitioners to ensure evidence-based decisions and meet the specific needs of
      each patient with a leg amputation.

PMID- 28095359
TI  - Gait deviations associated with plantar heel pain: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plantar heel pain is a common foot disorder associated with
      significant pain and gait-related disability. The aim of this systematic review
      was to identify gait deviations associated with plantar heel pain. METHODS: A
      systematic review of articles with quantitative gait variables in individuals
      with plantar heel pain was conducted using the CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and
      Embase databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the modified Downs
      and Black criteria and used along with the number of studies per gait variable to
      determine level of evidence. FINDINGS: Nineteen articles were included. There was
      strong evidence that stance phase duration is unchanged. There was moderate to
      strong evidence of decreased rearfoot center of pressure duration, impulse, and
      peak vertical ground reaction force at loading response. In compensation there
      was increased contact time of the midfoot and forefoot, increased midfoot and
      forefoot impulse, delayed time to the mid-stance vertical ground reaction force
      valley, and decreased peak force at terminal stance. The only quantitative
      measure of pronation/supination included limited evidence of increased medial
      forefoot and rearfoot inversion-eversion total mobility, and medial forefoot
      plantar flexion. INTERPRETATION: Studies included in this review identified
      specific foot and ankle gait deviations in individuals with plantar heel pain
      compared to asymptomatic cases or limbs. The variables identified in this review
      may be used to assist in identifying movement-related gait dysfunction for
      treatment decisions or as outcome measures of recovery. Additional research is
      needed to increase confidence and clinical relevance of gait variables used to
      assess and treat individuals with PHP.

PMID- 28095360
TI  - Enzyme-catalyzed Michael addition for the synthesis of warfarin and its
      determination via fluorescence quenching of l-tryptophan.
AB  - A sensitive fluorescence sensor for warfarin was proposed via quenching the
      fluorescence of l-tryptophan due to the interaction between warfarin and l
      tryptophan. Warfarin, as one of the most effective anticoagulants, was designed
      and synthesized via lipase from porcine pancreas (PPL) as a biocatalyst to
      catalyze the Michael addition of 4-hydroxycoumarin to alpha, beta-unsaturated
      enones in organic medium in the presence of water. Furthermore, the
      spectrofluorometry was used to detect the concentration of warfarin with a linear
      range and detection limit (3sigma/k) of 0.04-12.0MUmolL-1 (R2=0.994) and
      0.01MUmolL-1, respectively. Herein, this was the first application of bio
      catalytic synthesis and fluorescence for the determination of warfarin. The
      proposed method was applied to determine warfarin of the drug in tablets with
      satisfactory results.

PMID- 28095361
TI  - Axial traction magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the glenohumeral joint in
      healthy volunteers: initial experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate technical feasibility and potential applications of
      glenohumeral (GH) joint axial traction magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in
      healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven shoulders were imaged in
      neutral and with 4kg axial traction at 3T. Quantitative measurements were
      assessed. RESULTS: Axial traction was well tolerated. There was statistically
      significant widening of the superior GH joint space (p=0.002) and acromial angle
      (p=0.017) with traction. Inter-rater agreement was high. CONCLUSION: GH joint
      axial traction MRI is technically feasible and well tolerated in volunteers.
      Traction of the capsule, widening of the superior GH joint space and acromial
      angle were observed.

PMID- 28095362
TI  - In vivo modulation of LPS induced leukotrienes generation and oxidative stress by
      sesame lignans.
AB  - The role of inflammation and oxidative stress is critical during onset of
      metabolic disorders and this has been sufficiently established in literature. In
      the present study, we evaluated the effects of sesamol and sesamin, two important
      bioactive molecules present in sesame oil, on the generation of inflammatory and
      oxidative stress factors in LPS injected rats. Sesamol and sesamin lowered LPS
      induced expression of cPLA2 (61 and 56%), 5-LOX (44 and 51%), BLT-1(32 and 35%)
      and LTC4 synthase (49 and 50%), respectively, in liver homogenate. The diminished
      serum LTB4 (53 and 64%) and LTC4 (67 and 44%) levels in sesamol and sesamin
      administered groups, respectively, were found to be concurrent with the observed
      decrease in the expression of cPLA2 and 5-LOX. The serum levels of TNF-alpha (29
      and 19%), MCP-1 (44 and 57%) and IL-1beta (43 and 42%) were found to be reduced
      in sesamol and sesamin group, respectively, as given in parentheses, compared to
      LPS group. Sesamol and sesamin offered protection against LPS induced lipid
      peroxidation in both serum and liver. Sesamol, but not sesamin, significantly
      restored the loss of catalase and glutathione reductase activity due to LPS
      (P<.05). However, both sesamol and sesamin reverted SOD activities by 92 and 98%,
      respectively. Thus, oral supplementation of sesamol and sesamin beneficially
      modulated the inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, as observed in the
      present study, in LPS injected rats. Our report further advocates the potential
      use of sesamol and sesamin as an adjunct therapy wherein, inflammatory and
      oxidative stress is of major concern.

PMID- 28095363
TI  - Curcumin confers neuroprotection against alcohol-induced hippocampal
      neurodegeneration via CREB-BDNF pathway in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol abuse causes severe damage to the brain neurons. Studies have
      reported the neuroprotective effects of curcumin against alcohol-induced
      neurodegeneration. However, the precise mechanism of action remains unclear.
      METHODS: Seventy rats were equally divided into 7 groups (10 rats per group).
      Group 1 received normal saline (0.7ml/rat) and group 2 received alcohol
      (2g/kg/day) for 21days. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 concurrently received alcohol
      (2g/kg/day) and curcumin (10, 20, 40 and 60mg/kg, respectively) for 21days.
      Animals in group 7 self- administered alcohol for 21days. Group 8 treated with
      curcumin (60mg/kg, i.p.) alone for 21days. Open Field Test (OFT) was used to
      investigate motor activity in rats. Hippocampal oxidative, antioxidative and
      inflammatory factors were evaluated. Furthermore, brain cyclic adenosine
      monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) and brain derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were studied at gene level by reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, protein expression
      for BDNF, CREB, phosphorylated CREB (CREB-P), Bax and Bcl-2 was determined by
      western blotting. RESULT: Voluntary and involuntary administration of alcohol
      altered motor activity in OFT, and curcumin treatment inhibited this alcohol
      induced motor disturbance. Also, alcohol administration augmented lipid
      peroxidation, mitochondrial oxidized glutathione (GSSG), interleukin-1 beta (IL
      1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Bax levels in isolated
      hippocampal tissues. Furthermore, alcohol-induced significant reduction were
      observed in reduced form of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD),
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities and CREB,
      BDNF and Bcl-2 levels. Also curcumin alone did not change the behavior and
      biochemical and molecular parameters. CONCLUSION: Curcumin can act as a
      neuroprotective agent against neurodegenerative effects of alcohol abuse,
      probably via activation of CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.

PMID- 28095364
TI  - Acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes demonstrating mixed
      lineage phenotype.

PMID- 28095365
TI  - Barreloid Borders and Neuronal Activity Shape Panglial Gap Junction-Coupled
      Networks in the Mouse Thalamus.
AB  - The ventral posterior nucleus of the thalamus plays an important role in
      somatosensory information processing. It contains elongated cellular domains
      called barreloids, which are the structural basis for the somatotopic
      organization of vibrissae representation. So far, the organization of glial
      networks in these barreloid structures and its modulation by neuronal activity
      has not been studied. We have developed a method to visualize thalamic barreloid
      fields in acute slices. Combining electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, and
      electroporation in transgenic mice with cell type-specific fluorescence labeling,
      we provide the first structure-function analyses of barreloidal glial gap
      junction networks. We observed coupled networks, which comprised both astrocytes
      and oligodendrocytes. The spread of tracers or a fluorescent glucose derivative
      through these networks was dependent on neuronal activity and limited by the
      barreloid borders, which were formed by uncoupled or weakly coupled
      oligodendrocytes. Neuronal somata were distributed homogeneously across barreloid
      fields with their processes running in parallel to the barreloid borders. Many
      astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were not part of the panglial networks. Thus,
      oligodendrocytes are the cellular elements limiting the communicating panglial
      network to a single barreloid, which might be important to ensure proper
      metabolic support to active neurons located within a particular vibrissae
      signaling pathway.

PMID- 28095366
TI  - Cryptosporidium hominis gene catalog: a resource for the selection of novel
      Cryptosporidium vaccine candidates.
AB  - Human cryptosporidiosis, caused primarily by Cryptosporidium hominis and a subset
      of Cryptosporidium parvum, is a major cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhea in
      children under 5 years of age in developing countries and can lead to nutritional
      stunting and death. Cryptosporidiosis is particularly severe and potentially
      lethal in immunocompromised hosts. Biological and technical challenges have
      impeded traditional vaccinology approaches to identify novel targets for the
      development of vaccines against C. hominis, the predominant species associated
      with human disease. We deemed that the existence of genomic resources for
      multiple species in the genus, including a much-improved genome assembly and
      annotation for C. hominis, makes a reverse vaccinology approach feasible. To this
      end, we sought to generate a searchable online resource, termed C. hominis gene
      catalog, which registers all C. hominis genes and their properties relevant for
      the identification and prioritization of candidate vaccine antigens, including
      physical attributes, properties related to antigenic potential and expression
      data. Using bioinformatic approaches, we identified ~400 C. hominis genes
      containing properties typical of surface-exposed antigens, such as predicted
      glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor motifs, multiple transmembrane motifs
      and/or signal peptides targeting the encoded protein to the secretory pathway.
      This set can be narrowed further, e.g. by focusing on potential GPI-anchored
      proteins lacking homologs in the human genome, but with homologs in the other
      Cryptosporidium species for which genomic data are available, and with low amino
      acid polymorphism. Additional selection criteria related to recombinant
      expression and purification include minimizing predicted post-translation
      modifications and potential disulfide bonds. Forty proteins satisfying these
      criteria were selected from 3745 proteins in the updated C. hominis annotation.
      The immunogenic potential of a few of these is currently being tested.Database
      URL: http://cryptogc.igs.umaryland.edu.

PMID- 28095367
TI  - MicroRNAs are important regulators of drug resistance in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Despite of continuous development of cancer treatment over the past decades, drug
      resistance is still one of the major hurdles of effective therapy for advanced
      colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide and the understanding of its underlying
      mechanisms remains limited. Data which have emerged suggests that many microRNAs
      (miRNAs) may contribute to drug resistance in CRC. Major findings on miRNA
      functions in drug resistance of CRC are systemically reviewed here, with the goal
      of providing new updates to broaden our comprehension of its mechanisms and
      evidence to utilize miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for CRC treatment.

PMID- 28095369
TI  - Implanted muon spin spectroscopy on 2-O-adamantane: a model system that mimics
      the liquid[Formula: see text]glasslike transitions.
AB  - The transition taking place between two metastable phases in 2-O-adamantane,
      namely the [Formula: see text] cubic, rotator phase and the lower temperature
      P21/c, Z  =  4 substitutionally disordered crystal is studied by means of muon
      spin rotation and relaxation techniques. Measurements carried out under zero,
      weak transverse and longitudinal fields reveal a temperature dependence of the
      relaxation parameters strikingly similar to those exhibited by structural
      glass[Formula: see text]liquid transitions (Bermejo et al 2004 Phys. Rev. B 70
      214202; Cabrillo et al 2003 Phys. Rev. B 67 184201). The observed behaviour
      manifests itself as a square root singularity in the relaxation rates pointing
      towards some critical temperature which for amorphous systems is located some
      tens of degrees above that shown as the characteristic transition temperature if
      studied by thermodynamic means. The implications of such findings in the context
      of current theoretical approaches concerning the canonical liquid-glass
      transition are discussed.

PMID- 28095370
TI  - The B  -  L supersymmetric standard model with inverse seesaw at the large hadron
      collider.
AB  - We review the TeV scale B  -  L extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard
      model (BLSSM) where an inverse seesaw mechanism of light neutrino mass generation
      is naturally implemented and concentrate on its hallmark manifestations at the
      large hadron collider (LHC).

PMID- 28095368
TI  - Iron overload and altered iron metabolism in ovarian cancer.
AB  - Iron is an essential element required for many processes within the cell.
      Dysregulation in iron homeostasis due to iron overload is detrimental. This
      nutrient is postulated to contribute to the initiation of cancer; however, the
      mechanisms by which this occurs remain unclear. Defining how iron promotes the
      development of ovarian cancers from precursor lesions is essential for developing
      novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss (1) how iron overload
      conditions may initiate ovarian cancer development, (2) dysregulated iron
      metabolism in cancers, (3) the interplay between bacteria, iron, and cancer, and
      (4) chemotherapeutic strategies targeting iron metabolism in cancer patients.

PMID- 28095371
TI  - Implementation of transmission functions for an optimized three-terminal quantum
      dot heat engine.
AB  - We consider two modifications of a recently proposed three-terminal quantum dot
      heat engine. First, we investigate the necessity of the thermalization
      assumption, namely that electrons are always thermalized by inelastic processes
      when traveling across the cavity where the heat is supplied. Second, we analyze
      various arrangements of tunneling-coupled quantum dots in order to implement a
      transmission function that is superior to the Lorentzian transmission function of
      a single quantum dot. We show that the maximum power of the heat engine can be
      improved by about a factor of two, even for a small number of dots, by choosing
      an optimal structure.

PMID- 28095373
TI  - Comparison of "Lesion-by-Lesion" and Field Photodynamic Therapy in the Prevention
      of Actinic Keratoses: A Randomized, Split-Face, Single-Blind Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Actinic keratoses (AKs) are often treated separately, lesion by
      lesion. However, in the past years, AKs have been described as a field disease
      and not limited to single clinically apparent lesions. Treatment should therefore
      target an area of field change which may reduce the risk of development of
      further AKs, second tumours, and local recurrence. OBJECTIVE: The primary
      objective was to determine the number of new lesions at 9 months after methyl
      aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT). Secondary objectives were to
      determine the number of new lesions at 3 and 6 months after treatment and the
      percentage reduction of AKs from baseline at 3, 6, and 9 months after MAL-PDT.
      METHODS: This was a single-centre, prospective, randomized, split-face,
      investigator-blinded pilot study with a study duration of 1 year. The study
      population comprised patients with AKs on the face or scalp, with a maximum of 10
      AKs on each side. One side was treated with 1 session of "lesion-by-lesion" MAL
      PDT (LT side) and the other side with 1 session of field MAL-PDT (FT side).
      RESULTS: At 9 months the FT demonstrated significantly fewer new lesions. At
      every time point during the follow-up, we found a significant reduction in the
      number of AKs in the LT as well as in the FT sides. After 3 and 6 months we did
      not observe significant differences between the sides. However, after 9 months,
      the LT area showed significantly fewer remaining AKs, whereas the FT area
      demonstrated significantly fewer new lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Field treatment
      results in significantly fewer new AK lesions compared with lesion-by-lesion
      treatment.

PMID- 28095372
TI  - Impaired Mitochondrial Respiration in Large Cerebral Arteries of Rats with Type 2
      Diabetes.
AB  - Mitochondrial dysfunction has been suggested as a potential underlying cause of
      pathological conditions associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We have
      previously shown that mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial protein levels
      were similar in the large cerebral arteries of insulin-resistant Zucker obese
      rats and their lean controls. In this study, we extend our investigations into
      the mitochondrial dynamics of the cerebral vasculature of 14-week-old Zucker
      diabetic fatty obese (ZDFO) rats with early T2DM. Body weight and blood glucose
      levels were significantly higher in the ZDFO group, and basal mitochondrial
      respiration and proton leak were significantly decreased in the large cerebral
      arteries of the ZDFO rats compared with the lean controls (ZDFL). The expression
      of the mitochondrial proteins total manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and
      voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) were significantly lower in the cerebral
      microvessels, and acetylated MnSOD levels were significantly reduced in the large
      arteries of the ZDFO group. Additionally, superoxide production was significantly
      increased in the microvessels of the ZDFO group. Despite evidence of increased
      oxidative stress in ZDFO, exogenous SOD was not able to restore mitochondrial
      respiration in the ZDFO rats. Our results show, for the first time, that
      mitochondrial respiration and protein levels are compromised during the early
      stages of T2DM.

PMID- 28095374
TI  - Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Nonimmunocompromised Patients: A Retrospective
      Analysis and Review of the Literature.
AB  - In a retrospective analysis of patients visiting the Outpatient Department of the
      Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine over a period of 3 years,
      we found a high incidence of symptomatic nonsevere human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
      infection in nonimmunocompromised patients. We present 11 symptomatic cases of
      HCMV infection in nonimmunocompromised patients with non-life-threatening
      symptoms like long-lasting depletion, fatigue, and subfebrile fever with or
      without muscular pain and arthralgia. Although the symptoms were not life
      threatening, all of the patients suffered a prolonged duration of the disease
      until improvement. These cases reinforce the important fact that HCMV infections
      in nonimmunocompromised patients are not always asymptomatic. Therefore, HCMV
      infection should always be included in the differential diagnosis of patients
      with unspecific signs of disease like depletion, subfebrile fever, and
      arthralgia.

PMID- 28095375
TI  - Disappearing in the Night: An Overview on Trade and Legislation of Night Monkeys
      in South and Central America.
AB  - The international trade in night monkeys (Aotus spp.), found throughout Central
      and South America, has been regulated by the Convention on International Trade in
      Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1975. We present a
      quantitative analysis of this trade from all 9 range countries, over 4 decades,
      and compare domestic legislation to CITES regulations. Night monkeys were
      exported from 8 of the 9 habitat countries, totalling 5,968 live individuals and
      7,098 specimens, with trade of live individuals declining over time. In terms of
      species, the most commonly traded was Aotus nancymaae (present in Brazil,
      Colombia, Peru) followed by A. vociferans (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) and
      A. zonalis (Colombia, Panama). There was no significant correlation between
      levels of trade and species' geographic range size or the number of countries in
      which a species occurs. Five countries have legislation that meets CITES
      requirements for implementation, whereas the other 4 countries' legislation
      showed deficiencies. Research conducted in Colombia, Peru, and Brazil suggests
      significant cross-border trade not captured in official international trade
      registers. Although international trade has diminished, current trends suggest
      that populations of rarer species may be under unsustainable pressure. Further
      research is needed to quantify real trade numbers occurring between habitat
      countries.

PMID- 28095376
TI  - Review of Decision-Making in Game Tasks in Elderly Participants with Alzheimer
      Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in decision-making (DM) have recently been investigated in
      patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). DM is
      highly relevant to everyday functioning and autonomy. It relies on several
      cognitive abilities, such as semantic and episodic memory, as well as aspects of
      executive functioning. We conducted a systematic review of DM in older adults
      with MCI and AD. SUMMARY: Only 5 studies whose main objective was to evaluate the
      DM performance were selected. The results extracted indicated that DM in
      ambiguity and in at-risk situations are both impaired in probable AD patients.
      MCI patients have difficulty making advantageous decisions under ambiguity and at
      risk, similar to patients with probable AD but they are less impaired. Key
      Messages: DM deficits may be a predictor of cognitive impairment and conversion
      to dementia and its potential clinical value should be further explored in
      longitudinal studies involving direct comparison between MCI and AD patients.

PMID- 28095377
TI  - Associations of Maternal Leptin with Neonatal Adiposity Differ according to
      Pregravid Weight.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, maternal circulating leptin is released by maternal
      adipose tissue and the placenta, and may have a role in fetal development.
      OBJECTIVES: We investigated maternal leptinemia and glycemia associations with
      neonatal adiposity, taking into account pregravid weight status. METHODS: We
      included 235 pregnant women from the Genetics of Glucose Regulation in Gestation
      and Growth prospective cohort with data: blood samples collected during the 2nd
      trimester, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and the measured leptin and
      glucose levels. As an integrated measure of maternal leptin exposure, we
      calculated the area under the curve for maternal leptin at the OGTT (AUCleptin).
      Within 72 h of delivery, we measured the triceps, biceps, subscapular, and
      suprailiac skinfold thicknesses (SFTs); the sum of these SFTs represented
      neonatal adiposity. We conducted a regression analysis to assess the maternal
      metabolic determinants of neonatal adiposity, adjusting for parity, smoking
      status, maternal triglyceride levels, gestational weight gain, placental weight,
      delivery mode, neonate sex, and gestational age at delivery. RESULTS: The
      pregravid BMI of the participating women was 23.3 (21.2-27.0). In the 2nd
      trimester, maternal AUCleptin was 1,292.0 (767.0-2,222.5) (ng * min)/mL, and
      fasting glucose levels were 4.2 +/- 0.4 mmol/L. At delivery, the neonatal sum of
      4 SFTs was 17.9 +/- 3.3 mm. Higher maternal leptinemia was associated with higher
      neonatal adiposity (beta = 4.23 mm [SE = 1.77] per log-AUCleptin; p = 0.02) in
      mothers with a BMI >=25, independently of confounders and maternal glycemia, but
      not in mothers with a BMI <25. Higher maternal fasting glucose was associated
      with higher neonatal adiposity (beta = 0.88 mm [SE = 0.30] per SD glucose; p =
      0.005) in mothers with a BMI <25, independently of confounders and maternal
      leptinemia. CONCLUSION: Maternal leptinemia may be associated with neonatal
      adiposity in offspring from overweight/obese mothers, independently of maternal
      glycemia.

PMID- 28095378
TI  - Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques in Pediatric Hydrocephalus.
AB  - From the early days of pneumoencephalography and ventriculography to the emerging
      technology of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the present
      day, neuroimaging has always been a critical tool in the diagnosis and treatment
      of pediatric hydrocephalus. There is accumulating evidence from both human and
      animal research suggesting that one of the major pathophysiological mechanisms
      underlying poor outcomes in these children is damage to vulnerable white matter
      (WM) structures in the brain as a result of ventricular enlargement and increased
      intracranial pressure. However, a clear understanding of these WM abnormalities
      and their implications on neurobehavioral outcomes in these patients is not well
      understood. To this end, DTI has recently been studied to allow noninvasive
      quantification of these abnormalities. Our review discusses the evolution of
      neuroimaging in pediatric hydrocephalus and focuses on the use of advanced
      imaging techniques, such as DTI, which is supported by a growing body of
      literature as a promising noninvasive imaging tool in the diagnosis and long-term
      management of this patient population. We conclude with a brief discussion on
      emerging techniques and experimental imaging.

PMID- 28095379
TI  - Diffusion Tensor Imaging Detects Occult Cerebellar Injury in Severe Neonatal
      Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits of whole-body hypothermia therapy, many infants
      with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) die or have significant long-term
      neurodevelopmental impairment. Prospectively identifying neonates at risk of poor
      outcome is essential but not straightforward. The cerebellum is not classically
      considered to be a brain region vulnerable to hypoxic-ischemic insults; recent
      literature suggests, however, that the cerebellum may be involved in neonatal
      HIE. In this study, we aimed to assess the microstructural integrity of
      cerebellar and linked supratentorial structures in neonates with HIE compared to
      neurologically healthy neonatal controls. METHODS: In this prospective cohort
      study, we performed a quantitative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis of the
      structural pathways of connectivity, which may be affected in neonatal cerebellar
      injury by measuring fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) within
      the superior, middle, and inferior cerebellar peduncles, dentate nuclei, and
      thalami. All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were grouped into 4
      categories of severity based on a qualitative evaluation of conventional and
      advanced MRI sequences. Multivariable linear regression analysis of cerebellar
      scalars of patients and controls was performed, controlling for gestational age,
      age at the time of MRI, and HIE severity. Spearman rank correlation was performed
      to correlate DTI scalars of the cerebellum and thalami. RESULTS: Fifty-seven (23
      females, 40%) neonates with HIE and 12 (6 females, 50%) neonatal controls were
      included. There were 8 patients (14%) in HIE severity groups 3 and 4 (injury of
      the basal ganglia/thalamus and/or cortex). Based on a qualitative analysis of
      conventional and DTI images, no patients had evidence of cerebellar injury. No
      significant differences between patients and controls were found in the FA and MD
      scalars. However, FA values of the middle cerebellar peduncles (0.294 vs. 0.380,
      p < 0.001) and MD values of the superior cerebellar peduncles (0.920 vs. 1.007 *
      10-3 mm/s2, p = 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with evidence of
      moderate or severe injury on MRI (categories 3 and 4) than in controls. In
      patients, cerebellar DTI scalars correlated positively with DTI scalars within
      the thalami. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that infants with moderate-to-severe
      HIE may have occult injury of cerebellar white-matter tracts, which is not
      detectable by the qualitative analysis of neuroimaging data alone. Cerebellar DTI
      scalars correlate with thalamic measures, highlighting that cerebellar injury is
      unlikely to occur in isolation and may reflect the severity of HIE. The impact of
      concomitant cerebellar injury in HIE on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome
      warrants further study.

PMID- 28095380
TI  - Polycythemia Vera Management and Challenges in the Community Health Setting.
AB  - Patients with polycythemia vera (PV) experience shortened survival, increased
      risk of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events, and burdensome symptoms. For all
      patients with PV, treatment with aspirin and hematocrit control with phlebotomy
      are recommended. In addition, patients with high-risk status or poor hematocrit
      control benefit from cytoreductive therapy with hydroxyurea, although
      approximately 1 in 4 patients develops resistance or intolerance. For patients
      who are resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea, studies have shown that
      ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor, provides hematocrit control, reduces
      spleen size, normalizes blood counts, and improves PV-related symptoms. For many
      patients, PV is managed in a community health setting, and it is important that
      community hematologists, oncologists, and internists are familiar with the
      contemporary management of PV to improve patient outcomes, including management
      for patients who present with unique health-care needs. This review provides an
      overview of current treatment options for patients with PV and discusses
      challenging circumstances encountered by community providers in the management of
      PV, including symptom assessment, identification of hydroxyurea
      resistance/intolerance, pregnancy, elective surgeries, concomitant
      immunosuppressants, and managing patients in areas with limited access to
      specialized hematologic care.

PMID- 28095381
TI  - A Single Oral Dose of Geranylgeranylacetone Upregulates Vascular Endothelial
      Growth Factor and Protects against Kainic Acid-Induced Neuronal Cell Death:
      Involvement of the Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase/Akt Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrated the cytoprotective effect of
      geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), a heat shock protein inducer, against ischemic
      insult or kainic acid (KA)-induced neuronal cell death. Phosphatidylinositol-3
      kinase (PI3K)/Akt is thought to be an important factor that mediates
      neuroprotection. However, the signaling pathways in the brain in vivo after oral
      GGA administration remain unclear. METHODS: We measured and compared hippocampal
      neuron density to investigate the effect of GGA on KA-induced cell death in rats.
      We evaluated the effects of pretreatment with wortmannin (Wort), a specific PI3K
      inhibitor, on GGA-induced neuroprotection against KA-induced cell death. To
      clarify the relationship between PI3K/Akt activation and neuroprotection, we used
      immunoblot analysis to determine the amounts of p-Akt and vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) proteins present after GGA administration with or without
      Wort treatment. RESULTS: Neuroprotective effects of GGA (pretreatment with a
      single oral dose of GGA, 800 mg/kg, 48 h before KA injection) were prevented by
      Wort pretreatment, which indicates that the selective PI3K/Akt pathway may
      mediate the GGA-dependent protection. Oral GGA-induced p-Akt and VEGF, and GGA
      pretreatment enhanced KA-induced VEGF, both of which were prevented by Wort
      pretreatment. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a single oral dose of GGA
      induces p-Akt and that GGA plays an important role in neuroprotection against KA
      induced neuronal cell death through VEGF induction.

PMID- 28095382
TI  - Examination of Anomalous World Experience: A Report on Reliability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The EAWE (Examination of Anomalous World Experience) is a newly
      developed, semi-structured interview that aims to capture anomalies of
      subjectivity, common in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, that pertain to
      experiences of the lived world, including space, time, people, language,
      atmosphere, and certain existential attitudes. By contrast, previous empirical
      studies of subjective experience in schizophrenia have focused largely on
      disturbances in self-experience. AIM: To assess the reliability of the EAWE,
      including internal consistency and interrater reliability. SAMPLING AND METHODS:
      In the course of developing the EAWE, two distinct studies were conducted, one in
      the United States and the other in Slovenia. Thirteen patients diagnosed with
      schizophrenia spectrum or mood disorders were recruited for the US study. Fifteen
      such patients were recruited for the Slovenian study. Two live interviewers
      conducted the EAWE in the US. The Slovenian interviews were completed by one live
      interviewer with a second rater reviewing audiorecordings of the interview.
      Internal consistency and interrater reliability were calculated independently for
      each study, utilizing Cronbach's alpha, Spearman's rho, and Cohen's kappa.
      RESULTS: Each study yielded high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.82)
      and high interrater reliability for total EAWE scores (rho > 0.83; average kappa
      values were at least 0.78 for each study, with EAWE domain-specific kappa not
      lower than 0.73). CONCLUSION: The EAWE, containing world-oriented inquiries into
      anomalies in subjective experience, has adequate reliability for use in a
      clinical or research setting.

PMID- 28095383
TI  - Evaluation of Plasmatic Kisspetin-10 as a Biomarker for Malignancy and Subtype
      Differentiation in Small Renal Tumours.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Kisspeptin-10 (Kiss-10) in patients with small renal
      tumours (SRTs) and controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Kiss-10 was measured in
      preoperative plasma samples in a cohort of 143 patients with unilateral renal
      tumours smaller than or equal to 4 cm and 40 age-matched controls by a
      competitive ELISA test kit. The cohort of patients included 56 patients with
      clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), 43 with papillary RCC (pRCC), 12 with
      chromophobe RCC (chRCC) and 32 with oncocytomas. RESULTS: Kiss-10 was detected in
      all patients and controls. SRT patients revealed significantly higher Kiss-10
      levels than controls (mean value 10.04 vs. 6.37 pmol/l, p < 0.001). In SRT
      patients, Kiss-10 was detected at significantly different concentrations between
      the subgroups (p = 0.021). The highest concentration was observed in those with
      oncocytomas (11.50 pmol/) followed by chRCC, pRCC and ccRCC patients (9.89, 10.01
      and 9.25 pmol/l, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses
      revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 for the comparison of all tumours
      vs. controls (p < 0.001) and an AUC of 0.671 for all malignant tumours vs.
      oncoytomas (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This study shows that Kiss-10 levels are
      significantly altered by malignancy and tumour subtypes even in patients with
      SRTs. Kiss-10 therefore deserves further attention as a plasmatic biomarker for
      renal tumours.

PMID- 28095384
TI  - A Case of Plasmablastic Lymphoma Achieving Complete Response and Durable
      Remission after Lenalidomide-Based Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an uncommon variant of diffuse large
      B-cell lymphoma that is characterized by its plasmacytoid features, aggressive
      tendencies, and frequent association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      infection or other immunocompromised states. Multi-agent, intensive chemotherapy
      regimens are recommended as first-line treatment by the National Comprehensive
      Cancer Network. However, the toxicity of these regimens is high and prognosis
      remains poor. CASE REPORT: We report a patient with HIV-negative PBL who achieved
      complete response and durable remission using a lenalidomide-based chemotherapy
      regimen as first-line therapy. CONCLUSION: Cyclophosphamide, lenalidomide,
      dexamethasone (CRD) may provide an alternative initial therapeutic option for
      patients with PBL who cannot tolerate the intensive chemotherapy regimens
      currently recommended.

PMID- 28095385
TI  - Early Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in the Elderly Population: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the era of advanced surgical techniques and improved perioperative
      care, the willingness to perform emergency operations in elderly patients
      continues to increase. This systematic review aimed at assessing the clinical
      outcomes of early cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis.
      METHODS: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically
      searched for studies reporting on early cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis
      in patients aged >=70 years. The conversion rate, perioperative morbidity, and
      mortality were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Eight articles
      fell within the scope of this study. In total, 592 patients were identified. The
      mean age was 81 years. Early cholecystectomy was performed laparoscopically in
      316 patients (53%) and open in 276 patients (47%). The procedure was associated
      with a conversion rate of 23% (95% CI 18.6-28.3), a perioperative morbidity of
      24% (95% CI 20.5-27.5), and a mortality of 3.5% (95% CI 2.3-5.4). CONCLUSION:
      Early cholecystectomy seems to be a feasible treatment in elderly patients with
      acute cholecystitis. To reduce morbidity, patients who may benefit from surgery
      ought to be selected carefully. Future prospective studies should compare early
      cholecystectomy with alternative treatments to select the treatment that is most
      appropriate for elderly patients.

PMID- 28095386
TI  - In vitro Evaluation of the Cleansing Effect of a Monofilament Fiber Debridement
      Pad Compared to Gauze Swabs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Removal of nonvital tissue is an accepted method to eradicate
      biofilms and to stimulate wound healing. Debridement using a monofilament
      polyester fiber pad has clinically been shown to be effective as well as pain and
      trauma free. METHODS: For in vitro determination of the cleansing capacity of
      this product compared to gauze swabs, a wound debridement model was used with
      glass plates coated with a bovine serum albumin solution, stained with
      hematoxylin. Both products were moistened and fixed to a weight connected to a
      regulated motor and were then pulled over the holding device with the coated
      glass plate under standardized conditions (power = 0.067 N/cm2, velocity = 1.6
      cm/s). RESULTS: At a low coating concentration (0.5%) both products were equally
      effective, but at a high concentration (1.5%) cleansing did not occur after 5
      wipes. When wiping the plates 15 times, the debridement pad cleansed
      significantly (p < 0.001) better than gauze. When consecutively wiping 4 coated
      plates with a single debridement pad or swab, the pad exhibited and maintained a
      significantly higher cleansing capacity while gauze quickly lost its effect.
      CONCLUSION: Our in vitro test results indicated a higher cleansing capacity of
      the debridement pad compared to gauze swabs.

PMID- 28095387
TI  - MRI of Cerebellar Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MRI is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing brain
      infarction. Because of few or atypical clinical symptoms and a relatively low
      sensitivity of CT scans, many cerebellar infarctions may be detected only with
      MRI. With adequate recognition of cerebellar infarction on MRI and prompt
      initiation or optimisation of preventive therapeutic measures, more dramatic
      strokes may be avoided in selected cases. SUMMARY: We first briefly review the
      clinical presentation of cerebellar infarctions, followed by a short refresher on
      cerebellar anatomy and pathophysiological mechanisms of cerebellar infarcts.
      Then, we review the arterial cerebellar perfusion territories recently made
      visible with territorial arterial spin labeling (ASL), followed by a discussion
      and illustration of the MRI appearance of cerebellar infarcts in different
      stages. Similar to large cerebellar infarcts, recent studies investigating
      volumetric MRI datasets have now shown that small cerebellar infarcts occur in
      typical spatial patterns, knowledge of which may help in the diagnosis of even
      the smallest of cerebellar infarcts on MRI. Key Messages: MRI is the modality of
      choice for diagnosing cerebellar infarction. The posterior inferior cerebellar
      artery (PICA)-territories can be visualised with super-selective territorial ASL
      MRI. The PICA supplies at least the medial part of the posterior cerebellar
      surface. Anterior inferior cerebellar artery-infarcts can be mistaken for lateral
      PICA-infarcts. Small infarcts typically affect the cortex and often present as
      incidental cavities. Subacute cerebellar infarcts may be missed on imaging due to
      a phenomenon called "fogging."

PMID- 28095388
TI  - The Use of MitraClip for Symptomatic Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive
      Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Current nonpharmacological therapies for symptomatic patients with
      hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), including septal myectomy and
      alcohol septal ablation (ASA), carry significant risks for serious cardiac
      conduction abnormalities. We present a review of the currently available
      published data regarding the novel use of the relatively low-risk MitraClip(r)
      system in the treatment of symptomatic patients. METHODS: Data were collected
      from 4 separate studies on the use of the MitraClip on 15 symptomatic HOCM
      patients with systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve apparatus.
      Information regarding the degree of mitral regurgitation (MR), left-ventricular
      outflow tract (LVOT) gradient, and NYHA class was consolidated. RESULTS: After
      MitraClip treatment, all patients had a resolution of SAM, a reduction in MR, and
      a reduction in the LVOT gradient from a mean of 75.8 +/- 39.7 to 11.0 +/- 5.6 mm
      Hg. Nearly all patients demonstrated improvements in symptoms by either new NYHA
      class designations or improved exercise tolerance. The procedure was not
      associated with conduction abnormalities or arrhythmias. CONCLUSION: MitraClip
      therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic HOCM patients; it
      can help to avoid the potential risks associated with alternative therapies in
      high-risk surgical patients.

PMID- 28095391
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28095390
TI  - Hydrogen Sulfide Promotes Learning and Memory and Suppresses Proinflammatory
      Cytokines in Repetitive Febrile Seizures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a novel gasotransmitter, plays important
      roles in a number of physiological and pathological processes. Its effectiveness
      has been demonstrated in different types of brain disorders but not in repetitive
      febrile seizure (febrile status epilepticus; FSE) models. This study aims to test
      whether a donor of H2S sodium sulfhydrate (NaHS) is also effective for FSE in
      rats. METHODS: FSE was induced in rat pups on postnatal day 10 in water at 45.0
      +/- 0.1 degrees C for 10 consecutive days with or without preadministration of
      NaHS. Following evaluation of the latency and duration of hyperthermic seizures,
      impairment in learning and memory was measured by the Morris water maze test.
      Moreover, alterations of the microglial response and the production of
      proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were calculated in the
      hippocampus. RESULTS: We found that NaHS significantly increased the latency and
      decreased the duration of hyperthermic seizures. Furthermore, NaHS-treated pups
      showed less impairment in learning and memory. In addition, NaHS inhibited FSE
      induced microglial responses and suppressed the production of IL-1beta and TNF
      alpha in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION: NaHS appears to be effective for the
      treatment of FSE in infants and children, in part due to its anti-inflammatory
      action.

PMID- 28095392
TI  - Binding versus Conventional Pancreaticojejunostomy in Preventing Postoperative
      Pancreatic Fistula: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of a new
      technology, binding pancreaticojejunostomy (BPJ), with conventional
      pancreaticojejunostomy (CPJ) after pancreaticoduodenectomy in preventing
      postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). METHODS: Randomized controlled trials
      and observational studies were retrieved from literature searches. Pooled OR with
      95% CI for dichotomous variables and weighted mean difference with 95% CI for
      continuous variables were calculated. Fixed-effect and random-effect models as
      well as subgroup analysis were used for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: No
      statistically significant differences were found in the incidence of POPF,
      delayed gastric emptying, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage, reoperation, morbidity,
      mortality, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, and
      hospital stay between 2 groups. However, the total costs of hospitalization and
      ordinary stay were higher in BPJ group (?10,513 +/- ?6,536 vs. ?8,238 +/- ?4,687,
      p = 0.002; ?7,946 +/- ?5,023 vs. ?5,700 +/- ?2,902, p = 0.015, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed BPJ was as safe as CPJ. However, no significant
      superiority was found in BPJ group regarding the incidence of POPF. The total
      costs of hospital stay were higher for patients undergoing BPJ. Surgeons can
      prefer to perform the digestive tract reconstruction of their choice.

PMID- 28095393
TI  - The Mechanism of Computed Tomography-Guided 125I Particle in Treating Lung
      Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND The incidence of malignant tumor has gradually increased. How to
      improve the survival and quality of life of patients who lose the opportunity for
      surgery or who are unwilling to receive surgery remains an obstacle. At present,
      125I particle interstitial implant therapy has been applied in a variety of
      treatments of tumors. However, the mechanism of computed tomography (CT)-guided
      125I particle therapy in lung cancer has not been fully elucidated. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS A total of 42 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer were
      retrospectively analyzed between January 2013 and December 2013, including 19
      patients who received CT-guided 125I particle therapy and 23 patients who
      received chemotherapy. Curative effect and adverse reactions at 6 months and 12
      months were compared and analyzed. A rabbit lung cancer VX2 model was treated by
      125I particle implantation therapy under CT guidance. The change in tumor volume
      was detected. Tumor cell apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry. Bcl-2 and Bax
      expression were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and
      Western blot. RESULTS 125I particle therapy obviously reduced tumor volume after
      6 months and 12 months. It showed significantly higher efficiency (57.9%, 57.9%)
      and control (78.9%, 73.7%) than the rates of efficiency and control in the
      chemotherapy group (P<0.05). 125I particle implantation therapy markedly
      suppressed rabbit VX2 transplanted tumor cell proliferation, promoted tumor
      regression, induced tumor cell apoptosis, reduced Bcl-2 expression, and
      upregulated Bax expression level (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CT-guided 125I particle
      implantation therapy can inhibit tumor proliferation and growth by regulating the
      expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins, which is a promising approach
      in lung cancer treatment.

PMID- 28095394
TI  - Loss of CUL4A expression is underlying cisplatin hypersensitivity in colorectal
      carcinoma cells with acquired trabectedin resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide.
      Platinum-based anticancer compounds still constitute one mainstay of systemic CRC
      treatment despite limitations due to adverse effects and resistance development.
      Trabectedin has shown promising antitumor effects in CRC, however, again
      resistance development may occur. In this study, we aimed to develop strategies
      to circumvent or even exploit acquired trabectedin resistance in novel CRC
      treatment regimens. METHODS: Human HCT116 CRC cells were selected for acquired
      trabectedin resistance in vitro and characterised by cell biological as well as
      bioinformatic approaches. In vivo xenograft experiments were conducted. RESULTS:
      Selection of HCT116 cells for trabectedin resistance resulted in p53-independent
      hypersensitivity of the selected subline against cisplatin. Bioinformatic
      analyses of mRNA microarray data suggested deregulation of nucleotide excision
      repair and particularly loss of the ubiquitin ligase CUL4A in trabectedin
      selected cells. Indeed, transient knockdown of CUL4A sensitised parental HCT116
      cells towards cisplatin. Trabectedin selected but not parental HCT116 xenografts
      were significantly responsive towards cisplatin treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Trabectedin selection-mediated CUL4A loss generates an Achilles heel in CRC
      cancer cells enabling effective cisplatin treatment. Hence, inclusion of
      trabectedin in cisplatin-containing cancer treatment regimens might cause
      profound synergism based on reciprocal resistance prevention.

PMID- 28095395
TI  - The burden of occupationally-related cutaneous malignant melanoma in Britain due
      to solar radiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence highlights the association of occupational
      exposure and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). We estimated the burden of CMM
      and total skin cancer burden in Britain due to occupational solar radiation
      exposure. METHODS: Attributable fractions (AF) and numbers were estimated for CMM
      mortality and incidence using risk estimates from the published literature and
      national data sources for proportions exposed. We extended existing methods to
      account for the exposed population age structure. RESULTS: The estimated total AF
      for CMM is 2.0% (95% CI: 1.4-2.7%), giving 48 (95% CI: 33-64) deaths in (2012)
      and 241 (95% CI: 168-325) registrations (in 2011) attributable to occupational
      exposure to solar radiation. Higher exposure and larger numbers exposed led to
      much higher numbers for men than women. Industries of concern are construction,
      agriculture, public administration and defence, and land transport. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results emphasise the urgent need to develop appropriate strategies to
      reduce this burden.

PMID- 28095396
TI  - Tenascin-C and fibronectin expression divide early stage tongue cancer into low-
      and high-risk groups.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) metastasises early,
      especially to regional lymph nodes. There is an ongoing debate on which early
      stage (T1-T2N0) patients should be treated with elective neck dissection. We need
      prognosticators for early stage tongue cancer. METHODS: Mice immunisation with
      human mesenchymal stromal cells resulted in production of antibodies against
      tenascin-C (TNC) and fibronectin (FN), which were used to stain 178 (98 early
      stage), oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma samples. Tenascin-C and FN expression
      in the stroma (negative, moderate or abundant) and tumour cells (negative or
      positive) were assessed. Similar staining was obtained using corresponding
      commercial antibodies. RESULTS: Expression of TNC and FN in the stroma, but not
      in the tumour cells, proved to be excellent prognosticators both in all stages
      and in early stage cases. Among early stages, when stromal TNC was negative, the
      5-year survival rate was 88%. Correspondingly, when FN was negative, no cancer
      deaths were observed. Five-year survival rates for abundant expression of TNC and
      FN were 43% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Stromal TNC and, especially, FN
      expressions differentiate patients into low- and high-risk groups. Surgery alone
      of early stage primary tumours might be adequate when stromal FN is negative.
      Aggressive treatments should be considered when both TNC and FN are abundant.

PMID- 28095397
TI  - A randomised phase II trial and feasibility study of palliative chemotherapy in
      frail or elderly patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer (321GO).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elderly patients are commonly under-represented in cancer clinical
      trials. The 321GO was undertaken in preparation for a definitive phase three
      trial assessing different chemotherapy regimens in a frail and/or elderly
      population with advanced gastroesophageal (GO) cancer. METHODS: Patients with
      advanced GO cancer considered unfit for conventional dose chemotherapy were
      randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio to: epirubicin, oxaliplatin and
      capecitabine (EOX); oxaliplatin and capecitabine (OX); and capecitabine alone (X)
      (all 80% of full dose and unblinded). The primary end point was patient
      recruitment over an 18-month period. A registration study recorded treatment
      choice for all patients with advanced GO cancer at trial centres. RESULTS: A
      total of 313 patients were considered for palliative chemotherapy for GO cancer
      over the 18-month period: 115 received full dose treatment, 89 less than standard
      treatment or entered 321GO and 111 no treatment. Within 321GO, 55 patients were
      randomly assigned (19 to OX and X; 17 to EOX). Progression-free survival (PFS)
      for all patients was 4.4 months and by arm 5.4, 5.6 and 3.0 months for EOX, OX
      and X, respectively. The number of patients with a good overall treatment utility
      (OTU), a novel patient-centred endpoint, at 12 weeks was 3 (18%), 6 (32%) and 1
      (6%) for EOX, OX and X, respectively. At 6 weeks, 22 patients (41%) had
      experienced a non-haematologic toxicity ?grade 3, most commonly lethargy or
      diarrhoea. The OTU was prognostic for overall survival in patients alive at week
      12 (logrank test P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to recruit elderly and/or
      frail patients with advanced GO cancer to a randomised clinical trial. The OX is
      the preferred regimen for further study. Overall treatment utility shows promise
      as a comparator between treatment regimens for feasibility and randomised trials
      in the elderly and/or frail GO cancer population.

PMID- 28095398
TI  - Aurora B expression modulates paclitaxel response in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Taxanes are mitotic poisons widely used in the treatment of non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC), however, little is known about potential molecular
      modulators of response to these compounds. Aurora B (AURKB) is a critical
      regulator of the mitotic spindle assembly, previously shown overexpressed in
      NSCLC. Here we investigated the hypothesis that AURKB expression modulates the
      efficacy of taxanes in NSCLC cells. METHODS: AURKB mRNA expression was determined
      by qPCR in 132 frozen NSCLC tissues and nine NSCLC cell lines. Aurora B
      expression was knocked down in cell lines using multiple shRNA constructs.
      Barasertib was used to specifically inhibit AURKB activity, determined by the
      level of H3S10 phosphorylation. RESULTS: Frequent AURKB mRNA upregulation was
      observed in NSCLC tissues (P<0.0001), being more prominent in squamous carcinomas
      (P<0.0001). Aurora B expression in cell lines strongly correlated with
      sensitivity to both docetaxel (P=0.004) and paclitaxel (P=0.007). Aurora B
      knockdown derivatives consistently showed a dose-dependent association between
      low-AURKB expression and resistance to paclitaxel. Specific chemical inhibition
      of Aurora B activity also demonstrated a strong dose-dependent efficiency in
      triggering paclitaxel resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Aurora B activity is an important
      modulator of taxane response in NSCLC cells. This may lead to further insights
      into taxane sensitivity of NSCLC tumours.

PMID- 28095399
TI  - Evaluation of treatment-related mortality among paediatric cancer deaths: a
      population based analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Objectives were to describe the proportion of deaths due to treatment
      related mortality (TRM) and to identify risk factors and probable causes of TRM
      among paediatric cancer deaths in a population-based cohort. METHODS: We included
      children with cancer ?18 years diagnosed and treated in Ontario who died between
      January 2003 and December 2012. Deaths were identified using a provincial
      registry, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario Networked Information System.
      Probable causes of TRM were described. RESULTS: Among the 964 deaths identified,
      821 were included. The median age at diagnosis was 6.6 years (range 0-18.8) and
      51.8% had at least one relapse. Of the deaths examined, TRM occurred in 217/821
      (26.4%) while 604/821 (73.6%) were due to progressive cancer. Deaths from TRM did
      not change over time. Using multiple regression, younger age, leukaemia diagnosis
      and absence of relapse were independently positively associated with TRM. The
      most common probable causes of TRM were respiratory, infection and haemorrhage.
      CONCLUSIONS: TRM was responsible for 26.4% of deaths in paediatric cancer.
      Underlying diagnosis, younger age and absence of relapse were associated with TRM
      and causes of TRM differed by diagnosis group. Future work should evaluate TRM
      rate and risk factors among newly diagnosed cancer patients.

PMID- 28095400
TI  - Computational Analysis of Residue Interaction Networks and Coevolutionary
      Relationships in the Hsp70 Chaperones: A Community-Hopping Model of Allosteric
      Regulation and Communication.
AB  - Allosteric interactions in the Hsp70 proteins are linked with their regulatory
      mechanisms and cellular functions. Despite significant progress in structural and
      functional characterization of the Hsp70 proteins fundamental questions
      concerning modularity of the allosteric interaction networks and hierarchy of
      signaling pathways in the Hsp70 chaperones remained largely unexplored and poorly
      understood. In this work, we proposed an integrated computational strategy that
      combined atomistic and coarse-grained simulations with coevolutionary analysis
      and network modeling of the residue interactions. A novel aspect of this work is
      the incorporation of dynamic residue correlations and coevolutionary residue
      dependencies in the construction of allosteric interaction networks and signaling
      pathways. We found that functional sites involved in allosteric regulation of
      Hsp70 may be characterized by structural stability, proximity to global hinge
      centers and local structural environment that is enriched by highly coevolving
      flexible residues. These specific characteristics may be necessary for regulation
      of allosteric structural transitions and could distinguish regulatory sites from
      nonfunctional conserved residues. The observed confluence of dynamics
      correlations and coevolutionary residue couplings with global networking features
      may determine modular organization of allosteric interactions and dictate
      localization of key mediating sites. Community analysis of the residue
      interaction networks revealed that concerted rearrangements of local interacting
      modules at the inter-domain interface may be responsible for global structural
      changes and a population shift in the DnaK chaperone. The inter-domain
      communities in the Hsp70 structures harbor the majority of regulatory residues
      involved in allosteric signaling, suggesting that these sites could be integral
      to the network organization and coordination of structural changes. Using a
      network-based formalism of allostery, we introduced a community-hopping model of
      allosteric communication. Atomistic reconstruction of signaling pathways in the
      DnaK structures captured a direction-specific mechanism and molecular details of
      signal transmission that are fully consistent with the mutagenesis experiments.
      The results of our study reconciled structural and functional experiments from a
      network-centric perspective by showing that global properties of the residue
      interaction networks and coevolutionary signatures may be linked with specificity
      and diversity of allosteric regulation mechanisms.

PMID- 28095401
TI  - The Nuclear Receptor HIZR-1 Uses Zinc as a Ligand to Mediate Homeostasis in
      Response to High Zinc.
AB  - Nuclear receptors were originally defined as endocrine sensors in humans, leading
      to the identification of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Despite intensive
      efforts, most nuclear receptors have no known ligand, suggesting new ligand
      classes remain to be discovered. Furthermore, nuclear receptors are encoded in
      the genomes of primitive organisms that lack endocrine signaling, suggesting the
      primordial function may have been environmental sensing. Here we describe a novel
      Caenorhabditis elegans nuclear receptor, HIZR-1, that is a high zinc sensor in an
      animal and the master regulator of high zinc homeostasis. The essential
      micronutrient zinc acts as a HIZR-1 ligand, and activated HIZR-1 increases
      transcription of genes that promote zinc efflux and storage. The results identify
      zinc as the first inorganic molecule to function as a physiological ligand for a
      nuclear receptor and direct environmental sensing as a novel function of nuclear
      receptors.

PMID- 28095402
TI  - A General Shear-Dependent Model for Thrombus Formation.
AB  - Modeling the transport, activation, and adhesion of platelets is crucial in
      predicting thrombus formation and growth following a thrombotic event in normal
      or pathological conditions. We propose a shear-dependent platelet adhesive model
      based on the Morse potential that is calibrated by existing in vivo and in vitro
      experimental data and can be used over a wide range of flow shear rates
      ([Formula: see text]). We introduce an Eulerian-Lagrangian model where
      hemodynamics is solved on a fixed Eulerian grid, while platelets are tracked
      using a Lagrangian framework. A force coupling method is introduced for
      bidirectional coupling of platelet motion with blood flow. Further, we couple the
      calibrated platelet aggregation model with a tissue-factor/contact pathway
      coagulation cascade, representing the relevant biology of thrombin generation and
      the subsequent fibrin deposition. The range of shear rates covered by the
      proposed model encompass venous and arterial thrombosis, ranging from low-shear
      rate conditions in abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aortic dissections to
      thrombosis in stenotic arteries following plaque rupture, where local shear rates
      are extremely high.

PMID- 28095403
TI  - A Likelihood Approach for Real-Time Calibration of Stochastic Compartmental
      Epidemic Models.
AB  - Stochastic transmission dynamic models are especially useful for studying the
      early emergence of novel pathogens given the importance of chance events when the
      number of infectious individuals is small. However, methods for parameter
      estimation and prediction for these types of stochastic models remain limited. In
      this manuscript, we describe a calibration and prediction framework for
      stochastic compartmental transmission models of epidemics. The proposed method,
      Multiple Shooting for Stochastic systems (MSS), applies a linear noise
      approximation to describe the size of the fluctuations, and uses each new
      surveillance observation to update the belief about the true epidemic state.
      Using simulated outbreaks of a novel viral pathogen, we evaluate the accuracy of
      MSS for real-time parameter estimation and prediction during epidemics. We assume
      that weekly counts for the number of new diagnosed cases are available and serve
      as an imperfect proxy of incidence. We show that MSS produces accurate estimates
      of key epidemic parameters (i.e. mean duration of infectiousness, R0, and Reff)
      and can provide an accurate estimate of the unobserved number of infectious
      individuals during the course of an epidemic. MSS also allows for accurate
      prediction of the number and timing of future hospitalizations and the overall
      attack rate. We compare the performance of MSS to three state-of-the-art
      benchmark methods: 1) a likelihood approximation with an assumption of
      independent Poisson observations; 2) a particle filtering method; and 3) an
      ensemble Kalman filter method. We find that MSS significantly outperforms each of
      these three benchmark methods in the majority of epidemic scenarios tested. In
      summary, MSS is a promising method that may improve on current approaches for
      calibration and prediction using stochastic models of epidemics.

PMID- 28095404
TI  - Entropy Transfer between Residue Pairs and Allostery in Proteins: Quantifying
      Allosteric Communication in Ubiquitin.
AB  - It has recently been proposed by Gunasakaran et al. that allostery may be an
      intrinsic property of all proteins. Here, we develop a computational method that
      can determine and quantify allosteric activity in any given protein. Based on
      Schreiber's transfer entropy formulation, our approach leads to an information
      transfer landscape for the protein that shows the presence of entropy sinks and
      sources and explains how pairs of residues communicate with each other using
      entropy transfer. The model can identify the residues that drive the fluctuations
      of others. We apply the model to Ubiquitin, whose allosteric activity has not
      been emphasized until recently, and show that there are indeed systematic
      pathways of entropy and information transfer between residues that correlate well
      with the activities of the protein. We use 600 nanosecond molecular dynamics
      trajectories for Ubiquitin and its complex with human polymerase iota and
      evaluate entropy transfer between all pairs of residues of Ubiquitin and quantify
      the binding susceptibility changes upon complex formation. We explain the complex
      formation propensities of Ubiquitin in terms of entropy transfer. Important
      residues taking part in allosteric communication in Ubiquitin predicted by our
      approach are in agreement with results of NMR relaxation dispersion experiments.
      Finally, we show that time delayed correlation of fluctuations of two interacting
      residues possesses an intrinsic causality that tells which residue controls the
      interaction and which one is controlled. Our work shows that time delayed
      correlations, entropy transfer and causality are the required new concepts for
      explaining allosteric communication in proteins.

PMID- 28095405
TI  - Defining the Risk of Zika and Chikungunya Virus Transmission in Human Population
      Centers of the Eastern United States.
AB  - The recent spread of mosquito-transmitted viruses and associated disease to the
      Americas motivates a new, data-driven evaluation of risk in temperate population
      centers. Temperate regions are generally expected to pose low risk for
      significant mosquito-borne disease; however, the spread of the Asian tiger
      mosquito (Aedes albopictus) across densely populated urban areas has established
      a new landscape of risk. We use a model informed by field data to assess the
      conditions likely to facilitate local transmission of chikungunya and Zika
      viruses from an infected traveler to Ae. albopictus and then to other humans in
      USA cities with variable human densities and seasonality. Mosquito-borne disease
      occurs when specific combinations of conditions maximize virus-to-mosquito and
      mosquito-to-human contact rates. We develop a mathematical model that captures
      the epidemiology and is informed by current data on vector ecology from urban
      sites. The model demonstrates that under specific but realistic conditions, fifty
      percent of introductions by infectious travelers to a high human, high mosquito
      density city could initiate local transmission and 10% of the introductions could
      result in 100 or more people infected. Despite the propensity for Ae. albopictus
      to bite non-human vertebrates, we also demonstrate that local virus transmission
      and human outbreaks may occur when vectors feed from humans even just 40% of the
      time. Inclusion of human behavioral changes and mitigations were not incorporated
      into the models and would likely reduce predicted infections. This work
      demonstrates how a conditional series of non-average events can result in local
      arbovirus transmission and outbreaks of human disease, even in temperate cities.

PMID- 28095406
TI  - A Two-Locus Model of the Evolution of Insecticide Resistance to Inform and
      Optimise Public Health Insecticide Deployment Strategies.
AB  - We develop a flexible, two-locus model for the spread of insecticide resistance
      applicable to mosquito species that transmit human diseases such as malaria. The
      model allows differential exposure of males and females, allows them to encounter
      high or low concentrations of insecticide, and allows selection pressures and
      dominance values to differ depending on the concentration of insecticide
      encountered. We demonstrate its application by investigating the relative merits
      of sequential use of insecticides versus their deployment as a mixture to
      minimise the spread of resistance. We recover previously published results as
      subsets of this model and conduct a sensitivity analysis over an extensive
      parameter space to identify what circumstances favour mixtures over sequences.
      Both strategies lasted more than 500 mosquito generations (or about 40 years) in
      24% of runs, while in those runs where resistance had spread to high levels by
      500 generations, 56% favoured sequential use and 44% favoured mixtures. Mixtures
      are favoured when insecticide effectiveness (their ability to kill homozygous
      susceptible mosquitoes) is high and exposure (the proportion of mosquitoes that
      encounter the insecticide) is low. If insecticides do not reliably kill
      homozygous sensitive genotypes, it is likely that sequential deployment will be a
      more robust strategy. Resistance to an insecticide always spreads slower if that
      insecticide is used in a mixture although this may be insufficient to outperform
      sequential use: for example, a mixture may last 5 years while the two
      insecticides deployed individually may last 3 and 4 years giving an overall
      'lifespan' of 7 years for sequential use. We emphasise that this paper is
      primarily about designing and implementing a flexible modelling strategy to
      investigate the spread of insecticide resistance in vector populations and
      demonstrate how our model can identify vector control strategies most likely to
      minimise the spread of insecticide resistance.

PMID- 28095408
TI  - Patient Safety Incidents Involving Sick Children in Primary Care in England and
      Wales: A Mixed Methods Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The UK performs poorly relative to other economically developed
      countries on numerous indicators of care quality for children. The contribution
      of iatrogenic harm to these outcomes is unclear. As primary care is the first
      point of healthcare contact for most children, we sought to investigate the
      safety of care provided to children in this setting. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We
      undertook a mixed methods investigation of reports of primary care patient safety
      incidents involving sick children from England and Wales' National Reporting and
      Learning System between 1 January 2005 and 1 December 2013. Two reviewers
      independently selected relevant incident reports meeting prespecified criteria,
      and then descriptively analyzed these reports to identify the most frequent and
      harmful incident types. This was followed by an in-depth thematic analysis of a
      purposive sample of reports to understand the reasons underpinning incidents. Key
      candidate areas for strengthening primary care provision and reducing the risks
      of systems failures were then identified through multidisciplinary discussions.
      Of 2,191 safety incidents identified from 2,178 reports, 30% (n = 658) were
      harmful, including 12 deaths and 41 cases of severe harm. The children involved
      in these incidents had respiratory conditions (n = 387; 18%), injuries (n = 289;
      13%), nonspecific signs and symptoms, e.g., fever (n = 281; 13%), and
      gastrointestinal or genitourinary conditions (n = 268; 12%), among others.
      Priority areas for improvement included safer systems for medication provision in
      community pharmacies; triage processes to enable effective and timely assessment,
      diagnosis, and referral of acutely sick children attending out-of-hours services;
      and enhanced communication for robust safety netting between professionals and
      parents. The main limitations of this study result from underreporting of safety
      incidents and variable data quality. Our findings therefore require further
      exploration in longitudinal studies utilizing case review methods. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study highlights opportunities to reduce iatrogenic harm and avoidable child
      deaths. Globally, healthcare systems with primary-care-led models of delivery
      must now examine their existing practices to determine the prevalence and burden
      of these priority safety issues, and utilize improvement methods to achieve
      sustainable improvements in care quality.

PMID- 28095409
TI  - Sick Children Crying for Help: Fostering Adverse Event Reports.
AB  - In a Perspective, Gordon Schiff discusses the importance of appropriately
      analyzing adverse event reports.

PMID- 28095407
TI  - A Novel Imprinted Gene NUWA Controls Mitochondrial Function in Early Seed
      Development in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Imprinted genes display biased expression of paternal and maternal alleles and
      are only found in mammals and flowering plants. Compared to several hundred
      imprinted genes that are functionally characterized in mammals, very few
      imprinted genes were confirmed in plants and even fewer of them have been
      functionally investigated. Here, we report a new imprinted gene, NUWA, in plants.
      NUWA is an essential gene, because loss of its function resulted in reduced
      transmission through the female gametophyte and defective cell/nuclear
      proliferation in early Arabidopsis embryo and endosperm. NUWA is a maternally
      expressed imprinted gene, as only the maternal allele of NUWA is transcribed and
      translated from gametogenesis to the 16-cell globular embryo stage after
      fertilization, and the de novo transcription of the maternal allele of NUWA
      starts from the zygote stage. Different from other identified plant imprinted
      genes whose encoded proteins are mostly localized to the nucleus, the NUWA
      protein was localized to the mitochondria and was essential for mitochondria
      function. Our work uncovers a novel imprinted gene of a previously unidentified
      type, namely, a maternal-specific expressed nuclear gene with its encoded protein
      localizing to and controlling the function of the maternally inherited
      mitochondria. This reveals a unique mechanism of maternal control of the
      mitochondria and adds an extra layer of complexity to the regulation of nucleus
      organelle coordination during early plant development.

PMID- 28095410
TI  - Cardiomyocyte Regulation of Systemic Lipid Metabolism by the Apolipoprotein B
      Containing Lipoproteins in Drosophila.
AB  - The heart has emerged as an important organ in the regulation of systemic lipid
      homeostasis; however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here,
      we show that Drosophila cardiomyocytes regulate systemic lipid metabolism by
      producing apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins (apoB-lipoproteins), essential
      lipid carriers that are so far known to be generated only in the fat body. In a
      Drosophila genetic screen, we discovered that when haplo-insufficient, microsomal
      triglyceride transfer protein (mtp), required for the biosynthesis of apoB
      lipoproteins, suppressed the development of diet-induced obesity. Tissue-specific
      inhibition of Mtp revealed that whereas knockdown of mtp only in the fat body
      decreases systemic triglyceride (TG) content on normal food diet (NFD) as
      expected, knockdown of mtp only in the cardiomyocytes also equally decreases
      systemic TG content on NFD, suggesting that the cardiomyocyte- and fat body
      derived apoB-lipoproteins serve similarly important roles in regulating whole
      body lipid metabolism. Unexpectedly, on high fat diet (HFD), knockdown of mtp in
      the cardiomyocytes, but not in fat body, protects against the gain in systemic TG
      levels. We further showed that inhibition of the Drosophila apoB homologue,
      apolipophorin or apoLpp, another gene essential for apoB-lipoprotein
      biosynthesis, affects systemic TG levels similarly to that of Mtp inhibition in
      the cardiomyocytes on NFD or HFD. Finally, we determined that HFD differentially
      alters Mtp and apoLpp expression in the cardiomyocytes versus the fat body,
      culminating in higher Mtp and apoLpp levels in the cardiomyocytes than in fat
      body and possibly underlying the predominant role of cardiomyocyte-derived apoB
      lipoproteins in lipid metabolic regulation. Our findings reveal a novel and
      significant function of heart-mediated apoB-lipoproteins in controlling lipid
      homeostasis.

PMID- 28095411
TI  - Optimal Management Strategies for Primary HPV Testing for Cervical Screening:
      Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation for the National Cervical Screening Program in
      Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several countries are implementing a transition to HPV testing for
      cervical screening in response to the introduction of HPV vaccination and
      evidence indicating that HPV screening is more effective than cytology. In
      Australia, a 2017 transition from 2-yearly conventional cytology in 18-20 to 69
      years to 5-yearly primary HPV screening in 25 to 74 years will involve partial
      genotyping for HPV 16/18 with direct referral to colposcopy for this higher risk
      group. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal management of
      women positive for other high-risk HPV types (not 16/18) ('OHR HPV'). METHODS: We
      used a dynamic model of HPV transmission, vaccination, natural history and
      cervical screening to determine the optimal management of women positive for OHR
      HPV. We assumed cytology triage testing was used to inform management in this
      group and that those with high-grade cytology would be referred to colposcopy and
      those with negative cytology would receive 12-month surveillance. For those with
      OHR HPV and low-grade cytology (considered to be a single low-grade category in
      Australia incorporating ASC-US and LSIL), we evaluated (1) the 20-year risk of
      invasive cervical cancer assuming this group are referred for 12-month follow-up
      vs. colposcopy, and compared this to the risk in women with low-grade cytology
      under the current program (i.e. an accepted benchmark risk for 12-month follow-up
      in Australia); (2) the population-level impact of the whole program, assuming
      this group are referred to 12-month surveillance vs. colposcopy; and (3) the cost
      effectiveness of immediate colposcopy compared to 12-month follow-up. Evaluation
      was performed both for HPV-unvaccinated cohorts and cohorts offered vaccination
      (coverage ~72%). FINDINGS: The estimated 20-year risk of cervical cancer is
      <=1.0% at all ages if this group are referred to colposcopy vs. <=1.2% if
      followed-up in 12 months, both of which are lower than the <=2.6% benchmark risk
      in women with low-grade cytology in the current program (who are returned for 12
      month follow-up). At the population level, immediate colposcopy referral provides
      an incremental 1-3% reduction in cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared
      with 12-month follow-up, but this is in the context of a predicted 24-36%
      reduction associated with the new HPV screening program compared to the current
      cytology-based program. Furthermore, immediate colposcopy substantially increases
      the predicted number of colposcopies, with >650 additional colposcopies required
      to avert each additional case of cervical cancer compared to 12-month follow-up.
      Compared to 12-month follow-up, immediate colposcopy has an incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio (ICER) of A$104,600/LYS (95%CrI:A$100,100-109,100) in
      unvaccinated women and A$117,100/LYS (95%CrI:A$112,300-122,000) in cohorts
      offered vaccination [Indicative willingness-to-pay threshold: A$50,000/LYS].
      CONCLUSIONS: In primary HPV screening programs, partial genotyping for HPV16/18
      or high-grade triage cytology in OHR HPV positive women can be used to refer the
      highest risk group to colposcopy, but 12-month follow-up for women with OHR HPV
      and low-grade cytology is associated with a low risk of developing cervical
      cancer. Direct referral to colposcopy for this group would be associated with a
      substantial increase in colposcopy referrals and the associated harms, and is
      also cost-ineffective; thus, 12-month surveillance for women with OHR HPV and low
      grade cytology provides the best balance between benefits, harms and cost
      effectiveness.

PMID- 28095412
TI  - Intensive versus Guideline Blood Pressure and Lipid Lowering in Patients with
      Previous Stroke: Main Results from the Pilot 'Prevention of Decline in Cognition
      after Stroke Trial' (PODCAST) Randomised Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke is associated with the development of cognitive impairment and
      dementia. We assessed the effect of intensive blood pressure (BP) and/or lipid
      lowering on cognitive outcomes in patients with recent stroke in a pilot trial.
      METHODS: In a multicentre, partial-factorial trial, patients with recent stroke,
      absence of dementia, and systolic BP (SBP) 125-170 mmHg were assigned randomly to
      at least 6 months of intensive (target SBP <125 mmHg) or guideline (target SBP
      <140 mmHg) BP lowering. The subset of patients with ischaemic stroke and total
      cholesterol 3.0-8.0 mmol/l were also assigned randomly to intensive (target LDL
      cholesterol <1.3 mmol/l) or guideline (target LDL-c <3.0 mmol/l) lipid lowering.
      The primary outcome was the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R).
      RESULTS: We enrolled 83 patients, mean age 74.0 (6.8) years, and median 4.5
      months after stroke. The median follow-up was 24 months (range 1-48). Mean BP was
      significantly reduced with intensive compared to guideline treatment (difference 
      10.6/-5.5 mmHg; p<0.01), as was total/LDL-cholesterol with intensive lipid
      lowering compared to guideline (difference -0.54/-0.44 mmol/l; p<0.01). The ACE-R
      score during treatment did not differ for either treatment comparison; mean
      difference for BP lowering -3.6 (95% CI -9.7 to 2.4), and lipid lowering 4.4 (95%
      CI -2.1 to 10.9). However, intensive lipid lowering therapy was significantly
      associated with improved scores for ACE-R at 6 months, trail making A, modified
      Rankin Scale and Euro-Qol Visual Analogue Scale. There was no difference in rates
      of dementia or serious adverse events for either comparison. CONCLUSION: In
      patients with recent stroke and normal cognition, intensive BP and lipid lowering
      were feasible and safe, but did not alter cognition over two years. The
      association between intensive lipid lowering and improved scores for some
      secondary outcomes suggests further trials are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ISRCTN ISRCTN85562386.

PMID- 28095413
TI  - One-Month Global Longitudinal Strain Identifies Patients Who Will Develop Pacing
      Induced Left Ventricular Dysfunction over Time: The Pacing and Ventricular
      Dysfunction (PAVD) Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Predicting which individuals will have a decline in left ventricular
      (LV) function after pacemaker implantation remains an important challenge. We
      investigated whether LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), measured by 2D speckle
      tracking strain echocardiography, can identify patients at risk of pacing-induced
      left ventricular dysfunction (PIVD) or pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICMP).
      METHODS: Fifty-five patients with atrioventricular block and preserved LV
      function underwent dual-chamber pacemaker implantation and were followed with
      serial transthoracic echocardiography for 12 months for the development of PIVD
      (defined as a reduction in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) >=5 percentage points at
      12 months) or PICMP (reduction in LVEF to <45%). RESULTS: At 12 months, 15 (27%)
      patients developed PIVD; of these, 4 patients developed PICMP. At one month, GLS
      was significantly lower in the 15 patients who subsequently developed PIVD,
      compared to those who did not (n = 40) (GLS -12.6 vs. -16.4 respectively; p =
      0.022). When patients with PICMP were excluded, one month GLS was significantly
      reduced compared to baseline whereas LVEF was not. One-month GLS had high
      predictive accuracy for determining subsequent development of PIVD or PICMP (AUC
      = 0.80, optimal GLS threshold: <-14.5, sensitivity 82%, specificity 75%); and
      particularly PICMP (AUC = 0.86, optimal GLS threshold: <-13.5, sensitivity 100%,
      specificity 71%). CONCLUSIONS: GLS is a novel predictor of decline in LV systolic
      function following pacemaker implantation, with the potential to identify
      patients at risk of PIVD before measurable changes in LVEF are apparent. GLS
      measured one month after implantation has high predictive accuracy for
      identifying patients who later develop PIVD or PICMP.

PMID- 28095414
TI  - Mosquito-Disseminated Insecticide for Citywide Vector Control and Its Potential
      to Block Arbovirus Epidemics: Entomological Observations and Modeling Results
      from Amazonian Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mosquito-borne viruses threaten public health worldwide. When the
      ratio of competent vectors to susceptible humans is low enough, the virus's basic
      reproductive number (R0) falls below 1.0 (each case generating, on average, <1.0
      additional case) and the infection fades out from the population. Conventional
      mosquito control tactics, however, seldom yield R0 < 1.0. A promising alternative
      uses mosquitoes to disseminate a potent growth-regulator larvicide, pyriproxyfen
      (PPF), to aquatic larval habitats; this kills most mosquito juveniles and
      substantially reduces adult mosquito emergence. We tested mosquito-disseminated
      PPF in Manacapuru, a 60,000-inhabitant city (~650 ha) in Amazonian Brazil.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: We sampled juvenile mosquitoes monthly in 100 dwellings
      over four periods in February 2014-January 2016: 12 baseline months, 5 mo of
      citywide PPF dissemination, 3 mo of focal PPF dissemination around Aedes-infested
      dwellings, and 3 mo after dissemination ended. We caught 19,434 juvenile
      mosquitoes (66% Aedes albopictus, 28% Ae. aegypti) in 8,271 trap-months. Using
      generalized linear mixed models, we estimated intervention effects on juvenile
      catch and adult emergence while adjusting for dwelling-level clustering, unequal
      sampling effort, and weather-related confounders. Following PPF dissemination,
      Aedes juvenile catch decreased by 79%-92% and juvenile mortality increased from
      2%-7% to 80%-90%. Mean adult Aedes emergence fell from 1,077 per month (range 653
      1,635) at baseline to 50.4 per month during PPF dissemination (range 2-117).
      Female Aedes emergence dropped by 96%-98%, such that the number of females
      emerging per person decreased to 0.06 females per person-month (range 0.002
      0.129). Deterministic models predict, under plausible biological-epidemiological
      scenarios, that the R0 of typical Aedes-borne viruses would fall from 3-45 at
      baseline to 0.004-0.06 during PPF dissemination. The main limitations of our
      study were that it was a before-after trial lacking truly independent replicates
      and that we did not measure mosquito-borne virus transmission empirically.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mosquito-disseminated PPF has potential to block mosquito-borne
      virus transmission citywide, even under adverse scenarios. Our results signal new
      avenues for mosquito-borne disease prevention, likely including the effective
      control of Aedes-borne dengue, Zika, and chikungunya epidemics. Cluster
      randomized controlled trials will help determine whether mosquito-disseminated
      PPF can, as our findings suggest, develop into a major tool for improving global
      public health.

PMID- 28095415
TI  - KLK5 and KLK7 Ablation Fully Rescues Lethality of Netherton Syndrome-Like
      Phenotype.
AB  - Netherton syndrome (NS) is a severe skin disease caused by the loss of protease
      inhibitor LEKTI, which leads to the dysregulation of epidermal proteases and
      severe skin-barrier defects. KLK5 was proposed as a major protease in NS
      pathology, however its inactivation is not sufficient to rescue the lethal
      phenotype of LEKTI-deficient mice. In this study, we further elucidated the in
      vivo roles of the epidermal proteases in NS using a set of mouse models
      individually or simultaneously deficient for KLK5 and KLK7 on the genetic
      background of a novel NS-mouse model. We show that although the ablation of KLK5
      or KLK7 is not sufficient to rescue the lethal effect of LEKTI-deficiency
      simultaneous deficiency of both KLKs completely rescues the epidermal barrier and
      the postnatal lethality allowing mice to reach adulthood with fully functional
      skin and normal hair growth. We report that not only KLK5 but also KLK7 plays an
      important role in the inflammation and defective differentiation in NS and KLK7
      activity is not solely dependent on activation by KLK5. Altogether, these
      findings show that unregulated activities of KLK5 and KLK7 are responsible for NS
      development and both proteases should become targets for NS therapy.

PMID- 28095416
TI  - Meta-GWAS Accuracy and Power (MetaGAP) Calculator Shows that Hiding Heritability
      Is Partially Due to Imperfect Genetic Correlations across Studies.
AB  - Large-scale genome-wide association results are typically obtained from a fixed
      effects meta-analysis of GWAS summary statistics from multiple studies spanning
      different regions and/or time periods. This approach averages the estimated
      effects of genetic variants across studies. In case genetic effects are
      heterogeneous across studies, the statistical power of a GWAS and the predictive
      accuracy of polygenic scores are attenuated, contributing to the so-called
      'missing heritability'. Here, we describe the online Meta-GWAS Accuracy and Power
      (MetaGAP) calculator (available at www.devlaming.eu) which quantifies this
      attenuation based on a novel multi-study framework. By means of simulation
      studies, we show that under a wide range of genetic architectures, the
      statistical power and predictive accuracy provided by this calculator are
      accurate. We compare the predictions from the MetaGAP calculator with actual
      results obtained in the GWAS literature. Specifically, we use genomic-relatedness
      matrix restricted maximum likelihood to estimate the SNP heritability and cross
      study genetic correlation of height, BMI, years of education, and self-rated
      health in three large samples. These estimates are used as input parameters for
      the MetaGAP calculator. Results from the calculator suggest that cross-study
      heterogeneity has led to attenuation of statistical power and predictive accuracy
      in recent large-scale GWAS efforts on these traits (e.g., for years of education,
      we estimate a relative loss of 51-62% in the number of genome-wide significant
      loci and a relative loss in polygenic score R2 of 36-38%). Hence, cross-study
      heterogeneity contributes to the missing heritability.

PMID- 28095417
TI  - Schistosoma mansoni Infection of Mice, Rats and Humans Elicits a Strong Antibody
      Response to a Limited Number of Reduction-Sensitive Epitopes on Five Major
      Tegumental Membrane Proteins.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a major disease of the developing world for which no vaccine
      has been successfully commercialized. While numerous Schistosoma mansoni worm
      antigens have been identified that elicit antibody responses during natural
      infections, little is known as to the identities of the schistosome antigens that
      are most prominently recognized by antibodies generated through natural
      infection. Non-reducing western blots probed with serum from schistosome-infected
      mice, rats and humans on total extracts of larval or adult schistosomes revealed
      that a small number of antigen bands predominate in all cases. Recognition of
      each of these major bands was lost when the blots were run under reducing
      condition. We expressed a rationally selected group of schistosome tegumental
      membrane antigens in insect host cells, and used the membrane extracts of these
      cells to unambiguously identify the major antigens recognized by S. mansoni
      infected mouse, rat and human serum. These results revealed that a limited number
      of dominant, reduction-sensitive conformational epitopes on five major tegumental
      surface membrane proteins: SmTsp2, Sm23, Sm29, SmLy6B and SmLy6F, are primary
      targets of mouse, rat and human S. mansoni infection sera antibodies. We conclude
      that, Schistosoma mansoni infection of both permissive (mouse) and non-permissive
      (rat) rodent models, as well as humans, elicit a dominant antibody response
      recognizing a limited number of conformational epitopes on the same five
      tegumental membrane proteins. Thus it appears that neither infecting
      schistosomula nor mature adult schistosomes are substantively impacted by the
      robust circulating anti-tegumental antibody response they elicit to these
      antigens. Importantly, our data suggest a need to re-evaluate host immune
      responses to many schistosome antigens and has important implications regarding
      schistosome immune evasion mechanisms and schistosomiasis vaccine development.

PMID- 28095418
TI  - Novel Vector Control Approaches: The Future for Prevention of Zika Virus
      Transmission?
AB  - In a Perspective accompanying Abad-Franch and colleagues, Lorenz von Seidlein,
      Alexander Kekule, and Daniel Strickman discuss the importance of developing
      effective strategies to minimize mosquito-borne transmission of human diseases.

PMID- 28095419
TI  - PRC2 Represses Hormone-Induced Somatic Embryogenesis in Vegetative Tissue of
      Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Many plant cells can be reprogrammed into a pluripotent state that allows ectopic
      organ development. Inducing totipotent states to stimulate somatic embryo (SE)
      development is, however, challenging due to insufficient understanding of
      molecular barriers that prevent somatic cell dedifferentiation. Here we show that
      Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-activity imposes a barrier to hormone
      mediated transcriptional reprogramming towards somatic embryogenesis in
      vegetative tissue of Arabidopsis thaliana. We identify factors that enable SE
      development in PRC2-depleted shoot and root tissue and demonstrate that the
      establishment of embryogenic potential is marked by ectopic co-activation of
      crucial developmental regulators that specify shoot, root and embryo identity.
      Using inducible activation of PRC2 in PRC2-depleted cells, we demonstrate that
      transient reduction of PRC2 activity is sufficient for SE formation. We suggest
      that modulation of PRC2 activity in plant vegetative tissue combined with
      targeted activation of developmental pathways will open possibilities for novel
      approaches to cell reprogramming.

PMID- 28095420
TI  - Molecular Mechanism of Disease-Associated Mutations in the Pre-M1 Helix of NMDA
      Receptors and Potential Rescue Pharmacology.
AB  - N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), ligand-gated ionotropic glutamate
      receptors, play key roles in normal brain development and various neurological
      disorders. Here we use standing variation data from the human population to
      assess which protein domains within NMDAR GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B subunits show
      the strongest signal for being depleted of missense variants. We find that this
      includes the GluN2 pre-M1 helix and linker between the agonist-binding domain
      (ABD) and first transmembrane domain (M1). We then evaluate the functional
      changes of multiple missense mutations in the NMDAR pre-M1 helix found in
      children with epilepsy and developmental delay. We find mutant GluN1/GluN2A
      receptors exhibit prolonged glutamate response time course for channels
      containing 1 or 2 GluN2A-P552R subunits, and a slow rise time only for receptors
      with 2 mutant subunits, suggesting rearrangement of one GluN2A pre-M1 helix is
      sufficient for rapid activation. GluN2A-P552R and analogous mutations in other
      GluN subunits increased the agonist potency and slowed response time course,
      suggesting a functionally conserved role for this residue. Although there is no
      detectable change in surface expression or open probability for GluN2A-P552R, the
      prolonged response time course for receptors that contained GluN2A-P552R
      increased charge transfer for synaptic-like activation, which should promote
      excitotoxic damage. Transfection of cultured neurons with GluN2A-P552R prolonged
      EPSPs, and triggered pronounced dendritic swelling in addition to excitotoxicity,
      which were both attenuated by memantine. These data implicate the pre-M1 region
      in gating, provide insight into how different subunits contribute to gating, and
      suggest that mutations in the pre-M1 helix can compromise neuronal health.
      Evaluation of FDA-approved NMDAR inhibitors on the mutant NMDAR-mediated current
      response and neuronal damage provides a potential clinical path to treat
      individuals harboring similar mutations in NMDARs.

PMID- 28095421
TI  - Approximate Inference for Time-Varying Interactions and Macroscopic Dynamics of
      Neural Populations.
AB  - The models in statistical physics such as an Ising model offer a convenient way
      to characterize stationary activity of neural populations. Such stationary
      activity of neurons may be expected for recordings from in vitro slices or
      anesthetized animals. However, modeling activity of cortical circuitries of awake
      animals has been more challenging because both spike-rates and interactions can
      change according to sensory stimulation, behavior, or an internal state of the
      brain. Previous approaches modeling the dynamics of neural interactions suffer
      from computational cost; therefore, its application was limited to only a dozen
      neurons. Here by introducing multiple analytic approximation methods to a state
      space model of neural population activity, we make it possible to estimate
      dynamic pairwise interactions of up to 60 neurons. More specifically, we applied
      the pseudolikelihood approximation to the state-space model, and combined it with
      the Bethe or TAP mean-field approximation to make the sequential Bayesian
      estimation of the model parameters possible. The large-scale analysis allows us
      to investigate dynamics of macroscopic properties of neural circuitries
      underlying stimulus processing and behavior. We show that the model accurately
      estimates dynamics of network properties such as sparseness, entropy, and heat
      capacity by simulated data, and demonstrate utilities of these measures by
      analyzing activity of monkey V4 neurons as well as a simulated balanced network
      of spiking neurons.

PMID- 28095422
TI  - High-Throughput Carbon Substrate Profiling of Mycobacterium ulcerans Suggests
      Potential Environmental Reservoirs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium ulcerans is a close derivative of Mycobacterium marinum
      and the agent of Buruli ulcer in some tropical countries. Epidemiological and
      environmental studies pointed towards stagnant water ecosystems as potential
      sources of M. ulcerans, yet the ultimate reservoirs remain elusive. We
      hypothesized that carbon substrate determination may help elucidating the
      spectrum of potential reservoirs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In a first
      step, high-throughput phenotype microarray Biolog was used to profile carbon
      substrates in one M. marinum and five M. ulcerans strains. A total of 131/190
      (69%) carbon substrates were metabolized by at least one M. ulcerans strain,
      including 28/190 (15%) carbon substrates metabolized by all five M. ulcerans
      strains of which 21 substrates were also metabolized by M. marinum. In a second
      step, 131 carbon substrates were investigated, through a bibliographical search,
      for their known environmental sources including plants, fruits and vegetables,
      bacteria, algae, fungi, nematodes, mollusks, mammals, insects and the inanimate
      environment. This analysis yielded significant association of M. ulcerans with
      bacteria (p = 0.000), fungi (p = 0.001), algae (p = 0.003) and mollusks (p =
      0.007). In a third step, the Medline database was cross-searched for bacteria,
      fungi, mollusks and algae as potential sources of carbon substrates metabolized
      by all tested M. ulcerans; it indicated that 57% of M. ulcerans substrates were
      associated with bacteria, 18% with alga, 11% with mollusks and 7% with fungi.
      CONCLUSIONS: This first report of high-throughput carbon substrate utilization by
      M. ulcerans would help designing media to isolate and grow this pathogen.
      Furthermore, the presented data suggest that potential M. ulcerans environmental
      reservoirs might be related to micro-habitats where bacteria, fungi, algae and
      mollusks are abundant. This should be followed by targeted investigations in
      Buruli ulcer endemic regions.

PMID- 28095423
TI  - Influences of Host Community Characteristics on Borrelia burgdorferi Infection
      Prevalence in Blacklegged Ticks.
AB  - Lyme disease is a major vector-borne bacterial disease in the USA. The disease is
      caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, and transmitted among hosts and humans, primarily
      by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). The ~25 B. burgdorferi genotypes, based
      on genotypic variation of their outer surface protein C (ospC), can be
      phenotypically separated as strains that primarily cause human diseases-human
      invasive strains (HIS)-or those that rarely do. Additionally, the genotypes are
      non-randomly associated with host species. The goal of this study was to examine
      the extent to which phenotypic outcomes of B. burgdorferi could be explained by
      the host communities fed upon by blacklegged ticks. In 2006 and 2009, we
      determined the host community composition based on abundance estimates of the
      vertebrate hosts, and collected host-seeking nymphal ticks in 2007 and 2010 to
      determine the ospC genotypes within infected ticks. We regressed instances of B.
      burgdorferi phenotypes on site-specific characteristics of host communities by
      constructing Bayesian hierarchical models that properly handled missing data. The
      models provided quantitative support for the relevance of host composition on
      Lyme disease risk pertaining to B. burgdorferi prevalence (i.e. overall nymphal
      infection prevalence, or NIPAll) and HIS prevalence among the infected ticks
      (NIPHIS). In each year, NIPAll and NIPHIS was found to be associated with host
      relative abundances and diversity. For mice and chipmunks, the association with
      NIPAll was positive, but tended to be negative with NIPHIS in both years.
      However, the direction of association between shrew relative abundance with
      NIPAll or NIPHIS differed across the two years. And, diversity (H') had a
      negative association with NIPAll, but positive association with NIPHIS in both
      years. Our analyses highlight that the relationships between the relative
      abundances of three primary hosts and the community diversity with NIPAll, and
      NIPHIS, are variable in time and space, and that disease risk inference, based on
      the role of host community, changes when we examine risk overall or at the
      phenotypic level. Our discussion focuses on the observed relationships between
      prevalence and host community characteristics and how they substantiate the
      ecological understanding of phenotypic Lyme disease risk.

PMID- 28095424
TI  - Investigation of Inclusion Complex of Patchouli Alcohol with beta-Cyclodextrin.
AB  - The objective of this study was to improve the stability and water-solubility of
      patchouli alcohol by complexing with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). The
      interactions between patchouli alcohol and beta-CD were characterized by
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transformation-infrared (FT-IR)
      spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Scanning electron microscope
      (SEM), respectively. According to molecular modeling method, the enthalpy
      formation of host-guest illustrated the predominant configuration and the lowest
      value DeltabGo was -10.8174+/-1.9235 kcal/mol, suggesting the complex could
      reduce the energy of the system. The characterization analysis confirmed the
      formation of PA-CD inclusion complex, and the results indicated the advantage of
      the inclusion complex in stability and dissolution rates. These results
      identified PA-CD inclusion complex an effective way for the storage of PA, and
      better inclusion method still needed to be studied.

PMID- 28095425
TI  - Relationship between Clinical Parameters and Brain Structure in Sporadic
      Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients According to Onset Type: A Voxel-Based
      Morphometric Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly
      progressing, phenotypically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease affecting
      mainly the motor neuron system. The present voxel-based morphometry (VBM) study
      investigated whether patterns of brain atrophy differ among sporadic ALS
      subtypes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sporadic ALS patients (n = 62) with normal
      cognition and age-matched healthy controls (n = 57) were included in the study.
      ALS patients were divided into limb- and bulbar-onset groups according to
      clinical manifestations at symptom onset (n = 48 and 14, respectively). Clinical
      measures were ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score, disease
      duration, and forced vital capacity (FVC). Patterns of brain atrophy between ALS
      subgroups were compared by VBM. RESULTS: In limb-onset ALS patients, atrophy was
      largely confined to the motor cortex and adjacent pre- and postcentral regions.
      However, in the bulbar-onset group, affected regions were more widespread and
      included these same areas but also extended to the bilateral frontotemporal and
      left superior temporal and supramarginal gyri, and multiple regression analysis
      revealed that their ALSFRS-R scores were associated with extensive loss of gray
      matter while FVC was related to atrophy in subcortical regions of the left
      superior temporal gyrus. In limb-onset ALS patients, disease duration was related
      to the degree of atrophy in the motor and adjacent areas. CONCLUSION: Sporadic
      ALS subtypes show different patterns of brain atrophy. Neural networks related to
      limb and bulbar motor functions in each ALS subtype may underlie their distinct
      patterns of cerebral atrophy. That is, more extensive cortical and subcortical
      atrophy is correlated with greater ALSFRS-R severity and shorter disease duration
      in the bulbar-onset subtype and may explain the poor prognosis of these patients.

PMID- 28095426
TI  - Health Outcomes of Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review to assess
      the short-, middle- and long-term consequences of sarcopenia. METHODS:
      Prospective studies assessing the consequences of sarcopenia were searched across
      different electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, Cochrane Database
      of Systematic Reviews, EBM Reviews ACP Journal Club, EBM Reviews DARE and AMED).
      Only studies that used the definition of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia
      in Older People to diagnose sarcopenia were included. Study selection and data
      extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. For outcomes reported by
      three or more studies, a meta-analysis was performed. The study results are
      expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI. RESULTS: Of the 772 references
      identified through the database search, 17 were included in this systematic
      review. The number of participants in the included studies ranged from 99 to
      6658, and the duration of follow-up varied from 3 months to 9.8 years. Eleven out
      of 12 studies assessed the impact of sarcopenia on mortality. The results showed
      a higher rate of mortality among sarcopenic subjects (pooled OR of 3.596 (95% CI
      2.96-4.37)). The effect was higher in people aged 79 years or older compared with
      younger subjects (p = 0.02). Sarcopenia is also associated with functional
      decline (pooled OR of 6 studies 3.03 (95% CI 1.80-5.12)), a higher rate of falls
      (2/2 studies found a significant association) and a higher incidence of
      hospitalizations (1/1 study). The impact of sarcopenia on the incidence of
      fractures and the length of hospital stay was less clear (only 1/2 studies showed
      an association for both outcomes). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is associated with
      several harmful outcomes, making this geriatric syndrome a real public health
      burden.

PMID- 28095427
TI  - Mobile Phones and Mental Well-Being: Initial Evidence Suggesting the Importance
      of Staying Connected to Family in Rural, Remote Communities in Uganda.
AB  - Due to the ubiquity of mobile phones around the globe, studies are beginning to
      analyze their influence on health. Prior work from developed countries highlights
      negative mental health outcomes related to overuse of mobile phones. However,
      there is little work on mental health impacts of mobile phone use or ownership in
      developing countries. This is an important gap to address because there are
      likely variations in mental health impacts of mobile phones between developing
      and developed countries, due to cultural nuances to phone use and distinct
      variations in financial models for obtaining mobile phone access in developing
      countries. To address this gap, this study analyzes survey data from 92
      households in sparse, rural villages in Uganda to test two hypotheses about
      mobile phone ownership and mental health in a developing country context: (i)
      Mobile phone ownership is higher among more privileged groups, compared to less
      privileged groups (ie, wealth and ethnicity); and (ii) mobile phone ownership is
      positively associated with a culturally-relevant indicator of mental health,
      'feelings of peace'. Results indicate that households with mobile phones had
      higher levels of wealth on average, yet no significant differences were detected
      by ethnicity. As hypothesized, mobile phone ownership was associated with
      increased mental well-being for persons without family nearby (in the District)
      (p = 0.038) after adjusting for wealth, ethnicity and amount of land for crops
      and land for grazing. Mobile phone ownership was not significantly associated
      with increased mental well-being for persons with family nearby. These findings
      are consistent with studies of mobile phone use in other sub-Saharan African
      countries which find that phones are important tools for social connection and
      are thus beneficial for maintaining family ties. One might infer then that this
      increased feeling of mental well-being for persons located farther from family
      stems from the ability to maintain family connections. These findings are quite
      different from work in developed countries where mobile phone use is a source of
      technology-related stress or technostress.

PMID- 28095428
TI  - Linking Ecology and Epidemiology to Understand Predictors of Multi-Host Responses
      to an Emerging Pathogen, the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus.
AB  - Variation in host responses to pathogens can have cascading effects on
      populations and communities when some individuals or groups of individuals
      display disproportionate vulnerability to infection or differ in their competence
      to transmit infection. The fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)
      has been detected in almost 700 different amphibian species and is implicated in
      numerous global amphibian population declines. Identifying key hosts in the
      amphibian-Bd system-those who are at greatest risk or who pose the greatest risk
      for others-is challenging due in part to many extrinsic environmental factors
      driving spatiotemporal Bd distribution and context-dependent host responses to Bd
      in the wild. One way to improve predictive risk models and generate testable
      mechanistic hypotheses about vulnerability is to complement what we know about
      the spatial epidemiology of Bd with data collected through comparative
      experimental studies. We used standardized pathogen challenges to quantify
      amphibian survival and infection trajectories across 20 post-metamorphic North
      American species raised from eggs. We then incorporated trait-based models to
      investigate the predictive power of phylogenetic history, habitat use, and
      ecological and life history traits in explaining responses to Bd. True frogs
      (Ranidae) displayed the lowest infection intensities, whereas toads (Bufonidae)
      generally displayed the greatest levels of mortality after Bd exposure.
      Affiliation with ephemeral aquatic habitat and breadth of habitat use were strong
      predictors of vulnerability to and intensity of infection and several other
      traits including body size, lifespan, age at sexual maturity, and geographic
      range also appeared in top models explaining host responses to Bd. Several of the
      species examined are highly understudied with respect to Bd such that this study
      represents the first experimental susceptibility data. Combining insights gained
      from experimental studies with observations of landscape-level disease prevalence
      may help explain current and predict future pathogen dynamics in the Bd system.

PMID- 28095429
TI  - High Rates of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Isolation in Mozambican Children with
      Presumptive Tuberculosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can cause disease which can be
      clinically and radiologically undistinguishable from tuberculosis (TB), posing a
      diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in high TB settings. We aim to describe the
      prevalence of NTM isolation and its clinical characteristics in children from
      rural Mozambique. METHODS: This study was part of a community TB incidence study
      in children <3 years of age. Gastric aspirate and induced sputum sampling were
      performed in all presumptive TB cases and processed for smear testing using
      fluorochrome staining and LED Microscopy, liquid and solid culture, and molecular
      identification by GenoType(r) Mycobacterium CM/AS assays. RESULTS: NTM were
      isolated in 26.3% (204/775) of children. The most prevalent NTM species was M.
      intracellulare (N = 128), followed by M. scrofulaceum (N = 35) and M. fortuitum
      (N = 9). Children with NTM were significantly less symptomatic and less likely to
      present with an abnormal chest radiograph than those with M. tuberculosis. NTM
      were present in 21.6% of follow-up samples and 25 children had the same species
      isolated from >=2 separate samples. All were considered clinically insignificant
      and none received specific treatment. Children with NTM isolates had equal all
      cause mortality and likelihood of TB treatment as those with negative culture
      although they were less likely to have TB ruled out. CONCLUSIONS: NTM isolation
      is frequent in presumptive TB cases but was not clinically significant in this
      patient cohort. However, it can contribute to TB misdiagnosis. Further studies
      are needed to understand the epidemiology and the clinical significance of NTM in
      children.

PMID- 28095430
TI  - Is Childhood Socioeconomic Status Independently Associated with Adult BMI after
      Accounting for Adult and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status?
AB  - Childhood socioeconomic status (SES) is inversely associated with adult weight in
      high income countries. Whether the influence of childhood SES on adult weight is
      best described using a critical period model or an accumulation of risk model is
      not yet settled. This research tests whether childhood SES is associated with
      adult BMI and likelihood of obesity independent of adult socioeconomic status and
      neighborhood characteristics. Data on individual childhood and adult
      characteristics come from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 13,545). Data on
      neighborhood characteristics come from the 2000 Decennial Census and American
      Community Survey (2005-2009). In the fully adjusted models, perceived financial
      hardship before the age of sixteen and having a father who was unemployed are
      associated with higher BMI among males and, among females, paternal education
      remains associated with adult BMI. However, childhood SES is not associated with
      likelihood of obesity after fully adjusting for adult SES and neighborhood
      characteristics, suggesting that the direct effects of early childhood SES on BMI
      are small relative to the other factors associated with obesity in adulthood.

PMID- 28095431
TI  - Hair Measurements of Cortisol, DHEA, and DHEA to Cortisol Ratio as Biomarkers of
      Chronic Stress among People Living with HIV in China: Known-Group Validation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Existing literature suggests that endocrine measures, including the
      steroid hormones of cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), as well as the
      DHEA to cortisol ratio in the human hair can be used as promising biomarkers of
      chronic stress among humans. However, data are limited regarding the validity of
      these measures as biomarkers of chronic stress among people living with HIV
      (PLWH), whose endocrine system or hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis may
      be affected by HIV infection and/or antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications.
      METHOD: Using hair sample data and self-reported survey from 60 PLWH in China, we
      examined the validity of three endocrine measures among Chinese PLWH using a
      known-groups validation strategy. High-stress group (n = 30) and low-stress group
      (n = 30) of PLWH were recruited through individual assessment interviews by a
      local licensed psychologist. The endocrine measures in hair were extracted and
      assessed by LC-APCI-MS/MS method. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were
      conducted to examine the associations between the endocrine measures and the
      stress level, and to investigate if the associations differ by ART status.
      RESULTS: The levels of endocrine measures among Chinese PLWH were consistent with
      existing studies among PLWH. Generally, this pilot study confirmed the
      association between endocrine measures and chronic stress. The high stress group
      showed higher level hair cortisol and lower DHEA to cortisol ratio. The higher
      stress group also reported higher scores of stressful life events, perceived
      stress, anxiety and depression. Hair cortisol level was positively related to
      anxiety; DHEA was negatively associated with stressful life events; and the DHEA
      to cortisol ratio was positively related to stressful life events and perceived
      stress. ART did not affect the associations between the endocrine measures and
      stress level. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that hair cortisol and DHEA to
      cortisol ratio can be used as promising biomarkers of chronic stress among PLWH.
      Clarifying the role of steroid hormones in the psychoimmunology of PLWH may yield
      important implications for clinical practice and psychological intervention.

PMID- 28095432
TI  - Exploring Maternal Health Care-Seeking Behavior of Married Adolescent Girls in
      Bangladesh: A Social-Ecological Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The huge proportion of child marriage contributes to high rates of
      pregnancies among adolescent girls in Bangladesh. Despite substantial progress in
      reducing maternal mortality in the last two decades, the rate of adolescent
      pregnancy remains high. The use of skilled maternal health services is still low
      in Bangladesh. Several quantitative studies described the use of skilled maternal
      health services among adolescent girls. So far, very little qualitative evidence
      exists about attitudes and practices related to maternal health. To fill this
      gap, we aimed at exploring maternal health care-seeking behavior of adolescent
      girls and their experiences related to pregnancy and delivery in Bangladesh.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: A prospective qualitative study was conducted among thirty
      married adolescent girls from three Upazilas (sub-districts) of Rangpur district.
      They were interviewed in two subsequent phases (2014 and 2015). To triangulate
      and validate the data collected from these married adolescent girls, key
      informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted
      with different stakeholders. Data analysis was guided by the Social-Ecological
      Model (SEM) including four levels of factors (individual, interpersonal and
      family, community and social, and organizational and health systems level) which
      influenced the maternal health care-seeking behavior of adolescent girls. While
      adolescent girls showed little decision making-autonomy, interpersonal and family
      level factors played an important role in their use of skilled maternal health
      services. In addition, community and social factors and as well as organizational
      and health systems factors shaped adolescent girls' maternal health care-seeking
      behavior. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve the maternal health of adolescent
      girls, all four levels of factors of SEM should be taken into account while
      developing health interventions targeting adolescent girls.

PMID- 28095433
TI  - BJ-3105, a 6-Alkoxypyridin-3-ol Analog, Impairs T Cell Differentiation and
      Prevents Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Disease Progression.
AB  - CD4+ T cells are essential in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Interferon
      gamma (IFN-gamma) secreting T helper (Th1) and IL-17 secreting T helper (Th17)
      cells are critical for several autoimmune diseases. To assess the inhibitory
      effect of a given compound on autoimmune disease, we screened many compounds with
      an in vitro Th differentiation assay. BJ-3105, a 6-alkoxypyridin-3-ol analog,
      inhibited IFN-gamma and IL-17 production from polyclonal CD4+ T cells and
      ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD4+ T cells which were activated by T cell receptor
      (TCR) engagement. BJ-3105 ameliorated the experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE) model by reducing Th1 and Th17 generation. Notably, Th
      cell differentiation was significantly suppressed by BJ-3105 treatment without
      inhibiting in vitro proliferation of T cells or inducing programmed cell death.
      Mechanistically, BJ-3105 inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK and its downstream
      signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) that is critical for Th
      differentiation. These results demonstrated that BJ-3105 inhibits the
      phosphorylation of STAT in response to cytokine signals and subsequently
      suppressed the differentiation of Th cell responses.

PMID- 28095434
TI  - Field Evaluation of a High Throughput Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification Test
      for the Detection of Asymptomatic Plasmodium Infections in Zanzibar.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New field applicable diagnostic tools are needed for highly sensitive
      detection of residual malaria infections in pre-elimination settings. Field
      performance of a high throughput DNA extraction system for loop mediated
      isothermal amplification (HTP-LAMP) was therefore evaluated for detecting malaria
      parasites among asymptomatic individuals in Zanzibar. METHODS: HTP-LAMP
      performance was evaluated against real-time PCR on 3008 paired blood samples
      collected on filter papers in a community-based survey in 2015. RESULTS: The PCR
      and HTP-LAMP determined malaria prevalences were 1.6% (95%CI 1.3-2.4) and 0.7%
      (95%CI 0.4-1.1), respectively. The sensitivity of HTP-LAMP compared to PCR was
      40.8% (CI95% 27.0-55.8) and the specificity was 99.9% (CI95% 99.8-100). For the
      PCR positive samples, there was no statistically significant difference between
      the geometric mean parasite densities among the HTP-LAMP positive (2.5 p/MUL,
      range 0.2-770) and HTP-LAMP negative (1.4 p/MUL, range 0.1-7) samples (p =
      0.088). Two lab technicians analysed up to 282 samples per day and the HTP-LAMP
      method was experienced as user friendly. CONCLUSIONS: Although field applicable,
      this high throughput format of LAMP as used here was not sensitive enough to be
      recommended for detection of asymptomatic low-density infections in areas like
      Zanzibar, approaching malaria elimination.

PMID- 28095435
TI  - Evaluation of a Silver-Embedded Ceramic Tablet as a Primary and Secondary Point
      of-Use Water Purification Technology in Limpopo Province, S. Africa.
AB  - The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes point-of-use water treatment
      (PoUWT) technologies as effective means to improve water quality. This paper
      investigates long-term performance and social acceptance of a novel PoUWT
      technology, a silver-infused ceramic tablet, in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
      When placed in a water storage container, the silver-embedded ceramic tablet
      releases silver ions into water, thereby disinfecting microbial pathogens and
      leaving the water safe for human consumption. As a result of its simplicity and
      efficiency, the silver-embedded ceramic tablet can serve as a stand-alone PoUWT
      method and as a secondary PoUWT to improve exisitng PoUWT methods, such as
      ceramic water filters. In this paper, three PoUWT interventions were conducted to
      evaluate the silver-embedded ceramic tablet: (1) the silver-embedded ceramic
      tablet as a stand-alone PoUWT method, (2) ceramic water filters stand-alone, and
      (3) a filter-tablet combination. The filter-tablet combination evaluates the
      silver-embedded ceramic tablet as a secondary PoUWT method when placed in the
      lower reservoir of the ceramic water filter system to provide residual
      disinfection post-filtration. Samples were collected from 79 households over one
      year and analyzed for turbidity, total silver levels and coliform bacteria.
      Results show that the silver-embedded ceramic tablet effectively reduced total
      coliform bacteria (TC) and E. coli when used as a stand-alone PoUWT method and
      when used in combination with ceramic water filters. The silver-embedded ceramic
      tablet's performance as a stand-alone PoUWT method was comparable to current
      inexpensive, single-use PoUWT methods, demonstrating 100% and 75% median
      reduction in E. coli and TC, respectively, after two months of use. Overall, the
      the filter-tablet combination performed the best of the three interventions,
      providing a 100% average percent reduction in E. coli over one year. User surveys
      were also conducted and indicated that the silver-embedded ceramic tablet was
      simple to use and culturally appropriate. Also, silver levels in all treated
      water samples remained below 20 MUg/L, significantly lower than the drinking
      water standard of 100 MUg/L, making it safe for consumption. Long-term data
      demonstrates that the silver-embedded ceramic tablet has beneficial effects even
      after one year of use. This study demonstrates that the silver-embedded ceramic
      tablet can effectively improve water quality when used alone, or with ceramic
      water filters, to reduce rates of recontamination. Therefore, the tablet has the
      potential to provide a low-cost means to purify water in resource-limited
      settings.

PMID- 28095436
TI  - ArrayPitope: Automated Analysis of Amino Acid Substitutions for Peptide
      Microarray-Based Antibody Epitope Mapping.
AB  - Identification of epitopes targeted by antibodies (B cell epitopes) is of
      critical importance for the development of many diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
      For clinical usage, such epitopes must be extensively characterized in order to
      validate specificity and to document potential cross-reactivity. B cell epitopes
      are typically classified as either linear epitopes, i.e. short consecutive
      segments from the protein sequence or conformational epitopes adapted through
      native protein folding. Recent advances in high-density peptide microarrays
      enable high-throughput, high-resolution identification and characterization of
      linear B cell epitopes. Using exhaustive amino acid substitution analysis of
      peptides originating from target antigens, these microarrays can be used to
      address the specificity of polyclonal antibodies raised against such antigens
      containing hundreds of epitopes. However, the interpretation of the data provided
      in such large-scale screenings is far from trivial and in most cases it requires
      advanced computational and statistical skills. Here, we present an online
      application for automated identification of linear B cell epitopes, allowing the
      non-expert user to analyse peptide microarray data. The application takes as
      input quantitative peptide data of fully or partially substituted overlapping
      peptides from a given antigen sequence and identifies epitope residues (residues
      that are significantly affected by substitutions) and visualize the selectivity
      towards each residue by sequence logo plots. Demonstrating utility, the
      application was used to identify and address the antibody specificity of 18
      linear epitope regions in Human Serum Albumin (HSA), using peptide microarray
      data consisting of fully substituted peptides spanning the entire sequence of HSA
      and incubated with polyclonal rabbit anti-HSA (and mouse anti-rabbit-Cy3). The
      application is made available at: www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/ArrayPitope.

PMID- 28095437
TI  - Relationship of Climatic and Forest Factors to Drought- and Heat-Induced Tree
      Mortality.
AB  - Tree mortality due to warming and drought is a critical aspect of forest
      ecosystem in responding to climate change. Spatial patterns of tree mortality
      induced by drought and its influencing factors, however, have yet to be
      documented at the global scale. We collected observations from 248 sites globally
      where trees have died due to drought and then assessed the effects of climatic
      and forest factors on the rate of tree mortality. The global mean annual
      mortality rate was 5.5%. The rate of tree mortality was significantly and
      negatively correlated with mean annual precipitation (P < 0.01). Tree mortality
      was lowest in tropical rainforests with mean annual precipitation >2000 mm and
      was severe in regions with mean annual precipitation <1000 mm. Mortality rates
      varied amongst species. The global annual rate of mortality was much higher for
      gymnosperms (7.1%) than angiosperms (4.8%) but did not differ significantly
      between evergreen (6.2%) and deciduous (6.1%) species. Stand age and wood density
      affected the mortality rate. Saplings (4.6%) had a higher mortality rate than
      mature trees (3.2%), and mortality rates significantly decreased with increasing
      wood density for all species (P < 0.01). We therefore concluded that the tree
      mortality around the globe varied with climatic and forest factors. The
      differences between tree species, wood density, stand density, and stand age
      should be considered when evaluating tree mortality at a large spatial scale
      during future climatic extremes.

PMID- 28095438
TI  - VH1 Family Immunoglobulin Repertoire Sequencing after Allogeneic Hematopoietic
      Stem Cell Transplantation.
AB  - After allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), recovery of
      humoral immunity is essential to protect from life-threatening infections.
      However, monitoring the humoral immune system after transplantation with standard
      techniques in the clinical routine is imprecise. Here, we performed sequencing of
      mononuclear bone marrow cells to characterize the VH1-repertoire of switched B
      cells of healthy volunteers and patients undergoing HSCT. Analysis of healthy
      bone marrow donors and patients showed virtually no clonally related sequences
      between individuals. Interestingly, clonally related sequences were present in
      pre- and post-transplantation bone marrow of patients undergoing HSCT for acute
      myeloid leukemia treatment. We consistently observed such related B cell clones,
      irrespective of conditioning regimen, donor source or time post transplantation.
      In general, repertoire diversity was lower in post-HSCT as compared to pre-HSCT
      samples. However, post-HSCT repertoires retained highly mutated sequences,
      despite immunosuppressive therapy and presence of T cell deficiency after HSCT.
      These observations identify key properties of the recovering B cell compartment
      and provide a conceptual framework for the surveillance of humoral immunity after
      allogeneic transplantation.

PMID- 28095439
TI  - Intracranial Injection of Dengue Virus Induces Interferon Stimulated Genes and
      CD8+ T Cell Infiltration by Sphingosine Kinase 1 Independent Pathways.
AB  - We have previously reported that the absence of sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1)
      affects both dengue virus (DENV) infection and innate immune responses in vitro.
      Here we aimed to define SK1-dependancy of DENV-induced disease and the associated
      innate responses in vivo. The lack of a reliable mouse model with a fully
      competent interferon response for DENV infection is a challenge, and here we use
      an experimental model of DENV infection in the brain of immunocompetent mice.
      Intracranial injection of DENV-2 into C57BL/6 mice induced body weight loss and
      neurological symptoms which was associated with a high level of DENV RNA in the
      brain. Body weight loss and DENV RNA level tended to be greater in SK1-/-
      compared with wildtype (WT) mice. Brain infection with DENV-2 is associated with
      the induction of interferon-beta (IFN-beta) and IFN-stimulated gene (ISG)
      expression including viperin, Ifi27l2a, IRF7, and CXCL10 without any significant
      differences between WT and SK1-/- mice. The SK2 and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)
      levels in the brain were unchanged by DENV infection or the lack of SK1.
      Histological analysis demonstrated the presence of a cellular infiltrate in DENV
      infected brain with a significant increase in mRNA for CD8 but not CD4 suggesting
      this infiltrate is likely CD8+ but not CD4+ T-lymphocytes. This increase in T
      cell infiltration was not affected by the lack of SK1. Overall, DENV-infection in
      the brain induces IFN and T-cell responses but does not influence the SK/S1P
      axis. In contrast to our observations in vitro, SK1 has no major influence on
      these responses following DENV-infection in the mouse brain.

PMID- 28095441
TI  - Moving Model Test of High-Speed Train Aerodynamic Drag Based on Stagnation
      Pressure Measurements.
AB  - A moving model test method based on stagnation pressure measurements is proposed
      to measure the train aerodynamic drag coefficient. Because the front tip of a
      high-speed train has a high pressure area and because a stagnation point occurs
      in the center of this region, the pressure of the stagnation point is equal to
      the dynamic pressure of the sensor tube based on the obtained train velocity. The
      first derivation of the train velocity is taken to calculate the acceleration of
      the train model ejected by the moving model system without additional power.
      According to Newton's second law, the aerodynamic drag coefficient can be
      resolved through many tests at different train speeds selected within a
      relatively narrow range. Comparisons are conducted with wind tunnel tests and
      numerical simulations, and good agreement is obtained, with differences of less
      than 6.1%. Therefore, the moving model test method proposed in this paper is
      feasible and reliable.

PMID- 28095440
TI  - Comprehensive Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) Gene Screening in
      Pregnant Women with Diabetes in India.
AB  - Pregnant women with diabetes may have underlying beta cell dysfunction due to
      mutations/rare variants in genes associated with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the
      Young (MODY). MODY gene screening would reveal those women genetically
      predisposed and previously unrecognized with a monogenic form of diabetes for
      further clinical management, family screening and genetic counselling. However,
      there are minimal data available on MODY gene variants in pregnant women with
      diabetes from India. In this study, utilizing the Next generation sequencing
      (NGS) based protocol fifty subjects were screened for variants in a panel of
      thirteen MODY genes. Of these subjects 18% (9/50) were positive for definite or
      likely pathogenic or uncertain MODY variants. The majority of these variants was
      identified in subjects with autosomal dominant family history, of whom five were
      in women with pre-GDM and four with overt-GDM. The identified variants included
      one patient with HNF1A Ser3Cys, two PDX1 Glu224Lys, His94Gln, two NEUROD1
      Glu59Gln, Phe318Ser, one INS Gly44Arg, one GCK, one ABCC8 Arg620Cys and one BLK
      Val418Met variants. In addition, three of the seven offspring screened were
      positive for the identified variant. These identified variants were further
      confirmed by Sanger sequencing. In conclusion, these findings in pregnant women
      with diabetes, imply that a proportion of GDM patients with autosomal dominant
      family history may have MODY. Further NGS based comprehensive studies with larger
      samples are required to confirm these finding.

PMID- 28095442
TI  - Cardiac Mean Electrical Axis in Thoroughbreds-Standardization by the Dubois Lead
      Positioning System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different methodologies for electrocardiographic acquisition in
      horses have been used since the first ECG recordings in equines were reported
      early in the last century. This study aimed to determine the best ECG electrodes
      positioning method and the most reliable calculation of mean cardiac axis (MEA)
      in equines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the electrocardiographic profile
      of 53 clinically healthy Thoroughbreds, 38 males and 15 females, with ages
      ranging 2-7 years old, all reared at the Sao Paulo Jockey Club, in Brazil. Two
      ECG tracings were recorded from each animal, one using the Dubois lead
      positioning system, the second using the base-apex method. QRS complex amplitudes
      were analyzed to obtain MEA values in the frontal plane for each of the two
      electrode positioning methods mentioned above, using two calculation approaches,
      the first by Tilley tables and the second by trigonometric calculation. Results
      were compared between the two methods. RESULTS: There was significant difference
      in cardiac axis values: MEA obtained by the Tilley tables was +135.1 degrees  +/-
      90.9 degrees  vs. -81.1 degrees  +/- 3.6 degrees  (p<0.0001), and by
      trigonometric calculation it was -15.0 degrees  +/- 11.3 degrees  vs. -79.9
      degrees  +/- 7.4 degrees  (p<0.0001), base-apex and Dubois, respectively.
      Furthermore, Dubois method presented small range of variation without statistical
      or clinical difference by either calculation mode, while there was a wide
      variation in the base-apex method. CONCLUSION: Dubois improved centralization of
      the Thoroughbreds' hearts, engendering what seems to be the real frontal plane.
      By either calculation mode, it was the most reliable methodology to obtain
      cardiac mean electrical axis in equines.

PMID- 28095443
TI  - Morphologic and Molecular Characterization of a Strain of Zika Virus Imported
      into Guangdong, China.
AB  - The recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) disease have caused worldwide concerns.
      Guangdong province is one of the commercial centers in China and communicates
      frequently with the epidemic areas. To date, 65.2% of the ZIKV infection cases in
      China were imported via port of entry in Guangdong. The continuous surveillance
      of imported cases is crucial for the prevention and control of potential ZIKV
      infection outbreak in China. In this study, a strain of ZIKV was isolated from
      the serum of a 6-year-old child returning from Venezuela. The morphology of the
      ZIKV was analyzed in vivo and in vitro by electron microscopy, and clusters of
      virus particles were found in the loose cytoplasmic membrane structures. The
      genomic sequence of the isolated ZIKV was determined, and the alignment and
      phylogenetic analysis identified one unique amino acid substitution occurring in
      the non-structural protein 4B (NS4B), and the isolated virus belonged to the
      Asian lineage.

PMID- 28095444
TI  - The Role of DCT in HPV16 Infection of HaCaTs.
AB  - Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype is a
      major factor leading to many human cancers. Mechanisms of HPV entry into host
      cells and genome trafficking towards the nucleus are incompletely understood.
      Dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) was identified as a cellular gene required for HPV
      infection in HeLa cells on a siRNA screen study. Here, we confirm that DCT
      knockdown significantly decreases HPV infection in the human keratinocyte HaCaT
      cells as was observed in HeLas. We investigated the effects of DCT knockdown and
      found that DCT depletion caused increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels,
      DNA damage and altered cell cycle in HaCaT cells. We observed increased viral DNA
      localization at the endoplasmic reticulum but an overall decrease in infection in
      DCT knockdown cells. This observation suggests that viral DNA might be retained
      in the ER due to altered cell cycle, and viral particles are incapable of further
      movement towards the nucleus in DCT knockdown cells.

PMID- 28095445
TI  - Cytosolic RNA:DNA Duplexes Generated by Endogenous Reverse Transcriptase Activity
      as Autonomous Inducers of Skin Inflammation in Psoriasis.
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease of unknown aetiology. Recent studies
      suggested that a large amount of cytosolic DNA (cyDNA) in keratinocytes is
      breaking keratinocytes DNA tolerance and promotes self-sustained inflammation in
      the psoriatic lesion. We investigated the origin of this cyDNA. We show that,
      amongst all the possible DNA structures, the cyDNA could be present as RNA:DNA
      duplexes in keratinocytes. We further show that endogenous reverse transcriptase
      activities generate such duplexes and consequently activate the production of Th1
      inflammatory cytokines. These observations open a new research avenue related to
      endogenous retroelements for the aetiology of psoriasis and probably of other
      human chronic inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 28095446
TI  - Neglected Intestinal Parasites, Malnutrition and Associated Key Factors: A
      Population Based Cross-Sectional Study among Indigenous Communities in Sarawak,
      Malaysia.
AB  - Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been recognized as one of the most
      significant causes of illness among disadvantaged communities. Many studies have
      been conducted on the prevalence of IPIs in Malaysia. However, these studies
      mostly focused on the indigenous groups in Peninsular Malaysia. The present study
      was conducted to provide the current baseline data on prevalence of IPIs,
      anaemia, malnutrition and associated risk factors among the indigenous
      communities in Sarawak, situation at northwest Borneo island of Malaysia. A cross
      sectional study was conducted among the longhouses communities. Stool samples
      were obtained and examined for the presence of IPIs using microscopy technique.
      Haemoglobin measurement was done using a portable haemoglobin analyzer.
      Malnutrition (i.e., stunting, underweight and wasting) was assessed using the WHO
      Anthro software. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software. A
      total of 341participants took part in this study. The overall prevalence of IPIs
      was 57.5%. Multivariate analysis indicated that the absence of toilets (OR = 1.6;
      95% CI = 1.1-2.7; p = 0.002) and close contact with animals (OR = 1.8; 95% CI =
      1.3-2.9; p = 0.027) as significant predictors for IPIs. The incidence of anaemia
      was 36.4%. The incidence of underweight, wasting and stunting were 22.2%, 5.6%
      and 35.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low level of
      parental education attainment (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2-3.0; p = 0.006) was
      identified as significant predictor for anaemia. The incidence of wasting was
      significantly associated with mild anaemia (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.9-1.7; p =
      0.024). Low household income was identified as significant predictor for stunting
      (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 9.8-22.2; p = 0.001) and underweight (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 5.6
      18.7; p = 0.037), respectively. Essentially, the present study highlighted that
      intestinal parasitic infections, anaemia and malnutrition are still prevalent
      among rural indigenous community in Sarawak. Improvement of socioeconomic status,
      periodic mass deworming, iron supplementation and health education program should
      be included in the control and prevention of public health strategies.

PMID- 28095447
TI  - Identification and Characterization of Single-Chain Antibodies that Specifically
      Bind GI Noroviruses.
AB  - Norovirus infections commonly lead to outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis and
      spread quickly, resulting in many health and economic challenges prior to
      diagnosis. Rapid and reliable diagnostic tests are therefore essential to
      identify infections and to guide the appropriate clinical responses at the point
      of-care. Existing tools, including RT-PCR and enzyme immunoassays, pose several
      limitations based on the significant time, equipment and expertise required to
      elicit results. Immunochromatographic assays available for use at the point-of
      care have poor sensitivity and specificity, especially for genogroup I
      noroviruses, thus requiring confirmation of results with more sensitive testing
      methods. Therefore, there is a clear need for novel reagents to help achieve
      quick and reliable results. In this study, we have identified two novel single
      chain antibodies (scFvs)-named NJT-R3-A2 and NJT-R3-A3-that effectively detect
      GI.1 and GI.7 virus-like particles (VLPs) through selection of a phage display
      library against the P-domain of the GI.1 major capsid protein. The limits of
      detection by each scFv for GI.1 and GI.7 are 0.1 and 0.2 ng, and 6.25 and 25 ng,
      respectively. They detect VLPs with strong specificity in multiple diagnostic
      formats, including ELISAs and membrane-based dot blots, and in the context of
      norovirus-negative stool suspensions. The scFvs also detect native virions
      effectively in norovirus-positive clinical stool samples. Purified scFvs bind to
      GI.1 and GI.7 VLPs with equilibrium constant (KD) values of 27 nM and 49 nM,
      respectively. Overall, the phage-based scFv reagents identified and characterized
      here show utility for detecting GI.1 and GI.7 noroviruses in multiple diagnostic
      assay formats with strong specificity and sensitivity, indicating promise for
      integration into existing point-of-care tests to improve future diagnostics.

PMID- 28095448
TI  - Distribution of Cathepsin K in Late Stage of Tooth Germ Development and Its
      Function in Degrading Enamel Matrix Proteins in Mouse.
AB  - Cathepsin K (CTSK) is a member of cysteine proteinase family, and is
      predominantly expressed in osteoclastsfor degradationof bone matrix proteins.
      Given the similarity in physical properties of bone and dental mineralized
      tissues, including enamel, dentin and cementum, CTSK is likely to take part in
      mineralization process during odontogenesis. On the other hand, patients with
      pycnodysostosis caused by mutations of the CTSK gene displayedmultipledental
      abnormalities, such as hypoplasia of the enamel, obliterated pulp chambers,
      hypercementosis and periodontal disease. Thereforeitis necessary to study the
      metabolic role of CTSK in tooth matrix proteins. In this study, BALB/c mice at
      embryonic day 18 (E18), post-natal day 1 (P1), P5, P10 and P20 were used (5 mice
      at each time point)for systematic analyses of CTSK expression in the late stage
      of tooth germ development. We found that CTSK was abundantly expressed in the
      ameloblasts during secretory and maturation stages (P5 and P10) by
      immunohistochemistry stainings.During dentinogenesis, the staining was also
      intense in the mineralization stage (P5 and P10),but not detectable in the early
      stage of dentin formation (P1) and after tooth eruption (P20).Furthermore,
      through zymography and digestion test in vitro, CTSK was proved to be capable of
      hydrolyzing Emdogain and also cleaving Amelogenininto multiple products. Our
      resultsshed lights on revealing new functions of CTSK and pathogenesis of
      pycnodysostosis in oral tissues.

PMID- 28095449
TI  - Does Antiplatelet Therapy during Bridging Thrombolysis Increase Rates of
      Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Stroke Patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after bridging
      thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke is a devastating complication. We aimed to
      assess whether the additional administration of aspirin during endovascular
      intervention increases bleeding rates. METHODS: We retrospectively compared
      bleeding complications and outcome in stroke patients who received bridging
      thrombolysis with (tPA+ASA) and without (tPA-ASA) aspirin during endovascular
      intervention between November 2008 and March 2014. Furthermore, we analyzed
      bleeding complications and outcome in antiplatelet naive patients with those with
      prior or acute antiplatelet therapy. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, previous
      medication, and dosage of rtPA did not differ between 50 tPA+ASA (39 aspirin
      naive, 11 preloaded) and 181 tPA-ASA patients (p>0.05). tPA+ASA patients had more
      often internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion (p<0.001), large artery disease
      (p<0.001) and received more often acute stenting of the ICA (p<0.001). 10/180
      (5.6%) tPA-ASA patients and 3/49 (6.1%) tPA+ASA patients suffered a sICH (p =
      1.0). Rates of asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, systemic bleeding
      complications and outcome did not differ between both groups (p>0.1). There were
      no differences in bleeding complications and mortality among 112 bridging
      patients with antiplatelet therapy (62 preloaded, 39 acute administration, 11
      both) and 117 antiplatelet naive patients. In a logistic regression analysis,
      aspirin administration during endovascular procedure was not a predictor of sICH.
      CONCLUSION: Antiplatelet therapy before or during bridging thrombolysis in
      patients with acute ischemic stroke did not increase the risk of bleeding
      complications and had no impact on outcome. This finding has to be confirmed in
      larger studies.

PMID- 28095450
TI  - Non-Lytic Egression of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) Particles from
      Infected Cells.
AB  - Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), a member of the Birnaviridae family, is
      responsible for a devastating immunosuppressive disease affecting juvenile
      domestic chickens. IBDV particles are naked icosahedrons enclosing a bipartite
      double-stranded RNA genome harboring three open reading frames (ORF). One of
      these ORFs codes for VP5, a non-structural polypeptide dispensable for virus
      replication in tissue culture but essential for IBDV pathogenesis. Using two
      previously described recombinant viruses, whose genomes differ in a single
      nucleotide, expressing or not the VP5 polypeptide, we have analyzed the role of
      this polypeptide during the IBDV replication process. Here, we show that VP5 is
      not involved in house-keeping steps of the virus replication cycle; i.e. genome
      transcription/replication, protein translation and virus assembly. Although
      infection with the VP5 expressing and non-expressing viruses rendered similar
      intracellular infective progeny yields, striking differences were detected on the
      ability of their progenies to exiting infected cells. Experimental data shows
      that the bulk of the VP5-expressing virus progeny efficiently egresses infected
      cells during the early phase of the infection, when viral metabolism is peaking
      and virus-induced cell death rates are as yet minimal, as determined by qPCR,
      radioactive protein labeling and quantitative real-time cell death analyses. In
      contrast, the release of the VP5-deficient virus progeny is significantly
      abridged and associated to cell death. Taken together, data presented in this
      report show that IBDV uses a previously undescribed VP5-dependent non-lytic
      egress mechanism significantly enhancing the virus dissemination speed.
      Ultrastructural analyses revealed that newly assembled IBDV virions associate to
      a vesicular network apparently facilitating their trafficking from virus assembly
      factories to the extracellular milieu, and that this association requires the
      expression of the VP5 polypeptide.

PMID- 28095451
TI  - Comparing Human Metapneumovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Viral Co
      Detections, Genotypes and Risk Factors for Severe Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclarified as to whether viral co-detection and human
      metapneumovirus (HMPV) genotypes relate to clinical manifestations in children
      with HMPV and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), and if the clinical
      course and risk factors for severe LRTI differ between HMPV and respiratory
      syncytial virus (RSV). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled hospitalized children
      aged <16 years with LRTI from 2006 to 2015. Children were clinically examined,
      and nasopharyngeal aspirates were analyzed using semi-quantitative, real-time
      polymerase chain reaction tests for HMPV, RSV and 17 other pathogens. HMPV
      positive samples were genotyped. RESULTS: A total of 171 children had HMPV
      infection. HMPV-infected children with single virus (n = 106) and co-detections
      (n = 65) had similar clinical manifestations. No clinical differences were found
      between HMPV genotypes A (n = 67) and B (n = 80). The HMPV-infected children were
      older (median 17.2 months) than RSV-infected children (median 7.3 months, n =
      859). Among single virus-infected children, no differences in age-adjusted LRTI
      diagnoses were found between HMPV and RSV. Age was an important factor for
      disease severity among single virus-infected children, where children <6 months
      old with HMPV had a milder disease than those with RSV, while in children 12-23
      months old, the pattern was the opposite. In multivariable logistic regression
      analysis for each virus type, age >=12 months (HMPV), and age <6 months (RSV),
      prematurity, >=1 chronic disease and high viral loads of RSV, but not high HMPV
      viral loads, were risk factors for severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: Among
      hospitalized children with LRTI, HMPV manifests independently of viral co
      detections and HMPV genotypes. Disease severity in HMPV- and RSV-infected
      children varies in relation to age. A history of prematurity and chronic disease
      increases the risk of severe LRTI among HMPV- and RSV-infected children.

PMID- 28095452
TI  - Influence of Mechanical Circulatory Support on Endothelin Receptor Expression in
      Human Left Ventricular Myocardium from Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
      (DCM).
AB  - BACKGROUND: In terminal failing hearts ventricular assist devices (VAD) are
      implanted as a bridge to transplantation. Endothelin receptor (ETR) antagonists
      are used for treatment of secondary pulmonary hypertension in VAD patients.
      However, the cardiac ETR regulation in human heart failure and during VAD support
      is incompletely understood. METHODS: In paired left ventricular samples of 12
      dilated cardiomyopathy patients we investigated the density of endothelin A (ETA)
      and B (ETB) receptors before VAD implantation and after device removal. Left
      ventricular samples of 12 non-failing donor hearts served as control. Receptor
      quantification was performed by binding of [125I]-ET-1 in the presence of
      nonselective and ETA selective ETR ligands as competitors. Additionally, the ETR
      mRNA expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time-PCR. RESULTS: The mRNA
      of ETA but not ETB receptors was significantly elevated in heart failure, whereas
      total ETR density analyzed by radioligand binding was significantly reduced due
      to ETB receptor down regulation. ETA and ETB receptor density showed poor
      correlation to mRNA data (spearman correlation factor: 0.43 and 0.31,
      respectively). VAD support had no significant impact on the density of both
      receptors and on mRNA expression of ETA whereas ETB mRNA increased during VAD. A
      meta-analysis reveals that the ETA receptor regulation in human heart failure
      appears to depend on non-failing hearts. CONCLUSIONS: In deteriorating hearts of
      patients suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy the ETA receptor density is not
      changed whereas the ETB receptor is down regulated. The mRNA and the proteins of
      ETA and ETB show a weak correlation. Non-failing hearts might influence the
      interpretation of ETA receptor regulation. Mechanical unloading of the failing
      hearts has no impact on the myocardial ETR density.

PMID- 28095453
TI  - Bivalirudin versus Heparin plus Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Women
      Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized
      Controlled Trials.
AB  - Bivalirudin has been shown to be safe and efficacious compared with heparin plus
      glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI) in patients undergoing percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI). Whether bivalirudin would have the beneficial
      effects in female patients undergoing PCI remains unknown. We searched the
      literature for randomized controlled trials that assessed bivalirudin versus
      heparin plus GPI therapy in female patients undergoing PCI. The primary efficacy
      end point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 30 days. The
      secondary efficacy end points were 30-day incidence of all-cause mortality,
      myocardial infarction (MI), urgent/ischemia-driven revascularization of target
      vessel. The safety end point was major bleeding up to 30 days. A total of 4,501
      female patients were included in five randomized trials. No significant
      difference in MACE emerged between bivalirudin and heparin plus GPI at 30 days
      (8.15% vs 8.76%, RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.77-1.16, P = .57). There were no significant
      differences in rates of mortality (1.28% vs 1.91%, RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.45-1.20, P =
      .22), MI (5.46% vs 5.25%, RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.79-1.32, p = .88), or target vessel
      revascularization (2.13% vs 1.65%, RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.88-2.30, P = .15). Compared
      with heparin plus GPI, bivalirudin was associated with a significant reduction in
      30-day major bleeding (5.32% vs 9.20%, RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47-0.72, P < .0001). In
      conclusion, bivalirudin is associated with a significant reduction in 30-day
      major bleeding without increased ischemic events compared with heparin plus GPI
      in female patients undergoing PCI.

PMID- 28095454
TI  - Non-Homologous End Joining and Homology Directed DNA Repair Frequency of Double
      Stranded Breaks Introduced by Genome Editing Reagents.
AB  - Genome editing using transcription-activator like effector nucleases or RNA
      guided nucleases allows one to precisely engineer desired changes within a given
      target sequence. The genome editing reagents introduce double stranded breaks
      (DSBs) at the target site which can then undergo DNA repair by non-homologous end
      joining (NHEJ) or homology directed recombination (HDR) when a template DNA
      molecule is available. NHEJ repair results in indel mutations at the target site.
      As PCR amplified products from mutant target regions are likely to exhibit
      different melting profiles than PCR products amplified from wild type target
      region, we designed a high resolution melting analysis (HRMA) for rapid
      identification of efficient genome editing reagents. We also designed TaqMan
      assays using probes situated across the cut site to discriminate wild type from
      mutant sequences present after genome editing. The experiments revealed that the
      sensitivity of the assays to detect NHEJ-mediated DNA repair could be enhanced by
      selection of transfected cells to reduce the contribution of unmodified genomic
      DNA from untransfected cells to the DNA melting profile. The presence of donor
      template DNA lacking the target sequence at the time of genome editing further
      enhanced the sensitivity of the assays for detection of mutant DNA molecules by
      excluding the wild-type sequences modified by HDR. A second TaqMan probe that
      bound to an adjacent site, outside of the primary target cut site, was used to
      directly determine the contribution of HDR to DNA repair in the presence of the
      donor template sequence. The TaqMan qPCR assay, designed to measure the
      contribution of NHEJ and HDR in DNA repair, corroborated the results from HRMA.
      The data indicated that genome editing reagents can produce DSBs at high
      efficiency in HEK293T cells but a significant proportion of these are likely
      masked by reversion to wild type as a result of HDR. Supplying a donor plasmid to
      provide a template for HDR (that eliminates a PCR amplifiable target) revealed
      these cryptic DSBs and facilitated the determination of the true efficacy of
      genome editing reagents. The results indicated that in HEK293T cells,
      approximately 40% of the DSBs introduced by genome editing, were available for
      participation in HDR.

PMID- 28095455
TI  - Novel Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) Variants with Large Deletions in the
      Spike (S) Gene Coexist with PEDV Strains Possessing an Intact S Gene in Domestic
      Pigs in Japan: A New Disease Situation.
AB  - Since late 2013, after an absence of seven years, outbreaks of porcine epidemic
      diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection have reemerged and swept rapidly across Japan,
      resulting in significant economic losses. In this study, we report the emergence,
      mixed infection, and genetic characterization of 15 novel field PEDV variants
      with large genomic deletions. The sizes of deletion varied between 582 nt (194
      aa) and 648 nt (216 aa) at positions 28-714 (10-238) on the S gene (protein).
      Among 17 PEDV samples isolated from individual pigs, all of them contained at
      least two distinct genotypes with large genomic deletions, and 94.1% of them were
      found to consist of strains with an intact S gene. These variants were found in
      eight primary and nine recurrent outbreaks, and they might be associated with
      persistent PEDV infection in the farms. Full-length S and ORF3 genes of eight
      variants derived from 2 samples were characterized. This is the first report of
      mixed infections caused by various genotypes of PEDV and would be important for
      the studies of viral isolation, pathogenesis, and molecular epidemiology of the
      disease.

PMID- 28095456
TI  - A Rasch Analysis of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Score (CMTNS) in a Cohort
      of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 1A Patients.
AB  - The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Score (CMTNS) was developed as a main efficacy
      endpoint for application in clinical trials of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type
      1A (CMT1A). However, the sensitivity of the CMTNS for measuring disease severity
      and progression in CMT1A patients has been questioned. Here, we applied a Rasch
      analysis in a French cohort of patients to evaluate the psychometrical properties
      of the CMTNS. Overall, our analysis supports the validity of the CMTNS for
      application to CMT1A patients though with some limitations such as certain items
      of the CMTNS being more suitable for moderate to severe forms of the disease, and
      some items being disordered. We suggest that additional items and/or categories
      be considered to better assess mild-to-moderate patients.

PMID- 28095457
TI  - Lysine Decarboxylase with an Enhanced Affinity for Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate by
      Disulfide Bond-Mediated Spatial Reconstitution.
AB  - Lysine decarboxylase (LDC) catalyzes the decarboxylation of l-lysine to produce
      cadaverine, an important industrial platform chemical for bio-based polyamides.
      However, due to high flexibility at the pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP) binding site,
      use of the enzyme for cadaverine production requires continuous supplement of
      large amounts of PLP. In order to develop an LDC enzyme from Selenomonas
      ruminantium (SrLDC) with an enhanced affinity for PLP, we introduced an internal
      disulfide bond between Ala225 and Thr302 residues with a desire to retain the PLP
      binding site in a closed conformation. The SrLDCA225C/T302C mutant showed a
      yellow color and the characteristic UV/Vis absorption peaks for enzymes with
      bound PLP, and exhibited three-fold enhanced PLP affinity compared with the wild
      type SrLDC. The mutant also exhibited a dramatically enhanced LDC activity and
      cadaverine conversion particularly under no or low PLP concentrations. Moreover,
      introduction of the disulfide bond rendered SrLDC more resistant to high pH and
      temperature. The formation of the introduced disulfide bond and the maintenance
      of the PLP binding site in the closed conformation were confirmed by
      determination of the crystal structure of the mutant. This study shows that
      disulfide bond-mediated spatial reconstitution can be a platform technology for
      development of enzymes with enhanced PLP affinity.

PMID- 28095458
TI  - Sub-Clinical Cognitive Decline and Resting Cerebral Blood Flow in Middle Aged
      Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although dementia is associated with both global and regional
      cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes, little is known about cerebral perfusion in
      the early pre-clinical stages of cognitive decline preceding overt cognitive
      dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of early
      sub-clinical cognitive decline with CBF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study
      participants were recruited from a cohort of Danish men born in 1953. Based on a
      regression model we selected men who performed better (Group A, n = 94) and
      poorer (Group B, n = 95) on cognitive testing at age 57 than expected from
      testing at age 20. Participants underwent supplementary cognitive testing, blood
      sampling and MRI including measurements of regional and global CBF. RESULTS:
      Regional CBF was lower in group B than in group A in the posterior cingulate
      gyrus and the precuneus. The associations were attenuated when corrected for
      global atrophy, but remained significant in regions of interest based analysis
      adjusting for regional gray matter volume and vascular risk factors. No influence
      of group on global CBF was observed. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that early sub
      clinical cognitive decline is associated with reduced perfusion in the precuneus
      and posterior cingulate gyrus independently of regional atrophy and vascular risk
      factors, but cannot be statistically separated from an association with global
      atrophy.

PMID- 28095460
TI  - Fecal Fat Analyses in Chronic Pancreatitis Importance of Fat Ingestion before
      Stool Collection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Quantitative determination of fecal fat still is the gold standard for
      measuring malabsorption. We evaluated the importance of standardized food intake
      before and under the collection of feces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a project,
      evaluating patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis (CP) and healthy
      volunteers (HC), stools were collected for 72 hours coupled to registration of
      nutritional intake over five consecutive days. Patient groups were created by a
      modified Layer score, which includes imaging findings, clinical parameters and
      pancreas function testing. RESULTS: We found 12 patients with CP, 11 patients
      without CP and 13 healthy individuals in our database. Median fecal fat in CP
      patients was 12 g/day, in non-CP patients 5 g/day and in healthy controls 5
      g/day. Median fat absorption coefficient was 81% in those with chronic
      pancreatitis, 92% in those without CP and 92% in healthy controls. Corresponding
      median fat intake was 65 g/day, 68 g/day and 81 g/day in the respective groups.
      Spearman Rank Order Correlation between fecal fat (g/d) and fat absorption
      coefficient in all study subjects (n = 36) was good (-0.88 (p<0.001)). When we
      stratified groups according to fat intake, correlation between fecal fat and fat
      absorption was also good (-0.86 to -0.95). CONCLUSION: In the diagnoses of fat
      malabsorption, calculating the ratio of fat absorption did not give additional
      information compared to fecal fat.

PMID- 28095461
TI  - The Impact of Antenatal Depression on Perinatal Outcomes in Australian Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Australia, there is limited evidence on the impact of antenatal
      depression on perinatal outcomes. This study investigates the association between
      maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and key perinatal outcomes,
      including birth weight, gestational age at birth, breastfeeding indicators and
      postnatal depressive symptoms. METHOD: A retrospective cohort of mothers (N =
      17,564) of all infants born in public health facilities within South Western
      Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Local Health District in 2014, in the
      state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, was enumerated from routinely
      collected antenatal data to investigate the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes
      associated with maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Antenatal
      depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
      (EPDS). Logistic regression models that adjusted for confounders were conducted
      to determine associations between antenatal depressive symptoms and low birth
      weight, early gestational age at birth (<37 weeks), breast feeding indicators and
      postnatal depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of maternal depressive
      symptoms during pregnancy was 7.0% in the cohort, and was significantly
      associated with postnatal depressive symptoms [Adjusted Odd Ratios (AOR) = 6.4,
      95% CI: 4.8-8.7, P<0.001]. Antenatal depressive symptoms was associated with a
      higher odds of low birth weight [AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.3, P = 0.003] and a
      gestational age at birth of <37 weeks [AOR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.7, P = 0.018]
      compared to women who reported lower EPDS scores in antenatal period. Antenatal
      depressive symptoms were not strongly associated with non-exclusive breast
      feeding in the early postnatal period. CONCLUSION: Maternal depressive symptoms
      in the antenatal period are strongly associated with postnatal depressive
      symptoms and adverse perinatal outcomes in Australian infants. Early
      identification of antenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms, and referral for
      appropriate management could benefit not only the mother's mental health, but
      also the infant's health and development.

PMID- 28095459
TI  - Association of Body Mass Index with DNA Methylation and Gene Expression in Blood
      Cells and Relations to Cardiometabolic Disease: A Mendelian Randomization
      Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The link between DNA methylation, obesity, and adiposity-related
      diseases in the general population remains uncertain. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We
      conducted an association study of body mass index (BMI) and differential
      methylation for over 400,000 CpGs assayed by microarray in whole-blood-derived
      DNA from 3,743 participants in the Framingham Heart Study and the Lothian Birth
      Cohorts, with independent replication in three external cohorts of 4,055
      participants. We examined variations in whole blood gene expression and conducted
      Mendelian randomization analyses to investigate the functional and clinical
      relevance of the findings. We identified novel and previously reported BMI
      related differential methylation at 83 CpGs that replicated across cohorts; BMI
      related differential methylation was associated with concurrent changes in the
      expression of genes in lipid metabolism pathways. Genetic instrumental variable
      analysis of alterations in methylation at one of the 83 replicated CpGs,
      cg11024682 (intronic to sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1
      [SREBF1]), demonstrated links to BMI, adiposity-related traits, and coronary
      artery disease. Independent genetic instruments for expression of SREBF1
      supported the findings linking methylation to adiposity and cardiometabolic
      disease. Methylation at a substantial proportion (16 of 83) of the identified
      loci was found to be secondary to differences in BMI. However, the cross
      sectional nature of the data limits definitive causal determination. CONCLUSIONS:
      We present robust associations of BMI with differential DNA methylation at
      numerous loci in blood cells. BMI-related DNA methylation and gene expression
      provide mechanistic insights into the relationship between DNA methylation,
      obesity, and adiposity-related diseases.

PMID- 28095462
TI  - Physiological Characterization and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of White
      and Green Leaves of Ananas comosus var. bracteatus.
AB  - Leaf coloration is one of the most important and attractive characteristics of
      Ananas comosus var. bracteatus. The chimeric character is not stable during the
      in vitro tissue culturing. Many regenerated plants lost economic values for the
      loss of the chimeric character of leaves. In order to reveal the molecular
      mechanisms involved in the albino phenotype of the leaf cells, the physiological
      and transcriptional differences between complete white (CWh) and green (CGr) leaf
      cells of A. comosus var. bracteatus were analyzed. A total of 1,431
      differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) in CGr and CWh leaves were identified
      using RNA-seq. A comparison to the COG, GO and KEGG annotations revealed DEGs
      involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis, chloroplast development and photosynthesis.
      Furthermore, the measurement of main precursors of chlorophyll in the CWh leaves
      confirmed that the rate-limiting step in chlorophyll biosynthesis, and thus the
      cause of the albino phenotype of the white cells, was the conversion of pyrrole
      porphobilinogen (PBG) to uroporphyrinogen III (Uro III). The enzyme activity of
      porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) and uroporporphyrinogn III synthase (UROS),
      which catalyze the transition of PBG to Uro III, was significantly decreased in
      the CWh leaves. Our data showed the transcriptional differences between the CWh
      and CGr plants and characterized key steps in chlorophyll biosynthesis of the CWh
      leaves. These results contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms and
      regulation of pigment biosynthesis in the CWh leaf cells of A. comosus var.
      bracteatus.

PMID- 28095463
TI  - Brain Parenchymal Fraction in Healthy Adults-A Systematic Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - Brain atrophy is an important feature of many neurodegenerative disorders. It can
      be described in terms of change in the brain parenchymal fraction (BPF). In order
      to interpret the BPF in disease, knowledge on the BPF in healthy individuals is
      required. The aim of this study was to establish a normal range of values for the
      BPF of healthy individuals via a systematic review of the literature. The
      databases PubMed and Scopus were searched and 95 articles, including a total of
      9269 individuals, were identified including the required data. We present values
      of BPF from healthy individuals stratified by age and post-processing method. The
      mean BPF correlated with mean age and there were significant differences in age
      adjusted mean BPF between methods. This study contributes to increased knowledge
      about BPF in healthy individuals, which may assist in the interpretation of BPF
      in the setting of disease. We highlight the differences between post-processing
      methods and the need for a consensus gold standard.

PMID- 28095464
TI  - Molecular Control of Innate Immune Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection
      by Intestinal let-7 in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - The microRNA (miRNA) let-7 is an important miRNA identified in Caenorhabditis
      elegans and has been shown to be involved in the control of innate immunity. The
      underlying molecular mechanisms for let-7 regulation of innate immunity remain
      largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for
      intestinal let-7 in the regulation of innate immunity. Infection with Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa PA14 decreased let-7::GFP expression. Intestine- or neuron-specific
      activity of let-7 was required for its function in the regulation of innate
      immunity. During the control of innate immune response to P. aeruginosa PA14
      infection, SDZ-24 was identified as a direct target for intestinal let-7. SDZ-24
      was found to be predominantly expressed in the intestine, and P. aeruginosa PA14
      infection increased SDZ-24::GFP expression. Intestinal let-7 regulated innate
      immune response to P. aeruginosa PA14 infection by suppressing both the
      expression and the function of SDZ-24. Knockout or RNA interference knockdown of
      sdz-24 dampened the resistance of let-7 mutant to P. aeruginosa PA14 infection.
      Intestinal overexpression of sdz-24 lacking 3'-UTR inhibited the susceptibility
      of nematodes overexpressing intestinal let-7 to P. aeruginosa PA14 infection. In
      contrast, we could observed the effects of intestinal let-7 on innate immunity in
      P. aeruginosa PA14 infected transgenic strain overexpressing sdz-24 containing 3'
      UTR. In the intestine, certain SDZ-24-mediated signaling cascades were formed for
      nematodes against the P. aeruginosa PA14 infection. Our results highlight the
      crucial role of intestinal miRNAs in the regulation of the innate immune response
      to pathogenic infection.

PMID- 28095465
TI  - Leishmania HASP and SHERP Genes Are Required for In Vivo Differentiation,
      Parasite Transmission and Virulence Attenuation in the Host.
AB  - Differentiation of extracellular Leishmania promastigotes within their sand fly
      vector, termed metacyclogenesis, is considered to be essential for parasites to
      regain mammalian host infectivity. Metacyclogenesis is accompanied by changes in
      the local parasite environment, including secretion of complex glycoconjugates
      within the promastigote secretory gel and colonization and degradation of the
      sand fly stomodeal valve. Deletion of the stage-regulated HASP and SHERP genes on
      chromosome 23 of Leishmania major is known to stall metacyclogenesis in the sand
      fly but not in in vitro culture. Here, parasite mutants deficient in specific
      genes within the HASP/SHERP chromosomal region have been used to investigate
      their role in metacyclogenesis, parasite transmission and establishment of
      infection. Metacyclogenesis was stalled in HASP/SHERP mutants in vivo and,
      although still capable of osmotaxis, these mutants failed to secrete promastigote
      secretory gel, correlating with a lack of parasite accumulation in the thoracic
      midgut and failure to colonise the stomodeal valve. These defects prevented
      parasite transmission to a new mammalian host. Sand fly midgut homogenates
      modulated parasite behaviour in vitro, suggesting a role for molecular
      interactions between parasite and vector in Leishmania development within the
      sand fly. For the first time, stage-regulated expression of the small HASPA
      proteins in Leishmania (Leishmania) has been demonstrated: HASPA2 is expressed
      only in extracellular promastigotes and HASPA1 only in intracellular amastigotes.
      Despite its lack of expression in amastigotes, replacement of HASPA2 into the
      null locus background delays onset of pathology in BALB/c mice. This HASPA2
      dependent effect is reversed by HASPA1 gene addition, suggesting that the HASPAs
      may have a role in host immunomodulation.

PMID- 28095466
TI  - Substrate Stiffness Controls Osteoblastic and Chondrocytic Differentiation of
      Mesenchymal Stem Cells without Exogenous Stimuli.
AB  - Stem cell fate has been linked to the mechanical properties of their underlying
      substrate, affecting mechanoreceptors and ultimately leading to downstream
      biological response. Studies have used polymers to mimic the stiffness of
      extracellular matrix as well as of individual tissues and shown mesenchymal stem
      cells (MSCs) could be directed along specific lineages. In this study, we
      examined the role of stiffness in MSC differentiation to two closely related cell
      phenotypes: osteoblast and chondrocyte. We prepared four methyl acrylate/methyl
      methacrylate (MA/MMA) polymer surfaces with elastic moduli ranging from 0.1 MPa
      to 310 MPa by altering monomer concentration. MSCs were cultured in media without
      exogenous growth factors and their biological responses were compared to
      committed chondrocytes and osteoblasts. Both chondrogenic and osteogenic markers
      were elevated when MSCs were grown on substrates with stiffness <10 MPa. Like
      chondrocytes, MSCs on lower stiffness substrates showed elevated expression of
      ACAN, SOX9, and COL2 and proteoglycan content; COMP was elevated in MSCs but
      reduced in chondrocytes. Substrate stiffness altered levels of RUNX2 mRNA,
      alkaline phosphatase specific activity, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin in
      osteoblasts, decreasing levels on the least stiff substrate. Expression of
      integrin subunits alpha1, alpha2, alpha5, alphav, beta1, and beta3 changed in a
      stiffness- and cell type-dependent manner. Silencing of integrin subunit beta 1
      (ITGB1) in MSCs abolished both osteoblastic and chondrogenic differentiation in
      response to substrate stiffness. Our results suggest that substrate stiffness is
      an important mediator of osteoblastic and chondrogenic differentiation, and
      integrin beta1 plays a pivotal role in this process.

PMID- 28095467
TI  - Phylogenetically Widespread Polyembryony in Cyclostome Bryozoans and the
      Protracted Asynchronous Release of Clonal Brood-Mates.
AB  - Polyembryony-the production of multiple cloned embryos from a single fertilised
      egg-is a seemingly paradoxical combination of reproductive modes that
      nevertheless persists in diverse taxa. We document features of polyembryony in
      the Cyclostomata (Bryozoa)-an ancient order of modular colonial marine
      invertebrates-that suggest a substantial reduction in the paradoxical nature of
      this enigmatic reproductive mode. Firstly, we provide molecular evidence for
      polyembryony in three exemplar species, supporting the widely cited inference
      that polyembryony characterises the entire order. Secondly, genotyping
      demonstrates protracted release of cloned offspring from the primary embryo in a
      given gonozooid (chamber for embryonic incubation), thus exposing the same
      genotype to changing environmental conditions over time. Finally, we confirm that
      each gonozooid produces a distinct genotype, with each primary embryo being the
      result of a separate fertilisation event. We hypothesise that the sustained
      release of one or a few genotypes against varying environmental conditions
      achieves levels of risk-spreading similar to those in organisms that release
      multiple, unique genotypes at a single time. We argue that polyembryony,
      specifically with the production of a large number of progeny per fertilisation
      event, has been favoured in the Cyclostomata over long geological periods.

PMID- 28095468
TI  - Evaluating Hospital-Based Surveillance for Outbreak Detection in Bangladesh:
      Analysis of Healthcare Utilization Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The International Health Regulations outline core requirements to
      ensure the detection of public health threats of international concern. Assessing
      the capacity of surveillance systems to detect these threats is crucial for
      evaluating a country's ability to meet these requirements. METHODS AND FINDINGS:
      We propose a framework to evaluate the sensitivity and representativeness of
      hospital-based surveillance and apply it to severe neurological infectious
      diseases and fatal respiratory infectious diseases in Bangladesh. We identified
      cases in selected communities within surveillance hospital catchment areas using
      key informant and house-to-house surveys and ascertained where cases had sought
      care. We estimated the probability of surveillance detecting different sized
      outbreaks by distance from the surveillance hospital and compared characteristics
      of cases identified in the community and cases attending surveillance hospitals.
      We estimated that surveillance detected 26% (95% CI 18%-33%) of severe
      neurological disease cases and 18% (95% CI 16%-21%) of fatal respiratory disease
      cases residing at 10 km distance from a surveillance hospital. Detection
      probabilities decreased markedly with distance. The probability of detecting
      small outbreaks (three cases) dropped below 50% at distances greater than 26 km
      for severe neurological disease and at distances greater than 7 km for fatal
      respiratory disease. Characteristics of cases attending surveillance hospitals
      were largely representative of all cases; however, neurological disease cases
      aged <5 y or from the lowest socioeconomic group and fatal respiratory disease
      cases aged >=60 y were underrepresented. Our estimates of outbreak detection rely
      on suspected cases that attend a surveillance hospital receiving laboratory
      confirmation of disease and being reported to the surveillance system. The extent
      to which this occurs will depend on disease characteristics (e.g., severity and
      symptom specificity) and surveillance resources. CONCLUSION: We present a new
      approach to evaluating the sensitivity and representativeness of hospital-based
      surveillance, making it possible to predict its ability to detect emerging
      threats.

PMID- 28095469
TI  - Characterization of Dof Transcription Factors and Their Responses to Osmotic
      Stress in Poplar (Populus trichocarpa).
AB  - The DNA-binding One Zinc Finger (Dof) genes are ubiquitous in many plant species
      and are especial transcription regulators that participate in plant growth,
      development and various procedures, including biotic and abiotic stress
      reactions. In this study, we identified 41 PtrDof members from Populus
      trichocarpa genomes and classified them into four groups. The conserved motifs
      and gene structures of some PtrDof genes belonging to the same subgroup were
      almost the same. The 41 PtrDof genes were dispersed on 18 of the 19 Populus
      chromosomes. Many key stress- or phytohormone-related cis-elements were
      discovered in the PtrDof gene promoter regions. Consequently, we undertook
      expression profiling of the PtrDof genes in leaves and roots in response to
      osmotic stress and abscisic acid. A total of seven genes (PtrDof14, 16, 25, 27,
      28, 37 and 39) in the Populus Dof gene family were consistently upregulated at
      point in all time in the leaves and roots under osmotic and abscisic acid (ABA)
      stress. We observed that 12 PtrDof genes could be targeted by 15 miRNAs.
      Moreover, we mapped the cleavage site in PtrDof30 using the 5'RLM-RACE. The
      results showed that PtrDofs may have a role in resistance to abiotic stress in
      Populus trichocarpa.

PMID- 28095471
TI  - Prevalence and Risk Factors of Prehypertension and Hypertension in Southern
      China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the prevalence and risk factors of
      prehypertension and hypertension in Jiangxi Province, China. Individuals with
      prehypertension frequently progress into hypertension and are at high risk of
      developing cardiovascular disease and stroke. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey
      of 15,296 participants (15 years or older) was conducted in Jiangxi Province,
      China, in 2013, using questionnaire forms and physical measurements. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 32.3% (39.2% in men and 27.6%
      in women) and 29.0% (30.1% in men and 28.2% in women), respectively. The
      awareness, treatment, and control rates among all hypertensive participants were
      64.8%, 27.1%, and 12.6%, respectively. The prevalence of prehypertension in males
      declined with age, but the prevalence of hypertension increased in different
      genders. The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension increased with
      increasing body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of prehypertension decreased, in
      parallel to an increase in the prevalence of hypertension, with increasing waist
      circumference (WC). A combination of WC and BMI was superior to individual
      indices in identifying hypertension. A multivariate logistic regression analysis
      indicated that increasing age, high BMI, high visceral adipose index, and high
      heart rate were risk factors for prehypertension and hypertension. The high body
      fat percentage was significantly associated with prehypertension. Living in an
      urban area, male sex, abdominal obesity, and menopause were correlated with
      hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Prehypertension and hypertension are epidemic in
      southern China. Further studies are needed to explore an indicator that can
      represent the visceral fat accurately and has a close relationship with
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 28095472
TI  - Review of Participatory Epidemiology Practices in Animal Health (1980-2015) and
      Future Practice Directions.
AB  - In this study we combined an inventory of the major applications, geographic
      regions and diseases covered by participatory epidemiology (PE) activities in the
      field of animal health since 1980, together with an email discussion forum with
      PE practitioners from different regions of the world. The inventory included the
      search of peer-reviewed papers, master and technical reports, conference
      proceedings, manuals, training materials and projects. The search resulted in a
      low number of PE activity results until the year 2000, followed by a considerable
      increase (especially from 2012). Most of the identified activities were
      implemented in Africa and Asia, and focused on surveillance, disease survey and
      prioritization, and disease control. Seventy-nine PE practitioners working
      predominantly in Africa, Asia and Europe (29, 22 and 18 respectively) contributed
      to the email discussion forum. They proposed various modifications to the
      existing PE definition and discussed different issues related to the applicatoin
      of PE, its institutionalization for use in policy development, as well as the
      priorities for future development. The need to increase the number of PE trained
      people together with some methodological developments and the application of this
      methodology in developed countries, were some of the points highlighted during
      the forum. These factors stress the importance of further developing PE as a
      useful approach for engaging communities in addressing animal and related public
      health risks.

PMID- 28095470
TI  - Endogenous Semaphorin-7A Impedes Human Lung Fibroblast Differentiation.
AB  - Semaphorin-7A is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, initially
      characterized as an axon guidance protein. Semaphorin-7A also contributes to
      immune cell regulation and may be an essential pro-fibrotic factor when expressed
      by non-fibroblast cell types (exogenous). In mouse models, semaphorin-7A was
      shown to be important for TGF-beta1-induced pulmonary fibrosis characterized by
      myofibroblast accumulation and extracellular matrix deposition, but the cell
      specific role of semaphorin-7A was not examined in fibroblasts. The purpose of
      this study is to determine semaphorin-7A expression by fibroblasts and to
      investigate the function of endogenously expressed semaphorin-7A in primary human
      lung fibroblasts (HLF). Herein, we show that non-fibrotic HLF expressed high
      levels of cell surface semaphorin-7A with little dependence on the percentage of
      serum or recombinant TGF-beta1. Semaphorin-7A siRNA strongly decreased semaphorin
      7A mRNA expression and reduced cell surface semaphorin-7A. Reduction of
      semaphorin-7A induced increased proliferation and migration of non-fibrotic HLF.
      Also, independent of the presence of TGF-beta1, the decline of semaphorin-7A by
      siRNA was associated with increased alpha-smooth muscle actin production and gene
      expression of periostin, fibronectin, laminin, and serum response factor (SRF),
      indicating differentiation into a myofibroblast. Conversely, overexpression of
      semaphorin-7A in the NIH3T3 fibroblast cell line reduced the production of pro
      fibrotic markers. The inverse association between semaphorin-7A and pro-fibrotic
      fibroblast markers was further analyzed using HLF from idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis (IPF) (n = 6) and non-fibrotic (n = 7) lungs. Using these 13 fibroblast
      lines, we observed that semaphorin-7A and periostin expression were inversely
      correlated. In conclusion, our study indicates that endogenous semaphorin-7A in
      HLF plays a role in maintaining fibroblast homeostasis by preventing up
      regulation of pro-fibrotic genes. Therefore, endogenous and exogenous semaphorin
      7A may have opposite effects on the fibroblast phenotype.

PMID- 28095473
TI  - The Asymmetric Cell Division Regulators Par3, Scribble and Pins/Gpsm2 Are Not
      Essential for Erythroid Development or Enucleation.
AB  - Erythroid enucleation is the process by which the future red blood cell disposes
      of its nucleus prior to entering the blood stream. This key event during red
      blood cell development has been likened to an asymmetric cell division (ACD), by
      which the enucleating erythroblast divides into two very different daughter cells
      of alternate molecular composition, a nucleated cell that will be removed by
      associated macrophages, and the reticulocyte that will mature to the definitive
      erythrocyte. Here we investigated gene expression of members of the Par, Scribble
      and Pins/Gpsm2 asymmetric cell division complexes in erythroid cells, and
      functionally tested their role in erythroid enucleation in vivo and ex vivo.
      Despite their roles in regulating ACD in other contexts, we found that these
      polarity regulators are not essential for erythroid enucleation, nor for
      erythroid development in vivo. Together our results put into question a role for
      cell polarity and asymmetric cell division in erythroid enucleation.

PMID- 28095474
TI  - Anti-Prion Screening for Acridine, Dextran, and Tannic Acid using Real Time
      Quaking Induced Conversion: A Comparison with PrPSc-Infected Cell Screening.
AB  - Prion propagation is mediated by the structural alteration of normal prion
      protein (PrPC) to generate pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc). To date, compounds
      for the inhibition of prion propagation have mainly been screened using PrPSc
      infected cells. Real time-quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) is one alternative
      screening method. In this study, we assessed the propagation inhibition effects
      of known anti-prion compounds using RT-QuIC and compared the results with those
      from a PrPSc-infected cell assay. Compounds were applied to RT-QuIC reactions at
      0 h or 22 h after prion propagation to determine whether they inhibited
      propagation or reduced amplified aggregates. RT-QuIC reactions in presence of
      acridine, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and tannic acid inhibited seeded
      aggregation with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease at 0 h. After treatment at 22
      h, amplified fluorescence was decreased in wells treated with either acridine or
      tannic acid. Compound activities were verified by western blot of RT-QuIC
      products and in a dye-independent conversion assay, the Multimer Detection
      System. Protease K-resistant PrPSc fragments (PrPres) were reduced by DSS and
      tannic acid in the PrPSc-infected cell assay. Importantly, these inhibitory
      effects were similar despite different treatment times (0 h versus 3 days).
      Consequentially, RT-QuIC enabled the more specific classification of compounds
      according to action (i.e., inhibition of prion propagation versus reduction of
      amplified aggregates). RT-QuIC addresses the limitations of cell-based screening
      methods and can be used to further aid our understanding of the mechanisms of
      action of anti-prion compounds.

PMID- 28095475
TI  - The Influence of Community Health Resources on Effectiveness and Sustainability
      of Community and Lay Health Worker Programs in Lower-Income Countries: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of practical knowledge and effective
      interventions required to reduce priority health problems in low-income
      countries, poor and vulnerable populations are often not reached. One possible
      solution to this problem is the use of Community or Lay Health Workers (CLHWs).
      So far, however, the development of sustainability in CLHW programs has failed
      and high attrition rates continue to pose a challenge. We propose that the roles
      and interests which support community health work should emerge directly from the
      way in which health is organized at community level. This review explores the
      evidence available to assess if increased levels of integration of community
      health resources in CLHW programs indeed lead to higher program effectiveness and
      sustainability. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This review includes peer-reviewed articles
      which meet three eligibility criteria: 1) specific focus on CLHWs or equivalent;
      2) randomized, quasi-randomized, before/after methodology or substantial
      descriptive assessment; and 3) description of a community or peer intervention
      health program located in a low- or middle-income country. Literature searches
      using various article databases led to 2930 hits, of which 359 articles were
      classified. Of these, 32 articles were chosen for extensive review, complemented
      by analysis of the results of 15 other review studies. Analysis was conducted
      using an excel based data extraction form. Because results showed that no
      quantitative data was published, a descriptive synthesis was conducted. The
      review protocol was not proactively registered. Findings show minimal inclusion
      of even basic community level indicators, such as the degree to which the program
      is a community initiative, community input in the program or training, the
      background and history of CLHW recruits, and the role of the community in
      motivation and retention. Results show that of the 32 studies, only one includes
      one statistical measure of community integration. As a result of this lack of
      data we are unable to derive an evidence-based conclusion to our propositions.
      Instead, our results indicate a larger problem, namely the complete absence of
      indicators measuring community relationships with the programs studied. Studies
      pay attention only to gender and peer roles, along with limited demographic
      information about the recruits. The historicity of the health worker and the
      community s/he belongs to is absent in most studies reviewed. None of the studies
      discuss or test for the possibility that motivation emanates from the community.
      Only a few studies situate attrition and retention as an issue enabled by the
      community. The results were limited by a focus on low-income countries and
      English, peer-reviewed published articles only. CONCLUSION: Published, peer
      reviewed studies evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of CLHW
      interventions in health programs have not yet adequately tested for the potential
      of utilizing existing community health roles or social networks for the
      development of effective and sustainable (retentive) CLHW programs. Community
      relationships are generally seen as a "black box" represented by an
      interchangeable CLHW labor unit. This disconnect from community relationships and
      resources may have led to a systematic and chronic undervaluing of community
      agency in explanations of programmatic effectiveness and sustainability.

PMID- 28095476
TI  - A Systematic Review of Ebola Treatment Trials to Assess the Extent to Which They
      Adhere to Ethical Guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Objective: To determine to what extent each trial met criteria
      specified in three research frameworks for ethical trial conduct. Design:
      Systematic review and narrative analysis. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Data sources:
      MEDBASE and EMBASE databases were searched using a specific search strategy. The
      Cochrane database for systematic reviews, the PROSPERO database and trial
      registries were examined. A grey literature search and citation search were also
      carried out. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: Studies were included
      where the intervention was being used to treat Ebola in human subjects regardless
      of study design, comparator or outcome measured. Studies were eligible if they
      had taken place after the 21st March 2014. Unpublished as well as published
      studies were included. Included studies: Sixteen studies were included in the
      data synthesis. Data was extracted on study characteristics as well as any
      information relating to ten ethical areas of interest specified in the three
      research frameworks for ethical trial conduct and an additional criterion of
      whether the study received ethics approval from a research ethics committee.
      Synthesis of results: Eight studies were judged to fully comply with all eleven
      criteria. The other eight studies all had at least one criteria where there was
      not enough information available to draw any conclusions. In two studies there
      were ethical concerns regarding the information provided in relation to at least
      one ethical criteria. Description of the effect: One study did not receive
      ethical approval as the authors argued that treating approximately one hundred
      patients consecutively for compassionate reasons did not constitute a clinical
      trial. Furthermore, after the patients were treated, physicians in Sierra Leone
      did not release reports of treatment results and so study conclusions had to be
      made based on unpublished observations. In another study the risk-benefit ratio
      of the trial drug does not appear to be favourable and the pre-trial evidence
      base for its effectiveness against Ebola is speculative. CONCLUSIONS: Some
      limited and appropriate deviation from standard research expectations in disaster
      situations is increasingly accepted. However, this is not an excuse for poor
      ethics oversight and international regulations are in place which should not be
      ignored. New guidelines are needed that better define the boundaries between
      using medicines for compassionate use and conducting a clinical trial. Greater
      support should be offered for local research ethics committees in affected areas
      so that they can provide robust ethical review. Further systematic reviews should
      be carried out in epidemics of any novel infectious diseases to assess if
      comparable findings arise.

PMID- 28095478
TI  - Evaluating Silent Reading Performance with an Eye Tracking System in Patients
      with Glaucoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between silent reading performance and
      visual field defects in patients with glaucoma using an eye tracking system.
      METHODS: Fifty glaucoma patients (Group G; mean age, 52.2 years, standard
      deviation: 11.4 years) and 20 normal controls (Group N; mean age, 46.9 years;
      standard deviation: 17.2 years) were included in the study. All participants in
      Group G had early to advanced glaucomatous visual field defects but better than
      20/20 visual acuity in both eyes. Participants silently read Japanese articles
      written horizontally while the eye tracking system monitored and calculated
      reading duration per 100 characters, number of fixations per 100 characters, and
      mean fixation duration, which were compared with mean deviation and visual field
      index values from Humphrey visual field testing (24-2 and 10-2 Swedish
      interactive threshold algorithm standard) of the right versus left eye and the
      better versus worse eye. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant
      difference between Groups G and N in mean fixation duration (G, 233.4 msec; N,
      215.7 msec; P = 0.010). Within Group G, significant correlations were observed
      between reading duration and 24-2 right mean deviation (rs = -0.280, P = 0.049),
      24-2 right visual field index (rs = -0.306, P = 0.030), 24-2 worse visual field
      index (rs = -0.304, P = 0.032), and 10-2 worse mean deviation (rs = -0.326, P =
      0.025). Significant correlations were observed between mean fixation duration and
      10-2 left mean deviation (rs = -0.294, P = 0.045) and 10-2 worse mean deviation
      (rs = -0.306, P = 0.037), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of visual field
      defects may influence some aspects of reading performance. At least concerning
      silent reading, the visual field of the worse eye is an essential element of
      smoothness of reading.

PMID- 28095477
TI  - The Burden of Mental Disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990-2013.
AB  - The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is witnessing an increase in chronic
      disorders, including mental illness. With ongoing unrest, this is expected to
      rise. This is the first study to quantify the burden of mental disorders in the
      EMR. We used data from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) 2013. DALYs
      (disability-adjusted life years) allow assessment of both premature mortality
      (years of life lost-YLLs) and nonfatal outcomes (years lived with disability
      YLDs). DALYs are computed by adding YLLs and YLDs for each age-sex-country group.
      In 2013, mental disorders contributed to 5.6% of the total disease burden in the
      EMR (1894 DALYS/100,000 population): 2519 DALYS/100,000 (2590/100,000 males,
      2426/100,000 females) in high-income countries, 1884 DALYS/100,000 (1618/100,000
      males, 2157/100,000 females) in middle-income countries, 1607 DALYS/100,000
      (1500/100,000 males, 1717/100,000 females) in low-income countries. Females had a
      greater proportion of burden due to mental disorders than did males of equivalent
      ages, except for those under 15 years of age. The highest proportion of DALYs
      occurred in the 25-49 age group, with a peak in the 35-39 years age group (5344
      DALYs/100,000). The burden of mental disorders in EMR increased from 1726
      DALYs/100,000 in 1990 to 1912 DALYs/100,000 in 2013 (10.8% increase). Within the
      mental disorders group in EMR, depressive disorders accounted for most DALYs,
      followed by anxiety disorders. Among EMR countries, Palestine had the largest
      burden of mental disorders. Nearly all EMR countries had a higher mental disorder
      burden compared to the global level. Our findings call for EMR ministries of
      health to increase provision of mental health services and to address the stigma
      of mental illness. Moreover, our results showing the accelerating burden of
      mental health are alarming as the region is seeing an increased level of
      instability. Indeed, mental health problems, if not properly addressed, will lead
      to an increased burden of diseases in the region.

PMID- 28095479
TI  - Central Role of IL-23 and IL-17 Producing Eosinophils as Immunomodulatory
      Effector Cells in Acute Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Allergic Asthma.
AB  - Aspergillus fumigatus causes invasive pulmonary disease in immunocompromised
      hosts and allergic asthma in atopic individuals. We studied the contribution of
      lung eosinophils to these fungal diseases. By in vivo intracellular cytokine
      staining and confocal microscopy, we observed that eosinophils act as local
      sources of IL-23 and IL-17. Remarkably, mice lacking eosinophils had a >95%
      reduction in the percentage of lung IL-23p19+ cells as well as markedly reduced
      IL-23 heterodimer in lung lavage fluid. Eosinophils killed A. fumigatus conidia
      in vivo. Eosinopenic mice had higher mortality rates, decreased recruitment of
      inflammatory monocytes, and decreased expansion of lung macrophages after
      challenge with conidia. All of these functions underscore a potential protective
      role for eosinophils in acute aspergillosis. Given the postulated role for IL-17
      in asthma pathogenesis, we assessed whether eosinophils could act as sources of
      IL-23 and IL-17 in models where mice were sensitized to either A. fumigatus
      antigens or ovalbumin (OVA). We found IL-23p19+ IL-17AF+ eosinophils in both
      allergic models. Moreover, close to 95% of IL-23p19+ cells and >90% of IL-17AF+
      cells were identified as eosinophils. These data establish a new paradigm in
      acute and allergic aspergillosis whereby eosinophils act not only as effector
      cells but also as immunomodulatory cells driving the IL-23/IL-17 axis and
      contributing to inflammatory cell recruitment.

PMID- 28095481
TI  - Correction: Variant Exported Blood-Stage Proteins Encoded by Plasmodium Multigene
      Families Are Expressed in Liver Stages Where They Are Exported into the
      Parasitophorous Vacuole.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005917.].

PMID- 28095480
TI  - Inference of Candidate Germline Mutator Loci in Humans from Genome-Wide Haplotype
      Data.
AB  - The rate of germline mutation varies widely between species but little is known
      about the extent of variation in the germline mutation rate between individuals
      of the same species. Here we demonstrate that an allele that increases the rate
      of germline mutation can result in a distinctive signature in the genomic region
      linked to the affected locus, characterized by a number of haplotypes with a
      locally high proportion of derived alleles, against a background of haplotypes
      carrying a typical proportion of derived alleles. We searched for this signature
      in human haplotype data from phase 3 of the 1000 Genomes Project and report a
      number of candidate mutator loci, several of which are located close to or within
      genes involved in DNA repair or the DNA damage response. To investigate whether
      mutator alleles remained active at any of these loci, we used de novo mutation
      counts from human parent-offspring trios in the 1000 Genomes and Genome of the
      Netherlands cohorts, looking for an elevated number of de novo mutations in the
      offspring of parents carrying a candidate mutator haplotype at each of these
      loci. We found some support for two of the candidate loci, including one locus
      just upstream of the BRSK2 gene, which is expressed in the testis and has been
      reported to be involved in the response to DNA damage.

PMID- 28095482
TI  - An Increase in Mean Platelet Volume/Platelet Count Ratio Is Associated with
      Vascular Access Failure in Hemodialysis Patients.
AB  - After stenosis of arteriovenous vascular access in hemodialysis patients,
      platelets play a crucial role in subsequent thrombus formation, leading to access
      failure. In a previous study, the mean platelet volume (MPV)/platelet count
      ratio, but not MPV alone, was shown to be an independent predictor of 4-year
      mortality after myocardial infarction. However, little is known about the
      potential influence of MPV/platelet count ratio on vascular access patency in
      hemodialysis patients. A total of 143 patients undergoing routine hemodialysis
      were recruited between January 2013 and February 2016. Vascular access failure
      (VAF) was defined as thrombosis or a decrease of greater than 50% of normal
      vessel diameter, requiring either surgical revision or percutaneous transluminal
      angioplasty. Cox proportional hazards model analysis ascertained that the change
      of MPV/platelet count ratio between baseline and 3 months [Delta(MPV/platelet
      count ratio)3mo-baseline] had prognostic value for VAF. Additionally, the changes
      of MPV/platelet count ratio over time were compared in patients with and without
      VAF by using linear mixed model analysis. Of the 143 patients, 38 (26.6%) were
      diagnosed with VAF. During a median follow-up of 26.9 months (interquartile range
      13.0-36.0 months), Delta(MPV/platelet count ratio)3mo-baseline significantly
      increased in patients with VAF compared to that in patients without VAF [11.6
      (6.3-19.0) vs. 0.8 (-1.8-4.0), P< 0.001]. In multivariate analysis,
      Delta(MPV/platelet ratio count)3mo-baseline was an independent predictor of VAF,
      after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease,
      cerebrovascular disease, vascular access type, the presence of previous VAF, and
      antiplatelet drug use (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.21; P<
      0.001). Moreover, a liner mixed model revealed that there was a significant
      increase of MPV/platelet count ratio over time in patients with VAF compared to
      those without VAF (P< 0.001). An increase in MPV/platelet count ratio over time
      was an independent risk factor for VAF. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the
      MPV/platelet count ratio may be useful to screen the risk of VAF in patients
      undergoing routine hemodialysis.

PMID- 28095483
TI  - Association between NF-kappaB Pathway Gene Variants and sICAM1 Levels in
      Taiwanese.
AB  - Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) is crucial to the development and
      progression of atherosclerosis. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
      have revealed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two of the nuclear
      factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway genes, NFKBIK and RELA, are associated with
      soluble ICAM1 (sICAM1) levels. However, neither of these two gene variants is
      found in the Asian populations. This study aimed to elucidate whether other
      candidate gene variants involved in the NF-kappaB pathway may be associated with
      sICAM1 levels in Taiwanese. After excluding carriers of the ICAM1 rs5491-T
      allele, three SNPs in the ICAM1 gene and eight SNPs in six of the NF-kappaB
      pathway genes (NFKB1, PDCD11, TNFAIP3, NKAPL, IKBKE, and PRKCB) were analyzed for
      their association with sICAM1 levels in 480 individuals. Our data showed that two
      SNPs, rs5498 of ICAM1 and rs1635 of NKAPL, were significantly associated with
      sICAM1 levels (P = 0.002 and 0.004, respectively) in the Taiwanese population.
      Using a multivariate analysis, rs5498 and rs1635 as well as the previously
      reported ABO genotypes and rs12051272 of the CDH13 gene were independently
      associated with sICAM1 levels (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.006 and 0.031, respectively).
      An analysis with combined risk alleles of four candidate SNPs in the ICAM1,
      NKAPL, ABO, and CDH13 genes showed an increase in sICAM1 levels with added
      numbers of risk alleles and weighted genetic risk score. Our findings thus
      expanded the repertoire of gene variants responsible for the regulation of sICAM1
      levels in the Asian populations.

PMID- 28095484
TI  - Experimental Diabetes Alters the Morphology and Nano-Structure of the Achilles
      Tendon.
AB  - Although of several studies that associate chronic hyperglycemia with
      tendinopathy, the connection between morphometric changes as witnessed by
      magnetic resonance (MR) images, nanostructural changes, and inflammatory markers
      have not yet been fully established. Therefore, the present study has as a
      hypothesis that the Achilles tendons of rats with diabetes mellitus (DM) exhibit
      structural changes. The animals were randomly divided into two experimental
      groups: Control Group (n = 06) injected with a vehicle (sodium citrate buffer
      solution) and Diabetic Group (n = 06) consisting of rats submitted to
      intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. MR was performed 24 days after
      the induction of diabetes and images were used for morphometry using ImageJ
      software. Morphology of the collagen fibers within tendons was examined using
      Atomic Force microscopy (AFM). An increase in the dimension of the coronal plane
      area was observed in the diabetic group (8.583 +/- 0.646 mm2/100g) when compared
      to the control group (4.823 +/- 0.267 mm2/100g) resulting in a significant
      difference (p = 0.003) upon evaluating the Achilles tendons. Similarly, our
      analysis found an increase in the size of the transverse section area in the
      diabetic group (1.328 +/- 0.103 mm2/100g) in comparison to the control group
      (0.940 +/- 0.01 mm2/100g) p = 0.021. The tendons of the diabetic group showed
      great irregularity in fiber bundles, including modified grain direction and
      jagged junctions and deformities in the form of collagen fibrils bulges. Despite
      the morphological changes observed in the Achilles tendon of diabetic animals,
      IL1 and TNF-alpha did not change. Our results suggest that DM promotes changes to
      the Achilles tendon with important structural modifications as seen by MR and
      AFM, excluding major inflammatory changes.

PMID- 28095485
TI  - Bordetella parapertussis Circumvents Neutrophil Extracellular Bactericidal
      Mechanisms.
AB  - B. parapertussis is a whooping cough etiological agent with the ability to evade
      the immune response induced by pertussis vaccines. We previously demonstrated
      that in the absence of opsonic antibodies B. parapertussis hampers phagocytosis
      by neutrophils and macrophages and, when phagocytosed, blocks intracellular
      killing by interfering with phagolysosomal fusion. But neutrophils can kill
      and/or immobilize extracellular bacteria through non-phagocytic mechanisms such
      as degranulation and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In this study we
      demonstrated that B. parapertussis also has the ability to circumvent these two
      neutrophil extracellular bactericidal activities. The lack of neutrophil
      degranulation was found dependent on the O antigen that targets the bacteria to
      cell lipid rafts, eventually avoiding the fusion of nascent phagosomes with
      specific and azurophilic granules. IgG opsonization overcame this inhibition of
      neutrophil degranulation. We further observed that B. parapertussis did not
      induce NETs release in resting neutrophils and inhibited NETs formation in
      response to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation by a mechanism dependent
      on adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA)-mediated inhibition of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) generation. Thus, B. parapertussis modulates neutrophil bactericidal
      activity through two different mechanisms, one related to the lack of proper NETs
      inducer stimuli and the other one related to an active inhibitory mechanism.
      Together with previous results these data suggest that B. parapertussis has the
      ability to subvert the main neutrophil bactericidal functions, inhibiting
      efficient clearance in non-immune hosts.

PMID- 28095486
TI  - Three-Dimensional Assessment of Temporomandibular Joint Using MRI-CBCT Image
      Registration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To introduce a new approach to reconstruct a 3D model of the TMJ using
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)
      registered images, and to evaluate the intra-examiner reproducibility values of
      reconstructing the 3D models of the TMJ. METHODS: MRI and CBCT images of five
      patients (10 TMJs) were obtained. Multiple MRIs and CBCT images were registered
      using a mutual information based algorithm. The articular disc, condylar head and
      glenoid fossa were segmented at two different occasions, at least one-week apart,
      by one investigator, and 3D models were reconstructed. Differences between the
      segmentation at two occasions were automatically measured using the surface
      contours (Average Perpendicular Distance) and the volume overlap (Dice Similarity
      Index) of the 3D models. Descriptive analysis of the changes at 2 occasions,
      including means and standard deviation (SD) were reported to describe the intra
      examiner reproducibility. RESULTS: The automatic segmentation of the condyle
      revealed maximum distance change of 1.9+/-0.93 mm, similarity index of 98% and
      root mean squared distance of 0.1+/-0.08 mm, and the glenoid fossa revealed
      maximum distance change of 2+/-0.52 mm, similarity index of 96% and root mean
      squared distance of 0.2+/-0.04 mm. The manual segmentation of the articular disc
      revealed maximum distance change of 3.6+/-0.32 mm, similarity index of 80% and
      root mean squared distance of 0.3+/-0.1 mm. CONCLUSION: The MRI-CBCT registration
      provides a reliable tool to reconstruct 3D models of the TMJ's soft and hard
      tissues, allows quantification of the articular disc morphology and position
      changes with associated differences of the condylar head and glenoid fossa, and
      facilitates measuring tissue changes over time.

PMID- 28095487
TI  - DNA Metabarcoding of Amazonian Ichthyoplankton Swarms.
AB  - Tropical rainforests harbor extraordinary biodiversity. The Amazon basin is
      thought to hold 30% of all river fish species in the world. Information about the
      ecology, reproduction, and recruitment of most species is still lacking, thus
      hampering fisheries management and successful conservation strategies. One of the
      key understudied issues in the study of population dynamics is recruitment. Fish
      larval ecology in tropical biomes is still in its infancy owing to identification
      difficulties. Molecular techniques are very promising tools for the
      identification of larvae at the species level. However, one of their limits is
      obtaining individual sequences with large samples of larvae. To facilitate this
      task, we developed a new method based on the massive parallel sequencing
      capability of next generation sequencing (NGS) coupled with hybridization
      capture. We focused on the mitochondrial marker cytochrome oxidase I (COI). The
      results obtained using the new method were compared with individual larval
      sequencing. We validated the ability of the method to identify Amazonian catfish
      larvae at the species level and to estimate the relative abundance of species in
      batches of larvae. Finally, we applied the method and provided evidence for
      strong temporal variation in reproductive activity of catfish species in the
      Ucayali River in the Peruvian Amazon. This new time and cost effective method
      enables the acquisition of large datasets, paving the way for a finer
      understanding of reproductive dynamics and recruitment patterns of tropical fish
      species, with major implications for fisheries management and conservation.

PMID- 28095488
TI  - Metabolism of Seriola lalandi during Starvation as Revealed by Fatty Acid
      Analysis and Compound-Specific Analysis of Stable Isotopes within Amino Acids.
AB  - Fish starvation is defined as food deprivation for a long period of time, such
      that physiological processes become confined to basal metabolism. Starvation
      provides insights in physiological processes without interference from unknown
      factors in digestion and nutrient absorption occurring in fed state. Juveniles of
      amberjack Seriola lalandi were isotopically equilibrated to a formulated diet for
      60 days. One treatment consisted of fish that continued to be fed and fish in the
      other treatment were not fed for 35 days. The isotopic signatures prior to the
      beginning of and after the starvation period, for fish in the starvation and
      control treatments, were analysed for lipid content, fatty acid composition and
      isotopic analysis of bulk (EA-IRMS) and of amino acids (compound specific isotope
      analysis, CSIA). There were three replicates for the starvation group. Fatty acid
      content in muscle and liver tissue before and after starvation was determined to
      calculate percent change. Results showed that crude lipid was the most used
      source of energy in most cases; the PUFAs and LC-PUFAs were highly conserved.
      According to the protein signature in bulk (delta15N) and per amino acid
      (delta13C and delta15N), in muscle tissue, protein synthesis did not appear to
      occur substantially during starvation, whereas in liver, increases in delta13C
      and delta15N indicate that protein turnover occurred, probably for metabolic
      routing to energy-yielding processes. As a result, isotopic values of delta15N in
      muscle tissue do not change, whereas CSIA net change occurred in the liver
      tissue. During the study period of 35 days, muscle protein was largely conserved,
      being neither replenished from amino acid pools in the plasma and liver nor
      catabolized.

PMID- 28095489
TI  - Transgenic Expression of the Anti-parasitic Factor TEP1 in the Malaria Mosquito
      Anopheles gambiae.
AB  - Mosquitoes genetically engineered to be resistant to Plasmodium parasites
      represent a promising novel approach in the fight against malaria. The insect
      immune system itself is a source of anti-parasitic genes potentially exploitable
      for transgenic designs. The Anopheles gambiae thioester containing protein 1
      (TEP1) is a potent anti-parasitic protein. TEP1 is secreted and circulates in the
      mosquito hemolymph, where its activated cleaved form binds and eliminates malaria
      parasites. Here we investigated whether TEP1 can be used to create malaria
      resistant mosquitoes. Using a GFP reporter transgene, we determined that the fat
      body is the main site of TEP1 expression. We generated transgenic mosquitoes that
      express TEP1r, a potent refractory allele of TEP1, in the fat body and examined
      the activity of the transgenic protein in wild-type or TEP1 mutant genetic
      backgrounds. Transgenic TEP1r rescued loss-of-function mutations, but did not
      increase parasite resistance in the presence of a wild-type susceptible allele.
      Consistent with previous reports, TEP1 protein expressed from the transgene in
      the fat body was taken up by hemocytes upon a challenge with injected bacteria.
      Furthermore, although maturation of transgenic TEP1 into the cleaved form was
      impaired in one of the TEP1 mutant lines, it was still sufficient to reduce
      parasite numbers and induce parasite melanization. We also report here the first
      use of Transcription Activator Like Effectors (TALEs) in Anopheles gambiae to
      stimulate expression of endogenous TEP1. We found that artificial elevation of
      TEP1 expression remains moderate in vivo and that enhancement of endogenous TEP1
      expression did not result in increased resistance to Plasmodium. Taken together,
      our results reveal the difficulty of artificially influencing TEP1-mediated
      Plasmodium resistance, and contribute to further our understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms underlying mosquito resistance to Plasmodium parasites.

PMID- 28095490
TI  - Costs and Tradeoffs of Resistance and Tolerance to Belowground Herbivory in
      Potato.
AB  - The success of sustainable crop production depends on our ability to select or
      create varieties that can allocate resources to both growth and defence. However,
      breeding efforts have emphasized increases in yields but have partially neglected
      defence traits against pests. Estimating the costs of multiple defences against
      tuber herbivores and the tradeoffs among them, as well as understanding the
      relationship between yield and multiple defences is still unknown but relevant to
      both basic and applied ecology. Using twenty commercial potato varieties
      available in Colombia and the tuber herbivore Tecia solanivora, we tested whether
      high yielding varieties show a reduction in three types of defence: constitutive
      and induced resistance, as well as tolerance. Specifically, we determined (1) the
      costs in terms of yield of all three defences, (2) the possible tradeoffs among
      them, and (3) if oviposition preference was related to the expression of these
      defences. We detected no costs in terms of yield of constitutive and induced
      resistance to tuber damage. We did, however, find evidence of costs of being able
      to tolerate tuber herbivory. While we found no tradeoffs among any of the
      estimated defences, there was a positive correlation between aboveground
      compensatory growth and tolerance in terms of tuber production, suggesting that
      after damage there are no shifts in the allocation of resources from aboveground
      to belowground biomass. Finally, we found that females laid more eggs on those
      varieties with the lowest level of constitutive resistance. In conclusion our
      findings suggest that in potatoes, breeding for higher yields has not caused any
      reduction in constitutive or induced resistance to tuber damage. This is not the
      case for tolerance where those varieties with higher yields are also less likely
      to tolerate tuber damage. Given the high incidence of tuber pests in Colombia,
      selecting for higher tolerance could allow for high productivity in the presence
      of herbivores. Finding mechanisms to decouple the tolerance response from yield
      should be a new priority in potato breeding in Colombia to guarantee a higher
      yield in both the presence and absence of herbivores.

PMID- 28095491
TI  - Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in HIV Infected and Uninfected Pregnant Women
      with and without Preeclampsia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia and HIV/AIDS are inflammatory conditions that
      contribute significantly to adverse maternal and foetal outcomes. The immune
      reconstitution effects of HAART on inflammatory mediators has not been adequately
      studied in pregnancy and may impact on the inflammatory cytokine network in women
      with co-morbid preeclampsia. Our study evaluated changes in pro-inflammatory
      cytokines IL-2, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-6 in HIV infected preeclamptic women
      on HAART. METHODS: A prospective experimental study was conducted at Prince
      Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital between July 2013 and September 2014. One hundred and
      ninety three pregnant women were recruited into 4 groups: uninfected normotensive
      (50; 26%), infected normotensive (45; 23%), uninfected preeclamptic (53; 28%) and
      infected preeclamptic women (45; 23%). Serum levels of cytokines TNF-alpha, IFN-
      gamma, IL-2 and IL-6 were determined using commercially available kits and a
      Cytometric Bead Array (CBA). Comparative data was recorded and analysed
      descriptively. RESULTS: In the control groups (normotensive), significantly lower
      values were found in IL-2 (p = 0.010), TNF-alpha (p = 0.045), and IL-6 (p =
      0.005); and a non-significant decrease was observed in IFN-gamma (p = 0.345) in
      HIV infected women on HAART compared to uninfected controls. In the experimental
      group (preeclamptic) women, significantly reduced levels were observed in IL-2
      and TNF-alpha (p = 0.001; p = 0.000) and non-significant decreases were observed
      in IFN-gamma and IL-6 (p = 0.023; p = 0.086) in HIV infected women on HAART
      compared with uninfected preeclamptic women. Non-significant differences were
      observed between uninfected preeclamptic and normotensive women. CONCLUSION: In
      uncomplicated/normotensive pregnancies, HIV/HAART is associated with significant
      decreases in IL-2, TNF-alpha and IL-6, and in preeclamptic women significant
      decreases in IL-2 and TNF-alpha were observed. These findings suggest that
      HIV/HAART impacts on pro-inflammatory cytokines in women with co-morbid
      preeclampsia. This provides a platform for further research on immune
      reconstitution effects of HAART during pregnancy, and the development of
      potential immune modulation therapies for the management of preeclampsia.

PMID- 28095492
TI  - Growth Hormone Deficiency Is Associated with Worse Cardiac Function, Physical
      Performance, and Outcome in Chronic Heart Failure: Insights from the T.O.S.CA.
      GHD Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although mounting evidence supports the concept that growth hormone
      (GH) deficiency (GHD) affects cardiovascular function, no study has
      systematically investigated its prevalence and role in a large cohort of chronic
      heart failure (CHF) patients. Aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of
      GHD in mild-to-moderate CHF and to explore clinical and functional correlates of
      GHD. METHODS: One-hundred thirty CHF patients underwent GH provocative test with
      GHRH+arginine and accordingly categorized into GH-deficiency (GHD, n = 88, age =
      61.6+/-1.1 years, 68% men) and GH-sufficiency (GHS, n = 42, age = 63.6+/-1.5
      years, 81% men) cohorts. Both groups received comprehensive cardiovascular
      examination and underwent Doppler echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise
      testing, and biochemical and hormonal assay. RESULTS: GHD was detected in roughly
      30% of CHF patients. Compared to GHD, GHS patients showed smaller end-diastolic
      and end-systolic LV volumes (-28%, p = .008 and -24%, p = .015, respectively),
      lower LV end-systolic wall stress (-21%, p = .03), higher RV performance (+18% in
      RV area change, p = .03), lower estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (
      11%, p = .04), higher peak VO2 (+20%, p = .001) and increased ventilatory
      efficiency (-12% in VE/VCO2 slope, p = .002). After adjusting for clinical
      covariates (age, gender, and tertiles of LV ejection fraction, IGF-1, peak VO2,
      VE/VCO2 slope, and NT-proBNP), logistic multivariate analysis showed that peak
      VO2 (beta = -1.92, SE = 1.67, p = .03), VE/VCO2 slope (beta = 2.23, SE = 1.20, p
      = .02) and NT-proBNP (beta = 2.48, SE = 1.02, p = .016), were significantly
      associated with GHD status. Finally, compared to GHS, GHD cohort showed higher
      all-cause mortality at median follow-up of 3.5 years (40% vs. 25%, p < .001,
      respectively), independent of age, sex, NT-proBNP, peak VO2 and LVEF.
      CONCLUSIONS: GH deficiency identifies a subgroup of CHF patients characterized by
      impaired functional capacity, LV remodeling and elevated NT-proBNP levels. GHD is
      also associated with increased all-cause mortality.

PMID- 28095494
TI  - Correction: Prokaryotic soluble overexpression and purification of human VEGF165
      by fusion to a maltose binding protein tag.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156296.].

PMID- 28095493
TI  - Thoracic Temporal Subtraction Three Dimensional Computed Tomography (3D-CT):
      Screening for Vertebral Metastases of Primary Lung Cancers.
AB  - PURPOSE: We developed an original, computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) software that
      subtracts the initial thoracic vertebral three-dimensional computed tomography
      (3D-CT) image from the follow-up 3D-CT image. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the efficacy of this CAD software during screening for vertebral
      metastases on follow-up CT images of primary lung cancer patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The interpretation experiment included 30 sets of follow-up CT scans in
      primary lung cancer patients and was performed by two readers (readers A and B),
      who each had 2.5 years' experience reading CT images. In 395 vertebrae from C6 to
      L3, 46 vertebral metastases were identified as follows: osteolytic metastases (n
      = 17), osteoblastic metastases (n = 14), combined osteolytic and osteoblastic
      metastases (n = 6), and pathological fractures (n = 9). Thirty-six lesions were
      in the anterior component (vertebral body), and 10 lesions were in the posterior
      component (vertebral arch, transverse process, and spinous process). The area
      under the curve (AUC) by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis
      and the sensitivity and specificity for detecting vertebral metastases were
      compared with and without CAD for each observer. RESULTS: Reader A detected 47
      abnormalities on CT images without CAD, and 33 of them were true-positive
      metastatic lesions. Using CAD, reader A detected 57 abnormalities, and 38 were
      true positives. The sensitivity increased from 0.717 to 0.826, and on ROC curve
      analysis, AUC with CAD was significantly higher than that without CAD (0.849 vs.
      0.902, p = 0.021). Reader B detected 40 abnormalities on CT images without CAD,
      and 36 of them were true-positive metastatic lesions. Using CAD, reader B
      detected 44 abnormalities, and 39 were true positives. The sensitivity increased
      from 0.783 to 0.848, and AUC with CAD was nonsignificantly higher than that
      without CAD (0.889 vs. 0.910, p = 0.341). Both readers detected more osteolytic
      and osteoblastic metastases with CAD than without CAD. CONCLUSION: Our temporal
      3D-CT subtraction CAD software easily detected vertebral metastases on the follow
      up CT images of lung cancer patients regardless of the osteolytic or osteoblastic
      nature of the lesions.

PMID- 28095495
TI  - DNA Methylation Analysis of BRD1 Promoter Regions and the Schizophrenia rs138880
      Risk Allele.
AB  - The bromodomain containing 1 gene, BRD1 is essential for embryogenesis and CNS
      development. It encodes a protein that participates in histone modifying
      complexes and thereby regulates the expression of a large number of genes.
      Genetic variants in the BRD1 locus show association with schizophrenia and
      bipolar disorder and risk alleles in the promoter region correlate with reduced
      BRD1 expression. Insights into the transcriptional regulation of BRD1 and the
      pathogenic mechanisms associated with BRD1 risk variants, however, remain sparse.
      By studying transcripts in human HeLa and SH-SY5Y cells we provide evidence for
      differences in relative expression of BRD1 transcripts with three alternative 5'
      UTRs (exon 1C, 1B, and 1A). We further show that expression of these transcript
      variants covaries negatively with DNA methylation proportions in their upstream
      promoter regions suggesting that promoter usage might be regulated by DNA
      methylation. In line with findings that the risk allele of the rs138880 SNP in
      the BRD1 promoter region correlates with reduced BRD1 expression, we find that it
      is also associated with moderate regional BRD1 promoter hypermethylation in both
      adipose tissue and blood. Importantly, we demonstrate by inspecting available DNA
      methylation and expression data that these regions undergo changes in methylation
      during fetal brain development and that differences in their methylation
      proportions in fetal compared to postnatal frontal cortex correlate significantly
      with BRD1 expression. These findings suggest that BRD1 may be dysregulated in
      both the developing and mature brain of risk allele carriers. Finally, we
      demonstrate that commonly used mood stabilizers Lithium, Valproate, and
      Carbamazepine affect the expression of BRD1 in SH-SY5Y cells. Altogether this
      study indicates a link between genetic risk and epigenetic dysregulation of BRD1
      which raises interesting perspectives for targeting the mechanisms
      pharmacologically.

PMID- 28095496
TI  - Opportunities for Integrated Ecological Analysis across Inland Australia with
      Standardised Data from Ausplots Rangelands.
AB  - Australian rangelands ecosystems cover 81% of the continent but are understudied
      and continental-scale research has been limited in part by a lack of precise data
      that are standardised between jurisdictions. We present a new dataset from
      AusPlots Rangelands that enables integrative rangelands analysis due to its
      geographic scope and standardised methodology. The method provides data on
      vegetation and soils, enabling comparison of a suite of metrics including
      fractional vegetation cover, basal area, and species richness, diversity, and
      composition. Cover estimates are robust and repeatable, allowing comparisons
      among environments and detection of modest change. The 442 field plots presented
      here span a rainfall gradient of 129-1437 mm Mean annual precipitation with
      varying seasonality. Vegetation measurements include vouchered vascular plant
      species, growth form, basal area, height, cover and substrate type from 1010
      point intercepts as well as systematically recorded absences, which are useful
      for predictive modelling and validation of remote sensing applications. Leaf and
      soil samples are sampled for downstream chemical and genomic analysis. We
      overview the sampling of vegetation parameters and environments, applying the
      data to the question of how species abundance distributions (SADs) vary over
      climatic gradients, a key question for the influence of environmental change on
      ecosystem processes. We found linear relationships between SAD shape and rainfall
      within grassland and shrubland communities, indicating more uneven abundance in
      deserts and suggesting relative abundance may shift as a consequence of climate
      change, resulting in altered diversity and ecosystem function. The standardised
      data of AusPlots enables such analyses at large spatial scales, and the testing
      of predictions through time with longitudinal sampling. In future, the AusPlots
      field program will be directed towards improving coverage of space, under
      represented environments, vegetation types and fauna and, increasingly, re
      sampling of established plots. Providing up-to-date data access methods to
      enhance re-use is also a priority.

PMID- 28095497
TI  - Replication-Coupled Recruitment of Viral and Cellular Factors to Herpes Simplex
      Virus Type 1 Replication Forks for the Maintenance and Expression of Viral
      Genomes.
AB  - Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infects over half the human population. Much
      of the infectious cycle occurs in the nucleus of cells where the virus has
      evolved mechanisms to manipulate host processes for the production of virus. The
      genome of HSV-1 is coordinately expressed, maintained, and replicated such that
      progeny virions are produced within 4-6 hours post infection. In this study, we
      selectively purify HSV-1 replication forks and associated proteins from virus
      infected cells and identify select viral and cellular replication, repair, and
      transcription factors that associate with viral replication forks. Pulse chase
      analyses and imaging studies reveal temporal and spatial dynamics between viral
      replication forks and associated proteins and demonstrate that several DNA repair
      complexes and key transcription factors are recruited to or near replication
      forks. Consistent with these observations we show that the initiation of viral
      DNA replication is sufficient to license late gene transcription. These data
      provide insight into mechanisms that couple HSV-1 DNA replication with
      transcription and repair for the coordinated expression and maintenance of the
      viral genome.

PMID- 28095498
TI  - Investigation of the Fusarium virguliforme Transcriptomes Induced during
      Infection of Soybean Roots Suggests that Enzymes with Hydrolytic Activities Could
      Play a Major Role in Root Necrosis.
AB  - Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is caused by the fungal pathogen, Fusarium
      virguliforme, and is a major threat to soybean production in North America. There
      are two major components of this disease: (i) root necrosis and (ii) foliar SDS.
      Root symptoms consist of root necrosis with vascular discoloration. Foliar SDS is
      characterized by interveinal chlorosis and leaf necrosis, and in severe cases by
      flower and pod abscission. A major toxin involved in initiating foliar SDS has
      been identified. Nothing is known about how root necrosis develops. In order to
      unravel the mechanisms used by the pathogen to cause root necrosis, the
      transcriptome of the pathogen in infected soybean root tissues of a susceptible
      cultivar, 'Essex', was investigated. The transcriptomes of the germinating
      conidia and mycelia were also examined. Of the 14,845 predicted F. virguliforme
      genes, we observed that 12,017 (81%) were expressed in germinating conidia and
      12,208 (82%) in mycelia and 10,626 (72%) in infected soybean roots. Of the 10,626
      genes induced in infected roots, 224 were transcribed only following infection.
      Expression of several infection-induced genes encoding enzymes with oxidation
      reduction properties suggests that degradation of antimicrobial compounds such as
      the phytoalexin, glyceollin, could be important in early stages of the root
      tissue infection. Enzymes with hydrolytic and catalytic activities could play an
      important role in establishing the necrotrophic phase. The expression of a large
      number of genes encoding enzymes with catalytic and hydrolytic activities during
      the late infection stages suggests that cell wall degradation could be involved
      in root necrosis and the establishment of the necrotrophic phase in this
      pathogen.

PMID- 28095499
TI  - Treatment with Riluzole Restores Normal Control of Soleus and Extensor Digitorum
      Longus Muscles during Locomotion in Adult Rats after Sciatic Nerve Crush at
      Birth.
AB  - The effects of sciatic nerve crush (SNC) and treatment with Riluzole on muscle
      activity during unrestrained locomotion were identified in an animal model by
      analysis of the EMG activity recorded from soleus (Sol) and extensor digitorum
      longus (EDL) muscles of both hindlimbs; in intact rats (IN) and in groups of rats
      treated for 14 days with saline (S) or Riluzole (R) after right limb nerve crush
      at the 1st (1S and 1R) or 2nd (2S and 2R) day after birth. Changes in the
      locomotor pattern of EMG activity were correlated with the numbers of survived
      motor units (MUs) identified in investigated muscles. S rats with 2-8 and 10-28
      MUs that survived in Sol and EDL muscles respectively showed increases in the
      duration and duty factor of muscle EMG activity and a loss of correlation between
      the duty factors of muscle activity, and abnormal flexor-extensor co-activation 3
      months after SNC. R rats with 5, 6 (Sol) and 15-29 MUs (EDL) developed almost
      normal EMG activity of both Sol and control EDL muscles, whereas EDL muscles with
      SNC showed a lack of recovery. R rats with 8 (Sol) and 23-33 (EDL) MUs developed
      almost normal EMG activities of all four muscles. A subgroup of S rats with a
      lack of recovery and R rats with almost complete recovery that had similar number
      of MUs (8 and 24-28 vs 8 and 23-26), showed that the number of MUs was not the
      only determinant of treatment effectiveness. The results demonstrated that rats
      with SNC failed to develop normal muscle activity due to malfunction of neuronal
      circuits attenuating EDL muscle activity during the stance phase, whereas
      treatment with Riluzole enabled almost normal EMG activity of Sol and EDL muscles
      during locomotor movement.

PMID- 28095500
TI  - SENP7 Potentiates cGAS Activation by Relieving SUMO-Mediated Inhibition of
      Cytosolic DNA Sensing.
AB  - Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS, a.k.a. MB21D1), a cytosolic DNA sensor,
      catalyzes formation of the second messenger 2'3'-cGAMP that activates the
      stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling. How the cGAS activity is
      modulated remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that sentrin/SUMO
      specific protease 7 (SENP7) interacted with and potentiated cGAS activation. The
      small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) was conjugated onto the lysine residues 335,
      372 and 382 of cGAS, which suppressed its DNA-binding, oligomerization and
      nucleotidyl-transferase activities. SENP7 reversed this inhibition via catalyzing
      the cGAS de-SUMOylation. Consistently, silencing of SENP7 markedly impaired the
      IRF3-responsive gene expression induced by cGAS-STING axis. SENP7-knockdown mice
      were more susceptible to herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection. SENP7 was
      significantly up-regulated in patients with SLE. Our study highlights the
      temporal modulation of the cGAS activity via dynamic SUMOylation, uncovering a
      novel mechanism for fine-tuning the STING signaling in innate immunity.

PMID- 28095501
TI  - Birth Weight and Its Relationship with the Cardiac Autonomic Balance in Healthy
      Children.
AB  - Several studies indicate that the fetal environment plays a significant role in
      the development of cardiometabolic disease later in life. However, a few studies
      present conflicting data about the correlation between birth weight and the
      impairment of cardiac autonomic modulation. The purpose of the present study was
      to provide further knowledge to elucidate this contradictory relationship. One
      hundred children aged 5 and 14 years had anthropometric parameters, body
      composition and blood pressure levels determined. Heart rate variability (HRV)
      was evaluated by heart rate monitoring, including measurements of both the time
      and frequency domains. The results showed inverse correlation between the HRV
      parameters with BMI (RMSSD: P = 0.047; PNN50: P = 0.021; HF: P = 0.041), systolic
      (RMSSD: P = 0.023; PNN50: P = 0.032) and diastolic (PNN50: P = 0.030) blood
      pressure levels. On the other hand, there were consistent positive correlations
      between the HRV parameters and birth weight (RMSSD: P = 0.001; PNN50: P = 0.001;
      HF: P = 0.002). To determine the effect of birth weight on HRV parameters, we
      perform multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for potentially
      confounding factors (prematurity, gender, age, BMI, physical activity index and
      SBP levels). These findings were preserved even after adjusting for these
      confounders. Our results suggested that impaired cardiac autonomic modulation
      characterized by a reduction in the parasympathetic activity occurs in children
      with low birth weight. One possible interpretation for these data is that a vagal
      withdrawal, rather than a sympathetic overactivity, could precede the development
      of hypertension and other cardiometabolic diseases in children with low birth
      weight. However, long-term studies should be performed to investigate this
      possibility.

PMID- 28095502
TI  - Drosophila Genotype Influences Commensal Bacterial Levels.
AB  - Host genotype can influence the composition of the commensal bacterial community
      in some organisms. Composition, however, is only one parameter describing a
      microbial community. Here, we test whether a second parameter-abundance of
      bacteria-is a heritable trait by quantifying the presence of four commensal
      bacterial strains within 36 gnotobiotic inbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster.
      We find that D. melanogaster genotype exerts a significant effect on microbial
      levels within the fly. When introduced as monocultures into axenic flies, three
      of the four bacterial strains were reliably detected within the fly. The amounts
      of these different strains are strongly correlated, suggesting that the host
      regulates commensal bacteria through general, not bacteria-specific, means. While
      the correlation does not appear to be driven by simple variation in overall gut
      dimensions, a genetic association study suggests that variation in commensal
      bacterial load may largely be attributed to physical aspects of host cell growth
      and development.

PMID- 28095503
TI  - Detection of a Potential New Bartonella Species "Candidatus Bartonella
      rondoniensis" in Human Biting Kissing Bugs (Reduviidae; Triatominae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among the Reduviidae family, triatomines are giant blood-sucking
      bugs. They are well known in Central and South America where they transmit
      Trypanosoma cruzi to mammals, including humans, through their feces. This
      parasitic protozoan is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a major public
      health issue in endemic areas. Because of the medical and economic impact of
      Chagas disease, the presence of other arthropod-borne pathogens in triatomines
      was rarely investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, seven
      triatomines species involved in the transmission of T. cruzi were molecularly
      screened for the presence of known pathogens generally associated with
      arthropods, such as Rickettsia, Bartonella, Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia species and
      Coxiella burnetii. Of all included triatomine species, only Eratyrus mucronatus
      specimens tested positive for Bartonella species for 56% of tested samples. A new
      genotype of Bartonella spp. was detected in 13/23 Eratyrus mucronatus specimens,
      an important vector of T. cruzi to humans. This bacterium was further
      characterized by sequencing fragments of the ftsZ, gltA and rpoB genes. Depending
      on the targeted gene, this agent shares 84% to 91% of identity with B.
      bacilliformis, the agent of Carrion's disease, a deadly sandfly-borne infectious
      disease endemic in South America. It is also closely related to animal pathogens
      such as B. bovis and B. chomelii. CONCLUSIONS: As E. mucronatus is an invasive
      species that occasionally feeds on humans, the presence of potentially pathogenic
      Bartonella-infected bugs could present another risk for human health, along with
      the T. cruzi issue.

PMID- 28095504
TI  - Cytoplasmic Localization of HTLV-1 HBZ Protein: A Biomarker of HTLV-1-Associated
      Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP).
AB  - HTLV-1 is the causative agent of a severe form of adult T cell leukemia/Lymphoma
      (ATL), and of a chronic progressive neuromyelopathy designated HTLV-1 associated
      myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Two important HTLV-1-encoded
      proteins, Tax-1 and HBZ, play crucial roles in the generation and maintenance of
      the oncogenic process. Less information is instead available on the molecular and
      cellular mechanisms leading to HAM/TSP. More importantly, no single specific
      biomarker has been described that unambiguously define the status of HAM/TSP.
      Here we report for the first time the finding that HBZ, described until now as an
      exclusive nuclear protein both in chronically infected and in ATL cells, is
      instead exclusively localized in the cytoplasm of peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMC) from patients suffering of HAM/TSP. Interestingly, at the single
      cell level, HBZ and Tax-1 proteins are never found co-expressed in the same cell,
      suggesting the existence of mechanisms of expression uncoupling of these two
      important HTLV-1 viral products in HAM/TSP patients. Cells expressing cytoplasmic
      HBZ were almost exclusively found in the CD4+ T cell compartment that was not, at
      least in a representative HAM/TSP patient, expressing the CD25 marker. Less than
      1 percent CD8+ T cells were fond positive for HBZ, while B cells and NK cells
      were found negative for HBZ in HAM/TSP patients. Our results identify the
      cytoplasmic localization of HBZ in HAM/TSP patient as a possible biomarker of
      this rather neglected tropical disease, and raise important hypotheses on the
      role of HBZ in the pathogenesis of the neuromyelopathy associated to HTLV-1
      infection.

PMID- 28095505
TI  - Can Early Intervention Improve Maternal Well-Being? Evidence from a Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study estimates the effect of a targeted early childhood
      intervention program on global and experienced measures of maternal well-being
      utilizing a randomized controlled trial design. The primary aim of the
      intervention is to improve children's school readiness skills by working directly
      with parents to improve their knowledge of child development and parenting
      behavior. One potential externality of the program is well-being benefits for
      parents given its direct focus on improving parental coping, self-efficacy, and
      problem solving skills, as well as generating an indirect effect on parental well
      being by targeting child developmental problems. METHODS: Participants from a
      socio-economically disadvantaged community are randomly assigned during pregnancy
      to an intensive 5-year home visiting parenting program or a control group. We
      estimate and compare treatment effects on multiple measures of global and
      experienced well-being using permutation testing to account for small sample size
      and a stepdown procedure to account for multiple testing. RESULTS: The
      intervention has no impact on global well-being as measured by life satisfaction
      and parenting stress or experienced negative affect using episodic reports
      derived from the Day Reconstruction Method (DRM). Treatment effects are observed
      on measures of experienced positive affect derived from the DRM and a measure of
      mood yesterday. CONCLUSION: The limited treatment effects suggest that early
      intervention programs may produce some improvements in experienced positive well
      being, but no effects on negative aspects of well-being. Different findings
      across measures may result as experienced measures of well-being avoid the
      cognitive biases that impinge upon global assessments.

PMID- 28095506
TI  - A Comparison of the Corrected Intraocular Pressure Obtained by the Corvis ST and
      Reichert 7CR Tonometers in Glaucoma Patients.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to investigate the accuracy of two corrected
      intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by Corvis Scheimpflug Technology (CST)
      IOPpachy and by corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) using the Reichert 7CR (7CR)
      tonometers. We also investigated the effects of corneal anatomical and structural
      parameters on the IOP measurements. The participants included 90 primary open
      angle glaucoma patients. We assessed the IOP measurements, obtained by the CST,
      7CR, and Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), using a paired t-test with
      Bonferroni correction, Bland-Altman plots, and multiple regression analyses. The
      7CR-IOPcc gave the highest value (15.5 +/- 2.7 mmHg), followed by the 7CR-IOPg
      (13.7 +/- 3.1 mmHg), GAT-IOP (13.6 +/- 2.2 mmHg), CST-IOP (10.3 +/- 2.6 mmHg),
      and CST-IOPpachy (9.7 +/- 2.5 mmHg). The values of CST-IOPpachy were
      significantly lower than those obtained by the other IOP measurement methods
      (all, p < 0.01). The values of 7CR-IOPcc were significantly higher than those
      obtained by the other IOP measurement methods (all, p < 0.01). Bland-Altman plots
      showed a mean difference between the GAT-IOP and the other IOP measurements (CST
      IOP, CST-IOPpachy, 7CR-IOPg, and 7CR-IOPcc), which were -3.20, -3.82, 0.14, and
      2.00 mmHg, respectively. The widths of the 95% limits of agreement between all
      pairs of IOP measurements were greater than 3 mmHg. With the exception of the 7CR
      IOPcc, all of the IOP variations were explained by regression coefficients
      involving gender, average corneal curvature, and central corneal thickness. The
      IOP values obtained by the GAT, CST, and 7CR were not interchangeable. Each new
      IOP measurement device that was corrected for ocular structure had its own
      limitations.

PMID- 28095507
TI  - Choline Deficiency Causes Colonic Type II Natural Killer T (NKT) Cell Loss and
      Alleviates Murine Colitis under Type I NKT Cell Deficiency.
AB  - Serum levels of choline and its derivatives are lower in patients with
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in healthy individuals. However, the effect
      of choline deficiency on the severity of colitis has not been investigated. In
      the present study, we investigated the role of choline deficiency in dextran
      sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Methionine-choline-deficient (MCD)
      diet lowered the levels of type II natural killer T (NKT) cells in the colonic
      lamina propria, peritoneal cavity, and mesenteric lymph nodes, and increased the
      levels of type II NKT cells in the livers of wild-type B6 mice compared with that
      in mice fed a control (CTR) diet. The gene expression pattern of the chemokine
      receptor CXCR6, which promotes NKT cell accumulation, varied between colon and
      liver in a manner dependent on the changes in the type II NKT cell levels. To
      examine the role of type II NKT cells in colitis under choline-deficient
      conditions, we assessed the severity of DSS-induced colitis in type I NKT cell
      deficient (Jalpha18-/-) or type I and type II NKT cell-deficient (CD1d-/-) mice
      fed the MCD or CTR diets. The MCD diet led to amelioration of inflammation,
      decreases in interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4 secretion, and a
      decrease in the number of IFN-gamma and IL-4-producing NKT cells in Jalpha18-/-
      mice but not in CD1d-/- mice. Finally, adaptive transfer of lymphocytes with type
      II NKT cells exacerbated DSS-induced colitis in Jalpha18-/- mice with MCD diet.
      These results suggest that choline deficiency causes proinflammatory type II NKT
      cell loss and alleviates DSS-induced colitis. Thus, inflammation in DSS-induced
      colitis under choline deficiency is caused by type II NKT cell-dependent
      mechanisms, including decreased type II NKT cell and proinflammatory cytokine
      levels.

PMID- 28095508
TI  - The Smc5/6 Complex Restricts HBV when Localized to ND10 without Inducing an
      Innate Immune Response and Is Counteracted by the HBV X Protein Shortly after
      Infection.
AB  - The structural maintenance of chromosome 5/6 complex (Smc5/6) is a restriction
      factor that represses hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcription. HBV counters this
      restriction by expressing HBV X protein (HBx), which targets Smc5/6 for
      degradation. However, the mechanism by which Smc5/6 suppresses HBV transcription
      and how HBx is initially expressed is not known. In this study we characterized
      viral kinetics and the host response during HBV infection of primary human
      hepatocytes (PHH) to address these unresolved questions. We determined that
      Smc5/6 localizes with Nuclear Domain 10 (ND10) in PHH. Co-localization has
      functional implications since depletion of ND10 structural components alters the
      nuclear distribution of Smc6 and induces HBV gene expression in the absence of
      HBx. We also found that HBV infection and replication does not induce a prominent
      global host transcriptional response in PHH, either shortly after infection when
      Smc5/6 is present, or at later times post-infection when Smc5/6 has been
      degraded. Notably, HBV and an HBx-negative virus establish high level infection
      in PHH without inducing expression of interferon-stimulated genes or production
      of interferons or other cytokines. Our study also revealed that Smc5/6 is
      degraded in the majority of infected PHH by the time cccDNA transcription could
      be detected and that HBx RNA is present in cell culture-derived virus
      preparations as well as HBV patient plasma. Collectively, these data indicate
      that Smc5/6 is an intrinsic antiviral restriction factor that suppresses HBV
      transcription when localized to ND10 without inducing a detectable innate immune
      response. Our data also suggest that HBx protein may be initially expressed by
      delivery of extracellular HBx RNA into HBV-infected cells.

PMID- 28095509
TI  - Body Mass Index at Accession and Incident Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in US Army
      Soldiers, 2001-2011.
AB  - Individuals entering US Army service are generally young and healthy, but many
      are overweight, which may impact cardiometabolic risk despite physical activity
      and fitness requirements. This analysis examines the association between
      Soldiers' BMI at accession and incident cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF) using
      longitudinal data from 731,014 Soldiers (17.0% female; age: 21.6 [3.9] years;
      BMI: 24.7 [3.8] kg/m2) who were assessed at Army accession, 2001-2011. CRF were
      defined as incident diagnoses through 2011, by ICD-9 code, of metabolic syndrome,
      glucose/insulin disorder, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or overweight/obesity (in
      those not initially overweight/obese). Multivariable-adjusted proportional
      hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) between BMI categories at accession and CRF. Initially underweight
      (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) were 2.4% of Soldiers, 53.5% were normal weight (18.5-<25),
      34.2% were overweight (25-<30), and 10.0% were obese (>=30). Mean age range at
      CRF diagnosis was 24-29 years old, with generally low CRF incidence: 228 with
      metabolic syndrome, 3,880 with a glucose/insulin disorder, 26,373 with
      hypertension, and 13,404 with dyslipidemia. Of the Soldiers who were not
      overweight or obese at accession, 5,361 were eventually diagnosed as overweight
      or obese. Relative to Soldiers who were normal weight at accession, those who
      were overweight or obese, respectively, had significantly higher risk of
      developing each CRF after multivariable adjustment (HR [95% CI]: metabolic
      syndrome: 4.13 [2.87-5.94], 13.36 [9.00-19.83]; glucose/insulin disorder: 1.39
      [1.30-1.50], 2.76 [2.52-3.04]; hypertension: 1.85 [1.80-1.90], 3.31 [3.20-3.42];
      dyslipidemia: 1.81 [1.75-1.89], 3.19 [3.04-3.35]). Risk of hypertension,
      dyslipidemia, and overweight/obesity in initially underweight Soldiers was 40%,
      31%, and 79% lower, respectively, versus normal-weight Soldiers. BMI in early
      adulthood has important implications for cardiometabolic health, even within
      young, physically active populations.

PMID- 28095510
TI  - Screening and Identifying Antioxidative Components in Ginkgo biloba Pollen by
      DPPH-HPLC-PAD Coupled with HPLC-ESI-MS2.
AB  - The Ginkgo biloba is one of ancient trees that exists from billions of years ago,
      its leaf and nut are used as herbs and foods in China, while so far its pollen
      does not have any application except pollination. In order to evaluate the
      antioxidant activity of Ginkgo biloba pollen, and rapidly screen its
      antioxidative components, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging
      ability, total flavonoid, total phenol, and proanthocyanidin of Ginkgo biloba
      pollen were determined and compared with those of Ginkgo biloba leaf and nut, and
      the off-line DPPH-HPLC-PAD and HPLC-ESI-MS2 were applied for screening and
      identifying the antioxidant flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba pollen. The results
      showed that the DPPH scavenging ability of Ginkgo biloba pollen was much higher
      than Ginkgo biloba nut, but lower than Ginkgo biloba leaf, while the total
      content of flavonoid in Ginkgo biloba pollen was approximately 4.37 times higher
      than in Ginkgo biloba leaf. Further studies found that the major flavonol
      aglycone in Ginkgo biloba pollen was kaempferol, which accounted for 96.71% of
      the total aglycones (includes quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin), and the
      main flavonoid components in Ginkgo biloba pollen were flavonoid glycosides.
      Finally, ten antioxidant peaks were screened and identified to be flavonoids
      (including kaempferol and nine flavonoid glycosides), so flavonoids were likely
      to be the main antioxidant components in GP, and among them, three novel
      kaempferol glycosides (peaks 1, 2, and 3) were found in Ginkgo biloba pollen for
      the first time, which had never been found in Ginkgo biloba.

PMID- 28095512
TI  - Models for Predicting the Biomass of Cunninghamialanceolata Trees and Stands in
      Southeastern China.
AB  - Using existing equations to estimate the biomass of a single tree or a forest
      stand still involves large uncertainties. In this study, we developed individual
      tree biomass models for Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata.) stands in Fujian
      Province, southeast China, by using 74 previously established models that have
      been most commonly used to estimate tree biomass. We selected the best fit models
      and modified them. The results showed that the published model ln(B(Biomass)) = a
      + b * ln(D) + c * (ln(H))2 + d * (ln(H))3 + e * ln(WD) had the best fit for
      estimating the tree biomass of Chinese Fir stands. Furthermore, we observed that
      variables D(diameter at breast height), H (height), and WD(wood density)were
      significantly correlated with the total tree biomass estimation model. As a
      result, a natural logarithm structure gave the best estimates for the tree
      biomass structure. Finally, when a multi-step improvement on tree biomass model
      was performed, the tree biomass model with Tree volume(TV), WD and biomass wood
      density conversion factor (BECF),achieved the highest simulation accuracy,
      expressed as ln(TB) = -0.0703 + 0.9780 * ln(TV) + 0.0213 * ln(WD) + 1.0166 *
      ln(BECF). Therefore, when TV, WD and BECF were combined with tree biomass volume
      coefficient bi for Chinese Fir, the stand biomass (SB)model included both
      volume(SV) and coefficient bi variables of the stand as follows: bi = Exp(
      0.0703+0.9780*ln(TV)+0.0213 * ln(WD)+1.0166*ln(BECF)). The stand biomass model is
      SB = SV/TV * bi.

PMID- 28095511
TI  - Epidemiology and Molecular Typing of Trypanosoma cruzi in Naturally-Infected
      Hound Dogs and Associated Triatomine Vectors in Texas, USA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease throughout
      the Americas. Few population-level studies have examined the epidemiology of
      canine infection and strain types of T. cruzi that infect canines in the USA. We
      conducted a cross-sectional study of T. cruzi infection in working hound dogs in
      south central Texas, including analysis of triatomine vectors collected within
      kennel environments. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: Paired IFA and Chagas Stat
      Pak serological testing showed an overall seroprevalence of 57.6% (n = 85), with
      significant variation across kennels. Dog age had a marginally significant effect
      on seropositivity, with one year of age increase associated with a 19.6% increase
      in odds of being seropositive (odds ratio 95% CI 0.996-1.435; p = 0.055). PCR
      analyses of blood revealed 17.4% of dogs harbored parasite DNA in their blood,
      including both seronegative and seropositive dogs. Molecular screening of organs
      from opportunistically sampled seropositive dogs revealed parasite DNA in heart,
      uterus, and mammary tissues. Strain-typing showed parasite discrete typing units
      (DTU) TcI and TcIV present in dog samples, including a co-occurrence of both DTUs
      in two individual dogs. Bloodmeal analysis of Triatoma gerstaeckeri and Triatoma
      sanguisuga insects collected from the kennels revealed exclusively dog DNA.
      Vector infection with T. cruzi was 80.6% (n = 36), in which T. gerstaeckeri
      disproportionately harbored TcI (p = 0.045) and T. sanguisuga disproportionately
      harbored TcIV (p = 0.029). Tracing infection status across dog litters showed
      some seropositive offspring of seronegative dams, suggesting infection of pups
      from local triatomine vectors rather than congenital transmission.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Canine kennels are high-risk environments for T. cruzi
      transmission, in which dogs likely serve as the predominant parasite reservoir.
      Disease and death of working dogs from Chagas disease is associated with
      unmeasured yet undoubtedly significant financial consequences because working
      dogs are highly trained and highly valued.

PMID- 28095514
TI  - Influence of Stepped Osteotomy on Primary Stability of Implants Inserted in Low
      Density Bone Sites: An In Vitro Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the ability of a stepped
      osteotomy to improve dental implant primary stability in low-density bone sites
      and to investigate possible correlations between primary stability parameters.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on fresh humid bovine bone
      classified as type III. The test group consisted of 30 Astra Tech EV implants
      inserted following the protocol provided by the manufacturer. The first control
      group consisted of 30 Astra Tech EV implants inserted in sites without the
      underpreparation of the apical portion. The second control group consisted of 30
      Astra Tech TX implants inserted following the protocol provided by the
      manufacturer. Implant insertion was performed at the predetermined 30 rpm. The
      insertion torque data were recorded and exported as a curve; using a trapezoidal
      integration technique, the area underlying the curve was calculated: this area
      represents the variable torque work (VTW). Peak insertion torque (pIT) and
      resonance frequency analysis (RFA) were also recorded. RESULTS: A Mann-Whitney
      test showed that the mean VTW was significantly higher in the test group compared
      with the first control and second control groups; furthermore, statistical
      analysis showed that pIT also was significantly higher in the test group compared
      with the first and second control groups. Analyzing RFA values, only the
      difference between the test group and second control group showed statistical
      significance. Pearson correlation analysis showed a very strong positive
      correlation between pIT and VTW values in all groups; furthermore, it showed a
      positive correlation between pIT and RFA values and between VTW and RFA values
      only in the test group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of an in vitro study,
      the results show that stepped osteotomy can be a viable method to improve implant
      primary stability in low-density bone sites, and that, when a traditional
      osteotomy method is performed, RFA presents no correlation with pIT and VTW.

PMID- 28095513
TI  - Changes in Circulating B Cell Subsets Associated with Aging and Acute SIV
      Infection in Rhesus Macaques.
AB  - Aging and certain viral infections can negatively impact humoral responses in
      humans. To further develop the nonhuman primate (NHP) model for investigating B
      cell dynamics in human aging and infectious disease, a flow cytometric panel was
      developed to characterize circulating rhesus B cell subsets. Significant
      differences between human and macaque B cells included the proportions of cells
      within IgD+ and switched memory populations and a prominent CD21-CD27+ unswitched
      memory population detected only in macaques. We then utilized the expanded panel
      to analyze B cell alterations associated with aging and acute simian
      immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in the NHP model. In the aging study,
      distinct patterns of B cell subset frequencies were observed for macaques aged
      one to five years compared to those between ages 5 and 30 years. In the SIV
      infection study, B cell frequencies and absolute number were dramatically reduced
      following acute infection, but recovered within four weeks of infection.
      Thereafter, the frequencies of activated memory B cells progressively increased;
      these were significantly correlated with the magnitude of SIV-specific IgG
      responses, and coincided with impaired maturation of anti-SIV antibody avidity,
      as previously reported for HIV-1 infection. These observations further validate
      the NHP model for investigation of mechanisms responsible for B cells alterations
      associated with immunosenescence and infectious disease.

PMID- 28095515
TI  - Effects of Ultraviolet Photofunctionalization on Bone Augmentation and
      Integration Capabilities of Titanium Mesh and Implants.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ultraviolet (UV)-mediated photofunctionalization has earned considerable
      attention for the enhancement of the biologic capabilities of titanium. The
      effects of photofunctionalization on bone augmentation and gap closure were
      examined using titanium implants and mesh in a rat femur model. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: An acid-etched titanium implant (4-mm length, 1-mm diameter) was placed
      in the gluteal tuberosity that resembles a knife-edge-like edentulous ridge. The
      lower half of the implant was located in a 2-mm-diameter defect created in the
      bone without cortical bone support; the upper half was exposed and covered with a
      titanium mesh to provide augmentation space. After 12 and 24 days of healing,
      specimens were subjected to microcomputed tomography (micro-CT)- and histology
      based bone morphometry in three zones of analysis: augmentation, cortical bone
      implant gap, and bone marrow. A biomechanical push-in test was performed to
      examine the strength of bone-implant integration. Photofunctionalization was
      performed by treating titanium implants and mesh with UV light for 12 minutes.
      RESULTS: Photofunctionalized titanium mesh and implants were hydrophilic, whereas
      untreated controls were hydrophobic. Bone volume was significantly greater in
      photofunctionalized implants and mesh than in untreated implants in all zones on
      days 12 and 24. Bone-to-implant contact of photofunctionalized implants was
      greater than that of untreated implants, not just in the bone marrow but also in
      the gap and augmented zones. The strength of osseointegration was three times
      greater for photofunctionalized implants than for untreated implants. CONCLUSION:
      Use of photofunctionalized titanium mesh and implants effectively enhanced
      vertical bone augmentation, cortical bone-implant gap closure, and
      osseointegration without innate bone support.

PMID- 28095516
TI  - Effect of Nanofeatured Topography on Ceria-Stabilized Zirconia/Alumina
      Nanocomposite on Osteogenesis and Osseointegration.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic and
      osseointegration capability of the Ce-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP)-based
      nanostructured zirconia/alumina composite (Ce-TZP/Al2O3) that was treated with
      hydrofluoric acid (HF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osteogenic MC3T3-E1 cells were
      cultured on acid-etched titanium (AETi) disks and Ce-TZP/Al2O3 disks without HF
      treatment (Zr[0%]), with 4% HF treatment (Zr[4%]), or with 55% HF treatment
      (Zr[55%]) for 24 hours, and biologic responses were compared among four
      conditions in vitro. Miniature implants of AETi and Zr(55%) were surgically
      placed in the femora of rats. Osseointegration was evaluated by a biomechanical
      push-in test after 2 and 4 weeks of healing. RESULTS: The surface of Zr(55%)
      rendered nanofeatured topography with a greater surface area and roughness, and
      extensive geographical undercut as ceria-zirconia crystal disappeared from the
      superficial layer and was similar to the surface morphology of biomineralized
      matrices. Culture studies showed that the attachment, proliferation, spread, and
      functional phenotypes of osteogenic cells, such as alkaline phosphatase activity
      and bone-related gene expression, were remarkably increased on the Zr(55%)
      surface. The strength of osseointegration measured using the biomechanical push
      in test in a rat model was stronger for Zr(55%) implants than for AETi implants
      by 1.6 fold. CONCLUSION: The nanostructured Ce-TZP/ Al2O3 surface substantially
      enhanced the osteogenic response in vitro and the osseointegration capability in
      vivo, which suggest its potential clinical application as a novel implant
      material.

PMID- 28095517
TI  - Radiographic Evaluation of Crestal Bone Level in Split-Crest and Immediate
      Implant Placement: Minimum 5-Year Follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic bone level changes of
      implants positioned via the split-crest procedure both in the maxilla and
      mandible at a long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients
      were retrospectively enrolled in the study. The placement of 137 dental implants
      was performed in the edentulous premolar or molar region after a split-crest
      ridge expansion procedure. Implants followed a delayed loading protocol.
      Intraoral digital radiographs were performed at baseline, upon implant placement,
      at 70 days (following placement of the provisional prosthesis), and on a yearly
      basis during followup. Crestal bone levels were evaluated at the baseline, upon
      provisional prosthesis placement, at 12, 36, and 60 months, and at the long-term
      follow-up of healing from implant placement. RESULTS: The patients underwent a
      mean follow-up of 6.54 +/- 1.32 years, from which the implant survival rate was
      reported at 98.54%. Within the first year from implant placement, a bone loss
      resulted at a mean value of -1.11 +/- 0.44 mm. After almost 3 years from implant
      placement, a mean bone gain of +0.89 +/- 0.39 mm was reported, which was
      statistically significant compared with 12-month values (P < .05). From this
      point, bone levels remained stable, reporting similar values over time, with no
      significant differences (P > .05). CONCLUSION: A mean vertical bone gain of +0.89
      +/- 0.39 mm was observed after almost 36 months after implant positioning.

PMID- 28095518
TI  - Long-Term Results of Peri-implant Conditions in Periodontally Compromised
      Patients Following Lateral Bone Augmentation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare long-term (>= 5
      years) outcomes of implants placed in patients treated for chronic periodontitis
      versus those placed in periodontally healthy patients. In both groups, the
      implants were placed in alveolar ridges that were laterally augmented with
      autogenous bone block grafts using a split bone block technique. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Two hundred ninety-two patients were screened in the course of
      supportive periodontal treatment examinations. Nonsmoking patients without any
      severe systemic diseases who had adhered to regular supportive periodontal
      treatment for a minimum of 5 years after undergoing autogenous lateral grafting
      (using the split bone block technique), implant placement, and prosthetic
      reconstructions were classified into two groups based on their presurgical
      status: periodontally healthy patients (PHP) and periodontally compromised
      patients (PCP). RESULTS: Clinical outcomes for 77 patients, 38 PHP and 39 PCP,
      were examined. All had been successfully treated for severe lateral atrophy and
      received a total of 241 endosseous implants between 2002 and 2008. At the final
      examination, mean bleeding on probing was 7.08% +/- 7.27% in PHP and 14.49% +/-
      18.14% in PCP, a statistically significant difference. Significantly higher
      Plaque Index and more recession were associated with a narrow (< 2 mm) width of
      keratinized mucosa. CONCLUSION: Implants in alveolar ridges laterally augmented
      using a split bone block technique revealed similar clinical peri-implant
      conditions in both PHP and PCP. Using autogenous bone block grafts without
      biomaterials resulted in long-term peri-implant tissue stability.

PMID- 28095519
TI  - A Clinical Study Assessing the Influence of Anodized Titanium and Zirconium
      Dioxide Abutments and Peri-implant Soft Tissue Thickness on the Optical Outcome
      of Implant-Supported Lithium Disilicate Single Crowns.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the influence of anodized titanium and zirconium dioxide
      abutments and peri-implant soft tissue thickness on the optical outcome of
      implant-supported lithium disilicate single crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty
      patients with a missing maxillary single incisor, canine, or first premolar
      received an endosseous implant after a two-stage surgery protocol. After healing
      and soft tissue conditioning, peri-implant soft tissues were reproduced in the
      impression, and the thickness was measured. Customized abutments were made of
      titanium, gold-anodized titanium, pink-anodized titanium, and zirconium dioxide.
      The definitive prosthesis was a lithium disilicate crown stratified by
      feldsphatic porcelain. Customized abutments were screwed (35 Ncm), and the crown
      was temporarily placed on the abutment with a try-in paste. Color measurements
      were made using a spectrophotometer. CIELab color scale was employed following
      the formula: DeltaE = (DeltaL)2 + (Deltaa) 2 + (Deltab) 2. Data were analyzed
      using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni and Pearson's
      correlation tests (alpha = .05). RESULTS: Abutment material type significantly
      affected the DeltaE values at both the peri-implant soft tissue (P = .0001) and
      coronal level (P = .001). The lowest DeltaE values were obtained with zirconia
      abutments at both soft tissue (6.06 +/- 3.2) and coronal level (5.76 +/- 2.9)
      compared with those of other abutments (soft tissue: 8.96 +/- 3.1 to 11.56 +/-
      3.4; coronal: 8.66 +/- 6.1 to 10.42 +/- 6.3). Mean soft tissue thickness (1.63 +/
      0.64 mm) affected the DeltaE values at the peri-implant soft tissue level for
      only titanium and pink-anodized titanium abutments (P = .024 and P = .048,
      respectively). In all conditions, correlation coefficients between DeltaE and the
      abutment materials were higher for titanium (r = -0.544; P = .024) and the least
      for zirconia (r = -0.313; P = .238) and gold-anodized titanium (r = -0.393; P =
      .119) abutments. CONCLUSION: All abutment types demonstrated noticeable color
      difference at both the soft tissue and coronal levels. Zirconia abutments showed
      the lowest DeltaE values at both measurement zones. Soft tissue thickness did not
      affect the DeltaE values at the peri-implant soft tissue level.

PMID- 28095520
TI  - Dental Implants in the Elderly Population: A Long-Term Follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate implant survival and
      success in the elderly population and to assess indicators and risk factors for
      success or failure of dental implants in older adults (aged 60 years and older).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This historical prospective study was developed from a
      cohort of patients born prior to 1950 who received dental implants in a single
      private dental office. Implant survival and marginal bone levels were recorded
      and analyzed with regard to different patient- and implant-related factors.
      RESULTS: The study examined 245 patient charts and 1,256 implants from one dental
      clinic. The mean age at the time of implant placement was 62.18 +/- 8.6 years.
      Smoking was reported by 9.4% of the cohort studied. The overall survival rate of
      the implants was 92.9%; 7.1% of the implants had failed. Marginal bone loss
      depicted by exposed threads was evident in 23.3% of the implants. Presenting with
      generalized periodontal disease and/or severe periodontal disease negatively
      influenced the survival probability of the implant. Implants placed in areas
      where bone augmentation was performed prior to or during implant surgery did not
      have the same longevity compared with those that did not have augmentation prior
      to implantation. CONCLUSION: The overall findings concluded that implants can be
      successfully placed in older adults. A variety of factors are involved in the
      long-term success of the implant, and special consideration should be taken prior
      to placing implants in older adults to limit the influence of those risk factors.

PMID- 28095521
TI  - Evaluation of Ultrashort and Longer Implants with Microrough Surfaces: Results of
      a 24- to 36-Month Prospective Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to establish if ultrashort
      implants are a reliable therapeutic solution by evaluating their effect on mean
      crestal bone loss and assessing their survival and success rates. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients were treated using 6-, 9-, and 11-mm-long implants with
      sandblasted and acid-etched surfaces and fitted with fixed partial prostheses.
      Clinical and radiographic examinations were scheduled yearly. Data collected
      included the implant positioning site, implant length and diameter, peri-implant
      bone loss (PBL), and clinical and anatomical C/I ratios. RESULTS: One hundred
      eleven implants (6-mm-long, 30.6%) were positioned; two implants were lost before
      loading. During the 36-month followup, no other implants were lost (98.2%
      survival rate, 100% from loading), but four implants did not meet the criteria
      for success, due to excessive crestal bone loss, resulting in a 94.6% success
      rate, 96.3% from loading. Success rates and peri-implant bone loss were not
      significantly different among implants with different lengths. No correlation was
      observed between implant length and bone resorption. CONCLUSION: Six-millimeter
      long implants did not show different results in comparison with 9- and 11-mm-long
      implants. They can be considered a reliable solution for implant prosthetic
      rehabilitation and a dependable and minimally invasive therapeutic option in
      areas showing severe bone resorption.

PMID- 28095522
TI  - Correlation Between Resonance Frequency Analysis and Bone Quality Assessments at
      Dental Implant Recipient Sites.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether primary implant stability could be used to predict
      bone quality, the association between the implant stability quotient (ISQ) value
      and the bone type at the implant site was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Ninety-five implant sites in 50 patients were included. Bone type (categorized by
      Lekholm and Zarb) at the implant site was initially assessed using presurgical
      dental radiography. During the preparation of the implant site, a bone core
      specimen was carefully obtained. The bone type was assessed by tactile sensation
      during the drilling operation, according to the Misch criteria. The primary
      stability of the inserted implant was evaluated by resonance frequency analysis
      (RFA). The ISQ value was recorded. The bone core specimen was then examined by
      stereomicroscopy or microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and the bone type was
      determined by the surface characteristics of the specimen, based on Lekholm and
      Zarb classification. Agreement between the bone quality assessed by the four
      methods (ie, presurgical radiography, tactile sensation, stereomicroscopy, and
      micro-CT) was tested by Cohen's kappa statistics, whereas the association between
      the ISQ value and the bone type was evaluated by the generalized linear
      regression model. RESULTS: The mean ISQ score was 72.6, and the score was
      significantly influenced by the maxillary or mandibular arch (P = .001). The bone
      type at the implant sites varied according to the assessment method. However, a
      significant influence of the arch was repeatedly noted when using radiography or
      tactile sensation. Among the four bone-quality assessment methods, a weak
      agreement existed only between stereomicroscopy and micro-CT, especially in the
      maxilla (kappa = 0.469). A negative association between the ISQ value and the
      bone type assessed by stereomicroscopy or by micro-CT was significant in the
      maxilla, but not in the mandible, after adjustments for sex, age, and right/left
      side (P = .013 and P = .027 for stereomicroscopy and micro-CT, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: The ISQ value was weakly associated with the bone type when assessed
      by stereomicroscopy or micro-CT in the maxilla. Caution is necessary if RFA is
      used as a tool to evaluate bone quality at the implant site, especially in the
      mandible.

PMID- 28095523
TI  - Effects of Titanium Surface Microtopography and Simvastatin on Growth and
      Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Estrogen-Deprived
      Cell Culture.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of titanium surface
      topography and simvastatin on growth and osteogenic differentiation of human bone
      marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) in estrogen-deprived (ED) cell culture. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Human BMSCs were seeded on cell culture plates, smooth-surface
      titanium (Ti) disks, and sandblasted with large grits and acid etched (SLA)
      surface Ti disks; and subsequently cultured in regular (fetal bovine serum
      [FBS]), ED, and ED-with 100 nM simvastatin (ED-SIM) culture media for 14 to 21
      days. Live/dead cell staining, scanning electron microscope examination, and cell
      viability assay were performed to determine cell attachment, morphology, and
      growth. Expression levels of osteoblast-associated genes, Runx2 and bone
      sialoprotein and levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium content,
      and osteocalcin in culture media were measured to determine osteoblastic
      differentiation. Expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) were
      investigated to examine stimulating effects of simvastatin (n = 4 to 5, mean +/-
      SD). In vitro mineralization was verified by calcein staining. RESULTS: Human
      BMSCs exhibited different attachment and shapes on smooth and SLA titanium
      surfaces. Estrogen-deprived cell culture decreased cell attachment and growth,
      particularly on the SLA titanium surface, but cells were able to grow to reach
      confluence on day 21 in the ED-osteogenic (OS) culture medium. Promoting effects
      of the SLA titanium surface in ED-OS were significantly decreased. Simvastatin
      significantly increased osteogenic differentiation of human BMSCs on the SLA
      titanium surface in the ED-OS medium, and the promoting effects of simvastatin
      corresponded with the increasing of BMP-2 gene expression on the SLA titanium
      surface in ED-OS-SIM culture medium. CONCLUSION: The ED cell culture model
      provided a well-defined platform for investigating the effects of hormones and
      growth factors on cells and titanium surface interaction. Titanium, the SLA
      surface, and simvastatin synergistically promoted osteoblastic differentiation of
      hBMSCs in ED condition and might be useful to promote osteointegration in
      osteoporotic bone.

PMID- 28095524
TI  - Combination of Collagen Barrier Membrane with Enamel Matrix Derivative-Liquid
      Improves Osteoblast Adhesion and Differentiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Collagen barrier membranes were first introduced to regenerative
      periodontal and oral surgery to prevent fast ingrowing soft tissues (ie,
      epithelium and connective tissue) into the defect space. More recent attempts
      have aimed at combining collagen membranes with various biologics/growth factors
      to speed up the healing process and improve the quality of regenerated tissues.
      Recently, a new formulation of enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier
      system (Osteogain) has demonstrated improved physico-chemical properties for the
      adsorption of enamel matrix derivative to facilitate protein adsorption to
      biomaterials. The aim of this pioneering study was to investigate the use of
      enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system in combination with collagen
      barrier membranes for its ability to promote osteoblast cell behavior in vitro.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Undifferentiated mouse ST2 stromal bone marrow cells were
      seeded onto porcine-derived collagen membranes alone (control) or porcine
      membranes + enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system. Control and
      enamel matrix derivative-coated membranes were compared for cell recruitment and
      cell adhesion at 8 hours; cell proliferation at 1, 3, and 5 days; and real-time
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at 3 and 14 days for genes encoding Runx2,
      collagen1alpha2, alkaline phosphatase, and bone sialoprotein. Furthermore,
      alizarin red staining was used to investigate mineralization. RESULTS: A
      significant increase in cell adhesion was observed at 8 hours for barrier
      membranes coated with enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system,
      whereas no significant difference could be observed for cell proliferation or
      cell recruitment. Enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system
      significantly increased alkaline phosphatase mRNA levels 2.5-fold and
      collagen1alpha2 levels 1.7-fold at 3 days, as well as bone sialoprotein levels
      twofold at 14 days postseeding. Furthermore, collagen membranes coated with
      enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system demonstrated a sixfold
      increase in alizarin red staining at 14 days when compared with collagen membrane
      alone. CONCLUSION: The combination of enamel matrix derivative in a liquid
      carrier system with a barrier membrane significantly increased cell attachment,
      differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblasts in vitro. Future animal
      testing is required to fully characterize the additional benefits of combining
      enamel matrix derivative in a liquid carrier system with a barrier membrane for
      guided bone or tissue regeneration.

PMID- 28095525
TI  - Mechanism and Clinical Properties of StemBios Cell Therapy: Induction of Early
      Osseointegration in Novel Dental Implants.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine early bone tissue healing in dental implants incorporating
      StemBios cell therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SLAffinity samples were examined by
      scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The clinical trial
      comprised 11 patients, who each received a dental implant in the mandible. Only
      one of these 11 patients received StemBios cell therapy in combination with the
      dental implant. The patients continued to be observed over a 4-month period after
      implantation using computed tomography and resonance frequency analysis. RESULTS:
      It was found that StemBios cell therapy promoted bone tissue healing in the case
      of the treated dental implant. The data indicated that stress altered more
      smoothly and declined faster in the patient who received the StemBios cell
      therapy than those without StemBios cell therapy over 4 months. CONCLUSION: A
      dental implant with SLAffinity surface treatment, in combination with StemBios
      cell therapy, significantly promoted bone tissue healing, especially at early
      osseointegration compared with that of implants without StemBios cell therapy
      when monitored over a 4-month period.

PMID- 28095526
TI  - Effects of Platform-Switching on Peri-implant Soft and Hard Tissue Outcomes: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at evaluating the
      longitudinal effect of platform switching on implant survival rates as well as on
      soft and hard tissue outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search of the
      databases of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, PubMed, Ovid
      (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Collaboration Library was
      conducted in February 2015. Studies published in English with at least 10 human
      participants and a 12-month post-loading follow-up were included. Random effects
      meta-analyses of selected studies were applied to compare the primary and
      secondary outcomes of platform-switched (PS) and regular-platform (RP) implants,
      as well as the experimental designs and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 26
      studies involving 1,511 PS implants and 1,123 RP implants were evaluated.
      Compared to RP implants, PS implants showed a slight increase in vertical
      marginal bone loss (VMBL) and pocket depth reduction (weighted mean differences
      were -0.23 mm and -0.20 mm, respectively). The PS implants had a mean VMBL of
      0.36 +/- 0.15 mm within the first year of service. The meta-regression suggested
      a trend of decreased bone resorption at sites with thick soft tissues at
      baseline. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that platform switching may have an
      indirect protective effect on implant hard tissue outcomes.

PMID- 28095527
TI  - Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients with Immediately Loaded
      Mandibular Overdentures Supported by One or Two Dental Implants: Results of a 5
      Year Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction and
      clinical outcomes among subjects with mandibular overdentures supported by one or
      two immediately placed dental implants 5 years after loading. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-six subjects (16 men and 20 women) received one or two dental
      implants in the anterior mandible, and all implants were loaded the day of
      surgery. Subjects were scheduled for follow-up 3-, 6-, and 12 months after
      implant placement and thereafter annually for 4 more years. Patient satisfaction
      scores were measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile-EDENT (OHIPEDENT)
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventeen subjects (7 male and 10 female) with a mean age
      of 59.4 years (range, 44 to 74 years) were available for the 5-year follow-up
      examination. Nine subjects with 10 failing implants were excluded during the
      first year and nine subjects were lost to follow-up. No implants failed between
      the 12- and 60-month follow-up examinations, and the need for denture maintenance
      was low. Mean peri-implant bone change was 0.92 mm, and the Spearman test failed
      to show correlation between the insertion torque value and implant stability
      quotient. Patient satisfaction scores increased significantly when compared with
      baseline values and continued to be high for both groups, with no significant
      differences. CONCLUSION: Ten implants in nine subjects failed early, but no
      failures were observed after the 12-month examination. No significant differences
      were found between subjects in the two groups with respect to implant survival
      rates and peri-implant bone loss, and patient satisfaction scores continued to be
      high. Although patient satisfaction and implant success were high during the 12-
      to 60-month period, the results should be interpreted with caution because of the
      high number of failing implants and patients lost to follow-up. More research is
      needed to study outcomes of treatment with immediately loaded mandibular implant
      overdentures.

PMID- 28095528
TI  - The Role of Cutaneous Microbiota Harmony in Maintaining a Functional Skin
      Barrier.
AB  - The skin is constantly exposed to various endogenous and exogenous factors that
      may impact its barrier function at the physical, mechanical, immunological, and
      microbial levels. These factors have the potential to initiate or exacerbate a
      variety of inflammatory skin conditions, especially those associated with barrier
      dysfunction. The barrier function of the skin depends upon a symbiotic
      relationship between resident microbial communities and host tissue. This
      symbiosis results from complex signals involved in both the innate and adaptive
      immune responses. Recent research indicates that both bacterial diversity and the
      relative abundance of different microbes present on and in the skin, may
      contribute to skin barrier stability or dysfunction. The objectives of this
      review are to discuss the relationship between the skin microbiota and skin
      barrier function and to consider mechanisms that may help its preservation. <em>J
      Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1):12-18.</em>.

PMID- 28095529
TI  - Open-Label Study Evaluating the Anti-Aging Effects of a 3-Product, 2-Step Retinol
      Rejuvenation System Following 3 Months of Treatment in Subjects With Photodamage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Photodamage to the skin occurs with exposure to sunlight (UVA or UVB)
      either intentionally or unintentionally, and can present in a variety of ways. It
      typically occurs on areas of chronic UV exposure, including the face, ears, and
      neck. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of a 3-product, 2-step retinol
      rejuvenation system containing an exfoliating cleanser, a 0.5% retinol emollient
      cream, and SPF 30 moisturizing sunscreen used daily for 3 months on the
      appearance of mild-to-moderate facial photodamage in female subjects. RESULTS:
      Significant improvements in facial appearance could be observed as early as 2
      weeks, with continued improvement over the duration of the study. There were no
      adverse events reported that were related to study product and reports of
      cutaneous tolerability issues were rare. CONCLUSIONS: A 3-product, 2-step retinol
      rejuvenation system provides significant improvements in signs of photodamage and
      overall skin appearance, and is well-tolerated. <em>J Drugs Dermatol.
      2017;16(1):23-28.</em>.

PMID- 28095530
TI  - The Anti-Aging Effects of Low Oxygen Tension Generated Multipotent Growth Factor
      Containing Serum.
AB  - Growth factors are a new category of ingredient found in modern cosmeceutical
      formulations. One novel method of obtaining cosmeceutical growth factors is the
      use of a bioreactor to culture neonatal broblasts on dextran microcarrier beads
      for 8 weeks under low oxygen tension (1-5%) mimicking embryonic conditions and
      eliminating the need for fetal bovine serum constituents in the final cosmetic
      material. This research evaluated the ingredient in a moisturizing vehicle on 40
      females to determine its efficacy in improving overall facial skin appearance, as
      well as skin brightness, evenness, firmness, pore size, radiance, fine lines,
      coarse wrinkles, and blotchiness/ dispigmentation. Statistically significant
      improvement was seen in 90 days in skin hydration through corneometry, as well in
      global investigator and subject assessments. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1):30
      34.</em>.

PMID- 28095531
TI  - Future Applications of Deoxycholic Acid in Body Contouring.
AB  - Deoxycholic acid (KybellaTM, Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Irvine, CA) is a novel
      injectable treatment used for the cosmetic reduction of redundant submental fat.
      By inducing adipose cell lysis, the soft tissue alteration induces subsequent
      contour change and sharpening of the cervicomental angle.The safety and efficacy
      have been well established in several prospective clinical trials and subsequent
      FDA approval for this purpose. This has provided an effective and less invasive
      alternative to surgical liposuction with virtually no recovery time and less
      overall discomfort. Given its success for use in this context, a logical step
      would be to extrapolate to other regions of the body where cosmetic deformity is
      caused by excessive adipose tissue. In the current article, the authors propose
      potential options for further use in various targeted areas where subcutaneous
      fat may be amenable to reduction with deoxycholic acid injection, understanding
      that such uses would be off-label and require an understanding of the regional
      anatomy and possible complications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1):43-46.

PMID- 28095532
TI  - 1060 nm Diode Hyperthermic Laser Lipolysis:The Latest in Non-Invasive Body
      Contouring.
AB  - Non-invasive body contouring is becoming increasingly popular in the United
      States. Using the 1060 nm diode laser to achieve hyperthermic temperatures within
      the adipose tissue with subsequent lipolysis is one of the most recent
      advancements in this field and is the first of its kind. This wavelength was
      carefully chosen to effectively target the unwanted adipocytes while sparing the
      overlying skin and adnexae. Appreciable results are achieved after a single
      treatment, and these results are comparable to other non-invasive technologies.
      The 25-minute procedure is well tolerated among patients, with no downtime
      required. This versatile system allows for treatment of multiple body sites,
      which can be customized for a particular patient's needs. Herein, we discuss in
      detail the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of 1060 nm diode
      hyperthermic laser lipolysis. Amongst the various body contouring modalities
      available today, the 1060 nm diode hyperthermic laser is a worthy addition
      providing a safe, quick, and effective non-invasive fat reduction option for
      patients. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1):48-52.</em>.

PMID- 28095533
TI  - Neck Contouring and Treatment of Submental Adiposity.
AB  - There have been many recent and significant innovations to the cosmetic
      physician's repertoire for addressing excess submental fat and improving
      patients' neck contour. These new techniques include submental cryolipolysis,
      injectable chemical lipolysis, percutaneous radiofrequency, laser techniques, and
      liposuction with or without laser or power assistance. These modalities range
      from completely non-invasive to surgical procedures. Each technique has its own
      unique advantages, and limitations and as such, aesthetic practitioners should be
      familiar with the various indications to use each technique. Additionally, cost
      to the practice and patient are similarly varied across the different techniques.
      By increasing familiarity with the new procedures addressed herein, practices can
      better present a diverse range of treatment options for excess submental fat and
      neck fullness to the cosmetic patient. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1):54
      57.</em>.

PMID- 28095534
TI  - An Anatomical Approach to Evaluating and Treating Cellulite.
AB  - Cellulite is the common rippling or dimpling of skin of the thighs and buttocks
      of women, formed from a confluence of skin laxity, tethering fibrous septa, and
      fat herniation. We describe an anatomical approach to evaluating the cellulite
      patient and selecting the best treatment from among available non-invasive,
      minimally invasive, and invasive therapies. It is crucial to consider the anatomy
      of the patient and the morphology of cellulite while choosing a treatment.
      Diffuse rippling represents increased adiposity and/or increased skin laxity
      which may stand to benefit from lipolytic and skin tightening modalities.
      Dimpling represents tethering by fibrous septa which may stand to improve from
      subcision by minimally invasive devices such as Cell na. Patients with both
      morphologies may be treated with a combination of treatments or Cellulaze.
      Careful evaluation of the patient can help identify the best therapeutic
      strategy. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1):58-61.</em>.

PMID- 28095535
TI  - A Systematic Review of Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) Post-Cryolipolysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Body sculpting, or body contouring, is among the fastest growing
      areas in cosmetic dermatology. Cryolipolysis, or "fat freezing," was FDA-cleared
      (CoolSculpting System, ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Pleasanton, CA) initially in 2010 for
      fat removal of the anks, and subsequently received FDA-clearance for other
      anatomical locations. Over the past several years, there have been increasing
      published reports and physician discussion regarding paradoxical adipose
      hyperplasia (PAH) post-cryolipolysis, previously identified as a "rare" adverse
      effect. OBJECTIVE: To review published reports of PAH post-cryolipolysis, expand
      on previously proposed hypothesis of PAH, and provide rec- ommendations for
      prevention and treatment of PAH. METHODS AND MATERIALS: On July 26, 2016, we
      systematically searched the computerized medical bibliographic databases PubMed,
      EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL with the search term "cryolipolysis." RESULTS:
      A total of 314 records were returned from our search terms and 10 records were
      found to be suitable for our review. We identi- ed a total of 16 cases of PAH
      post-cryolipolysis in the published literature. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the
      published literature, we identi ed that the current incidence of PAH may be
      higher than previously re- ported. Although the pathoetiology of PAH is currently
      unknown, we hypothesize that some adipocytes may be "naturally selected" for
      survival due to their inherent tolerance to cryolipolysis. We believe that while
      cryolipolysis is an effective non-invasive treatment option for body contouring,
      physicians and patients should be aware of PAH as a potential adverse effect and
      treatment options. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1):62-67.</em>.

PMID- 28095536
TI  - Improved Neocollagenesis and Skin Mechanical Properties After Injection of
      Diluted Calcium Hydroxylapatite in the Neck and Decolletage:A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA; Radiesse (R)) provides safe and
      effective correction of moderate-to-deep lines, volume replacement, lift and
      contour, and induction of neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis for improved skin
      quality. CaHA hyperdilution takes advantage of its skin-tightening properties
      without a volumizing effect. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the collagen- and elastin
      stimulating effects of diluted CaHA in subjects with skin laxity in the neck and
      decolletage. METHODS: Twenty subjects with skin laxity in the neck and
      decolletage received multiple, linear, subdermal injections of CaHA diluted with
      preserved saline at baseline and 4 months: 1:2 dilution (normal skin), 1:4
      dilution (thin skin), and 1:6 dilution (atrophic skin). Subjects also received
      deep subdermal injection of CaHA (~0.1 ml) of the same dilution in the peri
      auricular area for skin biopsy. Biopsy tissue was obtained at baseline, 4 months,
      and 7 months for immunohistochemical evaluation of neocollagenesis. Changes to
      skin mechanical properties were measured by ultrasound scanning and cutometry.
      Subject and investigator satisfaction was evaluated using the Global Aesthetic
      Improvement Scale. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis of biopsy tissue
      demonstrated signi cant increases in collagen I expression at 4 months (P less
      than 0.05) and 7 months (P less than 0.00001) compared with baseline. Increases
      in collagen III levels were also significant at 4 months (P less than 0.00001);
      they declined by 7 months but remained above baseline. Staining for elastin and
      angiogenesis signi cantly increased at 4 months (P less than 0.05 and P less than
      0.01, respectively) and 7 months (P less than 0.00001 for both) compared with
      baseline. Immunohistochemical data correlated with improvements in skin
      elasticity and pliability evaluated by cutometry, and with ultrasound-assessed
      increases in dermal thickness. Subject and investigator satisfaction was high,
      and the procedure was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Injection of diluted CaHA is
      very effective for skin tightening of the neck and decolletage. <em>J Drugs
      Dermatol. 2017;16(1):68-74.</em>.

PMID- 28095537
TI  - Spotlight on the Use of Nitric Oxide in Dermatology: What Is It? What Does It Do?
      Can It Become an Important Addition to the Therapeutic Armamentarium for Skin
      Disease?
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is a diatomic gas that is synthesized within and released by
      multiple host cell types functioning to provide a variety of physiologic and
      homeostatic effects. Nitric oxide exhibits a variety of effects that relate
      significantly with outcomes that can provide therapeutic benefit if properly
      formulated and released. These include anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory,
      antimicrobial, vasodilatory properties, and effects that are beneficial to wound
      healing. Lack of antibiotic resistance appears to be one major advantage of
      topically delivered NO. A specific topical formulation of NO has been developed
      that has been shown thus far in clinical studies to exhibit favorable efficacy
      and safety. This article provides a thorough review of the biologic effects of
      NO, discusses modes of action and potential pharmacologic benefits, and reviews
      currently available clinical data for acne. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1 Suppl
      1):s4-10.

PMID- 28095538
TI  - Exogenous Factors in Skin Barrier Repair.
AB  - The stratum corneum (SC) is the skin's outermost layer and serves the primary
      function of acting as a shield to keep foreign matter out and to essential
      elements, such as moisture and water, in. Maintenance of this skin barrier is
      crucial to healthy functioning skin. A damaged or diseased skin barrier is
      vulnerable to infection, irritants, and allergens. The cornerstone of skin
      barrier regulation and repair is through the use of moisturizers. While
      healthcare providers and patients may underestimate the importance of
      moisturizers due to their lack of active ingredients, the benefit of a well
      planned moisturizer regimen for skin barrier regulation should not be discounted.
      Dermatologists should be comfortable prescribing and educating about over-the
      counter moisturizers to patients with skin barrier is- sues. A general
      understanding of basic moisturizer ingredients and formulations will aid the
      dermatologist in providing a personalized moisturizer regimen to their patients.
      <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1289-1294.</em>.

PMID- 28095539
TI  - A Proposed Method for Upper Eyelid and Infrabrow Tightening Using a
      Transcutaneous Temperature Controlled Radiofrequency Device With Opaque Plastic
      Eye Shields.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laxity of the eyelid and periorbital area, a common manifestation of
      aging, is usually addressed via blepharoplasty and/ or fat transfer. Given the
      trend toward safer, less invasive treatments preferred by those patients reticent
      to undergo more invasive procedures, viable alternatives have been sought.
      Transcutaneous temperature controlled radiofrequency (TTCRF) integrates non-
      invasive super cial RF treatment with automatic temperature feedback control of
      energy deposition, as a stimulator of overall collagen remodeling; however, the
      globe of the eye is particularly sensitive to RF energy. The purpose of the study
      was to propose a method by which TTCRF and other non-ablative modalities could be
      used to treat eyelid and infrabrow laxity, with autoclavable opaque black haptic
      scleral contact lenses protecting the globe of the eye. METHODS: Subjects (n=40,
      36 women and 4 men, age range, 33-72) with mild to moderate laxity of the eyelid
      and infrabrow were treated with TTCRF using black plastic eye shields
      (Oculoplastik, Montreal, Quebec, Canada) to protect the globe of the eye from
      heat and RF energy. With the shields in place subjects were treated with the 10
      mm small monopolar emitter of the ThermiSmooth device (Thermi, Irving, Tex.),
      using small circular looping motions to safely elevate the temperature of target
      tissue to the therapeutically rel- evant range for approximately 6 minutes;
      tissue temperature was measured in real time using the device's forward-looking
      infrared imaging. RESULTS: No major adverse events were recorded. Treatment was
      safe and tolerable for all subjects. CONCLUSION: The use of autoclavable opaque
      black plastic eye shields provides a safe method of treating the upper eye lid
      and infrabrow using TTCRF. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1302-1305.</em>.

PMID- 28095540
TI  - Multi-Center Pilot Study to Evaluate the Safety Profile of High Energy
      Fractionated Radiofrequency With Insulated Microneedles to Multiple Levels of the
      Dermis.
AB  - In this multi-center pilot study, the safety pro le of high intensity focused
      radiofrequency (RF) delivered to the dermis was evaluated for safety in the
      treatment of the aging neck and face. A newly designed insulated microneedle
      system delivers a signi cant coagulative thermal injury into the dermis while
      sparing the epidermis from RF injury. Thirty- ve healthy subjects from seven
      aesthetic practices were evaluated, and data from each were incorporated in this
      case report. The subjects received a single treatment using settings that
      delivered the highest RF energies suggested from the new recommended protocols.
      The depth of thermal delivery was adjusted before each pass and all subjects
      received a minimum of two to three passes to the treated areas. Before and after
      photographs along with adverse effects were recorded. This case report
      demonstrates the ability to deliver significant RF thermal injury to several
      layers of the dermis with insulated microneedles safely with little injury to the
      epidermis and minimum downtime.

PMID- 28095541
TI  - Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment, CO<sub>2</sub>
      Ablative Fractional Resurfacing, and Combined Treatment for Surgical Scar
      Clearance.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Surgical scars are an unwanted sequela following surgical
      procedures. Several different treatment modalities and approaches are currently
      being employed to improve the cosmesis of surgical scars with each having varying
      degrees of success. The objective of this study was to assess the ef cacy and
      safety pulsed dye laser treatment, CO2 ablative fractional resurfacing, and a
      combined treatment with these two modalities for the cosmetic improvement of
      surgical scarring that occurred following the surgical removal of skin cancer
      from different anatomic areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with
      surgical scarring most frequently on the face following recent surgical excision
      of skin cancer with Mohs surgery were included in this multicenter, prospective
      clinical study. Patients were randomized into 4 treatment arms, namely, pulsed
      dye laser alone, CO2 laser alone, a combined treatment with these two modalities,
      and CO2 ablative fractional resurfacing on the same day of surgery to half of the
      scar, followed by a combined treatment with the two modalities to that half of
      the scar. Patients in each study arm received a total of 3-4 treatments, while
      those patients in Arm 4 underwent an additional treatment with CO2 laser
      immediately after surgery. Patients were followed up at 1 and 3 months after the
      final treatment session. RESULTS: No adverse events were seen. Significant
      improvements in the appearance of scars were achieved in all study arms, as as-
      sessed by the Vancouver Scar Scale and Global Evaluation Response scales, with
      the best clinical outcomes seen in those scars that underwent a combination
      treatment. All patients reported very high satisfaction from treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Both pulsed dye laser treatment and CO2 ablative fractional
      resurfacing, when used as a monotherapy, are safe and effective in the treatment
      and improvement of recent surgical scarring. When both of these modalities are
      used in combination, however, they appear to potentially have a synergistic
      effect and an accelerated outcome on the cosmesis of recent surgical scars. <em>J
      Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1315-1319.</em>.

PMID- 28095542
TI  - The Two Faces of Fractionated Photodynamic Therapy: Increasing Efficacy With
      Light Fractionation or Adjuvant Use of Fractional Laser Technology.
AB  - "Fractionated photodynamic therapy (PDT)" is a new term being used by
      dermatologists to describe advances in PDT technology including fractionated
      light or the adjuvant use of fractional lasers. Although dermatologists have used
      PDT since the early 1990s for the treatment of photodamage and precancerous
      lesions, newer developments in technology have allowed for the treatment of non
      melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), in ammatory disorders, and even uses in the eld of
      anti-aging. Recent developments in fractionated light therapy have allowed for
      PDT with dark intervals and two-fold illumination schemes to increase cellular
      damage and apoptosis. Combining PDT with fractional laser technology has allowed
      for enhanced dermal penetration of topical photosensitizers including 5
      aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and methyl aminolevulinate (MAL), as well as increased
      ef cacy of treatment. These advances in PDT technology will allow for increased
      convenience, decreased treatment time, only one application of topical
      photosensitizer, and decreased cost to the patient and dermatologist. <em>J Drugs
      Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1324-1328.</em>.

PMID- 28095543
TI  - Clinical Evaluation of Hair Removal Using an 810 nm Diode Laser With a Novel
      Scanning Device.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diode lasers are often considered as the gold standard preference
      for hair removal due to the deep penetration and ef- fective targeting of the
      hair follicle. A wide variety of diode lasers are available, which can differ in
      terms of their parameters (such as fluence, pulse duration, repetition rate,
      scanner, and cooling). OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the
      safety and ef cacy of hair removal with an 810 nm novel scanning diode laser, up
      to six months after last treatment. METHODS: A scanning 810 nm diode laser was
      used for axillary hair removal of 14 female patients who received 3 treatments, 4
      6 weeks apart. Follow-up on hair count was conducted 3 and 6 months after last
      treatment and compared to baseline hair count. RESULTS: No unexpected or signi
      cant adverse events were recorded. An average hair count reduction of 72.8% after
      3 months and 67.6% 6 months after the last treatment is demonstrated.
      CONCLUSIONS: The examined 810 nm diode laser was proven to be safe and effective
      for hair removal. Results were sustained for 6 months after last treatment.
      Longer follow-up data are followed for further substantiation of the clinical
      effect. Scanning technology can provide for potentially faster and safer
      treatments. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1330-1333.</em>.

PMID- 28095544
TI  - A Split-Face Assessment of the Synergistic Potential of Sequential Q-Switched
      Nd:YAG Laser and 1565 nm Fractional Nonablative Laser Treatment for Facial
      Rejuvenation in Fitzpatrick Skin Type II-V Patients.
AB  - Recent appreciation of the multifactorial pathophysiology of skin aging has led
      to increased use of parallel treatment regimens. This prospective, split-face,
      randomized study assessed the safety and efficacy of same-day sequential Q
      switched Nd:YAG laser and 1565 nm non-ablative fractional laser (SST) facial
      rejuvenation treatment in comparison to fractional non-ablative laser (NAFL)
      treatment only. Seventeen patients underwent three treatment sessions, conducted
      at 4-6-week intervals, in which SST treatment was delivered on a randomly
      selected side of the face followed by NAFL treatment on the contralateral side
      immediately thereafter. Immediate skin responses were assessed within 30 minutes
      of treatment, while wrinkle/elastosis scores, and skin tone and texture were
      evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months following the final treatment session. While SST and
      NAFL proved equally safe, SST was associated with signi cantly lower pain scores
      in all three treatment sessions. Both treatment regimens yielded signi cant
      improvements in wrinkle/elastosis scores, which were maintained throughout the 6
      months of follow up. Physician-evaluated skin tone and patient ratings of skin
      texture and overall improvement of the SST-treated side were consistently higher
      than the contralateral NAFL-treated side. Histological analysis suggested a
      broader effect, alongside sparing of the outermost epidermal layer with the SST
      versus NAFL treatment. Although the SST regimen failed to demonstrate
      statistically signi cant clinical superiority over the NAFL regimen, the
      significantly lower pain levels, consistently higher physician and patient
      ratings following SST may justify its regular use as a skin rejuvenation
      technique. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1335-1342.</em>.

PMID- 28095545
TI  - Real-time, High-resolution, In Vivo Characterization of Superficial Skin With
      Microscopy Using Ultraviolet Surface Excitation (MUSE).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Skin care products make up the largest part (36%) of the cosmetic
      market globally, of which the United States plays the largest role. In 2015,
      approximately 115 billion USD was spent globally on skin care products. Skin care
      products, in contradistinction to pharmaceuticals, are not strictly regulated by
      the FDA. A key factor for evaluation of a skin care product or topical drug is
      skin barrier function and effect on super cial skin. Thus, it is critical to have
      quantitative and qualitative methods to study the effects of skin care products
      on skin barrier and the super cial skin. Currently, no imaging method exists that
      can evaluate and track super cial skin changes visually in real-time. OBJECTIVE:
      To report using a novel imaging modality, Microscopy using Ultraviolet Surface
      Excitation (MUSE), to provide real-time, high- resolution, in vivo
      characterization of super cial skin and moisturizing properties of topical
      moisturizer, and to highlight key bene ts of using MUSE to visualize the super
      cial skin and serve as an excellent complementary tool to current quantitative
      methods. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The methodology of MUSE is based upon two main
      principles inherent to ultraviolet (UV) light and uorescent staining agents. In
      this study, the author's (JJ) index ngertip was imaged using the MUSE instrument
      without and with moisturizer. RESULTS: Dermatoglyphics of the fingertip consists
      of ridges (cristae super ciales) and grooves (sulci super ciales) proved to be
      straightforward to visualize at high resolution. Desquamation of superficial
      corneocytes and opening of an acrosyringium (the most superficial portion of
      eccrine ducts) were visualized in high-resolution. Post-application of a
      moisturizer, a uniform layer of moisturizer could be seen superficial to the
      corneocytes along the ridges and CONCLUSIONS: Real-time, high-resolution, in vivo
      characterization of super cial skin and moisturizing properties of moisturizer
      using MUSE is feasible. Its utility can be enhanced with downstream
      quantification using imaging software. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1344
      1346.</em>.

PMID- 28095546
TI  - Comparison of the Cutaneous Thermal Signatures Over Twenty-Four Hours With a
      Picosecond Alexandrite Laser Using a Flat or Fractional Optic.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study explored immediate heat signatures with different
      passing techniques and the delayed thermal data points with the picosecond
      Alexandrite laser with the 6mm at and fractional optic during and after
      treatment. We sought to clarify the im- mediate effects of heating and understand
      the thermal and short term clinical difference when using these optics. RESULTS:
      There were no immediate differences or a signi cant temperature rise with
      different passing techniques using the at or the fractional optic. However, after
      treatments a signi cant temperature elevation over 24 hours with manageable
      erythema was noted with the fractional optic. Only faint redness was appreciated
      with the at optic. CONCLUSION: The different passing methods with these optics
      did not result in a significant thermal change. However, the fractional optic
      produces a localized area of epidermal necrosis which results in a significant
      clinical and a delayed thermal effect. With multiple treatments over time,
      collagen, elastic tissue, and mucin is produced resulting in improvement of acne
      scars and photo-damaged skin. This process suggests that a well-placed epidermal
      injury can stimulate an inflammatory cascade with dermal remodeling. <em>J Drugs
      Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1347-1352.</em>.

PMID- 28095547
TI  - Prospective Internally Controlled Blind Reviewed Clinical Evaluation of
      Cryolipolysis Combined With Multipolar Radiofrequency andVaripulseTechnology for
      Enhanced Subject Results in Circumferential Fat Reduction and Skin Laxity of the
      Flanks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing demand for non-invasive skin tightening and body
      contouring procedures has led to several technological in- novations in energy
      based devices such as ultrasound, radiofrequency and cryolipolysis. An emerging
      trend in the eld is to evaluate whether combination therapies for skin
      laxity/body contouring using energy-based devices can deliver superior clinical
      results and patient satisfaction. As such, the objective of this prospective,
      internal-controlled, blind clinical study was to assess the safety and efficacy
      of cryolipolysis followed by multipolar radiofrequency with pulsed
      electromagnetic elds (PEMF) and adjustable pulsed suction for the treatment of
      skin laxity in the flanks. METHODS: Ten subjects with focal adiposities in the
      anks were enrolled in the study. All subjects received one session of
      cryolipolysis treatment and after randomization received two sessions of
      radiofrequency with PEMF (spaced two weeks apart), followed by another two
      sessions of radiofrequency with PEMF and adjustable pulsed suction (spaced two
      weeks apart). Clinical photography was used to monitor the subject's results at
      baseline, one week, three, and six months post treatment. Blinded reviewers and
      the treating inves- tigator assessed the clinical outcomes using the Global
      Aesthetic Improvement (GAI) scale. Side effects were recorded at every visit and
      patient satisfaction was noted at the one week, three and six-month follow-up
      using a 5-scale subject satisfaction assessment questionnaire. RESULTS: Analysis
      of the blinded investigator ratings demonstrated statistical significant enhanced
      skin laxity mean improvement of 1 grade on the GAI scale in subject treated with
      the combination treatment (cryolipolysis+RF/PEMF/suction) compared with the
      cryolipolysis treatment alone. The unblinded investigator GAI ratings also showed
      enhanced (20%) mean improvement of laxity in the combination treated subjects
      versus those receiving cryolipolysis alone. Over half of the participants
      reported satisfaction with both treatment results, but there was a 10%
      statistically significant higher satisfaction rating of the outcomes in the flank
      treated with the combination treatment. Procedures were well tolerated, side
      effects were transient and self-resolving and no unexpected adverse effects were
      reported for the duration of the study. CONCLUSION: The results of this study
      show that the combination of multipolar RF with PEMF/suction following
      cryolipolysis is a safe, effective, and painless approach to enhance skin
      tightening following fat reduction procedures in the flanks. <em>J Drugs
      Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1354-1358.</em>.

PMID- 28095548
TI  - Integrated Cooling-Vacuum-Assisted Non-Fractional 1540 nm Erbium:Glass Laser is
      Effective in Treating Acne Scars.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acne scars are a common result of in ammatory acne, affecting many
      patients worldwide. Among which, atrophic scars are the most prevalent form,
      presenting as dermal depressions caused by inflammatory degeneration of dermal
      collagen. Mid-infrared laser skin interaction is characterized by its modest
      absorption in water and nite penetration to the mid-dermis. Since collagen is a
      desirable laser target, 1540-nm wavelength is amenable for collagen remodeling
      within the depressed area of atrophic scars. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety
      and efficacy of acne scars treatment using an integrated cooling-vacuum-assisted
      1540 nm Erbium: Glass Laser. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This interventional
      prospective study included 25 volunteers (10 men, 15 women) with post acne
      atrophic scars. Patients were treated with a mid-infrared non-fractional 1540 nm
      Er:Glass laser (Alma Lasers Ltd. Caesarea, Israel) with integrat- ed cooling-
      vacuum assisted technology. Acne scars were exposed to 3 stacked laser pulses
      (400-600 mJ/pulse, 4 mm spot size, frequency of 3 Hz). Patients underwent 3-6
      treatment sessions with a 2-3 week interval and were followed-up 1 month and 3
      months after the last treatment. Clinical photographs were taken by high
      resolution digital camera before and after treatment. Clinical evaluation was
      performed by two independent dermatologists and results were graded on a scale of
      0 (exacerbation) to 4 (76%-100% improvement). Patients' and physicians'
      satisfaction were also recorded (on a 1-5 scale). Pain perception and adverse
      effects were evaluated as well. RESULTS: Almost all patients (24/25) demonstrated
      a moderate to significant improvement. Average improvement was 3.9 and 4.1 points
      on the quartile scale used for outcome assessment 1 and 3 months following the
      last session, respectively. Patient satisfaction rate was 4.2. Side effects were
      minimal and transient: erythema, mild transient vesicles, and mild pain or
      inconvenience. CONCLUSION Cooling-Vacuum-Assisted mid-infrared non-fractional
      Er:Glass 1540 nm laser is safe and effective in the treatment of atrophic acne
      scars. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1359-1363.</em>.

PMID- 28095549
TI  - Treatment of Facial Photodamage With Mass Market Topical Products vs Non-ablative
      Fractional Laser.
AB  - METHODS: In this split-face, evaluator-blinded study, 18 subjects were randomly
      assigned to receive either the SSR or NFL treatments on each side of the face.
      For the SSR facial sides subjects followed two morning-evening regimens. On the
      NFL sides subjects were treated 3 times with the 1927-nm laser at 4-week
      intervals. Three physician evaluators were asked to rate hyperpigmentation,
      global photoaging, and ne lines and wrinkles for each side of the face at
      baseline and at 3 months using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: The SSR and NFL
      treatments provided comparable results for each skin attribute. Improvement from
      baseline was signi - cant in both treatment programs for each skin attribute. The
      greatest 3-month improvement for both programs was in hyperpigmen- tation. For
      global photoaging and ne lines and wrinkles, positive responses were slightly
      greater in the NFL than in the SSR facial sides. Subject preference for the SSR
      over the NFL was greatest for ne lines around the eyes, ne lines around the
      mouth, smooth texture, radiant complexion, and overall improvement while the NFL
      was preferred for skin rmness and evenness. When the study was completed5 of 18
      split-face subjects decided to undergo NFR laser treatment on the non laser
      treated side along with using the SSR product and 13 of the 18 subjects continued
      to use the SSR products to their full face after the study. CONCLUSION: The mass
      market skin care system of the present study provides improvement in
      hyperpigmentation, global photoaging, and ne lines and wrinkles comparable to
      that of a series of treatments with a non-ablative fractional laser. <em>J Drugs
      Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1366-1372.</em>.

PMID- 28095550
TI  - The Diagnostic Role of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Measuring the Depth
      of Burn and Traumatic Scars for More Accurate Laser Dosimetry: Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent decades, a number of optimal diagnostic technologies have
      emerged to assist in tissue visualization. Real-time monitoring of skin during
      laser therapies will help optimize laser parameters for more ef cient therapies.
      One of these technologies, optimal coherence tomography (OCT), may be used to
      help visualize burn and traumatic scars. When lasing severe scars, lasers have
      tunable pulse energies, which are made proportional to the scar thickness as
      estimated by palpation and the physician eye. This has historically been
      estimated by the clinician with no objective data. OCT is an emerging non
      invasive imaging technique that provides a cross-sectional image of tissue micro
      architecture from a depth of 0.7 - 1.5 mm. The signal intensity is related to the
      tissue optical scattering properties, which in turn is related to tissue
      constituents such as collagen density. Thus, OCT may provide an objective non
      invasive measurement of scar depth. STUDY: Thirty burn and traumatic scars were
      imaged with quality, traceable, and veri able OCT data from burn and trauma
      patients both pre- and post- laser therapy. OCT was rapid and ef cient
      (approximately 2 minutes) to scan skin to visualize real-time scar tissue in
      different areas of heterogenous scars. The OCT image of the scar was compared to
      that of normal tissue in order to identify scar tissue and estimate its depth.
      Laser parameters were then dialed to treat full thickness of the scar. RESULTS:
      Clinical and OCT correlation between atrophic versus hypertrophic scars was
      found. However, in most cases the clinicians underestimated the depth of the scar
      in the dermis. CONCLUSION: The treatment of burn and traumatic scars for both
      civilian and wounded warriors can be challenging. As these scars are often very
      deep, OCT allows for non-invasive examination of the thickness of the scar
      allowing the physician better accuracy for laser settings in the treatment for
      the full thickness of the scar tissue. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1375
      1380.</em>.

PMID- 28095551
TI  - Acne Treatment With 3-Step Broadband Light Protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A new 3-step protocol using broadband light allows
      patients with moderate to severe in ammatory acne to avoid potential side effects
      of systemic acne treatments and the risks and uncertainties associated with laser
      and light treatments to date. The protocol also addresses acne scarring and, with
      appropriate modi cations, all skin types. METHODS: The protocol consists of 6 to
      8 treatments performed with a single device that allows the user to select
      wavelength, spot size, uence, and pulse duration. Step 1 uses blue light with a
      large spot size and low uence to kill Propionibacterium acnes. Step 2 features
      red and yellow light with a smaller spot size and higher uence, which together
      exert anti-in ammatory effects and trigger neocollagenesis. Step 3 employs
      visible and infrared (IR) light with a high uence and 12-second pulse length,
      delivered with a constant motion technique, to enhance previous results while
      also targeting areas of frequent breakouts. RESULTS: Challenging cases treated
      with the protocol include a young adult female with a nearly decade-long history
      of in ammatory and cystic acne. Her skin remained clear more than 6 months post
      treatment. She reported her scarring reduction at 90%. Having treated more than
      100 patients with the protocol, the author reports that approximately 80% of
      patients clear completely or achieve at least a 75% improvement in their in
      ammatory acne. Acne improvements start appearing 2 to 3 days after a treatment
      session. Red, purple, raised, or depressed acne scars less than 1 to 2 years old
      begin to fade 1 to 3 weeks post-treatment. CONCLUSION: The 3-step protocol is
      safe and effective for patients with moderate to severe in ammatory acne and acne
      scarring. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1382-1388.</em>.

PMID- 28095552
TI  - A Prospective Split-Face Study of the Picosecond Alexandrite Laser With
      Specialized Lens Array for Facial Photoaging in Chinese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A 755nm picosecond alexandrite laser with a diffractive lens array
      has been reported for the treatment of acne scar and photoaging with clinical ef
      cacy. In this study, we evaluated the application of the 755nm picosecond
      alexandrite laser with a diffractive lens array for facial photoaging in Chinese.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten subjects with moderate facial photoaging were enrolled
      in a prospective, evaluator-blinded, open-label, and split-face trial to assess
      the ef cacy and safety of the 755nm picosecond alexandrite laser with a
      diffractive lens array for facial photoaging. Each subject received a series of
      four treatment sessions on the right side of the face at two-week intervals. The
      left side of the face served as the control side. Blinded evaluation of baseline,
      pre-treatment, and two-month follow-up visit was performed by two independent
      dermatologists on a 5-point global photoaging scale (GPS) and a 6/8-point Asian
      photographic scale (APS). Adverse events and discomfort associated with the
      treatment were also assessed. RESULTS: Signi cant improvement in photoaged tissue
      was observed on the treated side of the face, with a mean GPS score decrease from
      2.67 to 1.44 at the two-month follow-up visit. A greater improvement in wrinkles
      was observed (2.78 vs 1.89; P less than 0.05) when com- pared to the improvement
      in pigmentation (2.67 vs 2.11; P less than 0.05). No changes were observed on the
      control side. Treatment results improved gradually throughout the treatment
      program and continued to the two-month follow up. In addition, skin tightening
      was perceived in all subjects, and shallower nasolabial folds were observed in
      60% of the subjects on the treated side of face. Moderate pain and transient
      erythema were observed as the two main discomforts associated with the treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: The 755nm picosecond alexandrite laser with a diffractive lens array
      is efficacious and safe for rejuvenation of photodamaged facial tissue in
      Chinese. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1390-1396.</em>.

PMID- 28095553
TI  - Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of a Low Fluence, Picopulsed, Alexandrite
      Laser in a Pico-Toning Technique With a Diffractive Lens Optic for the Treatment
      of Photodamage and Textural Improvement in "Off the Face" Applications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diffractive optic coupled with a picosecond pulsed alexandrite
      laser has been shown to effectively minimize pigmen- tation while improving the
      appearance of textural irregularities and rhytides. We evaluated the safety and
      ef cacy of the diffractive optic laser treatment for off of the face applications
      including the hands and decolletage in a pico-toning technique. STUDY: 20 healthy
      female patients (40-70 years of age) were treated with a picosecond pulsed
      alexandrite laser with a diffractive lens. 10 of the patients were enrolled in a
      prospective hand assessment study (20 hands) while the remaining 10 subjects were
      enrolled in an IRB approved study treating photodamage of the decolletage.
      Protocol for both groups included 4 treatments to the designated area with a
      picopulsed alexandrite laser with a diffractive lens on a 6mm handpiece
      delivering 0.71 j/cm2 with 10 hz repetition at 3 week intervals (+- 7 days) with
      follow up at 1 month and 3 months post fourth treatment using standardized
      digital photography. RESULTS: Statistically signi cant improvement in the overall
      appearance of pigmentation, texture and rhytides were recorded at each sub-
      sequent visit and at 1 and 3 months post the nal laser treatment. Clinical
      photographs were evaluated from baseline to the final photo at 3 months post last
      laser treatment by the treating physician, patient, and an independent evaluator.
      All hand subjects and chest subjects showed improvement in all 3 areas which were
      found to be statistically signi cant. No adverse events occurred in either study
      group. CONCLUSION: These study results show signi cant improvement in not only
      pigmentation, but in texture and rhytides in all subjects receiving pico-toning
      laser treatments to off of the face areas. The laser was well tolerated by all
      patients with no adverse effects. The use of a diffractive lens optic on a 6 mm
      xed spot size handpiece with a picopulsed alexandrite laser, in a pico-toning
      technique, provides a safe, low uence, yet effective treatment for not only
      pigment dyschromia but also textural irregularities and rhytides when treating
      the hands and decolletage. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1398-1401.</em>.

PMID- 28095554
TI  - "Hands-Free" Noninvasive Body Contouring Devices: Review of Effectiveness and
      Patient Satisfaction.
AB  - The demand for body contouring is increasing rapidly and has generated the need
      for a variety of non-invasive body contouring devices. This review concentrates
      on three popular "hands-free" body contouring devices and analyzes their
      mechanism of action, as well as their evidence of safety and ef cacy. It also
      addresses some issues of usability from both the operators' and patients' point
      of view. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1402-1406.</em>.

PMID- 28095555
TI  - Megasessions for Robotic Hair Restoration.
AB  - A robotic system can select and remove individual hair follicles from the donor
      area with great precision and without fatigue. This report describes the use of
      the robotic system in a megasession for hair restoration. Patients were
      instructed to cut their hair to 1.0 to 1.2 mm before surgery. The robot selected
      and removed 600 to 800 grafts per hour so the follicular units (FU)s could be
      transplanted manually to recipient sites. The robot arm consists of a sharp inner
      punch and a blunt outer punch which together separate FUs from the sur- rounding
      tissue. Stereoscopic cameras controlled by image processing software allow the
      system to identify the angle and direction of hair growth. The physician and one
      assistant control the harvesting with a hand-held remote control and computer
      monitor while the patient is positioned in an adjustable chair. When the robot
      has harvested all the FUs they are removed by technicians with small forceps.
      Hairline design, creation of recipient sites, and graft placement are performed
      manually by the physician. Clinical photographs before and after surgery show
      that patients experience excellent outcomes with the robotic megasession. Phy-
      sician fatigue during graft extraction is reduced because the robot performs the
      repetitive movements without fatigue. Variability of graft extraction is
      minimized because the robot's optical system can be programmed to choose the best
      FUs. The transection rate is reduced because the robot's graft extraction system
      uses two needles, a sharp one to piece the skin and a blunt needle to dissect the
      root without trauma. A robotic megasession for hair restoration is minimally
      invasive, does not result in linear scars in the donor area, and is associated
      with minimal fatigue and discomfort for both patient and physician. Healing is
      rapid and patients experience a high level of satisfaction with the results.
      <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1407-1412.</em>.

PMID- 28095556
TI  - Combination Therapy for Acne Scarring: Personal Experience and Clinical
      Suggestions.
AB  - Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions seen by dermatologists. The
      cosmetic sequelae of severe acne, including scarring and pigmentation, have a
      profound psychological impact on those in icted. Topical (eg, retinoids,
      antibiotics, dapsone, hydroxyacids) and oral treatments (eg, antibiotics and/or
      spironolactone) are often bene cial to control acne or in the instance of oral
      isotretinoin use, rid the acne permanently; however, these treatments have very
      little affect on the ultimate cosmetic outcome of the acne scarring and skin
      texture that results. Given the variety of scar types that can form and the
      variability of responses seen in various skin types and textures, treatment
      options are vast without appropriate guidelines for pathways that dictate best
      timing, combinations, and options in given clinical scenarios. Current treatment
      options include solo or combina- tions of energy-based (eg, laser,
      radiofrequency), chemical-based (eg, peels, TCA cross), surgical-based options
      (eg, subcision, punch excision), microneedling, and llers and/or fat injections.
      Most recently, fractional radiofrequency-based treatments have been used to
      improve acne scarring with less reported downtime as compared to lasers or
      chemical peels and the ability to treat darker or sensitive skin types with less
      risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation. In severe cystic ares, scarring treatments
      are often postposed till the acne is under control and in many instances this can
      limit the dermatologists ability to affect future cosmetic treatments. Based on
      personal experience of various clinical scenarios in a busy laser practice that
      treats a signi cant number of patients with acne scarring, fractional
      radiofrequency is an excellent choice for treating all forms of acne scars with
      minimal risk to patients, even those on concurrent treatments such as
      isotretinoin. Additionally, fractional radiofrequency can be used in combination
      with all other treatment options to speed the time to clinical improvement
      appreciated by the patient. Here we present personal experiences of combination
      treatments for acne scarring, pigmentation and textural issues, and suggest that
      fractional radiofrequency be considered a "gold standard" treatment of acne
      scarring in those with dark or sensitive skin types or those on concurrent
      isotretinoin. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1413-1419.</em>.

PMID- 28095557
TI  - The Photodynamic Therapy Experience of a High Volume Laser and Dermatologic
      Surgery Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA approved treatment for actinic
      keratoses (AK's) although multiple off-label indi- cations are reported. Despite
      frequent use for AK's, no clear consensus exists regarding protocols for overall
      treatment parameters. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 1,491 subjects who
      underwent PDT between 2007 and 2011 at a high volume laser surgery center.
      Demographic information, clinical history, treatment data, and subsequent
      diagnosis of skin cancers were recorded. An ex- ploratory subgroup analysis was
      performed for patients treated for AK and/or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that
      developed SCC or remained SCC-free one year after treatment. RESULTS: The most
      common indications for PDT were actinic keratoses (n=1404, 94.9%) then NMSC
      (n=45, 3.0%) The most common treatment site was the head and neck (n=1274,
      86.1%). Blue light activation (405-420nm) was used more frequently than red light
      and visible light. (73.8% vs. 22.8% vs. 6.8%). The most commonly used
      photosensitizer was aminolevulinic acid (ALA) (98.6%, n=1456). Topical
      application (97.7% n=1437) of photosensitizer was used more frequently than
      intralesional administration (2.0%, n=29). 580 patients met subgroup analysis
      criteria. 66 developed SCC at treatment site (11%). Factors associated with
      developing SCC were older age, SCC history, Fitzpatrick skin-type 1, and sixty
      minute or less incubation times (P less than 0.05 for all factors). The SCC
      subgroup had a unique distribution of treatment sites (P less than.001). No
      statistically significant differences were observed for gender or wavelength.
      CONCLUSION: There are differences in protocols based on indication and location
      of lesion. Blue light is preferable for superFIcial lesions and red light for
      deeper lesions. Intralesional delivery is used more commonly for NMSC.
      Extremities require longer incubation times. PDT may be more effective with
      younger patients and longer than sixty-minute incubation times. PDT
      chemoprevention is independent of light source used. <em>J Drugs Dermatol.
      2016;15(11):1420-1426.</em>.

PMID- 28095558
TI  - Clinical Evaluation of a 4% Hydroquinone + 1% Retinol Treatment Regimen for
      Improving Melasma and Photodamage in Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-VI.
AB  - The bene ts of monotherapy with hydroquinone for melasma and retinoids for
      photodamaged skin is well established. Here we report results of a hydroquinone
      skincare regimen designed for melasma treatment combined with a cosmetic retinol
      cream on subjects presenting with both melasma and facial photodamage in a 24
      week study. Improvement in melasma and photodamage ef cacy pa- rameters of
      melasma pigmentation intensity and melasma area and severity index (MASI), as
      well as overall photodamage and mottled hyperpigmentation were found by week 4,
      the rst post-baseline time point. By week 8 signi cant improvements were also
      found in melasma disease severity assessment, tactile roughness, ne wrinkles,
      crepiness, actinic lentigines, and laxity. By week 18 signi cant reduction in
      coarse wrinkles was evident. Bene ts persisted through the study end on the panel
      of 31 subjects, with over 3/4 of par- ticipants demonstrating improvements in 10
      of the 11 graded attributes. For the remaining attribute, coarse wrinkling,
      approximately 50% of the panel showed improvement. The regimen produced an
      average of "marked improvement" in melasma severity (51-75% improvement). Results
      of tolerance evaluations documented overall treatment mildness for a majority of
      the study participants. Subject questionnaires concur with high ratings of the
      study regimen for tolerability, ef cacy perception, product aesthetics and
      overall treat- ment satisfaction in subjects of Fitzpatrick Skin Type III-VI
      classi cation with melasma and photodamage in mild-to-moderate severity. <em>J
      Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1435-1441.</em>.

PMID- 28095559
TI  - Comparative Results in Treatment of Keloids With Intralesional 5-FU/Kenalog, 5
      FU/Verapamil, Enalapril Alone,Verapamil Alone, and Laser: A Case Report and
      Review of the Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of keloids involves a hyperproliferative state due
      to molecular abnormalities, cellular driving pathways, such as TGF, VEGF, and the
      inactivation of proapoptotic genes. We reviewed the literature and compared
      various treatment combina- tions in the treatment of keloids in a one patient
      observation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Treatment modalities consisted of:
      intralesional 5- uorouracil (5-FU)/triamcinolone (TMC), 5-FU/verapamil, enal-
      april alone, verapamil alone, and fractional carbon dioxide laser. Size, height,
      and softness of the keloid, pain, itching, and pain were assessed. RESULTS: 5-FU
      based treatments proved to be more ef cacious than the other modalities. 5-FU +
      TMC demonstrated the largest reduc- tion in keloid height and rmness. The
      greatest degree of scar softening and average size reduction was achieved with 5
      FU/ TMC (80% and 70% reduction, respectively), followed by 5-FU/verapamil (50%
      and 33% reduction, respectively). The same combinations led to the greatest
      reduction in scar height (70% and 33%, respectively). All treatments led to
      resolution of pain and itching in the keloid. CONCLUSION: The favorable effects
      of the 5-FU + verapamil combination are new and deserve further exploration.
      <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1442-1447.</em>.

PMID- 28095560
TI  - Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Removal of Facial Amateur Tattoos in Patients With
      Fitzpatrick Type VI: Case Series.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Q-switched neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) lasers are reported to be gold
      standard for laser tattoo removal. In particular, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at
      1064 nm is widely recognized for the removal of blue/black amateur tattoos.
      However, treatment modalities in Fitzpatrick Type VI skin carry a greater risk of
      complications including alterations in pigmentation compared to fairer skin
      (Fitzpatrick Type I-IV skin). Therefore, the aim of this case series was to
      describe with the use of the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, the removal of carbon-based
      amateur tattoos on patients with Fitzpatrick Type VI skin as an effective and
      safe method. METHODS: Twenty- five patients with Fitzpatrick type VI skin, from
      Ethiopian origins, with facial tribal tattoos, were treated with the Q- Switched
      Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm. Digital images were taken upon every treatment and the
      clearance rates of the tattoo was evalu- ated by imaging software. RESULTS: We
      observed an average tattoo clearance rate of 95% among the 45 facial tattoos in
      25 patients presented in the case series with minimal pigmentary and textual
      changes evident. DISCUSSION: These positive aesthetic results have a signi cant
      psychosocial impact on the lives of those with Fitzpatrick Type VI skin, in
      particular the Ethiopian Jewish population. <em>J Drugs Dermatol.
      2016;15(11):1448-1452.</em>.

PMID- 28095561
TI  - Self-Resolving Eruptive Keratoacanthomas After Full-Field Erbium Laser
      Resurfacing.
AB  - Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a subtype of squamous cell carcinoma whose development
      has been linked to excessive sun exposure, immunosuppression, and trauma. Given
      the rapidly expanding therapeutic armamentarium for anti-aging modalities in
      dermatology, reports of KA secondary to invasive cosmetic procedures are on the
      rise. We present a case of eruptive KAs after full- eld ablative Erbium:YAG 2940
      nm laser resurfacing of the face that resolved with minimal intervention. This
      case demonstrates the potential for a rare yet signi cant laser complication that
      may warrant discussion during the consenting process. <em>J Drugs Dermatol.
      2016;15(11):1453-1455.</em>.

PMID- 28095562
TI  - The Efficacy of Q-Switched ND:YAG 1064 nm Laser in Recalcitrant Macular
      Amyloidosis: A Case Report.
AB  - Macular amyloidosis typically presents as small, dusky-brown or greyish pigmented
      macules, the result of altered keratin deposition. Treatment of these
      hyperpigmented regions with topical and systemic therapies remains challenging,
      however Q-Switched neodymi- um-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (ND:YAG) laser has
      proven to be an effective treatment modality to reduce hyperpigmentation. In this
      case report we investigated the ef cacy of Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser treatment on a
      34-year old woman with recalcitrant macular amyloidosis who failed to respond to
      over-the-counter bleaching creams. The patient was treated with 7 treatment
      sessions of Q- Switched Nd:YAG laser at one month intervals. According to our
      photographic analysis and patient self-assessment, the patient ap- peared to
      improve with each treatment session. Post-recurrence of the lesion after reaction
      to Triluma ( uocoinolone actetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%), the
      patient has been continuing to respond well to a second round of treatment with Q
      switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1456
      1458.</em>.

PMID- 28095563
TI  - Defining the Absorption Spectrum of the Skin After Application of a Popular
      Sunless Tanner, Dihydroxyacetone, Using Re ectance Photospectrometry.
AB  - Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a popular ingredient in sunless tanner and lotions. We
      sought to measure the absorption spectrum of hu- man skin after application of
      DHA. A male in his 30's applied DHA to one underarm once daily for seven days. Re
      ectance spectropho- tometry was performed on the treated and untreated side. The
      area treated with DHA revealed increased absorption in the 400-700 nm range.
      Compared to normal skin, the absorption spectrum of human skin after application
      of DHA is altered from 400-700 nm. Care should be taking with using lasers in
      these wavelengths on skin treated with DHA. <em>J Drugs Dermatol.
      2016;15(11):1459-1460.</em>.

PMID- 28095564
TI  - Successful Treatment of Traumatic Onychodystrophy and Associated Pterygium Unguis
      With Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Onychodystrophy is a common, chronic malformation of the nail that is
      aesthetically displeasing and can signi cantly impact patient quality-of-life.
      Onychodystrophy can be associated with pterygium unguis that contributes to pain
      and appears as a V-shaped exten- sion of the proximal nail fold skin. Treatment
      options are limited, and topical or intralesional corticosteroids have minimal ef
      cacy and cause signi cant patient discomfort. Surgical revision of
      onychodystrophy is complex, and symptomatic or aesthetic improvements are
      difficult to achieve. There is limited published literature on laser treatment of
      noninfectious onychodystrophy or associated pterygium unguis. We present a case
      of a 68-year-old man with a 10-year history of painful traumatic onychodystrophy
      with associated pterygium unguis, who was successfully treated after three
      treatments of fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Additionally, we review
      the medical literature on laser treatment of noninfectious onychodystrophy and
      pterygium unguis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported successful
      treatment of painful traumatic onychodystrophy and associated pterygium unguis
      using fractionated CO2 laser. We hope clinicians consider this treatment modality
      to relieve pain and improve aesthetics associated with traumatic onychodystrophy
      and associated pterygium unguis. We envision additional research investigating
      the mechanism of action of fractionated CO2 laser may con rm this treatment
      option for the management of traumatic onychodystrophy and associated pterygium
      unguis. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1461-1464.</em>.

PMID- 28095565
TI  - Successful Treatment of Rhinophyma With Fractionated Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser
      in an African-American Man: Case Report and Review of Literature of Fractionated
      CO2 Laser Treatment of Rhinophyma.
AB  - Rhinophyma, a late complication of rosacea (phymatous subtype), is a chronic,
      progressive dermatological condition. The classic pre- sentation of rhinophyma is
      nodular, thickened skin over the distal nose, and is often accompanied by
      underlying erythema secondary to in ammation. Due to the unpleasant aesthetic and
      dis guring appearance, rhinophyma may be associated with a signi cant nega- tive
      psychosocial impact, resulting in decreased patient quality-of-life. Treatment of
      rhinophyma is challenging as topical and systemic pharmacotherapies have shown
      limited ef cacy. We present a case of a 39-year-old African-American male with
      long-standing, mild rhinophyma who was successfully treated with two sessions of
      fractionated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. We also review the medical literature on
      fractionated CO2 laser treatment of rhinophyma. To the best of our knowledge,
      this is the rst report of successful treat- ment of rhinophyma using fractionated
      CO2 laser in an African-American man (Fitzpatrick VI). We believe that
      fractionated CO2 laser may be a safe and ef cacious treatment modality for
      rhinophyma in skin of color patients (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) and early intervention
      with fractionated CO2 laser to prevent rhinophyma worsening may yield better
      results than late intervention. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1465
      1468.</em>.

PMID- 28095566
TI  - Prospective Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of a 1060-nm Large Spot Size,
      Vacuum-Assisted Hair Removal Diode Laser System in Asian/Pacific Fitzpatrick's
      Skin Types IV-V Patients.
AB  - Laser-based photoepilation of dark skin types demands a delicate combination of
      appropriate light wavelengths and spot size to achieve optimal epidermal-to
      follicular energy absorption ratios. This prospective study assessed the
      axillary, arm, thigh, and back hair clearing ef cacy of the LightSheer In nity
      1060 nm diode laser in 10 Fitzpatrick skin type IV-V patients. Each area was
      treated up to ve times, at 4-6-week intervals, after which immediate skin
      responses and adverse events were recorded. Hair count, color and coarseness were
      assessed before each treatment session, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months following
      the last session. Both patients and the treating physician rated the degree of
      improvement with time, and patients also ranked their satisfaction with the
      treatment outcome. Percent hair reduction from baseline gradually increased with
      treatment and peaked at 74.6%, 68.4%, and 65.7% for axillary, arm and thigh
      regions, respectively, 6 months following the last treatment session. Baseline
      hair growth patterns precluded effective selection of a representative area for
      hair counting. Patients satisfaction was consistently higher for axillary hair
      clearance rates, followed by thigh and arm responses. Throughout the follow-up
      period, the investigator rated 50-67% of the treated axillae as presenting "good"
      or "very good" hair clearance, and provided similar ratings for 67% of the
      treated thigh regions at both the 1 and 6 month follow-up sessions. Immediate
      responses to treatment were mild to moderate and short-lived and no incidents of
      brosis or scarring were reported. Taken together, the LightSheer In nity 1060 HS
      Handpiece provided for an ideal ef cacy-safety balance in treating dark-skinned
      patients, providing for long-term hair clearance with minimal downtime. J Drugs
      Dermatol. 2016;15(11):1427-1434.

PMID- 28095567
TI  - Evidence-Based Skincare: The Importance of Offering Moisturization, Relief, and
      Protection in Common Skin Disorders.
AB  - .

PMID- 28095568
TI  - Efficacy of a Moisturizing Foam in Skin Barrier Regeneration and Itch Relief in
      Subjects Prone to Atopic Dermatitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by impaired epidermal
      barrier with increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Scratching further
      compromises skin integrity, contributing to a cycle of inflammation. The
      objective of the present study was to investigate a topical anti-itch foam in
      improving skin barrier and itch. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single center open study
      was performed on 26 adults previously diagnosed with AD but without active
      lesions. One leg was treated with a single application of an anti-itch foam.
      Dryness, scaling, roughness, cracking, and signs of scratching were assessed
      before, 6, and 24 hours after application. Skin hydration was measured at 24
      hours. The same product was applied twice daily for 7.5 days to the other leg,
      and skin hydration and TEWL were measured at baseline and on days 2, 8, and 10.
      Pruritus was assessed by volunteers and by a dermatologist. RESULTS: A
      significant increase in skin moisture (P less than 0.001) was measured 6 hours
      after a single application. Scores of dryness, scaling, roughness (P less than
      0.001) and cracking (P=0.002) were significantly improved up to 24 hours after a
      single application. After a 7.5-day repeated application period, the anti-itch
      foam significantly reduced TEWL (P less than 0.001) compared to baseline. Skin
      hydration significantly improved (P less than 0.001) in the same time period. 48
      hours after the last application, these improvements remained significant (P less
      than 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The anti-itch foam improved the skin barrier. It
      provided immediate relief of clinical signs of AD including pruritus. Moreover,
      it delivered a long-lasting moisturizing effect, comforting the skin, and
      improving overall skin condition. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(suppl 11):s77
      80.</em>.

PMID- 28095569
TI  - Efficacy of a Hand Regimen in Skin Barrier Protection in Individuals With
      Occupational Irritant Contact Dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD) is a dif cult and
      hard to manage condition. It occurs more frequently in certain occupations where
      contact with harsh chemicals, use of alcohol-based disinfectants, and frequent
      hand washing heightens the risk. Treatment for OICD includes patient education in
      addition to physical, topical, and systemic therapies. OBJECTIVE: To review the
      pathogenesis and treatment options for OICD and evaluate the ef cacy of a
      selective skin-care regimen involv- ing a hand protectant cream alone as well as
      combined with a repair cream and speci c cleanser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      single-center open study was performed comprising 42 healthy male and female
      adult volunteers prone to occupational irritant contact dermatitis due to
      frequent wet work or contact with detergents. Between day 0 and day 7, subjects
      applied a hand protectant cream as needed on both hands (at least twice daily).
      On days 7 to 14, subjects applied a hand protectant cream and cleanser as needed
      on both hands (at least twice daily) as well as a repair cream each evening. A
      diary log was given to each volunteer for application control and for a
      subjective evaluation of daily tolerability. RESULTS: In these subjects prone to
      occupational irritant contact dermatitis, the hand protectant cream applied
      during the initial 7-day period was effective in restoring the damaged skin
      barrier and improving the stratum corneum hydration. A regimen that combined the
      hand protectant and repair creams with a speci c cleanser during a further 7-day
      period allowed contin- ued improvement of skin hydration and additional clinical
      bene ts while respecting the skin barrier function. CONCLUSION: The results of
      this study support the use of a 3-step approach for patients who are at risk of
      repeated exposure to external irritants. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(suppl
      11):s81-85.</em>.

PMID- 28095570
TI  - Efficacy of a Skin Condition-Adapted Solution for Xerosis and Itch Relief
      Associated With Aging.
AB  - In recent decades, the stratum corneum (SC), has been recognized for its
      multifunctional role in maintaining the homeostasis of the human epidermal
      barrier. A better understanding of the SC's ability to act as its own biosensor
      in detecting dysfunction and integrating restorative actions can help identify
      the origin of certain skin conditions. A more holistic understanding of the
      morphological changes of the SC during the natural aging process and how it
      deviates in disease states can help bring about new treatment strategies. Some
      important recent clinical studies point to new treatments and add to the existing
      body of research on corneobiology. These studies offer some explanation of and
      validation for the various ingredients incorporated into moisturizers and barrier
      repair devices aimed at treating pruritus and xerosis associated with the aging
      skin. <em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(suppl 11):s91-94</em>.

PMID- 28095571
TI  - Effectiveness of the "Mohs and Close Technique" in Increasing the Efficiency of a
      Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is successful and cost effective,
      but may be time consuming as patients are required to wait for final wound repair
      until margins are clear. We propose for selected cases the "Mohs and Close
      technique" (MCT), in which the defect is immediately repaired after tumor
      resection rather than waiting until margins are clear. METHODS: MCT was only
      performed on tumors that had clearly de ned borders, low risk histology, whose
      resulting defect after exci- sion required either a primary or partial closure,
      and whose repair wouldn't change to a different repair option if further stages
      of exci- sion were necessary. Tumor data was recorded for all cases. Time elapsed
      from tumor resection to completion of wound closure was recorded with and without
      performing MCT for comparable wounds. RESULTS: MCT was performed for 456 of 898
      cases. Time required without MCT was significantly longer than with MCT when only
      one stage was performed (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference (P=0.3358)
      between the two separate techniques for cases which required 2 or more stages.
      CONCLUSION: MCT significantly reduces the time needed for selected Mohs cases
      that require only one stage of excision and therefore can increase the efficiency
      of MMS. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1481-1483.

PMID- 28095572
TI  - Development of a Clinical Pathway for Atopic Dermatitis Patients: A Case-Based
      Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin condition, associated
      with significant patient morbidity. There are a myriad of excellent evidenced
      based guidelines to guide clinicians by an extensive review of all the available
      treatments. However, while well written and complete these papers may not always
      allow easy transition to clinical application. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      paper was to develop a practical case-based approach for the treatment and
      maintenance of AD, enabling translation of guidelines into clinical care.
      METHODS: After literature searches, selected AD trials and recent existing
      guidelines were reviewed. Using a nominal group process for consensus, an expert
      panel of Canadian dermatologists determined the case features and corresponding
      treatments. RESULTS: A patient focused clinical pathway with 7 cases was
      developed. For each case scenario, treatment for mild, moderate, and severe
      disease was recommended. CONCLUSION: A practical case-based clinical pathway was
      developed for easy clinical application and optimal patient care. J Drugs
      Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1485-1494.

PMID- 28095573
TI  - Results of a Phase 2, Randomized,Vehicle-Controlled Study Evaluating the
      Efficacy,Tolerability, and Safety of Daily or Twice Daily SB204 for the Treatment
      of Acne Vulgaris.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase 2 study
      compared efficacy, tolerability, and safety of SB204 once or twice daily to
      vehicle in the treatment of acne vulgaris. METHODS: Eligible subjects were to be
      between 12 and 40 years old, have facial acne vulgaris with 25 to 70 non
      inflammatory lesions, 20 to 40 inflammatory lesions, no more than 2 nodules, and
      a baseline Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) score of moderate or severe.
      The co-primary efficacy endpoints were the absolute change in inflammatory and
      non-inflammatory lesion counts and IGA success rate (baseline to week 12). Safety
      assessments included reported adverse events (AEs), physical examinations, and
      laboratory testing. Tolerability was evaluated by the investigators based on the
      occurrence and severity of erythema, scaling, dryness, pruritus, and
      burning/stinging. RESULTS: A total of 213 subjects were randomized: 27 subjects
      to vehicle once daily; 29 subjects to vehicle twice daily; 53 subjects to SB204
      2% twice daily; 52 subjects to SB204 4% once daily; and 52 subjects to SB204 4%
      twice daily. When compared to vehicle, treatment with all 3 SB204 regimens
      significantly reduced the absolute inflammatory lesion count and SB204 4% once
      daily reduced the absolute non-inflammatory lesion count. Treatment with SB204 4%
      once daily demonstrated a significant reduction in percent inflammatory lesions
      by week 4. There were no significant differences in the IGA success rates between
      groups at the end of treatment. All treatment regimens of SB204 were found to be
      safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to vehicle, SB204 2% and
      SB204 4% significantly decreased the absolute inflammatory lesion count and SB204
      4% once daily also significantly decreased the absolute non-inflammatory lesion
      count in subjects with acne vulgaris treated for 12 weeks. Treatment with SB204
      2% and 4% was found to be safe and well tolerated. J Drugs Dermatol.
      2016;15(12):1496-1502.

PMID- 28095574
TI  - Managing Occupational Irritant Contact Dermatitis Using a Two-Step Skincare
      Regimen Designed to Prevent Skin Damage and Support Skin Recovery.
AB  - Occupational irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) affecting the hands is a common
      and difficult-to-manage condition. Occupations that necessitate contact with
      harsh chemicals, use of alcohol-based disinfectants, and frequent hand washing
      elevate the risk of ICD. Management strategies that do not adequately prevent
      accumulated damage and repair skin, can develop into chronic dermatoses which
      negatively impact work productivity and quality of life. A 2-step skin-care
      regimen (Excipial Daily Protection Hand Cream (EP) and Excipial Rapid Repair Hand
      Cream (ER), Galderma Laboratories, L.P.) has been developed as a daily-use
      management strategy to protect and repair vulnerable hands. The protective
      barrier cream is formulated with aluminum chlorohydrate and designed for pre
      exposure application to enhance the skin's natural protective barrier and
      minimize excessive moisture while wearing protective gloves. The repair cream, a
      lipid-rich formulation, is intended for post-exposure application to rehydrate
      and facilitate the skin's natural healing process. The results of 3 clinical
      studies highlighted in this review demonstrate how the use of a 2-step skin-care
      regimen offers a greater protective effect against ICD than the use of barrier
      cream alone, and also how the formulation of the barrier cream used in these
      studies helps minimize the occlusion effect caused by gloves and does not
      interfere with the antibacterial efficacy of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
      This 2-step skin-care regimen is effectively designed to manage and minimize the
      risk of ICD development in a variety of patients and provides clinicians an
      additional tool for helping patients manage ICD. J Drugs Dermatol.
      2016;15(12):1504-1510.

PMID- 28095575
TI  - Review of Periorbital and Upper Face: Pertinent Anatomy, Aging, Injection
      Techniques, Prevention, and Management of Complications of Facial Fillers.
AB  - This paper aims to review articles related to facial fillers in the periorbital
      area, forehead, and temple. Anatomy, anatomical changes with aging, techniques of
      rejuvenation and facial harmonization with fillers are reviewed. Topics for
      complication prevention and management including knowledge of danger zones,
      timing of hyaluronidase injections, aspiration, definition a small aliquot, and
      thoughts about particle size are discussed. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1524
      1531.

PMID- 28095576
TI  - Facial Contouring With Fillers, Neuromodulators, and Lipolysis to Achieve a
      Natural Look in Patients With Facial Fullness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The desire for and use of nonsurgical injectable esthetic facial
      treatments is on a rise in Asia. Recent advances, including more versatile facial
      fillers, refined injection techniques, and adoption of a global facial approach,
      have in turn contributed to improved patient outcomes and increased patient
      satisfaction. The sought after nonsurgical treatments include the use of
      botulinum toxin, con- touring of the face with soft tissue fillers, and thinning
      of the face with injection lipolysis. AIM: To achieve a leaner, oval face shape
      with smooth contours. METHODS: A combination technique was applied, whereby
      narrowing of face was achieved with use of botulinum toxin, contouring with soft
      tissue llers, and thinning the face with injection lipolysis. Treatments were
      applied on 15 women aged between 25 and 40 years and observed with follow up for
      12 weeks. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dermal fillers (Perlane, Voluma, and
      Juvederm), botulinum toxin type A (Botox), and a lipolytic solution of
      phosphatidylcholine with deoxycholate (Dermastabilion, Aesthetic Dermal, Spain)
      were used to achieve a natural look in these patients with a fuller appearance of
      the face. The procedure was performed to reduce the facial width using botulinum
      toxin type A and the reduction of submental and cheek fat by injecting lipolysis
      injection. RESULTS: All the women (n = 15) had edema for up to 2 weeks after
      undergoing lipolysis; however, two patients had edema for 3 weeks. After
      injecting the patient with botulinum toxin type A, no adverse event was observed;
      however, after using HA-based filler, one patient was observed to have bruising
      on the chin. CONCLUSION: Use of HA-based fillers, neuromodulators (botulinum
      toxin), and injectable lipolytics are well-tolerated and are effective
      nonsurgical modalities to achieve facial recontouring for slimming of the face. J
      Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1536-1542.

PMID- 28095577
TI  - Optimizing Injections of Poly-L-lactic Acid: The 6-Step Technique.
AB  - The authors present a reproducible and effective technique utilizing poly-L
      lactic acid for panfacial revolumization. The variable dilution ratios,
      reconstitution times, injection techniques and rates of nodule formation with
      poly-L-lactic acid can be intimidating to even experienced injectors. While there
      is no single cookie-cutter approach to facial volumization, this 6-step "Precise
      Sculpt" technique can be used as a template to reliably achieve optimal results
      while minimizing the risk of adverse events. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1550
      1556.

PMID- 28095578
TI  - A Clinical Evaluation of a Next Generation, Non-Invasive, Selective
      Radiofrequency, Hands-Free, Body-Shaping Device.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of a
      noninvasive selective radiofrequency (RF) eld device (BTL Vanquish METM, BTL
      Industries Inc., Boston MA) with its predecessor (VanquishTM, BTL Industries
      Inc., Boston MA). The BTL Vanquish METM system has been thoroughly redesigned for
      more efficient, predictable and homogenous energy delivery to the targeted
      tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multi-center study, 36 subjects with BMIs
      under 30 were randomly assigned to be treated in Group A (BTL Vanquish METM) or
      Group B (VanquishTM) in order to obtain a side by side comparison of the devices'
      ef cacies. Each subject re- ceived 4 weekly 45-minute treatments with the device
      determined by their group assignments. Measurements of subject's abdominal fat
      were taken prior to the first treatment and again four weeks after finishing the
      final treatment. RESULTS: The primary outcome was abdominal fat thickness
      reduction as measured by ultrasound one month following each subject's final
      treatment. Thirty four subjects completed the study. Two patients did not
      complete their treatments due to the reasons unrelated to the study (one from
      each group). Subjects in Group A treated with BTL Vanquish METM had an abdominal
      fat thickness reduction of 4.17 mm, or 29.46%, while subjects in Group B treated
      with VanquishTM had an abdominal fat thickness reduction of only 2.72 mm, or
      15.21%. The 4 weekly treatments with BTL Vanquish METM in Group A produced a 53%
      higher reduction (4.17 mm vs 2.72 mm) of abdominal fat layer thickness than those
      in Group B. The standard deviation of ultrasound measurements in Groups A and B
      were 1.42mm and 2.21mm, respectively. Assuming a homogenous response across the
      entire treatment area, the volume of fat reduced was calculated by multiplying
      the average measured reduction in fat layer by the surface area of the treatment
      applicator (2100 cm2; 325.5 square inches). It was calculated that Group A
      patients lost an average of 0.876 liter (0.23 liquid gallon) of fat, while Group
      B patients lost 0.571 liter (0.15 liquid gallon) of fat. DISCUSSIONS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: The mean difference between the tested groups was statistically
      significant proving better outcomes in the Vanquish METM than its predecessor.
      Furthermore, the reduction in standard deviation of fat reduction measurements in
      Group A vs Group B is evidence that the Vanquish METM provides more consistent
      performance. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1557-1561.

PMID- 28095579
TI  - Development and Clinical Assessment of a Comprehensive Product for Pigmentation
      Control in Multiple Ethnic Populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pigmentary changes in people of different ethnic origins are
      controlled by slight variations in key biological pathways leading to different
      outcomes from the same treatment. It is important to develop and test products
      for desired outcomes in varying ethnic populations. OBJECTIVES: To develop a
      comprehensive product (LYT2) that affects all major biological pathways
      controlling pigmentation and test for clinical efficacy and safety in different
      ethnic populations. METHODS: A thorough analysis of biological pathways was used
      to identify ingredient combinations for LYT2 that provided optimal melanin
      reduction in a 3-D skin model. Expression of four key genes for melanogenesis,
      TYR, TYRP-1, DCT, and MITF was analyzed by qPCR. Clinical study was conducted to
      compare the efficacy and tolerability of LYT2 against 4% hydroquinone (HQ).
      RESULTS: Average melanin suppression by LYT2 in 7 independent experiments was
      45%. All four key genes show significant down- regulation of expression. LYT2
      provided statistically significant reductions in mean overall hyperpigmentation
      grades as early as week 2 compared to baseline, with continued significant
      improvements through week 12 in all ethnic groups tested. CONCLUSION: We have
      successfully combined management of 6 categories of pathways related to
      melanogenesis: melanocyte activation, melanosome development, melanin production,
      melanin distribution, keratinocyte turnover, and barrier function to create a
      comprehensive HQ-free product. The outcome clearly shows greater pigmentation
      control with LYT2 compared to other HQ-free products in skin tissue models and
      earlier control in clinical studies compared to 4% HQ. Clinical study shows
      pigmentation control benefits of LYT2 in people of Caucasian, Hispanic, and
      African ethnic origins. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1562-1570.

PMID- 28095580
TI  - Split-Face Comparison of an Advanced Non-Hydroquinone Lightening Solution to 4%
      Hydroquinone.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hyperpigmentation is a primary concern for many cosmetic patients
      because of its high rate of occurrence and significant impact on perceived age.
      While 4% hydroquinone has been the gold-standard of treatment, there is a growing
      interest in non-hydroquinone solutions, however, many of these newer solutions
      fail to deliver equivalent improvement. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized,
      split-face study compares the effects of a new OTC non-hydroquinone lightening
      product (JM) to an available 4% hydroquinone lightening solution (OB) on the
      appearance of hyperpigmentation, texture, and ne lines and wrinkles. Comparisons
      were determined by both physician assessment and subject self-assessment at
      baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Physician assessment showed statistically
      equivalent improvement on both sides of the face with the JM side showing
      equivalent or superior average improvement in all assessed categories. Subject
      self-assessment showed a significant preference for the JM product over the 4%
      hydroquinone and a substantially higher perception of overall improvement over 4%
      hydroquinone (P=0.058). DISCUSSION: Physician assessment showed equal or superior
      average improvement in all measured categories with no statistically significant
      difference between the two sides. Subject self-assessment, however, showed a
      significant and growing preference toward the investigated JM product over the
      course of the study. Overall, the results of this study show the JM product to be
      equivalent if not superior to 4% hydroquinone for results and patient
      satisfaction. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(12):1571-1577.

PMID- 28095581
TI  - Long-Term Adherence and Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Intervention for
      Community-Dwelling Overweight Thai Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: 1-Year
      Follow Up.
AB  - Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing knee osteoarthritis (OA).
      The purpose of the current study was to: (a) determine participant adherence to a
      quadriceps exercise and weight management program after completion of the
      intervention; and (b) examine whether a quadriceps exercise and weight management
      program can reduce knee pain and improve knee function and weight loss in 40
      community-dwelling overweight Thai older adults with knee OA at 6- and 12-month
      follow up. Twenty-nine (76.3%) participants completed at least 75% of the
      program. Two (5%) participants did not complete the program. In the intervention
      group, significant improvement was noted in knee range of motion at 6 and 12
      months compared with baseline, and a significant reduction was noted in knee
      pain, time spent in the Timed Up and Go test, and body weight compared with
      baseline. These study variables, except for body weight, between the intervention
      group and control group were significantly different. This study highlights the
      benefit of long-term adherence to the multicomponent intervention for community
      dwelling overweight Thai older adults with knee OA. [Journal of Gerontological
      Nursing, 43(4), 40-48.].

PMID- 28095582
TI  - Enhancing the ADMIT Me Tool for Care Transitions for Individuals With Alzheimer's
      Disease.
AB  - One of the goals of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease is to ensure
      safe care transitions. To facilitate safe and effective transitions from home to
      hospital, the ADMIT (Alzheimer's, Dementia, Memory Impaired Transitions) Me tool
      was developed and three focus groups were conducted with caregivers (n = 6),
      emergency department nurses (n = 6), and first responders (n = 14) to determine
      its usefulness and applicability to practice. Feedback was used to enhance the
      tool to reflect their needs. Each group expressed that the tool would help
      promote safety in care transitions. Using ADMIT Me, nurses can practice with
      clear communication and collaboration in care transitions, and provide patient
      centered care based on the behaviors and unique needs of the individual with
      dementia. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(5), 32-38.].

PMID- 28095583
TI  - Is it My Job? The Role of RNs in the Assessment and Identification of Delirium in
      Hospitalized Older Adults: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.
AB  - Delirium is characterized by acute and fluctuating cognitive decline, which is
      often missed in older adults who are assumed to be experiencing age-related
      changes or dementia. Delirium affects up to 50% of hospitalized older adults. The
      aim of the current study was to (a) explore current practices of RNs in assessing
      and identifying delirium in hospitalized older adults and (b) inform new
      educational initiatives. Qualitative methods were adopted using eight semi
      structured group interviews with 24 RNs. Thematic analysis revealed a dichotomy
      in practice where RNs described delirium assessment and identification as (a)
      It's Not My Job, (b) It is My Job, and (c) It's Complex. The imperative to
      improve delirium assessment and identification to create safer and more caring
      health care environments means the current findings provide important evidence to
      build into practice and education strategies. The current authors have developed
      engaging educational interventions and begun implementation at the study site to
      develop delirium assessment and identification capacity, which moves clinicians
      beyond awareness and aims at practice adherence or the consistent application of
      evidence-based delirium assessment. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(4), 29
      37.].

PMID- 28095584
TI  - Creating a Dedicated Education Unit in Long-Term Care.
AB  - The number of older adults needing long-term care (LTC) may rise in future aging
      populations, necessitating an increase in the <1% of nurses currently certified
      in gerontological nursing. An innovative clinical model, the dedicated education
      unit (DEU), has been used globally with positive results. The purpose of the
      current review is to explore the DEU and its possible use in LTC settings, and
      identify if this clinical model increases nursing students' knowledge of the
      nursing role. Current literature, including a systematic review, is analyzed and
      rated for quality. Synthesis of findings show the DEU clinical model may increase
      student interest and knowledge of LTC nursing through collaboration with the
      practicing LTC nurse. More longitudinal studies are needed to determine the
      success of the DEU model as a long-term solution to this clinical problem.
      [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43 (5), 23-29.].

PMID- 28095585
TI  - Clinical Nursing Leadership Education in Long-Term Care: Intervention Design and
      Evaluation.
AB  - The main objective of the current case study was to investigate the perceived
      leadership learning needs and feasibility of delivering leadership education to
      registered staff involved in direct care in long-term care (LTC) homes. The study
      was conducted in Ontario, Canada, and participants included RNs, registered
      practical nurses, and nursing administrators. Phase 1 bilingual web-based survey
      and bilingual focus group needs assessment data supported a preference for
      external training along with in-house mentoring to support sustainability. An
      intervention designed using insights gained from Phase 1 data was delivered via a
      2-day, in-person workshop. Phases 2 and 3 evaluation survey data identified
      aspects of leadership training for LTC that require ongoing refinement. Findings
      suggest that communication skills and managing day-to-day nursing demands in the
      context of regulatory frameworks were areas of particular interest for leadership
      training in the LTC setting. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43(4), 49-56.].

PMID- 28095586
TI  - Antichlamydial Dimeric Indole Derivatives from Marine Actinomycete Rubrobacter
      radiotolerans.
AB  - Chlamydiae are widely distributed pathogens of human populations, which can lead
      to serious reproductive and other health problems. In our search for novel
      antichlamydial metabolites from marine derived-microorganisms, one new (1) and
      two known (2, 3) dimeric indole derivatives were isolated from the sponge-derived
      actinomycete Rubrobacter radiotolerans. The chemical structures of these
      metabolites were elucidated by NMR spectroscopic data as well as CD calculations.
      All three metabolites suppressed chlamydial growth in a concentration-dependent
      manner. Among them, compound 1 exhibited the most effective antichlamydial
      activity with IC50 values of 46.6 ~ 96.4 uM in the production of infectious
      progeny. Compounds appeared to target the mid-stage of the chlamydial
      developmental cycle by interfering with reticular body replication, but not
      directly inactivating the infectious elementary body.

PMID- 28095587
TI  - Quantitative Determination of Lactones in Piper methysticum (Kava-Kava) by
      Supercritical Fluid Chromatography.
AB  - A fast and validated supercritical fluid chromatography method for the
      quantitative determination of major lactones in Piper methysticum, a plant used
      against nervous anxiety, stress, and restlessness, was developed. The baseline
      separation of dihydrokavain, demethoxyyangonin, kavain, yangonin,
      dihydromethysticin, and methysticin was possible in less than 4 min on an Aquity
      UPC2 BEH 1.7 um column, in combination with a mobile phase comprising CO2 and
      methanol with diethylamine. The column temperature had a great impact on the
      results because only at 70  degrees C could kavain and yangonin be fully
      resolved. With correlation coefficients above 0.998, recovery rates between 95.9
      and 104.1 % as well as limit of detection values below 1.5 ng on-column, the
      procedure fulfilled all validation requirements and was well suited for the
      quantitative analysis of commercial products containing P. methysticum root
      powder and/or extract. All of them contained the target analytes, however, the
      absolute content of lactones was quite variable. Accordingly, depending on the
      product, the total daily intake of lactones varied from 56 to 312 mg. Concerning
      speed, selectivity, and environmental friendly operation, this supercritical
      fluid chromatography approach surpasses all previously reported ones.

PMID- 28095589
TI  - Deciding with Thresholds: Importance Measures and Value of Information.
AB  - Risk-informed decision making is often accompanied by the specification of an
      acceptable level of risk. Such target level is compared against the value of a
      risk metric, usually computed through a probabilistic safety assessment model, to
      decide about the acceptability of a given design, the launch of a space mission,
      etc. Importance measures complement the decision process with information about
      the risk/safety significance of events. However, importance measures do not tell
      us whether the occurrence of an event can change the overarching decision. By
      linking value of information and importance measures for probabilistic risk
      assessment models, this work obtains a value-of-information-based importance
      measure that brings together the risk metric, risk importance measures, and the
      risk threshold in one expression. The new importance measure does not impose
      additional computational burden because it can be calculated from our knowledge
      of the risk achievement and risk reduction worth, and complements the insights
      delivered by these importance measures. Several properties are discussed,
      including the joint decision worth of basic event groups. The application to the
      large loss of coolant accident sequence of the Advanced Test Reactor helps us in
      illustrating the risk analysis insights.

PMID- 28095588
TI  - Potent effects of dioscin against pancreatic cancer via miR-149-3P-mediated
      inhibition of the Akt1 signalling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the
      effects and possible underlying mechanisms of dioscin against pancreatic cancer
      in vitro and in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: In vitro actions of dioscin on
      viability of ASPC-1 and PANC-1 cells, and in vivo effects to suppress the tumour
      growth of cell xenografts in nude mice were assessed. In addition, microRNA
      microarray analysis determined which microRNAs were affected by dioscin. The
      mechanisms underlying the actions of dioscin against pancreatic cancer were
      elucidated in terms of Akt1 and other proteins related to aopoptosis. KEY
      RESULTS: Dioscin markedly induced apoptosis and significantly suppressed the
      tumour growth of ASPC-1 and PANC-1 cell xenografts, in nude mice. Total of 107
      microRNAs with differential changes were found, in which miR-149-3P targeted with
      Akt1 was markedly up-regulated by dioscin. Further studies showed that dioscin
      significantly down-regulated Akt1 levels, and thus induced cell apoptosis by
      increasing the levels of Bax, Apaf-1, cleaved caspase-3/9, cleaved PARP,
      suppressing Bcl-2 levels, and causing cytochrome c release. The effects of an
      inhibitor of miR-149-3P and of siRNA of testicular Akt1 suggested that dioscin
      showed excellent activity against pancreatic cancer via miR- 149-3P-mediated
      inhibition of Akt1 signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      Collectively, these findings confirmed the potent effects of dioscin against
      pancreatic cancer and also provided novel insights into the mechanisms of the
      compound as a potential candidate for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 28095590
TI  - Cancer cachexia awareness, diagnosis, and treatment are lacking among oncology
      providers.

PMID- 28095591
TI  - A Critical Discussion and Practical Recommendations on Some Issues Relevant to
      the Nonprobabilistic Treatment of Uncertainty in Engineering Risk Assessment.
AB  - Models for the assessment of the risk of complex engineering systems are affected
      by uncertainties due to the randomness of several phenomena involved and the
      incomplete knowledge about some of the characteristics of the system. The
      objective of this article is to provide operative guidelines to handle some
      conceptual and technical issues related to the treatment of uncertainty in risk
      assessment for engineering practice. In particular, the following issues are
      addressed: (1) quantitative modeling and representation of uncertainty coherently
      with the information available on the system of interest; (2) propagation of the
      uncertainty from the input(s) to the output(s) of the system model; (3)
      (Bayesian) updating as new information on the system becomes available; and (4)
      modeling and representation of dependences among the input variables and
      parameters of the system model. Different approaches and methods are recommended
      for efficiently tackling each of issues (1)-(4) above; the tools considered are
      derived from both classical probability theory as well as alternative, nonfully
      probabilistic uncertainty representation frameworks (e.g., possibility theory).
      The recommendations drawn are supported by the results obtained in illustrative
      applications of literature.

PMID- 28095592
TI  - A Practical Approach to Address Uncertainty in Stakeholder Deliberations.
AB  - This article addresses the difficulties of incorporating uncertainty about
      consequence estimates as part of stakeholder deliberations involving multiple
      alternatives. Although every prediction of future consequences necessarily
      involves uncertainty, a large gap exists between common practices for addressing
      uncertainty in stakeholder deliberations and the procedures of prescriptive
      decision-aiding models advanced by risk and decision analysts. We review the
      treatment of uncertainty at four main phases of the deliberative process: with
      experts asked to describe possible consequences of competing alternatives, with
      stakeholders who function both as individuals and as members of coalitions, with
      the stakeholder committee composed of all stakeholders, and with decisionmakers.
      We develop and recommend a model that uses certainty equivalents as a
      theoretically robust and practical approach for helping diverse stakeholders to
      incorporate uncertainties when evaluating multiple-objective alternatives as part
      of public policy decisions.

PMID- 28095593
TI  - Automated face detection for occurrence and occupancy estimation in chimpanzees.
AB  - : Surveying endangered species is necessary to evaluate conservation
      effectiveness. Camera trapping and biometric computer vision are recent
      technological advances. They have impacted on the methods applicable to field
      surveys and these methods have gained significant momentum over the last decade.
      Yet, most researchers inspect footage manually and few studies have used
      automated semantic processing of video trap data from the field. The particular
      aim of this study is to evaluate methods that incorporate automated face
      detection technology as an aid to estimate site use of two chimpanzee communities
      based on camera trapping. As a comparative baseline we employ traditional manual
      inspection of footage. Our analysis focuses specifically on the basic parameter
      of occurrence where we assess the performance and practical value of chimpanzee
      face detection software. We found that the semi-automated data processing
      required only 2-4% of the time compared to the purely manual analysis. This is a
      non-negligible increase in efficiency that is critical when assessing the
      feasibility of camera trap occupancy surveys. Our evaluations suggest that our
      methodology estimates the proportion of sites used relatively reliably.
      Chimpanzees are mostly detected when they are present and when videos are filmed
      in high-resolution: the highest recall rate was 77%, for a false alarm rate of
      2.8% for videos containing only chimpanzee frontal face views. Certainly, our
      study is only a first step for transferring face detection software from the lab
      into field application. Our results are promising and indicate that the current
      limitation of detecting chimpanzees in camera trap footage due to lack of
      suitable face views can be easily overcome on the level of field data collection,
      that is, by the combined placement of multiple high-resolution cameras facing
      reverse directions. This will enable to routinely conduct chimpanzee occupancy
      surveys based on camera trapping and semi-automated processing of footage.
      RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Using semi-automated ape face detection technology for
      processing camera trap footage requires only 2-4% of the time compared to manual
      analysis and allows to estimate site use by chimpanzees relatively reliably.

PMID- 28095594
TI  - Mixed-Metal Tungsten Oxide Photoanode Materials Made by Pulsed-Laser in Liquids
      Synthesis.
AB  - Globally scalable sunlight-driven devices that convert solar energy into storable
      fuels will require efficient light absorbers that are made of non-precious
      elements. Suitable photoanode materials are yet to be discovered. Here we
      utilised the timesaving nature of pulsed-laser-in-liquids synthesis and prepared
      a series of neat and mixed-metal tungsten oxide photoanode materials to
      investigate the effect of ad-metals on optical and photocurrent generation
      properties. We obtained sub-MUm-sized materials with different colours from W,
      Al, Ta, or first-row transition metal targets in water or aqueous ammonium
      metatungstate solutions. We observed metastable polymorphs of WO3 and tungsten
      oxides with varying degrees of oxygen deficiency. Pulsed-laser in liquids
      synthesis of Ni in ammonium metatungstate solutions produce hollow spheres (with
      <=6 % Ni with respect to W). Photocurrent generation in strong aqueous acid is
      highest in mixed-metal tungsten oxide photoanode materials with around 5 % of
      iron or nickel.

PMID- 28095595
TI  - Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability to Spatially Localized Failures with
      Applications to Chinese Railway System.
AB  - This article studies a general type of initiating events in critical
      infrastructures, called spatially localized failures (SLFs), which are defined as
      the failure of a set of infrastructure components distributed in a spatially
      localized area due to damage sustained, while other components outside the area
      do not directly fail. These failures can be regarded as a special type of
      intentional attack, such as bomb or explosive assault, or a generalized modeling
      of the impact of localized natural hazards on large-scale systems. This article
      introduces three SLFs models: node centered SLFs, district-based SLFs, and circle
      shaped SLFs, and proposes a SLFs-induced vulnerability analysis method from three
      aspects: identification of critical locations, comparisons of infrastructure
      vulnerability to random failures, topologically localized failures and SLFs, and
      quantification of infrastructure information value. The proposed SLFs-induced
      vulnerability analysis method is finally applied to the Chinese railway system
      and can be also easily adapted to analyze other critical infrastructures for
      valuable protection suggestions.

PMID- 28095596
TI  - Analysis of Affordance, Time, and Adaptation in the Assessment of Industrial
      Control System Cybersecurity Risk.
AB  - Industrial control systems increasingly use standard communication protocols and
      are increasingly connected to public networks-creating substantial cybersecurity
      risks, especially when used in critical infrastructures such as electricity and
      water distribution systems. Methods of assessing risk in such systems have
      recognized for some time the way in which the strategies of potential adversaries
      and risk managers interact in defining the risk to which such systems are
      exposed. But it is also important to consider the adaptations of the systems'
      operators and other legitimate users to risk controls, adaptations that often
      appear to undermine these controls, or shift the risk from one part of a system
      to another. Unlike the case with adversarial risk analysis, the adaptations of
      system users are typically orthogonal to the objective of minimizing or
      maximizing risk in the system. We argue that this need to analyze potential
      adaptations to risk controls is true for risk problems more generally, and we
      develop a framework for incorporating such adaptations into an assessment
      process. The method is based on the principle of affordances, and we show how
      this can be incorporated in an iterative procedure based on raising the minimum
      period of risk materialization above some threshold. We apply the method in a
      case study of a small European utility provider and discuss the observations
      arising from this.

PMID- 28095597
TI  - Recollection Bias and Its Underpinnings: Lessons from Terrorism Risk Assessments.
AB  - Recollection bias is the phenomenon whereby people who observe a highly
      unexpected event hold current risk beliefs about a similar event that are no
      higher than their recollection of their prior beliefs. This article replicates
      and extends the authors' previous study of recollection bias in relation to
      individuals' perceptions of the risks of terrorism attacks. Over 60% of
      respondents in a national U.S. sample of over 900 adults believe that the current
      risk of a future terrorist attack by either an airplane or in a public setting is
      no higher than they recall having believed, respectively, before the 9/11 attack
      and before the Boston Marathon bombing. By contrast, a rational Bayesian model
      would update to a higher currently assessed risk of these previously
      uncontemplated events. Recollection bias is a persistent trait: individuals who
      exhibited this bias for the 9/11 attack exhibited it for the Boston Marathon
      bombing. Only one-fifth of respondents are free of any type of recollection bias.
      Recollection bias is negatively correlated with absolute levels of risk belief.
      Recollection bias in relation to highly unexpected terrorist events-the belief
      that perceived risks did not increase after the surprise occurrence-dampens
      support for a variety of anti-terrorism measures, controlling for the level of
      risk beliefs and demographic factors. Persistent recollection bias for both 9/11
      and the Boston Marathon bombing is especially influential in diminishing support
      for protective policy measures, such as surveillance cameras in public places.
      Given that public attitudes influence policy, educating the public about risk is
      critical.

PMID- 28095598
TI  - Evaluating the Cost, Safety, and Proliferation Risks of Small Floating Nuclear
      Reactors.
AB  - It is hard to see how our energy system can be decarbonized if the world abandons
      nuclear power, but equally hard to introduce the technology in nonnuclear energy
      states. This is especially true in countries with limited technical,
      institutional, and regulatory capabilities, where safety and proliferation
      concerns are acute. Given the need to achieve serious emissions mitigation by mid
      century, and the multidecadal effort required to develop robust nuclear
      governance institutions, we must look to other models that might facilitate
      nuclear plant deployment while mitigating the technology's risks. One such
      deployment paradigm is the build-own-operate-return model. Because returning
      small land-based reactors containing spent fuel is infeasible, we evaluate the
      cost, safety, and proliferation risks of a system in which small modular reactors
      are manufactured in a factory, and then deployed to a customer nation on a
      floating platform. This floating small modular reactor would be owned and
      operated by a single entity and returned unopened to the developed state for
      refueling. We developed a decision model that allows for a comparison of floating
      and land-based alternatives considering key International Atomic Energy Agency
      plant-siting criteria. Abandoning onsite refueling is beneficial, and floating
      reactors built in a central facility can potentially reduce the risk of cost
      overruns and the consequences of accidents. However, if the floating platform
      must be built to military-grade specifications, then the cost would be much
      higher than a land-based system. The analysis tool presented is flexible, and can
      assist planners in determining the scope of risks and uncertainty associated with
      different deployment options.

PMID- 28095599
TI  - Minerals in the foods and diet of diademed sifakas: Are they nutritional
      challenges?
AB  - Minerals, though needed in small quantities, are essential to metabolic
      processes, and deficiencies can seriously threaten health, reproduction and
      survival. Despite this, few studies have measured mineral composition of wild
      primate foods and fewer have quantified mineral intake. Here we measured the
      concentration of nine minerals in 75 foods of diademed sifakas (Propithecus
      diadema; five groups) in habitats with varying levels of disturbance at
      Tsinjoarivo and estimated daily intakes using focal-animal feeding data and
      intake rates over one year. For six minerals (Ca, P, Na, Fe, Zn, and Cu), mean
      concentrations in foods fell short of the National Research Council's (NRC)
      recommendations for captive primates. Concentrations were highest in lianas,
      herbs, and epiphytes, and hemiparasites had exceptionally high Na. Leaves tended
      to have higher concentrations than fruits or flowers, but overlap was extensive.
      Mineral concentrations in daily diets varied little seasonally, but absolute
      intakes (g/day) were higher in the abundant season, due to the increase in food
      ingested. Disturbed habitat groups' diets had higher mineral concentrations for
      five minerals, but this translated into increased intakes only for Cu, as these
      groups ate less food overall. Overall, comparisons with percentage-based NRC
      recommendations suggests deficiencies, but this is contradicted by: (1) the fact
      that mass-specific intakes exceeded human recommendations, and (2) the lack of
      observed signs of deficiency. Ongoing efforts to quantify mineral consumption
      across wild primate populations and better understanding requirements on both a
      percentage and absolute basis will help in understanding effects on food
      selection, managing primate habitats and formulating captive diets.

PMID- 28095600
TI  - Human quarantine: Toward reducing infectious pressure on chimpanzees at the Tai
      Chimpanzee Project, Cote d'Ivoire.
AB  - Due to their genetic relatedness, great apes are highly susceptible to common
      human respiratory pathogens. Although most respiratory pathogens, such as human
      respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), rarely cause
      severe disease in healthy human adults, they are associated with considerable
      morbidity and mortality in wild great apes habituated to humans for research or
      tourism. To prevent pathogen transmission, most great ape projects have
      established a set of hygiene measures ranging from keeping a specific distance,
      to the use of surgical masks and establishment of quarantines. This study
      investigates the incidence of respiratory symptoms and human respiratory viruses
      in humans at a human-great ape interface, the Tai Chimpanzee Project (TCP) in
      Cote d'Ivoire, and consequently, the effectiveness of a 5-day quarantine designed
      to reduce the risk of potential exposure to human respiratory pathogens. To
      assess the impact of quarantine as a preventative measure, we monitored the
      quarantine process and tested 262 throat swabs for respiratory viruses, collected
      during quarantine over a period of 1 year. Although only 1 subject tested
      positive for a respiratory virus (HRSV), 17 subjects developed symptoms of
      infection while in quarantine and were subsequently kept from approaching the
      chimpanzees, preventing potential exposure in 18 cases. Our results suggest that
      quarantine-in combination with monitoring for symptoms-is effective in reducing
      the risk of potential pathogen exposure. This research contributes to our
      understanding of how endangered great apes can be protected from human-borne
      infectious disease.

PMID- 28095601
TI  - (Re) Defining Emerging Risks.
AB  - The concept of emergence in risk management can be seen as a revealing symptom of
      the increasing need for organizations to update their portfolio of risks and
      opportunities in a rapidly changing and highly competitive environment.
      Accordingly, the concept of emerging risks has been widely discussed in both
      scientific and business communities, with, however, a lack of agreement as to
      whether we should distinguish these risks from others and, if so, what should be
      the adopted approach for their governance. After reviewing a large set of
      definitions and conceptions of emerging risks, this article aims at exploring the
      existence of distinctive features allowing the characterization of a risk as
      emerging or not. First, we will demonstrate that the features used in the various
      definitions are ineffective to achieve this distinction. Furthermore, we will
      argue that all events and consequences associated with risks are or have been
      states of nature that emerged from complex interactions involving combinations of
      hazardous activities and stakes. Accordingly, emerging risks are no longer a
      specific category of risks; they are rather an early step in every risk life
      cycle that deserves specific governance approaches.

PMID- 28095602
TI  - Age and Adaptation: Stronger Decision Updating about Real World Risks in Older
      Age.
AB  - In later life, people are faced with a multitude of risky decisions that concern
      their health, finance, and personal security. Older adults often exercise caution
      in situations that involve risk. In this research, we asked whether older adults
      are also more responsive to warnings about potential risk. An answer to this
      question could reveal a factor underlying increased cautiousness in older age. In
      Study 1, participants decided whether they would engage in risky activities
      (e.g., using an ATM machine in the street) in four realistic scenarios about
      which participants could be expected to have relevant knowledge or experience.
      They then made posterior decisions after listening to audio extracts of real
      reports relevant to each activity. In Study 2, we explored the role that emotions
      play in decision updating. As in Study 1, participants made prior and posterior
      decisions, with the exception that for each scenario the reports were presented
      in their original audio format (high emotive) or in a written transcript format
      (low emotive). Following each posterior decision, participants indicated their
      emotional valence and arousal responses to the reports. In both studies, older
      adults engaged in fewer risky activities than younger adults, indicative of
      increased cautiousness in older age, and exhibited stronger decision updating in
      response to the reports. Older adults also showed stronger emotional responses to
      the reports, even though emotional responses did not differ for audio and written
      transcript formats. Finally, age differences in emotional responses to the
      reports accounted for age differences in decision updating.

PMID- 28095603
TI  - Review of Regulatory Emphasis on Transportation Safety in the United States, 2002
      2009: Public versus Private Modes.
AB  - The U.S. Department of Transportation is responsible for implementing new safety
      improvements and regulations with the goal of ensuring limited funds are
      distributed to where they can have the greatest impact on safety. In this work,
      we conduct a study of new regulations and other reactions (such as recalls) to
      fatal accidents in several different modes of transportation implemented from
      2002 to 2009. We find that in the safest modes of commercial aviation and bus
      transport, the amount of spending on new regulations is high in relation to the
      number of fatalities compared to the regulatory attention received by less safe
      modes of general aviation and private automobiles. Additionally, we study two
      major fatal accident investigations from commercial aviation and two major
      automotive recalls associated with fatal accidents. We find differences in the
      cost per expected fatality prevented for these reactions, with the airline
      accident investigations being more cost effective. Overall, we observe trends in
      both the automotive and aviation sectors that suggest that public transportation
      receives more regulatory attention than private transport. We also observe that
      the types of safety remedies utilized, regulation versus investigation, have
      varying levels of effectiveness in different transport modes. We suggest that
      these differences are indicative of increased public demand for safety in modes
      where a third party may be held responsible, even for those not participating in
      the transportation. These findings have important implications for the
      transportation industry, policymakers, and for estimating the public demand for
      safety in new transport modes.

PMID- 28095604
TI  - Vocal repertoire of free-ranging black howler monkeys' (Alouatta pigra): Call
      types, contexts, and sex-related contributions.
AB  - Alouatta species utter the most powerful primate vocalizations in the Neotropics
      and are well-known for their loud and long-lasting male howling bouts. However,
      the diversity of acoustic structures used in these howling bouts, as well as in
      non-howling contexts, and the relative contribution of the different group
      members to the entire vocal repertoire, needed to be explored further. This
      report provides the first detailed description of the vocal repertoire of black
      howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra), focusing on acoustic structures and contexts of
      emission of both loud and soft calls as well as on the contribution rate of males
      and females to the different call types. Three free-ranging social groups of
      black howler monkeys living in Palenque National Park, Mexico were monitored. We
      identified twelve acoustically discriminable call types, eight described
      previously and four described here for the first time. A few call types were
      systematically emitted either isolated or during howling bouts, but most of them
      could be heard in both calling contexts. Three call types were emitted only by
      females and two only by males. Adult males' call rates (for the seven shared call
      types) were higher than those of females but only when considering calls emitted
      within howling bouts. Our contextual analysis enabled us to divide call types
      into potential functional categories, according to their degree of contribution,
      to intra-group versus inter-group interactions and to neutral-positive versus
      negative situations. We then discussed how socio-ecological factors, notably sex
      differences in social behaviors, may explain the variability found in the vocal
      repertoire of this species and compared our findings with the literature on other
      primate species.

PMID- 28095605
TI  - Influence of Distribution of Animals between Dose Groups on Estimated Benchmark
      Dose and Animal Distress for Quantal Responses.
AB  - Increasingly, dose-response data are being evaluated with the benchmark dose
      (BMD) approach rather than by the less precise no-observed-adverse-effect-level
      (NOAEL) approach. However, the basis for designing animal experiments, using
      equally sized dose groups, is still primed for the NOAEL approach. The major
      objective here was to assess the impact of using dose groups of unequal size on
      both the quality of the BMD and overall animal distress. We examined study
      designs with a total number of 200 animals distributed in four dose groups
      employing quantal data generated by Monte Carlo simulations. Placing more animals
      at doses close to the targeted BMD provided an estimate of BMD that was slightly
      better than the standard design with equally sized dose groups. In situations
      involving a clear dose-response, this translates into fewer animals receiving
      high doses and thus less overall animal distress. Accordingly, in connection with
      risk and safety assessment, animal distress can potentially be reduced by
      distributing the animals appropriately between dose groups without decreasing the
      quality of the information obtained.

PMID- 28095606
TI  - Endothelin-1 and its receptors on haemorrhoidal tissue: a potential site for
      therapeutic intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Haemorrhoids is a common anorectal condition affecting
      millions worldwide. We have studied the effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the
      role of endothelin ETA and ETB receptors in haemorrhoid tissue. EXPERIMENTAL
      APPROACH: Protein expression of ET-1, ETA and ETB receptors were compared between
      haemorrhoids and normal rectal submucosa using Western blot analysis, with the
      localization of proteins determined by autoradiography and immunohistochemistry.
      Effects of ET-1 and sarafotoxin 6a on human colonic and rectal arteries and veins
      was assessed by wire myography and the involvement of receptor subtypes
      established by selective antagonists. KEY RESULTS: Dense binding of [125 I]-ET-1
      to haemorrhoidal sections was reduced by selective receptor antagonists. A higher
      density of ETB than ETA receptors was found in haemorrhoidal, than in control
      rectal tissue and confirmed by Western blot analysis. ETA and ETB receptors were
      localized to smooth muscle of haemorrhoidal arteries and veins, with ETB
      receptors on the endothelium. Human colonic and rectal arteries and veins were
      similarly sensitive to ET-1 and affected by the ETA selective antagonist, but
      sarafotoxin S6a-induced contractions were more pronounced in veins and
      antagonized by a selective ETB receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      ETA and ETB receptors are present in human haemorrhoids with ETB receptors
      predominating. ETA receptors are activated by ET-1 to mediate a contraction in
      arteries and veins, but the latter are selectively activated by sarafotoxin S6a -
      a response that involves ETB receptors at low concentrations. Selective ETB
      agonists may have therapeutic potential to reduce congestion of the haemorrhoidal
      venous sinusoids.

PMID- 28095607
TI  - Heat shock protein 70 promotes coxsackievirus B3 translation initiation and
      elongation via Akt-mTORC1 pathway depending on activation of p70S6K and Cdc2.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection upregulated
      heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and promoted CVB3 multiplication. Here, we report
      the underlying mechanism by which Hsp70 enhances viral RNA translation. By using
      an Hsp70-overexpressing cell line infected with CVB3, we found that Hsp70
      enhanced CVB3 VP1 translation at two stages. First, Hsp70 induced upregulation of
      VP1 translation at the initiation stage via upregulation of internal ribosome
      entry site trans-acting factor lupus autoantigen protein and activation of eIF4E
      binding protein 1, a cap-dependent translation suppressor. Second, we found that
      Hsp70 increased CVB3 VP1 translation by enhancing translation elongation. This
      was mediated by the Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signal cascade,
      which led to the activation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 via p70S6K- and
      cell division cycle protein 2 homolog (Cdc2)-mediated phosphorylation and
      inactivation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase. We also determined the
      position of Cdc2 in this signal pathway, indicating that Cdc2 is regulated by
      mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1. This signal transduction pathway was
      validated using a number of specific pharmacological inhibitors, short
      interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and a dominant negative Akt plasmid. Because Hsp70 is a
      central component of the cellular network of molecular chaperones enhancing viral
      replication, these data may provide new strategies to limit this viral infection.

PMID- 28095609
TI  - Reply to Letter.

PMID- 28095608
TI  - ESX-1 and phthiocerol dimycocerosates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis act in
      concert to cause phagosomal rupture and host cell apoptosis.
AB  - Although phthiocerol dimycocerosates (DIM) are major virulence factors of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of human tuberculosis,
      little is known about their mechanism of action. Localized in the outer membrane
      of mycobacterial pathogens, DIM are predicted to interact with host cell
      membranes. Interaction with eukaryotic membranes is a property shared with
      another virulence factor of Mtb, the early secretory antigenic target EsxA (also
      known as ESAT-6). This small protein, which is secreted by the type VII secretion
      system ESX-1 (T7SS/ESX-1), is involved in phagosomal rupture and cell death
      induced by virulent mycobacteria inside host phagocytes. In this work, by the use
      of several knock-out or knock-in mutants of Mtb or Mycobacterium bovis BCG
      strains and different cell biological assays, we present conclusive evidence that
      ESX-1 and DIM act in concert to induce phagosomal membrane damage and rupture in
      infected macrophages, ultimately leading to host cell apoptosis. These results
      identify an as yet unknown function for DIM in the infection process and open up
      a new research field for the study of the interaction of lipid and protein
      virulence factors of Mtb.

PMID- 28095610
TI  - Uveal schwannoma in a brown-eyed dog.
AB  - An eleven-year-old, female spayed Boxer dog was diagnosed with a uveal schwannoma
      (formerly known as the spindle cell tumor of the blue-eyed dog or SCTBED) despite
      having a uniformly brown iris. The patient presented to emergency for ocular
      discomfort, and the right globe was subsequently enucleated due to glaucoma and
      submitted for histopathology. Upon histopathologic evaluation, a uveal schwannoma
      was diagnosed and confirmed with immunohistochemical staining. Complete
      metastatic evaluation 1 and 6 months after initial presentation did not reveal
      evidence of metastasis, and the dog remains systemically healthy. This case
      represents a unique variant of uveal schwannoma and is relevant because although
      the vast majority of these tumors occur in blue-eyed dogs, clinicians should not
      completely rule out this tumor as a differential based on the iris color.

PMID- 28095611
TI  - Hypothesis: Gene-rich plastid genomes in red algae may be an outcome of nuclear
      genome reduction.
AB  - Red algae (Rhodophyta) putatively diverged from the eukaryote tree of life >1.2
      billion years ago and are the source of plastids in the ecologically important
      diatoms, haptophytes, and dinoflagellates. In general, red algae contain the
      largest plastid gene inventory among all such organelles derived from primary,
      secondary, or additional rounds of endosymbiosis. In contrast, their nuclear gene
      inventory is reduced when compared to their putative sister lineage, the
      Viridiplantae, and other photosynthetic lineages. The latter is thought to have
      resulted from a phase of genome reduction that occurred in the stem lineage of
      Rhodophyta. A recent comparative analysis of a taxonomically broad collection of
      red algal and Viridiplantae plastid genomes demonstrates that the red algal
      ancestor encoded ~1.5* more plastid genes than Viridiplantae. This difference is
      primarily explained by more extensive endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT) in the
      stem lineage of Viridiplantae, when compared to red algae. We postulate that
      limited EGT in Rhodophytes resulted from the countervailing force of ancient, and
      likely recurrent, nuclear genome reduction. In other words, the propensity for
      nuclear gene loss led to the retention of red algal plastid genes that would
      otherwise have undergone intracellular gene transfer to the nucleus. This
      hypothesis recognizes the primacy of nuclear genome evolution over that of
      plastids, which have no inherent control of their gene inventory and can change
      dramatically (e.g., secondarily non-photosynthetic eukaryotes, dinoflagellates)
      in response to selection acting on the host lineage.

PMID- 28095613
TI  - Xenopus egg extract to study regulation of genome-wide and locus-specific DNA
      replication.
AB  - Faithful DNA replication, coupled with accurate repair of DNA damage, is
      essential to maintain genome stability and relies on different DNA metabolism
      genes. Many of these genes are involved in the assembly of replication origins,
      in the coordination of DNA repair to protect replication forks progression in the
      presence of DNA damage and in the replication of repetitive chromatin regions.
      Some DNA metabolism genes are essential in higher eukaryotes, suggesting the
      existence of specialized mechanisms of repair and replication in organisms with
      complex genomes. The impact on cell survival of many of these genes has so far
      precluded in depth molecular analysis of their function. The cell-free Xenopus
      laevis egg extract represents an ideal system to overcome survival issues and to
      facilitate the biochemical study of replication-associated functions of essential
      proteins in vertebrate organisms. Here, we will discuss how Xenopus egg extracts
      have been used to study cellular and molecular processes, such as DNA replication
      and DNA repair. In particular, we will focus on innovative imaging and proteomic
      based experimental approaches to characterize the molecular function of a number
      of essential DNA metabolism factors involved in the duplication of complex
      vertebrate genomes.

PMID- 28095612
TI  - Xenopus laevis as a model system to study cytoskeletal dynamics during axon
      pathfinding.
AB  - The model system, Xenopus laevis, has been used in innumerable research studies
      and has contributed to the understanding of multiple cytoskeletal components,
      including actin, microtubules, and neurofilaments, during axon pathfinding.
      Xenopus developmental stages have been widely characterized, and the Xenopus
      genome has been sequenced, allowing gene expression modifications through
      exogenous molecules. Xenopus cell cultures are ideal for long periods of live
      imaging because they are easily obtained and maintained, and they do not require
      special culture conditions. In addition, Xenopus have relatively large growth
      cones, compared to other vertebrates, thus providing a suitable system for
      imaging cytoskeletal components. Therefore, X. laevis is an ideal model organism
      in which to study cytoskeletal dynamics during axon pathfinding.

PMID- 28095614
TI  - Over-the-scope clip closure for treatment of post-pancreaticogastrostomy
      pancreatic fistula: A case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system is a recently developed
      endoscopic device. In the last few years, it has been successfully used for
      severe bleeding or deep wall lesions, or perforations of the gastrointestinal
      (GI) tract. We hereby report a series of patients with post
      pancreaticogastrostomy pancreatic fistula in whom OTSC were used as endoscopic
      treatment. METHODS: From January 2012 to July 2015, we prospectively collected
      data on cases of postoperative pancreatic fistula. These patients underwent
      pancreaticoduodenectomy in a high-volume center of hepatobiliopancreatic surgery.
      After conservative management, OTSC closure was done by single skilled operators
      in anesthesiologist-assisted deep sedation. RESULTS: A total of seven patients
      were enrolled. According to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery
      criteria, we observed grade B postoperative pancreatic fistula in all cases. All
      patients were treated with 12/6 t-type OTSC. In two cases, a second clip was
      successfully applied to a second site adjacent to the original closure site. In
      all cases, subsequent fluoroscopy showed no contrastographic spreading through
      the wall. There were no complications related to the procedure itself, not from
      the endoscopy point of view, nor from the anesthesiological perspective. There
      were no device malfunctions. Further clinical and endoscopic evaluation was made
      8 weeks later and showed no fistula or anastomotic defect recurrence. No patients
      required additional endoscopic or interventional procedures. CONCLUSION: In
      consideration of clinical and technical success, OTSC placement in POPF seems to
      be effective, safe and technically relatively easy to carry out.

PMID- 28095615
TI  - The long-term population dynamics of common wasps in their native and invaded
      range.
AB  - Populations of introduced species are often thought to perform differently, or
      experience different population dynamics, in their introduced range compared to
      their native habitat. Differences between habitats in climate, competition or
      natural enemies may result in populations with varying density dependence and
      population dynamics. We examined the long-term population dynamics of the
      invasive common wasp, Vespula vulgaris, in its native range in England and its
      invaded range in New Zealand. We used 39 years of wasp density data from four
      sites in England, and 23 years of data from six sites in New Zealand. Wasp
      population time series was examined using partial rate correlation functions.
      Gompertz population models and multivariate autoregressive state-space (MARSS)
      models were fitted, incorporating climatic variation. Gompertz models
      successfully explained 59-66% of the variation in wasp abundance between years.
      Density dependence in wasp populations appeared to act similarly in both the
      native and invaded range, with wasp abundance in the previous year as the most
      important variable in predicting intrinsic rate of increase (r). No evidence of
      cyclic population dynamics was observed. Both the Gompertz and MARSS models
      highlighted the role of weather conditions in each country as significant
      predictors of annual wasp abundance. The temporal evolution of wasp populations
      at all sites was best modelled jointly using a single latent dynamic factor for
      local trends, with the inclusion of a latent spring weather covariate. That same
      parsimonious multivariate model structure was optimal in both the native and
      invaded range. Density dependence is overwhelmingly important in predicting wasp
      densities and 'wasp years' in both the native and invaded range. Spring weather
      conditions in both countries have a major influence, probably through their
      impact on wasp colony initiation and early development. The population dynamics
      in the native range and invaded range show no evidence of cyclic boom-and-bust
      dynamics. Invasive species may not exhibit different population dynamics despite
      considerable variation in abundances throughout their distribution.

PMID- 28095616
TI  - Using Xenopus to understand human disease and developmental disorders.
AB  - Model animals are crucial to biomedical research. Among the commonly used model
      animals, the amphibian, Xenopus, has had tremendous impact because of its unique
      experimental advantages, cost effectiveness, and close evolutionary relationship
      with mammals as a tetrapod. Over the past 50 years, the use of Xenopus has made
      possible many fundamental contributions to biomedicine, and it is a cornerstone
      of research in cell biology, developmental biology, evolutionary biology,
      immunology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and physiology. The prospects for
      Xenopus as an experimental system are excellent: Xenopus is uniquely well-suited
      for many contemporary approaches used to study fundamental biological and disease
      mechanisms. Moreover, recent advances in high throughput DNA sequencing, genome
      editing, proteomics, and pharmacological screening are easily applicable in
      Xenopus, enabling rapid functional genomics and human disease modeling at a
      systems level.

PMID- 28095617
TI  - Probing forebrain to hindbrain circuit functions in Xenopus.
AB  - The vertebrate hindbrain includes neural circuits that govern essential functions
      including breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. Hindbrain circuits also
      participate in generating rhythmic motor patterns for vocalization. In most
      tetrapods, sound production is powered by expiration and the circuitry underlying
      vocalization and respiration must be linked. Perception and arousal are also
      linked; acoustic features of social communication sounds-for example, a baby's
      cry-can drive autonomic responses. The close links between autonomic functions
      that are essential for life and vocal expression have been a major in vivo
      experimental challenge. Xenopus provides an opportunity to address this challenge
      using an ex vivo preparation: an isolated brain that generates vocal and
      breathing patterns. The isolated brain allows identification and manipulation of
      hindbrain vocal circuits as well as their activation by forebrain circuits that
      receive sensory input, initiate motor patterns and control arousal. Advances in
      imaging technologies, coupled to the production of Xenopus lines expressing
      genetically encoded calcium sensors, provide powerful tools for imaging neuronal
      patterns in the entire fictively behaving brain, a goal of the BRAIN Initiative.
      Comparisons of neural circuit activity across species (comparative neuromics)
      with distinctive vocal patterns can identify conserved features, and thereby
      reveal essential functional components.

PMID- 28095618
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of canonical Wnt target gene regulation in Xenopus
      tropicalis challenges beta-catenin paradigm.
AB  - Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is an important cell-to-cell signaling mechanism that
      controls gene expression during embryonic development and is critically
      implicated in human diseases. Developmental, cellular, and transcriptional
      responses to Wnt signaling are remarkably context-specific in different
      biological processes. While nuclear localization of beta-catenin is the key to
      activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and target gene expression, the
      molecular mechanisms of how the same Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway induces
      specific responses remain undetermined. Recent advances in high-throughput
      sequencing technologies and the availability of genome information for Xenopus
      tropicalis have enabled us to uncover a genome-wide view of Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling in early vertebrate embryos, which challenges previous concepts about
      molecular mechanisms of Wnt target gene regulation. In this review, we summarize
      our experimental approaches, introduce the technologies we employed and focus on
      recent findings about Wnt target gene regulation from Xenopus research. We will
      also discuss potential functions of widespread beta-catenin binding in the genome
      that we discovered in this species.

PMID- 28095619
TI  - New recipes with CaMPARI for 'snapshots' of synaptic circuit activity.

PMID- 28095620
TI  - Tools for live imaging of active Rho GTPases in Xenopus.
AB  - Rho family GTPases are signaling molecules that orchestrate cytoskeletal dynamics
      in a variety of cellular processes. Because they effect localized changes to the
      cytoskeleton only in their active (GTP-bound) conformation, the ability to
      monitor the active state of Rho GTPases in space and time is critical for
      understanding their function. Here, we summarize popular tools used for live
      imaging of active Rho GTPases, outlining advantages and drawbacks of these
      approaches. Additionally, we highlight key features of the Xenopus laevis embryo
      that make it well-suited for epithelial cell biology and discuss how application
      of Rho activity reporters in the Xenopus laevis embryo led to the discovery of a
      novel phenomenon, junctional Rho flares.

PMID- 28095621
TI  - Targeted integration of genes in Xenopus tropicalis.
AB  - With the successful establishment of both targeted gene disruption and
      integration methods in the true diploid frog Xenopus tropicalis, this excellent
      vertebrate genetic model now is making a unique contribution to modelling human
      diseases. Here, we summarize our efforts on establishing homologous recombination
      mediated targeted integration in Xenopus tropicalis, the usefulness, and
      limitation of targeted integration via the homology-independent strategy, and
      future directions on how to further improve targeted gene integration in Xenopus
      tropicalis.

PMID- 28095622
TI  - TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 fuel genetically engineered clinically relevant Xenopus
      tropicalis tumor models.
AB  - The targeted nuclease revolution (TALENs, CRISPR/Cas9) now allows Xenopus
      researchers to rapidly generate custom on-demand genetic knockout models. These
      novel methods to perform reverse genetics are unprecedented and are fueling a
      wide array of human disease models within the aquatic diploid model organism
      Xenopus tropicalis (X. tropicalis). This emerging technology review focuses on
      the tools to rapidly generate genetically engineered X. tropicalis models (GEXM),
      with a focus on establishment of genuine genetic and clinically relevant cancer
      models. We believe that due to particular advantageous characteristics, outlined
      within this review, GEXM will become a valuable alternative animal model for
      modeling human cancer. Furthermore, we provide perspectives of how GEXM will be
      used as a platform for elucidation of novel therapeutic targets and for
      preclinical drug validation. Finally, we also discuss some future prospects on
      how the recent expansions and adaptations of the CRISPR/Cas9 toolbox might
      influence and push forward X. tropicalis cancer research.

PMID- 28095624
TI  - 'It's good enough': Swedish general dental practitioners on reasons for accepting
      substandard root filling quality.
AB  - AIM: The concept of 'good enough' is central and necessary in the assessment of
      root filling quality. The aim was to explore the concept by analysing reasons and
      arguments for the acceptance or rejection of substandard root filling quality as
      reported by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Sweden. METHODOLOGY: The study
      was designed as a qualitative and exploratory study based on seven videotaped
      focus group interviews analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. Thirty
      three GDPs employed in the Public Dental Health Service in Gothenburg, Sweden,
      participated (4-6 GDPs/interview). In all, nine predetermined questions were
      followed. Before each focus group, the participants received radiographs of 37
      root fillings and were asked to assess the root filling quality. The three cases
      representing the most divergent assessments served as a basis for the discussion.
      The cases were presented without clinical information; the dentists would relate
      to the cases as being just root filled by themselves. RESULTS: The radiographs
      did not provide a sufficient basis for decisions on whether or not to accept the
      root filling. This study emphasized that dentists did not primarily look for
      these arguments in the technical details of the root filling per se, but instead,
      they considered selected features of the contextual situation. The GDPs
      constantly introduced relevant 'ad hoc considerations' to account for the
      decisions they made. These contextual considerations were related to aspects of
      pulpal and periapical disease, risks (e.g. technical complications) or to
      consumed resources (personal and/or economic). CONCLUSIONS: It was obvious that
      the concept of 'good enough' does not exist as a general formula ready to be
      applied in particular situations. Instead, it is necessarily and irremediably
      tied to contextual properties that emerge from case to case.

PMID- 28095623
TI  - Xenopus as a model for studies in mechanical stress and cell division.
AB  - We exist in a physical world, and cells within biological tissues must respond
      appropriately to both environmental forces and forces generated within the tissue
      to ensure normal development and homeostasis. Cell division is required for
      normal tissue growth and maintenance, but both the direction and rate of cell
      division must be tightly controlled to avoid diseases of over-proliferation such
      as cancer. Recent studies have shown that mechanical cues can cause mitotic entry
      and orient the mitotic spindle, suggesting that physical force could play a role
      in patterning tissue growth. However, to fully understand how mechanics guides
      cells in vivo, it is necessary to assess the interaction of mechanical strain and
      cell division in a whole tissue context. In this mini-review we first summarise
      the body of work linking mechanics and cell division, before looking at the
      advantages that the Xenopus embryo can offer as a model organism for
      understanding: (1) the mechanical environment during embryogenesis, and (2)
      factors important for cell division. Finally, we introduce a novel method for
      applying a reproducible strain to Xenopus embryonic tissue and assessing
      subsequent cell divisions.

PMID- 28095625
TI  - Potentiation of biological effects of mesenchymal stem cells in ischemic
      conditions by melatonin via upregulation of cellular prion protein expression.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for stem cell-based
      therapy in ischemic diseases. However, ischemic injury induces pathophysiological
      conditions, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, which diminish therapeutic
      efficacy of MSC-based therapy by reducing survival and functionality of
      transplanted MSCs. To overcome this problem, we explored the effects of melatonin
      on the proliferation, resistance to oxidative stress, and immunomodulatory
      properties of MSCs. Treatment with melatonin enhanced MSC proliferation and self
      renewal via upregulation of cellular prion protein (PrPC ) expression. Melatonin
      diminished the extent of MSC apoptosis in oxidative stress conditions by
      regulating the levels of apoptosis-associated proteins, such as BCL-2, BAX, PARP
      1, and caspase-3, in a PrPC -dependent manner. In addition, melatonin regulated
      the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs via the PrPC -IDO axis. In a murine hind
      limb ischemia model, melatonin-stimulated MSCs improved the blood flow perfusion,
      limb salvage, and vessel regeneration by lowering the extent of apoptosis of
      affected local cells and transplanted MSCs as well as by reducing infiltration of
      macrophages. These melatonin-mediated therapeutic effects were inhibited by
      silencing of PrPC expression. Our findings for the first time indicate that
      melatonin promotes MSC functionality and enhances MSC-mediated neovascularization
      in ischemic tissues through the upregulation of PrPC expression. In conclusion,
      melatonin-treated MSCs could provide a therapeutic strategy for vessel
      regeneration in ischemic disease, and the targeting of PrPC levels may prove
      instrumental for MSC-based therapies.

PMID- 28095626
TI  - HsfA1a upregulates melatonin biosynthesis to confer cadmium tolerance in tomato
      plants.
AB  - Melatonin regulates broad aspects of plant responses to various biotic and
      abiotic stresses, but the upstream regulation of melatonin biosynthesis by these
      stresses remains largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that transcription
      factor heat-shock factor A1a (HsfA1a) conferred cadmium (Cd) tolerance to tomato
      plants, in part through its positive role in inducing melatonin biosynthesis
      under Cd stress. Analysis of leaf phenotype, chlorophyll content, and
      photosynthetic efficiency revealed that silencing of the HsfA1a gene decreased Cd
      tolerance, whereas its overexpression enhanced plant tolerance to Cd. HsfA1a
      silenced plants exhibited reduced melatonin levels, and HsfA1a overexpression
      stimulated melatonin accumulation and the expression of the melatonin
      biosynthetic gene caffeic acid O-methyltransferase 1 (COMT1) under Cd stress.
      Both an in vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay and in vivo chromatin
      immunoprecipitation coupled with qPCR analysis revealed that HsfA1a binds to the
      COMT1 gene promoter. Meanwhile, Cd stress induced the expression of heat-shock
      proteins (HSPs), which was compromised in HsfA1a-silenced plants and more
      robustly induced in HsfA1a-overexpressing plants under Cd stress. COMT1 silencing
      reduced HsfA1a-induced Cd tolerance and melatonin accumulation in HsfA1a
      overexpressing plants. Additionally, the HsfA1a-induced expression of HSPs was
      partially compromised in COMT1-silenced wild-type or HsfA1a-overexpressing plants
      under Cd stress. These results demonstrate that HsfA1a confers Cd tolerance by
      activating transcription of the COMT1 gene and inducing accumulation of melatonin
      that partially upregulates expression of HSPs.

PMID- 28095627
TI  - Melatonin regulates lipid metabolism in porcine oocytes.
AB  - It is being increasingly recognized that the processes of lipogenesis and
      lipolysis are important for providing an essential energy source during oocyte
      maturation and embryo development. Recent studies demonstrated that melatonin has
      a role in lipid metabolism regulation, including lipogenesis, lipolysis, and
      mitochondrial biogenesis. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effects
      of melatonin on lipid metabolism during porcine oocyte in vitro maturation.
      Melatonin treatment significantly enhanced the number of lipid droplets (LDs) and
      upregulated gene expression related to lipogenesis (ACACA, FASN, PPARgamma, and
      SREBF1). Oocytes treated with melatonin formed smaller LDs and abundantly
      expressed several genes associated with lipolysis, including ATGL, CGI-58, HSL,
      and PLIN2. Moreover, melatonin significantly increased the content of fatty
      acids, mitochondria, and ATP, as indicated by fluorescent staining.
      Concomitantly, melatonin treatment upregulated gene expression related to fatty
      acid beta-oxidation (CPT1a, CPT1b, CPT2, and ACADS) and mitochondrial biogenesis
      (PGC-1alpha, TFAM, and PRDX2). Overall, melatonin treatment not only altered both
      the morphology and amount of LDs, but also increased the content of fatty acids,
      mitochondria, and ATP. In addition, melatonin upregulated mRNA expression levels
      of lipogenesis, lipolysis, beta-oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis-related
      genes in porcine oocytes. These results indicated that melatonin promoted lipid
      metabolism and thereby provided an essential energy source for oocyte maturation
      and subsequent embryonic development.

PMID- 28095628
TI  - Sensitization from ketotifen fumarate in eye drops presenting as chronic
      conjunctivitis.

PMID- 28095629
TI  - Presence of allergens in the vehicles of Brazilian dermatological products.

PMID- 28095630
TI  - Oxidation products and the skin - the effect of hydroperoxides.

PMID- 28095631
TI  - Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by thebaine and oripavine.

PMID- 28095633
TI  - Allergic contact dermatitis caused by textile dyes mimicking atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 28095632
TI  - Severe intractable eyelid dermatitis probably caused by exposure to
      hydroperoxides of linalool in a heavily fragranced shampoo.

PMID- 28095634
TI  - Pragmatic management of (suspected allergic) diaper dermatitis.

PMID- 28095635
TI  - Allergic contact dermatitis caused by panthenol: a rare but relevant sensitizer.

PMID- 28095636
TI  - No contact allergy to acrylic acid and methacrylic acid in routinely tested
      dermatitis patients.

PMID- 28095637
TI  - Gene therapy for achromatopsia.
AB  - The present review summarizes the current status of achromatopsia (ACHM) gene
      therapy-related research activities and provides an outlook for their clinical
      application. ACHM is an inherited eye disease characterized by a congenital
      absence of cone photoreceptor function. As a consequence, ACHM is associated with
      strongly impaired daylight vision, photophobia, nystagmus and a lack of color
      discrimination. Currently, six genes have been linked to ACHM. Up to 80% of the
      patients carry mutations in the genes CNGA3 and CNGB3 encoding the two subunits
      of the cone cyclic nucleotide-gated channel. Various animal models of the disease
      have been established and their characterization has helped to increase our
      understanding of the pathophysiology associated with ACHM. With the advent of
      adeno-associated virus vectors as valuable gene delivery tools for retinal
      photoreceptors, a number of promising gene supplementation therapy programs have
      been initiated. In recent years, huge progress has been made towards bringing a
      curative treatment for ACHM into clinics. The first clinical trials are ongoing
      or will be launched soon and are expected to contribute important data on the
      safety and efficacy of ACHM gene supplementation therapy.

PMID- 28095638
TI  - Exploratory studies: a crucial step towards better hypothesis-driven confirmatory
      research in brain stimulation.

PMID- 28095639
TI  - Early involvement of lysosome dysfunction in the degeneration of cerebral
      cortical neurons caused by the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal.
AB  - Free radical-mediated oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA occurs in
      neurons during acute brain injuries and in neurodegenerative disorders. Membrane
      lipid peroxidation contributes to neuronal dysfunction and death, in part by
      disrupting neuronal ion homeostasis and cellular bioenergetics. Emerging findings
      suggest that 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), an aldehyde produced during lipid
      peroxidation, impairs the function of various proteins involved in neuronal
      homeostasis. Here we tested the hypothesis that HNE impairs the cellular system
      that removes damaged proteins and organelles, the autophagy-lysosome pathway in
      rat primary cortical neurons. We found that HNE, at a concentration that causes
      apoptosis over a 48-72 h period, increases protein levels of LC3 II and p62 and
      within 1 and 4 h of exposure, respectively; LC3 II and p62 immunoreactive puncta
      were observed in the cytoplasm of HNE-treated neurons at 6 h. The extent of up
      regulation of p62 and LC3 II in response to HNE was not affected by co-treatment
      with the lysosome inhibitor bafilomycin A1, suggesting that the effects of HNE on
      autophagy were secondary to lysosome inhibition. Indeed, we found that neurons
      exposed to HNE exhibit elevated pH levels, and decreased protein substrate
      hydrolysis and cathepsin B activity. Neurons exposed to HNE also exhibited the
      accumulation of K63-linked polyubiquitinated proteins, which are substrates
      targeted for lysosomal degradation. Moreover, we found that the levels of LAMP2a
      and constitutively active heat-shock protein 70, and numbers of LAMP2a-positive
      lysosomes, are decreased in neurons exposed to HNE. Our findings demonstrate that
      the lipid peroxidation product HNE causes early impairment of lysosomes which may
      contribute to the accumulation of damaged and dysfunctional proteins and
      organelles and consequent neuronal death. Because impaired lysosome function is
      increasingly recognized as an early event in the neuronal death that occurs in
      neurodegenerative disorders, our findings suggest a role for HNE in such
      lysosomal dysfunction.

PMID- 28095640
TI  - Irradiation before and donor splenocyte infusion immediately after
      transplantation induce tolerance to lung, but not heart allografts in miniature
      swine.
AB  - Solid organs may differ in their potential to induce and maintain a state of
      donor-specific tolerance. Previously, we induced stable immunological tolerance
      in a lung transplantation model in miniature swine. Here, we wished to transfer
      this established protocol into a heart transplantation model in miniature swine.
      Heterotopic heart transplantation (HTX) was performed in four and left-sided lung
      transplantation (LTX) in seven minipigs from gender- and SLA-mismatched donors.
      All recipients received nonmyeloablative irradiation, donor splenocyte infusion
      and intravenous pharmacologic immunosuppression for 28 postoperative days. All
      transplanted hearts were rejected within 95 days. In contrast, four animals of
      the LTX group developed stable tolerance surviving beyond 500 days, and three
      further animals rejected 119, 239 and 360 days post-transplantation. In both
      groups, peripheral blood donor leucocyte chimerism peaked 1 h after reperfusion
      of the allograft. Importantly, the early chimerism level in the LTX group was
      significantly higher compared to the HTX group and remained detectable throughout
      the entire observation period. In conclusion, lungs and hearts vary in their
      potential to induce a state of tolerance after transplantation in a protocol with
      pre-operative recipient irradiation and donor splenocyte co-transplantation. This
      could be due to differential early levels of passenger leucocyte chimerism.

PMID- 28095641
TI  - Melatonin ameliorates alcohol-induced bile acid synthesis by enhancing miR-497
      expression.
AB  - Alcoholic liver disease is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, and
      cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) is involved in a diverse metabolic diseases. B
      cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) and yin yang 1 (YY1) are a potent regulator of
      biological conditions. Melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating diverse
      physiological functions and metabolic homeostasis. MicroRNAs are key regulators
      of various biological processes. Herein, we demonstrate that melatonin improves
      bile acid synthesis in the liver of alcohol-fed mice by controlling miR-497
      expression. The level of bile acid and the expression of Cb1r, Btg2, Yy1, and
      bile acid synthetic enzymes were significantly elevated in the livers of Lieber
      DeCarli alcohol-fed mice. The overexpression of Btg2 enhanced Yy1 gene expression
      and bile acid production, whereas disrupting the CB1R-BTG2-YY1 cascade protected
      against the bile acid synthesis caused by alcohol challenge. We identified an
      alcohol-mediated YY1 binding site on the cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1)
      gene promoter using promoter deletion analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation
      assays. Notably, melatonin attenuated the alcohol-stimulated induction of Btg2,
      Yy1 mRNA levels and bile acid production by promoting miR-497. Overexpression of
      a miR-497 mimic dramatically diminished the increase of Btg2 and Yy1 gene
      expression as well as bile acid production by alcohol, whereas this phenomenon
      was reversed by miR-497 inhibitor. These results demonstrate that the
      upregulation of miR-497 by melatonin represses alcohol-induced bile acid
      synthesis by attenuating the BTG2-YY1 signaling pathway. The melatonin-miR497
      signaling network may provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of
      hepatic metabolic dysfunction caused by the alcohol-dependent pathway.

PMID- 28095643
TI  - Seeing the future: using Xenopus to understand eye regeneration.
AB  - Studies of Xenopus eye development have contributed considerably to the
      understanding of vertebrate neurogenesis, including eye field specification, cell
      fate determination and identification of genes critical for eye formation. This
      knowledge has served as a solid foundation for cellular and molecular
      examinations of the robust regenerative capacity of the Xenopus eye. The retina,
      lens, and the optic nerve are capable of regeneration after injury in both larval
      and adult stages. Here, we discuss the current models for studying eye
      regeneration in Xenopus and their potential applications for providing insights
      into human eye diseases. As Xenopus has many of the same tools that are available
      for other regeneration models, we thus highlight the distinct strengths and
      versatility of this organism that make it especially suited for extrapolating and
      testing strategies aimed at promoting regeneration and repair in eye tissues.
      Furthermore, we outline a promising future for the use of new techniques and
      approaches to address outstanding questions in understanding eye regeneration.

PMID- 28095642
TI  - Maternal messages to live by: a personal historical perspective.
AB  - In the 1980s, the study of localized maternal mRNAs was just emerging as a new
      research area. Classic embryological studies had linked the inheritance of
      cytoplasmic domains with specific cell lineages, but the underlying molecular
      nature of these putative determinants remained a mystery. The model system
      Xenopus would play a pivotal role in the progress of this new field. In fact, the
      first localized maternal mRNA to be identified and cloned from any organism was
      Xenopus vg1, a TGF-beta family member. This seminal finding opened the door to
      many subsequent studies focused on how RNAs are localized and what functions they
      had in development. As the field moves into the future, Xenopus remains the
      system of choice for studies identifying RNA/protein transport particles and
      maternal RNAs through RNA-sequencing.

PMID- 28095644
TI  - Xenopus as a model organism to study heterotrimeric G-protein pathway during
      collective cell migration of neural crest.
AB  - Collective cell migration is essential in many fundamental aspects of normal
      development, like morphogenesis, organ formation, wound healing, and immune
      responses, as well as in the etiology of severe pathologies, like cancer
      metastasis. In spite of the huge amount of data accumulated on cell migration,
      such a complex process involves many molecular actors, some of which still remain
      to be functionally characterized. One of these signals is the heterotrimeric G
      protein pathway that has been studied mainly in gastrulation movements. Recently
      we have reported that Ric-8A, a GEF for Galpha proteins, plays an important role
      in neural crest migration in Xenopus development. Xenopus neural crest cells, a
      highly migratory embryonic cell population induced at the border of the neural
      plate that migrates extensively in order to differentiate in other tissues during
      development, have become a good model to understand the dynamics that regulate
      cell migration. In this review, we aim to provide sufficient evidence supporting
      how useful Xenopus model with its different tools, such as explants and
      transplants, paired with improved in vivo imaging techniques, will allow us to
      tackle the multiple signaling mechanisms involved in neural crest cell migration.

PMID- 28095645
TI  - What we can learn from a tadpole about ciliopathies and airway diseases: Using
      systems biology in Xenopus to study cilia and mucociliary epithelia.
AB  - Over the past years, the Xenopus embryo has emerged as an incredibly useful model
      organism for studying the formation and function of cilia and ciliated epithelia
      in vivo. This has led to a variety of findings elucidating the molecular
      mechanisms of ciliated cell specification, basal body biogenesis, cilia assembly,
      and ciliary motility. These findings also revealed the deep functional
      conservation of signaling, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and protein
      networks employed in the formation and function of vertebrate ciliated cells.
      Therefore, Xenopus research can contribute crucial insights not only into
      developmental and cell biology, but also into the molecular mechanisms underlying
      cilia related diseases (ciliopathies) as well as diseases affecting the ciliated
      epithelium of the respiratory tract in humans (e.g., chronic lung diseases).
      Additionally, systems biology approaches including transcriptomics, genomics, and
      proteomics have been rapidly adapted for use in Xenopus, and broaden the
      applications for current and future translational biomedical research. This
      review aims to present the advantages of using Xenopus for cilia research,
      highlight some of the evolutionarily conserved key concepts and mechanisms of
      ciliated cell biology that were elucidated using the Xenopus model, and describe
      the potential for Xenopus research to address unresolved questions regarding the
      molecular mechanisms of ciliopathies and airway diseases.

PMID- 28095646
TI  - A frog's view of EphrinB signaling.
AB  - Cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion are essential to the proper formation and
      maintenance of tissue patterns during development, and deregulation of these
      processes can lead to invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Cell surface
      adhesion and signaling molecules are key players in both normal development and
      cancer progression. One set of cell surface proteins, the Eph receptor tyrosine
      kinases and their membrane-bound ligands, ephrins, are significant regulators of
      these processes. During embryonic development, the Eph/ephrin signaling system is
      involved in cell-cell contact events that result in cell sorting and boundary
      formation between receptor and ligand bearing cells. When migrating cells that
      display the membrane bound ligands or receptors come in contact with cells
      bearing the cognate partner, the response may be adhesion or repulsion,
      ultimately leading to the proper positioning of these cells. During cancer
      progression, the signaling between these receptor/ligand pairs is often
      deregulated, leading to increased invasion and metastasis. To gain mechanistic
      insight into the pathways that mediate Eph receptor and ephrin signaling we have
      relied upon a very tractable system, the frog Xenopus. This model system has
      proven to be extremely versatile, and represents a relatively quick and
      manipulable system to explore signaling events and the in vivo processes affected
      by these signals.

PMID- 28095648
TI  - AmphiBase: A new genomic resource for non-model amphibian species.
AB  - More than five thousand genes annotated in the recently published Xenopus laevis
      and Xenopus tropicalis genomes do not have a candidate orthologous counterpart in
      other vertebrate species. To determine whether these sequences represent genuine
      amphibian-specific genes or annotation errors, it is necessary to analyze them
      alongside sequences from other amphibian species. However, due to large genome
      sizes and an abundance of repeat sequences, there are limited numbers of gene
      sequences available from amphibian species other than Xenopus. AmphiBase is a new
      genomic resource covering non-model amphibian species, based on public domain
      transcriptome data and computational methods developed during the X. laevis
      genome project. Here, I review the current status of AmphiBase, including
      amphibian species with available transcriptome data or biological samples, and
      describe the challenges of building a comprehensive amphibian genomic resource in
      the absence of genomes. This mini-review will be informative for researchers
      interested in functional genomic experiments using amphibian model organisms,
      such as Xenopus and axolotl, and will assist in interpretation of results
      implicating "orphan genes." Additionally, this study highlights an opportunity
      for researchers working on non-model amphibian species to collaborate in their
      future efforts and develop amphibian genomic resources as a community.

PMID- 28095647
TI  - New-generation mass spectrometry expands the toolbox of cell and developmental
      biology.
AB  - Systems cell biology understanding of development requires characterization of
      all the molecules produced in the biological system. Decades of research and new
      generation sequencing provided functional information on key genes and
      transcripts. However, there is less information available on how differential
      gene expression translates into the domains of functionally important proteins,
      peptides, and metabolites, and how changes in these molecules impact development.
      Mass spectrometry (MS) is the current technology of choice for the detection and
      quantification of large numbers of proteins and metabolites, because it requires
      no use of antibodies, functional probes, or a priori knowledge of molecules
      produced in the system. This review focuses on recent technologies that have
      improved MS sensitivity for proteins and metabolites and enabled new
      functionalities to assess their temporal and spatial changes during vertebrate
      embryonic development. This review highlights case studies, in which new
      generation MS tools have enabled the study of hundreds-to-thousands of proteins
      and metabolites in tissues, cell populations, and single cells in model systems
      of vertebrate development, particularly the frog (Xenopus), zebrafish, and mouse.
      New-generation MS expands the toolbox of cell and developmental studies, raising
      exciting potentials to advance basic and translational research in the life
      sciences.

PMID- 28095649
TI  - The effect of mechanical stress on the proliferation, adipogenic differentiation
      and gene expression of human adipose-derived stem cells.
AB  - To allow for a better implementation of external volume expansion to clinical
      applications for soft tissue regeneration, it is necessary to comprehensively
      understand the underlying mechanisms. As human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs)
      play a crucial role in soft tissue enlargement, we investigated the impact of
      cyclic stretch on gene expression, proliferation rate and adipogenic
      differentiation of these cells. After cyclic stretching, RNA was extracted and
      subjected to DNA microarray analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Also, the expression of FABP4 mRNA was
      analysed by RT-qPCR to test whether mechanical stretch affected adipogenic
      differentiation of hASCs. The proliferation rate was assessed using the
      alamarBlue assay and Ki-67 staining. A cell cycle analysis was performed with
      flow cytometry and Western blot. We found that cyclic stretch significantly
      induced the expression of CYP1B1 mRNA. Furthermore, the adipogenic
      differentiation of hASCs was impaired, as was the proliferation. This was partly
      due to a decrease in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and histone
      H3 phosphorylation, suggesting a growth arrest in the G2 /M phase of the cell
      cycle. Enrichment analyses demonstrated that stretch-regulated genes were over
      represented in pathways and biological processes involved in extracellular matrix
      organization, vascular remodelling and responses to cell stress. Taken together,
      mechanical stress impaired both proliferation and adipogenic differentiation, but
      led to a tissue-remodelling phenotype of hASCs. These data suggest that
      extracellular matrix remodelling and neoangiogenesis may play a more important
      role in external volume expansion than proliferation and adipogenesis of hASCs.
      Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28095650
TI  - Bone tissue engineering in oral peri-implant defects in preclinical in vivo
      research: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The regeneration and establishment of osseointegration within oral peri-implant
      bone defects remains a clinical challenge. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is
      emerging as a promising alternative to autogenous and/or biomaterial-based bone
      grafting. The objective of this systematic review was to answer the focused
      question: in animal models, do cell-based BTE strategies enhance bone
      regeneration and/or implant osseointegration in experimental peri-implant
      defects, compared with grafting with autogenous bone or only biomaterial
      scaffolds? Electronic databases were searched for controlled animal studies
      reporting on peri-implant defects and implantation of mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSC) or other cells seeded on biomaterial scaffolds, following Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
      Random effects meta-analyses were performed for the outcomes histomorphometric
      bone area fraction (BA) and bone-to-implant contact (BIC). Nineteen studies
      reporting on large animal models (dogs and sheep) were included. Experimental
      defects were created surgically (16 studies) or via ligature-induced peri
      implantitis (LIPI, three studies). In general, studies presented with an unclear
      to high risk of bias. In most studies, MSC were used in combination with
      alloplastic mineral phase or polymer scaffolds; no study directly compared cell
      loaded scaffolds vs. autogenous bone. In three studies, cells were also modified
      by ex vivo gene transfer of osteoinductive factors. The meta-analyses indicated
      statistically significant benefits in favour of: (a) cell-loaded vs. cell-free
      scaffolds [weighted mean differences (WMD) of 10.73-12.30% BA and 11.77-15.15%
      BIC] in canine surgical defect and LIPI models; and (b) gene-modified vs.
      unmodified cells (WMD of 29.44% BA and 16.50% BIC) in canine LIPI models.
      Overall, heterogeneity in the meta-analyses was high (I2 70-88%); considerable
      variation was observed among studies regarding the nature of cells and scaffolds
      used. In summary, bone regeneration and osseointegration in peri-implant defects
      are enhanced by the addition of osteogenic cells to biomaterial scaffolds.
      Although the direction of treatment outcome is clearly in favour of BTE
      strategies, due to the limited magnitude of treatment effect observed, no
      conclusive statements regarding the clinical benefit of such procedures for oral
      indications can yet be made. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28095651
TI  - Transcriptional dynamics of tail regeneration in Xenopus tropicalis.
AB  - In contrast to humans, many amphibians are able to rapidly and completely
      regenerate complex tissues, including entire appendages. Following tail
      amputation, Xenopus tropicalis tadpoles quickly regenerate muscle, spinal cord,
      cartilage, vasculature and skin, all properly patterned in three dimensions. To
      better understand the molecular basis of this regenerative competence, we
      performed a transcriptional analysis of the first 72 h of tail regeneration using
      RNA-Seq. Our analysis refines the windows during which many key biological
      signaling processes act in regeneration, including embryonic patterning signals,
      immune responses, bioelectrical signaling and apoptosis. Our work provides a deep
      database for researchers interested in appendage regeneration, and points to new
      avenues for further study.

PMID- 28095652
TI  - Exosomal trafficking in Xenopus development.
AB  - Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by many cell types in
      both normal and pathogenic circumstances. Because EVs, particularly exosomes, are
      known to transfer biologically active proteins, RNAs and lipids between cells,
      they have recently become the focus of intense interest as potential mediators of
      cell-cell communication, particularly in long-range and juxtacrine signaling
      events associated with adaptive immune function and progression of cancer. Among
      the EVs, exosomes appear particularly adapted for long-range delivery of cargoes
      between cells. Because of their association with disease states, the exciting
      potential for exosomes to serve as diagnostic biomarkers and as target-specific
      biomolecule delivery vehicles has stimulated a broad range of biomedical
      investigations to learn how exosomes are generated, what their cargoes are, and
      how they might be tailored for uptake by remote targets. Addressing these
      questions requires experimental models in which biochemically useful amounts of
      material can be harvested, gene expression easily manipulated, and interpretable
      biological assays developed. The early Xenopus embryo fulfills these model-system
      ideals in an in vivo context: during morphogenesis the embryo develops several
      large, fluid-filled extracellular compartments across which numerous tissue
      specifying signals must cross, and which are abundantly endowed with exosomes and
      other EVs. Importantly, certain surface-facing tissues avidly ingest EVs during
      gastrulation. Recent work has demonstrated that EVs can be isolated from these
      interstitial spaces in amounts suitable for proteomic and transcriptomic
      analysis. With its large numbers, great cell size, well-understood fate map, and
      tolerance of a variety of experimental approaches, the Xenopus embryo provides a
      unique opportunity to both understand and manipulate the basic cell biology of
      exosomal trafficking in the context of an intact organism.

PMID- 28095653
TI  - Efficacy of Korean Multipurpose Contact Lens Disinfecting Solutions against
      Acanthamoeba castellanii.
AB  - Acanthamoeba keratitis has been increasing in recent years. Main risk factors are
      contact lens wear and their cleaning solutions. Most contact lens wearers use
      multipurpose disinfecting solutions (MPDS) for cleansing and disinfecting
      microorganisms because of its convenience. We determined amoebicidal effects of
      MPDS made in Korea and their cytotoxicity on human corneal epithelium cells.
      Fifteen commercial MPDS (A to O) were tested for their amoebicidal effects on
      Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts by using a most probable number
      (MPN) technique. Among them, 7 kinds of MPDS showed little or no amoebicidal
      effects for 24 hr exposure. Solutions A, B, G, H, L, and O showed positive
      amoebicidal effects, and solutions M and N killed almost all trophozoites and
      cysts after 24 hr exposure. However, 50%-N solution showed 56% cytotoxicity on
      human corneal epithelial cells within 4 hr exposure, and 50%-O solution also
      showed 62% cytotoxicity on human cells within 4 hr exposure. Solution A did not
      show any cytotoxicity on human cells. These results revealed that most MPDS made
      in Korea were ineffective to kill Acanthamoeba. The solutions having amoebicidal
      activity also showed high levels of cytotoxicity on human corneal epithelial
      cells. New formulations for improved MPDS that are amoebicidal but safe for host
      cells are needed to prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis.

PMID- 28095654
TI  - Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Intestinal Trichomonads in Pet Dogs
      in East China.
AB  - The trichomonad species Tritrichomonas foetus and Pentatrichomonas hominis were
      recently detected in the feces of dogs with diarrhea. However, little information
      is available on the prevalence and pathogenicity of these parasites in the canine
      population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and
      molecular characterization of trichomonads infecting pet dogs in Anhui and
      Zhejiang provinces, east China. In total, 315 pet dogs, with or without diarrhea,
      from 7 pet hospitals were included in this epidemiological survey. Microscopy and
      PCR detected P. hominis in 19.7% (62/315) and 31.4% (99/315) of fecal samples,
      respectively. T. foetus infection was detected in 0% (0/315) of samples with
      microscopy and in 0.6% (2/315) with PCR. The prevalence of P. hominis was
      significantly higher in young dogs (<=12 months) than in adult dogs (>12 months),
      and was significantly higher in diarrheic dogs (50.6%) than in non-diarrheic dogs
      (24.3%; P<0.05). Infection with T. foetus did not correlate with any risk factors
      evaluated in this study. A sequence analysis of the P. hominis PCR products
      showed minor allelic variations between our sequences and those of P. hominis
      strains from other hosts in different parts of the world. Type CC1 was the most
      common strain in dogs in east China. The internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1)
      5.8S rRNA gene sequences from the 2 T. foetus isolates detected in this study
      displayed 100% identity and were homologous to the sequences of other strains
      isolated from domestic cats in other countries.

PMID- 28095655
TI  - Production of IL-1beta and Inflammasome with Up-Regulated Expressions of NOD-Like
      Receptor Related Genes in Toxoplasma gondii-Infected THP-1 Macrophages.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that stimulates
      production of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which are important for
      innate immunity. NLRs, i.e., nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like
      receptors, play a crucial role as innate immune sensors and form multiprotein
      complexes called inflammasomes, which mediate caspase-1-dependent processing of
      pro-IL-1beta. To elucidate the role of inflammasome components in T. gondii
      infected THP-1 macrophages, we examined inflammasome-related gene expression and
      mechanisms of inflammasome-regulated cytokine IL-1beta secretion. The results
      revealed a significant upregulation of IL-1beta after T. gondii infection. T.
      gondii infection also upregulated the expression of inflammasome sensors,
      including NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP6, NLRP8, NLRP13, AIM2, and NAIP, in a time
      dependent manner. The infection also upregulated inflammasome adaptor protein ASC
      and caspase-1 mRNA levels. From this study, we newly found that T. gondii
      infection regulates NLRC4, NLRP6, NLRP8, NLRP13, AIM2, and neuronal apoptosis
      inhibitor protein (NAIP) gene expressions in THP-1 macrophages and that the role
      of the inflammasome-related genes may be critical for mediating the innate immune
      responses to T. gondii infection.

PMID- 28095656
TI  - Dynamic Patterns of Systemic Innate Immunity and Inflammatory Associated Factors
      in Experimental Caprine Coccidiosis.
AB  - The present study was designed to assess the dynamic patterns of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines, including IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-6, acute phase protein
      (alpha1-acid-glycoprotein, AGP), and an inflammation associated factor (adenosine
      deaminase; ADA) following experimental caprine coccidiosis. Ten kids aging from 2
      to 4 months were infected orally with 5*104 sporulated oocysts and 10 animals
      served as controls. Blood samples were collected in both groups before infection
      and at days 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 post-infection (PI), and the levels of above
      mentioned factors were measured. IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-6, AGP, and ADA
      activities were significantly higher in infected animals from day 7 PI (P<0.05).
      In conclusion, the circulatory levels of most systemic inflammatory markers,
      including pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-6), AGP, and
      ADA increased significantly starting from day 3 to day 7 PI in caprine
      coccidiosis.

PMID- 28095657
TI  - Characterization of Caveola-Vesicle Complexes (CVCs) Protein, PHIST/CVC-8195 in
      Plasmodium vivax.
AB  - Plasmodium vivax produces numerous caveola-vesicle complex (CVC) structures
      beneath the membrane of infected erythrocytes. Recently, a member helical
      interspersed subtelomeric (PHIST) superfamily protein, PcyPHIST/CVC-8195, was
      identified as CVCs-associated protein in Plasmodium cynomolgi and essential for
      survival of this parasite. Very little information has been documented to date
      about PHIST/CVC-8195 protein in P. vivax. In this study, the recombinant
      PvPHIST/CVC-8195 N and C termini were expressed, and immunoreactivity was
      assessed using confirmed vivax malaria patients sera by protein microarray. The
      subcellular localization of PvPHIST/CVC-8195 N and C termini in blood stage
      parasites was also determined. The antigenicity of recombinant PvPHIST/CVC-8195 N
      and C terminal proteins were analyzed by using serum samples from the Republic of
      Korea. The results showed that immunoreactivities to these proteins had 61% and
      43% sensitivity and 96.9% and 93.8% specificity, respectively. The N terminal of
      PvPHIST/CVC-8195 which contains transmembrane domain and export motif (PEXEL;
      RxLxE/Q/D) produced CVCs location throughout the erythrocytic-stage parasites.
      However, no fluorescence was detected with antibodies against C terminal fragment
      of PvPHIST/CVC-8195. These results suggest that the PvPHIST/CVC-8195 is localized
      on the CVCs and may be immunogenic in natural infection of P. vivax.

PMID- 28095658
TI  - Therapeutic Assessment of Primaquine for Radical Cure of Plasmodium vivax Malaria
      at Primary and Tertiary Care Centres in Southwestern India.
AB  - Acquaintance is scanty on primaquine (PQ) efficacy and Plasmodium vivax
      recurrence in Udupi district, Karnataka, India. We assessed the efficacy of 14
      days PQ regimen (0.25 mg/kg/day) to prevent P. vivax recurrence. Microscopically,
      aparasitemic adults (>=18 years) after acute vivax malaria on day 28 were re
      enrolled into 15 months' long follow-up study. A peripheral blood smear
      examination was performed with participants at every 1-2 month interval. A nested
      PCR test was performed to confirm the mono-infection with P. vivax. Of 114
      participants, 28 (24.6%) recurred subsequently. The median (IQR) duration of the
      first recurrence was 3.1 (2.2-5.8) months which ranged from 1.2 to 15.1 months,
      including initial 28 days. Participants with history of vivax malaria had
      significantly higher risk of recurrence, with hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) of 2.62
      (1.24-5.54) (P=0.012). Severity of disease (11.4%, 13/114) was not associated
      (P=1.00) with recurrence. Of 28 recurrence cases, the nPCR proved that P. vivax
      mono-infection recurrence rate was at least 72.7% (16/22) at first recurrence. In
      Udupi district, PQ dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day over 14 days seems inadequate to
      prevent recurrence in substantial proportion of vivax malaria. Patients with a
      history of vivax malaria are at high risk of recurrences.

PMID- 28095659
TI  - Molecular Characterization of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nematoda:
      Heligmosomatidae) from Mus musculus in India.
AB  - Mus musculus (Rodentia: Muridae) has generally been infected with a rodent
      hookworm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. In this report, we present morphological
      and molecular identification of N. brasiliensis by light and scanning electron
      microscopy and PCR amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1
      (cox1) gene and the protein sequences encoded by cox1 gene, respectively. Despite
      the use of N. brasiliensis in many biochemistry studies from India, their
      taxonomic identification was not fully understood, especially at the species
      level, and no molecular data is available in GenBank from India. Sequence
      analysis of cox1 gene in this study revealed that the present specimen showed
      close identity with the same species available in GenBank, confirming that the
      species is N. brasiliensis. This study represents the first record of molecular
      identification of N. brasiliensis from India and the protein structure to better
      understand the comparative phylogenetic characteristics.

PMID- 28095660
TI  - Draft Genome of Toxocara canis, a Pathogen Responsible for Visceral Larva
      Migrans.
AB  - This study aimed at constructing a draft genome of the adult female worm Toxocara
      canis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and de novo assembly, as well as to
      find new genes after annotation using functional genomics tools. Using an NGS
      machine, we produced DNA read data of T. canis. The de novo assembly of the read
      data was performed using SOAPdenovo. RNA read data were assembled using Trinity.
      Structural annotation, homology search, functional annotation, classification of
      protein domains, and KEGG pathway analysis were carried out. Besides them,
      recently developed tools such as MAKER, PASA, Evidence Modeler, and Blast2GO were
      used. The scaffold DNA was obtained, the N50 was 108,950 bp, and the overall
      length was 341,776,187 bp. The N50 of the transcriptome was 940 bp, and its
      length was 53,046,952 bp. The GC content of the entire genome was 39.3%. The
      total number of genes was 20,178, and the total number of protein sequences was
      22,358. Of the 22,358 protein sequences, 4,992 were newly observed in T. canis.
      Following proteins previously unknown were found: E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase cbl
      b and antigen T-cell receptor, zeta chain for T-cell and B-cell regulation;
      endoprotease bli-4 for cuticle metabolism; mucin 12Ea and polymorphic mucin
      variant C6/1/40r2.1 for mucin production; tropomodulin-family protein and
      ryanodine receptor calcium release channels for muscle movement. We were able to
      find new hypothetical polypeptides sequences unique to T. canis, and the findings
      of this study are capable of serving as a basis for extending our biological
      understanding of T. canis.

PMID- 28095661
TI  - Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a P38-Like Mitogen-Activated Protein
      Kinase from Echinococcus granulosus.
AB  - Cystic echinococcosis (CE) treatment urgently requires a novel drug. The p38
      mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a family of Ser/Thr protein
      kinases, but still have to be characterized in Echinococcus granulosus. We
      identified a 1,107 bp cDNA encoding a 368 amino acid MAPK protein (Egp38) in E.
      granulosus. Egp38 exhibits 2 distinguishing features of p38-like kinases: a
      highly conserved T-X-Y motif and an activation loop segment. Structural homology
      modeling indicated a conserved structure among Egp38, EmMPK2, and H. sapiens
      p38alpha, implying a common binding mechanism for the ligand domain and
      downstream signal transduction processing similar to that described for p38alpha.
      Egp38 and its phosphorylated form are expressed in the E. granulosus larval
      stages vesicle and protoscolices during intermediate host infection of an
      intermediate host. Treatment of in vitro cultivated protoscolices with the p38
      MAPK inhibitor ML3403 effectively suppressed Egp38 activity and led to
      significant protoscolices death within 5 days. Treatment of in vitro-cultivated
      protoscolices with TGF-beta1 effectively induced Egp38 phosphorylation. In
      summary, the MAPK, Egp38, was identified in E. granulosus, as an anti-CE drug
      target and participates in the interplay between the host and E. granulosus via
      human TGF-beta1.

PMID- 28095662
TI  - Factors Associated with Echinococcosis-Induced Perioperative Anaphylactic Shock.
AB  - This retrospective case-control study explored the factors associated with
      anaphylactic shock during surgery for cystic echinococcosis (CE) at the First
      Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between October 2008 and
      September 2013. Patients who suffered from anaphylactic shock (n=16) were age
      matched 3:1 to patients who did not (n=43). Multivariate analysis suggested that
      IL-4 levels (odds ratio=1.096; 95% confidence interval=1.015-1.185; P=0.02) and
      cyst size (odds ratio=3.028, 95% confidence interval=1.259-7.283, P=0.013) were
      independently associated with CE-induced perioperative anaphylactic shock. Using
      the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and a cut-off value of 415.7
      ng/ml, IL-4 showed an area under the ROC (AUC) of 0.926, sensitivity of 75.0%,
      and specificity of 97.7%. Using a cut-off value of 7.8 cm, cyst size showed an
      AUC of 0.828, sensitivity of 81.3%, and specificity of 76.7%. In conclusion,
      results suggest that levels of IL-4 and cyst size were independently associated
      with echinococcosis-induced perioperative anaphylactic shock. These results could
      help identifying patients with echinococcosis at risk of anaphylactic shock in
      whom appropriate prophylaxis could be undertaken.

PMID- 28095663
TI  - Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Raillietina spp. (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea:
      Davaineidae) from Domestic Chickens in Thailand.
AB  - Raillietina species are prevalent in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
      in Phayao province, northern Thailand. Their infection may cause disease and
      death, which affects the public health and economic situation in chicken farms.
      The identification of Raillietina has been based on morphology and molecular
      analysis. In this study, morphological observations using light (LM) and scanning
      electron microscopies (SEM) coupled with molecular analysis of the internal
      transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) gene were employed for precise identification and
      phylogenetic relationship studies of Raillietina spp. Four Raillietina species,
      including R. echinobothrida, R. tetragona, R. cesticillus, and Raillietina sp.,
      were recovered in domestic chickens from 4 districts in Phayao province,
      Thailand. LM and SEM observations revealed differences in the morphology of the
      scolex, position of the genital pore, number of eggs per egg capsule, and
      rostellar opening surface structures in all 4 species. Phylogenetic relationships
      were found among the phylogenetic trees obtained by the maximum likelihood and
      distance-based neighbor-joining methods. ITS2 and ND1 sequence data recorded from
      Raillietina sp. appeared to be monophyletic. The query sequences of R.
      echinobothrida, R. tetragona, R. cesticillus, and Raillietina sp. were separated
      according to the different morphological characters. This study confirmed that
      morphological studies combined with molecular analyses can differentiate related
      species within the genus Raillietina in Thailand.

PMID- 28095664
TI  - Cutaneous Leishmaniasis of the Eyelids: A Case Series with Molecular
      Identification and Literature Review.
AB  - Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a protozoan disease which is endemic in Iran. It
      is transmitted by the Phlebotomus sand fly. The eyelid is rarely involved
      possibly because the movement of the lids impedes the sand fly from biting the
      skin in this region. Here, we report 6 rare cases of eyelid CL. The patients were
      diagnosed by skin scraping, culture, and PCR from the lesions. Skin scraping
      examination showed Leishmania spp. amastigotes in the cytoplasm of macrophages.
      Culture examination was positive for Leishmania spp. PCR was positive for
      Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica. The lesions were disguised as basal cell
      carcinoma, chalazion, hordeolum, and impetigo. The patients were treated with
      intramuscular meglumine antimoniate (20 mg/kg/day) for at least 3 weeks. They
      showed a dramatic response, and the lesions almost completely disappeared. We
      emphasized the importance of clinical and diagnostic features of lesions,
      characterized the phylogenetic relationship of isolated parasites, and reviewed
      the literature on ocular leishmaniasis.

PMID- 28095665
TI  - A Case of Cerebral Cysticercosis in Thailand.
AB  - Cysticercosis and sparganosis are not uncommon parasitic infections in the
      developing world. Central nervous system infection by both cestodes can present
      with neurological signs and symptoms, such as seizure and mass effect, including
      brain hernia. Early detection and accurate diagnosis can prevent a fatal outcome.
      Histological examinations of brain tissues can confirm the diagnosis of cerebral
      cysticercosis, which differs from sparganosis by the presence of a cavitated
      body. We report here a case of cerebral cysticercosis which has the similar
      clinical and imaging findings as sparganosis.

PMID- 28095666
TI  - Epidemiological Investigation of Asymptomatic Dogs with Leishmania Infection in
      Southwestern China Where Visceral Leishmaniasis is Intractable.
AB  - Heishui county, located in northwest Sichuan province, southwestern China, is an
      endemic area of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and is the most intractable
      area. VL is never destroyed in it. Asymptomatic dogs (Leishmania parasites have
      been diagnosed but clinically healthy) are considered to be a potential reservoir
      host in zoonotic VL area, and most can lead to infection of individuals, that is
      a new challenge for controlling VL in humans. The present study aimed to assess
      the Leishmania infection rate of asymptomatic dogs in Heishui county. Total 105
      asymptomatic domestic dogs were gathered from 4 districts in Heishui county to
      investigate the infection rate with serological and molecular methods based on
      ELISA and kinetoplast minicircle DNA(kDNA) PCR, respectively. Out of 105 dogs, 44
      (41.9%) were positive by more than 1 method; 21 (20.0%) were positive by ELISA,
      and 30 (28.6%) were positive by kDNA-PCR. Our study showed that Leishmania
      infection of domestic dogs which is clinically healthy is prevalent in the
      studied district, and the asymptomatic dogs infected by Leishmania may be the
      primary reason for the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in the area.

PMID- 28095667
TI  - Sequence Analysis of Mitochondrial Genome of Toxascaris leonina from a South
      China Tiger.
AB  - Toxascaris leonina is a common parasitic nematode of wild mammals and has
      significant impacts on the protection of rare wild animals. To analyze population
      genetic characteristics of T. leonina from South China tiger, its mitochondrial
      (mt) genome was sequenced. Its complete circular mt genome was 14,277 bp in
      length, including 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2 non
      coding regions. The nucleotide composition was biased toward A and T. The most
      common start codon and stop codon were TTG and TAG, and 4 genes ended with an
      incomplete stop codon. There were 13 intergenic regions ranging 1 to 10 bp in
      size. Phylogenetically, T. leonina from a South China tiger was close to canine
      T. leonina. This study reports for the first time a complete mt genome sequence
      of T. leonina from the South China tiger, and provides a scientific basis for
      studying the genetic diversity of nematodes between different hosts.

PMID- 28095668
TI  - Recovery of Oswaldotrema nacinovici from Whimbrels (Aves) in Korea.
AB  - Adult specimens of Oswaldotrema nacinovici (Digenea: Philophthalmidae) have been
      first identified in Korea from 2 migratory birds (whimbrels, Numenius phaeopus)
      which were found dead at a western seashore area near Gunsan. The worms were
      recovered in the intestine of these birds. The worms were morphologically
      characterized by a large ventral sucker in comparison to the oral sucker, an
      external seminal vesicle extending beyond the posterior margin of the ventral
      sucker, and conspicuous uterine seminal receptacle. It was noteworthy that
      metacercariae-like bodies were contained within the inflated regions of 2 ceca.
      Other intestinal trematode species found in whimbrels included Spelotrema
      pygmeum, Gynaecotyla squatarolae, Maritrema obstipum, and Himasthla megacotyle.
      Zoonotic potential of these trematode species should be taken into
      considerations.

PMID- 28095669
TI  - Complete Mitochondrial Genome of a Tongue Worm Armillifer agkistrodontis.
AB  - Armillifer agkistrodontis (Ichthyostraca: Pantastomida) is a parasitic pathogen,
      only reported in China, which can cause a zoonotic disease, pentastomiasis. A
      complete mitochondrial (mt) genome was 16,521 bp comprising 13 protein-coding
      genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 non-coding region (NCR). A
      phylogenetic tree drawn with the concatenated amino acid sequences of the 6
      conserved PCGs (atp6, cox1-3, and nad2) showed that A. agkistrodontis and
      Armillifer armillatus constituted a clade Pentastomida which was a sister group
      of the Branchiura. The complete mt genome sequence of A. agkistrodontis provides
      important genetic markers for both phylogenetic and epidemiological studies of
      pentastomids.

PMID- 28095670
TI  - Professor Chin-Thack Soh (1921-2016).

PMID- 28095671
TI  - Use of Calculated Physicochemical Properties to Enhance Quantitative Response
      When Using Charged Aerosol Detection.
AB  - Universal quantitative detection without the need for analyte reference standards
      would offer substantial benefits in many areas of analytical science. The
      quantitative capability of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with
      charged aerosol detection (CAD) was investigated for 50 compounds with a wide
      range of physical and chemical properties. It is widely believed that CAD is a
      mass detector. Quantification of the 50 compounds using a generic calibrant and
      mass calibration achieved an average error of 11.4% relative to 1H NMR.
      Correction factors are proposed that estimate the relative surface area of
      particles in the detector, taking into account the effects of the density and
      charge of analytes. Performing these corrections and quantifying with surface
      area calibration, rather than mass, shows considerably improved linearity and
      uniformity of detection, reducing the average error relative to 1H NMR to 7.1%.
      The accuracy of CAD quantification was most significantly improved for highly
      dense compounds, with traditional mass calibration showing an average error of
      34.7% and the newly proposed surface area calibration showing an average error of
      5.8%.

PMID- 28095672
TI  - Targeted Self-Healing by Magnetically Guiding Microcapsules.
AB  - Magnetically guided microcapsules are used to achieve self-healing with 1/10th of
      the healing components required using traditional self-healing approaches.
      Microcapsules are rendered responsive to magnetic fields by suspending magnetic
      nanoparticles in the core material. The nanoparticles are surface-modified to
      enable urea-formaldehyde encapsulation within a phenyl acetate core. Magnetic
      fields are used to guide the microcapsules to the expected fracture location in
      tapered double-cantilever beam (TDCB) epoxy specimens. This guiding method
      achieves an order of magnitude increase in local microcapsule concentration over
      controls, resulting in successful self-healing at microcapsule concentrations as
      low as 0.025 wt %. Additionally, the observed healing is both more consistent and
      significantly higher than that of control specimens, remaining relatively
      constant across all weight percentages tested.

PMID- 28095673
TI  - Comparative Study of Hepatotoxicity of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Retrorsine and
      Monocrotaline.
AB  - Many pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) can cause liver injury in animals and humans.
      Different hepatotoxic PAs can produce similar hepatotoxic effects, but the degree
      of their toxicities may vary widely. Retrorsine (RTS) and monocrotaline (MCT)
      share the same core structure (retronecine) and similar metabolic activation
      pathway. RTS and MCT both produced liver injury, but the former was more
      hepatotoxic than the latter. Enzyme kinetic study demonstrated that the value of
      Vmax/Km for RTS was 5.5-fold larger than that of MCT. Additionally, RTS produced
      higher levels of pyrrole-glutathione (GSH) conjugates and protein covalent
      binding than MCT at the same dose. Furthermore, RTS induced significant hepatic
      GSH depletion but MCT did little. This comparative study provides clear evidence
      that the generation of the reactive pyrrolic intermediates plays a critical role
      in PA-induced hepatotoxicity.

PMID- 28095674
TI  - The "Century of Biology" and the Evolving Role of Medicinal Chemists in
      Neuroscience.
AB  - Society expects that the wave of contemporary new discoveries in biological
      sciences will soon lead to novel treatments for human diseases, including many
      devastating brain disorders. Historically, medicinal chemists have contributed to
      drug discovery teams in ways that synergize with those from their partner
      sciences, and help transform new knowledge into the ultimate tangible asset: a
      new drug. The optimal balance of resources and the right strategy to minimize the
      risk of late clinical failure may differ for different therapeutic indications.
      Recent progress in the oncology and neuroscience therapeutic areas is compared
      and contrasted, in particular looking at the biological target space and
      functional attributes of recently FDA-approved drugs and those in the late
      clinical pipeline. Medicinal chemists are poised to have major influence in
      neuroscience drug research, and examples of areas of potential impact are
      presented, together with a discussion of the soft skills they bring to their
      project teams and why they have been so impactful.

PMID- 28095678
TI  - Editors' Favorites of 2016.

PMID- 28095675
TI  - Elucidating Important Sites and the Mechanism for Amyloid Fibril Formation by
      Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics.
AB  - Fibrils formed by the beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide play a central role in the
      development of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the principles governing their
      growth and stability are investigated by analyzing canonical and replica-exchange
      molecular dynamics trajectories of Abeta(9-40) fibrils. In particular, an
      unstructured monomer was allowed to interact freely with an Abeta fibril
      template. Trajectories were generated with the coarse-grained united-residue
      force field, and one- and two-dimensional free-energy landscapes (FELs) along the
      backbone virtual-bond angle theta and backbone virtual-bond-dihedral angle gamma
      of each residue and principal components, respectively, were analyzed. Also,
      thermal unbinding (unfolding) of an Abeta peptide from the fibril template was
      investigated. These analyses enable us to illustrate the entire process of Abeta
      fibril elongation and to elucidate the key residues involved in it. Several
      different pathways were identified during the search for the fibril conformation
      by the monomer, which finally follows a dock-lock mechanism with two distinct
      locking stages. However, it was found that the correct binding, with native
      hydrogen bonds, of the free monomer to the fibril template at both stages is
      crucial for fibril elongation. In other words, if the monomer is incorrectly
      bound (with nonnative hydrogen bonds) to the fibril template during the first
      "docking" stage, it can remain attached to it for a long time before it
      dissociates and either attempts a different binding or allows another monomer to
      bind. This finding is consistent with an experimentally observed "stop-and-go"
      mechanism of fibril growth.

PMID- 28095676
TI  - Radiosynthesis and Evaluation of [11C]3-Hydroxycyclopent-1-enecarboxylic Acid as
      Potential PET Ligand for the High-Affinity gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid Binding
      Sites.
AB  - gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is an endogenous neuroactive substance and
      proposed neurotransmitter with affinity for both low- and high-affinity binding
      sites. A radioligand with high and specific affinity toward the high-affinity GHB
      binding site would be a unique tool toward a more complete understanding of this
      population of binding sites. With its high specific affinity and monocarboxylate
      transporter (MCT1) mediated transport across the blood-brain barrier in
      pharmacological doses, 3-hydroxycyclopent-1-enecarboxylic acid (HOCPCA) seems
      like a suitable PET radiotracer candidate. Here, we report the 11C-labeling and
      subsequent evaluation of [11C]HOCPCA in a domestic pig, as a PET-radioligand for
      visualization of the high-affinity GHB binding sites in the live pig brain. To
      investigate the regional binding of HOCPCA in pig brain prior to in vivo PET
      studies, in vitro quantitative autoradiography on sections of pig brain was
      performed using [3H]HOCPCA. In vivo evaluation of [11C]HOCPCA showed no brain
      uptake, possibly due to a limited uptake of HOCPCA by the MCT1 transporter at
      tracer doses of [11C]HOCPCA.

PMID- 28095679
TI  - Non-Naturally Occurring Small Molecule Microtubule-Stabilizing Agents: A
      Potential Tactic for CNS-Directed Therapies.
AB  - Several independent studies indicate that microtubule (MT)-stabilizing agents
      hold considerable promise as candidate therapeutics for a wide spectrum of
      conditions of the central nervous system (CNS), from brain tumors to spinal cord
      injury, as well as a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's
      disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis. Although the identification and development of candidate
      compounds for CNS-directed MT-stabilizing therapies has been a challenge in drug
      discovery for many years, a growing number of molecules have now been identified
      that exhibit both MT-stabilizing activity and brain penetration. In this
      Viewpoint, we will highlight the potential utility of MT-active
      triazolopyrimidines, phenylpyrimidines, and related classes of non-naturally
      occurring small molecules that exhibit favorable druglike properties, including
      brain penetration and oral bioavailability. The mode of action of these small
      molecules has not as yet been fully elucidated at the molecular level. However,
      based on all available data, compounds from these classes appear to act on MTs in
      a potentially unique manner. Further characterization of these molecules may have
      important ramifications for drug discovery, especially in the area of CNS
      diseases.

PMID- 28095680
TI  - Addition to "ITH14001, a CGP37157-Nimodipine Hybrid Designed to Regulate Calcium
      Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress, Exerts Neuroprotection in Cerebral Ischemia".

PMID- 28095681
TI  - Interfacing Inorganic Nanoparticles with Biology.

PMID- 28095682
TI  - Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles as High Efficiency Magnetic Resonance Imaging T2
      Contrast Agent.
AB  - Nanoparticle-based magnetic resonance imaging T2 negative agents are of great
      interest, and much effort is devoted to increasing cell-loading capability while
      maintaining low cytotoxicity. Herein, two classes of mixed-ligand protected
      magnetic-responsive, bimetallic gold/iron nanoparticles (Au/Fe NPs) synthesized
      by a two-step method are presented. Their structure, surface composition, and
      magnetic properties are characterized. The two classes of sulfonated Au/Fe NPs,
      with an average diameter of 4 nm, have an average atomic ratio of Au to Fe equal
      to 7 or 8, which enables the Au/Fe NPs to be superparamagnetic with a blocking
      temperature of 56 K and 96 K. Furthermore, preliminary cellular studies reveal
      that both Au/Fe NPs show very limited toxicity. MRI phantom experiments show that
      r2/r1 ratio of Au/Fe NPs is as high as 670, leading to a 66% reduction in T2
      relaxation time. These nanoparticles provide great versatility and potential for
      nanoparticle-based diagnostics and therapeutic applications and as imaging
      contrast agents.

PMID- 28095683
TI  - Colorimetric Detection of Staphylococcus aureus Contaminated Solutions without
      Purification.
AB  - Current water quality monitoring methods rely on growth-based measurements to
      detect fecal indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and enterococci, and
      Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). These growth-based measurements, however, can
      take days to complete. This is a significant limitation in the evaluation of
      contaminated food and water sources. Various methods for selective in vitro
      detection of S. aureus have also been reported; however, these strategies, such
      as ELISA, agar-diffusion, PCR, or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,
      all require overnight culturing or sophisticated instrumentation. There is a
      pressing need for a portable, simple diagnostic for S. aureus. Here, we
      demonstrate that oligonucleotide-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Oligo-AuNPs)
      can be designed to rapidly and selectively detect S. aureus with a colorimetric
      readout. We have functionalized a chemically modified 11-mer sequence onto AuNPs
      and have found that aggregation occurs in the presence of S. aureus
      supernantants. The particles can be stored as a lyophilized powder and
      reconstituted at time of use, and this has been tested in biologically relevant
      samples such as creek and ocean water. This approach requires minimal sample
      preparation and requires no extraneous instrumentation, leading to a rapid and
      simple diagnostic read-out that could be used in field tests to monitor food and
      water sources.

PMID- 28095684
TI  - Effect of the Protein Corona on Antibody-Antigen Binding in Nanoparticle Sandwich
      Immunoassays.
AB  - We investigated the effect of the protein corona on the function of nanoparticle
      (NP) antibody (Ab) conjugates in dipstick sandwich immunoassays. Ab specific for
      Zika virus nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) were conjugated to gold NPs, and another
      anti-NS1 Ab was immobilized onto the nitrocellulose membrane. Sandwich
      immunoassay formation was influenced by whether the strip was run in corona
      forming conditions, i.e., in human serum. Strips run in buffer or pure solutions
      of bovine serum albumin exhibited false positives, but those run in human serum
      did not. Serum pretreatment of the nitrocellulose also eliminated false
      positives. Corona formation around the NP-Ab in serum was faster than the
      immunoassay time scale. Langmuir binding analysis determined how the immobilized
      Ab affinity for the NP-Ab/NS1 was impacted by corona formation conditions,
      quantified as an effective dissociation constant, KDeff. Results show that corona
      formation mediates the specificity and sensitivity of the antibody-antigen
      interaction of Zika biomarkers in immunoassays, and plays a critical but
      beneficial role.

PMID- 28095686
TI  - Characterizing Self-Assembled Monolayers on Gold Nanoparticles.
AB  - A key aspect of nanoscience is to control the assembly of complex materials from
      a "bottom-up" approach. The self-assembly and self-organization of small ligands
      at the surface of nanoparticles represent a possible starting route for the
      preparation of (bio)nanomaterials with precise (bio)physical and (bio)chemical
      properties. However, surface characterization and elucidation of the structure
      properties relationship, essential to envisioning such control, remain
      challenging and are often poorly investigated. This Topical Review aims to
      discuss different levels of surface characterization, giving an overview of the
      experimental and computational approaches that are used to provide insights into
      the self-assembled monolayer with molecular details. The methods and strategies
      discussed focus on the characterization of self-assembled monolayers at the gold
      nanoparticle surface, but most of them could also be applied to other types of
      nanoparticles.

PMID- 28095685
TI  - Amphiphilic-Polymer-Guided Plasmonic Assemblies and Their Biomedical
      Applications.
AB  - Plasmonic nanostructures with unique physical and biological properties have
      attracted increased attention for potential biomedical applications. Polymers
      grafted on metal nanoparticle surface can be used as assembly regulating
      molecules to guide nanoparticles organize into ordered or hierarchical structures
      in solution, within condensed phases, or at interfaces. In this Topical Review,
      we will highlight recent efforts on self-assembly of gold nanoparticles coated
      with polymer brushes. How and what kind of polymer graft can be used to adjust
      nanoparticle interactions, to dictate interparticle orientation, and to determine
      assembled nanostructures will be discussed. Furthermore, the Topical Review will
      shed light on the physicochemical properties, including self-assembly behavior
      and kinetics, tunable localized surface plasmon resonance effect, enhanced
      surface enhanced Raman scattering, and other optical and thermal properties. The
      potential of self-assembled nanostructures for applications in different fields,
      especially in biomedicine, will also be elaborated.

PMID- 28095687
TI  - Patterned Poly(dopamine) Films for Enhanced Cell Adhesion.
AB  - Engineered materials that promote cell adhesion and cell growth are important in
      tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this work, we produced
      poly(dopamine) (PDA) films with engineered patterns for improved cell adhesion.
      The patterned films were synthesized via the polymerization of dopamine at the
      air-water interface of a floating bed of spherical particles. Subsequent
      dissolution of the particles yielded free-standing PDA films with tunable
      geometrical patterns. Our results show that these patterned PDA films
      significantly enhance the adhesion of both cancer cells and stem cells, thus
      showing promise as substrates for cell attachment for various biomedical
      applications.

PMID- 28095688
TI  - Effect of Gold Nanoparticle Size and Coating on Labeling Monocytes for CT
      Tracking.
AB  - With advances in cell therapies, interest in cell tracking techniques to monitor
      the migration, localization, and viability of these cells continues to grow. X
      ray computed tomography (CT) is a cornerstone of medical imaging but has been
      limited in cell tracking applications due to its low sensitivity toward contrast
      media. In this study, we investigate the role of size and surface functionality
      of gold nanoparticles for monocyte uptake to optimize the labeling of these cells
      for tracking in CT. We synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNP) that range from 15
      to 150 nm in diameter and examined several capping ligands, generating 44
      distinct AuNP formulations. In vitro cytotoxicity and uptake experiments were
      performed with the RAW 264.7 monocyte cell line. The majority of formulations at
      each size were found to be biocompatible, with only certain 150 nm PEG
      functionalized particles reducing viability at high concentrations. High uptake
      of AuNP was found using small capping ligands with distal carboxylic acids (11
      MUA and 16-MHA). Similar uptake values were found with intermediate sizes (50 and
      75 nm) of AuNP when coated with 2000 MW poly(ethylene-glycol) carboxylic acid
      ligands (PCOOH). Low uptake values were observed with 15, 25, 100, and 150 nm
      PCOOH AuNP, revealing interplay between size and surface functionality.
      Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and CT performed on cells revealed similar
      patterns of high gold uptake for 50 nm PCOOH and 75 nm PCOOH AuNP. These results
      demonstrate that highly negatively charged carboxylic acid coatings for AuNP
      provide the greatest internalization of AuNP in monocytes, with a complex
      dependency on size.

PMID- 28095689
TI  - Folate-Binding Protein Self-Aggregation Drives Agglomeration of Folic Acid
      Targeted Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.
AB  - Folate-conjugated nanomaterials have been widely investigated for drug and
      imaging-agent delivery. In this work, two folic acid (FA) conjugated iron oxide
      particles (IOP), a ~40 nm diameter FA-IOP and a ~450 nm diameter FA-IOP(FA
      SeraMag), were synthesized. Both particles aggregated in the presence of serum
      folate-binding protein (FBP) at physiological concentration and buffer
      conditions. Mixing 0.01% w/w FA-conjugated iron oxide particles with FBP-induced
      agglomeration generated an average hydrodynamic particle diameter of 3800 +/-
      1100 nm for ~40 nm FA-IOP and 4030 +/- 1100 nm for FA-SeraMag as measured by
      dynamic light scattering (DLS). The presence of excess human serum albumin (HSA)
      (600 MUM) did not prevent agglomeration of the ~40 nm FA-IOP; however, it did
      inhibit agglomeration of FA-SeraMag. Atomic force microscopy measurement provided
      additional insight into particle morphology with the detection of individual
      particles in the agglomerate. This behavior is an example of a triggered cascade.
      A protein structural change is induced by FA binding, and the structural change
      favors aggregation of the ~4 nm diameter FBPs on the particle surface; this
      further triggers the agglomeration of both the ~40 and ~450 nm diameter IOPs.

PMID- 28095690
TI  - Fluorinated and Charged Hydrogenated Alkanethiolates Grafted on Gold: Expanding
      the Diversity of Mixed-Monolayer Nanoparticles for Biological Applications.
AB  - Low intrinsic toxicity, high solubility, and stability are important and
      necessary features of gold nanoparticles to be used in the biomedical field. In
      this context, charged nanoparticles proved to be very versatile, and among them
      charged mixed-monolayer gold nanoparticles, displaying monolayers with well
      defined morphologies, represent a paradigm. By using mixtures of hydrogenated and
      fluorinated thiols, the formation of monolayer domains may be brought to an
      extreme because of the immiscibility of fluorinated and hydrogenated chains.
      Following this rationale, mixed monolayer gold nanoparticles featuring ammonium,
      sulfonate, or carboxylic groups on their surface were prepared by using
      amphiphilic hydrogenated thiols and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoro-alkanethiols. The
      toxicity of these systems was assessed in HeLa cells and was found to be, in
      general, low even for the cationic nanoparticles which usually show a high
      cytotoxicity and is comparable to that of homoligand gold nanoparticles
      displaying amphiphilic-charge neutral-hydrogenated or fluorinated thiolates in
      their monolayer. These properties make the mixed ligand monolayer gold
      nanoparticles an interesting new candidate for medical application.

PMID- 28095691
TI  - Micrometer-Scale Ion Current Rectification at Polyelectrolyte Brush-Modified
      Micropipets.
AB  - Here we report for the first time that ion current rectification (ICR) can be
      observed at the micrometer scale in symmetric electrolyte solution with
      polyimidazolium brush (PimB)-modified micropipets, which we call micrometer-scale
      ion current rectification (MICR). To qualitatively understand MICR, a three-layer
      model including a charged layer, an electrical double layer, and a bulk layer is
      proposed, which could also be extended to understanding ICR at the nanoscale.
      Based on this model, we propose that when charges in the charged layer are
      comparable with those in the bulk layer, ICR would occur regardless of whether
      the electrical double layers are overlapped. Finite element simulations based on
      the solution of Poisson and Nernst-Planck equations and in situ confocal laser
      scanning microscopy results qualitatively validate the experimental observations
      and the proposed three-layer model. Moreover, possible factors influencing MICR,
      including the length of PimB, electrolyte concentration, and the radius of the
      pipet, are investigated and discussed. This study successfully extends ICR to the
      micrometer scale and thus opens a new door to the development of ICR-based
      devices by taking advantage of ease-in-manipulation and designable surface
      chemistry of micropipets.

PMID- 28095692
TI  - Mechanochemistry of One-Dimensional Boron: Structural and Electronic Transitions.
AB  - Recent production of long carbyne chains, concurrent with advances in the
      synthesis of pure boron fullerenes and atom-thin layers, motivates an exploration
      of possible one-dimensional boron. By means of first-principles calculations, we
      find two isomers, two-atom wide ribbon and single-atom chain, linked by a tension
      driven (negative-pressure) transformation. We explore the stability and unusual
      properties of both phases, demonstrating mechanical stiffness on par with the
      highest-performing known nanomaterials, and a phase transition between stable 1D
      metal and an antiferromagnetic semiconductor, with the phase boundary effectively
      forming a stretchable 1D Schottky junction. In addition, the two-phase system can
      serve as a constant-tension nanospring with a well-calibrated tension defined by
      enthalpic balance of the phases. Progress in the synthesis of boron
      nanostructures suggests that the predicted unusual behaviors of 1D boron may find
      powerful applications in nanoscale electronics and/or mechanical devices.

PMID- 28095693
TI  - Solvation Dynamics in Liquid Water. III. Energy Fluxes and Structural Changes.
AB  - In previous installments it has been shown how a detailed analysis of energy
      fluxes induced by electronic excitation of a solute can provide a quantitative
      understanding of the dominant molecular energy flow channels characterizing
      solvation-and in particular, hydration- relaxation dynamics. Here this work and
      power approach is complemented with a detailed characterization of the changes
      induced by such energy fluxes. We first examine the water solvent's spatial and
      orientational distributions and the assorted energy fluxes in the various
      hydration shells of the solute to provide a molecular picture of the relaxation.
      The latter analysis is also used to address the issue of a possible "inverse
      snowball" effect, an ansatz concerning the time scales of the different hydration
      shells to reach equilibrium. We then establish a link between the instantaneous
      torque, exerted on the water solvent neighbors' principal rotational axes
      immediately after excitation and the final energy transferred into those
      librational motions, which are the dominant short-time energy receptor.

PMID- 28095694
TI  - Effect of a pH Gradient on the Protonation States of Cytochrome c Oxidase: A
      Continuum Electrostatics Study.
AB  - Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) couples the reduction of dioxygen to water with
      transmembrane proton pumping, which leads to the generation of an electrochemical
      gradient. In this study we analyze how one of the components of the
      electrochemical gradient, the difference in pH across the membrane, or DeltapH,
      influences the protonation states of residues in CcO. We modified our continuum
      electrostatics/Monte Carlo (CE/MC) method in order to include the DeltapH and
      applied it to the study of CcO, in what is, to our best knowledge, the first
      CE/MC study of CcO in the presence of a pH gradient. The inclusion of a
      transmembrane pH gradient allows for the identification of residues whose
      titration behavior depends on the pH on both sides of the membrane. Among the
      several residues with unusual titration profiles, three are well-known key
      residues in the proton transfer process of CcO: E286I, Y288I, and K362I. All
      three residues have been previously identified as being critical for the
      catalytic or proton pumping functions of CcO. Our results suggest that when the
      pH gradient increases, these residues may be part of a regulatory mechanism to
      stem the proton flow.

PMID- 28095695
TI  - Frontier Molecular Orbital Contributions to Chlorination versus Hydroxylation
      Selectivity in the Non-Heme Iron Halogenase SyrB2.
AB  - The ability of an FeIV?O intermediate in SyrB2 to perform chlorination versus
      hydroxylation was computationally evaluated for different substrates that had
      been studied experimentally. The pi-trajectory for H atom abstraction (FeIV?O
      oriented perpendicular to the C-H bond of substrate) was found to lead to the S =
      2 five-coordinate HO-FeIII-Cl complex with the C* of the substrate, pi-oriented
      relative to both the Cl- and the OH- ligands. From this ferric intermediate,
      hydroxylation is thermodynamically favored, but chlorination is intrinsically
      more reactive due to the energy splitting between two key redox-active dpi*
      frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs). The splitting is determined by the
      differential ligand field effect of Cl- versus OH- on the Fe center. This makes
      chlorination effectively competitive with hydroxylation. Chlorination versus
      hydroxylation selectivity is then determined by the orientation of the substrate
      with respect to the HO-Fe-Cl plane that controls either the Cl- or the OH- to
      rebound depending on the relative pi-overlap with the substrate C radical. The
      differential contribution of the two FMOs to chlorination versus hydroxylation
      selectivity in SyrB2 is related to a reaction mechanism that involves two
      asynchronous transfers: electron transfer from the substrate radical to the iron
      center followed by late ligand (Cl- or OH-) transfer to the substrate.

PMID- 28095696
TI  - Properties of Lanthanide Hydroxide Molecules Produced in Reactions of Lanthanide
      Atoms with H2O2 and H2 + O2 Mixtures: Roles of the +I, +II, +III, and +IV
      Oxidation States.
AB  - The reactions of laser-ablated lanthanide metal atoms with hydrogen peroxide or
      hydrogen plus oxygen mixtures have been studied experimentally in a solid argon
      matrix and theoretically with the ab initio MP2 and CCSD(T) methods. The Ln(OH)3
      and Ln(OH)2 molecules and Ln(OH)2+ cations are the major products, and the
      reactions to form those hydroxides are predicted to be highly exothermic at the
      CCSD(T) level. Vibronic interactions are hypothesized to contribute to the
      abnormalities in deuterium shifts for Ln-OH(D) stretching modes for several
      hydroxides, consistent with CASSCF calculations. Additional new absorptions were
      assigned as HLnO or LnOH and OLnOH molecules. The tetrahydroxides of Ce, Pr, and
      Tb have also been observed. These reactive intermediates were identified from
      their matrix infrared spectra by using D2O2, HD, D2, 16,18O2, and 18O2 isotopic
      substitution, by matching observed frequencies with values calculated by
      electronic structure methods, and by following the trends observed in frequencies
      going through different lanthanide metal hydroxide series across the periodic
      table. The lanthanides are in the +II oxidation state for Ln(OH)2 and are in the
      +III oxidation state for Ln(OH)3 and Ln(OH)2+.

PMID- 28095697
TI  - Diazo Esters as Dienophiles in Intramolecular (4 + 2) Cycloadditions:
      Computational Explorations of Mechanism.
AB  - The first experimental examples of Diels-Alder (DA) reactions of diazo compounds
      as heterodienophiles with dienes have been studied with density functional theory
      (DFT) using the M06-2X functional. For comparison, the reactivities of diazo
      esters as dienophiles or 1,3-dipoles with 1,3-dienes in intermolecular model
      systems have been analyzed by the distortion/interaction model. The 1,3-dipolar
      cycloaddition is strongly favored for the intermolecular system. The
      intramolecular example is unique because the tether strongly favors the (4 + 2)
      cycloaddition.

PMID- 28095698
TI  - Evaluation of the Coupled Two-Dimensional Main Chain Torsional Potential in
      Modeling Intrinsically Disordered Proteins.
AB  - Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) carry out crucial biological functions
      in essential biological processes of life. Because of the highly dynamic and
      conformationally heterogeneous nature of the disordered states of IDPs, molecular
      dynamics simulations are becoming an indispensable tool for the investigation of
      the conformational ensembles and dynamic properties of IDPs. Nevertheless, there
      is still no consensus on the most reliable force field in molecular dynamics
      simulations for IDPs hitherto. In this work, the recently proposed AMBER99SB2D
      force field is evaluated in modeling some disordered polypeptides and proteins by
      checking its ability to reproduce experimental NMR data. The results highlight
      that when the ildn side-chain corrections are included, AMBER99SB2D-ildn exhibits
      reliable results that agree with experiments compared with its predecessors, the
      AMBER14SB, AMBER99SB, AMBER99SB-ildn, and AMBER99SB2D force fields, and that
      decreasing the overall magnitude of protein-protein interactions in favor of
      protein-water interactions is a key ingredient behind the improvement.

PMID- 28095700
TI  - Nanohybrids consisting of magnetic nanoparticles and gold nanoclusters as
      effective peroxidase mimics and their application for colorimetric detection of
      glucose.
AB  - Although protein-stabilized gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have gathered recent
      attention as biocompatible peroxidase mimics, their practical utility has been
      critically limited by the low catalytic activity. Here, the authors have
      developed a nanohybrid material to significantly enhance the catalytic activity
      of AuNCs by combining them with other inorganic enzyme mimetics, Fe3O4 magnetic
      nanoparticles (MNPs), through electrostatic attraction. Owing to the synergistic
      effect by incorporating AuNCs and MNPs, the constructed nanohybrids yielded
      highly enhanced catalytic activity and enabled rapid catalytic oxidation of
      3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine substrate to produce a blue-colored solution in
      proportional to the amount of H2O2. Moreover, a highly sensitive and selective
      glucose biosensing strategy was developed based on the coupled catalytic action
      between glucose oxidase and the nanohybrids. Using this method, target glucose
      was successfully detected in a linear concentration range from 150 to 750 MUM
      with a detection limit as low as 100 MUM. Along with excellent linearity, high
      precision and reproducibility were achieved by employing real human blood serums,
      which enables its use for the reliable quantification of glucose in practical
      use. Based on these results, the authors anticipate that the nanohybrids
      consisting of MNPs and AuNCs can serve as potent peroxidase mimics for the
      detection of clinically important target molecules.

PMID- 28095701
TI  - Malignant bowel obstruction in advanced ovarian cancer.
AB  - AIM: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) in ovarian cancer is poorly understood.
      METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 129 patients with ovarian
      cancer and MBO. RESULTS: At presentation, 69 (53%) had platinum-resistant, 37
      (29%) platinum-sensitive and 23 (18%) chemotherapy-naive disease. In patients
      receiving chemotherapy following the MBO episode, median overall survival (OS)
      was 107 days for chemotherapy-naive patients compared with 83 and 86 for platinum
      sensitive or platinum-resistant patients (p = 0.98). OS was inferior for best
      supportive care (45 days) compared with chemotherapy (152 days) or surgery (124
      days; p < 0.001). The Manchester Bowel Obstruction Score using Eastern
      Cooperative Oncology Group and obstruction level discriminated patients by median
      OS of 181 days (neither) versus 98 days (one) versus 42 days (both; p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: The Manchester Bowel Obstruction Score may aide treatment
      stratification.

PMID- 28095702
TI  - Sleep problems and suicide associated with mood instability in the Adult
      Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, 2007.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mood instability is common in the general population. Mood instability
      is a precursor to mental illness and associated with a range of negative health
      outcomes. Sleep disturbance appears to be closely linked with mood instability.
      This study assesses the association between mood instability and sleep
      disturbance and the link with suicidal ideation and behaviour in a general
      population sample in England. METHOD: The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey,
      2007 collected detailed information about mental health symptoms and correlates
      in a representative sample of adult household residents living in England ( n =
      7303). Mood instability was assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for
      DSM-IV Axis-II. Sleep problems were defined as sleeping more than usual or less
      than usual during the past month. Other dependent variables included medication
      use and suicidal ideation and behaviour (response rate 57%). Generalized linear
      modelling was used to estimate the prevalence of mood instability and sleep
      problems. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios. All estimates
      were weighted. RESULTS: The prevalence of mood instability was 14.7% (95%
      confidence interval [13.6%, 15.7%]). Sleep problems occurred in 69.8% (95%
      confidence interval: [66.6%, 73.1%]) of those with mood instability versus 37.6%
      (95% confidence interval: [36.2%, 39.1%]) of those without mood instability. The
      use of sedating and non-sedating medications did not influence the association.
      Sleep problems were significantly associated with suicidal ideation and behaviour
      even after adjusting for mood instability. CONCLUSION: Sleep problems are highly
      prevalent in the general population, particularly among those with mood
      instability. Sleep problems are strongly associated with suicidal ideation and
      behaviour. Treatments that target risk and maintenance factors that transcend
      diagnostic boundaries, such as therapies that target sleep disturbance, may be
      particularly valuable for preventing and addressing complications related to mood
      instability such as suicide.

PMID- 28095703
TI  - Outcomes of the Distal Metatarsal Dorsiflexion Osteotomy for Advanced Hallux
      Rigidus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hallux rigidus can be treated using several different methods and the
      best treatment option depends on the severity of degenerative changes of the
      metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. However, the ideal operative option for advanced
      hallux rigidus remains debatable. This prospective study was performed to
      evaluate the intermediate-term clinical outcomes of distal metatarsal osteotomy
      used as a joint-preserving method for the treatment of advanced hallux rigidus.
      METHODS: Forty-two cases (39 patients) were followed for more than 3 years after
      distal metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomy for advanced hallux rigidus of grade III
      IV. Clinical evaluations included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
      (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, and patient
      subjective satisfaction scores. Range of motion (ROM) of great toe,
      complications, reoperation rates, width of the MTP joint space, and times to
      union were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean AOFAS hallux and mean FAAM scores
      significantly improved from 56.4 and 61.2 points preoperatively to 87.6 and 88.7
      points at final follow-up, respectively ( P < .001). Grade III and IV groups had
      significantly different AOFAS and FAAM scores at final follow-up. Mean
      dorsiflexion of great toe significantly improved from 14.8 degrees 
      preoperatively to 35.5 degrees  at final follow-up ( P < .001). Mean patient
      satisfaction score at final follow-up was 92.8 points. There were 4 cases (9.5%)
      of subsequent fusion and 2 cases (4.8%) of transfer metatarsalgia. CONCLUSIONS:
      Distal metatarsal dorsiflexion osteotomy using bio-compression screws appears to
      be an effective operative option for grade III advanced hallux rigidus with
      viable cartilage on >50% of the first metatarsal articular surface, as it
      restored joint motion, provided reliable pain relief, and did not require implant
      removal. However, based on the unsatisfactory clinical results and the high rate
      of reoperation observed, the authors cannot recommend this operative method for
      the treatment of end-stage (grade IV) hallux rigidus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      IV, prospective case series.

PMID- 28095704
TI  - A pilot study examining the effects of priming headache illness schema on
      attentional engagement towards pain relief medication, in those with high and low
      medication treatment beliefs.
AB  - Few studies have assessed the underlying theoretical components of the Common
      Sense Model. Past studies have found, through implicit priming, that coping
      strategies are embedded within illness schema. Our aim was to evaluate the effect
      priming 'headache' illness schema upon attentional engagement to pain relief
      medication and to examine the interaction with illness treatment beliefs.
      Attentional engagement to the pain relief medication ('Paracetamol') was assessed
      using a 2 (primed vs. control) * 2 (strong belief in medication efficacy vs. weak
      belief in medication efficacy) design. During a grammatical decision task
      (identifying verbs/non-verbs), participants were randomised to receive a headache
      prime or a control. Response latency to the target word, 'Paracetamol' was the
      dependent variable. 'Paracetamol' treatment beliefs were determined using the
      brief illness perception questionnaire. Sixty-three participants completed the
      experiment. There was a significant interaction between illness-primed vs.
      control and high vs. low treatment efficacy of Paracetamol (p < .001), suggesting
      an attentional disengagement effect to the coping strategy in illness-primed
      participants whom held stronger treatment beliefs regarding the efficacy of
      Paracetamol. In summary, implicit illness schema activation may simultaneously
      activate embedded coping strategies, which appears to be moderated by specific
      illness beliefs.

PMID- 28095705
TI  - What's the story? A computational analysis of narrative competence in autism.
AB  - Individuals with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate narrative (i.e.
      storytelling) difficulties which can significantly impact their ability to form
      and maintain social relationships. However, existing research has not
      comprehensively documented these impairments in more open-ended, emotionally
      evocative situations common to daily interactions. Computational linguistic
      measures offer a promising complement to traditional hand-coding methods of
      narrative analysis and in this study were applied together with hand coding of
      narratives elicited with emotionally salient scenes from the Thematic
      Apperception Test. In total, 19 individuals with autism spectrum disorder and 14
      typically developing controls were asked to tell stories about six images from
      the Thematic Apperception Test. Both structural and qualitative aspects of
      narrative were assessed using a hand-coding system and Latent Semantic Analysis,
      an automated computational measure of semantic similarity. Individuals with
      autism spectrum disorder demonstrated significant difficulties with the use of
      complex syntax to integrate their narratives and problems explaining characters'
      intentions. These and other key narrative skills were strongly related to
      narrative competence scores derived from Latent Semantic Analysis, which also
      distinguished the autism spectrum disorder group from controls. Together, results
      underscore key narrative impairments in autism spectrum disorder and support the
      promise of Latent Semantic Analysis as a valuable tool for the quantitative
      assessment of complex language abilities.

PMID- 28095706
TI  - Translation and pilot testing of a measure to assess hypertension self-care
      activities among Hispanics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hispanics in the US have high rates of uncontrolled hypertension in
      comparison to non-Hispanic whites. This pilot study reports on the translation of
      a validated measure, the Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects (H-SCALE),
      for use with Spanish speakers. The H-SCALE assesses Hispanics' adherence to
      lifestyle activities that contribute to primary and secondary risk reduction of
      high blood pressure. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data were collected from Hispanic
      primary care patients attending a free health clinic in Charlotte, NC. We
      performed basic psychometric tests and calculated descriptive statistics to
      assess adherence rates to recommended hypertension self-care behaviors. RESULTS:
      Participants were primarily female, under age 50 and had a high-school education
      or less; 48% were from Mexico. Internal consistency of all H-SCALE subscales was
      acceptable to good. Most participants were non-smokers (80%) and alcohol
      abstainers (85%). Participants had low adherence to weight management practices,
      physical activity and healthy eating habits. One-third of those with hypertension
      were adherent to medication regimens. CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the H
      SCALE is a reliable and useful tool for clinicians working with Hispanic adults.
      Based on these findings, all adult Hispanics need lifestyle behavior counseling
      for primary and secondary prevention of hypertension and other chronic diseases.
      The H-SCALE can provide valuable information to clinical and public health
      practitioners focused on chronic disease prevention and management.

PMID- 28095707
TI  - Variations in mesothelioma mortality rates among migrants to Australia and
      Australian-born.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Australia's use and consumption of asbestos occurred at the same time
      as its immigration boom. Our objective was to investigate mesothelioma death
      rates among migrants and Australian-born between 1981 and 2012. METHODS:
      Australian national mesothelioma deaths from 1981 to 2002 and 2006 to 2012
      together with national censuses from 1981 to 2011 were extracted and combined.
      Directly standardised rates and negative binomial regression were applied
      examining differences in mesothelioma death rates with regard to country of
      birth. RESULTS: Migrants from the UK and Ireland, Italy and Germany had
      significantly higher mesothelioma death rates than Australian-born; lower rates
      were observed among migrants from other countries. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      suggest there may have been differences in occupational health and safety between
      foreign and Australian-born. Because of changes in the demographics of migrants
      to Australia since the 1970s and changes in occupational circumstances over time,
      further comparisons of occupational-related health outcomes between foreign and
      Australian-born could identify potential occupational inequalities that may still
      exist today.

PMID- 28095708
TI  - Locational comparison of essential oils from selected conifers of Himachal
      Pradesh.
AB  - Nine samples of essential oil from needles of three conifers of Pinacea family
      namely Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana and Cedrus deodara collected from three
      different locations of Himachal Pradesh (India) were evaluated using gas
      chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 31, 17 and 13
      compounds were identified from essential oil of A. pindrow, P. smithiana and C.
      deodara, respectively. Among the characterised components, monoterpenoid
      hydrocarbons were predominated. alpha-Pinene, beta-pinene, beta-merycene,
      limonene and camphene were characterised as major components. Oil of C. deodara
      has significant effect of location on its oil composition. Principle component
      analysis on gas chromatographic data reveals variation in chemical composition
      which may be attributed to altitude and environmental conditions.

PMID- 28095709
TI  - Worldwide Trends of Urinary Stone Disease Treatment Over the Last Two Decades: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Numerous studies have reported on regional or national trends of
      stone disease treatment. However, no article has yet examined the global trends
      of intervention for stone disease. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A systematic review of
      articles from 1996 to September 2016 for all English language articles reporting
      on trends of surgical treatment of stone disease was performed. Authors were
      contacted in the case of data not being clear. If the authors did not reply, data
      were estimated from graphs or tables. Results were analyzed using SPSS version
      21, and trends were analyzed using linear regression. RESULTS: Our systematic
      review yielded 120 articles, of which 8 were included in the initial review. This
      reflected outcomes from six countries with available data: United Kingdom, United
      States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Brazil. Overall ureteroscopy (URS)
      had a 251.8% increase in total number of treatments performed with the share of
      total treatments increasing by 17%. While the share of total treatments for
      percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) remained static, the share for extracorporeal
      shockwave lithotripsy and open surgery fell by 14.5% and 12%, respectively. There
      was significant linear regression between rising trends of total treatments year
      on year for URS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In the last two decades, the share of
      total treatment for urolithiasis across the published literature has increased
      for URS, stable for PCNL, and decreased for lithotripsy and open surgery.

PMID- 28095710
TI  - The evolving role of chemotherapy in prostate cancer.
AB  - Despite extensive clinical research of different chemotherapy agents for more
      than three decades, the role of chemotherapy in prostate cancer was only
      established in 2004, after demonstrating a survival benefit with docetaxel in
      metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. 6 years later, second-line
      chemotherapy using cabazitaxel, after disease progression on docetaxel,
      demonstrated an additional survival improvement. Recently, docetaxel given
      alongside standard hormonal therapy in newly diagnosed advanced prostate cancer
      was found to lead to significantly improved patient outcomes. This article aims
      to cover the role of chemotherapy in prostate cancer and the latest developments.

PMID- 28095711
TI  - Systemic alkalinisation delays prostate cancer cell progression in TRAMP mice.
AB  - The microenvironment of solid tumours is extremely acidic and this condition
      arises since the precancerous stage. This acidic milieu could therefore provide a
      useful target for both prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. In TRAMP
      transgenic mice, an in vivo model of prostate adenocarcinoma (AC), oral
      administration of alkaline water was devoid of unwanted side effects, and when
      started from an early age was as effective as NaHCO3 in significantly delaying
      tumour progression, while when started when prostate tumours were already
      present, a nonstatistically significant trend in the same direction was detected.
      These findings indicate that the use of alkalinizing drugs should be considered
      for chemoprevention and, in association with standard chemotherapy, for treatment
      of human prostate AC.

PMID- 28095713
TI  - Disseminated eruptive granuloma annulare induced by levetiracetam.
AB  - Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign, granulomatous cutaneous disease without
      clear etiology. Disseminated and drug induced granuloma annulare is a rare
      presentation. We present a 47-year-old woman with diffuse circular erythematous
      eruptions following treatment with levetiracetam. Her clinical and
      histopathological findings were compatible with the diagnosis of granuloma
      annulare. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report of this skin
      disease as a result of levetiracetam use. We report this case to highlight this
      antiepileptic drug as a possible etiologic agent in disseminated granuloma
      annulare.

PMID- 28095712
TI  - Current views on the potential for development of a HIV vaccine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite many recent advances in the HIV prevention landscape, an
      effective vaccine remains the most promising tool to end the HIV-1 pandemic.
      Areas covered: This review summarizes past HIV vaccine efficacy trials and
      current vaccine strategies as well as new approaches about to move into first-in
      human trials. Expert opinion: Despite many setbacks in early HIV vaccine efficacy
      trials, the success of RV144 has provided the glimmer of hope necessary to
      invigorate the vaccine field, and has led to the development of a large number of
      vaccine strategies aiming at inducing an array of different immune responses. The
      follow-up pox-protein trials, developed to replicate and enhance the
      polyfunctional antibody responses induced by the RV144 regimen, are already
      reaching efficacy trials, while a large body of work providing a more complete
      understanding of the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies is now being
      translated into immunogen design using several different strategies. T-cell based
      vaccines, fallen out of favor after Ad5-based trials showed increased infection
      rates in Ad5 seropositive vaccine recipients, are experiencing a comeback based
      in part on the promising results from non-human primate challenge studies using
      rhCMV-based immunogens. This diverse array of vaccine candidates may finally
      allow us to identify a broadly effective HIV vaccine able to contain the
      epidemic.

PMID- 28095714
TI  - Disease-related and drug-induced skin manifestations in inflammatory bowel
      disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Skin manifestations are common in patients with inflammatory bowel
      diseases (IBD) and can be part of a concomitant illness with a shared genetic
      background, an extra-intestinal manifestation of the disease, or a drug side
      effect. Areas covered: We provide a practical overview of the epidemiology,
      pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic approach and prognosis of the most frequent
      disease-related and drug-induced cutaneous manifestations in IBD, illustrated by
      cases encountered in our clinical practice. Among the most frequently encountered
      IBD-related lesions are erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum and Sweet's
      syndrome. Common skin manifestations with a strong association to TNF antagonists
      are local injection site reactions, psoriasiform lesions, cutaneous infections,
      vasculitides and lupus-like syndromes. In addition, we discuss the relation of
      thiopurines and TNF antagonists with the risk of skin cancer. Expert commentary:
      We hope this review will help caretakers involved in the management of IBD
      patients to recognize the lesions and to manage them in close collaboration with
      a dedicated dermatologist.

PMID- 28095715
TI  - An overview of aldehyde oxidase: an enzyme of emerging importance in novel drug
      discovery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Given the rising trend in medicinal chemistry strategy to reduce
      cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism, aldehyde oxidase (AOX) has recently gained
      increased attention in drug discovery programs and the number of drug candidates
      that are metabolized by AOX is steadily growing. Areas covered: Despite the
      emerging importance of AOX in drug discovery, there are certain major recognized
      problems associated with AOX-mediated metabolism of drugs. Intra- and inter
      species variations in AOX activity, the lack of reliable and predictive animal
      models using the common experimental animals, and failure in the predictions of
      in vivo metabolic activity of AOX using traditional in vitro methods are among
      these issues that are covered in this article. A comprehensive review of
      computational human AOX (hAOX) related studies are also provided. Expert opinion:
      Following the recent progress in the stem cell field, the authors recommend the
      application of organoids technology as an effective tool to solve the fundamental
      problems associated with the evaluation of AOX in drug discovery. The recent
      success in resolving the hAOX crystal structure can too be another valuable data
      source for the study of AOX-catalyzed metabolism of new drug candidates, using
      computer-aided drug discovery methods.

PMID- 28095716
TI  - CircRNAs: a regulator of cellular stress.
AB  - Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) were first identified as a viroid and later found to
      also be an endogenous RNA splicing product in eukaryotes. In recent years, a
      series of RNA-sequencing analyses from a diverse range of eukaryotes have shed
      new light on these eukaryotic circRNAs, revealing dynamic expression patterns in
      various developmental stages and physiological conditions. In this review, we
      focus on circRNAs implicated in stress response pathways and explore potential
      mechanisms underlying their regulation. To date, circRNAs have been shown to act
      as scaffolds in the assembly of protein complexes, sequester proteins from native
      subcellular localization, activate transcription of parental genes, inhibit RNA
      protein interactions, and function as regulators of microRNA activity. Although
      the mechanism modulating circRNA levels during stress remains unclear, circRNAs
      are shown to be regulated during biogenesis, degradation, and exportation. As
      circRNAs do not have 5' and 3' ends, there are no entry points for
      exoribonucleases to initiate degradation. Such inherent stability makes this
      class of RNA a strong candidate to maintain homeostasis in the face of
      environmental challenges.

PMID- 28095718
TI  - Key players associated with tuberization in potato: potential candidates for
      genetic engineering.
AB  - Tuberization in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a complex biological phenomenon
      which is affected by several environmental cues, genetic factors and plant
      nutrition. Understanding the regulation of tuber induction is essential to devise
      strategies to improve tuber yield and quality. It is well established that short
      day photoperiods promote tuberization, whereas long days and high-temperatures
      inhibit or delay tuberization. Worldwide research on this complex biological
      process has yielded information on the important bio-molecules (proteins, RNAs,
      plant growth regulators) associated with the tuberization process in potato. Key
      proteins involved in the regulation of tuberization include StSP6A, POTH1,
      StBEL5, StPHYB, StCONSTANS, Sucrose transporter StSUT4, StSP5G, etc. Biomolecules
      that become transported from "source to sink" have also been suggested to be
      important signaling candidates regulating the tuberization process in potatos.
      Four molecules, namely StSP6A protein, StBEL5 RNA, miR172 and GAs, have been
      found to be the main candidates acting as mobile signals for tuberization. These
      biomolecules can be manipulated (overexpressed/inhibited) for improving the
      tuberization in commercial varieties/cultivars of potato. In this review,
      information about the genes/proteins and their mechanism of action associated
      with the tuberization process is discussed.

PMID- 28095717
TI  - Functional constituents of wild and cultivated Goji (L. barbarum L.) leaves:
      phytochemical characterization, biological profile, and computational studies.
AB  - Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) leaves are emphasized as a functional tea or as dietary
      supplements. The phenolic compound profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory,
      antimicrobial, and antimutagenic activities of leaf extracts from two selected
      cultivars in comparison with wild-growing plants have been evaluated. HPLC
      DAD/ESI-ToF-MS analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids
      with chlorogenic acid and rutin being the dominant compounds in the cultivated
      plants, whereas rutin and kaempeferol-3-O-rutinoside for wild growing ones. In
      particular, cv. Erma contained the highest amount of chlorogenic acid and showed
      a strong tyrosinase-inhibitory effect. Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria
      monocytogenes, and Penicillium funiculosum were the most sensitive strains when
      exposed to extracts from cultivated plants. Antimutagenic activity was evaluated
      by Ames' test. The tested extracts provided high protection against mutagenicity
      induced by 2-anthramine (2-AA) to Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 98 and TA 100
      (max. inhibition (%) 88% and 74.2%, respectively). Overall, Goji leaves are a
      rich source of bioactive compounds with functional properties that need further
      risk/benefit evaluation when used in foods or health-promoting formulations.

PMID- 28095719
TI  - The importance of translatability in drug discovery.

PMID- 28095720
TI  - Baseline chromogranin A and its dynamics are prognostic markers in
      gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - AIM: This study assessed whether absolute chromogranin A (CgA) values at various
      stages of treatment have prognostic value in patients with pancreatic and midgut
      neuroendocrine tumors, subjected to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with
      90Y-[DOTA0, D-Phe1, Tyr3]-octreotate. PATIENTS & METHODS: CgA was determined
      before peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, 6 weeks, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months
      after the last dose of 90Y-[DOTA0, D-Phe1, Tyr3]-octreotate. The primary end
      point was overall survival. RESULTS: Elevated baseline CgA concentrations and
      their relative increase within the first year of observation were unfavorable
      predictors of overall survival, but not progression. CONCLUSION: Even a single
      baseline measurement of CgA can be useful in establishing prognosis in this
      group, if this parameter exceeds its upper normal limit more than tenfold.

PMID- 28095721
TI  - A lateral dynamics of a wheelchair: identification and analysis of tire
      parameters.
AB  - In vehicle dynamics studies, the tire behaviour plays an important role in planar
      motion of the vehicle. Therefore, a correct representation of tire is a
      necessity. This paper describes a mathematical model for wheelchair tire based on
      the Magic Formula model. This model is widely used to represent forces and
      moments between the tire and the ground; however some experimental parameters
      must be determined. The purpose of this work is to identify the tire parameters
      for the wheelchair tire model, implementing them in a dynamic model of the
      wheelchair. For this, we developed an experimental test rig to measure the tires
      parameters for the lateral dynamics of a wheelchair. This dynamic model was made
      using a multi-body software and the wheelchair behaviour was analysed and
      discussed according to the tire parameters. The result of this work is one step
      further towards the understanding of wheelchair dynamics.

PMID- 28095722
TI  - Racial and ethnic differences in the relationship between antenatal stressful
      life events and postpartum depression among women in the United States: does
      provider communication on perinatal depression minimize the risk?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Multi-state population-based studies exploring the racial/ethnic
      differences in the prevalence and correlates of postpartum depression (PPD),
      which affects 10-20% of women in the US, are rare. The aim of this study was to
      examine the racial/ethnic disparities in the relationship between antenatal
      stressful life events and PPD among US women and to explore whether antenatal
      health care provider communication on perinatal depression was associated with a
      lower risk. METHODS: Data from the 2009-2011 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring
      System (PRAMS) were used. For each racial/ethnic group, the distribution of PPD
      was compared according to different levels of the stressors and socio
      demographic, pre-pregnancy, antenatal, delivery, and neonatal characteristics.
      Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with PPD as the outcome
      and all variables that were significant in bivariate analyses as predictors.
      RESULTS: Eleven percent of 87,565 women met the criteria for PPD with the
      prevalence ranging from 7.9% among Asian/Pacific Islanders to 14% among American
      Indian/Alaska Natives. Irrespective of race/ethnicity, having many bills to pay
      and having more than usual arguments with husband/partner were risk factors for
      PPD. Among non-Hispanic black (NHB) women, having a husband/partner who did not
      want the pregnancy was associated with PPD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.47; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 1.14, 1.90), and among non-Hispanic whites (NHWs),
      drug/drinking problems of someone close was associated with PPD (aOR: 1.37; 95%
      CI: 1.21, 1.55). Provider communication was inversely associated with PPD among
      NHWs (aOR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.85) and NHBs (aOR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.93).
      CONCLUSION: The protective effect of provider communication on PPD suggests the
      benefit of a simple conversation about perinatal depression during antenatal
      care. Furthermore, risk factors for PPD varied by race/ethnicity suggesting that
      these vulnerabilities should be taken into consideration in identifying women at
      risk for PPD.

PMID- 28095723
TI  - Increased long-term mortality after survival of invasive pneumococcal disease: a
      population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We studied if patients surviving hospitalization for invasive
      pneumococcal disease (IPD) have an increased long-term mortality. METHODS: In
      this population-based case-control study, we assessed adults discharged from Aker
      University Hospital in Oslo, Norway, from 1993 to 2008 after surviving IPD.
      Mortality among the study population was compared to the general Norwegian
      population using standardized mortality ratios (SMR). Median follow-up time was
      7.2 years (range 5 days to 21.1 years). Associated factors were also
      investigated. RESULTS: We assessed 372 patients of whom 184 patients died during
      the observation period. Mortality was increased for 10 years after surviving
      hospitalization for IPD. Patients aged 18-64 years had a one-year SMR of 18.8
      (95% CI: 10.0-32.1) and a 10-year SMR of 6.0 (95% CI: 4.4-8.0). SMR for the first
      five years among patients with and without underlying conditions were 10.7 (95%
      CI: 7.0-15.5) and 2.8 (95% CI: 0.9-6.4), respectively. Patients older than 65
      years had a one-year SMR of 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2-2.7) and a 10-year SMR of 1.6 (95%
      CI: 1.4-1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Patients surviving IPD had an increased long-term
      mortality compared to the general population. This was particularly pronounced in
      patients with known underlying conditions. These findings suggest that IPD is a
      negative prognostic marker, and that a closer follow-up of patients who have
      suffered IPD is warranted.

PMID- 28095724
TI  - Reverse hybrid total hip arthroplasty.
AB  - Background and purpose - The use of a cemented cup together with an uncemented
      stem in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become popular in Norway and Sweden
      during the last decade. The results of this prosthetic concept, reverse hybrid
      THA, have been sparsely described. The Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association
      (NARA) has already published 2 papers describing results of reverse hybrid THAs
      in different age groups. Based on data collected over 2 additional years, we
      wanted to perform in depth analyses of not only the reverse hybrid concept but
      also of the different cup/stem combinations used. Patients and methods - From the
      NARA, we extracted data on reverse hybrid THAs from January 1, 2000 until
      December 31, 2013. 38,415 such hips were studied and compared with cemented THAs.
      The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the
      prosthesis survival and the relative risk of revision. The main endpoint was
      revision for any reason. We also performed specific analyses regarding the
      different reasons for revision and analyses regarding the cup/stem combinations
      used in more than 500 cases. Results - We found a higher rate of revision for
      reverse hybrids than for cemented THAs, with an adjusted relative risk of
      revision (RR) of 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3-1.5). At 10 years, the survival rate was 94%
      (CI: 94-95) for cemented THAs and 92% (95% CI: 92-93) for reverse hybrids. The
      results for the reverse hybrid THAs were inferior to those for cemented THAs in
      patients aged 55 years or more (RR =1.1, CI: 1.0-1.3; p < 0.05). We found a
      higher rate of early revision due to periprosthetic femoral fracture for reverse
      hybrids than for cemented THAs in patients aged 55 years or more (RR =3.1, CI:
      2.2-4.5; p < 0.001). Interpretation - Reverse hybrid THAs had a slightly higher
      rate of revision than cemented THAs in patients aged 55 or more. The difference
      in survival was mainly caused by a higher incidence of early revision due to
      periprosthetic femoral fracture in the reversed hybrid THAs.

PMID- 28095725
TI  - Geospatial clustering in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Boston youth.
AB  - The objective was to detect geospatial clustering of sugar-sweetened beverage
      (SSB) intake in Boston adolescents (age = 16.3 +/- 1.3 years [range: 13-19];
      female = 56.1%; White = 10.4%, Black = 42.6%, Hispanics = 32.4%, and others =
      14.6%) using spatial scan statistics. We used data on self-reported SSB intake
      from the 2008 Boston Youth Survey Geospatial Dataset (n = 1292). Two binary
      variables were created: consumption of SSB (never versus any) on (1) soda and (2)
      other sugary drinks (e.g., lemonade). A Bernoulli spatial scan statistic was used
      to identify geospatial clusters of soda and other sugary drinks in unadjusted
      models and models adjusted for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. There was no
      statistically significant clustering of soda consumption in the unadjusted model.
      In contrast, a cluster of non-soda SSB consumption emerged in the middle of
      Boston (relative risk = 1.20, p = .005), indicating that adolescents within the
      cluster had a 20% higher probability of reporting non-soda SSB intake than
      outside the cluster. The cluster was no longer significant in the adjusted model,
      suggesting spatial variation in non-soda SSB drink intake correlates with the
      geographic distribution of students by race/ethnicity, age, and gender.

PMID- 28095726
TI  - Male professional footballers' experiences of mental health difficulties and help
      seeking.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Male professional footballers (soccer) represent an at-risk
      population of developing mental health difficulties and not accessing
      professional support. One in four current footballers report mental health
      difficulties. Higher prevalence is reported after retirement. This qualitative
      study aimed to provide in-depth insight into male professional footballers' lived
      experiences of mental health difficulties and help-seeking. METHODS: Seven
      participants were interviewed. Data were analysed using interpretative
      phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: One superordinate theme emerged; 'Survival'.
      This related to survival in the professional football world, of mental health
      difficulties and after transition into the 'real world'. Six subordinate themes
      are explored alongside literature pertaining to male mental health, identity,
      injury, transition, and emotional development. Shame, stigma, fear and level of
      mental health literacy (knowledge of mental health and support) were barriers to
      help-seeking. CONCLUSION: Support for professional footballers' mental wellbeing
      requires improvement. Recommendations are made for future research, mental health
      education and support.

PMID- 28095727
TI  - Mentor mother support for mothers experiencing intimate partner violence in
      family practice: A qualitative study of three different perspectives on the
      facilitators and barriers of implementation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is highly prevalent and associated
      with physical and mental health problems. Mentor mother support is a low
      threshold intervention in family practice consisting of support by non
      professionals trained to support mothers experiencing IPV. A mentor mother
      support study showed reduced exposure to IPV and decreased symptoms of
      depression. OBJECTIVES: Identify factors determining implementation success of
      mentor mother support in family practice. METHODS: Individual interviews were
      conducted with 12 family physicians, 16 abused mothers and three mentor mothers.
      Four mentor mothers participated in a focus group. Qualitative content analysis
      was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: The identification and discussion of abuse
      is hindered by family physicians' attitudes because they considered mothers
      experiencing IPV as a difficult target group with a responsibility of their own
      to break out of their violent situation. Some family physicians doubted the
      partner's violence because he was known as a patient as well. Acceptance of
      mentor mother support is related to the readiness for change of mothers
      experiencing IPV. Mentor mothers facilitate acceptance and completion of their
      support by connecting as a friend who is equal and less threatening than
      professionals. CONCLUSION: To improve successful implementation of mentor mother
      support in primary care, we should focus on family physicians' attitudes towards
      IPV. To change these attitudes, we recommend continuous training of family
      physicians. By being paraprofessional friends, mentor mothers offer low threshold
      support that is complementary to professional support and should be embedded more
      widely in primary care. [Box: see text].

PMID- 28095728
TI  - Dental Prophylaxis and Osteoradionecrosis: A Population-Based Study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the association of different dental
      prophylactic modalities and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and determine the risk of
      ORN under different timing periods of scaling, with the use chlorhexidine mouth
      rinse after surgery and with different strategies of fluoride gel application in
      head and neck cancer (HNC) participants. A cohort of 18,231 HNC participants,
      including 941 ORN patients and 17,290 matched control cases, were enrolled from a
      Longitudinal Health Insurance Database for Catastrophic Illness Patients (LHID
      CIP) in Taiwan. Based on different dental prophylactic modalities before
      radiotherapy, including chlorhexidine mouth rinse, scaling, and fluoride gel, all
      HNC subjects were stratified into different groups. The Cox proportional hazard
      regression was used to compare ORN incidences under different dental prophylactic
      modalities. The results revealed that scaling and chlorhexidine mouth rinse were
      significantly related to ORN risk ( P = 0.004 and P < 0.0001). Chlorhexidine
      mouth rinse was highly correlated to ORN occurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.83
      2.66), as exposure increased the risk by 2.43-fold among oral cancer patients,
      regardless of whether they had received major oral surgery or not. Oral cancer
      patients receiving scaling within 2 wk before radiotherapy increased their
      incidence of ORN by 1.28-fold compared with patients who had not undergone
      scaling within 6 mo. There is no significance of fluoride application for dental
      prophylaxis in increasing ORN occurrence. In conclusion, dental prophylaxis
      before radiotherapy is strongly correlated to ORN in HNC patients. Chlorhexidine
      exposure and dental scaling within 2 wk before radiotherapy is significantly
      related to ORN risk, especially in oral cancer patients. The use of 1.1% NaF
      topical application did not significantly increase the risk of ORN in HNC
      patients. An optimal dental prophylaxis protocol to reduce ORN should concern
      cancer location, cautious prescription of chlorhexidine mouth rinse, and proper
      timing of scaling.

PMID- 28095729
TI  - Impact of reactive oxygen species generation on Helicobacter pylori-related
      extragastric diseases: a hypothesis.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production
      that contribute to pathogenesis of a variety of H. pylori-related gastric
      diseases, as shown in animal and human studies. Helicobacter pylori infection is
      also associated with variety of systemic extragastric diseases in which H. pylori
      related ROS production might also be involved in the pathogenesis of these
      systemic conditions. We proposed that Hp-related ROS may play a crucial role in
      the pathophysiology of Hp-related systemic diseases including Alzheimer's
      disease, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and other relative neurodegenerative
      diseases, thereby suggesting introduction of relative ROS scavengers as
      therapeutic strategies against these diseases which are among the leading causes
      of disability and are associated with a large public health global burden.
      Moreover, we postulated that H. pylori-related ROS might also be involved in the
      pathogenesis of extragastric common malignancies, thereby suggesting that H.
      pylori eradication might inhibit the development or delay the progression of
      aforementioned diseases. However, large-scale future studies are warranted to
      elucidate the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, including H. pylori-related
      ROS, involved in H. pylori-associated systemic and malignant conditions.

PMID- 28095730
TI  - Anaerobic biodegradation of spiramycin I and characterization of its new
      metabolites.
AB  - Activated sludge was used to treat the wastewater containing spiramycin I. Three
      new metabolites were isolated and identified, which produced by oxidation of C6
      aldehyde, hydrolysis of C5-mycaminose-mycarose and macrolactone ring-open
      reaction of spiramycin I in anaerobic digestion. And their antimicrobial
      activities were inactivated. Our results indicated that anaerobic biodegradation
      metabolites of spiramycin I could not induce bacterial resistance in environment.

PMID- 28095731
TI  - N-Palmitoylethanolamine-Oxazoline as a New Therapeutic Strategy to Control
      Neuroinflammation: Neuroprotective Effects in Experimental Models of Spinal Cord
      and Brain Injury.
AB  - Modulation of N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) represents a
      potential alternative strategy in the treatment of neuroinflammation. Recent
      studies showed that pharmacological modulation of NAAA could be achieved with the
      oxazoline of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA; PEA-OXA). The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the neuroprotective effects of PEA-OXA in the secondary
      neuroinflammatory events induced by spinal and brain trauma in mice. Animals were
      subjected to spinal cord and brain injury models and PEA-OXA (10 mg/kg) was
      administered both intraperitoneally and orally 1 h and 6 h after trauma. PEA-OXA
      treatment markedly reduced the histological alterations induced by spinal cord
      injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ameliorated the motor function
      and behavioral deficits, as well. In addition, the expression of neurotrophic
      factors, such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin-3 were increased by PEA-OXA treatment.
      Moreover, PEA-OXA also significantly decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein
      hyperexpression, the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB,
      phosphorylation of Ser536 on the NF-kappaB subunit p65, and degradation of
      IkappaB-alpha, as well as diminished the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators
      such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta. The modulation of intracellular
      NAAA by PEA-OXA treatment could thus represent a novel therapy to control
      neuroinflammatory conditions associated with SCI and TBI.

PMID- 28095732
TI  - An online survey of tobacco smoking cessation associated with naturalistic
      psychedelic use.
AB  - Data suggest psychedelics such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
      may hold therapeutic potential in the treatment of addictions, including tobacco
      dependence. This retrospective cross-sectional anonymous online survey
      characterized 358 individuals (52 females) who reported having quit or reduced
      smoking after ingesting a psychedelic in a non-laboratory setting ?1 year ago. On
      average, participants smoked 14 cigarettes/day for 8 years, and had five previous
      quit attempts before their psychedelic experience. Of the 358 participants, 38%
      reported continuous smoking cessation after psychedelic use (quitters). Among
      quitters, 74% reported >2 years' abstinence. Of the 358 participants, 28%
      reported a persisting reduction in smoking (reducers), from a mode of 300
      cigarettes/month before, to a mode of 1 cigarette/month after the experience.
      Among reducers, 62% reported >2 years of reduced smoking. Finally, 34% of the 358
      participants (relapsers) reported a temporary smoking reduction before returning
      to baseline smoking levels, with a mode time range to relapse of 3-6 months.
      Relapsers rated their psychedelic experience significantly lower in personal
      meaning and spiritual significance than both other groups. Participants across
      all groups reported less severe affective withdrawal symptoms (e.g. depression,
      craving) after psychedelic use compared with previous quit attempts, suggesting a
      potential mechanism of action for psychedelic-associated smoking
      cessation/reduction. Changes in life priorities/values were endorsed as the most
      important psychological factor associated with smoking cessation/reduction.
      Results suggest psychedelics may hold promise in treating tobacco addiction as
      potentially mediated by spiritual experience, changed priorities/values, and
      improved emotional regulation.

PMID- 28095733
TI  - Decoding Crucial LncRNAs Implicated in Neurogenesis and Neurological Disorders.
AB  - Unraveling transcriptional heterogeneity and the labyrinthine nature of
      neurodevelopment can probe insights into neuropsychiatric disorders. It is
      noteworthy that adult neurogenesis is restricted to the subventricular and
      subgranular zones of the brain. Recent studies suggest long non-coding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) as an avant-garde class of regulators implicated in neurodevelopment.
      But, paucity exists in the knowledge regarding lncRNAs in neurogenesis and their
      associations with neurodevelopmental defects. To address this, we extensively
      reviewed the existing literature databases as well as performed relevant in
      silico analysis. We utilized Allen Brain Atlas (ABA) differential search module
      and generated a catalogue of ~30,000 transcripts specific to the neurogenic
      zones, including coding and non-coding transcripts. To explore the existing
      lncRNAs reported in neurogenesis, we performed extensive literature mining and
      identified 392 lncRNAs. These degenerate lncRNAs were mapped onto the ABA
      transcript list leading to detection of 20 lncRNAs specific to neurogenic zones
      (Dentate gyrus/Lateral ventricle), among which 10 showed associations to several
      neurodevelopmental disorders following in-silico mapping onto brain disease
      databases like Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, AutDB, and
      lncRNADisease. Notably, using ABA correlation module, we could establish lncRNA
      to-mRNA coexpression networks for the above 10 candidate lncRNAs. Finally,
      pathway prediction revealed physical, biochemical, or regulatory interactions for
      nine lncRNAs. In addition, ABA differential search also revealed 54 novel
      significant lncRNAs from the null set (~30,000). Conclusively, this review
      represents an updated catalogue of lncRNAs in neurogenesis and neurological
      diseases, and overviews the field of OMICs-based data analysis for understanding
      lncRNome-based regulation in neurodevelopment.

PMID- 28095734
TI  - Entrapment efficiency of pyridoxine hydrochloride in unilamellar liposomes:
      experimental versus model-generated data.
AB  - The present study investigates the effect of the preparation method (four
      methods) and formulation additives (propylene glycol (PG) and cholesterol (CH))
      on the entrapment efficiency (EE) of pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6 (VB6)),
      representing hydrophilic water-soluble low permeable vitamins, in unilamellar
      liposomes. The main aim is to compare determined EE with predicted values
      generated using a web-published, computational model. Results showed that among
      the different preparation methods, modified film hydration showed significantly
      higher EE (p < 0.05). With regard to formulation additives, PG (5% w/v) produced
      smaller vesicles size with narrow size distribution. Agreement between determined
      and model-generated EE values was more evident in formulae with narrow size
      distribution (polydispersity index (PdI) below 0.23). Formulae containing PG
      showed slightly higher determined than predicted EE values indicating vitamin
      phospholipid bilayer interaction. Meanwhile, agreement between determined and
      predicted EE was limited to VB6-to-phospholipid ratio below (1.2:2). The
      comparison provided further insight into the usefulness of the prediction model
      factors affecting agreement between determined and predicted EE data.

PMID- 28095735
TI  - Criterion validity of the D-KEFS color-word and verbal fluency switching
      paradigms following traumatic brain injury.
AB  - The present study was composed of two parts examining the clinical utility of the
      Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Verbal Fluency and Color-Word
      subtests in traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the first part, the performance of
      128 outpatients with mild to severe TBI on the Verbal Fluency and Color-Word
      subtests was examined in relation to two primary indicators of TBI severity:
      length of coma and the presence of intracranial lesions on neuroimaging through
      regression analysis. After controlling for education, ethnicity, and complicating
      premorbid and comorbid factors, length of coma predicted performance on the Color
      Word Inhibition/Switching subtest, whereas the presence of diffuse lesions was
      related to Verbal Fluency Category Switching performance. In the second part of
      this study, performance on the Category Switching and Inhibition/Switching
      subtests was compared between a group of 28 participants with moderate-to-severe
      TBI and demographically matched groups with mild-uncomplicated TBI (n = 28) and
      neurologically healthy control participants (n = 56). The moderate-to-severe TBI
      group performed significantly worse on both subtests than the mild-uncomplicated
      TBI and control groups, and the latter groups did not differ from each other on
      these subtests. Logistic regression analysis showed that the combined group
      classification accuracy of these subtests was 66.07%, with an area under the
      curve (AUC) of .70 and a likelihood ratio of 1.93. The findings provide modest
      support for the clinical utility of the Color-Word Inhibition/Switching subtest
      in the cognitive assessment of TBI, while also replicating prior research
      suggesting clinical utility of the Category Switching subtest in this population.

PMID- 28095736
TI  - Development of multifunctional foods.
AB  - Foods contain various biologically active substances with extent physiological
      effects. Among them, some substances, such as dietary fibers, polyunsaturated
      fatty acids, and antioxidants, exert multiple activities. In addition,
      combinational uses of some components, such as sesamin and alpha-tocopherol,
      enhance their biological effects each other. The expression of multiple effect
      leads to the production of multifunctional foods which prevent the occurrence of
      various diseases. Furthermore, synergic effects between biologically active
      substances allow us to decrease the dose of each component, which lead to the
      improvement of safety and reduction of production cost of multifunctional foods.
      To use these active components for human health, studies on their adsorption and
      transportation are important, since distribution of some components, such as
      tocotrienols, is limited to some tissues. In addition, extent safety studies are
      essential to use artificially synthesized substances such as 10t, 12c derivative
      of conjugated linoleic acid for human health.

PMID- 28095737
TI  - Induction, purification, and characterization of a thermo and pH stable laccase
      from Abortiporus biennis J2 and its application on the clarification of litchi
      juice.
AB  - A fungus J2 producing laccase with high yield was screened in soils and
      identified as Abortiporus biennis. The production of laccase was induced by 0.1
      mM Cu2+, 0.1 mM tannic acid, and 0.5 M ethanol. The laccase from Abortiporus
      biennis J2 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by a couple of steps. The
      N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme was AIGPTADLNISNADI. The properties
      of the purified laccase were investigated. The result showed the laccase from
      Abortiporus biennis J2 is a thermo and pH stable enzyme. The laccase activity was
      inhibited by Hg2+, Cd2+, Fe2+, Ag+, Cu2+, and Zn2+, while promoted by Mg2+, Mn2+
      at 10 mM level. Purified laccase was used to the clarification of litchi juice.
      After treatment with this laccase, the phenolic content of litchi juice had been
      found to be greatly reduced along with an increase in the clarity of the juice.
      The result indicated the potential of this laccase for application in juice
      procession.

PMID- 28095738
TI  - Emotional Intelligence as an Evolutive Factor on Adult With ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: ADHD adults exhibit deficits in emotion recognition, regulation, and
      expression. Emotional intelligence (EI) correlates with better life performance
      and is considered a skill that can be learned and developed. The aim of this
      study was to assess EI development as ability in ADHD adults, considering the
      effect of comorbid psychiatric disorders and previous diagnosis of ADHD. METHOD:
      Participants ( n = 116) were distributed in four groups attending to current
      comorbidities and previous ADHD diagnosis, and administered the Mayer-Salovey
      Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test version 2.0 to assess their EI level. RESULTS:
      ADHD adults with comorbidity with no previous diagnosis had lower EI development
      than healthy controls and the rest of ADHD groups. In addition, ADHD severity in
      childhood or in adulthood did not influence the current EI level. CONCLUSION: EI
      development as a therapeutic approach could be of use in ADHD patients with
      comorbidities.

PMID- 28095739
TI  - Expression and localization of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)23 and Klotho in the
      spleen: its physiological and functional implications.
AB  - The FGF23-Klotho signaling axis is known to exert anti-aging effects via calcium
      phosphorus metabolism. In mice deficient in FGF23-Klotho signaling, however, the
      number of splenocytes is reduced. FGF23 is expressed in both bone and spleen,
      with regulation of its production differing in these organs. As FGF23-Klotho
      signaling may play an immunological role in the spleen, splenocytes in male
      C57BL/6J mice were assayed for expression of Klotho or FGF23 by flow cytometry
      and immunohistochemistry. Cells that expressed Klotho included CD45R/B220+
      CD21/CD35+ CD1d+ CD43- marginal zone B cells. These cells also expressed FGF
      receptor 1, indicating that Klotho-positive B cells could respond to FGF23.
      Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) with CD11c+ CD45R/B220+ CD11b- CD8alpha- were
      found to produce FGF23. Klotho-positive cells and FGF23-producing cells were
      present in close proximity to each other, suggesting that FGF23 produced by pDCs
      may act within a limited area. These findings indicate that FGF23-Klotho
      signaling could play a biological or immunological role in the spleen.

PMID- 28095740
TI  - Does a single session of reading literary fiction prime enhanced mentalising
      performance? Four replication experiments of Kidd and Castano (2013).
AB  - Prior experiments indicated that reading literary fiction improves mentalising
      performance relative to reading popular fiction, non-fiction, or not reading.
      However, the experiments had relatively small sample sizes and hence low
      statistical power. To address this limitation, the present authors conducted four
      high-powered replication experiments (combined N = 1006) testing the causal
      impact of reading literary fiction on mentalising. Relative to the original
      research, the present experiments used the same literary texts in the reading
      manipulation; the same mentalising task; and the same kind of participant
      samples. Moreover, one experiment was pre-registered as a direct replication. In
      none of the experiments did reading literary fiction have any effect on
      mentalising relative to control conditions. The results replicate earlier
      findings that familiarity with fiction is positively correlated with mentalising.
      Taken together, the present findings call into question whether a single session
      of reading fiction leads to immediate improvements in mentalising.

PMID- 28095741
TI  - Pullout performance comparison of novel expandable pedicle screw with expandable
      poly-ether-ether-ketone shells and cement-augmented pedicle screws.
AB  - Aim of this study is to assess the pullout performance of various pedicle screws
      in different test materials. Polyurethane foams (Grade 10 and Grade 40) produced
      in laboratory and bovine vertebrae were instrumented with normal, cannulated
      (cemented), novel expandable and normal (cemented) pedicle screws. Test samples
      were prepared according to the ASTM F543 standard testing protocols and surgical
      guidelines. To examine the screw placement and cement distribution,
      anteriosuperior and oblique radiographs were taken from each sample after
      insertion process was completed. Pullout tests were performed in an Instron 3369
      testing device. Load versus displacement graphs were recorded and the ultimate
      pullout force was defined as the maximum load (pullout strength) sustained before
      failure of screw. Student's t-test was performed on each group whether the
      differences between pullout strength of pedicle screws were significant or not.
      While normal pedicle screws have the lowest pullout strength in all test
      materials, normal pedicle screws cemented with polymethylmethacrylate exhibit
      significantly higher pullout performance than others. For all test materials,
      there is a significant improvement in pullout strength of normal screws by
      augmentation. While novel expandable pedicle screws with expandable poly-ether
      ether-ketone shells exhibited lower pullout performance than normal screws
      cemented with polymethylmethacrylate, their pullout performances in all groups
      were higher than the ones of normal and cannulated pedicle screws. For all test
      materials, although cannulated pedicle screws exhibit higher pullout strength
      than normal pedicle screws, there are no significant differences between the two
      groups. The novel expandable pedicle screws with expandable poly-ether-ether
      ketone shells may be used instead of normal and cannulated pedicle screws
      cemented with polymethylmethacrylate due to their good performances.

PMID- 28095742
TI  - Lithium response in bipolar disorders and core clock genes expression.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examine whether the lithium response is associated with changes in
      the expression of core clock genes. METHODS: The effect of a therapeutic
      concentration of lithium (1 mM) on the expression levels of 17 circadian genes
      was examined in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from two well
      characterized groups of bipolar disorder patients, defined as lithium non
      responders (NR, n = 20) or excellent responders (ER, n = 16). Quantitative real
      time PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted at 2, 4 and 8 days (d2, d4 and d8) with and
      without lithium exposure. RESULTS: At d2, in ER only, BHLHE41, RORA, PER1, ARNTL,
      CRY2, BHLHE40 and CSNK1D were upregulated, whereas NR1D1 was downregulated. At
      d4, in ER only, CRY1 was downregulated. At d8, in NR only, GSK3beta was
      upregulated and DBP, TIMELESS and CRY1 were downregulated. Significant Group *
      Lithium interactions existed for NR1D1 at d2 (P = 0.02), and CRY1 at d4 (P =
      0.02). Longitudinal analyses showed differential temporal evolutions between NR
      and ER (significant Time * Group interaction) for PER3, NR1D1, DBP, RORA, CSNK1D
      and TIMELESS; and a significant Time * Lithium interaction for NR1D1.
      Coexpression data analyses suggested distinct groups of circadian genes
      concurrently modulated by lithium. CONCLUSIONS: In LCLs, lithium influences
      expression of circadian genes with differences in amplitude and kinetics
      according to the patient's lithium response status.

PMID- 28095744
TI  - The effects of age on the learning and forgetting of primacy, middle, and recency
      components of a multi-trial word list.
AB  - The serial position effect reveals that recall of a supraspan list of words
      follows a predictable pattern, whereby words at the beginning (primacy) and end
      (recency) of a list are recalled more easily than words in the middle. This
      effect has typically been studied using single list-learning trials, but in
      neuropsychology, multi-trial list-learning tests are more commonly used. The
      current study examined trends in learning for primacy, middle, and recency
      effects across multiple trials in younger and older age cohorts. Participants
      were 158 volunteers, including 79 adults aged 17-36 ("younger" group) and 79
      adults aged 54-89 years ("older" group). Each participant completed four learning
      trials and one delayed (5-10 min) recall trial from the Memory Assessment Scales.
      Scores were divided into primacy (first four words), middle (middle four words),
      and recency (final four words) scores for all trials. For list acquisition, mixed
      effects modeling examined the main effects of and interactions between learning
      slope (logarithmic), age group, and serial position. Rate of learning increased
      logarithmically over four trials and varied by serial position, with growth of
      middle and recency word acquisition increasing more rapidly than recall of
      primacy words; this interaction did not differ by age group. Delayed retention
      differed according to age group and serial position; both older and younger
      adults demonstrated similar retention for primacy words, but older adults showed
      reduced retention for middle and recency words. Although older adults acquired
      less information across learning trials, the reason for this reduced acquisition
      was related to initial learning, not to rate of learning over time. Older
      compared to younger adults were less efficient at transferring middle and recency
      words from short-term to long-term memory.

PMID- 28095743
TI  - Adult Murine Pancreatic Progenitors Require Epidermal Growth Factor and
      Nicotinamide for Self-Renewal and Differentiation in a Serum- and Conditioned
      Medium-Free Culture.
AB  - Adult pancreatic stem and progenitor cells may serve as an alternative source of
      insulin-secreting endocrine cells in cell replacement therapy for type 1
      diabetes, but much remained unknown about these cells. We previously identified
      adult murine pancreatic progenitor-like cells that displayed in vitro self
      renewal and tri-lineage differentiation activities in a three-dimensional
      colony/organoid assay containing 1% methylcellulose and 5% Matrigel. However, the
      presence of other undefined culture components, such as serum and conditioned
      medium, has prevented a complete understanding of the signals required for
      progenitor cell growth. Here, we have established a serum-free, conditioned
      medium-free colony assay with the inclusion of seven defined factors: epidermal
      growth factor (EGF), R-Spondin 1 (RSPO1), Noggin, nicotinamide, exendin-4,
      activin B, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A. The requirements for
      colony growth were characterized and we found that EGF and nicotinamide were
      necessary and sufficient for the colony growth and long-term self-renewal of
      these progenitors. However, the seven factor (7F) culture medium better induced
      colony size and self-renewal in long-term culture than EGF plus nicotinamide
      alone. Individual 3-week-old colonies grown in the 7F culture medium expressed
      ductal, acinar, and endocrine lineage markers, suggesting that tri-lineage
      differentiation of the tri-potent progenitors was occurring without genetic
      manipulation. A delayed inhibition of Notch signaling using small molecules in 2
      week-old cultures enhanced endocrine gene expression in 3-week-old colonies. This
      better-defined colony assay system will enable our and other laboratories for in
      depth mechanistic studies on the biology of these progenitor cells.

PMID- 28095745
TI  - Toward the definition of a new worst-case paradigm for the preclinical evaluation
      of posterior spine stabilization devices.
AB  - Mechanical reliability tests on posterior spine stabilization devices are based
      on standard F1717 by the American Society for Testing and Materials, which
      describes how to assemble the implant with vertebrae-like test blocks in a
      corpectomy model. A recent study proposed to revise the standard to describe the
      anatomical worst-case scenario, instead of the average one currently implemented,
      and introduce the unsupported screw length as a mechanical parameter. This
      article investigates the implications of such revisions on the endurance
      properties of an implant already on the market. Experimental fatigue tests
      demonstrate that the revision of F1717 standard leads to a reduction of 3.2
      million cycles in the fatigue strength of the tested implant: this amount is
      comparable to the run-out number of cycles (5 million cycles) currently
      recommended. The numerical analysis, validated with static tests and strain
      gauges, supports the experimental findings and demonstrates that the stress on
      the implant may increase upon revision up to a 50% on the screw (most recurrent
      failure mode), with the unsupported screw length contributing alone up to 40%.
      The revision of ASTM F1717 standard would guarantee higher safety for the implant
      to test, potentially covering for a wider population of patients.

PMID- 28095746
TI  - Targeting of herbal bioactives through folate receptors: a novel concept to
      enhance intracellular drug delivery in cancer therapy.
AB  - Targeted drug delivery through folate receptor (FR) has emerged as a most
      biocompatible, target oriented, and non-immunogenic cargoes for the delivery of
      anticancer drugs. FRs are highly overexpressed in many tumor cells (like ovarian,
      lung, breast, kidney, brain, endometrial, and colon cancer), and targeting them
      through conjugates bearing specific ligand with encapsulated nanodrug moiety is
      undoubtedly, a promising approach toward tumor targeting. Folate, being an
      endogenous ligand, can be exploited well to affect various cellular events
      occurring during the progress of tumor, in a more natural and definite way. Thus,
      the aim of the review lies in summarizing the advancements taken place in the
      drug delivery system of different therapeutics through FRs and to refine its role
      as an endogenous ligand, in targeting of synthetic as well as natural bioactives.
      The review also provides an update on the patents received on the folate-based
      drug delivery system.

PMID- 28095747
TI  - Effects of roller massager on muscle recovery after exercise-induced muscle
      damage.
AB  - Two experiments (n = 10) were conducted to determine the effects of roller
      massager (RM) on ankle plantar flexor muscle recovery after exercise-induced
      muscle damage (EIMD). Experiment 1 examined both functional [i.e., ankle plantar
      flexion maximal isometric contraction and submaximal (30%) sustained force; ankle
      dorsiflexion maximal range of motion and resistance to stretch; and medial
      gastrocnemius pain pressure threshold] and morphological [cross-sectional area,
      thickness, fascicle length, and fascicle angle] variables, before and
      immediately, 1, 24, 48, and 72 h after an EIMD stimulus. Experiment 2 examined
      medial gastrocnemius deoxyhaemoglobin concentration kinetics before and 48 h
      after EIMD. Participants performed both experiments twice: with (RM) and without
      (no-roller massager; NRM) the application of a RM (6 * 45 s; 20-s rest between
      sets). RM intervention did not alter the functional impairment after EIMD, as
      well as the medial gastrocnemius morphology and oxygenation kinetics (P > 0.05).
      Although, an acute increase of ipsilateral (RM = + 19%, NRM = -5%, P = 0.032) and
      a strong tendency for contralateral (P = 0.095) medial gastrocnemius pain
      pressure threshold were observed. The present results suggest that a RM has no
      effect on plantar flexors performance, morphology, and oxygenation recovery after
      EIMD, except for muscle pain pressure threshold (i.e., a soreness).

PMID- 28095748
TI  - Myocardial Inactivation of Thyroid Hormones in Patients with Aortic Stenosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The human heart expresses the type 2 deiodinase (D2) that activates
      thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). At the same time, the inactivating type
      3 deiodinase (D3) has been found in a rat model of right ventricular hypertrophy.
      It is not known whether the human myocardium metabolizes thyroid hormone. This
      study examined myocardial thyroid hormone metabolism in patients with aortic
      valve stenosis (AS) undergoing aortic valve replacement and in patients with
      coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.
      METHODS: Myocardial thyroid hormone metabolism was assessed by analyzing the
      difference in serum thyroid hormone levels between the aortic root (incoming
      blood) and the coronary sinus (outgoing blood) of patients undergoing cardiac
      surgery. A total of 23 patients with AS and 35 patients with CAD were included.
      Patients received a pre-surgical echocardiogram, and pre-, during and post
      surgical thyroid hormone serum levels were collected in the myocardial and
      peripheral circulations. RESULTS: Patients with AS exhibited the expected left
      ventricle (LV) hypertrophy (i.e., 20-30% increase in LV posterior wall and
      interventricular septum thickness and ~10% increase in AS in LV diastolic
      diameter). Immediately before cardiopulmonary bypass, blood flowing through the
      AS myocardium exhibited a 4.6% reduction in T3 and 6.9% increase in rT3 levels,
      decreasing the serum T3/rT3 ratio by 9.6%. T4 and thyrotropin serum levels
      remained similar between the aortic root and coronary sinus. In contrast, no
      myocardial thyroid hormone metabolism was observed in CAD patients. Notably, the
      AS myocardium lost the ability to inactivate thyroid hormone after
      cardiopulmonary bypass, possibly due to myocardial stunning. CONCLUSIONS: There
      is accelerated thyroid hormone inactivation in the AS myocardium, which is likely
      the result of D3 expression. No evidence to suggest thyroid hormone activation in
      the myocardium was obtained in the present study.

PMID- 28095750
TI  - Effects of pre-germinated brown rice treatment high-fat diet-induced metabolic
      syndrome in C57BL/6J mice.
AB  - To investigate using pre-germinated brown rice (PGBR) to treat metabolic
      syndrome, we fed one group of mice standard-regular-diet (SRD) for 20 weeks and
      another group of mice high-fat-diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. We subdivided them into
      HFD group and HFD + PGBR group whose dietary carbohydrate was replaced with PGBR
      for 4 weeks. The HFD group gained more weight, had higher blood pressure, heart
      rate, blood glucose and lipids, liver levels of TG, feces TG and bile acid, lower
      adipose levels of adipocytokine, lower skeletal muscle IR, IRS-1, IRS-2, PI3 K,
      Akt/PKB, GLUT-1, GLUT-4, GCK and PPAR-gamma; higher liver SREBP-1, SCD-1, FAS,
      HMGCR, LDLR, CYP7alpha1 and PPAR-alpha, and higher adipose SREBP-1, SCD-1, FAS,
      and lower adipose PPAR-alpha and adiponectin. The HFD + PGBR group had clearly
      improved blood pressure, biochemical parameters and above proteins expressions.
      PGBR successful treatment of metabolic syndrome was achieved through improvements
      in glucose and lipid synthesis and metabolism.

PMID- 28095749
TI  - Obese adolescents with polycystic ovarian syndrome have elevated cardiovascular
      disease risk markers.
AB  - Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have evidence of subclinical
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, insulin resistance, an important factor in
      the development of CVD in adults, is common in adolescents with PCOS, yet data in
      adolescents are limited. Therefore, we sought to measure insulin resistance and
      CVD markers in obese youth with and without PCOS. Thirty-six PCOS and 17 non-PCOS
      adolescent girls who were obese, sedentary, and non-hypertensive were recruited
      from clinics located within the Children's Hospital Colorado. Following 3 days of
      controlled diet and restricted exercise, fasting plasma samples were obtained
      prior to a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. PCOS girls were more insulin
      resistant than controls (glucose infusion rate 5.24+/-1.86 mg/kg/min vs 9.10+/
      2.69; p<0.001). Girls with PCOS had blood pressure in the normal range, but had
      greater carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) (0.49+/-0.07 mm vs 0.44+/-0.06;
      p=0.038), beta stiffness index (5.1+/-1.3 U vs 4.4+/-0.9; p=0.037), and reduced
      arterial compliance (1.95+/-0.47 mm2/mmHg * 10-1 vs 2.13+/-0.43; p=0.047). PCOS
      girls had a normal mean lipid profile, yet had a more atherogenic lipoprotein
      cholesterol distribution and had persistent elevations of free fatty acids
      despite hyperinsulinemia (68+/-28 MUmol/mL vs 41+/-10; p=0.001), both potential
      contributors to CVD. Free fatty acid concentrations correlated best with all CVD
      markers. In summary, adolescent girls with PCOS have greater cIMT and stiffer
      arteries than girls without PCOS, perhaps related to altered lipid metabolism,
      even when clinical measures of blood pressure and cholesterol profiles are
      'normal'. Therefore, management of adolescent PCOS should include assessment of
      CVD risk factor development.

PMID- 28095752
TI  - Isolation and identification of a humanTRPV1 activating compound from soy sauce.
AB  - Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) was identified as a receptor of
      capsaicin, which is a pungent ingredient in hot red peppers. Due to its relevance
      for nociception, a physiological and pharmacological study of TRPV1 has also been
      developed. Therefore, it is important to enrich scientific knowledge regarding
      the TRPV1 activating or inhibiting compounds. In this study, we fractionated soy
      sauce based on the human TRPV1 (hTRPV1) activity using column chromatography and
      purified 5-(9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-1-yl)-2-furanmethanol (perlolyrine) as an
      hTRPV1-activating compound. Additionally, perlolyrine activates the human
      transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (hTRPA1). The EC50 of hTRPV1 and hTRPA1
      were 2.87 and 1.67 MUmol L-1, respectively. HPLC quantification of soy sauces
      showed that they contain 2.22-12.13 MUmol L-1 of perlolyrine. The sensory
      evaluation revealed that perlolyrine has taste modification effect. The results
      of this study, for the first time, suggest that perlolyrine induces the
      activation of hTRPV1 and hTRPA1.

PMID- 28095753
TI  - A functional endonuclease Q exists in the bacterial domain: identification and
      characterization of endonuclease Q from Bacillus pumilus.
AB  - DNA base deamination occurs spontaneously under physiological conditions and is
      promoted by high temperature. Therefore, hyperthermophiles are expected to have
      efficient repair systems of the deaminated bases in their genomes. Endonuclease Q
      (EndoQ) was originally identified from the hyperthermophlic archaeon, Pyrococcus
      furiosus, as a hypoxanthine-specific endonuclease recently. Further biochemical
      analyses revealed that EndoQ also recognizes uracil, xanthine, and the AP site in
      DNA, and is probably involved in a specific repair process for damaged bases.
      Initial phylogenetic analysis showed that an EndoQ homolog is found only in the
      Thermococcales and some of the methanogens in Archaea, and is not present in most
      members of the domains Bacteria and Eukarya. A better understanding of the
      distribution of the EndoQ-mediated repair system is, therefore, of evolutionary
      interest. We showed here that an EndoQ-like polypeptide from Bacillus pumilus,
      belonging to the bacterial domain, is functional and has similar properties with
      the archaeal EndoQs.

PMID- 28095751
TI  - * CRISPR-Based Epigenome Editing of Cytokine Receptors for the Promotion of Cell
      Survival and Tissue Deposition in Inflammatory Environments.
AB  - Musculoskeletal diseases have been associated with inflammatory cytokine action,
      particularly action by TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. These inflammatory cytokines
      promote apoptosis and senescence of cells in diseased tissue and extracellular
      matrix breakdown. Stem cell-based therapies are being considered for the
      treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, but the presence of these inflammatory
      cytokines will have similar deleterious action on therapeutic cells delivered to
      these environments. Methods that prevent inflammatory-induced apoptosis and
      proinflammatory signaling, in cell and pathway-specific manners are needed. In
      this study we demonstrate the use of clustered regularly interspaced short
      palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based epigenome editing to alter cell response to
      inflammatory environments by repressing inflammatory cytokine cell receptors,
      specifically TNFR1 and IL1R1. We targeted CRISPR/Cas9-based repressors to TNFR1
      and IL1R1 gene regulatory elements in human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs)
      and investigated the functional outcomes of repression of these genes. Efficient
      signaling regulation was demonstrated in engineered hADSCs, as activity of the
      downstream transcription factor NF-kappaB was significantly reduced or maintained
      at baseline levels in the presence of TNF-alpha or IL-1beta. Pellet culture of
      undifferentiated hADSCs demonstrated improved survival in engineered hADSCs
      treated with TNF-alpha or IL-1beta, while having little effect on their
      immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, engineered hADSCs demonstrated improved
      chondrogenic differentiation capacity in the presence of TNF-alpha or IL-1beta,
      as shown by superior production of glycosaminglycans in this inflammatory
      environment. Overall this work demonstrates a novel method for modulating cell
      response to inflammatory signaling that has applications in engineering cells
      delivered to inflammatory environments, and as a direct gene therapy to protect
      endogenous cells exposed to chronic inflammation, as observed in a broad spectrum
      of degenerative musculoskeletal pathology.

PMID- 28095754
TI  - Three-Dimensional Coculture of Meniscal Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells in
      Collagen Type I Hydrogel on a Small Intestinal Matrix-A Pilot Study Toward Equine
      Meniscus Tissue Engineering.
AB  - Meniscal injuries are the most frequently encountered soft tissue injuries in the
      equine stifle joint. Due to the inherent limited repair potential of meniscal
      tissue, meniscal injuries do not only affect the meniscus itself but also lead to
      impaired joint homeostasis and secondary osteoarthritis. The presented study
      compares 3D coculture constructs of primary equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)
      and meniscus cells (MC) seeded on three different scaffolds-a cell-laden collagen
      type I hydrogel (Col I gel), a tissue-derived small intestinal matrix scaffold
      (SIS-muc) and a combination thereof-for their qualification to be applied for
      meniscus tissue engineering. To investigate cell attachment of primary MC and MSC
      on SIS-muc matrix SEM pictures were performed. For molecular analysis,
      lyophilized samples of coculture constructs with different cell ratios (100% MC,
      100% MSC, and 50% MC and 50% MSC, 20% MC, and 80% MSC) were digested and analyzed
      for DNA and GAG content. Active matrix remodeling of 3D coculture models was
      indicated by matrix metalloproteinases detection. For comparison of tissue
      engineered constructs with the histologic architecture of natural equine menisci,
      paired lateral and medial menisci of 15 horses representing different age groups
      were examined. A meniscus phenotype with promising similarity to native meniscus
      tissue in its GAG/DNA expression in addition to Col I, Col II, and Aggrecan
      production was achieved using a scaffold composed of Col I gel on SIS-muc
      combined with a coculture of MC and MSC. The results encourage further
      development of this scaffold-cell combination for meniscus tissue engineering.

PMID- 28095755
TI  - Changes in caregiver burden among informal caregivers of stroke patients in
      Mongolia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern therapeutics and health care improvements prolong stroke
      patients' survival; however, the degree of disability remains high. Stroke
      survivors often require caregivers, particularly in the first year after the
      onset of the stroke. Longitudinal assessment of and factors associated with
      caregiver burden (CGB) among caregivers of stroke patients has been scarcely
      discussed. This study aimed to define the changes in CGB in the first year of
      caregiving among the caregivers of stroke patients and to identify associated
      factors. METHODS: A prospective, multi-centered observational study was conducted
      in nine public hospitals in Mongolia. We used the Montgomery CGB Scale for
      assessing CGB, and repeated the assessment after 1 year. Stroke patient
      characteristics were included in the analyses. Multinomial logistic regressions
      were conducted to analyze changes in CGB. RESULTS: A paired t-test analysis
      revealed that demand burden increased (from 12.61 to 11.50, p = 0.034), whereas
      stress burden decreased (from 10.69 to 11.60, p = 0.016). Although objective
      burden decreased, the difference was not significant. Factors associated with
      these changes in CGB were the caregiver's marital status, the caregiver's
      relationship with the patient, financial difficulties, and the patient's sex and
      dependency. DISCUSSION: The information on factors predicting changes in CGB in
      the first year of caregiving provided in this study suggests that social or
      financial support can assist in reducing CGB among the caregivers of post-stroke
      patients.

PMID- 28095756
TI  - Low-dose acute vanillin is beneficial against harmaline-induced tremors in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of pretreatment with low doses of vanillin, a
      flavoring agent used as a food additive, on harmaline-induced tremor in rats.
      METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats (110 +/- 5 g) were divided into groups of six
      animals each. Vanillin (6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, and 25 mg/kg) was administered by
      gavage to different groups of rats, 30 minutes before the induction of tremor.
      Harmaline (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was used for the induction of tremor. The latency of
      onset, duration, tremor intensity, tremor index, and spontaneous locomotor
      activity were recorded. A separate batch of animals was used for the
      determination of serotonin (5HT) and 5 hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HIAA) levels
      in the brain. RESULTS: Harmaline treatment resulted in characteristic tremor that
      lasted for more than 2 hours and decreased the locomotor activity of rats. Pre
      treatment with vanillin significantly reduced the duration, intensity, and tremor
      index of harmaline-treated animals. Vanillin treatment also significantly
      attenuated harmaline-induced decrease in the locomotor activity. An increase in
      5HT levels and the changes in 5HIAA/5HT ratio observed in harmaline treated rats
      were significantly corrected in vanillin pretreated animals. DISCUSSION: Vanillin
      in low doses reduces harmaline-induced tremor in rats, probably through its
      modulating effect on serotonin levels in the brain. These findings suggest a
      beneficial effect of vanillin in essential tremor.

PMID- 28095757
TI  - Ethical leadership outcomes in nursing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leadership style adopted by nursing managers is a key element in
      progress and development of nursing and quality of healthcare services received
      by the patients. In this regard, the role of ethical leadership is of utmost
      importance. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to elaborate on the
      ethical leadership and its role in professional progress and growth of nurses in
      the light of work condition in health providing institutes. METHODS: The study
      was carried out as a qualitative study following conventional content analysis
      method. In total, 14 nursing faculty members and nursing managers at different
      levels were selected through purposive sampling method. Semi-structured
      interviews were used for data gathering. The data were analyzed using latent
      content analysis and constant comparison analysis. Ethical considerations: This
      study was conducted in accordance with ethical issues in research with human
      participants and national rules and regulations related to informed consent and
      confidentiality. The study was approved by the Committee of Ethics in Research at
      the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, under the
      code: sbmu.rec.1393.695 on 15 February 2015. FINDINGS: Five subcategories were
      obtained based on the analysis, which constituted two main categories including
      "all-inclusive satisfaction" and "productivity." Nursing leaders highlighted the
      point that their ethical behavior creates "inner satisfaction of the leader,"
      "employees' job satisfaction," and "patients' satisfaction." Improvement of
      productivity was another outcome of ethical behavior of the leaders. This kind of
      behavior resulted in "providing better services" and "inspiring ethical behavior
      in the employees." It has great influence on progress and growth of the nursing
      profession. CONCLUSION: By creating an ethical climate, ethical leadership leads
      to positive and effective outcomes-for the patients as well as for the nurses and
      the leaders-and professional progress and development of the nursing profession.
      Therefore, an ethical work environment that supports nurses' progress and
      development can be developed by paying more attention to moralities in
      recruitment, teaching ethical values to the leaders, and using a systematic and
      objective approach to assess morality in the environment.

PMID- 28095758
TI  - Ethical difficulties in healthcare: A comparison between physicians and nurses
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advances in biomedical sciences, technologies and care practices have
      resulted in an increase in ethical problems and a resulting growth of
      difficulties encountered by health workers in their professional activity.
      OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to analyse knowledge in the
      ethical field and experience with and the propensity for using ethics
      consultations by nurses and physicians. METHODS: Between March and June 2014, a
      cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a sample of 351 nurses and
      128 physicians in four central Italian hospitals. For data collection, a semi
      structured questionnaire was used, consisting of 21 items divided into four
      sections exploring (1) demographic and occupational characteristics, (2)
      knowledge in the ethics field, (3) experience with ethical issues and (4) the
      propensity to use ethics consultation. Ethical considerations: Research ethics
      approval was obtained from the Italian Nurses Professional Board. RESULTS: The
      results show that both nurses and physicians are faced with ethically sensitive
      situations. Nurses were found to have better judgement concerning their own
      knowledge than physicians, but more physicians were found to have a deeper level
      of specific training in ethics issues. The propensity to ask for ethics
      consultations to address ethical issues was found to be significantly associated
      with the degree to which ethical issues have deepened (and the level of
      experience acquired in this field). CONCLUSION: The presence of a consulting
      service that can lead to shared choices may represent, together with basic and
      continuing education, a valid support for professional growth in the ethical
      field for both physicians and nurses.

PMID- 28095759
TI  - Living with end-stage renal disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Living with a renal disease often reduces quality of life because of
      the stress it entails. No attention has been paid to the moral challenges of
      living with renal disease. OBJECTIVES: To explore the moral challenges of living
      with a renal disease. RESEARCH DESIGN: A case study based on qualitative
      research. We used Walker's ethical framework combined with narrative ethics to
      analyse how negotiating care responsibilities lead to a new perspective on moral
      issues. Participants and research context: One case was chosen from 20
      qualitative interviews with renal patients in the Netherlands. Ethical
      considerations: Several actions have been taken to ensure the informed consent,
      privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of the patient in this article. More
      details are offered in this article. The study has been conducted in line with
      the recommendations of the Medical Ethical Committee of the VU Medical Center.
      FINDINGS: A renal disease can force people to change their identity,
      relationships, values and responsibilities. The case study illustrates the moral
      challenges confronting renal patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Moral issues
      can be raised by the changes to identities, relationships, values and
      responsibilities caused by renal disease. Support services for renal patients and
      their relatives should pay more attention to these issues in order to promote
      self-management.

PMID- 28095760
TI  - Workplace justice and intention to leave the nursing profession.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor psychosocial work environments are considered critical factors
      of nurses' intention to leave their profession. Workplace injustice has been
      proven to increase the incidence of psychiatric morbidity among workers. However,
      few studies have directly investigated the effect of workplace justice on nurses'
      intention to leave their profession and the population attributable risk among
      nurses. OBJECTIVE: This study identified factors associated with workplace
      justice and nurses' intention to leave the profession. METHOD: A cross-sectional
      survey was conducted using a self-administered structured questionnaire.
      Approximately 10% of all secondary referral centers in Taiwan were stratified and
      randomly sampled. Multiple logistic regression and population attributable risks
      were preformed to assess the effect of workplace justice on nurses' intention to
      leave the nursing profession. Ethical considerations: This study was approved by
      the Research and Ethical Committee of National Taiwan University Hospital. Only
      nurses who consented to the study participated in the survey. RESULT: A total of
      2268 nurses were recruited, of whom 1417 (62.5%) satisfactorily completed the
      questionnaire. The participants were classified and 342 (24.1%) of them were
      placed into the low workplace justice group. Nurses with low workplace justice
      had a higher intention of leaving the profession (adjusted odds ratio = 1.34, 95%
      confidence interval = 1.02-1.77). "Employees' opinions are influential in
      hospital's decision making" and "employees' performance is evaluated fairly" were
      the most influential factors of the participants' intention to quit. The adjusted
      population attributable risk was 3.7% for low workplace justice. CONCLUSION: This
      study has identified that workplace justice is a protective factor of nurses'
      leaving their current profession. A fair performance appraisal system and
      increased autonomy at work are warranted to dissuade nurses from leaving the
      nursing profession.

PMID- 28095761
TI  - The caring encounter in nursing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept 'encounter' occurs in caring literature as a synonym for
      dialogue and relation describing deeper levels of interaction between patient and
      nurse. In nursing and caring research, the concept 'caring encounter' is often
      used without further reflection on the meaning of the concept. Encounters are,
      however, continuously taking place in the world of caring, which calls for a
      clarification of the concept. OBJECTIVES: This study is an analysis of the
      concept of caring encounter in nursing from the patients' and nurses' point of
      view. METHOD: Rodgers' evolutionary view guided the concept analysis within the
      theoretical perspective of caritative caring. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed
      articles in English published between 1990 and 2014 were retrieved from the
      databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect (Elsevier), Springer
      Link, Primo Central (Ex Libris) and Academic Search Premier (EBSCO) using
      different combinations of encounter, caring and nursing as keywords. In all, 28
      articles related to caring encounters were included in the analysis after
      applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ethical considerations: This study was
      conducted according to good scientific practice. RESULTS: Four antecedents to the
      caring encounter are found in the nurse's way of being: a reflective way of
      being; openness, sensitivity, empathy and ability to communicate; confidence,
      courage and professionalism; and showing respect and supporting dignity. The
      attributes are as follows: being there, uniqueness and mutuality. As a
      consequence, the caring encounter influences both patient and nurse. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSION: The caring encounter is an encounter between two equal persons
      where one is nurse and the other is patient. They encounter in mutuality, in true
      presence, and both have allowed themselves to be the person they are. The results
      clarify the conceptual differences between relationship and caring communion as
      the mutuality in the caring encounter differs from the dependence on the other
      pronounced in the relationship.

PMID- 28095762
TI  - A moral profession.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lack of compassion is claimed to result in poor and sometimes harmful
      nursing care. Developing strategies to encourage compassionate caring behaviours
      are important because there is evidence to suggest a connection between having a
      moral orientation such as compassion and resulting caring behaviour in practice.
      OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to articulate a clearer understanding of
      compassionate caring via nurse educators' selection and use of published texts
      and film. METHODOLOGY: This study employed discourse analysis. Participants and
      research context: A total of 41 nurse educators working in universities in the
      United Kingdom (n = 3), Ireland (n = 1) and Canada (n = 1) completed
      questionnaires on the narratives that shaped their understanding of care and
      compassion. FINDINGS: The desire to understand others and how to care
      compassionately characterised educators' choices. Most narratives were examples
      of kindness and compassion. A total of 17 emphasised the importance of connecting
      with others as a central component of compassionate caring, 10 identified the
      burden of caring, 24 identified themes of abandonment and of failure to see the
      suffering person and 15 narratives showed a discourse of only showing compassion
      to those 'deserving' often understood as the suffering person doing enough to
      help themselves. DISCUSSION: These findings are mostly consistent with work in
      moral philosophy emphasising the particular or context and perception or vision
      as well as the necessity of emotions. The narratives themselves are used by nurse
      educators to help explicate examples of caring and compassion (or its lack).
      CONCLUSION: To feel cared about people need to feel 'visible' as though they
      matter. Nurses need to be alert to problems that may arise if their 'moral
      vision' is influenced by ideas of desert and how much the patient is doing to
      help himself or herself.

PMID- 28095763
TI  - Effect of socks structures on plantar dynamic pressure distribution.
AB  - A major purpose of investigating the plantar pressure in patients with pain or
      those at risk for skin injury is to reduce the pressure below metatarsal heads,
      specially first and second metatarsal heads. The aim of this article is to
      evaluate the effects of the socks structures on the changes in plantar dynamic
      pressure. In this study, seven socks types with different structures for the sole
      area were produced. The Gaitview(r) AFA-50 system, a force plate, was used to
      measure the plantar dynamic pressure of 10 participants. The barefoot plantar
      dynamic pressure distribution was compared with the plantar dynamic pressure
      distribution with socks by two independent samples test on various zones of the
      foot and on different genders using SPSS software. Mann-Whitney tests were used
      to determine specific significant differences. The obtained results showed that
      the main trend was to redistribute the plantar dynamic pressure from the higher
      plantar pressure zones (toe and first through forth metatarsal bone regions) were
      decreased and as a result the plantar pressure toward the relatively lower
      pressure zones (fifth metatarsal bone and midfoot regions). In comparison with
      the barefoot condition, the cross miss structure reduced the mean pressure in the
      critical region of the foot (first metatarsal) for male and female subjects ( p <
      0.05) and also the mock rib structure reduced the mean pressure for female
      subjects ( p < 0.05). In general, the results suggested wearing the socks because
      the socks make the plantar pressure redistributed from high to low plantar
      pressure zones. The results of this research indicated that wearing socks with
      cross miss and mock rib structures will reduce the mean plantar pressure values
      in forefoot area in comparison with the barefoot condition.

PMID- 28095764
TI  - Evaluation of the carotid artery stenosis based on minimization of mechanical
      energy loss of the blood flow.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internal carotid artery stenosis requires an accurate risk assessment
      for the prevention of stroke. Although the internal carotid artery area stenosis
      ratio at the common carotid artery bifurcation can be used as one of the
      diagnostic methods of internal carotid artery stenosis, the accuracy of results
      would still depend on the measurement techniques. The purpose of this study is to
      propose a novel method to estimate the effect of internal carotid artery stenosis
      on the blood flow based on the concept of minimization of energy loss. METHODS:
      Eight internal carotid arteries from different medical centers were diagnosed as
      stenosed internal carotid arteries, as plaques were found at different locations
      on the vessel. A computational fluid dynamics solver was developed based on an
      open-source code (OpenFOAM) to test the flow ratio and energy loss of those
      stenosed internal carotid arteries. For comparison, a healthy internal carotid
      artery and an idealized internal carotid artery model have also been tested and
      compared with stenosed internal carotid artery in terms of flow ratio and energy
      loss. RESULTS: We found that at a given common carotid artery bifurcation, there
      must be a certain flow distribution in the internal carotid artery and external
      carotid artery, for which the total energy loss at the bifurcation is at a
      minimum; for a given common carotid artery flow rate, an irregular shaped plaque
      at the bifurcation constantly resulted in a large value of minimization of energy
      loss. Thus, minimization of energy loss can be used as an indicator for the
      estimation of internal carotid artery stenosis.

PMID- 28095765
TI  - Electrospun nanofibre bundles and yarns for tissue engineering applications: A
      review.
AB  - Nanofibre membranes produced through the electrospinning process have been
      studied extensively over the past decade for a number of high demand applications
      including use as tissue engineered scaffolds. Despite possessing desirable
      properties including high surface area to volume ratios and enhanced mechanical
      properties, they ultimately suffer from a lack of cellular infiltration.
      Variations on the process include the production of highly aligned filaments of
      electrospun fibres referred to as bundles and yarns. Nanofibre bundle and yarn
      based scaffolds have been shown to demonstrate superior cell infiltration rates
      compared to traditional electrospun nonwovens while also offering the capability
      to be incorporated into a wider array of post-processing technologies. In this
      review, fibre collection techniques currently employed within the literature for
      the fabrication of electrospun bundles and yarns along with their applications in
      the field of tissue engineering will be discussed.

PMID- 28095766
TI  - Clamping of fine Kirschner wires in external fixators.
AB  - In Ilizarov circular (ring) external fixators, fine Kirschner wires are used to
      fix the bone to the fixator. Clamping of the wires to the rings with different
      bolt torques has been studied. However, the relation between the bolt torque and
      the fixation load applied to the wire was not investigated. In this work, finite
      element method is used to address this problem. Here, a fully three-dimensional
      model of the wire fixation assembly was built, with geometric details like
      threads on the bolt to produce a realistic simulation of the clamping of the
      wire. Both cannulated and slotted bolt types were studied and values of 0.2,
      0.25, 0.3 and 0.45 were used for coefficient of friction. A torque was applied to
      the nut while the ring section and bolt kept in place. The results for bolt load,
      nut rotation as well as axial and radial wire deformations were obtained. The
      results demonstrated a linear relation between the bolt load and the bolt torque.
      The coefficient of this relationship was shown to be inversely proportional to
      the coefficient of friction. For all results, the bolt load (N) was approximately
      124 times the bolt torque (N m) divided by the friction coefficient. The results
      highlighted the difference between the cannulated and the slotted bolts in terms
      of their grip on the wire.

PMID- 28095767
TI  - In Vivo Quantification of the Deformations of the Femoropopliteal Segment:
      Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty vs  Nitinol Stent Placement.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify the deformations of the femoropopliteal (FP) segment in
      patients undergoing endovascular revascularization and to compare the
      posttreatment deformations caused by primary nitinol stent implantation to those
      produced by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). METHODS: Thirty-five
      patients (mean age 69+/-10 years; 20 men) scheduled for endovascular therapy were
      recruited for the study. During endovascular interventions, angiographic images
      were acquired with the legs straight and with a hip/knee flexion of 20 degrees
      /70 degrees . Image acquisition was performed before PTA for all patients, after
      PTA in 17 patients receiving this treatment only, and after primary stent
      implantation in the remaining 18 patients. A semiautomatic approach was used to
      reconstruct the 3-dimensional patient-specific artery models from 2-dimensional
      radiographs. Axial shortening and curvature changes in the arteries in vivo were
      calculated for the calcified, dilated, and stented regions, as well as the
      regions that were distal and proximal to the diseased and treated segments.
      RESULTS: Leg flexion resulted in shortening of the artery in all investigated FP
      segments. The dilated arteries exhibited greater shortening compared with their
      stented counterparts (post-PTA 7.6%+/-4.9%, poststent 3.2%+/-2.9%; p=0.004). Leg
      flexion also led to an increase in the curvatures of all the sections of the FP
      segment. While stented arteries had significantly higher curvature values than
      PTA within the regions proximal to the treated sections, the choice of the
      treatment method did not affect the curvature of the other segments. Despite
      this, 40% of the stented arteries exhibited kinking during leg flexion.
      CONCLUSION: The choice of the treatment method affects the postinterventional
      axial deformations of the FP segment but does not influence the curvature
      behavior. While PTA results in a more flexible artery, stents restrict the
      arteries' shortening capabilities. Depending on the anatomical position of the
      stents, this axial stiffening of the arteries may lead to chronic kinking, which
      may cause occlusions and, consequently, affect the long-term success of the
      procedure.

PMID- 28095768
TI  - True Competitor of Femoral Access for Iliac Endovascular Interventions: A Radial
      Appraisal.

PMID- 28095769
TI  - PCM-SABRE: a platform for benchmarking and comparing outcome prediction methods
      in precision cancer medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous publications attempt to predict cancer survival outcome from
      gene expression data using machine-learning methods. A direct comparison of these
      works is challenging for the following reasons: (1) inconsistent measures used to
      evaluate the performance of different models, and (2) incomplete specification of
      critical stages in the process of knowledge discovery. There is a need for a
      platform that would allow researchers to replicate previous works and to test the
      impact of changes in the knowledge discovery process on the accuracy of the
      induced models. RESULTS: We developed the PCM-SABRE platform, which supports the
      entire knowledge discovery process for cancer outcome analysis. PCM-SABRE was
      developed using KNIME. By using PCM-SABRE to reproduce the results of previously
      published works on breast cancer survival, we define a baseline for evaluating
      future attempts to predict cancer outcome with machine learning. We used PCM
      SABRE to replicate previous work that describe predictive models of breast cancer
      recurrence, and tested the performance of all possible combinations of feature
      selection methods and data mining algorithms that was used in either of the
      works. We reconstructed the work of Chou et al. observing similar trends -
      superior performance of Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) and logistic
      regression (LR) algorithms and inconclusive impact of feature pre-selection with
      the decision tree algorithm on subsequent analysis. CONCLUSIONS: PCM-SABRE is a
      software tool that provides an intuitive environment for rapid development of
      predictive models in cancer precision medicine.

PMID- 28095770
TI  - The unique genomic landscape surrounding the EPSPS gene in glyphosate resistant
      Amaranthus palmeri: a repetitive path to resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The expanding number and global distributions of herbicide resistant
      weedy species threaten food, fuel, fiber and bioproduct sustainability and
      agroecosystem longevity. Amongst the most competitive weeds, Amaranthus palmeri
      S. Wats has rapidly evolved resistance to glyphosate primarily through massive
      amplification and insertion of the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase
      (EPSPS) gene across the genome. Increased EPSPS gene copy numbers results in
      higher titers of the EPSPS enzyme, the target of glyphosate, and confers
      resistance to glyphosate treatment. To understand the genomic unit and mechanism
      of EPSPS gene copy number proliferation, we developed and used a bacterial
      artificial chromosome (BAC) library from a highly resistant biotype to sequence
      the local genomic landscape flanking the EPSPS gene. RESULTS: By sequencing
      overlapping BACs, a 297 kb sequence was generated, hereafter referred to as the
      "EPSPS cassette." This region included several putative genes, dense clusters of
      tandem and inverted repeats, putative helitron and autonomous replication
      sequences, and regulatory elements. Whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) of two
      biotypes exhibiting high and no resistance to glyphosate was performed to compare
      genomic representation across the EPSPS cassette. Mapping of sequences for both
      biotypes to the reference EPSPS cassette revealed significant differences in
      upstream and downstream sequences relative to EPSPS with regard to both
      repetitive units and coding content between these biotypes. The differences in
      sequence may have resulted from a compounded-building mechanism such as
      repetitive transpositional events. The association of putative helitron sequences
      with the cassette suggests a possible amplification and distribution mechanism.
      Flow cytometry revealed that the EPSPS cassette added measurable genomic content.
      CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of glyphosate resistant cropping systems in major crops
      such as corn, soybean, cotton and canola coupled with excessive use of glyphosate
      herbicide has led to evolved glyphosate resistance in several important weeds. In
      Amaranthus palmeri, the amplification of the EPSPS cassette, characterized by a
      complex array of repetitive elements and putative helitron sequences, suggests an
      adaptive structural genomic mechanism that drives amplification and distribution
      around the genome. The added genomic content not found in glyphosate sensitive
      plants may be driving evolution through genome expansion.

PMID- 28095771
TI  - The 100 most-cited articles on aortic dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To identify and characterize the most frequently cited articles that
      have been published on aortic dissection. METHODS: A list of the 100 most
      frequently cited publications (T100) about aortic dissection was generated by
      performing a searching of the Science Citation Index--Expanded using "aortic
      dissection" as the search term. Basic information about the articles was
      recorded, including number of citations, journal title, journal impact factor,
      time since publication, first author's country, topic/subspecialty of the
      research, and publication type. RESULTS: We finally included 180 articles on
      aortic dissection, from which we identified the 100 most frequently cited
      articles (T100). The most frequently cited article received 1079 citations, while
      the least frequently cited article received 68 (mean140.5 citations per article).
      The T100 originated from 19 countries, with more than half of them originating
      from the USA (n = 97). The T100 articles were published from 1955 to 2013, with
      79% published during the period 1990-2009. In addition, there were 40 different
      journals with Circulation having the most citations (n = 38). Regarding the
      article type, there were 21 basic and 140 clinical research articles, one meta
      analysis, and 18 review articles. Reviews had the highest mean number of
      citations (mean 235.5 citations per article). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a
      historical perspective on the progress of dissection research, and helps to
      identify the quality of the work, the discoveries made, and the trends steering
      the studies.

PMID- 28095772
TI  - Empirical assessment of analysis workflows for differential expression analysis
      of human samples using RNA-Seq.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RNA-Seq has supplanted microarrays as the preferred method of
      transcriptome-wide identification of differentially expressed genes. However, RNA
      Seq analysis is still rapidly evolving, with a large number of tools available
      for each of the three major processing steps: read alignment, expression
      modeling, and identification of differentially expressed genes. Although some
      studies have benchmarked these tools against gold standard gene expression sets,
      few have evaluated their performance in concert with one another. Additionally,
      there is a general lack of testing of such tools on real-world, physiologically
      relevant datasets, which often possess qualities not reflected in tightly
      controlled reference RNA samples or synthetic datasets. RESULTS: Here, we
      evaluate 219 combinatorial implementations of the most commonly used analysis
      tools for their impact on differential gene expression analysis by RNA-Seq. A
      test dataset was generated using highly purified human classical and nonclassical
      monocyte subsets from a clinical cohort, allowing us to evaluate the performance
      of 495 unique workflows, when accounting for differences in expression units and
      gene- versus transcript-level estimation. We find that the choice of
      methodologies leads to wide variation in the number of genes called significant,
      as well as in performance as gauged by precision and recall, calculated by
      comparing our RNA-Seq results to those from four previously published microarray
      and BeadChip analyses of the same cell populations. The method of differential
      gene expression identification exhibited the strongest impact on performance,
      with smaller impacts from the choice of read aligner and expression modeler. Many
      workflows were found to exhibit similar overall performance, but with differences
      in their calibration, with some biased toward higher precision and others toward
      higher recall. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant heterogeneity in the performance
      of RNA-Seq workflows to identify differentially expressed genes. Among the higher
      performing workflows, different workflows exhibit a precision/recall tradeoff,
      and the ultimate choice of workflow should take into consideration how the
      results will be used in subsequent applications. Our analyses highlight the
      performance characteristics of these workflows, and the data generated in this
      study could also serve as a useful resource for future development of software
      for RNA-Seq analysis.

PMID- 28095773
TI  - Dietary pea fiber increases diversity of colonic methanogens of pigs with a shift
      from Methanobrevibacter to Methanomassiliicoccus-like genus and change in numbers
      of three hydrogenotrophs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pea fiber (PF) is a potential fibrous supplement in swine production.
      The influence of dietary PF on microbial community in the colon of pigs remains
      largely unexplored. Methanogens in the hindgut of monogastric animals play
      important roles in degradation of dietary fibers and efficient removal of
      microbial metabolic end product H2. Understanding the impact of dietary PF on the
      structure of colonic methanogens may help understand the mechanisms of microbe
      mediated physiological functions of PF. This study investigated the influence of
      PF on the diversity and quantity and/or activity of colonic methanongens of
      piglets and finishing pigs. Four archaeal 16S rRNA clone libraries were
      constructed for piglets and finishers fed with control (Piglet-C and Finisher-C)
      or PF diet (Piglet-P and Finisher-P). RESULTS: There were 195, 190, 194 and 196
      clones obtained from the library Piglet-C, Piglet-P, Finisher-C and Finisher-P,
      respectively, with corresponding 12, 11, 11 and 16 OTUs (operational taxonomic
      units). Significant differences of Shannon Index among the four libraries were
      found (P < 0.05). Libshuff analysis showed that the archaeal community structure
      among the four libraries were significantly different (P < 0.0001). The
      predominant methanogens shifted from Methanobrevibacter to Methanobrevibacter and
      Methanomassiliicoccus-like genus as a result of dietary PF. Supplementation of PF
      significantly increased the copy numbers of mcrA and dsrA genes (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Alteration of methanogenic community structure may lead to
      functional transition from utilization of H2/CO2 to employment of both H2/CO2 and
      methanol/CO2. Quantification of three functional genes (mcrA, dsrA and fhs) of
      methanogens, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and acetogens revealed that dietary
      PF also increased the activity of methanogens and SRB,probably associated with
      increased proportion of Methanomassiliicoccus luminyensis-species. Further study
      is required to examine the interaction between specific methanogens and SRB
      during fermentation of dietary PF.

PMID- 28095774
TI  - Multiple focal and macroreentrant left atrial tachycardias originating from a
      spontaneous scar at the contiguous aorta-left atrium area in a patient with
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneous scar-related left atrial tachycardia (AT) is a rare
      arrhythmia. We describe a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who
      developed multiple, both focal and macroreentrant left ATs associated with a
      spontaneous scar located at the aorta-left atrium (LA) contiguous area. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man with HCM complained of palpitations. Twelve-lead
      electrocardiogram showed narrow QRS tachycardia with 2:1 atrioventricular
      conduction. Two sessions of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) were required to
      eliminate all left ATs. In the first session, 3-dimensional electroanatomical
      mapping fused with the image constructed by multi-detector computed tomography
      showed a clockwise macroreentrant AT (AT1) associated with a low-voltage or dense
      scar area located along the aorta-LA contiguous area. AT1 was eliminated by RFA
      to the narrow isthmus with slow conduction velocity within the scar. Additional
      ATs (AT2-AT4) occurred 1 month after the first ablation. In the second session,
      AT2 and AT3 were identified as focal ATs with centrifugal propagation and few
      accompanying fragmentations, and AT4 as a macroreentrant AT with features similar
      to AT1. AT2 and AT3 were successfully eliminated by performing RFA to the
      earliest activation site, and AT4 was terminated by performing RFA to the narrow
      isthmus with slow conduction velocity. No ATs have recurred for 11 months after
      these RFAs. Interestingly, the substrate for all left ATs was associated with the
      aorta-LA contiguous area. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case of
      multiple, both focal and macroreentrant left ATs associated with a contiguous
      aorta-LA spontaneous scar area in a patient with HCM.

PMID- 28095775
TI  - ARA-PEPs: a repository of putative sORF-encoded peptides in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many eukaryotic RNAs have been considered non-coding as they only
      contain short open reading frames (sORFs). However, there is increasing evidence
      for the translation of these sORFs into bioactive peptides with potent signaling,
      antimicrobial, developmental, antioxidant roles etc. Yet only a few peptides
      encoded by sORFs are annotated in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana.
      RESULTS: To aid the functional annotation of these peptides, we have developed
      ARA-PEPs (available at http://www.biw.kuleuven.be/CSB/ARA-PEPs ), a repository of
      putative peptides encoded by sORFs in the A. thaliana genome starting from in
      house Tiling arrays, RNA-seq data and other publicly available datasets. ARA-PEPs
      currently lists 13,748 sORF-encoded peptides with transcriptional evidence. In
      addition to existing data, we have identified 100 novel transcriptionally active
      regions (TARs) that might encode 341 novel stress-induced peptides (SIPs). To aid
      in identification of bioactivity, we add functional annotation and sequence
      conservation to predicted peptides. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the
      largest repository of plant peptides encoded by sORFs with transcript evidence,
      publicly available and this resource will help scientists to effortlessly
      navigate the list of experimentally studied peptides, the experimental and
      computational evidence supporting the activity of these peptides and gain new
      perspectives for peptide discovery.

PMID- 28095776
TI  - Genetic and economic benefits of selection based on performance recording and
      genotyping in lower tiers of multi-tiered sheep breeding schemes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Performance recording and genotyping in the multiplier tier of multi
      tiered sheep breeding schemes could potentially reduce the difference in the
      average genetic merit between nucleus and commercial flocks, and create
      additional economic benefits for the breeding structure. METHODS: The genetic
      change in a multiple-trait breeding objective was predicted for various selection
      strategies that included performance recording, parentage testing and genomic
      selection. A deterministic simulation model was used to predict selection
      differentials and the flow of genetic superiority through the different tiers.
      Cumulative discounted economic benefits were calculated based on trait gains
      achieved in each of the tiers and considering the extra revenue and associated
      costs of applying recording, genotyping and selection practices in the multiplier
      tier of the breeding scheme. RESULTS: Performance recording combined with genomic
      or parentage information in the multiplier tier reduced the genetic lag between
      the nucleus and commercial flock by 2 to 3 years. The overall economic benefits
      of improved performance in the commercial tier offset the costs of recording the
      multiplier. However, it took more than 18 years before the cumulative net present
      value of benefits offset the costs at current test prices. Strategies in which
      recorded multiplier ewes were selected as replacements for the nucleus flock did
      modestly increase profitability when compared to a closed nucleus structure.
      Applying genomic selection is the most beneficial strategy if testing costs can
      be reduced or by genotyping only a proportion of the selection candidates. When
      the cost of genotyping was reduced, scenarios that combine performance recording
      with genomic selection were more profitable and reached breakeven point about 10
      years earlier. CONCLUSIONS: Economic benefits can be generated in multiplier
      flocks by implementing performance recording in conjunction with either DNA
      pedigree recording or genomic technology. These recording practices reduce the
      long genetic lag between the nucleus and commercial flocks in multi-tiered
      breeding programs. Under current genotyping costs, the time to breakeven was
      found to be generally very long, although this varied between strategies.
      Strategies using either genomic selection or DNA pedigree verification were found
      to be economically viable provided the price paid for the tests is lower than
      current prices, in the long-term.

PMID- 28095777
TI  - Random X-chromosome inactivation dynamics in vivo by single-cell RNA sequencing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Random X-chromosome inactivation (rXCI) is important for the
      maintenance of normal somatic cell functions in female eutherian mammals. The
      dynamics of X-chromosome inactivation initiation has been widely studied by
      assessing embryonic stem cell differentiation in vitro. To investigate the
      phenomenon in vivo, we applied RNA sequencing to single cells from female embryos
      obtained from a natural intercrossing of two genetically distant mouse strains.
      Instead of artificially assigning the parental origin of the inactive X
      chromosome, the inactive X chromosomes in this study were randomly selected from
      the natural developmental periods and thus included both paternal and maternal
      origins. RESULTS: The rXCI stages of single cells from the same developmental
      stage showed heterogeneity. The high resolution of the rXCI dynamics was
      exhibited. The inactivation orders of X chromosomal genes were determined by
      their functions, expression levels, and locations; generally, the inactivation
      order did not exhibit a parental origin preference. New escape genes were
      identified. Ohno's hypothesis of dosage compensation was refuted by our post
      implantation stage data. CONCLUSIONS: We found the inactivation orders of X
      chromosomal genes were determined by their own properties. Generally, the
      inactivation order did not exhibit a parental origin preference. It provided
      insights into the gene silencing dynamics during rXCI in vivo.

PMID- 28095778
TI  - The pangenome of (Antarctic) Pseudoalteromonas bacteria: evolutionary and
      functional insights.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudoalteromonas is a genus of ubiquitous marine bacteria used as
      model organisms to study the biological mechanisms involved in the adaptation to
      cold conditions. A remarkable feature shared by these bacteria is their ability
      to produce secondary metabolites with a strong antimicrobial and antitumor
      activity. Despite their biotechnological relevance, representatives of this genus
      are still lacking (with few exceptions) an extensive genomic characterization,
      including features involved in the evolution of secondary metabolites production.
      Indeed, biotechnological applications would greatly benefit from such analysis.
      RESULTS: Here, we analyzed the genomes of 38 strains belonging to different
      Pseudoalteromonas species and isolated from diverse ecological niches, including
      extreme ones (i.e. Antarctica). These sequences were used to reconstruct the
      largest Pseudoalteromonas pangenome computed so far, including also the two main
      groups of Pseudoalteromonas strains (pigmented and not pigmented strains). The
      downstream analyses were conducted to describe the genomic diversity, both at
      genus and group levels. This allowed highlighting a remarkable genomic
      heterogeneity, even for closely related strains. We drafted all the main
      evolutionary steps that led to the current structure and gene content of
      Pseudoalteromonas representatives. These, most likely, included an extensive
      genome reduction and a strong contribution of Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT),
      which affected biotechnologically relevant gene sets and occurred in a strain
      specific fashion. Furthermore, this study also identified the genomic
      determinants related to some of the most interesting features of the
      Pseudoalteromonas representatives, such as the production of secondary
      metabolites, the adaptation to cold temperatures and the resistance to abiotic
      compounds. CONCLUSIONS: This study poses the bases for a comprehensive
      understanding of the evolutionary trajectories followed in time by this peculiar
      bacterial genus and for a focused exploitation of their biotechnological
      potential.

PMID- 28095779
TI  - Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors activate the p53 signaling pathway in
      neural stem/progenitor cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), which catalyzes poly(ADP
      ribosyl)ation of proteins by using NAD+ as a substrate, plays a key role in
      several nuclear events, including DNA repair, replication, and transcription.
      Recently, PARP-1 was reported to participate in the somatic cell reprogramming
      process. Previously, we revealed a role for PARP-1 in the induction of neural
      apoptosis in a cellular model of cerebral ischemia and suggested the possible use
      of PARP inhibitors as a new therapeutic intervention. In the present study, we
      examined the effects of PARP inhibitors on neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs)
      of the mouse brain. RESULTS: PARP-1 was more abundant and demonstrated higher
      activity in NSPCs than in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Treatment with PARP
      inhibitors suppressed the formation of neurospheres by NSPCs through the
      suppression of cell cycle progression and the induction of apoptosis. In order to
      identify the genes responsible for these effects, we investigated gene expression
      profiles by microarray analyses and found that several genes in the p53 signaling
      pathway were upregulated, including Cdkn1a, which is critical for cell cycle
      control, and Fas, Pidd, Pmaip1, and Bbc3, which are principal factors in the
      apoptosis pathway. Inhibition of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation increased the levels of
      p53 protein, but not p53 mRNA, and enhanced the phosphorylation of p53 at Ser18.
      Experiments with specific inhibitors and also shRNA demonstrated that PARP-1, but
      not PARP-2, has a role in the regulation of p53. The effects of PARP inhibitors
      on NSPCs were not observed in Trp53 -/- NSPCs, suggesting a key role for p53 in
      these events. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the finding that PARP inhibitors
      facilitated the p53 signaling pathway, we propose that poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation
      contributes to the proliferation and self-renewal of NSPCs through the
      suppression of p53 activation.

PMID- 28095781
TI  - Link prediction in drug-target interactions network using similarity indices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In silico drug-target interaction (DTI) prediction plays an integral
      role in drug repositioning: the discovery of new uses for existing drugs. One
      popular method of drug repositioning is network-based DTI prediction, which uses
      complex network theory to predict DTIs from a drug-target network. Currently,
      most network-based DTI prediction is based on machine learning - methods such as
      Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBM) or Support Vector Machines (SVM). These
      methods require additional information about the characteristics of drugs,
      targets and DTIs, such as chemical structure, genome sequence, binding types,
      causes of interactions, etc., and do not perform satisfactorily when such
      information is unavailable. We propose a new, alternative method for DTI
      prediction that makes use of only network topology information attempting to
      solve this problem. RESULTS: We compare our method for DTI prediction against the
      well-known RBM approach. We show that when applied to the MATADOR database, our
      approach based on node neighborhoods yield higher precision for high-ranking
      predictions than RBM when no information regarding DTI types is available.
      CONCLUSION: This demonstrates that approaches purely based on network topology
      provide a more suitable approach to DTI prediction in the many real-life
      situations where little or no prior knowledge is available about the
      characteristics of drugs, targets, or their interactions.

PMID- 28095780
TI  - Effectiveness of medication review: a systematic review and meta-analysis of
      randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication review is often recommended to optimize medication use. In
      clinical practice it is mostly operationalized as an intervention without co
      interventions during a short term intervention period. However, most systematic
      reviews also included co-interventions and prolonged medication optimization
      interventions. Furthermore, most systematic reviews focused on specific patient
      groups (e.g. polypharmacy, elderly, hospitalized) and/or on specific outcome
      measures (e.g. hospital admissions and mortality). Therefore, the objective of
      this study is to assess the effectiveness of medication review as an isolated
      short-term intervention, irrespective of the patient population and the outcome
      measures used. METHODS: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and
      Web of Science from their inception through September 2015. Randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) with medication review as isolated short term intervention (<3
      months) were included. There were no restrictions with regard to patient
      characteristics and outcome measures. One reviewer extracted and a second checked
      data. The risk of bias of studies was evaluated independently by two reviewers. A
      best evidence synthesis was conducted for every outcome measure used in more than
      one trial. In case of binary variables a meta-analysis was performed in addition
      to the best evidence synthesis, to quantify the effect. RESULTS: Thirty-one RCTs
      were included in this systematic review (55% low risk of bias). A best evidence
      synthesis was conducted for 22 outcome measures. No effect of medication review
      was found on clinical outcomes (mortality, hospital admissions/healthcare use,
      the number of patients falling, physical and cognitive functioning), except a
      decrease in the number of falls per patient. However, in a sensitivity analysis
      using a more stringent threshold for risk of bias, the conclusion for the effect
      on the number of falls changed to inconclusive. Furthermore no effect was found
      on quality of life and evidence was inconclusive about the effect on economical
      outcome measures. However, an effect was found on most drug-related problems:
      medication review resulted in a decrease in the number of drug-related problems,
      more changes in medication, more drugs with dosage decrease and a greater
      decrease or smaller increase of the number of drugs. CONCLUSIONS: An isolated
      medication review during a short term intervention period has an effect on most
      drug-related outcomes, minimal effect on clinical outcomes and no effect on
      quality of life. No conclusion can be drawn about the effect on economical
      outcome measures. Therefore, it should be considered to stop performing cross
      sectional medication reviews as standard care.

PMID- 28095782
TI  - Genome-scale transcriptional study of hybrid effects and regulatory divergence in
      an F1 hybrid Ruellia (Wild Petunias: Acanthaceae) and its parents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New combinations of divergent genomes can give rise to novel genetic
      functions in resulting hybrid progeny. Such functions may yield opportunities for
      ecological divergence, contributing ultimately to reproductive isolation and
      evolutionary longevity of nascent hybrid lineages. In plants, the degree to which
      transgressive genotypes contribute to floral novelty remains a question of key
      interest. Here, we generated an F1 hybrid plant between the red-flowered Ruellia
      elegans and yellow flowered R. speciosa. RNA-seq technology was used to explore
      differential gene expression between the hybrid and its two parents, with
      emphasis on genetic elements involved in the production of floral anthocyanin
      pigments. RESULTS: The hybrid was purple flowered and produced novel floral
      delphinidin pigments not manufactured by either parent. We found that nearly a
      fifth of all 86,475 unigenes expressed were unique to the hybrid. The majority of
      hybrid unigenes (80.97%) showed a pattern of complete dominance to one parent or
      the other although this ratio was uneven, suggesting asymmetrical influence of
      parental genomes on the progeny transcriptome. However, 8.87% of all transcripts
      within the hybrid were expressed at significantly higher or lower mean levels
      than observed for either parent. A total of 28 unigenes coding putatively for
      eight core enzymes in the anthocyanin pathway were recovered, along with three
      candidate MYBs involved in anthocyanin regulation. CONCLUSION: Our results
      suggest that models of gene evolution that explain phenotypic novelty and hybrid
      establishment in plants may need to include transgressive effects. Additionally,
      our results lend insight into the potential for floral novelty that derives from
      unions of divergent genomes. These findings serve as a starting point to further
      investigate molecular mechanisms involved in flower color transitions in Ruellia.

PMID- 28095783
TI  - Genome-wide expression profiling in muscle and subcutaneous fat of lambs in
      response to the intake of concentrate supplemented with vitamin E.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to acquire a broader, more
      comprehensive picture of the transcriptional changes in the L. Thoracis muscle
      (LT) and subcutaneous fat (SF) of lambs supplemented with vitamin E. Furthermore,
      we aimed to identify novel genes involved in the metabolism of vitamin E that
      might also be involved in meat quality. In the first treatment, seven lambs were
      fed a basal concentrate from weaning to slaughter (CON). In the second treatment,
      seven lambs received basal concentrate from weaning to 4.71 +/- 2.62 days and
      thereafter concentrate supplemented with 500 mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg
      (VE) during the last 33.28 +/- 1.07 days before slaughter. RESULTS: The addition
      of vitamin E to the diet increased the alpha-tocopherol muscle content and
      drastically diminished the lipid oxidation of meat. Gene expression profiles for
      treatments VE and CON were clearly separated from each other in the LT and SF.
      Vitamin E supplementation had a dramatic effect on subcutaneous fat gene
      expression, showing general up-regulation of significant genes, compared to CON
      treatment. In LT, vitamin E supplementation caused down-regulation of genes
      related to intracellular signaling cascade. Functional analysis of SF showed that
      vitamin E supplementation caused up-regulation of the lipid biosynthesis process,
      cholesterol, and sterol and steroid biosynthesis, and it down-regulated genes
      related to the stress response. CONCLUSIONS: Different gene expression patterns
      were found between the SF and LT, suggesting tissue specific responses to vitamin
      E supplementation. Our study enabled us to identify novel genes and metabolic
      pathways related to vitamin E metabolism that might be implicated in meat
      quality. Further exploration of these genes and vitamin E could lead to a better
      understanding of how vitamin E affects the oxidative process that occurs in
      manufactured meat products.

PMID- 28095784
TI  - Identification of a novel bovine enterovirus possessing highly divergent amino
      acid sequences in capsid protein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bovine enterovirus (BEV) belongs to the species Enterovirus E or F,
      genus Enterovirus and family Picornaviridae. Although numerous studies have
      identified BEVs in the feces of cattle with diarrhea, the pathogenicity of BEVs
      remains unclear. Previously, we reported the detection of novel kobu-like virus
      in calf feces, by metagenomics analysis. In the present study, we identified a
      novel BEV in diarrheal feces collected for that survey. Complete genome sequences
      were determined by deep sequencing in feces. Secondary RNA structure analysis of
      the 5' untranslated region (UTR), phylogenetic tree construction and pairwise
      identity analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The complete genome sequences of BEV
      were genetically distant from other EVs and the VP1 coding region contained novel
      and unique amino acid sequences. We named this strain as BEV AN12/Bos
      taurus/JPN/2014 (referred to as BEV-AN12). According to genome analysis, the
      genome length of this virus is 7414 nucleotides excluding the poly (A) tail and
      its genome consists of a 5'UTR, open reading frame encoding a single polyprotein,
      and 3'UTR. The results of secondary RNA structure analysis showed that in the
      5'UTR, BEV-AN12 had an additional clover leaf structure and small stem loop
      structure, similarly to other BEVs. In pairwise identity analysis, BEV-AN12
      showed high amino acid (aa) identities to Enterovirus F in the polyprotein, P2
      and P3 regions (aa identity >=82.4%). Therefore, BEV-AN12 is closely related to
      Enterovirus F. However, aa sequences in the capsid protein regions, particularly
      the VP1 encoding region, showed significantly low aa identity to other viruses in
      genus Enterovirus (VP1 aa identity <=58.6%). In addition, BEV-AN12 branched
      separately from Enterovirus E and F in phylogenetic trees based on the aa
      sequences of P1 and VP1, although it clustered with Enterovirus F in trees based
      on sequences in the P2 and P3 genome region. CONCLUSIONS: We identified novel BEV
      possessing highly divergent aa sequences in the VP1 coding region in Japan.
      According to species definition, we proposed naming this strain as "Enterovirus
      K", which is a novel species within genus Enterovirus. Further genomic studies
      are needed to understand the pathogenicity of BEVs.

PMID- 28095785
TI  - Risk factors and medical costs for healthcare-associated carbapenem-resistant
      Escherichia coli infection among hospitalized patients in a Chinese teaching
      hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The emergence and spread of Carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli
      (CREC) is becoming a serious problem in Chinese hospitals, however, the data on
      this is scarce. Therefore, we investigate the risk factors for healthcare
      associated CREC infection and study the incidence, antibiotic resistance and
      medical costs of CREC infections in our hospital. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective, matched case-control-control, parallel study in a tertiary
      teaching hospital. Patients admitted between January 2012 and December 2015 were
      included in this study. For patients with healthcare-associated CREC infection,
      two matched subject groups were created; one group with healthcare-associated
      CSEC infection and the other group without infection. RESULTS: Multivariate
      conditional logistic regression analysis demonstrated that prior hospital stay
      (<6 months) (OR:3.96; 95%CI:1.26-12.42), tracheostomy (OR:2.24; 95%CI: 1.14
      4.38), central venous catheter insertion (OR: 8.15; 95%CI: 2.31-28.72),
      carbapenem exposure (OR: 12.02; 95%CI: 1.52-95.4), urinary system disease (OR:
      16.69; 95%CI: 3.01-89.76), low hemoglobin (OR: 2.83; 95%CI: 1.46-5.50), and high
      blood glucose are associated (OR: 7.01; 95%CI: 1.89-26.02) with CREC infection.
      Total costs (p = 0.00), medical examination costs (p = 0.00), medical test costs
      (p = 0.00), total drug costs (p = 0.00) and ant-infective drug costs (p = 0.00)
      for the CREC group were significantly higher than those for the no infection
      group. Medical examination costs (p = 0.03), total drug costs (p = 0.03), and
      anti-infective drug costs (p = 0.01) for the CREC group were significantly higher
      than for the CSEC group. Mortality in CREC group was significantly higher than
      the CSEC group (p = 0.01) and no infection group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Many
      factors were discovered for acquisition of healthcare-associated CREC infection.
      CREC isolates were resistant to most antibiotics, and had some association with
      high financial burden and increased mortality.

PMID- 28095786
TI  - CTRC gene polymorphism (p.G60=; c.180 C > T) in acute pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the
      presence of p.G60 = polymorphism (c.180C > T; rs497078) CTRC and the incidence
      together with the clinical course of acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Two
      hundred ninety-nine people suffering from AP and 417 healthy volunteers were
      subjected to the study. DNA was isolated from blood samples. RESULTS: CTRC p.G60
      = polymorphism (c.180C > T) occurred more frequently in the AP group (p = 0.015).
      The CT and TT genotype was found in 27.8% of the AP patients and in 19.9% of the
      healthy subjects (p = 0.017). No significant correlation was found between having
      the CT and TT genotype and the severity of the AP clinical course. In 6 patients
      (2%) with the CT genotype, a SPINK1 gene mutation was found, while in the control
      group it was found in 3 patients (0.7%), (p > 0.05). All patients with the
      present SPINK1 mutation with the CT genotype had a moderate or a severe course of
      the disease (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: CTRC polymorphism Hetero p.G60=; c.180C >
      T increases the risk of an AP occurrence and together with the SPINK 1 mutation,
      may be responsible for a more severe course of the disease.

PMID- 28095787
TI  - The effects of habitual functional training on physical functioning in patients
      after hip fracture: the protocol of the HIPFRAC study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The survivors after hip fracture often report severe pain and loss of
      physical functioning. The poor outcomes cause negative impact on the person's
      physical functioning and quality of life and put a financial burden on society.
      Rehabilitation is important to improve physical functioning after hip fracture.
      To maintain the continuity in rehabilitation we have an assumption that it is of
      utmost importance to continue and progress the functional training that already
      started at the hospital, while the patients are transferred to short-term stays
      in a nursing home before they are returning to home. The aim presently is to
      examine the effects of a functional training program, initiated by the
      physiotherapist and performed by the nurses, on physical functioning while the
      patients are at short term stays in primary health care. METHODS/DESIGN:
      Inclusion and randomization will take place during hospital stay. All patients 65
      years or above who have sustained a hip fracture are eligible, except if they
      have a score on Mini Mental State (MMS-E) of less than 15, could walk less than
      10 m prior to the fracture, or are terminally ill. The intervention consists of
      additional functional training as part of the habitual daily routine during short
      term stays at nursing homes after discharge from hospital. The primary outcome is
      physical functioning measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
      Secondary outcomes are Timed "Up & Go" (TUG), hand grip strength, activPAL
      accelerometer, and self-reported measures like new Mobility Score (NMS), Walking
      Habits, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, Fall efficacy
      scale (FES), EuroQol health status measure (EQ-5D-5 L), and pain. DISCUSSION:
      Issues related to internal and external validity in the study are discussed. The
      outline for the arguments in this protocol is organized according to the
      guidelines of the Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance on how to develop and
      evaluate complex interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      NCT02780076 .

PMID- 28095788
TI  - Are interventions to increase the uptake of screening for cardiovascular disease
      risk factors effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally.
      However, many individuals are unaware of their CVD risk factors. The objective of
      this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of existing intervention
      strategies to increase uptake of CVD risk factors screening. METHODS: A
      systematic search was conducted through Pubmed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials. Additional articles were located through
      cross-checking of the references list and bibliography citations of the included
      studies and previous review papers. We included intervention studies with
      controlled or baseline comparison groups that were conducted in primary care
      practices or the community, targeted at adult populations (randomized controlled
      trials, non-randomized trials with controlled groups and pre- and post
      intervention studies). The interventions were targeted either at individuals,
      communities, health care professionals or the health-care system. The main
      outcome of interest was the relative risk (RR) of screening uptake rates due to
      the intervention. RESULTS: We included 21 studies in the meta-analysis. The risk
      of bias for randomization was low to medium in the randomized controlled trials,
      except for one, and high in the non-randomized trials. Two analyses were
      performed; optimistic (using the highest effect sizes) and pessimistic (using the
      lowest effect sizes). Overall, interventions were shown to increase the uptake of
      screening for CVD risk factors (RR 1.443; 95% CI 1.264 to 1.648 for pessimistic
      analysis and RR 1.680; 95% CI 1.420 to 1.988 for optimistic analysis). Effective
      interventions that increased screening participation included: use of physician
      reminders (RR ranged between 1.392; 95% CI 1.192 to 1.625, and 1.471; 95% CI
      1.304 to 1.660), use of dedicated personnel (RR ranged between 1.510; 95% CI
      1.014 to 2.247, and 2.536; 95% CI 1.297 to 4.960) and provision of financial
      incentives for screening (RR 1.462; 95% CI 1.068 to 2.000). Meta-regression
      analysis showed that the effect of CVD risk factors screening uptake was not
      associated with study design, types of population nor types of interventions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Interventions using physician reminders, using dedicated personnel
      to deliver screening, and provision of financial incentives were found to be
      effective in increasing CVD risk factors screening uptake.

PMID- 28095789
TI  - miRNA-338-3p/CDK4 signaling pathway suppressed hepatic stellate cell activation
      and proliferation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) is the main fibrogenic cell
      type in the injured liver. miRNA plays an important role in activation and
      proliferation of HSC. METHODS: Our previous study examined the expression
      profiles of microRNAs in quiescent and activated HSC. Real-time PCR and western
      blot were used to detect the expression of Collagen type I (Col 1) and Alpha
      Smooth Muscle Actin (alpha-SMA). CCK-8 and Edu assay was used to measure the
      proliferation rate of HSC. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to tested the
      binding between miR-338-3p and Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4). RESULTS: We
      found overexpression of miR-338-3p could inhibit Col 1 and alpha-SMA, two major
      HSC activation markers, whereas miR-338-3p inhibitor could promote them. Besides,
      miR-338-3p overexpression could suppress the growth rate of HSC. Further, we
      found that CDK4, a pleiotropic signaling protein, was a direct target gene of miR
      338-3p. Moreover, we found that overexpression of CDK4 could block the effects of
      miR-338-3p. CONCLUSIONS: We found miR-338-3p is an anti-fibrotic miRNA which
      inhibits cell activation and proliferation. Our findings suggest that miR-338
      3p/CDK4 signaling pathway participates in the regulation of HSC activation and
      growth and may act as a novel target for further anti-fibrotic therapy.

PMID- 28095790
TI  - Comparison of loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay and smear microscopy
      with culture for the diagnostic accuracy of tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the
      leading causes of death from infectious diseases worldwide. Sputum smear
      microscopy remains the most widely available pulmonary TB diagnostic tool
      particularly in resource limited settings. A highly sensitive diagnostic with
      minimal infrastructure, cost and training is required. Hence, we assessed the
      diagnostic performance of Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay in
      detecting M.tuberculosis infection in sputum sample compared to LED fluorescent
      smear microscopy and culture. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at
      the University of Gondar Hospital from June 01, 2015 to August 30, 2015.
      Pulmonary TB diagnosis using sputum LED fluorescence smear microscopy, TB-LAMP
      assay and culture were done. A descriptive analysis was used to determine
      demographic characteristics of the study participants. Analysis of sensitivity
      and specificity for smear microscopy and TB-LAMP compared with culture as a
      reference test was performed. Cohen's kappa was calculated as a measure of
      agreement between the tests. RESULTS: A total of 78 pulmonary presumptive TB
      patients sputum sample were analyzed. The overall sensitivity and specificity of
      LAMP were 75 and 98%, respectively. Among smear negative sputum samples, 33.3%
      sensitivity and 100% specificity of LAMP were observed. Smear microscopy showed
      78.6% sensitivity and 98% specificity. LAMP and smear in series had sensitivity
      of 67.8% and specificity of 100%. LAMP and smear in parallel had sensitivity of
      85.7% and specificity of 96%. The agreement between LAMP and fluorescent smear
      microscopy tests was very good (kappa = 0.83, P-value <=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: TB
      LAMP showed similar specificity but a slightly lower sensitivity with LED
      fluorescence microscopy. The specificity of LAMP and smear microscopy in series
      was high. The sensitivity of LAMP was insufficient for smear negative sputum
      samples.

PMID- 28095791
TI  - A person-centred and thriving-promoting intervention in nursing homes - study
      protocol for the U-Age nursing home multi-centre, non-equivalent controlled group
      before-after trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The literature suggests that person-centred care can contribute to
      quality of life and wellbeing of nursing home residents, relatives and staff.
      However, there is sparse research evidence on how person-centred care can be
      operationalised and implemented in practice, and the extent to which it may
      promote wellbeing and satisfaction. Therefore, the U-Age nursing home study was
      initiated to deepen the understanding of how to integrate person-centred care
      into daily practice and to explore the effects and meanings of this. METHODS: The
      study aims to evaluate effects and meanings of a person-centred and thriving
      promoting intervention in nursing homes through a multi-centre, non-equivalent
      controlled group before-after trial design. Three nursing homes across three
      international sites have been allocated to a person-centred and thriving
      promoting intervention group, and three nursing homes have been allocated to an
      inert control group. Staff at intervention sites will participate in a 12-month
      interactive educational programme that operationalises thriving-promoting and
      person-centred care three dimensions: 1) Doing a little extra, 2) Developing a
      caring environment, and 3) Assessing and meeting highly prioritised psychosocial
      needs. A pedagogical framework will guide the intervention. The primary study
      endpoints are; residents' thriving, relatives' satisfaction with care and staff
      job satisfaction. Secondary endpoints are; resident, relative and staff
      experiences of the caring environment, relatives' experience of visiting their
      relative and the nursing home, as well as staff stress of conscience and
      perceived person-centredness of care. Data on study endpoints will be collected
      pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at a six-month follow up. Interviews
      will be conducted with relatives and staff to explore experiences and meanings of
      the intervention. DISCUSSION: The study is expected to provide evidence that can
      inform further research, policy and practice development on if and how person
      centred care may improve wellbeing, thriving and satisfaction for people who
      reside in, visit or work in nursing homes. The combination of quantitative and
      qualitative data will illuminate the operationalisation, effects and meaning of
      person-centred and thriving-promoting care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was
      registered at ClinicalTrials.gov March 19, 2016, identifier NCT02714452 .

PMID- 28095792
TI  - Multi-contrast brain magnetic resonance image super-resolution using the local
      weight similarity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-resolution images may be acquired in magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) due to limited data acquisition time or other physical constraints, and
      their resolutions can be improved with super-resolution methods. Since MRI can
      offer images of an object with different contrasts, e.g., T1-weighted or T2
      weighted, the shared information between inter-contrast images can be used to
      benefit super-resolution. METHODS: In this study, an MRI image super-resolution
      approach to enhance in-plane resolution is proposed by exploring the statistical
      information estimated from another contrast MRI image that shares similar
      anatomical structures. We assume some edge structures are shown both in T1
      weighted and T2-weighted MRI brain images acquired of the same subject, and the
      proposed approach aims to recover such kind of structures to generate a high
      resolution image from its low-resolution counterpart. RESULTS: The statistical
      information produces a local weight of image that are found to be nearly
      invariant to the image contrast and thus this weight can be used to transfer the
      shared information from one contrast to another. We analyze this property with
      comprehensive mathematics as well as numerical experiments. CONCLUSION:
      Experimental results demonstrate that the image quality of low-resolution images
      can be remarkably improved with the proposed method if this weight is borrowed
      from a high resolution image with another contrast. Multi-contrast MRI Image
      Super-resolution with Contrast-invariant Regression Weights.

PMID- 28095793
TI  - Genetic variation underlying renal uric acid excretion in Hispanic children: the
      Viva La Familia Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduced renal excretion of uric acid plays a significant role in the
      development of hyperuricemia and gout in adults. Hyperuricemia has been
      associated with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease in children and
      adults. There are limited genome-wide association studies associating genetic
      polymorphisms with renal urate excretion measures. Therefore, we investigated the
      genetic factors that influence the excretion of uric acid and related indices in
      768 Hispanic children of the Viva La Familia Study. METHODS: We performed a
      genome-wide association analysis for 24-h urinary excretion measures such as
      urinary uric acid/urinary creatinine ratio, uric acid clearance, fractional
      excretion of uric acid, and glomerular load of uric acid in SOLAR, while
      accounting for non-independence among family members. RESULTS: All renal urate
      excretion measures were significantly heritable (p <2 * 10-6) and ranged from
      0.41 to 0.74. Empirical threshold for genome-wide significance was set at p <1 *
      10-7. We observed a strong association (p < 8 * 10-8) of uric acid clearance with
      a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in zinc finger protein 446 (ZNF446)
      (rs2033711 (A/G), MAF: 0.30). The minor allele (G) was associated with increased
      uric acid clearance. Also, we found suggestive associations of uric acid
      clearance with SNPs in ZNF324, ZNF584, and ZNF132 (in a 72 kb region of 19q13; p
      <1 * 10-6, MAFs: 0.28-0.31). CONCLUSION: For the first time, we showed the
      importance of 19q13 region in the regulation of renal urate excretion in Hispanic
      children. Our findings indicate differences in inherent genetic architecture and
      shared environmental risk factors between our cohort and other pediatric and
      adult populations.

PMID- 28095794
TI  - Development of an algorithm for phenotypic screening of carbapenemase-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae in the routine laboratory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are difficult to
      identify among carbapenem non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae (NSE). We designed
      phenotypic strategies giving priority to high sensitivity for screening putative
      CPE before further testing. METHODS: Presence of carbapenemase-encoding genes in
      ertapenem NSE (MIC > 0.5 mg/l) consecutively isolated in 80 French laboratories
      between November 2011 and April 2012 was determined by the Check-MDR-CT103 array
      method. Using the Mueller-Hinton (MH) disk diffusion method, clinical diameter
      breakpoints of carbapenems other than ertapenem, piperazicillin+tazobactam,
      ticarcillin+clavulanate and cefepime as well as diameter cut-offs for these
      antibiotics and temocillin were evaluated alone or combined to determine their
      performances (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios)
      for identifying putative CPE among these ertapenem-NSE isolates. To increase the
      screening specificity, these antibiotics were also tested on cloxacillin
      containing MH when carbapenem NSE isolates belonged to species producing
      chromosomal cephalosporinase (AmpC) but Escherichia coli. RESULTS: Out of the 349
      ertapenem NSE, 52 (14.9%) were CPE, including 39 producing OXA-48 group
      carbapenemase, eight KPC and five MBL. A screening strategy based on the
      following diameter cut offs, ticarcillin+clavulanate <15 mm, temocillin <15 mm,
      meropenem or imipenem <22 mm, and cefepime <26 mm, showed 100% sensitivity and
      68.1% specificity with the better likelihood ratios combination. The specificity
      increased when a diameter cut-off <32 mm for imipenem (76.1%) or meropenem
      (78.8%) further tested on cloxacillin-containing MH was added to the previous
      strategy for AmpC-producing isolates. CONCLUSION: The proposed strategies that
      allowed for increasing the likelihood of CPE among ertapenem-NSE isolates should
      be considered as a surrogate for carbapenemase production before further CPE
      confirmatory testing.

PMID- 28095795
TI  - Intrathecal magnesium sulfate does not reduce the ED50 of intrathecal hyperbaric
      bupivacaine for cesarean delivery in healthy parturients: a prospective, double
      blinded, randomized dose-response trial using the sequential allocation method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Addition of intrathecal magnesium sulfate to local anesthetics has
      been reported to potentiate spinal anesthesia and prolong analgesia in
      parturients. The current study was to determine whether intrathecal magnesium
      sulfate would reduce the dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia with
      bupivacaine and sufentanil for cesarean delivery. METHODS: Sixty healthy
      parturients undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to
      receive spinal anesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 5 MUg sufentanil
      with either 0.9% sodium chloride (Control group) or 50% magnesium sulfate (50 mg)
      (Magnesium group). Effective anesthesia was defined as a bilateral T5 sensory
      block level achieved within 10 min of intrathecal drug administration and no
      additional epidural anesthetic was required during surgery. Characteristic of
      spinal anesthesia and the incidence of side effects were observed. The ED50 for
      both groups was calculated using the Dixon and Massey formula. RESULTS: There was
      no significant difference in the ED50 of bupivacaine between the Magnesium group
      and the Control group (4.9 mg vs 4.7 mg) (P = 0.53). The duration of spinal
      anesthesia (183 min vs 148 min, P < 0.001) was longer, the consumption of
      fentanyl during the first 24 h postoperatively (343 MUg vs 550 MUg, P < 0.001)
      was lower in the Magnesium group than that in the Control group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intrathecal magnesium sulfate (50 mg) did not reduce the dose requirement of
      intrathecal bupivacaine, but can extend the duration of spinal anesthesia with no
      obvious additional side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered
      with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) on 15 Jul. 2014 and was given a
      trial ID number ChiCTR-TRC- 14004954 .

PMID- 28095796
TI  - A severe case of visceral leishmaniasis and liposomal amphotericin B treatment
      failure in an immunosuppressed patient 15 years after exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a protozoan disease, which is
      responsible for 200.000-400.000 yearly infections worldwide. If left untreated,
      the fatality rate can be as high as 100% within 2 years. 90% of cases occur in
      just six countries: India, Bangladesh, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Brazil.
      It is thus a disease rarely seen by physicians in Europe or North America. We
      report on the fatal case of VL in an 80-year-old immunosuppressed patient who
      presented with a latency of over 15 years after having visited an endemic region.
      This is the first report showing such extreme latency of VL in a European
      traveller. This case is furthermore unusual because it suggests primary treatment
      failure to liposomal amphotericin B. CASE PRESENTATION: An 80-year-old man who
      was on immunosuppressive treatment due to a non-specific inflammatory disease of
      the liver and kidney presented to our hospital with recurrent fever, fatigue and
      bloody diarrhoea. Histopathological analysis from a colon biopsy showed
      intracellular amastigotes. The diagnosis of VL was confirmed by polymerase-chain
      reaction (PCR) of the colon biopsy. PCR was also performed in plasma, a
      bronchopulmonary lavage, a lymph node, liver and bone marrow biopsy and proved L.
      donovani as causative species. The disseminated infection was unresponsive to
      treatment with liposomal amphotericin B as recommended in immunosuppressed
      individuals despite stopping immunosuppressive treatment. CONCLUSION: Imported
      cases of VL to non-endemic regions are increasing due to extensive international
      travel and migration. Furthermore, the increase of elderly patients and
      immunosuppressed individuals, secondary to HIV, post-transplant and
      chemotherapeutic agents, has resulted in an increase of VL also in endemic
      regions of Europe. It is thus important for physicians to be able to recognize
      the infection. This case also demonstrates treatment failure to amphotericin B,
      which was only a known problem in patients with HIV until now. The knowledge of
      this as a possible complication is important for specialists treating the
      disease.

PMID- 28095797
TI  - Cocaine/crack use is not associated with fibrosis progression measured by AST-to
      Platelet Ratio Index in HIV-HCV co-infected patients: a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cocaine and crack use has been associated with HIV and HCV
      infections, but its consequences on HCV progression have not been well
      established. We analyzed the impact of cocaine/crack use on liver fibrosis
      progression in a cohort of HIV-HCV co-infected patients. METHODS: A Canadian
      multicenter prospective cohort study followed 1238 HIV-HCV co-infected persons
      every 6 months between 2003 and 2013. Data were analyzed from 573 patients with
      positive HCV RNA, not on HCV treatment, without significant liver fibrosis (AST
      to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) <1.5) or history of end-stage liver disease at
      baseline, and having at least two study visits. Recent cocaine/crack use was
      defined as use within 6 months of cohort entry. Incidence rates of progression to
      significant fibrosis (APRI >= 1.5) were determined according to recent
      cocaine/crack use. Cox Proportional Hazards models were used to assess the
      association between time-updated cocaine/crack use and progression to APRI >= 1.5
      adjusting for age, sex, HCV duration, baseline ln(APRI), and time-updated alcohol
      abuse, history of other drug use and CD4+ cell count. RESULTS: At baseline, 211
      persons (37%) were recent cocaine/crack users and 501 (87%) ever used
      cocaine/crack. Recent users did not differ from non-recent users on gender, age,
      and CD4+ T-cell count. Over 1599 person-years of follow up (522 PY in recent
      users, 887 PY in previous users and 190 PY in never users),158 (28%) persons
      developed significant fibrosis (9.9/100 PY; 95% CI, 8.3-11.4); 56 (27%) recent
      users (10.7/100 PY; 7.9-13.5), 81 (28%) previous users (9.1/100 PY; 7.1-11.1),
      and 21 (29%) never users (11.1/100 PY; 6.3-15.8). There was no association
      between ever having used or time-updated cocaine/crack use and progression to
      APRI >= 1.5 (adjusted HR (95%CI): 0.96 (0.58, 1.57) and 0.88;(0.63-1.25),
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We could not find evidence that cocaine/crack use is
      associated with progression to advanced liver fibrosis in our prospective study
      of HIV-HCV co-infected patients.

PMID- 28095798
TI  - miR-27b inhibits fibroblast activation via targeting TGFbeta signaling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs are a group of small RNAs that regulate gene expression at
      the posttranscriptional level. They regulate almost every aspect of cellular
      processes. In this study, we investigated whether miR-27b regulates pulmonary
      fibroblast activation. RESULTS: We found that miR-27b was down-regulated in
      fibrotic lungs and fibroblasts from an experimental mouse model of pulmonary
      fibrosis. The overexpression of miR-27b with a lentiviral vector inhibited
      TGFbeta1-stimulated mRNA expression of collagens (COL1A1, COL3A1, and COL4A1) and
      alpha-smooth muscle actin, and protein expression of Col3A1 and alpha-smooth
      muscle actin in LL29 human pulmonary fibroblasts. miR-27b also reduced
      contractile activity of LL29. TGFbeta receptor 1 and SMAD2 were identified as the
      targets of miR-27b by 3'-untranslated region luciferase reporter and western
      blotting assays. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that miR-27b is an anti
      fibrotic microRNA that inhibits fibroblast activation by targeting TGFbeta
      receptor 1 and SMAD2. This discovery may provide new targets for therapeutic
      interventions of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 28095799
TI  - MultiDataSet: an R package for encapsulating multiple data sets with application
      to omic data integration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduction in the cost of genomic assays has generated large amounts
      of biomedical-related data. As a result, current studies perform multiple
      experiments in the same subjects. While Bioconductor's methods and classes
      implemented in different packages manage individual experiments, there is not a
      standard class to properly manage different omic datasets from the same subjects.
      In addition, most R/Bioconductor packages that have been designed to integrate
      and visualize biological data often use basic data structures with no clear
      general methods, such as subsetting or selecting samples. RESULTS: To cover this
      need, we have developed MultiDataSet, a new R class based on Bioconductor
      standards, designed to encapsulate multiple data sets. MultiDataSet deals with
      the usual difficulties of managing multiple and non-complete data sets while
      offering a simple and general way of subsetting features and selecting samples.
      We illustrate the use of MultiDataSet in three common situations: 1) performing
      integration analysis with third party packages; 2) creating new methods and
      functions for omic data integration; 3) encapsulating new unimplemented data from
      any biological experiment. CONCLUSIONS: MultiDataSet is a suitable class for data
      integration under R and Bioconductor framework.

PMID- 28095800
TI  - Diet, gonadal sex, and sex chromosome complement influence white adipose tissue
      miRNA expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate
      gene expression by targeting specific mRNA species for degradation or interfering
      with translation. Specific miRNAs are key regulators of adipogenesis, and are
      expressed at different levels in adipose tissue from lean and obese mice. The
      degree of lipid accumulation and distribution of white adipose tissue differs
      between males and females, and it is unknown whether sex differences in adipose
      tissue-specific miRNA expression may contribute to this dimorphism. Typically,
      sex differences are attributed to hormones secreted from ovaries or testes.
      However, the sex chromosome complement (XX versus XY) is also a determinant of
      sex differences and may regulate miRNA expression in adipocytes. RESULTS: To
      identify sex differences in adipose tissue miRNA expression and to understand the
      underlying mechanisms, we performed high-throughput miRNA sequencing in gonadal
      fat depots of the Four Core Genotypes mouse model. This model, which consists of
      XX female, XX male, XY female, and XY male mice, allowed us to assess independent
      effects of gonadal type (male vs. female) and sex chromosome complement (XX vs.
      XY) on miRNA expression profiles. We have also assessed the effects of a high fat
      diet on sex differences in adipose tissue miRNA profiles. We identified a male
      female effect on the overall miRNA expression profile in mice fed a chow diet,
      with a bias toward higher expression in male compared to female gonadal adipose
      tissue. This sex bias disappeared after gonadectomy, suggesting that circulating
      levels of gonadal secretions modulate the miRNA expression profile. After 16
      weeks of high fat diet, the miRNA expression distribution was shifted toward
      higher expression in XY vs. XX adipose tissue. Principal component analysis
      revealed that high fat diet has a substantial effect on miRNA profile variance,
      while gonadal secretions and sex chromosome complement each have milder effects.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the overall miRNA expression profile in
      adipose tissue is influenced by gonadal hormones and the sex chromosome
      complement, and that expression profiles change in response to gonadectomy and
      high fat diet. Differential miRNA expression profiles may contribute to sex
      differences in adipose tissue gene expression, adipose tissue development, and
      diet-induced obesity.

PMID- 28095801
TI  - Providing lipid-based nutrient supplement during pregnancy does not reduce the
      risk of maternal P falciparum parasitaemia and reproductive tract infections: a
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal infections are associated with maternal and foetal adverse
      outcomes. Nutrient supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the occurrence of
      infections by improving maternal immunity. We aimed to investigate the impact of
      small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) on the occurrence of
      Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia during pregnancy and trichomoniasis, vaginal
      candidiasis and urinary tract infection (UTI) after delivery. METHODS: Pregnant
      Malawian women enrolled in the iLiNS-DYAD trial receiving daily supplementation
      with SQ-LNS, multiple micronutrients (MMN) or iron & folic acid (IFA) from <20
      gestation weeks (gw) were assessed for P. falciparum parasitaemia at 32 gw using
      rapid diagnostic testing (RDT), at 36 gw using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      and at delivery using both RDT and PCR; and at one week after delivery for
      trichomoniasis and vaginal candidiasis using wet mount microscopy and for UTI
      using urine dipstick analysis. The prevalence of each infection by intervention
      group was estimated at the prescribed time points and the global null hypothesis
      was tested using logistic regression. Adjusted analyses were performed using
      preselected covariates. RESULTS: The prevalence of P. falciparum parasitaemia was
      10.7% at 32 gw, 9% at 36 gw, and 8.3% by RDT and 20.2% by PCR at delivery. After
      delivery the prevalence of trichomoniasis was 10.5%, vaginal candidiasis was
      0.5%, and UTI was 3.1%. There were no differences between intervention groups in
      the prevalence of any of the infections. CONCLUSION: In this population, SQ-LNS
      did not influence the occurrence of maternal P. falciparum parasitaemia,
      trichomoniasis, vaginal candidiasis or UTI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Identifier:
      NCT01239693 (10 November 2010).

PMID- 28095802
TI  - A case control study investigating factors associated with high infant death in
      Saiha district of Mizoram, India bordering Myanmar.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infant mortality has dropped considerably in India over the last 5
      years. A sharp contrast to this decline in national average of infant mortality
      is the rate recorded during 2014-2015 from the southernmost district of Saiha,
      Mizoram having a common international border with Myanmar. As this district
      specific rate (113 per 1000 live births) is 3 times higher compared to the
      national and state average, the present investigation was carried out to identify
      associated factors. METHODS: We examined secondary data made available by the
      national health mission, consulted with local community members and generated
      primary data through interviews. A case-control study design was followed.
      Mothers, who delivered a child during 2013-2015 and subsequently lost them due to
      infant death, formed the case group and controls were selected from same
      neighborhood as with case-mothers. The mother and child tracking system
      maintained by the district specific national health mission office was used for
      recruiting cases and controls. A total of 195 mothers were interviewed; 66 of
      them belonged to 'cases' and 129 were 'controls'. RESULTS: The mean age of the
      respondents was 27 years (median 27; SD +/- 5; minimum 17 & maximum 44). In uni
      variate analyses 'child delivery at home', 'low birth weight', 'non-attendance of
      school by mothers', 'completed standard of school education by mothers', 'both
      parents working', 'mothers receiving blood transfusion during last pregnancy',
      and 'fourth or more birth order during last pregnancy' were associated with
      infant deaths. Intriguingly, the number of daily kuhva (raw areca nut) intake
      during last pregnancy was significantly higher among case-mothers compared to
      controls. In conditional logistic regression, 'low birth weight' (adjusted OR
      (AOR) 14.7; 95% CI 2.1-101.8; p = 0.006), and 'consumption of 4 or more kuhva per
      day' (AOR 8; 95% CI 1.9-34.3; p = 0.005) were independently associated with
      infant-death-experiences. CONCLUSION: The present investigation merits due
      attention from policy makers and health planners for immediate improvement in
      peri-natal and neonatal care services in the remote district of Saiha. Need for
      further research exploring socio-behavioural issues around areca nut consumption
      and effects of interventions to reduce areca nut intake on maternal and children
      health are underscored.

PMID- 28095803
TI  - Increased glomerulonephritis recurrence after living related donation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation confers superior outcomes for patients with
      end stage kidney disease, and live donor kidneys associate with superior outcomes
      compared to deceased donor kidneys. Modern immunosuppression has improved
      rejection rates and transplant survival and, as a result, recurrence of
      glomerulonephritis has emerged as a major cause of allograft loss. However, many
      glomerulonephritides have significant genetic risk which may manifest through
      kidney intrinsic or systemic mechanisms. We hypothesise that heritable kidney
      intrinsic predisposition to glomerulonephritis will result in increased risk of
      glomerulonephritis recurrence in kidneys transplanted from genetically related
      donors. METHODS: We investigated the effect of living related donation on rates
      of recurrence and subsequent graft outcomes in 7236 patient from 28 years of
      ANZDATA transplant registry data. Data were analysed in R, using Kaplan Meier
      Survival analysis and adjusted analyses performed using Cox Proportional Hazards
      methods. A competing risk model was also analysed. RESULTS: Glomerulonephritis
      recurrence rates were significantly higher in living related donor grafts
      compared to either living unrelated or deceased donor grafts (p < 0 . 001). In
      IgA nephropathy, transplantation from living related donor kidneys demonstrated a
      10 year recurrence rate of 16 . 7% compared to 7 . 1% in living unrelated donors
      and 9 . 2% in deceased donors (HR:1 . 7, 95% CI:1 . 26-2 . 26, p = 0 . 0005 for
      living related vs deceased donors). In focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, risk
      of recurrence at 10 years was 14 . 6% in living related donors compared to 10 .
      8% in living unrelated donors and 6 . 6% in deceased donors (HR:2 . 2, 95% CI 1 .
      34-3 . 64, p = 0 . 002) for living related vs deceased donors. Primary
      glomerulonephritis death censored graft survival was superior for living donor
      grafts, related or unrelated, compared to deceased donor grafts. CONCLUSIONS: We
      identified a significant increase in the risk of glomerulonephritis recurrence in
      IgA Nephropathy and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in living related donors
      compared to a deceased donors.

PMID- 28095804
TI  - Pulmonary manifestations in Niemann-Pick type C disease with mutations in NPC2
      gene: case report and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is an inherited metabolic disorder;
      due to defect in cellular cholesterol trafficking. It is clinically a
      heterogeneous disease with variable age of onset with multiple organ systems
      being involved. NPC1 gene is involved in 95% cases where as remaining ~5% cases
      are linked with NPC2 gene. CASE PRESENTATION: Case-1, a 14-months-old female
      presented with recurrent respiratory distress, failure to thrive and
      hepatosplenomegaly. Lung biopsy was suggestive of alveolar proteinosis and liver
      biopsy confirmed foamy macrophages. Molecular analysis revealed homozygous
      mutation c.141C > A in exon 2 of NPC2 gene. Case-2, a 3-year-old male presented
      with dyspnoea and hepatomegaly noticed at 1 year of age. HRCT-scan of thoracic
      region showed consolidation with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Broncho-alveolar
      lavage revealed moderate amount of foamy macrophages and bone marrow examination
      detected foam cells. Homozygous T > C transition in intron 1 of the NPC2 gene was
      identified. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that NPC2 can present in early
      years of life with pulmonary complications like alveolar proteinosis and
      hepatosplenomegaly or hepatomegaly due to mutation in NPC2 gene. An early
      suspicion will help clinicians to clinch its diagnosis, management and genetic
      counselling.

PMID- 28095805
TI  - Vascular access placement in patients with chronic kidney disease Stages 4 and 5
      attending an inner city nephrology clinic: a cohort study and survey of
      providers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of incident hemodialysis (HD) patients initiate dialysis
      via catheters. We sought to identify factors associated with initiating
      hemodialysis with a functioning arterio-venous (AV) access. METHODS: We conducted
      a retrospective chart review of all adult patients, age >18 years seeing a
      nephrologist with a diagnosis of CKD stage 4 or 5 during the study period between
      06/01/2011 and 08/31/2013 to evaluate the placement of an AV access, initiation
      of dialysis and we conducted a survey of providers about the process. RESULTS:
      The 221 patients (56% female) in the study had median age of 66 years
      (interquartile range (IQR), 57-75) and were followed for a median of 1.26 years
      (IQR 0.6-1.68). At study entry, 81%had CKD stage 4 and 19% had CKD stage 5. By
      the end of study, 48 patients had initiated dialysis. Thirty-four of the patients
      started dialysis with a catheter (1 failed and 10 maturing AVFs), 9 with an AVF
      and 5 with an AVG. During the study period, 61 total AV accesses were placed (54
      AVF and 7 AVG). A higher urinary protein/ creatinine ratio and a lower eGFR were
      associated with AV access placement and dialysis initiation. A greater number of
      nephrology visits were associated with AV access creation but not dialysis
      initiation. Hospitalizations and hospitalizations with an episode of acute kidney
      injury (AKI) were strongly associated with dialysis initiation (odds ratio (OR)
      13.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3 to 73.3, p-value = 0.004) and OR 6.6 (95%
      CI 1.9 to 22.8, p-value = 0.003)). CONCLUSIONS: More frequent nephrology clinic
      visits for patients with a recent hospitalization may improve rates of placement
      of an AV access. A hospitalization with AKI is strongly associated with the need
      for dialysis initiation. Nephrologists may not be referring the correct patients
      to get an AV access surgery.

PMID- 28095806
TI  - Predictors of Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) outcome in a forensic
      inpatient population: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have investigated factors associated with outcome at
      Mental Health Review Tribunals (MHRTs) in forensic psychiatric patients; however,
      dynamic variables such as treatment compliance and substance misuse have scarcely
      been examined, particularly in UK samples. We aimed to determine whether dynamic
      factors related to behaviour, cooperation with treatment, and activities on the
      ward were prospectively associated with outcome at MHRT. METHODS: At baseline,
      demographic, clinical, behavioural, and treatment-related factors were
      ascertained via electronic medical records and census forms completed by the
      patient's clinical team. Data on MHRTs (i.e., number attended, responsible
      clinician's recommendation, and outcome) were collected at a 2-year follow-up.
      Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with
      outcome among those who attended a MHRT within the follow-up period. Of the 135
      forensic inpatients examined at baseline, 79 patients (59%) attended a MHRT
      during the 2-year follow-up period and therefore comprised the study sample. Of
      these 79 patients included in the current study, 28 (35%) were subsequently
      discharged. RESULTS: In univariable analyses, unescorted community leave,
      responsible clinician's recommendation of discharge, and restricted Mental Health
      Act section were associated with a greater likelihood of discharge at MHRT;
      whilst inpatient aggression, a recent episode of acute illness, higher total
      score on the Historical Clinical Risk - 20 (HCR-20), higher HCR-20 clinical and
      risk scores, and agitated behaviour were negatively associated with discharge (p
      < 0.05). In multivariable analyses, HCR-20 clinical scale scores and physical
      violence independently predicted outcome at tribunal after controlling for other
      dynamic variables. CONCLUSION: By identifying dynamic factors associated with
      discharge at tribunal, the results have important implications for forensic
      psychiatric patients and their clinical teams. Our findings suggest that by
      reducing levels of agitated behaviour, verbal aggression, and physical violence
      on the ward, achieving unescorted community leave, and targeting specific items
      on the HCR-20 risk assessment tool, patients may be able to improve their changes
      of discharge at a MHRT.

PMID- 28095808
TI  - Associations between access to alcohol outlets and alcohol intake and depressive
      symptoms in women from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in
      Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined associations between alcohol outlet access and
      alcohol intake, depressive symptoms score and risk of depression among women
      residing in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: Data on
      depressive symptoms, alcohol intake and socio-demographic characteristics were
      obtained from a sample of 995 adult women from Victoria, Australia who were
      surveyed as part of the Resilience in Eating and Activity Despite Inequality
      (READI) study. The location of all licensed alcohol outlets in Victoria was
      obtained from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.
      Participant and alcohol outlet addresses were geocoded to calculate individual
      alcohol outlet access, defined as the number of outlets (all and by sub-type)
      within 0.4 km and 3 km of participants' homes. Separate regression models with
      clustered standard errors were fitted to examine associations between access and
      alcohol intake according to national recommended limits for short- and long-term
      harm, frequency of consumption above long-term harm guidelines, depressive
      symptoms score and risk of depression. RESULTS: Odds of consumption within short
      term harm guidelines (<=4 drinks on any day) decreased with increasing access
      within 3 km, irrespective of outlet type. Typically, there was no evidence to
      support associations between access and consumption above long-term harm
      guidelines (>2 drinks on any day) unless considering frequency of consumption at
      this level where results showed decreased odds of 'don't drink' versus frequently
      drinking above long-term harm guidelines (i.e., >2 drinks at least once per week)
      with increasing access at either distance. Although there was no evidence of an
      association between any of the alcohol outlet access measures and depressive
      symptoms score, odds of being at risk of depression decreased with increasing
      access within 3 km. CONCLUSIONS: This study found some evidence to support an
      association between increasing alcohol outlet densities of all types and harmful
      levels of alcohol consumption, and the association appears to be dependent on the
      distance threshold considered, among women residing in socioeconomically
      disadvantaged neighbourhoods within Victoria, Australia. However, higher numbers
      of alcohol outlets appear to be associated with a slightly lower risk of
      depression, with further research needed to identify the direction and mechanisms
      underlying this unintuitive association.

PMID- 28095809
TI  - Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages: impact on overweight and obesity in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) increases the risk of
      overweight and obesity. Taxing SSBs could decrease daily energy consumption and
      body weight. This model-based study evaluated the impact of a 20% SSB-sales tax
      on overweight and obesity in the context of Germany. METHODS: The population aged
      15-79 years was modelled. Taxation was assumed to affect energy consumption via
      demand elasticities, which affected weight and BMI. Model-based analysis was
      performed to estimate the tax impact on BMI in different age, gender and income
      groups. RESULTS: Implementing a 20% SSB tax reduced energy consumption mainly in
      younger age groups, males, and those with low income. Taxation decreased the mean
      BMI in younger groups, with the largest decrease in those aged 20-29 years, while
      effects in groups 60 years or above were minimal. In absolute terms, taxation was
      estimated to avoid 1,028,000 (-3% relative reduction) overweight individuals and
      479,000 obese individuals (-4%). Overweight decreased the most in males aged 20
      29 years (408,000 fewer cases /-22%), the same applied for obesity (204,000/
      22%). CONCLUSIONS: An SSB tax could have significant impact on overweight and
      obesity, which could translate into substantial reductions of morbidity and
      mortality.

PMID- 28095807
TI  - Comparison of developmental milestone attainment in early treated HIV-infected
      infants versus HIV-unexposed infants: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infant HIV infection is associated with delayed milestone attainment.
      The extent to which effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) prevents these delays
      is not well defined. METHODS: Ages at attainment of milestones were compared
      between HIV-infected (initiated ART by age <5 months), and HIV-unexposed
      uninfected (HUU) infants. Kaplan Meier analyses were used to estimate and compare
      (log-rank tests) ages at milestones between groups. Adjusted analyses were
      performed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Seventy-three HIV
      infected on ART (median enrollment age 3.7 months) and 92 HUU infants (median
      enrollment age 1.6 months) were followed prospectively. HIV-infected infants on
      ART had delays in developmental milestone attainment compared to HUU: median age
      at attainment of sitting with support, sitting unsupported, walking with support,
      walking unsupported, monosyllabic speech and throwing toys were each delayed (all
      p-values <0.0005). Compared with HUU, the subset of HIV-infected infants with
      both virologic suppression and immune recovery at 6 months had delays for speech
      (delay: 2.0 months; P = 0.0002) and trend to later walking unsupported. Among HIV
      infected infants with poor 6-month post-ART responses (lacking viral suppression
      and immune recovery) there were greater delays versus HUU for: walking
      unsupported (delay: 4.0 months; P = 0.0001) and speech (delay: 5.0 months; P <
      0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: HIV infected infants with viral suppression on ART had
      better recovery of developmental milestones than those without suppression,
      however, deficits persisted compared to uninfected infants. Earlier ART may be
      required for optimized cognitive outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected infants.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00428116 ; January 22, 2007.

PMID- 28095810
TI  - Neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in Southern Brazil: a
      population based study with 108,409 infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive
      disorder associated with inborn errors of steroid metabolism. 21-hydroxylase
      enzyme deficiency occurs in 90 to 95% of all cases of CAH, with accumulation of
      17 hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP). Early diagnosis of CAH based on newborn
      screening is possible before the development of symptoms and allows proper
      treatment, correct sex assignment, and reduced mortality rates. This study
      describes the results obtained in the first year of a public CAH screening
      program in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: We reviewed the
      screening database in search of babies with suspected CAH, that is, altered birth
      weight adjusted 17-OHP values at screening. The following data were analyzed for
      this population: screening 17-OHP values, retest 17-OHP values, serum 17-OHP
      values for those with confirmed CAH on retest, maternal and newborn data, and
      family history of CAH. For the screening program, 17-OHP levels are determined on
      dried blood spots obtained in filter paper with GSP solid phase time-resolved
      immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Of 108,409 newborns screened, eight were diagnosed
      with CAH (four males, four females). The incidence of CAH in the state was
      1:13,551. Six cases were identified as classic salt-wasting CAH and two were
      cases of virilizing CAH. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the initial
      screening (before diagnostic confirmation) was 1.6%. The overall rate of false
      positive results was 0.47%. The number of false positive results was higher among
      newborns with birth weight < 2000 g. CONCLUSION: The present results support the
      need for CAH screening by the public health care system in the state, and show
      that the strategy adopted is adequate. PPV and false positive results were
      similar to those reported for other states of Brazil with similar ethnic
      backgrounds.

PMID- 28095812
TI  - Maternal sepsis complicating arabin cervical pessary placement for the prevention
      of preterm birth: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm delivery is a major health problem and contributes to more
      than 50% of all neonatal and infant deaths. Recently, there has been a renewed
      interest in the use of cervical pessaries as a safe and effective intervention
      with few maternal side-effects for the prevention of preterm birth in both single
      and twin pregnancies. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old gravida 5, para 1
      (previous preterm birth at 24 weeks) patient with an in vitro fertilization twin
      pregnancy had an Arabin cervical pessary placed at 19 weeks of pregnancy due to
      the presence of cervical funneling identified by ultrasound screening. She
      developed chorioamnionitis and sepsis and delivered at 21 3/7 weeks after
      extraction of the pessary. CONCLUSION: Severe maternal infection may complicate
      pessary treatment for the prevention of preterm birth. Careful follow-up is
      necessary in women with a cervical pessary during pregnancy, particularly when
      important funneling is present.

PMID- 28095811
TI  - An Integrated Recovery-oriented Model (IRM) for mental health services: evolution
      and challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over past decades, improvements in longer-term clinical and personal
      outcomes for individuals experiencing serious mental illness (SMI) have been
      moderate, although recovery has clearly been shown to be possible. Recovery
      experiences are inherently personal, and recovery can be complex and non-linear;
      however, there are a broad range of potential recovery contexts and contributors,
      both non-professional and professional. Ongoing refinement of recovery-oriented
      models for mental health (MH) services needs to be fostered. DISCUSSION: This
      descriptive paper outlines a service-wide Integrated Recovery-oriented Model
      (IRM) for MH services, designed to enhance personally valued health, wellbeing
      and social inclusion outcomes by increasing access to evidenced-based
      psychosocial interventions (EBIs) within a service context that supports recovery
      as both a process and an outcome. Evolution of the IRM is characterised as a
      series of five broad challenges, which draw together: relevant recovery
      perspectives; overall service delivery frameworks; psychiatric and psychosocial
      rehabilitation approaches and literature; our own clinical and service delivery
      experience; and implementation, evaluation and review strategies. The model
      revolves around the person's changing recovery needs, focusing on underlying
      processes and the service frameworks to support and reinforce hope as a primary
      catalyst for symptomatic and functional recovery. Within the IRM, clinical
      rehabilitation (CR) practices, processes and partnerships facilitate access to
      psychosocial EBIs to promote hope, recovery, self-agency and social inclusion.
      Core IRM components are detailed (remediation of functioning; collaborative
      restoration of skills and competencies; and active community reconnection),
      together with associated phases, processes, evaluation strategies, and an
      illustrative IRM scenario. The achievement of these goals requires ongoing
      collaboration with community organisations. CONCLUSIONS: Improved outcomes are
      achievable for people with a SMI. It is anticipated that the IRM will afford MH
      services an opportunity to validate hope, as a critical element for people with
      SMI in assuming responsibility and developing skills in self-agency and advocacy.
      Strengthening recovery-oriented practices and policies within MH services needs
      to occur in tandem with wide-ranging service evaluation strategies.

PMID- 28095813
TI  - Vocational rehabilitation for adults with psychotic disorders in a Scandinavian
      welfare society.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the outcomes of a vocational rehabilitation
      program (The Job Management Program, JUMP) for persons with psychotic disorders
      based on close collaboration between health and welfare services. METHODS:
      Participants (N = 148) with broad schizophrenia spectrum disorders (age 18-65)
      were recruited from six counties in Norway. Three counties were randomized to
      vocational rehabilitation augmented with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), while
      the remaining three counties were randomized to vocational rehabilitation
      augmented with cognitive remediation (CR). This paper compares the vocational
      activity of the total group of JUMP participants with a treatment as usual group
      (N = 341), and further examines differences between the two JUMP interventions.
      Employment status (working/not working) was registered at the time of inclusion
      and at the end of the intervention period. RESULTS: The total number of JUMP
      participants in any kind of vocational activity increased from 17 to 77% during
      the intervention. Of these, 8% had competitive employment, 36% had work
      placements in ordinary workplaces with social security benefits as their income,
      and 33% had sheltered work. The total number of working participants in the TAU
      group increased from 15.5 to 18.2%. The JUMP group showed significant
      improvements of positive (t = -2.33, p = 0.02) and general (t = -2.75, p = 0.007)
      symptoms of psychosis. Significant differences between the CBT and CR
      interventions were not demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The study supports existing
      evidence that the majority of persons with broad schizophrenia spectrum disorders
      can cope with some kind of work, given that internal and external barriers are
      reduced. Those who wish to work should be offered vocational rehabilitation.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01139502 . Registered on 6
      February 2010.

PMID- 28095814
TI  - Risk factors for aspiration pneumonia after definitive chemoradiotherapy or bio
      radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer: a monocentric case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and bio-radiotherapy (BRT) are recognized as
      standard therapies for head and neck cancer (HNC). Aspiration pneumonia after CRT
      or BRT is a common late adverse event. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the
      cause-specific incidence of aspiration pneumonia after CRT or BRT and to identify
      its clinical risk factors. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 305
      patients with locally advanced HNC treated by CRT or BRT between August 2006 and
      April 2015. RESULTS: Of these 305 patients, 65 (21.3%) developed aspiration
      pneumonia after treatment. The median onset was 161 days after treatment. The two
      year cause-specific cumulative incidence by CRT or BRT was 21.0%. Multivariate
      analysis revealed five independent risk factors for aspiration pneumonia, namely,
      habitual alcoholic consumption, use of sleeping pills at the end of treatment,
      poor oral hygiene, hypoalbuminemia before treatment, and the coexistence of other
      malignancies. A predictive model using these risk factors and treatment efficacy
      was constructed, dividing patients into low- (0-2 predictive factors), moderate-
      (3-4 factors), and high-risk groups (5-6 factors), the two-year cumulative
      incidences of aspiration pneumonia of which were 3.0, 41.6, and 77.3%,
      respectively. Aspiration pneumonia tended to be associated with increased risk of
      death, although this was not statistically significant (multivariate-adjusted
      hazard ratio 1.39, P = 0.18). CONCLUSION: The cause-specific incidence and
      clinical risk factors for aspiration pneumonia after definitive CRT or BRT were
      investigated in patients with locally advanced HNC. Our predictive model may be
      useful for identifying patients at high risk for aspiration pneumonia.

PMID- 28095815
TI  - Assessment of the ecological bias of seven aggregate social deprivation indices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In aggregate studies, ecological indices are used to study the
      influence of socioeconomic status on health. Their main limitation is ecological
      bias. This study assesses the misclassification of individual socioeconomic
      status in seven ecological indices. METHODS: Individual socioeconomic data for a
      random sample of 10,000 persons came from periodic health examinations conducted
      in 2006 in 11 French departments. Geographical data came from the 2007 census at
      the lowest geographical level available in France. The Receiver Operating
      Characteristics (ROC) curves, the areas under the curves (AUC) for each
      individual variable, and the distribution of deprived and non-deprived persons in
      quintiles of each aggregate score were analyzed. RESULTS: The aggregate indices
      studied are quite good "proxies" for individual deprivation (AUC close to 0.7),
      and they have similar performance. The indices are more efficient at measuring
      individual income than education or occupational category and are suitable for
      measuring of deprivation but not affluence. CONCLUSIONS: The study inventoried
      the aggregate indices available in France and evaluated their assessment of
      individual SES.

PMID- 28095816
TI  - Awareness and knowledge among internal medicine house-staff for dose adjustment
      of commonly used medications in patients with CKD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug dosing errors result in adverse patient outcomes and are more
      common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As internists treat the
      majority of patients with CKD, we study if Internal Medicine house-staff have
      awareness and knowledge about the correct dosage of commonly used medications for
      those with CKD. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed and included 341
      participants. The outcomes were the awareness of whether a medication needs dose
      adjustment in patients with CKD and whether there was knowledge for the level of
      glomerular filtration rate (GFR) a medication needs to be adjusted. RESULTS: The
      overall pattern for all post-graduate year (PGY) groups in all medication classes
      was a lack of awareness and knowledge. For awareness, there were statistically
      significant increased mean differences for PGY2 and PGY3 as compared to PGY1 for
      allergy, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and rheumatologic medication classes but
      not for analgesic, cardiovascular, and neuropsychotropic medication classes. For
      knowledge, there were statistically significant increased mean differences for
      PGY2 and PGY3 as compared to PGY1 for allergy, cardiovascular, endocrine, and
      gastrointestinal, medication classes but not for analgesic, neuropsychotropic,
      and rheumatologic medication classes. CONCLUSIONS: Internal Medicine house-staff
      across all levels of training demonstrated poor awareness and knowledge for many
      medication classes in CKD patients. Internal Medicine house-staff should receive
      more nephrology exposure and formal didactic educational training during
      residency to better manage complex treatment regimens and prevent medication
      dosing errors.

PMID- 28095817
TI  - Changes in event-related potentials in patients with first-episode schizophrenia
      and their siblings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the characteristics of event-related
      potentials induced by facial emotion recognition in patients with first-episode
      schizophrenia and in their siblings. METHODS: In this case-control study, 30
      first-episode schizophrenia patients, 26 siblings, and 30 healthy controls were
      enrolled. They completed facial emotion recognition tasks from the Ekman Standard
      Faces Database as an induction for evoked potentials. Evoked potential data were
      obtained using a 64-channel electroencephalography system. Average evoked
      potential waveforms were computed from epochs for each stimulus type. The
      amplitudes and latency of the event-related potentials for P100 (positive
      potential 100 ms after stimulus onset), N170 (negative potential 170 ms after
      stimulus onset), and N250 (fronto-central peak) were investigated at O1, O2, P7,
      and P8 electrode locations. RESULTS: There were significant differences between
      the groups for P100 amplitude (F = 11.526, P < 0.001), electrode position (F =
      450.592, P < 0.001), emotion (disgust vs. happiness vs. fear) (F = 1722.467, P <
      0.001), and emotion intensity (low vs. moderate vs. high) (F = 1737.169, P <
      0.001). Post hoc analysis showed significantly larger amplitudes in the
      schizophrenia group at the O1, O2, P7, and P8 electrode positions. There were no
      significant differences between the siblings of schizophrenia patients and the
      healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with schizophrenia showed abnormalities
      in P100 amplitude, but similar results were not observed in their siblings. These
      results provide evidence of dysfunctional event-related potential patterns
      underlying facial emotion processing in patients with schizophrenia. P100 may be
      a characteristic index of schizophrenia.

PMID- 28095818
TI  - When parents won't vaccinate their children: a qualitative investigation of
      australian primary care providers' experiences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasingly, the experiences and perceptions of parents who decline
      vaccination are the subject of investigation. However, the experiences of
      clinicians who encounter these parents in the course of their work has received
      little academic attention to date. This study aimed to understand the challenges
      faced and strategies used when general practitioners and immunising nurses
      encounter parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. METHODS: Primary
      care providers were recruited from regions identified through the Australian
      Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) as having higher than national average
      rates of registered objection to childhood vaccination. Interviews began with an
      exploration of provider experiences with parents who accept, are hesitant
      towards, and who decline vaccination. Participants were asked specifically about
      how they addressed any difficulties they encountered in their interactions.
      Thematic analysis focused on encounters with parents - challenges and strategies.
      RESULTS: Twenty-six general practitioners (GPs), community and practice nurses
      (PNs) were interviewed across two regions in NSW, Australia. Providers' sense of
      professional identity as health advocates and experts became conflicted in their
      encounters with vaccine objecting parents. Providers were dissatisfied when such
      consultations resulted in a 'therapeutic roadblock' whereby provider-parent
      communication came to a standstill. There were mixed views about being asked to
      sign forms exempting parents from vaccinating their children. These ranged from a
      belief that completing the forms rewarded parents for non-conformity to seeing it
      as a positive opportunity for engagement. Three common strategies were employed
      by providers to navigate through these challenges; 1) to explore and inform, 2)
      to mobilise clinical rapport and 3) to adopt a general principle to first do no
      harm to the therapeutic relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Many healthcare providers find
      consultations with vaccine objecting parents challenging and some, particularly
      more experienced providers, employ successful strategies to address this. Primary
      care providers, especially those more junior, could benefit from additional
      communication guidance to better the outcome and increase the efficiency of their
      interactions with such parents.

PMID- 28095819
TI  - ADHD, comorbid disorders and psychosocial functioning: How representative is a
      child cohort study? Findings from a national patient registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cohort studies often report findings on children with Attention
      Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but may be biased by self-selection. The
      representativeness of cohort studies needs to be investigated to determine
      whether their findings can be generalised to the general child population. The
      aim of the present study was to examine the representativeness of child ADHD in
      the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). METHODS: The study population
      was children born between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 registered with
      hyperkinetic disorders (hereafter ADHD) in the Norwegian Patient Registry during
      the years 2008-2013, and two groups of children with ADHD were identified in: 1.
      MoBa and 2. The general child population. We used the multiaxial International
      Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and compared the proportions of comorbid
      disorders (axes I-III), abnormal psychosocial situations (axis V) and child
      global functioning (axis VI) between these two groups. We also compared the
      relative differences in the multiaxial classifications for boys and girls and for
      children with/without axis I comorbidity, respectively in these two groups of
      children with ADHD. RESULTS: A total of 11 119 children were registered with
      ADHD, with significantly fewer in MoBa (1.45%) than the general child population
      (2.11%), p < 0.0001. The proportions of comorbid axis I, II, and III disorders
      were low, with no significant group differences. Compared with the general child
      population with ADHD, children with ADHD in MoBa were registered with fewer
      abnormal psychosocial situations (axis V: t = 7.63, p < .0001; d = -.18) and
      better child global functioning (axis VI: t = 7.93, p < 0.0001; d = .17). When
      analysing relative differences in the two groups, essentially the same patterns
      were found for boys and girls and for children with/without axis I comorbidity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Self-selection was found to affect the proportions of ADHD,
      psychosocial adversity and child global functioning in the cohort. However, the
      differences from the general population were small. This indicates that studies
      on ADHD and multiaxial classifications in MoBa, as well as other cohort studies
      with similar self-selection biases, may have reasonable generalisability to the
      general child population.

PMID- 28095820
TI  - Microvascular invasion has limited clinical values in hepatocellular carcinoma
      patients at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0 or B.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microvascular invasion (MVI) is recognized as a prognostic factor
      associated with poor outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after
      curative resection. It remains unclear, however, whether MVI can provide
      prognostic information for patients at a specific tumor stage. METHODS:
      Consecutive HCC patients who underwent curative resection in years of 2007 and
      2008 (discovery cohort) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were
      stratified by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. The
      prognostic significance of MVI for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free
      survival (RFS) was studied in each subgroup. The clinical significance of MVI was
      validated in another cohort of patients underwent curative surgery in the year of
      2006 (validation cohort). RESULTS: Of the 1540 patients in the discovery cohort,
      389 (25.3%) patients had detectable MVI. Occurrence rates of MVI in the BCLC
      stage 0, A, and B subgroups were 12.4, 26.2, and 34.4%, respectively. In
      univariate analysis, MVI was associated with poor OS and RFS (P < 0.001 for both)
      in HCC patients at stage A, with poor OS in patients at stage 0 (P = 0.028), and
      with poor RFS at stage B (P = 0.039). In multivariate analysis, MVI was an
      independent risk factor for OS (HR = 1.431, 95% CI, 1.163-1.761, P < 0.001) and
      RFS (HR = 1.400, 95% CI, 1.150-1.705, P = 0.001) in patients at stage A; and an
      independent risk factor for RFS (P = 0.043) in patients at stage B. A similar
      clinical significance of MVI was found in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: MVI
      has limited prognostic value for HCC patients at BCLC stages 0 and B. For those
      at stage A, MVI was associated with patient survival and may help to select
      patients with high risk of disease recurrence.

PMID- 28095821
TI  - Weighing as a stand-alone intervention does not reduce excessive gestational
      weight gain compared to routine antenatal care: a systematic review and meta
      analysis of randomised controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excessive gestational weight gain is associated with short and long
      term adverse maternal and infant health outcomes, independent of pre-pregnancy
      body mass index. Weighing pregnant women as a stand-alone intervention during
      antenatal visits is suggested to reduce pregnancy weight gain. In the absence of
      effective interventions to reduce excessive gestational gain within the real
      world setting, this study aims to test if routine weighing as a stand-alone
      intervention can reduce total pregnancy weight gain and, in particular, excessive
      gestational weight gain. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of
      randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted between November 2014 and
      January 2016, and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
      Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Seven databases were searched. A priori eligibility
      criteria were applied to published literature by at least two independent
      reviewers. Studies considered methodologically rigorous, as per the Academy of
      Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research, were
      included. Meta-analysis was conducted using fixed-effects models. RESULTS: A
      total of 5223 (non-duplicated) records were screened, resulting in two RCTs that
      were pooled for meta-analysis (n = 1068 randomised participants; n = 538
      intervention, n = 534 control). No difference in total weight gain per week was
      observed between intervention and control groups (weighted mean difference (WMD) 
      0.00 kg/week, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.03 to 0.02). There was also no
      reduction in excessive gestational weight gain between intervention and control,
      according to pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). However, total weight gain was
      lower in underweight women (n = 23, BMI <18.5 kg/m2) in the intervention compared
      to control group (-0.12 kg/week, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.01). No significant
      differences were observed for other pregnancy, birth and infant outcomes.
      CONCLUSION: Weighing as a stand-alone intervention is not worse nor better at
      reducing excessive gestational weight gain than routine antenatal care.

PMID- 28095822
TI  - Hyperuricemia increases the risk of acute kidney injury: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence indicated that the elevated serum uric acid level
      was associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Our goal was
      to systematically evaluate the correlation of serum uric acid (SUA) level and
      incidence of AKI by longitudinal cohort studies. METHODS: We searched electronic
      databases and the reference lists of relevant articles. 18 cohort studies with
      75,200 patients were analyzed in this random-effect meta-analysis. Hyperuricemia
      was defined as SUA levels greater than 360-420 MUmol/L (6-7 mg/dl), which was
      various according to different studies. Data including serum uric acid, serum
      creatinine, and incidence of AKI and hospital mortality were summarized using
      random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: The hyperuricemia group significantly
      exerted a higher risk of AKI compared to the controls (odds ratio OR 2.24, 95% CI
      1.76-2.86, p < 0.01). Furthermore, there is less difference of the pooled rate of
      AKI after cardiac surgery between hyperuricemia and control group (34.3% vs
      29.7%, OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.96-1.60, p = 0.10), while the rates after PCI were much
      higher in hyperuricemia group than that in control group (16.0% vs 5.3%, OR 3.24,
      95% CI 1.93-5.45, p < 0.01). In addition, there were significant differences in
      baseline renal function at admission between hyperuricemia and control groups in
      most of the included studies. The relationship between hyperuricemia and hospital
      mortality was not significant. The pooled pre-operative SUA levels were higher in
      AKI group than that in the non-AKI group. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated SUA level showed
      an increased risk for AKI in patients and measurements of SUA may help identify
      risks for AKI in these patients.

PMID- 28095823
TI  - Tobacco smoking policies in Australian alcohol and other drug treatment services,
      agreement between staff awareness and the written policy document.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comprehensive smoke-free policy in the alcohol and other drug (AOD)
      setting provides an opportunity to reduce tobacco related harms among clients and
      staff. This study aimed to examine within AOD services: staff awareness of their
      service's smoking policy compared to the written policy document and staff and
      service factors associated with accurate awareness of a total ban and perceived
      enforcement of a total ban. METHODS: An audit of written tobacco smoking policy
      documents and an online cross-sectional survey of staff from 31 Australian AOD
      services. In addition, a contact at each service was interviewed to gather
      service-related data. RESULTS: Overall, 506 staff participated in the survey
      (response rate: 57%). Nearly half (46%) perceived their service had a total ban
      with 54% indicating that this policy was always enforced. Over one-third (37%)
      reported a partial ban with 48% indicating that this policy was always enforced.
      The audit of written policies revealed that 19 (61%) services had total bans, 11
      (36%) had partial bans and 1 (3%) did not have a written smoking policy.
      Agreement between staff policy awareness and their service's written policy was
      moderate (Kappa 0.48) for a total ban and fair (Kappa 0.38) for a partial ban.
      Age (1 year increase) of staff was associated with higher odds of correctly
      identifying a total ban at their service. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco smoking within
      Australian AOD services is mostly regulated by a written policy document. Staff
      policy awareness was modest and perceived policy enforcement was poor.

PMID- 28095824
TI  - Community-based health care is an essential component of a resilient health
      system: evidence from Ebola outbreak in Liberia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trained community health workers (CHW) enhance access to essential
      primary health care services in contexts where the health system lacks capacity
      to adequately deliver them. In Liberia, the Ebola outbreak further disrupted
      health system function. The objective of this study is to examine the value of a
      community-based health system in ensuring continued treatment of child illnesses
      during the outbreak and the role that CHWs had in Ebola prevention activities.
      METHODS: A descriptive observational study design used mixed methods to collect
      data from CHWs (structured survey, n = 60; focus group discussions, n = 16),
      government health facility workers and project staff. Monthly data on child
      diarrhea and pneumonia treatment were gathered from CHW case registers and local
      health facility records. RESULTS: Coverage for community-based treatment of child
      diarrhea and pneumonia continued throughout the outbreak in project areas. A
      slight decrease in cases treated during the height of the outbreak, from 50 to
      28% of registers with at least one treatment per month, was attributed to
      directives not to touch others, lack of essential medicines and fear of
      contracting Ebola. In a climate of distrust, where health workers were reluctant
      to treat patients, sick people were afraid to self-identify and caregivers were
      afraid to take children to the clinic, CHWs were a trusted source of advice and
      Ebola prevention education. These findings reaffirm the value of recruiting and
      training local workers who are trusted by the community and understand the social
      and cultural complexities of this relationship. "No touch" integrated community
      case management (iCCM) guidelines distributed at the height of the outbreak gave
      CHWs renewed confidence in assessing and treating sick children. CONCLUSIONS:
      Investments in community-based health service delivery contributed to continued
      access to lifesaving treatment for child pneumonia and diarrhea during the Ebola
      outbreak, making communities more resilient when facility-based health services
      were impacted by the crisis. To maximize the effectiveness of these interventions
      during a crisis, proactive training of CHWs in infection prevention and "no
      touch" iCCM guidelines, strengthening drug supply chain management and finding
      alternative ways to provide supportive supervision when movements are restricted
      are recommended.

PMID- 28095825
TI  - No regrets: Young adult patients in psychiatry report positive reactions to
      biobank participation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research in vulnerable individuals must insure voluntariness and
      minimize negative reactions caused by participation. This study aimed to describe
      consent and completion rate in young psychiatric patients in relation to study
      components, degree of disability and to compare response to research
      participation in patients and controls. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2015, 463
      patients with psychiatric disorders between the ages of 18-25 from the Dept. of
      General Psychiatry at Uppsala University Hospital and 105 controls were recruited
      to donate data and samples to a biobank. Consent and completion in relation to
      questionnaires, biological sampling of blood, saliva or feces, were monitored.
      Both groups were also asked about their perceived disability and how research
      participation affected them. RESULTS: Most patients who participated consented to
      and completed questionnaires and blood sampling. The majority also consented to
      saliva sampling, while less than half consented to collect feces. Of those who
      gave consent to saliva and feces only half completed the sampling. Both patients
      and controls reported high voluntariness and were positive to research
      participation. Within the patient group, those with greater perceived disability
      reported greater distress while participating in research, but there was no
      difference in consent or completion rates or level of regret. CONCLUSIONS: With
      the described information procedures, psychiatric patients, regardless of
      perceived disability, reported high voluntariness and did not regret
      participation in biobanking. Compared to questionnaires and blood sampling, given
      consent was reduced for feces and completion was lower for both saliva and feces
      sampling.

PMID- 28095826
TI  - Non-invasive respiratory support for infants with bronchiolitis: a national
      survey of practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory illness of early childhood. For
      most children it is a mild self-limiting disease but a small number of children
      develop respiratory failure. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP)
      has traditionally been used to provide non-invasive respiratory support in these
      children, but there is little clinical trial evidence to support its use. More
      recently, high-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) has emerged as a novel
      respiratory support modality. Our study aims to describe current national
      practice and clinician preferences relating to use of non-invasive respiratory
      support (nCPAP and HFNC) in the management of infants (<12 months old) with acute
      bronchiolitis. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional web-based survey of
      hospitals with inpatient paediatric facilities in England and Wales. Responses
      were elicited from one senior doctor and one senior nurse at each hospital. We
      analysed the proportion of hospitals using HFNC and nCPAP; clinical thresholds
      for their initiation; and clinician preferences regarding first-line support
      modality and future research. RESULTS: The survey was distributed to 117 of 171
      eligible hospitals; 97 hospitals provided responses (response rate: 83%). The
      majority of hospitals were able to provide nCPAP (89/97, 91.7%) or HFNC (71/97,
      73.2%); both were available at 65 hospitals (67%). nCPAP was more likely to be
      delivered in a ward setting in a general hospital, and in a high dependency
      setting in a tertiary centre. There were differences in the oxygenation and
      acidosis thresholds, and clinical triggers such as recurrent apnoeas or work of
      breathing that influenced clinical decisions, regarding when to start nCPAP or
      HFNC. More individual respondents with access to both modalities (74/106, 69.8%)
      would choose HFNC over nCPAP as their first-line treatment option in a
      deteriorating child with bronchiolitis. CONCLUSIONS: Despite lack of randomised
      trial evidence, nCPAP and HFNC are commonly used in British hospitals to support
      infants with acute bronchiolitis. HFNC appears to be currently the preferred
      first-line modality for non-invasive respiratory support due to perceived ease of
      use.

PMID- 28095827
TI  - Lessons learned from the London Exercise and Pregnant (LEAP) Smokers randomised
      controlled trial process evaluation: implications for the design of physical
      activity for smoking cessation interventions during pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The challenges of delivering interventions for pregnant smokers have
      been poorly documented. Also, the process of promoting a physical activity
      intervention for pregnant smokers has not been previously recorded. This study
      describes the experiences of researchers conducting a randomised controlled trial
      of physical activity as an aid to smoking cessation during pregnancy and explores
      how the effectiveness of future interventions could be improved. METHODS: Two
      focus groups, with independent facilitators, were conducted with six researchers
      who had enrolled pregnant smokers in the LEAP trial, provided the interventions,
      and administered the research measures. Topics included recruitment, retention
      and how the physical activity intervention for pregnant smokers was delivered and
      how it was adapted when necessary to suit the women. The focus groups were audio
      recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five
      themes emerged related to barriers or enablers to intervention delivery: (1)
      nature of the intervention; (2) personal characteristics of trial participants;
      (3) practical issues; (4) researchers' engagement with participants; (5) training
      and support needs. Researchers perceived that participants may have been deterred
      by the intensive and generic nature of the intervention and the need to
      simultaneously quit smoking and increase physical activity. Women also appeared
      hampered by pregnancy ailments, social deprivation, and poor mental health.
      Researchers observed that their status as health professionals was valued by
      participants but it was challenging to maintain contact with participants.
      Training and support needs were identified for dealing with pregnant teenagers,
      participants' friends and family, and post-natal return to smoking. CONCLUSIONS:
      Future exercise interventions for smoking cessation in pregnancy may benefit by
      increased tailoring of the intervention to the characteristics of the women,
      including their psychological profile, socio-economic background, pregnancy
      ailments and exercise preferences. Delivering an effective physical activity
      intervention for smoking cessation in pregnancy may require more comprehensive
      training for those delivering the intervention, particularly with regard to
      dealing with teenage smokers and smokers' friends and family, as well as for
      avoiding post-natal return to smoking. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN48600346 , date
      of registration: 21/07/2008.

PMID- 28095828
TI  - Improved genome sequencing using an engineered transposase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed genomic research by
      reducing turnaround time and cost. However, no major breakthrough has been made
      in the upstream library preparation methods until the transposase-based Nextera
      method was invented. Nextera combines DNA fragmentation and barcoding in a single
      tube reaction and therefore enables a very fast workflow to sequencing-ready DNA
      libraries within a couple of hours. When compared to the traditional ligation
      based methods, transposed-based Nextera has a slight insertion bias. RESULTS:
      Here we present the discovery of a mutant transposase (Tn5-059) with a lowered GC
      insertion bias through protein engineering. We demonstrate Tn5-059 reduces AT
      dropout and increases uniformity of genome coverage in both bacterial genomes and
      human genome. We also observe higher library diversity generated by Tn5-059 when
      compared to Nextera v2 for human exomes, which leads to less sequencing and lower
      cost per genome. In addition, when used for human exomes, Tn5-059 delivers
      consistent library insert size over a range of input DNA, allowing up to a
      tenfold variance from the 50 ng input recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced DNA
      input tolerance of Tn5-059 can translate to flexibility and robustness of
      workflow. DNA input tolerance together with superior uniformity of coverage and
      lower AT dropouts extend the applications of transposase based library preps. We
      discuss possible mechanisms of improvements in Tn5-059, and potential advantages
      of using the new mutant in varieties of applications including microbiome
      sequencing and chromatin profiling.

PMID- 28095829
TI  - A Middle Eastern journey of integrating Interprofessional Education into the
      healthcare curriculum: a SWOC analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) is an emerging concept in the
      Middle East with a number of health professional degree programs continually
      striving to meet international accreditation requirements to enhance the quality
      of education and ensure high standards are maintained. Using the College of
      Pharmacy at Qatar University (CPH QU) as a model, this article describes the IPE
      initiatives coordinated through the College's IPE Committee, with representation
      from fourteen programs at four Healthcare institutions: Qatar University; Weill
      Cornell Medical College in Qatar; the University of Calgary in Qatar; and the
      College of North Atlantic in Qatar. These activities are based on the model
      proposed by the University of British Columbia across the different pharmacy
      professional years. Learning objectives for these initiatives were selected from
      the IPE shared competency domains and competency statements developed for Qatar
      context. METHOD: A meeting with six faculty members, who have been instrumental
      to designing and executing the IPE activities in the previous 2 years, was
      convened. Faculty members reflected on IPE activities and collaborations with
      other participating programs. A structured SWOC (Strengths, Weaknesses,
      Opportunities, Challenges) framework was used to guide discussion. The discussion
      was recorded and notes were taken during the meeting. Raised points were
      categorized into each SWOC category for the final analysis. RESULTS:
      Implementation of IPE program is a major undertaking with a number of challenges
      that require invested time to overcome. This article highlights the importance of
      incorporating IPE into healthcare curricula to graduate students ready for
      collaborative practice in the workforce. Learning objectives for IPE initiatives
      need to be based on shared competency domains. When developing and implementing
      an IPE program it is necessary to align activities under a strong theoretical
      framework. This should be done under the leadership of an IPE steering group or
      committee to oversee the integration of IPE into the healthcare curriculum.
      CONCLUSION: The article presents many lessons learned through IPE implementation
      that are relevant to other academic institutions keen to incorporate IPE into
      their programs and also provides a successful model for integrating IPE into
      healthcare curricula.

PMID- 28095830
TI  - Kv7 voltage-activated potassium channel inhibitors reduce fluid resuscitation
      requirements after hemorrhagic shock in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that drugs targeting Kv7 channels could be
      used to modulate vascular function and blood pressure. Here, we studied whether
      Kv7 channel inhibitors can be utilized to stabilize hemodynamics and reduce
      resuscitation fluid requirements after hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Anesthetized
      male Sprague-Dawley rats were instrumented with arterial and venous catheters for
      blood pressure monitoring, hemorrhage and fluid resuscitation. Series 1:
      Linopirdine (Kv7 channel blocker, 0.1-6 mg/kg) or retigabine (Kv7 channel
      activator, 0.1-12 mg/kg) were administered to normal animals. Series 2: Animals
      were hemorrhaged to a MAP of 25 mmHg for 30 min, followed by fluid resuscitation
      with normal saline (NS) to a MAP of 70 mmHg until t = 75 min. Animals were
      treated with single bolus injections of vehicle, linopirdine (1-6 mg/kg), XE-991
      (structural analogue of linopirdine with higher potency for channel blockade, 1
      mg/kg) prior to fluid resuscitation. Series 3: Animals were resuscitated with NS
      alone or NS supplemented with linopirdine (1.25-200 MUg/mL). Data were analyzed
      with 2-way ANOVA/Bonferroni post-hoc testing. RESULTS: Series 1: Linopirdine
      transiently (10-15 min) and dose-dependently increased MAP by up to 15%.
      Retigabine dose-dependently reduced MAP by up to 60%, which could be reverted
      with linopirdine. Series 2: Fluid requirements to maintain MAP at 70 mmHg were 65
      +/- 34 mL/kg with vehicle, and 57 +/- 13 mL/kg, 22 +/- 8 mL/kg and 22 +/- 11
      mL/kg with intravenous bolus injection of 1, 3 and 6 mg/kg linopirdine,
      respectively. XE-991 (1 mg/kg), reduced resuscitation requirements comparable to
      3 mg/kg linopirdine. Series 3: When resuscitation was performed with linopirdine
      supplemented normal saline (NS), fluid requirements to stabilize MAP were 73 +/-
      12 mL/kg with NS alone and 72 +/- 24, 61 +/- 20, 36 +/- 9 and 31 +/- 9 mL/kg with
      NS supplemented with 1.25, 6.25, 12.5 and 200 MUg/mL linopirdine, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that Kv7 channel blockers could be used to
      stabilize blood pressure and reduce fluid resuscitation requirements after
      hemorrhagic shock.

PMID- 28095831
TI  - A follow-up study of airway symptoms and lung function among residents and
      workers 5.5 years after an oil tank explosion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assess if people who lived or worked in an area polluted after an oil
      tank explosion had persistent respiratory health impairment as compared to a non
      exposed population 5.5 years after the event. METHODS: A follow-up study 5.5
      years after the explosion, 330 persons aged 18-67 years, compared lung function,
      lung function decline and airway symptoms among exposed persons (residents <6 km
      from the accident site or working in the industrial harbour at the time of the
      explosion) with a non-exposed group (residence >20 km away). Also men in the
      exposed group who had participated in accident related tasks (firefighting or
      clean-up of pollution) were compared with men who did not. Data were analysed
      using Poisson regression, adjusted for smoking, occupational exposure, atopy and
      age. RESULTS: Exposed men who had participated in accident related tasks had
      higher prevalence of lower airway symptoms after 5.5 years (n = 24 [73%]) than
      non-exposed men (28 [48%]), (adjusted relative risk 1.51 [95% confidence interval
      1.07, 2.14]). Among men who participated in accident related tasks FEV1 decline
      was 48 mL per year, and 12 mL among men who did not (adjusted difference -34 mL
      per year [-67 mL, -1 mL]), and at follow-up FEV1/FVC ratio was 71.4 and 74.2%
      respectively, (adjusted difference -3.0% [-6.0, 0.0%]). CONCLUSION: Residents and
      workers had more airway symptoms and impaired lung function 5.5 years after an
      oil tank explosion, most significant for a group of men engaged in firefighting
      and clean-up of pollution after the accident. Public health authorities should be
      aware of long-term consequences after such accidents.

PMID- 28095832
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of using a motion-sensor biofeedback treatment approach for
      the management of sub-acute or chronic low back pain: economic evaluation
      alongside a randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common and costly condition internationally. There
      is high need to identify effective and economically efficient means for managing
      this problem. This study aimed to explore the cost-effectiveness of a novel
      motion-sensor biofeedback treatment approach in addition to guidelines-based care
      compared to guidelines-based care alone, from a societal perspective over a 12
      month time horizon. METHOD: This was an incremental cost-effectiveness analysis
      conducted concurrently with a pilot, cluster randomized controlled trial. Health
      care resource use was collected using daily diaries and patient-self report at 3,
      6 and 12 month follow-up assessments. Productivity was measured using industry
      classifications and participant self-reporting of ability to do their normal work
      with their present pain. Clinical effect was measured using the Patient Global
      Impression of Change measured at the 12 month follow-up assessment. Data were
      compared between groups using linear regression clustered by recruitment site.
      Bootstrap resampling was used to generate a visual representation of the 95%
      confidence interval for the incremental cost-effectiveness estimate. Two, one-way
      sensitivity analyses were undertaken to examine the robustness of findings to key
      assumptions. RESULT: There were n = 38 participants in the intervention group who
      completed the 12 month assessment and n = 45 in the control. The intervention
      group had greater use of trial-related medical and therapy resources [$477 per
      participant (95% CI: $447, $508)], but lower use of non-trial medical and therapy
      resources [$-53 per participant (95% CI: $-105, $-0)], and a greater improvement
      in productivity [$-5123 per participant (95% CI: $-10,174, $-72)]. Overall, the
      intervention dominated with a saving of $478,100 and an additional 41
      participants self-rating as being very or much improved compared to the control.
      There was >99% confidence in this finding of dominance in both the primary and
      sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The motion-sensor biofeedback treatment
      approach in addition to guidelines- based care appears to be both more clinically
      effective and economically efficient than guidelines- based care alone. This
      approach appears to be a viable means to manage low back pain and further
      research in this area should be a priority. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The randomised
      trial this research was based upon was prospectively registered on March 25th
      2009 with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry:
      ACTRN12609000157279 .

PMID- 28095833
TI  - Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of eating disorders amongst women in mid-life: a
      population-based study of diagnoses and risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (EDs) are common amongst women; however, no research
      has specifically investigated the lifetime/12-month prevalence of eating
      disorders amongst women in mid-life (i.e., fourth and fifth decade of life) and
      the relevant longitudinal risk factors. We aimed to investigate the lifetime and
      12-month prevalence of EDs and lifetime health service use and to identify
      childhood, parenting, and personality risk factors. METHODS: This is a two-phase
      prevalence study, nested within an existing longitudinal community-based sample
      of women in mid-life. A total of 5658 women from the UK Avon Longitudinal Study
      of Parents and Children (ALSPAC; enrolled 20 years earlier) participated. ED
      diagnoses were obtained using validated structured interviews. Weighted analyses
      were carried out accounting for the two-phase methodology to obtain prevalence
      figures and to carry out risk factor regression analyses. RESULTS: By mid-life,
      15.3% (95% confidence intervals, 13.5-17.4%) of women had met criteria for a
      lifetime ED. The 12-month prevalence of EDs was 3.6%. Childhood sexual abuse was
      prospectively associated with all binge/purge type disorders and an external
      locus of control was associated with binge-eating disorder. Better maternal care
      was protective for bulimia nervosa. Childhood life events and interpersonal
      sensitivity were associated with all EDs. CONCLUSIONS: By mid-life a significant
      proportion of women will experience an ED, and few women accessed healthcare.
      Active EDs are common in mid-life, both due to new onset and chronic disorders.
      Increased awareness of the full spectrum of EDs in this stage of life and
      adequate service provision is important. This is the first study to investigate
      childhood and personality risk factors for full threshold and sub-threshold EDs
      and to identify common predictors for full and sub-threshold EDs. Further
      research should clarify the role of preventable risk factors on both full and sub
      threshold EDs.

PMID- 28095834
TI  - Barriers to venipuncture-induced pain prevention in cancer patients: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Procedural pain reduces the quality of life of cancer patients.
      Although there are recommendations for its prevention, there are some obstacles
      for its management. The purpose of this study was to analyze the barriers to
      procedural pain prophylaxis in cancer patients reflecting the views of the
      nurses. METHODS: We used qualitative methodology based on semi-structured
      interviews conducted with nurses, focusing on practices of venipuncture-induced
      and needle change for implantable central venous access port (ICVAP) pain
      management in cancer patients. A thematic analysis approach informed the data
      analysis. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 17 nurses. The study
      highlighted 4 main themes; technical and relational obstacles, nurses'
      professional recognition, the role of the team, and organizational issues.
      Participants understood the painful nature of venipuncture. Despite being aware
      of the benefits of the anesthetic patch, they did not utilize it in a systematic
      way. We identified several barriers at different levels: technical, relational
      and previous experience of incident pain. Several organizational issues were also
      highlighted (e.g. lack of protocol, lack of time). CONCLUSIONS: The prevention of
      venipuncture-induced cancer pain requires a structured training program, which
      should reflect the views of nurses in clinical practice.

PMID- 28095835
TI  - Antimicrobial activity of some plant materials used in Armenian traditional
      medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance has become one of the major problems facing
      humanity. The need for new antimicrobials has been increased dramatically. Plants
      are considered as one of the most promising sources for new antimicrobials
      discovery. Despite relatively small area, Armenia has large diversity of flora
      with many endemic species. In Armenian folk medicine plant materials have been
      used to treat various microbial diseases since ancient times. The goal of our
      research was to evaluate antimicrobial efficiency of different parts of five wild
      plants species which are commonly used in Armenian traditional medicine. METHODS:
      Plant crude extracts were obtained with maceration technique using five solvents
      separately: distilled water, methanol, chloroform, acetone, and hexane. Agar well
      diffusion assay was used for initial evaluation of antimicrobial properties of
      plant materials against five bacterial and two yeast strains. Minimum inhibitory
      concentrations of the most active plant parts were determined by broth
      microdilution method. RESULTS: Crude extracts of all five tested plants expressed
      antimicrobial activity against at least four test strains at 500 MUg ml-1
      concentration. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations of
      selected plant parts were determined. Crude acetone and hexane extracts of
      Hypericum alpestre and acetone extract of Sanguisorba officinalis inhibited the
      growth of P. aeruginosa even at 64 MUg ml-1 concentration. Chloroform and acetone
      extracts of Sanguisorba officinalis exhibited cidal activity against P.
      aeruginosa till 256 MUg ml-1. Acetone was the most effective solvent for
      solubilizing antimicrobial compounds for almost all tested plant materials.
      CONCLUSIONS: Thus, antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants used in
      Armenian traditional medicine was evaluated. Some of the plants had rather low
      minimum bacteriostatic/bactericidal concentrations and therefore they have
      prospective for further more inclusive studies.

PMID- 28095836
TI  - Physiotherapy clinical educators' perceptions of student fitness to practise.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health professional students are expected to maintain Fitness to
      Practise (FTP) including clinical competence, professional behaviour and freedom
      from impairment (physical/mental health). FTP potentially affects students,
      clinicians and clients, yet the impact of supervising students across the
      spectrum of FTP issues remains relatively under-reported. This study describes
      clinical educators' perceptions of supporting students with FTP issues. METHODS:
      Between November 2012 and January 2013 an online survey was emailed to
      physiotherapy clinical educators from 34 sites across eight health services in
      Australia. The self-developed survey contained both closed and open ended
      questions. Demographic data and Likert scale responses were summarised using
      descriptive statistics. The hypotheses that years of clinical experience
      increased clinical educator confidence and comfort in supporting specific student
      FTP issues were explored with correlational analysis. Open text questions were
      analysed based on thematic analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent of the 79
      respondents reported supervising one or more students with FTP issues. Observed
      FTP concerns were clinical competence (76%), mental health (51%), professional
      behaviour (47%) and physical health (36%). Clinicians considered 52% (95% CI 38
      66) of these issues avoidable through early disclosure, student and clinician
      education, maximising student competency prior to commencing placements, and
      human resources. Clinicians were confident and comfortable supporting clinical
      competence, professional behaviour and physical health issues but not mental
      health issues. Experience significantly increased confidence to support all FTP
      issues but not comfort. Student FTP issues affects the clinical educator role
      with 83% (95% CI 75-92) of clinicians reporting that work satisfaction was
      affected due to time pressures, emotional impact, lack of appreciation of
      educator time, quality of care conflict and a mismatch in role perception.
      Educators also considered that FTP issues affect service delivery and impact on
      those seeking health care. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to support student FTP have
      potential to positively impact on students, clinicians and clients. Collaboration
      between these stakeholders is required, particularly in supporting mental health.
      Universities are strategically placed to implement appropriate support such as
      communication support.

PMID- 28095837
TI  - Enhancing the quality of life for palliative care cancer patients in Indonesia
      through family caregivers: a pilot study of basic skills training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Palliative care in Indonesia is problematic because of cultural and
      socio-economic factors. Family in Indonesia is an integral part of caregiving
      process in inpatient and outpatient settings. However, most families are not
      adequately prepared to deliver basic care for their sick family member. This
      research is a pilot project aiming to evaluate how basic skills training (BST)
      given to family caregivers could enhance the quality of life (QoL) of palliative
      care cancer patients in Indonesia. METHODS: The study is a prospective
      quantitative with pre and post-test design. Thirty family caregivers of cancer
      patients were trained in basic skills including showering, washing hair,
      assisting for fecal and urinary elimination and oral care, as well as feeding at
      bedside. Patients' QoL were measured at baseline and 4 weeks after training using
      EORTC QLQ C30. Hypothesis testing was done using related samples Wilcoxon Signed
      Rank. A paired t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to check in which subgroups was
      the intervention more significant. RESULTS: The intervention showed a significant
      change in patients' global health status/QoL, emotional and social functioning,
      pain, fatigue, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation and financial
      hardship of the patients. Male patient's had a significant effect on global
      health status (qol) (p = 0.030); female patients had a significant effect on
      dyspnea (p = 0.050) and constipation (p = 0.038). Younger patients had a
      significant effect in global health status/QoL (p = 0.002). Patients between 45
      and 54 years old had significant effect on financial issue (p = 0.039).
      Caregivers between 45 and 54 years old had significant effect on patients'
      dyspnea (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Basic skills training for family caregivers
      provided some changes in some aspects of QoL of palliative cancer patients. The
      intervention showed promises in maintaining the QoL of cancer patients
      considering socio-economic and cultural challenges in the provision of palliative
      care in Indonesia.

PMID- 28095839
TI  - Erratum to: Ceratonia siliqua pod extract ameliorates Schistosoma mansoni-induced
      liver fibrosis and oxidative stress.

PMID- 28095838
TI  - COMmunication with Families regarding ORgan and Tissue donation after death in
      intensive care (COMFORT): protocol for an intervention study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discussing deceased organ donation can be difficult not only for
      families but for health professionals who initiate and manage the conversations.
      It is well recognised that the methods of communication and communication skills
      of health professionals are key influences on decisions made by families
      regarding organ donation. METHODS: This multicentre study is being performed in
      nine intensive care units with follow-up conducted by the Organ and Tissue
      Donation Service in New South Wales (NSW) Australia. The control condition is pre
      intervention usual practice for at least six months before each site implements
      the intervention. The COMFORT intervention consists of six elements: family
      conversations regarding offers for organ donation to be led by a "designated
      requester"; family offers for donation are deferred to the designated requester;
      the offer of donation is separated from the end-of-life discussion that death is
      inevitable; it takes place within a structured family donation conversation using
      a "balanced" approach. Designated requesters may be intensivists, critical care
      nurses or social workers prepared by attending the three-day national "Family
      Donation Conversation" workshops, and the half-day NSW Simulation Program. The
      design is pre-post intervention to compare rates of family consent for organ
      donation six months before and under the intervention. Each ICU crosses from
      using the control to intervention condition after the site initiation visit. The
      primary endpoint is the consent rate for deceased organ donation calculated from
      140 eligible next of kin families. Secondary endpoints are health professionals'
      adherence rates to core elements of the intervention; identification of
      predictors of family donation decision; and the proportion of families who regret
      their final donation decision at 90 days. DISCUSSION: The pragmatic design of
      this study may identify 'what works' in usual clinical settings when requesting
      organ donation in critical care areas, both in terms of changes in practice
      healthcare professionals are willing and able to adopt, and the effect this may
      have on desired outcomes. The findings of this study will be indicative of the
      potential benefits of the intervention and be relevant and transferrable to
      clinical settings in other states and countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian
      New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12613000815763 (24 July
      2013). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01922310 (14 August 2013) (retrospectively
      registered).

PMID- 28095840
TI  - Medical complexity and time to lung cancer treatment - a three-year retrospective
      chart review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The time from a referral for suspected lung cancer is received at a
      hospital until treatment start has been defined as a quality indicator. Current
      Norwegian recommendation is that >=70% should start surgery or radiotherapy
      within 42 calendar days and systemic therapy within 35 days. However, delays can
      occur due to medical complexity. The aim of this study was to quantify the
      proportion of patients who started treatment within the recommended timeframes;
      and to assess the proportion of non-complex patients for which there were no good
      reasons for delays. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all
      patients diagnosed with lung cancer at a university hospital during 2011-2013. We
      defined "non-complex" patients as those who underwent <=1 tissue diagnostic
      procedure and had no delays due to comorbidity, intercurrent disease or
      complications to diagnostic procedures ("Medical delays") of more than three
      days. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-nine cases were analyzed; 142 (32%) had >1
      tissue diagnostic procedures; 67 (15%) had medical delays >3 days; 262 (58%) were
      non-complex and 363 (81%) received treatment for lung cancer. Median number of
      days until surgery or radiotherapy was 48 (overall) and 41 (non-complex
      patients). The proportions who started surgery or radiotherapy within 42 days
      were 41% (overall) and 56% (non-complex). Corresponding numbers for systemic
      therapy were 29 days (overall) and 25 days (non-complex), and 64% (overall) and
      80% (non-complex). CONCLUSION: Fewer lung cancer patients than desired started
      treatment within the recommended timeframes. Even among the least complex
      patients, too few patients received timely treatment. The reasons need to be
      identified and understood, and changes in the organization appear to be necessary
      in order to offer timely treatment to more patients.

PMID- 28095842
TI  - Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) water extract ameliorates loperamide-induced
      constipation in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Korean cactus Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa) is rich in pectin,
      phenols, flavonoids, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Some Koreans
      drink Cheonnyuncho juice prepared by grinding Cheonnyuncho with water.
      Cheonnyuncho is well known for its functional properties and antioxidant effects,
      but its effect on constipation has not been sufficiently studied. METHODS:
      Loperamide (2 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously to induce constipation in rats.
      The animals were divided into four groups: a normal group (NOR), constipation
      control group (CON), and two constipation groups receiving the Cheonnyuncho
      extract (CE) at two different concentrations in drinking water, 3% (L-CE group)
      and 6% (H-CE group), for 25 days. RESULTS: The fecal pellet numbers of NOR and L
      CE were significantly increased from 35.67 +/- 2.09 (CON) to 50.60 +/- 1.38 and
      46.50 +/- 2.91 after loperamide treatment, respectively (p < 0.05). The water
      content of fecal excretions was significantly enhanced in only the L-CE group
      (33.05 +/- 0.49%) compared to control (23.38 +/- 1.26%) (p < 0.05) after
      loperamide treatment. The oral intake of CE (L-CE and H-CE groups) significantly
      increased levels of the intestinal transit ratio (45.25 +/- 1.86% and 41.05 +/-
      2.47%, respectively) compared to the CON group (32.15 +/- 2.05%) (p < 0.05).
      Treatment with the low concentration of CE significantly increased fecal levels
      of acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acids, as well as the total short
      chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration. Histological analyses revealed that the
      thickness of the distal colon also increased in the CE-treated groups in a dose
      dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Constipation decreased when CE was fed to the
      rats. In particular, the fecal pellet number and water content, as well as
      histological parameters such as distal colon thickness, improved. The CE
      treatment also increased the fecal SCFA content. These results show that the
      extract of Cheonnyuncho (O. humifusa) alleviated the symptoms of loperamide
      induced constipation.

PMID- 28095841
TI  - Outcome following valve surgery in Australia: development of an enhanced database
      module.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Valvular heart disease, including rheumatic heart disease (RHD), is
      an important cause of heart disease globally. Management of advanced disease can
      include surgery and other interventions to repair or replace affected valves.
      This article summarises the methodology of a study that will incorporate enhanced
      data collection systems to provide additional insights into treatment choice and
      outcome for advanced valvular disease including that due to RHD. METHODS: An
      enhanced data collection system will be developed linking an existing Australian
      cardiac surgery registry to more detailed baseline co-morbidity, medication,
      echocardiographic and hospital separation data to identify predictors of
      morbidity and mortality outcome following valve surgery. DISCUSSION: This project
      aims to collect and incorporate more detailed information regarding pre and
      postoperative factors and subsequent morbidity. We will use this to provide
      additional insights into treatment choice and outcome.

PMID- 28095843
TI  - The tidal waves of connected health devices with healthcare applications:
      consequences on privacy and care management in European healthcare systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The market for Connected Health Devices (CHD) with healthcare
      applications is growing fast and should be worth several billion euros in
      turnover in the coming years. Their development will completely transform the
      organisation of our healthcare system, profoundly change the way patients are
      managed and revolutionizes disease prevention. MAIN BODY: The CHD with healthcare
      applications is a tidal wave that has societal impact calling into question the
      privacy of patients' personal and healthcare information and its protection in
      secure systems. Rather than trying to stop the use of CHD, we must channel the
      wave by clearly examining the advantages versus the risks and threats to the
      patients, and find counter-measures for implementation. The main difficulty is
      channeling the wave in a way that is acceptable to CHD developers who otherwise
      will bypass the rules, even if they can be sued for it. Therefore, it appears
      necessary to implement guidelines that can be used by all developers, defining
      the minimum requirement for assuring the security of patient privacy and
      healthcare management. CONCLUSION: In European Healthcare Systems, there is an
      imperative need for establishing security guidelines that CHD producers could use
      to ensure compliance, so that patient privacy and healthcare management is
      safeguarded. The aim would be to implement the guidelines a posteriori rather
      than a priori control so as not to hamper innovation.

PMID- 28095844
TI  - Barriers and facilitators of help-seeking among unemployed persons with mental
      health problems: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unemployed people with mental health problems often do not use mental
      health services and therefore do not benefit from available therapies. As
      unemployed individuals outside the healthcare system are a hard-to-reach group,
      barriers to and facilitators of mental health service use are poorly understood.
      The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to and facilitators of help
      seeking and service use based on experiences of unemployed people with mental
      health problems. METHODS: Fifteen qualitative semi-structured individual
      interviews were conducted with unemployed persons who reported mental health
      problems. Interview topics included individual experience with help-seeking and
      mental health service use with a focus on barriers and facilitators. Transcripts
      were analysed using qualitative content analysis and major themes were
      identified. RESULTS: Participants reported being treated as "different" within
      their social environment as well as by health care professionals because of their
      mental health problems, which resulted in a lack of self-esteem and avoidance of
      help-seeking. Interviewees associated negative attributes with help-seeking such
      as helplessness and weakness. They equated psychiatric medication with illegal
      drugs and worried about the risk of addiction. However, social support and a
      desire for change on the other hand increased the motivation to search for help.
      Employment agency staff were mostly perceived as supportive by individuals
      seeking mental health services. CONCLUSIONS: Unemployed individuals with mental
      health problems faced barriers and facilitators when seeking help on three
      different levels: (1) mental health literacy; (2) stigma and discrimination; and
      (3) structures and conditions of health care. Awareness and attitudes of health
      care professionals concerning mental health issues should be improved.
      Stigmatisation of people with mental illnesses should be reduced in health care
      settings. Training for employment agency staff concerning mental health problems
      and services is recommended.

PMID- 28095845
TI  - Relationship of diagnostic accuracy of renal cortical echogenicity with renal
      histopathology in dogs and cats, a quantitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cortical echogenicity is routinely evaluated during
      ultrasonographic investigation of the kidneys. Both in dog and cat previous ex
      vivo studies have revealed a poor correlation between renal echogenicity and
      corresponding lesions. The aim of this study was to establish the in-vivo
      relationship between renal cortical echogenicity and renal histopathology.
      RESULTS: Thirty-eight dogs and fifteen cats euthanized for critical medical
      conditions were included in the study. Ultrasonographic images of both kidneys
      were acquired ante mortem at standardized ultrasonographic settings. The
      echogenicity was quantified by means of Mean Gray Value (MGV) of the renal cortex
      measured with ImageJ. A complete histopathological examination of both kidneys
      was performed. Five kidneys were excluded because histopathology revealed
      neoplastic lesions. Only samples affected by tubular atrophy showed statistically
      different values in dog, and histopathology explained 13% of the total variance.
      MGV was not correlated neither to the degeneration nor to the inflammation
      scores. However, significant differences were identified between mildly and
      severely degenerated samples. Overall, the classification efficiency of MGV to
      detect renal lesions was poor with a sensitivity of 39% and a specificity of 86%.
      In cats, samples affected by both tubular vacuolar degeneration and interstitial
      nephritis were statistically different and histopathology explained 44% of the
      total variance. A linear correlation was evident between degeneration and MGV,
      whereas no correlation with inflammation was found. Statistically significant
      differences were evident only between normal and severely degenerated samples
      with a sensitivity of 54.17% and a specificity of 83.3% and MGV resulted scarce
      to discriminate renal lesions in this species. CONCLUSIONS: Renal cortical
      echogenicity shows low relevance in detecting chronic renal disease in dog
      whereas it results worth to identify severe renal damage in cat.

PMID- 28095846
TI  - Associations between degrees of task delegation and job satisfaction of general
      practitioners and their staff: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, the healthcare system in the western world has
      undergone a structural development caused by changes in demography and pattern of
      disease. In order to maintain the healthcare system cost-effective, new tasks are
      placed in general practice urging the general practitioners to rethink the
      working structure without compromising the quality of care. However, there is a
      substantial variation in the degree to which general practitioners delegate tasks
      to their staff, and it is not known how these various degrees of task delegation
      influence the job satisfaction of general practitioners and their staff. METHODS:
      We performed a cross-sectional study based on two electronic questionnaires, one
      for general practitioners and one for their staff. Both questionnaires were
      divided into two parts, a part exploring the degree of task delegation regarding
      management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in general
      practice and a part concerning the general job satisfaction and motivation to
      work. RESULTS: We found a significant association between perceived "maximal
      degree" of task delegation in management of patients with chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease and the staff's overall job satisfaction. The odds ratio of the
      staff's satisfaction with the working environment displayed a tendency that there
      is also an association with "maximal degree" of task delegation. In the analysis
      of the general practitioners, the odds ratios of the results indicate that there
      is a tendency that "maximal degree" of task delegation is associated with overall
      job satisfaction, satisfaction with the challenges in work, and satisfaction with
      the working environment. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a high degree of task
      delegation is significantly associated with overall job satisfaction of the
      staff, and that there is a tendency that a high degree of task delegation is
      associated with the general practitioners' and the staff's satisfaction with the
      working environment as well as with general practitioners' overall job
      satisfaction and satisfaction with challenges in work. To qualify future
      delegation processes within general practice, further research could explore the
      reasons for our findings.

PMID- 28095847
TI  - The biomedical piglet: establishing reference intervals for haematology and
      clinical chemistry parameters of two age groups with and without iron
      supplementation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The similarities between swine and humans in physiological and
      genomic patterns, and the great correlation in size and anatomy, make pigs
      extremely useful in preclinical studies. New-born piglets can represent a model
      for congenital and genetic diseases in new-born children. It is known that
      piglets may have significant differences in clinicopathological results compared
      to adult pigs. Therefore, adult laboratory reference intervals cannot be applied
      to piglets. The aim of this study was to compare haematological and chemical
      variables in piglets of two ages and determinate age-related reference intervals
      for commercial hybrid young pigs. Blood samples were collected under general
      anaesthesia from 130 animals divided into five- (P5) and 30- (P30) day-old
      piglets. Only P30 animals were treated with parenteral iron after birth. Samples
      were analysed using automated haematology (ADVIA 2120) and chemistry analysers,
      and age-related reference intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Significant higher
      values of RBC, Hb and HCT were observed in P30 animals when compared to P5, with
      an opposite trend for MCV. These results were associated with a reduction of the
      RBC regeneration process and the thrombopoietic response. The TSAT and TIBC were
      significantly higher in P30 compared to P5; however, piglets remained iron
      deficient compared to adult reference intervals reported previously. CONCLUSIONS:
      In conclusion, this paper emphasises the high variability occurring in
      clinicopathological variables between new-born and 30-day-old pigs, and between
      piglets and adult pigs. This study provides valuable reference data for piglets
      at precise ages and could be used in the future as historical control improving
      the Reduction in animal experiments, as suggested by the 3Rs principle.

PMID- 28095848
TI  - Laparoscopic versus open nephroureterectomy to treat localized and/or locally
      advanced upper tract urothelial carcinoma: oncological outcomes from a
      multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have reported the oncological outcomes between open
      radical nephroureterectomy (ONU) and laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy
      (LNU) of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, few data have focused
      on the oncological outcomes of LNU in the subgroup of localized and/or locally
      advanced UTUC (T1-4/N0-X). The purpose of this study was to compare the
      oncological outcomes of LNU vs. ONU for the treatment in patients with T1-4/N0-X
      UTUC. METHODS: We collected and analyzed the data and clinical outcomes
      retrospectively for 265 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for T1
      4/N0-X UTUC between April 2000 and April 2013 at two Chinese tertiary hospitals.
      Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox's proportional hazards
      model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The mean
      patient age was 62.0 years and the median follow-up was 60.0 months. Of the 265
      patients, 213 (80.4%) underwent conventional ONU, and 52 (19.6%) patients
      underwent LNU. The groups differed significantly in their presence of previous
      hydronephrosis, presence of previous bladder urothelial carcinoma, and management
      of distal ureter (P < 0.05). The predicted 5-year intravesical recurrence- free
      survival (RFS) (79% vs. 88%, P = 0.204), overall RFS (47% vs. 59%, P = 0.076),
      cancer-specific survival (CSS) (63% vs. 70%, P = 0.186), and overall survival
      (OS) (61% vs. 55%, P = 0.908) rates did not differ between the ONU and LNU
      groups. Multivariable Cox proportional regression analysis showed that surgical
      approach was not significantly associated with intravesical RFS (odds ratio [OR]
      1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-3.65, P = 0.622), Overall RFS (OR 0.99,
      95% CI 0.54-1.83, P = 0.974), CSS (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.616-3.13, P = 0.444), or OS
      (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.81-3.17, P = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      retrospective study showed no statistically significant differences in
      intravesical RFS, overall RFS, CSS, or OS between the laparoscopy and the open
      groups. Thus, LNU can be an alternative to the open procedure for T1-4/N0-X UTUC.
      Further studies, including a multi-institutional, prospective study are required
      to confirm these findings.

PMID- 28095849
TI  - Simulated case management of home telemonitoring to assess the impact of
      different alert algorithms on work-load and clinical decisions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Home telemonitoring (HTM) of chronic heart failure (HF) promises to
      improve care by timely indications when a patient's condition is worsening.
      Simple rules of sudden weight change have been demonstrated to generate many
      alerts with poor sensitivity. Trend alert algorithms and bio-impedance (a more
      sensitive marker of fluid change), should produce fewer false alerts and reduce
      workload. However, comparisons between such approaches on the decisions made and
      the time spent reviewing alerts has not been studied. METHODS: Using HTM data
      from an observational trial of 91 HF patients, a simulated telemonitoring station
      was created and used to present virtual caseloads to clinicians experienced with
      HF HTM systems. Clinicians were randomised to either a simple (i.e. an increase
      of 2 kg in the past 3 days) or advanced alert method (either a moving average
      weight algorithm or bio-impedance cumulative sum algorithm). RESULTS: In total 16
      clinicians reviewed the caseloads, 8 randomised to a simple alert method and 8 to
      the advanced alert methods. Total time to review the caseloads was lower in the
      advanced arms than the simple arm (80 +/- 42 vs. 149 +/- 82 min) but agreements
      on actions between clinicians were low (Fleiss kappa 0.33 and 0.31) and despite
      having high sensitivity many alerts in the bio-impedance arm were not considered
      to need further action. CONCLUSION: Advanced alerting algorithms with higher
      specificity are likely to reduce the time spent by clinicians and increase the
      percentage of time spent on changes rated as most meaningful. Work is needed to
      present bio-impedance alerts in a manner which is intuitive for clinicians.

PMID- 28095850
TI  - Building system capacity for the integration of mental health at the level of
      primary care in Tunisia: a study protocol in global mental health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), addressing the high
      prevalence of mental disorders is a challenge given the limited number and
      unequal distribution of specialists, as well as scarce resources allocated to
      mental health. The Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) and its
      accompanying Intervention Guide (IG), developed by the World Health Organization
      (WHO), aim to address this challenge by training non-specialists such as general
      practitioners (GPs) in mental health care. This trial aims to implement and
      evaluate an adapted version of the mhGAP-IG (version 1.0) offered to GPs in 2
      governorates of Tunisia (i.e., Tunis and Sousse), in order to uncover important
      information regarding implementation process and study design before country-wide
      implementation and evaluation. METHODS/DESIGN: First, a systematic review will be
      conducted to explore types and effectiveness of mental health training programs
      offered to GPs around the world, with a specific focus on programs implemented
      and evaluated in LMICs. Second, a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) will
      be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented training based on
      the mhGAP-IG (version 1.0). Third, multiple case study design will be used to
      explore how contextual factors impact the successful implementation of the
      training and desired outcomes. DISCUSSION: In Tunisia, an important need exists
      to further develop proximity health services and to address the growing mental
      health treatment gap. One solution is to train GPs in the detection, treatment,
      and management of mental health problems, given their strategic role in the
      healthcare system. This trial thus aims to implement and evaluate an adapted
      version of a training based on the mhGAP-IG (version 1.0) in Tunis and Sousse
      before country-wide implementation and evaluation. Several contributions are
      envisioned: adding to the growing evidence on the mhGAP and its accompanying
      guide, especially in French-speaking nations; building research capacity in
      Tunisia and more generally in LMICs by employing rigorous designs; evaluating an
      adapted version of the mhGAP-IG (version 1.0) on a sample of GPs; generating
      important information regarding implementation process and study design before
      country-wide implementation; and complimenting the trial results with
      implementation analysis, a priority in global mental health.

PMID- 28095851
TI  - Analytical method for calculation of deviations from intended dosages during
      multi-infusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this paper, a new method is presented that combines mechanical
      compliance effects with Poiseuille flow and push-out effects ("dead volume") in
      one single mathematical framework for calculating dosing errors in multi-infusion
      set-ups. In contrast to existing numerical methods, our method produces explicit
      expressions that illustrate the mathematical dependencies of the dosing errors on
      hardware parameters and pump flow rate settings. METHODS: Our new approach uses
      the Z-transform to model the contents of the catheter, and after implementation
      in Mathematica (Wolfram), explicit expressions are produced automatically.
      Consistency of the resulting analytical expressions has been examined for
      limiting cases, and three types of in-vitro measurements have been performed to
      obtain a first experimental test of the validity of the theoretical results.
      RESULTS: The relative contribution of various factors affecting the dosing
      errors, such as the Poiseuille flow profile, resistance and internal volume of
      the catheter, mechanical compliance of the syringes and the various pump flow
      rate settings, can now be discerned clearly in the structure of the expressions
      generated by our method. The in-vitro experiments showed a standard deviation
      between theory and experiment of 14% for the delay time in the catheter, and of
      13% for the time duration of the dosing error bolus. CONCLUSIONS: Our method
      provides insight and predictability in a large range of possible situations
      involving many variables and dependencies, which is potentially very useful for
      e.g. the development of a fast, bed-side tool ("calculator") that provides the
      clinician with a precise prediction of dosing errors and delay times
      interactively for many scenario's. The interactive nature of such a device has
      now been made feasible by the fact that, using our method, explicit expressions
      are available for these situations, as opposed to conventional time-consuming
      numerical simulations.

PMID- 28095852
TI  - The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire as a prognostic factor in IPF.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether health related quality of life (HRQL) may have
      a predictive value for mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We
      investigated the relationship between HRQL assessed using the St. George's
      Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and survival time in patients with IPF, and
      tried to determine a clinical meaningful cut off value to predict poorer survival
      rates. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with IPF who
      underwent an initial evaluation from May 2007 to December 2012. The diagnosis of
      IPF was made according to the 2011 international consensus guidelines. We used
      Cox proportional hazard models to identify independent predictors for mortality
      rate in patients with IPF. RESULTS: We examined 182 eligible cases, average age
      was 66 years old, and 86% were male. Mean levels of percent predicted FVC, DLco,
      six-minute-walk test distance, and the SGRQ total score were around 80%, 58%, 580
      m, and 34 points. On multivariate analysis, the SGRQ total score (hazard ratio
      [HR], 1.012; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001-1.023; P = .029) and percent
      predicted FVC (HR, 0.957; 95% CI 0.944-0.971, P < .001) were independent
      predictors for mortality rate. Moreover, a score higher than 30 points in the
      SGRQ total score showed higher mortality rate (HR, 2.047; 95% CI, 1.329-3.153; P
      = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The SGRQ total score was one of independent prognostic
      factors in patients with IPF. Total scores higher than 30 points were associated
      with higher mortality rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospective,
      observational study, so it is not applicable.

PMID- 28095853
TI  - CRISPRi-mediated metabolic engineering of E. coli for O-methylated anthocyanin
      production.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anthocyanins are a class of brightly colored, glycosylated flavonoid
      pigments that imbue their flower and fruit host tissues with hues of
      predominantly red, orange, purple, and blue. Although all anthocyanins exhibit pH
      responsive photochemical changes, distinct structural decorations on the core
      anthocyanin skeleton also cause dramatic color shifts, in addition to improved
      stabilities and unique pharmacological properties. In this work, we report for
      the first time the extension of the reconstituted plant anthocyanin pathway from
      (+)-catechin to O-methylated anthocyanins in a microbial production system, an
      effort which requires simultaneous co-option of the endogenous metabolites UDP
      glucose and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM or AdoMet). RESULTS: Anthocyanin O
      methyltransferase (AOMT) orthologs from various plant sources were co-expressed
      in Escherichia coli with Petunia hybrida anthocyanidin synthase (PhANS) and
      Arabidopsis thaliana anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase (At3GT). Vitis
      vinifera AOMT (VvAOMT1) and fragrant cyclamen 'Kaori-no-mai' AOMT (CkmOMT2) were
      found to be the most effective AOMTs for production of the 3'-O-methylated
      product peonidin 3-O-glucoside (P3G), attaining the highest titers at 2.4 and 2.7
      mg/L, respectively. Following modulation of plasmid copy number and optimization
      of VvAOMT1 and CkmOMT2 expression conditions, production was further improved to
      23 mg/L using VvAOMT1. Finally, CRISPRi was utilized to silence the
      transcriptional repressor MetJ in order to deregulate the methionine biosynthetic
      pathway and improve SAM availability for O-methylation of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside
      (C3G), the biosynthetic precursor to P3G. MetJ repression led to a final titer of
      51 mg/L (56 mg/L upon scale-up to shake flask), representing a twofold
      improvement over the non-targeting CRISPRi control strain and 21-fold improvement
      overall. CONCLUSIONS: An E. coli strain was engineered for production of the
      specialty anthocyanin P3G using the abundant and comparatively inexpensive
      flavonol precursor, (+)-catechin. Furthermore, dCas9-mediated transcriptional
      repression of metJ alleviated a limiting SAM pool size, enhancing titers of the
      methylated anthocyanin product. While microbial production of P3G and other O
      methylated anthocyanin pigments will likely be valuable to the food industry as
      natural food and beverage colorants, we expect that the strain constructed here
      will also prove useful to the ornamental plant industry as a platform for
      evaluating putative anthocyanin O-methyltransferases in pursuit of bespoke flower
      pigment compositions.

PMID- 28095854
TI  - The effects of detraining and training on adipose tissue lipid droplet in obese
      mice after chronic high-fat diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is well known that exercise promotes lipolysis by stimulating the
      lipid droplet (LD) signaling pathway. However, few studies have been conducted to
      examine the effect of detraining with high fat diet (HFD) and training effects
      after long-term HFD. Here, we investigated the effect of detraining and training
      on adipose tissue LD pathway in diet-induced obese mice after continuous HFD.
      METHODS: Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into a Normal diet +
      Sedentary group (ND, n = 10) or a High-fat diet + Sedentary group (HF, n = 50);
      in the HF group, obesity was induced by a 45% fat chow for six weeks. For the
      subsequent eight weeks, the HF group was randomly subdivided into an HF (n = 30)
      or an HF + training group (HFT, n = 20), and the HFT group was subjected to
      treadmill training while on an HFD. Following this eight-week period, the HFT
      group stopped exercising (HFT-DT group, n = 10), and the mice in the HF group
      were randomly subdivided into an HF (n = 10) or an HF + training group (HF-T, n =
      10). After training and detraining, abdominal visceral fat was obtained and
      analyzed by histological staining and western blot. RESULTS: Treadmill exercise
      decreased body weight and fat mass (P <0.05), and increased the levels of PKA,
      perilipin1, CGI-58, ATGL, and HSL (P <0.05) after eight weeks of training.
      Following eight weeks of detraining, the levels of PKA and HSL were decreased (P
      <0.05); however, exercise after chronic HFD increased the levels of PKA,
      perilipin1, CGI-58, ATGL, and HSL (P <0.05), and decreased body weight and fat
      mass (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of dietary restrictions, exercise is an
      effective treatment for obesity, owing to the regulation of LD signaling
      proteins. Moreover, the effects of regular exercise after chronic HFD were
      similar to those of exercise in the absence of HFD. Therefore, although obesity
      is induced by chronic HFD, exercise without dietary change is sufficiently
      effective for obesity treatment regardless of the preceding HFD period.

PMID- 28095855
TI  - Meet us on the phone: mobile phone programs for adolescent sexual and
      reproductive health in low-to-middle income countries.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: mHealth as a technical area has seen increasing interest and
      promise from both developed and developing countries. While published research
      from higher income countries on mHealth solutions for adolescent sexual and
      reproductive health (SRH) is growing, there is much less documentation of SRH
      mHealth interventions for youth living in resource-poor settings. We conducted a
      global landscape analysis to answer the following research question: How are
      programs using mHealth interventions to improve adolescent SRH in low to middle
      income countries (LMICs)? METHODS: To obtain the latest information about mHealth
      programs targeting youth SRH, a global call for project resources was issued in
      2014. Information about approximately 25 projects from LMICs was submitted. These
      projects were reviewed to confirm that mobile phones were utilized as a key
      communication media for the program, that youth ages 10-24 were a prime target
      audience, and that the program used mobile phone features beyond one-on-one phone
      calls between youth and health professionals. RESULTS: A total of 17 projects met
      our inclusion criteria. Most of these projects were based in Africa (67%),
      followed by Eurasia (26%) and Latin America (13%). The majority of projects used
      mHealth as a health promotion tool (82%) to facilitate knowledge sharing and
      behavior change to improve youth SRH. Other projects (18%) used mHealth as a way
      to link users to essential SRH services, including family planning counseling and
      services, medical abortion and post-abortion care, and HIV care and treatment.
      There was little variation in delivery methods for SRH content, as two-thirds of
      the projects (70%) relied on text messaging to transmit SRH information to youth.
      Several projects have been adapted and scaled to other countries. DISCUSSION:
      Findings suggest that mHealth interventions are becoming a more common method to
      connect youth to SRH information and services in LMICs, and evidence is emerging
      that mobile phones are an effective way to reach young people and to achieve
      knowledge and behavior change. More understanding is needed about the challenges
      of data privacy and phone access, especially among younger adolescents, and the
      role that mHealth solutions for adolescent SRH should play in health programming
      for young people.

PMID- 28095856
TI  - BAFF Index and CXCL13 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid associate respectively
      with intrathecal IgG synthesis and cortical atrophy in multiple sclerosis at
      clinical onset.
AB  - BACKGROUND: B lymphocytes are thought to play a relevant role in multiple
      sclerosis (MS) pathology. The in vivo analysis of intrathecally produced B cell
      related cytokines may help to clarify the mechanisms of B cell recruitment and
      immunoglobulin production within the central nervous system (CNS) in MS. METHODS:
      Paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum specimens from 40 clinically isolated
      syndrome suggestive of MS or early-onset relapsing-remitting MS patients
      (CIS/eRRMS) and 17 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed for the intrathecal
      synthesis of IgG (quantitative formulae and IgG oligoclonal bands, IgGOB),
      CXCL13, BAFF, and IL-21. 3D-FLAIR, 3D-DIR, and 3D-T1 MRI sequences were applied
      to evaluate white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) lesions and global cortical
      thickness (gCTh). RESULTS: Compared to HC, CIS/eRRMS having IgGOB (IgGOB+, 26
      patients) had higher intrathecal IgG indexes (p < 0.01), lower values of BAFF
      Index (11.9 +/- 6.1 vs 17.5 +/- 5.2, p < 0.01), and higher CSF CXCL13 levels
      (27.7 +/- 33.5 vs 0.9 +/- 1.5, p < 0.005). In these patients, BAFF Index but not
      CSF CXCL13 levels inversely correlated with the intrathecal IgG synthesis (r >
      0.5 and p < 0.05 for all correlations). CSF leukocyte counts were significantly
      higher in IgGOB+ compared to IgGOB- (p < 0.05) and HC (p < 0.01), and correlated
      to CSF CXCL13 concentrations (r 0.77, p < 0.001). The gCTh was significantly
      lower in patients with higher CSF CXCL13 levels (2.41 +/- 0.1 vs 2.49 +/- 0.1 mm,
      p < 0.05), while no difference in MRI parameters of WM and GM pathology was
      observed between IgGOB+ and IgGOB-. CONCLUSIONS: The intrathecal IgG synthesis
      inversely correlated with BAFF Index and showed no correlation with CSF CXCL13.
      These findings seem to indicate that intrathecally synthesized IgG are produced
      by long-term PCs that have entered the CNS from the peripheral blood, rather than
      produced by PCs developed in the meningeal follicle-like structures (FLS). In
      this study, CXCL13 identifies a subgroup of MS patients characterized by higher
      leukocyte counts in the CSF and early evidence of cortical thinning, further
      suggesting a role for this chemokine as a possible marker of disease severity.

PMID- 28095857
TI  - Real-time inverse kinematics for the upper limb: a model-based algorithm using
      segment orientations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Model based analysis of human upper limb movements has key importance
      in understanding the motor control processes of our nervous system. Various
      simulation software packages have been developed over the years to perform model
      based analysis. These packages provide computationally intensive-and therefore
      off-line-solutions to calculate the anatomical joint angles from motion captured
      raw measurement data (also referred as inverse kinematics). In addition, recent
      developments in inertial motion sensing technology show that it may replace
      large, immobile and expensive optical systems with small, mobile and cheaper
      solutions in cases when a laboratory-free measurement setup is needed. The
      objective of the presented work is to extend the workflow of measurement and
      analysis of human arm movements with an algorithm that allows accurate and real
      time estimation of anatomical joint angles for a widely used OpenSim upper limb
      kinematic model when inertial sensors are used for movement recording. METHODS:
      The internal structure of the selected upper limb model is analyzed and used as
      the underlying platform for the development of the proposed algorithm. Based on
      this structure, a prototype marker set is constructed that facilitates the
      reconstruction of model-based joint angles using orientation data directly
      available from inertial measurement systems. The mathematical formulation of the
      reconstruction algorithm is presented along with the validation of the algorithm
      on various platforms, including embedded environments. RESULTS: Execution
      performance tables of the proposed algorithm show significant improvement on all
      tested platforms. Compared to OpenSim's Inverse Kinematics tool 50-15,000x
      speedup is achieved while maintaining numerical accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The
      proposed algorithm is capable of real-time reconstruction of standardized
      anatomical joint angles even in embedded environments, establishing a new way for
      complex applications to take advantage of accurate and fast model-based inverse
      kinematics calculations.

PMID- 28095859
TI  - Vascular function in asthmatic children and adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased incidence of
      cardiovascular events in patients with bronchial asthma, but little is known
      about the relationship between asthma and vascular function. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate endothelial function and arterial stiffness in children and
      adolescents with asthma. METHODS: A cross-sectional controlled study was
      designed. Measurements of endothelial function and arterial stiffness in
      asthmatic (13.6 +/- 0.6 years) and control groups (14.9 +/- 0.7 years) were taken
      by the non-invasive peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT2000) determined by
      using the natural logarithm of the reactive hyperemia index (LnRHI) and the
      augmentation index (AIx@75%), respectively. Patients with asthma were also
      administered two questionnaires to evaluate asthma control and quality of life.
      Exercise functional capacity was evaluated using the Shuttle Walking Test (SWT).
      Only male participants were included in the present study. RESULTS: LnRHI and the
      walked distance during the SWT were similar between groups (p = 0.23 and p =
      0.50, respectively). AIx@75% was significantly higher in the asthmatic group (
      7.75 +/- 1.7) compared to the control group (-15.25 +/- 1.8), p < 0.04. In the
      control group, the LnRHI correlated positively with baseline systolic blood
      pressure (r = 0.53, p = 0.02) and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.50, p = 0.03),
      age (r = 0.61, p = 0.007), weight (r = 0.63, p = 0.004) and height (r = 0.56, p =
      0.015). Besides that LnRHI correlated with FVC (r = 0.69, p = 0.002), FEV1, (r =
      0.53, p = 0.03) and negatively with Tiffeneau index (FEV1/FVC%, r = -0.49 p =
      0.04). The LnRHI of the asthmatic group did not correlate with the different
      variables evaluated. CONCLUSION: The increased AIx@75% without changes in LnRHI
      in asthmatic patients could mean that an early detection of vascular impairment
      may precede endothelial dysfunction, and that different mechanisms may contribute
      to the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular events in this population.
      A large prospective and randomized controlled study should be done to evaluate
      the physiopathological mechanisms underlying the association between arterial
      stiffness and asthma.

PMID- 28095858
TI  - miR-4775 promotes colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis via the Smad7/TGFbeta
      mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal
      cancer (CRC), many patients die because of tumor metastasis or recurrence.
      Therefore, identifying new prognostic markers and elucidating the mechanisms of
      CRC metastasis and recurrence will help to improve the prognosis of the disease.
      As dysregulation of microRNAs is strongly related to cancer progression, the aim
      of this study was to identify the role of miR-4775 in the prognosis of CRC
      patients and the underling mechanisms involved in CRC progression. METHODS: qPCR
      and in situ hybridization were used to evaluate the expression of miR-4775 in 544
      pairs of paraffin-embedded normal and CRC tissues. Kaplan-Meier analysis with the
      log-rank test was used for survival analyses. Immunohistochemical staining was
      applied to investigate the expression of miR-4775-regulated Smad7/TGFbeta pathway
      associated markers. In vitro and in vivo invasion and metastasis assays were used
      to explore the function of miR-4775 in the progression of CRC. RESULTS: miR-4775
      was identified as a high-risk factor for CRC metastasis and recurrence, with high
      levels predicting poor survival among the 544 studied CRC patients. Furthermore,
      high miR-4775 expression promoted the invasion of CRC cells as well as metastasis
      and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) via Smad7-mediated activation
      of TGFbeta signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Downregulating miR-4775 or
      overexpressing Smad7 reversed the tumor-promoting roles of miR-4775/Smad7/TGFbeta
      in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: miR-4775 promotes CRC metastasis and recurrence
      in a Smad7/TGFbeta signaling-dependent manner, providing a new therapeutic target
      for inhibiting the metastasis or recurrence of the disease.

PMID- 28095861
TI  - Challenges in conducting natural experiments in parks-lessons from the REVAMP
      study.
AB  - : Experimental evidence on the role of the built environment for promoting
      physical activity is important for informing how to create cities that promote
      active living. Parks provide opportunities for physical activity; however, there
      is little robust evidence on the impact of park refurbishment. Government
      agencies often modify parks, providing opportunities for natural experiment
      studies of these interventions. Such an opportunity was provided by the
      modification of a large park in Victoria, Australia in 2013 when the Recording
      and EValuating Activity in a Modified Park (REVAMP) study was established. Based
      on insights from the REVAMP study, this paper discusses challenges involved in
      conducting natural experiments in park settings, focussing on issues that may
      help design more effective future evaluations of the impact of park
      refurbishment. Natural experiments offer unique opportunities to evaluate the
      impact of large-scale changes to the built environment. They provide valuable
      data that might not otherwise be possible to gather, because of the costs
      associated with modification of the environment. However, factors beyond the
      control of the study team contribute to the complexity of both organising and
      conducting natural experiments, with potential flow-on effects to the quality of
      data. Therefore many extraneous factors need to be considered when designing,
      costing and conducting natural experiments; studies should identify opportunities
      to include key partners from the inception of the project, be flexible yet
      robust, and allow sufficient funding to accommodate unexpected changes in the
      research protocol. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current controlled trial ISRCTN50745547 ,
      registration date 11.1.2014.

PMID- 28095862
TI  - Different survival analysis methods for measuring long-term outcomes of
      Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian cancer patients in the presence and
      absence of competing risks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Net survival is the most common measure of cancer prognosis and has
      been used to study differentials in cancer survival between ethnic or racial
      population subgroups. However, net survival ignores competing risks of deaths and
      so provides incomplete prognostic information for cancer patients, and when
      comparing survival between populations with different all-cause mortality.
      Another prognosis measure, "crude probability of death", which takes competing
      risk of death into account, overcomes this limitation. Similar to net survival,
      it can be calculated using either life tables (using Cronin-Feuer method) or
      cause of death data (using Fine-Gray method). The aim of this study is two-fold:
      (1) to compare the multivariable results produced by different survival analysis
      methods; and (2) to compare the Cronin-Feuer with the Fine-Gray methods, in
      estimating the cancer and non-cancer death probability of both Indigenous and non
      Indigenous cancer patients and the Indigenous cancer disparities. METHODS: Cancer
      survival was investigated for 9,595 people (18.5% Indigenous) diagnosed with
      cancer in the Northern Territory of Australia between 1991 and 2009. The Cox
      proportional hazard model along with Poisson and Fine-Gray regression were used
      in the multivariable analysis. The crude probabilities of cancer and non-cancer
      methods were estimated in two ways: first, using cause of death data with the
      Fine-Gray method, and second, using life tables with the Cronin-Feuer method.
      RESULTS: Multivariable regression using the relative survival, cause-specific
      survival, and competing risk analysis produced similar results. In the presence
      of competing risks, the Cronin-Feuer method produced similar results to Fine-Gray
      in the estimation of cancer death probability (higher Indigenous cancer death
      probabilities for all cancers) and non-cancer death probabilities (higher
      Indigenous non-cancer death probabilities for all cancers except lung cancer and
      head and neck cancers). Cronin-Feuer estimated much lower non-cancer death
      probabilities than Fine-Gray for non-Indigenous patients with head and neck
      cancers and lung cancers (both smoking-related cancers). CONCLUSION: Despite the
      limitations of the Cronin-Feuer method, it is a reasonable alternative to the
      Fine-Gray method for assessing the Indigenous survival differential in the
      presence of competing risks when valid and reliable subgroup-specific life tables
      are available and cause of death data are unavailable or unreliable.

PMID- 28095860
TI  - Mouse models of atherosclerosis: a historical perspective and recent advances.
AB  - Atherosclerosis represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both
      the developed and developing countries. Animal models of atherosclerosis have
      served as valuable tools for providing insights on its aetiology, pathophysiology
      and complications. They can be used for invasive interrogation of physiological
      function and provide a platform for testing the efficacy and safety of different
      pharmacological therapies. Compared to studies using human subjects, animal
      models have the advantages of being easier to manage, with controllable diet and
      environmental risk factors. Moreover, pathophysiological changes can be induced
      either genetically or pharmacologically to study the harmful effects of these
      interventions. There is no single ideal animal model, as different systems are
      suitable for different research objectives. A good understanding of the
      similarities and differences to humans enables effective extrapolation of data
      for translational application. In this article, we will examine the different
      mouse models for the study and elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms
      underlying atherosclerosis. We also review recent advances in the field, such as
      the role of oxidative stress in promoting endoplasmic reticulum stress,
      mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA damage, which can result in
      vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Finally, novel therapeutic approaches
      to reduce vascular damage caused by chronic inflammation using microRNA and nano
      medicine technology, are discussed.

PMID- 28095863
TI  - Dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs modifies the absorption, distribution and
      bioavailability of fatty acids in the mouse gastrointestinal tract.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially n-3 PUFAs,
      are important for human health. The intestinal tract, a location that is heavily
      colonized by microorganisms, is the main organ for absorbing fatty acids.
      METHODS: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of dietary n-3 and
      n-6 PUFAs on the distribution of different types of fatty acids and their
      bioavailability along the gut. Mice were fed for a week with experimental diets
      containing high n-3 or high n-6 fatty acid levels. Blood was collected at
      different time points, and after 7 days the mice were euthanized and their
      digestive tract was divided into 17 segments for fatty acids analyses. RESULTS:
      We found that supplementing n-3 fatty acids significantly changed the ratio of n
      6/n-3 PUFAs, increased the bioavailability of n-3 PUFAs, and altered fatty acid
      distribution. In addition, in the n-3 diet group, the absorption of saturated
      fatty acids (SFAs) along the gut was found to be inhibited, which was confirmed
      by feeding the mice with a diet containing deuterium-labeled palmitic acid and
      stearic acid. CONCLUSION: These results show that a diet rich in n-3 PUFAs can
      significantly modify the distribution and bioavailability of fatty acids, and
      particularly, may block the absorption of SFAs in the mouse gastrointestinal (GI)
      tract.

PMID- 28095865
TI  - Engineered biosynthesis of milbemycins in the avermectin high-producing strain
      Streptomyces avermitilis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Milbemycins, produced from Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp.
      aureolacrimosus and Streptomyces bingchenggensis, are 16-membered macrolides that
      share structural similarity with avermectin produced from Streptomyces
      avermitilis. Milbemycins possess strong acaricidal, insecticidal, and
      anthelmintic activities but low toxicity. Due to the high commercial value of the
      milbemycins and increasing resistance to the avermectins and their derivatives,
      it is imperative to develop an efficient combinatorial biosynthesis system
      exploiting an overproduction host strain to produce the milbemycins and novel
      analogs in large quantities. RESULTS: The respective replacement of AveA1 and
      AveA3 (or module 7 in AveA3) of the avermectin polyketide synthase (PKS) in the
      avermectin high-producing strain S. avermitilis SA-01 with MilA1 and MilA3 (or
      module 7 in MilA3) of the milbemycin PKS resulted in the production of
      milbemycins A3, A4, and D in small amounts and their respective C5-O-methylated
      congener milbemycins B2, B3, and G as major products with total titers of
      approximately 292 mg/l. Subsequent inactivation of the C5-O-methyltransferase
      AveD led to a production of milbemycins A3/A4 (the main components of the
      commercial product milbemectin) in approximately 225 and 377 mg/l in the flask
      and 5 l fermenter culture, respectively, along with trace amounts of milbemycin
      D. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that milbemycin biosynthesis can be engineered in
      the avermectin-producing S. avermitilis by combinatorial biosynthesis with only a
      slight decrease in its production level. Application of a similar strategy
      utilizing higher producing industrial strains will provide a more efficient
      combinatorial biosynthesis system based on S. avermitilis for further enhanced
      production of the milbemycins and their novel analogs with improved insecticidal
      potential.

PMID- 28095864
TI  - MicroRNA-141 enhances anoikis resistance in metastatic progression of ovarian
      cancer through targeting KLF12/Sp1/survivin axis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer metastasis is determined by the formation of the metastatic
      niche and the ability of cancer cells to adapt to microenvironmental stresses.
      Anoikis resistance is a fundamental feature of metastatic cancer cell survival
      during metastatic cancer progression. However, the mechanisms underlying anoikis
      resistance in ovarian cancer are still unclear. METHODS: Expressions of miRNA-141
      and its downstream targets were evaluated by qPCR, Western blotting,
      Immunohistochemical (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) assays. The luciferase
      assays were used to prove KLF12 as the downstream target of miR-141. The cDNA
      microarray and apoptotic protein arrays were used to identify the targets of miR
      141 and KLF12. The competition of KLF12 and Sp1 on survivin promoter was examined
      by ChIP assay. IHC analysis on ovarian cancer tissue array was used to evaluate
      the expressions of KLF12 and miR-141 and to show the clinical relevance. The
      functional studies were performed by in vitro and in vivo tumorigenic assays.
      RESULTS: Enforced expression of miR-141 promotes, while knockdown of miR-141
      expression inhibits, cell proliferation, anchorage-independent capacity, anoikis
      resistance, tumor growth and peritoneal metastases of ovarian cancer cells.
      Bioinformatics and functional analysis identified that Kruppel-related zinc
      finger protein AP-2rep (KLF12) is directly targeted by miR-141. Consistent with
      this finding, knockdown of KLF12 phenocopied the effects of miR-141
      overexpression in ovarian cancer cells. In contrast, restoration of KLF12 in miR
      141-expressing cells significantly attenuated anoikis resistance in ovarian
      cancer cells via interfering with Sp1-mediated survivin transcription, which
      inhibits the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and is crucial for ovarian cancer cell
      survival, anoikis resistance and peritoneal metastases. Immunohistochemical (IHC)
      and in situ hybridization (ISH) assays confirmed that miRNA-141 expression is
      inversely correlated with KLF12 expression and significantly associated with
      advanced ovarian cancers accompanied with distal metastases, underscoring the
      clinical relevance of our findings. CONCLUSIONS: Our data identify a novel
      signaling axis of miR-141/KLF12/Sp1/survivin in enhancing anoikis resistance and
      likely serves as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28095866
TI  - Improvement of displacement estimation of breast tissue in ultrasound
      elastography using the monogenic signal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In breast ultrasound elastography, tissues displacements estimation
      is obtained through a technique that follows the evolution of tissues under
      stress. However, during the acquisition of B-mode images, tissue displacements
      are often contaminated with multiplicative noise caused by changes in the speckle
      pattern in the tissue. Thus, the application of monogenic signal technique on the
      B-mode image in order to estimate displacement tissue, result in a presence of
      amplified noise in the deformation tissue image, which severely obscures the
      useful information. In this paper, we propose a new method based on the monogenic
      features, that is to improve the old monogenic signal (OMS) technique by
      improving the filtering step, so that the use of an effective denoising technique
      is enough to ensure a good estimation of displacement tissue. Our proposed method
      is based on the use of a robust filtering technique combined with the monogenic
      model. METHODS: Two models of phantom elasticity are used in our test validation
      sold by CIRS company. In-vivo testing was also performed on the sets of clinical
      B-mode images to 20 patients including malignant breast tumors. Shrinkage
      wavelets has been used to eliminate the noise according to the threshold, then a
      guided filter is introduced to completely filter the image, the monogenic model
      is used after excerpting the image feature and estimating analytically the
      displacement tissue. RESULTS: Accurate and excellent displacement estimation for
      breast tissue was observed in proposed method results. By adapting our proposed
      approach to breast B-mode images, we have shown that it demonstrated a higher
      performance for displacement estimation; it gives better values in term of
      standard deviation, higher contrast to noise ratio, greater peak signal-to-noise
      ratio, excellent structural similarity and much faster speed than OMS and B
      spline techniques. The results of the proposed model are encouraging, allowing
      quick and reliable estimations. CONCLUSION: Although the proposed approach is
      used in ultrasound domains, it has never been used in the estimation of the
      breast tissue displacement. In this context, our proposed approach could be a
      powerful diagnostic tool to be used in breast displacement estimation in
      ultrasound elastography.

PMID- 28095867
TI  - Effects of ablation depth and repair time on the corneal elastic modulus after
      laser in situ keratomileusis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The biomechanical properties of the cornea should be taken into
      account in the refractive procedure in order to perform refractive surgery more
      accurately. The effects of the ablation depth and repair time on the elastic
      modulus of the rabbit cornea after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) are still
      unclear. METHODS: In this study, LASIK was performed on New Zealand rabbits with
      different ablation depth (only typical LASIK flaps were created; residual stroma
      bed was 50 or 30% of the whole cornea thickness respectively). The animals
      without any treatment were served as normal controls. The corneal thickness was
      measured by ultrasonic pachymetry before animals were humanly killed after 7 or
      28 days post-operatively. The corneal elastic modulus was measured by uniaxial
      tensile testing. A mathematical procedure considering the actual geometrics of
      the cornea was created to analyze the corneal elastic modulus. RESULTS: There
      were no obvious differences among all groups in the elastic modulus on after 7
      days post-operatively. However, after 28th days post-operatively, there was a
      significant increase in the elastic modulus with 50 and 30% residual stroma bed;
      only the elastic modulus of the cornea with 30% residual stroma bed was
      significantly higher than that of 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in elastic modulus
      after LASIK suggest that this biomechanical effect may correlate with the
      ablation depth and repair time.

PMID- 28095868
TI  - PIK3CA mutations are common in lobular carcinoma in situ, but are not a biomarker
      of progression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a non-invasive breast lesion that
      is typically found incidentally on biopsy and is often associated with invasive
      lobular carcinoma (ILC). LCIS is considered by some to be a risk factor for
      future breast cancer rather than a true precursor lesion. The aim of this study
      was to identify genetic changes that could be used as biomarkers of progression
      of LCIS to invasive disease using cases of pure LCIS and comparing their genetic
      profiles to LCIS which presented contemporaneously with associated ILC, on the
      hypothesis that the latter represents LCIS that has already progressed. METHODS:
      Somatic copy number aberrations (SCNAs) were assessed by SNP array in three
      subgroups: pure LCIS, LCIS associated with ILC and the paired ILC. In addition
      exome sequencing was performed on seven fresh frozen samples of LCIS associated
      with ILC, to identify recurrent somatic mutations. RESULTS: The copy number
      profiles of pure LCIS and LCIS associated with ILC were almost identical.
      However, four SCNAs were more frequent in ILC than LCIS associated with ILC,
      including gain/amplification of CCND1. CCND1 protein over-expression assessed by
      immunohistochemical analysis in a second set of samples from 32 patients with
      pure LCIS and long-term follow up, was associated with invasive recurrence (P =
      0.02, Fisher's exact test). Exome sequencing revealed that PIK3CA mutations were
      as frequent as CDH1 mutations in LCIS, but were not a useful biomarker of LCIS
      progression as they were as frequent in pure LCIS as in LCIS associated with ILC.
      We also observed heterogeneity of PIK3CA mutations and evidence of sub-clonal
      populations in LCIS irrespective of whether they were associated with ILC.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data shows that pure LCIS and LCIS co-existing with ILC have
      very similar SCNA profiles, supporting the hypothesis that LCIS is a true
      precursor lesion. We have provided evidence that over-expression of CCND1 may
      identify a subgroup of patients with pure LCIS who are more likely to develop
      invasive disease, in contrast to PIK3CA mutations, which occur too early in
      lobular tumorigenesis to be informative.

PMID- 28095869
TI  - Macrophage Activation Syndrome: different mechanisms leading to a one clinical
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe complication of
      rheumatic disease in childhood, particularly in systemic Juvenile Idiopathic
      Arthritis (sJIA). It is characterize by an uncontrolled activation and
      proliferation of T lymphocytes and macrophages. MAIN CONTENT: MAS is currently
      classified among the secondary or acquired forms of haemophagocytic
      lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH). The reason is that MAS shares clinical and laboratory
      features with primary genetic HLH (pHLH). In this context is conceivable that
      some of the pathogenic mechanisms of pHLH may be involved in other forms of HLH.
      Heterozygosity for mutations of genes involved in pHLH may lead to a cytotoxic
      defect and to a development of clinical overt disease. But other different
      contributors might be involved to the development of MAS such as infections or
      underlying inflammation. In MAS, the inflammatory status of the patient is a
      major contributor of the disease. Indeed, the majority of the MAS episodes occurs
      during active disease phases or at disease onset. In addition, recent evidence in
      animals and humans suggest that genetics may also play a major role in
      contributing to hyperinflammation and particularly to macrophages hyper
      responses. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize that HLH may be one unique clinical
      syndrome, to whose generation different mechanisms may contribute, and maintained
      by one final effector mechanism.

PMID- 28095870
TI  - Comparison of compressive forces caused by various cannulated cancellous screws
      used in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When performing arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis for end-stage ankle
      arthritis, internal fixation is performed using bone screws after appropriate
      preparation. However, optimal characteristics of bone screws have not been
      examined in terms of pressure force. Objective comparisons of bone-screw
      performance may provide information on procedures for arthroscopic ankle
      arthrodesis. The study objectives were to determine whether it was possible to
      measure compressive force changes using the newly developed device and to infer
      all screw characteristics from measurement results when used in actual surgeries.
      In addition, we performed experiments on cadavers to verify whether the
      experimental results could be applied to the joints of living subjects. METHODS:
      Three types of screws (S1, S2, and S3) were inserted into the unique measurement
      device, and the changes in pressure were measured for each 45 degrees  turn.
      Changes in pressure and maximum pressure force were recorded after the
      application of the screws. After reaching the maximum pressure in the simulated
      bone, further screw rotations were accompanied by a gradual pressure decrease to
      0 MPa. We also measured pressure changes in a similar manner by inserting a
      miniature pressure sensor into the talocrural joints of cadavers. RESULTS: The
      mean maximum pressure +/- standard deviation for S1, S2, and S3 were 0.832 +/-
      0.164 MPa, 0.434 +/- 0.116 MPa, and 0.414 +/- 0.127 MPa, respectively. Pressure
      slopes to the maximum did not significantly differ between the screws in the
      simulated bone, and a subsequent pressure decrease to 0 MPa was significantly
      more rapid for S1 than for S2 and S3. Although pressure failure after the
      overtightening of screws was only observed in the simulated bone, patterns of
      pressure vs. rotation angle were similar in simulated and cadaveric bones. The
      pressure profile characteristics of three different screw types were determined.
      CONCLUSIONS: We were able to measure the compressive force changes using the
      newly developed device when the screws were inserted. On the basis of the
      measurement results, we were able to infer the characteristics of all screws when
      used in actual surgery.

PMID- 28095871
TI  - A systematic review of psychosocial therapies for children with rheumatic
      diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the quality of evidence for the effects of psychosocial
      therapies on pain and function in children with rheumatic diseases. METHODS: We
      conducted a literature search of MEDLINE and PsycINFO for randomized clinical
      trials of psychosocial interventions for pain and disability in children with
      rheumatic diseases from January 1969 to September 2015. Studies with a sample
      size less than 10 subjects were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the
      Jadad score. RESULTS: Five articles met inclusion criteria, for a total of 229
      patients, aged 5 to 18 years. Two studies included children with fibromyalgia.
      Three studies included children with juvenile arthritis. Neither study in
      fibromyalgia reported the statistical significance of immediate between-group pre
      post changes in functioning or pain. One study examining the effects of an
      internet-based psychosocial intervention in children with juvenile arthritis
      reported significant differences in post-intervention pain scores (p = 0.03).
      However, 2 studies did not show improvements in pain scores among children with
      juvenile arthritis treated with psychosocial interventions vs. a wait-list
      control or vs. an active control (massage). No studies reported significant
      between-group differences for functional outcomes in children with juvenile
      arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: The available data were limited by the scarcity of
      randomized trials. Definite conclusions about the immediate effect of
      psychosocial interventions on pain and function in children with fibromyalgia
      could not be made because between-group comparisons of post-treatment change
      scores were not reported. For children with juvenile inflammatory arthritis,
      results of between-group comparisons for pain differed across studies, and
      analyses examining disability revealed no significant differences between groups.

PMID- 28095872
TI  - An unusual combined thymic carcinoma composed of squamous cell carcinoma and type
      AB thymoma: a rare case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combined thymic carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm of the thymus
      recently added to the 4th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO)
      classification of tumors of the lung, pleura, thymus and heart. It involves at
      least one type of thymic carcinoma and another thymic epithelial tumor. The
      previously used term "combined thymic epithelial tumor" has been abandoned. CASE
      PRESENTATION: Here, we present an unusual case of combined thymic carcinoma of
      the thymus in a 44-year-old male who had suffered from fever, chest pain, chest
      tightness and shortness of breath. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected a
      mass approximately 6.4 cm * 4.2 cm in the anterior mediastinum, and a
      nonencapsulated tumor approximately 5.0 cm * 3.5 cm * 2.5 cm with an irregular
      shape was resected. The morphological features and the immunostaining pattern of
      the tumor revealed it to be an unusual combined thymic carcinoma consisting of
      type AB thymoma and squamous cell carcinoma. There were cysts of various sizes,
      some of which had crack-like structures, in the type AB thymoma area. A gradual
      transition could be seen between these structures and the squamous cell
      carcinoma, indicating that the carcinoma portion may have originated from the
      composition of the thymoma. CONCLUSIONS: Combined thymic carcinoma composed of
      type AB thymoma and squamous cell carcinoma is rare, and the carcinoma portion
      may have originated from epithelial structures in the type AB thymoma.

PMID- 28095873
TI  - Physical integrity and residual bio-efficacy of used LLINs in three cities of the
      South-West region of Cameroon 4 years after the first national mass-distribution
      campaign.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are effective tools at
      reducing malaria transmission. In Cameroon, following the first national mass
      distribution campaign in 2011, there has been no follow up on the efficacy of
      LLINs distributed. The aim of this report is to assess the physical integrity and
      insecticidal potency of LLINs distributed in three cities with contrasting socio
      economic status (SES) and to evaluate the use and care for bed nets owned by
      individuals. METHODS: The study was conducted in Limbe, Tiko and Buea three
      localities in the Fako division of the South West Region of Cameroon. Tiko had
      the highest SES based on the type of building materials used, followed
      respectively by Limbe and Buea. The use and care for bed nets was assessed using
      a questionnaire, the physical state of bed nets evaluated following WHOPES
      recommendation for determining size of holes and the residual insecticidal
      activity of retrieved bed nets determined through a cone bioassay using
      susceptible strains of mosquitoes. RESULTS: Of the 241 households visited in
      Limbe (n = 81), Tiko (n = 80) and Buea (n = 80), 186 (77.2%) had LLINs, with no
      significant variations from the selected study locations. However, bed net
      coverage was not meeting World Health Organization standards (p < 0.0001). Six
      different brands of LLINs were recorded, and the majority were those provided by
      the NMCP through the 2011 national mass campaign or antenatal care programme.
      Based on the calculation of the Proportionate Hole Index (PHI) as indicator of
      physical integrity of nets, the proportion of nets classified as serviceable
      (versus too torn) differed statistically according to locations (p value = 0.04),
      with 63.8% in Tiko, 50% in Limbe and 47% in Buea. Of the 20 nets tested for their
      efficacy against susceptible strains of mosquito, 42.6% (3 nets) were optimally
      effective in Tiko, 57.4% (4), 16.7% (1) and 14.3% (1) were minimally effective in
      Tiko, Buea and Limbe respectively. Finally; 85.7% (6) and 83.3% (5) were not
      effective in Limbe and Buea. CONCLUSIONS: These findings pinpoint the need for
      more frequent replacement of LLINs especially for people with low SES and also
      the need for the promotion of good practices on the maintenance and washing of
      nets.

PMID- 28095874
TI  - Clinicopathological study of 9 cases of prostate cancer involving the rectal
      wall.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer involving the rectal wall is rare and may lead to
      diagnostic pitfalls. CASE PRESENTATION: Out of 9504 patients with rectal tumors
      between January 2003 and January 2015, 9 patients (elderly with a mean age of 74
      years) with prostate cancer involving the rectal wall were clinically
      misdiagnosed with rectal cancer. The lesions were located in the rectum, and
      included 3 circumferential rectal masses, 1 ulceration lesion, 1 crater-like
      mass, and 4 protruding lesions. Specimens were acquired using biopsy, fine needle
      aspiration, or resection. The initial symptoms of these patients included rectal
      urgency, bowel obstruction, and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Prostate-related
      symptoms were not obvious. Histologically, 2 cases showed cancer cell invasion in
      the mucosa, 1 showed transmural invasion from the mucosa to subserosal soft
      tissues, and 7 cases had submucosa and muscularis propria involvement. All the 9
      cases had muscularis propria involvement. However, there were no intraepithelial
      neoplasias in the mucosal layer, which is reminiscent of rectal carcinoma. The
      tumors consisted of small-sized or foamy cells that formed acinus-like, duct
      like, and cribriform-like structures. We conducted histological staining and an
      immunohistochemical analysis for CDX-2, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), P504s,
      villin, carcinoembryonic antigen, CK-pan, cytokeratin 20, and Ki-67. All tumors
      were PSA and CK-pan positive, 5 of 9 tumors were P504s-positive, and all tumors
      were negative for the other markers. All patients underwent standard therapy for
      prostate cancer after the definitive pathological diagnosis. As of March 31,
      2015, 8 patients were alive and 1 had died of prostate cancer 6 months
      posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Adenocarcinoma appearing in the rectal wall is not
      always rectal carcinoma. It is necessary to perform a differential diagnosis for
      prostate cancer in cases of rectal malignant tumors in elderly male patients. Any
      treatment should be postponed until the final definitive diagnosis is reached.

PMID- 28095875
TI  - Assessment of synthetic floral-based attractants and sugar baits to capture male
      and female Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The viruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti, including dengue and Zika
      viruses, are rapidly expanding in geographic range and as a threat to public
      health. In response, control programs are increasingly turning to the use of
      sterile insect techniques resulting in a need to trap male Ae. aegypti to monitor
      the efficacy of the intervention. However, there is a lack of effective and cheap
      methods for trapping males. Thus, we attempted to exploit the physiological need
      to obtain energy from sugar feeding in order to passively capture male and female
      Ae. aegypti (nulliparous and gravid) in free-flight attraction assays. Candidate
      lures included previously identified floral-based (phenylacetaldehyde, linalool
      oxide, phenylethyl alcohol, and acetophenone) attractants and an attractive toxic
      sugar bait-based (ATSB) solution of guava and mango nectars. A free-flight
      attraction assay assessed the number of mosquitoes attracted to each candidate
      lure displayed individually. Then, a choice test was performed between the best
      performing lure and a water control displayed in Gravid Aedes Traps (GAT).
      RESULTS: Results from the attraction assays indicated that the ATSB solution of
      guava and mango nectars was the most promising lure candidate for males; unlike
      the floral-based attractants tested, it performed significantly better than the
      water control. Nulliparous and gravid females demonstrated no preference among
      the lures and water controls indicating a lack of attraction to floral-based
      attractants and sugar baits in a larger setting. Although the guava-mango ATSB
      lure was moderately attractive to males when presented directly (i.e. no need to
      enter a trap or other confinement), it failed to attract significantly more male,
      nulliparous female, or gravid female Ae. aegypti than water controls when
      presented inside a Gravid Aedes Trap. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the
      use of volatile floral-based attractants and sugar mixtures that have been
      identified in the literature is not an effective lure by which to kill Ae.
      aegypti at ATSB stations nor capture them in the GAT. Future trapping efforts
      would likely be more successful if focused on more promising methods for
      capturing male and female Ae. aegypti.

PMID- 28095876
TI  - Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA): testing a proposed MCDA framework for
      orphan drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of the orphan drugs legislation in Europe, it
      has been suggested that the general method of assessing drugs for reimbursement
      is not necessarily suitable for orphan drugs. The National Institute for Health
      and Clinical Excellence indicated that several criteria other than cost and
      efficacy could be considered in reimbursement decisions for orphan drugs. This
      study sought to explore the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework
      proposed by (Orphanet J Rare Dis 7:74, 2012) to a range of orphan drugs, with a
      view to comparing the aggregate scores to the average annual cost per patient for
      each product, and thus establishing the merit of MCDA as a tool for assessing the
      value of orphan drugs in relation to their pricings. METHODS: An MCDA framework
      was developed using the nine criteria proposed by (Orphanet J Rare Dis 7:74,
      2012) for the evaluation of orphan drugs, using the suggested numerical scoring
      system on a scale of 1 to 3 for each criterion. Correlations between the average
      annual cost of the drugs and aggregate MCDA scores were tested and plotted
      graphically. Different weightings for each of the attributes were also tested. A
      further analysis was conducted to test the impact of including the drug cost as
      an attribute in the aggregate index scores. RESULTS: In the drugs studied, the R
      2, that statistically measures how close the data are to the fitted regression
      line was 0.79 suggesting a strong correlation between the drug scores and the
      average annual cost per patient. CONCLUSION: Despite several limitations of the
      proposed model, this quantitative study provided insight into using MCDA and its
      relationship to the average annual costs of the products.

PMID- 28095877
TI  - Deciphering composition and function of the root microbiome of a legume plant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diverse assemblages of microbes colonize plant roots and collectively
      function as a microbiome. Earlier work has characterized the root microbiomes of
      numerous plant species, but little information is available for legumes despite
      their key role in numerous ecosystems including agricultural systems. Legumes
      form a root nodule symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing Rhizobia bacteria and thereby
      account for large, natural nitrogen inputs into soils. Here, we describe the root
      bacteria microbiome of the legume Trifolium pratense combining culture-dependent
      and independent methods. For a functional understanding of individual microbiome
      members and their impact on plant growth, we began to inoculate root microbiome
      members alone or in combination to Trifolium roots. RESULTS: At a whole-root
      scale, Rhizobia bacteria accounted for ~70% of the root microbiome. Other
      enriched members included bacteria from the genera Pantoea, Sphingomonas,
      Novosphingobium, and Pelomonas. We built a reference stock of 200 bacteria
      isolates, and we found that they corresponded to ~20% of the abundant root
      microbiome members. We developed a microcosm system to conduct simplified
      microbiota inoculation experiments with plants. We observed that while an
      abundant root microbiome member reduced plant growth when inoculated alone, this
      negative effect was alleviated if this Flavobacterium was co-inoculated with
      other root microbiome members. CONCLUSIONS: The Trifolium root microbiome was
      dominated by nutrient-providing Rhizobia bacteria and enriched for bacteria from
      genera that may provide disease protection. First microbiota inoculation
      experiments indicated that individual community members can have plant growth
      compromising activities without being apparently pathogenic, and a more diverse
      root community can alleviate plant growth compromising activities of its
      individual members. A trait-based characterization of the reference stock
      bacteria will permit future microbiota manipulation experiments to decipher
      overall microbiome functioning and elucidate the biological mechanisms and
      interactions driving the observed effects. The presented reductionist
      experimental approach offers countless opportunities for future systematic and
      functional examinations of the plant root microbiome.

PMID- 28095878
TI  - Black-blood thrombus imaging (BTI): a contrast-free cardiovascular magnetic
      resonance approach for the diagnosis of non-acute deep vein thrombosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common but elusive illness that can
      result in long-term disability or death. Accurate detection of thrombosis and
      assessment of its size and distribution are critical for treatment decision
      making. In the present study, we sought to develop and evaluate a cardiovascular
      magnetic resonance (CMR) black-blood thrombus imaging (BTI) technique, based on
      delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation black-blood preparation
      and variable flip angle turbo-spin-echo readout, for the diagnosis of non-acute
      DVT.  METHODS: This prospective study was approved by institutional review board
      and informed consent obtained from all subjects. BTI was first conducted in 11
      healthy subjects for parameter optimization and then conducted in 18 non-acute
      DVT patients to evaluate its diagnostic performance. Two clinically used CMR
      techniques, contrast-enhanced CMR venography (CE-MRV) and three dimensional
      magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE), were also
      conducted in all patients for comparison. All images obtained from patients were
      analyzed on a per-segment basis. Using the consensus diagnosis of CE-MRV as the
      reference, the sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive and negative
      predictive values (PPV and NPV), and accuracy (ACC) of BTI and MPRAGE as well as
      their diagnostic agreement with CE-MRV were calculated. Besides, diagnostic
      confidence and interreader diagnostic agreement were evaluated for all three
      techniques. RESULTS: BTI with optimized parameters effectively nulled the venous
      blood flow signal and allowed directly visualizing the thrombus within the black
      blood lumen. Higher SE (90.4% vs 67.6%), SP (99.0% vs. 97.4%), PPV (95.4% vs.
      85.6%), NPV (97.8% vs 92.9%) and ACC (97.4% vs. 91.8%) were obtained by BTI in
      comparison with MPRAGE. Good diagnostic confidence and excellent diagnostic and
      interreader agreements were achieved by BTI, which were superior to MPRAGE on
      detecting the chronic thrombus. CONCLUSION: BTI allows direct visualization of
      non-acute DVT within the dark venous lumen and has the potential to be a reliable
      diagnostic tool without the use of contrast medium.

PMID- 28095879
TI  - Treatment-seeking behaviour and barriers to service access for sexually
      transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men in China: a multicentre
      cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed or inappropriate treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
      (STDs) increases the risk of HIV acquisition and may cause other harmful
      outcomes. However, studies on STD treatment-seeking behaviour and correlated
      factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) are scarce. This information is
      crucial for the promotion of STD treatment-seeking behaviour and reduction of HIV
      transmission among Chinese MSM. METHODS: During 2012-2013, a multicentre cross
      sectional study was conducted in 7 Chinese cities. Participants completed an
      interview-questionnaire and gave venous blood samples, which were then tested for
      antibodies to HIV, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). MSM who tested
      positive for syphilis/HSV-2 or had obvious STD-related symptoms within the last
      12 months were defined as suspected STD-infected MSM. RESULTS: Of the 4 496
      eligible MSM who completed this survey, 24.4% (1 096/4 496) were categorized as
      suspected STD-infected MSM. 35.7% (391/1 096) of these MSM with suspected STD
      infections sought STD treatment in clinics within the last 12 months. Among MSM
      who did not attend STD clinics for treatment, the prevalence of syphilis and HSV
      2 was significantly higher; the HIV prevalence and incidence within this
      subpopulation reached as high as 14.5% and 12.2/100 person-years, respectively.
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that having 7-12 years of
      education (vs. <=6 years; aOR, 2.5; 95%CI, 1.0-6.1), >=13 years of education (vs.
      <=6 years: aOR, 2.8; 95%CI, 1.2-7.0), monthly income >500 USD (vs. <=500 USD:
      aOR, 1.5; 95%CI, 1.1-2.1), obvious STD-related symptoms within last 12 months
      (aOR, 5.3; 95%CI, 3.7-7.5), being HIV infected (aOR, 1.7; 95%CI, 1.1-2.6),
      currently syphilis infected (aOR, 0.6; 95%CI, 0.4-0.9) and HSV-2 infected (aOR,
      0.6; 95%CI, 0.5-0.9) were independent correlates with seeking STD treatment in
      clinics among Chinese MSM. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of STD infection
      coupled with a low proportion of individuals who exhibit appropriate treatment
      seeking behaviour create a high risk of a growing HIV epidemic among Chinese MSM.
      Models that prioritize better screening for and education about STDs should be
      urgently implemented, especially among low-income MSM.

PMID- 28095880
TI  - High-throughput expression of animal venom toxins in Escherichia coli to generate
      a large library of oxidized disulphide-reticulated peptides for drug discovery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Animal venoms are complex molecular cocktails containing a wide range
      of biologically active disulphide-reticulated peptides that target, with high
      selectivity and efficacy, a variety of membrane receptors. Disulphide-reticulated
      peptides have evolved to display improved specificity, low immunogenicity and to
      show much higher resistance to degradation than linear peptides. These properties
      make venom peptides attractive candidates for drug development. However,
      recombinant expression of reticulated peptides containing disulphide bonds is
      challenging, especially when associated with the production of large libraries of
      bioactive molecules for drug screening. To date, as an alternative to artificial
      synthetic chemical libraries, no comprehensive recombinant libraries of natural
      venom peptides are accessible for high-throughput screening to identify novel
      therapeutics. RESULTS: In the accompanying paper an efficient system for the
      expression and purification of oxidized disulphide-reticulated venom peptides in
      Escherichia coli is described. Here we report the development of a high
      throughput automated platform, that could be adapted to the production of other
      families, to generate the largest ever library of recombinant venom peptides. The
      peptides were produced in the periplasm of E. coli using redox-active DsbC as a
      fusion tag, thus allowing the efficient formation of correctly folded disulphide
      bridges. TEV protease was used to remove fusion tags and recover the animal venom
      peptides in the native state. Globally, within nine months, out of a total of
      4992 synthetic genes encoding a representative diversity of venom peptides, a
      library containing 2736 recombinant disulphide-reticulated peptides was
      generated. The data revealed that the animal venom peptides produced in the
      bacterial host were natively folded and, thus, are putatively biologically
      active. CONCLUSIONS: Overall this study reveals that high-throughput expression
      of animal venom peptides in E. coli can generate large libraries of recombinant
      disulphide-reticulated peptides of remarkable interest for drug discovery
      programs.

PMID- 28095882
TI  - The use of dose-escalated radiation for locally advanced non-small cell lung
      cancer in the U.S., 2004-2013.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: The clinical effects of radiation dose-intensification in
      locally advanced non-small cell lung (NSCLCa) and other cancers are challenging
      to predict and are ideally studied in randomized trials. The purpose of this
      study was to assess the use of dose-escalated radiation for locally advanced
      NSCLCa in the U.S., 2004-2013, a period in which there were no published level 1
      studies on dose-escalation. MATERIALS/METHODS: We performed analyses on two
      cancer registry databases with complementary strengths and weaknesses: the
      National Oncology Data Alliance (NODA) 2004-2013 and the National Cancer Database
      (NCDB) 2004-2012. We classified locally advanced patients according to the use of
      dose-escalation (>70 Gy). We used adjusted logistic regression to assess the
      association of year of treatment with dose-escalated radiation use in two periods
      representing time before and after the closure of a cooperative group trial (RTOG
      0617) on dose-escalation: 2004-2010 and 2010-2013. To determine the year in which
      a significant change in dose could have been detected had dose been prospectively
      monitored within the NODA network, we compared the average annual radiation dose
      per year with the forecasted dose (average of the prior 3 years) adjusted for
      patient age and comorbidities. RESULTS: Within both the NODA and NCDB, use of
      dose-escalation increased from 2004 to 2010 (p < 0.0001) and decreased from 2010
      to 2013 (p = 0.0018), even after controlling for potential confounders. Had the
      NODA network been monitoring radiation dose in this cohort, significant changes
      in average annual dose would have been detected at the end of 2008 and 2012.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patterns of radiation dosing in locally advanced NSCLCa changed in
      the U.S. in the absence of level 1 evidence. Monitoring radiation dose is
      feasible using an existing national cancer registry data collection
      infrastructure.

PMID- 28095883
TI  - Moderated online social therapy for carers of young people recovering from first
      episode psychosis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: First-episode psychosis most often has its onset during late
      adolescence. In caring for the young person, families endure high levels of
      stress and depression. Meanwhile, the social networks of families often erode.
      Our group has previously shown that family cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
      leads to significantly improved perceived stress compared with specialist first
      episode treatment as usual; however, there are well-known barriers to the
      dissemination of effective family interventions. To address this, we have
      developed a novel online intervention entitled 'Altitudes' that fully integrates
      purpose-built online social networking, expert and peer moderation, and evidence
      based psychoeducation within a single application. The primary aim of this trial
      is to evaluate the effectiveness of Altitudes in reducing stress in carers over a
      6-month period. METHODS/DESIGN: We describe here a single-blinded cluster
      randomised controlled trial (cRCT) with permutated blocks. The clusters comprise
      individual families. The two treatment conditions include Altitudes plus
      Specialist Treatment as Usual (STAU) and STAU alone. Altitudes involves
      participation in our novel online programme whereas STAU comprises specialist
      family work at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC),
      Melbourne, Australia. We aim to recruit 160 family members of young, 15-27 year
      old, patients registered for treatment for first-episode psychosis (FEP) at
      EPPIC. The design includes two assessment time points, namely, baseline and 6
      month follow-up. The study is due for completion within 2 years including an 18
      month recruitment period and a 6-month treatment phase. The primary outcome is
      carers' perceived stress at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures include a
      biomarker of stress, depressive symptoms, worry, substance use, loneliness,
      social support, satisfaction with life, and a range of measures that tap into
      coping resources. We seek to gain a dynamic picture of carer stress through our
      Smartphone Ecological Momentary Assessment (SEMA) tool. DISCUSSION: This is the
      first randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate an online intervention for
      carers of young people recovering from FEP. It has the potential to produce
      evidence in support of a highly novel, accessible, and cost-effective
      intervention to reduce stress in carers who are providing support to young people
      at a critical phase in their recovery from psychosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, identifier: ACTRN12616000968471 .
      Retrospectively registered on 22 July 2016.

PMID- 28095881
TI  - Renal function in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease receiving
      intravenous ferric carboxymaltose: an analysis of the randomized FIND-CKD trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies demonstrate renal proximal tubular injury after
      administration of some intravenous iron preparations but clinical data on renal
      effects of intravenous iron are sparse. METHODS: FIND-CKD was a 56-week,
      randomized, open-label, multicenter study in which patients with non-dialysis
      dependent chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD), anemia and iron deficiency without
      erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy received intravenous ferric
      carboxymaltose (FCM), targeting either higher (400-600 MUg/L) or lower (100-200
      MUg/L) ferritin values, or oral iron. RESULTS: Mean (SD) eGFR at baseline was
      34.9 (11.3), 32.8 (10.8) and 34.2 (12.3) mL/min/1.73 m2 in the high ferritin FCM
      (n = 97), low ferritin FCM (n = 89) and oral iron (n = 167) groups, respectively.
      Corresponding values at month 12 were 35.6 (13.8), 32.1 (12.7) and 33.4 (14.5)
      mL/min/1.73 m2. The pre-specified endpoint of mean (SE) change in eGFR from
      baseline to month 12 was +0.7 (0.9) mL/min/1.73 m2 with high ferritin FCM (p =
      0.15 versus oral iron), -0.9 (0.9) mL/min/1.73 m2 with low ferritin FCM (p = 0.99
      versus oral iron) and -0.9 (0.7) mL/min/1.73 m2 with oral iron. No significant
      association was detected between quartiles of FCM dose, change in ferritin or
      change in TSAT versus change in eGFR. Dialysis initiation was similar between
      groups. Renal adverse events were rare, with no indication of between-group
      differences. CONCLUSION: Intravenous FCM at doses that maintained ferritin levels
      of 100-200 MUg/L or 400-600 MUg/L did not negatively impact renal function (eGFR)
      in patients with ND-CKD over 12 months versus oral iron, and eGFR remained
      stable. These findings show no evidence of renal toxicity following intravenous
      FCM over a 1-year period. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00994318
      (first registration 12 October 2009).

PMID- 28095884
TI  - Optimal FSH usage in revascularization of allotransplanted ovarian tissue in
      mice.
AB  - BACKGROUD: Ovarian transplantation is a useful method for preserving the
      fertility of young women with cancer who undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
      Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is use to protect transplanted ovarian tissues
      from ischemia injury through promoting revascularization after transplantation,
      but the side effect of high level FSH is ovarian overstimulation leading to
      substantial follicular loss. In this study, we investigated the optimal usage of
      FSH on revascularization in the in vitro cultured ovarian tissues before and
      after transplantation. RESULTS: FSH mainly exhibited an additive response in the
      gene and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic
      fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)
      with its raised concentrations (0.15 IU/ml, 0.30 IU/ml and 0.60 IU/ml) and
      prolonged treatment (3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h). The concentrations with 0.60 IU/ml
      FSH could obviously promoted the expression of VEGF, bFGF and FSHR, but under
      this concentration FSH could also overstimulated the ovarian tissue leading to
      follicular loss. With the increase of culture time, the gene and protein
      expression of VEGF and bFGF both were up-regulated in all of the FSH added
      groups, but FSHR expression decreased when culture time exceeded 12 h. So we
      chose 0.30 IU/ml FSH added concentration and 6 h culture time as the FSH usage
      condition in functional revascularization verification experiment, and found that
      under this condition FSH promoted 2.5 times increase of vascular density in
      treated group than in control group after ovarian tissues transplantation.
      CONCLUSION: Ovarian intervention with 0.30 IU/ml FSH for 6 h is an optimal FSH
      usage condition which could accelerate the revascularization in the
      allotransplanted ovarian tissue and can not produce ovarian overstimulation.

PMID- 28095885
TI  - Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among adult eating
      disorder patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Very little is known about the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in Bulimia
      Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder and even less in other eating disorders. This
      knowledge gap is of clinical importance since stimulant treatment is proven
      effective in Binge Eating Disorder and discussed as a treatment possibility for
      Bulimia Nervosa. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence and
      types of self-reported ADHD symptoms in an unselected group of eating disorder
      patients assessed in a specialized eating disorder clinic. METHODS: In total 1165
      adults with an eating disorder were assessed with a battery of standardized
      instruments, for measuring inter alia ADHD screening, demographic variables,
      eating disorder symptoms and psychiatric comorbidity. Chi-square tests were used
      for categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis tests for continuous variables.
      RESULTS: Almost one third (31.3 %) of the patients scored above the screening cut
      off indicating a possible ADHD. The highest prevalence rates (35-37 %) were found
      in Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa bingeing/purging subtype, while Eating
      Disorder Not Otherwise Specified type 1-4 and Binge Eating Disorder patients
      reported slightly below average (26-31 %), and Anorexia Nervosa restricting
      subtype patients even lower (18 %). Presence of binge eating, purging, loss of
      control over eating and non-anorectic BMI were related to results indicating a
      possible ADHD. Psychiatric comorbidity correlated to ADHD symptoms without
      explaining the differences between eating disorder diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: There
      is a high frequency of ADHD symptoms in patients with binge eating/purging eating
      disorders that motivates further studies, particularly concerning the effects of
      ADHD medication. The finding that the frequency of ADHD symptoms in anorexia
      nervosa with binge eating/purging is as high as in bulimia nervosa highlights the
      need also for this group.

PMID- 28095886
TI  - The dynamics of HIV transmission in out of school young heterosexual men in South
      Africa: a systematic scoping review protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In South Africa, gender inequality dominated by males and
      heterosexual HIV epidemic are associated with high HIV infection. Underlying
      epidemiological and social determinants driving HIV acquisition and transmission
      are critical to understand the extent and complexity of sexual networks as
      primary mechanisms through which HIV is likely to spread. The aim of the study is
      to provide an overview of empiric evidence that links the complex interaction of
      risk of HIV infection in men. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a systematic
      scoping review to identify, describe, and map literature on the dynamics of HIV
      infection in men, and we will determine the quality of the studies reporting on
      the dynamics of HIV infections in men. Primary research articles, published in
      peer-reviewed journals, review articles, and gray literature that address the
      research question, will be included. We will search PubMed, Web of Knowledge,
      Science Direct, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, World Health Organization library, and
      UNAIDS database. Reference lists and existing networks such as government
      organizations and conferences will also be included to source relevant
      literature. Two independent reviewers will extract data in parallel from all
      relevant search engines, using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A
      thematic content analysis will be used to present the narrative account of the
      reviews, using NVivo version 10. DISCUSSION: We anticipate finding relevant
      literature on the dynamics of HIV transmission in South African men. Once
      summarized, data will be useful to guide future research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
      REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016039489.

PMID- 28095887
TI  - Association between midlife health behaviours and transitions out of employment
      from midlife to early old age: Whitehall II cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is important to determine whether unhealthy behaviours might
      influence transitions out of employment from midlife to old age, given the
      anticipated need for adults to work for longer. Our aim was to determine the
      association between repeated assessments of cigarette smoking, heavy/problem
      alcohol drinking, low physical activity and poor diet at midlife, in relation to
      work exit from midlife to old age. METHODS: Data from 7704 participants (5392
      men) from the Whitehall II cohort study in employment at midlife were used to
      evaluate the association between unhealthy behaviours and a subsequent transition
      out of work during 22 years follow-up, using logistic regression models. RESULTS:
      Men who smoked cigarettes, consistently drank alcohol heavily, or reported
      problem drinking, were more likely to leave employment over follow-up. Women with
      a consistently poor diet were more likely to leave employment. Associations were
      stronger when the reason for leaving was health grounds, and stronger among those
      with persistently unhealthy behaviours over follow-up. The size of the effects
      were broadly equivalent to one advancing year of age on employment. Physical
      health functioning over follow-up only partly accounted for the associations with
      work exit, whereas physical and mental functioning accounted for most of the
      associations with work exit on health grounds. CONCLUSIONS: Unhealthy behaviours
      in midlife are associated with transitions out of employment into old age.
      Promoting healthy behaviours at midlife might support current policy initiatives
      aimed at extending working life. Future research should consider possible
      mechanisms that link behaviours to transitions out of employment, and consider
      sex differences in larger cohorts.

PMID- 28095888
TI  - Do patients prefer optimistic or cautious psychiatrists? An experimental study
      with new and long-term patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients seeking treatment may be assumed to prefer a psychiatrist
      who suggests a new treatment with confidence and optimism. Yet, this might not
      apply uniformly to all patients. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that new
      patients prefer psychiatrists who present treatments optimistically, whilst
      patients with longer-term experience of mental health care may rather prefer more
      cautious psychiatrists. METHODS: In an experimental study, we produced video
      clips of four psychiatrists, each suggesting a pharmacological and a
      psychological treatment once with optimism and once with caution. 100 'new'
      patients with less than 3 months experience of mental health care and 100 'long
      term' patients with more than one year of experience were shown a random
      selection of one video-clip from each psychiatrist, always including an
      optimistic and a cautious suggestion of each treatment. Patients rated their
      preferences for psychiatrists on Likert type scales. Differences in subgroups
      with different age (18-40 vs. 41-65 years), gender, school leaving age (<=16 vs.
      >16 years), and diagnosis (ICD 10 F2 vs. others) were explored. RESULTS: New
      patients preferred more optimistic treatment suggestions, whilst there was no
      preference among long-term patients. The interaction effect between preference
      for treatment presentations and experience of patients was significant
      (interaction p-value = 0.003). Findings in subgroups were similar. CONCLUSION: In
      line with the hypothesis, psychiatrists should suggest treatments with optimism
      to patients with little experience of mental health care. However, this rule does
      not apply to longer-term patients, who may have experienced treatment failures in
      the past.

PMID- 28095889
TI  - Evolution of gut microbiota composition from birth to 24 weeks in the INFANTMET
      Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The gut is the most extensively studied niche of the human
      microbiome. The aim of this study was to characterise the initial gut microbiota
      development of a cohort of breastfed infants (n = 192 ) from 1 to 24 weeks of
      age. METHODS: V4-V5 region 16S rRNA amplicon Illumina sequencing and, in
      parallel, bacteriological culture. The metabolomic profile of infant urine at 4
      weeks of age was also examined by LC-MS. RESULTS: Full-term (FT), spontaneous
      vaginally delivered (SVD) infants' microbiota remained stable at both phylum and
      genus levels during the 24-week period examined. FT Caesarean section (CS)
      infants displayed an increased faecal abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.01) and
      lower abundance of Actinobacteria (p < 0.001) after the first week of life
      compared to FT-SVD infants. FT-CS infants gradually progressed to harbouring a
      microbiota closely resembling FT-SVD (which remained stable) by week 8 of life,
      which was maintained at week 24. The gut microbiota of preterm (PT) infants
      displayed a significantly greater abundance of Proteobacteria compared to FT
      infants (p < 0.001) at week 1. Metabolomic analysis of urine at week 4 indicated
      PT-CS infants have a functionally different metabolite profile than FT (both CS
      and SVD) infants. Co-inertia analysis showed co-variation between the urine
      metabolome and the faecal microbiota of the infants. Tryptophan and tyrosine
      metabolic pathways, as well as fatty acid and bile acid metabolism, were found to
      be affected by delivery mode and gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      confirm that mode of delivery and gestational age both have significant effects
      on early neonatal microbiota composition. There is also a significant difference
      between the metabolite profile of FT and PT infants. Prolonged breastfeeding was
      shown to have a significant effect on the microbiota composition of FT-CS infants
      at 24 weeks of age, but interestingly not on that of FT-SVD infants. Twins had
      more similar microbiota to one another than between two random infants,
      reflecting the influence of similarities in both host genetics and the
      environment on the microbiota. .

PMID- 28095890
TI  - Impact of diversity of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strains on lung lesions in
      slaughter pigs.
AB  - The importance of diversity of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae)
      strains is not yet fully known. This study investigated the genetic diversity of
      M. hyopneumoniae strains in ten pig herds, and assessed associations between the
      presence of different strains of M. hyopneumoniae and lung lesions at slaughter.
      Within each herd, three batches of slaughter pigs were investigated. At
      slaughter, from each batch, 20 post mortem bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples
      were collected for multiple locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA),
      and lung lesions (Mycoplasma-like lesions, fissures) were examined. Multivariable
      analyses including potential risk factors for respiratory disease were performed
      to assess associations between the number of different strains per batch (three
      categories: one strain, two-six strains, >=seven strains), and the lung lesions
      as outcome variables. In total, 135 different M. hyopneumoniae strains were
      found. The mean (min.-max.) number of different strains per batch were 7 (1-13).
      Batches with two-six strains or more than six strains had more severe Mycoplasma
      like lesions (P = 0.064 and P = 0.012, respectively), a higher prevalence of
      pneumonia [odds ratio (OR): 1.30, P = 0.33 and OR: 2.08, P = 0.012,
      respectively], and fissures (OR = 1.35, P = 0.094 and OR = 1.70, P = 0.007,
      respectively) compared to batches with only one strain. In conclusion, many
      different M. hyopneumoniae strains were found, and batches of slaughter pigs with
      different M. hyopneumoniae strains had a higher prevalence and severity of
      Mycoplasma-like lung lesions at slaughter, implying that reducing the number of
      different strains may lead to less lung lesions at slaughter and better
      respiratory health of the pigs.

PMID- 28095891
TI  - Factors associated with initiation and persistence of urate-lowering therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritic disease and is caused
      by crystal deposition secondary to persistent hyperuricemia. Etiological
      treatment with urate-lowering therapy (ULT) has been available since the 1950s
      but previous studies have demonstrated suboptimal degree of treatment. In recent
      years we have seen recommendations for ULT earlier in the course of the disease,
      but there are few contemporary reports reflecting the current situation.
      Therefore we set out to investigate proportion receiving and persisting with ULT
      after gout diagnosis and predictors thereof. METHOD: A population-based cohort
      study using regional and national population-based registers. Cohort of patients
      (n = 7709) from western Sweden with incident gout aged 18 years and above from
      2011 to 2013. An incident case of gout was defined as having been given a
      diagnosis of gout (ICD-10 M10, M14.0-14.1) not preceded by a gout diagnosis or a
      dispensation of ULT during the previous 5 years. Main outcome measures were
      cumulative incidence and predictors for start of, and persistence with, ULT in
      gout. RESULTS: Within the first year after first gout diagnosis, 32% received
      ULT. Male sex, presence of diabetes or cardiovascular comorbidity, reduced kidney
      function but not diagnosed "end-stage kidney failure" increased the likelihood of
      receiving ULT. Of those starting ULT a majority (75%) did not persist with ULT
      treatment within the first 2 years. Age <50 years, lack of comorbidities, and
      "normal kidney function" or "end-stage kidney failure" were associated with non
      persistence with ULT. CONCLUSIONS: Only a minority of patients received ULT and a
      majority of these did not persist with treatment over the next 2 years. However,
      the older patients with renal impairment and comorbidities, possibly suffering
      from a more severe gout disease, were more likely to receive and persist with
      treatment. There is thus still room for considerable improvement with regards to
      management of ULT in gout.

PMID- 28095892
TI  - Comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy versus
      conventional usual care for nonacute low back pain: study protocol for a pilot
      multicenter, pragmatic randomized controlled trial (pCRN study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: While Chuna manual therapy is a Korean manual therapy widely used
      primarily for low back pain (LBP)-related disorders in Korea, well-designed
      studies on the comparative effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy are scarce.
      METHODS/DESIGN: This study is the protocol for a three-armed, multicenter,
      pragmatic randomized controlled pilot trial. Sixty severe nonacute LBP patients
      (pain duration of at least 3 weeks, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) >=5) will be
      recruited at four Korean medicine hospitals. Participants will be randomly
      allocated to the Chuna group (n = 20), usual care group (n = 20), or Chuna plus
      usual care group (n = 20) for 6 weeks of treatment. Usual care will consist of
      orally administered conventional medicine, physical therapy, and back pain care
      education. The trial will be conducted with outcome assessor and statistician
      blinding. The primary endpoint will be NRS of LBP at week 7 post randomization.
      Secondary outcomes include NRS of leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI),
      the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), the Credibility and Expectancy
      Questionnaire, lumbar range of motion (ROM), the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D)
      health survey, the Health Utility Index III (HUI-III), and economic evaluation
      and safety data. Post-treatment follow-ups will be conducted at 1, 4, and 10
      weeks after conclusion of treatment. DISCUSSION: This study will assess the
      comparative effectiveness of Chuna manual therapy compared to conventional usual
      care. Costs and effectiveness (utility) data will be analyzed for exploratory
      cost-effectiveness analysis. If this pilot study does not reach a definite
      conclusion due to its small sample size, these results will be used as
      preliminary results to calculate sample size for future large-scale clinical
      trials and contribute in the assessment of feasibility of a full-scale
      multicenter trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service
      (CRIS), KCT0001850 . Registered on 17 March 2016.

PMID- 28095893
TI  - Clinical, biochemical and molecular characterization of Korean patients with
      mucolipidosis II/III and successful prenatal diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mucolipidosis types II and III (ML II/III) are autosomal recessive
      disorders caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme N-acetylglucosamine-1
      phosphotransferase. We investigated the molecular genetic characteristics of the
      GNPTAB gene, which codes for the alpha/beta subunits of a phosphotransferase, in
      Korean ML II/III patients. We included prenatal tests and evaluated the spectrum
      of mutations in East Asian populations with ML II/III through a literature
      review. METHODS: Seven patients from six families were enrolled in the study
      including two prenatal tests using chorionic villi samples. A diagnosis of ML
      II/III was made based on clinical findings and increases in serum lysosomal
      enzyme levels. PCR and direct sequencing were performed to identify GNPTAB
      mutations. RESULTS: We found 14 mutant alleles including seven known mutations of
      c.2189delT (p.Leu730fs*7), c.1090C > T (p.Arg364*), c.2681G > A (p.Trp894*),
      c.3565C > T (p.Arg1189*), c.310C > T (p.Gln104*), c.1071G > A (p.Trp357*) and
      c.2574_2575delGA (p.Asn859Glnfs*2). Four were novel variants of unknown
      significance: c.992A > G (p.Tyr331Cys), c.2666 T > A (p.Leu889*), c.637-6 T > G
      (p.Thr213Phefs*11), and c.471_472delTT (p.Tyr158Serfs*8). Family studies revealed
      the probands to be compound heterozygotes. The fetuses carried the same GNPTAB
      mutations as the mucolipidosis II/III probands in the prenatal diagnosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: We identified GNPTAB mutations in all patients with ML II/III, but
      did not identify a hot spot in Korean patients. We successfully performed
      prenatal diagnosis using molecular investigation.

PMID- 28095894
TI  - What drives attitude towards telemedicine among families of pediatric patients? A
      survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Telemedicine has been recognized as a way to improve accessibility,
      quality, and efficiency of care. In view of the introduction of new telemedicine
      services, we conducted a survey through a self-administered questionnaire among
      families of children attending the Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital IRCCS, a
      tertiary care children's hospital located in Rome, Italy. METHODS: We
      investigated sociodemographic data, clinical information, technological profile,
      attitude towards telemedicine, perceived advantages of telemedicine, fears
      regarding telemedicine, willingness to use a smartphone app providing
      telemedicine services and willingness to use a televisit service. Through
      logistic regression, we explored the effect of sociodemographic and clinical
      variables and technological profile on willingness of using a telemedicine app
      and a televisit service. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 751 families. Most
      patients had a high technological profile, 81% had at least one account on a
      social network. Whatsapp was the most popular messaging service (76%). Seventy
      two percent of patients would use an app for telemedicine services and 65% would
      perform a televisit. Owning a tablet was associated with both outcome variables -
      respectively: OR 2.216, 95% CI 1.358-3.616 (app) and OR 2.117, 95% CI 1.415-3.168
      (televisit). Kind of hospitalization, diagnosis of a chronic disease, disease
      severity and distance from the health care center were not associated with the
      outcome variables. CONCLUSION: Families of pediatric patients with different
      clinical problems are keen to embark in telemedicine programs, independently from
      severity of disease or chronicity, and of distance from the hospital.

PMID- 28095895
TI  - Genome-wide SNP analysis using 2b-RAD sequencing identifies the candidate genes
      putatively associated with resistance to ivermectin in Haemonchus contortus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The excessive and uncontrolled use of anthelmintics, e.g. ivermectin
      (IVM) for the treatment of livestock parasites has led to widespread resistance
      in gastrointestinal nematodes, such as Haemonchus contortus. There is an urgent
      need for better management of drug-use in nematode control and development of
      novel anthelmintics. Discovery and identification of anthelmintic resistance
      associate molecules/markers can provide a basis for rational anthelmintics-use
      and development of novel drugs. Recent studies have shown that ivermectin
      resistance in H. contortus is likely to be multi-genic in nature except for
      several genes coding for IVM target and efflux pump. However, no other IVM
      resistance-associated genes were characterized by conventional methods or
      strategies. In the present study we adopted a new strategy, i.e. using genome
      wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis based on 2b-RAD sequencing,
      for discovering SNPs markers across the genomes in both IVM susceptible and
      resistant isolates of H. contortus and identifying potential IVM resistance
      associated genes. RESULTS: We discovered 2962 and 2667 SNPs within both
      susceptible and resistant strains of H. contortus, respectively. A relative lower
      and similar genetic variations were observed within both resistant and
      susceptible strains (average pi values were equal to 0.1883 and 0.1953,
      respectively); whereas a high genetic variation was found across both strains
      (average pi value was equal to 0.3899). A significant differentiation across 2b
      RAD tags nucleotide sites was also observed between the two strains (average FST
      value was equal to 0.3076); the larger differences in average FST were observed
      at SNPs loci between coding and noncoding (including intronic) regions.
      Comparison between resistant and susceptible strains revealed that 208 SNPs loci
      exhibited significantly elevated FST values, 24 SNPs of those loci were located
      in the CDS regions of the nine genes and were likely to have signature of IVM
      directional selection. Seven of the nine candidate genes were predicted to code
      for some functional proteins such as potential IVM target and/or efflux pump
      proteins, component proteins of receptor complex in membrane on neuromuscular
      cells, and transcriptional regulation proteins. Those genes might be involved in
      resistance to IVM. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that candidate genes putatively
      associated with resistance to IVM in H. contortus may be identified by genome
      wide SNP analysis using 2b-RAD sequencing.

PMID- 28095896
TI  - Screening for potential genes associated with bone overgrowth after mid-shaft
      femur fracture in a rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of bone
      overgrowth after femoral fracture by using high-throughput bioinformatics
      approaches. METHODS: The gene expression profile of GSE3298 (accession number)
      was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Sixteen femoral growth
      plate samples, including nine samples without fracture and seven fracture samples
      for seven time points, were used for analysis. The Limma package was applied to
      identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between fractured and intact
      samples. The DAVID online tool was used for Gene ontology functional and pathway
      enrichment analysis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network established by
      String software was used to identify interactions between significant DEGs, and
      network modules were detected using plug-in MCODE. Additionally, a transcription
      regulatory network was constructed based on the ENCODE Project and PPI network.
      RESULTS: A total of 680 DEGs were screened in fractured femoral growth plate
      samples compared with controls, including 238 up- and 442 down-regulated genes.
      These DEGs were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway and
      cancer pathway. A PPI network was constructed with 167 nodes and 233 edges, and
      module analysis demonstrated that CCL2, CSF2, NOS2, and DLC1 may stimulate bone
      overgrowth after femoral fracture via anti-apoptosis-related functions. A
      transcription regulatory network was constructed with 387 interacting pairs, and
      overlapping nodes were significantly enriched in intracellular signaling cascade
      and regulation of cell proliferation, among others. CONCLUSIONS: Bone overgrowth
      was associated with changes in the expression of identified DEGs such as CCL2,
      NOS2, CSF2, and DLC1 in the femoral head. They may be important in regulating
      bone overgrowth via the anti-apoptosis of osteoblasts.

PMID- 28095897
TI  - Efficacy of PermaNet(r) 3.0 and PermaNet(r) 2.0 nets against laboratory-reared
      and wild Anopheles gambiae sensu lato populations in northern Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mosquitoes have developed resistance against pyrethroids, the only
      class of insecticides approved for use on long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).
      The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of the pyrethroid synergist
      PermaNet(r) 3.0 LLIN versus the pyrethroid-only PermaNet(r) 2.0 LLIN, in an East
      African hut design in Lower Moshi, northern Tanzania. In this setting, resistance
      to pyrethroid insecticides has been identified in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes.
      METHODS: Standard World Health Organization bioefficacy evaluations were
      conducted in both laboratory and experimental huts. Experimental hut evaluations
      were conducted in an area where there was presence of a population of highly
      pyrethroid-resistant An. arabiensis mosquitoes. All nets used were subjected to
      cone bioassays and then to experimental hut trials. Mosquito mortality, blood
      feeding inhibition and personal protection rate were compared between untreated
      nets, unwashed LLINs and LLINs that were washed 20 times. RESULTS: Both washed
      and unwashed PermaNet(r) 2.0 and PermaNet(r) 3.0 LLINs had knockdown and
      mortality rates of 100% against a susceptible strain of An. gambiae sensu
      stricto. The adjusted mortality rate of the wild mosquito population after use of
      the unwashed PermaNet(r) 3.0 and PermaNet(r) 2.0 nets was found to be higher than
      after use of the washed PermaNet(r) 2.0 and PermaNet(r) 3.0 nets. CONCLUSIONS:
      Given the increasing incidence of pyrethroid resistance in An. gambiae mosquitoes
      in Tanzania, we recommend that consideration is given to its distribution in
      areas with pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors within the framework of a
      national insecticide-resistance management plan.

PMID- 28095898
TI  - Differences in RANTES and IL-6 levels among chronic rhinosinusitis patients with
      predominant gram-negative and gram-positive infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacteria are suspected players in the pathogenesis of chronic
      rhinosinusitis (CRS), yet their exact role is not understood. We investigated the
      effect of planktonic and biofilm of staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa (PA) on the mucosa of CRS patients with gram-positive and gram
      negative infections by measuring the levels of IL-6 and RANTES, a chemokine with
      activity on eosinophils and T lymphocytes. METHODS: Ethmoid mucosa of six CRS
      patients with gram-positive bacteria on culture and five with gram-negative
      bacteria were compared to ethmoid mucosa of 8 control patients. The tissue
      explants were stimulated with SA and PA extracts in planktonic and biofilm form
      for 6 hours, then RANTES levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared to the
      control group, CRS patients with gram-negative predominance demonstrated a
      significantly higher level of RANTES expression in response to all forms of
      bacterial stimuli (P-value <0.05). Patients with gram-positive predominance
      showed a higher level of RANTES compere to control group, however, this
      difference was not significant (P-value >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The mucosa of CRS
      patients with gram-negative infections has a heightened innate immune response
      compared to controls and patients with gram-positive infections. It is possible
      that this response leads to the pathological eosinophilic inflammation seen in
      CRS.

PMID- 28095899
TI  - What is the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus status and the
      neuroradiological correlates of cerebral small vessel disease in adults? Protocol
      for a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a common cause of stroke,
      dementia, and functional decline. In recent years, neuroradiologic correlates of
      CSVD have been identified. These imaging findings, best characterized on magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI), include some combination of white matter
      hyperintensities, lacunes, cerebral microbleeds, enlarged perivascular spaces,
      and cerebral atrophy. Though some cohorts have reported that participants with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), an important risk factor for CSVD, may have a
      distinct neuroradiologic phenotype, this relationship is not well-characterized.
      Adults with diabetes mellitus have a two- to threefold higher incidence of
      ischemic stroke compared to controls and are an increasingly important population
      given global trends of increasing diabetes prevalence. This study aims to
      determine if adults with CSVD and T2DM have a distinct neuroradiologic phenotype.
      METHODS: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted to find articles
      that report the MRI features of CSVD in a cohort of participants including those
      with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A number of databases will be
      searched including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Proceedings and
      abstracts from key conferences will also be reviewed and relevant journals hand
      searched for additional papers. The references from selected papers will be
      scanned. Screening of potential articles, data extraction, and quality appraisal
      will be performed in duplicate by independent reviewers. Odds ratios and 95%
      confidence intervals for the presence versus absence of each neuroradiologic
      correlate of interest from each included study will be calculated. If sufficient
      homogeneity exists among studies, a meta-analysis will be performed for each
      neuroradiologic correlate of CSVD. If heterogeneity of studies precludes data
      pooling, results will be presented in narrative form. DISCUSSION: Determining
      whether a distinct neuroradiologic phenotype of CSVD exists in adults with T2DM
      will provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of CSVD and guide future
      research on therapeutic targets. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO
      CRD42016046669.

PMID- 28095900
TI  - Post-stroke dementia - a comprehensive review.
AB  - Post-stroke dementia (PSD) or post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) may affect
      up to one third of stroke survivors. Various definitions of PSCI and PSD have
      been described. We propose PSD as a label for any dementia following stroke in
      temporal relation. Various tools are available to screen and assess cognition,
      with few PSD-specific instruments. Choice will depend on purpose of assessment,
      with differing instruments needed for brief screening (e.g., Montreal Cognitive
      Assessment) or diagnostic formulation (e.g., NINDS VCI battery). A comprehensive
      evaluation should include assessment of pre-stroke cognition (e.g., using
      Informant Questionnaire for Cognitive Decline in the Elderly), mood (e.g., using
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and functional consequences of cognitive
      impairments (e.g., using modified Rankin Scale). A large number of biomarkers for
      PSD, including indicators for genetic polymorphisms, biomarkers in the
      cerebrospinal fluid and in the serum, inflammatory mediators, and peripheral
      microRNA profiles have been proposed. Currently, no specific biomarkers have been
      proven to robustly discriminate vulnerable patients ('at risk brains') from those
      with better prognosis or to discriminate Alzheimer's disease dementia from PSD.
      Further, neuroimaging is an important diagnostic tool in PSD. The role of
      computerized tomography is limited to demonstrating type and location of the
      underlying primary lesion and indicating atrophy and severe white matter changes.
      Magnetic resonance imaging is the key neuroimaging modality and has high
      sensitivity and specificity for detecting pathological changes, including small
      vessel disease. Advanced multi-modal imaging includes diffusion tensor imaging
      for fiber tracking, by which changes in networks can be detected. Quantitative
      imaging of cerebral blood flow and metabolism by positron emission tomography can
      differentiate between vascular dementia and degenerative dementia and show the
      interaction between vascular and metabolic changes. Additionally, inflammatory
      changes after ischemia in the brain can be detected, which may play a role
      together with amyloid deposition in the development of PSD. Prevention of PSD can
      be achieved by prevention of stroke. As treatment strategies to inhibit the
      development and mitigate the course of PSD, lowering of blood pressure, statins,
      neuroprotective drugs, and anti-inflammatory agents have all been studied without
      convincing evidence of efficacy. Lifestyle interventions, physical activity, and
      cognitive training have been recently tested, but large controlled trials are
      still missing.

PMID- 28095901
TI  - Risk assessment tools to predict location of discharge and need for supportive
      services for medical patients after discharge from hospital: a systematic review
      protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients who are discharged from hospital after an acute medical
      illness often have impaired function that prevents them from returning to their
      previous place of residence. Assessing each patient's post-discharge needs takes
      time and resources but is important in order to reduce unplanned readmissions and
      adverse events post-discharge. METHODS/DESIGN: We will conduct a systematic
      review to synthesize the evidence on prognostic models and their reported
      accuracy in predicting the location of discharge after a medical admission to an
      acute care hospital. We will perform searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and
      COCHRANE databases. Pre-defined study, population, and model characteristics will
      be reported. We will write a narrative summary of included studies.
      Methodological quality of the studies will be assessed using the QUIPS tool, and
      the quality of evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE tool. DISCUSSION: Early
      and accurate assessment of patient needs for supportive services after discharge
      has the potential to improve patient outcomes and health system efficiency. This
      systematic review will identify factors that can accurately predict location of
      discharge using existing tools and identify priority knowledge gaps to inform
      future research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016037144.

PMID- 28095903
TI  - Identification and application of anti-inflammatory compounds screening system
      based on RAW264.7 cells stably expressing NF-kappaB-dependent SEAP reporter gene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: NF-kappaB is one of the key transcription factors in the inflammatory
      response, transactivates a series of pro-inflammatory genes and is therefore
      regarded as an important target for anti-inflammatory drug screening. METHOD: We
      recombined the reporter gene vector with inserting the "neo" transcript into the
      vector pNF-kappaB-SEAP, made the reporter gene vector stable in a eukaryotic cell
      line. The recombinant reporter gene vector we named pNF-kappaB-SEAP-Neo was
      transfected into RAW264.7. We selected the transfected RAW264.7 cell line with
      G418 for 15 days and then get RAW264.7 cells stably expressing NF-kappaB
      dependent SEAP named as RAW264.7-pNF-kappaB-SEAP cells. We treated the RAW264.7
      pNF-kappaB-SEAP cells with NF-kappaB agonists as LPS, PolyI:C and TNF-alpha, NF
      kappaB inhibitor as PDTC and BAY117085, in different concentrations and time
      points and tested the expression of the SEAP, constructed the drug screening
      system on the base of the RAW264.7-pNF-kappaB-SEAP cell line. 130 chemicals were
      screened with the drug screening system we constructed and one of these chemicals
      numbered w10 was found could inhibit the NF-kappaB significantly. At last, we
      verified the inhibition of w10 to expression of genes promoted with NF-kappaB in
      HepG2 and Hela, and to migration of Hela. RESULT: In this study, we established a
      drug screening system based on RAW264.7 cells that stably expressed the NF-kappaB
      dependent, SEAP reporter gene. To develop a standard method for drug screening
      using this reporter-gene cell line, the test approach of SEAP was optimized and
      basic conditions for drug screening were chosen. This included the initial cell
      number inoculated in a 96-well plate, the optimum agonist, inhibitor of NF-kappaB
      pathway and their concentrations during screening. Subsequently, 130 newly
      synthesized compounds were screened using the stable reporter-gene cell line. The
      anti-inflammatory effects of the candidate compounds obtained were further
      verified in 2 cancer cell lines. The results indicated that compound W10 (methyl
      4-(4-(prop-2-yn-1-ylcarbamoyl) phenylcarbamoyl) benzoate) significantly inhibited
      SEAP production under the screening conditions. Further results confirmed that
      the precursor compound significantly inhibited the transcription of NF-kappaB
      target genes. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, RAW264.7 cells, stably expressing the NF
      kappaB-dependent SEAP-reporter gene, may provide a new, feasible, and efficient
      cellular drug-screening system.

PMID- 28095902
TI  - Identification of positive selection in genes is greatly improved by using
      experimentally informed site-specific models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sites of positive selection are identified by comparing observed
      evolutionary patterns to those expected under a null model for evolution in the
      absence of such selection. For protein-coding genes, the most common null model
      is that nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations fix at equal rates; this
      unrealistic model has limited power to detect many interesting forms of
      selection. RESULTS: I describe a new approach that uses a null model based on
      experimental measurements of a gene's site-specific amino-acid preferences
      generated by deep mutational scanning in the lab. This null model makes it
      possible to identify both diversifying selection for repeated amino-acid change
      and differential selection for mutations to amino acids that are unexpected given
      the measurements made in the lab. I show that this approach identifies sites of
      adaptive substitutions in four genes (lactamase, Gal4, influenza nucleoprotein,
      and influenza hemagglutinin) far better than a comparable method that simply
      compares the rates of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitutions. CONCLUSIONS: As
      rapid increases in biological data enable increasingly nuanced descriptions of
      the constraints on individual protein sites, approaches like the one here can
      improve our ability to identify many interesting forms of selection in natural
      sequences. REVIEWERS: This article was reviewed by Sebastian Maurer-Stroh,
      Olivier Tenaillon, and Tal Pupko. All three reviewers are members of the Biology
      Direct editorial board.

PMID- 28095904
TI  - Evaluation of the Tsima community mobilization intervention to improve engagement
      in HIV testing and care in South Africa: study protocol for a cluster randomized
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV transmission can be decreased substantially by reducing the
      burden of undiagnosed HIV infection and expanding early and consistent use of
      antiretroviral therapy (ART). Treatment as prevention (TasP) has been proposed as
      key to ending the HIV epidemic. To activate TasP in high prevalence countries,
      like South Africa, communities must be motivated to know their status, engage in
      care, and remain in care. Community mobilization (CM) has the potential to
      significantly increase uptake testing, linkage to and retention in care by
      addressing the primary social barriers to engagement with HIV care-including poor
      understanding of HIV care; fear and stigma associated with infection, clinic
      attendance and disclosure; lack of social support; and gender norms that deter
      men from accessing care. METHODS/DESIGN: Using a cluster randomized trial design,
      we are implementing a 3-year-theory-based CM intervention and comparing gains in
      HIV testing, linkage, and retention in care among individuals residing in 8
      intervention communities to that of individuals residing in 7 control
      communities. Eligible communities include 15 villages within a health and
      demographic surveillance site (HDSS) in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa, that were
      not exposed to previous CM efforts. CM activities conducted in the 8 intervention
      villages map onto six mobilization domains that comprise the key components for
      community mobilization around HIV prevention. To evaluate the intervention, we
      will link a clinic-based electronic clinical tracking system in all area clinics
      to the HDSS longitudinal census data, thus creating an open, population-based
      cohort with over 30,000 18-49-year-old residents. We will estimate the marginal
      effect of the intervention on individual outcomes using generalized estimating
      equations. In addition, we will evaluate CM processes by conducting baseline and
      endline surveys among a random sample of 1200 community residents at each time
      point to monitor intervention exposure and community level change using validated
      measures of CM. DISCUSSION: Given the known importance of community social
      factors with regard to uptake of testing and HIV care, and the lack of rigorously
      evaluated community-level interventions effective in improving testing uptake,
      linkage and retention, the proposed study will yield much needed data to
      understand the potential of CM to improve the prevention and care cascade.
      Further, our work in developing a CM framework and domain measures will permit
      validation of a CM conceptual framework and process, which should prove valuable
      for community programming in Africa. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02197793 Registered
      July 21, 2014.

PMID- 28095905
TI  - Imputing HIV treatment start dates from routine laboratory data in South Africa:
      a validation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor clinical record keeping hinders health systems monitoring and
      patient care in many low resource settings. We develop and validate a novel
      method to impute dates of antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation from routine
      laboratory data in South Africa's public sector HIV program. This method will
      enable monitoring of the national ART program using real-time laboratory data,
      avoiding the error potential of chart review. METHODS: We developed an algorithm
      to impute ART start dates based on the date of a patient's "ART workup", i.e. the
      laboratory tests used to determine treatment readiness in national guidelines,
      and the time from ART workup to initiation based on clinical protocols (21 days).
      To validate the algorithm, we analyzed data from two large clinical HIV cohorts:
      Hlabisa HIV Treatment and Care Programme in rural KwaZulu-Natal; and Right to
      Care Cohort in urban Gauteng. Both cohorts contain known ART initiation dates and
      laboratory results imported directly from the National Health Laboratory Service.
      We assessed median time from ART workup to ART initiation and calculated
      sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative
      predictive value (NPV) of our imputed start date vs. the true start date within a
      6 month window. Heterogeneity was assessed across individual clinics and over
      time. RESULTS: We analyzed data from over 80,000 HIV-positive adults. Among
      patients who had a workup and initiated ART, median time to initiation was 16
      days (IQR 7,31) in Hlabisa and 21 (IQR 8,43) in RTC cohort. Among patients with
      known ART start dates, SE of the imputed start date was 83% in Hlabisa and 88% in
      RTC, indicating this method accurately predicts ART start dates for about 85% of
      all ART initiators. In Hlabisa, PPV was 95%, indicating that for patients with a
      lab workup, true start dates were predicted with high accuracy. SP (100%) and NPV
      (92%) were also very high. CONCLUSIONS: Routine laboratory data can be used to
      infer ART initiation dates in South Africa's public sector. Where care is
      provided based on protocols, laboratory data can be used to monitor health
      systems performance and improve accuracy and completeness of clinical records.

PMID- 28095906
TI  - Cost of physician-led home visit care (Zaitaku care) compared with hospital care
      at the end of life in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physician-led home visit care with medical teams (Zaitaku care) has
      been developed on a national scale to support those who wish to stay at home at
      the end of life, and promote a system of community-based integrated care in
      Japan. Medical care at the end of life can be expensive, and is an urgent
      socioeconomic issue for aging societies. However medical costs of physician-led
      home visits care have not been well studied. We compared the medical costs of
      Zaitaku care and hospital care at the end of life in a rapidly aging community in
      a rural area in Japan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to compare
      the total medical costs during patients' final days of life (30 days or less)
      between Zaitaku care and hospital care from September 2012 to August 2013 in
      Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. RESULTS: Thirty four patients died at home under
      Zaitaku care, and 72 patients died in the hospital during this period. The
      average daily cost of care during the last 30 days did not differ significantly
      between the two groups. Although Zaitaku care costs were higher than hospital
      care costs in the short-term (?10 days, Zaitaku care $371.2 vs. Hospital care
      $202.0, p = 0.492), medical costs for Zaitaku care in the long-term care (?30
      days) were less than that of hospital care ($155.8 vs. $187.4, p = 0.055).
      CONCLUSIONS: Medical costs of Zaitaku care were less compared with hospital care
      if incorporated early for long term care, but it was high if incorporated late
      for short term care. For long term care, medical costs for Zaitaku care was 16.7%
      less than for hospitalization at the end of life. This physician-led home visit
      care model should be an available option for patients who wish to die at home,
      and may be beneficial financially over time.

PMID- 28095908
TI  - Limiting treatment and shortening of life: data from a cross-sectional survey in
      Germany on frequencies, determinants and patients' involvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limiting treatment forms part of practice in many fields of medicine.
      There is a scarcity of robust data from Germany. Therefore, in this paper, we
      report results of a survey among German physicians with a focus on frequencies,
      aspects of decision making and determinants of limiting treatment with expected
      or intended shortening of life. METHODS: Postal survey among a random sample of
      physicians working in the area of five German state chambers of physicians using
      a modified version of the questionnaire of the EURELD Consortium. Information
      requested referred to the patients who died most recently within the last 12
      months. Logistic regression was performed to analyse associations between
      characteristics of physicians and patients regarding limitation of treatment with
      expected or intended shortening of life. RESULTS: As reported elsewhere, 734
      physicians responded (response rate 36.9%) and of these, 174 (43.2%) reported a
      withholding and 144 (35.7%) a withdrawal of treatment. Eighty one physicians
      estimated that there was at least some shortening of life as a consequence. In
      25.9% of these cases hastening death had been discussed with the patient at the
      time or immediately prior to this action. Types of treatment most frequently
      limited was artificial nutrition (n = 35). Bivariate analysis indicates that
      limitation of treatment with possible or intended shortening of life for patients
      aged > 75 years is performed significantly more often (p = 0.007, OR 1.848).
      There was significantly less limitation of treatment in patients who died from
      cancer compared to patients with other causes of death (p = 0.01, OR 0.486).
      There was no significant statistical association with physicians' religion,
      palliative care qualification or frequencies of limiting treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      In comparison to recent research from other European countries, limitation of
      treatment with expected or intended shortening of life is frequently performed
      amongst the investigated sample. The role of clinical and non-medical aspects
      possibly relevant for physicians' decision about withholding or withdrawal of
      treatment with possible or intended shortening of life and reasons for non
      involvement of patients should be explored in more detail by means of mixed
      method and interdisciplinary empirical-ethical analysis.

PMID- 28095907
TI  - The Targeted SMAC Mimetic SW IV-134 is a strong enhancer of standard chemotherapy
      in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is a lethal malignancy that frequently acquires
      resistance to conventional chemotherapies often associated with overexpression of
      inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). We have recently described a novel means
      to deliver second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetics
      selectively to cancer cells employing the sigma-2 ligand/receptor interaction.
      The intrinsic death pathway agonist SMAC offers an excellent opportunity to
      counteract the anti-apoptotic activity of IAPs. SMAC mimetics have been used to
      sensitize several cancer types to chemotherapeutic agents but cancer-selective
      delivery and appropriate cellular localization have not yet been considered. In
      our current study, we tested the ability of the sigma-2/SMAC drug conjugate SW IV
      134 to sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. METHODS: Using the
      targeted SMAC mimetic SW IV-134, inhibition of the X-linked inhibitor of
      apoptosis proteins (XIAP) was induced pharmacologically and its impact on cell
      viability was studied alone and in combination with gemcitabine. Pathway analyses
      were performed by assessing caspase activation, PARP cleavage and membrane
      blebbing (Annexin-V), key components of apoptotic cell death. Single-agent
      treatment regimens were compared with combination therapy in a preclinical mouse
      model of pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: The sensitizing effect of XIAP interference
      toward gemcitabine was confirmed via pharmacological intervention using our
      recently designed, targeted SMAC mimetic SW IV-134 across a wide range of
      commonly used pancreatic cancer cell lines at concentrations where the individual
      drugs showed only minimal activity. On a mechanistic level, we identified
      involvement of key components of the apoptosis machinery during cell death
      execution. Furthermore, combination therapy proved superior in decreasing the
      tumor burden and extending the lives of the animals in a preclinical mouse model
      of pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION: We believe that the strong sensitizing capacity
      of SW IV-134 in combination with clinically relevant doses of gemcitabine
      represents a promising treatment option that warrants clinical evaluation.

PMID- 28095909
TI  - Prevalence and genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia
      duodenalis in lambs in Oromia Special Zone, Central Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis are gastro-intestinal
      parasites that infect human and animals worldwide. Both parasites share a broad
      host range and are believed to be zoonosis. The aim of this study was to identify
      the species of Cryptosporidium and assemblages of G. duodenalis in lambs and to
      elucidate their role in zoonotic transmission. RESULTS: A total of 389 fecal
      samples were collected from lambs and screened by microscopy and nested PCR
      targeting the small-subunit ribosomal RNA for Cryptosporidium; and the small
      subunit ribosomal RNA, triose phosphate isomerase, beta-giardin, and glutamate
      dehydrogenase genes for G. duodenalis. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium and G.
      duodenalis was 2.1% (8/389) and 2.6% (10/389), respectively. The infection rate
      at the three study sites ranged from 1.3 to 3.1% for Cryptosporidium and 1.6 to
      3.9% for G. duodenalis; but variation was not statistically significant (p >
      0.05). The finding also showed that there is no sex and age group associated
      difference in the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis infections in
      lambs. Sequence analysis revealed that lambs were mono-infection with C.
      ubiquitum and G. duodenalis assemblage E. The analysis also indicated the
      presence of genetic variation within isolates of assemblage E; with 4 of them are
      novel genotypes at the small-subunit ribosomal RNA, beta-giardin, and glutamate
      dehydrogenase genes. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study showed that
      lambs are capable of harboring C. ubiquitum and G. duodenalis assemblage E. This
      finding suggests that lambs might be sources for potentially zoonotic
      Cryptosporidium species. This was first molecular study in lambs and contributes
      to a better understanding of the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium and G.
      duodenalis in central Ethiopia.

PMID- 28095910
TI  - Profile of bioactive compounds in Nymphaea alba L. leaves growing in Egypt:
      hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nymphaea alba L. represents an interesting field of study. Flowers
      have antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, rhizomes constituents showed
      cytotoxic activity against liver cell carcinoma, while several Nymphaea species
      have been reported for their hepatoprotective effects. Leaves of N. alba have not
      been studied before. Therefore, in this study, in-depth characterization of the
      leaf phytoconstituents as well as its antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities
      have been performed where N. alba leaf extract was evaluated as a possible
      therapeutic alternative in hepatic disorders. METHODS: The aqueous ethanolic
      extract (AEE, 70%) was investigated for its polyphenolic content identified by
      high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HRESI-MS/MS), while
      the petroleum ether fraction was saponified, and the lipid profile was analysed
      using gas liquid chromatography (GLC) analysis and compared with reference
      standards. The hepatoprotective activity of two doses of the extract (100 and 200
      mg/kg; P.O.) for 5 days was evaluated against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in male
      Wistar albino rats, in comparison with silymarin. Liver function tests; aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and total bilirubin were performed.
      Oxidative stress parameters; malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH),
      catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as
      well as inflammatory mediator; tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were detected
      in the liver homogenate. Histopathological examination of the liver and
      immunohistochemical staining of caspase-3 were performed RESULTS: Fifty-three
      compounds were tentatively identified for the first time in N.alba leaf extract,
      where ellagitannins represent the main identified constituents. Nine
      hydrocarbons, two sterols and eleven fatty acids were identified in the petroleum
      ether extract where, palmitic acid and linolenic acids represented the major
      saturated and unsaturated fatty acid respectively. N.alba AEE significantly
      improved the liver function, oxidative stress parameters as well as TNF-alpha in
      addition to the amelioration of histopathological features of the liver and a
      profound decrease in caspase-3 expression. CONCLUSION: These results shed light
      on the hepatoprotective effect of N. alba that is comparable with that of
      silymarin. The antioxidant activities of N. alba extract in addition to the
      inhibition of crucial inflammatory mediator, as TNF-alpha, might be the possible
      hepatoprotective mechanisms.

PMID- 28095912
TI  - Study on expression of CDH4 in lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human CDH4 gene, which encodes the R-cadherin protein, has an
      important role in cell migration and cell adhesion, sorting, tissue
      morphogenesis, and tumor genesis. This study analyzed the relationship of CDH4
      mRNA expression with lung cancer. METHODS: Real time PCR was applied to detect
      CDH4 mRNA transcription in 142 paired cases of lung cancer and noncancerous
      regions. RESULTS: No correlation was identified between CDH4 mRNA expression and
      gender, age, lymphnode metastasis, TNM stage, family history, smoking state,
      drinking state (P > 0.05), but grade and histotype (P < 0.05). The relative CDH4
      mRNA value was remarkably decreased in lung cancer tissues compared with
      noncancerous tissues (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that CDH4 mRNA expression
      was associated with grade and histotype. What is more, the relative CDH4 mRNA
      value was decreased in the lung cancer tissues. Our results suggested that CDH4
      might be a putative tumor suppressor gene (TSG) in lung cancer.

PMID- 28095911
TI  - Mistreatment of women during childbirth in Abuja, Nigeria: a qualitative study on
      perceptions and experiences of women and healthcare providers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Global efforts have increased facility-based childbirth, but
      substantial barriers remain in some settings. In Nigeria, women report that poor
      provider attitudes influence their use of maternal health services. Evidence also
      suggests that women in Nigeria may experience mistreatment during childbirth;
      however, there is limited understanding of how and why mistreatment this occurs.
      This study uses qualitative methods to explore women and providers' experiences
      and perceptions of mistreatment during childbirth in two health facilities and
      catchment areas in Abuja, Nigeria. METHODS: In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus
      group discussions (FGDs) were used with a purposive sample of women of
      reproductive age, midwives, doctors and facility administrators. Instruments were
      semi-structured discussion guides. Participants were asked about their
      experiences and perceptions of, and perceived factors influencing mistreatment
      during childbirth. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize findings into
      meaningful sub-themes, narrative text and illustrative quotations, which were
      interpreted within the context of this study and an existing typology of
      mistreatment during childbirth. RESULTS: Women and providers reported
      experiencing or witnessing physical abuse including slapping, physical restraint
      to a delivery bed, and detainment in the hospital and verbal abuse, such as
      shouting and threatening women with physical abuse. Women sometimes overcame
      tremendous barriers to reach a hospital, only to give birth on the floor,
      unattended by a provider. Participants identified three main factors contributing
      to mistreatment: poor provider attitudes, women's behavior, and health systems
      constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Moving forward, findings from this study must be
      communicated to key stakeholders at the study facilities. Measurement tools to
      assess how often mistreatment occurs and in what manner must be developed for
      monitoring and evaluation. Any intervention to prevent mistreatment will need to
      be multifaceted, and implementers should consider lessons learned from related
      interventions, such as increasing audit and feedback including from women,
      promoting labor companionship and encouraging stress-coping training for
      providers.

PMID- 28095913
TI  - Effects of a purified krill oil phospholipid rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty
      acids on cardiovascular disease risk factors in non-human primates with naturally
      occurring diabetes type-2 and dyslipidemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High serum levels of cholesterol, in particular low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol, are considered a significant risk factor for development
      of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, rigorous treatment regimens with statins
      and other pharmaceuticals have been used extensively to reduce elevated
      cholesterol levels. Literature data have not clearly concluded whether long-chain
      omega-3 fatty acids reduce, increase or leave circulating cholesterol unaffected.
      In the present study a novel krill-oil derived preparation of omega-3 rich
      phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylcholine, was administered orally at increasing
      doses for 12 weeks to dyslipidemic non-human primates, and cholesterols and
      several other risk factors for cardiovascular disease were measured before,
      during and after treatment. METHODS: Six dyslipidemic non-human primates
      suffering from naturally occurring diabetes type-2 were included, three in a
      vehicle control group and three being treated with the omega-3 rich phospholipid
      preparation. The control and test items were given daily by gavage and the doses
      of the test item were 50, 150 and 450 mg phospholipids/kg/day. Each dose level
      was given for 4 weeks. Plasma concentrations of the omega-3 fatty acids were
      measured in connection with change in dose and the omega-3 index in erythrocytes
      was determined bi-weekly. Blood lipids, apolipoproteins and diabetes,
      inflammatory and safety biomarkers were determined either weekly, biweekly or
      every 4 weeks. For the blood lipids and apolipoproteins, control-adjusted mean
      values are presented while absolute values are presented for the other
      parameters. Due to the low number of animals in each group, no statistical
      analyses were done. RESULTS: The only detectable effects measured during dosing
      with the lowest dose were an increase in HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1.
      The intermediate and high doses decreased total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol,
      apolipoprotein B100 and triglycerides and increased HDL-cholesterol and
      apolipoprotein A1. No effects were seen on the diabetes and inflammatory markers
      and on safety biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the omega-3 rich
      phospholipid preparation had a positive impact on cardiovascular disease risk
      factors by reducing total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and
      increasing HDL-cholesterol. These findings justify further investigations of this
      preparation in animal models of dyslipidemia and, provided the current findings
      are confirmed, in human trials.

PMID- 28095914
TI  - Vascular mapping of the retroauricular skin - proposal for a posterior superior
      surgical incision for transcutaneous bone-conduction hearing implants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Passive transcutaneous osseointegrated hearing implant systems have
      become increasingly popular more recently. The area over the implant is
      vulnerable due to vibration and pressure from the externally worn sound
      processor. Good perfusion and neural integrity has the potential to reduce
      complications. The authors' objective was to determine the ideal surgical
      exposure to maintain perfusion and neural integrity and decrease surgical time as
      a result of reduced bleeding. METHODS: The vascular anatomy of the temporal
      parietal soft tissue was examined in a total of 50 subjects. Imaging diagnostics
      included magnetic resonance angiography in 12 and Doppler ultrasound in 25
      healthy subjects to reveal the arterial network. Cadaver dissection of 13
      subjects formed the control group. The prevalence of the arteries were
      statistically analyzed with sector analysis in the surgically relevant area.
      RESULTS: The main arterial branches of this region could be well identified with
      each method. Statistical analysis showed that the arterial pattern was similar in
      all subjects. The prevalence of major arteries is low in the upper posterior area
      though large in proximity to the auricle region. CONCLUSIONS: Diverse methods
      indicate the advantages of a posterior superior incision because the major
      arteries and nerves are at less risk of damage and best preserved. Although
      injury to these structures is rare, when it occurs, the distal flow is
      compromised and the peri-implant area is left intact. Hand-held Doppler is
      efficient and cost-effective in finding the best position for incision, if
      necessary, in subjects with a history of surgical stress to the retroauricular
      skin. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This was a non-interventional study.

PMID- 28095915
TI  - Development and validation of SEER (Seeking, Engaging with and Evaluating
      Research): a measure of policymakers' capacity to engage with and use research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Capacity building strategies are widely used to increase the use of
      research in policy development. However, a lack of well-validated measures for
      policy contexts has hampered efforts to identify priorities for capacity building
      and to evaluate the impact of strategies. We aimed to address this gap by
      developing SEER (Seeking, Engaging with and Evaluating Research), a self-report
      measure of individual policymakers' capacity to engage with and use research.
      METHODS: We used the SPIRIT Action Framework to identify pertinent domains and
      guide development of items for measuring each domain. Scales covered (1)
      individual capacity to use research (confidence in using research, value placed
      on research, individual perceptions of the value their organisation places on
      research, supporting tools and systems), (2) actions taken to engage with
      research and researchers, and (3) use of research to inform policy (extent and
      type of research use). A sample of policymakers engaged in health policy
      development provided data to examine scale reliability (internal consistency,
      test-retest) and validity (relation to measures of similar concepts, relation to
      a measure of intention to use research, internal structure of the individual
      capacity scales). RESULTS: Response rates were 55% (150/272 people, 12 agencies)
      for the validity and internal consistency analyses, and 54% (57/105 people, 9
      agencies) for test-retest reliability. The individual capacity scales
      demonstrated adequate internal consistency reliability (alpha coefficients > 0.7,
      all four scales) and test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation
      coefficients > 0.7 for three scales and 0.59 for fourth scale). Scores on
      individual capacity scales converged as predicted with measures of similar
      concepts (moderate correlations of > 0.4), and confirmatory factor analysis
      provided evidence that the scales measured related but distinct concepts. Items
      in each of these four scales related as predicted to concepts in the measurement
      model derived from the SPIRIT Action Framework. Evidence about the reliability
      and validity of the research engagement actions and research use scales was
      equivocal. CONCLUSIONS: Initial testing of SEER suggests that the four individual
      capacity scales may be used in policy settings to examine current capacity and
      identify areas for capacity building. The relation between capacity, research
      engagement actions and research use requires further investigation.

PMID- 28095916
TI  - Insecticide-treated net effectiveness at preventing Plasmodium falciparum
      infection varies by age and season.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After increasing coverage of malaria interventions, malaria
      prevalence remains high in Malawi. Previous studies focus on the impact of
      malaria interventions among children under 5 years old. However, in Malawi, the
      prevalence of infection is highest in school-aged children (SAC), ages 5 to 15
      years. This study examined the interaction between age group and insecticide
      treated net (ITN) use for preventing individual and community-level infection in
      Malawi. METHODS: Six cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the rainy and dry
      seasons in southern Malawi from 2012 to 2014. Data were collected on household
      ITN usage and demographics. Blood samples for detection of Plasmodium falciparum
      infection were obtained from all household members present and over 6 months of
      age. Generalized linear mixed models were used to account for clustering at the
      household and community level. RESULTS: There were 17,538 observations from six
      surveys. The association between ITN use and infection varied by season in SAC,
      but not in other age groups. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for infection comparing
      ITN users to non-users among SAC in the rainy season and dry season was 0.78 (95%
      CI 0.56, 1.10) and 0.51 (0.35, 0.74), respectively. The effect of ITN use did not
      differ between children under five and adults. Among all non-SACs the OR for
      infection was 0.78 (0.64, 0.95) in those who used ITNs compared to those that did
      not. Community net use did not protect against infection. CONCLUSIONS: Protection
      against infection with ITN use varies by age group and season. Individual
      estimates of protection are moderate and a community-level effect was not
      detected. Additional interventions to decrease malaria prevalence are needed in
      Malawi.

PMID- 28095917
TI  - Social and traditional practices and their implications for family planning: a
      participatory ethnographic study in Renk, South Sudan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding what determines family size is crucial for programmes
      that aim to provide family planning services during and after conflicts. Recent
      research found that development agents in post conflict settings do not
      necessarily take time to understand the context adequately, translate their
      context understanding into programming, or adjust programming in the light of
      changes. South Sudan, a country that has been suffering from war for almost 50
      years, has one of the highest maternal death rates and the lowest contraceptive
      utilization rates in the world. METHODS: This research used Participatory
      Ethnographic Evaluation and Research (PEER) to provide a contextualised
      understanding of social and traditional practices and their implications for
      family planning. Fourteen women were recruited from 14 villages in Renk County in
      South Sudan in the period 2010-2012. They were trained to design research
      instruments, conduct interviews, collect narratives and stories and analyse data
      to identify, prioritize and address their maternal health concerns. RESULTS: As a
      result of wars, people are under pressure to increase their family sizes and thus
      increase the nation's population. This is to compensate for the men perished in
      war and the high child death rates. Large family size is regarded as a national
      obligation. Women are caught up in a vicious cycle of high fertility and a high
      rate of child mortality. Determinants of large family size include: 1) Social and
      cultural practices, 2) Clan lineage and 3) Compensation for loss of family
      members. Three strategies are used to increase family size: 1) Marry several
      women, 2) Husbands taking care of women, and 3) Financial stability. Consequences
      of big families include: 1) Financial burden, 2) Fear of losing children, 3)
      Borrowing children and 4) Husband shirking responsibility. CONCLUSION: The desire
      to have a big family will remain in South Sudan until families realise that their
      children will live longer, that their men will not be taken by the war, and that
      the costs of living will be met. In order to generate demand for family planning
      in South Sudan, priority should be given first to improve infant and child
      health.

PMID- 28095918
TI  - Anti-staphylococcal activity resulting from epithelial lining fluid (ELF)
      concentrations of amikacin inhale administered via the pulmonary drug delivery
      system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amikacin inhale (BAY41-6551), a unique drug-device combination of a
      specially formulated drug solution and a pulmonary drug delivery system device
      (AMK-I) is currently under phase III study as an adjunctive therapy to IV
      antibiotics for the treatment of Gram-negative pneumonia in mechanically
      ventilated patients. While the epidemiology of nosocomial pneumonia is
      predominated by Gram-negative pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the
      Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus is increasingly recognized as a
      pathogen of concern for these pulmonary based infections. Since the
      aminoglycosides are historically quite active against S. aureus the use of
      adjunctive AMK-I may enhance bacterial eradication. Herein, we aimed to
      characterize the in vitro pharmacodynamic (PD) profile of human-simulated ELF
      exposures of AMK-I against both methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and -resistant
      (MRSA) S. aureus. METHODS: An in vitro model was used to simulate the resultant
      ELF pharmacokinetic profile of amikacin after the administration of AMK-I 400 mg
      q12h. The antibacterial activity of this regimen was tested against 7 S. aureus
      isolates that display MIC profiles encountered clinically (4 MRSA; MIC range 4
      64, 3 MSSA; MIC range 8-16 mg/L). Experiments were conducted over 24 h and
      samples were taken throughout this period to assess the bacterial density in both
      control and treatments. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD inoculum 0 h bacterial density
      was 6.4 +/- 0.09 which increased to 8.6 +/- 0.19 log10 CFU/mL in the control
      models by the end of 24 h experiments. Simulated ELF concentrations of AMK-I
      resulted in a rapid, 5 log10 declined in CFU over the initial 12 h for all MRSA
      and MSSA isolates. After 12 h, all bacterial counts remained below the limit of
      detection (LOD, 1.7 log10 CFU/mL) and no regrowth was evident at the end of the
      study. CONCLUSION: AMK-I produced an ELF exposure profile that was rapidly
      bactericidal against S. aureus displaying typical MICs to amikacin irrespective
      of their phenotypic profile to methicillin. While the Gram-negative organisms are
      the target pathogens for AMK-I in the ongoing clinical trials, these data suggest
      that this adjunctive regimen may also have the potential to eradicate both MSSA
      and MRSA from lower airway which needs to be further evaluated in randomized
      controlled clinical trials.

PMID- 28095919
TI  - Ancient bacteria of the Otzi's microbiome: a genomic tale from the Copper Age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ancient microbiota information represents an important resource to
      evaluate bacterial evolution and to explore the biological spread of infectious
      diseases in history. The soft tissue of frozen mummified humans, such as the
      Tyrolean Iceman, has been shown to contain bacterial DNA that is suitable for
      population profiling of the prehistoric bacteria that colonized such ancient
      human hosts. RESULTS: Here, we performed a microbial cataloging of the distal gut
      microbiota of the Tyrolean Iceman, which highlights a predominant abundance of
      Clostridium and Pseudomonas species. Furthermore, in silico analyses allowed the
      reconstruction of the genome sequences of five ancient bacterial genomes,
      including apparent pathogenic ancestor strains of Clostridium perfringens and
      Pseudomonas veronii species present in the gut of the Tyrolean Iceman.
      CONCLUSIONS: Genomic analyses of the reconstructed C. perfringens chromosome
      clearly support the occurrence of a pathogenic profile consisting of virulence
      genes already existing in the ancient strain, thereby reinforcing the notion of a
      very early speciation of this taxon towards a pathogenic phenotype. In contrast,
      the evolutionary development of P. veronii appears to be characterized by the
      acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes in more recent times as well as an
      evolution towards an ecological niche outside of the (human) gastrointestinal
      tract.

PMID- 28095920
TI  - Accuracy of WHO immunological criteria in identifying virological failure among
      HIV-infected adults on First line antiretroviral therapy in Mwanza, North-western
      Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal HIV treatment monitoring remains a big challenge in resource
      limited settings. Guidelines recommend the use of clinical and immunological
      criteria in resource limited settings due to unavailability of viral load
      monitoring; however their utility is questionable. This study aimed at assessing
      the accuracy of immunological criteria in detecting treatment failure among HIV
      infected Tanzanian adults receiving first line ART. METHODS: A clinic based cross
      sectional study was conducted between February and July 2011 at Bugando Medical
      centre (BMC) HIV care and treatment clinic (CTC) involving HIV infected patients
      aged 18 years and above, receiving first line ART; followed up for at least 1
      year. Viral load was tested for every enrolled patient. Standard WHO criteria
      were used to define immunological failure. Virological failure was defined as one
      viral load measurement of >5000 copies/ml and was used as a gold standard. A 2 *
      2 table was used to assess the accuracy of immunological criteria in detecting
      treatment failure. RESULTS: A total of 274 HIV-infected adults were enrolled into
      the study. Out of these, 65.7% were females, the median age was 39 years (IQR 33
      45), the median BMI 21.9 kg/m2 (IQR 19.7-24.0). Out of the 274 study participants
      156 (56.9%) had immunological failure. Only 60 of the study participants (21.9%)
      had viral load >5000. Only 42 patients (70%) were found to have both
      immunological failure and virological failure. The sensitivity of immunological
      criteria in detecting treatment failure was 70%, specificity 46.7%, positive
      predictive and negative predictive values of 26.9 and 84.7% respectively.
      CONCLUSION: WHO immunological criteria have low sensitivity and positive
      predictive value for detecting treatment failure. Relying on CD4 counts for
      treatment monitoring would therefore lead to misclassifications of treatment
      failure that could result into unnecessary or delayed switch to second line ART.
      Access to viral load monitoring is important to avoid these misclassifications.

PMID- 28095921
TI  - Papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve presenting with chronic angina and
      acute stroke: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Papillary fibroelastomas are rare, benign cardiac tumors that are
      often found on cardiac valvular surfaces. Most are incidental discoveries during
      surgery or autopsy. The clinical presentation of fibroelastoma varies widely,
      ranging from clinically asymptomatic to severe thromboembolic events. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report a case of 65-year-old white man diagnosed with scattered,
      bilateral acute cerebral hemisphere infarcts with a history of chronic angina.
      Transesophageal echocardiography identified a fibroelastoma on the right coronary
      cusp of the aortic leaflet. Cardiac catheterization revealed mild non-obstructive
      stenosis. We postulate that the etiology of his angina is related to the dynamic
      occlusion of his right coronary ostium by the fibroelastoma. CONCLUSIONS: To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a patient with a
      cardiac papillary fibroelastoma who presented with both chronic angina and acute
      stroke.

PMID- 28095922
TI  - Long noncoding RNA Braveheart promotes cardiogenic differentiation of mesenchymal
      stem cells in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have limited potential of cardiogenic
      differentiation. In this study, we investigated the influence of long noncoding
      RNA Braveheart (lncRNA-Bvht) on cardiogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro.
      METHODS: MSCs were obtained from C57BL/6 mice and cultured in vitro. Cells were
      divided into three groups: blank control, null vector control, and lncRNA-Bvht.
      All three groups experienced exposure to hypoxia (1% O2) and serum deprivation
      for 24 h, and 24 h of reoxygenation (20% O2). Cardiogenic differentiation was
      induced using 5-AZA for another 24 h. Normoxia (20% O2) was applied as a negative
      control during the whole process. Cardiogenic differentiation was assessed, and
      expressions of cardiac-specific transcription factors and epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT)-associated biomarkers were detected. Anti-mesoderm posterior1
      (Mesp1) siRNA was transfected in order to block its expression, and relevant
      downstream molecules were examined. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control and
      null vector control groups, the lncRNA-Bvht group presented a higher percentage
      of differentiated cells of the cardiogenic phenotype in vitro both under the
      normal condition and after hypoxia/re-oxygenation. There was an increased level
      of cTnT and alpha-SA, and cardiac-specific transcription factors including
      Nkx2.5, Gata4, Gata6, and Isl-1 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.01).
      Expressions of EMT-associated genes including Snail, Twist and N-cadherin were
      much higher (P < 0.01). Mesp1 exhibited a distinct augmentation following lncRNA
      Bvht transfection. Expressions of relevant cardiac-specific transcription factors
      and EMT-associated genes all presented a converse alteration in the condition of
      Mesp1 inhibition prior to lncRNA-Bvht transfection. CONCLUSION: lncRNA-Bvht could
      efficiently promote MSCs transdifferentation into cells with the cardiogenic
      phenotype in vitro. It might function via enhancing the expressions of cardiac
      specific transcription factors and EMT-associated genes. Mesp1 could be a pivotal
      intermediary in the procedure.

PMID- 28095924
TI  - SONOlysis in prevention of Brain InfaRctions During Internal carotid
      Endarterectomy (SONOBIRDIE) trial - study protocol for a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a beneficial procedure for selected
      patients with an internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Surgical risk of CEA
      varies from between 2 and 15%. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the safety
      and effectiveness of sonolysis (continual transcranial Doppler monitoring, TCD)
      using a 2-MHz diagnostic probe with maximal diagnostic energy on the reduction of
      the incidence of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) and brain infarction
      detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by the activation of the
      endogenous fibrinolytic system during CEA. METHODS/DESIGN: Design: a multicenter,
      randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. SCOPE: international,
      multicenter trial for patients with at least 70% symptomatic or asymptomatic ICA
      stenosis undergoing CEA. INCLUSION CRITERIA: patients with symptomatic or
      asymptomatic ICA stenosis of at least 70% are candidates for CEA; a sufficient
      temporal bone window for TCD; aged 40-85 years, functionally independent;
      provision of signed informed consent. Randomization: consecutive patients will be
      assigned to the sonolysis or control (sham procedure) group by computer-generated
      1:1 randomization. Prestudy calculations showed that a minimum of 704 patients in
      each group is needed to reach a significant difference with an alpha value of
      0.05 (two-tailed) and a beta value of 0.8 assuming that 10% would be lost to
      follow-up or refuse to participate in the study (estimated 39 endpoints).
      ENDPOINTS: the primary endpoint is the incidence of stroke or TIA during 30 days
      after CEA and the incidence of new ischemic lesions on brain MRI performed 24 h
      after CEA in the sonolysis and control groups. Secondary endpoints are occurrence
      of death, any stroke, or myocardial infarction within 30 days, changes in
      cognitive functions 1 year post procedure related to pretreatment scores, and
      number of new lesions and occurrence of new lesions >=0.5 mL on post-procedural
      brain MRI. ANALYSIS: descriptive statistics and linear/logistic multiple
      regression models will be performed. Clinical relevance will be measured as
      relative risk reduction, absolute risk reduction and the number needed to treat.
      DISCUSSION: Reduction of the periprocedural complications of CEA using sonolysis
      as a widely available and cheap method may significantly increase the safety of
      CEA and extend the indication criteria for CEA. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02398734 . Registered on 20 March 2015.

PMID- 28095925
TI  - The effect of cigarette smoking on the oral and nasal microbiota.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of the study was to investigate whether cigarette smoking
      alters oral and nasal microbial diversity, composition, and structure. Twenty
      three current smokers and 20 never smokers were recruited. From each subject,
      nine samples including supra and subgingiva plaque scrapes, saliva, swabs from
      five soft oral tissue sites, and one nasal swab from both the anterior nares were
      collected. 16S rRNA V3-V4 region was sequenced for microbial profiles. RESULTS:
      We found that alpha diversity was lower in smokers than in nonsmokers in the
      buccal mucosa, but in other sample sites, microbial diversity and composition
      were not significantly different by smoking status. Microbial profiles differed
      significantly among eight oral sites. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigates the
      effect of cigarette smoking on different sites of the oral cavity and shows a
      potential effect of cigarette smoking on the buccal mucosa microbiota. The marked
      heterogeneity of the oral microbial ecosystem that we found may contribute to the
      stability of the oral microbiota in most sites when facing environmental
      perturbations such as that caused by cigarette smoking.

PMID- 28095926
TI  - Epidemiology of parainfluenza infection in England and Wales, 1998-2013: any
      evidence of change?
AB  - Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) infections are one of the commonest causes of
      upper and lower respiratory tract infections. In order to determine if there have
      been any recent changes in HPIV epidemiology in England and Wales, laboratory
      surveillance data between 1998 and 2013 were analysed. The UK national laboratory
      surveillance database, LabBase, and the newly established laboratory-based
      virological surveillance system, the Respiratory DataMart System (RDMS), were
      used. Descriptive analysis was performed to examine the distribution of cases by
      year, age, sex and serotype, and to examine the overall temporal trend using the
      chi 2 test. A random-effects model was also employed to model the number of
      cases. Sixty-eight per cent of all HPIV detections were due to HPIV type 3 (HPIV
      3). HPIV-3 infections were detected all year round but peaked annually between
      March and June. HPIV-1 and HPIV-2 circulated at lower levels accounting for 20%
      and 8%, respectively, peaking during the last quarter of the year with a biennial
      cycle. HPIV-4 was detected in smaller numbers, accounting for only 4% and also
      mainly observed in the last quarter of the year. However, in recent years, HPIV-4
      detection has been reported much more commonly with an increase from 0% in 1998
      to 3.7% in 2013. Although an overall higher proportion of HPIV infection was
      reported in infants (43.0%), a long-term decreasing trend in proportion in
      infants was observed. An increase was also observed in older age groups.
      Continuous surveillance will be important in tracking any future changes.

PMID- 28095927
TI  - Small alteration - big impacts: effects of small-scale riparian forest management
      on host-parasite dynamics in streams.
AB  - Environmental changes and ecological disturbances can have large and
      unpredictable effects on parasite dynamics. Increasing human impacts on
      freshwater ecosystems through land use may thus modify the distribution and
      abundance of parasites and have cascading effects on host populations. Here we
      tested the effects of small-scale riparian forest management on the nematode
      Cystidicoloides ephemeridarum and its insect intermediate host Ephemera danica in
      forested streams. We assessed the impacts of harvesting riparian trees on
      parasite prevalence and abundance concomitantly with host densities. We also
      looked at upstream and downstream reaches to document potential cascading effects
      on unaltered stream sections mediated by aerial dispersal of adult mayfly or
      downstream drift of E. danica larvae. We show that host densities and parasite
      levels (prevalence and abundance) increased significantly following riparian tree
      removal. Overall, parasite densities showed a 6- to 66-fold increase in harvested
      reaches compared to upstream, pristine reaches. Similar effects were also clear
      downstream of the disturbance. Thus, despite the small extent of riparian forest
      alteration along the study streams, both parasite and intermediate host were
      strongly affected. Small-scale riparian forest management may thus have large,
      unforeseen impacts on some aspects of freshwater ecosystem structure and
      functioning that are often ignored. Generally, understanding how human
      perturbations influence parasites is vital when trying to predict overall impacts
      on ecosystem structure and functioning, and how changes in infection dynamics may
      further affect host species.

PMID- 28095928
TI  - One hundred years of external approach medialisation thyroplasty.
AB  - It has been 100 years since Erwin Payr first developed an operation to improve
      the effects of a paralysed vocal fold, and operations based on this technique are
      still in use today. This technique, medialisation thyroplasty, aims to improve
      the symptoms caused by vocal fold palsy by realigning the lateralised vocal fold
      into the midline. Whilst the effects of vocal fold palsy were recognised in
      antiquity, it was only with the development of indirect laryngoscopy in the late
      nineteenth century that the vocal fold paralysis could be identified as an
      aetiology for poor phonation and dysphagia. Payr, in 1915, was the first to
      perform a recognisable form of medialisation thyroplasty, which was further
      developed in the early twentieth century, but medialisation thyroplasty did not
      begin to be widely used until the development of the modern technique by Isshiki
      et al., in 1974. Since then, medialisation thyroplasty has continued to be
      developed and is currently the most widely used technique for correcting the
      effects of vocal fold palsy. However, a wide array of therapeutic options is now
      available for vocal fold palsy and it is impossible to say whether or not
      medialisation thyroplasty will still be used in another 100 years.

PMID- 28095929
TI  - The provision of healthy food in a school tuck shop: does it influence primary
      school students' perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards healthy eating?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate students' tuck shop buying behaviour, choices of
      lunchbox items and healthy eating perceptions and attitudes at a school with a
      nutritionally regulated tuck shop and a school with a conventional tuck shop.
      DESIGN: Mixed-methods research comprising a cross-sectional survey and focus
      groups. SETTING: Bloemfontein, South Africa. SUBJECTS: Randomly selected grade 2
      to 7 students from a school with a nutritionally regulated tuck shop (school A; n
      116) and a school with a conventional tuck shop (school B; n 141) completed a
      self-administered questionnaire about perceptions, attitudes, buying behaviours
      and lunchbox content. Six students per grade (n 72) in each school took part in
      focus group discussions to further explore concepts pertaining to healthy eating.
      RESULTS: In school A, older students had a negative attitude towards their
      'healthy' tuck shop, while younger students were more positive. School B students
      were positive towards their conventional tuck shop. In both schools students
      wanted their tuck shop to allow them to choose from healthy and unhealthy items.
      School A students mostly bought slushies, iced lollies and baked samoosas, while
      school B students mostly bought sweets and crisps. The lunchboxes of school A
      students contained significantly (P<0.05) more healthy items but also
      significantly more unhealthy items. CONCLUSIONS: A single intervention such as
      having a nutritionally regulated tuck shop at a primary school cannot advance the
      healthy school food environment in its totality. A multi-pronged approach is
      recommended and awareness must be created among all role players, including
      parents who are responsible for preparing lunchboxes.

PMID- 28095930
TI  - Quantitative risk assessment of the introduction of rabies into Japan through the
      importation of dogs and cats worldwide.
AB  - Japan has been free from rabies since 1958. A strict import regimen has been
      adopted since 2004 consisting of identification of an animal with microchip, two
      time rabies vaccination, neutralizing antibody titration test and a waiting
      period of 180 days. The present study aims to quantitatively assess the risk of
      rabies introduction into Japan through the international importation of dogs and
      cats and hence provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the current
      rabies prevention system. A stochastic scenario tree model was developed and
      simulations were run using @RISK. The probability of infection in a single dog or
      cat imported into Japan is estimated to be 2.16 * 10-9 [90% prediction interval
      (PI) 6.65 * 10-11-6.48 * 10-9]. The number of years until the introduction of a
      rabies case is estimated to be 49 444 (90% PI 19 170-94 641) years. The current
      import regimen is effective in maintaining the very low risk of rabies
      introduction into Japan and responding to future changes including increases in
      import level and rabies prevalence in the world. However, non-compliance or
      smuggling activities could substantially increase the risk of rabies
      introduction. Therefore, policy amendment which could promote compliance is
      highly recommended. Scenario analysis demonstrated that the waiting period could
      be reduced to 90 days and the requirement for vaccination could be reduced to a
      single vaccination, but serological testing should not be stopped.

PMID- 28095923
TI  - NADPH oxidase in brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a common denominator in the pathology of neurodegenerative
      disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease,
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, as well as in ischemic and
      traumatic brain injury. The brain is highly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to
      its high metabolic demand. However, therapies attempting to scavenge free
      radicals have shown little success. By shifting the focus to inhibit the
      generation of damaging free radicals, recent studies have identified NADPH
      oxidase as a major contributor to disease pathology. NADPH oxidase has the
      primary function to generate free radicals. In particular, there is growing
      evidence that the isoforms NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 can be upregulated by a variety
      of neurodegenerative factors. The majority of recent studies have shown that
      genetic and pharmacological inhibition of NADPH oxidase enzymes are
      neuroprotective and able to reduce detrimental aspects of pathology following
      ischemic and traumatic brain injury, as well as in chronic neurodegenerative
      disorders. This review aims to summarize evidence supporting the role of NADPH
      oxidase in the pathology of these neurological disorders, explores
      pharmacological strategies of targeting this major oxidative stress pathway, and
      outlines obstacles that need to be overcome for successful translation of these
      therapies to the clinic.

PMID- 28095931
TI  - Anger Rumination Scale: Validation in Mexico.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess the validity of the Anger Rumination Scale
      (ARS; Sukhodolsky, Golub, & Cromwell, 2001) in a Mexican sample (n = 700, M age =
      38.6, SD = 12.42). Through confirmatory factor analysis and using modification
      indices, the four-factor structure of the original scale was replicated: angry
      afterthoughts, thoughts of revenge, angry memories, and understanding of causes.
      In addition, the four-factor model had better goodness of fit indices than rival
      models with three and two factors. Alpha reliabilities were acceptable (.72 
      .89). ARS results correlated with measures of state anger, trait anger, anger
      expression, and anger control (negatively); correlations were significant (ps <
      .001) ARS outcomes also correlated (ps < .001) with physical and verbal
      aggression, hostility, anger, and emotion suppression, suggesting convergent
      validity. Men reported more thoughts of revenge than women (p < .001; Eta squared
      = .026), but there was no evidence of gender differences on the other anger
      rumination scales, or in total scores.

PMID- 28095932
TI  - The role of marriage in criminal recidivism: a longitudinal and co-relative
      analysis.
AB  - AIMS: Marriage is associated with a reduced rate of criminal recidivism, but the
      underlying mechanisms have only partly been elucidated. We seek to clarify the
      nature of the association between marriage and recidivism and how that
      relationship may be moderated as a function of gender, deviance of spouse, a
      history of violence and familial risk. METHOD: We utilise a longitudinal cohort
      design consisting of Swedish men (n = 239 328) and women (n = 72 280), born
      between 1958 and 1986, who were convicted of at least one crime before age 20 and
      were not married prior to age 20. The analyses used Cox regression with marriage
      as a time-dependent covariate. We also perform co-relative analyses in sibling
      and first cousin pairs. RESULTS: Marriage after a first crime substantially
      reduces risk of recidivism in both males (hazard ratio (HR) with key covariates
      and 95% confidence intervals 0.55, 0.53-0.57) and females (HR = 0.38, 0.34-0.42),
      although the effect is stronger in females. Marriage to a deviant spouse
      increases recidivism rates in males. In males, a history of violent criminality
      and high familial risk, respectively, decrease and increase sensitivity to the
      protective effect of marriage on recidivism. Consistent with a causal effect of
      marriage on recidivism, marriage was associated with a decline in risk for
      criminal relapse comparable with that in the population in both male-male sibling
      pairs (raw HR = 0.53, 0.45-0.62) and cousin pairs (HR = 0.55, 0.47, 0.65)
      concordant for prior convictions. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effect of marriage
      on risk for criminal recidivism is likely largely causal and is of importance in
      both males and females. Those at high familial risk for criminal behaviour are
      more sensitive to the protective effects of marriage.

PMID- 28095933
TI  - Understanding Older Adults' Resilience During the Brisbane Floods: Social
      Capital, Life Experience, and Optimism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore how social capital or the
      impact of life and previous disaster experience facilitated resilience in older
      adults who experienced the 2011 and 2013 floods in Brisbane, Australia. METHODS:
      Data were drawn from in-depth interviews of 10 older adults from Brisbane who
      were evacuated in both the 2011 and 2013 floods. A combined qualitative approach
      drawing from the methods of constructivist grounded theory and narrative inquiry
      was applied and the data were analyzed by using (inductive) line-by-line and
      axial coding. RESULTS: The narratives of the older adults revealed a strong theme
      of resilience linked to social capital (bonding, bridging, and linking) and
      previous disaster experience. The results reflected the changing face of disaster
      management strategies and sources of social capital. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in
      disaster management polices (toward self-reliance) and more formalized sources of
      social capital highlight the need to build strong and healthy resilient
      communities that are capable of positively recovering from natural disasters. The
      results from this research emphasize the importance of initiatives that enhance
      social cohesion, trust, and social capital within local communities. (Disaster
      Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:72-79).

PMID- 28095934
TI  - The Effect of Ambulance Staffing Models in a Metropolitan, Fire-Based EMS System.
AB  - : Introduction The staffing of ambulances with different levels of Emergency
      Medical Service (EMS) providers is a difficult decision with evidence being mixed
      on the benefit of each model. Hypothesis/Problem The objective of this study was
      to describe a pilot program evaluating alternative staffing on two ambulances
      utilizing the paramedic-basic (PB) model (staffed with one paramedic and one
      emergency medical technician[EMT]). METHODS: This was a retrospective study
      conducted from September 17, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The PB ambulances
      were compared to geographically matched ambulances staffed with paramedic
      paramedic (PP ambulances). One PP and one PB ambulance were based at Station A;
      one PP and one PB ambulance were based at Station B. The primary outcome was
      total on-scene time. Secondary outcomes included time-to-electrocardiogram (EKG),
      time-to-intravenous (IV) line insertion, IV-line success rate, and percentage of
      protocol violations. Inclusion criteria were all patients requesting prehospital
      services that were attended to by these teams. Patients were excluded if they
      were not attended to by the study ambulance vehicles. Descriptive statistics were
      reported as medians and interquartile ranges (IQR). Proportions were reported
      with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Mann-Whitley U test was used for
      significance testing (P<.05). RESULTS: Median on-scene times at Station A for the
      PP ambulance were shorter than the PB ambulance team (PP: 10.1 minutes, IQR 6.0
      15; PB: 13.0 minutes, IQR 8.1-18; P=.01). This finding also was noted at Station
      B (PP: 13.5 minutes, IQR 8.5-19; PB: 14.3 minutes, IQR 9.9-20; P=.01). There were
      no differences between PP and PB ambulance teams at Station A or Station B in
      time-to-EKG, time-to-IV insertion, IV success rate, and protocol violation rates.
      CONCLUSION: In the setting of a well-developed EMS system utilizing an all
      Advanced Life Support (ALS) response, this study suggests that PB ambulance teams
      may function well when compared to PP ambulances. Though longer scene times were
      observed, differences in time to ALS interventions and protocol violation rates
      were not different. Hybrid ambulance teams may be an effective staffing
      alternative, but decisions to use this model must address clinical and
      operational concerns. Cortez EJ , Panchal AR , Davis JE , Keseg DP . The effect
      of ambulance staffing models in a metropolitan, fire-based EMS system. Prehosp
      Disaster Med. 2017;32(2):175-179.

PMID- 28095935
TI  - Living well with chronic disease for those older adults living in the community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Definitions of successful aging that incorporate dimensions of
      physical capacity and medical conditions are limited owing to the normative
      nature of experiencing medical conditions with age. We examine the capacity for
      older adults living in the community to live well with or without chronic disease
      as they age. METHOD: Participants (n = 1,001) were from the Melbourne
      Longitudinal Studies on Healthy Ageing (MELSHA) study who were aged 65+ years at
      baseline, were living in the community and followed for 16 years. RESULTS: Aging
      was associated with not living well (OR = 1.21; p < 0.001) and having a chronic
      disease (OR = 1.09; p < 0.001). There was increasing proportion of older adults
      not living well with chronic disease as they aged. Those not living well were at
      a substantial risk of death with (OR = 3.63; p < 0.001) or without (OR = 3.59; p
      < 0.001) chronic disease. DISCUSSION: The defining normative experience for older
      adults is that they are more likely to have a chronic disease and importantly not
      be living well with chronic disease as they age. However, it was the state of not
      living well that reflected the most substantial vulnerability for mortality, not
      chronic disease.

PMID- 28095936
TI  - How expensive is a cardioprotective diet? Analysis from the CRESSIDA study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a cardioprotective dietary intervention based on
      UK dietary guidelines was more expensive than a conventional UK diet. DESIGN:
      Cost analysis of food records collected at baseline and after a 12-week dietary
      intervention of a cardioprotective diet v. conventional UK diet. SETTING: A
      randomized controlled dietary intervention study (CRESSIDA; ISRCTN 92382106)
      investigating the impact of following a diet consistent with UK dietary
      guidelines on CVD risk. SUBJECTS: Participants were healthy UK residents aged 40
      70 years. A sub-sample of participants was randomly selected from those who
      completed the cardioprotective dietary intervention (n 20) or the conventional UK
      dietary intervention (n 20). RESULTS: Baseline diet costs did not differ between
      groups; mean daily food cost for all participants was L6.12 (sd L1.83). The
      intervention diets were not more expensive: at end point the mean daily cost of
      the cardioprotective diet was L6.43 (sd L2.05) v. the control diet which was
      L6.53 (sd L1.53; P=0.86). CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence that consumption of
      a cardioprotective diet was more expensive than a conventional dietary pattern.
      Despite the perception that healthier foods are less affordable, these results
      suggest that cost may not be a barrier when modifying habitual intake and under
      tightly controlled trial conditions. The identification of specific food groups
      that may be a cost concern for individuals may be useful for tailoring
      interventions for CVD prevention for individuals and populations.

PMID- 28095937
TI  - Maternal gestational vitamin D supplementation and child health: looking to the
      future.

PMID- 28095938
TI  - Effect of the patient-to-patient communication model on dysphagia caused by total
      laryngectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a patient-to-patient
      communication model on dysphagia in laryngeal cancer patients after total
      laryngectomy. METHODS: Sixty-five patients who had undergone total laryngectomy
      were randomly divided into three groups: a routine communication group, a patient
      communication group (that received the patient-to-patient communication model)
      and a physician communication group. Questionnaires were used to compare quality
      of life and swallowing problems among all patient groups. RESULTS: The main
      factors causing dysphagia in total laryngectomy patients were related to fear and
      mental health. The patient communication group had improved visual analogue scale
      scores at one week after starting to eat. Quality of life in swallowing disorders
      questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the patient communication and
      physician communication groups than in the routine communication group. In
      addition, swallowing problems were much more severe in patients educated to high
      school level and above than in others. CONCLUSION: The patient-to-patient
      communication model can be used to resolve swallowing problems caused by
      psychological factors in total laryngectomy patients.

PMID- 28095939
TI  - Safe balloon sizing for endoscopic dilatation of subglottic stenosis in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience and provide guidelines for maximum safe
      balloon sizes according to age in children undergoing balloon dilatation. METHOD:
      A retrospective review was conducted of children undergoing balloon dilatation
      for subglottic stenosis in a paediatric tertiary unit between May 2006 and
      February 2016. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients underwent balloon dilatation.
      Mean ( +/- standard deviation) patient age was 4.5 +/- 3.99 years. The median
      balloon size was 8 mm, the median balloon inflation pressure was 10 atm, and the
      mean balloon inflation time was 65.1 +/- 18.6 seconds. No significant unexpected
      events occurred. The Pearson correlation co-efficient for the relationship
      between patient age and balloon size was 0.85 (p = 0.001), suggesting a strongly
      positive correlation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that balloon dilatation
      is a safe procedure for airway stenosis. The results suggest using a balloon
      diameter that is equal to the outer diameter of the age-appropriate endotracheal
      tube +1 mm for the larynx and subglottis and +2 mm for the trachea.

PMID- 28095940
TI  - Neuroscience-based Nomenclature: improving clinical and scientific terminology in
      research and clinical psychopharmacology.

PMID- 28095941
TI  - Preparation for the end of life and life completion during late-stage lung
      cancer: An exploratory analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to explore preparation for the end of life (EoL) and life
      closure among persons with advanced metastatic lung cancer. Understanding quality
      of life through the lens of preparation and completion is important since the
      trajectory of lung cancer can be relatively short, often leading to application
      of cancer-directed therapies near death without the opportunity for advance
      planning or palliative care. Clinical research is needed to understand the kinds
      of distress specific to older adults with advanced lung cancer that are amendable
      to palliative care interventions. METHOD: We employed an exploratory cross
      sectional design to examine psychosocial and existential concerns among a
      purposive sample (N = 30) of advanced lung cancer patients using the "end-of-life
      preparation" and "life completion" subscales of the Quality of Life at the End of
      Life (QUAL-E) questionnaire. Nonparametric methods were employed to analyze
      preparation, completion, global quality of life (QoL), and the associations among
      depressive symptoms, preparation, completion, and global QoL. RESULTS: Higher
      scores on life completion were associated with better global QoL, and with items
      related to transcendence, communicative acts, and interpersonal relationships
      demonstrating important contributions. The perception of being a future burden on
      family members was the greatest concern within the preparation domain. Depressive
      symptoms were not associated with preparation, completion, or global QoL.
      SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Psychosocial and existential issues contribute to QoL at
      the EoL among older adults with late-stage lung cancer during cancer-directed
      therapy, concurrent care, and hospice. The role of preparation, especially self
      perceived burden, merits further research early on in the oncological setting.
      The preparation and life completion subscales of the QUAL-E are feasible clinical
      tools for facilitating dyadic communication about sensitive topics in the
      palliative care setting.

PMID- 28095942
TI  - Association of neighbourhood food availability with the consumption of processed
      and ultra-processed food products by children in a city of Brazil: a multilevel
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between neighbourhood food availability
      and the consumption of ready-to-consume products (RCP), either processed or ultra
      processed, and unprocessed/minimally processed foods (UF-MPF) by children.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional. 24 h Dietary recalls were collected from children from
      January 2010 to June 2011. Neighbourhood food availability data were collected
      from 672 food stores located within 500 m of participants' homes, using an
      adapted and validated instrument. Neighbourhood-level socio-economic status (SES)
      was obtained by calculating the mean years of household head's education level in
      each census tract covered by 500 m buffers. Foods that were consumed by children
      and/or available in the food stores were classified based on their degree of
      industrial processing. Multilevel random-effect models examined the association
      between neighbourhood food availability and children's diets. SETTING: Santos,
      Brazil. SUBJECTS: Children (n 513) under 10 years old (292 aged <6 years, 221
      aged >=6 years). RESULTS: The availability of RCP in food stores was associated
      with increased RCP consumption (P<0.001) and decreased UF-MPF consumption
      (P<0.001). The consumption of UF-MPF was positively associated with neighbourhood
      level SES (P<0.01), but not with the availability of UF-MPF in the neighbourhood.
      CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that food policies and interventions that aim to
      reduce RCP consumption in Santos and similar settings should focus on reducing
      the availability in food stores. The results also suggest that interventions
      should not only increase the availability of UF-MPF in lower-SES neighbourhoods,
      but should strive to make UF-MPF accessible within these environments.

PMID- 28095943
TI  - Sleep disturbances in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: A systematic
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbances are a common issue for those who provide informal
      care to someone with a life-limiting condition. The negative consequences of poor
      sleep are well documented. The purpose of the present study was to determine the
      sleep patterns of caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. METHOD: An
      extensive systematic review of studies reporting empirical sleep data was
      undertaken in 2015 in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. A total of eight
      electronic databases were searched, with no date restrictions imposed.
      Additionally, a search of the bibliographies of the studies identified during the
      electronic search was conducted. Search terms included: "sleep," "insomnia,"
      "sleep disturbance," "circadian rhythm," "caregiver," "carer," "advanced cancer,"
      "palliative cancer," and MESH suggestions. The inclusion criteria required
      studies to be in English and to report primary qualitative and/or quantitative
      research that examined sleep in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.
      Unpublished studies, conference papers, and dissertations were excluded. RESULTS:
      Overall, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.
      Two major findings emerged from the data synthesis. First, at least 72% of
      caregivers reported moderate to severe sleep disturbance as measured by the
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Second, objective measurement of caregivers'
      sleep identified that some caregivers experienced up to a 44% reduction in their
      total sleep time compared to the recommended eight hours. SIGNIFICANCE OF
      RESULTS: Reduction in total sleep time appears to be the biggest issue facing
      caregivers' sleep. Future studies need to explore the specific factors that cause
      these sleep disturbances and thus help to identify interventions to optimize
      sleep.

PMID- 28095944
TI  - Applications of the propensity score weighting method in psychogeriatric
      research: correcting selection bias and adjusting for confounders.
AB  - The propensity score (PS) weighting method is an analytic technique that has been
      applied in multiple fields for a number of purposes. Here, we discuss two common
      applications, which are (1) to correct for selection bias and (2) to adjust for
      confounding variables when estimating the effect of an exposure variable on the
      outcome of interest.

PMID- 28095945
TI  - Conflict monitoring and adaptation as reflected by N2 amplitude in obsessive
      compulsive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Feelings of doubt and perseverative behaviours are key symptoms of
      obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and have been linked to hyperactive error and
      conflict signals in the brain. While enhanced neural correlates of error
      monitoring have been robustly shown, far less is known about conflict processing
      and adaptation in OCD. METHOD: We examined event-related potentials during
      conflict processing in 70 patients with OCD and 70 matched healthy comparison
      participants, focusing on the stimulus-locked N2 elicited in a flanker task.
      Conflict adaptation was evaluated by analysing sequential adjustments in N2 and
      behaviour, i.e. current conflict effects as a function of preceding conflict.
      RESULTS: Patients with OCD showed enhanced N2 amplitudes compared with healthy
      controls. Further, patients showed stronger conflict adaptation effects on
      reaction times and N2 amplitude. Thus, the effect of previous compatibility was
      larger in patients than in healthy participants as indicated by greater N2
      adjustments in change trials (i.e. iC, cI). As a result of stronger conflict
      adaptation in patients, N2 amplitudes were comparable between groups in
      incompatible trials following incompatible trials. CONCLUSIONS: Larger N2
      amplitudes and greater conflict adaptation in OCD point to enhanced conflict
      monitoring leading to increased recruitment of cognitive control in patients.
      This was most pronounced in change trials and was associated with stronger
      conflict adjustment in N2 and behaviour. Thus, hyperactive conflict monitoring in
      OCD may be beneficial in situations that require a high amount of control to
      resolve conflict, but may also reflect an effortful process that is linked to
      distress and symptoms of OCD.

PMID- 28095947
TI  - An Evaluation of Food as a Potential Source for Clostridium difficile Acquisition
      in Hospitalized Patients - CORRIGENDUM.

PMID- 28095946
TI  - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treating agitation in dementia (major
      neurocognitive disorder) - a promising option.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Agitation in patients with dementia increases caretaker burden,
      increases healthcare costs, and worsens the patient's quality of life.
      Antipsychotic medications, commonly used for the treatment of agitation in
      patients with dementia have a box warning from the FDA for elevated mortality
      risk. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has made significant advances over the past
      several years, and is efficacious in treating a wide range of psychiatric
      conditions. We provide a systematic review of published literature regarding the
      efficacy of ECT for the treatment of agitation in patients with dementia (major
      neurocognitive disorder). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar,
      UptoDate, Embase, and Cochrane for literature concerning ECT for treating
      agitation in dementia using the title search terms "ECT agitation dementia;" "ECT
      aggression dementia;" "ECT Behavior and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia;" and
      "ECT BPSD." The term "dementia" was also interchanged with "Major Neurocognitive
      Disorder." No time frame restriction was placed. We attempted to include all
      publications that were found to ensure a comprehensive review. We found 11
      papers, with a total (N) of 216 patients. RESULTS: Limited to case reports, case
      series, retrospective chart review, retrospective case-control, and an open label
      prospective study, ECT has demonstrated promising results in decreasing agitation
      in patients with dementia. Patients who relapsed were found to benefit from
      maintenance ECT. CONCLUSIONS: Available studies are often limited by concomitant
      psychotropic medications, inconsistent use of objective rating scales, short
      follow-up, lack of a control group, small sample sizes, and publication bias. A
      future randomized controlled trial will pose ethical and methodological
      challenges. A randomized controlled trial must carefully consider the definition
      of usual care as a comparison group. Well-documented prospective studies and/or
      additional case series with explicit selection criteria, a wide range of outcome
      measures, and less selection bias of the study sample that may favor treatment
      response, is warranted. ECT may be a promising option for the treatment of
      aggression and agitation in patients with severe dementia who are refractory to
      other treatment options, but the limitations of available studies suggest that a
      cautious approach to future randomized controlled trials is warranted.

PMID- 28095949
TI  - AsMA: Science and Professional Practice.

PMID- 28095950
TI  - CT Coronary Angiography vs. Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring for the Occupational
      Assessment of Military Aircrew.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To ensure flight safety military aircrew undergo regular clinical
      and occupational assessment. Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) has been
      established as an imaging modality to noninvasively assess coronary artery
      disease (CAD). CT coronary angiography (CTCA) potentially offers a more accurate
      assessment of CAD, but has not been formally assessed in military aircrew. This
      retrospective cohort study is designed to compare the theoretical differences in
      downstream investigations and occupational outcomes in aircrew with suspected CAD
      comparing CTCA with existing CACS pathways. METHOD: A 2-yr retrospective cohort
      study of consecutive UK military patients who underwent a CTCA and CACS was
      undertaken. Patient demographics, CTCA and CACS results, and initial and final
      occupational restrictions were analyzed comparing current UK, Canadian, and U.S.
      pathways. RESULTS: There were 44 patients who underwent CACS and CTCA. The
      commonest indication for a CTCA was a positive exercise ECG. Increasing CACS,
      stenosis severity, and stenosis burden were associated with significantly greater
      likelihood of occupational restriction (P = < 0.01). Following CTCA, 26/44 (59%)
      patients were found to have evidence of CAD, with 13/44 (30%) having at least a
      single vessel stenosis >=50%. All of these patients had subsequent occupational
      restrictions. Two patients with a calcium score <=10 had at least 1 single vessel
      stenosis >=50%. DISCUSSION: A CTCA pathway is potentially a better discriminator
      of CAD burden in aircrew when compared with CACS and may reduce downstream
      testing, allowing a more efficacious approach to CAD assessment in military
      aircrew.Parsons I, Pavitt C, Chamley R, d'Arcy J, Nicol E. CT coronary
      angiography vs. coronary artery calcium scoring for the occupational assessment
      of military aircrew. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):76-81.

PMID- 28095951
TI  - Simulated Microgravity Effects on Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation
      and Migration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in medical technology, lung cancer metastasis
      remains a global health problem. The effects of microgravity on cell morphology,
      structure, functions, and their mechanisms have been widely studied; however, the
      biological effects of simulated microgravity on the interaction between cells and
      its eventual influence on the characteristics of cancer cells are yet to be
      discovered. We examined the effects of simulated microgravity on the metastatic
      ability of different lung cancer cells using a random positioning machine.
      METHODS: Human lung cancer cell lines of adenocarcinoma (A549) and squamous cell
      carcinoma (H1703) were cultured in a 3D clinostat system which was continuously
      rotated at 5 rpm for 36 h. The experimental and control group were cultured under
      identical conditions with the exception of clinorotation. RESULTS: Simulated
      microgravity had different effects on each lung cancer cell line. In A549 cells,
      the proliferation rate of the clinostat group (2.267 +/- 0.010) after exposure to
      microgravity did not differ from that of the control group (2.271 +/- 0.020).
      However, in H1703 cells, the proliferation rates of the clinostat group (0.534 +/
      0.021) was lower than that of the control group (1.082 +/- 0.021). The migratory
      ability of both A549 [remnant cell-free area: 33% (clinostat) vs. 78% (control)]
      and H1703 cells [40% (clinostat) vs. 68% (control)] were increased after exposure
      to microgravity. The results of the molecular changes in biomarkers after
      exposure to microgravity are preliminary. DISCUSSION: Simulated microgravity had
      different effects on the proliferation and migration of different lung cancer
      cell lines.Chung JH, Ahn CB, Son KH, Yi E, Son HS, Kim H-S, Lee SH. Simulated
      microgravity effects on nonsmall cell lung cancer cell proliferation and
      migration. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):82-89.

PMID- 28095952
TI  - Neck and Shoulder Muscle Activation Among Experienced and Inexperienced Pilots in
      +Gz Exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare differences in
      electromyography (EMG) activation of the neck and shoulder muscles between groups
      of inexperienced and experienced pilots during controlled +Gz exposure in a
      centrifuge. METHODS: The subjects were volunteer cadets (inexperienced group) and
      lieutenants (experienced group) undergoing their first centrifuge training. The
      first group did not have any high performance aircraft (HPA) experience, while
      the latter one had a 1-yr experience of intense flying of HPA. During the
      centrifuge run, EMG activity was recorded from the left and right shoulder, neck
      flexor, and neck extensor muscles. RESULTS: The pilots without HPA experience had
      significantly higher muscle activity in the neck flexor and extensor muscles
      during the last 5 s of the recorded period at G levels exceeding +7.4.
      DISCUSSION: Muscle activity in the neck and shoulder muscles was gradually higher
      among the whole study group with increasing +Gz forces. Because pilots without
      any HPA experience had significantly higher muscle activity than their
      counterparts with experience of HPA, we suppose that the experience of high +Gz
      forces might lead to lower muscle activation in the same flight mission.Honkanen
      T, Oksa J, Mantysaari MJ, Kyrolainen H, Avela J. Neck and shoulder muscle
      activation among experienced and inexperienced pilots in +Gz exposure. Aerosp Med
      Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):90-95.

PMID- 28095953
TI  - Reported Back Pain in Army Aircrew in Relation to Airframe, Gender, Age, and
      Experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Back pain has remained an issue of significance among aircraft
      crewmembers for decades, occurring in the majority of military helicopter pilots
      with potential deleterious effects on performance, safety, and operational
      readiness. This exploratory, correlational survey study was designed to evaluate
      the presence of patterns and relationships that may require further examination
      to understand causal factors. METHODS: The study population consisted of U.S.
      Army aviation crewmembers. Subjects (467) completed an anonymous survey,
      including questions regarding demographics, airframes, experience, pain history
      and severity, ergonomics, mitigation strategies, and duty limitations. RESULTS:
      Overall, 84.6% of participants reported back pain at some time during their
      flying career, with 77.8% reporting back pain in the last calendar year. Age was
      found to significantly correlate with earlier time to pain during flight, higher
      pain rating after flight, and occurrence of grounding. A stepwise linear
      regression model was used to explore the relationships between age, flight hours,
      and years of aviation experience, demonstrating age to be the significant
      variable accounting for the observed variance. Aircrew reported wear of combat
      related survival equipment and poor lumbar support to be the most notable
      contributors. DISCUSSION: Back pain rates were consistent with previous studies.
      The relationship of age to back pain in this study may highlight unique
      pathophysiological pathways that should be further investigated within an
      occupational context to better understand the etiologic role. Enhanced seated
      lumbar support and combat-related survival equipment remain relatively low
      cost/high-yield topics worthy of further investigation for exploiting efficient
      means to improve health, safety, and operational performance.Kelley AM,
      MacDonnell J, Grigley D, Campbell J, Gaydos SJ. Reported back pain in army
      aircrew in relation to airframe, gender, age, and experience. Aerosp Med Hum
      Perform. 2017; 88(2):96-103.

PMID- 28095954
TI  - Predicting Air Quality at First Ingress into Vehicles Visiting the International
      Space Station.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: NASA regularly performs ground-based offgas tests (OGTs), which
      allow prediction of accumulated volatile pollutant concentrations at first entry
      on orbit, on whole modules and vehicles scheduled to connect to the International
      Space Station (ISS). These data guide crew safety operations and allow for
      estimation of ISS air revitalization systems impact from additional pollutant
      load. Since volatiles released from vehicle, module, and payload materials can
      affect crew health and performance, prediction of first ingress air quality is
      important. METHODS: To assess whether toxicological risk is typically over or
      underpredicted, OGT and first ingress samples from 10 vehicles and modules were
      compared. Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry. The rate of pollutant accumulation was extrapolated over time.
      Ratios of analytical values and Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations were
      used to predict total toxicity values (T-values) at first entry. Results were
      also compared by compound. RESULTS: Frequently overpredicted was 2-butanone
      (9/10), whereas propanal (6/10) and ethanol (8/10) were typically underpredicted,
      but T-values were not substantially affected. Ingress sample collection delay
      (estimated by octafluoropropane introduced from ISS atmosphere) and T-value
      prediction accuracy correlated well (R2 = 0.9008), highlighting the importance of
      immediate air sample collection and accounting for ISS air dilution. DISCUSSION:
      Importantly, T-value predictions were conservative 70% of the time. Results also
      suggest that T-values can be normalized to octafluoropropane levels to adjust for
      ISS air dilution at first ingress. Finally, OGT and ingress sampling has allowed
      small leaks in vehicle fluid systems to be recognized and addressed.Romoser AA,
      Scully RR, Limero TF, De Vera V, Cheng PF, Hand JJ, James JT, Ryder VE.
      Predicting air quality at first ingress into vehicles visiting the International
      Space Station. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):104-113.

PMID- 28095955
TI  - Preconditioning to Reduce Decompression Stress in Scuba Divers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using ultrasound imaging, vascular gas emboli (VGE) are observed
      after asymptomatic scuba dives and are considered a key element in the potential
      development of decompression sickness (DCS). Diving is also accompanied with
      vascular dysfunction, as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Previous
      studies showed significant intersubject variability to VGE for the same diving
      exposure and demonstrated that VGE can be reduced with even a single pre-dive
      intervention. Several preconditioning methods have been reported recently,
      seemingly acting either on VGE quantity or on endothelial inflammatory markers.
      METHODS: Nine male divers who consistently showed VGE postdive performed a
      standardized deep pool dive (33 m/108 ft, 20 min in 33 degrees C water
      temperature) to investigate the effect of three different preconditioning
      interventions: heat exposure (a 30-min session of dry infrared sauna), whole-body
      vibration (a 30-min session on a vibration mattress), and dark chocolate
      ingestion (30 g of chocolate containing 86% cocoa). Dives were made one day per
      week and interventions were administered in a randomized order. RESULTS: These
      interventions were shown to selectively reduce VGE, FMD, or both compared to
      control dives. Vibration had an effect on VGE (39.54%, SEM 16.3%) but not on FMD
      postdive. Sauna had effects on both parameters (VGE: 26.64%, SEM 10.4%; FMD:
      102.7%, SEM 2.1%), whereas chocolate only improved FMD (102.5%, SEM 1.7%).
      DISCUSSION: This experiment, which had the same subjects perform all control and
      preconditioning dives in wet but completely standardized diving conditions,
      demonstrates that endothelial dysfunction appears to not be solely related to
      VGE.Germonpre P, Balestra C. Preconditioning to reduce decompression stress in
      scuba divers. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):114-120.

PMID- 28095956
TI  - Decelerations of Parachute Opening Shock in Skydivers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: High prevalence of neck pain among skydivers is related to
      parachute opening shock (POS) exposure, but few investigations of POS
      deceleration have been made. Existing data incorporate equipment movements,
      limiting its representability of skydiver deceleration. This study aims to
      describe POS decelerations and compare human- with equipment-attached data.
      METHODS: Wearing two triaxial accelerometers placed on the skydiver (neck-sensor)
      and equipment (rig-sensor), 20 participants made 2 skydives each. Due to
      technical issues, data from 35 skydives made by 19 participants were collected.
      Missing data were replaced using data substitution techniques. Acceleration axes
      were defined as posterior to anterior (+ax), lateral right (+ay), and caudal to
      cranial (+az). Deceleration magnitude [amax (G)] and jerks (G . s-1) during POS
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Two distinct phases related to skydiver positioning and
      acceleration direction were observed: 1) the x-phase (characterized by -ax,
      rotating the skydiver); and 2) the z-phase (characterized by +az, skydiver
      vertically oriented). Compared to the rig-sensor, the neck-sensor yielded lower
      amax (3.16 G vs. 6.96 G) and jerk (56.3 G . s-1 vs. 149.0 G . s-1) during the x
      phase, and lower jerk (27.7 G . s-1 vs. 54.5 G . s-1) during the z-phase.
      DISCUSSION: The identified phases during POS should be considered in future neck
      pain preventive strategies. Accelerometer data differed, suggesting human-placed
      accelerometry to be more valid for measuring human acceleration.Gladh K, Lo
      Martire R, Ang BO, Lindholm P, Nilsson J, Westman A. Decelerations of parachute
      opening shock in skydivers. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):121-127.

PMID- 28095957
TI  - Point-of-Care Ultrasound Utility and Potential for High Altitude Crew Recovery
      Missions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Flights to high altitude can lead to exposure and unique pathology
      not seen in normal commercial aviation. METHODS: This paper assesses the
      potential for point-of-care ultrasound to aid in management and disposition of
      injured crewmembers from a high altitude incident. This was accomplished through
      a systematic literature review regarding current diagnostic and therapeutic uses
      of ultrasound for injuries expected in high altitude free fall and parachuting.
      RESULTS: While current research supports its utility in diagnostics, therapeutic
      procedures, and triage decisions, little research has been done regarding its
      utility in high altitude specific pathology, but its potential has been
      demonstrated. DISCUSSION: An algorithm was created for use in high altitude
      missions, in the event of an emergency descent and traumatic landing for an
      unconscious and hypotensive pilot, to rule out most life threatening causes. Each
      endpoint includes disposition, allowing concise decision-making.Galdamez LA,
      Clark JB, Antonsen EL. Point-of-care ultrasound utility and potential for high
      altitude crew recovery missions. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):128-136.

PMID- 28095958
TI  - Additive Effects of Sinusoidal Lower Body Negative Pressure on Cardiovascular
      Responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sinusoidal lower body negative pressure (SLBNP) has been used to
      investigate the cardiovascular response to slow periodic changes in blood shifts,
      but measurements of slow fluctuations take a long time if measured for each
      period of SLBNP separately. Our study aimed to investigate whether the
      cardiovascular responses to superimposed SLBNP (S-SLBNP), which is expected to
      reduce the measurement time, are different from responses measured individually.
      METHODS: S-SLBNP was configured by superimposing two conventional SLBNPs (C
      SLBNP) at 180-s and 30-s periods in the pressure range from 0 to -25 mmHg. As the
      S-SLBNP has double the static load of C-SLBNP, we also used offset SLBNP (O
      SLBNP), which has the same static load level as S-SLBNP. Heart rate (HR),
      thoracic impedance (Z0), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured from 11
      male subjects. The transfer functions of gains from MAP to HR (Gain-HR/MAP) and
      from Z0 to HR (Gain-HR/Z0) were calculated as indexes of arterial baroreflex and
      cardiopulmonary baroreflex regulation of HR, respectively. RESULTS: The Gain
      HR/MAP in the 180-s period (2.11 +/- 0.17 bpm/mmHg; mean +/- SEM) was larger than
      that of the 30-s period (1.04 +/- 0.09 bpm/mmHg); however, there was no
      significant difference between the SLBNP conditions. The Gain-HR/Z0 in C-SLBNP
      (9.37 +/- 1.47 bpm/ohm) was smaller than that of the other conditions [18.46 +/-
      2.45 bpm/ohm (O-SLBNP); 16.09 +/- 2.29 bpm/ohm (S-SLBNP)]. DISCUSSION: Using S
      SLBNP could reduce the measurement time needed to examine the arterial
      baroreflex. However, the cardiopulmonary baroreflex was modified by the static
      load of SLBNP.Ishibashi K, Oyama F, Yoshida H, Iwanaga K. Additive effects of
      sinusoidal lower body negative pressure on cardiovascular responses. Aerosp Med
      Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):137-141.

PMID- 28095959
TI  - General Aviation Pilots Over 70 Years Old.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently it is not unusual for general aviation pilots in the United
      States to continue to fly beyond the age of 70, even into their 80s and 90s.
      Pilots have regular examinations according to protocols which do not specify
      special or additional requirements for pilots over 70 yr of age. Additionally,
      the third class medical reforms passed by the U.S. Senate on 15 July 2016 could
      potentially result in even less stringent medical certification requirements for
      general aviation pilots. METHODS: Accident rates, medical parameters, autopsy
      findings, and toxicological findings from the U.S. National Transportation Safety
      Board (NTSB) general aviation (GA) accident database were analyzed to assess
      potential risk factors with accident outcomes. RESULTS: During 2003-2012, there
      were 114 (113 men, 1 woman) general aviation fatal accidents involving pilots
      ages 70 to 92 yr. A combination of 3 or more drugs were found in 13 (13%) of
      deceased pilots. The most frequent drugs were first generation antihistamines and
      antidepressants represented the next highest proportion of possible performance
      affecting medications. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that there are critical
      medical factors that may contribute to fatal accidents among elderly pilots.
      Polypharmacy use should be taken into consideration, especially during periodic
      health examinations and fatal aviation investigations involving elderly
      pilots.Vuorio A, Asmayawati S, Budowle B, Griffiths R, Strandberg T, Kuoppala J,
      Sajantila A. General aviation pilots over 70 years old. Aerosp Med Hum Perform.
      2017; 88(2):142-145.

PMID- 28095960
TI  - Medical Reasons for Loss of License in Norwegian Professional Pilots.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to quantify causes of medical
      disqualification (groundings) of Norwegian commercial pilots for the period 2006
      2010, and to compare our findings with former Norwegian studies on the subject to
      reveal possible changes in the disease spectrum over the last decades. We
      compared our data with previous studies for the periods 1982-1997 and 1997-2001,
      respectively. METHODS: The material was collected from the aeromedical section's
      archive. Files on all grounded pilots have been reviewed and classified by age
      group and diagnosis and grounding rates have been calculated. RESULTS: From the
      study population comprising 12,552 pilot-years for the years 2006-2010 inclusive,
      85 pilots were permanently grounded, i.e., an average grounding rate of 6.8 per
      1000 pilot-years. DISCUSSION: Compared with previous data there is a significant
      decrease in the disqualification rate due to cardiovascular conditions, while the
      disqualification rates due to ear, nose, and throat conditions and neurological
      conditions have both increased significantly.Hova JK, Thorheim L, Wagstaff AS.
      Medical reasons for loss of license in Norwegian professional pilots. Aerosp Med
      Hum Perform. 2017; 88(2):146-149.

PMID- 28095961
TI  - You're the Flight Surgeon.
AB  - Kahl CG. You're the flight surgeon: immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Aerosp Med Hum
      Perform. 2017; 88(2):150-153.

PMID- 28095962
TI  - Interview with Dr. Arnold S. Barer, a Soviet Space Medicine Pioneer.

PMID- 28095964
TI  - F-Wave Duration as a Specific and Sensitive Tool for the Diagnosis of Restless
      Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease
      (RLS/WED), is a frequent condition, though its pathophysiology is not completely
      understood. The diagnosis of RLS/WED relies on clinical criteria, and the only
      instrumental tool, the suggested immobilization test, may lead to equivocal
      results. Recently, neurophysiological parameters related to F-wave duration have
      been proposed as a diagnostic aid. The aim of this study is to assess and compare
      the diagnostic values of these parameters in diagnosis of RLS/WED. METHODS:
      Fifteen women affected by primary RLS/WED and 17 age- and sex- matched healthy
      subjects. A complete electroneurographic evaluation, including nerve conduction
      studies (NCS), cutaneous silent period (CSP), and F-wave parameters, namely
      amplitude, F-wave duration (FWD), and the ratio between FWD and duration of the
      corresponding compound muscle action potential (FWD/CMAPD). RESULTS: No subject
      showed alterations of the NCS. However, FWD and FWD/CMAPD of both upper and lower
      limbs were significantly longer in patients than controls. Tibial FWD/CMAPD best
      discriminated RLS/WED patients from controls. A cutoff of 2.06 yielded a
      sensitivity of 69.2%, a specificity of 94.1%, a positive predictive power of 90%,
      and a negative predictive power of 80% (area under the curve = 0.817; 95%
      confidence interval = 0.674-0.959). The combination of ulnar or tibial FWD/CMAPD
      increases the sensitivity (85.7%) while slightly decreasing the specificity
      (87.5%, positive predictive value: 85.7%, negative predictive value: 87.5%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Lower limb FWD/CMAPD ratio may represent a supportive diagnostic
      tool, especially in cases of evening lower leg discomfort of unclear
      interpretation.

PMID- 28095966
TI  - Potential Underestimation of Sleep Apnea Severity by At-Home Kits: Rescoring In
      Laboratory Polysomnography Without Sleep Staging.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) is increasingly available for
      diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). One key limitation of most HSAT
      involves the lack of sleep staging, such that the respiratory event index is
      calculated using the total recording time (TRT) rather than total sleep time
      (TST). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of n = 838 diagnostic
      polysomnography (PSG) nights from our center; n = 444 with OSA (4% rule,
      apneahypopnea index (AHI) >= 5), and n = 394 with AHI < 5. We recalculated the
      AHI using time in bed (TIB) instead of TST, to assess the predicted
      underestimation risk of OSA severity. RESULTS: Of all the patients with OSA,
      26.4% would be reclassified as having less severe or no OSA after recalculating
      the AHI using TIB rather than TST. Of the n = 275 with mild OSA, 18.5% would be
      reclassified as not having OSA. The risk of underestimation was higher in those
      with moderate or severe OSA. Of the n = 119 moderate OSA cases, 40.3% would be
      reclassified as mild, and of the n = 50 severe OSA cases, 36.0% would be
      reclassified as moderate. Age strongly correlated with the degree of
      underestimation of the AHI, because age was significantly correlated with time
      awake during PSG. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of sleep apnea underestimation is
      predicted to be substantial in a tertiary sleep center population. Phenotyping
      errors included risk of falsely negative results (from mild to normal), as well
      as category errors: moderate or severe moving to mild or moderate severity,
      respectively. Clinicians should recognize this underestimation limitation, which
      directly affects diagnostic phenotyping and thus therapeutic decisions.
      COMMENTARY: A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 531.

PMID- 28095965
TI  - VAMONOS (Veterans Affairs' Metabolism, Obstructed and Non-Obstructed Sleep)
      Study: Effects of CPAP Therapy on Glucose Metabolism in Patients with Obstructive
      Sleep Apnea.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM) are prevalent disorders that pose increased risk of cardiovascular disease
      and death. The objective of this study was to clarify if continuous positive
      airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for OSA affects T2DM control and emergence.
      METHODS: Point-of-care, comparative effectiveness study; cross-sectional and
      longitudinal analyses. RESULTS: Our cohort included 928 consecutive patients; 13%
      were women; 36% were Caucasians and 61% African-Americans. OSA was diagnosed in
      approximately 738 patients and CPAP was initiated in 718 patients; median
      duration of therapy was 5 mo (25% to 75% interquartile range [IQR] 3-14).
      Patients with OSA used CPAP therapy for a median duration of 4.8 h, 34.5% of the
      nights. Adherence to CPAP was prespecified as follows: good (>= 70% nights and >=
      4 h/night), excellent (>= 80% nights and >= 6 h/night) or outstanding (>= 90% of
      nights and 8 h/night). Based on objective data, good, excellent, and outstanding
      compliance were found in only 30%, 20%, and 6%, respectively. Three percent of
      subjects without CPAP follow-up and less than 4% of those nonadherent to CPAP
      therapy (based on the established criteria) developed incident T2DM. Incident
      T2DM developed in only 0.8% of those with good compliance and in none (0%) of
      those in the excellent and outstanding groups. During follow-up, median weight
      change was +0.3 kg (IQR -1.8 to 2.7). CONCLUSIONS: We found that an outstanding
      compliance to CPAP reduced fasting blood glucose in patients with OSA.
      Longitudinally, higher levels of therapeutic adherence may affect the rate of
      incident impaired fasting glucose, prediabetes, and T2DM, despite the observed
      weight gains. COMMENTARY: A commentary on this article appears in this issue on
      page 365.

PMID- 28095968
TI  - Catathrenia (Nocturnal Groaning): A Social Media Survey and State-of-the-Art
      Review.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Catathrenia is an underrecognized nocturnal vocalization
      phenomenon that can be a source of perplexity to patients, bed partners, and
      medical providers. Catathrenia is distinct from both sleep talking (a parasomnia
      with loud talking during sleep) and snoring (noise due to vibration of upper
      airway soft tissues related to variations in airway resistance). The objective of
      this review is to provide an evidence-based resource to help the practitioner
      reliably evaluate and manage patients with this condition. METHODS: Data were
      gathered from: (1) PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar; and (2)
      catathrenia social media groups (Yahoo and Facebook). RESULTS: Data collected
      were (1) 15 case reports and 17 case series describing 191 patients with
      catathrenia; (2) questionnaires from 47 catathrenia subjects; (3) 5 audio files.
      CONCLUSIONS: Catathrenia is a noise produced during sleep (distinct from snoring)
      with identifiable harmonics, a computable main frequency, and high-decibel
      intensity that involves active adduction and vibration of the vocal cords during
      expiration. The quality of groaning in catathrenia is monotone, and often
      presents with a morose or sexual connotation, causing a significant social
      problem for patients. Although there is no association with risk of physical
      harm, catathrenia does present a significant disturbance to the bed partner and
      has been associated with subjective impairments to sleep quality, including
      unrefreshing sleep and fatigue. Polysomnography can be useful if performed
      properly to confirm the diagnosis and to evaluate for comorbid sleep
      disturbances, such as obstructive sleep apnea or parasomnia. Directions for
      further research could involve consideration of deep breathing exercises, yoga,
      meditation, or myofunctional therapy to help abate symptoms.

PMID- 28095967
TI  - Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Pediatric Narcolepsy: A Nonrandomized, Open
      Label, Controlled, Longitudinal Observational Study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Previous case reports of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) in
      pediatric narcolepsy have shown contradictory results. METHODS: This was a
      nonrandomized, open-label, controlled, longitudinal observational study of IVIg
      use in pediatric narcolepsy with retrospective data collection from medical files
      obtained from a single pediatric national reference center for the treatment of
      narcolepsy in France. Of 56 consecutively referred patients with narcolepsy, 24
      received IVIg (3 infusions administered at 1-mo intervals) in addition to
      standard care (psychostimulants and/or anticataplectic agents), and 32 continued
      on standard care alone (controls). RESULTS: For two patients in each group,
      medical files were unavailable. Of the 22 IVIg patients, all had cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) hypocretin <= 110 pg/mL and were HLA-DQB1*06:02 positive. Of the 30
      control patients, 29 were HLA-DQB1*06:02 positive and of those with available CSF
      measurements, all 12 had hypocretin <= 110 pg/mL. Compared with control patients,
      IVIg patients had shorter disease duration, shorter latency to sleep onset, and
      more had received H1N1 vaccination. Mean (standard deviation) follow-up length
      was 2.4 (1.1) y in the IVIg group and 3.9 (1.7) y in controls. In multivariate
      adjusted linear mixed-effects analyses of change from baseline in Ullanlinna
      Narcolepsy Scale (UNS) scores, high baseline UNS, but not IVIg treatment, was
      associated with a reduction in narcolepsy symptoms. On time-to-event analysis,
      among patients with high baseline UNS scores, control patients achieved a UNS
      score < 14 (indicating remission) less rapidly than IVIg patients (adjusted
      hazard ratio 0.18; 95% confidence interval: 95% confidence interval: 0.03, 0.95;
      p = 0.043). Shorter or longer disease duration did not influence treatment
      response in any analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, narcolepsy symptoms were not
      significantly reduced by IVIg. However, in patients with high baseline symptoms,
      a subset of IVIg-treated patients achieved remission more rapidly than control
      patients. COMMENTARY: A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page
      363.

PMID- 28095969
TI  - Body Fat Distribution Ratios and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity in Youth With
      Obesity.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obesity and regional fat distribution, measured by neck fat
      mass percentage using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), correlate with
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity in adults. In obese children, neck-to
      waist-circumference ratio predicts OSA. This study examined associations between
      body fat percentage and distribution and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
      severity in obese youth, measured with DXA. METHODS: Cross-sectional
      retrospective study conducted at a tertiary children's hospital. Participants
      were aged 6 to 18 years with obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 99th percentile
      [BMI z-score 2.35] or > 95th percentile with comorbidity). They underwent
      polysomnography and DXA to quantify body fat percentage and distribution ratios
      (neck-to-abdominal fat percentage [NAF % ratio]). SDB was defined as apnea
      hypopnea index (AHI) > 5 and OSA as obstructive AHI (OAHI) > 1 event/h.
      Relationships of BMI z-score and NAF % ratio to log AHI and log OAHI were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty individuals participated; 18 male; median age 14.1
      years. Twenty-four individuals had BMI z-scores > 2.35. Ten had AHI > 5 events/h.
      NAF % ratio was significantly associated with log AHI in males and with log OAHI
      in all, whereas total fat mass percent was not. The association between log OAHI
      and NAF % ratio was significant in males, but not females. NAF % ratio was
      significantly associated with log OAHI in those with BMI z-score above 2.35.
      CONCLUSIONS: NAF % ratio was associated with OSA severity in males and youth with
      BMI > 99th percentile; however, total fat mass percentage was not, suggesting
      that body fat distribution is associated with OSA risk in youth.

PMID- 28095970
TI  - Cyclic Alternating Pattern Associated with Catathrenia and Bruxism in a 10-Year
      Old Patient.
AB  - ABSTRACT: Cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) is widely recognized as an expression
      of sleep instability in electroencephalogram activity during non-rapid eye
      movement sleep. We report a case with sequences of CAP followed by bruxism and
      catathrenia in a 10-y-old male patient with a diagnosis of attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder in treatment with methylphenidate. We found CAP in 83.1%
      of all episodes of catathrenia, and the CAP rate was 12.8%. We propose to
      consider catathrenia as one of the sleep disorders that may be accompanied by
      CAP.

PMID- 28095971
TI  - Associations of Undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Excessive Daytime
      Sleepiness With Depression: An Australian Population Study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine whether undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
      and/or excessive daytime sleepiness are associated with symptomatic depression in
      Australian men. METHODS: Participants were randomly selected, urban community
      dwelling men aged 40 to 88 years without a prior diagnosis of OSA. Clinically
      significant depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory
      1A or Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (2007-2010). A random
      sample of men (n = 788) undertook full at-home unattended polysomnography
      (Embletta X100, Broomfield, Colorado, United States) and completed the Epworth
      Sleepiness Scale questionnaire (2010-2012). RESULTS: Undiagnosed severe
      obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index >= 30 events/h) was associated with
      depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.05-3.73; P = .036). However, a significant interaction was observed between
      obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness (P = .03) such that
      individuals with OSA and excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale
      score of 10 or higher) exhibited the strongest associations with depression (mild
      moderate apnea: adjusted odd ratio = 3.86; 95% CI 1.87-7.95; severe apnea:
      adjusted odd ratio = 4.82; 95% CI 1.42-16.35) when compared to individuals
      without apnea. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms in men were associated with
      undiagnosed OSA in the community. It is important that clinicians and primary
      care practitioners consider screening for depression in men with severe OSA and
      for OSA in men with depression. Screening for depression should also be
      considered in men with excessive daytime sleepiness regardless of OSA severity.

PMID- 28095974
TI  - Urgent Need to Improve PAP Management: The Devil Is in Two (Fixable) Details.

PMID- 28095973
TI  - Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Treatments on Partners: A Literature
      Review.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Many adults sleep with a significant other; thus, sleep
      disorder symptoms and treatments of one partner are likely to impact the other
      partner's health. A literature review was conducted to examine the impact of
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and OSA treatments on partner-assessed sleep and
      daytime functioning and partner involvement in OSA treatment. METHODS: MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, and CINAHL searches yielded 38 pertinent quantitative and qualitative
      studies that described sleep and/or daytime functioning assessed in partners of
      patients with untreated OSA, sleep and/or daytime functioning assessed in
      partners who were referred for OSA treatment, including continuous positive
      airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliance (OA), or surgery, and/or
      associations between partner involvement and OSA treatment use. RESULTS: The
      majority of studies found untreated OSA to have a negative impact on partners'
      objective and subjective sleep and daytime functioning, in particular mood,
      quality of life, and relationship quality. Improvements in partner-assessed sleep
      quality were reported for CPAP, OA, and surgery. Conflicting results were
      reported for partners' mood, quality of life, daytime sleepiness, and
      relationship quality. Perceived partner support was associated with greater CPAP
      use. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms associated with OSA can negatively impact partners'
      sleep and daytime functioning. Treatment of OSA with CPAP, OA, or surgery can
      have health benefits for not only patients but also partners. Collaborative
      partner involvement may be a useful strategy for interventions promoting CPAP
      adherence.

PMID- 28095972
TI  - Sex-Specific Difference in the Association Between Poor Sleep Quality and
      Abdominal Obesity in Rural Chinese: A Large Population-Based Study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Existing studies on sleep quality and associated obesity are
      inconsistent, and few studies have prospectively evaluated the association
      between sleep quality and abdominal obesity among Chinese individuals. To fill
      this void, the current study aimed to assess the association between sleep
      quality and abdominal obesity in a rural Chinese population. METHODS: A
      representative sample of 9,404 adults aged 20-93 years in northeastern China was
      selected between 2012 and 2013 by a multistage cluster and random sampling
      method. Sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI),
      where a score of 6 or higher indicated sleep disorder. Abdominal obesity was
      measured by waist circumference (WC), with abdominal obesity defined as WC > 90
      cm for men and WC > 80 cm for women. RESULTS: Male participants with abdominal
      obesity had higher global PSQI scores in addition to higher subscores in almost
      all of the elements compared to normal values. The odds ratios of abdominal
      obesity among participants with sleep disorders were 1.64 (95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 1.39-1.95) and 1.14 (95% CI: 0.98-1.32) for males and females
      compared to the reference group. The risk in all sleep elements was significantly
      increased, with odds ratios ranging from 1.28 (95% CI: 1.08-1.51) to 5.81 (95%
      CI: 3.54-9.53) for males. The risk only in four elements was significantly
      increased, from 1.28 (95% CI: 1.12-1.47) to 2.27 (95% CI: 1.36-3.80) for females.
      CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep quality was associated with abdominal obesity in Chinese.
      Furthermore, effects in males were larger than those in females.

PMID- 28095975
TI  - Sleep-Related Abnormal Sexual Behaviors (Sexsomnia) Successfully Treated With a
      Mandibular Advancement Device: A Case Report.
AB  - ABSTRACT: Sleep-related abnormal sexual behaviors (sexsomnia) are classified as a
      subtype of non-rapid eye movement sleep parasomnias. There are reported cases of
      control of sexsomnia with treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with
      continuous positive airway pressure. We present a case of sexsomnia controlled
      with the treatment of OSA with a mandibular advancement device.

PMID- 28095976
TI  - Payer Perspective of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice
      Guideline for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia.

PMID- 28095977
TI  - Multidisciplinary Alternatives to CPAP Program for CPAP-Intolerant Patients.
AB  - ABSTRACT: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) intolerance remains a
      persistent problem for many obstructive sleep apnea patients. Clinicians and
      researchers continue to search for other effective treatment modalities given the
      well-documented sequelae associated with untreated obstructive sleep apnea. A
      multidisciplinary "Alternatives to CPAP program" (ALT) can facilitate systematic
      evaluation of non-CPAP therapies appropriate for an individual patient. We review
      successful strategies and barriers encountered during implementation of an ALT at
      our institution. Creation of similar programs in private practice and academic
      settings can help medical, dental, and surgical sleep medicine specialists
      coordinate evaluation and treatment of CPAP-intolerant patients.

PMID- 28095978
TI  - Poor Quality Control of Over-the-Counter Melatonin: What They Say Is Often Not
      What You Get.

PMID- 28095979
TI  - A Step in the Right Direction: Moving Toward Increased Access to Insomnia Care.

PMID- 28095980
TI  - A Potential Alternative to Respiratory Inductance Plethysmography for Children?

PMID- 28095981
TI  - Man Versus Machine.

PMID- 28095982
TI  - What is the optimal radiotherapy schedule for limited stage small cell lung
      cancer?
AB  - Thoracic radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of limited disease
      SCLC. Best results are obtained with twice daily (BID) radiotherapy, starting
      early and given concurrently with chemotherapy. At ASCO, 2016, Faivre-Finn and
      colleagues presented the results of the CONVERT trial, comparing such a scheme
      with once daily radiotherapy to a higher dose. There was no statistically
      significant difference in survival between the two arms. Although the publication
      of the study is still awaited, this editorial puts the available data in
      perspective and draws some important conclusions.

PMID- 28095983
TI  - Application of close-packed structures in dental resin composites.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The inorganic filler particles in dental resin composites serve to
      improve their mechanical properties and reduce polymerization shrinkage during
      their use. Efforts have been made in academia and industry to increase the filler
      particle content, but, few studies examine the theoretical basis for the maximum
      particle loading. METHODS: This work evaluates the packing of spherical particles
      in a close-packed state for highly loaded composites. RESULTS: Calculations show
      that for low dispersity particles, the maximum amount of particles is 74.05vol%,
      regardless of the particle size. This can be further improved by using a mix of
      large and small particles or by the use of non-spherical particles. For
      representative spherical particles with a diameter of 1000nm, two types of
      secondary particles with respective sizes of 414nm (dI) and 225nm (dII) are
      selected. The results show that after embedding secondary particles I & II into
      primary spherical particles, the packing factor is increased to 81.19% for the
      close-packed structures, which shows an improvement of 9.64%, compared to the
      74.05% obtained only with primary spherical particles. This packing factor is
      also higher than either structure with the embedded secondary particles I or II.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Examples of these mixtures with different spherical particle sizes
      are shown as a theoretical estimation, serving as a guideline for the design and
      formulation of new dental resin composites with better properties and improved
      performance.

PMID- 28095984
TI  - Post-extubation stridor in the trauma ICU: Still a problem overly complex.

PMID- 28095985
TI  - Open preperitoneal groin hernia repair with mesh: A qualitative systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For the repair of inguinal hernias, several surgical methods have
      been presented where the purpose is to place a mesh in the preperitoneal plane
      through an open access. The aim of this systematic review was to describe
      preperitoneal repairs with emphasis on the technique. DATA SOURCES: A systematic
      review was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA statement. PubMed,
      Cochrane library and Embase were searched systematically. Studies were included
      if they provided clinical data with more than 30 days follow up following repair
      of an inguinal hernia with an open preperitoneal mesh technique. CONCLUSIONS: A
      total of 67 articles were included, describing nine different methods: Kugel,
      TREPP, TIPP, Onstep, Horton/Florence, Nyhus, Ugahary, Read, and Stoppa. In
      general, results regarding pain, recurrences and complications seem promising. It
      was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis. Open preperitoneal techniques with
      placement of a mesh through an open approach seem promising compared with the
      standard anterior techniques. This systematic review provides an overview of
      these techniques together with a description of surgical methods and clinical
      outcomes.

PMID- 28095986
TI  - Erratum to "Effects of Eph-ephrin mutations on pre-pulse inhibition in mice"
      [Physiology & Behavior 135, (2014) 232-236].

PMID- 28095987
TI  - An anatomic risk model to screen post endovascular aneurysm repair patients for
      aneurysm sac enlargement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Follow-up computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans add
      considerable postimplantation costs to endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVARs) of
      abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). By building a risk model, we hope to identify
      patients at low risk for aneurysm sac enlargement to minimize unnecessary CTAs.
      METHODS: 895 consecutive patients who underwent EVAR for AAA were reviewed, of
      which 556 met inclusion criteria. A Probit model was created for aneurysm sac
      enlargement, with preoperative aneurysm morphology, patient demographics, and
      operative details as variables. RESULTS: Our final model included 287 patients
      and had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 68.9%, and an accuracy of 70.4%.
      Ninety-nine (35%) of patients were assigned to the high-risk group, whereas 188
      (65%) of patients were assigned to the low-risk group. Notably, regarding
      anatomic variables, our model reported that age, pulmonary comorbidities, aortic
      neck diameter, iliac artery length, and aneurysms were independent predictors of
      post-EVAR sac enlargement. With the exception of age, all statistically
      significant variables were qualitatively supported by prior literature. With
      regards to secondary outcomes, the high-risk group had significantly higher
      proportions of AAA-related deaths (5.1% versus 1.1%, P = 0.037) and Type 1
      endoleaks (9.1% versus 3.2%, P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Our model is a decent
      predictor of patients at low risk for post AAA EVAR aneurysm sac enlargement and
      associated complications. With additional validation and refinement, it could be
      applied to practices to cut down on the overall need for postimplantation CTA.

PMID- 28095988
TI  - Modern History of Medical Cannabis: From Widespread Use to Prohibitionism and
      Back.

PMID- 28095989
TI  - Prolonged K+ deficiency increases intracellular ATP, cell cycle arrest and cell
      death in renal tubular cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic potassium (K+) deficiency can cause renal damage namely
      hypokalemic nephropathy with unclear pathogenic mechanisms. In the present study,
      we investigated expression and functional alterations in renal tubular cells
      induced by prolonged K+ deficiency. METHODS: MDCK cells were maintained in normal
      K+ (CNK) (K+=5.3mmol/L), low-K+ (CLK) (K+=2.5mmol/L), or K+-depleted (CKD)
      (K+=0mmol/L) medium for 10days (n=5 independent cultures/condition).
      Differentially expressed proteins were identified by a proteomics approach
      followed by various functional assays. RESULTS: Proteomic analysis revealed 46
      proteins whose levels significantly differed among groups. The proteomic data
      were confirmed by Western blotting. Gene Ontology (GO) classification and protein
      network analysis revealed that majority of the altered proteins participated in
      metabolic process, whereas the rest involved in cellular component
      organization/biogenesis, cellular process (e.g., cell cycle, regulation of cell
      death), response to stress, and signal transduction. Interestingly, ATP
      measurement revealed that intracellular ATP production was increased in CLK and
      maximum in CKD. Flow cytometry showed cell cycle arrest at S-phase and G2/M-phase
      in CLK and CKD, respectively, consistent with cell proliferation and growth
      assays, which showed modest and marked degrees of delayed growth and prolonged
      doubling time in CLK and CKD, respectively. Cell death quantification also
      revealed modest and marked degrees of increased cell death in CLK and CKD,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, prolonged K+ deficiency increased
      intracellular ATP, cell cycle arrest and cell death in renal tubular cells, which
      might be responsible for mechanisms underlying the development of hypokalemic
      nephropathy.

PMID- 28095990
TI  - Treatment options to prevent diabetes in subjects with prediabetes: Efficacy,
      cost effectiveness and future outlook.

PMID- 28095991
TI  - Assessing environmental impacts of genetically modified plants on non-target
      organisms: The relevance of in planta studies.
AB  - In legal frameworks worldwide, genetically modified plants (GMPs) are subjected
      to pre-market environmental risk assessment (ERA) with the aim of identifying
      potential effects on the environment. In the European Union, the EFSA Guidance
      Document introduces the rationale that GMPs, as well as their newly produced
      metabolites, represent the potential stressor to be evaluated during ERA. As a
      consequence, during several phases of ERA for cultivation purposes, it is
      considered necessary to use whole plants or plant parts in experimental
      protocols. The importance of in planta studies as a strategy to address impacts
      of GMPs on non-target organisms is demonstrated, to evaluate both effects due to
      the intended modification in plant phenotype (e.g. expression of Cry proteins)
      and effects due to unintended modifications in plant phenotype resulting from the
      transformation process (e.g. due to somaclonal variations or pleiotropic
      effects). In planta tests are also necessary for GMPs in which newly expressed
      metabolites cannot easily be studied in vitro. This paper reviews the scientific
      literature supporting the choice of in planta studies as a fundamental tool in
      ERA of GMPs in cultivation dossiers; the evidence indicates they can
      realistically mimic the ecological relationships occurring in their receiving
      environments and provide important insights into the biology and sustainable
      management of GMPs.

PMID- 28095992
TI  - Changes in ecosystem carbon pool and soil CO2 flux following post-mine
      reclamation in dry tropical environment, India.
AB  - Open strip mining of coal results in loss of natural carbon (C) sink and
      increased emission of CO2 into the atmosphere. A field study was carried out at
      five revegetated coal mine lands (7, 8, 9, 10 and 11years) to assess the impact
      of the reclamation on soil properties, accretion of soil organic C (SOC) and
      nitrogen (N) stock, changes in ecosystem C pool and soil CO2 flux. We estimated
      the presence of C in the tree biomass, soils, litter and microbial biomass to
      determine the total C sequestration potential of the post mining reclaimed land.
      To determine the C sequestration of the reclaimed ecosystem, soil CO2 flux was
      measured along with the CO2 sequestration. Reclaimed mine soil (RMS) fertility
      increased along the age of reclamation and decreases with the soil depths that
      may be attributed to the change in mine soils characteristics and plant growth.
      After 7 to 11years of reclamation, SOC and N stocks increased two times. SOC
      sequestration (1.71MgCha-1year-1) and total ecosystem C pool (3.72MgCha-1year-1)
      increased with the age of reclamation (CO2 equivalent: 13.63MgCO2ha-1year-1).
      After 11years of reclamation, soil CO2 flux (2.36+/-0.95MUmolm-2s-1) was found
      four times higher than the natural forest soils (Shorea robusta Gaertn. F). The
      study shows that reclaimed mine land can act as a source/sink of CO2 in the
      terrestrial ecosystem and plays an important role to offset increased emission of
      CO2 in the atmosphere.

PMID- 28095993
TI  - Evaluation of the short-term fate and transport of chemicals of emerging concern
      during soil-aquifer treatment using select transformation products as intrinsic
      redox-sensitive tracers.
AB  - In this study, known products from oxic transformation of the X-ray contrast
      medium iopromide were introduced for the first time as intrinsic tracer for in
      situ characterization of the transition zone between oxic and suboxic conditions
      during the initial phase of soil-aquifer treatment (SAT). Two wet-dry cycles of a
      full-scale infiltration basin were monitored to characterize hydraulic retention
      times, redox conditions, removal of bulk organic parameters and the fate of
      chemicals of emerging concern (CECs). Tracer tests at the site showed an average
      hydraulic retention time of <20h before collection in drainage pipes located
      approximately 1.5m below surface. Dissolved oxygen at different depth rapidly
      depleted and only increased towards the end of the flooding event. Transformation
      of iopromide and all known intermediates to persistent transformation products
      (TPs) usually occurring during oxic biodegradation was very limited in samples
      from suction cups immediately underneath the basin. But transformation was
      complete in samples collected from the drainage outlet indicating that dissolved
      oxygen had been introduced to the system before sample collection in the combined
      drainage outlet. Similar to iopromide and its TPs, removal of several CECs
      (diclofenac, bezafibrate, mecoprop, TCEP) was inefficient after 90cm infiltration
      (<35%) but significantly enhanced in the combined drainage outlet (>80%). These
      results highlight that the analysis of iopromide along with its intermediates and
      persistent TPs can serve as a promising probing tool to determine overall
      efficiency of CEC biodegradation and to identify potential in situ oxygen
      limitations.

PMID- 28095994
TI  - Outcome of early stage cervical cancer patients treated according to a
      radiosurgical approach: Clinical results and prognostic factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report clinical results of a multimodal strategy based on
      preoperative brachytherapy followed with surgery in early stage cervical cancer.
      MATERIALS/METHODS: The outcome of consecutive patients receiving brachytherapy in
      our Institution for an early stage IB1-IIA1 invasive cervical cancer with risk
      factors (lymphovascular embols and/or tumor >2cm) between 2000 and 2013 was
      analyzed. The treatment consisted of preoperative low dose or pulse dose-rate
      utero-vaginal brachytherapy followed, 6-8weeks later, by a radical
      hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy plus pelvic+/-para-aortic lymph node
      dissection. A postoperative chemoradiation was delivered in patients with
      histological evidence of lymph nodes metastases. RESULTS: 182 patients were
      identified. Histological examination of hysterectomy specimen showed the presence
      of a tumor residuum in 55 patients (30.2%). One patient (0.5%) had residual tumor
      cells in the parametria. With a median follow-up of 5.3years, 14 patients (7.7%)
      presented tumor relapse, including three (1.6%) local relapses. Five-year disease
      free survival (DFS) rate was 93.6% (95%CI: 91.6-95.6%). In log-rank analysis,
      presence of pelvic nodal metastases at time of lymphadenectomy (p=0.001) and
      tumor size >=3cm (p=0.003) correlated with a poorer DFS. Presence of a tumor
      residuum on hysterectomy specimen correlated with a higher risk of pelvic or para
      aortic failure (p=0.035). A time interval>10weeks between brachytherapy and
      surgery correlated with a higher risk of failure outside the pelvis (p=0.003).
      Significant postoperative complications were reported in 16 patients (8.8%). All
      delayed toxicities were mild to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative
      brachytherapy is a safe and effective option in early stage cervical cancer.

PMID- 28095995
TI  - Pelvic floor reconstruction by modified rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (MRAM)
      flap after pelvic exenterations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and report experiences with pelvic floor
      reconstruction by modified rectus abdominis myoperitoneal (MRAM) flap after
      extensive pelvic procedures. METHODS: Surgical technique of MRAM harvest and
      transposition is carefully described. The patients in whom pelvic floor
      reconstruction with MRAM after either infralevator pelvic exenteration and/or
      extended lateral pelvic sidewall excision was carried out were enrolled into the
      study (MRAM group, n=16). Surgical data, post-operative morbidity, and disease
      status were retrospectively assessed. The results were compared with a historical
      cohort of patients, in whom an exenterative procedure without pelvic floor
      reconstruction was performed at the same institution (control group, n=24).
      RESULTS: Both groups were balanced in age, BMI, tumor types, and previous
      treatment. Substantially less patients from the MRAM group required reoperation
      within 60days of the surgery (25% vs. 50%) which was due to much lower rate of
      complications potentially related to empty pelvis syndrome (1 vs. 7 reoperations)
      (p=0.114). Late post-operative complication rate was substantially lower in the
      MRAM group (any grade: 79% vs. 44%; grade>=3: 37% vs. 6%) (p=0.041). The
      performance status 6months after the surgery was <=1 in the majority of patients
      in MRAM (81%) while in only 38% of patients from the control group (p=0.027).
      There was one incisional hernia in MRAM group while three cases were reported in
      the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor reconstruction by MRAM in patients after
      pelvic exenterative procedures is associated with a substantial decrease in
      postoperative complications that are potentially related to empty pelvis
      syndrome.

PMID- 28095996
TI  - Antenatal predictors of outcome in prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic
      hernia (CDH).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypoplasia is the main cause of mortality in isolated
      congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and its prediction is paramount when
      counseling parents. We sought to identify antenatal parameters that predicted
      neonatal mortality in CDH. METHOD: Search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on
      the ability of lung-to-head ratio (LHR), observed-to-expected LHR (o/e LHR),
      total fetal lung volume (TFLV), o/e TFLV, percentage predicted lung volume (PPLV)
      and degree of liver herniation to predict neonatal morbidity and mortality in
      fetuses with CDH. Primary outcome was perinatal survival and secondary was the
      use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). RESULTS: Until April 2016,
      1067 articles were found, of which 22 were included in our meta-analysis. This
      showed that the odds of survival with LHR <1.0 and liver herniation on ultrasound
      were 0.14 (CI 0.10-0.27) and 0.21 (CI 0.13-0.35) respectively. Mean LHR, o/e LHR,
      absolute TFLV, o/e TFLV, PPLV and liver herniation all predicted survival,
      however o/e LHR and o/e TFLV performed best in this prediction. When the longest
      diameter measurement method was used, the o/e TFLV (summary area under curve
      (AUC) 0.8) was slightly superior to o/e LHR (summary AUC 0.78). This difference
      disappeared when LHR was measured by the trace method. The most discriminatory
      threshold for O/E LHR and O/E TFLV was 25%. LHR <1 was predictive of
      extracorporeal life support (ECLS) use. CONCLUSION: O/E LHR, o/e TFLV (thresholds
      of 25%) and liver herniation are good predictors of mortality in CDH. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level II Type of study: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 28095997
TI  - Abnormal prefrontal and parietal activity linked to deficient active binding in
      working memory in schizophrenia.
AB  - Working memory deficits have been widely reported in schizophrenia, and may
      result from inefficient binding processes. These processes, and their neural
      correlates, remain understudied in schizophrenia. Thus, we designed an FMRI study
      aimed at investigating the neural correlates of both passive and active binding
      in working memory in schizophrenia. Nineteen patients with schizophrenia and 23
      matched controls were recruited to perform a working memory binding task, in
      which they were instructed to memorize three letters and three spatial locations.
      In the passive binding condition, letters and spatial locations were directly
      presented as bound. Conversely, in the active binding condition, words and
      spatial locations were presented as separated, and participants were instructed
      to intentionally create associations between them. Patients exhibited a similar
      performance to the controls for the passive binding condition, but a
      significantly lower performance for the active binding. FMRI analyses revealed
      that this active binding deficit was related to aberrant activity in the
      posterior parietal cortex and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. This study
      provides initial evidence of a specific deficit for actively binding information
      in schizophrenia, which is linked to dysfunctions in the neural networks
      underlying attention, manipulation of information, and encoding strategies.
      Together, our results suggest that all these dysfunctions may be targets for
      neuromodulation interventions known to improve cognitive deficits in
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 28095998
TI  - The feasibility and clinical benefits of improving facial affect recognition
      impairments in schizophrenia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People diagnosed with schizophrenia have significant difficulty
      accurately recognising emotions expressed by others. This may generate anomalous
      experiences which, if misinterpreted, could contribute to experiences of social
      defeat, psychotic symptoms and reduced social functioning. It remains unclear
      whether this impairment is responsive to non-pharmacological intervention, or
      what the effect of modifying it is. METHODS: We did a systematic review and meta
      analysis to examine whether and to what extent facial affect recognition
      impairments can be improved by psychological intervention and, if so, whether
      this leads to improvements in psychotic symptoms and social functioning. RESULTS:
      A total of 8 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) consisting of 300 participants
      were included. Focused yet brief psychological interventions led to very large
      improvements in facial affect recognition ability in psychosis [k=8, N=300,
      g=1.26, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.92, 1.60, I2 41%]. Early evidence suggests
      this may cause large improvements in social functioning (k=3, N=109, g=0.98, 95%
      CI 0.37, 1.36, I2 38%), but not psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Facial affect
      recognition difficulties in schizophrenia are highly responsive to psychological
      interventions designed to improve them, and there is early evidence that this may
      lead to large gains in social functioning for this group - but not symptoms. A
      large-scale high-quality RCT with longer-term follow-up period is now required to
      overcome the limitations of the existing evidence.

PMID- 28095999
TI  - Challenges and strategies for conducting sensitive research with an Arab American
      population.
AB  - Recruiting minority groups such as Arab Americans (Ar-Am) for research studies
      has been challenging. To date no studies were found that explicitly addressed
      challenges to recruit Ar-Am for sensitive research. The purpose of this article
      is to present the challenges across three pilot studies that involved Ar-Am
      samples and the strategies that were implemented to overcome these challenges.
      The challenges faced with conducting studies with Ar-Am included difficulty for
      participants to express emotions, influence of male/female authority to consent
      for the study, lack of trust to disclose sensitive information, language barrier,
      and slow recruitment. Having bilingual female recruiters of Arabic descent,
      engaging the women's family members in the consent process, and addressing the
      sensitive topics in culturally appropriate language were effective strategies to
      overcome these challenges. These strategies might be helpful for other
      researchers who recruit Ar-Am for sensitive research.

PMID- 28096000
TI  - Effects of oral care with glutamine in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia
      in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study was designed as a randomized, controlled, experimental study
      aiming to determine the effects of oral care with glutamine in preventing
      ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients admitted to neurosurgical intensive
      care unit. METHODS: The universe consisted of patients who are admitted to
      neurosurgical intensive care unit between January 2014 and August 2015, while the
      sample consisted of 88 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were
      randomly selected. The study group received oral care with 5% glutamine, whereas
      the control group received oral care with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution.
      DATA COLLECTING TOOLS: All date was acquired using Patient Information Form,
      Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation scale (APACHE II), Beck Oral
      Assessment Scale (BOAS), Mucosal Plaque Score (MPS) and Clinical Pulmonary
      Infection Score (CPIS). One-way ANOVA test was used for comparing parameters with
      normal distribution between groups along with descriptive statistical methods.
      Kruskal-Wallis Test was used for comparing parameters without normal distribution
      between groups. RESULTS: In the control group, mean BOAS score was 9.33+/-1.8
      mean MPS score was 3.68+/-0.87 and mean CPIS score was 4.07+/-1.78. In the study
      group, mean BOAS score was 10.16+/-2.78, mean MPS score was 3.93+/-1.04 and mean
      CPIS score was 3.78+/-2.25. There was no statistically significant difference in
      mean scores at 1st day, 3rd day, 5th day and discharge (p>0.05). However, BOAS,
      MPS, CPIS and APACHE II scores was significantly lower at discharge than 1st day
      in both groups. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in using 5%
      glutamine or 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution for oral care for the prevention
      of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Similar studies with bigger sample size and
      longer term should be conducted for better results.

PMID- 28096001
TI  - Reliability and validity of the COPE Index among caregivers of disabled people.
AB  - AIM: To study the reliability and validity of the Carers of Older People in
      Europe (COPE) Index among caregivers of disabled people of different ages.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional design of Finnish caregivers (n=1117). Exploratory
      factor analysis (EFA) was performed separately on samples of three different age
      groups, and the internal consistencies of the subscales were investigated.
      RESULTS: Three factors were identified; Cronbach's alpha was 0.83-0.86 for
      negative impact and 0.77-0.78 for quality of support, indicating good internal
      consistency. The third factor, positive value, was less consistent across the age
      groups (alpha<0.66). CONCLUSIONS: The COPE Index is a valid and reliable
      screening tool to measure negative impact and quality of support of caregivers of
      disabled people. Further research is needed to develop the COPE Index to more
      precisely measure positive value of the caregiving process.

PMID- 28096002
TI  - Factors influencing the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.
AB  - The present study aimed to determine the predictors of quality of life (QOL) of
      patients with advanced cancer. A cross-sectional study involving 494 patients
      with advanced cancer was conducted using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale
      Short Form, the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, the World Health Organization
      Disability Assessment Schedule (Korean version), and the European Organization
      for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core 30. Regression analyses
      showed that physical and psychological symptoms significantly predicted the
      patients' QOL and explained 28.8% of the variance in QOL. Moreover, lack of
      energy was the patients' most prevalent symptom. The results of the present study
      will serve as fundamental data upon which the development of an intervention will
      be based so as to enhance the patients' QOL. Accordingly, an effective management
      of symptoms and performance maintenance should be considered in the future as key
      factors in providing support and establishing palliative care systems for
      patients with advanced cancer.

PMID- 28096003
TI  - Psychometric properties of the critical care family needs inventory-emergency
      department.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of
      the Turkish version of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory-Emergency
      Department (CCFNI-ED) in Turkey. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional
      survey design. The questionnaire was administered to 400 family members of
      patients with a critical illness in an emergency department. The 40-item English
      version of the CCFNI-ED was translated into Turkish following the standard back
      translation methodology. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses (CFA and
      EFA, respectively) were carried out using principal component analysis with
      varimax rotation to test the scale's construct validity. We used Cronbach's alpha
      to examine the CCFNI-ED's internal consistency reliability. RESULTS: The CFA
      failed to confirm the original Australian factor structure for our sample. The
      original scale was then modified based on the EFA and the best possible fitting
      model was obtained for the Turkish family member sample. The Cronbach's alpha of
      the modified scale was 0.91 and those for the subscales ranged from 0.68 to 0.87.
      CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric evaluation showed satisfactory validity and
      reliability estimates, supporting the use of the Turkish version of the CCFNI-ED
      with a sample of family members of critically ill patients in an emergency
      department.

PMID- 28096004
TI  - The effect of standard pain assessment on pain and analgesic consumption amount
      in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
AB  - : Pain assessment has a key role in relief of the postoperative pain. In this
      study, we aimed to examine the effect of the Standard Pain Assessment Protocol
      (SPAP), which we developed based on acute pain guidelines, on pain level, and
      analgesic consumption. The study population consisted of a total of 101 patients
      who had arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The routine pain assessment was
      administered to the control group, while the SPAP was administered to the study
      group. The routine pain therapy of the clinic was administered to the subjects
      from both groups based on the pain assessment. Throughout the study, pain was
      assessed nearly two times more in the study group (p<0.001) and the mean pain
      levels were lower at 8th-11th hours in the study group (p<0.001). Pain assessment
      was not performed after 12th hour despite the severe pain in the control group,
      and, therefore, analgesia was administered at irregular intervals or was not
      administered at all. However, the hours of analgesic administration were found to
      be more regular according to the pain levels of the patients in the study group.
      In conclusion, the SPAP reduced the pain level by providing regular analgesia
      when used in combination with regular pain assessment. PERSPECTIVE: This article
      highlights the appropriate assessment for patients with surgical pain. In
      majority of literature on the subject, the authors emphasize the importance of
      Standard Pain Assessment Protocol to provide adequate pain relief.

PMID- 28096005
TI  - Effect of recorded male lullaby on physiologic response of neonates in NICU.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most infants in the NICU are exposed to sensory overloads and
      deprivations as part of their care. This study conducted to assess the effect of
      lullaby on physiologic response of neonates admitted to NICU. METHOD: This is a
      randomized double-blind intervention trial which was performed on 52 neonates in
      Jahrom (Iran) 2013-2014. The samples were randomly assigned into lullaby group
      and a control group (sampling was sequential and randomization was by lottery).
      Neonates in lullaby group (n=26) listened to male lullaby via headphones during
      3days and daily for 20min. Headphones without sound were placed for the control
      group (n=26) during this period. Immediately before the intervention, 10min
      later, 20min after the start and 20min after the completion of it, changes in
      heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded by heart monitor, then data were
      analyzed by software SPSS:V 21, Greenhouse-Geisser test, repeated measures and t
      test. RESULTS: The mean of Heart rate in secondday at 20th and 40th minutes in
      lullaby group were less than control and this differences were significant
      (respectively p=0.013, 0.026). Also the blood oxygen saturation levels on the
      first day at 20th minutes, secondday at 10th minutes-20th and 40th minutes and
      the third on 40min were significantly different among groups. CONCLUSION: Lullaby
      (male voice and without music) could significantly reduce heart rate and increase
      blood oxygen saturation of neonates. Future studies are required to make music as
      a part of evidence-based strategies to promote outcome of neonates in NICUs.

PMID- 28096006
TI  - Immunizations challenge healthcare personnel and affects immunization rates.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study measured 1. medical office immunization rates and 2. health
      care personnel competency in managing vaccine practices before and after evidence
      based immunization education was provided. METHOD: This descriptive study
      compared 32 family medicine and pediatric offices and 178 medical assistants,
      licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians
      in knowledge-based testing pre-education, post-education, and 12-months post
      education. Immunization rates were assessed before and 18-months post-education.
      RESULTS: Immunization rates increased 10.3% - 18months post-education; knowledge
      increased 7.8% - 12months post-education. Family medicine offices, licensed
      practical nurses, and medical assistants showed significant knowledge deficits
      before and 12-months post-education. All demographic groups scored less in
      storage/handling 12-months post-education. CONCLUSION: This study is one of the
      first studies to identify competency challenges in effective immunization
      delivery among medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, and family medicine
      offices. Formal and continuous education in immunization administration and
      storage/handling is recommended among these select groups.

PMID- 28096007
TI  - Health related quality of life and depressive symptoms among seropositive African
      Americans.
AB  - The primary aim of this descriptive correlational study was to determine which
      domains of health related quality of life (HRQOL) after controlling for
      demographic correlates predict depressive symptoms among N=70 seropositive
      African American men and women on Active Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). A
      demographic questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression
      Scale (CESD-D), and the SF-36 Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) scale were
      administered. The regression analyses resulted in three models. The first model
      indicated that emotional well-being explained 38% of the variance in depressive
      symptoms (P=0.000) and in model two, emotional well-being and role limitations on
      emotional health explained 50% of the variance (P=0.000) and in the final and
      best fitting model emotional well-being, role limitations on emotional health and
      pain explained 53% of the variance in depressive symptoms (P=0.000) respectively.
      The findings underscore the need to explore the impact of HRQOL on mental health,
      and to also screen and treat seropositive African American men and women on (ART)
      for depressive symptoms.

PMID- 28096008
TI  - The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on glycated hemoglobin and health
      related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Jacobson's progressive muscle
      relaxation (PMR) on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and health-related quality
      of life (HRQoL) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). BACKGROUND: Due
      to relatively poor HRQoL in patients with type 2 DM, different stress reduction
      techniques was applied to improve physical and mental health in these patients.
      METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at the Diabetes
      and Endocrinology Institute of Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between June and
      December 2015. Sixty-five patients with type 2 DM were randomly divided into the
      control (n=35) and PMR (n=30) groups. The patients of the control group only
      received the conventional care. The PMR group practiced Jacobson's PMR at home
      for 12 weeks and were monitored by the researcher's phone calls and patient's
      self-report list. For both groups, Iranian Diabetes Quality of Life Brief
      Clinical Inventory (IDQoL-BCI) questionnaire was completed and HbA1c levels were
      measured before and 12 weeks after study entry. RESULTS: The results showed that
      there were no significant differences in terms of HbA1c levels and HRQoL scores
      between the PMR and control groups 12 weeks after intervention. However, in the
      PMR group, the intervention led to a significant reduction in HbA1c levels
      (P=0.04) and a significant increase in total HRQoL score (P=0.045) and its
      psychosocial dimension (P=0.019). CONCLUSION: PMR had no significant impact on
      HbA1c levels and HRQoL in patients with type 2 DM. Further studies with larger
      sample size and longer follow-up are needed to improve QoL in patients with type
      2 DM.

PMID- 28096009
TI  - Perceptions of dying well and distressing death by acute care nurses.
AB  - AIM: This study aims to identify perceptions of nurses practicing in four adult
      inpatient units regarding their actions to provide quality end of life care for
      dying patients, their definitions of dying well, and their symptoms of distress
      and actions they took for relief. BACKGROUND: Nurses caring for patients who are
      dying want them to have the best death possible; however, many nurses are not
      prepared for every death which may occur. METHODS: Qualitative questionnaire data
      were collected from 49 nurses on four adult inpatient nursing units to analyze
      nurse perceptions of distressing death and dying well. RESULTS: Three main
      concepts emerged describing the nurses' definition of dying well: emotional and
      spiritual support for the patient and family, patient and family control, and
      promotion of a peaceful environment. Eight categories of nursing actions to
      promote dying well were identified, which include communication with disciplinary
      team/nursing staff, provision of optimal physical care, demonstration of caring
      and compassion, supporting dignity in death for patient/family, education of
      patient/family to support dying well, emotional support for patient/family,
      advocacy for dying well, and fostering a peaceful environment. Symptoms of
      distress among nurses, and actions for relief were also indicated by
      participants. CONCLUSION: Future research is indicated to expand the sample to
      more hospitals and more disciplines. Administrators need to enhance their
      policies such as event debriefing or shifting workloads to support nurses caring
      for dying patients. They also need to offer nurses education in providing end of
      life care and how to become more resilient in the face of trauma. Nurses need to
      be aware of their symptoms and practices to relieve their stress such as crisis
      debriefing. They also need to seek education on how to educate patients and
      families about the process of dying and the value of comfort care.

PMID- 28096010
TI  - A pilot study of routine screening for distress by a nurse and psychologist in an
      outpatient haematological oncology clinic.
AB  - AIM: To explore the: 1) prevalence of distress, type of problems experienced by
      haematological patients, and referrals for supportive care; 2) effect of
      demographic and clinical variables on distress, and 3) effect on the time of
      health professionals conducting the screening in the ambulatory chemotherapy
      setting. METHODS: Participants completed the National Comprehensive Cancer
      Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List and had a follow-up screening
      discussion with a health professional. RESULTS: Of 68 participants, 40% reported
      significant distress (>=4) on the Distress Thermometer (mean 3.2, SD 2.4). All
      patients reported physical problems and 72% reported emotional problems-the major
      contributors to distress and to time spent with the health professional. Distress
      was unrelated to age, gender or cancer type. Patients were less likely to have
      significant distress at the end of treatment than at the beginning (OR=0.15, 95%
      CI: 0.03; 0.72,). Forty patients (59%) were referred to supportive services. The
      psychologist spent less time with patients compared to the nurse (18 vs 48min,
      p<0.001). The more emotional problems reported, the greater the time spent with
      the patient (rs=0.34, p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Nurses can appropriately screen for
      distress and address significant distress reported by haematology patients
      undergoing chemotherapy without over burdening the nurse or patient.

PMID- 28096011
TI  - A systematic nurse-led approach to withdrawal risk screening, prevention and
      treatment among inpatients with an alcohol use disorder in an ear, nose, throat
      and jaw surgery department-A formative evaluation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Among patients with head and neck cancer comorbid alcohol use
      disorder is frequent which contributes to higher risk of developing perioperative
      alcohol withdrawal syndrome/delirium or delirium due to medical conditions.
      Although guidelines emphasize prevention and treatment of alcohol withdrawal in
      hospitalized patients, a validated systematic approach for management of these
      patients is still lacking. Our aim was to formatively evaluate our newly
      developed systematic approach in view of nurses' adherence to screening patients
      for regular alcohol consumption and managing their withdrawal symptoms using the
      Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale, Revised. METHODS: We
      conducted a formative evaluation to improve the project's design and performance
      and used a retrospective chart review in a consecutive sample of all adult
      inpatients with head and neck cancer being assigned for surgery in a university
      hospital. Our bundle of interventions consisted of nurses' screenings for regular
      alcohol consumption, withdrawal risk assessment, offering patients a substitution
      therapy, nurses' assessments of withdrawal symptoms and symptom oriented
      withdrawal management. Proximate endpoints were analyzed descriptively at each
      component of the bundle in terms of frequencies and severity of withdrawal
      symptoms, frequencies of nurses' and doctors' screenings and nurses' assessments
      performed as required. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2014, 87 inpatients met
      inclusion criteria and screenings by doctors/ nurses revealed 49 alcohol
      consumers, where six screenings were omitted by nurses and six by doctors. Twenty
      one consumers were at risk and six of them developed an alcohol withdrawal
      syndrome. None of the 87 showed an alcohol withdrawal delirium, but five
      developed a delirium due to medical conditions. Nurses correctly conducted all
      preventive elements of the intervention bundle in 14 (58%) patients at risk but
      overall, only performed 50% of the required assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      nurses safely managed patients' symptoms, nurses' adherence to the interventions
      was suboptimal and requires stronger leadership.

PMID- 28096012
TI  - Effects of music therapy and distraction cards on pain relief during phlebotomy
      in children.
AB  - AIM: To investigate three different distraction methods (distraction cards,
      listening to music, and distraction cards + music) on pain and anxiety relief in
      children during phlebotomy. METHODS: This study was a prospective, randomized,
      controlled trial. The sample consisted of children aged 7 to 12years who required
      blood tests. The children were randomized into four groups, distraction cards,
      music, distraction cards + music, and controls. Data were obtained through face
      to-face interviews with the children, their parents, and the observer before and
      after the procedure. The children's pain levels were assessed and reported by the
      parents and observers, and the children themselves who self-reported using Wong
      Baker FACES. The children's anxiety levels were also assessed using the
      Children's Fear Scale. RESULTS: Two hundred children (mean age: 9.01+/-2.35years)
      were included. No difference was found between the groups in the self, parent,
      and observer reported procedural pain levels (p=0.72, p=0.23, p=0.15,
      respectively). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between
      groups in procedural child anxiety levels according to the parents and observer
      (p=0.092, p=0.096, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pain and anxiety relief was seen
      in all three methods during phlebotomy; however, no statistically significant
      difference was observed.

PMID- 28096013
TI  - Braden scale (ALB) for assessing pressure ulcer risk in hospital patients: A
      validity and reliability study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The inter-rater reliability of Braden Scale is not so good. We modified
      the Braden(ALB) scale by defining nutrition subscale based on serum albumin, then
      assessed it's the validity and reliability in hospital patients. METHODS: We
      designed a retrospective study for validity analysis, and a prospective study for
      reliability analysis. Receiver operating curve (ROC) and area under the curve
      (AUC) were used to evaluate the predictive validity. Intra-class correlation
      coefficient (ICC) was used to investigate the inter-rater reliability. RESULTS:
      Two thousand five hundred twenty-five patients were included for validity
      analysis, 76 patients (3.0%) developed pressure ulcer. Positive correlation was
      found between serum albumin and nutrition score in Braden scale (Spearman's
      coefficient 0.2203, P<0.0001). The AUCs for Braden scale and Braden(ALB) scale
      predicting pressure ulcer risk were 0.813 (95% CI 0.797-0.828; P<0.0001), and
      0.859 (95% CI 0.845-0.872; P<0.0001), respectively. The Braden(ALB) scale was
      even more valid than the Braden scale (z=1.860, P=0.0628). In different age
      subgroups, the Braden(ALB) scale seems also more valid than the original Braden
      scale, but no statistically significant differences were found (P>0.05). The
      inter-rater reliability study showed the ICC-value for nutrition increased 45.9%,
      and increased 4.3% for total score. CONCLUSION: The Braden(ALB) scale has similar
      validity compared with the original Braden scale for in hospital patients.
      However, the inter-rater reliability was significantly increased.

PMID- 28096015
TI  - Association of medication errors with drug classifications, clinical units, and
      consequence of errors: Are they related?
AB  - Registered nurses (RNs) play an important role in safe medication administration
      and patient safety. This study examined a total of 1276 medication error (ME)
      incident reports made by RNs in hospital inpatient settings in the southwestern
      region of the United States. The most common drug class associated with MEs was
      cardiovascular drugs (24.7%). Among this class, anticoagulants had the most
      errors (11.3%). The antimicrobials was the second most common drug class
      associated with errors (19.1%) and vancomycin was the most common antimicrobial
      that caused errors in this category (6.1%). MEs occurred more frequently in the
      medical-surgical and intensive care units than any other hospital units. Ten
      percent of MEs reached the patients with harm and 11% reached the patients with
      increased monitoring. Understanding the contributing factors related to MEs,
      addressing and eliminating risk of errors across hospital units, and providing
      education and resources for nurses may help reduce MEs.

PMID- 28096014
TI  - A measure of facilitators and barriers to rapid response team activation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Poor patient outcomes and increased costs may be associated with
      underutilization of RRTs. The aim of this study was to develop and test an
      instrument that identifies specific facilitators and barriers to rapid response
      team (RRT) activation. METHODS: Using an exploratory design, we surveyed a
      convenience sample of 250 registered nurses (RNs) employed in five Illinois
      hospitals. Participants completed the online RRT Facilitators and Barriers Survey
      (RRT-FBS), a 36 item survey developed by the researchers. The survey contains two
      sections, facilitators and barriers. Items in the facilitators subscales
      described nursing unit culture, RRT knowledge, and RRT member characteristics.
      Items in the barriers subscales described nursing unit culture, RRT education,
      and RRT member characteristics. Item analyses were conducted through exploratory
      factor analyses; internal consistency estimates were obtained. Descriptive
      statistics were conducted on the demographic data to describe sample and setting
      characteristics. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 202 nurses from four
      hospitals. We conducted an item analysis and were able to reduce the survey to 30
      items with a secondary analysis. The full scale alpha was 0.752. Cronbach's
      alphas for subscales ranged from 0.770-0.897. CONCLUSIONS: Facilitators and
      barriers may vary across institutions. This scale shows promise for identifying
      facilitators and barriers to nurses' use of rapid response teams and may provide
      a foundation for interventional studies promoting RRT utilization. In addition,
      more frequent education, emphasizing the RRT process, may be an effective method
      to maintain high rates of RRT activation and increase confidence.

PMID- 28096016
TI  - The Peer Review Process Revisited.

PMID- 28096017
TI  - A survey of skin-to-skin contact with perinatal nurses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study explored perinatal nurses' knowledge, attitudes and
      practices of SSC, to identify knowledge-practice gaps. STUDY DESIGN: A
      descriptive cross-sectional survey design was completed by 101 perinatal nurses.
      Descriptive statistics and ordered logistical regression were used to describe
      and compare nurses' responses. RESULTS: The participants strongly agreed that it
      is nurses' responsibility to advocate for SSC. Significant differences (p<0.01)
      were reported in provision of SSC with eligible infants between nurses within and
      between practice settings, education levels, year experience and age differences.
      Education levels significantly influenced attitudes and implementation of SSC.
      Perinatal nurses' responses about how difficult it is to initiate SSC changes
      were affected by years of nursing practice (p<0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal
      nurses strongly believe in SSC practices, yet additional training regarding SSC
      implementation is needed. Education levels, primary practice settings and years
      of practice appear to influence nurses' implementation of SSC.

PMID- 28096018
TI  - Understanding the distribution of A&E attendances and hospital admissions for the
      case managed population: A single case cross sectional study.
AB  - AIM: To describe the characteristics of case-managed patients presenting at
      accident and emergency (A & E) and to explore the distribution of their
      attendances and admissions. BACKGROUND: Recently, the UK Government announced
      extended-hours primary care provision in an effort to reduce the growing
      utilization of A & E. No evidence is available to understand the use of acute
      services by this high-risk patient group. METHOD: A cross-sectional design
      utilising routinely collected anonymsed A & E attendance and hospital admission
      data from 2010 to 2015. RESULTS: The case-managed population is typically 70years
      and older and most often arrive at A & E via emergency services and during the
      night (00:00-08:59). A large proportion are subsequently admitted having a
      statistically significant A & E conversion rate. No variables were predictive of
      admission. CONCLUSION: The high level of A&E conversion could indicate case
      managed patients are presenting appropriately with acute clinical need. However,
      inadequate provision in primary-care could drive decisions for admitting
      vulnerable patients.

PMID- 28096019
TI  - Tinker, tailor, deliberate. An ethnographic inquiry into the institutionalized
      practice of bar-coded medication administration technology by nurses.
AB  - AIM: Explore the practice of nurses working with bar-coded medication
      administration technology, to gain insight in the impact it has on their work.
      BACKGROUND: The widespread presumption of using Barcoded Medication
      Administration Technology (BCMA) is that it will effectively reduce the number of
      errors in the dispensing of medication to patients. However, it remains unclear
      whether this is the case in actual practice. METHOD: Two distinct but overlapping
      research methodologies of Institutional Ethnography and Praxeology were combined
      as a means to uncover the highly complex practice of BCMA by nurses. RESULTS: The
      implementation of BCMA creates a series of problems leading to nurses constantly
      tinkering with the technology. At the same time they are continuously
      deliberating the best ways of tailoring the BCMA to each of their patients.
      CONCLUSION: Although working with BCMA is often misconstrued as being mindless
      and automatic, conforming to the technology, this tinkering with BCMA in fact
      always entails thorough deliberation by nurses.

PMID- 28096020
TI  - Effectiveness of a psychoeducation program on the quality of life in patients
      with coronary heart disease: A clinical trial.
AB  - AIM: The present study was conducted to evaluate effectiveness of a
      psychoeducation program (PEP) on the quality of life in patients with coronary
      heart disease (CHD). BACKGROUND: CHD affects patients' quality of life. PEPs may
      be useful to help patients reach maximum functional health. METHODS: A pretest
      posttest controlled clinical trial was conducted on a study population of 70 CHD
      patients, who were selected through convenience sampling and randomly allocated
      to either the intervention or the control group. The MacNew Quality of Life
      Questionnaire in heart disease was completed by participants twice: first as a
      pretest, and then in a follow-up posttest. RESULTS: After the intervention, the
      quality of life (QOL) score was 157.97+/-25.51 in the intervention group and
      105.03+/-8.38 in the control group, making for a significant difference (p<0.
      05). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, PEPs helped CHD patients improve their
      quality of life through reducing tension, relieving their negative emotions, and
      improving their social relationships.

PMID- 28096021
TI  - Body esteem is a mediator of the association between physical activity and
      depression in Korean adolescents.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study examined whether body-esteem would mediate the association
      between physical activity and depression in adolescents. METHODS: A total of 848
      Korean high school students aged 15 to 18years completed a questionnaire on body
      esteem, physical activity recall, and depression. Path analysis was used to test
      mediating effects of body-esteem on the association between physical activity and
      depression. RESULTS: Girls showed a significantly higher level of depressive
      symptoms than boys. Boys showed significantly higher levels of physical activity
      and body-esteem than girls. Body-esteem mediated the relation of physical
      activity with depression. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity might reduce the risk of
      depression in addition to supporting body-esteem in adolescents. Interventions
      that reinforce healthy body-esteem and encourage physical activity would help
      prevent depression in adolescents. Future studies should examine the effects of
      programs addressing physical activity and body-esteem among adolescents with
      depressive symptoms.

PMID- 28096022
TI  - The interaction of fatigue, physical activity, and health-related quality of life
      in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
AB  - In addition to the underlying health problems and disability associated with
      multiple sclerosis (MS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), adults with each of
      these chronic illnesses are independently known to experience fatigue. While
      fatigue's influence on physical activity and health related quality of life
      (HRQOL) with each of these illnesses has been discussed, what is lacking is
      information on how fatigue impacts physical activity and health related quality
      of life, and ultimately self-management for adults with these conditions.
      Additionally, individuals may be unaware of the significance of maintaining
      optimal physical activity in order to maintain everyday function and self
      management. Thus, the purpose of this article is to discuss the complex effect of
      fatigue on physical activity and HRQOL among adults with MS and CVD, and to
      present potential self-management strategies.

PMID- 28096023
TI  - Communications with health professionals and psychological distress in family
      caregivers to cancer patients: A model based on stress-coping theory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In cancer care settings, family caregivers often experience negative
      or little communication with the health professionals, and this negative
      communication and limited health-related information causes psychological
      distress in family caregivers to cancer patients. AIM: The first aim of this
      research is to investigate the relationship between communication with health
      professionals and psychological distress in family caregivers. The second aim is
      to investigate the mediating effects of self-efficacy in this hypothetical model.
      METHODS: A total of 1397 family caregivers were included in this research. A
      structural equation model was then applied, in order to examine the hypothesized
      model based on the stress-coping model. FINDINGS: More negative communication
      with health professionals was associated with higher psychological distress. Self
      efficacy in health information seeking significantly mediated the relationship
      between communication with health professionals and psychological distress.
      CONCLUSION: This study indicates that as a coping resource, self-efficacy in
      health information seeking, plays a significant role in reducing the effects of
      negative communication with health professionals on psychological distress in
      family caregivers.

PMID- 28096024
TI  - Improving satisfaction among established patients in a midwestern pain clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A problem in many health care practices is deciding the appropriate
      appointment length for new and established patients. Patients become frustrated
      when there is inadequate time to have their needs met, yet when a patient's
      clinic time is spontaneously lengthened, the provider gets behind in schedule,
      causing delays and greater frustration for others. AIM: The aims of this evidence
      based project were to determine whether implementation of a flexible appointment
      system would improve the current scheduling process in a pain clinic by allowing
      complex patients the opportunity to schedule a longer clinic appointment and
      would improve patient satisfaction. DESIGN: This evidence-based practice
      innovation followed a program evaluation process using a descriptive, existing
      survey completed by clinic staff and patients. SETTING: A Midwestern pain clinic
      caring for patients with acute and chronic pain diagnoses. PARTICIPANTS: A
      convenience sample of 120 patients were surveyed before and after the process
      change. Thirteen staff members completed the survey on SurveyMonkey pre and post
      procedural change at the same intervals the patients were surveyed. RESULTS:
      Patients were more satisfied with the time that they spent in the exam room and
      the waiting room. The process change improved communication with staff and
      patients and provided an opportunity to discuss their concerns and health changes
      prior to their scheduled appointment. CONCLUSION: Allowing an option for flexible
      scheduling in appointment lengths provided an opportunity to meet patient needs,
      offer improved service, and improve patient-provider communication.

PMID- 28096025
TI  - The role of supervisor emotional support on individual job satisfaction: A
      multilevel analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Supervisor emotional support is a strong determinant of job
      satisfaction. There is no study examining the effect of supervisor emotional
      support at the group level on job satisfaction. Multilevel statistical techniques
      can help disentangle the effects of subjective assessments from those of group
      factors. AIM: The study's aim was to examine the moderating role of supervisor
      emotional support (group-level variable) on the relationship between work
      engagement and job satisfaction (individual-level variables). METHOD: A cross
      sectional study was performed in 39units from three Belgian hospitals. A total of
      323 nurses completed a self-reported questionnaire. We carried out a multilevel
      analysis by using Hierarchical Linear Modeling. RESULTS: The results showed that
      the cross-level interaction was significant. Hence, at individual-level, the
      nurses with high levels of work engagement showed high levels of job satisfaction
      and this relationship was stronger when supervisor emotional support at group
      level was high. CONCLUSIONS: Contextual differences among groups had an impact on
      the form of the work engagement-job satisfaction relationship. This relationship
      between work engagement and job satisfaction is an individual and group level
      phenomenon. Ways to enhance emotional supervisor support include training
      supervisors in providing support and enhancing communication between nurses and
      supervisors.

PMID- 28096026
TI  - Clinical validation of the nursing outcome falls prevention behavior in people
      with stroke.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the nursing outcome, Fall Prevention Behavior, and clinically
      validate its indicators in people with stroke. METHODS: A methodological study
      performed with 106 patients in two outpatient clinics, from July to September of
      2013. Two pairs of trained nurses applied the NOC scale, one with and one without
      the use of operational definitions. The internal consistency, stability and
      difference between the medians obtained by nurses were compared within and
      between pairs. RESULTS: Most participants were men, elderly, with low education
      and income. Statistically significant differences were noted in twelve
      indicators. Five indicators had different means that were greater than the least
      significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The indicators were statistically
      significant; the internal consistency was similar between the pairs and the
      intraclass correlation coefficient was more satisfactory in the pair that used
      the definitions. Thus, the construction of empirical referents and the clinical
      validation process makes the nursing indicators and outcomes more adequate for
      specific populations and provides an effective means to better evaluate the
      nursing actions.

PMID- 28096027
TI  - Work related musculoskeletal disorders in primary health care nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) constitute a serious
      occupational health problem among registered nurses (RN) all around the world.
      Its prevalence is mainly associated with nurses' high physical demands that still
      remain poorly studied in primary health care (PHC). PURPOSE: To describe nurses'
      self-reported symptoms of WRMSDs (mainly discomfort and pain) in PHC, featuring
      the main work tasks that may have risk factors for its development. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study was developed to identify self-reported WRMSD symptoms by
      nurses that worked on PHC in Portugal. Nurses answered an online Portuguese
      version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) (surveymonkey
      platform). Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science
      (SPSS17) program. Statistical analysis was based on descriptive statistics and
      associations with the chi2 test, Cramer's V, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis
      test, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: A sample (n=409), mostly female
      (84.0%), showed a high prevalence of WRMSDs symptoms in the last 12months
      (89.0%). The lower back was the most affected body region (63.1%), followed by
      cervical, dorsal, shoulders and the wrist/hand. In the same period, absenteeism
      related to these complaints was high (51.4%) and strongly connected with standing
      work (48.8%), bending the trunk (42.3%), rotating the trunk (40.6%), applying
      force with hands or fingers (37.3%), sitting work (36.6%) and repetitive arm
      movement (34.3%). This study showed associations between the prevalence of WRMSDs
      symptoms in different body regions and some individual characteristics such as:
      gender, age, BMI, presence of other pathologies and regular physical exercise.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that, as in other areas of nursing practice, in
      PHC nurses are also exposed to risk factors that are linked with a high
      prevalence of WRMSDs symptoms. "Inadequate" and extreme postures sustained for
      prolonged periods and their repetitiveness will contribute to this occurrence.
      This shows the need to develop occupational prevention programs to curb this
      occupational health issue among PHC nurses.

PMID- 28096028
TI  - A psychometric examination of an instrument to measure the dimensions of
      Champion's Health Belief Model Scales for cervical cancer screening in women
      living with HIV.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to examine the psychometric properties of
      Champion's Health Belief Model Scales for cervical cancer and screening among
      women living with HIV. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted using
      data from an exploratory cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 300
      women living with HIV receiving care at two HIV ambulatory care clinics in
      Florida. A 39-item adaptation of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scales was
      administered via paper and pencil. RESULTS: The authors used internal consistency
      measures, confirmatory factor analysis, and ordinal item response theory (IRT)
      techniques to examine the psychometric properties of the instrument. The 39-item
      instrument had adequate internal consistency and factor structure. However, the
      IRT analyses suggested that the instrument could be reduced to 24-items (61.5%),
      without loss of relevant information. CONCLUSION: A shortened 24-item instrument
      demonstrated good internal consistency among women living with HIV. Future work
      should include validating the properties of the reduced instrument in diverse
      samples of patients and conditions.

PMID- 28096029
TI  - Nurses' perspectives of a new individualized nursing care intervention for COPD
      patients in primary care settings: A mixed method study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The major challenges in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
      care are guiding a patient in daily living with the consequences of the disease,
      reducing the impact of symptoms and improving Health Related Quality of Life
      (HRQoL). The new nurse-led COPD-Guidance, Research on an Illness Perception (COPD
      GRIP) intervention translates the evidence concerning illness perceptions and
      Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) into a practice nurse intervention. The
      aim is to explore the nurses' experiences with applying the new COPD-GRIP
      intervention. METHOD: An explanatory mixed-method study nested in a cluster
      randomized trial in primary care was conducted. Pre-intervention questionnaires
      were sent to all participating nurses (N=24) to identify expectations. Post
      intervention questionnaires identified experiences after applying the
      intervention followed by two focus groups to further extend exploration of
      findings. Questionnaires were analyzed by descriptive analyses. To identify
      themes the audio-taped and transcribed focus groups were independently coded by
      two researchers. RESULTS: The nurses described the intervention as a useful,
      structured and individualized tool to guide COPD patients in living with the
      consequences of COPD. Applying the intervention took less time than the nurses
      initially expected. The intervention enables to provide patient-centered care and
      to address patient needs. Barriers were encountered, especially in patients with
      a lower social economic status, in patients with a lower health literacy and in
      patients with other cultural backgrounds than the Dutch background. CONCLUSION:
      Nurses perceived the COPD-GRIP intervention as a feasible, individualized tool.
      According to the nurses, the intervention is a valuable improvement in the care
      for COPD patients.

PMID- 28096030
TI  - Game-based online antenatal breastfeeding education: A pilot.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Healthy Moms
      intervention on antenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy and intention and to
      determine the feasibility of using an online game-based learning platform to
      deliver antenatal breastfeeding education. BACKGROUND: The Internet has potential
      for improving breastfeeding rates through improving women's access to antenatal
      breastfeeding education. METHODS: Twelve computer-based breastfeeding education
      modules were developed using an online learning platform. Changes in
      participants' breastfeeding self-efficacy and intention pre- and post
      intervention were measured using descriptive statistics and a one-way ANOVA.
      RESULTS: Of the 25 women submitting the pretest, four completed zero quests;
      seven, orientation only; eight, one to six breastfeeding quests; and six, 10 to
      12 breastfeeding quests. No significant differences in breastfeeding self
      efficacy and intention were found among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Online antenatal
      breastfeeding education is feasible; however, further research is warranted to
      determine if it can affect breastfeeding outcomes.

PMID- 28096031
TI  - The effect of nurse-led care on stability time in therapeutic range of INR in
      ischemic stroke patients receiving warfarin.
AB  - PURPOSE: The current study is designed in order to investigate the effect of
      nurse-led care (the supportive and educational measurements by nurses) on
      stability time in therapeutic range of INR in ischemic stroke patients receiving
      Warfarin. METHOD: In this quasi-experimental study, 80 ischemic stroke patients
      were investigated, 40 patients in experimental group and 40 in the control group
      referred to the nurse-based warfarin clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of
      Medical Sciences. The mean+/-SD duration of the intervention was 144+/-84days.
      The patients based on the percentage stability time in the therapeutic range of
      INR were classified into 3 groups of good control (>75%), medium control (60
      75%), and poor control groups (<60%). The results were analyzed using qui-square
      and independent t-test according to these categories. RESULTS: 38 patients in the
      experimental group and 39 in the control group had the therapeutic range of INR 2
      3. The percentage of the stability time in the therapeutic range of INR (mean+/
      SD) in the experimental group was 64.08%+/-18.7 and in the control group it was
      44.58%+/-25.12 (P<0.001). The percentage of total INRs within the therapeutic
      range was 52.5% in the experimental group and 40.6% in the control group
      (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, using the stroke prevention guidelines,
      thrombotic therapy protocols and familiarity with patients' diagnosis and risk
      factors in the experimental group led to more patients' stability time (The time
      that patients could remain stable within the INR therapeutic range) in their
      therapeutic range of INR as the best indicator of clinical performance.

PMID- 28096032
TI  - Creation of an intensive care unit and organizational changes in an adult
      emergency department: Impact on acute stroke management.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Following the reorganization of a University Medical
      Center onto a single campus, an Intensive Care Unit was created within the adult
      Emergency Department (ED ICU). We assessed the effects of these organizational
      changes on acute stroke management and the intravenous administration of
      recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rtPA), as characterized by the
      thrombolysis rate, door-to-needle time (DNT) and outcome at 3months. METHODS:
      Between October 2013 and September 2015, we performed a retrospective,
      observational, single-center, comparative study of patients admitted for ischemic
      stroke and treated with IV rtPA during two 321-day periods (before and after the
      creation of the ED ICU). All patients with ischemic stroke were included.
      Multivariable logistic regression models were performed. The DNT was stratified
      according to a threshold of 60min. A favorable long-term outcome was defined as a
      modified Rankin score<=2 at 3months. RESULTS: A total of 1334 ischemic stroke
      patients were included. Among them, 101 patients received IV rtPA. The frequency
      of IV rtPA administration was 5.8% (39 out of 676) before the creation of the ED
      ICU, and 9.3% (62 out of 668) afterwards (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence
      interval (CI)]: 1.67 [1.08-2.60]; p=0.02). Additionally, the DNT was shorter (OR
      [95%CI]: 4.30 [1.17-20.90]; p=0.04) and there was an improvement in the outcome
      (OR [95%CI]=1.30 [1.01-2.10]; p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the
      benefits of a separate ED ICU within conventional ED for acute stroke management,
      with a higher thrombolysis rate, reduced intrahospital delays and better safety.

PMID- 28096033
TI  - Transformations.
AB  - A patient with a serious illness continually refuses, postpones or avoids
      treatment until a conversation reveals essential contextual factors which change
      the physician's point of view. Once attended to, the patient also changes her
      attitude.

PMID- 28096034
TI  - Twelve months effect of self-referral to inpatient treatment on patient
      activation, recovery, symptoms and functioning: A randomized controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of having a contract for self-referral to
      inpatient treatment (SRIT) in patients with severe mental disorders. METHODS: A
      randomized controlled trial with 53 adult patients; 26 participants received a
      SRIT contract, which they could use to refer themselves into a Community Mental
      Health Centre up to five days for each referral without contacting a doctor in
      advance. Outcomes were assessed after 12 months with the self-report
      questionnaires Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13), Recovery Assessment Scale
      (RAS), and the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-32) and analyzed
      using linear mixed and regression models. RESULTS: There was no significant
      effect on PAM-13 (estimated mean difference (emd) -0.41, 95% CI (CI):-7.49-6.67),
      nor on the RAS (emd 0.02, CI:-0.27-0.31) or BASIS-32 (0.09, CI:-0.28-0.45). An
      exploratory post hoc analysis showed effect of SRIT in those with low PAM below
      <=47 (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: There were no group differences after 12 months, but
      both groups maintained their baseline levels. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: SRIT
      contracts can be recommended as it supports the rights to self-determination,
      promote user participation in decision-making in own treatment without any
      indication of adverse effects.

PMID- 28096035
TI  - The role of health economics in the evaluation of surgery and operative
      technologies.
AB  - Dr Matthew Taylor is the director of York Health Economics Consortium and leads
      the Consortium's health technology assessment program. The work of York Health
      Economics Consortium involves empirical research in health economics for both the
      private and public sectors. Dr Taylor is the scientific lead for the National
      Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Economic and Methodological Unit
      and a former member of NICE's Public Health Advisory Committee. He is also
      managing director (Europe) of Minerva, an international network of health
      economics consultancies.

PMID- 28096036
TI  - A guide to the anti-innovation "pharmaphobia" narrative for the aspiring
      innovator.
AB  - Thomas P. Stossel is an American Cancer Society Professor of Medicine Emeritus at
      Harvard Medical School, Honorary Physician in the Hematology Division of Brigham
      & Women's Hospital, founding scientist of BioAegis Therapeutics, Visiting Scholar
      of The American Enterprise Institute and cofounder of Options for Children in
      Zambia.

PMID- 28096037
TI  - The future is here, but there is no reason to fear.
AB  - Nicole Fisher, MPP, PhD, is the founder and chief executive officer at HHR
      Strategies, a health care and human rights focused advising firm. Additionally,
      she is a senior policy advisor and expert on health economics, technology, and
      reform, specifically as they affect vulnerable populations. Nicole runs a health
      innovation and policy page at Forbes, highlighting and advising companies, ideas,
      and people that are changing the health landscape. She also is currently pursuing
      her PhD at the University of North Carolina in the Health Policy and Management
      Department. Her writing has appeared in many publications and her talks can be
      found on the United Nations website. Before pursuing her PhD in health policy,
      Nicole earned her Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago
      and her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri.

PMID- 28096038
TI  - Kidney diseases and NOAC therapy: Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

PMID- 28096039
TI  - The impact of emergency medical services in acute heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Real-life data on the role of emergency medical services (EMS) in
      acute heart failure (AHF) are scarce. Our aim was to describe prehospital
      treatment of AHF and to compare patients using EMS with self-presented, non-EMS
      patients. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from three university
      hospitals in Helsinki metropolitan area between July 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013.
      According to the use of EMS, patients were divided into EMS and non-EMS groups.
      RESULTS: The study included 873 AHF patients. One hundred were (11.5%) EMS and
      773 (88.5%) non-EMS. EMS patients more often had comorbidities. Initial heart
      rate (HR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) differed between EMS and non
      EMS patients; mean HR 89.2 (SD 22.5) vs. 83.7 (21.5)/min (p=0.02) and SpO2 90.3
      (8.6) vs. 92.9 (6.6)% (p=0.01). However, on presentation to ED EMS patients'
      vital signs were similar to non-EMS patients'. On presentation to ED 46.0% were
      normotensive and 68.2% "warm and wet". Thirty-four percentage of EMS patients
      received prehospital medication. In-hospital mortality was 6.0% and 7.1% (p=0.84)
      and length of stay (LOS) 7.7 (7.0) and 8.5 (7.9) days (p=0.36) in EMS and non-EMS
      groups. CONCLUSION: The use of EMS and administration of prehospital medication
      was low. EMS patients had initially worse HR and SpO2 than non-EMS patients.
      However, EMS patients' signs improved and were similar on presentation to ED.
      There were no differences in in-hospital mortality and LOS. This underscores the
      need for equal attention to any AHF patient independent of the arrival mode.

PMID- 28096040
TI  - Calcium: A predictor of interventional treatment failure across all fields of
      cardiovascular medicine.
AB  - In this substudy of the ADAPT-DES trial Genereux et al. compared two years
      outcomes according to the presence or absence of coronary artery calcification
      (CAC) as assessed by coronary angiography. Coronary calcification was an
      independent predictor of interventional treatment failure and a higher incidence
      of both ischemic events and bleeding. The cohort with CAC was older with a higher
      prevalence of risk factors and comorbidities and an increased anatomical
      complexity of the target lesions, explaining only in part the worse outcome of
      the CAC population that persisted at multivariate analysis. Incomplete expansion
      and poor stent apposition, more frequent in calcified lesions, are predictive of
      target lesion failure and late stent thrombosis. The main limitation of the study
      is the use of angiography for CAC assessment with a likely major underestimation
      of CAC burden. Intravascular imaging might also help for a more accurate
      quantification of the CAC burden and characteristics, selecting the lesions in
      need of a calcium modification with atherectomy or lithotripsy before stent
      implantation.

PMID- 28096041
TI  - Advance Care Planning in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: A Patient
      Priority.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients with moderate or great
      defect complexity are at risk for premature death. Although early engagement in
      advance care planning (ACP) is recommended, previous research suggests that it
      seldom occurs. METHODS: This study investigated ACHD patient preferences for ACP
      and factors that impact preferences. ACHD patients completed an ACP preferences
      questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a measure of
      attachment styles. RESULTS: Of 152 ACHD patients (median age 33years, 50%
      female), 13% reported previous ACP discussions with providers and 21% had
      completed advance directives. On a 0-10 scale, the median rating for the
      importance of discussing ACP with providers was 7; 18years was identified as the
      most appropriate age to initiate this dialogue. Higher ratings for the importance
      of discussing ACP with providers was observed in patients who were female
      (p=0.03), had lower disease complexity (p=0.03), and had elevated anxiety
      symptoms (p=0.001); elevated anxiety remained significant in a multivariable
      model. Interest in receiving information about life expectancy (61% overall) was
      greater among patients with lower disease complexity (p=0.04) and a history of
      >=2 cardiac surgeries (p=0.01); disease complexity remained significant in a
      multivariable model. CONCLUSIONS: As a group, ACHD patients value the opportunity
      for ACP discussions and prefer earlier communication. Although some clinicians
      might avoid ACP discussions in patients who are generally more anxious or have
      less complex CHD, such avoidance does not appear to be warranted.

PMID- 28096042
TI  - Acute effect of intermittent and continuous aerobic exercise on release of
      cardiac troponin T in sedentary men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that acute exercise can increase serum
      concentrations of cardiac biomarkers, including cardiac troponin T (cTnT). We
      investigated the acute effects of intermittent (IE) and continuous (CE) exercise
      at the same cardiac workload on myocardial necrosis biomarkers in sedentary men.
      METHODS: Eleven sedentary healthy men aged 22.3+/-1.9years completed the study.
      The subjects were divided into two groups and performed, in random order, IE
      (intensity alternating between 50% (2min) and 80% (1min) HRreserve) or CE (60%
      HRreserve). The study was designed as a single-blinded randomised crossover trial
      performed on two distinct experimental days separated by a 1-week washout period.
      Each session consisted of 40min of aerobic exercise, either IE or CE, on a
      treadmill. Blood samples were taken before (PRE), immediately after (POST) and 1h
      after (POST-1) each exercise session. RESULTS: hs-cTnT significantly increased
      immediately after exercise in both protocols and remained elevated at POST-1
      (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between POST and POST-1
      values(P>0.05). Neither CE nor IE caused any significant change in CK-MB
      (P>0.05). The results also showed that HR and RPP increased significantly
      following both exercise protocols (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, both CE and
      IE results in increased serum concentrations of hs-cTnT in sedentary men.
      However, this increase does not seem to be caused by the irreversible death of
      cardiomyocytes. CE resulted in a greater hs-cTnT concentration than IE.

PMID- 28096043
TI  - A simplified protocol for culture of murine neonatal cardiomyocytes on nanoscale
      keratin coated surfaces.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aim to develop a simple, efficient and cost-effective protocol for
      culturing the neonatal cardiomyocytes using keratin derived from human hair,
      which can be used for studying cardiac hypertrophy in vitro. METHODS: Keratin was
      extracted from human hair and applied as nanoscale coating onto the culture
      dishes. Physical parameters such as surface morphology and roughness of the
      coating were studied by SEM and AFM. Cardiomyocyte specific markers were assessed
      by immunofluorescence. Signaling pathways activated in hypertrophy were analyzed
      by western blotting and changes in the expression of fetal genes were analyzed by
      qPCR. The changes in the calcium fluxes were observed microscopically using Fluo
      4. RESULTS: Keratin coated surfaces displayed a uniform coating and comparable
      roughness across dishes. Our optimized protocol for isolating cardiomyocytes
      yielded up to ~106 cells per heart. Characterization of cardiomyocytes with
      specific markers revealed that they can attach, grow and show spontaneous
      contractions on keratin-coated substrates similar to fibronectin-coated surfaces.
      Phenylephrine (PE) treated cardiomyocytes grown on keratin-coated substrates
      exhibited increased cell size, sarcomere organization and perinuclear ANP
      expression indicating the development of cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, we
      observed increased activation of Akt and ERK pathways, induction of the fetal
      genes and increased protein synthesis upon PE treatment, which are
      characteristics of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The protocol was extended to mouse
      cardiomyocytes and found to show similar results upon examination. CONCLUSION: We
      demonstrate that keratin can act as an efficient yet cost effective alternative
      substrate for the attachment, growth and differentiation of neonatal murine
      cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 28096044
TI  - Use of transesophageal echocardiography and contrast echocardiography in the
      evaluation of cardiac masses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the combination of transesophageal
      echocardiography (TEE) and contrast echocardiography (CE) accurately diagnose
      suspected cardiac masses using large sample data. METHODS: Patients with cardiac
      masses undergoing surgical treatment were enrolled in this study. Routine
      transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and TEE examinations were carried out, and
      CE examinations were carried out when needed. All patients' clinical data and
      imaging features were retrospectively reviewed. Surgery and histopathology served
      as the gold standard for diagnosing cardiac masses. RESULTS: A total of 252
      consecutive patients were included in this study. Sixteen patients were lost to
      follow-up and were excluded from the study. The combinations of TEE and CE
      yielded the correct pathologic diagnosis in 225 of 230 patients (97.8%), while CT
      yielded the correct pathologic diagnosis in 122 of 141 patients (86.5%), p<0.01.
      TEE yielded the correct pathologic diagnosis in 219 of 226 patients (96.9%), and
      CE yielded the correct pathologic diagnosis in 45 of 48 patients (93.8%). TTE
      alone yielded the correct pathologic diagnosis in 163 of 236 patients (69.1%),
      p<0.001 for all. TEE imaging provided detailed and precise information regarding
      cardiovascular morphology, anatomy, hemodynamics and function, and CE provided
      information regarding tissue characteristics without subjecting patients to
      radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of TEE and CE is feasible for
      the detection of suspected cardiac masses, especially in diagnosing and
      differentiating between benign and malignant lesions.

PMID- 28096045
TI  - Early detection of left ventricular dysfunction in first-degree relatives of
      diabetic patients by myocardial deformation imaging: The role of endothelial
      glycocalyx damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: First-degree relatives of type-2 diabetes patients (FDR) present
      insulin resistance. We investigated whether FDR and dysglycaemic subjects
      demonstrate abnormal endothelial glycocalyx and LV deformation during
      postprandial hyperglycemia. METHODS: We studied 40 FDR with normal oral glucose
      test (OGTT), 40 subjects with abnormal OGTT (dysglycaemic) and 20 subjects with
      normal OGTT without parental history of diabetes (normoglycaemic). At 0 and
      120min of OGTT we measured: a) LV longitudinal strain (LS) of subendocardial, mid
      myocardial and subepicardial layers, global LS (GLS), peak twisting (pTw),
      untwisting velocity (pUtwVel), by speckle tracking echocardiography b) perfused
      boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial microvessels; high PBR values
      represent reduced glycocalyx thickness. Insulin resistance was evaluated using
      insulin sensitivity index (ISI). RESULTS: ISI was related with baseline PBR, GLS
      and pTw in all subjects (p<0.05). Compared to normoglycaemics, FDR and
      dysglycaemics had higher PBR, lower ISI, GLS (-18.4+/-2.6 and -16.8+/-2.0 vs. 
      19.2+/-2.4%), subendocardial LS (-19.0+/-4.2 and -17.9+/-3.0 vs. -20.1+/-3.4%),
      pTw (14.4+/-4.4 and 15.6+/-6.4 vs. 16.9+/-6.5deg) and pUtwVel (p<0.05 for all
      comparisons). A GLS<-18% identified FDR with LV dysfunction (p=0.016). Post-OGTT,
      GLS and the subendocardial LS decreased while pTw and pUtwVel increased in FDR
      and dysglycaemics (p<0.05) indicating prevalence of the motion of the
      subepicardial over a dysfunctioning subendocardial myocardial helix. Increased
      PBR was related with impaired deformation markers at baseline and 120min of OGTT
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: First-degree relatives and dysglycaemics have reduced
      glycocalyx thickness related with impaired LV longitudinal, twisting-untwisting
      function. Postprandial hyperglycemia when combined with insulin resistance causes
      LV longitudinal dysfunction leading to increased LV twisting.

PMID- 28096046
TI  - Worse late-phase survival after elective endovascular than open surgical repair
      for intact abdominal aortic aneurysm.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether follow-up survival is better after elective
      endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) than open surgical repair (OSR) for intact
      abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), we combined 5-year survival curves themselves of
      EVAR and OSR in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity-score matched
      (PSM) studies. METHODS: Eligible studies were RCTs or PSM studies of elective
      EVAR versus OSR enrolling patients with intact AAA and reporting 5-year (at
      least) survival curves. Data regarding detailed inclusion criteria, duration of
      follow-up, and survival curves were abstracted from each individual study. In
      case of crossing of the combined survival curves, a pooled late-phase (between
      the crossing time and 5years) hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was
      calculated. RESULTS: Our search identified 7 eligible studies (including 2 RCTs
      and 5 PSM studies) enrolling a total of 92,333 patients with AAA assigned to EVAR
      or OSR. Pooled survival rates after EVAR and OSR were 98.1% and 96.1 at 1month,
      94.2% and 93.1% at 1year, 85.1% and 86.8% at 3years, and 75.8% and 78.8% at
      5years, respectively. The survival curves crossed at 1.8years with the survival
      rate of 90.5%. A pooled late-phase (between 1.8years and 5years) HR for
      calculated from data of the combined survival curves significantly favored OSR
      (1.29, 95% confidence interval, 1.24 to 1.35; p<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: For intact
      AAA, although survival was better immediately after elective EVAR than OSR, the
      survival curves crossed at 1.8years. Thereafter until 5years, survival was worse
      after EVAR than OSR.

PMID- 28096048
TI  - Introduction to inflammatory dermatoses: Histological clues for the practicing
      pathologist.

PMID- 28096047
TI  - Cellular basis of angiotensin-(1-7)-induced augmentation of left ventricular
      functional performance in heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] exhibits cardiovascular effects
      opposite those of angiotensin II (Ang II), thus providing protection against
      heart disease. However, how Ang-(1-7) imparts cardioprotection is unclear, and
      its direct cardiac effects are controversial. Whether heart failure (HF) alters
      cardiac contractile responses to Ang-(1-7) remains undetermined. We tested the
      hypothesis that in HF, Ang-(1-7) may produce positive modulation on [Ca2+]i
      regulation, enhancing left ventricular (LV) and myocyte contraction and
      relaxation via Ang-(1-7) Mas receptor coupled with nitric oxide (NO)/bradykinin
      (BK)-mediated mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured LV contractility
      changes after Ang-(1-7) (650ng/kg, iv) and compared myocyte functional and
      [Ca2+]i transient ([Ca2+]iT) responses to Ang-(1-7) superfusion in 24 normal rats
      and 34 rats with isoproterenol-induced HF (3months after 170mg/kg, s.q. for
      2days). To assess the mechanisms of altered HF responses to Ang-(1-7), subsets of
      HF myocytes were pretreated to inhibit NO synthase (L-NAME), BK (HOE-140), and
      Mas receptor (A-779) followed with Ang-(1-7). In normal rats, Ang-(1-7) produced
      no significant changes in LV and myocyte function. In HF rats, Ang-(1-7)
      significantly augmented LV contractility and relaxation with increased EES (51%),
      but decreased tau compared to baseline. Ang-(1-7) also significantly increased
      myocyte contraction (dL/dtmax, 30%), relaxation (dR/dtmax, 41%), and [Ca2+]iT. L
      NAME increased, HOE-140 decreased, and A-779 prevented HF myocyte contractile
      responses to Ang-(1-7). CONCLUSIONS: In a rat model of HF, Ang-(1-7) increases
      [Ca2+]iT, and produces positive inotropic and lusitropic effects in the LV and
      myocytes. These effects are mediated by the Mas receptor and involve activation
      of NO/BK pathways.

PMID- 28096049
TI  - Monoenergetic reconstructions for imaging of coronary artery stents using
      spectral detector CT: In-vitro experience and comparison to conventional images.
AB  - PURPOSE: Accurate assessment of coronary stents using non-invasive CT imaging
      remains challenging despite new stent materials and improvements in CT
      technology. Virtual monoenergetic (monoE) images reconstructed from dual energy
      CT acquisitions potentially decrease artifacts caused by coronary stents. A novel
      spectral detector technology provides monoE and conventional images
      simultaneously for all conducted scans. The purpose of our study was to
      systematically investigate the influence of different monoE reconstructions on
      the visualization of coronary stent lumen in comparison to conventional images.
      METHOD AND MATERIALS: Ten different coronary stents (diameter 3.0 mm) embedded in
      plastic tubes filled with contrast agent (500 HU) were scanned with a 128-row
      spectral detector CT (IQon, Philips, 120 kV, 125 mAs). Images were reconstructed
      (0.67 mm slice thickness, 0.35 mm increment) with a stent-specific conventional
      reconstruction kernel and 6 different monoE settings (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150
      keV). Image quality for each stent and reconstruction was quantified using
      established parameters: image noise (standard deviation (SD) within a
      standardized ROI), in-stent attenuation difference (mean attenuation difference
      between stented and non-stented lumen) and visible lumen diameter (mean visible
      diameter of the stented tube). RESULTS: Image noise was significantly lower in
      all monoE data dets compared to conventional images (conventional: 13.41, 60 keV:
      11.62, 70 keV: 11.67, 80 keV: 11.69, 90 keV: 11.71, 100 keV: 11.75, 150 keV:
      11.80 HU SD; p < 0.01). The in-stent attenuation difference was significantly
      smaller in monoE data with higher keV levels than in conventional images
      (conventional: 148.18, 60 keV: 154.13 p = 0.036, 70 keV: 143.43 p = 0.109, 80
      keV: 137.25 p = 0.052, 90 keV: 133.02 p = 0.043, 100 keV: 130.12 p = 0.039, 150
      keV: 123.99 HU p = 0.035). The visible lumen diameter was significantly greater
      in monoE data with higher keV levels than in conventional images (conventional:
      0.65, 60 keV: 0.68 p = 0.542, 70 keV: 0.71 p = 0.053, 80 keV: 0.74 p < 0.01, 90
      keV: 0.77 p < 0.01, 100 keV: 0.82 p < 0.01, 150 keV: 0.87 mm p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: In comparison to conventional CT images, well-established parameters
      for objective assessment of CT image quality for coronary stents are
      significantly improved by utilization of monoE reconstructions with adequate keV
      levels derived from data acquired on a novel spectral detector CT platform.

PMID- 28096050
TI  - [Incidence of accidental exposure to blood and body fluids among healthcare
      professionals in a community hospital].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the annual incidence of healthcare professionals'
      accidental exposure to blood and body fluids in a community hospital and describe
      their characteristics, associated situations and follow-up. METHOD: A
      longitudinal, retrospective study of biological accidents voluntarily reported on
      a yearly basis by exposed healthcare professionals at Fundacio Hospital de
      l'Esperit Sant (in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona, Spain), between 2005 and
      2014. A descriptive analysis of the variables related to the exposed
      professional, the exposure itself, its production mechanism and the source
      patient was conducted. The rate of exposure was calculated per 100 occupied beds
      and by job category. RESULTS: 318 exposures were reported; 89.62% were
      percutaneous and the remainder were non-intact skin or mucous contamination. The
      mean percutaneous exposure incidence rate from 2005 to 2014 was 17.6 per 100
      occupied beds/year (limits 10.3 in 2013 and 24.5 in 2005). Doctors were exposed
      to the greatest risk (5.29 exposures per 100 doctors). Over 50% occurred in a
      surgical setting. 44.2% of exposed healthcare professionals had been working at
      the centre for 1 year or less on average. Puncture was the most common
      percutaneous lesion. No cases of occupational viral transmission were reported.
      CONCLUSIONS: The rate of percutaneous exposure reported in this hospital
      fluctuated significantly throughout the analysis period. Risk of exposure is
      related to job category, work experience, the setting and the activity performed.

PMID- 28096052
TI  - Population data of 15 autosomal STR loci in Chinese Han population from
      Yangjiang, Southern China.

PMID- 28096051
TI  - Transitions of care: Medication-related barriers identified by low socioeconomic
      patients of a federally qualified health center following hospital discharge.
AB  - This article describes a qualitative research study using a semi-structured
      interview process to describe barriers surrounding medication access, use, and
      adherence for recently discharged patients of a federally qualified health
      center. Common themes which emerged were: 1) Team assumptions regarding patient
      plans to access or appropriately use discharge medications negatively impact
      adherence; 2) Unmet expectation for care coordination between primary care
      physician (PCP) and hospital; 3) Disconnect between patients and health care
      workers leads to disengagement; and 4) Lack of personal contact hinders access to
      services.

PMID- 28096053
TI  - A Potential New Therapeutic Approach to DMD: PKC Theta Inhibition.

PMID- 28096054
TI  - Glycogen storage disease type Ia mice with less than 2% of normal hepatic glucose
      6-phosphatase-alpha activity restored are at risk of developing hepatic tumors.
AB  - Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia), characterized by impaired glucose
      homeostasis and chronic risk of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and carcinoma (HCC),
      is caused by a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase-alpha (G6Pase-alpha or G6PC).
      We have previously shown that G6pc-/- mice receiving gene transfer mediated by
      rAAV-G6PC, a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector expressing G6Pase
      alpha, and expressing 3-63% of normal hepatic G6Pase-alpha activity maintain
      glucose homeostasis and do not develop HCA/HCC. However, the threshold of hepatic
      G6Pase-alpha activity required to prevent tumor formation remained unknown. In
      this study, we constructed rAAV-co-G6PC, a rAAV vector expressing a codon
      optimized (co) G6Pase-alpha and showed that rAAV-co-G6PC was more efficacious
      than rAAV-G6PC in directing hepatic G6Pase-alpha expression. Over an 88-week
      study, we showed that both rAAV-G6PC- and rAAV-co-G6PC-treated G6pc-/- mice
      expressing 3-33% of normal hepatic G6Pase-alpha activity (AAV mice) maintained
      glucose homeostasis, lacked HCA/HCC, and were protected against age-related
      obesity and insulin resistance. Of the eleven rAAV-G6PC/rAAV-co-G6PC-treated G6pc
      /- mice harboring 0.9-2.4% of normal hepatic G6Pase-alpha activity (AAV-low
      mice), 3 expressing 0.9-1.3% of normal hepatic G6Pase-alpha activity developed
      HCA/HCC, while 8 did not (AAV-low-NT). Finally, we showed that the AAV-low-NT
      mice exhibited a phenotype indistinguishable from that of AAV mice expressing
      >=3% of normal hepatic G6Pase-alpha activity. The results establish the threshold
      of hepatic G6Pase-alpha activity required to prevent HCA/HCC and show that GSD-Ia
      mice harboring <2% of normal hepatic G6Pase-alpha activity are at risk of tumor
      development.

PMID- 28096056
TI  - Common issues in the management of patients in the waiting list and after liver
      transplantation.
AB  - The present document contains the recommendations of an expert panel of
      transplant hepatologists, appointed by the Italian Association for the Study of
      the Liver (AISF), on how to manage the most common aspects of liver
      transplantation: the topics covered include: new treatments for HCV in patients
      on the waiting list for liver transplantation; antiviral treatments in patients
      with HCV recurrence after liver transplantation; prophylaxis for HBV recurrence
      after liver transplantation; indications for liver transplantation in alcoholic
      liver disease; and Immunosuppressive therapy. The statements on each topic were
      approved by participants at the AISF Transplant Hepatologist Expert Meeting
      (organized by the Permanent Committee on Liver Transplantation in Mondello on 4-5
      October 2015), and are graded according to the Oxford classification of levels of
      evidence.

PMID- 28096055
TI  - An Ancient Family of RNA-Binding Proteins: Still Important!
AB  - RNA-binding proteins are important modulators of mRNA stability, a crucial
      process that determines the ultimate cellular levels of mRNAs and their encoded
      proteins. The tristetraprolin (TTP) family of RNA-binding proteins appeared early
      in the evolution of eukaryotes, and has persisted in modern eukaryotes. The
      domain structures and biochemical functions of family members from widely
      divergent lineages are remarkably similar, but their mRNA 'targets' can be very
      different, even in closely related species. Recent gene knockout studies in
      species as distantly related as plants, flies, yeasts, and mice have demonstrated
      crucial roles for these proteins in a wide variety of physiological processes.
      Inflammatory and hematopoietic phenotypes in mice have suggested potential
      therapeutic approaches for analogous human disorders.

PMID- 28096057
TI  - The five-year survival rate after endoscopic submucosal dissection for
      superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a widely accepted procedure
      for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN) because of a high
      complete resection rate. However, there were a few reports about the long-term
      outcomes of these patients due to short follow-up periods. AIMS: We aimed to
      evaluate the 5-year survival after ESD for superficial ESCN. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective cohort study performed at a single institution. Between 2006 and
      2009, 94 patients with superficial ESCN underwent ESD. Eighty-three patients
      (93.3%) who had completed an extended period of observation of at least 5 years
      were enrolled. The main outcomes were the 5-year survival rates. The secondary
      outcomes were the cumulative incidence rate of metachronous ESCN, and the
      clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The 5-year relative overall survival rate was 99.0%,
      whereas the cause specific survival rate was 100% during 72.9 months of median
      follow up period. Subgroup analysis showed that the 5year survival of patients
      with EP/LPM and MM/SM1 (submucosal invasion <=200MUm) were 100% and 89.0%,
      respectively. The cumulative incidence rate of metachronous ESCN at 5 years was
      16.8%. CONCLUSION: ESD for superficial ESCN is a curative treatment with a
      favorable 5-year survival rate.

PMID- 28096058
TI  - Anemia at the time of diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease: Prevalence and
      associated factors in adolescent and adult patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence, characteristic and determinants of anemia, at the
      time of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosis have yet to be fully
      elucidated. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Analytical data and
      disease characteristics obtained upon diagnosis of 1278 IBD patients [Crohn's
      disease/ulcerative colitis (CD/UC): 718/560] were collected. RESULTS: Anemia was
      present in 41.2% of patients at diagnosis (47% and 33.8% of CD and UC patients,
      respectively; p<0.001), being severe in 5.5%. Iron deficiency anemia represented
      69.6% of cases, with no differences between CD and UC. Female sex was the
      strongest risk factor for anemia in both CD and UC (OR 7.11; 95%CI 4.18-12.10 and
      6.55; 95%CI 3.39-12.63, respectively), followed by elevated (>=2mg/dL) C-reactive
      protein (OR 4.08; 95%CI 2.39-6.97 and 4.58; 95%CI 2.26-9.27, respectively).
      Current smoking was a risk factor for anemia in CD (OR 2.23; 95%CI 1.24-4.02),
      but a protective one in UC (OR 0.36; 95%CI 0.14-0.92). A penetrating CD behavior
      increased the risk of anemia (OR 3.34; 95%CI 1.36-8.21); in UC, anemia increased
      with disease extension (E2+E3) (OR 1.80; 95%CI 1.13-2.86). CONCLUSIONS: Female
      sex and disease activity are major determinants of anemia at IBD diagnosis.
      Anemia is associated with disease behavior in CD and with disease extension in
      UC.

PMID- 28096059
TI  - Clinical utility of the SMSA grading tool for the management of colonic
      neoplastic lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whilst polyp size has been traditionally used as a predictor of the
      complexity of endoscopic resection, the influence of other factors is
      increasingly recognised. The SMSA grading system takes into account polyp Site,
      Morphology, Size and Access, with higher scores correlating with increased
      technical difficulty. AIMS: To evaluate whether the SMSA grading tool correlates
      with endoscopic and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study was
      conducted at two high volume centres in the United Kingdom and Italy. All polyps
      identified at colonoscopy were included in this study and classified as per the
      SMSA grading system. RESULTS: A total of 1668 lesions were resected in 1016
      patients. There was a positive correlation between increasing SMSA level and the
      inability to resect lesions "en bloc" (p<0.001). Histologically complete
      clearance was higher in the lower SMSA groups (p<0.0001). Additional endoscopic
      therapies, were more commonly required with the higher SMSA groups to achieve
      histological clearance (p<0.0001). Moreover, advanced histology in resection
      specimens and procedural complications were significantly less common in SMSA
      level 1 lesions compared to level 3 or 4 lesions (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      SMSA grading tool is a useful predictor of outcome following the resection of
      colonic neoplastic lesions.

PMID- 28096060
TI  - Nutritional status and bioelectrical phase angle assessment in adult Crohn
      disease patients receiving anti-TNFalpha therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered body composition is frequently observed in Crohn's disease
      (CD) patients. AIMS: To investigate the nutritional status, and the effect of
      different therapeutic regimes in adult CD patients. METHODS: Fat free mass (FFM)
      and BIA-derived phase angle (PhA) were assessed in 45 CD patients, 22 on
      conventional therapy (CT) and 23 on maintenance therapy with infliximab (MT).
      Nutritional status was also assessed in 12 CD patients before and following the
      induction protocol with infliximab. BIA data of CD patients were compared with
      those of 20 healthy asymptomatic volunteers. In CD patients C Reactive Protein
      (CRP) and albuminaemia dosage were obtained. RESULTS: The mean values of PhA and
      of FFM were significantly lower in CT patients when compared with control group
      and MT patients. Following infliximab treatment FFM increased, although not
      significantly, while mean phase angle value significantly increased from 4.6+/
      0.3 to 6.2+/-0.4 (p<0.05). CRP was significantly lower in MT patients compared to
      that in CT patients. CONCLUSION: CD patients on conventional therapy showed a
      lower FFM and a lower mean phase angle score compared to those on infliximab
      therapy. Following infliximab treatment the mean phase angle score normalized.
      PhA is a reliable nutritional indicator in IBD patients and could be considered
      as an additional tool for assessing response to treatment.

PMID- 28096061
TI  - Connexin37 deficiency alters organic bone matrix, cortical bone geometry, and
      increases Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
AB  - Deletion of connexin (Cx) 37 in mice leads to increased cancellous bone mass due
      to defective osteoclast differentiation. Paradoxically; however, Cx37-deficient
      mice exhibit reduced cortical thickness accompanied by higher bone strength,
      suggesting a contribution of Cx37 to bone matrix composition. Thus, we
      investigated whether global deletion of Cx37 alters the composition of organic
      bone extracellular matrix. Five-month-old Cx37-/- mice exhibited increased marrow
      cavity area, and periosteal and endocortical bone surface resulting in higher
      total area in tibia compared to Cx37+/+ control mice. Deletion of Cx37 increased
      genes involved in collagen maturation (loxl3 and loxl4) and glycosaminoglycans-
      (chsy1, chpf and has3) proteoglycans- associated genes (biglycan and decorin). In
      addition, expression of type II collagen assessed by immunostaining was increased
      by 82% whereas collagen maturity by picrosirius-polarizarion tended to be reduced
      (p=0.071). Expression of glycosaminoglycans by histochemistry was decreased,
      whereas immunostaining revealed that biglycan was unchanged and decorin was
      slightly increased in Cx37-/- bone sections. Consistent with these in vivo
      findings, MLO-Y4 osteocytic cells silenced for Cx37 gene exhibited increased mRNA
      levels for collagen synthesis (col1a1 and col3a1) and collagen maturation (lox,
      loxl1 and loxl2 genes). Furthermore, mechanistic studies showed Wnt/beta-catenin
      activation in MLO-Y4 osteocytic cells, L5 vertebra, and authentic calvaria
      derived osteocytes isolated by fluorescent-activated cell sorter. Our findings
      demonstrate that altered profile of the bone matrix components in Cx37-deficient
      mice acts in favor of higher resistance to fracture in long bones.

PMID- 28096062
TI  - Combat Casualty Care improvement: A quality process.

PMID- 28096063
TI  - Chest trauma: First 48hours management.
AB  - Chest trauma remains an issue for health services for both severe and apparently
      mild trauma management. Severe chest trauma is associated with high mortality and
      is considered liable for 25% of mortality in multiple traumas. Moreover, mild
      trauma is also associated with significant morbidity especially in patients with
      preexisting conditions. Thus, whatever the severity, a fast-acting strategy must
      be organized. At this time, there are no guidelines available from scientific
      societies. These expert recommendations aim to establish guidelines for chest
      trauma management in both prehospital an in hospital settings, for the first
      48hours. The "Societe francaise d'anesthesie reanimation" and the "Societe
      francaise de medecine d'urgence" worked together on the 7 following questions:
      (1) criteria defining severity and for appropriate hospital referral; (2)
      diagnosis strategy in both pre- and in-hospital settings; (3) indications and
      guidelines for ventilatory support; (4) management of analgesia; (5) indications
      and guidelines for chest tube placement; (6) surgical and endovascular repair
      indications in blunt chest trauma; (7) definition, medical and surgical
      specificity of penetrating chest trauma. For each question, prespecified
      "crucial" (and sometimes also "important") outcomes were identified by the panel
      of experts because it mattered for patients. We rated evidence across studies for
      these specific clinical outcomes. After a systematic Grade(r) approach, we
      defined 60 recommendations. Each recommendation has been evaluated by all the
      experts according to the DELPHI method.

PMID- 28096064
TI  - Evaluation of financial burden following complications after major surgery in
      France: Potential return after perioperative goal-directed therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Perioperative goal-directed therapy (PGDT) has been demonstrated to
      improve postoperative outcomes and reduce the length of hospital stays. The
      objective of our analysis was to evaluate the cost of complications, derived from
      French hospital payments, and calculate the potential cost savings and length of
      hospital stay reductions. METHODS: The billing of 2388 patients who underwent
      scheduled high-risk surgery (i.e. major abdominal, gynaecologic, urological,
      vascular, and orthopaedic interventions) over three years was retrospectively
      collected from three French hospitals (one public-teaching, one public, and one
      private hospital). A relationship between mortality, length of hospital stays,
      cost/patient, and severity scores, based mainly on postoperative complications
      but also on preoperative clinical status, were analysed. Statistical analysis was
      performed using Student's t-tests or Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: Our analyses
      determined that a severity score of 3 or 4 was associated with complications in
      90% of cases and this represented 36% of patients who, compared with those with a
      score of 1 or 2, were associated with significantly increased costs (? 8205+/
      3335 to ? 22,081+/-16,090; P<0.001, delta of ? 13,876) and a prolonged length of
      hospital stay (mean of 10 to 27 days; P<0.001, delta of 17 days). According to
      estimates for complications avoided by PGDT, there was a projected reduction in
      average healthcare costs of between ? 854 and ? 1458 per patient and a reduction
      in total hospital bed days from 1755 to 4423 over three years. Based on French
      National data (47,000 high risk surgeries per year), the potential financial
      savings ranged from ? 40M to ? 68M, not including the costs of PGDT and its
      implementation. CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrates that patients with
      complications are significantly more expensive to care for than those without
      complications. In our model, it was projected that implementing PGDT during high
      risk surgery may significantly reduce healthcare costs and the length of hospital
      stays in France while probably improving patient access to care and reducing
      waiting times for procedures.

PMID- 28096065
TI  - Patient-Specific Predictive Modeling Using Random Forests: An Observational Study
      for the Critically Ill.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With a large-scale electronic health record repository, it is
      feasible to build a customized patient outcome prediction model specifically for
      a given patient. This approach involves identifying past patients who are similar
      to the present patient and using their data to train a personalized predictive
      model. Our previous work investigated a cosine-similarity patient similarity
      metric (PSM) for such patient-specific predictive modeling. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of the study is to investigate the random forest (RF) proximity measure
      as a PSM in the context of personalized mortality prediction for intensive care
      unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: A total of 17,152 ICU admissions were extracted
      from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II database. A
      number of predictor variables were extracted from the first 24 hours in the ICU.
      Outcome to be predicted was 30-day mortality. A patient-specific predictive model
      was trained for each ICU admission using an RF PSM inspired by the RF proximity
      measure. Death counting, logistic regression, decision tree, and RF models were
      studied with a hard threshold applied to RF PSM values to only include the M most
      similar patients in model training, where M was varied. In addition, case
      specific random forests (CSRFs), which uses RF proximity for weighted
      bootstrapping, were trained. RESULTS: Compared to our previous study that
      investigated a cosine similarity PSM, the RF PSM resulted in superior or
      comparable predictive performance. RF and CSRF exhibited the best performances
      (in terms of mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [95%
      confidence interval], RF: 0.839 [0.835-0.844]; CSRF: 0.832 [0.821-0.843]). RF and
      CSRF did not benefit from personalization via the use of the RF PSM, while the
      other models did. CONCLUSIONS: The RF PSM led to good mortality prediction
      performance for several predictive models, although it failed to induce improved
      performance in RF and CSRF. The distinction between predictor and similarity
      variables is an important issue arising from the present study. RFs present a
      promising method for patient-specific outcome prediction.

PMID- 28096066
TI  - "Happiness Inventors": Informing Positive Computing Technologies Through
      Participatory Design With Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Positive psychological interventions for children have typically
      focused on direct adaptations of interventions developed for adults. As the
      community moves toward designing positive computing technologies to support child
      well-being, it is important to use a more participatory process that directly
      engages children's voices. OBJECTIVE: Our objectives were, through a
      participatory design study, to understand children's interpretations of positive
      psychology concepts, as well as their perspectives on technologies that are best
      suited to enhance their engagement with practice of well-being skills. METHODS:
      We addressed these questions through a content analysis of 434 design ideas, 51
      sketches, and 8 prototype and videos, which emerged from a 14-session cooperative
      inquiry study with 12 child "happiness inventors." The study was part of a summer
      learning camp held at the children's middle school, which focused on teaching the
      invention process, teaching well-being skills drawn from positive psychology and
      related areas (gratitude, mindfulness, and problem solving), and iterating design
      ideas for technologies to support these skills. RESULTS: The children's ideas and
      prototypes revealed specific facets of how they interpreted gratitude (as
      thanking, being positive, and doing good things), mindfulness (as externally
      representing thought and emotions, controlling those thoughts and emotions,
      getting through unpleasant things, and avoiding forgetting something), and
      problem solving (as preventing bad decisions, seeking alternative solutions, and
      not dwelling on unproductive thoughts). This process also revealed that children
      emphasized particular technologies in their solutions. While desktop or laptop
      solutions were notably lacking, other ideas were roughly evenly distributed
      between mobile apps and embodied computing technologies (toys, wearables, etc).
      We also report on desired functionalities and approaches to engagement in the
      children's ideas, such as a notable emphasis on representing and responding to
      internal states. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings point to promising directions for the
      design of positive computing technologies targeted at children, with particular
      emphases on the perspectives, technologies, engagement approaches, and
      functionalities that appealed to the children in our study. The dual focus of the
      study on teaching skills while designing technologies is a novel methodology in
      the design of positive computing technologies intended to increase child well
      being.

PMID- 28096067
TI  - Assessing the Quality, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Electronic Patient Platforms
      Designed to Support Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: A Systematic Review
      Protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A range of innovative websites, mobile technologies, eHealth and
      mHealth platforms have emerged to support adolescents and young adults (AYAs)
      with cancer. Previous reviews have identified these various applications and
      solutions, but no review has summarized the quality, feasibility, and efficacy of
      existing patient platforms (inclusive of websites, mobile technologies, mHealth
      and eHealth platforms) developed specifically for young people with cancer.
      OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the design of a protocol to conduct a review of
      published studies or reports which describe or report on an existing platform
      designed specifically for AYAs who have had a cancer diagnosis. METHODS: A search
      string was developed using a variety of key words and Medical Subject Heading and
      applied to bibliographic databases. General data (sample characteristics, patient
      platform development, design and, if applicable, pilot testing outcomes) will be
      extracted from reports and studies. Drawing on a previously developed coding
      schematic, the identified patient platforms will be coded for mode of delivery
      into (1) automated functions, (2) communicative functions, and (3) use of
      supplementary modes. An adapted version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS)
      will be used to assess the of quality of each identified patient platform. The
      methodological quality of included studies will be assessed using the Quality
      Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of
      Fields (QualSyst). Both authors will independently screen eligible studies for
      final inclusion and will both be responsible for data extraction and appraisal.
      Data will be synthesized narratively to provide an overview of identified patient
      platforms. RESULTS: The review began in October 2016 and is currently in
      progress. The review paper will be submitted for peer-review and publication in
      the summer of 2017. CONCLUSIONS: This review will be unique in its focus on
      assessing, where possible, the quality and efficacy of patient platforms for
      adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Results generated from this
      review will provide an invaluable insight into the utility of modern technology
      in supporting young people with cancer.

PMID- 28096068
TI  - Perceived and Performed eHealth Literacy: Survey and Simulated Performance Test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electronic health (eHealth) literacy of consumers is essential in
      order to improve information and communication technology (ICT) use for health
      purposes by ordinary citizens. However, performed eHealth literacy is seldom
      studied. Therefore, the present study assessed perceived and performed eHealth
      literacy using the recent conceptualization of health literacy skills. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this paper was to examine the association between perceived and
      performed eHealth literacies. METHODS: In total, 82 Israeli adults participated
      in the study, all 50 years and older, with a mean age of 67 (SD 11). Of the
      participants, 60% (49/82) were women and 72% (59/82) had a post-secondary
      education. The participants were first surveyed and then tested in a computer
      simulation of health-related Internet tasks. Performed, perceived (eHealth
      Literacy Scale, eHEALS), and evaluated eHealth literacy were assessed, and
      performed eHealth literacy was also recorded and re-evaluated later. Performance
      was scored for successful completion of tasks, and was also assessed by two
      researchers for motivation, confidence, and amount of help provided. RESULTS: The
      skills of accessing, understanding, appraising, applying, and generating new
      information had decreasing successful completion rates. Generating new
      information was least correlated with other skills. Perceived and performed
      eHealth literacies were moderately correlated (r=.34, P=.01) while facets of
      performance (ie, digital literacy and eHealth literacy) were highly correlated
      (r=.82, P<.001). Participants low and high in performed eHealth literacy were
      significantly different: low performers were older and had used the Internet for
      less time, required more assistance, and were less confident in their conduct
      than high performers. CONCLUSIONS: The moderate association between perceived and
      performed eHealth literacy indicates that the latter should be assessed
      separately. In as much, the assessment of performed eHealth literacy in clinical
      settings should entail the structuring of tasks as well as shortening and
      automatizing the assessment.

PMID- 28096069
TI  - Newspaper response to the back pain myth busting advice: bruising but helpful.

PMID- 28096070
TI  - A Comparative Study of Tower of London Scoring Systems and Normative Data.
AB  - Objective: Tower of London (ToL) is a planning ability task that includes
      multiple versions. The original ToL was developed by Shallice together with two
      scoring systems (ToL-SS). Another two ToL-SS were proposed by Anderson et al. and
      Krikorian et al. The purpose of this study is to provide normative data for four
      ToL-SS and explore the effects of demographic variables on ToL performance.
      Furthermore, we aimed to determine the discriminative validity of these ToL-SS in
      clinical samples. Method: Four groups were included in the study: a normative
      sample of healthy adults (HC; n = 298); patients with Parkinson's disease with
      mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI; n = 52) and without cognitive impairment (PD
      ND; n = 57); and patients with schizophrenia (SCH; n = 28). The effects of
      demographic variables on ToL-SS were examined in the HC group. Between-groups
      comparisons of ToL-SS were conducted using regression analysis with dummy codes.
      Results: All four ToL-SS were not significantly affected by age, whereas the
      effect of gender and education is not consistent. ToL-SS significantly (p < .05)
      differentiate HC from PD-MCI and SCH. Cohen's effect size coefficients d range
      from 0.68 to 1.29. Internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach's alpha) of ToL-SS
      range from 0.33 to 0.60. Conclusions: Despite poor to questionable internal
      consistency of ToL-SS, the discriminative validity and clinical utility for
      assessing planning deficits in PD-MCI and SCH are high. This study provides
      normative standards for all four ToL-SS on an adult population for use in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 28096071
TI  - Clinical benefit of vedolizumab on articular manifestations in patients with
      active spondyloarthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 28096072
TI  - Response to eLetter: 'Infections in giant cell arteritis and therapeutic
      implications' by Moiseev et al.

PMID- 28096073
TI  - Woman dies after infection with bacteria resistant to all antibiotics available
      in US.

PMID- 28096074
TI  - Notions of similarity for systems biology models.

PMID- 28096075
TI  - hppRNA-a Snakemake-based handy parameter-free pipeline for RNA-Seq analysis of
      numerous samples.
AB  - RNA-Seq technology has been gradually becoming a routine approach for
      characterizing the properties of transcriptome in terms of organisms, cell types
      and conditions and consequently a big burden has been put on the facet of data
      analysis, which calls for an easy-to-learn workflow to cope with the increased
      demands from a large number of laboratories across the world. We report a one-in
      all solution called hppRNA, composed of four scenarios such as pre-mapping, core
      workflow, post-mapping and sequence variation detection, written by a series of
      individual Perl and R scripts, counting on well-established and preinstalled
      software, irrespective of single-end or paired-end, unstranded or stranded
      sequencing method. It features six independent core-workflows comprising the
      state-of-the-art technology with dozens of popular cutting-edge tools such as
      Tophat-Cufflink-Cuffdiff, Subread-featureCounts-DESeq2, STAR-RSEM-EBSeq, Bowtie
      eXpress-edgeR, kallisto-sleuth, HISAT-StringTie-Ballgown, and embeds itself in
      Snakemake, which is a modern pipeline management system. The core function of
      this pipeline is turning the raw fastq files into gene/isoform expression matrix
      and differentially expressed genes or isoforms as well as the identification of
      fusion genes, single nucleotide polymorphisms, long noncoding RNAs and circular
      RNAs. Last but not least, this pipeline is specifically designed for performing
      the systematic analysis on a huge set of samples in one go, ideally for the
      researchers who intend to deploy the pipeline on their local servers. The scripts
      as well as the user manual are freely available at
      https://sourceforge.net/projects/hpprna/.

PMID- 28096076
TI  - A landscape of synthetic viable interactions in cancer.
AB  - Synthetic viability, which is defined as the combination of gene alterations that
      can rescue the lethal effects of a single gene alteration, may represent a
      mechanism by which cancer cells resist targeted drugs. Approaches to detect
      synthetic viable (SV) interactions in cancer genome to investigate drug
      resistance are still scarce. Here, we present a computational method to detect
      synthetic viability-induced drug resistance (SVDR) by integrating the
      multidimensional data sets, including copy number alteration, whole-exome
      mutation, expression profile and clinical data. SVDR comprehensively
      characterized the landscape of SV interactions across 8580 tumors in 32 cancer
      types by integrating The Cancer Genome Atlas data, small hairpin RNA-based
      functional experimental data and yeast genetic interaction data. We revealed that
      the SV interactions are favorable to cells and can predict clinical prognosis for
      cancer patients, which were robustly observed in an independent data set. By
      integrating the cancer pharmacogenomics data sets from Cancer Cell Line
      Encyclopedia (CCLE) and Broad Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal, we have
      demonstrated that SVDR enables drug resistance prediction and exhibits high
      reliability between two databases. To our knowledge, SVDR is the first genome
      scale data-driven approach for the identification of SV interactions related to
      drug resistance in cancer cells. This data-driven approach lays the foundation
      for identifying the genomic markers to predict drug resistance and successfully
      infers the potential drug combination for anti-cancer therapy.

PMID- 28096078
TI  - How to prevent the microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes beyond glucose
      control.
AB  - Microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) affect
      hundreds of millions of patients with type 2 diabetes. They usually affect people
      with longstanding or uncontrolled disease, but they can also be present at
      diagnosis or in those yet to have a diagnosis made. The presentation and
      progression of these complications can lead to loss of visual, renal, and
      neurologic functions, impaired mobility and cognition, poor quality of life,
      limitations for employment and productivity, and increased costs for the patient
      and society. If left uncontrolled or untreated, they lead to irreversible damage
      and even death. This review focuses on the primary and secondary prevention of
      diabetic microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes, beyond
      glycemic control. Interventions discussed include standard of care interventions
      supported by guidelines from major organizations, as well as additional proposed
      interventions that are supported by research published in the past decade. High
      level evidence sources such as systematic reviews and large, multicenter
      randomized clinical trials have been prioritized. Smaller trials were included
      where high quality evidence was unavailable.

PMID- 28096079
TI  - Exercise therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for degenerative
      meniscal tear in middle aged patients: randomised controlled trial with two year
      follow-up.

PMID- 28096080
TI  - FTO genotype and weight loss: systematic review and meta-analysis of 9563
      individual participant data from eight randomised controlled trials.

PMID- 28096082
TI  - The ties that bind.

PMID- 28096081
TI  - Mice with hyperbilirubinemia due to Gilbert's syndrome polymorphism are resistant
      to hepatic steatosis by decreased serine 73 phosphorylation of PPARalpha.
AB  - Gilbert's syndrome in humans is derived from a polymorphism (TA repeat) in the
      hepatic UGT1A1 gene that results in decreased conjugation and increased levels of
      unconjugated bilirubin. Recently, we have shown that bilirubin binds directly to
      the fat-burning nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha
      (PPARalpha). Additionally, we have shown that serine 73 phosphorylation
      [Ser(P)73] of PPARalpha decreases activity by reducing its protein levels and
      transcriptional activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether
      humanized mice with the Gilbert's polymorphism (HuUGT*28) have increased
      PPARalpha activation and reduced hepatic fat accumulation. To determine whether
      humanized mice with Gilbert's mutation (HuUGT*28) have reduced hepatic lipids, we
      placed them and C57BL/6J control mice on a high-fat (60%) diet for 36 wk. Body
      weights, fat and lean mass, and fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were
      measured every 6 wk throughout the investigation. At the end of the study,
      hepatic lipid content was measured and PPARalpha regulated genes as well as
      immunostaining of Ser(P)73 PPARalpha from liver sections. The HuUGT*28 mice had
      increased serum bilirubin, lean body mass, decreased fat mass, and hepatic lipid
      content as well as lower serum glucose and insulin levels. Also, the HuUGT*28
      mice had reduced Ser(P)73 PPARalpha immunostaining in livers and increased
      PPARalpha transcriptional activity compared with controls. A chronic but mild
      endogenous increase in unconjugated hyperbiliubinemia protects against hepatic
      steatosis through a reduction in Ser(P)73 PPARalpha, causing an increase in
      PPARalpha transcriptional activity.

PMID- 28096083
TI  - LRSSL: predict and interpret drug-disease associations based on data integration
      using sparse subspace learning.
AB  - Motivation: : Exploring the potential curative effects of drugs is crucial for
      effective drug development. Previous studies have indicated that integration of
      multiple types of information could be conducive to discovering novel indications
      of drugs. However, how to efficiently identify the mechanism behind drug-disease
      associations while integrating data from different sources remains a challenging
      problem. Results: : In this research, we present a novel method for indication
      prediction of both new drugs and approved drugs. This method is based on
      Laplacian regularized sparse subspace learning (LRSSL), which integrates drug
      chemical information, drug target domain information and target annotation
      information. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms
      several recent approaches for predicting drug-disease associations. Some drug
      therapeutic effects predicted by the method could be validated by database
      records or literatures. Moreover, with L1-norm constraint, important drug
      features have been extracted from multiple drug feature profiles. Case studies
      suggest that the extracted drug features could be beneficial to interpretation of
      the predicted results. Availability and Implementation:
      https://github.com/LiangXujun/LRSSL. Contact: proteomics@csu.edu.cn.
      Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics
      online.

PMID- 28096084
TI  - TimesVector: a vectorized clustering approach to the analysis of time series
      transcriptome data from multiple phenotypes.
AB  - Motivation: Identifying biologically meaningful gene expression patterns from
      time series gene expression data is important to understand the underlying
      biological mechanisms. To identify significantly perturbed gene sets between
      different phenotypes, analysis of time series transcriptome data requires
      consideration of time and sample dimensions. Thus, the analysis of such time
      series data seeks to search gene sets that exhibit similar or different
      expression patterns between two or more sample conditions, constituting the three
      dimensional data, i.e. gene-time-condition. Computational complexity for
      analyzing such data is very high, compared to the already difficult NP-hard two
      dimensional biclustering algorithms. Because of this challenge, traditional time
      series clustering algorithms are designed to capture co-expressed genes with
      similar expression pattern in two sample conditions. Results: We present a
      triclustering algorithm, TimesVector, specifically designed for clustering three
      dimensional time series data to capture distinctively similar or different gene
      expression patterns between two or more sample conditions. TimesVector identifies
      clusters with distinctive expression patterns in three steps: (i) dimension
      reduction and clustering of time-condition concatenated vectors, (ii) post
      processing clusters for detecting similar and distinct expression patterns and
      (iii) rescuing genes from unclassified clusters. Using four sets of time series
      gene expression data, generated by both microarray and high throughput sequencing
      platforms, we demonstrated that TimesVector successfully detected biologically
      meaningful clusters of high quality. TimesVector improved the clustering quality
      compared to existing triclustering tools and only TimesVector detected clusters
      with differential expression patterns across conditions successfully.
      Availability and Implementation: The TimesVector software is available at
      http://biohealth.snu.ac.kr/software/TimesVector/. Contact:
      sunkim.bioinfo@snu.ac.kr. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28096085
TI  - Improved orthology inference with Hieranoid 2.
AB  - Motivation: The initial step in many orthology inference methods is the
      computationally demanding establishment of all pairwise protein similarities
      across all analysed proteomes. The quadratic scaling with proteomes has become a
      major bottleneck. A remedy is offered by the Hieranoid algorithm which reduces
      the complexity to linear by hierarchically aggregating ortholog groups from
      InParanoid along a species tree. Results: We have further developed the Hieranoid
      algorithm in many ways. Major improvements have been made to the construction of
      multiple sequence alignments and consensus sequences. Hieranoid version 2 was
      evaluated with standard benchmarks that reveal a dramatic increase in the
      coverage/accuracy tradeoff over version 1, such that it now compares favourably
      with the best methods. The new parallelized cluster mode allows Hieranoid to be
      run on large data sets in a much shorter timespan than InParanoid, yet at similar
      accuracy. Contact: mateusz.kaduk@scilifelab.se. Availability and Implementation:
      Perl code freely available at http://hieranoid.sbc.su.se/ . Supplementary
      information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 28096088
TI  - How I treat acquired aplastic anemia.
AB  - Acquired severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a rare hematologic disease associated
      with significant morbidity and mortality. Immune destruction of hemopoietic stem
      cells plays an important role in pathogenesis, as shown by successful treatment
      with immunosuppressive agents, leading to transfusion independence or complete
      recovery of peripheral blood counts in a proportion of patients. Growth factors
      can be combined with immunosuppressive therapy (IST) and may improve response
      rates, as recently shown with thrombopoietin analogs. Anabolic steroids may still
      play a role in combination with IST. The problem with IST is failure to respond
      and the development of late clonal disorders. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT)
      is the other therapeutic option: a matched sibling donor remains the best choice.
      For patients lacking a matched family donor, unrelated donors can be readily
      found, although mostly for patients of Caucasian origin. Other BMT options
      include unrelated cord blood or mismatched family donors. Acute and chronic graft
      versus-host disease remain important complications of BMT. Patient age is a
      strong predictor of outcome for both IST and BMT, and must be considered when
      designing therapeutic strategies. Early diagnosis and treatment, as well as long
      term monitoring, remain crucial steps for successful treatment of SAA.

PMID- 28096087
TI  - Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma genotyping on the liquid biopsy.
AB  - Accessible and real-time genotyping for diagnostic, prognostic, or treatment
      purposes is increasingly impelling in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Cell
      free DNA (cfDNA) is shed into the blood by tumor cells undergoing apoptosis and
      can be used as source of tumor DNA for the identification of DLBCL mutations,
      clonal evolution, and genetic mechanisms of resistance. In this study, we aimed
      at tracking the basal DLBCL genetic profile and its modification upon treatment
      using plasma cfDNA. Ultra-deep targeted next generation sequencing of
      pretreatment plasma cfDNA from DLBCL patients correctly discovered DLBCL
      associated mutations that were represented in >20% of the alleles of the tumor
      biopsy with >90% sensitivity and ~100% specificity. Plasma cfDNA genotyping also
      allowed for the recovery of mutations that were undetectable in the tissue
      biopsy, conceivably because, due to spatial tumor heterogeneity, they were
      restricted to clones that were anatomically distant from the biopsy site.
      Longitudinal analysis of plasma samples collected under rituximab
      cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisone (R-CHOP) chemotherapy showed
      a rapid clearance of DLBCL mutations from cfDNA among responding patients.
      Conversely, among patients who were resistant to R-CHOP, basal DLBCL mutations
      did not disappear from cfDNA. In addition, among treatment-resistant patients,
      new mutations were acquired in cfDNA that marked resistant clones selected during
      the clonal evolution. These results demonstrate that cfDNA genotyping of DLBCL is
      as accurate as genotyping of the diagnostic biopsy to detect clonally represented
      somatic tumor mutations and is a real-time and noninvasive approach to tracking
      clonal evolution and the emergence of treatment-resistant clones.

PMID- 28096086
TI  - Platelets activate a pathogenic response to blood-stage Plasmodium infection but
      not a protective immune response.
AB  - Clinical studies indicate that thrombocytopenia correlates with the development
      of severe falciparum malaria, suggesting that platelets either contribute to
      control of parasite replication, possibly as innate parasite killer cells or
      function in eliciting pathogenesis. Removal of platelets by anti-CD41 mAb
      treatment, platelet inhibition by aspirin, and adoptive transfer of wild-type
      (WT) platelets to CD40-KO mice, which do not control parasite replication,
      resulted in similar parasitemia compared with control mice. Human platelets at a
      physiologic ratio of 1 platelet to 9 red blood cells (RBCs) did not inhibit the
      in vitro development or replication of blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum The
      percentage of Plasmodium-infected (iRBCs) with bound platelets during the
      ascending parasitemia in Plasmodium chabaudi- and Plasmodium berghei-infected
      mice and the 48-hour in vitro cycle of P falciparum was <10%. P chabaudi and P
      berghei iRBCs with apoptotic parasites (TdT+) exhibited minimal platelet binding
      (<5%), which was similar to nonapoptotic iRBCs. These findings collectively
      indicate platelets do not kill bloodstage Plasmodium at physiologically relevant
      effector-to-target ratios. P chabaudi primary and secondary parasitemia was
      similar in mice depleted of platelets by mAb-injection just before infection,
      indicating that activation of the protective immune response does not require
      platelets. In contrast to the lack of an effect on parasite replication, adoptive
      transfer of WT platelets to CD40-KO mice, which are resistant to experimental
      cerebral malaria, partially restored experimental cerebral malaria mortality and
      symptoms in CD40-KO recipients, indicating platelets elicit pathogenesis and
      platelet CD40 is a key molecule.

PMID- 28096089
TI  - Tolerogenic interactions between CD8+ dendritic cells and NKT cells prevent
      rejection of bone marrow and organ grafts.
AB  - The combination of total lymphoid irradiation and anti-T-cell antibodies safely
      induces immune tolerance to combined hematopoietic cell and organ allografts in
      humans. Our mouse model required host natural killer T (NKT) cells to induce
      tolerance. Because NKT cells normally depend on signals from CD8+ dendritic cells
      (DCs) for their activation, we used the mouse model to test the hypothesis that,
      after lymphoid irradiation, host CD8+ DCs play a requisite role in tolerance
      induction through interactions with NKT cells. Selective deficiency of either
      CD8+ DCs or NKT cells abrogated chimerism and organ graft acceptance. After
      radiation, the CD8+ DCs increased expression of surface molecules required for
      NKT and apoptotic cell interactions and developed suppressive immune functions,
      including production of indoleamine 2,3-deoxygenase. Injection of naive mice with
      apoptotic spleen cells generated by irradiation led to DC changes similar to
      those induced by lymphoid radiation, suggesting that apoptotic body ingestion by
      CD8+ DCs initiates tolerance induction. Tolerogenic CD8+ DCs induced the
      development of tolerogenic NKT cells with a marked T helper 2 cell bias that, in
      turn, regulated the differentiation of the DCs and suppressed rejection of the
      transplants. Thus, reciprocal interactions between CD8+ DCs and invariant NKT
      cells are required for tolerance induction in this system that was translated
      into a successful clinical protocol.

PMID- 28096090
TI  - How I manage ibrutinib-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - The introduction of the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib has
      dramatically changed the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
      Although responses have been durable in the majority of patients, relapses do
      occur, especially in the high-risk patient population. Most relapses occur as the
      result of acquired mutations in BTK and PLCG2, which may facilitate success with
      alternative targeted therapies. As outcomes after ibrutinib relapse have been
      reported to be poor, specific strategies are needed for this patient population.
      Here, I discuss the diagnosis and management of ibrutinib-refractory CLL. The
      focus will be on common clinical scenarios that can be mistaken for relapse and
      how to accurately determine which patients are relapsing. Because there is no
      established standard of care, I discuss currently available options for standard
      therapy and existing clinical data. I also discuss new agents with the potential
      to be effective in patients refractory to ibrutinib. Finally, I discuss
      strategies for long-term disease control in this patient population.

PMID- 28096092
TI  - Initiation of acute graft-versus-host disease by angiogenesis.
AB  - The inhibition of inflammation-associated angiogenesis ameliorates inflammatory
      diseases by reducing the recruitment of tissue-infiltrating leukocytes. However,
      it is not known if angiogenesis has an active role during the initiation of
      inflammation or if it is merely a secondary effect occurring in response to
      stimuli by tissue-infiltrating leukocytes. Here, we show that angiogenesis
      precedes leukocyte infiltration in experimental models of inflammatory bowel
      disease and acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We found that angiogenesis
      occurred as early as day+2 after allogeneic transplantation mainly in GVHD
      typical target organs skin, liver, and intestines, whereas no angiogenic changes
      appeared due to conditioning or syngeneic transplantation. The initiation phase
      of angiogenesis was not associated with classical endothelial cell (EC)
      activation signs, such as Vegfa/VEGFR1+2 upregulation or increased adhesion
      molecule expression. During early GVHD at day+2, we found significant metabolic
      and cytoskeleton changes in target organ ECs in gene array and proteomic
      analyses. These modifications have significant functional consequences as
      indicated by profoundly higher deformation in real-time deformability cytometry.
      Our results demonstrate that metabolic changes trigger alterations in cell
      mechanics, leading to enhanced migratory and proliferative potential of ECs
      during the initiation of inflammation. Our study adds evidence to the hypothesis
      that angiogenesis is involved in the initiation of tissue inflammation during
      GVHD.

PMID- 28096093
TI  - Lymphangiogenesis is a feature of acute GVHD, and VEGFR-3 inhibition protects
      against experimental GVHD.
AB  - Lymph vessels play a crucial role in immune reactions in health and disease. In
      oncology the inhibition of lymphangiogenesis is an established therapeutic
      concept for reducing metastatic spreading of tumor cells. During allogeneic
      tissue transplantation, the inhibition of lymphangiogenesis has been successfully
      used to attenuate graft rejection. Despite its critical importance for tumor
      growth, alloimmune responses, and inflammation, the role of lymphangiogenesis has
      not been investigated during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (allo-HSCT). We found that acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is associated
      with lymphangiogenesis in murine allo-HSCT models as well as in patient
      intestinal biopsies. Inhibition of aGVHD-associated lymphangiogenesis by
      monoclonal antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3
      (VEGFR-3) ameliorated aGVHD and improved survival in murine models. The
      administration of anti-VEGFR-3 antibodies did not interfere with hematopoietic
      engraftment and improved immune reconstitution in allo-HSCT recipients with
      aGVHD. Anti-VEGFR-3 therapy had no significant impact on growth of malignant
      lymphoma after allo-HSCT. We conclude that aGVHD is associated with
      lymphangiogenesis in intestinal lesions and in lymph nodes. Our data show that
      anti-VEGFR-3 treatment ameliorates lethal aGVHD and identifies the lymphatic
      vasculature as a novel therapeutic target in the setting of allo-HSCT.

PMID- 28096091
TI  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for MDS and CMML:
      recommendations from an international expert panel.
AB  - An international expert panel, active within the European Society for Blood and
      Marrow Transplantation, European LeukemiaNet, Blood and Marrow Transplant
      Clinical Trial Group, and the International Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation
      developed recommendations for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (HSCT) in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
      (CMML). Disease risks scored according to the revised International Prognostic
      Scoring System (IPSS-R) and presence of comorbidity graded according to the HCT
      Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) were recognized as relevant clinical variables for
      HSCT eligibility. Fit patients with higher-risk IPSS-R and those with lower-risk
      IPSS-R with poor-risk genetic features, profound cytopenias, and high transfusion
      burden are candidates for HSCT. Patients with a very high MDS transplantation
      risk score, based on combination of advanced age, high HCT-CI, very poor-risk
      cytogenetic and molecular features, and high IPSS-R score have a low chance of
      cure with standard HSCT and consideration should be given to treating these
      patients in investigational studies. Cytoreductive therapy prior to HSCT is
      advised for patients with >=10% bone marrow myeloblasts. Evidence from
      prospective randomized clinical trials does not provide support for specific
      recommendations on the optimal high intensity conditioning regimen. For patients
      with contraindications to high-intensity preparative regimens, reduced intensity
      conditioning should be considered. Optimal timing of HSCT requires careful
      evaluation of the available effective nontransplant strategies. Prophylactic
      donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) strategies are recommended in patients at high
      risk of relapse after HSCT. Immune modulation by DLI strategies or second HSCT is
      advised if relapse occurs beyond 6 months after HSCT.

PMID- 28096094
TI  - Platelet CD34 expression and alpha/delta-granule abnormalities in GFI1B- and
      RUNX1-related familial bleeding disorders.

PMID- 28096096
TI  - Political crisis in the NHS.

PMID- 28096097
TI  - Eating disorders are more prevalent than expected in women during midlife, study
      finds.

PMID- 28096095
TI  - Functional role and therapeutic targeting of p21-activated kinase 4 in multiple
      myeloma.
AB  - Dysregulated oncogenic serine/threonine kinases play a pathological role in
      diverse forms of malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM), and thus
      represent potential therapeutic targets. Here, we evaluated the biological and
      functional role of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and its potential as a new
      target in MM for clinical applications. PAK4 promoted MM cell growth and survival
      via activation of MM survival signaling pathways, including the MEK-extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase pathway. Furthermore, treatment with orally bioavailable
      PAK4 allosteric modulator (KPT-9274) significantly impacted MM cell growth and
      survival in a large panel of MM cell lines and primary MM cells alone and in the
      presence of bone marrow microenvironment. Intriguingly, we have identified FGFR3
      as a novel binding partner of PAK4 and observed significant activity of KPT-9274
      against t(4;14)-positive MM cells. This set of data supports PAK4 as an oncogene
      in myeloma and provide the rationale for the clinical evaluation of PAK4
      modulator in myeloma.

PMID- 28096098
TI  - Avoiding Untimely Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator Implantation by
      Intensified Heart Failure Therapy Optimization Supported by the Wearable
      Cardioverter/Defibrillator-The PROLONG Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal timing of implantation of an implantable
      cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) after newly diagnosed heart failure is unclear
      given that late reverse remodelling may occur. We aimed to analyze left
      ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after diagnosis of an LVEF <=35% during
      optimization of heart failure drug therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred
      fifty-six patients with newly diagnosed LVEF <=35% receiving a wearable
      cardioverter/defibrillator (WCD) were analyzed. WCD was prescribed for 3 months
      until first re-evaluation. Indications for prolongation of WCD wearing period
      instead of ICD implantation were: (1) LVEF at 3-month visit 30% to 35%; (2)
      increase in LVEF of >=5% compared to the last visit; and (3) nonoptimized heart
      failure medication. Mean LVEF was 24+/-7% at diagnosis and 39+/-11% at last
      follow-up (mean, 12+/-10 months). Whereas 88 patients presented a primary
      preventive ICD indication (LVEF <=35%) at 3-month follow-up, only 58 showed a
      persistent primary preventive ICD indication at last follow-up. This delayed
      improvement in LVEF was related to nonischemic origin of cardiomyopathy, New York
      Heart Association functional class at baseline, heart rate, better LVEF after 3
      months, and higher dosages of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. Twelve
      appropriate WCD shocks for ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation
      occurred in 11 patients. Two patients suffered from ventricular
      tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation beyond 3 months after diagnosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: A relevant proportion of patients with newly diagnosed heart failure
      shows recovery of LVEF >35% beyond 3 months after initiation of heart failure
      therapy. To avoid untimely ICD implantation, prolongation of WCD period should be
      considered in these patients to prevent sudden cardiac death while allowing left
      ventricular reverse remodeling during intensified drug therapy.

PMID- 28096099
TI  - High-Saturated-Fat Diet Increases Circulating Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme,
      Which Is Enhanced by the rs4343 Polymorphism Defining Persons at Risk of Nutrient
      Dependent Increases of Blood Pressure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a major role in blood
      pressure regulation and cardiovascular homeostasis. Contrary to the assumption
      that ACE levels are stable, circulating ACE has been shown to be altered in
      obesity and weight loss. We sought to examine effects of a high-saturated-fat
      (HF) diet on ACE within the NUtriGenomic Analysis in Twins (NUGAT) study. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Forty-six healthy and nonobese twin pairs initially consumed a
      carbohydrate-rich, low-fat diet over a period of 6 weeks to standardize for
      nutritional behavior prior to the study, followed by 6 weeks of HF diet under
      isocaloric conditions. After 6 weeks of HF diet, circulating ACE concentrations
      increased by 15% (P=1.6*10-30), accompanied by an increased ACE gene expression
      in adipose tissue (P=3.8*10-6). Stratification by ACE rs4343, a proxy for the ACE
      insertion/deletion polymorphism (I/D), revealed that homozygous carriers (GG) of
      the variant had higher baseline ACE concentrations (P=7.5*10-8) and additionally
      showed a 2-fold increase in ACE concentrations in response to the HF diet as
      compared to non- or heterozygous carriers (AA/AG, P=2*10-6). GG carriers also
      responded with higher systolic blood pressure as compared to AA/AG carriers
      (P=0.008). The strong gene-diet interaction was confirmed in a second
      independent, cross-sectional cohort, the Metabolic Syndrome Berlin Potsdam
      (MeSyBePo) study. CONCLUSIONS: The HF-diet-induced increase of ACE serum
      concentrations reveals ACE to be a potential molecular link between dietary fat
      intake and hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The GG genotype of the
      ACE rs4343 polymorphism represents a robust nutrigenetic marker for an
      unfavorable response to high-saturated-fat diets. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01631123.

PMID- 28096101
TI  - Advancing child health research in the UK: the Royal College of Paediatrics and
      Child Health Infants' Children's and Young People's Research Charter.

PMID- 28096100
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Apixaban Compared With Warfarin in Patients With Atrial
      Fibrillation and Peripheral Artery Disease: Insights From the ARISTOTLE Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We studied (1) the rates of stroke or systemic embolism and bleeding
      in patients with atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease (PAD) and (2)
      the efficacy and safety of apixaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial
      fibrillation with and without PAD. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Apixaban for
      Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation
      (ARISTOTLE) trial randomized 18 201 patients with atrial fibrillation to apixaban
      or warfarin for stroke/systemic embolism prevention; 884 (4.9%) patients had PAD
      at baseline. Patients with PAD had higher unadjusted rates of stroke and systemic
      embolism (hazard ratio [HR] 1.73, 95% CI 1.22-2.45; P=0.002) and major bleeding
      (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.00-1.81; P=0.05), but after adjustment, no differences existed
      in rates of stroke and systemic embolism (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.93-1.88; P=0.12) and
      major bleeding (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.76-1.40; P=0.83) compared with patients without
      PAD. The risk of stroke or systemic embolism was similar in patients assigned to
      apixaban and warfarin with PAD (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.32-1.25) and without PAD (HR
      0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.96; interaction P=0.52). Patients with PAD did not have a
      statistically significant reduction in major or clinically relevant nonmajor
      bleeding with apixaban compared with warfarin (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.69-1.58),
      whereas those without PAD had a statistically significant reduction (HR 0.65, 95%
      CI 0.58-0.73; interaction P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PAD in ARISTOTLE
      had a higher crude risk of stroke or systemic embolism compared with patients
      without PAD that was not present after adjustment. The benefits of apixaban
      versus warfarin for stroke and systemic embolism were similar in patients with
      and without PAD. These findings highlight the need to optimize the treatment of
      patients with atrial fibrillation and PAD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00412984.

PMID- 28096102
TI  - NIHR Clinical Research Networks: what they do and how they help paediatric
      research.
AB  - This review provides paediatricians with an update on the new structure of the
      National Institute for Health Research's (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN):
      Children and its role within the wider NIHR infrastructure. The network supports
      delivery of high-quality research within the NHS in England and supports
      researchers, through provision of staff and resources, with feasibility, site set
      up, patient recruitment and study management. Since 2013, over 80% of commercial
      contract studies running within the UK sat within the UKCRN Portfolio. Of the
      diverse, increasing portfolio of studies supported by the network, many studies
      are interventional, with 33% being randomised controlled studies. Recruitment to
      studies supported by the network through the Children's Portfolio has
      consistently improved. Over 200 000 participants have been recruited to the
      Children's Portfolio studies to date, and there are currently approximately 500
      studies open to recruitment. The CRN: Children has successfully involved patients
      and the public in all aspects of study design and delivery, including through the
      work of Generation R. Challenges remain in conducting paediatric research and the
      network is committed to supporting Children's research and further building on
      its achievements to date. Education and engagement of paediatricians within the
      network and research is important to further improving quality and delivery of
      paediatric research.

PMID- 28096103
TI  - Failure and success in severe gastrointestinal disease complicating
      neurodisability: who is at the end of the line?

PMID- 28096104
TI  - Recent developments in the surgical management of paediatric epilepsy.
AB  - Among the 1% of children affected by epilepsy, failure of pharmacological therapy
      and early age of seizure onset can lead to worse long-term cognitive outcomes,
      mental health disorders and impaired functional status. Surgical management often
      improves functional and cognitive outcomes in children with medically refractory
      epilepsy, especially when seizure remission is achieved. However, surgery remains
      underused in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, creating a large treatment
      gap. Several recent innovations have led to considerable improvement in surgical
      technique, including the recent development of minimally invasive diagnostic and
      therapeutic techniques such as stereotactic EEG, transcranial magnetic
      stimulation, MRI-guided laser ablation, as well as novel paradigms of
      neurostimulation. This article discusses the current landscape of surgical
      innovation in the management of paediatric epilepsy, leading to a paradigm shift
      towards minimally invasive therapy and closing the treatment gap in children
      suffering from drug-resistant seizures.

PMID- 28096105
TI  - The value of paediatric assessment in historic child sexual abuse.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A perception exists that there are few benefits of a paediatric
      assessment in historic child sexual abuse (CSA), as the likelihood of finding
      forensic evidence is low. AIM: To determine the value of a comprehensive
      paediatric assessment in a dedicated clinic for children and young people who
      present following suspicion or allegation of historic CSA. METHOD: All children
      with suspected or alleged historic CSA, defined as >7 days after the last episode
      of sexual assault in pubertal girls, or >3 days for prepubertal girls and all
      boys, were assessed in a specialised paediatric clinic. Clinic data were
      collected prospectively between October 2009 and November 2014 and through
      retrospective case note review. RESULTS: Among the 249 children who presented
      with possible historic CSA, ages ranged from 0 to 17 years (median 7, SD 4.3). Of
      these children, 141 (57%) had a medical concern(s) related to the referral
      reason, 78 (31%) had an unrelated medical concern(s) and 55 (22%) had emotional
      or behavioural concerns requiring onward referral, while 18 (7%) children had
      physical signs supportive of CSA. Findings referable to social care were
      identified in 26 cases (10%), the police in 6 cases and 15 (6%) parents required
      professional help for anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the
      value of a comprehensive paediatric assessment in a dedicated clinic for cases of
      suspected or alleged historic CSA, by identifying a broad variety of unmet health
      needs in this group. The findings have important implications for the child,
      their families and the multiagency team.

PMID- 28096106
TI  - Non-accidental injury or congenital infection?

PMID- 28096107
TI  - The polio endgame: rationale behind the change in immunisation.
AB  - The decades long effort to eradicate polio is nearing the final stages and oral
      polio vaccine (OPV) is much to thank for this success. As cases of wild
      poliovirus continue to dwindle, cases of paralysis associated with OPV itself
      have become a concern. As type-2 poliovirus (one of three) has been certified
      eradicated and a large proportion of OPV-related paralysis is caused by the type
      2 component of OPV, the World Health Assembly endorsed the phased withdrawal of
      OPV and the introduction of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into routine
      immunisation schedules as a crucial step in the polio endgame plan. The rapid
      pace of IPV scale-up and uptake required adequate supply, planning, advocacy,
      training and operational readiness. Similarly, the synchronised switch from
      trivalent OPV (all three types) to bivalent OPV (types 1 and 3) involved an
      unprecedented level of global coordination and country commitment. The important
      shift in vaccination policy seen through global IPV introduction and OPV
      withdrawal represents an historical milestone reached in the polio eradication
      effort.

PMID- 28096108
TI  - Reasons for drug policy reform: prohibition enables systemic human rights abuses
      and undermines public health.

PMID- 28096110
TI  - Bra Sizing and the Plastic Surgery Herd Effect: Are Breast Augmentation Patients
      Getting Accurate Information?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bra sizing is a common method to preoperatively select implants for
      breast augmentation; however, no series has analyzed the accuracy of this
      modality postoperatively. Alternatively, previous investigations have validated
      the accuracy and utility of three-dimensional (3D) imaging for preoperative
      simulation in breast augmentation. OBJECTIVES: This investigation utilizes 3D
      analysis to determine if preoperative bra sizing provides equivocal information
      compared to surgical 3D simulation for patient education and planning prior to a
      breast augmentation. METHODS: During primary breast augmentation consultation,
      patients received preoperative 3D images and associated simulations. Sizers,
      equivocal to the implants chosen in the simulation, were placed in a surgical
      bra, and 3D images were repeated. Volumetric and contour analyses were compared
      between the surgical simulation and the bra/sizer image. All patients used a
      surgical bra and smooth, round silicone sizers (average volume, 302 cc; range,
      265-339 cc). RESULTS: Seven patients (14 breasts) underwent analysis and
      comparison. The mean bra/sizer volume image was 22.3% greater than the
      preoperative simulated breast image. The mean absolute difference of all surface
      points between the two breast images was 9.25 mm (range, 5.98-11.96 mm; standard
      deviation, 8.59). The maximum anterior displacement of the bra image from the
      simulated image was 19.52 mm, centered at the upper pole; the maximum posterior
      displacement was 25.49 mm, centered at the lower pole. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison
      to 3D simulation, preoperative bra sizing overestimates postoperative volume, and
      upper pole fullness and underestimates lower pole projection. This investigation
      outlines some deficiencies of bra sizing and offers solutions for clinical
      management in primary breast augmentation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2.

PMID- 28096109
TI  - Financial ties of principal investigators and randomized controlled trial
      outcomes: cross sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:  To examine the association between the presence of individual
      principal investigators' financial ties to the manufacturer of the study drug and
      the trial's outcomes after accounting for source of research funding. DESIGN: 
      Cross sectional study of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). SETTING:  Studies
      published in "core clinical" journals, as identified by Medline, between 1
      January 2013 and 31 December 2013. PARTICIPANTS:  Random sample of RCTs focused
      on drug efficacy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:  Association between financial ties of
      principal investigators and study outcome. RESULTS:  A total of 190 papers
      describing 195 studies met inclusion criteria. Financial ties between principal
      investigators and the pharmaceutical industry were present in 132 (67.7%)
      studies. Of 397 principal investigators, 231 (58%) had financial ties and 166
      (42%) did not. Of all principal investigators, 156 (39%) reported
      advisor/consultancy payments, 81 (20%) reported speakers' fees, 81 (20%) reported
      unspecified financial ties, 52 (13%) reported honorariums, 52 (13%) reported
      employee relationships, 52 (13%) reported travel fees, 41 (10%) reported stock
      ownership, and 20 (5%) reported having a patent related to the study drug. The
      prevalence of financial ties of principal investigators was 76% (103/136) among
      positive studies and 49% (29/59) among negative studies. In unadjusted analyses,
      the presence of a financial tie was associated with a positive study outcome
      (odds ratio 3.23, 95% confidence interval 1.7 to 6.1). In the primary
      multivariate analysis, a financial tie was significantly associated with positive
      RCT outcome after adjustment for the study funding source (odds ratio 3.57 (1.7
      to 7.7). The secondary analysis controlled for additional RCT characteristics
      such as study phase, sample size, country of first authors, specialty, trial
      registration, study design, type of analysis, comparator, and outcome measure.
      These characteristics did not appreciably affect the relation between financial
      ties and study outcomes (odds ratio 3.37, 1.4 to 7.9). CONCLUSIONS:  Financial
      ties of principal investigators were independently associated with positive
      clinical trial results. These findings may be suggestive of bias in the evidence
      base.

PMID- 28096111
TI  - Commentary on: A Retrospective Study of the Psychological Outcomes of
      Labiaplasty.

PMID- 28096112
TI  - Caring for the "crash-landers".

PMID- 28096113
TI  - BMA calls for urgent meeting with prime minister to discuss NHS crisis.

PMID- 28096114
TI  - Bar code app aims to cut sugar intake.

PMID- 28096115
TI  - Australian medical college fights accusations of misconduct in presidential
      election.

PMID- 28096116
TI  - Commentary on: Lower Eyelid Retraction Surgery Without Internal Spacer Graft.

PMID- 28096117
TI  - Commentary on: An Anatomical Analysis of the Supratrochlear Artery:
      Considerations in Facial Filler Injections and Preventing Vision Loss.

PMID- 28096118
TI  - Commentary on: Is Office-Based Surgery Safe? Comparing Outcomes of 183,914
      Aesthetic Surgical Procedures Across Different Types of Accredited Facilities.

PMID- 28096119
TI  - Commentary on: Exposure to Tumescent Solution Significantly Increases
      Phosphorylation of Perilipin in Adipocytes.

PMID- 28096122
TI  - Reasons for drug policy reform: people who use drugs are denied evidence based
      treatment.

PMID- 28096123
TI  - Current Evidence on the Association of Dietary Patterns and Bone Health: A
      Scoping Review.
AB  - Nutrition is an important modifiable factor that affects bone health. Diet is a
      complex mixture of nutrients and foods that correlate or interact with each
      other. Dietary pattern approaches take into account contributions from various
      aspects of diet. Findings from dietary pattern studies could complement those
      from single-nutrient and food studies on bone health. In this study we aimed to
      conduct a scoping review of the literature that assessed the impact of dietary
      patterns (derived with the use of both a priori and data-driven approaches) on
      bone outcomes, including bone mineral status, bone biomarkers, osteoporosis, and
      fracture risk. We retrieved 49 human studies up to June 2016 from the PubMed,
      Embase, and CINAHL databases. Most of these studies used a data-driven method,
      especially factor analysis, to derive dietary patterns. Several studies examined
      adherence to a variety of the a priori dietary indexes, including the
      Mediterranean diet score, the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and the Alternative
      Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). The bone mineral density (BMD) diet score was
      developed to measure adherence to a dietary pattern beneficial to bone mineral
      density. Findings revealed a beneficial impact of higher adherence to a "healthy"
      dietary pattern derived using a data-driven method, the Mediterranean diet, HEI,
      AHEI, Dietary Diversity Score, Diet Quality Index-International, BMD Diet Score,
      Healthy Diet Indicator, and Korean Diet Score, on bone. In contrast, the
      "Western" dietary pattern and those featuring some aspects of an unhealthy diet
      were associated inversely with bone health. In both a priori and data-driven
      dietary pattern studies, a dietary pattern that emphasized the intake of fruit,
      vegetables, whole grains, poultry and fish, nuts and legumes, and low-fat dairy
      products and de-emphasized the intake of soft drinks, fried foods, meat and
      processed products, sweets and desserts, and refined grains showed a beneficial
      impact on bone health. Overall, adherence to a healthy dietary pattern consisting
      of the above-mentioned food groups can improve bone mineral status and decrease
      osteoporosis and fracture risk.

PMID- 28096124
TI  - Nutritional Considerations for Healthy Aging and Reduction in Age-Related Chronic
      Disease.
AB  - A projected doubling in the global population of people aged >=60 y by the year
      2050 has major health and economic implications, especially in developing
      regions. Burdens of unhealthy aging associated with chronic noncommunicable and
      other age-related diseases may be largely preventable with lifestyle
      modification, including diet. However, as adults age they become at risk of
      "nutritional frailty," which can compromise their ability to meet nutritional
      requirements at a time when specific nutrient needs may be high. This review
      highlights the role of nutrition science in promoting healthy aging and in
      improving the prognosis in cases of age-related diseases. It serves to identify
      key knowledge gaps and implementation challenges to support adequate nutrition
      for healthy aging, including applicability of metrics used in body-composition
      and diet adequacy for older adults and mechanisms to reduce nutritional frailty
      and to promote diet resilience. This review also discusses management
      recommendations for several leading chronic conditions common in aging
      populations, including cognitive decline and dementia, sarcopenia, and
      compromised immunity to infectious disease. The role of health systems in
      incorporating nutrition care routinely for those aged >=60 y and living
      independently and current actions to address nutritional status before
      hospitalization and the development of disease are discussed.

PMID- 28096125
TI  - Dietary Supplements and Risk of Cause-Specific Death, Cardiovascular Disease, and
      Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Primary Prevention Trials.
AB  - Our aim was to assess the efficacy of dietary supplements in the primary
      prevention of cause-specific death, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer by
      using meta-analytical approaches. Electronic and hand searches were performed
      until August 2016. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) minimum intervention
      period of 12 mo; 2) primary prevention trials; 3) mean age >=18 y; 4)
      interventions included vitamins, fatty acids, minerals, supplements containing
      combinations of vitamins and minerals, protein, fiber, prebiotics, and
      probiotics; and 5) primary outcome of all-cause mortality and secondary outcomes
      of mortality or incidence from CVD or cancer. Pooled effects across studies were
      estimated by using random-effects meta-analysis. Overall, 49 trials (69 reports)
      including 287,304 participants met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two trials were
      judged as low risk-, 15 trials as moderate risk-, and 2 trials as high risk-of
      bias studies. Supplements containing vitamin E (RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.96)
      significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality risk, whereas supplements with
      folic acid reduced the risk of CVD (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.94). Vitamins D, C,
      and K; selenium; zinc; magnesium; and eicosapentaenoic acid showed no significant
      risk reduction for any of the outcomes. On the contrary, vitamin A was linked to
      an increased cancer risk (RR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.35). Supplements with beta
      carotene showed no significant effect; however, in the subgroup with beta
      carotene given singly, an increased risk of all-cause mortality by 6% (RR: 1.06;
      95% CI: 1.02, 1.10) was observed. Taken together, we found insufficient evidence
      to support the use of dietary supplements in the primary prevention of cause
      specific death, incidence of CVD, and incidence of cancer. The application of
      some supplements generated small beneficial effects; however, the heterogeneous
      types and doses of supplements limit the generalizability to the overall
      population.

PMID- 28096126
TI  - The Age-Related Eye Disease 2 Study: Micronutrients in the Treatment of Macular
      Degeneration.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision
      loss in the elderly. With an increasingly aged population worldwide, the need for
      the prevention of AMD is rising. Multiple studies investigating AMD with the use
      of animal models and cell culture have identified oxidative stress-related
      retinal damage as an important contributing factor. In general, diet is an
      excellent source of the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals necessary for
      healthy living; moreover, the general public is often receptive to
      recommendations made by physicians and health care workers regarding diet and
      supplements as a means of empowering themselves to avoid common and worrisome
      ailments such as AMD, which has made epidemiologists and clinicians enthusiastic
      about dietary intervention studies. A wide variety of nutrients, such as
      minerals, vitamins, omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, and various carotenoids, have been
      associated with reducing the risk of AMD. Initial results from the Age-Related
      Eye Disease Study (AREDS) indicated that supplementation with antioxidants (beta
      carotene and vitamins C and E) and zinc was associated with a reduced risk of AMD
      progression. The AREDS2 follow-up study, designed to improve upon the earlier
      formulation, tested the addition of lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
      In this review, we examine the science behind the nutritional factors included in
      these interventional studies and the reasons for considering their inclusion to
      lower the rate of AMD progression.

PMID- 28096127
TI  - Formation of Fructose-Mediated Advanced Glycation End Products and Their Roles in
      Metabolic and Inflammatory Diseases.
AB  - Fructose is associated with the biochemical alterations that promote the
      development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and
      type 2 diabetes. Its consumption has increased in parallel with MetS. It is
      metabolized by the liver, where it stimulates de novo lipogenesis. The
      triglycerides synthesized lead to hepatic insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.
      Fructose-derived advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may be involved via the
      Maillard reaction. Fructose has not been a main focus of glycation research
      because of the difficulty in measuring its adducts, and, more importantly,
      because although it is 10 times more reactive than glucose, its plasma
      concentration is only 1% of that of glucose. In this focused review, I summarize
      exogenous and endogenous fructose metabolism, fructose glycation, and in vitro,
      animal, and human data. Fructose is elevated in several tissues of diabetic
      patients where the polyol pathway is active, reaching the same order of magnitude
      as glucose. It is plausible that the high reactivity of fructose, directly or via
      its metabolites, may contribute to the formation of intracellular AGEs and to
      vascular complications. The evidence, however, is still unconvincing. Two areas
      that have been overlooked so far and should be actively explored include the
      following: 1) enteral formation of fructose AGEs, generating an inflammatory
      response to the receptor for AGEs (which may explain the strong association
      between fructose consumption and asthma, chronic bronchitis, and arthritis); and
      2) inactivation of hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase by a fructose-mediated
      increase in methylglyoxal flux (perpetuating lipogenesis, fatty liver, and
      insulin resistance). If proven correct, these mechanisms would put the fructose
      mediated Maillard reaction in the limelight again as a contributing factor in
      chronic inflammatory diseases and MetS.

PMID- 28096128
TI  - A Systematic Review of Methods to Assess Children's Diets in the School Context.
AB  - To evaluate the impact of school-based nutrition interventions, accurate and
      reliable methods are needed to assess what children eat at school. The primary
      objective of this study was to systematically review methodological evidence on
      the relative accuracy and reliability of dietary assessment methods used in the
      school context. The secondary objective was to assess the frequency of methods
      and analytical approaches used in studies reporting in-school dietary outcomes.
      Three health databases were searched for full-text English-language studies.
      Twenty-two methodological studies were reviewed. For school meal recalls, the
      majority of studies (n = 8 of 12) reported poor accuracy when accuracy was
      measured by using frequencies of misreported foods. However, when energy report
      rates were used as a measure of accuracy, studies suggested that children were
      able to accurately report energy intake as a group. Results regarding the
      accuracy of food-frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and food records (FRs) were
      promising but limited to a single study each. Meal observations offered
      consistently good interrater reliability across all studies reviewed (n = 11).
      Studies reporting in-school dietary outcomes (n = 47) used a broad range of
      methods, but the most frequently used methods included weighed FRs (n = 12),
      school meal recalls (n = 10), meal observations by trained raters (n = 8), and
      estimated FRs (n = 7). The range of dietary components was greater among studies
      relying on school meal recalls and FRs than among studies using FFQs. Overall,
      few studies have measured the accuracy of dietary assessment methods in the
      school context. Understanding the methodological characteristics associated with
      dietary instruments is vital for improving the quality of the evidence used to
      inform and evaluate the impact of school-based nutrition policies and programs.

PMID- 28096129
TI  - Current Knowledge of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants and the Impact
      of Different Types of Enteral Nutrition Products.
AB  - Preterm infants are extremely vulnerable to a range of morbidities and mortality.
      Underdeveloped cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and immune systems in the
      preterm period increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious
      disease of the gut. NEC affects 5-12% of very-low birth-weight infants, leads to
      surgery in 20-40% of cases, and is fatal in 25-50% of cases. There are multiple
      factors that may contribute to NEC, but the exact cause is not yet fully
      understood. Severe cases can result in intestinal resection or death, and the
      health care costs average >$300,000/infant when surgical management is required.
      Different types of nutrition may affect the onset or progression of NEC. Several
      studies have indicated that bovine milk-based infant formulas lead to a higher
      incidence of NEC in preterm infants than does human milk (HM). However, it is not
      clear why HM is linked to a lower incidence of NEC or why some infants fed an
      exclusively HM diet still develop NEC. An area that has not been thoroughly
      explored is the use of semielemental or elemental formulas. These specialty
      formulas are easy to digest and absorb in the gut and may be an effective
      nutritional intervention for reducing the risk of NEC. This review summarizes
      what is known about the factors that contribute to the onset and progression of
      NEC, discusses its health care cost implications, and explores the impact that
      different formulas and HM have on this disease.

PMID- 28096131
TI  - Nutrition, microRNAs, and Human Health.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRs) hybridize with complementary sequences in mRNA and silence genes
      by destabilizing mRNA or preventing translation of mRNA. Over 60% of human
      protein-coding genes are regulated by miRs, and 1881 high-confidence miRs are
      encoded in the human genome. Evidence suggests that miRs not only are synthesized
      endogenously, but also might be obtained from dietary sources, and that food
      compounds alter the expression of endogenous miR genes. The main food matrices
      for studies of biological activity of dietary miRs include plant foods and cow
      milk. Encapsulation of miRs in exosomes and exosome-like particles confers
      protection against RNA degradation and creates a pathway for intestinal and
      vascular endothelial transport by endocytosis, as well as delivery to peripheral
      tissues. Evidence suggests that the amount of miRs absorbed from nutritionally
      relevant quantities of foods is sufficient to elicit biological effects, and that
      endogenous synthesis of miRs is insufficient to compensate for dietary miR
      depletion and rescue wild-type phenotypes. In addition, nutrition alters the
      expression of endogenous miR genes, thereby compounding the effects of nutrition
      miR interactions in gene regulation and disease diagnosis in liquid biopsies. For
      example, food components and dietary preferences may modulate serum miR profiles
      that may influence biological processes. The complex crosstalk between nutrition,
      miRs, and gene targets poses a challenge to gene network analysis and studies of
      human disease. Novel pipelines and databases have been developed recently,
      including a dietary miR database for archiving reported miRs in 15 dietary
      resources. miRs derived from diet and endogenous synthesis have been implicated
      in physiologic and pathologic conditions, including those linked with nutrition
      and metabolism. In fact, several miRs are actively regulated in response to
      overnutrition and tissue inflammation, and are involved in facilitating the
      development of chronic inflammation by modulating tissue-infiltrated immune cell
      function.

PMID- 28096130
TI  - Early-Life Nutrition and Neurodevelopment: Use of the Piglet as a Translational
      Model.
AB  - Optimal nutrition early in life is critical to ensure proper structural and
      functional development of infant organ systems. Although pediatric nutrition
      historically has emphasized research on the relation between nutrition, growth
      rates, and gastrointestinal maturation, efforts increasingly have focused on how
      nutrition influences neurodevelopment. The provision of human milk is considered
      the gold standard in pediatric nutrition; thus, there is interest in
      understanding how functional nutrients and bioactive components in milk may
      modulate developmental processes. The piglet has emerged as an important
      translational model for studying neurodevelopmental outcomes influenced by
      pediatric nutrition. Given the comparable nutritional requirements and strikingly
      similar brain developmental patterns between young pigs and humans, the piglet is
      being used increasingly in developmental nutritional neuroscience studies. The
      piglet primarily has been used to assess the effects of dietary fatty acids and
      their accretion in the brain throughout neurodevelopment. However, recent
      research indicates that other dietary components, including choline, iron,
      cholesterol, gangliosides, and sialic acid, among other compounds, also affect
      neurodevelopment in the pig model. Moreover, novel analytical techniques,
      including but not limited to MRI, behavioral assessments, and molecular
      quantification, allow for a more holistic understanding of how nutrition affects
      neurodevelopmental patterns. By combining early-life nutritional interventions
      with innovative analytical approaches, opportunities abound to quantify factors
      affecting neurodevelopmental trajectories in the neonate. This review discusses
      research using the translational pig model with primary emphasis on early-life
      nutrition interventions assessing neurodevelopment outcomes, while also
      discussing nutritionally-sensitive methods to characterize brain maturation.

PMID- 28096132
TI  - Innovative Techniques for Evaluating Behavioral Nutrition Interventions.
AB  - Assessing outcomes and the impact from behavioral nutrition interventions has
      remained challenging because of the lack of methods available beyond traditional
      nutrition assessment tools and techniques. With the current high global obesity
      and related chronic disease rates, novel methods to evaluate the impact of
      behavioral nutrition-based interventions are much needed. The objective of this
      narrative review is to describe and review the current status of knowledge as it
      relates to 4 different innovative methods or tools to assess behavioral nutrition
      interventions. Methods reviewed include 1) the assessment of stress and stress
      responsiveness to enhance the evaluation of nutrition interventions, 2) eye
      tracking technology in nutritional interventions, 3) smartphone biosensors to
      assess nutrition and health-related outcomes, and 4) skin carotenoid measurements
      to assess fruit and vegetable intake. Specifically, the novel use of functional
      magnetic resonance imaging, by characterizing the brain's responsiveness to an
      intervention, can help researchers develop programs with greater efficacy.
      Similarly, if eye-tracking technology can enable researchers to get a better
      sense as to how participants view materials, the materials may be better tailored
      to create an optimal impact. The latter 2 techniques reviewed, smartphone
      biosensors and methods to detect skin carotenoids, can provide the research
      community with portable, effective, nonbiased ways to assess dietary intake and
      quality and more in the field. The information gained from using these types of
      methodologies can improve the efficacy and assessment of behavior-based nutrition
      interventions.

PMID- 28096134
TI  - Nutritionally Nonessential Amino Acids: A Misnomer in Nutritional Sciences.

PMID- 28096137
TI  - Introduction to the Yogurt in Nutrition Initiative at the First Symposium of
      Yogurt in Mexico: The Balanced Diet Initiative.
AB  - In some European countries, yogurt consumption is common. However, such
      consumption is not common in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, partially
      because of the lack of a cultural tradition of consuming yogurt. Moreover, we
      also know that little information about the health benefits associated with
      yogurt consumption has been provided to the Mexican population. Thus, there is an
      immediate need to provide, at least to the nutrition community in the country,
      current scientific evidence about the health benefits of yogurt, with the aim
      that yogurt be included as part of the functional foods recommended to the
      population. Currently, extensive research has been conducted to investigate the
      mechanisms through which yogurt generates beneficial effects. Gut microbiota
      appear to be an important factor that can be modified by dietary prebiotics, as
      well as probiotics such as yogurt. The prevention or attenuation of gut
      microbiota dysbiosis is now associated with improvements observed in individuals
      with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Thus, it is important to
      establish guidelines for the consumption of dairy products, including yogurt.
      Such guidelines are necessary to increase the consumption of dairy products in
      Mexico and other countries.

PMID- 28096133
TI  - Regulation of the Iron Homeostatic Hormone Hepcidin.
AB  - Iron is required for many biological processes but is also toxic in excess; thus,
      body iron balance is maintained through sophisticated regulatory mechanisms. The
      lack of a regulated iron excretory mechanism means that body iron balance is
      controlled at the level of absorption from the diet. Iron absorption is regulated
      by the hepatic peptide hormone hepcidin. Hepcidin also controls iron release from
      cells that recycle or store iron, thus regulating plasma iron concentrations.
      Hepcidin exerts its effects through its receptor, the cellular iron exporter
      ferroportin. Important regulators of hepcidin, and therefore of systemic iron
      homeostasis, include plasma iron concentrations, body iron stores, infection and
      inflammation, and erythropoiesis. Disturbances in the regulation of hepcidin
      contribute to the pathogenesis of many iron disorders: hepcidin deficiency causes
      iron overload in hereditary hemochromatosis and nontransfused beta-thalassemia,
      whereas overproduction of hepcidin is associated with iron-restricted anemias
      seen in patients with chronic kidney disease, chronic inflammatory diseases, some
      cancers, and inherited iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia. This review
      summarizes our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling
      pathways involved in the control of hepcidin synthesis in the liver, a principal
      determinant of plasma hepcidin concentrations.

PMID- 28096138
TI  - Associations between Yogurt Consumption and Weight Gain and Risk of Obesity and
      Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review.
AB  - The role of yogurt consumption in the risk of developing overweight, obesity, or
      metabolic syndrome has been the subject of epidemiologic studies over the last 10
      y. A comprehensive literature search on MEDLINE and ISI Web of Knowledge from
      1966 through June 2016 was conducted to examine the relation between yogurt
      consumption and weight gain, as well as the risk of overweight, obesity, or
      metabolic syndrome, in prospective cohort studies. Ten articles met all the
      inclusion criteria and were included in our systematic review. Of the 10 cohort
      studies, 3 analyzed the relation between yogurt consumption and the risk of
      overweight or obesity, 8 analyzed changes in waist circumference or weight
      changes, 3 studied the association with the risk of developing metabolic
      syndrome, and 1 studied the probability of abdominal obesity reversion. Although
      an inverse association between yogurt consumption and the risk of developing
      overweight or obesity was not fully consistent or always statistically
      significant, all studies but one showed in their point estimates inverse
      associations between yogurt consumption and changes in waist circumference,
      changes in weight, risk of overweight or obesity, and risk of metabolic syndrome
      during follow-up, although not all estimates were statistically significant (2
      studies). Prospective cohort studies consistently suggested that yogurt
      consumption may contribute to a reduction in adiposity indexes and the risk of
      metabolic syndrome. Therefore, there is a need for more prospective studies and
      high-quality randomized clinical trials to confirm this apparent inverse
      association.

PMID- 28096139
TI  - Potential Health Benefits of Combining Yogurt and Fruits Based on Their Probiotic
      and Prebiotic Properties.
AB  - Fruit and yogurt have been identified individually as indicators of healthy
      dietary patterns. Fruits are relatively low in energy density and are an
      excellent source of antioxidants and prebiotic fibers and polyphenols, which can
      promote digestive health. Yogurt, on the other hand, is a nutrient-dense food
      that is a good source of dairy protein, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B-12,
      conjugated linoleic acid, and other key fatty acids. In addition, it contains
      beneficial bacterial cultures, making it a potential source of probiotics.
      Yogurt's unique fermented food matrix provides added health benefits by enhancing
      nutrient absorption and digestion. Combining the intake of yogurt and fruit could
      provide probiotics, prebiotics, high-quality protein, important fatty acids, and
      a mixture of vitamins and minerals that have the potential to exert synergistic
      effects on health. Yogurt consumption has been associated with reduced weight
      gain and a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, whereas fruits have established
      effects on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yogurt and fruits can be
      eaten together and may exert combined health benefits through potential prebiotic
      and probiotic effects. Furthermore, substituting high-energy, nutrient-deficient
      snacks with fruit and yogurt could reduce the intake of high-calorie obesogenic
      foods. In light of the positive cardiometabolic impacts of fruit and yogurt and
      their association with healthy dietary patterns, there is sufficient evidence to
      warrant further exploration into the potential synergistic health benefits of a
      combined intake of fruit and yogurt.

PMID- 28096140
TI  - Setting the Lipid Component of the Diet: A Work in Process.
AB  - Some of the most relevant yet controversial issues in nutrition are those
      surrounding the guidelines on quality and quantity of dietary fat in the
      prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and coronary heart diseases.
      Conflicting evidence questions the credibility of the previous dietary
      guidelines, particularly the quality of the evidence on which these
      recommendations were based. It is therefore important to explore the changes that
      have occurred in these guidelines and their influence on the adoption of
      different dietary patterns over time. In this review, we summarize the evolution
      of the fat component of the dietary guidelines, discuss controversial aspects,
      and highlight the areas in which additional evidence is still needed. Over the
      years, the scientific community has shown an obsession for calories in a diet
      instead of focusing on the quality of the food that makes up the diet. This is
      why certain authors have identified the importance of evaluating a diet focusing
      on diet patterns, rather than single isolated nutrients. This approach has been
      proposed in the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

PMID- 28096144
TI  - Oxidative Stress Participates in the Associations Between Serum Uric Acid and
      Albuminuria in the Obesity.

PMID- 28096145
TI  - Association of Household Wealth Index, Educational Status, and Social Capital
      with Hypertension Awareness, Treatment, and Control in South Asia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypertension control rates are low in South Asia. To determine
      association of measures of socioeconomic status (wealth, education, and social
      capital) with hypertension awareness, treatment, and control among urban and
      rural subjects in these countries we performed the present study. METHODS: We
      enrolled 33,423 subjects aged 35-70 years (women 56%, rural 53%, low-education
      status 51%, low household wealth 25%, low-social capital 33%) in 150 communities
      in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh during 2003-2009. Prevalence of hypertension
      and its awareness, treatment, and control status and their association with
      wealth, education, and social capital were determined. RESULTS: Age-, sex-, and
      location-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in men was 31.5% (23.9-40.2%) and
      women was 32.6% (24.9-41.5%) with variations in prevalence across study sites
      (urban 30-56%, rural 11-43%). Prevalence was significantly greater in urban
      locations, older subjects, and participants with more wealth, greater education,
      and lower social capital index. Hypertension awareness was in 40.4% (urban 45.9,
      rural 32.5), treatment in 31.9% (urban 37.6, rural 23.6), and control in 12.9%
      (urban 15.4, rural 9.3). Control was lower in men and younger subjects.
      Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were significantly lower,
      respectively, in lowest vs. highest wealth index tertile (26.2 vs. 50.6%, 16.9
      vs. 44.0%, and 6.9 vs. 17.3%, P < 0.001) and lowest vs. highest educational
      status tertile (31.2 vs. 48.4%, 21.8 vs. 42.1%, and 7.8 vs. 19.2%, P < 0.001)
      while insignificant differences were observed in lowest vs. highest social
      capital index (38.2 vs. 36.1%, 35.1 vs. 27.8%, and 12.5 vs. 9.1%). CONCLUSIONS:
      This study shows low hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in South
      Asia. Lower wealth and educational status are important in low hypertension
      awareness, treatment, and control.

PMID- 28096141
TI  - The Role of the Novel Lipokine Palmitoleic Acid in Health and Disease.
AB  - The monounsaturated fatty acid palmitoleate (palmitoleic acid) is one of the most
      abundant fatty acids in serum and tissues, particularly adipose tissue and liver.
      Its endogenous production by stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gives rise to its cis
      isoform, cis-palmitoleate. Although trans-palmitoleate is also synthesized in
      humans, it is mainly found as an exogenous source in ruminant fat and dairy
      products. Recently, palmitoleate was considered to be a lipokine based on
      evidence demonstrating its release from adipose tissue and its metabolic effects
      on distant organs. After this finding, research has been performed to determine
      whether palmitoleate has beneficial effects on metabolism and to elucidate the
      underlying mechanisms. Thus, the aim of this work was to review the current
      status of knowledge about palmitoleate, its metabolism, and its influence on
      metabolic abnormalities. Results have shown mixed cardiovascular effects, direct
      or inverse correlations with obesity, and hepatosteatosis, but a significant
      amelioration or prevention of insulin resistance and diabetes. Finally, the
      induction of palmitoleate release from adipose tissue, dietary intake, and its
      supplementation are all interventions with a potential impact on certain
      metabolic diseases.

PMID- 28096147
TI  - Hemodynamic Biomarker-Initiated Anticipation Medicine in the Future Management of
      Hypertension.

PMID- 28096146
TI  - Long-Term Exposure to NO2 and Ozone and Hypertension Incidence in the Black
      Women's Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that exposure to air pollutants can increase blood
      pressure in the short and long term. Some studies show higher levels of
      hypertension prevalence in areas of high pollution. Few data exist on the
      association of air pollution with hypertension incidence. The purpose of the
      present study was to prospectively assess the associations of the traffic-related
      nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and of ozone with the incidence of hypertension in the
      Black Women's Health Study (BWHS), a large cohort study of African American
      women. METHODS: We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard
      ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for hypertension associated with
      exposure to NO2 and ozone among 33,771 BWHS participants. NO2 and ozone levels at
      participant residential locations were estimated with validated models. RESULTS:
      From 1995 to 2011, 9,570 incident cases of hypertension occurred in a total of
      348,154 person-years (median follow-up time, 11 years). The multivariable HRs per
      interquartile range of NO2 (9.7 ppb) and ozone (6.7 ppb) were 0.92 (95% CI =
      0.86, 0.98) and 1.09 (95% CI = 1.00, 1.18). CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of
      African American women, higher ozone levels were associated with an increase in
      hypertension incidence. Higher NO2 levels were not associated with greater
      hypertension incidence; indeed, incidence was lower at higher NO2 levels.

PMID- 28096143
TI  - Methodological Challenges in Studies Examining the Effects of Breakfast on
      Cognitive Performance and Appetite in Children and Adolescents.
AB  - Breakfast is purported to confer a number of benefits on diet quality, health,
      appetite regulation, and cognitive performance. However, new evidence has
      challenged the long-held belief that breakfast is the most important meal of the
      day. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion of the key
      methodological challenges and considerations in studies assessing the effect of
      breakfast on cognitive performance and appetite control, along with
      recommendations for future research. This review focuses on the myriad challenges
      involved in studying children and adolescents specifically. Key methodological
      challenges and considerations include study design and location, sampling and
      sample section, choice of objective cognitive tests, choice of objective and
      subjective appetite measures, merits of providing a fixed breakfast compared with
      ad libitum, assessment and definition of habitual breakfast consumption,
      transparency of treatment condition, difficulty of isolating the direct effects
      of breakfast consumption, untangling acute and chronic effects, and influence of
      confounding variables. These methodological challenges have hampered a clear
      substantiation of the potential positive effects of breakfast on cognition and
      appetite control and contributed to the debate questioning the notion that
      breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

PMID- 28096148
TI  - Uric Acid and New Onset Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Findings From the PAMELA
      Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between serum uric acid (SUA) and left ventricular
      hypertrophy (LVH) is controversial and the ability of SUA in predicting incident
      LVH remains unsettled. Thus, we evaluated the relationship of SUA with new-onset
      echocardiographic LVH over a 10-year period in subjects of the general population
      enrolled in the Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate E Loro Associazioni (PAMELA)
      study. METHODS: The study included 960 subjects with normal LV mass index (LVMI)
      at baseline echocardiographic evaluation and a readable echocardiogram at the end
      of follow-up. Cut-points for LVH were derived from reference values of the
      healthy fraction of the PAMELA population. RESULTS: Over a 10-year period, 258
      participants (26.9%) progressed to LVH. The incidence of new-onset LVH increased
      from the lowest (23%) to intermediate (25%) and the highest baseline SUA tertile
      (32%). After adjusting for confounders (not including body mass index (BMI)),
      each 1 mg/dl increase in SUA entailed a 26% higher risk of incident LVH. Adjusted
      odd ratio of LVH risk in the highest SUA tertile was 96% higher than in the
      lowest tertile (odds ratio (OR) = 1.966, 95% CI = 1.158-3.339, P = 0.0123).
      Correction for BMI reduced the magnitude and statistical significance of ORs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that SUA is a predictor of long-term
      echocardiographic changes from normal LVMI to LVH in a community sample. Thus,
      life-style and pharmacologic measures aimed to reduce SUA levels may concur to
      preventing LVH development in the general population.

PMID- 28096149
TI  - Uric Acid and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: A Potentially New Modifiable Target?

PMID- 28096151
TI  - Response to Letter to the Editor entitled Oxidative Stress Participates in the
      Associations Between Serum Uric Acid and Albuminuria in Obesity.

PMID- 28096150
TI  - Hemodynamic Determinants of the Short-Term Blood Pressure Variability:
      Differential Roles of Arterial Stiffness and Wave Reflection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A high 24-hour ambulatory diastolic (DBP) but not systolic (SBP)
      blood pressure variability (BPV) is significantly predictive of long-term
      cardiovascular mortality in untreated hypertensive subjects, independent of
      office or 24-hour SBP. The present study was aimed to investigate hemodynamic
      factors that are independently associated with systolic and diastolic BPV from
      the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). METHODS: A cohort of 624
      normotensive and 633 untreated hypertensive participants with baseline ABPM was
      drawn from a community-based survey. BPV was assessed by the read-to-read average
      real variability of the 24-hour SBP and DBP (ARVs and ARVd, respectively).
      Hemodynamic variables including total peripheral resistance (TPR), carotid
      femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), and amplitudes of the decomposed forward
      (Pf) and backward (Pb) carotid pressure waves were analyzed. RESULTS: In
      multivariable analyses, hemodynamic variables independently associated with 24
      hour SBP were 24-hour heart rate (HR), TPR, cf-PWV, Pf, and Pb (model r2 =
      0.535). Hemodynamic factors independently associated with ARV were 24-hour HR,
      Pf, and Pb for ARVs, and 24-hour HR, cf-PWV, Pf, and Pb for ARVd (model R2 =
      0.345 and 0.220, respectively). Addition of 24-hour SBP to the ARV models only
      slightly improved variance explained by the models (R2 = 0.383 and 0.224,
      respectively). Pb accounted for >50% of total variance of ARVs and ARVd, whereas
      cf-PWV was a minor determinant of ARVd (<5% of total variance). CONCLUSIONS: ARVd
      was associated with fewer hemodynamic variables than to 24-hour SBP. Among those
      hemodynamic variables wave reflection but not arterial stiffness had the dominant
      independent association with ARV.

PMID- 28096152
TI  - BclI Glucocorticoid Receptor Polymorphism in Relation to Arterial Stiffening and
      Cardiac Structure and Function: The Hoorn and CODAM Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic glucocorticoid excess is associated with arterial stiffening
      and cardiac dysfunction. The BclI glucocorticoid receptor (GR) polymorphism
      increases GR sensitivity and is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI)
      and some proxies for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether BclI influences
      arterial stiffening and cardiac dysfunction is currently unknown. Therefore, the
      aim of the present study was to investigate the association of the BclI
      polymorphism with arterial stiffening and cardiac structure and function.
      METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study, combining 2 cohort studies
      designed to investigate genetic and metabolic determinants of CVD. We genotyped
      1,124 individuals (age: 64.7 +/- 8.5 years) from the Hoorn study and Cohort on
      Diabetes and Atherosclerosis Maastricht (CODAM) study for BclI. Several arterial
      stiffening indices of the carotid (Hoorn and CODAM study), brachial and femoral
      artery and the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (Hoorn study only) were
      determined. In addition, in the Hoorn study, we determined several variables of
      cardiac structure and function. RESULTS: We identified 155 homozygous carriers
      (GG), 498 heterozygous carriers (CG), and 471 noncarriers (CC) of the BclI
      polymorphism. BclI genotypes did not display significant differences in variables
      of arterial stiffening (e.g., carotid distensibility coefficient (DC): 12.41 +/-
      5.37 vs. 12.87 +/- 5.55 10-3/kPa [mean +/- SD]; P = 0.38; homozygous vs.
      noncarriers). In addition, no clear differences in estimates of cardiac structure
      and function were found. CONCLUSIONS: Even though BclI is associated with a
      higher BMI and some proxies of CVD, our results do not support the concept that
      BclI carrier status is associated with greater arterial stiffening or cardiac
      dysfunction.

PMID- 28096153
TI  - Plasmidic qnr Genes Confer Clinical Resistance to Ciprofloxacin under Urinary
      Tract Physiological Conditions.
AB  - Escherichia coli variants expressing plasmid-mediated qnr genes are usually
      susceptible to fluoroquinolones by standard susceptibility testing. Here we show
      that, under specific urinary tract physiological conditions, susceptible
      laboratory and clinical strains harboring qnr determinants become fully resistant
      to ciprofloxacin (CIP). Therefore, physiological conditions, mainly urine pH
      values, should be considered when performing susceptibility testing of CIP
      activity against E. coli in treating urinary tract infection (UTI) and for
      selecting appropriate antibiotics for UTI treatment.

PMID- 28096154
TI  - Influence of rhlR and lasR on Polymyxin Pharmacodynamics in Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa and Implications for Quorum Sensing Inhibition with Azithromycin.
AB  - The impact of quorum sensing on polymyxin and azithromycin pharmacodynamics was
      assessed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and an isogenic rhlR/lasR double
      knockout. For polymyxin B, greater killing against the rhlR/lasR knockout than
      against PAO1 was observed at 108 CFU/ml (polymyxin B half-maximal effective
      concentration [EC50], 5.61 versus 12.5 mg/liter, respectively; P < 0.005).
      Polymyxin B combined with azithromycin (256 mg/liter) was synergistic against
      each strain, significantly reducing the respective polymyxin B EC50 compared to
      those with monotherapy (P < 0.005), and is a promising strategy by which to
      combat P. aeruginosa.

PMID- 28096155
TI  - Inhibition of the beta-Lactamase BlaMab by Avibactam Improves the In Vitro and In
      Vivo Efficacy of Imipenem against Mycobacterium abscessus.
AB  - Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infections are treated with a macrolide
      (clarithromycin or azithromycin), an aminoglycoside (amikacin), and a beta-lactam
      (cefoxitin or imipenem). The triple combination is used without any beta
      lactamase inhibitor, even though Mabscessus produces the broad-spectrum beta
      lactamase BlaMab We determine whether inhibition of BlaMab by avibactam improves
      the activity of imipenem against M. abscessus The bactericidal activity of drug
      combinations was assayed in broth and in human macrophages. The in vivo efficacy
      of the drugs was tested by monitoring the survival of infected zebrafish embryos.
      The level of BlaMab production in broth and in macrophages was compared by
      quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting. The triple
      combination of imipenem (8 or 32 MUg/ml), amikacin (32 MUg/ml), and avibactam (4
      MUg/ml) was bactericidal in broth (<0.1% survival), with 3.2- and 4.3-log10
      reductions in the number of CFU being achieved at 72 h when imipenem was used at
      8 and 32 MUg/ml, respectively. The triple combination achieved significant
      intracellular killing, with the bacterial survival rates being 54% and 7% with
      the low (8 MUg/ml) and high (32 MUg/ml) dosages of imipenem, respectively. In
      vivo inhibition of BlaMab by avibactam improved the survival of zebrafish embryos
      treated with imipenem. Expression of the gene encoding BlaMab was induced (20
      fold) in the infected macrophages. Inhibition of BlaMab by avibactam improved the
      efficacy of imipenem against M. abscessusin vitro, in macrophages, and in
      zebrafish embryos, indicating that this beta-lactamase inhibitor should be
      clinically evaluated. The in vitro evaluation of imipenem may underestimate the
      impact of BlaMab, since the production of the beta-lactamase is inducible in
      macrophages.

PMID- 28096156
TI  - Bacterium-Derived Cell-Penetrating Peptides Deliver Gentamicin To Kill
      Intracellular Pathogens.
AB  - Commonly used antimicrobials show poor cellular uptake and often have limited
      access to intracellular targets, resulting in low antimicrobial activity against
      intracellular pathogens. An efficient delivery system to transport these drugs to
      the intracellular site of action is needed. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs)
      mediate the internalization of biologically active molecules into the cytoplasm.
      Here, we characterized two CPPs, alpha1H and alpha2H, derived from the Yersinia
      enterocolitica YopM effector protein. These CPPs, as well as Tat (trans-activator
      of transcription) from HIV-1, were used to deliver the antibiotic gentamicin to
      target intracellular bacteria. The YopM-derived CPPs penetrated different
      endothelial and epithelial cells to the same extent as Tat. CPPs were covalently
      conjugated to gentamicin, and CPP-gentamicin conjugates were used to target
      infected cells to kill multiple intracellular Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria,
      including Escherichia coli K1, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and
      Shigella flexneri Taken together, CPPs show great potential as delivery vehicles
      for antimicrobial agents and may contribute to the generation of new therapeutic
      tools to treat infectious diseases caused by intracellular pathogens.

PMID- 28096157
TI  - Resistance to Thiacetazone Derivatives Active against Mycobacterium abscessus
      Involves Mutations in the MmpL5 Transcriptional Repressor MAB_4384.
AB  - Available chemotherapeutic options are very limited against Mycobacterium
      abscessus, which imparts a particular challenge in the treatment of cystic
      fibrosis (CF) patients infected with this rapidly growing mycobacterium. New
      drugs are urgently needed against this emerging pathogen, but the discovery of
      active chemotypes has not been performed intensively. Interestingly, however, the
      repurposing of thiacetazone (TAC), a drug once used to treat tuberculosis, has
      increased following the deciphering of its mechanism of action and the detection
      of significantly more potent analogues. We therefore report studies performed on
      a library of 38 TAC-related derivatives previously evaluated for their
      antitubercular activity. Several compounds, including D6, D15, and D17, were
      found to exhibit potent activity in vitro against M. abscessus, Mycobacterium
      massiliense, and Mycobacterium bolletii clinical isolates from CF and non-CF
      patients. Similar to TAC in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the three analogues act
      as prodrugs in M. abscessus, requiring bioactivation by the EthA enzyme,
      MAB_0985. Importantly, mutations in the transcriptional TetR repressor MAB_4384,
      with concomitant upregulation of the divergently oriented adjacent genes encoding
      an MmpS5/MmpL5 efflux pump system, accounted for high cross-resistance levels
      among all three compounds. Overall, this study uncovered a new mechanism of drug
      resistance in M. abscessus and demonstrated that simple structural optimization
      of the TAC scaffold can lead to the development of new drug candidates against M.
      abscessus infections.

PMID- 28096158
TI  - Peak Measurement for Vancomycin AUC Estimation in Obese Adults Improves Precision
      and Lowers Bias.
AB  - Vancomycin area under the curve (AUC) estimates may be skewed in obese adults due
      to weight-dependent pharmacokinetic parameters. We demonstrate that peak and
      trough measurements reduce bias and improve the precision of vancomycin AUC
      estimates in obese adults (n = 75) and validate this in an independent cohort (n
      = 31). The precision and mean percent bias of Bayesian vancomycin AUC estimates
      are comparable between covariate-dependent (R2 = 0.774, 3.55%) and covariate
      independent (R2 = 0.804, 3.28%) models when peaks and troughs are measured but
      not when measurements are restricted to troughs only (R2 = 0.557, 15.5%).

PMID- 28096159
TI  - Genome Analysis of the Carbapenem- and Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli
      Isolate NRZ14408 Reveals Horizontal Gene Transfer Pathways towards Panresistance
      and Enhanced Virulence.

PMID- 28096160
TI  - Determinants of Antibacterial Spectrum and Resistance Potential of the Elongation
      Factor G Inhibitor Argyrin B in Key Gram-Negative Pathogens.
AB  - Argyrins are natural products with antibacterial activity against Gram-negative
      pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia multivorans, and
      Stenotrophomonas maltophilia We previously showed that argyrin B targets
      elongation factor G (FusA). Here, we show that argyrin B activity against P.
      aeruginosa PAO1 (MIC = 8 MUg/ml) was not affected by deletion of the MexAB-OprM,
      MexXY-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, or MexEF-OprN efflux pump. However, argyrin B induced
      expression of MexXY, causing slight but reproducible antagonism with the MexXY
      substrate antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Argyrin B activity against Escherichia coli
      increased in a strain with nine tolC efflux pump partner genes deleted.
      Complementation experiments showed that argyrin was effluxed by AcrAB, AcrEF, and
      MdtFX. Argyrin B was inactive against Acinetobacter baumannii Differences between
      A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa FusA proteins at key residues for argyrin B
      interaction implied that natural target sequence variation impacted antibacterial
      activity. Consistent with this, expression of the sensitive P. aeruginosa FusA1
      protein in A. baumannii conferred argyrin susceptibility, whereas resistant
      variants did not. Argyrin B was active against S. maltophilia (MIC = 4 MUg/ml).
      Spontaneous resistance occurred at high frequency in the bacterium (circa 10-7),
      mediated by mutational inactivation of fusA1 rather than by amino acid
      substitutions in the target binding region. This strongly suggested that
      resistance occurred at high frequency through loss of the sensitive FusA1,
      leaving an alternate argyrin-insensitive elongation factor. Supporting this, an
      additional fusA-like gene (fusA2) is present in S. maltophilia that was strongly
      upregulated in response to mutational loss of fusA1.

PMID- 28096161
TI  - Perifosine Mechanisms of Action in Leishmania Species.
AB  - Here the mechanism by which perifosine induced cell death in Leishmania donovani
      and Leishmania amazonensis is described. The drug reduced Leishmania
      mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased cellular ATP levels while
      increasing phosphatidylserine externalization. Perifosine did not increase
      membrane permeabilization. We also found that the drug inhibited the
      phosphorylation of Akt in the parasites. These results highlight the potential
      use of perifosine as an alternative to miltefosine against Leishmania.

PMID- 28096163
TI  - Large-Scale Evaluation of In Vitro Amphotericin B, Triazole, and Echinocandin
      Activity against Coccidioides Species from U.S. Institutions.
AB  - Large-scale testing of Coccidioides isolates has not been performed, and the
      frequency of clinical isolates with elevated amphotericin B or triazole MICs has
      not been evaluated. Coccidioides isolates (n = 581) underwent antifungal
      susceptibility testing. Elevated MIC values were observed for fluconazole (>=16
      MUg/ml, 37.3% of isolates; >=32 MUg/ml, 7.9% of isolates), itraconazole (>=2
      MUg/ml, 1.0% of isolates), posaconazole (>=1 MUg/ml, 1.0% of isolates), and
      voriconazole (>=2 MUg/ml, 1.2% of isolates). However, mold-active triazoles
      exhibited low MICs for the majority of isolates tested. Additional correlation
      with patient outcomes to determine the relevance of elevated MICs in Coccidioides
      isolates is needed.

PMID- 28096162
TI  - Impact of Extended Duration of Artesunate Treatment on Parasitological Outcome in
      a Cytocidal Murine Malaria Model.
AB  - Artemisinin-based combination therapies are a key pillar in global malaria
      control and are recommended as a first-line Plasmodium falciparum treatment. They
      rely upon a rapid 4-log-unit reduction in parasitemia by artemisinin compounds
      with a short half-life and the killing of remaining parasites by a partner
      compound with a longer half-life. Current treatment guidelines stipulate giving
      three 24-h-interval doses or six 12-h-interval doses over a 3-day period. Due to
      the short half-life of artesunate and artemether, almost all of the resulting
      cytocidal activity is confined within a single 48-h asexual P. falciparum cycle.
      Here, we utilized a luciferase reporter, Plasmodium berghei ANKA, in a cytocidal
      model in which treatment was initiated at high parasitemia, allowing us to
      monitor a greater than 3-log-unit reduction in parasite density, as well as 30
      day survival. In this study, we demonstrated that increasing the artesunate
      duration from spanning one asexual cycle to spanning three asexual cycles while
      keeping the total dose constant results in enhanced cytocidal activity. Single
      daily artesunate doses at 50 mg/kg of body weight over 7 days were the minimum
      necessary for curative monotherapy. In combination with a single sub-human
      equivalent dose of the partner drug amodiaquine or piperaquine, the three-asexual
      cycle artesunate duration was able to cure 75% and 100% of mice, respectively,
      whereas 0% and 33% cures were achieved with the single-asexual-cycle artesunate
      duration. In summary, cytocidal activity of the artemisinin compounds, such as
      artesunate, can be improved solely by altering the dosing duration.

PMID- 28096164
TI  - Pharmacodynamics of Ceftaroline plus Ampicillin against Enterococcus faecalis in
      an In Vitro Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model of Simulated Endocardial
      Vegetations.
AB  - The combination of ampicillin plus ceftaroline has been suggested to be more
      reliably synergistic against Enterococcus faecalis than ampicillin plus
      ceftriaxone using time-kill methods. The purpose of this study was to determine
      if this trend persists in a two-compartment model of simulated endocardial
      vegetations (SEV) using clinically relevant pharmacokinetic exposures of these
      antimicrobials. Three clinically derived E. faecalis strains were included in the
      study. The MICs of study antimicrobials were determined by broth microdilution.
      Simulations of ampicillin (2 g every 4 h [q4h]; maximum concentration of drug in
      serum [Cmax], 72.4 mg/liter; half-life [t1/2], 1.9 h), ceftaroline-fosamil (600
      mg q8h; Cmax, 21.3 mg/liter; t1/2, 2.66 h), ceftriaxone (Cmax, 257 mg/liter;
      t1/2, 8 h), and ampicillin plus ceftaroline and ampicillin plus ceftriaxone were
      evaluated against 3 strains of E. faecalis isolated from patients with
      endocarditis in an in vitro PK/PD SEV model over 72 h, with a starting inoculum
      of ~9 log10 CFU/g. All strains were susceptible to ampicillin (MIC, <=2
      mg/liter). Ceftaroline MICs varied from 2 to 16 mg/liter. All strains had
      ceftriaxone MICs of 256 mg/liter. W04 and W151 exhibited high-level
      aminoglycoside resistance but W07 did not. Ampicillin plus ceftaroline resulted
      in significantly greater reductions in CFU per gram by 72 h than ampicillin for
      all strains (P <= 0.025) than ampicillin plus ceftriaxone for W04 (P = 0.019) but
      not W07 or W151 (P >= 0.15). A 4-fold increase in ampicillin MIC was observed for
      W07 at 72 h, but this was prevented by the addition of ceftaroline or
      ceftriaxone. The combination of ampicillin plus ceftaroline appears to be at
      least as efficacious as ampicillin plus ceftriaxone and may lead to improved
      activity against some strains of E. faecalis, but these differences may be small
      and the clinical significance should not be overestimated.

PMID- 28096165
TI  - In Vitro Activity of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam against Multidrug-Resistant
      Nonfermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.
AB  - Ceftolozane-tazobactam was tested against 58 multidrug-resistant nonfermenting
      Gram-negative bacilli (35 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 11 Achromobacter xylosoxydans,
      and 12 Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates) isolated from cystic fibrosis
      patients and was compared to ceftolozane alone, ceftazidime, meropenem, and
      piperacillin-tazobactam. Ceftolozane-tazobactam was the most active agent against
      P. aeruginosa but was inactive against A. xylosoxydans and S. maltophilia In time
      kill experiments, ceftolozane-tazobactam had complete bactericidal activity
      against 2/6 clinical isolates (33%).

PMID- 28096166
TI  - Role of Renal Drug Exposure in Polymyxin B-Induced Nephrotoxicity.
AB  - Despite dose-limiting nephrotoxic potentials, polymyxin B has reemerged as the
      last line of therapy against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial
      infections. However, the handling of polymyxin B by the kidneys is still not
      thoroughly understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact
      of renal polymyxin B exposure on nephrotoxicity and to explore the role of
      megalin in renal drug accumulation. Sprague-Dawley rats (225 to 250 g) were
      divided into three dosing groups, and polymyxin B was administered (5 mg/kg, 10
      mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg) subcutaneously once daily. The onset of nephrotoxicity over
      7 days and renal drug concentrations 24 h after the first dose were assessed. The
      effects of sodium maleate (400 mg/kg intraperitoneally) on megalin homeostasis
      were evaluated by determining the urinary megalin concentration and electron
      microscopic study of renal tissue. The serum/renal pharmacokinetics of polymyxin
      B were assessed in megalin-shedding rats. The onset of nephrotoxicity was
      correlated with the daily dose of polymyxin B. Renal polymyxin B concentrations
      were found to be 3.6 +/- 0.4 MUg/g, 9.9 +/- 1.5 MUg/g, and 21.7 +/- 4.8 MUg/g in
      the 5-mg/kg, 10-mg/kg, and 20-mg/kg dosing groups, respectively. In megalin
      shedding rats, the serum pharmacokinetics of polymyxin B remained unchanged, but
      the renal exposure was attenuated by 40% compared to that of control rats. The
      onset of polymyxin B-induced nephrotoxicity is correlated with the renal drug
      exposure. In addition, megalin appears to play a pivotal role in the renal
      accumulation of polymyxin B, which might contribute to nephrotoxicity.

PMID- 28096167
TI  - Chemical Fingerprint of Dachaihu Granule and Its Chemical Correlation Between Raw
      Herbs.
AB  - To develop a method to overall evaluate the quality of Dachaihu Granule (DCHG),
      high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector was used
      to establish chemical fingerprint of DCHG. The correlation between the formula
      and its raw herbs was also evaluated. According to the retention time of standard
      components, chemical fingerprint of DCHG was developed and a total of 21
      constituents were characterized. The separation was performed on a Kromasil C18
      column (250 mm * 4.6 mm i.d. with 5.0 MUm particle size) with a linear gradient
      elution of acetonitrile and water with 0.05% phosphoric acid. Precision,
      stability and repeatability of the method were validated. The developed method
      was subsequently applied to evaluate 15 batches of DCHG using similarity
      analysis, principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminate
      analysis.

PMID- 28096169
TI  - Correction to: Procedural and Long-Term Outcomes of Bioresorbable Scaffolds
      Versus Drug-Eluting Stents in Chronic Total Occlusions: The BONITO Registry
      (Bioresorbable Scaffolds Versus Drug-Eluting Stents in Chronic Total Occlusions).

PMID- 28096168
TI  - SK channel enhancers attenuate Ca2+-dependent arrhythmia in hypertrophic hearts
      by regulating mito-ROS-dependent oxidation and activity of RyR.
AB  - Aims: Plasmamembrane small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels were
      implicated in ventricular arrhythmias in infarcted and failing hearts. Recently,
      SK channels were detected in the inner mitochondria membrane (IMM) (mSK), and
      their activation protected from acute ischaemia-reperfusion injury by reducing
      intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that mSK
      play an important role in regulating mitochondrial function in chronic cardiac
      diseases. We investigated the role of mSK channels in Ca2+-dependent ventricular
      arrhythmia using rat model of cardiac hypertrophy induced by banding of the
      ascending aorta thoracic aortic banding (TAB). Methods and results: Dual Ca2+ and
      membrane potential optical mapping of whole hearts derived from TAB rats revealed
      that membrane-permeable SK enhancer NS309 (2 MUM) improved aberrant Ca2+
      homeostasis and abolished VT/VF induced by beta-adrenergic stimulation. Using
      whole cell patch-clamp and confocal Ca2+ imaging of cardiomyocytes derived from
      TAB hearts (TCMs) we found that membrane-permeable SK enhancers NS309 and CyPPA
      (10 MUM) attenuated frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ waves and delayed
      afterdepolarizations. Furthermore, mSK inhibition enhanced (UCL-1684, 1 MUM);
      while activation reduced mitochondrial ROS production in TCMs measured with
      MitoSOX. Protein oxidation assays demonstrated that increased oxidation of
      ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in TCMs was reversed by SK enhancers. Experiments in
      permeabilized TCMs showed that SK enhancers restored SR Ca2+ content, suggestive
      of substantial improvement in RyR function. Conclusion: These data suggest that
      enhancement of mSK channels in hypertrophic rat hearts protects from Ca2+
      dependent arrhythmia and suggest that the protection is mediated via decreased
      mitochondrial ROS and subsequent decreased oxidation of reactive cysteines in
      RyR, which ultimately leads to stabilization of RyR-mediated Ca2+ release.

PMID- 28096172
TI  - Still too little transparency among guideline writers and others.

PMID- 28096171
TI  - How well do we currently care for our dying patients in acute hospitals: the
      views of the bereaved relatives?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Care of the Dying Audit-Hospitals (NCDAH) is used as a
      method to evaluate care for dying patients in England. An additional component to
      the 2013/2014 audit was the Local Survey of Bereaved Relatives Views using the
      'Care Of the Dying Evaluation' (CODE) questionnaire. AIM: Within the context of
      the NCDAH audit, to evaluate quality of care provided to dying patients and their
      families in acute hospitals from the perspective of bereaved relatives. DESIGN:
      Postbereavement survey to bereaved relatives. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: For acute
      hospitals wishing to participate, consecutive 'expected' adult deaths occurring
      between 1 May and 30 June 2013 were identified and the CODE questionnaire was
      sent to the next-of-kin. RESULTS: From 3414 eligible next-of-kin, 95 (2.8%) were
      excluded due to being involved in a complaint procedure and 1006 (29.5%) due to
      insufficient next-of-kin details. From the remaining 2313 potential participants,
      858 returned a completed CODE questionnaire (37.1% response rate). Generally,
      symptoms were perceived to be well controlled with 769 (91%) participants
      reporting that either no pain was present or only there 'some of the time'. Unmet
      information needs, however, was a recognised area for improvement, for example,
      230 (29%) reporting having a discussion about hydration would have been
      beneficial. CONCLUSIONS: Adopting a postbereavement survey to NCDAH appears to be
      feasible, acceptable and a valuable addition. On the whole, the majority of
      participants reported good or excellent care. A small but significant minority,
      however, perceived poor quality of patient care with clear and timely
      communication urgently needed.

PMID- 28096173
TI  - Commentary: Working better, not harder.

PMID- 28096177
TI  - PM vows to improve "dangerously disregarded" mental healthcare.

PMID- 28096176
TI  - Reduced all-cause mortality with antipsychotics and antidepressants compared to
      increased all-cause mortality with benzodiazepines in patients with schizophrenia
      observed in naturalistic treatment settings.

PMID- 28096174
TI  - Anti-Folate Receptor-alpha IgE but not IgG Recruits Macrophages to Attack Tumors
      via TNFalpha/MCP-1 Signaling.
AB  - IgE antibodies are key mediators of antiparasitic immune responses, but their
      potential for cancer treatment via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
      (ADCC) has been little studied. Recently, tumor antigen-specific IgEs were
      reported to restrict cancer cell growth by engaging high-affinity Fc receptors on
      monocytes and macrophages; however, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms were
      undefined and in vivo proof of concept was limited. Here, an immunocompetent rat
      model was designed to recapitulate the human IgE-Fcepsilon receptor system for
      cancer studies. We also generated rat IgE and IgG mAbs specific for the folate
      receptor (FRalpha), which is expressed widely on human ovarian tumors, along with
      a syngeneic rat tumor model expressing human FRalpha. Compared with IgG, anti
      FRalpha IgE reduced lung metastases. This effect was associated with increased
      intratumoral infiltration by TNFalpha+ and CD80+ macrophages plus elevated
      TNFalpha and the macrophage chemoattractant MCP-1 in lung bronchoalveolar lavage
      fluid. Increased levels of TNFalpha and MCP-1 correlated with IgE-mediated tumor
      cytotoxicity by human monocytes and with longer patient survival in clinical
      specimens of ovarian cancer. Monocytes responded to IgE but not IgG exposure by
      upregulating TNFalpha, which in turn induced MCP-1 production by monocytes and
      tumor cells to promote a monocyte chemotactic response. Conversely, blocking
      TNFalpha receptor signaling abrogated induction of MCP-1, implicating it in the
      antitumor effects of IgE. Overall, these findings show how antitumor IgE
      reprograms monocytes and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, encouraging
      the clinical use of IgE antibody technology to attack cancer beyond the present
      exclusive reliance on IgG. Cancer Res; 77(5); 1127-41. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096178
TI  - NHS in 2017: A medical profession in step with today's NHS?

PMID- 28096179
TI  - Dbf4-dependent kinase and the Rtt107 scaffold promote Mus81-Mms4 resolvase
      activation during mitosis.
AB  - DNA repair by homologous recombination is under stringent cell cycle control.
      This includes the last step of the reaction, disentanglement of DNA joint
      molecules (JMs). Previous work has established that JM resolving nucleases are
      activated specifically at the onset of mitosis. In case of budding yeast Mus81
      Mms4, this cell cycle stage-specific activation is known to depend on
      phosphorylation by CDK and Cdc5 kinases. Here, we show that a third cell cycle
      kinase, Cdc7-Dbf4 (DDK), targets Mus81-Mms4 in conjunction with Cdc5-both kinases
      bind to as well as phosphorylate Mus81-Mms4 in an interdependent manner.
      Moreover, DDK-mediated phosphorylation of Mms4 is strictly required for Mus81
      activation in mitosis, establishing DDK as a novel regulator of homologous
      recombination. The scaffold protein Rtt107, which binds the Mus81-Mms4 complex,
      interacts with Cdc7 and thereby targets DDK and Cdc5 to the complex enabling full
      Mus81 activation. Therefore, Mus81 activation in mitosis involves at least three
      cell cycle kinases, CDK, Cdc5 and DDK Furthermore, tethering of the kinases in a
      stable complex with Mus81 is critical for efficient JM resolution.

PMID- 28096181
TI  - Long-term (8-10 years) outcomes after biodegradable polymer-coated biolimus
      eluting stent implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Efficacy and safety data on biodegradable polymer-coated biolimus
      eluting stent (BP-BES) are currently limited to 5 years. We evaluated longer term
      (8-10 years) clinical and angiographic outcomes after BP-BES implantation.
      METHODS: Between 2005 and 2008, 243 patients (301 lesions) underwent BP-BES
      implantation. The primary clinical outcome measure was defined as any target
      lesion revascularisation (TLR). Absolute serial angiographic studies without any
      concomitant TLR within 2 years after the procedure were performed in 55 patients
      (65 lesions) at postprocedure, mid-term (within 1 year), late term (between 1 and
      2 years) and very late term (beyond 2 years). RESULTS: The median follow-up
      duration was 9.4 years (IQR 8.2-10.2 years). The 8-year cumulative incidence of
      any TLR was 20.3%. The increase rate was approximately 7% per year in the first 2
      years, but decelerated to approximately 1.2% per year beyond 2 years after the
      procedure. The minimal lumen diameter significantly decreased from postprocedure
      (2.63+/-0.44 mm) to mid-term (2.43+/-0.59 mm, p=0.002) and from late term (2.27+/
      0.63 mm) to very late term (1.98+/-0.73 mm, p=0.002). The 8-year cumulative
      incidences of definite or probable stent thrombosis (ST) and major bleeding
      (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) >=3) were 0.5% and 12.0%,
      respectively. Definite ST was none within 10 years in the entire cohort.
      CONCLUSIONS: The long-term clinical outcomes after BP-BES implantation were
      favourable, although angiographic late progression of luminal narrowing did not
      reach a plateau. The incidence of ST remained notably low, whereas that of major
      bleeding gradually increased.

PMID- 28096180
TI  - Nutrient sensing and TOR signaling in yeast and mammals.
AB  - Coordinating cell growth with nutrient availability is critical for cell
      survival. The evolutionarily conserved TOR (target of rapamycin) controls cell
      growth in response to nutrients, in particular amino acids. As a central
      controller of cell growth, mTOR (mammalian TOR) is implicated in several
      disorders, including cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Here, we review how nutrient
      availability is sensed and transduced to TOR in budding yeast and mammals. A
      better understanding of how nutrient availability is transduced to TOR may allow
      novel strategies in the treatment for mTOR-related diseases.

PMID- 28096182
TI  - Treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer (Stage T3).
AB  - Objective: Formerly, locally advanced prostate cancer exhibited poorly prognosis.
      In the late 1990s, new surgical and radiation technologies were introduced in
      combination with androgen deprivation. To evaluate respective strategies,
      outcomes were examined. Patients and methods: Between 2001 and 2010, 224 patients
      with T3N0M0 (10.9% of all prostate cancer cases) were treated with prostatectomy,
      external beam radiation therapy with/without androgen deprivation or hormone
      alone. Complete records were obtained by the end of 2015. Results: Operation
      group first started without adjuvant treatment and prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA) relapse occurred in 39% of cases. Radiation therapy group was alternatively
      divided into two subgroups, that received either monotherapy or combination with
      androgen deprivation, and PSA relapse rates were 65 and 16%, respectively. High
      rates of PSA relapse in both the operation and radiation therapy groups were
      observed in patients without adjuvant therapy, but after relapse androgen
      deprivation proceeded favorable outcomes. In the radiation subgroups, PSA relapse
      rates were different, but both subsequent survival rates were the same. This may
      be due to the effect of androgen deprivation after relapse, indicating effect of
      delayed therapy. PSA relapse rate in the hormone therapy group was 25% and after
      relapse, patients applied to treatment with other hormonal and anticancer drugs.
      Overall survival rates were 91, 88 and 67% in the operation, radiation therapy
      and hormone therapy groups, respectively. Conclusion: Aggressive treatment with
      short-term androgen deprivation for locally advanced prostate cancer could be
      beneficial and not harmful when suitable candidates are selected. Delayed
      androgen deprivation was effective for no adjuvant patients after PSA relapse.

PMID- 28096183
TI  - Pneumococcal Neuraminidase A (NanA) Promotes Biofilm Formation and Synergizes
      with Influenza A Virus in Nasal Colonization and Middle Ear Infection.
AB  - Even in the vaccine era, Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) remains a
      leading cause of otitis media, a significant public health burden, in large part
      because of the high prevalence of nasal colonization with the pneumococcus in
      children. The primary pneumococcal neuraminidase, NanA, which is a sialidase that
      catalyzes the cleavage of terminal sialic acids from host glycoconjugates, is
      involved in both of these processes. Coinfection with influenza A virus, which
      also expresses a neuraminidase, exacerbates nasal colonization and disease by S.
      pneumoniae, in part via the synergistic contributions of the viral neuraminidase.
      The specific role of its pneumococcal counterpart, NanA, in this interaction,
      however, is less well understood. We demonstrate in a mouse model that NanA
      deficient pneumococci are impaired in their ability to cause both nasal
      colonization and middle ear infection. Coinfection with neuraminidase-expressing
      influenza virus and S. pneumoniae potentiates both colonization and infection but
      not to wild-type levels, suggesting an intrinsic role of NanA. Using in vitro
      models, we show that while NanA contributes to both epithelial adherence and
      biofilm viability, its effect on the latter is actually independent of its
      sialidase activity. These data indicate that NanA contributes both enzymatically
      and nonenzymatically to pneumococcal pathogenesis and, as such, suggest that it
      is not a redundant bystander during coinfection with influenza A virus. Rather,
      its expression is required for the full synergism between these two pathogens.

PMID- 28096184
TI  - The modern role of transoesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of
      valvular pathologies.
AB  - Despite significant advancements in the field of cardiovascular imaging,
      transoesophageal echocardiography remains the key imaging modality in the
      management of valvular pathologies. This paper provides echocardiographers with
      an overview of the modern role of TOE in the diagnosis and management of valvular
      disease. We describe how the introduction of 3D techniques has changed detection
      and grading of valvular pathologies and concentrate on its role as a monitoring
      tool in interventional cardiology. In addition, we focus on the echocardiographic
      and Doppler techniques used in the assessment of prosthetic valves, and provide
      guidance for evaluation of prosthetic valves. Finally, we summarise quantitative
      methods used for the assessment of valvular stenosis and regurgitation and
      highlight the key areas where echocardiography remains superior over other novel
      imaging modalities.

PMID- 28096185
TI  - Transcriptomic profiling of purified patient-derived dopamine neurons identifies
      convergent perturbations and therapeutics for Parkinson's disease.
AB  - While induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies enable the study of
      inaccessible patient cell types, cellular heterogeneity can confound the
      comparison of gene expression profiles between iPSC-derived cell lines. Here, we
      purified iPSC-derived human dopaminergic neurons (DaNs) using the intracellular
      marker, tyrosine hydroxylase. Once purified, the transcriptomic profiles of iPSC
      derived DaNs appear remarkably similar to profiles obtained from mature post
      mortem DaNs. Comparison of the profiles of purified iPSC-derived DaNs derived
      from Parkinson's disease (PD) patients carrying LRRK2 G2019S variants to controls
      identified significant functional convergence amongst differentially-expressed
      (DE) genes. The PD LRRK2-G2019S associated profile was positively matched with
      expression changes induced by the Parkinsonian neurotoxin rotenone and opposed by
      those induced by clioquinol, a compound with demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in
      multiple PD models. No functional convergence amongst DE genes was observed
      following a similar comparison using non-purified iPSC-derived DaN-containing
      populations, with cellular heterogeneity appearing a greater confound than
      genotypic background.

PMID- 28096186
TI  - Translation reprogramming is an evolutionarily conserved driver of phenotypic
      plasticity and therapeutic resistance in melanoma.
AB  - The intratumor microenvironment generates phenotypically distinct but
      interconvertible malignant cell subpopulations that fuel metastatic spread and
      therapeutic resistance. Whether different microenvironmental cues impose invasive
      or therapy-resistant phenotypes via a common mechanism is unknown. In melanoma,
      low expression of the lineage survival oncogene microphthalmia-associated
      transcription factor (MITF) correlates with invasion, senescence, and drug
      resistance. However, how MITF is suppressed in vivo and how MITF-low cells in
      tumors escape senescence are poorly understood. Here we show that
      microenvironmental cues, including inflammation-mediated resistance to adoptive T
      cell immunotherapy, transcriptionally repress MITF via ATF4 in response to
      inhibition of translation initiation factor eIF2B. ATF4, a key transcription
      mediator of the integrated stress response, also activates AXL and suppresses
      senescence to impose the MITF-low/AXL-high drug-resistant phenotype observed in
      human tumors. However, unexpectedly, without translation reprogramming an ATF4
      high/MITF-low state is insufficient to drive invasion. Importantly, translation
      reprogramming dramatically enhances tumorigenesis and is linked to a previously
      unexplained gene expression program associated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy
      resistance. Since we show that inhibition of eIF2B also drives neural crest
      migration and yeast invasiveness, our results suggest that translation
      reprogramming, an evolutionarily conserved starvation response, has been hijacked
      by microenvironmental stress signals in melanoma to drive phenotypic plasticity
      and invasion and determine therapeutic outcome.

PMID- 28096187
TI  - GPRASP2, a novel causative gene mutated in an X-linked recessive syndromic
      hearing loss.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A substantial amount of nuclear genes have been identified to be
      implicated in genetic hearing loss, while X-linked hearing loss is genetically
      heterogeneous and relatively infrequent. OBJECTIVE: To identify the causative
      gene mutation in a five-generation Chinese family with an X-linked recessive
      syndromic hearing loss (SHL). METHODS: Targeted X-chromosome exome sequencing was
      conducted, and cosegregation analysis was performed in the members of the
      affected family. The in silico and expression studies were also performed.
      RESULTS: A 2-bp missense mutation (c.1717_1718GC>AA, p.A573N) in the G protein
      coupled receptor associated sorting protein 2 (GPRASP2) gene was identified in
      four hemizygous male patients and two heterozygous female carriers, which was
      cosegregated with the clinical phenotypes in this family. In silico analysis
      supported that this gene mutation is functionally deleterious, and it was
      detected that homologous Gprasp2 was highly expressed in multiple structures of
      the mouse cochlea, which suggested that GPRASP2 might be the genetic cause for
      the described disease phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: This study presented a novel X
      linked SHL combined with unique and unrecognised clinical features, and a
      missense variation of GPRASP2 was first identified to be implicated in X-linked
      SHL.

PMID- 28096188
TI  - Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases 1 and 2 Phosphorylate Gab2 To Promote a
      Negative-Feedback Loop That Attenuates Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling.
AB  - The scaffolding adapter protein Gab2 (Grb2-associated binder) promotes cell
      proliferation, survival, and motility by engaging several signaling pathways
      downstream of growth factor and cytokine receptors. In particular, Gab2 plays
      essential roles in mast cells, as it is required for phosphoinositide 3-kinase
      (PI3K) activation in response to Kit and the high-affinity IgE receptor. While
      the positive role of Gab2 in PI3K signaling is well documented, very little is
      known about the mechanisms that attenuate its function. Here we show that Gab2
      becomes phosphorylated on multiple proline-directed sites upon stimulation of the
      Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. We demonstrate
      that ERK1 and ERK2 interact with Gab2 via a novel docking motif, which is
      required for subsequent Gab2 phosphorylation in response to ERK1/2 activation. We
      identified four ERK1/2-dependent phosphorylation sites in Gab2 that prevent the
      recruitment of the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K. Using bone marrow-derived mast
      cells to study Gab2-dependent signaling, we found that the inhibition of ERK1/2
      activity promotes Akt signaling in response to Kit and the high-affinity IgE
      receptor. Together, our results indicate that ERK1/2 participates in a negative
      feedback loop that attenuates PI3K/Akt signaling in response to various agonists.

PMID- 28096189
TI  - Suppressor of Overexpression of CO 1 Negatively Regulates Dark-Induced Leaf
      Degreening and Senescence by Directly Repressing Pheophytinase and Other
      Senescence-Associated Genes in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Although the biochemical pathway of chlorophyll (Chl) degradation has been
      largely elucidated, how Chl is rapidly yet coordinately degraded during leaf
      senescence remains elusive. Pheophytinase (PPH) is the enzyme for catalyzing the
      removal of the phytol group from pheophytin a, and PPH expression is
      significantly induced during leaf senescence. To elucidate the transcriptional
      regulation of PPH, we used a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) one-hybrid system
      to screen for its trans-regulators. SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO 1 (SOC1),
      a key flowering pathway integrator, was initially identified as one of the
      putative trans-regulators of PPH After dark treatment, leaves of an SOC1
      knockdown mutant (soc1-6) showed an accelerated yellowing phenotype, whereas
      those of SOC1-overexpressing lines exhibited a partial stay-green phenotype. SOC1
      and PPH expression showed a negative correlation during leaf senescence.
      Substantially, SOC1 protein could bind specifically to the CArG box of the PPH
      promoter in vitro and in vivo, and overexpression of SOC1 significantly inhibited
      the transcriptional activity of the PPH promoter in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis
      thaliana) protoplasts. Importantly, soc1-6 pph-1 (a PPH knockout mutant) double
      mutant displayed a stay-green phenotype similar to that of pph-1 during dark
      treatment. These results demonstrated that SOC1 inhibits Chl degradation via
      negatively regulating PPH expression. In addition, measurement of the Chl content
      and the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II of soc1-6 and SOC1-OE
      leaves after dark treatment suggested that SOC1 also negatively regulates the
      general senescence process. Seven SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED GENES (SAGs) were
      thereafter identified as its potential target genes, and NONYELLOWING1 and SAG113
      were experimentally confirmed. Together, we reveal that SOC1 represses dark
      induced leaf Chl degradation and senescence in general in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 28096190
TI  - Gain-of-Function Mutants of the Cytokinin Receptors AHK2 and AHK3 Regulate Plant
      Organ Size, Flowering Time and Plant Longevity.
AB  - The phytohormone cytokinin is a regulator of numerous processes in plants. In
      Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the cytokinin signal is perceived by three
      membrane-located receptors named ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE2 (AHK2), AHK3, and
      AHK4/CRE1. How the signal is transmitted across the membrane is an entirely
      unknown process. The three receptors have been shown to operate mostly in a
      redundant fashion, and very few specific roles have been attributed to single
      receptors. Using a forward genetic approach, we isolated constitutively active
      gain-of-function variants of the AHK2 and AHK3 genes, named repressor of
      cytokinin deficiency2 (rock2) and rock3, respectively. It is hypothesized that
      the structural changes caused by these mutations in the sensory and adjacent
      transmembrane domains emulate the structural changes caused by cytokinin binding,
      resulting in domain motion propagating the signal across the membrane. Detailed
      analysis of lines carrying rock2 and rock3 alleles revealed how plants respond to
      locally enhanced cytokinin signaling. Early flowering time, a prolonged
      reproductive growth phase, and, thereby, increased seed yield suggest that
      cytokinin regulates various aspects of reproductive growth. In particular, it
      counteracts the global proliferative arrest, a correlative inhibition of maternal
      growth by seeds, an as yet unknown activity of the hormone.

PMID- 28096193
TI  - Announcing Additional Leadership in Plant Biology.

PMID- 28096191
TI  - Allosteric modulation of the substrate specificity of acyl-CoA wax alcohol
      acyltransferase 2.
AB  - The esterification of alcohols with fatty acids is a universal mechanism to form
      inert storage forms of sterols, di- and triacylglycerols, and retinoids. In
      ocular tissues, formation of retinyl esters is an essential step in the enzymatic
      regeneration of the visual chromophore (11-cis-retinal). Acyl-CoA wax alcohol
      acyltransferase 2 (AWAT2), also known as multifunctional O-acyltransferase
      (MFAT), is an integral membrane enzyme with a broad substrate specificity that
      has been shown to preferentially esterify 11-cis-retinol and thus contribute to
      formation of a readily available pool of cis retinoids in the eye. However, the
      mechanism by which this promiscuous enzyme can gain substrate specificity is
      unknown. Here, we provide evidence for an allosteric modulation of the enzymatic
      activity by 11-cis retinoids. This regulation is independent from cellular
      retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP), the major cis-retinoid binding protein.
      This positive-feedback regulation leads to decreased esterification rates for 9
      cis, 13-cis, or all-trans retinols and thus enables preferential synthesis of 11
      cis-retinyl esters. Finally, electron microscopy analyses of the purified enzyme
      indicate that this allosteric effect does not result from formation of functional
      oligomers. Altogether, these data provide the experimental basis for
      understanding regulation of AWAT2 substrate specificity.

PMID- 28096192
TI  - Integrated Physiological, Proteomic, and Metabolomic Analysis of Ultra Violet
      (UV) Stress Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Pinus radiata.
AB  - Globally expected changes in environmental conditions, especially the increase of
      UV irradiation, necessitate extending our knowledge of the mechanisms mediating
      tree species adaptation to this stress. This is crucial for designing new
      strategies to maintain future forest productivity. Studies focused on
      environmentally realistic dosages of UV irradiation in forest species are scarce.
      Pinus spp. are commercially relevant trees and not much is known about their
      adaptation to UV. In this work, UV treatment and recovery of Pinus radiata plants
      with dosages mimicking future scenarios, based on current models of UV radiation,
      were performed in a time-dependent manner. The combined metabolome and proteome
      analysis were complemented with measurements of + physiological parameters and
      gene expression. Sparse PLS analysis revealed complex molecular interaction
      networks of molecular and physiological data. Early responses prevented
      phototoxicity by reducing photosystem activity and the electron transfer chain
      together with the accumulation of photoprotectors and photorespiration. Apart
      from the reduction in photosynthesis as consequence of the direct UV damage on
      the photosystems, the primary metabolism was rearranged to deal with the
      oxidative stress while minimizing ROS production. New protein kinases and
      proteases related to signaling, coordination, and regulation of UV stress
      responses were revealed. All these processes demonstrate a complex molecular
      interaction network extending the current knowledge on UV-stress adaptation in
      pine.

PMID- 28096194
TI  - Autologous Cell Therapy for Peripheral Arterial Disease: Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Nonrandomized, and Noncontrolled Studies.
AB  - RATIONALE: Critical limb ischemia is a life-threatening complication of
      peripheral arterial disease. In patients who are ineligible for revascularization
      procedures, there are few therapeutic alternatives, leading to amputations and
      death. OBJECTIVE: To provide a systematic review of the literature and a meta
      analysis of studies evaluating safety and efficacy of autologous cell therapy for
      intractable peripheral arterial disease/critical limb ischemia. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We retrieved 19 randomized controlled trials (837 patients), 7
      nonrandomized trials (338 patients), and 41 noncontrolled studies (1177
      patients). The primary outcome was major amputation. Heterogeneity was high, and
      publication bias could not be excluded. Despite these limitations, the primary
      analysis (all randomized controlled trials) showed that cell therapy reduced the
      risk of amputation by 37%, improved amputation-free survival by 18%, and improved
      wound healing by 59%, without affecting mortality. Cell therapy significantly
      increased ankle brachial index, increased transcutaneous oxygen tension, and
      reduced rest pain. The secondary analysis (all controlled trials; n=1175
      patients) shows that there may be potential to avoid ~1 amputation/year for every
      2 patients successfully treated. The tertiary analysis (all studies; n=2332
      patients) precisely estimated the changes in ankle brachial index, transcutaneous
      oxygen tension, rest pain, and walking capacity after cell therapy. Intramuscular
      implantation appeared more effective than intra-arterial infusion, and mobilized
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells may outperform bone marrow-mononuclear cells
      and mesenchymal stem cells. Amputation rate was improved more in trials wherein
      the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was high. Cell therapy was not associated
      with severe adverse events. Remarkably, efficacy of cell therapy on all end
      points was no longer significant in placebo-controlled randomized controlled
      trials and disappeared in randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although this meta-analysis highlights the need for more high
      quality placebo-controlled trials, equipoise may no longer be guaranteed because
      autologous cell therapy has the potential to modify the natural history of
      intractable critical limb ischemia.

PMID- 28096197
TI  - Measles Vaccination for International Airport Workers.

PMID- 28096196
TI  - Craniospinal irradiation using helical tomotherapy for central nervous system
      tumors.
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe early and late toxicity, survival and local
      control in 45 patients with primary brain tumors treated with helical tomotherapy
      craniospinal irradiation (HT-CSI). From 2006 to 2014, 45 patients with central
      nervous system malignancies were treated with HT-CSI. The most common tumors were
      medulloblastoma in 20 patients, ependymoma in 10 patients, intracranial germinoma
      (ICG) in 7 patients, and primitive neuroectodermal tumor in 4 patients.
      Hematological toxicity during treatment included leukopenia Grades 1-4 (6.7%,
      33.3%, 37.8% and 17.8%, respectively), anemia Grades 1-4 (44.4%, 22.2%, 22.2% and
      0%, respectively) and thrombocytopenia Grades 1-4 (51.1%, 15.6%, 15.6% and 6.7%,
      respectively). The most common acute toxicities were nausea, vomiting, fatigue,
      loss of appetite, alopecia and neurotoxicity. No Grade 3 or higher late toxicity
      occurred. The overall 3- and 5-year survival rates were 80% and 70%,
      respectively. Survival for the main tumor entities included 3- and 5-year
      survival rates of 80% and 70%, respectively, for patients with medulloblastoma,
      70% for both in patients with ependymoma, and 100% for both in patients with ICG.
      Relapse occurred in 11 patients (24.4%): 10 with local and 1 with multifocal
      relapse. One patient experienced a secondary cancer. M-status and the results of
      the re-evaluation at the end of treatment were significantly related to survival.
      Survival after HT-CSI was in line with the existing literature, and acute
      treatment-induced toxicity resolved quickly. Compared with conventional
      radiotherapy, HT offers benefits such as avoiding gaps and junctions, sparing
      organs, and better and more homogeneous dose distribution and coverage of the
      target volume.

PMID- 28096195
TI  - Multifunctional Mitochondrial Epac1 Controls Myocardial Cell Death.
AB  - RATIONALE: Although the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) is physiologically
      beneficial in the heart, it largely contributes to cardiac disease progression
      when dysregulated. Current evidence suggests that cAMP is produced within
      mitochondria. However, mitochondrial cAMP signaling and its involvement in
      cardiac pathophysiology are far from being understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate
      the role of MitEpac1 (mitochondrial exchange protein directly activated by cAMP
      1) in ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: We show that Epac1
      (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1) genetic ablation (Epac1-/-)
      protects against experimental myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury with reduced
      infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. As observed in vivo, Epac1 inhibition
      prevents hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced adult cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
      Interestingly, a deleted form of Epac1 in its mitochondrial-targeting sequence
      protects against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cell death. Mechanistically, Epac1
      favors Ca2+ exchange between the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondrion, by
      increasing interaction with a macromolecular complex composed of the VDAC1
      (voltage-dependent anion channel 1), the GRP75 (chaperone glucose-regulated
      protein 75), and the IP3R1 (inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor 1), leading to
      mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and opening of the mitochondrial permeability
      transition pore. In addition, our findings demonstrate that MitEpac1 inhibits
      isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 via the mitochondrial recruitment of CaMKII
      (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II), which decreases nicotinamide
      adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen synthesis, thereby, reducing the
      antioxidant capabilities of the cardiomyocyte. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal
      the existence, within mitochondria, of different cAMP-Epac1 microdomains that
      control myocardial cell death. In addition, our findings suggest Epac1 as a
      promising target for the treatment of ischemia-induced myocardial damage.

PMID- 28096198
TI  - Comparison of Triage Strategies for HPV-Positive Women: Canadian Cervical Cancer
      Screening Trial Results.
AB  - Background: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing has become a
      preferred cervical cancer screening strategy in some countries due to its
      superior sensitivity over cytology-based methods for identifying cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 2 or worse (CIN2+). Improved sensitivity has
      been accompanied by reductions in specificity and concerns regarding
      overscreening and overtreatment of women with transient or nonprogressing HR-HPV
      infections. Triage of HR-HPV+ women to colposcopy is, thus, warranted for
      appropriate management and treatment.Methods: Using data from the Canadian
      Cervical Cancer Screening Trial (CCCaST), we compared the performance of cytology
      and HR-HPV strategies to detect CIN2+ among HR-HPV+ women (age, 30-69 years).
      Colposcopy referral rates and performance gains from adding other HR-HPV
      genotypes to HPV16/18+ triage were also evaluated.Results: A strategy referring
      all women HPV16/18+ and HPV16/18-, but with atypical squamous cells of
      undetermined significance or worse cytology (ASC-US+) had the highest sensitivity
      [82.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 70.9%-91.0%] but yielded the highest
      colposcopy referral rate. HPV16/18+ triage was the next most sensitive strategy
      (64.1%; 95% CI, 51.1%-75.7%). Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or worse
      cytology (LSIL+) triage yielded a low sensitivity (32.8%; 95% CI, 21.9%-45.4%)
      but had the most favorable specificity (93.6%; 95% CI, 91.0%-95.6%), positive
      predictive value (41.5%; 95% CI, 28.1%-55.9%), and colposcopy referral rate of
      strategies examined. HPV viral load triage strategies did not perform optimally
      overall. Inclusion of HR-HPV genotypes 31 and 52 to HPV16/18+ triage provided the
      highest sensitivities.Conclusion: Concerns surrounding HPV-based screening can be
      effectively mitigated via triage.Impact: Balancing the benefits of HPV-based
      primary cervical screening with informed management recommendations for HR-HPV+
      women may decide the success of its widening utilization. Cancer Epidemiol
      Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 923-9. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096199
TI  - Trends in Radiation Therapy among Cancer Survivors in the United States, 2000
      2030.
AB  - Background: Although the number of cancer survivors has increased substantially
      over the past several decades, the composition of survivors treated with
      radiotherapy is not well defined. Radiotherapy carries unique long-term toxicity
      risks for cancer survivors. This study describes the current estimates and future
      projections of the epidemiology of 5-year cancer survivors who receive radiation
      therapy.Methods: We used cancer incidence and survival data from the
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) database linked to U.S. Census
      data to estimate the number of 5-year cancer survivors treated with radiation
      between 2000 and 2030. Future projections assumed continuing incidence and
      survival trends based on historical rates.Results: In 2016, there were an
      estimated 3.05 million cancer survivors treated with radiation, accounting for
      29% of all cancer survivors. The number of radiation-treated cancer survivors is
      projected to reach 3.38 million by 2020 and 4.17 million by 2030. In 2016, breast
      (40%) and prostate cancer (23%) composed the majority of radiation-treated
      survivors, followed by head and neck cancer (5.8%), lymphoma (5.6%), uterine
      (3.9%), and rectal cancer (3.8%). The percentage of 70 years or older radiation
      treated survivors steadily increased between 2000 and 2030.Conclusions: The next
      several years are projected to see a large increase in the number of cancer
      survivors treated with radiation.Impact: This group of cancer survivors has
      unique needs given the long-term risks of radiation, and increased research and
      awareness are required to optimize health of this growing population. Cancer
      Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 963-70. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096200
TI  - Family History of Breast Cancer, Breast Density, and Breast Cancer Risk in a U.S.
      Breast Cancer Screening Population.
AB  - Background: The utility of incorporating detailed family history into breast
      cancer risk prediction hinges on its independent contribution to breast cancer
      risk. We evaluated associations between detailed family history and breast cancer
      risk while accounting for breast density.Methods: We followed 222,019
      participants ages 35 to 74 in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, of whom
      2,456 developed invasive breast cancer. We calculated standardized breast cancer
      risks within joint strata of breast density and simple (1st-degree female
      relative) or detailed (first-degree, second-degree, or first- and second-degree
      female relative) breast cancer family history. We fit log-binomial models to
      estimate age-specific breast cancer associations for simple and detailed family
      history, accounting for breast density.Results: Simple first-degree family
      history was associated with increased breast cancer risk compared with no first
      degree history [Risk ratio (RR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-2.1 at
      age 40; RR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.7 at age 50; RR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.6 at age 60;
      RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5 at age 70). Breast cancer associations with detailed
      family history were strongest for women with first- and second-degree family
      history compared with no history (RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2 at age 40); this
      association weakened in higher age groups (RR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.88-1.5 at age 70).
      Associations did not change substantially when adjusted for breast
      density.Conclusions: Even with adjustment for breast density, a history of breast
      cancer in both first- and second-degree relatives is more strongly associated
      with breast cancer than simple first-degree family history.Impact: Future efforts
      to improve breast cancer risk prediction models should evaluate detailed family
      history as a risk factor. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 938-44.
      (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096201
TI  - Serum C-peptide, Total and High Molecular Weight Adiponectin, and Pancreatic
      Cancer: Do Associations Differ by Smoking?
AB  - Background: Studies examining associations between circulating concentrations of
      C-peptide and total adiponectin, two biomarkers related to obesity and insulin
      secretion and sensitivity and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) risk have
      shown inconsistent results and included limited numbers of smokers.Methods: We
      examined associations of these biomarkers and high molecular weight (HMW)
      adiponectin with PDA, overall, and by smoking status. We conducted a pooled
      nested case-control analysis in 3 cohorts (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and
      Ovarian Cancer Trial, Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study,
      and Cancer Prevention Study-II), with 758 cases (435 current smokers) and 1,052
      controls (531 smokers) matched by cohort, age, sex, race, blood draw date and
      follow-up time. We used conditional logistic regression adjusted for age,
      smoking, diabetes, and body mass index to calculate ORs and 95% confidence
      intervals (CI).Results: Circulating C-peptide concentration was not associated
      with PDA in never or former smokers, but was inversely associated with PDA in
      current smokers (per SD OR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54-0.84; Pinteraction = 0.005). HMW
      adiponectin was inversely associated with PDA in never smokers (OR = 0.43; 95%
      CI, 0.23-0.81), not associated in former smokers, and positively associated in
      smokers (OR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04-1.45; Pinteraction = 0.009). Total adiponectin
      was not associated with PDA in nonsmokers or current smokers.Conclusions:
      Associations of biomarkers of insulin secretion and sensitivity with PDA differ
      by smoking status. Smoking-induced pancreatic damage may explain the associations
      in smokers while mechanisms related to insulin resistance associations in
      nonsmokers.Impact: Future studies of these biomarkers and PDA should examine
      results by smoking status. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 914-22.
      (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096202
TI  - HASF (C3orf58) is a novel ligand of the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor.
AB  - We have recently shown that hypoxia and Akt-induced stem cell factor (HASF)
      protects the heart from ischemia-induced damage and promotes cardiomyocyte
      proliferation. While we have identified certain signaling pathways responsible
      for these protective effects, the receptor mediating these effects was unknown.
      Here, we undertook studies to identify the HASF receptor. A yeast two-hybrid
      screen identified a partial fragment of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor
      (IGF1R) as a binding partner of HASF. Subsequent co-immunoprecipitation
      experiments showed that HASF bound to full-length IGF1R. Binding assays revealed
      a high affinity of HASF for IGF1R. The treatment of neonatal ventricular
      cardiomyocytes with HASF resulted in the phosphorylation of IGF1R and other
      proteins known to be involved in IGF1R-mediated signaling pathways. HASF-mediated
      ERK activation was abrogated by IGF1R pharmacological inhibitors and siRNAs that
      targeted IGF1R. However, siRNA-mediated knockdown of either IGF2R or the insulin
      receptor had no effect on HASF-induced cell signaling. Additionally,
      pharmacologic inhibition of IGF1R impeded HASF's ability to induce cardiomyocyte
      proliferation. Finally, we documented that in vivo deletion of the IGF1R
      completely abolished the ability of HASF to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation
      in an overexpression mouse model providing further evidence in vivo that the
      IGF1R is the functional receptor for HASF.

PMID- 28096203
TI  - Hospital Variation in Functional Recovery After Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional status is a key patient-centric outcome, but there are
      little data on whether functional recovery post-stroke varies among hospitals.
      This study examined the distribution of functional status 3 months after stroke,
      determined whether these outcomes vary among hospitals, and identified hospital
      characteristics associated with better (or worse) functional outcomes. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Observational analysis of the AVAIL study (Adherence Evaluation
      After Ischemic Stroke-Longitudinal) included 2083 ischemic stroke patients
      enrolled from 82 US hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines-Stroke and
      AVAIL. The primary outcome was dependence or death at 3 months (modified Rankin
      Scale [mRS] score of 3-6). Secondary outcomes included functional dependence (mRS
      score of 3-5), disabled (mRS score of 2-5), and mRS evaluated as a continuous
      score. By 3 months post-discharge, 36.5% of patients were functionally dependent
      or dead. Rates of dependence or death varied widely by discharging hospitals
      (range: 0%-67%). After risk adjustment, patients had lower rates of 3-month
      dependence or death when treated at teaching hospitals (odds ratio, 0.72; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.54-0.96) and certified primary stroke centers (odds ratio,
      0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.91). In contrast, a composite measure of
      hospital-level adherence to acute stroke care performance metrics, stroke volume,
      and bed size was not associated with downstream patient functional status.
      Findings were robust across mRS end points and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS:
      One third of acute ischemic stroke patients were functionally dependent or dead 3
      months postacute stroke; functional recovery rates varied considerably among
      hospitals, supporting the need to better determine which care processes can
      maximize functional outcomes.

PMID- 28096204
TI  - Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis Timing, Ambulatory ECG Monitoring Utilization, and
      Risk of Recurrent Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of recurrence after an initial ischemic stroke or transient
      ischemic attack (TIA) may be impacted by undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF). We
      therefore assessed the impact of AF diagnosis and timing on stroke/TIA recurrence
      rates in a large real-world sample of patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using
      commercial claims data (Truven Health Analytics MarketScan), we performed a
      retrospective cohort study of patients with an index stroke or TIA event recorded
      in years 2008 through 2011. Patients were characterized by baseline oral
      anticoagulation, CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, AF diagnosis and timing with
      respect to the index stroke, and presence or absence of post-index ambulatory
      cardiac monitoring. The primary outcome was the recurrence of an ischemic stroke
      or TIA. Of 179 160 patients (age 67+/-16.2 years; 53.7% female), the Kaplan-Meier
      estimate for stroke/TIA recurrence within 1 year was 10.6%. Not having oral
      anticoagulation prescribed at baseline and having AF first diagnosed >7 days post
      stroke (late AF) was highly associated with recurrent stroke/TIA (hazard ratio,
      2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-2.1). Among patients with at least 1 year of
      follow-up, only 2.6% and 9.7% had ambulatory ECG monitoring in the 7 days and 12
      months post-stroke, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AF diagnosed after stroke is an
      important hallmark of recurrent stroke risk. Increasing the low utilization of
      cardiac monitoring after stroke could identify undiagnosed AF earlier, leading to
      appropriate oral anticoagulation treatment and a reduction in stroke/TIA
      recurrence.

PMID- 28096205
TI  - Effect of Prepublication Results on Trends in Prescribing of Antihypertensive
      Medication: Impact of the ALTITUDE (Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using
      Cardio-Renal Disease Endpoints) Trial on Aliskiren Prescribing.

PMID- 28096206
TI  - Racial and Ethnic Differences in Antihypertensive Medication Use and Blood
      Pressure Control Among US Adults With Hypertension: The National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003 to 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A key to reduce and eradicate racial disparities in hypertension
      outcomes is to understand their causes. We aimed at evaluating racial differences
      in antihypertensive drug utilization patterns and blood pressure control by
      insurance status, age, sex, and presence of comorbidities. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      total of 8796 hypertensive individuals >=18 years of age were identified from the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2012) in a repeated cross
      sectional study. During the study period, all 3 racial groups (whites, blacks,
      and Hispanics) experienced substantial increase in hypertension treatment and
      control. The overall treatment rates were 73.9% (95% confidence interval [CI],
      71.6%-76.2%), 70.8% (95% CI, 68.6%-73.0%), and 60.7% (95% CI, 57.0%-64.3%) and
      hypertension control rates were 42.9% (95% CI, 40.5%-45.2%), 36.9% (95% CI, 34.7%
      39.2%), and 31.2% (95% CI, 28.6%-33.9%) for whites, blacks, and Hispanics,
      respectively. When stratified by insurance status, blacks (odds ratio, 0.74 [95%
      CI, 0.64-0.86] for insured and 0.59 [95% CI, 0.36-0.94] for uninsured) and
      Hispanics (odds ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.60-0.91] for insured and 0.58 [95% CI,
      0.36-0.94] for uninsured) persistently had lower rates of hypertension control
      compared with whites. Racial disparities also persisted in subgroups stratified
      by age (>=60 and <60 years of age) and presence of comorbidities but worsened
      among patients <60 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Black and Hispanic patients had
      poorer hypertension control compared with whites, and these differences were more
      pronounced in younger and uninsured patients. Although black patients received
      more intensive antihypertensive therapy, Hispanics were undertreated. Future
      studies should further explore all aspects of these disparities to improve
      cardiovascular outcomes.

PMID- 28096207
TI  - Use of Strategies to Improve Door-to-Needle Times With Tissue-Type Plasminogen
      Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke in Clinical Practice: Findings from Target:
      Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The implementation of Target: Stroke Phase I, the first stage of the
      American Heart Association's national quality improvement initiative to
      accelerate door-to-needle (DTN) times, was associated with an average 15-minute
      reduction in DTN times. TARGET: Stroke phase II was launched in April 2014 with a
      goal of promoting further reduction in treatment times for tissue-type
      plasminogen activator (tPA) administration. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a
      second survey of Get With The Guidelines-Stroke hospitals regarding strategies
      used to reduce delays after Target: Stroke and quantify their association with
      DTN times. A total of 16 901 ischemic stroke patients were treated with
      intravenous tPA within 4.5 hours of symptom onset from 888 surveyed hospitals
      between June 2014 and April 2015. The patient-level median DTN time was 56
      minutes (interquartile range, 42-75), with 59.3% of patients receiving
      intravenous tPA within 60 minutes and 30.4% within 45 minutes after hospital
      arrival. Most hospitals reported routinely using a majority of Target: Stroke key
      practice strategies, although direct transport of patients to computed
      tomographic/magenetic resonance imaging scanner, premix of tPA ahead of time,
      initiation of tPA in brain imaging suite, and prompt data feedback to emergency
      medical services providers were used less frequently. Overall, we identified 16
      strategies associated with significant reductions in DTN times. Combined, a total
      of 20 minutes (95% confidence intervals 15-25 minutes) could be saved if all
      strategies were implemented. CONCLUSIONS: Get With The Guidelines-Stroke
      hospitals have initiated a majority of Target: Stroke-recommended strategies to
      reduce DTN times in acute ischemic stroke. Nevertheless, certain strategies were
      infrequently practiced and represent a potential immediate target for further
      improvements.

PMID- 28096208
TI  - Improving Door-to-Needle Times for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Effect of Rapid Patient
      Registration, Moving Directly to Computed Tomography, and Giving Alteplase at the
      Computed Tomography Scanner.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of specific systems changes to reduce DTN (door-to
      needle) time has not been fully evaluated. We analyzed the impact of 4 specific
      DTN time reduction strategies implemented prospectively in a staggered fashion.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: The HASTE (Hurry Acute Stroke Treatment and Evaluation)
      project was implemented in 3 phases at a single academic medical center. In HASTE
      I (June 6, 2012 to June 5, 2013), baseline performance was analyzed. In HASTE II
      (June 6, 2013 to January 24, 2015), 3 changes were implemented: (1) a STAT stroke
      protocol to prenotify the stroke team about incoming stroke patients; (2)
      administering alteplase at the computed tomography (CT) scanner; and (3)
      registering the patient as unknown to allow immediate order entry. In HASTE III
      (January 25, 2015 to June 29, 2015), we implemented a process to bring the
      patient directly to CT on the emergency medical services stretcher. Log
      transformed DTN time was modeled. Data from 350 consecutive alteplase-treated
      patients were analyzed. Multivariable regression showed the following factors to
      be significant: giving alteplase in the CT (32% decrease in DTN time, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 38%-55%), stretcher to CT (30% decrease in DTN time, 95%
      CI 16%-42%), patient registered as unknown (12% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 3%
      20%), STAT stroke protocol (11% decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 1%-20%), and stroke
      severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 6-8: 19% decrease in
      DTN time, 95% CI 6%-31%; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >8: 27%
      decrease in DTN time, 95% CI 17%-37%). CONCLUSIONS: Taking the patient to CT on
      the emergency medical services stretcher, registering the patient as unknown,
      STAT stroke protocol, and administering alteplase in CT are associated with lower
      DTN time.

PMID- 28096209
TI  - Use of Mixed Methods Research in Research on Coronary Artery Disease, Diabetes
      Mellitus, and Hypertension: A Scoping Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mixed methods research, the use of both qualitative and quantitative
      methods within 1 program of study, is becoming increasingly popular to allow
      investigators to explore patient experiences (qualitative) and also measure
      outcomes (quantitative). Coronary artery disease and its risk factors are some of
      the most studied conditions; however, the extent to which mixed methods studies
      are being conducted in these content areas is unknown. We sought to
      comprehensively describe the characteristics of published mixed methods studies
      on coronary artery disease and major risk factors (diabetes mellitus and
      hypertension). METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a scoping review of the
      literature indexed in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL. We identified 811
      abstracts for screening, of which 254 articles underwent full-text review and 97
      reports of 81 studies met criteria for inclusion. The majority of studies in this
      area were conducted in the past 10 years by nurse researchers from the United
      States and United Kingdom. Diabetes mellitus was the most common content area for
      mixed methods investigation (compared with coronary artery disease and
      hypertension). Most authors described their rationale for using mixed methods as
      complementarity and did not describe study priority or how they reconciled
      differences in methodological paradigms. Some mixed methods study designs were
      more commonly used than others, including concurrent timing and integration at
      the interpretation stage. Qualitative strands were most commonly descriptive
      studies using interviews for data collection. Quantitative strands were most
      commonly cross-sectional observational studies, which relied heavily on self
      report data such as surveys and scales. CONCLUSIONS: Although mixed methods
      research is becoming increasingly popular in the area of coronary artery disease
      and its risk factors, many of the more advanced mixed methods, qualitative, and
      quantitative techniques have not been commonly used in these areas.

PMID- 28096210
TI  - Pace of Progress in Stroke Thrombolysis: Are Hospitals Running To Stand Still?

PMID- 28096211
TI  - Primate embryogenesis predicts the hallmarks of human naive pluripotency.
AB  - Naive pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) resemble the preimplantation
      epiblast and efficiently contribute to chimaeras. Primate ESCs correspond to the
      postimplantation embryo and fail to resume development in chimaeric assays.
      Recent data suggest that human ESCs can be 'reset' to an earlier developmental
      stage, but their functional capacity remains ill defined. Here, we discuss how
      the naive state is inherently linked to preimplantation epiblast identity in the
      embryo. We hypothesise that distinctive features of primate development provide
      stringent criteria to evaluate naive pluripotency in human and other primate
      cells. Based on our hypothesis, we define 12 key hallmarks of naive pluripotency,
      five of which are specific to primates. These hallmarks may serve as a functional
      framework to assess human naive ESCs.

PMID- 28096213
TI  - Endothelial cell regulation of salivary gland epithelial patterning.
AB  - Perfusion-independent regulation of epithelial pattern formation by the
      vasculature during organ development and regeneration is of considerable interest
      for application in restoring organ function. During murine submandibular salivary
      gland development, the vasculature co-develops with the epithelium during
      branching morphogenesis; however, it is not known whether the vasculature has
      instructive effects on the epithelium. Using pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA
      knockdown in embryonic organ explants, we determined that VEGFR2-dependent
      signaling is required for salivary gland epithelial patterning. To test directly
      for a requirement for endothelial cells in instructive epithelial patterning, we
      developed a novel ex vivo cell fractionation/reconstitution assay. Immuno
      depletion of CD31+ endothelial cells in this assay confirmed a requirement for
      endothelial cells in epithelial patterning of the gland. Depletion of endothelial
      cells or inhibition of VEGFR2 signaling in organ explants caused an aberrant
      increase in cells expressing the ductal proteins K19 and K7, with a reduction in
      Kit+ progenitor cells in the endbuds of reconstituted glands. Addition of
      exogenous endothelial cells to reconstituted glands restored epithelial
      patterning, as did supplementation with the endothelial cell-regulated
      mesenchymal factors IGFBP2 and IGFBP3. Our results demonstrate that endothelial
      cells promote expansion of Kit+ progenitor cells and suppress premature ductal
      differentiation in early developing embryonic submandibular salivary gland buds.

PMID- 28096212
TI  - Planar cell polarity in moving cells: think globally, act locally.
AB  - The planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is best known for its role in polarizing
      epithelial cells within the plane of a tissue but it also plays a role in a range
      of cell migration events during development. The mechanism by which the PCP
      pathway polarizes stationary epithelial cells is well characterized, but how PCP
      signaling functions to regulate more dynamic cell behaviors during directed cell
      migration is much less understood. Here, we review recent discoveries regarding
      the localization of PCP proteins in migrating cells and their impact on the cell
      biology of collective and individual cell migratory behaviors.

PMID- 28096214
TI  - Cartilage to bone transformation during fracture healing is coordinated by the
      invading vasculature and induction of the core pluripotency genes.
AB  - Fractures heal predominantly through the process of endochondral ossification.
      The classic model of endochondral ossification holds that chondrocytes mature to
      hypertrophy, undergo apoptosis and new bone forms by invading osteoprogenitors.
      However, recent data demonstrate that chondrocytes transdifferentiate to
      osteoblasts in the growth plate and during regeneration, yet the mechanism(s)
      regulating this process remain unknown. Here, we show a spatially-dependent
      phenotypic overlap between hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts at the
      chondro-osseous border in the fracture callus, in a region we define as the
      transition zone (TZ). Hypertrophic chondrocytes in the TZ activate expression of
      the pluripotency factors [Sox2, Oct4 (Pou5f1), Nanog], and conditional knock-out
      of Sox2 during fracture healing results in reduction of the fracture callus and a
      delay in conversion of cartilage to bone. The signal(s) triggering expression of
      the pluripotency genes are unknown, but we demonstrate that endothelial cell
      conditioned medium upregulates these genes in ex vivo fracture cultures,
      supporting histological evidence that transdifferentiation occurs adjacent to the
      vasculature. Elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying
      fracture repair is important for understanding why some fractures fail to heal
      and for developing novel therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 28096215
TI  - Brassinosteroid signaling directs formative cell divisions and protophloem
      differentiation in Arabidopsis root meristems.
AB  - Brassinosteroids (BRs) trigger an intracellular signaling cascade through its
      receptors BR INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1), BRI1-LIKE 1 (BRL1) and BRL3. Recent studies
      suggest that BR-independent inputs related to vascular differentiation, for
      instance root protophloem development, modulate downstream BR signaling
      components. Here, we report that protophloem sieve element differentiation is
      indeed impaired in bri1 brl1 brl3 mutants, although this effect might not be
      mediated by canonical downstream BR signaling components. We also found that
      their small meristem size is entirely explained by reduced cell elongation, which
      is, however, accompanied by supernumerary formative cell divisions in the radial
      dimension. Thus, reduced cell expansion in conjunction with growth retardation,
      because of the need to accommodate supernumerary formative divisions, can account
      for the overall short root phenotype of BR signaling mutants. Tissue-specific re
      addition of BRI1 activity partially rescued subsets of these defects through
      partly cell-autonomous, partly non-cell-autonomous effects. However, protophloem
      specific BRI1 expression essentially rescued all major bri1 brl1 brl3 root
      meristem phenotypes. Our data suggest that BR perception in the protophloem is
      sufficient to systemically convey BR action in the root meristem context.

PMID- 28096216
TI  - Basal filopodia and vascular mechanical stress organize fibronectin into pillars
      bridging the mesoderm-endoderm gap.
AB  - Cells may exchange information with other cells and tissues by exerting forces on
      the extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibronectin (FN) is an important ECM component
      that forms fibrils through cell contacts and creates directionally biased
      geometry. Here, we demonstrate that FN is deposited as pillars between widely
      separated germ layers, namely the somitic mesoderm and the endoderm, in quail
      embryos. Alongside the FN pillars, long filopodia protrude from the basal
      surfaces of somite epithelial cells. Loss-of-function of Ena/VASP, alpha5beta1
      integrins or talin in the somitic cells abolished the FN pillars, indicating that
      FN pillar formation is dependent on the basal filopodia through these molecules.
      The basal filopodia and FN pillars are also necessary for proper somite
      morphogenesis. We identified a new mechanism contributing to FN pillar formation
      by focusing on cyclic expansion of adjacent dorsal aorta. Maintenance of the
      directional alignment of the FN pillars depends on pulsatile blood flow through
      the dorsal aortae. These results suggest that the FN pillars are specifically
      established through filopodia-mediated and pulsating force-related mechanisms.

PMID- 28096217
TI  - High-throughput analysis reveals novel maternal germline RNAs crucial for
      primordial germ cell preservation and proper migration.
AB  - During oogenesis, hundreds of maternal RNAs are selectively localized to the
      animal or vegetal pole, including determinants of somatic and germline fates.
      Although microarray analysis has identified localized determinants, it is not
      comprehensive and is limited to known transcripts. Here, we utilized high
      throughput RNA-sequencing analysis to comprehensively interrogate animal and
      vegetal pole RNAs in the fully grown Xenopus laevis oocyte. We identified 411
      (198 annotated) and 27 (15 annotated) enriched mRNAs at the vegetal and animal
      pole, respectively. Ninety were novel mRNAs over 4-fold enriched at the vegetal
      pole and six were over 10-fold enriched at the animal pole. Unlike mRNAs,
      microRNAs were not asymmetrically distributed. Whole-mount in situ hybridization
      confirmed that all 17 selected mRNAs were localized. Biological function and
      network analysis of vegetally enriched transcripts identified protein-modifying
      enzymes, receptors, ligands, RNA-binding proteins, transcription factors and co
      factors with five defining hubs linking 47 genes in a network. Initial functional
      studies of maternal vegetally localized mRNAs show that sox7 plays a novel and
      important role in primordial germ cell (PGC) development and that ephrinB1
      (efnb1) is required for proper PGC migration. We propose potential pathways
      operating at the vegetal pole that highlight where future investigations might be
      most fruitful.

PMID- 28096221
TI  - Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-assisted gene targeting enables rapid and precise genetic
      manipulation of mammalian neural stem cells.
AB  - Mammalian neural stem cell (NSC) lines provide a tractable model for discovery
      across stem cell and developmental biology, regenerative medicine and
      neuroscience. They can be derived from foetal or adult germinal tissues and
      continuously propagated in vitro as adherent monolayers. NSCs are clonally
      expandable, genetically stable, and easily transfectable - experimental
      attributes compatible with targeted genetic manipulations. However, gene
      targeting, which is crucial for functional studies of embryonic stem cells, has
      not been exploited to date in NSC lines. Here, we deploy CRISPR/Cas9 technology
      to demonstrate a variety of sophisticated genetic modifications via gene
      targeting in both mouse and human NSC lines, including: (1) efficient targeted
      transgene insertion at safe harbour loci (Rosa26 and AAVS1); (2) biallelic
      knockout of neurodevelopmental transcription factor genes; (3) simple knock-in of
      epitope tags and fluorescent reporters (e.g. Sox2-V5 and Sox2-mCherry); and (4)
      engineering of glioma mutations (TP53 deletion; H3F3A point mutations). These
      resources and optimised methods enable facile and scalable genome editing in
      mammalian NSCs, providing significant new opportunities for functional genetic
      analysis.

PMID- 28096224
TI  - Supra and infratentorial ectopic schwannoma mimicking a meningioma.
AB  - We report the case of a supra and infratentorial ectopic schwannoma, mimicking a
      meningioma, that was surgically resected on a 75-year-old man, with a history of
      progressive visual loss and headaches. MRI was in favour of an occipital, cystic,
      tentorial-based meningioma extending to the posterior fossa, with signs of
      intratumoral haemorrhage. This is a unique case because of the rare type of
      lesion, in a very atypical location, completely unexpected by the preoperative
      imaging analysis, and to the best of our knowledge it is the oldest patient
      reported in the literature with this kind of tumour.

PMID- 28096225
TI  - Not so patchy story of attempted suicide...leading to 24 hours of deep sleep and
      survival!
AB  - Here, we present a somewhat unusual suicide attempt where, despite an
      unbelievable overdose with transdermal fentanyl patches, the patient survived.
      The patient-a woman aged 70 years, who has suffered from chronic back pain
      despite starting transdermal fentanyl patches in 2007. The unconventional method
      of attempted suicide was based on online research into deaths from fentanyl patch
      toxicity. She had gradually accumulated 100 ug fentanyl patches from repeat
      prescriptions, applying 14 patches with fatal intent, alongside 2 45 mg
      mirtazapine tablets, and concurrent therapeutic doses of tramadol and morphine
      sulfate oral solution. However, after 24 hours, she awoke from a deep sleep to
      the sound of the telephone ringing, somewhat amazed her drastic efforts had
      failed. During admission to Great Western hospital, she was seen by liaison
      psychiatry and subsequently transferred to the care of the pain management team,
      to which she had already been referred.

PMID- 28096223
TI  - Combination Therapy With Exenatide Plus Pioglitazone Versus Basal/Bolus Insulin
      in Patients With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes on Sulfonylurea Plus
      Metformin: The Qatar Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Qatar Study was designed to examine the efficacy of combination
      therapy with exenatide plus pioglitazone versus basal/bolus insulin in patients
      with long-standing poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on metformin
      plus a sulfonylurea. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study randomized 231
      patients with poorly controlled (HbA1c >7.5%, 58 mmol/mol) T2DM on a sulfonylurea
      plus metformin to receive 1) pioglitazone plus weekly exenatide (combination
      therapy) or 2) basal plus prandial insulin (insulin therapy) to maintain HbA1c
      <7.0% (53 mmol/mol). RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 12 months, combination
      therapy caused a robust decrease in HbA1c from 10.0 +/- 0.6% (86 +/- 5.2
      mmol/mol) at baseline to 6.1 +/- 0.1% (43 +/- 0.7 mmol/mol) compared with 7.1 +/-
      0.1% (54 +/- 0.8 mmol/mol) in subjects receiving insulin therapy. Combination
      therapy was effective in lowering the HbA1c independent of sex, ethnicity, BMI,
      or baseline HbA1c. Subjects in the insulin therapy group experienced
      significantly greater weight gain and a threefold higher rate of hypoglycemia
      than patients in the combination therapy group. CONCLUSIONS: Combination
      exenatide/pioglitazone therapy is a very effective and safe therapeutic option in
      patients with long-standing poorly controlled T2DM on metformin plus a
      sulfonylurea.

PMID- 28096222
TI  - First Infant Formula Type and Risk of Islet Autoimmunity in The Environmental
      Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Studies on the introduction of infant formulas and its effect on the
      risk of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes (T1D) have yielded inconsistent
      results. We investigated whether the introduction of formula based on hydrolyzed
      cow's milk as the first formula is associated with reduced islet autoimmunity
      risk in a large prospective cohort. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The
      Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study prospectively
      monitors 8,676 children at increased genetic risk for T1D. Autoantibodies to
      insulin, GAD65, and IA2 were measured regularly to define islet autoimmunity.
      Information on formula feeding was collected by questionnaires at 3 months of
      age. RESULTS: In survival analyses, after adjustment for family history with T1D,
      HLA genotype, sex, country, delivery mode, breast-feeding >=3 months, and
      seasonality of birth, we observed no significant association with islet
      autoimmunity in infants who received extensively hydrolyzed compared with
      nonhydrolyzed cow's milk-based formula as the first formula during the first 3
      months (adjusted hazard ratio 1.38 [95% CI 0.95; 2.01]), and a significantly
      increased risk for extensively hydrolyzed formula introduced during the first 7
      days (adjusted hazard ratio 1.57 [1.04; 2.38]). Using a partially hydrolyzed or
      other formula as the first formula, or no formula, was not associated with islet
      autoimmunity risk. CONCLUSIONS: These results add to the existing evidence that
      islet autoimmunity risk is not reduced, and may be increased, by using hydrolyzed
      compared with nonhydrolyzed cow's milk-based infant formula as the first formula
      in infants at increased genetic risk for T1D.

PMID- 28096226
TI  - Disseminated adenovirus infection causing severe ARDS.
AB  - A previously healthy young man with a rare genetic condition presented with
      severe acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to pneumonia with septic
      shock. He did not improve with conventional therapy for his known causal organism
      thus prompting further workup. He was found to be profoundly immunosuppressed
      raising our suspicion for atypical organisms. A bronchoalveolar lavage sample was
      positive via PCR for adenovirus which we suspect exacerbated a pre-existing
      bacterial pneumonia and led to a severe and non-responsive respiratory failure.
      His serum adenovirus load was markedly elevated. Treatment was started once the
      diagnosis of disseminated adenovirus infection was made; however, at that time
      patient was suffering from refractory hypoxaemia, respiratory acidosis, right
      heart failure and septic shock. Despite maximal supportive measures our patient
      ultimately expired over the course of 6 days.

PMID- 28096227
TI  - Atypical presentation of Bezold's and Citelli's abscesses, with recollection
      following an incomplete postoperative course of antibiotics.
AB  - Bezold's and Citelli's abscesses are rare complications of otitis media. We
      present a case of a 44-year-old Eastern European man, with a history of recurrent
      otitis media, who was admitted to hospital with mastoiditis and initially treated
      with antibiotics. Despite clinical improvement, a CT scan showed mastoiditis with
      Bezold's and Citelli's abscesses. The patient underwent a myringotomy and grommet
      insertion, in addition to a cortical mastoidectomy and curettage of the neck
      abscesses. After a good recovery, he was discharged home. However, likely due to
      the language barrier, he did not complete a course of antibiotics as prescribed,
      and the abscess re-collected, necessitating a re-admission and re-operation. This
      report illustrates the importance of considering rare features of a common
      disease in the differential, and of communication in ensuring compliance.

PMID- 28096228
TI  - Ingestion of cylindrical batteries and its management.
AB  - In contrast to the ingestion of coin batteries, the ingestion of cylindrical
      batteries is an uncommon medical presentation. Owing to their larger size,
      cylindrical battery ingestion can lead to serious complications including
      intestinal haemorrhage, bowel obstruction, bowel perforation, peritonitis and
      even death. We discuss the case of a 17-year-old girl who presented after
      swallowing three cylindrical batteries. Her medical history included depression
      and previous battery ingestion that required surgical removal. During this
      presentation however, these ingested batteries were removed endoscopically at
      oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy. The patient was subsequently
      discharged without complication. This paper discusses the complications and
      management of cylindrical battery ingestion.

PMID- 28096229
TI  - Disseminated melioidosis in the head and neck.
AB  - A 35-year-old man was admitted to an intensive care unit with unilateral facial
      swelling and septic shock after multiple presentations to the emergency
      department with non-specific unilateral pain over the parotid area. A CT scan of
      his neck showed diffuse right-sided facial soft tissue infection, mastoid
      effusion and temporal lobe cerebritis. The upper lobes of his lungs had
      cannonball lesions that were suggestive of septic lung metastases. Blood cultures
      and ear canal swabs were positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei The temporal lobe
      cerebritis eventually developed into an abscess, necessitating a cortical
      mastoidectomy, craniectomy and temporal lobectomy. After the surgical
      interventions, antibiotic therapy was continued for a further 6 months. The
      patient remained well and had no signs of recurrence up to 7 months after the
      initial presentation.

PMID- 28096230
TI  - Haemodialysis in acute paracetamol poisoning.
AB  - A woman aged 23 years presented late with clinical and biochemical features of a
      life-threatening paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose. Despite instigating N
      acetylcysteine treatment, due to evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction together
      with an exceedingly high paracetamol level, the decision was made to dialyse the
      patient acutely to remove the parent drug. This was highly effective, and with on
      going supportive care, the patient made a full recovery without the need for
      transplantation. This case highlights the role of extracorporeal therapy as a
      treatment option in selected cases of paracetamol overdose, consistent with the
      international guidelines.

PMID- 28096231
TI  - Roles of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the biosynthesis of hemiketals E2
      and D2 by activated human leukocytes.
AB  - The 2 hemiketal (HK) eicosanoids HKD2 and HKE2 are the major products of the
      biosynthetic crossover of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
      pathways. HKs result from the rearrangement of a di-endoperoxide intermediate
      formed in the COX-2-dependent oxygenation of 5S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5S
      HETE). We analyzed HK biosynthesis in human leukocytes stimulated ex vivo and
      defined the biosynthetic roles of 5-LOX and COX-2, using inhibitors and
      incubations with exogenous substrates. Activation of leukocytes with LPS followed
      by treatment with the calcium ionophore A23187 resulted in the formation of PGE2,
      5-HETE, and LTB4 as the principal metabolites of COX-2 and 5-LOX, respectively.
      The formation of HKD2 and HKE2 was highest after 15 min LPS treatment, and at
      that time, levels were similar to PGE2, but less than 5-HETE and LTB4 The time
      course of HK formation paralleled that of 5-HETE and LTB4, implying the
      availability of the 5S-HETE substrate as a limiting factor in biosynthesis rather
      than expression levels of COX-2. Specific inhibitors of COX-2 and 5-LOX decreased
      formation of HKD2 and HKE2 Platelets did not form HKs from exogenous 5S-HETE,
      implying that COX-1 is not involved. HKs are early products during an
      inflammatory event and require cells that express 5-LOX and COX-2 for their
      biosynthesis.-Gimenez-Bastida, J. A., Shibata, T., Uchida, K., Schneider, C.
      Roles of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the biosynthesis of hemiketals E2
      and D2 by activated human leukocytes.

PMID- 28096232
TI  - PR-957, a selective inhibitor of immunoproteasome subunit low-MW polypeptide 7,
      attenuates experimental autoimmune neuritis by suppressing Th17-cell
      differentiation and regulating cytokine production.
AB  - Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is a CD4+ T-cell-mediated autoimmune
      inflammatory demyelinating disease of the peripheral nervous system. It has been
      replicated in an animal model of human inflammatory demyelinating
      polyradiculoneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome. In this study, we evaluated the
      therapeutic efficacy of a selective inhibitor of the immunoproteasome subunit,
      low-MW polypeptide 7 (PR-957) in rats with EAN. Our results showed that PR-957
      significantly delayed onset day, reduced severity and shortened duration of EAN,
      and alleviated demyelination and inflammatory infiltration in sciatic nerves. In
      addition to significantly regulating expression of the cytokine profile, PR-957
      treatment down-regulated the proportion of proinflammatory T-helper (Th)17 cells
      in sciatic nerves and spleens of rats with EAN. Data presented show the role of
      PR-957 in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway.
      PR-957 not only decreased expression of IL-6 and IL-23 but also led to down
      regulation of STAT3 phosphorylation in CD4+ T cells. Regulation of the STAT3
      pathway led to a reduction in retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma t
      and IL-17 production. Furthermore, reduction of STAT3 phosphorylation may have
      directly suppressed Th17-cell differentiation. Therefore, our study demonstrates
      that PR-957 could potently alleviate inflammation in rats with EAN and that it
      may be a likely candidate for treating Guillain-Barre syndrome.-Liu, H., Wan, C.,
      Ding, Y., Han, R., He, Y., Xiao, J., Hao, J. PR-957, a selective inhibitor of
      immunoproteasome subunit low-MW polypeptide 7, attenuates experimental autoimmune
      neuritis by suppressing Th17-cell differentiation and regulating cytokine
      production.

PMID- 28096233
TI  - Role of the constant region domain in the structural diversity of human antibody
      light chains.
AB  - Issues regarding the structural diversity (heterogeneity) of an antibody molecule
      have been the subject of discussion along with the development of antibody drugs.
      Research on heterogeneity has been extensive in recent years, but no clear
      solution has been reached. Heterogeneity is also observed in catalytic antibody
      kappa light chains (CLs). In this study, we investigated how the constant region
      domain of CLs concerns structural diversity because it is a simple and good
      example for elucidating heterogeneity. By means of cation-exchange
      chromatography, SDS-PAGE, and 2-dimensional electrophoresis for the CL,
      multimolecular forms consisting of different electrical charges and molecular
      sizes coexisted in the solution, resulting in the similar heterogeneity of the
      full length of CLs. The addition of copper ion could cause the multimolecular
      forms to change to monomolecular forms. Copper ion contributed greatly to the
      enrichment of the dimer form of CL and the homogenization of the differently
      charged CLs. Two molecules of the CL protein bound one copper ion. The binding
      affinity of the ion was 48.0 MUM-1 Several divalent metal ions were examined, but
      only zinc showed a similar effect.-Hifumi, E., Taguchi, H., Kato, R., Uda, T.
      Role of the constant region domain in the structural diversity of human antibody
      light chains.

PMID- 28096234
TI  - Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase enables anaplerotic refilling of TCA cycle
      intermediates in stroke-affected brain.
AB  - Ischemic stroke results in excessive release of glutamate, which contributes to
      neuronal cell death. Here, we test the hypothesis that otherwise neurotoxic
      glutamate can be productively metabolized by glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase
      (GOT) to maintain cellular energetics and protect the brain from ischemic stroke
      injury. The GOT-dependent metabolism of glutamate was studied in primary neural
      cells and in stroke-affected C57-BL6 mice using magnetic resonance spectroscopy
      and GC-MS. Extracellular Glu sustained cell viability under hypoglycemic
      conditions and increased GOT-mediated metabolism in vitro Correction of stroke
      induced hypoxia using supplemental oxygen in vivo lowered Glu levels as measured
      by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. GOT knockdown abrogated this effect and
      caused ATP loss in the stroke-affected brain. GOT overexpression increased
      anaplerotic refilling of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates in mouse brain
      during ischemic stroke. Furthermore, GOT overexpression not only reduced ischemic
      stroke lesion volume but also attenuated neurodegeneration and improved
      poststroke sensorimotor function. Taken together, our results support a new
      paradigm that GOT enables metabolism of otherwise neurotoxic extracellular Glu
      through a truncated tricarboxylic acid cycle under hypoglycemic conditions.-Rink,
      C., Gnyawali, S., Stewart, R., Teplitsky, S., Harris, H., Roy, S., Sen, C. K.,
      Khanna, S. Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase enables anaplerotic refilling of
      TCA cycle intermediates in stroke-affected brain.

PMID- 28096237
TI  - The Human Microbiome and Cancer.
AB  - Recent scientific advances have significantly contributed to our understanding of
      the complex connection between the microbiome and cancer. Our bodies are
      continuously exposed to microbial cells, both resident and transient, as well as
      their byproducts, including toxic metabolites. Circulation of toxic metabolites
      may contribute to cancer onset or progression at locations distant from where a
      particular microbe resides. Moreover, microbes may migrate to other locations in
      the human body and become associated with tumor development. Several case-control
      metagenomics studies suggest that dysbiosis in the commensal microbiota is also
      associated with inflammatory disorders and various cancer types throughout the
      body. Although the microbiome influences carcinogenesis through mechanisms
      independent of inflammation and immune system, the most recognizable link is
      between the microbiome and cancer via the immune system, as the resident
      microbiota plays an essential role in activating, training, and modulating the
      host immune response. Immunologic dysregulation is likely to provide mechanistic
      explanations as to how our microbiome influences cancer development and cancer
      therapies. In this review, we discuss recent developments in understanding the
      human gut microbiome's relationship with cancer and the feasibility of developing
      novel cancer diagnostics based on microbiome profiles. Cancer Prev Res; 10(4);
      226-34. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096235
TI  - Role of cardiotrophin-1 in the regulation of metabolic circadian rhythms and
      adipose core clock genes in mice and characterization of 24-h circulating CT-1
      profiles in normal-weight and overweight/obese subjects.
AB  - Cardiotrophin (CT)-1 is a regulator of glucose and lipid homeostasis. In the
      present study, we analyzed whether CT-1 also acts to peripherally regulate
      metabolic rhythms and adipose tissue core clock genes in mice. Moreover, the
      circadian pattern of plasma CT-1 levels was evaluated in normal-weight and
      overweight subjects. The circadian rhythmicity of oxygen consumption rate (Vo2)
      was disrupted in aged obese CT-1-deficient (CT-1-/-) mice (12 mo). Although
      circadian rhythms of Vo2 were conserved in young lean CT-1-/- mice (2 mo), CT-1
      deficiency caused a phase shift of the acrophase. Most of the clock genes studied
      (Clock, Bmal1, and Per2) displayed a circadian rhythm in adipose tissue of both
      wild-type (WT) and CT-1-/- mice. However, the pattern was altered in CT-1-/- mice
      toward a lower percentage of the rhythm or lower amplitude, especially for Bmal1
      and Clock. Moreover, CT-1 mRNA levels in adipose tissue showed significant
      circadian fluctuations in young WT mice. In humans, CT-1 plasma profile exhibited
      a 24-h circadian rhythm in normal-weight but not in overweight subjects. The 24-h
      pattern of CT-1 was characterized by a pronounced increase during the night (from
      02:00 to 08:00). These observations suggest a potential role for CT-1 in the
      regulation of metabolic circadian rhythms.-Lopez-Yoldi, M., Stanhope, K. L.,
      Garaulet, M., Chen, X. G., Marcos-Gomez, B., Carrasco-Benso, M. P., Santa Maria,
      E. M., Escote, X., Lee, V., Nunez, M. V., Medici, V., Martinez-Anso, E., Sainz,
      N., Huerta, A. E., Laiglesia, L. M., Prieto, J., Martinez, J. A., Bustos, M.,
      Havel, P. J., Moreno-Aliaga, M. J. Role of cardiotrophin-1 in the regulation of
      metabolic circadian rhythms and adipose core clock genes in mice and
      characterization of 24-h circulating CT-1 profiles in normal-weight and
      overweight/obese subjects.

PMID- 28096236
TI  - Inhibitory Effects of gamma- and delta-Tocopherols on Estrogen-Stimulated Breast
      Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo.
AB  - Estrogens have been implicated as complete carcinogens for breast and other
      tissues through mechanisms involving increased cell proliferation, oxidative
      stress, and DNA damage. Because of their potent antioxidant activity and other
      effects, tocopherols have been shown to exert antitumor activities in various
      cancers. However, limited information is available on the effect of different
      forms of tocopherols in estrogen-mediated breast cancer. To address this, we
      examined the effects of alpha-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols as well as a
      natural gamma-tocopherol-rich mixture of tocopherols, gamma-TmT, on estrogen
      stimulated MCF-7 cells in vitro and in vivo For the in vivo studies, MCF-7 cells
      were injected into the mammary fat pad of immunodeficient mice previously
      implanted with estrogen pellets. Mice were then administered diets containing
      0.2% alpha-, gamma-, delta-tocopherol, or gamma-TmT for 5 weeks. Treatment with
      alpha-, gamma-, delta-tocopherols, and gamma-TmT reduced tumor volumes by 29% (P
      < 0.05), 45% (P < 0.05), 41% (P < 0.05), and 58% (P < 0.01), as well as tumor
      weights by 20%, 37% (P < 0.05), 39% (P < 0.05), and 52% (P < 0.05), respectively.
      gamma- and delta-tocopherols and gamma-TmT inhibited the expression of cell
      proliferation-related genes such as cyclin D1 and c-Myc, and estrogen-related
      genes such as TFF/pS2, cathepsin D, and progesterone receptor in estrogen
      stimulated MCF-7 cells in vitro Further, gamma- and delta-tocopherols decreased
      the levels of estrogen-induced oxidative stress and nitrosative stress markers, 8
      hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and nitrotyrosine, as well as the DNA damage marker,
      gamma-H2AX. Our results suggest that gamma- and delta-tocopherols and the gamma
      tocopherol-rich mixture are effective natural agents for the prevention and
      treatment of estrogen-mediated breast cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 10(3); 188-97.
      (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096238
TI  - Activation of TRPA1 Channel by Antibacterial Agent Triclosan Induces VEGF
      Secretion in Human Prostate Cancer Stromal Cells.
AB  - Accruing evidence indicates that exposure to environmental compounds may
      adversely affect human health and promote carcinogenesis. Triclosan (TCS), an
      antimicrobial agent widely used as a preservative in personal care products, has
      been shown to act as an endocrine disruptor in hormone-dependent tissues. Here,
      we demonstrate a new molecular mechanism by which TCS stimulates the secretion by
      human prostate cancer stromal cells of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),
      a factor known to promote tumor growth. This mechanism involves an increase in
      intracellular calcium levels due to the direct activation of a membrane ion
      channel. Using calcium imaging and electrophysiology techniques, we show for the
      first time that environmentally relevant concentrations of TCS activate a cation
      channel of the TRP family, TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential Ankirin 1), in
      primary cultured human prostate cancer stromal cells. The TCS-induced TRPA1
      activation increased basal calcium in stromal cells and stimulated the secretion
      of VEGF and epithelial cells proliferation. Interestingly, immunofluorescence
      labeling performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded prostate tissues showed an
      exclusive expression of the TRPA1 channel in prostate cancer stromal cells. Our
      data demonstrate an impact of the environmental factor TCS on the tumor
      microenvironment interactions, by activating a tumor stroma-specific TRPA1 ion
      channel. Cancer Prev Res; 10(3); 177-87. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096239
TI  - Skin-to-skin care in preterm infants receiving respiratory support does not lead
      to physiological instability.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Providing skin-to-skin care (SSC) to preterm infants is standard
      practice in many neonatal intensive care units. There are conflicting reports on
      the stability of oxygen saturation (SpO2) during SSC, which may create a barrier
      to a wider implementation of SSC to infants receiving respiratory support.
      Regional cerebral oxygenation (rcO2) measured using near-infrared spectroscopy
      can serve as a surrogate parameter for cerebral oxygen delivery and consumption.
      We hypothesised that rcO2 during SSC would be similar to standard care in preterm
      infants receiving respiratory support. DESIGN: Prospective observational non
      inferiority study. SETTING: Single tertiary perinatal centre in Australia.
      PATIENTS: Forty preterm infants (median (IQR) of 27.6 (26.0-28.9) weeks'
      gestation) receiving respiratory support were studied on day 8 (5-18).
      INTERVENTIONS: Ninety minutes of SSC, with infants in incubators acting as their
      own control. Parents and caregivers were blinded to the measurements. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean difference in rcO2 between SSC and incubator care; as well
      as heart rate (HR), SpO2, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and temperature,
      were compared using a paired t-test. RESULTS: rcO2 was similar during SSC (mean
      (SD) 74.9 (6.5)%)% compared with incubator care (74.7 (6.1)%, mean difference
      (95% CI) 0.2 (-0.8 to 1.1)%, p=0.71). No clinically important differences in HR,
      SpO2, FiO2 or temperature were observed in the whole cohort and by mode of
      respiratory support (endotracheal tube mechanical ventilation, continuous
      positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal cannulae). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral
      oxygenation and other physiological measurements in ventilated preterm infants
      did not differ between SSC and incubator care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      12615000959572.

PMID- 28096240
TI  - Coevolution of Leukemia and Host Immune Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
AB  - Cumulative studies on the dissection of changes in driver genetic lesions in
      cancer across the course of the disease have provided powerful insights into the
      adaptive mechanisms of tumors in response to the selective pressures of therapy
      and environmental changes. In particular, the advent of next-generation
      sequencing (NGS)-based technologies and its implementation for the large-scale
      comprehensive analyses of cancers have greatly advanced our understanding of
      cancer as a complex dynamic system wherein genetically distinct subclones
      interact and compete during tumor evolution. Aside from genetic evolution arising
      from interactions intrinsic to the cell subpopulations within tumors, it is
      increasingly appreciated that reciprocal interactions between the tumor cell and
      cellular constituents of the microenvironment further exert selective pressures
      on specific clones that can impact the balance between tumor immunity and
      immunologic evasion and escape. Herein, we review the evidence supporting these
      concepts, with a particular focus on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a
      disease that has been highly amenable to genomic interrogation and studies of
      clonal heterogeneity and evolution. Better knowledge of the basis for immune
      escape has an important clinical impact on prognostic stratification and on the
      pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities.

PMID- 28096241
TI  - The Chromodomain Helicase DNA-Binding Chromatin Remodelers: Family Traits that
      Protect from and Promote Cancer.
AB  - A plethora of mutations in chromatin regulators in diverse human cancers is
      emerging, attesting to the pivotal role of chromatin dynamics in tumorigenesis. A
      recurrent theme is inactivation of the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD)
      family of proteins-ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers that govern the cellular
      machinery's access to DNA, thereby controlling fundamental processes, including
      transcription, proliferation, and DNA damage repair. This review highlights what
      is currently known about how genetic and epigenetic perturbation of CHD proteins
      and the pathways that they regulate set the stage for cancer, providing new
      insight for designing more effective anti-cancer therapies.

PMID- 28096243
TI  - Fused in Sarcoma Neuropathology in Neurodegenerative Disease.
AB  - Abnormal intracellular accumulation of the fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein is the
      characteristic pathological feature of cases of familial amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) caused by FUS mutations (ALS-FUS) and several uncommon disorders
      that may present with sporadic frontotemporal dementia (FTLD-FUS). Although these
      findings provide further support for the concept that ALS and FTD are closely
      related clinical syndromes with an overlapping molecular basis, important
      differences in the pathological features and results from experimental models
      indicate that ALS-FUS and FTLD-FUS have distinct pathogenic mechanisms.

PMID- 28096242
TI  - Developing Therapeutics for PrP Prion Diseases.
AB  - The prototypical PrP prion diseases are invariably fatal, and the search for
      agents to treat them spans more than 30 years, with limited success. However, in
      the last few years, the application of high-throughput screening, medicinal
      chemistry, and pharmacokinetic optimization has led to important advances. The
      PrP prion inoculation paradigm provides a robust assay for testing therapeutic
      efficacy, and a dozen compounds have been reported that lead to meaningful
      extension in survival of prion-infected mice. Here, we review the history and
      recent progress in the field, focusing on studies validated in animal models.
      Based on screens in cells infected with mouse-passaged PrP prions, orally
      available compounds were generated that double or even triple the survival of
      mice infected with the same prion strain. Unfortunately, no compounds have yet
      shown efficacy against human prions. Nevertheless, the speed of the recent
      advances brings hope that an effective therapeutic can be developed. A successful
      treatment for any neurodegenerative disease would be a major achievement, and the
      growing understanding that the more common neurodegenerative diseases, including
      Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, progress by an analogous prion mechanism serves to
      highlight the importance of antiprion therapeutics.

PMID- 28096244
TI  - Experimental Models of Inherited PrP Prion Diseases.
AB  - The inherited prion protein (PrP) prion disorders, which include familial
      Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease, and fatal
      familial insomnia, constitute ~10%-15% of all PrP prion disease cases in humans.
      Attempts to generate animal models of these disorders using transgenic mice
      expressing mutant PrP have produced variable results. Although many lines of mice
      develop spontaneous signs of neurological illness with accompanying prion disease
      specific neuropathological changes, others do not. Furthermore, demonstrating the
      presence of protease-resistant PrP species and prion infectivity-two of the
      hallmarks of the PrP prion disorders-in the brains of spontaneously sick mice has
      proven particularly challenging. Here, we review the progress that has been made
      toward developing accurate mouse models of the inherited PrP prion disorders.

PMID- 28096246
TI  - Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Is Latency in Symptom Onset Explained by Tau
      Propagation?
AB  - Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative tauopathy
      associated with repetitive mild brain trauma. CTE, previously termed "dementia
      pugilistica," has been identified in American football, ice hockey, baseball,
      rugby and soccer players, boxers, wrestlers, and military personnel exposed to
      blast and other traumatic brain injuries. There is often a long latency period
      between an individual's exposure to repetitive brain trauma and the clinical
      symptoms of CTE. The pathology of CTE is characterized by a progression from
      isolated focal perivascular hyperphosphorylated tau lesions in the cerebral
      cortex to a widespread tauopathy that involves diffuse cortical and medial
      temporal lobe regions. We hypothesize that the spread of tau from focal
      perivascular lesions to a widespread tauopathy occurs as a result of
      intraneuronal and intrasynaptic prion-like protein templating, as well as tau
      secretion and propagation along glymphatic and cerebrospinal fluid pathways.

PMID- 28096245
TI  - Prion-Like Characteristics of Polyglutamine-Containing Proteins.
AB  - Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are infectious neurodegenerative
      diseases caused by the conversion of prion protein (PrP) into a self-replicating
      conformation that spreads via templated conversion of natively folded PrP
      molecules within or between cells. Recent studies provide compelling evidence
      that prion-like behavior is a general property of most protein aggregates
      associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Many of these disorders are
      associated with spontaneous protein aggregation, but genetic mutations can
      increase the aggregation propensity of specific proteins, including expansion of
      polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts, which is causative of nine inherited
      neurodegenerative diseases. Aggregates formed by polyQ-expanded huntingtin (Htt)
      in Huntington's disease can transfer between cells and seed the aggregation of
      cytoplasmic wild-type Htt in a prion-like manner. Additionally, prion-like
      properties of glutamine-rich proteins underlie nonpathological processes in yeast
      and higher eukaryotes. Here, we review current evidence supporting prion-like
      characteristics of polyQ and glutamine-rich proteins.

PMID- 28096247
TI  - Order Matters: The Order of Somatic Mutations Influences Cancer Evolution.
AB  - Cancers evolve as a consequence of multiple somatic lesions, with competition
      between subclones and sequential subclonal evolution. Some driver mutations arise
      either early or late in the evolution of different individual tumors, suggesting
      that the final malignant properties of a subclone reflect the sum of mutations
      acquired rather than the order in which they arose. However, very little is known
      about the cellular consequences of altering the order in which mutations are
      acquired. Recent studies of human myeloproliferative neoplasms show that the
      order in which individual mutations are acquired has a dramatic impact on the
      cell biological and molecular properties of tumor-initiating cells. Differences
      in clinical presentation, complications, and response to targeted therapy were
      all observed and implicate mutation order as an important player in cancer
      biology. These observations represent the first demonstration that the order of
      mutation acquisition influences stem and progenitor cell behavior and clonal
      evolution in any cancer. Thus far, the impact of different mutation orders has
      only been studied in hematological malignancies, and analogous studies of solid
      cancers are now required.

PMID- 28096249
TI  - Natural language processing to extract symptoms of severe mental illness from
      clinical text: the Clinical Record Interactive Search Comprehensive Data
      Extraction (CRIS-CODE) project.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to use natural language processing to develop a suite of
      language models to capture key symptoms of severe mental illness (SMI) from
      clinical text, to facilitate the secondary use of mental healthcare data in
      research. DESIGN: Development and validation of information extraction
      applications for ascertaining symptoms of SMI in routine mental health records
      using the Clinical Record Interactive Search (CRIS) data resource; description of
      their distribution in a corpus of discharge summaries. SETTING: Electronic
      records from a large mental healthcare provider serving a geographic catchment of
      1.2 million residents in four boroughs of south London, UK. PARTICIPANTS: The
      distribution of derived symptoms was described in 23 128 discharge summaries from
      7962 patients who had received an SMI diagnosis, and 13 496 discharge summaries
      from 7575 patients who had received a non-SMI diagnosis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Fifty
      SMI symptoms were identified by a team of psychiatrists for extraction based on
      salience and linguistic consistency in records, broadly categorised under
      positive, negative, disorganisation, manic and catatonic subgroups. Text models
      for each symptom were generated using the TextHunter tool and the CRIS database.
      RESULTS: We extracted data for 46 symptoms with a median F1 score of 0.88. Four
      symptom models performed poorly and were excluded. From the corpus of discharge
      summaries, it was possible to extract symptomatology in 87% of patients with SMI
      and 60% of patients with non-SMI diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrates
      the possibility of automatically extracting a broad range of SMI symptoms from
      English text discharge summaries for patients with an SMI diagnosis. Descriptive
      data also indicated that most symptoms cut across diagnoses, rather than being
      restricted to particular groups.

PMID- 28096250
TI  - Clinical management of unruptured intracranial aneurysm in Germany: a nationwide
      observational study over a 5-year period (2005-2009).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to provide nationwide age-standardised rates (ASR) on the
      usage of endovascular coiling and neurosurgical clipping for unruptured
      intracranial aneurysm (UIA) treatment in Germany. SETTING: Nationwide
      observational study using the Diagnosis-Related-Groups (DRG) statistics for the
      years 2005-2009 (overall 83 million hospitalisations). PARTICIPANTS: From 2005 to
      2009, overall 39 155 hospitalisations with a diagnosis of UIA occurred in
      Germany. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Age-specific and age-standardised
      hospitalisation rates for UIA with the midyear population of Germany in 2007 as
      the standard. RESULTS: Of the 10 221 hospitalisations with UIA during the
      observation period, 6098 (59.7%) and 4123 (40.3%) included coiling and clipping,
      respectively. Overall hospitalisation rates for UIA increased by 39.5% (95% CI
      24.7% to 56.0%) and 50.4% (95% CI 39.6% to 62.1%) among men and women,
      respectively. In 2005, the ASR per 100 000 person years for coiling was 0.7 (95%
      CI 0.62 to 0.78) for men and 1.7 (95% CI 1.58 to 1.82) for women. In 2009, the
      ASR was 1.0 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.10) and 2.4 (95% CI 2.24 to 2.56), respectively.
      Similarly, the ASR for clipping in 2005 amounted to 0.6 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.68) for
      men and 1.1 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.20) for women. These rates increased in 2009 to 0.8
      (95% CI 0.72 to 0.88) and 1.7 (95% CI 1.58 to 1.82), respectively. We observed a
      marked geographical variation of ASR for coiling and less pronounced for
      clipping. For the federal state of Saarland, the ASR for coiling was 5.64 (95% CI
      4.76 to 6.52) compared with 0.68 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.88; per 100 000 person years)
      in Saxony-Anhalt, whereas, ASR for clipping were highest in Rhineland-Palatinate
      (2.48, 95% CI 2.17 to 4.75) and lowest in Saxony-Anhalt (0.52, 95% CI 0.34 to
      0.70). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, we presented the first
      representative, nationwide analysis of the clinical management of UIA in Germany.
      The ASR increased markedly and showed substantial geographical variation among
      federal states for all treatment modalities during the observation period.

PMID- 28096251
TI  - Healthcare resource consumption for intermittent urinary catheterisation: cost
      effectiveness of hydrophilic catheters and budget impact analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study presents a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing
      hydrophilic coated to uncoated catheters for patients performing urinary
      intermittent catheterisation. A national budget impact analysis is also included
      to evaluate the impact of intermittent catheterisation for management of bladder
      dysfunctions over a period of 5 years. DESIGN: A Markov model (lifetime horizon,
      1 year cycle length) was developed to project health outcomes (life years and
      quality-adjusted life years) and economic consequences related to patients using
      hydrophilic coated or uncoated catheters. The model was populated with catheter
      related clinical efficacy data retrieved from randomised controlled trials and
      quality-of-life data (utility weights) from the literature. Cost data (EUR, 2015)
      were estimated on the basis of healthcare resource consumption derived from an e
      survey addressed to key opinion leaders in the field. SETTING: Italian Healthcare
      Service perspective. POPULATION: Patients with spinal cord injury performing
      intermittent urinary catheterisation in the home setting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Incremental cost-effectiveness and cost-utility ratios (ICER and ICUR) of
      hydrophilic coated versus uncoated catheters and associated healthcare budget
      impact. RESULTS: The base-case ICER and ICUR associated with hydrophilic coated
      catheters were ?20 761 and ?24 405, respectively. This implies that hydrophilic
      coated catheters are likely to be cost-effective in comparison to uncoated ones,
      as proposed Italian threshold values range between ?25 000 and ?66 400.
      Considering a market share at year 5 of 89% hydrophilic catheters and 11%
      uncoated catheters, the additional cost for Italy is approximately ?12 million in
      the next 5 years (current market share scenario for year 0: 80% hydrophilic
      catheters and 20% uncoated catheters). CONCLUSIONS: Considered over a lifetime,
      hydrophilic coated catheters are potentially a cost-effective choice in
      comparison to uncoated ones. These findings can assist policymakers in evaluating
      intermittent catheterisation in patients with spinal cord injury.

PMID- 28096252
TI  - Understanding the importance of therapeutic relationships in the development of
      self-management behaviours during cancer rehabilitation: a qualitative research
      protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a growing health, social and economic problem. 1 in 3
      people in the UK will develop cancer in their lifetime. With survival rates
      rising to over 50%, the long-term needs of cancer survivors are of growing
      importance. Cancer rehabilitation is tailored to address the physical or
      psychosocial decline in ability to engage in daily activities. Its use is
      supported by high-quality international, multicentre research. Incorporating
      strategies for self-management behaviour development into rehabilitation can
      prepare individuals for cancer survivorship. However, healthcare professionals
      will need to adjust their therapeutic interactions accordingly. Research is yet
      to clarify the impact of the therapeutic relationship on rehabilitation outcomes
      in cancer. This study aims to explore the impact of therapeutic relationships on
      self-management behaviours after cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This qualitative
      study aims to understand cancer rehabilitation participants' beliefs regarding
      the importance of therapeutic relationships in developing self-management
      behaviours. A sample representative of a local cancer rehabilitation cohort will
      be asked to complete a semistructured interview to identify their perspectives on
      the importance of therapeutic relationships in cancer rehabilitation. Data
      obtained from the interviews will be analysed, coded and entered into a Delphi
      questionnaire for circulation to a local cancer rehabilitation population to
      determine if the views expressed by the interviewees are supported by group
      consensus. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by Wales Research
      Ethics Committee 6 (15/WA/0331) in April 2016. Findings will be disseminated
      through the first author's doctoral thesis; peer-reviewed journals; local,
      national and international conference presentations; and public events involving
      research participants and the general public.

PMID- 28096253
TI  - Generic prognostic factors for musculoskeletal pain in primary care: a systematic
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To summarise the evidence for generic prognostic factors across a
      range of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. SETTING: primary care. METHODS AND
      OUTCOMES: Comprehensive systematic literature review. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO
      and EMBASE were searched for prospective cohort studies, based in primary care
      (search period-inception to December 2015). Studies were included if they
      reported on adults consulting with MSK conditions and provided data on
      associations between baseline characteristics (prognostic factors) and outcome. A
      prognostic factor was identified as generic when significantly associated with
      any outcome for 2 or more different MSK conditions. Evidence synthesis focused on
      consistency of findings and study quality. RESULTS: 14 682 citations were
      identified and 78 studies were included (involving more than 48 000 participants
      with 18 different outcome domains). 51 studies were on spinal pain/back pain/low
      back pain, 12 on neck/shoulder/arm pain, 3 on knee pain, 3 on hip pain and 9 on
      multisite pain/widespread pain. Total quality scores ranged from 5 to 14 (mean
      11) and 65 studies (83%) scored 9 or more. Out of a total of 78 different
      prognostic factors for which data were provided, the following factors are
      considered to be generic prognostic factors for MSK conditions: widespread pain,
      high functional disability, somatisation, high pain intensity and presence of
      previous pain episodes. In addition, consistent evidence was found for use of
      pain medications not to be associated with outcome, suggesting that this factor
      is not a generic prognostic factor for MSK conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This large
      review provides new evidence for generic prognostic factors for MSK conditions in
      primary care. Such factors include pain intensity, widespread pain, high
      functional disability, somatisation and movement restriction. This information
      can be used to screen and select patients for targeted treatment in clinical
      research as well as to inform the management of MSK conditions in primary care.

PMID- 28096254
TI  - Factors predicting antibiotic prescription and referral to hospital for children
      with respiratory symptoms: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled study at
      out-of-hours services in primary care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acute respiratory infections and fever among children are highly
      prevalent in primary care. It is challenging to distinguish between viral and
      bacterial infections. Norway has a relatively low prescription rate of
      antibiotics, but it is still regarded as too high as the antimicrobial resistance
      is increasing. The aim of the study was to identify predictors for prescribing
      antibiotics or referral to hospital among children. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of
      a randomised controlled study. SETTING: 4 out-of-hours services and 1 paediatric
      emergency clinic in Norwegian primary care. PARTICIPANTS: 401 children aged 0-6
      years with respiratory symptoms and/or fever visiting the out-of-hours services.
      OUTCOMES: 2 main outcome variables were registered: antibiotic prescription and
      referral to hospital. RESULTS: The total prescription rate of antibiotics was
      23%, phenoxymethylpenicillin was used in 67% of the cases. Findings on ear
      examination (OR 4.62; 95% CI 2.35 to 9.10), parents' assessment that the child
      has a bacterial infection (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.17 to 5.13) and a C reactive protein
      (CRP) value >20 mg/L (OR 3.57; 95% CI 1.43 to 8.83) were significantly associated
      with prescription of antibiotics. Vomiting in the past 24 hours was negatively
      associated with prescription (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.53). The main predictors
      significantly associated with referral to hospital were respiratory rate (OR
      1.07; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.12), oxygen saturation <95% (OR 3.39; 95% CI 1.02 to
      11.23), signs on auscultation (OR 5.57; 95% CI 1.96 to 15.84) and the parents'
      assessment before the consultation that the child needs hospitalisation (OR 414;
      95% CI 26 to 6624). CONCLUSIONS: CRP values >20 mg/L, findings on ear
      examination, use of paracetamol and no vomiting in the past 24 hours were
      significantly associated with antibiotic prescription. Affected respiration was a
      predictor for referral to hospital. The parents' assessment was also
      significantly associated with the outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      NCT02496559; Results.

PMID- 28096255
TI  - SheppHeartCABG trial-comprehensive early rehabilitation after coronary artery
      bypass grafting: a protocol for a randomised clinical trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery often
      experience a range of symptoms. Studies indicate that non-pharmacological
      interventions such as exercise training and psychoeducation have a positive
      physiological and psychological effect in early outpatient rehabilitation. The
      SheppHeartCABG trial will investigate the effect of early comprehensive
      rehabilitation in early phase rehabilitation versus usual care. The aim of this
      paper is to present the protocol for the SheppHeartCABG trial. METHODS/ANALYSIS:
      SheppHeartCABG is an investigator-initiated randomised clinical superiority trial
      with blinded outcome assessment, employing 1:1 central randomisation to
      rehabilitation plus usual care versus usual care alone. On the basis of a sample
      size calculation, 326 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting will be
      included from two clinical sites. All patients receive usual care and patients
      allocated to the experimental intervention follow 4 weeks rehabilitation
      consisting of an exercise programme, psycho-educative consultations and a compact
      mindfulness programme. The primary outcome is physical function measured by the 6
      min walk test. The secondary outcomes are mental health and physical activity
      measured by the Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF-12), anxiety and depression
      measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire, physical,
      emotional and global scores by the HeartQoL questionnaire, sleep measured by the
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, pain measured by the Orebro Musculoskeletal
      Screening Questionnaire and muscle endurance measured by the sit-to-stand test. A
      number of explorative analyses will also be conducted. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION:
      SheppHeartCABG is approved by the regional ethics committee (no. H-4-2014-109)
      and the Danish Data Protection Agency (no. 30-1309) and is performed in
      accordance with good clinical practice and the Declaration of Helsinki in its
      latest form. Positive, neutral and negative results of the trial will be
      submitted to international peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, results will be
      presented at national and international conferences relevant to the subject
      fields. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02290262; pre-results.

PMID- 28096256
TI  - Chronic symptoms in a representative sample of community-dwelling older people: a
      cross-sectional study in Switzerland.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The burden of multiple diagnoses is well documented in older people,
      but less is known about chronic symptoms, many of which are even not brought to
      medical attention. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic
      symptoms, their relationships with disability in basic activities of daily living
      (BADL) and quality of life (QoL), and their public health impact. DESIGN: A large
      cross-sectional population-based study. SETTING: Community in 2 regions of French
      speaking Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older adults aged 68 years
      and older in 2011 (N=5300). OUTCOMES: Disability in BADL defined as difficulty or
      help needed with any of dressing, bathing, eating, getting in/out of bed or an
      arm chair, and using the toilet. Overall QoL dichotomised as favourable (ie,
      excellent or very good) or unfavourable (ie, good, fair or poor). Disturbance by
      any of the following 14 chronic symptoms for at least 6 months: joint pain, back
      pain, chest pain, dyspnoea, persistent cough, swollen legs, memory gaps,
      difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions, dizziness/vertigo, skin
      problems, stomach/intestine problems, urinary incontinence and impaired sexual
      life. RESULTS: Only 17.1% of participants did not report being disturbed by any
      of these chronic symptoms. Weighted prevalence ranged from 3.1% (chest pain) to
      47.7% (joint pain). Most chronic symptoms were significantly associated with
      disability in BADL or unfavourable QoL, with substantial gender differences. The
      number of chronic symptoms was significantly associated with disability in BADL
      and unfavourable QoL, with gradients suggesting dose-response relationships.
      Joint pain and back pain had the highest population attributable fractions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Chronic symptoms are highly prevalent in older people, and are
      associated with disability in BADL and unfavourable QoL, particularly when
      multiple chronic symptoms co-occur. Owing to their high public health impact,
      musculoskeletal chronic symptoms represent good targets for preventive
      interventions.

PMID- 28096257
TI  - Inhibition of Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide Receptor Signaling in Adipose Tissue
      Reduces Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Steatosis in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice.
AB  - Gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) directly induces energy
      accumulation in adipose tissue in vitro. However, the importance of the direct
      effect of GIPR signaling on adipose tissue in vivo remains unclear. In the
      current study, we generated adipose tissue-specific GIPR knockout (GIPRadipo-/-)
      mice and investigated the direct actions of GIP in adipose tissue. Under high-fat
      diet (HFD)-fed conditions, GIPRadipo-/- mice had significantly lower body weight
      and lean body mass compared with those in floxed GIPR (GIPRfl/fl) mice, although
      the fat volume was not significantly different between the two groups.
      Interestingly, insulin resistance, liver weight, and hepatic steatosis were
      reduced in HFD-fed GIPRadipo-/- mice. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a
      proinflammatory cytokine that induces insulin resistance, were reduced in HFD-fed
      GIPRadipo-/- mice compared with those in HFD-fed GIPRfl/fl mice. Suppressor of
      cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) signaling is located downstream of the IL-6 receptor
      and is associated with insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Expression
      levels of SOCS3 mRNA were significantly lower in adipose and liver tissues of HFD
      fed GIPRadipo-/- mice compared with those of HFD-fed GIPRfl/fl mice. Thus, GIPR
      signaling in adipose tissue plays a critical role in HFD-induced insulin
      resistance and hepatic steatosis in vivo, which may involve IL-6 signaling.

PMID- 28096259
TI  - Bariatric Surgery Enhances Splanchnic Vascular Responses in Patients With Type 2
      Diabetes.
AB  - Bariatric surgery results in notable weight loss and alleviates hyperglycemia in
      patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to characterize the vascular
      effects of a mixed meal and infusion of exogenous glucose-dependent
      insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in the splanchnic region in 10 obese patients
      with T2D before and after bariatric surgery and in 10 lean control subjects. The
      experiments were carried out on two separate days. Pancreatic and intestinal
      blood flow (BF) were measured at baseline, 20 min, and 50 min with 15O-water by
      using positron emission tomography and MRI. Before surgery, pancreatic and
      intestinal BF responses to a mixed meal did not differ between obese and lean
      control subjects. Compared with presurgery, the mixed meal induced a greater
      increase in plasma glucose, insulin, and GIP concentrations after surgery, which
      was accompanied by a marked augmentation of pancreatic and intestinal BF
      responses. GIP infusion decreased pancreatic but increased small intestinal BF
      similarly in all groups both before and after surgery. Taken together, these
      results demonstrate that bariatric surgery leads to enhanced splanchnic vascular
      responses as a likely consequence of rapid glucose appearance and GIP
      hypersecretion.

PMID- 28096261
TI  - Tuning Collective Cell Migration by Cell-Cell Junction Regulation.
AB  - Collective cell migration critically depends on cell-cell interactions coupled to
      a dynamic actin cytoskeleton. Important cell-cell adhesion receptor systems
      implicated in controlling collective movements include cadherins, immunoglobulin
      superfamily members (L1CAM, NCAM, ALCAM), Ephrin/Eph receptors, Slit/Robo,
      connexins and integrins, and an adaptive array of intracellular adapter and
      signaling proteins. Depending on molecular composition and signaling context,
      cell-cell junctions adapt their shape and stability, and this gradual junction
      plasticity enables different types of collective cell movements such as
      epithelial sheet and cluster migration, branching morphogenesis and sprouting,
      collective network migration, as well as coordinated individual-cell migration
      and streaming. Thereby, plasticity of cell-cell junction composition and turnover
      defines the type of collective movements in epithelial, mesenchymal, neuronal,
      and immune cells, and defines migration coordination, anchorage, and cell
      dissociation. We here review cell-cell adhesion systems and their functions in
      different types of collective cell migration as key regulators of collective
      plasticity.

PMID- 28096258
TI  - Regulation of Glucose Uptake and Enteroendocrine Function by the Intestinal
      Epithelial Insulin Receptor.
AB  - Insulin receptors (IRs) and IGF-I receptors (IGF-IR) are major regulators of
      metabolism and cell growth throughout the body; however, their roles in the
      intestine remain controversial. Here we show that genetic ablation of the IR or
      IGF-IR in intestinal epithelial cells of mice does not impair intestinal growth
      or development or the composition of the gut microbiome. However, the loss of IRs
      alters intestinal epithelial gene expression, especially in pathways related to
      glucose uptake and metabolism. More importantly, the loss of IRs reduces
      intestinal glucose uptake. As a result, mice lacking the IR in intestinal
      epithelium retain normal glucose tolerance during aging compared with controls,
      which show an age-dependent decline in glucose tolerance. Loss of the IR also
      results in a reduction of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)
      expression from enteroendocrine K-cells and decreased GIP release in vivo after
      glucose ingestion but has no effect on glucagon-like peptide 1 expression or
      secretion. Thus, the IR in the intestinal epithelium plays important roles in
      intestinal gene expression, glucose uptake, and GIP production, which may
      contribute to pathophysiological changes in individuals with diabetes, metabolic
      syndrome, and other insulin-resistant states.

PMID- 28096260
TI  - FGF21 Mediates the Thermogenic and Insulin-Sensitizing Effects of Dietary
      Methionine Restriction but Not Its Effects on Hepatic Lipid Metabolism.
AB  - Dietary methionine restriction (MR) produces a rapid and persistent remodeling of
      white adipose tissue (WAT), an increase in energy expenditure (EE), and
      enhancement of insulin sensitivity. Recent work established that hepatic
      expression of FGF21 is robustly increased by MR. Fgf21-/- mice were used to test
      whether FGF21 is an essential mediator of the physiological effects of dietary
      MR. The MR-induced increase in energy intake and EE and activation of
      thermogenesis in WAT and brown adipose tissue were lost in Fgf21-/- mice.
      However, dietary MR produced a comparable reduction in body weight and adiposity
      in both genotypes because of a negative effect of MR on energy intake in Fgf21-/-
      mice. Despite the similar loss in weight, dietary MR produced a more significant
      increase in in vivo insulin sensitivity in wild-type than in Fgf21-/- mice,
      particularly in heart and inguinal WAT. In contrast, the ability of MR to
      regulate lipogenic and integrated stress response genes in liver was not
      compromised in Fgf21-/- mice. Collectively, these findings illustrate that FGF21
      is a critical mediator of the effects of dietary MR on EE, remodeling of WAT, and
      increased insulin sensitivity but not of its effects on hepatic gene expression.

PMID- 28096262
TI  - Cilia and Obesity.
AB  - The ciliopathies Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Alstrom syndrome cause obesity. How
      ciliary dysfunction leads to obesity has remained mysterious, partly because of a
      lack of understanding of the physiological roles of primary cilia in the organs
      and pathways involved in the regulation of metabolism and energy homeostasis.
      Historically, the study of rare monogenetic disorders that present with obesity
      has informed our molecular understanding of the mechanisms involved in
      nonsyndromic forms of obesity. Here, we present a framework, based on genetic
      studies in mice and humans, of the molecular and cellular pathways underlying
      long-term regulation of energy homeostasis. We focus on recent progress linking
      these pathways to the function of the primary cilia with a particular emphasis on
      the roles of neuronal primary cilia in the regulation of satiety.

PMID- 28096263
TI  - Integration of Cadherin Adhesion and Cytoskeleton at Adherens Junctions.
AB  - The cadherin-catenin adhesion complex is the key component of the intercellular
      adherens junction (AJ) that contributes both to tissue stability and dynamic cell
      movements in epithelial and nonepithelial tissues. The cadherin adhesion complex
      bridges neighboring cells and the actin-myosin cytoskeleton, and thereby
      contributes to mechanical coupling between cells which drives many morphogenetic
      events and tissue repair. Mechanotransduction at cadherin adhesions enables cells
      to sense, signal, and respond to physical changes in their environment. Central
      to this process is the dynamic link of the complex to actin filaments (F-actin),
      themselves structurally dynamic and subject to tension generated by myosin II
      motors. We discuss in this review recent breakthroughs in understanding molecular
      and cellular aspects of the organization of the core cadherin-catenin complex in
      adherens junctions, its association to F-actin, its mechanosensitive regulation,
      and dynamics.

PMID- 28096264
TI  - Adherens Junctions on the Move-Membrane Trafficking of E-Cadherin.
AB  - Cadherin-based adherens junctions are conserved structures that mediate
      epithelial cell-cell adhesion in invertebrates and vertebrates. Despite their
      pivotal function in epithelial integrity, adherens junctions show a remarkable
      plasticity that is a prerequisite for tissue architecture and morphogenesis.
      Epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) is continuously turned over and undergoes cycles
      of endocytosis, sorting and recycling back to the plasma membrane. Mammalian cell
      culture and genetically tractable model systems such as Drosophila have revealed
      conserved, but also distinct, mechanisms in the regulation of E-cadherin membrane
      trafficking. Here, we discuss our current knowledge about molecules and
      mechanisms controlling endocytosis, sorting and recycling of E-cadherin during
      junctional remodeling.

PMID- 28096265
TI  - Prion Properties of SOD1 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Potential Therapy.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and rapidly progressive
      neurodegenerative disease caused by the deterioration of motor neurons. The first
      symptoms of ALS always begin at a focal but variable site and consistently spread
      to neighboring regions, suggesting that neurodegeneration in ALS is an orderly
      and propagating process. Like other neurodegenerative diseases, misfolding of a
      specific protein is central to ALS. SOD1, the major constituent of the protein
      deposits in some familial and sporadic forms of ALS, propagates its misfolded
      conformation like prions, providing a plausible molecular basis for the focality
      and spreading of muscle weakness in ALS. Because protein misfolding is a common
      cause of diverse neurodegenerative diseases, strategies aimed at boosting a
      cell's ability to cope with misfolded proteins could lead to therapeutics to
      combat these devastating age-related proteinopathies.

PMID- 28096266
TI  - Desmosomes and Intermediate Filaments: Their Consequences for Tissue Mechanics.
AB  - Adherens junctions (AJs) and desmosomes connect the actin and keratin filament
      networks of adjacent cells into a mechanical unit. Whereas AJs function in
      mechanosensing and in transducing mechanical forces between the plasma membrane
      and the actomyosin cytoskeleton, desmosomes and intermediate filaments (IFs)
      provide mechanical stability required to maintain tissue architecture and
      integrity when the tissues are exposed to mechanical stress. Desmosomes are
      essential for stable intercellular cohesion, whereas keratins determine cell
      mechanics but are not involved in generating tension. Here, we summarize the
      current knowledge of the role of IFs and desmosomes in tissue mechanics and
      discuss whether the desmosome-keratin scaffold might be actively involved in
      mechanosensing and in the conversion of chemical signals into mechanical
      strength.

PMID- 28096267
TI  - Toward the Atomic Structure of PrPSc.
AB  - In this review, we detail our current knowledge of PrPSc structure on the basis
      of structural and computational studies. We discuss the progress toward an atomic
      resolution description of PrPSc and results from the broader field of amyloid
      studies that may further inform our knowledge of this structure. Moreover, we
      summarize work that investigates the role of PrPSc structure in its toxicity,
      transmissibility, and species specificity. We look forward to an atomic model of
      PrPSc, which is expected to bring diagnostics and/or therapeutics to the field of
      prion disease.

PMID- 28096268
TI  - The TGF-beta Family in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and related ligands have potent
      effects on an enormous diversity of biological functions in all animals examined.
      Because of the strong conservation of TGF-beta family ligand functions and
      signaling mechanisms, studies from multiple animal systems have yielded
      complementary and synergistic insights. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans,
      early studies were instrumental in the elucidation of TGF-beta family signaling
      mechanisms. Current studies in C. elegans continue to identify new functions for
      the TGF-beta family in this organism as well as new conserved mechanisms of
      regulation.

PMID- 28096269
TI  - Differentiation between Radiation Necrosis and Tumor Progression Using Chemical
      Exchange Saturation Transfer.
AB  - Purpose: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a common treatment used in patients
      with brain metastases and is associated with high rates of local control,
      however, at the risk of radiation necrosis. It is difficult to differentiate
      radiation necrosis from tumor progression using conventional MRI, making it a
      major diagnostic dilemma for practitioners. This prospective study investigated
      whether chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) was able to differentiate
      these two conditions.Experimental Design: Sixteen patients with brain metastases
      who had been previously treated with SRS were included. Average time between SRS
      and evaluation was 12.6 months. Lesion type was determined by pathology in 9
      patients and the other 7 were clinically followed. CEST imaging was performed on
      a 3T Philips scanner and the following CEST metrics were measured: amide proton
      transfer (APT), magnetization transfer (MT), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR),
      and area under the curve for CEST peaks corresponding to amide and nuclear
      Overhauser effect (NOE).Results: Five lesions were classified as progressing
      tumor and 11 were classified as radiation necrosis (using histopathologic
      confirmation and radiographic follow-up). The best separation was obtained by
      NOEMTR (NOEMTR,necrosis = 8.9 +/- 0.9%, NOEMTR,progression = 12.6 +/- 1.6%, P <
      0.0001) and AmideMTR (AmideMTR,necrosis = 8.2 +/- 1.0%, AmideMTR,progression =
      12.0 +/- 1.9%, P < 0.0001). MT (MTnecrosis = 4.7 +/- 1.0%, MTprogression = 6.7 +/
      1.7%, P = 0.009) and NOEAUC (NOEAUC,necrosis = 4.3 +/- 2.0% Hz,
      NOEAUC,progression = 7.2 +/- 1.9% Hz, P = 0.019) provided statistically
      significant separation but with higher P values.Conclusions: CEST was capable of
      differentiating radiation necrosis from tumor progression in brain metastases.
      Both NOEMTR and AmideMTR provided statistically significant separation of the two
      cohorts. However, APT was unable to differentiate the two groups. Clin Cancer
      Res; 23(14); 3667-75. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096270
TI  - Mutation-Enrichment Next-Generation Sequencing for Quantitative Detection of KRAS
      Mutations in Urine Cell-Free DNA from Patients with Advanced Cancers.
AB  - Purpose: Tumor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from urine of patients with cancer
      offers noninvasive biological material for detection of cancer-related molecular
      abnormalities such as mutations in Exon 2 of KRASExperimental Design: A
      quantitative, mutation-enrichment next-generation sequencing test for detecting
      KRASG12/G13 mutations in urine cfDNA was developed, and results were compared
      with clinical testing of archival tumor tissue and plasma cfDNA from patients
      with advanced cancer.Results: With 90 to 110 mL of urine, the KRASG12/G13 cfDNA
      test had an analytical sensitivity of 0.002% to 0.006% mutant copies in wild-type
      background. In 71 patients, the concordance between urine cfDNA and tumor was 73%
      (sensitivity, 63%; specificity, 96%) for all patients and 89% (sensitivity, 80%;
      specificity, 100%) for patients with urine samples of 90 to 110 mL. Patients had
      significantly fewer KRASG12/G13 copies in urine cfDNA during systemic therapy
      than at baseline or disease progression (P = 0.002). Compared with no changes or
      increases in urine cfDNA KRASG12/G13 copies during therapy, decreases in these
      measures were associated with longer median time to treatment failure (P =
      0.03).Conclusions: A quantitative, mutation-enrichment next-generation sequencing
      test for detecting KRASG12/G13 mutations in urine cfDNA had good concordance with
      testing of archival tumor tissue. Changes in mutated urine cfDNA were associated
      with time to treatment failure. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3657-66. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096271
TI  - In Hepatocellular Carcinoma miR-221 Modulates Sorafenib Resistance through
      Inhibition of Caspase-3-Mediated Apoptosis.
AB  - Purpose: The aberrant expression of miR-221 is a hallmark of human cancers,
      including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its involvement in drug resistance,
      together with a proved in vivo efficacy of anti-miR-221 molecules, strengthen its
      role as an attractive target candidate in the oncologic field. The discovery of
      biomarkers predicting the response to treatments represents a clinical challenge
      in the personalized treatment era. This study aimed to investigate the possible
      role of miR-221 as a circulating biomarker in HCC patients undergoing sorafenib
      treatment as well as to evaluate its contribution to sorafenib resistance in
      advanced HCC.Experimental Design: A chemically induced HCC rat model and a
      xenograft mouse model, together with HCC-derived cell lines were employed to
      analyze miR-221 modulation by Sorafenib treatment. Data from the functional
      analysis were validated in tissue samples from surgically resected HCCs. The
      variation of circulating miR-221 levels in relation to Sorafenib treatment were
      assayed in the animal models and in two independent cohorts of patients with
      advanced HCC.Results: MiR-221 over-expression was associated with Sorafenib
      resistance in two HCC animal models and caspase-3 was identified as its target
      gene, driving miR-221 anti-apoptotic activity following Sorafenib administration.
      Lower pre-treatment miR-221 serum levels were found in patients subsequently
      experiencing response to Sorafenib and an increase of circulating miR-221 at the
      two months assessment was observed in responder patients.Conclusions: MiR-221
      might represent a candidate biomarker of likelihood of response to Sorafenib in
      HCC patients to be tested in future studies. Caspase-3 modulation by miR-221
      participates to Sorafenib resistance. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3953-65. (c)2017
      AACR.

PMID- 28096272
TI  - Antileukemia Efficacy and Mechanisms of Action of SL-101, a Novel Anti-CD123
      Antibody Conjugate, in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
AB  - Purpose: The persistence of leukemia stem cells (LSC)-containing cells after
      induction therapy may contribute to minimal residual disease (MRD) and relapse in
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We investigated the clinical relevance of
      CD34+CD123+ LSC-containing cells and antileukemia potency of a novel antibody
      conjugate SL-101 in targeting CD123+ LSCs.Experimental Methods and Results: In a
      retrospective study on 86 newly diagnosed AML patients, we demonstrated that a
      higher proportion of CD34+CD123+ LSC-containing cells in remission was associated
      with persistent MRD and predicted shorter relapse-free survival in patients with
      poor-risk cytogenetics. Using flow cytometry, we explored the potential benefit
      of therapeutic targeting of CD34+CD38-CD123+ cells by SL-101, a novel antibody
      conjugate comprising an anti-CD123 single-chain Fv fused to Pseudomonas exotoxin
      A The antileukemia potency of SL-101 was determined by the expression levels of
      CD123 antigen in a panel of AML cell lines. Colony-forming assay established that
      SL-101 strongly and selectively suppressed the function of leukemic progenitors
      while sparing normal counterparts. The internalization, protein synthesis
      inhibition, and flow cytometry assays revealed the mechanisms underlying the
      cytotoxic activities of SL-101 involved rapid and efficient internalization of
      antibody, sustained inhibition of protein synthesis, induction of apoptosis, and
      blockade of IL3-induced p-STAT5 and p-AKT signaling pathways. In a patient
      derived xenograft model using NSG mice, the repopulating capacity of LSCs
      pretreated with SL-101 in vitro was significantly impaired.Conclusions: Our data
      define the mechanisms by which SL-101 targets AML and warrant further
      investigation of the clinical application of SL-101 and other CD123-targeting
      strategies in AML. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); 3385-95. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096274
TI  - Infectious Diseases Society of America Position Statement on Telehealth and
      Telemedicine as Applied to the Practice of Infectious Diseases.
AB  - The use of telehealth and telemedicine offers powerful tools for delivering
      clinical care, conducting medical research, and enhancing access to infectious
      diseases physicians. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has
      prepared a position statement to educate members on the use of telehealth and
      telemedicine technologies. The development of telehealth and telemedicine
      programs requires the consideration of several issues such as HIPAA, state and
      local licensure requirements, credentialing and privileging, scope of care,
      quality, and responsibility and liability. IDSA supports appropriate use of
      telehealth and telemedicine to provide timely, cost-effective specialty care to
      resource-limited populations.

PMID- 28096275
TI  - Persistent Mouth Ulceration in a Renal Allograft Recipient.

PMID- 28096273
TI  - Mortalin promotes cell proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition of
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro.
AB  - AIMS: The prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)
      remains poor in terms of overall survival (OS) and recurrence rate. Mortalin, a
      stress chaperone, has been reported to be involved in carcinogenesis and
      metastasis. However, its role in ICC has not been defined. METHODS: Mortalin
      expression in tumour samples from patients with ICC was examined by Western blot
      and immunohistochemistry, and correlation between its expression and
      clinicopathological features was assessed. In addition, invasion, migration
      proliferation and apoptosis, and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT)-related markers in ICC cells were assessed after mortalin
      depletion. Finally, the prognostic significance of mortalin in patients with ICC
      was further evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: We
      provide evidence that expression of mortalin in human ICC tissues is higher than
      that in matched peritumoural tissues. The interference of mortalin expression
      inhibited the proliferation and invasion of ICC cells in vitro. Mechanistically,
      inhibition of mortalin expression in ICC cells upregulated E-cadherin expression
      and decreased vimentin and snail expression. Clinically, a high level of mortalin
      in ICC samples was associated with loss of E-cadherin, and increased expression
      of vimentin and snail. Patients with ICC and high mortalin expression had a
      shorter OS and a higher recurrence rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that
      mortalin overexpression was an independent prognostic indicator for patients with
      ICC. CONCLUSIONS: Mortalin may promote cell proliferation and invasion via
      induction of EMT of ICC cells. A high level of mortalin may be used as a
      prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with ICC.

PMID- 28096276
TI  - Persistent Mouth Ulceration in a Renal Allograft Recipient.

PMID- 28096279
TI  - A framework of comfort for practice: An integrative review identifying the
      multiple influences on patients' experience of comfort in healthcare settings.
AB  - Purpose: Comfort is central to patient experience but the concept of comfort is
      poorly defined. This review aims to develop a framework representing patients'
      complex perspective of comfort to inform practice and guide initiatives to
      improve the quality of healthcare. Data sources: CINAHL, MEDLINE Complete,
      PsycINFO and Google Scholar (November 2016); reference lists of included
      publications. Study selection: Qualitative and theoretical studies advancing
      knowledge about the concept of comfort in healthcare settings. Studies rated for
      methodological quality and relevance to patients' perspectives. Data extraction:
      Data on design, methods, features of the concept of comfort, influences on
      patients' comfort. Data were systematically coded and categorized using Framework
      method. Results of data synthesis: Sixty-two studies (14 theoretical and 48
      qualitative) were included. Qualitative studies explored patient and staff
      perspectives in varying healthcare settings including hospice, emergency
      departments, paediatric, medical and surgical wards and residential care for the
      elderly. From patients' perspective, comfort is multidimensional, characterized
      by relief from physical discomfort and feeling positive and strengthened in one's
      ability to cope with the challenges of illness, injury and disability. Different
      factors are important to different individuals. We identified 10 areas of
      influence within four interrelated levels: patients' use of self-comforting
      strategies; family presence; staff actions and behaviours; and environmental
      factors. Conclusion: Our data provide new insights into the nature of comfort as
      a highly personal and contextual experience influenced in different individuals
      by different factors that we have classified into a framework to guide practice
      and quality improvement initiatives.

PMID- 28096280
TI  - Consumer satisfaction with tertiary healthcare in China: findings from the 2015
      China National Patient Survey.
AB  - Objective: This study aims to develop understanding of Chinese patient
      satisfaction with tertiary hospitals. Design: The study draws on data collected
      from the 2015 China National Patient Survey. A Likert five-point scale was used
      to formulate the questionnaires. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression
      analysis were conducted. Setting: A structured questionnaire was used by 1432
      interviewers to interview 27 475 outpatients and 19 938 inpatients in 136
      tertiary hospitals from 31 provinces. Participants: Outpatients in the dispensing
      area and inpatients in the discharging area were randomly interviewed. Main
      Outcome Measure(s): Key domains of the questionnaire include the layout of
      service functions, environment maintenance, process management, quality of care,
      humane care and the patient-doctor relationship. Within each domain, several
      indicators were set, and each indicator was given a statement. Results: The
      overall satisfaction scores are 4.42 +/- 0.68 and 4.67 +/- 0.62 for outpatient
      and inpatient, respectively. The domains with highest satisfaction are 'diagnosis
      and treatment' for outpatient and 'nursing care' for inpatient. Outpatients were
      least satisfied with long waiting time, while inpatients were least satisfied
      with the food. The strongest predictor of overall satisfaction appears to be
      'patient-doctor relationship' for both outpatients (OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 3.17-3.92)
      and inpatients (OR = 7.34, 95% CI: 5.55-9.70). Conclusions: Chinese hospitals
      need to pay more attention to offering more humane care to patients, hospital
      environment and process management improvement, reducing waiting times for seeing
      doctors and outpatient testing, and improving amenity services such as better
      food in the wards.

PMID- 28096281
TI  - De-freezing frozen patient management.
AB  - Objective: To compare the effectiveness of two methods in encouraging the
      consideration of a leap from one patient management routine to another: (i) real
      time review of the facts by an external medical team (ii) implementation of the
      're-thinking-protocol' ('de-Freezing') by both treating and external medical
      teams. Design: Students accompanied doctors, nurses and patients as non
      interrupting observers. When an obvious gap between the expected and actual
      findings occurred, it was discussed four times: by two teams (treating team,
      external medical team) in two discussion modes (real-time review, de-Freezing
      questionnaire). The students then recorded if a leap was considered for each
      discussion. Setting: The study was conducted in the emergency department of the
      Baruch Padeh Medical Centre, Poriya, Israel. Participants: All patients were
      included during times when both medical teams (treating, external) were present.
      Intervention(s): During 14 periods of 5-7 h each, 459 patients were sampled. In
      183 patients, 200 gaps were discovered. Results: The external team considered a
      leap 76 times, compared with 47 by the treating team (P < 0.001). Using the de
      Freezing-protocol, the treating team considered a leap 133 times. Interestingly,
      even the external team benefited from the de-Freezing protocol and considered a
      leap 140 times (NS compared to the treating team). Conclusions: While the
      importance of timely leaping from one patient management routine to another is
      emphasized in the training of physicians, medical teams too often fail to do so.
      The de-Freezing-protocol inexpensively encourages the consideration of a leap
      beyond what is evoked by the involvement of an external team. The protocol is
      applicable to all medical processes and should be incorporated into medical
      practice and education.

PMID- 28096282
TI  - The effect of mTOR inhibitors on respiratory infections in
      lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
AB  - Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a destructive cystic lung disease. Mammalian
      target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are the primary treatment for LAM but it is
      unknown whether these immunosuppressing medications increase the risk for or the
      severity of respiratory infections in LAM patients.We searched multiple databases
      for original articles that reported the rate of respiratory infections in LAM
      patients treated with mTOR inhibitors or placebo. We calculated incidence rates
      for respiratory infections in these groups and incidence rate ratios for
      respiratory infections and severe respiratory infections in mTOR inhibitors
      treated versus placebo treated patients.11 studies were included. There were 294
      patients in the treatment groups and 93 patients in the placebo groups. Among
      subjects in placebo arms, the incidence rate of respiratory infections was 58.8
      per 100 patient-years (95% CI 35.3-82.3 per 100 patient-years). The incidence
      rate ratio (IRR) for respiratory infection among treated subjects was 0.71 (95%
      CI 0.50-1.02; p=0.06 compared to placebo subjects). The IRR for severe
      respiratory infections among treated subjects was 1.56 (95% CI 0.43-8.55;
      p=0.52).We found that respiratory infections are common in patients with LAM.
      Importantly, treatment with mTOR inhibitors does not increase the incidence of
      these infections and may be protective.

PMID- 28096283
TI  - LABA/LAMA combination in COPD: a meta-analysis on the duration of treatment.
AB  - When there are no randomised clinical trials directly comparing all relevant
      treatment options, an indirect treatment comparison via meta-analysis of the
      available clinical evidence is an acceptable alternative. However, meta-analyses
      may be very misleading if not adequately performed. Here, we propose and validate
      a simple and effective approach to meta-analysis for exploring the effectiveness
      of long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA)/long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)
      fixed-dose combinations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.14 articles with
      20 329 patients (combinations n=9292; monocomponents n=11 037) were included in
      this study. LABA/LAMA combinations were always more effective than the
      monocomponents in terms of the improvement in trough forced expiratory volume in
      1 s, transition dyspnoea index and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores
      after 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. No significant publication bias was
      identified. Significant discrepancies with previous network meta-analyses have
      been found, with overall differences ranging from 26.7% to 43.3%.Results from
      previous network meta-analyses were misleading because no adequate attention was
      given to formulating the review question, specifying eligibility criteria,
      correctly identifying studies, collecting appropriate information and deciding
      what it would be pharmacologically relevant to analyse. The real gradient of
      effectiveness of LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations remains an unmet medical need;
      however, it can be investigated indirectly using a high-quality meta-analytic
      approach.

PMID- 28096284
TI  - Pulmonary vascular and cardiac impairment in interstitial lung disease.
AB  - Pulmonary vascular and cardiac impairment is increasingly appreciated as a major
      adverse factor in the natural history of interstitial lung disease. This
      clinically orientated review focuses on the current concepts in the pathogenesis,
      pathophysiology and implications of the detrimental sequence of increased
      pulmonary vascular resistance, pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension and right
      heart failure in interstitial lung disease, and provides guidance on its
      management.

PMID- 28096285
TI  - Epoprostenol and pulmonary arterial hypertension: 20 years of clinical
      experience.
AB  - Epoprostenol was the first therapy to be approved for the treatment of pulmonary
      arterial hypertension (PAH). In the 20 years since the introduction of this
      prostacyclin analogue, the outlook for patients with PAH has improved, with
      survival rates now double those from the era before the development of disease
      specific treatments. Today, there are a large amount of data on the clinical role
      of prostacyclin treatments and a body of evidence attesting the efficacy of
      epoprostenol in improving exercise capacity, key haemodynamic parameters and PAH
      symptoms, as well as in reducing mortality. The place of epoprostenol in the
      therapeutic management of PAH continues to evolve, with the development of new
      formulations and use in combination with other drug classes. In this review, we
      provide a historical perspective on the first 20 years of epoprostenol, a therapy
      that led to evidence-based study of PAH-specific treatments and the subsequent
      expansion of treatment options for PAH.

PMID- 28096286
TI  - Diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia: potential options for resource-limited
      countries.
AB  - Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a genetic disease of ciliary function leading to
      chronic upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms. The diagnosis is frequently
      overlooked because the symptoms are nonspecific and the knowledge about the
      disease in the primary care setting is poor. Additionally, none of the available
      tests is accurate enough to be used in isolation. These tests are expensive, and
      need sophisticated equipment and expertise to analyse and interpret results;
      diagnosis is therefore only available at highly specialised centres. The
      diagnosis is particularly challenging in countries with limited resources due to
      the lack of such costly equipment and expertise.In this review, we discuss the
      importance of early and accurate diagnosis especially for countries where the
      disease is clinically prevalent but diagnostic tests are lacking. We review the
      diagnostic tests available in specialised centres (nasal nitric oxide, high-speed
      video microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and
      genetics). We then consider modifications that might be considered in less well
      resourced countries whilst maintaining acceptable accuracy.

PMID- 28096287
TI  - Prediction models for exacerbations in patients with COPD.
AB  - Personalised medicine aims to tailor medical decisions to the individual patient.
      A possible approach is to stratify patients according to the risk of adverse
      outcomes such as exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
      Risk-stratified approaches are particularly attractive for drugs like inhaled
      corticosteroids or phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors that reduce exacerbations but
      are associated with harms. However, it is currently not clear which models are
      best to predict exacerbations in patients with COPD. Therefore, our aim was to
      identify and critically appraise studies on models that predict exacerbations in
      COPD patients. Out of 1382 studies, 25 studies with 27 prediction models were
      included. The prediction models showed great heterogeneity in terms of number and
      type of predictors, time horizon, statistical methods and measures of prediction
      model performance. Only two out of 25 studies validated the developed model, and
      only one out of 27 models provided estimates of individual exacerbation risk,
      only three out of 27 prediction models used high-quality statistical approaches
      for model development and evaluation. Overall, none of the existing models
      fulfilled the requirements for risk-stratified treatment to personalise COPD
      care. A more harmonised approach to develop and validate high- quality prediction
      models is needed to move personalised COPD medicine forward.

PMID- 28096288
TI  - Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide to predict clinical course in heart
      failure patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy.
AB  - Aims: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) induces reverse cardiac remodelling
      in heart failure (HF), but many patients receiving CRT remain non-responders.
      This study assessed the role of amino-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT
      proBNP), mid-regional-pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), and mid
      regional-pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) at the time of device implantation to
      predict favourable clinical course (CRT response and/or risk of MACE) in HF
      patients receiving CRT. Methods and results: A total of 137 HF patients were
      prospectively included. Blood was drawn from the coronary sinus (CS) at CRT
      implantation, and from a peripheral vein (PV) simultaneously and after 6 months.
      Clinical CRT response at 6 months and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)
      at 2 years were assessed. Baseline PV-levels of MR-proANP (202 vs. 318 pmol/L, P
      = 0.009) and MR-proADM (843 vs. 1112 pmol/L, P = 0.02) were lower in CRT
      responders compared with non-responders. At 6 months, CRT responders showed a
      decrease in MR-proANP levels, compared with an increase in non-responders (-32
      vs. +7 pmol/L, P = 0.02). During the same period, NT-proBNP decreased by a
      similar way in responders and non-responders, while MR-proADM was unchanged in
      both groups. High baseline MR-proANP, either in PV (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24-0.71, P
      = 0.002) or CS (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.70, P = 0.005) was associated with reduced
      likelihood of CRT response. Furthermore, PV and CS levels of NT-proBNP, MR
      proANP, and MR-proADM were all associated with increased risk of 2-year MACE (all
      P < 0.01). Conclusion: Mid-regional-pro-atrial natriuretic peptide may assist
      prediction of clinical course in HF patients undergoing CRT implantation. Low
      circulating MR-proANP at the time of device implantation is associated with CRT
      response and more favourable outcome.

PMID- 28096289
TI  - Left juxtaposed right atrial appendage suspected on a plain chest radiograph.

PMID- 28096291
TI  - Correction: Preventing tumor escape by targeting a post-proteasomal trimming
      independent epitope.

PMID- 28096290
TI  - The epidermal polarity protein Par3 is a non-cell autonomous suppressor of
      malignant melanoma.
AB  - Melanoma, an aggressive skin malignancy with increasing lifetime risk, originates
      from melanocytes (MCs) that are in close contact with surrounding epidermal
      keratinocytes (KCs). How the epidermal microenvironment controls melanomagenesis
      remains poorly understood. In this study, we identify an unexpected non-cell
      autonomous role of epidermal polarity proteins, molecular determinants of
      cytoarchitecture, in malignant melanoma. Epidermal Par3 inactivation in mice
      promotes MC dedifferentiation, motility, and hyperplasia and, in an autochthonous
      melanoma model, results in increased tumor formation and lung metastasis. KC
      specific Par3 loss up-regulates surface P-cadherin that is essential to promote
      MC proliferation and phenotypic switch toward dedifferentiation. In agreement,
      low epidermal PAR3 and high P-cadherin expression correlate with human melanoma
      progression, whereas elevated P-cadherin levels are associated with reduced
      survival of melanoma patients, implying that this mechanism also drives human
      disease. Collectively, our data show that reduced KC Par3 function fosters a
      permissive P-cadherin-dependent niche for MC transformation, invasion, and
      metastasis. This reveals a previously unrecognized extrinsic tumor-suppressive
      mechanism, whereby epithelial polarity proteins dictate the cytoarchitecture and
      fate of other tissue-resident cells to suppress their malignant outgrowth.

PMID- 28096292
TI  - Regulation of kidney development by the Mdm2/Mdm4-p53 axis.
AB  - While p53 activity is required for tumour suppression, unconstrained p53 activity
      on the other hand is detrimental to the organism, resulting in inappropriate
      cellular death or proliferation defects. Unimpeded p53 activity is lethal in the
      developing embryo, underlining the need for maintaining a tight control on p53
      activity during this period. The critical role of the negative regulators of p53,
      Mdm2 and Mdm4, in vertebrate development came to light by fatal disruption of
      embryogenesis that was observed with Mdm2 and Mdm4 gene deletions in mice.
      Embryonic lethality was rescued only by superimposing p53 removal. Here we
      summarize the contribution of the Mdm2/Mdm4-p53 axis that occurs at multiple
      steps of kidney development. Conditional, cell type-specific deletions reveal
      distinct functions of these proteins in renal morphogenesis. The severe impact on
      the renal phenotype from targeted gene deletions underscores the critical role
      played by the Mdm2/Mdm4-p53 nexus on nephrogenesis, and emphasizes the need to
      monitor patients with aberrations in this pathway for kidney function defects and
      associated cardiovascular dysfunction.

PMID- 28096293
TI  - The role of MDM2 and MDM4 in breast cancer development and prevention.
AB  - The major cause of death from breast cancer is not the primary tumour, but
      relapsing, drug-resistant, metastatic disease. Identifying factors that
      contribute to aggressive cancer offers important leads for therapy. Inherent
      defence against carcinogens depends on the individual molecular make-up of each
      person. Important molecular determinants of these responses are under the control
      of the mouse double minute (MDM) family: comprised of the proteins MDM2 and MDM4.
      In normal, healthy adult cells, the MDM family functions to critically regulate
      measured, cellular responses to stress and subsequent recovery. Proper function
      of the MDM family is vital for normal breast development, but also for preserving
      genomic fidelity. The MDM family members are best characterized for their
      negative regulation of the major tumour suppressor p53 to modulate stress
      responses. Their impact on other cellular regulators is emerging. Inappropriately
      elevated protein levels of the MDM family are highly associated with an increased
      risk of cancer incidence. Exploration of the MDM family members as cancer
      therapeutic targets is relevant for designing tailored anti-cancer treatments,
      but successful approaches must strategically consider the impact on both the
      target cancer and adjacent healthy cells and tissues. This review focuses on
      recent findings pertaining to the role of the MDM family in normal and malignant
      breast cells.

PMID- 28096294
TI  - Mouse modelling of the MDM2/MDMX-p53 signalling axis.
AB  - It is evident that p53 activity is critical for tumour prevention and stress
      response through its transcriptional activation of genes affecting cellular
      senescence, apoptosis, cellular metabolism, and DNA repair. The regulation of p53
      is highly complex, and MDM2 and MDMX are thought to be critical for deciding the
      fate of p53, both through inhibitory binding and post-translational modification.
      Many mouse models have been generated to study the regulation of p53 in vivo, and
      they have altered our interpretations of how p53 is regulated by MDM2 and MDMX.
      Although MDM2 is absolutely required for p53 regulation, certain functions are
      dispensable under unstressed conditions, including the ability of MDM2 to degrade
      p53. MDMX, on the other hand, may only be required in select situations, like
      embryogenesis. These models have also clarified how cellular stress signals
      modify the p53-inhibiting activities of MDM2 and MDMX in vivo. It is clear that
      more work will need to be performed to further understand the contexts for each
      of these signals and the requirements of various MDM2 and MDMX functions. Here,
      we will discuss what we have learned from mouse modelling of MDM2 and MDMX and
      underscore the ways in which these models could inform future therapies.

PMID- 28096295
TI  - Does selection for short sleep duration explain human vulnerability to
      Alzheimer's disease?
AB  - Compared with other primates, humans sleep less and have a much higher prevalence
      of Alzheimer 's disease (AD) pathology. This article reviews evidence relevant to
      the hypothesis that natural selection for shorter sleep time in humans has
      compromised the efficacy of physiological mechanisms that protect against AD
      during sleep. In particular, the glymphatic system drains interstitial fluid from
      the brain, removing extra-cellular amyloid beta (eAbeta) twice as fast during
      sleep. In addition, melatonin - a peptide hormone that increases markedly during
      sleep - is an effective antioxidant that inhibits the polymerization of soluble
      eAbeta into insoluble amyloid fibrils that are associated with AD. Sleep
      deprivation increases plaque formation and AD, which itself disrupts sleep,
      potentially creating a positive feedback cycle. These and other physiological
      benefits of sleep may be compromised by short sleep durations. Our hypothesis
      highlights possible long-term side effects of medications that reduce sleep, and
      may lead to potential new strategies for preventing and treating AD.

PMID- 28096296
TI  - A Critical Asthma Standardized Clinical and Management Plan Reduces Duration of
      Critical Asthma Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Reduction of critical asthma management time can reduce
      intensive care utilization. The goal of this study was to determine whether a
      Critical Asthma Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP) can
      decrease length of critical asthma management time. METHODS: This retrospective
      study compared critical asthma management times in children managed before and
      after implementation of a Critical Asthma SCAMP. The SCAMP used an asthma
      severity score management scheme to guide stepwise escalation and weaning of
      therapies. The SCAMP guided therapy until continuous albuterol nebulization (CAN)
      was weaned to intermittent albuterol every 2 hours (q2h). Because the SCAMP was
      part of a quality improvement initiative in which all patients received a
      standardized therapy, informed consent was waived. The study was conducted in
      Medicine ICU and Intermediate Care Units in a tertiary care freestanding
      children's hospital. Children >=2 years of age who had CAN initiated in the
      emergency department and were admitted to the Division of Medicine Critical Care
      with status asthmaticus were included. The time to q2h dosing from initiation of
      CAN was compared between the baseline and SCAMP cohorts. Adverse events were
      compared. The Mann-Whitney test was used for analysis; P values <.05 were
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were 150 baseline and 123
      SCAMP patients eligible for analysis. There was a decrease in median time to q2h
      dosing after the SCAMP (baseline, 21.6 hours [interquartile range, 3.2-32.3
      hours]; SCAMP, 14.2 hours [interquartile range, 9.0-23.1 hours]; P < .01). There
      were no differences in adverse events or readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: A Critical
      Asthma SCAMP was effective in decreasing time on continuous albuterol.

PMID- 28096297
TI  - Frontline Science: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulation and priming of human
      neutrophil granule exocytosis.
AB  - Neutrophil granule exocytosis plays an important role in innate and adaptive
      immune responses. The present study examined TNF-alpha stimulation or priming of
      exocytosis of the 4 neutrophil granule subsets. TNF-alpha stimulated exocytosis
      of secretory vesicles and gelatinase granules and primed specific and azurophilic
      granule exocytosis to fMLF stimulation. Both stimulation and priming of
      exocytosis by TNF-alpha were dependent on p38 MAPK activity. Bioinformatic
      analysis of 1115 neutrophil proteins identified by mass spectrometry as being
      phosphorylated by TNF-alpha exposure found that actin cytoskeleton regulation was
      a major biologic function. A role for p38 MAPK regulation of the actin
      cytoskeleton was confirmed experimentally. Thirteen phosphoproteins regulated
      secretory vesicle quantity, formation, or release, 4 of which-Raf1, myristoylated
      alanine-rich protein kinase C (PKC) substrate (MARCKS), Abelson murine leukemia
      interactor 1 (ABI1), and myosin VI-were targets of the p38 MAPK pathway.
      Pharmacologic inhibition of Raf1 reduced stimulated exocytosis of gelatinase
      granules and priming of specific granule exocytosis. We conclude that
      differential regulation of exocytosis by TNF-alpha involves the actin
      cytoskeleton and is a necessary component for priming of the 2 major neutrophil
      antimicrobial defense mechanisms: oxygen radical generation and release of toxic
      granule contents.

PMID- 28096298
TI  - MFG-E8-derived peptide attenuates adhesion and migration of immune cells to
      endothelial cells.
AB  - Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8) plays an
      immunomodulatory role in inflammatory diseases. MFG-E8-derived short peptide
      (MSP68) greatly reduces neutrophil infiltration and injury in the lung during
      sepsis. In this study, we examined the effect of MSP68 on chemotaxis of various
      immune cells and its regulatory mechanism. Bone marrow-derived neutrophils
      (BMDNs) from C57BL/6 mice, human monocyte THP-1 cell line, and human T lymphocyte
      Jurkat cell line were used for adhesion and migration assays using a Transwell
      method in the presence of MSP68. Treatment with MSP68 significantly inhibited the
      BMDN and THP-1 cell but not Jurkat cell adhesion on the TNF-alpha-stimulated
      pulmonary artery endothelial cell (PAEC) monolayer dose-dependently. MSP68 also
      significantly reduced BMDN adhesion on VCAM-1-coated wells dose dependently.
      Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis revealed that MSP68 efficiently
      recognized integrin alpha4beta1 (receptor for VCAM-1) at the dissociation
      constant (KD) of 1.53 * 10-7 M. These findings implicate that MSP68 prevents
      neutrophil adhesion to the activated endothelial cells by interfering with the
      binding between integrin alpha4beta1 on neutrophils and VCAM-1 on endothelial
      cells. Moreover, MSP68 significantly attenuated the migration of BMDN and THP-1
      cells but not Jurkat cells to their chemoattractants. Pretreatment with MSP68
      inhibited the transmigration of BMDNs across the PAECs toward chemoattractants,
      fMLP, MIP-2, and complement fragment 5a (C5a) dose-dependently. Finally, we
      identified that the activation of p38 MAPK in BMDNs by fMLP was inhibited by
      MSP68. Thus, MSP68 attenuates extravasation of immune cells through the
      endothelial cell lining into inflamed tissue, implicating MSP68 to be a novel,
      therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases caused by excessive immune cell
      infiltration.

PMID- 28096299
TI  - Exosomes from eosinophils autoregulate and promote eosinophil functions.
AB  - Eosinophils are able to secrete exosomes that have an undefined role in asthma
      pathogenesis. We hypothesized that exosomes released by eosinophils autoregulate
      and promote eosinophil function. Eosinophils of patients with asthma (n = 58) and
      healthy volunteers (n = 16) were purified from peripheral blood, and exosomes
      were isolated and quantified from eosinophils of the asthmatic and healthy
      populations. Apoptosis, adhesion, adhesion molecules expression, and migration
      assays were performed with eosinophils in the presence or absence of exosomes
      from healthy and asthmatic individuals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were
      evaluated by flow cytometry with an intracellular fluorescent probe and nitric
      oxide (NO) and a colorimetric kit. In addition, exosomal proteins were analyzed
      by mass spectrometry. Eosinophil-derived exosomes induced an increase in NO and
      ROS production on eosinophils. Moreover, exosomes could act as a chemotactic
      factor on eosinophils, and they produced an increase in cell adhesion, giving
      rise to a specific augmentation of adhesion molecules, such as ICAM-1 and
      integrin alpha2. Protein content between exosomes from healthy and asthmatic
      individuals seems to be similar in both groups. In conclusion, we found that
      exosomes from the eosinophils of patients with asthma could modify several
      specific eosinophil functions related to asthma pathogenesis and that they could
      contribute fundamentally to the development and maintenance of asthma.

PMID- 28096300
TI  - Enhanced suppression of polyclonal CD8+25+ regulatory T cells via exosomal arming
      of antigen-specific peptide/MHC complexes.
AB  - Compared with CD4+25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), the mechanisms for natural,
      polyclonal CD8+25+ Treg immune suppression have been significantly less studied.
      We previously showed that polyclonal T cells can acquire antigen-specific
      targeting activity through arming with exosomal peptide-MHC (pMHC). In this
      study, we assessed the suppressive effect of CD8+25+ Tregs or CD8+25+ Tregs armed
      with ovalbumin (OVA)-specific exosomes on other immune cells and OVA-specific
      dendritic cell (DCOVA)-stimulated antitumor immunity. We demonstrate that CD8+25+
      Tregs inhibit T cell proliferation in vitro in a cell contact-dependent fashion
      but independent of the expression of immunosuppressive IL-10, TGF-beta, and CTLA
      4. CD8+25+ Tregs anergize naive T cells upon stimulation by up-regulating T cell
      anergy-associated Egr2 and down-regulating IL-2 production. Tregs also anergize
      DCs by preventing DC maturation through the down-regulation of Iab, CD80, CD86,
      and inflammatory cytokines, leading to defects in T cell stimulation. Moreover,
      CD8+25+ Tregs inhibit CTLs through inducing CTL death via perforin-mediated
      apoptosis and through reducing effector CTL cytotoxic activity via down
      regulating CTL perforin-production and degranulation. In addition, we show that
      CD8+25+ Tregs suppress DCOVA-stimulated CTL responses in priming and effector
      phases and inhibit immunity against OVA-expressing CCLOVA lung cancer.
      Remarkably, polyclonal CD8+25+ Tregs armed with OVA-specific exosomal pMHC class
      II (pMHC-II), or pMHC class-I (pMHC-I) complexes exert their enhanced inhibition
      of CTL responses in the priming and the effector phases, respectively. Taken
      together, our investigation reveals that assigning antigen specificity to
      nonspecific polyclonal CD8+25+ Tregs for enhanced immune suppression can be
      achieved through exosomal pMHC arming. This principle may have a great effect on
      Treg-mediated immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 28096301
TI  - Phosphoinositol 3-phosphate acts as a timer for reactive oxygen species
      production in the phagosome.
AB  - Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the phagosome by the NADPH oxidase
      is critical for mammalian immune defense against microbial infections and
      phosphoinositides are important regulators in this process. Phosphoinositol 3
      phosphate (PI(3)P) regulates ROS production at the phagosome via p40phox by an
      unknown mechanism. This study tested the hypothesis that PI(3)P controls ROS
      production by regulating the presence of p40phox and p67phox at the phagosomal
      membrane. Pharmacologic inhibition of PI(3)P synthesis at the phagosome decreased
      the ROS production both in differentiated PLB-985 cells and human neutrophils. It
      also releases p67phox, the key cytosolic subunit of the oxidase, and p40phox from
      the phagosome. The knockdown of the PI(3)P phosphatase MTM1 or Rubicon or both
      increases the level of PI(3)P at the phagosome. That increase enhances ROS
      production inside the phagosome and triggers an extended accumulation of p67phox
      at the phagosome. Furthermore, the overexpression of MTM1 at the phagosomal
      membrane induces the disappearance of PI(3)P from the phagosome and prevents
      sustained ROS production. In conclusion, PI(3)P, indeed, regulates ROS production
      by maintaining p40phox and p67phox at the phagosomal membrane.

PMID- 28096302
TI  - Postmortem and Toxicological Findings in a Series of Furanylfentanyl-Related
      Deaths.
AB  - Over the course of 4 months in 2015 and 2016, a cluster of seven fatal
      intoxications involving the opioid-analogue furanylfentanyl occurred in Sweden;
      toxicological analysis showed presence of furanylfentanyl either as the only drug
      or in combination with other illicit substances. Previous publications have only
      reported non-lethal furanylfentanyl intoxications. In the cases presented here,
      furanylfentanyl intoxication-alone or in combination with other drugs-was
      determined to be the cause of death by the responsible pathologist. All victims
      were young (24-37 years old) males, five of which had a well-documented history
      of drug abuse. Femoral blood concentration of furanylfentanyl ranged from 0.41
      ng/g to 2.47 ng/g blood. Five cases presented a complex panel of drugs of abuse
      and prescription drugs. Moreover, in five cases the concurrent presence of
      pregabalin corroborates previous observations indicating pregabalin as a possible
      contributing factor in polydrug intoxications. We conclude that it is difficult
      to establish a specific lethal concentration of furanylfentanyl, due to
      incompletely known effects of possible pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
      interactions with other drugs, as well as to the unknown degree of tolerance to
      opioids. We suggest that a full toxicological screening-to assess the possibility
      of drug interactions-together with segmental hair analysis regarding opioids-to
      estimate the level of opioid tolerance-be carried out to assist in the
      interpretation of cases involving synthetic opioids such as furanylfentanyl.

PMID- 28096303
TI  - Down-Regulation of EPAS1 Transcription and Genetic Adaptation of Tibetans to High
      Altitude Hypoxia.
AB  - Tibetans are well adapted to the hypoxic environments at high altitude, yet the
      molecular mechanism of this adaptation remains elusive. We reported comprehensive
      genetic and functional analyses of EPAS1, a gene encoding hypoxia inducible
      factor 2alpha (HIF-2alpha) with the strongest signal of selection in previous
      genome-wide scans of Tibetans. We showed that the Tibetan-enriched EPAS1 variants
      down-regulate expression in human umbilical endothelial cells and placentas.
      Heterozygous EPAS1 knockout mice display blunted physiological responses to
      chronic hypoxia, mirroring the situation in Tibetans. Furthermore, we found that
      the Tibetan version of EPAS1 is not only associated with the relatively low
      hemoglobin level as a polycythemia protectant, but also is associated with a low
      pulmonary vasoconstriction response in Tibetans. We propose that the down
      regulation of EPAS1 contributes to the molecular basis of Tibetans' adaption to
      high-altitude hypoxia.

PMID- 28096304
TI  - Antibiotic Cycling and Antibiotic Mixing: Which One Best Mitigates Antibiotic
      Resistance?
AB  - : Can we exploit our burgeoning understanding of molecular evolution to slow the
      progress of drug resistance? One role of an infection clinician is exactly that:
      to foresee trajectories to resistance during antibiotic treatment and to hinder
      that evolutionary course. But can this be done at a hospital-wide scale?
      Clinicians and theoreticians tried to when they proposed two conflicting
      behavioral strategies that are expected to curb resistance evolution in the
      clinic, these are known as "antibiotic cycling" and "antibiotic mixing." However,
      the accumulated data from clinical trials, now approaching 4 million patient days
      of treatment, is too variable for cycling or mixing to be deemed successful. The
      former implements the restriction and prioritization of different antibiotics at
      different times in hospitals in a manner said to "cycle" between them. In
      antibiotic mixing, appropriate antibiotics are allocated to patients but
      randomly. Mixing results in no correlation, in time or across patients, in the
      drugs used for treatment which is why theorists saw this as an optimal behavioral
      strategy. So while cycling and mixing were proposed as ways of controlling
      evolution, we show there is good reason why clinical datasets cannot choose
      between them: by re-examining the theoretical literature we show prior support
      for the theoretical optimality of mixing was misplaced. Our analysis is
      consistent with a pattern emerging in data: neither cycling or mixing is a priori
      better than the other at mitigating selection for antibiotic resistance in the
      clinic. Key words: : antibiotic cycling, antibiotic mixing, optimal control,
      stochastic models.

PMID- 28096305
TI  - Epithelial expression and function of trypsin-3 in irritable bowel syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Proteases are key mediators of pain and altered enteric neuronal
      signalling, although the types and sources of these important intestinal
      mediators are unknown. We hypothesised that intestinal epithelium is a major
      source of trypsin-like activity in patients with IBS and this activity signals to
      primary afferent and enteric nerves and induces visceral hypersensitivity.
      DESIGN: Trypsin-like activity was determined in tissues from patients with IBS
      and in supernatants of Caco-2 cells stimulated or not. These supernatants were
      also applied to cultures of primary afferents. mRNA isoforms of trypsin (PRSS1, 2
      and 3) were detected by reverse transcription-PCR, and trypsin-3 protein
      expression was studied by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry.
      Electrophysiological recordings and Ca2+ imaging in response to trypsin-3 were
      performed in mouse primary afferent and in human submucosal neurons,
      respectively. Visceromotor response to colorectal distension was recorded in mice
      administered intracolonically with trypsin-3. RESULTS: We showed that stimulated
      intestinal epithelial cells released trypsin-like activity specifically from the
      basolateral side. This activity was able to activate sensory neurons. In colons
      of patients with IBS, increased trypsin-like activity was associated with the
      epithelium. We identified that trypsin-3 was the only form of trypsin upregulated
      in stimulated intestinal epithelial cells and in tissues from patients with IBS.
      Trypsin-3 was able to signal to human submucosal enteric neurons and mouse
      sensory neurons, and to induce visceral hypersensitivity in vivo, all by a
      protease-activated receptor-2-dependent mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: In IBS, the
      intestinal epithelium produces and releases the active protease trypsin-3, which
      is able to signal to enteric neurons and to induce visceral hypersensitivity.

PMID- 28096307
TI  - 'He would by no means risque his Reputation': patient and doctor shame in Daniel
      Turner's De Morbis Cutaneis (1714) and Syphilis (1717).
AB  - This article offers a historical corollary to the examination of shame in medical
      practice by considering the negotiation of shame in the treatment of a
      stigmatised disease at a time in which surgeons themselves occupied a highly
      ambivalent social position. It will focus on case studies provided by Daniel
      Turner (1667-1741), prominent surgeon and later member of the College of
      Physicians, in his textbooks De Morbis Cutaneis. A Treatise of Diseases Incident
      to the Skin (1714) and Syphilis. A Practical Dissertation on the Venereal Disease
      (1717). Turner demonstrates an awareness of the precarious position of both the
      surgeon and the syphilitic, and devotes significant portions of his text to
      advising the trainee surgeon on how to manage patients' reticence over disclosure
      of symptoms, expectations for cure and impudence towards medical authority. In
      turn, the trainee must manage his own reputation as a moral and medical authority
      who can treat all distempers, yet without condoning or facilitating the shameful
      behaviours associated with a sexual disease. Furthermore, shaming plays a key
      role in enabling Turner to fashion an ideal patient whose successful cure will
      both respond to and build the surgeon's medical authority and that of the medical
      field in general.

PMID- 28096306
TI  - National multicentre audit of pregnancy status in general surgery admissions in
      Scotland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Documentation of pregnancy status (PS) is an integral component of
      the assessment of women of reproductive age when admitted to hospital. Our aim
      was to determine how accurately PS was documented in a multicentre audit of
      female admissions to general surgery. METHODS: A prospective multicentre audit of
      elective and emergency admissions was performed in 18 Scottish centres between
      08:00 on 11 May 2015 and 07:59 on 25 May 2015. The lower age limit was the
      minimum age for admission to the adult surgical ward and the upper age limit was
      55 years. RESULTS: There were 2743 admissions, with 612 (22.3%) women of
      reproductive age. After 82 exclusions, the final total was 530: 169 (31.9%)
      elective and 361 (68.1%) emergency. Documentation of PS was achieved in 274
      (51.7%) cases: 52 (30.8%) elective and 222 (61.5%) emergency. In 318 (88.1%) of
      the emergency admissions, the patient had abdominal pain. Of these, 211 (65.1%)
      had a documented PS. The possibility of pregnancy was established in 237 (44.7%)
      cases. DISCUSSION: Establishing the possibility of pregnancy before surgery is
      poor, particularly in the elective setting. Objective documentation of PS in the
      emergency setting in those with abdominal pain is also poor. Our study highlights
      an important safety issue in the management of female patients. We advocate
      electronic storage of pregnancy test results and new guidelines to cover both
      elective and emergency surgery. PS should form part of the pre-theatre safety
      brief and checklist.

PMID- 28096308
TI  - (Re)Building a Kidney.
AB  - (Re)Building a Kidney is a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
      Kidney Diseases-led consortium to optimize approaches for the isolation,
      expansion, and differentiation of appropriate kidney cell types and the
      integration of these cells into complex structures that replicate human kidney
      function. The ultimate goals of the consortium are two-fold: to develop and
      implement strategies for in vitro engineering of replacement kidney tissue, and
      to devise strategies to stimulate regeneration of nephrons in situ to restore
      failing kidney function. Projects within the consortium will answer fundamental
      questions regarding human gene expression in the developing kidney, essential
      signaling crosstalk between distinct cell types of the developing kidney, how to
      derive the many cell types of the kidney through directed differentiation of
      human pluripotent stem cells, which bioengineering or scaffolding strategies have
      the most potential for kidney tissue formation, and basic parameters of the
      regenerative response to injury. As these projects progress, the consortium will
      incorporate systematic investigations in physiologic function of in vitro and in
      vivo differentiated kidney tissue, strategies for engraftment in experimental
      animals, and development of therapeutic approaches to activate innate reparative
      responses.

PMID- 28096311
TI  - The Comparison of Health Status Between Male and Female Medical Radiation Workers
      in China.
AB  - To assess the health statue of chronically exposed Chinese medical radiation
      workers. A cross-sectional study of 530 medical radiation workers in a city of
      China was conducted to document the health status and the monitored annually
      absorbed doses. Long-term and low-dose radiation exposure can affect a number of
      health indicators in the individuals, which covered the cardiovascular system,
      hematologic system, ophthalmology, liver and kidney's functions, chromosome
      aberration and micronucleus. The differences in the health status between male
      and female individuals were associated with job types and exposed years of
      service. The monitored doses of individuals were lower than the limit value of
      the national standard. The health status in chronically exposed individuals
      demonstrated some gender difference associated with length of exposure and work
      type. This study provides some evidence to understand the health status of
      medical radiation workers in China and have the potentially to inform screening
      and clinical diagnosis.

PMID- 28096310
TI  - Characterization of the dTDP-Fuc3N and dTDP-Qui3N biosynthetic pathways in
      Campylobacter jejuni 81116.
AB  - The Gram-negative bacterium Campylobacter jejuni 81116 (Penner serotype HS:6) has
      a class E lipooligosaccharide (LOS) biosynthesis locus containing 19 genes, which
      encode for 11 putative glycosyltransferases, 1 lipid A acyltransferase and 7
      enzymes thought to be involved in the biosynthesis of dideoxyhexosamine (ddHexN)
      moieties. Although the LOS outer core structure of C. jejuni 81116 is still
      unknown, recent mass spectrometry analyses suggest that it contains acetylated
      forms of two ddHexN residues. For this investigation, five of the genes encoding
      enzymes reportedly involved in the biosyntheses of these sugar residues were
      examined, rmlA, rmlB, wlaRA, wlaRB and wlaRG. Specifically, these genes were
      cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the corresponding enzymes were
      purified and tested for biochemical activity. Here we present data demonstrating
      that RmlA functions as a glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase and that RmlB
      is a thymidine diphosphate (dTDP)-glucose 4,6-dehydratase. We also show, through
      nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry analyses, that
      WlaRG, when utilized in coupled assays with either WlaRA or WlaRB and dTDP-4-keto
      6-deoxyglucose, results in the production of either dTDP-3-amino-3,6-dideoxy-d
      galactose (dTDP-Fuc3N) or dTDP-3-amino-3,6-dideoxy-d-glucose (dTDP-Qui3N),
      respectively. In addition, the X-ray crystallographic structures of the 3,4
      ketoisomerases, WlaRA and WlaRB, were determined to 2.14 and 2.0 A resolutions,
      respectively. Taken together, the data reported herein demonstrate that C. jejuni
      81116 utilizes five enzymes to synthesize dTDP-Fuc3N or dTDP-Qui3N and that
      WlaRG, an aminotransferase, can function on sugars with differing stereochemistry
      about their C-4' carbons. Importantly, the data reveal that C. jejuni 81116 has
      the ability to synthesize two isomeric ddHexN forms.

PMID- 28096312
TI  - Analysis of Thermoluminescence Glow Curves using Derivatives of different Orders.
AB  - The suitability of the second derivative method for locating component peaks in
      complex thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves has been investigated in this work by
      considering both numerically simulated and experimental TL peaks. This technique
      is useful to acquire knowledge of the number of component peaks in a complex TL
      curve which in turn serves as a basic information before applying the
      deconvolution technique to the glow curve. To check the consistency of the
      results so obtained, we have also applied the first derivative technique to TL
      glow curves. It is well-known that kinetic order formalism fails for saturated TL
      peaks with heavy retrapping. Such peaks are usually broad and, to the best of our
      knowledge, have not yet been observed experimentally. The present derivative
      technique has been used to detect whether such broad peaks are truly single or
      not by considering a number of numerically simulated saturated glow curves with
      heavy retrapping where the conventional peak shape method fails. In all the cases
      considered here, the second derivative technique proves to be a potential
      candidate for estimating the number of peaks and their respective locations in a
      complex TL glow curve.

PMID- 28096309
TI  - Anti-Factor B and Anti-C3b Autoantibodies in C3 Glomerulopathy and Ig-Associated
      Membranoproliferative GN.
AB  - In C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), the alternative pathway of complement is frequently
      overactivated by autoantibodies that stabilize the C3 convertase C3bBb. Anti-C3b
      and anti-factor B (anti-FB) IgG have been reported in three patients with C3G. We
      screened a cohort of 141 patients with C3G and Ig-associated
      membranoproliferative GN (Ig-MPGN) for anti-FB and anti-C3b autoantibodies using
      ELISA. We identified seven patients with anti-FB IgG, three patients with anti
      C3b IgG, and five patients with anti-FB and anti-C3b IgG. Of these 15 patients,
      ten were diagnosed with Ig-MPGN. Among those patients with available data, 92%
      had a nephrotic syndrome, 64% had AKI, and 67% had a documented infection.
      Patients negative for anti-C3b and anti-FB IgG had much lower rates of infection
      (17 [25%] patients with C3G and one [10%] patient with Ig-MPGN). After 48 months,
      four of 15 (26%) positive patients had developed ESRD or died. All 15 patients
      had high plasma Bb levels, six (40%) patients had low levels of C3, and nine
      (60%) patients had high levels of soluble C5b9. In vitro, IgG purified from
      patients with anti-FB Abs selectively enhanced C3 convertase activity; IgG from
      patients with anti-C3b/anti-FB Abs enhanced C3 and C5 cleavage. IgG from patients
      with anti-C3b Abs stabilized C3bBb and perturbed C3b binding to complement
      receptor 1 but did not perturb binding to factor H. In conclusion, the prevalence
      of anti-C3b/anti-FB Abs and alternative pathway activation is similar in Ig-MPGN
      and C3G, suggesting similar pathogenic mechanisms. Identification of the
      underlying defect in Ig-MPGN could lead to improved treatment.

PMID- 28096313
TI  - Opportunities to Reduce CT Radiation Exposure, Experience Over 5 Years at the NIH
      Clinical Center.
AB  - Our current study was undertaken in order to compare CT exposures during various
      dose-reduction initiatives at the National Institutes of Health Clinical center,
      to show trends in exposure reduction over a 5-y period, and to provide benchmarks
      that other facilities may use. Using an in-house extraction tool (Radiation
      Exposure Extraction Engine), we derived CT exposure data from Digital Imaging and
      Communications in Medicine (DICOM) headers over 5 y. We present parameters used
      and compare most common exams between 2010 and 2015. During a period of exposure
      reduction initiatives, data of 79 396 exams from nine CT scanners on 87 scan
      protocols were analyzed. Adult chest exposures were reduced 53% and chest,
      abdomen and pelvis exams were reduced 43%  (p < 0.001). Only extremity exams did
      not show significantly reduced exposure. Collecting data over several years
      allowed us to confirm and compare several initiatives. We demonstrated
      significant exposure reductions during continued reduction efforts on common
      exams. Our results may provide benchmarks for similar centers.

PMID- 28096314
TI  - Exposure to Recycled Uranium Contaminants in Gaseous Diffusion Plants.
AB  - As part of an ongoing study of health effects in a pooled cohort of gaseous
      diffusion plant workers, organ dose from internal exposure to uranium was
      evaluated. Due to the introduction of recycled uranium into the plants, there was
      also potential for exposure to radiologically significant levels of 99Tc, 237Np
      and 238,239Pu. In the evaluation of dose response, these radionuclide exposures
      could confound the effect of internal uranium. Using urine bioassay data for
      study subjects reported in facility records, intakes and absorbed dose to bone
      surface, red bone marrow and kidneys were estimated as these organs were
      associated with a priori outcomes of interest. Additionally, 99Tc intakes and
      doses were calculated using a new systemic model for technetium and compared to
      intakes and doses calculated using the current model recommended by the
      International Commission on Radiological Protection. Organ absorbed doses for the
      transuranics were significant compared to uranium doses; however, 99Tc doses
      calculated using the new systemic model were significant as well. Use of the new
      model resulted in an increase in 99Tc-related absorbed organ dose of a factor of
      8 (red bone marrow) to 30 (bone surface).

PMID- 28096315
TI  - Experimental Optimization of Exposure Index and Quality of Service in Wlan
      Networks.
AB  - This paper presents the first real-life optimization of the Exposure Index (EI).
      A genetic optimization algorithm is developed and applied to three real-life
      Wireless Local Area Network scenarios in an experimental testbed. The
      optimization accounts for downlink, uplink and uplink of other users, for
      realistic duty cycles, and ensures a sufficient Quality of Service to all users.
      EI reductions up to 97.5% compared to a reference configuration can be achieved
      in a downlink-only scenario, in combination with an improved Quality of Service.
      Due to the dominance of uplink exposure and the lack of WiFi power control, no
      optimizations are possible in scenarios that also consider uplink traffic.
      However, future deployments that do implement WiFi power control can be
      successfully optimized, with EI reductions up to 86% compared to a reference
      configuration and an EI that is 278 times lower than optimized configurations
      under the absence of power control.

PMID- 28096316
TI  - BAY 11-7082 inhibits the NF-kappaB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and protects
      against IMQ-induced psoriasis.
AB  - BAY 11-7082 antagonizes I-kappaB kinase-beta preventing nuclear translocation of
      nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB); it also inhibits NOD-like receptor family,
      pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. NF-kappaB is involved
      in psoriasis, whereas the role of NLRP3 is controversial. We investigated BAY 11
      7082 effects in an experimental model of psoriasis-like dermatitis. Psoriasis
      like lesions were induced by a topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) cream (62.5
      mg/day) on the shaved back skin of C57BL/6 and NLRP3 knockout (KO) mice for 7
      consecutive days. Sham psoriasis animals were challenged with Vaseline cream.
      Sham and IMQ animals were randomized to receive BAY 11-7082 (20 mg/kg/i.p.) or
      its vehicle (100 MUl/i.p of 0.9% NaCl). Skin of IMQ animals developed erythema,
      scales, thickening and epidermal acanthosis. IMQ skin samples showed increased
      expression of pNF-kappaB and NLRP3 activation. BAY 11-7082 blunted epidermal
      thickness, acanthosis and inflammatory infiltrate. BAY 11-7082 reduced pNF
      kappaB, NLRP3, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-6 and
      IL-1beta expression, blunted the phosphorylation of signal transducer and
      activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and decreased IL-23 levels. In addition,
      BAY 11-7082 reawakened the apoptotic machinery. NLRP3 KO animals showed a reduced
      total histological score but persistent mild acanthosis, dermal thickness and
      expression of pNF-kappaB and pSTAT3, following IMQ application. Our data suggest
      that BAY 11-7082 might represent an interesting approach for the management of
      psoriasis-like dermatitis depending on the dual inhibition of NF-kappaB and
      NLRP3.

PMID- 28096319
TI  - Rotator cuff impingement associated with Type III acromial morphology in a young
      athlete-a case for early imaging.
AB  - Down-sloped or hooked acromion morphologies may cause bony encroachment on the
      soft tissues of the subacromial space, predisposing to shoulder impingement
      syndrome. Of the latter, a hooked or Type III acromion (T3A) has also been linked
      to rotator cuff (RC) pathology. However, as bony acromial impingement is
      typically thought to occur over the age of 40, its occurrence in younger shoulder
      athletes presenting with shoulder pain, impingement and RC pathology may be
      overlooked. This case serves to illustrate the occurrence of T3A in a younger
      shoulder athlete, and the importance of early imaging in achieving diagnostic
      accuracy. Appropriate surgical referrals are patients with subacromial
      impingement syndrome refractory to 3-6 months of appropriate conservative
      treatment. Surgery may be particularly beneficial in patients with a T3A.

PMID- 28096318
TI  - Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibit dendritic cells differentiation and
      maturation by microRNA-23b.
AB  - Research on regulation and its mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
      (BMSCs) on dendritic cells (DCs), which is the initiating factor in immune
      response has applicable clinical value. Although BMSCs have a significant
      regulatory effect on the maturation of DCs, its molecular mechanism is still
      unclear. BMSCs and DCs, were co-cultured by different concentration ratios. Flow
      cytometry was used to detect the expression of DC markers (CD83, CD11c).
      Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the
      expression of related genes in RNA level. Expression of the target proteins was
      detected with using Western blot assay. miRNA inhibitor and miRNA mimic were used
      to suppress and up-regulate the expression of the target gene. In this research,
      our results demonstrated that BMSCs notably inhibited maturation of DCs in the co
      culture system of BMSCs and DCs and confirmed that this inhibition is due to
      overexpression of miR-23b Furthermore, this research found that miR-23b
      overexpression inhibited the expression of p50/p65, thus blocked the activation
      of the NF-kappaB pathway. In conclusion, BMSCs affected the activation of NF
      kappaB pathway through miR-23b overexpression resulting in inhibition of the
      maturation and differentiation of DCs.

PMID- 28096320
TI  - Streptococcus gordonii-a rare cause of prosthetic joint infection in a total hip
      replacement.
AB  - A 69-year-old female with a history of bilateral total hip replacements presented
      with rigors, fever and sudden onset left groin pain. A pelvic X-ray showed well
      fixed implants. Blood results revealed a leucocytosis (white cell count 22.3 *
      109 l-1) and elevated C-reactive protein (211 mg/l). Ultrasound-guided aspiration
      of her left hip grew Streptococcus gordonii No source infection could be
      identified apart from a new chronic sinus infection in a left upper incisor.
      Following a discussion with the patient a 6-week course of intravenous
      ceftriaxone was started and was successful in normalizing her inflammatory
      markers. She was placed on long-term suppressive amoxicillin following this. Her
      suppressive antibiotic therapy was complicated by the development of a
      clostridium difficile infection and her antibiotics were changed to doxycycline.
      At 1-year follow-up, she was asymptomatic with no further episodes of groin pain
      or fever.

PMID- 28096321
TI  - Synchronous single-port access laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and laparoscopic
      assisted vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
AB  - Laparoscopic surgery through a single incision is gaining popularity with
      different stakeholders. The advantages of improved cosmetics, decreased
      postoperative pain and blood loss continue to attract patients from different
      surgical fields. Multidisciplinary approach to different surgical entities
      through a single incision has just been introduced. We report the first case of a
      synchronous single-port access (SPA) laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and
      laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
      through a single incision above the umbilicus in a 48-year-old female with
      ascending colon mass and uterine mass with good postoperative outcomes. SPA
      laparoscopic surgery is feasible for multidisciplinary approach in resectable
      tumors.

PMID- 28096317
TI  - Modelling the molecular mechanisms of aging.
AB  - The aging process is driven at the cellular level by random molecular damage that
      slowly accumulates with age. Although cells possess mechanisms to repair or
      remove damage, they are not 100% efficient and their efficiency declines with
      age. There are many molecular mechanisms involved and exogenous factors such as
      stress also contribute to the aging process. The complexity of the aging process
      has stimulated the use of computational modelling in order to increase our
      understanding of the system, test hypotheses and make testable predictions. As
      many different mechanisms are involved, a wide range of models have been
      developed. This paper gives an overview of the types of models that have been
      developed, the range of tools used, modelling standards and discusses many
      specific examples of models that have been grouped according to the main
      mechanisms that they address. We conclude by discussing the opportunities and
      challenges for future modelling in this field.

PMID- 28096322
TI  - Enterobius vermicularis presentation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
AB  - Enterobius vermicularis infection is uncommon in adults, compared to children,
      and rarely causes significant illness. Adult infection is usually colonic in
      nature and found incidentally at colonoscopy. Worm migration to other tissues is
      rare. We here-in describe the case of a 73-year-old woman found to have biliary
      tree E. vermicularis-an as yet undescribed site of migration.

PMID- 28096323
TI  - Pyoderma gangrenosum following complex reconstruction of a large-scale lower limb
      defect by combined Parascapular and latissimus dorsi flap.
AB  - A female patient with a critical soft tissue defect after elective knee
      replacement surgery was transferred to our department for reconstruction. As
      wounds were rapidly progressing, necrotizing fasciitis was initially suspected
      but eventually ruled out by histopathological analysis. A 50 * 15 cm defect was
      then reconstructed by means of a combined Parascapular and latissimus dorsi flap
      before, a couple days later, the patient developed tender pustules and ulcers
      involving the flap as well as the donor site. Attempts of excising necrotic areas
      not only continued to fail but seemed to worsen the patient's wound and overall
      condition. Eventually, pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) was diagnosed and local and
      systemic therapy was initiated but treatment proved to be challenging and
      insufficient at first. Being an extremely aggressive disease, early diagnosis is
      crucial and PG should always be suspected when rapidly progressive ulceration on
      surgical sites is observed.

PMID- 28096324
TI  - Totally laparoscopic liver resection for colorectal metastasis located in Segment
      7 in a patient with situs inversus totalis.
AB  - Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a congenital condition consisting of a mirror
      image of transposition of the abdominal and thoracic organs occurring in about
      1:5000 to 1:10 000 adults. We report on a 60-year-old male with a single
      colorectal liver metastasis in the Segment 7. The patients underwent a totally
      laparoscopic sub-segmentectomy. Intraoperative approach on a reverse posterior
      segment was difficult because of left-sided position of the liver. Postoperative
      course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 5 days. To our
      knowledge, only a few cases of open liver resections in patients with SIT have
      been published. This is, therefore, the first case of laparoscopic liver
      resection for colorectal liver metastasis in a patient with SIT. We provide the
      readers with useful tips to perform minimally invasive liver surgery in such
      patients.

PMID- 28096325
TI  - Saphenous vein patch for correction of anomalous origin of the right coronary
      artery from the left main coronary artery.
AB  - Anomalous origin of the coronary arteries is a rare congenital heart defect that
      may lead to disturbed life style, myocardial infarction and sudden death. This
      report describes a young lady with the right coronary artery arising from the
      left main coronary artery, which was confirmed by coronary angiography and
      corrected surgically using saphenous vein patch.

PMID- 28096326
TI  - A rare presentation of an acute appendicitis.
AB  - Paraumbilical hernia sac usually contains omentum, bowel loop and rarely
      appendicular epiploicae, metastatic deposits and vermiform appendix. Presentation
      of acute appendicitis in a paraumbilical hernia is rare and limited to few case
      reports in the literature. Herein, we would like to report a case of a
      successfully treated acute appendicitis presenting in a paraumbilical hernia in
      an 84-year-old lady with 6-month follow-up.

PMID- 28096327
TI  - Pneumatosis coli causing pneumoperitoneum.
AB  - This is a case of a 54-year-old gentleman who presented to an outside hospital
      emergency department with lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography imaging
      showed a small amount of intraperitoneal free air and cystic pneumatosis coli. He
      was admitted, managed conservatively with intravenous antibiotics, and then
      discharged home after his symptoms improved. Elective laparoscopic sigmoid
      colectomy was subsequently performed with intraoperative findings of partial
      sigmoid volvulus and extensive pneumatosis coli of the sigmoid colon.
      Pneumoperitoneum was determined to be from ruptured intramural cysts. The
      etiology of pneumatosis coli was likely from chronic sigmoid volvulus.

PMID- 28096328
TI  - Dynamic PIN-FORMED auxin efflux carrier phosphorylation at the plasma membrane
      controls auxin efflux-dependent growth.
AB  - The directional distribution of the phytohormone auxin is essential for plant
      development. Directional auxin transport is mediated by the polarly distributed
      PIN-FORMED (PIN) auxin efflux carriers. We have previously shown that efficient
      PIN1-mediated auxin efflux requires activation through phosphorylation at the
      four serines S1-S4 in Arabidopsis thaliana The Brefeldin A (BFA)-sensitive D6
      PROTEIN KINASE (D6PK) and the BFA-insensitive PINOID (PID) phosphorylate and
      activate PIN1 through phosphorylation at all four phosphosites. PID, but not
      D6PK, can also induce PIN1 polarity shifts, seemingly through phosphorylation at
      S1-S3. The differential effects of D6PK and PID on PIN1 polarity had so far been
      attributed to their differential phosphosite preference for the four PIN1
      phosphosites. We have mapped PIN1 phosphorylation at S1-S4 in situ using
      phosphosite-specific antibodies. We detected phosphorylation at PIN1 phosphosites
      at the basal (rootward) as well as the apical (shootward) plasma membrane in
      different root cell types, in embryos, and shoot apical meristems. Thereby, PIN1
      phosphorylation at all phosphosites generally followed the predominant PIN1
      distribution but was not restricted to specific polar sides of the cells. PIN1
      phosphorylation at the basal and apical plasma membrane was differentially
      sensitive to BFA treatments, suggesting the involvement of different protein
      kinases or trafficking mechanisms in PIN1 phosphorylation control. We conclude
      that phosphosite preferences are not sufficient to explain the differential
      effects of D6PK and PID on PIN1 polarity, and suggest that a more complex model
      is needed to explain the effects of PID.

PMID- 28096329
TI  - Tissue dual RNA-seq allows fast discovery of infection-specific functions and
      riboregulators shaping host-pathogen transcriptomes.
AB  - Pathogenic bacteria need to rapidly adjust their virulence and fitness program to
      prevent eradication by the host. So far, underlying adaptation processes that
      drive pathogenesis have mostly been studied in vitro, neglecting the true
      complexity of host-induced stimuli acting on the invading pathogen. In this
      study, we developed an unbiased experimental approach that allows simultaneous
      monitoring of genome-wide infection-linked transcriptional alterations of the
      host and colonizing extracellular pathogens. Using this tool for Yersinia
      pseudotuberculosis-infected lymphatic tissues, we revealed numerous alterations
      of host transcripts associated with inflammatory and acute-phase responses,
      coagulative activities, and transition metal ion sequestration, highlighting that
      the immune response is dominated by infiltrating neutrophils and elicits a mixed
      TH17/TH1 response. In consequence, the pathogen's response is mainly directed to
      prevent phagocytic attacks. Yersinia up-regulates the gene and expression dose of
      the antiphagocytic type III secretion system (T3SS) and induces functions
      counteracting neutrophil-induced ion deprivation, radical stress, and nutritional
      restraints. Several conserved bacterial riboregulators were identified that
      impacted this response. The strongest influence on virulence was found for the
      loss of the carbon storage regulator (Csr) system, which is shown to be essential
      for the up-regulation of the T3SS on host cell contact. In summary, our
      established approach provides a powerful tool for the discovery of infection
      specific stimuli, induced host and pathogen responses, and underlying regulatory
      processes.

PMID- 28096330
TI  - Spectroscopic evidence for bulk-band inversion and three-dimensional massive
      Dirac fermions in ZrTe5.
AB  - Three-dimensional topological insulators (3D TIs) represent states of quantum
      matters in which surface states are protected by time-reversal symmetry and an
      inversion occurs between bulk conduction and valence bands. However, the bulk
      band inversion, which is intimately tied to the topologically nontrivial nature
      of 3D Tis, has rarely been investigated by experiments. Besides, 3D massive Dirac
      fermions with nearly linear band dispersions were seldom observed in TIs.
      Recently, a van der Waals crystal, ZrTe5, was theoretically predicted to be a TI.
      Here, we report an infrared transmission study of a high-mobility [~33,000 cm2/(V
      ? s)] multilayer ZrTe5 flake at magnetic fields (B) up to 35 T. Our observation
      of a linear relationship between the zero-magnetic-field optical absorption and
      the photon energy, a bandgap of ~10 meV and a [Formula: see text] dependence of
      the Landau level (LL) transition energies at low magnetic fields demonstrates 3D
      massive Dirac fermions with nearly linear band dispersions in this system. More
      importantly, the reemergence of the intra-LL transitions at magnetic fields
      higher than 17 T reveals the energy cross between the two zeroth LLs, which
      reflects the inversion between the bulk conduction and valence bands. Our results
      not only provide spectroscopic evidence for the TI state in ZrTe5 but also open
      up a new avenue for fundamental studies of Dirac fermions in van der Waals
      materials.

PMID- 28096331
TI  - One-step design of a stable variant of the malaria invasion protein RH5 for use
      as a vaccine immunogen.
AB  - Many promising vaccine candidates from pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and
      parasites are unstable and cannot be produced cheaply for clinical use. For
      instance, Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRH5) is
      essential for erythrocyte invasion, is highly conserved among field isolates, and
      elicits antibodies that neutralize in vitro and protect in an animal model,
      making it a leading malaria vaccine candidate. However, functional RH5 is only
      expressible in eukaryotic systems and exhibits moderate temperature tolerance,
      limiting its usefulness in hot and low-income countries where malaria prevails.
      Current approaches to immunogen stabilization involve iterative application of
      rational or semirational design, random mutagenesis, and biochemical
      characterization. Typically, each round of optimization yields minor improvement
      in stability, and multiple rounds are required. In contrast, we developed a one
      step design strategy using phylogenetic analysis and Rosetta atomistic
      calculations to design PfRH5 variants with improved packing and surface polarity.
      To demonstrate the robustness of this approach, we tested three PfRH5 designs,
      all of which showed improved stability relative to wild type. The best, bearing
      18 mutations relative to PfRH5, expressed in a folded form in bacteria at >1 mg
      of protein per L of culture, and had 10-15  degrees C higher thermal tolerance
      than wild type, while also retaining ligand binding and immunogenic properties
      indistinguishable from wild type, proving its value as an immunogen for a future
      generation of vaccines against the malaria blood stage. We envision that this
      efficient computational stability design methodology will also be used to enhance
      the biophysical properties of other recalcitrant vaccine candidates from emerging
      pathogens.

PMID- 28096332
TI  - Human NF-kappaB repressing factor acts as a stress-regulated switch for ribosomal
      RNA processing and nucleolar homeostasis surveillance.
AB  - The nucleolus, a dynamic nuclear compartment long regarded as the cell ribosome
      factory, is emerging as an important player in the regulation of cell survival
      and recovery from stress. In larger eukaryotes, the stress-induced
      transcriptional response is mediated by a family of heat-shock transcription
      factors. Among these, HSF1, considered the master regulator of stress-induced
      transcriptional responses, controls the expression of cytoprotective heat shock
      proteins (HSPs), molecular chaperones/cochaperones constituting a major component
      of the cell protein quality control machinery essential to circumvent stress
      induced degradation and aggregation of misfolded proteins. Herein we identify
      human NF-kappaB repressing factor (NKRF) as a nucleolar HSP essential for
      nucleolus homeostasis and cell survival under proteotoxic stress. NKRF acts as a
      thermosensor translocating from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm during heat
      stress; nucleolar pools are replenished during recovery upon HSF1-mediated NKRF
      resynthesis. Silencing experiments demonstrate that NKRF is an unconventional HSP
      crucial for correct ribosomal RNA (rRNA) processing and preventing aberrant rRNA
      precursors and discarded fragment accumulation. These effects are mediated by
      NKRF interaction with the 5'-to-3' exoribonuclease XRN2, a key coordinator of
      multiple pre-rRNA cleavages, driving mature rRNA formation and discarded rRNA
      decay. Under stress conditions, NKRF directs XRN2 nucleolus/nucleoplasm
      trafficking, controlling 5'-to-3' exoribonuclease nucleolar levels and regulating
      rRNA processing. Our study reveals a different aspect of rRNA biogenesis control
      in human cells and sheds light on a sophisticated mechanism of nucleolar
      homeostasis surveillance during stress.

PMID- 28096333
TI  - Biophysical properties of the clinical-stage antibody landscape.
AB  - Antibodies are a highly successful class of biological drugs, with over 50 such
      molecules approved for therapeutic use and hundreds more currently in clinical
      development. Improvements in technology for the discovery and optimization of
      high-potency antibodies have greatly increased the chances for finding binding
      molecules with desired biological properties; however, achieving drug-like
      properties at the same time is an additional requirement that is receiving
      increased attention. In this work, we attempt to quantify the historical limits
      of acceptability for multiple biophysical metrics of "developability." Amino acid
      sequences from 137 antibodies in advanced clinical stages, including 48 approved
      for therapeutic use, were collected and used to construct isotype-matched IgG1
      antibodies, which were then expressed in mammalian cells. The resulting material
      for each source antibody was evaluated in a dozen biophysical property assays.
      The distributions of the observed metrics are used to empirically define
      boundaries of drug-like behavior that can represent practical guidelines for
      future antibody drug candidates.

PMID- 28096334
TI  - Role of CCT chaperonin in the disassembly of mitotic checkpoint complexes.
AB  - The mitotic checkpoint system prevents premature separation of sister chromatids
      in mitosis and thus ensures the fidelity of chromosome segregation. When this
      checkpoint is active, a mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), composed of the
      checkpoint proteins Mad2, BubR1, Bub3, and Cdc20, is assembled. MCC inhibits the
      ubiquitin ligase anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), whose action is
      necessary for anaphase initiation. When the checkpoint signal is turned off, MCC
      is disassembled, a process required for exit from checkpoint-arrested state.
      Different moieties of MCC are disassembled by different ATP-requiring processes.
      Previous work showed that Mad2 is released from MCC by the joint action of the
      TRIP13 AAA-ATPase and the Mad2-binding protein p31comet Now we have isolated from
      extracts of HeLa cells an ATP-dependent factor that releases Cdc20 from MCC and
      identified it as chaperonin containing TCP1 or TCP1-Ring complex (CCT/TRiC
      chaperonin), a complex known to function in protein folding. Bacterially
      expressed CCT5 chaperonin subunits, which form biologically active homooligomers
      [Sergeeva, et al. (2013) J Biol Chem 288(24):17734-17744], also promote the
      disassembly of MCC. CCT chaperonin further binds and disassembles subcomplexes of
      MCC that lack Mad2. Thus, the combined action of CCT chaperonin with that of
      TRIP13 ATPase promotes the complete disassembly of MCC, necessary for the
      inactivation of the mitotic checkpoint.

PMID- 28096335
TI  - Myofibril breakdown during atrophy is a delayed response requiring the
      transcription factor PAX4 and desmin depolymerization.
AB  - A hallmark of muscle atrophy is the excessive degradation of myofibrillar
      proteins primarily by the ubiquitin proteasome system. In mice, during the rapid
      muscle atrophy induced by fasting, the desmin cytoskeleton and the attached Z
      band-bound thin filaments are degraded after ubiquitination by the ubiquitin
      ligase tripartite motif-containing protein 32 (Trim32). To study the order of
      events leading to myofibril destruction, we investigated the slower atrophy
      induced by denervation (disuse). We show that myofibril breakdown is a two-phase
      process involving the initial disassembly of desmin filaments by Trim32, which
      leads to the later myofibril breakdown by enzymes, whose expression is increased
      by the paired box 4 (PAX4) transcription factor. After denervation of mouse
      tibialis anterior muscles, phosphorylation and Trim32-dependent ubiquitination of
      desmin filaments increased rapidly and stimulated their gradual depolymerization
      (unlike their rapid degradation during fasting). Trim32 down-regulation
      attenuated the loss of desmin and myofibrillar proteins and reduced atrophy.
      Although myofibrils and desmin filaments were intact at 7 d after denervation,
      inducing the dissociation of desmin filaments caused an accumulation of
      ubiquitinated proteins and rapid destruction of myofibrils. The myofibril
      breakdown normally observed at 14 d after denervation required not only
      dissociation of desmin filaments, but also gene induction by PAX4. Down
      regulation of PAX4 or its target gene encoding the p97/VCP ATPase reduced
      myofibril disassembly and degradation on denervation or fasting. Thus, during
      atrophy, the initial loss of desmin is critical for the subsequent myofibril
      destruction, and over time, myofibrillar proteins become more susceptible to PAX4
      induced enzymes that promote proteolysis.

PMID- 28096336
TI  - beta-Catenin haploinsufficiency promotes mammary tumorigenesis in an ErbB2
      positive basal breast cancer model.
AB  - Aberrant activation of beta-catenin through its activity as a transcription
      factor has been observed in a large proportion of human malignancies. Despite the
      improved understanding of the beta-catenin signaling pathway over the past three
      decades, attempts to develop therapies targeting beta-catenin remain challenging,
      and none of these targeted therapies have advanced to the clinic. In this study,
      we show that part of the challenge in antagonizing beta-catenin is caused by its
      dual functionality as a cell adhesion molecule and a signaling molecule. In a
      mouse model of basal ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ErbB2)-positive breast
      cancer (ErbB2KI), which exhibits aberrant beta-catenin nuclear signaling, beta
      catenin haploinsufficiency induced aggressive tumor formation and metastasis by
      promoting the disruption of adherens junctions, dedifferentiation, and an
      epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcriptional program. In contrast
      to the accelerated tumor onset observed in the haploid-insufficient ErbB2 tumors,
      deletion of both beta-catenin alleles in the ErbB2KI model had only a minor
      impact on tumor onset that further correlated with the retention of normal
      adherens junctions. We further showed that retention of adherens junctional
      integrity was caused by the up-regulation of the closely related family member
      plakoglobin (gamma-catenin) that maintained both adherens junctions and the
      activation of Wnt target genes. In contrast to the ErbB2KI basal tumor model,
      modulation of beta-catenin levels had no appreciable impact on tumor onset in an
      ErbB2-driven model of luminal breast cancer [murine mammary tumor virus promoter
      (MMTV-NIC)]. These observations argue that the balance of junctional and nuclear
      beta-catenin activity has a profound impact on tumor progression in this basal
      model of ErbB2-positive breast cancer.

PMID- 28096337
TI  - Stress granule-associated protein G3BP2 regulates breast tumor initiation.
AB  - Breast tumors contain tumorigenic cancer cells, termed "tumor-initiating cells"
      (TICs), which are capable of both replenishing themselves and giving rise to
      populations of nontumorigenic breast cancer cells (non-TICs). However, the
      molecular mechanisms responsible for breast tumor initiation remain poorly
      understood. Here we describe a chemical screening strategy to identify small
      molecules that enhance the effect of chemotherapeutic agents on TIC-enriched
      breast cancer cells. We identified proteins that interact with the lead compound
      C108, including the stress granule-associated protein, GTPase-activating protein
      (SH3 domain)-binding protein 2, G3BP2. G3BP2 regulates breast tumor initiation
      through the stabilization of Squamous cell carcinoma antigen recognized by T
      cells 3 (SART3) mRNA, which leads to increased expression of the pluripotency
      transcription factors Octamer-binding protein 4 (Oct-4) and Nanog Homeobox
      (Nanog). Our findings suggest that G3BP2 is important for the process of breast
      cancer initiation. Furthermore, these data suggest a possible connection between
      stress granule formation and tumor initiation in breast cancer cells.

PMID- 28096338
TI  - Mitochondrial fusion dynamics is robust in the heart and depends on calcium
      oscillations and contractile activity.
AB  - Mitochondrial fusion is thought to be important for supporting cardiac
      contractility, but is hardly detectable in cultured cardiomyocytes and is
      difficult to directly evaluate in the heart. We overcame this obstacle through in
      vivo adenoviral transduction with matrix-targeted photoactivatable GFP and
      confocal microscopy. Imaging in whole rat hearts indicated mitochondrial network
      formation and fusion activity in ventricular cardiomyocytes. Promptly after
      isolation, cardiomyocytes showed extensive mitochondrial connectivity and fusion,
      which decayed in culture (at 24-48 h). Fusion manifested both as rapid content
      mixing events between adjacent organelles and slower events between both
      neighboring and distant mitochondria. Loss of fusion in culture likely results
      from the decline in calcium oscillations/contractile activity and mitofusin 1
      (Mfn1), because (i) verapamil suppressed both contraction and mitochondrial
      fusion, (ii) after spontaneous contraction or short-term field stimulation fusion
      activity increased in cardiomyocytes, and (iii) ryanodine receptor-2-mediated
      calcium oscillations increased fusion activity in HEK293 cells and complementing
      changes occurred in Mfn1. Weakened cardiac contractility in vivo in alcoholic
      animals is also associated with depressed mitochondrial fusion. Thus, attenuated
      mitochondrial fusion might contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 28096339
TI  - Loss of astrocyte cholesterol synthesis disrupts neuronal function and alters
      whole-body metabolism.
AB  - Cholesterol is important for normal brain function. The brain synthesizes its own
      cholesterol, presumably in astrocytes. We have previously shown that diabetes
      results in decreased brain cholesterol synthesis by a reduction in sterol
      regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2)-regulated transcription. Here we
      show that coculture of control astrocytes with neurons enhances neurite
      outgrowth, and this is reduced with SREBP2 knockdown astrocytes. In vivo, mice
      with knockout of SREBP2 in astrocytes have impaired brain development and
      behavioral and motor defects. These mice also have altered energy balance,
      altered body composition, and a shift in metabolism toward carbohydrate oxidation
      driven by increased glucose oxidation by the brain. Thus, SREBP2-mediated
      cholesterol synthesis in astrocytes plays an important role in brain and neuronal
      development and function, and altered brain cholesterol synthesis may contribute
      to the interaction between metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and altered brain
      function.

PMID- 28096340
TI  - Evolution of antibiotic resistance is linked to any genetic mechanism affecting
      bacterial duration of carriage.
AB  - Understanding how changes in antibiotic consumption affect the prevalence of
      antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens is important for public health. In a
      number of bacterial species, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, the prevalence
      of resistance has remained relatively stable despite prolonged selection pressure
      from antibiotics. The evolutionary processes allowing the robust coexistence of
      antibiotic sensitive and resistant strains are not fully understood. While
      allelic diversity can be maintained at a locus by direct balancing selection,
      there is no evidence for such selection acting in the case of resistance. In this
      work, we propose a mechanism for maintaining coexistence at the resistance locus:
      linkage to a second locus that is under balancing selection and that modulates
      the fitness effect of resistance. We show that duration of carriage plays such a
      role, with long duration of carriage increasing the fitness advantage gained from
      resistance. We therefore predict that resistance will be more common in strains
      with a long duration of carriage and that mechanisms maintaining diversity in
      duration of carriage will also maintain diversity in antibiotic resistance. We
      test these predictions in S. pneumoniae and find that the duration of carriage of
      a serotype is indeed positively correlated with the prevalence of resistance in
      that serotype. These findings suggest heterogeneity in duration of carriage is a
      partial explanation for the coexistence of sensitive and resistant strains and
      that factors determining bacterial duration of carriage will also affect the
      prevalence of resistance.

PMID- 28096342
TI  - Eight-coordinate fluoride in a silicate double-four-ring.
AB  - Fluoride, nature's smallest anion, is capable of covalently coordinating to eight
      silicon atoms. The setting is a simple and common motif in zeolite chemistry: the
      box-shaped silicate double-four-ring (D4R). Fluoride seeks its center. It is the
      strain of box deformation that keeps fluoride in the middle of the box, and
      freezes what would be a transition state in its absence. Hypervalent bonding
      ensues. Fluoride's compactness works to its advantage in stabilizing the cage;
      chloride, bromide, and iodide do not bring about stabilization due to greater
      steric repulsion with the box frame. The combination of strain and hypervalent
      bonding, and the way they work in concert to yield this unusual case of multiple
      hypervalence, has potential for extension to a broader range of solid-state
      compounds.

PMID- 28096341
TI  - Harmonic template neurons in primate auditory cortex underlying complex sound
      processing.
AB  - Harmonicity is a fundamental element of music, speech, and animal vocalizations.
      How the auditory system extracts harmonic structures embedded in complex sounds
      and uses them to form a coherent unitary entity is not fully understood. Despite
      the prevalence of sounds rich in harmonic structures in our everyday hearing
      environment, it has remained largely unknown what neural mechanisms are used by
      the primate auditory cortex to extract these biologically important acoustic
      structures. In this study, we discovered a unique class of harmonic template
      neurons in the core region of auditory cortex of a highly vocal New World
      primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), across the entire hearing
      frequency range. Marmosets have a rich vocal repertoire and a similar hearing
      range to that of humans. Responses of these neurons show nonlinear facilitation
      to harmonic complex sounds over inharmonic sounds, selectivity for particular
      harmonic structures beyond two-tone combinations, and sensitivity to harmonic
      number and spectral regularity. Our findings suggest that the harmonic template
      neurons in auditory cortex may play an important role in processing sounds with
      harmonic structures, such as animal vocalizations, human speech, and music.

PMID- 28096343
TI  - Profile of David J. Thouless, J. Michael Kosterlitz, and F. Duncan M. Haldane,
      2016 Nobel Laureates in Physics.

PMID- 28096344
TI  - Atrial natriuretic peptide regulates adipose tissue accumulation in adult atria.
AB  - The abundance of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with atrial
      fibrillation (AF), the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia. However, both the origin
      and the factors involved in EAT expansion are unknown. Here, we found that adult
      human atrial epicardial cells were highly adipogenic through an epithelial
      mesenchymal transition both in vitro and in vivo. In a genetic lineage tracing
      the WT1CreERT2+/-RosatdT+/- mouse model subjected to a high-fat diet, adipocytes
      of atrial EAT derived from a subset of epicardial progenitors. Atrial myocardium
      secretome induces the adipogenic differentiation of adult mesenchymal epicardium
      derived cells by modulating the balance between mesenchymal Wingless-type Mouse
      Mammary Tumor Virus integration site family, member 10B (Wnt10b)/beta-catenin and
      adipogenic ERK/MAPK signaling pathways. The adipogenic property of the atrial
      secretome was enhanced in AF patients. The atrial natriuretic peptide secreted by
      atrial myocytes is a major adipogenic factor operating at a low concentration by
      binding to its natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) receptor and, in turn, by
      activating a cGMP-dependent pathway. Hence, our data indicate cross-talk between
      EAT expansion and mechanical function of the atrial myocardium.

PMID- 28096345
TI  - The NBS-LRR architectures of plant R-proteins and metazoan NLRs evolved in
      independent events.
AB  - There are intriguing parallels between plants and animals, with respect to the
      structures of their innate immune receptors, that suggest universal principles of
      innate immunity. The cytosolic nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat (NBS
      LRR) resistance proteins of plants (R-proteins) and the so-called NOD-like
      receptors of animals (NLRs) share a domain architecture that includes a STAND
      (signal transduction ATPases with numerous domains) family NTPase followed by a
      series of LRRs, suggesting inheritance from a common ancestor with that
      architecture. Focusing on the STAND NTPases of plant R-proteins, animal NLRs, and
      their homologs that represent the NB-ARC (nucleotide-binding adaptor shared by
      APAF-1, certain R gene products and CED-4) and NACHT (named for NAIP, CIIA, HET
      E, and TEP1) subfamilies of the STAND NTPases, we analyzed the phylogenetic
      distribution of the NBS-LRR domain architecture, used maximum-likelihood methods
      to infer a phylogeny of the NTPase domains of R-proteins, and reconstructed the
      domain structure of the protein containing the common ancestor of the STAND
      NTPase domain of R-proteins and NLRs. Our analyses reject monophyly of plant R
      proteins and NLRs and suggest that the protein containing the last common
      ancestor of the STAND NTPases of plant R-proteins and animal NLRs (and, by
      extension, all NB-ARC and NACHT domains) possessed a domain structure that
      included a STAND NTPase paired with a series of tetratricopeptide repeats. These
      analyses reject the hypothesis that the domain architecture of R-proteins and
      NLRs was inherited from a common ancestor and instead suggest the domain
      architecture evolved at least twice. It remains unclear whether the NBS-LRR
      architectures were innovations of plants and animals themselves or were acquired
      by one or both lineages through horizontal gene transfer.

PMID- 28096346
TI  - Conserved GTPase LepA (Elongation Factor 4) functions in biogenesis of the 30S
      subunit of the 70S ribosome.
AB  - The physiological role of LepA, a paralog of EF-G found in all bacteria, has been
      a mystery for decades. Here, we show that LepA functions in ribosome biogenesis.
      In cells lacking LepA, immature 30S particles accumulate. Four proteins are
      specifically underrepresented in these particles-S3, S10, S14, and S21-all of
      which bind late in the assembly process and contribute to the folding of the 3'
      domain of 16S rRNA. Processing of 16S rRNA is also delayed in the mutant strain,
      as indicated by increased levels of precursor 17S rRNA in assembly intermediates.
      Mutation DeltalepA confers a synthetic growth phenotype in absence of RsgA,
      another GTPase, well known to act in 30S subunit assembly. Analysis of the
      DeltarsgA strain reveals accumulation of intermediates that resemble those seen
      in the absence of LepA. These data suggest that RsgA and LepA play partially
      redundant roles to ensure efficient 30S assembly.

PMID- 28096347
TI  - Human transposon insertion profiling: Analysis, visualization and identification
      of somatic LINE-1 insertions in ovarian cancer.
AB  - Mammalian genomes are replete with interspersed repeats reflecting the activity
      of transposable elements. These mobile DNAs are self-propagating, and their
      continued transposition is a source of both heritable structural variation as
      well as somatic mutation in human genomes. Tailored approaches to map these
      sequences are useful to identify insertion alleles. Here, we describe in detail a
      strategy to amplify and sequence long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1, L1)
      retrotransposon insertions selectively in the human genome, transposon insertion
      profiling by next-generation sequencing (TIPseq). We also report the development
      of a machine-learning-based computational pipeline, TIPseqHunter, to identify
      insertion sites with high precision and reliability. We demonstrate the utility
      of this approach to detect somatic retrotransposition events in high-grade
      ovarian serous carcinoma.

PMID- 28096348
TI  - Transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic landscape of positional memory in the
      caudal fin of zebrafish.
AB  - Regeneration requires cells to regulate proliferation and patterning according to
      their spatial position. Positional memory is a property that enables regenerating
      cells to recall spatial information from the uninjured tissue. Positional memory
      is hypothesized to rely on gradients of molecules, few of which have been
      identified. Here, we quantified the global abundance of transcripts, proteins,
      and metabolites along the proximodistal axis of caudal fins of uninjured and
      regenerating adult zebrafish. Using this approach, we uncovered complex
      overlapping expression patterns for hundreds of molecules involved in diverse
      cellular functions, including development, bioelectric signaling, and amino acid
      and lipid metabolism. Moreover, 32 genes differentially expressed at the RNA
      level had concomitant differential expression of the encoded proteins. Thus, the
      identification of proximodistal differences in levels of RNAs, proteins, and
      metabolites will facilitate future functional studies of positional memory during
      appendage regeneration.

PMID- 28096349
TI  - Structure of eukaryotic CMG helicase at a replication fork and implications to
      replisome architecture and origin initiation.
AB  - The eukaryotic CMG (Cdc45, Mcm2-7, GINS) helicase consists of the Mcm2-7
      hexameric ring along with five accessory factors. The Mcm2-7 heterohexamer, like
      other hexameric helicases, is shaped like a ring with two tiers, an N-tier ring
      composed of the N-terminal domains, and a C-tier of C-terminal domains; the C
      tier contains the motor. In principle, either tier could translocate ahead of the
      other during movement on DNA. We have used cryo-EM single-particle 3D
      reconstruction to solve the structure of CMG in complex with a DNA fork. The
      duplex stem penetrates into the central channel of the N-tier and the unwound
      leading single-strand DNA traverses the channel through the N-tier into the C
      tier motor, 5'-3' through CMG. Therefore, the N-tier ring is pushed ahead by the
      C-tier ring during CMG translocation, opposite the currently accepted polarity.
      The polarity of the N-tier ahead of the C-tier places the leading Pol epsilon
      below CMG and Pol alpha-primase at the top of CMG at the replication fork.
      Surprisingly, the new N-tier to C-tier polarity of translocation reveals an
      unforeseen quality-control mechanism at the origin. Thus, upon assembly of head
      to-head CMGs that encircle double-stranded DNA at the origin, the two CMGs must
      pass one another to leave the origin and both must remodel onto opposite strands
      of single-stranded DNA to do so. We propose that head-to-head motors may generate
      energy that underlies initial melting at the origin.

PMID- 28096350
TI  - Combating Parkinson's disease-associated toxicity by modulating proteostasis.

PMID- 28096352
TI  - Recognition of protein-linked glycans as a determinant of peptidase activity.
AB  - The vast majority of proteins are posttranslationally altered, with the addition
      of covalently linked sugars (glycosylation) being one of the most abundant
      modifications. However, despite the hydrolysis of protein peptide bonds by
      peptidases being a process essential to all life on Earth, the fundamental
      details of how peptidases accommodate posttranslational modifications, including
      glycosylation, has not been addressed. Through biochemical analyses and X-ray
      crystallographic structures we show that to hydrolyze their substrates, three
      structurally related metallopeptidases require the specific recognition of O
      linked glycan modifications via carbohydrate-specific subsites immediately
      adjacent to their peptidase catalytic machinery. The three peptidases showed
      selectivity for different glycans, revealing protein-specific adaptations to
      particular glycan modifications, yet always cleaved the peptide bond immediately
      preceding the glycosylated residue. This insight builds upon the paradigm of how
      peptidases recognize substrates and provides a molecular understanding of
      glycoprotein degradation.

PMID- 28096351
TI  - Uncovering hidden variation in polyploid wheat.
AB  - Comprehensive reverse genetic resources, which have been key to understanding
      gene function in diploid model organisms, are missing in many polyploid crops.
      Young polyploid species such as wheat, which was domesticated less than 10,000 y
      ago, have high levels of sequence identity among subgenomes that mask the effects
      of recessive alleles. Such redundancy reduces the probability of selection of
      favorable mutations during natural or human selection, but also allows wheat to
      tolerate high densities of induced mutations. Here we exploited this property to
      sequence and catalog more than 10 million mutations in the protein-coding regions
      of 2,735 mutant lines of tetraploid and hexaploid wheat. We detected, on average,
      2,705 and 5,351 mutations per tetraploid and hexaploid line, respectively, which
      resulted in 35-40 mutations per kb in each population. With these mutation
      densities, we identified an average of 23-24 missense and truncation alleles per
      gene, with at least one truncation or deleterious missense mutation in more than
      90% of the captured wheat genes per population. This public collection of mutant
      seed stocks and sequence data enables rapid identification of mutations in the
      different copies of the wheat genes, which can be combined to uncover previously
      hidden variation. Polyploidy is a central phenomenon in plant evolution, and many
      crop species have undergone recent genome duplication events. Therefore, the
      general strategy and methods developed herein can benefit other polyploid crops.

PMID- 28096353
TI  - High Coulombic efficiency aluminum-ion battery using an AlCl3-urea ionic liquid
      analog electrolyte.
AB  - In recent years, impressive advances in harvesting renewable energy have led to a
      pressing demand for the complimentary energy storage technology. Here, a high
      Coulombic efficiency (~99.7%) Al battery is developed using earth-abundant
      aluminum as the anode, graphite as the cathode, and a cheap ionic liquid analog
      electrolyte made from a mixture of AlCl3 and urea in a 1.3:1 molar ratio. The
      battery displays discharge voltage plateaus around 1.9 and 1.5 V (average
      discharge = 1.73 V) and yielded a specific cathode capacity of ~73 mAh g-1 at a
      current density of 100 mA g-1 (~1.4 C). High Coulombic efficiency over a range of
      charge-discharge rates and stability over ~150-200 cycles was easily
      demonstrated. In situ Raman spectroscopy clearly showed chloroaluminate anion
      intercalation/deintercalation of graphite (positive electrode) during charge
      discharge and suggested the formation of a stage 2 graphite intercalation
      compound when fully charged. Raman spectroscopy and NMR suggested the existence
      of AlCl4-, Al2Cl7- anions and [AlCl2.(urea)n]+ cations in the AlCl3/urea
      electrolyte when an excess of AlCl3 was present. Aluminum deposition therefore
      proceeded through two pathways, one involving Al2Cl7- anions and the other
      involving [AlCl2.(urea)n]+ cations. This battery is a promising prospect for a
      future high-performance, low-cost energy storage device.

PMID- 28096354
TI  - Loss of GET pathway orthologs in Arabidopsis thaliana causes root hair growth
      defects and affects SNARE abundance.
AB  - Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)
      proteins are key players in cellular trafficking and coordinate vital cellular
      processes, such as cytokinesis, pathogen defense, and ion transport regulation.
      With few exceptions, SNAREs are tail-anchored (TA) proteins, bearing a C-terminal
      hydrophobic domain that is essential for their membrane integration. Recently,
      the Guided Entry of Tail-anchored proteins (GET) pathway was described in
      mammalian and yeast cells that serve as a blueprint of TA protein insertion
      [Schuldiner M, et al. (2008) Cell 134(4):634-645; Stefanovic S, Hegde RS (2007)
      Cell 128(6):1147-1159]. This pathway consists of six proteins, with the cytosolic
      ATPase GET3 chaperoning the newly synthesized TA protein posttranslationally from
      the ribosome to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Structural and
      biochemical insights confirmed the potential of pathway components to facilitate
      membrane insertion, but the physiological significance in multicellular organisms
      remains to be resolved. Our phylogenetic analysis of 37 GET3 orthologs from 18
      different species revealed the presence of two different GET3 clades. We
      identified and analyzed GET pathway components in Arabidopsis thaliana and found
      reduced root hair elongation in Atget lines, possibly as a result of reduced
      SNARE biogenesis. Overexpression of AtGET3a in a receptor knockout (KO) results
      in severe growth defects, suggesting presence of alternative insertion pathways
      while highlighting an intricate involvement for the GET pathway in cellular
      homeostasis of plants.

PMID- 28096355
TI  - A natural product inhibits the initiation of alpha-synuclein aggregation and
      suppresses its toxicity.
AB  - The self-assembly of alpha-synuclein is closely associated with Parkinson's
      disease and related syndromes. We show that squalamine, a natural product with
      known anticancer and antiviral activity, dramatically affects alpha-synuclein
      aggregation in vitro and in vivo. We elucidate the mechanism of action of
      squalamine by investigating its interaction with lipid vesicles, which are known
      to stimulate nucleation, and find that this compound displaces alpha-synuclein
      from the surfaces of such vesicles, thereby blocking the first steps in its
      aggregation process. We also show that squalamine almost completely suppresses
      the toxicity of alpha-synuclein oligomers in human neuroblastoma cells by
      inhibiting their interactions with lipid membranes. We further examine the
      effects of squalamine in a Caenorhabditis elegans strain overexpressing alpha
      synuclein, observing a dramatic reduction of alpha-synuclein aggregation and an
      almost complete elimination of muscle paralysis. These findings suggest that
      squalamine could be a means of therapeutic intervention in Parkinson's disease
      and related conditions.

PMID- 28096356
TI  - Active MLKL triggers the NLRP3 inflammasome in a cell-intrinsic manner.
AB  - Necroptosis is a physiological cell suicide mechanism initiated by receptor
      interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) phosphorylation of mixed-lineage kinase
      domain-like protein (MLKL), which results in disruption of the plasma membrane.
      Necroptotic cell lysis, and resultant release of proinflammatory mediators, is
      thought to cause inflammation in necroptotic disease models. However, we
      previously showed that MLKL signaling can also promote inflammation by activating
      the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3
      (NLRP3) inflammasome to recruit the adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck
      like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC) and
      trigger caspase-1 processing of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta. Here, we
      provide evidence that MLKL-induced activation of NLRP3 requires (i) the death
      effector four-helical bundle of MLKL, (ii) oligomerization and association of
      MLKL with cellular membranes, and (iii) a reduction in intracellular potassium
      concentration. Although genetic or pharmacological targeting of NLRP3 or caspase
      1 prevented MLKL-induced IL-1beta secretion, they did not prevent necroptotic
      cell death. Gasdermin D (GSDMD), the pore-forming caspase-1 substrate required
      for efficient NLRP3-triggered pyroptosis and IL-1beta release, was not essential
      for MLKL-dependent death or IL-1beta secretion. Imaging of MLKL-dependent ASC
      speck formation demonstrated that necroptotic stimuli activate NLRP3 cell
      intrinsically, indicating that MLKL-induced NLRP3 inflammasome formation and IL
      1beta cleavage occur before cell lysis. Furthermore, we show that necroptotic
      activation of NLRP3, but not necroptotic cell death alone, is necessary for the
      activation of NF-kappaB in healthy bystander cells. Collectively, these results
      demonstrate the potential importance of NLRP3 inflammasome activity as a driving
      force for inflammation in MLKL-dependent diseases.

PMID- 28096357
TI  - Prion replication without host adaptation during interspecies transmissions.
AB  - Adaptation of prions to new species is thought to reflect the capacity of the
      host-encoded cellular form of the prion protein (PrPC) to selectively propagate
      optimized prion conformations from larger ensembles generated in the species of
      origin. Here we describe an alternate replicative process, termed nonadaptive
      prion amplification (NAPA), in which dominant conformers bypass this requirement
      during particular interspecies transmissions. To model susceptibility of horses
      to prions, we produced transgenic (Tg) mice expressing cognate PrPC Although
      disease transmission to only a subset of infected TgEq indicated a significant
      barrier to EqPrPC conversion, the resulting horse prions unexpectedly failed to
      cause disease upon further passage to TgEq. TgD expressing deer PrPC was
      similarly refractory to deer prions from diseased TgD infected with mink prions.
      In both cases, the resulting prions transmitted to mice expressing PrPC from the
      species of prion origin, demonstrating that transmission barrier eradication of
      the originating prions was ephemeral and adaptation superficial in TgEq and TgD.
      Horse prions produced in vitro by protein misfolding cyclic amplification of
      mouse prions using horse PrPC also failed to infect TgEq but retained tropism for
      wild-type mice. Concordant patterns of neuropathology and prion deposition in
      susceptible mice infected with NAPA prions and the corresponding prion of origin
      confirmed preservation of strain properties. The comparable responses of both
      prion types to guanidine hydrochloride denaturation indicated this occurs because
      NAPA precludes selection of novel prion conformations. Our findings provide
      insights into mechanisms regulating interspecies prion transmission and a
      framework to reconcile puzzling epidemiological features of certain prion
      disorders.

PMID- 28096358
TI  - Repair shielding of platinum-DNA lesions in testicular germ cell tumors by high
      mobility group box protein 4 imparts cisplatin hypersensitivity.
AB  - Cisplatin is the most commonly used anticancer drug for the treatment of
      testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). The hypersensitivity of TGCTs to cisplatin
      is a subject of widespread interest. Here, we show that high-mobility group box
      protein 4 (HMGB4), a protein preferentially expressed in testes, uniquely blocks
      excision repair of cisplatin-DNA adducts, 1,2-intrastrand cross-links, to
      potentiate the sensitivity of TGCTs to cisplatin therapy. We used CRISPR/Cas9
      mediated gene editing to knockout the HMGB4 gene in a testicular human embryonic
      carcinoma and examined cellular responses. We find that loss of HMGB4 elicits
      resistance to cisplatin as evidenced by cell proliferation and apoptosis assays.
      We demonstrate that HMGB4 specifically inhibits repair of the major cisplatin-DNA
      adducts in TGCT cells by using the human TGCT excision repair system. Our
      findings also reveal characteristic HMGB4-dependent differences in cell cycle
      progression following cisplatin treatment. Collectively, these data provide
      convincing evidence that HMGB4 plays a major role in sensitizing TGCTs to
      cisplatin, consistent with shielding of platinum-DNA adducts from excision
      repair.

PMID- 28096359
TI  - alpha-Synuclein binds and sequesters PIKE-L into Lewy bodies, triggering
      dopaminergic cell death via AMPK hyperactivation.
AB  - The abnormal aggregation of fibrillar alpha-synuclein in Lewy bodies plays a
      critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. However, the molecular
      mechanisms regulating alpha-synuclein pathological effects are incompletely
      understood. Here we show that alpha-synuclein binds phosphoinositide-3 kinase
      enhancer L (PIKE-L) in a phosphorylation-dependent manner and sequesters it in
      Lewy bodies, leading to dopaminergic cell death via AMP-activated protein kinase
      (AMPK) hyperactivation. alpha-Synuclein interacts with PIKE-L, an AMPK inhibitory
      binding partner, and this action is increased by S129 phosphorylation through
      AMPK and is decreased by Y125 phosphorylation via Src family kinase Fyn. A
      pleckstrin homology (PH) domain in PIKE-L directly binds alpha-synuclein and
      antagonizes its aggregation. Accordingly, PIKE-L overexpression decreases
      dopaminergic cell death elicited by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), whereas
      PIKE-L knockdown elevates alpha-synuclein oligomerization and cell death. The
      overexpression of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or alpha
      synuclein induces greater dopaminergic cell loss and more severe motor defects in
      PIKE-KO and Fyn-KO mice than in wild-type mice, and these effects are attenuated
      by the expression of dominant-negative AMPK. Hence, our findings demonstrate that
      alpha-synuclein neutralizes PIKE-L's neuroprotective actions in
      synucleinopathies, triggering dopaminergic neuronal death by hyperactivating
      AMPK.

PMID- 28096361
TI  - Thermal-driven domain and cargo transport in lipid membranes.
AB  - Domain migration is observed on the surface of ternary giant unilamellar vesicles
      held in a temperature gradient in conditions where they exhibit coexistence of
      two liquid phases. The migration localizes domains to the hot side of the
      vesicle, regardless of whether the domain is composed of the more ordered or
      disordered phase and regardless of the proximity to chamber boundaries. The
      distribution of domains is explored for domains that coarsen and for those held
      apart due to long-range repulsions. After considering several potential
      mechanisms for the migration, including the temperature preferences for each
      lipid, the favored curvature for each phase, and the thermophoretic flow around
      the vesicle, we show that observations are consistent with the general process of
      minimizing the system's line tension energy, because of the lowering of line
      interface energy closer to mixing. DNA strands, attached to the lipid bilayer
      with cholesterol anchors, act as an exemplar "cargo," demonstrating that the
      directed motion of domains toward higher temperatures provides a route to
      relocate species that preferentially reside in the domains.

PMID- 28096360
TI  - Measurement of cortical elasticity in Drosophila melanogaster embryos using
      ferrofluids.
AB  - Many models of morphogenesis are forced to assume specific mechanical properties
      of cells, because the actual mechanical properties of living tissues are largely
      unknown. Here, we measure the rheology of epithelial cells in the cellularizing
      Drosophila embryo by injecting magnetic particles and studying their response to
      external actuation. We establish that, on timescales relevant to epithelial
      morphogenesis, the cytoplasm is predominantly viscous, whereas the cellular
      cortex is elastic. The timescale of elastic stress relaxation has a lower bound
      of 4 min, which is comparable to the time required for internalization of the
      ventral furrow during gastrulation. The cytoplasm was measured to be ~103-fold as
      viscous as water. We show that elasticity depends on the actin cytoskeleton and
      conclude by discussing how these results relate to existing mechanical models of
      morphogenesis.

PMID- 28096362
TI  - Catalytic oxidation of Li2S on the surface of metal sulfides for Li-S batteries.
AB  - Polysulfide binding and trapping to prevent dissolution into the electrolyte by a
      variety of materials has been well studied in Li-S batteries. Here we discover
      that some of those materials can play an important role as an activation catalyst
      to facilitate oxidation of the discharge product, Li2S, back to the charge
      product, sulfur. Combining theoretical calculations and experimental design, we
      select a series of metal sulfides as a model system to identify the key
      parameters in determining the energy barrier for Li2S oxidation and polysulfide
      adsorption. We demonstrate that the Li2S decomposition energy barrier is
      associated with the binding between isolated Li ions and the sulfur in sulfides;
      this is the main reason that sulfide materials can induce lower overpotential
      compared with commonly used carbon materials. Fundamental understanding of this
      reaction process is a crucial step toward rational design and screening of
      materials to achieve high reversible capacity and long cycle life in Li-S
      batteries.

PMID- 28096364
TI  - Bilateral recruitment of prefrontal cortex in working memory is associated with
      task demand but not with age.
AB  - Elderly adults may master challenging cognitive demands by additionally
      recruiting the cross-hemispheric counterparts of otherwise unilaterally engaged
      brain regions, a strategy that seems to be at odds with the notion of lateralized
      functions in cerebral cortex. We wondered whether bilateral activation might be a
      general coping strategy that is independent of age, task content and brain
      region. While using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we pushed young
      and old subjects to their working memory (WM) capacity limits in verbal, spatial,
      and object domains. Then, we compared the fMRI signal reflecting WM maintenance
      between hemispheric counterparts of various task-relevant cerebral regions that
      are known to exhibit lateralization. Whereas language-related areas kept their
      lateralized activation pattern independent of age in difficult tasks, we observed
      bilaterality in dorsolateral and anterior prefrontal cortex across WM domains and
      age groups. In summary, the additional recruitment of cross-hemispheric
      counterparts seems to be an age-independent domain-general strategy to master
      cognitive challenges. This phenomenon is largely confined to prefrontal cortex,
      which is arguably less specialized and more flexible than other parts of the
      brain.

PMID- 28096363
TI  - An RNA-based signature enables high specificity detection of circulating tumor
      cells in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed into the bloodstream by invasive cancers,
      but the difficulty inherent in identifying these rare cells by microscopy has
      precluded their routine use in monitoring or screening for cancer. We recently
      described a high-throughput microfluidic CTC-iChip, which efficiently depletes
      hematopoietic cells from blood specimens and enriches for CTCs with well
      preserved RNA. Application of RNA-based digital PCR to detect CTC-derived
      signatures may thus enable highly accurate tissue lineage-based cancer detection
      in blood specimens. As proof of principle, we examined hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC), a cancer that is derived from liver cells bearing a unique gene expression
      profile. After identifying a digital signature of 10 liver-specific transcripts,
      we used a cross-validated logistic regression model to identify the presence of
      HCC-derived CTCs in nine of 16 (56%) untreated patients with HCC versus one of 31
      (3%) patients with nonmalignant liver disease at risk for developing HCC (P <
      0.0001). Positive CTC scores declined in treated patients: Nine of 32 (28%)
      patients receiving therapy and only one of 15 (7%) patients who had undergone
      curative-intent ablation, surgery, or liver transplantation were positive. RNA
      based digital CTC scoring was not correlated with the standard HCC serum protein
      marker alpha fetoprotein (P = 0.57). Modeling the sequential use of these two
      orthogonal markers for liver cancer screening in patients with high-risk
      cirrhosis generates positive and negative predictive values of 80% and 86%,
      respectively. Thus, digital RNA quantitation constitutes a sensitive and specific
      CTC readout, enabling high-throughput clinical applications, such as noninvasive
      screening for HCC in populations where viral hepatitis and cirrhosis are
      prevalent.

PMID- 28096366
TI  - Iron isotopes reveal distinct dissolved iron sources and pathways in the
      intermediate versus deep Southern Ocean.
AB  - As an essential micronutrient, iron plays a key role in oceanic biogeochemistry.
      It is therefore linked to the global carbon cycle and climate. Here, we report a
      dissolved iron (DFe) isotope section in the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean.
      Throughout the section, a striking DFe isotope minimum (light iron) is observed
      at intermediate depths (200-1,300 m), contrasting with heavier isotopic
      composition in deep waters. This unambiguously demonstrates distinct DFe sources
      and processes dominating the iron cycle in the intermediate and deep layers, a
      feature impossible to see with only iron concentration data largely used thus far
      in chemical oceanography. At intermediate depths, the data suggest that the
      dominant DFe sources are linked to organic matter remineralization, either in the
      water column or at continental margins. In deeper layers, however, abiotic non
      reductive release of Fe (desorption, dissolution) from particulate iron-notably
      lithogenic-likely dominates. These results go against the common but
      oversimplified view that remineralization of organic matter is the major pathway
      releasing DFe throughout the water column in the open ocean. They suggest that
      the oceanic iron cycle, and therefore oceanic primary production and climate,
      could be more sensitive than previously thought to continental erosion (providing
      lithogenic particles to the ocean), particle transport within the ocean,
      dissolved/particle interactions, and deep water upwelling. These processes could
      also impact the cycles of other elements, including nutrients.

PMID- 28096365
TI  - Unlocking Tn3-family transposase activity in vitro unveils an asymetric pathway
      for transposome assembly.
AB  - The Tn3 family is a widespread group of replicative transposons that are
      notorious for their contribution to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance
      and the emergence of multiresistant pathogens worldwide. The TnpA transposase of
      these elements catalyzes DNA breakage and rejoining reactions required for
      transposition. It also is responsible for target immunity, a phenomenon that
      prevents multiple insertions of the transposon into the same genomic region.
      However, the molecular mechanisms whereby TnpA acts in both processes remain
      unknown. Here, we have developed sensitive biochemical assays for the TnpA
      transposase of the Tn3-family transposon Tn4430 and used these assays to
      characterize previously isolated TnpA mutants that are selectively affected in
      immunity. Compared with wild-type TnpA, these mutants exhibit deregulated
      activities. They spontaneously assemble a unique asymmetric synaptic complex in
      which one TnpA molecule simultaneously binds two transposon ends. In this
      complex, TnpA is in an activated state competent for DNA cleavage and strand
      transfer. Wild-type TnpA can form this complex only on precleaved ends mimicking
      the initial step of transposition. The data suggest that transposition is
      controlled at an early stage of transpososome assembly, before DNA cleavage, and
      that mutations affecting immunity have unlocked TnpA by stabilizing the protein
      in a monomeric activated synaptic configuration. We propose an asymmetric pathway
      for coupling active transpososome assembly with proper target recruitment and
      discuss this model with respect to possible immunity mechanisms.

PMID- 28096367
TI  - Zero-index structures as an alternative platform for quantum optics.
AB  - Vacuum fluctuations are one of the most distinctive aspects of quantum optics,
      being the trigger of multiple nonclassical phenomena. Thus, platforms like
      resonant cavities and photonic crystals that enable the inhibition and
      manipulation of vacuum fluctuations have been key to our ability to control light
      matter interactions (e.g., the decay of quantum emitters). Here, we theoretically
      demonstrate that vacuum fluctuations may be naturally inhibited within bodies
      immersed in epsilon-and-mu-near-zero (EMNZ) media, while they can also be
      selectively excited via bound eigenmodes. Therefore, zero-index structures are
      proposed as an alternative platform to manipulate the decay of quantum emitters,
      possibly leading to the exploration of qualitatively different dynamics. For
      example, a direct modulation of the vacuum Rabi frequency is obtained by
      deforming the EMNZ region without detuning a bound eigenmode. Ideas for the
      possible implementation of these concepts using synthetic implementations based
      on structural dispersion are also proposed.

PMID- 28096368
TI  - Elemental sulfur aerosol-forming mechanism.
AB  - Elemental sulfur aerosols are ubiquitous in the atmospheres of Venus, ancient
      Earth, and Mars. There is now an evolving body of evidence suggesting that these
      aerosols have also played a role in the evolution of early life on Earth.
      However, the exact details of their formation mechanism remain an open question.
      The present theoretical calculations suggest a chemical mechanism that takes
      advantage of the interaction between sulfur oxides, SOn (n = 1, 2, 3) and
      hydrogen sulfide (nH2S), resulting in the efficient formation of a Sn+1 particle.
      Interestingly, the SOn + nH2S -> Sn+1 + nH2O reactions occur via low-energy
      pathways under water or sulfuric acid catalysis. Once the Sn+1 particles are
      formed, they may further nucleate to form larger polysulfur aerosols, thus
      providing a chemical framework for understanding the formation mechanism of S0
      aerosols in different environments.

PMID- 28096369
TI  - Reply to Datchi et al.: Recovered phase CO2-V at low temperature and a newly
      predicted 3D-extended CO2 phase.

PMID- 28096370
TI  - Polymeric phase V of carbon dioxide has not been recovered at ambient pressure
      and has a unique structure.

PMID- 28096371
TI  - COX2/mPGES1/PGE2 pathway regulates PD-L1 expression in tumor-associated
      macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells.
AB  - In recent years, it has been established that programmed cell death protein
      ligand 1 (PD-L1)-mediated inhibition of activated PD-1+ T lymphocytes plays a
      major role in tumor escape from immune system during cancer progression. Lately,
      the anti-PD-L1 and -PD-1 immune therapies have become an important tool for
      treatment of advanced human cancers, including bladder cancer. However, the
      underlying mechanisms of PD-L1 expression in cancer are not fully understood. We
      found that coculture of murine bone marrow cells with bladder tumor cells
      promoted strong expression of PD-L1 in bone marrow-derived myeloid cells. Tumor
      induced expression of PD-L1 was limited to F4/80+ macrophages and Ly-6C+ myeloid
      derived suppressor cells. These PD-L1-expressing cells were immunosuppressive and
      were capable of eliminating CD8 T cells in vitro. Tumor-infiltrating PD-L1+ cells
      isolated from tumor-bearing mice also exerted morphology of tumor-associated
      macrophages and expressed high levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-forming enzymes
      microsomal PGE2 synthase 1 (mPGES1) and COX2. Inhibition of PGE2 formation, using
      pharmacologic mPGES1 and COX2 inhibitors or genetic overexpression of PGE2
      degrading enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), resulted in
      reduced PD-L1 expression. Together, our study demonstrates that the
      COX2/mPGES1/PGE2 pathway involved in the regulation of PD-L1 expression in tumor
      infiltrating myeloid cells and, therefore, reprogramming of PGE2 metabolism in
      tumor microenvironment provides an opportunity to reduce immune suppression in
      tumor host.

PMID- 28096372
TI  - Helical structure, stability, and dynamics in human apolipoprotein E3 and E4 by
      hydrogen exchange and mass spectrometry.
AB  - Apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a critical role in cholesterol transport in both
      peripheral circulation and brain. Human apoE is a polymorphic 299-residue protein
      in which the less common E4 isoform differs from the major E3 isoform only by a
      C112R substitution. ApoE4 interacts with lipoprotein particles and with the
      amyloid-beta peptide, and it is associated with increased incidence of
      cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease. To understand the structural basis for
      the differences between apoE3 and E4 functionality, we used hydrogen-deuterium
      exchange coupled with a fragment separation method and mass spectrometric
      analysis to compare their secondary structures at near amino acid resolution. We
      determined the positions, dynamics, and stabilities of the helical segments in
      these two proteins, in their normal tetrameric state and in mutation-induced
      monomeric mutants. Consistent with prior X-ray crystallography and NMR results,
      the N-terminal domain contains four alpha-helices, 20 to 30 amino acids long. The
      C-terminal domain is relatively unstructured in the monomeric state but forms an
      alpha-helix ~70 residues long in the self-associated tetrameric state. Helix
      stabilities are relatively low, 4 kcal/mol to 5 kcal/mol, consistent with
      flexibility and facile reversible unfolding. Secondary structure in the
      tetrameric apoE3 and E4 isoforms is similar except that some helical segments in
      apoE4 spanning residues 12 to 20 and 204 to 210 are unfolded. These
      conformational differences result from the C112R substitution in the N-terminal
      helix bundle and likely relate to a reduced ability of apoE4 to form tetramers,
      thereby increasing the concentration of functional apoE4 monomers, which gives
      rise to its higher lipid binding compared with apoE3.

PMID- 28096373
TI  - Pathogen-mediated manipulation of arthropod microbiota to promote infection.
AB  - Arthropods transmit diverse infectious agents; however, the ways microbes
      influence their vector to enhance colonization are poorly understood. Ixodes
      scapularis ticks harbor numerous human pathogens, including Anaplasma
      phagocytophilum, the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis. We now demonstrate
      that A. phagocytophilum modifies the I. scapularis microbiota to more efficiently
      infect the tick. A. phagocytophilum induces ticks to express Ixodes scapularis
      antifreeze glycoprotein (iafgp), which encodes a protein with several properties,
      including the ability to alter bacterial biofilm formation. IAFGP thereby
      perturbs the tick gut microbiota, which influences the integrity of the
      peritrophic matrix and gut barrier-critical obstacles for Anaplasma colonization.
      Mechanistically, IAFGP binds the terminal d-alanine residue of the pentapeptide
      chain of bacterial peptidoglycan, resulting in altered permeability and the
      capacity of bacteria to form biofilms. These data elucidate the molecular
      mechanisms by which a human pathogen appropriates an arthropod antibacterial
      protein to alter the gut microbiota and more effectively colonize the vector.

PMID- 28096374
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of the human antibody repertoire reveals quantitative
      signatures of immune senescence and aging.
AB  - The elderly have reduced humoral immunity, as manifested by increased
      susceptibility to infections and impaired vaccine responses. To investigate the
      effects of aging on B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire evolution during an
      immunological challenge, we used a phylogenetic distance metric to analyze Ig
      heavy-chain transcript sequences in both young and elderly individuals before and
      after influenza vaccination. We determined that BCR repertoires become
      increasingly specialized over a span of decades, but less plastic. In 50% of the
      elderly individuals, a large space in the repertoire was occupied by a small
      number of recall lineages that did not decline during vaccine response and
      contained hypermutated IgD+ B cells. Relative to their younger counterparts,
      older subjects demonstrated a contracted naive repertoire and diminished
      intralineage diversification, signifying a reduced substrate for mounting novel
      responses and decreased fine-tuning of BCR specificities by somatic
      hypermutation. Furthermore, a larger proportion of the repertoire exhibited
      premature stop codons in some elderly subjects, indicating that aging may
      negatively affect the ability of B cells to discriminate between functional and
      nonfunctional receptors. Finally, we observed a decreased incidence of radical
      mutations compared with conservative mutations in elderly subjects' vaccine
      responses, which suggests that accumulating original antigenic sin may be
      limiting the accessible space for paratope evolution. Our findings shed light on
      the complex interplay of environmental and gerontological factors affecting
      immune senescence, and provide direct molecular characterization of the effects
      of senescence on the immune repertoire.

PMID- 28096375
TI  - Do guanidinium and tetrapropylammonium ions specifically interact with aromatic
      amino acid side chains?
AB  - Many ions are known to affect the activity, stability, and structural integrity
      of proteins. Although this effect can be generally attributed to ion-induced
      changes in forces that govern protein folding, delineating the underlying
      mechanism of action still remains challenging because it requires assessment of
      all relevant interactions, such as ion-protein, ion-water, and ion-ion
      interactions. Herein, we use two unnatural aromatic amino acids and several
      spectroscopic techniques to examine whether guanidinium chloride, one of the most
      commonly used protein denaturants, and tetrapropylammonium chloride can
      specifically interact with aromatic side chains. Our results show that
      tetrapropylammonium, but not guanidinium, can preferentially accumulate around
      aromatic residues and that tetrapropylammonium undergoes a transition at ~1.3 M
      to form aggregates. We find that similar to ionic micelles, on one hand, such
      aggregates can disrupt native hydrophobic interactions, and on the other hand,
      they can promote alpha-helix formation in certain peptides.

PMID- 28096376
TI  - Myosin-driven transport network in plants.
AB  - We investigate the myosin XI-driven transport network in Arabidopsis using
      protein-protein interaction, subcellular localization, gene knockout, and
      bioinformatics analyses. The two major groups of nodes in this network are
      myosins XI and their membrane-anchored receptors (MyoB) that, together, drive
      endomembrane trafficking and cytoplasmic streaming in the plant cells. The
      network shows high node connectivity and is dominated by generalists, with a
      smaller fraction of more specialized myosins and receptors. We show that
      interaction with myosins and association with motile vesicles are common
      properties of the MyoB family receptors. We identify previously uncharacterized
      myosin-binding proteins, putative myosin adaptors that belong to two unrelated
      families, with four members each (MadA and MadB). Surprisingly, MadA1 localizes
      to the nucleus and is rapidly transported to the cytoplasm, suggesting the
      existence of myosin XI-driven nucleocytoplasmic trafficking. In contrast, MadA2
      and MadA3, as well as MadB1, partition between the cytosolic pools of motile
      endomembrane vesicles that colocalize with myosin XI-K and diffuse material that
      does not. Gene knockout analysis shows that MadB1-4 contribute to polarized root
      hair growth, phenocopying myosins, whereas MadA1-4 are redundant for this
      process. Phylogenetic analysis reveals congruent evolutionary histories of the
      myosin XI, MyoB, MadA, and MadB families. All these gene families emerged in
      green algae and show concurrent expansions via serial duplication in flowering
      plants. Thus, the myosin XI transport network increased in complexity and
      robustness concomitantly with the land colonization by flowering plants and, by
      inference, could have been a major contributor to this process.

PMID- 28096377
TI  - Comparative genomics reveals convergent evolution between the bamboo-eating giant
      and red pandas.
AB  - Phenotypic convergence between distantly related taxa often mirrors adaptation to
      similar selective pressures and may be driven by genetic convergence. The giant
      panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and red panda (Ailurus fulgens) belong to
      different families in the order Carnivora, but both have evolved a specialized
      bamboo diet and adaptive pseudothumb, representing a classic model of convergent
      evolution. However, the genetic bases of these morphological and physiological
      convergences remain unknown. Through de novo sequencing the red panda genome and
      improving the giant panda genome assembly with added data, we identified genomic
      signatures of convergent evolution. Limb development genes DYNC2H1 and PCNT have
      undergone adaptive convergence and may be important candidate genes for
      pseudothumb development. As evolutionary responses to a bamboo diet, adaptive
      convergence has occurred in genes involved in the digestion and utilization of
      bamboo nutrients such as essential amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins.
      Similarly, the umami taste receptor gene TAS1R1 has been pseudogenized in both
      pandas. These findings offer insights into genetic convergence mechanisms
      underlying phenotypic convergence and adaptation to a specialized bamboo diet.

PMID- 28096378
TI  - Biosynthesis of the microtubule-destabilizing diterpene pseudolaric acid B from
      golden larch involves an unusual diterpene synthase.
AB  - The diversity of small molecules formed via plant diterpene metabolism offers a
      rich source of known and potentially new biopharmaceuticals. Among these, the
      microtubule-destabilizing activity of pseudolaric acid B (PAB) holds promise for
      new anticancer agents. PAB is found, perhaps uniquely, in the coniferous tree
      golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis, Pxa). Here we describe the discovery and
      mechanistic analysis of golden larch terpene synthase 8 (PxaTPS8), an unusual
      diterpene synthase (diTPS) that catalyzes the first committed step in PAB
      biosynthesis. Mining of the golden larch root transcriptome revealed a large TPS
      family, including the monofunctional class I diTPS PxaTPS8, which converts
      geranylgeranyl diphosphate into a previously unknown 5,7-fused bicyclic
      diterpene, coined "pseudolaratriene." Combined NMR and quantum chemical analysis
      verified the structure of pseudolaratriene, and co-occurrence with PxaTPS8 and
      PAB in P amabilis tissues supports the intermediacy of pseudolaratriene in PAB
      metabolism. Although PxaTPS8 adopts the typical three-domain structure of diTPSs,
      sequence phylogeny places the enzyme with two-domain TPSs of mono- and sesqui
      terpene biosynthesis. Site-directed mutagenesis of PxaTPS8 revealed several
      catalytic residues that, together with quantum chemical calculations, suggested a
      substantial divergence of PxaTPS8 from other TPSs leading to a distinct
      carbocation-driven reaction mechanism en route to the 5,7-trans-fused bicyclic
      pseudolaratriene scaffold. PxaTPS8 expression in microbial and plant hosts
      provided proof of concept for metabolic engineering of pseudolaratriene.

PMID- 28096379
TI  - Molecular mechanism underlying juvenile hormone-mediated repression of precocious
      larval-adult metamorphosis.
AB  - Juvenile hormone (JH) represses precocious metamorphosis of larval to pupal and
      adult transitions in holometabolous insects. The early JH-inducible gene Kruppel
      homolog 1 (Kr-h1) plays a key role in the repression of metamorphosis as a
      mediator of JH action. Previous studies demonstrated that Kr-h1 inhibits
      precocious larval-pupal transition in immature larva via direct transcriptional
      repression of the pupal specifier Broad-Complex (BR-C). JH was recently reported
      to repress the adult specifier gene Ecdysone-induced protein 93F (E93); however,
      its mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we found that JH suppressed
      ecdysone-inducible E93 expression in the epidermis of the silkworm Bombyx mori
      and in a B. mori cell line. Reporter assays in the cell line revealed that the JH
      dependent suppression was mediated by Kr-h1. Genome-wide ChIP-seq analysis
      identified a consensus Kr-h1 binding site (KBS, 14 bp) located in the E93
      promoter region, and EMSA confirmed that Kr-h1 directly binds to the KBS.
      Moreover, we identified a C-terminal conserved domain in Kr-h1 essential for the
      transcriptional repression of E93 Based on these results, we propose a mechanism
      in which JH-inducible Kr-h1 directly binds to the KBS site upstream of the E93
      locus to repress its transcription in a cell-autonomous manner, thereby
      preventing larva from bypassing the pupal stage and progressing to precocious
      adult development. These findings help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms
      regulating the metamorphic genetic network, including the functional significance
      of Kr-h1, BR-C, and E93 in holometabolous insect metamorphosis.

PMID- 28096380
TI  - In situ structure of trypanosomal ATP synthase dimer reveals a unique arrangement
      of catalytic subunits.
AB  - We used electron cryotomography and subtomogram averaging to determine the in
      situ structures of mitochondrial ATP synthase dimers from two organisms belonging
      to the phylum euglenozoa: Trypanosoma brucei, a lethal human parasite, and
      Euglena gracilis, a photosynthetic protist. At a resolution of 32.5 A and 27.5 A,
      respectively, the two structures clearly exhibit a noncanonical F1 head, in which
      the catalytic (alphabeta)3 assembly forms a triangular pyramid rather than the
      pseudo-sixfold ring arrangement typical of all other ATP synthases investigated
      so far. Fitting of known X-ray structures reveals that this unusual geometry
      results from a phylum-specific cleavage of the alpha subunit, in which the C
      terminal alphaC fragments are displaced by ~20 A and rotated by ~30 degrees  from
      their expected positions. In this location, the alphaC fragment is unable to form
      the conserved catalytic interface that was thought to be essential for ATP
      synthesis, and cannot convert gamma-subunit rotation into the conformational
      changes implicit in rotary catalysis. The new arrangement of catalytic subunits
      suggests that the mechanism of ATP generation by rotary ATPases is less strictly
      conserved than has been generally assumed. The ATP synthases of these organisms
      present a unique model system for discerning the individual contributions of the
      alpha and beta subunits to the fundamental process of ATP synthesis.

PMID- 28096381
TI  - Scene-selective coding by single neurons in the human parahippocampal cortex.
AB  - Imaging, electrophysiological, and lesion studies have shown a relationship
      between the parahippocampal cortex (PHC) and the processing of spatial scenes.
      Our present knowledge of PHC, however, is restricted to the macroscopic
      properties and dynamics of bulk tissue; the behavior and selectivity of single
      parahippocampal neurons remains largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed
      responses from 630 parahippocampal neurons in 24 neurosurgical patients during
      visual stimulus presentation. We found a spatially clustered subpopulation of
      scene-selective units with an associated event-related field potential. These
      units form a population code that is more distributed for scenes than for other
      stimulus categories, and less sparse than elsewhere in the medial temporal lobe.
      Our electrophysiological findings provide insight into how individual units give
      rise to the population response observed with functional imaging in the
      parahippocampal place area.

PMID- 28096382
TI  - Mitochondrial activation chemicals synergize with surface receptor PD-1 blockade
      for T cell-dependent antitumor activity.
AB  - Although immunotherapy by PD-1 blockade has dramatically improved the survival
      rate of cancer patients, further improvement in efficacy is required to reduce
      the fraction of less sensitive patients. In mouse models of PD-1 blockade
      therapy, we found that tumor-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in draining
      lymph nodes (DLNs) carry increased mitochondrial mass and more reactive oxygen
      species (ROS). We show that ROS generation by ROS precursors or indirectly by
      mitochondrial uncouplers synergized the tumoricidal activity of PD-1 blockade by
      expansion of effector/memory CTLs in DLNs and within the tumor. These CTLs carry
      not only the activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) but also an increment of their downstream
      transcription factors such as PPAR-gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) and T
      bet. Furthermore, direct activators of mTOR, AMPK, or PGC-1alpha also synergized
      the PD-1 blockade therapy whereas none of above-mentioned chemicals alone had any
      effects on tumor growth. These findings will pave a way to developing novel
      combinatorial therapies with PD-1 blockade.

PMID- 28096383
TI  - Fragility of the provision of local public goods to private and collective risks.
AB  - Smallholder agricultural systems, strongly dependent on water resources and
      investments in shared infrastructure, make a significant contribution to food
      security in developing countries. These communities are being increasingly
      integrated into the global economy and are exposed to new global climate-related
      risks that may affect their willingness to cooperate in community-level
      collective action problems. We performed field experiments on public goods with
      private and collective risks in 118 small-scale rice-producing communities in
      four countries. Our results indicate that increasing the integration of those
      communities with the broader economic system is associated with lower investments
      in public goods when facing collective risks. These findings indicate that local
      public good provision may be negatively affected by collective risks, especially
      in communities more integrated with the market economy.

PMID- 28096384
TI  - Holocene ENSO-related cyclic storms recorded by magnetic minerals in speleothems
      of central China.
AB  - Extreme hydrologic events such as storms and floods have the potential to
      severely impact modern human society. However, the frequency of storms and their
      underlying mechanisms are limited by a paucity of suitable proxies, especially in
      inland areas. Here we present a record of speleothem magnetic minerals to
      reconstruct paleoprecipitation, including storms, in the eastern Asian monsoon
      area over the last 8.6 ky. The geophysical parameter IRMsoft-flux represents the
      flux of soil-derived magnetic minerals preserved in stalagmite HS4, which we
      correlate with rainfall amount and intensity. IRMsoft-flux exhibits relatively
      higher values before 6.7 ky and after 3.4 ky and lower values in the intervening
      period, consistent with regional hydrological changes observed in independent
      records. Abrupt enhancements in the flux of pedogenic magnetite in the stalagmite
      agree well with the timing of known regional paleofloods and with equatorial El
      Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) patterns, documenting the occurrence of ENSO
      related storms in the Holocene. Spectral power analyses reveal that the storms
      occur on a significant 500-y cycle, coincident with periodic solar activity and
      ENSO variance, showing that reinforced (subdued) storms in central China
      correspond to reduced (increased) solar activity and amplified (damped) ENSO.
      Thus, the magnetic minerals in speleothem HS4 preserve a record of the cyclic
      storms controlled by the coupled atmosphere-oceanic circulation driven by solar
      activity.

PMID- 28096385
TI  - Correction for Melo et al., Small molecule enoxacin is a cancer-specific growth
      inhibitor that acts by enhancing TAR RNA-binding protein 2-mediated microRNA
      processing.

PMID- 28096386
TI  - Molecular imaging of biological systems with a clickable dye in the broad 800- to
      1,700-nm near-infrared window.
AB  - Fluorescence imaging multiplicity of biological systems is an area of intense
      focus, currently limited to fluorescence channels in the visible and first near
      infrared (NIR-I; ~700-900 nm) spectral regions. The development of conjugatable
      fluorophores with longer wavelength emission is highly desired to afford more
      targeting channels, reduce background autofluorescence, and achieve deeper tissue
      imaging depths. We have developed NIR-II (1,000-1,700 nm) molecular imaging
      agents with a bright NIR-II fluorophore through high-efficiency click chemistry
      to specific molecular antibodies. Relying on buoyant density differences during
      density gradient ultracentrifugation separations, highly pure NIR-II fluorophore
      antibody conjugates emitting ~1,100 nm were obtained for use as molecular
      specific NIR-II probes. This facilitated 3D staining of ~170-MUm histological
      brain tissues sections on a home-built confocal microscope, demonstrating
      multicolor molecular imaging across both the NIR-I and NIR-II windows (800-1,700
      nm).

PMID- 28096387
TI  - Kinetic assay shows that increasing red cell volume could be a treatment for
      sickle cell disease.
AB  - Although it has been known for more than 60 years that the cause of sickle cell
      disease is polymerization of a hemoglobin mutant, hydroxyurea is the only drug
      approved for treatment by the US Food and Drug Administration. This drug,
      however, is only partially successful, and the discovery of additional drugs that
      inhibit fiber formation has been hampered by the lack of a sensitive and
      quantitative cellular assay. Here, we describe such a method in a 96-well plate
      format that is based on laser-induced polymerization in sickle trait cells and
      robust, automated image analysis to detect the precise time at which fibers
      distort ("sickle") the cells. With this kinetic method, we show that small
      increases in cell volume to reduce the hemoglobin concentration can result in
      therapeutic increases in the delay time prior to fiber formation. We also show
      that, of the two drugs (AES103 and GBT440) in clinical trials that inhibit
      polymerization by increasing oxygen affinity, one of them (GBT440) also inhibits
      sickling in the absence of oxygen by two additional mechanisms.

PMID- 28096388
TI  - Competition of calcified calmodulin N lobe and PIP2 to an LQT mutation site in
      Kv7.1 channel.
AB  - Voltage-gated potassium 7.1 (Kv7.1) channel and KCNE1 protein coassembly forms
      the slow potassium current IKS that repolarizes the cardiac action potential. The
      physiological importance of the IKS channel is underscored by the existence of
      mutations in human Kv7.1 and KCNE1 genes, which cause cardiac arrhythmias, such
      as the long-QT syndrome (LQT) and atrial fibrillation. The proximal Kv7.1 C
      terminus (CT) binds calmodulin (CaM) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate
      (PIP2), but the role of CaM in channel function is still unclear, and its
      possible interaction with PIP2 is unknown. Our recent crystallographic study
      showed that CaM embraces helices A and B with the apo C lobe and calcified N
      lobe, respectively. Here, we reveal the competition of PIP2 and the calcified CaM
      N lobe to a previously unidentified site in Kv7.1 helix B, also known to harbor
      an LQT mutation. Protein pulldown, molecular docking, molecular dynamics
      simulations, and patch-clamp recordings indicate that residues K526 and K527 in
      Kv7.1 helix B form a critical site where CaM competes with PIP2 to stabilize the
      channel open state. Data indicate that both PIP2 and Ca2+-CaM perform the same
      function on IKS channel gating by producing a left shift in the voltage
      dependence of activation. The LQT mutant K526E revealed a severely impaired
      channel function with a right shift in the voltage dependence of activation, a
      reduced current density, and insensitivity to gating modulation by Ca2+-CaM. The
      results suggest that, after receptor-mediated PIP2 depletion and increased
      cytosolic Ca2+, calcified CaM N lobe interacts with helix B in place of PIP2 to
      limit excessive IKS current inhibition.

PMID- 28096389
TI  - Ontogenetic and life history trait changes associated with convergent ecological
      specializations in extinct ungulate mammals.
AB  - Investigating life history traits in mammals is crucial to understand their
      survival in changing environments. However, these parameters are hard to estimate
      in a macroevolutionary context. Here we show that the use of dental ontogenetic
      parameters can provide clues to better understand the adaptive nature of
      phenotypic traits in extinct species such as South American notoungulates. This
      recently extinct order of mammals evolved in a context of important geological,
      climatic, and environmental variations. Interestingly, notoungulates were mostly
      herbivorous and acquired high-crowned teeth very early in their evolutionary
      history. We focused on the variations in crown height, dental eruption pattern,
      and associated body mass of 69 notoungulate taxa, placed in their phylogenetic
      and geological contexts. We showed that notoungulates evolved higher crowns
      several times between 45 and 20 Ma, independently of the variation in body mass.
      Interestingly, the independent acquisitions of ever-growing teeth were
      systematically accompanied by eruption of molars faster than permanent premolars.
      These repeated associations of dental innovations have never been documented for
      other mammals and raise questions on their significance and causal relationships.
      We suggest that these correlated changes could originate from ontogenetic
      adjustments favored by structural constraints, and may indicate accelerated life
      histories. Complementarily, these more durable and efficient dentitions could be
      selected to cope with important ingestions of abrasive particles in the context
      of intensified volcanism and increasing aridity. This study demonstrates that
      assessing both life history and ecological traits allows a better knowledge of
      the specializations of extinct mammals that evolved under strong environmental
      constraints.

PMID- 28096390
TI  - Modification of host dendritic cells by microchimerism-derived extracellular
      vesicles generates split tolerance.
AB  - Maternal microchimerism (MMc) has been associated with development of
      allospecific transplant tolerance, antitumor immunity, and cross-generational
      reproductive fitness, but its mode of action is unknown. We found in a murine
      model that MMc caused exposure to the noninherited maternal antigens in all
      offspring, but in some, MMc magnitude was enough to cause membrane alloantigen
      acquisition (mAAQ; "cross-dressing") of host dendritic cells (DCs). Extracellular
      vesicle (EV)-enriched serum fractions from mAAQ+, but not from non-mAAQ, mice
      reproduced the DC cross-dressing phenomenon in vitro. In vivo, mAAQ was
      associated with increased expression of immune modulators PD-L1 (programmed death
      ligand 1) and CD86 by myeloid DCs (mDCs) and decreased presentation of
      allopeptide+self-MHC complexes, along with increased PD-L1, on plasmacytoid DCs
      (pDCs). Remarkably, both serum EV-enriched fractions and membrane microdomains
      containing the acquired MHC alloantigens included CD86, but completely excluded
      PD-L1. In contrast, EV-enriched fractions and microdomains containing
      allopeptide+self-MHC did not exclude PD-L1. Adoptive transfer of allospecific
      transgenic CD4 T cells revealed a "split tolerance" status in mAAQ+ mice: T cells
      recognizing intact acquired MHC alloantigens proliferated, whereas those
      responding to allopeptide+self-MHC did not. Using isolated pDCs and mDCs for in
      vitro culture with allopeptide+self-MHC-specific CD4 T cells, we could replicate
      their normal activation in non-mAAQ mice, and PD-L1-dependent anergy in mAAQ+
      hosts. We propose that EVs provide a physiologic link between microchimerism and
      split tolerance, with implications for tumor immunity, transplantation,
      autoimmunity, and reproductive success.

PMID- 28096391
TI  - Network-based integration of systems genetics data reveals pathways associated
      with lignocellulosic biomass accumulation and processing.
AB  - As a consequence of their remarkable adaptability, fast growth, and superior wood
      properties, eucalypt tree plantations have emerged as key renewable feedstocks
      (over 20 million ha globally) for the production of pulp, paper, bioenergy, and
      other lignocellulosic products. However, most biomass properties such as growth,
      wood density, and wood chemistry are complex traits that are hard to improve in
      long-lived perennials. Systems genetics, a process of harnessing multiple levels
      of component trait information (e.g., transcript, protein, and metabolite
      variation) in populations that vary in complex traits, has proven effective for
      dissecting the genetics and biology of such traits. We have applied a network
      based data integration (NBDI) method for a systems-level analysis of genes,
      processes and pathways underlying biomass and bioenergy-related traits using a
      segregating Eucalyptus hybrid population. We show that the integrative approach
      can link biologically meaningful sets of genes to complex traits and at the same
      time reveal the molecular basis of trait variation. Gene sets identified for
      related woody biomass traits were found to share regulatory loci, cluster in
      network neighborhoods, and exhibit enrichment for molecular functions such as
      xylan metabolism and cell wall development. These findings offer a framework for
      identifying the molecular underpinnings of complex biomass and bioprocessing
      related traits. A more thorough understanding of the molecular basis of plant
      biomass traits should provide additional opportunities for the establishment of a
      sustainable bio-based economy.

PMID- 28096393
TI  - Utility-value intervention with parents increases students' STEM preparation and
      career pursuit.
AB  - During high school, developing competence in science, technology, engineering,
      and mathematics (STEM) is critically important as preparation to pursue STEM
      careers, yet students in the United States lag behind other countries, ranking
      35th in mathematics and 27th in science achievement internationally. Given the
      importance of STEM careers as drivers of modern economies, this deficiency in
      preparation for STEM careers threatens the United States' continued economic
      progress. In the present study, we evaluated the long-term effects of a theory
      based intervention designed to help parents convey the importance of mathematics
      and science courses to their high-school-aged children. A prior report on this
      intervention showed that it promoted STEM course-taking in high school; in the
      current follow-up study, we found that the intervention improved mathematics and
      science standardized test scores on a college preparatory examination (ACT) for
      adolescents by 12 percentile points. Greater high-school STEM preparation (STEM
      course-taking and ACT scores) was associated with increased STEM career pursuit
      (i.e., STEM career interest, the number of college STEM courses, and students'
      attitudes toward STEM) 5 y after the intervention. These results suggest that the
      intervention can affect STEM career pursuit indirectly by increasing high-school
      STEM preparation. This finding underscores the importance of targeting high
      school STEM preparation to increase STEM career pursuit. Overall, these findings
      demonstrate that a motivational intervention with parents can have important
      effects on STEM preparation in high school, as well as downstream effects on STEM
      career pursuit 5 y later.

PMID- 28096392
TI  - Continual renewal and replication of persistent Leishmania major parasites in
      concomitantly immune hosts.
AB  - In most natural infections or after recovery, small numbers of Leishmania
      parasites remain indefinitely in the host. Persistent parasites play a vital role
      in protective immunity against disease pathology upon reinfection through the
      process of concomitant immunity, as well as in transmission and reactivation, yet
      are poorly understood. A key question is whether persistent parasites undergo
      replication, and we devised several approaches to probe the small numbers in
      persistent infections. We find two populations of persistent Leishmania major:
      one rapidly replicating, similar to parasites in acute infections, and another
      showing little evidence of replication. Persistent Leishmania were not found in
      "safe" immunoprivileged cell types, instead residing in macrophages and DCs, ~60%
      of which expressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Remarkably, parasites
      within iNOS+ cells showed normal morphology and genome integrity and labeled
      comparably with BrdU to parasites within iNOS- cells, suggesting that these
      parasites may be unexpectedly resistant to NO. Nonetheless, because persistent
      parasite numbers remain roughly constant over time, their replication implies
      that ongoing destruction likewise occurs. Similar results were obtained with the
      attenuated lpg2- mutant, a convenient model that rapidly enters a persistent
      state without inducing pathology due to loss of the Golgi GDP mannose
      transporter. These data shed light on Leishmania persistence and concomitant
      immunity, suggesting a model wherein a parasite reservoir repopulates itself
      indefinitely, whereas some progeny are terminated in antigen-presenting cells,
      thereby stimulating immunity. This model may be relevant to understanding
      immunity to other persistent pathogen infections.

PMID- 28096394
TI  - Elucidating the mechanism of fluorinated extender unit loading for improved
      production of fluorine-containing polyketides.
AB  - Polyketides are a large family of bioactive natural products synthesized by
      polyketide synthase (PKS) enzyme complexes predominantly from acetate and
      propionate. Given the structural diversity of compounds produced using these two
      simple building blocks, there has been longstanding interest in engineering the
      incorporation of alternative extender units. We have been investigating the
      mechanism of fluorinated monomer insertion by three of the six different modules
      of the PKS involved in erythromycin biosynthesis (6-deoxyerythronolide B
      synthase, DEBS) to begin understanding the contribution of different steps, such
      as enzyme acylation, transacylation, C-C bond formation, and chain transfer, to
      the overall selectivity and efficiency of this process. In these studies, we
      observe that inactivation of a cis-acyltransferase (AT) domain to circumvent its
      native extender unit preference leads concurrently to a change of mechanism in
      which chain extension with fluorine-substituted extender units switches largely
      to an acyl carrier protein (ACP)-independent mode. This result suggests that the
      covalent linkage between the growing polyketide chain and the enzyme is lost in
      these cases, which would limit efficient chain elongation after insertion of a
      fluorinated monomer. However, use of a standalone trans-acting AT to complement
      modules with catalytically deficient AT domains leads to enzyme acylation with
      the fluoromalonyl-CoA extender unit. Formation of the canonical ACP-linked
      intermediate with fluoromalonyl-CoA allows insertion of fluorinated extender
      units at 43% of the yield of the wild-type system while also amplifying product
      yield in single chain-extension experiments and enabling multiple chain
      extensions to form multiply fluorinated products.

PMID- 28096395
TI  - Genomic analysis reveals major determinants of cis-regulatory variation in
      Capsella grandiflora.
AB  - Understanding the causes of cis-regulatory variation is a long-standing aim in
      evolutionary biology. Although cis-regulatory variation has long been considered
      important for adaptation, we still have a limited understanding of the selective
      importance and genomic determinants of standing cis-regulatory variation. To
      address these questions, we studied the prevalence, genomic determinants, and
      selective forces shaping cis-regulatory variation in the outcrossing plant
      Capsella grandiflora We first identified a set of 1,010 genes with common cis
      regulatory variation using analyses of allele-specific expression (ASE).
      Population genomic analyses of whole-genome sequences from 32 individuals showed
      that genes with common cis-regulatory variation (i) are under weaker purifying
      selection and (ii) undergo less frequent positive selection than other genes. We
      further identified genomic determinants of cis-regulatory variation. Gene body
      methylation (gbM) was a major factor constraining cis-regulatory variation,
      whereas presence of nearby transposable elements (TEs) and tissue specificity of
      expression increased the odds of ASE. Our results suggest that most common cis
      regulatory variation in C. grandiflora is under weak purifying selection, and
      that gene-specific functional constraints are more important for the maintenance
      of cis-regulatory variation than genome-scale variation in the intensity of
      selection. Our results agree with previous findings that suggest TE silencing
      affects nearby gene expression, and provide evidence for a link between gbM and
      cis-regulatory constraint, possibly reflecting greater dosage sensitivity of body
      methylated genes. Given the extensive conservation of gbM in flowering plants,
      this suggests that gbM could be an important predictor of cis-regulatory
      variation in a wide range of plant species.

PMID- 28096396
TI  - Tuning the ion selectivity of two-pore channels.
AB  - Organellar two-pore channels (TPCs) contain two copies of a Shaker-like six
      transmembrane (6-TM) domain in each subunit and are ubiquitously expressed in
      plants and animals. Interestingly, plant and animal TPCs share high sequence
      similarity in the filter region, yet exhibit drastically different ion
      selectivity. Plant TPC1 functions as a nonselective cation channel on the vacuole
      membrane, whereas mammalian TPC channels have been shown to be endo/lysosomal Na+
      selective or Ca2+-release channels. In this study, we performed systematic
      characterization of the ion selectivity of TPC1 from Arabidopsis thaliana
      (AtTPC1) and compared its selectivity with the selectivity of human TPC2
      (HsTPC2). We demonstrate that AtTPC1 is selective for Ca2+ over Na+, but
      nonselective among monovalent cations (Li+, Na+, and K+). Our results also
      confirm that HsTPC2 is a Na+-selective channel activated by phosphatidylinositol
      3,5-bisphosphate. Guided by our recent structure of AtTPC1, we converted AtTPC1
      to a Na+-selective channel by mimicking the selectivity filter of HsTPC2 and
      identified key residues in the TPC filters that differentiate the selectivity
      between AtTPC1 and HsTPC2. Furthermore, the structure of the Na+-selective AtTPC1
      mutant elucidates the structural basis for Na+ selectivity in mammalian TPCs.

PMID- 28096397
TI  - Correction for Roberts et al., Evolution of South Atlantic density and chemical
      stratification across the last deglaciation.

PMID- 28096398
TI  - Correction for Lorenzi et al., Paired quantitative and qualitative assessment of
      the replication-competent HIV-1 reservoir and comparison with integrated proviral
      DNA.

PMID- 28096399
TI  - Antiviral screening identifies adenosine analogs targeting the endogenous dsRNA
      Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1) pathogenicity factor.
AB  - The endogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus Leishmaniavirus (LRV1) has been
      implicated as a pathogenicity factor for leishmaniasis in rodent models and human
      disease, and associated with drug-treatment failures in Leishmania braziliensis
      and Leishmania guyanensis infections. Thus, methods targeting LRV1 could have
      therapeutic benefit. Here we screened a panel of antivirals for parasite and LRV1
      inhibition, focusing on nucleoside analogs to capitalize on the highly active
      salvage pathways of Leishmania, which are purine auxotrophs. Applying a capsid
      flow cytometry assay, we identified two 2'-C-methyladenosine analogs showing
      selective inhibition of LRV1. Treatment resulted in loss of LRV1 with first-order
      kinetics, as expected for random virus segregation, and elimination within six
      cell doublings, consistent with a measured LRV1 copy number of about 15. Viral
      loss was specific to antiviral nucleoside treatment and not induced by growth
      inhibitors, in contrast to fungal dsRNA viruses. Comparisons of drug-treated
      LRV1+ and LRV1- lines recapitulated LRV1-dependent pathology and parasite
      replication in mouse infections, and cytokine secretion in macrophage infections.
      Agents targeting Totiviridae have not been described previously, nor are there
      many examples of inhibitors acting against dsRNA viruses more generally. The
      compounds identified here provide a key proof-of-principle in support of further
      studies identifying efficacious antivirals for use in in vivo studies of LRV1
      mediated virulence.

PMID- 28096400
TI  - Defining recovery neurobiology of injured spinal cord by synthetic matrix
      assisted hMSC implantation.
AB  - Mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from adult tissues offer tangible
      potential for regenerative medicine, given their feasibility for autologous
      transplantation. MSC research shows encouraging results in experimental stroke,
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neurotrauma models. However, further
      translational progress has been hampered by poor MSC graft survival, jeopardizing
      cellular and molecular bases for neural repair in vivo. We have devised an adult
      human bone marrow MSC (hMSC) delivery formula by investigating molecular events
      involving hMSCs incorporated in a uniquely designed poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid
      scaffold, a clinically safe polymer, following inflammatory exposures in a dorsal
      root ganglion organotypic coculture system. Also, in rat T9-T10 hemisection
      spinal cord injury (SCI), we demonstrated that the tailored scaffolding
      maintained hMSC stemness, engraftment, and led to robust motosensory improvement,
      neuropathic pain and tissue damage mitigation, and myelin preservation. The
      scaffolded nontransdifferentiated hMSCs exerted multimodal effects of
      neurotrophism, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, antiautoimmunity, and
      antiinflammation. Hindlimb locomotion was restored by reestablished integrity of
      submidbrain circuits of serotonergic reticulospinal innervation at lumbar levels,
      the propriospinal projection network, neuromuscular junction, and central pattern
      generator, providing a platform for investigating molecular events underlying the
      repair impact of nondifferentiated hMSCs. Our approach enabled investigation of
      recovery neurobiology components for injured adult mammalian spinal cord that are
      different from those involved in normal neural function. The uncovered neural
      circuits and their molecular and cellular targets offer a biological underpinning
      for development of clinical rehabilitation therapies to treat disabilities and
      complications of SCI.

PMID- 28096401
TI  - Ornithine decarboxylase regulates M1 macrophage activation and mucosal
      inflammation via histone modifications.
AB  - Macrophage activation is a critical step in host responses during bacterial
      infections. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine
      metabolism, has been well studied in epithelial cells and is known to have
      essential roles in many different cellular functions. However, its role in
      regulating macrophage function during bacterial infections is not well
      characterized. We demonstrate that macrophage-derived ODC is a critical regulator
      of M1 macrophage activation during both Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter
      rodentium infection. Myeloid-specific Odc deletion significantly increased
      gastric and colonic inflammation, respectively, and enhanced M1 activation. Add
      back of putrescine, the product of ODC, reversed the increased macrophage
      activation, indicating that ODC and putrescine are regulators of macrophage
      function. Odc-deficient macrophages had increased histone 3, lysine 4 (H3K4)
      monomethylation, and H3K9 acetylation, accompanied by decreased H3K9
      di/trimethylation both in vivo and ex vivo in primary macrophages. These
      alterations in chromatin structure directly resulted in up-regulated gene
      transcription, especially M1 gene expression. Thus, ODC in macrophages tempers
      antimicrobial, M1 macrophage responses during bacterial infections through
      histone modifications and altered euchromatin formation, leading to the
      persistence and pathogenesis of these organisms.

PMID- 28096402
TI  - Establishment of expression-state boundaries by Rif1 and Taz1 in fission yeast.
AB  - The Shelterin component Rif1 has emerged as a global regulator of the replication
      timing program in all eukaryotes examined to date, possibly by modulating the 3D
      organization of the genome. In fission yeast a second Shelterin component, Taz1,
      might share similar functions. Here, we identified unexpected properties for Rif1
      and Taz1 by conducting high-throughput genetic screens designed to identify cis-
      and trans-acting factors capable of creating heterochromatin-euchromatin
      boundaries in fission yeast. The preponderance of cis-acting elements identified
      in the screens originated from genomic loci bound by Taz1 and associated with
      origins of replication whose firing is repressed by Taz1 and Rif1. Boundary
      formation and gene silencing by these elements required Taz1 and Rif1 and
      coincided with altered replication timing in the region. Thus, small chromosomal
      elements sensitive to Taz1 and Rif1 (STAR) could simultaneously regulate gene
      expression and DNA replication over a large domain, at the edge of which they
      established a heterochromatin-euchromatin boundary. Taz1, Rif1, and Rif1
      associated protein phosphatases Sds21 and Dis2 were each sufficient to establish
      a boundary when tethered to DNA. Moreover, efficient boundary formation required
      the amino-terminal domain of the Mcm4 replicative helicase onto which the
      antagonistic activities of the replication-promoting Dbf4-dependent kinase and
      Rif1-recruited phosphatases are believed to converge to control replication
      origin firing. Altogether these observations provide an insight into a
      coordinated control of DNA replication and organization of the genome into
      expression domains.

PMID- 28096403
TI  - Crystal structure of Pistol, a class of self-cleaving ribozyme.
AB  - Small self-cleaving ribozymes have been discovered in all evolutionary domains of
      life. They can catalyze site-specific RNA cleavage, and as a result, they have
      relevance in gene regulation. Comparative genomic analysis has led to the
      discovery of a new class of small self-cleaving ribozymes named Pistol. We report
      the crystal structure of Pistol at 2.97-A resolution. Our results suggest that
      the Pistol ribozyme self-cleavage mechanism likely uses a guanine base in the
      active site pocket to carry out the phosphoester transfer reaction. The guanine
      G40 is in close proximity to serve as the general base for activating the
      nucleophile by deprotonating the 2'-hydroxyl to initiate the reaction
      (phosphoester transfer). Furthermore, G40 can also establish hydrogen bonding
      interactions with the nonbridging oxygen of the scissile phosphate. The proximity
      of G32 to the O5' leaving group suggests that G32 may putatively serve as the
      general acid. The RNA structure of Pistol also contains A-minor interactions,
      which seem to be important to maintain its tertiary structure and compact fold.
      Our findings expand the repertoire of ribozyme structures and highlight the
      conserved evolutionary mechanism used by ribozymes for catalysis.

PMID- 28096404
TI  - TORC1-dependent sumoylation of Rpc82 promotes RNA polymerase III assembly and
      activity.
AB  - Maintaining cellular homeostasis under changing nutrient conditions is essential
      for the growth and development of all organisms. The mechanisms that maintain
      homeostasis upon loss of nutrient supply are not well understood. By mapping the
      SUMO proteome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we discovered a specific set of
      differentially sumoylated proteins mainly involved in transcription. RNA
      polymerase III (RNAPIII) components, including Rpc53, Rpc82, and Ret1, are
      particularly prominent nutrient-dependent SUMO targets. Nitrogen starvation, as
      well as direct inhibition of the master nutrient response regulator target of
      rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1), results in rapid desumoylation of these proteins,
      which is reflected by loss of SUMO at tRNA genes. TORC1-dependent sumoylation of
      Rpc82 in particular is required for robust tRNA transcription. Mechanistically,
      sumoylation of Rpc82 is important for assembly of the RNAPIII holoenzyme and
      recruitment of Rpc82 to tRNA genes. In conclusion, our data show that TORC1
      dependent sumoylation of Rpc82 bolsters the transcriptional capacity of RNAPIII
      under optimal growth conditions.

PMID- 28096405
TI  - Selenium isotopes record extensive marine suboxia during the Great Oxidation
      Event.
AB  - It has been proposed that an "oxygen overshoot" occurred during the early
      Paleoproterozoic Great Oxidation Event (GOE) in association with the extreme
      positive carbon isotopic excursion known as the Lomagundi Event. Moreover, it has
      also been suggested that environmental oxygen levels then crashed to very low
      levels during the subsequent extremely negative Shunga-Francevillian carbon
      isotopic anomaly. These redox fluctuations could have profoundly influenced the
      course of eukaryotic evolution, as eukaryotes have several metabolic processes
      that are obligately aerobic. Here we investigate the magnitude of these proposed
      oxygen perturbations using selenium (Se) geochemistry, which is sensitive to
      redox transitions across suboxic conditions. We find that delta82/78Se values in
      offshore shales show a positive excursion from 2.32 Ga until 2.1 Ga (mean +1.03
      +/- 0.670/00). Selenium abundances and Se/TOC (total organic carbon) ratios
      similarly show a peak during this interval. Together these data suggest that
      during the GOE there was pervasive suboxia in near-shore environments, allowing
      nonquantitative Se reduction to drive the residual Se oxyanions isotopically
      heavy. This implies O2 levels of >0.4 MUM in these settings. Unlike in the late
      Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic, when negative delta82/78Se values are observed in
      offshore environments, only a single formation, evidently the shallowest, shows
      evidence of negative delta82/78Se. This suggests that there was no upwelling of
      Se oxyanions from an oxic deep-ocean reservoir, which is consistent with previous
      estimates that the deep ocean remained anoxic throughout the GOE. The abrupt
      decline in delta82/78Se and Se/TOC values during the subsequent Shunga
      Francevillian anomaly indicates a widespread decrease in surface oxygenation.

PMID- 28096406
TI  - Shifting diets and the rise of male-biased inequality on the Central Plains of
      China during Eastern Zhou.
AB  - Farming domesticated millets, tending pigs, and hunting constituted the core of
      human subsistence strategies during Neolithic Yangshao (5000-2900 BC).
      Introduction of wheat and barley as well as the addition of domesticated
      herbivores during the Late Neolithic (~2600-1900 BC) led to restructuring of
      ancient Chinese subsistence strategies. This study documents a dietary shift from
      indigenous millets to the newly introduced cereals in northcentral China during
      the Bronze Age Eastern Zhou Dynasty (771-221 BC) based on stable isotope analysis
      of human and animal bone samples. Our results show that this change affected
      females to a greater degree than males. We find that consumption of the newly
      introduced cereals was associated with less consumption of animal products and a
      higher rate of skeletal stress markers among females. We hypothesized that the
      observed separation of dietary signatures between males and females marks the
      rise of male-biased inequality in early China. We test this hypothesis by
      comparing Eastern Zhou human skeletal data with those from Neolithic Yangshao
      archaeological contexts. We find no evidence of male-female inequality in early
      farming communities. The presence of male-biased inequality in Eastern Zhou
      society is supported by increased body height difference between the sexes as
      well as the greater wealth of male burials.

PMID- 28096407
TI  - Development of chronic allergic responses by dampening Bcl6-mediated suppressor
      activity in memory T helper 2 cells.
AB  - Mice deficient in the transcriptional repressor B-cell CLL/lymphoma 6 (Bcl6)
      exhibit similar T helper 2 (TH2) immune responses as patients with allergic
      diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Bcl6-directed regulation
      of TH2 cytokine genes remain unclear. We identified multiple Bcl6/STAT binding
      sites (BSs) in TH2 cytokine gene loci. We found that Bcl6 is modestly associated
      with the BSs, and it had no significant effect on cytokine production in newly
      differentiated TH2 cells. Contrarily, in memory TH2 (mTH2) cells derived from
      adaptively transferred TH2 effectors, Bcl6 outcompeted STAT5 for binding to TH2
      cytokine gene loci, particularly Interleukin4 (Il4) loci, and attenuated GATA
      binding protein 3 (GATA3) binding to highly conserved intron enhancer regions in
      mTH2 cells. Bcl6 suppressed cytokine production epigenetically in mTH2 cells to
      negatively tune histone acetylation at TH2 cytokine gene loci, including Il4
      loci. In addition, IL-33, a pro-TH2 cytokine, diminished Bcl6's association with
      loci to which GATA3 recruitment was inversely augmented, resulting in altered IL
      4, but not IL-5 and IL-13, production in mTH2 cells but no altered production in
      newly differentiated TH2 cells. Use of a murine asthma model that generates high
      levels of pro-TH2 cytokines, such as IL-33, suggested that the suppressive
      function of Bcl6 in mTH2 cells is abolished in severe asthma. These findings
      indicate a role of the interaction between TH2-promoting factors and Bcl6 in
      promoting appropriate IL-4 production in mTH2 cells and suggest that chronic
      allergic diseases involve the TH2-promoting factor-mediated functional breakdown
      of Bcl6, resulting in allergy exacerbation.

PMID- 28096408
TI  - Rhythm judgments reveal a frequency asymmetry in the perception and neural coding
      of sound synchrony.
AB  - In modern Western music, melody is commonly conveyed by pitch changes in the
      highest-register voice, whereas meter or rhythm is often carried by instruments
      with lower pitches. An intriguing and recently suggested possibility is that the
      custom of assigning rhythmic functions to lower-pitch instruments may have
      emerged because of fundamental properties of the auditory system that result in
      superior time encoding for low pitches. Here we compare rhythm and synchrony
      perception between low- and high-frequency tones, using both behavioral and EEG
      techniques. Both methods were consistent in showing no superiority in time
      encoding for low over high frequencies. However, listeners were consistently more
      sensitive to timing differences between two nearly synchronous tones when the
      high-frequency tone followed the low-frequency tone than vice versa. The results
      demonstrate no superiority of low frequencies in timing judgments but reveal a
      robust asymmetry in the perception and neural coding of synchrony that reflects
      greater tolerance for delays of low- relative to high-frequency sounds than vice
      versa. We propose that this asymmetry exists to compensate for inherent and
      variable time delays in cochlear processing, as well as the acoustical properties
      of sound sources in the natural environment, thereby providing veridical
      perceptual experiences of simultaneity.

PMID- 28096409
TI  - Field-scale experiments reveal persistent yield gaps in low-input and organic
      cropping systems.
AB  - Knowledge of production-system performance is largely based on observations at
      the experimental plot scale. Although yield gaps between plot-scale and field
      scale research are widely acknowledged, their extent and persistence have not
      been experimentally examined in a systematic manner. At a site in southwest
      Michigan, we conducted a 6-y experiment to test the accuracy with which plot
      scale crop-yield results can inform field-scale conclusions. We compared
      conventional versus alternative, that is, reduced-input and biologically based
      organic, management practices for a corn-soybean-wheat rotation in a randomized
      complete block-design experiment, using 27 commercial-size agricultural fields.
      Nearby plot-scale experiments (0.02-ha to 1.0-ha plots) provided a comparison of
      plot versus field performance. We found that plot-scale yields well matched field
      scale yields for conventional management but not for alternative systems. For all
      three crops, at the plot scale, reduced-input and conventional managements
      produced similar yields; at the field scale, reduced-input yields were lower than
      conventional. For soybeans at the plot scale, biological and conventional
      managements produced similar yields; at the field scale, biological yielded less
      than conventional. For corn, biological management produced lower yields than
      conventional in both plot- and field-scale experiments. Wheat yields appeared to
      be less affected by the experimental scale than corn and soybean. Conventional
      management was more resilient to field-scale challenges than alternative
      practices, which were more dependent on timely management interventions; in
      particular, mechanical weed control. Results underscore the need for much wider
      adoption of field-scale experimentation when assessing new technologies and
      production-system performance, especially as related to closing yield gaps in
      organic farming and in low-resourced systems typical of much of the developing
      world.

PMID- 28096410
TI  - Selection against variants in the genome associated with educational attainment.
AB  - Epidemiological and genetic association studies show that genetics play an
      important role in the attainment of education. Here, we investigate the effect of
      this genetic component on the reproductive history of 109,120 Icelanders and the
      consequent impact on the gene pool over time. We show that an educational
      attainment polygenic score, POLYEDU, constructed from results of a recent study
      is associated with delayed reproduction (P < 10-100) and fewer children overall.
      The effect is stronger for women and remains highly significant after adjusting
      for educational attainment. Based on 129,808 Icelanders born between 1910 and
      1990, we find that the average POLYEDU has been declining at a rate of ~0.010
      standard units per decade, which is substantial on an evolutionary timescale.
      Most importantly, because POLYEDU only captures a fraction of the overall
      underlying genetic component the latter could be declining at a rate that is two
      to three times faster.

PMID- 28096411
TI  - Hepatitis E virus ORF3 is a functional ion channel required for release of
      infectious particles.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of enterically transmitted viral
      hepatitis globally. Of HEV's three ORFs, the function of ORF3 has remained
      elusive. Here, we demonstrate that via homophilic interactions ORF3 forms
      multimeric complexes associated with intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
      derived membranes. HEV ORF3 shares several structural features with class I
      viroporins, and the function of HEV ORF3 can be maintained by replacing it with
      the well-characterized viroporin influenza A virus (IAV) matrix-2 protein. ORF3's
      ion channel function is further evidenced by its ability to mediate ionic
      currents when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Furthermore, we identified
      several positions in ORF3 critical for its formation of multimeric complexes, ion
      channel activity, and, ultimately, release of infectious particles. Collectively,
      our data demonstrate a previously undescribed function of HEV ORF3 as a
      viroporin, which may serve as an attractive target in developing direct-acting
      antivirals.

PMID- 28096413
TI  - Modeling the role of voyaging in the coastal spread of the Early Neolithic in the
      West Mediterranean.
AB  - The earliest dates for the West Mediterranean Neolithic indicate that it expanded
      across 2,500 km in about 300 y. Such a fast spread is held to be mainly due to a
      demic process driven by dispersal along coastal routes. Here, we model the
      Neolithic spread in the region by focusing on the role of voyaging to understand
      better the core elements that produced the observed pattern of dates. We also
      explore the effect of cultural interaction with Mesolithic populations living
      along the coast. The simulation study shows that (i) sea travel is required to
      obtain reasonable predictions, with a minimum sea-travel range of 300 km per
      generation; (ii) leapfrog coastal dispersals yield the best results
      (quantitatively and qualitatively); and (iii) interaction with Mesolithic people
      can assist the spread, but long-range voyaging is still needed to explain the
      archaeological pattern.

PMID- 28096412
TI  - Transmembrane protein 108 is required for glutamatergic transmission in dentate
      gyrus.
AB  - Neurotransmission in dentate gyrus (DG) is critical for spatial coding, learning
      memory, and emotion processing. Although DG dysfunction is implicated in
      psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, underlying pathological
      mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that transmembrane protein 108
      (Tmem108), a novel schizophrenia susceptibility gene, is highly enriched in DG
      granule neurons and its expression increased at the postnatal period critical for
      DG development. Tmem108 is specifically expressed in the nervous system and
      enriched in the postsynaptic density fraction. Tmem108-deficient neurons form
      fewer and smaller spines, suggesting that Tmem108 is required for spine formation
      and maturation. In agreement, excitatory postsynaptic currents of DG granule
      neurons were decreased in Tmem108 mutant mice, indicating a hypofunction of
      glutamatergic activity. Further cell biological studies indicate that Tmem108 is
      necessary for surface expression of AMPA receptors. Tmem108-deficient mice
      display compromised sensorimotor gating and cognitive function. Together, these
      observations indicate that Tmem108 plays a critical role in regulating spine
      development and excitatory transmission in DG granule neurons. When Tmem108 is
      mutated, mice displayed excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and behavioral deficits
      relevant to schizophrenia, revealing potential pathophysiological mechanisms of
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 28096414
TI  - Profile of Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Sir J. Fraser Stoddart, and Bernard L. Feringa,
      2016 Nobel Laureates in Chemistry.

PMID- 28096415
TI  - Increased mitochondrial nanotunneling activity, induced by calcium imbalance,
      affects intermitochondrial matrix exchanges.
AB  - Exchanges of matrix contents are essential to the maintenance of mitochondria.
      Cardiac mitochondrial exchange matrix content in two ways: by direct contact with
      neighboring mitochondria and over longer distances. The latter mode is supported
      by thin tubular protrusions, called nanotunnels, that contact other mitochondria
      at relatively long distances. Here, we report that cardiac myocytes of
      heterozygous mice carrying a catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular
      tachycardia-linked RyR2 mutation (A4860G) show a unique and unusual mitochondrial
      response: a significantly increased frequency of nanotunnel extensions. The
      mutation induces Ca2+ imbalance by depressing RyR2 channel activity during
      excitation-contraction coupling, resulting in random bursts of Ca2+ release
      probably due to Ca2+ overload in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. We took advantage of
      the increased nanotunnel frequency in RyR2A4860G+/- cardiomyocytes to investigate
      and accurately define the ultrastructure of these mitochondrial extensions and to
      reconstruct the overall 3D distribution of nanotunnels using electron tomography.
      Additionally, to define the effects of communication via nanotunnels, we
      evaluated the intermitochondrial exchanges of matrix-targeted soluble fluorescent
      proteins, mtDsRed and photoactivable mtPA-GFP, in isolated cardiomyocytes by
      confocal microscopy. A direct comparison between exchanges occurring at short and
      long distances directly demonstrates that communication via nanotunnels is
      slower.

PMID- 28096416
TI  - Infrastructure mitigates the sensitivity of child growth to local agriculture and
      rainfall in Nepal and Uganda.
AB  - This paper investigates linear growth and weight gain among 11,946 children below
      the age of 5 y in Nepal and Uganda, testing the hypothesis that child growth is
      sensitive to precipitation during key periods in a child's early life. The paper
      also tests the importance of the economic and physical environments in which
      children reside. Outcomes are not completely explained by agricultural
      performance or the observed characteristics of children or their households.
      Associations between height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and weight-for-height z-score
      (WHZ) and rainfall are generally positive, but patterns are heterogeneous. At the
      mean, an increase of 1 SD in agricultural season rainfall is associated with a
      0.05- to 0.25-point higher z-score, which translates into increases of roughly 4
      13% for HAZ and 1-7% for WHZ. Nutrition sensitivity to rainfall is greater in
      Nepal, where rainfall is lower on average and wider ranging, than in Uganda.
      Health and transport infrastructure help to buffer children from the deleterious
      nutritional effects of precipitation shortfalls, underscoring the role of broadly
      based economic development in promoting child nutrition.

PMID- 28096417
TI  - Phosphorylation by PKC and PKA regulate the kinase activity and downstream
      signaling of WNK4.
AB  - With-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) regulates electrolyte homeostasis and blood
      pressure. WNK4 phosphorylates the kinases SPAK (Ste20-related proline alanine
      rich kinase) and OSR1 (oxidative stress responsive kinase), which then
      phosphorylate and activate the renal Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC). WNK4 levels are
      regulated by binding to Kelch-like 3, targeting WNK4 for ubiquitylation and
      degradation. Phosphorylation of Kelch-like 3 by PKC or PKA downstream of AngII or
      vasopressin signaling, respectively, abrogates binding. We tested whether these
      pathways also affect WNK4 phosphorylation and activity. By tandem mass
      spectrometry and use of phosphosite-specific antibodies, we identified five WNK4
      sites (S47, S64, S1169, S1180, S1196) that are phosphorylated downstream of AngII
      signaling in cultured cells and in vitro by PKC and PKA. Phosphorylation at S64
      and S1196 promoted phosphorylation of the WNK4 kinase T-loop at S332, which is
      required for kinase activation, and increased phosphorylation of SPAK. Volume
      depletion induced phosphorylation of these sites in vivo, predominantly in the
      distal convoluted tubule. Thus, AngII, in addition to increasing WNK4 levels,
      also modulates WNK4 kinase activity via phosphorylation of sites outside the
      kinase domain.

PMID- 28096418
TI  - Multi-institute analysis of carbapenem resistance reveals remarkable diversity,
      unexplained mechanisms, and limited clonal outbreaks.
AB  - Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are among the most severe threats
      to the antibiotic era. Multiple different species can exhibit resistance due to
      many different mechanisms, and many different mobile elements are capable of
      transferring resistance between lineages. We prospectively sampled CRE from
      hospitalized patients from three Boston-area hospitals, together with a
      collection of CRE from a single California hospital, to define the frequency and
      characteristics of outbreaks and determine whether there is evidence for transfer
      of strains within and between hospitals and the frequency with which resistance
      is transferred between lineages or species. We found eight species exhibiting
      resistance, with the majority of our sample being the sequence type 258 (ST258)
      lineage of Klebsiella pneumoniae There was very little evidence of extensive
      hospital outbreaks, but a great deal of variation in resistance mechanisms and
      the genomic backgrounds carrying these mechanisms. Local transmission was evident
      in clear phylogeographic structure between the samples from the two coasts. The
      most common resistance mechanisms were KPC (K. pneumoniae carbapenemases) beta
      lactamases encoded by blaKPC2, blaKPC3, and blaKPC4, which were transferred
      between strains and species by seven distinct subgroups of the Tn4401 element. We
      also found evidence for previously unrecognized resistance mechanisms that
      produced resistance when transformed into a susceptible genomic background. The
      extensive variation, together with evidence of transmission beyond limited clonal
      outbreaks, points to multiple unsampled transmission chains throughout the
      continuum of care, including asymptomatic carriage and transmission of CRE. This
      finding suggests that to control this threat, we need an aggressive approach to
      surveillance and isolation.

PMID- 28096419
TI  - Stromal cues regulate the pancreatic cancer epigenome and metabolome.
AB  - A fibroinflammatory stromal reaction cooperates with oncogenic signaling to
      influence pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) initiation, progression, and
      therapeutic outcome, yet the mechanistic underpinning of this crosstalk remains
      poorly understood. Here we show that stromal cues elicit an adaptive response in
      the cancer cell including the rapid mobilization of a transcriptional network
      implicated in accelerated growth, along with anabolic changes of an altered
      metabolome. The close overlap of stroma-induced changes in vitro with those
      previously shown to be regulated by oncogenic Kras in vivo suggests that
      oncogenic Kras signaling-a hallmark and key driver of PDAC-is contingent on
      stromal inputs. Mechanistically, stroma-activated cancer cells show widespread
      increases in histone acetylation at transcriptionally enhanced genes, implicating
      the PDAC epigenome as a presumptive point of convergence between these pathways
      and a potential therapeutic target. Notably, inhibition of the bromodomain and
      extraterminal (BET) family of epigenetic readers, and of Bromodomain-containing
      protein 2 (BRD2) in particular, blocks stroma-inducible transcriptional
      regulation in vitro and tumor progression in vivo. Our work suggests the
      existence of a molecular "AND-gate" such that tumor activation is the consequence
      of mutant Kras and stromal cues, providing insight into the role of the tumor
      microenvironment in the origin and treatment of Ras-driven tumors.

PMID- 28096420
TI  - Drivers of Rift Valley fever epidemics in Madagascar.
AB  - Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector-borne viral disease widespread in Africa. The
      primary cycle involves mosquitoes and wild and domestic ruminant hosts. Humans
      are usually contaminated after contact with infected ruminants. As many
      environmental, agricultural, epidemiological, and anthropogenic factors are
      implicated in RVF spread, the multidisciplinary One Health approach was needed to
      identify the drivers of RVF epidemics in Madagascar. We examined the
      environmental patterns associated with these epidemics, comparing human and
      ruminant serological data with environmental and cattle-trade data. In contrast
      to East Africa, environmental drivers did not trigger the epidemics: They only
      modulated local Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) transmission in ruminants.
      Instead, RVFV was introduced through ruminant trade and subsequent movement of
      cattle between trade hubs caused its long-distance spread within the country.
      Contact with cattle brought in from infected districts was associated with higher
      infection risk in slaughterhouse workers. The finding that anthropogenic rather
      than environmental factors are the main drivers of RVF infection in humans can be
      used to design better prevention and early detection in the case of RVF
      resurgence in the region.

PMID- 28096421
TI  - RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) suppresses sexual maturation in a eusocial
      mammal.
AB  - Neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying social inhibition of puberty are not well
      understood. Here, we use a model exhibiting the most profound case of pubertal
      suppression among mammals to explore a role for RFamide-related peptide-3 [RFRP
      3; mammalian ortholog to gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH)] in
      neuroendocrine control of reproductive development. Naked mole rats (NMRs) live
      in sizable colonies where breeding is monopolized by two to four dominant
      animals, and no other members exhibit signs of puberty throughout their lives
      unless they are removed from the colony. Because of its inhibitory action on the
      reproductive axis in other vertebrates, we investigated the role of RFRP-3 in
      social reproductive suppression in NMRs. We report that RFRP-3 immunofluorescence
      expression patterns and RFRP-3/GnRH cross-talk are largely conserved in the NMR
      brain, with the exception of the unique presence of RFRP-3 cell bodies in the
      arcuate nucleus (Arc). Immunofluorescence comparisons revealed that central
      expression of RFRP-3 is altered by reproductive status, with RFRP-3
      immunoreactivity enhanced in the paraventricular nucleus, dorsomedial nucleus,
      and Arc of reproductively quiescent NMRs. We further observed that exogenous RFRP
      3 suppresses gonadal steroidogenesis and mating behavior in NMRs given the
      opportunity to undergo puberty. Together, our findings establish a role for RFRP
      3 in preserving reproductive immaturity, and challenge the view that stimulatory
      peptides are the ultimate gatekeepers of puberty.

PMID- 28096422
TI  - Hydrogen isotope fractionation in methane plasma.
AB  - The hydrogen isotope ratio (D/H) is commonly used to reconstruct the chemical
      processes at the origin of water and organic compounds in the early solar system.
      On the one hand, the large enrichments in deuterium of the insoluble organic
      matter (IOM) isolated from the carbonaceous meteorites are interpreted as a
      heritage of the interstellar medium or resulting from ion-molecule reactions
      taking place in the diffuse part of the protosolar nebula. On the other hand, the
      molecular structure of this IOM suggests that organic radicals have played a
      central role in a gas-phase organosynthesis. So as to reproduce this type of
      chemistry between organic radicals, experiments based on a microwave plasma of
      CH4 have been performed. They yielded a black organic residue in which ion
      microprobe analyses revealed hydrogen isotopic anomalies at a submicrometric
      spatial resolution. They likely reflect differences in the D/H ratios between the
      various CHx radicals whose polymerization is at the origin of the IOM. These
      isotopic heterogeneities, usually referred to as hot and cold spots, are
      commensurable with those observed in meteorite IOM. As a consequence, the
      appearance of organic radicals in the ionized regions of the disk surrounding the
      Sun during its formation may have triggered the formation of organic compounds.

PMID- 28096423
TI  - Trogocytosis of peptide-MHC class II complexes from dendritic cells confers
      antigen-presenting ability on basophils.
AB  - Th2 immunity plays important roles in both protective and allergic responses.
      Nevertheless, the nature of antigen-presenting cells responsible for Th2 cell
      differentiation remains ill-defined compared with the nature of the cells
      responsible for Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation. Basophils have attracted
      attention as a producer of Th2-inducing cytokine IL-4, whereas their MHC class II
      (MHC-II) expression and function as antigen-presenting cells are matters of
      considerable controversy. Here we revisited the MHC-II expression on basophils
      and explored its functional relevance in Th2 cell differentiation. Basophils
      generated in vitro from bone marrow cells in culture with IL-3 plus GM-CSF
      displayed MHC-II on the cell surface, whereas those generated in culture with IL
      3 alone did not. Of note, these MHC-II-expressing basophils showed little or no
      transcription of the corresponding MHC-II gene. The GM-CSF addition to culture
      expanded dendritic cells (DCs) other than basophils. Coculture of basophils and
      DCs revealed that basophils acquired peptide-MHC-II complexes from DCs via cell
      contact-dependent trogocytosis. The acquired complexes, together with CD86,
      enabled basophils to stimulate peptide-specific T cells, leading to their
      proliferation and IL-4 production, indicating that basophils can function as
      antigen-presenting cells for Th2 cell differentiation. Transfer of MHC-II from
      DCs to basophils was also detected in draining lymph nodes of mice with atopic
      dermatitis-like skin inflammation. Thus, the present study defined the mechanism
      by which basophils display MHC-II on the cell surface and appears to reconcile
      some discrepancies observed in previous studies.

PMID- 28096424
TI  - alpha-Actinin/titin interaction: A dynamic and mechanically stable cluster of
      bonds in the muscle Z-disk.
AB  - Stable anchoring of titin within the muscle Z-disk is essential for preserving
      muscle integrity during passive stretching. One of the main candidates for
      anchoring titin in the Z-disk is the actin cross-linker alpha-actinin. The
      calmodulin-like domain of alpha-actinin binds to the Z-repeats of titin. However,
      the mechanical and kinetic properties of this important interaction are still
      unknown. Here, we use a dual-beam optical tweezers assay to study the mechanics
      of this interaction at the single-molecule level. A single interaction of alpha
      actinin and titin turns out to be surprisingly weak if force is applied.
      Depending on the direction of force application, the unbinding forces can more
      than triple. Our results suggest a model where multiple alpha-actinin/Z-repeat
      interactions cooperate to ensure long-term stable titin anchoring while allowing
      the individual components to exchange dynamically.

PMID- 28096426
TI  - Correction to "Berberine Reverses Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and
      Inhibits Metastasis and Tumor-Induced Angiogenesis in Human Cervical Cancer
      Cells".

PMID- 28096425
TI  - Correction to "Antibody Tracking Demonstrates Cell Type-Specific and Ligand
      Independent Internalization of Guanylyl Cyclase A and Natriuretic Peptide
      Receptor C".

PMID- 28096427
TI  - Influence of fatiguing noise on auditory evoked responses to stimuli of various
      levels in a beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas.
AB  - The negative impact of man-made noise on the hearing of odontocetes has attracted
      considerable recent attention. In the majority of studies, permanent or temporary
      reductions in sensitivity, known as permanent or temporary threshold shift (PTS
      or TTS, respectively), have been investigated. In the present study, the effects
      of a fatiguing sound on the hearing of a beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas,
      within a wide range of levels of test signals was investigated. The fatiguing
      noise was half-octave band-limited noise centered at 32 kHz. Post-exposure
      effects of this noise on the evoked responses to test stimuli (rhythmic pip
      trains with a 45-kHz center frequency) at various levels (from threshold to 60 dB
      above threshold) were measured. For baseline (pre-exposure) responses, the
      magnitude-versus-level function featured a segment of steep magnitude dependence
      on level (up to 30 dB above threshold) that was followed by a plateau segment
      that featured little dependence on level (30 to 55 dB above threshold). Post
      exposure, the function shifted upward along the level scale. The shift was 23 dB
      at the threshold and up to 33 dB at the supra-threshold level. Owing to the
      plateau in the magnitude-versus-level function, post-exposure suppression of
      responses depended on the stimulus level such that higher levels corresponded to
      less suppression. The experimental data may be modeled based on the compressive
      non-linearity of the cochlea. According to the model, post-exposure responses of
      the cochlea to high-level stimuli are minimally suppressed compared with the pre
      exposure responses, despite a substantially increased threshold.

PMID- 28096428
TI  - A statistical approach to understanding reproductive isolation in two sympatric
      species of tree crickets.
AB  - In acoustically communicating animals, reproductive isolation between sympatric
      species is usually maintained through species-specific calls. This requires that
      the receiver be tuned to the conspecific signal. Mapping the response space of
      the receiver onto the signal space of the conspecific investigates this tuning. A
      combinatorial approach to investigating the response space is more informative as
      the influence on the receiver of the interactions between the features is also
      elucidated. However, most studies have examined individual preference functions
      rather than the multivariate response space. We studied the maintenance of
      reproductive isolation between two sympatric tree cricket species (Oecanthus
      henryi and Oecanthus indicus) through the temporal features of the calls.
      Individual response functions were determined experimentally for O. henryi, the
      results from which were combined in a statistical framework to generate a
      multivariate quantitative receiver response space. The predicted response was
      higher for the signals of the conspecific than for signals of the sympatric
      heterospecific, indicating maintenance of reproductive isolation through songs.
      The model allows prediction of response to untested combinations of temporal
      features as well as delineation of the evolutionary constraints on the signal
      space. The model can also be used to predict the response of O. henryi to other
      heterospecific signals, making it a useful tool for the study of the evolution
      and maintenance of reproductive isolation via long-range acoustic signals.

PMID- 28096429
TI  - Lombard effect onset times reveal the speed of vocal plasticity in a songbird.
AB  - Animals that use vocal signals to communicate often compensate for interference
      and masking from background noise by raising the amplitude of their
      vocalisations. This response has been termed the Lombard effect. However, despite
      more than a century of research, little is known how quickly animals can adjust
      the amplitude of their vocalisations after the onset of noise. The ability to
      respond quickly to increases in noise levels would allow animals to avoid signal
      masking and ensure their calls continue to be heard, even if they are interrupted
      by sudden bursts of high-amplitude noise. We tested how quickly singing male
      canaries (Serinus canaria) exhibit the Lombard effect by exposing them to short
      playbacks of white noise and measuring the speed of their responses. We show that
      canaries exhibit the Lombard effect in as little as 300 ms after the onset of
      noise and are also able to increase the amplitude of their songs mid-song and mid
      phrase without pausing. Our results demonstrate high vocal plasticity in this
      species and suggest that birds are able to adjust the amplitude of their
      vocalisations very rapidly to ensure they can still be heard even during sudden
      changes in background noise levels.

PMID- 28096430
TI  - Testing hypotheses about individual variation in plasma corticosterone in free
      living salamanders.
AB  - In vertebrates, many responses to stress as well as homeostatic maintenance of
      basal metabolism are regulated by plasma glucocorticoid hormones (GCs). Despite
      having crucial functions, levels of GCs are typically variable among individuals.
      We examined the contribution of several physiological factors to individual
      variation in plasma corticosterone (CORT) and the number of corticotropin
      releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the magnocellular preoptic area of the brain
      in free-living Allegheny Mountain dusky salamanders. We addressed three
      hypotheses: the current-condition hypothesis, the facilitation hypothesis and the
      trade-off hypothesis. Differential white blood cell count was identified as a
      strong contributor to individual variation in baseline CORT, stress-induced CORT
      and the number of CRH neurons. In contrast, we found no relationship between CORT
      (or CRH) and body condition, energy stores or reproductive investment, providing
      no support for the current-condition hypothesis or the trade-off hypothesis
      involving reproduction. Because of the difficulties of interpreting the
      functional consequences of variation in differential white blood cell counts, we
      were unable to distinguish between the facilitation hypothesis or the trade-off
      hypothesis related to immune function. However, the strong association between
      differential white blood cell count and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal
      (HPA/I) activation suggests that a more thorough examination of immune profiles
      is critical to understanding variation in HPA/I activation.

PMID- 28096431
TI  - Activation of respiratory muscles does not occur during cold-submergence in
      bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus.
AB  - Semiaquatic frogs may not breathe air for several months because they overwinter
      in ice-covered ponds. In contrast to many vertebrates that experience decreased
      motor performance after inactivity, bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus, retain
      functional respiratory motor processes following cold-submergence. Unlike
      mammalian hibernators with unloaded limb muscles and inactive locomotor systems,
      respiratory mechanics of frogs counterintuitively allow for ventilatory maneuvers
      when submerged. Thus, we hypothesized that bullfrogs generate respiratory motor
      patterns during cold-submergence to avoid disuse and preserve motor performance.
      Accordingly, we measured activity of respiratory muscles (buccal floor compressor
      and glottal dilator) via electromyography in freely behaving bullfrogs at 20 and
      2 degrees C. Although we confirm that ventilation cycles occur underwater at 20
      degrees C, bullfrogs did not activate either respiratory muscle when submerged
      acutely or chronically at 2 degrees C. We conclude that cold-submerged bullfrogs
      endure respiratory motor inactivity, implying that other mechanisms, excluding
      underwater muscle activation, maintain a functional respiratory motor system
      throughout overwintering.

PMID- 28096432
TI  - Effects of activity, genetic selection and their interaction on muscle metabolic
      capacities and organ masses in mice.
AB  - Chronic voluntary exercise elevates total daily energy expenditure and food
      consumption, potentially resulting in organ compensation supporting nutrient
      extraction/utilization. Additionally, species with naturally higher daily energy
      expenditure often have larger processing organs, which may represent genetic
      differences and/or phenotypic plasticity. We tested for possible adaptive changes
      in organ masses of four replicate lines of house mice selected (37 generations)
      for high running (HR) compared with four non-selected control (C) lines. Females
      were housed with or without wheel access for 13-14 weeks beginning at 53-60 days
      of age. In addition to organ compensation, chronic activity may also require an
      elevated aerobic capacity. Therefore, we also measured hematocrit and both
      citrate synthase activity and myoglobin concentration in heart and gastrocnemius.
      Both selection (HR versus C) and activity (wheels versus no wheels) significantly
      affected morphological and biochemical traits. For example, with body mass as a
      covariate, mice from HR lines had significantly higher hematocrit and larger
      ventricles, with more myoglobin. Wheel access lengthened the small intestine,
      increased relative ventricle and kidney size, and increased skeletal muscle
      citrate synthase activity and myoglobin concentration. As compared with C lines,
      HR mice had greater training effects for ventricle mass, hematocrit, large
      intestine length and gastrocnemius citrate synthase activity. For ventricle and
      gastrocnemius citrate synthase activity, the greater training was quantitatively
      explainable as a result of greater wheel running (i.e. 'more pain, more gain').
      For hematocrit and large intestine length, differences were not related to amount
      of wheel running and instead indicate inherently greater adaptive plasticity in
      HR lines.

PMID- 28096433
TI  - Sex differences in the development of prolactinoma in mice overexpressing
      hCGbeta: role of TGFbeta1.
AB  - Female transgenic mice that overexpress the human chorionic gonadotrophin beta
      subunit (hCGbeta+) develop prolactinomas, whereas hCGbeta+ males do not. The high
      levels of circulating hCG induce massive luteinization in the ovary of hCGbeta+
      females, and progesterone becomes the primary steroid hormone produced, but
      estradiol remains at physiological level. The involvement of high levels of
      progesterone in lactotroph proliferation is not clearly understood; hence, the
      pathogenesis of prolactinomas in hCGbeta+ females remains unclear. TGFbeta1 is an
      inhibitor of lactotroph function, and the reduced TGFbeta1 activity found in
      prolactinomas has been proposed to be involved in tumor development. The aim of
      the present work was to study the role of TGFbeta1 in the gender-specific
      development of prolactinomas in hCGbeta+ mice. We compared the expression of
      different components of the pituitary TGFbeta1 system in males and females in
      this model. We found reduced TGFbeta1 levels, reduced expression of TGFbeta1
      target genes, TGFbeta1 receptors, Ltbp1, Smad4 and Smad7 in hCGbeta+ female
      pituitaries. However, no differences were found between the transgenic and wild
      type male pituitaries. We postulate that decreased pituitary TGFbeta1 activity in
      hCGbeta+ females is involved in the development of prolactinomas. In fact, we
      demonstrated that an in vivo treatment carried out for increasing pituitary
      TGFbeta1 activity, was successful in reducing the prolactinoma development, and
      the hyperprolactinemia in hCGbeta+ females. Moreover, the stronger TGFbeta1
      system found in males could protect them from excessive lactotroph proliferation.
      Sex differences in the regulation of the pituitary TGFbeta1 system could explain
      gender differences in the incidence of prolactinoma.

PMID- 28096434
TI  - Precocious glucocorticoid exposure reduces skeletal muscle satellite cells in the
      fetal rat.
AB  - Perinatal skeletal muscle growth rates are a function of protein and myonuclear
      accretion. Precocious exposure of the fetus to glucocorticoids (GLC) in utero
      impairs muscle growth. Reduced muscle protein synthesis rates contribute to this
      response, but the consequences for myonuclear hyperplasia are unknown. To test
      the hypothesis that blunting of Pax7+ muscle progenitor cell proliferative
      activity by GLC in vivo also contributes to reduced fetal muscle growth, pregnant
      rats were administered dexamethasone (DEX: 1 mg/L drinking water) from embryonic
      day (ED) 13 to ED21. Their responses were compared to pair-fed (PF) and ad
      libitum-fed controls (CON). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered before
      delivery to measure myonuclear accretion. Fetal hind limb and diaphragm muscles
      were collected at term and analyzed for myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA),
      total and BrdU+ myonuclei, Pax7+ nuclei, MyoD and myogenin protein and mRNA
      abundance and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform composition. Mean fiber CSA,
      myonuclei/myofiber and Pax7+ nuclei/myofiber ratios were reduced in DEX compared
      to those in CON and PF muscles; CSA/myonucleus, BrdU+/total myonuclei and BrdU+
      myonuclei/Pax7+ nuclei were similar among groups. Myogenin abundance was reduced
      and MyHC-slow was increased in DEX fetuses. The data are consistent with GLC
      inhibition of muscle progenitor cell proliferation limiting satellite cell and
      myonuclear accretion. The response of PF-fed compared to CON muscles indicated
      that decreased food consumption by DEX dams contributed to the smaller myofiber
      CSA but did not affect Pax7+ nuclear accretion. Thus, the effect on satellite
      cell reserve and myonuclear number also contributes to the blunting of fetal
      muscle growth by GLC.

PMID- 28096435
TI  - Regulation of aldosterone secretion by mineralocorticoid receptor-mediated
      signaling.
AB  - We posit the existence of a paracrine/autocrine negative feedback loop, mediated
      by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), regulating aldosterone secretion. To
      assess this hypothesis, we asked whether altering MR activity in zona glomerulosa
      (ZG) cells affects aldosterone production. To this end, we studied ex vivo ZG
      cells isolated from male Wistar rats fed chow containing either high (1.6% Na+
      (HS)) or low (0.03% Na+ (LS)) amount of sodium. Western blot analyses
      demonstrated that MR was present in both the ZG and zona fasciculata/zona
      reticularis (ZF/ZR/ZR). In ZG cells isolated from rats on LS chow, MR activation
      by fludrocortisone produced a 20% and 60% reduction in aldosterone secretion
      basally and in response to angiotensin II (ANGII) stimulation, respectively.
      Corticosterone secretion was increased in these cells suggesting that aldosterone
      synthase activity was being reduced by fludrocortisone. In contrast, canrenoic
      acid, an MR antagonist, enhanced aldosterone production by up to 30% both basally
      and in response to ANGII. Similar responses were observed in ZG cells from rats
      fed HS. Modulating glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity did not alter
      aldosterone production by ZG cells; however, altering GR activity did modify
      corticosterone production from ZF/ZR/ZR cells both basally and in response to
      adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Additionally, activating the MR in ZF/ZR/ZR
      cells strikingly reduced corticosterone secretion. In summary, these data support
      the hypothesis that negative ultra-short feedback loops regulate adrenal
      steroidogenesis. In the ZG, aldosterone secretion is regulated by the MR, but not
      the GR, an effect that appears to be secondary to a change in aldosterone
      synthase activity.

PMID- 28096436
TI  - Angiotensin II induces differential insulin action in rat skeletal muscle.
AB  - Angiotensin II (ANGII) is reportedly involved in the development of skeletal
      muscle insulin resistance. The present investigation evaluated the effects of two
      ANGII doses on the phenotypic characteristics of insulin resistance syndrome and
      insulin action and signaling in rat skeletal muscle. Male Sprague-Dawley rats
      were infused with either saline (SHAM) or ANGII at a commonly used pressor dose
      (100 ng/kg/min; ANGII-100) or a higher pressor dose (500 ng/kg/min; ANGII-500)
      via osmotic minipumps for 14 days. We demonstrated that ANGII-100-infused rats
      exhibited the phenotypic features of non-obese insulin resistance syndrome,
      including hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance of
      glucose uptake in the soleus muscle, whereas ANGII-500-treated rats exhibited
      diabetes-like symptoms, such as post-prandial hyperglycemia, impaired insulin
      secretion and hypertriglyceridemia. At the cellular level, insulin-stimulated
      glucose uptake in the soleus muscle of the ANGII-100 group was 33% lower (P <
      0.05) than that in the SHAM group and was associated with increased insulin
      stimulated IRS-1 Ser307 and decreased Akt Ser473 and AS160 Thr642 phosphorylation
      and GLUT-4 expression. However, ANGII-500 infusion did not induce skeletal muscle
      insulin resistance or impair insulin signaling elements as initially anticipated.
      Moreover, we found that insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in the ANGII-500 group
      was accompanied by the enhanced expression of ACE2 and MasR proteins, which are
      the key elements in the non-classical pathway of the renin-angiotensin system.
      Collectively, this study demonstrates for the first time that chronic infusion
      with these two pressor doses of ANGII induced differential metabolic responses at
      both the systemic and skeletal muscle levels.

PMID- 28096437
TI  - Phase Angle Predicts Arterial Stiffness and Vascular Calcification in Peritoneal
      Dialysis Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Fluid overload (FO) is frequently present in peritoneal dialysis (PD)
      patients and is associated with markers of malnutrition, inflammation, and
      atherosclerosis/calcification (MIAC) syndrome. We examined the relationships in
      stable PD patients between phase angle (PhA) and the spectrum of uremic
      vasculopathy including vascular calcification and arterial stiffness and between
      PhA and changes in serum fetuin-A levels. METHODS: Sixty-one stable adult PD
      patients were evaluated in a cross-sectional study (ST1). Phase angle was
      measured by multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (InbodyS10, Biospace, Korea) at
      50 kHz. Augmentation index (AI), a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness, was
      assessed by digital pulse amplitude tonometry (Endo PAT, Itamar Medical,
      Caesarea, Israel). Vascular calcification was assessed by simplified
      calcification score (SCS). Serum fetuin-A levels were measured by ELISA (Thermo
      scientific; Waltham, MA, USA). Serum albumin was used as a nutritional marker,
      and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was used as an inflammatory marker. The same
      assessments were carried out longitudinally (ST2) in the first 33 patients who
      completed 1 year of evaluation in ST1. RESULTS: In ST1, patients with PhA < 6
      degrees  had higher CRP levels, AI, and SCS and lower serum albumin and fetuin-A
      levels, in comparison with patients with PhA >= 6 degrees . In addition, PhA was
      a predictor of both AI (beta = -0.351, p = 0.023) and SCS >= 3 (EXP (B) = 0.243,
      p = 0.005). In ST2, the increase of PhA over time was associated with decreases
      in both AI (r = -0.378, p = 0.042) and CRP levels (r = -0.426, p = 0.021), as
      well as with the increase in serum fetuin-A levels (r = 0.411, p = 0.030).
      CONCLUSIONS: Phase angle predicts both arterial stiffness and vascular
      calcification in stable PD patients.

PMID- 28096438
TI  - Infection Prophylaxis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Results from an
      Australia/New Zealand Survey.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines aim to reduce the rates of peritoneal
      dialysis (PD)-related infections, a common complication of PD in end-stage kidney
      disease patients. We describe the clinical practices used by Australian and New
      Zealand nephrologists to prevent PD-related infections in PD patients. ? METHODS:
      A survey of PD practices in relation to the use of antibiotic and antifungal
      prophylaxis in PD patients was conducted of practicing nephrologists identified
      via the Australia and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN) membership in
      2013. ? RESULTS: Of 333 nephrologists approached, 133 (39.9%) participated.
      Overall, 127 (95.5%) nephrologists prescribed antibiotics at the time of
      Tenckhoff catheter insertion, 85 (63.9%) routinely screened for nasal S. aureus
      carriage, with 76 (88.4%) reporting they treated S. aureus carriers with
      mupirocin ointment. Following Tenckhoff catheter insertion, 79 (59.4%) prescribed
      mupirocin ointment at the exit site or intranasally, and 93 (69.9%) nephrologists
      routinely prescribed a course of oral antifungal agent whenever their PD patients
      were given a course of antibiotics. ? CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of
      nephrologists prescribe antibiotics at the time of Tenckhoff catheter insertion,
      less than 70% routinely prescribe mupirocin ointment and/or prophylactic
      antifungal therapy. This variation in practice in Australia and New Zealand may
      contribute to the disparity in PD-related infection rates that is seen between
      units.

PMID- 28096439
TI  - The 24-Month Changes in Body Fat Mass and Adipokines in Patients Starting
      Peritoneal Dialysis.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is characterized by a gain in fat mass.
      The fat tissue is a complex endocrine organ that releases various adipokines. In
      this study, we prospectively examined serial changes of fat composition and
      adipokines in patients undergoing PD. ? METHODS: Body composition was assessed by
      computed tomography (CT). Nutrition status and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin,
      interleukin [IL]-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha) were assessed on the
      7th day and 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after the start of PD. ? RESULTS:
      Fifty-four patients (28 men), with a mean age of 53.2 +/- 13.2 years, were
      enrolled. Baseline fat mass, especially subcutaneous fat mass, was correlated
      with baseline leptin (rho = 0.612), adiponetin (rho = -0.477), and interleukin-6
      (IL-6) (rho = 0.391). Visceral fat mass was correlated with leptin (rho = 0.545)
      and adiponectin (rho = -0.514). Baseline adiponectin was negatively correlated
      with baseline leptin (rho = -0.363). While body weight and leptin increased
      during the 24 months, serum adiponectin decreased in that period. The changes in
      visceral and subcutaneous fat mass were greater in the first 12 months and 6
      months, respectively. There was no difference in IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Eight
      patients died during the follow-up period (mean 47.4 months). Twenty-seven
      patients continued PD. Increased baseline and serial change of IL-6 level were
      risk factors for mortality. After adjusting for age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM),
      and coronary vascular disease (CVD), the significance of the IL-6 level
      disappeared. ? CONCLUSIONS: Baseline subcutaneous fat in patients starting PD is
      correlated with baseline adipokine levels rather than visceral fat. The increase
      in subcutaneous fat was greatest in the first 6 months. While leptin and
      adiponectin increased and decreased respectively, IL-6 did not change in the
      first 24 months.

PMID- 28096440
TI  - TNF Signaling in Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells: Pivotal Role of cFLIPL.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) coincides with high concentrations of
      proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), in the peritoneal
      cavity. During treatment, chronic inflammatory processes lead to damage of the
      peritoneal membrane and a subsequent ultrafiltration failure. Human peritoneal
      mesothelial cells (HPMCs) play a central role as mediators and targets of PD
      related inflammatory changes. Although TNF Receptor 1 (TNFR1) is expressed in
      high numbers on the cells, TNF-induced apoptosis is inhibited. Here, the
      underlying molecular mechanisms of TNFR1 signaling in HPMCs are investigated. ?
      METHODS: Human peritoneal mesothelial cells were isolated from the omentum of
      healthy donors and the dialysis solution of PD patients. Flow cytometry was
      applied to determine cell surface expression of TNFR1 on HPMCS from healthy
      donors in absence or presence of TNF or PD fluid (PDF) and were compared to TNFR1
      expression on cells from PD patients. To investigate TNFR1-mediated signaling,
      HPMCs were treated with PDF or TNF, and expression patterns of proteins involved
      in the TNFR1 signaling pathway were assessed by western blot. ? RESULTS:
      Incubation with PDF led to a significant up-regulation of TNFR1 on the cell
      surface correlating with elevated TNFR1 numbers on HPMCs from PD patients.
      Investigations of underlying molecular mechanisms of TNFR1 signaling showed that
      PDF affects TNFR1 signaling at the proapoptotic signaling pathway by upregulation
      of IkappaBalpha and downregulation of cFLIPL. In contrast, TNF exclusively
      induces the activation of NFkappaB by an increase of phosphorylated IkappaBalpha.
      ? CONCLUSIONS: Novel and relevant insights into the mechanisms of TNFR1-mediated
      signaling in HPMCs with an impact on our understanding of PD-associated damage of
      the peritoneal membrane are shown.

PMID- 28096441
TI  - Improved Outcome of Enteric Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Aged 50
      Years and Older with Temporary Discontinuation of Peritoneal Dialysis and
      Intravenous Meropenem.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Peritonitis is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and technique
      failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, especially when caused by enteric
      microorganisms (EM). We have implemented a treatment protocol specifically aimed
      at improving the outcome in EM peritonitis. The adapted protocol was applied in
      all PD patients 50 years and older presenting with peritonitis who were
      considered to be at risk of EM peritonitis and involves 3 interventions: 1)
      temporary discontinuation of PD without removing the catheter (peritoneal rest),
      2) intravenous meropenem, and 3) meropenem intracatheter as lock (Mero-PerRest
      protocol). ? METHODS: In this observational study, we compared the outcome of 203
      peritonitis episodes in 71 patients treated with the Mero-PerRest protocol, with
      217 episodes in 104 patients treated with a more traditional intraperitoneal
      gentamicin-rifampicin-based regimen. ? RESULTS: In EM peritonitis episodes, the
      Mero-PerRest protocol resulted in a higher primary cure rate (90.0% vs 65.3%,
      adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.54 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46 - 14.15]) and
      better technique survival (90.0% vs 69.4%, adjusted OR 3.41 [95% CI 1.07 -
      10.87]). This effect was most distinct in patients with polymicrobial EM
      peritonitis (cure rate 87.5% vs 34.8%, p = 0.0003). Interestingly, primary cure
      rate (95.6% vs 84.7%, adjusted OR 3.92 [95% CI 1.37 - 11.19]) and technique
      survival (95.6% vs 85.6%, adjusted OR 3.60 [95% CI 1.25 - 10.32]) were also
      excellent in non-EM peritonitis episodes. Patient survival did not differ
      significantly. ? CONCLUSION: The poor outcome of peritonitis caused by EM in PD
      patients aged 50 years and older could be improved by applying a treatment
      protocol involving temporary discontinuation of PD without catheter removal and
      intravenous and intracatheter meropenem.

PMID- 28096442
TI  - Kinetic Modeling of Incremental Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Exchanges.
AB  - ? BACKGROUND: Incremental peritoneal dialysis (PD), the gradual introduction of
      dialysate exchanges at less than full-dose therapy, has been infrequently
      described in clinical reports. One concern with less than full-dose dialysis is
      whether urea clearance targets are achievable with an incremental regimen. In
      this report, we used a large database of PD patients, across all membrane
      transport types, and performed urea kinetic modeling determinations of possible
      incremental regimens for an individual membrane type. ? METHODS: Using a modified
      3-pore model of peritoneal transport, various incremental manual continuous
      ambulatory PD (CAPD) exchanges employing glucose and/or icodextrin were
      evaluated. Peritoneal urea clearances from those simulations were added to
      residual kidney urea clearance for patients with various glomerular filtration
      rates (GFRs), and the total weekly urea clearance was then compared to the total
      weekly urea Kt/V target of 1.7. All 4 peritoneal membrane types were modeled. For
      each simulated prescription, net ultrafiltration and carbohydrate absorption were
      also calculated. ? RESULTS: Incremental CAPD regimens of 2 exchanges a day met
      adequacy targets if the GFR was 6 mL/min/1.73 m2 in all membrane types. For
      regimens employing 3 exchanges a day, Kt/V targets were achieved at GFR levels of
      4 to 5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in high transporters to low transporters but higher
      tonicity 2.5% glucose solutions or icodextrin were required in some regimens. ?
      CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrates that with incremental CAPD regimens, urea
      kinetic targets are achievable in most new starts to PD with residual kidney
      function. Incremental PD may be a less intrusive, better accepted initial
      treatment regime and a cost-effective way to initiate chronic dialysis in the
      incident patient. The key role of intrinsic kidney function in incremental
      regimens is highlighted in this analysis and would warrant conscientious
      monitoring.

PMID- 28096443
TI  - Stem-loop RNA labeling can affect nuclear and cytoplasmic mRNA processing.
AB  - The binding of sequence-specific RNA-interacting proteins, such as the
      bacteriophage MS2 or PP7 coat proteins, to their corresponding target sequences
      has been extremely useful and widely used to visualize single mRNAs in vivo.
      However, introduction of MS2 stem-loops into yeast mRNAs has recently been shown
      to lead to the accumulation of RNA fragments, suggesting that the loops impair
      mRNA decay. This result was questioned, because fragment occurrence was mainly
      assessed using ensemble methods, and their cellular localization and its
      implications had not been addressed on a single transcript level. Here, we
      demonstrate that the introduction of either MS2 stem-loops (MS2SL) or PP7 stem
      loops (PP7SL) can affect the processing and subcellular localization of mRNA. We
      use single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) to determine the
      localization of three independent mRNAs tagged with the stem-loop labeling
      systems in glucose-rich and glucose starvation conditions. Transcripts containing
      MS2SL or PP7SL display aberrant localization in both the nucleus and the
      cytoplasm. These defects are most prominent in glucose starvation conditions,
      with nuclear mRNA processing being altered and stem-loop fragments abnormally
      enriching in processing bodies (PBs). The mislocalization of SL-containing RNAs
      is independent of the presence of the MS2 or PP7 coat protein (MCP or PCP).

PMID- 28096444
TI  - Single-molecule FRET-Rosetta reveals RNA structural rearrangements during human
      telomerase catalysis.
AB  - Maintenance of telomeres by telomerase permits continuous proliferation of
      rapidly dividing cells, including the majority of human cancers. Despite its
      direct biomedical significance, the architecture of the human telomerase complex
      remains unknown. Generating homogeneous telomerase samples has presented a
      significant barrier to developing improved structural models. Here we pair single
      molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) measurements with Rosetta
      modeling to map the conformations of the essential telomerase RNA core domain
      within the active ribonucleoprotein. FRET-guided modeling places the essential
      pseudoknot fold distal to the active site on a protein surface comprising the C
      terminal element, a domain that shares structural homology with canonical
      polymerase thumb domains. An independently solved medium-resolution structure of
      Tetrahymena telomerase provides a blind test of our modeling methodology and
      sheds light on the structural homology of this domain across diverse organisms.
      Our smFRET-Rosetta models reveal nanometer-scale rearrangements within the RNA
      core domain during catalysis. Taken together, our FRET data and pseudoatomic
      molecular models permit us to propose a possible mechanism for how RNA core
      domain rearrangement is coupled to template hybrid elongation.

PMID- 28096445
TI  - Unraveling the stereochemical and dynamic aspects of the catalytic site of
      bacterial peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase.
AB  - Bacterial peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth; EC 3.1.1.29) hydrolyzes the peptidyl
      tRNAs accumulated in the cytoplasm and thereby prevents cell death by alleviating
      tRNA starvation. X-ray and NMR studies of Vibrio cholerae Pth (VcPth) and mutants
      of its key residues involved in catalysis show that the activity and selectivity
      of the protein depends on the stereochemistry and dynamics of residues H24, D97,
      N118, and N14. D97-H24 interaction is critical for activity because it increases
      the nucleophilicity of H24. The N118 and N14 have orthogonally competing
      interactions with H24, both of which reduce the nucleophilicity of H24 and are
      likely to be offset by positioning of a peptidyl-tRNA substrate. The region
      proximal to H24 and the lid region exhibit slow motions that may assist in
      accommodating the substrate. Helix alpha3 exhibits a slow wobble with
      intermediate time scale motions of its N-cap residue N118, which may work as a
      flypaper to position the scissile ester bond of the substrate. Overall, the
      dynamics of interactions between the side chains of N14, H24, D97, and N118,
      control the catalysis of substrate by this enzyme.

PMID- 28096446
TI  - Rpn (YhgA-Like) Proteins of Escherichia coli K-12 and Their Contribution to RecA
      Independent Horizontal Transfer.
AB  - Bacteria use a variety of DNA-mobilizing enzymes to facilitate environmental
      niche adaptation via horizontal gene transfer. This has led to real-world
      problems, like the spread of antibiotic resistance, yet many mobilization
      proteins remain undefined. In the study described here, we investigated the
      uncharacterized family of YhgA-like transposase_31 (Pfam PF04754) proteins. Our
      primary focus was the genetic and biochemical properties of the five Escherichia
      coli K-12 members of this family, which we designate RpnA to RpnE, where Rpn
      represents recombination-promoting nuclease. We employed a conjugal system
      developed by our lab that demanded RecA-independent recombination following
      transfer of chromosomal DNA. Overexpression of RpnA (YhgA), RpnB (YfcI), RpnC
      (YadD), and RpnD (YjiP) increased RecA-independent recombination, reduced cell
      viability, and induced the expression of reporter of DNA damage. For the exemplar
      of the family, RpnA, mutational changes in proposed catalytic residues reduced or
      abolished all three phenotypes in concert. In vitro, RpnA displayed magnesium
      dependent, calcium-stimulated DNA endonuclease activity with little, if any,
      sequence specificity and a preference for double-strand cleavage. We propose that
      Rpn/YhgA-like family nucleases can participate in gene acquisition
      processes.IMPORTANCE Bacteria adapt to new environments by obtaining new genes
      from other bacteria. Here, we characterize a set of genes that can promote the
      acquisition process by a novel mechanism. Genome comparisons had suggested the
      horizontal spread of the genes for the YhgA-like family of proteins through
      bacteria. Although annotated as transposase_31, no member of the family has
      previously been characterized experimentally. We show that four Escherichia coli
      K-12 paralogs contribute to a novel RecA-independent recombination mechanism in
      vivo For RpnA, we demonstrate in vitro action as a magnesium-dependent, calcium
      stimulated nonspecific DNA endonuclease. The cleavage products are capable of
      providing priming sites for DNA polymerase, which can enable DNA joining by
      primer-template switching.

PMID- 28096447
TI  - PBP1B Glycosyltransferase and Transpeptidase Activities Play Different Essential
      Roles during the De Novo Regeneration of Rod Morphology in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Peptidoglycan is a vital component of nearly all cell wall-bearing bacteria and
      is a valuable target for antibacterial therapy. However, despite decades of work,
      there remain important gaps in understanding how this macromolecule is
      synthesized and molded into a three-dimensional structure that imparts specific
      morphologies to individual cells. Here, we investigated the particularly
      enigmatic area of how peptidoglycan is synthesized and shaped during the first
      stages of creating cell shape de novo, that is, in the absence of a preexisting
      template. We found that when lysozyme-induced (LI) spheroplasts of Escherichia
      coli were allowed to resynthesize peptidoglycan, the cells divided first and then
      elongated to recreate a normal rod-shaped morphology. Penicillin binding protein
      1B (PBP1B) was critical for the first stage of this recovery process. PBP1B
      synthesized peptidoglycan de novo, and this synthesis required that PBP1B
      interact with the outer membrane lipoprotein LpoB. Surprisingly, when LpoB was
      localized improperly to the inner membrane, recovering spheroplasts synthesized
      peptidoglycan and divided but then propagated as amorphous spheroidal cells,
      suggesting that the regeneration of a normal rod shape depends on a particular
      spatial interaction. Similarly, spheroplasts carrying a PBP1B variant lacking
      transpeptidase activity or those in which PBP1A was overproduced could synthesize
      new peptidoglycan and divide but then grew as oddly shaped spheroids. We conclude
      that de novo cell wall synthesis requires the glycosyltransferase activity of
      PBP1B but that PBP1B transpeptidase activity is needed to assemble cell walls
      with wild-type morphology.IMPORTANCE Bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan is
      synthesized and modified by penicillin binding proteins (PBPs), which are
      targeted by about half of all currently prescribed antibiotics, including
      penicillin and its derivatives. Because antibiotic resistance is rising, it has
      become increasingly urgent that we fill the gaps in our knowledge about how PBPs
      create and assemble this protective wall. We report here that PBP1B plays an
      essential role in synthesizing peptidoglycan in the absence of a preexisting
      template: its glycosyltransferase activity is responsible for de novo synthesis,
      while its transpeptidase activity is required to construct cell walls of a
      specific shape. These results highlight the importance of this enzyme and
      distinguish its biological roles from those of other PBPs and peptidoglycan
      synthases.

PMID- 28096448
TI  - Loss-of-Function Mutations in HspR Rescue the Growth Defect of a Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis Proteasome Accessory Factor E (pafE) Mutant.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses a proteasome to degrade proteins by both ATP
      dependent and -independent pathways. While much has been learned about ATP
      dependent degradation, relatively little is understood about the ATP-independent
      pathway, which is controlled by Mycobacterium tuberculosisproteasome accessory
      factor E (PafE). Recently, we found that a Mycobacterium tuberculosispafE mutant
      has slowed growth in vitro and is sensitive to killing by heat stress. However,
      we did not know if these phenotypes were caused by an inability to degrade the
      PafE-proteasome substrate HspR (heat shock protein repressor), an inability to
      degrade any damaged or misfolded proteins, or a defect in another protein quality
      control pathway. To address this question, we characterized pafE suppressor
      mutants that grew similarly to pafE+ bacteria under normal culture conditions.
      All but one suppressor mutant analyzed contained mutations that inactivated HspR
      function, demonstrating that the slowed growth and heat shock sensitivity of a
      pafE mutant were caused primarily by the inability of the proteasome to degrade
      HspR.IMPORTANCEMycobacterium tuberculosis encodes a proteasome that is highly
      similar to eukaryotic proteasomes and is required for virulence. We recently
      discovered a proteasome cofactor, PafE, which is required for the normal growth,
      heat shock resistance, and full virulence of M. tuberculosis In this study, we
      demonstrate that PafE influences this phenotype primarily by promoting the
      expression of protein chaperone genes that are necessary for surviving
      proteotoxic stress.

PMID- 28096449
TI  - Specific Glucoside Transporters Influence Septal Structure and Function in the
      Filamentous, Heterocyst-Forming Cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120.
AB  - When deprived of combined nitrogen, some filamentous cyanobacteria contain two
      cell types: vegetative cells that fix CO2 through oxygenic photosynthesis and
      heterocysts that are specialized in N2 fixation. In the diazotrophic filament,
      the vegetative cells provide the heterocysts with reduced carbon (mainly in the
      form of sucrose) and heterocysts provide the vegetative cells with combined
      nitrogen. Septal junctions traverse peptidoglycan through structures known as
      nanopores and appear to mediate intercellular molecular transfer that can be
      traced with fluorescent markers, including the sucrose analog esculin (a coumarin
      glucoside) that is incorporated into the cells. Uptake of esculin by the model
      heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 was inhibited by
      the alpha-glucosides sucrose and maltose. Analysis of Anabaena mutants identified
      components of three glucoside transporters that move esculin into the cells: GlsC
      (Alr4781) and GlsP (All0261) are an ATP-binding subunit and a permease subunit of
      two different ABC transporters, respectively, and HepP (All1711) is a major
      facilitator superfamily (MFS) protein that was shown previously to be involved in
      formation of the heterocyst envelope. Transfer of fluorescent markers (especially
      calcein) between vegetative cells of Anabaena was impaired by mutation of
      glucoside transporter genes. GlsP and HepP interact in bacterial two-hybrid
      assays with the septal junction-related protein SepJ, and GlsC was found to be
      necessary for the formation of a normal number of septal peptidoglycan nanopores
      and for normal subcellular localization of SepJ. Therefore, beyond their possible
      role in nutrient uptake in Anabaena, glucoside transporters influence the
      structure and function of septal junctions.IMPORTANCE Heterocyst-forming
      cyanobacteria have the ability to perform oxygenic photosynthesis and to
      assimilate atmospheric CO2 and N2 These organisms grow as filaments that fix
      these gases specifically in vegetative cells and heterocysts, respectively. For
      the filaments to grow, these types of cells exchange nutrients, including
      sucrose, which serves as a source of reducing power and of carbon skeletons for
      the heterocysts. Movement of sucrose between cells in the filament takes place
      through septal junctions and has been traced with a fluorescent sucrose analog,
      esculin, that can be taken up by the cells. Here, we identified alpha-glucoside
      transporters of Anabaena that mediate uptake of esculin and, notably, influence
      septal structure and the function of septal junctions.

PMID- 28096450
TI  - Analysis of genome instability biomarkers in children with non-syndromic
      orofacial clefts.
AB  - The non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) is a common birth defect
      caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The possible role
      of genome instability on NSCL/P patient needs more investigation, since DNA
      metabolism is an essential cellular function to keep cells with normal genotypes
      and gene expression patterns according to tissue specificities, which is critical
      during embryo development because it requires sensitive regulation of cell
      proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. Thus, genome stability is
      ultimately essential to maintain a healthy life. The aim of this study was to
      assess the frequency of genome instability biomarkers and their relationship with
      NSCL/P. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay was performed to estimate the
      biomarkers frequency and gene expression was analyzed by the transcriptogram in
      order to further explore the role of genome instability and other biological
      processes in this birth defect. The NSCL/P patients had higher baseline frequency
      of micronucleus, nuclear buds and nucleoplasmic bridges (P < 0.001) than the
      control group. Moreover, new nuclear morphologies (fused, circular and horseshoe)
      was detected in the patients' cells analyzed, possibly indicating that chronic
      folic acid deficiency is interfering in their genome instability. Children with
      clefts had 2.3 times more risk to have high micronuclei frequency (P = 0.043)
      according to binary logistic regression. The high genomic instability in children
      with oral clefts suggests that misrepaired double strand breaks in DNA that
      create micronuclei representing a significant factor in NSCL/P development. This
      study was published in 52nd EUROTOX Abstract Book.

PMID- 28096452
TI  - M-INK, a novel tool for visualizing melanosomes and melanocores.
AB  - Melanosome transfer from melanocytes to surrounding keratinocytes is one of the
      crucial but less well-characterized steps in the process of skin pigmentation.
      Although several markers have generally been used to detect melanosomes in
      melanocytes, no suitable markers for melanosomes that have been transferred into
      keratinocytes have ever been reported. The melanocore-interacting Kif1c-tail (M
      INK) probe we developed and reported here specifically recognizes melanocores and
      thus makes visualizing melanosomes that have been incorporated into keratinocytes
      possible even in a fluorescent field. M-INK staining makes it possible to
      reconstruct 3D images of melanosome-containing keratinocytes, and thereby
      precisely localize melanosomes in keratinocytes.

PMID- 28096451
TI  - Quantitative relationships between lacZ mutant frequency and DNA adduct frequency
      in MutaTMMouse tissues and cultured cells exposed to 3-nitrobenzanthrone.
AB  - The frequency of stable DNA adducts in a target tissue can be used to assess
      biologically effective dose; however, the utility of the metric in a risk
      assessment context depends on the likelihood that the DNA damage will be
      manifested as mutation. Previously, we employed the MutaTMMouse system to examine
      the induction of lacZ mutants and DNA adducts following exposure to the well
      studied mutagenic carcinogen 3-nitrobenzanthrone (3-NBA). In this follow-up work,
      we examined the empirical relationships between total adduct frequency and mutant
      frequency (MF) in tissues and cultured cells following acute 3-NBA exposure. The
      results show a significant induction of DNA damage and lacZ mutants in liver,
      colon and bone marrow, as well as FE1 pulmonary epithelial cells. In contrast,
      lung and small intestine samples had low, but significantly elevated adduct
      levels, with no significant increases in lacZ MF. Additional analyses showed a
      significant relationship between the mutagenic efficiency of total adducts,
      measured as the slope of the relationships between MF and total adduct frequency,
      and tissue-specific mitotic index (MI). The lack of mutation response in lung, in
      contrast to the high in vitro MF in FE-1 lung cells, is likely related to the 100
      fold difference in MI. The lack of small intestine mutagenic response may be
      related to limited metabolic capacity, differences in DNA repair, and /or
      chemically induced apoptosis that has been observed for other potent mutagens.
      The results indicate that interpretation of adduct frequency values in a risk
      assessment context can be improved by considering the MI of the target tissue;
      however, more generalised interpretation is hampered by tissue-specific
      variations in metabolic capacity and damage processing. The work provides a proof
      of principle regarding the use of the MutaTMMouse system to critically examine
      the health risks associated with tissue-specific adduct loads.

PMID- 28096453
TI  - Programmable formation of catalytic RNA triangles and squares by assembling
      modular RNA enzymes.
AB  - RNA is a biopolymer that is attractive for constructing nano-scale objects with
      complex structures. Three-dimensional (3D) structures of naturally occurring RNAs
      often have modular architectures. The 3D structure of a group I (GI) ribozyme
      from Tetrahymena has a typical modular architecture, which can be separated into
      two structural modules (DeltaP5 and P5abc). The fully active ribozyme can be
      reconstructed by assembling the two separately prepared modules through highly
      specific and strong assembly between DeltaP5 ribozyme and P5abc RNA. Such non
      covalent assembly of the two modules allows the design of polygonal RNA nano
      structures. Through rational redesign of the parent GI ribozyme, we constructed
      variant GI ribozymes as unit RNAs for polygonal-shaped (closed) oligomers with
      catalytic activity. Programmed trimerization and tetramerization of the unit RNAs
      afforded catalytically active nano-sized RNA triangles and squares, the
      structures of which were directly observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM).

PMID- 28096454
TI  - Mitochondrial function is required for extracellular ATP-induced NLRP3
      inflammasome activation.
AB  - The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in the processing and release of
      inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-18.
      Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondria are common mediators of NLRP3
      inflammasome activation induced by a wide range of inflammatory stimuli; however,
      the precise role of mitochondria is still not fully understood. Here, we show
      that mitochondrial function is required for extracellular ATP-induced NLRP3
      inflammasome activation. Extracellular ATP induced the loss of mitochondrial
      membrane potential and mitochondrial fragmentation in a different manner than
      other stimuli in primary mouse macrophages. CCCP, an uncoupler and antimycin A,
      an inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, inhibited IL-1beta
      release induced by ATP but not by other stimuli. CCCP did not inhibit the ATP
      induced generation of reactive oxygen species and cell death, both of which are
      known to promote IL-1beta release, but did inhibit the ATP-induced activation of
      caspase-1, a component of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results suggest that
      mitochondrial function is required somewhat specifically for ATP-induced NLRP3
      inflammasome activation. In contrast to many previous reports that dysfunctional
      mitochondria promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation, the function of intact
      mitochondria appears to be required for NLRP3 inflammasome activation, depending
      on the stimulus.

PMID- 28096455
TI  - Multicenter prospective study on device-associated infection rates and bacterial
      resistance in intensive care units of Venezuela: International Nosocomial
      Infection Control Consortium (INICC) findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Device-associated healthcare-acquired infections (DA-HAI) pose a
      threat to patient safety in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A DA-HAI
      surveillance study was conducted by the International Nosocomial Infection
      Control Consortium (INICC) in two adult medical/surgical ICUs at two hospitals in
      Caracas, Venezuela, in different periods from March 2008 to April 2015, using the
      US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Healthcare Safety
      Network (CDC/NHSN) definitions and criteria, and INICC methods. RESULTS: We
      followed 1041 ICU patients for 4632 bed days. Central line-associated bloodstream
      infection (CLABSI) rate was 5.1 per 1000 central line days, ventilator-associated
      pneumonia (VAP) rate was 7.2 per 1000 mechanical ventilator days, and catheter
      associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rate was 3.9 per 1000 urinary catheter
      days, all similar to or lower than INICC rates (4.9 [CLABSI]; 16.5 [VAP]; 5.3
      [CAUTI]), and higher than CDC/NHSN rates (0.8 [CLABSI]; 1.1 [VAP]; and 1.3
      [CAUTI]). Device utilization ratios were higher than INICC and CDC/NHSN rates,
      except for urinary catheter, which was similar to INICC. Extra length of stay was
      8 days for patients with CLABSI, 9.6 for VAP and 5.7 days for CAUTI. Additional
      crude mortality was 3.0% for CLABSI, 4.4% for VAP, and 16.9% for CAUTI.
      CONCLUSIONS: DA-HAI rates in our ICUs are higher than CDC/NSHN's and similar to
      or lower than INICC international rates.

PMID- 28096456
TI  - Antibody-Conjugated, DNA-Based Nanocarriers Intercalated with Doxorubicin
      Eliminate Myofibroblasts in Explants of Human Lens Tissue.
AB  - Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) occurs in some adults and most children
      following cataract surgery. The fibrotic form of PCO arises, in part, from
      migratory, contractile myofibroblasts that deform the lens capsule and impair
      vision. In short-term cultures of human anterior lens tissue, myofibroblasts
      emerge from Myo/Nog cells that are identified with the G8 monoclonal antibody and
      by their expression of the MyoD transcription factor and bone morphogenetic
      protein inhibitor noggin. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that targeted
      depletion of Myo/Nog cells with the G8 monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugated to
      three-dimensional DNA nanocarriers intercalated with doxorubicin (G8:3DNA:Dox)
      would prevent the accumulation of myofibroblasts in long-term, serum- and growth
      factor-free cultures of human lens tissue obtained by capsulorhexis. The
      mAb:nanocarrier complex was internalized into acidic compartments of the cell.
      G8:3DNA:Dox killed nearly all Myo/Nog cells without affecting the lens epithelial
      cells. In 30-day cultures, all G8-positive cells expressed noggin, and
      subpopulations had synthesized MyoD, sarcomeric myosin, and alpha smooth muscle
      actin (alpha-SMA). Myo/Nog cells responded to scratching of the lens epithelium
      by accumulating around the edges of the wound. Treatment with two doses of
      G8:3DNA:Dox completely eliminated G8+/alpha-SMA+ cells throughout the explant.
      These experiments demonstrate that Myo/Nog cells are the source of myofibroblasts
      in long-term cultures of anterior human lens tissue and mAb:3DNA nanocarriers
      specifically and effectively deliver cytotoxic cargo to a subpopulation of cells
      without off-target effects. G8:3DNA:Dox has the potential to reduce PCO following
      cataract surgery.

PMID- 28096457
TI  - The predictive value of serum S100A9 and response to etanercept is not confirmed
      in a large UK rheumatoid arthritis cohort.
AB  - Objective: The aim was to correlate protein concentrations of S100A9 in
      pretreatment serum samples with response to the tumour-necrosis factor (TNF)
      inhibitor drugs etanercept in a large UK replication cohort. Methods:
      Pretreatment serum samples from patients with RA (n = 236) about to commence
      treatment with etanercept had S100A9 serum concentration measured using an ELISA.
      Following the experimental procedure, S100A9 concentrations were analysed with
      respect to EULAR response. Results: No evidence of association between S100A9
      concentration and EULAR response to the TNF-inhibitor biologic drug etanercept
      was observed following multinomial logistic regression analysis (non-responder vs
      moderate responder, P = 0.957; and non-responder vs good responder, P = 0.316).
      Furthermore, no significant associations were observed when correlating
      pretreatment S100A9 concentrations with clinical parameters of disease activity
      (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In the largest replication cohort conducted to date, no
      evidence for association was observed to support the use of S100A9 as a clinical
      biomarker predictive of response to the TNF-inhibitor biologic drug etanercept.

PMID- 28096458
TI  - More severe disease and slower recovery in younger patients with anti-3-hydroxy-3
      methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase-associated autoimmune myopathy.
AB  - Objective: To study disease severity and response to therapy in a large cohort of
      patients with anti-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR)
      associated myositis. Methods: Muscle strength, creatine kinase levels and
      treatments were assessed in anti-HMGCR-positive patients at each clinical visit.
      Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyse the influence of
      clinical characteristics on strength and the change in strength over time. Whole
      exome sequencing was performed in a subset of patients. Results: . Among 50
      patients followed for ?2 years, only 22 (44%) reached full strength with
      immunosuppressive therapy; even among those with full strength, 55% continued to
      have CK levels in excess of 500 IU/l and only three could be tapered off
      immunosuppressive therapy. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that
      patients who were older at disease onset were stronger at all time points (P <
      0.001) and improved faster (P < 0.008) than younger patients; a history of statin
      exposure was not independently associated with the improvement rate. Younger
      patients were more likely to have refractory disease (P = 0.02) than older
      patients. Among eight refractory patients with DNA available for testing, whole
      exome sequencing did not reveal pathogenic mutations in known dystrophy genes.
      The risk of cancer was not increased in anti-HMGCR myositis patients compared
      with the general population. Conclusions: Anti-HMGCR myositis is usually a
      chronic disease requiring long-term immunosuppression. Although younger patients
      had more severe disease and a worse prognosis than older patients, they did not
      have evidence of a known co-existing muscular dystrophy to explain their
      persistent, and sometimes progressive, muscle weakness.

PMID- 28096459
TI  - Zinc and Copper Differentially Modulate Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing by
      gamma-Secretase and Amyloid-beta Peptide Production.
AB  - Recent evidence suggests involvement of biometal homeostasis in the pathological
      mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). For example, increased intracellular
      copper or zinc has been linked to a reduction in secreted levels of the AD
      causing amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta). However, little is known about whether
      these biometals modulate the generation of Abeta. In the present study we
      demonstrate in both cell-free and cell-based assays that zinc and copper regulate
      Abeta production by distinct molecular mechanisms affecting the processing by
      gamma-secretase of its Abeta precursor protein substrate APP-C99. We found that
      Zn2+ induces APP-C99 dimerization, which prevents its cleavage by gamma-secretase
      and Abeta production, with an IC50 value of 15 MUm Importantly, at this
      concentration, Zn2+ also drastically raised the production of the aggregation
      prone Abeta43 found in the senile plaques of AD brains and elevated the
      Abeta43:Abeta40 ratio, a promising biomarker for neurotoxicity and AD. We further
      demonstrate that the APP-C99 histidine residues His-6, His-13, and His-14 control
      the Zn2+-dependent APP-C99 dimerization and inhibition of Abeta production,
      whereas the increased Abeta43:Abeta40 ratio is substrate dimerization-independent
      and involves the known Zn2+ binding lysine Lys-28 residue that orientates the APP
      C99 transmembrane domain within the lipid bilayer. Unlike zinc, copper inhibited
      Abeta production by directly targeting the subunits presenilin and nicastrin in
      the gamma-secretase complex. Altogether, our data demonstrate that zinc and
      copper differentially modulate Abeta production. They further suggest that
      dimerization of APP-C99 or the specific targeting of individual residues
      regulating the production of the long, toxic Abeta species, may offer two
      therapeutic strategies for preventing AD.

PMID- 28096460
TI  - Occupancy of the Zinc-binding Site by Transition Metals Decreases the Substrate
      Affinity of the Human Dopamine Transporter by an Allosteric Mechanism.
AB  - The human dopamine transporter (DAT) has a tetrahedral Zn2+-binding site. Zn2+
      binding sites are also recognized by other first-row transition metals. Excessive
      accumulation of manganese or of copper can lead to parkinsonism because of
      dopamine deficiency. Accordingly, we examined the effect of Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and
      Cu2+ on transport-associated currents through DAT and DAT-H193K, a mutant with a
      disrupted Zn2+-binding site. All transition metals except Mn2+ modulated the
      transport cycle of wild-type DAT with affinities in the low micromolar range. In
      this concentration range, they were devoid of any action on DAT-H193K. The active
      transition metals reduced the affinity of DAT for dopamine. The affinity shift
      was most pronounced for Cu2+, followed by Ni2+ and Zn2+ (= Co2+). The extent of
      the affinity shift and the reciprocal effect of substrate on metal affinity
      accounted for the different modes of action: Ni2+ and Cu2+ uniformly stimulated
      and inhibited, respectively, the substrate-induced steady-state currents through
      DAT. In contrast, Zn2+ elicited biphasic effects on transport, i.e. stimulation
      at 1 MUm and inhibition at 10 MUm A kinetic model that posited preferential
      binding of transition metal ions to the outward-facing apo state of DAT and a
      reciprocal interaction of dopamine and transition metals recapitulated all
      experimental findings. Allosteric activation of DAT via the Zn2+-binding site may
      be of interest to restore transport in loss-of-function mutants.

PMID- 28096461
TI  - Differential Contribution of Transmembrane Domains IV, V, VI, and VII to Human
      Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Homomer Formation.
AB  - G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play an important role in drug therapy and
      represent one of the largest families of drug targets. The angiotensin II type 1
      receptor (AT1R) is notable as it has a central role in the treatment of
      cardiovascular disease. Blockade of AT1R signaling has been shown to alleviate
      hypertension and improve outcomes in patients with heart failure. Despite this,
      it has become apparent that our initial understanding of AT1R signaling is
      oversimplified. There is considerable evidence to suggest that AT1R signaling is
      highly modified in the presence of receptor-receptor interactions, but there is
      very little structural data available to explain this phenomenon even with the
      recent elucidation of the AT1R crystal structure. The current study investigates
      the involvement of transmembrane domains in AT1R homomer assembly with the goal
      of identifying hydrophobic interfaces that contribute to receptor-receptor
      affinity. A recently published crystal structure of the AT1R was used to guide
      site-directed mutagenesis of outward-facing hydrophobic residues within the
      transmembrane region of the AT1R. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer was
      employed to analyze how receptor mutation affects the assembly of AT1R homomers
      with a specific focus on hydrophobic residues. Mutations within transmembrane
      domains IV, V, VI, and VII had no effect on angiotensin-mediated beta-arrestin1
      recruitment; however, they exhibited differential effects on the assembly of AT1R
      into oligomeric complexes. Our results demonstrate the importance of hydrophobic
      amino acids at the AT1R transmembrane interface and provide the first glimpse of
      the requirements for AT1R complex assembly.

PMID- 28096462
TI  - Unique Contributions of an Arginine Side Chain to Ligand Recognition in a
      Glutamate-gated Chloride Channel.
AB  - Glutamate recognition by neurotransmitter receptors often relies on Arg residues
      in the binding site, leading to the assumption that charge-charge interactions
      underlie ligand recognition. However, assessing the precise chemical contribution
      of Arg side chains to protein function and pharmacology has proven to be
      exceedingly difficult in such large and complex proteins. Using the in vivo
      nonsense suppression approach, we report the first successful incorporation of
      the isosteric, titratable Arg analog, canavanine, into a neurotransmitter
      receptor in a living cell, utilizing a glutamate-gated chloride channel from the
      nematode Haemonchus contortus Our data unveil a surprisingly small contribution
      of charge at a conserved arginine side chain previously suggested to form a salt
      bridge with the ligand, glutamate. Instead, our data show that Arg contributes
      crucially to ligand sensitivity via a hydrogen bond network, where Arg interacts
      both with agonist and with a conserved Thr side chain within the receptor.
      Together, the data provide a new explanation for the reliance of neurotransmitter
      receptors on Arg side chains and highlight the exceptional capacity of unnatural
      amino acid incorporation for increasing our understanding of ligand recognition.

PMID- 28096463
TI  - DENEDDYLASE1 Protein Counters Automodification of Neddylating Enzymes to Maintain
      NEDD8 Protein Homeostasis in Arabidopsis.
AB  - In eukaryotes, the conjugation of the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8 onto protein
      targets is an important post-translational modification. The best understood
      neddylation targets are the cullins, scaffold subunits of E3 ubiquitin ligases,
      where neddylation as well as deneddylation, facilitated by the protease activity
      of the CSN (COP9 signalosome), are required to control ubiquitin ligase assembly,
      function, and ultimately substrate degradation. Little is known about the role of
      other deneddylating enzymes besides CSN and the role of neddylation and
      deneddylation of their substrates. We previously characterized Arabidopsis
      thaliana mutants with defects in the conserved NEDD8-specific protease DEN1
      (DENEDDYLASE1). These mutants display only subtle growth phenotypes despite the
      strong accumulation of a broad range of neddylated proteins. Specifically, we
      identified AXR1 (AUXIN-RESISTANT1), a subunit of the heterodimeric NAE (E1 NEDD8
      ACTIVATING ENZYME), as highly neddylated in den1 mutants. Here, we examined the
      mechanism and consequences of AXR1 neddylation in more detail. We find that AXR1
      as well as other neddylation enzymes are autoneddylated at multiple lysines. NAE
      autoneddylation can be linked to reduced NCE (E2 NEDD8-CONJUGATING ENZYME) NEDD8
      thioester levels, either by critically reducing the pool of free NEDD8 or by
      reducing NAE activity. In planta, increasing NEDD8 gene dosage is sufficient to
      suppress den1 mutant phenotypes. We therefore suggest that DEN1 serves to recover
      diverted NEDD8 moieties from autoneddylated NAE subunits, and possibly also other
      neddylated proteins, to maintain NEDD8 pathway activity toward other NEDD8
      dependent processes such as cullin E3 ligase regulation.

PMID- 28096464
TI  - Functional Transformation of C-reactive Protein by Hydrogen Peroxide.
AB  - C-reactive protein (CRP) is present at sites of inflammation including amyloid
      plaques, atherosclerotic lesions, and arthritic joints. CRP, in its native
      pentameric structural conformation, binds to cells and molecules that have
      exposed phosphocholine (PCh) groups. CRP, in its non-native pentameric structural
      conformation, binds to a variety of deposited, denatured, and aggregated
      proteins, in addition to binding to PCh-containing substances. In this study, we
      investigated the effects of H2O2, a prototypical reactive oxygen species that is
      also present at sites of inflammation, on the ligand recognition function of CRP.
      Controlled H2O2 treatment of native CRP did not monomerize CRP and did not affect
      the PCh binding activity of CRP. In solid phase ELISA-based ligand binding
      assays, purified pentameric H2O2-treated CRP bound to a number of immobilized
      proteins including oxidized LDL, IgG, amyloid beta peptide 1-42, C4b-binding
      protein, and factor H, in a CRP concentration- and ligand concentration-dependent
      manner. Using oxidized LDL as a representative protein ligand for H2O2-treated
      CRP, we found that the binding occurred in a Ca2+-independent manner and did not
      involve the PCh-binding site of CRP. We conclude that H2O2 is a biological
      modifier of the structure and ligand recognition function of CRP. Overall, the
      data suggest that the ligand recognition function of CRP is dependent on the
      presence of an inflammatory microenvironment. We hypothesize that one of the
      functions of CRP at sites of inflammation is to sense the inflammatory
      microenvironment, change its own structure in response but remain pentameric, and
      then bind to pathogenic proteins deposited at those sites.

PMID- 28096465
TI  - Sequences within the C Terminus of the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5)
      Are Responsible for Inner Nuclear Membrane Localization.
AB  - Traditionally, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are thought to be located on
      the cell surface where they transmit extracellular signals to the cytoplasm.
      However, recent studies indicate that some GPCRs are also localized to various
      subcellular compartments such as the nucleus where they appear required for
      various biological functions. For example, the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5
      (mGluR5) is concentrated at the inner nuclear membrane (INM) where it mediates
      Ca2+ changes in the nucleoplasm by coupling with Gq/11 Here, we identified a
      region within the C-terminal domain (amino acids 852-876) that is necessary and
      sufficient for INM localization of the receptor. Because these sequences do not
      correspond to known nuclear localization signal motifs, they represent a new
      motif for INM trafficking. mGluR5 is also trafficked to the plasma membrane where
      it undergoes re-cycling/degradation in a separate receptor pool, one that does
      not interact with the nuclear mGluR5 pool. Finally, our data suggest that once at
      the INM, mGluR5 is stably retained via interactions with chromatin. Thus, mGluR5
      is perfectly positioned to regulate nucleoplasmic Ca2+in situ.

PMID- 28096466
TI  - A Phosphoproteomic Screen Identifies a Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor for
      Rab3A Protein as a Mitogen-activated Protein (MAP) Kinase Phosphatase-5-regulated
      MAP Kinase Target in Interleukin 6 (IL-6) Secretion and Myogenesis.
AB  - The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been shown to regulate
      skeletal muscle function. Previously, we showed that MAPK phosphatase-5 (MKP-5)
      negatively regulates myogenesis and regeneration of skeletal muscle through
      inhibition of p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). However, the identity
      and contribution of MKP-5-regulated MAPK targets in the control of skeletal
      muscle function and regenerative myogenesis have not been established. To
      identify MKP-5-regulated MAPK substrates in skeletal muscle, we performed a
      global differential phospho-MAPK substrate screen in regenerating skeletal
      muscles of wild type and MKP-5-deficient mice. We discovered a novel MKP-5
      regulated MAPK substrate called guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rab3A
      (GRAB) that was hyperphosphorylated on a phospho-MAPK motif in skeletal muscle of
      MKP-5-deficient mice. GRAB was found to be phosphorylated by JNK on serine 169.
      Myoblasts overexpressing a phosphorylation-defective mutant of GRAB containing a
      mutation at Ser-169 to Ala-169 (GRAB-S169A) inhibited the ability of C2C12
      myoblasts to differentiate. We found that GRAB phosphorylation at Ser-169 was
      required for the secretion of the promyogenic cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6).
      Consistent with this observation, MKP-5-deficient mice exhibited increased
      circulating IL-6 expression as compared with wild type mice. Collectively, these
      data demonstrate a novel mechanism whereby MKP-5-mediated regulation of JNK
      negatively regulates phosphorylation of GRAB, which subsequently controls
      secretion of IL-6. These data support the notion that MKP-5 serves as a negative
      regulator of MAPK-dependent signaling of critical skeletal muscle signaling
      pathways.

PMID- 28096467
TI  - miR-21-mediated Radioresistance Occurs via Promoting Repair of DNA Double Strand
      Breaks.
AB  - miR-21, as an oncogene that overexpresses in most human tumors, is involved in
      radioresistance; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate
      that miR-21-mediated radioresistance occurs through promoting repair of DNA
      double strand breaks, which includes facilitating both non-homologous end-joining
      (NHEJ) and homologous recombination repair (HRR). The miR-21-promoted NHEJ occurs
      through targeting GSK3B (a novel target of miR-21), which affects the CRY2/PP5
      pathway and in turn increases DNA-PKcs activity. The miR-21-promoted HRR occurs
      through targeting both GSK3B and CDC25A (a known target of miR-21), which
      neutralizes the effects of targeting GSK3B-induced CDC25A increase because GSK3B
      promotes degradation of both CDC25A and cyclin D1, but CDC25A and cyclin D1 have
      an opposite effect on HRR. A negative correlation of expression levels between
      miR-21 and GSK3beta exists in a subset of human tumors. Our results not only
      elucidate miR-21-mediated radioresistance, but also provide potential new targets
      for improving radiotherapy.

PMID- 28096469
TI  - Super-resolution Visualization of Caveola Deformation in Response to Osmotic
      Stress.
AB  - Caveolae are protein-dense plasma membrane domains structurally composed of
      caveolin-1 or -3 along with other proteins. Our previous studies have shown that
      caveolae enhance calcium signals generated through the Galphaq/phospholipase
      Cbeta signaling pathway and that subjecting cells to hypo-osmotic stress reverses
      this enhancement. In this study, we have used super-resolution fluorescence
      microscopy supplemented by fluorescence correlation studies to determine the
      structural factors that underlie this behavior. We find similar and significant
      population of Galphaq and one of its receptors, bradykinin type 2 receptor (B2R),
      as well as a significant population of Galphai and its coupled beta2-adrenergic
      receptor (betaAR), are localized to caveola domains. Although mild osmotic stress
      deforms caveolae and alters interactions between the caveolae and these proteins,
      the general structure and the localization of caveola components remain largely
      unchanged. This deformation eliminates the ability of caveolae to stabilize
      calcium signals mediated through Galphaq-B2R, but does not affect cAMP signals
      mediated through Galphai and betaAR. Structurally, we find that mild osmotic
      stress corresponding roughly to a pressure of 3.82 newtons/m2 increases the
      domain diameter by ~30% and increases the fluorescence intensity in the center of
      the domain mouth suggesting a flattening of the invagination. Approximate
      calculations show that caveolae in muscle tissue have the strength to handle the
      stress of muscle movement.

PMID- 28096468
TI  - O-Linked N-Acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) Expression Levels Epigenetically Regulate
      Colon Cancer Tumorigenesis by Affecting the Cancer Stem Cell Compartment via
      Modulating Expression of Transcriptional Factor MYBL1.
AB  - To study the regulation of colorectal adenocarcinoma progression by O-GlcNAc, we
      have focused on the O-GlcNAc-mediated epigenetic regulation of human colon cancer
      stem cells (CCSC). Xenograft tumors from colon tumor cells with O-linked N
      acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) knockdown grew significantly slower than
      those formed from control cells, indicating a reduced proliferation of tumor
      cells due to inhibition of OGT expression. Significant reduction of the CCSC
      population was observed in the tumor cells after OGT knockdown, whereas tumor
      cells treated with the O-GlcNAcase inhibitor showed an increased CCSC population,
      indicating that O-GlcNAc levels regulated the CCSC compartment. When grown in
      suspension, tumor cells with OGT knockdown showed a reduced ability to form
      tumorspheres, indicating a reduced self-renewal of CCSC due to reduced levels of
      O-GlcNAc. ChIP-sequencing experiments using an anti-O-GlcNAc antibody revealed
      significant chromatin enrichment of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins at the promoter of
      the transcription factor MYBL1, which was also characterized by the presence of
      H3K27me3. RNA-sequencing analysis showed an increased expression of MYBL1 in
      tumor cells with OGT knockdown. Forced overexpression of MYBL1 led to a reduced
      population of CCSC and tumor growth in vivo, similar to the effects of OGT
      silencing. Moreover, two CpG islands near the transcription start site of MYBL1
      were identified, and O-GlcNAc levels regulated their methylation status. These
      results strongly argue that O-GlcNAc epigenetically regulates MYBL1, functioning
      similarly to H3K27me3. The aberrant CCSC compartment observed after modulating O
      GlcNAc levels is therefore likely to result, at least in part, from the
      epigenetic regulation of MYBL1 expression by O-GlcNAc, thereby significantly
      affecting tumor progression.

PMID- 28096470
TI  - Dampened Amphetamine-Stimulated Behavior and Altered Dopamine Transporter
      Function in the Absence of Brain GDNF.
AB  - Midbrain dopamine neuron dysfunction contributes to various psychiatric and
      neurological diseases, including drug addiction and Parkinson's disease. Because
      of its well established dopaminotrophic effects, the therapeutic potential of
      glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been studied extensively
      in various disorders with disturbed dopamine homeostasis. However, the outcomes
      from preclinical and clinical studies vary, highlighting a need for a better
      understanding of the physiological role of GDNF on striatal dopaminergic
      function. Nevertheless, the current lack of appropriate animal models has limited
      this understanding. Therefore, we have generated novel mouse models to study
      conditional Gdnf deletion in the CNS during embryonic development and reduction
      of striatal GDNF levels in adult mice via AAV-Cre delivery. We found that both of
      these mice have reduced amphetamine-induced locomotor response and striatal
      dopamine efflux. Embryonic GDNF deletion in the CNS did not affect striatal
      dopamine levels or dopamine release, but dopamine reuptake was increased due to
      increased levels of both total and synaptic membrane-associated dopamine
      transporters. Collectively, these results suggest that endogenous GDNF plays an
      important role in regulating the function of dopamine transporters in the
      striatum.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Delivery of ectopic glial cell line-derived
      neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes the function, plasticity, and survival of
      midbrain dopaminergic neurons, the dysfunction of which contributes to various
      neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, how the deletion or reduction of
      GDNF in the CNS affects the function of dopaminergic neurons has remained
      unknown. Using conditional Gdnf knock-out mice, we found that endogenous GDNF
      affects striatal dopamine homeostasis and regulates amphetamine-induced behaviors
      by regulating the level and function of dopamine transporters. These data
      regarding the physiological role of GDNF are relevant in the context of
      neurological and neurodegenerative diseases that involve changes in dopamine
      transporter function.

PMID- 28096471
TI  - Resolving the Brainstem Contributions to Attentional Analgesia.
AB  - Previous human imaging studies manipulating attention or expectancy have
      identified the periaqueductal gray (PAG) as a key brainstem structure implicated
      in endogenous analgesia. However, animal studies indicate that PAG analgesia is
      mediated largely via caudal brainstem structures, such as the rostral
      ventromedial medulla (RVM) and locus coeruleus (LC). To identify their
      involvement in endogenous analgesia, we used brainstem optimized, whole-brain
      imaging to record responses to concurrent thermal stimulation (left forearm) and
      visual attention tasks of titrated difficulty in 20 healthy subjects. The PAG,
      LC, and RVM were anatomically discriminated using a probabilistic atlas. Pain
      ratings disclosed the anticipated analgesic interaction between task difficulty
      and pain intensity (p < 0.001). Main effects of noxious thermal stimulation were
      observed across several brain regions, including operculoinsular, primary
      somatosensory, and cingulate cortices, whereas hard task difficulty was
      represented in anterior insular, parietal, and prefrontal cortices. Permutation
      testing within the brainstem nuclei revealed the following: main effects of task
      in dorsal PAG and right LC; and main effect of temperature in RVM and a task *
      temperature interaction in right LC. Intrasubject regression revealed a
      distributed network of supratentorial brain regions and the RVM whose activity
      was linearly related to pain intensity. Intersubject analgesia scores correlated
      to activity within a distinct region of the RVM alone. These results identify
      distinct roles for a brainstem triumvirate in attentional analgesia: with the PAG
      activated by attentional load; specific RVM regions showing pronociceptive and
      antinociceptive processes (in line with previous animal studies); and the LC
      showing lateralized activity during conflicting attentional demands.SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT Attention modulates pain intensity, and human studies have identified
      roles for a network of forebrain structures plus the periaqueductal gray (PAG).
      Animal data indicate that the PAG acts via caudal brainstem structures to control
      nociception. We investigated this issue within an attentional analgesia paradigm
      with brainstem-optimized fMRI and analysis using a probabilistic brainstem atlas.
      We find pain intensity encoding in several forebrain structures, including the
      insula and attentional activation of the PAG. Discrete regions of the rostral
      ventromedial medulla bidirectionally influence pain perception, and locus
      coeruleus activity mirrors the interaction between attention and nociception.
      This approach has enabled the resolution of contributions from a hub of key
      brainstem structures to endogenous analgesia.

PMID- 28096472
TI  - Myosin VI facilitates connexin 43 gap junction accretion.
AB  - In this study, we demonstrate myosin VI enrichment at Cx43 (also known as GJA1)
      containing gap junctions (GJs) in heart tissue, primary cardiomyocytes and cell
      culture models. In primary cardiac tissue and in fibroblasts from the myosin VI
      null mouse as well as in tissue culture cells transfected with siRNA against
      myosin VI, we observe reduced GJ plaque size with a concomitant reduction in
      intercellular communication, as shown by fluorescence recovery after
      photobleaching (FRAP) and a new method of selective calcein administration.
      Analysis of the molecular role of myosin VI in Cx43 trafficking indicates that
      myosin VI is dispensable for the delivery of Cx43 to the cell surface and
      connexon movement in the plasma membrane. Furthermore, we cannot corroborate
      clathrin or Dab2 localization at gap junctions and we do not observe a function
      for the myosin-VI-Dab2 complex in clathrin-dependent endocytosis of annular gap
      junctions. Instead, we found that myosin VI was localized at the edge of Cx43
      plaques by using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and use
      FRAP to identify a plaque accretion defect as the primary manifestation of myosin
      VI loss in Cx43 homeostasis. A fuller understanding of this derangement may
      explain the cardiomyopathy or gliosis associated with the loss of myosin VI.

PMID- 28096473
TI  - Vimentin intermediate filaments control actin stress fiber assembly through GEF
      H1 and RhoA.
AB  - The actin and intermediate filament cytoskeletons contribute to numerous cellular
      processes, including morphogenesis, cytokinesis and migration. These two
      cytoskeletal systems associate with each other, but the underlying mechanisms of
      this interaction are incompletely understood. Here, we show that inactivation of
      vimentin leads to increased actin stress fiber assembly and contractility, and
      consequent elevation of myosin light chain phosphorylation and stabilization of
      tropomyosin-4.2 (see Geeves et al., 2015). The vimentin-knockout phenotypes can
      be rescued by re-expression of wild-type vimentin, but not by the non-filamentous
      'unit length form' vimentin, demonstrating that intact vimentin intermediate
      filaments are required to facilitate the effects on the actin cytoskeleton.
      Finally, we provide evidence that the effects of vimentin on stress fibers are
      mediated by activation of RhoA through its guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF
      H1 (also known as ARHGEF2). Vimentin depletion induces phosphorylation of the
      microtubule-associated GEF-H1 on Ser886, and thereby promotes RhoA activity and
      actin stress fiber assembly. Taken together, these data reveal a new mechanism by
      which intermediate filaments regulate contractile actomyosin bundles, and may
      explain why elevated vimentin expression levels correlate with increased
      migration and invasion of cancer cells.

PMID- 28096474
TI  - JunB regulates angiogenesis and neurovascular parallel alignment in mouse
      embryonic skin.
AB  - Blood vessels and nerve fibers are often closely arranged in parallel throughout
      the body. Therefore, neurovascular interactions have been suggested to be
      important for the development of vascular networks. However, the molecular
      mechanisms and genes regulating this process remain unclear. In the present
      study, we investigated the genes that are activated in endothelial cells (ECs)
      following interactions with neurons during vascular development. Microarray
      analyses of human primary microvascular ECs co-cultured with mouse primary dorsal
      root ganglion cells showed that JunB is strongly upregulated in ECs by
      neurovascular interactions. Furthermore, the forced expression of JunB in ECs
      stimulated a tip-like cell formation and angiogenesis in vitro and induced
      vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and the pro-angiogenic integrin
      subunit ITGB3 expression. Moreover, in vivo knockdown of JunB in ECs from
      developing mouse limb skin considerably decreased the parallel alignments of
      blood vessels and nerve fibers. Taken together, the present data demonstrates for
      the first time that JunB plays an important role in the formation of embryonic
      vascular networks. These results contribute to the molecular understanding of
      neurovascular interactions during embryonic vascular development.

PMID- 28096476
TI  - Accuracy of Oxygen Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Elimination Measurements in 2
      Breath-by-Breath Devices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although accurate quantification of oxygen consumption (VO2 ) and
      carbon dioxide elimination (VCO2 ) provides important insights into a patient's
      nutritional and hemodynamic status, few devices exist to accurately measure these
      parameters in children. Therefore, we assessed the accuracy and agreement of 2
      devices currently on the market using a pediatric in vitro model of gas exchange.
      METHODS: We utilized a Huszczuk simulation model, which simulates oxygen
      consumption and carbon dioxide production using gas dilution, to examine the
      accuracy of two FDA-cleared respiratory modules (E-COVX and E-sCAiOVX-00). VO2
      and VCO2 were set at 20, 40, 60, and 100 mL/min, ranges typical for infant and
      pediatric patients. Bland-Altman analysis was used to calculate the bias and
      limits of agreement of each device relative to simulated values for VO2 and VCO2
      . RESULTS: The E-COVX mean percentage bias (limits of agreement) was -26.3% (
      36.1 to -16.6%) and -39.3% (-47.5 to -31.1%) for VO2 and VCO2 , respectively. The
      mean bias (limits of agreement) for the E-aCAiOVX-00 was -0.5% (-13.3 to 12.3%)
      and -6.0% (-13.8 to 1.7%) for VO2 and VCO2 , respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The E
      COVX demonstrated bias and limits of agreement that were not clinically
      acceptable; therefore, application of this module to pediatric patients would not
      be recommended. The new module, E-sCAiOVX, demonstrated acceptable bias and
      limits of agreement for the VO2 and VCO2 in the range 40-100 mL/min (which
      corresponds to patients in the range of ~5-16 kg).

PMID- 28096475
TI  - Stress-specific differences in assembly and composition of stress granules and
      related foci.
AB  - Cells have developed different mechanisms to respond to stress, including the
      formation of cytoplasmic foci known as stress granules (SGs). SGs are dynamic and
      formed as a result of stress-induced inhibition of translation. Despite enormous
      interest in SGs due to their contribution to the pathogenesis of several human
      diseases, many aspects of SG formation are poorly understood. SGs induced by
      different stresses are generally assumed to be uniform, although some studies
      suggest that different SG subtypes and SG-like cytoplasmic foci exist. Here, we
      investigated the molecular mechanisms of SG assembly and characterized their
      composition when induced by various stresses. Our data revealed stress-specific
      differences in composition, assembly and dynamics of SGs and SG-like cytoplasmic
      foci. Using a set of genetically modified haploid human cells, we determined the
      molecular circuitry of stress-specific translation inhibition upstream of SG
      formation and its relation to cell survival. Finally, our studies characterize
      cytoplasmic stress-induced foci related to, but distinct from, canonical SGs, and
      also introduce haploid cells as a valuable resource to study RNA granules and
      translation control mechanisms.

PMID- 28096477
TI  - The Future of Respiratory Care: Results of a New York State Survey of Respiratory
      Therapists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the current health-care environment, respiratory care may need to
      make significant changes to academic preparation and clinical practice. The
      purpose of this research was to assess current needs of respiratory therapists
      (RTs) in New York State and to understand how RTs perceive their future clinical
      and academic roles. METHODS: This study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional
      non-experimental design. Between October and December 2014, a 32-item online
      survey was distributed via e-mail to the 2,170 members of the New York State
      Society of Respiratory Care. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize
      responses, and bivariate analyses were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann
      Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The response rate was 22% and resulted in 435 valid
      surveys returned. Seventy percent of 415 respondents agreed that the practice of
      respiratory care is at risk of losing practitioners. The most important incentive
      for retention of practitioners in the field was professional growth and an
      expanded scope of clinical practice. Specifically, the most important of these
      roles was gaining the ability to assess patients, develop a plan of care, and
      receive reimbursement for services. Sixty-four percent of 415 respondents
      strongly agreed that the minimum academic standard for RTs should be raised to
      the baccalaureate level. Of 415 respondents, the majority (78%) agreed that it is
      important for therapists to remain in the profession and to be an active member
      of the American Association for Respiratory Care (83%). CONCLUSIONS: These data
      are useful to the profession, notably for academic programs that must meet the
      need for a more highly prepared and skilled workforce. The findings emphasize
      that viability of the profession in the current health-care environment calls for
      the evolution of a more autonomous RT who can be reimbursed for services and
      obtain salaries that are competitive with other health professions.

PMID- 28096478
TI  - Demographic, procedural and 30-day safety results from the WEB Intra-saccular
      Therapy Study (WEB-IT).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) represents a novel intrasaccular
      therapeutic option for the treatment of intracranial wide-necked bifurcation
      aneurysms (WNBAs). The WEB-IT Study is a pivotal Investigational Device Exemption
      (IDE) study to determine the safety and effectiveness of the WEB device for the
      treatment of WNBAs located in the anterior and posterior intracranial
      circulations. We present the patient demographics, procedural characteristics,
      and 30-day adverse event data for the US WEB-IT study. METHODS: WEB-IT is a
      prospective multicenter single-arm interventional study conducted at 25 US and 6
      international centers. The study enrolled 150 adults with WNBAs of the anterior
      and posterior intracranial circulations. All patients were intended to receive a
      WEB device delivered via standard endovascular neurosurgical embolization
      techniques. The study was conducted under Good Clinical Practices and included
      independent adjudication effectiveness outcomes and all adverse events. RESULTS:
      One hundred and fifty patients enrolled at 27 investigational sites underwent
      attempted treatment with the WEB. Mean age was 59 years (range 29-79) and 110
      (73.3%) of the patients were female. Treated aneurysms were located at the
      basilar apex (n=59, 39.3%), middle cerebral artery bifurcation (n=45, 30%),
      anterior communicating artery (n=40, 26.7%), and internal carotid artery terminus
      (n=6, 4%). Average aneurysm size was 6.4 mm (range 3.6-11.4) with a mean neck
      size of 4.8 mm (range 2.0-8.2, mean dome to neck ratio 1.34). Nine patients
      presented with ruptured aneurysms. Of the enrolled patients, 98.7% were treated
      successfully with WEB devices. Mean+/-SD fluoroscopy time was 30.2+/-15.7 min.
      One primary safety event (PSE) (0.7%)-a delayed parenchymal hemorrhage 22 days
      after treatment-occurred between the index procedure and 30-day follow-up. In
      addition to the single PSE, there were seven (4.7%) minor ischemic strokes (5
      resolved without sequelae and 2 had a modified Rankin Scale score of 1 at 30
      days), five (2.7%) transient ischemic attacks, and two (1.3%) minor subarachnoid
      hemorrhages, which did not meet the prospectively established criteria for PSEs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The WEB device can be used to treat WNBAs with a high level of
      procedural safety and a high degree of technical success. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: NCT02191618; Pre-results.

PMID- 28096480
TI  - Chronic tophaceous gout.

PMID- 28096479
TI  - IGF-1 Receptor Modulates FoxO1-Mediated Tamoxifen Response in Breast Cancer
      Cells.
AB  - Tamoxifen is a common adjuvant treatment for estrogen receptor (ER)alpha-positive
      patients with breast cancer; however, acquired resistance abrogates the efficacy
      of this therapeutic approach. We recently demonstrated that G protein-coupled
      estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) mediates tamoxifen action in breast cancer cells by
      inducing insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) to inhibit IGF-1
      dependent signaling. To determine whether dysregulation of IGFBP-1 induction is
      associated with tamoxifen resistance, IGFBP-1 transcription was measured in
      tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells (TamR) after tamoxifen (Tam) treatment. IGFBP-1
      transcription was not stimulated in tamoxifen-treated TamR cells whereas
      decreased expression of FoxO1, a known modulator of IGFBP-1, was observed.
      Exogenous expression of FoxO1 rescued the ability of tamoxifen to induce IGFBP-1
      transcription in TamR cells. As decreased IGF-1R expression is observed in
      tamoxifen-resistant cells, the requirement for IGF-1R expression on tamoxifen
      stimulated IGFBP-1 transcription was investigated. In TamR and SK-BR-3 cells,
      both characterized by low IGF-1R levels, exogenous IGF-1R expression increased
      FoxO1 levels and IGFBP-1 expression, whereas IGF-1R knockdown in MCF-7 cells
      decreased tamoxifen-stimulated IGFBP-1 transcription. Interestingly, both 17beta
      estradiol (E2)-stimulated ERalpha phosphorylation and progesterone receptor (PR)
      expression were altered in TamR. PR is a transcription factor known to modulate
      FoxO1 transcription. In addition, IGF-1R knockdown decreased FoxO1 protein levels
      in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, IGF-1R or FoxO1 knockdown inhibited the ability of
      tamoxifen to induce IGFBP-1 transcription and tamoxifen sensitivity in MCF-7
      cells. These data provide a molecular mechanistic connection between IGF-1R
      expression and the FoxO1-mediated mechanism of tamoxifen action in breast cancer
      cells.Implications: Loss of IGF-1R expression is associated with decreased
      tamoxifen efficacy in patients with breast cancer and the development of
      tamoxifen resistance. This contribution identifies potential molecular mechanisms
      of altered tamoxifen sensitivity in breast cancer cells resulting from decreased
      IGF-1R expression. Mol Cancer Res; 15(4); 489-97. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28096481
TI  - Successful removal of multiple long foreign bodies: an unusual neck
      hyperextension technique.

PMID- 28096482
TI  - Chronic disease management interventions for people with chronic kidney disease
      in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Background: Primary care providers manage the majority of patients with chronic
      kidney disease (CKD), although the most effective chronic disease management
      (CDM) strategies for these patients are unknown. We assessed the efficacy of CDM
      interventions used by primary care providers managing patients with CKD. Methods:
      The Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central databases were systematically searched
      (inception to November 2014) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing
      education-based and computer-assisted CDM interventions targeting primary care
      providers managing patients with CKD in the community. The efficacy of CDM
      interventions was assessed using quality indicators [use of angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB),
      proteinuria measurement and achievement of blood pressure (BP) targets] and
      clinical outcomes (change in BP and glomerular filtration rate). Two independent
      reviewers evaluated studies for inclusion, quality and extracted data. Random
      effects models were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean
      differences for outcomes of interest. Results: Five studies (188 clinics; 494
      physicians; 42 852 patients with CKD) were included. Two studies compared
      computer-assisted intervention strategies with usual care, two studies compared
      education-based intervention strategies with computer-assisted intervention
      strategies and one study compared both these intervention strategies with usual
      care. Compared with usual care, computer-assisted CDM interventions did not
      increase the likelihood of ACEI/ARB use among patients with CKD {pooled OR 1.00
      [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-1.21]; I2 = 0.0%}. Similarly, education
      related CDM interventions did not increase the likelihood of ACEI/ARB use
      compared with computer-assisted CDM interventions [pooled OR 1.12 (95% CI 0.77
      1.64); I2 = 0.0%]. Inconsistencies in reporting methods limited further pooling
      of data. Conclusions: To date, there have been very few randomized trials testing
      CDM interventions targeting primary care providers with the goal of improving
      care of people with CKD. Those conducted to date have shown minimal impact,
      suggesting that other strategies, or multifaceted interventions, may be required
      to enhance care for patients with CKD in the community.

PMID- 28096483
TI  - The Gut Microbiome of the Vector Lutzomyia longipalpis Is Essential for Survival
      of Leishmania infantum.
AB  - : The vector-borne disease leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania species protozoa,
      is transmitted to humans by phlebotomine sand flies. Development of Leishmania to
      infective metacyclic promastigotes in the insect gut, a process termed
      metacyclogenesis, is an essential prerequisite for transmission. Based on the
      hypothesis that vector gut microbiota influence the development of virulent
      parasites, we sequenced midgut microbiomes in the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis
      with or without Leishmania infantum infection. Sucrose-fed sand flies contained a
      highly diverse, stable midgut microbiome. Blood feeding caused a decrease in
      microbial richness that eventually recovered. However, bacterial richness
      progressively decreased in L. infantum-infected sand flies. Acetobacteraceae spp.
      became dominant and numbers of Pseudomonadaceae spp. diminished coordinately as
      the parasite underwent metacyclogenesis and parasite numbers increased.
      Importantly, antibiotic-mediated perturbation of the midgut microbiome rendered
      sand flies unable to support parasite growth and metacyclogenesis. Together,
      these data suggest that the sand fly midgut microbiome is a critical factor for
      Leishmania growth and differentiation to its infective state prior to disease
      transmission. IMPORTANCE: Leishmania infantum, a parasitic protozoan causing
      fatal visceral leishmaniasis, is transmitted to humans through the bite of the
      sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis Development of the parasite to its virulent
      metacyclic state occurs in the sand fly gut. In this study, the microbiota within
      the Lu. longipalpis midgut was delineated by 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing,
      revealing a highly diverse community composition that lost diversity as parasites
      developed to their metacyclic state and increased in abundance in infected flies.
      Perturbing sand fly gut microbiota with an antibiotic cocktail, which alone had
      no effect on either the parasite or the fly, arrested both the development of
      virulent parasites and parasite expansion. These findings indicate the importance
      of bacterial commensals within the insect vector for the development of virulent
      pathogens, and raise the possibility that impairing the microbial composition
      within the vector might represent a novel approach to control of vector-borne
      diseases.

PMID- 28096484
TI  - Evolutionary Dynamics of Pandemic Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus
      ST398 and Its International Spread via Routes of Human Migration.
AB  - : Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) accounts for the majority
      of S. aureus infections globally, and yet surprisingly little is known about its
      clonal evolution. We applied comparative whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses
      to epidemiologically and geographically diverse ST398-MSSA, a pandemic lineage
      affecting both humans and livestock. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis predicted
      divergence of human-associated ST398-MSSA ~40 years ago. Isolates from Midwestern
      pigs and veterinarians differed substantially from those in New York City (NYC).
      Pig ST398 strains contained a large region of recombination representing imports
      from multiple sequence types (STs). Phylogeographic analyses supported the spread
      of ST398-MSSA along local cultural and migratory links between parts of the
      Caribbean, North America, and France, respectively. Applying pairwise single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) distances as a measure of genetic relatedness
      between isolates, we observed that ST398 not only clustered in households but
      also frequently extended across local social networks. Isolates collected from
      environmental surfaces reflected the full diversity of colonizing individuals,
      highlighting their potentially critical role as reservoirs for transmission and
      diversification. Strikingly, we observed high within-host SNP variability
      compared to our previous studies on the dominant methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone USA300. Our data indicate that the dynamics of
      colonization, persistence, and transmission differ substantially between USA300
      MRSA and ST398-MSSA. Taken together, our study reveals local and international
      routes of transmission for a major MSSA clone, indicating key impacts of
      recombination and mutation on genetic diversification and highlighting important
      ecological differences from epidemic USA300. Our study demonstrates extensive
      local and international routes of transmission for a major MSSA clone despite the
      lack of substantial antibiotic resistance. IMPORTANCE: Unlike methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), surprisingly little is known about the
      clonal evolution of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), although these
      strains account for the majority of S. aureus infections. To better understand
      how MSSA spreads and becomes established in communities, we applied comparative
      bacterial whole-genome sequencing to pandemic ST398-MSSA, a clone of clinical
      importance affecting humans and livestock in different geographic regions.
      Phylogeographic analyses identified that ST398-MSSA spread along local cultural
      and migratory links between parts of the Caribbean, North America, and France,
      respectively. We observed high within-host SNP variability compared to our
      previous studies on the dominant MRSA clone USA300. Our data indicate that the
      dynamics of colonization, persistence, and transmission differ substantially
      between USA300 MRSA and ST398 MSSA.

PMID- 28096485
TI  - Murine Cytomegalovirus Deubiquitinase Regulates Viral Chemokine Levels To Control
      Inflammation and Pathogenesis.
AB  - : Maintaining control over inflammatory processes represents a paradox for viral
      pathogens. Although many viruses induce host inflammatory responses to facilitate
      infection, control is necessary to avoid overactivation. One way is through the
      manipulation of proinflammatory chemokine levels, both host and viral. Murine
      cytomegalovirus (MCMV), a model betaherpesvirus, encodes a viral C-C chemokine,
      MCK2, which promotes host inflammatory responses and incorporates into virions to
      facilitate viral dissemination. Here, we show that the activity of M48, the
      conserved MCMV deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), regulates MCK2 levels during
      infection. Inactivation of M48 DUB activity results in viral attenuation and
      exacerbates virally induced, MCK2-dependent inflammatory responses. M48 DUB
      activity also influences MCK2 incorporation into virions. Importantly,
      attenuation of DUB-mutant virus acute replication in vitro and in vivo is largely
      ameliorated by targeted deletion of MCK2. Thus, uncontrolled MCK2 levels appear
      to mediate DUB-mutant virus attenuation in specific tissues or cell types. This
      demonstrates that MCMV M48 DUB activity plays a previously unappreciated role in
      controlling MCK2 levels, thereby managing MCK2-dependent processes. These
      findings reveal a novel intrinsic control mechanism of virally induced
      inflammation and support the identification of betaherpesvirus DUBs as possible
      new targets for antiviral therapies. IMPORTANCE: Human cytomegalovirus infections
      represent a tremendous burden not only to those afflicted but also to health care
      systems worldwide. As cytomegalovirus infections are a leading cause of
      nongenetic sensory loss and neurodevelopmental delay, it is imperative that
      valuable model systems exist in order that we might understand what viral factors
      contribute to replication and pathogenesis. Currently, the only approved drug
      treatments against CMV infection are nucleoside analogues, to which some strains
      have become resistant. Understanding unique viral enzymatic contributions to
      infections will allow the development of novel pharmacological therapies. Here,
      we show that M48, the conserved MCMV deubiquitinase, is critical for MCMV
      replication in mice and demonstrate that attenuation is due to deregulated
      production of a viral proinflammatory chemokine. The deubiquitinases of both
      human and murine CMV represent structurally unique DUBs and are therefore
      attractive targets for pharmacological intervention. Continued research into the
      substrates of these DUBs will lend additional insight into their potential as
      targets.

PMID- 28096486
TI  - Phage-Derived Protein Induces Increased Platelet Activation and Is Associated
      with Mortality in Patients with Invasive Pneumococcal Disease.
AB  - : To improve our understanding about the severity of invasive pneumococcal
      disease (IPD), we investigated the association between the genotype of
      Streptococcus pneumoniae and disease outcomes for 349 bacteremic patients. A
      pneumococcal genome-wide association study (GWAS) demonstrated a strong
      correlation between 30-day mortality and the presence of the phage-derived gene
      pblB, encoding a platelet-binding protein whose effects on platelet activation
      were previously unknown. Platelets are increasingly recognized as key players of
      the innate immune system, and in sepsis, excessive platelet activation
      contributes to microvascular obstruction, tissue hypoperfusion, and finally
      multiorgan failure, leading to mortality. Our in vitro studies revealed that pblB
      expression was induced by fluoroquinolones but not by the beta-lactam antibiotic
      penicillin G. Subsequently, we determined pblB induction and platelet activation
      by incubating whole blood with the wild type or a pblB knockout mutant in the
      presence or absence of antibiotics commonly administered to our patient cohort.
      pblB-dependent enhancement of platelet activation, as measured by increased
      expression of the alpha-granule protein P-selectin, the binding of fibrinogen to
      the activated alphaIIbbeta3 receptor, and the formation of platelet-monocyte
      complex occurred irrespective of antibiotic exposure. In conclusion, the presence
      of pblB on the pneumococcal chromosome potentially leads to increased mortality
      in patients with an invasive S. pneumoniae infection, which may be explained by
      enhanced platelet activation. This study highlights the clinical utility of a
      bacterial GWAS, followed by functional characterization, to identify bacterial
      factors involved in disease severity. IMPORTANCE: The exact mechanisms causing
      mortality in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) patients are not completely
      understood. We examined 349 patients with IPD and found in a bacterial genome
      wide association study (GWAS) that the presence of the phage-derived gene pblB
      was associated with mortality in the first 30 days after hospitalization.
      Although pblB has been extensively studied in Streptococcus mitis, its
      consequence for the interaction between platelets and Streptococcus pneumoniae is
      largely unknown. Platelets are important in immunity and inflammation, and
      excessive platelet activation contributes to microvascular obstruction and
      multiorgan failure, leading to mortality. We therefore developed this study to
      assess whether the expression of pblB might increase the risk of death for IPD
      patients through its effect on enhanced platelet activation. This study also
      shows the value of integrating extensive bacterial genomics and clinical data in
      predicting and understanding pathogen virulence, which in turn will help to
      improve prognosis and therapy.

PMID- 28096487
TI  - A Clostridium difficile-Specific, Gel-Forming Protein Required for Optimal Spore
      Germination.
AB  - : Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive spore-forming obligate anaerobe that
      is a leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea worldwide. In order for C.
      difficile to initiate infection, its aerotolerant spore form must germinate in
      the gut of mammalian hosts. While almost all spore-forming organisms use
      transmembrane germinant receptors to trigger germination, C. difficile uses the
      pseudoprotease CspC to sense bile salt germinants. CspC activates the related
      subtilisin-like protease CspB, which then proteolytically activates the cortex
      hydrolase SleC. Activated SleC degrades the protective spore cortex layer, a step
      that is essential for germination to proceed. Since CspC incorporation into
      spores also depends on CspA, a related pseudoprotease domain, Csp family proteins
      play a critical role in germination. However, how Csps are incorporated into
      spores remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that incorporation of the
      CspC, CspB, and CspA germination regulators into spores depends on CD0311
      (renamed GerG), a previously uncharacterized hypothetical protein. The reduced
      levels of Csps in gerG spores correlate with reduced responsiveness to bile salt
      germinants and increased germination heterogeneity in single-spore germination
      assays. Interestingly, asparagine-rich repeat sequences in GerG's central region
      facilitate spontaneous gel formation in vitro even though they are dispensable
      for GerG-mediated control of germination. Since GerG is found exclusively in C.
      difficile, our results suggest that exploiting GerG function could represent a
      promising avenue for developing C. difficile-specific anti-infective therapies.
      IMPORTANCE: The spore-forming bacterium Clostridium difficile is a leading cause
      of health care-associated infections. While a subset of antibiotics can treat C.
      difficile infections (CDIs), the primary determinant of CDI disease
      susceptibility is prior antibiotic exposure, since it reduces the colonization
      resistance conferred by a diverse microflora. Thus, therapies that minimize
      perturbations to the gut microbiome should be more effective at reducing CDIs and
      their recurrence, the main source of disease complications. Given that spore
      germination is essential for C. difficile to initiate infection and that C.
      difficile uses a unique pathway to initiate germination, methods that inhibit
      distinct elements of germination could selectively prevent C. difficile disease
      recurrence. Here, we identify GerG as a C. difficile-specific protein that
      controls the incorporation of germinant signaling proteins into spores. Since
      gerG mutant spores exhibit germination defects and are less responsive to
      germinant, GerG may represent a promising target for developing therapeutics
      against CDI.

PMID- 28096488
TI  - Novel "Superspreader" Bacteriophages Promote Horizontal Gene Transfer by
      Transformation.
AB  - : Bacteriophages infect an estimated 1023 to 1025 bacterial cells each second,
      many of which carry physiologically relevant plasmids (e.g., those encoding
      antibiotic resistance). However, even though phage-plasmid interactions occur on
      a massive scale and have potentially significant evolutionary, ecological, and
      biomedical implications, plasmid fate upon phage infection and lysis has not been
      investigated to date. Here we show that a subset of the natural lytic phage
      population, which we dub "superspreaders," releases substantial amounts of
      intact, transformable plasmid DNA upon lysis, thereby promoting horizontal gene
      transfer by transformation. Two novel Escherichia coli phage superspreaders,
      SUSP1 and SUSP2, liberated four evolutionarily distinct plasmids with equal
      efficiency, including two close relatives of prominent antibiotic resistance
      vectors in natural environments. SUSP2 also mediated the extensive lateral
      transfer of antibiotic resistance in unbiased communities of soil bacteria from
      Maryland and Wyoming. Furthermore, the addition of SUSP2 to cocultures of
      kanamycin-resistant E. coli and kanamycin-sensitive Bacillus sp. bacteria
      resulted in roughly 1,000-fold more kanamycin-resistant Bacillus sp. bacteria
      than arose in phage-free controls. Unlike many other lytic phages, neither SUSP1
      nor SUSP2 encodes homologs to known hydrolytic endonucleases, suggesting a simple
      potential mechanism underlying the superspreading phenotype. Consistent with this
      model, the deletion of endonuclease IV and the nucleoid-disrupting protein ndd
      from coliphage T4, a phage known to extensively degrade chromosomal DNA,
      significantly increased its ability to promote plasmid transformation. Taken
      together, our results suggest that phage superspreaders may play key roles in
      microbial evolution and ecology but should be avoided in phage therapy and other
      medical applications. IMPORTANCE: Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect
      bacteria, are the planet's most numerous biological entities and kill vast
      numbers of bacteria in natural environments. Many of these bacteria carry
      plasmids, extrachromosomal DNA elements that frequently encode antibiotic
      resistance. However, it is largely unknown whether plasmids are destroyed during
      phage infection or released intact upon phage lysis, whereupon their encoded
      resistance could be acquired and manifested by other bacteria (transformation).
      Because phages are being developed to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and
      because transformation is a principal form of horizontal gene transfer, this
      question has important implications for biomedicine and microbial evolution
      alike. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two novel Escherichia
      coli phages, dubbed "superspreaders," that promote extensive plasmid
      transformation and efficiently disperse antibiotic resistance genes. Our work
      suggests that phage superspreaders are not suitable for use in medicine but may
      help drive bacterial evolution in natural environments.

PMID- 28096489
TI  - Induced Packaging of Cellular MicroRNAs into HIV-1 Virions Can Inhibit
      Infectivity.
AB  - : Analysis of the incorporation of cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) into highly
      purified HIV-1 virions revealed that this largely, but not entirely, mirrored the
      level of miRNA expression in the producer CD4+ T cells. Specifically, of the 58
      cellular miRNAs detected at significant levels in the producer cells, only 5 were
      found in virions at a level 2- to 4-fold higher than that predicted on the basis
      of random cytoplasmic sampling. Of note, these included two miRNAs, miR-155 and
      miR-92a, that were reported previously to at least weakly bind HIV-1 transcripts.
      To test whether miRNA binding to the HIV-1 genome can induce virion
      incorporation, artificial miRNA target sites were introduced into the viral
      genome and a 10- to 40-fold increase in the packaging of the cognate miRNAs into
      virions was then observed, leading to the recruitment of up to 1.6 miRNA copies
      per virion. Importantly, this high level of incorporation significantly inhibited
      HIV-1 virion infectivity. These results suggest that target sites for cellular
      miRNAs can inhibit RNA virus replication at two distinct steps, i.e., during
      infection and during viral gene expression, thus explaining why a range of
      different RNA viruses appear to have evolved to avoid cellular miRNA binding to
      their genome. IMPORTANCE: The genomes of RNA viruses have the potential to
      interact with cellular miRNAs, which could lead to their incorporation into
      virions, with unknown effects on virion function. Here, it is demonstrated that
      wild-type HIV-1 virions essentially randomly incorporate low levels of the miRNAs
      expressed by infected cells. However, the specific incorporation of high levels
      of individual cellular miRNAs can be induced by insertion of cognate target sites
      into the viral genome. Of note, this results in a modest but significant
      inhibition of virion infectivity. These data imply that cellular miRNAs have the
      potential to inhibit viral replication by interfering with not only viral mRNA
      function but also virion infectivity.

PMID- 28096490
TI  - Comprehensive Essentiality Analysis of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Genome via
      Saturating Transposon Mutagenesis.
AB  - : For decades, identifying the regions of a bacterial chromosome that are
      necessary for viability has relied on mapping integration sites in libraries of
      random transposon mutants to find loci that are unable to sustain insertion. To
      date, these studies have analyzed subsaturated libraries, necessitating the
      application of statistical methods to estimate the likelihood that a gap in
      transposon coverage is the result of biological selection and not the
      stochasticity of insertion. As a result, the essentiality of many genomic
      features, particularly small ones, could not be reliably assessed. We sought to
      overcome this limitation by creating a completely saturated transposon library in
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis In assessing the composition of this highly saturated
      library by deep sequencing, we discovered that a previously unknown sequence bias
      of the Himar1 element rendered approximately 9% of potential TA dinucleotide
      insertion sites less permissible for insertion. We used a hidden Markov model of
      essentiality that accounted for this unanticipated bias, allowing us to
      confidently evaluate the essentiality of features that contained as few as 2 TA
      sites, including open reading frames (ORF), experimentally identified noncoding
      RNAs, methylation sites, and promoters. In addition, several essential regions
      that did not correspond to known features were identified, suggesting
      uncharacterized functions that are necessary for growth. This work provides an
      authoritative catalog of essential regions of the M. tuberculosis genome and a
      statistical framework for applying saturating mutagenesis to other bacteria.
      IMPORTANCE: Sequencing of transposon-insertion mutant libraries has become a
      widely used tool for probing the functions of genes under various conditions. The
      Himar1 transposon is generally believed to insert with equal probabilities at all
      TA dinucleotides, and therefore its absence in a mutant library is taken to
      indicate biological selection against the corresponding mutant. Through
      sequencing of a saturated Himar1 library, we found evidence that TA dinucleotides
      are not equally permissive for insertion. The insertion bias was observed in
      multiple prokaryotes and influences the statistical interpretation of transposon
      insertion (TnSeq) data and characterization of essential genomic regions. Using
      these insights, we analyzed a fully saturated TnSeq library for M. tuberculosis,
      enabling us to generate a comprehensive catalog of in vitro essentiality,
      including ORFs smaller than those found in any previous study, small (noncoding)
      RNAs (sRNAs), promoters, and other genomic features.

PMID- 28096491
TI  - Expressing the Geobacter metallireducens PilA in Geobacter sulfurreducens Yields
      Pili with Exceptional Conductivity.
AB  - : The electrically conductive pili (e-pili) of Geobacter sulfurreducens serve as
      a model for a novel strategy for long-range extracellular electron transfer. e
      pili are also a new class of bioelectronic materials. However, the only other
      Geobacter pili previously studied, which were from G. uraniireducens, were poorly
      conductive. In order to obtain more information on the range of pili
      conductivities in Geobacter species, the pili of G. metallireducens were
      investigated. Heterologously expressing the PilA gene of G. metallireducens in G.
      sulfurreducens yielded a G. sulfurreducens strain, designated strain MP, that
      produced abundant pili. Strain MP exhibited phenotypes consistent with the
      presence of e-pili, such as high rates of Fe(III) oxide reduction and high
      current densities on graphite anodes. Individual pili prepared at physiologically
      relevant pH 7 had conductivities of 277 +/- 18.9 S/cm (mean +/- standard
      deviation), which is 5,000-fold higher than the conductivity of G. sulfurreducens
      pili at pH 7 and nearly 1 million-fold higher than the conductivity of G.
      uraniireducens pili at the same pH. A potential explanation for the higher
      conductivity of the G. metallireducens pili is their greater density of aromatic
      amino acids, which are known to be important components in electron transport
      along the length of the pilus. The G. metallireducens pili represent the most
      highly conductive pili found to date and suggest strategies for designing
      synthetic pili with even higher conductivities. IMPORTANCE: e-pili are a
      remarkable electrically conductive material that can be sustainably produced
      without harsh chemical processes from renewable feedstocks and that contain no
      toxic components in the final product. Thus, e-pili offer an unprecedented
      potential for developing novel materials, electronic devices, and sensors for
      diverse applications with a new "green" technology. Increasing e-pili
      conductivity will even further expand their potential applications. A proven
      strategy is to design synthetic e-pili that contain tryptophan, an aromatic amino
      acid not found in previously studied e-pili. The studies reported here
      demonstrate that a productive alternative approach is to search more broadly in
      the microbial world. Surprisingly, even though G. metallireducens and G.
      sulfurreducens are closely related, the conductivities of their e-pili differ by
      more than 3 orders of magnitude. The ability to produce e-pili with high
      conductivity without generating a genetically modified product enhances the
      attractiveness of this novel electronic material.

PMID- 28096492
TI  - Identification of Glutaminyl Cyclase Genes Involved in Pyroglutamate Modification
      of Fungal Lignocellulolytic Enzymes.
AB  - : The breakdown of plant biomass to simple sugars is essential for the production
      of second-generation biofuels and high-value bioproducts. Currently, enzymes
      produced from filamentous fungi are used for deconstructing plant cell wall
      polysaccharides into fermentable sugars for biorefinery applications. A post
      translational N-terminal pyroglutamate modification observed in some of these
      enzymes occurs when N-terminal glutamine or glutamate is cyclized to form a five
      membered ring. This modification has been shown to confer resistance to thermal
      denaturation for CBH-1 and EG-1 cellulases. In mammalian cells, the formation of
      pyroglutamate is catalyzed by glutaminyl cyclases. Using the model filamentous
      fungus Neurospora crassa, we identified two genes (qc-1 and qc-2) that encode
      proteins homologous to mammalian glutaminyl cyclases. We show that qc-1 and qc-2
      are essential for catalyzing the formation of an N-terminal pyroglutamate on CBH
      1 and GH5-1. CBH-1 and GH5-1 produced in a Deltaqc-1 Deltaqc-2 mutant, and thus
      lacking the N-terminal pyroglutamate modification, showed greater sensitivity to
      thermal denaturation, and for GH5-1, susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage. QC-1
      and QC-2 are endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized proteins. The pyroglutamate
      modification is predicted to occur in a number of additional fungal proteins that
      have diverse functions. The identification of glutaminyl cyclases in fungi may
      have implications for production of lignocellulolytic enzymes, heterologous
      expression, and biotechnological applications revolving around protein stability.
      IMPORTANCE: Pyroglutamate modification is the post-translational conversion of N
      terminal glutamine or glutamate into a cyclized amino acid derivative. This
      modification is well studied in animal systems but poorly explored in fungal
      systems. In Neurospora crassa, we show that this modification takes place in the
      ER and is catalyzed by two well-conserved enzymes, ubiquitously conserved
      throughout the fungal kingdom. We demonstrate that the modification is important
      for the structural stability and aminopeptidase resistance of CBH-1 and GH5-1,
      two important cellulase enzymes utilized in industrial plant cell wall
      deconstruction. Many additional fungal proteins predicted in the genome of N.
      crassa and other filamentous fungi are predicted to carry an N-terminal
      pyroglutamate modification. Pyroglutamate addition may also be a useful way to
      stabilize secreted proteins and peptides, which can be easily produced in fungal
      production systems.

PMID- 28096493
TI  - Combining standard clinical blood values for improving survival prediction in
      patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases-development and validation of the
      LabBM score.
AB  - Background: We aimed to investigate the potential of standard hematologic and
      serum biochemical parameters to provide an independent and substantial
      contribution to the prediction of survival in patients with newly diagnosed brain
      metastases (BM). Methods: Hemoglobin, white blood cell count, platelet count,
      serum albumin, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein
      (CRP) were assessed at diagnosis of BM in a discovery cohort of 1200 cancer
      patients. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to derive the LabBM
      score. The LabBM score was externally validated in an independent cohort
      consisting of 366 patients. Results: Hemoglobin below lower limit of normal
      (<LLN; hazard ratio [HR] 1.28; P = .001), platelet count <LLN (HR: 1.36; P =
      .013), albumin <LLN (HR: 1.19; P = .038), LDH above upper limit of normal (>ULN;
      HR: 1.51; P < .001), and CRP >ULN (HR: 1.52; P < .001) were associated with
      survival in a multivariable Cox regression model and were included in the
      calculation of the LabBM score. Multivariable analysis including the LabBM score
      and graded prognostic assessment class revealed an independent and significant
      association of the LabBM score with overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.29
      1.57; P < .001). The strong and independent association of LabBM score (HR: 1.93;
      95% CI: 1.54-2.42) with OS prognosis was confirmed in the validation cohort.
      Conclusion: Standard clinical blood parameters, combined in the easy-to-calculate
      LabBM score, provide strong and independent prognostic information in patients
      with BM. The LabBM score is an objective, inexpensive, and reproducible tool to
      plan clinical management strategies in BM patients and to improve patient
      selection and stratification for clinical trials.

PMID- 28096494
TI  - Reproductive performance primarily depends on the female genotype in a two
      factorial breeding experiment using high-fertility mouse lines.
AB  - Mouse models showing an improved fertility phenotype are barely described in the
      literature. In the present study, we further characterized two outbred mouse
      models that have been selected for the phenotype 'high fertility' for more than
      177 generations (fertility lines (FL) 1 and 2). In order to delineate the impact
      of males and females on fertility parameters, we performed a two-factorial
      breeding experiment by mating males and females of the three different genotypes
      (FL1, FL2, unselected control (Ctrl)) in all 9 possible combinations.
      Reproductive performance, such as number of offspring per litter or total birth
      weight of the entire pup, mainly depends on the female genotype. Although the
      reproductive performance of FL1 and FL2 is very similar, their phenotypes differ.
      FL2 animals of both genders are larger compared to FL1 and control animals.
      Females of the control line delivered offspring earlier compared to FL1 and FL2
      dams. Males of FL1 are the lightest and the only ones who gained weight during
      the two weeks mating period. To address whether this effect is correlated with
      differing serum androgen levels, we measured the concentrations of testosterone,
      dehydroepiandrosterone, 4-androstenedione, androstanediol and dihydrotestosterone
      in males of all three lines by GC-MS. We measured serum testosterone between 5.0
      and 6.4 ng/mL, whereas the concentrations of the other androgens were at least
      one order of magnitude lower, with no significant differences between the lines.
      Our data indicate that reproductive outcome largely depends on the genotype of
      the female in a two-factorial breeding experiment and supports previous findings
      that the phenotype 'high fertility' is warranted by using different physiological
      strategies.

PMID- 28096496
TI  - A reminder of extinction reduces relapse in an animal model of voluntary
      behavior.
AB  - One experiment with rats explored whether an extinction-cue prevents the recovery
      of extinguished lever-pressing responses. Initially, rats were trained to perform
      one instrumental response (R1) for food in Context A, and a different
      instrumental response (R2) in Context B. Then, responses were extinguished each
      in the alternate context (R1 in Context B; R2 in Context A). For one group,
      extinction of both responses was conducted in the presence of an extinction-cue,
      whereas in a second group, the extinction-cue only accompanied extinction of R1.
      During a final test, we observed that returning the rats to the initial
      acquisition context renewed performance and that response recovery was attenuated
      in the presence of the cue that accompanied extinction of the response. The
      impact of the extinction-cue, however, was not transferred to the response that
      has been extinguished without the cue. Our results are consistent with the idea
      that extinction established an inhibitory cue-response association.

PMID- 28096495
TI  - Memory disrupting effects of nonmuscle myosin II inhibition depend on the class
      of abused drug and brain region.
AB  - Depolymerizing actin in the amygdala through nonmuscle myosin II inhibition
      (NMIIi) produces a selective, lasting, and retrieval-independent disruption of
      the storage of methamphetamine-associated memories. Here we report a similar
      disruption of memories associated with amphetamine, but not cocaine or morphine,
      by NMIIi. Reconsolidation appeared to be disrupted with cocaine. Unlike in the
      amygdala, methamphetamine-associated memory storage was not disrupted by NMIIi in
      the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, or orbitofrontal cortex. NMIIi in the
      hippocampus did appear to disrupt reconsolidation. Identification of the unique
      mechanisms responsible for NMII-mediated, amygdala-dependent disruption of memory
      storage associated with the amphetamine class may enable induction of retrieval
      independent vulnerability to other pathological memories.

PMID- 28096497
TI  - BDNF regains function in hippocampal long-term potentiation deficits caused by
      diencephalic damage.
AB  - Thiamine deficiency (TD), commonly associated with chronic alcoholism, leads to
      diencephalic damage, hippocampal dysfunction, and spatial learning and memory
      deficits. We show a decrease in the magnitude of long-term potentiation (LTP) and
      paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) at CA3-CA1 synapses, independent of sex,
      following diencephalic damage induced by TD in rats. Thus, despite a lack of
      extensive hippocampal cell loss, diencephalic brain damage down-regulates plastic
      processes within the hippocampus, likely contributing to impaired hippocampal
      dependent behaviors. However, both measures of hippocampal plasticity (LTP, PPF)
      were restored with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), revealing an avenue
      for neural and behavioral recovery following diencephalic damage.

PMID- 28096498
TI  - Differential changes in hippocampal CaMKII and GluA1 activity after memory
      training involving different levels of adaptive forgetting.
AB  - Phosphorylation of CaMKII and AMPA receptor GluA1 subunit has been shown to play
      a major role in hippocampal-dependent long-term/reference memory (RM) and in the
      expression of long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP). In contrast, it has been
      proposed that dephosphorylation of these proteins could be involved in the
      opposite phenomenon of hippocampal long-term synaptic depression (LTD) and in
      adaptive forgetting. Adaptive forgetting allows interfering old memories to be
      forgotten to give new ones the opportunity to be stored in memory, and in
      particular in short-term/working memory (WM) that was shown to be very sensitive
      to proactive interference. To determine the role of CaMKII and GluA1 in adaptive
      forgetting, we adopted a comparative approach to assess the relative quantity and
      phosphorylation state of these proteins in the brain of rats trained in one of
      three radial maze paradigms: a RM task, a WM task involving a high level of
      adaptive forgetting, or a WM involving a low level of adaptive forgetting.
      Surprisingly, Western blot analyses revealed that training in a WM task involving
      a high level of adaptive forgetting specifically increased the expression of AMPA
      receptor GluA1 subunit and the activity of CaMKII in the dentate gyrus. These
      results highlight that WM with proactive interference involves mechanisms of
      synaptic plasticity selectively in the dentate gyrus.

PMID- 28096499
TI  - When eye movements express memory for old and new scenes in the absence of
      awareness and independent of hippocampus.
AB  - Eye movements can reflect memory. For example, participants make fewer fixations
      and sample fewer regions when viewing old versus new scenes (the repetition
      effect). It is unclear whether the repetition effect requires that participants
      have knowledge (awareness) of the old-new status of the scenes or if it can occur
      independent of knowledge about old-new status. It is also unclear whether the
      repetition effect is hippocampus-dependent or hippocampus-independent. A
      complication is that testing conscious memory for the scenes might interfere with
      the expression of unconscious (unaware), experience-dependent eye movements. In
      experiment 1, 75 volunteers freely viewed old and new scenes without knowledge
      that memory for the scenes would later be tested. Participants then made memory
      judgments and confidence judgments for each scene during a surprise recognition
      memory test. Participants exhibited the repetition effect regardless of the
      accuracy or confidence associated with their memory judgments (i.e., the
      repetition effect was independent of their awareness of the old-new status of
      each scene). In experiment 2, five memory-impaired patients with medial temporal
      lobe damage and six controls also viewed old and new scenes without expectation
      of memory testing. Both groups exhibited the repetition effect, even though the
      patients were impaired at recognizing which scenes were old and which were new.
      Thus, when participants viewed scenes without expectation of memory testing, eye
      movements associated with old and new scenes reflected unconscious, hippocampus
      independent memory. These findings are consistent with the formulation that, when
      memory is expressed independent of awareness, memory is hippocampus-independent.

PMID- 28096501
TI  - Science and Culture: Searching for shared inspiration, artists head to the
      world's largest science experiment.

PMID- 28096502
TI  - Core Concept: How nonequilibrium thermodynamics speaks to the mystery of life.

PMID- 28096504
TI  - Opportunity for marine fisheries reform in China.
AB  - China's 13th Five-Year Plan, launched in March 2016, provides a sound policy
      platform for the protection of marine ecosystems and the restoration of capture
      fisheries within China's exclusive economic zone. What distinguishes China among
      many other countries striving for marine fisheries reform is its size-accounting
      for almost one-fifth of global catch volume-and the unique cultural context of
      its economic and resource management. In this paper, we trace the history of
      Chinese government priorities, policies, and outcomes related to marine fisheries
      since the 1978 Economic Reform, and examine how the current leadership's agenda
      for "ecological civilization" could successfully transform marine resource
      management in the coming years. We show how China, like many other countries, has
      experienced a decline in the average trophic level of its capture fisheries
      during the past few decades, and how its policy design, implementation, and
      enforcement have influenced the status of its wild fish stocks. To reverse the
      trend in declining fish stocks, the government is introducing a series of new
      programs for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, with greater traceability and
      accountability in marine resource management and area controls on coastal
      development. As impressive as these new plans are on paper, we conclude that
      serious institutional reforms will be needed to achieve a true paradigm shift in
      marine fisheries management in China. In particular, we recommend new
      institutions for science-based fisheries management, secure fishing access,
      policy consistency across provinces, educational programs for fisheries managers,
      and increasing public access to scientific data.

PMID- 28096506
TI  - Targeting TNFR2, an immune checkpoint stimulator and oncoprotein, is a promising
      treatment for cancer.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is expressed both by some cancer cells
      and by tumor-infiltrating immunosuppressive CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells
      (Tregs). TNFR2 stimulates the activation and proliferation of Tregs, a major
      checkpoint of antitumor immune responses, and promotes cancer cell survival and
      tumor growth. In this issue of Science Signaling, Torrey et al found that
      dominant antagonistic antibodies against human TNFR2 may be a potential therapy
      for ovarian cancer patients by simultaneously suppressing Treg activity and
      inducing the death of the cancer cells.

PMID- 28096509
TI  - Translational complex for differentiation.
AB  - NAT1 interacts with a subset of eukaryotic translation initiation factors to
      enable expression of transcripts required for stem cell differentiation signals.

PMID- 28096507
TI  - De novo phosphorylation and conformational opening of the tyrosine kinase Lck act
      in concert to initiate T cell receptor signaling.
AB  - The enzymatic activity of the Src family tyrosine kinase p56Lck (Lck) is tightly
      controlled by differential phosphorylation of two tyrosine residues, Tyr394 and
      Tyr505 Phosphorylation of Tyr394 and the conformational opening of Lck are
      believed to activate the kinase, whereas Tyr505 phosphorylation is thought to
      generate a closed, inactive conformation of Lck. We investigated whether the
      conformation of Lck and its phosphorylation state act in concert to regulate the
      initiation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. With a sensitive biosensor, we
      used fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to investigate the
      conformations of wild-type Lck and its phosphorylation-deficient mutants Y394F
      and Y505F and the double mutant Y394F/Y505F in unstimulated T cells and after TCR
      stimulation. With this approach, we separated the conformational changes of Lck
      from the phosphorylation state of its regulatory tyrosines. We showed that the
      conformational opening of Lck alone was insufficient to initiate signaling events
      in T cells. Rather, Lck additionally required phosphorylation of Tyr394 to induce
      T cell activation. Consistent with the FLIM measurements, an optimized
      immunofluorescence microscopy protocol revealed that the TCR-stimulated
      phosphorylation of Lck at Tyr394 occurred preferentially at the plasma membrane
      of Jurkat cells and primary human T cells. Our study supports the hypothesis that
      T cell activation through the TCR complex is accompanied by the de novo
      activation of Lck and that phosphorylation of Tyr394 plays a role in Lck function
      that goes beyond inducing an open conformation of the kinase.

PMID- 28096505
TI  - The neuropilin 2 isoform NRP2b uniquely supports TGFbeta-mediated progression in
      lung cancer.
AB  - Neuropilins (NRP1 and NRP2) are co-receptors for heparin-binding growth factors
      and class 3 semaphorins. Different isoforms of NRP1 and NRP2 are produced by
      alternative splicing. We found that in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell
      lines, transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) signaling preferentially
      increased the abundance of NRP2b. NRP2b and NRP2a differ only in their carboxyl
      terminal regions. Although the presence of NRP2b inhibited cultured cell
      proliferation and primary tumor growth, NRP2b enhanced cellular migration,
      invasion into Matrigel, and tumorsphere formation in cultured cells in response
      to TGFbeta signaling and promoted metastasis in xenograft mouse models. These
      effects of overexpressed NRP2b contrast with the effects of overexpressed NRP2a.
      Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced phosphorylation of the kinase AKT was
      specifically promoted by NRP2b, whereas inhibiting the HGF receptor MET
      attenuated NRP2b-dependent cell migration. Unlike NRP2a, NRP2b did not bind the
      PDZ domain scaffolding protein GAIP carboxyl terminus-interacting protein (GIPC1)
      and only weakly recruited phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), potentially
      explaining the difference between NRP2b-mediated and NRP2a-mediated effects.
      Analysis of NSCLC patient tumors showed that NRP2b abundance correlated with that
      of the immune cell checkpoint receptor ligand PD-L1 as well as with epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes in the tumors, acquired resistance to
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, disease progression, and poor
      survival in patients. NRP2b knockdown attenuated the acquisition of resistance to
      the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib in cultured NSCLC cells. Thus, in NSCLC, NRP2b
      contributed to the oncogenic response to TGFbeta and correlated with tumor
      progression in patients.

PMID- 28096510
TI  - B cells prevent preterm labor.
AB  - Premature labor and consequent neonatal mortality may be prevented by stimulating
      the expression of PIBF1 in uterine B cells.

PMID- 28096513
TI  - Targeting TNFR2 with antagonistic antibodies inhibits proliferation of ovarian
      cancer cells and tumor-associated Tregs.
AB  - Major barriers to cancer therapy include the lack of selective inhibitors of
      regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the lack of broadly applicable ways to directly
      target tumors through frequently expressed surface oncogenes. Tumor necrosis
      factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is an attractive target protein because of its
      restricted abundance to highly immunosuppressive Tregs and oncogenic presence on
      human tumors. We characterized the effect of TNFR2 inhibition using antagonistic
      antibodies. In culture-based assays, we found that two TNFR2 antagonists
      inhibited Treg proliferation, reduced soluble TNFR2 secretion from normal cells,
      and enabled T effector cell expansion. The antagonistic activity occurred in the
      presence of added TNF, a natural TNFR2 agonist. These TNFR2 antibodies killed
      Tregs isolated from ovarian cancer ascites more potently than it killed Tregs
      from healthy donor samples, suggesting that these antibodies may have specificity
      for the tumor microenvironment. The TNFR2 antagonists also killed OVCAR3 ovarian
      cancer cells, which have abundant surface TNFR2. The antibodies stabilized
      antiparallel dimers in cell surface TNFR2 that rendered the receptor unable to
      activate the nuclear factor kappaB pathway and trigger cell proliferation. Our
      data suggest that, by targeting tumor cells and immunosuppressive tumor
      associated Tregs, antagonistic TNFR2 antibodies may be an effective treatment for
      cancers positive for TNFR2.

PMID- 28096514
TI  - Tonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing: A Meta-analysis.
AB  - CONTEXT: The effectiveness of tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy (hereafter,
      "tonsillectomy") for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (OSDB) compared with
      watchful waiting with supportive care is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To compare
      sleep, cognitive or behavioral, and health outcomes of tonsillectomy versus
      watchful waiting with supportive care in children with OSDB. DATA SOURCES:
      Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. STUDY SELECTION: Two investigators
      independently screened studies against predetermined criteria. DATA EXTRACTION:
      Two investigators independently extracted key data. Investigators independently
      assessed study risk of bias and the strength of the evidence of the body of
      literature. Investigators synthesized data qualitatively and meta-analyzed apnea
      hypopnea index (AHI) scores. RESULTS: We included 11 studies. Relative to
      watchful waiting, most studies reported better sleep-related outcomes in children
      who had a tonsillectomy. In 5 studies including children with polysomnography
      confirmed OSDB, AHI scores improved more in children receiving tonsillectomy
      versus surgery. A meta-analysis of 3 studies showed a 4.8-point improvement in
      the AHI in children who underwent tonsillectomy compared with no surgery. Sleep
      related quality of life and negative behaviors (eg, anxiety and emotional
      lability) also improved more among children who had a tonsillectomy. Changes in
      executive function were not significantly different. The length of follow-up in
      studies was generally <12 months. LIMITATIONS: Few studies fully categorized
      populations in terms of severity of OSDB; outcome measures were heterogeneous;
      and the durability of outcomes beyond 12 months is not known. CONCLUSIONS:
      Tonsillectomy can produce short-term improvement in sleep outcomes compared with
      no surgery in children with OSDB. Understanding of longer-term outcomes or
      effects in subpopulations is lacking.

PMID- 28096515
TI  - Tonsillectomy Versus Watchful Waiting for Recurrent Throat Infection: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - CONTEXT: The effectiveness of tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy
      ("tonsillectomy") for recurrent throat infection compared with watchful waiting
      is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To compare sleep, cognitive, behavioral, and health
      outcomes of tonsillectomy versus watchful waiting in children with recurrent
      throat infections. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. STUDY
      SELECTION: Two investigators independently screened studies against predetermined
      criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: One investigator extracted data with review by a
      second. Investigators independently assessed risk of bias and strength of
      evidence (SOE) and confidence in the estimate of effects. RESULTS: Seven studies
      including children with >=3 infections in the previous 1 to 3 years addressed
      this question. In studies reporting baseline data, number of infections/sore
      throats decreased from baseline in both groups, with greater decreases in sore
      throat days, clinician contacts, diagnosed group A streptococcal infections, and
      school absences in tonsillectomized children in the short term (<12 months).
      Quality of life was not markedly different between groups at any time point.
      LIMITATIONS: Few studies fully categorized infection/sore throat severity;
      attrition was high. CONCLUSIONS: Throat infections, utilization, and school
      absences improved in the first postsurgical year in tonsillectomized children
      versus children not receiving surgery. Benefits did not persist over time; longer
      term outcomes are limited. SOE is moderate for reduction in short-term throat
      infections and insufficient for longer-term reduction. SOE is low for no
      difference in longer-term streptococcal infection reduction. SOE is low for
      utilization and missed school reduction in the short term, low for no difference
      in longer-term missed school, and low for no differences in quality of life.

PMID- 28096517
TI  - The nucleoside analog clitocine is a potent and efficacious readthrough agent.
AB  - Nonsense mutations resulting in a premature stop codon in an open reading frame
      occur in critical tumor suppressor genes in a large number of the most common
      forms of cancers and are known to cause or contribute to the progression of
      disease. Low molecular weight compounds that induce readthrough of nonsense
      mutations offer a new means of treating patients with genetic disorders or
      cancers resulting from nonsense mutations. We have identified the nucleoside
      analog clitocine as a potent and efficacious suppressor of nonsense mutations. We
      determined that incorporation of clitocine into RNA during transcription is a
      prerequisite for its readthrough activity; the presence of clitocine in the third
      position of a premature stop codon directly induces readthrough. We demonstrate
      that clitocine can induce the production of p53 protein in cells harboring p53
      nonsense-mutated alleles. In these cells, clitocine restored production of full
      length and functional p53 as evidenced by induced transcriptional activation of
      downstream p53 target genes, progression of cells into apoptosis, and impeded
      growth of nonsense-containing human ovarian cancer tumors in xenograft tumor
      models. Thus, clitocine induces readthrough of nonsense mutations by a previously
      undescribed mechanism and represents a novel therapeutic modality to treat
      cancers and genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations.

PMID- 28096518
TI  - Structural basis for guanidine sensing by the ykkC family of riboswitches.
AB  - Regulation of gene expression by cis-encoded riboswitches is a prevalent theme in
      bacteria. Of the hundreds of riboswitch families identified, the majority of them
      remain as orphans, without a clear ligand assignment. The ykkC orphan family was
      recently characterized as guanidine-sensing riboswitches. Herein we present a 2.3
      A crystal structure of the guanidine-bound ykkC riboswitch from Dickeya dadantii
      The riboswitch folds into a boot-shaped structure, with a coaxially stacked P1/P2
      stem forming the boot, and a 3'-P3 stem-loop forming the heel. Sophisticated base
      pairing and cross-helix tertiary contacts give rise to the ligand-binding pocket
      between the boot and the heel. The guanidine is recognized in its positively
      charged guanidinium form, in its sp2 hybridization state, through a network of
      coplanar hydrogen bonds and by a cation-pi stacking contact on top of a conserved
      guanosine residue. Disruption of these contacts resulted in severe guanidinium
      binding defects. These results provide the structural basis for specific
      guanidine sensing by ykkC riboswitches and pave the way for a deeper
      understanding of guanidine detoxification-a previously unappreciated aspect of
      bacterial physiology.

PMID- 28096516
TI  - Newborn Sequencing in Genomic Medicine and Public Health.
AB  - The rapid development of genomic sequencing technologies has decreased the cost
      of genetic analysis to the extent that it seems plausible that genome-scale
      sequencing could have widespread availability in pediatric care. Genomic
      sequencing provides a powerful diagnostic modality for patients who manifest
      symptoms of monogenic disease and an opportunity to detect health conditions
      before their development. However, many technical, clinical, ethical, and
      societal challenges should be addressed before such technology is widely deployed
      in pediatric practice. This article provides an overview of the Newborn
      Sequencing in Genomic Medicine and Public Health Consortium, which is
      investigating the application of genome-scale sequencing in newborns for both
      diagnosis and screening.

PMID- 28096519
TI  - The nuclear poly(A) binding protein of mammals, but not of fission yeast,
      participates in mRNA polyadenylation.
AB  - The nuclear poly(A) binding protein (PABPN1) has been suggested, on the basis of
      biochemical evidence, to play a role in mRNA polyadenylation by strongly
      increasing the processivity of poly(A) polymerase. While experiments in metazoans
      have tended to support such a role, the results were not unequivocal, and genetic
      data show that the S. pombe ortholog of PABPN1, Pab2, is not involved in mRNA
      polyadenylation. The specific model in which PABPN1 increases the rate of poly(A)
      tail elongation has never been examined in vivo. Here, we have used 4-thiouridine
      pulse-labeling to examine the lengths of newly synthesized poly(A) tails in human
      cells. Knockdown of PABPN1 strongly reduced the synthesis of full-length tails of
      ~250 nucleotides, as predicted from biochemical data. We have also purified S.
      pombe Pab2 and the S. pombe poly(A) polymerase, Pla1, and examined their in vitro
      activities. Whereas PABPN1 strongly increases the activity of its cognate poly(A)
      polymerase in vitro, Pab2 was unable to stimulate Pla1 to any significant extent.
      Thus, in vitro and in vivo data are consistent in supporting a role of PABPN1 but
      not S. pombe Pab2 in the polyadenylation of mRNA precursors.

PMID- 28096520
TI  - Differences in Prevalence of Lymphovascular Invasion among Early Gastric Cancers
      between Korea and Japan.
AB  - Background/Aims: The presence of invasion is a diagnostic criterion of early
      gastric cancer (EGC) in Korea, whereas diagnosis in Japan is based on enlarged
      nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Moreover, the depth of invasion is the location of
      cancer cell infiltration in Korea, whereas it is the location of lymphovascular
      invasion (LVI) or cancer cell infiltration in Japan. We evaluated the
      characteristics of EGC with LVI to uncover the effects of different diagnostic
      criteria. Methods: Consecutive T1-stage EGC patients who underwent complete
      resection were included after endoscopic or surgical resection. The presence of
      LVI was evaluated. Results: LVI was present in 112 of 1,089 T1-stage EGC
      patients. LVI was associated with depth of invasion (p<0.001) and age (p=0.017).
      The prevalence of LVI in mucosal cancer was significantly higher in Korea
      (p<0.001), whereas that of submucosal cancer was higher in Japan (p=0.024). For
      mucosal EGC types, LVI was positively correlated with diagnostic criteria applied
      in Korea (p=0.017). For submucosal EGC types, LVI was positively correlated with
      Japanese criteria (p=0.001) and old age (p=0.045). Conclusions: The higher
      prevalence of LVI for mucosal EGC in Korea and for submucosal EGC in Japan
      indicates that different diagnostic criteria should be considered when reading
      publications from other countries.

PMID- 28096521
TI  - Decreased Esophageal Sensitivity to Acid in Morbidly Obese Patients: A Cause for
      Concern?
AB  - Background/Aims: To evaluate esophageal sensitivity to acid between morbidly
      obese (MO) patients and non-MO controls with abnormal esophageal acid exposure.
      Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 58 patients: 30 MO (cases) and
      28 non-MO (controls). Esophageal symptoms and esophageal sensitivity to 0.1 M
      hydrochloric acid solution (Bernstein test) were compared between MO and non-MO
      patients with a prior diagnosis of abnormal esophageal acid exposure. Results: MO
      patients were less symptomatic than non-MO controls (14% vs 96%; odds ratio [OR],
      0.006; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.001 to 0.075; p=0.000). MO patients were
      more likely to present with decreased esophageal sensitivity to the instillation
      of acid than non-MO controls (57% vs 14%; OR, 8; 95% CI, 1.79 to 35.74; p=0.009).
      Subgroup analysis revealed no differences in esophageal sensitivity in MO
      patients with and without abnormal esophageal acid exposure (43% vs 31%;
      p=0.707). Conclusions: Silent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common
      among MO individuals, likely due to decreased esophageal sensitivity to acid. The
      absence of typical GERD symptoms in these patients may delay discovery of
      precancerous conditions, such as Barrett's esophagus. We believe that these
      patients may require a more aggressive diagnostic work-up to rule out the
      presence of silent GERD.

PMID- 28096523
TI  - X-ray imaging of spin currents and magnetisation dynamics at the nanoscale.
AB  - Understanding how spins move in time and space is the aim of both fundamental and
      applied research in modern magnetism. Over the past three decades, research in
      this field has led to technological advances that have had a major impact on our
      society, while improving the understanding of the fundamentals of spin physics.
      However, important questions still remain unanswered, because it is
      experimentally challenging to directly observe spins and their motion with a
      combined high spatial and temporal resolution. In this article, we present an
      overview of the recent advances in x-ray microscopy that allow researchers to
      directly watch spins move in time and space at the microscopically relevant
      scales. We discuss scanning x-ray transmission microscopy (STXM) at resonant soft
      x-ray edges, which is available at most modern synchrotron light sources. This
      technique measures magnetic contrast through the x-ray magnetic circular
      dichroism (XMCD) effect at the resonant absorption edges, while focusing the x
      ray radiation at the nanometre scale, and using the intrinsic pulsed structure of
      synchrotron-generated x-rays to create time-resolved images of magnetism at the
      nanoscale. In particular, we discuss how the presence of spin currents can be
      detected by imaging spin accumulation, and how the magnetisation dynamics in thin
      ferromagnetic films can be directly imaged. We discuss how a direct look at the
      phenomena allows for a deeper understanding of the the physics at play, that is
      not accessible to other, more indirect techniques. Finally, we present an
      overview of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead to further understand the
      fundamentals of novel spin physics, opportunities offered by the appearance of
      diffraction limited storage rings and free electron lasers.

PMID- 28096524
TI  - A Case of Seronegative Limbic Encephalitis with Multiple Sclerosis: A Possible
      Overlapping Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND Autoimmune encephalitis might coexist in patients with autoimmune
      demyelinating disorders. CASE REPORT We report on a case of a 45-year-old female
      multiple sclerosis (MS) patient presenting with acute onset short-term memory
      loss, altered mental status, inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings and
      an MRI lesion on the left temporal lobe. An extensive panel for neuronal
      autoantibodies proved negative. Neuropsychological symptoms gave a prompt
      response to immunotherapy but nevertheless control MRI showed left hippocampal
      atrophy. CONCLUSIONS Several recent reports of concurrent emergence of autoimmune
      encephalitis and MS suggest a common mechanism for these disorders. Since
      autoimmune encephalitis and MS share certain common CSF and neuroimaging
      findings, an increased understanding of overlapping autoimmune brain disorders is
      required to avoid misdiagnosis especially in antibody negative autoimmune
      encephalitis cases.

PMID- 28096522
TI  - Control of Food Intake by Gastrointestinal Peptides: Mechanisms of Action and
      Possible Modulation in the Treatment of Obesity.
AB  - This review focuses on the control of appetite by food intake-regulatory peptides
      secreted from the gastrointestinal tract, namely cholecystokinin, glucagon-like
      peptide 1, peptide YY, ghrelin, and the recently discovered nesfatin-1 via the
      gut-brain axis. Additionally, we describe the impact of external factors such as
      intake of different nutrients or stress on the secretion of gastrointestinal
      peptides. Finally, we highlight possible conservative-physical activity and
      pharmacotherapy-treatment strategies for obesity as well as surgical techniques
      such as deep brain stimulation and bariatric surgery also altering these
      peptidergic pathways.

PMID- 28096525
TI  - Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling in High Mobility Group Box-1 Protein 1 Mediated
      the Suppression of Regulatory T-Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND Treg cells play a central role in the suppression of immune response,
      and their suppressive capacity can be modulated by toll-like receptor (TLR)
      ligands. However, the detailed pathway of TLR ligand modulation is still unknown.
      The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the high mobility group box-1
      protein 1 (HMGB1) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on Treg cells through TLR4
      signaling. MATERIAL AND METHODS Treg cells were purified from healthy human
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by magnetic-bead activity cell sorting
      (MACS), blocked by anti-TLR4 monoclonal antibody, and then incubated with
      different concentration of LPS or HMGB1. The level of gene expression of IL
      1beta, IL-10, IFN-gamma, and TGF-beta were detected using quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),
      and the proliferation of Treg cells after treating by LPS and HMGB1 was analyzed
      by flow cytometry. The NF-kappaB expression in Treg cells was examined by Western
      blotting. RESULTS LPS treated CD4 CD25 Treg cells directly increased the
      expression of IL-1b and IL-10 and decreased the expression of IFN-gamma and TGF
      beta. However, HMGB1 treatment resulted in a marked decreased expression of IL
      1beta, IL-10, IFN-gamma, and TGF-beta. The proliferation of CD4+ T cells was
      significantly inhibited by Treg cells in the LPS treatment group, but weaken in
      the HMGB1 treatment group. These data suggest that HMGB1 and LPS stimulation
      could downregulate the expression NF-kappaB p65 in cytoplasmic proteins and
      increase the expression in nuclear proteins, thus leading to modulation of IL
      1beta, IL-10, IFN-gamma, and TGF-beta expression; moreover, the suppressive
      function of Treg cells could be regulated by TLR4. CONCLUSIONS TLR4 signaling in
      HMGB1 mediated the suppressive function of Treg cells through the activation of
      the NF-kappaB pathway.

PMID- 28096527
TI  - DNA repair: Histones have got to go.

PMID- 28096528
TI  - Testing the Gateway Hypothesis.

PMID- 28096529
TI  - Genetic screens: Combining CRISPR perturbations and RNA-seq.

PMID- 28096526
TI  - Telomeres in cancer: tumour suppression and genome instability.
AB  - The shortening of human telomeres has two opposing effects during cancer
      development. On the one hand, telomere shortening can exert a tumour-suppressive
      effect through the proliferation arrest induced by activating the kinases ATM and
      ATR at unprotected chromosome ends. On the other hand, loss of telomere
      protection can lead to telomere crisis, which is a state of extensive genome
      instability that can promote cancer progression. Recent data, reviewed here,
      provide new evidence for the telomere tumour suppressor pathway and has revealed
      that telomere crisis can induce numerous cancer-relevant changes, including
      chromothripsis, kataegis and tetraploidization.

PMID- 28096530
TI  - Associations between body mass index-related genetic variants and adult body
      composition: The Fenland cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Body mass index (BMI) is a surrogate measure of adiposity
      but does not distinguish fat from lean or bone mass. The genetic determinants of
      BMI are thought to predominantly influence adiposity but this has not been
      confirmed. Here we characterise the association between BMI-related genetic
      variants and body composition in adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Among 9667 adults aged
      29-64 years from the Fenland study, a genetic risk score for BMI (BMI-GRS) was
      calculated for each individual as the weighted sum of BMI-increasing alleles
      across 96 reported BMI-related variants. Associations between the BMI-GRS and
      body composition, estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, were
      examined using age-adjusted linear regression models, separately by sex. RESULTS:
      The BMI-GRS was positively associated with all fat, lean and bone variables.
      Across body regions, associations of the greatest magnitude were observed for
      adiposity variables, for example, for each s.d. increase in BMI-GRS predicted
      BMI, we observed a 0.90 s.d. (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71, 1.09) increase
      in total fat mass for men (P=3.75 * 10-21) and a 0.96 s.d. (95% CI: 0.77, 1.16)
      increase for women (P=6.12 * 10-22). Associations of intermediate magnitude were
      observed with lean variables, for example, total lean mass: men: 0.68 s.d. (95%
      CI: 0.49, 0.86; P=1.91 * 10-12); women: 0.85 s.d. (95% CI: 0.65, 1.04; P=2.66 *
      10-17) and of a lower magnitude with bone variables, for example, total bone
      mass: men: 0.39 s.d. (95% CI: 0.20, 0.58; P=5.69 * 10-5); women: 0.45 s.d. (95%
      CI: 0.26, 0.65; P=3.96 * 106). Nominally significant associations with BMI were
      observed for 28 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. All 28 were positively
      associated with fat mass and 13 showed adipose-specific effects. CONCLUSIONS: In
      adults, genetic susceptibility to elevated BMI influences adiposity more than
      lean or bone mass. This mirrors the association between BMI and body composition.
      The BMI-GRS can be used to model the effects of measured BMI and adiposity on
      health and other outcomes.

PMID- 28096532
TI  - A sensitive and specific point-of-care detection assay for Zaire Ebola virus.

PMID- 28096531
TI  - The first imported case of Rift Valley fever in China reveals a genetic
      reassortment of different viral lineages.
AB  - We report the first imported case of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in China. The
      patient returned from Angola, a non-epidemic country, with an infection of a new
      reassortant from different lineages of Rift Valley fever viruses (RVFVs). The
      patient developed multiorgan dysfunction and gradually recovered with continuous
      renal replacement therapy and a short regimen of methylprednisolone treatment.
      The disordered cytokines and chemokines in the plasma of the patient revealed
      hypercytokinemia, but the levels of protective cytokines were low upon admission
      and fluctuated as the disease improved. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic
      analysis revealed that the imported strain was a reassortant comprising the L and
      M genes from lineage E and the S gene from lineage A. This case highlights that
      RVFV had undergone genetic reassortment, which could potentially alter its
      biological properties, cause large outbreaks and pose a serious threat to global
      public health as well as the livestock breeding industry.

PMID- 28096533
TI  - Impact of pretreatment characteristics and salvage strategy on outcome in
      patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 28096534
TI  - Novel therapeutic approach to improve hematopoiesis in low risk MDS by targeting
      MDSCs with the Fc-engineered CD33 antibody BI 836858.
AB  - We recently reported that the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells
      (MDSC), defined as CD33+HLA-DR-Lin-, has a direct role in the pathogenesis of
      myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). In particular, CD33 is strongly expressed in MDSC
      isolated from patients with MDS where it has an important role in MDSC-mediated
      hematopoietic suppressive function through its activation by S100A9. Therefore,
      we tested whether blocking this interaction with a fully human, Fc-engineered
      monoclonal antibody against CD33 (BI 836858) suppresses CD33-mediated signal
      transduction and improves the bone marrow microenvironment in MDS. We observed
      that BI 836858 can reduce MDSC by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, which
      correlated with increases in granule mobilization and cell death. BI 836858 can
      also block CD33 downstream signaling preventing immune-suppressive cytokine
      secretion, which correlates with a significant increase in the formation of CFU
      GM and BFU-E colonies. Activation of the CD33 pathway can cause reactive oxygen
      species (ROS)-induced genomic instability but BI 836858 reduced both ROS and the
      levels of double strand breaks and adducts (measured by comet assay and
      gammaH2AX). This work provides the ground for the development of a novel group of
      therapies for MDS aimed at MDSC and their disease-promoting properties with the
      goal of improving hematopoiesis in patients.

PMID- 28096536
TI  - Germline IKAROS mutation associated with primary immunodeficiency that progressed
      to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PMID- 28096537
TI  - JAK2-V617F activates beta1-integrin-mediated adhesion of granulocytes to vascular
      cell adhesion molecule 1.

PMID- 28096538
TI  - Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic tumours derive amino acids via extracellular
      protein uptake.

PMID- 28096535
TI  - Genetics of ancestry-specific risk for relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - The causes of individual relapses in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      (ALL) remain incompletely understood. We evaluated the contribution of germline
      genetic factors to relapse in 2225 children treated on Children's Oncology Group
      trial AALL0232. We identified 302 germline single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      associated with relapse after adjusting for treatment and ancestry and 715
      additional SNPs associated with relapse in an ancestry-specific manner. We tested
      for replication of these relapse-associated SNPs in external data sets of
      antileukemic drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and an independent
      clinical cohort. 224 SNPs were associated with rapid drug clearance or drug
      resistance, and 32 were replicated in the independent cohort. The adverse risk
      associated with black and Hispanic ancestries was attenuated by addition of the 4
      SNPs most strongly associated with relapse in these populations (for blacks:
      model without SNPs hazard ratio (HR)=2.32, P=2.27 * 10-4, model with SNPs
      HR=1.07, P=0.79; for Hispanics: model without SNPs HR=1.7, P=8.23 * 10-5, model
      with SNPs HR=1.31, P=0.065). Relapse SNPs associated with asparaginase resistance
      or allergy were overrepresented among SNPs associated with relapse in the more
      asparaginase intensive treatment arm (20/54 in Capizzi-methorexate arm vs 8/54 in
      high-dose methotrexate arm, P=0.015). Inherited genetic variation contributes to
      race-specific and treatment-specific relapse risk.

PMID- 28096539
TI  - Development: Modelling human stomach development with gastric organoids.

PMID- 28096540
TI  - Alcoholic liver disease: Alcoholic hepatitis: a warning for prednisolone and
      infection risk?

PMID- 28096542
TI  - Liquid biopsy in 2016: Circulating tumour cells and cell-free DNA in
      gastrointestinal cancer.

PMID- 28096543
TI  - Therapy: Experimental portal hypertension - pinning hopes on FXR agonists?

PMID- 28096541
TI  - The mucosal immune system: master regulator of bidirectional gut-brain
      communications.
AB  - Communication between the brain and gut is not one-way, but a bidirectional
      highway whereby reciprocal signals between the two organ systems are exchanged to
      coordinate function. The messengers of this complex dialogue include neural,
      metabolic, endocrine and immune mediators responsive to diverse environmental
      cues, including nutrients and components of the intestinal microbiota (microbiota
      gut-brain axis). We are now starting to understand how perturbation of these
      systems affects transition between health and disease. The pathological
      repercussions of disordered gut-brain dialogue are probably especially pertinent
      in functional gastrointestinal diseases, including IBS and functional dyspepsia.
      New insights into these pathways might lead to novel treatment strategies in
      these common gastrointestinal diseases. In this Review, we consider the role of
      the immune system as the gatekeeper and master regulator of brain-gut and gut
      brain communications. Although adaptive immunity (T cells in particular)
      participates in this process, there is an emerging role for cells of the innate
      immune compartment (including innate lymphoid cells and cells of the mononuclear
      phagocyte system). We will also consider how these key immune cells interact with
      the specific components of the enteric and central nervous systems, and rapidly
      respond to environmental variables, including the microbiota, to alter gut
      homeostasis.

PMID- 28096544
TI  - Simamycin (5'-O-geranyluridine): a new prenylated nucleoside from Streptomyces
      sp.
AB  - A new nucleoside modified by prenylation, simamycin (1), was isolated from the
      culture broth of a soil-derived Streptomyces sp. Its structure was determined by
      spectroscopic analysis and chemical synthesis as 5'-O-geranyluridine. Compound 1
      induced differentiation of preadipocytes into matured adipocytes.

PMID- 28096545
TI  - Thiazomycin, nocathiacin and analogs show strong activity against clinical
      strains of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Thiazolyl peptides are a class of natural products with potent Gram-positive
      antibacterial activities. Lack of aqueous solubility precluded this class of
      compounds from advancing to clinical evaluations. Nocathiacins and thiazomycins
      are sub-classes of thiazolyl peptides that are endowed with structural features
      amenable for chemical modifications. Semi-synthetic modifications of nocathiacin
      led to a series of analogs with improved water solubility, while retaining
      potency and antibacterial spectrum. We studied the activities of a selection of
      two natural products (nocathiacin and thiazomycin) as well as seven polar semi
      synthetic analogs against twenty clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      with MDR phenotypes. Two compounds show useful activity against H37Rv strain with
      MIC values ?1 MUM, two (?0.5 MUm) and three (?10 MUm). These two derivatives
      showed MIC values ?2.5 MUm against most of the 20 MDR strains regardless their
      resistance profile. Specifically, these lack cross-resistance to rifampicin,
      isoniazid and moxifloxacin.

PMID- 28096546
TI  - MA026, an anti-hepatitis C virus compound, opens tight junctions of the
      epithelial cell membrane.
AB  - MA026 is an antiviral natural compound against hepatitis C virus (HCV). It was
      recently reported that MA026 binds claudin-1 (CLDN1) and inhibits HCV infection.
      Although CLDN1 is an important component of tight junctions (TJ) in the
      epithelial cell layer, the effects of MA026 on the TJ barrier function remained
      to be revealed. Here we report that MA026 irreversibly opens the TJ. MA026
      irreversibly increased FD4 permeability and decreased transepithelial electrical
      resistance (TER) for at least 5 h. Although MA026 increased Ca2+ influx in
      layered MDCKII cells, the Ca2+ influx was less than that of capsaicin, a
      reversible TJ opener. Moreover, MA026 did not induce the dephosphorylation of
      cofilin and reorganization of F-actin structure. Although the mechanism is left
      to be disclosed, these results suggest that MA026 is a novel irreversible TJ
      opener probably by targeting CLDN1.

PMID- 28096547
TI  - Trachyspic acid 19-butyl ester, a new inhibitor of Plk1 polo box domain-dependent
      recognition from uncharacterized fungus RKGS-F2684.

PMID- 28096548
TI  - The synthesis and evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of deacidified
      GEX1A analogues.
AB  - GEX1A/herboxidiene (1) is a natural product isolated from Streptomyces sp. and
      has been reported to target the pre-mRNA splicing process. Although 1 was shown
      to have antitumor activity in vivo, weight loss was observed in mice when 1 was
      consecutively administered. We assumed that the carboxylic acid moiety was one of
      the causes of this toxicity. In this study, a series of amide, carbamate and urea
      analogues of 1 were synthesized and their antiproliferative activity was
      evaluated in vitro. The synthesis of urea analogues featured Curtius
      rearrangement following amine treatment with the one-pot procedure from 1.
      Furthermore, a structure-activity relationship study of the urea analogues
      revealed that the pharmacologically preferable basic side chains were acceptable
      and that compound 9g was equipotent to parent 1. These basic urea analogues would
      be promising leads for the development of novel antitumor agents.

PMID- 28096550
TI  - The ups and downs of drug discovery: the early history of Fidaxomicin.
AB  - The path from antibiotic compound discovery to the market is marked by many
      potholes and its negotiation is often dependent on luck and persistence. Perhaps
      the prime example of this is the case of the development of tiacumicin B to
      Fidaxomicin, where both parameters were critical and the path was particularly
      circuitous.

PMID- 28096549
TI  - Decatamariic acid, a new mitochondrial respiration inhibitor discovered by
      pesticidal screening using drug-sensitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - A new decalin, decatamariic acid, was isolated from a cultured broth of the
      fungus Aspergillus tamarii FKI-6817. Its absolute configuration was elucidated by
      NMR and electronic circular dichroism. Decatamariic acid (10 MUM) elicited ~50%
      inhibition of the ATP production in mitochondria isolated from wild-type
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae without affecting the activities of respiratory enzymes.
      The action manner of this compound may be interesting as a possible seed for new
      pesticides.

PMID- 28096551
TI  - The natural evolution of idiophatic epimacular membrane.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Epiretinal membrane (ERM) refers to a semi-translucent
      tissue layer found on the inner surface of the retina especially in older people.
      Surgical treatment remains controversial, optimal timing for such treatment is
      difficult to determine and data on the natural evolution of this disorder are
      limited. In this study we evaluated the natural course of idiopathic epimacular
      membrane in 49 patients (53 eyes). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective
      evaluation of a group of 49 patients (53 eyes) with idiopathic epimacular
      membrane confirmed by biomicroscopy, photography and optical coherence tomography
      (OCT). RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 51-85 years (median 72). The average
      follow-up was 21.3 months (+/- 14). Between the initial and final best corrected
      visual acuity (BCVA) there was no statistically significant difference although
      there was a significant tendency to decrease in BCVA (Spearman P=0.05) during the
      follow-up. Initial BCVA correlated with initial central retinal thickness (CRT),
      final CRT, final volume, and age. The final BCVA significantly correlated with
      all parameters measured. CONCLUSION: BCVA during follow-up tended to decrease:
      difference of starting BCVA and final BCVA values depending on the time of
      monitoring is significant. This we attribute to a slow gradual progression of
      macular changes. But, initial and final BCVA measurements were not substantially
      different at the end. Thus, in the absence of any clear signs of ERM progression,
      we can safely postpone the decision whether to perform PPV.

PMID- 28096552
TI  - Novel missense variant of CACNA1A gene in a Slovak family with episodic ataxia
      type 2.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Episodic ataxias (EAs) are rare dominantly inherited neurological
      disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of ataxia lasting minutes to hours.
      The most common subtype is EA type 2 (EA2) caused by pathogenic variants of
      calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 A gene (CACNA1A) on chromosome
      19p13. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We examined a Slovak three-generation family.
      Genomic DNA of the family members was extracted from peripheral blood and
      amplified by polymerase chain reaction. CACNA1A variants were screened by Sanger
      sequencing. RESULTS: We identified four family members with recurrent episodes of
      ataxia. Complex differential diagnosis was performed. Genetic analysis with
      direct sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous variant of CACNA1A - c.5264A>G
      (p.Glu1755Gly) located in the pore loop of domain IV of calcium channel alpha-1A
      subunit. CONCLUSION: We identified a novel missense variant of a voltage
      dependent P/Q-type calcium channel alpha-1A subunit in a Slovak three-generation
      family with recurrent episodes of ataxia. The heterozygous missense variant
      resulted in changing a highly conserved glutamic acid within the pore loop of
      domain IV.

PMID- 28096553
TI  - Outstanding contribution of British medicine to child health in Sudan.

PMID- 28096554
TI  - Launching of the MRCPCH Clinical Examination in Khartoum, Sudan.

PMID- 28096555
TI  - WHO/UNICEF recommended therapeutic food versus home based therapeutic food in the
      management of severe acute malnutrition: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Malnutrition is a major public health problem especially in the developing
      countries. The objective of the study was to compare WHO/UNICEF recommended
      therapeutic food with home based therapeutic food in the management of severe
      acute malnutrition. It was a randomized controlled trial at tertiary care level
      hospital with nutritional rehabilitation centre. Children (6 month to 5 years)
      having severe acute malnutrition were included in the study. Group A (n=74
      children) was given WHO recommended therapeutic food and group B (n=75 children)
      was given home based therapeutic food. The mean rate of weight gain, gain in
      height and increase in mid-upper arm circumference were significantly higher
      (p<0.05) in the group received home based therapeutic food. Mean duration to
      achieve target weight was 21.44+/-3.33 days in group A and 16.28+/-2.11 days in
      group B (p<o.ooo1). Group B children had higher rate of increase in urinary
      creatinine (p<0.0001). Affordability (p<0.0001), Feasibility (p=0.027) and
      Average frequency of feeding per day (p<0.0001) was found significantly higher in
      group B. Difficulty in making therapeutic food was significantly low in group B
      (p<0.05). Both kinds of therapeutic food were effective for the management of
      severe acute malnutrition, but the home based therapeutic food was found to be
      more effective. This could be explained by better acceptability in terms of
      better palatability, more affordability, increased frequency of feeding, and
      having less difficulty in making.

PMID- 28096556
TI  - The nature and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a Sudanese juvenile
      correctional facility.
AB  - High morbidity of mental disorders among juvenile offenders has been confirmed by
      several studies, thus challenging both the juvenile justice system and the mental
      health system. Data from developed countries may not reflect the situation in low
      income countries and therefore cannot form a basis for intervention. No similar
      study has been done in Sudan. The objective to determine prevalence of
      psychiatric disorders among incarcerated youth in Al-Juref juvenile correctional
      facility. All juveniles (forty eight) were studied utilizing a descriptive cross
      sectional study design. Data was collected using a socio-demographic
      questionnaire and the MINI-KID 6.0 and was analyzed using the SPSS v.20. Most
      respondents were males (Forty six) with a mean age of fifteen (+/-1.6 years SD).
      Most were living with both parents (75%) and were school dropouts (41.7%). The
      majority was arrested for theft (33.3%) and rape (29.2%). Prevalence of
      psychiatric disorders was high (60.4%) with conduct disorder (CD) being the most
      common (47.9%), followed by anxiety disorders (31.1%) and major depressive
      disorder (14.6%). Comorbid psychiatric disorders rate was high (31%). Even after
      subtracting CD, prevalence was still common (39%). New information can help
      mental health providers and policy makers in the juvenile justice system make
      effective interventions in provision of mental health services. We recommend
      clinical assessment for juveniles when they appear at court and training of
      workers in the justice system on how to detect features of psychopathology.

PMID- 28096557
TI  - Autoimmune thyroiditis associated with Sanjad-Sakati syndrome: A call for regular
      thyroid screening.
AB  - Sanjad-Sakati Syndrome (SSS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized
      by congenital hypoparathyroidism, growth retardation and dysmorphism. Thyroid
      status of patients with SSS has not been widely explored. Therefore, we aimed to
      review the occurrence of autoimmune thyroiditis, which is commonly associated
      with other genetic disorders, in SSS. A retrospective hospital based study was
      conducted at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to determine
      the thyroid status of patients with SSS attending the hospital between 1990 and
      2015. Data were extracted from the medical records of patients diagnosed with
      Sanjad-Sakati syndrome with special emphasis on the clinical features, thyroid
      function, thyroid antibodies, molecular studies and other relevant
      investigations. A total of 18 patients with a diagnosis of Sanjad-Sakati Syndrome
      based on typical clinical features and low parathyroid hormone, were evaluated.
      Furthermore, molecular study was available on 15 patients; all had homozygous
      deletion of 12 bp (155-166) in exon 3 of the TCBE gene. In 6 patients the thyroid
      functions were abnormal (one patient with overt hypothyroidism and five patients
      with sub clinical hypothyroidism). Thyroid autoantibodies were positive in 4
      patients. In conclusion, one third of this cohort with SSS had abnormal thyroid
      function test attributed mainly to autoimmune thyroiditis. Therefore, we
      recommend routine screening of patients with SSS for thyroid function and
      autoimmune antibodies during follow up.

PMID- 28096558
TI  - Pattern and determinants of use of traditional treatments in children attending
      Gaafar Ibnauf Children's Hospital, Sudan.
AB  - Traditional Sudanese medicine is based on experiences of every day people,
      systems of taboos, customs and deep-rooted traditions. This is a cross-sectional,
      hospital-based study done in Gaafar Ibnauf Children's Hospital including
      inpatient and outpatient subjects from October 2009 to January 2010, to identify
      the pattern and determinants of use, prevalence and commonest types of
      traditional treatments in Sudanese children. Of the hundred interviewed families
      70% were using traditional treatments, causing delay in presentation to hospital
      in 24% of children. Eighty seven percent of illiterate mothers used traditional
      treatments while only 46% of secondary education mothers used it. Percentage of
      use of traditional treatments increased from 61.5% to 88.9% with the increase in
      child's age. The commonest traditional treatment used was sesame oil (77%),
      followed by cautery (40%). Sesame oil was used mainly for flu and to maintain
      health. Only two mothers practiced removal of canines for reasons of vomiting and
      diarrhea. All mothers believed that mint, hilba and harjal are effective but 79%
      of them believed that cautery is not effective; 74% thought that sesame oil is
      effective while only 56% believed that rice water is effective. All mothers who
      practiced removal of canines thought that it is not effective. Except for cutting
      the uvula, most of practiced treatments had no significant sequelae. A quarter of
      studied mothers used rice water to treat vomiting and diarrhea, which we consider
      a useful healthy practice. Health education is needed for mothers through mass
      media and in health facilities.

PMID- 28096559
TI  - The perception of safety culture among nurses in a tertiary hospital in Central
      Saudi Arabia.
AB  - Developing a patient safety culture was one of the recommendations made by the
      Institute of Medicine (IOM) to assist hospitals in improving patient safety.
      Nurses are the key to safety improvements in hospitals. It is necessary to know
      their awareness and perception regarding institutional safety climate. The aim of
      this study is to explore perceptions of patient safety among nursing staff in a
      tertiary hospital in Central Saudi Arabia in different discipline units. The
      current study was conducted at Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), a
      tertiary center in Riyadh, Central Saudi Arabia. In November 2014, five hundred
      nurses were randomly selected to participate in this study. A survey
      questionnaire with Likert scale was adopted covering characteristics of
      participants together with their views on patient safety issues. Two hundred and
      twenty-four participants filled the questionnaire with a response rate of 44.8%.
      The overall perception of patient safety among participants was (57.9%). The
      majority (74.1%) thought that the existing system is good at preventing errors
      and only one third indicated that they have patient safety problems. Most of the
      participants were happy with the existing patient safety culture including
      organizational learning/continuous improvement (95.5%), and errors feedback and
      communication (76.64%). In conclusion, this study showed that perception of
      patient safety was sub-optimal among nurses and there are several areas for
      improvement regarding safety culture.

PMID- 28096560
TI  - Helicobacter pylori infection and the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus in
      Sudanese children.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic T cell mediated autoimmune disease
      that results in destruction of pancreatic islet cells. Helicobacter pylori (HP)
      was recently thought to be a triggering factor for T1DM. This is a prospective
      case control study at Gaafar Ibnauf Children's Hospital and three other diabetic
      clinics in Khartoum, during the period January-September 2012. Ninety newly
      diagnosed T1DM children and a similar number of a control group were compared.
      Assessment of HP specific serum immunoglobulin was performed using Eliza test.
      There were 40(44.4%) female and 50(55.6%) male diabetic children. Diabetic
      children tested positive for HP constituted 56/90 (62.2%) compared to 59/90
      (65.6%) from the control group. Diabetic children aged 11-18 years represented 46
      (51%), 32/46 (57%) of them were seropositive for HP. A similar number of the same
      age in control group 30/46 (50.8%) were seropositive. Of 41newly diagnosed
      diabetic children (44.4%) of newly who complained of symptoms, 30 (53.6%) were
      seropositive for HP compared to 34 (37.7%) among the healthy children, out of
      whom 24 (40.7%) tested positive for HP. Diabetic children with moderate anemia
      were 35 (45.5%) compared to 54 (60.0%) in the control group. Seropositive
      children for HP in the 2 groups were, respectively, 20(40.8%) and 38(64.4%).
      Those with a poor family background were 28 (56%), 20 (40.0%) tested positive for
      HP, compared to 38 (64.4%), of whom 20 (64.5%) were seropositive in the controls.
      In conclusion, HP infection does not seem to play a role in triggering T1DM in
      children.

PMID- 28096562
TI  - Blood tests are not always helpful in predicting bacterial meningitis in
      children.
AB  - Bacterial meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the meninges covering
      the brain. It is a life-threatening illness, if untreated. The aim of this study
      was to examine whether blood tests including C-reactive protein (CRP) and full
      blood count (FBC) predict bacterial meningitis in children. We also examined the
      relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests including gram stain,
      culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and blood tests such as culture and
      PCR results. We studied 11 patients admitted with bacterial meningitis in the
      Paediatric wards, National Children's Hospital, Dublin, Northern Ireland (2012
      2016). The mean age was 10.7 (SD, 14.7) months. In this group of patients, 5
      (45.5%) had leucocytosis, 7 (63.6%) experienced neutrophilia and 1 (9.1%) had
      both leukopenia and neutropenia. C-reactive protein (CRP) value of less than 1
      mg/L was found in 2 patients (18.2%). No link was found between CSF gram stain
      and CSF culture (p value 0.66) or CSF PCR results (p value 0.75). Meningitis
      should be investigated and treated if clinically suspected, regardless of CRP
      values or peripheral blood results.

PMID- 28096561
TI  - Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children: Diagnostic and management
      approach.
AB  - Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a rare neurological disorder in
      children. It is characterized by raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in the
      absence of brain parenchymal lesion, vascular malformations, hydrocephalus, or
      central nervous system (CNS) infection. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by
      high opening pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with exclusion of secondary
      causes of intracranial hypertension. If not treated properly, it may lead to
      severe visual dysfunction. Here we review the etiology, clinical presentation,
      diagnostic criteria and management of IIH in children through illustration of the
      clinical and radiological presentation of a 13-year-old overweight girl who
      presented with severe headache, diplopia and bilateral papilledema. Otherwise,
      she had unremarkable neurological and systemic examinations. Lumbar puncture
      showed a high CSF opening pressure (360-540 mmH2O). Her investigations showed
      normal complete blood count (CBC), normal renal, liver, and thyroid function
      tests. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood chemistry were unremarkable. Magnetic
      resonant image (MRI) of the brain demonstrated empty sella turcica, tortuous
      optic nerves, and flattening of the posterior sclera. Magnetic resonant
      venography (MRV) showed focal narrowing of the distal transverse sinuses and
      absence of venous sinus thrombosis. She required treatment with acetazolamide and
      prednisolone. With medical treatment, weight reduction, and exercise, our patient
      had a remarkable improvement in her symptoms with resolution of papilledema in
      two months. This review highlights the importance of early recognition and
      management of IIH to prevent permanent visual loss.

PMID- 28096563
TI  - Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis in Sudanese children.
AB  - Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA), also called hereditary
      sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV (HSAN-IV), is an extremely rare
      autosomal recessive disease. It is characterized by insensitivity to pain,
      inability to sweat, episodes of hyperpyrexia, and intellectual disability. These
      factors render the affected persons to repeatedly injure and traumatise
      themselves to the degree that they become disabled. No specific treatment to the
      moment, but it needs multidisciplinary approach, and certain life adaptations and
      education. Here we report 4 unrelated Sudanese children affected with this rare
      neurological disorder, to raise the awareness on this rare disease, reflecting
      its spectrum, and the challenges which patients and their families face,
      especially when living in a hot country.

PMID- 28096564
TI  - Klippel-Trenaunay and Sturge-Weber overlapping syndrome in a Saudi boy.
AB  - Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a rare, sporadic neurocutaneous disorder. It is
      typically characterized by unilateral, posterior leptomeningeal angiomas that
      calcify, glaucoma, and facial portwine tains. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is
      a rare congenital syndrome characterized by ipsilateral cutaneous capillary
      malformations, venous varicosities, and bony or soft tissue overgrowth of the
      affected limbs. The clinical, neuroradiological features as well as the outcome
      of a Saudi boy who was referred to the Division of Pediatric Neurology, King Saud
      University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with intractable focal seizure and
      left-sided hemiparesis who was eventually diagnosed with combined SWS and KTS is
      described here. The rare coexistence of SWS and KTS should be suspected in a
      child presenting with neurological manifestation such as epilepsy, mental sub
      normality, or hemiparesis, with port-wine staining or capillary hemangioma and
      enlarged limbs. Awareness may help in improving the quality of life and survival
      of these patients.

PMID- 28096565
TI  - Bartter syndrome associated with nephropathic cystinosis.
AB  - Bartter syndrome is a rare inherited defect in the thick ascending limb of the
      loop of Henle. It is characterized by low potassium levels (hypokalaemia),
      increased blood pH (alkalosis) and normal to low blood pressure. There are three
      types of Bartter syndrome: neonatal, the classic type and Gitelman syndrome.
      Nephropathic cystinosis is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by
      accumulation of free cystine in lysosomes due to disorder of lysosomal transport
      that can lead to end stage renal failure within 10 years and multiorgan
      impairment. We report a 5 year 9 month old child with Bartter syndrome associated
      with nephropathic cystinosis, hypothyroidism and rickets. Hitherto, only a
      handful of similar cases have been reported in the literature.

PMID- 28096566
TI  - The Editors of Sudanese Journal of Paediatrics would like to thank.

PMID- 28096567
TI  - Chitosan as an Immunomodulating Adjuvant on T-Cells and Antigen-Presenting Cells
      in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection.
AB  - Herpes disease caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is an intractable
      condition. It is a major concern in public health. Our purpose of this study was
      to verify the function of chitosan as an adjuvant for immune regulation
      specifically under herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. Ahead of HSV
      infection, chitosan, heat inactivated green fluorescent protein expressing HSV (G
      HSV), and a combination of chitosan and G-HSV were used to pretreat ICR mice
      followed by HSV-1 infection. Using flow cytometric analysis, the frequencies of T
      cells, monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells were
      analyzed by surface expression of CD4+, CD8+, CD14+, CD11c+, NK1.1+, and DX5+
      cells. In HSV infected mice, chitosan treatment significantly increased the
      frequencies of CD4+ T-cells (33.6 +/- 5.78%) compared to those in the control
      group (24.02 +/- 12.47%, p = 0.05). The frequencies of DC and NK cells were also
      significantly different between chitosan treated mice and control mice. In
      addition, anti-HSV IgG antibody was downregulated in chitosan treated mice. These
      results suggest that chitosan is a potential modulator or immune stimulator as an
      adjuvant in HSV-1 infected mice.

PMID- 28096569
TI  - The American Statistical Association statement on P-values explained.

PMID- 28096568
TI  - Exploring New Inflammatory Biomarkers and Pathways during LPS-Induced M1
      Polarization.
AB  - Identification of mediators triggering microglia activation and transference of
      noncoding microRNA (miRNA) into exosomes are critical to dissect the mechanisms
      underlying neurodegeneration. We used lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced N9
      microglia activation to explore new biomarkers/signaling pathways and to identify
      inflammatory miRNA (inflamma-miR) in cells and their derived exosomes.
      Upregulation of iNOS and MHC-II (M1-markers) and downregulation of arginase 1,
      FIZZ1 (M2-markers), and CX3CR1 (M0/M2 polarization) confirmed the switch of N9
      LPS-treated cells into the M1 phenotype, as described for macrophages/microglia.
      Cells showed increased proliferation, activated TLR4/TLR2/NF-kappaB pathway, and
      enhanced phagocytosis, further corroborated by upregulated MFG-E8. We found NLRP3
      inflammasome activation in these cells, probably accounting for the increased
      extracellular content of the cytokine HMGB1 and of the MMP-9 we have observed. We
      demonstrate for the first time that the inflamma-miR profiling (upregulated miR
      155 and miR-146a plus downregulated miR-124) in M1 polarized N9 cells, noticed by
      others in activated macrophages/microglia, was replicated in their derived
      exosomes, likely regulating the inflammatory response of recipient cells and
      dissemination processes. Data show that LPS-treated N9 cells behave like M1
      polarized microglia/macrophages, while providing new targets for drug discovery.
      In particular, the study yields novel insights into the exosomal circulating
      miRNA during neuroinflammation important for emerging therapeutic approaches
      targeting microglia activation.

PMID- 28096570
TI  - Tourniquet application during anesthesia: "What we need to know?"
AB  - Tourniquets are routinely and safely used in limb surgeries throughout the world.
      Tourniquet application alters normal physiology. Healthy patients tolerate these
      physiological changes well, but the physiological changes may not be well
      tolerated by patients with poor cardiac function. This review discusses the
      physiological changes associated with tourniquet use, safe practice and provides
      the latest updates regarding tourniquet use. A systematic literature search of
      PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar was done. The search results
      were limited to the randomized controlled trials and systemic reviews. The papers
      are summarized in this review.

PMID- 28096571
TI  - Acute respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation in pregnant patient: A
      narrative review of literature.
AB  - Physiological changes of pregnancy imposes higher risk of acute respiratory
      failure (ARF) with even a slight insult and remains an important cause of
      maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Although pregnant women have
      different respiratory physiology and different causes of ARF, guidelines specific
      to ventilatory settings, goals of oxygenation and weaning process could not be
      framed due to lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials. During the 2009
      H1N1 pandemic, pregnant women had higher morbidity and mortality compared to
      nonpregnant women. During this period, alternative strategies of ventilation such
      as high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, inhalational of nitric oxide, prone
      positioning, and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation were increasingly used as a
      desperate measure to rescue pregnant patients with severe hypoxemia who were not
      improving with conventional mechanical ventilation. This article highlights the
      causes of ARF and recent advances in invasive, noninvasive and alternative
      strategies of ventilation used during pregnancy.

PMID- 28096572
TI  - Current and emerging treatments for hypercholesterolemia: A focus on statins and
      proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin Type 9 inhibitors for perioperative
      clinicians.
AB  - Statins are a mainstay of hyperlipidemia treatment. These drugs inhibit the
      enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and have beneficial
      effects on atherosclerosis including plaque stabilization, reduction of platelet
      activation, and reduction of plaque proliferation and inflammation. Statins also
      have a benefit beyond atherosclerotic plaque, including anticoagulation,
      vasodilatation, antioxidant effects, and reduction of mediators of inflammation.
      In the perioperative period, statins appear to contribute to improved outcomes
      via these mechanisms. Both vascular and nonvascular surgery patients have been
      shown in prospective studies to have lower risk of adverse cardiac outcomes when
      initiated on statins preoperatively. However, not all patients can tolerate
      statins; the search for novel lipid-lowering therapies led to the discovery of
      the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. These drugs
      are fully-humanized, injectable monoclonal antibodies. With lower PCSK9 activity,
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) receptors are more likely to be
      recycled to the hepatocyte surface, where they serve to clear plasma LDL-C.
      Evidence from several prospective studies shows that these new agents can
      significantly lower LDL-C levels. While PCSK9 inhibitors offer hope of effective
      therapy for patients with familial hyperlipidemia or intolerance of statins,
      several important questions remain, including the results of long term
      cardiovascular outcome studies. The perioperative effects of new LDL-C-lowering
      drugs are unknown at present but are likely to be similar to the older agents.

PMID- 28096573
TI  - Prolonged patient emergence time among clinical anesthesia resident trainees.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Emergence time, or the duration between incision closure and
      extubation, is costly nonoperative time. Efforts to improve operating room
      efficiency and identify trainee progress make such time intervals of interest. We
      sought to calculate the incidence of prolonged emergence (i.e., >15 min) for
      patients under the care of clinical anesthesia (CA) residents. We also sought to
      identify factors from resident training, medical history, anesthetic use, and
      anesthesia staffing, which affect emergence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this single
      center, historical cohort study, perioperative information management systems
      provided data for surgical cases under resident care at a tertiary care center in
      the United States from 2006 to 2008. Using multiple logistic regression, the
      effects of variables on emergence was analyzed. RESULTS: Of 7687 cases under the
      care of 27 residents, the incidence of prolonged emergence was 13.9%. Emergence
      prolongation decreased by month in training for 1st-year (CA-1) residents (r2 =
      0.7, P < 0.001), but not for CA-2 and CA-3 residents. Mean patient emergence time
      differed among 27 residents (P < 0.01 for 58.4% or 205/351 paired comparisons).
      In a model restricted to 1st-year residents, patient male gender, American
      Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status >II, emergency surgical case,
      operative duration >=2 h, and paralytic agent use were associated with higher
      frequency of prolonged emergence, while sevoflurane or desflurane use was
      associated with lower frequency. Attending anesthesiologist handoff was not
      associated with longer emergence. CONCLUSION: Incidence of prolonged emergence
      from general anesthesia differed significantly among trainees, by resident
      training duration, and for patients with ASA >II.

PMID- 28096574
TI  - Awareness during general anesthesia: An Indian viewpoint.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The incidence of intra-operative awareness with explicit
      recall in the Western world has been reported to be between 0.1% and 0.2% in the
      general surgical population and up to 1-2% of patients at high risk for this
      complication. Awareness in the Indian population has never been studied; we
      therefore wanted to detect the incidence of awareness in patients who were at
      high risk of experiencing awareness during surgery in our population. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective single-center observational study at a
      600-bedded tertiary cancer care referral hospital. We recruited adult patients
      posted for major cancer surgery who were considered to be at high risk for
      awareness. These patients were interviewed at three time-points using the
      structured modified Brice interview questionnaire. The primary outcome studied
      was the incidence of definite intra-operative awareness. RESULTS: A total of 934
      patients were included in the final analysis of which none reported awareness.
      Using the rule of three (Hanley and Lippman-Hand) we conclude that the upper 95%
      confidence interval for the incidence of awareness in this population is <1 in
      300 (0.33%). CONCLUSION: Awareness under anesthesia is a distressing complication
      with a potential for long-term psychological consequences, and every effort
      should be undertaken to prevent it. It is reassuring though that our data in
      Indian cancer patients at high risk for intra-operative awareness suggests that
      it is an uncommon occurrence.

PMID- 28096575
TI  - The effect of epidural dexmedetomidine on oxygenation and shunt fraction in
      patients undergoing thoracotomy and one lung ventilation: A randomized controlled
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Role of epidural dexmedetomidine in providing analgesia is
      well documented, but its effect on oxygenation and shunt fraction is not well
      established. We studied the hypothesis that epidural dexmedetomidine may improve
      oxygenation and shunt fraction during one-lung ventilation (OLV). MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: After taking Institutional Ethics Committee approval, sixty patients
      undergoing thoracotomy and OLV were randomized to receive epidural ropivacaine
      with saline (RS group) or epidural ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine (RD group).
      Group RS received 7 ml of ropivacaine 0.5% with 1.5 ml normal saline (NS) bolus
      while RD group received 7 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine with 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine
      reconstituted in 1.5 ml NS. This was followed by infusion of 5 ml/h of 0.5%
      ropivacaine in RS group and 5 ml/h of 0.5% ropivacaine containing 0.2 mcg/kg of
      dexmedetomidine in RD group. Arterial and central venous blood gas parameters
      were obtained 15 minutes after intubation during two lung ventilation (TLV15), 15
      and 45 min after OLV (OLV15, OLV45) and 15 minutes after reinstitution of two
      lung ventilation (ReTLV). RESULTS: RD group had better oxygenation (254.2 +/-
      72.3 mmHg, 240.60 +/- 59.26 mmHg) as compared to RS group (215.2 +/- 64.3 mmHg,
      190.7 +/- 61.48 mmHg) at OLV15 (P - 0.04) and OLV45 (P - 0.004) respectively.
      Shunt fraction in RD group was (30.31 +/- 7.89%, 33.76 +/- 8.89%) and (35.14 +/-
      7.58%, 39.57 +/- 13.03%) in RS group at OLV15 and OLV45, respectively. The
      increase in the shunt fraction from TLV15 was significantly greater in RS group
      than RD group both at OLV15 (P - 0.03) and OLV45 (P - 0.03). The sevoflurane and
      fentanyl requirement was lower in RD group. CONCLUSION: Epidural dexmedetomidine
      improves oxygenation and reduces shunt fraction during OLV, in patients
      undergoing thoracotomy. It also reduces intraoperative anesthetic and analgesic
      requirement.

PMID- 28096576
TI  - Role of edaravone in managemant of septic peritonitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sepsis is a complex rapidly progressive infectious disease
      that remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients and
      trauma victims. Edaravone a novel free radical scavenger was approved in 2001 in
      Japan for treatment of acute cerebral and myocardial infarction. Hence, in this
      work we attempt to evaluate its role in cases of septic peritonitis (SP).
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective randomized observer-blinded study
      carried out in surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after approval by Hospital
      Ethical Committee. After admission to ICU patients were randomly divided into two
      groups of thirty patients each-Group (C): Control group managed according to the
      routine protocol of sepsis and Group (E): Edaravone treated SP managed according
      to the routine protocol of sepsis + edaravone at dose of 30 mg/12 h intravenous
      infusion for 2 weeks. All patients were monitored for invasive blood pressure,
      central venous pressure, heart rate, temperature, urine output, total fluid
      balance, and routine investigation. Blood sample was taken weekly for 2 weeks to
      measure the following parameters: Nuclear transcription factor kappa B activity
      (NFKB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), heat shock protein 72 (HSP 72)
      and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). RESULTS: There was significant decrease (P
      < 0.05) in serum level of NFKB, MAPK in Group E in comparison with Group C. While
      serum level of HSP 72 and TAC showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in Group E
      compared with Group C with better outcome. CONCLUSION: SP treatment with
      edaravone could significantly improve the inflammatory and oxidative states with
      better patient outcomes.

PMID- 28096577
TI  - The effect of atrial natriuretic peptide infusion on intestinal injury in septic
      shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of atrial
      natriuretic peptide (ANP) on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in septic
      shock. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled, observer
      blinded study was carried out in surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), University
      Hospital. Forty adult patients in septic shock were randomly divided into two
      groups, control group (Group C) received normal saline and ANP group (Group A)
      patients received ANP in the form of 1.5 mg vial added to 250 ml solvent in
      plastic bag (1 ml = 6 micg) given at 2 mcg/kg intravenous bolus over 1 min
      followed by 0.01 mcg/kg/min for 24 h. The primary outcome measurements were blood
      marker of intestinal hypoperfusion in form of intestinal fatty acid binding
      protein (I-FABP), malondialdehyde (MDA), myloperoxidase enzyme activity (MPO),
      protein carbonyl (PC), and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPA) measured before
      start of ANP infusion, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after start of infusion. The secondary
      outcome measurements were the duration of noradrenaline infusion, duration of ICU
      stay, hospital mortality rate, and complications related to ANP. RESULTS: In
      comparison with Group C, Group A showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in
      serum level of MPO, MDA, PC, and I-FABP, with a significant increase (P < 0.05)
      in serum level of GPA, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after the start of ANP infusion. There
      was significant decrease (P < 0.05) in mean duration of noradrenaline infusion,
      the length of ICU stay and mortality rate in Group A in comparison with Group C.
      In Group A, seven patients had mean arterial blood pressure < 65 mmHg but respond
      to volume resuscitation, three patients serum sodium was 125-130 mmol/L.
      CONCLUSION: In cases of septic shock, concomitant administration of ANP with
      noradrenaline may have a protective effect against intestinal injury through a
      decrease in the level of intestinal hypoperfusion owing to its anti-inflammatory
      and antioxidant effect.

PMID- 28096578
TI  - The effect of pregabalin and s-ketamine in total knee arthroplasty patients: A
      randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pain reduction is important for rehabilitation after total
      knee arthroplasty. Intra- and peri-articular infiltration with local anesthetics
      may be an alternative to commonly used locoregional techniques. Adding pregabalin
      orally and s-ketamine intravenously may further reduce postoperative pain.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled study compared two methods of perioperative analgesia. Control
      patients received a standardized multimodal postoperative analgesic regime of
      paracetamol, diclofenac, and piritramide-patient-controlled analgesia, including
      ropivacaine knee infiltration during surgery. The study group received pregabalin
      orally and s-ketamine intravenously as an additional medication to the standard
      multimodal regimen. The control group received placebo. RESULTS: The study group
      showed lower piritramide consumption during the first 24 h (P: 0.043), but with
      more side effects such as diplopia and dizziness. CONCLUSION: Addition of
      pregabalin and s-ketamine resulted in lower piritramide consumption during the
      first 24 h postoperatively. However, more investigation on benefits versus side
      effects of this medication is required.

PMID- 28096579
TI  - Intrathecal ropivacaine with or without tramadol for lower limb orthopedic
      surgeries.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Preservative free tramadol has been used as an adjuvant to
      intrathecal bupivacaine. However, the effect of the addition of tramadol on
      intrathecal isobaric ropivacaine has never been studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted in 50 adult male
      American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II patients, aged 18-60 years,
      being operated for unilateral femur fractures. An epidural catheter was inserted
      in L2-L3 interspace and subarachnoid block was given in L3-L4 space. The patients
      were randomized to receive 0.5 mL normal saline (group R) or 0.5 mL (25 mg)
      preservative free tramadol (group RT) with 2.5 mL of 0.75% intrathecal
      ropivacaine. Hemodynamic parameters, sensory level, motor block, sedation and
      side-effects were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test,
      Chi-square test, Fischer's exact test and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: The
      time of sensory block onset was 9.2 +/- 4.9 min and 8.6 +/- 5.3 min (P = 0.714)
      in group R and group RT, respectively. The motor block onset was also comparable
      in both the groups (P = 0.112). The duration of sensory block was 147.2 +/- 37.4
      min in group R and 160.4 +/- 40.9 min in group RT (P = 0.252). The median maximum
      block height achieved in both the groups was T6 and the time to achieve the
      maximum block was also comparable statistically (P = 0.301). CONCLUSION: The
      addition of intrathecal tramadol 25 mg to the isobaric ropivacaine does not alter
      the block characteristics produced by intrathecal ropivacaine alone.

PMID- 28096580
TI  - Randomized double-blind comparison of remifentanil and alfentanil in patients
      undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using total intravenous anesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To compare the use of remifentanil and alfentanil to
      suppress intraoperative adrenergic response of pain and the influence of these
      drugs on the recovery profile in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
      using a total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One
      hundred patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized
      to be managed with either remifentanil (group R) or alfentanil (group A). During
      general anesthesia, we evaluated adrenergic responses to intubation to first
      surgical incision and over the surgical procedure. We also recorded time to first
      spontaneous breathing, time to successful ventilation, time to respond to verbal
      orders, and time to extubation. RESULTS: The R group reported a significantly
      lower number of responses to intubation and responses to first surgical incision
      (14% vs. 30%; P = 0.013 and 8% vs. 18%; P = 0,037, respectively). The event of
      one or more responses during the surgical procedure was also lower in the R group
      (56% vs. 70%; P = 0.017). Hypertensive response to surgical stimuli during the
      procedure was lower in the R group as well as a lower frequency of tachycardia
      episodes in this group (34% vs. 56%; P = 0.033 and 28% vs. 44%; P = 0.041,
      respectively). No differences were found between groups relating to the
      percentage of hypotensive episodes and no episodes of bradycardia were
      appreciated. Both groups were similar relating to recovery times: time to the
      first spontaneous breathing, time to successful ventilation, time to respond to
      verbal orders, and time to extubation. CONCLUSION: Remifentanil showed a more
      stable hemodynamic response during the surgery compared with the use of
      alfentanil in anesthetized patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using
      TIVA. Both opioids, alfentanil and remifentanil, have a similar recovery profile,
      and they do not delay time to awakening.

PMID- 28096581
TI  - Role of preemptive tapentadol in reduction of postoperative analgesic
      requirements after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Poorly managed acute postoperative pain may result in
      prolonged morbidity. Various pharmacotherapies have targeted this, but research
      on an ideal preemptive analgesic continues, taking into account drug-related side
      effects. Considering the better tolerability profile of tapentadol, we assessed
      its role as a preemptive analgesic in the reduction of postoperative analgesic
      requirements, after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a
      prospective-double-blinded fashion, sixty patients posted for above surgery, were
      randomized to receive tablet tapentadol 75 mg (Group A) or starch tablets (Group
      B) orally, an hour before induction of general anesthesia. Perioperative
      analgesic requirement, time to first analgesia, pain, and sedation score were
      compared for first 24 h during the postoperative period and analyzed by one-way
      analysis of variance test. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sixty
      patients were analyzed. The perioperative analgesic requirement was significantly
      lower in Group A. Verbal numerical score was significantly lower in Group A at
      the time point, immediately after shifting the patient to the postanesthesia care
      unit. Ramsay sedation scores were similar between the groups. No major side
      effects were observed except for nausea and vomiting in 26 cases (10 in Group A,
      16 in Group B). CONCLUSION: Single preemptive oral dose of tapentadol (75 mg) is
      effective in reducing perioperative analgesic requirements and acute
      postoperative pain, without added side effects. It could be an appropriate
      preemptive analgesic, subjected to future trials concentrating upon its dose
      response effects.

PMID- 28096582
TI  - Comparison of different regimens of intravenous dexmedetomidine on duration of
      subarachnoid block.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many studies have studied the effect of intravenous
      dexmedetomidine on the prolongation of the duration of the subarachnoid block
      (SAB). These studies had administered dexmedetomidine using different regimens.
      This study was designed to find out the suitable regimen with maximum advantages
      and minimum disadvantages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-three ASA 1 and 2
      patients scheduled to undergo surgeries under SAB were randomly allocated into
      three groups namely B, M, and BM. After SAB, Group B received 0.5 MUg/kg of
      dexmedetomidine bolus over 15 min, Group M received 0.5 MUg/kg/h of
      dexmedetomidine infusion until the end of surgery, Group BM received both bolus
      and infusion. RESULTS: The time to achieve T10 sensory level (SL) was
      significantly faster in the Groups B and BM than in the Group M. Maximum block
      height achieved was T4 and was same in all the groups. The Time to achieve
      maximum SL and Bromage 3 was comparable in all groups. The two-segment regression
      time and time to reach Bromage 0 was significantly higher in Groups M and BM than
      Group B. The time for a first request of analgesia was similar in Groups M and
      BM. The maximum sedation attained in all groups was Ramsay Sedation Score of 3.
      Side effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, and desaturation were comparable
      between the groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the continuous infusion of
      dexmedetomidine results in more advantages than just a bolus dose. Therefore, we
      suggest using only the maintenance dose of intravenous dexmedetomidine after
      subarachnoid blockade for prolonging the duration and achieving sedation.

PMID- 28096583
TI  - Addition of clonidine to bupivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block
      prolongs postoperative analgesia after cesarean section.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim was to compare duration of postoperative analgesia
      with addition of clonidine to bupivacaine in bilateral transversus abdominis
      plane (TAP) block after lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: One hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II
      pregnant patients undergoing LSCS under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided
      to receive either 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% (Group B; n = 50) or 20 ml
      bupivacaine+1ug/kg clonidine bilaterally (Group BC; n = 50) in TAP block in a
      double-blind fashion. The total duration of analgesia, patient satisfaction
      score, total requirement of analgesics in the first 24 h, and the side effects of
      clonidine such as sedation, dryness of mouth, hypotension, and bradycardia were
      observed. P < 0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS: In 99 patients analyzed,
      TAP block failed in five patients. Duration of analgesia was significantly longer
      in Group BC (17.8 +/- 3.7 h) compared to Group B (7.3 +/- 1.2 h; P < 0.01). Mean
      consumption of diclofenac was 150 mg and 65.4 mg in Groups B and BC (P < 0.01),
      respectively. All patients in Group BC were extremely satisfied (P < 0.01) while
      those in Group B were satisfied. Thirteen patients (28%) in Group BC were sedated
      but arousable (P = 0.01) compared to none in Group B. In Group BC, 19 patients
      complained of dry mouth compared to 13 in Group B (P = 0.121). None of the
      patients experienced hypotension or bradycardia. CONCLUSION: Addition of
      clonidine 1 MUg/kg to 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% in TAP block bilaterally for
      cesarean section significantly increases the duration of postoperative analgesia,
      decreases postoperative analgesic requirement, and increases maternal comfort
      compared to 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% alone.

PMID- 28096584
TI  - Randomized controlled study comparing the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy
      and endotracheal intubation with McCoy, Macintosh, and C-MAC laryngoscopes in
      adult patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Earlier studies have shown that the type of laryngoscope
      blade influences the degree of hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation.
      The aim of the study was to evaluate the hemodynamic response to oral
      endotracheal intubation with C-MAC laryngoscopy and McCoy laryngoscopy compared
      to that of Macintosh laryngoscopy in adult patients under general anesthesia.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective randomized parallel group study.
      Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists I patients were randomly allotted
      into three groups. Group A - Macintosh laryngoscopy (control group). Group B -
      laryngoscopy with McCoy laryngoscope. Group C - laryngoscopy with C-MAC video
      laryngoscope. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood
      pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored at baseline (just
      before induction), just before intubation (T0), 1 min (T1), 3 min (T3), 5 min
      (T5), and 10 min (T10) after intubation. Intergroup comparison of study
      parameters was done by unpaired sample t-test for normal data and Mann-Whitney U
      test for skewed data. For within-group comparison, the repeated measures of ANOVA
      for normal data and Friedman followed by Wilcoxon signed rank test for skewed
      data were performed. RESULTS: In C-MAC group, the HR was significantly higher
      than the Macintosh group at 3 min after intubation, whereas SBP, DBP, and MAP
      were significantly higher at 1 min. McCoy group showed a similar response
      compared to Macintosh group at all time intervals. CONCLUSION: C-MAC video
      laryngoscope has a comparatively greater hemodynamic response than Macintosh
      laryngoscope.

PMID- 28096585
TI  - Comparison of three insertion techniques of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway: A
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We aimed to compare three techniques for insertion of
      ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred ten
      patients (American Society of Anaethesiologists I-II, aged 18-60 years)
      undergoing general anesthesia using the PLMA as an airway management device were
      randomly allocated to digital (D), rotational (R), or pharyngoscopic (P)
      techniques. In the D group (n = 70), the PLMA insertion was performed by using
      digital manipulation. In the R group (n = 70), the PLMA was inserted into the
      mouth, rotated anticlockwise through 90 degrees  and advanced into the
      hypopharynx. In the P group (n = 70), the PLMA was inserted after gentle
      pharyngoscopy using laryngoscope. Success rate at the first attempt, insertion
      time, airway manipulations required, and postoperative complications were noted.
      RESULTS: Insertion at first attempt was more successful with P technique than the
      R and D groups (100% vs. 98.5% vs. 81.4% respectively, P < 0.01). Insertion time
      was shortest for the P group which was statistically significant compared to the
      group D (P < 0.001), but comparable with the R group. None of the patients
      required manipulation in the P group compared to the group R (P = 0.04) and D (P
      < 0.001). Blood staining (group P = 2.8% vs. group R = 2.8% vs. group D = 22%, P
      < 0.0001) and sore throat (group P = 0% vs. group R = 6.9% vs. group D = 16.7%,
      both: P < 0.005) were lower with the pharyngoscopic technique. CONCLUSION: We
      conclude that the pharyngoscopic technique for PLMA insertion is more successful
      with lower incidence of complications (mucosal bleeding and sore throat).

PMID- 28096586
TI  - Comparison of intubating laryngeal mask airway and fiberoptic bronchoscopy for
      endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing cervical discectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Direct laryngoscopy is hazardous in patients with cervical
      posterior intervertebral disc prolapse (PIVD) as it may worsen the existing cord
      compression. To achieve smooth intubation, many adjuncts such as fiberoptic
      bronchoscope (FOB), video laryngoscopes, lighted stylets, and intubating
      laryngeal mask airways (ILMAs) are available. However, there is a paucity of
      literature comparing ILMA with fiberoptic intubation in patients with PIVD.
      Hence, this study was designed to compare the effectiveness of ILMA technique
      with FOB to accomplish endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing cervical
      discectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients of age group 20-60 years, of
      American Society of Anesthesiologists status I or II, were enrolled in this
      prospective and randomized study. They were allocated to one of the two groups,
      ILMA group and FOB group. The patients were intubated orally using either
      equipment, after dexmedetomidine premedication and induction of general
      anesthesia. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to find the significance
      of study parameters on a categorical scale. Paired samples t-test and Student's t
      test were used to find the significance of study parameters on a continuous
      scale. Significance was assessed at 5% level of significance. RESULTS:
      Bronchoscopy was a faster method of securing airway as compared with ILMA (38.13
      +/- 11.52 vs. 29.83 +/- 13.75 s). Tracheal intubation was successful in all 60
      patients (100%), belonging to both groups. CONCLUSION: ILMA and FOB were
      comparable with regards to ease of intubation in terms of time, the number of
      attempts and hemodynamic stability.

PMID- 28096587
TI  - Is dedicating an ultrasound machine to regional anesthesia an economically viable
      option?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The cost effectiveness of ultrasound-guided regional
      anesthesia is an issue which requires discussion. Based on our experience, we
      hypothesized that this is an economically viable option. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In
      this retrospective study, we included 90 patients who underwent upper extremity
      surgeries in our institute solely under ultrasound (USG)-guided brachial plexus
      blocks in a year. The cost of the block was derived by adding the cost of the
      material and drugs used for the block. This cost was subtracted from the cost
      that otherwise would have been incurred for general anesthesia (GA) of similar
      duration. This cost difference or benefit per case was then used to calculate the
      duration in years required to recover the cost of the ultrasound machine.
      STATISTICS: Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0. Analysis of variance was applied
      to compare mean benefits as per surgery, block, and duration. Ninety-five percent
      confidence interval for mean were calculated. Level of significance was taken as
      P = 0.05. RESULTS: There were significant economic benefits using ultrasound
      guidance as compared to GA. Benefits differed significantly as per the type of
      surgery, type of block, and duration of the surgery. With the cost benefit that
      we have obtained, the cost of USG machine can be recovered in about 3 years.
      CONCLUSION: USG regional anesthesia is an economically viable concept. The cost
      benefit increases with the duration of a given surgery and increases with the
      number of blocks.

PMID- 28096588
TI  - Prolonged coma after anesthesia.

PMID- 28096589
TI  - Water-cooled radiofrequency neuroablation for sacroiliac joint dysfunctional
      pain.
AB  - Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a common source of chronic low-back pain.
      Recent evidences from different parts of the world suggest that cooled
      radiofrequency (RF) neuroablation of sacral nerves supplying SI joints has
      superior pain alleviating properties than available existing treatment options
      for SI joint dysfunctional pain. A 35-year-old male had intractable bilateral SI
      joint pain (numeric rating scale [NRS] - 9/10) with poor treatment response to
      intra-articular steroid therapy. Bilateral water cooled = RF was applied for
      neuroablation of nerves supplying both SI joints. Postprocedure pain intensity
      was 5/10 and after 7 days it was 2/10. On 18th-month follow-up, he is pain free
      except for mild pain (NRS 2/10) on occasional extreme twisting of the back. This
      case attempts to highlight that sacral neuroablation based on cooled RF technique
      can be a long lasting remedial option for chronic SI joint pain unresponsive to
      conventional treatment.

PMID- 28096590
TI  - Posterior cerebral stroke: An unusual cause of postoperative bilateral
      sensorineural hearing loss after laparoscopic surgery.

PMID- 28096591
TI  - Factitious reading by gas monitor.

PMID- 28096592
TI  - Intrathoracic bronchial intubation: A feasible option to manage life-threatening
      hypoxia in a neonate.

PMID- 28096593
TI  - Emergency craniotomy in Glanzmann thrombasthenia: Anesthetic management and brief
      review of literature.

PMID- 28096595
TI  - Hyperventilation syndrome after general anesthesia: Our experience.

PMID- 28096594
TI  - Lateral position... beware!

PMID- 28096596
TI  - Hydatidiform mole with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism: An anesthetic challenge.

PMID- 28096597
TI  - Cardiac arrest after tramadol injection in a polytrauma patient.

PMID- 28096598
TI  - Cognitive function test: Is preanesthesia checkup complete without this?

PMID- 28096599
TI  - Do we need bronchoscopy during percutaneous tracheostomy?

PMID- 28096600
TI  - Lower tidal volumes through ProSeal laryngeal mask airway as compared to
      endotracheal tube?

PMID- 28096601
TI  - Video laryngoscope aids in the assessment of vocal cord paralysis due to
      recurrent laryngeal nerve injury after thyroid surgery.

PMID- 28096602
TI  - Surface plasmon resonance based biosensor: A new platform for rapid diagnosis of
      livestock diseases.
AB  - Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensors are the most advanced and
      developed optical label-free biosensor technique used for powerful detection with
      vast applications in environmental protection, biotechnology, medical
      diagnostics, drug screening, food safety, and security as well in livestock
      sector. The livestock sector which contributes the largest economy of India,
      harbors many bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases impacting a great loss to the
      production and productive potential which is a major concern in both small and
      large ruminants. Hence, an accurate, sensitive, and rapid diagnosis is required
      for prevention of these above-mentioned diseases. SPR based biosensor assay may
      fulfill the above characteristics which lead to a greater platform for rapid
      diagnosis of different livestock diseases. Hence, this review may give a detail
      idea about the principle, recent development of SPR based biosensor techniques
      and its application in livestock sector.

PMID- 28096603
TI  - Gastrointestinal nematode larvae in the grazing land of cattle in Guwahati,
      Assam.
AB  - AIM: To know the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode larvae (L3) in the
      grazing land of cattle in Guwahati, Kamrup district, Assam. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Pastures were collected and examined for the presence of nematode larvae
      (L3) from six localities of Guwahati at monthly interval from August 2012 to July
      2013. The counted larvae were then expressed as per kg dry matter of herbage
      (L3/kg DM). RESULTS: Examination of pastures revealed presence of nematode larvae
      (L3) in pastures throughout the year which varied from 4.5 L3/kg DM in January to
      a maximum of 106.33 L3/kg DM in August. The L3 of Haemonchus contortus,
      Trichostrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Cooperia spp., and Mecistocirrus
      spp. were recovered from pastures. The average pasture larval burden (PLB) was
      34.75+/-3.48 L3/kg DM. Season-wise PLB revealed the presence of 23.89+/-3.01,
      67.54+/-5.41, 26.67+/-1.92, and 7.28+/-0.89 L3/kg DM during pre-monsoon, monsoon,
      post-monsoon, and winter seasons, respectively. Monsoon season has significant
      (p<0.05) effect on PLB. However, analysis of variance of different locations with
      respect to season revealed that there was no significant difference but season
      wise it was highly significant (p<0.01). Pearson correlation of environmental
      variables (temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall) with PLB revealed
      correlation was statistically significant with rainfall (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:
      This study reveals the presence of five nematode larvae (L3) in the pastures of
      Guwahati, Assam throughout the year, statistically significant during monsoon
      season.

PMID- 28096604
TI  - Ocimum sanctum Linn. stimulate the expression of choline acetyltransferase on the
      human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells.
AB  - AIM: This research was conducted to identify the expression of choline
      acetyltransferase (ChAT) in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells
      (HCMECs) and to clarify the capability of Ocimum sanctum Linn. ethanolic extract
      to stimulate the presence of ChAT in the aging HCMECs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this study, we perform an in vitro analysis some in the presence of an ethanolic
      extract of O. sanctum Linn. as a stimulator for the ChAT expression. HCMECs are
      divided become two groups, the first is in low passage cells as a model of young
      aged and the second is in a high passage as a model of aging. Furthermore to
      analysis the expression of ChAT without and with extract treatments,
      immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry analysis were performed. In addition, ChAT
      sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is developed to detect the increasing
      activity of the ChAT under normal, and aging HCMECs on the condition treated and
      untreated cells. RESULTS: In our in vitro models using HCMECs, we found that ChAT
      is expressed throughout intracytoplasmic areas. On the status of aging, the
      ethanolic extract from O. sanctum Linn. is capable to stimulate and restore the
      expression of ChAT. The increasing of ChAT expression is in line with the
      increasing activity of this enzyme on the aging treated HCMECs. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      observation indicates that HCMECs is one of the noncholinergic cells which is
      produced ChAT. The administrated of O. sanctum Linn. ethanolic extract may
      stimulate and restore the expression of ChAT on the deteriorating cells of
      HCMECs, thus its may give nerve protection and help the production of
      acetylcholine.

PMID- 28096605
TI  - Molecular and epidemiological updates on cystic echinococcosis infecting water
      buffaloes from Egypt.
AB  - AIM: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) represents a serious parasitic disease at both
      animal and public health levels. The majority of reports negated the CE infection
      in buffaloes from Egypt; however, one study illustrated their infection with G6
      genotype (camel strain). The present work contributed to update the
      epidemiological and molecular knowledge about CE infecting this economically
      important animal for better understanding of its role in maintaining the
      Echinococcus life cycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 slaughtered water
      buffaloes at Mansoura abattoir, Dakahlia province, Egypt, were inspected for the
      existence of hydatid cysts. Cysts location and fertility were examined. Five out
      of 27 revealed cysts were tested molecularly using both cytochrome C oxidase
      subunit 1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen subunit 1 (nadh1) genes.
      RESULTS: Low prevalence (4.2%) as well as considerably low fertility rate (14.8%)
      of buffaloes CE was noted. G1 genotype (common sheep strain) was revealed from
      the five examined cysts. At the level of nadh1 partial sequences, a globally
      singleton G1 haplotype was reported. CONCLUSION: This the first report about the
      G1 infection in buffaloes from Egypt. This study proposed the minimized role of
      this animal in echinococcosis transmission. These findings could provide
      preliminary data for the local control of this disease.

PMID- 28096606
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of glycoprotein B gene sequences of bovine herpesvirus 1
      isolates from India reveals the predominance of subtype 1.1.
AB  - AIM: This study was conducted for the isolation and molecular characterization of
      bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) isolated from the nasal and vaginal swabs collected
      from naturally infected cattle showing clinical symptoms of the respiratory
      disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Isolation of BoHV-1 virus performed on clinical
      samples collected from 65 cattle from five states of India. The BoHV-1 isolates
      were further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific
      for glycoprotein B (gB) genomic region. PCR amplification was performed using
      previously published gB gene-specific primer pairs. gB PCR amplicons obtained
      from all isolates were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using
      software. RESULTS: A total of 12 samples were found positive in cell culture
      isolation. 11 isolates showed the visible cytopathic effect on Madin-Darby bovine
      kidney after 72 h. Partial sequence analysis of gB gene of all isolates revealed
      99.0-100% homology between them. All isolates showed 99.2-99.8% homology with
      Cooper stain. CONCLUSION: BoHV-1.1 is the predominant circulating subtype of BoHV
      in India, and all isolates have homology with Cooper stain.

PMID- 28096608
TI  - Effect of Aegle marmelos and Murraya koenigii in treatment of delayed pubertal
      buffaloes heifers.
AB  - AIM: This study aims to study the estrus induction, ovulation, and conception
      rate of delayed puberty in buffaloes heifers by feeding a herbal plants Aegle
      marmelos (bael/bili/bhel leaf) and Murraya koenigii (Curry leaf). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Totally, 24 buffalo heifers with delayed puberty were selected for the
      present study and divided randomly in four equal groups (n=6). Before experiment,
      all animals were dewormed with albendazole at 10 mg/kg body weight to prevent
      them from the stress of parasitism. In the present experiment, four group taken
      and Group I (n=6) treated with A. marmelos, Group II (n=6) treated with M.
      koenigii, Group III (n=6) treated with mixture of A. marmelos and M. koenigii and
      fed for 9 days. Group IV (n=6) considered as control and fed with concentrate
      only. The blood samples were collected from all the animals on day 0 (before
      treatment), 4, 9 (during treatment), on the day of estrus and day 8 after the
      onset of estrus. The 10 ml blood was collected from the jugular vein of all the
      experimental animals for estimation of serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and
      progesterone (P4). The estrus response, ovulation, conception rate along with
      serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and progesterone level were determined by
      the standard protocol. RESULTS: From Group III 4 heifers, from Group II 3
      heifers, and from Group I and IV (Control) 2 heifers each, exhibited the estrus.
      The estrus response was recorded as 33.33%, 50.00%, 75.00%, and 33.33% in Group
      I, Group II, Group III, and Group IV, respectively. In treatment Group III, serum
      calcium found significantly more (p<0.05) on day 8 post-estrus as compared to
      other groups at a similar interval. Inorganic phosphorus and progesterone show no
      significant difference between groups. The ovulation and conception rates are
      comparatively better in Group III (75%) buffalo heifers than other groups.
      CONCLUSION: Herbal supplementation of A. marmelos and M. koenigii in combination,
      as well as M. koenigii alone, were found effective in fertility improvement in
      delayed pubertal buffalo heifers by increasing ovulation and conception rate.

PMID- 28096607
TI  - Diagnosis and management of bovine babesiosis outbreaks in cattle in Punjab
      state.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to diagnose severe outbreaks of bovine
      babesiosis in Punjab state, in the year 2015 and to suggest control and
      preventive measures to animal owners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mortality of animals
      was recorded in two cattle herd comprising a total of 465 cattle in Sangrur
      (n=125) and Faridkot (n=340) districts. There was a history of purchase of
      animals at one farm. 23 blood samples were collected from diseased (n=15) and
      healthy animals (n=8) for hematological analysis, parasitological, and polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnosis. Ticks were also collected from animals for
      identification. RESULTS: Out of 465 cattle at risk, 28 were critically ill and 14
      died of disease with morbidity, mortality, and case fatality rate of 6.02%,
      3.01%, and 50.00%, respectively. Clinical signs and necropsy findings were
      suggestive of babesiosis. Ticks collected from both the outbreaks were identified
      as Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Thin blood smears from infected animals
      (especially with clinical sign of hemoglobinuria) were found positive for Babesia
      bigemina organisms; however, molecular diagnosis (PCR) further confirmed the
      disease. Animals were successfully treated with diminazene aceturate, hematinics,
      and antipyretics. CONCLUSIONS: Two fatal outbreaks of babesiosis in cattle were
      diagnosed with application of conventional parasitological, hematological, and
      molecular diagnostic techniques. PCR was found to be far more sensitive in
      detecting the disease, especially in latent infections. Animal owners were
      advised to follow quarantine measures before mixing new animals in the herd and
      strategic acaricidal treatments for effective tick control.

PMID- 28096609
TI  - Studies on alterations of clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters before and
      after treatment in calves naturally infected with theileriosis.
AB  - AIM: The aim was to determine hemato-biochemical alterations and to determine the
      better treatment of theileriosis in naturally infected calves. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 74 Holstein crossbred calves below 6 months of age, of either
      sex were included for present investigation in Bikaner. Based on the clinical
      examinations and laboratory results, 20 calves included for hemato-biochemical
      studies (before and after treatment) and divided into two groups (having 10
      calves each). RESULTS: The clinical examination of these calves revealed
      weakness, ticks infestations, high fever above 104 degrees F, pronounced swelling
      of prescapular, prefemoral, parotid lymph nodes, loss of elasticity of skin,
      anemia, lacrimal discharges, pulpy cornea, tachycardia, and dyspnea. There was
      highly significant decrease (p<0.01) in hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count,
      packed cell volume and total leukocyte count, serum glucose, total protein,
      globulin and albumin level and highly significant increase in aspartate
      aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase level as compared to healthy
      control animals in Group I and II. The animals of Group II treated with
      buparvaquone along with single blood transfusion shows better recovery then
      animals of Group I treated with bupavaqone and hematinic. CONCLUSIONS:
      Significant changes were found in hemato-biochemical parameters in theileria
      affected calves before treatment as compare to healthy control calves.
      Significant improvement was observed in hemato-biochemical parameters in
      buparvaquone and single blood transfusion treated calves as compare to another
      group, so it is concluded that buparvaquone and single blood transfusion is
      better combination for treatment of theileriosis.

PMID- 28096610
TI  - Investigation of body and udder skin surface temperature differentials as an
      early indicator of mastitis in Holstein Friesian crossbred cows using digital
      infrared thermography technique.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of infrared
      thermography (IRT) technique and its interrelationship with conventional mastitis
      indicators for the early detection of mastitis in Holstein Friesian (HF)
      crossbred cows. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 76 quarters of lactating HF
      crossbred (Bos indicus * Bos taurus) cows (n=19) were monitored for body
      temperature (i.e., eye temperature) and udder skin surface temperature (USST)
      before milking using forward-looking infrared (FLIR) i5 camera. Milk samples were
      collected from each quarter and screened for mastitis using Somatic Cell Count
      (SCC), Electrical Conductivity (EC), and California mastitis test. Thermographic
      images were analyzed using FLIR Quick Report 1.2 image analysis software. Data on
      body and USST were compiled and analyzed statistically using SPSS 16.0 and
      Sigmaplot 11. RESULTS: The mean+/-standard deviation (SD) body (37.23+/-0.08
      degrees C) and USST (37.22+/-0.04 degrees C) of non-mastitic cow did not differ
      significantly; however, the mean USST of the mastitis-affected quarters were
      significantly higher than the body temperature and USST of unaffected quarters
      (p<0.001). The mean+/-SD USST of the subclinical mastitis (SCM) and clinical
      mastitis-affected quarters were 38.08+/-0.17  degrees C and 38.25+/-0.33  degrees
      C, respectively, which is 0.72 and 1.05  degrees C higher than the USST
      temperature of unaffected quarters. The USST was positively correlated with EC
      (r=0.95) and SCC (r=0.93). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis
      revealed a higher sensitivity for USST in early prediction of SCM with a cut-off
      value of >37.61 degrees C. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that infrared thermal
      imaging technique could be used as a potential noninvasive, quick cow-side
      diagnostic technique for screening and early detection of SCM and clinical
      mastitis in crossbred cows.

PMID- 28096611
TI  - Recent advances in role of chromium and its antioxidant combinations in poultry
      nutrition: A review.
AB  - Poultry is reared in open side houses in most of the tropical countries, which
      results in huge temperature variation in shed causing stress resulting in
      increased demand of antioxidant supplementation. Since cooling of poultry houses
      or environment control is very expensive, thus methods focused on nutritional
      modifications appears to be the much logical approach. Stress increases mineral
      and vitamin mobilization from tissues and their excretion. Effect of some
      minerals and vitamin supplements such as chromium (Cr) and ascorbic acid to
      elevate the negative effects of environmental stress is well documented. Cr
      functions as an antioxidant and its deficiency are said to disrupt carbohydrate
      and protein metabolism. Cr has been utilized for weight gain, to improve feed
      conversion ratio, increase relative organ weight, muscle development, decrease
      cholesterol, increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and improve nutrient
      digestion. Therefore, the present review discusses the beneficial aspects of Cr
      with its effect in different doses and antioxidant combinations to explore and
      promote its optimum utilization in poultry nutrition and production.

PMID- 28096612
TI  - Effect of feeding Acacia nilotica pod meal on hematobiochemical profile and fecal
      egg count in goats.
AB  - AIM: This study was conducted to observe the effect of feeding Acacia nilotica
      pod meal on hematobiochemical profile and gastrointestinal parasitic load in
      growing goats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To experiment was conducted for a period of
      3-month on 24 male goats (31/2 month old, average body weight [BW] 6.50+/-1.50
      kg), distributed into four groups of six animals each. The experimental animals
      were fed graded level of A. nilotica pod meal (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) mixed in
      concentrate mixture equivalent to tannin concentration of 0%, 1.91%, 3.82% and
      5.73% in the total mixed ration I, II, III and IV, respectively, but ad libitum
      measured quantity of green sorghum fodder (Sorghum bicolor) feeding. The blood
      samples were collected from experimental goats during the feeding experiment for
      the examination of different hematological indices and serum biochemical profile
      to know the overall health status of animals and standard method was followed to
      analyze the samples. Fecal sample was collected directly from the anus of goats
      by inserting middle finger and kept the samples in labeled polythene bag. Further
      fresh sample was processed and examined by McMaster Technique for eggs per gram
      and oocysts per gram. It gives accurate information regarding severity of
      infection. RESULTS: The feeding of babul pod meal did not address significant
      changes about the hematological parameters among various treatment groups. The
      lymphocyte count was significantly higher (p=0.07) in T3 group as compared to
      control and increase with increase in level of babul pod meal in the diet. Blood
      urea nitrogen (BUN) level was 4.86 and 6.59% lower in T1 and T2 group as compared
      to control and inversely proportional with level of supplement in ration. The
      decrease in BUN reflected good dietary protein metabolism happened in animals
      supplemented with babul pod meal. Serum creatinine level was significantly lower
      (p<0.01) in T2 group as compared to control. The creatinine level was 20.17%
      lower in T2 group as compared to control. Haemonchus and Coccidian egg count was
      significantly reduced (p<0.01) in T2 and T3 group followed with T1 as compared to
      control group. CONCLUSION: The metabolic status of the animal was not affected
      with the supplementation of babul pod meal, however, lower serum creatinine level
      and remarkable reduction in nematode, as well as protozoan egg count in the
      treatment group, showed good health impact of babul pod.

PMID- 28096613
TI  - Immunotoxic effect of thiamethoxam in immunized mice with Brucella abortus
      cultural filtrate antigen.
AB  - AIM: This study was planned for determination the toxic effect of thiamethoxam
      (TMX) in immunized mice with Brucella abortus culture filtrate antigen (CFBAgs)
      (as a vaccine) and its role of TMX on decrease activity of B. abortus antigen on
      eliciting of humoral and cellular immunity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To achieve
      these goals 60 female mice were used, 7-8 weeks age, they were divided equally
      into three groups (20 in each group) and treated as follows: 1st group: Mice were
      immunized with CFBAgs intraperitoneally in two doses, 2 weeks intervals with
      (protein concentration 2 mg?ml), 2nd group: Mice immunized as in the 1st group
      and was administrated orally with 1/10 lethal dose 50% of TMX (83.7 mg/kg B.W.)
      for 4 weeks daily, 3rd group was administrated orally with 0.3 ml normal saline
      served as a control group. At day 28 post immunization (PI) delayed type
      hypersensitivity (skin test) was done, and serum samples were collected at day 30
      (PI) for detection of passive hemagglutination test (PHA); interferon gamma (IFN
      gamma) which was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test in addition to
      phagocytes assay. RESULTS: The results of skin test post injection with soluble
      antigen of B. abortus intradermally showed a high significantly mean values at
      p<=0.05 of footpad skin thickness in the 1st group of mice which recorded (0.51+/
      0.002 mm) as compared with the 2nd group of mice which showed (0.08+/-0.002 mm)
      after 24 h; the mean values of skin thickness were declined in the 1st mice
      (0.46+/-0.002) and 2nd mice (0.070+/-0.001) at 48 h; control group showed a
      negative results. These results were agreed with results of serum levels of IFN
      gamma (pg/ml) that showed that a significant increase the vaccinated 1st group
      (406.36+/-1.52), than those values in the 2nd group (151.61+/-0.89) and negative
      result in 3rd group (46.47+/-0.60), in addition to results of PHA test which
      showed a significant increase in antibody titer in the 1st group (139+/-12.16)
      with low level of serum antibody in the 2nd group (7.66+/-0.33). Phagocytic ratio
      results in the 1st group showed an increase to reach (18.55+/-0.44) than a ratio
      in the 2nd group (13.24+/-0.32) and the control group (5.46+/-0.25). CONCLUSION:
      It was concluded that TMX induced suppression of humoral and cellular immune
      responses in immunized mice with CFBAgs.

PMID- 28096614
TI  - Evidence of hemolysis in pigs infected with highly virulent African swine fever
      virus.
AB  - AIM: The research was conducted to understand more profoundly the pathogenetic
      aspects of the acute form of the African swine fever (ASF). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 10 pigs were inoculated with ASF virus (ASFV) (genotype II)
      in the study of the red blood cells (RBCs), blood and urine biochemistry in the
      dynamics of disease. RESULTS: The major hematological differences observed in
      ASFV infected pigs were that the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular
      hemoglobin, and hematocrits were significantly decreased compared to controls,
      and the levels of erythropoietin were significantly increased. Also were detected
      the trends of decrease in RBC count at terminal stages of ASF. Analysis of blood
      biochemistry revealed that during ASF development, besides bilirubinemia
      significantly elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate
      aminotransferase were detected. Analysis of urine biochemistry revealed the
      presence of bilirubinuria, proteinuria during ASF development. Proteinuria,
      especially at late stages of the disease reflects a severe kidney damage possible
      glomerulonefritis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate the
      characteristics of developing hemolytic anemia observed in acute ASF (genotype
      II).

PMID- 28096615
TI  - Molecular characterization of field infectious bursal disease virus isolates from
      Nigeria.
AB  - AIM: To characterize field isolates of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV)
      from outbreaks in nine states in Nigeria through reverse transcription polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequence analysis of portions of the VP2 and VP1
      genes and to determine the presence or absence of reassortant viruses. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A total of 377 bursa samples were collected from 201 suspected IBD
      outbreaks during 2009 to 2014 from nine states in Nigeria. Samples were subjected
      to RT-PCR using VP2 and VP1 gene specific primers, and the resulting PCR products
      were sequenced. RESULTS: A total of 143 samples were positive for IBDV by RT-PCR.
      These assays amplified a 743 bp fragment from nt 701 to 1444 in the IBDV VP2
      hypervariable region (hvVP2) of segment A and a 722 bp fragment from nt 168 to
      889 in the VP1 gene of segment B. RT-PCR products were sequenced, aligned and
      compared with reference IBDV sequences obtained from GenBank. All but one hvVP2
      sequence showed similarity to very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) reference strains, yet
      only 3 of the VP1 67 VP1 sequences showed similarity to the VP1 gene of vvIBDV.
      Phylogenetic analysis revealed a new lineage of Nigerian reassortant IBDV
      strains. CONCLUSION: Phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of genome segment
      A and B of IBDV in Nigeria confirmed the existence of vvIBDV in Nigeria. In
      addition, we noted the existence of reassortant IBDV strains with novel triplet
      amino acid motifs at positions 145, 146 and 147 in the reassorted Nigerian IBDV.

PMID- 28096616
TI  - Intravenous administration of puppy deciduous teeth stem cells in degenerative
      valve disease.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study is to investigate the improvement of heart
      function in dogs with chronic valvular heart disease after puppy deciduous teeth
      stem cells (pDSCs) administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 client-owned dogs
      with degenerative valvular heart disease underwent multiple intravenous
      injections of allogeneic pDSCs. Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: (i)
      Control group (n=10) with standard treatment for heart failure and (ii) group
      with standard treatment and multiple administrations of pDSCs (n=10).
      Electrocardiography, complete transthoracic echocardiography, thoracic
      radiography, and blood pressure were recorded before and after pDSCs injections
      for 15, 30 and 60 days. RESULTS: Post pDSCs injection showed measurable
      improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction, American College of Veterinary
      Internal Medicine (ACVIM) functional class significantly improved and improved
      quality of life scores were observed. In the control group, there were no
      significant enhancements in heart function or ACVIM class. CONCLUSIONS: This
      finding suggests that pDSCs could be a supplement for valvular heart disease
      treatment.

PMID- 28096618
TI  - Evaluation of sperm recovered after slaughter from cauda epididymides of red
      Sokoto bucks.
AB  - AIM: Viable spermatozoa could be recovered from the cauda epididymides for the
      purpose of preservation of genetic material of male animals with desirable traits
      and for use in reproductive biotechnology. The aim of this study was to determine
      the effect of storage time on testicular and epididymal biometry, sperm reserves
      and epididymal sperm characteristics of red Sokoto bucks post mortem. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Testes-epididymides were collected immediately after slaughter of
      mature red Sokoto bucks and transported in ice chest to the laboratory. The
      samples were either processed immediately or stored at 5 degrees C in
      refrigerator for 24, 48 h and then processed. The testes and epididymides were
      measured and weighed. Sperm motility, concentration, livability, morphology,
      intact acrosome, and sperm reserves from different treatment groups including
      control were evaluated and means (+/-standard error of mean) were recorded.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the testicular and
      epididymal dimensions determined between the means of the groups. Percent sperm
      motility and viability decreased significantly (p<0.05) after 24 h from 69.00+/
      0.46 and 71.27+/-0.50% to 50.60+/-0.48 and 60.47+/-0.70% at 48 h, respectively.
      Significant decreases (p<0.05) in epididymal sperm concentration and intact
      acrosome from 2.86+/-0.08 and 92.87+/-0.39 at 0 to 24 h of storage, respectively,
      were observed. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that spermatozoa
      recovered from the epididymides of red Sokoto bucks were viable after storage for
      up to 48 h. Furthermore, this finding offers some hope that epididymal sperm
      recovered post-mortem can be used in assisted reproductive technologies.

PMID- 28096617
TI  - Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of locally isolated Salmonella strains
      used in preparation of Salmonella antigens in Egypt.
AB  - AIM: This work was conducted to study the phenotypic and genotypic
      characterization of locally isolated Salmonella strains (Salmonella Pullorum,
      Salmonella Enteritidis, and Salmonella Typhimurium) from poultry used in the
      preparation of Salmonella antigens in Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      phenotypic characterization of Salmonella strains was done using standard
      microbiological, biochemical, and serological techniques. Molecular
      identification was done using different sets of primers on different genes using
      different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. RESULTS: The phenotypic
      characterization of Salmonella strains was confirmed. Molecular identification
      revealed detection of 284 bp fragment of InvA gene in all studied Salmonella
      strains. Furthermore, multiplex PCR was used for more confirmation of being
      Salmonella spp., generally at 429 bp as well as genotyping of Salmonella
      Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis at 559 and 312 bp, respectively, in one
      reaction. CONCLUSION: The locally isolated field Salmonella strains were
      confirmed phenotypically and genotypically to be Salmonella Enteritidis, and
      Salmonella Typhimurium and could be used for the preparation of Salmonella
      antigens.

PMID- 28096619
TI  - Detection, identification, and differentiation of sheep pox virus and goat pox
      virus from clinical cases in Giza Governorate, Egypt.
AB  - AIM: To isolate, identify, and differentiate Capripoxviruses (CaPV) (sheep pox
      virus and goat pox virus) infections by egg inoculation, transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM), and 30 kDa RNA polymerase subunit gene-based polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) (RPO30) in clinically affected animals in Hawamdia township of
      Giza Governorate, Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 37 scab samples were
      collected from clinically suspected field cases of sheep pox and goat pox. These
      samples were collected during (2014-2015) during different outbreaks of sheep pox
      and goat pox from Hawamdia township of Giza Governorate, Egypt. The samples were
      subjected to egg inoculation, TEM, and (RPO30) gene-based PCR. By using the egg
      inoculation: Previously prepared 37 scab samples (n=23 sheep and n=14 goats) were
      inoculated on the chorioallantoic membrane of specific pathogen free (SPF)
      embryonated chicken eggs (12 days old age). In the presence of the suitable
      percentage of humidity and candling, the inoculated eggs were incubated at 37
      degrees C. By using the TEM: Samples showed positive pock lesions on the
      chorioallantoic membranes, were fixed in glutaraldehyde, then processed and
      sectioned for TEM. Using the (RPO30) gene-based PCR assay, 30 of positive samples
      after egg inoculation (n=19 sheep and n=11 goats) were screened. RESULTS: Using
      the egg inoculation, a characteristic pock lesions for poxviruses were seen in
      30/37 (n=19 sheep and n=11 goats) (81.08%). Using the TEM, examination of the
      positive samples after egg inoculation revealed positive result in 23/30 (n=15
      sheep and n=8 goats) (76.66%). The positive results represented by the presence
      of negatively stained oval-shape virus particles. Using the (RPO30) gene-based
      PCR assay, out of 30 total of positive samples after egg inoculation (n=19 sheep
      and n=11 goats) were screened, 27 (90%) samples (n=17 sheep and n=10 goats) were
      positive. The given band sizes of sheep and goats were 172 and 152 bp,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: PCR assay depended on RPO30 gene can be used lonely for
      the detection, identification, and differentiation of CaPVs. RPO30 gene-based PCR
      assay in combination with gene sequencing helps in molecular epidemiological
      studies of CaPV infection.

PMID- 28096620
TI  - Epidural analgesia in cattle, buffalo, and camels.
AB  - Epidural analgesia is commonly used in large animals. It is an easy, cheap, and
      effective technique used to prevent or control pain during surgeries involving
      the tail, anus, vulva, perineum, caudal udder, scrotum, and upper hind limbs. The
      objectives of this article were to comprehensively review and summarize all
      scientific data available in the literature on new techniques and drugs or drug
      combinations used for epidural anesthesia in cattle, camel, and buffalo. Only
      articles published between 2006 and 2016 were included in the review. The most
      common sites for epidural administration in cattle, camels, and buffalos were the
      sacrococcygeal intervertebral space (S5-Co1) and first intercoccygeal
      intervertebral space (Co1-Co2). The most frequently used drugs and dosages were
      lidocaine (0.22-0.5 mg/kg), bupivacaine (0.125 mg/kg), ropivacaine (0.11 mg/kg),
      xylazine (0.05 mg/kg), medetomidine (15 ug/kg), romifidine (30-50 ug/kg),
      ketamine (0.3-2.5 mg/kg), tramadol (1 mg/kg), and neostigmine (10 ug/kg), and the
      clinical applications, clinical effects, recommendations, and side effects were
      discussed.

PMID- 28096621
TI  - Multiple infections of Anaplasma platys variants in Philippine dogs.
AB  - AIM: Anaplasma platys, the causative agent of infectious canine cyclic
      thrombocytopenia, is a tick-borne pathogen that also has been implicated as
      potentially zoonotic. To provide molecular evidence on the multiple infections of
      A. platys variants in Philippine dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA fragments of A.
      platys from infected dogs in the Philippines were molecularly characterized. For
      screening, 25 dogs suspected to have canine anaplasmosis were tested using a 16S
      rRNA-based nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Infection was confirmed by
      sequencing of positive amplicons. Second round PCR targeting a longer 16S rRNA
      fragment was subsequently performed on the first round PCR amplicons of the
      positive samples. Further characterization using the heat-shock operon (groEL)
      gene was also performed on the A. platys-positive samples. RESULTS: 10 16S rRNA
      sequences were obtained and found 99.6-100% identical to each other and 99.6
      99.7% identical to the closest registered A. platys sequences. On the other hand,
      36 groEL clone sequences were obtained and found to be 85.1-99.8% identical with
      each other and 85.0-88.9% identical to the closest previously registered A.
      platys sequences. Four dogs were found coinfected with 2-3 groEL variant
      sequences. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the detected A. platys in the
      Philippines may represent unique variants. CONCLUSION: A. platys variants were
      detected in Philippine dogs. Coinfection of different A. platys variants in dogs
      was also demonstrated. The present study may indicate the potential genetic
      diversity of A. platys in the country.

PMID- 28096622
TI  - Survey on Sarcocystis in bovine carcasses slaughtered at the municipal abattoir
      of El-Kharga, Egypt.
AB  - AIM: The main objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of
      Sarcocystis sp. infection in cattle and buffalo carcasses slaughtered at El
      Kharga abattoir, New Valley Governorate, Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      slaughtered animals were daily inspected for Sarcocystis macrocysts through a
      year (2015). Macroscopic Sarcocystis was detected from a total of 2120 cattle and
      buffalo carcasses. In addition, 100 meat samples were collected from female
      cattle and buffalo (50 each) and were examined microscopically for sarcocystosis.
      RESULTS: The overall incidence of Sarcocystis macrocyst among bovine carcasses
      was 159/2120 (7.5%). Total incidence in cattle was 149/2000 (7.45%), whereas it
      was 10/120 (8.33%) in buffalo carcasses. Concerning gender, the overall
      prevalence of Sarcocystis infection was 127/1790 (7.09%) in male and 32/330
      (9.69%) in females bovine carcasses. The highest detection rate of Sarcocystis
      lesions was from the esophagus (76.3%) followed by throat muscles (35.3%), tongue
      (33.8%), and diaphragm muscles (18.71%). Macrocysts from cattle were identified
      to Sarcocystis hirsuta, whereas Sarcocystis fusiformis was identified from
      buffalo carcasses. By microscopic examination, 18 (36%) of 50 female cattle
      carcasses harbor Sarcocystis sp., whereas 11 (22%) of buffalo carcasses were
      harbored Sarcocystis microcysts. CONCLUSION: A high incidence of Sarcocystis
      infection was detected among slaughtered bovines in El-Kharga abattoir, Egypt.
      Sarcocystis macrocysts were a higher incidence in female elder animals macrocysts
      were identified to S. hirsuta in cattle and S. fusiformis in buffaloes.
      Sarcocystosis constitute a major cause of economic losses at El-Kharga abattoir.
      Beef meat may carry health risks to consumers.

PMID- 28096623
TI  - Estrus induction and fertility response following different treatment protocols
      in Murrah buffaloes under field conditions.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different
      treatment protocols for estrus induction and conception rate in postpartum
      anestrus buffaloes during breeding season under field conditions. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The 47 postpartum anestrus buffaloes of the 2nd to 6th parity were
      divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=16): Buffaloes received cosynch treatment,
      that is, buserelin acetate 10 ug on day 0 and 9, cloprostenol 500 ug on day 7
      followed by fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) at the time of second
      buserelin acetate and 24 h later. Group 2 (n=15): Buffaloes received norgestomet
      ear implant subcutaneously for 9 days, estradiol benzoate 2 mg on the day of
      implant insertion (day 0), pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) 400 IU and
      cloprostenol 500 ug on day 9 followed by AI at 48 and 72 h after implant removal.
      Group 3 (Cosynch-plus, n=16): Buffaloes received Cosynch protocol as per Group 1
      except an additional injection of PMSG 400 IU (i.m.) was given 3 days before the
      start of protocol and FTAI done at the same time of Group 1. Pregnancy diagnosis
      was performed after 45 days of AI. RESULTS: The estrus induction response
      following the treatment was 81.3%, 100%, and 93.7% in Group 1, 2, and 3,
      respectively. The buffaloes of Group 1, 2, and 3 expressed intense (38.4%, 60%
      and 46.6%, respectively) and moderate estrus (46.1%, 26.6%, and 40%,
      respectively). The conception rates in Group 1, 2, and 3, at FTAI and overall
      including subsequent estrus were 37.5% and 62.5%, 53.3%, and 66.6%, 56.3%, and
      75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: All the three treatment protocols can be
      effectively used for induction of estrus with acceptable conception rate in
      postpartum anestrus buffaloes during breeding season under field conditions.
      However, Cosynch-plus (similar to Cosynch protocol except addition of PMSG, 400
      IU 3 days before the start of first buserelin acetate administration) protocol
      results comparatively better pregnancy rate.

PMID- 28096624
TI  - Genetic variability and discrimination of low doses of Toxocara spp. from public
      areas soil inferred by loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay as a field
      friendly molecular tool.
AB  - ABSTRACT: Aim: One of the main diagnostic problems of conventional polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) is indiscrimination of low parasitic loads in soil samples.
      The aim of this study is to determine the genetic diversity and identification of
      Toxocara spp. from public areas soil inferred by loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification (LAMP) assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 soil samples
      were collected from various streets and public parks of northwest Iran. The DNA
      of recovered Toxocara eggs were extracted and amplified by PCR and LAMP following
      ZnSO4 flotation technique. The amplicons of internal transcribed spacer-2 gene
      were sequenced to reveal the heterogeneity traits of Toxocara spp. In addition,
      Toxocara canis sequences of southwest Iran were directly retrieved to compare
      gene flow between two distinct populations. RESULTS: Toxocara spp. eggs were
      found in 57, 14 and 77 of soil samples using the microscopy, PCR and LAMP
      (detection limit 1-3 eggs/200 g soil), respectively. 7.7% of isolates were
      identified as T. canis by PCR method, while LAMP was able to detect 27.2%, 15.5%
      and 12.2% as Toxocara cati, T. canis and mixed infections, respectively. The
      kappa coefficient between LAMP and microscopy indicated a strong agreement
      (0.765) but indicated a faint agreement among LAMP-PCR (0.203) and PCR-microscopy
      (0.308) methods. A pairwise fixation index (Fst) as a degree of gene flow was
      generally low (0.02156) among Toxocara populations of northwest and southwest
      Iran. CONCLUSIONS: The statistically significant Fst value indicates that the T.
      canis populations are not genetically well differentiated between northwest and
      southwest Iran. This shows that here is possibly an epidemiological drift due to
      the transfer of alleles. The LAMP assay because of its shorter reaction time,
      more sensitivity, and simultaneous detection of environmental contamination to be
      appears as valuable field diagnosis compared to PCR. Therefore, the detection of
      low Toxocara spp. loads from public area soils will help to expand
      epidemiological understanding of toxocariasis and establishing preventive
      strategies in resource-limited endemic of Iran.

PMID- 28096625
TI  - The effect of dietary supplementation of salts of organic acid on production
      performance of laying hens.
AB  - AIM: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing
      different levels of salts of organic acid in the laying hen's diet on their
      production performance and egg quality parameters during a period of 16-week.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 white leghorn laying hens at 24 weeks of
      age were randomly distributed to seven dietary treatment groups, i.e. T1
      (control), T2 (0.5% sodium-butyrate), T3 (1.0% sodium-butyrate), T4 (1.5% sodium
      butyrate), T5 (0.5% calcium-propionate), T6 (1.0% calcium-propionate) and T7
      (1.5% calcium-propionate) consisting of 5 replications of 4 birds each in each
      treatment and housed in individual cages from 24 to 40 weeks of age. Feed intake,
      percent hen-day egg production, egg weight, egg mass production, feed conversion
      ratio (FCR), and economics of supplementation of salts of organic acids in
      layers' ration were evaluated. RESULTS: The dietary supplementation of salts of
      organic acids did not significantly affect the feed intake (g/day/hen) and body
      weight gain (g). Different levels of supplementation significantly (p<0.05)
      improved production performance (percent hen-day egg production and egg mass
      production) as compared to control group. FCR in terms of feed intake (kg) per
      dozen eggs was lowest (1.83+/-0.05) in T4 and feed intake (kg) per kg egg mass
      was lowest (2.87+/-0.05) in T5 as comparison to control (T1) group. Salts of
      organic acids supplementation resulted in significant (p<0.05) improvement in
      FCR. Egg weight was significantly (p<0.05) increased at 0.5% level of salts of
      organic acids in the diet. The cumulative mean values of feed cost per dozen egg
      production were Rs. 44.14, 42.40, 42.85, 43.26, 42.57, 43.29 and 43.56 in
      treatment groups T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7, respectively, and reduction in
      feed cost per kg egg mass production for Rs. 0.52 and 0.99 in groups T2 and T5,
      respectively, in comparison to T1 group. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that
      supplementation of salts of organic acids may improve persistency of lay, egg
      weight, and FCR. From economical point of view, egg production was more
      profitable at 0.5% level of sodium butyrate and 0.5% level of calcium propionate
      which reduced the feed cost per dozen eggs and per kg egg mass production without
      affecting the egg quality.

PMID- 28096626
TI  - Effect of intrapartum fetal stress associated with obstetrical interventions on
      viability and survivability of canine neonates.
AB  - AIM: This study was conducted with the objective of identifying and evaluating
      intrapartum fetal stress in connection with the type of delivery in bitches.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 bitches between 1 and 5 years, belonging to
      10 different breeds were evaluated. Bitches were subjected to detailed clinico
      gynecological examination based on history. Neonatal stress associated with
      spontaneous whelping (SW), assisted whelping (AW), and emergency cesarean section
      (EC) was evaluated using umbilical vein lactate (UL) estimation by collecting the
      blood from umbilical vein. RESULTS: A high umbilical vein lactate value was
      associated with fetal distress. The mean umbilical lactate value was highest in
      EC (12.54+/-0.8 mmol/L) followed by AW (8.86+/-0.9 mmol/L) and the lowest value
      was found in SW (7.56+/-0.58 mmol/L). A significant increase (p<0.05) in
      umbilical lactate level was observed in EC group of canine neonates compared with
      AW and SW groups. Overall mean umbilical lactate values of neonates which died
      within 24 h (13.31+/-1.08 mmol/L) and the neonates which survived beyond 24 h
      (8.87+/-0.55 mmol/L) differed significantly at 5% level. CONCLUSION: Immediate
      identification of neonatal distress by use of umbilical vein lactate estimation
      is helpful for the clinician to undertake resuscitation or medical therapy to
      ensure better neonatal survivability.

PMID- 28096627
TI  - Altered oxidative stress and carbohydrate metabolism in canine mammary tumors.
AB  - AIM: Mammary tumors are the most prevalent type of neoplasms in canines. Even
      though cancer induced metabolic alterations are well established, the clinical
      data describing the metabolic profiles of animal tumors is not available. Hence,
      our present investigation was carried out with the aim of studying changes in
      carbohydrate metabolism along with the level of oxidative stress in canine
      mammary tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh mammary tumor tissues along with the
      adjacent healthy tissues were collected from the college surgical ward. The
      levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione, protein,
      hexose, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase, and
      glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) were analyzed in all the tissues. The
      results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: More than two-fold increase in
      TBARS and three-fold increase in glutathione levels were observed in neoplastic
      tissues. Hexokinase activity and hexose concentration (175%) was found to be
      increased, whereas glucose-6-phosphatase (33%), fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase
      (42%), and G6PD (5 fold) activities were reduced in tumor mass compared to
      control. CONCLUSION: Finally, it was revealed that lipid peroxidation was
      increased with differentially altered carbohydrate metabolism in canine mammary
      tumors.

PMID- 28096628
TI  - Eco matters; In & Out.

PMID- 28096629
TI  - Induced pluripotent stem cells as a cellular model for studying Down Syndrome.
AB  - Down Syndrome (DS), or Trisomy 21 Syndrome, is one of the most common genetic
      diseases. It is a chromosomal abnormality caused by a duplication of chromosome
      21. DS patients show the presence of a third copy (or a partial third copy) of
      chromosome 21 (trisomy), as result of meiotic errors. These patients suffer of
      many health problems, such as intellectual disability, congenital heart disease,
      duodenal stenosis, Alzheimer's disease, leukemia, immune system deficiencies,
      muscle hypotonia and motor disorders. About one in 1000 babies born each year are
      affected by DS. Alterations in the dosage of genes located on chromosome 21 (also
      called HSA21) are responsible for the DS phenotype. However, the molecular
      pathogenic mechanisms of DS triggering are still not understood; newest evidences
      suggest the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms. For obvious ethical reasons,
      studies performed on DS patients, as well as on human trisomic tissues are
      limited. Some authors have proposed mouse models of this syndrome. However, not
      all the features of the syndrome are represented. Stem cells are considered the
      future of molecular and regenerative medicine. Several types of stem cells could
      provide a valid approach to offer a potential treatment for some untreatable
      human diseases. Stem cells also represent a valid system to develop new cell
      based drugs and/or a model to study molecular disease pathways. Among stem cell
      types, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells offer some advantages
      for cell and tissue replacement, engineering and studying: self-renewal capacity,
      pluripotency and ease of accessibility to donor tissues. These cells can be
      reprogrammed into completely different cellular types. They are derived from
      adult somatic cells via reprogramming with ectopic expression of four
      transcription factors (Oct3/4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4; or, Oct3/4, Sox2, Nanog, and
      Lin28). By reprogramming cells from DS patients, it is possible to obtain new
      tissue with the same genetic background, offering a valuable tool for studying
      this genetic disease and to design customized patient-specific stem cell
      therapies.

PMID- 28096630
TI  - New Trends in Heart Regeneration: A Review.
AB  - In this review, we focus on new approaches that could lead to the regeneration of
      heart muscle and the restoration of cardiac muscle function derived from newly
      formed cardiomyocytes. Various strategies for the production of cardiomyocytes
      from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, adult bone marrow stem
      cells and cardiac spheres from human heart biopsies are described. Pathological
      conditions which lead to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease often are
      followed by myocardial infarction causing myocardial cell death. After cell
      death, there is very little self-regeneration of the cardiac muscle tissue, which
      is replaced by non-contractile connective tissue, thus weakening the ability of
      the heart muscle to contract fully and leading to heart failure. A number of
      experimental research approaches to stimulate heart muscle regeneration with the
      hope of regaining normal or near normal heart function in the damaged heart
      muscle have been attempted. Some of these very interesting studies have used a
      variety of stem cell types in combination with potential cardiogenic
      differentiation factors in an attempt to promote differentiation of new cardiac
      muscle for possible future use in the clinical treatment of patients who have
      suffered heart muscle damage from acute myocardial infarctions or related
      cardiovascular diseases. Although progress has been made in recent years relative
      to promoting the differentiation of cardiac muscle tissue from non-muscle cells,
      much work remains to be done for this technology to be used routinely in
      translational clinical medicine to treat patients with damaged heart muscle
      tissue and return such individuals to pre-heart-attack activity levels.

PMID- 28096631
TI  - Randomized controlled trial comparing hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma and
      the combination of both in the treatment of mild and moderate osteoarthritis of
      the knee.
AB  - Objective: This study aims at evaluating the clinical effects of Platelet Rich
      Plasma (PRP) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) as individual treatments for mild to
      moderate Osteoarthritis (OA) and it also examines the potential synergistic
      effects of PRP in combination with HA. Research continues to emerge examining the
      potential therapeutic efficacy of HA and PRP as autologous injectable treatments
      for joint arthritis. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the
      effects of combining HA and PRP on pain and functional status in patients with
      OA. Design: In this multi-center, randomized, controlled, double blind,
      prospective trial, 105 patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, who
      met the study criteria, were randomly allocated to one of three interventions: HA
      (n=36), PRP (n=36), or HA+PRP (n=33). Each patient received 3 intra-articular
      knee injections of their assigned substance, with 2 week intervals between each
      injection. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Western Ontario and
      McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
      questionnaire at baseline and after 1,3,6 and 12 months. Results: The study
      showed that the PRP group have significant reduction in VAS scores at 1 (p=
      0.003), 3 (p= 0.0001), 6 (p= 0.0001) and 12 (p= 0.000) months when compared to
      HA. In addition, the PRP group illustrated greater improvement in WOMAC physical
      activity scale at 12 months (p= 0.008) when compared to the HA group. Combining
      HA and PRP resulted in a significant decreases in pain (p=0.0001) and functional
      limitation (p=0.0001) when compared to HA alone at 1 year post treatment; and
      significantly increased physical function at 1 (p=0.0004) and 3 (p=.011) months
      when compared to PRP alone. Conclusion: The findings of the study support the use
      of autologous PRP as an effective treatment of mild to moderate knee
      osteoarthritis. It also shows that the combination of HA and PRP resulted to
      better outcomes than HA alone up to 1 year and PRP alone up to 3 months.
      Furthermore, the results suggest that combination of PRP and HA could potentially
      provide better functional outcomes in the first 30 days after treatment with both
      PRP and HA alone.

PMID- 28096632
TI  - Compatibility of Porous Chitosan Scaffold with the Attachment and Proliferation
      of human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells In Vitro.
AB  - Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have potential applications in the repair and
      regeneration of various tissues and organs. The use of various scaffold materials
      as an excellent template for mimicking the extracellular matrix to induce the
      attachment and proliferation of different cell types has always been of interest
      in the field of tissue engineering because ideal biomaterials are in great
      demand. Chitosan, a marine polysaccharide, have wide clinical applications and it
      acts as a promising scaffold for cell migration and proliferation. ASCs, with
      their multi-differentiation potential, and chitosan, with its great
      biocompatibility with ASCs, were investigated in the present study. ASCs were
      isolated and were characterized by two different methods: immunocytochemistry and
      flow cytometry, using the mesenchymal stem cell markers CD90, CD105, CD73 and
      CD29. The ASCs were then induced to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic and
      chondrogenic lineages. These ASCs were incorporated into a porous chitosan
      scaffold (PCS), and their structural morphology was studied using a scanning
      electron microscope and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The proliferation rate of
      the ASCs on the PCS was assessed using a PrestoBlue viability assay. The results
      indicated that the PCS provides an excellent template for the adhesion and
      proliferation of ASCs. Thus, this study revealed that PCS is a promising
      biomaterial for inducing the proliferation of ASCs, which could lead to
      successful tissue reconstruction in the field of tissue engineering.

PMID- 28096633
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells-seeded bio-ceramic construct for bone regeneration in
      large critical-size bone defect in rabbit.
AB  - Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) represent an attractive cell
      population for tissue engineering purpose. The objective of this study was to
      determine whether the addition of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein
      (rhBMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) to a silica-coated calcium
      hydroxyapatite (HASi) - rabbit bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell (rBMSC)
      construct promoted bone healing in a large segmental bone defect beyond standard
      critical -size radial defects (15mm) in rabbits. An extensively large 30mm long
      radial ostectomy was performed unilaterally in thirty rabbits divided equally in
      five groups. Defects were filled with a HASi scaffold only (group B); HASi
      scaffold seeded with rBMSC (group C); HASi scaffold seeded with rBMSC along with
      rhBMP-2 and IGF-1 in groups D and E respectively. The same number of rBMSC (five
      million cells) and concentration of growth factors rhBMP-2 (50ug) and IGF-1
      (50ug) was again injected at the site of bone defect after 15 days of surgery in
      their respective groups. An empty defect served as the control group (group A).
      Radiographically, bone healing was evaluated at 7, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 days
      post implantation. Histological qualitative analysis with microCT (u-CT),
      haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and Masson's trichrome staining were performed 90
      days after implantation. All rhBMP-2-added constructs induced the formation of
      well-differentiated mineralized woven bone surrounding the HASi scaffolds and
      bridging bone/implant interfaces as early as eight weeks after surgery. Bone
      regeneration appeared to develop earlier with the rhBMP-2 constructs than with
      the IGF-1 added construct. Constructs without any rhBMP-2 or IGF-1 showed
      osteoconductive properties limited to the bone junctions without bone ingrowths
      within the implantation site. In conclusion, the addition of rhBMP-2 to a HASi
      scaffold could promote bone generation in a large critical-size-defect.

PMID- 28096634
TI  - Intraventricular Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
      via Ommaya Reservoir in Persistent Vegetative State Patients after Haemorrhagic
      Stroke: Report of Two Cases & Review of the Literature.
AB  - Background: One of the most devastating diseases, stroke, is a leading cause of
      death and disability worldwide with severe emotional and economic consequences.
      The purpose of this article is mainly to report the effect of intraventricular
      transplantation via an Ommaya reservoir using autologous bone marrow mesenchymal
      stem cells (BM-MSCs) in haemorrhagic stroke patients. Case Presentations: Two
      patients, aged 51 and 52, bearing sequels of haemorrhagic stroke were managed by
      intraventricular transplantation of BM-MSCs obtained from their own bone marrow.
      Before the procedure, both patients were bedridden, tracheostomised, on
      nasogastric (NG) tube feeding and in hemiparesis. The cells were transplanted
      intraventricularly (20 x 106 cells/2.5 ml) using an Ommaya reservoir, and then
      repeated transplantations were done after 1 and 2 months consecutively. The
      safety and efficacy of the procedures were evaluated 3, 6 and 12 months after
      treatment. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to
      evaluate the patients' neurological status before and after treatment. No adverse
      events derived from the procedures or transplants were observed in the one-year
      follow-up period, and the neurological status of both patients improved after
      treatment. Conclusions: Our report demonstrates that the intraventricular
      transplantation of BM-MSCs via an Ommaya reservoir is safe and it improves the
      neurological status of post-haemorrhagic stroke patients. The repeated
      transplantation procedure is easier and safer to perform via a subcutaneously
      implanted Ommaya reservoir. Key Words: Haemorrhagic stroke, bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), intraventricular transplantation.

PMID- 28096635
TI  - Metaniche session 2016: Tailor-made sensors for rapid Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
      Interactions between Biomaterial Physicists, Chemical Engineers and Clinicians
      for successful translation of technologies in Healthcare.

PMID- 28096636
TI  - Opportunistic salpingectomy: Remove the tubes and save the ovaries.

PMID- 28096637
TI  - Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among Indian fertile females.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is described as difficulty
      experienced by a female during any stage of a normal sexual activity including
      physical pleasure, desire, arousal, or orgasm. There are various factors
      responsible for FSD including psychological status of a person, gynecological or
      medical problems, long use of certain drugs, and social beliefs. OBJECTIVES: To
      study the prevalence and various factors associated with FSD. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Study Design - This study design was a cross-sectional observational
      study conducted at Tertiary Care Centre, in Ahmedabad from June 2015 to March
      2016. Sample Size - One hundred and fifty-three fertile females in reproductive
      age group (20-47 years) were included in the study. Written and informed consent
      was obtained from all the females. Methods - FSD was assessed with a detailed 19
      item female sexual function index questionnaire. All six domains of sexual
      dysfunction, i.e., desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain
      were studied. Various associated factors such as gynecological or psychological
      problems were also studied. Exclusion - Infertile patients were excluded from the
      study. RESULTS: The prevalence of FSD was 55.55% among 153 fertile females. FSD
      was more prevalent in the age group of 26-30 years and with duration of marriage
      >16 years. FSD was also more common in females with middle education and those
      belonging to upper middle socioeconomic status. Psychological stress was
      significantly associated with FSD. CONCLUSION: It is right of every female to
      lead healthy sexual life as it is key to happiness in marriage. Females with FSD
      can be managed with proper counseling and treating the underlying etiology.

PMID- 28096638
TI  - Coexisting genital malignancies with tuberculosis: A case series with review of
      literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study a case series of genital malignancies coexisting with genital
      tuberculosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of three cases with known genital
      malignancies were found to have coexisting genital tuberculosis on subsequent
      workup. RESULTS: First case was a 45 years old lady who underwent staging
      laparotomy for ovarian cancer. On histopathology examination, there was
      coexisting tuberculosis with papillary serous carcinoma. Second case was 53 years
      old postmenopausal lady who underwent extrafascial hysterectomy along with pelvic
      lymph node dissection. Histopathology showed tubercular changes along with
      endometrial malignancy. Third patient was a 50 years old postmenopausal lady with
      stage IIA carcinoma of cervix. She underwent radical hysterectomy and
      histopathology revealed tubercular changes in pelvic lymph nodes. All patients
      were given antitubercular therapy for 9 months in postoperative period along with
      adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION: Although diagnosed as an incidental finding in the
      case series, genital tuberculosis may present in patients with malignancies as a
      result of immunosupression.

PMID- 28096639
TI  - Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and bone mineral density in
      normal postmenopausal women.
AB  - AIM: This study was conducted with the objective of assessing serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in postmenopausal women (PMW), to detect osteopenia or
      osteoporosis in PMW and to establish a correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels
      and bone mineral density (BMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 healthy PMW
      were selected, and a prospective observational study was conducted to correlate
      the BMD with serum 25(OH)D levels. Their laboratory investigations along with
      serum 25(OH)D levels were done. Their BMD was assessed with dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry at lumbar spine and neck of femur; T-scores were derived.
      Correlation analysis was done to investigate the relationship between serum
      25(OH)D levels and BMD. RESULTS: The proportion of osteoporosis at the hip was
      31.9% in deficient group, 16.1% in insufficient, and 18.2% in sufficient group
      and at lumbar spine, it was 27.7%, 16.1%, and 22.7%, respectively. Forty-seven
      percent of PMW had deficient (<20 ng/ml) serum 25(OH)D levels and 31% had
      insufficiency. T-score at hip in deficient group was -2.05 +/- 0.25, and in an
      insufficient group, it was -1.79 +/- 0.13; T-score at lumbar spine was -1.92 +/-
      0.12 and -1.79 +/- 0.12, respectively, but both were not statistically
      significant. Osteoporosis was seen in 24%, osteopenia in 55% at hip level and 23%
      and 59% respectively at lumbar spine. There was no association between serum
      25(OH)D levels and BMD neither at hip nor at lumbar spine (P = 0.51 and P = 0.79
      respectively). CONCLUSION: In this study, among our cohort of patients there was
      no correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and BMD. However, Vitamin D
      deficiency coexists with low BMD. Vitamin D insufficiency is a common risk factor
      for osteoporosis associated with increased bone remodeling and low bone mass.

PMID- 28096640
TI  - Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in pre- and post-menopausal women: A prospective
      study from apex institute of North India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome (MS) (syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome)
      is a constellation of metabolic abnormalities and a complex predisease state that
      predicts future development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular
      disease. Menopausal transition and postmenopausal state are considered as a
      vulnerable period for developing MS, and this increased risk has been attributed
      to decreasing estrogen levels with an increasing risk of insulin resistance
      following menopause. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the
      prevalence of MS and its components in pre- and post-menopausal women from North
      India. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional study of 350 women in the age group
      of 45-55 years attending gynecology clinic in a tertiary center of North India.
      Details of sociodemographic data, menopausal history, reproductive, and medical
      profile were obtained. Then, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and
      blood pressure were recorded. A venous blood sample was collected for fasting
      blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. MS was defined according
      to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III
      criteria. RESULTS: The mean age was 49.09 +/- 2.2 years in premenopausal and
      49.54 +/- 2.8 years in postmenopausal women. The prevalence of MS in the study
      group was 62.6%. Occurrence of MS was higher in older and obese women. Abnormal
      waist circumference was the most prevalent component (87%) of MS and in terms of
      odd ratio, correlation was highest for BMI followed by total cholesterol and
      waist-hip ratio. CONCLUSION: We should target obesity and deranged lipid profile
      by bringing out changes in lifestyle and dietary habits to decrease the higher
      prevalence of MS and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 28096641
TI  - Assessment of periodontal health status in postmenopausal women visiting dental
      hospital from in and around Meerut city: Cross-sectional observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Puberty, menses, pregnancy, and menopause are the different phases of
      a woman's life which have a varied influence on oral health. During the
      menopause, women go through biological and endocrine changes, particularly in
      their sex steroid hormone production which affects their health. Because the oral
      mucosa contains estrogen receptors, variations in hormone levels can be seen
      directly in the oral cavity leading to a few oral conditions and diseases seen
      more frequently during postmenopausal years. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this
      study is to assess periodontal health status in postmenopausal women in and
      around Meerut city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised ninety
      postmenopausal women. History of menopause was recorded, and the dental
      examinations were done by measuring the following parameters of periodontal
      health: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket
      probing depth, and Russell's periodontal index. The collected data were subjected
      to statistical analyses. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the study group, mean age was
      55 years, mean missing teeth were 10.3, mean duration of menopause was 9.23.
      Eleven percent females were completely edentulous, and 5 females had never
      brushed. Mean PI-s was 1.99, mean GI-s was 1.74, mean BOP was 52.85, and mean
      Russell's periodontal index was 4.34. Eleven patients were at the initial stages
      of destructive periodontal disease, 34 had established destructive periodontal
      disease while thirty patients had the terminal periodontal disease. These
      findings suggest that females after menopause are at a risk of developing
      destructive periodontal disease if proper oral hygiene practices are not
      followed.

PMID- 28096642
TI  - Awareness of osteoporosis in postmenopausal Indian women: An evaluation of
      Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale.
AB  - CONTEXT: The level of awareness about osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who
      are the common sufferers. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the level of
      awareness in postmenopausal women using the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale
      (OHBS). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Osteoporosis has emerged as a common health problem
      in geriatric population. A proactive role needs to be played for preventing its
      consequences. Before initiating any preventive measures, an evaluation of
      awareness level of the target population is necessary. The questionnaire-based
      study design was used for this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire
      (OHBS)-based study in 100 postmenopausal women in Chandigarh was conducted. The
      bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in each case by dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of the participants
      were noted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was conducted to
      evaluate any correlation between the various components of the OHBS and the BMD.
      RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was noted in the seven component
      parameters of OHBS among the normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic women
      suggesting that the health belief regarding susceptibility is not much different
      between the three groups of the study population. A statistically significant
      difference between the mean BMI of normal and osteoporotic population was noted.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results show that there is a great deficit in the awareness
      level of postmenopausal Indian women regarding osteoporosis. Most of the women
      were unaware of the condition and the means to prevent it. The study emphasizes
      that health care professionals have lot of ground to cover to decrease the
      incidence of osteoporosis and its associated health problem.

PMID- 28096643
TI  - Intestinal obstruction associated with ovarian remnant in postmenopausal female.
AB  - Ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) is a rare condition, in which the ovarian tissue
      is inadvertently left behind after difficult oophorectomy. The most common
      preexisting conditions associated for this complication include endometriosis,
      pelvic inflammatory disease, and prior abdominal surgery as in these conditions,
      removal of ovarian tissue becomes difficult. This is likely due to the presence
      of the dense fibrotic adhesions between an ovary and the surrounding structures.
      This residual ovarian tissue can become functional and cystic. A 56-year-old
      multigravida postmenopausal female was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction. She
      had multiple abdominal surgeries in the past, including cholecystectomy,
      appendectomy, hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Patient
      underwent exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperatively, extensive adhesions and
      scarring of bowel wall were present and approximately 15 cm proximal to the
      terminal ileum, a small bowel mesenteric nodule was present. Histopathology of
      the mesenteric nodule was consistent with the diagnosis of overian remnant. ORS
      can be prevented with careful resection of the entire ovarian tissue during the
      difficulty oophorectomy so that no ovarian tissue is left behind.

PMID- 28096644
TI  - Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism of ovarian origin: A clinicopathologic study of
      five cases.
AB  - In postmenopausal women presenting with virilization and elevated testosterone
      levels, laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy should be considered after exclusion
      of adrenal causes. A clinicopathological study was conducted among those women
      who presented with features of hyperandrogenism in our postmenopausal clinic over
      a period of 2 years. Relevant past medical and surgical histories were elicited.
      Basic hormonal evaluation and radiological imaging were done. Laparoscopic
      bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was done. Six weeks postoperatively, serum
      testosterone was undetectable with significant clinical improvement. There was no
      recurrence of symptoms during the follow-up period of 2 years. Treatment of
      postmenopausal women with hyperandrogenism and virilization with laparoscopic
      bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is effective if she has no pronounced ovarian
      enlargement or adrenal tumor on imaging. An extensive endocrine testing and a
      detailed search for metastatic disease may be unnecessary.

PMID- 28096645
TI  - Peri and post-menopausal women with complex adnexal masses, ascites, and raised
      CA-125: Is it ovarian cancer or tuberculosis?
AB  - Pelvic and peritoneal tuberculosis may resemble advanced ovarian cancer due to
      the presence of ascites, complex adnexal masses, peritoneal deposits and raised
      CA-125 level, especially in peri- and postmenopausal women. Other common features
      among women with these two conditions are abdominal pain and distension, weight
      loss and reduced appetite. As the treatment of pelvic-peritoneal tuberculosis is
      completely different from that of ovarian cancer, it is important to reach a
      correct diagnosis. Sometimes women with pelvic-peritoneal tuberculosis may be
      subjected to a laparotomy for suspected ovarian cancer which is likely to
      increase their morbidity. In the present article, we report ten women in the peri
      and post-menopausal age group where this diagnostic dilemma arose of whom seven
      were diagnosed only after a laparotomy had been performed for suspected ovarian
      cancer due to adnexal masses with ascites and raised CA-125 level. Ascitic fluid
      showing lymphocytic predominance, raised ADA level and absence of malignant cells
      are pointers to consider the possibility of pelvic- peritoneal tuberculosis,
      especially in endemic countries like India. In such situations, an effort should
      be made to obtain a cytological or histopathological diagnosis of either
      condition by ultrasound guided needle biopsy or laparoscopically obtained biopsy
      rather that proceeding with laparotomy for suspected ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28096647
TI  - Bayesian ABC-MCMC Classification of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Data.
AB  - Proteomics promises to revolutionize cancer treatment and prevention by
      facilitating the discovery of molecular biomarkers. Progress has been impeded,
      however, by the small-sample, high-dimensional nature of proteomic data. We
      propose the application of a Bayesian approach to address this issue in
      classification of proteomic profiles generated by liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS). Our approach relies on a previously proposed model of the
      LC-MS experiment, as well as on the theory of the optimal Bayesian classifier
      (OBC). Computation of the OBC requires the combination of a likelihood-free
      methodology called approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) as well as Markov chain
      Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. Numerical experiments using synthetic LC-MS data
      based on an actual human proteome indicate that the proposed ABC-MCMC
      classification rule outperforms classical methods such as support vector
      machines, linear discriminant analysis, and 3-nearest neighbor classification
      rules in the case when sample size is small or the number of selected proteins
      used to classify is large.

PMID- 28096646
TI  - Commensal Viruses of Mosquitoes: Host Restriction, Transmission, and Interaction
      with Arboviral Pathogens.
AB  - Recent advances in virus detection strategies and deep sequencing technologies
      have enabled the identification of a multitude of new viruses that persistently
      infect mosquitoes but do not infect vertebrates. These are usually referred to as
      insect-specific viruses (ISVs). These novel viruses have generated considerable
      interest in their modes of transmission, persistence in mosquito populations, the
      mechanisms that restrict their host range to mosquitoes, and their interactions
      with pathogens transmissible by the same mosquito. In this article, we discuss
      studies in our laboratory and others that demonstrate that many ISVs are
      efficiently transmitted directly from the female mosquito to their progeny via
      infected eggs, and, moreover, that persistent infection of mosquito cell cultures
      or whole mosquitoes with ISVs can restrict subsequent infection, replication, and
      transmission of some mosquito-borne viral pathogens. This suggests that some ISVs
      may act as natural regulators of arboviral transmission. We also discuss viral
      and host factors that may be responsible for their host restriction.

PMID- 28096649
TI  - CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN DRUG ELUTING DEVICES: Introductory Editorial: Drug
      Eluting Stents or Drug-Eluting Grafts? Insights from Proteomic Analysis.

PMID- 28096648
TI  - Identification of Genetic and Epigenetic Variants Associated with Breast Cancer
      Prognosis by Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer being a multifaceted disease constitutes a wide
      spectrum of histological and molecular variability in tumors. However, the task
      for the identification of these variances is complicated by the interplay between
      inherited genetic and epigenetic aberrations. Therefore, this study provides an
      extrapolate outlook to the sinister partnership between DNA methylation and
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in relevance to the identification of
      prognostic markers in breast cancer. The effect of these SNPs on methylation is
      defined as methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      developed a novel method to identify prognostic gene signatures for breast cancer
      by integrating genomic and epigenomic data. This is based on the hypothesis that
      multiple sources of evidence pointing to the same gene or pathway are likely to
      lead to reduced false positives. We also apply random resampling to reduce
      overfitting noise by dividing samples into training and testing data sets.
      Specifically, the common samples between Illumina 450 DNA methylation, Affymetrix
      SNP array, and clinical data sets obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)
      for breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) were randomly divided into training and test
      models. An intensive statistical analysis based on log-rank test and Cox
      proportional hazard model has established a significant association between
      differential methylation and the stratification of breast cancer patients into
      high- and low-risk groups, respectively. RESULTS: The comprehensive assessment
      based on the conjoint effect of CpG-SNP pair has guided in delaminating the
      breast cancer patients into the high- and low-risk groups. In particular, the
      most significant association was found with respect to cg05370838-rs2230576,
      cg00956490-rs940453, and cg11340537-rs2640785 CpG-SNP pairs. These CpG-SNP pairs
      were strongly associated with differential expression of ADAM8, CREB5, and EXPH5
      genes, respectively. Besides, the exclusive effect of SNPs such as rs10101376,
      rs140679, and rs1538146 also hold significant prognostic determinant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the analysis based on DNA methylation and SNPs have resulted
      in the identification of novel susceptible loci that hold prognostic relevance in
      breast cancer.

PMID- 28096650
TI  - Refractive and visual outcomes after Keraring intrastromal corneal ring segment
      implantation for keratoconus assisted by femtosecond laser at 6 months follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: We attempted to evaluate the efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted
      intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation in patients with keratoconus (KC).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective interventional consecutive clinical study
      was conducted on patients with KC who were treated with femtosecond laser
      Keraring implantation. All procedures were performed at Ebsar Eye Center in the
      period from January 5, 2015, to February 28, 2016. RESULTS: Thirty eyes of 20
      patients were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 27.43+/-3.57
      years. Eleven patients (55%) were female and nine patients (45%) were male.
      Keraring segments were successfully implanted in all eyes. There were no
      complications or need for ring repositioning. The follow-up period was 6 months
      postoperatively. There was a significant improvement in the mean logarithm of the
      minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) after
      Keraring segment implantation from 1.5+/-0.23 preoperatively to 0.54+/-0.16 at 6
      months postoperatively (P=0.001). The preoperative mean LogMAR of best-corrected
      visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.85+/-0.17. At 1 month postoperatively, it was 0.35+/
      0.15; at 3 months postoperatively, it was 0.26+/-0.11, and at 6 months
      postoperatively, it was 0.14+/-0.07 (P=0.001). The mean preoperative maximum
      keratometric value for 3 mm pupil in diopters (K max) significantly decreased
      from 55.85+/-5.44 preoperatively (N=30) to 44.05+/-1.64 D at 6 months
      postoperatively (P=0.001). There was a statistically significant reduction in the
      mean preoperative spherical equivalent from -5.43+/-1.76 D preoperatively to 
      2.43+/-0.95 D at 6 months postoperatively. No statistically significant
      differences were detected between 1 and 3 months of follow-up regarding the
      visual and refractive outcomes. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the outcomes after
      Keraring ICRS implantation showed a significant postoperative corneal flattening
      with a subsequent increase in UCVA and BCVA. Using the femtosecond laser for
      tunnel creation made the procedure easy and fast with an accurate precise depth
      of implantation and reduced the risk of operative and postoperative
      complications.

PMID- 28096651
TI  - Effects of 3% diquafosol sodium ophthalmic solution on higher-order aberrations
      in patients diagnosed with dry eye after cataract surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of diquafosol sodium ophthalmic solution 3%
      (DQS) and artificial tears (AT) on higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in patients
      with dry eye after cataract surgery. DESIGN: This was a post hoc analysis of a
      previously conducted randomized clinical study. METHODS: Fifty-nine eyes from 42
      patients (17 males and 25 females, aged 72.6+/-8.0 years) with verified or
      suspected dry eye at 4 weeks after cataract surgery were evaluated. The dry eye
      patients were randomly assigned to receive DQS or AT for 4 weeks. Tear breakup
      time (BUT), corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining scores, and HOAs were
      analyzed before and after instillation. HOAs were measured consecutively for 10
      seconds with a wavefront analyzer. Average HOAs, HOA fluctuations (fluctuation
      index [FI]) and changes in HOAs (stability index [SI]) were compared within and
      between the two groups. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of instillation, BUT significantly
      increased (P=0.001) compared with preinstillation values in the DQS group, but
      not in the AT group. This increase in BUT in the DQS group was significantly
      greater than in the AT group (P=0.014). Corneal and conjunctival fluorescein
      staining scores after instillation significantly improved compared with
      preinstillation values in the DQS group (P=0.018). In HOAs, the cornea aberration
      changed from an upward curve (a sawtooth pattern) to an almost constant value (a
      stable pattern) in the DQS group, but not in the AT group. In FI and SI, there
      were no significant changes in either group; however, FI and SI were
      significantly lower in the DQS group than in the AT group (both, P=0.004).
      CONCLUSION: The dry eye patients after cataract surgery had a visual dysfunction
      in HOAs. DQS is effective to treat dry eye disease after cataract surgery with
      improvement of visual function.

PMID- 28096652
TI  - Erratum: Macular morphology and response to ranibizumab treatment in patients
      with wet age-related macular degeneration [Corrigendum].
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 1117 in vol. 10, PMID: 27366051.].

PMID- 28096653
TI  - Applicability of automatic spectral domain optical coherence tomography for
      glaucoma mass screening.
AB  - PURPOSE: To perform a preliminary evaluation of the applicability of automatic
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography (ASD-OCT) for glaucoma mass
      screening in a population-based setting. METHODS: Information using ASD-OCT
      (thicknesses of the macular retinal nerve fiber layer [mRNFL], disc retinal nerve
      fiber layer [dRNFL], ganglion cell layer [GCL] + inner plexiform layer [IPL];
      GCL+, and ganglion cell complex [GCL + IPL + RNFL; GCL++]) was obtained from 245
      eyes of 123 glaucomatous subjects and 1,454 eyes of 727 normal subjects. For all
      four measurements, each grid was scored as follows: 2= within 95% of the normal
      database; 1= within 5%; and 0= within 1%. The sums of each grid (mRNFLs, dRNFLs,
      GCL+s, and GCL++s) were used as indicators. The effectiveness was estimated by
      the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). The
      appropriate algorithm was then applied to 10,145 eyes of 5,088 subjects from the
      general population (mean age: 50.1+/-10.3 years). RESULTS: AUC-ROC of mRNFLs,
      dRNFLs, GCL+s, and GCL++s was 0.927 (95% confidence interval [CI] =0.903-0.950),
      0.919 (95% CI =0.899-0.940), 0.972 (95% CI =0.958-0.986), and 0.972 (95% CI
      =0.957-0.986), respectively. The discriminant analysis demonstrated that the
      canonical correlation coefficients of mRNFLs, dRNFLs, GCL+s, and dGCL++s were
      0.07, 0.255, 0.661, and 0.207, respectively. AUC-ROC of the discriminant value
      was 0.971 (95% CI =0.956-0.986). The sensitivity/specificity using GCL+s (cutoff
      =160) was 81.6%/99.9%. This algorithm was applied to the general population, and
      1,658 eyes (16.3%) were found to be positive for glaucoma. CONCLUSION: In the
      case-control setting, ASD-OCT showed a relatively high performance, and the
      thickness of the GCL + IPL was the best predictor. However, further prospective
      studies are needed, in which the results of this study are compared to the
      general population, because the false-positive rate of glaucoma seems to be high.

PMID- 28096654
TI  - Comparison of Visian toric collamer lens and toric acrylic intraocular lens
      implantation for the treatment of myopia with astigmatism.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and outcome of phakic toric implantable collamer
      lens (TICL) and refractive clear lens extraction with AcrySof Toric intraocular
      lens (TIOL) implantation for the treatment of myopic astigmatism. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This study assessed eyes with myopic astigmatism >-1 D and <=-4 D with a
      spherical equivalent >10 D or <10 D if the patients were unsuitable for corneal
      refractive surgery. These eyes were divided into group A, in which Visian Toric
      ICLTM Phakic TICL was implanted, and group B, which involved clear lens
      extraction with implantation of an AcrySof IQ toric SN60T3-9TM IOL. The outcome
      and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: This study enrolled 63 eyes of 38
      patients with a follow-up period of at least 6 months. The mean postoperative
      spherical equivalent was -0.19+/-0.31 D in group A and -0.21+/-0.28 D in group B
      (P=0.69). The mean postoperative cylinder value was -0.46+/-0.53 D in group A and
      -0.32+/-0.41 D in group B (P=0.35). Postoperative cylinder was <1 D in 76.47% and
      79.31% of eyes in groups A and B, respectively. The mean endothelial cell count
      was reduced by 4.32% in group A and by 5.32% in group B (P=0.003). The mean
      postoperative intraocular pressure increased insignificantly in group A (P=0.22)
      and reduced significantly in group B (P=0.004). The complication rate was 11.76%
      in group A and 6.90% in group B. CONCLUSION: Both procedures showed predictable
      results and good visual results. However, the loss of accommodation and risk of
      retinal complications in the TIOL group suggest that the use of TICL for myopic
      astigmatism is a better choice in younger patients.

PMID- 28096655
TI  - Reversibility of retinal ischemia due to central retinal artery occlusion by
      hyperbaric oxygen.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ischemic retinal damage can be reversed by hyperbaric oxygen therapy
      (HBOT) as long as irreversible infarction damage has not developed. However, the
      time window till irreversible damage develops is still unknown. The study aim was
      to evaluate the effect of HBOT and determine possible markers for irreversible
      retinal damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 225 patients
      treated with HBOT for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in 1999-2015. One
      hundred and twenty-eight patients fulfilled inclusion/exclusion criteria: age >18
      years, symptoms <20 hours, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <0.5 logMAR.
      RESULTS: Time delay from symptoms to treatment was 7.8+/-3.8 hours. The BCVA was
      significantly improved after HBOT, from 2.14+/-0.50 to 1.61+/-0.78 (P<0.0001).
      The proportion of patients with clinically meaningful visual improvement was
      significantly higher in patients without cherry-red spot (CRS) compared to
      patients with CRS at presentation (86.0% vs 57.6%, P<0.0001). The percentage of
      patients with final BCVA better than 1.0 was also significantly higher in
      patients without CRS vs patients with CRS at presentation (61.0% vs 7.1%,
      P<0.0001). There was no correlation between CRS and the time from symptoms. HBOT
      was found to be safe, and only 5.5% of patients had minor, reversible, adverse
      events. CONCLUSION: HBOT is an effective treatment for non-arteritic CRAO as long
      as CRS has not formed. The fundus findings, rather than the time delay, should be
      used as a marker for irreversible damage.

PMID- 28096656
TI  - Analysis of pramipexole dose-response relationships in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pramipexole (PPX), a non-ergot dopamine receptor agonist, is a first
      line treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). A critical dose level above which a
      better benefit-to-harm ratio exists has not been examined. METHODS: Chinese PD
      patients (n=464) were retrospectively analyzed by PPX maintenance dose, PD stage,
      combined levodopa dose, and baseline tremor contribution. The sum score of
      Baseline Activities of Daily Living (part II) and Motor Examination (III) of the
      Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS II+III) was used as a covariate
      for final score adjustment. RESULTS: Sustained-release (SR) and immediate-release
      (IR) PPX showed similar efficacy based on score changes at 18 weeks, with
      comparable tolerability. Approximately two-third of patients received PPX at
      >=1.5 mg/d, and one fourth of patients had >=20% tremor contribution to UPDRS
      II+III. After treatment, patients receiving PPX >=1.5 mg/d showed better
      improvement in UPDRS II+III scores (P=0.0025), with similar trends with the IR
      and SR formulations. Patients with >=20% tremor contribution showed better
      improvement in UPDRS II+III scores (P=0.0017). No differences were seen based on
      PD stage or combined levodopa dose. The overall proportions of adverse events
      (AEs) were similar. More patients discontinued because of intolerable side
      effects, and more investigator-defined drug-related AEs were recorded in the <1.5
      mg/d subgroup. CONCLUSION: UPDRS II+III improvement was better with PPX >=1.5
      than with <1.5 mg/d in Chinese PD patients after 18 weeks of treatment, with
      similar trends seen with IR and SR formulations. The frequency of AEs in PPX
      >=1.5 and <1.5 mg/d subgroups was similar.

PMID- 28096657
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency and the risk of tuberculosis: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: To conduct meta-analyses of all published studies on various
      aspects of association between vitamin D and tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: PubMed
      and Web of Knowledge were searched for all properly controlled studies on vitamin
      D and TB. Pooled odds ratio, mean difference or standardized mean difference, and
      its corresponding 95% confidence interval were calculated with the Cochrane
      Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: A significantly lower vitamin D level was found in
      TB patients vs controls; vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was associated with an
      increased risk of TB, although such an association was lacking in the African
      population and in the human immunodeficiency virus-infected African population. A
      significantly lower vitamin D level was found in human immunodeficiency virus-TB
      coinfected African patients receiving antiretroviral treatment who developed TB
      associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome vs those who did not
      develop TB-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. VDD was
      associated with an increased risk of developing active TB in those subjects with
      latent TB infection and with an increased risk of tuberculin skin test
      conversion/TB infection conversion, and the trend toward a lower vitamin D level
      in active TB patients vs latent TB infection subjects did not reach statistical
      significance, indicating that VDD was more likely a risk factor than a
      consequence of TB. This concept was further strengthened by our result that anti
      TB treatment did not affect vitamin D level in TB patients receiving the
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Our analyses revealed an association between vitamin D and
      TB. VDD is more likely a risk factor for TB than its consequence. More studies
      are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial to TB
      prevention and treatment.

PMID- 28096660
TI  - Erratum: A triazole derivative elicits autophagic clearance of polyglutamine
      aggregation in neuronal cells [Corrigendum].
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 2947 in vol. 10.].

PMID- 28096658
TI  - Anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of girinimbine isolated from Murraya
      koenigii.
AB  - Therapy that directly targets apoptosis and/or inflammation could be highly
      effective for the treatment of cancer. Murraya koenigii is an edible herb that
      has been traditionally used for cancer treatment as well as inflammation. Here,
      we describe that girinimbine, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from M. koenigii,
      induced apoptosis and inhibited inflammation in vitro as well as in vivo.
      Induction of apoptosis in human colon cancer cells (HT-29) by girinimbine
      revealed decreased cell viability in HT-29, whereas there was no cytotoxic effect
      on normal colon cells. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, nuclear
      condensation, cell permeability, and cytochrome c translocation in girinimbine
      treated HT-29 cells demonstrated involvement of mitochondria in apoptosis. Early
      phase apoptosis was shown in both acridine orange/propidium iodide and annexin V
      results. Girinimbine treatment also resulted in an induction of G0/G1 phase
      arrest which was further corroborated with the upregulation of two cyclin
      dependent kinase proteins, p21 and p27. Girinimbine treatment activated apoptosis
      through the intrinsic pathway by activation of caspases 3 and 9 as well as
      cleaved caspases 3 and 9 which ended by triggering the execution pathway.
      Moreover, apoptosis was confirmed by downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of
      Bax in girinimbine-treated cells. In addition, the key tumor suppressor protein,
      p53, was seen to be considerably upregulated upon girinimbine treatment.
      Induction of apoptosis by girinimbine was also evidenced in vivo in zebrafish
      embryos, with results demonstrating significant distribution of apoptotic cells
      in embryos after a 24-hour treatment period. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory action
      was evidenced by the significant dose-dependent girinimbine inhibition of nitric
      oxide production in lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma-induced cells along with
      significant inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B translocation from the cytoplasm
      to nucleus in stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Girinimbine was also shown to have
      considerable antioxidant activity whereby 20 MUg/mL of girinimbine was equivalent
      to 82.17+/-1.88 MUM of Trolox. In mice with carrageenan-induced peritonitis, oral
      pretreatment with girinimbine helped limit total leukocyte migration (mainly of
      neutrophils), and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin-1beta and
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in the peritoneal fluid. These findings strongly
      suggest that girinimbine could act as a chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic
      agent by inducing apoptosis while suppressing inflammation. There is a potential
      for girinimbine to be further investigated for its applicability in treating
      early stages of cancer.

PMID- 28096659
TI  - Effects of multiple-dose ponesimod, a selective S1P1 receptor modulator, on
      lymphocyte subsets in healthy humans.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of ponesimod, a selective S1P1 receptor
      modulator, on T lymphocyte subsets in 16 healthy subjects. Lymphocyte subset
      proportions and absolute numbers were determined at baseline and on Day 10, after
      once-daily administration of ponesimod (10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg each
      consecutively for 3 days) or placebo (ratio 3:1). The overall change from
      baseline in lymphocyte count was -1,292+/-340*106 cells/L and 275+/-486*106
      cells/L in ponesimod- and placebo-treated subjects, respectively. This included a
      decrease in both T and B lymphocytes following ponesimod treatment. A decrease in
      naive CD4+ T cells (CD45RA+CCR7+) from baseline was observed only after ponesimod
      treatment (-113+/-98*106 cells/L, placebo: 0+/-18*106 cells/L). The number of T
      cytotoxic (CD3+CD8+) and T-helper (CD3+CD4+) cells was significantly altered
      following ponesimod treatment compared with placebo. Furthermore, ponesimod
      treatment resulted in marked decreases in CD4+ T-central memory (CD45RA-CCR7+)
      cells (-437+/-164*106 cells/L) and CD4+ T-effector memory (CD45RA-CCR7-) cells (
      131+/-57*106 cells/L). In addition, ponesimod treatment led to a decrease of 
      228+/-90*106 cells/L of gut-homing T cells (CLA-integrin beta7+). In contrast,
      when compared with placebo, CD8+ T-effector memory and natural killer (NK) cells
      were not significantly reduced following multiple-dose administration of
      ponesimod. In summary, ponesimod treatment led to a marked reduction in overall T
      and B cells. Further investigations revealed that the number of CD4+ cells was
      dramatically reduced, whereas CD8+ and NK cells were less affected, allowing the
      body to preserve critical viral-clearing functions.

PMID- 28096661
TI  - Patient knowledge on reporting adverse drug reactions in Poland.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to assess patient knowledge on reporting of adverse
      drug reactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted among
      200 patients. The study was based on an original survey composed of 15 single-
      and multiple-choice questions. The study involved individuals who have
      experienced adverse reactions as well as individuals who have never experienced
      any adverse reactions; people over the age of 18; literate; residing in
      Mazowieckie Voivodeship, who have not been diagnosed with any disease that could
      compromise their logical thinking skills. RESULTS: The respondents who lived in
      the city had a greater knowledge compared to the respondents who lived in the
      countryside (Pearson's chi2=47.70, P=0.0013). The respondents who lived in the
      city were also more statistically likely to provide a correct answer to the
      question about the type of adverse reactions to be reported (Pearson's
      chi2=50.66, P=0.012). Statistically significant associations were found between
      the place of residence of the respondents and the correct answer to the question
      about the data that must be included in the report on adverse reactions
      (Pearson's chi2=11.7, P<0.0001).

PMID- 28096662
TI  - Synthetic nanoparticles of bovine serum albumin with entrapped salicylic acid.
AB  - Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is highly water soluble and binds drugs or inorganic
      substances noncovalently for their effective delivery to various affected areas
      of the body. Due to the well-defined structure of the protein, containing charged
      amino acids, albumin nanoparticles (NPs) may allow electrostatic adsorption of
      negatively or positively charged molecules, such that substantial amounts of drug
      can be incorporated within the particle, due to different albumin-binding sites.
      During the synthesis procedure, pH changes significantly. This variation modifies
      the net charge on the surface of the protein, varying the size and behavior of
      NPs as the drug delivery system. In this study, the synthesis of BSA NPs, by a
      desolvation process, was studied with salicylic acid (SA) as the active agent. SA
      and salicylates are components of various plants and have been used for
      medication with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
      However, when administered orally to adults (usual dose provided by the
      manufacturer), there is 50% decomposition of salicylates. Thus, there has been a
      search for some time to develop new systems to improve the bioavailability of SA
      and salicylates in the human body. Taking this into account, during synthesis,
      the pH was varied (5.4, 7.4, and 9) to evaluate its influence on the size and
      release of SA of the formed NPs. The samples were analyzed using field-emission
      scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform
      infrared, zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering. Through fluorescence, it
      was possible to analyze the release of SA in vitro in phosphate-buffered saline
      solution. The results of chemical morphology characterization and in vitro
      release studies indicated the potential use of these NPs as drug carriers in
      biological systems requiring a fast release of SA.

PMID- 28096663
TI  - Pressure ulcers in palliative ward patients: hyponatremia and low blood pressure
      as indicators of risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevention strategies for pressure ulcer formation remain critical in
      patients with an advanced illness. We analyzed factors associated with the
      development of pressure ulcers in patients hospitalized in a palliative care ward
      setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of 329
      consecutive patients with a mean age (+/- standard deviation) of 70.4+/-11.8
      years (range: 30-96 years, median 70.0 years; 55.3% women), who were admitted to
      the Palliative Care Department between July 2012 and May 2014. RESULTS: Patients
      were hospitalized for mean of 24.8+/-31.4 days (1-310 days, median 14 days). A
      total of 256 patients (77.8%) died in the ward and 73 patients (22.2%) were
      discharged. Two hundred and six patients (62.6%) did not develop pressure ulcers
      during their stay in the ward, 84 patients (25.5%) were admitted with pressure
      ulcers, and 39 patients (11.9%) developed pressure ulcers in the ward. Four
      factors assessed at admission appear to predict the development of pressure
      ulcers in the multivariate logistic regression model: Waterlow score (odds ratio
      [OR] =1.140, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.057-1.229, P=0.001), transfer from
      other hospital wards (OR =2.938, 95% CI =1.339-6.448, P=0.007), hemoglobin level
      (OR =0.814, 95% CI =0.693-0.956, P=0.012), and systolic blood pressure (OR
      =0.976, 95% CI =0.955-0.997, P=0.023). Five other factors assessed during
      hospitalization appear to be associated with pressure ulcer development: mean
      evening body temperature (OR =3.830, 95% CI =1.729-8.486, P=0.001), mean Waterlow
      score (OR =1.194, 95% CI =1.092-1.306, P<0.001), the lowest recorded sodium
      concentration (OR =0.880, 95% CI =0.814-0.951, P=0.001), mean systolic blood
      pressure (OR =0.956, 95% CI =0.929-0.984, P=0.003), and the lowest recorded
      hemoglobin level (OR =0.803, 95% CI =0.672-0.960, P=0.016). CONCLUSION:
      Hyponatremia and low blood pressure may contribute to the formation of pressure
      ulcers in patients with an advanced illness.

PMID- 28096664
TI  - Predictors of outcomes following reablement in community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reablement is a rehabilitation intervention for community-dwelling
      older adults, which has recently been implemented in several countries. Its
      purpose is to improve functional ability in daily occupations (everyday
      activities) perceived as important by the older person. Performance and
      satisfaction with performance in everyday life are the major outcomes of
      reablement. However, the evidence base concerning which factors predict better
      outcomes and who receives the greatest benefit in reablement is lacking.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the potential factors
      that predict occupational performance and satisfaction with that performance at
      10 weeks follow-up. METHODS: The sample in this study was derived from a
      nationwide clinical controlled trial evaluating the effects of reablement in
      Norway and consisted of 712 participants living in 34 municipalities. Multiple
      linear regression was used to investigate possible predictors of occupational
      performance (COPM-P) and satisfaction with that performance (COPM-S) at 10 weeks
      follow-up based on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). RESULTS:
      The results indicate that the factors that significantly predicted better COPM-P
      and COPM-S outcomes at 10 weeks follow-up were higher baseline scores of COPM-P
      and COPM-S respectively, female sex, having a fracture as the major health
      condition and high motivation for rehabilitation. Conversely, the factors that
      significantly predicted poorer COPM-P and COPM-S outcomes were having a
      neurological disease other than stroke, having dizziness/balance problems as the
      major health condition and having pain/discomfort. In addition, having
      anxiety/depression was a predictor of poorer COPM-P outcomes. The two regression
      models explained 38.3% and 38.8% of the total variance of the dependent variables
      of occupational performance and satisfaction with that performance, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: The results indicate that diagnosis, functional level, sex and
      motivation are significant predictors of outcomes following reablement.

PMID- 28096665
TI  - Gender differences in partners of patients with COPD and their perceptions about
      the patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) not only
      affects patients but also their partners. Gender-related differences in patients
      with COPD are known, for instance regarding symptoms and quality of life. Yet,
      research regarding gender differences in partners of patients with COPD has been
      conducted to a lesser extent, and most research focused on female partners. We
      aimed to investigate differences between male and female partners of patients
      with COPD regarding their own characteristics and their perceptions of patients'
      characteristics. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Four hospitals in the
      Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and eighty-eight patient-partner couples
      were included in this cross-sectional study. MEASUREMENTS: General and clinical
      characteristics, health status, care dependency, symptoms of anxiety and
      depression, social support, caregiver burden, and coping styles were assessed
      during a home visit. RESULTS: Female partners had more symptoms of anxiety and a
      worse health status than male partners. Social support and caregiver burden were
      comparable, but coping styles differed between male and female partners. Female
      partners thought that male patients were less care dependent and had more
      symptoms of depression, while these gender differences did not exist in patients
      themselves. CONCLUSION: Health care providers should pay attention to the needs
      of all partners of patients with COPD, but female partners in particular.
      Obtaining an extensive overview of the patient-partner couple, including coping
      styles, health status, symptoms of anxiety, and caregiver burden, is necessary to
      be able to support the couple as effectively as possible.

PMID- 28096666
TI  - Barriers and facilitators influencing self-management among COPD patients: a
      mixed methods exploration in primary and affiliated specialist care.
AB  - Self-management is becoming increasingly important in COPD health care although
      it remains difficult to embed self-management into routine clinical care. The
      implementation of self-management is understood as a complex interaction at the
      level of patient, health care provider (HCP), and health system. Nonetheless
      there is still a poor understanding of the barriers and effective facilitators.
      Comprehension of these determinants can have significant implications in
      optimizing self-management implementation and give further directions for the
      development of self-management interventions. Data were collected among COPD
      patients (N=46) and their HCPs (N=11) in three general practices and their
      collaborating affiliated hospitals. Mixed methods exploration of the data was
      conducted and collected by interviews, video-recorded consultations (N=50), and
      questionnaires on consultation skills. Influencing determinants were monitored by
      1) interaction and communication between the patient and HCP, 2) visible and
      invisible competencies of both the patient and the HCP, and 3) degree of
      embedding self-management into the health care system. Video observations showed
      little emphasis on effective behavioral change and follow-up of given lifestyle
      advice during consultation. A strong presence of COPD assessment and monitoring
      negatively affects the patient-centered communication. Both patients and HCPs
      experience difficulties in defining personalized goals. The satisfaction of both
      patients and HCPs concerning patient centeredness during consultation was
      measured by the patient feedback questionnaire on consultation skills. The
      patients scored high (84.3% maximum score) and differed from the HCPs (26.5%
      maximum score). Although the patient-centered approach accentuating self
      management is one of the dominant paradigms in modern medicine, our observations
      show several influencing determinants causing difficulties in daily practice
      implementation. This research is a first step unravelling the determinants of
      self-management leading to a better understanding.

PMID- 28096667
TI  - Hyaluronan-modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for bimodal breast
      cancer imaging and photothermal therapy.
AB  - Theranostic nanoparticles with both imaging and therapeutic abilities are highly
      promising in successful diagnosis and treatment of the most devastating cancers.
      In this study, the dual-modal imaging and photothermal effect of hyaluronan (HA)
      modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (HA-SPIONs), which was
      developed in a previous study, were investigated for CD44 HA receptor
      overexpressing breast cancer in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Heat is
      found to be rapidly generated by near-infrared laser range irradiation of HA
      SPIONs. When incubated with CD44 HA receptor-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells in
      vitro, HA-SPIONs exhibited significant specific cellular uptake and specific
      accumulation confirmed by Prussian blue staining. The in vitro and in vivo
      results of magnetic resonance imaging and photothermal ablation demonstrated that
      HA-SPIONs exhibited significant negative contrast enhancement on T2-weighted
      magnetic resonance imaging and photothermal effect targeted CD44 HA receptor
      overexpressing breast cancer. All these results indicated that HA-SPIONs have
      great potential for effective diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

PMID- 28096668
TI  - Impact of nanostructured thin ZnO film in ultraviolet protection.
AB  - Nanoscale ZnO is one of the best choices for ultraviolet (UV) protection, not
      only because of its antimicrobial properties but also due to its potential
      application for UV preservation. However, the behavior of nanostructured thin ZnO
      films and long-term effects of UV-radiation exposure have not been studied yet.
      In this study, we investigated the UV-protection ability of sol gel-derived thin
      ZnO films after different exposure times. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic
      force microscopy, and UV-visible optical spectroscopy were carried out to study
      the structure and optical properties of the ZnO films as a function of the UV
      irradiation time. The results obtained showed that the prepared thin ZnO films
      were somewhat transparent under the visible wavelength region and protective
      against UV radiation. The UV-protection factor was 50+ for the prepared samples,
      indicating that they were excellent UV protectors. The deposited thin ZnO films
      demonstrated promising antibacterial potential and significant light absorbance
      in the UV range. The experimental results suggest that the synthesized samples
      have potential for applications in the health care field.

PMID- 28096669
TI  - Nanocoating with plant-derived pectins activates osteoblast response in vitro.
AB  - A new strategy to improve osseointegration of implants is to stimulate adhesion
      of bone cells, bone matrix formation, and mineralization at the implant surface
      by modifying surface coating on the nanoscale level. Plant-derived pectins have
      been proposed as potential candidates for surface nanocoating of orthopedic and
      dental titanium implants due to 1) their osteogenic stimulation of osteoblasts to
      mineralize and 2) their ability to control pectin structural changes. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate in vitro the impact of the nanoscale plant-derived
      pectin Rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) from potato on the osteogenic response of
      murine osteoblasts. RG-I from potato pulps was isolated, structurally modified,
      or left unmodified. Tissue culture plates were either coated with modified RG-I
      or unmodified RG-I or - as a control - left uncoated. The effect of nanocoating
      on mice osteoblast-like cells MC3T3-E1 and primary murine osteoblast with regard
      to proliferation, osteogenic response in terms of mineralization, and gene
      expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphate
      (Alpl), osteocalcin (Bglap), alpha-1 type I collagen (Col1a1), and receptor
      activator of NF-kappaB ligand (Rankl) were analyzed after 3, 7, 14, and 21 days,
      respectively. Nanocoating with pectin RG-Is increased proliferation and
      mineralization of MC3T3-E1 and primary osteoblast as compared to osteoblasts
      cultured without nanocoating. Moreover, osteogenic transcriptional response of
      osteoblasts was induced by nanocoating in terms of gene induction of Runx2, Alpl,
      Bglap, and Col1a1 in a time-dependent manner - of note - to the highest extent
      under the PA-coating condition. In contrast, Rankl expression was initially
      reduced by nanocoating in MC3T3-E1 or remained unaltered in primary osteoblast as
      compared to the uncoated controls. Our results showed that nanocoating of
      implants with modified RG-I beneficially 1) supports osteogenesis, 2) has the
      capacity to improve osseointegration of implants, and is therefore 3) a potential
      candidate for nanocoating of bone implants.

PMID- 28096670
TI  - Lung-targeting drug delivery system of baicalin-loaded nanoliposomes:
      development, biodistribution in rabbits, and pharmacodynamics in nude mice
      bearing orthotopic human lung cancer.
AB  - The present study aims to develop a kind of novel nanoliposomes for the lung
      targeting delivery system of baicalin as a Chinese medicine monomer. Baicalin
      loaded nanoliposomes were prepared by the effervescent dispersion and lyophilized
      techniques. Baicalin-loaded nanoliposomes had an average particle size of 131.7+/
      11.7 nm with 0.19+/-0.02 polydispersity index, 82.8%+/-1.24% entrapment
      efficiency and 90.47%+/-0.93% of yield and sustaining drug release effect over 24
      h and were stable for 12 months at least. In vitro no hemolytic activity was
      observed for the experimental drug concentration. After intravenous
      administration of baicalin-loaded nanoliposomes to rabbits, drug concentration in
      the lungs was the highest among the tested organs at all time points and was
      significantly higher than that of its solution. For the targeting parameters, the
      relative intake rate and the ratio of peak concentration of lung were 4.837 and
      2.789, respectively. Compared with plasma, liver, spleen, and kidney, the ratios
      of targeting efficacy (Te)liposomes to (Te)injection of lung were increased by a
      factor of 14.131, 1.893, 3.357, and 3.470, respectively. Furthermore, the results
      showed that the baicalin-loaded nanoliposomes did not induce lung injury.
      Importantly, baicalin-loaded nanoliposomes showed better antitumor therapeutic
      efficacy in the nude mice bearing orthotopic human lung cancer with the median
      survival time of blank liposomes (11.40+/-0.16 days), baicalin solution (17.30+/
      0.47 days), and baicalin-loaded nanoliposomes (25.90+/-0.53 days). Therefore, the
      liposome is a promising drug carrier with an excellent lung-targeting property
      and therapeutic effect for the treatment of lung disease, such as lung cancer.

PMID- 28096671
TI  - Local mild hypothermia therapy as an augmentation strategy for minimally invasive
      surgery of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: a meta-analysis of randomized
      clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that the mild hypothermia therapy (MHT)
      could significantly improve the clinical outcomes for patients with hypertensive
      intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH). Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to
      systematically assess whether the addition of local MHT (LMHT) could
      significantly improve the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in
      treating HICH. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials on the combined application of
      MIS and LMHT (MIS+LMHT) vs MIS alone for treating HICH were searched up to
      September 2016 in databases. Response rate and mortality rate were the primary
      outcomes, and the neurologic function and Barthel index were the secondary
      outcomes. Side effects were also analyzed. RESULTS: Totally, 28 studies composed
      of 2,325 patients were included to compare the efficacy of MIS+LMHT to MIS alone.
      The therapeutic effects of MIS+LMHT were significantly better than MIS alone. The
      pooled odds ratio of response rate and mortality rate was 2.68 (95% confidence
      interval [CI]=2.22-3.24) and 0.43 (95% CI=0.32-0.57), respectively. In addition,
      the MIS+LMHT led to a significantly better improvement in the neurologic function
      and activities of daily living. The incidence of pneumonia was similar between
      the two treatment methods. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that compared to
      MIS alone, the MIS+LMHT could be more effective for the acute treatment of
      patients with HICH. This treatment modality should be further explored and
      optimized.

PMID- 28096672
TI  - A biopsychological review of gambling disorder.
AB  - The present review is an overview of previous experimental work on
      biopsychological aspects of gambling disorder. It includes the topics 1) gambling
      disorder from the neuroimaging and electroencephalography (EEG) perspective, 2)
      cognitive, executive functioning, and neuropsychological aspects of gambling
      disorder, and 3) rodent models of gambling disorder. Penalties and losses in
      gambling can differ in terms of brain activity. Also, specific patterns of brain
      activity, brain anatomical traits, EEG responses, and cognitive and executive
      performance can discriminate pathological gamblers from nonpathological gamblers.
      Also, pathological gamblers can display dysfunction in such brain areas as the
      insula, frontal lobe, and orbitofrontal cortex. Pathological gambling is a
      heterogeneous disorder that can vary depending on the severity of cognition, the
      style of gambling (strategic or not), the prospect of recovery, proneness to
      relapse, and proneness to treatment withdrawal. Finally, based on rodent models
      of gambling, the appropriateness of gambling decision is influenced by the
      presence of cues, the activity of dopamine receptors, and the activity of some
      brain areas (infralimbic, prelimbic, or rostral agranular insular cortex).
      Pathological gamblers differed in terms of frontoparietal brain activation
      compared to nonpathological gamblers (if winning or losing a game). Pathological
      gamblers had dysfunctional EEG activity. The severity of gambling was linked to
      the magnification and content of cognitive distortions. The insula was
      fundamental in the distortion of cognitions linked to result analysis during
      gambling activity.

PMID- 28096673
TI  - Apathy and intrinsic functional connectivity networks in amnestic mild cognitive
      impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although several prior works reported that apathy is associated with
      conversion to Alzheimer's disease in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive
      impairment (aMCI), effects of apathy on the functional connectivity (FC) of the
      brain remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the pattern of association
      between apathy and default mode network (DMN), salience network and central
      executive network (CEN) in aMCI subjects. METHODS: Fifty subjects with aMCI and
      50 controls (CONs) participated in this study. They underwent clinical
      assessments and magnetic resonance imaging for the structural and resting-state
      scan. We explored the patterns of association between apathy inventory (IA) total
      score and the whole-brain voxel-wise FCs of the DMN, salience network and CEN in
      aMCI subjects. RESULTS: We observed that the FCs of the DMN were less and those
      of CEN were more in the aMCI group than the CON group. Total IA score was
      negatively correlated with FCs of the anterior cingulate within the DMN, and
      positively correlated with FCs of the middle frontal, inferior frontal, and
      supramarginal gyrus within the CEN in the aMCI group. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      suggest that distinctive patterns of association between apathy and FCs in the
      DMN and CEN in the aMCI group might reflect the putative role of functional
      network change in the development of apathy in aMCI.

PMID- 28096674
TI  - Alterations of white matter fractional anisotropy in unmedicated obsessive
      compulsive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in white matter (WM) have previously been reported in
      patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, there was some
      inconsistency in the results obtained for altered regions of WM. The aim of this
      study was to investigate fractional anisotropy (FA) in the WM of the whole brain
      in patients with OCD by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). METHODS: In total,
      28 unmedicated patients with OCD and 28 healthy volunteers underwent DTI scan. A
      voxel-based analysis was used to compare FA values in WM of the two groups at a
      voxel threshold of P<0.005 with an extent threshold of k>72 voxels (P<0.05;
      Alphasim correction). Subsequently, correlation analysis was conducted in order
      to find the correlation between the mean FA values in significantly altered brain
      regions and Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores of the OCD
      patients. RESULTS: Compared with healthy volunteers, the OCD patients had lower
      FA value in the left lingual gyrus, right midbrain, and right precuneus. There
      were no regions with significantly higher FA values in OCD patients compared with
      healthy volunteers. The mean FA values in the above regions (left lingual,
      r=0.019, P=0.923; right midbrain, r=-0.208, P=0.289; and right precuneus, r=
      0.273, P=0.161) had no significant correlation with the Y-BOCS scores of the OCD
      patients. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that alterations in WM
      of the left lingual gyrus, right midbrain, and right precuneus are associated
      with the pathophysiology mechanism of OCD, and these microstructural alterations
      do not correlate with symptom severity of OCD.

PMID- 28096675
TI  - The role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the regulation of inflammatory reaction,
      neuronal cell proliferation and apoptosis in rats after intracerebral hemorrhage
      (ICH).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the regulation
      of inflammatory reaction, neuronal cell proliferation and apoptosis in rats after
      intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: Thirty-six adult Sprague Dawley (SD)
      male rats were randomly divided into sham operation, ICH and zinc protoporphyrin
      (ZPP) group. Rats (except for the sham operation group) were given 50 MUL
      stereotactic injection of autologous blood from the femoral artery into the
      caudate nucleus, to establish an ICH model. In addition, rats in the ZPP group
      were given 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of ZPP. At day 3 postoperative,
      neurobehavioral changes and brain water content were evaluated, brain tissue HO-1
      expression was detected with immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), brain tissue apoptosis was evaluated with
      TUNEL method, Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and Caspase 9 activity were detected with
      colorimetric method, level of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 were measured
      with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while Bcl-2, Bax, p-NF-kappaB
      p65 and p-IkappaBalpha protein expression were detected with Western blot.
      RESULTS: ICH group compared to sham operation: HO-1 positive rate and mRNA
      expression were increased, neurological deficit score and cell apoptosis rate
      were increased, Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and Caspase 9 activity were increased, level
      of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 were increased, Bcl-2 expression was
      downregulated, Bax, p-NF-kappaB p65 and p-IkappaBalpha expression were
      upregulated. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). ZPP group
      compared to ICH: HO-1 positive rate and mRNA expression were decreased,
      neurological deficit score and cell apoptosis rate were decreased, Caspase 3,
      Caspase 8, Caspase 9 activity were decreased, level of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6
      and IL-8 were decreased, Bcl-2 expression was upregulated, Bax, p-NF-kappaB p65
      and p-IkappaBalpha expression were downregulated, and the differences were
      statistically significant (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: HO-1 inhibitor, ZPP does have a
      protective effect on ICH rats. This might be due to its inhibition to the
      inflammatory reaction and neuronal cell apoptosis.

PMID- 28096676
TI  - Aripiprazole augmentation in managing comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and
      bipolar disorder: a case with suicidal attempts.
AB  - Comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder (BD) have long
      been an intractable problem in clinical practice. The increased risk of
      manic/hypomanic switch hinders the use of antidepressants for managing coexisting
      OCD symptoms in BD patients. We herein present a case of a patient with BD-OCD
      comorbidity, who was successfully treated with mood stabilizers and aripiprazole
      augmentation. The young female patient reported recurrent depressive episodes and
      aggravating compulsive behaviors before hospitalization. Of note, the patient
      repetitively attempted suicide and reported dangerous driving because of
      intolerable mental sufferings. The preexisting depressive episode and OCD
      symptoms prompted the use of paroxetine, which consequently triggered the manic
      switching. Her diagnosis was revised into bipolar I disorder. Minimal response
      with mood stabilizers prompted the addition of aripiprazole (a daily dose of 10
      mg), which helped to achieve significant remission in emotional and obsessive
      compulsive symptoms. This case highlights the appealing efficacy of a small dose
      of aripiprazole augmentation for treating BD-OCD comorbidity. Well-designed
      clinical trials are warranted to verify the current findings.

PMID- 28096677
TI  - Long-term bicycle riding ameliorates the depression of the patients undergoing
      hemodialysis by affecting the levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-18.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hemodialysis patients with depression have a higher risk of death and
      hospitalization. Although there is pharmacological management for the depression
      of hemodialysis patients, the adverse effect of the drug limits the use. The
      nonpharmacological way, bicycle riding, may be an effective way for the therapy
      of the depression in hemodialysis patients. However, the underlying mechanism of
      this relationship is still not fully explained, while interleukin-6 (IL-6) and
      interleukin-18 (IL-18) are associated with depression and exercise. Thus, the
      effects of bicycle riding on the levels of the interleukin were explored.
      PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty-nine patients with chronic
      hemodialysis were selected and randomly assigned to three groups of medicine (MG,
      received 20-mg escitalopram daily), medicine and aerobic exercise (MAG, received
      20-mg escitalopram daily and bicycle riding six times weekly), and only aerobic
      exercise (AG, received 20-mg placebo daily and bicycle riding six times weekly).
      The whole experiment lasted for 18 weeks. The quality of life (36-Item Short Form
      Health Survey) and depression severity according to criteria in the Diagnostic
      and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition [DSM-IV] were measured
      before and at the end of this study. The serum levels of IL-6 and IL-18 were
      measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: The quality of
      life was improved and depression severity was reduced significantly in the MAG
      and AG groups when compared with the MG group (P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-6 and
      IL-18 were the highest in the MG group, moderate in the MAG group and the lowest
      in AG group. On the other hand, the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-18 were closely
      associated with depression scores (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise improves
      the quality of life and ameliorates the depression severity of the patients
      undergoing hemodialysis by affecting the levels of IL-6 and IL-18. Bicycle riding
      is a potential way for the depression therapy of the patients with chronic
      hemodialysis.

PMID- 28096678
TI  - Risperidone improves interpersonal perception and executive function in patients
      with schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether risperidone improves social cognitive
      impairments and executive dysfunction in people with schizophrenia. METHODS:
      Fifty-six patients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
      Disorders, Fifth Edition, diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia were allocated to
      a risperidone treatment group (RTG, n=28) and a typical antipsychotic treatment
      group (TATG, n=28). Twenty-eight healthy volunteers were recruited as the normal
      control group (NCG). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Interpersonal
      Perception Task-15 (IPT-15), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were rated at
      baseline and after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment with risperidone or typical
      antipsychotics. RESULTS: Risperidone and typical antipsychotics decreased
      Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores for total psychopathology and
      positive and negative symptoms. At baseline, in the IPT-15, total scores and five
      factor scores, as well as the number of categories completed and the percentage
      of conceptual level responses, were significantly lower in the RTG and TATG than
      in the NCG, whereas total response errors, perseverative errors, and failure to
      maintain set were significantly higher in the patient groups than in the NCG.
      Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect of time
      period (baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks) for IPT-15 scores and WCST performances,
      and significant interactions for time period * group (RTG and TATG). Multivariate
      analysis of variance showed no significant differences between the RTG and TATG
      on IPT-15 scores at 4 weeks, but there were significant differences between these
      two groups at 12 weeks. Significant differences were also found between the RTG
      and TATG on WCST performances at 4 and 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Individuals with
      schizophrenia have impairments in social cognitive and executive function, which
      might be improved by risperidone.

PMID- 28096679
TI  - A Phase II single-arm trial of palonosetron for the prevention of acute and
      delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in malignant glioma patients
      receiving multidose irinotecan in combination with bevacizumab.
AB  - PURPOSE: Given that the prognosis of recurrent malignant glioma (MG) remains
      poor, improving quality of life (QoL) through symptom management is important.
      Meta-analyses establishing antiemetic guidelines have demonstrated the
      superiority of palonosetron (PAL) over older 5-hydroxytryptamine 3-receptor
      antagonists in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) prevention, but
      excluded patients with gliomas. Irinotecan plus bevacizumab is a treatment
      frequently used in MG, but is associated with low (55%) CINV complete response
      (CR; no emesis or use of rescue antiemetic) with commonly prescribed ondansetron.
      A single-arm Phase II trial was conducted in MG patients to determine the
      efficacy of intravenous PAL (0.25 mg) and dexamethasone (DEX; 10 mg) received in
      conjunction with biweekly irinotecan-bevacizumab treatment. The primary end point
      was the proportion of subjects achieving acute CINV CR (no emesis or antiemetic
      <=24 hours postchemotherapy). Secondary end points included delayed CINV CR (days
      2-5), overall CINV CR (days 1-5), and QoL, fatigue, and toxicity. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A two-stage design of 160 patients was planned to differentiate between
      CINV CR of 55% and 65% after each dose of PAL-DEX. Validated surveys assessed
      fatigue and QoL. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were enrolled, after which
      enrollment was terminated due to slow accrual; 52 patients were evaluable for the
      primary outcome of acute CINV CR. Following PAL-DEX dose administrations 1-3,
      acute CINV CR rates were 62%, 68%, and 70%; delayed CINV CR rates were 62%, 66%,
      and 70%, and overall CINV CR rates were 47%, 57%, and 62%, respectively. Compared
      to baseline, there was a clinically meaningful increase in fatigue during acute
      and overall phases, but not in the delayed phase. There were no grade >=3 PAL-DEX
      treatment-related toxicities. CONCLUSION: Data suggest that PAL-DEX is effective
      in preventing CINV in MG patients, which ultimately maintains the QoL of patients
      with glioma.

PMID- 28096680
TI  - Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Acceptability of Everolimus in the Treatment of
      Breast Cancer.
AB  - Everolimus combined with exemestane is an important treatment option for patients
      suffering from estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor
      2-negative, advanced breast cancer (ABC) who have been previously treated with a
      nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI). After presentation of phase III
      registration trial BOLERO-2, several phase IIIb trials have been started to
      evaluate this regimen in a more real-world setting. Here, we review the efficacy
      and safety data published or presented at selected international meetings. These
      studies confirmed the outcome observed in the BOLERO-2 trial. Patient acceptance
      rate is also discussed by focusing on the permanent everolimus discontinuation
      rate in these trials. Factors influencing the safety profile are also reported,
      including the impact of age. The optimal sequence of combined therapy approaches
      associating targeted and endocrine therapy (ET) has yet to be determined as new
      treatment options such as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors become available.
      However, everolimus-exemestane remains an important treatment option with a major
      impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and an acceptable safety profile.

PMID- 28096681
TI  - The relatives' voice: how do relatives experience participation in reablement? A
      qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reablement is an early and time-limited home-based model of
      rehabilitation intervention with an emphasis on intensive, goal-oriented, and
      multidisciplinary assistance for persons experiencing functional decline. When
      rehabilitation in general takes place in the person's own home, in contrast to an
      institution, relatives may have larger responsibilities in helping and supporting
      the family member. Although there is evidence, showing that family caregivers,
      such as spouses and children, experience burdens and demanding situations related
      to their caregiving role, there are currently few publications exploring
      relatives' experiences of participating in reablement. The aim of our study was
      to explore and describe how relatives in a community setting in Norway
      experienced participation in the reablement process. METHODS: Six relatives
      participated in semi-structured interviews. Qualitative systematic text
      condensation was used as the analysis strategy. RESULTS: Five themes emerged that
      summarized the relatives' experiences with reablement: 1) a wish to give and
      receive information, wish to be involved; 2) wish to be a resource in reablement
      process; 3) conflicting expectations; 4) have more free time to themselves; and
      5) a lack of follow-up programs. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the
      involvement and collaborative process between health professionals, older adults,
      and relatives and have practical significance for health care services. To
      advance collaborative practices, the municipal health and social care services
      should consider establishing a system or a routine to foster this collaboration
      in reablement. Follow-up programs should be included.

PMID- 28096682
TI  - Decreased miR-503 expression in gastric cancer is inversely correlated with serum
      carcinoembryonic antigen and acts as a potential prognostic and diagnostic
      biomarker.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered expression of miR-503 has been linked to human
      carcinogenesis. In this present study, we aimed to detect the potential for miR
      503 as a novel biomarker for gastric cancer (GC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The relative mRNA level of miR-503 in serum and tissue of 68 GC patients and
      serum of 32 healthy volunteers was determined by real-time reverse transcription
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The miR-503 level was
      significantly lower in the tissue and serum of GC than their counterparts (all
      P<0.01). Downregulation of miR-503 was found to be corrected with more aggressive
      tumor. Patients in the high-miR-503 group showed significantly better overall
      survival compared to the low-miR-503 group (P=0.021). The serum miR-503 level in
      GC was inversely correlated with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (r=-0.624,
      P<0.001). Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve
      for miR-503 discriminating GC patients from healthy individuals was 0.889
      (P=0.006), with a sensitivity of 96.8% and a specificity of 79.4%, higher than
      that of CEA (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve =0.681,
      P=0.048). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the expression level of miR
      503 may serve as prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for GC.

PMID- 28096683
TI  - Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of lung invasive mucinous
      adenocarcinoma based on computed tomography findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed an analysis to clarify differences in
      clinicopathological and molecular features of lung invasive mucinous
      adenocarcinoma (IMA) based on computed tomography (CT) findings and their impact
      on prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: On the basis of CT findings, we divided lung
      IMA into three subtypes: solid, bubbling, and pneumonic. We then investigated
      differences in clinicopathological characteristics, prognosis, and the
      expressions of well-identified biomarkers, including cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2),
      excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1), ribonucleotide reductase
      M1 (RRM1), class III beta-tubulin, thymidylate synthase (TS), secreted protein
      acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), programmed cell death-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1),
      and epidermal growth factor receptor mutation, among the three subtypes. RESULTS:
      A total of 29 patients with resected lung IMA were analyzed. Compared with the
      solid or bubbling type, the pneumonic type had a higher proportion of symptoms, a
      larger tumor size, a higher pathological stage, and a significantly worse
      prognosis. The immunohistochemical findings tended to show high expression of
      RRM1, class III beta-tubulin, and Cox-2 in the tumor and of SPARC in the stroma,
      but not of ERCC1, TS, and PD-L1 in the tumor. None of the biomarkers with high
      expression levels in the tumor were prognostic biomarkers, but the expression of
      SPARC in the stroma was correlated with a poor outcome. CONCLUSION: Clinical and
      pathological features, in conjunction with molecular data, indicate that IMA
      should be divided into different subgroups. In our results, the pneumonic type
      was correlated with a significantly worse outcome. Further studies should be
      performed to confirm our conclusion and to explore its molecular implications.

PMID- 28096685
TI  - The role of microRNA-21 in predicting brain metastases from non-small cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at exploring the role of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in
      predicting brain metastases (BM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
      METHODS: A total of 132 NSCLC patients, including 68 patients with BM and 64
      patients without BM, were included in the study. NSCLC cells were collected and
      assigned to the inhibitor (IN) group, the mock group, and the negative control
      (NC) group. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was used
      to detect the miR-21 expression. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and
      apoptosis were detected by colony-forming assay, MTT assay, transwell assay, and
      flow cytometry, respectively. Angiogenesis was measured by endothelial cell tube
      formation assay. RESULTS: The miR-21 expression was higher in NSCLC patients with
      BM than in those without BM. The miR-21 expression in the IN group was lower than
      that in the NC and mock groups. Compared with the NC and mock groups, the values
      of optical density (OD) and the colony-forming number decreased in the IN group.
      Compared with the NC and mock groups, cell invasion and migration abilities
      significantly reduced in the IN group. The IN group had higher apoptosis rate
      than the NC and mock groups. The tube length was shorter and the number of
      junction points was less in the IN group in comparison to the NC and mock groups.
      CONCLUSION: miR-21 might be a potential biomarker for the development of BM in
      NSCLC patients and could promote the proliferation, migration, invasion, and
      angiogenesis of NSCLC cells.

PMID- 28096684
TI  - Pediatric papillary thyroid cancer: current management challenges.
AB  - Although with a standardized incidence of 0.54 cases per 100,000 persons,
      differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is a rare disease in children and
      adolescents, it nonetheless concerns ~1.4% of all pediatric malignancies.
      Furthermore, its incidence is rising. Due to the rarity and long survival of
      pediatric DTC patients, in most areas of treatment little evidence exists.
      Treatment of pediatric DTC is therefore littered with controversies, many
      questions therefore remain open regarding the optimal management of pediatric
      papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and many challenges remain unsolved. In the
      present review, we aim to provide an overview of these challenging areas of
      patient and disease management in pediatric PTC patients. Data on diagnosis,
      surgery, radionuclide, and endocrine therapy are discussed, and the controversies
      therein are highlighted.

PMID- 28096686
TI  - Peptide consensus sequence determination for the enhancement of the antimicrobial
      activity and selectivity of antimicrobial peptides.
AB  - The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria is causing a serious threat to the
      world's human population. Recent reports have identified bacterial strains
      displaying pan drug resistance against antibiotics and generating fears among
      medical health specialists that humanity is on the dawn of entering a post
      antibiotics era. Global research is currently focused on expanding the lifetime
      of current antibiotics and the development of new antimicrobial agents to tackle
      the problem of antimicrobial resistance. In the present study, we designed a
      novel consensus peptide named "Pepcon" through peptide consensus sequence
      determination among members of a highly homologous group of scorpion
      antimicrobial peptides. Members of this group were found to possess moderate
      antimicrobial activity with significant toxicity against mammalian cells. The aim
      of our design method was to generate a novel peptide with an enhanced
      antimicrobial potency and selectivity against microbial rather than mammalian
      cells. The results of our study revealed that the consensus peptide displayed
      potent antibacterial activities against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram
      negative bacteria. Our membrane permeation studies displayed that the peptide
      efficiently induced membrane damage and consequently led to cell death through
      the process of cell lysis. The microbial DNA binding assay of the peptide was
      found to be very weak suggesting that the peptide is not targeting the microbial
      DNA. Pepcon induced minimal cytotoxicity at the antimicrobial concentrations as
      the hemolytic activity was found to be zero at the minimal inhibitory
      concentrations (MICs). The results of our study demonstrate that the consensus
      peptide design strategy is efficient in generating peptides.

PMID- 28096687
TI  - Coaching and barriers to weight loss: an integrative review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Coaching is proposed to raise a patient's awareness and
      responsibility for their health behaviour change by transforming the professional
      patient relationship. OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific literature on how
      coaching can assist in weight loss and improve a patient's state of health.
      METHODOLOGY: An integrative literature search was performed using PubMed, Latin
      American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, and Scientific Electronic
      Library Online. We selected articles that were published in Portuguese, English,
      and Spanish over the last 10 years. Data analysis was performed using a validated
      data collection instrument. RESULTS: Among the 289 articles identified in the
      search, 276 were excluded because they did not address the leading research
      question, their full texts were not available on the Internet, or they were
      duplicate publications. Therefore, for the analysis, we selected 13 articles that
      we classified as randomized clinical studies (46.15%; n=6), cohort studies
      (30.76%; n=4), cross-sectional studies (7.69%; n=1), case studies (7.69%; n=1),
      and review articles (7.69%; n=1). Joint intervention (combined in-person and
      telecoaching sessions) constituted the majority of session types. The use of
      technical coaching was superior in reducing anthropometric measurements and
      increasing the levels of motivation and personal satisfaction compared with
      formal health education alone. CONCLUSION: Coaching is an efficient, cost
      effective method for combining formal education and treatment of health in the
      weight-loss process. Additional randomized studies are needed to demonstrate its
      effectiveness with respect to chronic disease indicators.

PMID- 28096688
TI  - Extreme leukocytosis and leukemoid reaction associated with the lung sarcomatoid
      carcinoma: an unusual case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a rare case of extreme leukocytosis and leukemoid reaction
      associated with lung sarcomatoid carcinoma (LSC) and increase people's awareness
      of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 58-year-old male patient was diagnosed
      with LSC; however, after the end of the second course of chemotherapy, his white
      blood cells increased gradually without fever or use of medications such as
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and steroids. A bone marrow biopsy then
      confirmed it to be a leukemoid reaction. RESULTS: The patient died of multiple
      organ failure 2 months after being diagnosed with leukocytosis. CONCLUSION: LSC
      associated with leukemoid reaction is very rare and the prognosis is poor. When a
      patient's white blood cells are extremely elevated, we should think of the
      possible causes of the tumor itself and identify it with other diseases. However,
      more data and evidence are still needed to find an effective adjuvant therapy for
      these patients.

PMID- 28096689
TI  - Influence of exercise on visceral pain: an explorative study in healthy
      volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Contradictory results have been found about the effect
      of different exercise modalities on pain. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the early effects of aerobic and isometric exercise on different
      types of experimental pain, including visceral pain, compared to an active
      control condition. METHODS: Fifteen healthy subjects (6 women, mean [standard
      deviation] age 25 [6.5] years) completed 3 interventions consisting of 20 minutes
      of aerobic cycling, 12 minutes of isometric knee extension and a deep breathing
      procedure as active control. At baseline and after each intervention,
      psychophysical tests were performed, including electrical stimulation of the
      esophagus, pressure pain thresholds and the cold pressor test as a measure for
      conditioned pain modulation. Participants completed the Medical Outcome Study
      Short-Form 36 and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory prior to the experiments. Data
      were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: No
      significant differences were found for the psychophysical tests after the
      interventions, compared to baseline pain tests and the control condition.
      CONCLUSION: No hypoalgesic effect of aerobic and isometric exercise was found.
      The evidence for exercise-induced hypoalgesia appears to be not as consistent as
      initially thought, and caution is recommended when interpreting the effects of
      exercise on pain.

PMID- 28096690
TI  - The relationship between findings on magnetic resonance imaging and previous
      history of low back pain.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) findings and previous low back pain (LBP) in participants
      without current LBP. Current LBP was defined as LBP during the past month.
      Previous LBP was defined as a history of medical consultation for LBP. Ninety-one
      participants without current LBP were included. Sagittal T2-weighted MRI was used
      to assess the intervertebral space from T12/L1 to L5/S1. These images were
      classified into five grades based on the Pfirrmann grading system. Furthermore,
      we evaluated the presence of disk bulging, high-intensity zone, and
      spondylolisthesis. We compared the MRI findings between groups with (27
      participants) and without (64 participants) previous LBP without current LBP.
      Intraobserver and interobserver kappa values were evaluated. Participants had an
      average age of 34.9 years; 47 were female and 44 were male; and their average
      body mass index was 21.8 kg/m2. Compared to the group of participants without
      previous LBP, the group of participants with previous LBP had a significantly
      higher incidence of disk degeneration such as a Pfirrmann grade >=3, disk
      bulging, and high-intensity zone in the analyses adjusted by age and sex. There
      were no significant differences in spondylolisthesis between the groups. An odds
      ratio of >10 was only found for Pfirrmann grade >=3, ie, a Pfirrmann grade >=3
      was strongly associated with a history of previous LBP in participants without
      current LBP.

PMID- 28096691
TI  - Pain acceptance potentially mediates the relationship between pain
      catastrophizing and post-surgery outcomes among compensated lumbar fusion
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chronic low back pain is highly prevalent and often treatment
      recalcitrant condition, particularly among workers' compensation patients. There
      is a need to identify psychological factors that may predispose such patients to
      pain chronicity. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether pain
      acceptance potentially mediated the relationship between pain catastrophizing and
      post-surgical outcomes in a sample of compensated lumbar fusion patients.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients insured with the Workers Compensation Fund of Utah
      and who were at least 2 years post-lumbar fusion surgery completed an outcome
      survey. These data were obtained from a prior retrospective-cohort study that
      administered measures of pain catastrophizing, pain acceptance, mental and
      physical health, and disability. RESULTS: Of the 101 patients who completed the
      outcome survey, 75.2% were male with a mean age of 42.42 years and predominantly
      identified as White (97.0%). The majority of the participants had a posterior
      lumbar interbody fusion surgery. Pain acceptance, including activity engagement
      and pain willingness, was significantly correlated with better physical health
      and mental health, and lower disability rates. Pain catastrophizing was inversely
      correlated with measures of pain acceptance (activity engagement r=-0.67, p<0.01,
      pain willingness r=-0.73, p<0.01) as well as the outcome measures: mental health,
      physical health, and disability. Pain acceptance significantly mediated the
      relationship between pain catastrophizing and both mental and physical health and
      also the relationship between pain catastrophizing and disability. CONCLUSION:
      This study demonstrated that the relationship between pain catastrophizing and
      negative patient outcomes was potentially mediated by pain acceptance.
      Understanding this mediating relationship offers insight into how pain acceptance
      may play a protective role in patients' pain and disability and has potential
      implications for pain treatments.

PMID- 28096692
TI  - Huge Left Atrial Myxoma and Concomitant Silent Coronary Artery Disease in a Young
      Man.
AB  - Severe but silent coronary artery disease may rarely exist in young patients with
      a low-risk profile but with a family history of coronary artery disease. We
      describe the case of a 33-year-old Caucasian male with progressive shortness of
      breath caused by a huge left atrial myxoma who was diagnosed to have significant
      coronary artery disease in the preoperative assessment. After investigations, the
      patient underwent resection of the left atrial tumor and coronary artery bypass
      grafting (CABG) with a successful outcome. Even in the case of a young male, it
      may be prudent to investigate silent coronary artery disease in the presence of
      cardiovascular risk factors and family history of coronary artery disease. The
      learning objective of this case is to debate about the usefulness of a
      preoperative coronary study even in the young population with cardiac nonischemic
      pathologies (ie, valve pathology, cardiac tumors, etc.).

PMID- 28096693
TI  - Gastric and colon metastasis from breast cancer: case report, review of the
      literature, and possible underlying mechanisms.
AB  - Gastrointestinal metastases from breast cancer are not common. We present a 58
      year-old female diagnosed with lobular breast cancer some years before whose
      relapses were gastric and colonic mucosal. Simultaneous metastases are extremely
      rare. To our knowledge, no cases of initial dual affectation have been reported.
      The patient also showed gastritis by Helicobacter pylori. Invasive lobular breast
      carcinoma is the most frequent special type of breast cancer and carries some
      specific molecular alterations such as loss of expression of E-cadherin. Although
      underlying mechanisms of metastasization are not entirely known, chemokines as
      well as inflammatory events seem to be implicated in this process. Interaction
      between chemokines and their receptors frequently induces cell migration. We
      hypothesize that H. pylori, inflammatory cells, and chemokines may create a
      favorable environment attracting tumor cells.

PMID- 28096694
TI  - Luteolin inhibits lung metastasis, cell migration, and viability of triple
      negative breast cancer cells.
AB  - Most breast cancer-related deaths from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) occur
      following metastasis of cancer cells and development of tumors at secondary
      sites. Because TNBCs lack the three receptors targeted by current
      chemotherapeutic regimens, they are typically treated with extremely aggressive
      and highly toxic non-targeted treatment strategies. Women with TNBC frequently
      develop metastatic lesions originating from drug-resistant residual cells and
      have poor prognosis. For this reason, novel therapeutic strategies that are safer
      and more effective are sought. Luteolin (LU) is a naturally occurring, non-toxic
      plant compound that has proven effective against several types of cancer. With
      this in mind, we conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to determine whether LU
      might suppress metastasis of TNBC. In an in vivo mouse metastasis model, LU
      suppressed metastasis of human MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-231 (4175) LM2 TNBC cells to
      the lungs. In in vitro assays, LU inhibited cell migration and viability of MDA
      MB-435 and MDA-MB-231 (4175) LM2 cells. Further, LU induced apoptosis in MDA-MB
      231 (4175) LM2 cells. Relatively low levels (10 uM) of LU significantly inhibited
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in MDA-MB-231 (4175) LM2
      cells, suggesting that it has the ability to suppress a potent angiogenic and
      cell survival factor. In addition, migration of MDA-MB-231 (4175) LM2 cells was
      inhibited upon exposure to an antibody against the VEGF receptor, KDR, but not by
      exposure to a VEGF165 antibody. Collectively, these data suggest that the anti
      metastatic properties of LU may, in part, be due to its ability to block VEGF
      production and KDR-mediated activity, thereby inhibiting tumor cell migration.
      These studies suggest that LU deserves further investigation as a potential
      treatment option for women with TNBC.

PMID- 28096695
TI  - Hysterosalpingo-foam sonography: patient selection and perspectives.
AB  - We present an overview of the common types of tubal patency tests, with a focus
      on hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy). Current evidence suggests that
      HyFoSy is an accurate alternative to X-ray hysterosalpingography (HSG) for
      outpatient tubal evaluation in women who are at low risk for tubal disease. It
      may be superior to saline hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) in
      excluding tubal occlusion. A hyperechogenic medium may enhance contrast
      visualization and enable clearer delineation of tubal anatomy. This may enhance
      confidence in the diagnosis of tubal patency, reduce false occlusion results, and
      improve the diagnostic yield of the test. It would be reasonable to deduce that
      HyFoSy would have similar performance characteristics as HyCoSy with other
      positive contrast agents. The available evidence supports the accuracy of HyFoSy
      compared to other forms of tubal investigation. We suggest a decision-making
      pathway based on the most current professional recommendations and available
      evidence. However, in this article, we do not provide a definitive exposition of
      the methods used for investigating tubal patency. Rather, we explore the contexts
      in which the various investigations are most and least suitable, and identify
      their strengths and limitations. Finally, we also discuss challenges encountered
      when performing tubal contrast sonography in clinical practice, including the
      problem of false occlusion results.

PMID- 28096696
TI  - Tidal breathing patterns derived from structured light plethysmography in COPD
      patients compared with healthy subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Differences in tidal breathing patterns have been reported between
      patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy
      individuals using traditional measurement techniques. This feasibility study
      examined whether structured light plethysmography (SLP) - a noncontact, light
      based technique - could also detect differences in tidal breathing patterns
      between patients with COPD and healthy subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5 min
      period of tidal (quiet) breathing was recorded in each patient with COPD (n=31)
      and each healthy subject (n=31), matched for age, body mass index, and sex. For
      every participant, the median and interquartile range (IQR; denoting within
      subject variability) of 12 tidal breathing parameters were calculated. Individual
      data were then combined by cohort and summarized by its median and IQR. RESULTS:
      After correction for multiple comparisons, inspiratory time (median tI) and its
      variability (IQR of tI) were lower in patients with COPD (p<0.001 and p<0.01,
      respectively) as were ratios derived from tI (tI/tE and tI/tTot, both p<0.01) and
      their variability (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). IE50SLP (the ratio of
      inspiratory to expiratory flow at 50% tidal volume calculated from the SLP
      signal) was higher (p<0.001) in COPD while SLP-derived time to reach peak tidal
      expiratory flow over expiratory time (median tPTEFSLP/tE) was shorter (p<0.01)
      and considerably less variable (p<0.001). Thoraco-abdominal asynchrony was
      increased (p<0.05) in COPD. CONCLUSION: These early observations suggest that,
      like traditional techniques, SLP is able to detect different breathing patterns
      in COPD patients compared with subjects with no respiratory disease. This
      provides support for further investigation into the potential uses of SLP in
      assessing clinical conditions and interventions.

PMID- 28096697
TI  - miR-486-3p, miR-139-5p, and miR-21 as Biomarkers for the Detection of Oral Tongue
      Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a complex disease with extensive
      genetic and epigenetic defects, including microRNA deregulation. The aims of the
      present study were to test the feasibility of performing the microRNA profiling
      analysis on archived TSCC specimens and to assess the potential diagnostic
      utility of the identified microRNA biomarkers for the detection of TSCC. TaqMan
      array-based microRNA profiling analysis was performed on 10 archived TSCC samples
      and their matching normal tissues. A panel of 12 differentially expressed
      microRNAs was identified. Eight of these differentially expressed microRNAs were
      validated in an independent sample set. A random forest (RF) classification model
      was built with miR-486-3p, miR-139-5p, and miR-21, and it was able to detect TSCC
      with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 86.7% (overall error rate =
      6.7%). As such, this study demonstrated the utility of the archived clinical
      specimens for microRNA biomarker discovery. The feasibility of using microRNA
      biomarkers (miR-486-3p, miR-139-5p, and miR-21) for the detection of TSCC was
      confirmed.

PMID- 28096699
TI  - The Major Role of IK1 in Mechanisms of Rotor Drift in the Atria: A Computational
      Study.
AB  - Maintenance of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) by fast rotors in the left
      atrium (LA) or at the pulmonary veins (PVs) is not fully understood. This review
      describes the role of the heterogeneous distribution of transmembrane currents in
      the PVs and LA junction (PV-LAJ) in the localization of rotors in the PVs.
      Experimentally observed heterogeneities in IK1, IKs, IKr, Ito, and ICaL in the PV
      LAJ were incorporated into models of human atrial kinetics to simulate various
      conditions and investigate rotor drifting mechanisms. Spatial gradients in the
      currents resulted in shorter action potential duration, less negative minimum
      diastolic potential, slower upstroke and conduction velocity for rotors in the PV
      region than in the LA. Rotors under such conditions drifted toward the PV and
      stabilized at the less excitable region. Our simulations suggest that IK1
      heterogeneity is dominant in determining the drift direction through its impact
      on the excitability gradient. These results provide a novel framework for
      understanding the complex dynamics of rotors in AF.

PMID- 28096698
TI  - Burkitt lymphoma in adolescents and young adults: management challenges.
AB  - About one-half of all Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patients are younger than 40 years,
      and one-third belong to the adolescent and young adult (AYA) subset, defined by
      an age between 15 and 25-40 years, based on selection criteria used in different
      reports. BL is an aggressive B-cell neoplasm displaying highly characteristic
      clinico-diagnostic features, the biologic hallmark of which is a translocation
      involving immunoglobulin and c-MYC genes. It presents as sporadic, endemic, or
      epidemic disease. Endemicity is pathogenetically linked to an imbalance of the
      immune system which occurs in African children infected by malaria parasites and
      Epstein-Barr virus, while the epidemic form strictly follows the pattern of
      infection by HIV. BL shows propensity to extranodal involvement of abdominal
      organs, bone marrow, and central nervous system, and can cause severe metabolic
      and renal impairment. Nevertheless, BL is highly responsive to specifically
      designed short-intensive, rotational multiagent chemotherapy programs, empowered
      by the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab. When carefully applied with
      appropriate supportive measures, these modern programs achieve a cure rate of
      approximately 90% in the average AYA patient, irrespective of clinical stage,
      which is the best result achievable in any aggressive lymphoid malignancy to
      date. The challenges ahead concern the following: optimization of management in
      underdeveloped countries, with reduction of diagnostic and referral-for-care
      intervals, and the applicability of currently curative regimens; the development
      of lower intensity but equally effective treatments for frail or
      immunocompromised patients at risk of death by complications; the identification
      of very high-risk patients through positron-emission tomography and minimal
      residual disease assays; and the assessment in these and the few
      refractory/relapsed ones of new monoclonals (ofatumumab, blinatumomab, inotuzumab
      ozogamicin) and new molecules targeting c-MYC and key proliferative steps of B
      cell malignancies.

PMID- 28096700
TI  - Sequential Combination Chemotherapy of Dacarbazine (DTIC) with Carboplatin and
      Paclitaxel for Patients with Metastatic Mucosal Melanoma of Nasal Cavity and
      Paranasal Sinuses.
AB  - By the recent introduction of molecular targeting drugs against BRAF mutation and
      immune checkpoint inhibitors, the prognosis of patients with melanoma in advanced
      stage is now improving, but still in the minority. Mucosal melanoma lacks the
      BRAF mutations, and hence conventional chemotherapeutic regimens must be
      improved. We have conventionally used dacarbazine (DTIC) for patients with
      metastatic mucosal melanoma. However, the efficacy of DTIC in patients with
      metastatic mucosal melanoma has been limited. Therefore, we explored other
      possibilities to improve the prognosis of patients suffering from metastatic
      mucosal melanoma. In this communication, we present a retrospective analysis of
      the sequential combination chemotherapy of DTIC with carboplatin and paclitaxel
      (CP) for metastatic mucosal melanoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The
      objective response rate of seven patients is 14.3% by RECIST 1.1 and the overall
      survival (OS) is 12.5 months. These data indicate that the sequential combination
      chemotherapy of DTIC with CP could be an option for patients with metastatic
      mucosal melanoma of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses who are currently ending
      into dismal prognosis.

PMID- 28096701
TI  - Metreleptin Treatment in Three Patients with Generalized Lipodystrophy.
AB  - Generalized lipodystrophy (GL) is a rare inherited or acquired disease
      characterized by widespread loss of subcutaneous fat, leading to leptin
      deficiency, ectopic fat deposition, and severe metabolic abnormalities. Previous
      studies have shown the benefit of leptin replacement (metreleptin) in
      ameliorating metabolic complications, but little is known about the experience of
      metreleptin treatment outside of a research setting. We report on post-marketing
      clinical experience with metreleptin therapy in three patients with GL and marked
      hypoleptinemia, uncontrolled diabetes, and hypertriglyceridemia. After
      metreleptin treatment for 12-168 weeks, the mean glycated hemoglobin decreased
      from 10.9% to 5.8%, and serum triglycerides were normalized (a mean decline of
      90%). These benefits were observed within weeks of starting therapy, were
      durable, and were accompanied by subjective improvements in quality of life,
      decreased need for concomitant medications, and no significant adverse effects.
      Metreleptin was safe and effective in normalizing certain severe metabolic
      abnormalities in the clinic setting.

PMID- 28096702
TI  - Early Benefits of a Starter Formula Enriched in Prebiotics and Probiotics on the
      Gut Microbiota of Healthy Infants Born to HIV+ Mothers: A Randomized Double-Blind
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - The gut microbiota of infants is shaped by both the mode of delivery and the type
      of feeding. The gut of vaginally and cesarean-delivered infants is colonized at
      different rates and with different bacterial species, leading to differences in
      the gut microbial composition, which may persist up to 6 months. In a
      multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial conducted in South
      Africa, we tested the effect of a formula supplemented with a prebiotic (a
      mixture of bovine milk-derived oligosaccharides [BMOS] generated from whey
      permeate and containing galactooligosaccharides and milk oligosaccharides such as
      3'- and 6'-sialyllactose) and the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.
      lactis (B. lactis) strain CNCM I-3446 on the bifidobacteria levels in the gut of
      infants born vaginally or via cesarean section in early life. Additionally, the
      safety of the new formulation was evaluated. A total of 430 healthy, full-term
      infants born to HIV-positive mothers who had elected to feed their child
      beginning from birth (<=3 days old) exclusively with formula were randomized into
      this multicenter trial of four parallel groups. A total of 421 infants who had
      any study formula intake were included in the full analysis set (FAS). The first
      two groups consisted of cesarean-delivered infants assigned to the Test formula
      (n = 92) (a starter infant formula [IF] containing BMOS at a total
      oligosaccharide concentration of 5.8 +/- 1.0 g/100 g of powder formula [8 g/L in
      the reconstituted formula] + B. lactis [1 * 107 colony-forming units {cfu}/g]) or
      a Control IF (n = 101); the second two groups consisted of vaginally delivered
      infants randomized to the same Test (n = 115) or Control (n = 113) formulas from
      the time of enrollment to 6 months. The primary efficacy outcome was fecal
      bifidobacteria count at 10 days, and the primary safety outcome was daily weight
      gain (g/d) between 10 days and 4 months. At 10 days, fecal bifidobacteria counts
      were significantly higher in the Test formula than in the Control formula group
      among infants with cesarean birth (median [range] log: 9.41 [6.30-10.94] cfu/g
      versus 6.30 [6.30-10.51] cfu/g; P = 0.002) but not among those with vaginal birth
      (median [range] log: 10.06 [5.93-10.77] cfu/g versus 9.85 [6.15-10.79] cfu/g; P =
      0.126). The lower bound of the two-sided 95% confidence interval of the
      difference in the mean daily weight gain between the Test and Control formula
      groups was more than -3 g/d in both the vaginally and cesarean-delivered infants,
      indicating that growth in the Test formula-fed infants was not inferior to that
      of Control formula-fed infants. At 10 days and 4 weeks, the fecal pH of infants
      fed the Test formula was significantly lower than in those fed the Control
      formula, irrespective of mode of delivery: for vaginal delivery: 4.93 versus
      5.59; P < 0.001 (10 days) and 5.01 versus 5.71; P < 0.001 (4 weeks); for cesarean
      delivery: 5.14 versus 5.65, P = 0.009 (10 days) and 5.06 versus 5.75, P < 0.001
      (4 weeks). At 3 months, this acidification effect only persisted among cesarean
      born infants. IF supplemented with the prebiotic BMOS and probiotic B. lactis
      induced a strong bifidogenic effect in both delivering modes, but more explicitly
      correcting the low bifidobacteria level found in cesarean-born infants from
      birth. The supplemented IF lowered the fecal pH and improved the fecal microbiota
      in both normal and cesarean-delivered infants. The use of bifidobacteria as a
      probiotic even in infants who are immunologically at risk is safe and well
      tolerated.

PMID- 28096703
TI  - Progesterone for Luteal Phase Support in In Vitro Fertilization: Comparison of
      Vaginal and Rectal Pessaries to Vaginal Capsules: A Randomized Controlled Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In IVF, Luteal phase support is usually performed using vaginal
      progesterone. A part of patients using this route reports being uncomfortable
      with this route. We tried to study whether the rectal route could be an effective
      alternative and associated with less discomfort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      prospective randomized controlled study. All patient were eligible for IVF
      treatment for infertility. After oocyte pickup, 186 patients were allocated to
      one the following protocols for luteal phase support: (i) rectal pessaries group:
      natural progesterone pessaries administered rectally 200 mg three times a day,
      (ii) vaginal pessaries group: natural progesterone pessaries administered
      vaginally 200 mg three times a day), and (iii) vaginal capsules group: natural
      micronized progesterone capsules administered vaginally 200 mg three times a day.
      On the day of pregnancy test, patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire
      conducted by an investigator in order to assess the tolerability and side effects
      of the LPS treatment taken. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of perineal
      irritation. RESULTS: Fifty eight patients were assigned to the rectal pessaries
      group, 68 patients to the vaginal pessaries group, and 60 patients to the vaginal
      capsules group. All patients adhered to their allocated treatment. Implantation
      and clinical pregnancy rates per transfer did not differ between the three
      groups. Perineal irritation, which was our primary endpoint, was the same for all
      the three groups (respectively 1.7 % versus 5.9 % versus 11.7%). Regarding the
      other side effects, more patients experienced constipation and flatulence with
      the rectal route, whereas more patients reported vaginal discharge in the vaginal
      capsules group. CONCLUSION: Rectal administration for luteal phase support is
      effective and well accepted alternative to vaginal route.

PMID- 28096704
TI  - Neonatal resuscitation: advances in training and practice.
AB  - Each year in the US, some four hundred thousand newborns need help breathing when
      they are born. Due to the frequent need for resuscitation at birth, it is vital
      to have evidence-based care guidelines and to provide effective neonatal
      resuscitation training. Every five years, the International Liaison Committee on
      Resuscitation (ILCOR) reviews the science of neonatal resuscitation. In the US,
      the American Heart Association (AHA) develops treatment guidelines based on the
      ILCOR science review, and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) translates the
      AHA guidelines into an educational curriculum. In this report, we review recent
      advances in neonatal resuscitation training and practice. We begin with a review
      of the new 7th edition NRP training curriculum. Then, we examine key changes to
      the 2015 AHA neonatal resuscitation guidelines. The four components of the NRP
      curriculum reviewed here include eSim(r), Performance Skills Stations, Integrated
      Skills Station, and Simulation and Debriefing. The key changes to the AHA
      neonatal resuscitation guidelines reviewed include initial steps of newborn care,
      positive-pressure ventilation, endotracheal intubation and use of laryngeal mask,
      chest compressions, medications, resuscitation of preterm newborns, and ethics
      and end-of-life care. We hope this report provides a succinct review of recent
      advances in neonatal resuscitation.

PMID- 28096705
TI  - Situational judgment tests reliably measure professional attributes important for
      clinical practice.
AB  - Over the course of more than 40 years, international research has consistently
      shown situational judgment tests (SJTs) to be a reliable and valid selection
      method for assessing a range of professional attributes. However, SJTs still
      represent a relatively new selection method within the medical profession, and as
      such it is to be expected that applicant reactions will vary. In this Expert
      Opinion piece, we respond to Najim et al's article "The situational judgement
      test: a student's worst nightmare" by highlighting three key clarifications. We
      outline that 1) the UK Foundation Programme's SJT deliberately measures only a
      subset (five) of the nine professional attributes important for the role of
      Foundation Trainee doctor, 2) these attributes are measured in addition to
      academic attainment, and 3) the SJT represents a cost-effective approach to
      selection rather than attempting to interview approximately 8,000 candidates each
      year, which would be logistically impossible. We present these points to inform
      future research and encourage debate, and conclude that the SJT is an appropriate
      and fair measurement method to be used as one part of selection to the UK
      Foundation Programme.

PMID- 28096706
TI  - Balancing standardized testing with personalized training in surgery.
AB  - Students pursuing a medical career in the US are subject to standardized testing
      at regular intervals. These standardized tests not only quantify the milestones
      students have already achieved, but also define the path for future achievements.
      The purpose of these examinations is to help students become self-directed,
      lifelong learners - an essential attribute of a medical professional. However,
      whether preparing for these examinations actually makes students such disciplined
      learners needs to be examined. Especially during residency training with its
      limited time and unpredictable exposure, trainees must learn in the most
      efficient way for their learning styles, and thus develop attributes that will be
      helpful to them in their medical career. In this review, we propose that a
      personalized, learner-centered approach tailored to residents' educational needs
      and preferences can not only fulfill learning interests and objectives but also
      serve as a time-efficient and cost-effective approach for graduate medical
      education.

PMID- 28096707
TI  - Simulation-based medical education to improve intrinsic motivation in medical
      students.

PMID- 28096708
TI  - Evaluating medical students' proficiency with a handheld ophthalmoscope: a pilot
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Historically, testing medical students' skills using a handheld
      ophthalmoscope has been difficult to do objectively. Many programs train students
      using plastic models of the eye which are a very limited fidelity simulator of a
      real human eye. This makes it difficult to be sure that actual proficiency is
      attained given the differences between the various models and actual patients.
      The purpose of this article is to introduce a method of testing where a medical
      student must match a patient with his/her fundus photo, ensuring objective
      evaluation as well as developing skills on real patients which are more likely to
      transfer into clinical practice directly. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Fundus photos
      from standardized patients (SPs) were obtained using a retinal camera and placed
      into a grid using proprietary software. Medical students were then asked to
      examine a SP and attempt to match the patient to his/her fundus photo in the
      grid. RESULTS: Of the 33 medical students tested, only 10 were able to match the
      SP's eye to the correct photo in the grid. The average time to correct selection
      was 175 seconds, and the successful students rated their confidence level at
      27.5% (average). The incorrect selection took less time, averaging 118 seconds,
      yet yielded a higher student-reported confidence level at 34.8% (average). The
      only noteworthy predictor of success (p<0.05) was the student's age (p=0.02).
      CONCLUSION: It may be determined that there is an apparent gap in the
      ophthalmoscopy training of the students tested. It may also be of concern that
      students who selected the incorrect photo were more confident in their selections
      than students who chose the correct photo. More training may be necessary to
      close this gap, and future studies should attempt to establish continuing
      protocols in multiple centers.

PMID- 28096709
TI  - Communication pitfalls of traditional history and physical write-up
      documentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An unofficial standardized "write-up" outline is commonly used for
      documenting history and physical examinations, giving oral presentations, and
      teaching clinical skills. Despite general acceptance, there is an apparent
      discrepancy between the way clinical encounters are conducted and how they are
      documented. METHODS: Fifteen medical school websites were randomly selected from
      search-engine generated lists. One example of a history and physical write-up
      from each of six sites, one teaching outline from each of nine additional sites,
      and recommendations for documentation made in two commonly used textbooks were
      compared for similarities and differences. RESULTS: Except for minor variations
      in documenting background information, all sampled materials utilized the same
      standardized format. When the examiners' early perceptions of the patients'
      degree of illness or level of distress were described, they were categorized as
      "general appearance" within the physical findings. Contrary to clinical practice,
      none of the examples or recommendations documented these early perceptions before
      chief concerns and history were presented. DISCUSSION: An examiner's initial
      perceptions of a patient's affect, degree of illness, and level of distress can
      influence the content of the history, triage decisions, and prioritization of
      likely diagnoses. When chief concerns and history are shared without benefit of
      this information, erroneous assumptions and miscommunications can result.
      CONCLUSION: This survey confirms common use of a standardized outline for
      documenting, communicating, and teaching history-taking and physical examination
      protocol. The present outline shares early observations out of clinical sequence
      and may provide inadequate context for accurate interpretation of chief concerns
      and history. Corrective actions include modifying the documentation sequence to
      conform to clinical practice and teaching contextual methodology for sharing
      patient information.

PMID- 28096710
TI  - Navigating Uncertainty: Health Professionals' Knowledge, Skill, and Confidence in
      Assessing and Managing Pain in Children with Profound Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - There is limited evidence to underpin the assessment and management of pain in
      children with profound cognitive impairment and these children are vulnerable to
      poor pain assessment and management. Health professionals working with children
      with profound cognitive impairment from a single paediatric tertiary referral
      centre in England were interviewed to explore how they develop and acquire
      knowledge and skills to assess and manage pain in children with cognitive
      impairment. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.
      Nineteen health professionals representing different professional groups and
      different levels of experience participated in the study. A metatheme "navigating
      uncertainty; deficits in knowledge and skills" and two core themes "framing as
      different and teasing things out" and "the settling and unsettling presence of
      parents" were identified. Uncertainty about aspects of assessing and managing the
      pain of children with cognitive impairment tended to erode professional
      confidence and many discussed deficits in their skill and knowledge set.
      Uncertainty was managed through engaging with other health professionals and the
      child's parents. Most health professionals stated they would welcome more
      education and training although many felt that this input should be clinical and
      not classroom oriented.

PMID- 28096711
TI  - Effectiveness of High Intensity Laser Therapy for Reduction of Pain in Knee
      Osteoarthritis.
AB  - Introduction. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is the main
      cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and disability among the elderly
      population. Aim. This is a pilot, randomized clinical study about the effect of
      high intensity laser therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (OA of
      the knee). Material and Method. 72 patients (aged between 39 and 83 years) with
      (clinically and radiographically proved) OA of the knee were included in the
      study. They were randomized in two groups: therapeutic (test) one (n = 37, 65,11
      +/- 1,40 (mean +/- SD) years old; patients were treated with HILT) and control
      group (n = 35, 64,71 +/- 1,98; patients receive sham laser). Both groups had
      seven sessions of treatment. VAS and dolorimetry were used for assessment of pain
      before and after the therapy. Pedobarometric analysis (static and dynamic) was
      used to assess comparatively the contact surface area and maximum pressure under
      the heel. Results. Pain levels measured by VAS and dolorimetry decreased
      significantly in the therapeutic group after seven days of treatment (p< 0,001).
      Conclusion. The results after seven days of treatment show more intensive and
      cumulative effect after the application of high intensity laser therapy in
      comparison to sham laser. This is the reason why HILT can be a method of choice
      in the treatment of gonarthrosis.

PMID- 28096713
TI  - Expanding Horizons in Cancer Imaging.

PMID- 28096714
TI  - Evolving Cancer Classification in the Era of Personalized Medicine: A Primer for
      Radiologists.
AB  - Traditionally tumors were classified based on anatomic location but now specific
      genetic mutations in cancers are leading to treatment of tumors with molecular
      targeted therapies. This has led to a paradigm shift in the classification and
      treatment of cancer. Tumors treated with molecular targeted therapies often show
      morphological changes rather than change in size and are associated with class
      specific and drug specific toxicities, different from those encountered with
      conventional chemotherapeutic agents. It is important for the radiologists to be
      familiar with the new cancer classification and the various treatment strategies
      employed, in order to effectively communicate and participate in the multi
      disciplinary care. In this paper we will focus on lung cancer as a prototype of
      the new molecular classification.

PMID- 28096715
TI  - Radiology Consultation in the Era of Precision Oncology: A Review of Consultation
      Models and Services in the Tertiary Setting.
AB  - The purpose of the article is to describe the various radiology consultation
      models in the Era of Precision Medicine. Since the inception of our specialty,
      radiologists have served as consultants to physicians of various disciplines. A
      variety of radiology consultation services have been described in the literature,
      including clinical decision support, patient-centric, subspecialty
      interpretation, and/or some combination of these. In oncology care in particular,
      case complexity often merits open dialogue with clinical providers. To explore
      the utility and impact of radiology consultation services in the academic
      setting, this article will further describe existing consultation models and the
      circumstances that precipitated their development. The hybrid model successful at
      our tertiary cancer center is discussed. In addition, the contributions of a
      consultant radiologist in breast cancer care are reviewed as the archetype of
      radiology consultation services provided to oncology practitioners.

PMID- 28096716
TI  - Molecular Targeted Therapy in Modern Oncology: Imaging Assessment of Treatment
      Response and Toxicities.
AB  - Oncology is a rapidly evolving field with a shift toward personalized cancer
      treatment. The use of therapies targeted to the molecular features of individual
      tumors and the tumor microenvironment has become much more common. In this
      review, anti-angiogenic and other molecular targeted therapies are discussed,
      with a focus on typical and atypical response patterns and imaging manifestations
      of drug toxicities.

PMID- 28096717
TI  - Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Era of Precision Medicine: What Radiologists
      Should Know.
AB  - Over the past five years immune-checkpoint inhibitors have dramatically changed
      the therapeutic landscape of advanced solid and hematologic malignancies. The
      currently approved immune-checkpoint inhibitors include antibodies to cytotoxic T
      lymphocyte antigen-4, programmed cell death (PD-1), and programmed cell death
      ligand (PD-L1 and PD-L2). Response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors is evaluated
      on imaging using the immune-related response criteria. Activation of immune
      system results in a unique toxicity profile termed immune-related adverse events.
      This article will review the molecular mechanism, clinical applications, imaging
      of immune-related response patterns and adverse events associated with immune
      checkpoint inhibitors.

PMID- 28096718
TI  - Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Era of Precision Oncology: How Imaging Is
      Helpful.
AB  - Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histological subtype of
      Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. As treatments continues to evolve, so do imaging
      strategies, and positron emission tomography (PET) has emerged as the most
      important imaging tool to guide oncologists in the diagnosis, staging, response
      assessment, relapse/recurrence detection,and therapeutic decision making of
      DLBCL. Other imaging modalities including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
      computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and conventional radiography are also used
      in the evaluation of lymphoma. MRI is useful for nervous system and
      musculoskeletal system involvement and is emerging as a radiation free
      alternative to PET/CT. This article provides a comprehensive review of both the
      functional and morphological imaging modalities, available in the management of
      DLBCL.

PMID- 28096719
TI  - T-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Spectrum of Disease and the Role of Imaging in the
      Management of Common Subtypes.
AB  - T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are biologically diverse, uncommon
      malignancies characterized by a spectrum of imaging findings according to
      subtype. The purpose of this review is to describe the common subtypes of T-cell
      NHL, highlight important differences between cutaneous, various peripheral and
      precursor subtypes, and summarize imaging features and the role of imaging in the
      management of this diverse set of diseases.

PMID- 28096720
TI  - Update on Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors for Radiologists.
AB  - The management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has evolved
      significantly in the last two decades due to better understanding of their
      biologic behavior as well as development of molecular targeted therapies. GISTs
      with exon 11 mutation respond to imatinib whereas GISTs with exon 9 or succinate
      dehydrogenase subunit mutations do not. Risk stratification models have enabled
      stratifying GISTs according to risk of recurrence and choosing patients who may
      benefit from adjuvant therapy. Assessing response to targeted therapies in GIST
      using conventional response criteria has several potential pitfalls leading to
      search for alternate response criteria based on changes in tumor attenuation,
      volume, metabolic and functional parameters. Surveillance of patients with GIST
      in the adjuvant setting is important for timely detection of recurrences.

PMID- 28096721
TI  - Current Concepts in Non-Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A
      Primer for Radiologists.
AB  - Non-gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a
      heterogeneous group of neoplasms whose classification and management continues to
      evolve with better understanding of their biologic behavior. The 2013 World
      Health Organization (WHO) has revised their classification based on new
      immunohistochemical and cytogenetic data. In this article, we will provide a
      brief overview of the revised WHO classification of soft tissue tumors, discuss
      in detail the radiology and management of the two most common adult non-GIST STS,
      namely liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma, and review some of the emerging histology
      driven targeted therapies in non-GIST STS, focusing on the role of the
      radiologist.

PMID- 28096722
TI  - Evidence-Based Cancer Imaging.
AB  - With the advances in the field of oncology, imaging is increasingly used in the
      follow-up of cancer patients, leading to concerns about over-utilization.
      Therefore, it has become imperative to make imaging more evidence-based,
      efficient, cost-effective and equitable. This review explores the strategies and
      tools to make diagnostic imaging more evidence-based, mainly in the context of
      follow-up of cancer patients.

PMID- 28096723
TI  - Myocardial T1 and T2 Mapping: Techniques and Clinical Applications.
AB  - Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is widely used in various medical fields
      related to cardiovascular diseases. Rapid technological innovations in magnetic
      resonance imaging in recent times have resulted in the development of new
      techniques for CMR imaging. T1 and T2 image mapping sequences enable the direct
      quantification of T1, T2, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) values of the
      myocardium, leading to the progressive integration of these sequences into
      routine CMR settings. Currently, T1, T2, and ECV values are being recognized as
      not only robust biomarkers for diagnosis of cardiomyopathies, but also predictive
      factors for treatment monitoring and prognosis. In this study, we have reviewed
      various T1 and T2 mapping sequence techniques and their clinical applications.

PMID- 28096724
TI  - Essential Items for Structured Reporting of Rectal Cancer MRI: 2016 Consensus
      Recommendation from the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology.
AB  - High-resolution rectal MRI plays a crucial role in evaluating rectal cancer by
      providing multiple prognostic findings and imaging features that guide proper
      patient management. Quality reporting is critical for accurate effective
      communication of the information among multiple disciplines, for which a
      systematic structured approach is beneficial. Existing guides on reporting of
      rectal MRI are divergent on some issues, largely reflecting the differences in
      overall management of rectal cancer patients between the United States and
      Europe. The Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology (KSAR) study group for rectal
      cancer has developed an expert consensus recommendation regarding essential items
      for structured reporting of rectal cancer MRI using a modified Delphi method.
      This recommendation aims at presenting an up-to-date, evidence-based, practical,
      structured reporting template that can be readily adopted in daily clinical
      practice. In addition, a thorough explanation of the clinical and scientific
      rationale underlying the reporting items and their formats is provided. This KSAR
      recommendation may serve as a useful tool to help achieve more standardized
      optimal care for rectal cancer patients using rectal MRI.

PMID- 28096725
TI  - Added Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound on Biopsies of Focal Hepatic Lesions
      Invisible on Fusion Imaging Guidance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) with
      Sonazoid can improve the lesion conspicuity and feasibility of percutaneous
      biopsies for focal hepatic lesions invisible on fusion imaging of real-time
      ultrasonography (US) with computed tomography/magnetic resonance images, and
      evaluate its impact on clinical decision making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study. Between June 2013
      and January 2015, 711 US-guided percutaneous biopsies were performed for focal
      hepatic lesions. Biopsies were performed using CEUS for guidance if lesions were
      invisible on fusion imaging. We retrospectively evaluated the number of target
      lesions initially invisible on fusion imaging that became visible after applying
      CEUS, using a 4-point scale. Technical success rates of biopsies were evaluated
      based on histopathological results. In addition, the occurrence of changes in
      clinical decision making was assessed. RESULTS: Among 711 patients, 16 patients
      (2.3%) were included in the study. The median size of target lesions was 1.1 cm
      (range, 0.5-1.9 cm) in pre-procedural imaging. After CEUS, 15 of 16 (93.8%) focal
      hepatic lesions were visualized. The conspicuity score was significantly
      increased after adding CEUS, as compared to that on fusion imaging (p < 0.001).
      The technical success rate of biopsy was 87.6% (14/16). After biopsy, there were
      changes in clinical decision making for 11 of 16 patients (68.8%). CONCLUSION:
      The addition of CEUS could improve the conspicuity of focal hepatic lesions
      invisible on fusion imaging. This dual guidance using CEUS and fusion imaging may
      affect patient management via changes in clinical decision-making.

PMID- 28096726
TI  - Diffusion-Weighted MR Enterography to Monitor Bowel Inflammation after Medical
      Therapy in Crohn's Disease: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the performance of diffusion-weighted
      imaging (DWI) to monitor bowel inflammation after medical therapy for Crohn's
      disease (CD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Before and following 1-2 years of medical
      therapy, between October 2012 and May 2015, 18 randomly selected adult CD
      patients (male:female, 13:5; mean age +/- SD, 25.8 +/- 7.9 years at the time of
      enrollment) prospectively underwent MR enterography (MRE) including DWI (b = 900
      s/mm2) and ileocolonoscopy. Thirty-seven prospectively defined index lesions (one
      contiguous endoscopy-confirmed inflamed area chosen from each inflamed anatomical
      bowel segment; 1-4 index lesions per patient; median, 2 lesions) were assessed on
      pre- and post-treatment MRE and endoscopy. Visual assessment of treatment
      responses on DWI in 4 categories including complete remission and reduced,
      unchanged or increased inflammation, and measurements of changes in apparent
      diffusion coefficient (DeltaADC), i.e., pre-treatment-post-treatment, were
      performed by 2 independent readers. Endoscopic findings and CD MRI activity index
      (CDMI) obtained using conventional MRE served as reference standards. RESULTS:
      DeltaADC significantly differed between improved (i.e., complete remission and
      reduced inflammation) and unimproved (i.e., unchanged or increased inflammation)
      lesions: mean +/- SD (* 10-3 mm2/s) of -0.65 +/- 0.58 vs. 0.06 +/- 0.15 for
      reader 1 (p = 0.022) and -0.68 +/- 0.56 vs. 0.10 +/- 0.26 for reader 2 (p =
      0.025). DWI accuracy for diagnosing complete remission or improved inflammation
      ranged from 76% (28/37) to 84% (31/37). A significant negative correlation was
      noted between DeltaADC and DeltaCDMI for both readers with correlation
      coefficients of -0.438 and -0.461, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DWI is
      potentially a feasible tool to monitor quantitatively and qualitatively bowel
      inflammation of CD after medical treatment.

PMID- 28096727
TI  - New Radiofrequency Device to Reduce Bleeding after Core Needle Biopsy:
      Experimental Study in a Porcine Liver Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vivo efficiency of the biopsy tract radiofrequency
      ablation for hemostasis after core biopsy of the liver in a porcine liver model,
      including situations with bleeding tendency and a larger (16-gauge) core needle.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A preliminary study was performed using one pig to
      determine optimal ablation parameters. For the main experiment, four pigs were
      assigned to different groups according to heparinization use and biopsy needle
      caliber. In each pig, 14 control (without tract ablation) and 14 experimental
      (tract ablation) ultrasound-guided core biopsies were performed using either an
      18- or 16-gauge needle. Post-biopsy bleeding amounts were measured by soaking up
      the blood for five minutes. The results were compared using the Mann-Whitney U
      test. RESULTS: The optimal parameters for biopsy tract ablation were determined
      as a 2-cm active tip electrode set at 40-watt with a tip temperature of 70-80C.
      The bleeding amounts in all experimental groups were smaller than those in the
      controls; however they were significant in the non-heparinized pig biopsied with
      an 18-gauge needle and in two heparinized pigs (p < 0.001). In the heparinized
      pigs, the mean blood loss in the experimental group was 3.5% and 13.5% of the
      controls biopsied with an 18- and 16-gauge needle, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Radiofrequency ablation of hepatic core biopsy tract ablation may reduce post
      biopsy bleeding even under bleeding tendency and using a larger core needle,
      according to the result from in vivo porcine model experiments.

PMID- 28096728
TI  - High-resolution Imaging of Neural Anatomy and Pathology of the Neck.
AB  - The neck has intricately connected neural structures, including cervical and
      brachial plexi, the sympathetic system, lower cranial nerves, and their branches.
      Except for brachial plexus, there has been little research regarding the normal
      imaging appearance or corresponding pathologies of neural structures in the neck.
      The development in imaging techniques with better spatial resolution and signal
      to-noise ratio has made it possible to see many tiny nerves to predict
      complications related to image-guided procedures and to better assess treatment
      response, especially in the management of oncology patients. The purposes of this
      review is to present imaging-based anatomy of major nerves in the neck and
      explain their relevant clinical significance according to representative
      pathologies of regarded nerves in the neck.

PMID- 28096729
TI  - Advanced MRI for Pediatric Brain Tumors with Emphasis on Clinical Benefits.
AB  - Conventional anatomic brain MRI is often limited in evaluating pediatric brain
      tumors, the most common solid tumors and a leading cause of death in children.
      Advanced brain MRI techniques have great potential to improve diagnostic
      performance in children with brain tumors and overcome diagnostic pitfalls
      resulting from diverse tumor pathologies as well as nonspecific or overlapped
      imaging findings. Advanced MRI techniques used for evaluating pediatric brain
      tumors include diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, functional
      MRI, perfusion imaging, spectroscopy, susceptibility-weighted imaging, and
      chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging. Because pediatric brain tumors
      differ from adult counterparts in various aspects, MRI protocols should be
      designed to achieve maximal clinical benefits in pediatric brain tumors. In this
      study, we review advanced MRI techniques and interpretation algorithms for
      pediatric brain tumors.

PMID- 28096730
TI  - Methodology for Developing Evidence-Based Clinical Imaging Guidelines: Joint
      Recommendations by Korean Society of Radiology and National Evidence-Based
      Healthcare Collaborating Agency.
AB  - This paper is a summary of the methodology including protocol used to develop
      evidence-based clinical imaging guidelines (CIGs) in Korea, led by the Korean
      Society of Radiology and the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating
      Agency. This is the first protocol to reflect the process of developing
      diagnostic guidelines in Korea. The development protocol is largely divided into
      the following sections: set-up, process of adaptation, and finalization. The
      working group is composed of clinical imaging experts, and the developmental
      committee is composed of multidisciplinary experts to validate the methodology.
      The Korean CIGs will continue to develop based on this protocol, and these
      guidelines will act for decision supporting tools for clinicians as well as
      reduce medical radiation exposure.

PMID- 28096732
TI  - Estimation of T2* Relaxation Time of Breast Cancer: Correlation with Clinical,
      Imaging and Pathological Features.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the T2* relaxation time in
      breast cancer, and to evaluate the association between the T2* value with
      clinical-imaging-pathological features of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Between January 2011 and July 2013, 107 consecutive women with 107 breast cancers
      underwent multi-echo T2*-weighted imaging on a 3T clinical magnetic resonance
      imaging system. The Student's t test and one-way analysis of variance were used
      to compare the T2* values of cancer for different groups, based on the clinical
      imaging-pathological features. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis
      was performed to find independent predictive factors associated with the T2*
      values. RESULTS: Of the 107 breast cancers, 92 were invasive and 15 were ductal
      carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The mean T2* value of invasive cancers was
      significantly longer than that of DCIS (p = 0.029). Signal intensity on T2
      weighted imaging (T2WI) and histologic grade of invasive breast cancers showed
      significant correlation with T2* relaxation time in univariate and multivariate
      analysis. Breast cancer groups with higher signal intensity on T2WI showed longer
      T2* relaxation time (p = 0.005). Cancer groups with higher histologic grade
      showed longer T2* relaxation time (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: The T2* value is
      significantly longer in invasive cancer than in DCIS. In invasive cancers, T2*
      relaxation time is significantly longer in higher histologic grades and high
      signal intensity on T2WI. Based on these preliminary data, quantitative T2*
      mapping has the potential to be useful in the characterization of breast cancer.

PMID- 28096731
TI  - Core Needle Biopsy of the Thyroid: 2016 Consensus Statement and Recommendations
      from Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology.
AB  - Core needle biopsy (CNB) has been suggested as a complementary diagnostic method
      to fine-needle aspiration in patients with thyroid nodules. Many recent CNB
      studies have suggested a more advanced role for CNB, but there are still no
      guidelines on its use. Therefore, the Task Force Committee of the Korean Society
      of Thyroid Radiology has developed the present consensus statement and
      recommendations for the role of CNB in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. These
      recommendations are based on evidence from the current literature and expert
      consensus.

PMID- 28096733
TI  - Diagnosis of Nerve Root Compromise of the Lumbar Spine: Evaluation of the
      Performance of Three-dimensional Isotropic T2-weighted Turbo Spin-Echo SPACE
      Sequence at 3T.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the performance of three-dimensional (3D) isotropic T2
      weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sampling perfection with application optimized
      contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) sequence on a 3T system,
      for the evaluation of nerve root compromise by disc herniation or stenosis from
      central to extraforaminal location of the lumbar spine, when used alone or in
      combination with conventional two-dimensional (2D) TSE sequence. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who had undergone 3T spine MRI including 2D and 3D
      sequences, and had subsequent spine surgery for nerve root compromise at a total
      of 39 nerve levels, were analyzed. A total of 78 nerve roots (48 symptomatic and
      30 asymptomatic sites) were graded (0 to 3) using different MRI sets of 2D, 3D
      (axial plus sagittal), 3D (all planes), and combination of 2D and 3D sequences,
      with respect to the nerve root compromise caused by posterior disc herniations,
      lateral recess stenoses, neural foraminal stenoses, or extraforaminal disc
      herniations; grading was done independently by two readers. Diagnostic
      performance was compared between different imaging sets using the receiver
      operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: There were no
      statistically significant differences (p = 0.203 to > 0.999) in the ROC curve
      area between the imaging sets for both readers 1 and 2, except for combined 2D
      and 3D (0.843) vs. 2D (0.802) for reader 1 (p = 0.035), and combined 2D and 3D
      (0.820) vs. 3D including all planes (0.765) for reader 2 (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION:
      The performance of 3D isotropic T2-weighted TSE sequence of the lumbar spine,
      whether axial plus sagittal images, or all planes of images, was not
      significantly different from that of 2D TSE sequences, for the evaluation of
      nerve root compromise of the lumbar spine. Combining 2D and 3D might possibly
      improve the diagnostic accuracy compared with either one.

PMID- 28096734
TI  - Chest CT Features of Cystic Fibrosis in Korea: Comparison with Non-Cystic
      Fibrosis Diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare congenital disease in Korea, and its
      clinical and imaging findings are unclear. The objective of our study was to
      describe the clinical and CT features of CF in Korea and compare its features
      with those of other diseases mimicking CF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November
      1994 to December 2014, a presumptive diagnosis of CF was made in 23 patients
      based on clinical or radiological examination. After the exclusion of 10 patients
      without diagnostic confirmation, 13 patients were included in the study. A
      diagnosis of CF was made with the CF gene study. CT findings were evaluated for
      the presence and distribution of parenchymal abnormalities including
      bronchiectasis, tree-in-bud (TIB) pattern, mucus plugging, consolidation, and
      mosaic attenuation. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients, 7 (median age, 15 years) were
      confirmed as CF, 4 (median age, 19 years) had primary ciliary dyskinesia, 1 had
      bronchiectasis of unknown cause, and 1 had chronic asthma. CT of patients with CF
      showed bilateral bronchiectasis, TIB pattern, mosaic attenuation, and mucus
      plugging in all patients, with upper lung predominance (57%). In CT of the non-CF
      patients, bilateral bronchiectasis, TIB pattern, mosaic attenuation, and mucus
      plugging were also predominant features, with lower lung predominance (50%).
      CONCLUSION: Korean patients with CF showed bilateral bronchiectasis, cellular
      bronchiolitis, mucus plugging, and mosaic attenuation, which overlapped with
      those of non-CF patients. CF gene study is recommended for the definitive
      diagnosis of CF in patients with these clinical and imaging features.

PMID- 28096735
TI  - Volatile Fatty Acids Production from Codigestion of Food Waste and Sewage Sludge
      Based on beta-Cyclodextrins and Alkaline Treatments.
AB  - Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are preferred valuable resources, which can be
      produced from anaerobic digestion process. This study presents a novel technology
      using beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CD) pretreatment integrated alkaline method to
      enhance VFAs production from codigestion of food waste and sewage sludge.
      Experiment results showed that optimized ratio of food waste to sewage sludge was
      3 : 2 because it provided adequate organic substance and seed microorganisms.
      Based on this optimized ratio, the integrated treatment of alkaline pH 10 and
      beta-CD addition (0.2 g/g TS) performed the best enhancement on VFAs production,
      and the maximum VFAs production was 8631.7 mg/L which was 6.13, 1.38, and 1.57
      times higher than that of control, initial pH 10, and 0.2 g beta-CD/g TS
      treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the hydrolysis rate of protein and
      polysaccharides was greatly improved in integration treatment, which was 1.18
      3.45 times higher than that of other tests. Though the VFAs production and
      hydrolysis of polymeric organics were highly enhanced, the primary bacterial
      communities with different treatments did not show substantial differences.

PMID- 28096736
TI  - Marine Subsurface Microbial Community Shifts Across a Hydrothermal Gradient in
      Okinawa Trough Sediments.
AB  - Sediments within the Okinawa back-arc basin overlay a subsurface hydrothermal
      network, creating intense temperature gradients with sediment depth and potential
      limits for microbial diversity. We investigated taxonomic changes across 45 m of
      recovered core with a temperature gradient of 3 degrees C/m from the dynamic
      Iheya North Hydrothermal System. The interval transitions sharply from low
      temperature marine mud to hydrothermally altered clay at 10 meters below seafloor
      (mbsf). Here, we present taxonomic results from an analysis of the 16S rRNA gene
      that support a conceptual model in which common marine subsurface taxa persist
      into the subsurface, while high temperature adapted archaeal taxa show localized
      peaks in abundances in the hydrothermal clay horizons. Specifically, the
      bacterial phylum Chloroflexi accounts for a major proportion of the total
      microbial community within the upper 10 mbsf, whereas high temperature archaea
      (Terrestrial Hot Spring Crenarchaeotic Group and methanotrophic archaea) appear
      in varying local abundances in deeper, hydrothermal clay horizons with higher in
      situ temperatures (up to 55 degrees C, 15 mbsf). In addition, geochemical
      evidence suggests that methanotrophy may be occurring in various horizons. There
      is also relict DNA (i.e., DNA preserved after cell death) that persists in
      horizons where the conditions suitable for microbial communities have ceased.

PMID- 28096737
TI  - Implementation of evidence on the nurse-patient relationship in psychiatric wards
      through a mixed method design: study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychiatric nurses are aware of the importance of the therapeutic
      relationship in psychiatric units. Nevertheless, a review of the scientific
      evidence indicates that theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient to establish
      an adequate therapeutic alliance. Therefore, strategies are required to promote
      changes to enhance the establishment of the working relationship. The aims of the
      study are to generate changes in how nurses establish the therapeutic
      relationship in acute psychiatric units, based on participative action research
      and to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of evidence through this
      method. METHODS/DESIGN: The study will use a mixed method design. Qualitative
      methodology, through participative action research, will be employed to implement
      scientific evidence on the therapeutic relationship. A quasi-experimental, one
      group, pre-test/post-test design will also be used to quantitatively measure the
      effectiveness of the implementation of the evidence. Participants will consist of
      nurses and patients from two psychiatric units in Barcelona. Nurses will be
      selected by theoretical sampling, and patients assigned to each nurses will be
      selected by consecutive sampling. Qualitative data will be gathered through
      discussion groups and field diaries. Quantitative data will be collected through
      the Working Alliance Inventory and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index.
      Qualitative data will be analysed through the technique of content analysis and
      quantitative data through descriptive and inferential statistics. DISCUSSION:
      This study will help to understand the process of change in a nursing team
      working in an inpatient psychiatric ward and will allow nurses to generate
      knowledge, identify difficulties, and establish strategies to implement change,
      as well as to assess whether the quality of the care they provide shows a
      qualitative improvement.

PMID- 28096739
TI  - Being critical and constructive: a guide to peer reviewing for librarians.

PMID- 28096738
TI  - Clinical management, expectations, and satisfaction of patients with moderate to
      severe allergic rhinoconjunctivitis treated with SQ-standardized grass-allergen
      tablet under routine clinical practice conditions in Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sublingual immunotherapy has been proven as a well-tolerated and
      effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. Within this type of treatment,
      GRAZAX(r) is the most documented product in terms of safety and efficacy. The
      objective of this study was to identify the patients' expectations and level of
      treatment satisfaction, as well as the clinical management of patients with
      moderate/severe allergic rhinoconjunctivitis treated with GRAZAX(r). METHODS:
      This was a non-interventional, observational, multi-centre, open-label study
      involving a total of 131 adult patients aged 18-66 years with confirmed diagnosis
      of grass-allergy and initiated treatment with GRAZAX(r) between June 2010 and
      April 2011. RESULTS: In the pollen season after starting treatment, 56.6% of
      patients stated that their symptoms were much less/less intense, 86% needed less
      symptomatic medication for control of their symptoms, and 74.4% manifested to
      have improved (quite/a lot) as regards their allergic disease since treatment was
      initiated as compared with previous grass pollen season. The patient satisfaction
      with GRAZAX(r) was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) between 0
      (minimum satisfaction) and 100 (maximum satisfaction) comprising five different
      items: effectiveness, tolerability, cost, convenience and overall satisfaction.
      The results obtained for each item were [mean (SD)]: 74.7 (18.1), 70.3 (36.1),
      39.3 (25.8), 86.2 (12.6), 78.4 (15.8) respectively. The patient's level of
      satisfaction is highly influenced, especially in terms of assessment of
      effectiveness, tolerability and convenience, by the information provided by the
      specialist. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, it can be concluded that improved
      communication leads to increased patient knowledge, greater patient compliance,
      and increased patient satisfaction.

PMID- 28096740
TI  - Unanswered clinical questions: a survey of specialists and primary care
      providers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: With the myriad of cases presented to clinicians every day at our
      integrated academic health system, clinical questions are bound to arise.
      Clinicians need to recognize these knowledge gaps and act on them. However, for
      many reasons, clinicians might not seek answers to these questions. Our goal was
      to investigate the rationale and process behind these unanswered clinical
      questions. Subsequently, we explored the use of biomedical information resources
      among specialists and primary care providers and identified ways to promote more
      informed clinical decision making. METHODS: We conducted a survey to assess how
      practitioners identify and respond to information gaps, their background
      knowledge of search tools and strategies, and their usage of and comfort level
      with technology. RESULTS: Most of the 292 respondents encountered clinical
      questions at least a few times per week. While the vast majority often or always
      pursued answers, time was the biggest barrier for not following through on
      questions. Most respondents did not have any formal training in searching
      databases, were unaware of many digital resources, and indicated a need for
      resources and services that could be provided at the point of care. CONCLUSIONS:
      While the reasons for unanswered clinical questions varied, thoughtful review of
      the responses suggested that a combination of educational strategies, embedded
      librarian services, and technology applications could help providers pursue
      answers to their clinical questions, enhance patient safety, and contribute to
      patient-based, self-directed learning.

PMID- 28096742
TI  - Collection-based analysis of selected medical libraries in the Philippines using
      Doody's Core Titles.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the book collection of five selected medical
      libraries in the Philippines, based on Doodys' Essential Purchase List for basic
      sciences and clinical medicine, to compare the match and non-match titles among
      libraries, to determine the strong and weak disciplines of each library, and to
      explore the factors that contributed to the percentage of match and non-match
      titles. METHOD: List checking was employed as the method of research. RESULTS:
      Among the medical libraries, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute and University
      of Santo Tomas had the highest percentage of match titles, whereas Ateneo School
      of Medicine and Public Health had the lowest percentage of match titles.
      University of the Philippines Manila had the highest percentage of near-match
      titles. CONCLUSION: De La Salle Health Sciences Institute and University of Santo
      Tomas had sound medical collections based on Doody's Core Titles. Collectively,
      the medical libraries shared common collection development priorities, as
      evidenced by similarities in strong areas. Library budget and the role of the
      library director in book selection were among the factors that could contribute
      to a high percentage of match titles.

PMID- 28096741
TI  - A day in the life of third-year medical students: using an ethnographic method to
      understand information seeking and use.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The authors undertook this project to learn how third-year medical
      students seek and use information in the course of daily activities, especially
      activities conducted in clinical settings in a variety of institutions. METHODS:
      We recruited sixty-eight third-year undergraduate medical school students to
      create a mapping diary of a day that included clinical activities. We conducted
      semi-structured interviews based on the mapping diaries. Using content and
      thematic analyses of the resulting interview transcripts, we developed an
      ethnographic case study for each participant. RESULTS: In the studied sample, we
      identified a broad range of information resources used for personal, clinical,
      and educational use. Participants relied heavily on technology throughout their
      day, including desktop computers, smart phones, handheld tablets, and laptops.
      Time management was a pervasive theme in the interviews, with participants
      squeezing in time to study for exams wherever and whenever they could. Selection
      of a particular information resource or technology to use was governed largely by
      the convenience of using that resource or technology. When obstacles were
      encountered, workarounds might be sought, but in many cases, the resource or
      technology would be abandoned in favor of a more convenient solution. Convenience
      was also a consideration in choosing spaces to use for clinical duties or for
      study, with specific considerations of available technology, proximity to
      clinical areas, and security for belongings contributing to choices made.
      CONCLUSIONS: Some of our results align with those of other recent studies of
      information use among medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. In
      particular, the fast-paced clinical setting favors use of information resources
      that are fast and easy to use. We demonstrated that the methods used are suitable
      to better understand clinicians' discovery and use of information.

PMID- 28096743
TI  - Meeting at the crossroads: collaboration between information technology
      departments and health sciences libraries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this survey were to determine the nature and extent of
      collaboration between health sciences libraries and their information technology
      (IT) departments, to identify strengths and issues connected to this
      relationship, and to provide examples demonstrating exceptional collaborative
      success. METHODS: A fourteen-question survey was sent to a broad selection of
      health care and academic libraries through a variety of email discussion lists
      and was limited to one response per institution. Convenience sampling was used to
      collect the responses. RESULTS: An overwhelming majority of libraries described
      the relationship with their IT departments as good or excellent, and there were a
      variety of creative joint initiatives underway. Opportunities exist for continued
      and expanded library/IT collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: Good quality relationships
      between libraries and their IT departments are essential due to the
      interconnected nature of their services, and fortunately, this appears to be the
      norm at a variety of institutions. Mutual respect, open communication,
      realization of each department's mission, and responsiveness to each other's
      needs are part of what makes these relationships successful, which in turn leads
      to successful collaborative ventures that bode well for the future of both
      services.

PMID- 28096744
TI  - Measuring the health literacy of the Upper Midwest.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Health literacy-the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic
      health information-is a major determinant of an individual's overall health and
      health care utilization. In this project, the authors examined predictors of
      health literacy levels, including numeracy and graphic literacy, among an adult
      population in the Upper Midwest. METHODS: The research was conducted at the
      Minnesota State Fair. Three previously validated scales were used to assess
      health literacy: Newest Vital Sign, the General Health Numeracy Test, and
      questions from Galesic and Garcia-Retamero's Graph Literacy Scale. Demographic
      information-such as age, educational attainment, zip code, and other potential
      predictors and modifiers-was collected. Multivariate linear regression was
      conducted to examine the independent effects of educational attainment, race,
      ethnicity, gender, and rural or urban location on overall health literacy and
      scores on each of the individual instruments. RESULTS: A total of 353 Upper
      Midwest residents completed the survey, with the majority being white, college
      educated, and from an urban area. Having a graduate or professional degree or
      being under the age of 21 were associated with increased health literacy scores,
      while having a high school diploma or some high school education, being Asian
      American, or being American Indian/Alaska Native were associated with lower
      health literacy scores. CONCLUSION: Advanced health literacy skills, including
      the ability to calculate and compare information, were problematic even in well
      educated populations. Understanding numerical and graphical information was found
      to be particularly difficult, and more research is needed to understand these
      deficits and how best to address them.

PMID- 28096745
TI  - Your teaching strategy matters: how engagement impacts application in health
      information literacy instruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare two pedagogical methods,
      active learning and passive instruction, to determine which is more useful in
      helping students to achieve the learning outcomes in a one-hour research skills
      instructional session. METHODS: Two groups of high school students attended an
      instructional session to learn about consumer health resources and strategies to
      enhance their searching skills. The first group received passive instruction, and
      the second engaged in active learning. We assessed both groups' learning using 2
      methods with differing complexity. A total of 59 students attended the
      instructional sessions (passive instruction, n=28; active learning, n=31).
      RESULTS: We found that the active learning group scored more favorably in four
      assessment categories. CONCLUSIONS: Active learning may help students engage with
      and develop a meaningful understanding of several resources in a single session.
      Moreover, when using a complex teaching strategy, librarians should be mindful to
      gauge learning using an equally complex assessment method.

PMID- 28096746
TI  - From English to Chinese, Japanese, and Russian: extending research visibility
      with language translations of a conference slide presentation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The research demonstrates that a conference slide presentation
      translated into non-English languages reaches significantly larger and different
      audiences than an English presentation alone. METHODS: The slides of a
      presentation from the Medical Library Association annual meeting were translated
      from English to Chinese, Japanese, and Russian and posted along with the English
      version to SlideShare, an open slide-hosting website. View counts, traffic
      sources, and geographic origins of the traffic for each language version were
      tracked over a twenty-two-month period. RESULTS: Total view counts for all 4
      language versions amounted to 3,357 views, with the Chinese version accounting
      for 71% of the total views. The trends in view counts over time for the Japanese,
      Russian, and English versions were similar, with high interest at the beginning
      and a rapid drop and low level of viewing activity thereafter. The pattern of
      view counts for the Chinese version departed considerably from the other language
      versions, with very low activity at the beginning but a sharp rise 10 months
      later. This increase in activity was related to access to the presentations via a
      Taiwanese website that embedded the SlideShare website code. CONCLUSIONS:
      Language translation can be a difficult and time-consuming task. However,
      translation of a conference slide presentation with limited text is an achievable
      activity and engages an international audience for information that is often not
      noticed or lost. Although English is by far the primary language of science and
      other disciplines, it is not necessarily the first or preferred language of
      global researchers. By offering appropriate language versions, the authors of
      presentations can expand the reach of their work.

PMID- 28096747
TI  - Implementing a 3D printing service in a biomedical library.
AB  - Three-dimensional (3D) printing is opening new opportunities in biomedicine by
      enabling creative problem solving, faster prototyping of ideas, advances in
      tissue engineering, and customized patient solutions. The National Institutes of
      Health (NIH) Library purchased a Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printer to give
      scientists a chance to try out this technology. To launch the service, the
      library offered training, conducted a survey on service model preferences, and
      tracked usage and class attendance. 3D printing was very popular, with new lab
      equipment prototypes being the most common model type. Most survey respondents
      indicated they would use the service again and be willing to pay for models.
      There was high interest in training for 3D modeling, which has a steep learning
      curve. 3D printers also require significant care and repairs. NIH scientists are
      using 3D printing to improve their research, and it is opening new avenues for
      problem solving in labs. Several scientists found the 3D printer so helpful they
      bought one for their labs. Having a printer in a central and open location like a
      library can help scientists, doctors, and students learn how to use this
      technology in their work.

PMID- 28096748
TI  - Questioning reliability assessments of health information on social media.
AB  - This narrative review examines assessments of the reliability of online health
      information retrieved through social media to ascertain whether health
      information accessed or disseminated through social media should be evaluated
      differently than other online health information. Several medical, library and
      information science, and interdisciplinary databases were searched using terms
      relating to social media, reliability, and health information. While social
      media's increasing role in health information consumption is recognized, studies
      are dominated by investigations of traditional (i.e., non-social media) sites. To
      more richly assess constructions of reliability when using social media for
      health information, future research must focus on health consumers' unique
      contexts, virtual relationships, and degrees of trust within their social
      networks.

PMID- 28096750
TI  - The research life cycle and the health sciences librarian: responding to change
      in scholarly communication.

PMID- 28096751
TI  - Reviewing retrieved references for inclusion in systematic reviews using EndNote.

PMID- 28096749
TI  - Evidence-based information needs of public health workers: a systematized review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study assessed public health workers' evidence-based information
      needs, based on a review of the literature using a systematic search strategy.
      This study is based on a thesis project conducted as part of the author's
      master's in public health coursework and is considered a systematized review.
      METHODS: Four databases were searched for English-language articles published
      between 2005 and 2015: PubMed, Web of Science, Library Literature & Information
      Science Index, and Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA).
      Studies were excluded if there was no primary data collection, the population in
      the study was not identified as public health workers, "information" was not
      defined according to specific criteria, or evidence-based information and public
      health workers were not the major focus. Studies included in the final analysis
      underwent data extraction, critical appraisal using CASP and STROBE checklists,
      and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-three research studies were identified in
      the search, including twenty-one using quantitative methods and twelve using
      qualitative methods. Critical appraisal revealed many potential biases,
      particularly in the validity of research. Thematic analysis revealed five common
      themes: (1) definition of information needs, (2) current information-seeking
      behavior and use, (3) definition of evidence-based information, (4) barriers to
      information needs, and (5) public health-specific issues. CONCLUSIONS:
      Recommendations are given for how librarians can increase the use of evidence
      based information in public health research, practice, and policy making. Further
      research using rigorous methodologies and transparent reporting practices in a
      wider variety of settings is needed to further evaluate public health workers'
      information needs.

PMID- 28096752
TI  - We can be heroes: MLA's leadership journey(s).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Are there key attributes of leaders? Extrovert versus introvert?
      Charismatic? Detail oriented? Visionary? How do past leaders of the Medical
      Library Association (MLA) stack up? What leadership skills will MLA's leaders
      need in a complex information future? Leadership attributes of MLA's past and
      current presidents were studied to determine the common characteristics shared
      among these leaders. An examination of the leadership literature identified
      critical leadership characteristics essential to successful future leaders. MLA's
      past, current, and future leadership development efforts were examined. Finally,
      all members were encouraged to consider leadership with a small "l" and become
      leaders based on their own strengths, interests, and environments. METHODS: A
      text analysis was performed on past presidential profiles, the past twenty-five
      years of MLA presidents were surveyed, and conversations with MLA's current
      presidents were held to determine commonalities among leadership characteristics.
      These were compared and contrasted with characteristics in the current leadership
      literature regarding the qualities of future leaders. RESULTS: The text analysis
      of past presidential profiles was not particularly revelatory regarding
      leadership qualities of early MLA presidents although several generalized traits
      emerged including collaborative traits; management traits such as effectiveness
      and efficiency, innovation, and vision; personal traits such as humor and energy;
      and finally, a passion for the work were revealed. These aligned with traits
      identified in the survey of the past twenty-five years of MLA presidents and with
      the thoughts of the president-elect, president, and past president. Additional
      qualities identified were communication skills, political acumen, creativity,
      courage, and respect for the opinions and concerns of all members. MLA's current
      leadership programs were reviewed in the context of examining traits needed by
      leaders of the future. A lack of focus on the needs of middle managers and the
      development of individual leadership skills was identified. CONCLUSIONS: As an
      organization, MLA should focus on leadership development in contrast to
      management training to prepare members as leaders in careers and work that may be
      vastly different than current situations. Equipping members with the skills
      enabling them to lead and thrive in these diverse situations, whether as the
      heads of programs or middle managers, or exploring and empowering individual
      leadership development while maintaining a passion for the profession, will be
      essential.

PMID- 28096754
TI  - Correction.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 242 in vol. 104.].

PMID- 28096753
TI  - History matters.

PMID- 28096755
TI  - Correction.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 315 in vol. 104, PMID: 27822156.].

PMID- 28096756
TI  - 116th Annual Meeting, Medical Library Association, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada, May
      15-20, 2015.

PMID- 28096757
TI  - Effects of ingesting a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without synephrine
      for 8 weeks on training adaptations in resistance-trained males.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine whether ingesting a pre
      workout dietary supplement (PWS) with and without synephrine (S) during training
      affects training responses in resistance-trained males. METHODS: Resistance
      trained males (N = 80) were randomly assigned to supplement their diet in a
      double-blind manner with either a flavored placebo (PLA); a PWS containing beta
      alanine (3 g), creatine nitrate as a salt (2 g), arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (2
      g), N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (300 mg), caffeine (284 mg), Mucuna pruiriens extract
      standardized for 15% L-Dopa (15 mg), Vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid (500 mg), niacin
      (60 mg), folate as folic acid (50 mg), and Vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin (70
      mg); or, the PWS supplement with Citrus aurantium extract containing 20 mg of
      synephrine (PWS + S) once per day for 8-weeks during training. Participants
      donated a fasting blood sample and had body composition (DXA), resting heart rate
      and blood pressure, cognitive function (Stroop Test), readiness to perform, bench
      and leg press 1 RM, and Wingate anaerobic capacity assessments determined a 0, 4,
      and 8-weeks of standardized training. Data were analyzed by MANOVA with repeated
      measures. Performance and cognitive function data were analyzed using baseline
      values as covariates as well as mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence
      intervals (CI). Blood chemistry data were also analyzed using Chi-square
      analysis. RESULTS: Although significant time effects were seen, no statistically
      significant overall MANOVA Wilks' Lambda interactions were observed among groups
      for body composition, resting heart and blood pressure, readiness to perform
      questions, 1RM strength, anaerobic sprint capacity, or blood chemistry panels.
      MANOVA univariate analysis and analysis of changes from baseline with 95% CI
      revealed some evidence that cognitive function and 1RM strength were increased to
      a greater degree in the PWS and/or PWS + S groups after 4- and/or 8-weeks
      compared to PLA responses. However, there was no evidence that PWS + S promoted
      greater overall training adaptations compared to the PWS group. Dietary
      supplementation of PWS and PWS + S did not increase the incidence of reported
      side effects or significantly affect the number of blood values above clinical
      norms compared to PLA. CONCLUSION: Results provide some evidence that 4-weeks of
      PWS and/or PWS + S supplementation can improve some indices of cognitive function
      and exercise performance during resistance-training without significant side
      effects in apparently health males. However, these effects were similar to PLA
      responses after 8-weeks of supplementation and inclusion of synephrine did not
      promote additive benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial (NCT02999581) was
      retrospectively registered on December 16th 2016.

PMID- 28096759
TI  - The Role of Metals in the Reaction Catalyzed by Metal-Ion-Independent Bacillary
      RNase.
AB  - Extracellular enzymes of intestinal microbiota are the key agents that affect
      functional activity of the body as they directly interact with epithelial and
      immune cells. Several species of the Bacillus genus, like Bacillus pumilus, a
      common producer of extracellular RNase binase, can populate the intestinal
      microbiome as a colonizing organism. Without involving metal ions as cofactors,
      binase depolymerizes RNA by cleaving the 3',5'-phosphodiester bond and generates
      2',3'-cyclic guanosine phosphates in the first stage of a catalytic reaction.
      Maintained in the reaction mixture for more than one hour, such messengers can
      affect the human intestinal microflora and the human body. In the present study,
      we found that the rate of 2',3'-cGMP was growing in the presence of transition
      metals that stabilized the RNA structure. At the same time, transition metal ions
      only marginally reduced the amount of 2',3'-cGMP, blocking binase recognition
      sites of guanine at N7 of nucleophilic purine bases.

PMID- 28096758
TI  - Effects of acute ingestion of a pre-workout dietary supplement with and without p
      synephrine on resting energy expenditure, cognitive function and exercise
      performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute
      ingestion of a pre-workout dietary supplement (PWS) with and without p-synephrine
      (S) on perceptions of readiness to perform, cognitive function, exercise
      performance, and markers of safety. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, and
      counterbalanced manner; 25 healthy and recreationally active male and female
      participants ingested a flavored maltodextrin placebo (PLA), a PWS containing
      beta-alanine (3 g), creatine nitrate as a salt (2 g), arginine alpha
      ketoglutarate (2 g), N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (300 mg), caffeine (284 mg), Mucuna
      pruiriens extract standardized for 15% L-Dopa (15 mg), Vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid
      (500 mg), niacin (60 mg), folate as folic acid (50 mg), and Vitamin B12 as
      Methylcobalamin (70 mg) with 2 g of maltodextrin and flavoring; or, the PWS with
      Citrus aurantium (PWS + S) extract standardized for 30% p-synephrine (20 mg).
      Participants had heart rate (HR), blood pressure, resting energy expenditure
      (REE), 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG), perceptions about readiness to perform,
      cognitive function (Stroop Color-Word test), bench and leg press performance (2
      sets of 10 repetitions at 70% of 1RM and 1 set to failure), and Wingate anaerobic
      capacity (WAC) sprint performance determined as well as donated blood samples
      prior to and/or following exercise/supplementation. Data were analyzed by MANOVA
      with repeated measures as well as mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence
      intervals (CI). RESULTS: No clinically significant differences were observed
      among treatments in HR, blood pressure, ECG, or general clinical blood panels.
      There was evidence that PWS and PWS + S ingestion promoted greater changes in REE
      responses. Participants reported higher perception of optimism about performance
      and vigor and energy with PWS and PWS + S ingestion and there was evidence that
      PWS and PWS + S improved changes in cognitive function scores from baseline to a
      greater degree than PLA after 1 or 2 h. However, the scores in the PWS + S
      treatment did not exceed PLA or PWS responses at any data point. No statistically
      significant differences were observed among treatments in total bench press
      lifting volume, leg press lifting volume or WAC sprint performance. CONCLUSIONS:
      Within the confines of this study, ingestion of PWS and/or PWS + S prior to
      exercise appears to be well-tolerated when consumed by young, healthy
      individuals. The primary effects appear to be to increase REE responses and
      improve perceptions about readiness to perform and cognitive function with
      limited to no effects on muscular endurance and WAC. The addition of 20 mg of p
      synephrine to the PWS provided limited to no additive benefits. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: This trial (NCT02952014) was retrospectively registered on
      September 13th 2016.

PMID- 28096760
TI  - Analysis of genetic diversity of Tunisian caprifig (Ficus carica L.) accessions
      using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The common fig (Ficus carica L.) is a gynodioecious species with two
      sexual forms: male trees (caprifigs) with male and female flowers and female
      trees that produce only female flowers that will result in the edible fig
      syconium. In this study the genetic diversity of 20 Tunisian accessions of
      caprifig is analyzed using SSR markers previously developed for this crop.
      RESULTS: The results revealed that the 13 pairs of primers used amplified a total
      of 37 alleles in the accessions studied. The number of alleles per locus ranged
      from two to six, with a mean value of 2.85 alleles per locus. Observed and
      expected heterozygosities showed mean values of 0.33 and 0.29 respectively. UPGMA
      cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis grouped the caprifig accessions
      analyzed in three groups. CONCLUSION: The results obtained show a low genetic
      diversity in the Tunisian accessions of caprifig studied and, in spite of
      analyzing samples from different geographic regions, no clear groupings based on
      geographical origin are observed suggesting widespread exchange of caprifig plant
      material through vegetative propagation among different areas in Tunisia.

PMID- 28096761
TI  - Resurrection of Hereditas, a journal with almost 100 years of tradition.

PMID- 28096762
TI  - The Trp719Arg polymorphism of the KIF6 gene and coronary heart disease risk:
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      coronary heart disease (CHD). Kinesin-like protein 6 (KIF6) is a new candidate
      gene for CHD, since it has been identified as a potential risk factor. The aim of
      this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of previously
      published association studies between the Trp719Arg polymorphism of KIF6 and the
      development of CHD. METHODS: Studies and abstracts investigating the relationship
      between the Trp719Arg polymorphism of KIF6 and subsequent risk for development of
      CHD were reviewed. Electronic search from Pubmed and EBSCO databases was
      performed between 1993 and 2014 to identify studies that fulfilled the inclusion
      criteria. To analyze the association we used the models: allelic, additive,
      dominant and recessive. Moreover, we conducted a sub-analysis by populations
      using the same four models. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included in the
      meta-analysis. The Trp719Arg polymorphism showed a significant association with
      CHD when the analysis comprised the population with myocardial infarction (MI)
      and the additive genetic model was used. Moreover, this polymorphism showed a
      protective association with CHD when the analysis comprised the whole population
      using the recessive genetic model. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the
      Trp719Arg polymorphism of the KIF6 gene is an important risk factor for
      developing MI and that allele 719Arg may have a protective association to present
      CHD in all populations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42015024602.

PMID- 28096763
TI  - A preliminary phylogeny of the South African Lentulidae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The grasshopper family Lentulidae is endemic to eastern and southern
      Africa, with its center of diversity situated in South Africa, the highest
      diversity being found in the Cape Floristic Region, which is one of the global
      biodiversity hotspots. The family consists of 35 genera sorted in two
      subfamilies. This study provides first insights into the phylogeny of Lentulidae.
      Two mitochondrial genes (12S and NDS) were sequenced and the phylogeny was
      inferred through Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference. RESULTS: Our results
      indicate that the current classification into the subfamilies Lentulinae and
      Shelforditinae may be incorrect as Uvarovidium, Leatettix (Shelforditinae) and
      Devylderia (Lentulinae) clustered together in one main clade, while Betiscoides,
      Basutacris and Gymnidium (all Lentulinae) formed the second main clade. The
      genera Uvarovidium and Leatettix, which had been assigned to the Acrididae
      (subfamily Hemiacridinae) in the past, grouped within the Lentulidae, confirming
      their current assignment to this family. The East African Usambilla group is
      likely to represent a sister clade to the south African Lentula and Eremidium.
      Diversification patterns in the genus Devylderia and Betiscoides suggest a higher
      number of species than currently known. CONCLUSIONS: Our phylogeny is not in line
      with the current systematics of Lentulidae, suggesting that a broader sampling
      and a study of the genitalia would be useful to clarify the taxonomy.
      Furthermore, some genera (particularly Betiscoides and Devylderia) are in need of
      taxonomic revision, as the number of species within these genera is likely to be
      higher than the current taxonomy suggests.

PMID- 28096764
TI  - Leptin receptor gene polymorphisms and morbid obesity in Mexican patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human obesity is due to a complex interaction among environmental,
      behavioral, developmental and genetic factors, including the interaction of
      leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR). Several LEPR mutations and polymorphisms
      have been described in patients with early onset severe obesity and hyperphagic
      eating behavior; however, some contradictory findings have also been reported. In
      the present study we explored the association of six LEPR gene polymorphisms in
      patients with morbid obesity. FINDINGS: Twenty eight patients with morbid obesity
      and 56 non-obese Mexican Mestizo individuals were included. Typing of rs1137100,
      rs1137101, rs1805134, Ser492Thr, rs1805094 and rs1805096 LEPR polymorphisms was
      performed by PCR and allele specific hybridization. The LEPR Ser492Thr
      polymorphism was monomorphic with the presence of only the Ser492Thr-G allele.
      Allele C and genotype T/C for rs1805134 polymorphism were associated with
      susceptibility to morbid obesity (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). No
      association was observed with any haplotype. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) showed
      that five polymorphisms (rs1137100, rs1137101, rs1805134, rs1805094 and
      rs1805096) were in absolute (D' = 1) but none in perfect (r2 = 1) LD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that rs1805134 polymorphism could be involved in
      the development of morbid obesity, whilst none of the alleles of the LEPR gene,
      rs1137100, rs1137101, rs1805094 and rs1805096 were associated as risk factors.
      However, more studies are necessary to confirm or reject this hypothesis.

PMID- 28096765
TI  - Cloning and characterization of an ABA-independent DREB transcription factor
      gene, HcDREB2, in Hemarthria compressa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemarthria compressa is a stoloniferous perennial tropical forage
      grass with a wide geographic distribution; however, environmental stress has a
      great influence on its growth. The DREB transcription factor family genes
      contains candidate genes for improving plant stress tolerance. RESULTS: From cold
      treated H. compressa plants, a putative DREB2 gene (HcDREB2) was cloned using the
      RACE-PCR method. HcDREB2 was 1296 bp in length and encoded a putative protein 264
      amino acid residues long. HcDREB2 shared the highest sequence identity with DREB2
      in sorghum. The expression of HcDREB2 was independent of ABA treatment, but
      inducible by low temperatures as well as drought and high salinity treatments.
      Yeast one-hybrid assays showed that HcDREB2 directly bound the DRE cis-acting
      element to transactivate the expression of the downstream reporter genes.
      CONCLUSIONS: HcDREB2, a stress-inducible but ABA-independent transcription factor
      gene, can transactivate downstream genes by binding to the DRE cis-element. The
      current results are a foundation for making use of this stress tolerance gene in
      future H. compressa studies.

PMID- 28096766
TI  - Genetic variation, population structure and linkage disequilibrium in Switchgrass
      with ISSR, SCoT and EST-SSR markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate genetic variation, population structure, and the extent
      of linkage disequilibrium (LD), 134 switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) samples
      were analyzed with 51 markers, including 16 ISSRs, 20 SCoTs, and 15 EST-SSRs.
      RESULTS: In this study, a high level of genetic variation was observed in the
      switchgrass samples and they had an average Nei's gene diversity index (H) of
      0.311. A total of 793 bands were obtained, of which 708 (89.28 %) were
      polymorphic. Using a parameter marker index (MI), the efficiency of the three
      types of markers (ISSR, SCoT, and EST-SSR) in the study were compared and we
      found that SCoT had a higher marker efficiency than the other two markers. The
      134 switchgrass samples could be divided into two sub-populations based on
      STRUCTURE, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinate analyses (PCA), and upland
      and lowland ecotypes could be separated by UPGMA clustering and PCA analyses.
      Linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed an average r2 of 0.035 across all 51
      markers, indicating a trend of higher LD in sub-population 2 than that in sub
      population 1 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The population structure revealed in this
      study will guide the design of future association studies using these switchgrass
      samples.

PMID- 28096767
TI  - Assessment of genetic diversity in Nordic timothy (Phleum pratense L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Timothy (Phleum pratense L.), a cool-season hexaploid perennial, is
      the most important forage grass species in Nordic countries. Earlier analyses of
      genetic diversity in a collection of 96 genebank accessions of timothy with SSR
      markers demonstrated high levels of diversity but could not resolve population
      structure. Therefore, we examined a subset of 51 accessions with REMAP markers,
      which are based on retrotransposons, and compared the diversity results with
      those obtained with SSR markers. RESULTS: Using four primer combinations, 533
      REMAP markers were analyzed, compared with 464 polymorphic alleles in the 13 SSR
      loci previously. The average marker index, which describes information obtained
      per experiment (per primer combination or locus) was over six times higher with
      REMAPs. Most of the variation found was within accessions, with somewhat less, 89
      %, for REMAPs, than for SSR, with 93 %. CONCLUSIONS: SSRs revealed differences in
      the level of diversity slightly better than REMAPs but neither marker type could
      reveal any clear clustering of accessions based on countries, vegetation zones,
      or different cultivar types. In our study, reliable evaluation of SSR allele
      dosages was not possible, so each allele had to be handled as a dominant marker.
      SSR and REMAP, which report from different mechanisms of generating genetic
      diversity and from different genomic regions, together indicate a lack of
      population structure. Taken together, this likely reflects the outcrossing and
      hexaploid nature of timothy rather than failures of either marker system.

PMID- 28096768
TI  - eRFSVM: a hybrid classifier to predict enhancers-integrating random forests with
      support vector machines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enhancers are tissue specific distal regulation elements, playing
      vital roles in gene regulation and expression. The prediction and identification
      of enhancers are important but challenging issues for bioinformatics studies.
      Existing computational methods, mostly single classifiers, can only predict the
      transcriptional coactivator EP300 based enhancers and show low generalization
      performance. RESULTS: We built a hybrid classifier called eRFSVM in this study,
      using random forests as a base classifier, and support vector machines as a main
      classifier. eRFSVM integrated two components as eRFSVM-ENCODE and eRFSVM-FANTOM5
      with diverse features and labels. The base classifier trained datasets from a
      single tissue or cell with random forests. The main classifier made the final
      decision by support vector machines algorithm, with the predicting results of
      base classifiers as inputs. For eRFSVM-ENCODE, we trained datasets from cell
      lines including Gm12878, Hep, H1-hesc and Huvec, using ChIP-Seq datasets as
      features and EP300 based enhancers as labels. We tested eRFSVM-ENCODE on K562
      dataset, and resulted in a predicting precision of 83.69 %, which was much better
      than existing classifiers. For eRFSVM-FANTOM5, with enhancers identified by RNA
      in FANTOM5 project as labels, the precision, recall, F-score and accuracy were
      86.17 %, 36.06 %, 50.84 % and 93.38 % using eRFSVM, increasing 23.24 % (69.92 %),
      97.05 % (18.30 %), 76.90 % (28.74 %), 4.69 % (89.20 %) than the existing
      algorithm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: All these results demonstrated that eRFSVM
      was a better classifier in predicting both EP300 based and FAMTOM5 RNAs based
      enhancers.

PMID- 28096769
TI  - Assessment of diversity and genetic relationships of Neonectria ditissima: the
      causal agent of fruit tree canker.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonectria ditissima is one of the most important fungal pathogens of
      apple trees, where it causes fruit tree canker. Information about the amount and
      partitioning of genetic variation of this fungus could be helpful for improving
      orchard management strategies and for breeding apple cultivars with high levels
      of genetically determined resistance. In this study single-spore Neonectria
      isolates originating from both the same and from different perithecia, apple
      cultivars and apple orchards in Sweden and Belgium, were evaluated for AFLP- and
      SSR-based genetic similarity and for mating system. RESULTS: Seven SSR loci
      produced a total of 31 alleles with an average of 4 alleles per locus, while 11
      AFLP primer combinations produced an average of 35 fragments per primer
      combination and 71 % polymorphic fragments. An AFLP-based analysis of molecular
      variance (AMOVA) revealed that 89 % of the variation was found within orchards
      and 11 % between orchards. Genetic similarity among the studied isolates was
      illustrated with a principal coordinate analyseis (PCoA) and a dendrogram. AFLP
      based Jaccard's similarity coefficients were the highest when single-ascospore
      isolates obtained from the same perithecium were compared, medium-high for
      isolates from different perithecia on the same tree, and lowest when isolates
      from different trees were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of PCoA and
      AMOVA analysis, isolates from the same or geographically close orchards did not
      group together. Since AFLP profiles differed also when single-ascospore isolates
      from the same perithecium were compared, the mating system of N. ditissima is
      most likely heterothallic.

PMID- 28096770
TI  - Genetic structure of Mount Huang honey bee (Apis cerana) populations: evidence
      from microsatellite polymorphism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Mount Huang eastern honey bees (Apis cerana) are an endemic
      population, which is well adapted to the local agricultural and ecological
      environment. In this study, the genetic structure of seven eastern honey bees (A.
      cerana) populations from Mount Huang in China were analyzed by SSR (simple
      sequence repeat) markers. RESULTS: The results revealed that 16 pairs of primers
      used amplified a total of 143 alleles. The number of alleles per locus ranged
      from 6 to 13, with a mean value of 8.94 alleles per locus. Observed and expected
      heterozygosities showed mean values of 0.446 and 0.831 respectively. UPGMA
      cluster analysis grouped seven eastern honey bees in three groups. CONCLUSION:
      The results obtained show a high genetic diversity in the honey bee populations
      studied in Mount Huang, and high differentiation among all the populations,
      suggesting that scarce exchange of honey bee species happened in Mount Huang. Our
      study demonstrated that the Mount Huang honey bee populations still have a
      natural genome worth being protected for conservation.

PMID- 28096772
TI  - Genetic diversity and occurrence of the F129L substitutions among isolates of
      Alternaria solani in south-eastern Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early blight, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, occurs on
      potato mainly in the south-eastern part of Sweden, but also in other parts of the
      country. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of A.
      solani populations from different potato growing regions in south-eastern Sweden
      using AFLP marker analysis. In addition, the cultured isolates were examined for
      substitutions in the gene encoding cytochrome b, associated with loss of
      sensitivity against QoI fungicides. RESULTS: Nei's gene diversity index for the
      Swedish populations of A. solani revealed a gene diversity of up to 0.20. Also
      genetic differentiation was observed among populations of A. solani from
      different locations in south-eastern Sweden. The mitochondrial genotype of the
      isolates of A. solani was determined and both known genotypes, GI (genotype 1)
      and GII (genotype 2), were found among the isolates. The occurrence of the F129L
      substitution associated with a loss of sensitivity to strobilurins was confirmed
      among the GII isolates. In vitro conidial germination tests verified that
      isolates containing the F129L substitution had reduced sensitivity to
      azoxystrobin and, at a lower extent, to pyraclostrobin. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic
      diversity was relatively high among isolates of A. solani in south-eastern part
      of Sweden. F129L substitutions, leading to reduced sensitivity to strobilurins,
      have been established in field populations, which may have implications for the
      future efficacy of QoI fungicides.

PMID- 28096771
TI  - Insight into the genetic variability analysis and cultivar identification of tall
      fescue by using SSR markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic diversity of 19 forage-type and 2 turf-type cultivars of tall
      fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) was revealed using SSR markers in an attempt
      to explore the genetic relationships among them, and examine potential use of SSR
      markers to identify cultivars by bulked samples. RESULTS: A total of 227 clear
      band was scored with 14 SSR primers and out of which 201 (88.6 %) were found
      polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) per primer pair varied
      from 62.5 to 100 % with an average of 86.9 %. The polymorphism information
      content (PIC) value ranged from 0.116 to 0.347 with an average of 0.257 and the
      highest PIC value (0.347) was noticed for primer NFA040 followed by NFA113
      (0.346) whereas the highest discriminating power (D) of 1 was shown in NFA037 and
      LMgSSR02-01C. A Neighbor-joining dendrogram and the principal component analysis
      identified six major clusters and grouped the cultivars in agreement with their
      breeding histories. STRUCTURE analysis divided these cultivars into 3 sub-clades
      which correspond to distance based groupings. CONCLUSION: These findings
      indicates that SSR markers by bulking strategy are a useful tool to measure
      genetic diversity among tall fescue cultivars and could be used to supplement
      morphological data for plant variety protection.

PMID- 28096773
TI  - Whole genome SNP typing to investigate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus carriage in a health-care provider as the source of multiple surgical site
      infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevention of nosocomial transmission of infections is a central
      responsibility in the healthcare environment, and accurate identification of
      transmission events presents the first challenge. Phylogenetic analysis based on
      whole genome sequencing provides a high-resolution approach for accurately
      relating isolates to one another, allowing precise identification or exclusion of
      transmission events and sources for nearly all cases. We sequenced 24 methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) genomes to retrospectively investigate a
      suspected point source of three surgical site infections (SSIs) that occurred
      over a one-year period. The source of transmission was believed to be a surgical
      team member colonized with MRSA, involved in all surgeries preceding the SSI
      cases, who was subsequently decolonized. Genetic relatedness among isolates was
      determined using whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. RESULTS:
      Whole genome SNP typing (WGST) revealed 283 informative SNPs between the surgical
      team member's isolate and the closest SSI isolate. The second isolate was 286 and
      the third was thousands of SNPs different, indicating the nasal carriage strain
      from the surgical team member was not the source of the SSIs. Given the mutation
      rates estimated for S. aureus, none of the SSI isolates share a common ancestor
      within the past 16 years, further discounting any common point source for these
      infections. The decolonization procedures and resources spent on the point source
      infection control could have been prevented if WGST was performed at the time of
      the suspected transmission, instead of retrospectively. CONCLUSIONS: Whole genome
      sequence analysis is an ideal method to exclude isolates involved in transmission
      events and nosocomial outbreaks, and coupling this method with epidemiological
      data can determine if a transmission event occurred. These methods promise to
      direct infection control resources more appropriately.

PMID- 28096774
TI  - Efficient callus formation and plant regeneration are heritable characters in
      sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obtaining dedifferentiated cells (callus) that can regenerate into
      whole plants is not always feasible for many plant species. Sugar beet is known
      to be recalcitrant for dedifferentiation and plant regeneration. These
      difficulties were major obstacles for obtaining transgenic sugar beets through an
      Agrobacterium-mediated transformation procedure. The sugar beet line 'NK-219mm-O'
      is an exceptional line that forms callus efficiently and is easy to regenerate,
      but the inheritance of these characters was unknown. Another concern was whether
      these characters could coexist with an annual habitat that makes it possible to
      breed short life-cycle sugar beet suitable for molecular genetic analysis.
      FINDINGS: Five sugar beet lines including NK-219mm-O were crossed with each other
      and subjected to in vitro culture to form callus. F1s with a NK-219mm-O
      background generally formed callus efficiently compared to the others, indicating
      that efficient callus formation is heritable. The regeneration potential was
      examined based on the phenotypes of calli after placement on regeneration medium.
      Five phenotypes were observed, of which two phenotypes regenerated shoots or
      somatic embryo-like structures. Vascular differentiation was evident in
      regenerable calli, whereas non-regenerable calli lacked normally developed
      vascular tissues. In a half-diallel cross, the callus-formation efficiency and
      the regeneration potential of reciprocal F1s progeny having a NK-219mm-O
      background were high. Finally, we crossed NK-219mm-O with an annual line that had
      a poor in vitro performance. The callus-formation efficiency and the regeneration
      potential of reciprocal F1 were high. The regenerated plants showed an annual
      habitat. CONCLUSIONS: Efficient callus formation and the high plant regeneration
      potential of NK-219mm-O were inherited and expressed in the F1. The annual
      habitat does not impair these high in vitro performances.

PMID- 28096776
TI  - A C-banded karyotype of mitotic chromosomes in diploid purple coneflower
      (Echinacea purpurea L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aneuploid ermpglasm is an important resource for genetic studies and
      identification of individual chromosomes in the cells of the aneuploid is an
      important step. The karyotype has already been established for purple coneflower
      (Echinacea purpurea L.), but due to the high similarity in the morphology of
      several pairs of chromosomes in this species, it cannot be used to identify
      individual chromosomes in its own complement. The objectives of this study are to
      develop and evaluate the Giemsa C-banding technique for the purpose of
      identifying the individual chromosomes in Echinacea purpurea. RESULTS: The
      established karyotype with C-bands showed that all the 11 pairs of chromosomes
      possessed centromeric bands. Telomeric bands appeared most frequently in almost
      all the chromosomes with only two exceptions, the short arm of the chromosome 9
      and the long arm of the chromosome 10. Intercalary bands were found mainly in the
      long arm of some chromosomes with only two exceptions, the chromosomes 1 and 2
      that had intercalary bands on both arms. The chromosome 4 was the only chromosome
      where intercalary bands were absent. CONCLUSIONS: Chromosomes in E. purpurea
      could be stained with Giemsa to bear C-bands. By classifying the chromosomes into
      groups and judging the C-bands, each chromosome could be identified. The methods
      established in this study might be used for the identification of chromosome
      constitution in aneuploid E. purpurea created in a breeding program.

PMID- 28096775
TI  - Effect on the expression of drd2 and drd3 after neonatal lesion in the
      lymphocytes, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex: comparative
      analysis between juvenile and adult Wistar rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal lesion in the ventral hippocampus (NLVH) is a validated
      animal model to study schizophrenia from a neurodevelopmental perspective. This
      animal model is also used to investigate how neonatal lesions may alter the
      genetic expression of dopaminergic receptors. The present study compares mRNA
      expression levels of dopamine receptors (drd2 and drd3) in lymphocytes and brain
      of NLVH animals at two different age stages: young and adult. METHODS: The NLVH
      procedure was performed on 20 male Wistar rats at postnatal days 5-7. The mRNA
      expression levels of drd2 and drd3 genes in lymphocytes, nucleus accumbens,
      hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were measured and analyzed at postnatal days 45
      and 90. The results were compared and contrasted with respective sham groups.
      RESULTS: In lymphocytes, only in NLVH-adult group we observed drd2 mRNA
      expression, while drd2 mRNA expression was not observed in the NLVH-juvenile
      rats; on the other hand, the drd3 mRNA expression did not show significant
      statistical differences. In hippocampus no differences were observed between drd2
      mRNA or drd3 mRNA expression when comparing juvenile/adult shams with NLVH
      groups. In the prefrontal area, a decrease in drd2 mRNA expression levels were
      observed in the NLVH-adult group (F(1,3) = 52.83, p = 0,005) in comparison to the
      sham-adult group. Finally, in the nucleus accumbens, a strong decrease of drd3
      mRNA expression was observed in the NLVH-adult group in comparison to the sham
      adult group (F(1,3) = 123,2, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that
      differences in drd2 and drd3 mRNA levels in NLVH-adults are patent when compared
      to the sham-adult group or with the NLVH-juvenile group. These findings suggest
      that the expression levels may be regulated during adulthood, leading to
      behavioral and neurochemical changes related to schizophrenia. Therefore, more
      studies are necessary to determine the role of dopamine receptors as possible
      molecular markers for neurodevelopmental changes associated with schizophrenia.

PMID- 28096777
TI  - Negative frequency dependent selection on sympatric mtDNA haplotypes in
      Drosophila subobscura.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent experimental evidence for selection on mitochondrial DNA
      (mtDNA) has prompted the question as to what processes act to maintain within
      population variation in mtDNA. Balancing selection though negative frequency
      dependent selection (NFDS) among sympatric haplotypes is a possibility, but
      direct empirical evidence for this is very scarce. FINDINGS: We extend the
      previous findings of a multi-generation replicated cage experiment in Drosophila
      subobscura, where mtDNA polymorphism was maintained in a laboratory setting.
      First, we use a set of Monte Carlo simulations to show that the haplotype
      frequency dynamics observed are inconsistent with genetic drift alone and most
      closely match those expected under NFDS. Second, we show that haplotype frequency
      changes over time were significantly different from those expected under either
      genetic drift or positive selection but were consistent with those expected under
      NFSD. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our analyses provide novel support for NFDS on
      mtDNA haplotypes, suggesting that mtDNA polymorphism may at least in part be
      maintained by balancing selection also in natural populations. We very briefly
      discuss the possible mechanisms that might be involved.

PMID- 28096778
TI  - PineElm_SSRdb: a microsatellite marker database identified from genomic,
      chloroplast, mitochondrial and EST sequences of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.)
      Merrill).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simple Sequence Repeats or microsatellites are resourceful molecular
      genetic markers. There are only few reports of SSR identification and development
      in pineapple. Complete genome sequence of pineapple available in the public
      domain can be used to develop numerous novel SSRs. Therefore, an attempt was made
      to identify SSRs from genomic, chloroplast, mitochondrial and EST sequences of
      pineapple which will help in deciphering genetic makeup of its germplasm
      resources. RESULTS: A total of 359511 SSRs were identified in pineapple (356385
      from genome sequence, 45 from chloroplast sequence, 249 in mitochondrial sequence
      and 2832 from EST sequences). The list of EST-SSR markers and their details are
      available in the database. CONCLUSIONS: PineElm_SSRdb is an open source database
      available for non-commercial academic purpose at http://app.bioelm.com/ with a
      mapping tool which can develop circular maps of selected marker set. This
      database will be of immense use to breeders, researchers and graduates working on
      Ananas spp. and to others working on cross-species transferability of markers,
      investigating diversity, mapping and DNA fingerprinting.

PMID- 28096779
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of genes involved in anthocyanins biosynthesis and
      transport in berries of black and white spine grapes (Vitis davidii).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The color of berry skin is an important economic trait for grape and
      is essentially determined by the components and content of anthocyanins. The
      fruit color of Chinese wild grapes is generally black, and the profile of
      anthocyanins in Chinese wild grapes is significantly different from that of Vitis
      vinifera. However, V. davidii is the only species that possesses white berry
      varieties among Chinese wild grape species. Thus, we performed a transcriptomic
      analysis to compare the difference of transcriptional level in black and white V.
      davidii, in order to find some key genes that are related to anthocyanins
      accumulation in V. davidii. RESULTS: The results of anthocyanins detection
      revealed that 3,5-O-diglucoside anthocyanins is the predominant anthocyanins in
      V. davidii. It showed obvious differences from V. vinifera in the profile of the
      composition of anthocyanins. The transcriptome sequencing by Illumina mRNA-Seq
      technology generated an average of 57 million 100-base pair clean reads from each
      sample. Differential gene expression analysis revealed thousands of differential
      expression genes (DEGs) in the pairwise comparison of different fruit
      developmental stages between and within black and white V. davidii. After the
      analysis of functional category enrichment and differential expression patterns
      of DEGs, 46 genes were selected as the candidate genes. Some genes have been
      reported as being related to anthocyanins accumulation, and some genes were newly
      found in our study as probably being related to anthocyanins accumulation. We
      inferred that 3AT (VIT_03s0017g00870) played an important role in anthocyanin
      acylation, GST4 (VIT_04s0079g00690) and AM2 (VIT_16s0050g00910) played important
      roles in anthocyanins transport in V. davidii. The expression of some selected
      DEGs was further confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CONCLUSIONS:
      The present study investigated the transcriptomic profiles of berry skin from
      black and white spine grapes at three fruit developmental stages by Illumina mRNA
      Seq technology. It revealed the variety specificity of anthocyanins accumulation
      in V. davidi at the transcriptional level. The data reported here will provide a
      valuable resource for understanding anthocyanins accumulation in grapes,
      especially in V. davidii.

PMID- 28096780
TI  - Molecular breeding of a novel orange-brown tomato fruit with enhanced beta
      carotene and chlorophyll accumulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tomatoes provide a significant dietary source of the carotenoids,
      lycopene and beta-carotene. During ripening, carotenoid accumulation determines
      the fruit colors while chlorophyll degradation. These traits have been, and
      continue to be, a significant focus for plant breeding efforts. Previous work has
      found strong evidence for a relationship between CYC-B gene expression and the
      orange color of fleshy fruit. Other work has identified a point mutation in SGR
      that impedes chlorophyll degradation and causes brown flesh color to be retained
      in some tomato varieties. METHODS: We crossed two inbred lines, KNY2 (orange) and
      KNB1 (brown) and evaluated the relationship between these genes for their effect
      on fruit color. Phenotypes of F2 generation plants were analyzed and a novel
      'orange-brown' fruit color was identified. RESULTS: We confirm two SNPs, one in
      CYC-B and another in SGR gene sequence, associated with segregation of 'orange
      brown' fruit color in F2 generation. The carotenoid and chlorophyll content of a
      fleshy fruit was assessed across the different phenotypes and showed a strong
      correlation with expression pattern of carotenoid biosynthesis genes and SGR
      function. The orange-brown fruit has high beta-carotene and chlorophyll. Our
      results provide valuable information for breeders to develop tomato fruit of a
      novel color using molecular markers.

PMID- 28096781
TI  - A replication study of schizophrenia-related rare copy number variations in a Han
      Southern Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a common, complex and severe psychiatric
      disorder associated with many different genetic and environmental risk factors.
      Evidence from genetic studies has revealed the role of genome structural
      variations, specifically copy number variants (CNVs), in the etiology of SCZ.
      Nevertheless, the occurrence of CNVs and their relation to SCZ has remained
      relatively unstudied in the diverse Han Chinese population. RESULTS: We used a
      case/control paradigm, including 476 cases and 1023 controls. All samples were
      genotyped using the Axiom(r) Exome Genotyping Arrays. Four CNVs, including two
      deletions and two duplications, were detected in this study. Notably, the 16p11.2
      duplication from 29.3 Mb to 29.6 Mb was detected in four cases (0.84%) and one
      control (0.098%) (p = 0.0377). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the potential
      role of these deletions and duplications in the development of SCZ. Clearly,
      larger sample sized studies are needed for a careful localization of these CNVs
      and to possibly detect more deletions and/or duplications, associated with the
      development of SCZ in the Han Chinese population.

PMID- 28096782
TI  - Automatic liver segmentation on Computed Tomography using random walkers for
      treatment planning.
AB  - Segmentation of the liver from Computed Tomography (CT) volumes plays an
      important role during the choice of treatment strategies for liver diseases.
      Despite lots of attention, liver segmentation remains a challenging task due to
      the lack of visible edges on most boundaries of the liver coupled with high
      variability of both intensity patterns and anatomical appearances with all these
      difficulties becoming more prominent in pathological livers. To achieve a more
      accurate segmentation, a random walker based framework is proposed that can
      segment contrast-enhanced livers CT images with great accuracy and speed. Based
      on the location of the right lung lobe, the liver dome is automatically detected
      thus eliminating the need for manual initialization. The computational
      requirements are further minimized utilizing rib-caged area segmentation, the
      liver is then extracted by utilizing random walker method. The proposed method
      was able to achieve one of the highest accuracies reported in the literature
      against a mixed healthy and pathological liver dataset compared to other
      segmentation methods with an overlap error of 4.47 % and dice similarity
      coefficient of 0.94 while it showed exceptional accuracy on segmenting the
      pathological livers with an overlap error of 5.95 % and dice similarity
      coefficient of 0.91.

PMID- 28096783
TI  - Quantification of rutin in rat's brain by UHPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS after intranasal
      administration of rutin loaded chitosan nanoparticles.
AB  - Rutin (RT), an antioxidant drug, has been utilized to treat cerebral ischemia
      hence a sensitive quantification method for estimation of RT in brain homogenate
      is necessary to develop. This study aims to prepare RT loaded Chitosan
      Nanoparticles (RT-CS-NPs) develop and validate ultra-high performance liquid
      chromatography-electrospray ionization-synapt mass spectrometric method Synapt
      Mass Spectrometry (Synapt MS) (UHPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) for quantification of RT in
      brain homogenate from Wistar rat. The process of chromatographic separation was
      carried out on Waters ACQUITY UPLCTM with the components of separation in detail
      as; column: BEH C-18 with dimension as 2.1 mm*100 mm and particle size 1.7 um,
      mobile phase: acetonitrile (85 % v/v/v): 2 mM ammonium formate (15 % v/v/v):
      formic acid (0.1 % v/v/v) and flow rate: 0.25 mL/min. Liquid-liquid extraction
      method (LLE), in mixture, i.e. ethyl acetate:acetonitrile, was considered to
      optimize the recovery of analyte from the brain homogenate of Wistar rat. Over a
      total run time of 5 minutes, the elution time for RT and internal standard (IS),
      i.e. Tolbutamide, observed was 2.67 and 2.82 min respectively whereas the
      transition observed for RT and IS was at m/z 611.1023/303.1071 and
      271.1263/155.1073, respectively. Results, regarding various processes and
      parameters studied for RT as summarized, established a linear dynamic range over
      a concentration range of 1.00 ng/mL - 1000.0 ng/mL with r2; 0.9991+/-0.0010.
      Accuracy for intra and inter-assay in terms of % CV revealed a range of 0.45-
      2.11 whereas lower limit of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) observed was
      0.09 ng/mL and 0.142 ng/mL, respectively. The analyte stability as well as method
      specificity and accuracy, i.e. recovery > 86 %, supports the idea for application
      of current developed method in order to quantify and evaluate the RT-loaded-CS
      NPs for RT determination in brain homogenate after intranasal drug delivery.

PMID- 28096784
TI  - Segmenting breast cancerous regions in thermal images using fuzzy active
      contours.
AB  - Breast cancer is the main cause of death among young women in developing
      countries. The human body temperature carries critical medical information
      related to the overall body status. Abnormal rise in total and regional body
      temperature is a natural symptom in diagnosing many diseases. Thermal imaging
      (Thermography) utilizes infrared beams which are fast, non-invasive, and non
      contact and the output created images by this technique are flexible and useful
      to monitor the temperature of the human body. In some clinical studies and biopsy
      tests, it is necessary for the clinician to know the extent of the cancerous
      area. In such cases, the thermal image is very useful. In the same line, to
      detect the cancerous tissue core, thermal imaging is beneficial. This paper
      presents a fully automated approach to detect the thermal edge and core of the
      cancerous area in thermography images. In order to evaluate the proposed method,
      60 patients with an average age of 44/9 were chosen. These cases were suspected
      of breast tissue disease. These patients referred to Tehran Imam Khomeini Imaging
      Center. Clinical examinations such as ultrasound, biopsy, questionnaire, and
      eventually thermography were done precisely on these individuals. Finally, the
      proposed model is applied for segmenting the proved abnormal area in thermal
      images. The proposed model is based on a fuzzy active contour designed by fuzzy
      logic. The presented method can segment cancerous tissue areas from its borders
      in thermal images of the breast area. In order to evaluate the proposed
      algorithm, Hausdorff and mean distance between manual and automatic method were
      used. Estimation of distance was conducted to accurately separate the thermal
      core and edge. Hausdorff distance between the proposed and the manual method for
      thermal core and edge was 0.4719 +/- 0.4389, 0.3171 +/- 0.1056 mm respectively,
      and the average distance between the proposed and the manual method for core and
      thermal edge was 0.0845 +/- 0.0619, 0.0710 +/- 0.0381 mm respectively.
      Furthermore, the sensitivity in recognizing the thermal pattern in breast tissue
      masses is 85 % and its accuracy is 91.98 %.A thermal imaging system has been
      proposed that is able to recognize abnormal breast tissue masses. This system
      utilizes fuzzy active contours to extract the abnormal regions automatically.

PMID- 28096786
TI  - Apple as a source of dietary phytonutrients: an update on the potential health
      benefits of apple.

PMID- 28096785
TI  - Nutrients as novel therapeutic approaches for metabolic disturbances in
      polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders
      among women. This disease is characterized by infertility, menstrual dysfunction,
      and hyperandrogenism. Also, PCOS is often associated with hyperlipidemia and
      impaired glucose tolerance, conditions that are associated with cardiovascular
      disorder, type 2 diabetes, cancer and hypertension. Evidence supports that some
      nutrients may affect the hormonal and metabolic disturbances of PCOS. Here in
      this study, we aimed to review the available literature that assessed the
      nutrients such as inostol, isoflavonids, resveratrol, vitamin D, and PUFA
      (polyunsaturated fatty acids), known to influence the hormonal and metabolic
      disturbances of PCOS, along with the strategies and future directions of nutrient
      supplementations in such patients.

PMID- 28096787
TI  - Current potential health benefits of sulforaphane.

PMID- 28096788
TI  - Current trends in the treatment of hepatitis C: interventions to avoid adverse
      effects and increase effectiveness of anti-HCV drugs.
AB  - Viral hepatitis, an inflammatory liver disease, is caused by various genotypes of
      hepatitis C viruses (HCV). Hepatitis C slowly sprouts into fibrosis, which
      progresses to cirrhosis. Over a prolonged period of time compensated cirrhosis
      can advance to decompensated cirrhosis culminating in hepatic failure and death.
      Conventional treatment of HCV involves the administration of interferons.
      However, association of interferon with the adverse drug reactions led to the
      development of novel anti-HCV drugs given as monotherapy or in combination with
      the other drugs. Advances in drug delivery systems (DDS) improved the
      pharmacokinetic profile and stability of drugs, ameliorated tissue damages on
      extravasation and increased the targeting of affected sites. Liposomes and lipid
      based vehicles have been employed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) so as to
      stabilize the formulations as PEG drug complex. Sofosbuvir, a novel anti-HCV
      drug, is administered as monotherapy or in combination with daclatasvir,
      ledipasivir, protease inhibitors, ribavirin and interferon for the treatment of
      HCV genotypes 1, 2 and 3. These drug combinations are highly effective in
      eradicating the interferon resistance, recurrent HCV infection in liver
      transplant, concurrent HIV infection and preventing interferon related adverse
      effects. Further investigations to improve drug targeting and identification of
      new drug targets are highly warranted due to the rapid emergence of drug
      resistance in HCV.

PMID- 28096789
TI  - Genotoxic and cytotoxic action potential of Terminalia citrina, a medicinal plant
      of ethnopharmacological significance.
AB  - Most herbal medicines utilized in complementary and alternative medicine lack
      safety evaluation setting our lives under unwarranted risks. Present study
      comprised of genotoxic and cytotoxic appraisal of Terminalia citrina fruits which
      are used as a folklore medicine for treatment of various ailments. Aqueous and
      ethanolic extracts of T. citrina fruit extracts were evaluated for the presence
      of different phytochemicals. Genotoxic potential of both the extract of T.
      citrina was assessed through Ames reverse mutagenicity assay in Salmonella TA 100
      and 102 strains. Cytotoxic potential of T. citrina was determined in baby hamster
      kidney cell line (BHK-21). Statistical analysis was carried out by ANOVA
      following post hoc test. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids,
      carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, tannins, catechins and saponins. It was
      revealed that both the extracts of T. citrina exhibited significant mutagenicity
      in tester strains. Ethanolic extract showed higher mutagenicity in TA 100 strain,
      whereas aqueous extract of T. citrina exhibited higher mutagenicity in TA 102
      strain than TA 100. Both the extracts of T. citrina showed dose-dependent
      mutagenicity. Fifty percent cell viability was exhibited by 260 and 545 ug/mL of
      ethanolic and aqueous extracts respectively. This study concludes that the
      ethanolic and aqueous fruit extracts of T. citrina may not be safe owing to their
      mutagenic and cytotoxic potential and it necessitates further investigation
      regarding its safety evaluation.

PMID- 28096790
TI  - Isolation, characterization and hypolipidemic activity of ferulic acid in high
      fat-diet-induced hyperlipidemia in laboratory rats.
AB  - Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce (Leguminosae) (syn. Prosopis spicigera L.) has
      antidiabetic and antioxidant potential. Earlier we reported its hypolipidemic
      activity obtained from ethanol extract (ET-PCF). Object of this work was to
      isolate ferulic acid (FA) from ET-PCF and evaluate hypolipidemic activity against
      high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic laboratory rats. ET-PCF was subjected
      to flash column chromatography to isolate FA. The chemical structure of the
      isolated compound was elucidated by UV, IR, 1H NMR,13C NMR and LC-MS. Further,
      the antihyperlipidemic effect of FA (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) in HFD-induced
      hyperlipidemic rats was investigated. Hyperlipidemia was induced in male Sprague
      Dawley rats by feeding with HFD for 60 days. Lipid parameters such as total
      cholesterol (TC), Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) levels were measured in
      serum and hepatic tissue. Hepatic oxido-nitrosative stress (SOD, GSH, MDA and NO)
      were also determined. Histological evaluation of liver tissue was carried out.
      The structure of the isolated compound was characterized based on spectral data
      and confirmed as FA. HFD induced an alteration in serum, and hepatic lipid
      profile (triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, and LDL) was significantly restored (p <
      0.001) by administration of FA (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.). The elevated level of
      oxido-nitrosative stress in liver was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) by FA (20
      and 40 mg/kg, p.o.). Histological aberration induced in the liver after HFD
      ingestion were restored by FA administration. Ferulic acid isolated from ET-PCF
      showed hypolipidemic effects in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats via modulation of
      elevated oxido-nitrosative stress.

PMID- 28096791
TI  - Physicochemical analyses of a bioactive 4-aminoantipyrine analogue - synthesis,
      crystal structure, solid state interactions, antibacterial, conformational and
      docking studies.
AB  - A novel Schiff base derivative of 4-aminoantipyrine, that is, (E)-4-(2
      methoxybenzylideneamino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one (MBA-dMPP),
      was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and EI-MS. Single-crystal X
      ray diffraction data revealed MBA-dMPP adopts a trans configuration around its
      central C=N double bond, and forms orthorhombic crystals. XRD revealed that MBA
      dMPP possess two different planes, in which the pyrazolone and benzylidene groups
      attached to C9 of the pyrazolone ring are almost coplanar and the phenyl ring
      connected to the N1 atom of the pyrazolone moiety lies in another plane. The
      intermolecular, host-guest C-H...O, C-H...N, and C-H...C van der Waals
      interactions were found to form a 3D network and confer stability to the MBA-dMPP
      crystal structure. The quantitative and qualitative solid state behaviors of MBA
      dMPP were subjected to 3D Hirshfeld surface analysis and 2D fingerprint plotting.
      Reciprocal H...H contacts contributed most (52.9 %) to the Hirshfeld surface,
      followed by C...H/H...C contacts (30.2 %), whereas, O...H/H...O and N...H/H...N
      interactions contributed 15.5 % to the Hirshfeld surface. Electrostatic
      potentials were mapped over the Hirshfeld surface to analyze electrostatic
      complementarities within the MBA-dMPP crystal. In addition, geometrical
      descriptors were also analyzed to the extent of surface interactions. MBA-dMPP
      was also investigated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive
      and Gram-negative bacterial strains, and showed highest activity against Bacillus
      cereus (MIC = 12.5 MUg mL-1) and Salmonellatythimurium (MIC = 50 MUg mL-1). In
      silico screening was conducted by docking MBA-dMPP on the active site of S12
      bacterial protein (an important therapeutic target of antibacterial agents) and
      its binding properties were compared with those of ciprofloxacin. Moreover, a
      field points map of MBA-dMPP ligand was studied to determine electrostatic and
      van der Waals forces, hydrophobic potentials, and positions involved in ligand
      receptor interactions. Finally, the torsion energies of crystal structure and
      optimized and bioactive conformers of MBA-dMPP were compared to predict its
      bioactive conformation.

PMID- 28096792
TI  - First reported case of Haemoglobin-M Hyde Park in a Malay family living in
      Malaysia.
AB  - Haemoglobin (Hb)-M Hyde Park, also known as Hb-M Akita is a rare type of
      hereditary Hb M due to autosomal dominant mutation of CAC>TAC on codon 92 of beta
      globin gene resulting in the replacement of histidine by tyrosine on beta globin
      chain. This variant Hb has a tendency to form methaemoglobin (metHb). The iron
      ion in metHb is oxidized to ferric (Fe3+) which is unable to carry oxygen and the
      patients manifest as cyanosis clinically. A 9-year-old Malay girl was
      incidentally found to be cyanotic when she presented to a health clinic.
      Laboratory investigations revealed raised methaemoglobin levels and Hb analysis
      findings were consistent with Hb-M Hyde Park. beta gene sequencing confirmed a
      point mutation of CAC>TAC on codon 92 in one of the beta genes. The family study
      done on the individuals with cyanosis showed similar findings. A diagnosis of
      heterozygous Hb-M Hyde Park was made. Patients with this variant Hb usually
      presented with cyanosis with mild haemolysis and maybe misdiagnosed as congenital
      heart disease. No further treatment is needed as patients are relatively
      asymptomatic. Although the disease is harmless in the heterozygous carriers but
      the offspring of the carriers may suffer severe haemolytic anaemia when the
      offspring also inherit other beta haemoglobinopathies/thalassemia. This can
      happen due to high prevalence of beta thalassemia carrier (3.5-4 %) found in
      Malaysia. At the time of writing, this is the first case of hereditary Hb-M Hyde
      Park diagnosed in a Malay family living in Malaysia.

PMID- 28096794
TI  - Tobacco use patterns, knowledge, attitudes towards tobacco and availability of
      tobacco control training among school personnel from a rural area in Poland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tobacco-free school environment as well as non-smoking teachers and
      school personnel provide positive role models for children and young people. In
      Poland, smoking should be banned in colleges, schools, educational establishments
      and educational care facilities. However, for the existing law to be effective,
      awareness of all people in school curriculum and enforcement of the law are
      crucial. The aim of the study was to evaluate tobacco use patterns, knowledge and
      attitudes towards tobacco as well as availability of tobacco control training
      among school personnel in a rural area in Poland. Moreover, compliance with
      tobacco control policies and their enforcement were assessed. METHODS: The study
      was carried out in Piotrkowski district between November 2014 and May 2015 in
      accordance with the Global School Personnel Survey (GSPS) methodology. Sixty
      schools participated in the survey (92% of the schools from the region) with
      involvement of 1044 teachers and 500 non-teaching staff (the response rate -
      83.1%). The multivariate linear regression analyses were applied to study factors
      linked to the need for anti-tobacco training dedicated to the youth and teachers'
      knowledge as well as activities to educate the students about tobacco use and its
      prevention. RESULTS: About 24% of the school personnel were current and 9% were
      ex-smokers. Significantly more teachers than the non-teaching staff indicated
      that the schools had a policy prohibiting tobacco use among students. In
      addition, 6% of the study participants indicated everyday violations of the
      tobacco control policy by the school personnel. More than 80% of the teaching
      personnel indicated the need for training dedicated to the youth to prevent their
      tobacco use. In the multivariate linear regression model, longer duration of
      working experience predicted higher levels of knowledge and more activities
      performed to teach the youth about tobacco use and its prevention. The smokers
      comparing to the non-smokers perceived the need for anti- tobacco training among
      the youth less strongly. CONCLUSIONS: In order to make it possible for the
      inhabitants of Piotrkowski district to work and learn in tobacco smoke free
      environment there is an urgent need for taking actions aiming at increasing
      effectiveness of enforcing applicable tobacco control regulations in educational
      units. The necessity for systematic training dedicated to the youth to prevent
      their tobacco use, including accurate preparation of teachers, also needs to be
      highlighted.

PMID- 28096793
TI  - Efficacy of antioxidant in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic oxido-inflammatory disorder of
      the lung. Oxidative stress is widely recognized as a central feature of IPF.
      Antioxidant therapy has been proposed as an effective treatment for IPF. An array
      of clinical trials describing the therapeutic impact of these drugs have been
      reporting albeit with conflicting evidence points. We performed a meta-analysis
      of trials in which efficacy of antioxidant therapy was compared with control in
      IPF. Systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane
      Library, CPCI-S (Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science), ICTRP
      (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform), and Google Scholar till June
      2016 by two independent researchers. Various outcomes such as changes in
      pulmonary function tests (change in vital capacity [DeltaVC], change in forced
      vital capacity [DeltaFVC], change in percentage of predicted vital capacity
      [Delta%VC], and change in percentage of predicted carbon monoxide diffusing
      capacity [Delta%DLco]), changes in 6 minutes walking test distance (Delta6MWT),
      rates of adverse events, and rates of death, were included. All statistical
      analyses were performed using RevMan V.5.3. Twelve studies (n = 1062) were
      identified that used antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine and lecithinized superoxide
      dismutase) as a treatment for IPF. Overall, there was no association of
      antioxidant therapy with DeltaFVC (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI:-0.07 to 0.61; P = 0.12),
      DeltaFVC (%) (SMD = -0.10, 95% CI:-0.56 to 0.36; P = 0.66) and 6MWT (SMD = -0.04,
      95% CI:-0.11 to 0.20; P = 0.59) in IPF patients. However, combined antioxidant
      therapy was found to be associated with %VC (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.64; P
      = 0.008) and Delta%DLco (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.29; P = 0.05) in IPF
      patients. Strong evidence was obtained that the antioxidants increased adverse
      effects adverse events (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.75 to 3.24; P = 0.23) but it did not
      associate mortality (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.44 to 2.11; P = 0.92). The use of
      significant clinical heterogeneity, low statistical power, high dropout rates,
      duration of follow-ups, and dosing regimens of antioxidant agents. Combined
      antioxidant therapy seems to be a safe and effective therapy for IPF patients
      which provides a more beneficial effect in terms of VC, and DLco rather than
      monotherapy. Further randomized controlled trials with homogeneous outcome
      measures are needed.

PMID- 28096795
TI  - Editorial: In vivo Imaging in Pharmacological Research.

PMID- 28096796
TI  - Neuroendocrinology of a Male-Specific Pattern for Depression Linked to Alcohol
      Use Disorder and Suicidal Behavior.
AB  - Epidemiological studies show low rates of diagnosed depression in men compared to
      women. At the same time, high rates of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and completed
      suicide are found among men. These data suggest that a male-specific pattern for
      depression may exist that is linked to AUDs and suicidal behavior. To date, no
      underlying neuroendocrine model for this specific pattern of male depression has
      been suggested. In this paper, we integrate findings related to this specific
      pattern of depression with underlying steroid secretion patterns, polymorphisms,
      and methylation profiles of key genes in order to detail an original
      neuroendocrine model of male-specific depression. Low circulating levels of sex
      steroids seem to increase the vulnerability for male depression, while
      concomitant high levels of glucocorticoids further intensify this vulnerability.
      Interactions of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamus-pituitary
      adrenocortical (HPA) axis-related hormones seem to be highly relevant for a male
      specific pattern of depression linked to AUDs and suicidal behavior. Moreover,
      genetic variants and the epigenetic profiles of the androgen receptor gene, well
      known depression related genes, and HPA axis-related genes were shown to further
      interact with men's steroid secretion and thus may further contribute to the
      proposed male-specific pattern for depression. This mini-review points out the
      multilevel interactions between the HPG and HPA axis for a male-specific pattern
      of depression linked to AUDs and suicidal behavior. An integration of multilevel
      interactions within the three-hit concept of vulnerability and resilience
      concludes the review.

PMID- 28096797
TI  - Do Affective Variables Make a Difference in Consumers Behavior Toward Mobile
      Advertising?
AB  - Research into permission-based mobile marketing is increasingly common due to the
      widespread adoption of mobile technology and its use as a communication channel.
      Yet few studies have attempted to analyze the factors that determine attitudes
      toward mobile advertising while simultaneously considering: the links among them
      and consumers' intentions, behavior, and/or cognitive and affective variables
      simultaneously. The present research therefore sought to deepen understanding of
      the antecedents and consequences of attitudes toward permission-based mobile
      advertising. More specifically, it sought to identify the antecedents of
      attitudes toward mobile advertising and the bridges between these attitudes and
      consumers' intentions upon receiving advertising on their mobile devices. To this
      end, a causal model was proposed and tested with a sample of 612 mobile phone
      users that was collected from a panel of Spanish adults who receive advertising
      on their mobile phones in the form of SMS text messages. The structural model
      used was validated using the partial least squares (PLS) regression technique.
      The results show that the greatest influence was that exerted by positive
      emotions on feelings, suggesting that positive emotions have an indirect effect
      on attitude toward mobile advertising. This influence was even greater than their
      direct effect. Another important, though less powerful, effect was the influence
      of attitude on behavioral intentions to receive mobile advertising. In contrast,
      the influence of cognitive variables on attitude was less relevant.

PMID- 28096798
TI  - Building the Case for Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor-I Involvement in
      Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy.
AB  - The pathogenesis of orbital Graves' disease (GD), a process known as thyroid
      associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), remains incompletely understood. The thyrotropin
      receptor (TSHR) represents the central autoantigen involved in GD and has been
      proposed as the thyroid antigen shared with the orbit that could explain the
      infiltration of immune cells into tissues surrounding the eye. Another cell
      surface protein, insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR), has recently
      been proposed as a second antigen that participates in TAO by virtue of its
      interactions with anti-IGF-IR antibodies generated in GD, its apparent physical
      and functional complex formation with TSHR, and its necessary involvement in TSHR
      post-receptor signaling. The proposal that IGF-IR is involved in TAO has provoked
      substantial debate. Furthermore, several studies from different laboratory
      groups, each using different experimental models, have yielded conflicting
      results. In this article, we attempt to summarize the biological characteristics
      of IGF-IR and TSHR. We also review the evidence supporting and refuting the
      postulate that IGF-IR is a self-antigen in GD and that it plays a potentially
      important role in TAO. The putative involvement of IGF-IR in disease pathogenesis
      carries substantial clinical implications. Specifically, blocking this receptor
      with monoclonal antibodies can dramatically attenuate the induction by TSH and
      pathogenic antibodies generated in GD of proinflammatory genes in cultured
      orbital fibroblasts and fibrocytes. These cell types appear critical to the
      development of TAO. These observations have led to the conduct of a now-completed
      multicenter therapeutic trial of a fully human monoclonal anti-IGF-IR blocking
      antibody in moderate to severe, active TAO.

PMID- 28096799
TI  - Spread of Botrytis cinerea Strains with Multiple Fungicide Resistance in German
      Horticulture.
AB  - Botrytis cinerea is a major plant pathogen, causing gray mold rot in a variety of
      cultures. Repeated fungicide applications are common but have resulted in the
      development of fungal populations with resistance to one or more fungicides. In
      this study, we have monitored fungicide resistance frequencies and the occurrence
      of multiple resistance in Botrytis isolates from raspberries, strawberries,
      grapes, stone fruits and ornamental flowers in Germany in 2010 to 2015. High
      frequencies of resistance to all classes of botryticides was common in all
      cultures, and isolates with multiple fungicide resistance represented a major
      part of the populations. A monitoring in a raspberry field over six seasons
      revealed a continuous increase in resistance frequencies and the emergence of
      multiresistant Botrytis strains. In a cherry orchard and a vineyard, evidence of
      the immigration of multiresistant strains from the outside was obtained.
      Inoculation experiments with fungicide-treated leaves in the laboratory and with
      strawberry plants cultivated in the greenhouse or outdoors revealed a nearly
      complete loss of fungicide efficacy against multiresistant strains. B. cinerea
      field strains carrying multiple resistance mutations against all classes of site
      specific fungicides were found to show similar fitness as sensitive field strains
      under laboratory conditions, based on their vegetative growth, reproduction,
      stress resistance, virulence and competitiveness in mixed infection experiments.
      Our data indicate an alarming increase in the occurrence of multiresistance in B.
      cinerea populations from different cultures, which presents a major threat to the
      chemical control of gray mold.

PMID- 28096800
TI  - Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 3 Inhibits Hantaan Virus Infection, and
      Its Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs12252 Influences the Severity of Hemorrhagic
      Fever with Renal Syndrome.
AB  - Hantaan virus (HTNV) causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
      Previous studies have identified interferon-induced transmembrane proteins
      (IFITMs) as an interferon-stimulated gene family. However, the role of IFITMs in
      HTNV infection is unclear. In this study, we observed that IFITM3 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs12252 C allele and CC genotype associated with
      the disease severity and HTNV load in the plasma of HFRS patients. In vitro
      experiments showed that the truncated protein produced by the rs12252 C allele
      exhibited an impaired anti-HTNV activity. We also proved that IFITM3 was able to
      inhibit HTNV infection in both HUVEC and A549 cells by overexpression and RNAi
      assays, likely via a mechanism of inhibiting virus entry demonstrated by binding
      and entry assay. Localization of IFITM3 in late endosomes was also observed. In
      addition, we demonstrated that the transcription of IFITM3 is negatively
      regulated by an lncRNA negative regulator of interferon response (NRIR). Taken
      together, we conclude that IFITM3, negatively regulated by NRIR, inhibits HTNV
      infection, and its SNP rs12252 correlates with the plasma HTNV load and the
      disease severity of patients with HFRS.

PMID- 28096801
TI  - Protective Effects of Platycodin D on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung
      Injury by Activating LXRalpha-ABCA1 Signaling Pathway.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of platycodin
      D (PLD) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and clarify
      the possible mechanism. An LPS-induced ALI model was used to confirm the anti
      inflammatory activity of PLD in vivo. The A549 lung epithelial cells were used to
      investigate the molecular mechanism and targets of PLD in vitro. In vivo, the
      results showed that PLD significantly attenuated lung histopathologic changes,
      myeloperoxidase activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, including TNF
      alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6. In vitro, PLD inhibited LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8
      production in LPS-stimulated A549 lung epithelial cells. Western blot analysis
      showed that PLD suppressed LPS-induced NF-kappaB and IRF3 activation. Moreover,
      PLD did not act though affecting the expression of TLR4. We also showed that PLD
      disrupted the formation of lipid rafts by depleting cholesterol and prevented LPS
      induced TLR4 trafficking to lipid rafts, thereby blocking LPS-induced
      inflammatory response. Finally, PLD activated LXRalpha-ABCA1-dependent
      cholesterol efflux. Knockdown of LXRalpha abrogated the anti-inflammatory effects
      of PLD. The anti-inflammatory effects of PLD was associated with upregulation of
      the LXRalpha-ABCA1 pathway, which resulted in disrupting lipid rafts by depleting
      cholesterol and reducing translocation of TLR4 to lipid rafts.

PMID- 28096802
TI  - A Regulatory miRNA-mRNA Network Is Associated with Tissue Repair Induced by
      Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Acute Kidney Injury.
AB  - Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) orchestrate tissue repair by releasing cell
      derived microvesicles (MVs), which, presumably by small RNA species, modulate
      global gene expression. The knowledge of miRNA/mRNA signatures linked to a
      reparative status may elucidate some of the molecular events associated with MSC
      protection. Here, we used a model of cisplatin-induced kidney injury (acute
      kidney injury) to assess how MSCs or MVs could restore tissue function. MSCs and
      MVs presented similar protective effects, which were evidenced in vivo and in
      vitro by modulating apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and a set of
      prosurvival molecules. In addition, we observed that miRNAs (i.e., miR-880, miR
      141, miR-377, and miR-21) were modulated, thereby showing active participation on
      regenerative process. Subsequently, we identified that MSC regulates a particular
      miRNA subset which mRNA targets are associated with Wnt/TGF-beta, fibrosis, and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling pathways. Our results suggest that
      MSCs release MVs that transcriptionally reprogram injured cells, thereby
      modulating a specific miRNA-mRNA network.

PMID- 28096803
TI  - Host and Viral Modulation of RIG-I-Mediated Antiviral Immunity.
AB  - Innate immunity is the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Rapid
      and efficient detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns via pattern
      recognition receptors is essential for the host to mount defensive and protective
      responses. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is critical in triggering
      antiviral and inflammatory responses for the control of viral replication in
      response to cytoplasmic virus-specific RNA structures. Upon viral RNA
      recognition, RIG-I recruits the mitochondrial adaptor protein mitochondrial
      antiviral signaling protein, which leads to a signaling cascade that coordinates
      the induction of type I interferons (IFNs), as well as a large variety of
      antiviral interferon-stimulated genes. The RIG-I activation is tightly regulated
      via various posttranslational modifications for the prevention of aberrant innate
      immune signaling. By contrast, viruses have evolved mechanisms of evasion, such
      as sequestrating viral structures from RIG-I detections and targeting receptor or
      signaling molecules for degradation. These virus-host interactions have broadened
      our understanding of viral pathogenesis and provided insights into the function
      of the RIG-I pathway. In this review, we summarize the recent advances regarding
      RIG-I pathogen recognition and signaling transduction, cell-intrinsic control of
      RIG-I activation, and the viral antagonism of RIG-I signaling.

PMID- 28096805
TI  - Improving of Rice Blast Resistances in Japonica by Pyramiding Major R Genes.
AB  - Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is a major
      constraint to rice production worldwide. In this study, we developed monogenic
      near-isogenic lines (NILs) NIL Pi9, NIL Pizt , and NIL Pi54 carrying genes Pi9,
      Pizt, and Pi54, respectively, by marker assisted backcross breeding using 07GY31
      as the japonica genetic background with good agronomic traits. Polygene pyramid
      lines (PPLs) PPL Pi9+Pi54 combining Pi9 with Pi54, and PPL Pizt+Pi54 combining
      Pizt with Pi54 were then developed using corresponding NILs with genetic
      background recovery rates of more than 97%. Compared to 07GY31, the above NILs
      and PPLs exhibited significantly enhanced resistance frequencies (RFs) for both
      leaf and panicle blasts. RFs of both PPLs for leaf blast were somewhat higher
      than those of their own parental NILs, respectively, and PPL Pizt+Pi54 exhibited
      higher RF for panicle blast than NIL Pizt and NIL Pi54 (P < 0.001), hinting an
      additive effect on the resistance. However, PPL Pi9+Pi54 exhibited lower RF for
      panicle blast than NIL Pi9 (P < 0.001), failing to realize an additive effect.
      PPL Pizt+Pi54 showed higher resistant level for panicle blast and better additive
      effects on the resistance than PPL Pi9+Pi54. It was suggested that major R genes
      interacted with each other in a way more complex than additive effect in
      determining panicle blast resistance levels. Genotyping by sequencing analysis
      and extreme-phenotype genome-wide association study further confirmed the above
      results. Moreover, data showed that pyramiding multiple resistance genes did not
      affect the performance of basic agronomic traits. So the way to enhance levels of
      leaf and panicle blast resistances for rice breeding in this study is effective
      and may serve as a reference for breeders. Key Message: Resistant levels of rice
      blast is resulted from different combinations of major R genes, PPL Pizt+Pi54
      showed higher resistant level and better additive effects on the panicle blast
      resistance than PPL Pi9+Pi54.

PMID- 28096804
TI  - Divide, Conquer, and Sense: CD8+CD28- T Cells in Perspective.
AB  - Understanding the rationale for the generation of a pool of highly differentiated
      effector memory CD8+ T cells displaying a weakened capacity to scrutinize for
      peptides complexed with major histocompatibility class I molecules via their T
      cell receptor, lacking the "signal 2" CD28 receptor, and yet expressing a highly
      diverse array of innate receptors, from natural killer receptors, interleukin
      receptors, and damage-associated molecular pattern receptors, among others, is
      one of the most challenging issues in contemporary human immunology. The
      prevalence of these differentiated CD8+ T cells, also known as CD8+CD28-,
      CD8+KIR+, NK-like CD8+ T cells, or innate CD8+ T cells, in non-lymphoid organs
      and tissues, in peripheral blood of healthy elderly, namely centenarians, but
      also in stressful and chronic inflammatory conditions suggests that they are not
      merely end-of-the-line dysfunctional cells. These experienced CD8+ T cells are
      highly diverse and capable of sensing a variety of TCR-independent signals, which
      enables them to respond and fine-tune tissue homeostasis.

PMID- 28096808
TI  - Recent Advances in Microwave Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection.
AB  - Breast cancer is a disease that occurs most often in female cancer patients.
      Early detection can significantly reduce the mortality rate. Microwave breast
      imaging, which is noninvasive and harmless to human, offers a promising
      alternative method to mammography. This paper presents a review of recent
      advances in microwave imaging for breast cancer detection. We conclude by
      introducing new research on a microwave imaging system with time-domain
      measurement that achieves short measurement time and low system cost. In the time
      domain measurement system, scan time would take less than 1 sec, and it does not
      require very expensive equipment such as VNA.

PMID- 28096806
TI  - A Systems Approach Implicates a Brain Mitochondrial Oxidative Homeostasis Co
      expression Network in Genetic Vulnerability to Alcohol Withdrawal.
AB  - Genetic factors significantly affect vulnerability to alcohol dependence
      (alcoholism). We previously identified quantitative trait loci on distal mouse
      chromosome 1 with large effects on predisposition to alcohol physiological
      dependence and associated withdrawal following both chronic and acute alcohol
      exposure in mice (Alcdp1 and Alcw1, respectively). We fine-mapped these loci to a
      1.1-1.7 Mb interval syntenic with human 1q23.2-23.3. Alcw1/Alcdp1 interval genes
      show remarkable genetic variation among mice derived from the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J
      strains, the two most widely studied genetic animal models for alcohol-related
      traits. Here, we report the creation of a novel recombinant Alcw1/Alcdp1 congenic
      model (R2) in which the Alcw1/Alcdp1 interval from a donor C57BL/6J strain is
      introgressed onto a uniform, inbred DBA/2J genetic background. As expected, R2
      mice demonstrate significantly less severe alcohol withdrawal compared to wild
      type littermates. Additionally, comparing R2 and background strain animals, as
      well as reciprocal congenic (R8) and appropriate background strain animals, we
      assessed Alcw1/Alcdp1 dependent brain gene expression using microarray and
      quantitative PCR analyses. To our knowledge this includes the first Weighted Gene
      Co-expression Network Analysis using reciprocal congenic models. Importantly,
      this allows detection of co-expression patterns limited to one or common to both
      genetic backgrounds with high or low predisposition to alcohol withdrawal
      severity. The gene expression patterns (modules) in common contain genes related
      to oxidative phosphorylation, building upon human and animal model studies that
      implicate involvement of oxidative phosphorylation in alcohol use disorders
      (AUDs). Finally, we demonstrate that administration of N-acetylcysteine, an FDA
      approved antioxidant, significantly reduces symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
      (convulsions) in mice, thus validating a phenotypic role for this network. Taken
      together, these studies support the importance of mitochondrial oxidative
      homeostasis in alcohol withdrawal and identify this network as a valuable
      therapeutic target in human AUDs.

PMID- 28096809
TI  - Low-Rank Linear Dynamical Systems for Motor Imagery EEG.
AB  - The common spatial pattern (CSP) and other spatiospectral feature extraction
      methods have become the most effective and successful approaches to solve the
      problem of motor imagery electroencephalography (MI-EEG) pattern recognition from
      multichannel neural activity in recent years. However, these methods need a lot
      of preprocessing and postprocessing such as filtering, demean, and spatiospectral
      feature fusion, which influence the classification accuracy easily. In this
      paper, we utilize linear dynamical systems (LDSs) for EEG signals feature
      extraction and classification. LDSs model has lots of advantages such as
      simultaneous spatial and temporal feature matrix generation, free of
      preprocessing or postprocessing, and low cost. Furthermore, a low-rank matrix
      decomposition approach is introduced to get rid of noise and resting state
      component in order to improve the robustness of the system. Then, we propose a
      low-rank LDSs algorithm to decompose feature subspace of LDSs on finite
      Grassmannian and obtain a better performance. Extensive experiments are carried
      out on public dataset from "BCI Competition III Dataset IVa" and "BCI Competition
      IV Database 2a." The results show that our proposed three methods yield higher
      accuracies compared with prevailing approaches such as CSP and CSSP.

PMID- 28096807
TI  - Incorporating Colour Information for Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Melanoma from
      Dermoscopy Images: A Retrospective Survey and Critical Analysis.
AB  - Cutaneous melanoma is the most life-threatening form of skin cancer. Although
      advanced melanoma is often considered as incurable, if detected and excised
      early, the prognosis is promising. Today, clinicians use computer vision in an
      increasing number of applications to aid early detection of melanoma through
      dermatological image analysis (dermoscopy images, in particular). Colour
      assessment is essential for the clinical diagnosis of skin cancers. Due to this
      diagnostic importance, many studies have either focused on or employed colour
      features as a constituent part of their skin lesion analysis systems. These
      studies range from using low-level colour features, such as simple statistical
      measures of colours occurring in the lesion, to availing themselves of high-level
      semantic features such as the presence of blue-white veil, globules, or colour
      variegation in the lesion. This paper provides a retrospective survey and
      critical analysis of contributions in this research direction.

PMID- 28096810
TI  - Duodenal Rare Neuroendocrine Tumor: Clinicopathological Characteristics of
      Patients with Gangliocytic Paraganglioma.
AB  - Gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) has been regarded as a rare benign tumor that
      commonly arises from the second part of the duodenum. As GP does not exhibit
      either prominent mitotic activity or Ki-67 immunoreactivity, it is often
      misdiagnosed as neuroendocrine tumor (NET) G1. However, the prognosis might be
      better in patients with GP than in those with NET G1. Therefore, it is important
      to differentiate GP from NET G1. Moreover, our previous study indicated that GP
      accounts for a substantial, constant percentage of duodenal NETs. In the present
      article, we describe up-to-date data on the clinicopathological characteristics
      of GP and on the immunohistochemical findings that can help differentiate GP from
      NET G1, as largely revealed in our new and larger literature survey and recent
      multi-institutional retrospective study. Furthermore, we would like to refer to
      differential diagnosis and clinical management of this tumor and provide
      intriguing information about the risk factors for lymph node metastasis on GP.

PMID- 28096811
TI  - Cerebral Hemodynamics and Cognitive Function in Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatic
      Encephalopathy.
AB  - : Aims. To investigate cerebral hemodynamics in cirrhotic patients with HE and to
      observe effects of treatment in cerebral hemodynamics and correlations among
      ammonia, cerebral hemodynamics, and cognitive function. Methods. There were four
      groups: healthy controls (group 1), cirrhosis without HE (group 2), cirrhosis
      with MHE (group 3), and cirrhosis with OHE (group 4). Ammonia and cerebral
      hemodynamics (by TCD) were assessed. Patients in group 3 were subsequently
      randomized to two subgroups: the control (group A) and the treated (group B,
      treated with lactulose for two months), and they were retested for ammonia and
      TCD after treatment. RESULTS: Ammonia, Vm , Vd , PI, and RI were statistically
      different before treatment, and ammonia, PI, and RI levels paralleled the
      severity of HE (P < 0.05). In group B, Vd increased and ammonia, PI, and RI
      declined following treatment (P < 0.05), while there were no differences in group
      A (P > 0.05). Correlations were found between ammonia and Vd , PI, RI, NCT-A, and
      DST and also found between Vd , PI, RI, and NCT-A and DST (P < 0.05).
      Conclusions. This study revealed that cerebral hemodynamics were related to the
      severity of HE and cerebral autoregulation was impaired. There were tight
      correlations among ammonia, cerebral hemodynamics, and cognitive function, and,
      following treatment, cerebral hemodynamics improved.

PMID- 28096812
TI  - Does Leaving the Biopsy Needle in Povidone-Iodine Solution Reduce Infective
      Complications after Biopsy?
AB  - Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether leaving the biopsy needle used
      during prostate needle biopsy in 10% povidone-iodine (betadine) solution affects
      the infectious complications forming after biopsy. Material and Method. This
      study retrospectively evaluated the data of 176 patients with prostate biopsy
      performed between December 2012 and April 2014. Patients in Group 1 (n = 89) were
      given ofloxacin as a prophylactic antibiotic before biopsy. Patients in Group 2
      (n = 87) had the biopsy needle left in povidone-iodine solution for 1 minute
      before each use, in addition to antibiotic prophylaxis. The two groups were
      compared in terms of infective complications developing after biopsy. Results
      were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. Results. The
      distribution of infective complications after biopsy according to group was as
      follows. Group 1, not using betadine, had 15.7% fever, 13.5% hospital stay, 12.4%
      urinary retention, 10.1% prostatitis, and 5.6% sepsis. The distribution of the
      same complications in Group 2 using betadine was identified as 5.7% fever, 4.6%
      hospital stay, 3.4% urinary retention, 2.3% prostatitis, and 0% sepsis. The use
      of betadine was found to significantly reduce the infectious complications after
      biopsy compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. At the end of this
      study leaving the prostate needle in povidone-iodine solution before each use
      during prostate biopsy was found to reduce the infective complications and
      hospital stay after biopsy.

PMID- 28096813
TI  - Corrigendum to "Structural Stability, Transitions, and Interactions within
      SoxYZCD-Thiosulphate from Sulfurimonas denitrificans: An In Silico Molecular
      Outlook for Maintaining Environmental Sulphur Cycle".
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2016/8683713.].

PMID- 28096814
TI  - Hyaluromycin, a Novel Hyaluronidase Inhibitor, Attenuates Pancreatic Cancer Cell
      Migration and Proliferation.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by accelerated
      production and degradation of hyaluronan (HA), a major component of extracellular
      matrix involved in the malignant phenotype of cancer. In particular, increased
      hyaluronidase (HYAL) activity plays a critical role in cancer progression, at
      least in part, by producing low-molecular-weight- (LMW-) HA or small fragments of
      HA, suggesting HYAL as a target for cancer treatment. Hyaluromycin, a new member
      of the rubromycin family of antibiotics, was isolated from the culture extract of
      a marine-derived Streptomyces hyaluromycini as a HYAL inhibitor. We investigated
      the antitumor effects of hyaluromycin in PDAC cells. We examined the effects of
      hyaluromycin on the proliferation and migration of PDAC cells. To elucidate the
      mechanisms underlying the effect of hyaluromycin on PDAC cells, we examined the
      concentration of LMW-HA in the conditioned media after treating PDAC cells with
      hyaluromycin. We demonstrate that hyaluromycin inhibits proliferation and
      migration of PDAC cells. We also found that these antitumor effects of
      hyaluromycin were associated with a decreased concentration of LMW-HA and a
      decreased phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6. Our results suggest that
      hyaluromycin is a promising new drug against this highly aggressive neoplasm.

PMID- 28096815
TI  - Accuracy of Multiple Pour Cast from Various Elastomer Impression Methods.
AB  - The accurate duplicate cast obtained from a single impression reduces the
      profession clinical time, patient inconvenience, and extra material cost. The
      stainless steel working cast model assembly consisting of two abutments and one
      pontic area was fabricated. Two sets of six each custom aluminum trays were
      fabricated, with five mm spacer and two mm spacer. The impression methods
      evaluated during the study were additional silicone putty reline (two steps),
      heavy-light body (one step), monophase (one step), and polyether (one step). Type
      IV gypsum casts were poured at the interval of one hour, 12 hours, 24 hours, and
      48 hours. The resultant cast was measured with traveling microscope for the
      comparative dimensional accuracy. The data obtained were subjected to Analysis of
      Variance test at significance level <0.05. The die obtained from two-step putty
      reline impression techniques had the percentage of variation for the height -0.36
      to -0.97%, while diameter was increased by 0.40-0.90%. The values for one-step
      heavy-light body impression dies, additional silicone monophase impressions, and
      polyether were -0.73 to -1.21%, -1.34%, and -1.46% for the height and 0.50-0.80%,
      1.20%, and -1.30% for the width, respectively.

PMID- 28096816
TI  - Optimization of the Medium for the Production of Extracellular Amylase by the
      Pseudomonas stutzeri ISL B5 Isolated from Municipal Solid Waste.
AB  - The management of municipal solid waste is one of the major problems of the
      present world. The use of microbial enzymes for sustainable management of the
      solid waste is the need of the time. In the present study, we have isolated a
      potent amylase producing strain (ISL B5) from municipal solid waste. The strain
      was identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri (P. stutzeri) both biochemically and by
      16S rDNA sequencing. The optimization studies revealed that the strain ISL B5
      exhibited maximum activity in the liquid media containing 2% starch (2.77 U/ml),
      0.8% peptone (2.77 U/ml), and 0.001% Ca2+ ion (2.49 U/ml) under the pH 7.5 (2.59
      U/ml), temperature 40 degrees C (2.63 U/ml), and 25 h of incubation period (2.49
      U/ml). The highest activity of crude enzyme has also been optimized at the pH 8
      (2.49 U/ml).

PMID- 28096817
TI  - Heralding Extramedullary Blast Crisis: Horner's Syndrome with Brachial Plexopathy
      in a Patient with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.
AB  - Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) blast crisis is an ominous clinical event that
      is challenging to treat. This can develop at extramedullary sites rarely and is
      defined as the infiltration of blasts outside the bone marrow irrespective of
      proliferation of blasts within the bone marrow. We aim to report an unusual
      clinical presentation characterized by Horner's syndrome, ipsilateral arm
      weakness, and cervical lymphadenopathy as the first signs of extramedullary blast
      crisis in a CML patient. To the best of our knowledge, the extramedullary
      locations involving the brachial plexus along with cervicothoracic paraspinal
      chloroma have not been previously reported in the literature.

PMID- 28096818
TI  - Associated Factors to Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. in Dogs of Quintana Roo,
      Mexico.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence to Ehrlichia spp.
      in dogs from Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the associated factors. Serum
      samples were obtained from 118 dogs and used in an indirect immunofluorescent
      assay test for the detection of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. A questionnaire
      was used to obtain information about possible variables associated with
      seroprevalence. These variables were analyzed through Chi2 test and logistic
      regression. Dog seroprevalence of antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. was 64%
      (75/118). Fifty-two percent (61/118) of dogs had tick infestation which was
      identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Anemia was observed in 36% of
      dogs. Leucopenia (2.5%), thrombocytopenia (70%), and hemorrhage (14%) were also
      observed. Thirty-one percent (23/75) of dogs with anemia, 4% (3/75) of dogs with
      leucopenia, 80% (60/75) of dogs with thrombocytopenia, 17% (13/75) of dogs with
      hemorrhages, and 59% (44/75) of dogs with ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp.
      antibodies. The factors associated with seroprevalence were age (1-3 and >3 years
      old, OR = 7.77 and OR = 15.39, resp.), tick infestation (OR = 3.13), and
      thrombocytopenia (OR = 3.36). In conclusion, seroprevalence of Ehrlichia spp. was
      high in the community of Xcalak and its associated factors were age, tick
      infestation, and thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 28096819
TI  - Urinary Schistosomiasis among Children in Murbai and Surbai Communities of Ardo
      Kola Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria.
AB  - Background. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence,
      intensity of infection, and risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis
      among children in Murbai and Surbai communities of Ardo-Kola Local Government
      Area (LGA), Taraba State, Nigeria. Methods. Urine samples were analysed by the
      standard filtration technique using 10 ml syringe, Swinnex polypropylene filter
      holder (13 mm diameter), and polycarbonate membrane filters (12 MUm porosity).
      Sociodemographic data and water contact activities were collated from children
      using structured questionnaires. Results. A point prevalence of 58.54% was
      reported out of the urine samples examined. Males were significantly more
      infected than their female counterparts (71.15% versus 43.66%, chi2 = 89.12, p =
      0.000). The age-related prevalence showed 6-10 and 11-15 years significantly
      infected with 78.70% and 73.02%, respectively (chi2 = 89.12, p = 0.000). Light
      intensity of infection, 62.51%, was significantly higher than heavy intensity,
      37.48%, among the infected children (chi2 = 365.8, p = 0.000). Water contact
      activities such as fishing (OR = 4.01, CI = 3.04-5.61, p = 0.000), rice farming
      (OR = 4.01, CI = 2.96-5.36, p = 0.000), and dry season farming (OR = 4.78, CI =
      3.68-6.22, p = 0.000) were the risk factors exposing children to infection in the
      area. Conclusion. There is an urgent need to undertake a large scale deworming
      control programme using praziquantel in the area.

PMID- 28096820
TI  - Increase in the Risk of Respiratory Disorders in Adults and Children Related to
      Crop-Growing in Niger.
AB  - Background and Objective. Environmental factors are an increasing concern for
      respiratory health in developing countries. The objective of this study was to
      investigate whether Nigerien people living in cultivated areas have more
      respiratory symptoms than those living in pastoral areas. Method. A cross
      sectional study was conducted in 2013 in two populations during the rainy season
      when land is cultivated. Environmental factors including pesticide use and
      respiratory symptoms were collected in adults and children during face-to-face
      interviews. Multivariate analysis between exposures and symptoms was performed in
      children and in adults separately. Results. The study included 471 adults and 229
      children. Overall, none of the households reported the use of pesticides for
      agricultural purposes. However, 87.2% reported the use of insecticides at home.
      Multivariate analysis showed that people living in agricultural areas compared to
      those in pastoral areas had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms in adults
      (wheezing, dyspnea, sudden shortness of breath, and cough without fever) and in
      children (cough without fever). The use of insecticides showed no effect on
      respiratory symptoms after adjustment. Conclusion. This first epidemiological
      study on the environment and respiratory health conducted in Niger demonstrates a
      significant relationship between respiratory manifestations and the agricultural
      characteristics of the living area. However only the effect of insecticides in
      the home on respiratory health was observed.

PMID- 28096821
TI  - Comment on "A Cluster of Three Cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome among
      Canadian Military Personnel".

PMID- 28096822
TI  - Molecular Detection of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in Ruminants from Twelve
      Provinces of China.
AB  - Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. are tick-transmitted bacteria that are of
      significant economic importance as they can infect large and small ruminants and
      also people. There is little information on anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in
      ruminants in China. 16S rRNA FRET-qPCRs were used to screen convenience whole
      blood samples from 2,240 domestic ruminants in 12 provinces of China for
      Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. Positive samples were further analyzed with a
      standard PCR for the gltA. Anaplasma spp. DNA was detected in the sheep (11.7%;
      13/111), goats (81.8%; 219/270), cattle (13.2%; 241/1,830), and water buffaloes
      (6.9%; 2/29). Ehrlichia spp. DNA was detected in sheep (1.8%; 2/111), goats
      (1.1%; 3/270), and cattle (3.6%; 65/1830) but not in water buffaloes (0/29).
      Sequencing of gltA PCR products showed that A. marginale, A. ovis, Ehrlichia
      canis, and Ehrlichia sp. (JX629807) were present in ruminants from China, while
      the 16S rRNA FRET-qPCR sequence data indicated that there might also be A.
      platys, A. phagocytophilum, Anaplasma sp. BL126-13 (KJ410243), and Anaplasma sp.
      JC3-6 (KM227012). Our study shows that domestic ruminants from China are not
      uncommonly infected with a variety of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp.

PMID- 28096823
TI  - Comparison of del Nido cardioplegia and St. Thomas Hospital solution - two types
      of cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: St. Thomas' cardioplegic solution No. 2 (ST), although most widely
      used in adult cardiac surgery, needs to be given at short intervals, causing
      additional myocardial injury. AIM: To determine whether del Nido (DN)
      cardioplegia, with longer periods of arrest, provides equivalent myocardial
      protection as compared to ST. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population
      comprised 100 patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting
      (CABG) or double valve replacement (DVR) surgery between January 2015 and January
      2016. The patients were divided into two groups based on the type of cardioplegia
      administered during surgery: 1) intermittent ST (ST, n = 50) and 2) DN
      cardioplegia (DN, n = 50). We compared the aortic cross clamp (CC) and
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times, number of intra-operative DC shocks required,
      and postoperative changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the two
      groups. RESULTS: The aortic cross clamp and bypass times were shorter with DN
      (110.15 +/-36.84 vs. 133.56 +/-35.66 and 158.60 +/-39.92 vs. 179.81 +/-42.36 min
      respectively, p < 0.05). Fewer cardioplegia doses were required in the DN group
      vs. the ST group (1.38 +/-0.59 vs. 4.15 +/-1.26; p = 0.001), while a single
      cardioplegia dose was given to 35 DN patients (70%) vs. 0 ST patients (p <
      0.001). Postoperative LVEF was better preserved in the DN group. CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of DN leads to shorter cross clamp and CPB times, reduces cardioplegia
      dosage, and provides potentially better myocardial protection in terms of LVEF
      preservation, with a safety profile comparable to ST cardioplegia.

PMID- 28096824
TI  - Extended myectomy in the treatment of patients with hypertrophic obstructive
      cardiomyopathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Partial resection of the septal muscle is a well-established and
      effective method of surgical treatment for patients with hypertrophic obstructive
      cardiomyopathy (HOCM). The procedure is characterized by a low operative
      mortality rate and long-term clinical improvement that has been confirmed in
      numerous publications. Mitral insufficiency in patients with HOCM is mostly
      functional due to the effect of systolic anterior motion (SAM). AIM: To present
      the early results of surgical treatment provided to HOCM patients and to compare
      the effectiveness of two surgical procedures: isolated myectomy and myectomy
      combined with mitral valve replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study analyzed
      a group of 49 patients (20 women) with HOCM who underwent surgical treatment
      between 2012 and 2015. Isolated myectomy was performed in 67.25% (n = 33) of
      patients, myectomy combined with mitral valve replacement in 30.61% (n = 15), and
      1 (2.04%) patient underwent myectomy combined with mitral valvuloplasty
      (papillary muscle repositioning). RESULTS: A greater reduction of the left
      ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient was observed in the population with
      concomitant mitral valve replacement in comparison to patients after isolated
      myectomy; the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.020). No
      significant correlation was observed between residual SAM and the grade of mitral
      regurgitation (p = 0.699) or between residual SAM and the LVOT gradient (p =
      0.280). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical myectomy is a well-established, effective method of
      reducing increased LVOT gradients in patients with HOCM. Additional mitral valve
      replacement may be associated with greater reductions of the LVOT gradient in the
      early postoperative period. Valve replacement should be considered in patients
      with concomitant mitral valve degeneration and patients with narrowed left
      ventricular cavities.

PMID- 28096825
TI  - Determination of the value of glycated hemoglobin HbA1c and fructosamine in
      assessing the risk of perioperative complications after cardiac surgery in
      patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with diabetes have a worse postoperative course and longer
      length of hospital stay after surgery. A good indicator of proper long-term (3
      months) glycemic control is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fructosamine in the
      short term (2-3 weeks). AIM: To determine the degree of glycemic control
      evaluated preoperatively by HbA1c and/or fructosamine influence on the
      postoperative course of patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass
      grafting (CABG) in 2014-2015. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Before the operation HbA1c (N
      < 7.0) and fructosamine (N < 280 umol/l) were measured and depending on the
      results the respondents were divided into 4 groups: group I (n = 46) - normal
      both parameters; group II (n = 22) - high both values; group III (n = 4) - normal
      fructosamine/HbA1c high; group IV (n = 33) - high HbA1c/fructosamine normal.
      Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test assuming p < 0.05 to be
      statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients were treated by
      CABG/OPCAB (39 female, 66 males). The mean age was 65.7 +/-7.3, HbA1c: 7.23 +/
      1.2%, fructosamine: 261.8 +/-43.8. There was no difference in the incidence of
      other postoperative complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Glycated
      hemoglobin and fructosamine levels to a similar extent define the risk of
      perioperative complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In patients
      in whom there is a need to quickly compensate for elevated blood glucose consider
      enabling determination of fructosamine.

PMID- 28096826
TI  - POL-TAVI - Polish Registry of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation - simple
      tool, great value, rationale and design.
AB  - Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease in adults in
      Europe and North America. Management of AS patients depends on accurate diagnosis
      of the cause and stage of the disease process: the first and definitive
      therapeutic choice for a growing number of elderly patients with symptomatic AS
      is surgical treatment. In patients not eligible for surgery, transcatheter aortic
      valve implantation (TAVI) constitutes a safe and effective alternative. As an
      innovative, costly method of treatment, it requires however careful monitoring of
      its course, documenting its early and long-term results, and assessment of its
      safety and medical-economic cost-effectiveness. A medical registry seems to be an
      excellent tool to perform such analysis. The aim of this paper is to present the
      design and rationale for creation of the first National Cardiac-Cardiac Surgical
      Registry of Percutaneous Aortic Valve Treatment POL-TAVI, to describe its genesis
      and to highlight its key assumptions and aims. Despite its recent beginnings, the
      POL-TAVI Registry has already demonstrated its value and usability in monitoring
      and assessment of TAVI procedures, leading to further improvement and development
      of this new method in Poland. It constitutes an important and valuable tool for
      patients, the medical community and the payer.

PMID- 28096827
TI  - Lung exposure during simultaneous myocardial revascularization and lung surgery
      through median sternotomy.
AB  - Coronary artery disease is a frequent comorbidity in patients undergoing major
      thoracic surgery. Simultaneous operations eliminate the necessity of a second
      operation and, more importantly, minimize the delay in compulsory postoperative
      oncological therapy. We describe a relaxing incision in the contralateral
      pericardium, which allows for simple displacement of the heart. This maneuver
      improves exposure of the pulmonary hilum and middle mediastinum on the side of
      resection.

PMID- 28096828
TI  - Intramural esophageal tumors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intramural esophageal tumors (IET) are located between unchanged
      mucous membrane and muscularis mucosae. They can be both benign and malignant.
      AIM: To evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties of IET. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: During the years 2010-2015, 11 patients with IET were treated in our
      clinic. Diagnostics included gastroscopy, computed tomography of the chest,
      endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine needle biopsy, and positron emission
      tomography (PET) of the esophagus in cases with no histopathological
      confirmation. RESULTS: Based on the conducted analysis we diagnosed 1 case of
      gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), 1 case of adenocarcinoma, and 2 cases of
      esophageal cysts. In another 7 cases radiological images resembled leiomyoma but
      with no histopathological confirmation. Esophagectomy was performed in 2 cases of
      malignant tumors and 1 case of a large benign tumor. In other cases surgical
      enucleation of tumors was performed. Postoperatively we diagnosed 6 cases of
      leiomyoma, 1 case of schwannoma, 2 esophageal cysts, 1 case of GIST and 1 of
      esophageal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Intramural esophageal tumors is a very diverse
      group of tumors, both malignant and benign. In every case of IET we should seek
      histopathological conformation. Treatment of IET depends on localization, size
      and histopathological type of lesion.

PMID- 28096829
TI  - Is it possible to standardize the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax?
      Part 1: etiology, symptoms, diagnostics, minimally invasive treatment.
AB  - The authors of this report present the history of primary spontaneous
      pneumothorax (PSP) treatment, its etiology, clinical symptoms, and diagnostic
      methodology. Further, they discuss minimally invasive methods of treating PSP
      such as thoracentesis and chemical pleurodesis. They discuss the pros and cons of
      each method, emphasizing that, according to the international recommendations,
      they should be used as the first line of treatment for PSP.

PMID- 28096830
TI  - Is it possible to standardize the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax?
      Part 2: surgical methods of treatment.
AB  - The present report provides a detailed description of the surgical methods for
      primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) treatment, from open surgery (thoracotomy)
      to minimally invasive procedures (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery - VATS).
      It describes the methods of preventing pneumothorax recurrence, including partial
      or complete resection of the parietal pleura and chemical pleurodesis with VATS.
      The pros and cons of each method are presented. The paper also discusses new
      techniques for diagnosing pneumothorax, such as fluorescein-enhanced
      autofluorescence thoracoscopy (FEAT) and infrared thoracoscopy. Finally, the
      authors propose their own algorithm for the treatment of PSP.

PMID- 28096831
TI  - Predeployed aortic extension cuff (kilt) in EVAR with hostile neck anatomy using
      Endurant II system: preliminary results.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Various modifications of standard endovascular aortic aneurysm
      repair (EVAR) have been developed to solve the problem of difficult neck anatomy.
      AIM: The authors propose the implantation of a predeployed extension cuff (kilt)
      using on-shelf Endurant II elements. In a vast majority of cases, the proposed
      method provides a solution for the hostile neck problem using standard Endurant
      II elements available in all centers performing subrenal EVAR procedures.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The early outcomes of kilt implantation were evaluated in
      11 patients (three with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, one symptomatic) in
      2 vascular centers in Silesia (Poland). All patients presented with hostile neck
      anatomy defined as neck length < 10 mm, diameter > 28 mm, angulation > 60 degrees
      , mural thrombus or calcium > 2 mm in thickness or > 180 degrees  circumference.
      RESULTS: No intraoperative type I endoleak or device migration was observed. Two
      perioperative deaths occurred in patients in a severe condition with ruptured
      aneurysms. One case of type III endoleak was managed by the implantation of an
      additional iliac extension with complete endoleak sealing. CONCLUSIONS: The
      proposed method seems to be effective in early endoleak prevention in patients
      with hostile neck anatomy undergoing EVAR procedures; however, studies with long
      term follow-up are needed.

PMID- 28096832
TI  - Perioperative care in elderly cardiac surgery patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Surgery is an extreme physiological stress for the elderly. Aging
      is inevitably associated with irreversible and progressive cellular degeneration.
      Patients above 75 years of age are characterized by impaired responses to
      operative stress and a very narrow safety margin. AIM: To evaluate perioperative
      complications in patients aged >= 75 years who underwent cardiac surgery in
      comparison to outcomes in younger patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was
      conducted at the Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze in 2009-2014 after
      a standard of perioperative care in seniors was implemented to reduce
      complications, in particular to decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation
      and reduce postoperative delirium. The study group included 1446 patients.
      RESULTS: The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 13.8 h in patients aged
      >= 75 years and did not differ significantly compared to younger patients. In
      hospital mortality among seniors was 3.8%, a value significantly higher than that
      observed among patients younger than 75 years of age. Patients aged >= 75 years
      undergoing cardiac surgery have significantly more concomitant conditions
      involving other organs, which affects treatment outcomes (duration of hospital
      stay, mortality). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a standard of perioperative
      care in this age group reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation and lowered
      the rate of postoperative delirium.

PMID- 28096833
TI  - Utility of serum concentration of protein S100 at admission to the medical
      intensive care unit in prediction of permanent neurological injury.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) may be preceded by
      dramatic events leading to permanent neurological injury. Plasma S100 protein
      levels are proved to be clinically useful in predicting neurological outcome
      following cardiac arrest. It is unclear, however, whether this may be
      extrapolated to a broader population of ICU patients. AIM: To assess the utility
      of plasma S100 protein in predicting death, permanent neurological damage, or
      unfavourable outcome at admission to the intensive care unit. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The concentration of plasma S100 protein was established in 102 patients
      on admission to the ICU, regardless of their neurological status and the reason
      for admission. The majority of patients were admitted with various cardiac
      diseases, excluding trauma patients. The patients were classified into three
      groups with the following binary outcomes: permanent neurological deficit or
      restoration of consciousness; unfavourable outcome (death or survival with
      permanent neurological deficit) or favourable outcome; and death or survival.
      RESULTS: Plasma S100 protein levels at admission facilitated the identification
      of patients who later developed a permanent neurological deficit or regained
      consciousness (p < 0.0001). All patients with plasma S100 protein over 0.532
      MUg/l at ICU admission either developed a permanent neurological deficit or had
      an unfavourable outcome (death or survival with permanent neurological deficit).
      However, sensitivity for this cut-off value was only 48% and 40%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Plasma S100 protein levels over 0.532 MUg/l are specific but not
      sensitive for both permanent neurological deficit and unfavourable outcome when
      assessed in a heterogeneous population at admission to the ICU.

PMID- 28096836
TI  - Coronary artery spasm following on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with 20
      months follow-up.
AB  - We report on a 69-year-old woman who demonstrated native coronary artery and
      grafted vessel spasm following on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
      Despite intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion, electrocardiogram (ECG)
      abnormalities did not disappear. Emergency coronary angiography (CAG) was
      performed. The patient was successfully treated with systemic and intracoronary
      injection of vasodilator agents. ECG changes disappeared, with normalized and
      stable hemodynamic function. Intraaortic balloon pump was maintained for 48 h.
      The patient was discharged in good clinical condition. Coronary artery spasm
      (CAS) may result in life-threatening arrhythmias, circulatory collapse or death.
      The etiology of CAS is multifactorial and includes heart manipulation, exogenous
      vasoconstrictors, stress-related catecholamine release, hypoxia and oxidative
      stress. Postoperative CAS is most commonly manifested by ST-segment elevation and
      circulatory collapse without specific causes. The gold standard for revealing CAS
      is CAG. Infusion of vasodilators combined with IABP is adequate in most
      instances, but extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been necessary for more
      extensive or resistant coronary spasm.

PMID- 28096835
TI  - Left atrial appendage mass: is it always a thrombus?
AB  - Myxoma is the most common benign tumor of the heart, but it is very rare for it
      to originate from the left atrial appendage. Distinguishing between a mass, a
      thrombus, and a tumor in the body of the left atrium with preoperative
      transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography is very difficult, even more so
      in patients with mitral valve disease and chronic atrial fibrillation. A 50-year
      old male patient was admitted for surgery with the diagnosis of mitral stenosis
      and chronic atrial fibrillation. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a
      mass attached to the wall of the left atrial appendage. Histopathological
      examination of the mass showed an image compatible with a myxoma. We hereby
      describe a case of a left atrial appendage myxoma mimicking a left atrial
      appendage thrombus.

PMID- 28096834
TI  - Does the APACHE II score predict performance of activities of daily living in
      patients discharged from a weaning center?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Data regarding the functional status of patients after prolonged
      mechanical ventilation are scarce, and little is known about its clinical
      predictors. AIM: To investigate whether the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health
      Evaluation (APACHE) II score on admission may predict performance in activities
      of daily living on discharge from a weaning center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All
      consecutive patients admitted between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013 were
      enrolled (n = 130). During this period, 15 subjects died, and 115 were
      successfully discharged (34 women; 81 men). APACHE II was calculated based on the
      worst values taken during the first 24 hours after admission. On discharge, the
      Barthel Index (BI) and its extended version, the Early Rehabilitation Barthel
      Index (ERBI), were assessed. RESULTS: Median BI was 20 points (IQR 5; 40), and
      ERBI was 20 points (-50; 40). There was no correlation between APACHE II and
      either BI (R = -0.07; p = 0.47) or ERBI (R = -0.07; p = 0.44). APACHE II
      predicted the need for assistance with bathing (AUROC = 0.833; p < 0.001),
      grooming (AUROC = 0.823; p < 0.001), toilet use (AUROC = 0.887; p < 0.001), and
      urination (AUROC = 0.658; p = 0.04). APACHE II had no impact on any ERBI items
      associated with ventilator weaning, including the need of further mechanical
      ventilation (AUROC = 0.534; p = 0.65) or tracheostomy (AUROC = 0.544; p = 0.42).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although APACHE II cannot predict the overall functional status in
      patients discharged from a weaning center, it helps identify subjects who will
      need support with bathing, grooming, and toilet use. The APACHE II score is
      inadequate to predict performance in activities associated with further
      respiratory support.

PMID- 28096837
TI  - Sutureless aortic valve and mitral valve repair in redo cases - really an off
      label approach?
AB  - Sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) was developed as an alternative
      treatment option to conventional open-heart surgery and transcatheter aortic
      valve implantation for "gray zone" patients. The need for concurrent mitral valve
      surgery is generally viewed as a contraindication to sutureless AVR. The purpose
      of this brief paper is to report our experiences with sutureless valves in
      patients after previous cardiac procedures with degenerated aortic bioprostheses
      and concomitant mitral valve disease.

PMID- 28096838
TI  - A rare case of myocardial bridge involving left anterior descending, obtuse
      marginal and ramus intermediate coronary arteries.
AB  - Myocardial bridging, a congenital coronary anomaly, is a cluster of myocardial
      fibers crossing over the epicardial coronary arteries. It is most frequently seen
      in the left anterior descending artery (LAD), and rarely involves the circumflex
      (CX) and right coronary artery (RCA). We report a patient with an unusual
      coronary bridge crossing over the left anterior descending, obtuse marginal and
      ramus intermediate branches. The patient presented with exercise-induced angina
      pectoris that was relieved with medical therapy.

PMID- 28096839
TI  - Thoracoscopic resection of a bronchogenic cyst in a 17-year-old girl.
AB  - Bronchogenic cysts comprise approximately 6% of mediastinal tumors in children.
      The treatment consists in surgical resection of the cyst. The authors present the
      case of a 17-year-old girl who was accidentally diagnosed with a mediastinal
      cyst. The patient was successfully treated with thoracoscopic surgery with good
      early and late clinical outcomes.

PMID- 28096840
TI  - Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) right upper lobectomy for non-small
      cell lung cancer with an azygos lobe.
AB  - Although it is not a pathologically significant entity, cases of azygos lobe (AL)
      are interesting due to the difficulty of performing video-assisted thoracoscopic
      surgery (VATS) procedures in the affected patients and the presence of a
      congenital malformation. Currently, videothoracoscopic surgery has advanced to
      such a level that most thoracic procedures can be performed with video
      assistance. However, some technical difficulties may arise in cases with
      anatomical anomalies such as AL. This report presents the case of a patient with
      an azygos lobe who underwent videothoracoscopic lung resection due to the
      presence of non-small-cell lung carcinoma in the upper lobe of the right lung.

PMID- 28096841
TI  - Retroperitoneal tumor: giant cavernous hemangioma - case presentation and
      literature review.
AB  - Retroperitoneal hemangiomas are very rare. This paper presents the case of a 71
      year-old female patient with giant cavernous hemangioma of the retroperitoneum
      who underwent surgical treatment for abdominal pain and left lower limb edema.
      Interventional staged treatment with percutaneous transcatheter arterial
      embolization prior to surgery was considered. Radical resection of the tumor was
      performed, which caused the symptoms to abate. Additionally a literature review
      of cases involving cavernous hemangioma in the retroperitoneal space is
      presented. No description of retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma originating
      from the bowel was found in the analyzed reports.

PMID- 28096842
TI  - Purple, stiff lesions resembling varicose veins on lower limb: certainly consider
      Kaposi sarcoma.
AB  - Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) typically presents multiple cutaneous lesions of the lower
      extremities. Lesions can rarely mimic varicose veins without venous
      insufficiency, vascular or stasis ulcers. As the initial diagnosis of KS is
      generally determined clinically, a high index of suspicion and palpation of
      lesions are necessary for all patients with atypical presentations of varicose
      like lesions of lower extremities. Tissue biopsy with histological analysis is
      essential for all uncertain lesions. This is a case of KS occurring in a 79-year
      old man who presented with indurated vascular plaques resembling varicose veins
      on the right foot.

PMID- 28096843
TI  - Left atrial myxoma in a patient with a biventricular pacemaker.
AB  - Myxomas make up about 50% of benign cardiac neoplasms. The most common location
      is within the left atrium. At the initial stage they do not exhibit any specific
      clinical symptoms, so they are often diagnosed by accident or during examinations
      recommended for other reasons. Here we present a case of left atrium myxoma in a
      patient (a man, age 68 years) with a dual chamber pacemaker. The myxoma did not
      reveal any clinical symptoms and was discovered in echocardiography during
      routine diagnostic examination preceding pacemaker implantation. The literature
      search made by the authors showed that this is the first recorded case of myxoma
      in a patient after the implantation of a biventricular pacemaker.

PMID- 28096844
TI  - Influence of an extended education program on the knowledge of cardiovascular
      risk factors among subjects undergoing rehabilitation following acute coronary
      syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Health education is a component of complex cardiac rehabilitation
      (CCR). AIM: To evaluate the influence of an authorial extended educational
      program on the knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among subjects undergoing
      early in-hospital rehabilitation following acute coronary syndrome treated with
      percutaneous intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study covered
      205 consecutive subjects (153 men and 52 women, aged 62 +/-9 years) undergoing
      CCR. They were randomly allocated to the control group (105 patients receiving
      standard education during CCR) or the study group (100 patients participating in
      the extended education program). The extended education program was conducted in
      the 2nd and 3rd week of CCR and included a package of educational materials and
      additional lectures. RESULTS: Knowledge of basic rules for secondary cardiac
      prevention was better in the study group, both on admission and after CCR.
      Notwithstanding, a positive influence of the extended educational program was
      found with regard to awareness of recommended blood pressure levels and blood
      lipid profile (improvement of 15-20% in the study group). At baseline, the
      knowledge of risk factors was comparable between the groups (the percentage of
      correct questionnaire answers was 50 +/-17% among the controls vs. 49 +/-16% in
      the study group; p = 0.77), but improved significantly after education (52 +/-17%
      among controls vs. 58 +/-19% in the study group; p = 0.009) and remained better
      in the study group after a 3-month follow-up (56 +/-19% among controls vs. 64 +/
      19% in the study group). CONCLUSIONS: Extended education during CCR significantly
      improves the knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors in patients after acute
      coronary syndrome.

PMID- 28096846
TI  - Dr. Denton Cooley (1920-2016). In memory of.

PMID- 28096845
TI  - Cognitive impairment after sudden cardiac arrest.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the incidence and severity of the impairment of selected
      cognitive functions in patients after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in comparison
      to patients after myocardial infarction without SCA and healthy subjects and to
      analyze the influence of sociodemographic and clinical parameters and the
      duration of cardiac arrest on the presence and severity of the described
      disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 30 cardiac arrest
      survivors, the reference group comprised 31 survivors of myocardial infarction
      without cardiac arrest, and the control group comprised 30 healthy subjects. The
      Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Digit Span test from the Wechsler Adult
      Intelligence Scale, Lauretta Bender's Visual-Motor Gestalt Test, and the Benton
      Visual Retention Test (BVRT) were used to assess the presence of cognitive
      impairment. An original questionnaire developed by the author was used for
      overall mental state assessment. RESULTS: The Bender test demonstrated a
      significant difference in the presence and severity of visual-motor skills
      between the study group and the control group, while BVRT and MMSE revealed
      increased incidence of cognitive impairment in the study group. The Bender and
      BVRT (D/D)/SS (version D, method D, scaled score) scales indicated cognitive
      impairment in 53.3% of these patients, while the BVRT (C/A)/SS test indicated
      cognitive impairment in 40%. For the reference group, the values were 32.3% and
      12.9%, respectively. No correlation was found between the severity of cognitive
      impairment and the duration of cardiac arrest. CONCLUSIONS: Impairment of visual
      motor skills, short-term visual memory, concentration, and visual-motor
      coordination occurs much more frequently and is more severe in individuals after
      SCA than in healthy individuals. Impairment of memory trace storage and recall
      after delay occurs more frequently in patients after SCA than in patients after
      myocardial infarction without cardiac arrest and in healthy individuals. SCA
      duration did not have any influence on the severity of the described disorders.

PMID- 28096847
TI  - Transfusion-Transmitted Malaria in Iran: A Narrative Review Article.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria is the most important transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI)
      in worldwide after viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      infection. The main objective of the present study was to review and evaluate the
      transmission of malaria via blood transfusion in Iran. METHODS: A literature
      search was done without time limitation in the electronic databases as follows:
      PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, scientific
      information database (SID), Magiran, IranMedex and Irandoc. The searches were
      limited to the published papers to English and Persian languages. RESULTS: Six
      papers were eligible. From 1963 to 1983, 344 cases of Transfusion-transmitted
      malaria (TTM) had been reported from different provinces of Iran. The most
      prevalent species of involved Plasmodium in investigated cases of TTM was
      Plasmodium malariae (79.24%). The screening results of 1,135 blood donors for
      malaria were negative by microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears and
      rapid diagnostic test (RDT) methods. CONCLUSION: Lack of TTM report from Iran in
      the last three decades indicates that the screening of blood donors through
      interviewing (donor selection) may be effective in the prevention of the
      occurrence of transfusion-transmitted malaria.

PMID- 28096848
TI  - Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Live L. tarentolae Expressing KMP11-NTGP96-GFP
      Fusion as a Vaccine Candidate against Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused
      by L. infantum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of present study was to evaluate the protective efficacy of
      live recombinant L. tarentolae expressing KMP11-NTGP96-GFP fusion as candidates
      for live engineered recombinant vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c
      mice. METHODS: KMP-11 and NT-GP96 genes cloned into the pJET1.2/blunt cloning
      vector and then into pEGFP-N1 expression vector. The KMP-11, NT-GP96 and GFP
      fused in pEGFP-N1 and subcloned into Leishmanian pLEXSY-neo vector. Finally this
      construct was transferred to L. tarentolae by electroporation. Tranfection was
      confirmed by SDS-PAGE, WESTERN blot, flowcytometry and RT-PCR. Protective
      efficacy of this construct was evaluated as a vaccine candidate against visceral
      leishmaniasis. Parasite burden, humoral and cellular immune responses were
      assessed before and at 4 weeks after challenge. RESULTS: KMP- NT-Gp96-GFP Fusion
      was cloned successfully into pLEXSY -neo vector and this construct successfully
      transferred to L. tarentolae. Finding indicated that immunization with L.
      tarentolae tarentolae-KMP11-NTGP96-GFP provides significant protection against
      visceral leishmaniasis and was able to induce an increased expression of IFN
      gamma and IgG2a. Following challenge, a reduced parasite load in the spleen of
      the KMP11-NTGP96-GFP immunized group was detected. CONCLUSION: The present study
      is the first to use a combination of a Leishmania antigen with an immunologic
      antigen in live recombinant L. tarentolae and results suggest that L. tarentolae
      KMP11-NTGP96-GFP could be considered as a potential tool in vaccination against
      visceral leishmaniasis and this vaccination strategy could provide a potent rout
      for future vaccine development.

PMID- 28096849
TI  - Assessment of the Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on
      Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF
      EMF) on Toxoplasma gondii have not been explained yet. The aim of this study was
      to assess the possible effects of ELF-EMF on growth, survival time and viability
      of Toxoplasma gondii. In addition, the life span of Toxoplasma infected animals
      was investigated. METHODS: Sixty adult male BALB/c mice were used for in vivo and
      in vivo experiments in Laboratory of Biopyhsics and Parasitology of Medical
      Faculty, Adnan Menderes University, Turkey, in 2010. During in vivo experiments,
      pulsed and continuous EMFs were applied for 5 d to the infected mice. During in
      vivo experiments, pulsed and continuous EMF was applied to the tachyzoites within
      peritoneal exudates for 8 h/d at 4  degrees C and the tachyzoites were then
      injected to mice. In both experiments, the number of T. gondii in peritoneal
      exudates was counted and T. gondii protein bands patterns were investigated with
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western Blotting. RESULTS: Pulsed and
      continuous EMF exposure reduced the number of T. gondii tachyzoites in comparison
      to controls. However, no statistically significant differences were observed at
      the patterns of protein bands among the samples. CONCLUSION: EMF exposure induces
      a decrease in the number of T. gondii. Further studies are required to understand
      the mechanism of EMF on intracellular parasites.

PMID- 28096850
TI  - Expression Analysis of Multiple Genes May Involve in Antimony Resistance among
      Leishmania major Clinical Isolates from Fars Province, Central Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is being faced with serious
      difficulties in Fars Province, due to emerging of resistance against meglumine
      antimonite (Glucantime(r)). In this context, determining some biomarkers for drug
      sensitivity monitoring seems to be highly essential. Different studies have been
      carried out to decipher the genes might be involved in antimony resistant
      phenotype in Leishmania spp. Here, we selected three genes: AQP (as drug
      transporter), TDR-1-1(as drug activator), and gamma-GCS (inducing reduction
      environment) for comparative expression analysis on clinical resistant and
      sensitive isolates of L. major. METHODS: The clinical isolates of L. major were
      collected from CL patients referred to Valfajr Health Center, Shiraz from Oct
      2011 to Feb 2012. The susceptibility test was performed to confirm drug
      sensitivity of strains in vitro as well. Then, the gene expression analysis was
      performed by quantitative real-time PCR using SYBR(r) Green. RESULTS: By
      comparison of expression level between strains, up regulation of gamma-GCS gene
      and down regulation of AQP gene were observed in resistant strains compared to
      the sensitive isolates; however, down regulation of AQP was not statistically
      specific. Analysis of TDR-1-1 gene unexpectedly showed a high level of expression
      in the non-responsive cases. CONCLUSION: The gamma-GCS, at least, can be
      considered as a suitable molecular marker for screening antimony sensitivity in
      clinical isolates, although AQP and TDR-1-1gene seem not to be reliable resistant
      markers.

PMID- 28096851
TI  - Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Improves Learning and Memory Impairment Induced by
      Toxoplasma gondii Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Here, we established the mouse models of chronic toxoplasmosis by T.
      gondii Tehran strain to provide a good understanding about defining the possible
      association between T. gondii exposure and learning and memory impairments.
      Moreover, as secondary objective of the present study, we hypothesized whether
      administration of an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor could reduce learning
      and memory impairments induced by T. gondii infection. METHODS: Twenty-four male
      BALB/c mice were used to establishment of latent toxoplasmosis. The animal model
      of Toxoplasma infection was established by the intraperitoneal inoculation of 20
      25 tissue cysts from Tehran strain of T. gondii. Donepezil (2 mg/kg) an AChE
      inhibitor to treat Alzheimer disease was injected intraperitoneally once a day
      for two weeks starting from post-infection day 90. Morris water maze (MWM) task
      was used to assay spatial learning and short term spatial memory in all groups.
      One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test was used to assess differences between
      experimental groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS:
      Toxoplasma infection impaired spatial leaning and short term spatial memory of
      the infected BALB/c mice, whereas donepezil, an AChE inhibitor, improved
      impairments induced by Toxoplasma infection. CONCLUSION: T. gondii infection
      through increasing AChE reduces the level of Acetylcholine (Ach) and consequently
      affects learning and memory activity in infected hosts, whereas, donepezil as an
      AChE inhibitor improves these impairments by restoring ACh levels at synapses of
      neurons in brain.

PMID- 28096852
TI  - Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Stricto in Dogs and Jackals from Caspian Sea
      Region, Northern Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was genotyping of Echinococcus
      granulosus isolates from dogs and jackals in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran,
      and using partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1
      gene (cox1). METHODS: E. granulosus isolates (n = 15) were collected from 42
      stray dogs and 16 jackals found in south of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran.
      After morphological study, the isolates were genetically characterized using
      consensus sequences (366bp) of the cox1 gene. Phylogenetic analysis of cox1
      nucleotide sequence data was performed using a Bayesian Inference approach.
      RESULTS: Four different sequences were observed among the isolates. Two genotypes
      [G1 (66.7%) and G3 (33.3%)] were identified among the isolates. The G1 sequences
      indicated three sequence profiles. One profile (Maz1) had 100% homology with
      reference sequence (AN: KP339045). Two other profiles, designated Maz2 and Maz3,
      had 99% homology with the G1 genotype (ANs: KP339046 and KP339047). A G3 sequence
      designated Maz4 showed 100% homology with a G3 reference sequence (AN: KP339048).
      CONCLUSION: The occurrence of the G1 genotype of E. granulosus sensu stricto as a
      frequent genotype in dogs is emphasized. This study established the first
      molecular characterization of E. granulosus in the province.

PMID- 28096853
TI  - Microsporidial Spores in Fecal Samples of Some Domesticated Animals Living in
      Giza, Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was to investigate the prevalence and
      species of intestinal microsporidiosis among animals in Giza, Egypt. METHODS: A
      total of 869 animal fecal samples were collected from domesticated animals (dogs,
      cats, rabbits, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, donkeys and pigs) living in Giza,
      Egypt. Spores of microsporidia were concentrated from collected samples by
      centrifugation and finally stained with modified trichrome (MT) stain to detect
      microsporidial spores. Microsporidial spores in microscopically-positive samples
      were molecularly confirmed and identified using species-specific primers.
      RESULTS: Spores of microsporidia were microscopically detected in 17.0% of the
      examined animal fecal samples. The highest and lowest rates of infection with
      intestinal microsporidia were recorded in dogs (33.3%) and buffaloes (6.9%),
      respectively. Molecularly, the obtained microsporidial spores were classified as
      Enterocytozoon bieneusi and E. intestinalis. Dual infection with both identified
      species was observed in fecal samples from buffalo, rabbit, goat, cat, pig and
      dog. CONCLUSION: Domestic animals may play a role in dissemination of intestinal
      microsporidiosis in the environment. Examined animals were infected with E.
      bieneusi in a higher percentage than E. intestinalis.

PMID- 28096854
TI  - Social Network Analysis of Iranian Researchers on Medical Parasitology: A 41 Year
      Co-Authorship Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to survey the Iranian Parasitology
      researchers' performance, and analyse and visualize the scientific outputs of
      their co-authorship network. METHODS: This study was conducted using
      scientometric method and social network analysis (SNA). The data extracted from
      the Web of Science (WoS) databases in July 10th 2014. Totally, 1048 documents of
      all types in research area of Parasitology during 1972-2013 by Iranian researches
      retrieved. The co-authorship map was drawn utilizing NETDRAW, Coauthor.exe, and
      UCINET softwares and was analysed based on SNA measures. RESULTS: The
      researchers' co-authorship network consisted of 78 authors and its density degree
      is 0.57. "Mohebali" ranked top in all of centrality measures. The most of the
      publications were related to 2012, "Mohebali" with about 9% of all documents was
      the Iranian most prolific author in Parasitology field. The Iranian researches
      have published mostly (266 documents) in "Iranian Journal of Parasitology", and
      the most of the documents belong to "Tropical Medicine" subject field. The most
      of Iranian researchers' scientific cooperation was performed with England and
      United States. CONCLUSION: Bringing forth density degree (is 0.57) showed that
      this network has an almost medium density. Indeed, the authors have had relations
      in moderate level with each other in the network. The findings of this study can
      be identified aspects of scientific collaboration, and help policy makers of
      Parasitology field research.

PMID- 28096855
TI  - Helminth Infections of Meriones persicus (Persian Jird), Mus musculus (House
      Mice) and Cricetulus migratorius (Grey Hamster): A Cross-Sectional Study in
      Meshkin-Shahr District, Northwest Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rodents have important role as reservoirs of different parasites. The
      aim of this study was to determine helminth parasites of abundant rodents in
      Meshkin-Shahr, Ardabil Province northwest Iran. METHODS: From April 2014 to March
      2015; 205 rodents including 118 Meriones persicus, 63 Mus musculus and 24
      Cricetulus migratorius were collected, using live traps. All rodents were
      dissected and their different tissues examined for infectivity with helminth
      parasites. RESULTS: Overall, 74.2% of rodents were infected with helminth
      parasites. The rate of infectivity in M. persicus, M. musculus and C. migratorius
      was 82.2%, 61.9%, 66.7%, respectively. In general, among all 205 rodents, the
      species and infection rates of helminthes were as follows: Nematoda: Trichuris
      sp. (46.8%), Capillaria hepatica (18.1%), Syphacia frederici (14.2%), Aspicularis
      tetraptera (3.4%), Trichuris rhombomidis (2%), Heligmosomom sp. (2%),
      Streptopharagus kuntzi (0.5%), Spiruridae gen. sp. (0.5%); Cestoda: Hymenolepis
      nana fraterna (16.6%) Hymenolepis diminuta (7.3%) tetratiridium of Mesocestoides
      sp. (1%), Paranoplocephala sp. (0.5%), Cysticercus fasciolaris (0.5%), Taenia
      endothoracicus larva (0.5%), and Acanthocephala: Moniliformis moniliformis
      (18.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Variable species of helminthes circulate in the rodents of
      the study area. Presence of several zoonotic species highlights the potential
      risk of infections for public health.

PMID- 28096856
TI  - Epidemiological Survey of Bovine Thelaziosis in Southeastern of Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of
      bovine thelaziosis, performed in the southeast of Iran, an endemic area for
      Iranian Sistani cattle. METHODS: Between September 2012 to October 2014, 1924
      cattle, Sistani breed (n= 1235) and Brahman breed (n=689) of all sex and age
      groups collected from Sistan and Baluchestan Province were examined using visual
      observation of the eyes by flushing the conjunctival sac and lachrymal duct with
      sterile saline solution. RESULTS: The overall prevalence for thelaziosis was 50
      of 1924 cows (2. 6%; 95% CI: 1. 9-3. 3%), with significant higher prevalence of
      infection in Sistani breed than in Brahman breed (3. 15% vs 1. 59%). Sixty adult
      worms (84. 5% of females and 15. 5% of males) were collected from the conjunctiva
      of the infected cattle: Thelazia gulosa (50/60, 83. 3%) was the most represented
      species followed by Thelazia. rhodesi (10/60, 16. 7%). The number of worms
      collected per cow ranged from one to seven (average +/- standard deviation: 2. 08
      +/- 1. 49). Worms were gathered from cows throughout all months of the year. The
      difference in the seasonal variations of prevalence and the intensity of
      infection were significant, however, no significant correlation between
      prevalence, sex and age of cattle was noted. CONCLUSION: Bovine thelaziosis needs
      special attention by veterinarians in the differential diagnosis of ocular
      manifestations and considering its impact on cattle production.

PMID- 28096857
TI  - The Effect of Fluphenazine and Thioridazine on Toxoplasma gondii In Vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is the most common parasite causing latent cerebral
      infections in human. It has been shown that some anti-psychotic drugs are able to
      inhibit the proliferation of the parasite in in vitro study. There is very
      limited data regarding the inhibitory effect of anti-psychotics on Toxoplasma in
      in vivo. In this study, we evaluated anti-Toxoplasma activity of fluphenazine and
      thioridazine drugs on T. gondii in mice. METHODS: Mice were divided into six
      groups: Control, sesame as vehicle, thioridazine 10 mg/kg, thioridazine 20 mg/kg,
      fluphenazine 0.06 mg/kg and fluphenazine 0.6 mg/kg. They were inoculated
      intraperitoneally with brain suspension containing tissue cysts of T. gondii
      Tehran strain. Two months after inoculation, the number of cysts in crushed
      smears of mice brain were counted microscopically and considered as an indicator
      of anti-Toxoplasma activity. This work has conducted in Qazvin, central Iran,
      2014. RESULTS: Our study showed that fluphenazine and thioridazine could not
      significantly inhibit the brain cystogenesis of T. gondii in mice. However, the
      number of brain cysts was less at higher dose compared to lower doses for both
      drugs. CONCLUSION: Further studies need to clear the mechanism of different
      structure of anti-psychotic drugs on activity of Toxoplasma.

PMID- 28096858
TI  - Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Jiroft, Kerman Province, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic infections have a worldwide distribution. High
      prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in individuals with low
      socioeconomic status and environmental conditions was found. No study has ever
      been conducted on the prevalence of these infections in Jiroft. Therefore, in
      this study prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was evaluated in Jiroft,
      Kerman Province, Iran. METHODS: A total of 1060 individuals from rural and urban
      areas of Jiroft were sampled accidentally, during 2013-2014. Fresh stool samples
      were collected from all individuals and examined by formalin ether concentration
      and agar plate culture. Direct examination was performed on watery samples.
      RESULTS: Out of 1060 individuals, 563 (53.1%) and 497 (46.9%) people were from
      rural and urban areas, respectively. In general, 297 individuals (28%) were
      infected with intestinal parasites. The prevalence of infection for protozoa and
      helminthes infections were 27.4% and 1.8%, respectively. The most prevalent
      protozoans were Blastocystis hominis (13.7%) and Giardia lamblia (7.8%), and that
      of helminth was Hymenolepis nana (1.1%). CONCLUSION: Intestinal protozoan
      parasites were more prevalent than helminth parasites. Source of water supply and
      personal hygiene were important factors in the distribution of parasites in the
      study area.

PMID- 28096860
TI  - Determination of Asymptomatic Malaria among Afghani and Pakistani Immigrants and
      Native Population in South of Kerman Province, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was proposed to monitor the situation of asymptomatic
      malaria among the native population and Afghani and Pakistani immigrants in
      Kahnooj and Ghale-Ganj districts from Kerman Province, Southeastern Iran.
      METHODS: A number of 180 and 120 individuals from Kahnooj and Ghale-Ganj
      respectively were registered and considered based on a cross-sectional
      surveillance method. From 300 registered cases, 200 individuals (66.7%) were
      selected among Afghani and Pakistani immigrants and the rest (33.3%) were native
      resident individuals. All samples were processed with employing microscopical
      examination, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and Semi- nested Multiplex PCR
      techniques. RESULTS: None of the samples collected from native residents showed
      any malaria parasite, but among Afghani immigrants, one asymptomatic vivax
      malaria was detected in a 12 yr old girl with 280 parasites per microliter of
      blood. Moreover, one symptomatic vivax malaria was detected from a Pakistani
      immigrant with 47560 parasites per microliter of blood. All results obtained via
      microscopical method, confirmed by RDTs and PCR techniques. CONCLUSION: To
      achieve the malaria elimination program different studies are needed that to be
      performed. Monitoring the asymptomatic malaria in all over the malaria endemic
      areas especially among the immigrant individuals is the most crucial necessity.

PMID- 28096859
TI  - Occurrence and Intensity of Anisakid Nematode Larvae in Some Commercially
      Important Fish Species in Persian Gulf.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anisakid nematodes are common parasites of fish, mammals, fish-eating
      birds, and reptiles with a worldwide distribution, causing diseases in human,
      fish and important economic losses. METHODS: A preliminary epidemiological study
      was carried out on Anisakid nematodes larvae in some commercially important fish
      species to evaluate the anisakid nematode larvae from greater lizardfish,
      (Saurida tumbil), Japanese thread fin bream (Nemipterus japonicus), crocodile
      longtom (Tylosurus crocodilus crocodiles) and longfin trevally (Carangoides
      armatus) from the Persian Gulf of Iran. RESULTS: The collected larvae were
      identified mainly as the third larval stage (L3) of Hysterothylacium larval type
      A, B and C, Anisakis sp., Raphidascaris sp., Pseudoterranova sp. and Philometra
      sp. (Nematoda: Philometridae). The prevalence of Anisakid larvae infection of
      examined fishes was 97.2% in N. japonicus, 90.3% in S. tumbil, 20.5% in crocodile
      longtom and 5.5% in longfin trevally. Anisakis type III for the first time was
      different from Anisakis type I and Anisakis type II. DISCUSSION: Zoonotic
      anisakids by high prevalence in edible fish could be a health hazard for people.
      So health practices should be considered in these areas.

PMID- 28096861
TI  - 5.8S rRNA Sequence and Secondary Structure in Parabronema skrjabini and Related
      Habronematidae Species.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genomic DNA was isolated from Parabronema skrjabini. rRNA region was
      amplified and sequenced. METHODS: The RNA secondary structure was predicted using
      mfold software ( http://mfold.rit.albany.edu ). The secondary structure with
      bulge, hairpins, helices, interior, external and multi loops was predicted for
      5.8srDNA of our sequence of P. skrjabini and a sequence of P. skrjabini and two
      species of Habronema (H. microstoma and H. muscae) in GenBank. RNA motifs were
      predicted by MEME program version 4.10.2. RESULTS: The length of 5.8S rRNA
      sequence for P. skrjabini#1, P. skrjabini#2, H. microstoma and H. muscae was 158,
      156, 127 and 127bp, and the DG required for the formation of the secondary
      structure was -70.50, -56.40, -41.50 and -41.40 kcal/Mol, respectively. Common
      structural elements were initially recognized with the help of mfold by screening
      for thermodynamically optimal and suboptimal secondary structures (default
      settings, with T = 37  degrees C). The energy levels of the presumptive secondary
      structures were then calculated with mfold at the DNA level. Both motifs and the
      sequence of P. skrjabini#1 were completely different from the other analyzed
      samples. This difference might be due to the differences in host and geographical
      area. CONCLUSION: This is the first molecular study of P. skrjabini in sheep,
      which could be further used in the structure modeling across Habronematidae.

PMID- 28096862
TI  - Does Nosema ceranae Wipe Out Nosema apis in Turkey?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the Nosema
      ceranae and Nosema apis among apiaries using both spore counts and multiplex PCR
      and the replacement of N. apis by N. ceranae in some regions of Turkey. METHODS:
      A hundred honey bee samples were collected from 99 apiaries in 11 different
      locations in 2011-2012 in Turkey. Nosema infection degree from collected samples
      was determined using light microscope and molecular detection of Nosema spp. (N.
      ceranae and N. apis) was performed using specific primers by multiplex PCR.
      RESULTS: N. ceranae was only found spores in sampling areas using molecular
      diagnosis. N. apis was not detected in whole sampling areas using both
      techniques. There are no Nosema spores detected in Konya one location using two
      techniques. The nucleotide sequences from amplification products of the Nosema
      infested honeybee samples were (98%) identical with the sequence of N. ceranae
      for many countries deposited in the GenBank database in this study. CONCLUSION:
      The present study illustrated that N. ceranae is the only spores for sampled
      areas in 2011-2012. The study could also indicate that N. ceranae has been
      replaced instead of N. apis in Turkey. In addition, the prevalence of N. ceranae
      and two microsporodia spores effects on honey bee colonies in Turkey were needed
      to determine with intensive sampling, periodically.

PMID- 28096863
TI  - Seroepidemiological Study of Toxocariasis in the Owners of Domestic Cats and Dogs
      in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis is the clinical terms applied to infection of human with
      Ascarid nematodes in the order Ascaridida, named Toxocara canis and T. cati.
      Because in recent years in Iran many people desire to keep pets (cats and dogs),
      and lacking of seroepidemiological study of toxocariasis in Mashhad, we decided
      to determine the seroprevalence of toxocariasis among people who own cats and
      dogs in comparison with control group. METHODS: A serological study for detection
      antibodies to Toxocara in two groups (93 cat and dog owners and 93 healthy people
      as control group) was conducted from Feb 2013 to Dec 2013. An ELISA method was
      employed using determination of IgG antibodies against Toxocara. The serum
      samples were evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibody, using ELISA technique at
      Parasitology and Immunology Lab of Imam Reza Hospital of Mashhad. Using a
      questionnaire, epidemiological factors associated with infection were examined.
      Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of Toxocara
      antibodies in the pet owners and control group was respectively 20.43% and 1.07%.
      47.3% of pet owners were female. CONCLUSION: Presented data showed the
      significant difference between seroprevalence of toxocariasis among pet owners
      and control group. Education of society and in particular pet owners consisting
      of preventing contamination of the environment with Toxocara eggs is advised.

PMID- 28096864
TI  - Feline Dirofilariosis Due to Dirofilaria immitis in Meshkin Shahr District,
      Northwestern Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dirofilaria immitis is a common nematode of the cardiovascular
      system, which infects carnivores all over the world. The infection is prevalent
      in dogs, but in cats and human is rare. Dirofilariosis is transmitted by
      mosquitoes. Cats are accidental hosts and are naturally resistant to the
      infection, compared to the dogs. Mild infection can cause severe illness in cats
      and may lead to death, so it is clinically important to diagnose the disease.
      METHODS: In the present study, 103 stray cats were collected from Meshkin Shahr
      district, Aradabil Province, northwestern Iran that is an endemic area for canine
      dirofilariosis. Blood samples were prepared from the saphenous vein of each cat
      and were examined for the presence of microfilariae by the modified Knott test.
      RESULTS: A 2 yr old male cat (0.97%) was microfilaremic. The cat was subjected to
      necropsy and 4 adult D. immitis (2 male and 2 female worms) were found in the
      right ventricle of the heart. PCR was then carried out and D. immitis was
      confirmed. CONCLUSION: Cats and other carnivores in Meshkin Shahr district are at
      risk of infection due to the high activity of vectors in this climate and it is
      important to follow up the infection in this area.

PMID- 28096865
TI  - Cardiac Hydatid Cyst without Liver Involvement: A Case Report.
AB  - Hydatid disease is a rare parasitic disease, which mainly involves liver then
      lung tissues. Cardiac involvement is very rare, especially when there is not
      hepatic involvement. We describe a 47-year-old woman with a history of a lung
      hydatid cyst who was referred to Rajaei Heart Center, Tehran, Iran in 2012. Her
      chest computed tomographic scan showed a cardiac mass. Echocardiographic
      examination illustrated a large, well-defined heterogeneous mass (4.5 * 2.5 cm)
      in the roof of the right atrium with attachment to the crista terminalis without
      compressive effect on the inferior and superior venae cavae. The patient was
      candidate for open-heart surgery via median sternotomy. A cystic mass was
      observed in the lateral aspect of the right atrial wall. After an injection of
      hypertonic normal saline into the cystic lesion, the mass was excised totally.
      The right atrial defect was reconstructed with autologous pericardium. The
      patient was discharged from the hospital in good condition. Histological
      examination confirmed the diagnosis of the hydatid cyst.

PMID- 28096866
TI  - Disseminated Strongyloidiasis in an Iranian Immunocompromised Patient: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth (STH) widespread in
      various part of the world. A 78-yr-old peasant diabetic female from Mazandaran
      Province northern Iran, was admitted to Infection Department of the Razi Hospital
      in city of Qaemshahr, north of Iran complaining about abdominal skin rash,
      pruritus, itching, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, dysuria and cough. This patient
      had cutaneous migration effects of S. stercoralis larvae in her abdominal skin
      (larva currents and urticaria). Lung CT without contrast demonstrate s bilateral
      diffuse ground glass opacity draws attention. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
      revealed gastro esophageal reflux with antral gastritis. Duodenal endoscopy
      showed unusual mucosa and a biopsy from it sent to the pathology laboratory.
      Histopathology of duodenal bulb and duodenum biopsy showed mild villous atrophy
      and S. stercoralis infection. The patient was treated with albendazole and
      clinical sings improved completely after treatment. Strongyloidiasis should be
      carefully considered by clinicians who practice in endemic areas. Clinicians must
      keep a high level of skepticism for patients from endemic area.

PMID- 28096867
TI  - Nasal Nosocomial Myiasis Infection Caused by Chrysomya bezziana (Diptera:
      Calliphoridae) Following the Septicemia: A Case Report.
AB  - A 74 yr old woman from Gonabad, southern part of Khorasan Razavi Province of Iran
      was admitted to a Hospital of Gonabad, because of respiratory distress,
      exertional dyspnea and fever. Close contact with domestic animals, history of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and completely resolved pulmonary
      tuberculosis (TB) in remote past, were notable parts of her past medical history.
      Due to clinical, paraclinical and radiographic findings and because of recent
      hospitalization, she was admitted to internal medicine ward with the diagnosis of
      health care associated pneumonia (HCAP). Despite the application of broad
      spectrum antibiotics and appropriate supportive care, she had a poor response to
      the treatment. During the daily visit in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), numerous
      white larvae were detected in both nostrils. Further investigation of oropharynx
      and tracheal tube aspiration, showed no more larvae in mentioned parts. An hour
      later, nasal spontaneous bleeding occurred. Otorhinolaryngology consultation was
      performed and led to surgical procedure. In ENT examination, there were numerous
      larvae and massive clot formation in both inferior meatuses and distal nasal
      septum perforation. Thirty-seven extracted larvae were transferred to Medical
      Entomology lab by vial 70% ethanol and 5 live larvae for rearing. After precise
      investigation by aid of light microscopy, the larvae were identified as Chrysomya
      bezziana. Due to discovered 2nd larvae stage and duration of hospitalization,
      this infestation was identified as nasal myiasis.

PMID- 28096869
TI  - Short-Term Psychiatric Rehabilitation in Major Depressive and Bipolar Disorders:
      Neuropsychological-Psychosocial Outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our pilot study aims to investigate the efficacy of a Short-Term (4
      weeks) Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (S-T PsyRP), without specific cognitive
      remediation trainings, on the neuropsychological performance and psychosocial
      functioning of inpatients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Bipolar
      Disorder (BD). Published studies with similar aims are lacking. METHODS: Fifty
      three inpatients with MDD and 27 with BD (type I/II) were included. The S-T PsyRP
      was usually performed as clinical practice at Villa San Benedetto Menni Hospital
      and included a variety of activities aimed at promoting personal autonomies,
      interpersonal/social skills, and self-care. At the beginning and the end of the
      hospitalization we evaluated: neuropsychological performance (cognitive tests on
      verbal/visual working memory, attention, visual-constructive ability, language
      fluency, and comprehension); psychosocial functioning by the Rehabilitation Areas
      Form (RAF, handbook VADO); illness severity by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
      (BPRS). Repeated-measure ANOVA and Pearson's linear correlation were used.
      RESULTS: We found significant improvement (p<0.01) in all the neuropsychological
      tests except for one, in 4 out of 6 RAF psychosocial areas ("involvement in ward
      activities", "autonomies", "self-care", and "self-management of health") and in
      clinical symptoms severity. No associations were found between the amelioration
      of clinical symptoms and neuropsychological or psychosocial improvement.
      CONCLUSION: A S-T PsyRP without specific cognitive remediation trainings may
      improve several cognitive/functional domains in MDD or BD inpatients, probably by
      offering opportunities to engage in demanding problem-solving conditions and
      cognitively stimulating activities.

PMID- 28096868
TI  - Comparisons of Subthreshold Versus Full Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
      Distinguished by Subjective Functional Impairment Among Train Drivers: A
      Population-Based Nationwide Study in South Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (SPTSD), a condition that
      meets the full symptomatic criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      without subjective functional impairment, has yet to be fully investigated. In
      this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of SPTSD.
      METHODS: The web-based survey including psychiatric diagnosis and experience of
      human error was conducted in actively working train drivers in South Korea.
      RESULTS: Of the 4,634 subjects, 103 (2.23%) were categorized as full PTSD and 322
      (6.96%) were categorized as having SPTSD. Individuals with full PTSD showed
      higher impulsivity and anxiety compared to those with SPTSD and those without
      PTSD, while those with SPTSD had more frequent clinically meaningful depression,
      posttraumatic stress, and alcohol and nicotine dependence and significant human
      error. CONCLUSION: Despite not qualifying as a subjective functional disability,
      SPTSD still had significant psychiatric symptoms. More clinical attentions need
      to be given to the diagnosis and treatment of SPTSD.

PMID- 28096870
TI  - The Economic Crisis in Greece and Its Impact on the Seasonality of Suicides in
      the Athens Greater Area.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The economic crisis and the implementation of austerity measures in
      Greece lead to significant socioeconomic changes. The effects of the crisis were
      mainly felt by the Greek population during the years 2011 and 2012. This study
      aimed to investigate the impact of Greece's economic crisis on the seasonality of
      suicides in the Athens Greater Area. METHODS: Data were collected for all
      recorded cases of suicides committed over a 5-year period (from 2008 to 2012)
      from the Athens Department of Forensic Medicine. Two sub-periods were studied in
      relation to the economic crisis: 2008-2010 and 2011-2012. Seasonality was
      estimated with the Poison regression variant of the circular normal distribution.
      RESULTS: Suicide seasonality appeared significant during 2008-2010 (relative
      risk, RR=1.36) and strengthened in the years 2011-2012 (RR=1.69), when the impact
      of the austerity measures was increasingly being felt by the Greek society.
      Regarding the latter sub-period, seasonality was established for males (RR=1.75),
      individuals aged 45 years or more (RR=1.75) and suicide by hanging (RR=1.96).
      CONCLUSION: The economic crisis in Greece, especially in the period during its
      effects had a significant impact on the population's economic condition, seems to
      have strengthened the seasonality of suicides, while a noteworthy suicide risk of
      96% was revealed for suicides by hanging (peak in early June).

PMID- 28096871
TI  - The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Internet Gaming Disorder: Development
      and Validation for Diagnosing IGD in Adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a Structured Clinical
      Interview for Internet Gaming Disorder (SCI-IGD) in adolescents. METHODS: First,
      we generated preliminary items of the SCI-IGD based on the information from the
      DSM-5 literature reviews and expert consultations. Next, a total of 236
      adolescents, from both community and clinical settings, were recruited to
      evaluate the psychometric properties of the SCI-IGD. RESULTS: First, the SCI-IGD
      was found to be consistent over the time period of about one month. Second,
      diagnostic concordances between the SCI-IGD and clinician's diagnostic impression
      were good to excellent. The Likelihood Ratio Positive and the Likelihood Ratio
      Negative estimates for the diagnosis of SCI-IGD were 10.93 and 0.35,
      respectively, indicating that SCI-IGD was 'very useful test' for identifying the
      presence of IGD and 'useful test' for identifying the absence of IGD. Third, SCI
      IGD could identify disordered gamers from non-disordered gamers. CONCLUSION: The
      implications and limitations of the study are also discussed.

PMID- 28096872
TI  - Reliability and Validity of the Beck Depression Inventory-II among Korean
      Adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is one of the most popular
      scales for evaluating the severity of depression in adolescents as well as
      adults. The prevalence of depression increases during adolescence, and it has
      shown a rapid increase with occurrence at an earlier age and a tendency to
      continue into adulthood. Data from an adolescent nonclinical sample provides us
      more information related to depressive symptoms as potential risk factors. The
      current study was designed to two objectives: 1) to analyze the reliability and
      validity the BDI-II among Korean adolescents and 2) to evaluate the factorial
      structure in a Korean nonclinical adolescent sample. METHODS: The participants
      included 1072 adolescent boys and girls. We assessed the internal consistency,
      corrected item-total correlation, and the convergent validity of the BDI-II. We
      also performed confirmatory factor analyses to determine the internal structure
      of the BDI-II for Korean adolescents using Mplus 6.1. RESULTS: The Cronbach's
      alpha for the BDI-II total score was 0.89. The correlation between the BDI-II and
      the PHQ-9 was strong (r=0.75), and anxiety-related measures were 0.68 and 0.71,
      which were also in the high range. Among the five different factor structures,
      the modified three-factor model demonstrated the best overall fit. CONCLUSION:
      The BDI-II is a reliable tool for measuring the severity of depressive symptoms
      in Korean adolescents. Therefore, the findings can provide basic information for
      examining the prevalence rate, intervention strategies for depression in
      adolescents.

PMID- 28096873
TI  - The Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Suicidal Ideation: Role of
      Maltreatment and Potential Mediators.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Childhood trauma is recognized as an important risk factor in suicidal
      ideation, however it is not fully understood how the different types of childhood
      maltreatment influence suicidal ideation nor what variables mediate the
      relationship between childhood trauma and suicidal ideation. This study examined
      the path from childhood trauma to suicidal ideation, including potential
      mediators. METHODS: A sample of 211 healthy adults completed the Childhood Trauma
      Questionnaire (CTQ), Beck scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI), Functional Social
      Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
      Path analysis was used to investigate the relationship among study variables.
      RESULTS: Of the several types of childhood maltreatment we considered, only
      childhood sexual abuse directly predicted suicidal ideation (beta=0.215,
      p=0.001). Childhood physical abuse (beta=0.049, 95% confidence interval: 0.011
      0.109) and childhood emotional abuse (beta=0.042, 95% confidence interval: 0.001
      0.107) indirectly predicted suicidal ideation through their association with
      anxiety. Childhood neglect indirectly predicted suicidal ideation through
      association with perceived social support (beta=0.085, 95% confidence interval:
      0.041-0.154). CONCLUSION: Our results confirmed that childhood sexual abuse is a
      strong predictor of suicidal ideation. Perceived social support mediated the
      relationship between suicidal ideation and neglect. Anxiety fully mediated the
      relationship between suicidal ideation and both physical abuse and emotional
      abuse. Interventions to reduce suicidal ideation among survivors of childhood
      trauma should focus on anxiety symptoms and attempt to increase their social
      support.

PMID- 28096875
TI  - Sensory Processing Disorders are Associated with Duration of Current Episode and
      Severity of Side Effects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Longer duration of untreated illness, longer duration of current
      episode, and the severity of medication side effects may negatively impact on the
      perceived disability and psychosocial impairment of patients with major affective
      and anxiety disorders. Studies also suggested the involvement of sensory
      perception in emotional and psychopathological processes. The present study aimed
      to examine the relationship between Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), duration
      of untreated illness and current illness episode, and the severity of side
      effects related to psychoactive medications. METHODS: The sample included 178
      participants with an age ranging from 17 to 85 years (mean=53.84+/-15.55).
      Participants were diagnosed with unipolar Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (50%),
      Bipolar Disorder (BD) (33.7%), and Anxiety disorders (16.3%). They completed a
      socio-demographic questionnaire, the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser (UKU), and
      Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) questionnaire. RESULTS: Longer duration
      of current episode correlated with greater registration of sensory input and
      lower avoidance from sensory input among unipolar patients; with lower
      registration of sensory input, and higher tendency for sensory
      sensitivity/avoidance among bipolar participants; with lower sensory
      sensitivity/avoidance among anxiety participants, respectively. Also, mean UKU
      total scores correlated with lower sensory sensitivity among bipolar individuals.
      CONCLUSION: SPD expressed in either hypo/hyper sensitivity may serve to
      clinically characterize subjects with major affective and anxiety disorders.

PMID- 28096876
TI  - Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy Augmentation on Clozapine-Resistant
      Schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case series study of the effectiveness of
      electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) augmentation on clozapine-resistant schizophrenia
      was conducted by EMR review. METHODS: Clozapine-resistance was defined as
      persistent psychotic symptoms despite at least 12 weeks of clozapine
      administration with blood levels over 350 ng/mL in order to rule out pseudo
      resistance. Seven in-patients who were taking clozapine and treated with ECT were
      selected. We analyzed the psychopathology and subscales changed by ECT. RESULTS:
      The average number of ECT sessions was 13.4 (+/-4.6). Total Positive and Negative
      Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score was significantly reduced by 17.9 (+/-12.8) points
      (p=0.0384) on average, which represented a reduction of 25.5% (+/-14.3). 71.4%
      (5/7) of patients were identified as clinical remission, with at least a 20%
      reduction in PANSS score. PANSS reduction was associated with number of ECT
      sessions, stimulus level in the final session, and blood clozapine levels before
      ECT. However, the negative subscale on the PANSS were not reduced by ECT in any
      patient. We did not observe any persistent adverse cognitive effects. CONCLUSION:
      This study supports that ECT augmentation on clozapine-resistant schizophrenia
      reveals clinically effective and safe. Further research should be done involving
      a larger number of patients to investigate the effectiveness of clozapine/ECT
      combination therapy.

PMID- 28096874
TI  - Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Schizophrenia in Korea: A
      Multicenter Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We designed a nationwide study with limited exclusion criteria to
      investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korea and its
      relationship with antipsychotic medications. METHODS: This multicenter, cross
      sectional, and observational study included patients diagnosed with schizophrenia
      or schizoaffective disorder. Sixteen hospitals enrolled 845 patients aged 18 to
      65 years prescribed any antipsychotic medication between August 2011 and August
      2013. MetS was diagnosed using the criteria of the modified Adult Treatment Panel
      III of the National Cholesterol Education Program with the Korean abdominal
      obesity definition (waist circumference >=85 cm in women, >=90 cm in men).
      RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS in all patients was 36.5% and was significantly
      higher in men than women (men, 40.8%; women, 32.2%) and was significantly
      correlated with age [odds ratio (OR) 1.02] and duration of illness (OR 1.03). The
      prevalence of MetS across antipsychotic drugs in the major monotherapy group was
      as follows: 18.8% for quetiapine, 22.0% for aripiprazole, 33.3% for both
      amisulpride and paliperidone, 34.0% for olanzapine, 35% for risperidone, 39.4%
      for haloperidol, and 44.7% for clozapine. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS is
      very high in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Screening
      and monitoring of MetS is also strongly recommended.

PMID- 28096877
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Bitopertin in Patients with Schizophrenia and Predominant
      Negative Symptoms: Subgroup Analysis of Japanese Patients from the Global
      Randomized Phase 2 Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to perform a subgroup analysis of
      data from a phase II global, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bitopertin, a glycine
      reuptake inhibitor that activates N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors by increasing
      the concentration of glycine in the synaptic cleft, in Japanese and non-Japanese
      patients with schizophrenia and predominant negative symptoms. METHODS: Patients
      with schizophrenia and predominant negative symptoms on one or two antipsychotic
      drugs, including atypical antipsychotic drugs (olanzapine, risperidone,
      quetiapine, aripiprazole, and paliperidone) as the primary treatment, received
      bitopertin (10, 30, or 60 mg/day) or placebo once daily for 8 weeks as an add-on
      treatment. Efficacy was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
      (PANSS) negative symptom factor score (NSFS). RESULTS: The efficacy of bitopertin
      (10 mg and 30 mg) was similar between Japanese and non-Japanese patients. In the
      bitopertin 60-mg group, no difference from the placebo group was observed in
      Japanese or non-Japanese patients. The response to placebo was lower in Japanese
      patients, and there was a trend towards a greater difference in the change in
      PANSS NSFS between the placebo group and the 10-mg and 30-mg groups among
      Japanese patients. The safety profile of bitopertin was favorable in Japanese and
      non-Japanese patients. CONCLUSION: According to this subgroup analysis from a
      global phase II study of bitopertin, there was no difference in terms of efficacy
      and safety between Japanese and non-Japanese patients.

PMID- 28096878
TI  - Reversion of BDNF, Akt and CREB in Hippocampus of Chronic Unpredictable Stress
      Induced Rats: Effects of Phytochemical, Bacopa Monnieri.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to explore the behavioural effects
      and to understand the possible mode of action of Bacopa monnieri extract (BME) on
      chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induced depressive model and the biochemical
      alterations such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Akt, cyclic-AMP
      response element binding (CREB) protein level in the hippocampus of rats.
      METHODS: We examined the effects of chronic administration of BME on CUS exposed
      rats for 28 days. Behavioural changes were assessed by sucrose consumption and
      open field test to assess the effect of BME on CUS-induced depression. The
      mechanisms underlying antidepressant like action of BME was further evaluated by
      measuring levels of BDNF, Akt, and CREB in the hippocampus of rat brain and
      compared with the standard tricyclic antidepressant drug imipramine (20 mg/kg
      body weight). RESULTS: Exposure to CUS for 28 days produced depression-like
      behavior in rats, as indicated by significant decreases in sucrose consumption,
      locomotor activity including decreased BDNF, Akt and CREB levels in the
      hippocampus. Daily administration of BME at a dose of (80 mg/kg body weight)
      significantly reverses the behavioral alteration and restored the normal level of
      BDNF, total and phospho-Akt, total and phospho CREB in the hippocampus of CUS
      induced rats as compared to vehicle treated control rats. CONCLUSION: These
      findings suggest that BME ameliorates CUS induced behavioural depression in rats
      and that can be used as a potent therapeutic agent in treating depressive like
      behavior.

PMID- 28096879
TI  - Association between Mitofusin 2 Gene Polymorphisms and Late-Onset Alzheimer's
      Disease in the Korean Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a prominent and early feature of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). The morphologic changes observed in the AD brain could
      be caused by a failure of mitochondrial fusion mechanisms. The aim of this study
      was to investigate whether genetic polymorphisms of two genes involved in
      mitochondrial fusion mechanisms, optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) and mitofusin 2 (MFN2),
      were associated with AD in the Korean population by analyzing genotypes and
      allele frequencies. METHODS: One coding single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in
      the MFN2, rs1042837, and two coding SNPs in the OPA1, rs7624750 and rs9851685,
      were compared between 165 patients with AD (83 men and 82 women, mean age 72.3+/
      4.41) and 186 healthy control subjects (82 men and 104 women, mean age 76.5+/
      5.98). RESULTS: Among these three SNPs, rs1042837 showed statistically
      significant differences in allele frequency, and genotype frequency in the co
      dominant 1 model and in the dominant model. CONCLUSION: These results suggest
      that the rs1042837 polymorphism in MFN2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of
      AD.

PMID- 28096880
TI  - Genetic Polymorphism of 1019C/G (rs6295) Promoter of Serotonin 1A Receptor and
      Catechol-O-Methyltransferase in Panic Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Family and twin studies have suggested genetic liability for panic
      disorder (PD) and therefore we sought to determine the role of noradrenergic and
      serotonergic candidate genes for susceptibility for PD in a Japanese population.
      METHODS: In this age- and gender-matched case-control study involving 119 PD
      patients and 119 healthy controls, we examined the genotype distributions and
      allele frequencies of the serotonin transporter gene linked polymorphic region (5
      HTTLPR), -1019C/G (rs6295) promoter polymorphism of the serotonin receptor 1A (5
      HT1A), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphism (rs4680) and
      their association with PD. RESULTS: No significant differences were evident in
      the allele frequencies or genotype distributions of the COMT (rs4680), 5-HTTLPR
      polymorphisms or the -1019C/G (rs6295) promoter polymorphism of 5-HT1A between PD
      patients and controls. Although there were no significant associations of these
      polymorphisms with in subgroups of PD patients differentiated by gender or in
      subgroup comorbid with agoraphobia (AP), significant difference was observed in
      genotype distributions of the -1019C/G (rs6295) promoter polymorphism of 5-HT1A
      between PD patients without AP and controls (p=0.047). CONCLUSION: In this
      association study, the 1019C/G (rs6295) promoter polymorphism of the 5-HT1A
      receptor G/G genotype was associated with PD without AP in a Japanese population.

PMID- 28096881
TI  - Design and Methodology of the Korean Early Psychosis Cohort Study.
AB  - The present study details the rationale and methodology of the Korean Early
      Psychosis Cohort Study (KEPS), which is a clinical cohort investigation of first
      episode psychosis patients from a Korean population. The KEPS is a prospective
      naturalistic observational cohort study that follows the participants for at
      least 2 years. This study includes patients between 18 and 45 years of age who
      fulfill the criteria for one of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic
      disorders according to the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5. Early psychosis is
      defined as first episode patients who received antipsychotic treatment for fewer
      than 4 consecutive weeks after the onset of illness or stabilized patients in the
      early stages of the disorder whose duration of illness was less than 2 years from
      the initiation of antipsychotic treatment. The primary outcome measures are
      treatment response, remission, recovery, and relapse. Additionally, several
      laboratory tests are conducted and a variety of objective and subjective
      psychiatric measures assessing early life trauma, lifestyle pattern, and social
      and cognitive functioning are administered. This long-term prospective cohort
      study may contribute to the development of early intervention strategies and the
      improvement of long-term outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 28096882
TI  - Design and Methods of the Mood Disorder Cohort Research Consortium (MDCRC) Study.
AB  - The Mood Disorder Cohort Research Consortium (MDCRC) study is designed as a
      naturalistic observational prospective cohort study for early-onset mood
      disorders (major depressive disorders, bipolar disorders type 1 and 2) in South
      Korea. The study subjects consist of two populations: 1) patients with mood
      disorders under 25 years old and 2) patients with mood disorders within 2 years
      of treatment under 35 years old. After successful screening, the subjects are
      evaluated using baseline assessments and serial follow-up assessments at 3-month
      intervals. Between the follow-up assessments, subjects are dictated to check
      their own daily mood status before bedtime using the eMood chart application or a
      paper mood diary. At the regular visits every 3 months, inter-visit assessments
      are evaluated based on daily mood charts and interviews with patients. In
      addition to the daily mood chart, sleep quality, inter-visit major and minor mood
      episodes, stressful life events, and medical usage pattern with medical expenses
      are also assessed. Genomic DNA from blood is obtained for genomic analyses. From
      the MDCRC study, the clinical course, prognosis, and related factors of early
      onset mood disorders can be clarified. The MDCRC is also able to facilitate
      translational research for mood disorders and provide a resource for the
      convergence study of mood disorders.

PMID- 28096883
TI  - Reconsidering Clinical Staging Model: A Case of Genetic High Risk for
      Schizophrenia.
AB  - The clinical staging model is considered a useful and practical method not only
      in dealing with the early stage of psychosis overcoming the debate about
      diagnostic boundaries but also in emerging mood disorder. However, its one
      limitation is that it cannot discriminate the heterogeneity of individuals at
      clinical high risk for psychosis, but lumps them all together. Even a healthy
      offspring of schizophrenia can eventually show clinical symptoms and progress to
      schizophrenia under the influence of genetic vulnerability and environmental
      stress even after the peak age of onset of schizophrenia. Therefore, individuals
      with genetic liability of schizophrenia may require a more intensive intervention
      than recommended by the staging model based on current clinical status.

PMID- 28096884
TI  - Immunomodulatory Efficacy of Standardized Annona muricata (Graviola) Leaf Extract
      via Activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways in RAW 264.7
      Macrophages.
AB  - Annona muricata, commonly known as Graviola, has been utilized as a traditional
      medicine to treat various human diseases. The aim of this study was to examine
      the immune-enhancing activity of Graviola leaf extracts in RAW 264.7 macrophage
      cells. Active ingredients in Graviola leaf extracts (GE) were identified as
      kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside by LC-MS/MS. When treated
      with steam or 50% ethanol GE, cell morphology was altered due to initiation of
      cell differentiation. While the cell viability was not altered by the steam GE,
      it was reduced by the ethanol GE. Both steam and ethanol GE induced the
      transcriptional expression of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta, but only the steam extract upregulated
      inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In consistence with mRNA expression, the
      production of TNF-alpha and nitrite was elevated by both steam and ethanol
      extracts of Graviola leaves. This is mainly due to activation of mitogen
      activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways. These results suggest that
      Graviola leaves enhance immunity by activation of the MAP kinase pathways. These
      bioactive properties of Graviola indicate its potential as a health-promoting
      ingredient to boost the immune system.

PMID- 28096885
TI  - Spatholobus suberectus Column Extract Inhibits Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast
      Cancer via Suppressing ER MAPK PI3K/AKT Pathway.
AB  - Although Chinese herbal compounds have long been alternatively applied for cancer
      treatment in China, their treatment effects have not been sufficiently
      investigated. The Chinese herb Spatholobus suberectus is commonly prescribed to
      cancer patients. HPLC analysis has shown that the main components of Spatholobus
      suberectus are flavonoids that can be classified as phytoestrogens, having a
      structure similar to estrogen. This study was designed to investigate the effects
      of Spatholobus suberectus column extract (SSCE) on the estrogen receptor-positive
      (ER+) breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and its possible molecular mechanism. In our
      study, MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability. The results show that
      SSCE (80, 160, and 320 MUg/ml) significantly decreased the viability of MCF-7
      cells. SSCE also triggered apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase,
      and inhibited cell migration. A dual-luciferase reporter system showed that SSCE
      suppressed intranuclear p-ER activity; Western blot analysis confirmed the
      repressed expression of phosphorylated-ER alpha (p-ERalpha), ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2,
      AKT, p-AKT, p-mTOR, PI3K, and p-PI3K, indicating that SSCE suppressed the MAPK
      PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Collectively, our results suggest that SSCE causes
      apoptosis, an arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and a decrease in migration in ER+ MCF-7
      cells via hypoactivity of the ER and suppression of the MAPK PI3K/AKT pathway.

PMID- 28096886
TI  - Fermented Chinese Formula Shuan-Tong-Ling Protects Brain Microvascular
      Endothelial Cells against Oxidative Stress Injury.
AB  - Fermented Chinese formula Shuan-Tong-Ling (STL), composed of fourteen medicinal
      herbs, was an experiential formula by Dr. Zhigang Mei for treating vascular
      encephalopathy, but the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. In this study, we
      aimed to investigate the protective effects of fermented STL on hydrogen peroxide
      (H2O2-) induced injury in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and
      the possible mechanisms. Cultured BMECs were treated with H2O2, STL, or
      nicotinamide (NAM, a SIRT1 inhibitor). Then, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was employed to detect cell
      proliferation and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-gal) was used
      to examine cell senescence. Cell nuclei were observed by 4',6-diamidino-2
      phenylindole. Additionally, changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Expression of SIRT1,
      p21, and PGC-1alpha was determined by western blot. Cell proliferation
      significantly increased with STL treatment in a dose-dependent manner. H2O2
      treatment could intensify cell senescence and nuclei splitting or pyknosis. With
      STL treatment, the reduced ROS level was accompanied by increased SOD and GSH
      activity. Further assays showed upregulation of SIRT1 and PGC-1alpha and
      downregulation of p21 after STL treatment. The results revealed that STL could
      protect BMECs against oxidative stress injury at least partially through the
      SIRT1 pathway.

PMID- 28096887
TI  - Thylakoids reduce body fat and fat cell size by binding to dietary fat making it
      less available for absorption in high-fat fed mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary thylakoids derived from spinach have beneficial effects on
      body fat accumulation and blood lipids as demonstrated in humans and rodents.
      Important mechanisms established include delayed fat digestion in the intestine,
      without causing steatorrhea, and increased fatty acid oxidation in intestinal
      cells. The objective of our study was to elucidate if increased fecal fat
      excretion is an important mechanism to normalize adipose tissue metabolism during
      high-fat feeding in mice supplemented with thylakoids. METHODS: Mice were
      randomized to receive HFD or thylHFD for 14 days (n = 14 for the control group
      and 16 for the thylakoid group). The effect of thylakoids on body fat
      distribution, faecal and liver fat content, and adipose tissue metabolism was
      investigated following high-fat feeding. RESULTS: Thylakoid supplementation for
      14 days caused an increased faecal fat content without compensatory eating
      compared to control. As a result, thylakoid treated animals had reduced fat mass
      depots and reduced liver fat accumulation compared to control. The size
      distribution of adipocytes isolated from visceral adipose tissue was narrowed and
      the cell size decreased. Adipocytes isolated from thylakoid-treated mice
      displayed a significantly increased lipogenesis, and protein expression of
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), down-stream target
      FAS, as well as transcription factor coactivators PGC1-alpha and LPIN-1 were
      upregulated in adipose tissue from thylakoid-fed mice. CONCLUSIONS: Together,
      these data suggest that thylakoid supplementation reduces body fat and fat cell
      size by binding to dietary fat and increasing its fecal excretion, thus reducing
      dietary fat available for absorption.

PMID- 28096888
TI  - Sociocultural factors influencing breastfeeding practices in two slums in
      Nairobi, Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite numerous interventions promoting optimal breastfeeding
      practices in Kenya, pockets of suboptimal breastfeeding practices are documented
      in Kenya's urban slums. This paper describes cultural and social beliefs and
      practices that influence breastfeeding in two urban slums in Nairobi, Kenya.
      METHODS: Qualitative data were collected in Korogocho and Viwandani slums through
      10 focus group discussions and 19 in-depth interviews with pregnant,
      breastfeeding women and community health volunteers and 11 key-informant
      interviews with community leaders. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed
      verbatim, coded in NVIVO and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Social and cultural
      beliefs and practices that result to suboptimal breastfeeding practices were
      highlighted including; considering colostrum as 'dirty' or 'curdled milk', a
      curse 'bad omen' associated with breastfeeding while engaging in extra marital
      affairs, a fear of the 'evil eye' (malevolent glare which is believed to be a
      curse associated with witchcraft) when breastfeeding in public and breastfeeding
      being associated with sagging breasts. Positive social and cultural beliefs were
      also identified including the association of breast milk with intellectual
      development and good child health. The beliefs and practices were learnt mainly
      from spouses, close relatives and peers. CONCLUSION: Interventions promoting
      behavior change with regards to breastfeeding should focus on dispelling the
      beliefs and practices that result to suboptimal breastfeeding practices and to
      build on the positive ones, while involving spouses and other family members as
      they are important sources of information on breastfeeding. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ISRCTN83692672: December 2013 (retrospectively registered).

PMID- 28096889
TI  - Detection of Doppler Microembolic Signals Using High Order Statistics.
AB  - Robust detection of the smallest circulating cerebral microemboli is an efficient
      way of preventing strokes, which is second cause of mortality worldwide.
      Transcranial Doppler ultrasound is widely considered the most convenient system
      for the detection of microemboli. The most common standard detection is achieved
      through the Doppler energy signal and depends on an empirically set constant
      threshold. On the other hand, in the past few years, higher order statistics have
      been an extensive field of research as they represent descriptive statistics that
      can be used to detect signal outliers. In this study, we propose new types of
      microembolic detectors based on the windowed calculation of the third moment
      skewness and fourth moment kurtosis of the energy signal. During energy embolus
      free periods the distribution of the energy is not altered and the skewness and
      kurtosis signals do not exhibit any peak values. In the presence of emboli, the
      energy distribution is distorted and the skewness and kurtosis signals exhibit
      peaks, corresponding to the latter emboli. Applied on real signals, the detection
      of microemboli through the skewness and kurtosis signals outperformed the
      detection through standard methods. The sensitivities and specificities reached
      78% and 91% and 80% and 90% for the skewness and kurtosis detectors,
      respectively.

PMID- 28096890
TI  - Defining the Optimal Region of Interest for Hyperemia Grading in the Bulbar
      Conjunctiva.
AB  - Conjunctival hyperemia or conjunctival redness is a symptom that can be
      associated with a broad group of ocular diseases. Its levels of severity are
      represented by standard photographic charts that are visually compared with the
      patient's eye. This way, the hyperemia diagnosis becomes a nonrepeatable task
      that depends on the experience of the grader. To solve this problem, we have
      proposed a computer-aided methodology that comprises three main stages: the
      segmentation of the conjunctiva, the extraction of features in this region based
      on colour and the presence of blood vessels, and, finally, the transformation of
      these features into grading scale values by means of regression techniques.
      However, the conjunctival segmentation can be slightly inaccurate mainly due to
      illumination issues. In this work, we analyse the relevance of different features
      with respect to their location within the conjunctiva in order to delimit a
      reliable region of interest for the grading. The results show that the automatic
      procedure behaves like an expert using only a limited region of interest within
      the conjunctiva.

PMID- 28096891
TI  - Phantom Validation of Tc-99m Absolute Quantification in a SPECT/CT Commercial
      Device.
AB  - Aim. Similar to PET, absolute quantitative imaging is becoming available in
      commercial SPECT/CT devices. This study's goal was to assess quantitative
      accuracy of activity recovery as a function of image reconstruction parameters
      and count statistics in a variety of phantoms. Materials and Methods. We
      performed quantitative 99mTc-SPECT/CT acquisitions (Siemens Symbia Intevo,
      Erlangen, Germany) of a uniform cylindrical, NEMA/IEC, and an anthropomorphic
      abdominal phantom. Background activity concentrations tested ranged: 2-80 kBq/mL.
      SPECT acquisitions used 120 projections (20 s/projection). Reconstructions were
      performed with the proprietary iterative conjugate gradient algorithm. NEMA
      phantom reconstructions were obtained as a function of the iteration number
      (range: 4-48). Recovery coefficients, hot contrast, relative lung error (NEMA
      phantom), and image noise were assessed. Results. In all cases, absolute activity
      and activity concentration were measured within 10% of the expected value.
      Recovery coefficients and hot contrast in hot inserts did not vary appreciably
      with count statistics. RC converged at 16 iterations for insert size > 22 mm.
      Relative lung errors were comparable to PET levels indicating the efficient
      integration of attenuation and scatter corrections with adequate detector
      modeling. Conclusions. The tested device provided accurate activity recovery
      within 10% of correct values; these performances are comparable to current
      generation PET/CT systems.

PMID- 28096892
TI  - Investigating Mutations to Reduce Huntingtin Aggregation by Increasing Htt-N
      Terminal Stability and Weakening Interactions with PolyQ Domain.
AB  - Huntington's disease is a fatal autosomal genetic disorder characterized by an
      expanded glutamine-coding CAG repeat sequence in the huntingtin (Htt) exon 1
      gene. The Htt protein associated with the disease misfolds into toxic oligomers
      and aggregate fibril structures. Competing models for the misfolding and
      aggregation phenomena have suggested the role of the Htt-N-terminal region and
      the CAG trinucleotide repeats (polyQ domain) in affecting aggregation
      propensities and misfolding. In particular, one model suggests a correlation
      between structural stability and the emergence of toxic oligomers, whereas a
      second model proposes that molecular interactions with the extended polyQ domain
      increase aggregation propensity. In this paper, we computationally explore the
      potential to reduce Htt aggregation by addressing the aggregation causes outlined
      in both models. We investigate the mutation landscape of the Htt-N-terminal
      region and explore amino acid residue mutations that affect its structural
      stability and hydrophobic interactions with the polyQ domain. Out of the millions
      of 3-point mutation combinations that we explored, the (L4K E12K K15E) was the
      most promising mutation combination that addressed aggregation causes in both
      models. The mutant structure exhibited extreme alpha-helical stability, low
      amyloidogenicity potential, a hydrophobic residue replacement, and removal of a
      solvent-inaccessible intermolecular side chain that assists oligomerization.

PMID- 28096893
TI  - Determining Cutoff Point of Ensemble Trees Based on Sample Size in Predicting
      Clinical Dose with DNA Microarray Data.
AB  - Background/Aim. Evaluating the success of dose prediction based on genetic or
      clinical data has substantially advanced recently. The aim of this study is to
      predict various clinical dose values from DNA gene expression datasets using data
      mining techniques. Materials and Methods. Eleven real gene expression datasets
      containing dose values were included. First, important genes for dose prediction
      were selected using iterative sure independence screening. Then, the performances
      of regression trees (RTs), support vector regression (SVR), RT bagging, SVR
      bagging, and RT boosting were examined. Results. The results demonstrated that a
      regression-based feature selection method substantially reduced the number of
      irrelevant genes from raw datasets. Overall, the best prediction performance in
      nine of 11 datasets was achieved using SVR; the second most accurate performance
      was provided using a gradient-boosting machine (GBM). Conclusion. Analysis of
      various dose values based on microarray gene expression data identified common
      genes found in our study and the referenced studies. According to our findings,
      SVR and GBM can be good predictors of dose-gene datasets. Another result of the
      study was to identify the sample size of n = 25 as a cutoff point for RT bagging
      to outperform a single RT.

PMID- 28096894
TI  - A Novel Sample Selection Strategy for Imbalanced Data of Biomedical Event
      Extraction with Joint Scoring Mechanism.
AB  - Biomedical event extraction is an important and difficult task in bioinformatics.
      With the rapid growth of biomedical literature, the extraction of complex events
      from unstructured text has attracted more attention. However, the annotated
      biomedical corpus is highly imbalanced, which affects the performance of the
      classification algorithms. In this study, a sample selection algorithm based on
      sequential pattern is proposed to filter negative samples in the training phase.
      Considering the joint information between the trigger and argument of
      multiargument events, we extract triplets of multiargument events directly using
      a support vector machine classifier. A joint scoring mechanism, which is based on
      sentence similarity and importance of trigger in the training data, is used to
      correct the predicted results. Experimental results indicate that the proposed
      method can extract events efficiently.

PMID- 28096895
TI  - Towards the Design of a Patient-Specific Virtual Tumour.
AB  - The design of a patient-specific virtual tumour is an important step towards
      Personalized Medicine. However this requires to capture the description of many
      key events of tumour development, including angiogenesis, matrix remodelling,
      hypoxia, and cell state heterogeneity that will all influence the tumour growth
      kinetics and degree of tumour invasiveness. To that end, an integrated hybrid and
      multiscale approach has been developed based on data acquired on a preclinical
      mouse model as a proof of concept. Fluorescence imaging is exploited to build
      case-specific virtual tumours. Numerical simulations show that the virtual tumour
      matches the characteristics and spatiotemporal evolution of its real counterpart.
      We achieved this by combining image analysis and physiological modelling to
      accurately described the evolution of different tumour cases over a month. The
      development of such models is essential since a dedicated virtual tumour would be
      the perfect tool to identify the optimum therapeutic strategies that would make
      Personalized Medicine truly reachable and achievable.

PMID- 28096896
TI  - Registration and Summation of Respiratory-Gated or Breath-Hold PET Images Based
      on Deformation Estimation of Lung from CT Image.
AB  - Lung motion due to respiration causes image degradation in medical imaging,
      especially in nuclear medicine which requires long acquisition times. We have
      developed a method for image correction between the respiratory-gated (RG) PET
      images in different respiration phases or breath-hold (BH) PET images in an
      inconsistent respiration phase. In the method, the RG or BH-PET images in
      different respiration phases are deformed under two criteria: similarity of the
      image intensity distribution and smoothness of the estimated motion vector field
      (MVF). However, only these criteria may cause unnatural motion estimation of
      lung. In this paper, assuming the use of a PET-CT scanner, we add another
      criterion that is the similarity for the motion direction estimated from
      inhalation and exhalation CT images. The proposed method was first applied to a
      numerical phantom XCAT with tumors and then applied to BH-PET image data for
      seven patients. The resultant tumor contrasts and the estimated motion vector
      fields were compared with those obtained by our previous method. Through those
      experiments we confirmed that the proposed method can provide an improved and
      more stable image quality for both RG and BH-PET images.

PMID- 28096897
TI  - The impact of organisational change and fiscal restraint on organisational
      culture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strategies to implement evidence-based practice have highlighted the
      bidirectional relationship of organisational change on organisational culture.
      The present study examined changes in perceptions of organisational culture in
      two community mental health services implementing cognitive therapies into
      routine psychosis care over 3 years. During the time of the study there were a
      number of shared planned and unplanned changes that the mental health services
      had to accommodate. One service, Metro South, had the additional challenge of
      embarking on a major organisational restructure. METHODS: A survey of
      organisational culture was administered to clinical staff of each service at
      yearly intervals over the 3 years. RESULTS: At baseline assessment there was no
      significant difference between the two services in organisational culture. At the
      midpoint assessment, which was conducted at the time the Metro South restructure
      was operationalized, there were less positive ratings of organisational culture
      recorded in Metro South compared to the other service. Organisational culture
      returned to near-baseline levels at endpoint assessment. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings are consistent with the literature that organisational culture is
      relatively robust and resilient. It is also consistent with the literature that,
      at any one time, a service or organisation may have a finite capacity to absorb
      change. Consequently this limitation needs to be taken into account in the timing
      and planning of major service reform where possible. The results also extend the
      literature, insofar as external factors with a high impact on the operation of an
      organisation may impact upon organisational culture albeit temporarily.

PMID- 28096898
TI  - Characteristics of adolescents frequently restrained in acute psychiatric units
      in Norway: a nationwide study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of restraints in adolescent psychiatric settings requires
      particular professional, ethical, and legal considerations. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate whether the number of restraint episodes per patient was
      related to any of several characteristics of the adolescents. METHODS: In this
      nationwide study, we included all adolescents restrained during the period 2008
      2010 (N = 267) in Norwegian adolescent acute psychiatric inpatient units. They
      constitute 6.5% of the adolescents hospitalized in these units in the same period
      of time. We collected data on the number of restraint episodes they experienced
      during the study period; Poisson regression was then used to analyze the impact
      of gender, social, mental health, and treatment characteristics on the frequency
      of restraint. We developed a risk index for the likelihood of experiencing
      multiple restraint episodes. RESULTS: We found a skewed distribution of restraint
      episodes in which a small group (18%) of restrained adolescents experienced a
      majority (77%) of the restraint episodes. A large percentage of the restrained
      adolescents (36%) experienced only one restraint episode. Risk factors for
      multiple restraint episodes were female gender, lower psychosocial functioning
      (Children's Global Assessment Scale below 35), more and longer admissions, and
      concomitant use of pharmacological restraint. Except for gender, we used these
      variables to develop a risk index that was moderately associated with multiple
      restraint episodes. CONCLUSIONS: As a small group of patients accounted for a
      large percentage of the restraint episodes, future research should further
      investigate the reasons for and consequences of multiple restraint episodes in
      patients at acute adolescent psychiatric units, and evaluate preventive
      approaches targeted to reduce their risk for experiencing restraint.

PMID- 28096899
TI  - Why do surgeons continue to perform unnecessary surgery?

PMID- 28096901
TI  - Exploring musculoskeletal injuries in the podiatry profession: an international
      cross sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Workplace injury is an international costly burden. Health care
      workers are an essential component to managing musculoskeletal disorders, however
      in doing this, they may increase their own susceptibility. While there is
      substantial evidence about work-related musculoskeletal disorders across the
      health workforce, understanding risk factors in specific occupational groups,
      such as podiatry, is limited. The primary aim of this study was to determine the
      prevalence and intensity of work related low back pain in podiatrists. METHODS:
      This was an international cross-sectional survey targeting podiatrists in
      Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The survey had two components;
      general demographic variables and variables relating to general musculoskeletal
      pain in general or podiatry work-related musculoskeletal pain. Multivariable
      regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with musculoskeletal
      stiffness and pain and low back pain intensity. Thematic analysis was used to
      group comments podiatrists made about their musculoskeletal health. RESULTS:
      There were 948 survey responses (5% of Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom
      registered podiatrists). There were 719 (76%) podiatrists reporting
      musculoskeletal pain as a result of their work practices throughout their career.
      The majority of injuries reported were in the first five years of practice (n =
      320, 45%). The body area reported as being the location of the most significant
      injury was the low back (203 of 705 responses, 29%). Being female (p < 0.001) and
      working in private practice (p = 0.003) was associated with musculoskeletal pain
      or stiffness in the past 12 months. There were no variables associated with pain
      or stiffness in the past four weeks. Being female was the only variable
      associated with higher pain (p = 0.018). There were four main themes to workplace
      musculoskeletal pain: 1. Organisational and procedural responses to injury, 2.
      Giving up work, taking time off, reducing hours, 3. Maintaining good
      musculoskeletal health and 4. Environmental change. CONCLUSIONS: The postures
      that podiatrists hold while treating patients appear to impact on musculoskeletal
      pain and stiffness. Recently graduated and female podiatrists are at higher risk
      of injury. There is a need for the profession to consider how they move and take
      care of their own musculoskeletal health.

PMID- 28096900
TI  - MS_HistoneDB, a manually curated resource for proteomic analysis of human and
      mouse histones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histones and histone variants are essential components of the nuclear
      chromatin. While mass spectrometry has opened a large window to their
      characterization and functional studies, their identification from proteomic data
      remains challenging. Indeed, the current interpretation of mass spectrometry data
      relies on public databases which are either not exhaustive (Swiss-Prot) or
      contain many redundant entries (UniProtKB or NCBI). Currently, no protein
      database is ideally suited for the analysis of histones and the complex array of
      mammalian histone variants. RESULTS: We propose two proteomics-oriented manually
      curated databases for mouse and human histone variants. We manually curated >1700
      gene, transcript and protein entries to produce a non-redundant list of 83 mouse
      and 85 human histones. These entries were annotated in accordance with the
      current nomenclature and unified with the "HistoneDB2.0 with Variants" database.
      This resource is provided in a format that can be directly read by programs used
      for mass spectrometry data interpretation. In addition, it was used to interpret
      mass spectrometry data acquired on histones extracted from mouse testis. Several
      histone variants, which had so far only been inferred by homology or detected at
      the RNA level, were detected by mass spectrometry, confirming the existence of
      their protein form. CONCLUSIONS: Mouse and human histone entries were collected
      from different databases and subsequently curated to produce a non-redundant
      protein-centric resource, MS_HistoneDB. It is dedicated to the proteomic study of
      histones in mouse and human and will hopefully facilitate the identification and
      functional study of histone variants.

PMID- 28096902
TI  - Functional characterization of the active Mutator-like transposable element,
      Muta1 from the mosquito Aedes aegypti.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutator-like transposable elements (MULEs) are widespread with
      members in fungi, plants, and animals. Most of the research on the MULE
      superfamily has focused on plant MULEs where they were discovered and where some
      are extremely active and have significant impact on genome structure. The maize
      MuDR element has been widely used as a tool for both forward and reverse genetic
      studies because of its high transposition rate and preference for targeting genic
      regions. However, despite being widespread, only a few active MULEs have been
      identified, and only one, the rice Os3378, has demonstrated activity in a non
      host organism. RESULTS: Here we report the identification of potentially active
      MULEs in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. We demonstrate that one of these, Muta1, is
      capable of excision and reinsertion in a yeast transposition assay. Element
      reinsertion generated either 8 bp or 9 bp target site duplications (TSDs) with no
      apparent sequence preference. Mutagenesis analysis of donor site TSDs in the
      yeast assay indicates that their presence is important for precise excision and
      enhanced transposition. Site directed mutagenesis of the putative DDE catalytic
      motif and other conserved residues in the transposase protein abolished
      transposition activity. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our data indicates that the
      Muta1 transposase of Ae. aegypti can efficiently catalyze both excision and
      reinsertion reactions in yeast. Mutagenesis analysis reveals that several
      conserved amino acids, including the DDE triad, play important roles in
      transposase function. In addition, donor site TSD also impacts the transposition
      of Muta1.

PMID- 28096903
TI  - Anxiety and depression symptoms among women attending group-based patient
      education courses for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women carrying BRCA-mutations are facing significant challenges,
      including decision making regarding surveillance and risk-reducing surgery. They
      often report that they are left alone with these important decisions. In order to
      enhance the genetic counselling session we organized a group-based patient
      education (GPE) course for women with BRCA-mutations. The study aims were to
      characterize women attending a group-based patient education (GPE) course for
      hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, consider the usefulness of the course,
      evaluate symptoms of anxiety and depression among the participants, and finally
      investigate whether their levels of anxiety and depression changed from before to
      after the course session. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. Two weeks
      before (T1) and 2 weeks after (T2) attending the GPE-course the participants
      received questionnaires by mail. We collected information on demographic- and
      medical variables, anxiety and depression using Hospital Anxiety and Depression
      Scale (HADS), self-efficacy using The Bergen Genetic Counseling Self-Efficacy
      scale (BGCSES) and coping style using the Threatening Medical Situations
      Inventory (TMSI). A total of N = 100 (77% response rate) women participated at
      baseline and 75 (58% response rate) also completed post-course assessment.
      RESULTS: The mean level of anxiety symptoms was elevated among participants but
      decreased significantly during follow-up. Lower anxiety symptom levels were
      associated with "longer time since disclosure of gene test result", "higher
      levels of self-efficacy" and having experienced "loss of a close relative due to
      breast or ovarian cancer". Lower depression symptom levels were associated with
      "higher levels of education" and "loss of a close relative due to breast or
      ovarian cancer". CONCLUSION: The women in this study seemed to benefit from the
      GPE course. Women newly diagnosed with a BRCA mutation who reported lower levels
      of self-efficacy and lower levels of education were more vulnerable. These women
      need special attention.

PMID- 28096904
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Characterization of Perianal Fistulous Disease
      in a Rural Based Tertiary Hospital of North India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To diagnose and characterize the perianal fistulous disease using
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a hilly and rural area of North India.
      MATERIAL/METHODS: This prospective hospital based study was conducted for a
      period of one year from April 2014 to April 2015 in the departments of
      Radiodiagnosis and Surgery of our institute. A total of 50 consecutive patients
      presenting with perianal fistulous disease fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion
      criteria were included in the study and taken up for MRI. The perianal fistulae
      were classified according to St James University hospital classification and
      tracks were assessed with regard to anatomical plane, length, ramifications,
      abscess formation, enteric communication, external cutaneous opening, enhancement
      and suprasphincteric extension. Surgical correlation was done in 31 patients who
      opted for surgical treatment. Rest of the 19 patients preferred alternative
      medicine for treatment or chose to postpone their surgery. RESULTS: The disease
      was much more prevalent in males in comparison to females with male to female
      ratio of 24:1. Grade 4 was the most common type of fistula (34%) while Grade 5
      was the least common type (4%).MRI showed a high sensitivity of 93.7% and
      positive predictive value (PPV) of 96.7% when correlated with surgical findings.
      A substantial number of patients (38%) preferred alternative medicine or non
      surgical form of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is a very sensitive modality for the
      evaluation of perianal fistula. In our study group, the disease predominantly
      affected middle aged men. Ramifications and abscesses were commonly seen,
      affecting nearly half of the patients and majority of the patients had active
      fistulous tracks with posteriorly located enteric opening. Overall,
      transsphincteric fistulae were most common. Significant number of patients
      avoided surgery or showed preference for non surgical treatment.

PMID- 28096905
TI  - Metastasis of Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma to Thyroid Gland Mimicking Adenomatous
      Goiter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma is an interesting tumor due to its unpredictable
      behavior. Common metastatic sites of renal cell carcinoma are the lungs, lymph
      nodes, bones and liver. Concurrent thyroid metastasis of clear cell carcinoma is
      uncommon but it can appear as a rapidly growing cervical, painless nodular mass.
      CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 56-year-old male patient with clear cell renal
      carcinoma confirmed on a histopathological examination. The patient noticed a
      rapidly growing mass in the thyroid region when receiving medical anticancer
      therapy. Because of that, gray-scale thyroid ultrasonography and a fine-needle
      aspiration biopsy were performed. The histopathological examinationof the biopsy
      specimen revealed a lesion composed of malignant epithelial cells compatible with
      metastasis of renal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with with a history of
      RCC, both past and present, a thyroid mass, especially co-existing with an
      adenomatous goiter, should prompt a work-up for thyroid metastasis.

PMID- 28096906
TI  - Relapsing-Remitting Severe Bickerstaff's Brainstem Encephalitis - Case Report and
      Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a very rare disease of
      the central nervous system. Aetiology of the disease is auto-immunological.
      However, it is not entirely understood. Clinically BBE manifests in progressive
      ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and consciousness disturbances. Clinical symptoms are
      usually preceded by an unidentified infection of the upper respiratory tract.
      Usually, the disease has one phase, but individual relapses have also been
      described. Despite quite severe clinical symptoms, the prognosis is usually good.
      CASE REPORT: The article presents a case of a patient with relapsing-remitting
      severe BBE. The case is presented due to the relapsing-remitting clinical course
      of the disease that resulted in patient's death, rarely described in the
      literature. We also present the results of subsequent MR scans in the course of
      the disease, so far described only in individual reports. It is also the first
      report in the world's literature presenting the results of series of MR
      spectroscopy (MRS) examinations in the course of BBE. CONCLUSIONS: MR examination
      is an important component in BBE diagnostics, allowing to differentiate atypical
      cases and place them under special supervision due to the possibility of the
      severe clinical course. MR also facilitates differentiation between Miller-Fisher
      Syndrome (MFS) and BBE in cases of diagnostic doubts. Adding MRS and MRI to the
      protocol allows us to define the nature of morphological changes more accurately
      in patients with suspected or diagnosed BBE.

PMID- 28096907
TI  - Thinking outside of the pelvis: Managing chronic urological pain.

PMID- 28096909
TI  - Further thoughts on transition of care for spina bifida patients: Experiences in
      BC.

PMID- 28096908
TI  - Is there a manpower crisis looming for Canadian urology?

PMID- 28096910
TI  - Exploring the business of urology: Conflict resolution and negotiation.

PMID- 28096911
TI  - Depression and catastrophizing predict suicidal ideation in tertiary care
      patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We sought to evaluate psychosocial factors as predictors of
      suicidal ideation (SI) in a tertiary care outpatient sample of women suffering
      from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). METHODS: The patients
      are women managed at tertiary care centres (n=190). Controls were recruited from
      the community (n=117). Both groups completed questionnaires on demographics, pain
      (McGill Pain Questionnaire), IC/BPS symptoms, and psychological variables.
      Univariate and multivariate hierarchical regression modelling was conducted to
      examine the strength of associations and unique effects of psychosocial variables
      on patient SI. RESULTS: Compared to 6% in healthy controls, 23% of patients
      endorsed SI in the past two weeks. Correlations between SI, depression, and
      catastrophizing across controls and cases show that for controls, SI is
      associated with greater pain (0.31; p<0.01) and depression only (0.59; p<0.01).
      For tertiary care centre cases, SI is associated with pain (0.24; p<0.01),
      depression (0.64; p<0.01), and catastrophizing (0.35; p<0.01). Regression
      analyses indicated that psychosocial variables accounted for a significant amount
      of variance over and above IC/BPS symptoms. Catastrophizing (i.e., helplessness)
      about pain and depression were significant univariate predictors of SI, but only
      depression predicted SI in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Limitations of
      this study include its cross-sectional design and primarily correlation-based
      statistics. The present study is the first to implicate multiple psychosocial
      risk factors over and above IC/BPS-specific symptoms and patient pain experience
      in SI in women with IC/BPS. Depression in particular is uniquely important in
      predicting suicidality. These results support a multidisciplinary, proactive
      approach to IC/BPS involving not only treatment of disease symptoms, but also
      early detection/treatment of associated psychosocial problems.

PMID- 28096912
TI  - Mortality trends and the impact of lymphadenectomy on survival for renal cell
      carcinoma patients with distant metastasis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Current treatment paradigms for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
      (mRCC) invoke a combination of surgical and systemic therapies. We sought to
      quantify trends in mortality and performance of lymphadenectomy, as well as
      impact on survival for patients with mRCC. METHODS: The Surveillance,
      Epidemiology, and End Results registry (SEER) (1988-2011) identified patients
      with mRCC. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models with competing
      risks regression were employed to assess survival. RESULTS: 15 060 patients with
      mRCC were identified, with 6316 (41.9%) undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy.
      Mean number of lymph nodes removed was 6.2, with mean 3.3 positive nodes among
      1018 (43.9%) patients with positive nodes. Median overall survival (OS) increased
      from seven to 11 months (1999-2010), and finding a positive node decreased median
      cancer survival from 22 to nine months. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) showed
      significant decreases in mortality after 2005 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71 [0.60-0.83]
      comparing 2010 to 1990). Lymphadenectomy was associated with decreased OS (HR
      1.10 [1.03-1.16]; p=0.002) due to decreased CSS (HR 1.10 [1.04-1.17]; p<0.001)
      without increase in other-cause mortality (HR 0.94 [0.79-1.11]; p=0.455).
      However, more extensive lymphadenectomy >=3 lymph nodes removed did not
      significantly impact OS or CSS. Number of positive lymph nodes was associated
      with decreased CSS. CONCLUSIONS: mRCC continues to carry a poor prognosis, but
      current treatment paradigms have led to modest improvements in OS and CSS in
      recent years. Lymphadenectomy was found to play a prognostic rather than
      therapeutic role in the management of mRCC. The performance of lymphadenectomy
      should be limited based on clinical judgment and better incorporated into
      randomized trials of new systemic therapies to identify scenarios where
      implementation may improve survival.

PMID- 28096913
TI  - Rethinking lymph node metastasis and cytoreductive nephrectomy.

PMID- 28096914
TI  - Benefits of surgeon-controlled fluoroscopy outweigh concerns.

PMID- 28096915
TI  - The impact of prior urethral sling on artificial urinary sphincter outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We sought to evaluate device outcomes in men who underwent primary
      artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement after failed male urethral sling
      (MUS). METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 990 men who
      underwent an AUS procedure between 2003 and 2014. Of these, 540 were primary AUS
      placements, including 30 (5.5%) with a history of MUS. AUS revisions and
      explantations were compared between men stratified by the presence of prior
      sling. Hazard ratios (HR) adjusting for competing risks were used to determine
      the association with prior sling and AUS outcomes (infection/erosion, urethral
      atrophy, and mechanical malfunction), while overall device failure was estimated
      using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference in age, body mass index, prior prostatectomy, or pelvic radiation when
      stratified by history of MUS. However, patients with a history of MUS were more
      likely to have undergone prior collagen injection (p=0.01). On univariate and
      multivariate analysis, prior MUS was not associated with device failure (HR 1.54;
      p=0.27). Three-year overall device survival did not significantly differ between
      those with and without prior MUS (70% vs. 85%; p=0.21). Also, there were no
      significant differences in the incidence of device infection/erosion, mechanical
      malfunction, and urethral atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: AUS remains a viable treatment
      option for men with persistent or recurrent stress urinary incontinence after
      MUS. However, while not statistically significant, we identified a trend towards
      lower three-year device outcomes in patients with prior urethral sling. These
      findings indicate the need for longer-term studies to determine if slings pose an
      increased hazard.

PMID- 28096916
TI  - An audit of referral and treatment patterns of high-risk prostate cancer patients
      in Alberta.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the impact of clinical practice guidelines
      (CPG) on rates of radiation oncologist (RO) referral, androgen-deprivation
      therapy (ADT), radiation therapy (RT), and radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients
      with high-risk prostate cancer (HR-PCa). METHODS: All men >18 years, diagnosed
      with PCa in 2005 and 2012 were identified from the Alberta Cancer Registry.
      Patient age, aggregated clinical risk group (ACRG) score, Gleason score (GS), pre
      treatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA), RO referral, and treatment received
      were extracted from electronic medical records. Logistic regression modelling was
      used to examine associations between RO referral rates and relevant factors.
      RESULTS: HR-PCa was diagnosed in 261 of 1792 patients in 2005 and 435 of 2148 in
      2012. Median age and ACRG scores were similar in both years (p>0.05). The rate of
      patients with PSA >20 were 67% and 57% in 2005 and 2012, respectively (p=0.004).
      GS <=6 was found in 13% vs. 5% of patients, GS 7 in 27% vs. 24%, and GS >=8 in
      59% vs. 71% in 2005 and 2012, respectively (p<0.001). In 2005, RO referral rate
      was 68% compared to 56% in 2012 (p=0.001), use of RT + ADT was 53% compared to
      32% (p<0.001), and RP rate was 9% vs. 17% (p=0.002). On regression analysis,
      older age, 2012 year of diagnosis and higher PSA were associated with decreased
      RO referral rates (odds ratios [OR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.61;
      OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.76; and OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.39-0.61), respectively
      [p<0.001]). CONCLUSIONS: Since CPG creation in 2005, RO referral rates and ADT +
      RT use declined and RP rates increased, which demonstrates a need to improve
      adherence to CPG in the HR-PCa population.

PMID- 28096917
TI  - Assessment of histopathological features of needle biopsy in recurrent prostate
      cancer following salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) following radiotherapy
      may be treated with curative intent using salvage high-intensity focused
      ultrasound (s-HIFU). The interpretation of needle core biopsy specimens following
      s-HIFU is a daunting task, even for experienced pathologists. We describe various
      histopathological features encountered in biopsy specimens following whole-gland
      s-HIFU in one of the largest descriptive studies to date. METHODS: Fifty-five
      patients with biopsy-proven localized radio-recurrent PCa underwent s-HIFU and
      transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostatic needle biopsies at 180 days post
      treatment. All biopsies were reviewed by two genitourinary pathologists. RESULTS:
      PCa was detected in 11 (24%) biopsies. Radiation therapy-associated changes were
      identified in all cases. Additional findings included extensive coagulative
      stromal necrosis (100%), smudgy chromatin of cancer nuclei (82%), and markedly
      enlarged bizarre nuclei in the residual cancer (55%). Gleason grade assignment
      was possible in 10 (91%) of these biopsies and concordance of Gleason grading
      between pre- and post-therapy specimens was observed in six (60%) cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: The histological interpretation of needle biopsies following salvage
      HIFU is challenging and requires an understanding of the histopathological
      changes associated with this procedure in both tumoural and non-tumoural
      prostatic tissue. Accurate interpretation of the morphological changes following
      s-HIFU is instrumental for optimization of clinical decision-making and treatment
      planning in recurrent PCa.

PMID- 28096918
TI  - Perioperative outcomes following radical prostatectomy for patients with
      disseminated cancer: An analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement
      Program database.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine whether patients undergoing radical
      prostatectomy (RP) in the context of disseminated cancer have higher 30-day
      complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the National
      Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Men undergoing RP (from
      January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2014) for prostate cancer were identified and
      stratified by presence (n=97) or absence (n=27 868) of disseminated cancer. The
      primary outcome was major complications (death, re-operation, cardiac or
      neurologic events) within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes included
      pulmonary, infectious, venous thromboembolic, and bleeding complications;
      prolonged length of stay; and concomitant procedures (bowel-related, cystectomy,
      urinary diversion, and major ureteric reconstruction). Odds ratios (OR) for each
      complication were calculated using univariable logistic regression. RESULTS: We
      did not identify a difference in major complication rates (OR 2.26, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 0.71-7.16). Patients with disseminated cancer had
      increased risk of venous thromboembolic events (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.04-10.48) and
      transfusion (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.18-5.05), but similar odds of pulmonary and
      infectious complications and length of stay. Bowel procedures were rare, however,
      a significantly higher proportion of patients with disseminated cancer required
      bowel procedures (2.1% vs. 0.3%; p=0.03). Patients with disseminated cancer
      undergoing RP had greater comorbidities and higher predicted probability of
      morbidity and mortality. This study is limited by its retrospective design, lack
      of cancer-specific variables, and prostatectomy-specific complications.
      CONCLUSIONS: RP in the context of disseminated cancer may be associated with
      increased perioperative complications. Caution should be exercised in embarking
      on this practice outside of clinical trials.

PMID- 28096920
TI  - The impact of day of surgery on the length of stay for major urological
      procedures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Surgery performed later in the week has been associated with longer
      length of stay (LOS). The aim of this study was to assess if the day of the
      surgery impacted the LOS for two major urological procedures in a tertiary
      referral university teaching hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review was
      performed of two major urological procedures consecutively performed by a single
      surgeon in our unit from March 2012 to December 2015. Patient demographics,
      histopathological characteristics, operative details, and LOS were obtained from
      the patients' medical records. Procedures performed on Monday or Tuesday were
      defined as early in the week and procedures performed on Wednesday, Thursday, or
      Friday were defined as late in the week. RESULTS: During the study period, 140
      open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and 42 open partial nephrectomy (OPN) procedures
      were performed. There was a significant difference in median LOS for major
      urological procedures performed early in the week compared to late in the week (3
      [3-4] days vs. 4 [4-5] days; p= 0.0001). There was a significant difference in
      median LOS for ORP performed early in the week compared to late in the week (3 [3
      4] days vs. 4 [4-5] days; p= 0.0004). There was a similar significant difference
      in OPN performed early in the week compared to late in the week (4 [3-5.5] days
      vs. 5 [4-5] days; p= 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: The day of surgery impacts LOS for
      major urological procedures. Major procedures should be performed early in the
      week, when it is feasible to facilitate prompt safe discharge and better use of
      hospital resources.

PMID- 28096921
TI  - A sequential comparison of postoperative voiding function between two different
      transobturator sling procedures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We evaluated sequential postoperative voiding function of two types
      of sling procedures (Monarc(r) and ALIGN(r)) in patients with stress urinary
      incontinence. METHODS: Ninety-one women diagnosed with urodynamic stress
      incontinence were randomly assigned to the study. All enrolled patients underwent
      Monarc or ALIGN procedure. They were postoperatively evaluated at one day, one
      week, one month, three months, 12 months, and 24 months. The voiding function was
      evaluated with uroflowmetry and post-void residual urine. Patients were asked if
      voiding had changed after surgery and had to complete the incontinence quality of
      life scale (I-QoL) questionnaire at 12 months. RESULTS: The Monarc (n=47) and
      ALIGN (n=44) groups had similar demographic characteristics. The maximal flow
      rate (Qmax) was significantly decreased on the first day after surgery and
      gradually increased during the following weeks. Comparing the two groups at one
      week, the ALIGN group had a significantly decreased Qmax than the Monarc group
      (17.6 +/- 5.2 vs. 20.7 +/- 5.0; p=0.004). However, at one, three, 12, and 24
      months, there were no significant differences between the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that an absorbable tensioning suture in the
      Monarc mesh could increase Qmax compared to ALIGN at one week after surgery. An
      absorbable tensioning suture may reduce the risk of an early postoperative
      voiding dysfunction compared to other meshes that do not have this.

PMID- 28096922
TI  - Relationship between Gleason score and apparent diffusion coefficients of
      diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We assessed the correlation between the apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) and pathological Gleason score (GS) of prostate cancer
      patients. METHODS: A total of 125 patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic
      resonance imaging before radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer were included
      in this study. ADC values were compared with different GS. We used receiver
      operating characteristic analysis and determined the ADC cutoff value to
      differentiate tumours with a GS of 6 from those with a GS >=7. RESULTS: We
      identified 34 patients (27.2%) with a GS of 6; 33 patients (26.4%) with a GS of
      7; 22 patients (17.6%) with a GS of 8; and 36 patients (28.8%) with a GS of >=9.
      The mean ADC value for disease with a GS of 6 was 0.914 +/- 0.161 *10-3 mm2/s; GS
      of 7: 0.741 +/- 0.164 *10-3 mm2/s; GS of 8: 0.679 +/- 0.130 *10-3 mm2/s; and GS
      of >=9: 0.593 +/- 0.089 *10-3 mm2/s. An ADC value of 0.830 *10-3mm2/s was the
      best cutoff value to identify prostate cancer with a GS of 6. CONCLUSIONS: We
      observed an inverse relationship between GS and ADC value. Moreover, a cutoff ADC
      value may help differentiate disease with a GS of 6 from disease with a GS >=7.

PMID- 28096923
TI  - Role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in prediction of Gleason score upgrading
      and disease upstaging in low-risk prostate cancer patients eligible for active
      surveillance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Active surveillance (AS) is an option for management of low-risk
      prostate cancer (PCa). However, grade and stage progression is an important
      consideration. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a useful marker of cancer
      related inflammation. In this study, we aimed to identify the roles of neutrophil
      count (NC), lymphocyte count (LC), and NLR to predict Gleason score (GS)
      upgrading, disease upstaging, and biochemical recurrence rates (BCR) in low-risk
      PCa patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data of 210 low-risk PCa
      patients eligible for AS, but who underwent radical prostatectomy. The roles of
      NC, LC, and NLR on the GS upgrading, disease upstaging, and BCR rates were
      investigated. Univariate and multivariate models were used to determine the
      effect of these parameters. RESULTS: There were 104 and 106 patients in the NLR
      <2.5 and NLR >=2.5 groups, respectively. GS upgrading in the NLR >=2.5 group was
      more common than in the NLR<2.5 group (p=0.04). The NLR >=2.5 group had
      significantly higher GS (8-10; p=0.03). With regard to NLR, the groups were found
      to have similar rates of disease upstaging (9/104 in NLR <2.5 vs. 16/106 in NLR
      >=2.5; p=0.200). BCR rates were also significantly different between groups
      (p=0.033). NC an LC were not found to be associated with GS upgrading, disease
      upstaging, or BCR. CONCLUSIONS: NLR is a predictor of GS upgrading and BCR, but
      not disease upstaging in patients with low-risk PCa. Furthermore, higher NLR was
      found to be associated with higher GS PCa. NLR is a cost-effective and easily
      accessible tool that can be used in the decision-making process for treatment of
      low-risk PCa cases.

PMID- 28096919
TI  - CUA guideline on the evaluation and medical management of the kidney stone
      patient - 2016 update.

PMID- 28096924
TI  - Scrotal recurrence of germ cell tumour in a non-violated scrotum.
AB  - Testicular cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in males aged 15-30 years.
      For over a century, radical inguinal orchiectomy has been the standard of care
      for initial treatment of testicular cancer. This approach is preferred over trans
      scrotal interventions, in an effort to avoid tumour seeding, spermatic cord
      invasion, and disturbance to lymphatic drainage. Scrotal violation is defined as
      any trans-scrotal intervention that may impact spread of disease in testicular
      cancer, including scrotal orchiectomy, fine-needle aspiration, and testicular
      biopsy. Studies have shown statistically significant differences in local
      recurrence rates between patients who undergo the standard inguinal surgical
      approach and cases with scrotal violation. Over 95% of testicular cancers are
      curative, often with surgery alone. Recurrence of disease is divided into two
      categories: local and distant sites. Local recurrence of testicular cancer
      involves the scrotal and inguinal regions, including superficial inguinal lymph
      nodes. More commonly, local recurrence is seen in cases of testicular cancer with
      scrotal violation. We describe a case of local recurrence of testicular cancer in
      a non-violated scrotum, a finding that has not been previously reported in the
      literature.

PMID- 28096925
TI  - Penile metastasis from primary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder sparing
      the urethra.
AB  - Metastatic involvement of the penis is relatively infrequent. Metastasis of
      transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is extremely rare. We report a case of bladder
      TCC with metastases to the penis that spares the urethra - a finding that, to the
      best of our knowledge, has not been previously reported. Of the documented
      mechanisms of metastatic transmission to the penis, we suspect the cause was
      retrograde lymphatic spread. In our case, a 59-year-old male presented to our
      clinic initially with phimosis and later developed gross hematuria. Subsequent
      cystoscopy noted the appearance of tumour extending into the prostate, as well as
      the appearance of extensive TCC throughout the bladder. Following transurethral
      resection of prostate and bladder tissue, which demonstrated high-grade
      urothelial carcinoma, the patient underwent a radical cystoprostatectomy. A year
      later, he developed worsening gross hematuria and we noted the appearance of
      primary penile squamous cell malignancy. He then underwent a partial penectomy.
      The histopathology evaluation result from the partial penectomy revealed
      infiltration of TCC in the glans penis, as well as invasion into the corpus
      spongiosum, with sparing of the urethra.

PMID- 28096926
TI  - Congenital anterior urethral diverticulum presenting as a scrotal mass in a two
      year-old child.
AB  - Here, we describe a case of congenital anterior urethral diverticulum (CAUD) in a
      two-year-old boy, who presented with right inguinoscrotal swelling that mimicked
      a spermatic cord cyst or hydrocele. Accurate diagnosis was made intraoperatively
      by retrograde urethrography. Open diverticulectomy and primary urethroplasty were
      performed for its management. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and the
      management of this rare condition is discussed.

PMID- 28096927
TI  - Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma metastasizing to the penile shaft.
AB  - We present the case of a 50-year-old man with a periurethral mass. He was
      previously known for sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) of the left foot,
      having an amputation for local recurrence with >2 cm negative margins. A solid
      periurethral mass was surgically excised seven months later, yielding the
      diagnosis of metastatic SEF. This is the first documented metastasis of SEF to
      the penis. These sarcomas have proven difficult to treat, with high recurrence
      rates despite a multimodal approach.

PMID- 28096928
TI  - Spontaneous uretero-sigmoid fistula secondary to calculus.
AB  - A 25-year-old man was referred to the urology department after a subacute history
      of left back pain, burning micturition associated with pneumaturia and fecaluria.
      Ultrasonography was performed showing hydronephrosis, and plain film radiography
      demonstrated a long vertical left pelvic calculi. Uro-computed tomography (CT)
      combined with a water enema CT showed a 10 cm long calculus with the cranial
      extremity fistulating the sigmoidal wall. Surgical treatment included left
      nephroureterectomy and sigmoidectomy with a colorectal anastomosis. Postoperative
      course was uneventful.

PMID- 28096929
TI  - Tremendous non-progressed chromophobe renal cell carcinoma for eight years
      performed by laparoscope.
AB  - The prognostic role of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) is still
      controversial. Here, we report on a patient who lived with tremendous non
      progressed renal malignant tumour for eight years. The 32-year-old patient
      presented to our hospital with a huge renal tumour. Computed tomography (CT) scan
      showed a tumour 12 cm in diameter at the upper pole of the right kidney. Trans
      abdominal laparoscopic right radical nephrectomy was performed. Histopathological
      examination confirmed this tumour to be a ChRCC. The phenomenon of long-term non
      progressed renal malignant tumour will help us further understand the
      characteristics of ChRCC.

PMID- 28096930
TI  - Management of adult concealed penis using a meshed, split-thickness skin graft.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Concealed penis (CP) is a rare problem faced by urologists and
      plastic surgeons. CP occurs secondary to trauma, obesity, or infection. Surgical
      treatment is individualized and based on patient and provider variables. We aim
      to review our recent experience using meshed split-thickness skin grafting (STSG)
      for CP management. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients who
      underwent STSG for CP at our institution. Records were reviewed for demographic,
      operative, and postoperative variables. Preoperative and postoperative photos
      were obtained to monitor cosmetic results. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent CP
      release with meshed STSG placement. All cases showed improved functional phallic
      length and good cosmetic results, regardless of etiology. CONCLUSIONS: STSG is a
      viable option for penile coverage for management of this difficult-to-treat CP
      population. This primary or salvage modality offers excellent cosmetic results
      and may be used following prior reconstructive attempts.

PMID- 28096931
TI  - ?

PMID- 28096933
TI  - The association of male pattern baldness and risk of cancer and high-grade
      disease among men presenting for prostate biopsy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Androgens have been implicated in both male pattern baldness (MPB)
      and prostate cancer (PCa). We set out to prospectively determine if men with
      independently assessed MPB are at higher risk for PCa at biopsy and determine if
      any grade associations exist. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 394 eligible
      patients presenting for prostate biopsy and independently determined their MPB
      pattern using the validated modified Norwood classification system (0: no
      balding; 1: frontal balding; 2: mild vertex balding; 3: moderate vertex balding;
      4: sever vertex balding). Univariate and multivariable models, including Norwood
      score, age, prostate-specific antigen, and digital rectal examination
      abnormalities, were calculated for the outcomes of cancer and high-grade disease
      (Gleason >6). C-statistics analyses of our models were then compared with and
      without MPB pattern for marginal utility. RESULTS: Norwood patterns were
      increasingly associated with cancer and high-grade disease with a dose-effect (p
      for trend <0.001 on univariate and multivariable analyses for cancer and p=0.001
      and p=0.0036 for high-grade disease on univariate and multivariable analyses,
      respectively). On multivariable analyses, trends still held, with all patients
      exhibiting Norwood scale 3 and 4 at increased risk for cancer. In predicting risk
      of high-grade disease, only patients with Norwood pattern 4 exhibited an
      increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: MPB appears to be a strong and independent risk
      factor for both cancer and high-grade disease for men presenting for prostate
      biopsy. Ours could be superior to marketed costly genetic tests. Further research
      is needed to understand the biology behind this observation and to incorporate
      these findings into clinical decision-making.

PMID- 28096934
TI  - First-line treatment options in metastatic renal cell cancer.
AB  - The introduction of targeted therapy a decade ago revolutionized the treatment of
      metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The current standard of care focuses on
      the inhibition of angiogenesis through the targeting of the vascular endothelial
      growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).
      Currently recommended first-line treatments in Canada include sunitinib,
      pazopanib, and temsirolimus. With the heterogeneity of mRCC disease, the choice
      of treatment is driven largely by prognostic factors.

PMID- 28096932
TI  - Contemporary agents in the management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate
      cancer.
AB  - Docetaxel-based chemotherapy has been the standard of care for metastatic
      castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) since 2004. Over the past few years,
      there has been a significant paradigm shift in the treatment landscape of this
      disease. A deeper understanding of prostate cancer biology, along with the
      development of novel agents has created hope towards treating chemotherapy-naive
      and resistant disease. Following the implementation of docetaxel as the first
      line therapy for mCRPC, five novel therapies have demonstrated survival benefit
      in mCRPC. Cabazitaxel, abiraterone acetate, and enzalutamide are three agents
      recently approved for the treatment of mCRPC, having shown overall survival
      benefit in patients previously treated with docetaxel, while both abiraterone
      acetate and enzalutamide have also shown promise in the pre-docetaxel setting.
      Sipuleucel-T has shown overall survival benefit in asymptomatic mCRPC, while
      radium-223 provides survival benefit to patients with mCRPC who are symptomatic
      from their skeletal metastases in both docetaxel-naive patients and post
      docetaxel patients. Denosumab, an anti-RANKL antibody, has been approved for the
      prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with prostate cancer bone
      metastases. This review examines the phase 3 trials supporting the use of theses
      novel agents in the treatment of mCRPC. While these agents provide incremental
      increases in patient survival, further study to determine the best choice,
      combination, and/or sequencing of administration is still necessary.

PMID- 28096935
TI  - Practical first-line management of renal cell carcinoma in a community practice.
AB  - Sunitinib is an oral receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets
      signalling by vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs). The standard
      sunitinib dosing schedule for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is 50 mg for
      four weeks (28 days) of treatment, followed by a two-week (14-day) break from
      treatment (four/two schedule). However, this schedule is associated with
      toxicities that can limit the patient's health-related quality of life (HRQOL)
      and impede treatment compliance. Given the generally incurable nature of mRCC and
      the toxicity associated with therapy, treatment strategies should focus on
      achieving long-term response, preserving HRQOL, and minimizing treatment-related
      toxicity. The William Osler Cancer Clinic in Brampton, ON, has instituted an
      alternative schedule of sunitinib treatment as our standard dosing strategy,
      involving two weeks of treatment, followed by a one-week break (two/one
      schedule), to minimize toxicity and improve HRQOL among their patients with mRCC.

PMID- 28096936
TI  - Treatment options in advanced renal cell carcinoma after first-line treatment
      with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
AB  - Targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) was introduced a
      decade ago and since then, a number of therapeutic options have been developed.
      Vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy is the widely accepted first
      line option for mRCC. After progression, treatment in the second-line setting has
      typically been with either axitinib or everolimus. However, with the advent of
      several new agents demonstrating efficacy in the second-line setting, including
      nivolumab, cabozantinib, and the combination of lenvatinib and everolimus, the
      treatment paradigm has shifted toward these novel therapies with improved patient
      outcomes.

PMID- 28096937
TI  - Sunitinib side effects as surrogate biomarkers of efficacy.
AB  - With the proliferation of treatment options for the management of metastatic
      renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) over the past decade, predictive markers of response
      to therapy are becoming increasingly important. Sunitinib is commonly used in the
      first-line treatment of mRCC. Common mechanism-based adverse events, including
      hypertension, hypothyroidism, hand-foot syndrome, and neutropenia, have been
      explored as potential biomarkers of the clinical efficacy of sunitinib in mRCC
      and are reviewed in this article.

PMID- 28096938
TI  - Sunitinib toxicity management - a practical approach.
AB  - This article summarizes the adverse events (AEs) of sunitinib that are commonly
      encountered in a community oncology practice, and provides practical
      recommendations for their management based on the available literature and on the
      author's own experience.

PMID- 28096939
TI  - Can individualized sunitinib dose and schedule changes optimize outcomes for
      kidney cancer patients?
AB  - The recommended starting dose and schedule for sunitinib is 50 mg daily for 28
      days, followed by a 14-day break with significant dose reductions to 37.5 mg (75%
      of starting dose), and then 25 mg (50% of starting dose) on the same schedule
      (four/two schedule). There are several reasons why these dose and scheduling
      recommendations may not be optimal for most patients, as outlined below.

PMID- 28096940
TI  - The next 10 years: Challenges for the future and overcoming resistance to
      targeted therapies for renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - The introduction of targeted therapies over the past 10 years revolutionized the
      treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The next 10 years hold
      promise for even greater expansion of the therapeutic armamentarium for mRCC. A
      number of recently completed and ongoing trials have explored the use of
      antivascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in the
      adjuvant setting, the use of predictive biomarkers to guide personalized
      medicine, as well as new systemic treatments and combination therapies for mRCC.

PMID- 28096942
TI  - Plant-Derived Antioxidants in Disease Prevention.

PMID- 28096941
TI  - Transport of biomolecules to binding partners displayed on the surface of
      microbeads arrayed in traps in a microfluidic cell.
AB  - Arrays of probe molecules integrated into a microfluidic cell are utilized as
      analytical tools to screen the binding interactions of the displayed probes
      against a target molecule. These assay platforms are useful in enzyme or antibody
      discovery, clinical diagnostics, and biosensing, as their ultraminiaturized
      design allows for high sensitivity and reduced consumption of reagents and
      target. We study here a platform in which the probes are first grafted to
      microbeads which are then arrayed in the microfluidic cell by capture in a
      trapping course. We examine a course which consists of V-shaped, half-open
      enclosures, and study theoretically and experimentally target mass transfer to
      the surface probes. Target binding is a two step process of diffusion across
      streamlines which convect the target over the microbead surface, and kinetic
      conjugation to the surface probes. Finite element simulations are obtained to
      calculate the target surface concentration as a function of time. For slow
      convection, large diffusive gradients build around the microbead and the trap,
      decreasing the overall binding rate. For rapid convection, thin diffusion
      boundary layers develop along the microbead surface and within the trap,
      increasing the binding rate to the idealized limit of untrapped microbeads in a
      channel. Experiments are undertaken using the binding of a target, fluorescently
      labeled NeutrAvidin, to its binding partner biotin, on the microbead surface.
      With the simulations as a guide, we identify convective flow rates which minimize
      diffusion barriers so that the transport rate is only kinetically determined and
      measure the rate constant.

PMID- 28096944
TI  - Assessment of the changes in alveolar bone quality after fixed orthodontic
      therapy: A trabecular structure analysis.
AB  - Background. Tooth displacement changes the periodontium. The aim of orthodontic
      treatment is desired tooth movement with minimum side effects on the alveolar
      bone quality. The aim of the present study was to assess changes of alveolar
      trabeculation in children, young adults and adults and the two genders. Methods.
      In this cross-sectional study, 63 patients who had been treated in Department of
      Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz,
      Iran, were chosen with convenient sampling method. They were divided into three
      groups based on their age. Their digitized panoramic radiographs (PRs) were
      evaluated at six interdental sites from the mesial aspect of the mandibular
      second molars to the distal aspect of the mandibular first premolars using a
      visual index. The trabeculation pattern was assigned as either dense (score 3),
      dense-sparse (score 2) or sparse (score 1). Data were imported to SPSS. Mean of
      the scores before treatment (score B) and mean of them after treatment (score A)
      were compared for each group with paired t-test. Changes between score B and sore
      A of the groups were compared using one-way ANOVA and post hoc tests. Results.
      Mean score A was significantly higher than mean score B in children (P = 0.001).
      In contrast, mean score A was significantly lower than mean score B in young
      adults (P = 0.003). Conclusion. Orthodontists should be cautious when treating
      young adults and adults regarding the probable, yet possibly temporary, negative
      effects of orthodontic therapy on the alveolar bone quality.

PMID- 28096943
TI  - Nitric Oxide: Exploring the Contextual Link with Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Neuronal inflammation is a systematically organized physiological step often
      triggered to counteract an invading pathogen or to rid the body of damaged and/or
      dead cellular debris. At the crux of this inflammatory response is the deployment
      of nonneuronal cells: microglia, astrocytes, and blood-derived macrophages. Glial
      cells secrete a host of bioactive molecules, which include proinflammatory
      factors and nitric oxide (NO). From immunomodulation to neuromodulation, NO is a
      renowned modulator of vast physiological systems. It essentially mediates these
      physiological effects by interacting with cyclic GMP (cGMP) leading to the
      regulation of intracellular calcium ions. NO regulates the release of
      proinflammatory molecules, interacts with ROS leading to the formation of
      reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and targets vital organelles such as
      mitochondria, ultimately causing cellular death, a hallmark of many
      neurodegenerative diseases. AD is an enervating neurodegenerative disorder with
      an obscure etiology. Because of accumulating experimental data continually
      highlighting the role of NO in neuroinflammation and AD progression, we explore
      the most recent data to highlight in detail newly investigated molecular
      mechanisms in which NO becomes relevant in neuronal inflammation and oxidative
      stress-associated neurodegeneration in the CNS as well as lay down up-to-date
      knowledge regarding therapeutic approaches targeting NO.

PMID- 28096945
TI  - FT-Raman spectroscopic characterization of enamel surfaces irradiated with Nd:YAG
      and Er:YAG lasers.
AB  - Background. Despite recent advances in dental caries prevention, caries is common
      and remains a serious health problem. Laser irradiation is one of the most common
      methods in preventive measures in recent years. Raman spectroscopy technique is
      utilized to study the microcrystalline structure of dental enamel. In this study,
      FT-Raman spectroscopy was used to evaluate chemical changes in enamel structure
      irradiated with Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers. Methods. We used 15 freshly-extracted,
      non-carious, human molars that were treated as follows: No treatment was carried
      out in group A (control group); Group B was irradiated with Er:YAG laser for 10
      seconds under air and water spray; and Group C was irradiated with Nd:YAG laser
      for 10 seconds under air and water spray. After treatment, the samples were
      analyzed by FT-Raman spectroscopy. Results. The carbonate content evaluation with
      regard to the integrated area under the curve (1065/960 cm-1) exhibited a
      significant reduction in its ratio in groups B and C. The organic content
      (2935/960 cm-1) area exhibited a significant decrease after laser irradiation in
      group B and C. Conclusion. The results showed that the mineral and organic
      matrices of enamel structure were affected by laser irradiation; therefore, it
      might be a suitable method for caries prevention.

PMID- 28096946
TI  - Effect of different bleaching strategies on microhardness of a silorane-based
      composite resin.
AB  - Background. Dentists' awareness of the effects of bleaching agents on the surface
      and mechanical properties of restorative materials is of utmost importance.
      Therefore, this in vitro study was undertaken to investigate the effects of
      different bleaching strategies on the microhardness of a silorane-based composite
      resin. Methods. Eighty samples of a silorane-based composite resin (measuring 4
      mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) were prepared within acrylic molds. The
      samples were polished and randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=20). Group 1
      (controls) were stored in distilled water for 2 weeks. The samples in group 2
      underwent a bleaching procedure with 15% carbamide peroxide for two weeks two
      hours daily. The samples in group 3 were bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide
      twice 5 days apart for 30 minutes each time. The samples in group 4 underwent a
      bleaching procedure with light-activated 35% hydrogen peroxide under LED light
      once for 40 minutes. Then the microhardness of the samples was determined using
      Vickers method. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (P
      < 0.05). Results. All the bleaching agents significantly decreased microhardness
      compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, there were significant
      differences in microhardness between groups 2 and 4 (P = 0.001) and between
      groups 3 and 4 (P<0.001). However, no significant differences were detected in
      microhardness between groups 2 and 3 (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Bleaching agents
      decreased microhardness of silorane-based composite resin restorations, the
      magnitude of which depending on the bleaching strategy used.

PMID- 28096947
TI  - Antibacterial efficacy of AH Plus and AH26 sealers mixed with amoxicillin, triple
      antibiotic paste and nanosilver.
AB  - Background. Elimination of bacteria from the root canal system is one of the aims
      of endodontic treatment; hence the incorporation of antibiotics into sealers can
      increase their antimicrobial efficacy. The aim of the present study was to
      determine the in vitro antimicrobial effects of AH26 and AH Plus sealers mixed
      with amoxicillin, triple antibiotic paste and nanosilver on Enterococcus
      faecalis. Methods. In this experiment, amoxicillin, triple antibiotic paste and
      nanosilver powder were added at 10% of the total sealer weight to AH26 and AH
      Plus sealers and then cultured freshly or after 1, 3, and 7 days with suspension
      of E. faecalis for 24 hours. The zones of growth inhibition for E. faecalis were
      evaluated in each group. Results. Incorporation of nanosilver did not increase
      antibacterial effects of the sealers. Sealers combined with amoxicillin exhibited
      the highest antibacterial efficacy in fresh condition. In the set specimens, the
      results demonstrated that the mixture of sealers and triple antibiotic pastes
      exhibited the greatest antibacterial efficacy. Conclusion. Amoxicillin and triple
      antibiotic paste significantly improved the antibacterial properties of AH Plus
      and AH26 sealers. Such properties decreased with time, but the use of sealer
      amoxicillin/triple paste combination was still superior to using sealers alone or
      in combination with nanosilver.

PMID- 28096948
TI  - Efficacy of Hypozalix spray and propolis mouthwash for prevention of chemotherapy
      induced oral mucositis in leukemic patients: A double-blind randomized clinical
      trial.
AB  - Background. Oral mucositis is the chief complication of head and neck
      chemotherapy. This study was conducted to evaluate Hypozalix artificial saliva
      and propolis mouthwash efficacy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral
      mucositis in leukemic patients. Methods. The present double-blind clinical trial
      was carried out on 72 patients undergoing chemotherapy. The patients were
      assigned to 3 groups. In the control group, CHX mouthwash and fluconazole were
      used by the subjects. In groups 1 and 2, Hypozalix and propolis mouthwashes were
      added to the combination therapy used in the control group. The results were
      compared between the three groups after 14 days. Results. Mean score A was
      significantly higher than mean score B in children (P = 0.001). In contrast, mean
      score A was significantly lower than mean score B in young adults (P = 0.003).
      Conclusion. Use of Hypozalix spray or propolis mouthwash in association with CHX
      mouthwash and fluconazole simultaneously at the start of chemotherapy resulted in
      a decrease in chemotherapy complications after 14 days. In many cases the use of
      propolis mouthwash yielded better results and the patients exhibited a greater
      tendency to continue to use it.

PMID- 28096950
TI  - Evaluation of mast cell counts and microvessel density in reactive lesions of the
      oral cavity.
AB  - Background. Reliable immunohistochemical assays to assess the definitive role of
      mast cells (MCs) and angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of oral reactive lesions
      are generally not available. The aim of the present study was to evaluate mast
      cell counts (MCC) and microvessel density (MVD) in oral reactive lesions and
      determine the correlation between MCC and MVD. Methods. Seventy-five cases of
      reactive lesions of the oral cavity, including pyogenic granuloma, fibroma,
      peripheral giant cell granuloma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, peripheral
      ossifying fibroma (15 for each category) were immunohisto-chemically stained with
      MC tryptase and CD31. Fifteen cases of normal gingival tissue were considered as
      the control group. The mean MCC and MVD in superficial and deep connective
      tissues were assessed and total MCC and MVD was computed for each lesion. Results
      . Statistically significant differences were observed in MCC and MVD between the
      study groups (P < 0.001). MC tryptase and CD31 expression increased in the
      superficial connective tissue of each lesion in comparison to the deep con
      nective tissue. A significant negative correlation was not found between MCC and
      MVD in oral reactive lesions (P < 0.001, r = -0.458). Conclusion. Although MCs
      were present in the reactive lesions of the oral cavity, a direct correlation
      between MCC and MVD was not found in these lesions. Therefore, a significant
      interaction between MCs and endothelial cells and an active role for MCs in the
      growth of oral reactive lesions was not found in this study.

PMID- 28096949
TI  - Association between anxiety, obesity and periodontal disease in smokers and non
      smokers: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - Background. Psychological stress is known to be a relevant risk factor for many
      inflammatory conditions, including periodontal disease. A few studies have probed
      the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. Therefore this cross
      sectional study was aimed to examine the relationship between psychological
      stress and obesity and periodontal disease in smokers and non-smokers. Methods.
      The participants included 90 patients, equally divided into three groups of non
      smokers and periodontally healthy, non-smokers and smokers with untreated
      moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis. Socioeconomic data, psychosocial
      measurements, physical parameters and clinical findings of PPD, CAL, PI and GI
      were recorded. Results. The clinical parameters were assessed for three groups in
      three different anxiety levels of mild, moderate and severe. Intra-group
      comparison of PPD and CAL in the three anxiety levels showed increased
      periodontal destruction with an increase in anxiety levels, the results being
      statistically highly significant for PPD differences in smokers (P < 0.0001). The
      mean differences in PPD and CAL in severe anxiety levels between smokers and non
      smokers were 0.68 mm and 0.70 mm and both the findings were statistically
      significant. The mean PPD and CAL in smoker and non-smoker groups in obese
      patients was higher as compared to non-obese patients and the differences were
      highly significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion. The results of our study indicated a
      positive and strong correlation between anxiety, obesity and periodontal disease
      in smokers and non-smokers. Smoking appears to further attenuate this
      association.

PMID- 28096951
TI  - Evaluation of changes in anthropometric indexes due to intermaxillary fixation
      following facial fractures.
AB  - Background. One of the treatment modalities for facial fractures is closed
      reduction technique, but treatment with intermaxillary fixation (IMF) interferes
      with normal nutrition, and malnutrition can affect the patient's recovery.
      Anthropometric measurements such as skinfold thickness and body mass index (BMI)
      are universal indexes for diagnosing malnutrition. Therefore, in this study we
      explain how treatment with IMF changes the anthropometric indexes. Methods. In
      this study 60 patients were treated with 4 weeks of IMF. Skinfold thickness and
      BMI of these patients were measured and compared before and after the treatment.
      Results. Patients' weight, BMI and skinfold thickness decreased during the IMF
      period, and this decrease was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Conclusion.
      Although no severe and acute malnutrition was seen among our patients, IMF led to
      mild to moderate malnutrition in some cases, making it necessary to use
      nutritional supplements.

PMID- 28096952
TI  - The effect of irrigating solutions on the apical sealing ability of MTA Fillapex
      and Adseal root canal sealers.
AB  - Background. Maximum sealing ability or adhesion of endodontic sealers can be
      achieved after effective removal of the smear layer. Endodontic irrigants assist
      in adequate removal of the smear layer, improving the retention mechanism. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different root canal
      irrigation solutions (5.25% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA and QMix) on the apical
      sealing ability of two different root canal sealers (MTA Fillapex and Adseal).
      Methods. Forty-six single-canal teeth were divided into 4 experimental groups of
      10 teeth each and a positive and negative group of 3 teeth each. The root canals
      were prepared using step-back technique. The teeth in groups 1 and 2 were
      irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA and the teeth in groups 3 and 4
      were irrigated with QMix. Finally all the teeth were flushed with sterile saline
      and dried using paper points. Obturation was accomplished by gutta-percha using
      lateral condensation technique. MTA Fillapex sealer was used in groups 1 and 3
      whereas Adseal was used in groups 2 and 4. Dye penetration method was used to
      evaluate apical leakage. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney
      U tests using SPSS 14. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results.
      Group 3 showed maximum amount of apical leakage (3.7+/-0.3 mm) whereas group 2
      exhibited the least amount of apical leakage (2.1 +/- 0.4 mm) among all the
      experimental groups. Significant differences were found in the amount of apical
      leakage between all the groups (P = 0.00001). Conclusion. Within the limitations
      of this study, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite followed by 17% EDTA and Adseal resulted
      in the best apical seal.

PMID- 28096953
TI  - Determining the distance from the lingual frenum anterior attachment to the lower
      incisors' incisal edges.
AB  - Background. Occlusal rims are used to determine the jaw relationships in the
      transverse and vertical dimensions and estimate the inter-occlusal distance in
      edentulous patients. It is important to find ways to determine the height and
      shape of the occlusal rims correctly. This study was undertaken to determine the
      exact distance from the oral cavity floor to the incisal edges of mandibular
      incisors to serve as a guide for adjusting the height of the mandibular occlusal
      rim. Methods. Forty patients were selected and special trays were fabricated to
      prepare accurate stone casts on which the measurements were made at 0.01-mm
      accuracy. Two marks were placed on the casts at the incisal edges of mandibular
      incisors and at anterior attachment of lingual frenum. Then the distance between
      these two marks was determined on the vertical spindle of a surveyor using a
      digital Vernier measuring tool and recorded. Results. The results showed that the
      mean and standard deviation of the distances between the oral cavity floor and
      the incisal edges of lower incisors were 14.35 +/- 1.68 mm, with a range of 10.2
      17.02 mm. The mean distances in males and females were 15.42 +/- 0.97 and 13.28
      +/- 1.57 mm, respectively. T-test showed significant differences in this distance
      between males and females, with greater distances in males. Conclusion. The
      distance between the oral cavity floor and the incisal edges of mandibular
      incisors at anterior attachment of lingual frenum might be a proper criterion for
      the initial adjustment of occlusal rims.

PMID- 28096954
TI  - HIV stigma: perceptions from HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in a
      community dental clinic.
AB  - Background. In the medical sense, stigma has been defined as the collection of
      negative attitudes and beliefs that are directed at people living with a
      particular condition or disease process. A cohort study was conducted to explore
      the HIV stigma that is perceived by HIV-positive individuals versus that
      perceived by the general population within a community-based dental clinic.
      Methods. Two separate and independent cross-sectional surveys, the Berger Stigma
      Scale and the Rutgers-Modified Berger Stigma Scale, were employed in order to
      analyze the stigma factors of an HIV-positive population versus an HIV-negative
      general population, respectively. The HIV stigma factors studied included
      personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, negative self-image, and concern with
      public attitudes. Results. The total stigma scale scores for the studied HIV
      positive population were significantly lower than the total stigma scale scores
      for the studied HIV-negative population (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Interestingly,
      there is a misplaced expectation by the general population that HIV-positive
      individuals experience more stigma than the HIV-positive population in the clinic
      actually reported. Interventions to reduce HIV stigma should be an integral
      component of comprehensive care for all patients.

PMID- 28096955
TI  - Environmental and perceived stress in Australian dental undergraduates:
      Preliminary outcomes.
AB  - Background. Dental students have reported a high prevalence of psychological
      stress and the causes are associated with the challenging dental environmental
      and demographic factors. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary investigation
      on dental students' stress status, using a sample of first-to-third-year Bachelor
      of Dental Surgery students in an Australian university. Special interests
      included causes of dental environmental stress and access to help services.
      Methods. A sample of 145 students was surveyed with a modified Dental
      Environmental Survey and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale in 2014. The
      participants' demographic information was also collected. Results. The response
      rate was 95.4%. Second-year (P = 0.042), third-year (P < 0.001) and employed
      students (P = 0.027) were more likely to report stress resulting from transition
      to clinical learning. Third-year students were more often stressed about
      communicating and approaching staff (P = 0.023) as well as different opinions
      between staff (P < 0.001) and reduced holidays (P < 0.001). Students that were
      younger than 21 years of age (P = 0.001), that were first years (P < 0.001), and
      that were not in a relationship (P = 0.010) more often found difficulty of course
      work stressful. Students who were not in a relationship more often considered
      learning manual dexterity a source of stress (P = 0.034). Students previously
      seeking professional help were more likely to be stressed (P = 0.010).
      Conclusion. Causes of dental environment stress varied among years of study and
      demographic backgrounds. Professional support to stressed students should be
      enhanced. Further investigation is indicated.

PMID- 28096956
TI  - Erratum to: Effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on transferrin serum
      levels in patients with chronic periodontitis.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.15171/joddd.2016.027.].

PMID- 28096958
TI  - Survival, proliferation, and migration of human meningioma stem-like cells in a
      nanopeptide scaffold.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In order to grow cells in a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment,
      self-assembling peptides, such as PuraMatrix, have emerged with potential to
      mimic the extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to investigate
      the influence of the self-assembling peptide on the morphology, survival,
      proliferation rate, migration potential, and differentiation of human meningioma
      stem-like cells (hMgSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The efficacy of a novel method
      for placing hMgSCs in PuraMatrix (the injection approach) was compared to the
      encapsulation and surface plating methods. In addition, we designed a new method
      for measurement of migration distance in 3D cultivation of hMgSCs in PuraMatrix.
      RESULTS: Our results revealed that hMgSCs have the ability to form spheres in
      stem cell culture condition. These meningioma cells expressed GFAP, CD133,
      vimentin, and nestin. Using the injection method, a higher proliferation rate of
      the hMgSCs was observed after seven days of culture. Furthermore, the novel
      migration assay was able to measure the migration of a single cell alone in 3D
      environment. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the injection method as an
      efficient technique for culturing hMgSCs in PuraMatrix. Furthermore, the novel
      migration assay enables us to evaluate the migration of hMgSCs.

PMID- 28096957
TI  - Cinnamon effects on metabolic syndrome: a review based on its mechanisms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Nowadays, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major risk factors
      of death globally. One of the most undeniable reasons of CVDs is metabolic
      syndrome (MetS). MetS is defined as a complex of diseases including insulin
      resistance, hyperglycemia, obesity, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia. The use
      of complementary medicine such as traditional herbal species can be effective in
      treatment of MetS's complications. Cinnamomum verum (family Lauraceae) is a
      medicinal global plant which has been used daily by people all over the world.
      Positive effects of cinnamon in reducing blood pressure, plasma glucose, obesity
      and ameliorating dyslipidemia which represented in traditional medicine
      introduced it as probable decreasing MetS's complications agent. The aim of this
      review was to investigate the mechanisms of C. verum in reducing the MetS's
      complications and CVDs risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various databases
      such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and
      Persian Websites such as www.sid.ir with keywords search of cinnamon, cinnamomum,
      cinnamaldehyde, atherogenic, hypertension, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance,
      obesity and dyslipidemia have been included in this search. RESULTS: Clinical
      data and mechanisms of action of C. verum and its active ingredients that have
      been shown in this review indicated that cinnamon has protective effects against
      MetS's aspects in various ways. CONCLUSION: The use of this plant can be
      effective in reducing MetS's complications and its morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 28096959
TI  - The effect of aminoguanidine on sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane
      potential in varicocelized rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Increased levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the testicular veins of
      people suffering from varicocele have already been reported. However, the role of
      NO-synthase (NOS) isozymes and their inhibitors have not been extensively
      studied. We aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of aminoguanidine (AG), on
      sperm motility, vitality, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in
      varicocelized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty fore male Wister rats were
      divided into control, sham, varicocele, and treatment groups. Varicocele and
      treatment groups underwent partial ligation of left renal vein. Rats in the sham
      group underwent the same procedures as the varicocele group with the exception of
      vein ligation. 10 weeks after varicocele induction, sperm parameters were
      evaluated in all groups. The treatment group received 50 mg/kg AG injection daily
      for 10 weeks after which they were sacrificed prior to assessment of the
      parameters. Sperm viability and MMP were assessed by flow cytometry using
      propidium iodide (PI) and rhodamine 123 (Rh123), respectively. RESULTS: The
      results of this study show a decrease in sperm viability, motility and MMP in the
      varicocele group compared with the other groups. After AG injection, we observed
      that all the parameters were significantly enhanced in the treatment group
      compared with the other groups. Rh123 staining revealed a positive relation
      between MMP and sperm motility, whereas PI staining showed a positive relation
      between sperm motility and viability. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study show
      that AG improves sperm motility and MMP, and thus, might be useful in the
      management of varicocele-related infertility.

PMID- 28096960
TI  - Estrogen agonist genistein differentially influences the cognitive and motor
      disorders in an ovariectomized animal model of Parkinsonism.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder
      associated with motor disabilities and cognitive dysfunction as well. Evidence
      indicates that PD occurs less frequently in women than men, confirming a role for
      steroid hormones in protection of dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons. It is
      reported that soy genistein, an estrogen agonist phytoestrogen, display
      neuroprotective effects against neuronal death. In this study we evaluated the
      effect of genistein in animal models of Parkinsonism (P) and Parkinsonism +
      ovariectomized (OP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiments were carried out on
      the control, P and OP animals. Learning and memory abilities were evaluated using
      Morris water maze. The latency and speed of locating the platform were measured
      as cognitive indices. Motor behaviors were assessed by testing the animals in
      rota rod and the latency to fall from the rod was scored. RESULTS: We found that
      Parkinsonism leads to the cognitive and motor disabilities; ovariectomy
      intensified these disorders. Whereas genistein treatment improved the maze
      performances in both P and OP animals it failed to influence the kinetic
      problems. Genistein displayed a neuroprotective effect on dopaminergic neurons.
      CONCLUSION: Positive impact of genistein on the spatial learning and memory may
      reflect its effects on the nigrostriatal pathway and striatum. Nevertheless,
      ineffectiveness of genistein on the motor disorders, despite its neuroprotective
      impacts, led us to conclude that the cognitive improvement by genistein may also
      contribute to its effects in other areas of brain.

PMID- 28096961
TI  - Polysaccharide from Sepia esculenta ink and cisplatin inhibit synergistically
      proliferation and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to investigate synergistic inhibition of
      polysaccharide from Sepia esculenta ink (SIP), a newly isolated marine
      polysaccharide in our laboratory, on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells exposed to
      cisplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability of MDA-MB-231 cells was
      determined by CCK 8 assay. Median-effect concentration was analyzed using Chou
      Talalay method that was also subjected to determine cell inhibition ratio and
      combined index, as well as interaction between SIP and cisplatin. Proliferation
      and migration abilities were detected with plate colony formation assay and cell
      wound scratch assay, respectively. Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins was
      measured with Western blot assay. RESULTS: Data showed that SIP not only
      suppressed proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, and expression of MMP
      2 and MMP-9 proteins, also promoted inhibition of cisplatin on proliferation,
      migration and MMPs expression of MDA-MB-231 cells, which indicates synergy
      inhibition of drug combination of SIP and cisplatin on breast cancer cells. The
      median-effect concentrations of cisplatin and SIP were 4.9 and 1659.6 MUg/ml,
      respectively. Whereas the concentration of combination drug was 158.5 MUg/ml. The
      data indicated that drug combination can decrease dosages of the two single
      agents, especially the usual dosage of cisplatin. CONCLUSION: This research
      demonstrated that SIP repressed proliferation and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells
      and promoted anticancer effect of cisplatin on the breast cancer cells. The data
      suggested that SIP is a potential natural drug that can be used as an auxiliary
      medicine alongside chemotherapy in treating breast cancer.

PMID- 28096962
TI  - Extra virgin olive oil in maternal diet increases osteogenic genes expression,
      but high amounts have deleterious effects on bones in mice offspring at
      adolescence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Maternal high-fat diet has been shown to have deleterious effects on
      the offspring bones. However, there is no study to assess the effects of type and
      amount of maternal dietary oil in an isocaloric diet, with focus on extra virgin
      olive oil (EVOO). The objective of the current study was to test the hypothesis
      that type of maternal dietary oil has more effects than its amount in an
      isocaloric diet during gestation and lactation on bone genes expression in
      offspring in adolescence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Virgin female C57BL/6 mice were
      impregnated and fed either the AIN 93G diet (received 16% of calories as soybean
      oil, as a control diet, or EVOO) or a high fat AIN 93G diet (received 45% of
      calories as soybean oil or EVOO) from the time of vaginal plug confirmation until
      offspring's weaning. RESULTS: After adjusting for the amount of oils,
      osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor NF-kappaB ligand (OPG/RANK
      L) and OPG expressions were 6.1- and 2.8-folds higher in offspring born to EVOO
      compared with soybean oil-fed mothers. OPG, beta-catenin, and OPG/RANK-L
      expression were 88%, 94%, and 70% lower in offspring born to the 45% oil-fed
      mothers compared with the 16% group. In contrast, peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor gamma-2 (PPARgamma2) gene expression was higher in the 45% oil
      group, adjusted for the types of oil. CONCLUSION: Maternal EVOO consumption, but
      not soybean oil increased osteoblastic gene expression, and high amounts of both
      oils decreased osteoblastic and increased adipogenic genes expression in
      adolescent offspring.

PMID- 28096963
TI  - Effect of A-769662, a direct AMPK activator, on Tlr-4 expression and activity in
      mice heart tissue.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: TLR-4 activates a number of inflammatory signaling pathways. Also,
      AMPK could be involved in anti-inflammatory signaling. The aim of this study was
      to identify whether stimulation of AMPK could inhibit LPS-induced Tlr-4 gene
      expression in mice hearts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heart AMPK activity and/or Tlr
      4 expression was stimulated in different mice groups, using respectively IP
      injection of A-769662 (10 mg/kg) and LPS (2 mg/kg) or a combination of both
      agents. Moreover, compound-C (20 mg/kg), as an AMPK antagonist, was
      intraperitoneally co-administrated with both A-769662 and LPS in another group to
      investigate the role of AMPK activity on Tlr-4 regulation. After 8 hr, in
      addition to peripheral neutrophil cell count, myocardial p-AMPK, p-ACC as well as
      MyD88 protein contents and Tlr-4 expression was assessed by Western blotting and
      real-time qRT-PCR, respectively. TNF-alpha and IL-6 expression levels were also
      determined by ELISA. RESULTS: LPS induced heart Tlr-4 expression (P<0.001)
      associating with an increase in the myocardial MyD88 protein content (P<0.001),
      elevation of heart TNF-alpha (P<0.01) and IL-6 (P<0.05) concentrations, and rise
      in the peripheral neutrophil cell count (P<0.001). Administration of A-769662
      decreased LPS-induced Tlr-4 expression (P<0.01) and alleviated peripheral
      neutrophil cell count (P<0.01). The inhibitory effect of A-769662 on LPS-induced
      Tlr-4 expression was reversed by antagonizing AMPK with compound-C (P<0.001)
      which reduced p-AMPK (P<0.05) and p-ACC (P<0.01) myocardial protein contents in
      the LPS+A-769662 group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that activation of
      AMPK, by A-769662 agent, could inhibit Tlr-4 expression and activity, suggesting
      a link between AMPK and Tlr-4 in heart tissue.

PMID- 28096964
TI  - G-CSF for mobilizing transplanted bone marrow stem cells in rat model of
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used in clinical
      practice for the treatment of neutropenia and to stimulate generation of
      hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow donors. In the present study, the ability
      of G-CSF in mobilizing exogenous bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) from peripheral
      blood into the brain was tested. We for the first time injected a small amount of
      BMSCs through the tail vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We choose 25 male Wistar rats
      (200-250 g) were lesioned by 6-OHDA injected into the left substantia nigra, pars
      compacta (SNpc). G-CSF (70 ug/kg/day) was given from the 7th day after lesion for
      five days. The BMSCs (2*105) were injected through the dorsal tail vein on the
      7th day after lesion. RESULTS: The number of rotations was significantly lower in
      the stem cell therapy group than in the control group. In the third test in the
      received G-CSF and G-CSF+stem cells groups, animals displayed significant
      behavioral recovery compared with the control group (P<0.05). There was a
      significant difference in the average of dopaminergic neurons in SNpc between the
      control group and G-CSF and G-CS+stem cells groups. We didn't detect any labeling
      stem cells in SNpc. CONCLUSION: G-CSF can't mobilize low amounts of exogenous
      BMSCs from the blood stream to injured SNpc. But G-CSF (70 ug/kg) is more
      neuroprotective than BMSCs (2*105 number[w1] of BMSCs). Results of our study
      suggest that G-CSF alone is more neuroprotective than BMSCs.

PMID- 28096965
TI  - Molecular typing of nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus strains associated to
      biofilm based on the coagulase and protein A gene polymorphisms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Staphylococcus aureus is an important bacterial pathogen responsible
      for a variety numbers of nosocomial and community acquired infections. Biofilm
      formation is regarded as an important factor in the establishment of S. aureus
      infection. The contribution of the genetic background of S. aureus to biofilm
      formation is poorly understood. The aim of the present work was to genotype S.
      aureus strains associated to biofilm based on the coagulase and protein A genes
      and to evaluate the association between the genetic background and the biofilm
      forming ability of clinical S. aureus isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total
      number of 100 S. aureus were isolated from nosocomial infections and biofilm
      formation capability was investigated using phenotypic assay and molecular
      detection of biofilm associated genes. The strains were genotyped based on
      coagulase (coa) and protein A (spa) gene polymorphisms using restriction
      fragments length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). RESULTS: RFLP
      PCR of coa gene generated two types and three subtypes. Amplification of spa gene
      resulted in two banding patterns and their restriction digestion generated three
      subtypes. The combined coa and spa RFLP patterns generated nine genotypes (G1
      G9). The genotypes G4 and G1 were the most prevalent (32.1% and 24.3%,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: High clonal diversity of S. aureus strains able to
      produce biofilm was observed. Biofilm formation correlates with the spa and coa
      clonal lineage in our population and testing for multiple gene polymorphisms
      could be employed for local epidemiologic purposes.

PMID- 28096966
TI  - MicroRNA-297a regulates vascular calcification by targeting fibroblast growth
      factor 23.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Vascular calcification is one the major characteristics in patients
      with various types of chronic inflammatory disorders. MiRNAs have been shown to
      be involved in many normal biological functions as well as diseases; however,
      their role in vascular calcification has not received much attention. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In the current study, we built a vascular calcification rat model
      using vitamin D3 plus nicotine and analyzed miRNA expression profile by miRNA
      chip assay. Potential target of one selected miRNA with sharpest variation in
      expression were predicted by both PicTar and TargetScan. The impact of the
      selected miRNA on the expression of the potential target on both mRNA and protein
      levels were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Our
      results identified 16 dysregulated miRNAs, among which miR-297a showed the
      sharpest variation. Further analysis focusing on miR-297a revealed that
      fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) was a potential target of miR297a.
      Measurement of FGF23 and its regulator Klotho on both mRNA and protein levels
      demonstrated that FGF23 was significantly increased while Klotho was decreased in
      rats with vascular calcification. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that FGF23
      was target of miR-297a and decreased miR-297a in vascular calcification lead to
      the increase of FGF23, which together with Klotho might enhance vascular
      calcification. The findings of this study could provide valuable information for
      the understanding of mechanisms underlying miR-dependent vascular calcification
      as well as potential treatment target for the disease.

PMID- 28096967
TI  - Volatile compounds analysis and antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic
      activities of Mindium laevigatum.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Mindium laevigatum is an endemic plant of Iran and Turkey and is
      widely used as blood purifier, antiasthma and antidyspnea in traditional
      medicine. Chemical composition of volatile materials of the plant and its
      antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities were reported in this study.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE) and GC-Mass-FID
      analysis were used for the plant volatile materials chemical composition
      identification and quantification. Several antioxidant tests including DPPH
      radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, reducing power determination,
      beta-carotene-linoleic acid and total phenolic content tests were used for
      antioxidant activity evaluation. Antimicrobial and anticancer activities were
      also estimated using microbial strains, cancer cell lines and brine shrimp larva.
      RESULT: s: GC-Mass-FID analysis of volatile samples showed a total of 74
      compounds of which palmitic acid (7.4-33.7%), linoleic acid (6.6-18.6%),
      heneicosane (1.3-9.6%) and myristic acid (1.4-6.0%) were detected as main
      volatile components. Moderate to good results were recorded for the plant in beta
      carotene-linoleic acid test. Total phenolic content of the extracts as gallic
      acid equivalents were estimated in the range of 15.7 to 79.6 MUg/mg. Some
      microbial strains showed moderate sensitivities to plant extracts. Brine shrimp
      lethality test and cytotoxic cancer cell line assays showed mild cytotoxic
      activities for the plant. CONCLUSION: Moderate to good antioxidant activities in
      beta-carotene-linoleic acid test and presence of considerable amounts of
      unsaturated hydrocarbons may explain the plant traditional use in asthma and
      dyspnea. These findings also candidate it as a good choice for investigating its
      possible modern medical applications.

PMID- 28096968
TI  - A novel atheroprotective role of MF59-like adjuvant when co-administered with
      CETP vaccine in rabbit model of atherosclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, for the first time, MF59 adjuvant was used to develop
      a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) vaccine. The efficacy of the vaccine
      was compared with the efficacy of CETP vaccine formulated with Alum/CpG, the
      formulation that its immunogenicity has been already demonstrated in rabbit and
      mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tetanus toxoid- CETP peptide (TT-CETP) was mixed
      with Alum/CpG or MF59-like and administered subcutaneously for total five times
      in rabbit model of atherosclerosis. Anti-TT-CETP specific antibody, CETP activity
      in sera and mRNA level of cytokine IL-4 and IFN-gamma in peripheral mononuclear
      cells were determined. Therapeutic response was also examined by tracking serum
      lipoprotein levels and pathologic observation of atherosclerotic lesions at
      aortic site. RESULTS: More anti-TT-CETP antibody was found in Alum/CpG vaccinated
      rabbits compared to buffer (P<0.001). Antibody induced by MF59-like formulation
      was not significantly higher than buffer. CETP activity and lipoprotein levels
      were not significantly different between vaccinated and control rabbits. The mRNA
      level of IL-4 was significantly lower than buffer while, IFN-gamma gene
      expression was significantly higher in both vaccinated groups. Atherosclerosis
      thickness grade of aorta was dramatically lower than buffer (P<0.01) in both
      vaccinated groups. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that MF59-adjuvanted CETP vaccine
      showed anti-atherosclerosis properties, but the protective effect could not be
      directly attributed to the immune response induced by anti TT-CETP antibody and
      CETP inhibition. Further studies are needed to explain the anti-atherosclerosis
      properties of MF59 in the presence of TT-CETP peptide.

PMID- 28096969
TI  - Dendrosomal nanocurcumin and p53 overexpression synergistically trigger apoptosis
      in glioblastoma cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Glioblastoma is the most lethal tumor of the central nervous system.
      Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous delivery of p53 and a
      nanoformulation of curcumin called dendrosomal curcumin (DNC), alone and in
      combination, on glioblastoma tumor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assay was
      exploited to measure the viability of U87-MG cells against DNC treatment. Cells
      were separately subjected to DNC treatment and transfected with p53-containing
      vector and then were co-exposed to DNC and p53 overexpression[A GA1][B2]. Annexin
      V-FLUOS staining followed by flow cytometry and real-time PCR were applied to
      examine apoptosis and analyze the expression levels of the genes involved in cell
      cycle and oncogenesis, respectively. RESULTS: The results of cell viability assay
      through MTT indicated that DNC inhibits the proliferation of U87-MG cells in a
      time- and dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis evaluation revealed that p53
      overexpression accompanied by DNC treatment can act in a synergistic manner to
      significantly enhance the number of apoptotic cells (90%) compared with their
      application alone (15% and 38% for p53 overexpression and DNC, respectively).
      Also, real-time PCR data showed that the concomitant exposure of cells to both
      DNC and p53 overexpression leads to an enhanced expression of GADD45 and a
      reduced expression of NF-kappaB and c-Myc. CONCLUSION: The findings of the
      current study suggest that our combination strategy, which merges two detached
      gene (p53) and drug (curcumin) delivery systems into an integrated platform, may
      represent huge potential as a novel and efficient modality for glioblastoma
      treatment.

PMID- 28096970
TI  - Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation attenuates resistance to TNF-alpha cytotoxic
      effects in MCF-7 cells, but not in their doxorubicin resistant derivatives.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acquisition of TNF-alpha resistance plays role in the onset and
      growth of malignant tumors. Previous studies have demonstrated that MCF-7 cell
      line and its doxorubicin resistant variant MCF-7/Adr are resistant against the
      cytotoxic effects of TNF-alpha. In this study, we investigated the role of Akt
      activation in resistance of MCF-7 and MCF-7/Adr against TNF-alpha cytotoxicity.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The role of Akt activation in TNF-alpha cytotoxicity was
      investigated by MTT cell viability assay following treatment of the cells with
      the chemical inhibitor of Akt activation with or without TNF-alpha treatment.
      Phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 before and after 72 hr TNF-alpha treatment was
      also determined by western blot. RESULTS: TNF-alpha treatment led to enhancement
      of Akt Ser473 phosphorylation. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with TNF-alpha along with
      Akt-inhibitor agent, tricribine, attenuated Akt Ser473 phosphorylation and
      sensitized these cells to the cytotoxic effects of TNF-alpha in a dose and time
      dependent manner while tricribine treatment did not cause any significant
      cytotoxicity in MCF-7/Adr cells alone or in combination with TNF-alpha.
      CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that Akt phosphorylation plays pivotal role
      in the resistance of MCF-7 cells against TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity while it
      might play no significant role in the resistance of MCF-7/Adr cells against TNF
      alpha.

PMID- 28096971
TI  - Carthamus tinctorius L. ameliorates brain injury followed by cerebral ischemia
      reperfusion in rats by antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Carthamus tinctorius L. (CT) or safflower is widely used in
      traditional Chinese medicine. This study investigated the effects of CT extract
      (CTE) on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) brain injury and elucidated the underlying
      mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The I/R model was conducted by occlusion of
      both common carotid arteries and right middle cerebral artery for 90 min followed
      by 24 hr reperfusion in Sprague-Dawley rats. CTE (0.2-0.6 g/kg) was administered
      intraperitoneally before and during ischemia, and during reperfusion period. The
      cerebral infarction area, neurological deficit scores, free radicals (lucigenin
      chemiluminescence counts) and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression were
      measured. RESULTS: Pretreatment and treatment with CTE significantly reduced the
      cerebral infarction area and neurological deficits. CTE (0.4 g/kg) also reduced
      blood levels of free radicals and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and
      interleukin-1beta in the cerebral infarction area. CONCLUSION: The reduction in
      I/R cerebral infarction caused by CTE is possibly associated with its
      antioxidation and anti-inflammatory properties.

PMID- 28096972
TI  - Objects Versus Shadows as Influences on Perceived Object Motion.
AB  - The motion trajectory of an object's cast shadow has been shown to alter the
      perceived trajectory of a casting object, an effect that holds even if the cast
      shadow appears unrealistic. This raises the question of whether a cast shadow per
      se is necessary for this influence, a question that has been studied only with
      stationary targets. We examined the relative influence of a shadow and a
      spherical object on the perceived motion trajectory of an identical spherical
      object, using a paradigm similar to Kersten, Mamassian, and Knill's ball-in-box
      animation. We recorded both depth and height estimates of the perceived end-point
      of the target trajectory as a function of various target and context
      trajectories. Both shadows and objects significantly influenced the perceived
      trajectory of the target, though the influence of the shadow was overall
      stronger. We conjecture that the influence of the object reveals the assumption
      that similar objects moving at the same speed and in similar directions are
      perceived to move within the same plane, a plane subject to a fronto-parallel
      bias.

PMID- 28096973
TI  - A fission yeast cell-based system for multidrug resistant HIV-1 proteases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-1 protease (PR) is an essential enzyme for viral production.
      Thus, PR inhibitors (PIs) are the most effective class of anti-HIV drugs.
      However, the main challenge to the successful use of PI drugs in patient
      treatment is the emergence of multidrug resistant PRs (mdrPRs). This study aimed
      to develop a fission yeast cell-based system for rapid testing of new PIs that
      combat mdrPRs. RESULTS: Three mdrPRs were isolated from HIV-infected patients
      that carried seven (M7PR), ten (M10PR) and eleven (M11PR) PR gene mutations,
      respectively. They were cloned and expressed in fission yeast under an inducible
      promoter to allow the measurement of PR-specific proteolysis and drug resistance.
      The results showed that all three mdrPRs maintained their abilities to proteolyze
      HIV viral substrates (MA?CA and p6) and to confer drug resistance. Production of
      these proteins in the fission yeast caused cell growth inhibition, oxidative
      stress and altered mitochondrial morphologies that led to cell death. Five
      investigational PIs were used to test the utility of the established yeast system
      with an FDA-approved PI drug Darunavir (DRV) as control. All six compounds
      suppressed the wildtype PR (wtPR) and the M7PR-mediated activities. However, none
      of them were able to suppress the M10PR or the M11PR. CONCLUSIONS: The three
      clinically isolated mdrPRs maintained their viral proteolytic activities and drug
      resistance in the fission yeast. Furthermore, those viral mdrPR activities were
      coupled with the induction of growth inhibition and cell death, which could be
      used to test the PI activities. Indeed, the five investigational PIs and DRV
      suppressed the wtPR in fission yeast as they did in mammalian cells.
      Significantly, two of the high level mdrPRs (M10PR and M11PR) were resistant to
      all of the existing PI drugs including DRV. This observation underscores the
      importance of continued searching for new PIs against mdrPRs.

PMID- 28096975
TI  - A prospective survey of Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and infection in the
      intensive care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) surveillance may improve empiric
      antimicrobial therapy, since colonizing strains frequently cause infections. This
      colonization may be 'endogenous' or 'exogenous', and the source determines
      infection control measures. We prospectively investigated the sources of PA, the
      clinical impact of PA colonization upon admission and the dynamics of
      colonization at different body sites throughout the intensive care unit stay.
      METHODS: Intensive care patients were screened on admission and weekly from the
      pharynx, endotracheal aspirate, rectum and urine. Molecular typing was performed
      using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus Polymerase Chain reaction
      (ERIC-PCR). RESULTS: Between November 2014 and January 2015, 34 patients were
      included. Thirteen (38%) were colonized on admission, and were at a higher risk
      for PA-related clinical infection (Hazard Ratio = 14.6, p = 0.0002). Strains were
      often patient-specific, site-specific and site-persistent. Sixteen out of 17
      (94%) clinical isolates were identical to strains found concurrently or
      previously on screening cultures from the same patient, and none were unique.
      Ventilator associated pneumonia-related strains were identical to endotracheal
      aspirates and pharynx screening (87-75% of cases). No clinical case was found
      among patients with repeated negative screening. CONCLUSION: PA origin in this
      non-outbreak setting was mainly 'endogenous' and PA-strains were generally
      patient- and site-specific, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. While
      prediction of ventilator associated pneumonia-related PA-strain by screening was
      fair, the negative predictive value of screening was very high.

PMID- 28096974
TI  - Mortality, hospital days and treatment costs of current and reduced sugar
      consumption in Israel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consumption of sugar causes tooth decay, overweight and obesity
      related morbidities. This paper in response to the Minister of Health's request,
      provides estimates of the mortality, morbidity and health care costs attributable
      to sugar consumption in Israel along with the effects of reducing sugar
      consumption. METHODS: Gender specific relative risks of many diseases from
      overweight (25 < =BMI < 30) and obesity (BMI > =30) were applied to the national
      gender specific prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in order to calculate
      the population attributable fraction (PAF) from overweight and obesity. National
      expenditure on these related diseases was calculated by applying disease-specific
      data from a recent Canadian study to estimates of disease specific general
      hospital expenditures in Israel. Disease specific costs attributable to
      overweight and obesity were estimated from the product of these expenditures and
      PAF. In addition national costs of treating caries in persons under 18 years of
      age from sugar were calculated. Similar calculations were made to estimate the
      burden from sugar in terms of mortality and hospital utilisation. A recent UK
      modelling study was used to estimate the effect of a national program to reduce
      calorific consumption of sugar from 12.45 to 10% in 5 years. RESULTS: Conditions
      associated with overweight or obesity accounted annually for 6402 deaths (95% CI
      3296-8760) and 268,009 hospital days. Dental costs attributable to sugar
      consumption were 264 million NIS. In total, obesity, overweight and sugar
      consumption accounted for 2449 million in direct treatment costs (0.21% of GDP),
      rising to 4027 million (0.35% of GDP) when indirect costs were included. A
      national program of reducing energy from sugar consumption from 12.45 to 10% over
      5 years is considered have a very feasible short-term goal. Even if the program
      does not impose taxes on sugar consumption, this would save 778 million NIS as
      well as 1184 lives. CONCLUSION: Sugar consumption causes a huge monetary and
      mortality burden. Estimates of potential decreases in this burden justify the
      current prioritisation given by the health minister of creating and implementing
      a national program to reduce sugar consumption, which is likely to be cost-saving
      (ie: averted treatment costs will exceed intervention costs).

PMID- 28096976
TI  - Effect of handrubbing using locally-manufactured alcohol-based handrubs in
      paediatric wards in Harare, Zimbabwe.
AB  - We assessed bacterial contamination of hands of adults present in paediatric
      wards in two tertiary-care hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe and the microbiologic
      efficacy of locally-manufactured alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR). During
      unannounced visits, samples were collected using hand-print and hand-rinse
      methods. Samples were collected from 152 individuals (16 nurses, 10 doctors, 28
      students, 86 parents/guardians, 12 others). Contamination of hands with Gram
      negative bacteria was found in 91% of adults tested with a mean of 14.6 CFU (hand
      rinse method; IQR 3-65), representing a high risk for transmission of pathogens
      potentially leading to nosocomial infections. A single application of ABHR under
      controlled conditions achieved an average of 82% (or 0.72 log) reduction in
      detectable counts. Amongst 49 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from hands, 53% were
      resistant to gentamicin and 63% were resistant to cefpodoxime. Use of ABHR
      represents an attractive intervention for reducing nosocomial infections in this
      setting.

PMID- 28096977
TI  - High rates of multidrug resistance among uropathogenic Escherichia coli in
      children and analyses of ESBL producers from Nepal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergence of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia
      coli causing urinary tract infections (UTI) among pediatric patients is an
      increasing problem worldwide. However, very little is known about pediatric
      urinary tract infections and antimicrobial resistance trend from Nepal. This
      study was conducted to assess the current antibiotic resistance rate and ESBL
      production among uropathogenic Escherichia coli in pediatric patients of a
      tertiary care teaching hospital of Nepal. METHODS: A total of 5,484 urinary tract
      specimens from children suspected with UTI attending a teaching hospital of Nepal
      over a period of one year were processed for the isolation of bacterial pathogens
      and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Escherichia coli (n = 739), the
      predominant isolate in pediatric UTI, was further selected for the detection of
      ESBL-production by phenotypic combination disk diffusion test. RESULTS: Incidence
      of urinary tract infection among pediatric patients was found to be 19.68% and E
      coli (68.4%) was leading pathogen involved. Out of 739 E coli isolates, 64.9%
      were multidrug resistant (MDR) and 5% were extensively drug resistant (XDR).
      Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) was detected in 288 (38.9%) of the E coli
      isolates. CONCLUSION: Alarming rate of drug resistance among pediatric
      uropathogens and high rate of ESBL-producing E. coli was observed. It is
      extremely necessary to routinely investigate the drug resistance among all
      isolates and formulate strict antibiotics prescription policy in our country.

PMID- 28096978
TI  - Carriage of antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in hospitalised children in
      tertiary hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing and gentamicin resistant
      Enterobacteriaceae are increasingly recognised as a major cause of infection in
      low-income countries. We assessed the prevalence of gastrointestinal carriage of
      these bacteria in hospitalised children in Harare, Zimbabwe. METHODS: We
      conducted a cohort study in paediatric inpatients at two tertiary-referral
      hospitals between May and July 2015. Rectal swabs and faecal samples were
      collected within 24 h of admission and further follow-up samples were collected
      on alternate days during hospitalization. Disc-based, selective and enrichment
      methods were used to detect carriage of these two forms of resistance. Standard
      methods were used to confirm resistance status and determine the susceptibility
      of resistant isolates to other commonly-used antibiotics. RESULTS: One hundred
      and sixty four paediatric inpatient admissions (median age = 1.0 year, IQR = 0.2
      2.2years) were enrolled, and an average of 1.9 faecal samples per patient were
      collected. On admission, 68/164 (41%) patients had both ESBL and gentamicin
      resistant Enterobacteriaceae detected, 18 (11%) had ESBL only, 17 (10%) had
      gentamicin resistance only and 61 (37%) had negative screening for both forms of
      resistance. During hospitalisation, 32/164 (20%) patients were found to have a
      type of resistant organism which was not present in their admission sample. We
      found that faecal samples and use of a selective enrichment broth enhanced the
      detection of resistant organisms. Amongst resistant bacteria isolated, there were
      high levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol, but not
      ertapenem. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of children had enteric carriage of a
      clinically-relevant form of antibiotic resistance on admission to public-sector
      hospitals in urban Zimbabwe. Additionally, a fifth of children acquired a further
      form of resistance during hospitalisation. Urgent action is needed to tackle the
      spread of antibiotic resistant enteric bacteria in African hospitals.

PMID- 28096980
TI  - Genetic and prenatal findings in two Japanese patients with Schinzel-Giedion
      syndrome.
AB  - We report two Japanese patients with Schinzel-Giedion syndrome. When
      polyhydramnios is observed, additional fetal findings such as overlapping
      fingers, hydrocephalus, hydronephrosis, and very characteristic facial appearance
      comprising high, prominent forehead, hypertelorism, and depressed nasal root may
      suggest Schinzel-Giedion syndrome.

PMID- 28096979
TI  - Bibliometric analysis of worldwide publications on multi-, extensively, and
      totally drug - resistant tuberculosis (2006-2015).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The year 2015 marked the end of United Nations Millennium Development
      Goals which was aimed at halting and reversing worldwide tuberculosis (TB). The
      emergence of drug resistance is a major challenge for worldwide TB control. The
      aim of this study was to give a bibliometric overview of publications on multi-,
      extensively, and totally drug-resistant TB. METHODS: Scopus database was used to
      retrieve articles on multidrug resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR),
      and totally drug-resistant (TDR) tuberculosis for the study period (2006-2015).
      The number of publications, top productive countries and institutions, citation
      analysis, co-authorships, international collaboration, active authors, and active
      journals were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2260 journal articles
      were retrieved. The mean +/- SD citations per article was 7.04 +/- 16.0. The h
      index of retrieved data was 76. The number of publications showed a three - fold
      increase over the study period compared with less than two - fold increase in
      tuberculosis research during the same study period. Stratified by number of
      publications, the United States of America ranked first while Switzerland ranked
      first in productivity per 100 million people, and South Africa ranked first in
      productivity stratified per one trillion Gross Domestic Product. Three of the
      High Burden Countries (HBC) MDR-TB (India, China, and South Africa) were present
      in top productive countries. High percentage of international collaboration was
      seen among most HBC MDR-TB. Except for Plos One journal, most active journals in
      publishing articles on MDR, XDR, TDR-TB were in infection - related fields and in
      general medicine. Top 20 cited articles were published in prestigious journal
      such as Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. The themes in top 20 cited
      articles were diverse, ranging from molecular biology, diagnostic tools, co
      infection with HIV, and results of new anti-TB drugs. CONCLUSION: Publications on
      MDR, XDR and TDR - TB are increasing in the past decade. International
      collaboration was common. Many low resourced African and Asian countries will
      benefit from research leading to new diagnostic and screening technology of TB.
      The exchange of expertise, ideas and technology is of paramount importance in
      this field.

PMID- 28096981
TI  - Experience of Mowat-Wilson syndrome prenatal diagnosis for a Chinese family.
AB  - Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a complex developmental disorder. We report the
      first prenatal diagnosis provided for a family in mainland China after
      identifying the causal mutation for the proband. Special focus on MWS-related
      organs during prenatal ultrasound scan is described which is extremely important
      for genetic counseling of parents.

PMID- 28096982
TI  - The birth and rise of a craniopharyngioma: the radiological evolution of an
      incidental craniopharyngioma detected on serial MRI during medical treatment of a
      macroprolactinoma.
AB  - This case demonstrates the rare coexistence of a prolactinoma with
      craniopharyngioma and documents its radiological growth. This case suggests that
      patients with pituitary neoplasms should be followed closely and although
      prolactinomas can often be managed medically, a coexistent other lesion may
      require surgery for histological assessment and to reduce mass effect.

PMID- 28096983
TI  - PDE3 inhibition with enoximone as first-line therapy for severe persistent
      pulmonary hypertension of the newborn during neonatal transport: a case report.
AB  - Severe Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) can be effectively
      treated with a PDE3 inhibitor as first-line treatment during neonatal transport
      when iNO is not readily available. Starting iNO as soon as possible is strongly
      advised because of the complementary actions of both therapeutics.

PMID- 28096984
TI  - Chryseobacterium indologenes, a possible emergent organism resistant to
      carbapenem antimicrobials after stem cell transplantation.
AB  - A 64-year-old female was diagnosed with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. She then
      underwent an unrelated allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with a reduced
      intensity regimen. She achieved engraftment followed by HHV-6 encephalopathy.
      This was complicated by Chryseobacterium indologenes pneumonia. Chryseobacterium
      indologenes is now a possible emergent organism resistant to carbapenem after
      transplantation.

PMID- 28096985
TI  - Radioactive seed localization of renal cell carcinoma in a patient with Von
      Hippel-Lindau disease.
AB  - This report describes the case of a patient, who had successful radioactive seed
      localization (RSL) performed to improve the identification and excision of a
      renal cell carcinoma. RSL is a new method of preoperative localization, which can
      ease the surgical procedure, minimize tissue trauma, and ultimately benefit the
      patient.

PMID- 28096986
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation rescue in adolescent with bronchiolitis
      obliterans-organizing pneumonia like Wegener's granulomatosis.
AB  - We report a 17-year-old woman with bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia
      (BOOP)-like granulomatosis with polyangiitis developing severe airway
      obliterations. Pending age, phase and grade of autoimmune treatment, and offering
      ECMO treatment may be crucial for survival but occasionally preface futility.
      ECMO-treated patient with BOOP-like GPA has never been described before.

PMID- 28096987
TI  - Therapeutic plasma exchange: a second-line treatment for brodifacoum poisoning
      following an anaphylactoid reaction to vitamin K.
AB  - Vitamin K1 is the first-line therapy to brodifacoum poisoning. Anaphylactoid
      reactions may occur anytime during intravenous administration of vitamin K1
      injection. Vitamin K1 must be ceased when anaphylactoid reactions emerge, and
      therapeutic plasma exchange could be a second-line option.

PMID- 28096988
TI  - Successful outcome of three patients with sickle-cell disease and fat embolism
      syndrome treated with intensive exchange transfusion.
AB  - Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare complication of sickle-cell disease (SCD)
      associated with extremely high mortality rates. It affects predominantly non-SS
      patients and those with previously mild disease. Rapid institution of exchange
      transfusion with an aim to reduce HbS to very low levels as soon as FES is
      suspected can be life-saving.

PMID- 28096989
TI  - Successful treatment of severe baclofen toxicosis initially refractory to
      conventional treatment.
AB  - After ingesting a dose of baclofen thought to be lethal, a patient with severe
      neurologic signs was successfully managed despite initially being refractory to
      treatment. Patients with persistent neurologic abnormalities may still have an
      excellent prognosis despite lack of initial response. Additionally, we present a
      potential case of benzodiazepine withdrawal.

PMID- 28096990
TI  - Extensive cutaneous metastases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Herein, we present the case of a patient with pancreatic cancer and nonumbilical
      cutaneous metastasis. Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinomas can develop
      extensive cutaneous metastases involving not only abdominal skin but also other
      unusual sites such as the scrotum.

PMID- 28096991
TI  - Premature pubarche in a child with abnormal 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
      function and Klinefelter syndrome: the intriguing relationship between androgen
      deficiency and excess.
AB  - Disorders of androgen excess may coexist with disorders of androgen deficiency,
      such as Klinefelter syndrome, and can create diagnostic and therapeutic
      challenges.

PMID- 28096992
TI  - Development of myasthenia gravis 8 years after interstitial lung disease
      associated with antisynthetase (anti-EJ antibody) syndrome.
AB  - Patients with antisynthetase-positive interstitial lung disease (ILD) alone
      sometimes develop myositis during follow-up, but myasthenia gravis (MG)
      overlapping on antisynthetase syndrome is unusual. A 56-year-old woman with ILD
      and anti-EJ antibody treated for 8 years developed MG. Physicians should consider
      myositis and MG when patients develop muscle symptoms during follow-up.

PMID- 28096993
TI  - Like Father, Like Daughter-inherited cutis aplasia occurring in a family with
      Marfan syndrome: a case report.
AB  - We present the case of a newborn with co-occurrence of Marfan syndrome and
      aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) and a family history significant for Marfan
      syndrome and ACC in the father. This case details a previously unreported
      mutation in Marfan syndrome and describes a novel coinheritance of Marfan
      syndrome and ACC.

PMID- 28096994
TI  - Multiple liver abscesses and bacteremia caused by Streptococcus constellatus
      infection: a case report.
AB  - The Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) comprises commensal mucosal bacteria.
      Pyogenic liver abscesses due to hematogenous SMG infection are rare but can be
      observed even in healthy patients. In such cases, physicians should consider the
      existence of primary lesions that allow penetration of the SMG.

PMID- 28096995
TI  - Response to ibrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia improves in quality with
      time.
AB  - Unlike chemoimmunotherapy regimens, which are given for a defined period,
      ibrutinib, a first-in-class Bruton's kinase inhibitor, allows most patients with
      CLL to remain on treatment for an extended period. Our experience, supported by
      sequential CT scan images, suggests that long-term ibrutinib promotes a high
      response rate that improves in quality with time.

PMID- 28096996
TI  - Recurrent haemoptysis as a symptom of severe pulmonary vein stenosis-a rare
      complication of catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation.
AB  - A pulmonary vein stenosis is a known adverse event of catheter ablation in atrial
      fibrillation. However, it should be considered due to high frequency of such
      procedures. Haemoptysis, a symptom of severe stenosis, is often misdiagnosed as
      other different diseases. We present a case report of a 52-year-old patient with
      recurrent haemoptysis, dyspnoea, and fatigue, which turned out to be complication
      after catheter ablation. Successful treatment with drug-eluting stent (DES) was
      implemented with vast clinical improvement and follow-up.

PMID- 28096997
TI  - Bronchial tree-shaped mucous plug in cystic fibrosis: imaging-guided management.
AB  - We report the case of a 17-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis (CF) who presented
      with persistent cough; after starting intravenous antibiotics for Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa he underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest. CT revealed
      extensive consolidation in the right lower lobe with relative bronchus
      obstruction; the cause of bronchial obstruction was detected in the mediastinal
      window, corresponding to a bronchial tree-shaped, thick, tenacious mucous plug.
      This was extracted 48 h after unresponsive bronchial washing and endobronchial
      instillation of rhDNAse, using foreign-body forceps, with subsequent resolution
      of cough. This case, which is the second report of plastic bronchitis in CF, was
      resolved by mechanical removal of the mucous plug, suggesting that a careful
      observation of CT imaging may guide intervention aimed at resolution of
      atelectasis.

PMID- 28096998
TI  - Treatment with nintedanib for acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis.
AB  - There is currently no effective treatment for acute exacerbation of idiopathic
      pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We herein report the case of a patient with acute
      exacerbation of IPF which was treated with nintedanib, an intracellular inhibitor
      of tyrosine kinases, and showed improvement of the condition. An 84-year-old man
      with IPF was admitted to our hospital because of dry cough and worsening of
      dyspnoea within last 1 month. He presented with hypoxemia, and chest high
      resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed new, bilateral multifocal ground
      glass opacities superimposed on the background of lung fibrosis. After exclusion
      of alternative causes, acute exacerbation of IPF was diagnosed and we started
      treatment with nintedanib of 300 mg/day. This resulted in the gradual improvement
      of his condition and HRCT findings without administering antibiotics or
      corticosteroids. Serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 and surfactant protein D levels
      increased at acute exacerbation and subsequently decreased. This case suggests
      that nintedanib therapy may have possible benefits in acute exacerbation of IPF.

PMID- 28096999
TI  - Decreasing skeletal muscle as a risk factor for mortality in elderly patients
      with sepsis: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Older patients account for the majority of patients with sepsis. The
      objective of this study was to determine if decreased skeletal muscle mass is
      associated with outcomes in elderly patients with sepsis. METHODS: Patients (60
      years and older) who were admitted to a tertiary medical center intensive care
      unit with a primary diagnosis of sepsis between January 2012 and February 2016
      were included. Patients who had not undergone abdominal computed tomography on
      the day of admission, had cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival, or had iliopsoas
      abscess were excluded from the analyses. Cross-sectional muscle area at the 3rd
      lumber vertebra was quantified, and the relation to in-hospital mortality was
      analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis that included sex and APACHE
      II score as explanatory variables was performed. The optimal cutoff value to
      define decreased muscle mass (sarcopenia) was calculated using receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis, and the odds ratio for in-hospital mortality was
      determined. RESULTS: There were 150 elderly patients with sepsis (median age, 75
      years) enrolled; in-hospital mortality and median APACHE II score were 38.7 and
      24%, respectively. The skeletal muscle area of deceased patients was
      significantly lower than that of the survival group (P < 0.001). The
      multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that decreased muscle
      mass was significantly associated with increased mortality (odds ratio = 0.94,
      95% confidence interval = 0.90 to 0.97, P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value of
      skeletal muscle area to predict in-hospital mortality was 45.2 cm2 for men and
      39.0 cm2 for women. With these cutoff values, the adjusted odds ratio for
      decreased muscle area was 3.27 (95% CI, 1.61 to 6.63, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Less skeletal muscle mass is associated with higher in-hospital mortality in
      elderly patients with sepsis. The results of this study suggest that identifying
      patients with low muscularity contributes to better stratification in this
      population.

PMID- 28097000
TI  - Biased small-molecule ligands for selective inhibition of HIV-1 cell entry via
      CCR5.
AB  - Since the discovery of HIV's use of CCR5 as the primary coreceptor in fusion, the
      focus on developing small-molecule receptor antagonists for inhibition hereof has
      only resulted in one single drug, Maraviroc. We therefore investigated the
      possibility of using small-molecule CCR5 agonists as HIV-1 fusion inhibitors. A
      virus-free cell-based fusion reporter assay, based on mixing "effector cells"
      (expressing HIV Env and luciferase activator) with "target cells" (expressing
      CD4, CCR5 wild type or a selection of well-described mutations, and luciferase
      reporter), was used as fusion readout. Receptor expression was evaluated by ELISA
      and fluorescence microscopy. On CCR5 WT, Maraviroc and Aplaviroc inhibited fusion
      with high potencies (EC 50 values of 91 and 501 nM, respectively), whereas
      removal of key residues for both antagonists (Glu283Ala) or Maraviroc alone
      (Tyr251Ala) prevented fusion inhibition, establishing this assay as suitable for
      screening of HIV entry inhibitors. Both ligands inhibited HIV fusion on signaling
      deficient CCR5 mutations (Tyr244Ala and Trp248Ala). Moreover, the steric
      hindrance CCR5 mutation (Gly286Phe) impaired fusion, presumably by a direct
      hindrance of gp120 interaction. Finally, the efficacy switch mutation (Leu203Phe)
      - converting small-molecule antagonists/inverse agonists to full agonists biased
      toward G-protein activation - uncovered that also small-molecule agonists can
      function as direct HIV-1 cell entry inhibitors. Importantly, no agonist-induced
      receptor internalization was observed for this mutation. Our studies of the
      pharmacodynamic requirements for HIV-1 fusion inhibitors highlight the
      possibility of future development of biased ligands with selective targeting of
      the HIV-CCR5 interaction without interfering with the normal functionality of
      CCR5.

PMID- 28097001
TI  - MAG-DPA curbs inflammatory biomarkers and pharmacological reactivity in cytokine
      triggered hyperresponsive airway models.
AB  - Bronchial inflammation contributes to a sustained elevation of airway
      hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma. Conversely, omega-3 fatty acid derivatives
      have been shown to resolve inflammation in various tissues. Thus, the effects of
      docosapentaenoic acid monoacylglyceride (MAG-DPA) were assessed on inflammatory
      markers and reactivity of human distal bronchi as well as in a cultured model of
      guinea pig tracheal rings. Human bronchi were dissected and cultured for 48 h
      with 10 ng/mL TNF-alpha or IL-13. Guinea pig tracheas were maintained in organ
      culture for 72 h which was previously shown to trigger spontaneous AHR. All
      tissues were treated with increasing concentrations of MAG-DPA (0.1, 0.3, and 1
      MUmol/L). Pharmacomechanical reactivity, Ca2+ sensitivity, and western blot
      analysis for specific phosphoproteins and transcription factors were performed to
      assess the effects of both cytokines, alone or in combination with MAG-DPA, on
      human and guinea pig airway preparations. Although 0.1 MUmol/L MAG-DPA did not
      significantly reduce inflammatory biomarkers, the higher concentrations of MAG
      DPA (0.3 and 1 MUmol/L) blunted the activation of the TNF-alpha/NF kappaB pathway
      and abolished COX-2 expression in human and guinea pig tissues. Moreover, 0.3 and
      1 MUmol/L MAG-DPA consistently decreased the Ca2+ sensitivity and pharmacological
      reactivity of cultured bronchial explants. Furthermore, in human bronchi, IL-13
      stimulated phosphorylation of CPI-17 was reversed by 1 MUmol/L MAG-DPA. This
      effect was further amplified in the presence of 100 MUmol/L aspirin. MAG-DPA
      mediates antiphlogistic effects by increasing the resolution of inflammation,
      while resetting Ca2+ sensitivity and contractile reactivity.

PMID- 28097002
TI  - AmBisome Induced Avascular Necrosis of the Alae of the Nose of a very young girl
      suffering from Kala-azar - a Case Report.
AB  - Although liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) is considered as the first-line
      treatment for New Kala-azar, there is not enough evidence on the dosage
      formulation in children and its effect on them. Being considered as the safest
      drug for treatment of Kala-azar, this case of AmBisome-induced avascular necrosis
      now gives rise to the question; whether it is actually safe enough and if a
      dosage modification is needed in case of children. This so far, to the best of
      our knowledge, is the first instance of such severe adverse event due to AmBisome
      administration.

PMID- 28097003
TI  - Application of a systems pharmacology model for translational prediction of hERG
      mediated QTc prolongation.
AB  - Drug-induced QTc interval prolongation (Delta QTc) is a main surrogate for
      proarrhythmic risk assessment. A higher in vivo than in vitro potency for hERG
      mediated QTc prolongation has been suggested. Also, in vivo between-species and
      patient populations' sensitivity to drug-induced QTc prolongation seems to
      differ. Here, a systems pharmacology model integrating preclinical in vitro (hERG
      binding) and in vivo (conscious dog Delta QTc) data of three hERG blockers
      (dofetilide, sotalol, moxifloxacin) was applied (1) to compare the operational
      efficacy of the three drugs in vivo and (2) to quantify dog-human differences in
      sensitivity to drug-induced QTc prolongation (for dofetilide only). Scaling
      parameters for translational in vivo extrapolation of drug effects were derived
      based on the assumption of system-specific myocardial ion channel densities and
      transduction of ion channel block: the operational efficacy (transduction of hERG
      block) in dogs was drug specific (1-19% hERG block corresponded to >=10 msec
      Delta QTc). System-specific maximal achievable Delta QTc was estimated to 28%
      from baseline in both dog and human, while %hERG block leading to half-maximal
      effects was 58% lower in human, suggesting a higher contribution of hERG-mediated
      potassium current to cardiac repolarization. These results suggest that
      differences in sensitivity to drug-induced QTc prolongation may be well explained
      by drug- and system-specific differences in operational efficacy (transduction of
      hERG block), consistent with experimental reports. The proposed scaling approach
      may thus assist the translational risk assessment of QTc prolongation in
      different species and patient populations, if mediated by the hERG channel.

PMID- 28097005
TI  - The cardioprotective efficacy of TVP1022 against ischemia/reperfusion injury and
      cardiac remodeling in rats.
AB  - Following acute myocardial infarction (MI), early and successful reperfusion is
      the most effective strategy for reducing infarct size and improving the clinical
      outcome. However, immediate restoration of blood flow to the ischemic zone
      results in myocardial damage, defined as "reperfusion-injury". Whereas we
      previously reported that TVP1022 (the S-isomer of rasagiline, FDA-approved anti
      Parkinson drug) decreased infarct size 24 h post ischemia reperfusion (I/R) in
      rats, in this study we investigated the chronic cardioprotective efficacy of
      TVP1022 14 days post-I/R. To simulate the clinical settings of acute MI followed
      by reperfusion therapy, we employed a rat model of left anterior descending
      artery occlusion for 30 min followed by reperfusion and a follow-up for 14 days.
      TVP1022 was initially administered postocclusion-prereperfusion, followed by
      chronic daily administrations. Cardiac performance and remodeling were evaluated
      using customary and advanced echocardiographic methods, hemodynamic measurements
      by Millar Mikro-Tip(r) catheter, and histopathological techniques. TVP1022
      administration markedly decreased the remodeling process as illustrated by
      attenuation of left ventricular enlargement and cardiac hypertrophy (both at the
      whole heart and the cellular level). Furthermore, TVP1022 inhibited cardiac
      fibrosis and reduced ventricular BNP levels. Functionally, TVP1022 treatment
      preserved cardiac wall motion. Specifically, the echocardiographic and most of
      the direct hemodynamic measures were pronouncedly improved by TVP1022.
      Collectively, these findings indicate that TVP1022 provides prominent
      cardioprotection against I/R injury and post-MI remodeling in this I/R model.

PMID- 28097004
TI  - Rifampicin decreases exposure to sublingual buprenorphine in healthy subjects.
AB  - Buprenorphine is mainly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 enzyme. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the role of first-pass metabolism in the
      interaction of rifampicin and analgesic doses of buprenorphine. A four-session
      paired cross-over study design was used. Twelve subjects ingested either 600 mg
      oral rifampicin or placebo once daily in a randomized order for 7 days. In the
      first part of the study, subjects were given 0.6-mg (placebo phase) or 0.8-mg
      (rifampicin phase) buprenorphine sublingually on day 7. In the second part of the
      study, subjects received 0.4-mg buprenorphine intravenously. Plasma
      concentrations of buprenorphine and urine concentrations of buprenorphine and its
      primary metabolite norbuprenorphine were measured over 18 h. Adverse effects were
      recorded. Rifampicin decreased the mean area under the dose-corrected plasma
      concentration-time curve (AUC 0-18) of sublingual buprenorphine by 25% (geometric
      mean ratio (GMR): 0.75; 90% confidence interval (CI) of GMR: 0.60, 0.93) and
      tended to decrease the bioavailability of sublingual buprenorphine, from 22% to
      16% (P = 0.31). Plasma concentrations of intravenously administered buprenorphine
      were not influenced by rifampicin. The amount of norbuprenorphine excreted in the
      urine was decreased by 65% (P < 0.001) and 52% (P < 0.001) after sublingual and
      intravenous administration, respectively, by rifampicin. Adverse effects were
      frequent. Rifampicin decreases the exposure to sublingual but not intravenous
      buprenorphine. This can be mainly explained by an enhancement of CYP3A-mediated
      first-pass metabolism, which sublingual buprenorphine only partially bypasses.
      Concomitant use of rifampicin and low-dose sublingual buprenorphine may
      compromise the analgesic effect of buprenorphine.

PMID- 28097006
TI  - Contribution of Sigma-1 receptor to cytoprotective effect of afobazole.
AB  - Anxiolytic afobazole (5-Ethoxy-2-[2-(morpholino)-ethylthio]benzimidazole
      dihidrochloride) has pronounced ligand properties toward Sigma-1 receptor (sigma1
      receptor,SigmaR1) and MT 3 receptors. Our previous work demonstrated that
      afobazole possess cytoprotective effect in the in vitro model of menadione
      genotoxicity (Woods et al. 1997) through interaction with MT 3 receptor (Kadnikov
      et al. 2014). Present study utilized previously described models to address the
      contribution of SigmaR1 to cytoprotective action of afobazole. The reduction in
      afobazole cytoprotective effect observed after preincubation of cell suspension
      with selective SigmaR1 antagonist BD-1047 revealed an important contribution of
      SigmaR1 in afobazole-mediated effect. We confirmed our observation using
      selective SigmaR1 agonist PRE-084. We conclude that pronounced cytoprotective
      effect of afobazole over PRE-084 is likely achieved by additive SigmaR1 and MT 3
      mediated effects.

PMID- 28097007
TI  - Safety assessment in rats and dogs of Acoustic Cluster Therapy, a novel concept
      for ultrasound mediated, targeted drug delivery.
AB  - Acoustic Cluster Therapy (ACT) represents a novel concept for targeted drug
      delivery. Ultrasound is applied to activate intravenously administered free
      flowing clusters of microbubbles and microdroplets within the target pathology,
      depositing 20-30 MUm large bubbles in the microvasculature for 5-10 min. Further
      application of ultrasound induces biomechanical effects which increase vascular
      permeability and enhance localized extravasation of coadministered drugs. Herein
      we report investigations done to assess the preclinical safety of ACT, using
      doses up to 1 mL/kg (3 MUL perfluoromethyl-cyclopentane/kg). In dogs, half the
      animals were exposed to ultrasound activation in the heart for 1 min, no
      ultrasound was applied in the other half. Posttreatment observation time was 24
      h. Clinical signs, ophthalmoscopy, clinical pathology, macro-, and microscopy
      were used as endpoints. No differences between groups with and without ultrasound
      activation were observed. Short-lasting leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, possibly
      secondary to a slight and short-lasting increase in plasma histamine and
      complement split products, were the only effects noted. In rats ACT was activated
      in the liver for 5 min. Histopathology and clinical chemistry parameters remained
      unchanged. Lastly, rats were treated with ACT activated in the heart and
      thereafter placed on a rotarod for evaluation of motor coordination. No
      differences were observed between animals treated with ACT and controls. In
      conclusion, ACT appeared safe at dose-levels up to 1 mL/kg and with activation
      either in the heart or the liver. These results, together with positive efficacy
      data upon coinjection with cytotoxic compounds encourage further preclinical
      safety studies with the objective of entering subsequent clinical trials.

PMID- 28097008
TI  - Preclinical findings predicting efficacy and side-effect profile of LY2940094, an
      antagonist of nociceptin receptors.
AB  - Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a 17 amino acid peptide whose receptor is
      designated ORL1 or nociceptin receptor (NOP). We utilized a potent, selective,
      and orally bioavailable antagonist with documented engagement with NOP receptors
      in vivo to assess antidepressant- and anxiolytic-related pharmacological effects
      of NOP receptor blockade along with measures of cognitive and motor impingement.
      LY2940094 ([2-[4-[(2-chloro-4,4-difluoro-spiro[5H-thieno[2,3-c]pyran-7,4'
      piperidine]-1'-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-pyridyl]methanol) displayed
      antidepressant-like behavioral effects in the forced-swim test in mice, an effect
      absent in NOP -/- mice. LY2940094 also augmented the behavioral effect of
      fluoxetine without changing target occupancies (NOP and serotonin reuptake
      transporter [SERT]). LY2940094 did not have effects under a differential
      reinforcement of low rate schedule. Although anxiolytic-like effects were not
      observed in some animal models (conditioned suppression, 4-plate test, novelty
      suppressed feeding), LY2940094 had effects like that of anxiolytic drugs in three
      assays: fear-conditioned freezing in mice, stress-induced increases in cerebellar
      cGMP in mice, and stress-induced hyperthermia in rats. These are the first
      reports of anxiolytic-like activity with a systemically viable NOP receptor
      antagonist. LY2940094 did not disrupt performance in either a 5-choice serial
      reaction time or delayed matching-to-position assay. LY2940094 was also not an
      activator or suppressor of locomotion in rodents nor did it induce failures of
      rotarod performance. These data suggest that LY2940094 has unique antidepressant-
      and anxiolytic-related pharmacological effects in rodents. Clinical proof of
      concept data on this molecule in depressed patients have been reported elsewhere.

PMID- 28097010
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/prp2.248.].

PMID- 28097009
TI  - Statin utilisation in a real-world setting: a retrospective analysis in relation
      to arterial and cardiovascular autonomic function.
AB  - Randomized trials suggest that statin treatment may lower blood pressure and
      influence cardiovascular autonomic function (CVAF), but the impact of duration of
      usage, discontinuation, and adherence to this therapy is unknown. We examined
      these issues with regard to blood pressure (BP)-related variables in a large,
      population-based study. Participants were 4942 adults (58% male; aged 50-84
      years): 2179 on statin treatment and 2763 untreated. Days of utilization,
      adherence (proportion of days covered >=0.8), and discontinuation (non-use for
      >=30 days immediately prior to BP measurement) of three statins (atorvastatin,
      pravastatin, and simvastatin) over a period of up to 2 years was monitored
      retrospectively from electronic databases. Systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP),
      augmentation index, excess pressure, reservoir pressure, and CVAF (pulse rate and
      BP variability) parameters were calculated from aortic pressure waveforms derived
      from suprasystolic brachial measurement. Days of statin treatment had inverse
      relationships with pulse rate variability parameters in cardiac arrhythmic
      participants (20-25% lower than in statin non-users) and with most arterial
      function parameters in everyone. For example, compared to untreated participants,
      those treated for >=659 days had 3.0 mmHg lower aortic SBP (P < 0.01).
      Discontinuation was associated with higher brachial DBP and aortic DBP (for both,
      beta = 2.0 mmHg, P = 0.008). Compared to non-adherent statin users, adherent
      users had lower levels of brachial SBP, brachial DBP, aortic DBP, aortic SBP, and
      peak reservoir pressure (beta = -1.4 to -2.6 mmHg). In conclusion, in a real
      world setting, statin-therapy duration, non-discontinuation and adherence
      associate inversely with BP variables and, in cardiac arrhythmias, CVAF
      parameters.

PMID- 28097011
TI  - A selective GPR40 (FFAR1) agonist LY2881835 provides immediate and durable
      glucose control in rodent models of type 2 diabetes.
AB  - LY2881835 is a selective, potent, and efficacious GPR40 agonist. The objective of
      the studies described here was to examine the pharmacological properties of
      LY2881835 in preclinical models of T2D. Significant increases in insulin
      secretion were detected when LY2881835 was tested in primary islets from WT mice
      but not in islets from GPR40 KO mice. Furthermore, LY2881835 potentiated glucose
      stimulated insulin secretion in normal lean mice. Acute administration of
      LY2881835 lowered glucose during OGTTs in WT mice but not in GPR40 KO mice. These
      findings demonstrate that LY2881835 induces GPR40-mediated activity ex vivo and
      in vivo. LY2881835 was administered orally at 10 mg/kg to diet-induced obese
      (DIO) mice (an early model of T2D due to insulin resistance) for 14 days.
      Statistically significant reductions in glucose were seen during OGTTs performed
      on days 1 and 15. When a study was done for 3 weeks in Zucker fa/fa rats, a rat
      model of insulin resistance, normalization of blood glucose levels equivalent to
      those seen in lean rats was observed. A similar study was performed in
      streptozotocin (STZ)-treated DIO mice to explore glucose control in a late model
      of T2D. In this model, pancreatic insulin content was reduced ~80% due to STZ
      treatment plus the mice were insulin resistant due to their high fat diet.
      Glucose AUCs were significantly reduced during OGTTs done on days 1, 7, and 14
      compared to control mice. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that LY2881835
      functions as a GPR40-specific insulin secretagogue mediating immediate and
      durable glucose control in rodent models of early- and late-stage T2D.

PMID- 28097012
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibiotics in critically ill acute
      kidney injury patients.
AB  - Sepsis is the most common cause of death in critically ill patients and is
      associated with multiorgan failure, including acute kidney injury (AKI). This
      situation can require acute renal support and increase mortality. Therefore, it
      is essential to administer antimicrobials in doses that achieve adequate serum
      levels, avoiding both overdosing and drug toxicity as well as underdosing and the
      risk of antibiotic resistance and higher mortality. Currently, there are no
      validated guidelines on antibiotic dose adjustments in septic patients with AKI.
      The current recommendations were extrapolated from studies conducted in
      noncritical patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease receiving chronic
      renal replacement therapy. This study aimed to review and discuss the complexity
      of this issue, considering several factors related to drug metabolism, the
      characteristics of critically ill patients, the properties of antimicrobial drugs
      and dialysis methods.

PMID- 28097013
TI  - Randomised, double-blind, clinical investigation to compare orlistat 60 milligram
      and a customized polyglucosamine, two treatment methods for the management of
      overweight and obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of a non-prescription drug to support weight loss
      programs has yet to be compared. This clinical trial investigates the
      comparability of orlistat 60 milligram (mg) and polyglucosamine. METHODS: Sixty
      four overweight or obese subjects were included in a two-center double-blind
      study. One center was in Germany [center 1] and the other was in Italy [center
      2]. The subjects (26 in center 1 and 38 in center 2) were recommended to follow a
      calorie deficit of about 2000 kilojoules/day and to increase their physical
      activity to 3 metabolic equivalent hours (MET h)/day. In both centers, subjects
      were randomized to receive polyglucosamine (2 tablets x 2) or orlistat (1 capsule
      x 3) for a period of 12 weeks. Weight loss was considered as a main variable
      together with the reduction of 5 per cent (%) of body weight (5R). Body Mass
      Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were taken as secondary variables.
      RESULTS: A significant difference in weight loss between the two groups was
      shown, 6.7 +/- 3.14 kilogram (kg) in group polyglucosamine versus 4.8 +/- 2.24 kg
      in group orlistat (t test p < 0.05) respectively; BMI and WC reduction were also
      more consistent with polyglucosamine treatment than with orlistat treatment (t
      test p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the number of subjects who
      achieved 5R (70% for polyglucosamine and 55% for orlistat group; chi square p >
      0.05). The administration of polyglucosamine following energy restriction and
      increase in physical activity reduces body weight, BMI and WC more efficiently
      than orlistat. CONCLUSIONS: Even though both groups were instructed to adopt a
      calorie restricted diet together with increased physical activity an additional
      weight loss in the polyglucosamine group of 1.6 kilogram (kg) compared to the
      orlistat group (6.2 +/- 3.46 versus 4.6 +/- 2.36 kg) in both centers was seen
      despite the higher consumption of carbohydrates in Italy (center 2). A typical
      Italian diet is usually high in carbohydrate content whereas Germans tend to
      consume meals with higher fat content. This leads to the assumption that
      polyglucosamine limits both fat and carbohydrate absorption which would explain
      the comparable effective weight reduction in the Italian participants. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02529631, registered on
      Aug 19, 2015 retrospectively registered.

PMID- 28097014
TI  - Development and evaluation of a formula for predicting introduction of medication
      self-management in stroke patients in the Kaifukuki rehabilitation ward.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication self-management in stroke patients is important to prevent
      further progression of disease and incidence of side effects. The purpose of this
      study was to create a formula for predicting medication self-management
      introduction in stroke patients using functional independence measure items and
      patient data, including medication-related information. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective analysis of 104 patients (cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage,
      subarachnoid hemorrhage) discharged from the Kaifukuki rehabilitation ward at
      Showa University Fujigaoka Rehabilitation Hospital from January to December 2012.
      Multivariate analysis was performed to develop a formula for predicting
      achievement of medication self-management. RESULTS: Of the 104 patients, 39
      (37.5%) achieved medication self-management. In the logistic regression analysis,
      number of drugs, age, walk/wheelchair mobility FIM, and memory FIM were extracted
      as significant factors independently contributing to achievement of medication
      self-management (p < 0.05). The prediction formula was [4.404 - 0.229 * number of
      drugs at admission + 0.470 * walk/wheelchair mobility FIM at admission + 0.416 *
      memory FIM at admission - 0.112 * age]. CONCLUSIONS: In the future, this formula
      may be used as an index to predict success of medication self-management in
      stroke patients.

PMID- 28097015
TI  - Co-administration of dexamethasone increases severity and accelerates onset day
      of neutropenia in bladder cancer patients on methotrexate, vinblastine,
      adriamycin and cisplatin chemotherapy: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer patients receiving methotrexate, vinblastine,
      adriamycin and cisplatin (MVAC) chemotherapy are co-administered with
      dexamethasone as an anti-emetic. We examined whether or not dexamethasone affects
      the severity and onset day of MVAC-induced severe neutropenia. METHODS: This was
      a retrospective study of bladder cancer patients treated with MVAC chemotherapy
      with or without dexamethasone as an antiemetic at Kanazawa University Hospital
      during January 2005 - December 2009. Patients were categorized into three groups;
      no dexamethasone use (Dex (-)), dexamethasone on day 2 (Dex 1 day), and
      dexamethasone on days 2, 3 and 4 (Dex multiday). We evaluated the incidence of
      grade 3/4 neutropenia and the day of onset of first severe neutropenic episode
      during the first course of MVAC chemotherapy. Logistic regression was used to
      investigate whether co-administration of dexamethasone was a risk factor for
      severe neutropenia. RESULTS: Episodes of grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 3 out
      of 6 (50.0%), 11 out of 12 (91.7%) and 6 out of 6 (100%) patients in the Dex (-),
      Dex 1 day, and Dex multiday groups, respectively. The appearance day of first
      severe neutropenia in the Dex multiday group (13.2 +/- 1.0) was significantly
      accelerated compared to the Dex (-) group (17.7 +/- 2.1). Univariate logistic
      regression analysis revealed that dexamethasone is a risk factor for severe
      neutropenia (OR 17.0; 95%CI: 1.3-223.1). CONCLUSIONS: Co-administration of
      dexamethasone for anti-emesis brings forward the first appearance of neutropenia,
      and increases the severity of neutropenia, in bladder cancer patients receiving
      MVAC chemotherapy.

PMID- 28097016
TI  - Smoking treatment optimisation in pharmacies (STOP): a cluster randomised pilot
      trial of a training intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: UK government policy aims to strengthen the role of community
      pharmacies in health promotion. Thus, we conducted feasibility studies for an
      intervention to enhance delivery of the NHS Smoking Cessation Service. METHODS:
      The overall aims were to assess acceptability and feasibility of conducting the
      intervention in community pharmacies and piloting this with a cluster randomised
      trial. Specific objectives were (1) to estimate likely participation rates of
      pharmacies and stop smoking advisors, (2) to establish the potential impact of
      the training intervention on throughput and retention of smokers in smoking
      services, (3) to establish potential impact on smoking cessation outcomes, (4) to
      optimise logistics for conducting a cluster randomised trial in the next phase of
      the research programme and (5) to consider the feasibility of collecting pharmacy
      and service user data. In this cluster randomised parallel group pilot trial, 12
      community pharmacies in East London were allocated to intervention or usual
      practice using simple randomisation (allocation ratio 2:1). Data were analysed
      descriptively. RESULTS: Twelve of 54 (22.2%, 95% CI 12.0% to 35.6%) pharmacies
      and 20 of 23 (87.0%, 95% CI 66.4% to 97.2%) advisors invited, agreed to
      participate. Over 5 months, 302 smokers in intervention pharmacies (mean per
      pharmacy 43.1, 95% CI: -4.3 to 90.5) and 319 in usual practice pharmacies (mean
      per pharmacy 79.8, 95% CI: 19.0 to 140.5) joined the service. 51 of 621 smokers
      (6.3% in intervention vs 10.0% in usual practice) consented to provide additional
      data on smoking cessation. 17 of 19 smokers that consented were retained at 4
      weeks in intervention arm (89.5%, 95% CI: 66.9% to 98.7%) and 24 of 32 in usual
      practice (75.0%, 95% CI: 56.6% to 88.5%). 10 of 19 in the intervention arm
      (52.6%, 95% CI: 28.9% to 75.6%) stopped smoking compared to 7 of 32 in usual
      practice arm (21.9%, 95% CI: 9.3% to 40.0%). The pilot was useful in providing
      insights on how best to conduct the definitive trial and shortcomings of our
      present logistical arrangements, including feasibility of collecting pharmacy and
      service user data. CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment rates show that the main trial is
      feasible, and the results suggest that the intervention may improve retention and
      quit rates in smoking cessation services. We gained insights on how best to
      conduct the definitive trial which will proceed as planned.

PMID- 28097017
TI  - Study of myoblast differentiation using multi-dimensional scaffolds consisting of
      nano and micropatterns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The topographical cue is major influence on skeletal muscle cell
      culture because the structure is highly organized and consists of long parallel
      bundles of multinucleated myotubes that are formed by differentiation and fusion
      of myoblast satellite cells. In this technical report, we fabricated a multiscale
      scaffold using electrospinning and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel
      micropatterns to monitor the cell behaviors on nano- and micro-alignment combined
      scaffolds with different combinations of angles. RESULTS: We fabricated
      multiscale scaffolds that provide biocompatible and extracellular matrix (ECM)
      mimetic environments via electrospun nanofiber and PEG hydrogel micro patterning.
      MTT assays demonstrated an almost four-fold increase in the proliferation rate
      during the 7 days of cell culture for all of the experimental groups. Cell
      orientation and elongation were measured to confirm the myogenic potential. On
      the aligned fibrous scaffolds, more than 90% of the cells were dispersed +/- 20
      degrees  of the fiber orientation. To determine cell elongation, we monitored
      nuclei aspect ratios. On a random nanofiber, the cells demonstrated an aspect
      ratio of 1.33, but on perpendicular and parallel nanofibers, the aspect ratio was
      greater than 2. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression was significantly higher i)
      on parallel compared to random fibers, ii) the 100 MUm compared to the 200 MUm
      line pattern. We confirmed the disparate trends of myotube formation that can be
      provoked through multi-dimensional scaffolds. CONCLUSION: We studied more
      favorable environments that induce cell alignment and elongation for myogenesis
      by combining nano- and micro-scale patterns. The fabricated system can serve as a
      novel multi-dimensional platform to study in vitro cell behaviors.

PMID- 28097018
TI  - Effect of Vision Therapy on Accommodation in Myopic Chinese Children.
AB  - Introduction. We evaluated the effectiveness of office-based
      accommodative/vergence therapy (OBAVT) with home reinforcement to improve
      accommodative function in myopic children with poor accommodative response.
      Methods. This was a prospective unmasked pilot study. 14 Chinese myopic children
      aged 8 to 12 years with at least 1 D of lag of accommodation were enrolled. All
      subjects received 12 weeks of 60-minute office-based accommodative/vergence
      therapy (OBAVT) with home reinforcement. Primary outcome measure was the change
      in monocular lag of accommodation from baseline visit to 12-week visit measured
      by Shinnipon open-field autorefractor. Secondary outcome measures were the
      changes in accommodative amplitude and monocular accommodative facility. Results.
      All participants completed the study. The lag of accommodation at baseline visit
      was 1.29 +/- 0.21 D and it was reduced to 0.84 +/- 0.19 D at 12-week visit. This
      difference (-0.46 +/- 0.22 D; 95% confidence interval: -0.33 to -0.58 D) is
      statistically significant (p < 0.0001). OBAVT also increased the amplitude and
      facility by 3.66 +/- 3.36 D (p = 0.0013; 95% confidence interval: 1.72 to 5.60 D)
      and 10.9 +/- 4.8 cpm (p < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval: 8.1 to 13.6 cpm),
      respectively. Conclusion. Standardized 12 weeks of OBAVT with home reinforcement
      is able to significantly reduce monocular lag of accommodation and increase
      monocular accommodative amplitude and facility. A randomized clinical trial
      designed to investigate the effect of vision therapy on myopia progression is
      warranted.

PMID- 28097019
TI  - A Community-Based Assessment of Hypertension and Some Other Cardiovascular
      Disease Risk Factors in Ngaoundere, Cameroon.
AB  - Background and Objective. Cardiovascular diseases are primary causes of death
      worldwide with well documented risk factors whose varying impacts added to the
      complexity in CVD management dictate the need for region-specific studies. We
      aimed at investigating the interactions between CVD risk factors and hypertension
      in Ngaoundere. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from March to
      August 2014. Sociodemographic, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, and
      anthropometric data were recorded. Statistical analyses were carried out using
      SAS software version 9.1. Results. 700 adults resident in Ngaoundere for at least
      two years consented and were included in the survey. Abdominal obesity, physical
      inactivity, and hypertension were the dominant risk factors recording 51.1%,
      35.4%, and 20.4%, respectively. The prevalence of hyperglycaemia, tobacco
      consumption, obesity, and alcohol consumption was 5.6%, 8.3%, 9.6%, and 18.1%,
      respectively. Advanced age, hyperglycaemia, a divorced marital status, and
      alcohol consumption were independent determinants of high blood pressure.
      Conclusion. Physical inactivity, abdominal obesity, and hypertension were the
      most prevalent CVD risk factors, and the role of advanced age and hyperglycaemia
      in the occurrence of high blood pressure was reiterated. Health programs need to
      focus on effective screening, prevention, and control of CVDs in the Adamawa
      Region and Cameroon at large.

PMID- 28097020
TI  - Renal Urotensin II System Plays Roles in the Regulation of Blood Pressure in Dahl
      Salt-Resistant Rat.
AB  - Introduction. Dahl salt-resistant (SR) animal models are similar to peritoneal
      dialysis patients with fluid volumes overload with normal blood pressure in
      hemodynamic profiles. We will verify the roles of UII in the regulation of blood
      pressure in these animal models. Methodology. The Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) and SR
      rats and UII receptor gene knocked out (KO) mice were placed on a high-salt diet.
      Renal tissues were performed for the expression of UII in Dahl groups. Results.
      After high-salt diet for 6 weeks, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) in SR group
      was significantly lower, accompanied with higher urinary UII levels, higher 24
      hour urinary sodium excretion, and higher urinary creatinine clearance in the SR
      rats in comparison to SS group. The expressions of UII and UT were both
      upregulated in the kidney tissues of SR group in comparison to SS group (P <
      0.05). After high-salt diet for 8 weeks, the SBP of the KO group is significantly
      higher than that of the wild type group. Conclusion. We first demonstrate that
      renal UII system can play important roles in the regulation of blood pressure in
      Dahl SR rats which can be highly correlated to its effect on renal tubular sodium
      absorption.

PMID- 28097021
TI  - Downregulation of PGC-1alpha Prevents the Beneficial Effect of EET-Heme Oxygenase
      1 on Mitochondrial Integrity and Associated Metabolic Function in Obese Mice.
AB  - Background/Objectives. Obesity and metabolic syndrome and associated adiposity
      are a systemic condition characterized by increased mitochondrial dysfunction,
      inflammation, and inhibition of antioxidant genes, HO-1, and EETs levels. We
      postulate that EETs attenuate adiposity by stimulating mitochondrial function and
      induction of HO-1 via activation of PGC-1alpha in adipose and hepatic tissue.
      Methods. Cultured murine adipocytes and mice fed a high fat (HF) diet were used
      to assess the functional relationship among EETs, PGC-1alpha, HO-1, and
      mitochondrial signaling using an EET-agonist (EET-A) and PGC-1alpha-deficient
      cells and mice using lentiviral PGC-1alpha(sh). Results. EET-A is a potent
      inducer of PGC-1alpha, HO-1, mitochondrial biogenesis (cytochrome oxidase
      subunits 1 and 4 and SIRT3), fusion proteins (Mfn 1/2 and OPA1) and fission
      proteins (DRP1 and FIS1) (p < 0.05), fasting glucose, BW, and blood pressure.
      These beneficial effects were prevented by administration of lenti-PGC
      1alpha(sh). EET-A administration prevented HF diet induced mitochondrial and
      dysfunction in adipose tissue and restored VO2 effects that were abrogated in PGC
      1alpha-deficient mice. Conclusion. EET is identified as an upstream positive
      regulator of PGC-1alpha that leads to increased HO-1, decreased BW and fasting
      blood glucose and increased insulin receptor phosphorylation, that is, increased
      insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial integrity, and possible use of EET-agonist
      for treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 28097022
TI  - From Blank Canvas to Masterwork: Creating a Professional Practice Model at a
      Magnet Hospital.
AB  - Objective. The purpose of this study was to engage registered nurses (RNs) in the
      creation of a Professional Practice Model (PPM). Background. PPMs are essential
      as the philosophical underpinnings for nursing practice. The study institution
      created a new PPM utilizing the voice of their RNs. Methods. Qualitative inquiry
      with focus groups was conducted to explore RNs values and beliefs about their
      professional practice. Constant-comparative analysis was used to code data and
      identify domains. Results. The 92 RN participants represented diverse roles and
      practice settings. The four domains identified were caring, knowing, navigating,
      and leading. Conclusions. Nurse leaders face the challenge of assisting nurses in
      articulating their practice using a common voice. In this study, nurses described
      their identity, their roles, and how they envisioned nursing should be practiced.
      The results align with the ANCC Magnet(r) Model, ANA standards, and important
      foundational and organization specific documents.

PMID- 28097023
TI  - Impact of the Implementation of New WHO Diagnostic Criteria for Gestational
      Diabetes Mellitus on Prevalence and Perinatal Outcomes: A Population-Based Study.
AB  - Objectives. To determine the impact of the implementation of new WHO diagnostic
      criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on prevalence, predictors, and
      perinatal outcomes in Croatian population. Methods. A cross-sectional study was
      performed using data from medical birth certificates collected in 2010 and 2014.
      Data collected include age, height, and weight before and at the end of
      pregnancy, while perinatal outcome was assessed by onset of labor, mode of
      delivery, and Apgar score. Results. A total of 81.748 deliveries and 83.198
      newborns were analysed. Prevalence of GDM increased from 2.2% in 2010 to 4.7% in
      2014. GDM was a significant predictor of low Apgar score (OR 1.656), labor
      induction (OR 2.068), and caesarean section (OR 1.567) in 2010, while in 2014 GD
      was predictive for labor induction (OR 1.715) and caesarean section (OR 1.458)
      only. Age was predictive for labor induction only in 2014 and for caesarean
      section in both years, while BMI before pregnancy was predictive for all observed
      perinatal outcomes in both years. Conclusions. Despite implementation of new
      guidelines, GDM remains burdened with increased risk of labor induction and
      caesarean section, but no longer with low Apgar score, while BMI remains an
      important predictor for all three perinatal outcomes.

PMID- 28097025
TI  - Epidural Catheter Migration in a Patient with Severe Spinal Stenosis.
AB  - Establishment of appropriate neuraxial catheter positioning is typically a
      straightforward procedural undertaking. It can, however, lead to deception of
      even the most experienced clinician and occur despite the most meticulous
      attention to detail. Written and verbal consent were obtained from the patient to
      prepare, discuss, and publish this case report; we describe the occurrence of
      what we believe was the intraoperative migration of an epidural catheter in the
      setting of significant tissue changes resulting from a previous spinal fusion.

PMID- 28097024
TI  - Synchronized Progression of Prestin Expression and Auditory Brainstem Response
      during Postnatal Development in Rats.
AB  - Prestin is the motor protein expressed in the cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) of
      mammalian inner ear. The electromotility of OHCs driven by prestin is responsible
      for the cochlear amplification which is required for normal hearing in adult
      animals. Postnatal expression of prestin and activity of OHCs may contribute to
      the maturation of hearing in rodents. However, the temporal and spatial
      expression of prestin in cochlea during the development is not well
      characterized. In the present study, we examined the expression and function of
      prestin from the OHCs in apical, middle, and basal turns of the cochleae of
      postnatal rats. Prestin first appeared at postnatal day 6 (P6) for basal turn, P7
      in middle turn, and P9 for apical turn of cochlea. The expression level increased
      progressively over the next few days and by P14 reached the mature level for all
      three segments. By comparison with the time course of the development of auditory
      brainstem response for different frequencies, our data reveal that prestin
      expression synchronized with the hearing development. The present study suggests
      that the onset time of hearing may require the expression of prestin and is
      determined by the mature function of OHCs.

PMID- 28097026
TI  - Excision of Mucocele Using Diode Laser in Lower Lip.
AB  - Mucoceles are nonneoplastic cystic lesions of major and minor salivary glands
      which result from the accumulation of mucus. These lesions are most commonly seen
      in children. Though usually these lesions can be treated by local surgical
      excision, in our case, to avoid intraoperative surgical complications like
      bleeding and edema and to enable better healing, excision was done using a diode
      laser in the wavelength of 940 nm.

PMID- 28097027
TI  - Regional Odontodysplasia with Generalised Enamel Defect.
AB  - Regional odontodysplasia (ROD) is uncommon developmental anomaly, which tends to
      be localised and involves the ectodermal and mesodermal tooth components. A five
      year-old female was referred to Department of Child Dental Health at the Leeds
      Dental Institute regarding malformed primary teeth. On examination 64, 74, and 72
      had localised hypomineralized enamel defect. The crown of 55 was broken down with
      only the root remaining below the gingival level. 54 has a yellowish brown
      discolouration with rough irregular surface. The upper anterior teeth show mild
      enamel opacity. Radiographically, 55 and 54 had thin radioopaque contour, showing
      poor distinction between the enamel and dentine and the classic feature of a wide
      pulp chamber. 15, 16, and 17 were developmentally delayed and were displaying the
      characteristic "ghost appearance." Comprehensive dental care was done under local
      anaesthesia and it included extraction of the primary molars affected by ROD,
      stainless steel crown on 64, and caries prevention program. Fifteen months
      following the initial assessment the patient's oral condition remains stable and
      she is under regular follow-up at the department. Paediatric dentists should be
      aware of this anomaly as it involves both dentitions and usually requires
      multidisciplinary care.

PMID- 28097028
TI  - Hirayama Disease: A Rare Disease with Unusual Features.
AB  - Hirayama disease, also known as monomelic amyotrophy (MMA), is a rare cervical
      myelopathy that manifests itself as a self-limited, asymmetrical, slowly
      progressive atrophic weakness of the forearms and hands predominantly in young
      males. The forward displacement of the posterior dura of the lower cervical dural
      canal during neck flexion has been postulated to lead to lower cervical cord
      atrophy with asymmetric flattening. We report a case of Hirayama disease in a 25
      year-old Indian man presenting with gradually progressive asymmetrical weakness
      and wasting of both hands and forearms along with unusual features of autonomic
      dysfunction and upper motor neuron lesion.

PMID- 28097029
TI  - Successful Closed Reduction of a Lateral Elbow Dislocation.
AB  - In this report, we present a case of lateral elbow dislocation treated with
      closed reduction. Lateral elbow dislocation is rare, and a closed reduction is
      reported with even less frequency. The reduction can be hindered by swelling and
      soft tissue interposition, and we describe the use of a nonoperative reduction
      technique performed under mild sedation with early physiotherapy to avoid joint
      stiffness. No additional complication was observed, and the normal range of elbow
      movement and function was obtained by early physiotherapy.

PMID- 28097030
TI  - A Foregut Duplication Cyst of the Stomach in Association with a Gastrointestinal
      Stromal Tumor and a Leiomyoma: A Case Report.
AB  - Objectives. Duplication cysts are rare benign lesions usually arising in the
      gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman with an
      incidental gastric mass found on computed tomography during a pregraft workup for
      a familial cardiomyopathy. Methods. The mass was completely excised by partial
      gastrectomy and gross examination revealed a cystic lesion containing two small
      solid nodules in its wall. Microscopic evaluation and immunohistochemistry study
      were performed to further characterize the cyst and the nodules. A comprehensive
      literature review of the NCBI database PubMed was also carried out. Results.
      While the cyst was diagnosed as a foregut duplication cyst, the solid nodules
      proved to be concomitant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and leiomyoma.
      Both morphologic features and immunohistochemistry stains, including CD117,
      smooth muscle actin, and CD34 supported the diagnosis. Clinical course was benign
      and the patient had no clinical evidence of relapse ten months following the
      surgical procedure. The literature search did not reveal any other published case
      of a foregut duplication cyst presenting in combination with a GIST and a
      leiomyoma. Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a composite
      lesion comprising a foregut duplication cyst of the stomach along with a
      leiomyoma and a GIST.

PMID- 28097031
TI  - Diffuse Gallium-67 Accumulation in the Left Atrial Wall Detected Using SPECT/CT
      Fusion Images.
AB  - Gallium-67 scintigraphy is useful for detecting active inflammation. We show a 66
      year-old female patient with atrial fibrillation and diffuse thickening of the
      left atrial wall due to acute myocarditis, who presented diffuse abnormal
      accumulation of gallium-67 in the left atrium on single photon emission computed
      tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) fusion images. In the second gallium-67
      scan 2 months after the first scintigraphy, the abnormal accumulation in the
      heart was no longer visible. Gallium-67 SPECT/CT images helped understanding the
      disease condition that temporary inflammation in the left atrium caused atrial
      fibrillation.

PMID- 28097032
TI  - Abdominal Pain in the Female Patient: A Case of Concurrent Acute Appendicitis and
      Ruptured Endometrioma.
AB  - General surgeons are often asked to evaluate acute abdominal pain which has an
      expanded differential diagnosis in women of childbearing age. Acute appendicitis
      accounts for many surgical emergencies as a common cause of nongynecologic pelvic
      pain. In some rare instances, acute appendicitis has been shown to occur
      simultaneously with a variety of gynecologic diseases. We report a case of
      concurrent acute appendicitis and ruptured ovarian endometrioma.

PMID- 28097033
TI  - A Case Report of Bilateral Adrenal Sarcomatoid Carcinoma.
AB  - Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. Sarcomatoid
      adrenal carcinoma is even more aggressive type of ACC. Bilateral malignant
      adrenal tumors are extremely rare except for those that represent metastasis from
      an extra-adrenal organ. Here we report a 53-year-old woman who presented with
      abdominal pain and weight loss. Abdominal computed tomography revealed bilateral
      adrenal masses and a mass in her liver. Surgical specimens showed pleomorphic
      tumor cells with epithelial and spindle cell morphology and immunohistochemical
      staining was compatible with sarcomatoid carcinoma. Sarcomatoid adrenal carcinoma
      should be kept in mind during the management of bilateral adrenal masses.

PMID- 28097034
TI  - Blowhole Colostomy for Clostridium difficile-Associated Toxic Megacolon.
AB  - We present the case of a 58-year-old man who underwent urgent blowhole colostomy
      for toxic megacolon (TM) secondary to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). This
      infection occurred under antibiotic coverage with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid,
      four days after laparoscopic sigmoidectomy in our hospital. Although prospective
      clinical research regarding the surgical management of TM is lacking,
      decompressive procedures like blowhole colostomy are reported to carry a high
      risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality and are widely regarded as
      obsolete. Subtotal or total colectomy with end ileostomy is currently considered
      the procedure of choice. After presenting our case, we discuss the literature
      available on the subject to argue that the scarce evidence on the optimal
      surgical treatment for TM is primarily based on TM associated with inflammatory
      bowel diseases (IBD) and that there might be a rationale for considering
      minimally invasive procedures like blowhole colostomy for CDI-associated TM.

PMID- 28097035
TI  - Flare-Up Diverticulitis in the Terminal Ileum in Short Interval after
      Conservative Therapy: Report of a Case.
AB  - Diverticulitis in the terminal ileum is uncommon. Past reports suggested that
      conservative therapy may be feasible to treat terminal ileum diverticulitis
      without perforation; however, there is no consensus on the therapeutic strategy
      for small bowel diverticulitis. We present a 37-year-old man who was referred to
      our hospital for sudden onset of abdominal pain and nausea. He was diagnosed with
      diverticulitis in the terminal ileum by computed tomography (CT).
      Tazobactam/piperacillin hydrate (18 g/day) was administered. The antibiotic
      treatment was maintained for 7 days, and the symptoms disappeared after the
      treatment. Thirty-eight days after antibiotic therapy, he noticed severe
      abdominal pain again. He was diagnosed with diverticulitis in terminal ileum
      which was flare-up of inflammation. He was given antibiotic therapy again. Nine
      days after antibiotic therapy, laparoscopy assisted right hemicolectomy and
      resection of 20 cm of terminal ileum were performed. Histopathology report
      confirmed multiple ileal diverticulitis. He was discharged from our hospital 12
      days after the surgery. Colonoscopy was performed two months after the surgery
      and it revealed no finding suggesting inflammatory bowel disease. Surgical
      treatment should be taken into account as a potential treatment option to manage
      the diverticulitis in the terminal ileum even though it is not perforated.

PMID- 28097036
TI  - Urinary Obstruction of Transplanted Kidney Caused by Uterine Adenomyosis and 2
      Year Posthysterectomy Psoas Abscess in Conjunction with Transplanted Kidney.
AB  - Urinary obstruction of the transplanted kidney caused by uterine leiomyoma is an
      extremely rare condition. To the best of our knowledge, there are only two
      reports in English literature. Psoas abscess secondary to renal graft
      pyelonephritis is also uncommon. We present this unusual case and its treatment
      course. A 43-year-old female presented with renal dysfunction. She was started on
      peritoneal dialysis from the age of 26 years and received kidney transplantation
      from her mother (living donor) at the age of 27 years. Computed tomography (CT)
      revealed right hydronephrosis and a large uterine mass compressing the distal
      ureter of the transplanted kidney. After a simple total hysterectomy, her renal
      function improved. Two years following the hysterectomy, she experienced painful
      urination, fever, right abdominal pain, and right lower limb pain. CT and T2
      weighed magnetic resonance imaging of her pelvis demonstrated right psoas abscess
      in conjunction with transplanted kidney. She was treated with broad-spectrum
      antibiotics alone, which resulted in a good response. Urinary obstruction of the
      transplanted kidney caused by uterine leiomyoma is an extremely rare condition.
      Psoas abscess secondary to transplanted kidney pyelonephritis is also rare. We
      should keep these rare diseases in mind when treating such cases.

PMID- 28097038
TI  - Quantitative Analysis in Combination with Fingerprint Technology and Chemometric
      Analysis Applied for Evaluating Six Species of Wild Paris Using UHPLC-UV-MS.
AB  - A fast method was developed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography
      (UHPLC) for simultaneous determination of polyphyllin I and polyphyllin II.
      Chemometric analyses including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial
      least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on UHPLC chromatography were
      used to evaluate 38 batches from six species of Paris. Variable importance of
      projection was applied to select important peaks. Meanwhile, similarity analysis
      of UHPLC fingerprint was used to evaluate the sample of Paris polyphylla
      yunnanensis (PPY) and P. axialis (PA). The results indicated that the total
      content of saponins in PPY and PA collected from Baoshan City of Yunnan Province
      above 8.07 mg/g was stronger than that from other areas of the rest of species.
      PLS-DA showed better performance than PCA with regard to classifying the samples.
      Retention time during 20-27 minutes of UHPLC was screened as significant peak for
      distinguishing Paris of different species and original geography. All of PPY and
      PA with similarity value were more than 0.80. It indicated that quantitative
      analysis combined with chemometric and similarity analyses could evaluate the
      different species of Paris effectively and comprehensively.

PMID- 28097039
TI  - The Concept of Wind in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
AB  - The use of folk medicine has been widely embraced in many developed countries
      under the name of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) and
      is now becoming the mainstream in the UK and the rest of Europe, as well as in
      North America and Australia. Diversity, easy accessibility, broad continuity,
      relatively low cost, base levels of technological inputs, fewer side effects, and
      growing economic importance are some of the positive features of folk medicine.
      In this framework, a critical need exists to introduce the practice of folk
      medicine into public healthcare if the goal of reformed access to healthcare
      facilities is to be achieved. The amount of information available to public
      health practitioners about traditional medicine concepts and the utilization of
      that information are inadequate and pose many problems for the delivery of
      primary healthcare globally. Different societies have evolved various forms of
      indigenous perceptions that are captured under the broad concept of folk
      medicine, e.g., Persian, Chinese, Grecian, and African folk medicines, which
      explain the lack of universally accepted definitions of terms. Thus, the exchange
      of information on the diverse forms of folk medicine needs to be facilitated.
      Various concepts of Wind are found in books on traditional medicine, and many of
      those go beyond the boundaries established in old manuscripts and are not easily
      understood. This study intends to provide information, context, and guidance for
      the collection of all important information on the different concepts of Wind and
      for their simplification. This new vision for understanding earlier Chinese
      medicine will benefit public health specialists, traditional and complementary
      medicine practitioners, and those who are interested in historical medicine by
      providing a theoretical basis for the traditional medicines and the acupuncture
      that is used to eliminate Wind in order to treat various diseases.

PMID- 28097037
TI  - Nonmedical Use of Antihistaminergic Anxiolytics and Other Prescription Drugs
      among Persons with Opioid Dependence.
AB  - Background. Nonmedical prescription drug use (NMPDU) is an increasing problem,
      insufficiently studied among people in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). This
      study investigates the prevalence of and factors associated with NMPDU for drug
      classes insufficiently described in opioid-dependent populations, including
      antihistaminergic anxiolytics and central stimulants. Methods. Study participants
      were recruited at two OMT clinics in Malmo, Sweden, between October 2014 and
      December 2015 (N = 73) and interviewed about their use, motivations for use, and
      acquisition and administration of prescription drugs. Results. The majority of
      the sample reported lifetime NMPDU: 60% for benzodiazepine-like hypnotics (z
      drugs), 21% for pregabalin, 19% for stimulants, and 12%-15% for antihistaminergic
      anxiolytics. Lower age was associated with nonmedical benzodiazepine use
      (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.89; 95% Confidence Interval = 0.82-0.97). Illicit
      acquisition was reported by 61% of people using z-drugs, 46% of people using
      pregabalin, and 38% of people using prescription stimulants, but only by 6-10% of
      people using antihistaminergic anxiolytics. Conclusions. The substantial
      nonmedical use of pregabalin, z-drugs, and prescription stimulants found in this
      study suggests that clinicians should prescribe these drugs with great caution.
      Nonmedical use of antihistaminergic anxiolytics does not seem to be a clinical
      issue among people in OMT in a Swedish setting, but we propose future studies to
      monitor their use.

PMID- 28097040
TI  - Effects of Inhalable Microparticles of Seonpyejeongcheon-Tang in an Asthma Mouse
      Model: - Effects of Microparticles of SJT.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Allergic asthma generally presents with symptoms of wheezing,
      coughing, breathlessness, and airway inflammation. Seonpyejeongcheon-tang (SJT)
      consists of 12 herbs. It originated from Jeongcheon-tang (JT), also known as Ding
      chuan-tang, composed of 7 herbs, in She-sheng-zhong-miao-fang. This study aimed
      to evaluate the effects of local delivery of SJT via inhalable microparticles in
      an asthma mouse model. METHODS: Microparticles containing SJT were produced by
      spray-drying with leucine as an excipient. SJT microparticles were evaluated with
      respect to their aerodynamic properties, in vitro cytotoxicity, in vivo toxicity,
      and therapeutic effects on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in comparison with
      orally-administered SJT. RESULTS: SJT microparticles provided desirable
      aerodynamic properties (fine particle fraction of 48.9% +/- 6.4% and mass median
      aerodynamic diameter of 3.7 +/- 0.3 MUm). SJT microparticles did not show any
      cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 macrophages at concentrations of 0.01 - 3 mg/mL.
      Inhaled SJT microparticles decreased the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A,
      eotaxin and OVA-IgE in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in mice with OVA
      induced asthma. These effects were verified by histological evaluation of the
      levels of infiltration of inflammatory cells and collagen, destructions of
      alveoli and bronchioles, and hyperplasia of goblet cells in lung tissues. The
      effects of SJT microparticles in the asthma model were equivalent to those of
      orally-administered SJT extract. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that SJT is a
      promising agent for inhalation therapy for patients with asthma.

PMID- 28097041
TI  - Effect of Catechins, Green tea Extract and Methylxanthines in Combination with
      Gentamicin Against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: -
      Combination therapy against resistant bacteria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bacterial resistant infections have become a global health challenge
      and threaten the society's health. Thus, an urgent need exists to find ways to
      combat resistant pathogens. One promising approach to overcoming bacterial
      resistance is the use of herbal products. Green tea catechins, the major green
      tea polyphenols, show antimicrobial activity against resistant pathogens. The
      present study aimed to investigate the effect of catechins, green tea extract,
      and methylxanthines in combination with gentamicin against standard and clinical
      isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and the standard strain of
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). METHODS: The minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of
      different agents against bacterial strains were determined. The interactions of
      green tea extract, epigallate catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, two types of
      methylxanthine, caffeine, and theophylline with gentamicin were studied in vitro
      by using a checkerboard method and calculating the fraction inhibitory
      concentration index (FICI). RESULTS: The MICs of gentamicin against bacterial
      strains were in the range of 0.312 - 320 MUg/mL. The MIC values of both types of
      catechins were 62.5 - 250 MUg/ mL. Green tea extract showed insufficient
      antibacterial activity when used alone. Methylxanthines had no intrinsic
      inhibitory activity against any of the bacterial strains tested. When green tea
      extract and catechins were combined with gentamicin, the MIC values of gentamicin
      against the standard strains and a clinical isolate were reduced, and synergistic
      activities were observed (FICI < 1). A combination of caffeine with gentamicin
      did not alter the MIC values of gentamicin. CONCLUSION: The results of the
      present study revealed that green tea extract and catechins potentiated the
      antimicrobial action of gentamicin against some clinical isolates of S. aureus
      and standard P. aeruginosa strains. Therefore, combinations of gentamicin with
      these natural compounds might be a promising approach to combat microbial
      resistance.

PMID- 28097043
TI  - Single-Dose Intramuscular Toxicity of Mahwangcheonoh Pharmacopuncture in a Rat
      Model: - Toxicity of Mahwangcheonoh Pharmacopuncture in SD Rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to analyze the single-dose toxicity and the
      safety of Mahwangcheonoh pharmacopuncture extracts. METHODS: Six-week-old Sprague
      Dawley rats were used for this study. Doses of Mahwangcheonoh pharmacopuncture
      extracts were set at 0.25 mL (low-dose), 0.5 mL (medium-dose) and 1.0 mL (high
      dose) for the test groups. A dose of 1.0 mL of normal saline solution was set for
      the control group. During 14 days, general symptoms, mortalities, and changes in
      hematology, blood biochemistry and histopathology of all rats were observed.
      RESULTS: No death was observed in all test groups. Any abnormal symptom was not
      observed in all of the groups. No significant changes in weight between the
      control group and the test groups were observed. In addition, no significant
      differences in the hematology signs, the blood biochemistry levels and the
      histopathological signs related to the Mahwangcheonoh pharmacopuncture extracts
      injection were observed. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that
      Mahwangcheonoh pharmacopuncture at doses of 1.0 mL or less may be consider safe
      and non-toxic. So, it can be used for therapy of obesity sufficiently. But
      further studies on this subject must be performed to confirm and verify this
      conclusion.

PMID- 28097042
TI  - The Relaxant Activity of Safranal in Isolated Rat Aortas is Mediated
      Predominantly via an Endothelium-Independent Mechanism: -Vasodilatory mechanism
      of safranal.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Safranal is a pharmacologically active component of saffron and is
      responsible for the unique aroma of saffron. The hypotensive effect of safranal
      has been shown in previous studies. This study evaluates the mechanism for the
      vasodilatory effects induced by safranal on isolated rat aortas. METHODS: To
      study the vasodilatory effects of safranal (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mM), we contracted
      isolated rat thoracic aorta rings by using 10-6-M phenylephrine (PE) or 80-mM
      KCl. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a control. The vasodilatory effect of
      safranal was also evaluated both on intact and denuded endothelium aortic rings.
      Furthermore, to study the role of nitric oxide and prostacyclin in the relaxation
      induced by safranal, we incubated the aortic rings by using L-NAME (10-6 M) or
      indomethacin (10-5 M), each for 20 minutes. RESULTS: Safranal induced relaxation
      in endothelium-intact aortic rings precontracted by using PE or KCl in a
      concentration-dependent manner, with a maximum relaxation of more than 100%. The
      relaxant activity of safranal was not eliminated by incubating the aortic rings
      with L-NAME (EC50 = 0.29 vs. EC50 = 0.43) or with indomethacin (EC50 = 0.29 vs.
      EC50 = 0.35), where EC50 is the half maximal effective concentration. Also, the
      vasodilatory activity of safranal was not modified by endothelial removal.
      CONCLUSION: This study indicated that relaxant activity of safranal is mediated
      predominantly through an endothelium- independent mechanism.

PMID- 28097044
TI  - Study on the Single Dose Toxicity of ShinEumHur Pharmacopuncture Injected into
      the Muscles of Rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to analyze the single dose toxicity of
      ShinEumHur (SEH) pharmacopuncture injected into the muscles of Sprague-Dawley
      rats. METHODS: The SEH pharmacopuncture was made in a clean room at the Korean
      Pharmacopuncture Institute (K-GMP). After the mixing process with sterile
      distilled water had been completed, the pH was controlled to between 7.0 and 7.5.
      All experiments were conducted at Biotoxtech, an institution authorized to
      perform non-clinical studies under the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
      regulations. Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen for the pilot study. Doses of SEH
      pharmacopuncture, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mL, were administered to the experimental
      groups, and a dose of normal saline solution, 1.0 mL, was administered to the
      control group. We examined the survival rate, weights, clinical signs, mean
      hematology parameters, mean clinical chemistry, necropsy and histopathological
      findings. This study was conducted under the approval of the Institutional Animal
      Ethics Committee. RESULTS: No deaths or abnormalities occurred in any of the four
      groups. No significant changes in weight, hematological parameters or clinical
      chemistry between the control group and the experimental groups were observed. To
      check for abnormalities in organs and tissues, we used microscopy to examine
      representative histological sections of each specified organ; the results showed
      no significant differences in any of the organs or tissues. CONCLUSION: The above
      findings suggest that treatment with SEH pharmacopuncture is relatively safe.
      Further studies on this subject are needed to yield more concrete evidence.

PMID- 28097045
TI  - Homeopathy - A Safe, Much Less Expensive, Non-Invasive, Viable Alternative for
      the Treatment of Patients Suffering from Loss of Lumbar Lordosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Loss of lumbar lordosis causing pain and curvature of the vertebral
      skeleton to one side is a relatively uncommon disease. To our knowledge,
      successful treatment of loss of lumbar lordosis with any potentized homeopathic
      drug diluted above Avogadro's limit (that is, above a potency of 12C) has not
      been documented so far. In this communication, we intend to document a relatively
      rare case of loss of lumbar lordosis with osteophytic lippings, disc desiccation,
      and protrusion, causing a narrowing of secondary spinal canal and a bilateral
      neural foramina, leading to vertebral column curvature with acute pain in an
      adolescent boy. METHODS: The patient had undergone treatment with orthodox
      Western medicines, but did not get any relief from, or cure of, the ailment;
      finally, surgery was recommended. The patient's family brought the patient to the
      Khuda-Bukhsh Homeopathic Benevolent Foundation where a charitable clinic is run
      every Friday with the active participation of four qualified homeopathic doctors.
      A holistic method of homeopathic treatment was adopted by taking into
      consideration all symptoms and selecting the proper remedy by consulting the
      homeopathic repertory, mainly of Kent. RESULTS: The symptoms were effectively
      treated with different potencies of a single homeopathic drug, Calcarea phos. X
      ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) supported recovery and a change in the
      skeletal curvature that was accompanied by removal of pain and other acute
      symptoms of the ailment. CONCLUSION: Homeopathy can be a safe, much less
      expensive, non-invasive, and viable alternative for the treatment of such cases.

PMID- 28097046
TI  - Molecular classification of tissue from a transformed non-Hogkin's lymphoma case
      with unexpected long-time remission.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of precision medicine in cancer includes individual
      molecular studies to predict clinical outcomes. In the present N = 1 case we
      retrospectively have analysed lymphoma tissue by exome sequencing and global gene
      expression in a patient with unexpected long-term remission following relaps. The
      goals were to phenotype the diagnostic and relapsed lymphoma tissue and evaluate
      its pattern. Furthermore, to identify mutations available for targeted therapy
      and expression of genes to predict specific drug effects by resistance gene
      signatures (REGS) for R-CHOP as described at http://www.hemaclass.org. We
      expected that such a study could generate therapeutic information and a frame for
      future individual evaluation of molecular resistance detected at clinical
      relapse. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was diagnosed with a transformed high
      grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma stage III and treated with conventional R-CHOP
      [rituximab (R), cyclophosphamide (C), doxorubicin (H), vincristine (O) and
      prednisone (P)]. Unfortunately, she suffered from severe toxicity but recovered
      during the following 6 months' remission until biopsy-verified relapse. The
      patient refused second-line combination chemotherapy, but accepted 3 months'
      palliation with R and chlorambucil. Unexpectedly, she obtained continuous
      complete remission and is at present >9 years after primary diagnosis. Molecular
      studies and data evaluation by principal component analysis, mutation screening
      and copy number variations of the primary and relapsed tumor, identified a
      pattern of branched lymphoma evolution, most likely diverging from an in situ
      follicular lymphoma. Accordingly, the primary diagnosed transformed lymphoma was
      classified as a diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the GCB/centrocytic
      subtype by "cell of origin BAGS" assignment and R sensitive and C, H, O and P
      resistant by "drug specific REGS" assignment. The relapsed DLBCL was classified
      as NC/memory subtype and R, C, H sensitive but O and P resistant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Thorough analysis of the tumor DNA and RNA documented a branched evolution of the
      two clinical diagnosed tFL, most likely transformed from an unknown in situ
      lymphoma. Classification of the malignant tissue for drug-specific resistance did
      not explain the unexpected long-term remission and potential cure. However, it is
      tempting to consider the anti-CD20 immunotherapy as the curative intervention in
      the two independent tumors of this case.

PMID- 28097047
TI  - Quantifying the ON and OFF Contributions to the Flash ERG with the Discrete
      Wavelet Transform.
AB  - PURPOSE: Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) analyses suggest that the 20- and 40-Hz
      components of the short-flash photopic electroretinogram (ERG) are closely
      related to the ON and OFF pathways, respectively. With the DWT, we examined how
      the ERG ON and OFF components are modulated by the stimulus intensity and/or
      duration. METHODS: Discrete wavelet transform descriptors (20, 40 Hz and 40:20-Hz
      ratio) were extracted from ERGs evoked to 25 combinations of flash durations (150
      5 ms) and strengths (0.8-2.8 log cd.m-2). RESULTS: In ERGs evoked to the 150-ms
      stimulus (to separate the ON and OFF ERGs), the 40:20-Hz ratio of ON ERGs (mean
      +/- SD: 0.49 +/- 0.04) was significantly smaller (P < 0.05) than that of OFF ERGs
      (1.71 +/- 0.18) owing to a significantly (P < 0.05) higher contribution of the 20
      and 40 Hz components to the ON and OFF ERGs, respectively. With brighter stimuli,
      the ON and OFF components increased similarly (P < 0.05). While progressively
      shorter flashes had no impact (P > 0.05) on the ON component, it exponentially
      enhanced (P < 0.05) the OFF component. CONCLUSIONS: Discrete wavelet transform
      allows for an accurate determination of ON and OFF retinal pathways even in ERGs
      evoked to a short flash. To our knowledge, the significant OFF facilitatory
      effect evidenced with shorter stimuli has not previously been reported.
      TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: The DWT approach should offer a rapid, easy, and
      reproducible approach to retrospectively and prospectively evaluate the function
      of the retinal ON and OFF pathways using the standard (short-flash duration)
      clinical ERG stimulus.

PMID- 28097048
TI  - Effects of grazing intensity and the use of veterinary medical products on dung
      beetle biodiversity in the sub-mountainous landscape of Central Italy.
AB  - Grazing extensification and intensification are among the main problems affecting
      European grasslands. We analyze the impact of grazing intensity (low and
      moderate) and the use of veterinary medical products (VMPs) on the dung beetle
      community in the province of Pesaro-Urbino (Italy). Grazing intensity is a key
      factor in explaining the diversity of dung beetles. In the case of the alpha
      diversity component, sites with a low level of grazing activity-related in a
      previous step to the subsequent abandonment of traditional farming-is
      characterized by a loss of species richness (q = 0) and a reduction in alpha
      diversity at the levels q = 1 and q = 2. In the case of beta diversity, sites
      with a different grazing intensity show remarkable differences in terms of the
      composition of their species assemblages. The use of VMPs is another important
      factor in explaining changes in dung beetle diversity. In sites with a
      traditional use of VMPs, a significant loss of species richness and biomass is
      observed, as is a notable effect on beta diversity. In addition, the absence of
      indicator species in sites with a historical use of VMPs corroborates the
      hypothesis that these substances have a ubiquitous effect on dung beetles.
      However, the interaction between grazing activity and VMPs when it comes to
      explaining changes in dung beetle diversity is less significant (or is not
      significant) than the main effects (each factor separately) for alpha diversity,
      biomass and species composition. This may be explained if we consider that both
      factors affect the various species differently. In other words, the reduction in
      dung availability affects several larger species more than it does very small
      species, although this does not imply that the former are more susceptible to
      injury caused by the ingestion of dung contaminated with VMPs. Finally, in order
      to prevent negative consequences for dung beetle diversity, we propose the
      maintenance of a moderate grazing intensity and the rational use of VMPs. It is
      our view that organic management can prevent excessive extensification while
      providing an economic stimulus to the sector. Simultaneously, it can also prevent
      the abuse of VMPs.

PMID- 28097049
TI  - Sharing refuges on arid islands: ecological and social influence on aggregation
      behaviour of wall geckos.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The extent of social behaviour among reptiles is underappreciated.
      Two types of aggregations are recognized in lizards: ecological and social, i.e.,
      related to the attraction to a site or to animals of the same species,
      respectively. As most lizards are territorial, aggregations increase the
      probability of aggressive interactions among individuals, a density-dependent
      behaviour. METHODS: After some spurious observations of aggregation behaviour in
      the endemic Cabo Verde nocturnal gecko Tarentola substituta, we conducted a field
      based study in order to thoroughly characterize it. We sampled 48 transects and
      40 10 * 10 m quadrats on Sao Vicente Island to describe the incidence, size and
      composition of aggregations and to study the effect of gecko and refuge density,
      plus refuge quality, on refuge sharing. We hypothesize that when density of
      animals and scarcity of high-quality refuges is higher, lizards have increased
      probability of aggregating. We also predict a consistent pattern of size and
      composition of groups (male-female pairs, only one adult male per group)
      throughout the year if there is a selected behaviour to avoid agonistic
      interactions, and low thermal advantage to aggregating individuals. RESULTS: We
      present one of the first evidences of aggregation for Phyllodactylidae geckos. We
      found that T. substituta forms aggregations around 30-40% of the time, and that
      refuges are almost always shared by a female-male pair, sometimes with a
      juvenile, probably a mechanism to avoid aggressive interactions. We also observed
      that refuge sharing is dependent on refuge quality, as medium-large (thermally
      more stable and positively selected) rocks are shared much more frequently than
      small ones, but independent of adult sizes. Refuge sharing is also directly
      related to the density of geckos and inversely related to the density of high
      quality refuges. We found no relation between body temperatures of geckos and
      refuge sharing when controlling the effect of rock/air temperature, suggesting
      that huddling does not improve thermoregulation. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest
      that in this harsh environment (rocks reach 46  degrees C) aggregation incidence
      is mainly driven by an ecological factor (scarcity of high-quality refuges) and
      its intersexual composition by social factors (avoidance of agonistic
      interactions by males, and possible increased reproductive success of the pair).
      This study sheds some light on the little explored gecko aggregation behaviour
      and other studies should follow.

PMID- 28097050
TI  - Microbial communities mediating algal detritus turnover under anaerobic
      conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Algae encompass a wide array of photosynthetic organisms that are
      ubiquitously distributed in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Algal species often
      bloom in aquatic ecosystems, providing a significant autochthonous carbon input
      to the deeper anoxic layers in stratified water bodies. In addition, various
      algal species have been touted as promising candidates for anaerobic biogas
      production from biomass. Surprisingly, in spite of its ecological and economic
      relevance, the microbial community involved in algal detritus turnover under
      anaerobic conditions remains largely unexplored. RESULTS: Here, we characterized
      the microbial communities mediating the degradation of Chlorella vulgaris
      (Chlorophyta), Chara sp. strain IWP1 (Charophyceae), and kelp Ascophyllum nodosum
      (phylum Phaeophyceae), using sediments from an anaerobic spring (Zodlteone
      spring, OK; ZDT), sludge from a secondary digester in a local wastewater
      treatment plant (Stillwater, OK; WWT), and deeper anoxic layers from a seasonally
      stratified lake (Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, OK; GL) as inoculum sources. Within
      all enrichments, the majority of algal biomass was metabolized within 13-16
      weeks, and the process was accompanied by an increase in cell numbers and a
      decrease in community diversity. Community surveys based on the V4 region of the
      16S rRNA gene identified different lineages belonging to the phyla Bacteroidetes,
      Proteobacteria (alpha, delta, gamma, and epsilon classes), Spirochaetes, and
      Firmicutes that were selectively abundant under various substrate and inoculum
      conditions. Within all kelp enrichments, the microbial communities structures at
      the conclusion of the experiment were highly similar regardless of the enrichment
      source, and were dominated by the genus Clostridium, or family Veillonellaceae
      within the Firmicutes. In all other enrichments the final microbial community was
      dependent on the inoculum source, rather than the type of algae utilized as
      substrate. Lineages enriched included the uncultured groups VadinBC27 and WCHB1
      69 within the Bacteroidetes, genus Spirochaeta and the uncultured group SHA-4
      within Spirochaetes, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Yongiibacter,
      Geosporobacter, and Acidaminobacter within the Firmicutes, and genera Kluyvera,
      Pantoea, Edwardsiella and Aeromonas, and Buttiauxella within the Gamma
      Proteobaceteria order Enterobacteriales. CONCLUSIONS: Our results represent the
      first systematic survey of microbial communities mediating turnover of algal
      biomass under anaerobic conditions, and highlights the diversity of lineages
      putatively involved in the degradation process.

PMID- 28097051
TI  - CTLA-4 polymorphisms associate with breast cancer susceptibility in Asians: a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Previous studies have investigated the association between cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
      antigen-4 (CTLA-4) polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility, but the
      results remained inconsistent. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between
      four common CTLA-4 polymorphisms and breast cancer risk by a meta-analysis,
      aiming to derive a comprehensive and precise conclusion. We searched EMBASE,
      Pubmed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases until July 18th, 2016.
      Finally, ten eligible studies involving 4,544 breast cancer patients and 4,515
      cancer-free controls were included; all these studies were from Asia. Odds ratio
      (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the breast cancer
      risk in five genetic models. The results indicated that the CTLA-4 +49A>G
      (rs231775) polymorphism had a significant association with decreased breast
      cancer risk in allelic, homozygous, dominant and recessive models. Also, the
      +6230G>A (rs3087243) polymorphism reduced breast cancer risk especially in the
      Chinese population under homozygous and recessive models. In contrast, the 
      1661A>G (rs4553808) polymorphism increased breast cancer risk in allelic,
      heterozygous and dominant models, whereas -1722 T>C (rs733618) did not relate to
      breast cancer risk. In conclusion, CTLA-4 polymorphisms significantly associate
      with breast cancer susceptibility in Asian populations, and different gene loci
      may have different effects on breast cancer development. Further large-scale
      studies including multi-racial populations are required to confirm our findings.

PMID- 28097052
TI  - Population dynamics of epidemic and endemic states of drug-resistance emergence
      in infectious diseases.
AB  - The emergence and spread of drug-resistance during treatment of many infectious
      diseases continue to degrade our ability to control and mitigate infection
      outcomes using therapeutic measures. While the coverage and efficacy of treatment
      remain key factors in the population dynamics of resistance, the timing for the
      start of the treatment in infectious individuals can significantly influence such
      dynamics. We developed a between-host disease transmission model to investigate
      the short-term (epidemic) and long-term (endemic) states of infections caused by
      two competing pathogen subtypes, namely the wild-type and resistant-type, when
      the probability of developing resistance is a function of delay in start of the
      treatment. We characterize the behaviour of disease equilibria and obtain a
      condition to minimize the fraction of population infectious at the endemic state
      in terms of probability of developing resistance and its transmission fitness.
      For the short-term epidemic dynamics, we illustrate that depending on the
      likelihood of resistance development at the time of treatment initiation, the
      same epidemic size may be achieved with different delays in start of the
      treatment, which may correspond to significantly different treatment coverages.
      Our results demonstrate that early initiation of treatment may not necessarily be
      the optimal strategy for curtailing the incidence of resistance or the overall
      disease burden. The risk of developing drug-resistance in-host remains an
      important factor in the management of resistance in the population.

PMID- 28097053
TI  - In vitro effect of direct current electrical stimulation on rat mesenchymal stem
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrical stimulation (ES) has been successfully used to treat bone
      defects clinically. Recently, both cellular and molecular approaches have
      demonstrated that ES can change cell behavior such as migration, proliferation
      and differentiation. METHODS: In the present study we exposed rat bone marrow-
      (BM-) and adipose tissue- (AT-) derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to direct
      current electrical stimulation (DC ES) and assessed temporal changes in
      osteogenic differentiation. We applied 100 mV/mm of DC ES for 1 h per day for
      three, seven and 14 days to cells cultivated in osteogenic differentiation medium
      and assessed viability and calcium deposition at the different time points. In
      addition, expression of osteogenic genes, Runx2, Osteopontin, and Col1A2 was
      assessed in BM- and AT-derived MSCs at the different time points. RESULTS:
      Results showed that ES changed osteogenic gene expression patterns in both BM-
      and AT-MSCs, and these changes differed between the two groups. In BM-MSCs, ES
      caused a significant increase in mRNA levels of Runx2, Osteopontin and Col1A2 at
      day 7, while in AT-MSCs, the increase in Runx2 and Osteopontin expression were
      observed after 14 days of ES. DISCUSSION: This study shows that rat bone marrow-
      and adipose tissue-derived stem cells react differently to electrical stimuli, an
      observation that could be important for application of electrical stimulation in
      tissue engineering.

PMID- 28097054
TI  - Hydrogel scaffolds promote neural gene expression and structural reorganization
      in human astrocyte cultures.
AB  - Biomaterial scaffolds have the potential to enhance neuronal development and
      regeneration. Understanding the genetic responses of astrocytes and neurons to
      biomaterials could facilitate the development of synthetic environments that
      enable the specification of neural tissue organization with engineered scaffolds.
      In this study, we used high throughput transcriptomic and imaging methods to
      determine the impact of a hydrogel, PuraMatrixTM, on human glial cells in vitro.
      Parallel studies were undertaken with cells grown in a monolayer environment on
      tissue culture polystyrene. When the Normal Human Astrocyte (NHA) cell line is
      grown in a hydrogel matrix environment, the glial cells adopt a structural
      organization that resembles that of neuronal-glial cocultures, where neurons form
      clusters that are distinct from the surrounding glia. Statistical analysis of
      next generation RNA sequencing data uncovered a set of genes that are
      differentially expressed in the monolayer and matrix hydrogel environments.
      Functional analysis demonstrated that hydrogel-upregulated genes can be grouped
      into three broad categories: neuronal differentiation and/or neural plasticity,
      response to neural insult, and sensory perception. Our results demonstrate that
      hydrogel biomaterials have the potential to transform human glial cell identity,
      and may have applications in the repair of damaged brain tissue.

PMID- 28097055
TI  - Comprehensive transcriptome analysis provides new insights into nutritional
      strategies and phylogenetic relationships of chrysophytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chrysophytes are protist model species in ecology and ecophysiology
      and important grazers of bacteria-sized microorganisms and primary producers.
      However, they have not yet been investigated in detail at the molecular level,
      and no genomic and only little transcriptomic information is available.
      Chrysophytes exhibit different trophic modes: while phototrophic chrysophytes
      perform only photosynthesis, mixotrophs can gain carbon from bacterial food as
      well as from photosynthesis, and heterotrophs solely feed on bacteria-sized
      microorganisms. Recent phylogenies and megasystematics demonstrate an immense
      complexity of eukaryotic diversity with numerous transitions between phototrophic
      and heterotrophic organisms. The question we aim to answer is how the diverse
      nutritional strategies, accompanied or brought about by a reduction of the
      plasmid and size reduction in heterotrophic strains, affect physiology and
      molecular processes. RESULTS: We sequenced the mRNA of 18 chrysophyte strains on
      the Illumina HiSeq platform and analysed the transcriptomes to determine
      relations between the trophic mode (mixotrophic vs. heterotrophic) and gene
      expression. We observed an enrichment of genes for photosynthesis, porphyrin and
      chlorophyll metabolism for phototrophic and mixotrophic strains that can perform
      photosynthesis. Genes involved in nutrient absorption, environmental information
      processing and various transporters (e.g., monosaccharide, peptide, lipid
      transporters) were present or highly expressed only in heterotrophic strains that
      have to sense, digest and absorb bacterial food. We furthermore present a
      transcriptome-based alignment-free phylogeny construction approach using
      transcripts assembled from short reads to determine the evolutionary
      relationships between the strains and the possible influence of nutritional
      strategies on the reconstructed phylogeny. We discuss the resulting phylogenies
      in comparison to those from established approaches based on ribosomal RNA and
      orthologous genes. Finally, we make functionally annotated reference
      transcriptomes of each strain available to the community, significantly enhancing
      publicly available data on Chrysophyceae. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first
      comprehensive transcriptomic characterisation of a diverse set of Chrysophyceaen
      strains. In addition, we showcase the possibility of inferring phylogenies from
      assembled transcriptomes using an alignment-free approach. The raw and
      functionally annotated data we provide will prove beneficial for further
      examination of the diversity within this taxon. Our molecular characterisation of
      different trophic modes presents a first such example.

PMID- 28097056
TI  - Rhea: a transparent and modular R pipeline for microbial profiling based on 16S
      rRNA gene amplicons.
AB  - The importance of 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiles for understanding the influence
      of microbes in a variety of environments coupled with the steep reduction in
      sequencing costs led to a surge of microbial sequencing projects. The expanding
      crowd of scientists and clinicians wanting to make use of sequencing datasets can
      choose among a range of multipurpose software platforms, the use of which can be
      intimidating for non-expert users. Among available pipeline options for high
      throughput 16S rRNA gene analysis, the R programming language and software
      environment for statistical computing stands out for its power and increased
      flexibility, and the possibility to adhere to most recent best practices and to
      adjust to individual project needs. Here we present the Rhea pipeline, a set of R
      scripts that encode a series of well-documented choices for the downstream
      analysis of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) tables, including normalization
      steps, alpha- and beta-diversity analysis, taxonomic composition, statistical
      comparisons, and calculation of correlations. Rhea is primarily a straightforward
      starting point for beginners, but can also be a framework for advanced users who
      can modify and expand the tool. As the community standards evolve, Rhea will
      adapt to always represent the current state-of-the-art in microbial profiles
      analysis in the clear and comprehensive way allowed by the R language. Rhea
      scripts and documentation are freely available at
      https://lagkouvardos.github.io/Rhea.

PMID- 28097057
TI  - A gene expression study of dorso-ventrally restricted pigment pattern in adult
      fins of Neolamprologus meeli, an African cichlid species.
AB  - Fish color patterns are among the most diverse phenotypic traits found in the
      animal kingdom. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control
      in chromatophore distribution and pigmentation underlying this diversity is a
      major goal in developmental and evolutionary biology, which has predominantly
      been pursued in the zebrafish model system. Here, we apply results from zebrafish
      work to study a naturally occurring color pattern phenotype in the fins of an
      African cichlid species from Lake Tanganyika. The cichlid fish Neolamprologus
      meeli displays a distinct dorsal color pattern, with black and white stripes
      along the edges of the dorsal fin and of the dorsal half of the caudal fin,
      corresponding with differences in melanophore density. To elucidate the molecular
      mechanisms controlling the differences in dorsal and ventral color patterning in
      the fins, we quantitatively assessed the expression of 15 candidate target genes
      involved in adult zebrafish pigmentation and stripe formation. For reference gene
      validation, we screened the expression stability of seven widely expressed genes
      across the investigated tissue samples and identified tbp as appropriate
      reference. Relative expression levels of the candidate target genes were compared
      between the dorsal, striped fin regions and the corresponding uniform, grey
      colored regions in the anal and ventral caudal fin. Dorso-ventral expression
      differences, with elevated levels in both white and black stripes, were observed
      in two genes, the melanosome protein coding gene pmel and in igsf11, which
      affects melanophore adhesion, migration and survival. Next, we predicted
      potential shared upstream regulators of pmel and igsf11. Testing the expression
      patterns of six predicted transcriptions factors revealed dorso-ventral
      expression difference of irf1 and significant, negative expression correlation of
      irf1 with both pmel and igsf11. Based on these results, we propose pmel, igsf11
      and irf1 as likely components of the genetic mechanism controlling distinct dorso
      ventral color patterns in N. meeli fins.

PMID- 28097058
TI  - Determining virus-host interactions and glycerol metabolism profiles in
      geographically diverse solar salterns with metagenomics.
AB  - Solar salterns are excellent model ecosystems for studying virus-microbial
      interactions because of their low microbial diversity, environmental stability,
      and high viral density. By using the power of CRISPR spacers to link viruses to
      their prokaryotic hosts, we explored virus-host interactions in geographically
      diverse salterns. Using taxonomic profiling, we identified hosts such as archaeal
      Haloquadratum, Halorubrum, and Haloarcula and bacterial Salinibacter, and we
      found that community composition related to not only salinity but also local
      environmental dynamics. Characterizing glycerol metabolism genes in these
      metagenomes suggested Halorubrum and Haloquadratum possess most dihydroxyacetone
      kinase genes while Salinibacter possesses most glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
      genes. Using two different methods, we detected fewer CRISPR spacers in
      Haloquadratum-dominated compared with Halobacteriaceae-dominated saltern
      metagenomes. After CRISPR detection, spacers were aligned against haloviral
      genomes to map virus to host. While most alignments for each saltern metagenome
      linked viruses to Haloquadratum walsbyi, there were also alignments indicating
      interactions with the low abundance taxa Haloarcula and Haloferax. Further
      examination of the dinucleotide and trinucleotide usage differences between
      paired viruses and their hosts confirmed viruses and hosts had similar nucleotide
      usage signatures. Detection of cas genes in the salterns supported the
      possibility of CRISPR activity. Taken together, our studies suggest similar virus
      host interactions exist in different solar salterns and that the glycerol
      metabolism gene dihydroxyacetone kinase is associated with Haloquadratum and
      Halorubrum.

PMID- 28097059
TI  - The complete chloroplast genome sequence of an endemic monotypic genus Hagenia
      (Rosaceae): structural comparative analysis, gene content and microsatellite
      detection.
AB  - Hagenia is an endangered monotypic genus endemic to the topical mountains of
      Africa. The only species, Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel, is an important
      medicinal plant producing bioactive compounds that have been traditionally used
      by African communities as a remedy for gastrointestinal ailments in both humans
      and animals. Complete chloroplast genomes have been applied in resolving
      phylogenetic relationships within plant families. We employed high-throughput
      sequencing technologies to determine the complete chloroplast genome sequence of
      H. abyssinica. The genome is a circular molecule of 154,961 base pairs (bp), with
      a pair of Inverted Repeats (IR) 25,971 bp each, separated by two single copies; a
      large (LSC, 84,320 bp) and a small single copy (SSC, 18,696). H. abyssinica's
      chloroplast genome has a 37.1% GC content and encodes 112 unique genes, 78 of
      which code for proteins, 30 are tRNA genes and four are rRNA genes. A comparative
      analysis with twenty other species, sequenced to-date from the family Rosaceae,
      revealed similarities in structural organization, gene content and arrangement.
      The observed size differences are attributed to the contraction/expansion of the
      inverted repeats. The translational initiation factor gene (infA) which had been
      previously reported in other chloroplast genomes was conspicuously missing in H.
      abyssinica. A total of 172 microsatellites and 49 large repeat sequences were
      detected in the chloroplast genome. A Maximum Likelihood analyses of 71 protein
      coding genes placed Hagenia in Rosoideae. The availability of a complete
      chloroplast genome, the first in the Sanguisorbeae tribe, is beneficial for
      further molecular studies on taxonomic and phylogenomic resolution within the
      Rosaceae family.

PMID- 28097060
TI  - Why choose Random Forest to predict rare species distribution with few samples in
      large undersampled areas? Three Asian crane species models provide supporting
      evidence.
AB  - Species distribution models (SDMs) have become an essential tool in ecology,
      biogeography, evolution and, more recently, in conservation biology. How to
      generalize species distributions in large undersampled areas, especially with few
      samples, is a fundamental issue of SDMs. In order to explore this issue, we used
      the best available presence records for the Hooded Crane (Grus monacha, n = 33),
      White-naped Crane (Grus vipio, n = 40), and Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis,
      n = 75) in China as three case studies, employing four powerful and commonly used
      machine learning algorithms to map the breeding distributions of the three
      species: TreeNet (Stochastic Gradient Boosting, Boosted Regression Tree Model),
      Random Forest, CART (Classification and Regression Tree) and Maxent (Maximum
      Entropy Models). In addition, we developed an ensemble forecast by averaging
      predicted probability of the above four models results. Commonly used model
      performance metrics (Area under ROC (AUC) and true skill statistic (TSS)) were
      employed to evaluate model accuracy. The latest satellite tracking data and
      compiled literature data were used as two independent testing datasets to
      confront model predictions. We found Random Forest demonstrated the best
      performance for the most assessment method, provided a better model fit to the
      testing data, and achieved better species range maps for each crane species in
      undersampled areas. Random Forest has been generally available for more than 20
      years and has been known to perform extremely well in ecological predictions.
      However, while increasingly on the rise, its potential is still widely underused
      in conservation, (spatial) ecological applications and for inference. Our results
      show that it informs ecological and biogeographical theories as well as being
      suitable for conservation applications, specifically when the study area is
      undersampled. This method helps to save model-selection time and effort, and
      allows robust and rapid assessments and decisions for efficient conservation.

PMID- 28097061
TI  - Contrasting molecular and morphological evidence for the identification of an
      anomalous Buteo: a cautionary tale for hybrid diagnosis.
AB  - An adult Buteo was found dead as a road-kill south of Sacramento, California, and
      was thought to represent the first state record of the eastern Red-shouldered
      Hawk (B. lineatus lineatus;). It is now a specimen in the Museum of Wildlife and
      Fisheries Biology (WFB 4816) at the University of California, Davis. We examined
      this specimen and found that many of its plumage characters differed from all
      other adult Red-shouldered Hawks examined, including nominate adults. Plumage
      markings and measurements were intermediate between Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo
      jamaicensis, ssp calurus) and Red-shouldered Hawk (ssp elegans), leading us to
      hypothesize that the bird was a hybrid. However, mtDNA sequences and nuDNA
      microsatellites proved definitively that the bird was a Red-shouldered Hawk, most
      likely of eastern origin. This case illustrates that apparent hybrids or apparent
      vagrants could be individuals with anomalous phenotypes caused by rare genetic
      variation or novel epigenetic effects.

PMID- 28097062
TI  - Diversity and distribution of the Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) of Ecuador.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aquatic insects and other freshwater animals are some of the most
      threatened forms of life on Earth. Caddisflies (Trichoptera) are highly
      biodiverse in the Neotropics and occupy a wide variety of freshwater habitats. In
      Andean countries, including Ecuador, knowledge of the aquatic biota is limited,
      and there is a great need for baseline data on the species found in these
      countries. Here we present the first list of Trichoptera known from Ecuador, a
      country that harbors two global biodiversity "hotspots." METHODS: We conducted a
      literature review of species previously reported from Ecuador and supplemented
      these data with material we collected during five recent field inventories from
      about 40 localities spanning both hotspots. Using species presence data for each
      Ecuadorian province, we calculated the CHAO 2 species estimator to obtain the
      minimum species richness for the country. RESULTS: We recorded 310 species,
      including 48 new records from our own field inventories for the country. CHAO 2
      calculations showed that only 54% of the species have been found. Hydroptilidae
      and Hydropsychidae were the most species rich families. We report the family
      Xiphocentronidae for the first time from Ecuador as well as several new records
      of genera from different families. DISCUSSION: As in the neighboring Andean
      countries of Colombia and Peru, it is common to find undescribed species of
      caddisflies. There are vast areas of Ecuador and the northern Andes that are
      completely unexplored, and we expect that hundreds of new species are yet to be
      discovered.

PMID- 28097063
TI  - Interferon-gamma responses to Plasmodium falciparum vaccine candidate antigens
      decrease in the absence of malaria transmission.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria elimination campaigns are planned or active in many
      countries. The effects of malaria elimination on immune responses such as antigen
      specific IFN- gamma responses are not well characterized. METHODS: IFN- gamma
      responses to the P. falciparum antigens circumsporozoite protein, liver stage
      antigen-1, thrombospondin-related adhesive protein, apical membrane antigen-1,
      MB2, and merozoite surface protein-1 were tested by ELISA in 243 individuals in
      highland Kenya in April 2008, October 2008, and April 2009, after a one-year
      period of interrupted malaria transmission from April 2007 to March 2008.
      RESULTS: While one individual (0.4%) tested positive for P. falciparum by PCR
      inOctober 2008 and another two (0.9%) tested positive in April 2009, no clinical
      malaria cases were detected during weekly visits. Levels of IFN-gamma to all
      antigens decreased significantly from April 2008 to April 2009 (all P < 0.001).
      DISCUSSION: Naturally acquired IFN- gamma responses to P. falciparum antigensare
      short-lived in the absence of repeated P. falciparum infection. Even short
      periods of malaria interruption may significantly decrease IFN-gamma responses to
      P. falciparum antigens.

PMID- 28097064
TI  - Phalangeal joints kinematics during ostrich (Struthio camelus) locomotion.
AB  - The ostrich is a highly cursorial bipedal land animal with a permanently elevated
      metatarsophalangeal joint supported by only two toes. Although locomotor
      kinematics in walking and running ostriches have been examined, these studies
      have been largely limited to above the metatarsophalangeal joint. In this study,
      kinematic data of all major toe joints were collected from gaits with double
      support (slow walking) to running during stance period in a semi-natural setup
      with two selected cooperative ostriches. Statistical analyses were conducted to
      investigate the effect of locomotor gait on toe joint kinematics. The MTP3 and
      MTP4 joints exhibit the largest range of motion whereas the first phalangeal
      joint of the 4th toe shows the largest motion variability. The interphalangeal
      joints of the 3rd and 4th toes present very similar motion patterns over stance
      phases of slow walking and running. However, the motion patterns of the MTP3 and
      MTP4 joints and the vertical displacement of the metatarsophalangeal joint are
      significantly different during running and slow walking. Because of the
      biomechanical requirements, osctriches are likely to select the inverted pendulum
      gait at low speeds and the bouncing gait at high speeds to improve movement
      performance and energy economy. Interestingly, the motions of the MTP3 and MTP4
      joints are highly synchronized from slow to fast locomotion. This strongly
      suggests that the 3rd and 4th toes really work as an "integrated system" with the
      3rd toe as the main load bearing element whilst the 4th toe as the complementary
      load sharing element with a primary role to ensure the lateral stability of the
      permanently elevated metatarsophalangeal joint.

PMID- 28097065
TI  - Upregulation of NOXA by 10-Hydroxycamptothecin plays a key role in inducing
      fibroblasts apoptosis and reducing epidural fibrosis.
AB  - The fibrosis that develops following laminectomy or discectomy often causes
      serious complications, and the proliferation of fibroblasts is thought to be the
      major cause of epidural fibrosis. 10-Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) has been proven
      to be efficient in preventing epidural fibrosis, but the exact mechanism is still
      unclear. NOXA is a significant regulator of cell apoptosis, which has been
      reported to be beneficial in the treatment of fibrosis. We performed a series of
      experiments, both in vitro and in vivo, to explore the intrinsic mechanism of
      HCPT that underlies the induction of apoptosis in fibroblasts, and also to
      investigate whether HCPT has positive effects on epidural fibrosis following
      laminectomy in rats. Fibroblasts were cultured in vitro and stimulated by varying
      concentrations of HCPT (0, 1, 2, 4 ug/ml) for various durations (0, 24, 48, 72
      h); the effect of HCPT in inducing the apoptosis of fibroblasts was investigated
      via Western blots and TUNEL assay. Our results showed that HCPT could induce
      apoptosis in fibroblasts and up-regulate the expression of NOXA. Following the
      knockdown of NOXA in fibroblasts, the results of Western blot analysis showed
      that the level of apoptotic markers, such as cleaved-PARP and Bax, was decreased.
      The results from the TUNEL assay also showed a decreased rate of apoptosis in
      NOXA-knocked down fibroblasts. For the in vivo studies, we performed a
      laminectomy at the L1-L2 levels in rats and applied HCPT of different
      concentrations (0.2, 0.1, 0.05 mg/ml and saline) locally; the macroscopic
      histological assessment, hydroxyproline content analysis and histological
      staining were performed to evaluate the effect of HCPT on reducing epidural
      fibrosis. The TUNEL assay in epidural tissues showed that HCPT could obviously
      induce apoptosis in fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Also,
      immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of NOXA increased as the
      concentrations of HCPT increased. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that
      upregulation of NOXA by HCPT plays a key role in inducing fibroblast apoptosis
      and in reducing epidural fibrosis. These findings might provide a potential
      therapeutic target for preventing epidural fibrosis following laminectomy.

PMID- 28097066
TI  - Henricia djakonovi sp. nov. (Echinodermata, Echinasteridae): a new sea star
      species from the Sea of Japan.
AB  - A new sea star species, H. djakonovi sp.n., was discovered in Rudnaya Bay in the
      Sea of Japan. This is a sympatric species of the well-known and common species
      Henricia pseudoleviuscula Djakonov, 1958. Both species are similar in body size
      and proportions, shape of skeletal plates, and life coloration, which
      distinguishes them from the other Henricia species inhabiting the Sea of Japan.
      Nevertheless, these species can be distinguished by their abactinal spines: in
      both species, they are short and barrel-like, but the new species is the only
      Henricia species in Russian waters of the Pacific that possesses such spines with
      a massive, smooth, bullet-like tip. The spines in H. pseudoleviuscula are crowned
      with a variable number of well-developed thorns. About half (<50%) of the
      abactinal pseudopaxillae in the new species are oval, not crescent-shaped as in
      H. pseudoleviuscula.

PMID- 28097067
TI  - Anatomical mechanism of spontaneous recovery in regions caudal to thoracic spinal
      cord injury lesions in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nerve fibre circuits around a lesion play a major role in the
      spontaneous recovery process after spinal cord hemisection in rats. The aim of
      the present study was to answer the following question: in the re-control
      process, do all spinal cord nerves below the lesion site participate, or do the
      spinal cord nerves of only one vertebral segment have a role in repair? METHODS:
      First we made a T7 spinal cord hemisection in 50 rats. Eight weeks later, they
      were divided into three groups based on distinct second operations at T7:
      ipsilateral hemisection operation, contralateral hemisection, or transection. We
      then tested recovery of hindlimbs for another eight weeks. The first step was to
      confirm the lesion had role or not in the spontaneous recovery process. Secondly,
      we performed T7 spinal cord hemisections in 125 rats. Eight weeks later, we
      performed a second single hemisection on the ipsilateral side at T8-T12 and then
      tested hindlimb recovery for another six weeks. RESULTS: In the first part, the
      Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) scores and the electrophysiology tests of both
      hindlimbs weren't significantly different after the second hemisection of the
      ipsilateral side. In the second part, the closer the second hemisection was to
      T12, the more substantial the resulting impairment in BBB score tests and
      prolonged latency periods. CONCLUSIONS: The nerve regeneration from the lesion
      area after hemisection has no effect on spontaneous recovery of the spinal cord.
      Repair is carried out by all vertebrae caudal and ipsilateral to the lesion, with
      T12 being most important.

PMID- 28097068
TI  - Hepatic fibrosis and factors associated with liver stiffness in HIV mono-infected
      individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver disease has become an important cause of morbidity and
      mortality even in those HIV-infected individuals who are devoid of hepatitis
      virus co-infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of hepatic
      fibrosis and the role of associated factors using liver stiffness measurement in
      HIV mono-infected patients without significant alcohol intake. METHODS: We
      performed a cross-sectional study of 101 HIV mono-infected patients recruited
      prospectively from March 1, 2014 to October 30, 2014 at the Center for HIV, St
      Istvan and St Laszlo Hospital, Budapest, Hungary. To determine hepatic fibrosis,
      liver stiffness was measured with transient elastography. Demographic,
      immunologic and other clinical parameters were collected to establish a
      multivariate model. Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) was performed to identify
      predictors of liver stiffness. RESULTS: Liver stiffness ranged from 3.0-34.3 kPa,
      with a median value of 5.1 kPa (IQR 1.7). BMA provided a very high support for
      age (Posterior Effect Probability-PEP: 84.5%), moderate for BMI (PEP: 49.3%),
      CD4/8 ratio (PEP: 44.2%) and lipodystrophy (PEP: 44.0%). For all remaining
      variables, the model rather provides evidence against their effect. These results
      overall suggest that age and BMI have a positive association with LS, while CD4/8
      ratio and lipodystrophy are negatively associated. DISCUSSION: Our findings shed
      light on the possible importance of ageing, overweight and HIV-induced immune
      dysregulation in the development of liver fibrosis in the HIV-infected
      population. Nonetheless, further controlled studies are warranted to clarify
      causal relations.

PMID- 28097069
TI  - Italian and Swedish adolescents: differences and associations in subjective well
      being and psychological well-being.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One important aspect of subjective judgments about one's well-being
      (i.e., subjective well-being: life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative
      affect) is that cultural features, such as, nationality seem to shape cognitive
      judgments about the "the ideal life." In this comparative study we examined
      differences in subjective well-being and psychological well-being between Italian
      and Swedish adolescents and tested if the relationship between the three
      constructs of subjective well-being (i.e., satisfaction with life, positive
      affect, and negative affect) and psychological well-being was moderated by the
      adolescents' nationality. METHOD: Italian (n = 255) and Swedish (n = 277)
      adolescents answered to the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Positive Affect
      Negative Affect Schedule, and Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being.
      Differences between samples were tested using a Multiple Analysis of Variance. We
      also conducted a multiple group analysis (Italy and Sweden) using Structural
      Equation Modelling to investigate the relationship between all three subjective
      well-being constructs and psychological well-being. RESULTS: Italian adolescents
      scored significantly higher in satisfaction with life than Swedish adolescents.
      Additionally, across countries, girls scored significantly higher in negative
      affect than boys. In both countries, all three constructs of subjective well
      being were significantly associated to adolescents' psychological well-being.
      Nevertheless, while the effect of the relationship between affect and
      psychological well-being was almost the same across countries, life satisfaction
      was more strongly related to psychological well-being among Swedish adolescents.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that there are larger variations between
      these two cultures in the cognitive construct of subjective well-being than in
      the affective construct. Accordingly, associations between the cognitive
      component, not the affective component, of subjective well-being and
      psychological well-being differ between countries as well.

PMID- 28097070
TI  - Sponge exhalent seawater contains a unique chemical profile of dissolved organic
      matter.
AB  - Sponges are efficient filter feeders, removing significant portions of
      particulate and dissolved organic matter (POM, DOM) from the water column. While
      the assimilation and respiration of POM and DOM by sponges and their abundant
      microbial symbiont communities have received much attention, there is virtually
      no information on the impact of sponge holobiont metabolism on the composition of
      DOM at a molecular-level. We applied untargeted and targeted metabolomics
      techniques to characterize DOM in seawater samples prior to entering the sponge
      (inhalant reef water), in samples exiting the sponge (exhalent seawater), and in
      samples collected just outside the reef area (off reef seawater). Samples were
      collected from two sponge species, Ircinia campana and Spheciospongia vesparium,
      on a near-shore hard bottom reef in the Florida Keys. Metabolic profiles
      generated from untargeted metabolomics analysis indicated that many more
      compounds were enhanced in the exhalent samples than in the inhalant samples.
      Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed differences in diversity and
      concentration of metabolites between exhalent and off reef seawater. For example,
      most of the nucleosides were enriched in the exhalent seawater, while the
      aromatic amino acids, caffeine and the nucleoside xanthosine were elevated in the
      off reef water samples. Although the metabolic profile of the exhalent seawater
      was unique, the impact of sponge metabolism on the overall reef DOM profile was
      spatially limited in our study. There were also no significant differences in the
      metabolic profiles of exhalent water between the two sponge species, potentially
      indicating that there is a characteristic DOM profile in the exhalent seawater of
      Caribbean sponges. Additional work is needed to determine whether the impact of
      sponge DOM is greater in habitats with higher sponge cover and diversity. This
      work provides the first insight into the molecular-level impact of sponge
      holobiont metabolism on reef DOM and establishes a foundation for future
      experimental studies addressing the influence of sponge-derived DOM on chemical
      and ecological processes in coral reef ecosystems.

PMID- 28097071
TI  - The fishing and natural mortality of large, piscivorous Bull Trout and Rainbow
      Trout in Kootenay Lake, British Columbia (2008-2013).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimates of fishing and natural mortality are important for
      understanding, and ultimately managing, commercial and recreational fisheries.
      High reward tags with fixed station acoustic telemetry provides a promising
      approach to monitoring mortality rates in large lake recreational fisheries.
      Kootenay Lake is a large lake which supports an important recreational fishery
      for large Bull Trout and Rainbow Trout. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2013, 88 large
      (>=500 mm) Bull Trout and 149 large (>=500 mm) Rainbow Trout were marked with an
      acoustic transmitter and/or high reward ($100) anchor tags in Kootenay Lake. The
      subsequent detections and angler recaptures were analysed using a Bayesian
      individual state-space Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) survival model with indicator
      variable selection. RESULTS: The final CJS survival model estimated that the
      annual interval probability of being recaptured by an angler was 0.17 (95% CRI
      [0.11-0.23]) for Bull Trout and 0.14 (95% CRI [0.09-0.19]) for Rainbow Trout. The
      annual interval survival probability for Bull Trout was estimated to have
      declined from 0.91 (95% CRI [0.76-0.97]) in 2009 to just 0.46 (95% CRI [0.24
      0.76]) in 2013. Rainbow Trout survival was most strongly affected by spawning.
      The annual interval survival probability was 0.77 (95% CRI [0.68-0.85]) for a non
      spawning Rainbow Trout compared to 0.41 (95% CRI [0.30-0.53]) for a spawner. The
      probability of spawning increased with the fork length for both species and
      decreased over the course of the study for Rainbow Trout. DISCUSSION: Fishing
      mortality was relatively low and constant while natural mortality was relatively
      high and variable. The results indicate that angler effort is not the primary
      driver of short-term population fluctations in the Rainbow Trout abundance.
      Variation in the probability of Rainbow Trout spawning suggests that the spring
      escapement at the outflow of Trout Lake may be a less reliable index of abundance
      than previously assumed. Multi-species stock assessment models need to account
      for the fact that large Bull Trout are more abundant than large Rainbow Trout in
      Kootenay Lake.

PMID- 28097072
TI  - Aggregations and parental care in the Early Triassic basal cynodonts Galesaurus
      planiceps and Thrinaxodon liorhinus.
AB  - Non-mammaliaform cynodonts gave rise to mammals but the reproductive biology of
      this extinct group is still poorly known. Two exceptional fossils of Galesaurus
      planiceps and Thrinaxodon liorhinus, consisting of juveniles closely associated
      with an adult, were briefly described more than 50 years ago as examples of
      parental care in non-mammaliaform cynodonts. However, these two Early Triassic
      fossils have largely been excluded from recent discussions of parental care in
      the fossil record. Here we re-analyse these fossils in the context of an
      extensive survey of other aggregations found in these two basal cynodont taxa.
      Our analysis revealed six other unequivocal cases of aggregations in Thrinaxodon,
      with examples of same-age aggregations among immature or adult individuals as
      well as mixed-age aggregations between subadult and adult individuals. In
      contrast, only one additional aggregation of Galesauruswas identified. Taking
      this comprehensive survey into account, the two previously described cases of
      parental care in Galesaurus and Thrinaxodon are substantiated. The juveniles are
      the smallest specimens known for each taxon, and the size difference between the
      adult and the two associated juveniles is the largest found for any of the
      aggregations. The juveniles of Thrinaxodon are approximately only 37% of the
      associated adult size; whereas in Galesaurus, the young are at least 60% of the
      associated adult size. In each case, the two juvenile individuals are similar in
      size, suggesting they were from the same clutch. Even though parental care was
      present in both Galesaurus and Thrinaxodon, intraspecific aggregations were much
      more common in Thrinaxodon, suggesting it regularly lived in aggregations
      consisting of both similar and different aged individuals.

PMID- 28097073
TI  - Handling stress may confound murine gut microbiota studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates interactions between human milk
      composition, particularly sugars (human milk oligosaccharides or HMO), the gut
      microbiota of human infants, and behavioral effects. Some HMO secreted in human
      milk are unable to be endogenously digested by the human infant but are able to
      be metabolized by certain species of gut microbiota, including Bifidobacterium
      longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis), a species sensitive to host stress (Bailey
      & Coe, 2004). Exposure to gut bacteria like B. infantisduring critical
      neurodevelopment windows in early life appears to have behavioral consequences;
      however, environmental, physical, and social stress during this period can also
      have behavioral and microbial consequences. While rodent models are a useful
      method for determining causal relationships between HMO, gut microbiota, and
      behavior, murine studies of gut microbiota usually employ oral gavage, a
      technique stressful to the mouse. Our aim was to develop a less-invasive
      technique for HMO administration to remove the potential confound of gavage
      stress. Under the hypothesis that stress affects gut microbiota, particularly B.
      infantis, we predicted the pups receiving a prebiotic solution in a less-invasive
      manner would have the highest amount of Bifidobacteria in their gut. METHODS:
      This study was designed to test two methods, active and passive, of solution
      administration to mice and the effects on their gut microbiome. Neonatal C57BL/6J
      mice housed in a specific-pathogen free facility received increasing doses of
      fructooligosaccharide (FOS) solution or deionized, distilled water.
      Gastrointestinal (GI) tracts were collected from five dams, six sires, and 41
      pups over four time points. Seven fecal pellets from unhandled pups and two
      pellets from unhandled dams were also collected. Qualitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify and compare the amount of
      Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes. RESULTS: Our results
      demonstrate a significant difference between the amount of Firmicutes in pups
      receiving water passively and those receiving FOS actively (p-value = 0.009).
      Additionally, we found significant differences between the fecal microbiota from
      handled and non-handled mouse pups. DISCUSSION: From our results, we conclude
      even handling pups for experimental purposes, without gavage, may induce enough
      stress to alter the murine gut microbiota profile. We suggest further studies to
      examine potential stress effects on gut microbiota caused by experimental
      techniques. Stress from experimental techniques may need to be accounted for in
      future gut microbiota studies.

PMID- 28097075
TI  - Effects of an 8-week yoga program on sustained attention and discrimination
      function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - This study investigated whether a yoga exercise intervention influenced the
      sustained attention and discrimination function in children with ADHD. Forty-nine
      participants (mean age = 10.50 years) were assigned to either a yoga exercise or
      a control group. Participants were given the Visual Pursuit Test and
      Determination Test prior to and after an eight-week exercise intervention (twice
      per week, 40 min per session) or a control intervention. Significant improvements
      in accuracy rate and reaction time of the two tests were observed over time in
      the exercise group compared with the control group. These findings suggest that
      alternative therapies such as yoga exercises can be complementary to behavioral
      interventions for children with attention and inhibition problems. Schools and
      parents of children with ADHD should consider alternatives for maximizing the
      opportunities that children with ADHD can engage in structured yoga  exercises.

PMID- 28097076
TI  - A critical issue in model-based inference for studying trait-based community
      assembly and a solution.
AB  - Statistical testing of trait-environment association from data is a challenge as
      there is no common unit of observation: the trait is observed on species, the
      environment on sites and the mediating abundance on species-site combinations. A
      number of correlation-based methods, such as the community weighted trait means
      method (CWM), the fourth-corner correlation method and the multivariate method
      RLQ, have been proposed to estimate such trait-environment associations. In these
      methods, valid statistical testing proceeds by performing two separate resampling
      tests, one site-based and the other species-based and by assessing significance
      by the largest of the two p-values (the pmax test). Recently, regression-based
      methods using generalized linear models (GLM) have been proposed as a promising
      alternative with statistical inference via site-based resampling. We investigated
      the performance of this new approach along with approaches that mimicked the pmax
      test using GLM instead of fourth-corner. By simulation using models with
      additional random variation in the species response to the environment, the site
      based resampling tests using GLM are shown to have severely inflated type I
      error, of up to 90%, when the nominal level is set as 5%. In addition, predictive
      modelling of such data using site-based cross-validation very often identified
      trait-environment interactions that had no predictive value. The problem that we
      identify is not an "omitted variable bias" problem as it occurs even when the
      additional random variation is independent of the observed trait and environment
      data. Instead, it is a problem of ignoring a random effect. In the same
      simulations, the GLM-based pmax test controlled the type I error in all models
      proposed so far in this context, but still gave slightly inflated error in more
      complex models that included both missing (but important) traits and missing (but
      important) environmental variables. For screening the importance of single trait
      environment combinations, the fourth-corner test is shown to give almost the same
      results as the GLM-based tests in far less computing time.

PMID- 28097074
TI  - Resources available for autism research in the big data era: a systematic review.
AB  - Recently, there has been a move encouraged by many stakeholders towards
      generating big, open data in many areas of research. One area where big, open
      data is particularly valuable is in research relating to complex heterogeneous
      disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The inconsistencies of findings
      and the great heterogeneity of ASD necessitate the use of big and open data to
      tackle important challenges such as understanding and defining the heterogeneity
      and potential subtypes of ASD. To this end, a number of initiatives have been
      established that aim to develop big and/or open data resources for autism
      research. In order to provide a useful data reference for autism researchers, a
      systematic search for ASD data resources was conducted using the Scopus database,
      the Google search engine, and the pages on 'recommended repositories' by key
      journals, and the findings were translated into a comprehensive list focused on
      ASD data. The aim of this review is to systematically search for all available
      ASD data resources providing the following data types: phenotypic, neuroimaging,
      human brain connectivity matrices, human brain statistical maps, biospecimens,
      and ASD participant recruitment. A total of 33 resources were found containing
      different types of data from varying numbers of participants. Description of the
      data available from each data resource, and links to each resource is provided.
      Moreover, key implications are addressed and underrepresented areas of data are
      identified.

PMID- 28097077
TI  - A Case of Umbilical Endometriosis: Villar's Nodule.
AB  - Umbilical endometriosis is a fairly rare clinical entity with unclear
      pathogenesis. We report the case of a 27-year-old woman who presented with a
      painful umbilical mass and discharge. Imaging performed was inconclusive, and
      surgical excision of the site with margins revealed endometriosis on microscopic
      examination. The incidence of umbilical endometriosis, its pathogenesis, clinical
      manifestations, workup, and management are discussed.

PMID- 28097078
TI  - The Human Central Canal of the Spinal Cord: A Comprehensive Review of its
      Anatomy, Embryology, Molecular Development, Variants, and Pathology.
AB  - The human central canal of the spinal cord is often overlooked. However, with
      advancements in imaging quality, this structure can be visualized in more detail
      than ever before. Therefore, a timely review of this part of the cord seemed
      warranted. Using standard search engines, a literature review was performed for
      the development, anatomy, and pathology involving the central canal. Clinicians
      who treat patients with issues near the spine or interpret imaging of the spinal
      cord should be familiar with the morphology and variants of the central canal.

PMID- 28097079
TI  - Symptomatic Unilateral Spondylolysis Associated With Nonspondylolytic Lateral
      Clefts in Adults: Review of an Infrequently Reported Pathology.
AB  - Nonspondylolytic lateral clefts of the lumbar neural arch (laminolysis and
      pediculolysis) are rare pathologies that usually occur consequent to repetitive
      stress injuries in patients with unilateral spondylolysis. These lesions are
      different from the usual bilateral spondylolytic defects, and their management
      depends upon the chronicity and the type of bony defect. We hereby discuss the
      verdict of current literature on underlying pathomechanics and ideal management
      guidelines of these rare lesions.

PMID- 28097080
TI  - Immunoglobulin M Nephropathy in a Patient with Wilson's Disease.
AB  - Immunoglobulin M nephropathy (IgMN) is characterized by the deposition of
      immunoglobulin M in a dominant distribution in the renal glomeruli. Primary
      immunoglobulin M nephropathy is diagnosed after consistent light microscopy (LM),
      immunofluorescence (IF), electron microscopy (EM) results, and exclusion of known
      systemic disorders causing immunoglobulin M deposition in the glomeruli. The
      secondary disease has been reported with a few conditions though it has never
      been reported with any primary disease of the liver. We report the case of an
      adolescent male patient who presented with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and
      worsening anasarca. He was found to have nephrotic-range proteinuria that did not
      respond to conventional corticosteroid treatment. He was subjected to a renal
      biopsy which revealed a diagnosis of immunoglobulin M nephropathy. His liver
      function tests were deranged and an ultrasound scan of the abdomen revealed a
      coarse irregular liver. Workup revealed elevated urine copper excretion and a low
      ceruloplasmin level. He was diagnosed as a case of Wilson's disease and started
      on penicillamine and pyridoxine. He was also started on intravenous
      cyclophosphamide for the corticosteroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome to which he
      responded remarkably well. His edema settled, proteinuria resolved, and liver
      functions normalized. Currently, he is in remission and enjoying good health. To
      the best of our knowledge, we report the first known association between IgM
      nephropathy and Wilson's disease. It is presently not clear if causation can
      necessarily be established. This may be the result of defective IgM clearance by
      the liver or an altered metabolism of the antibody or immune complexes, as with
      hepatic-associated immunoglobulin M (IgM) nephropathy. Further studies are needed
      to elucidate the exact mechanism of this disease.

PMID- 28097081
TI  - B-Cell Lymphoma in the Tricuspid Valve.
AB  - Lymphoma can involve any organ or tissue that contains lymphoid tissue and the
      heart is no exception. A few prior case reports have described lymphoma encasing
      a coronary artery or involving one or more cardiac valves. We present a rare case
      of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) involving the tricuspid valve and right
      coronary artery diagnosed on coronary CT angiography. The clinical and imaging
      characteristics of cardiac lymphoma are discussed.

PMID- 28097082
TI  - A Review of Colorectal Cancer Detection Modalities, Stool DNA, and Fecal
      Immunochemistry Testing in Adults Over the Age of 50.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United
      States. Recently, more focus has been placed on developing effective screening
      tools to detect the presence of both precancerous and cancerous lesions present
      in the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy has been well established as the gold
      standard of the colon and rectal cancer screening. However, not all patients are
      willing to undergo a colonoscopy due to the procedure's invasive nature. Non
      invasive screening methods have been developed to appeal to patients who refuse
      colonoscopy. Fecal occult blood tests have long been used by physicians, in
      addition to colonoscopy, in an effort to screen for CRC. New screening methods,
      such as fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and stool DNA (sDNA) testing, have been
      developed as a more sensitive screening measure to attempt to accurately screen
      patients who have precancerous or cancerous colorectal lesions. This article
      compares CRC screening techniques through literature review in order to determine
      which tests offer the most sensitive detection of CRC and precancerous lesions in
      average-risk adults over the age of 50 years old. Through this review, it can be
      seen that sDNA is more sensitive than FIT in detecting all stages of CRC, as well
      as precancerous lesions.

PMID- 28097083
TI  - Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid Presenting as Trigeminal
      Neuralgia.
AB  - This paper describes two patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the
      periocular and periorbital skin who presented with trigeminal neuralgia. Both
      patients had previous cutaneous SCC of the scalp treated successfully with
      surgical resection but later presented with neuro-ophthalmic findings suggesting
      perineural invasion (PNI) of SCC. PNI of SCC in the periocular skin or orbit can
      lead to devastating effects if malignant cells seed into the orbit and adjacent
      cranial nerves as our two patients developed an orbital apex syndrome. Patients
      with a history of SCC of the scalp and forehead who later develop neuro
      ophthalmological deficits or patients with persistent ocular symptoms should, in
      particular, be followed with a low threshold for cutaneous SCC or PNI of
      recurrent disease. SCC metastasizing into the periocular tissues and orbit by
      neural invasion is rare and carries a poor prognosis. The urgency for a prompt
      diagnosis and evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is warranted to prevent
      untoward outcomes of this skin cancer.

PMID- 28097084
TI  - The calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) and CDPK-related kinase gene families
      in Hevea brasiliensis-comparison with five other plant species in structure,
      evolution, and expression.
AB  - Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs or CPKs) play important roles in various
      physiological processes of plants, including growth and development, stress
      responses and hormone signaling. Although the CDPK gene family has been
      characterized in several model plants, little is known about this gene family in
      Hevea brasiliensis (the Para rubber tree). Here, we characterize the entire H.
      brasiliensis CDPK and CDPK-related kinase (CRK) gene families comprising 30 CDPK
      genes (HbCPK1 to 30) and nine CRK genes (HbCRK1 to 9). Structure and phylogeny
      analyses of these CDPK and CRK genes demonstrate evolutionary conservation in
      these gene families across H. brasiliensis and other plant species. The
      expression of HbCPK and HbCRK genes was investigated via Solexa sequencing in a
      range of experimental conditions (different tissues, phases of leaf development,
      ethylene treatment, and various abiotic stresses). The results suggest that HbCPK
      and HbCRK genes are important components in growth, development, and stress
      responses of H. brasiliensis. Parallel studies on the CDPK and CRK gene families
      were also extended to five other plant species (Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza
      sativa, Populus trichocarpa, Manihot esculenta, and Ricinus communis). The CDPK
      and CRK genes from different plant species that exhibit similar expression
      patterns tend to cluster together, suggesting a coevolution of gene structure and
      expression behavior in higher plants. The results serve as a foundation to
      further functional studies of these gene families in H. brasiliensis as well as
      in the whole plant kingdom.

PMID- 28097085
TI  - Interaction with adenylate cyclase toxin from Bordetella pertussis affects the
      metal binding properties of calmodulin.
AB  - Adenylate cyclase toxin domain (CyaA-ACD) is a calmodulin (CaM)-dependent
      adenylate cyclase involved in Bordetella pertussis pathogenesis. Calcium (Ca2+)
      and magnesium (Mg2+) concentrations impact CaM-dependent CyaA-ACD activation, but
      the structural mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, NMR, dynamic light
      scattering, and native PAGE were used to probe Mg2+-induced transitions in CaM's
      conformation in the presence of CyaA-ACD. Mg2+ binding was localized to sites I
      and II, while sites III and IV remained Ca2+ loaded when CaM was bound to CyaA
      ACD. 2Mg2+/2Ca2+-loaded CaM/CyaA-ACD was elongated, whereas mutation of site I
      altered global complex conformation. These data suggest that CyaA-ACD interaction
      moderates CaM's Ca2+- and Mg2+-binding capabilities, which may contribute to
      pathobiology.

PMID- 28097086
TI  - Liver X receptor agonist T0901317 reverses resistance of A549 human lung cancer
      cells to EGFR-TKI treatment.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) is
      effective in lung cancer patients carrying sensitive EGFR mutations. In this
      study, we investigated if liver X receptor (LXR) agonist T0901317 could reverse
      the resistance of lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1650 to EGFR-TKI treatment. We
      found that T0901317 could make natural EGFR-TKI-resistant A549 human lung cancer
      cells sensitive to EGFR-TKI treatment and that this was dependent on LXRbeta
      expression. However, T0901317 does not have a similar effect on another natural
      EGFR-TKI-resistant cell line H1650.

PMID- 28097087
TI  - Identification of the vascular endothelial growth factor signalling pathway by
      quantitative proteomic analysis of rat condylar cartilage.
AB  - Angiogenesis mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to
      play an important role in regulating cartilage remodelling and endochondral
      ossification. However, the details of how VEGF signalling mechanisms affect
      condyle remodelling in response to alterations in functional loading remains
      unclear. To explore this, eighty 16-day-old male SD rats were divided into two
      equal groups which were fed either a soft/powdery diet or a hard diet for 4
      weeks; the stiffness of the diet results in alteration of mastication force and
      hence temporomandibular joint (TMJ) development. We performed a proteomic
      analysis of rat condylar cartilage using isobaric tags for relative and absolute
      quantification (iTRAQ) labelling, followed by 2D nano-high performance liquid
      chromatography and MALDI-TOF/time-of-flight technology. After protein
      identification, we used biological information analysis to identify the
      differentially expressed proteins associated with the VEGF signalling pathway.
      Among the identified differentially expressed proteins, we found VEGF signalling
      mainly via the p44/42 MAPK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      pathways in condylar cartilage, including VEGFD, VGFR2, KPCB, KPCT, KPCZ, ARAF,
      RASN, PLCG2, PLCG1, JUN and M3K12. Furthermore, four representative protein
      candidates, VEGF, p38 MAPK and p44/42 MAPK/phospho-p44/42 MAPK, were confirmed by
      immunohistochemical staining and western blot. Our data suggest that VEGF might
      play an important role in TMJ development and remodelling in response to
      alterations in functional loading through the p44/42 MAPK and p38 MAPK signalling
      pathway. This study provides new clues to the understanding of the signalling
      mechanism responsible for VEGF production in response to different masticatory
      functions at the protein level.

PMID- 28097088
TI  - Icariin ameliorates IgA nephropathy by inhibition of nuclear factor kappa b/Nlrp3
      pathway.
AB  - Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most frequent form of
      glomerulonephritis, which is characterized by glomerular proliferation and renal
      inflammation. Icariin is a flavonoid from the Chinese herb Epimedium, and its
      anti-inflammatory effect has been reported. This study aimed to investigate the
      effects of icariin on the renal damage in IgAN rats and the mechanisms behind
      these effects. IgAN model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats by oral and
      intravenous immunization with bovine gamma-globulin for 12 weeks, and rats were
      treated with icariin from 12 to 18 weeks. At the end of experimental period,
      kidneys, urine, and blood samples were collected for further analysis. Our
      results showed that icariin ameliorated the increase in the levels of
      proteinuria, serum creatinine, and urea nitrogen without severe side effects.
      IgAN rats exhibited significantly increased IgA deposition, mesangial matrix
      expansion, and glomerular fibrosis, while icariin treatment markedly attenuated
      these alterations. Moreover, treatment with icariin also dramatically blocked
      nuclear factor kappa b (NF-kappaB) nuclear translocation and Nlrp3 inflammasome
      activation in IgAN rats, leading to reduced downstream proinflammatory cytokines
      production. Mechanistically, we found that icariin treatment inhibited IKKbeta
      and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and IkappaBalpha degradation in IgAN rats. Our
      data demonstrate that icariin ameliorates renal damage in IgAN rats via
      inhibition of NF-kappaB-mediated Nlrp3 inflammasome activation. These findings
      provide insight into an application of icariin for the treatment of IgAN disease,
      and represent a novel mechanism behind these effects.

PMID- 28097089
TI  - Selective inhibition of phosphodiesterases 4, 5 and 9 induces HSP20
      phosphorylation and attenuates amyloid beta 1-42-mediated cytotoxicity.
AB  - Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors are currently under evaluation as agents that
      may facilitate the improvement of cognitive impairment associated with
      Alzheimer's disease. Our aim was to determine whether inhibitors of PDEs 4, 5 and
      9 could alleviate the cytotoxic effects of amyloid beta 1-42 (Abeta1-42) via a
      mechanism involving the small heatshock protein HSP20. We show that inhibition of
      PDEs 4, 5 and 9 but not 3 induces the phosphorylation of HSP20 which, in turn,
      increases the colocalisation between the chaperone and Abeta1-42 to significantly
      decrease the toxic effect of the peptide. We conclude that inhibition of PDE9 is
      most effective to combat Abeta1-42 cytotoxicity in our cell model.

PMID- 28097090
TI  - A comparative study of the degradation of yeast cyclins Cln1 and Cln2.
AB  - The yeast cyclins Cln1 and Cln2 are very similar in both sequence and function,
      but some differences in their functionality and localization have been recently
      described. The control of Cln1 and Cln2 cellular levels is crucial for proper
      cell cycle initiation. In this work, we analyzed the degradation patterns of Cln1
      and Cln2 in order to further investigate the possible differences between them.
      Both cyclins show the same half-life but, while Cln2 degradation depends on
      ubiquitin ligases SCFGrr1 and SCFCdc4, Cln1 is affected only by SCFGrr1.
      Degradation analysis of chimeric cyclins, constructed by combining fragments from
      Cln1 and Cln2, identifies the N-terminal sequence of the proteins as responsible
      of the cyclin degradation pattern. In particular, the N-terminal region of Cln2
      is required to mediate degradation by SCFCdc4. This region is involved in nuclear
      import of Cln1 and Cln2, which suggests that differences in degradation may be
      due to differences in localization. Moreover, a comparison of the cyclins that
      differ only in the presence of the Cln2 nuclear export signal indicates a greater
      instability of exported cyclins, thus reinforcing the idea that cyclin stability
      is influenced by their localization.

PMID- 28097091
TI  - Evaluation of novel protease inhibitors against darunavir-resistant variants of
      HIV type 1.
AB  - HIV disease became a manageable chronic disease since combination antiretroviral
      therapy (cART) was introduced as the standard treatment regimen. However, the
      emergence of drug-resistant viruses is a major problem associated with cART. A
      phenotypic drug susceptibility test using a lentiviral vector was established and
      applied to evaluate new protease inhibitors (PIs). Lentiviral vectors
      representing a wild-type (WT-lentivector) and darunavir (DRV)-resistant HIV type
      1 (HIV-1) (DRV r-lentivector) were generated. Nine clinically approved protease
      inhibitors (PIs) inhibited the transduction ability of WT-lentivector similar to
      their inhibitory effects on the replication of WT HIV-1. Three new PIs reduced
      the transduction ability of WT- and DRV r-lentivector, suggesting that these PIs
      may be the candidates as novel antiretroviral drugs against drug-resistant
      variants of HIV-1.

PMID- 28097092
TI  - Comparative interactomics for virus-human protein-protein interactions: DNA
      viruses versus RNA viruses.
AB  - Viruses are obligatory intracellular pathogens and completely depend on their
      hosts for survival and reproduction. The strategies adopted by viruses to exploit
      host cell processes and to evade host immune systems during infections may differ
      largely with the type of the viral genetic material. An improved understanding of
      these viral infection mechanisms is only possible through a better understanding
      of the pathogen-host interactions (PHIs) that enable viruses to enter into the
      host cells and manipulate the cellular mechanisms to their own advantage.
      Experimentally-verified protein-protein interaction (PPI) data of pathogen-host
      systems only became available at large scale within the last decade. In this
      study, we comparatively analyzed the current PHI networks belonging to DNA and
      RNA viruses and their human host, to get insights into the infection strategies
      used by these viral groups. We investigated the functional properties of human
      proteins in the PHI networks, to observe and compare the attack strategies of DNA
      and RNA viruses. We observed that DNA viruses are able to attack both human
      cellular and metabolic processes simultaneously during infections. On the other
      hand, RNA viruses preferentially interact with human proteins functioning in
      specific cellular processes as well as in intracellular transport and
      localization within the cell. Observing virus-targeted human proteins, we propose
      heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins and transporter proteins as potential
      antiviral therapeutic targets. The observed common and specific infection
      mechanisms in terms of viral strategies to attack human proteins may provide
      crucial information for further design of broad and specific next-generation
      antiviral therapeutics.

PMID- 28097093
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor suppresses TNFSF15 production in endothelial
      cells by stimulating miR-31 and miR-20a expression via activation of Akt and Erk
      signals.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor superfamily-15 (TNFSF15; VEGI; TL1A) is a negative
      modulator of angiogenesis for blood vessel homeostasis and is produced by
      endothelial cells in a mature vasculature. It is known to be downregulated by
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major regulator of
      neovascularization but the mechanism of this interaction is unclear. Here we
      report that VEGF is able to stimulate the production of two microRNAs, miR-20a
      and miR-31, which directly target the 3'-UTR of TNFSF15. Additionally, we show
      that two VEGF-stimulated cell growth signals, Erk and Akt, are responsible for
      promoting the expression of miR-20a and miR-31. Treatment of human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs) with Akt inhibitor LY294002 results in diminished miR
      20a and miR-31 production, while Erk inhibitor U0126 prevented VEGF-stimulated
      expression of miR-20a but not that of miR-31. Furthermore, inactivation of either
      Erk or Akt signals restores TNFSF15 gene expression. In an angiogenesis assay,
      elevated miR-20a or miR-31 levels in HUVECs leads to enhancement of capillary
      like tubule formation in vitro, whereas lowered miR-20a and miR-31 levels results
      in an inhibition. These findings are consistent with the view that miR-20a and
      miR-31 mediate VEGF-induced downregulation of TNFSF15. Targeting these microRNA
      molecules may therefore provide an effective approach to inhibit angiogenesis.

PMID- 28097094
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12131.].

PMID- 28097095
TI  - Limited Knowledge of Acetaminophen in Patients with Liver Disease.
AB  - Background and Aims: Unintentional acetaminophen overdose remains the leading
      cause of acute liver failure in the United States. Patients with underlying liver
      disease are at higher risk of poor outcomes from acetaminophen overdose. Limited
      knowledge of acetaminophen may be a preventable contributor to elevated rates of
      overdose and thus acute liver failure. The purpose of this study is to assess
      knowledge of acetaminophen dosing and presence of acetaminophen in common
      combination products in patients with liver disease. Methods: We performed a
      cross-sectional study of patients with liver disease at the Pfleger Liver
      Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles between June 2015 and
      August 2016. Patients completed a demographic questionnaire and an acetaminophen
      knowledge survey. Additional information was obtained from the medical record.
      Results: Of 401 patients with liver disease, 30 (15.7%) were able to correctly
      identify that people without liver disease can safely take up to 4 g/day of
      acetaminophen. The majority of patients (79.9%-86.8%) did not know that Norco(r)
      (hydrocone/acetaminophen), Vicodin(r) (hydrocone/acetaminophen) and Percocet(r)
      (oxycodone/acetaminophen) contained acetaminophen. Only 45.3% of the patients
      knew that Tylenol(r) #3 contained acetaminophen. Conclusions: We conclude that
      patients with liver disease have critically low levels of knowledge of
      acetaminophen, putting them at risk both of acetaminophen overdose, as well as
      undermedication, and inadequate management of chronic pain. We recommend an
      increase in education efforts regarding acetaminophen dosage and its safety in
      the setting of liver disease. Increasing education for those at risk of low
      acetaminophen knowledge is essential to minimizing acetaminophen overdose rates
      and optimizing pain management.

PMID- 28097096
TI  - Impact of Different Embolic Agents for Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
      Procedures on Systemic Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Levels.
AB  - Background and Aims: Intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be
      treated by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, there appear to be
      side effects, such as induction of proangiogenic factors, e.g. vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which have been shown to be associated with a
      poor prognosis. This prospective study was designed to compare serum VEGF level
      response after TACE with different embolic agents in patients with HCC. Methods:
      Patients were assigned to one of three different TACE regimens: degradable starch
      microspheres (DSM) TACE, drug-eluting bead (DEBDOX) TACE or Lipiodol TACE
      (cTACE). All patients received 50 mg doxorubicin/m2 body surface area (BSA)
      during TACE. Serum VEGF levels were assessed before TACE treatment, 24 h post
      treatment and 4 weeks later. Results: Twenty-two patients with 30 TACE treatments
      were enrolled. Compared to baseline VEGF levels, a marked increase was observed
      for 24 h post-TACE (164% of baseline level) and during the 4-week follow-up (170%
      of baseline level) only for the cTACE arm (p < 0.05). In contrast, the increase
      of serum VEGF levels were only 114% and 123% for DEBDOX and 121% and 124% for
      DSM, respectively. Conclusions: Conventional TACE using Lipiodol shows marked
      increase in blood levels of the proangiogenic factor VEGF, while DEBDOX and DSM
      TACE induce only a moderate VEGF response.

PMID- 28097097
TI  - miR-29a Promotes Lipid Droplet and Triglyceride Formation in HCV Infection by
      Inducing Expression of SREBP-1c and CAV1.
AB  - Aims: To examine the regulation of SREBP-1c and CAV1 by microRNA-29a (miR-29a) in
      cells infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in an attempt to control HCV-induced
      non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: In order to examine the manipulation
      of SREBP-1c and CAV1 by miR-29a, oleic acid (OA)-treated JFH-I-infected Huh-7
      cells were used. OA was added 24 h post-transfection and gene expression was
      investigated by qRT-PCR at 48 h post treatment. The functional impact of the
      observed alteration in SREBP-1c and CAV1 expression was analyzed by examining
      lipid droplet (LD) and triglyceride (TG) content at 72 h post-OA treatment using
      light microscopy and spectrophotometry, respectively. Viral load was quantified
      by qRT-PCR at 72 h post-transfection. Results: OA treatment induced the
      expression of miR-29a and SREBP-1c, as compared to untreated cells. Forced miR
      29a expression led to a significant up-regulation of SREBP-1c as well as CAV1
      compared to mock untransfected cells. Ectopic expression of miR-29a resulted in a
      marked increase in LDs and their respective TGs, while miR-29a antagomirs
      decreased both the LD and TG content compared to mock untransfected cells.
      Moreover, forcing the expression of miR-29a in JFH-1 HCV-infected Huh-7 cells
      resulted in 53% reduction in viral titers compared to mock untransfected Huh-7
      cells. Conclusion: Inducing miR-29a expression significantly induces SREBP-1c and
      CAV1 expression, thereby increasing LDs as well as their respective TGs.
      Nonetheless, forcing the expression of miR-29a resulted in reduction of HCV RNA
      levels in Huh-7 cells.

PMID- 28097098
TI  - miR-34a: Multiple Opposing Targets and One Destiny in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Background and Aims: The role of miR-34a in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is
      controversial and several unresolved issues remain, including its expression
      pattern and relevance to tumor etiology, tumor stage and prognosis, and finally,
      its impact on apoptosis. Methods: miR-34a expression was assessed in hepatitis C
      virus (HCV)-induced non-metastatic HCC tissues by RT-Q-PCR. Huh-7 cells were
      transfected with miR-34a mimics and the impact of miR-34a was examined on 84 pro
      apoptotic/anti-apoptotic genes using PCR array; its net effect was tested on cell
      viability via MTT assay. Results: miR-34a expression was up-regulated in HCC
      tissues. Moreover, miR-34a induced a large set of pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic
      genes, with a net result of triggering apoptosis and repressing cell viability.
      Conclusions: HCC-related differential expression of miR-34a could be etiology
      based or stage-specific, and low expression of miR-34a may predict poor
      prognosis. This study's findings also emphasize the role of miR-34a in apoptosis.

PMID- 28097099
TI  - Comparison of Vitamin D Levels in Naive, Treated, and Inactive Carriers with
      Chronic Hepatitis B Virus.
AB  - Background and Aims: During recent years, the relationship between vitamin D
      levels and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection has attracted many researchers'
      attention. However, the results relating to the association of vitamin D levels
      and HBV infection have been conflicting and there remains a lack of knowledge
      about the effects of antiviral treatments on vitamin D level. Methods: Eighty
      four patients with CHB were assessed and divided into three groups: inactive
      carriers (n = 28), treated (n = 34), and new (treatment-naive) cases (n = 22).
      Thirty-two healthy controls (HCs) were included to enable comparison with the CHB
      groups. The levels of vitamin D3 were measured and statistically compared among
      the various groups. Results: Male subjects had higher levels of vitamin D3 (41.25
      vs 28.85, p < 0.01). No association was found among any of the groups when
      compared with the HC group. Despite the significant association, the HCs
      demonstrated a higher level of vitamin D3, which was lower in the treated group,
      the inactive carrier group, and the new cases group (new case [29.82] < inactive
      carrier [32.91] < treated [39.56] < control [44.88]). The HBV DNA levels were not
      associated with vitamin D3 levels in the inactive carriers (p = 0.171), the
      treated groups (p = 0.192), and the new cases (p = 0.369). Moreover, the alanine
      transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels were not associated with vitamin
      D3 levels for any of the HBV-infected groups. Conclusions: Vitamin D3 contributes
      to the clinical statues of CHB patients. There is also a possible correlation
      between clinically healthy CHB patients and vitamin D3 level.

PMID- 28097100
TI  - Hepatitis C Virus: A Review of Treatment Guidelines, Cost-effectiveness, and
      Access to Therapy.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant medical concern in the
      United States and around the world. It is still one of the leading causes of
      chronic liver disease, and, for more than 20 years, there has been little
      progress in the treatment of HCV infection. The advent of direct-acting
      antivirals (DAAs) initiated the era of high efficacy and well-tolerated
      medications with high cure rates. The efficacy of these medications has prompted
      many professional societies around the world to update their treatment guidelines
      to include DAAs as first-line treatment. Guidelines by the American Association
      for the Study of Liver Disease/Infectious Disease Society of America, World
      Health Organization, Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of Liver and the
      European Association for the Study of Liver have all incorporated DAAs into their
      treatment guidelines. Despite the promising data supporting these medications,
      however, their cost represents a limiting factor to their use, even though
      studies have shown DAAs to be cost-effective. In addition to the expense of these
      medications and limited resources, there are many barriers preventing patients
      from receiving this potentially life-saving treatment. In order to overcome these
      barriers, these issues need to be recognized and addressed.

PMID- 28097101
TI  - Novel Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection for Patients with Renal
      Impairment.
AB  - Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is high in patients with end
      stage renal dysfunction, including patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The HCV
      infection itself can cause glomerulonephritis and puts individuals at increased
      risk of developing end-stage renal disease; fortunately, successful HCV
      eradication sometimes restore HCV-related renal dysfunction. Moreover, the
      prognosis of dialysis patients infected with HCV is significantly worse and the
      renal allograft survival in HCV-infected patients is also worse than in dialysis
      patients without HCV infection. If life prognosis is favorable, therefore, anti
      HCV therapy is strongly recommended for HCV-infected patients with severe renal
      dysfunction. The standard therapy for HCV-infected patients with severe renal
      dysfunction has historically been interferon-based therapy. However, this therapy
      remains ineffective in achieving high, sustained viral response rates and the
      rate of adverse events and treatment discontinuation due to treatment-induced
      adverse events continues to be high in patients with severe renal dysfunction.
      Safe and effective anti-HCV therapies are urgently needed, and crucial, for
      patients with severe renal dysfunction. Recently, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)
      that specifically target viral proteins have been developed, and these targets
      include the NS3, NS5A, and NS5B of HCV. Clinical trials have revealed high
      efficacy and safety of the DAA-based therapies, but patients with severe renal
      dysfunction were not included in the majority of these trials. However, several
      recent reports have shown high efficacy and safety for some regimens of DAA
      combination therapy for HCV-infected patients with severe renal dysfunction. In
      this review, we discuss novel treatments for HCV-infected patients with severe
      renal dysfunction and the pharmacokinetics of these drugs.

PMID- 28097102
TI  - Mechanisms of Accelerated Liver Fibrosis Progression during HIV Infection.
AB  - With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), a dramatic reduction in
      HIV-related morbidity and mortality has been observed. However, it is now
      becoming increasingly clear that liver-related complications, particularly rapid
      fibrosis development from ART as well as from the chronic HIV infection itself,
      are of serious concern to HIV patients. The pathophysiology of liver fibrosis in
      patients with HIV is a multifactorial process whereby persistent viral
      replication, and bacterial translocation lead to chronic immune activation and
      inflammation, which ART is unable to fully suppress, promoting production of
      fibrinogenic mediators and fibrosis. In addition, mitochondrial toxicity,
      triggered by both ART and HIV, contributes to intrahepatic damage, which is even
      more severe in patients co-infected with viral hepatitis. In recent years, new
      insights into the mechanisms of accelerated fibrosis and liver disease
      progression in HIV has been obtained, and these are detailed and discussed in
      this review.

PMID- 28097103
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Daclatasvir in Hepatitis C: An Overview.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a growing public health concern, with 184
      million people infected worldwide. During the past decade, interferon has been
      the backbone of HCV treatment, even though it remains far from ideal. The latest
      development of the new direct antivirals has drastically changed the treatment
      approach for chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Inhibitors of the HCV NS5A region have
      garnered remarkable interest among treating physicians, due to their high potency
      and favourable safety profile. In particular, treatment with daclatasvir (DCV)
      has yielded high rates of vriologic response in patients infected with genotype
      (Gt) 1 and Gt 3, when used in combination with other antivirals of a different
      class, such as sofosbuvir. Although few data are available for DCV treatment of
      the other Gts, the results in patients with Gt 2 and Gt 4 infection appear
      promising, as do those for unique patient populations. NS5A-resistant viral
      variants can pre-exist or emerge after treatment failure for the HCV NS5A
      inhibitors. Nonetheless, DCV-resistant viral variants continue to be sensitive to
      interferon and other classes of antivirals such as NS3/4A and NS5B inhibitors.
      Herein, we aimed to provide an overview of the current knowledge about DCV in the
      treatment of CHC.

PMID- 28097104
TI  - Massive Hemolysis Causing Renal Failure in Acute Hepatitis E Infection.
AB  - Acute viral hepatitis is usually a self-limiting illness. However, it can lead to
      complications that can be life-threatening, such as acute liver failure. Glucose
      6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in the setting of acute viral
      hepatitis can lead to a massive hemolysis, manifesting as acute kidney injury and
      markedly raised bilirubin levels; although cases are rare. Here, we report such a
      case. The patient had a viral hepatitis E infection and presented with kidney
      injury requiring dialysis. Examination showed very high mixed hyperbilirubinemia
      due to massive intravascular hemolysis. The patient experienced a long,
      protracted course of illness, requiring renal replacement therapy with other
      supportive management, which led to improvement over a period of four weeks. This
      case highlights the importance of recognizing associated hemolysis in a patient
      with viral hepatitis who presents with very high bilirubin levels or associated
      kidney injury. Such patients will require aggressive supportive care with prompt
      fluid and electrolyte management.

PMID- 28097106
TI  - Postmeal triglyceridemia and variability of HbA1c and postmeal glycemia were
      predictors of annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate in type 2
      diabetic patients with different stages of nephropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined associations of annual glycemic variability and
      postprandial dysmetabolism with annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (eGFR) in type 2 diabetic patients with different stages of nephropathy.
      METHODS: Intrapersonal mean and coefficient of variation (CV) of HbA1c, fasting
      and postmeal concentrations of plasma glucose (FPG and PMPG, respectively) and
      serum triglycerides (FTG and PMTG, respectively) during the first 12 months after
      enrollment were calculated in a cohort of 168 type 2 diabetic patients: 53 with
      optimal albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR < 10 mg/g), 62 with high normal ACR (10-29
      mg/g) and 53 with elevated ACR (?30 mg/g). Annual changes in eGFR were computed
      using 52 (median) creatinine measurements obtained over a median follow-up of 6.0
      years. Multivariate linear regressions assessed the independent correlates of
      changes in eGFR. RESULTS: Kidney function declined faster in patients with high
      normal and elevated ACR (-1.47 and -2.01 ml/min/1.73 m2/year, respectively)
      compared to patients with optimal ACR (0.08 ml/min/1.73 m2/year, p < 0.05). In
      patients with high normal ACR, age (standardized beta,-0.30,p = 0.01), CV-HbA1c
      (standardized beta,-0.66,p < 0.001) and CV-PMPG (standardized beta,-0.27,p =
      0.01) was associated with annual eGFR decline independently of mean HbA1c and
      PMPG, sex, BMI, waist circumference, diabetes duration and therapy, means and CVs
      of FPG and systolic blood pressure, baseline eGFR, log ACR and uses of anti
      hypertensive medications (R2 = 0.47). In patients with elevated ACR, PMTG
      (standardized beta,-0.408, p = 0.007) was associated with annual eGFR decline (R2
      = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Consistency of glycemic control and management of
      postprandial glycemia and lipidemia are important to preserve kidney function in
      type 2 diabetic patients.

PMID- 28097107
TI  - Surgical resection of localized hepatocellular carcinoma: patient selection and
      special consideration.
AB  - Localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) refers to a solitary or few tumors
      located within either the left or right hemiliver without evidence of bilobar or
      extrahepatic spread. This term encompasses a heterogeneous morphology with no
      regard to stage of prognosis of the disease. Surgical resection remains the
      mainstay of curative treatment for the localized HCC. Various biochemical and
      radiological tests constitute an indispensible part of preoperative assessment.
      Emergence of laparoscopic hepatectomy has brought liver resection into a new era.
      Improved understanding of the pathophysiology of HCC allows more aggressive
      surgical resection without compromising outcomes. New insights into the
      management of special situations, such as ruptured HCC, pyogenic transformation
      of HCC, and HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus, rekindle the hopes of curative
      resection in these terminal events. Amalgamating salvage liver transplantation
      into the surgical management of resectable HCC has revolutionized the treatment
      paradigm of this deadly disease.

PMID- 28097108
TI  - The Current Concepts of Total Hip Arthroplasty.

PMID- 28097109
TI  - Accuracy and Reliability of Preoperative On-screen Templating Using Digital
      Radiographs for Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: Preoperative on-screen templating is a method of using acetate templates
      on digital images. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy,
      intra- and interobserver reliabilities of preoperative on-screen templating using
      digital radiographs for total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two
      hundred patients with hip disease who were treated with primary cementless THA
      were retrospectively evaluated. The accuracy of on-screen templating was assessed
      by comparing the predicted prosthesis sizes with the actual sizes used
      operatively. The inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of the templating results
      were also evaluated. RESULTS: The prosthesis prediction accuracy within +/-one
      size was 96.6% for the cup size and 97.8% for the stem size. The inter- and
      intraobserver reliabilities for the implant size were substantial (kappa>0.70).
      The intra- and interobserver reliabilities for the leg length discrepancy and
      femoral offset difference using the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged
      from 0.89 to 0.97. CONCLUSION: Preoperative on-screen templating using digital
      radiographs showed substantial accuracy and reliability for implant prediction.
      It is an effective method for predicting the size of implant, correcting the leg
      length discrepancy and restoring the femoral offset.

PMID- 28097110
TI  - Comparative Study of Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Femur Neck Fractures Treated
      with Cemented versus Cementless Stem.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare and analyze clinical and radiologic outcomes of cemented
      versus cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty for treatment of femur neck fractures.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 patients aged 65 years and over older who
      underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty for treatment of displaced femur neck
      fractures (Garden stage III, IV) from March 2009 to February 2014 were included
      in this study. Among the 180 patients, 115 were treated with cemented stems and
      65 patients with cementless stems. Clinical outcomes assessed were: i)
      postoperative ambulatory status, ii) inguinal and thigh pain, and iii)
      complications. The radiologic outcome was femoral stem subsidence measured using
      postoperative simple X-ray. RESULTS: The cemented group had significantly lower
      occurrence of complications (postoperative infection, P=0.04) compared to the
      cementless group. There was no significant difference in postoperative ambulatory
      status, inguinal and thigh pain, and femoral stem subsidence. CONCLUSION: For
      patients undergoing bipolar hemiarthroplasty, other than complications, there was
      no statistically significant difference in clinical or radiologic outcomes in our
      study. Selective use of cemented stem in bipolar hemiarthroplasty may be a
      desirable treatment method for patients with poor bone quality and higher risk of
      infections.

PMID- 28097111
TI  - Fucntional and Radiological Outcome of Surgical Management of Acetabular
      Fractures in Tertiary Care Hospital.
AB  - PURPOSE: Acetabular fractures are mainly caused by trauma and the incidence is
      rising in developing countries. Initially these fractures were managed
      conservatively, due to lack of specialized and dedicated acetabulum surgery
      centres. Our aim is to study the radiological and functional outcomes of surgical
      management of acetabular fractures in tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Total 50 patients were enrolled. The patients with acetabular fractures
      were enrolled between the years 2012 to 2014. Patients were evaluated clinically
      with Harris hip score (HHS) and radiologically with Matta outcome grading. The
      factors examined include age, gender, fracture pattern, time between injury and
      surgery, initial displacement and quality of reduction on the final outcome.
      RESULTS: There were 34 males and 16 females. Mean age was 44.20+/-11.65 years
      while mean duration of stay was 9.28+/-2.36 days. Duration of follow-up was 24
      months. Most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident (n=37, 74.0%).
      Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures were performed using
      reconstruction plates. Mean HHS at 24 months was 82.36+/-8.55. The clinical
      outcome was acceptable (excellent or good) in 35 (70.0%) cases and not acceptable
      (fair or poor) in 15 (30.0%) cases. The radiological outcome was anatomical in 39
      (78.0%) cases, congruent in 5 (10.0%) cases, incongruent in 6 (12.0%) cases.
      CONCLUSION: Study results indicated that mechanism of injury, time between injury
      and surgery, initial degree of displacement and quality of reduction had
      significant effect on functional as well as radiological outcome.

PMID- 28097112
TI  - Surgical Results of the Cephalomedullary Nail for the Femoral Intertrochanteric
      Fracture: Comparison between Non-experienced Surgeons and Experienced Surgeon.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cephalomedullary nail (CM nail) in the treatment of femoral
      intertrochanteric fractures is in the lime light in recent years. The purpose of
      this study is to compare surgical outcomes between experienced surgeon and non
      experienced surgeons in respect of CM nail for femoral intertrochanteric
      fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 129 patients underwent CM nail for femoral
      intertrochanteric fracture more than six months of follow-up from April 2011 to
      March 2014 in Seoul Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) were participated in this
      study. For this study, group A consisted of experienced surgeons who performed
      more than 500 times of CM nail, and group B consisted of non-experienced surgeons
      who performed less than 50 times of CM nail. Clinical and radiologic outcomes,
      complications and the need for reoperation between both groups were compared in
      the study. RESULTS: According to clinical result, both the mean operation time
      and transfusion volume were significantly longer and greater in group B (P<0.05).
      In the radiologic outcomes, adequacy of reduction, tip-apex distance and numbers
      of case placed in the Cleveland zones 5, 6 and 8; there was no statistical
      difference between both groups. Moreover, rate of complication and reoperation
      had same results as radiologic outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no significant
      difference with statistical data in complications from CM nail for femoral
      intertrochanteric fractures between experienced surgeon and non-experienced
      surgeon. Although the operation time and transfusion volume were significantly
      longer and greater in the case of operation by non-experienced surgeon,
      satisfactory performance was seen in the complications and the need for
      reoperation.

PMID- 28097113
TI  - Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Treatment for Type A1 Intertrochanteric
      Femoral Fracture in Elderly Patients: Comparison of Dynamic Hip Screw and
      Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical and functional outcomes of
      dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) treatment
      of AO type 1 intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 194 consecutive patients with type A1
      intertrochanteric femoral fractures who were treated with DHS (n=113) or PFNA
      (n=81). We evaluated operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and functional
      outcomes, walking ability, and the Barthel activities index. Fracture union,
      sliding of hip screw, proximal femur shortening, and presence of complications
      were assessed radiologically at relevant follow-up intervals. RESULTS: The mean
      operation time and blood loss were significantly lower for the PFNA group, but
      walking ability and Barthel index decreased to a similar extent for both groups.
      However, patients in the DHS group complained of significantly more pain
      (P=0.049). Although there were no significant differences between the two groups
      with respect to the time until fracture union was achieved, patients in the DHS
      group exhibited a higher extent of proximal femoral shortening and sliding of the
      hip screw. Differences about hip screw sliding and proximal femur shortening
      within each subgroup were not significant. CONCLUSION: Compared to DHS treatment,
      PFNA treatment of type A1 intertrochanteric fractures is associated with reduced
      blood loss, shorter operation time, and less severe pain after surgery.
      Additionally, sliding of the hip screw and proximal femur shortening are expected
      to occur more frequently after DHS.

PMID- 28097114
TI  - Bilateral Idiopathic Chondrolysis of the Hip in an Adult: A Case Report and
      Review of the Literature.
AB  - Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip usually develops in adolescents and is a
      disease characterized by gradual degenerative changes of the hyaline cartilage
      surrounding the head of the femur. It eventually decreases the hip joint space
      and causes limitations in the hip joint range of motion due to pain. The authors
      had experienced an unusual case of bilateral idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip
      in an 54 year-old male; thus, we report the treatment results and literature
      reviews in this case report.

PMID- 28097115
TI  - Granulomatous Lung Disease: A Novel Complication following Metallosis from Hip
      Arthroplasty.
AB  - A case of a female patient with local and systemic complications of metallosis,
      following catastrophic wear of a revised hip arthroplasty, is presented. The
      patient had a history of a fractured ceramic-on-ceramic implant, exchanged with a
      metal-on-polyethylene prosthesis. Systemic complications included sarcoidosis
      like reactions, presenting as granulomatous lung disease, along with
      chorioretinitis, erythema nodosum, and cardiomyopathy. High local and circulating
      cobalt and chromium levels established the diagnosis. The patient underwent
      extensive debridement and implant revision. One year postoperatively, she had no
      respiratory symptoms or functional impairment. Local and systemic complications
      of metallosis after hip arthroplasty should be promptly recognized and treated
      operatively.

PMID- 28097116
TI  - Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Misdiagnosed as Relapse of the Infection after Treatment
      of Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection.
AB  - Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the hip can be difficult to treat and can
      lead to a number of problems including: i) severe functional decline of the hip
      joint and ii) increasing financial burden for patients due to long treatment
      periods and the need for repeated surgical interventions. Because there is risk
      of inadequate control of infection or relapse of a preexisting infection
      following the treatment of PJI through surgery, it is important to closely
      observe clinical symptoms such as systemic fever. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is
      usually a self-limiting disease characterized by fever and cervical
      lymphadenopathy. We report one case of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, with literatures
      review, that was mistaken for an infection relapse after surgical treatment of
      the PJI due to sustained fever postoperatively.

PMID- 28097117
TI  - Cobalt Intoxication Heart Failure after Revision Total Hip Replacement for
      Ceramic Head Fracture: A Case Report.
AB  - In 1960s, toxic heart failure due to cobalt poisoning was firstly reported from
      Canadian industrial worker. Following development of bearing materials in hip
      arthroplasties, using cobalt-chrome alloy in bearing surface, there were rarely
      reported of systemic affect toxic cobaltism include toxic heart failure due to
      articulation wear in Western countries. It could be happened more easily by third
      body wear from ceramic particle especially revision total hip replacement (THR)
      surgery using cobalt-chrome alloy following ceramic articulation breakage which
      index surgery performed by ceramic on ceramic bearing. In Korea, due to many
      surgeons prefer ceramic on ceramic bearing in THR compared to Western countries,
      it might be more important issue within a time. However in our knowledge, there
      was no previous report about cobalt poisoning heart failure in Korea. It is still
      very rare and hard to diagnose cobalt intoxication heart failure after THR, so we
      report a case of fatal heart failure caused by cobalt intoxication after revision
      THR in 53-year old man who successfully underwent re-revision THR.

PMID- 28097118
TI  - Femur Neck Fracture in a Young Marfan Syndrome Patient.
AB  - Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant and could decrease bone mineral density.
      So patients with Marfan syndrome could vulnerable to trauma in old ages. We
      present the first report, to the best of our knowledge, of a rare fracture of the
      femoral neck with a minor traumatic history in a juvenile Marfan syndrome patient
      whose physis is still open. Although the patient is young, her bone mineral
      density was low and the geometry of femur is changed like old ages. The femur
      neck fracture in children is very rare and only caused by high energy trauma, we
      concluded that the Marfan syndrome makes the bone weaker in young age and
      preventative medications to avoid fractures in younger Marfan syndrome patients
      are necessary in early ages.

PMID- 28097119
TI  - Overfat and Underfat: New Terms and Definitions Long Overdue.
AB  - For the first time in human history, the number of obese people worldwide now
      exceeds those who are underweight. However, it is possible that there is an even
      more serious problem-an overfat pandemic comprised of people who exhibit
      metabolic health impairments associated with excess fat mass relative to lean
      body mass. Many overfat individuals, however, are not necessarily classified
      clinically as overweight or obese, despite the common use of body mass index as
      the clinical classifier of obesity and overweight. The well-documented obesity
      epidemic may merely be the tip of the overfat iceberg. The counterpart to the
      overfat condition is the underfat state, also a common and dangerous health
      circumstance associated with chronic illness and starvation. Currently (and
      paradoxically), high rates of obesity and overweight development coexist with
      undernutrition in developing countries. Studies in cognitive linguistics suggest
      that accurate, useful, and unintimidating terminology regarding abnormal body fat
      conditions could help increase a person's awareness of their situation, helping
      the process of implementing prevention and simple remedies. Our contention is
      that promoting the terms "overfat" and "underfat" to describe body composition
      states to the point where they enter into common usage may help in creating
      substantive improvements in world health.

PMID- 28097120
TI  - Barriers and Facilitators toward HIV Testing and Health Perceptions among African
      American Men Who Have Sex with Women at a South Side Chicago Community Health
      Center: A Pilot Study.
AB  - In the United States, African-Americans' (AAs) HIV infection rates are higher
      than any other racial group, and AA men who have sex with women (MSW) are a
      significant proportion of new cases. There is little research into AA MSW
      HIV/AIDS knowledge, barriers, and facilitators of HIV testing in Chicago. We
      enrolled a convenience sample of AA MSW from a community health clinic who
      completed self-administered surveys assessing HIV knowledge and testing-related
      barriers and facilitators. The survey was a combination of questions from several
      validated instruments, and additional questions were written based on key
      informant interviews with social scientists to tailor the questionnaire for AA
      men living on the South Side of Chicago. We recruited 20 AA MSW (mean age 47.4
      years). Sixty-five percent had incomes <$10,000/year, 30% were insured, and 50%
      had post-secondary education. Despite low socioeconomic status, their HIV
      literacy was relatively high. The identified major barriers to testing were low
      perceived HIV risk, concerns over privacy, and external stigma at testing sites.
      Future efforts should focus on educating AA MSW on actual risk for HIV and
      address issues of privacy and stigma at testing sites.

PMID- 28097122
TI  - Proactive Risk Assessments and the Continuity of Business Principles:
      Perspectives on This Novel, Combined Approach to Develop Guidance for the
      Permitted Movement of Agricultural Products during a Foot-and-Mouth Disease
      Outbreak in the United States.
AB  - Animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have the potential to
      severely impact food animal production systems. Paradoxically, the collateral
      damage associated with the outbreak response may create a larger threat to the
      food supply, social stability, and economic viability of rural communities than
      the disease itself. When FMD occurs in domestic animals, most developed countries
      will implement strict movement controls in the area surrounding the infected
      farm(s). Historically, stopping all animal movements has been considered one of
      the most effective ways to control FMD and stop disease spread. However, stopping
      all movements in an area comes at a cost, as there are often uninfected herds and
      flocks within the control area. The inability to harvest uninfected animals and
      move their products to processing interrupts the food supply chain and has the
      potential to result in an enormous waste of safe, nutritious animal products, and
      create animal welfare situations. In addition, these adverse effects may
      negatively impact agriculture businesses and the related economy. Effective
      disease control measures and the security of the food supply thus require a
      balanced approach based on science and practicality. Evaluating the risks
      associated with the movement of live animals and products before an outbreak
      happens provides valuable insights for risk management plans. These plans can
      optimize animal and product movements while preventing disease spread. Food
      security benefits from emergency response plans that both control the disease and
      keep our food system functional. Therefore, emergency response plans must aim to
      minimize the unintended negative consequence to farmers, food processors, rural
      communities, and ultimately consumers.

PMID- 28097121
TI  - The Gastrointestinal Tract as a Key Target Organ for the Health-Promoting Effects
      of Dietary Proanthocyanidins.
AB  - Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are polymers of flavan-3-ols abundant in many vegetable
      foods and beverages widely consumed in the human diet. There is increasing
      evidence supporting the beneficial impact of dietary PACs in the prevention and
      nutritional management of non-communicable chronic diseases. It is considered
      that PACs with a degree of polymerization >3 remain unabsorbed in the
      gastrointestinal (GI) tract and accumulate in the colonic lumen. Accordingly, the
      GI tract may be considered as a key organ for the healthy-promoting effects of
      dietary PACs. PACs form non-specific complexes with salivary proteins in mouth,
      originating the sensation of astringency, and with dietary proteins, pancreatic
      enzymes, and nutrient transporters in the intestinal lumen, decreasing the
      digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. They also exert
      antimicrobial activities, interfering with cariogenic or ulcerogenic pathogens in
      the mouth (Streptococcus mutans) and stomach (Helicobacter pylori), respectively.
      Through their antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, PACs decrease
      inflammatory processes in animal model of gastric and colonic inflammation.
      Interestingly, they exert prebiotic activities, stimulating the growth of
      Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. as well as some butyrate-producing
      bacteria in the colon. Finally, PACs are also metabolized by the gut microbiota,
      producing metabolites, mainly aromatic acids and valerolactones, which accumulate
      in the colon and/or are absorbed into the bloodstream. Accordingly, these
      compounds could display biological activities on the colonic epithelium or in
      extra-intestinal tissues and, therefore, contribute to part of the beneficial
      effects of dietary PACs.

PMID- 28097123
TI  - The Power of CRISPR-Cas9-Induced Genome Editing to Speed Up Plant Breeding.
AB  - Genome editing with engineered nucleases enabling site-directed sequence
      modifications bears a great potential for advanced plant breeding and crop
      protection. Remarkably, the RNA-guided endonuclease technology (RGEN) based on
      the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR
      associated protein 9 (Cas9) is an extremely powerful and easy tool that
      revolutionizes both basic research and plant breeding. Here, we review the major
      technical advances and recent applications of the CRISPR-Cas9 system for
      manipulation of model and crop plant genomes. We also discuss the future
      prospects of this technology in molecular plant breeding.

PMID- 28097124
TI  - Transcriptome Sequencing of Gynostemma pentaphyllum to Identify Genes and Enzymes
      Involved in Triterpenoid Biosynthesis.
AB  - G. pentaphyllum (Gynostemma pentaphyllum), a creeping herbaceous perennial with
      many important medicinal properties, is widely distributed in Asia. Gypenosides
      (triterpenoid saponins), the main effective components of G. pentaphyllum, are
      well studied. FPS (farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase), SS (squalene synthase), and
      SE (squalene epoxidase) are the main enzymes involved in the synthesis of
      triterpenoid saponins. Considering the important medicinal functions of G.
      pentaphyllum, it is necessary to investigate the transcriptomic information of G.
      pentaphyllum to facilitate future studies of transcriptional regulation. After
      sequencing G. pentaphyllum, we obtained 50,654,708 unigenes. Next, we used RPKM
      (reads per kilobases per million reads) to calculate expression of the unigenes
      and we performed comparison of our data to that contained in five common
      databases to annotate different aspects of the unigenes. Finally, we noticed that
      FPS, SS, and SE showed differential expression of enzymes in DESeq. Leaves showed
      the highest expression of FPS, SS, and SE relative to the other two tissues. Our
      research provides transcriptomic information of G. pentaphyllum in its natural
      environment and we found consistency in unigene expression, enzymes expression
      (FPS, SS, and SE), and the distribution of gypenosides content in G.
      pentaphyllum. Our results will enable future related studies of G. pentaphyllum.

PMID- 28097125
TI  - Bioinformatics Analysis of the Human Surfaceome Reveals New Targets for a Variety
      of Tumor Types.
AB  - It is estimated that 10 to 20% of all genes in the human genome encode cell
      surface proteins and due to their subcellular localization these proteins
      represent excellent targets for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. Therefore, a
      precise characterization of the surfaceome set in different types of tumor is
      needed. Using TCGA data from 15 different tumor types and a new method to
      identify cancer genes, the S-score, we identified several potential therapeutic
      targets within the surfaceome set. This allowed us to expand a previous analysis
      from us and provided a clear characterization of the human surfaceome in the
      tumor landscape. Moreover, we present evidence that a three-gene set-WNT5A,
      CNGA2, and IGSF9B-can be used as a signature associated with shorter survival in
      breast cancer patients. The data made available here will help the community to
      develop more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic tools for a variety of tumor
      types.

PMID- 28097127
TI  - Translational Molecular Imaging Computing: Advances in Theories and Applications.

PMID- 28097126
TI  - Inhibitor of Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase Sensitizes Glioblastoma Cells
      to Temozolomide via Activating ROS/JNK Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Overcoming temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a great challenge in glioblastoma
      (GBM) treatment. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a rate
      limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and has
      a crucial role in cancer cell metabolism. In this study, we investigated whether
      FK866 and CHS828, two specific NAMPT inhibitors, could sensitize GBM cells to
      TMZ. Low doses of FK866 and CHS828 (5 nM and 10 nM, resp.) alone did not
      significantly decrease cell viability in U251-MG and T98 GBM cells. However, they
      significantly increased the antitumor action of TMZ in these cells. In U251-MG
      cells, administration of NAMPT inhibitors increased the TMZ (100 MUM)-induced
      apoptosis and LDH release from GBM cells. NAMPT inhibitors remarkably enhanced
      the activities of caspase-1, caspase-3, and caspase-9. Moreover, NAMPT inhibitors
      increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and superoxide anion level but
      reduced the SOD activity and total antioxidative capacity in GBM cells. Treatment
      of NAMPT inhibitors increased phosphorylation of c-Jun and JNK. Administration of
      JNK inhibitor SP600125 or ROS scavenger tocopherol with TMZ and NAMPT inhibitors
      substantially attenuated the sensitization of NAMPT inhibitor on TMZ antitumor
      action. Our data indicate a potential value of NAMPT inhibitors in combined use
      with TMZ for GBM treatment.

PMID- 28097128
TI  - Vowel Imagery Decoding toward Silent Speech BCI Using Extreme Learning Machine
      with Electroencephalogram.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to classify EEG data on imagined speech in a single
      trial. We recorded EEG data while five subjects imagined different vowels, /a/,
      /e/, /i/, /o/, and /u/. We divided each single trial dataset into thirty segments
      and extracted features (mean, variance, standard deviation, and skewness) from
      all segments. To reduce the dimension of the feature vector, we applied a feature
      selection algorithm based on the sparse regression model. These features were
      classified using a support vector machine with a radial basis function kernel, an
      extreme learning machine, and two variants of an extreme learning machine with
      different kernels. Because each single trial consisted of thirty segments, our
      algorithm decided the label of the single trial by selecting the most frequent
      output among the outputs of the thirty segments. As a result, we observed that
      the extreme learning machine and its variants achieved better classification
      rates than the support vector machine with a radial basis function kernel and
      linear discrimination analysis. Thus, our results suggested that EEG responses to
      imagined speech could be successfully classified in a single trial using an
      extreme learning machine with a radial basis function and linear kernel. This
      study with classification of imagined speech might contribute to the development
      of silent speech BCI systems.

PMID- 28097129
TI  - Structure Prior Effects in Bayesian Approaches of Quantitative Susceptibility
      Mapping.
AB  - Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has shown its potential for anatomical
      and functional MRI, as it can quantify, for in vivo tissues, magnetic biomarkers
      and contrast agents which have differential susceptibilities to the surroundings
      substances. For reconstructing the QSM with a single orientation, various methods
      have been proposed to identify a unique solution for the susceptibility map.
      Bayesian QSM approach is the major type which uses various regularization terms,
      such as a piece-wise constant, a smooth, a sparse, or a morphological prior. Six
      QSM algorithms with or without structure prior are systematically discussed to
      address the structure prior effects. The methods are evaluated using simulations,
      phantom experiments with the given susceptibility, and human brain data. The
      accuracy and image quality of QSM were increased when using structure prior in
      the simulation and phantom compared to same regularization term without it,
      respectively. The image quality of QSM method using the structure prior is better
      comparing, respectively, to the method without it by either sharpening the image
      or reducing streaking artifacts in vivo. The structure priors improve the
      performance of the various QSMs using regularized minimization including L1, L2,
      and TV norm.

PMID- 28097130
TI  - Establishment of a Novel Simplified Surgical Model of Acute Liver Failure in the
      Cynomolgus Monkey.
AB  - Models using large animals that are suitable for studying artificial liver
      support system (ALSS) are urgently needed. Presently available acute liver
      failure (ALF) models mainly involve pigs or dogs. Establishment of current
      surgical ALF models (hepatectomy/devascularization) requires either very good
      surgical skills or multistep processes-even multiple stages of surgery.
      Therefore, it is necessary to develop a simplified surgical method. Here we
      report a novel simplified surgical ALF model using cynomolgus monkeys. Six
      monkeys underwent portal-right renal venous shunt combined with common bile duct
      ligation and transection (PRRS + CBDLT). Postoperatively, the monkeys had
      progressively increased listlessness, loss of appetite, and obvious jaundice.
      Blood biochemistry levels (Amm, ALT, AST, TBiL, DBiL, ALP, LDH, CK, and Cr) and
      prothrombin time (PT) were significantly increased (all P < 0.01) and albumin
      (ALB) was markedly reduced (P < 0.01) compared with baseline values. Histological
      examination of liver specimens on postoperative day 10 revealed cholestasis and
      inflammation. PRRS + CBDLT produced ALF that closely correlated with clinical
      situations. Compared with other surgical or drug ALF models, ours was simplified
      and animals were hemodynamically stable. This model could provide a good platform
      for further research on ALSS, especially regarding their detoxification
      functions.

PMID- 28097131
TI  - Genome-Wide Identification of Long Noncoding RNAs in Human Intervertebral Disc
      Degeneration by RNA Sequencing.
AB  - Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as crucial players in a myriad of
      biological processes. However, the precise mechanism and functions of most
      lncRNAs are poorly characterized. In this study, we presented genome-wide
      identification of lncRNAs in the patients with intervertebral disc degeneration
      (IDD) and spinal cord injury (control) using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). A total of
      124.6 million raw reads were yielded using Hiseq 2500 platform and approximately
      88% clean reads could be aligned to human reference genome in both IDD and
      control groups. RNA-seq profiling indicated that 1,854 lncRNAs were
      differentially expressed (log2 fold change >= 1 or <=-1, p < 0.05), in which
      1,530 could potentially target 6,386 genes via cis-regulatory effects. Kyoto
      Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis for these target genes
      suggested that lncRNAs were involved in diverse pathways, such as lysosome, focal
      adhesion, and MAPK signaling. In addition, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)
      network was constructed for analyzing the function of lncRNAs. Further,
      quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to confirm the differentially
      expressed lncRNAs and ceRNA network. In conclusion, our results present the first
      global identification of lncRNAs in IDD and may provide candidate diagnostic
      biomarkers for IDD treatment.

PMID- 28097132
TI  - Knowledge of the Disease, Perceived Social Support, and Cognitive Appraisals in
      Women with Urinary Incontinence.
AB  - Social support and knowledge of the disease have been shown to facilitate
      adaptation to a chronic disease. However, the adaptation process is not fully
      understood. We hypothesized that these factors can contribute to better
      adaptation to the disease through their impact on disease-related cognitive
      appraisal. To analyze the links between social support and the knowledge of the
      disease, on one hand, and disease-related appraisals, on the other hand, one
      hundred fifty-eight women with stress UI, aged 32 to 79, took part in the study.
      Questionnaire measures of knowledge of UI, social support, and disease-related
      appraisals were used in the study. The level of knowledge correlated
      significantly negatively with the appraisal of the disease as Harm. The global
      level of social support correlated significantly positively with three disease
      related appraisals: Profit, Challenge, and Value. Four subgroups of patients with
      different constellations of social support and knowledge of the disease were
      identified in cluster analysis and were demonstrated to differ significantly on
      four disease-related appraisals: Profit, Challenge, Harm, and Value. Different
      cognitive appraisals of UI may be specifically related to social support and
      knowledge of the disease, with social support affective positive disease-related
      appraisals, and the knowledge affecting the appraisal of Harm.

PMID- 28097134
TI  - Natural Therapies for Cardiovascular Diseases.

PMID- 28097133
TI  - Morphokinetic Characteristics and Developmental Potential of In Vitro Cultured
      Embryos from Natural Cycles in Patients with Poor Ovarian Response.
AB  - Background. Patients with poor ovarian response to ovarian hyperstimulation
      represent an interesting group for studying the impact of embryo cleavage
      irregularities on clinical outcome since all embryos, regardless of their
      quality, are usually transferred to the uterus. The aim of our study was to
      follow the morphokinetics of fertilized oocytes from natural cycles in poor
      responders. Methods. Zygotes from 53 cycles were cultured in vitro for 3 days.
      The morphokinetics of their development and transfer outcomes were
      retrospectively analyzed for the normally and irregularly cleaved embryos.
      Results. Of all embryos, 30.2% had single and 20.8% multiple cleavage
      irregularities with the following prevalence: developmental arrest 30.2%, direct
      cleavage to more than two cells 24.5%, chaotic cleavage 13.2%, and reverse
      cleavage 11.3%. These embryos had longer pronuclear phases, first cytokinesis,
      second embryo cell cycles, and less synchronized divisions. The transfer of
      normally developing embryos resulted in an implantation rate of 30.8% and a
      delivery rate of 23.1%, but irregularly cleaved embryos did not implant.
      Conclusions. The use of time-lapse microscopy in poor responder patients
      identified embryos with cleavage abnormalities that are related with no or
      extremely low implantation potential. Gained information about embryo quality is
      important for counselling patients about their expectations.

PMID- 28097135
TI  - Significance of "Not Detected but Amplified" Results by Real-Time PCR Method for
      HPV DNA Detection.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an important etiologic factor in cervical
      carcinogenesis. Various HPV DNA detection methods have been evaluated for
      clinicopathological level. For the specimens with normal cytological finding,
      discrepancies among the detection methods were frequently found and adequate
      interpretation can be difficult. 6,322 clinical specimens were submitted and
      evaluated for real-time PCR and Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2). 573 positive or "Not
      Detected but Amplified" (NDBA) specimens by real-time PCR were additionally
      tested using genetic analyzer. For the reliability of real-time PCR, 325 retests
      were performed. Optimal cut-off cycle threshold (CT ) value was evaluated also.
      78.7% of submitted specimens showed normal or nonspecific cytological finding.
      The distributions of HPV types by real-time PCR were not different between
      positive and NDBA cases. For positive cases by fragment analysis, concordance
      rates with real-time PCR and HC2 were 94.2% and 84.2%. In NDBA cases, fragment
      analysis and real-time PCR showed identical results in 77.0% and HC2 revealed
      27.6% of concordance with fragment analysis. Optimal cut-off CT value was
      different for HPV types. NDBA results in real-time PCR should be regarded as
      equivocal, not negative. The adjustment of cut-off CT value for HPV types will be
      helpful for the appropriate result interpretation.

PMID- 28097137
TI  - Do Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties of Orthodontic NiTi Wires Remain
      Stable In Vivo?
AB  - Introduction and Aim. Exceptional properties of the NiTi archwires may be
      jeopardized by the oral cavity; thus its long-term effect on the mechanical and
      physiochemical properties of NiTi archwires was the aim of work. Material and
      Methods. Study group comprised sixty 0.016 * 0.022 NiTi archwires from the same
      manufacturer evaluated (group A) after the first 12 weeks of orthodontic
      treatment. 30 mm long pieces cut off from each wire prior to insertion formed the
      control group B. Obeying the strict rules of randomization, all samples were
      subjected to microscopic evaluation and nanoindentation test. Results. Both
      groups displayed substantial presence of nonmetallic inclusions. Heterogeneity of
      the structure and its alteration after usage were found in groups B and A,
      respectively. Conclusions. Long-term, reliable prediction of biomechanics of NiTi
      wires in vivo is impossible, especially new archwires from the same vendor
      display different physiochemical properties. Moreover, manufacturers have to
      decrease contamination in the production process in order to minimize risk of
      mutual negative influence of nickel-titanium archwires and oral environment.

PMID- 28097136
TI  - Intrapulpal Thermal Changes during Setting Reaction of Glass Carbomer(r) Using
      Thermocure Lamp.
AB  - Objectives. To measure the temperature increase induced during thermocure lamp
      setting reaction of glass carbomer and to compare it with those induced by
      visible light curing of a resin-modified glass ionomer and a polyacid-modified
      composite resin in primary and permanent teeth. Materials and Methods.
      Nonretentive class I cavities were prepared in extracted primary and permanent
      molars. Glass carbomer (GC) was placed in the cavity and set at 60 degrees C for
      60 sn using a special thermocure lamp. Resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) and
      polyacid-modified composite resin (PMCR) were placed in the cavities and
      polymerized with an LED curing unit. Temperature increases during setting
      reactions were measured with a J-type thermocouple wire connected to a data
      logger. Data were examined using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's
      honestly significant difference tests. Results. The use of GC resulted in
      temperature changes of 5.17 +/- 0.92 degrees C and 5.32 +/- 0.90 degrees C in
      primary and permanent teeth, respectively (p > 0.05). Temperature increases were
      greatest in the GC group, differing significantly from those in the PMCR group (p
      < 0.05). Conclusion. Temperature increases during polymerization and setting
      reactions of the materials were below the critical value in all groups. No
      difference was observed between primary and permanent teeth, regardless of the
      material used.

PMID- 28097138
TI  - Pulmonary Function and Arterial Stiffness in Chronic Heart Failure.
AB  - Arterial stiffness contributes to heart failure and is decreased by angiotensin
      receptor blockers (ARBs). This cross-sectional study aimed to assess associations
      of lung function and ARB with arterial stiffness in patients with chronic heart
      failure. 354 outpatients (168 males; 186 females; 68.2 +/- 7.2 years old) with
      chronic heart failure were evaluated. Lung function parameters, including forced
      vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and FEV1 to FVC
      ratio (FEV1/FVC), were assessed. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was used
      to estimate arterial stiffness. Unadjusted correlation analyses revealed a
      positive association of CAVI with ARB but not ACEI, and a negative correlation
      with FEV1 (r = -0.2987, p < 0.0001). Multiple stepwise regression analyses showed
      that ARB and FEV1 (p < 0.0001) were independent predicting factors for CAVI.
      These findings suggest that reduced pulmonary function is associated with
      increased CAVI. Pulmonary function protection could be used to improve the
      prognosis in heart failure, but additional studies are necessary.

PMID- 28097139
TI  - Optimal Control Model of Tumor Treatment with Oncolytic Virus and MEK Inhibitor.
AB  - Tumors are a serious threat to human health. The oncolytic virus is a kind of
      tumor killer virus which can infect and lyse cancer cells and spread through the
      tumor, while leaving normal cells largely unharmed. Mathematical models can help
      us to understand the tumor-virus dynamics and find better treatment strategies.
      This paper gives a new mathematical model of tumor therapy with oncolytic virus
      and MEK inhibitor. Stable analysis was given. Because mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MEK) can not only lead to greater oncolytic virus infection into cancer
      cells, but also limit the replication of the virus, in order to provide the best
      dosage of MEK inhibitors and balance the positive and negative effect of the
      inhibitors, we put forward an optimal control problem of the inhibitor. The
      optimal strategies are given by theory and simulation.

PMID- 28097141
TI  - Emodin Inhibits the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Epithelial Ovarian
      Cancer Cells via ILK/GSK-3beta/Slug Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy.
      Despite the anticancer capabilities of emodin observed in many cancers, including
      EOC, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. A crucial link
      has been discovered between the acquisition of metastatic traits and the
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The present study aimed to determine
      whether emodin could inhibit the EMT of EOC cells and explore the underlying
      mechanism. The CCK-8 assay and transwell assay showed that emodin effectively
      repressed the abilities of proliferation, invasion, and migration in A2780 and SK
      OV-3 cells. The Western blot showed that emodin upregulated epithelial markers (E
      cadherin and Claudin) while it downregulated mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and
      Vimentin) and transcription factor (Slug) in a dose-dependent fashion. After
      transfection of siRNA-Slug, both Slug and N-cadherin were downregulated in EOC
      cells while E-cadherin was upregulated, which was intensified by emodin. Besides,
      emodin decreased the expression of ILK, p-GSK-3beta, beta-catenin, and Slug.
      Transfection of siRNA-ILK also achieved the same effects, which was further
      strengthened by following emodin treatment. Nevertheless, SB216763, an inhibitor
      of GSK-3beta, could reverse the effects of emodin except for ILK expression.
      These findings suggest that emodin inhibited the EMT of EOC cells via ILK/GSK
      3beta/Slug signaling pathway.

PMID- 28097142
TI  - Evaluation of Two Methods for Determination of CD64 as a Diagnostic Marker of
      Infection in Critically Ill Adults.
AB  - Objectives. Diagnostic markers of infection have had little innovation over the
      last few decades. CD64, a marker expressed on the surface of neutrophils, may
      have utility for this purpose. Methods. This study was conducted in an adult
      intensive care unit (ICU) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with 89 patients. We evaluated
      CD64 in patients with documented or clinically diagnosed infection (infection
      group) and controls (patients without any evidence of infection) by two different
      methodologies: method #1, an in house assay, and method #2, the commercial kit
      Leuko64 (Trillium Diagnostics). Results. CD64 displayed good discriminating power
      with a 91.2% sensitivity (95% CI 90.7-91.6%) for detecting infection. The
      commercial kit (Leuko64) demonstrated higher specificity (87.3%) compared with
      method #1 as well as better accuracy (88.8%). Conclusions. CD64 seems to be a
      promising marker of infection in the intensive care setting, with Leuko64 showing
      a slight advantage.

PMID- 28097140
TI  - Function, Role, and Clinical Application of MicroRNAs in Vascular Aging.
AB  - Vascular aging, a specific type of organic aging, is related to age-dependent
      changes in the vasculature, including atherosclerotic plaques, arterial
      stiffness, fibrosis, and increased intimal thickening. Vascular aging could
      influence the threshold, process, and severity of various cardiovascular
      diseases, thus making it one of the most important risk factors in the high
      mortality of cardiovascular diseases. As endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular
      smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the main cell biological basis of these pathology
      changes of the vasculature, the structure and function of ECs and VSMCs play a
      key role in vascular aging. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs, have been
      shown to regulate the expression of multiple messenger RNAs (mRNAs)
      posttranscriptionally, contributing to many crucial aspects of cell biology.
      Recently, miRNAs with functions associated with aging or aging-related diseases
      have been studied. In this review, we will summarize the reported role of miRNAs
      in the process of vascular aging with special emphasis on EC and VSMC functions.
      In addition, the potential application of miRNAs to clinical practice for the
      diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases will also be discussed.

PMID- 28097143
TI  - Analysis of Polyphenolic Compounds in Extracts from Leaves of Some Malus
      domestica Cultivars: Antiradical and Antimicrobial Analysis of These Extracts.
AB  - In this study, methanol, ethyl acetate, water extracts, and precipitate were
      obtained from leaves of Malus domestica cultivars: Golden delicious, Jonagold,
      Elstar, Ligol, and Mutsu. Antiradical activity of these extracts was measured
      using the ABTS+? radical, and antimicrobial activity was measured with the disk
      diffusion method. Phenolic compounds were measured with the colorimetric method
      and identified with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The highest
      antiradical activity was observed for the Jonagold variety, and in particular
      strong activity was noted for ethyl acetate extracts. Antimicrobial activity was
      observed against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and the
      fungus Candida glabrata. Particularly susceptible to the extracts activity
      appeared to be Staphylococcus aureus, but the growth of Candida glabrata was
      inhibited in the presence of ethyl acetate extracts. With the HPLC method we
      identified a high amount of phloridzin (above 500 mg per g of ethyl acetate
      extracts), lower amounts of hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin, and traces
      of p-hydroxybenzoic and chlorogenic acids. The contribution of phloridzin to
      antiradical activity of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts was very high (above
      90%). In water extract the contribution of phloridzin was between 38.9 and 55.2%,
      chlorogenic acid 22.7 and 36.1%, and hyperoside 12.2 and 13.3%.

PMID- 28097144
TI  - Remote Postconditioning Alone and Combined with Hypothermia Improved
      Postresuscitation Cardiac and Neurological Outcomes in Swine.
AB  - Objective. Previously, we demonstrated that remote ischemic postconditioning
      (RIpostC) improved postresuscitation myocardial and cerebral functions in rat.
      Here, we investigated the effects of RIpostC alone and combined with therapeutic
      hypothermia (TH) on cardiac and neurological outcomes after CPR in swine.
      Methods. Twenty-one pigs were subjected to 10 mins of VF and then 5 mins of CPR.
      The animals were randomized to receive RIpostC alone, or its combination with TH,
      or sham control. RIpostC was induced by 4 cycles of limb ischemia followed by
      reperfusion. TH was implemented by surface cooling to reach a temperature of 32
      34 degrees C. Results. During 72 hrs after resuscitation, lower level of cardiac
      troponin I and greater stroke volume and global ejection fraction were observed
      in animals that received RIpostC when compared to the control. RIpostC also
      decreased serum levels of neuron-specific enolase and S100B and increased
      neurologic alertness score after resuscitation. The combination of RIpostC and TH
      resulted in greater improvement in cardiac and neurological outcomes than RIpostC
      alone. Conclusion. RIpostC was conducive to improving postresuscitation
      myocardial and cerebral functions and reducing their organ injuries. Its
      combination with TH further enhanced its protective effects.

PMID- 28097145
TI  - Depression and HIV Risk Behaviors among Female Sex Workers in Guangdong, China: A
      Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - Background. Our study aimed to assess the burden of depression and evaluate
      factors associated with depression and status of HIV risk behaviors among female
      sex workers (FSWs) in Guangdong, China. Method. We recruited FSWs from massage
      parlors, saunas, restaurants, hotels, hair salons, and streets in Guangdong,
      China, in 2014. Information on demographic characteristics, HIV testing history,
      and sexual behaviors was collected using a questionnaire. A blood sample was
      collected to test for HIV, syphilis, and HCV. A participant was defined as being
      depressed if she obtained 6 points or above using the 12-item General Health
      Questionnaire. Results. Among the 653 participants, 41.7% were 21-30 years old
      and 43.6% married. Overall, 52.4% were found to be depressed. FSWs who had
      correct syphilis related knowledge [aOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.04-2.03] and had
      primary sex partner (1.63, 1.14-2.33) were more likely to be depressed. FSWs who
      did not use a condom during their last sex with the primary sex partner were less
      likely to be depressed (0.47, 0.31-0.71). Conclusion. Our study observed high
      level of depression and HIV risk behaviors among Chinese FSWs. Future
      interventions should integrate mental health services in comprehensive
      interventions to prevent depression among Chinese FSWs.

PMID- 28097146
TI  - Versatility of Approximating Single-Particle Electron Microscopy Density Maps
      Using Pseudoatoms and Approximation-Accuracy Control.
AB  - Three-dimensional Gaussian functions have been shown useful in representing
      electron microscopy (EM) density maps for studying macromolecular structure and
      dynamics. Methods that require setting a desired number of Gaussian functions or
      a maximum number of iterations may result in suboptimal representations of the
      structure. An alternative is to set a desired error of approximation of the given
      EM map and then optimize the number of Gaussian functions to achieve this
      approximation error. In this article, we review different applications of such an
      approach that uses spherical Gaussian functions of fixed standard deviation,
      referred to as pseudoatoms. Some of these applications use EM-map normal mode
      analysis (NMA) with elastic network model (ENM) (applications such as predicting
      conformational changes of macromolecular complexes or exploring actual
      conformational changes by normal-mode-based analysis of experimental data) while
      some other do not use NMA (denoising of EM density maps). In applications based
      on NMA and ENM, the advantage of using pseudoatoms in EM-map coarse-grain models
      is that the ENM springs are easily assigned among neighboring grains thanks to
      their spherical shape and uniformed size. EM-map denoising based on the map
      coarse-graining was so far only shown using pseudoatoms as grains.

PMID- 28097147
TI  - Pharmacological Evaluation of Chrozophora tinctoria as Wound Healing Potential in
      Diabetic Rat's Model.
AB  - Objective. The study was designed to evaluate pharmacological potential of
      hydroalcoholic leaves extract of Chrozophora tinctoria intended for wound healing
      in diabetic rats' model. Methods. The method used to evaluate the pharmacological
      potential of hydroalcoholic leave extract was physical incision rat model. In
      this model, cutting of the skin and/or other tissues with a sharp blade has been
      made and the rapid disruption of tissue integrity with minimal collateral damage
      was observed shortly. Animals used in the study were divided into four groups
      that consist of six animals in each group. Group I serves as normal control,
      Group II serves as disease control, Group III was used as standard treatment
      (Povidone iodine 50 mg/kg b.w.), and Group IV was used for test drug (C.
      tinctoria 50 mg/kg b.w.). Result. The hydroalcoholic leave extract of Chrozophora
      tinctoria has been significantly observed to heal the wound (98%) in diabetic
      rats within 21 days, while standard drug (Povidone iodine) healed the wound about
      95% in the same condition. The oral dose (50 mg/kg b.w.) of Chrozophora tinctoria
      was also found to improve the elevated blood glucose level in comparison to
      disease control group, which increased after the oral administration of
      Streptozotocin. Conclusion. The Chrozophora tinctoria has significant wound
      healing potential in the animal having physically damaged tissue in diabetic
      condition.

PMID- 28097148
TI  - Exercise Physiology, Cognitive Function, and Physiologic Alterations in Extreme
      Conditions 2016.

PMID- 28097149
TI  - Benefit of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Plasma in Operative Wound Closure in Oral
      and Maxillofacial Surgery.
AB  - This article reports the influence of an autologous leukocyte- and platelet-rich
      plasma (L-PRP) injection as a minimally invasive method on supporting wound
      healing processes after a mandibular odontogenic cystectomy and double mandibular
      fracture fixation. 113 patients were enrolled into a control group (received no L
      PRP injection) and 102 patients were enrolled into an L-PRP group with an oral
      mucosa incision. 18 patients after a double mandibular fracture were operated on
      using 2 external submandibular approaches receiving no fluids in the right site
      (a control group) and an L-PRP injection in the left incision (L-PRP group).
      Clinical observations showed that the oral mucosa healed faster in patients
      treated with L-PRP, in comparison to cases where inductive biomaterial was not
      added. Pain at the L-PRP injection site was relieved within few hours after an
      operation in patients with double mandibular fractures. However, there were no
      differences observed in the progression of the healing process. L-PRP possesses
      inductive properties that could stimulate healing processes and it seems to be
      one of the most promising methods in the future for the treatment of soft tissue
      defects.

PMID- 28097150
TI  - A Naphthalenic Derivative ND-1 Inhibits Thrombus Formation by Interfering the
      Binding of Fibrinogen to Integrin alphaIIbbeta3.
AB  - Integrin alphaIIbbeta3 plays a crucial role in the process of platelet
      aggregation. Three integrin alphaIIbbeta3 antagonists (abciximab, eptifibatide,
      and tirofiban) have been approved by FDA for clinical use. Unfortunately, they
      all showed severe side effects such as thrombocytopenia and bleeding risk. Thus,
      researches on the development of more effective and safer antiplatelet agents are
      needed. In this manuscript we reported a novel naphthalenic derivative compound
      ND-1 with potent antithrombotic effect and lower bleeding risk. ND-1 inhibited
      ADP-, collagen-, thrombin-, and U46619-induced platelet aggregation with IC50
      values of 1.29, 14.46, 12.84, and 40.24 MUM, respectively. Mechanism studies
      indicated that ND-1 inhibited the binding of fibrinogen to integrin alphaIIbbeta3
      in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 3.12 MUM. ND-1 inhibited P
      selectin expression induced by ADP, collagen, thrombin, and U46619 on the surface
      of platelets. Additionally, this compound reduced platelets spreading to the
      immobilized fibrinogen. In vivo, ND-1 potently decreased thrombus formation in an
      arteriovenous shunt thrombosis model in rats and slightly prolonged bleeding time
      in a tail cutting model in mice. Taken together, our results reveal that ND-1 is
      a novel antagonist of alphaIIbbeta3 with strong antithrombotic effect and lower
      bleeding risk.

PMID- 28097152
TI  - Corrigendum to "Transmission Model of Hepatitis B Virus with the Migration
      Effect".
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2013/150681.].

PMID- 28097151
TI  - Identification of Potential Key lncRNAs and Genes Associated with Aging Based on
      Microarray Data of Adipocytes from Mice.
AB  - Objective. This study aimed to screen potential crucial lncRNAs and genes
      involved in aging. Methods. The data of 9 peripheral white adipocytes,
      respectively, taken from male C57BL/6J mice (6 months, 14 months, and 18 months
      of age) in GSE25905 were used in this study. Differentially time series expressed
      lncRNA genes (DE-lncRNAs) and mRNA genes (DEGs) were identified. After cluster
      analysis of lncRNAs expression pattern, target genes of DE-lncRNAs were predicted
      from the DEGs, and functional analysis for target genes was conducted. Results. A
      total of 8301 time series-related DEGs and 43 time series-related DE-lncRNAs were
      identified. Among them, 41 DE-lncRNAs targeted 1880 DEGs. The DEGs positively
      regulated by DE-lncRNAs were mainly related to the development of blood vessel
      and the pathways of cholesterol biosynthesis and elastic fibre formation.
      Furthermore, the DEGs negatively regulated by DE-lncRNAs were correlated with
      protein metabolism. Conclusion. These DE-lncRNAs and DEGs are potentially
      involved in the process of aging.

PMID- 28097153
TI  - Effects of Renal Ischemic Postconditioning on Myocardial Ultrastructural
      Organization and Myocardial Expression of Bcl-2/Bax in Rabbits.
AB  - We investigated the cardioprotective effect of renal ischemic postconditioning
      (RI-PostC) and its mechanisms in a rabbit model. Rabbits underwent 60 min of left
      anterior descending coronary artery occlusion (LADO) and 6 h of reperfusion. The
      ischemia-reperfusion (IR) group underwent LADO and reperfusion only. In the RI
      PostC group, the left renal artery underwent 3 cycles of occlusion for 30 seconds
      and release for 30 seconds, before the coronary artery was reperfused. In the RI
      PostC + GF109203X group, the rabbits received 0.05 mg/kg GF109203X (protein
      kinase C inhibitor) intravenously for 10 min followed by RI-PostC. Light
      microscopy and electron microscopy demonstrated that the RI-PostC group showed
      less pronounced changes, a smaller infarct region, and less apoptosis than the
      other two groups. Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression did not differ between the IR
      and RI-PostC + GF109203X groups. However, in the RI-PostC group, Bcl-2 protein
      expression was significantly higher and Bax protein expression was significantly
      lower than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). Changes in heart rate and mean
      arterial pressure were also smaller in the RI-PostC group than in the other two
      groups. These results indicate that RI-PostC can ameliorate myocardial ischemia
      reperfusion injury and increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio through a mechanism involving
      protein kinase C.

PMID- 28097154
TI  - A Comparative Chemical Study of Calcium Silicate-Containing and Epoxy Resin-Based
      Root Canal Sealers.
AB  - Objective. The present study assessed the chemical elements in two novel calcium
      silicate-containing root canal sealers, BioRoot RCS and Well-Root ST, compared to
      a calcium silicate-containing root canal sealer that has been on the market for
      several years, MTA Fillapex, and epoxy resin-based sealer AHPlus. Material and
      Methods. The sealers were mixed and manipulated according to the manufacturers'
      instructions. Twelve cylindrical molds (inner diameter 4 mm; height 3 mm) were
      placed on a glass petri dish and packed with the materials. The dish was
      transferred to an incubator. After 72 h the molds were examined by scanning
      electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Results. BioRoot
      RCS and Well-Root ST had high peaks of calcium, zirconium, oxygen, carbon,
      silicon, and chlorine. Well-Root ST also had sodium, magnesium, aluminum, and
      titanium peaks. MTA Fillapex and AHPlus had carbon, oxygen, calcium, titanium,
      and bismuth peaks. A silicon peak was also observed for MTA Fillapex, and
      zirconium and tungsten peaks for AHPlus. Conclusion. BioRoot RSC had the highest
      degree of purity. The clinical implication of metals contained in the other
      sealers needs to be investigated.

PMID- 28097155
TI  - Potential Involvement of Type I Interferon Signaling in Immunotherapy in Seasonal
      Allergic Rhinitis.
AB  - Specific immunotherapy (SIT) reverses the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis
      (SAR) in most patients. Recent studies report type I interferons shifting the
      balance between type I T helper cell (Th1) and type II T helper cells (Th2)
      towards Th2 dominance by inhibiting the differentiation of naive T cells into Th1
      cells. As SIT is thought to cause a shift towards Th1 dominance, we hypothesized
      that SIT would alter interferon type I signaling. To test this, allergen and
      diluent challenged CD4+ T cells from healthy controls and patients from different
      time points were analyzed. The initial experiments focused on signature genes of
      the pathway and found complex changes following immunotherapy, which were
      consistent with our hypothesis. As interferon signaling involves multiple genes,
      expression profiling studies were performed, showing altered expression of the
      pathway. These findings require validation in a larger group of patients in
      further studies.

PMID- 28097156
TI  - Metabolic Syndrome and Selective Inflammatory Markers in Psoriatic Patients.
AB  - The presented article studies the role of selected inflammatory and anti
      inflammatory serum markers of psoriatic patients in the pathogenesis of metabolic
      syndrome (MS) and psoriasis. The study is based on the comparison between the
      group of psoriatic patients (74) and the control group (65). We found
      significantly higher BMI (p < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) in
      the psoriatic patients. The values of waist circumference and BMI were
      significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the male patients compared to the men in the
      control group. The analysis revealed significantly higher CRP (p < 0.001), Lp
      PLA2 (p < 0.001), leptin (p < 0.01), and resistin (p < 0.01) levels in the
      psoriatic patients. Significantly higher levels of CRP (p < 0.01), Lp-PLA2 (p <
      0.001), leptin (p < 0.01), and resistin (p < 0.05) were found in the patients
      with MS compared to the controls with MS. The level of adiponectin was
      significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the patients with MS. Finally, we found
      significantly higher level of Lp-PLA2 (p < 0.001) in the group of patients
      without MS compared to the controls without MS. In conclusion, observed
      inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers (CRP, adiponectin, leptin, resistin,
      and Lp-PLA2) are involved in both pathogenesis of MS and pathogenesis of
      psoriasis. The level of Lp-PLA2 indicates the presence of subclinical
      atherosclerosis (cardiovascular risk) in psoriatic patients.

PMID- 28097157
TI  - NK-DC Crosstalk in Immunity to Microbial Infection.
AB  - The interaction between natural killer (NK) cell and dendritic cell (DC), two
      important cellular components of innate immunity, started to be elucidated in the
      last years. The crosstalk between NK cells and DC, which leads to NK cell
      activation, DC maturation, or apoptosis, involves cell-cell contacts and soluble
      factors. This interaction either in the periphery or in the secondary lymphoid
      organs acts as a key player linking innate and adaptive immune responses to
      microbial stimuli. This review focuses on the mechanisms of NK-DC interaction and
      their relevance in antimicrobial responses. We specifically aim to emphasize the
      ability of various microbial infections to differently influence NK-DC crosstalk
      thereby contributing to distinct adaptive immune response.

PMID- 28097160
TI  - Contribution to the molecular systematics of the genus Capoeta from the south
      Caspian Sea basin using mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences (Teleostei:
      Cyprinidae).
AB  - Traditionally, Capoeta populations from the southern Caspian Sea basin have been
      considered as Capoeta capoeta gracilis. Study on the phylogenetic relationship of
      Capoeta species using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences show that Capoeta
      population from the southern Caspian Sea basin is distinct species and receive
      well support (posterior probability of 100%). Based on the tree topologies
      obtained from Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood methods, three main groups for the
      studied Capoeta were detected: Clade I) Capoeta trutta group (the Mesopotamian
      Capoeta group) including closely related taxa (e.g. trutta, turani, barroisi)
      characterized by having numerous irregular black spots on the dorsal half of the
      body. This clade was the sister group to all other Capoeta species and its
      separation occurred very early in evolution possess, so we considered it as O ld
      Evolutionary Group. Clade II) comprises highly diversified and widespread group,
      Capoeta damascina complex group (small scale capoeta group), the Anatolian
      Iranian group (e.g. banarescui, buhsei, damascina, saadii), characterized by
      small scales and plain body (absence of irregular black spots on the dorsal half
      of the body, except in some juveniles) with significantly later speciation event
      so called Young Evolutionary Group. Clade III) Capoeta capoeta complex group
      (large scale capoeta group, the Aralo-Caspian group) comprises very closely
      related taxa characterized by large scales and plain body (absence of irregular
      black spots on the dorsal half of the body) distributed in Aralo-Caspian water
      bodies (capoeta, ekmekciae, heratensis, gracilis, sevangi) that has been recently
      diverged and could be considered as Very Young Evolutionary Group.

PMID- 28097161
TI  - Effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on expression levels of
      some antioxidant genes in human MCF-7 cells.
AB  - In the past three decades, study on the biological effects of extremely low
      frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) has been of interest to scientists.
      Although the exact mechanism of its effect is not fully understood, free radical
      processes has been proposed as a possible mechanism. This study was designed to
      evaluate the effect of 50-Hz EMFs on the mRNA levels of seven antioxidant genes
      (CAT, SOD1, SOD2, GSTO1, GSTM3, MSGT1, and MSGT3) in human MCF-7 cells. The EMF
      exposure patterns were: 1) 5 min field-on/5 min filed-off, 2) 15 min field-on/15
      min field-off, 3) 30 min field-on continuously. In all three exposure conditions
      we tried to have total exposure time of 30 minutes. Control cultures were located
      in the exposure apparatus when the power was off. The experiments were done at
      two field intensities; 0.25 mT and 0.50 mT. The RNA extraction was done at two
      times; immediately post exposure and two hours post exposure. The mRNA levels
      were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. MTT assay
      for three exposure conditions in the two field intensities represented no
      cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells. Statistical comparison showed a significant
      difference between 0.25 mT and 0.50 mT intensities for "the 15 min field-on/15
      min field-off condition" (Fisher's exact test, P=0.041), indicating that at 0.50
      mT intensity field, the number of down-regulated and/or up-regulated genes
      increased compared with the other ones. However, there is no statistical
      significant difference between the field intensities for the two others EMF
      exposure conditions.

PMID- 28097162
TI  - Antioxidant activity of polyphenolic myricetin in vitro cell- free and cell-based
      systems.
AB  - Myricetin (Myc) is one of the most important flavonoids in diet due to its
      abundance in foods with the highest antioxidant activity. The antioxidant
      activity of Myc was studied in cell-free and cell-based systems to evaluate the
      ROS protection efficiency of Myc. The studies were based on the assessment of
      reducing power of Myc according to ferric ion reduction and intracellular ROS
      level measurement by assaying the cellular fluorescence intensity using
      dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) probe as an indicator for ROS in cells.
      Moreover, the antitoxic capability of Myc was assessed using MTT method. Data
      indicated that intracellular ROS are highly toxic and applying low concentration
      of Myc not only inhibited cellular ROS production but also was accompanying with
      the protection of cells against the highly toxic and the lethal effects of
      peroxide compounds. Because of strong correlation between cellular ROS and their
      cell toxic properties, the higher antioxidant potency of Myc in cell medium
      resulted in effectively blocking intracellular ROS and protecting cell death.
      This property is achieved by the help of high polar solubility and cell membrane
      permeability of Myc.

PMID- 28097163
TI  - Genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of catalase gene, creates new
      potential PAX-6 and STAT4 response elements.
AB  - Catalase (CAT, OMIM: 115500) is an endogenous antioxidant enzyme and genetic
      variations in the regulatory regions of the CAT gene may alter the CAT enzyme
      activity and subsequently may alter the risk of oxidative stress related disease.
      In this study, potential influence(s) of the A-21T (rs7943316) and C-262T
      (rs1001179) genetic polymorphisms in the CAT promoter region, using the ALGGEN
      PROMO.v8.3 online software were analyzed. Our findings show that the A allele at
      the -21 position creates a new potential binding site for PAX-6 and the T allele
      at the -262 position changes the TFII-I binding site into STAT4 response element.
      The PAX-6 and STAT4 are the multifunctional and enhancing transcription factors.

PMID- 28097159
TI  - IgE-Related Chronic Diseases and Anti-IgE-Based Treatments.
AB  - IgE is an immunoglobulin that plays a central role in acute allergic reactions
      and chronic inflammatory allergic diseases. The development of a drug able to
      neutralize this antibody represents a breakthrough in the treatment of
      inflammatory pathologies with a probable allergic basis. This review focuses on
      IgE-related chronic diseases, such as allergic asthma and chronic urticaria (CU),
      and on the role of the anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, omalizumab, in their
      treatment. We also assess the off-label use of omalizumab for other pathologies
      associated with IgE and report the latest findings concerning this drug and other
      new related drugs. To date, omalizumab has only been approved for severe allergic
      asthma and unresponsive chronic urticaria treatments. In allergic asthma,
      omalizumab has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing the dose of inhaled
      corticosteroids required by patients, decreasing the number of asthma
      exacerbations, and limiting the effect on airway remodeling. In CU, omalizumab
      treatment rapidly improves symptoms and in some cases achieves complete disease
      remission. In systemic mastocytosis, omalizumab also improves symptoms and its
      prophylactic use to prevent anaphylactic reactions has also been discussed. In
      other pathologies such as atopic dermatitis, food allergy, allergic rhinitis,
      nasal polyposis, and keratoconjunctivitis, omalizumab significantly improves
      clinical manifestations. Omalizumab acts in two ways: by sequestering free IgE
      and by accelerating the dissociation of the IgE-Fcepsilon receptor I complex.

PMID- 28097158
TI  - Osteopontin Bridging Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Autoimmune Diseases.
AB  - Osteopontin (OPN) regulates the immune response at multiple levels.
      Physiologically, it regulates the host response to infections by driving T helper
      (Th) polarization and acting on both innate and adaptive immunity;
      pathologically, it contributes to the development of immune-mediated and
      inflammatory diseases. In some cases, the mechanisms of these effects have been
      described, but many aspects of the OPN function remain elusive. This is in part
      ascribable to the fact that OPN is a complex molecule with several
      posttranslational modifications and it may act as either an immobilized protein
      of the extracellular matrix or a soluble cytokine or an intracytoplasmic molecule
      by binding to a wide variety of molecules including crystals of calcium
      phosphate, several cell surface receptors, and intracytoplasmic molecules. This
      review describes the OPN structure, isoforms, and functions and its role in
      regulating the crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity in autoimmune
      diseases.

PMID- 28097164
TI  - Molecular characterization and construction of an infectious clone of a pepper
      isolate of Beet curly top Iran virus.
AB  - Geminiviruses cause curly top disease, in dicotyledonous plants which constrains
      host crop production. Beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV) is a widespread
      Becurtovirus (family Geminiviridae) in numerous areas within Iran. In this study,
      we isolated and analyzed a full-length genomic DNA of a new variant of BCTIV from
      pepper crops in the Kaftark region, east of Shiraz (proposed acronym: BCTIV-Kaf
      [IR: Kaf:2016:Pepper]). Infected pepper plants showed shortening of internodes,
      severe interveinal chlorosis, upward leaf rolling and leaf curling. Sequence and
      phylogenetic analysis showed this BCTIV variant grouped with sugar beet isolates
      of BCTIV and has the highest similarity to a sugar beet BCTIV isolate from Negar
      town in Kerman province, Iran. It was more distantly related to a bean isolate of
      BCTIV from northeast region of Iran. A tandem repeat partial dimmer of BCTIV was
      constructed and found to be infectious in pepper, tomato and Nicotiana
      benthamiana plants. Results of this study indicated that BCTIV-Kaf is a new
      variant of BCTIV infecting pepper plants in Shiraz and that geographic location
      rather than the type of host plant has more effect on genetic diversity of BCTIV
      in Iran.

PMID- 28097165
TI  - In silico comparison of Iranian HIV -1 envelop glycoprotein with five nearby
      countries.
AB  - HIV-1 envelope (env) glycoprotein mediates an important role in entry of the
      virus into the susceptible target cells. As env glycoprotein of HIV-1 is highly
      variable in the different geographical regions, in the present study, different
      properties of this protein in Iran are compared with five nearby countries. The
      sequences of HIV-1 env glycoproteins of Iran, Afghanistan, Russia, Turkey,
      Pakistan and Saudi Arabia databases were collected from databases. Amino acid
      composition and physical and chemical properties of the proteins from these
      countries were studied using Protparam and COPid tools. Receiver-operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were used to
      evaluate association between the properties of HIV-1 env glycoprotein of Iran
      with five nearby countries. The results verify that amino acid composition and
      four physical and chemical properties (molecular weight, isoelectric point,
      Aliphatic Index, and grand average of hydropathicity) of HIV-1 env protein in
      Iran and Russia were not significantly different. In conclusion, the results
      indicate that in silico techniques provide valuable information for comparing HIV
      1 envelop glycoprotein in different geographical locations.

PMID- 28097166
TI  - Molecular characterization of Pasteurella multocida isolates obtained from
      poultry, ruminant, cats and dogs using RAPD and REP-PCR analysis.
AB  - In the present study, Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Repetitive
      Extragenic Palindromic sequence-based Polymerase Chain Reaction (REP- PCR) were
      used to characterize 131 isolates of Pasteurella multocida, originating from
      different healthy and diseased animal species obtained from several geographical
      regions of Iran. The RAPD and REP-PCR generated amplified products in the range
      of 300 to 3400 bp and 200 to 2850 bp, respectively. Among all of the P. multocida
      isolates, cluster analysis revealed that 63 clusters and nine untypable isolates
      and 81 clusters and six untypable isolates were produced with RAPD and REP-PCR
      methods, respectively. The results indicated that the REP-PCR method showed a
      slightly higher level of discrimination power in differentiating of P. multocida
      isolates as compared with RAPD. The results showed that a considerable level of
      genetic diversity exists among P. multocida isolates even in the isolates with
      the same animal or geographical origins. There was no host- and region-specific
      pattern. In addition, the isolates obtained from the healthy and diseased animal
      did not reveal any correlation genotypic profiles, which could be supported by
      the hypothesis that P. multocida is a strictly opportunistic pathogen. In
      conclusion, because of a large amount of genetic heterogeneity in the P.
      multocida isolates, Pasteurellosis may be caused by different clones in the same
      herd or animal.

PMID- 28097167
TI  - Expression, purification and kinetic characterization of recombinant benzoate
      dioxygenase from Rhodococcus ruber UKMP-5M.
AB  - In this study, benzoate dioxygenase from Rhodococcus ruber UKMP-5M was catalyzed
      by oxidating the benzene ring to catechol and other derivatives. The benzoate
      dioxygenase (benA gene) from Rhodococcus ruber UKMP-5M was then expressed,
      purified, characterized, The benA gene was amplified (642 bp), and the product
      was cloned into a pGEM-T vector. The recombinant plasmid pGEMT-benA was digested
      by double restriction enzymes BamHI and HindIII to construct plasmid pET28b-benA
      and was then ligated into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant E. coli
      was induced with 0.5 mM isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) at 22C to produce
      benzoate dioxygenase. The enzyme was then purified by ion exchange chromatography
      after 8 purification folds. The resulting product was 25 kDa, determined by
      sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western
      blotting. Benzoate dioxygenase activity was found to be 6.54 U/mL and the optimal
      pH and temperature were 8.5 and 25 degrees C, respectively. Maximum velocity
      (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (Km) were 7.36 U/mL and 5.58 uM, respectively. The
      end metabolite from the benzoate dioxygenase reaction was cyclohexane dione,
      which was determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

PMID- 28097168
TI  - Purification and biochemical properties of a thermostable, haloalkaline cellulase
      from Bacillus licheniformis AMF-07 and its application for hydrolysis of
      different cellulosic substrates to bioethanol production.
AB  - A thermophilic strain AMF-07, hydrolyzing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was
      isolated from Kerman hot spring and was identified as Bacillus licheniformis
      based on 16S rRNA sequence homology. The carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) enzyme
      produced by the B. licheniformis was purified by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, ion
      exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The purified enzyme gave a single
      band on SDS- PAGE with a molecular weight of 37 kDa. The CMCase enzyme was highly
      active and stable over broad ranges of temperature (40-80oC), pH (6.0-10.0) and
      NaCl concentration (10-25%) with an optimum at 70oC, pH 9.0 and 20% NaCl, which
      showed excellent thermostable, alkali-stable and halostable properties. Moreover,
      it displayed high activity in the presence of cyclohexane (134%) and chloroform
      (120%). Saccharification of rice bran and wheat bran by the CMCase enzyme
      resulted in respective yields of 24 and 32 g L-1 reducing sugars. The enzymatic
      hydrolysates of rice bran were then used as the substrate for ethanol production
      by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermentation of cellulosic hydrolysate using S.
      cerevisiae, reached maximum ethanol production about 0.125 g g-1 dry substrate
      (pretreated wheat bran). Thus, the purified cellulase from B. licheniformis AMF
      07 utilizing lignocellulosic biomass could be greatly useful to develop
      industrial processes.

PMID- 28097169
TI  - Molecular characterization of Argulus bengalensis and Argulus siamensis
      (Crustacea: Argulidae) infecting the cultured carps in West Bengal, India using
      18S rRNA gene sequences.
AB  - The present study characterized Argulus spp. infecting the cultured carps using
      18S rRNA gene sequences, estimated the genetic similarity among Argulus spp. and
      established their phylogenetic relationship. Of the 320 fish samples screened, 34
      fish (10.6%) had Argulus infection. The parasitic frequency index (PFI) was
      observed to be high (20%) in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Labeo bata. The
      frequency of infection was high in September (PFI: 17%) and October (PFI: 12.9%).
      The 18S rRNA sequences of five A. bengalensis (KF583878, KF192316, KM016968,
      KM016969, and KM016970) and one A. siamensis (KF583879) of this study showed
      genetic heterogeneity and exhibited 77-99% homology among the 18S rRNA gene
      sequences of Argulus spp. of NCBI GenBank database. Among the Indian Argulus spp.
      the sequence homology was 87-100%. Evolutionary pair-wise distances between
      Indian Argulus spp. and other Argulus spp. ranged from 0 to 20.20%. In the
      phylogenetic tree, all the crustaceans were clustered together as a separate
      clade with two distinct lineages. The lineage-1 comprised exclusive of Branchiura
      (Argulus spp.). All Argulus bengalensis clustered together and A. siamensis
      (KF583879) was closely related to Argulus sp. JN558648. The results of the
      present study provided baseline data for future work on population structure
      analysis of Indian Argulus species.

PMID- 28097170
TI  - Microsatellite (SSR) amplification by PCR usually led to polymorphic bands:
      Evidence which shows replication slippage occurs in extend or nascent DNA
      strands.
AB  - Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are very effective molecular
      markers in population genetics, genome mapping, taxonomic study and other large
      scale studies. Variation in number of tandem repeats within microsatellite refers
      to simple sequence length polymorphism (SSLP); but there are a few studies that
      are showed SSRs replication slippage may be occurred during in vitro
      amplification which are produced 'stutter products' differing in length from the
      main products. The purpose of this study is introducing a reliable method to
      realize SSRs replication slippage. At first, three unique primers designed to
      amplify SSRs loci in the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) by PCR. Crush and soak
      method used to isolate interesting DNA bands from polyacrylamide gel. PCR
      products analyzed using by sequencing methods. Our study has been shown that Taq
      DNA polymerase slipped during microsatellite in vitro amplification which led to
      insertion or deletion of repeats in sense or antisense DNA strands. It is
      produced amplified fragments with various lengths in gel electrophoresis showed
      as 'stutter bands'. Thus, in population studies by SSRs markers recommend that
      replication slippage effects and stutter bands have been considered.

PMID- 28097171
TI  - Structural insights into the effects of charge-reversal substitutions at the
      surface of horseradish peroxidase.
AB  - Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), has gained significant interests in biotechnology,
      especially in biosensor field and diagnostic test kits. Hence, its solvent
      exposed lysine residues 174, 232, and 241 have been frequently modified with the
      aim of improving its stability and catalytic efficiency. In this computational
      study, we investigated the effects of Lys-to-Glu substitutions on HRP structure
      to model charge-reversal manipulations at the enzyme surface. Simulation results
      implied that upon these substitutions, the number of stable hydrogen bonds and
      alpha-helical content of HRP are increased and the proximal Ca2+ binding pocket
      becomes more integrated. The results revealed that although Glu174-heme hydrogen
      bond is lost after mutation, formation of a new hydrogen bonding network
      contributes to the stability of heme-protein linkage. Together, it may be
      concluded that these substitutions enhance the stability of the protein moiety as
      well as the heme-protein non-covalent interactions. In the enzyme active site, we
      observed increased accessibility of peroxide binding site and heme prosthetic
      group to the peroxide and aromatic substrates, respectively. Results also
      demonstrated that the bottleneck entry of the peroxide-binding site has become
      wider and more flexible upon substitutions. Moreover, the hydrophobic patch
      functioning as a binding site or trap for reducing aromatic substrates is more
      extended in mutated enzyme. These observations suggest that the reactivity of the
      enzyme to its substrates has increased. Together, the results of this simulation
      study could provide possible structural clues to explain those experimental
      observations in which the protein stability achieved upon manipulation of charge
      distribution on protein surface.

PMID- 28097172
TI  - Transcript levels of phytoene desaturase gene in Dunaliella salina Teod. as
      affected by PbS nanoparticles and light intensity.
AB  - Phytoene synthase (Psy) and Phytoene desaturase (Pds) are the first two
      regulatory enzymes in the carotenoids biosynthetic pathway. The genes Psy and Pds
      are under transcriptional control in many photosynthetic organisms. In the
      present study, using quantitative real time- PCR (qRT-PCR), the effects of
      uncoated and gum-Arabic coated PbS nanoparticles (GA-coated PbS NPs) and light
      intensity on the mRNA levels of Pds were investigated. Relative to mRNA level of
      Pds at 100 umol photon m-2 s-1 light intensity (control culture), 2.2-fold
      increase in transcript levels occurred after 12 h of exposure to higher light
      intensity, which is significantly (P<0.05) different compared to control. After
      48 h of exposure, the mRNA level of Pds was reduced to that in control. This
      indicates that light intensity regulates Pds at the mRNA level. In the presence
      of uncoated and GA-coated PbS NPs, the transcript levels of Pds were decreased
      over time, with uncoated PbS NPs having more inhibitory effects on mRNA levels
      compared to GA- coated PbS NPs. This shows that PbS NPs have adverse effects on
      transcription or post transcriptional processing and coating nanoparticles with
      biopolymers reduces their toxicity to organisms. Being under control, it seems
      that genetic manipulation of Pds may result in increased biotechnological
      production of carotenoids by D. salina.

PMID- 28097173
TI  - Contributing Factors to High-Risk Sexual Behaviors among Iranian Adolescent
      Girls: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a period of overwhelming changes and challenges, which
      expose the adolescents to high-risk behaviors. Risky sexual relationship is one
      of these behaviors that entails physical risks and psychosocial harms. Various
      factors have been recognized to shape sexual behaviors in adolescents. This paper
      is an attempt to investigate the factors contributing to high-risk sexual
      behaviors in Iranian adolescent girls. METHODS: A literature review of the
      research published by Iranian authors, in Farsi or English language in local and
      foreign journals, was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Scientific
      Information Database (SID), IranMedex, IranDoc, and Google Scholar. The search in
      each database included all the years covered at that time using keywords such as
      "sexual, adolescents, and Iran", and continued using other keywords such as
      "sexual behavior, high-risk behavior, sexual risk and reproductive behavior"
      individually and in combination. RESULTS: Sixteen published articles were
      identified. Factors contributing to high-risk sexual behaviors in girls can be
      divided into four general groups including personal, family, peer, school and
      community. CONCLUSION: Regarding the identified risk and protective factors,
      appropriate individual, family and school-based interventions can be designed and
      implemented to strengthen protective factors. While individual and family factors
      are considered more in research, factors related to peers, school and community
      have received less attention. Since social values, beliefs and norms are
      important factors in formation of sexual behaviors, further research regarding
      these factors is suggested.

PMID- 28097174
TI  - Uncertainty, the Overbearing Lived Experience of the Elderly People Undergoing
      Hemodialysis: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The chronic kidney disease is a major health concern. The number of
      the elderly people with chronic renal failure has increased across the world.
      Dialysis is an appropriate therapy for the elderly, but it involves certain
      challenges. The present paper reports uncertainty as part of the elderly
      experiences of living with hemodialysis. METHODS: This qualitative study applied
      Max van Manen interpretative phenomenological analysis to explain and explore
      experiences of the elderly with hemodialysis. Given the study inclusion criteria,
      data were collected using in-depth unstructured interviews with nine elderly
      undergoing hemodialysis, and then analyzed according to Van Manen 6-stage
      methodological approach. RESULTS: One of the most important findings emerging in
      the main study was "uncertainty", which can be important and noteworthy, given
      other aspects of the elderly life (loneliness, despair, comorbidity of diseases,
      disability, and mental and psychosocial problems). Uncertainty about the future
      is the most psychological concerns of people undergoing hemodialysis. CONCLUSION:
      The results obtained are indicative of the importance of paying attention to a
      major aspect in the life of the elderly undergoing hemodialysis, uncertainty. A
      positive outlook can be created in the elderly through education and increased
      knowledge about the disease, treatment and complications.

PMID- 28097175
TI  - Socioeconomic Status and Satisfaction with Public Healthcare System in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The users' satisfaction is a method for evaluating the efficacy of
      healthcare system. We aimed to evaluate the association between the users'
      socioeconomic status (SES) and satisfaction with the healthcare system in Shiraz,
      Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from December, 2013 to
      March, 2014, in Shiraz, Iran. 3400 households were recruited by multi-stage
      cluster random sampling. Information about demographic, insurance status, and
      users' satisfaction was derived from face-to-face interviews. Satisfaction with
      healthcare system was assessed by using 5-point Likert scale statements, which
      ranged from "very dissatisfied" to "very satisfied". All statistical analyses
      were performed using SPSS-21. RESULTS: Overall, 1.6% (55) of the respondents were
      very satisfied, while 6% (203) were very dissatisfied with healthcare system.
      Participants were classified into high SES (26.3%), middle SES (47.9%) and low
      SES (25.8%). It was discovered that the better the SES, the more frequent were
      the respondents dissatisfied with healthcare system (P<0.001). Also, dissatisfied
      respondents were significantly older (P=0.036). Moreover, women were more
      dissatisfied with healthcare system (P=0.005). Also, dissatisfied respondents had
      significantly a higher level of education than satisfied ones (P<0.001).
      Furthermore, logistic regression revealed that age (P=0.04), marital status
      (P=0.01), insurance status (P<0.001), SES (P<0.001), and having supplemental
      insurance (P=0.02) were determinant factors of satisfaction with healthcare
      system. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that users' sex, age, educational
      level, and SES were related to dissatisfaction with healthcare system. Meanwhile,
      clients' age, SES, insurance status and marital status were recognized as
      determinant factors.

PMID- 28097176
TI  - A Comparison between the Quality of Life and Mental Health of Patients with
      Hypothyroidism and Normal People Referred to Motahari Clinic of Shiraz University
      of Medical Sciences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by a decrease in the thyroid
      gland hormones. This disease is very common at all age ranges. Regarding its long
      term therapeutic procedure, this disease can affect the quality of life and the
      mental health of the patients. The present study aimed to compare the quality of
      life and mental health in hypothyroid patients and normal people. METHODS: This
      descriptive-analytic investigation was performed using convenience sampling on 95
      patients with hypothyroidism and 95 normal cases referring to Motahari clinic
      between October 2014 and August 2015. Data were collected through General Health
      Questionnaire (consisted of 4 fields; physical signs, anxiety, social function
      disorder, depression) and Quality of life Questionnaires. Data were analyzed
      using Independent t- test, Pearson correlation coefficient and Variance analysis.
      P-values<0.05 were considered as significant. RESULTS: Both control (normal) and
      test (patient) groups were matched in demographic characteristics in this study
      (P>0.001). The results showed that there was no significant difference between
      the quality of life of patients and that of the normal people (test and control
      groups) (P>0.001). But the comparison of mental health level of patients (59.70)
      and normal people (48.68) showed a significant difference at all aspects
      (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Considering and improving the mental health status of such
      patients can be positively effective in their treatment procedure. Considering
      this key point in a country like Iran with rich religious backgrounds can be
      useful in designing self-care and therapeutic programs and even for all people.

PMID- 28097177
TI  - Spirituality: A Panacea for Patients Coping with Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many patients with heart failure grapple with related problems that
      threaten their feeling of well-being and quality of life. Patients look for ways
      to cope with the new situation. The present study aimed to explore religious
      coping from the perspective of patients with heart failure. METHODS: This
      qualitative study used the content analysis of the semi-structured interviews.
      The data were collected from 18 participants referring to training hospitals in
      Kerman University of Medical Sciences in southeastern Iran. The data were
      analyzed using Lundman and Graneheim qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The
      main theme of "Spiritual coping, a dominant strategy" was extracted with two
      categories: 1- "religious belief" having the sub-categories of "inner faith" and
      "search of meaning" 2- "connection to God as the supreme power" with sub
      categories of "seeking healing through supplication and rituals", "worship as a
      barrier to the flood of problems", and "submission to and trust in God".
      CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that a spiritual strategy helps the patients
      effectively to cope with heart failure. Patients learn to use religious beliefs
      and faith to accept the reality of the disease and its stages and to manage their
      condition with patience, tolerance, and hope calmly and confidently for a bright
      future.

PMID- 28097178
TI  - Antecedents of Coping with the Disease in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A
      Qualitative Content Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to many physical and mental disorders that occur in multiple
      sclerosis patients, identifying the factors affecting coping based on the
      experiences of patients using qualitative study is essential to improve their
      quality of life. This study was conducted to explore the antecedents of coping
      with the disease in patients with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: This is a
      qualitative study conducted on 11 patients with multiple sclerosis in 2015 in
      Tehran, Iran. These patients were selected based on purposive sampling. Data were
      collected using semi-structured and in-depth interviews and coded. These data
      were analyzed using the conventional content analysis. The rigor of qualitative
      data using the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln were assessed. RESULTS: Five
      main categories were revealed: (1) social support, (2) lenience, (3) reliance on
      faith, (4) knowledge of multiple sclerosis and modeling, and (5) economic and
      environmental situation. Each category had several distinct sub-categories.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that coping with multiple sclerosis
      is a complex, multidimensional and contextual concept that is affected by various
      factors in relation to the context of Iran. The findings of the study can provide
      the healthcare professionals with deeper recognition and understanding of these
      antecedents to improve successful coping in Iranian patients suffering from
      multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 28097179
TI  - The Comparison of Two Types of Relaxation Techniques on Postoperative State
      Anxiety in Candidates for The Mastectomy Surgery: A Randomized Controlled
      Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anxiety among patients after surgery can affect their physiological
      and psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate and
      compare the effects of Benson's relaxation and rhythmic breathing techniques on
      postoperative anxiety in candidates for the mastectomy surgery. METHODS: This
      randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted with ninety patients in
      2013. The patients were hospitalized for the mastectomy surgery in three surgical
      wards in a teaching hospital, Tehran, Iran. They were randomly assigned into
      three groups: Benson's relaxation including the cognitive relaxation technique
      type, rhythmic breathing including the somatic relaxation technique type and
      control groups. According to the Davidson and Schwartz multi-process theory, the
      Benson's relaxation and the rhythmic breathing techniques have cognitive and
      somatic effects, respectively. One day before the surgery, the patients in the
      intervention groups were trained regarding relaxation and breathing techniques
      and were asked to perform the techniques under the supervision of the researcher
      in the night before the surgery. The cognitive somatic anxiety questionnaire was
      used to measure anxiety before the intervention and half an hour after recovery
      of consciousness after the surgery. Descriptive and inferential statistics were
      used for data analysis via the SPSS v.21 software. RESULTS: There were no
      statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic
      characteristics. The application of both techniques reduced the level of
      patients' anxiety after the surgery. The patients in the Benson's relaxation
      technique group reported only the relief of somatic anxiety. However, the
      breathing technique patients reported a reduction in both cognitive and somatic
      anxiety. CONCLUSION: The Benson's relaxation and rhythmic breathing techniques
      can reduce postoperative anxiety in patients after the mastectomy surgery. Trial
      Registration Number: IRCT2014042017350N1.

PMID- 28097180
TI  - The Role of Nurses in Coping Process of Family Caregivers of Vegetative Patients:
      A Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vegetative state (VS) occurs through return of the brain stem after
      coma state. After hospital discharge, responsibility of caring for VS patients is
      transferred to their families, which causes a high burden on them. Nurses have an
      important role in helping the family caregivers to meet their needs and cope with
      difficulties. To explore the role of nurses during coping process of family
      caregivers of VS patients. METHODS: This study is a part of a larger qualitative
      study which was performed in Kerman province, Iran during 2014- 2015. Purposive
      and theoretical sampling was used. 14 caregivers participated in the study. Data
      were gathered using face-to-face in-depth interviews and managed by MAXQDA 10
      software. Analysis was done through constant Comparative Method. RESULTS: Three
      themes of "nurse as a pursuer teacher", "nurse as a compassionate caregiver", and
      "nurse as a supporter" were derived from analysis that represent various roles of
      a nurse in the coping process of family caregivers of vegetative patients during
      the care process. CONCLUSION: Nurses can play an effective role in improving the
      caregivers' well-being by considering the importance of training at discharge
      time and during home care, helping families in providing care and support them
      during care process.

PMID- 28097181
TI  - Social Well-Being and Related Factors in Students of School of Nursing and
      Midwifery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization viewpoint, social well
      being is an important dimension of health along with physical and mental aspects.
      Evaluation of social well-being is necessary in students, especially in medical
      sciences students due to future responsibility as health care professionals. The
      present study attempted to investigate the level of social well-being, five
      domains of it (like actualization, integration, contribution), and some related
      factors in the school of nursing and midwifery students. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study was carried out between Julys to December 2015 and comprised 346
      students in the school of nursing and midwifery in Shiraz University of Medical
      Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Social well-being, socio-demographic status and physical
      activity were measured by valid questionnaires. Univariate linear regression
      analysis, multiple imputation method, ANOVA and independent sample t-test were
      used as different statistical methods. The P values less than 0.05 were
      considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean score of social well
      being was 50. The minimum and maximum scores of social well-being were 20 to 100.
      Married students had higher social well-being than single students in univariate
      linear regression (Beta: 2.111, 95% CI: (0.387 to 3.738), P=0.017). Also, social
      integration had higher scores in married students (P=0.015). Social actualization
      was higher in male students (P=0.015); on the other hand, social contribution was
      higher in female students (P=0.026). CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed
      that social well-being status of students in this research was not satisfactory.
      Designing and conducting programs for promotion of social well-being, for example
      preparing facilities for marriage of students, can be helpful. Evaluation of
      social well-being in students of other schools with multicenter studies seems to
      be useful.

PMID- 28097182
TI  - The Role of Mass Media in Iranian Youth's Premarital Sexual Relationships: A
      Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Youth's sexual behaviors have various consequences such as unwanted
      pregnancy, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and sexually transmitted
      infections. Little information is available about the impact of mass media in the
      development of premarital sexual relationships. This study aimed to explore the
      role of mass media on premarital sexual relationships among Iranian youth.
      METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted with 26 single boys and girls aged
      18-24 years who were living in Isfahan, Iran and have already been started their
      sexual relationships. Also, 12 other participants who were involved in such an
      experience were recruited in this study. Data was collected using semi-structured
      interviews and the observation of youth's sexual interactions in different
      fields. Conventional content analysis method was used for data analysis. RESULTS:
      Three main categories were developed: "foreigner media as the role model", "the
      ease of access to sexual contents and materials" and "the ease of interactions
      and relationships with the opposite sex". CONCLUSION: The prominent role of mass
      media in the formation of premarital sexual relationships was described in this
      study. This issue needs to be taken into consideration by policy makers for
      taking necessary actions for reducing the impact of mass media on the youth's
      engagement in premarital sexual relationships.

PMID- 28097183
TI  - Local Anesthesia for Percutaneous Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) requires large-bore
      vascular access due to the considerable diameters of the endoprosthesis and
      delivery device. The preclose technique preceding endograft delivery has opened
      the door for an evolved access strategy. In addition, treatment under local
      anesthesia offers the advantage of optimal neuromonitoring. The goal of this
      study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of percutaneous TEVAR under local
      anesthesia. METHODS: All patients undergoing TEVAR in an elective setting at the
      Antwerp University Hospital between June 2012 and June 2015 were prospectively
      entered into an endovascular database. This database was queried for
      demographics, procedural details, and access-related complications. All patients
      underwent a percutaneous approach with the Perclose Proglide under local
      anesthesia. RESULTS: This review identified 34 patients in whom 37 percutaneous
      TEVAR procedures were completed under local anesthesia. All patients experienced
      adequate analgesia, and no conversions to general anesthesia were implemented.
      The mean size of the arteriotomy was 23.8 +/- 1.3 French (F). The number of
      Proglide deployments was 80, with an 8% rate of failure on deployment. There were
      no conversions to surgical cutdown, and adequate hemostasis was obtained in all
      procedures. The incidence of postprocedural access-related complications was 3%.
      CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia for percutaneous TEVAR can be performed safely and
      effectively. The percutaneous approach facilitates local anesthesia, which
      provides the added benefit of early recognition of neurologic complications while
      maintaining a low risk of access-related complications despite the need for large
      bore vascular access.

PMID- 28097184
TI  - KIF6 719Arg Genetic Variant and Risk for Thoracic Aortic Dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carriers of the 719Arg variant in KIF6, compared with noncarriers,
      have been reported to be at greater risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) in six
      prospective studies. Because CHD, thoracic aortic dissection, and nondissection
      thoracic aortic aneurysm share some risk factors and aspects of pathophysiology,
      we investigated whether carriers of the 719Arg variant also have greater odds of
      thoracic aortic dissection or nondissected thoracic aortic aneurysm than
      noncarriers. METHODS: We genotyped 140 thoracic aortic dissection cases, 497
      nondissection thoracic aortic aneurysm cases, and 275 disease-free controls
      collected in the United States, Hungary, and Greece and investigated the
      association between KIF6 719Arg carrier status and thoracic aortic dissection,
      and between KIF6 719Arg carrier status and nondissection thoracic aortic
      aneurysm, using logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, hypertension,
      smoking, and country. RESULTS: The odds of aortic dissection were two-fold
      greater in KIF6 719Arg carriers compared with noncarriers (odds ratio (OR) 2.14,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-3.9). To account for the potential of
      concomitant CHD to confound the association between the KIF6 719Arg and thoracic
      aortic dissection, we repeated the analysis after removing subjects with
      concomitant CHD; the estimates for association of KIF6 719Arg carrier status
      remained essentially the same (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.11-3.77). In contrast, KIF6
      719Arg carrier status was not associated with risk for nondissection thoracic
      aortic aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an association of the KIF6 719Arg
      genetic variant with thoracic aortic dissection in this multicenter case-control
      study. This association may enhance our management of patients with thoracic
      aortic disease.

PMID- 28097185
TI  - Immediate Improvement in Severe Mitral Regurgitation After Aortic Valve
      Replacement for Severe Aortic Insufficiency.
AB  - A 57-year-old male with ascending aortic aneurysm, severe aortic regurgitation,
      and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) underwent ascending aortic replacement and
      aortic valve replacement. MR in this patient with normal mitral valve morphology
      was considered secondary to aortic valve incompetency. Consequently, a surgical
      approach to restore aortic valve function was adopted with successful MR
      resolution. This case report demonstrates the possibility of reversing early
      functional mitral regurgitation without surgically approaching the mitral valve.

PMID- 28097186
TI  - Unusual Management of Thoracic Aortic Injury After Spinal Instrumentation: Just
      Glue It!
AB  - We report the cases of two patients who presented with screw misplacement
      following spinal surgery. Both benefited from unusual vascular surgical
      management with removal of the material and injection of biological glue facing
      the injury, with uneventful postoperative courses.

PMID- 28097187
TI  - Intraoperative Epiaortic Ultrasound for Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Ascending
      Aorta.
AB  - Epiaortic ultrasound is an imaging modality that is commonly used to evaluate the
      ascending aorta for atheroma and other mural lesions during elective cardiac
      surgery. Its use in contained aortic rupture has not been established. We present
      a case of thoracic trauma with contained pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta.
      At operation, the precise location of the aortic tear could not be identified by
      visual inspection, manual palpation, or transesophageal echocardiography.
      Epiaortic ultrasound was employed and the aortic defect was identified and
      successfully repaired. This intraoperative imaging modality may play an
      increasing role in the identification of aortic pathology when visual inspection
      and other intraoperative imaging is insufficient.

PMID- 28097188
TI  - The Migration of Air into the Aorta from a Pneumothorax in a Patient with a
      Penetrating Injury of the Aorta.
AB  - A tree fell on the back of a 77-year-old male. A postmortem computed tomographic
      pan scan revealed systemic air embolism, multiple rib fractures with a
      penetrating injury to the aorta, pneumohemothorax, and air in the aorta. A
      massive amount of air entered the site of a penetrating injury of the aorta. This
      unique case adds one more cause to the list of documented etiologies of air in
      the aorta.

PMID- 28097189
TI  - Is the Sac Waiting to Rupture? Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm.
AB  - Completely asymptomatic sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare entities, and there
      is no consensus regarding their management. We present the case of a patient who
      underwent atrial septal defect device closure at 5 years of age and was lost to
      follow-up, then presented 6 years later with unruptured sinus of Valsalva
      aneurysm and was closely followed. The aneurysm eventually ruptured and was
      successfully operated on with good outcomes.

PMID- 28097190
TI  - Chronic Type A Aortic Dissection and Giant Aortic Root Aneurysm After Aortic
      Valve Replacement.
AB  - We describe the case of a 61-year-old male with a giant aortic root aneurysm
      associated with chronic aortic Type A dissection. The patient had been operated
      on 16 years before due to aortic annuloectasia with mechanical valve replacement.
      The patient underwent revision aortic surgery with a Bentall-De Bono operation
      with Svensson modification, using a #21 On-X Valsalva mechanical valve conduit.
      The postoperative course was uneventful.

PMID- 28097191
TI  - Page for the General Public.

PMID- 28097192
TI  - List of Upcoming Meetings.

PMID- 28097193
TI  - Axillary Versus Femoral Arterial Cannulation During Repair of Type A Aortic
      Dissection?: An Old Problem Seeking New Solutions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to compare early postoperative outcomes
      and actuarial-free survival between patients who underwent repair of acute Type A
      aortic dissection with axillary or femoral artery cannulation. METHODS: A total
      of 305 patients from five academic medical centers underwent acute Type A aortic
      dissection repair via axillary (n = 107) or femoral (n = 198) artery cannulation
      between January 2000 and December 2010. Major morbidity, operative mortality, and
      5-year actuarial survival were compared between groups. Multivariate logistic
      regression was used to determine predictors of operative mortality, and Cox
      regression hazard ratios were calculated to determine predictors of long-term
      mortality. RESULTS: Operative mortality was not influenced by cannulation site
      (16% for axillary cannulation vs. 19% for femoral cannulation, p = 0.64). In
      multivariate logistic regression analysis, hemodynamic instability (p < 0.001)
      and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (>200 min; p = 0.05) emerged as
      independent predictors of operative mortality. Stroke rates were comparable
      between the two techniques (14% for axillary and 17% for femoral cannulation, p =
      0.52). Five-year actuarial survival was comparable between the groups (55.1% for
      axillary and 65.7% for femoral cannulation, p = 0.36). In Cox regression
      analysis, predictors of long-term mortality were: age (p < 0.001), stroke (p <
      0.001), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.001), hemodynamic
      instability (p = 0.002), and renal failure (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes
      of femoral versus axillary arterial cannulation in patients with acute Type A
      aortic dissection are comparable. The choice of arterial cannulation site should
      be individualized based on different patient risk profiles.

PMID- 28097194
TI  - The Mystery of the Z-Score.
AB  - Reliable methods for measuring the thoracic aorta are critical for determining
      treatment strategies in aneurysmal disease. Z-scores are a pragmatic alternative
      to raw diameter sizes commonly used in adult medicine. They are particularly
      valuable in the pediatric population, who undergo rapid changes in physical
      development. The advantage of the Z-score is its inclusion of body surface area
      (BSA) in determining whether an aorta is within normal size limits. Therefore, Z
      scores allow us to determine whether true pathology exists, which can be
      challenging in growing children. In addition, Z-scores allow for thoughtful
      interpretation of aortic size in different genders, ethnicities, and geographical
      regions. Despite the advantages of using Z-scores, there are limitations. These
      include intra- and inter-observer bias, measurement error, and variations between
      alternative Z-score nomograms and BSA equations. Furthermore, it is unclear how Z
      scores change in the normal population over time, which is essential when
      interpreting serial values. Guidelines for measuring aortic parameters have been
      developed by the American Society of Echocardiography Pediatric and Congenital
      Heart Disease Council, which may reduce measurement bias when calculating Z
      scores for the aortic root. In addition, web-based Z-score calculators have been
      developed to aid in efficient Z-score calculations. Despite these advances,
      clinicians must be mindful of the limitations of Z-scores, especially when used
      to demonstrate beneficial treatment effect. This review looks to unravel the
      mystery of the Z-score, with a focus on the thoracic aorta. Here, we will discuss
      how Z-scores are calculated and the limitations of their use.

PMID- 28097195
TI  - Rapidly Expanding Infectious Aortic Aneurysm Caused by Perforated Colon Cancer.
AB  - A 50-year-old male smoker presented with a perforated colon cancer and underwent
      an extended right colectomy. Feculent peritonitis was treated with empiric
      antibiotics. Postoperatively he developed severe back pain and rising
      leukocytosis. Serial computed tomography revealed a rapidly expanding infrarenal
      aortic aneurysm. He was urgently treated with extra-anatomic bypasses and aortic
      resection. No organisms grew from the resected aortic wall. He was discharged in
      stable condition, and the ileostomy was reversed 9 months later.

PMID- 28097196
TI  - Chimney Technique with Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing System in a Patient
      with Single Kidney and Juxtarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
AB  - We present a saccular asymptomatic juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm in a 70
      year-old male with a very short left renal artery supplying the only kidney. The
      case was successfully treated with the Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing
      system combined with a chimney technique.

PMID- 28097197
TI  - Early Coronary Thrombosis without ST-Segment Elevation Following Repair of Acute
      Aortic Dissection.
AB  - Acute coronary thrombosis after emergent surgery for acute Type A aortic
      dissection is a rare event that can remain undiagnosed in absence of typical
      electrocardiogram readings. We report a case of left anterior descending artery
      thrombosis without ST-segment elevation three days after surgical repair, which
      was successfully treated with angioplasty and stenting.

PMID- 28097198
TI  - Intimal Sarcoma of the Descending Aorta Mimicking Aortitis.
AB  - We describe a 74-year-old male patient with an intimal sarcoma of the descending
      aorta mimicking aortitis. The patient presented with lower back pain, fever, and
      increased C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and immunoglobulin
      G4 (IgG4) serum levels, together with Staphylococcus epidermidis-positive blood
      cultures. These findings, together with evidence of a 49-mm pseudoaneurysm of the
      descending thoracic aorta, caused us to suspect aortitis. However, postoperative
      histology and immunohistochemistry demonstrated the presence of an intimal aortic
      sarcoma. At the 8-month follow-up, local recurrence of the neoplasm and lung
      metastases were noted.

PMID- 28097199
TI  - Long-Term Survival After Composite Mechanical Aortic Root Replacement.
AB  - This report describes the long-term follow-up of the repair of a giant ascending
      aneurysm using a composite graft with a mechanical valve.

PMID- 28097200
TI  - Page for the General Public.

PMID- 28097201
TI  - List of Upcoming Meetings.

PMID- 28097202
TI  - Distinct effects of obesity and puberty on risk and age at onset of pediatric MS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relative contributions of
      body mass index (BMI) and pubertal measures for risk and age of onset of
      pediatric MS. METHODS: Case-control study of 254 (63% female) MS cases (onset<18
      years of age) and 420 (49% female) controls conducted at 14 U.S. Pediatric MS
      Centers. Sex- and age-stratified BMI percentiles were calculated using CDC growth
      charts from height and weight measured at enrollment for controls, and within 1
      year of onset for MS cases. Sex-stratified associations between MS risk and age
      at symptom onset with both BMI and pubertal factors were estimated controlling
      for race and ethnicity. RESULTS: Only 11% of girls and 15% of boys were
      prepubertal (Tanner stage I) at MS onset. 80% of girls had onset of MS after
      menarche. BMI percentiles were higher in MS cases versus controls (girls: P <
      0.001; boys: P = 0.018). BMI was associated with odds of MS in multivariate
      models in postpubertal girls (OR = 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12,
      2.27, P = 0.009) and boys (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.88, P = 0.011). In girls
      with MS onset after menarche, higher BMI was associated with younger age at first
      symptoms (P = 0.031). Younger menarche was associated with stronger effects of
      BMI through mediation and interaction analysis. In pubertal/postpubertal boys,
      89% of whom were obese/overweight, earlier sexual maturity was associated with
      earlier onset of MS (P < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Higher BMI in early adolescence
      is a risk factor for MS in girls and boys. Earlier age at sexual maturity
      contributes to earlier age at MS onset, particularly in association with obesity.

PMID- 28097203
TI  - Staged anticonvulsant screening for chronic epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Current anticonvulsant screening programs are based on seizures evoked
      in normal animals. One-third of epileptic patients do not respond to the
      anticonvulsants discovered with these models. We evaluated a tiered program based
      on chronic epilepsy and spontaneous seizures, with compounds advancing from high
      throughput in vitro models to low-throughput in vivo models. METHODS:
      Epileptogenesis in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures was quantified by
      lactate production and lactate dehydrogenase release into culture media as rapid
      assays for seizure-like activity and cell death, respectively. Compounds that
      reduced these biochemical measures were retested with in vitro
      electrophysiological confirmation (i.e., second stage). The third stage involved
      crossover testing in the kainate model of chronic epilepsy, with blinded analysis
      of spontaneous seizures after continuous electrographic recordings. RESULTS: We
      screened 407 compound-concentration combinations. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor,
      celecoxib, had no effect on seizures evoked in normal brain tissue but
      demonstrated robust antiseizure activity in all tested models of chronic
      epilepsy. INTERPRETATION: The use of organotypic hippocampal cultures, where
      epileptogenesis occurs on a compressed time scale, and where seizure-like
      activity and seizure-induced cell death can be easily quantified with biomarker
      assays, allowed us to circumvent the throughput limitations of in vivo chronic
      epilepsy models. Ability to rapidly screen compounds in a chronic model of
      epilepsy allowed us to find an anticonvulsant that would be missed by screening
      in acute models.

PMID- 28097204
TI  - Genomics implicates adaptive and innate immunity in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
      diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We assessed the current genetic evidence for the involvement of
      various cell types and tissue types in the etiology of neurodegenerative
      diseases, especially in relation to the neuroinflammatory hypothesis of
      neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS: We obtained large-scale genome-wide
      association study (GWAS) summary statistics from Parkinson's disease (PD),
      Alzheimer's disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We used
      multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, as
      a positive control. We applied stratified LD score regression to determine if
      functional marks for cell type and tissue activity, and gene-set lists were
      enriched for genetic heritability. We compared our results to those from two gene
      set enrichment methods (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and enrichr). RESULTS: There
      were no significant heritability enrichments for annotations marking genes active
      within brain regions, but there were significant heritability enrichments for
      annotations marking genes active within cell types that form part of both the
      innate and adaptive immune systems. We found this for MS (as expected) and also
      for AD and PD. The strongest signals were from the adaptive immune system (e.g.,
      T cells) for PD, and from both the adaptive (e.g., T cells) and innate (e.g.,
      CD14: a marker for monocytes, and CD15: a marker for neutrophils) immune systems
      for AD. Annotations from the liver were also significant for AD. Pathway analysis
      provided complementary results. INTERPRETATION: For AD and PD, we found
      significant enrichment of heritability in annotations marking gene activity in
      immune cells.

PMID- 28097205
TI  - Impact of tau and amyloid burden on glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - In a multimodal PET imaging approach, we determined the differential contribution
      of neurofibrillary tangles (measured with [18F]AV-1451) and beta-amyloid burden
      (measured with [11C]PiB) on degree of neurodegeneration (i.e., glucose metabolism
      measured with [18F]FDG-PET) in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Across brain
      regions, we observed an interactive effect of beta-amyloid burden and tau
      deposition on glucose metabolism which was most pronounced in the parietal lobe.
      Elevated beta-amyloid burden was associated with a stronger influence of tau
      accumulation on glucose metabolism. Our data provide the first in vivo insights
      into the differential contribution of Abeta and tau to neurodegeneration in
      Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 28097206
TI  - [18F]AV-1451 PET in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia due to MAPT
      mutation.
AB  - The validation of tau radioligands could improve the diagnosis of frontotemporal
      lobar degeneration and the assessment of disease-modifying therapies. Here, we
      demonstrate that binding of the tau radioligand [18F]AV-1451 was significantly
      abnormal in both magnitude and distribution in a patient with familial
      frontotemporal dementia due to a MAPT 10 + 16C>T gene mutation, recapitulating
      the pattern of neuropathology seen in her father. Given the genetic diagnosis and
      the non-Alzheimer's pathology, these findings suggest that [18F]AV-1451 might be
      a useful biomarker in primary tauopathies. Largerscale in vivo and post-mortem
      studies will be needed to assess the technique's specificity.

PMID- 28097207
TI  - Upper arm and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - We analyzed quantitative maps of T1 and T2 relaxation times and muscle fat
      fraction measurements in magnetic resonance imaging of the upper arm skeletal
      muscles and heart in ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and age
      range-matched healthy volunteer boys. The cardiac-optimized sequences detected
      fatty infiltration and edema in the upper arm skeletal muscles but not the
      myocardium in these Duchenne muscular dystrophy boys who had normal ejection
      fraction. Imaging the heart and skeletal muscle using the same magnetic resonance
      imaging methods during a single scan may be useful in assessing relative disease
      status and therapeutic response in clinical trials of Duchenne muscular
      dystrophy.

PMID- 28097208
TI  - Muscle synergies after stroke are correlated with perilesional high gamma.
AB  - Movements can be factored into modules termed "muscle synergies". After stroke,
      abnormal synergies are linked to impaired movements; however, their neural basis
      is not understood. In a single subject, we examined how electrocorticography
      signals from the perilesional cortex were associated with synergies. The measured
      synergies contained a mix of both normal and abnormal patterns and were
      remarkably similar to those described in past work. Interestingly, we found that
      both normal and abnormal synergies were correlated with perilesional high gamma.
      Given the link between high gamma and cortical spiking, our results suggest that
      perilesional spiking may organize synergies after stroke.

PMID- 28097209
TI  - Fluorescence-guided resection of brain tumor: review of the significance of
      intraoperative quantification of protoporphyrin IX fluorescence.
AB  - Surgical removal of tumor mass is a common approach in the management of brain
      tumors. However, the precise delineation of normal tissue from tumor tissue for a
      complete resection of tumor mass in brain tumor surgery remains a difficult task
      for neurosurgeons. Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-mediated exgogenous fluorescence of
      protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is a sensitive approach for tumor imaging. Recent
      studies suggest that the use of ALA/PpIX-mediated fluorescence-guided resection
      (FGR) or fluorescence-guided surgery can enable more accurate and complete
      resection of brain tumors, especially when used in quantitative fashion. This
      review will highlight the current progress in PpIX-mediated FGR and discuss
      technical challenges in intraoperative quantification of intracellular PpIX
      fluorescence during FGR of brain tumor.

PMID- 28097210
TI  - Preclinical positron emission tomography scanner based on a monolithic annulus of
      scintillator: initial design study.
AB  - Positron emission tomography (PET) scanners designed for imaging of small animals
      have transformed translational research by reducing the necessity to invasively
      monitor physiology and disease progression. Virtually all of these scanners are
      based on the use of pixelated detector modules arranged in rings. This design,
      while generally successful, has some limitations. Specifically, use of discrete
      detector modules to construct PET scanners reduces detection sensitivity and can
      introduce artifacts in reconstructed images, requiring the use of correction
      methods. To address these challenges, and facilitate measurement of photon depth
      of-interaction in the detector, we investigated a small animal PET scanner
      (called AnnPET) based on a monolithic annulus of scintillator. The scanner was
      created by placing 12 flat facets around the outer surface of the scintillator to
      accommodate placement of silicon photomultiplier arrays. Its performance
      characteristics were explored using Monte Carlo simulations and sections of the
      NEMA NU4-2008 protocol. Results from this study revealed that AnnPET's
      reconstructed spatial resolution is predicted to be [Formula: see text] full
      width at half maximum in the radial, tangential, and axial directions. Peak
      detection sensitivity is predicted to be 10.1%. Images of simulated phantoms
      (mini-hot rod and mouse whole body) yielded promising results, indicating the
      potential of this system for enhancing PET imaging of small animals.

PMID- 28097211
TI  - New-generation small animal positron emission tomography system for molecular
      imaging.
AB  - The next generation of discoveries in molecular imaging requires positron
      emission tomography (PET) systems with high spatial resolution and high
      sensitivity to visualize and quantify low concentrations of molecular probes. The
      goal of this work is to assemble and explore such a system. We use cadmium zinc
      telluride (CZT) to achieve high spatial resolution, three-dimensional interaction
      positioning, and excellent energy resolution. The CZT crystals are arranged in an
      edge-on configuration with a minimum gap of [Formula: see text] in a four-sided
      panel geometry to achieve superior photon sensitivity. The developed CZT
      detectors and readout electronics were scaled up to complete significant portions
      of the final PET system. The steering electrode bias and the amplitude of the
      analog signals for time measurement were optimized to improve performance. The
      energy resolution (at 511 keV) over 468 channels is [Formula: see text] full
      width-at-half-maximum (FWHM). The spatial resolution is [Formula: see text] FWHM.
      The time resolution of six CZT crystals in coincidence with six other CZT
      crystals is 37 ns. With high energy and spatial resolution and the relatively low
      random rate for small animal imaging, this system shows promise to be very useful
      for molecular imaging studies.

PMID- 28097212
TI  - Feasibility of reduced-dose three-dimensional/four-dimensional-digital
      subtraction angiogram using a weighted edge preserving filter.
AB  - A conventional three-dimensional/four-dimensional (3D/4D) digital subtraction
      angiogram (DSA) requires two rotational acquisitions (mask and fill) to compute
      the log-subtracted projections that are used to reconstruct a 3D/4D volume. Since
      all of the vascular information is contained in the fill acquisition, it is
      hypothesized that it is possible to reduce the x-ray dose of the mask acquisition
      substantially and still obtain subtracted projections adequate to reconstruct a
      3D/4D volume with noise level comparable to a full-dose acquisition. A full-dose
      mask and fill acquisition were acquired from a clinical study to provide a known
      full-dose reference reconstruction. Gaussian noise was added to the mask
      acquisition to simulate a mask acquisition acquired at 10% relative dose. Noise
      in the low-dose mask projections was reduced with a weighted edge preserving
      filter designed to preserve bony edges while suppressing noise. Two-dimensional
      (2D) log-subtracted projections were computed from the filtered low-dose mask and
      full-dose fill projections, and then 3D/4D-DSA reconstruction algorithms were
      applied. Additional bilateral filtering was applied to the 3D volumes. The signal
      to-noise ratio measured in the filtered 3D/4D-DSA volumes was compared to the
      full-dose case. The average ratio of filtered low-dose SNR to full-dose SNR was
      0.856 for the 3D-DSA and 0.849 for the 4D-DSA, indicating that the method is a
      feasible approach to restoring SNR in DSA scans acquired with a low-dose mask.
      The method was also tested in a phantom study with full-dose fill and 22%-dose
      mask.

PMID- 28097213
TI  - Fully automated quantitative cephalometry using convolutional neural networks.
AB  - Quantitative cephalometry plays an essential role in clinical diagnosis,
      treatment, and surgery. Development of fully automated techniques for these
      procedures is important to enable consistently accurate computerized analyses. We
      study the application of deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for fully
      automated quantitative cephalometry for the first time. The proposed framework
      utilizes CNNs for detection of landmarks that describe the anatomy of the
      depicted patient and yield quantitative estimation of pathologies in the jaws and
      skull base regions. We use a publicly available cephalometric x-ray image dataset
      to train CNNs for recognition of landmark appearance patterns. CNNs are trained
      to output probabilistic estimations of different landmark locations, which are
      combined using a shape-based model. We evaluate the overall framework on the test
      set and compare with other proposed techniques. We use the estimated landmark
      locations to assess anatomically relevant measurements and classify them into
      different anatomical types. Overall, our results demonstrate high anatomical
      landmark detection accuracy ([Formula: see text] to 2% higher success detection
      rate for a 2-mm range compared with the top benchmarks in the literature) and
      high anatomical type classification accuracy ([Formula: see text] average
      classification accuracy for test set). We demonstrate that CNNs, which merely
      input raw image patches, are promising for accurate quantitative cephalometry.

PMID- 28097214
TI  - Location- and lesion-dependent estimation of mammographic background tissue
      complexity.
AB  - We specify a notion of perceived background tissue complexity (BTC) that varies
      with lesion shape, lesion size, and lesion location in the image. We propose four
      unsupervised BTC estimators based on: perceived pre and postlesion similarity of
      images, lesion border analysis (LBA; conspicuous lesion should be brighter than
      its surround), tissue anomaly detection, and local energy. The latter two are
      existing methods adapted for location- and lesion-dependent BTC estimation. For
      evaluation, we ask human observers to measure BTC (threshold visibility amplitude
      of a given lesion inserted) at specified locations in a mammogram. As expected,
      both human measured and computationally estimated BTC vary with lesion shape,
      size, and location. BTCs measured by different human observers are correlated
      ([Formula: see text]). BTC estimators are correlated to each other ([Formula: see
      text]) and less so to human observers ([Formula: see text]). With change in
      lesion shape or size, LBA estimated BTC changes in the same direction as human
      measured BTC. Proposed estimators can be generalized to other modalities (e.g.,
      breast tomosynthesis) and used as-is or customized to a specific human observer,
      to construct BTC-aware model observers with applications, such as optimization of
      contrast-enhanced medical imaging systems and creation of a diversified image
      dataset with characteristics of a desired population.

PMID- 28097215
TI  - An ambiguity principle for assigning protein structural domains.
AB  - Ambiguity is the quality of being open to several interpretations. For an image,
      it arises when the contained elements can be delimited in two or more distinct
      ways, which may cause confusion. We postulate that it also applies to the
      analysis of protein three-dimensional structure, which consists in dividing the
      molecule into subunits called domains. Because different definitions of what
      constitutes a domain can be used to partition a given structure, the same protein
      may have different but equally valid domain annotations. However, knowledge and
      experience generally displace our ability to accept more than one way to
      decompose the structure of an object-in this case, a protein. This human bias in
      structure analysis is particularly harmful because it leads to ignoring potential
      avenues of research. We present an automated method capable of producing multiple
      alternative decompositions of protein structure (web server and source code
      available at www.dsimb.inserm.fr/sword/). Our innovative algorithm assigns
      structural domains through the hierarchical merging of protein units, which are
      evolutionarily preserved substructures that describe protein architecture at an
      intermediate level, between domain and secondary structure. To validate the use
      of these protein units for decomposing protein structures into domains, we set up
      an extensive benchmark made of expert annotations of structural domains and
      including state-of-the-art domain parsing algorithms. The relevance of our
      "multipartitioning" approach is shown through numerous examples of applications
      covering protein function, evolution, folding, and structure prediction. Finally,
      we introduce a measure for the structural ambiguity of protein molecules.

PMID- 28097216
TI  - The last frontiers of wilderness: Tracking loss of intact forest landscapes from
      2000 to 2013.
AB  - An intact forest landscape (IFL) is a seamless mosaic of forest and naturally
      treeless ecosystems with no remotely detected signs of human activity and a
      minimum area of 500 km2. IFLs are critical for stabilizing terrestrial carbon
      storage, harboring biodiversity, regulating hydrological regimes, and providing
      other ecosystem functions. Although the remaining IFLs comprise only 20% of
      tropical forest area, they account for 40% of the total aboveground tropical
      forest carbon. We show that global IFL extent has been reduced by 7.2% since the
      year 2000. An increasing rate of global IFL area reduction was found, largely
      driven by the tripling of IFL tropical forest loss in 2011-2013 compared to that
      in 2001-2003. Industrial logging, agricultural expansion, fire, and
      mining/resource extraction were the primary causes of IFL area reduction.
      Protected areas (International Union for Conservation of Nature categories I to
      III) were found to have a positive effect in slowing the reduction of IFL area
      from timber harvesting but were less effective in limiting agricultural
      expansion. The certification of logging concessions under responsible management
      had a negligible impact on slowing IFL fragmentation in the Congo Basin.
      Fragmentation of IFLs by logging and establishment of roads and other
      infrastructure initiates a cascade of changes that lead to landscape
      transformation and loss of conservation values. Given that only 12% of the global
      IFL area is protected, our results illustrate the need for planning and
      investment in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation efforts that
      target the most valuable remaining forests, as identified using the IFL approach.

PMID- 28097217
TI  - Amylose recognition and ring-size determination of amylomaltase.
AB  - Starch is a major carbon and energy source throughout all kingdoms of life. It
      consists of two carbohydrate polymers, branched amylopectin and linear amylose,
      which are sparingly soluble in water. Hence, the enzymatic breakdown by glycoside
      hydrolases (GHs) is of great biological and societal importance. Amylomaltases
      (AMs) are GHs specialized in the hydrolysis of alpha-1,4-linked sugar chains such
      as amylose. They are able to catalyze an intramolecular transglycosylation of a
      bound sugar chain yielding polymeric sugar rings, the cycloamyloses (CAs),
      consisting of 20 to 100 glucose units. Despite a wealth of data on short
      oligosaccharide binding to GHs, no structural evidence is available for their
      interaction with polymeric substrates that better represent the natural
      polysaccharide. We have determined the crystal structure of Thermus aquaticus AM
      in complex with a 34-meric CA-one of the largest carbohydrates resolved by x-ray
      crystallography and a mimic of the natural polymeric amylose substrate. In total,
      15 glucose residues interact with the protein in an extended crevice with a
      length of more than 40 A. A modified succinimide, derived from aspartate,
      mediates protein-sugar interactions, suggesting a biological role for this
      nonstandard amino acid. The structure, together with functional assays, provides
      unique insights into the interaction of GHs with their polymeric substrate and
      reveals a molecular ruler mechanism for minimal ring-size determination of CA
      products.

PMID- 28097218
TI  - Energy penetration into arrays of aligned nanowires irradiated with relativistic
      intensities: Scaling to terabar pressures.
AB  - Ultrahigh-energy density (UHED) matter, characterized by energy densities >1 *
      108 J cm-3 and pressures greater than a gigabar, is encountered in the center of
      stars and inertial confinement fusion capsules driven by the world's largest
      lasers. Similar conditions can be obtained with compact, ultrahigh contrast,
      femtosecond lasers focused to relativistic intensities onto targets composed of
      aligned nanowire arrays. We report the measurement of the key physical process in
      determining the energy density deposited in high-aspect-ratio nanowire array
      plasmas: the energy penetration. By monitoring the x-ray emission from buried Co
      tracer segments in Ni nanowire arrays irradiated at an intensity of 4 * 1019 W cm
      2, we demonstrate energy penetration depths of several micrometers, leading to
      UHED plasmas of that size. Relativistic three-dimensional particle-in-cell
      simulations, validated by these measurements, predict that irradiation of
      nanostructures at intensities of >1 * 1022 W cm-2 will lead to a virtually
      unexplored extreme UHED plasma regime characterized by energy densities in excess
      of 8 * 1010 J cm-3, equivalent to a pressure of 0.35 Tbar.

PMID- 28097219
TI  - Key role of the dopamine D4 receptor in the modulation of corticostriatal
      glutamatergic neurotransmission.
AB  - Polymorphic variants of the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) have been repeatedly
      associated with numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. Yet, the functional role of
      the D4 receptor and the functional differences of the products of DRD4
      polymorphic variants remained enigmatic. Immunohistochemical and optogenetic
      microdialysis experiments were performed in knock-in mice expressing a D4
      receptor with the long intracellular domain of a human DRD4 polymorphic variant
      associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When compared
      with the wild-type mouse D4 receptor, the expanded intracellular domain of the
      humanized D4 receptor conferred a gain of function, blunting methamphetamine
      induced cortical activation and optogenetic and methamphetamine-induced
      corticostriatal glutamate release. The results demonstrate a key role of the D4
      receptor in the modulation of corticostriatal glutamatergic neurotransmission.
      Furthermore, these data imply that enhanced D4 receptor-mediated dopaminergic
      control of corticostriatal transmission constitutes a vulnerability factor of
      ADHD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

PMID- 28097220
TI  - Slab temperature controls on the Tonga double seismic zone and slab mantle
      dehydration.
AB  - Double seismic zones are two-layered distributions of intermediate-depth
      earthquakes that provide insight into the thermomechanical state of subducting
      slabs. We present new precise hypocenters of intermediate-depth earthquakes in
      the Tonga subduction zone obtained using data from local island-based, ocean
      bottom, and global seismographs. The results show a downdip compressional upper
      plane and a downdip tensional lower plane with a separation of about 30 km. The
      double seismic zone in Tonga extends to a depth of about 300 km, deeper than in
      any other subduction system. This is due to the lower slab temperatures resulting
      from faster subduction, as indicated by a global trend toward deeper double
      seismic zones in colder slabs. In addition, a line of high seismicity in the
      upper plane is observed at a depth of 160 to 280 km, which shallows southward as
      the convergence rate decreases. Thermal modeling shows that the earthquakes in
      this "seismic belt" occur at various pressures but at a nearly constant
      temperature, highlighting the important role of temperature in triggering
      intermediate-depth earthquakes. This seismic belt may correspond to regions where
      the subducting mantle first reaches a temperature of ~500 degrees C, implying
      that metamorphic dehydration of mantle minerals in the slab provides water to
      enhance faulting.

PMID- 28097221
TI  - Electrospun core-shell microfiber separator with thermal-triggered flame
      retardant properties for lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - Although the energy densities of batteries continue to increase, safety problems
      (for example, fires and explosions) associated with the use of highly flammable
      liquid organic electrolytes remain a big issue, significantly hindering further
      practical applications of the next generation of high-energy batteries. We have
      fabricated a novel "smart" nonwoven electrospun separator with thermal-triggered
      flame-retardant properties for lithium-ion batteries. The encapsulation of a
      flame retardant inside a protective polymer shell has prevented direct
      dissolution of the retardant agent into the electrolyte, which would otherwise
      have negative effects on battery performance. During thermal runaway of the
      lithium-ion battery, the protective polymer shell would melt, triggered by the
      increased temperature, and the flame retardant would be released, thus
      effectively suppressing the combustion of the highly flammable electrolytes.

PMID- 28097222
TI  - Early formation of the Moon 4.51 billion years ago.
AB  - Establishing the age of the Moon is critical to understanding solar system
      evolution and the formation of rocky planets, including Earth. However, despite
      its importance, the age of the Moon has never been accurately determined. We
      present uranium-lead dating of Apollo 14 zircon fragments that yield highly
      precise, concordant ages, demonstrating that they are robust against
      postcrystallization isotopic disturbances. Hafnium isotopic analyses of the same
      fragments show extremely low initial 176Hf/177Hf ratios corrected for cosmic ray
      exposure that are near the solar system initial value. Our data indicate
      differentiation of the lunar crust by 4.51 billion years, indicating the
      formation of the Moon within the first ~60 million years after the birth of the
      solar system.

PMID- 28097223
TI  - ABCA7 loss-of-function variants, expression, and neurologic disease risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate and characterize putative "loss-of-function" (LOF)
      adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette, subfamily A member 7 (ABCA7) mutations
      reported to associate with Alzheimer disease (AD) risk. METHODS: We genotyped 6
      previously reported ABCA7 putative LOF variants in 1,465 participants with AD,
      381 participants with other neuropathologies (non-AD), and 1,043 controls and
      assessed the overall mutational burden for association with different diagnosis
      groups. We measured brain ABCA7 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels using
      Western blot and quantitative PCR, respectively, in 11 carriers of the 3 most
      common variants, and sequenced all 47 ABCA7 exons in these participants to screen
      for other coding variants. RESULTS: At least one of the investigated variants was
      identified in 45 participants with late-onset Alzheimer disease, 12 participants
      with other neuropathologies, and 11 elderly controls. Association analysis
      revealed a significantly higher burden of these variants in participants with AD
      (p = 5.00E-04) and those with other neuropathologies (p = 8.60E-03) when compared
      with controls. Concurrent analysis of brain ABCA7 mRNA and protein revealed lower
      protein but not mRNA in p.L1403fs carriers, lower mRNA but not protein in
      p.E709fs carriers, and additional deleterious mutations in some c.5570+5G>C
      carriers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that LOF may not be a common mechanism
      for these ABCA7 variants and expand the list of neurologic diseases enriched for
      them.

PMID- 28097224
TI  - Everolimus does not prevent Lafora body formation in murine Lafora disease.

PMID- 28097225
TI  - Centrally involved X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease presenting as a stroke
      mimic.

PMID- 28097226
TI  - IFITM1 targets HIV-1 latently infected cells for antibody-dependent cytolysis.
AB  - HIV-1 persistence in latent reservoirs during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the
      main obstacle to virus eradication. To date, there is no marker that adequately
      identifies latently infected CD4+ T cells in vivo. Using a well-established ex
      vivo model, we generated latently infected CD4+ T cells and identified interferon
      induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1), a transmembrane antiviral factor, as
      being overexpressed in latently infected cells. By targeting IFITM1, we showed
      the efficient and specific killing of a latently infected cell line and CD4+ T
      cells from ART-suppressed patients through antibody-dependent cytolysis. We
      hypothesize that IFITM1 could mark natural reservoirs, identifying an immune
      target for killing of latently infected cells. These novel insights could be
      explored to develop clinical therapeutic approaches to effectively eradicate HIV
      1.

PMID- 28097227
TI  - A xenogeneic-free system generating functional human gut organoids from
      pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Functional intestines are composed of cell types from all 3 primary germ layers
      and are generated through a highly orchestrated and serial developmental process.
      Directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has been shown
      to yield gut-specific cell types; however, these structures do not reproduce
      critical functional interactions between cell types of different germ layers.
      Here, we developed a simple protocol for the generation of mature functional
      intestinal organoids from hPSCs under xenogeneic-free conditions. The stem cell
      derived gut organoids produced here were found to contain distinct types of
      intestinal cells, including enterocytes, goblet cells, Paneth cells, and
      enteroendocrine cells, that were derived from all 3 germ layers; moreover, they
      demonstrated intestinal functions, including peptide absorption, and showed
      innervated bowel movements in response to stimulation with histamine and
      anticholinergic drugs. Importantly, the gut organoids obtained using this
      xenogeneic-free system could be stably maintained in culture for prolonged
      periods and were successfully engrafted in vivo. Our xenogeneic-free approach for
      generating gut organoids from hPSCs provides a platform for studying human
      intestinal diseases and for pharmacological testing.

PMID- 28097228
TI  - Kappa opioid receptor signaling protects cartilage tissue against posttraumatic
      degeneration.
AB  - Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and pain relief with opioid
      like drugs is a commonly used therapeutic for osteoarthritic patients. Recent
      studies published by our group showed that the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is
      highly expressed during human development in joint-forming cells. However, the
      precise role of this receptor in the skeletal system remains elusive. The main
      aim of the current study was to investigate the role of KOR signaling in synovial
      and cartilaginous tissues in pathological conditions. Our data demonstrate that
      KOR null mice exhibit accelerated cartilage degeneration after injury when
      compared with WT mice. Activation of KOR signaling increased the expression of
      anabolic enzymes and inhibited cartilage catabolism and degeneration in response
      to proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha. In addition, selective KOR
      agonists increased joint lubrication via the activation of cAMP/CREB signaling in
      chondrocytes and synovial cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate direct
      effects of KOR agonists on cartilage and synovial cells and reveals a protective
      effect of KOR signaling against cartilage degeneration after injury. In addition
      to pain control, local administration of dynorphin or other KOR agonist
      represents an attractive therapeutic approach in patients with early stages of
      osteoarthritis.

PMID- 28097229
TI  - Anti-SIRPalpha antibodies as a potential new tool for cancer immunotherapy.
AB  - Tumor cells are thought to evade immune surveillance through interaction with
      immune cells. Much recent attention has focused on the modification of immune
      responses as a basis for new cancer treatments. SIRPalpha is an Ig superfamily
      protein that inhibits phagocytosis in macrophages upon interaction with its
      ligand CD47 expressed on the surface of target cells. Here, we show that
      SIRPalpha is highly expressed in human renal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
      Furthermore, an anti-SIRPalpha Ab that blocks the interaction with CD47 markedly
      suppressed tumor formation by renal cell carcinoma or melanoma cells in
      immunocompetent syngeneic mice. This inhibitory effect of the Ab appeared to be
      mediated by dual mechanisms: direct induction of Ab-dependent cellular
      phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages and blockade of CD47-SIRPalpha
      signaling that negatively regulates such phagocytosis. The antitumor effect of
      the Ab was greatly attenuated by selective depletion not only of macrophages but
      also of NK cells or CD8+ T cells. In addition, the anti-SIRPalpha Ab also
      enhances the inhibitory effects of Abs against CD20 and programmed cell death 1
      (PD-1) on tumor formation in mice injected with SIRPalpha-nonexpressing tumor
      cells. Anti-SIRPalpha Abs thus warrant further study as a potential new therapy
      for a broad range of cancers.

PMID- 28097230
TI  - Protection against Plasmodium falciparum malaria by PfSPZ Vaccine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A radiation-attenuated Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoite (SPZ)
      malaria vaccine, PfSPZ Vaccine, protected 6 of 6 subjects (100%) against
      homologous Pf (same strain as in the vaccine) controlled human malaria infection
      (CHMI) 3 weeks after 5 doses administered intravenously. The next step was to
      assess protective efficacy against heterologous Pf (different from Pf in the
      vaccine), after fewer doses, and at 24 weeks. METHODS: The trial assessed
      tolerability, safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of direct venous
      inoculation (DVI) of 3 or 5 doses of PfSPZ Vaccine in non-immune subjects.
      RESULTS: Three weeks after final immunization, 5 doses of 2.7 * 105 PfSPZ
      protected 12 of 13 recipients (92.3% [95% CI: 48.0, 99.8]) against homologous
      CHMI and 4 of 5 (80.0% [10.4, 99.5]) against heterologous CHMI; 3 doses of 4.5 *
      105 PfSPZ protected 13 of 15 (86.7% [35.9, 98.3]) against homologous CHMI. Twenty
      four weeks after final immunization, the 5-dose regimen protected 7 of 10 (70.0%
      [17.3, 93.3]) against homologous and 1 of 10 (10.0% [-35.8, 45.6]) against
      heterologous CHMI; the 3-dose regimen protected 8 of 14 (57.1% [21.5, 76.6])
      against homologous CHMI. All 22 controls developed Pf parasitemia. PfSPZ Vaccine
      was well tolerated, safe, and easy to administer. No antibody or T cell responses
      correlated with protection. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated for the first time
      to our knowledge that PfSPZ Vaccine can protect against a 3-week heterologous
      CHMI in a limited group of malaria-naive adult subjects. A 3-dose regimen
      protected against both 3-week and 24-week homologous CHMI (87% and 57%,
      respectively) in this population. These results provide a foundation for
      developing an optimized immunization regimen for preventing malaria. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02215707. FUNDING: Support was provided
      through the US Army Medical Research and Development Command, Military Infectious
      Diseases Research Program, and the Naval Medical Research Center's Advanced
      Medical Development Program.

PMID- 28097231
TI  - Protein disulfide isomerase inhibition blocks thrombin generation in humans by
      interfering with platelet factor V activation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is required for thrombus formation.
      We previously demonstrated that glycosylated quercetin flavonoids such as
      isoquercetin inhibit PDI activity and thrombus formation in animal models, but
      whether extracellular PDI represents a viable anticoagulant target in humans and
      how its inhibition affects blood coagulation remain unknown. METHODS: We
      evaluated effects of oral administration of isoquercetin on platelet-dependent
      thrombin generation in healthy subjects and patients with persistently elevated
      anti-phospholipid antibodies. RESULTS: Following oral administration of 1,000 mg
      isoquercetin to healthy adults, the measured peak plasma quercetin concentration
      (9.2 MUM) exceeded its IC50 for inhibition of PDI by isoquercetin in vitro (2.5
      +/- 0.4 MUM). Platelet-dependent thrombin generation decreased by 51% in the
      healthy volunteers compared with baseline (P = 0.0004) and by 64% in the anti
      phospholipid antibody cohort (P = 0.015) following isoquercetin ingestion. To
      understand how PDI affects thrombin generation, we evaluated substrates of PDI
      identified using an unbiased mechanistic-based substrate trapping approach. These
      studies identified platelet factor V as a PDI substrate. Isoquercetin blocked
      both platelet factor Va and thrombin generation with an IC50 of ~5 MUM.
      Inhibition of PDI by isoquercetin ingestion resulted in a 53% decrease in the
      generation of platelet factor Va (P = 0.001). Isoquercetin-mediated inhibition
      was reversed with addition of exogenous factor Va. CONCLUSION: These studies show
      that oral administration of isoquercetin inhibits PDI activity in plasma and
      diminishes platelet-dependent thrombin generation predominantly by blocking the
      generation of platelet factor Va. These pharmacodynamic and mechanistic
      observations represent an important step in the development of a novel class of
      antithrombotic agents targeting PDI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov
      (NCT01722669) FUNDING: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (U54 HL112302)
      and Quercegen Pharma.

PMID- 28097232
TI  - Vps34 regulates myofibril proteostasis to prevent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heart disease with a prevalence of
      1 in 500 in the general population. Several mutations in genes encoding cardiac
      proteins have been found in HCM patients, but these changes do not predict
      occurrence or prognosis and the molecular mechanisms underlying HCM remain
      largely elusive. Here we show that cardiac expression of vacuolar protein sorting
      34 (Vps34) is reduced in a subset of HCM patients. In a mouse model, muscle
      specific loss of Vps34 led to HCM-like manifestations and sudden death. Vps34
      deficient hearts exhibited abnormal histopathologies, including myofibrillar
      disarray and aggregates containing alphaB-crystallin (CryAB). These features
      result from a block in the ESCRT-mediated proteolysis that normally degrades K63
      polyubiquitinated CryAB. CryAB deposition was also found in myocardial specimens
      from a subset of HCM patients whose hearts showed decreased Vps34. Our results
      identify disruption of the previously unknown Vps34-CryAB axis as a potentially
      novel etiology of HCM.

PMID- 28097233
TI  - Ectonucleotidase CD39-driven control of postinfarction myocardial repair and
      rupture.
AB  - Mechanical complications of myocardial infarction (MI) are often fatal. Little is
      known about endogenous factors that predispose to myocardial rupture after MI.
      Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (CD39) could be a critical
      mediator of propensity to myocardial rupture after MI due to its role in
      modulating inflammation and thrombosis. Using a model of permanent coronary
      artery ligation, rupture was virtually abrogated in cd39-/- mice versus cd39+/+
      controls, with elevated fibrin and collagen deposition and marked neutrophil and
      macrophage influx. Macrophages were found to display increased surface expression
      of CD301 and CD206, marking a reparative phenotype, driven by increased
      extracellular ATP and IL-4 in the infarcted myocardium of cd39-/- mice. A myeloid
      specific CD39-knockout mouse also demonstrated protection from rupture, with an
      attenuated rupture phenotype, suggesting that complete ablation of CD39 provides
      the greatest degree of protection in this model. Absence of CD39, either globally
      or in a myeloid lineage-restricted fashion, skews the phenotype toward
      alternatively activated (reparative) macrophage infiltration following MI. These
      studies reveal a previously unrecognized and unexpected role of endogenous CD39
      to skew macrophage phenotype and promote a propensity to myocardial rupture after
      MI.

PMID- 28097234
TI  - Kruppel-like factor4 regulates PRDM1 expression through binding to an autoimmune
      risk allele.
AB  - A SNP identified as rs548234, which is found in PRDM1, the gene that encodes
      BLIMP1, is a risk allele associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
      BLIMP1 expression was reported to be decreased in women with the PRDM1 rs548234
      risk allele compared with women with the nonrisk allele in monocyte-derived DCs
      (MO-DCs). In this study, we demonstrate that BLIMP1 expression is regulated by
      the binding of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) to the risk SNP. KLF4 is highly
      expressed in MO-DCs but undetectable in B cells, consistent with the lack of
      altered expression of BLIMP1 in B cells from risk SNP carriers. Female rs548234
      risk allele carriers, but not nonrisk allele carriers, exhibited decreased levels
      of BLIMP1 in MO-DCs, showing that the regulatory function of KLF4 is influenced
      by the risk allele. In addition, KLF4 directly recruits histone deacetylases
      (HDAC4, HDAC6, and HDAC7), established negative regulators of gene expression.
      Finally, the knock down of KLF4 expression reversed the inhibitory effects of the
      risk SNP on promoter activity and BLIMP1 expression. Therefore, the binding of
      KLF4 and the subsequent recruitment of HDACs represent a mechanism for reduced
      BLIMP1 expression in MO-DCs bearing the SLE risk allele rs548234.

PMID- 28097236
TI  - Lung vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease mediated by arteriolar neutrophil
      platelet microemboli.
AB  - In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), the polymerization of
      intraerythrocytic hemoglobin S promotes downstream vaso-occlusive events in the
      microvasculature. While vaso-occlusion is known to occur in the lung, often in
      the context of systemic vaso-occlusive crisis and the acute chest syndrome, the
      pathophysiological mechanisms that incite lung injury are unknown. We used
      intravital microscopy of the lung in transgenic humanized SCD mice to monitor
      acute vaso-occlusive events following an acute dose of systemic
      lipopolysaccharide sufficient to trigger events in SCD but not control mice. We
      observed cellular microembolism of precapillary pulmonary arteriolar bottlenecks
      by neutrophil-platelet aggregates. Blood from SCD patients was next studied under
      flow in an in vitro microfluidic system. Similar to the pulmonary circulation,
      circulating platelets nucleated around arrested neutrophils, translating to a
      greater number and duration of neutrophil-platelet interactions compared with
      normal human blood. Inhibition of platelet P-selectin with function-blocking
      antibody attenuated the neutrophil-platelet interactions in SCD patient blood in
      vitro and resolved pulmonary arteriole microembolism in SCD mice in vivo. These
      results establish the relevance of neutrophil-platelet aggregate formation in
      lung arterioles in promoting lung vaso-occlusion in SCD and highlight the
      therapeutic potential of targeting platelet adhesion molecules to prevent acute
      chest syndrome.

PMID- 28097235
TI  - A patient-derived-xenograft platform to study BRCA-deficient ovarian cancers.
AB  - Approximately 50% of high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs) have defects in
      genes involved in homologous recombination (HR) (i.e., BRCA1/2). Preclinical
      models to optimize therapeutic strategies for HR-deficient (HRD) HGSOC are
      lacking. We developed a preclinical platform for HRD HGSOCs that includes primary
      tumor cultures, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), and molecular imaging. Models
      were characterized by immunohistochemistry, targeted sequencing, and reverse
      phase protein array analysis. We also tested PDX tumor response to PARP, CHK1,
      and ATR inhibitors. Fourteen orthotopic HGSOC PDX models with BRCA mutations
      (BRCAMUT) were established with a 93% success rate. The orthotopic PDX model
      emulates the natural progression of HGSOC, including development of a primary
      ovarian tumor and metastasis to abdominal viscera. PDX response to standard
      chemotherapy correlated to that demonstrated in the patient. Pathogenic mutations
      and HGSOC markers were preserved after multiple mouse passages, indicating
      retention of underlying molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. A BRCA2MUT PDX
      with high p-CHK1 demonstrated a similar delay of tumor growth in response to
      PARP, CHK1, and ATR inhibitors. A poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor
      radiotracer correlated with PARP1 activity and showed response to PARP inhibition
      in the BRCA2MUT PDX model. In summary, the orthotopic HGSOC PDX represents a
      robust and reliable model to optimize therapeutic strategies for BRCAMUT HGSOC.

PMID- 28097237
TI  - Oxidized CaMKII promotes asthma through the activation of mast cells.
AB  - Oxidation of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (ox-CaMKII) by ROS has been
      associated with asthma. However, the contribution of ox-CaMKII to the development
      of asthma remains to be fully characterized. Here, we tested the effect of ox
      CaMKII on IgE-mediated mast cell activation in an allergen-induced mouse model of
      asthma using oxidant-resistant CaMKII MMVVdelta knockin (MMVVdelta) mice.
      Compared with WT mice, the allergen-challenged MMVVdelta mice displayed less
      airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation. These MMVVdelta mice exhibited
      reduced levels of ROS and diminished recruitment of mast cells to the lungs. OVA
      activated bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) from MMVVdelta mice showed a
      significant inhibition of ROS and ox-CaMKII expression. ROS generation was
      dependent on intracellular Ca2+ concentration in BMMCs. Importantly, OVA
      activated MMVVdelta BMMCs had suppressed degranulation, histamine release,
      leukotriene C4, and IL-13 expression. Adoptive transfer of WT, but not MMVVdelta,
      BMMCs, reversed the alleviated AHR and inflammation in allergen-challenged
      MMVVdelta mice. The CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 significantly suppressed IgE-mediated
      mast cell activation and asthma. These studies support a critical but previously
      unrecognized role of ox-CaMKII in mast cells that promotes asthma and suggest
      that therapies to reduce ox-CaMKII may be a novel approach for asthma.

PMID- 28097238
TI  - Quantitative measurement of lymphatic function in mice by noninvasive near
      infrared imaging of a peripheral vein.
AB  - Optical imaging methods have been developed to measure lymphatic function in
      skin; however, the lymphatic system of many organs is not accessible to this
      technology. Since lymphatic transport of macromolecules from any organ proceeds
      to the blood circulation, we aimed to develop a method that can measure lymphatic
      function by monitoring the fluorescence in a superficial vein of an
      interstitially injected tracer. We selected a 40-kDa PEGylated near-infrared dye
      conjugate, as it showed lymphatic system-specific uptake and extended circulation
      in blood. Lymphatic transport to blood from subcutaneous tissue required a
      transit time before signal enhancement was seen in blood followed by a steady
      rise in signal over time. Increased lymphatic transport was apparent in awake
      mice compared with those under continuous anesthesia. The methods were validated
      in K14-VEGFR-3-Fc and K14-VEGF-C transgenic mice with loss and gain of lymphatic
      function, respectively. Reduced lymphatic transport to blood was also found in
      aged mice. The technique was also able to measure lymphatic transport from the
      peritoneal cavity, a location not suitable for optical imaging. The method is a
      promising, simple approach for assessment of lymphatic function and for
      monitoring of therapeutic regimens in mouse models of disease and may have
      potential for clinical translation.

PMID- 28097240
TI  - December issue, 2016.

PMID- 28097239
TI  - Metastasis regulation by PPARD expression in cancer cells.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta (PPARD) is upregulated in many
      major human cancers, but the role that its expression in cancer cells has in
      metastasis remains poorly understood. Here, we show that specific PPARD
      downregulation or genetic deletion of PPARD in cancer cells significantly
      repressed metastasis in various cancer models in vivo. Mechanistically, PPARD
      promoted angiogenesis via interleukin 8 in vivo and in vitro. Analysis of
      transcriptome profiling of HCT116 colon cancer cells with or without genetic
      deletion of PPARD and gene expression patterns in The Cancer Genome Atlas
      colorectal adenocarcinoma database identified novel pro-metastatic genes (GJA1,
      VIM, SPARC, STC1, SNCG) as PPARD targets. PPARD expression in cancer cells
      drastically affected epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion,
      further underscoring its necessity for metastasis. Clinically, high PPARD
      expression in various major human cancers (e.g., colorectal, lung, breast) was
      associated with significantly reduced metastasis-free survival. Our results
      demonstrate that PPARD, a druggable protein, is an important molecular target in
      metastatic cancer.

PMID- 28097241
TI  - Extraforaminal needle tip position reduces risk of intravascular injection in CT
      fluoroscopic lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a common and
      effective tool for managing lumbar radicular pain, although accidental
      intravascular injection can rarely result in paralysis. The purpose of this study
      is to determine the safest needle tip position for computed tomography (CT)
      guided lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections as determined by
      incidence of intravascular injection. METHODS: Three radiologists, in consensus,
      reviewed procedural imaging for consecutive CT-fluoroscopic lumbar transforaminal
      epidural steroid injections performed during a 16-month period. Intravascular
      injections were identified and categorized by needle tip position, vessel type
      injected, intravascular injection volume and procedural phase containing the
      intravascular injection. Pearson chi-square and logistic regression testing were
      used to assess differences between groups, as appropriate. RESULTS: Intravascular
      injections occurred in 9% (52/606) of injections. The intravascular injection
      rate was significantly lower (P<0.001) for extraforaminal needle position (0%,
      0/109) compared to junctional (8%, 27/319) and foraminal (14%, 25/178) needle tip
      positions. Of the intravascular injections, 4% (2/52) were likely arterial, 35%
      (18/52) were likely venous, and 62% (32/52) were indeterminate for vessel type
      injected. 46% (24/52) of intravascular injections were large volume, 33% (17/52)
      were small volume, and 21% (11/52) were trace volume. 56% (29/52) of
      intravascular injections occurred with the contrast trial dose, 29% (15/52) with
      the steroid/analgesic cocktail, and 15% (8/52) with both. CONCLUSIONS: An
      extraforaminal needle position for CT-fluoroscopic lumbar transforaminal epidural
      steroid injections decreases the risk of intravascular injection and therefore
      may be safer than other needle tip positions.

PMID- 28097242
TI  - Anterior to psoas (ATP) fusion of the lumbar spine: evolution of a technique
      facilitated by changes in equipment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lateral interbody cages have been proven useful in spinal fusions.
      Spanning both lateral cortical rims while sparing the Anterior Longitudinal
      Ligament, the lateral interbody cages restore and maintain disc height while
      adding stability prior to supplemental fixation. The standard approach for their
      insertion is by a 90-degree lateral transpsoas method. This is relatively
      bloodless compared to other techniques although has its limitations, requiring
      neuro-monitoring and being, at times, very difficult at L4/5 due to iliac crest
      obstruction or an anterior plexus position. An oblique approach, with the patient
      in lateral decubitus, passes anterior to the iliac crest, retroperitoneal, and
      being anterior to psoas, eliminates the need for neuro-monitoring. METHODS:
      Twenty-one consecutive patients underwent surgery for a total of 32 levels
      instrumented with the ATP technique. Mean age at the time of surgery was 62.4+/
      7.4 years. There was a 6 months minimum clinical follow up, with imaging to
      assess fusion, at 6 and 12 months. Indications included symptomatic degenerative
      lumbar spondylosis +/- spondylolisthesis, leg and back pain. All patients were
      assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale 100 mm for
      back pain (VASb) and for leg pain (VASl) preoperatively, at 3, 6 and 12 months.
      Last follow-up was at 12 months for 9 patients and the rest had 6 months follow
      up. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significance for the results in ODI,
      VASb and VASl with improvement in all components except for one patient with
      worsening VASl. Eight patients had complications related to surgery which were
      still present at last follow-up including moderate weakness of hip flexion and
      EHL weakness. Lateral cutaneous nerve (LCN) palsy on the side of the approach was
      also seen as well as sympathectomy effect related to the mobilization of the
      sympathetic trunk. One patient, who also suffered from multiple sclerosis,
      experienced psoas abscess 3 months post op that required drainage. CONCLUSIONS:
      The left sided anterior to psoas approach offers the most natural corridor to the
      disc space. The novel instruments and method described here allows insertion of
      large lateral cages between L2 to L5, without the problems associated with the
      transpsoas approach, particularly at L4/5.

PMID- 28097243
TI  - Range of motion, sacral screw and rod strain in long posterior spinal constructs:
      a biomechanical comparison between S2 alar iliac screws with traditional fixation
      strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: S1 screw failure and L5/S1 non-union are issues with long fusions to
      S1. Improved construct stiffness and S1 screw offloading can help avoid this.
      S2AI screws have shown to provide similar stiffness to iliac screws when added to
      L3-S1 constructs. We sought to examine and compare the biomechanical effects on
      an L2-S1 pedicle screw construct of adding S2AI screws, AxiaLIF, L5-S1 interbody
      support via transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), and to examine the
      effect of the addition of cross connectors to each of these constructs. METHODS:
      Two S1 screws and one rod with strain gauges (at L5/S1) were used in L2-S1 screw
      rod constructs in 7 L1-pelvis specimens (two with low BMD). ROM, S1 screw and rod
      strain were assessed using a pure-moment flexibility testing protocol. Specimens
      were tested intact, and then in five instrumentation states consisting of: (I)
      Pedicle screws (PS) L2-S1; (II) PS + S2AI screws; (III) PS + TLIF L5/S1; (IV) PS
      + AxiaLIF L5/S1; (V) PS + S2AI + AxiaLIF L5/S1. The five instrumentation
      conditions were also tested with crosslinks at L2/3 and S1/2. Tests were
      conducted in flexion-extension, lateral bending and axial torsion with no
      compressive preload. RESULTS: S2A1 produces reduced S1 screw strain for flexion
      extension, lateral bending and axial torsion, as well as reduced rod strain in
      lateral bending and axial torsion in comparison to AxiaLIF and interbody
      instrumentation, at the expense of increased rod flexion-extension strain. Cross
      connectors may have a role in further reduction of S1 screw and rod strain.
      CONCLUSIONS: From a biomechanical standpoint, the use of the S2AI technique is at
      least equivalent to traditional iliac screws, but offers lower prominence and
      ease of assembly compared to conventional sacroiliac stabilization.

PMID- 28097244
TI  - Minimising costs in spinal surgery: is group & save testing justified in lumbar
      decompression surgery?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar microdiscectomy and laminectomy are two of the most common
      neurosurgical procedures performed worldwide. Current practice still sees pre
      operative group and save testing prior to this surgery. The aim of this study was
      to determine the need for pre-operative group and save and post-operative blood
      checks. METHODS: Patient archives were reviewed to identify those undergoing
      primary elective lumbar decompression surgery at the Institute of Neurological
      Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK. Hematology results
      before and after surgery, whether group and save was carried out, and blood
      transfusion requirements, if any, were collected. RESULTS: A total of 200
      patients in total were included. Ninety-one percent of microdiscectomy patients
      and 95% of laminectomy patients underwent group and save testing prior to
      surgery. No patients received a transfusion as a result of their procedure. The
      mean hemoglobin drop after surgery was 11 g/L for the microdiscectomy group and
      17 g/L for the laminectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings strongly suggest that
      pre-operative group and save is unnecessary in lumbar microdiscectomy and
      laminectomy. As such, we support the abandonment of routine pre-operative group
      and save and post-operative blood checks, with significant cost saving effects.
      However, O negative blood should always be available in case of major peri
      operative bleeding.

PMID- 28097245
TI  - Consideration of proper operative route for interlaminar approach for
      percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is one of the less
      invasive treatments of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and has three different
      operative approaches. This study focused on the interlaminar approach (ILA) and
      investigated the appropriate operative route for this approach. METHODS: ILA was
      performed in 41 patients with LDH. The width of the interlaminar space, LDH size,
      and positional relation between LDH and the corresponding nerve root were
      radiologically evaluated. Thirty-three LDHs were removed via the shoulder of the
      corresponding nerve root and eight were removed via the axilla of the
      corresponding nerve root and dural sac. Pre- and postoperative status were
      evaluated using the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) and numerical
      rating scale (NRS) scores. RESULTS: The mean age was 41.5 years; there was single
      level involvement, mostly at L5/S1 (33 cases). The mean recovery rate of mJOA
      score was 59.8% and mean pre- and postoperative NRS scores were 5.8 and 0.98,
      respectively. Relatively severe complications developed in three patients treated
      by ILA via the shoulder. There was persistent numbness in the corresponding nerve
      area, transient muscular weakness, and transient bladder and rectal disturbance,
      may be due to excessive compression of the nerve root and/or dural sac by the
      endoscopic sheath. CONCLUSIONS: ILA can be used to treat LDH revealing an
      interlaminar space of >=20 mm. The procedure is minimally invasive and effective;
      however, appropriate selection of an operative route is important to avoid
      operative complications. Particularly for large LDH, the operative route via the
      axilla should be considered.

PMID- 28097246
TI  - Three-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial comparing preoperative
      neuroscience education for patients undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Results from a previous multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT)
      on preoperative pain neuroscience education (PNE) for lumbar radiculopathy found
      no significant difference in patient reported outcomes between groups. However,
      patients who received PNE viewed their surgical experience more favorably and
      utilized significantly less healthcare compared to those that did not. The
      purpose is to determine if the reduction in healthcare costs from 1-year would be
      continued at 3-year following surgery, and to explore differences (if any) in
      patient reported outcomes. Study design-analysis of 3-year follow-up data from
      RCT on preoperative PNE for lumbar radiculopathy. METHODS: Participating patients
      from the previous RCT were contacted for 3-year follow-up. Of the 67 patients who
      commenced in the study, there were 61 who completed 1-year follow-up. Data
      packets were sent to these 61 patients to examine post-operative utilization of
      healthcare (Utilization of Healthcare Questionnaire); LBP [numeric rating scale
      (NRS)]; leg pain (NRS); function (Oswestry disability index); and beliefs and
      experiences related to LS (10 item survey with Likert responses). RESULTS: At 3
      year follow-up, 50 patients (29 females) responded, with 22 patients in the
      experimental group (EG) and 28 in the control group (CG). Cumulative medical
      expenses were 37% lower for the EG, with those patients spending less on X-rays
      and visits to their family physician, physical therapist, and massage therapist.
      There were no differences in patient reported outcomes between groups. Patients
      who received PNE continued to view their surgical experience more favorably
      compared to those that did not. CONCLUSIONS: Adding a single PNE session prior to
      surgery for lumbar radiculopathy results in significant healthcare savings over 3
      years. Educating such patients about normal responses to lumbar surgery (LS) in a
      neuroscience framework may result in lasting behavior changes following surgery.

PMID- 28097248
TI  - Transpedicular endoscopic surgery for lumbar spinal synovial cyst-report of two
      cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar facet cysts are a benign, degenerative, and fairly uncommon
      cause for lumbar radiculopathy. The standard surgical treatment for lumbar facet
      cysts often requires a laminectomy and medial facetectomy which can further
      destabilize a pathological motion segment. The authors present here a novel
      technique for transpedicular endoscopic access to the pathology that obviates the
      need to violate the lamina or facet. METHODS: Two patient cases are described
      where the lumbar 4-5 facet cysts arise medial to the pedicle. Percutaneous access
      to the cysts was established by drilling through the adjacent pedicle creating a
      7-mm corridor to establish access for the endoscopic tubular retractor and the
      working channel endoscope. Straight and bendable forceps were used to remove the
      cysts under direct visualization. RESULTS: Following surgery, the patients'
      symptoms showed immediate regression with complete relief of one patient's foot
      drop by 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Transpedicular endoscopic access is described as
      novel minimally invasive surgical option in the awake patient for lumbar facet
      cysts adjacent to the Lumbar 4 or 5 pedicle.

PMID- 28097247
TI  - The management of scoliosis in children with cerebral palsy: a review.
AB  - Children who suffer with cerebral palsy (CP) have a significant chance of
      developing scoliosis during their early years and adolescence. The behavior of
      this scoliosis is closely associated with the severity of the CP disability and
      unlike idiopathic scoliosis, it continues to progress beyond skeletal maturity.
      Conservative measures may slow the progression of the curve, however, surgery
      remains the only definitive management option. Advances in surgical technique
      over the last 50 years have provided methods to effectively treat the deformity
      while also reducing complication rates. The increased risk of surgical
      complications with these complex patients make decisions about treatment
      challenging, however with careful pre-operative optimization and post-operative
      care, surgery can offer a significant improvement in quality of life. This review
      discusses the development of scoliosis in CP patient, evaluates conservative and
      surgical treatment options and assesses post-operative outcome.

PMID- 28097249
TI  - Application of a 3D custom printed patient specific spinal implant for C1/2
      arthrodesis.
AB  - The study aims to describe a three-dimensional printed (3DP) posterior fixation
      implant used for C1/C2 fusion in a 65-year-old female. Spinal fusion remains a
      common intervention for a range of spinal pathologies including degenerative disc
      and facet disease when conservative methods are unsuccessful. However, fusion
      devices are not always entirely efficacious in providing the desired fixation,
      and surgeons rely on 'off the shelf' implants which may not provide an anatomical
      fit to address the particular pathology. 3DP refers to a process where three
      dimensional objects are created through successive layering of material, so
      called 'additive manufacturing'. Although this technology enables accurate
      fabrication of patient-specific orthopaedic and spinal implants, literature on
      its utilization in this regard is rare. A 65-year-old female, with severe facet
      arthropathy at the C1/C2 level, osteophyte formation and impingement of the
      exiting C2 nerve root underwent a C1/C2 posterior fusion and rhizolysis of the C2
      nerve roots. A custom posterior fixation implant was designed and on-laid over
      the C2 spinous process and lamina, with screw holes made to a depth and
      angulation that was pre-calculated based on the preoperative CT based 3D
      modelling. The patient had an uneventful recovery and reported a significant
      reduction in occipital neuralgia and sub-occipital pain and 2-month follow-up. We
      report the first case of a customized 3DP spinal prosthesis for posterior C1/C2
      fusion. The implant added significant value reducing the overall time of the
      procedure, and safety with a reduced risk of neurovascular compromise.

PMID- 28097250
TI  - Spinal cord compression from Wegener's granulomatosis: an unusual presentation.
AB  - Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) causing spinal cord compression is very rare with
      only few cases reported in literature. We present a case report with review of
      literature. A 55-year-old lady with known WG presented with acute on chronic
      spinal cord compression. MRI scan revealed spinal cord compression anteriorly and
      posteriorly at T2-T5 level. Patient underwent urgent surgical decompression with
      excision of the posterior dural lesion with synthetic duraplasty. Patient made
      good neurological recovery. Histopathology revealed features consistent with WG.
      A rare case of spinal cord compression from WG is presented. Urgent surgical
      decompression with duraplasty resulted in good neurological outcome.

PMID- 28097251
TI  - Management of progressive late onset scoliosis with magnetic growth rod insertion
      leading to improvement of neural anomalies-a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To present the first known reported case of late onset idiopathic
      scoliosis with concomitant neural anomalies, treated with sequential distraction
      using magnetic growth rod, had significant improvement in both cranio-cervical
      and intraspinal anomaly. METHODS: A caucasian, growing female child (at the age
      of ten) presented with moderately progressive late onset right thoracic
      scoliosis. She was found to have Chiari type I malformation and a cervicothoracic
      syrinx on routine pre-operative MRI scanning. We treated this child by inserting
      magnetic growing rod (MGR) system. After 48 months of follow up with serial
      distractions, the metalwork (MGR) was removed due to aseptic wound breakdown and
      granuloma formation. Subsequently due to the progression of deformity, a
      definitive posterior instrumented spinal fusion was done. A repeat MRI Scan of
      the Spine was done prior to this definitive procedure to assess for any residual
      neural anomalies. RESULTS: The Chiari type I malformation appeared to have
      completely resolved, with no cerebellar tonsillar herniation seen, and a
      significant improvement in the size of the cervicothoracic syringomyelia
      effectively downgrading it to a prominent central canal. CONCLUSIONS: This is a
      unique case of progressive late onset idiopathic scoliosis with associated Chiari
      malformation and syringomyelia, showing an improvement in these neural anomalies
      after gradual and protracted distractive lengthening of the spine with MGR.

PMID- 28097252
TI  - Enterococcus faecalis causing delayed spondylodiscitis in a case with retained
      intraspinal bullet.
AB  - Delayed presentations have been reported following gunshot wounds (GSW) with
      retained intraspinal bullets due to migration of projectile or lead intoxication.
      We report on the rare occurrence of delayed pyogenic spondylodiscitis and
      neurological dysfunction following injury from low velocity GSW to the spine with
      a retained projectile. A 55-year-old male presented 4 months following GSW to the
      abdomen which resulted in colonic injury and L5 fracture. The patient was treated
      initially with ileo-transverse anastomosis, antibiotics, without retrieval of the
      bullet. He developed low back pain, claudication 4 months following GSW and
      investigations suggested a pyogenic spondylodiscitis at L5-S1. The patient was
      treated with surgical debridement of infective focus and stabilisation with
      definitive fusion being performed after an interval of 14 days. The biopsy of the
      lesion confirmed findings of spondylodiscitis and the culture isolated
      Enterococcus faecalis species. The patient was treated with antibiotics as per
      sensitivity and made an uneventful recovery over 4 weeks. The follow-up
      radiographs showed satisfactory healing at final follow up of 24 months. GSW with
      colonic perforation have higher incidence of infective complications however
      majority to these occur in the early postoperative period. This case report
      demonstrates the possibility of late onset presentation due to spinal infection
      occurring following colonic perforation with retained intraspinal bullet.

PMID- 28097253
TI  - Practical implications of the lumbar spine and its function on total hip
      arthroplasty.
AB  - Correct component placement is of significant importance to ensure optimal
      outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Traditionally, the Lewinnek plane has
      been referenced as an adequate "safe zone", formed between the anterior superior
      iliac spines and public tubercles to optimize acetabular orientation. However,
      recent evidence shows that the positioning of this plane may vary due to the
      biomechanical relationship between the lumbar spine and hip. Therefore, the plane
      acquired intraoperatively may not accurately recreate the actual functional plane
      and acetabular orientation encountered outside of the intraoperative environment.
      This review summarizes the hip-spine relationship and its implications on THA.

PMID- 28097254
TI  - Use of OP-1 (rhBMP-7) in posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis.

PMID- 28097255
TI  - Bio-augmented spinal fusion-the best is yet to come.

PMID- 28097256
TI  - Trials that fail to show advantages of 3D navigation in spine surgery-is it the
      technology or the trial?

PMID- 28097257
TI  - Heterotopic ossification and clinical outcome in nonconstrained cervical
      arthroplasty.

PMID- 28097258
TI  - Editorial on "Long-term clinical outcomes of cervical disc arthroplasty: a
      prospective, randomized, controlled trial" by Sasso et al.

PMID- 28097259
TI  - Biologic enhancement of spinal fusion with bone morphogenetic proteins: current
      position based on clinical evidence and future perspective.

PMID- 28097260
TI  - Arthroplasty in cervical degenerative disc disease: fulfilling its long-term
      promise?

PMID- 28097261
TI  - A new dawn in ICUrology.

PMID- 28097262
TI  - Lessons learned over a decade of pediatric robotic ureteral reimplantation.
AB  - The da Vinci robotic system has improved surgeon dexterity, ergonomics, and
      visualization to allow for a minimally invasive option for complex reconstructive
      procedures in children. Over the past decade, robot-assisted laparoscopic
      ureteral reimplantation (RALUR) has become a viable minimally invasive surgical
      option for pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, higher-than-expected
      complication rates and suboptimal reflux resolution rates at some centers have
      also been reported. The heterogeneity of surgical outcomes may arise from the
      inherent and underestimated complexity of the RALUR procedure that may justify
      its reclassification as a complex reconstructive procedure and especially for
      robotic surgeons early in their learning curve. Currently, no consensus exists on
      the role of RALUR for the surgical management of VUR. High success rates and low
      major complication rates are the expected norm for the current gold standard
      surgical option of open ureteral reimplantation. Similar to how robot-assisted
      laparoscopic surgery has gradually replaced open surgery as the most utilized
      option for prostatectomy in prostate cancer patients, RALUR may become a higher
      utilized surgical option in children with VUR if the adoption of standardized
      surgical techniques that have been associated with optimal outcomes can be
      adopted during the second decade of RALUR. A future standard of RALUR for
      children with VUR whose parents seek a minimally invasive surgical option can
      arise if widespread achievement of high success rates and low major complication
      rates can be obtained, similar to the replacement of open surgery with robot
      assisted laparoscopic radical prostectomy as the new strandard for men with
      prostate cancer.

PMID- 28097263
TI  - Predicting biochemical recurrence in patients with high-risk prostate cancer
      using the apparent diffusion coefficient of magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)
      value in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging predicts the prognoses of
      patients with high-risk prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 157
      patients with high-risk prostate cancer (based on D'Amico's criteria) were
      included in the analysis. Patients underwent preoperative 3.0 Tesla magnetic
      resonance imaging within 2 months before radical prostatectomy. Those who
      received neoadjuvant hormone therapy (33 persons) or radiation therapy (18
      persons) were excluded. The ADC of the tumor calculated from 2 b-values (0 and
      1,000 s/mm2) was measured. Areas under receiver operating characteristics curves
      were calculated to maximize the accuracy of the ADC value. Based on the obtained
      cutoff value, the patients were stratified into 2 groups: Group A consisted of
      patients with ADC values <746*10-6 mm2/s and group B comprised those with ADC
      values >=746*10-6 mm2/s. RESULTS: Group A showed higher rate of lymph positive
      and biochemical recurrence (BCR) rates than group B. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed
      that the BCR-free survival rate of group A was much lower than that of group B
      (p<0.001). On Cox proportional regression analyses, ADC group A (hazard ratio
      [HR], 3.238, p=0.002) and pathologic lymph node positive (HR, 2.242; p=0.009)
      were independent predictors of BCR. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with high-risk
      prostate cancer, ADC value is significantly associated with BCR-free survival.
      Therefore, the ADC value is a useful tool for predicting the prognoses of these
      high-risk patients.

PMID- 28097264
TI  - Lymph node density predicts recurrence and death after inguinal lymph node
      dissection for penile cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the impact of lymph node density (LND) on survival after
      inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) for penile cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Our institutional penile cancer database was queried for patients who underwent
      ILND. Clinicopathologic characteristics including LND and total number of
      positive lymph nodes (LNs) were analyzed to determine impact on recurrence-free
      survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). LND, or the percent of positive LN out
      of total LN, was calculated as a categorical variable at varying thresholds.
      RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with complete follow-up were identified.
      Indications for ILND were stage >T2 in 20 patients (71.4%), palpable adenopathy
      in 7 (25%), high grade T1 in 1 (3.6%). Median node yield was 17.5 (interquartile
      range, 12-22), and positive LNs were found in 14 patients (50%). RFS and OS were
      significantly lower for patients with >15% LN density (median RFS: 62 months vs.
      6.3 months, p=0.0120; median OS: 73.6 months vs. 6.3 months, p<0.001).
      Controlling for age, medical comorbidities, number of positive LN, T stage,
      pelvic LN status and indication, LN density >15% was independently associated
      with worse RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.6; p=0.04) and OS (HR, 73.6; p=0.002). The c
      index for LND was higher than total positive LNs for RFS (0.64 vs. 0.54) and OS
      (0.79 vs. 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: In this small, retrospective penile cancer cohort,
      the presence of nodal involvement >15% was associated with decreased RFS and OS,
      and outperformed total number of positive LN as a prognostic indicator.

PMID- 28097266
TI  - The effect of posture and repetition on urodynamic parameters: A prospective
      randomized study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of posture and repetition of filling cystometry
      on urodynamic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one men with benign
      prostatic hyperplasia participated in a urodynamic study between September 2015
      and August 2016 and were randomly assigned to a supine to supine (group SS,
      n=16), erect to erect (group EE, n=16), supine to erect (group SE, n=19) or erect
      to supine (group ES, n=20) group. The patients underwent filling cystometry
      twice. We evaluated the effect of posture and the effect of repetition on filling
      cystometric parameters. We also evaluated the correlation between overactive
      bladder (OAB) and detrusor overactivity (DO) and between maximum voided volume
      (MVV) and maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) for each posture and filling
      cystometry time. RESULTS: There was a decrease in bladder sensation and
      occurrence of DO, and an increase in bladder compliance and MCC in the supine
      posture group compared to that in the erect posture group. A more significant
      decrease in bladder sensation and occurrence of DO as well as an increase in MCC
      was seen during the second filling cystometry than the first one. The supine
      posture during first filling cystometry showed a better correlation between OAB
      and DO and between MVV and MCC than erect posture. CONCLUSIONS: There were clear
      effects of posture and filling cystometry repetition on urodynamic parameters.
      The supine posture and repeated filling cystometry caused the bladder to be less
      sensitive and less overactive. The supine posture showed a better correlation to
      OAB symptoms than erect posture during first filling cystometry.

PMID- 28097265
TI  - The efficacy of performing shockwave lithotripsy before retrograde intrarenal
      surgery in the treatment of multiple or large (>=1.5 cm) nephrolithiasis: A
      propensity score matched analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of performing shockwave lithotripsy (SWL)
      before retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) on the treatment outcomes of patients
      with nephrolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 189 patients with renal
      stones who underwent RIRS from July 2007 to July 2014 was reviewed
      retrospectively. Patients with stones larger than 1.5 cm were recommended to
      undergo SWL before RIRS. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether the
      preoperative SWL was performed (group 1, n=68) or not (group 2, n=121). The
      cohorts of the 2 groups cohorts were matched 1:1 using propensity score analysis.
      Patient, stone characteristics, operative parameters, and stone-free rates were
      compared. RESULTS: Patients in groups 1 and 2 were matched with respect to stone
      size, number, and location, leaving 57 patients in each group. After matching, no
      differences were identified between the 2 groups regarding age, body mass index,
      sex, stone composition, density and multiplicity. Compared to group 2 patients,
      patients in group 1 had fewer number of procedures performed (1.10 vs. 1.26,
      p=0.045) and higher stone-free rate (89.4% vs.73.6%, p=0.039). In multivariate
      analysis, Non lower calyceal location (odd ratio [OR], 8.215; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.782-21.982; p=0.041), stone size (OR, 6.932; 95% CI, 1.022
      18.283; p<0.001), and preoperative SWL (OR, 2.210; 95% CI, 1.058-7.157; p=0.019)
      were independent factors predicting a stone-free state after RIRS. CONCLUSIONS:
      Performing SWL before RIRS may favor stone eliminations during surgery and
      increase the stone-free rate in selected patients.

PMID- 28097267
TI  - Incidence and risk factors of recurrence of overactive bladder symptoms after
      discontinuation of successful medical treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify incidence and risk factors of recurrence after
      discontinuation of successful antimuscarinic therapy in patients with overactive
      bladder (OAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter trial.
      Patients who had antimuscarinic agents for more than 12 weeks and showed
      successful response were enrolled. Successful response was defined as answering
      'benefit' for patient perception of treatment benefit and answer lesser than 3
      points in patient's perception of bladder condition (PPBC). The enrolled patients
      discontinued the antimuscarinics, and we evaluated their recurrence with PPBC and
      OAB symptom score (OABSS) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary purpose was to
      identify the recurrence rate and secondary purpose was to reveal risk factors.
      RESULTS: Four hundred forty-one patients enrolled and 371 patients completed 6
      month follow-up. The enrolled patients showed 1.6 points in PPBC, 2.9 points in
      OABSS and 1.4 points in IPSS (quality of life) which represented successful
      response after using antimuscarinics. The cumulative rates of recurrence were
      25.6%, 42.3%, and 52.2% at 1, 3, 6 months, respectively. Among 177 patients who
      did not show recurrence at 6 months, 41 patients were followed up and 4 patients
      of the 41 patients (9.7%) showed recurrence at 12 months. On univariate and
      multivariate analyses of recurrence, OAB wet was the risk factor for recurrence
      after 6 months of discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuation of antimuscarinic
      therapy after successful treatment resulted in high recurrence rate with time and
      OAB wet was the independent risk factor for recurrence.

PMID- 28097268
TI  - The effect of office based flexible and rigid cystoscopy on pain experience in
      female patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rigid and flexible cystoscopies are both routinely used in female
      patients. Literature is conflicting whether flexible cystoscopy is less painful
      compared to rigid cystoscopy. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate
      whether using flexible cystoscopy leads to less discomfort and pain compared to
      rigid cystoscopy in female patients who underwent first time cystoscopy.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-nine female patients, who never had
      undergone cystoscopy, were randomized into 2 groups: 92 patients underwent rigid
      cystoscopy and 97 patients flexible cystoscopy. Directly after the cystoscopy
      procedure all patients were asked to fill out their pain experience on a 100-mm
      visual analogue pain scale (VAS). RESULTS: Median VAS score was significantly
      lower for women undergoing flexible cystoscopy (0 [0-20]) compared to rigid
      cystoscopy (15 [0-38], p<0.001). In addition, age was inversely associated with
      VAS score, indicating that younger females experienced more pain (R=-0.30,
      p=0.001). The use of flexible cystoscopy was associated with a decrease in VAS
      score and remained significant after adjustment for age, sex of urologist,
      performing urologist and indication (standardized beta=-0.17, p=0.048).
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of flexible cystoscopy resulted in a significantly lower
      pain experience compared to rigid cystoscopy. Based on patient's pain experience
      during cystoscopy, this study implicates to use flexible cystoscopy in female
      patients who undergo first time cystoscopy.

PMID- 28097269
TI  - Recurrence rate of stress urinary incontinence in females with initial cure after
      transobturator tape procedure at 3-year follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess recurrence rates of urinary incontinence in women with initial
      cure after transobturator tape (TOT) procedure at 3-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Between June 2006 and May 2013, a total of 402 consecutive patients
      underwent the TOT procedure for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) at
      Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital. Of the 402 patients, 223 had sufficient
      medical records for analysis. Therefore, they were followed-up for 3 years
      postoperatively. Patient characteristics, urinary symptoms, physical examination,
      and urodynamic parameters were evaluated. The primary end point of "cure" was
      defined as the absence of any complaint of urinary leakage without needing pads
      for usual activities. RESULTS: Of the 223 patients, 196 patients (87.9%) were
      initially cured within 6 months postoperatively. Of the 196 patients, 70 (35.7%)
      had recurrent urinary incontinence at 3 years postoperatively, 51 (26.0%) had
      SUI, 16 (8.2%) had urgency urinary incontinence, and 3 (1.5%) had mixed urinary
      incontinence. In univariate analysis, preoperative urinary obstructive symptom
      was found to significant contributor to the recurrence of urinary incontinence at
      3-year postoperatively (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, 35.7% of the women
      with initial cure after TOT experienced the recurrence of urinary leakage during
      the 3-year follow-up. The cure rate of TOT was decreased as time went by,
      although the initial cure rate was high.

PMID- 28097272
TI  - Erratum: Correction of the references for Figures. Testosterone therapy in men
      with testosterone deficiency: Are we beyond the point of no return?
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 384 in vol. 57.].

PMID- 28097271
TI  - Prevalence and management status of urologic diseases in geriatric hospitals in
      South Korea: A field research.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the current management status of urologic
      diseases in geriatric hospitals in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Questionnaire surveys and in-depth person-to-person interviews were conducted at
      13 hospitals within the Seoul and Incheon areas. RESULTS: The study was carried
      out from July to December 2014; 75.6% of patients (1,858/2,458) and 77.5%
      (779/1,031) of medical personnel responded to our survey. All surveys and
      interviews were performed by urology specialists, fellows, residents, or nurses.
      The hospitals included in the study had an average of 215.2 beds (range, 110
      367), 189.1 patients (range, 90-345), and 40.2 nurses (range, 10-83). The average
      number of physicians was 6.2 (range, 3-11), but none of these were certified
      urologists. Only 4 hospitals provided consultation services for urological
      disorders. In total, 64% of patients had urological disorders, although only
      20.7% of patients were receiving medication. Most patients were being treated
      using urological interventions; diapers (49.7%), indwelling catheters (19.5%),
      clean intermittent catheters (12.2%), and external collection urinary drainage
      (7.9%). However, most interventions were inadequately implemented, and only 17%
      of the patients had been examined by a certified urologist. Urological
      complications were found in 20.2% of patients, and secondary complications
      occurred in 18.8%. Excluding redundant cases, the total prevalence of urological
      complications was 39.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Urologic diseases are poorly managed, and
      no certified urologists work in geriatric hospitals. Therefore, more designated
      urologists are needed in geriatric hospitals.

PMID- 28097270
TI  - Prospective study analyzing risk factors and characteristics of healthcare
      associated infections in a Urology ward.
AB  - PURPOSE: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in urological patients have
      special features due to specific risk factors. Our objective was to evaluate the
      characteristics and risk factors for HAIs in patients hospitalized in a Urology
      ward. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated prospectively, from 2012 to 2015, the
      incidence, types and risk factor for HAIs, microbiological and resistance
      patterns. RESULTS: The incidence of HAIs was 6.3%. The most common types were
      urinary infections (70.5%) and surgical site infections (22.1%). Univariate
      analysis showed an increased risk of HAIs among patients with American Society of
      Anesthesiologists physical status classification system III-IV (odds ratio [OR],
      1.39; p<0.001), immunosuppression (OR, 1.80; p=0.013), previous urinary infection
      (OR, 4.46; p<0,001), and urinary catheter before admission (OR, 1.74; p<0.001).
      The surgical procedures with the highest incidence of HAIs were radical
      cystectomy (54.2%) and renal surgery (8.7%). The most frequently isolated
      microorganisms were Escherichia coli (25.1%), Enterococcus spp. (17.5%),
      Klebsiella spp. (13.5%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.3%). Enterococcus sp was
      the most common microorganism after radical cystectomy and in surgical site
      infections, E. coli showed resistance rates of 53.5% for fluoroquinolones, 9.3%
      for amikacin. The percentage of extended-spectrum betalactamase producing E. coli
      was 24.7%. Klebsiella spp. showed resistance rates of 47.8% for fluoroquinolones,
      7.1% for amikacin and 4.3% for carbapenems. Enterococcus spp showed resistance
      rates of 1.7% for vancomycin and; P. aeruginosa of 33.3% for carbapenems and
      26.2% for amikacin. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities, previous urinary infections, and
      urinary catheter are risk factors for HAIs. The microorganisms most commonly
      isolated were E. coli, Enterococcus and P. aeruginosa. Prospective monitoring may
      decrease the incidence of infections.

PMID- 28097273
TI  - Integration of multiple active sites on large-pore mesoporous silica for
      enantioselective tandem reactions.
AB  - Facile construction of a multifunctional heterogeneous catalyst through the
      assembly of Au/carbene and chiral ruthenium/diamine dual complexes in large-pore
      mesoporous silica was developed. This enables an efficient one-pot hydration
      asymmetric transfer hydrogenation enantioselective tandem reaction of
      haloalkynes, affording chiral halohydrins with up to 99% enantioselectivity.
      Combined multifunctionalities, such as substrate-promoted silanol-functionality,
      BF4- anion-bonding gold/carbene and covalent-bonding chiral ruthenium/diamine
      active centers, contributed cooperatively to the catalytic performance.

PMID- 28097274
TI  - Inverted perovskite solar cells based on lithium-functionalized graphene oxide as
      an electron-transporting layer.
AB  - Perovskite solar cells with an inverted p-i-n architecture were constructed under
      ambient conditions by employing materials of lower cost than standard cells.
      Thus, graphene oxide was used as a hole transporting material and Li-modified
      graphene oxide as an electron transporting material, while Al was used as a
      counter electrode. A maximum solar conversion efficiency of 10.2% was achieved by
      adding a Ti-based sol on the top of the Li-modified graphene oxide layer.

PMID- 28097275
TI  - Development of a highly transparent, low-resistance lithium-doped nickel oxide
      triple-layer film deposited by magnetron sputtering.
AB  - This research presents a triple-layer transparent conductive oxide thin film,
      with a lithium-doped nickel oxide/silver/lithium-doped nickel oxide (L-NiO/Ag/L
      NiO) structure using radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering on glass
      substrates. The high transmittance L-NiO thin films were deposited using the
      sputtering method with Ar/H2 as the reaction gases. The triple-layer structure, L
      NiO/Ag/L-NiO, showed impressive electrical conductivity. The figure of merit
      (FOM) results indicated that the L-NiO/Ag/L-NiO triple-layer thin films with Ag
      deposition times of 2 min possessed satisfactory optical and electrical
      properties for potential applications.

PMID- 28097276
TI  - Hydrophobicity determines the fate of self-assembled fluorescent nanoparticles in
      cells.
AB  - The fate of small molecule nanoparticles (SMNPs) composed of self-assembling
      intrinsically fluorescent pi-conjugated oligomers was studied in cells as a
      function of side-chain hydrophobicity. While the hydrophobic SMNPs remained
      intact upon cellular uptake, the more hydrophilic SMNPs disassembled and
      dispersed throughout the cytosol.

PMID- 28097277
TI  - Combining the spin-separated exact two-component relativistic Hamiltonian with
      the equation-of-motion coupled-cluster method for the treatment of spin-orbit
      splittings of light and heavy elements.
AB  - The spin-separated exact two-component (X2C) relativistic Hamiltonian [sf-X2C+so
      DKHn, J. Chem. Phys., 2012, 137, 154114] is combined with the equation-of-motion
      coupled-cluster method with singles and doubles (EOM-CCSD) for the treatment of
      spin-orbit splittings of open-shell molecular systems. Scalar relativistic
      effects are treated to infinite order from the outset via the spin-free part of
      the X2C Hamiltonian (sf-X2C), whereas the spin-orbit couplings (SOC) are handled
      at the CC level via the first-order Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DKH) type of spin-orbit
      operator (so-DKH1). Since the exponential of single excitations, i.e., exp(T1),
      introduces sufficient spin orbital relaxations, the inclusion of SOC at the CC
      level is essentially the same in accuracy as the inclusion of SOC from the outset
      in terms of the two-component spinors determined variationally by the sf-X2C+so
      DKH1 Hamiltonian, but is computationally more efficient. Therefore, such an
      approach (denoted as sf-X2C-EOM-CCSD(SOC)) can achieve uniform accuracy for the
      spin-orbit splittings of both light and heavy elements. For light elements, the
      treatment of SOC can even be postponed until the EOM step (denoted as sf-X2C
      EOM(SOC)-CCSD), so as to further reduce the computational cost. To reveal the
      efficacy of sf-X2C-EOM-CCSD(SOC) and sf-X2C-EOM(SOC)-CCSD, the spin-orbit
      splittings of the 2Pi states of monohydrides up to the sixth row of the periodic
      table are investigated. The results show that sf-X2C-EOM-CCSD(SOC) predicts very
      accurate results (within 5%) for elements up to the fifth row, whereas sf-X2C
      EOM(SOC)-CCSD is useful only for light elements (up to the third row but with
      some exceptions). For comparison, the sf-X2C-S-TD-DFT-SOC approach [spin-adapted
      open-shell time-dependent density functional theory, Mol. Phys., 2013, 111, 3741]
      is applied to the same systems. The overall accuracy (1-10%) is satisfactory.

PMID- 28097280
TI  - Freezing-induced self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules.
AB  - The self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules usually takes place in a liquid phase,
      near room temperature. Here, using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
      experiments performed in real time, we show that freezing of aqueous solutions of
      copolymer amphiphilic molecules can induce self-assembly below 0  degrees C.

PMID- 28097282
TI  - Casimir effect between pinned particles in two-dimensional jammed systems.
AB  - The Casimir effect arises when long-ranged fluctuations are geometrically
      confined between two surfaces, leading to a macroscopic force. Traditionally,
      these forces have been observed in quantum systems and near critical points in
      classical systems. Here we show the existence of Casimir-like forces between two
      pinned particles immersed in two-dimensional systems near the jamming transition.
      We observe two components to the total force: a short-ranged, depletion force and
      a long-ranged, repulsive Casimir-like force. The Casimir-like force dominates as
      the jamming transition is approached, and when the pinned particles are much
      larger than the ambient jammed particles. We show that this repulsive force
      arises due to a clustering of particles with strong contact forces around the
      perimeter of the pinned particles. As the separation between the pinned particles
      decreases, a region of high-pressure develops between them, leading to a net
      repulsive force.

PMID- 28097283
TI  - Melting upon cooling and freezing upon heating: fluid-solid phase diagram for
      Svejk-Hasek model of dimerizing hard spheres.
AB  - A simple model of dimerizing hard spheres with highly nontrivial fluid-solid
      phase behavior is proposed and studied using the recently proposed resummed
      thermodynamic perturbation theory for central force (RTPT-CF) associating
      potentials. The phase diagram has the fluid branch of the fluid-solid coexistence
      curve located at temperatures lower than those of the solid branch. This unusual
      behavior is related to the strong dependence of the system excluded volume on the
      temperature, which for the model at hand decreases with increasing temperature.
      This effect can be also seen for a wide family of fluid models with an effective
      interaction that combines short range attraction and repulsion at a larger
      distance. We expect that for sufficiently high repulsive barrier, such systems
      may show similar phase behavior.

PMID- 28097285
TI  - Localization in an idealized heterogeneous elastic sheet.
AB  - Localized deformation is ubiquitous in many natural and engineering materials as
      they approach failure, and a significant effort has been made to understand
      localization processes with simple continuum models. Real materials are much more
      commonly heterogeneous but it is unclear exactly how heterogeneity affects
      outcomes. In this work we study the response of an idealized heterogenous elastic
      sheet on a soft foundation as it is uniaxially compressed. The patterned surface
      layers are created by selective ultraviolet/ozone treatment of the top surface of
      a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sample using a TEM grid as a mask. By controlling
      the exposure time of UV/O3, samples ranging from continuous thin films to sets of
      isolated small plates were created. We find that patterned regions noticeably
      localize while bulk regions appear as uniform wrinkles, and that local and global
      strains depend on the pattern pitch, exposure levels and the treatment protocol.
      Remarkably, various responses can be modeled using well-understood theory that
      ignores pattern details aside from the small distance between the adjacent
      boundaries and the local value of strain.

PMID- 28097286
TI  - [Pain therapy in small pets].
AB  - Although many advances in pain therapy have been made in recent years, pain
      therapy is more difficult in the small domestic animal than in cats and dogs.
      However, there is the ethical obligation that these animals also receive adequate
      pain therapy. An analgesic is rarely authorized for use in small pets, with
      pharmacological investigations often lacking and dosages frequently only
      determined empirically. The small size of the animals often requires a higher
      dose per kilogram bodyweight compared to cats and dogs. The dosage itself is also
      difficult to apply in small animals, because many analgesics must be diluted
      before their use. In addition, frequent manipulation of small animals for
      analgesic administration induces stress in the patient, which can intensify the
      pain. In the present article, those analgesics suitable for use in the small
      domestic animal are described and the indications for the use of the various
      types of analgesics are explained. A specialized section concentrates on pain
      detection and algesimetry in the small domestic animal. The detection of pain is
      much more difficult in small domestic animals. In the last few years so-called
      "grimace scales" have been developed which are used to assess the facial
      expression of the animals.

PMID- 28097287
TI  - Using Active Learning to Identify Health Information Technology Related Patient
      Safety Events.
AB  - The widespread adoption of health information technology (HIT) has led to new
      patient safety hazards that are often difficult to identify. Patient safety event
      reports, which are self-reported descriptions of safety hazards, provide one view
      of potential HIT-related safety events. However, identifying HIT-related reports
      can be challenging as they are often categorized under other more predominate
      clinical categories. This challenge of identifying HIT-related reports is
      exacerbated by the increasing number and complexity of reports which pose
      challenges to human annotators that must manually review reports. In this paper,
      we apply active learning techniques to support classification of patient safety
      event reports as HIT-related. We evaluated different strategies and demonstrated
      a 30% increase in average precision of a confirmatory sampling strategy over a
      baseline no active learning approach after 10 learning iterations.

PMID- 28097288
TI  - Secondary Analysis of an Electronic Surveillance System Combined with Multi-focal
      Interventions for Early Detection of Sepsis.
AB  - : To conduct an independent secondary analysis of a multi-focal intervention for
      early detection of sepsis that included implementation of change management
      strategies, electronic surveillance for sepsis, and evidence based point of care
      alerting using the POC AdvisorTM application. METHODS: Propensity score matching
      was used to select subsets of the cohorts with balanced covariates. Bootstrapping
      was performed to build distributions of the measured difference in rates/means.
      The effect of the sepsis intervention was evaluated for all patients, and High
      and Low Risk subgroups for illness severity. A separate analysis was performed
      patients on the intervention and non-intervention units (without the electronic
      surveillance). Sensitivity, specificity, and the positive predictive values were
      calculated to evaluate the accuracy of the alerting system for detecting sepsis
      or severe sepsis/ septic shock. RESULTS: There was positive effect on the
      intervention units with sepsis electronic surveillance with an adjusted mortality
      rate of -6.6%. Mortality rates for non-intervention units also improved, but at a
      lower rate of -2.9%. Additional outcomes improved for patients on both
      intervention and non-intervention units for home discharge (7.5% vs 1.1%), total
      length of hospital stay (-0.9% vs -0.3%), and 30 day readmissions (-6.6% vs 
      1.6%). Patients on the intervention units showed better outcomes compared with
      non-intervention unit patients, and even more so for High Risk patients. The
      sensitivity was 95.2%, specificity of 82.0% and PPV of 50.6% for the electronic
      surveillance alerts. CONCLUSION: There was improvement over time across the
      hospital for patients on the intervention and non-intervention units with more
      improvement for sicker patients. Patients on intervention units with electronic
      surveillance have better outcomes; however, due to differences in exclusion
      criteria and types of units, further study is needed to draw a direct
      relationship between the electronic surveillance system and outcomes.

PMID- 28097290
TI  - The Association of Systemic Medication and Disease With Intraocular Pressure.

PMID- 28097289
TI  - Binding of CLL subset 4 B-cell receptor immunoglobulins to viable human memory B
      lymphocytes requires a distinctive IGKV somatic mutation.
AB  - Amino acid replacement mutations in certain CLL stereotyped B-cell receptor (BCR)
      immunoglobulins (IGs) at defined positions within antigen-binding sites strongly
      imply antigen selection. Prime examples of this are CLL subset 4 BCR IGs using
      IGHV4-34/IGHD5-18/IGHJ6 and IGKV2-30/IGKJ2 rearrangements. Conspicuously and
      unlike most CLL IGs, subset 4 IGs do not bind apoptotic cells. By testing the
      (auto)antigenic reactivities of subset 4 IGs toward viable lymphoid-lineage cells
      and specific autoantigens typically bound by IGHV4-34+ IGs, we found IGs from
      both subset 4 and non-subset 4 IGHV4-34-expressing CLL cases bind naive B cells.
      However, only subset 4 IGs react with memory B cells. Furthermore, subset 4 IGs
      do not bind DNA nor i or I carbohydrate antigens, common targets of IGHV4-34
      utilizing antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus and cold agglutinin disease,
      respectively. Notably, we found that subset 4 IG binding to memory B lymphocytes
      depends on an aspartic acid at position 66 of FR3 in the rearranged IGKV2-30
      gene; this amino acid residue is acquired by somatic mutation. Our findings
      illustrate the importance of positive and negative selection criteria for
      structural elements in CLL IGs and suggest that autoantigens driving normal B
      cells to become subset 4 CLL cells differ from those driving IGHV4-34+ B cells in
      other diseases.

PMID- 28097291
TI  - Evaluation of Segmentation of the Superficial and Deep Vascular Layers of the
      Retina by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Instruments in Normal Eyes.
AB  - Importance: Correct attribution of vascular features in optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) angiography depends on accurate segmentation of retinal layers.
      Objective: To evaluate the segmentation of retinal layers among 3 OCT angiography
      instruments in the central macula, an area where the superficial and deep
      vascular plexuses terminate. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective
      review of a representative OCT angiogram from 1 patient and an evaluation of the
      vascular pattern in an autopsied eye were conducted at a community retina
      practice at a university laboratory. A set of 3 * 3-mm scans centered on the
      fovea using the Cirrus 5000, RTVue XR Avanti, and Triton DRI OCT platforms with
      default layer segmentations were used to evaluate segmentation accuracy of a
      normal macula of a white man in his 60s as an emblematic example. A
      representative histologic section from the central macula of a normal eye was
      used as an exemplar. Main Outcomes and Measures: Retinal layer segmentation and
      resultant vascular image compared with vessels as seen in histologic section.
      Results: The segmentation slab designed to isolate the superficial vascular
      plexus included the deep vascular plexus in the central macula for all 3
      instruments. None of the instruments produced segmented regions that followed the
      relevant anatomic layers correctly. Conclusions and Relevance: Because of
      inherent errors in segmentation, studies of the superficial and deep vascular
      plexuses using manufacturer-recommended default settings are likely to be biased.
      A proposal for an improved segmentation strategy is presented.

PMID- 28097292
TI  - Diffuse Retinal Hemorrhages After Uncomplicated Glaucoma Drainage Implantation.

PMID- 28097293
TI  - Physical Activity on the Weekend: Can It Wait Until Then?

PMID- 28097294
TI  - A Young Boy With Progressive Dysphonia.

PMID- 28097295
TI  - Association of Systemic Medication Use With Intraocular Pressure in a Multiethnic
      Asian Population: The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study.
AB  - Importance: There is limited understanding of the associations between systemic
      medication use and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the general population.
      Objective: To examine the association between systemic medication use and IOP in
      a multiethnic Asian population. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this post
      hoc analysis of the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases study, a population
      based study of 10 033 participants (78.7% response rate) from 3 racial/ethnic
      groups (Chinese [recruited from February 9, 2009, through December 19, 2011],
      Malays [recruited from August 16, 2004, though July 10, 2006], and Indians
      [recruited from May 21, 2007, through December 29, 2009]), participants with
      glaucoma, previous ocular surgery, or trauma and an IOP asymmetry greater than 5
      mm Hg between eyes were excluded. Intraocular pressure was measured using
      Goldmann applanation tonometry. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was
      conducted to collect data on medication and other variables. Data analysis was
      performed from August 1 through October 31, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures:
      Associations between medication and IOP were assessed using linear regression
      models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, ethnicity, and the medical
      condition for which the medication was taken (angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors [ACEIs], angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs], and beta-blockers
      adjusted for blood pressure, statins adjusted for lipids, and biguanides,
      sulfonylureas, alpha-glycosidase inhibitors [AGIs], and insulin adjusted for
      glycosylated hemoglobin). Medications associated with significant IOP differences
      were incorporated into regression models adjusted for concomitant use of multiple
      medications. Generalized estimating equation models were used to account for
      correlation between eyes. Results: Of the 10 033 participants, we analyzed 8063
      (mean [SD] age, 57.0 [9.6] years; 4107 female [50.9%]; 2680 Chinese [33.2%], 2757
      Malay [34.2%], and 2626 Indian [32.6%] individuals). Systemic beta-blocker use
      was independently associated with an IOP of 0.45 mm Hg lower (95% CI, -0.65 to 
      0.25 mm Hg; P < .001). Conversely, higher mean IOP was associated with use of
      ACEIs (0.33 mm Hg higher; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.57 mm Hg; P = .008), ARBs (0.40 mm Hg
      higher; 95% CI, 0.40-0.75 mm Hg; P = .02), statins (0.21 mm Hg higher; 95% CI,
      0.02-0.4 mm Hg; P = .03), and sulfonylureas (0.34 mm Hg higher; 95% CI, 0.05-0.63
      mm Hg; P = .02). An interaction between medication classes for additive,
      synergistic, or antagonistic effects on IOP was not identified. Conclusions and
      Relevance: Although systemic beta-blocker use was associated with lower IOP and
      systemic ACEI, ARB, statin, and sulfonylurea use was associated with higher IOP
      in this study, the associations were modest at best. Only the associations with
      systemic hypoglycemic agents were greater than 1 mm Hg, a threshold that has
      translated to a 14% greater risk of incident glaucoma across 5 years in other
      studies. At this point, the effect of systemic medication on IOP in eyes with
      glaucoma is not well elucidated but important. Our findings indicate that
      patients with glaucoma may potentially be at risk of higher or lower IOP,
      depending on medication class, and this would in turn affect management of IOP
      control.

PMID- 28097296
TI  - Long-term Postprocedural Outcomes of Palliative Emergency Stenting vs Stoma in
      Malignant Large-Bowel Obstruction.
AB  - Importance: Colonic stenting was introduced for palliation of malignant large
      bowel obstruction (MLBO) more than 20 years ago but remains controversial.
      Objective: To compare outcomes after palliative stenting vs stoma creation in
      patients with MLBO requiring emergency management. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: This observational cohort study assessed 345 patients from New York
      State with an urgent or emergency admission to the hospital for obstruction
      secondary to colorectal cancer and who underwent stenting or stoma creation from
      October 1, 2009, through December 31, 2013. Patients were excluded if they
      underwent resection within 1 year of the index admission. Exposures: Palliative
      stenting vs stoma creation. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes included
      subsequent operation and readmission within 90-day and 1-year follow-up.
      Secondary outcomes were in-hospital death, major medical and surgical
      complications, length of stay, total charges, and discharge dispositions.
      Multivariable hierarchical analyses and propensity score matching were used to
      compare outcomes between the exposure groups. Results: The cohort included 345
      patients (mean [SD] age, 69.9 [14.4] years in the stoma group and 70.9 [16.8]
      years in the stent group; 87 men [50.3%] in the stoma group and 90 [52.3%] in the
      stent group; and 114 non-Hispanic white patients [65.9%] in the stoma group and
      90 [52.3%] in the stent group). Most patients undergoing stenting were treated at
      high-volume (104 [60.5%]) vs medium-volume (42 [24.4%]) or low-volume (26
      [15.1%]) hospitals (P < .001). Patients undergoing stenting were significantly
      less likely to experience prolonged length of stay (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95%
      CI, 0.26-0.97; P = .04), more likely to be discharged to their usual residence
      (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.07-0.28; P < .001), and tended to have similar or fewer
      complications (major events: OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.30-2.18; P = .68; procedural
      complications: OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.11-1.22; P = .10). There was no significant
      difference between the groups in terms of 90-day and 1-year readmission to the
      hospitals (90 days: OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.49-1.78; P = .83; 1 year: OR, 0.72; 95%
      CI, 0.38-1.37; P = .30). Subsequent operation at 90 days was also not different
      between the groups (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.26-6.89; P = .72), but there was a higher
      chance of subsequent operation at 1 year after the stenting procedure (OR, 2.93;
      95% CI, 1.12-7.68; P = .03), with most subsequent operations being restenting.
      Conclusions and Relevance: In patients with MLBO and if resection is not part of
      the treatment plan, stenting is safe and improves the efficiency of care with
      obvious quality-of-life benefits. It should be offered at experienced centers,
      and patients should be counseled regarding increased risk of subsequent stenting
      within 1 year.

PMID- 28097297
TI  - Laryngeal Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease Resulting in Severe Airway
      Obstruction.

PMID- 28097298
TI  - Regulatory Action Necessary for Immune Globulin Preparations for Hepatitis A
      Prophylaxis.

PMID- 28097299
TI  - Evaluation of Potencies of Immune Globulin Products Against Hepatitis A.

PMID- 28097300
TI  - Precision Benefit Design-Using "Smarter" Deductibles to Better Engage Consumers
      and Mitigate Cost-Related Nonadherence.

PMID- 28097301
TI  - Analysis of the Trend Toward Fuller Lips Among Fashion Models.

PMID- 28097302
TI  - Association of Extension of Cervical Cord Lesion and Area Postrema Syndrome With
      Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.

PMID- 28097303
TI  - Clinicians' Expectations of the Benefits and Harms of Treatments, Screening, and
      Tests: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Importance: Inaccurate clinician expectations of the benefits and harms of
      interventions can profoundly influence decision making and may be contributing to
      increasing intervention overuse. Objective: To systematically review all studies
      that have quantitatively assessed clinicians' expectations of the benefits and/or
      harms of any treatment, test, or screening test. Evidence Review: A comprehensive
      search strategy of 4 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and
      Allied Health Literature, and PsycINFO) from the start years to March 17-20,
      2015, with no language or study type restriction, was performed. Searches were
      also conducted on cited references of the included studies, and experts and study
      authors were contacted. Two researchers independently evaluated methodologic
      quality and extracted participants' estimates of benefit and harms and authors'
      contemporaneous estimates. Findings: Of the 8166 records screened, 48 articles
      (13 011 clinicians) were eligible. Twenty studies focused on treatment, 20 on
      medical imaging, and 8 on screening. Of the 48 studies, 30 (67%) assessed only
      harm expectations, 9 (20%) evaluated only benefit expectations, and 6 (13%)
      assessed both benefit and harm expectations. Among the studies comparing benefit
      expectations with a correct answer (total of 28 outcomes), most participants
      provided correct estimation for only 3 outcomes (11%). Of the studies comparing
      expectations of harm with a correct answer (total of 69 outcomes), a majority of
      participants correctly estimated harm for 9 outcomes (13%). Where overestimation
      or underestimation data were provided, most participants overestimated benefit
      for 7 (32%) and underestimated benefit for 2 (9%) of the 22 outcomes, and
      underestimated harm for 20 (34%) and overestimated harm for 3 (5%) of the 58
      outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: Clinicians rarely had accurate expectations
      of benefits or harms, with inaccuracies in both directions. However, clinicians
      more often underestimated rather than overestimated harms and overestimated
      rather than underestimated benefits. Inaccurate perceptions about the benefits
      and harms of interventions are likely to result in suboptimal clinical management
      choices.

PMID- 28097304
TI  - Health Insurance Deductibles and Their Associations With Out-of-Pocket Spending
      and Affordability Barriers Among US Adults With Chronic Conditions.

PMID- 28097305
TI  - Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: A Review.
AB  - Importance: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a paradigm shift in
      perioperative care, resulting in substantial improvements in clinical outcomes
      and cost savings. Observations: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery is a multimodal,
      multidisciplinary approach to the care of the surgical patient. Enhanced Recovery
      After Surgery process implementation involves a team consisting of surgeons,
      anesthetists, an ERAS coordinator (often a nurse or a physician assistant), and
      staff from units that care for the surgical patient. The care protocol is based
      on published evidence. The ERAS Society, an international nonprofit professional
      society that promotes, develops, and implements ERAS programs, publishes updated
      guidelines for many operations, such as evidence-based modern care changes from
      overnight fasting to carbohydrate drinks 2 hours before surgery, minimally
      invasive approaches instead of large incisions, management of fluids to seek
      balance rather than large volumes of intravenous fluids, avoidance of or early
      removal of drains and tubes, early mobilization, and serving of drinks and food
      the day of the operation. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols have resulted
      in shorter length of hospital stay by 30% to 50% and similar reductions in
      complications, while readmissions and costs are reduced. The elements of the
      protocol reduce the stress of the operation to retain anabolic homeostasis. The
      ERAS Society conducts structured implementation programs that are currently in
      use in more than 20 countries. Local ERAS teams from hospitals are trained to
      implement ERAS processes. Audit of process compliance and patient outcomes are
      important features. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery started mainly with
      colorectal surgery but has been shown to improve outcomes in almost all major
      surgical specialties. Conclusions and Relevance: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
      is an evidence-based care improvement process for surgical patients.
      Implementation of ERAS programs results in major improvements in clinical
      outcomes and cost, making ERAS an important example of value-based care applied
      to surgery.

PMID- 28097306
TI  - Universal Trichloroacetic Acid Peel Technique for Light and Dark Skin.
AB  - Importance: Despite their great potential, medium and deep trichloroacetic acid
      peels are underused in light-skinned patients and are rarely used in darker
      skinned patients because of the widespread fear of pigmentary complications and
      scarring. This concern has led many physicians to opt for the use of lighter
      types of peels (glycolic acid peel, Jessner peel, etc) and different lasers and
      intense light technologies. Trichloroacetic acid peels have been described in
      numerous publications. However, no study to date has described the precise
      technique and the practical pearls of a successful trichloroacetic acid peel
      approach in a clear, detailed, and reproducible manner. Objectives: To clarify a
      practical approach to a universal trichloroacetic acid peel and to offer novice
      and experienced facial plastic surgeons an organized, easy, and safe technique
      for medium and deep trichloroacetic acid peels. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: This study was a case series of universal trichloroacetic acid
      peels in an academic setting. The study dates were January 1, 1996, to November
      1, 2015. Main Outcomes and Methods: This article discusses the preoperative
      evaluation for a chemical peel, a previously published genetico-racial skin
      classification, and the trichloroacetic acid peel technique, which aims at
      standardizing and controlling the application of the acid to improve results and
      lessen complications. The "strip" technique is described, which increases the
      physician's control over the peel depth. Results: A total of 923 trichloroacetic
      acid peels in 803 female patients (87.0%) and 120 male patients (13.0%) were
      reviewed (mean age, 41.59 years). The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 13
      years (mean, 13 months). This case series revealed a low incidence of
      complications, including 54 patients (5.9%) with persistent hyperpigmentation, 3
      patients (0.3%) with mild telangiectasia, 2 patients (0.2%) with acute
      herpesvirus infection, 2 patients (0.2%) with bacterial Staphylococcus infection,
      and 1 patient (0.1%) with hypopigmentation. Conclusions and Relevance: When
      properly applied, trichloroacetic acid peels are efficient and safe for light and
      dark skin. The technique can be an easily implementable addition to a physician's
      cosmetic practice. Level of Evidence: 4.

PMID- 28097307
TI  - Association of Periodic Discharges With Reduced Brain Tissue Oxygenation: No
      Longer Straddling the Fence?

PMID- 28097308
TI  - Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Are We Done?

PMID- 28097309
TI  - Association of Quality of Life and Location of Lesions in Patients With Vitiligo.

PMID- 28097310
TI  - Combined Intravenous Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy vs Thrombectomy Alone for
      Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pooled Analysis of the SWIFT and STAR Studies.
AB  - Importance: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) improves clinical outcomes in patients
      with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by a large vessel occlusion. However, it
      is not known whether intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is of added benefit in
      patients undergoing MT. Objective: To examine whether treatment with IVT before
      MT with a stent retriever is beneficial in patients undergoing MT. Design,
      Setting, and Participants: This post hoc analysis used data from 291 patients
      treated with MT included in 2 large, multicenter, prospective clinical trials
      that evaluated MT for AIS (Solitaire With the Intention for Thrombectomy
      performed from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2011, and Solitaire Flow
      Restoration Thrombectomy for Acute Revascularization from January 1, 2010,
      through December 31, 2012). An independent core laboratory scored the radiologic
      outcomes in each trial. Interventions: Patients were treated with IVT with tissue
      plasminogen activator followed by MT (IVT and MT group) with the use of a stent
      retriever or MT with a stent retriever alone (MT group). Main Outcomes and
      Measures: Successful reperfusion, functional independence (modified Rankin Scale
      score of 0-2) and mortality at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,
      emboli to new territory, and vasospasm were compared. Results: Of 291 patients
      included in the analysis, 160 (55.0%) underwent IVT and MT (mean [SD] age, 67
      [13] years; 97 female [60.6%]), and 131 (45.0%) underwent MT alone (mean [SD]
      age, 69 [12] years; 71 [55.7%] female). Median Alberta Stroke Program Early CT
      Score at baseline was lower in the IVT and MT group (8 vs 9, P = .04). There was
      no statistically significant difference in the duration from symptom onset to
      groin puncture (254 minutes for the IVT and MT group vs 262 minutes for the MT
      group, P = .10). The number of passes, rate of successful reperfusion, functional
      independence at 90 days, mortality at 90 days, and emboli to new territory were
      also similar among groups. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (1% vs 4%) and
      parenchymal hemorrhages type 1 (1% vs 3%) or type 2 (1% vs 2%) did not differ
      significantly (P = .25). Vasospasm occurred more often in patients who received
      IVT and MT vs MT alone (27% vs 14%, P = .006). In multivariate analysis, no
      statistically significant association was observed between IVT and MT vs MT alone
      for any of the outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: The results indicate that
      treatment of patients experiencing AIS due to a large vessel occlusion with IVT
      before MT does not appear to provide a clinical benefit over MT alone. A
      randomized clinical trial seems warranted. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov
      Identifiers: NCT01054560 and NCT01327989.

PMID- 28097311
TI  - Association of Lymphovascular Space Invasion With Locoregional Failure and
      Survival in Patients With Node-Negative Oral Tongue Cancers.
AB  - Importance: The indications for adjuvant therapy in resected oral tongue cancers
      are based on both clinical and pathological factors, with clear evidence for
      adjuvant radiation in patients with pathologically positive neck lymph nodes,
      positive margins, and extracapsular extension, but the data for patients with no
      nodal disease are sparse. Objective: To investigate determinants of failure and
      survival in patients with node-negative oral tongue cancer. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: Medical records for patients with oral tongue cancer treated with
      definitive surgery from 2003 to 2013 were reviewed. All patients were cN0
      negative and classified as pathologically node-negative (pN0) if a neck
      dissection was performed. Patients received adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or
      chemoradiotherapy (CRT) based on standard clinical and pathological determinants.
      Main Outcomes and Measures: Kaplan-Meier and multivariable (MVA) logistic
      regression and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to
      identify patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics predictive of locoregional
      control (LRC) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 180 patients met
      entry criteria, with a median follow-up time of 4.9 years (range, 0.9-12.5
      years); 102 patients (56.7%) were female and 42 patients (23.3%) were younger
      than 45 years at diagnosis. One hundred fifty-three patients (85%) had T1/T2
      tumors, and 112 patients (62%) had elective neck dissections with confirmed pN0.
      Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) was present in 36 patients (20%). On MVA,
      LVSI (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02-0.19; P < .01) was associated with worse LRC.
      Elective neck dissection (odds ratio [OR], 2.99; 95% CI, 1.16-7.73; P = .02) and
      receipt of RT (OR, 7.74; 95% CI, 2.27-26.42; P < .01) were associated with
      improved LRC. Three-year LRC rates were significantly lower for patients with
      LVSI (38.8%; 95% CI, 22.8%, 54.6%) than those without LVSI (81.9%; 95% CI, 74.4%,
      87.4%). On MVA, only LVSI (hazard ratio, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.19-4.06; P = .01) and
      age greater than 44 years (hazard ratio, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.34-14.27; P = .01) were
      associated with worse OS. Three-year OS rates were significantly lower in
      patients with LVSI (71.3%; 95% CI, 53.2%-83.4%) than those without LVSI (90.3%;
      95% CI, 83.8%-94.3%). Conclusions and Relevance: Lymphovascular space invasion in
      patients with node-negative oral tongue cancer treated with upfront definitive
      surgery is associated with worse LRC and OS. Node-negative oral cavity cancers
      with LVSI warrant consideration of further adjuvant therapy, which should be
      further evaluated in a prospective setting.

PMID- 28097312
TI  - What Van Halen Can Teach Us About the Care of Older Patients.

PMID- 28097313
TI  - Association of "Weekend Warrior" and Other Leisure Time Physical Activity
      Patterns With Risks for All-Cause, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer Mortality.
AB  - Importance: More research is required to clarify the association between physical
      activity and health in "weekend warriors" who perform all their exercise in 1 or
      2 sessions per week. Objective: To investigate associations between the weekend
      warrior and other physical activity patterns and the risks for all-cause,
      cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: This pooled analysis of household-based surveillance studies
      included 11 cohorts of respondents to the Health Survey for England and Scottish
      Health Survey with prospective linkage to mortality records. Respondents 40 years
      or older were included in the analysis. Data were collected from 1994 to 2012 and
      analyzed in 2016. Exposures: Self-reported leisure time physical activity, with
      activity patterns defined as inactive (reporting no moderate- or vigorous
      intensity activities), insufficiently active (reporting <150 min/wk in moderate
      intensity and <75 min/wk in vigorous-intensity activities), weekend warrior
      (reporting >=150 min/wk in moderate-intensity or >=75 min/wk in vigorous
      intensity activities from 1 or 2 sessions), and regularly active (reporting >=150
      min/wk in moderate-intensity or >=75 min/wk in vigorous-intensity activities from
      >=3 sessions). The insufficiently active participants were also characterized by
      physical activity frequency. Main Outcomes and Measures: All-cause, CVD, and
      cancer mortality ascertained from death certificates. Results: Among the 63 591
      adult respondents (45.9% male; 44.1% female; mean [SD] age, 58.6 [11.9] years),
      8802 deaths from all causes, 2780 deaths from CVD, and 2526 from cancer occurred
      during 561 159 person-years of follow-up. Compared with the inactive
      participants, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 0.66 (95% CI,
      0.62-0.72) in insufficiently active participants who reported 1 to 2 sessions per
      week, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60-0.82) in weekend warrior participants, and 0.65 (95% CI,
      0.58-0.73) in regularly active participants. Compared with the inactive
      participants, the HR for CVD mortality was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.52-0.69) in
      insufficiently active participants who reported 1 or 2 sessions per week, 0.60
      (95% CI, 0.45-0.82) in weekend warrior participants, and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.48-0.73)
      in regularly active participants. Compared with the inactive participants, the HR
      for cancer mortality was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.73-0.94) in insufficiently active
      participants who reported 1 or 2 sessions per week, 0.82 (95% CI, 0.63-1.06) in
      weekend warrior participants, and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.66-0.94) in regularly active
      participants. Conclusions and Relevance: Weekend warrior and other leisure time
      physical activity patterns characterized by 1 or 2 sessions per week may be
      sufficient to reduce all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality risks regardless of
      adherence to prevailing physical activity guidelines.

PMID- 28097315
TI  - The Significance of Invasive Breast Cancer Associated With Ductal Carcinoma In
      Situ (DCIS) Compared With Cancer Without Associated DCIS.

PMID- 28097314
TI  - Complications of Bilateral Neck Dissection in Thyroid Cancer From a Single High
      Volume Center.
AB  - Importance: The morbidity of bilateral lateral neck dissection (BLND) for thyroid
      cancers has not been described in detail. This study delineates the specific
      complications arising from BLND for thyroid cancers at a single high-volume
      center. Objective: To determine the morbidity associated with BLNDs for
      differentiated thyroid cancers at our institution. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: This was a retrospective review of medical records performed to
      identify patients having undergone BLNDs for thyroid cancers by a single surgeon
      at an academic, tertiary medical center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from 1988 to
      2015. Patients who underwent BLND for papillary, follicular, or medullary thyroid
      cancers were identified through operative procedure codes and review of operative
      and pathology reports. The indication for this procedure was suspicious bilateral
      lateral compartment on imaging and clinical examination. Sixty-two patients who
      underwent BLND for thyroid cancers, with or without total thyroidectomy and
      central compartment dissection, were identified. Main Outcomes and Measures: The
      main outcome measures for this study were unanticipated medical or surgical
      complications during the operation or in the postoperative period. Secondary
      measures were oncologic outcomes, including regional structural or biochemical
      recurrence. Results: Of the 62 patients, 24 were male (39%), and 38 (61%) were
      female. Their mean age was 46 years (range, 17-80 years). The overall risk of
      permanent hypoparathyroidism was 37%. There was 1 case of unanticipated permanent
      recurrent nerve paralysis and 1 case of temporary nerve paresis. Postoperative
      chyle fistula occurred in 6 cases (10%). There were 3 readmissions within 30 days
      of surgery, 1 pulmonary embolism, and 1 perioperative mortality. Fifty percent of
      patients had pN0 contralateral necks despite preoperative clinical suspicion.
      Four patients were found to have anaplastic thyroid cancers intraoperatively.
      Five patients (8%) developed nodal recurrence in the neck. Four patients died of
      their disease within available follow-up (mean, 3.2 years). Conclusions and
      Relevance: Bilateral lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancers confers a
      significant amount of morbidity, including a significant rate of
      hypoparathyroidism. Knowledge of the complications of this procedure, especially
      in the setting of questionable survival benefit, may assist in preoperative
      decision-making and patient counseling.

PMID- 28097316
TI  - Evaluation of Structural Progression in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular
      Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Importance: Considerable research has described the arrhythmic course of
      arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C). However,
      objective data characterizing structural progression, such as ventricular
      enlargement and cardiac dysfunction, in ARVD/C are relatively scarce. Objectives:
      To define the extent of structural progression, identify determinants of
      structural progression, and determine the association between structural
      progression and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients with ARVD/C.
      Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cohort study, first- and last
      available echocardiograms of 85 patients with ARVD/C fulfilling 2010 Task Force
      diagnostic criteria (TFC) from a transatlantic ARVD/C registry were
      retrospectively compared to assess structural disease progression. Right
      ventricular (RV) size and systolic function between baseline and last follow-up
      were compared. The RV size was determined by RV outflow tract dimension, and RV
      and left ventricular (LV) systolic function were determined by RV fractional area
      change (RV-FAC) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF), respectively. Multivariable
      logistic regression was used to study associations between baseline
      characteristics and the occurrence of structural progression. Main Outcomes and
      Measures: The main outcome was the change in variables indicating structural
      progression. Secondary outcomes were the correlation with electrical progression
      and identification of the association between baseline characteristics and
      occurence structural progression. Results: Among the 85 patients with ARVD/C,
      mean (SD) age at baseline was 42.8 (14.4) years and 47 (55%) were men. After a
      mean (SD) follow-up of 6.4 (2.5) years, RV outflow tract dimension increased from
      35 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 31 to 39) to 37 mm (IQR, 33 to 41) (P < .001),
      RV-FAC decreased from 39% (IQR, 33% to 44%) to 34% (IQR, 24% to 42%) (P < .001)
      (rate -3.3% per 5 years; IQR, -8.9% to 1.2%), indicating large interpatient
      variability. The LVEF decreased from 55% (IQR, 52% to 60%) to 54% (IQR, 49% to
      57%) (P = .001) (rate, -0.2% per 5 years; IQR, -6.5% to 1.7%). Forty examinations
      were reanalyzed to establish the measurement error. Patients exceeding the
      measurement error by +/-2 SDs were identified with significant progressive
      disease for RV, with a decrease in RV-FAC greater than 10% (n = 21) and, for LV,
      a decrease in LVEF greater than 7% (n = 23). Progression of RV disease was
      associated with depolarization criteria at baseline (odds ratio [OR], 9.0; 95%
      CI, 1.1-74.2; P = .04), whereas progression of LV disease was associated with
      phospholamban (PLN) mutation (OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 2.1-37.2; P = .003). There was no
      association between progressive RV/LV structural disease and newly developed ECG
      TFC. Conclusions and Relevance: Structural dysfunction in ARVD/C is progressive
      with substantial interpatient variability. Significant structural RV progression
      was associated with prior depolarization abnormalities, whereas LV progression is
      modified by genetic background. Structural progression was not associated with
      development of new ECG TFC. The results of this study pave the way for designing
      and launching trials aimed at reducing structural progression in patients with
      ARVD/C.

PMID- 28097317
TI  - Surrogate End Points for All-Cause Mortality in Men With Localized Unfavorable
      Risk Prostate Cancer Treated With Radiation Therapy vs Radiation Therapy Plus
      Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical
      Trial.
AB  - Importance: Several surrogates for prostate cancer-specific mortality satisfying
      the Prentice criteria exist, but whether these are surrogates for all-cause
      mortality, and how their performance compares, is unknown. Objective: To
      ascertain and compare the performance of 4 candidate surrogates (prostate
      specific antigen [PSA] failure, PSA nadir >0.5 ng/mL, PSA doubling time <9
      months, and interval to PSA failure <30 months) for all-cause mortality using the
      proportion of treatment-effect metric. Design, Setting, and Participants: For
      this randomized clinical trial, 206 men with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer who
      were seen at a Harvard-affiliated academic hospital or an associated community
      hospital between December 1, 1995, to April 15, 2001, were identified, randomized
      to radiation therapy alone or radiation therapy followed by 6 months of androgen
      deprivation therapy, and followed for a median 16.62 years. This analysis looks
      at the subgroup of 157 men with minimal comorbidities or no comorbidity (median
      follow-up, 16.49 months). Interventions: Patients were previously randomized to
      receive radiation therapy or radiation and 6 months of androgen deprivation
      therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures: Risk of all-cause mortality. Results:
      Overall, a cohort of 157 men (median [interquartile range] age, 72.43 [68.75
      75.53]) with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer and minimal or no comorbidities
      were selected for this study. Three tested metrics met all 4 Prentice criteria
      for surrogacy for the surrogate covariate in the adjusted model for all-cause
      mortality: PSA nadir greater than 0.5 ng/mL (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.72;
      95% CI, 1.17-2.52; P = .01), PSA doubling time less than 9 months (aHR, 2.06; 95%
      CI, 1.29-3.28; P = .003), and interval to PSA failure less than 30 months (aHR,
      1.76; 95% CI, 1.06-2.92; P = .03); while PSA failure did not. For the 3
      successful surrogates, the proportion of treatment effect values were 103.86%,
      43.09%, and 41.26%, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: A PSA nadir value of
      greater than 0.5 ng/mL following radiation and androgen deprivation therapy
      appears to identify men prior to PSA failure who are at high-risk for death. This
      could be used to select men for entry at the time of PSA nadir onto randomized
      trials evaluating the impact on survival of salvage androgen deprivation therapy
      with or without agents shown to prolong survival in men with castrate-resistant
      metastatic prostate cancer. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT00116220.

PMID- 28097318
TI  - Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases: The Dichotomy Between Acute
      Outbreaks and Chronic Endemicity.

PMID- 28097319
TI  - Escalation of Commitment in Treatment Decisions Near the End of Life.

PMID- 28097320
TI  - Teens, Acne, and Oral Contraceptive Pills: The Need for Greater Clarity on When
      Teens Can Consent.

PMID- 28097321
TI  - Diagnostic Yield and Novel Candidate Genes by Exome Sequencing in 152
      Consanguineous Families With Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
AB  - Importance: Autosomal recessive inherited neurodevelopmental disorders are highly
      heterogeneous, and many, possibly most, of the disease genes are still unknown.
      Objectives: To promote the identification of disease genes through confirmation
      of previously described genes and presentation of novel candidates and provide an
      overview of the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in consanguineous families.
      Design, Setting, and Participants: Autozygosity mapping in families and exome
      sequencing of index patients were performed in 152 consanguineous families (the
      parents descended from a same ancestor) with at least 1 offspring with
      intellectual disability (ID). The study was conducted from July 1, 2008, to June
      30, 2015, and data analysis was conducted from July 1, 2015, to August 31, 2016.
      Results: Of the 152 consanguineous families enrolled, 1 child (in 45 families
      [29.6%]) or multiple children (107 families [70.4%]) had ID; additional features
      were present in 140 of the families (92.1%). The mean (SD) age of the children
      was 10.3 (9.0) years, and 171 of 297 (57.6%) were male. In 109 families (71.7%),
      potentially protein-disrupting and clinically relevant variants were identified.
      Of these, a clear clinical genetic diagnosis was made in 56 families (36.8%)
      owing to 57 (likely) pathogenic variants in 50 genes already established in
      neurodevelopmental disorders (46 autosomal recessive, 2 X-linked, and 2 de novo)
      or in 7 previously proposed recessive candidates. In 5 of these families,
      potentially treatable disorders were diagnosed (mutations in PAH, CBS, MTHFR,
      CYP27A1, and HIBCH), and in 1 family, 2 disease-causing homozygous variants in
      different genes were identified. In another 48 families (31.6%), 52 convincing
      recessive variants in candidate genes that were not previously reported in regard
      to neurodevelopmental disorders were identified. Of these, 14 were homozygous and
      truncating in GRM7, STX1A, CCAR2, EEF1D, GALNT2, SLC44A1, LRRIQ3, AMZ2, CLMN,
      SEC23IP, INIP, NARG2, FAM234B, and TRAP1. The diagnostic yield was higher in
      individuals with severe ID (35 of 77 [45.5%]), in multiplex families (42 of 107
      [39.3%]), in patients with additional features (30 of 70 [42.9%]), and in those
      with remotely related parents (15 of 34 [44.1%]). Conclusions and Relevance:
      Because of the high diagnostic yield of 36.8% and the possibility of identifying
      treatable diseases or the coexistence of several disease-causing variants, using
      exome sequencing as a first-line diagnostic approach in consanguineous families
      with neurodevelopmental disorders is recommended. Furthermore, the literature is
      enriched with 52 convincing candidate genes that are awaiting confirmation in
      independent families.

PMID- 28097322
TI  - Management and Outcomes of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in US Renal
      Transplant Recipients.
AB  - Importance: Renal transplantation is associated with reduction in the risk for
      myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with chronic kidney disease requiring long
      term dialysis (stage 5D CKD). Whether outcomes of MI differ among renal
      transplant recipients vs patients with stage 5D CKD or those without CKD has not
      been well examined. Objectives: To compare in-hospital reperfusion rates and
      outcomes of ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) in renal transplant recipients vs the
      stage 5D CKD group or the non-CKD group. Design, Setting, and Participants: The
      National Inpatient Sample database was queried to identify patients 18 years or
      older who were hospitalized with the principal diagnosis of STEMI. All
      hospitalizations for STEMI in the United States from January 1, 2003, to December
      31, 2013, were included. Codes from International Classification of Diseases,
      Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, were used to identify patients in the non
      CKD, stage 5D CKD, or prior renal transplant groups. Data were analyzed from
      March to May 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures: In-hospital mortality. Results:
      From 2003 to 2013, 2 319 002 patients in the non-CKD group (34.7% women; 65.3%
      men; mean [SD] age, 64.2 [14.4] years), 30 072 patients in the stage 5D CKD group
      (45.0% women; 55.0% men; mean [SD] age, 66.9 [12.5] years), and 2980 patients in
      the renal transplant group (27.3% women; 72.7% men; mean [SD] age, 57.5 [11.1]
      years) were identified who were hospitalized with STEMI. Of these, 68.9% of the
      patients in the non-CKD group, 39.5% in the stage 5D CKD group, and 65.2% in the
      renal transplant group received in-hospital reperfusion for STEMI. The renal
      transplant group was more likely to receive reperfusion compared with the stage
      5D CKD group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.83; 95% CI, 1.67-2.01; P < .001) but
      less likely compared with the non-CKD group (AOR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68-0.83; P <
      .001). Risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality among the renal transplant group with
      STEMI was markedly lower compared with the stage 5D CKD group (AOR, 0.37; 95% CI,
      0.33-0.43; P < .001) but similar compared with the non-CKD group (AOR, 1.14; 95%
      CI, 0.99-1.31; P = .08). Among renal transplant recipients with STEMI, the use of
      reperfusion increased from 53.7% in the 2003-2004 interval to 81.4% in the 2011
      2013 interval (AOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.25-1.43; P < .001 for trend), whereas risk
      adjusted in-hospital mortality remained unchanged during the study period, from
      8.9% in the 2003-2004 interval to 6.1% in the 2011-2013 interval (AOR, 0.94; 95%
      CI, 0.85-1.05; P = .27 for trend). Conclusions and Relevance: In-hospital
      mortality rates in renal transplant recipients with STEMI are more favorable
      compared with those of patients with stage 5D CKD and approach those of the
      general population with STEMI.

PMID- 28097323
TI  - Folic Acid for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: The US Preventive Services
      Task Force Statement on Folic Acid Supplementation in the Era of Mandatory Folic
      Acid Fortification.

PMID- 28097325
TI  - Imaging Locally Advanced, Recurrent, and Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Review.
AB  - Importance: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in US
      men. The course of prostate cancer is highly variable, and timely and accurate
      detection of clinically significant cancer is critical in positively affecting
      outcomes. Observations: Molecular imaging methods and magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) are the most promising new developments for prostate tumor visualization.
      While the benefits of MRI are many, positron emission tomography (PET)
      radiotracers are still available only as research tools. Conclusions and
      Relevance: The current research-based evidence on PET imaging has demonstrated
      encouraging potential in the initial diagnosis and detection of recurrence and
      metastases of prostate cancer.

PMID- 28097324
TI  - Molecular-Based Recursive Partitioning Analysis Model for Glioblastoma in the
      Temozolomide Era: A Correlative Analysis Based on NRG Oncology RTOG 0525.
AB  - Importance: There is a need for a more refined, molecularly based classification
      model for glioblastoma (GBM) in the temozolomide era. Objective: To refine the
      existing clinically based recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) model by
      incorporating molecular variables. Design, Setting, and Participants: NRG
      Oncology RTOG 0525 specimens (n = 452) were analyzed for protein biomarkers
      representing key pathways in GBM by a quantitative molecular microscopy-based
      approach with semiquantitative immunohistochemical validation. Prognostic
      significance of each protein was examined by single-marker and multimarker Cox
      regression analyses. To reclassify the prognostic risk groups, significant
      protein biomarkers on single-marker analysis were incorporated into an RPA model
      consisting of the same clinical variables (age, Karnofsky Performance Status,
      extent of resection, and neurologic function) as the existing RTOG RPA. The new
      RPA model (NRG-GBM-RPA) was confirmed using traditional immunohistochemistry in
      an independent data set (n = 176). Main Outcomes and Measures: Overall survival
      (OS). Results: In 452 specimens, MGMT (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81; 95% CI, 1.37
      2.39; P < .001), survivin (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04-1.76; P = .02), c-Met (HR,
      1.53; 95% CI, 1.06-2.23; P = .02), pmTOR (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60-0.97; P = .03),
      and Ki-67 (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.10-1.78; P = .007) protein levels were found to be
      significant on single-marker multivariate analysis of OS. To refine the existing
      RPA, significant protein biomarkers together with clinical variables (age,
      Karnofsky Performance Status, extent of resection, and neurological function)
      were incorporated into a new model. Of 166 patients used for the new NRG-GBM-RPA
      model, 97 (58.4%) were male (mean [SD] age, 55.7 [12.0] years). Higher MGMT
      protein level was significantly associated with decreased MGMT promoter
      methylation and vice versa (1425.1 for methylated vs 1828.0 for unmethylated; P <
      .001). Furthermore, MGMT protein expression (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.38-2.43; P <
      .001) had greater prognostic value for OS compared with MGMT promoter methylation
      (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.28-2.44; P < .001). The refined NRG-GBM-RPA consisting of
      MGMT protein, c-Met protein, and age revealed greater separation of OS prognostic
      classes compared with the existing clinically based RPA model and MGMT promoter
      methylation in NRG Oncology RTOG 0525. The prognostic significance of the NRG-GBM
      RPA was subsequently confirmed in an independent data set (n = 176). Conclusions
      and Relevance: This new NRG-GBM-RPA model improves outcome stratification over
      both the current RTOG RPA model and MGMT promoter methylation, respectively, for
      patients with GBM treated with radiation and temozolomide and was biologically
      validated in an independent data set. The revised RPA has the potential to
      contribute to improving the accurate assessment of prognostic groups in patients
      with GBM treated with radiation and temozolomide and to influence clinical
      decision making. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00304031.

PMID- 28097326
TI  - Population Health Equity: Rate and Burden, Race and Class.

PMID- 28097327
TI  - Challenges of Assessing Common Problems Presenting in Uncommon High-Risk Patient
      Populations.

PMID- 28097329
TI  - Quantifying Disease Progression in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular
      Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy: Key to Advancing Therapy.

PMID- 28097328
TI  - Diabetes Outpatient Care and Acute Complications Before and After High-Deductible
      Insurance Enrollment: A Natural Experiment for Translation in Diabetes (NEXT-D)
      Study.
AB  - Importance: High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) have expanded under the
      Affordable Care Act and are expected to play a major role in the future of US
      health policy. The effects of modern HDHPs on chronically ill patients and
      adverse outcomes are unknown. Objective: To determine the association of HDHP
      with high-priority diabetes outpatient care and preventable acute complications.
      Design, Setting, and Participants: Controlled interrupted-time-series study using
      a large national health insurer database from January 1, 2003, to December 31,
      2012. A total of 12 084 HDHP members with diabetes, aged 12 to 64 years, who were
      enrolled for 1 year in a low-deductible (<=$500) plan followed by 2 years in an
      HDHP (>=$1000) after an employer-mandated switch were included. Patients
      transitioning to HDHPs were propensity-score matched with contemporaneous
      patients whose employers offered only low-deductible coverage. Low-income (n =
      4121) and health savings account (HSA)-eligible (n = 1899) patients with diabetes
      were subgroups of interest. Data analysis was performed from February 23, 2015,
      to September 11, 2016. Exposures: Employer-mandated HDHP transition. Main
      Outcomes and Measures: High-priority outpatient visits, disease monitoring tests,
      and outpatient and emergency department visits for preventable acute diabetes
      complications. Results: In the 12 084 HDHP members included after the propensity
      score match, the mean (SD) age was 50.4 (10.0) years; 5410 of the group (44.8%)
      were women. The overall, low-income, and HSA-eligible diabetes HDHP groups
      experienced increases in out-of-pocket medical expenditures of 49.4% (95% CI,
      40.3% to 58.4%), 51.7% (95% CI, 38.6% to 64.7%), and 67.8% (95% CI, 47.9% to
      87.8%), respectively, compared with controls in the year after transitioning to
      HDHPs. High-priority primary care visits and disease monitoring tests did not
      change significantly in the overall HDHP cohort; however, high-priority
      specialist visits declined by 5.5% (95% CI, -9.6% to -1.5%) in follow-up year 1
      and 7.1% (95% CI, -11.5% to -2.7%) in follow-up year 2 vs baseline. Outpatient
      acute diabetes complication visits were delayed in the overall and low-income
      HDHP cohorts at follow-up (adjusted hazard ratios, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.88 to 0.99]
      for the overall cohort and 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81 to 0.98] for the low-income
      cohort). Annual emergency department acute complication visits among HDHP members
      increased by 8.0% (95% CI, 4.6% to 11.4%) in the overall group, 21.7% (95% CI,
      14.5% to 28.9%) in the low-income group, and 15.5% (95% CI, 10.5% to 20.6%) in
      the HSA-eligible group. Conclusions and Relevance: Patients with diabetes
      experienced minimal changes in outpatient visits and disease monitoring after an
      HDHP switch, but low-income and HSA-eligible HDHP members experienced major
      increases in emergency department visits for preventable acute diabetes
      complications.

PMID- 28097331
TI  - Expanding the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program to General
      Surgery: A Proposal to Address the National Shortage of General Surgeons in the
      United States.

PMID- 28097330
TI  - Electroencephalographic Periodic Discharges and Frequency-Dependent Brain Tissue
      Hypoxia in Acute Brain Injury.
AB  - Importance: Periodic discharges (PDs) that do not meet seizure criteria, also
      termed the ictal interictal continuum, are pervasive on electroencephalographic
      (EEG) recordings after acute brain injury. However, their association with brain
      homeostasis and the need for clinical intervention remain unknown. Objective: To
      determine whether distinct PD patterns can be identified that, similar to
      electrographic seizures, cause brain tissue hypoxia, a measure of ongoing brain
      injury. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study included
      90 comatose patients with high-grade spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage who
      underwent continuous surface (scalp) EEG (sEEG) recording and multimodality
      monitoring, including invasive measurements of intracortical (depth) EEG (dEEG),
      partial pressure of oxygen in interstitial brain tissue (Pbto2), and regional
      cerebral blood flow (CBF). Patient data were collected from June 1, 2006, to
      September 1, 2014, at a single tertiary care center. The retrospective analysis
      was performed from September 1, 2014, to May 1, 2016, with a hypothesis that the
      effect on brain tissue oxygenation was primarily dependent on the discharge
      frequency. Main Outcomes and Measures: Electroencephalographic recordings were
      visually classified based on PD frequency and spatial distribution of discharges.
      Correlations between mean multimodality monitoring data and change-point analyses
      were performed to characterize electrophysiological changes by applying
      bootstrapping. Results: Of the 90 patients included in the study (26 men and 64
      women; mean [SD] age, 55 [15] years), 32 (36%) had PDs on sEEG and dEEG
      recordings and 21 (23%) on dEEG recordings only. Frequencies of PDs ranged from
      0.5 to 2.5 Hz. Median Pbto2 was 23 mm Hg without PDs compared with 16 mm Hg at
      2.0 Hz and 14 mm Hg at 2.5 Hz (differences were significant for 0 vs 2.5 Hz based
      on bootstrapping). Change-point analysis confirmed a temporal association of high
      frequency PD onset (>=2.0 Hz) and Pbto2 reduction (median normalized Pbto2
      decreased by 25% 5-10 minutes after onset). Increased regional CBF of 21.0 mL/100
      g/min for 0 Hz, 25.9 mL/100 g/min for 1.0 Hz, 27.5 mL/100 g/min for 1.5 Hz, and
      34.7 mL/100 g/min for 2.0 Hz and increased global cerebral perfusion pressure of
      91 mm Hg for 0 Hz, 100.5 mm Hg for 0.5 Hz, 95.5 mm Hg for 1.0 Hz, 97.0 mm Hg for
      2.0 Hz, 98.0 mm Hg for 2.5 Hz, 95.0 mm Hg for 2.5 Hz, and 67.8 mm Hg for 3.0 Hz
      were seen for higher PD frequencies. Conclusions and Relevance: These data give
      some support to consider redefining the continuum between seizures and PDs,
      suggesting that additional damage after acute brain injury may be reflected by
      frequency changes in electrocerebral recordings. Similar to seizures, cerebral
      blood flow increases in patients with PDs to compensate for the increased
      metabolic demand but higher-frequency PDs (>2 per second) may be inadequately
      compensated without an additional rise in CBF and associated with brain tissue
      hypoxia, or higher-frequency PDs may reflect inadequacies in brain compensatory
      mechanisms.

PMID- 28097333
TI  - Statin Eligibility Under American and European Cholesterol Guidelines-Reply.

PMID- 28097332
TI  - Effect of Incentive Spirometry on Postoperative Hypoxemia and Pulmonary
      Complications After Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Importance: The combination of obesity and foregut surgery puts patients
      undergoing bariatric surgery at high risk for postoperative pulmonary
      complications. Postoperative incentive spirometry (IS) is a ubiquitous practice;
      however, little evidence exists on its effectiveness. Objective: To determine the
      effect of postoperative IS on hypoxemia, arterial oxygen saturation (Sao2) level,
      and pulmonary complications after bariatric surgery. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: A randomized noninferiority clinical trial enrolled patients
      undergoing bariatric surgery from May 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016. Patients were
      randomized to postoperative IS (control group) or clinical observation (test
      group) at a single-center tertiary referral teaching hospital. Analysis was based
      on the evaluable population. Interventions: The controls received the standard of
      care with IS use 10 times every hour while awake. The test group did not receive
      an IS device or these orders. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was
      frequency of hypoxemia, defined as an Sao2 level of less than 92% without
      supplementation at 6, 12, and 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes were
      Sao2 levels at these times and the rate of 30-day postoperative pulmonary
      complications. Results: A total of 224 patients (50 men [22.3%] and 174 women
      [77.7%]; mean [SD] age, 45.6 [11.8] years) were enrolled, and 112 were randomized
      for each group. Baseline characteristics of the groups were similar. No
      significant differences in frequency of postoperative hypoxemia between the
      control and test groups were found at 6 (11.9% vs 10.4%; P = .72), 12 (5.4% vs
      8.2%; P = .40), or 24 (3.7% vs 4.6%; P = .73) postoperative hours. No significant
      differences were observed in mean (SD) Sao2 level between the control and test
      groups at 6 (94.9% [3.2%] vs 94.9% [2.9%]; P = .99), 12 (95.4% [2.2%] vs 95.1%
      [2.5%]; P = .40), or 24 (95.7% [2.4%] vs 95.6% [2.4%]; P = .69) postoperative
      hours. Rates of 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications did not differ
      between groups (8 patients [7.1%] in the control group vs 4 [3.6%] in the test
      group; P = .24). Conclusions and Relevance: Postoperative IS did not demonstrate
      any effect on postoperative hypoxemia, Sao2 level, or postoperative pulmonary
      complications. Based on these findings, the routine use of IS is not recommended
      after bariatric surgery in its current implementation. Trial Registration:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02431455.

PMID- 28097334
TI  - The Role of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices in the Detection and
      Treatment of Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation: A Review.
AB  - Importance: Subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased
      risk for stroke. Observations: Subclinical AF is asymptomatic, short in duration,
      and usually detected with long-term, continuous monitoring. Most prior studies
      have explored its consequences using cardiovascular implantable electronic
      devices (CIEDs). Although current prevalence estimates are derived from study
      populations with prior CIEDs, 3 trials will assess the time to a first AF
      diagnosis among patients receiving a CIED for purposes of AF detection. Stroke
      risk estimates are currently limited to patients with a prior CIED and vary
      widely, ranging from a hazard ratio of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.58-1.31) to 9.40 (95% CI,
      1.80-47.00). Stroke risk pathogenesis may include factors that are proximately
      causal, upstream risk activators, and risk markers. The treatment of subclinical
      AF may be a useful stroke prevention strategy; however, no direct evidence of
      benefit from oral anticoagulation exists in this population. Two ongoing trials
      will assess the risk and benefit of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants among
      patients at high risk for stroke with a previously placed implantable CIED, but
      without a prior diagnosis of clinical AF. If clinical benefit is proven, then the
      cost-effectiveness of screening for and the treatment of subclinical AF will
      require additional study. Conclusions and Relevance: At present, no evidence
      suggests that implanting a CIED to detect AF or initiating oral anticoagulation
      therapy among those in whom AF is detected is beneficial. Ongoing and future
      studies will identify people at high risk for developing subclinical AF and will
      evaluate the efficacy, safety, and economic value of oral anticoagulation therapy
      in this population.

PMID- 28097335
TI  - Renaming of Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE) to
      Acute Multifocal Placoid Choroidopathy (AMP-C).

PMID- 28097337
TI  - Cancer-Related Depression.

PMID- 28097336
TI  - Incentive Spirometry After Bariatric Surgery: Yes or No?

PMID- 28097339
TI  - Concerns About Women's Health.

PMID- 28097338
TI  - Coping With Uncertainty: Roz, Ray, and the AIDS Epidemic.

PMID- 28097340
TI  - Bill to Link Rural Physicians With Top Specialists Advances.

PMID- 28097341
TI  - Augmented Reality Goes Bedside.

PMID- 28097342
TI  - Second Chances to Improve ESRD Outcomes With a Second-Generation Calcimimetic.

PMID- 28097343
TI  - Global Burden of Raised Blood Pressure: Coming Into Focus.

PMID- 28097344
TI  - Strategies for Preventing Folate-Related Neural Tube Defects: Supplements,
      Fortified Foods, or Both?

PMID- 28097345
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes Following LASIK: Quality of Life in the PROWL Studies.

PMID- 28097347
TI  - How Would the Next President Ensure Competitiveness in the Health Care
      Marketplace?

PMID- 28097348
TI  - Physiologic Aspects of the Working Day Problem.

PMID- 28097349
TI  - Alternatives in the Evaluation of Suspected Coronary Heart Disease.

PMID- 28097350
TI  - Alternatives in the Evaluation of Suspected Coronary Heart Disease.

PMID- 28097351
TI  - Clinical Guidelines for Management of Acne Vulgaris.

PMID- 28097352
TI  - Alternatives in the Evaluation of Suspected Coronary Heart Disease-Reply.

PMID- 28097353
TI  - Clinical Guidelines for Management of Acne Vulgaris-Reply.

PMID- 28097355
TI  - Effect of Etelcalcetide vs Placebo on Serum Parathyroid Hormone in Patients
      Receiving Hemodialysis With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: Two Randomized
      Clinical Trials.
AB  - Importance: Secondary hyperparathyroidism contributes to extraskeletal
      complications in chronic kidney disease. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the
      intravenous calcimimetic etelcalcetide on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      concentrations in patients receiving hemodialysis. Design, Setting, and
      Participants: Two parallel, phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled treatment
      trials were conducted in 1023 patients receiving hemodialysis with moderate to
      severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Trial A was conducted in 508 patients at
      111 sites in the United States, Canada, Europe, Israel, Russia, and Australia
      from March 12, 2013, to June 12, 2014; trial B was conducted in 515 patients at
      97 sites in the same countries from March 12, 2013, to May 12, 2014.
      Interventions: Intravenous administration of etelcalcetide (n = 503) or placebo
      (n = 513) after each hemodialysis session for 26 weeks. Main Outcomes and
      Measures: The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of patients achieving
      greater than 30% reduction from baseline in mean PTH during weeks 20-27. A
      secondary efficacy end point was the proportion of patients achieving mean PTH of
      300 pg/mL or lower. Results: The mean age of the 1023 patients was 58.2 (SD,
      14.4) years and 60.4% were men. Mean PTH concentrations at baseline and during
      weeks 20-27 were 849 and 384 pg/mL vs 820 and 897 pg/mL in the etelcalcetide and
      placebo groups, respectively, in trial A; corresponding values were 845 and 363
      pg/mL vs 852 and 960 pg/mL in trial B. Patients randomized to etelcalcetide were
      significantly more likely to achieve the primary efficacy end point: in trial A,
      188 of 254 (74.0%) vs 21 of 254 (8.3%; P < .001), for a difference in proportions
      of 65.7% (95% CI, 59.4%-72.1%) and in trial B, 192 of 255 (75.3%) vs 25 of 260
      (9.6%; P < .001), for a difference in proportions of 65.7% (95% CI, 59.3%-72.1%).
      Patients randomized to etelcalcetide were significantly more likely to achieve a
      PTH level of 300 pg/mL or lower: in trial A, 126 of 254 (49.6%) vs 13 of 254
      (5.1%; P < .001), for a difference in proportions of 44.5% (95% CI, 37.8%-51.2%)
      and in trial B, 136 of 255 (53.3%) vs 12 of 260 (4.6%; P < .001), for a
      difference in proportions of 48.7% (95% CI, 42.1%-55.4%). In trials A and B,
      respectively, patients receiving etelcalcetide had more muscle spasms (12.0% and
      11.1% vs 7.1% and 6.2% with placebo), nausea (12.4% and 9.1% vs 5.1% and 7.3%),
      and vomiting (10.4% and 7.5% vs 7.1% and 3.1%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among
      patients receiving hemodialysis with moderate to severe secondary
      hyperparathyroidism, use of etelcalcetide compared with placebo resulted in
      greater reduction in serum PTH over 26 weeks. Further studies are needed to
      assess clinical outcomes as well as longer-term efficacy and safety. Trial
      Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01788046.

PMID- 28097354
TI  - Global Burden of Hypertension and Systolic Blood Pressure of at Least 110 to 115
      mm Hg, 1990-2015.
AB  - Importance: Elevated systolic blood (SBP) pressure is a leading global health
      risk. Quantifying the levels of SBP is important to guide prevention policies and
      interventions. Objective: To estimate the association between SBP of at least 110
      to 115 mm Hg and SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher and the burden of different causes of
      death and disability by age and sex for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2015.
      Design: A comparative risk assessment of health loss related to SBP. Estimated
      distribution of SBP was based on 844 studies from 154 countries (published 1980
      2015) of 8.69 million participants. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression
      was used to generate estimates of mean SBP and adjusted variance for each age,
      sex, country, and year. Diseases with sufficient evidence for a causal
      relationship with high SBP (eg, ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and
      hemorrhagic stroke) were included in the primary analysis. Main Outcomes and
      Measures: Mean SBP level, cause-specific deaths, and health burden related to SBP
      (>=110-115 mm Hg and also >=140 mm Hg) by age, sex, country, and year. Results:
      Between 1990-2015, the rate of SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg increased from 73
      119 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 67 949-78 241) to 81 373 (95% UI, 76 814-85
      770) per 100 000, and SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher increased from 17 307 (95% UI,
      17 117-17 492) to 20 526 (95% UI, 20 283-20 746) per 100 000. The estimated
      annual death rate per 100 000 associated with SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg
      increased from 135.6 (95% UI, 122.4-148.1) to 145.2 (95% UI 130.3-159.9) and the
      rate for SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher increased from 97.9 (95% UI, 87.5-108.1) to
      106.3 (95% UI, 94.6-118.1).  For loss of DALYs associated with systolic blood
      pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, the loss increased from 95.9 million (95%
      uncertainty interval [UI], 87.0-104.9 million) to 143.0 million (95% UI, 130.2
      157.0 million) [corrected], and for SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher, the loss
      increased from 5.2 million (95% UI, 4.6-5.7 million) to 7.8 million (95% UI, 7.0
      8.7 million). The largest numbers of SBP-related deaths were caused by ischemic
      heart disease (4.9 million [95% UI, 4.0-5.7 million]; 54.5%), hemorrhagic stroke
      (2.0 million [95% UI, 1.6-2.3 million]; 58.3%), and ischemic stroke (1.5 million
      [95% UI, 1.2-1.8 million]; 50.0%). In 2015, China, India, Russia, Indonesia, and
      the United States accounted for more than half of the global DALYs related to SBP
      of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg. Conclusions and Relevance: In international
      surveys, although there is uncertainty in some estimates, the rate of elevated
      SBP (>=110-115 and >=140 mm Hg) increased substantially between 1990 and 2015,
      and DALYs and deaths associated with elevated SBP also increased. Projections
      based on this sample suggest that in 2015, an estimated 3.5 billion adults had
      SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg and 874 million adults had SBP of 140 mm Hg or
      higher.

PMID- 28097356
TI  - Effect of Etelcalcetide vs Cinacalcet on Serum Parathyroid Hormone in Patients
      Receiving Hemodialysis With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A Randomized Clinical
      Trial.
AB  - Importance: Secondary hyperparathyroidism contributes to extraskeletal
      calcification and is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
      Control is suboptimal in the majority of patients receiving hemodialysis. An
      intravenously (IV) administered calcimimetic could improve adherence and reduce
      adverse gastrointestinal effects. Objective: To evaluate the relative efficacy
      and safety of the IV calcimimetic etelcalcetide and the oral calcimimetic
      cinacalcet. Design, Setting, and Participants: A randomized, double-blind, double
      dummy active clinical trial was conducted comparing IV etelcalcetide vs oral
      placebo and oral cinacalcet vs IV placebo in 683 patients receiving hemodialysis
      with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations higher than 500 pg/mL on
      active therapy at 164 sites in the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, and New
      Zealand. Patients were enrolled from August 2013 to May 2014, with end of follow
      up in January 2015. Interventions: Etelcalcetide intravenously and oral placebo
      (n = 340) or oral cinacalcet and IV placebo (n = 343) for 26 weeks. The IV study
      drug was administered 3 times weekly with hemodialysis; the oral study drug was
      administered daily. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary efficacy end point
      was noninferiority of etelcalcetide at achieving more than a 30% reduction from
      baseline in mean predialysis PTH concentrations during weeks 20-27
      (noninferiority margin, 12.0%). Secondary end points included superiority in
      achieving biochemical end points (>50% and >30% reduction in PTH) and self
      reported nausea or vomiting. Results: The mean (SD) age of the trial participants
      was 54.7 (14.1) years and 56.2% were men. Etelcalcetide was noninferior to
      cinacalcet on the primary end point. The estimated difference in proportions of
      patients achieving reduction in PTH concentrations of more than 30% between the
      198 of 343 patients (57.7%) randomized to receive cinacalcet and the 232 of 340
      patients (68.2%) randomized to receive etelcalcetide was -10.5% (95% CI, -17.5%
      to -3.5%, P for noninferiority, <.001; P for superiority, .004). One hundred
      seventy-eight patients (52.4%) randomized to etelcalcetide achieved more than 50%
      reduction in PTH concentrations compared with 138 patients (40.2%) randomized to
      cinacalcet (P = .001; difference in proportions, 12.2%; 95% CI, 4.7% to 19.5%).
      The most common adverse effect was decreased blood calcium (68.9% vs 59.8%).
      Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients receiving hemodialysis with moderate to
      severe secondary hyperparathyroidism, the use of etelcalcetide was not inferior
      to cinacalcet in reducing serum PTH concentrations over 26 weeks; it also met
      superiority criteria. Further studies are needed to assess clinical outcomes as
      well as longer-term efficacy and safety. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov
      Identifier: NCT1896232.

PMID- 28097357
TI  - Folic Acid Supplementation for Prevention of Neural Tube Defects.

PMID- 28097359
TI  - Aspects of Ending a Lifelong Dream.

PMID- 28097361
TI  - Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: An Updated
      Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
AB  - Importance: Neural tube defects are among the most common congenital anomalies in
      the United States. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation is a primary care
      relevant preventive intervention. Objective: To review the evidence on folic acid
      supplementation for preventing neural tube defects to inform the US Preventive
      Services Task Force for an updated Recommendation Statement. Data Sources:
      MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and trial registries through January 28, 2016,
      with ongoing surveillance through November 11, 2016; references; experts. Study
      Selection: English-language studies of folic acid supplementation in women.
      Excluded were poor-quality studies; studies of prepubertal girls, men, women
      without the potential for childbearing, and neural tube defect recurrence; and
      studies conducted in developing countries. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two
      investigators independently reviewed abstracts, full-text articles, and risk of
      bias of included studies. One investigator extracted data and a second checked
      accuracy. Because of heterogeneity, data were not pooled. Main Outcomes and
      Measures: Neural tube defects, harms of treatment (twinning, respiratory
      outcomes). Results: A total of 24 studies (N > 58 860) were included. In 1
      randomized clinical trial from Hungary initiated in 1984, incidence of neural
      tube defects for folic acid supplementation compared with trace element
      supplementation was 0% vs 0.25% (Peto odds ratio [OR], 0.13 [95% CI, 0.03-0.65];
      n = 4862). Odds ratios from cohort studies recruiting participants between 1984
      and 1996 demonstrated beneficial associations and ranged from 0.11 to 0.27 (n =
      19 982). Three of 4 case-control studies with data from 1976 through 1998
      reported ORs ranging from 0.6 to 0.7 (n > 7121). Evidence of benefit led to food
      fortification in the United States beginning in 1998, after which no new
      prospective studies have been conducted. More recent case-control studies drawing
      from data collected after 1998 have not demonstrated a protective association
      consistently with folic acid supplementation, with ORs ranging from 0.93 to 1.4
      and confidence intervals spanning the null (n > 13 990). Regarding harms, 1 trial
      (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 0.89-2.21]; n = 4767) and 1 cohort study (OR, 1.04 [95% CI,
      0.91-1.18]; n = 2620) found no statistically significant increased risk of
      twinning. Three systematic reviews found no consistent evidence of increased risk
      of asthma (OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.99-1.14]; n = 14 438), wheezing, or allergy.
      Conclusions and Relevance: In studies conducted before the initiation of food
      fortification in the United States in 1998, folic acid supplementation provided
      protection against neural tube defects. Newer postfortification studies have not
      demonstrated a protective association but have the potential for
      misclassification and recall bias, which can attenuate the measured association
      of folic acid supplementation with neural tube defects.

PMID- 28097362
TI  - Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: US
      Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.
AB  - Importance: Neural tube defects are among the most common major congenital
      anomalies in the United States and may lead to a range of disabilities or death.
      Daily folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period can prevent
      neural tube defects. However, most women do not receive the recommended daily
      intake of folate from diet alone. Objective: To update the 2009 US Preventive
      Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on folic acid supplementation in
      women of childbearing age. Evidence Review: In 2009, the USPSTF reviewed the
      effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in women of childbearing age for the
      prevention of neural tube defects in infants. The current review assessed new
      evidence on the benefits and harms of folic acid supplementation. Findings: The
      USPSTF assessed the balance of the benefits and harms of folic acid
      supplementation in women of childbearing age and determined that the net benefit
      is substantial. Evidence is adequate that the harms to the mother or infant from
      folic acid supplementation taken at the usual doses are no greater than small.
      Therefore, the USPSTF reaffirms its 2009 recommendation. Conclusions and
      Recommendation: The USPSTF recommends that all women who are planning or capable
      of pregnancy take a daily supplement containing 0.4 to 0.8 mg (400-800 ug) of
      folic acid. (A recommendation).

PMID- 28097363
TI  - The Rise of Altmetrics.

PMID- 28097365
TI  - Drop in Preventable Cancer Deaths.

PMID- 28097364
TI  - Modest Obesity Reduction In Low-Income Kids.

PMID- 28097366
TI  - Statin Eligibility Under American and European Cholesterol Guidelines.

PMID- 28097367
TI  - Impaired Glucose Homeostasis in First-Episode Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review
      and Meta-analysis.
AB  - Importance: Schizophrenia is associated with an increased risk of type 2
      diabetes. However, it is not clear whether schizophrenia confers an inherent risk
      for glucose dysregulation in the absence of the effects of chronic illness and
      long-term treatment. Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis examining whether
      individuals with first-episode schizophrenia already exhibit alterations in
      glucose homeostasis compared with controls. Data Sources: The EMBASE, MEDLINE,
      and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched for studies examining
      measures of glucose homeostasis in antipsychotic-naive individuals with first
      episode schizophrenia compared with individuals serving as controls. Study
      Selection: Case-control studies reporting on fasting plasma glucose levels,
      plasma glucose levels after an oral glucose tolerance test, fasting plasma
      insulin levels, insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in first
      episode antipsychotic-naive individuals with first-episode schizophrenia compared
      with healthy individuals serving as controls. Two independent investigators
      selected the studies. Data Extraction: Two independent investigators extracted
      study-level data for a random-effects meta-analysis. Standardized mean
      differences in fasting plasma glucose levels, plasma glucose levels after an oral
      glucose tolerance test, fasting plasma insulin levels, insulin resistance, and
      HbA1c levels were calculated. Sensitivity analyses examining the effect of body
      mass index, diet and exercise, race/ethnicity, and minimal (<=2 weeks)
      antipsychotic exposure were performed. Data Synthesis: Of 3660 citations
      retrieved, 16 case-control studies comprising 15 samples met inclusion criteria.
      The overall sample included 731 patients and 614 controls. Fasting plasma glucose
      levels (Hedges g = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.38; P = .03), plasma glucose levels
      after an oral glucose tolerance test (Hedges g = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.16 to 1.05; P =
      .007), fasting plasma insulin levels (Hedges g = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.72; P =
      .01), and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance)
      (Hedges g = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.55; P = .001) were all significantly elevated
      in patients compared with controls. However, HbA1c levels (Hedges g = -0.08; CI, 
      0.34 to 0.18; P = .55) were not altered in patients compared with controls.
      Conclusions and Relevance: These findings show that glucose homeostasis is
      altered from illness onset in schizophrenia, indicating that patients are at
      increased risk of diabetes as a result. This finding has implications for the
      monitoring and treatment choice for patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 28097369
TI  - Photocatalytic Degradation of Contaminants with Titanium Dioxide: A 40-Year
      Retrospective on the Paper by John Carey and Colleagues Published in BECT.

PMID- 28097370
TI  - Osseointegrated prosthesis for patients with an amputation : Multidisciplinary
      team approach in the Netherlands.
AB  - This article reviews the development of multidisciplinary osseointegration
      treatment in the Netherlands since its start in 2009. People experiencing
      limitations due to their socket prosthesis after a leg amputation present to the
      Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre for an osseointegration implant or
      "bone-anchored" prosthesis. In this article we share our experience with the
      first 100 patients regarding referral pattern, selection criteria, available
      osseointegration systems, preoperative planning, surgical treatment, the
      rehabilitation protocol, outcome measurement, revision surgery, and future
      developments.

PMID- 28097368
TI  - Incidence of and Risk Factors for Skin Cancer in Organ Transplant Recipients in
      the United States.
AB  - Importance: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy occurring after organ
      transplantation. Although previous research has reported an increased risk of
      skin cancer in solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs), no study has estimated
      the posttransplant population-based incidence in the United States. Objective: To
      determine the incidence and evaluate the risk factors for posttransplant skin
      cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma (MM), and Merkel cell
      carcinoma (MCC) in a cohort of US OTRs receiving a primary organ transplant in
      2003 or 2008. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter retrospective
      cohort study examined 10 649 adult recipients of a primary transplant performed
      at 26 centers across the United States in the Transplant Skin Cancer Network
      during 1 of 2 calendar years (either 2003 or 2008) identified through the Organ
      Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) database. Recipients of all organs
      except intestine were included, and the follow-up periods were 5 and 10 years.
      Main Outcomes and Measures: Incident skin cancer was determined through detailed
      medical record review. Data on predictors were obtained from the OPTN database.
      The incidence rates for posttransplant skin cancer overall and for SCC, MM, and
      MCC were calculated per 100 000 person-years. Potential risk factors for
      posttransplant skin cancer were tested using multivariate Cox regression analysis
      to yield adjusted hazard ratios (HR). Results: Overall, 10 649 organ transplant
      recipients (mean [SD] age, 51 [12] years; 3873 women [36%] and 6776 men [64%])
      contributed 59 923 years of follow-up. The incidence rates for posttransplant
      skin cancer was 1437 per 100 000 person-years. Specific subtype rates for SCC,
      MM, and MCC were 812, 75, and 2 per 100 000 person-years, respectively.
      Statistically significant risk factors for posttransplant skin cancer included
      pretransplant skin cancer (HR, 4.69; 95% CI, 3.26-6.73), male sex (HR, 1.56; 95%
      CI, 1.34-1.81), white race (HR, 9.04; 95% CI, 6.20-13.18), age at transplant 50
      years or older (HR, 2.77; 95% CI, 2.20-3.48), and being transplanted in 2008 vs
      2003 (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.22-1.94). Conclusions and Relevance: Posttransplant
      skin cancer is common, with elevated risk imparted by increased age, white race,
      male sex, and thoracic organ transplantation. A temporal cohort effect was
      present. Understanding the risk factors and trends in posttransplant skin cancer
      is fundamental to targeted screening and prevention in this population.

PMID- 28097371
TI  - High Resolution Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Solitary Orbital Tumors : 3D Turbo
      Field Echo with Diffusion-Sensitized Driven-Equilibrium (DSDE-TFE) Preparation
      Technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: To differentiate cystic from solid solitary intraorbital tumors using 3D
      turbo field echo with diffusion-sensitized driven-equilibrium preparation without
      contrast material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved
      by our institutional review boards, and written informed consent was waived. A
      total of 26 patients with intraorbital tumors were studied. Motion probing
      gradients were conducted at one direction with b-values of 0 and 500 s/mm2. The
      voxel size was 1.5 * 1.5 * 1.5 mm3, and acquisition time was 5 min 22 s.
      Additionally, fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and T1WI were obtained.
      The apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) of the lesions were measured. Signal
      intensity on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to normal
      appearing white matter was also measured. Statistical analysis was performed with
      Mann-Whitney U-test, the Steel-Dwass test and the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: There were 10 cystic (7 dermoids, 2
      epidermoids, and 1 cystadenoma) and 16 solid (8 cavernous hemangiomas, 6
      pleomorphic adenomas, 1 adenocarcinoma, and 1 sebaceous carcinoma) tumors. The
      ADC of the cystic tumors (mean +/- SD; 2.21 +/- 0.76 * 10-3 mm2/s) was
      statistically significantly lower than that of solid tumors (1.43 +/- 0.41 * 10-3
      mm2/s; P < 0.05).; however, there were no statistically significant differences
      on conventional MRI (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant
      differences among tumor subtypes in all parameters (P > 0.05). The ROC analysis
      showed the best diagnostic performance with ADC (Az = 0.77). CONCLUSION: With its
      insensitivity to field inhomogeneity and high spatial resolution, the 3D DSDE-TFE
      technique enabled us to discriminate cystic tumors from solid tumors.

PMID- 28097373
TI  - Vaccination of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients-what
      should be considered?

PMID- 28097375
TI  - Hypoxia-Induced Fibroblast Growth Factor 11 Stimulates Osteoclast-Mediated
      Resorption of Bone.
AB  - Over-activation of osteoclasts is directly responsible for pathological bone loss
      in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer metastasis to bone. Hypoxia
      is a common feature of these conditions, associated with poor prognosis, which
      also stimulates osteoclast-mediated bone resorption via induction of the hypoxia
      inducible transcription factor HIF-1alpha. Here, we investigate the effects of
      fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) on osteoclast function. FGF11 is an
      intracellular FGF that was induced both by hypoxia (2% O2, p < 0.01) and by
      inhibition of the HIF-regulating prolyl hydroxylase enzymes (CoCl2, p < 0.001) in
      osteoclasts. Isoform-specific siRNA demonstrated that the induction of Fgf11 mRNA
      expression by hypoxia is HIF-1alpha-dependent (p < 0.01). Hypoxic stimulation of
      bone resorption was inhibited in osteoclasts treated with siRNA targeting FGF11
      (p < 0.05). This was at least partially due to reduced secretion of an
      unidentified pro-resorptive factor downstream of FGF11. FGF11 expression within
      hypoxic, resorbing osteoclasts co-localised with microtubule-associated alpha
      tubulin. FGF11 was also abundantly expressed in osteoclasts within the rheumatoid
      synovium and in giant cell tumour of bone. This study suggests FGF11 as a novel
      factor driving pathological bone resorption in osteolytic disease and as a
      potential target for the development of new anti-resorptive therapeutic agents.

PMID- 28097372
TI  - The role of neuropeptides in adverse myocardial remodeling and heart failure.
AB  - In addition to traditional neurotransmitters of the sympathetic and
      parasympathetic nervous systems, the heart also contains numerous neuropeptides.
      These neuropeptides not only modulate the effects of neurotransmitters, but also
      have independent effects on cardiac function. While in most cases the
      physiological actions of these neuropeptides are well defined, their
      contributions to cardiac pathology are less appreciated. Some neuropeptides are
      cardioprotective, some promote adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure, and
      in the case of others their functions are unclear. Some have both
      cardioprotective and adverse effects depending on the specific cardiac pathology
      and progression of that pathology. In this review, we briefly describe the
      actions of several neuropeptides on normal cardiac physiology, before describing
      in more detail their role in adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure. It is
      our goal to bring more focus toward understanding the contribution of
      neuropeptides to the pathogenesis of heart failure, and to consider them as
      potential therapeutic targets.

PMID- 28097376
TI  - Elemental labelling and mass spectrometry for the specific detection of sulfenic
      acid groups in model peptides: a proof of concept.
AB  - Oxidative transformation of cysteine thiol groups into different functional
      groups is considered a significant posttranslational modification of great
      importance in pathological and physiological processes. A cysteine sulfenic acid
      (SA) residue is the transient state for thiol group oxidation and it can react
      with free thiols to form disulfide bonds or can be further oxidized with reactive
      oxygen/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) to form sulfinic and sulfonic acids.
      The increase in ROS/RNS concentrations is correlated to age-related diseases such
      as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Since the formation of SA represents a
      transient state of oxidation of thiols, its formation can be considered a redox
      sensitive sensor for the presence of ROS/RNS. Thereby, the detection of the short
      lived SA will provide greater insight into the redox-mediated events that alter
      the structure and function of peptides and proteins. The aim of this study is to
      provide a new strategy for the highly sensitive and specific detection of SA in
      peptides as a proof of concept. For this aim, SA was firstly generated in model
      peptides on oxidation with H2O2 and then captured by the linear alkyne beta
      ketoester (KE) previously linked to a lanthanide (Ln)-containing chelator (Ln
      DOTA, where DOTA is 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid).
      The linking of the KE to DOTA was performed by click chemistry, resulting in a
      new reagent (Ln-DOTA-KE) that permits highly sensitive elemental (inductively
      coupled plasma) and molecular (electrospray) mass spectrometric detection. The
      new reagent (Ln-DOTA-KE) reacts specifically with SA, offering improved
      reactivity at physiological pH, facile derivatization and a cell-membrane
      permeable compound that has promising future applications. Graphical Abstract A
      new derivatizing reagent for specific detection of sulphenic acid (SA) generated
      in model peptides by oxidation of cysteine groups is presented in this work.

PMID- 28097374
TI  - Effects of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor agonists and antagonists on
      responding for a conditioned reinforcer and its enhancement by methylphenidate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: These experiments examined the effects of selective 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A
      and 5-HT2C receptor ligands on responding for a conditioned reinforcer (CRf).
      Effects of these ligands were measured under basal conditions and following
      elevated dopamine (DA) activity produced by the DA reuptake inhibitor
      methylphenidate. METHODS: Water-restricted rats learned to associate a
      conditioned stimulus (CS) with water in operant chambers. Subsequently, two
      response levers were made available; responding on one lever delivered the CS
      (now a CRf), while responding on the second lever had no consequences. The
      effects of agonist and antagonists of 5-HT1A (8-hydroxy-2(di-n
      propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT) and N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1
      piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY100635)), 5-HT2A (DOI
      and M100907) and 5-HT2C (Ro60-0175 and SB242084) receptors on responding were
      examined alone, as well as in the presence of methylphenidate. RESULTS:
      Responding for a CRf was reduced by the agonists 8-OH-DPAT, DOI and Ro60-0175. 8
      OH-DPAT also reduced responding for water and seemed to impair responding in a
      non-specific fashion. None of the receptor antagonists affected responding.
      Methylphenidate dose-dependently enhanced responding for a CRf, and this was
      attenuated by DOI and Ro60-0175. Conversely, the 5-HT2C receptor antagonist
      SB242084 potentiated the effect of methylphenidate. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was
      found for a behaviourally selective effect of 5-HT1A receptor ligands on
      responding for a CRf. Activation of 5-HT2A receptors selectively inhibits
      responding for a CRf. 5-HT2C receptor ligands exerted bidirectional modulation of
      responding for a CRf, especially when DA activity was increased. This indicates
      that 5-HT2C receptor activity is an important modulator of DA-dependent reward
      related behaviours.

PMID- 28097377
TI  - [The Olympic motto of pathology].

PMID- 28097378
TI  - [Molecular pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy-related fibrosis].
AB  - Progressive myofibrosis plays a key role in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The
      dystrophic loss of contractile cells triggers a relatively nonspecific
      restructuring of the surrounding mesenchyme. The increase in connective and fatty
      tissue leads to muscular weakness and is therefore of critical importance for the
      cellular pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy. The systematic biochemical analysis
      of fibrosis using comparative proteomics has identified a number of extracellular
      matrix proteins that are indirectly involved in muscular dystrophy. An increased
      concentration was established for collagen I, collagen IV, collagen VI,
      periostin, dermatopontin, fibronectin, biglycan, asporin, decorin, prolargin,
      mimecan and lumican. Based on these findings, the identified matrix proteins can
      now be characterized biochemically and their exact pathophysiological role in
      Duchenne muscular dystrophy determined.

PMID- 28097379
TI  - T1 bright appendix sign to exclude acute appendicitis in pregnant women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of the T1 bright appendix sign for
      the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This
      retrospective study included 125 pregnant women with suspected appendicitis who
      underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The T1 bright appendix sign was
      defined as a high intensity signal filling more than half length of the appendix
      on T1-weighted imaging. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV)
      and negative predictive value (NPV) of the T1 bright appendix sign for normal
      appendix identification were calculated in all patients and in those with
      borderline-sized appendices (6-7 mm). RESULTS: The T1 bright appendix sign was
      seen in 51% of patients with normal appendices, but only in 4.5% of patients with
      acute appendicitis. The overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the T1
      bright appendix sign for normal appendix diagnosis were 44.9%, 95.5%, 97.6%, and
      30.0%, respectively. All four patients with borderline sized appendix with
      appendicitis showed negative T1 bright appendix sign. CONCLUSION: The T1 bright
      appendix sign is a specific finding for the diagnosis of a normal appendix in
      pregnant women with suspected acute appendicitis. KEY POINTS: * Magnetic
      resonance imaging is increasingly used in emergency settings. * Acute
      appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen. * Magnetic resonance
      imaging is widely used in pregnant population. * T1 bright appendix sign can be a
      specific sign representing normal appendix.

PMID- 28097380
TI  - Successful treatment of pouchitis with Vedolizumab, but not fecal microbiota
      transfer (FMT), after proctocolectomy in ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 28097381
TI  - Rotating night shift work, sleep, and colorectal adenoma in women.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the associations of rotating night shift
      work history and sleep duration with risk of colorectal adenoma. METHODS: We
      evaluated 56,275 cancer-free participants of the Nurses' Health Study II, who had
      their first colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy between 1991 and 2011; rotating night
      shift work and sleep duration were reported by mailed questionnaire.
      Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to estimate relative risks
      (RR) of colorectal adenoma, with 95% confidence intervals (CI), across categories
      of rotating night shift work history (none, 1-4, 5-9, and >=10 years) and sleep
      duration (<=5, 6, 7, 8, and >=9 h/day). RESULTS: We found no association between
      duration of rotating night shift work and occurrence of colorectal adenoma (p
      trend across shift work categories = 0.5). Women with the longest durations of
      rotating night shift work (>=10 years) had a similar risk of adenoma compared to
      women without a history of rotating night shift work (multivariable-adjusted RR =
      0.96, 95% CI = 0.83-1.11). Similarly, there were no associations of shorter or
      longer sleep durations with adenoma risk (p-trend = 0.2 across sleep durations of
      <=5 through 7 h/day and p-trend = 0.5 across sleep durations of 7 through >=9
      h/day). Results were similar when we examined associations according to adenoma
      location and subtype. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not support an association
      between rotating night shift work or sleep duration and risk of colorectal
      adenoma in women.

PMID- 28097382
TI  - Ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction caused by fractures and disconnections
      over 10 years of follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: We have discussed the diagnosis and treatment approaches in patients
      with discontinued (disconnected or fractured) ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts
      that caused mechanical dysfunction. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2016, VP shunt
      surgery was performed on 1357 pediatric patients in our clinic. In follow-up
      examinations, we retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent revision
      surgery. Except for diagnosis of discontinued VP shunt, by excluding revision
      surgery patients, only those patients who underwent surgical treatment owing to
      discontinued (fracture or disconnection) catheter were included in the study. Age
      at first surgery, sex, reason for shunt discontinuity, anatomical region of
      pathology, time to discontinuity diagnosis after first surgery, and presence or
      absence of symptoms were evaluated. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred fifty
      seven VP shunt surgeries were performed in total, with 305 (22.4%) patients
      requiring revision surgery. Of these 305 patients, after accounting for other
      complications like obstruction, infection, overdrainage, and so on, 25 (8.1%)
      patients (14 male, 11 female) required re-surgery due to discontinuity. The mean
      age of these patients was 5.4 +/- 2.1 months during the first VP shunt surgery,
      and the mean age during revision surgery was 71.7 months. The mean duration until
      discontinuity was diagnosed was 66.3 +/- 24.1 months (76.1 months for catheter
      fractures and 45.6 months for disconnections (p 0.021)). CONCLUSION:
      Disconnection and fracture are two significant mechanical VP shunt dysfunctions
      and must be adequately researched and understood even during routine follow-ups.
      A disconnected or fractured shunt may be working and it is not safe to state that
      the shunt is no longer needed.

PMID- 28097384
TI  - Stress response physiology of thermophiles.
AB  - Thermo (or hyperthermo) philic microorganisms are ubiquitous having a wide range
      of habitats from freshly fallen snow to pasteurized milk to geothermal areas like
      hot springs. The variations in physicochemical conditions, viz., temperature, pH,
      nutrient availability and light intensity in the habitats always pose stress
      conditions for the inhabitants leading to slow growth or cell death. The
      industrial processes used for harvesting secondary metabolites such as enzymes,
      toxins and organic acids also create stressed environments for thermophiles. The
      production of DNA-binding proteins, activation of reactive oxygen species
      detoxification system, compatible solute accumulation, expression of heat shock
      proteins and alterations in morphology are a few examples of physiological
      changes demonstrated by these microscopic lifeforms in stress. These
      microorganisms exhibit complex genetic and physiological changes to minimize,
      adapt to and repair damage caused by extreme environmental disturbances. These
      changes are termed as 'stress responses' which enable them to stabilize their
      homeostasis. The exploration of important thermophilic factors would pave the way
      in engineering the microbial strains for various biotechnological applications.
      This review article presents a picture of physiological responses of thermophiles
      against various stress conditions as their mechanisms to respond to stress make
      them model organisms to further explore them for basic and applied biology
      purposes.

PMID- 28097385
TI  - Two Phase 1 dose-escalation studies exploring multiple regimens of litronesib
      (LY2523355), an Eg5 inhibitor, in patients with advanced cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This first-in-human report examined the recommended Phase 2 dose and
      schedule of litronesib, a selective allosteric kinesin Eg5 inhibitor. METHODS:
      Two concurrent dose-escalation studies investigated litronesib across the dose
      range of 0.125-16 mg/m2/day, evaluating the following schedules of administration
      on a 21-day cycle: Days 1, 2, 3; Days 1, 5, 9; Days 1, 8; Days 1, 5; or Days 1,
      4, with or without pegfilgrastim. Best overall response was defined per Response
      Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST Version 1.0). Pharmacokinetic (PK)
      evaluations were performed. Exploratory PK/pharmacodynamic analyses investigated
      the relationship between litronesib plasma exposure and changes in phosphohistone
      H3 (pHH3) levels. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients with advanced
      malignancies were enrolled. Neutropenia was the primary dose-limiting toxicity.
      Prophylactic pegfilgrastim reduced neutropenia frequency and severity, allowing
      administration of higher litronesib doses, but increases in the incidences of
      mucositis and stomatitis were observed. Among 86 response-evaluable patients, 2
      patients (2%) achieved partial response, both on the Days 1, 2, 3 regimen (5 and
      6 mg/m2/day with pegfilgrastim), and 17 patients (20%) maintained stable disease
      for >=6 cycles. Dose-dependent increases in litronesib plasma exposure were
      observed, with minor intra- and inter-cycle accumulation, along with exposure
      dependent increases in pHH3 expression in tumor and skin biopsies. CONCLUSIONS:
      On the basis of the results of these studies, two regimens were selected for
      Phase 2 exploration: 6 mg/m2/day on Days 1, 2, 3 plus pegfilgrastim and 8
      mg/m2/day on Days 1, 5, 9 plus pegfilgrastim, both on a 21-day cycle.

PMID- 28097386
TI  - Biomechanical analysis of clavicle hook plate implantation with different hook
      angles in the acromioclavicular joint.
AB  - PURPOSE: A clavicle hook plate is a simple and effective method for treating
      acromioclavicular dislocation and distal clavicle fractures. However, subacromial
      osteolysis and peri-implant fractures are complicated for surgeons to manage.
      This study uses finite element analysis (FEA) to investigate the post
      implantation biomechanics of clavicle hook plates with different hook angles.
      METHODS: This FEA study constructed a model with a clavicle, acromion, clavicle
      hook plate, and screws to simulate the implantation of clavicle hook plates at
      different hook angles (90 degrees , 95 degrees , 100 degrees , 105 degrees , and
      110 degrees ) for treating acromioclavicular joint dislocations. This study
      investigated the biomechanics of the acromion, clavicle, hook plate, and screws.
      RESULTS: A smaller hook angle increases the stress on the middle third of the
      clavicle. A larger hook angle increases the force exerted by the clavicle hook
      plate on the acromion. The screw at the most medial position on the plate
      generated the highest stress. The highest stress on the implanted clavicle hook
      plate was on the turning corner of the hook. CONCLUSIONS: A clavicle hook plate
      with different hook angles may induce different biomechanical behaviors in the
      clavicle and acromion. Orthopedic surgeons must select a suitable clavicle hook
      plate based on the anatomical structure of each patient.

PMID- 28097387
TI  - All dual mobility cups are not the same.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although the natural history of dual mobility has been exclusively borne
      for 20 years by a single company (due to industrial ownership), the concept has
      undeniably been very widely popularised with nearly 40 cups on the French market
      which should be regarded as a weight bearing surface, both broadly and in their
      own right. However, within the same original idea, these implants are not all
      identical (design, material, fixation ect.).The aim of this work is to propose a
      classification of different dual mobility cups by distinguishing between
      thegeneral characteristics of a conventional cup and those particular to this
      type of implant. METHODS: By comparison with a standard metal-back cup, dual
      mobility is based on at least one additional interface corresponding to the
      mobility of the polyethylene insert in the concavity of the acetabular cup called
      the outersurface. Design, constitutive material, fixation of the cup and
      characteristics of the retentive insert are analysed through the published
      results. RESULTS: The complications associated, in particular, the
      intraprosthetic dislocation and to a lesser extent fixation failures undoubtedly
      condemned the dissemination of the dual mobility concept, as witnessed by the
      fact that despite the precedence of this 40-year old concept, the overriding
      majority of publications (more than 95%) have only appeared in the last ten
      years. CONCLUSION: The latest generation of dual mobility cups combines: 1) a
      cast chrome-cobalt alloy cup covered with a bilayer coating of porous titanium
      and hydroxyapatite for long-term press-fit fixation to 2) an insert designed to
      eliminate all of the risks of intraprosthetic dislocation, whilst keeping all of
      the elasticity properties of the polyethylene, which has demonstrated its medium
      and long term effectiveness on preventing instability by overcoming other
      complications.

PMID- 28097388
TI  - Percutaneous omental biopsy: efficacy and complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of percutaneous omental biopsy.
      METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of all 181 percutaneous omental
      biopsies performed at a single institution between 9/18/2002 and 2/12/2016. Mean
      patient age was 67 (+/-14) years, and 114 (63%) patients were female. Biopsy
      results were compared to subsequent surgical pathology and paracentesis cytology,
      when available, and cases were further evaluated based on the imaging appearance
      of the omental abnormality. Complications were classified using Society of
      Interventional Radiology (SIR) consensus guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 181 cases,
      histopathology was positive for malignancy in 166 (92%) patients and showed
      benign inflammation/fibrosis in 15 (8%) patients. Seventy-three (40%) patients
      underwent subsequent surgery, and omental malignancy was diagnosed in every case.
      Percutaneous omental biopsy and surgical pathology results were concordant in all
      but 1 case (diagnostic accuracy of 99%). In contrast, the accuracy of
      paracentesis cytology in surgically confirmed malignant cases was only 76% (p =
      0.004). Biopsy was positive for malignancy in 95% of patients with omental
      caking, 92% with omental nodularity, 80% with a single omental nodule, and 20%
      with omental thickening (p = <0.001). In 118 (65%) patients, a previously unknown
      (new or additional) malignancy was diagnosed. No clinically significant
      complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous biopsy is an effective and safe
      method to evaluate omental abnormalities. Omental biopsy is more sensitive than
      paracentesis cytology for determining malignancy. Omental malignancy is more
      likely as the abnormality advances through the spectrum of imaging appearances
      from omental thickening to omental caking.

PMID- 28097389
TI  - Observation time after outpatient non-arterial interventional procedures:
      standards, safety, and outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of standardized reduced post-procedure
      observation time on subsequent healthcare encounters such as emergency department
      (ED) visits, hospital admissions, and clinic visits. METHODS: 800 consecutive
      patients undergoing outpatient non-arterial interventional radiologic procedures
      within the vascular interventional department between 1 June 2013 and 21 July
      2014 were included in this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant single center
      observational retrospective study. Electronic medical records were reviewed for
      subsequent healthcare encounters, such as ED visits, hospital admissions, and
      clinic visits. An attending interventional radiologist and radiology resident
      reviewed, in consensus, medical records for relevance of the encounter to the
      index procedure. Procedure-related encounters were analyzed to determine
      relationship to length of observation time, using Matlab for statistical
      analysis. RESULTS: 397 and 403 patients were in the pre- and post-standardization
      groups, respectively. Median observation time decreased overall from 1.67 h
      [interquartile range (IQR) 1.17-2.17] to 1.42 h (IQR 1.08-1.92), p < 0.001. There
      was no significant change in either overall or procedure-related ED visits (16.6%
      [66/397] and 1.0% [4/397] pre-standardization vs. 20.1% [81/403] and 2.2% [9/403]
      post-standardization, p = 0.24 and 0.26), hospital admissions (27.7% [110/397]
      and 4.0% [16/397] prestandardization vs. 28.3% [114/403] and 2.7% [11/403] post
      standardization, p = 0.88 and 0.33), or clinic visits (41.3% [164/397] and 1.0%
      [4/397] pre-standardization vs. 39.5% [159/403] and 2.2% [9/403] post
      standardization, p = 0.61 and 0.26). CONCLUSION: Proposed standardized shortened
      observation times after outpatient interventional radiologic procedures are safe,
      without change in either total or procedure-related ED visits, hospital
      admissions, or clinic visits.

PMID- 28097391
TI  - [Tapering and termination of immunosuppressive therapy : Systemic lupus
      erythematosus].
AB  - Similar to patients with other rheumatic diseases, patients with systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE) nowadays can also have the desire to terminate
      immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory medications. In order to provide
      appropriate advice to patients, the two main issues are the risk of severe
      adverse events under long-term therapy with any drug and the perceived risk of a
      flare, in particular of severe flares. The risks of long-term therapy vary
      greatly between drugs, ranging from severe unacceptable risks with
      cyclophosphamide and higher dose glucocorticoids to low risks usually outweighed
      by long-term benefits with hydroxychloroquine. The individual risk of flares is
      often difficult to estimate but clinical remission and at least 3 years of
      immunosuppression are recommended for lupus nephritis. The duration of remission
      can also be shorter in cases of milder forms of disease. This review article
      tries to put the available evidence into a clinical perspective and to derive
      concrete recommendations.

PMID- 28097392
TI  - [Tapering and termination of immunosuppressive therapy].

PMID- 28097390
TI  - A role of PLC/PKC-dependent pathway in GLP-1-stimulated insulin secretion.
AB  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an endogenous glucose-lowering hormone and GLP
      1 receptor agonists are currently being used as antidiabetic drugs clinically.
      The canonical signalling pathway (including cAMP, Epac2, protein kinase A (PKA)
      and KATP channels) is almost universally accepted as the main mechanism of GLP-1
      stimulated insulin secretion. This belief is based on in vitro studies that used
      nanomolar (1-100 nM) concentrations of GLP-1. Recently, it was found that the
      physiological concentrations (1-10 pM) of GLP-1 also stimulate insulin secretion
      from isolated islets, induce membrane depolarization and increase of
      intracellular [Ca2+] in isolated beta cells/pancreatic islets. These responses
      were unaffected by PKA inhibitors and occurred without detectable increases in
      intracellular cAMP and PKA activity. These PKA-independent actions of GLP-1
      depend on protein kinase C (PKC), involve activation of the standard GLP-1
      receptor (GLP1R) and culminate in activation of phospholipase C (PLC), leading to
      an elevation of diacylglycerol (DAG), increased L-type Ca2+ and TRPM4/TRPM5
      channel activities. Here, we review these recent data and contrast them against
      the effects of nanomolar concentrations of GLP-1. The differential intracellular
      signalling activated by low and high concentrations of GLP-1 could provide a clue
      to explain how GLP-1 exerts different function in the central nervous system and
      peripheral organs.

PMID- 28097393
TI  - Comparative efficacy and safety of baricitinib 2 mg and 4 mg in patients with
      active rheumatoid arthritis : A Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the relative efficacy and safety of once
      daily baricitinib 2 mg and 4 mg administration in patients with active rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). METHODS: In this network meta-analysis, randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with
      active RA were included. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to
      combine the direct and indirect evidence from the RCTs. RESULTS: Seven RCTs
      involving 3461 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were ten pairwise
      comparisons, including seven direct comparisons and five interventions. The ACR20
      response rate was significantly higher in the baricitinib 4 mg in combination
      with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) group than in the
      placebo+DMARD group (odds ratio, OR 3.13; 95% credible interval, CrI 2.32-4.33).
      Compared with the placebo+DMARD group, the baricitinib 4 mg, baricitinib 2 mg +
      DMARD, and adalimumab 40 mg + methotrexate (MTX) groups showed a significantly
      higher ACR20 response rate. The ranking probability based on the surface under
      the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicated that baricitinib 4 mg + DMARD was
      likely to elicit the best ACR20 response rate (SUCRA = 0.7930), followed by
      baricitinib 4 mg (SUCRA = 0.7034), baricitinib 2 mg + DMARD (SUCRA = 0.6304),
      adalimumab 40 mg + MTX (SUCRA = 0.3687), and placebo+DMARD (SUCRA = 0.0045). By
      contrast, the safety based on the number of treatment-emergent adverse events
      (TEAEs) did not differ significantly among the five interventions. CONCLUSION:
      Baricitinib 2 mg and 4 mg administered once daily, in combination with DMARD,
      were efficacious interventions for active RA that had no significant risk of TEAE
      development.

PMID- 28097394
TI  - The morphology and morphometry of the fovea capitis femoris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is little published information on the anatomy of the fovea
      capitis femoris (FCF), the distal attachment site of the ligament of the head of
      femur (LHF). This study investigates the morphology of the FCF on dry bones in an
      attempt to answer some of the debate around the functional significance of the
      LHF. METHODS: The morphological and morphometric details of the FCF were analysed
      on 125 dry isolated femora (n = 125) from the Anatomy Museum, University of
      Otago, New Zealand. RESULTS: All femora had a single distinct FCF. The proximal
      half of the foveal floor was rough indicating the attachment of the LHF, while
      the distal half or receptacle zone, was smooth. The long axis of most FCF (63.2%)
      was directed posteroinferiorly. The FCF measured 1.77 +/- 0.4 cm (SD) in the
      longitudinal plane and 1.3 +/- 0.32 cm (SD) in the transverse plane and occupied
      17% of the surface area of the femoral head. The shape of the FCF was oval in
      66%, circular in 28%, and triangular in 6%. In 123 of 125 bones, the FCF was
      located on the posteroinferior quadrant of the femoral head. Multiple vascular
      foramina were found in the ligament attachment zone in 76% of the bones and a
      quarter of the samples showed a shallow perifoveal groove (24%) or a deep
      perifoveal notch (26%) on the dry bones. DISCUSSION: This study shows that the
      fovea consistently lies posteroinferior to the true centre of the femoral head
      and is usually oval in shape. Patent vascular foramina clustered within the LHF
      attachment site suggest that the ligament conveys some blood supply to the
      femoral head in adults.

PMID- 28097395
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097396
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097397
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097398
TI  - Mapping quantitative trait loci for root development under hypoxia conditions in
      soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.).
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Greatest potential, QTLs for hypoxia and waterlogging tolerance in
      soybean roots were detected using a new phenotypic evaluation method.
      Waterlogging is a major environmental stress limiting soybean yield in wet parts
      of the world. Root development is an important indicator of hypoxia tolerance in
      soybean. However, little is known about the genetic control of root development
      under hypoxia. This study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci
      (QTLs) responsible for root development under hypoxia. Recombinant inbred lines
      (RILs) developed from a cross between a hypoxia-sensitive cultivar, Tachinagaha,
      and a tolerant landrace, Iyodaizu, were used. Seedlings were subjected to
      hypoxia, and root development was evaluated with the value change in root traits
      between after and before treatments. We found 230 polymorphic markers spanning
      2519.2 cM distributed on all 20 chromosomes (Chrs.). Using these, we found 11
      QTLs for root length (RL), root length development (RLD), root surface area
      (RSA), root surface area development (RSAD), root diameter (RD), and change in
      average root diameter (CARD) on Chrs. 11, 12, 13 and 14, and 7 QTLs for hypoxia
      tolerance of these root traits. These included QTLs for RLD and RSAD between
      markers Satt052 and Satt302 on Chr. 12, which are important markers of hypoxia
      tolerance in soybean; those QTLs were stable between 2 years. To validate the
      QTLs, we developed a near-isogenic line with the QTL region derived from
      Iyodaizu. The line performed well under both hypoxia and waterlogging, suggesting
      that the region contains one or more genes with large effects on root
      development. These findings may be useful for fine mapping and positional cloning
      of gene responsible for root development under hypoxia.

PMID- 28097400
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097399
TI  - Segregation for fertility and meiotic stability in novel Brassica allohexaploids.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Allohexaploid Brassica populations reveal ongoing segregation for
      fertility, while genotype influences fertility and meiotic stability. Creation of
      a new Brassica allohexaploid species is of interest for the development of a crop
      type with increased heterosis and adaptability. At present, no naturally
      occurring, meiotically stable Brassica allohexaploid exists, with little data
      available on chromosome behaviour and meiotic control in allohexaploid germplasm.
      In this study, 100 plants from the cross B. carinata * B. rapa (A2 allohexaploid
      population) and 69 plants from the cross (B. napus * B. carinata) * B. juncea (H2
      allohexaploid population) were assessed for fertility and meiotic behaviour.
      Estimated pollen viability, self-pollinated seed set, number of seeds on the main
      shoot, number of pods on the main shoot, seeds per ten pods and plant height were
      measured for both the A2 and H2 populations and for a set of reference control
      cultivars. The H2 population had high segregation for pollen viability and
      meiotic stability, while the A2 population was characterised by low pollen
      fertility and a high level of chromosome loss. Both populations were taller, but
      had lower average fertility trait values than the control cultivar samples. The
      study also characterises fertility and meiotic chromosome behaviour in genotypes
      and progeny sets in heterozygous allotetraploid Brassica derived lines, and
      indicates that genotypes of the parents and H1 hybrids are affecting chromosome
      pairing and fertility phenotypes in the H2 population. The identification and
      characterisation of factors influencing stability in novel allohexaploid Brassica
      populations will assist in the development of this as a new crop species for food
      and agricultural benefit.

PMID- 28097401
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097402
TI  - [Mechanobiology of fracture healing].

PMID- 28097403
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097404
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome of the endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis fici:
      features and evolution.
AB  - Endophytic fungi (EF) live within plants and have profound impacts on plant
      communities. They are astonishingly diverse but poorly studied at the genome
      level. Herein, we assembled the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the EF
      Pestalotiopsis fici, annotated and compared it with those of other relatives to
      better understand the evolution of the EF lineage. Except for standard fungal
      mitochondrial genes, the 69,529-bp circular mitogenome of P. fici harbors 18
      introns acquired possibly through lateral transfer from other fungi and nine free
      standing open reading frames with some scarcely seen in fungal mitogenomes. BLAST
      analysis detected no obvious duplication events of large fragments between
      mitochondrial and nuclear genomes of the fungus. Transcription analyses validated
      the expression of all mitochondrial genes, while most genes showed higher
      expression on rice than in two other media. The mitogenome of P. fici is highly
      syntenic with the Xylariales species Annulohypoxylon stygium and the endophyte
      Epichloe festucae var. lolii, but lacks synteny with another endophyte
      Penicillium polonicum. This study reports the first mitogenome of Pestalotiopsis
      and the third published mitogenome from an EF and provides insights into the
      evolution of the EF lineage.

PMID- 28097405
TI  - Role of exopolysaccharide in salt stress resistance and cell motility of
      Mesorhizobium alhagi CCNWXJ12-2T.
AB  - Mesorhizobium alhagi, a legume-symbiont soil bacterium that forms nodules with
      the desert plant Alhagi sparsifolia, can produce large amounts of
      exopolysaccharide (EPS) using mannitol as carbon source. However, the role of EPS
      in M. alhagi CCNWXJ12-2T, an EPS-producing rhizobium with high salt resistance,
      remains uncharacterized. Here, we studied the role of EPS in M. alhagi CCNWXJ12
      2T using EPS-deficient mutants constructed by transposon mutagenesis. The
      insertion sites of six EPS-deficient mutants were analyzed using single primer
      PCR, and two putative gene clusters were found to be involved in EPS synthesis.
      EPS was extracted and quantified, and EPS production in the EPS-deficient mutants
      was decreased by approximately 25 times compared with the wild-type strain.
      Phenotypic analysis revealed reduced salt resistance, antioxidant capacity, and
      cell motility of the mutants compared with the wild-type strain. In conclusion,
      our results indicate that EPS can influence cellular Na+ content and antioxidant
      enzyme activity, as well as play an important role in the stress adaption and
      cell motility of M. alhagi CCNWXJ12-2T.

PMID- 28097406
TI  - The UK experience of promoting dementia recognition and management in primary
      care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The early and timely recognition of dementia syndrome is a policy
      imperative in many countries. In the UK the achievement of earlier and timelier
      recognition has been pursued through educational interventions, incentivisation
      of general practitioners and the promotion of a network of memory clinics.
      OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of education, incentivisation and memory clinic
      activity are unknown. This article analyses data from different sources to
      evaluate the impact of these interventions on the incidence and prevalence of
      dementia, and the diagnostic performance of memory clinics. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Three data sources were used: 1) aggregated, anonymised data from a network of
      general practices using the same electronic medical record software, The Health
      Information Network (THIN), 2) UK Health & Social Care Information Centre data
      reports and 3) Responses to Freedom of Information Act requests. RESULTS:
      Educational interventions did not appear to change the recorded incidence of
      dementia syndrome. There was no apparent effect of education, incentives or
      memory clinic activity on the reported incidence of dementia syndrome between
      1997 and 2011 but there were signs of change in the documentation of
      consultations with people with dementia. There was no clear impact of
      incentivisation and memory clinic activity in prevalence data. Memory clinics are
      seeing more patients but fewer are being diagnosed with dementia. CONCLUSION: It
      is not clear why there has been no upturn in documented incidence or prevalence
      of dementia syndrome despite substantial efforts and this requires further
      investigation to guide policy changes. The performance of memory clinics also
      needs further study.

PMID- 28097407
TI  - Scoring Systems are Crucial in Prediction of the Risk of SSI Development After
      Ventral Hernia Repair.

PMID- 28097408
TI  - Primary Hyperparathyroidism with Normal Calcium and PTH.

PMID- 28097409
TI  - Genetic and Epigenetic Intra-tumour Heterogeneity in Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous disease, with
      pathologically similar cancers having completely different responses to treatment
      and patient survival. Intra-tumour heterogeneity (defined as distinct
      morphological and phenotypic differences) has recently been demonstrated to be an
      important factor in the development and behaviour of cancer cells and can be used
      to determine response to anticancer therapy. METHOD: Patients with resected CRC
      had DNA extracted from eight defined tumour areas which were analysed for two
      genetic mutations (BRAF and KRAS) and one epigenetic trait (CpG island methylator
      phenotype/CIMP). Normal adjacent tissue was studied as control. RESULTS: Twelve
      patients with CRC were included. Intra-tumoural heterogeneity for KRAS mutation
      was seen in 2 patients (17%). There was no statistical evidence of CIMP status
      heterogeneity (p = 0.85), but 6 of the 12 patients (50%) demonstrated at least
      one heterogeneous area within the tumour. DISCUSSION: Intra-tumoural
      heterogeneity for both genetic and epigenetic factors in CRC is more prevalent
      than previously thought in Stage II and Stage III CRC. This study provides new
      insight into epigenetic heterogeneity of CRC and supports the development of a
      more targeted biopsy strategy to support expansion of personalised treatment.

PMID- 28097410
TI  - Intercostal Trocars Enable Easier Laparoscopic Resection of Liver Tumors in
      Segments 7 and 8.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic resection of posterosuperior (PS) tumors of the liver is
      more difficult than that of anterolateral (AL) tumors, owing to the narrow
      surgical field in the PS location. In this retrospective cohort study, our aim
      was to determine if port insertion through the intercostal space would lead to
      improved outcomes for laparoscopic resection of tumors in PS liver segments 7 and
      8. METHOD: Between January 2006 and December 2015, 153 patients underwent
      laparoscopic resection of solitary liver tumors at Osaka Medical College
      Hospital. Of these, 107 patients had AL lesions, and 46 had PS lesions. Of the 46
      patients with a PS lesion, 23 underwent an abdominal-only approach, and 23
      underwent the intercostal trocar approach. Multivariate analyses were performed
      to investigate outcomes. RESULTS: Conventional abdominal-only laparoscopic
      resection of PS liver tumors resulted in prolonged surgical time (P = 0.031),
      increased bleeding (P = 0.012), and a higher open conversion rate (P = 0.022)
      compared with AL tumors. Among patients with PS tumors, the open conversion rate
      was significantly higher for those treated with the abdominal-only approach than
      with the intercostal trocar approach (P = 0.047). Appropriate surgical margins
      were obtained equally using the intercostal trocar approach (P = 0.648). There
      was no significant difference in occurrence of complications between the
      abdominal-only group and the intercostal trocar group. CONCLUSION: Using the
      intercostal trocar approach for PS liver lesions is a safe and effective method,
      which significantly reduced the open conversion rate compared with the
      conventional abdominal-only approach.

PMID- 28097411
TI  - Identification of Recurrence: Predictive Indicators in Stage I Colorectal Cancer.

PMID- 28097412
TI  - Acute Pancreatitis After Percutaneous Biliary Drainage: An Obstacle in Liver
      Surgery for Proximal Biliary Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) has a crucial role
      in treatment of proximal biliary cancer (PBC). We assessed the incidence, risk
      factors, and impact of acute pancreatitis (AP) post-PTBD. METHODS: Forty patients
      with PBC scheduled for PTBD from January 2005 to December 2015 were enrolled.
      Exclusion criteria were missing clinical data, PTBD performed in other
      institutions, and palliative PTBD. RESULT: The 40 patients comprised 8 (20%) with
      gallbladder cancer, 6 (15%) with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and 26 (65%)
      with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. A median of 1 PTBD procedure was performed per
      patient; 16 (40%) patients underwent PTBD more than once. PTBD was left-sided in
      14 (35.0%) patients, right-sided in 21 (52.5%), and bilobar in 5(12.5%).
      Seventeen (42.5%) patients had one or more drainage-related complications. Five
      (12.5%) patients developed AP. A significantly higher percentage of patients with
      than without AP developed sepsis (60.0 vs. 11.4%, respectively) and did not
      undergo the planned liver resection [2 (40.0%) vs. 0 (0.0%), respectively].
      Significantly more patients with than without AP underwent left-sided PTBD [10
      (28.6%) vs. 4 (80.0%), respectively]. CONCLUSION: PTBD is frequently complicated
      by AP. AP plays a key role in the development of sepsis. Nearly half of patients
      with AP lose the opportunity for surgical treatment.

PMID- 28097413
TI  - When Surgical Resources are Severely Constrained, Who Receives Care? Determinants
      of Access to Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries, the volume of traumatic injuries
      requiring orthopaedic intervention routinely exceeds the capacity of available
      surgical resources. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of
      surgical care for lower extremity fracture patients at a high-demand, resource
      limited public hospital in Uganda. METHODS: Skeletally mature patients admitted
      with the intention of definitive surgical treatment of an isolated tibia or femur
      fractures to the national referral hospital in Uganda were recruited to
      participate in this study. Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical data were
      collected through participant interviews at the time of injury and 6 months post
      injury. Social capital (use of social networks to gain access to surgery),
      financial leveraging, and ethnicity were also included as variables in this
      analysis. A probit estimation model was used to identify independent and
      interactive predictors of surgical treatment. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients
      included in the final analysis, the majority of participants were male (83%),
      with a mean age of 40.6, and were injured in a motor vehicle accident (77%). Due
      to resource constraints, only 58% of participants received surgical care. The use
      of social capital and femur fractures were identified as significant predictors
      of receiving surgical treatment, with social capital emerging as the strongest
      predictor of access to surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Limited infrastructure,
      trained personnel, and surgical supplies rations access to surgical care. In this
      environment, participants with advantageous social connections were able to self
      advocate for surgery where demand for these services greatly exceeded available
      resources.

PMID- 28097414
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Operative Findings Correlation in 229 Fistula
      in-Ano Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To correlate the operative findings of patients with fistula-in-ano
      with preoperative MRI and quantify the information added with MRI. METHODS: All
      consecutive fistula-in-ano patients operated between July 2013 and May 2015 were
      prospectively enrolled. Preoperative MRI was done in every patient. The details
      of tracts, internal opening and "complex parameters" (additional tract or
      additional internal opening, horseshoe tract, associated abscess and supralevator
      extension) found at surgery were compared to the findings determined by MRI.
      RESULTS: A total of 229 patients (424 tracts) with mean age-49.0 +/- 11.3 years
      were included. M/F 198/31. James hospital classification: Type I 58, II 20, III
      49, IV 86 and V 16. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing fistula
      tracts were 98.8 and 99.7%, respectively, and in identifying internal opening
      were 97.7 and 98.6%, respectively. MRI added significant information in 46.7%
      (107/229) patients which was presence of additional tracts in 71 (66.3%),
      horseshoe tract in 63 (58.8%), supralevator extension in 16 (14.9%), unsuspected
      abscess in 11 (10.3%) and multiple internal openings in one patient (1%). The
      proportion of simple/complex fistula (based on history and clinical examination
      alone) was 32.8/67.2% which changed to 21.4/78.6% after the MRI scan. MRI added
      significant information about unsuspecting complex parameters which were missed
      on history and clinical examination in more than one-third (26/75: 34.6%) of
      simple fistulae and more than half (81/154: 52.5%) of already known complex
      fistulae. CONCLUSIONS: MRI is highly accurate in diagnosing fistula-in-ano and
      added significant information about unsuspected complex parameters in over one
      third (34.6%) of simple and in half (52.5%) of complex fistula-in-ano.

PMID- 28097415
TI  - Anesthesia Practices for Interventional Radiology in Europe.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe
      (CIRSE) prompted an initiative to frame the current European status of anesthetic
      practices for interventional radiology, in consideration of the current
      variability of IR suite settings, staffing and anesthetic practices reported in
      the literature and of the growing debate on sedation administered by non
      anesthesiologists, in Europe. METHODS: Anonymous online survey available to all
      European CIRSE members to assess IR setting, demographics, peri-procedural care,
      anesthetic management, resources and staffing, pain management, data collection,
      safety, management of emergencies and personal opinions on the role CIRSE should
      have in promoting anesthetic care for interventional radiology. RESULTS:
      Predictable differences between countries and national regulations were
      confirmed, showing how significantly many "local" factors (type and size of
      centers, the availability of dedicated inpatient bed, availability of anesthesia
      staff) can affect the routine practice and the expansion of IR as a subspecialty.
      In addition, the perception of the need for IR to acquire more sedation-related
      skills is definitely stronger for those who practice with the lowest availability
      of anesthesia care. CONCLUSION: Significant country variations and regulations
      along with a controversial position of the anesthesia community on the issue of
      sedation administered by non-anesthesiologists substantially represent the
      biggest drawbacks for the expansion of peri-procedural anesthetic care for IR and
      for potential initiatives at an European level.

PMID- 28097416
TI  - [Use of dual mobility cups for revision hip arthroplasty].
AB  - The dual mobility cup (DMC) is an increasingly important tool not only in primary
      but also in revision total hip arthroplasty to prevent dislocation and eventually
      reduce postoperative complication rates. Various studies have shown survival
      rates with DMCs of up to 100% with an average dislocation rate of less than 1.5%
      after primary hip arthroplasty and a follow-up of 10 years. In revision surgery,
      survival rates of up to 99% were reported with dislocation rates between 0 and
      10% after an average of 5 years after implantation. This article is intended to
      provide an overview of the principle and function of DMCs. Furthermore,
      indications as well as complications are presented.

PMID- 28097417
TI  - Bistability induced by generalist natural enemies can reverse pest invasions.
AB  - Analytical modeling of predator-prey systems has shown that specialist natural
      enemies can slow, stop and even reverse pest invasions, assuming that the prey
      population displays a strong Allee effect in its growth. We aimed to formalize
      the conditions in which spatial biological control can be achieved by
      generalists, through an analytical approach based on reaction-diffusion
      equations. Using comparison principles, we obtain sufficient conditions for
      control and for invasion, based on scalar bistable partial differential
      equations. The ability of generalist predators to control prey populations with
      logistic growth lies in the bistable dynamics of the coupled system, rather than
      in the bistability of prey-only dynamics as observed for specialist predators
      attacking prey populations displaying Allee effects. As a consequence, prey
      control is predicted to be possible when space is considered in additional
      situations other than those identified without considering space. The reverse
      situation is also possible. None of these considerations apply to spatial
      predator-prey systems with specialist natural enemies.

PMID- 28097418
TI  - Heterogeneous network epidemics: real-time growth, variance and extinction of
      infection.
AB  - Recent years have seen a large amount of interest in epidemics on networks as a
      way of representing the complex structure of contacts capable of spreading
      infections through the modern human population. The configuration model is a
      popular choice in theoretical studies since it combines the ability to specify
      the distribution of the number of contacts (degree) with analytical tractability.
      Here we consider the early real-time behaviour of the Markovian SIR epidemic
      model on a configuration model network using a multitype branching process. We
      find closed-form analytic expressions for the mean and variance of the number of
      infectious individuals as a function of time and the degree of the initially
      infected individual(s), and write down a system of differential equations for the
      probability of extinction by time t that are numerically fast compared to Monte
      Carlo simulation. We show that these quantities are all sensitive to the degree
      distribution-in particular we confirm that the mean prevalence of infection
      depends on the first two moments of the degree distribution and the variance in
      prevalence depends on the first three moments of the degree distribution. In
      contrast to most existing analytic approaches, the accuracy of these results does
      not depend on having a large number of infectious individuals, meaning that in
      the large population limit they would be asymptotically exact even for one
      initial infectious individual.

PMID- 28097420
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097419
TI  - Modelling Wolbachia infection in a sex-structured mosquito population carrying
      West Nile virus.
AB  - Wolbachia is possibly the most studied reproductive parasite of arthropod
      species. It appears to be a promising candidate for biocontrol of some mosquito
      borne diseases. We begin by developing a sex-structured model for a Wolbachia
      infected mosquito population. Our model incorporates the key effects of Wolbachia
      infection including cytoplasmic incompatibility and male killing. We also allow
      the possibility of reduced reproductive output, incomplete maternal transmission,
      and different mortality rates for uninfected/infected male/female individuals. We
      study the existence and local stability of equilibria, including the biologically
      relevant and interesting boundary equilibria. For some biologically relevant
      parameter regimes there may be multiple coexistence steady states including, very
      importantly, a coexistence steady state in which Wolbachia infected individuals
      dominate. We also extend the model to incorporate West Nile virus (WNv) dynamics,
      using an SEI modelling approach. Recent evidence suggests that a particular
      strain of Wolbachia infection significantly reduces WNv replication in Aedes
      aegypti. We model this via increased time spent in the WNv-exposed compartment
      for Wolbachia infected female mosquitoes. A basic reproduction number [Formula:
      see text] is computed for the WNv infection. Our results suggest that, if the
      mosquito population consists mainly of Wolbachia infected individuals, WNv
      eradication is likely if WNv replication in Wolbachia infected individuals is
      sufficiently reduced.

PMID- 28097421
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097422
TI  - Novel alignment measurement technique for total knee arthroplasty using patient
      specific instrumentation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to evaluate the true accuracy of patient
      specific instrumentation (PSI) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a new 3D
      measurement method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive 21 patients (30 knees) who
      underwent TKA using computed tomography (CT)-based PSI were retrospectively
      evaluated. Mean patient age was 69.2 years (62 to 77). The postoperative three
      dimensional (3D) CT image were superimposed onto the preoperative 3D CT plan and
      measured the absolute difference in the prosthetic alignment using six
      parameters: coronal, sagittal, and axial alignment of the femoral and tibial
      prostheses. Cases in which the difference in the prosthetic alignment was greater
      than 3 degrees  were considered outliers. RESULTS: For the femoral prosthesis,
      mean absolute differences between the preoperative 3D CT plan and postoperative
      3D CT image were not significantly different and the rates of outliers were 10.0,
      33.3, 23.3% in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. For the tibial
      prosthesis, mean absolute differences were significantly larger in the axial
      plane than in the coronal and sagittal planes (p < 0.001) and the rates of
      outliers were 23.3, 36.7, 63.3% in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. The
      rates of outliers for the axial alignment of tibial prosthesis were significantly
      higher than for the other five planes (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The rotation of
      the tibial prosthesis with CT-based PSI was less accurate in the axial plane than
      in the other five planes.

PMID- 28097423
TI  - Rehabilitation of Achilles tendon ruptures: is early functional rehabilitation
      daily routine?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ruptures of the Achilles tendon are the most common tendon injuries
      of the lower extremities. Besides the initial operative or non-operative
      treatment, rehabilitation of patients plays a crucial role for tendon healing and
      long-term outcome. As only limited evidence is available for optimized
      rehabilitation regimen and guidelines for the initial (e.g., first 6 weeks)
      rehabilitation are limited, this study investigated the current rehabilitation
      concepts after Achilles tendon rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 213
      written rehabilitation protocols that are provided by orthopedic and trauma
      surgery institutions throughout Germany in terms of recommendations for weight
      bearing, range of motion (ROM), physiotherapy, and choice of orthosis. All
      protocols for operatively and non-operatively treated Achilles tendon ruptures
      were included. Descriptive analysis was carried out and statistical analysis
      applied where appropriate. RESULTS: Of 213 institutions, 204 offered
      rehabilitation protocols for Achilles tendon rupture and, therefore, 243
      protocols for operative and non-operative treatment could be analyzed. While the
      majority of protocols allowed increased weight-bearing over time, significant
      differences were found for durations of fixed plantar flexion between operative
      (o) and non-operative (n) treatments [fixed 30 degrees  (or 20) degrees  to 15
      degrees  (or 10) degrees : 3.6 weeks (+/-0.1; o) vs 4.7 weeks (+/-0.3; n) (p <=
      0.0001) and fixed 15 degrees  (or 10) degrees  to 0 degrees : 5.8 weeks (+/-0.1;
      o) vs 6.6 weeks (+/-0.2; n) (p <= 0.001)]. The mean time of the recommended start
      of physiotherapy is at 2.9 weeks (+/-0.2; o) vs 3.3 weeks (+/-0.4; n),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that a huge variability in
      rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture exists. This study shows different
      strategies in rehabilitation of Achilles tendon ruptures using a convertible
      vacuum brace system. To improve patient care, further clinical as well as
      biomechanical studies need to be conducted. This study might serve as basis for
      prospective randomized controlled trials to optimize rehabilitation for Achilles
      tendon ruptures.

PMID- 28097424
TI  - Analysis of the spleen proteome of chickens infected with reticuloendotheliosis
      virus.
AB  - Infection with reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), a gammaretrovirus in the family
      Retroviridae, can result in immunosuppression and subsequent increased
      susceptibility to secondary infections. In the present study, we identified
      differentially expressed proteins in the spleens of chickens infected with the
      REV-A HLJ07I strain, using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis on samples from
      time points coinciding with different phases of the REV life cycle.
      Differentially expressed proteins were identified using one-dimensional liquid
      chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (1D LC ESI
      MS/MS). Comparative analysis of multiple gels revealed that the majority of
      changes occurred at early stages of infection. In total, 60 protein spots
      representing 28 host proteins were detected as either quantitatively (false
      discovery rate [FDR] <=0.05 and fold change >=2) or qualitatively differentially
      expressed at least once during different sampling points. The differentially
      expressed proteins identified in this study included antioxidants, molecular
      chaperones, cellular metabolism, formation of the cytoskeleton, signal
      transduction, cell proliferation and cellar aging. The present findings provide a
      basis for further studies to elucidate the role of these proteins in REV-host
      interactions. This could lead to a better understanding of REV infection
      mechanisms that cause immune suppression.

PMID- 28097425
TI  - A personal perspective on the discovery of dioxygen adducts of copper and iron by
      Nobumasa Kitajima.
AB  - Transition metal-dioxygen complexes have fascinated bioinorganic and inorganic
      chemists for over half a century. The late Nobumasa Kitajima was one of the very
      successful researchers in this field. Despite his short career (40 years old), he
      made many important contributions. This Commentary highlights his important
      accomplishments and how they have impacted subsequent work in this area.

PMID- 28097426
TI  - Functional diversity increases ecological stability in a grazed grassland.
AB  - Understanding the factors governing ecological stability in variable environments
      is a central focus of ecology. Functional diversity can stabilize ecosystem
      function over time if one group of species compensates for an environmentally
      driven decline in another. Although intuitively appealing, evidence for this
      pattern is mixed. We hypothesized that diverse functional responses to rainfall
      will increase the stability of vegetation cover and biomass across rainfall
      conditions, but that this effect depends on land-use legacies that maintain
      functional diversity. We experimentally manipulated grazing in a California
      grassland to create land-use legacies of low and moderate grazing, across which
      we implemented rainout shelters and irrigation to create dry and wet conditions
      over 3 years. We found that the stability of the vegetation cover was greatly
      elevated and the stability of the biomass was slightly elevated across rainfall
      conditions in areas with histories of moderate grazing. Initial functional
      diversity-both in the seed bank and aboveground-was also greater in areas that
      had been moderately grazed. Rainfall conditions in conjunction with this grazing
      legacy led to different functional diversity patterns over time. Wet conditions
      led to rapid declines in functional diversity and a convergence on resource
      acquisitive traits. In contrast, consecutively dry conditions maintained but did
      not increase functional diversity over time. As a result, grazing practices and
      environmental conditions that decrease functional diversity may be associated
      with lasting effects on the response of ecosystem functions to drought. Our
      results demonstrate that theorized relationships between diversity and stability
      are applicable and important in the context of working grazed landscapes.

PMID- 28097427
TI  - 25th Anniversary of ECAP: the origins of the Journal.

PMID- 28097428
TI  - Goal formulation and tracking in child mental health settings: when is it more
      likely and is it associated with satisfaction with care?
AB  - Goal formulation and tracking may support preference-based care. Little is known
      about the likelihood of goal formulation and tracking and associations with care
      satisfaction. Logistic and Poisson stepwise regressions were performed on
      clinical data for N = 3757 children from 32 services in the UK (M age = 11; SDage
      = 3.75; most common clinician-reported presenting problem was emotional problems
      = 55.6%). Regarding the likelihood of goal formulation, it was more likely for
      pre-schoolers, those with learning difficulties or those with both hyperactivity
      disorder and conduct disorder. Regarding the association between goal formulation
      and tracking and satisfaction with care, parents of children with goals
      information were more likely to report complete satisfaction by scoring at the
      maximum of the scale. Findings of the present research suggest that goal
      formulation and tracking may be an important part of patient satisfaction with
      care. Clinicians should be encouraged to consider goal formulation and tracking
      when it is clinically meaningful as a means of promoting collaborative practice.

PMID- 28097429
TI  - Early and noninvasive evaluation using superficial temporal artery duplex
      ultrasonography after indirect bypass for adult ischemic moyamoya disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The validity of indirect bypass for adult patients with moyamoya
      disease is still debatable. Some patients are poor responders to indirect bypass,
      and additive intervention is occasionally required in these cases. Therefore, it
      is necessary to evaluate the development of collateral circulation as early as
      possible postoperatively. METHODS: Fifteen adult patients (>17 years old) with
      moyamoya disease (22 affected sides) who underwent encephalo-duro-arterio
      synangiosis (EDAS) at Fukuoka University Hospital from April 2008 to August 2014
      were included. All patients had ischemic symptoms of at least one hemisphere.
      Superficial temporal artery duplex ultrasonography (STDU) was performed before
      and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Digital subtraction angiography was
      performed 1 year after the operation to evaluate the development of collateral
      circulation. Hemispheres exhibiting collateral formation of more than one-third
      of the MCA distribution were defined as good responders, and those with less than
      one-third were defined as poor responders. RESULTS: EDAS induced the formation of
      well-developed collaterals in 17 of 22 affected sides (77.3%) of adult patients
      with ischemic moyamoya disease. Regardless of the degree of collateral formation,
      the ischemic event subsided eventually with time in all patients. In good
      responders, the pulsatility index obtained by STDU showed a drastic decrease 3
      months after the operation, while it did not change significantly in poor
      responders. Absence of this decrease in the pulsatility index along with no
      change in the flow velocity reliably indicated poor responders. CONCLUSIONS:
      Neovascularization after EDAS can be evaluated noninvasively in early phase using
      STDU.

PMID- 28097430
TI  - How I do it: the mononostril endonasal transethmoidal-paraseptal approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of endoscopes in transnasal surgery offers increased
      visualization. To minimize rhinological morbidity without restriction in
      manipulation, we introduced the mononostril transethmoidal-paraseptal approach.
      METHODS: The aim of the transethmoidal-paraseptal approach is to create
      sufficient space within the nasal cavity, without removal of nasal turbinates and
      septum. Therefore, as a first step, a partial ethmoidectomy is performed. The
      middle and superior turbinates are then lateralized into the ethmoidal space,
      allowing a wide sphenoidotomy with exposure of the central skull base.
      CONCLUSIONS: This minimally invasive transethmoidal-paraseptal approach is a
      feasible alternative to traumatic transnasal concepts with middle turbinate and
      extended septal resection.

PMID- 28097431
TI  - Placental DAPK1 and autophagy marker LC3B-II are dysregulated by TNF-alpha in a
      gestational age-dependent manner.
AB  - Autophagy, a cell-survival process responsible for degradation of protein
      aggregates and damaged organelles, is increasingly recognized as another
      mechanism essential for human placentation. A substantial body of experiments
      suggests inflammation and oxidative stress as the underlying stimuli for altered
      placental autophagy, giving rise to placenta dysfunction and pregnancy
      pathologies. Here, the hypothesis is tested whether or not pro-inflammatory
      cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha are able to
      influence the expression profile of autophagy genes in human first-trimester
      villous placenta. Autophagy-focused qPCR arrays identified substantial
      downregulation of death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) in first-trimester
      placental explants in response to IL-6 and TNF-alpha, respectively.
      Immunohistochemistry of placental explants detected considerable DAPK1 staining
      in placental macrophages, villous cytotrophoblasts and less intense in the
      syncytiotrophoblast. Both immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed decreased
      DAPK1 protein in TNF-alpha-treated placental explants compared to control. On
      cellular level, DAPK1 expression decreased in SGHPL-4 trophoblasts in response to
      TNF-alpha. Observed changes in the expression profile of autophagy-related genes
      were reflected by significantly decreased lipidation of autophagy marker
      microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 beta (LC3B-II) in first trimester
      placental explants in response to TNF-alpha. Analysis of TNF-alpha-treated term
      placental explants showed decreased DAPK1 protein, whereas in contrast to first
      trimester LC3B expression and lipidation increased. Immunohistochemistry of
      placental tissues from early-onset preeclampsia (PE) showed less DAPK1 staining,
      when compared to controls. Accordingly, DAPK1 mRNA and protein were decreased in
      primary trophoblasts isolated from early-onset PE, while LC3B-I and -II were
      increased. Results from this study suggest that DAPK1, a regulator of apoptosis,
      autophagy and programmed necrosis, decreases in human placenta in response to
      elevated maternal TNF-alpha, irrespective of gestational age. In contrast, TNF
      alpha differentially regulates levels of autophagy marker LC3B in human placenta
      over gestation.

PMID- 28097432
TI  - Attitudes of palliative home care physicians towards palliative sedation at home
      in Italy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information about the attitudes towards palliative sedation (PS) at
      home is limited. AIM: The aim of this survey was to assess the attitudes of
      palliative care physicians in Italy regarding PS at home. DESIGN: A questionnaire
      was submitted to a sample of palliative care physicians, asking information about
      their activity and attitudes towards PS at home. SETTING: This is a survey of
      home care physicians in Italy who were involved in end-of-life care decisions at
      home. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty participants responded. A large
      heterogeneity of home care organizations that generate some problems was found.
      Indications, intention and monitoring of PS seem to be appropriate, although some
      cultural and logistic conditions were limiting the use of PS. Specialized home
      care physicians are almost involved to start PS at home. Midazolam was seldom
      available at home and opioids were more frequently used. CONCLUSION: These data
      should prompt health care agencies to make a minimal set of drugs easily
      available for home care. Further research is necessary to compare attitudes in
      countries with different sociocultural profiles.

PMID- 28097433
TI  - Early integration of palliative/supportive cancer care-healthcare professionals'
      perspectives on the support needs of cancer patients and their caregivers across
      the cancer treatment trajectory.
AB  - PURPOSE: Delivering palliative/supportive cancer care (PSCC) early in the course
      of cancer care can enhance patients' and caregivers' quality of life, reduce
      anxiety and depression, and prolong patients' lives. However, their support needs
      are analyzed insufficiently from viewpoints other than their own. The goal of
      this study was to explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals on
      desirable standards of support for tumor patients and caregivers across the
      cancer treatment trajectory. It further aimed at identifying starting points for
      PSCC to address these needs. METHODS: Nine healthcare professionals of varying
      disciplines in a large German university hospital each participated in one of two
      focus groups. The qualitative data was analyzed following the grounded theory
      methodology. RESULTS: The healthcare professionals described it as desirable
      standards that tumor patients and caregivers receive support coping with tasks,
      accepting the situation, generating strength, feeling trust, and gaining clarity,
      thus increasing their sense of control. These support needs were seen as
      important throughout the whole cancer treatment trajectory of tumor patients and
      their caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Team meetings, supervision, tailored education,
      and structural improvements may aid healthcare professionals to develop and
      implement ways to further support patients and caregivers. Also, patients' and
      caregivers' support needs should be screened regularly, e.g., when treatment
      phases change. This would complement healthcare professionals' subjective
      theories of relevant needs during a specific treatment phase.

PMID- 28097434
TI  - Work-related infections in dentistry: risk perception and preventive measures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of (1) the risk perception of work-related infections in
      dentistry, (2) the vaccination status, (3) knowledge of the blood-borne pathogens
      and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as well as (4) use of personal protective
      equipment (PPE) (gloves, goggles, mask) among the staff and students of the
      Center of Dentistry and Oral Medicine (ZZMK [Carolinum]) of the Goethe University
      Frankfurt/Main. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All staff (dentists, dental assistants) and
      students of the ZZMK with direct contact to patients were asked to anonymously
      complete a questionnaire. The results of this survey were compared with respect
      to gender, age and occupational group. RESULTS: Of 178 employees working and 234
      students studying at the ZZMK with direct contact to patients, 108 (61%) and 167
      (71%) participated (1 person did not reveal his/her status). Thirty-three per
      cent of the participants assessed the risk of transmission of blood-borne
      diseases in dental practice as high. Whereas 94% of the participants were fully
      vaccinated against hepatitis B, only 21% knew their anti-HBs titer. Fifty per
      cent of students, 13% of dentists and 45% of the assistants did not know the
      standardised procedure of HIV-PEP. Ninety-four per cent of the study participants
      always wore protective gloves, 87% always wore a surgical mask and 67% always
      wore protective goggles. CONCLUSIONS: The fear of HIV is still the largest,
      followed by hepatitis C. The participants assessed the risk of transmission in
      spite of all protective measures from the patient to the dentist significantly
      higher than the transmission from the dentist to the patient. The use of
      protective measures, especially goggles, requires further optimizing. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: In general, the use of protective measures, especially goggles,
      requires further optimizing.

PMID- 28097435
TI  - Erratum to: Effects of enamel matrix derivative on non-surgical management of
      peri-implant mucositis: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

PMID- 28097436
TI  - Damaged reward areas in human alcoholics: neuronal proportion decline and
      astrocyte activation.

PMID- 28097437
TI  - Two- and three-dimensional topographic analysis of pathologically myopic eyes
      with dome-shaped macula and inferior staphyloma by spectral domain optical
      coherence tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the posterior anatomical structure of pathologically
      myopic eyes with dome-shaped macula and inferior staphyloma using spectral domain
      optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Our database of 260
      pathologically myopic eyes was analyzed retrospectively to identify patients with
      dome-shaped macula and inferior staphyloma. All patients underwent vertical and
      horizontal SD-OCT scans across the central fovea, with three-dimensional macular
      map reconstruction. Best-corrected visual acuity, axial length, and choroidal
      thickness measurements were recorded. The macular bulge height was also analyzed
      in eyes with dome-shaped macula. In the three-dimensional images, the symmetry
      and orientation of the main plane of the inward incurvation of the macula were
      examined. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (10.7%) of the 260 pathologically myopic eyes had
      dome-shaped macula of one of three different types: a round radially symmetrical
      dome (eight eyes, 28.5%), a horizontal axially symmetrical oval-shaped dome (15
      eyes, 53.5%), or a vertical axially symmetrical oval-shaped dome (five eyes,
      17.8%). The macular bulge height was significantly greater in horizontal oval
      shaped dome eyes (p = 0.01, for each comparison). Inferior posterior staphylomas
      were observed in ten (3.8%) of the 260 pathologically myopic eyes with
      asymmetrical macular bends. CONCLUSIONS: Vertical and horizontal OCT sectional
      scanning in combination with three-dimensional macular map reconstruction
      provides important information for understanding the posterior anatomical
      structure of dome-shaped macula and inferior staphyloma in pathologically myopic
      eyes.

PMID- 28097438
TI  - Attitudes towards fever amongst UK paediatric intensive care staff.
AB  - : The role played by fever in the outcome of critical illness in children is
      unclear. This survey of medical and nursing staff in 35 paediatric intensive care
      units and transport teams in the United Kingdom and Ireland established attitudes
      towards the management of children with fever. Four hundred sixty-two medical and
      nursing staff responded to a web-based survey request. Respondents answered eight
      questions regarding thresholds for temperature control in usual clinical
      practice, indications for paracetamol use, and readiness to participate in a
      clinical trial of permissive temperature control. The median reported threshold
      for treating fever in clinical practice was 38  degrees C (IQR 38-38.5  degrees
      C). Paracetamol was reported to be used as an analgesic and antipyretic but also
      for non-specific comfort indications. There was a widespread support for a
      clinical trial of a permissive versus a conservative approach to fever in
      paediatric intensive care units. Within a trial, 58% of the respondents
      considered a temperature of 39  degrees C acceptable without treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Staff on paediatric intensive care units in the United Kingdom and
      Ireland tends to treat temperatures within the febrile range. There was a
      willingness to conduct a randomized controlled trial of treatment of fever. What
      is known: * The effect of fever on the outcome in paediatric critical illness is
      unknown. * Paediatricians have traditionally been reluctant to allow fever in
      sick children. What is new: * Paediatric intensive care staff report a tendency
      towards treating fever, with a median reported treatment threshold of 38  degrees
      C. * There is widespread support amongst PICU staff in the UK for a randomized
      controlled trial of temperature in critically ill children. * Within a trial
      setting, PICU staff attitudes to fever are more permissive than in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28097439
TI  - Modeling Responses in the Superior Paraolivary Nucleus: Implications for Forward
      Masking in the Inferior Colliculus.
AB  - A phenomenological model of the responses of neurons in the superior paraolivary
      nucleus (SPON) of the rodent is presented in this study. Pure tones at the
      characteristic frequency (CF) and broadband noise stimuli evoke offset-type
      responses in these neurons. SPON neurons also phase-lock to the envelope of
      sinusoidally amplitude-modulated (SAM) stimuli for a range of modulation
      frequencies. Model SPON neuron received inhibitory input that was relayed by the
      ipsilateral medial nucleus of the trapezoid body from the contralateral model
      ventral cochlear nucleus neuron. The SPON model response was simulated by
      detecting the slope of its inhibitory postsynaptic potential. Responses of the
      proposed model to pure tones at CF and broadband noise were offset-type
      independent of the duration of the input stimulus. SPON model responses were also
      synchronized to the envelope of SAM stimuli with precise timing for a range of
      modulation frequencies. Modulation transfer functions (MTFs) obtained from the
      model response to SAM stimuli resemble the physiological MTFs. The output of the
      proposed SPON model provides an input for models of physiological responses at
      higher levels of the ascending auditory pathway and can also be utilized to infer
      possible mechanisms underlying gap detection and duration encoding as well as
      forward masking at the level of the auditory midbrain.

PMID- 28097440
TI  - Prevalence of NRAS, PTEN and AKT1 gene mutations in the central nervous system
      metastases of non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Somatic mutations in NRAS, PTEN and AKT1 genes are rarely (~1%) reported in
      primary NSCLC, but their role in carcinogenesis have been proven. Therefore, we
      assessed the frequency of them in 145 FFPE tissue samples from CNS metastases of
      NSCLC using the real-time PCR technique. We identified four (two NRAS and single
      AKT1 and PTEN) mutations in CNS metastases of NSCLC. All mutations were observed
      in current male smokers (4% out of the male group; 4/100 and 4.25% out of
      smokers; 4/94). Three mutations have been detected in patients with SqCC (10.3%
      out of SqCC patients; 3/29), and only one mutation in the NRAS gene-in a patient
      with adenocarcinoma (1.25% out of AC patients; 1/80). The examined genes were
      mutually exclusive in terms of molecular background in KRAS; EGFR; DDR2; PIK3CA;
      HER2 and MEK1 genes that were evaluated in our previous studies. The OS of the
      patients who harbored NRAS, AKT1 and PTEN mutations was 10.1, 12.1, 7.3 and 4
      months, respectively (vs 13.5 months of the studied group). Our results suggest
      that the presence of NRAS, PTEN and AKT1 gene mutations may have an influence on
      the occurrence of CNS metastases in patients with SqCC.

PMID- 28097441
TI  - Elevated preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocytes ratio predicts poor prognosis
      after esophagectomy in T1 esophageal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported to predict
      the prognosis of various malignant tumors, including esophageal cancer. However,
      no previous reports have supported the use of the preoperative NLR as an
      independent prognostic marker focused on superficial (T1) esophageal cancer. The
      aim of this study was to elucidate the prognostic impact of the preoperative NLR
      in T1 esophageal cancer. METHODS: This retrospective study recruited 245
      consecutive patients with T1 esophageal cancer who underwent subtotal
      esophagectomy between 2005 and 2016. The relationship between the preoperative
      NLR and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. RESULTS: The
      preoperative NLR was significantly higher in male patients (p = 0.029), patients
      with T1b esophageal cancer (p = 0.0274), and patients with venous vessel invasion
      (p = 0.0082). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the elevated preoperative NLR was
      significantly associated with a poorer disease-free survival (p < 0.0001) and
      overall survival (p = 0.0004). In the multivariate Cox model, the elevated
      preoperative NLR was an independent prognostic marker for both disease-free
      survival (p = 0.0013) and overall survival (p = 0.0027). CONCLUSION: An elevated
      preoperative NLR predicts poor prognosis in T1 esophageal cancer, suggesting the
      utility of the NLR as an easily measurable and generally available independent
      prognostic marker.

PMID- 28097443
TI  - Axillary Ultrasound Before Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: Don't
      Discount the Benefits Yet!

PMID- 28097442
TI  - LAPTM4B-35 is a novel prognostic factor for glioblastoma.
AB  - Lysosome-associated protein transmembrane-4 beta (LAPTM4B)-35, a newly identified
      cancer-associated gene, is overexpressed in a wide variety of malignant tumors.
      However, studies of its expression and role in glioma have not yet been reported.
      This study aimed to investigate the expression and the role of LAPTM4B-35 in
      glioma and to assess its value as a prognostic factor. Seventy-seven glioma cases
      (Grade II in 18 patients, Grade III in 16 and Grade IV in 43) were
      immunohistochemically examined for LAPTM4B-35, pAkt, factor VIII and Ki-67
      expressions. The LAPTM4B-35 expression score of Grade II gliomas was lower than
      those of Grade III-IV gliomas (p < 0.05), while the difference between Grade III
      and IV gliomas was not statistically significant. Of the 43 patients with
      glioblastoma (GBM), 27 (62.8%) had high LAPTM4B-35 expression, which was
      associated with high tumor micro-vessel density and pAkt activation. The median
      progression-free survival (PFS) of GBM patients with high LAPTM4B-35 expression
      was 5.13 months, significantly shorter than that of those with low LAPTM4B-35
      expression (12.0 months, p < 0.0001). The median overall survival (OS) of GBM
      patients with high LAPTM4B-35 expression was 12.5 months, again significantly
      shorter than that of those with low LAPTM4B-35 expression (29.6 months, p <
      0.0001). Multivariate analysis indicated LAPTM4B-35 to be an independent
      prognostic factor for PFS and OS of GBM patients. Our findings show LAPTM4B-35 to
      be strongly associated with tumor proliferation, tumor angiogenesis and poor
      outcomes of GBM patients, suggesting LAPTM4B-35 to potentially be applicable as a
      novel prognostic marker and even to possibly play a role in improving GBM
      treatment.

PMID- 28097444
TI  - Obstetric outcome of vanishing twins syndrome: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Due to the high number of multiple embryo transfers into the uterus
      performed in assisted reproductive technology treatment (ART), the incidences of
      twin pregnancy and of vanishing twin syndrome (VTS) are correspondingly high. A
      number of studies have described the obstetric outcomes of the remaining fetus
      produced after the other twin had vanished compared with a singleton at the start
      following ART, but the results are mixed and contradictory. We performed a
      systematic review of the existing studies to explore the actual obstetric outcome
      of VTS to allow physicians to adequately advise their patients. METHODS: A
      detailed search strategy was used to conduct electronic literature searches
      (spanning 1978-2015) on Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and Web of Science.
      As randomized trials are not feasible in this aspect, we included observational
      (cohort and case-control) studies which compared the obstetric outcomes of the
      VTS group and singleton at the start control group after ART. The outcomes were
      evaluated by two aspects, the duration of pregnancy (gestational age, preterm
      delivery rate, extremely preterm delivery rate) and the birth weight of the fetus
      [mean birth weight, low birth weight rate, very low birth weight rate and small
      for gestational age (SGA)]. RESULTS: 1271 publications were identified by the
      initial search. 499 studies were excluded following duplication checks. 760 were
      excluded after reviewing the abstracts. Of the remaining 12 articles, 7 were
      excluded after a detailed full-text review. Two case-control studies and three
      cohort studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled mean gestational
      age difference (95% confidence intervals) was -0.27 (-0.60, 0.06) and failed to
      demonstrate a difference between the two groups. A similar result was found in
      the preterm delivery rate, with a pooled risk ratio of 1.33 (0.91, 1.94). The
      prevalence of extremely preterm delivery rate was higher in the VTS group, with a
      pooled risk ratio of 3.5 (1.72, 7.12). The mean birth weight was lower in the VTS
      group, with a mean difference of -0.3 (-0.59, -0.01). No difference was found in
      low birth weight rate, very low birth weight rate and rate of small for
      gestational age, with risk ratio of 1.85 (0.88, 3.86), 4.86 (0.91, 25.91) and
      1.29 (0.52, 3.18), correspondingly. CONCLUSIONS: There is a slight adverse effect
      of VTS on the remaining fetus for birth weight and extremely preterm delivery
      rate, but sensitivity analysis shows these effects to be statistically unstable.
      It is too early to draw conclusions for adverse obstetric outcomes for VTS
      patients. It could reduce much of the anxiety of couples who experience early
      embryonic loss of one of their twins. More research with rigorously designed and
      standardized methodologies are required that include larger, better clinically
      defined populations. Studies that show no correlation should be published in the
      future to avoid any possible impact of publication bias. After that, patients can
      receive the most accurate information.

PMID- 28097445
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes in HIV-positive women: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the United States, an estimated 8500 HIV (human immunodeficiency
      virus) positive women gave birth in 2014. This rate appears to be increasing
      annually. Our objective is to examine obstetrical outcomes of pregnancy among HIV
      positive women. METHODS: A population-based cohort study was conducted using the
      Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2003-2011) from the United States. Pregnant
      HIV-positive women were identified and compared to pregnant women without HIV.
      Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted effect of HIV
      status on obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Among 7,772,999 births over
      the study period, 1997 were in HIV-positive women (an incidence of 25.7/100,000
      births). HIV-infected patients had greater frequency of pre-existing diabetes and
      chronic hypertension, and use of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol during pregnancy
      (p < 0.001). Upon adjustment for baseline characteristics, HIV-infected women had
      greater likelihood of antenatal complications: preterm premature rupture of
      membranes (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.60) and urinary tract infections (OR 3.02, 95%
      CI 2.40-3.81). Delivery and postpartum complications were also increased among
      HIV-infected women: cesarean delivery (OR 3.06, 95% CI 2.79-3.36), postpartum
      sepsis (OR 8.05, 95% CI 5.44-11.90), venous thromboembolism (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.46
      3.33), blood transfusions (OR 3.67, 95% CI 3.01-4.49), postpartum infection (OR
      3.00, 95% CI 2.37-3.80), and maternal mortality (OR 21.52, 95% CI 12.96-35.72).
      Neonates born to these mothers were at higher risk of prematurity and
      intrauterine growth restriction. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy in HIV-infected women is
      associated with adverse maternal and newborn complications. Pregnant HIV-positive
      women should be followed in high-risk healthcare centers.

PMID- 28097446
TI  - Temperament Traits and Psychopathology in Young Clinically Referred Children
      Compared to a General Population Sample.
AB  - Evidence from general population studies shows the contribution of various
      temperament traits to the development of child psychopathology. Little is known
      about which traits are associated with internalizing and externalizing problems
      in young clinically referred children. The current study assessed temperament and
      internalizing and externalizing problems in 216 referred children (M = 4.35
      years, SD 0.89, 81% boys). A comparison was made with an age and gender matched
      general population sample. Referred children showed less effortful control than
      general population children. Less effortful control and more negative affectivity
      were associated with more internalizing and externalizing problems across groups.
      Surgency, and specifically temperamental impulsivity, was more strongly
      associated with externalizing problems in referred children compared to general
      population. Less soothability, less inhibitory control and more frustration
      predicted (sub)clinical levels of comborbid internalizing and externalizing
      problems in referred children. The results can be used in diagnostic and
      treatment procedures in early childhood.

PMID- 28097447
TI  - Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) codon 54 (rs1800450) polymorphism predisposes
      towards medium vessel vasculitis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with multiple
      etiological factors. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a key role in innate
      immunity by activating antibody-independent lectin complement pathway,
      opsonisation, phagocytosis, and immune complex (IC) clearance. Genetic
      polymorphisms in the promoter and coding regions of MBL gene affect the
      circulatory levels and biological activity of MBL. Defects in MBL can lead to
      defective opsonisation and, hence, hamper clearance of apoptotic debris, the
      persistence of which can drive autoantibody formation in lupus. The exon1
      variants at codon 52, 54, and 57 have been reported to augment the risk of SLE in
      different ethnic populations. Three hundred South Indian Tamil patients with SLE
      and 460 age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched controls were genotyped for three
      polymorphisms at codon 52, 54, and 57 in exon1 of MBL gene by Taqman real-time
      PCR. The three polymorphisms in exon1 of MBL were observed not to confer risk of
      developing SLE. However, MBL codon 54 rs1800450 polymorphism was associated with
      the development of medium vessel vasculitis and gangrene (OR-2.29, CI 95% 1.08
      4.83, p = 0.02), whereas, the ancestral allele G conferred protection (OR-0.44,
      CI 95% 0.21-0.93, p = 0.02). Genetic variants in the exon1 of MBL gene per se are
      not risk factors for SLE in South Indian Tamils. However, the association of
      codon 54 (rs1800450) with medium vessel vasculitis suggests that it may be a
      genetic modifier of clinical phenotype in SLE.

PMID- 28097448
TI  - Remission rate is not dependent on the presence of antinuclear antibodies in
      juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - Recently, it has been hypothesized that the subcategories of the ILAR
      classification of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are not homogeneous, and
      that the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) should lead to a separate
      entity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate ANA positivity as a
      predictor of achieving remission. A retrospective single-center cohort study
      including all JIA patients diagnosed between January 2000 and May 2014. A minimum
      follow-up of 1 year was required plus the ANA status. ANA positivity was defined
      as at least two positive results with a titer >=1:160. Demographic and clinical
      features were collected. Remission at last follow-up was defined by the Wallace
      criteria. A total of 625 patients met the inclusion criteria and 230 (37%) were
      found ANA positive. Analysis showed no difference in remission rate between ANA
      positive and ANA-negative patients. Additionally, joint count at diagnosis and at
      last follow-up were comparable in both groups. ANA positivity was correlated to a
      female predominance and young age at diagnosis (p < 0.001). Remission rates are
      not different in ANA-positive patients than in ANA-negative patients. This does
      not support the hypothesis to possibly divide JIA patients based on their ANA
      status.

PMID- 28097449
TI  - Open retromuscular large mesh reconstruction of lumbar incisional hernias
      including the atrophic muscular area.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lumbar incisional hernias (LIH) are a rare wall defect, whose surgical
      management is challenging because no recommendation exists. Moreover, LIH are
      frequently associated with flank bulging which should be taken into account
      during LIH surgical repair. We aimed to describe a cohort of patients operated on
      for LIH using a homogeneous surgical technique and to report surgical outcomes.
      METHODS: The records of all consecutive patients operated on in a specialized
      surgical center between January 2009 and January 2015 were retrospectively
      reviewed. The same open technique was performed, i.e., using a mesh into the
      retroperitoneal space posteriorly, placed with the largest overlap inferiorly and
      posteriorly, and fixed through the controlateral abdominal wall muscles under
      strong tension to correct the flank bulging. RESULTS: The cohort included 31
      patients, of median age 62, who presented two or more comorbidities in 68% of
      cases. LIH was recurrent in 45% of patients, and was related to nephrectomy in
      61% of patients. The mesh was totally extraperitoneal in 65% of patients. The
      postoperative mortality rate was null. The rate of specific surgical
      complications was 32.3%, and the rate of overall postoperative morbidity (Clavien
      Dindo classification) was 38.7%. After a median follow-up of 27.5 months, the
      recurrence rate was 6.5% and 9.7% reported chronic pain. CONCLUSION: The open
      approach for LIH repair was safe and enabled treating flank bulging
      simultaneously in all patients. Due to the paucity of adequate scientific
      studies, this reproducible open method could help moving toward a standardization
      of LIH surgical management.

PMID- 28097450
TI  - Contemporary thoughts on the management of Spigelian hernia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spigelian hernias are said to be a rare condition of the elderly
      population, usually arising below the arcuate line. Local experience has led us
      to challenge these commonly held beliefs. METHODS: Operations for Spigelian
      hernia from 2006-2016 were identified from the Edinburgh Lothian Surgical Audit
      computerised database and case notes were reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred and one
      patients underwent surgery for 107 Spigelian hernias in the 10-year period. The
      female-to-male ratio was 2:1. Ages ranged from 32 to 88 with a median of 64
      years. Sixty-five operations were done open and 42 were laparoscopic. Twelve of
      the 27 for which the precise anatomic location was recorded were situated above
      the arcuate line. Twenty-nine hernias had small defects and comprised
      interstitial fat only with no peritoneal sac. Ages in this group ranged from 32
      to 80 (median = 48 years). All presented with intermittent local pain and/or
      swelling, although in three patients the hernias were impalpable. Those three
      also underwent ultrasound, CT and/or laparoscopy, but the hernias were only
      identified after open surgical exploration. The remaining 78 cases had peritoneal
      sacs of varying size with defects up to 9 cm across, and all were identified on
      imaging and/or laparoscopy. Ages ranged from 38 to 88 (median = 67 years; p <
      0.01). Eighteen patients presented as emergencies and all were in this group.
      CONCLUSION: Spigelian hernias may be more common than we think and are probably
      under-diagnosed. They commonly arise above the arcuate line. We describe three
      clinical stages: Stage 1 hernias are those without peritoneal sacs and tend to
      arise in younger patients, can be difficult to diagnose and may not seen at
      laparoscopy. Stages 2 and 3 hernias arise in older patients, do have peritoneal
      sacs, are visible at laparoscopy and are more likely to present as emergencies.
      Stage three hernias are too large for laparoscopic repair. The differences
      between stages likely reflect the natural history of the condition, which begins
      as extraperitoneal fat protrusion and progresses over many years to develop a
      peritoneal sac.

PMID- 28097451
TI  - VRT (verbal reasoning test): a new test for assessment of verbal reasoning. Test
      realization and Italian normative data from a multicentric study.
AB  - Verbal reasoning is a complex, multicomponent function, which involves activation
      of functional processes and neural circuits distributed in both brain
      hemispheres. Thus, this ability is often impaired after brain injury. The aim of
      the present study is to describe the construction of a new verbal reasoning test
      (VRT) for patients with brain injury and to provide normative values in a sample
      of healthy Italian participants. Three hundred and eighty healthy Italian
      subjects (193 women and 187 men) of different ages (range 16-75 years) and
      educational level (primary school to postgraduate degree) underwent the VRT. VRT
      is composed of seven subtests, investigating seven different domains. Multiple
      linear regression analysis revealed a significant effect of age and education on
      the participants' performance in terms of both VRT total score and all seven
      subtest scores. No gender effect was found. A correction grid for raw scores was
      built from the linear equation derived from the scores. Inferential cut-off
      scores were estimated using a non-parametric technique, and equivalent scores
      were computed. We also provided a grid for the correction of results by z scores.

PMID- 28097453
TI  - Seven cases of localized invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical manifestations and prognoses in 7 patients with
      invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis (ISOA). METHODS: This was a retrospective
      study of consecutive patients who were diagnosed as having ISOA at the Gifu
      University Hospital and Gifu Municipal Hospital between January 1993 and December
      2015. Data were collected on demographics, initial manifestations, examination
      findings, treatments, clinical course, and outcomes. RESULTS: The median age of
      the 7 patients with ISOA was 68 years; 5 of them had diabetes. The initial
      symptoms were reduced blurred vision (57%), unilateral headaches (43%),
      unilateral abnormal sensations or numbness of the periorbital area (43%), and
      external ophthalmoplegia (43%). The medical department that the patients first
      visited was the ophthalmology department in 57% of the cases. The initial CT
      showed bone destruction in 71% and calcification in 14% of the patients. Six of
      the 7 cases were misdiagnosed. The definitive diagnosis of ISOA was made by
      histopathologic examinations of the biopsy specimens, with an average of 2.6
      biopsies. All patients received aggressive antifungal treatments after the
      diagnosis. However, the final visual outcome was no light perception in 86% and
      death related to the ISOA in 43% of the patients. Patients who were older at the
      onset had lower survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for patients with ISOA
      is poor in terms of both vision and life. Ophthalmologists are often the first
      examiner. ISOA should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients
      with a gradually progressive orbital mass, unilateral headaches, numbness of the
      periorbital area, and a decrease in visual acuity of unknown origin.

PMID- 28097452
TI  - Toward the optimal strategy for sustained weight loss in overweight cancer
      survivors: a systematic review of the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: To gain more insight into the optimal strategy to achieve weight loss
      and weight loss maintenance in overweight and obese cancer survivors after
      completion of initial treatment, this systematic review aimed to provide an
      overview of the literature on intervention effects on weight, to describe
      intervention components used in effective interventions, to identify and
      synthesize behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and to assess the frequency with
      which these BCTs were used in effective interventions. METHODS: Six databases
      were searched for original research articles describing weight changes in adult
      overweight cancer survivors after participation in a lifestyle intervention
      initiated after completion of initial treatment. Two researchers independently
      screened the retrieved papers and extracted BCTs using the BCT Taxonomy version
      1. RESULTS: Thirty-two papers describing 27 interventions were included.
      Interventions that were evaluated with a robust study design (n = 8) generally
      showed <5% weight loss and did not evaluate effects at >=12 months after
      intervention completion. Effective interventions promoted both diet and physical
      activity and used the BCTs 'goal setting (behaviour)', 'action planning', 'social
      support (unspecified)' and 'instruction on how to perform the behaviour'.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this first review on intervention components of
      effective interventions could be used to inform intervention development and
      showed a need for future publications to report long-term effects, a detailed
      intervention description and an extensive process evaluation. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      CANCER SURVIVORS: This study contributed to increasing knowledge on the optimal
      strategy to achieve weight loss, which is recommended for overweight cancer
      survivors to improve health outcomes.

PMID- 28097454
TI  - In vitro cytogenetic toxicity of bezafibrate in human peripheral blood
      lymphocytes.
AB  - Bezafibrate (BF) is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist
      used as a lipid-lowering agent to treat both the familial or acquired combined
      forms of hyperlipidemia. BF is the only available fibrate drug that acts on all
      PPAR subtypes of alpha, beta, and delta. Although there are studies that indicate
      a genotoxic potential associated with the use of fibrates, to our knowledge, the
      genotoxicity of BF in human peripheral blood lymphocytes has not been studied. In
      the present study, the genotoxic potential of BF was evaluated using chromosome
      aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) assays in peripheral blood lymphocytes of
      healthy human subjects. In addition, a high performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) method was used to identify and quantitate the drug passage into the
      cells. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were exposed to four different
      concentrations (100, 175, 250 and 325 MUg/mL) of BF for 24- and 48-h treatment
      periods. As shown by HPLC, in spite of significant passage of BF into human
      peripheral blood lymphocytes in 24- and 48-h treatment periods, BF was not found
      to increase the CA and MN frequency. On the other hand, exposing cells to BF for
      24- and 48-h treatment periods caused significant concentration-dependent
      decreases in the mitotic index (r = -0.995, p < 0.01 for 24-h; r = -0.992, p <
      0.01 for 48-h) and nuclear division index (r = -0.990, p < 0.01 for 24-h; r = 
      0.981, p < 0.01 for 48-h). Our results suggest that BF has cytotoxic effect on
      cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

PMID- 28097455
TI  - Leptin, NPY, Melatonin and Zinc Levels in Experimental Hypothyroidism and
      Hyperthyroidism: The Relation to Zinc.
AB  - Since zinc mediates the effects of many hormones or is found in the structure of
      numerous hormone receptors, zinc deficiency leads to various functional
      impairments in the hormone balance. And also thyroid hormones have important
      activity on metabolism and feeding. NPY and leptin are affective on food intake
      and regulation of appetite. The present study is conducted to determine how zinc
      supplementation and deficiency affect thyroid hormones (free and total T3 and
      T4), melatonin, leptin, and NPY levels in thyroid dysfunction in rats. The
      experiment groups in the study were formed as follows: Control (C);
      Hypothyroidism (PTU); Hypothyroidism+Zinc (PTU+Zn); Hypothyroidism+Zinc
      deficient; Hyperthyroidism (H); Hyperthyroidism+Zinc (H+Zn); and
      Hyperthyroidism+Zinc deficient. Thyroid hormone parameters (FT3, FT4, TT3, and
      TT4) were found to be reduced in hypothyroidism groups and elevated in the
      hyperthyroidism groups. Melatonin values increased in hyperthyroidism and
      decreased in hypothyroidism. Leptin and NPY levels both increased in hypo- and
      hyperthyroidism. Zinc levels, on the other hand, decreased in hypothyroidism and
      increased in hyperthyroidism. Zinc supplementation, particularly when thyroid
      function is impaired, has been demonstrated to markedly prevent these changes.

PMID- 28097458
TI  - Tissue marker clip placement after 11-gauge vacuum-assisted stereotactic breast
      biopsy: methodological issue on validity and reliability.

PMID- 28097459
TI  - Are intensive data collection methods in pain research feasible in those with
      physical disability? A study in persons with chronic pain and spinal cord injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intensive repeated measures data collection procedures, such as
      ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and end-of-day (EOD) diaries, are becoming
      more prominent in pain research. Existing data on the feasibility of such methods
      is encouraging; however, almost nothing is known about feasibility in clinical
      populations with significant physical disabilities. Research methodology
      feasibility is crucial to the inclusion of individuals with physical disability
      in pain research given the high prevalence and impact of pain in these
      populations. The aim of this study was to examine study compliance, protocol
      acceptability, and reactivity of intensive data collection methods in adults with
      chronic pain and spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Secondary analysis of data
      from a 7-day EMA and EOD diary study in a sample of 131 community dwelling adults
      with SCI. RESULTS: Results showed rates of missing data ranged from 18.4 to 22.8%
      across measures. Participant compliance was related to time of day/presence of
      audible prompts, mobility aid use, race, and baseline levels of pain and pain
      interference, with more missing data at wake and bedtimes/no prompts, and for
      those who used hand-held mobility devices, identified as black/African American,
      and/or reported higher baseline pain and pain interference. Participants rated
      the study methodology as generally highly acceptable and expressed willingness to
      participate in similar studies of much longer duration. There was no evidence of
      reactivity, defined as temporal shifts in pain or pain interference ratings.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, intensive pain data collection is feasible in persons with
      SCI with no evidence that the methodology impacts pain intensity or pain
      interference ratings.

PMID- 28097460
TI  - Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, DNA/ Protein Binding, DNA Cleavage,
      Cytotoxicity, Antioxidative and Molecular Docking Studies of Cu(II)Complexes
      Containing Schiff Base-bpy/Phen Ligands.
AB  - Ternary Cu(II) complexes [Cu(II)(L)(bpy)Cl] 1, [Cu(II)(L)(Phen)Cl] 2 [L = 2,3
      dimethyl-1-phenyl-4(2 hydroxy-5-methyl benzylideneamino)-pyrazol-5-one, bpy =
      2,2' bipyridine, phen =1,10 phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by
      elemental analyses, UV-Visible, FT-IR, ESR, Mass, thermogravimetric and SEM EDAX
      techniques. The complexes exhibit octahedral geometry. The interaction of the
      Cu(II) with cailf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was explored by using absorption and
      fluorescence spectroscopic methods. The results revealed that the complexes have
      an affinity constant for DNA in the order of 104 M-1 and mode of interaction is
      intercalative mode. The DNA cleavage study showed that the complexes cleaved DNA
      without any external agent. The interaction of Cu(II) complexes with bovine serum
      albumin (BSA) was also studied using absorption and fluorescence techniques. The
      cytotoxic activity of the Cu(II) complexes was probed in HeLa (human breast
      adenocarcinoma cell line), B16F10 (Murine melanoma cell line) and HEPA1-6
      celllines, complex 1 has good cytotoxic activity which is comparable with the
      doxarubicin drug, with IC50 values ranging from 3 to 12.6 MUM. A further
      molecular docking technique was employed to understand the binding of the
      complexes towards the molecular target DNA. Investigation of the antioxidative
      properties showed that the metal complexes have significant radical scavenging
      activity potency against DPPH radical.

PMID- 28097461
TI  - Sonoelectrochemical Synthesis of Nano Zinc(II) Complex with 2-Methyl-8
      Hydroxyquinoline Ligand: a Precursor to Produce Pure Phase Nano-Sized Zinc(II)
      Oxide.
AB  - A new zinc complex, [Zn(mq)2], (mq = 2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline) was prepared
      via an electrochemical route from the oxidation of zinc metal in the presence of
      2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline in a fast and facile process. The complex was fully
      characterized by means of NMR and IR spectra and elemental analysis. The
      nanostructure of the prepared compound was obtained by sonoelectrochemical
      process and studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, IR
      spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Thermal stability of crystalline bulk and
      nano-size samples of the prepared compound was studied by thermal gravimetric and
      differential thermal analysis. The photoluminescence properties of the prepared
      compounds, as crystalline bulk and as nano-structure, have been investigated. The
      results showed a good correlation between the size and the shape of the complex
      particle and emission wavelength. The prepared complexes, as bulk and as nano
      particles, were utilized as a precursor for preparation of ZnO nanoparticles by
      direct thermal decomposition at 550  degrees C in air. The nano-structures of ZnO
      were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and
      IR spectroscopy.

PMID- 28097463
TI  - Neurokinin-1 Receptor-Immunopositive Neurons in the Medullary Dorsal Horn Provide
      Collateral Axons to both the Thalamus and Parabrachial Nucleus in Rats.
AB  - It has been suggested that the trigemino-thalamic and trigemino-parabrachial
      projection neurons in the medullary dorsal horn (MDH) are highly implicated in
      the sensory-discriminative and emotional/affective aspects of orofacial pain,
      respectively. In previous studies, some neurons were reported to send projections
      to both the thalamus and parabrachial nucleus by way of collaterals in the MDH.
      However, little is known about the chemoarchitecture of this group of neurons.
      Thus, in the present study, we determined whether the neurokinin-1 (NK-1)
      receptor, which is crucial for primary orofacial pain signaling, was expressed in
      MDH neurons co-innervating the thalamus and parabrachial nucleus. Vesicular
      glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) mRNA, a biomarker for the subgroup of
      glutamatergic neurons closely related to pain sensation, was assessed in
      trigemino-parabrachial projection neurons in the MDH. After stereotactic
      injection of fluorogold (FG) and cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) into the ventral
      posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM) and parabrachial nucleus (PBN),
      respectively, triple labeling with fluorescence dyes for FG, CTB and NK-1
      receptor (NK-1R) revealed that approximately 76 % of the total FG/CTB dually
      labeled neurons were detected as NK-1R-immunopositive, and more than 94 % of the
      triple-labeled neurons were distributed in lamina I. In addition, by FG
      retrograde tract-tracing combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
      for VGLUT2 mRNA, 54, 48 and 70 % of FG-labeled neurons in laminae I, II and III,
      respectively, of the MDH co-expressed FG and VGLUT2 mRNA. Thus, most of the MDH
      neurons co-innervating the thalamus and PBN were glutamatergic. Most MDH neurons
      providing the collateral axons to both the thalamus and parabrachial nucleus in
      rats were NK-1R-immunopositive and expressed VGLUT2 mRNA. NK-1R and VGLUT2 in MDH
      neurons may be involved in both sensory-discriminative and emotional/affective
      aspects of orofacial pain processing.

PMID- 28097462
TI  - Thermally Stable Schiff Base and its Metal Complexes: Molecular Docking and
      Protein Binding Studies.
AB  - In this paper, interaction of Schiff base and its metal complexes carrying
      naphthalene ring in the structure with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were
      investigated using UV-vis absorption, fluorescence spectroscopies and molecular
      docking methods. The effect on the binding mechanism and properties of these
      compounds containing metal-free, iron and copper ions were also investigated. The
      fluorescence spectroscopy results showed that fluorescence intensity of BSA in
      the presence of different concentration of ligands was decreased through a static
      quenching mechanism. Binding constants (KSV, Kbin and Ka) and thermodynamic
      parameters (DeltaG, DeltaH and DeltaS) for the ligand-protein interactions were
      also determined. DeltaG values of ligand-protein interaction were calculated in
      the range - 6.3 to -5.5 kcal/mol. These negative values showed that binding
      process is spontaneous and, hydrogen bonding and van der Waals force were main
      interaction of the protein and ligands. DeltaH and DeltaS value were also
      calculated in the range of 1.10 to 1.26 kJ/mol and 0.133 to 0.135 kJ/mol. K,
      respectively. These positive values indicated that the binding process between
      ligands and BSA are endothermic and electrostatic interaction, respectively.

PMID- 28097464
TI  - Cdc42 Promotes Schwann Cell Proliferation and Migration Through Wnt/beta-Catenin
      and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway After Sciatic Nerve Injury.
AB  - Schwann cells (SCs) are unique glial cells in the peripheral nerve and may
      secrete multiple neurotrophic factors, adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix
      molecules to form the microenvironment of peripheral nerve regeneration, guiding
      and supporting nerve proliferation and migration. Cdc42 plays an important
      regulatory role in dynamic changes of the cytoskeleton. However, there is a
      little study referred to regulation and mechanism of Cdc42 on glial cells after
      peripheral nerve injury. The present study investigated the role of Cdc42 in the
      proliferation and migration of SCs after sciatic nerve injury. Cdc42 expression
      was tested, showing that the mRNA and protein expression levels of Cdc42 were
      significantly up-regulated after sciatic nerve injury. Then, we isolated and
      purified SCs from injuried sciatic nerve at day 7. The purified SCs were
      transfected with Cdc42 siRNA and pcDNA3.1-Cdc42, and the cell proliferation, cell
      cycle and migration were assessed. The results implied that Cdc42 siRNA
      remarkably inhibited Schwann cell proliferation and migration, and resulted in S
      phase arrest. While pcDNA3.1-Cdc42 showed a contrary effect. Besides, we also
      observed that Cdc42 siRNA down-regulated the protein expression of beta-catenin,
      Cyclin D1, c-myc and p-p38, which were up-regulated by pcDNA3.1-Cdc42. Meanwhile,
      the inhibitor of Wnt/beta-catenin and p38 MAPK signaling pathway IWP-2 and
      SB203580 significantly inhibited the effect of pcDNA3.1-Cdc42 on cell
      proliferation and migration. Overall, our data indicate that Cdc42 regulates
      Schwann cell proliferation and migration through Wnt/beta-catenin and p38 MAPK
      signaling pathway after sciatic nerve injury, which provides further insights
      into the therapy of the sciatic nerve injury.

PMID- 28097465
TI  - Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Improves Motor Dysfunction in the Rotenone-Induced Mice
      Model of Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) is diminished in patients of Parkinson's disease
      (PD). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is responsible for regulating
      expression of the DRD3 in the brain. Our previous study showed that
      hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) could increase BDNF content in the striatum of PD
      mice. This experiment aimed to evaluate whether HSYA can improve the motor
      dysfunction induced by rotenone through regulating the BDNF/TrkB/DRD3 signaling
      pathway in mice. Male C57/BL6 mice were intraperitoneally treated with HSYA.
      Thirty minutes later, they were intragastrically administered with rotenone at a
      dose of 30 mg/kg. Pole, rotarod and open field tests were investigated at 28 d.
      Then, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in substantia nigra was observed by
      immunohistochemistry. Dopamine content was detected by high-performance liquid
      chromatography. The expressions of BDNF, phospho-tropomyosin-related kinase B (p
      TrkB), tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), phospho-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p
      PI3K), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT),
      protein kinase B (AKT), and DRD3 were assayed by western blotting. Behavioral
      tests showed that rotenone-challenged mice displayed motor dysfunction. However,
      treatment with HSYA improved motor dysfunction induced by rotenone. HSYA
      treatment increased not only the number of TH-containing dopaminergic neurons in
      substantia nigra, but also the dopamine content in the striatum in PD mice.
      Moreover, the expressions of BDNF, p-TrkB/TrkB, DRD3, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT were
      significantly increased in rotenone plus HSYA group. Our results indicated that
      HSYA improved motor dysfunction in rotenone-induced PD model and the
      pharmacological action of HSYA was related to regulating BDNF/TrkB/DRD3 signaling
      pathway, at least, in part.

PMID- 28097466
TI  - Trachyspermum ammi Seeds Supplementation Helps Reverse Scopolamine, Alprazolam
      and Electroshock Induced Amnesia.
AB  - The present study was designed to explore the beneficial effects of successive 10
      days administration of Trachyspermum ammi seed's powder (TASP) along with diet
      (at the dose of 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% w/w) on learning and memory of mice. A total
      of 306 mice divided in 51 equal groups were employed in the study. Passive
      avoidance paradigm (PAP) and Object recognition Task (ORT) were employed as
      exteroceptive models. The brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), serum
      cholesterol, brain monoaldehyde (MDA), brain reduced glutathione (GSH) and brain
      nitrite were estimated and Alprazolam, Scopolamine and Electroshock induced
      amnesia was employed to describe the actions. Treatment of TASP significantly
      increased step down latency of PAA and significantly increased discrimination
      index of ORT in groups with or without amnesia when compared to respective
      control groups. Furthermore, TASP administration resulted in significant fall in
      brain AChE activity, brain MDA level and brain nitrite level with simultaneous
      rise in brain GSH level, thereby decreased oxidative damage. A significant
      decrease in serum cholesterol was also observed. Ajowan supplementation may prove
      a remedy for the management of cognitive disorders owing to have pro-cholinergic,
      antioxidant and hypo-lipidemic activities.

PMID- 28097467
TI  - Strenuous Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes several issues at the forefront of
      recent controversies involving the appropriate exercise dose including
      epidemiologic data describing mortality trends in those who engage in high levels
      of physical activity and recent observational data suggesting adverse
      cardiovascular outcomes among long-term endurance athletes. RECENT FINDINGS: The
      benefits of habitual and moderate levels of exercise on cardiovascular disease
      outcomes in the general population have been well established. However, recent
      data have questioned whether higher doses of physical and athletic activity are
      associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Specifically in regard to
      adverse cardiovascular outcomes, the evidence and limitations of the available
      data associating veteran endurance athletes with an increased risk of atrial
      fibrillation, exercise-induced arrhythmogenic cardiac remodeling, and accelerated
      coronary atherosclerosis will be discussed. This review will also provide a
      conceptual framework in the context of the clinical management of athletic
      patients and will highlight key areas of future research that may resolve many of
      these controversial issues.

PMID- 28097468
TI  - Outcomes of Primary Colorectal Sarcoma: A National Cancer Data Base (NCDB)
      Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Primary colorectal sarcomas are a rare entity with anecdotally poor
      outcomes. We sought to inform surgeons, oncologists, and researchers of the
      characteristics and outcomes of these understudied and difficult-to-manage
      tumors. METHODS: The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried for patients
      with pathologically confirmed primary sarcoma of the colon or rectum (1998-2012).
      Gastrointestinal stromal tumors were excluded. Unadjusted overall survival was
      reported using the Kaplan-Meier method. Patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma
      were used as a comparison cohort. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-three patients
      with primary colorectal sarcoma were identified (57.5% leiomyosarcoma subtype).
      Median age was 63 [inter-quartile range 52, 75] years with 23.1% between the ages
      of 18 and 50 and 48.7% female. Majority of sarcomas were located in the colon
      (70.7%). When compared to 696,902 patients with adenocarcinoma, sarcoma patients
      were younger, had larger tumors, were more likely node negative and rectal in
      location, and higher grade (all p < 0.001), while sex, race, and comorbidity
      score were similar (all p > 0.05). Overall survival was lower at 5 years in
      patients with sarcoma (43.8%) than adenocarcinoma (52.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Primary colorectal sarcomas are rare and present at a younger age and higher
      grade than adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum. Survival is significantly
      worse compared to adenocarcinoma patients.

PMID- 28097470
TI  - Hepatic Echinococcosis.

PMID- 28097469
TI  - Laparoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Cecostomy (LAPEC) in Children and
      Young Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic-assisted
      percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy (LAPEC) procedure both in children and young
      adults, along with review of their pre-operative motility profiles, antegrade
      continence enema (ACE) regimen, and postoperative complications. METHODS: This
      retrospective review investigated 38 patients (32 children and 6 young adults)
      that underwent the LAPEC procedure. Primary outcomes evaluated were success
      versus failure of the procedure and post-operative complications. Success was
      defined as daily stool evacuation with minimal to no fecal incontinence per week.
      RESULTS: Mean follow up time was 25.8 +/- 22.4 months. Indications for LAPEC
      included slow transit constipation or colonic neuropathy (n = 22), other types of
      constipation (n = 5), and a variety of congenital disorders (n = 11). The overall
      success rate was 95% (36/38 patients) with the two failures in children, both
      attributed to inability to use the tube due to underlying behavioral disorders or
      severe anxiety. Five patients above age 18 had leakage compared to 6 in the under
      age 18 group (83% vs. 19, P = 0.003). There were no other significant
      complications. CONCLUSION: LAPEC is a safe and effective means of addressing
      refractory constipation and fecal incontinence in children and young adults who
      have failed medical management with minimal post-operative complications.

PMID- 28097471
TI  - Experiences and perceptions regarding clinical breast exam screening by trained
      laywomen in Malawi.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite the increasing burden, breast cancer control in sub-Saharan
      Africa is insufficient. Late diagnosis and lack of early detection and screening
      services contribute to high mortality. Clinical breast exam (CBE) screening can
      be valuable in low-income countries, including use of community health workers
      and non-health professionals to conduct exams. We assessed experiences of women
      who underwent CBE screening by trained laywomen in Lilongwe, Malawi, as part of a
      pilot program. METHODS: The pilot study invited women attending urban health
      clinics to a breast cancer educational talk followed by CBE screening by trained
      laywomen. We purposively sampled participants from the pilot study and
      interviewed them about the screening experience and future cancer education
      programs and services. RESULTS: Overall participants had positive experiences and
      were willing to undergo CBE screening by trained laywomen. Participants were
      motivated by the educational talk, shared newly acquired cancer knowledge with
      their social networks, and encouraged others to seek screening. Screened women
      suggested strategies for future interventions including combining breast and
      cervical cancer screening, using female providers, partnering with community
      leaders to increase uptake, and expanding services into the community.
      CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic Malawian women accepted CBE screening by trained
      laywomen and considered breast cancer an important health issue. Women
      appreciated combined education and screening services and proposed further
      linkage of breast and cervical cancer screening. Based on our results, training
      laywomen to educate the public on breast cancer and conduct CBE is a feasible
      breast cancer control strategy in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 28097473
TI  - Metabolic syndrome and total cancer mortality in the Third National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although metabolic syndrome incidence has substantially increased during
      the last few decades, it largely remains unclear whether this metabolic disorder
      is associated with total cancer mortality. The present study was carried out to
      investigate this important question. METHODS: A total of 687 cancer deaths were
      identified from 14,916 participants in the third National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey by linking them to the National Death Index database through
      December 31, 2006. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to calculate
      hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for total cancer mortality
      in relation to metabolic syndrome and its individual components. RESULTS: After
      adjustment for confounders, a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was associated with
      33% elevated total cancer mortality. Compared with individuals without metabolic
      syndrome, those with 3, 4 and 5 abnormal components had HRs (95% CIs) of 1.28
      (1.03-1.59), 1.24 (0.96-1.60), and 1.87 (1.34-2.63), respectively (p-trend =
      0.0003). Systolic blood pressure and serum glucose were associated with an
      increased risk of death from total cancer [HR (95% CI) for highest vs. lowest
      quartiles: 1.67 (1.19-2.33), p-trend = 0.002 and 1.34 (1.04-1.74), p-trend =
      0.003, respectively]. Overall null results were obtained for lung cancer
      mortality. The effects of metabolic syndrome and its components on non-lung
      cancer mortality were generally similar to, but somewhat larger than, those for
      total cancer mortality. CONCLUSION: Our study is among the first to reveal that
      metabolic syndrome is associated with increased total cancer mortality.

PMID- 28097472
TI  - Proceedings of the third international molecular pathological epidemiology (MPE)
      meeting.
AB  - Molecular pathological epidemiology (MPE) is a transdisciplinary and relatively
      new scientific discipline that integrates theory, methods, and resources from
      epidemiology, pathology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and computational
      biology. The underlying objective of MPE research is to better understand the
      etiology and progression of complex and heterogeneous human diseases with the
      goal of informing prevention and treatment efforts in population health and
      clinical medicine. Although MPE research has been commonly applied to
      investigating breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, its methodology can be used
      to study most diseases. Recent successes in MPE studies include: (1) the
      development of new statistical methods to address etiologic heterogeneity; (2)
      the enhancement of causal inference; (3) the identification of previously unknown
      exposure-subtype disease associations; and (4) better understanding of the role
      of lifestyle/behavioral factors on modifying prognosis according to disease
      subtype. Central challenges to MPE include the relative lack of transdisciplinary
      experts, educational programs, and forums to discuss issues related to the
      advancement of the field. To address these challenges, highlight recent successes
      in the field, and identify new opportunities, a series of MPE meetings have been
      held at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. Herein, we share the
      proceedings of the Third International MPE Meeting, held in May 2016 and attended
      by 150 scientists from 17 countries. Special topics included integration of MPE
      with immunology and health disparity research. This meeting series will continue
      to provide an impetus to foster further transdisciplinary integration of
      divergent scientific fields.

PMID- 28097474
TI  - IGF-1R Regulates the Extracellular Level of Active MMP-2, Pathological
      Neovascularization, and Functionality in Retinas of OIR Mouse Model.
AB  - In ischemic proliferative diseases such as retinopathies, persistent hypoxia
      leads to the release of numerous neovascular factors that participate in the
      formation of abnormal vessels and eventually cause blindness. The upregulation
      and activation of metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) represent a final common
      pathway in this process. Although many regulators of the neovascular process have
      been identified, the complete role of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
      and its receptor (IGF-1R) appears to be significantly more complex. In this
      study, we used an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model as well as an in
      vitro model of hypoxia to study the role of MMP-2 derived from Muller glial cells
      (MGCs) and its relation with the IGF-1/IGF-1R system. We demonstrated that MMP-2
      protein expression increased in P17 OIR mice, which coincided with the active
      phase of the neovascular process. Also, glutamine synthetase (GS)-positive cells
      were also positive for MMP-2, whereas IGF-1R was expressed by GFAP-positive
      cells, indicating that both proteins were expressed in MGCs. In addition, in the
      OIR model a single intravitreal injection of the IGF-1R blocking antibody
      (alphaIR3) administered at P12 effectively prevented pathologic
      neovascularization, accelerated physiological revascularization, and improved
      retinal functionality at P17. Finally, in MGC supernatants, the blocking antibody
      abolished the IGF-1 effect on active MMP-2 under normoxic and hypoxic conditions
      without affecting the extracellular levels of pro-MMP-2. These results
      demonstrate, for the first time, that the IGF-1/IGF-1R system regulates active
      MMP-2 levels in MGCs, thus contributing to MEC remodeling during the retinal
      neovascular process.

PMID- 28097475
TI  - SVCT2 Is Expressed by Cerebellar Precursor Cells, Which Differentiate into
      Neurons in Response to Ascorbic Acid.
AB  - Ascorbic acid (AA) is a known antioxidant that participates in a wide range of
      processes, including stem cell differentiation. It enters the cell through the
      sodium-ascorbate co-transporter SVCT2, which is mainly expressed by neurons in
      the adult brain. Here, we have characterized SVCT2 expression in the postnatal
      cerebellum in situ, a model used for studying neurogenesis, and have identified
      its expression in granular precursor cells and mature neurons. We have also
      detected SVCT2 expression in the cerebellar cell line C17.2 and in postnatal
      cerebellum-derived neurospheres in vitro and have identified a tight relationship
      between SVCT2 expression and that of the stem cell-like marker nestin. AA
      supplementation potentiates the neuronal phenotype in cerebellar neural stem
      cells by increasing the expression of the neuronal marker beta III tubulin.
      Stable over-expression of SVCT2 in C17.2 cells enhances beta III tubulin
      expression, but it also increases cell death, suggesting that AA transporter
      levels must be finely tuned during neural stem cell differentiation.

PMID- 28097476
TI  - Impact of an exercise training program on cardiac neuronal function in heart
      failure patients on optimal medical therapy : A randomized Iodine-123
      metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The syndrome of heart failure (HF) is characterized by left
      ventricular dysfunction and a compensatory chronic over activation of the
      sympathetic nervous system. We wanted to investigate if the beneficial effects of
      exercise training (ET) in HF patients on optimal medical therapy (OMT) are
      associated with alterations in cardiac sympathetic activity. METHODS: Cardiac
      sympathetic activity was evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks using
      metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy in 23 patients with stable HF participating
      in the SmartEx trial. Patients with HF in New York Heart Association class II or
      III and left ventricular ejection fraction <35 % were randomized to three
      different ET groups. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant changes in
      cardiac sympathetic activity after 12 weeks of ET. Heart to mediastinum (H/M)
      ratio at 15 minutes (0.00174 +/- 0.0841, P = 0.922), H/M ratio at 4 hours (
      0.00565 +/- 0.1163, P = 0.818) and washout ratio (WR) (-1.2666 +/- 16.5412, P =
      0.717). A further group-wise analysis of the three ET groups did not show any
      difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: A 12-week ET program did not alter the
      abnormal cardiac sympathetic activity in stable HF patients on modern OMT.

PMID- 28097477
TI  - SPECT perfusion abnormality associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 28097478
TI  - Study of the Influence of Formulation Variables in Bioadhesive Emulgels Using
      Response Surface Methodology.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to study the main formulation variables that
      influence attributes of bioadhesive emulgels based on a combination of polymers,
      using response surface methodology (RSM). Bioadhesive products continue to gain
      attention in topical cutaneous administration as they allow long residence times
      on the application site, which is important when a long dermal action and a
      reduced product administration frequency are desired. A Box-Behnken design of
      experiments (DoE) was introduced to study the effect of formulation variables on
      quality attributes of the emulgels. The effects of concentration of carbomer
      interpolymer type A (Polym1), xanthan gum (Polym2) and mineral oil (Oil) on
      detachment force (Fdetch), spreadability (Spread), and phase separation by
      mechanical stress (PhSep) were investigated. RSM and desirability functions were
      applied for data analysis. Emulgels were further characterized by viscosity and
      extrudability measurements. Polym1 showed a positive effect on Fdetch, while the
      increase in concentrations of Polym2 and Oil decreased this property. Polym1 and
      Polym2 favored emulgel PhSep. However, their interaction effect decreased it. The
      combination of 0.4-0.6% of carbomer and 0.2-0.3% of gum was able to produce easy
      to-spread bioadhesive emulgels with mineral oil as discontinuous phase in the
      presence of a low surfactant concentration. Based on the DoE results, value
      ranges for the variables, which could achieve for the experimental domain to get
      the critical quality attributes of emulgels jointly within the specification
      limits, were able to be identified using RSM supported by desirability functions.

PMID- 28097479
TI  - Structural and cooperative length scales in polymer gels.
AB  - Understanding the relationship between the material structural details, the
      geometrical confining constraints, the local dynamical events and the global
      rheological response is at the core of present investigations on complex fluid
      properties. In the present article, this problem is addressed on a model yield
      stress fluid made of highly entangled polymer gels of Carbopol which follows at
      the macroscopic scale the well-known Herschel-Bulkley rheological law. First,
      performing local rheology measurements up to high shear rates ([Formula: see
      text] s-1)and under confinement, we evidence unambiguously the breakdown of bulk
      rheology associated with cooperative processes under flow. Moreover, we show that
      these behaviors are fully captured with a unique cooperativity length [Formula:
      see text] over the whole range of experimental conditions. Second, we introduce
      an original optical microscopy method to access structural properties of the
      entangled polymer gel in the direct space. Performing image correlation
      spectroscopy of fluorophore-loaded gels, the characteristic size D of carbopol
      gels microstructure is determined as a function of preparation protocol.
      Combining both dynamical and structural information shows that the measured
      cooperative length [Formula: see text] corresponds to 2-5 times the underlying
      structural size D, thus providing a strong grounding to the "Shear Transformation
      Zones" modeling approach.

PMID- 28097480
TI  - Average flow generation by a pulsating flow near a curved interface.
AB  - This paper is devoted to the study of curvature influence on the average flow
      generation near the fluid interface. The time averaging of a non-uniform
      pulsating flow often results in a nonzero average flow in the bulk. The well
      known average flow occurs near a solid surface, the so-called Schlichting
      mechanism of the average flow generation. For flows with a free surface there is
      the other known mechanism of Longuet-Higgins, according to which the average flow
      is generated by surface waves traveling on a free surface. We found another
      mechanism for flow generation near a free surface. This mechanism is associated
      with the curvature of a free surface and does not depend on its deformations. In
      the present paper the influence of the curvature is studied for flow generation
      near the fluid interface. The investigation is carried out on an example of a
      liquid drop embedded in a viscous liquid. The effective boundary conditions for
      the tangential stress tensor and tangential velocity jumps are derived. It is
      shown that for comparable densities of fluids the generation mechanisms are
      similar to the mechanisms of Dore and Schlichting, which are determined near a
      flat interface. At a low density (and a low dynamic viscosity) inside the drop
      all of the above-mentioned mechanisms equally contribute to the average flow
      generation.

PMID- 28097481
TI  - Financial development and sectoral CO2 emissions in Malaysia.
AB  - The paper examines the impacts of financial development on sectoral carbon
      emissions (CO2) for environmental quality in Malaysia. Since the financial sector
      is considered as one of the sectors that will contribute to Malaysian economy to
      become a developed country by 2020, we utilize a cointegration method to
      investigate how financial development affects sectoral CO2 emissions. The long
      run results reveal that financial development increases CO2 emissions from  the
      transportation and oil and gas sector and reduces CO2 emissions from
      manufacturing and construction sectors. However, the elasticity of financial
      development is not significant in explaining CO2 emissions from the agricultural
      sector. The results for short-run elasticities were also consistent with the long
      run results. We conclude that generally, financial development increases CO2
      emissions and reduces environmental quality in Malaysia.

PMID- 28097482
TI  - Heavy metal stabilization in contaminated soil by treatment with calcined cockle
      shell.
AB  - In several previous studies, the efficacy of various liming waste materials on
      the immobilization of heavy metals has been tested and it was found that soils
      contaminated with heavy metals can be stabilized using this technique. Since lime
      (CaO) has been identified as the main phase of calcined cockle shell (CCS), it
      was hypothesized that CCS could be used as a soil amendment to immobilize heavy
      metals in soil. However, to date, no studies have been conducted using CCS. In
      this study, the effectiveness of CCS powder on the immobilization of Cd, Pb, and
      Zn in mine tailing soil was evaluated. After 28 days of incubation, the treated
      soil samples were exposed to weathering (four cycles of freezing-thawing and four
      cycles of wetting-drying) for 8 days before being subjected to a leaching test.
      The results of this study revealed that the soil pH increased from 7.5 to 12.2
      with the addition of 5% CCS. A similar soil pH was obtained when the soil was
      amended with 5% pure CaO. By leaching with 0.1 M HCl, extracted Cd, Pb, and Zn
      were reduced by up to 85, 85, and 91%, respectively. Therefore, CCS is suggested
      as a low-cost lime-based soil amendment for stabilizing heavy metals in abandoned
      mining sites.

PMID- 28097483
TI  - Phytoremediation of fluoride with garden ornamentals Nerium oleander, Portulaca
      oleracea, and Pogonatherum crinitum.
AB  - Nursery grown plants of Nerium oleander, Pogonatherum crinitum, and Portulaca
      oleracea were observed to remove fluoride up to 92, 80, and 73%, respectively,
      from NaF solution at the concentration of 10 mg L-1 within 15 days. Concentration
      range of 10-50 mg L-1 of fluoride revealed a constant decrease of removal from 92
      to 51% within 15 days by N. oleander, while the biomass (one to five plants)
      showed enhancement in removal from 74 to 98% in 10 days. Translocation and
      bioaccumulation factors calculated after fluoride contents in roots and leaves of
      N. oleander, P. crinitum, and P. oleracea were 1.85, 1.19, and 1.43, and 9.8,
      3.6, and 2.2, respectively. P . oleracea, P. crinitum, and N. oleander showed
      reductions in chlorophyll contents by 40, 57 and 25 and 8%, carbohydrates by 50,
      44, and 16%, and proteins by 38, 53, and 15%, respectively. Activities of
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in
      the roots of P. oleracea, P. crinitum, and N. oleander were observed to be
      induced by 400, 383, and 500%; 80, 105, and 424%; and 153, 77, and 71%,
      respectively, while the leaves showed induction in SOD, CAT, and GPX activities
      by 550, 315, and 165%; 196, 227, and 243%; and 280, 242, and 184%, respectively.
      Results endorsed the superiority of N. oleander for fluoride removal over other
      plant species.

PMID- 28097484
TI  - Different physiobiochemical and transcriptomic reactions of rice (Oryza sativa
      L.) cultivars differing in terms of salt sensitivity under salinity stress.
AB  - Salinity stress is the most important and common environmental stresses
      throughout the world, including Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the expression of several important genes involved in the salinity tolerance of
      the rice cultivars differing in salt sensitivity. In this research, the
      expression of four mitochondrial genes, H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline,
      sodium, potassium and superoxide dismutase (SOD), was measured in Iranian rice
      cultivars and two well-known international varieties as checks in response to 100
      mM salt stress. The results show that the activity of SOD in the tolerant
      cultivars is much higher than in the susceptible ones under saline conditions
      (100 mM NaCl). The study of the gene expression in the tolerant and sensitive
      cultivars also showed that the expression of the genes increased in the early
      hours of the stress, with the exception of the OsGR1. Moreover, the amount of the
      expression in the tolerant cultivars was far more than the susceptible ones. The
      result of this study showed that the function of a set of antioxidant enzymes can
      lead to detoxification of the reactive oxygen species, so in order to better
      understand ROS scavengers, a comprehensive study on the antioxidant system should
      be conducted.

PMID- 28097485
TI  - Sorption of organic phosphates and its effects on aggregation of hematite
      nanoparticles in monovalent and bivalent solutions.
AB  - Sorption of organic phosphates-myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP) and glycerol
      phosphate (GP) and its effects on the early stage of hematite aggregation
      kinetics were investigated at different pH and electrolyte composition. KH2PO4
      (KP) was taken as an inorganic P source for comparison. Results indicated that
      for all types of P, the sorption amounts decreased with increasing solution pH.
      Sorption amount of IHP was almost two times that of KP, while those of GP and KP
      were close. Both organic P and inorganic P interacted with hematite via ligand
      exchange through their phosphate groups, which conveyed negative charges to
      mineral surface and significantly decreased the zeta potential of hematite. In
      Na+ solution, critical coagulation concentrations (CCCs) of hematite suspensions
      increased with increasing P concentration and followed the order of KP < GP < IHP
      at pH 5.5. Compared with KP, the organic P could more effectively stabilize the
      hematite suspension not only through increasing the negative charges and
      electrostatic repulsive force, but also through steric repulsion between P-sorbed
      hematite nanoparticles. When the pH was increased from 5.5 to 10.0, the CCCs of
      the hematite suspensions with GP and IHP decreased mainly because of the great
      reductions in organic P sorption amounts and consequent decreases in
      electrostatic and steric repulsive forces. However, enhanced aggregation was
      observed in the presence of IHP at pH 4.5 and above in low Ca2+ solutions. The
      precipitation of calcium phytate formed net-like structure, which served as
      bridges to bind hematite nanoparticles and resulted in enhanced aggregation.
      These results have important implications for assessing the fate and transport of
      organic P and hematite nanoparticles in soil and aquatic environments.

PMID- 28097486
TI  - The Therapeutic Effectiveness of Delayed Fetal Spinal Cord Tissue Transplantation
      on Respiratory Function Following Mid-Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - Respiratory impairment due to damage of the spinal respiratory motoneurons and
      interruption of the descending drives from brainstem premotor neurons to spinal
      respiratory motoneurons is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality following
      cervical spinal cord injury. The present study was designed to evaluate the
      therapeutic effectiveness of delayed transplantation of fetal spinal cord (FSC)
      tissue on respiratory function in rats with mid-cervical spinal cord injury.
      Embryonic day-14 rat FSC tissue was transplanted into a C4 spinal cord hemilesion
      cavity in adult male rats at 1 week postinjury. The histological results showed
      that FSC-derived grafts can survive, fill the lesion cavity, and differentiate
      into neurons and astrocytes at 8 weeks post-transplantation. Some FSC-derived
      graft neurons exhibited specific neurochemical markers of neurotransmitter (e.g.,
      serotonin, noradrenalin, or acetylcholine). Moreover, a robust expression of
      glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic fibers was observed within FSC
      derived grafts. Retrograde tracing results indicated that there was a connection
      between FSC-derived grafts and host phrenic nucleus. Neurophysiological recording
      of the phrenic nerve demonstrated that phrenic burst amplitude ipsilateral to the
      lesion was significantly greater in injured animals that received FSC
      transplantation than in those that received buffer transplantation under high
      respiratory drives. These results suggest that delayed FSC transplantation may
      have the potential to repair the injured spinal cord and promote respiratory
      functional recovery after mid-cervical spinal cord injury.

PMID- 28097487
TI  - Inter-Individual Responses of Maximal Oxygen Uptake to Exercise Training: A
      Critical Review.
AB  - It has recently been reported how to quantify inter-individual differences in the
      response to an exercise intervention using the standard deviation of the change
      scores, as well as how to appraise these differences for clinical relevance. In a
      parallel-group randomised controlled trial, the key trigger for further
      investigation into inter-individual responses is when the standard deviation of
      change in the intervention sample is substantially larger than the same standard
      deviation derived from a suitable comparator sample. 'True' and clinically
      relevant inter-individual differences in response can then be plausibly expected,
      and potential moderators and mediators of the inter-individual differences can be
      explored. We now aim to critically review the research on the inter-individual
      differences in response to exercise training, focusing on maximal oxygen uptake
      (VO2max). A literature search through the relevant bibliographic databases
      resulted in the identification of six relevant studies that were published prior
      to the influential HEalth, RIsk factors, exercise Training And GEnetics
      (HERITAGE) Family Study. Only one of these studies was found to include a
      comparator arm. Re-analysis of the data from this study, accounting for random
      within-subjects variation, revealed an absence of clinically important inter
      individual differences in the response of VO2max to exercise training. The
      standard deviation of change was, in fact, larger (+/-5.6 mL/kg/min) for the
      comparator than the intervention group (+/-3.7 mL/kg/min). We located over 180
      publications that resulted from the HERITAGE Family Study, but we could not find
      a comparator arm in any of these studies. Some authors did not explain this
      absence, while others reasoned that only inter-individual differences in exercise
      response were of interest, thus the intervention sample was investigated solely.
      We also found this absence of a comparator sample in on-going studies. A
      perceived high test-retest reliability is offered as a justification for the
      absence of a comparator arm, but the test-retest reliability analysis for the
      HERITAGE Family Study was over a much shorter term than the length of the actual
      training period between baseline and follow-up measurements of VO2max. We also
      scrutinised the studies in which twins have been investigated, resulting in
      concerns about how genetic influences on the magnitude of general within-subjects
      variability has been partitioned out (again in the absence of a comparator no
      training group), as well as with the intra-class correlation coefficient approach
      to data analysis. Twin pairs were found to be sometimes heterogeneous for the
      obviously influential factors of sex, age and fitness, thereby inflating an
      unadjusted coefficient. We conclude that most studies on inter-individual
      differences in VO2max response to exercise training have no comparator sample.
      Therefore, true inter-individual differences in response cannot be quantified,
      let alone appraised for clinical relevance. For those studies with a comparator
      sample, we found that the inter-individual differences in training response were
      not larger than random within-subjects variation in VO2max over the same time
      period as the training intervention.

PMID- 28097488
TI  - Polyphenols and Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polyphenols exert physiological effects that may impact athletic
      performance. Polyphenols are antioxidants that have been noted to hinder training
      adaptations, yet conversely they stimulate stress-related cell signalling
      pathways that trigger mitochondrial biogenesis and influence vascular function.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall effect of polyphenols on human athletic
      performance. METHODS: A search strategy was completed using MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      CINAHL, AMED and SPORTDiscus in April 2016. The studies were screened and
      independently reviewed by two researchers against predetermined criteria for
      eligibility. As a result of this screening, 14 studies were included for meta
      analysis. Of these, the studied populations were predominately-trained males with
      an average intervention dose of 688 +/- 478 mg.day-1. RESULTS: The pooled results
      demonstrate polyphenol supplementation for at least 7 days increases performance
      by 1.90% (95% CI 0.40-3.39). Sub-analysis of seven studies using quercetin
      identified a performance increase of 2.82% (95% CI 2.05-3.58). There were no
      adverse effects reported in the studies in relation to the intervention.
      CONCLUSION: Overall the pooled results show that polyphenols, and of note
      quercetin, are viable supplements to improve performance in healthy individuals.

PMID- 28097489
TI  - Enhanced Histone Acetylation in the Infralimbic Prefrontal Cortex is Associated
      with Fear Extinction.
AB  - The molecular processes that establish fear memory are complex and involve a
      combination of genetic and epigenetic influences. Dysregulation of these
      processes can manifest in humans as a range of fear-related anxiety disorders
      like post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). In the present study,
      immunohistochemistry for acetyl H3, H4, c-fos, CBP (CREB-binding protein) in the
      infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL-PFC) and prelimbic prefrontal cortex (PL-PFC)
      of mPFC (medial prefrontal cortex) and basal amygdala (BA), lateral amygdala
      (LA), centrolateral amygdala (CeL), centromedial amygdala (CeM) of the amygdala
      was performed to link region-specific histone acetylation to fear and extinction
      learning. It was found that the PL-PFC and IL-PFC along with the sub-regions of
      the amygdala responded differentially to the fear learning and extinction.
      Following fear learning, c-fos and CBP expression and acetylation of H3 and H4
      increased in the BA, LA, CeM, and CeL and the PL-PFC but not in the IL-PFC as
      compared to the naive control. Similarly, following extinction learning, c-fos
      and CBP expression increased in BA, LA, CeL, and IL-PFC but not in PL-PFC and CeM
      as compared to the naive control and conditioned group. However, the acetylation
      of H3 increased in both IL and PL as opposed to H4 which increased only in the IL
      PFC following extinction learning. Overall, region-specific activation in
      amygdala and PFC following fear and extinction learning as evident by the c-fos
      activation paralleled the H3/H4 acetylation in these regions. These results
      suggest that the differential histone acetylation in the PFC and amygdala
      subnuclei following fear learning and extinction may be associated with the
      region-specific changes in the neuronal activation pattern resulting in more
      fear/less fear.

PMID- 28097490
TI  - Glucose Uptake and Triacylglycerol Synthesis Are Increased in Barth Syndrome
      Lymphoblasts.
AB  - Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked genetic disease resulting in loss of
      cardiolipin (Ptd2Gro). Patients may be predisposed to hypoglycemia and exhibit
      increases in whole-body glucose disposal rates and a higher fat mass percentage.
      We examined the reasons for this in BTHS lymphoblasts. BTHS lymphoblasts
      exhibited a 60% increase (p < 0.004) in 2-[1,2-3H(N)]deoxy-D-glucose uptake, a
      40% increase (p < 0.01) in glucose transporter-3 protein expression, an increase
      in phosphorylated-adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) and a 58% increase (p <
      0.001) in the phosphorylated-AMPK/AMPK ratio compared to controls. In addition,
      BTHS lymphoblasts exhibited a 90% (p < 0.001) increase in D-[U-14C]glucose
      incorporated into 1,2,3-triacyl-sn-glycerol (TAG) and a 29% increase (p < 0.025)
      in 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol acyltransferase-2 activity compared to controls. Thus,
      BTHS lymphoblasts exhibit increased glucose transport and increased glucose
      utilization for TAG synthesis. These results may, in part, explain why BTHS
      patients exhibit an increase in whole-body glucose disposal rates, may be
      predisposed to hypoglycemia and exhibit a higher fat mass percentage.

PMID- 28097491
TI  - Small Interfering RNA Targeting Dickkopf-1 Contributes to Neuroprotection After
      Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats.
AB  - Excessive Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) plays a vital role in secondary brain injury
      following ischemic stroke and psychotic disease. However, it is unclear whether
      an increased expression of Dkk-1 occurred after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
      The present study examined the potential role of Dkk-1 after ICH. ICH was induced
      by a single injection of autologous blood into the basal ganglia of rats. Dkk-1
      protein levels in brain tissue and serum were detected by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay after ICH. Rats were treated with small interfering RNA
      targeting Dkk-1 (siDkk-1) or vehicle following ICH. Behavioral deficits and brain
      water content were examined. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity was detected by
      Evans blue extravasation and observed by transmission electron microscopy. Wnt-1
      was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. The tight junction protein zonula occludens-1
      (ZO-1) was investigated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays. Serum
      level of Dkk-1 did not differ between the ICH and sham groups. However, the level
      of Dkk-1 in brain tissue was significantly increased at 24 and 72 h after ICH.
      BBB disruption and brain edema, as well as neurological deficits, were remarkably
      ameliorated by administration of siDkk-1. Moreover, siDkk-1 treatment
      significantly increased the transcription of Wnt-1 mRNA and upregulated the
      expression of ZO-1. These results provide the first evidence that siDkk-1
      treatment is neuroprotective against secondary injury including brain edema and
      BBB permeability following ICH; the mechanism of neuroprotection may be
      associated with improvement of BBB integrity.

PMID- 28097492
TI  - Activation of TRPM2 and TRPV1 Channels in Dorsal Root Ganglion by NADPH Oxidase
      and Protein Kinase C Molecular Pathways: a Patch Clamp Study.
AB  - Despite considerable research, the mechanisms of neuropathic pain induced by
      excessive oxidative stress production and overload calcium ion (Ca2+) entry in
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) remain substantially unidentified. The transient
      receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) and vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels are
      activated with different stimuli including oxidative stress. TRPM2 and TRPV1 have
      been shown to be involved in induction of neuropathic pain. However, the
      activation mechanisms of TRPM2 and TRPV1 via NADPH oxidase and protein kinase C
      (PKC) pathways are poorly understood. In this study, I investigated the roles of
      NADPH oxidase and PKC on Ca2+ entry through TRPM2 and TRPV1 channels in in vitro
      DRG neurons of rats. Rat DRG neurons were used in whole-cell patch clamp
      experiments. The H2O2-induced TRPM2 current densities were decreased by N-(p
      amylcinnamoyl)anthranilic acid (ACA), and dose-dependent capsaicin (CAP) and H2O2
      induced TRPV1 currents were inhibited by capsazepine (CPZ). The TRPV1 channel is
      activated in the DRG neurons by 0.01 mM capsaicin but not 0.001 mM or 0.05 mM
      capsaicin. TRPM2 and TRPV1 currents were increased by the PKC activator, phorbol
      myristate acetate (PMA), although the currents were decreased by ACA, CPZ, and
      the PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide I (BIM). Both channel currents were
      further increased by PMA + H2O2 as compared to H2O2 only. In the combined
      presence of PMA + BIM, no TRPM2 or TRPV1 currents were observed. The CAP and H2O2
      induced TRPM2 current densities were also decreased by the NADPH oxidase
      inhibitors apocynin and N-Acetylcysteine. In conclusion, these results
      demonstrate a protective role for NADPH oxidase and PKC inhibitors on Ca2+ entry
      through TRPM2 and TRPV1 channels in DRG neurons. Since excessive oxidative stress
      production and Ca2+ entry are implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropathic
      pain, the findings may be relevant to the etiology and treatment of
      neuropathology in DRG neurons.

PMID- 28097493
TI  - Service Users' Perceptions of an Outreach Wellbeing Service: A Social Enterprise
      for Promoting Mental Health.
AB  - Inadequate provision and limited access to mental healthcare has been highlighted
      with the need to offer more contemporary ways to provide clinically effective
      interventions. This study aimed to present an insight into service users'
      perceptions of an outreach Wellbeing Service (WBS), providing psychological
      therapy in social settings. Descriptive and thematic analysis was undertaken of
      50 returned surveys. Comparison of initial and final mental health measures
      demonstrated a significant improvement in all outcomes with 96% of participants
      reporting being helped by attending. Participants were assisted to rebuild social
      connections in a safe and supportive environment and were facilitated to become
      more self-determining as their resourcefulness to self-manage was cultivated.
      Situated within different settings within the community, the WBS offers a
      workable example of a novel approach to supporting and promoting citizens to
      become more resilient and lead a more fulfilling and independent life in the
      community.

PMID- 28097494
TI  - Establishment and characterization of a heart-derived cell line from goldfish
      (Carassius auratus).
AB  - The goldfish Carassius auratus, a freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae, was
      one of the earliest fish to be domesticated for ornamental purposes. A cell line
      was established from goldfish heart (GH) tissue to create a biological monitoring
      tool for viral diseases. The GH cell line was optimally maintained at 25  degrees
      C in M199 medium supplemented with 10-20% fetal bovine serum. A chromosomal
      analysis indicated that the cell line remained diploid, with a mean chromosomal
      count of 100. In viral inoculation assays, significant cytopathic effects (CPEs)
      were caused by epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV), Andrias davidianus
      iridovirus (ADIV), and Bohle iridovirus (BIV) infections in the fish cells and
      the viral titers (average value) of EHNV, ADIV, and BIV in GH cells reached
      105.0, 104.5, and 105.0 TCID50/0.1 mL, respectively, within 7 days. However, no
      CPE was observed in the cells infected with viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus
      (VHSV), infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), spring viremia of carp
      virus (SVCV), infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), channel catfish virus
      (CCV), or grass carp reovirus (GCRV). These results suggest that the GH cell line
      is a valuable tool for studying viral pathogenesis.

PMID- 28097495
TI  - The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha gene is not affected by low
      oxygen conditions in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) juveniles.
AB  - Hypoxia can affect various fish populations, including yellow perch Perca
      flavescens, which is an economically and ecologically important species in Lake
      Erie, a freshwater system that often experiences hypoxia in the hypolimnetic part
      of the lake. Fish, similarly to mammals, possess molecular oxygen sensor-hypoxia
      inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a transcription factor that can affect expression of
      many downstream genes related to animal growth and locomotion, protein synthesis,
      as well as ATP and amino acid metabolism. HIF-1 is a heterodimer, which consists
      of two subunits: oxygen-sensitive and oxygen-insensitive subunits, alpha and
      beta, respectively. In this study, we report first on the molecular cloning and
      sequencing of P. flavescens HIF-1alpha. The full-length complementary DNA (cDNA)
      was isolated and submitted to the GenBank with accession number KT783483. It
      consists of 3529 base pairs (bp) carrying a single open-reading frame that
      encompasses 2250 bp of the coding region, 247 bp of the 5' untranslated region
      (UTR), and 1032 bp of the 3' UTR. The "de novo" prediction of the 3D structure of
      HIF-1alpha protein, which consists of 749 amino acids, is presented, too. We then
      utilized One-Step Taqman(r) real-time RT-PCR technology to monitor changes in HIF
      1alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) copies in response to chronic hypoxic stress. An
      experiment was conducted using 14-day post-swim-up stage yellow perch larvae with
      uninflated swim bladders. This experiment included three treatment groups:
      hypoxia, mid-hypoxia, and normoxia, in four replicates (four tanks per treatment)
      with the following dissolved oxygen levels: 3, 4, and >7 mg O2/L, respectively.
      At the end (2 weeks) and in the middle (1 week) of the experiment, fish from each
      tank were sampled for body measurements and molecular biology analysis. The
      results showed no differences in survival (~90%) between treatment groups. Oxygen
      concentration was lowered to 3.02 +/- 0.15 (mean +/- SE) mg O2/L with no adverse
      effect on fish survival. The highest growth rate was observed in the normoxic
      group. A similar trend was observed with fish body length. The growth rate of
      fish declined with decreasing water-dissolved oxygen. The number of HIF-1alpha
      mRNA copies was not significantly different between hypoxic, mid-hypoxic, and
      normoxic conditions, and this was true for fish obtained in the middle and at the
      end of the experiment. Graphical abstract.

PMID- 28097496
TI  - Historical trends of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) recorded in sediments
      across the Tibetan Plateau.
AB  - Sediment cores from four lakes across the Tibetan Plateau were used as natural
      archives to study the time trends of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The total
      concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (SigmaDDT) and
      hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (SigmaHCH) were in the range of 0.04-1.61 and 0.08
      1.88 ng/g based on dry weight (dw), while the input fluxes were in the range of
      0.3-236 and 0.7-295 pg/cm2/y in the core sediments, respectively. The input
      fluxes of SigmaDDT and SigmaHCH generally peaked in sediment layers corresponding
      to the 1970s-1990s and peaked in top sediment layers. The ratio of alpha/gamma
      HCH decreased in the top layer sediments, implying that the contribution of
      lindane (pure gamma-HCH) has been increasing in recent years. In addition, the
      ratio of o,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDT increased significantly over the last 15-20 years,
      suggesting that dicofol (characterized by high ratio of o,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDT about
      7.0) has recently become a relatively more important source of DDT compared to
      technical DDT itself. The time trends of OCPs recorded in lake sediments examined
      the impact on such remote alpine regions by human activities.

PMID- 28097497
TI  - GoPro Hero Cameras for Creation of a Three-Dimensional, Educational,
      Neurointerventional Video.
AB  - Neurointerventional education relies on an apprenticeship model, with the trainee
      observing and participating in procedures with the guidance of a mentor. While
      educational videos are becoming prevalent in surgical cases, there is a dearth of
      comparable educational material for trainees in neurointerventional programs. We
      sought to create a high-quality, three-dimensional video of a routine diagnostic
      cerebral angiogram for use as an educational tool. A diagnostic cerebral
      angiogram was recorded using two GoPro HERO 3+ cameras with the Dual HERO System
      to capture the proceduralist's hands during the case. This video was edited with
      recordings from the video monitors to create a real-time three-dimensional video
      of both the actions of the neurointerventionalist and the resulting wire/catheter
      movements. The final edited video, in either two or three dimensions, can serve
      as another instructional tool for the training of residents and/or fellows.
      Additional videos can be created in a similar fashion of more complicated
      neurointerventional cases. The GoPro HERO 3+ camera and Dual HERO System can be
      used to create educational videos of neurointerventional procedures.

PMID- 28097498
TI  - Clinical Applications of a CT Window Blending Algorithm: RADIO (Relative
      Attenuation-Dependent Image Overlay).
AB  - A methodology is described using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Extendscript to
      process DICOM images with a Relative Attenuation-Dependent Image Overlay (RADIO)
      algorithm to visualize the full dynamic range of CT in one view, without
      requiring a change in window and level settings. The potential clinical uses for
      such an algorithm are described in a pictorial overview, including applications
      in emergency radiology, oncologic imaging, and nuclear medicine and molecular
      imaging.

PMID- 28097499
TI  - Automating Perforator Flap MRA and CTA Reporting.
AB  - Surgical breast reconstruction after mastectomy requires precise perforator
      coordinates/dimensions, perforator course, and fat volume in a radiology report.
      Automatic perforator reporting software was implemented as an OsiriX Digital
      Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer plugin. For perforator
      analysis, the user identifies a reference point (e.g., umbilicus) and marks each
      perforating artery/vein bundle with multiple region of interest (ROI) points
      along its course beginning at the muscle-fat interface. Computations using these
      points and analysis of image data produce content for the report. Post-processing
      times were compared against conventional/manual methods using de-identified
      images of 26 patients with surgically confirmed accuracy of perforator locations
      and caliber. The time from loading source images to completion of report was
      measured. Significance of differences in mean processing times for this automated
      approach versus the conventional/manual approach was assessed using a paired t
      test. The mean conventional reporting time for our radiologists was 76 +/- 27 min
      (median 65 min) compared with 25 +/- 6 min (median 25 min) using our OsiriX
      plugin (p < 0.01). The conventional approach had three reports with transcription
      errors compared to none with the OsiriX plugin. Otherwise, the reports were
      similar. In conclusion, automated reporting of perforator magnetic resonance
      angiography (MRA) studies is faster compared with the standard, manual approach,
      and transcription errors which are eliminated.

PMID- 28097500
TI  - Update on Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.
AB  - Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is an acquired disease
      characterized by chronic eosinophilic airway inflammation with underlying
      dysregulation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The purpose of this paper is to
      review the latest developments in our understanding of the underlying
      pathophysiology including the role of eosinophils, mast cells, innate lymphoid
      cells (ILC2), and platelets. Clinical features such as respiratory reactions
      induced by alcohol, aggressive nasal polyposis, and anosmia will allow for
      earlier recognition of these patients in clinical practice. The current state of
      the art management of AERD will be addressed including the ongoing central role
      for aspirin desensitization and high-dose aspirin therapy.

PMID- 28097501
TI  - Efficient production of free fatty acids from ionic liquid-based acid- or enzyme
      catalyzed bamboo hydrolysate.
AB  - Two engineered Escherichia coli strains, DQ101 (MG1655 fadD -)/pDQTES and DQ101
      (MG1655 fadD -)/pDQTESZ were constructed to investigate the free fatty acid
      production using ionic liquid-based acid- or enzyme-catalyzed bamboo hydrolysate
      as carbon source in this study. The plasmid, pDQTES, carrying an acyl-ACP
      thioesterase 'TesA of E. coli in pTrc99A was constructed firstly, and then (3R)
      hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase was ligated after the TesA to give the plasmid
      pDQTESZ. These two strains exhibited efficient fatty acid production when glucose
      was used as the sole carbon source, with a final concentration of 2.45 and 3.32
      g/L, respectively. The free fatty acid production of the two strains on xylose is
      not as efficient as that on glucose, which was 2.32 and 2.96 g/L, respectively.
      For mixed sugars, DQ101 (MG1655 fadD -)-based strains utilized glucose and
      pentose sequentially under the carbon catabolite repression (CCR) regulation. The
      highest total FFAs concentration from the mixed sugar culture reached 2.81 g/L by
      DQ101 (MG1655 fadD -)/pDQTESZ. Furthermore, when ionic liquid-based enzyme
      catalyzed bamboo hydrolysate was used as the carbon source, the strain DQ101
      (MG1655 fadD -)/pDQTESZ could produce 1.23 g/L FFAs with a yield of 0.13 g/g, and
      while it just produced 0.65 g/L free fatty acid with the ionic liquid-based acid
      catalyzed bamboo hydrolysate as the feedstock. The results suggested that
      enzymatic catalyzed bamboo hydrolysate with ionic liquid pretreatment could serve
      as an efficient feedstock for free fatty acid production.

PMID- 28097503
TI  - Blended Chitosan Paste for Infection Prevention: Preliminary and Preclinical
      Evaluations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local drug delivery devices offer a promising method for delivering
      vancomycin and amikacin for musculoskeletal wounds. However, current local
      delivery devices such as beads and sponges do not necessarily allow for full
      coverage of a wound surface with eluted antibiotics and do not address the need
      for reducing the antibiotic diffusion distance to help prevent contamination by
      bacteria or other microorganisms. We blended chitosan/polyethylene glycol (PEG)
      pastes/sponges to increase biocompatibility and improve antibiotic coverage
      within the wound. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Are blended chitosan/PEG pastes
      biodegradable? (2) Are the blended pastes biocompatible? (3) How much force does
      paste require for placement by injection? (4) Will the pastes elute active
      antibiotics to inhibit bacteria in vitro? (5) Can the pastes prevent infection in
      a preclinical model with hardware? METHODS: Our blended paste/sponge formulations
      (0.5% acidic, 1% acidic, and acidic/neutral) along with a control neutral 1%
      chitosan sponge were tested in vitro for degradability, cytocompatibility,
      injectability tested by determining the amount of force needed to inject the
      pastes, elution of antibiotics, and activity tested using zone of inhibition
      studies. Along with these studies, in vivo models for biocompatibility and
      infection prevention were tested using a rodent model and an infected mouse model
      with hardware, respectively. By evaluating these characteristics, an improved
      local drug delivery device can be determined. RESULTS: All three of the paste
      formulations evaluated were almost fully degraded and with 6 days of degradation,
      the percent remaining being was less than that of the control sponge (percent
      remaining: control 99.251% +/- 1.0%; 0.5% acidic 1.6% +/- 2.1%, p = 0.002; 1%
      acidic 1.7% +/- 1.6%, p = 0.002; acidic/neutral 2.3% +/- 1.7%, p = 0.010). There
      was good biocompatibility because cell viability in vitro was high (control 100.0
      +/- 14.3; 0.5% acidic formulation at 79.4 +/- 12.6, p < 0.001; 1% acidic
      formulation at 98.6 +/- 6.1, p = 0.993; acidic/neutral formulation at 106.7 +/-
      12.8, p = 0.543), and in vivo inflammation was moderate (control 2.1 +/- 1.2;
      0.5% acidic 3.3 +/- 0.2, p = 0.530; 1% acidic 2.5 +/- 0.9, p = 0.657;
      acidic/neutral 2.9 +/- 1.1, p = 0.784). Force required to inject the 0.5% acidic
      and 1% acidic pastes was less than the acidic/neutral paste used as a control
      (control 167.7 +/- 85.6; 0.5% acidic 41.3 +/- 10.7, p = 0.070; 1% acidic 28.0 +/-
      7.0, p = 0.940). At 72 hours, all paste formulations exhibited in vitro activity
      against Staphylococcus aureus (control 2.6 +/- 0.8; 0.5% acidic 98.1 +/- 33.5, p
      = 0.002; 1% acidic 87.3 +/- 17.2, p = 0.006; acidic/neutral 83.5 +/- 14.3, p =
      0.010) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (control 163.0 +/- 1.7; 0.5% acidic 85.7 +/-
      83.6, p = 0.373; 1% acidic 38.0 +/- 45.1, p = 0.896; acidic/neutral 129.7 +/-
      78.0, p = 0.896). Also, the paste formulations were able to prevent the infection
      with 100% clearance on the implanted hardware and surrounding tissue with the
      control being a 0.5% acidic paste group without antibiotics (control 4 * 104 +/-
      4.8 * 104; 0.5% acidic 0.0 +/- 0.0, p value: 0.050; 1% acidic 0.0 +/- 0.0, p =
      0.050; acidic/neutral 0.0 +/- 0.0, p = 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary
      studies demonstrated promising results for the blended chitosan/PEG pastes with
      antibiotics provided degradability, biocompatibility, injectability, and
      infection prevention for musculoskeletal-type wounds. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The
      preliminary studies with the chitosan paste delivered antibiotics to a
      contaminated musculoskeletal wound with hardware and prevented infection. More
      studies in a complex musculoskeletal wound and dosage studies are needed for
      continued development.

PMID- 28097504
TI  - Estimating the relative weights of visual and auditory tau versus heuristic-based
      cues for time-to-contact judgments in realistic, familiar scenes by older and
      younger adults.
AB  - Estimating time to contact (TTC) involves multiple sensory systems, including
      vision and audition. Previous findings suggested that the ratio of an object's
      instantaneous optical size/sound intensity to its instantaneous rate of change in
      optical size/sound intensity (tau) drives TTC judgments. Other evidence has shown
      that heuristic-based cues are used, including final optical size or final sound
      pressure level. Most previous studies have used decontextualized and unfamiliar
      stimuli (e.g., geometric shapes on a blank background). Here we evaluated TTC
      estimates by using a traffic scene with an approaching vehicle to evaluate the
      weights of visual and auditory TTC cues under more realistic conditions. Younger
      (18-39 years) and older (65+ years) participants made TTC estimates in three
      sensory conditions: visual-only, auditory-only, and audio-visual. Stimuli were
      presented within an immersive virtual-reality environment, and cue weights were
      calculated for both visual cues (e.g., visual tau, final optical size) and
      auditory cues (e.g., auditory tau, final sound pressure level). The results
      demonstrated the use of visual tau as well as heuristic cues in the visual-only
      condition. TTC estimates in the auditory-only condition, however, were primarily
      based on an auditory heuristic cue (final sound pressure level), rather than on
      auditory tau. In the audio-visual condition, the visual cues dominated overall,
      with the highest weight being assigned to visual tau by younger adults, and a
      more equal weighting of visual tau and heuristic cues in older adults. Overall,
      better characterizing the effects of combined sensory inputs, stimulus
      characteristics, and age on the cues used to estimate TTC will provide important
      insights into how these factors may affect everyday behavior.

PMID- 28097502
TI  - Should we routinely use DEBTACE for unresectable HCC? cTACE versus DEBTACE: a
      single-center survival analysis.
AB  - Conventional trans-arterial chemoembolization (cTACE) for intermediate stage
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) achieves a partial response in up to 72% of
      patients and improves median survival. Drug-eluting-beads-TACE (DEBTACE) improves
      treatment efficacy and tolerance as compared to cTACE. Our aim was to
      retrospectively evaluate our experience in the treatment of intermediate/advanced
      HCC with cTACE versus DEBTACE. Overall survival (OS) was the first endpoint. We
      retrospectively considered our department register data between 2006 and 2012. A
      total of 82 non-surgical patients, who underwent cTACE or DEBTACE, with a minimum
      of 12 months follow-up, met the inclusion criteria. Patients received a standard
      chemotherapy dose (50 mg). Radiological response was evaluated by CT after 30
      days and re-treatment was considered. Statistical analysis was performed with
      SPSS software. 54 patients received cTACE and 28 DEBTACE. In the DEBTACE group
      the median survival times was 22.7 months (CI 11.6-33.8), while in the cTACE
      group it was 21.8 months (CI 15.7-27.9). The survival analysis at log-rank (p =
      0.708) and Wilcoxon (p = 0.661) tests demonstrated no differences between DEBTACE
      and cTACE. The probability of death in function of time was significantly
      associated only to the Child-Pugh score. A Child A score was shown to be
      protective instead of Child B (OR 0.583; IC 95% = 0.344-0.987). DEBTACE for
      treating HCC is comparable to cTACE in terms of effectiveness, but seems to be
      better tolerated. Both treatments can be performed in case of tumor recurrence
      without substantial increase in procedural complications and risk of liver
      failure. We do confirm that there are no differences between the two techniques
      in terms of survival and that it is mainly affected by the reserved liver
      function proper of each patient.

PMID- 28097505
TI  - Support for context effects on segmentation and segments depends on the context.
AB  - Listeners must adapt to differences in speech rate across talkers and situations.
      Speech rate adaptation effects are strong for adjacent syllables (i.e., proximal
      syllables). For studies that have assessed adaptation effects on speech rate
      information more than one syllable removed from a point of ambiguity in speech
      (i.e., distal syllables), the difference in strength between different types of
      ambiguity is stark. Studies of word segmentation have shown large shifts in
      perception as a result of distal rate manipulations, while studies of segmental
      perception have shown only weak, or even nonexistent, effects. However, no study
      has standardized methods and materials to study context effects for both types of
      ambiguity simultaneously. Here, a set of sentences was created that differed as
      minimally as possible except for whether the sentences were ambiguous to the
      voicing of a consonant or ambiguous to the location of a word boundary. The
      sentences were then rate-modified to slow down the distal context speech rate to
      various extents, dependent on three different definitions of distal context that
      were adapted from previous experiments, along with a manipulation of proximal
      context to assess whether proximal effects were comparable across ambiguity
      types. The results indicate that the definition of distal influenced the extent
      of distal rate effects strongly for both segments and segmentation. They also
      establish the presence of distal rate effects on word-final segments for the
      first time. These results were replicated, with some caveats regarding the
      perception of individual segments, in an Internet-based sample recruited from
      Mechanical Turk.

PMID- 28097506
TI  - Bioequivalence Methodologies for Topical Drug Products: In Vitro and Ex Vivo
      Studies with a Corticosteroid and an Anti-Fungal Drug.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine whether in vitro and ex vivo measurements of topical drug
      product performance correlate with in vivo outcomes, such that more efficient
      experimental approaches can be reliably and reproducibly used to establish
      (in)equivalence between formulations for skin application. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      In vitro drug release through artificial membranes, and drug penetration into
      porcine skin ex vivo, were compared with published human in vivo studies. Two
      betamethasone valerate (BMV) formulations, and three marketed econazole nitrate
      (EN) creams were assessed. RESULTS: For BMV, the stratum corneum (SC) uptake of
      drug in 6 h closely matched data observed in vivo in humans, and distinguished
      between inequivalent formulations. SC uptake of EN from the 3 creams mirrored the
      in vivo equivalence in man (both clinically and via similar tape-stripping
      experiments). However, EN clearance from SC ex vivo did not parallel that in
      vivo, presumably due to the absence of a functioning microcirculation. In vitro
      release of BMV from the different formulations did not overlap with either ex
      vivo or in vivo tape-stripping data whereas, for EN, a good correlation was
      observed. No measurable permeation of either BMV or EN was detected in a 6-h in
      vitro skin penetration experiment. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro and ex vivo methods for
      topical bioequivalence determination can show correlation with in vivo outcomes.
      However, these surrogates have understandable limitations. A "one-size-fits-all"
      approach for topical bioequivalence evaluation may not always be successful,
      therefore, and the judicious use of complementary methods may prove a more
      effective and reliable strategy.

PMID- 28097507
TI  - In vitro Phase I- and Phase II-Drug Metabolism in The Liver of Juvenile and Adult
      Gottingen Minipigs.
AB  - PURPOSE: In view of pediatric drug development, juvenile animal studies are
      gaining importance. However, data on drug metabolizing capacities of juvenile
      animals are scarce, especially in non-rodent species. Therefore, we aimed to
      characterize the in vitro biotransformation of four human CYP450 substrates and
      one UGT substrate in the livers of developing Gottingen minipigs. METHODS: Liver
      microsomes from late fetal, Day 1, Day 3, Day 7, Day 28, and adult male and
      female Gottingen minipigs were incubated with a cocktail of CYP450 substrates,
      including phenacetin, tolbutamide, dextromethorphan, and midazolam. The latter
      are probe substrates for human CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4, respectively.
      In addition, the UGT multienzyme substrate (from the UGT-GloTM assay), which is
      glucuronidated by several human UGT1A and UGT2B enzymes, was also incubated with
      the porcine liver microsomes. RESULTS: For all tested substrates, drug metabolism
      significantly rose postnatally. At one month of age, 60.5 and 75.4% of adult
      activities were observed for acetaminophen and dextrorphan formations,
      respectively, while 35.4 and 43.2% of adult activities were present for 4-OH
      tolbutamide and 1'-OH-midazolam formations. Biotransformation of phenacetin was
      significantly higher in 28-day-old and adult females compared with males.
      CONCLUSIONS: Maturation of metabolizing capacities occurred postnatally, as
      described in man.

PMID- 28097508
TI  - Preparation and evaluation of biopolymeric nanoparticles as drug delivery system
      in effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study purposes to evaluate nanocrystalline biopolymeric
      nanoparticles encapsulating methotrexate and dexamethasone with high
      biocompatibility, enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced toxicity. METHODS:
      Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation, and Methotrexate (MTX)
      and Dexamethasone (DEX) were loaded during the preparation and screened for their
      in vitro efficacy in HEK and RAW264.7 cells, ex vivo and in vivo efficacy.
      RESULTS: FTIR confirmed the involvement of phosphoric group of sTPP with amine
      groups of chitosan and also role of hydrogen bonding involved in the preparation
      of MTXCHNP and DEXCHNP. Controlled release patterns coupled with diffusion of
      drug were observed in two different buffers (PBS) at pH 7.4 and pH 5.8. The IC50
      for MTXCHNP for HEK was 26.1 MUg/ml and 7.7 MUg/ml for RAW 264.7 cells. In
      DEXCHNP, the IC50 was 20.12 MUg/ml for HEK and 7.37 MUg/ml for RAW264.7 cells.
      Enhanced uptake of FITC-CHNP by RAW cells indicated internalization of
      nanoparticles by phagocytosis. The enhanced release of drug at lower pH justified
      increased cytotoxicity. Negligible ex-vivo hemolysis indicated the higher
      biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. 99mTc-CHNP exhibited maximum absorption in
      blood circulation in 3 h, followed by hepatic metabolism and renal clearance.
      Higher in-vivo anti-arthritic activity and antioxidant activity was observed post
      intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections by both MTXCHNP and DEXCHNP when compared to
      MTX (0.75 mg/Kg by i.p. route) and DEX (0.2 mg/Kg/i.p./daily) per se. CONCLUSION:
      The nanocrystalline biopolymeric nanoparticles were stable, biocompatible and
      have potential to be administered through i.p. route with minimal toxicity and
      high efficacy.

PMID- 28097509
TI  - Revealing pMDI Spray Initial Conditions: Flashing, Atomisation and the Effect of
      Ethanol.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sprays from pressurised metered-dose inhalers are produced by a
      transient discharge of a multiphase mixture. Small length and short time scales
      have made the investigation of the governing processes difficult. Consequently, a
      deep understanding of the physical processes that govern atomisation and drug
      particle formation has been elusive. METHODS: X-ray phase contrast imaging and
      quantitative radiography were used to reveal the internal flow structure and
      measure the time-variant nozzle exit mass density of 50 uL metered sprays of
      HFA134a, with and without ethanol cosolvent. Internal flow patterns were imaged
      at a magnification of 194 pixels/mm and 7759 frames per second with 150 ps
      temporal resolution. Spray projected mass was measured with temporal resolution
      of 1 ms and spatial resolution 6 um * 5 um. RESULTS: The flow upstream of the
      nozzle comprised large volumes of vapour at all times throughout the injection.
      The inclusion of ethanol prevented bubble coalescence, altering the internal flow
      structure and discharge. Radiography measurements confirmed that the nozzle exit
      area is dominantly occupied by vapour, with a peak liquid volume fraction of 13%.
      CONCLUSION: Vapour generation in pMDIs occurs upstream of the sump, and the
      dominant volume component in the nozzle exit orifice is vapour at all times in
      the injection. The flow in ethanol-containing pMDIs has a bubbly structure
      resulting in a comparatively stable discharge, whereas the binary structure of
      propellant-only flows results in unsteady discharge and the production of
      unrespirable liquid masses.

PMID- 28097510
TI  - When Headache Warns of Homeostatic Threat: the Metabolic Headaches.
AB  - Headache attributable to disorders of homeostasis represents a diverse diagnostic
      category in which external (i.e., high-altitude) or internal (i.e., fasting)
      demands exceed homeostatic capacity, resulting in symptomatic headaches.
      Metabolic headaches, especially fasting headache, have been observed to be common
      in the general population. In many cases, a history of migraine is a risk factor,
      consistent with the hypothesis of an adaptive, evolutionary role of headache to
      warn against environmental and physiological threats. Because many exposures may
      also be interpreted as migraine triggers, some authors have considered certain
      disorders in this category to more accurately represent primary headache
      disorders. Nonetheless, these disorders not only represent important clinical
      entities, recognition of which may prevent medical morbidity, but also
      interesting exposure-response models to further our understanding regarding
      headache pathophysiology.

PMID- 28097511
TI  - Brain Calcification and Movement Disorders.
AB  - Brain calcifications may be an incidental finding on neuroimaging in normal,
      particularly older individuals, but can also indicate numerous hereditary and
      nonhereditary syndromes, and metabolic, environmental, infectious, autoimmune,
      mitochondrial, traumatic, or toxic disorders. Bilateral calcifications most
      commonly affecting the basal ganglia may often be found in idiopathic cases, and
      a new term, primary familial brain calcification (PFBC), has been proposed that
      recognizes the genetic causes of the disorder and that calcifications occurred
      well beyond the basal ganglia. PFBC, usually inherited in an autosomal dominant
      fashion, is both an intrafamilial and an interfamilial heterogeneous disorder,
      clinically characterized by an insidious and progressive development of movement
      disorders, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms, but also cerebellar
      ataxia, pyramidal signs, and sometimes isolated seizures and headaches/migraines.
      Heterozygous mutations in four genes (SLC20A2, PDGFRB, PDGFB, XPR1) have recently
      proved to be the causes of the autosomal dominant forms of PFBC, also suggesting
      disrupted phosphate homeostasis as "an underlying and converging"
      pathophysiological mechanism. However, to date, it is not possible to anticipate
      with acceptable certainty any of known genetic causes of PFBC on the basis of the
      type, severity, pattern of distribution, or combination of movement disorders
      (mainly parkinsonism, with or without tremor, but also dystonia, chorea,
      paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia, orofacial dyskinesia, and gait and speech
      disorders).

PMID- 28097512
TI  - Deletion of Nlrp3 protects from inflammation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients develop atrophic muscle failure, which
      increases morbidity and mortality. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is activated
      early in sepsis. Whether IL-1beta acts directly on muscle cells and whether its
      inhibition prevents atrophy is unknown. We aimed to investigate if IL-1beta
      activation via the Nlrp3 inflammasome is involved in inflammation-induced
      atrophy. METHODS: We performed an experimental study and prospective animal
      trial. The effect of IL-1beta on differentiated C2C12 muscle cells was
      investigated by analyzing gene-and-protein expression, and atrophy response.
      Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecum ligation and puncture surgery in Nlrp3
      knockout and wild type mice. Skeletal muscle morphology, gene and protein
      expression, and atrophy markers were used to analyze the atrophy response.
      Immunostaining and reporter-gene assays showed that IL-1beta signaling is
      contained and active in myocytes. RESULTS: Immunostaining and reporter gene
      assays showed that IL-1beta signaling is contained and active in myocytes. IL
      1beta increased Il6 and atrogene gene expression resulting in myocyte atrophy.
      Nlrp3 knockout mice showed reduced IL-1beta serum levels in sepsis. As determined
      by muscle morphology, organ weights, gene expression, and protein content, muscle
      atrophy was attenuated in septic Nlrp3 knockout mice, compared to septic wild
      type mice 96 h after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1beta directly acts on myocytes to
      cause atrophy in sepsis. Inhibition of IL-1beta activation by targeting Nlrp3
      could be useful to prevent inflammation-induced muscle failure in critically ill
      patients.

PMID- 28097513
TI  - Stable Control of Firing Rate Mean and Variance by Dual Homeostatic Mechanisms.
AB  - Homeostatic processes that provide negative feedback to regulate neuronal firing
      rates are essential for normal brain function. Indeed, multiple parameters of
      individual neurons, including the scale of afferent synapse strengths and the
      densities of specific ion channels, have been observed to change on homeostatic
      time scales to oppose the effects of chronic changes in synaptic input. This
      raises the question of whether these processes are controlled by a single slow
      feedback variable or multiple slow variables. A single homeostatic process
      providing negative feedback to a neuron's firing rate naturally maintains a
      stable homeostatic equilibrium with a characteristic mean firing rate; but the
      conditions under which multiple slow feedbacks produce a stable homeostatic
      equilibrium have not yet been explored. Here we study a highly general model of
      homeostatic firing rate control in which two slow variables provide negative
      feedback to drive a firing rate toward two different target rates. Using
      dynamical systems techniques, we show that such a control system can be used to
      stably maintain a neuron's characteristic firing rate mean and variance in the
      face of perturbations, and we derive conditions under which this happens. We also
      derive expressions that clarify the relationship between the homeostatic firing
      rate targets and the resulting stable firing rate mean and variance. We provide
      specific examples of neuronal systems that can be effectively regulated by dual
      homeostasis. One of these examples is a recurrent excitatory network, which a
      dual feedback system can robustly tune to serve as an integrator.

PMID- 28097514
TI  - Cumulative Risk Exposure and Waist Circumference in Preschool-Aged Children: the
      Mediating Role of Television and Moderating Role of Sex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children exposed to multiple stressors are more likely to be
      overweight, but little is known about the mechanisms explaining this association.
      PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study examined whether children exposed to multiple
      stressors had higher waist circumference, and whether this association was
      mediated through children's television time. METHODS: Participants were 319
      parent-child dyads. Children were 2-5 years old and had at least one overweight
      parent (BMI >= 25 kg/m2). Data were collected at baseline of a larger childhood
      obesity prevention study and included information on psychosocial stressors
      (e.g., parenting stress), demographic stressors (e.g., low income), children's
      television time, and children's waist circumference. Two cumulative risk scores
      were created by summing stressors in each domain (demographic and psychosocial).
      Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Indirect
      effects of both cumulative risk scores on waist circumference through television
      time were not significant; however, moderated mediation analyses found
      significant moderation by gender. The indirect effects of both risk scores on
      waist circumference through television time were significant and positive for
      girls, but near-zero for boys. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing television time should be
      explored as a strategy for buffering against the negative health effects of
      exposure to multiple stressors among girls. Longitudinal and intervention
      research is needed to confirm these results and to identify mediating factors
      between cumulative risk and body weight among boys.

PMID- 28097516
TI  - Are event-related potentials to dynamic facial expressions of emotion related to
      individual differences in the accuracy of processing facial expressions and
      identity?
AB  - Despite a wealth of knowledge about the neural mechanisms behind emotional facial
      expression processing, little is known about how they relate to individual
      differences in social cognition abilities. We studied individual differences in
      the event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by dynamic facial expressions.
      First, we assessed the latent structure of the ERPs, reflecting structural face
      processing in the N170, and the allocation of processing resources and reflexive
      attention to emotionally salient stimuli, in the early posterior negativity (EPN)
      and the late positive complex (LPC). Then we estimated brain-behavior
      relationships between the ERP factors and behavioral indicators of facial
      identity and emotion-processing abilities. Structural models revealed that the
      participants who formed faster structural representations of neutral faces (i.e.,
      shorter N170 latencies) performed better at face perception (r = -.51) and memory
      (r = -.42). The N170 amplitude was not related to individual differences in face
      cognition or emotion processing. The latent EPN factor correlated with emotion
      perception (r = .47) and memory (r = .32), and also with face perception
      abilities (r = .41). Interestingly, the latent factor representing the difference
      in EPN amplitudes between the two neutral control conditions (chewing and
      blinking movements) also correlated with emotion perception (r = .51),
      highlighting the importance of tracking facial changes in the perception of
      emotional facial expressions. The LPC factor for negative expressions correlated
      with the memory for emotional facial expressions. The links revealed between the
      latency and strength of activations of brain systems and individual differences
      in processing socio-emotional information provide new insights into the brain
      mechanisms involved in social communication.

PMID- 28097515
TI  - Distress is Interdependent in Patients and Caregivers with Newly Diagnosed
      Incurable Cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with advanced, incurable cancer often experience high
      physical and psychological symptom burden. Family and friend caregivers are at
      risk for emotional distress. PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to investigate the
      interrelationship of distress in patient-caregiver dyads at the time of newly
      diagnosed incurable cancer. METHODS: From May 2011 to July 2015, within 8 weeks
      of diagnosis of advanced lung or noncolorectal gastrointestinal cancer, 350
      patients and 275 family caregivers were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial
      of early palliative care. Actor-partner interdependence modeling was used to
      examine relationships between dyad's self-reported anxiety and depressive
      symptoms on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline. RESULTS:
      Comparing patients with caregivers, patients reported more depressive symptoms (M
      diff = .84; t[274] = 3.17, p = .002, d = .22) and caregivers reported more
      anxiety symptoms (M diff =1.62, t[274] = 4.91, p < .001, d = .39). Dyads' anxiety
      symptoms were positively associated, as were depressive symptoms (rs = .21, ps <=
      .001). Actor-partner interdependence modeling showed that patients' anxiety
      symptoms were positively associated with their own depressive symptoms, with an
      equal effect for caregivers (actor effect betas = 0.52, ps < .001). Patients' own
      anxiety was concurrently positively associated with their caregivers' depressive
      symptoms, with an equal effect for caregivers to patients (partner effect
      betas=0.08, ps=.008). CONCLUSIONS: In the context of newly diagnosed incurable
      cancer, caregivers experience more pronounced anxiety, while patients report
      greater depressive symptoms. Findings indicate that anxiety and depressive
      symptoms are interrelated among dyads facing newly diagnosed incurable disease.
      Results emphasize the importance of addressing distress in both patients and
      caregivers. Future research should discern when dyadic versus individual
      psychosocial interventions would be optimal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The trial
      was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT02349412)
      https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02349412 .

PMID- 28097517
TI  - In Utero Exposure of Hyperlipidemic Mice to Diesel Exhaust: Lack of Effects on
      Atherosclerosis in Adult Offspring Fed a Regular Chow Diet.
AB  - Uterine stress is associated with an increased risk of later life metabolic
      diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of diesel exhaust (DE)
      exposure in utero on adult susceptibility to atherosclerosis in genetically
      hyperlipidemic mice. Pregnant apolipoprotein E-deficient mice received either DE
      exposure (~250-300 MUg/m3 PM2.5 for 6 h/day, 5 days/week) or filtered air (FA)
      throughout gestation. Treatment effects on litter size and gender distribution
      were recorded. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were measured at 8, 12 and 16
      weeks of age. Urinary 8-isoprostane and liver 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine levels
      were measured at killing at 16 weeks of age. Expression of the antioxidant genes
      heme oxygenase-1 and the glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier and catalytic
      subunits were measured in the lung, liver and aorta. The average area and
      frequency of atherosclerotic lesions were measured in the aortic sinus and
      innominate arteries. There were significantly smaller litters and higher
      postnatal mortality in the DE-exposed mice. There were no significant differences
      in plasma lipids or lipoprotein profiles, expression of antioxidant genes or
      markers of oxidative stress between treatment groups. There were also no
      significant differences in average atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic
      sinus or innominate arteries of the DE and FA groups although there was a higher
      frequency of lesions in the DE-exposed group. Our study indicates that in utero
      DE exposure does not influence later life lipoprotein metabolism, redox
      homeostasis or the risk of developing larger atherosclerotic lesions.

PMID- 28097518
TI  - Beneficial Effects of Ozone Therapy on Oxidative Stress, Cardiac Functions and
      Clinical Findings in Patients with Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction.
AB  - The aim of study was to determine the effects of ozone therapy on the oxidative
      stress, cardiac functions and clinical findings in patients with heart failure
      reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A total of 40 patients with New York Heart
      Association 2 and 3 HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%, and
      40 subjects without HF as control group were included in the study. Patients with
      HFrEF were given additional ozone therapy of major and minor administrations
      along with conventional HF treatment for 5 weeks. Before and after ozone therapy,
      left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes (LVESV, LVEDV) and the 6
      minute walk distance (6MWD) and blood levels of the superoxide dismutase (SOD),
      catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx),
      malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic
      peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured. Ozone therapy significantly reduced the serum
      levels of NO and MDA (p < 0.001, respectively) and significantly increased the
      levels of SOD, CAT, GSH and GSHPx (p < 0.001, respectively). LVEDV and LVESV were
      found to be significantly reduced; however, LVEF was not found to be
      significantly increased (p = 0.567). As the biochemical improvement marker of HF,
      NT-proBNP was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). The clinical HF improvement
      marker of 6 minute walk distance was also modestly increased (p < 0.001). Ozone
      therapy might be beneficial in terms of activating antioxidant system and merit
      further therapeutic potential to conventional HF treatment in patients with
      HFrEF.

PMID- 28097519
TI  - Guidance of interventions in structural heart disease; three-dimensional
      techniques are here to stay.

PMID- 28097520
TI  - Extremity fractures associated with ATVs and dirt bikes: a 10-year national
      epidemiologic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality of all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes have
      been studied, as well as the association of helmet use and head injury.
      HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast the
      patterns of extremity fractures associated with ATVs and dirt bikes. We believe
      there will be unique and potentially preventable injury patterns associated with
      dirt bikes and three-wheeled ATVs due to the poor stability of these vehicles.
      STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: The National Electronic
      Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was used to acquire data for extremity
      fractures related to ATV (three wheels, four wheels, and number of wheels
      undefined) and dirt bike use from 2007 to 2012. Nationwide estimation of injury
      incidence was determined using NEISS weight calculations. RESULTS: The database
      yielded an estimate of 229,362 extremity fractures from 2007 to 2012. The
      incidence rates of extremity fractures associated with ATV and dirt bike use were
      3.87 and 6.85 per 1000 participant-years. The largest proportion of all fractures
      occurred in the shoulder (27.2%), followed by the wrist and lower leg (13.8 and
      12.4%, respectively). There were no differences in the distribution of the
      location of fractures among four-wheeled or unspecified ATVs. However, three
      wheeled ATVs and dirt bikes had much larger proportion of lower leg, foot, and
      ankle fractures compared to the other vehicle types. CONCLUSIONS: While upper
      extremity fractures were the most commonly observed in this database, three
      wheeled ATVs and dirt bikes showed increased proportions of lower extremity
      fractures. Several organizations have previously advocated for better regulation
      of the sale and use of these specific vehicles due to increased risks. These
      findings help illustrate some of the specific risks associated with these
      commonly used vehicles.

PMID- 28097521
TI  - Alcohol consumption and dementia risk: a dose-response meta-analysis of
      prospective studies.
AB  - It is widely believed that light-to-moderate alcohol intake may protect against
      dementia while excessive drinking may instead increase the risk. Nonetheless,
      these findings need cautious interpretations due to varying methodologies and
      lack of standard definition, which hindered our transferring into preventative
      practice. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential dose
      response association between alcohol consumption and risk of dementia. A
      systematic search was conducted in electronic databases to identify relevant
      studies. Risk estimates were combined using a random-effect model. Eleven studies
      with 73,330 participants and 4586 cases for all-cause dementia (ACD), five
      studies with 52,715 participants and 1267 cases for Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and
      four studies with 49,535 participants and 542 cases for vascular dementia were
      included. We observed a nonlinear association between alcohol consumption and ACD
      risk (p nonlinearity < 0.05). The alcohol dose associated with lower risk of
      dementia was confined to at most 12.5 g/day, with the risk hitting bottom (RR ~
      0.9) at roughly 6 g/day. Of note, the ACD risk seemed to be elevated (~10%) when
      the dose surpasses certain levels: 23 drinks/week or 38 g/day. For the alcohol
      type, recommendation for wine is prioritized. The subgroup analysis further
      indicated that the effect of alcohol may be greater in younger adults (<60 years
      old) with regard to fighting against dementia. Modest alcohol consumption (<=12.5
      g/day) is associated with a reduced risk of dementia with 6 g/day of alcohol
      conferring a lower risk than other levels while excessive drinking (>=38 g/day)
      may instead elevate the risk.

PMID- 28097522
TI  - Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis in Adults is Associated with Increased Levels of
      Circulating Intermediate Monocytes.
AB  - Individual monocyte subsets have been associated with atherosclerotic disease,
      but their distribution has not been evaluated in aortic valve stenosis (AS) so
      far. In the present study, we have asked whether levels of the circulating
      intermediate monocyte subset are increased in AS. Classical (CD14++CD16-),
      intermediate (CD14++CD16+), and non-classical (CD14+CD16++) CD86-positive
      monocytes and monocyte activation (intensity of CD11b expression) were determined
      by flow cytometry in peripheral blood of patients with severe AS (n = 100) and
      matched AS-free controls (n = 75). AS patients exhibited significantly higher
      levels of circulating intermediate monocytes, while levels of circulating
      classical and non-classical monocytes or monocyte activation did not differ
      compared to controls. The difference in levels of intermediate monocytes between
      groups was independent of age, gender, BMI, LDL-C, NT-proBNP, NYHA functional
      class, or creatinine levels. The present pilot study provides evidence of an
      association of severe AS with increased levels of circulating intermediate
      monocytes. Further studies need to clarify whether this finding is related to the
      inflammatory status and hemodynamic disturbances associated with severe AS.

PMID- 28097524
TI  - Pubovisceralis Muscle Fiber Architecture Determination: Comparison Between
      Biomechanical Modeling and Diffusion Tensor Imaging.
AB  - Biomechanical analysis of pelvic floor dysfunction requires knowledge of certain
      biomechanical parameters, such as muscle fiber direction, in order to adequately
      model function. Magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides
      an estimate of overall muscle fiber directionality based on the mathematical
      description of water diffusivity. This work aimed at evaluating the concurrence
      between pubovisceralis muscle fiber representations obtained from DTI, and the
      maximum principal stress lines obtained through the finite element method. Seven
      datasets from axial T2-weighted images were used to build numerical models, and
      muscle fiber orientation estimated from the DT images. The in-plane projections
      of the first eigenvector of both vector fields describing muscle fiber
      orientation were extracted and compared. The directional consistency was
      evaluated by calculating the angle between the normalized vectors for the entire
      muscle and also for the right and left insertions, middle portions, and anorectal
      area. The values varied between 28 degrees  +/- 6 (right middle portion) and 34
      degrees  +/- 9 (anorectal area), and were higher than the angular precision of
      the DT estimates, evaluated using wild bootstrapping analysis. Angular dispersion
      ranged from 17 degrees  +/- 4 (left middle portion) to 23 degrees  +/- 5
      (anorectal area). Further studies are needed to examine acceptability of these
      differences when integrating the vectors estimated from DTI in the numerical
      analysis.

PMID- 28097523
TI  - Intravascular Ultrasound Characterization of a Tissue-Engineered Vascular Graft
      in an Ovine Model.
AB  - Patients who undergo implantation of a tissue-engineered vascular graft (TEVG)
      for congenital cardiac anomalies are monitored with echocardiography, followed by
      magnetic resonance imaging or angiography when indicated. While these methods
      provide data regarding the lumen, minimal information regarding neotissue
      formation is obtained. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has previously been used
      in a variety of conditions to evaluate the vessel wall. The purpose of this study
      was to evaluate the utility of IVUS for evaluation of TEVGs in our ovine model.
      Eight sheep underwent implantation of TEVGs either unseeded or seeded with bone
      marrow-derived mononuclear cells. Angiography, IVUS, and histology were directly
      compared. Endothelium, tunica media, and graft were identifiable on IVUS and
      histology at multiple time points. There was strong agreement between IVUS and
      angiography for evaluation of luminal diameter. IVUS offers a valuable tool to
      evaluate the changes within TEVGs, and clinical translation of this application
      is warranted.

PMID- 28097525
TI  - Automated Bone Segmentation and Surface Evaluation of a Small Animal Model of
      Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis.
AB  - MicroCT imaging allows for noninvasive microstructural evaluation of mineralized
      bone tissue, and is essential in studies of small animal models of bone and joint
      diseases. Automatic segmentation and evaluation of articular surfaces is
      challenging. Here, we present a novel method to create knee joint surface models,
      for the evaluation of PTOA-related joint changes in the rat using an atlas-based
      diffeomorphic registration to automatically isolate bone from surrounding
      tissues. As validation, two independent raters manually segment datasets and the
      resulting segmentations were compared to our novel automatic segmentation
      process. Data were evaluated using label map volumes, overlap metrics, Euclidean
      distance mapping, and a time trial. Intraclass correlation coefficients were
      calculated to compare methods, and were greater than 0.90. Total overlap, union
      overlap, and mean overlap were calculated to compare the automatic and manual
      methods and ranged from 0.85 to 0.99. A Euclidean distance comparison was also
      performed and showed no measurable difference between manual and automatic
      segmentations. Furthermore, our new method was 18 times faster than manual
      segmentation. Overall, this study describes a reliable, accurate, and automatic
      segmentation method for mineralized knee structures from microCT images, and will
      allow for efficient assessment of bony changes in small animal models of PTOA.

PMID- 28097526
TI  - Improved Measurement of Elastic Properties of Cells by Micropipette Aspiration
      and Its Application to Lymphocytes.
AB  - Mechanical deformability of cells is an important property for their function and
      development, as well as a useful marker of cell state. The classical technique of
      micropipette aspiration allows single-cell studies and we provide here a method
      to measure the two basic mechanical parameters, elastic modulus and Poisson's
      ratio. The proposed method, developed from finite-element analysis of
      micropipette aspiration experiments, may be implemented in future technologies
      for the automated measurement of mechanical properties of cells, based on the
      micropipette aspiration technique or on the cell transit through flow
      constrictions. We applied this method to measure the elastic parameters of
      lymphocytes, in which the mechanical properties depend on their activation state.
      Additionally, we discuss in this work the accuracy of previous models to estimate
      the elastic modulus of cells, in particular the analytical model by Theret et
      al., widely used in the field. We show the necessity of using an improved model,
      taking into account the finite size of the cells, to obtain new insights that may
      remain hidden otherwise.

PMID- 28097527
TI  - Breast Cancer Screening and Social Media: a Content Analysis of Evidence Use and
      Guideline Opinions on Twitter.
AB  - There is ongoing debate regarding the best mammography screening practices.
      Twitter has become a powerful tool for disseminating medical news and fostering
      healthcare conversations; however, little work has been done examining these
      conversations in the context of how users are sharing evidence and discussing
      current guidelines for breast cancer screening. To characterize the Twitter
      conversation on mammography and assess the quality of evidence used as well as
      opinions regarding current screening guidelines, individual tweets using
      mammography-related hashtags were prospectively pulled from Twitter from 5
      November 2015 to 11 December 2015. Content analysis was performed on the tweets
      by abstracting data related to user demographics, content, evidence use, and
      guideline opinions. Standard descriptive statistics were used to summarize the
      results. Comparisons were made by demographics, tweet type (testable claim,
      advice, personal experience, etc.), and user type (non-healthcare, physician,
      cancer specialist, etc.). The primary outcomes were how users are tweeting about
      breast cancer screening, the quality of evidence they are using, and their
      opinions regarding guidelines. The most frequent user type of the 1345 tweets was
      "non-healthcare" with 323 tweets (32.5%). Physicians had 1.87 times higher odds
      (95% CI, 0.69-5.07) of providing explicit support with a reference and 11.70
      times higher odds (95% CI, 3.41-40.13) of posting a tweet likely to be supported
      by the scientific community compared to non-healthcare users. Only 2.9% of
      guideline tweets approved of the guidelines while 14.6% claimed to be confused by
      them. Non-healthcare users comprise a significant proportion of participants in
      mammography conversations, with tweets often containing claims that are false,
      not explicitly backed by scientific evidence, and in favor of alternative
      "natural" breast cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, users appear to
      have low approval and confusion regarding screening guidelines. These findings
      suggest that more efforts are needed to educate and disseminate accurate
      information to the general public regarding breast cancer prevention modalities,
      emphasizing the safety of mammography and the harms of replacing conventional
      prevention and treatment modalities with unsubstantiated alternatives.

PMID- 28097528
TI  - Pharmacology and Toxicology of N-Benzylphenethylamine ("NBOMe") Hallucinogens.
AB  - Serotonergic hallucinogens induce profound changes in perception and cognition.
      The characteristic effects of hallucinogens are mediated by 5-HT2A receptor
      activation. One class of hallucinogens are 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted
      phenethylamines, such as the so-called 2C-X compounds 2,5-dimethoxy-4
      bromophenethylamine (2C-B) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (2C-I).
      Addition of an N-benzyl group to phenethylamine hallucinogens produces a marked
      increase in 5-HT2A-binding affinity and hallucinogenic potency. N
      benzylphenethylamines ("NBOMes") such as N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4
      iodophenethylamine (25I-NBOMe) show subnanomolar affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor
      and are reportedly highly potent in humans. Several NBOMEs have been available
      from online vendors since 2010, resulting in numerous cases of toxicity and
      multiple fatalities. This chapter reviews the structure-activity relationships,
      behavioral pharmacology, metabolism, and toxicity of members of the NBOMe
      hallucinogen class. Based on a review of 51 cases of NBOMe toxicity reported in
      the literature, it appears that rhabdomyolysis is a relatively common
      complication of severe NBOMe toxicity, an effect that may be linked to NBOMe
      induced seizures, hyperthermia, and vasoconstriction.

PMID- 28097529
TI  - Sleep Knowledge and Behaviors in Medical Students: Results of a Single Center
      Survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is little known about the demands of medical school on students'
      sleep behavior. The study's main goal was to examine the interplay between
      medical students' sleep knowledge, personal attitudes towards sleep, and their
      sleep habits. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was created and emailed to all
      students enrolled at a large metropolitan medical school. Data on demographics,
      sleep perception, and habits in addition to self-reported measures of students'
      sleep knowledge, beliefs, and sleepiness were collected. RESULTS: There were 261,
      out of a possible 720, responses to the survey. While 71.5% of respondents
      believed that they needed >7 h of sleep, only 24.9% of respondents stated they
      average >7 h of sleep. During the week of an examination, only 15.3% of students
      stated they averaged >7 h of sleep. A comparison of pre-clinical and clinical
      students revealed that reported median sleep during a school or rotation night
      was significantly lower in clinical students as compared to pre-clinical students
      while mean sleep during examination weeks between the two groups was not
      statistically different. In regard to sleep knowledge, clinical students were
      more knowledgeable (65.53% correct) than pre-clinical students (39.83% correct)
      (t(1) = -8.9, p = .00). However, there was no difference in the assessment of
      dysfunctional beliefs between the two groups (66.0 for preclinical students, 64.7
      for clinical students (t(1) = 0.37, p = .71)) while clinical students had a
      higher score of sleepiness compared to pre-clinical students (9.12 to 7.83, t(1)
      = -2.3, p = .023). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of medical students are sleeping an
      inadequate amount of time during their 4 years, and as they progress from the pre
      clinical to the clinical years, the amount of time they sleep decreases even
      though their knowledge about sleep increases. Increased awareness around sleep
      health is required beyond sleep education, as medical students appear to need
      help translating knowledge into strategies to improve their own sleep and well
      being.

PMID- 28097531
TI  - Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) is the way forward in Asia.
AB  - Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is currently the commonest form of
      liver transplantation in Asia. Efforts to improve the number of deceased donor
      liver transplantation have not been uniformly successful. We believe that THE
      unique combination of demographic, social, economic and political factors that
      exist in Asia will ensure that LDLT will continue to remain the predominant form
      of liver transplantation. While efforts to increase deceased donation rates
      should continue and intensify, progress in LDLT should also be supported and
      encouraged, as it will be the main workhorse of liver transplantation in Asia in
      the near and medium-term future.

PMID- 28097530
TI  - Virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma with special emphasis on HBV.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with high lethality,
      and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a chief cause. HBV can accelerate HCC via
      multiple mechanisms. First, HBV induces immune reactions that lead to repeated
      hepatic inflammation, fibrosis and a deficient immune microenvironment.
      Subsequently, HBV can modify host genes near the insertion point through DNA
      integration to cause host cell genome instability and to generate carcinogenic
      fusion proteins. Additionally, HBV expresses diverse active proteins, especially
      HBx and HBs, which have a range of transactivation functions such as regulation
      of apoptosis, interference with intracellular signaling pathways, and alteration
      of epigenetics. Currently, primary prevention measures for HBV-induced HCC focus
      on vaccination and antiviral treatment. Here, we report the epidemiology, the
      molecular mechanism and the progress in therapeutic strategies for controlling
      HBV-induced HCC.

PMID- 28097532
TI  - Medication Overuse in Chronic Pain.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic pain is usually managed by various pharmacotherapies
      after exhausting the conservative modalities such as over-the-counter choices.
      The goal of this review is to investigate current state of opioids and non-opioid
      medication overuse that includes NSAIDs, skeletal muscle relaxants,
      antidepressants, membrane stabilization agents, and benzodiazepine. How to
      minimize medication overuse and achieve better outcome in chronic pain
      management? RECENT FINDINGS: Although antidepressants and membrane stabilization
      agents contribute to the crucial components for neuromodulation, opioids were
      frequently designated as a rescue remedy in chronic pain since adjunct analgesics
      usually do not provide instantaneous relief. The updated CDC guideline for
      prescribing opioids has gained widespread attention via media exposure. Both
      patients and prescribers are alerted to respond to the opioid epidemic and
      numerous complications. However, there has been overuse of non-opioid adjunct
      analgesics that caused significant adverse effects in addition to concurrent
      opioid consumption. It is a common practice to extrapolate the WHO three-step
      analgesic ladder for cancer pain to apply in non-cancer pain that emphasizes
      solely on pharmacologic therapy which may result in overuse and escalation of
      opioids in non-cancer pain. There has been promising progress in non
      pharmacologic therapies such as biofeedback, complementary, and alternative
      medicine to facilitate pain control instead of dependency on pharmacologic
      therapies. This review article presents the current state of medication overuse
      in chronic pain and proposes precaution to balance the risk and benefit ratio. It
      may serve as a premier for future study on clinical pathway for comprehensive
      chronic pain management and reduce medication overuse.

PMID- 28097533
TI  - Long-Term Use of Ticagrelor in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to summarize and discuss safety and
      effectiveness of the long-term use of ticagrelor in patients with coronary artery
      disease (CAD). RECENT FINDINGS: Ticagrelor is an orally administered, direct, and
      reversible inhibitor of the P2Y12-platelet receptor. Long-term use of ticagrelor
      in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) has been investigated in the
      PEGASUS-TIMI-54 trial. Overall, 21,162 patients with a spontaneous MI 1 to 3
      years before randomization were randomly assigned to ticagrelor 90 mg bid,
      ticagrelor 60 mg bid, or placebo. Compared with placebo, both doses of ticagrelor
      showed that they were capable of significantly reducing the primary efficacy
      endpoint, although with a significant increase in TIMI major bleeding.
      Intracranial hemorrhage or fatal bleeding did not differ across groups. These
      findings establish clear benefit of DAPT extension with ticagrelor beyond 1 year
      of treatment, which comes with a tradeoff of clinically meaningful bleeding.
      Altogether, current evidence suggests that the duration of DAPT remains a patient
      by-patient decision based on thrombotic and bleeding risk profiles.

PMID- 28097534
TI  - Successful treatment with low-dose nivolumab in refractory Hodgkin lymphoma after
      allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Previous studies have reported that an antibody that blocks programmed cell death
      1 (PD-1) has therapeutic activity in patients with refractory/relapsed Hodgkin
      lymphoma (HL). However, the safety and efficacy of these agents in the post
      allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) setting are not well known. Here,
      we describe a patient who was diagnosed as classical HL and treated with five
      regimens of chemotherapies with autologous SCT. Complete remission (CR) was not
      achieved following this initial treatment, so we performed allo-SCT from an HLA
      matched sibling donor. Since his disease progressed at day 403 after allo-SCT, we
      decided to use nivolumab in the treatment of his refractory disease. To prevent
      the worsening of his chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), we reduced the
      initial dose and frequency of nivolumab compared with the previous report. After
      four courses of 0.5 mg/kg of nivolumab every three weeks, FDG-PET imaging showed
      partial response (PR) to the treatment, a remarkable result. However, since the
      escalated dose of 2 mg/kg resulted in worsening of dyspnea and skin sclerosis, we
      initiated systemic administration of prednisolone and reduced nivolumab to 1
      mg/kg. At the time of this report, his HL is in stable PR with three weekly
      administration of nivolumab and steroid controlled mild chronic GVHD.

PMID- 28097535
TI  - Central retinal artery occlusion after percutaneous nephrolithotomy lithotripsy
      in the prone position.

PMID- 28097537
TI  - Optimization of a New Aerodynamic Cylindrical FAIMS Device for Small Molecule
      Analysis.
AB  - The implementation of an aerodynamic mechanism to improve ion sampling between
      nanoelectrospray (n-ESI) and FAIMS was recently reported for proteomic analyses.
      This investigation explores the new FAIMS interface for small molecule analysis
      at high liquid flow rates and includes an examination of key differences in
      ionization between heated-ESI (HESI) and n-ESI. The sheath gas, critical for
      desolvation with HESI, affects FAIMS operation as higher FAIMS gas flow rates are
      required to achieve sufficient desolvation. Gas flow rate experiments also
      uncovered m/z discrimination with the conventional design as larger (slower
      moving) m/z ions experienced larger signal intensity losses than smaller m/z ions
      due to the desolvation gas flow having a greater drag effect on slower moving
      ions. The modified inlet in new FAIMS dampens the gas drag, making the HESI
      source more amenable as less m/z bias and significantly lower %RSD values were
      observed. Furthermore, a larger radius inner electrode in new FAIMS enables
      significantly higher E/N (electric field/number gas density) to be achieved using
      the existing waveform generator. Thus, new FAIMS signal intensities using only
      nitrogen improved 1.25- to 2-fold compared with the conventional design and 50%
      helium. Adding helium to the new FAIMS gave no significant improvements. The
      larger inner electrode also decreased ion focusing capabilities, and the effect
      on peak separation and ion intensity was examined in detail. The peak capacity of
      new FAIMS was approximately double that of conventional FAIMS; separation of
      seven low m/z ions gave a peak capacity of 37.7 using the gas additive 2
      propanol. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 28097536
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of ADHD in individuals with substance use disorder in
      Nigeria.
AB  - Substance use disorder (SUD) is associated with ADHD. ADHD increases the severity
      of SUD and has negative influence on the prognosis of the disorder. The aim of
      the study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of ADHD in individuals
      with SUD. During 2013-2015, a cross-sectional descriptive study of 233 drug
      treatment-seeking individuals was assessed. Diagnosis of ADHD was done using DSM
      IV criteria with the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA 2.0), while
      Semi-structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA 6.1) and
      Adult ADHD Quality of Life (AAQoL) were used for diagnosis of substance use
      disorder and assessment of QoL, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression
      was used to determine factors that were associated with ADHD. The prevalence of
      ADHD in SUD patients was 21.5%, with the combined subtype being the most
      prevalent. SUD patient with ADHD had more history of severe dependence on
      cigarette, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, dependence on
      benzodiazepine and heroin, number of relapses, poor QoL and number of
      hospitalization. After logistic regression, only the number of relapses (p =
      0.004), history of aggression (<0.001) and poor QoL differentiated between SUD
      patients with ADHD from those with no diagnosis of ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD
      in SUD individuals is high and may be associated with a more severe phenotypic
      expression of SUD.

PMID- 28097538
TI  - The role of glutamine synthetase in energy production and glutamine metabolism
      during oxidative stress.
AB  - Oxidative stress is known to severely impede aerobic adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      synthesis. However, the metabolically-versatile Pseudomonas fluorescens survives
      this challenge by invoking alternative ATP-generating networks. When grown in a
      medium with glutamine as the sole organic nutrient in the presence of H2O2, the
      microbe utilizes glutamine synthetase (GS) to modulate its energy budget. The
      activity of this enzyme that mediates the release of energy stored in glutamine
      was sharply increased in the stressed cells compared to the controls. The
      enhanced activities of such enzymes as acetate kinase, adenylate kinase and
      nucleotide diphosphate kinase ensured the efficacy of this ATP producing-machine
      by transferring the high energy phosphate. The elevated amounts of phosphoenol
      pyruvate carboxylase and pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase recorded in the H2O2
      exposed cells provided another route to ATP independent of the reduction of O2.
      This is the first demonstration of a metabolic pathway involving GS dedicated to
      ATP synthesis. The phospho-transfer network that is pivotal to the survival of
      the microorganism under oxidative stress may reveal therapeutic targets against
      infectious microbes reliant on glutamine for their proliferation.

PMID- 28097539
TI  - Rhizobium hedysari sp. nov., a novel species isolated from a root nodule of
      Hedysarum multijugum in China.
AB  - A strain 5-1-2T was isolated from a root nodule of Hedysarum multijugum collected
      from Zhangye city, Gansu province, north-west China. Phylogenetic analysis based
      on the 16S rRNA gene sequence and other housekeeping genes (recA and atpD)
      indicated that the strain represents a novel species in the genus Rhizobium close
      to the strain Rhizobium subbaraonis JC85T with similarities of 98.27, 88.92 and
      89.62%, respectively. Strain 5-1-2T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone.
      Our results showed that the major fatty acids were feature 8 (C18:1 omega7c
      and/or C18:1 omega6c; 38.90%). In addition, the DNA-DNA hybridizations with the
      type strains R. subbaraonis JC85T and Rhizobium halophytocola YC6881T were 39.2
      +/- 2.1 and 44.3 +/- 1.9, respectively. Therefore, a novel species Rhizobium
      hedysari sp. nov. is proposed, and 5-1-2T (=CGMCC1.15677T = NBRC112532T) is
      designated as the type strain.

PMID- 28097540
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097542
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097541
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097543
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097544
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097545
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097546
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097547
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097548
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097549
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097551
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097550
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097552
TI  - [Cardiovascular safety concerns of glucose-lowering drugs].

PMID- 28097553
TI  - [Pumps, sensors and the dream of the artificial pancreas - a clinical update to
      modern technologies in diabetes].

PMID- 28097555
TI  - [Protection against common cold].

PMID- 28097554
TI  - [Hanging by a thread - Management of pretibial lacerations].

PMID- 28097556
TI  - [Rhinosinusitis - diagnosis and guideline-based therapy].

PMID- 28097557
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097558
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097559
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097560
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097561
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097562
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097563
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097564
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097565
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097566
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097567
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097568
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097569
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097571
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097570
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097572
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097573
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097574
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097575
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097576
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097577
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097578
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097579
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097580
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097581
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097582
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097583
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097584
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097585
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097586
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097588
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097590
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097589
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097591
TI  - ?

PMID- 28097592
TI  - [Mycoses of the skin].

PMID- 28097593
TI  - Associations Between Positive Body Image, Sexual Liberalism, and Unconventional
      Sexual Practices in U.S. Adults.
AB  - While studies have documented robust relationships between body image and sexual
      health outcomes, few studies have looked beyond sexual functioning in women.
      Here, we hypothesized that more positive body image would be associated with
      greater sexual liberalism and more positive attitudes toward unconventional
      sexual practices. An online sample of 151 women and 164 men from the U.S.
      completed measures of sexual liberalism, attitudes toward unconventional sexual
      practices, and indices of positive body image (i.e., body appreciation, body
      acceptance by others, body image flexibility, and body pride), and provided their
      demographic details. Regression analyses indicated that, once the effects of
      sexual orientation, relationship status, age, and body mass index had been
      accounted for, higher body appreciation was significantly associated with greater
      sexual liberalism in women and men. Furthermore, higher body appreciation and
      body image flexibility were significantly associated with more positive attitudes
      toward unconventional sexual practices in women and men. These results may have
      implications for scholars working from a sex-positive perspective, particularly
      in terms of understanding the role body image plays in sexual attitudes and
      behaviors.

PMID- 28097594
TI  - Mechanism of anti-Vibrio activity of marine probiotic strain Bacillus pumilus H2,
      and characterization of the active substance.
AB  - Vibriosis is a major epizootic disease that impacts free-living and farmed fish
      species worldwide. Use of probiotics is a promising approach for prevention of
      Vibrio infections in aquaculture. A probiotic anti-Vibrio strain, Bacillus
      pumilus H2, was characterized, and the mechanism of its effect was investigated.
      All 29 Vibrio strains tested were growth-inhibited by H2. The anti-Vibrio
      substance present in cell-free supernatant of H2 was purified and characterized
      by reversed-phase HPLC. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the purified
      substance, determined in liquid media for various Vibrio strains, ranged from 0.5
      to 64 ug/ml. Addition of the purified substance to Vibrio vulnificus culture
      inhibited cell growth (estimated by OD600). Confocal microscopy and scanning
      electron microscopy analyses showed that surface structure of V. vulnificus cells
      was damaged by the purified substance, as reflected by presence of membrane
      holes, disappearance of cellular contents, and formation of cell cavities. The
      major mechanism of this anti-Vibrio activity appeared to involve disruption of
      cell membranes, and consequent cell lysis. The purified anti-Vibrio substance was
      shown to be structurally identical to amicoumacin A by MS and NMR analysis. Our
      findings indicate that B. pumilus H2 has strong potential for prevention or
      treatment of fish vibriosis in the aquaculture industry.

PMID- 28097595
TI  - Dependence of Z Parameter for Tensile Strength of Multi-Layered Interphase in
      Polymer Nanocomposites to Material and Interphase Properties.
AB  - In this work, the Z interphase parameter which determines the tensile strength of
      interphase layers in polymer nanocomposites is presented as a function of various
      material and interphase properties. In this regard, the simple Pukanszky model
      for tensile strength of polymer nanocomposites is applied and the dependency of Z
      to different characteristics of constituents and interphase are illustrated by
      contour plots. The interphase strength (sigma i) and B interfacial parameter in
      Pukanszky model show direct links with Z parameter. Also, it is found that the
      volume fractions of nanoparticles and interphase reveal dissimilar effects on Z.
      A high Z is obtained by a low nanoparticle volume fraction and high content of
      interphase, but the best values of Z are associated with the level of B
      parameter.

PMID- 28097596
TI  - Enhancement of Perovskite Solar Cells Efficiency using N-Doped TiO2 Nanorod
      Arrays as Electron Transfer Layer.
AB  - In this paper, N-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) nanorod arrays were synthesized with
      hydrothermal method, and perovskite solar cells were fabricated using them as
      electron transfer layer. The solar cell performance was optimized by changing the
      N doping contents. The power conversion efficiency of solar cells based on N-TiO2
      with the N doping content of 1% (N/Ti, atomic ratio) has been achieved 11.1%,
      which was 14.7% higher than that of solar cells based on un-doped TiO2. To get an
      insight into the improvement, some investigations were performed. The structure
      was examined with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and morphology was examined by
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and Tauc
      plot spectra indicated the incorporation of N in TiO2 nanorods. Absorption
      spectra showed higher absorption of visible light for N-TiO2 than un-doped TiO2.
      The N doping reduced the energy band gap from 3.03 to 2.74 eV. The
      photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra
      displayed the faster electron transfer from perovskite layer to N-TiO2 than to un
      doped TiO2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed the smaller
      resistance of device based on N-TiO2 than that on un-doped TiO2.

PMID- 28097597
TI  - Self-Powered Active Sensor with Concentric Topography of Piezoelectric Fibers.
AB  - In this study, we demonstrated a flexible and self-powered sensor based on
      piezoelectric fibers in the diameter range of nano- and micro-scales. Our work is
      distinctively different from previous electrospinning research; we fabricated
      this apparatus precisely via near-field electrospinning which has a spectacular
      performance to harvest mechanical deformation in arbitrary direction and a novel
      concentrically circular topography. There are many piezoelectric devices based on
      electrospinning polymeric fibers. However, the fibers were mostly patterned in
      parallel lines and they could be actuated in limited direction only. To overcome
      this predicament, we re-arranged the parallel alignment into concentric circle
      pattern which made it possible to collect the mechanical energy whenever the
      deformation is along same axis or not. Despite the change of topography, the
      output voltage and current could still reach to 5 V and 400 nA, respectively,
      despite the mechanical deformation was from different direction. This new
      arbitrarily directional piezoelectric generator with concentrically circular
      topography (PGCT) allowed the piezoelectric device to harvest more mechanical
      energy than the one-directional alignment fiber-based devices, and this PGCT
      could perform even better output which promised more versatile and efficient
      using as a wearable electronics or sensor.

PMID- 28097598
TI  - Influence of Doping and Nanostructuration on n-Type Bi2(Te0.8Se0.2)3 Alloys
      Synthesized by Arc Melting.
AB  - In competitive thermoelectric devices for energy conversion and generation, high
      efficiency materials of both n-type and p-type are required. For this, Bi2Te3
      based alloys have the best thermoelectric properties in room temperature
      applications. Partial replacement of tellurium by selenium is expected to
      introduce new donor states in the band gap, which would alter electrical
      conductivity and thermopower. We report on the preparation of n-type Bi2(Te1
      xSex)3 solid solutions by a straightforward arc-melting technique, yielding
      nanostructured polycrystalline pellets. X-ray and neutron powder diffraction was
      used to assess Se inclusion, also indicating that the interactions between
      quintuple layers constituting this material are weakened upon Se doping, while
      the covalency of intralayer bonds is augmented. Moreover, scanning electron
      microscopy shows large surfaces perpendicular to the c crystallographic axis
      assembled as stacked sheets. Grain boundaries related to this 2D
      nanostructuration affect the thermal conductivity reducing it below 0.8 Wm-1K-1
      at room temperature. Furthermore, Se doping increases the absolute Seebeck
      coefficient up to -140 MUV K-1 at 400 K, which is also beneficial for improved
      thermoelectric efficiency.

PMID- 28097599
TI  - Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Bioactivities Evaluation of Silver and Gold
      Nanoparticles Mediated by the Roots of Chinese Herbal Angelica pubescens Maxim.
AB  - A facile synthesis and biological applications of silver (DH-AgNps) and gold
      nanoparticles (DH-AuNps) mediated by the aqueous extract of Angelicae Pubescentis
      Radix (Du Huo) are explored. Du Huo is a medicinal root belonging to Angelica
      pubescens Maxim which possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant
      properties. The absorption spectra of nanoparticles in varying root extract and
      metal ion concentration, pH, reaction temperatures, and time were recorded by
      ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The presence of DH-AgNps and DH-AuNps
      was confirmed from the surface plasmon resonance intensified at ~414 and ~540 nm,
      respectively. Field emission transmission electron micrograph (FE-TEM) analysis
      revealed the formation of quasi-spherical DH-AgNps and spherical icosahedral DH
      AuNps. These novel DH-AgNps and DH-AuNps maintained an average crystallite size
      of 12.48 and 7.44 nm, respectively. The biosynthesized DH-AgNps and DH-AuNps
      exhibited antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH)
      radicals and the former exhibited antimicrobial activity against clinical
      pathogens including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica. The expected presence of flavonoids,
      sesquiterpenes, and phenols on the nanoparticle surface were conjectured to grant
      protection against aggregation and free radical scavenging activity. DH-AgNps and
      DH-AuNps were further investigated for their cytotoxic properties in RAW264.7
      macrophages for their potential application as drug carriers to sites of
      inflammation. In conclusion, this green synthesis is favorable for the
      advancement of plant mediated nano-carriers in drug delivery systems, cancer
      diagnostic, and medical imaging. Schematic diagram of biosynthesis of DH-AgNps
      and DH-AuNps and evaluation of their bioactivities.

PMID- 28097600
TI  - Network-Forming Nanoclusters in Binary As-S/Se Glasses: From Ab Initio Quantum
      Chemical Modeling to Experimental Evidences.
AB  - Network-forming As2(S/Se)m nanoclusters are employed to recognize expected
      variations in a vicinity of some remarkable compositions in binary As-Se/S glassy
      systems accepted as signatures of optimally constrained intermediate topological
      phases in earlier temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry
      experiments. The ab initio quantum chemical calculations performed using the
      cation-interlinking network cluster approach show similar oscillating character
      in tendency to local chemical decomposition but obvious step-like behavior in
      preference to global phase separation on boundary chemical compounds (pure
      chalcogen and stoichiometric arsenic chalcogenides). The onsets of stability are
      defined for chalcogen-rich glasses, these being connected with As2Se5 (Z = 2.29)
      and As2S6 (Z = 2.25) nanoclusters for As-Se and As-S glasses, respectively. The
      physical aging effects result preferentially from global phase separation in As-S
      glass system due to high localization of covalent bonding and local demixing on
      neighboring As2Sem+1 and As2Sem-1 nanoclusters in As-Se system. These
      nanoclusters well explain the lower limits of reversibility windows in
      temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry, but they cannot be
      accepted as signatures of topological phase transitions in respect to the
      rigidity theory.

PMID- 28097601
TI  - Observation of Anomalous Resistance Behavior in Bilayer Graphene.
AB  - Our measurement results have shown that bilayer graphene exhibits an unexpected
      sharp transition of the resistance value in the temperature region 200~250 K. We
      argue that this behavior originates from the interlayer ripple scattering effect
      between the top and bottom ripple graphene layer. The inter-scattering can mimic
      the Coulomb scattering but is strongly dependent on temperature. The observed
      behavior is consistent with the theoretical prediction that charged impurities
      are the dominant scatters in bilayer graphene. The resistance increase with
      increasing perpendicular magnetic field strongly supports the postulate that
      magnetic field induces an excitonic gap in bilayer graphene. Our results reveal
      that the relative change of resistance induced by magnetic field in the bilayer
      graphene shows an anomalous thermally activated property.

PMID- 28097602
TI  - Dietary Supplementation of Chromium Can Alleviate Negative Impacts of Heat Stress
      on Performance, Carcass Yield, and Some Blood Hematology and Chemistry Indices of
      Growing Japanese Quail.
AB  - The main objective of this work was to investigate the impact of dietary chromium
      supplementation on growth indices, carcass yield, and some hematological and
      biochemical blood parameters of growing Japanese quails subjected to heat stress.
      A total of 360 unsexed 2-week-old Japanese quail chicks were used in a 2 * 3
      factorial arrangement that had two ambient temperatures (23 +/- 2 and 33 +/- 2 
      degrees C) and three dietary chromium (0.00, 500, and 1000 MUg Cr/kg diet as
      chromium picolinate). For induction of heat stress, the room temperature was set
      at 33 +/- 2  degrees C from 2 to 6 weeks of age. Results showed that body weight,
      body weight gain, and feed intake were decreased for birds subjected to heat
      stress condition during 2 to 4 and 2 to 6 weeks of age. Feed conversion was not
      significantly (P > 0.05) affected by high ambient temperature throughout the
      experiment. Carcass, dressing, liver, and heart percentages were not influenced
      by the ambient temperature or dietary chromium or their combinations. Significant
      temperature * chromium combinations were observed for hemoglobin value (P =
      0.025) and packed cell volume (P = 0.001). Cholesterol and glucose in plasma were
      increased (P = 0.004 or 0.022) in quails subjected to heat stress condition.
      Plasma measurements of total proteins, albumin, globulin, lipids, glucose, and
      A/G ratio of quail chicks were not influenced (P > 0.05) by chromium, while
      cholesterol was increased with increasing chromium level (P = 0.033). High
      ambient temperature or dietary chromium levels or their interactions did not (P >
      0.05) affect plasma levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase
      (ALT), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), or T3/T4 ratio of growing quails.
      From these observations, it can be concluded that dietary chromium
      supplementation of growing Japanese quail subjected to heat stress condition
      could beneficially affect growth performance and carcasses, as well as modulate
      the hematological and biochemical blood parameters, probably through modulating
      stress status.

PMID- 28097603
TI  - Comprehensive preclinical evaluation of a multi-physics model of liver tumor
      radiofrequency ablation.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aim at developing a framework for the validation of a subject
      specific multi-physics model of liver tumor radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
      METHODS: The RFA computation becomes subject specific after several levels of
      personalization: geometrical and biophysical (hemodynamics, heat transfer and an
      extended cellular necrosis model). We present a comprehensive experimental setup
      combining multimodal, pre- and postoperative anatomical and functional images, as
      well as the interventional monitoring of intra-operative signals: the temperature
      and delivered power. RESULTS: To exploit this dataset, an efficient processing
      pipeline is introduced, which copes with image noise, variable resolution and
      anisotropy. The validation study includes twelve ablations from five healthy pig
      livers: a mean point-to-mesh error between predicted and actual ablation extent
      of 5.3 +/- 3.6 mm is achieved. CONCLUSION: This enables an end-to-end preclinical
      validation framework that considers the available dataset.

PMID- 28097604
TI  - Theory-based explanation as intervention.
AB  - Cogent explanations are an indispensable means of providing new information and
      an essential component of effective education. Beyond this, we argue that there
      is tremendous untapped potential in using explanations to motivate behavior
      change. In this article we focus on health interventions. We review four case
      studies that used carefully tailored explanations to address gaps and
      misconceptions in people's intuitive theories, providing participants with a
      conceptual framework for understanding how and why some recommended behavior is
      an effective way of achieving a health goal. These case studies targeted a
      variety of health-promoting behaviors: (1) children washing their hands to
      prevent viral epidemics; (2) parents vaccinating their children to stem the
      resurgence of infectious diseases; (3) adults completing the full course of an
      antibiotic prescription to reduce antibiotic resistance; and (4) children eating
      a variety of healthy foods to improve unhealthy diets. Simply telling people to
      engage in these behaviors has been largely ineffective-if anything, concern about
      these issues is mounting. But in each case, teaching participants coherent
      explanatory frameworks for understanding health recommendations has shown great
      promise, with such theory-based explanations outperforming state-of-the-art
      interventions from national health authorities. We contrast theory-based
      explanations both with simply listing facts, information, and advice and with
      providing a full-blown educational curriculum, and argue for providing the
      minimum amount of information required to understand the causal link between a
      target behavior and a health outcome. We argue that such theory-based
      explanations lend people the motivation and confidence to act on their new
      understanding.

PMID- 28097605
TI  - Elevated Carbon Dioxide Concentration Reduces Alarm Signaling in Aphids.
AB  - Insects often rely on olfaction to communicate with conspecifics. While the
      chemical language of insects has been deciphered in recent decades, few studies
      have assessed how changes in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations might
      impact pheromonal communication in insects. Here, we hypothesize that changes in
      the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide affect the whole dynamics of
      alarm signaling in aphids, including: (1) the production of the active compound
      (E)-beta-farnesene (Ebetaf), (2) emission behavior when under attack, (3)
      perception by the olfactory apparatus, and (4) the escape response. We reared two
      strains of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, under ambient and elevated CO2
      concentrations over several generations. We found that an increase in CO2
      concentration reduced the production (i.e., individual content) and emission
      (released under predation events) of Ebetaf. While no difference in Ebetaf
      neuronal perception was observed, we found that an increase in CO2 strongly
      reduced the escape behavior expressed by an aphid colony following exposure to
      natural doses of alarm pheromone. In conclusion, our results confirm that changes
      to greenhouse gases impact chemical communication in the pea aphid, and could
      potentially have a cascade effect on interactions with higher trophic levels.

PMID- 28097607
TI  - Capsule Commentary on Steiner, Carrying My Father.

PMID- 28097608
TI  - Capsule Commentary on Chen et al., A Randomized Trial of Displaying Paid Price
      Information on Imaging Study and Procedure Ordering Rates.

PMID- 28097606
TI  - Colorado Medical Students' Attitudes and Beliefs About Marijuana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, state and local governments across the
      U.S. have been increasingly reforming marijuana laws. Despite growing support for
      marijuana as a medical treatment, little is known about medical students'
      perceptions of marijuana use. OBJECTIVE: To assess Colorado medical students'
      personal and professional opinions on current and future marijuana use in a
      healthcare setting. DESIGN: A voluntary, anonymous, online cross-sectional
      survey. PARTICIPANTS: Medical students (n = 624) at the University of Colorado
      School of Medicine between January and February 2014 were invited to participate.
      MAIN MEASURES: Numerical responses were quantified using counts and percentages,
      and Likert scale responses were collapsed for bivariate analysis. Items were
      gathered thematically and additively scored for each subscale. Internal
      consistency reliability statistics were calculated for each subscale to ensure
      that items were assessing similar constructs. Unadjusted t tests and one-way
      analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to calculate mean differences in subscale
      scores between subgroups. KEY RESULTS: We received 236 responses (37%). Students
      indicated support for marijuana legalization (64%), and few believed that
      physicians should be penalized for recommending marijuana to patients (6%).
      Nearly all (97%) believed that further marijuana research should be conducted,
      and believed marijuana could play a role in the treatment of various medical
      conditions. Seventy-seven percent reported that they believed marijuana use had
      the potential for psychological harm, and 68% indicated concern for potential
      physical harm. Only a minority of students would recommend marijuana to a patient
      under current law (29%), or if it were legally available (45%). Acceptability of
      marijuana for treatment of approved conditions was not correlated with age or
      gender, but was positively correlated with living in Colorado prior to medical
      school (p < 0.001) and with prior marijuana use (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Medical
      students support marijuana legal reform, medicinal uses of marijuana, and
      increased research, but have concerns regarding risks of marijuana use, and
      appear hesitant to recommend marijuana to patients.

PMID- 28097609
TI  - A case of a quadricuspid aortic valve identified preoperatively using
      transthoracic echocardiography.
AB  - Quadricuspid aortic valve is an extremely rare congenital heart anomaly that
      often causes valve incompetence, requiring surgical intervention. Care must be
      taken to avoid surgical complications in patients with quadricuspid aortic valve;
      thus, preoperative diagnosis is important. A 76-year-old man presented with
      exertional dyspnea due to aortic regurgitation. Transthoracic and transesophageal
      echocardiography revealed severe aortic regurgitation caused by quadricuspid
      aortic valve. To avoid interference with the cardiac conduction system, we
      performed aortic valve replacement using an ingenious technique, in which
      pledgeted sutures on the accessory leaflet were placed from outside the sinus of
      Valsalva to above the aortic annulus. The patient recovered uneventfully and was
      discharged from the hospital without any complications. While preoperative
      diagnosis of quadricuspid aortic valve is considered difficult, we identified it
      preoperatively using transthoracic echocardiography; we were, thus, able to
      properly prepare for complete atrioventricular block.

PMID- 28097610
TI  - On the interdependence of ambulatory and hospital care in the German health
      system.
AB  - For some considerable time now the interface between ambulatory and hospital care
      has been mooted as a cause of inefficiencies in the German health system and
      there have been calls for a softening of the strict separation between the two
      sectors. This debate emphasizes the need for detailed empirical information on
      the interdependence between the two sectors. Using extensive administrative data
      at the level of the 412 German counties for the years 2007 to 2009 and a
      simultaneous equation model which allows the numbers of ambulatory and hospital
      cases to be mutually interdependent, we examine the connection between ambulatory
      and hospital specialist care separately for ten medical specialties. The results
      show that the interdependence of ambulatory and hospital services is far from
      homogeneous. The relationship depends, on the one hand, on the specialty and, on
      the other, on the direction of the effect observed. This heterogeneity needs to
      be taken into account for cross-sector needs-based planning.

PMID- 28097611
TI  - Assessing nitrous oxide effect using electroencephalographically-based depth of
      anesthesia measures cortical state and cortical input.
AB  - Existing electroencephalography (EEG) based depth of anesthesia monitors cannot
      reliably track sedative or anesthetic states during n-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
      receptor antagonist based anesthesia with ketamine or nitrous oxide (N2O). Here,
      a physiologically-motivated depth of anesthesia monitoring algorithm based on
      autoregressive-moving-average (ARMA) modeling and derivative measures of
      interest, Cortical State (CS) and Cortical Input (CI), is retrospectively applied
      in an exploratory manner to the NMDA receptor antagonist N2O, an adjuvant
      anesthetic gas used in clinical practice. Composite Cortical State (CCS) and
      Composite Cortical State distance (CCSd), two new modifications of CS, along with
      CS and CI were evaluated on electroencephalographic (EEG) data of healthy control
      individuals undergoing N2O inhalation up to equilibrated peak gas concentrations
      of 20, 40 or 60% N2O/O2. In particular, CCSd has been devised to vary
      consistently for increasing levels of anesthetic concentration independent of the
      anesthetic's microscopic mode of action for both N2O and propofol. The strongest
      effects were observed for the 60% peak gas concentration group. For the 50-60%
      peak gas levels, individuals showed statistically significant reductions in
      responsiveness compared to rest, and across the group CS and CCS increased by 39
      and 42%, respectively, while CCSd was found to decrease by 398%. On the other
      hand a clear conclusion regarding the changes in CI could not be reached. These
      results indicate that, contrary to previous depth of anesthesia monitoring
      measures, the CS, CCS, and especially CCSd measures derived from frontal EEG are
      potentially useful for differentiating gas concentration and responsiveness
      levels in people under N2O. On the other hand, determining the utility of CI in
      this regard will require larger sample sizes and potentially higher gas
      concentrations. Future work will assess the sensitivity of CS-based and CI
      measures to other anesthetics and their utility in a clinical environment.

PMID- 28097612
TI  - WIP1 Phosphatase Plays a Critical Neuroprotective Role in Brain Injury Induced by
      High-Altitude Hypoxic Inflammation.
AB  - The hypobaric hypoxic environment in high-altitude areas often aggravates the
      severity of inflammation and induces brain injury as a consequence. However, the
      critical genes regulating this process remain largely unknown. The phosphatase
      wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (WIP1) plays important roles in various
      physiological and pathological processes, including the regulation of
      inflammation in normoxia, but its functions in hypoxic inflammation-induced brain
      injury remain unclear. Here, we established a mouse model of this type of injury
      and found that WIP1 deficiency augmented the release of inflammatory cytokines in
      the peripheral circulation and brain tissue, increased the numbers of activated
      microglia/macrophages in the brain, aggravated cerebral histological lesions, and
      exacerbated the impairment of motor and cognitive abilities. Collectively, these
      results provide the first in vivo evidence that WIP1 is a critical neuroprotector
      against hypoxic inflammation-induced brain injury.

PMID- 28097613
TI  - Stakeholder contributions to assessment, monitoring, and conservation of
      threatened species: black skimmer and red knot as case studies.
AB  - Stakeholder contributions to conservation projects often occur during the problem
      formulation stage, yet the role of stakeholders throughout the process is seldom
      considered. We examine the diversity of state and federal agencies, conservation
      organizations, other non-governmental organizations, environmental justice
      communities, consultants, industry, and the general public in the conservation of
      red knot (Calidris canutus rufa) and black skimmer (Rynchops niger) in New
      Jersey. We suggest that (1) governmental agencies provide the legal, regulatory,
      and management framework, but it is often the universities, conservation
      organizations, consultants, and the public that conduct the research and perform
      activities that lead to increased research and conservation efforts; (2)
      departments within agencies may have conflicting mandates, making it difficult to
      resolve differences in actions; (3) there is often conflict among and within
      state agencies and conservation organizations about roles and priorities; and (4)
      the role of the public is critical to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
      Identification of all the relevant stakeholders is necessary to recognizing
      competing claims, identifying the threats, deciding how to manage the threats,
      and enhancing population viability. Conflicts occur even within an agency when
      one department oversees science and protection of populations and another
      oversees and fosters an industry (aquaculture or fisheries, or permits for off
      road vehicles). Conflicts also occur between resource agencies, industry, and
      conservation organizations. Recognizing the different stakeholders and their
      mandates, and encouraging participation in the process, leads to a better
      understanding of the threats, risks, and possible solutions when conflicts arise.
      Tracking stakeholder viewpoints and actions can lead to increased involvement and
      conflict resolution.

PMID- 28097614
TI  - Comprehensive and Medically Appropriate Food Support Is Associated with Improved
      HIV and Diabetes Health.
AB  - Food insecurity is associated with negative chronic health outcomes, yet few
      studies have examined how providing medically appropriate food assistance to food
      insecure individuals may improve health outcomes in resource-rich settings. We
      evaluated a community-based food support intervention in the San Francisco Bay
      Area for people living with HIV and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to
      determine the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of the
      intervention on nutritional, mental health, disease management, healthcare
      utilization, and physical health outcomes. The 6-month intervention provided
      meals and snacks designed to comprise 100% of daily energy requirements and meet
      nutritional guidelines for a healthy diet. We assessed paired outcomes at
      baseline and 6 months using validated measures. Paired t tests and McNemar exact
      tests were used with continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively, to
      compare pre-post changes. Fifty-two participants (out of 72 initiators) had both
      baseline and follow-up assessments, including 23 with HIV, 24 with T2DM, and 7
      with both HIV and T2DM. Median food pick-up adherence was 93%. Comparing baseline
      to follow-up, very low food security decreased from 59.6% to 11.5% (p < 0.0001).
      Frequency of consumption of fats (p = 0.003) decreased, while frequency increased
      for fruits and vegetables (p = 0.011). Among people with diabetes, frequency of
      sugar consumption decreased (p = 0.006). We also observed decreased depressive
      symptoms (p = 0.028) and binge drinking (p = 0.008). At follow-up, fewer
      participants sacrificed food for healthcare (p = 0.007) or prescriptions (p =
      0.046), or sacrificed healthcare for food (p = 0.029). Among people with HIV, 95%
      adherence to antiretroviral therapy increased from 47 to 70% (p = 0.046). Among
      people with T2DM, diabetes distress (p < 0.001), and perceived diabetes self
      management (p = 0.007) improved. Comprehensive, medically appropriate food
      support is feasible and may improve multiple health outcomes for food-insecure
      individuals living with chronic health conditions. Future studies should formally
      test the impact of medically appropriate food support interventions for food
      insecure populations through rigorous, randomized controlled designs.

PMID- 28097615
TI  - Trends in Injection Risk Behaviors among People Who Inject Drugs and the Impact
      of Harm Reduction Programs in Ukraine, 2007-2013.
AB  - The study examined trends in injection risk behaviors among people who inject
      drugs (PWIDs) and assessed the impact of harm reduction programs in Ukraine
      during 2007-2013. We performed a secondary analysis of the data collected in
      serial cross-sectional bio-behavioral surveillance surveys administered with
      PWIDs in Ukraine in 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2013. Using data from 14 Ukrainian
      cities, we assessed short-term trends in injection risk behaviors with the
      Cochran-Armitage test for trend and multivariable logistic regression models,
      adjusted for age, sex, region, marital status, education level, occupation, age
      at injection drug use initiation, experience of overdose, and self-reported HIV
      status. The overall test for trend indicated a statistically significant decrease
      over time for sharing needle/syringe during the last injection (p < 0.0001),
      sharing needle/syringe at least once in the last 30 days (p < 0.0001), and using
      a common container for drug preparation (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of injecting
      drugs from pre-loaded syringes was high (61.0%) and did not change over the study
      period. After adjusting for all significant confounders and comparing to 2007,
      the prevalence of sharing needle/syringe during the last injection was unchanged
      in 2008 (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.92, 1.21), and declined in 2011 (OR = 0.18, 95% CI
      = 0.15, 0.22) and 2013 (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.21). Sharing needles/syringes
      in the last 30 days significantly decreased when compared to that in 2007 (2008:
      OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.74, 0.89; 2011: OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.47; and 2013:
      OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.27, 0.35). The prevalence of using common instruments for
      drug preparation also decreased compared to that in 2007 (2008: OR = 0.88, 95% CI
      = 0.85, 0.91; 2011: OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.85, 0.90; and 2013: OR = 0.74, 95% CI =
      0.71, 0.76). The observed reduction in the prevalence of injection risk behavior
      over time is encouraging. Our findings suggest that prevention programs in
      Ukraine have positive impact and provide support for governmental expansion of
      these programs.

PMID- 28097616
TI  - Operationalizing the Measurement of Seroadaptive Behaviors: A Comparison of
      Reported Sexual Behaviors and Purposely-Adopted Behaviors Among Men who have Sex
      with Men (MSM) in Seattle.
AB  - Seroadaptive behaviors are traditionally defined by self-reported sexual behavior
      history, regardless of whether they reflect purposely-adopted risk-mitigation
      strategies. Among MSM attending an STD clinic in Seattle, Washington 2013-2015 (N
      = 3751 visits), we used two seroadaptive behavior measures: (1) sexual behavior
      history reported via clinical computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) (behavioral
      definition); (2) purposely-adopted risk-reduction behaviors reported via research
      CASI (purposely-adopted definition). Pure serosorting (i.e. only HIV-concordant
      partners) was the most common behavior, reported (behavioral and purposely
      adopted definition) by HIV-negative respondents at 43% and 60% of visits,
      respectively (kappa = 0.24; fair agreement) and by HIV-positive MSM at 30 and 34%
      (kappa = 0.25; fair agreement). Agreement of the two definitions was highest for
      consistent condom use [HIV-negative men (kappa = 0.72), HIV-positive men (kappa =
      0.57)]. Overall HIV test positivity was 1.4 but 0.9% for pure serosorters. The
      two methods of operationalizing behaviors result in different estimates, thus the
      choice of which to employ should depend on the motivation for ascertaining
      behavioral information.

PMID- 28097617
TI  - Rates and Covariates of Recent Sexual and Physical Violence Against HIV-Infected
      Outpatient Drinkers in Western Kenya.
AB  - Victimization from physical and sexual violence presents global health
      challenges. Partner violence is higher in Kenya than Africa. Violence against
      drinkers and HIV-infected individuals is typically elevated, so dual
      vulnerabilities may further augment risk. Understanding violence risks can
      improve interventions. Participants were 614 HIV-infected outpatient drinkers in
      western Kenya enrolled in a randomized trial to reduce alcohol use. At baseline,
      past 90-day partner physical and sexual violence were examined descriptively and
      in gender-stratified regression models. We hypothesized higher reported violence
      against women than men, and positive violence association with HIV stigma and
      alcohol use across gender. Women reported significantly more current sexual (26.3
      vs. 5.7%) and physical (38.9 vs. 24.8%) victimization than men. Rates were
      generally higher than Kenyan lifetime national averages. In both regression
      models, HIV stigma and alcohol-related sexual expectations were significantly
      associated with violence while alcohol use was not. For women, higher violence
      risk was also conferred by childhood violence, past-year transactional sex, and
      younger age. HIV-infected Kenyan drinkers, particularly women, endorse high
      current violence due to multiple risk factors. Findings have implications for HIV
      interventions. Longitudinal research is needed to understand development of risk.

PMID- 28097618
TI  - Sex Behaviors as Social Cues Motivating Social Venue Patronage Among Young Black
      Men Who Have Sex with Men.
AB  - HIV prevention programs often focus on the physical social venues where men who
      have sex with men (MSM) frequent as sites where sex behaviors are assumed to be
      practiced and risk is conferred. But, how exactly these behaviors influence venue
      patronage is not well understood. In this study, we present a two-mode network
      analysis that determines the extent that three types of sex behaviors-condomless
      sex, sex-drug use, and group sex-influence the patronage of different types of
      social venues among a population sample of young Black MSM (YBMSM) (N = 623). A
      network analytic technique called exponential random graph modeling was used in a
      proof of concept analysis to verify how each sex behavior increases the
      likelihood of a venue patronage tie when estimated as either: (1) an attribute of
      an individual only and/or (2) a shared attribute between an individual and his
      peers. Findings reveal that sex behaviors, when modeled only as attributes
      possessed by focal individuals, were no more or less likely to affect choices to
      visit social venues. However, when the sex behaviors of peers were also taken
      into consideration, we learn that individuals were statistically more likely in
      all three behavioral conditions to go places that attracted other MSM who
      practiced the same behaviors. This demonstrates that social venues can function
      as intermediary contexts in which relationships can form between individuals that
      have greater risk potential given the venues attraction to people who share the
      same risk tendencies. As such, structuring interventions around these settings
      can be an effective way to capture the attention of YBMSM and engage them in HIV
      prevention.

PMID- 28097619
TI  - Lipid and Creatinine Adjustment to Evaluate Health Effects of Environmental
      Exposures.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Urine- and serum-based biomarkers are useful for assessing
      individuals' exposure to environmental factors. However, variations in urinary
      creatinine (a measure of dilution) or serum lipid levels, if not adequately
      corrected for, can directly impact biomarker concentrations and bias exposure
      disease association measures. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent methodological literature
      has considered the complex relationships between creatinine or serum lipid
      levels, exposure biomarkers, outcomes, and other potentially relevant factors
      using directed acyclic graphs and simulation studies. The optimal measures of
      urinary dilution and serum lipids have also been investigated. Existing evidence
      supports the use of covariate-adjusted standardization plus creatinine adjustment
      for urinary biomarkers and standardization plus serum lipid adjustment for
      lipophilic, serum-based biomarkers. It is unclear which urinary dilution measure
      is best, but all serum lipid measures performed similarly. Future research should
      assess methods for pooled biomarkers and for studying diseases and exposures that
      affect creatinine or serum lipids directly.

PMID- 28097620
TI  - Seminal Tract Amyloidosis: Synchronous Amyloidosis of the Seminal Vesicles,
      Deferent Ducts and Ejaculatory Ducts.
AB  - Senile Seminal Vesicle Amyloidosis (SSVA) increases with age. Involvement of the
      whole seminal tract, i.e. the seminal vesicles, ejaculatory and deferent ducts
      was first reported by us in the International Symposium on Amyloidosis 1998.
      Since then we encountered four more cases of SSVA. In all these cases the
      ejaculatory and deferent ducts were also involved by amyloid. The amyloid was
      located mostly sub-epithelially, stained positively with Congo red, gave green
      birefringence under polarized light and was permanganate sensitive, slightly
      positive for lactoferrin immunostaining and negative for all known amyloid types.
      In recent years the amyloid was found to be derived from Semenogelin I, a major
      constituent of the seminal fluid which is present in the epithelial cells of the
      seminal vesicle and vas deference. This would explain the deposition of amyloid
      not only in the seminal vesicles but also in the deferent an ejaculatory ducts
      which transport the seminal fluid. In a review of the literature we found three
      more articles on SSVA in which the amyloid was not limited to the seminal
      vesicles alone. We propose to designate this type of amyloid as "Senile seminal
      Tract Amyloidosis" (SSTA) instead of "Senile Seminal Vesicle Amyloidosis (SSVA)".

PMID- 28097621
TI  - Practice Patterns of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Underweight,
      Critically Ill Patients with Neurologic Injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in underweight patients with
      neurologic injury remains unaddressed by guidelines and primary literature. This
      study aimed to describe VTE prophylaxis strategies employed in this population
      and compare the impact of underweight and non-obese patients on thrombotic and
      bleeding events. METHODS: A retrospective review of adults admitted with a
      diagnosis of neurologic injury to a neurology/neurosurgery intensive care unit
      (ICU) over 6 years. Patients admitted >=72 h with an order for VTE prophylaxis
      during admission, and a body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 were included. Patients
      were stratified to underweight (BMI <=18.5 kg/m2 or weight <=50.0 kg) or non
      obese (BMI 18.6-29.9 kg/m2) groups and matched, 2:1, on age, diagnosis, and
      disease severity. RESULTS: The most common regimen in the underweight (n = 107)
      and non-obese (n = 214) group was unfractionated heparin (UFH) 5000 units
      subcutaneously Q12 h (69.1 vs. 83.6%; p = 0.003). Only underweight patients
      received UFH 2500 units subcutaneously Q12 h (17.8 vs. 0.0%; p < 0.0001). The
      proportion of overall bleeding and thrombotic events while receiving VTE
      prophylaxis was not significantly different. The proportion of underweight
      patients developing intracranial hematoma expansion while receiving prophylaxis
      versus non-obese patients (45.5 vs. 8.3%; p = 0.017) was significant. Patients
      receiving >150 units/kg/day of UFH displayed a trend toward increased risk of
      bleeding (9.7 vs. 4.2%; p = 0.064). CONCLUSIONS: Current practice does not
      reflect dose reductions for neurologically injured, underweight patients. Caution
      should be considered when using increased doses of UFH in neurologically injured
      patients that are underweight and/or may be exposed to >150 units/kg/day of UFH.
      Continued assessment of VTE prophylaxis is needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 28097622
TI  - Selenium rescues orbital fibroblasts from cell death induced by hydrogen
      peroxide: another molecular basis for the effects of selenium in graves'
      orbitopathy.

PMID- 28097624
TI  - Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cells in duodenal papilla:
      a case report.
AB  - An 82-year-old woman with common bile duct (CBD) dilatation observed during
      routine ultrasonography was referred to our hospital. Preliminary blood tests
      revealed elevated levels of hepatobiliary enzymes. Computed tomography (CT) scan
      showed lower bile duct wall thickening and enhancement.
      Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed mildly swollen papilla of Vater, without
      ulceration. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography demonstrated that the CBD was
      grossly dilated with a constriction in the lower part. The final diagnosis
      indicated poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of duodenal papilla with signet
      ring cells; pT3N0M0, stage IIA (Unio Internationalis Contra Cancrum, 7th
      edition), for which subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD)
      was performed. This case is quite rare, and the surgery resulted in a desirable
      outcome. The patient has been disease-free for 5 years since the surgery.

PMID- 28097623
TI  - Toward a functional definition of ankyloglossia: validating current grading
      scales for lingual frenulum length and tongue mobility in 1052 subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Alterations of the lingual frenulum may contribute to oromyofacial
      dysfunction, speech and swallowing impediments, underdevelopment of the
      maxillofacial skeleton, and even predispose to sleep breathing disorder. This
      study aims to assess the utility of existing instruments for evaluation of
      restricted tongue mobility, describe normal and abnormal ranges of tongue
      mobility, and provide evidence in support of a reliable and efficient measure of
      tongue mobility. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 1052 consecutive patients
      was evaluated during a 3-month period. Age, gender, ethnicity, height, weight,
      BMI, maximal interincisal mouth opening (MIO), mouth opening with tongue tip to
      maxillary incisive papillae at roof of mouth (MOTTIP), Kotlow's free-tongue
      measurement, and presence of severe tongue-tie were recorded. Secondary outcome
      measures include tongue range of motion deficit (TRMD, difference between MIO and
      MOTTIP) and tongue range of motion ratio (TRMR, ratio of MOTTIP to MIO). RESULTS:
      Results indicate that MIO is dependent on age and height; MOTTIP and TRMD are
      dependent on MIO; Kotlow's free-tongue measurement is an independent measure of
      free-tongue length and tongue mobility. TRMR is the only independent measurement
      of tongue mobility that is directly associated with restrictions in tongue
      function. CONCLUSIONS: We propose the use of tongue range of motion ratio as an
      initial screening tool to assess for restrictions in tongue mobility.
      "Functional" ankyloglossia can thus be defined and treatment effects followed
      objectively by using the proposed grading scale: grade 1: tongue range of motion
      ratio is >80%, grade 2 50-80%, grade 3 < 50%, grade 4 < 25%.

PMID- 28097625
TI  - Effects of a web-based intervention on women's breast health behaviors.
AB  - Helping women make choices to reduce cancer risk and to improve breast health
      behaviors is important, but the best ways to reach more people with intervention
      assistance is not known. To test the efficacy of a web-based intervention
      designed to help women make better breast health choices, we adapted our
      previously tested, successful breast health intervention package to be delivered
      on the Internet, and then we tested it in a randomized trial. We recruited women
      from the general public to be randomized to either an active intervention group
      or a delayed intervention control group. The intervention consisted of a
      specialized website providing tailored and personalized risk information to all
      participants, followed by offers of additional support if needed. Follow-up at
      one-year post randomization revealed significant improvements in mammography
      screening in intervention women compared with control women (improvement of 13
      percentage points). The intervention effects were more powerful in women who
      increased breast health knowledge and decreased cancer worry during intervention.
      These data indicate that increases in mammography can be accomplished in
      population-based mostly insured samples by implementing this simple, low resource
      intensive intervention.

PMID- 28097626
TI  - Peer mentors delivering a physical activity intervention for cancer survivors:
      effects among mentors.
AB  - To further inform implementation efforts of a telephone-based physical activity
      (PA) intervention for breast cancer survivors, we assessed the PA, fatigue, mood,
      and quality of life of the peer mentors/coaches who delivered the program. The
      coaches were volunteers with the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery
      program. The coaches (n = 18) delivered the PA intervention to 76 breast cancer
      survivors in a randomized controlled trial. Coaches completed assessments of PA
      (self-report), motivational readiness for PA, and standardized measures of
      psychosocial variables at the start of coaching and at study exit. At study exit,
      they also responded to an open-ended question on the benefits that they accrued
      from the study. We used generalized linear models to analyze the PA data and
      psychosocial variables. Chi-squared analyses were used for motivational
      readiness. The written responses to the open-ended question were analyzed to
      identify themes. Coaches' PA exceeded national recommendations at study entry and
      exit with no significant changes over time. Sixty-one percent were in the
      maintenance stage of motivational readiness, and 61% remained in the same stage
      at study exit. Psychosocial functioning also remained stable over time.
      Qualitative data revealed that the coaches' gains included helping themselves
      (with four subthemes) and helping others. Intervention delivery had no unintended
      negative consequences (PA, motivational readiness, and psychosocial functioning)
      among coaches. They reported gains that were not reflected in standardized
      psychosocial assessments. These data support further implementation of peer
      delivered PA programs to enhance the reach of interventions.

PMID- 28097628
TI  - Erratum to: Optimal Affinity of a Monoclonal Antibody: Guiding Principles Using
      Mechanistic Modeling.

PMID- 28097627
TI  - Adherence with physical activity monitoring wearable devices in a community-based
      population: observations from the Washington, D.C., Cardiovascular Health and
      Needs Assessment.
AB  - Wearable mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer approaches for targeting
      physical activity (PA) in resource-limited, community-based interventions. We
      sought to explore user characteristics of PA tracking, wearable technology among
      a community-based population within a health and needs assessment. In 2014-2015,
      we conducted the Washington, D.C., Cardiovascular Health and Needs Assessment in
      predominantly African-American churches among communities with higher obesity
      rates and lower household incomes. Participants received a mHealth PA monitor and
      wirelessly uploaded PA data weekly to church data collection hubs. Participants
      (n = 99) were 59 +/- 12 years, 79% female, and 99% African-American, with a mean
      body mass index of 33 +/- 7 kg/m2. Eighty-one percent of participants uploaded PA
      data to the hub and were termed "PA device users." Though PA device users were
      more likely to report lower household incomes, no differences existed between
      device users and non-users for device ownership or technology fluency. Findings
      suggest that mHealth systems with a wearable device and data collection hub may
      feasibly target PA in resource-limited communities.

PMID- 28097630
TI  - Re-Engagement into Care: The Role of Social Support on Service Use for Recurrent
      Episodes of Mental Health Distress Among Primary Care Patients.
AB  - Given high rates of relapse of depression, understanding mechanisms that provide
      long-term benefits and optimal outcomes for depressed individuals is crucial. The
      current study examines social support as a relevant component in service use to
      manage mental health needs for individuals with recurrent depression over a 5
      year period. Conducting a secondary data analysis from a randomized clinical
      trial titled Partners in Care, the study examines direct and moderating effects
      over two time points of reported 12-month social support on service use for
      mental health needs at 57-months for an adult sample (n = 991). Direct effects
      were supported for demographic and need variables. Increased social support at 12
      months positively moderated the relationship between health impairment and
      service use at 57-months. Findings inform and extend the understanding of social
      support as an important mechanism to care to integrate into the treatment
      experience, encouraging service use to manage recurrent depressive episodes.

PMID- 28097629
TI  - Radiomitigation and Tissue Repair Activity of Systemically Administered
      Therapeutic Peptide TP508 Is Enhanced by PEGylation.
AB  - TP508 is a synthetically derived tissue repair peptide that has previously
      demonstrated safety and potential efficacy in phase I/II clinical trials for the
      treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Recent studies show that a single injection of
      TP508 administered 24 h after irradiation significantly increases survival and
      delays mortality in murine models of acute radiation mortality. Thus, TP508 is
      being developed as a potential nuclear countermeasure. Because of the short
      plasma half-life of TP508, we hypothesize that increasing the peptide
      bioavailability would increase TP508 efficacy or reduce the dosage required for
      therapeutic effects. We, therefore, evaluated the covalent attachment of various
      sizes of polyethylene glycol to TP508 at either its N-terminus or at an internal
      cysteine. A size-dependent increase in TP508 plasma half-life due to PEGylation
      was observed in blood samples from male CD-1 mice using fluorescently labeled
      TP508 and PEGylated TP508 derivatives. Biological activity of PEGylated TP508
      derivatives was evaluated using a combination of biologically relevant assays for
      wound closure, angiogenesis, and DNA repair. PEG5k-TP508 enhanced wound closure
      after irradiation and enhanced angiogenic sprouting in murine aortic ring
      segments relative to equimolar dosages of TP508 without enhancing circulating
      half-life. PEG30k-TP508 extended the plasma half-life by approximately 19-fold
      while also showing enhanced biological activity. Intermediate-sized PEGylated
      TP508 derivatives had enhanced plasma half-life but were not active in vivo.
      Thus, increased half-life does not necessarily correlate with increased
      biological activity. Nevertheless, these results identify two candidates, PEG5k
      TP508 and PEG30k-TP508, for potential development as second-generation TP508
      injectable drugs.

PMID- 28097631
TI  - Force-dependent calcium signaling and its pathway of human neutrophils on P
      selectin in flow.
AB  - P-selectin engagement of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) causes
      circulating leukocytes to roll on and adhere to the vascular surface, and
      mediates intracellular calcium flux, a key but unclear event for subsequent
      arresting firmly at and migrating into the infection or injured tissue. Using a
      parallel plate flow chamber technique and intracellular calcium ion detector
      (Fluo-4 AM), the intracellular calcium flux of firmly adhered neutrophils on
      immobilized P-selectin in the absence of chemokines at various wall shear
      stresses was investigated here in real time by fluorescence microscopy. The
      results demonstrated that P-selectin engagement of PSGL-1 induced the
      intracellular calcium flux of firmly adhered neutrophils in flow, increasing P
      selectin concentration enhanced cellular calcium signaling, and, force triggered,
      enhanced and quickened the cytoplasmic calcium bursting of neutrophils on
      immobilized P-selectin. This P-selectin-induced calcium signaling should come
      from intracellular calcium release rather than extracellular calcium influx, and
      be along the mechano-chemical signal pathway involving the cytoskeleton, moesin
      and Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). These results provide a novel insight into the
      mechano-chemical regulation mechanism for P-selectin-induced calcium signaling of
      neutrophils in flow.

PMID- 28097632
TI  - Acquisition and adaptation of the airway microbiota in the early life of cystic
      fibrosis patients.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease in which bacterial infections of the
      airways play a major role in the long-term clinical outcome. In recent years, a
      number of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based studies aimed at deciphering the
      structure and composition of the airways' microbiota. It was shown that the nasal
      cavity of CF patients displays dysbiosis early in life indicating a failure in
      the first establishment of a healthy microbiota. In contrast, within the
      conducting and lower airways, the establishment occurs normally first, but is
      sensitive to future dysbiosis including chronic infections with classical
      pathogens in later life. The objective of this mini-review is to give an update
      on the current knowledge about the development of the microbiota in the early
      life of CF patients. Microbial acquisition in the human airways can be described
      by the island model: Microbes found in the lower airways of CF patients represent
      "islands" that are at first populated from the upper airways reflecting the
      "mainland." Colonization can be modeled following the neutral theory in which the
      most abundant bacteria in the mainland are also frequently found in the lower
      airways initially. At later times, however, the colonization process of the lower
      airways segregates by active selection of specific microbes. Future research
      should focus on those processes of microbial and host interactions to understand
      how microbial communities are shaped on short- and long-term scales. We point out
      what therapeutic consequences arise from the microbiome data obtained within
      ecological framework models.

PMID- 28097633
TI  - Meropenem Dosing Based on a Population Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model in
      Elderly Patients with Infection of the Lower Respiratory Tract.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meropenem is used for the treatment of severe lower respiratory tract
      infections (LRTIs) caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli.
      OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the clinical benefits of a strategy of meropenem dosing
      based on a population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) model in elderly
      patients with an LRTI. METHODS: In this prospective single-center open-label
      randomized controlled trial, 79 elderly patients with an LRTI caused by Gram
      negative bacilli were randomized to a study group (SG) or a control group (CG).
      The latter received meropenem according to a regimen decided by the attending
      physician. The SG received individualized meropenem therapy with a dosing
      strategy based on software developed from a meropenem population PK/PD model. The
      primary endpoint was clinical response to meropenem therapy. Secondary endpoints
      were the amount of antibiotics used and bacteriologic response. RESULTS:
      Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common pathogen (32.9%), followed by
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30.4%) and Escherichia coli (17.7%). A total of 63
      (79.7%) patients achieved clinical success. Prevalence of clinical success was
      significantly higher in the SG than in the CG (89.7 vs. 70.0%; p = 0.029). The
      daily dose of meropenem was significantly lower in the SG than in the CG (1.5 vs.
      2.0 g; p = 0.017). A total of 52 (65.8%) patients experienced bacteriologic
      success, the median duration of meropenem therapy was 9 days, and the median
      total dose of meropenem was 18.0 g. There were no significant differences between
      the groups in these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: A strategy for meropenem dosing
      based on a population PK/PD model can improve clinical response and avoid
      overtreatment in elderly patients with an LRTI. ClinicalTrials.gov registration
      number NCT01944319.

PMID- 28097634
TI  - Schizophrenia: Impact on Family Dynamics.
AB  - In many societies, family members are now the primary caregivers of mental health
      patients, taking on responsibilities traditionally under the purview of hospitals
      and medical professionals. The impact of this shift on the family is high, having
      both an emotional and economic toll. The aim of this paper is to review the main
      changes that occur in family dynamics for patients with schizophrenia. The
      article addresses three central themes: (i) changes in the family at the onset of
      the disorder, (ii) consequences for family members because of their caregiver
      role, and (iii) family interventions aimed at improving the complex dynamics
      within the family. After analyzing and discussing these themes, it is observed
      that despite advances in the field, the viability of taking care of a patient
      with schizophrenia by the family remains a challenge. Improving care will require
      commitments from the family, the mental health service system, and local and
      national governments for greater investments to improve the quality of life of
      society in general and individuals with schizophrenia in particular.

PMID- 28097635
TI  - Treatment of Functional Impairment in Patients with Bipolar Disorder.
AB  - Traditionally, functional impairment has received little attention in bipolar
      disorder, despite the fact that many patients experience significant impairments
      in daily life. In the last decade, research has changed its focus from clinical
      remission to functional recovery in bipolar patients as a priority. A literature
      review of this topic will allow us provide an overview of the relevance of
      functional impairment as well as the potential factors that can predict or
      contribute to low functioning in bipolar disorder (BD). Treatment approaches
      should consider not only euthymia as a goal but also cognitive and functional
      improvement of patients with such a complex disorder. Functional remediation and
      psychoeducation among psychological interventions may help to enhance
      functioning. The combination of cognitive enhancers and cognitive/functional
      remediation programs may help in improving cognitive and functional impairments.
      Early interventions are essential to prevent cognitive deficits and disability.

PMID- 28097636
TI  - Andrographolide: antibacterial activity against common bacteria of human health
      concern and possible mechanism of action.
AB  - Increasing bacterial resistance to common drugs is a major public health concern
      for the treatment of infectious diseases. Certain naturally occurring compounds
      of plant sources have long been reported to possess potential antimicrobial
      activity. This study was aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity and
      possible mechanism of action of andrographolide (Andro), a diterpenoid lactone
      from a traditional medicinal herb Andrographis paniculata. Extent of
      antibacterial action was assessed by minimal bactericidal concentration method.
      Radiolabeled N-acetyl glucosamine, leucine, thymidine, and uridine were used to
      determine the effect of Andro on the biosyntheses of cell wall, protein, DNA, and
      RNA, respectively. In addition, anti-biofilm potential of this compound was also
      tested. Andro showed potential antibacterial activity against most of the tested
      Gram-positive bacteria. Among those, Staphylococcus aureus was found to be most
      sensitive with a minimal inhibitory concentration value of 100 MUg/mL. It was
      found to be bacteriostatic. Specific inhibition of intracellular DNA biosynthesis
      was observed in a dose-dependent manner in S. aureus. Andro mediated inhibition
      of biofilm formation by S. aureus was also found. Considering its antimicrobial
      potency, Andro might be accounted as a promising lead for new antibacterial drug
      development.

PMID- 28097637
TI  - Moving from Patient Advocacy to Partnership: A Long and Bumpy Road.
AB  - Real-life experiences of grassroots patient organizations across a variety of
      diseases, countries and contexts have been used to develop a four-mode framework
      of the transition from patient advocacy to partnership, defined by one axis as
      individual versus collective action and the other axis as activities 'outside' or
      'inside' the system. The four quadrants are labeled as advocacy, activism, reform
      and broker, and engagement is further refined by whether the participation is
      'pushed' by the group or 'pulled' by the system. There are many examples of
      patient advocacy groups transitioning through the four quadrants; however,
      depending on other factors of culture, opportunity and their own preferences,
      groups may work primarily through one or two quadrants.

PMID- 28097638
TI  - Regional Differences in the Prescription of Biologics for Psoriasis in Sweden: A
      Register-Based Study of 4168 Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Observational studies suggest an inequitable prescription of
      biologics in psoriasis care, which may be attributed to geographical differences
      in treatment access. Sweden regularly ranks high in international comparisons of
      equitable healthcare, and is, in connection with established national registries,
      an ideal country to investigate potential inequitable access. OBJECTIVE: The aim
      was to determine whether the opportunity for patients to receive biologics
      depends on where they receive care. METHODS: Biologic-naive patients enrolled in
      the Swedish National Register for Systemic Treatment of Psoriasis (PsoReg) from
      2008 to 2015 (n = 4168) were included. The association between the likelihood of
      initiating a biologic and the region where patients received care was analyzed.
      The strength of the association was adjusted for patient and clinical
      characteristics, as well as disease severity using logistic regression analysis.
      The proportion of patients that switched to a biologic (switch rate) and the
      probability of switch to a biologic was calculated in 2-year periods. RESULTS:
      The national switch rate increased marginally over time from 9.7 to 11.0%, though
      the uptake varied across regions. Adjusted odds ratios for at least one region
      were significantly different from the reference region in every 2-year period.
      During the latest period (2014-2015), the average patient in the lowest
      prescribing region was nearly 2.5 times less likely to switch as a similar
      patient in the highest prescribing region. CONCLUSIONS: Geographical differences
      in biologics prescription persist after adjusting for patient characteristics and
      disease severity. The Swedish example calls for further improvements in
      delivering equitable psoriasis care.

PMID- 28097639
TI  - Risk of bleeding and repeated bleeding events in prasugrel-treated patients: a
      review of data from the Japanese PRASFIT studies.
AB  - Prasugrel is a third-generation thienopyridine that achieves potent platelet
      inhibition with less pharmacological variability than other thienopyridines.
      However, clinical experience suggests that prasugrel may be associated with a
      higher risk of de novo and recurrent bleeding events compared with clopidogrel in
      Japanese patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this
      review, we evaluate the risk of bleeding in Japanese patients treated with
      prasugrel at the doses (loading/maintenance doses: 20/3.75 mg) adjusted for
      Japanese patients, evaluate the risk factors for bleeding in Japanese patients,
      and examine whether patients with a bleeding event are at increased risk of
      recurrent bleeding. This review covers published data and new analyses of the
      PRASFIT (PRASugrel compared with clopidogrel For Japanese patIenTs) trials of
      patients undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndrome or elective reasons. The
      bleeding risk with prasugrel was similar to that observed with the standard dose
      of clopidogrel (300/75 mg), including when bleeding events were re-classified
      using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria. The pharmacodynamics of
      prasugrel was not associated with the risk of bleeding events. The main risk
      factors for bleeding events were female sex, low body weight, advanced age, and
      presence of diabetes mellitus. Use of a radial puncture site was associated with
      a lower risk of bleeding during PCI than a femoral puncture site. Finally, the
      frequency and severity of recurrent bleeding events during continued treatment
      were similar between prasugrel and clopidogrel. In summary, this review provides
      important insights into the risk and types of bleeding events in prasugrel
      treated patients.Trial registration numbers: JapicCTI-101339 and JapicCTI-111550.

PMID- 28097640
TI  - Priming increases the anti-tumor effect and therapeutic window of 177Lu
      octreotate in nude mice bearing human small intestine neuroendocrine tumor GOT1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 177Lu-[DOTA0, Tyr3]-octreotate (177Lu-octreotate) is used for
      treatment of patients with somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expressing neuroendocrine
      tumors. However, complete tumor remission is rarely seen, and optimization of
      treatment protocols is needed. In vitro studies have shown that irradiation can
      up-regulate the expression of SSTR1, 2 and 5, and increase 177Lu-octreotate
      uptake. The aim of the present study was to examine the anti-tumor effect of a
      177Lu-octreotate priming dose followed 24 h later by a second injection of 177Lu
      octreotate compared to a single administration of 177Lu-octreotate, performed on
      the human small intestine neuroendocrine tumor cell line, GOT1, transplanted to
      nude mice. RESULTS: Priming resulted in a 1.9 times higher mean absorbed dose to
      the tumor tissue per administered activity, together with a reduced mean absorbed
      dose for kidneys. Priming gave the best overall anti-tumor effects. Magnetic
      resonance imaging showed no statistically significant difference in tumor
      response between treatment with and without priming. Gene expression analysis
      demonstrated effects on cell cycle regulation. Biological processes associated
      with apoptotic cell death were highly affected in the biodistribution and
      dosimetry study, via differential regulation of, e.g., APOE, BAX, CDKN1A, and
      GADD45A. CONCLUSIONS: Priming had the best overall anti-tumor effects and also
      resulted in an increased therapeutic window. Results indicate that potential
      biomarkers for tumor regrowth may be found in the p53 or JNK signaling pathways.
      Priming administration is an interesting optimization strategy for 177Lu
      octreotate therapy of neuroendocrine tumors, and further studies should be
      performed to determine the mechanisms responsible for the reported effects.

PMID- 28097643
TI  - Abstracts from the European Hip Society 2002 Domestic Meeting.
AB  - Abstracts of the European Hip Society 2002 Domestic Meeting Baveno, Italy - 5-8
      June 2002.

PMID- 28097642
TI  - Adrenal cyst with both Mullerian and mesothelial differentiation- a
      clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study with implications for
      histogenesis.
AB  - True epithelial-lined cysts are rare forms of adrenal cystic lesions, the
      pathogenesis of which is still not fully understood. In this report we present a
      case of an adrenal cyst diagnosed incidentally on imaging in a 31-year-old,
      previously healthy, obese woman. Due to non-specific hormonal disorders and
      enlargement of the lesion, a right-sided laparoscopic adrenalectomy was
      performed. The cyst was lined predominantly by ciliated cuboidal-to-columnar,
      Mullerian-type epithelium, and focally by flat-to-cuboidal, mesothelium-like
      lining. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a strong positive reaction in the cells
      of both types of lining for CKAE1+E3, CK19, CK7 and WT1, and both had a negative
      reaction for CK20, CD34, Melan-A, SF1, TTF1, SMA and CDX2. The cells of the
      ciliated cuboidal-to-columnar epithelium were strongly positive for PAX8, ER, Ep
      CAM and EMA, focally positive for PR, and were negative for calretinin, whereas
      the cells of the flat-to-cuboidal lining were positive for calretinin and
      podoplanin and showed only a weak positive response in individual cells for PAX8,
      EMA and Ep-CAM, but were negative for ER and PR. This is the first reported case
      of an adrenal ciliated epithelial cyst with Mullerian differentiation (confirmed
      immunohistochemically) in the English literature. The differences in morphology
      and immunophenotype of the two types of lining (epithelial Mullerian phenotype
      versus mesothelial phenotype), suggest that some adrenal epithelial cysts
      probably form due to metaplasia of mesothelium-derived lining. A similar
      mechanism may also be involved in the pathogenesis of at least some of the so
      called Mullerian cysts (or inclusions) in other locations.

PMID- 28097644
TI  - Erratum to: Eur J Ophthalmol. 2002;12(1):1-4 and Eur J Ophthalmol. 2015;25(5):437
      442.
AB  - Erratum To: Eur J Ophthalmol. 2002 Jan-Feb;12(1):1-4. doi: 10.5301/EJO.2008.799.
      Prevalence of astigmatism among students in northern Greece. A.T. Mandalos, D.K.
      Peios, T.A. Mavrakanas, V.A. Golias, K.G. Megalou, K.A. Delidou, A.C.
      Gregoriadou, B.C. Katsougiannopoulos PMID: 11936436 [PubMed - indexed for
      MEDLINE]We inform our readers that in the author list the full name of one author
      (T.A. Mavracanas) was published incorrectly. We supply the correct author listing
      and apologize to the readers. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2015 Sep-Oct;25(5):437-442. doi:
      10.5301/ejo.5000594. Choroidal and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer
      thickness in adults with anisometropic amblyopia. Feride Aylin Kantarci, Mehmet
      Gurkan Tatar, Hasim Uslu, Hatice Nur Colak, Aydin Yildirim, Hasan Goker, Bulent
      Gurler PMID: 25837640 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] We inform our readers that
      one author (Emine Esra Karaca) was erroneously included in the author list and
      should now be removed from this manuscript. We supply the correct author list and
      apologize to the readers.

PMID- 28097646
TI  - Visuospatial training improves elementary students' mathematics performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although spatial ability and mathematics performance are highly
      correlated, there is scant research on the extent to which spatial ability
      training can improve mathematics performance. AIMS: This study evaluated the
      efficacy of a visuospatial intervention programme within classrooms to determine
      the effect on students' (1) spatial reasoning and (2) mathematics performance as
      a result of the intervention. SAMPLE: The study involved grade six students (ages
      10-12) in eight classes. There were five intervention classes (n = 120) and three
      non-intervention control classes (n = 66). METHODS: A specifically designed 10
      week spatial reasoning programme was developed collaboratively with the
      participating teachers, with the intervention replacing the standard mathematics
      curriculum. The five classroom teachers in the intervention programme presented
      20 hr of activities aimed at enhancing students' spatial visualization, mental
      rotation, and spatial orientation skills. RESULTS: The spatial reasoning
      programme led to improvements in both spatial ability and mathematics performance
      relative to the control group who received standard mathematics instruction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to show that a classroom-based spatial
      reasoning intervention improves elementary school students' mathematics
      performance.

PMID- 28097641
TI  - Natural Products Diversity of Marine Ascidians (Tunicates; Ascidiacea) and
      Successful Drugs in Clinical Development.
AB  - This present study reviewed the chemical diversity of marine ascidians and their
      pharmacological applications, challenges and recent developments in marine drug
      discovery reported during 1994-2014, highlighting the structural activity of
      compounds produced by these specimens. Till date only 5% of living ascidian
      species were studied from <3000 species, this study represented from family
      didemnidae (32%), polyclinidae (22%), styelidae and polycitoridae (11-12%)
      exhibiting the highest number of promising MNPs. Close to 580 compound structures
      are here discussed in terms of their occurrence, structural type and reported
      biological activity. Anti-cancer drugs are the main area of interest in the
      screening of MNPs from ascidians (64%), followed by anti-malarial (6%) and
      remaining others. FDA approved ascidian compounds mechanism of action along with
      other compounds status of clinical trials (phase 1 to phase 3) are discussed here
      in. This review highlights recent developments in the area of natural products
      chemistry and biotechnological approaches are emphasized.

PMID- 28097645
TI  - Bacterial subversion of cAMP signalling inhibits cathelicidin expression, which
      is required for innate resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidins are important components of innate
      immune defence against inhaled microorganisms, and have shown antimicrobial
      activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in in vitro models. Despite this,
      little is known about the regulation and expression of cathelicidin during
      tuberculosis in vivo. We sought to determine whether the cathelicidin-related
      antimicrobial peptide gene (Cramp), the murine functional homologue of the human
      cathelicidin gene (CAMP or LL-37), is required for regulation of protective
      immunity during M. tuberculosis infection in vivo. We used Cramp-/- mice in a
      validated model of pulmonary tuberculosis, and conducted cell-based assays with
      macrophages from these mice. We evaluated the in vivo susceptibility of Cramp-/-
      mice to infection, and also dissected various pro-inflammatory immune responses
      against M. tuberculosis. We observed increased susceptibility of Cramp-/- mice to
      M. tuberculosis as compared with wild-type mice. Macrophages from Cramp-/- mice
      were unable to control M. tuberculosis growth in an in vitro infection model,
      were deficient in intracellular calcium influx, and were defective in stimulating
      T cells. Additionally, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from Cramp-/- mice produced less
      interferon-beta upon stimulation. Furthermore, bacterial-derived cAMP modulated
      cathelicidin expression in macrophages. Our results demonstrate that cathelicidin
      is required for innate resistance to M. tuberculosis in a relevant animal model
      and is a key mediator in regulation of the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines
      by calcium and cyclic nucleotides. Copyright (c) 2017 Pathological Society of
      Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28097647
TI  - Microbiota Composition and Pulmonary Surfactant Protein Expression as Markers of
      Death by Drowning.
AB  - Pathological diagnosis of drowning remains a challenge for forensic science,
      because of a lack of pathognomonic findings. We analyzed microbiota and
      surfactant protein in the lungs for a novel diagnosis of drowning. All rats were
      divided into drowning, postmortem submersion, and control groups. The water,
      lungs, closed organs (kidney and liver), and cardiac blood in rats were assayed
      by targeting 16S ribosomal RNA of Miseq sequencing. Lung samples were analyzed by
      immunohistochemical staining for surfactant protein A. The closed organs and
      cardiac blood of drowned group have a lot of aquatic microbes, which have not
      been detected in postmortem submersion group. Furthermore, intra-alveolar
      granular staining of surfactant protein A (SP-A) was severely observed in the
      drowned group than the postmortem submersion and control groups. The findings
      suggested that the presence of aquatic microbiota in the closed organs and
      increased expression of SP-A could be markers for a diagnosis of drowning.

PMID- 28097648
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective transition from major
      depression to bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Some people with major depressive disorder (MDD) may be at a pre-onset
      stage for bipolar disorder (BD), where early identification or prevention efforts
      may be feasible. We aimed to identify rates and characteristics predictive of
      transition to BD in prospective follow-up studies of people with MDD. METHODS:
      Using a systematic search strategy, we identified studies with a diagnostic
      ascertainment of MDD and BD of an adequate standard, and where the minimum length
      of follow-up was 6 months. We examined the incidence and point prevalence of BD
      and the pooled odds ratios (OR) for baseline predictors. RESULTS: From 5554
      unique publications, 56 were included. Nearly a quarter of adults (22.5%) and
      adolescents with MDD followed up for a mean length of 12-18 years developed BD,
      with the greatest risk of transition being in the first 5 years. The meta
      analysis identified that transition from MDD to BD was predicted by family
      history of BD (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.01-4.14, N = 7), earlier age of onset of
      depression (g = -0.33, SE = 0.05, N = 6) and presence of psychotic symptoms (OR =
      4.76, 95% CI: 1.79-12.66, N = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Participants with the identified
      risk factors merit closer observation and may benefit from prevention efforts,
      especially if outcomes broader than BD are considered.

PMID- 28097649
TI  - Hospital Variation in Utilization of Life-Sustaining Treatments among Patients
      with Do Not Resuscitate Orders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine between-hospital variation in interventions provided to
      patients with do not resuscitate (DNR) orders. DATA SOURCES/SETTING: United
      States Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality, Healthcare Cost and Utilization
      Project, California State Inpatient Database. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort
      study including hospitalized patients aged 40 and older with potential
      indications for invasive treatments: in-hospital cardiac arrest (indication for
      CPR), acute respiratory failure (mechanical ventilation), acute renal failure
      (hemodialysis), septic shock (central venous catheterization), and palliative
      care. Hierarchical logistic regression to determine associations of hospital
      "early" DNR rates (DNR order placed within 24 hours of admission) with
      utilization of invasive interventions. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS:
      California State Inpatient Database, year 2011. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Patients with
      DNR orders at high-DNR-rate hospitals were less likely to receive invasive
      mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure or hemodialysis for acute
      renal failure, but more likely to receive palliative care than DNR patients at
      low-DNR-rate hospitals. Patients without DNR orders experienced similar rates of
      invasive interventions regardless of hospital DNR rates. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals
      vary widely in the scope of invasive or organ-supporting treatments provided to
      patients with DNR orders.

PMID- 28097650
TI  - Scaling of pattern formations and morphogen gradients.
AB  - The concentration gradient of morphogens provides positional information for an
      embryo and plays a pivotal role in pattern formation of tissues during the
      developmental processes. Morphogen-dependent pattern formations show robustness
      despite various perturbations. Although tissues usually grow and dynamically
      change their size during histogenesis, proper patterns are formed without the
      influence of size variations. Furthermore, even when the blastula embryo of
      Xenopus laevis is bisected into dorsal and ventral halves, the dorsal half of the
      embryo leads to proportionally patterned half-sized embryos. This robustness of
      pattern formation despite size variations is termed as scaling. In this review, I
      focused on the morphogen-dependent dorsal-ventral axis formation in Xenopus and
      described how morphogens form a proper gradient shape according to the embryo
      size.

PMID- 28097651
TI  - The mysterious role of the neuronal anion exchanger-3.

PMID- 28097653
TI  - Prolongation of somitogenesis in two anguilliform species, the Japanese eel
      Anguilla japonica and pike eel Muraenesox cinereus, with refined descriptions of
      their early development.
AB  - The embryonic development of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica and pike eel
      Muraenesox cinereus was morphologically investigated with laboratory-reared
      specimens to clarify the characteristics of somitogenesis. In A. japonica,
      somites were first observed at 18 h post fertilization (hpf) when epiboly reached
      90%. Somitogenesis progressed at a rate of 1.6 h-1 at mean +/- s.d. 22.6 +/- 0.7
      degrees  C and completed at 107 hpf (3 days post hatching; dph) when total number
      of somites (ST) reached 114, which corresponds to the species' number of
      vertebrae (112-119). In M. cinereus, somites were first observed at 14 hpf when
      epiboly completed. Somitogenesis progressed at a rate of 1.9 h-1 at mean +/- s.d.
      24.4 +/- 0.2 degrees  C and completed at 90 hpf (2 dph) with 149 +/- 4 ST, which
      corresponds to the species' number of vertebrae (142-158). Both species hatched
      before somitogenesis was completed, at 37 hpf with 47 ST and 42 hpf with 82 +/- 4
      ST, respectively. The formation of other organs such as the heart, mouth and
      pectoral fin bud occurred during somitogenesis. Comparison with the development
      of zebrafish Danio rerio indicates a prolongation of somitogenesis in A. japonica
      and M. cinereus. Their somitogenesis rates, however, correspond well with that of
      D. rerio estimated at the same temperature and their developmental stages at
      hatching are almost equivalent to other fishes having similar yolk sizes.
      Therefore, the prolongation of somitogenesis in A. japonica and M. cinereus may
      be accounted for solely by the increased numbers of somites to be formed, not by
      a slow somitogenesis rate or an acceleration in organogenesis.

PMID- 28097652
TI  - MDM4 is a rational target for treating breast cancers with mutant p53.
AB  - Mutation of the key tumour suppressor p53 defines a transition in the progression
      towards aggressive and metastatic breast cancer (BC) with the poorest outcome.
      Specifically, the p53 mutation frequency exceeds 50% in triple-negative BC. Key
      regulators of mutant p53 that facilitate its oncogenic functions are potential
      therapeutic targets. We report here that the MDM4 protein is frequently abundant
      in the context of mutant p53 in basal-like BC samples. Importantly, we show that
      MDM4 plays a critical role in the proliferation of these BC cells. We demonstrate
      that conditional knockdown (KD) of MDM4 provokes growth inhibition across a range
      of BC subtypes with mutant p53, including luminal, Her2+ and triple-negative BCs.
      In vivo, MDM4 was shown to be crucial for the establishment and progression of
      tumours. This growth inhibition was mediated, at least in part, by the cell cycle
      inhibitor p27. Depletion of p27 together with MDM4 KD led to recovery of the
      proliferative capacity of cells that were growth-inhibited by MDM4 KD alone.
      Consistently, we identified low levels of p27 expression in basal-like tumours
      corresponding to high levels of MDM4 and p53. This predicts a signature for a
      subset of tumours that may be amenable to therapies targeted towards MDM4 and
      mutant p53. The therapeutic potential of MDM4 as a target in BC with mutant p53
      was shown in vitro by use of a small-molecule inhibitor. Overall, our study
      supports MDM4 as a novel therapeutic target for BC expressing mutant p53.
      Copyright (c) 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published
      by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28097654
TI  - Melanopsin-expressing ganglion cells in human retina: Morphology, distribution,
      and synaptic connections.
AB  - Melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells are intrinsically photosensitive
      cells that are involved in non-image forming visual processes such as the
      pupillary light reflex and circadian entrainment but also contribute to visual
      perception. Here we used immunohistochemistry to study the morphology, density,
      distribution, and synaptic connectivity of melanopsin-expressing ganglion cells
      in four post mortem human donor retinas. Two types of melanopsin-expressing
      ganglion cells were distinguished based on their dendritic stratification near
      either the outer or the inner border of the inner plexiform layer. Outer
      stratifying cells make up on average 60% of the melanopsin-expressing cells.
      About half of the melanopsin-expressing cells (or 80% of the outer stratifying
      cells) have their soma displaced to the inner nuclear layer. Inner stratifying
      cells have their soma exclusively in the ganglion cell layer and include a small
      proportion of bistratified cells. The dendritic field diameter of melanopsin
      expressing cells ranges from 250 (near the fovea) to 1,000 um in peripheral
      retina. The dendritic trees of outer stratifying cells cover the retina
      independent of soma location. The dendritic fields of both outer and inner
      stratifying cells show a high degree of overlap with a coverage factor of
      approximately two. Melanopsin-expressing cells occur at an average peak density
      of between ~20 and ~40 cells/mm2 at about 2 mm eccentricity, the density drops to
      below ~10 cells/mm2 at about 8 mm eccentricity. Both the outer and inner
      stratifying dendrites express postsynaptic density (PSD95) immunoreactive puncta
      suggesting that they receive synaptic input from bipolar cells.

PMID- 28097655
TI  - Hermaphroditism in the dash-and-dot goatfish Parupeneus barberinus.
AB  - Presence of bisexual individuals and a sex-specific bimodal size distribution are
      suggestive of protogyny in the dash-and-dot goatfish Parupeneus barberinus, but
      the most parsimonious interpretation of histological analysis is juvenile
      hermaphroditism. This is the first report of hermaphroditism in the Mullidae.

PMID- 28097656
TI  - Palliation and breast cancer.
AB  - Metastatic breast cancer is an incurable disease. With improvement in systemic
      therapy, survival has improved over the past few years. Removing the primary
      tumor has shown improved survival in retrospective studies, but this may be due
      to selection bias. The first reported randomized controlled trial (RCT) from
      India showed no difference in survival with surgery. However another RCT from
      Turkey showed that a select group of patient with bone-only metastases have a
      survival benefit.

PMID- 28097657
TI  - Public Trust in Health Information Sharing: A Measure of System Trust.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure public trust in a health information sharing in a broadly
      defined health system (system trust), inclusive of health care, public health,
      and research; to identify individual characteristics that predict system trust;
      and to consider these findings in the context of national health initiatives
      (e.g., learning health systems and precision medicine) that will expand the scope
      of data sharing. DATA SOURCES: Survey data (n = 1,011) were collected in February
      2014. STUDY DESIGN: We constructed a composite index of four dimensions of system
      trust-competency, fidelity, integrity, and trustworthiness. The index was used in
      linear regression evaluating demographic and psychosocial predictors of system
      trust. DATA COLLECTION: Data were collected by GfK Custom using a nationally
      representative sample and analyzed in Stata 13.0. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Our
      findings suggest the public's trust may not meet the needs of health systems as
      they enter an era of expanded data sharing. We found that a majority of the U.S.
      public does not trust the organizations that have health information and share it
      (i.e., the health system) in one or more dimensions. Together, demographic and
      psychosocial factors accounted for ~18 percent of the observed variability in
      system trust. Future research should consider additional predictors of system
      trust such as knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs to inform policies and practices
      for health data sharing.

PMID- 28097658
TI  - Segmental fibre type composition of the rat iliopsoas muscle.
AB  - The iliopsoas of the rat is composed of two muscles - the psoas major muscle and
      the iliacus muscle. The psoas major muscle arises from all the lumbar vertebrae
      and the iliacus muscle from the fifth and sixth lumbar vertebrae and ilium. Their
      common insertion point is the lesser trochanter of the femur, and their common
      action is the lateral rotation of the femur and flexion of the hip joint. Unlike
      humans, the rat is a quadruped and only occasionally rises up on its hind legs.
      Therefore, it is expected that the fibre type composition of the rat iliopsoas
      muscle will be different than that of humans. The iliopsoas muscle of the rat is
      generally considered to be a fast muscle. However, previous studies of the fibre
      type composition of the rat psoas muscle showed different results. Moreover, very
      little is known about the composition of the rat iliacus muscle. The aim of our
      study was to examine the fibre type composition of the rat iliopsoas muscle in
      order to better understand the complex function of the listed muscle. The psoas
      major muscle was examined segmentally at four different levels of its origin.
      Type I, IIA, IIB and IIX muscle fibres were typed using monoclonal antibodies for
      myosin heavy chain identification. The percentage of muscle fibre types and
      muscle fibre cross-sectional areas were calculated. In our study we showed that
      in the rat iliopsoas muscle both the iliacus and the psoas major muscles had a
      predominance of fast muscle fibre types, with the highest percentage of the
      fastest IIB muscle fibres. Also, the IIB muscle fibres showed the largest cross
      sectional area (CSA) in both muscles. As well, the psoas major muscle showed
      segmental differences of fibre type composition. Our results showed changes in
      percentages, as well as the CSAs of muscle fibre types in cranio-caudal
      direction. The most significant changes were visible in type IIB muscle fibres,
      where there was a decrease of percentages and the CSAs from the cranial towards
      the caudal part of the muscle. From our results it is evident that the rat
      iliopsoas muscle has a heterogeneous composition and is composed of all four
      muscle fibre types. Primarily, it is a fast, dynamic muscle with a predominance
      of fast type IIB muscle fibres with the largest CSAs. The composition of the rat
      psoas major muscles changes in a cranio-caudal direction, thus pointing to a more
      postural role of the caudal part of the muscle.

PMID- 28097659
TI  - Substance Use Disorders and Addiction is on the rise: What can we do?

PMID- 28097660
TI  - In Brief: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer.
AB  - The role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in cancer development has
      become clear over recent years, and MDSC targeting is an emerging opportunity for
      enhancing the effectiveness of current anticancer therapies. As MDSCs are not
      only able to limit anti-tumour T-cell responses, but also to promote tumour
      angiogenesis and invasion, their monitoring has prognostic and predictive value.
      Herein, we review the key features of MDSCs in cancer promotion. (c) 2017 The
      Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of
      Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

PMID- 28097661
TI  - Estimating the Skull-to-Camera Distance from Facial Photographs for Craniofacial
      Superimposition.
AB  - The overlay of a skull and a face image for identification purposes requires
      similar subject-to-camera distances (SCD) to be used at both photographic
      sessions so that differences in perspective do not compromise the anatomical
      comparisons. As the facial photograph is the reference standard, it is crucial to
      determine its SCD first and apply this value to photography of the skull. So far,
      such a method for estimating the SCD has been elusive (some say impossible),
      compromising the technical validity of the superimposition procedure. This paper
      tests the feasibility of using the palpebral fissure length and a well
      established photographic algorithm to accurately estimate the SCD from the facial
      photograph. Recordings at known SCD across a 1-10 m range (repeated under two
      test conditions) demonstrate that the newly formulated method works: a mean SCD
      estimation error of 7% that translates into <1% perspective distortion error
      between estimated and actual conditions.

PMID- 28097662
TI  - Thermal requirements for growth, survival and aerobic performance of weatherfish
      larvae Misgurnus fossilis.
AB  - Thermal requirements of larval weatherfish Misgurnus fossilis were investigated
      in terms of growth, survival and aerobic performance. Growth and survival of M.
      fossilis larvae acclimated to five temperatures (11, 15, 19, 23 and 27 degrees 
      C) were measured over 25 days. In the upper temperature treatments (19, 23 and 27
      degrees  C), survival of larvae was stable throughout the entire rearing period
      (>75%), whereas 11 and 15 degrees  C resulted in severe declines in survival (to
      <10%). Growth of larvae (expressed as dry mass and total length) was highest at
      19 and 23 degrees  C, but significantly decreased at 27 degrees  C. Routine
      metabolic rate of 3 days post-hatch larvae was estimated as oxygen consumption
      rate (MO2 ) during acute exposure (30 min to 1 h) to seven temperatures (11, 15,
      19, 23, 27, 31 and 35 degrees  C). Larval oxygen uptake increased with each
      consecutive temperature step from 11 to 27 degrees  C, until a plateau was
      reached at temperatures >27 degrees  C. All larvae of the 35 degrees  C regime,
      however, died within the MO2 measurement period. M. fossilis larvae show greater
      than expected tolerance of high temperatures. On the other hand, low temperatures
      that are within the range of likely habitat conditions are critical because they
      might lead to high mortality rates when larvae are exposed over periods >10 days.
      These findings help to improve rearing conditions and to identify suitable waters
      for stocking and thus support the management of re-introduction activities for
      endangered M. fossilis.

PMID- 28097663
TI  - The evolution of male nuptial colour in a sexually dimorphic group of fishes
      (Percidae: Etheostomatinae).
AB  - To test hypotheses explaining variation in elaborate male colouration across
      closely related species groups, ancestral-state reconstructions and tests of
      phylogenetic signal and correlated evolution were used to examine the evolution
      of male body and fin colouration in a group of sexually dichromatic stream fishes
      known as darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae). The presence or absence of red
      orange and blue-green male colour traits were scored across six body regions in
      99 darter species using a recently estimated amplified fragment length
      polymorphism (AFLP) phylogeny for comparative analyses. Ancestral-state
      reconstructions infer the most recent common ancestor of darters to lack red
      orange colour and possess blue-green colour on different body regions, suggesting
      variation between species is due to independent gains of red-orange and losses of
      blue-green. Colour traits exhibit substantial phylogenetic signal and are highly
      correlated across body regions. Comparative analyses were repeated using an
      alternative phylogenetic hypothesis based on one mitochondrial and two nuclear
      genes, yielding similar results to analyses based on the AFLP phylogeny. Red
      orange colouration in darters appears to be derived; whereas, blue-green appears
      to be ancestral, which suggests that different selection mechanisms may be acting
      on these two colour classes in darters.

PMID- 28097665
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and selected pharmacodynamics of romifidine following low-dose
      intravenous administration in combination with exercise to quarter horses.
AB  - Romifidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for sedation and analgesia in
      horses. As it is a prohibited substance, its purported use at low doses in
      performance horses necessitates further study. The primary goal of the study
      reported here was to describe the serum concentrations and pharmacokinetics of
      romifidine following low-dose administration immediately prior to exercise,
      utilizing a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay
      that is currently employed in many drug testing laboratories. An additional
      objective was to describe changes in heart rate and rhythm following intravenous
      administration of romifidine followed by exercise. Eight adult Quarter Horses
      received a single intravenous dose of 5 mg (0.01 mg/kg) romifidine followed by 1
      h of exercise. Blood samples were collected and drug concentrations measured at
      time 0 and at various times up to 72 h. Mean +/- SD systemic clearance, steady
      state volume of distribution and terminal elimination half-life were 34.1 +/-
      6.06 mL/min/kg and 4.89 +/- 1.31 L/kg and 3.09 +/- 1.18 h, respectively.
      Romifidine serum concentrations fell below the LOQ (0.01 ng/mL) and the LOD
      (0.005 ng/mL) by 24 h postadministration. Heart rate and rhythm appeared
      unaffected when a low dose of romifidine was administered immediately prior to
      exercise.

PMID- 28097664
TI  - Testing mate choice and overdominance at MH in natural families of Atlantic
      salmon Salmo salar.
AB  - This study aimed to test mate choice and selection during early life stages on
      major histocompatibility (MH) genotype in natural families of Atlantic salmon
      Salmo salar spawners and juveniles, using nine microsatellites to reconstruct
      families, one microsatellite linked to an MH class I gene and one minisatellite
      linked to an MH class II gene. MH-based mate choice was only detected for the
      class I locus on the first year, with lower expected heterozygosity in the
      offspring of actually mated pairs than predicted under random mating. The
      genotype frequencies of MH-linked loci observed in the juveniles were compared
      with frequencies expected from Mendelian inheritance of parental alleles to
      detect selection during early life stages. No selection was detected on the locus
      linked to class I gene. For the locus linked to class II gene, observed
      heterozygosity was higher than expected in the first year and lower in the second
      year, suggesting overdominance and underdominance, respectively. Within family,
      juveniles' body size was linked to heterozygosity at the same locus, with longer
      heterozygotes in the first year and longer homozygotes in the second year.
      Selection therefore seems to differ from one locus to the other and from year to
      year.

PMID- 28097667
TI  - Comparative morphology of the scales of roundscale spearfish Tetrapturus georgii
      and white marlin Kajikia albida.
AB  - The comparative morphology of the scales of roundscale spearfish Tetrapturus
      georgii and white marlin Kajikia albida was investigated. In addition, variation
      in scale morphology across different body regions within each species was
      analysed. Although considerable morphological variation was observed among scales
      from different body regions in both species, scales of K. albida generally have
      pointed anterior ends, fewer posterior points and are more heavily imbricated
      than those of T. georgii, which are frequently rounded anteriorly, often have
      many posterior points and are separated farther within the skin. In all sampled
      body regions and individuals, scales of T. georgii are significantly broader and
      have a lower length-to-width aspect ratio than those of K. albida. Superficial to
      the scales are denticular plates, which are ossified formations occurring on the
      surface layer of the epidermis; these were observed and described for T. georgii,
      K. albida and blue marlin Makaira nigricans. Detailed scale descriptions allow
      for a more accurate characterization of the variation within and differences
      between these two species and could potentially be a valuable tool for
      investigating istiophorid systematics.

PMID- 28097666
TI  - Understanding external cervical resorption patterns in endodontically treated
      teeth.
AB  - AIM: To understand the patterns of external cervical resorption (ECR) in
      endodontically treated teeth. To compare characteristics and mechanisms of ECR in
      root filled teeth with those established in teeth with vital pulps. METHODOLOGY:
      Seven cases of endodontically treated permanent teeth displaying ECR were
      investigated. ECR diagnosis was based on clinical findings and radiographic
      examination with cone-beam computed tomography. The extracted teeth were further
      analysed by a nano-focus computed tomographic (nano-CT) system, hard-tissue
      histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To make a comparison with teeth
      with vital pulps, representative cases with ECR were also included. RESULTS: All
      endodontically treated teeth had a similar ECR pattern. This pattern reflected
      many similarities to that seen in teeth with vital pulps; that is, three stages
      were observed namely initiation, resorption and repair. In particular, during the
      initiation stage (1st stage), the resorption started below the gingival
      epithelial attachment, at the level of cementum. In the resorption stage (2nd
      stage), ECR spreads towards the treated pulp space and in a coronal-apical
      direction, creating multiple resorption channels. The pulp and the pericanalar
      resorption resistant sheet (PRRS) had been removed during root canal treatment
      and thus offered no retarding or defence mechanism towards ECR. In the reparative
      stage (3rd stage), reparative hard-tissue formation occurred at a localized
      scale. CONCLUSIONS: Similar ECR patterns were observed in all examined teeth.
      These patterns consisted of an initiation, a resorption and a reparative stage.
      Some differences were noticed between endodontically treated and teeth with vital
      pulps, mainly in the resorption and reparative stages. The resorption stage in
      root filled teeth was more intense than the repair stage, as many clastic cells
      and abundant granulation tissue were observed in all samples. This is possibly
      due to the absence of the pulp and protective PRRS layer and/or to the altered
      chemical composition of the root dentine after root canal treatment. Furthermore,
      at the repair stage, formation of reparative bonelike tissue took place to a
      lesser extent in root filled teeth.

PMID- 28097668
TI  - Detection and pharmacokinetics of salmeterol in thoroughbred horses following
      inhaled administration.
AB  - Salmeterol is a man-made beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonist used to relieve
      bronchospasm associated with inflammatory airway disease in horses. Whilst
      judicious use is appropriate in horses in training, they cannot race with
      clinically effective concentrations of medications under the British Horseracing
      Authority's Rules of Racing. Salmeterol must therefore be withdrawn prior to race
      day and pharmacokinetic (PK) studies used to establish formal detection time
      advice. Salmeterol xinafoate (Serevent Evohaler(r) ) was administered (0.1 mg
      twice daily for 4.5 days) via inhalation to six horses. Urine and blood samples
      were taken up to 103 h postadministration. Hydrolysed samples were extracted
      using solid phase extraction. A sensitive Ultra high performance tandem mass
      spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed, with a Lower limit of
      quantification (LLOQ) for salmeterol of 10 pg/mL in both matrices. The majority
      of salmeterol plasma concentrations, postlast administration, were below the
      method LLOQ and so unusable for PK analysis. Urine PK analysis suggested a half
      life consistent with duration of pharmacological effect. Average estimated urine
      concentration at steady-state was obtained via PK modelling and used to estimate
      a urine concentration of 59 +/- 34 pg/mL as a marker of effective lung
      concentration. From this, potential detection times were calculated using a range
      of safety factors.

PMID- 28097669
TI  - Mathematical Modeling of Rotary Blood Pumps in a Pulsatile In Vitro Flow
      Environment.
AB  - Nowadays, sacrificing animals to develop medical devices and receive regulatory
      approval has become more common, which increases ethical concerns. Although in
      vivo tests are necessary for development and evaluation of new devices,
      nonetheless, with appropriate in vitro setups and mathematical models, a part of
      the validation process can be performed using these models to reduce the number
      of sacrificed animals. The main aim of this study is to present a mathematical
      model simulating the hydrodynamic function of a rotary blood pump (RBP) in a
      pulsatile in vitro flow environment. This model relates the pressure head of the
      RBP to the flow rate, rotational speed, and time derivatives of flow rate and
      rotational speed. To identify the model parameters, an in vitro setup was
      constructed consisting of a piston pump, a compliance chamber, a throttle, a
      buffer reservoir, and the CentriMag RBP. A 40% glycerin-water mixture as a blood
      analog fluid and deionized water were used in the hydraulic circuit to
      investigate the effect of viscosity and density of the working fluid on the model
      parameters. First, model variables were physically measured and digitally
      acquired. Second, an identification algorithm based on regression analysis was
      used to derive the model parameters. Third, the completed model was validated
      with a totally different set of in vitro data. The model is usable for both
      mathematical simulations of the interaction between the pump and heart and
      indirect pressure measurement in a clinical context.

PMID- 28097670
TI  - Acute liver failure in Scotland: changes in aetiology and outcomes over time (the
      Scottish Look-Back Study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure is a rare and devastating clinical condition
      resulting from sudden loss of hepatic parenchyma and metabolic function. The
      Scottish Liver Transplant Unit (SLTU) offers specialist management and emergency
      liver transplantation to patients with acute liver failure from across Scotland.
      AIM: To describe temporal changes in number of admissions, aetiology of acute
      liver failure, severity of disease at presentation and outcomes over a 22-year
      period. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the SLTU database, including all
      patients admitted with acute liver injury or acute liver failure between November
      1992 and March 2014. RESULTS: There has been no change in the number of patients
      presenting with acute liver injury or failure secondary to paracetamol overdose,
      but a reduction in the number of admissions with acute liver injury or failure
      secondary to non paracetamol causes. Over time, disease severity at presentation
      has not changed in the paracetamol cohort; those with a non paracetamol aetiology
      have latterly presented with milder hepatic encephalopathy. Spontaneous survival
      rates improved significantly over time for those patients with acute liver
      failure due to paracetamol and non paracetamol aetiologies. The most marked
      improvement in survival is observed in the sickest patients meeting Kings College
      Hospital poor prognostic criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The number of admissions to the
      SLTU with acute liver failure is decreasing, due to reduced numbers of non
      paracetamol cases. Outcomes in this condition are improving, due to improvements
      in intensive care management and use of liver transplantation, and the increase
      in survival is most marked in patients meeting Kings College Hospital poor
      prognostic criteria.

PMID- 28097671
TI  - Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia Localization and Procedural Approach using
      Cryoablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) may still be
      difficult to control with antiarrhythmic therapy. Transcatheter ablation can be
      challenging and may be associated with a high risk of unintended atrioventricular
      block. The objective of this manuscript is to report the procedural technique,
      the location of the successful ablation, and the procedural characteristics while
      utilizing 3D mapping for cryoablation of JET. METHODS: A retrospective analysis
      was performed on all patients who had undergone cryothermal ablation for the
      treatment of JET at a single center. Patient, arrhythmia, and procedural
      information and long-term outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen patients
      with JET were treated by cryothermal ablation. The JET arrhythmia burden varied
      greatly, generally with inadequate control on medications. Left ventricular
      dilation was present in three patients, and one patient had dilated
      cardiomyopathy. The median age at the time of procedure was 13 years, with median
      weight of 54.1 kg. The ectopic focus was ablated in 11/13 patients within the
      lower 2/3 of the triangle of Koch (TOK) with cryotherapy. Ablations, which were
      not successful, low in the TOK were associated with substantially longer
      procedures, and had a higher risk of recurrence. There was late resolution of the
      arrhythmia in two of three acutely unsuccessful ablations. There were no
      complications. CONCLUSION: In the majority of patients JET can be safely ablated
      with the use of cryotherapy. Foci not identified in the lower 2/3 of the TOK are
      associated with longer procedures, more lesions, and decreased chance for long
      term success.

PMID- 28097672
TI  - Collective resistance despite complicity: High identifiers rise above the
      legitimization of disadvantage by the in-group.
AB  - How do individuals deal with group disadvantage when their fellow in-group
      members conceive it as legitimate? Integrating research on the normative conflict
      model (Packer, 2008, Pers. Soc. Psychol. Rev., 12, 50) and collective action, we
      expect high identifiers to reject the in-group norm of legitimacy that justifies
      the inequality, and to assert that the group is actually able and willing to
      contest the disadvantage by collective means. In Study 1 and Study 2, we tested
      this hypothesis in different intergroup contexts. The results confirmed our
      predictions and also showed one boundary condition for high identifiers, namely
      that the content of the social identity supports resistance. In Study 3, we found
      support for our hypothesis using artificial groups and manipulating
      identification experimentally. These results show that even when a disadvantaged
      group appears to accept its situation, high identified in-group members will
      still contest this and, moreover, expect other in-group members to support them
      in this endeavour.

PMID- 28097673
TI  - Schoolyard Shade and Sun Exposure: Assessment of Personal Monitoring During
      Children's Physical Activity.
AB  - Childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major risk factor for the
      development of melanoma later in life. However, it is challenging to accurately
      determine personal outdoor exposure to UVR, specifically erythemally weighted UVR
      (UVEry ), due to technological constraints, variable time-activity patterns, and
      the influence of outdoor environmental design. To address this challenge, this
      study utilized mobile and stationary techniques to examine the UVEry exposures of
      14 children in a schoolyard in Lubbock, TX, in spring 2016. The aims of the study
      were to examine the influence of artificial shade on personal UVEry exposures and
      to assess full sun exposure ratios (ERs) within the same playground
      microenvironment. On average, personal wrist dosimeters worn during play in the
      sun measured 18% of the total onsite UVEry measured by a stationary UV
      pyranometer. Shade was found to significantly reduce the personal UVEry exposures
      by 55%, UVB280-315 nm exposures by 91%, and the overall solar radiation by 84%.
      Substantial benefits can be garnered through focused design of children's
      recreational space to utilize shade-both natural and artificial-to reduce UVR
      exposures during play, and to extend safe outdoor stays. Finally, although the
      wrist is a practical location for a dosimeter, it often underestimates full
      exposures, particularly during physical activity.

PMID- 28097674
TI  - Monte Carlo simulations of ceiling scatter in nuclear medicine: 99m Tc, 131 I and
      18 F.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the design of nuclear medicine treatment and examination rooms, an
      important consideration is the shielding required for ionizing radiation from the
      radioactive isotopes used. The shielding in the walls is normally limited to a
      height lower than the actual ceiling height. The direct radiation, possibly with
      build-up correction, can be calculated relatively easily. However, little data
      are available to estimate the dose contribution from ionizing radiation traveling
      over the wall shielding and scattering off the ceiling. We aim to determine the
      contribution of the ceiling scatter to the radiation dose outside nuclear
      medicine rooms. METHODS: Monte Carlo simulations were performed using Gate for
      different heights of lead shielding in the wall, and different ceiling heights. A
      point source in air of 99m Tc (141 keV), 131 I (365 keV) or 18 F (511 keV) was
      placed 1.0 m above the floor, 3.0 m from the lead shielding. Simulations of
      ceiling scatter only and for the total radiation dose were performed for these 3
      isotopes, 5 different ceiling heights and 4-8 different wall shielding heights,
      resulting in a total of 165 simulations. This allowed us to compare the
      contribution of the radiation passing through the shielding and the ceiling
      scatter. RESULTS: We find that the shielding required for the primary radiation,
      measured in half-value layers, is an important factor in determining the relative
      contribution of ceiling scatter. When more than about 4 half-value layers of
      shielding are used, ceiling scatter becomes the dominant factor and should be
      taken into account in the shielding design. In many practical cases for low
      energy photons (e.g. from 99m Tc; 141 keV; half-value layer of 0.26 mm lead), 2
      mm of lead is used and ceiling scatter is a dominating factor contributing >~70%
      of the dose outside the shielded room. For higher energies (e.g. 18 F; 511 keV;
      half-value layer of 3.9 mm lead) the ceiling scatter is typically less than about
      15% when 8 mm of lead shielding is used. CONCLUSIONS: We have performed
      simulations that allow an estimation of the contribution of ceiling scatter to
      the radiation dose outside a room, based on the ceiling height, shielding height,
      and isotope used. This will allow for improved shielding designs in nuclear
      medicine departments.

PMID- 28097675
TI  - The swamplands of reflection: using conversation analysis to reveal the
      architecture of group reflection sessions.
AB  - CONTEXT: Many medical schools include group reflection in their curriculum, and
      many researchers have considered both the concept and the outcomes of reflection.
      However, no research has been carried out on how 'reflective talk' is structured
      in the classroom. This paper describes how tutors and residents organise group
      reflection sessions in situ by describing an example of group reflection in
      medical education. Our aim is to provide an evidence base that can be used by
      medical educators to think about the way reflection should be included in their
      curriculum. METHODS: We video-recorded 47 group reflection sessions of the
      general practice postgraduate training course at Erasmus University Medical
      School, Rotterdam. We used conversation analysis to unravel their overall
      structural organisation: the way participants organise and structure a
      conversation. Through micro-analysis of the moment-to-moment unfolding of group
      reflection, we distinguished the main building blocks that form the architecture
      of these sessions. RESULTS: We found that participants consistently oriented
      towards the following activity types: significant event, reason for sharing,
      learning issue and learning uptake. There was variation in the order of the
      activity types, the amount of time spent on each of them, and how they were
      accomplished. By studying reflection in its messy social context, we found order,
      commonalities and patterns that were typical of the architecture of group
      reflection in this setting, even if no formal structure is prescribed.
      CONCLUSIONS: In 'Exchange of Experience', the overall structural organisation
      consisted of activity types through which a case becomes shared, reflectable,
      learnable and valuable. There are essential discrepancies between cognitive
      reflection models and the reality of the classroom. Being conscious of this
      overall structural organisation can be a tool for tutors of these groups to help
      them navigate from one activity to another or to diagnose what is not working in
      the group discussion.

PMID- 28097676
TI  - Morbihan disease complicated by dermatosis neglecta: An unique presentation.
AB  - Morbihan disease, also referred to as solid facial edema, or rosacea lymphedema,
      is a rare disorder that involves chronic erythema and solid edema of the cheeks,
      eyelids, forehead and glabella and may arise as a complication of acne vulgaris
      or rosacea. Of note, it may be the only initial presenting symptom of these
      associated diseases. Few cases have been described in the literature, as its
      first description by Robert Degos in 1957. The condition is characterized by its
      chronicity, a typical clinical appearance and the lack of specific
      histopathologic or laboratory findings. The condition may wax and wane but
      typically does not resolve without treatment. Many cases of this condition tend
      to be recalcitrant to therapy, with topical and oral antibiotics regimens
      commonly used for rosacea generally being ineffective. The disease may easily go
      undiagnosed, as it mimics other more common skin conditions. We present a case of
      originally undiagnosed Morbihan disease mistaken for an atypical allergic rash,
      resistant to treatment, and complicated by dermatosis neglecta.

PMID- 28097677
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of first-line antitubercular drugs in plasma and PBMCs.

PMID- 28097678
TI  - Aberrant tyrosinase expression in an atypical fibroxanthoma: A case report.
AB  - Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a histologic mimicker of a variety of spindle
      cell neoplasms, and careful microscopic and immunohistochemical evaluation is
      critical in establishing the correct diagnosis. Here we report the histologic and
      immunohistochemical work up of a 1 cm nodule involving the left dorsal hand of a
      66-year-old patient. Light microscopy revealed fascicles of spindled and
      pleomorphic cells within the dermis showing increased mitotic activity occurring
      in the background of sun-damaged skin. There were numerous multinucleated cells
      with hyperchromatic nuclei and ample finely vacuolated or foamy cytoplasms. There
      was strong and diffuse CD10 and patchy CD68 expression among the spindled cells
      and multinucleated cells. The neoplastic cells did not show immunoreactivity
      against S100, p75-NGFR, HMB-45 or a panel of keratinocytic, vascular and smooth
      muscle markers. Tyrosinase and Melan-A were not expressed within the spindle cell
      component of this neoplasm; however, there was tyrosinase expression among
      numerous multinucleated giant cells. Melan-A expression was also observed among
      rare multinucleated giant cells. Tyrosinase expression has not previously been
      reported in AFX.

PMID- 28097679
TI  - Abnormal levels of seven amino neurotransmitters in depressed rat brain and
      determination by HPLC-FLD.
AB  - The determination of amino acids with actions like neurotransmitters or
      modulators has been increasingly important for diagnosis in many neuropsychiatric
      diseases. A rapid and simple high-performance liquid chromatography with
      fluorescence detection method was developed for simultaneous determination of
      seven amino acids: aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu), serine (Ser), glutamine
      (Gln), glycine (Gly), taurine (Tau) and gamma-aminobutyric' acid (GABA).
      Homoserine was used as an internal standard. The analysis was performed on a BDS
      column with methanol and 50 mm sodium acetate solution (pH 6.5) using a simple
      gradient elution. Several parameters of the developed method were validated
      including linearity, accuracy, precision, extraction recovery and stability,
      which were within the acceptable range. The method was successfully applied to
      determination of real samples: hippocampus and cortex in depressed rats exposed
      to chronically unpredictable stress in order to study if there existed
      differences in the seven amino acids levels between depressed rats and control.
      The results showed that Asp, Gly, Tau and GABA significantly decreased with
      increasing Gln in the hippocampus of depressed rats, compared with that of the
      control group, among which obviously lower level of Asp and higher level of Gln
      in cortex were observed. The analytical method and the results could be useful
      for clinical diagnosis and further insight into pathophysiological mechanism of
      depression.

PMID- 28097680
TI  - Development of a novel algorithm for detecting glucocorticoid-induced diabetes
      mellitus using a medical information database.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus (GIDM)
      increases the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM)-related complications but is
      generally difficult to detect in clinical settings. The criteria for diagnosing
      GIDM have not been established. Recently, medical information databases (MIDs)
      have been used in post-marketing surveillance (PMS) studies. We conducted a
      pharmacoepidemiological study to develop an algorithm for detecting GIDM using
      MID. METHODS: We selected 1214 inpatients who were newly prescribed with a
      typical glucocorticoid, prednisolone, during hospitalization from 2008 to 2014
      from an MID of Hamamatsu University Hospital in Japan. GIDM was screened based on
      fasting blood glucose (FBG) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels according to the
      current Japan Diabetes Society (JDS) DM criteria, and its predictability was
      evaluated by an expert's review of medical records. We investigated further
      candidate screening factors using receiver operating characteristics analysis.
      RESULTS: Sixty-three inpatients were identified by the JDS DM criteria. Of these,
      33 patients were definitely diagnosed as having GIDM by expert's review (positive
      predictive value = 52.4%). To develop a highly predictive algorithm, we compared
      the characteristics of inpatients diagnosed with definite GIDM and those
      diagnosed as non-GIDM. The maximum levels of HbA1c in patients with GIDM were
      significantly higher than those of patients with non-GIDM (66.9 mmol/mol vs. 58.7
      mmol/mol, P < 0.001). The patients with GIDM had significantly higher relative
      increase in maximum level of HbA1c (RIM-HbA1c) than those with non-GIDM (0.3 vs.
      0.03, P < 0.001). However, we did not observe a significant difference in those
      of fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. We applied the RIM-HbA1c as a second
      screening factor to improve the detection of GIDM. It showed that a 13% increase
      in RIM-HbA1c separated patients with from patients without GIDM. WHAT IS NEW AND
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GIDM had significantly higher RIM-HbA1c than patients
      with non-GIDM. There was a 13% increase in RIM-HbA1c in patients with GIDM
      compared to the others. Our detection algorithm for GIDM using an MID achieved
      high sensitivity and specificity, and was superior to one based only on the
      current JDS DM criteria. Our results suggest that monitoring changes in HbA1c
      levels is important for detecting GIDM and adds to current diagnostic criteria
      for type 2 DM.

PMID- 28097682
TI  - Evaluation of perforated demineralized dentin scaffold on bone regeneration in
      critical-size sheep iliac defects.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Regenerating critical-size bone injury is a major problem that
      continues to inspire the design of new graft materials. Therefore, tissue
      engineering has become a novel approach for targeting bone regeneration
      applications. Human teeth are a rich source of stem cells, matrix, trace metal
      ions, and growth factors. A vital tooth-derived demineralized dentin matrix is
      acid-insoluble and composed of cross-linked collagen with growth factors. In this
      study, we recycled human non-functional tooth into a unique geometric dentin
      scaffold, entitled perforated root-demineralized dentin matrix (PR-DDM). The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of PR-DDM as the scaffold for
      regenerating bone in critical-size iliac defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Artificial macro-pores (1 mm in diameter) were added to human vital wisdom tooth
      after removing the enamel and pulp portions. The modified tooth was demineralized
      in 0.34 N HNO3 for 30 min and is referred to as PR-DDM scaffold. Critical-size
      defect (10 mm * 15 mm * 9 mm O) was created in the iliac crest of six adult
      sheep. The in vivo bone regeneration by the scaffold was evaluated by micro-CT,
      3D micro-CT, and histological examination at 2 and 4 months post-implantation.
      RESULTS: PR-DDM exhibited better bone ingrowth, especially in the artificial
      macro-pores. The results of micro-CT and 3D micro-CT revealed good union between
      scaffold and native bone. New bone formation was observed in almost all portions
      of PR-DDM. Higher bone volume inside the scaffold was detected at 4 months
      compared with 2 months. New bone ingrowth was ankylosed with PR-DDM, and both
      osteoinduction and osteoconduction capability of PR-DDM were confirmed
      histologically. The ratio of new bone formation was higher at 4 months compared
      with 2 months by histomorphometric analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these
      results demonstrated that the human tooth-derived graft material with a unique
      geometric structure, PR-DDM, contributed to active bone ingrowth in critical-size
      bone defects. This novel scaffold may have great utility in the near-future
      clinical application.

PMID- 28097681
TI  - Thromboelastography in Dogs with Chronic Hepatopathies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The coagulation status of dogs with liver disease is difficult to
      predict using conventional coagulation testing. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate thromboelastography (TEG) results and associations with conventional
      coagulation results and indicators of disease severity and prognosis in dogs with
      chronic hepatopathies (CH). ANIMALS: Twenty-one client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs
      with CH were prospectively (10 dogs) and retrospectively (11 dogs) enrolled from
      2008 to 2014. Kaolin-activated TEG was performed and compared with reference
      intervals by t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests. Correlation coefficients for TEG
      results and conventional coagulation and clinicopathologic results were
      determined. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Dogs with CH had
      significant increases in R (5.30 min vs 4.33 min), K (3.77 min vs 2.11 min), and
      LY30 (4.77% vs 0.68%) and decreased angles (55.3 degrees  vs 62.4 degrees ). G
      value defined 9 of 21, 7 of 21, and 5 of 21 dogs as normocoagulable,
      hypercoagulable, and hypocoagulable, respectively. G and MA were correlated with
      fibrinogen (r = 0.68, 0.83), prothrombin time (PT; r = -0.51, -0.53), and
      activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT; r = -0.50, -0.50). K was correlated
      with PT (r = 0.75) and protein C activity (r = -0.92). Angle was correlated with
      aPTT (r = -0.63). Clinical score was correlated with PT (r = 0.60), MA (r = 
      0.53), and R (r = -0.47). Dogs with hyperfibrinolysis (LY30 > 3.04%; 5 of 21) had
      significantly higher serum transaminase activities. Dogs with portal hypertension
      had significantly lower G, MA, and angle and prolonged, K, R, and PT. CONCLUSIONS
      AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs with CH have variable TEG results. Negative
      prognostic indicators in CH correlate with hypocoagulable parameters on TEG.
      Hyperfibrinolysis in dogs with CH is associated with high disease activity.

PMID- 28097683
TI  - Echocardiographic Estimates of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Do Not
      Predict the Clinical Course in Elderly Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Atrial
      Septal Defect Closure: Impact of Early Diastolic Mitral Annular Velocity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of echocardiographic left ventricular
      (LV) diastolic dysfunction on acute congestive heart failure after transcatheter
      atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in elderly patients. BACKGROUND: Although
      there is concern that LV diastolic dysfunction develops acute congestive heart
      failure after ASD closure, limited information is available regarding the
      influence, especially in elderly patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction.
      METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients older than 60 years were divided into 3
      groups according to echocardiographic LV diastolic dysfunction: severe (early
      diastolic mitral annular velocity [e'] <5.0 cm/s), mild (5.0<= e' <8.0 cm/s), and
      normal (e' >= 8.0 cm/s). Changes in plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
      levels were evaluated. RESULTS: No patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction
      developed acute congestive heart failure immediately after the procedure. BNP
      levels unchanged after the procedure in patients with severe LV diastolic
      dysfunction (126 +/- 181 to 131 +/- 148 pg/ml, P = 0.885), and this increase in
      BNP levels was not different from that between the diagnosis of ASD and the
      procedure. The change in BNP levels in patients with severe LV diastolic
      dysfunction, who were frequently treated with diuretics before the procedure, was
      equivalent to that in patients with mild LV diastolic dysfunction and normal LV
      diastolic function (5 +/- 119 vs. 16 +/- 101 vs. 9 +/- 131 pg/ml, P = 0.724).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that transcatheter ASD closure under volume
      management is safe and valuable in elderly patients with echocardiographic severe
      LV diastolic dysfunction.

PMID- 28097685
TI  - Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein neoepitope in the synovial fluid of horses
      with acute lameness: A new biomarker for the early stages of osteoarthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical tools to diagnose the early changes of osteoarthritis (OA)
      that occur in the articular cartilage are lacking. OBJECTIVES: We sought to
      identify and quantify a novel cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)
      neoepitope in the synovial fluid from the joints of healthy horses and those with
      different stages of OA. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro quantitative proteomics and assay
      development with application in synovial fluids samples obtained from biobanks of
      well-characterised horses. METHODS: Articular cartilage explants were incubated
      with or without interleukin-1beta for 25 days. Media were analysed via
      quantitative proteomics. Synovial fluid was obtained from either normal joints (n
      = 15) or joints causing lameness (n = 17) or with structural OA lesions (n = 7)
      and analysed for concentrations of the COMP neoepitope using a custom-developed
      inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Explants were immunostained
      with polyclonal antibodies against COMP and the COMP neoepitopes. RESULTS:
      Semitryptic COMP peptides were identified and quantified in cell culture media
      from cartilage explants. A rabbit polyclonal antibody was raised against the
      neoepitope of the N-terminal portion of one COMP fragment (sequence SGPTHEGVC).
      An inhibition ELISA was developed to quantify the COMP neoepitope in synovial
      fluid. The mean concentration of the COMP neoepitope significantly increased in
      the synovial fluid from the joints responsible for acute lameness compared with
      normal joints and the joints of chronically lame horses and in joints with
      chronic structural OA. Immunolabelling for the COMP neoepitope revealed a
      pericellular staining in the interleukin-1beta-stimulated explants. MAIN
      LIMITATIONS: The ELISA is based on polyclonal antisera rather than a monoclonal
      antibody. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the COMP neoepitope in the synovial fluid
      from horses with acute lameness suggests that this neoepitope has the potential
      to be a unique candidate biomarker for the early molecular changes in articular
      cartilage associated with OA.

PMID- 28097686
TI  - Context characterization of amino acid homorepeats using evolution, position, and
      order.
AB  - Amino acid repeats, or homorepeats, are low complexity protein motifs consisting
      of tandem repetitions of a single amino acid. Their presence and relative number
      vary in different proteomes, and some studies have tried to address this
      variation, proteome by proteome. In this work, we present a full characterization
      of amino acid homorepeats across evolution. We studied the presence and
      differential usage of each possible homorepeat in proteomes from various
      taxonomic groups, using clusters of very similar proteins to eliminate
      redundancy. The position of each amino acid repeat within proteins, and the order
      of co-occurring amino acid repeats were also addressed. As a result, we present
      evidence about the unevenly evolution of homorepeats, as well as the functional
      implications of their relative position in proteins. We discuss some of these
      cases in their taxonomic context. Collectively, our results show evolutionary and
      positional signals that suggest that homorepeats have biological function, likely
      creating unspecific protein interactions or modulating specific interactions in a
      context dependent manner. In conclusion, our work supports the functional
      importance of homorepeats and establishes a basis for the study of other low
      complexity repeats. Proteins 2017; 85:709-719. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28097687
TI  - Requirements for accurate estimation of anisotropic material parameters by
      magnetic resonance elastography: A computational study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish the essential requirements for characterization of a
      transversely isotropic material by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). THEORY
      AND METHODS: Three methods for characterizing nearly incompressible, transversely
      isotropic (ITI) materials were used to analyze data from closed-form expressions
      for traveling waves, finite-element (FE) simulations of waves in homogeneous ITI
      material, and FE simulations of waves in heterogeneous material. Key properties
      are the complex shear modulus MU2 , shear anisotropy phi=MU1/MU2-1, and tensile
      anisotropy zeta=E1/E2-1. RESULTS: Each method provided good estimates of ITI
      parameters when both slow and fast shear waves with multiple propagation
      directions were present. No method gave accurate estimates when the displacement
      field contained only slow shear waves, only fast shear waves, or waves with only
      a single propagation direction. Methods based on directional filtering are robust
      to noise and include explicit checks of propagation and polarization. Curl-based
      methods led to more accurate estimates in low noise conditions. Parameter
      estimation in heterogeneous materials is challenging for all methods.
      CONCLUSIONS: Multiple shear waves, both slow and fast, with different propagation
      directions, must be present in the displacement field for accurate parameter
      estimates in ITI materials. Experimental design and data analysis can ensure that
      these requirements are met. Magn Reson Med 78:2360-2372, 2017. (c) 2017
      International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28097688
TI  - Initialization-Free Multilevel States Driven by Spin-Orbit Torque Switching.
AB  - By engineering multidomain formation in Co/Pt multilayers, it is demonstrated how
      multilevel storage can be achieved by spin-orbit torque switching. It is rather
      remarkable that, by modulating the writing pulse conditions, the final
      magnetization states can be controlled, independent of the initial
      configurations. The initialization-free multilevel memory advances the spin-orbit
      torque magnetic random access memory to higher storage density for practical
      applications.

PMID- 28097689
TI  - Investigating magnetic susceptibility of human knee joint at 7 Tesla.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the magnetic susceptibility properties of different
      anatomical structures within the knee joint using quantitative susceptibility
      mapping (QSM). METHODS: A collagen tissue model was simulated and ex vivo animal
      cartilage experiments were conducted at 9.4 Tesla (T) to evaluate the B0
      orientation-dependent magnetic susceptibility contrast observed in cartilage.
      Furthermore, nine volunteers (six healthy subjects without knee pain history and
      three patients with known knee injury, between 29 and 58 years old) were scanned
      using gradient-echo acquisitions on a high-field 7T MR scanner. Susceptibility
      values of different tissues were quantified and diseased cartilage and meniscus
      were compared against that of healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Simulation and ex vivo
      animal cartilage experiments demonstrated that collagen fibrils exhibit an
      anisotropic susceptibility. A gradual change of magnetic susceptibility was
      observed in the articular cartilage from the superficial zone to the deep zone,
      forming a multilayer ultrastructure consistent with anisotropy of collagen
      fibrils. Meniscal tears caused a clear reduction of susceptibility contrast
      between the injured meniscus and surrounding cartilage illustrated by a loss of
      the sharp boundaries between the two. Moreover, QSM showed more dramatic contrast
      in the focal degenerated articular cartilage than R2* mapping. CONCLUSION: The
      arrangement of the collagen fibrils is significant, and likely the most dominant
      source of magnetic susceptibility anisotropy. Quantitative susceptibility mapping
      offers a means to characterize magnetic susceptibility properties of tissues in
      the knee joint. It is sensitive to collagen damage or degeneration and may be
      useful for evaluating the status of knee diseases, such as meniscal tears and
      cartilage disease. Magn Reson Med 78:1933-1943, 2017. (c) 2017 International
      Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28097690
TI  - An Overview of Structural Features of Antibacterial Glycoconjugate Vaccines That
      Influence Their Immunogenicity.
AB  - Bacterial cell-surface-derived or mimicked carbohydrate moieties that act as
      protective antigens are used in the development of antibacterial glycoconjugate
      vaccines. The carbohydrate antigen must have a minimum length or size to maintain
      the conformational structure of the antigenic epitope(s). The presence or absence
      of O-acetate, phosphate, glycerol phosphate and pyruvate ketal plays a vital role
      in defining the immunogenicity of the carbohydrate antigen. The nature of the
      carrier protein, spacer and conjugation pattern used to develop the
      glycoconjugate vaccine also defines its overall spatial orientation which in turn
      affects its avidity and selectivity of interaction with the desired target(s). In
      addition, the ratio of carbohydrate to protein in glycoconjugate vaccines also
      makes an important contribution in determining the optimum immunological
      response. This Review article presents the importance of these variables in the
      development of antibacterial glycoconjugate vaccines and their effects on immune
      efficacy.

PMID- 28097692
TI  - Structural role of a conserved active site cis proline in the Thermotoga maritima
      acetyl esterase from the carbohydrate esterase family 7.
AB  - A conserved cis proline residue located in the active site of Thermotoga maritima
      acetyl esterase (TmAcE) from the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE7) has been
      substituted by alanine. The residue was known to play a crucial role in
      determining the catalytic properties of the enzyme. To elucidate the structural
      role of the residue, the crystal structure of the Pro228Ala variant (TmAcEP228A )
      was determined at 2.1 A resolution. The replacement does not affect the overall
      secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures and moderately decreases the
      thermal stability. However, the wild type cis conformation of the 227-228 peptide
      bond adopts a trans conformation in the variant. Other conformational changes in
      the tertiary structure are restricted to residues 222-226, preceding this peptide
      bond and are located away from the active site. Overall, the results suggest that
      the conserved proline residue is responsible for the cis conformation of the
      peptide and shapes the geometry of the active site. Elimination of the
      pyrrolidine ring results in the loss of van der Waals and hydrophobic
      interactions with both the alcohol and acyl moeities of the ester substrate,
      leading to significant impairment of the activity and perturbation of substrate
      specificity. Furthermore, a cis-to-trans conformational change arising out of
      residue changes at this position may be associated with the evolution of
      divergent activity, specificity, and stability properties of members constituting
      the CE7 family. Proteins 2017; 85:694-708. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28097691
TI  - Oilseed rape NAC56 transcription factor modulates reactive oxygen species
      accumulation and hypersensitive response-like cell death.
AB  - The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, CUC2) transcription factor gene family is plant-specific
      and plays diverse roles in development and responses to abiotic stresses and
      pathogen challenge. Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) or canola is an important oil
      crop worldwide, however, the function of NAC genes in it remains largely elusive.
      In the present study, we identified and characterized the NAC56 gene isolated
      from oilseed rape. Expression of BnaNAC56 was induced by abscisic acid (ABA),
      jasmonic acid (JA), methyl viologen (MV) and a necrotrophic fungal pathogen
      Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, but repressed by cold. BnaNAC56 is a transcription
      activator and localized to nuclei. Overexpression of BnaNAC56 induced reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and hypersensitive response (HR)-like cell
      death, with various physiological measurements supporting these. Furthermore,
      BnaNAC56 expression caused evident nuclear DNA fragmentation. Moreover,
      quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis identified that the
      expression levels of multiple genes regulating ROS homeostasis, cell death and
      defense response were significantly induced. Using a dual luciferase reporter
      assay, we further confirmed that BnaNAC56 could activate the expression of a few
      ROS- and cell death-related genes. In summary, our data demonstrate that BnaNAC56
      functions as a stress-responsive transcriptional activator and plays a role in
      modulating ROS accumulation and cell death.

PMID- 28097693
TI  - Distinguishing between biochemical and cellular function: Are there peptide
      signatures for cellular function of proteins?
AB  - The genome annotation and identification of gene function depends on conserved
      biochemical activity. However, in the cell, proteins with the same biochemical
      function can participate in different cellular pathways and cannot complement one
      another. Similarly, two proteins of very different biochemical functions are put
      in the same class of cellular function; for example, the classification of a gene
      as an oncogene or a tumour suppressor gene is not related to its biochemical
      function, but is related to its cellular function. We have taken an approach to
      identify peptide signatures for cellular function in proteins with known
      biochemical function. ATPases as a test case, we classified ATPases (2360
      proteins) and kinases (517 proteins) from the human genome into different
      cellular function categories such as transcriptional, replicative, and chromatin
      remodelling proteins. Using publicly available tool, MEME, we identify peptide
      signatures shared among the members of a given category but not between cellular
      functional categories; for example, no motif sharing is seen between chromatin
      remodelling and transporter ATPases, similarly between receptor Serine/Threonine
      Kinase and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase. There are motifs shared within each category
      with significant E value and high occurrence. This concept of signature for
      cellular function was applied to developmental regulators, the polycomb and
      trithorax proteins which led to the prediction of the role of INO80, a chromatin
      remodelling protein, in development. This has been experimentally validated
      earlier for its role in homeotic gene regulation and its interaction with
      regulatory complexes like the Polycomb and Trithorax complex. Proteins 2017;
      85:682-693. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28097694
TI  - Serial cytokine alterations and abnormal neuroimaging in newborn infants with
      encephalopathy.
AB  - AIM: Inflammatory cytokines may play a role in the final common pathway in the
      pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischaemic injury in experimental models. We aimed to
      profile the systemic pro-and anti-inflammatory response over the first week of
      life in term infants at risk of neonatal encephalopathy. METHOD: In a tertiary
      referral university neonatal intensive care unit, serial blood samples were
      analysed from 41 term infants (requiring resuscitation at birth) in this
      prospective observational pilot study. Serum levels of 10 pro-and anti
      inflammatory cytokines were evaluated including interleukin(IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta,
      IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-alpha, interferon (IFN)-gamma,
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), granulocyte/colony-stimulating factor
      (G-CSF) and granulocyte macrophage/colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). RESULTS:
      Infants with neonatal encephalopathy and abnormal neuroimaging (n = 15) had
      significantly elevated granulocyte macrophage/colony-stimulating factor at 0-24 h
      and interleukin-8, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 at 24-48 hour. Tumour
      necrosis factor-alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were lower at
      72-96 hour (p < 0.05). Significantly elevated levels of interleukin-10 were
      associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Serum cytokine changes and innate immune
      dysregulation in the first week of life may be indicators of outcome in neonatal
      encephalopathy but require validation in larger studies.

PMID- 28097696
TI  - Postpartum anemia: missed opportunities for prevention and recognition.

PMID- 28097697
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28097698
TI  - Granulocytes exposed.

PMID- 28097699
TI  - Maternal red blood cell alloantibodies identified in blood samples obtained from
      Iranian pregnant women: the first population study in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective was to determine the frequency of occurrence of
      alloantibodies among pregnant women in Iran. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a
      prospective cross-sectional study, which was carried out in the immunohematology
      reference laboratory of the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization in Tehran,
      Iran, in 2008 to 2015. Screening and identification of red blood cell (RBC)
      alloantibodies was done on the sera of 7340 pregnant females using the standard
      tube method and gel column agglutination technique. RESULTS: Alloantibodies were
      identified in the serum of 332 of the 7340 (4.5%) pregnant women. A total of 410
      antibodies were detected in 332 positive maternal serum samples with no previous
      history of blood transfusion. Anti-D was the most common antibody accounting for
      70.5% of all the antibodies formed in D- women. The incidence of specific
      alloimmunization other than Rh group was 14.4%. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the
      alloimmunization rate was high in comparison with wide pattern in previous
      studies. In Iran, like other developing countries, alloimmunization screening
      tests are performed only to detect anti-D in pregnant D- women. This high rate of
      alloimmunization, quite possibly, is due to the fact that the majority of blood
      samples came from pregnant women known to have previous obstetric problems.
      However, we suggest that RBC antibody screening tests should be extended to all
      D+ women.

PMID- 28097700
TI  - Comparison of hepatitis E virus nucleic acid test screening platforms and RNA
      prevalence in French blood donors.

PMID- 28097702
TI  - Credit where credit is due: TRANSFUSION now offers continuing medical education
      (CME) to reviewers.

PMID- 28097701
TI  - Epidemiology, performance characteristics, or both?

PMID- 28097704
TI  - Prophylactic RhCE and Kell antigen matching: impact on alloimmunization in
      transfusion-dependent patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Thirty to 80 per cent of patients with myelodysplastic
      syndromes (MDS) become transfusion-dependent and are at risk for red blood cell
      (RBC) alloimmunization. This study compared alloimmunization rates in transfusion
      dependent patients with MDS at an institution with a policy of prophylactic
      antigen matching for RhCE and K (PAM) with those transfused at institutions
      without such a policy (non-PAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transfusion records were
      retrospectively reviewed to determine total number of RBC transfusions received,
      whether RBC phenotyping was performed, the type and date of first alloantibody
      development and receipt of prophylactic antigen matching for RhCE and K. RESULTS:
      In 176 transfusion-dependent patients with MDS, the overall rate of new
      alloimmunization was 17%; the majority of patients (87%) developed at least one
      alloantibody to Rh or Kell antigens. The alloimmunization rate at the institution
      with a PAM policy was 11% compared with 23% at non-PAM institutions (P = 0.06).
      The rate of Rh/K alloimmunization was 7 vs. 22%, respectively (P = 0.008). No
      patient who received PAM developed a Rh/K alloantibody. CONCLUSION: The rate of
      alloimmunization was 11% at an institution with a PAM policy which was non
      significantly lower than 23% at institutions without a PAM policy. However, rates
      of Rh/K alloimmunization were significantly lower. Such a policy should be
      considered in transfusion-dependent patients with MDS, although further studies
      on cost-effectiveness and careful consideration of resource availability in the
      local context are required.

PMID- 28097707
TI  - Covalent-Bond Formation via On-Surface Chemistry.
AB  - In this Review article pioneering work and recent achievements in the emerging
      research area of on-surface chemistry is discussed. On-surface chemistry,
      sometimes also called two-dimensional chemistry, shows great potential for bottom
      up preparation of defined nanostructures. In contrast to traditional organic
      synthesis, where reactions are generally conducted in well-defined reaction
      flasks in solution, on-surface chemistry is performed in the cavity of a scanning
      probe microscope on a metal crystal under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The metal
      first acts as a platform for self-assembly of the organic building blocks and in
      many cases it also acts as a catalyst for the given chemical transformation.
      Products and hence success of the reaction are directly analyzed by scanning
      probe microscopy. This Review provides a general overview of this chemistry
      highlighting advantages and disadvantages as compared to traditional reaction
      setups. The second part of the Review then focuses on reactions that have been
      successfully conducted as on-surface processes. On-surface Ullmann and Glaser
      couplings are addressed. In addition, cyclodehydrogenation reactions and
      cycloadditions are discussed and reactions involving the carbonyl functionality
      are highlighted. Finally, the first examples of sequential on-surface chemistry
      are considered in which two different functionalities are chemoselectively
      addressed. The Review gives an overview for experts working in the area but also
      offers a starting point to non-experts to enter into this exciting new
      interdisciplinary research field.

PMID- 28097705
TI  - Non-polar lipids accumulate during storage of transfusion products and do not
      contribute to the onset of transfusion-related acute lung injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The accumulation of non-polar lipids arachidonic acid,
      5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 12-HETE and 15-HETE during storage of
      transfusion products may play a role in the onset of transfusion-related acute
      lung injury (TRALI), a syndrome of respiratory distress after transfusion.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated non-polar lipid accumulation in red blood
      cells (RBCs) stored for 42 days, plasma stored for 7 days at either 4 or 20
      degrees C and platelet (PLT) transfusion products stored for 7 days. Furthermore,
      we investigated whether transfusion of RBCs with increased levels of non-polar
      lipids induces TRALI in a 'two-hit' human volunteer model. All products were
      produced following Dutch Blood Bank protocols and are according to European
      standards. Non-polar lipids were measured with high-performance liquid
      chromotography followed by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: All non-polar lipids
      increased in RBCs after 21 days of storage compared to baseline. The non-polar
      lipid concentration in plasma increased significantly, and the increase was even
      more pronounced in products stored at 20 degrees C. In platelets, baseline levels
      of 5-HETE and 15-HETE were higher than in RBCs or plasma. However, the non-polar
      lipids did not change significantly during storage of PLT products. Infusion of
      RBCs with increased levels of non-polar lipids did not induce TRALI in LPS-primed
      human volunteers. CONCLUSION: We conclude that non-polar lipids accumulate in RBC
      and plasma transfusion products and that accumulation is temperature dependent.
      Accumulation of non-polar lipids does not appear to explain the onset of TRALI
      (Dutch Trial Register - NTR4455).

PMID- 28097708
TI  - Prenatal testing for neuropsychiatric disorders.

PMID- 28097710
TI  - Comparative evaluation of label-free quantification methods for shotgun
      proteomics.
AB  - RATIONALE: Label-free quantification (LFQ) is a popular strategy for shotgun
      proteomics. A variety of LFQ algorithms have been developed recently. However, a
      comprehensive comparison of the most commonly used LFQ methods is still rare, in
      part due to a lack of clear metrics for their evaluation and an annotated and
      quantitatively well-characterized data set. METHODS: Five LFQ methods were
      compared: spectral counting based algorithms SIN , emPAI, and NSAF, and
      approaches relying on the extracted ion chromatogram (XIC) intensities, MaxLFQ
      and Quanti. We used three criteria for performance evaluation: coefficient of
      variation (CV) of protein abundances between replicates; analysis of variance
      (ANOVA); and the root-mean-square error of logarithmized calculated concentration
      ratios, referred to as standard quantification error (SQE). Comparison was
      performed using a quantitatively annotated publicly available data set. RESULTS:
      The best results in terms of inter-replicate reproducibility were observed for
      MaxLFQ and NSAF, although they exhibited larger standard quantification errors.
      Using NSAF, all quantitatively annotated proteins were correctly identified in
      the Bonferronni-corrected results of the ANOVA test. SIN was found to be the most
      accurate in terms of SQE. Finally, the current implementations of XIC-based LFQ
      methods did not outperform the methods based on spectral counting for the data
      set used in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Surprisingly, the performances of XIC-based
      approaches measured using three independent metrics were found to be comparable
      with more straightforward and simple MS/MS-based spectral counting approaches.
      The study revealed no clear leader among the latter. Copyright (c) 2017 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28097711
TI  - Pharmacists' perceptions of pay for performance versus fee-for-service
      remuneration for the management of hypertension through pharmacist prescribing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: As pharmacists expand their roles as patient care providers,
      remuneration must be offered for patient care activities apart from dispensing.
      Most jurisdictions paying for such services utilize the fee-for-service (FFS)
      model, while little is known about the role of pay for performance (P4P) within
      the pharmacy profession. This study aimed to elicit the experience of pharmacists
      practicing under both models within the Alberta Clinical Trial in Optimizing
      Hypertension (RxACTION) study in Alberta, Canada. METHODS: Pharmacist
      participants in RxACTION caring for at least one patient under FFS and under P4P
      were interviewed about their experiences until data saturation was reached.
      Interviews were conducted in June-July 2015, with responses audio recorded,
      transcribed and coded to identify key themes. KEY FINDINGS: Eight pharmacists
      were interviewed, with three key themes identified: a perceived comfort with the
      existing FFS model particularly due to its ease related to business planning, the
      transformative effect of the study on their practices and a preference for future
      models to consider a blend of both service count- and performance-driven metrics.
      The degree of influence pharmacists feel they can have on outcomes achieved by
      patients, the perceptions of patients and other healthcare professionals on
      outcome-based payment, and concerns with the impact of variable remuneration on
      the pharmacy business model are concerns raised with P4P in pharmacy practice.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals a hesitation to radically transform payment for
      pharmacists' patient care services towards a P4P model. Efforts to implement P4P
      should therefore be gradual and accompanied with a robust evaluation plan.

PMID- 28097713
TI  - Pharmacist-industry relationships.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to document, in their own words,
      beliefs and attitudes that American pharmacists have towards the pharmaceutical
      industry and pharmacists' interactions with industry. METHODS: An ethnographic
      style qualitative study was conducted utilizing open-ended interviews with four
      hospital pharmacists, two independent pharmacists, two retail pharmacists and one
      administrative pharmacist in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area to elicit
      descriptions of and attitudes towards pharmacists' relationships with industry.
      Analysis of the qualitative material followed established ethnographic
      conventions of narrative thematic analysis. KEY FINDINGS: All pharmacists
      reported interactions with pharmaceutical company representatives. Most had
      received free resources or services from industry, including educational courses.
      Respondents uniformly believed that industry promotional efforts are primarily
      directed towards physicians. Although respondents felt strongly that drug prices
      were excessive and that 'me-too' drugs were of limited use, they generally had a
      neutral-to-positive view of industry-funded adherence/compliance programmes,
      coupons, vouchers, and copay payment programmes. Interviewees viewed direct-to
      consumer advertising negatively, but had a generally positive view of industry
      funded drug information. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists may represent a hitherto under
      identified cohort of health professionals who are targeted for industry
      influence; expanding roles for pharmacists may make them even more attractive
      targets for future industry attention. Pharmacy schools should ensure that
      students learn to rely on unbiased information sources and should teach students
      about conflicts of interest and the risks of interacting with industry. Further
      research should be conducted on the extent to which pharmacists' attitudes
      towards their duties and towards drug assessment and recommendation are
      influenced by the pharmaceutical industry.

PMID- 28097712
TI  - Force generation by titin folding.
AB  - Titin is a giant protein that provides elasticity to muscle. As the sarcomere is
      stretched, titin extends hierarchically according to the mechanics of its
      segments. Whether titin's globular domains unfold during this process and how
      such unfolded domains might contribute to muscle contractility are strongly
      debated. To explore the force-dependent folding mechanisms, here we manipulated
      skeletal-muscle titin molecules with high-resolution optical tweezers. In force
      clamp mode, after quenching the force (<10 pN), extension fluctuated without
      resolvable discrete events. In position-clamp experiments, the time-dependent
      force trace contained rapid fluctuations and a gradual increase of average force,
      indicating that titin can develop force via dynamic transitions between its
      structural states en route to the native conformation. In 4 M urea, which
      destabilizes H-bonds hence the consolidated native domain structure, the net
      force increase disappeared but the fluctuations persisted. Thus, whereas net
      force generation is caused by the ensemble folding of the elastically-coupled
      domains, force fluctuations arise due to a dynamic equilibrium between unfolded
      and molten-globule states. Monte-Carlo simulations incorporating a compact molten
      globule intermediate in the folding landscape recovered all features of our
      nanomechanics results. The ensemble molten-globule dynamics delivers significant
      added contractility that may assist sarcomere mechanics, and it may reduce the
      dissipative energy loss associated with titin unfolding/refolding during muscle
      contraction/relaxation cycles.

PMID- 28097714
TI  - Photoantimicrobial Biohybrids by Supramolecular Immobilization of Cationic
      Phthalocyanines onto Cellulose Nanocrystals.
AB  - The development of photoactive and biocompatible nanostructures is a highly
      desirable goal to address the current threat of antibiotic resistance. Here, we
      describe a novel supramolecular biohybrid nanostructure based on the non-covalent
      immobilization of cationic zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) derivatives onto unmodified
      cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), following an easy and straightforward protocol, in
      which binding is driven by electrostatic interactions. These non-covalent
      biohybrids show strong photodynamic activity against S. aureus and E. coli,
      representative examples of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria,
      respectively, and C. albicans, a representative opportunistic fungal pathogen,
      outperforming the free ZnPc counterparts and related nanosystems in which the
      photosensitizer is covalently linked to the CNC surface.

PMID- 28097716
TI  - Parental knowledge of antibiotic use in children with respiratory infections: a
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global problem. AMR
      threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of
      infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. The misuse and
      overuse of antibiotics (AB) is the major contributor to the emergence of
      resistant bacteria in humans. To present and describe characteristics in parents'
      knowledge about when and how to use AB for an upper respiratory tract infection
      (URTI), their attitudes towards doctors and AB use in general, and their
      behaviour when their child suffers from an URTI. KEY FINDINGS: The database
      search was conducted in EMBASE and PubMed for articles published in English,
      French, Spanish and Scandinavian languages from the inception until May 2016.
      Qualitative and quantitative studies with focus on parent' knowledge, attitude
      and behaviour concerning treatment with AB for URTIs among children and
      adolescents were included. Extracted information included date of study, design,
      focus, location and population, parental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
      regarding paediatric AB use and parental socioeconomic and sociodemographic
      characteristics. Parental knowledge about the causes of URTIs and when to use AB,
      education and parental and children's age affect attitudes and behaviours.
      However, good level of knowledge about AB (when and how to use it), often
      correlated with living in a Western country and belonging to high socioeconomic
      position, does not always imply judicious use of AB for URTIs among children.
      Providing parents with a contingency plan and clarifications on why an AB is not
      needed for common colds improves parental satisfaction with their physicians.
      SUMMARY: Evidence gathered from 20 countries from studies published in the last
      20 years shows that parental knowledge still plays a major role in when and how
      to use AB for URTIs among children. However, parents are not disappointed if the
      physician does not prescribe AB, provided that proper explanations and a
      contingency plan are given.

PMID- 28097715
TI  - c-di-AMP modulates Listeria monocytogenes central metabolism to regulate growth,
      antibiotic resistance and osmoregulation.
AB  - Cyclic diadenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) is a conserved nucleotide second
      messenger critical for bacterial growth and resistance to cell wall-active
      antibiotics. In Listeria monocytogenes, the sole diadenylate cyclase, DacA, is
      essential in rich, but not synthetic media and DeltadacA mutants are highly
      sensitive to the beta-lactam antibiotic cefuroxime. In this study, loss of
      function mutations in the oligopeptide importer (oppABCDF) and glycine betaine
      importer (gbuABC) allowed DeltadacA mutants to grow in rich medium. Since
      oligopeptides were sufficient to inhibit growth of the DeltadacA mutant we
      hypothesized that oligopeptides act as osmolytes, similar to glycine betaine, to
      disrupt intracellular osmotic pressure. Supplementation with salt stabilized the
      DeltadacA mutant in rich medium and restored cefuroxime resistance. Additional
      suppressor mutations in the acetyl-CoA binding site of pyruvate carboxylase
      (PycA) rescued cefuroxime resistance and resulted in a 100-fold increase in
      virulence of the DeltadacA mutant. PycA is inhibited by c-di-AMP and these
      mutations prompted us to examine the role of TCA cycle enzymes. Inactivation of
      citrate synthase, but not down-stream enzymes suppressed DeltadacA phenotypes.
      These data suggested that c-di-AMP modulates central metabolism at the pyruvate
      node to moderate citrate production and indeed, the DeltadacA mutant accumulated
      six times the concentration of citrate present in wild-type bacteria.

PMID- 28097717
TI  - Estimating drug-free period using a graphical method: an alternative way to
      monitor extended-interval dosing of gentamicin therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Published nomograms to monitor extended-interval dosing (EID)
      gentamicin therapy were based on a fixed dose of 5 or 7 mg/kg. However, the
      average dose used for EID gentamicin regimen in our setting was about 3 mg/kg per
      day. We developed a new method of monitoring based on the duration of drug-free
      period (DFP) in a 24-h dosing interval. METHODS: Hospitalised adult patients on
      EID gentamicin were selected. We considered a DFP of between 2 and 8 h as
      appropriate. Data from two blood samples (2 and 6 h postdose) from each patient
      were used to estimate the duration of DFP (i.e. DFP method 1). DFP was also
      calculated for the same patient using an empirically estimated elimination rate
      constant (Ke ) and the same 6 h postdose concentration value (DFP method 2).
      Correlation between the two methods was made. An alternative graphical method to
      estimate DFP was attempted. KEY FINDINGS: Correlation between Ke and age was
      favourable (r = -0.453; P = 0.001). Ke derived from this empirical relationship
      was used to estimate DFP method 2. DFP method 1 correlated well with DFP method 2
      (r = 0.742; P < 0.001). On this basis, two curves representing minimum and
      maximum DFPs of 2 and 8 h, respectively, were constructed. The final coordinates,
      which were plotted from an empirically estimated Ke and a 6 h postdose
      concentration, were used to determine whether the DFP was within the targeted
      range. CONCLUSIONS: We have proposed using DFP to monitor EID of gentamicin
      therapy. A graphical method offers a convenient way to estimate this parameter.

PMID- 28097718
TI  - A prospective study of the use of antibiotics in the Emergency Department of a
      Chinese University Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are one of the most widely misused group of medicines.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the use of antibiotics in one of the
      paediatric emergency departments in China. METHODS: We performed a prospective,
      cross-sectional study of antibiotic use in the paediatric emergency room of West
      China Second University Hospital. A total of 500 consecutive patients from March
      25 to April 3 2013 were included. Clinical details of the patients were also
      collected in order to analyse antibiotic use. KEY FINDINGS: The median age of
      patients was 2 years 2 months. The five most common conditions seen in the
      emergency department were wheezy bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections,
      tonsillitis, pneumonia and diarrhoea. A total of 311 children (62%) received
      antibiotics. The antibiotics prescribed were predominantly cephalosporins and
      penicillins. More than one antibiotic was used in 51 patients. In total, 75% of
      the antibiotics prescribed were cephalosporins. More than three-quarters of the
      young children with wheezy bronchitis received antibiotics. Antibiotic use for
      children with an upper respiratory tract infections or tonsillitis was greater
      than the 20% maximum recommended by the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial
      Consumption. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of children attending the emergency
      department received antibiotics. For many of the conditions, the use of
      antibiotics was inappropriate.

PMID- 28097719
TI  - New antibiotics - old problems.

PMID- 28097720
TI  - Antibiotic Stewardship: why we must play our part.

PMID- 28097721
TI  - Short versus regular-course antimicrobial therapy for intraabdominal infections.

PMID- 28097722
TI  - Antimicrobial utilization in an Iraqi province: a comprehensive evaluation of
      antibiotic source and cost.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims were to calculate total systemic antibiotic consumption and
      cost in both public and private sectors in all care settings in Al-Najaf
      province, Iraq, during 2012, recognize the percentage of each pharmacological
      class for the dispensed antibiotics and identify oral and parenteral antibiotic
      percentages dispensed and the portions manufactured nationally and imported.
      METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Najaf to calculate the total
      cost and quantities of antibiotics consumed during 2012 using World Health
      Organization Guidelines for Defined Daily Dose (DDD). KEY FINDINGS: The results
      showed more than 21 million DDDs were dispensed in Al-Najaf in one year, and more
      than half (54.2%) were dispensed by governmental healthcare institutions. A
      thousand inhabitants in the province consumed 45.26 DDDs per day. Extended
      spectrum (34.49%) and combined penicillins (26.08%) were the most frequently
      consumed while meropenem was the least frequently consumed (0.02%). Ninety-five
      per cent of the consumed antibiotics were oral dosage forms, and five per cent
      were parenteral dosage forms. The total cost of antibiotic consumed was more than
      nine million U.S dollars. CONCLUSIONS: The antibiotic consumption ratio in this
      province was comparable to neighbouring countries, but far higher compared to
      European countries. Penicillins, cephalosporins and quinolones were the most
      popular antibiotics. Around half of the antibiotics consumed were made by
      national pharmaceutical companies that mainly produce oral antibiotics. The
      public sector consumed a higher portion, but spent a lower amount compared to
      private sectors. This is the first time report of antibiotic consumption in Iraq.
      More studies evaluating antibiotic consumption can improve utilization.

PMID- 28097723
TI  - Thoughts for 2017.

PMID- 28097724
TI  - Unphosphorylated EIIANtr induces ClpAP-mediated degradation of RpoS in
      Azotobacter vinelandii.
AB  - The nitrogen-related phosphotransferase system (PTSNtr ) is composed of the EINtr
      , NPr and EIIANtr proteins that form a phosphorylation cascade from
      phosphoenolpyruvate. PTSNtr is a global regulatory system present in most Gram
      negative bacteria that controls some pivotal processes such as potassium and
      phosphate homeostasis, virulence, nitrogen fixation and ABC transport activation.
      In the soil bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii, unphosphorylated EIIANtr negatively
      regulates the expression of genes related to the synthesis of the bioplastic
      polyester poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and cyst-specific lipids
      alkylresorcinols (ARs). The mechanism by which EIIANtr controls gene expression
      in A. vinelandii is not known. Here, we show that, in presence of
      unphosphorylated EIIANtr , the stability of the stationary phase sigma factor
      RpoS, which is necessary for transcriptional activation of PHB and ARs synthesis
      related genes, is reduced, and that the inactivation of genes coding for ClpAP
      protease complex in strains that carry unphosphorylated EIIANtr , restored the
      levels and in vivo stability of RpoS, as well as the synthesis of PHB and ARs.
      Taken together, our results reveal a novel mechanism, by which EIIANtr globally
      controls gene expression in A. vinelandii, where the unphosphorylated EIIANtr
      induces the degradation of RpoS by the proteolytic complex ClpAP.

PMID- 28097725
TI  - Increased cortical porosity in women with hip fracture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip fractures cause increased mortality and disability and consume
      enormous healthcare resources. Only 46% of hip fracture patients have
      osteoporosis at the total hip according to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
      measurement. Cortical porosity increases with ageing and is believed to be
      important for bone strength. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether older women with
      hip fracture have higher cortical porosity than controls, and if so whether this
      difference is independent of clinical risk factors and areal bone mineral density
      (aBMD). METHODS: From an ongoing population-based study, we identified 46 women
      with a prevalent X-ray-verified hip fracture and 361 control subjects without any
      fractures. aBMD was measured with DXA. High-resolution peripheral quantitative
      computed tomography was used to measure bone microstructure at the standard
      (ultradistal) site and at 14% (distal) of the tibial length. RESULTS: Women with
      a previous hip fracture had lower aBMD at the femoral neck (-11.8%) and total hip
      (-14.6%) as well as higher cortical porosity at the ultradistal (32.1%) and
      distal (29.3%) tibia compared with controls. In multivariable logistic regression
      analysis, with adjustment for covariates (age, height, weight, smoking, calcium
      intake, physical activity, walk time, oral glucocorticoids, parental hip
      fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, previous fall, current bisphosphonate treatment
      and femoral neck aBMD), cortical porosity at the ultradistal [odds ratio per
      standard deviation increase (95% confidence interval) 2.61 (1.77-3.85)] and
      distal [1.57 (1.12-2.20)] sites was associated with prevalent hip fracture.
      CONCLUSION: Cortical porosity was associated with prevalent hip fracture in older
      women independently of femoral neck aBMD and clinical risk factors.

PMID- 28097726
TI  - Role of the Edge Properties in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on MoS2.
AB  - Molybdenum disulfide, in particular its edges, has attracted considerable
      attention as possible substitute for platinum catalysts in the hydrogen evolution
      reaction (HER). The complex nature of the reaction complicates its detailed
      experimental investigations, which are mostly indirect and sample dependent.
      Therefore, density functional theory calculations were employed to study how the
      properties of the MoS2 Mo-edge influence the thermodynamics of hydrogen
      adsorption onto the edge. The effect of the computational model (one-dimensional
      nanostripe), border symmetry imposed by its length, sulfur saturation of the
      edge, and dimensionality of the material are discussed. Hydrogen adsorption was
      found to depend critically on the coverage of extra sulfur at the Mo edge. The
      bare Mo-edge and fully sulfur-covered Mo-edge are catalytically inactive. The
      most favorable hydrogen binding towards HER was found for the Mo-edge covered by
      sulfur monomers. This edge provides hydrogen adsorption free energies positioned
      around -0.25 eV at up to 50 % hydrogen coverage, close to the experimental values
      of overpotential needed for the HER reaction.

PMID- 28097728
TI  - Dabigatran etexilate in a vitamin-K antagonist non responder patient during
      Heartware HVAD support.
AB  - We report a case of a patient supported with a HeartWare left ventricular assist
      device for idiopathic cardiomyopathy who was resistance to vitamin-K antagonists
      three months after implantation. The patient initially started low-molecular
      weight heparin therapy and then, after the onset of an ischemic stroke, switched
      to dabigatran etexilate (DE). The patient had progressive recovery of cardiac
      function for which the device was explanted. No thrombotic or bleeding events
      occurred during DE therapy.

PMID- 28097727
TI  - Energetics, kinetics, and pathway of SNARE folding and assembly revealed by
      optical tweezers.
AB  - Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs)
      are universal molecular engines that drive membrane fusion. Particularly,
      synaptic SNAREs mediate fast calcium-triggered fusion of neurotransmitter
      containing vesicles with plasma membranes for synaptic transmission, the basis of
      all thought and action. During membrane fusion, complementary SNAREs located on
      two apposed membranes (often called t- and v-SNAREs) join together to assemble
      into a parallel four-helix bundle, releasing the energy to overcome the energy
      barrier for fusion. A long-standing hypothesis suggests that SNAREs act like a
      zipper to draw the two membranes into proximity and thereby force them to fuse.
      However, a quantitative test of this SNARE zippering hypothesis was hindered by
      difficulties to determine the energetics and kinetics of SNARE assembly and to
      identify the relevant folding intermediates. Here, we first review different
      approaches that have been applied to study SNARE assembly and then focus on high
      resolution optical tweezers. We summarize the folding energies, kinetics, and
      pathways of both wild-type and mutant SNARE complexes derived from this new
      approach. These results show that synaptic SNAREs assemble in four distinct
      stages with different functions: slow N-terminal domain association initiates
      SNARE assembly; a middle domain suspends and controls SNARE assembly; and rapid
      sequential zippering of the C-terminal domain and the linker domain directly
      drive membrane fusion. In addition, the kinetics and pathway of the stagewise
      assembly are shared by other SNARE complexes. These measurements prove the SNARE
      zippering hypothesis and suggest new mechanisms for SNARE assembly regulated by
      other proteins.

PMID- 28097730
TI  - Exposure to reactive intermediate-inducing drugs during pregnancy and the
      incident use of psychotropic medications among children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal exposure
      to reactive intermediate (RI)-inducing drugs and the initiation of psychotropic
      medications among children. METHODS: We designed a cohort study using a pharmacy
      prescription database. Pregnant women were considered exposed when they received
      a prescription of RI-inducing drugs. These drugs could be either used alone
      (RI+/FAA-) or combined with drugs exhibiting folic acid antagonism (FAA,
      RI+/FAA+). The reference group included pregnant women who did not receive any RI
      inducing drugs or FAA drugs. RESULTS: We analyzed 4116 exposed and 30 422
      reference pregnancies. The hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI)
      was 1.27 (95%CI 1.15-1.41) for pregnancies exposed to RI-inducing drugs as a
      whole. Considering subgroups of RI-inducing drugs, prenatal exposure to both
      RI+/FAA+ and RI+/FAA- was associated with the children's initiation of
      psychotropic medications, HRs being 1.35 (95%CI 1.10-1.66) and 1.26 (1.13-1.41),
      respectively. The HRs were increased with prolonged exposure to RI-inducing
      drugs, especially in the first and second trimesters. In a detailed examination
      of the psychotropics, the incidences of receiving antimigraine preparations and
      psychostimulants were significantly increased for the exposed children, compared
      with the reference children. The incidences of receiving antipsychotics and
      hypnotics were also higher for the exposed children; however, the HRs did not
      reach significance after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significantly
      increased incident use of psychotropic medications among children prenatally
      exposed to RI-inducing drugs, especially during the first and second trimesters.
      This suggests a detrimental effect during critical periods of brain development.
      Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28097729
TI  - The Role of Orexin Signaling in the Ventral Tegmental Area and Central Amygdala
      in Modulating Binge-Like Ethanol Drinking Behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent reports have demonstrated that binge-like ethanol (EtOH)
      drinking leads to an increase in hypothalamic orexin (OX) signaling and that
      suppressing this signaling via systemic administration of an orexin receptor
      (OXR) antagonist blocks this behavior; however, the specific OX pathways that
      modulate this behavior remain unknown. The goal of this study was to further
      elucidate the role of the OX system in binge-like EtOH drinking using behavioral,
      molecular, and pharmacological techniques. METHODS: The drinking-in-the-dark
      (DID) paradigm was used to model binge-like drinking behavior in male C57BL/6J
      mice. Experiment 1 examined changes in the OX precursor, prepro-orexin, within
      the hypothalamus following multiple cycle EtOH or sucrose DID using polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) analysis. In experiments 2a and 2b, we used site-directed
      infusion of an OXR antagonist to examine the individual contribution of each OXR
      subtype within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and central nucleus of the
      amygdala (CeA), respectively, in binge-like EtOH or sucrose drinking. RESULTS:
      Findings from our PCR study revealed that multiple cycles of binge-like EtOH
      drinking did not lead to changes in prepro-orexin mRNA as a function of binge
      like EtOH drinking. However, data from site-directed pharmacology studies
      indicate that the orexin-1 receptor (OX1R) is the predominate receptor subtype
      within the VTA and CeA that regulates binge-like EtOH drinking. Interestingly,
      inhibition of OX1Rs did not affect binge-like sucrose intake, which suggests that
      these OX circuits are specific for EtOH consumption. CONCLUSIONS: As a whole,
      these data suggest that the VTA and CeA are important regions in which OX
      regulates binge-like EtOH drinking behavior. Moreover, these findings identify
      OXR antagonists as a potential treatment option that may be used to ameliorate
      problematic drinking behavior while leaving responding to natural rewards
      relatively intact.

PMID- 28097731
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of amorolfine 5% nail lacquer in combination with
      systemic antifungal agents for onychomycosis: A meta-analysis and systematic
      review.
AB  - The efficacy and safety of amorolfine 5% nail lacquer in combination with
      systemic antifungal agents in the treatment of the onychomycosis were evaluated.
      According to our meta-analysis, combination treatment of amorolfine 5% nail
      lacquer and systemic antifungals can result in higher percentage of complete
      clearance of onychomycosis. It showed that the experimental combination group was
      more effective than monotherapy of the systemic antifungals [OR (odds ratio) =
      1.97, 95%CI (95% confidence interval) = 1.44-2.69], and no more adverse events
      happened with the addition of amorolfine 5% nail lacquer (OR = .96, 95%CI = .56
      1.63, p = .95). This effect strengthens the fact that amorolfine 5% nail lacquer
      in combination with systemic antifungal agents was better than the monotherapy of
      systemic antifungals like itraconazole and terbinafine.

PMID- 28097732
TI  - Fundamental mechanisms deliver the Nobel Prize to Ohsumi.

PMID- 28097733
TI  - Optimized amplitude modulated multiband RF pulse design.
AB  - PURPOSE: Multiband pulses are characterized by highly temporally modulated
      waveforms. Rapid phase or frequency modulation can be extremely demanding on the
      performance of radiofrequency (RF) pulse generation, which can lead to errors
      that can be avoided if pulses are restricted to amplitude modulation (AM) only.
      In this work, three existing multiband pulse design techniques are modified to
      produce AM waveforms. THEORY AND METHODS: Multiband refocusing pulses were
      designed using phase-optimization, time-shifting, and root-flipping. Each
      technique was constrained to produce AM pulses by exploiting conjugate symmetry
      in their respective frequency domain representations. Pulses were designed using
      the AM and unconstrained techniques for a range of multiband factors (ie, number
      of simultaneously excited slices), time-bandwidth products, and slice
      separations. Performance was compared by examining the resulting effective pulse
      durations. Phantom and in vivo experiments were conducted for validation.
      RESULTS: Acquired data confirmed that AM pulses can produce precise results when
      unconstrained designs may produce artifacts. The average duration of AM pulses is
      longer than the unconstrained versions. Averaged across a range of parameters,
      the duration cost for AM pulses was 26, 38, and 20% for phase-optimizing, time
      shifting and root-flipping, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Amplitude modulation
      multiband pulses can be produced for a relatively small increase in pulse
      duration. Magn Reson Med 78:2185-2193, 2017. (c) 2017 The Authors Magnetic
      Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of
      International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access
      article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which
      permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original
      work is properly cited.

PMID- 28097734
TI  - How lay people understand and make sense of personalized disease risk
      information.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disease risk calculators are increasingly web-based, but previous
      studies have shown that risk information often poses problems for lay users.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine how lay people understand the result derived from an online
      cardiometabolic risk calculator. DESIGN: A qualitative study was performed, using
      the risk calculator in the Dutch National Prevention Program for cardiometabolic
      diseases. The study consisted of three parts: (i) attention: completion of the
      risk calculator while an eye tracker registered eye movements; (ii) recall:
      completion of a recall task; and (iii) interpretation: participation in a semi
      structured interview. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We recruited people from the
      target population through an advertisement in a local newspaper; 16 people
      participated in the study, which took place in our university laboratory.
      RESULTS: Eye-tracking data showed that participants looked most extensively at
      numerical risk information. Percentages were recalled well, whereas natural
      frequencies and verbal labels were remembered less well. Five qualitative themes
      were derived from the interview data: (i) numerical information does not really
      sink in; (ii) the verbal categorical label made no real impact on people; (iii)
      people relied heavily on existing knowledge and beliefs; (iv) people zoomed in on
      risk factors, especially family history of diseases; and (v) people often
      compared their situation to that of their peers. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:
      Although people paid attention to and recalled the risk information to a certain
      extent, they seemed to have difficulty in properly using this information for
      interpreting their risk.

PMID- 28097735
TI  - Autoimmune enteropathy and hepatitis in pediatric heart transplant recipient.
AB  - AIE is a rare disorder in children that presents with severe diarrhea and
      malabsorption, caused by immune-mediated damage to intestinal mucosa. AIE is
      often associated with various syndromes of immunodeficiency including IPEX
      syndrome (immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy and enteropathy, X-linked).
      Dysfunctional T regulatory cells are the source of pathology in both IPEX
      syndrome and AIE as they are essential in maintaining tolerance to self-antigens
      and eliminating autoreactive B cells. This case report describes a 10-year-old
      cardiac transplant and total thymectomy patient on chronic immunosuppression with
      tacrolimus that presented with AIE and extraintestinal manifestations of cyclical
      hepatitis. Transition from tacrolimus to sirolimus successfully increased T
      regulatory cells and resolved enteritis and hepatitis symptoms. Data support that
      thymectomy at <1 year of age increases risk of autoimmune disease due to abnormal
      immune maturation. Studies suggest that the sirolimus promotes the upregulation
      of the FoxP3 protein that is classically associated with Tregs. In turn, Tregs
      prevent the maturation of autoreactive B cells that lead to autoimmune reactions.

PMID- 28097736
TI  - Restoration and management for plant diversity enhances the rate of belowground
      ecosystem recovery.
AB  - The positive relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem functioning has
      been criticized for its applicability at large scales and in less controlled
      environments that are relevant to land management. To inform this gap between
      ecological theory and application, we compared recovery rates of belowground
      properties using two chronosequences consisting of continuously cultivated and
      independently restored fields with contrasting diversity management strategies:
      grasslands restored with high plant richness and managed for diversity with
      frequent burning (n = 20) and grasslands restored with fewer species that were
      infrequently burned (n = 15). Restoration and management for plant diversity
      resulted in 250% higher plant richness. Greater recovery of roots and more
      predictable recovery of the active microbial biomass across the high diversity
      management strategy chronosequence corresponded with faster recovery of soil
      structure. The high diversity grasslands also had greater nutrient conservation
      indicated by lower available inorganic nitrogen. Thus, mesic grasslands restored
      with more species and managed for high plant diversity with frequent burning
      enhances the rate of belowground ecosystem recovery from long-term disturbance at
      a scale relevant to conservation practices on the landscape.

PMID- 28097737
TI  - Epidemiological data of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children in Uzbekistan, 1998
      2014.
AB  - AIMS: We aimed to determine the incidence, prevalence and mortality of type 1
      diabetes (T1D) in Uzbekistan in children <15 years old. METHODS: In a prospective
      study from 1998 to 2014 the primary ascertainment of incidence, prevalence and
      mortality, and cause of death was via data collected by endocrinology
      dispensaries in Uzbekistan's 14 administrative divisions. A second data
      collection for 2008-2010 from a national audit in 2011 was used to determine age
      structure. RESULTS: Over 1998-2014 T1D prevalence roughly doubled (7.8 to
      15.3/100,000 population aged <15 years, P = .10), following a doubling of
      incidence (1.5 to 3.1/100 000 < 15 years), a 5.6% annualized increase, P = .001),
      with a fall in mortality per 1000 patient years (24.5 to 2.0, P = .001). There
      was a female preponderance, with a male:female ratio of 0.89 in 2008-2010. In
      every year, T1D incidence was highest in the 10-14.99 year age-group, although
      the proportion of diagnoses under 5 years of age increased from 6.0% of total
      diagnoses in 1998-2002, to 13.4% in 2008-2010. Peak age of onset in 2008-2010 was
      13 years. Notable regional variation was evident, with incidence being highest in
      Tashkent-City (P = .005). The most common cause of death was chronic renal
      failure-responsible for 31 deaths in children <15 years during the study period.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide the first long-term epidemiological data for T1D
      in Uzbekistan and the region. Uzbekistan is country of low but rising T1D
      incidence and prevalence, and falling mortality. Attention to improving clinical
      care is warranted, to reduce long-term complications.

PMID- 28097738
TI  - Enhanced predictive signalling in schizophrenia.
AB  - Positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as delusions and hallucinations are
      thought to arise from an alteration in predictive mechanisms of the brain. Here,
      we empirically tested the hypothesis that schizophrenia is associated with an
      enhanced signalling of higher-level predictions that shape perception into
      conformity with acquired beliefs. Twenty-one patients with schizophrenia and
      twenty-eight healthy controls matched for age and gender took part in a
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment that assessed the effect
      of an experimental manipulation of cognitive beliefs on the perception of an
      ambiguous visual motion stimulus. At the behavioural level, there was a generally
      weaker effect of experimentally induced beliefs on perception in schizophrenia
      patients compared with controls, but a positive correlation between the effect of
      beliefs on perception and the severity of positive symptoms. At the neural level,
      belief-related connectivity between a region encoding beliefs in the
      orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and a region encoding visual motion in the visual
      cortex (V5) was higher in patients compared with controls, indicating a stronger
      impact of cognitive beliefs on visual processing in schizophrenia. We suggest
      that schizophrenia might be associated with a generally weaker acquisition of
      externally generated beliefs and a compensatory increase in the effect of beliefs
      on sensory processing. Our current results are in line with the notion that
      enhanced signalling of higher-level predictions that shape perception into
      conformity with acquired beliefs might underlie positive symptoms in
      schizophrenia. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1767-1779, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 28097739
TI  - Cellular plasticity in cardiovascular development and disease.
AB  - Knowledge on cellular differentiation pathways is critical to understanding organ
      development, homeostasis, and disease. Studying cell differentiation and cell
      fate restrictions in these contexts can be done through lineage tracing
      experiments, which entail permanent labeling of a cell and all its progeny.
      Recent lineage experiments within the cardiovascular system have uncovered
      unexpected findings on cellular origins during organogenesis and cell plasticity
      during disease. For example, there is increasing evidence that multiple
      progenitor sources exist for a single cell type, and that cells have remarkable
      expansive capacities under disease settings. Here, we summarize some recent
      findings in the cardiovascular system and highlight where there is evidence that
      the underlying concepts are a widespread phenomenon used by other organ systems.
      Developmental Dynamics 246:328-335, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28097740
TI  - In Vivo Dearomatization of the Potent Antituberculosis Agent BTZ043 via
      Meisenheimer Complex Formation.
AB  - Nitrobenzothiazinones are among the most potent antituberculosis agents. Herein,
      we disclose an unprecedented in vivo reduction process that affords Meisenheimer
      complexes of the clinical candidates BTZ043 and PBTZ169. The reduction is
      reversible, occurs in all mammalian species investigated, has a profound
      influence on the in vivo ADME characteristics, and has considerable implications
      for the design and implementation of clinical studies. The reduction was
      confirmed by chemical studies that enabled the complete characterization of the
      Meisenheimer complex and its subsequent chemistry. Combination of the in vivo and
      chemical studies with LC-MS characterization and assay development also provides
      a basis for rational lead optimization of this very promising class of
      antituberculosis agents.

PMID- 28097741
TI  - "Inherently Chiral" Ionic-Liquid Media: Effective Chiral Electroanalysis on
      Achiral Electrodes.
AB  - To achieve enantioselective electroanalysis either chiral electrodes or chiral
      media are needed. High enantiodiscrimination properties can be granted by the
      "inherent chirality" strategy of developing molecular materials in which the
      stereogenic element responsible for chirality coincides with the molecular
      portion responsible for their specific properties, an approach recently yielding
      outstanding performances as electrode surfaces. Inherently chiral ionic liquids
      (ICILs) have now been prepared starting from atropisomeric 3,3'-bicollidine,
      synthesized from inexpensive reagents, resolved into antipodes without need of
      chiral HPLC and converted into long-chain dialkyl salts with melting points below
      room temperature. Both the new ICILs and shorter family terms, solid at room
      temperature, employed as low-concentration additives in achiral ILs, afford
      impressive enantioselection for the enantiomers of different probes on achiral
      electrodes, regularly increasing with additive concentration.

PMID- 28097742
TI  - Differential dehydration effects on globular proteins and intrinsically
      disordered proteins during film formation.
AB  - Globular proteins composed of different secondary structures and fold types were
      examined by synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy to determine
      the effects of dehydration on their secondary structures. They exhibited only
      minor changes upon removal of bulk water during film formation, contrary to
      previously reported studies of proteins dehydrated by lyophilization (where
      substantial loss of helical structure and gain in sheet structure was detected).
      This near lack of conformational change observed for globular proteins contrasts
      with intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) dried in the same manner: the IDPs,
      which have almost completely unordered structures in solution, exhibited
      increased amounts of regular (mostly helical) secondary structures when
      dehydrated, suggesting formation of new intra-protein hydrogen bonds replacing
      solvent-protein hydrogen bonds, in a process which may mimic interactions that
      occur when IDPs bind to partner molecules. This study has thus shown that the
      secondary structures of globular and intrinsically disordered proteins behave
      very differently upon dehydration, and that films are a potentially useful format
      for examining dehydrated soluble proteins and assessing IDPs structures.

PMID- 28097744
TI  - In situ electrical monitoring of cancer cells invading vascular endothelial cells
      with semiconductor-based biosensor.
AB  - Cellular dynamics is very closely related to ionic behaviors, most of which have
      been hardly monitored in real time, whereas semiconductor-based biosensors have
      the unique advantage of direct detection of ionic charges in a real-time and
      noninvasive manner. In this study, we monitored the invasion process of cancer
      cells into the vascular endothelial layer in real time by a label-free method
      using a field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor. Endothelial cells were cultured
      on the sensing surface of the FET gate, to form a basement membrane between the
      endothelial cells and the sensing surface. When invasive cancer cells (HeLa
      cells) approached the endothelial cell-coated gate FET biosensor, a change in the
      surface potential was clearly detected using the FET biosensor. This is because
      HeLa cells, which invaded the endothelial cell layer, reduced the molecular
      charge density in the basement membrane by decomposing it. A platform based on
      the cell-coated gate FET biosensor is suitable for real-time and noninvasive
      monitoring of cellular dynamics based on intrinsic ionic charges.

PMID- 28097743
TI  - Optimizing outcomes in clozapine rechallenge following neutropenia using human
      leukocyte antigen typing: A case report.

PMID- 28097745
TI  - Immature Core protein of hepatitis C virus induces an unfolded protein response
      through inhibition of ERAD-L in a yeast model system.
AB  - The structural protein Core of hepatitis C virus (HCV), a cytosolic protein,
      induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) in
      hepatocytes, and is responsible for the pathogenesis of persistent HCV infection.
      Using yeast as a model system, we evaluated mechanisms underlying Core-induced
      interference of ER homeostasis and UPR, and found that UPR is induced by the
      immature Core (aa 1-191, Core191) but not by the mature Core (aa 1-177, Core177).
      Interestingly, Core191 inhibits both ERAD-L, a degradation system responsible for
      misfolded/unfolded proteins in the ER lumen, and ERAD-M, a degradation system
      responsible for proteins carrying a misfolded/unfolded region in the ER membrane.
      In contrast, Core177 inhibits ERAD-M but not ERAD-L. In addition, requirement of
      an unfolded protein sensor in the ER lumen suggested that inhibition of ERAD-L is
      probably responsible for Core191-dependent UPR activation. These results
      implicate inadequate maturation of Core as a trigger for induction of ER stress
      and UPR.

PMID- 28097746
TI  - High neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio is associated with refractory Kawasaki
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of the neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio (NLR)
      has not yet been fully elucidated in Kawasaki disease (KD). The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the relationship between NLR and response to i.v.
      immunoglobulin (IVIG), and its effect on coronary abnormalities in KD. METHODS: A
      total of 196 KD patients treated with IVIG were analyzed. Baseline NLR was
      evaluated immediately before IVIG therapy and the patients classified into two
      groups according to NLR. The clinical data, other inflammatory biomarkers, and
      coronary complications were also assessed. RESULTS: Kawasaki disease patients
      with NLR >= 5 had a greater incidence of IVIG refractoriness than the NLR < 5
      group (31.7% vs 4.3%, P < 0.001), but this was not related to the development of
      coronary abnormalities. The change in NLR after IVIG (i.e. DeltaNLR) was
      significantly decreased in the coronary abnormality group (2.65 +/- 1.88 vs 3.81
      +/- 2.55, P = 0.042). On multivariate analysis, high NLR and CRP were independent
      predictors of IVIG refractoriness during the acute phase of KD (P = 0.032 in NLR;
      P = 0.029 in CRP, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: High NLR was closely associated
      with resistance to IVIG, but it was not related to the occurrence of coronary
      abnormalities in KD. Low DeltaNLR after IVIG, however, was significantly
      associated with coronary artery abnormalities.

PMID- 28097747
TI  - A literacy-sensitive approach to improving antibiotic understanding in a
      community-based setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Antibiotic misuse contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacterial
      infections. Patient and prescriber knowledge and behaviors influence antibiotic
      use. Past research has focused on describing and influencing prescriber behavior
      with less attention to the patient role in antibiotic use. This study seeks to:
      (1) develop and deploy a program to enhance patient knowledge about antibiotic
      use; (2) evaluate whether providing patient education is associated with
      improvements in antibiotic knowledge in a community-based sample; and (3) explore
      whether health literacy may be associated with knowledge of appropriate
      antibiotic use. METHOD: This study developed, deployed, and evaluated whether
      community-based educational seminars enhance patient knowledge about antibiotic
      use. KEY FINDINGS: Twenty-eight participants from five locations completed the
      seminar. The antibiotic knowledge index score significantly increased by 2.0
      points on the 14 point knowledge index from 10.95 (+/-2.88) to 12.95 (+/-1.72) (P
      = 0.0011) for the 19 participants completing both the pre and post-test.
      CONCLUSION: A community-based educational seminar on appropriate antibiotic use
      can effectively increase patient understanding of their role in antibiotic
      stewardship and combat the inappropriate use of antibiotics.

PMID- 28097748
TI  - Schinortriterpenoids: A Case Study in Synthetic Design.
AB  - Since the pioneering days of total synthesis and retrosynthetic analysis, the
      community has embraced guiding principles for planning synthetic approaches
      towards complex natural products. These guideposts have enabled the community to
      synthesize ever more complex compounds by applying prior knowledge gained in new
      settings. The recently isolated schinortriterpenoid family of natural products
      has attracted considerable synthetic attention and provided a rich opportunity to
      evaluate the lessons learned in the construction of complex, polycyclic
      scaffolds. In this Minireview, a detailed discussion of the synthetic work within
      this family is provided, including the six reported total syntheses, as well as a
      comparative analysis of the approaches utilized in their construction.

PMID- 28097750
TI  - The Structure of Glycine Dihydrate: Implications for the Crystallization of
      Glycine from Solution and Its Structure in Outer Space.
AB  - Glycine, the simplest amino acid, is also the most polymorphous. Herein, we
      report the structure determination of a long unknown phase of glycine, which was
      first reported by Pyne and Suryanarayanan in 2001. To date, this phase has only
      been prepared at 208 K as nanocrystals within ice. Through computational crystal
      structure prediction and powder X-ray diffraction methods, we identified this
      elusive phase as glycine dihydrate (GDH), representing the first report on the
      structure of a hydrated glycine structure. The structure of GDH has important
      implications for the state of glycine in aqueous solution and the mechanisms of
      glycine crystallization. GDH may also be the form of glycine that comes to Earth
      from extraterrestrial sources.

PMID- 28097751
TI  - Bifunctional Bronsted Base Catalyst Enables Regio-, Diastereo-, and
      Enantioselective Calpha -Alkylation of beta-Tetralones and Related Aromatic-Ring
      Fused Cycloalkanones.
AB  - The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of both alpha-substituted and alpha,alpha
      disubstituted (quaternary) beta-tetralones through direct alpha-functionalization
      of the corresponding beta-tetralone precursor remains elusive. A designed
      Bronsted base-squaramide bifunctional catalyst promotes the conjugate addition of
      either unsubstituted or alpha-monosubstituted beta-tetralones to nitroalkenes.
      Under these reaction conditions, not only enolization, and thus
      functionalization, occurs at the alpha-carbon atom of the beta-tetralone
      exclusively, but adducts including all-carbon quaternary centers are also formed
      in highly diastereo- and enantioselective manner.

PMID- 28097749
TI  - Positive contrast from cells labeled with iron oxide nanoparticles: Quantitation
      of imaging data.
AB  - PURPOSE: Conventional T2 -weighted MRI produces a hypointense signal from iron
      labeled cells, which renders quantification unfeasible. We tested a SWeep Imaging
      with Fourier Transformation (SWIFT) MRI pulse sequence to generate a quantifiable
      hyperintense signal from iron-labeled cells. METHODS: Mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSCs) were labeled with different concentrations of iron oxide particles and
      examined for cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation. The SWIFT
      sequence was optimized to detect and quantify the amount of iron in the muscle
      tissue after injection of iron oxide solution and iron-labeled MSCs. RESULTS: The
      incubation of MSCs with iron oxide and low concentration of poly-L-lysine mixture
      resulted in an internalization of up to 22 pg of iron per cell with no adverse
      effect on MSCs. Phantom experiments showed a dependence of SWIFT signal intensity
      on the excitation flip angle. The hyperintense signal from iron-labeled cells or
      solutions was detected, and an amount of the iron oxide in the tissue was
      quantified with the variable flip angle method. CONCLUSIONS: The SWIFT sequence
      can produce a quantifiable hyperintense MRI signal from iron-labeled cells. The
      graft of 18 x 106 cells was detectable for 19 days after injection and the amount
      of iron was quantifiable. The proposed protocol simplifies the detection and
      provides a means to quantify cell numbers. Magn Reson Med 78:1900-1910, 2017. (c)
      2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 28097752
TI  - Social Self-Sorting of Colloidal Families in Co-Assembling Microgel Systems.
AB  - Colloids are valuable model systems to understand the structure and dynamics of
      matter, explore new self-assembly concepts, and realize advanced materials.
      Herein, we demonstrate social self-sorting of co-assembled families of colloids
      by orthogonal host/guest recognition using cyclodextrins. We show that mixtures
      of four partners self-sort into their respective families without mutual
      interference. Additionally, the self-assemblies and their interactions are
      switchable using orthogonal triggers. This study goes beyond previous features of
      molecular self-sorting, and opens the design space for future self-sorting
      colloidal systems via rationally designed molecular recognition.

PMID- 28097753
TI  - Fully Copper-Exchanged High-Silica LTA Zeolites as Unrivaled Hydrothermally
      Stable NH3 -SCR Catalysts.
AB  - Diesel engine technology is still the most effective solution to meet tighter CO2
      regulations in the mobility and transport sector. In implementation of fuel
      efficient diesel engines, the poor thermal durability of lean nitrogen oxides
      (NOx ) aftertreatment systems remains as one major technical hurdle. Divalent
      copper ions when fully exchanged into high-silica LTA zeolites are demonstrated
      to exhibit excellent activity maintenance for NOx reduction with NH3 under
      vehicle simulated conditions even after hydrothermal aging at 900  degrees C, a
      critical temperature that the current commercial Cu-SSZ-13 catalyst cannot
      overcome owing to thermal deactivation. Detailed structural characterizations
      confirm the presence of Cu2+ ions only at the center of single 6-rings that act
      not only as a catalytically active center, but also as a dealumination
      suppressor. The overall results render the copper-exchanged LTA zeolite
      attractive as a viable substitute for Cu-SSZ-13.

PMID- 28097754
TI  - Synthesis of Bradyrhizose Oligosaccharides Relevant to the Bradyrhizobium O
      Antigen.
AB  - The unique alpha-(1->7)-bradyrhizoside linkages are constructed for the first
      time via judicious choice of the glycosylation partners and conditions, thus
      tetra- and penta-bradyrhizosides relevant to the peculiar O-antigen of
      Bradyrhizobium are synthesized, which are shown to adopt the defined right-handed
      helical conformations and to be unable to induce innate immune responses in
      plants.

PMID- 28097755
TI  - A Solution-Processable Liquid-Crystalline Semiconductor for Low-Temperature
      Annealed Air-Stable N-Channel Field-Effect Transistors.
AB  - A new solution-processable and air-stable liquid-crystalline n-channel organic
      semiconductor (2,2'-(2,8-bis(5-(2-octyldodecyl)thiophen-2-yl)indeno[1,2
      b]fluorene-6,12-diylidene)dimalononitrile, alpha,omega-2OD-TIFDMT) with donor
      acceptor-donor (D-A-D) pi conjugation has been designed, synthesized, and fully
      characterized. The new semiconductor exhibits a low LUMO energy (-4.19 eV) and a
      narrow optical bandgap (1.35 eV). The typical pseudo-focal-conic fan-shaped
      texture of a hexagonal columnar liquid-crystalline (LC) phase was observed over a
      wide temperature range. The spin-coated semiconductor thin films show the
      formation of large (~0.5-1 MUm) and highly crystalline platelike grains with edge
      on molecular orientations. Low-temperature-annealed (50  degrees C) top
      contact/bottom-gate OFETs have provided good electron mobility values as high as
      0.11 cm2  (V s)-1 and high Ion /Ioff ratios of 107 to 108 with excellent ambient
      stability. This indicates an enhancement of two orders of magnitude (100*) when
      compared with the beta-substituted parent semiconductor, beta-DD-TIFDMT (2,2'
      (2,8-bis(3-dodecylthiophen-2-yl)indeno[1,2-b]fluorene-6,12
      diylidene)dimalononitrile). The current rational alkyl-chain engineering route
      offers great advantages for D-A-D pi-core coplanarity in addition to maintaining
      good solubility in organic solvents, and leads to favorable
      optoelectronic/physicochemical characteristics. These remarkable findings
      demonstrate that alpha,omega-2OD-TIFDMT is a promising semiconductor material for
      the development of n-channel OFETs on flexible plastic substrates and LC-state
      annealing of the columnar liquid crystals can lower the electron mobility for
      transistor-type charge transport.

PMID- 28097756
TI  - AAZTA: An Ideal Chelating Agent for the Development of 44 Sc PET Imaging Agents.
AB  - Unprecedented fast and efficient complexation of ScIII was demonstrated with the
      chelating agent AAZTA (AAZTA=1,4-bis(carboxymethyl)-6-[bis(carboxymethyl)]amino-6
      methylperhydro-1,4-diazepine) under mild experimental conditions. The robustness
      of the 44 Sc(AAZTA)- chelate and conjugated biomolecules thereof is further shown
      by in vivo PET imaging in healthy and tumor mice models. The new results pave the
      way towards development of efficient Sc-based radiopharmaceuticals using the
      AAZTA chelator.

PMID- 28097757
TI  - Palladium-Catalyzed Hydrolytic Cleavage of Aromatic C-O Bonds.
AB  - Metallic palladium surfaces are highly selective in promoting the reductive
      hydrolysis of aromatic ethers in aqueous phase at relatively mild temperatures
      and pressures of H2 . At quantitative conversions, the selectivity to hydrolysis
      products of PhOR ethers was observed to range from 50 % (R=Ph) to greater than 90
      % (R=n-C4 H9 , cyclohexyl, and PhCH2 CH2 ). By analysis of the evolution of
      products with and without incorporation of H218 O, the pathway was concluded to
      be initiated by palladium metal catalyzed partial hydrogenation of the phenyl
      group to an enol ether. Water then rapidly adds to the enol ether to form a
      hemiacetal, which then undergoes elimination to cyclohexanone and phenol/alkanol
      products. A remarkable feature of the reaction is that the stronger Ph-O bond is
      cleaved rather than the weaker aliphatic O-R bond.

PMID- 28097758
TI  - Alpha blockers in the management of ureteric lithiasis: A meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Effective medical expulsion for ureteric stones with alpha-blockers
      offers numerous advantages over surgical alternatives. However, its effectiveness
      remains uncertain and with the publication of new trial data, the available
      evidence requires reappraisal. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the
      efficacy of alpha-blockers the management of ureteric lithiasis. METHODS: A
      systematic review of the literature, with predefined search criteria, was
      conducted using PubMed and Embase. All randomised trials comparing alpha-blocker
      monotherapy to placebo or standard therapy were included. Stone expulsion rate
      was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were time to stone
      expulsion, analgesic usage and pain scores. Subgroup analyses assessed individual
      adrenergic antagonists and variations in standard therapy. Sensitivity analysis
      was based on stone location, stone size, Cochrane Risk of Bias score and study
      protocol. Summary effects were calculated using a random-effect model and
      presented as Relative risks (RR) and mean differences (MD) for dichotomous and
      continuous outcome measures, respectively. RESULTS: Sixty-seven studies
      randomising 6654 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Stone expulsion
      rates improved with alpha-blockers (RR, 1.49; 95% CI 1.38-1.61). Contrast
      enhanced funnel showed evidence of publication bias. Stone expulsion time was
      3.99 days (CI -4.75 to -3.23) shorter with alpha-blockers. Similarly, patients
      required 106.53 mg [CI -148.20 to -64.86] less diclofenac compared with
      control/placebo, and had 0.80 [CI -1.07 to -0.54] fewer pain episodes. Visual
      Analogue Scores were also reduced, -2.43 [CI -3.87 to -0.99]. All formulations of
      alpha-antagonists all demonstrated beneficial effects over conservative
      treatment/placebo. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated significant effects of stone
      location, stone size and study design. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Despite the
      opposing results of recently published trial, current evidence continues to
      demonstrate a potential benefit of alpha-blocker treatment particularly for
      distal stones over 5 mm.

PMID- 28097760
TI  - Benefits of quitting smoking on work productivity and activity impairment in the
      United States, the European Union and China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking has important health and economic consequences for
      individuals and society. This study expands the understanding of work-related
      burden associated with smoking and benefit of smoking cessation across the US,
      European Union (EU) and China using large-scale, representative survey
      methodology. METHODS: Data utilised the 2013 National Health and Wellness Survey
      in United States (US), EU5 (UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain) and China.
      Working-aged respondents 18-64 were used in the analyses (US N=58 500; EU5 N=50
      417; China N=17 987) and were categorised into: current smokers, trying to quit,
      former smokers and never smokers. Generalised linear models controlling for
      demographics and health characteristics examined the relationship of smoking
      status with work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI-GH). The WPAI-GH
      measures were: absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity
      impairment. Separately, current smokers were compared with those who quit 0-4, 5
      10 and 11 or more years ago on WPAI-GH end-points. RESULTS: Current smokers
      reported greater absenteeism in the US and China and greater presenteeism,
      overall work impairment, and activity impairment than former and never smokers
      across the three regions. Those who quit even 0-4 years ago demonstrated lower
      absenteeism, presenteeism, and activity impairment in China and lower
      presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment in the US and EU5.
      CONCLUSIONS: Smoking was associated with significant work productivity loss in
      the US, EU5 and China. The results suggest that quitting benefits extend to work
      productivity rapidly after cessation, serving to further encourage and promote
      the implementation of workplace cessation programs.

PMID- 28097761
TI  - Shortened hospital length of stay and lower costs associated with rivaroxaban in
      patients with pulmonary embolism managed as observation status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unlike rivaroxaban, treatment of patients with pulmonary embolism
      (PE) with warfarin requires parenteral bridging and coagulation monitoring that
      may prolong length-of-stay (LOS) and increase hospital costs. AIMS: The aim of
      this study was to compare LOS, hospital costs and readmissions in PE patients
      managed through observation stays treated with rivaroxaban or parenterally
      bridged warfarin. METHODS: Premier Hospital claims data from November 2012 to
      March 2015 were used to identify patients with a primary diagnosis code for PE
      managed through an observation stay and with >=1 claim for a PE-related
      diagnostic test on day 0-2. Rivaroxaban users, allowing <=2 days of prior
      parenteral therapy, were 1:1 propensity-score matched to patients receiving
      parenterally bridged warfarin. LOS, the proportion of encounters lasting >2
      midnights, total hospital costs of the index visit and risk of readmission for
      venous thromboembolism (VTE) or major bleeding during the same month or 2 months
      subsequent to the index event were compared between matched cohorts using
      multivariable regression. RESULTS: A total of 312 rivaroxaban users were matched
      to 312 patients receiving parenterally bridged warfarin. Rivaroxaban was
      associated with an average of 0.27-day shorter LOS, a 52% decreased odds of an
      encounter lasting >2 midnights and a $403 mean reduction in costs vs parenterally
      bridged warfarin (P<=.002 for all). The readmission rate for VTE during the same
      or subsequent 2 months following the index PE was similar between cohorts
      (P=.75). No patient in either cohort was readmitted for major bleeding.
      CONCLUSION: Rivaroxaban was associated with shortened LOS and lowered cost vs
      parenterally bridged warfarin in PE observation stay patients, without increases
      in the short-term rate of complications or readmission.

PMID- 28097762
TI  - Time delays in the diagnosis and treatment of Fabry disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high variability in clinical manifestations of Fabry disease can
      lead to delays between symptom onset and correct diagnosis, and between correct
      diagnosis and initiation of enzyme replacement therapy. We investigated whether
      these delays have improved in recent years. METHODS: Data were analysed from the
      Fabry Outcome Survey (FOS; Shire; extracted August 2013) for "index patients",
      defined as the first patient diagnosed with Fabry disease from a family with
      several or no additional members registered in FOS. RESULTS: Periods analysed:
      2001-2006 vs. 2007-2013, in patients overall and from Europe vs. the rest of the
      world (ROW). Overall, 598 patients were diagnosed within the study periods.
      Median age (95% CI) at symptom onset in 2001-2006 and 2007-2013 was 7.0 (5.0
      11.0) and 9.0 (6.0-11.0) in children, and 21.0 (15.0-28.0) and 31.0 (26.0-35.0)
      in adults, respectively. Overall, the delay in diagnosis did not improve, despite
      showing a trend towards earlier diagnosis in adults (median 14.0 [95% CI 9.0
      20.0] vs. 10.5 [8.0-13.0] years) and children (5.0 [1.0-9.0] vs. 4.0 [0.0-8.0]
      years). In contrast, the delay in treatment onset significantly decreased from
      2001-2006 to 2007-2013 in children (4.3 [2.0-7.0] vs. 1.0 [0.8-1.4] year; P<.001)
      and adults (2.1 [1.3-3.2] vs. 0.9 [0.8-1.1] years; P<.001). Geographically, the
      delay in treatment onset significantly decreased in the ROW among children (5.3
      [4.2-8.0] vs. 1.0 [0.8-1.4] year; P<.001) and adults (5.4 [4.8-6.0] vs. 1.1 [0.9
      1.1] years; P<.001), but it did not change in Europe. CONCLUSION: We found that
      the delay in diagnosis has not improved substantially whereas the delay in
      treatment onset has improved in recent years.

PMID- 28097763
TI  - Monitoring thyroid function in patients on levothyroxine: audit findings and
      suggested change in practice.

PMID- 28097764
TI  - Novel gene mutation in a patient with Bietti crystalline dystrophy without
      corneal deposits.

PMID- 28097765
TI  - A False-Positive Screening Hit in Fragment-Based Lead Discovery: Watch out for
      the Red Herring.
AB  - With the rising popularity of fragment-based approaches in drug development, more
      and more attention has to be devoted to the detection of false-positive screening
      results. In particular, the small size and low affinity of fragments drives
      screening techniques to their limit. The pursuit of a false-positive hit can
      cause significant loss of time and resources. Here, we present an instructive and
      intriguing investigation into the origin of misleading assay results for a
      fragment that emerged as the most potent binder for the aspartic protease
      endothiapepsin (EP) across multiple screening assays. This molecule shows its
      biological effect mainly after conversion into another entity through a reaction
      cascade that involves major rearrangements of its heterocyclic scaffold. The
      formed ligand binds EP through an induced-fit mechanism involving remarkable
      electrostatic interactions. Structural information in the initial screening
      proved to be crucial for the identification of this false-positive hit.

PMID- 28097766
TI  - Water-Enabled Catalytic Asymmetric Michael Reactions of Unreactive Nitroalkenes:
      One-Pot Synthesis of Chiral GABA-Analogs with All-Carbon Quaternary Stereogenic
      Centers.
AB  - Water enables new catalytic reactions for otherwise unreactive substrate systems.
      Under the "on water" reaction conditions, extremely unreactive beta,beta
      disubstituted nitroalkenes smoothly underwent enantioselective Michael addition
      reactions with dithiomalonates using a chiral squaramide catalyst, affording both
      enantiomers of highly enantioenriched Michael adducts with all-carbon-substituted
      quaternary centers. The developed "on water" protocol was successfully applied
      for the scalable one-pot syntheses of chiral GABA analogs with all-carbon
      quaternary stereogenic centers at the beta-position, which might show highly
      interesting pharmaceutical properties.

PMID- 28097767
TI  - Robust Aqua Material: A Pressure-Resistant Self-Assembled Membrane for Water
      Purification.
AB  - "Aqua materials" that contain water as their major component and are as robust as
      conventional plastics are highly desirable. Yet, the ability of such systems to
      withstand harsh conditions, for example, high pressures typical of industrial
      applications has not been demonstrated. We show that a hydrogel-like membrane
      self-assembled from an aromatic amphiphile and colloidal Nafion is capable of
      purifying water from organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals, and heavy
      metals in a very wide range of concentrations. Remarkably, the membrane can
      sustain high pressures, retaining its function. The robustness and functionality
      of the water-based self-assembled array advances the idea that aqua materials can
      be very strong and suitable for demanding industrial applications.

PMID- 28097768
TI  - Biosynthesis of the Carbonylmethylene Structure Found in the Ketomemicin Class of
      Pseudotripeptides.
AB  - We recently discovered novel pseudotripeptides, the ketomemicins, which possess a
      C-terminal pseudodipeptide connected with a carbonylmethylene instead of an amide
      bond, through heterologous expression of gene clusters identified in
      actinobacteria. The carbonylmethylene structure is a stable isostere of the amide
      bond and its biological significance has been shown in several natural and
      synthetic products. Despite the biological importance of these compounds, little
      is known about how the carbonylmethylene structure is biosynthesized. In this
      work, we fully characterized the biosynthetic machinery of the pseudodipeptide.
      An aldolase, dehydratase, PLP-dependent glycine-C-acetyltransferase, and
      dehydrogenase were involved in the formation of the pseudodipeptide, with malonyl
      CoA and phenylpyruvate as starter substrates.

PMID- 28097769
TI  - High resolution crystal structures of human kynurenine aminotransferase-I bound
      to PLP cofactor, and in complex with aminooxyacetate.
AB  - In this study, we report two high-resolution structures of the pyridoxal 5'
      phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme kynurenine aminotransferase-I (KAT-I). One is
      the native structure with the cofactor in the PLP form bound to Lys247 with the
      highest resolution yet available for KAT-I at 1.28 A resolution, and the other
      with the general PLP-dependent aminotransferase inhibitor, aminooxyacetate (AOAA)
      covalently bound to the cofactor at 1.54 A. Only small conformational differences
      are observed in the vicinity of the aldimine (oxime) linkage with which the PLP
      forms the Schiff base with Lys247 in the 1.28 A resolution native structure, in
      comparison to other native PLP-bound structures. We also report the inhibition of
      KAT-1 by AOAA and aminooxy-phenylpropionic acid (AOPP), with IC50s of 13.1 and
      5.7 MUM, respectively. The crystal structure of the enzyme in complex with the
      inhibitor AOAA revealed that the cofactor is the PLP form with the external
      aldimine linkage. The location of this oxime with the PLP, which forms in place
      of the native internal aldimine linkage of PLP of the native KAT-I, is away from
      the position of the native internal aldimine, with the free Lys247 substantially
      retaining the orientation of the native structure. Tyr101, at the active site,
      was observed in two conformations in both structures.

PMID- 28097770
TI  - Bond Strength and Reactivity Scales for Lewis Superacid Adducts: A Comparative
      Study with In(OTf)3 and Al(OTf)3.
AB  - Metal triflates, often called Lewis superacids, are potent catalysts for organic
      synthesis. However, the reactivity of a given Lewis superacid toward a given base
      is difficult to anticipate. A systematic screening of catalysts is often
      necessary when developing synthetic methodologies. Presented herein is the
      development of quantitative reactivity and bond strength scales by using mass
      spectrometry (MS). By applying a collision-induced dissociation (CID) technique
      to the adducts formed between Lewis superacids Al(OTf)3 or In(OTf)3 with a series
      of amides bases, including monodentate and bidentate ligands, different
      dissociation pathways were observed. Quantitative relative energy scales were
      established by performing energy-resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS) analysis on
      the adducts. ERMS of the adducts affords a bond strength scale when the
      fragmentation leads to the loss of a ligand, and reactivity scales when the
      dissociation leads to the C-F bond activation of one triflate anion or the
      deprotonation of the ligand. Al(OTf)3 was found to bind stronger to amides than
      In(OTf)3 and to provide the most reactive adducts.

PMID- 28097772
TI  - Laser-Irradiation-Induced Melting and Reduction Reaction for the Formation of Pt
      Based Bimetallic Alloy Particles in Liquids.
AB  - Laser melting in liquids (LML) is one of the most effective methods to prepare
      bimetallic alloys; however, despite being an ongoing focus of research, the
      process involved in the formation of such species remains ambiguous. In this
      paper, we prepared two types of Pt-based bimetallic alloys by LML, including Pt
      Au alloys and Pt-iron group metal (iM=Fe/Co/Ni) alloys, and investigated the
      corresponding mechanisms of alloying process. Detailed component and structural
      characterizations indicate that laser irradiation induced a quite rapid formation
      process (not exceeding 10 s) of Pt-Au alloy nanospheres, and the crystalline
      structures of Pt-Au alloys is determined by the monometallic constituents with
      higher content. For Pt-iM alloys, we provide direct evidence to support the
      conclusion that FeOx /CoOx /NiOx colloids can be reduced to elementary Fe/Co/Ni
      particles by ethanol molecules during laser irradiation, which then react with Pt
      colloids to form Pt-iM sub-microspheres. These results demonstrate that LML
      provides an optional route to prepare Pt-based bimetallic alloy particles with
      tunable size, components, and crystalline phase, which should have promising
      applications in biological and catalysis studies.

PMID- 28097771
TI  - Solution Synthesis, Structure, and CO2 Reduction Reactivity of a Scandium(II)
      Complex, {Sc[N(SiMe3 )2 ]3 }.
AB  - The first crystallographically characterizable complex of Sc2+ , [Sc(NR2 )3 ]-
      (R=SiMe3 ), has been obtained by LnA3 /M reactions (Ln=rare earth metal;
      A=anionic ligand; M=alkali metal) involving reduction of Sc(NR2 )3 with K in the
      presence of 2.2.2-cryptand (crypt) and 18-crown-6 (18-c-6) and with Cs in the
      presence of crypt. Dark maroon [K(crypt)]+ , [K(18-c-6)]+ , and [Cs(crypt)]+
      salts of the [Sc(NR2 )3 ]- anion are formed, respectively. The formation of this
      oxidation state of Sc is also indicated by the eight-line EPR spectra arising
      from the I=7/2 45 Sc nucleus. The Sc(NR2 )3 reduction differs from Ln(NR2 )3
      reactions (Ln=Y and lanthanides) in that it occurs under N2 without formation of
      isolable reduced dinitrogen species. [K(18-c-6)][Sc(NR2 )3 ] reacts with CO2 to
      produce an oxalate complex, {K2 (18-c-6)3 }{[(R2 N)3 Sc]2 (MU-C2 O4 -kappa1
      O:kappa1 O'')}, and a CO2- radical anion complex, [(R2 N)3 Sc(MU-OCO-kappa1
      O:kappa1 O')K(18-c-6)]n .

PMID- 28097773
TI  - Highly Stereoselective Gold-Catalyzed Coupling of Diazo Reagents and Fluorinated
      Enol Silyl Ethers to Tetrasubstituted Alkenes.
AB  - We report a highly stereoselective synthesis of all-carbon or fluorinated
      tetrasubstituted alkenes from diazo reagents and fluorinated enol silyl ethers,
      using C-F bond as a synthetic handle. Cationic AuI catalysis plays a key role in
      this reaction. Remarkable fluorine effects on the reactivity and selectivity was
      also observed.

PMID- 28097775
TI  - Breaking the Tetra-Coordinated Framework Rule: New Clathrate Ba8 M24 P28+delta
      (M=Cu/Zn).
AB  - A new clathrate type has been discovered in the Ba/Cu/Zn/P system. The crystal
      structure of the Ba8 M24 P28+delta (M=Cu/Zn) clathrate is composed of the
      pentagonal dodecahedra common to clathrates along with a unique 22-vertex
      polyhedron with two hexagonal faces capped by additional partially occupied
      phosphorus sites. This is the first example of a clathrate compound where the
      framework atoms are not in tetrahedral or trigonal-pyramidal coordination. In Ba8
      M24 P28+delta a majority of the framework atoms are five- and six-coordinated, a
      feature more common to electron-rich intermetallics. The crystal structure of
      this new clathrate was determined by a combination of X-ray and neutron
      diffraction and was confirmed with solid-state 31 P NMR spectroscopy. Based on
      chemical bonding analysis, the driving force for the formation of this new
      clathrate is the excess of electrons generated by a high concentration of Zn
      atoms in the framework. The rattling of guest atoms in the large cages results in
      a very low thermal conductivity, a unique feature of the clathrate family of
      compounds.

PMID- 28097774
TI  - Structural and functional insights into thermally stable cytochrome c' from a
      thermophile.
AB  - : Thermophilic Hydrogenophilus thermoluteolus cytochrome c' (PHCP) exhibits
      higher thermal stability than a mesophilic counterpart, Allochromatium vinosum
      cytochrome c' (AVCP), which has a homo-dimeric structure and ligand-binding
      ability. To understand the thermal stability mechanism and ligand-binding ability
      of the thermally stable PHCP protein, the crystal structure of PHCP was first
      determined. It formed a homo-dimeric structure, the main chain root mean square
      deviation (rmsd) value between PHCP and AVCP being 0.65 A. In the PHCP structure,
      six specific residues appeared to strengthen the heme-related and subunit-subunit
      interactions, which were not conserved in the AVCP structure. PHCP variants
      having altered subunit-subunit interactions were more severely destabilized than
      ones having altered heme-related interactions. The PHCP structure further
      revealed a ligand-binding channel and a penta-coordinated heme, as observed in
      the AVCP protein. A spectroscopic study clearly showed that some ligands were
      bound to the PHCP protein. It is concluded that the dimeric PHCP from the
      thermophile is effectively stabilized through heme-related and subunit-subunit
      interactions with conservation of the ligand-binding ability. BRIEF SUMMARY: We
      report the X-ray crystal structure of cytochrome c' (PHCP) from thermophilic
      Hydrogenophilus thermoluteolus. The high thermal stability of PHCP was attributed
      to heme-related and subunit-subunit interactions, which were confirmed by a
      mutagenesis study. The ligand-binding ability of PHCP was examined by
      spectrophotometry. PHCP acquired the thermal stability with conservation of the
      ligand-binding ability. This study furthers the understanding of the stability
      and function of cytochromes c.

PMID- 28097776
TI  - Molecular mechanisms underlying deoxy-ADP.Pi activation of pre-powerstroke
      myosin.
AB  - Myosin activation is a viable approach to treat systolic heart failure. We
      previously demonstrated that striated muscle myosin is a promiscuous ATPase that
      can use most nucleoside triphosphates as energy substrates for contraction. When
      2-deoxy ATP (dATP) is used, it acts as a myosin activator, enhancing cross-bridge
      binding and cycling. In vivo, we have demonstrated that elevated dATP levels
      increase basal cardiac function and rescues function of infarcted rodent and pig
      hearts. Here we investigate the molecular mechanism underlying this physiological
      effect. We show with molecular dynamics simulations that the binding of dADP.Pi
      (dATP hydrolysis products) to myosin alters the structure and dynamics of the
      nucleotide binding pocket, myosin cleft conformation, and actin binding sites,
      which collectively yield a myosin conformation that we predict favors weak,
      electrostatic binding to actin. In vitro motility assays at high ionic strength
      were conducted to test this prediction and we found that dATP increased motility.
      These results highlight alterations to myosin that enhance cross-bridge formation
      and reveal a potential mechanism that may underlie dATP-induced improvements in
      cardiac function.

PMID- 28097777
TI  - Activin A in combination with ERK1/2 MAPK pathway inhibition sustains propagation
      of mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - The Activin/Nodal/TGF-beta signaling pathway plays a major role in maintaining
      mouse epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs). The EpiSC-maintaining medium, which contains
      Activin A and bFGF, induces differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs)
      to EpiSCs. Here, we show that Activin A also has an ability to efficiently
      propagate ESCs without differentiation to EpiSCs when combined with a MEK
      inhibitor PD0325901. ESCs cultured in Activin+PD retained high-level expression
      of naive pluripotency-related transcription factors. Genomewide analysis showed
      that the gene expression profile of ESCs cultured in Activin+PD resembles that of
      ESCs cultured in 2i. ESCs cultured in Activin+PD also showed features common to
      the naive pluripotency of ESCs, including the preferential usage of the Oct4
      distal enhancer and the self-renewal response to Wnt pathway activation. Our
      finding shows a role of Activin/Nodal/TGF-beta signaling in stabilizing self
      renewal gene regulatory networks in ESCs.

PMID- 28097778
TI  - Does Smoking History Confer a Higher Risk for Reconstructive Complications in
      Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
AB  - History of smoking has been implicated as a risk factor for reconstructive
      complications in nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), however there have been no
      direct analyses of outcomes in smokers and nonsmokers. All patients undergoing
      NSM at New York University Langone Medical Center from 2006 to 2014 were
      identified. Outcomes were compared for those with and without a smoking history
      and stratified by pack-year smoking history and years-to-quitting (YTQ). A total
      of 543 nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed from 2006 to 2014 with a total
      of 49 in patients with a history of smoking. Reconstructive outcomes in NSM
      between those with and without a smoking history were equivalent. Those with a
      smoking history were not significantly more likely to have mastectomy flap
      necrosis (p = 0.6251), partial (p = 0.8564), or complete (p = 0.3365) nipple
      areola complex (NAC) necrosis. Likewise, active smokers alone did not have a
      higher risk of complications compared to nonsmokers or those with smoking
      history. Comparing nonsmokers and those with a less or greater than 10 pack-year
      smoking history, those with a > 10 pack-year history had significantly more
      complete NAC necrosis (p = 0.0114, <0.0001). Those with <5 YTQ prior to NSM
      trended toward an increased rate of complete NAC necrosis (p = 0.0752). Outcomes
      for those with a < 10 pack-year smoking history or >5 YTQ prior to NSM were
      equivalent to those without a smoking history. We demonstrate that NSM may be
      safely offered to those with a smoking history although a > 10 pack-year smoking
      history or <5 YTQ prior to NSM may impart a higher risk of reconstructive
      complications, including complete NAC necrosis.

PMID- 28097779
TI  - The McGill Interactive Pediatric OncoGenetic Guidelines: An approach to
      identifying pediatric oncology patients most likely to benefit from a genetic
      evaluation.
AB  - Identifying cancer predisposition syndromes in children with tumors is crucial,
      yet few clinical guidelines exist to identify children at high risk of having
      germline mutations. The McGill Interactive Pediatric OncoGenetic Guidelines
      project aims to create a validated pediatric guideline in the form of a
      smartphone/tablet application using algorithms to process clinical data and help
      determine whether to refer a child for genetic assessment. This paper discusses
      the initial stages of the project, focusing on its overall structure, the
      methodology underpinning the algorithms, and the upcoming algorithm validation
      process.

PMID- 28097780
TI  - A man-made disease: Fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to
      incompatibility between oocyte donor and gestational mother.
AB  - The incompatibility causing fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
      (FNAIT) results from a fetus inheriting a paternal human platelet antigen (HPA),
      which is different from the maternal HPA. We present a unique case of FNAIT in a
      pregnancy involving an oocyte recipient mother with Turner syndrome. This is the
      first report of FNAIT in which the suggested mechanism involves antibodies
      produced by a gestational mother against the incompatible HPA of the oocyte
      donor.

PMID- 28097781
TI  - An Analysis of Oncotype DX Recurrence Scores and Clinicopathologic
      Characteristics in Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer.
AB  - The Oncotype DX breast cancer assay (Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) is
      increasingly being used to guide treatment decisions for patients with early
      stage, hormone-positive, Her-2-negative breast cancer. The utility of the
      Oncotype DX in decision making for treatment of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
      has not been investigated as the results reported by Genomic Health are largely
      in a population with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The authors hypothesized
      that the Oncotype DX recurrence score (RS) distribution for ILC is different than
      that for IDC. We performed a retrospective analysis of early stage breast cancer
      patients treated at Penn State Cancer Institute from 2001 to 2011 and identified
      102 patients with ILC. We also pulled RS data from our institution's prospective
      registry of consecutive patients with early stage IDC treated during the same
      time period. Median follow-up was 55 months. We found that the RS distribution
      for ILC differed significantly from that of IDC (p = 0.024). We also found a
      statistically significant difference in the RS distribution between the pure ILC
      and pleomorphic ILC subtypes (p = 0.027). The Oncotype DX RS distribution in ILC
      is unique, differing significantly from that in ductal carcinoma. Consequently,
      the clinical usefulness and cost-effectiveness of the Oncotype DX in guiding
      treatment for ILC should be further investigated.

PMID- 28097782
TI  - Long-term follow-up of meningeal spread of otherwise stage 4S neuroblastoma
      without treatment.

PMID- 28097783
TI  - Type III pleuropulmonary blastoma in a dicer1 germline mutation carrier: The
      management of residual lung cystic lesions.
AB  - Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare malignancy of childhood. It often
      represents a manifestation of a hereditary tumor predisposition syndrome (DICER1
      syndrome). Because of its malignant potential, surgical resection of cystic lung
      lesions is recommended in germline DICER1 mutation carriers. We present a case of
      a 3-year-old male child with type III PPB successfully managed with ifosfamide,
      vincristine, actinomycin-D, and doxorubicin (IVADo) chemotherapy and surgery. A
      heterozygous germline pR688X mutation of DICER1 gene was demonstrated. Six years
      after primary diagnosis, several small lung cysts remained stable without further
      therapy. The management of residual asymptomatic lung cysts represents a clinical
      challenge in these patients.

PMID- 28097784
TI  - Reliability of intraoperative frozen section for the diagnosis of renal tumors
      suspicious for malignancy in children and adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability of intraoperative frozen section (IFS) to reliably
      diagnose renal tumors in children and adolescents is largely unknown. The
      objective of our study is to evaluate the ability of IFS to establish a
      histologic diagnosis for renal tumors in this population. METHODS: We reviewed
      our experience with patients who underwent IFS at the time of surgery for a renal
      tumor suspicious for malignancy from 2005 to 2015. The IFS was compared to the
      final pathology (FP). Data on concordance and reliability were analyzed. RESULTS:
      One hundred thirty patients underwent surgical interventions for a renal tumor
      suspicious for malignancy, and 32 (25%) patients underwent IFS. Median turnaround
      time for IFS was 20 min (range 13-44). The histologic IFS diagnosis correlated
      with FP in 26 (81.2%) cases was discrepant in three (9.4%) cases, and IFS was
      deferred to FP in three (9.4%) cases (kappa 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]:
      0.52-0.899, P < 0.001). The IFS correctly distinguished between Wilms tumor and
      non-Wilms tumor in 30 (94%) cases (kappa 0.874, 95% CI: 0.705-1, P < 0.001). A
      total of 17 of 19 (89.5%) Wilms tumors were correctly diagnosed by IFS, yielding
      a sensitivity of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.67-0.99) and a specificity of 1 (95% CI: 0.75
      1). CONCLUSION: IFS is a reliable tool to establish a histologic diagnosis and to
      differentiate between Wilms and non-Wilms tumors in children and adolescents with
      renal tumors. The use of IFS should be encouraged in cases in which obtaining a
      diagnosis will provide guidance for important "real-time" medical decision
      making, specifically additional adjunctive surgical procedures.

PMID- 28097786
TI  - Caribbean Urological Association 18th Annual Conference, Kingston, Jamaica, 4-6
      November 2016.

PMID- 28097785
TI  - Down-regulation of BnDA1, whose gene locus is associated with the seeds weight,
      improves the seeds weight and organ size in Brassica napus.
AB  - Brassica napus L. is an important oil crop worldwide and is the main raw material
      for biofuel. Seed weight and seed size are the main contributors to seed yield.
      DA1 (DA means big in Chinese) is an ubiquitin receptor and negatively regulates
      seed size. Down-regulation of AtDA1 in Arabidopsis leads to larger seeds and
      organs by increasing cell proliferation in integuments. In this study, BnDA1 was
      down-regulated in B. napus by over expressed of AtDA1R358K , which is a
      functional deficiency of DA1 with an arginine-to-lysine mutation at the 358th
      amino acid. The results showed that the biomass and size of the seeds,
      cotyledons, leaves, flowers and siliques of transgenic plants all increased
      significantly. In particular, the 1000 seed weight increased 21.23% and the seed
      yield per plant increased 13.22% in field condition. The transgenic plants had no
      negative traits related to yield. The candidate gene association analysis
      demonstrated that the BnDA1 locus was contributed to the seeds weight. Therefore,
      our study showed that regulation of DA1 in B. napus can increase the seed yield
      and biomass, and DA1 is a promising target for crop improvement.

PMID- 28097787
TI  - A Ternary Solvent Method for Large-Sized Two-Dimensional Perovskites.
AB  - Recent reports demonstrate that a two-dimensional (2D) structural characteristic
      can endow perovskites with both remarkable photoelectric conversion efficiency
      and high stability, but the synthesis of ultrathin 2D perovskites with large
      sizes by facile solution methods is still a challenge. Reported herein is the
      controlled growth of 2D (C4 H9 NH3 )2 PbBr4 perovskites by a chlorobenzene
      dimethylformide-acetonitrile ternary solvent method. The critical factors,
      including solvent volume ratio, crystallization temperature, and solvent polarity
      on the growth dynamics were systematically studied. Under optimum reaction
      condition, 2D (C4 H9 NH3 )2 PbBr4 perovskites, with the largest lateral dimension
      of up to 40 MUm and smallest thickness down to a few nanometers, were fabricated.
      Furthermore, various iodine doped 2D (C4 H9 NH3 )2 PbBrx I4-x perovskites were
      accessed to tune the optical properties rationally.

PMID- 28097788
TI  - Outcome of patients with intracranial relapse enrolled on national Wilms Tumor
      Study Group clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The occurrence of brain metastases (at diagnosis or at relapse) in
      patients with Wilms tumor is very rare. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      clinical characteristics of patients with Wilms tumor and relapse to the brain
      enrolled on the National Wilms Tumor Studies (NWTSs) 1-5. RESULTS: Intracranial
      relapse was documented in 47 patients (0.5%). Of the 45 patients with adequate
      data, 26 (58%) patients were male. Thirty-eight (84%) patients had favorable
      histology Wilms tumor. In 30 patients (67%), the appearance of intracranial
      disease was preceded by relapse at another site. Ten patients did not have any
      disease-directed therapy. Surgical resection was attempted in 15 patients; gross
      total resection was achieved in 11 patients. Twenty-nine patients received brain
      irradiation; the median dose was 3,000 cGy (range 1,080-4,000 cGy). Twenty-seven
      patients received chemotherapy. The 5-year overall survival from the time of
      intracranial relapse was 28.7% (95% confidence interval: 14.4-43.1%). Nine
      patients (all favorable histology Wilms tumor) were alive with a median follow-up
      from brain relapse of 140 months (range 35-381 months). All nine survivors
      received radiation therapy, eight received chemotherapy, and four underwent
      surgery (two gross total resection, two partial resection). The overall survival
      after brain metastases of the NWTS-5 patients was significantly higher than the
      overall survival of the NWTS 1-4 patients (P value = 0.029, log-rank test).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Wilms tumor recurrence involving the brain may have
      durable survival, particularly those treated in recent years. Multimodality
      therapy including radiation and chemotherapy should be considered for these
      patients.

PMID- 28097789
TI  - Bevacizumab for the treatment of Osler's disease - A note of caution.

PMID- 28097790
TI  - Visible-Light-Mediated Remote Aliphatic C-H Functionalizations through a 1,5
      Hydrogen Transfer Cascade.
AB  - A redox-neutral, light-mediated functionalization of unactivated C(sp3 )-H bonds
      via iminyl radicals is presented here. A 1,5-H transfer followed by the
      functionalization of a C(sp2 )-H bond takes place in aqueous media producing a
      variety of elaborated fused ketones. Mechanistic investigations have revealed 1,5
      H transfer as the reversible, rate-determining step in this transformation.
      Divergent scaffolds are also accessible via C(sp3 )-N bond formation upon a
      careful choice of the reaction additives.

PMID- 28097791
TI  - Alpha-thalassaemia promotes frequent vaso-occlusive crises in children with
      sickle cell anaemia through haemorheological changes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a severe hereditary haemoglobinopathy
      characterised by haemorheological abnormalities, which play a role in the
      occurrence of several acute and chronic clinical complications. While betaS 
      haplotypes and alpha-thalassaemia modulate SCA clinical severity, their effects
      on blood rheology have been incompletely described. The aim of this study was to
      test the effects of these genetic modifiers on the haemorheological properties
      and clinical complication of children with SCA. PROCEDURE: Steady-state
      haemorheological profile, biological parameters, betaS -haplotypes, alpha-globin
      status, vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and acute chest syndrome frequencies were
      analysed in 128 children (aged 5 to 18 years) with SCA. RESULTS: Patients with
      alpha-thalassaemia showed increased red blood cell (RBC) deformability and
      aggregation compared to those without. Median VOC rate was higher in patients
      with homozygous alpha-thalassaemia compared to those with a normal alpha
      genotype. Conversely, the haemorheological profile and clinical complications
      were not influenced by the betaS -haplotypes in our study. CONCLUSION: Our
      results demonstrate that alpha-thalassaemia is associated with higher risk for
      VOC events in children with SCA, which may be due in part to its effects on RBC
      deformability and aggregation.

PMID- 28097792
TI  - FISH identifies a KAT6A/CREBBP fusion caused by a cryptic insertional t(8;16) in
      a case of spontaneously remitting congenital acute myeloid leukemia with a normal
      karyotype.
AB  - Cytogenetics can inform risk stratification in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML). We describe the first case of a newborn with leukemia cutis found to have
      AML harboring a cryptic insertional t(8;16)(p11.2;p13.3) with associated
      KAT6A/CREBBP fusion identified exclusively by fluorescence in situ hybridization
      (FISH). Expectant management resulted in spontaneous leukemia resolution. The
      identification of t(8;16)(p11.2;p13.3) may serve as a biomarker for spontaneous
      remission in congenital AML. FISH for this translocation is warranted in
      congenital AML with a normal karyotype, and patients with KAT6A/CREBBP fusion
      should be conservatively managed. While 50% of spontaneously remitting congenital
      AML with t(8;16)(p11.2;p13.3) may recur, high salvage rates are attained with
      standard therapy.

PMID- 28097793
TI  - Living with cardiac resynchronization therapy: Challenges for people with heart
      failure.
AB  - The number of people with heart failure requiring implantation of a cardiac
      resynchronization device is increasing in Iran. Although this intervention is an
      effective life-saving treatment, several challenges are associated with patients'
      lifestyle after insertion. This study identified the challenges and coping
      mechanisms of Iranians with heart failure living with cardiac resynchronization
      therapy. A qualitative approach using conventional content analysis was adopted.
      Seventeen people with heart failure and three nurses were recruited between
      December 2014 and November 2015 from a teaching hospital and a private clinic in
      Rasht, Iran. Participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews
      lasting 30-60 min. Five themes emerged: (i) fear of implantation, (ii) the panic
      of receiving a shock from the device, (iii) lack of control over life, (iv)
      inadequacies of the healthcare system, and (v) psychosocial coping. A heightened
      understanding of these challenges and coping strategies could prepare healthcare
      professionals to provide better routine care, education, and support to the
      recipients of cardiac resynchronization therapy prior to implantation, during the
      recovery period, and for long-term management.

PMID- 28097794
TI  - Primary intracranial choriocarcinoma in a very youngest child.

PMID- 28097796
TI  - Reductive Dehydrogenation of a Stannane via Multiple Sn-H Activation by
      Frustrated Lewis Pairs.
AB  - A bulky substituted stannane Ar*SnH3 (Ar*=2,6-(2',4',6'
      triisopropylphenyl)phenyl) was treated with the well-known frustrated Lewis pair
      (FLP) PtBu3 /B(C6 F5 )3 in varying stoichiometries. To some degree, hydride
      abstraction and adduct formation is observed, leading to [Ar*SnH2 (PtBu3 )]+
      which is rather unreactive toward further dehydrogenation. In a competing
      process, the FLP proved to be capable of completely striping-off hydrogen and
      hydrides to generate the first cationic phosphonio-stannylene [Ar*Sn(PtBu3 )]+ .
      This behavior provides insight into the activation/abstraction mechanism
      processes involved in these Group 14 hydride derivatives.

PMID- 28097795
TI  - Impaired N-linked glycosylation of uptake and efflux transporters in human non
      alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: N-linked glycosylation of proteins is critical for proper
      protein folding and trafficking to the plasma membrane. Drug transporters are one
      class of proteins that have reduced function when glycosylation is impaired. N
      linked glycosylation of plasma proteins has also been investigated as a biomarker
      for several liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
      The purpose of this study was to assess the transcriptomic expression of genes
      involved in protein processing and glycosylation, and to determine the
      glycosylation status of key drug transporters during human NAFLD progression.
      METHODS: Human liver samples diagnosed as healthy, steatosis, and non-alcoholic
      steatohepatitis (NASH) were analysed for gene expression of glycosylation-related
      genes and for protein glycosylation using immunoblot. RESULTS: Genes involved in
      protein processing in the ER and biosynthesis of N-glycans were significantly
      enriched for down-regulation in NAFLD progression. Included in the down regulated
      N-glycan biosynthesis category were genes involved in the
      oligosaccharyltransferase complex, N-glycan quality control, N-glycan precursor
      biosynthesis, N-glycan trimming to the core, and N-glycan extension from the
      core. N-glycan degradation genes were unaltered in the progression to NASH.
      Immunoblot analysis of the uptake transporters organic anion transporting
      polypeptide-1B1 (OATP1B1), OATP1B3, OATP2B1, and Sodium/Taurocholate Co
      transporting Polypeptide (NTCP) and the efflux transporter multidrug resistance
      associated protein 2 (MRP2) demonstrated a significant loss of glycosylation
      following the progression to NASH. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the loss
      of glycosylation of key uptake and efflux transporters in humans NASH may
      influence transporter function and contribute to altered drug disposition
      observed in NASH.

PMID- 28097797
TI  - An Asymmetric Redox Arylation: Chirality Transfer from Sulfur to Carbon through a
      Sulfonium [3,3]-Sigmatropic Rearrangement.
AB  - A general, asymmetric redox arylation of ynamides and thioalkynes with chiral
      sulfoxides is reported. This is the first example of a general 1,4-chirality
      transfer from sulfur to a carbon stereocenter through a sulfonium [3,3]
      sigmatropic rearrangement. This reaction delivers alpha-arylated thioesters and
      amides under mild conditions in an atom-economical manner. The products are
      formed in high yields with enantiomeric ratios up to 99.5:0.5. Quantum chemical
      calculations suggest a mechanism for the chirality transfer from sulfur to carbon
      and explain the experimentally observed correlation of the enantioselectivity
      with both the catalyst and the substrate.

PMID- 28097798
TI  - Discovery of Novel Cinchona-Alkaloid-Inspired Oxazatwistane Autophagy Inhibitors.
AB  - The cinchona alkaloids are a privileged class of natural products and are endowed
      with diverse bioactivities. However, for compounds with the closely-related
      oxazatricyclo[4.4.0.0]decane ("oxazatwistane") scaffold, which are accessible
      from cinchonidine and quinidine by means of ring distortion and modification,
      biological activity has not been identified. We report the synthesis of an
      oxazatwistane compound collection through employing state-of-the-art C-H
      functionalization, and metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions as key late
      diversity-generating steps. Exploration of oxazatwistane bioactivity in
      phenotypic assays monitoring different cellular processes revealed a novel class
      of autophagy inhibitors termed oxautins, which, in contrast to the guiding
      natural products, selectively inhibit autophagy by inhibiting both autophagosome
      biogenesis and autophagosome maturation.

PMID- 28097799
TI  - Stereocontrolled Total Synthesis of (-)-Stemaphylline.
AB  - Homologation of readily available alpha-boryl pyrrolidines with metal carbenoids
      is especially challenging even when good leaving groups (Cl- ) are employed. By
      performing a solvent switch from Et2 O to CHCl3 , efficient 1,2-metalate
      rearrangement of the intermediate boronate occurs with both halide and ester
      leaving groups. The methodology was used in the total synthesis of the Stemona
      alkaloid (-)-stemaphylline in just 11 steps (longest linear sequence), with high
      stereocontrol (>20:1 d.r.) and 11 % overall yield. The synthesis also features a
      late-stage lithiation-borylation reaction with a tertiary amine containing
      carbenoid.

PMID- 28097800
TI  - Inception and utility of a renal replacement registry using administrative health
      data in North-East Italy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disease registries are useful tools for public health planning,
      evaluating clinical practice and providing information on cohorts of patients.
      METHODS: The administrative databases of the regional health information system
      of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy were used to build a regional registry of the
      resident population in renal replacement therapy (including dialysis and renal
      transplantation), through an algorithm taking into account hospital discharge and
      outpatient ambulatory care data. The registry includes an anonymous univocal
      identifier, the start date for the replacement therapy and changes of status
      (haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, renal transplantation). Data from the
      registry were used to estimate incidence rate, prevalence and mortality of
      patients receiving renal replacement therapy in 2014. In addition, we described
      an example of how the registry can be used to assess the prevalence of selected
      comorbidities. RESULTS: In Friuli Venezia Giulia in 2014, we estimated an
      incidence rate of renal replacement therapy of 166 per million inhabitants and a
      prevalence of 1,400 per million inhabitants. A total of 10% of the patients died
      in the study year. Hypertension, heart disease and diabetes mellitus were common
      co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: The registry allows us to estimate the incidence rate
      and prevalence of renal replacement therapy and also to investigate specific
      issues regarding these patients through record linkage with other administrative
      health databases.

PMID- 28097801
TI  - Odd-Even Alternation in Tautomeric Porous Organic Cages with Exceptional Chemical
      Stability.
AB  - Amine-linked (C-NH) porous organic cages (POCs) are preferred over the imine
      linked (C=N) POCs owing to their enhanced chemical stability. In general, amine
      linked cages, obtained by the reduction of corresponding imines, are not shape
      persistent in the crystalline form. Moreover, they require multistep synthesis.
      Herein, a one-pot synthesis of four new amine-linked organic cages by the
      reaction of 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) with different analogues of
      alkanediamine is reported. The POCs resulting from the odd diamine (having an odd
      number of -CH2 groups) is conformationally eclipsed, while the POCs constructed
      from even diamines adopt a gauche conformation. This odd-even alternation in the
      conformation of POCs has been supported by computational calculations. The
      synthetic strategy hinges on the concept of Schiff base condensation reaction
      followed by keto-enol tautomerization. This mechanism is the key for the
      exceptional chemical stability of cages and facilitates their resistance towards
      acids and bases.

PMID- 28097803
TI  - Regulation of mRNA following brain ischemia and reperfusion.
AB  - There is growing appreciation that mRNA regulation plays important roles in
      disease and injury. mRNA regulation and ribonomics occur in brain ischemia and
      reperfusion (I/R) following stroke and cardiac arrest and resuscitation. It was
      recognized over 40 years ago that translation arrest (TA) accompanies brain I/R
      and is now recognized as part of the intrinsic stress responses triggered in
      neurons. However, neuron death correlates to a prolonged TA in cells fated to
      undergo delayed neuronal death (DND). Dysfunction of mRNA regulatory processes in
      cells fated to DND prevents them from translating stress-induced mRNAs such as
      heat shock proteins. The morphological and biochemical studies of mRNA regulation
      in postischemic neurons are discussed in the context of the large variety of
      molecular damage induced by ischemic injury. Open issues and areas of future
      investigation are highlighted. A sober look at the molecular complexity of
      ischemia-induced neuronal injury suggests that a network framework will assist in
      making sense of this complexity. The ribonomic network sits between the gene
      network and the various protein and metabolic networks. Thus, targeting the
      ribonomic network may prove more effective at neuroprotection than targeting
      specific molecular pathways, for which all efforts have failed to the present
      time to stop DND in stroke and after cardiac arrest. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1415.
      doi: 10.1002/wrna.1415 For further resources related to this article, please
      visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 28097802
TI  - Genomic analysis and clinical management of adolescent cutaneous melanoma.
AB  - Melanoma in young children is rare; however, its incidence in adolescents and
      young adults is rising. We describe the clinical course of a 15-year-old female
      diagnosed with AJCC stage IB non-ulcerated primary melanoma, who died from
      metastatic disease 4 years after diagnosis despite three lines of modern systemic
      therapy. We also present the complete genomic profile of her tumour and compare
      this to a further series of 13 adolescent melanomas and 275 adult cutaneous
      melanomas. A somatic BRAFV600E mutation and a high mutational load equivalent to
      that found in adult melanoma and composed primarily of C>T mutations were
      observed. A germline genomic analysis alongside a series of 23 children and
      adolescents with melanoma revealed no mutations in known germline melanoma
      predisposing genes. Adolescent melanomas appear to have genomes that are as
      complex as those arising in adulthood and their clinical course can, as with
      adults, be unpredictable.

PMID- 28097804
TI  - Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in
      High-Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score Patients.
AB  - The large volume of adult living donor liver transplantations (ALDLTs) at our
      center affords a unique opportunity to examine the impact of acute-on-chronic
      liver failure (ACLF) among high-Model for End-Stage Liver Disease MELD score
      patients. From February 1998 to March 2010, 1958 cirrhotic recipients were
      analyzed to study the relationship between MELD scores and ALDLT outcomes. A
      total of 327 high-MELD score recipients were categorized into ACLF and non-ACLF
      groups, and their outcomes were compared. The 5-year graft and patient survival
      in the high-MELD group were 75.2% and 76.4%, respectively, which were
      significantly worse than the low and intermediate MELD groups. The presence of
      ACLF associated with higher MELD scores appeared to be the dominant factor
      responsible for the inferior results of patients with MELD score of 30-34 points.
      The 5-year graft survivals in the ACLF group was 70.5% and in the non-ACLF group
      it was 81.0% (p = 0.035). Therefore, ALDLT should be performed as soon as
      possible in high-MELD score patients prior to ACLF development. Moreover, ACLF
      patients should be separately categorized when analyzing the outcomes of ALDLT.
      ALDLT for ACLF patients should not be discouraged because favorable outcomes can
      be expected through timely ALDLT and comprehensive management.

PMID- 28097805
TI  - Complement Polymorphisms in Kidney Transplantation: Critical in Graft Rejection?
AB  - The complement system, as part of the innate immune system, plays an important
      role in renal transplantation. Complement is involved in the protection against
      foreign organisms and clearance of apoptotic cells but can also cause injury to
      the renal allograft, for instance, via antibody binding or in ischemia
      reperfusion injury. Numerous polymorphisms in complement factors have been
      identified thus far; some of them result in different functionalities or alter
      complement levels. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature on
      the role of complement polymorphisms in renal transplantation. Furthermore, we
      discuss functional complement polymorphisms that have not yet been investigated
      in kidney transplantation. By investigating multiple polymorphisms both in donor
      and recipient at the same time, a complotype can be constructed. Because the
      combination of multiple polymorphisms is likely to have a greater impact than a
      single one, this could provide valuable prognostic information.

PMID- 28097806
TI  - Silicone rubber membrane with specific pore size enhances wound regeneration.
AB  - A porous structure is critically important for wound dressing or tissue
      engineering scaffolds. However, the influence of the pore sizes on cell
      proliferation, tissue regeneration and the underlying mechanism remains unclear.
      In this study, silicone rubber membranes with different pore sizes were prepared
      using certain constituents of liquid silicone rubber precursor/liquid
      paraffin/hexane based on our previous studies. It was found that pore size had a
      significant impact on cell proliferation and wound healing. The CCK8 analysis
      revealed that the membrane with a certain pore size (110.47 MUm, middle pore
      membrane, MPM) was suitable for cell proliferation compared with the membranes
      with other pore sizes (218.03 MUm, large pore membrane, LPM; 5.27 MUm, small pore
      membrane, SPM; non-porous membrane, NPM). Further studies demonstrated that the
      MPM promoted cell proliferation via activating the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling
      pathway. More importantly, wound healing experiments showed that 7 days post
      wounding, the rate of wound healing was 89.25% with the MPM, which was
      significantly higher than with LPM, SPM or NPM. The in vivo data indicated that
      wound healing was accelerated by treatment with a silicone rubber membrane with a
      pore size of 110.47 MUm. Our results strongly suggest that different pore
      structures might affect cell proliferation and wound healing and that a silicone
      rubber membrane with a specific pore size could potentially be used as a
      promising wound dressing. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28097807
TI  - Parent-adolescent influences on everyday dietary practices: Perceptions of
      adolescent females with obesity and their mothers.
AB  - Parents demonstrate an important influence on adolescent obesity and dietary
      behavior; yet, family-based obesity interventions continue to exhibit limited
      success among adolescents. To further inform family-based approaches for
      adolescent obesity treatment, we examined the perceptions of adolescent females
      with obesity and their mothers of the influences experienced within the parent
      adolescent relationship that affect everyday dietary practices. We conducted six
      focus group interviews (three adolescent female and three mother) among 15
      adolescent (12-17 years old) females with obesity and 12 of their mothers.
      Content analysis techniques were used to analyze the transcribed interviews.
      Adolescent females with obesity discussed a diverse set of parental influences
      (controlling, supporting and cultivating, overlooking and tempting, acquiescing,
      providing, attending, and not providing and avoiding) on their daily dietary
      practices. Among mother focus groups, mothers discussed specific intentional and
      unintentional types of influences from children that affected the food and drink
      they consumed, prepared, and acquired. Findings provide a fuller view of the
      varied social influences on everyday dietary practices within the parent
      adolescent relationship. They indicate the importance of examining both parent-to
      child and child-to-parent influences and begin to illuminate the value of
      attending to the social circumstances surrounding dietary behaviors to strengthen
      family-based obesity treatment approaches.

PMID- 28097808
TI  - Identification of NTRK fusions in pediatric mesenchymal tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: NTRK fusions are known oncogenic drivers and have recently been
      effectively targeted by investigational agents in adults. We sought to assess the
      frequency of NTRK fusions in a large series of pediatric and adolescent patients
      with advanced cancers. PROCEDURE: Genomic profiles from 2,031 advanced cancers
      from patients less than 21 years old who were assayed with comprehensive genomic
      profiling were reviewed to identify NTRK fusions. RESULTS: Total of nine cases
      (0.44%) harbored NTRK fusions, including novel partners. Four of these cases were
      in children less than 2 years old for which infantile fibrosarcoma was considered
      as a diagnosis, and two harbored the canonical ETV6-NTRK3. The remaining cases
      carried other diagnoses, at least one that carried the diagnosis of inflammatory
      myofibroblastic tumor. CONCLUSIONS: NTRK fusions occur in a subset of young
      patients with mesenchymal or sarcoma-like tumors at a low frequency, and are
      eminently druggable targets via either investigational agents or approved drugs.

PMID- 28097809
TI  - Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote M2 polarization of macrophages in
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by remarkable
      desmoplasia with infiltration of distinct cellular components. Cancer-associated
      fibroblasts (CAFs) has been shown to be among the most prominent cells and played
      a significant role in shaping the tumor microenvironment by interacting with
      other type of cells. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of CAFs in
      modulating phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). Under treatment of
      CAFs conditioned medium (CM) or direct co-culture with CAFs, monocytes exhibited
      enhanced expression of CD206 and CD163 compared with control group (P < 0.01).
      The induction of M2 polarization was mediated by increased reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) production in monocytes as ROS elimination abolished the effect of
      CAFs (P < 0.05). The supernatant analysis showed that pancreatic CAFs produced
      increased macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Upon treatment of M-CSF
      neutralizing antibody, the ROS generation and M2 polarization of CAFs CM
      stimulated monocytes were significantly inhibited (P < 0.05). In addition, the
      CAFs-induced M2 macrophages significantly enhanced pancreatic tumor cell growth,
      migration, and invasion. Collectively, our data revealed that pancreatic CAFs
      were able to induce a tumor-promoting TAM phenotype partly through secreted M-CSF
      and enhanced ROS production in monocytes, indicating possible treatment
      strategies by targeting stromal cell interaction within PDAC microenvironment.

PMID- 28097810
TI  - Physicochemical and biological evaluation of a cinnamamide derivative R,S-(2E)-1
      (3-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (KM-608) for nervous system
      disorders.
AB  - A cinnamamide scaffold has been successfully incorporated in several compounds
      possessing desirable pharmacological activities in central and peripheral nervous
      system such as anticonvulsant, antidepressant, neuroprotective, analgesic, anti
      inflammatory, muscle relaxant, and sedative/hypnotic properties. R,S-(2E)-1-(3
      hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (KM-608), a cinnamamide
      derivative, was synthesized, its chemical structure was confirmed by means of
      spectroscopy and crystallography, and additionally, thermal analysis showed that
      it exists in one crystalline form. The compound was evaluated in vivo in rodents
      as anticonvulsant, antiepileptogenic, analgesic, and neuroprotective agent. The
      beneficial properties of the compound were found in animal models of seizures
      evoked electrically (maximal electroshock test, 6-Hz) and chemically
      (subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizure test) as well as in three animal models
      of epileptogenesis: corneal-kindled mice, hippocampal-kindled rats, and
      lamotrigine-resistant amygdala-kindled rats. Quantitative pharmacological
      parameters calculated for the tested compound were comparable to those of
      currently used antiepileptic drugs. In vivo pharmacological profile of KM-608
      corresponds with the activity of valproic acid.

PMID- 28097812
TI  - Monitoring immune response after allogeneic transplantation of mesenchymal stem
      cells for osteochondral repair.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of using allogeneic
      magnetically labelled mesenchymal stem cells (m-MSCs) to ameliorate osteochondral
      repair, with immune surveillance using a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay.
      Twenty knees of Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: the
      control (autologous) group, where 2 * 105 autologous m-MSCs were transplanted
      into the defect site; the experimental (allogeneic) group, where 2 * 105  m-MSCs
      from Dutch rabbits were transplanted into the defect of Japanese white rabbits.
      The rabbits were then euthanized after 12 weeks. The repaired tissue was stained
      with toluidine blue stain in order to produce histological scoring on the Fortier
      scale. Splenocytes were used to evaluate anti-donor alloreactivity by a MLR assay
      using the carboxyfluorescein diacetate succimidyl ester (CFSE) labelling
      technique (CFSE-MLR). In both groups, complete repair of the subchondral bone
      covered by a layer of chondrogenic tissue was confirmed. Also, there was no
      histologically significant difference on the Fortier scale. Using the CFSE-MLR
      assay, CD4+ T-cells showed alloreactivity in each combination, while the
      stimulation index of CD4+ T-cells was not statistically different between the
      control and experimental groups. Allogeneic m-MSCs are a safe alternative source
      to autologous m-MSCs, upholding repair of an osteochondral defect for clinical
      application using universal donor MSCs through a one-stage surgical procedure.
      Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28097813
TI  - Drug addictions: new insight into causes, comorbidity and potential treatments.

PMID- 28097811
TI  - Fc-Silent Anti-CD154 Domain Antibody Effectively Prevents Nonhuman Primate Renal
      Allograft Rejection.
AB  - The advent of costimulation blockade provides the prospect for targeted therapy
      with improved graft survival in transplant patients. Perhaps the most effective
      costimulation blockade in experimental models is the use of reagents to block the
      CD40/CD154 pathway. Unfortunately, successful clinical translation of anti-CD154
      therapy has not been achieved. In an attempt to develop an agent that is as
      effective as previous CD154 blocking antibodies but lacks the risk of
      thromboembolism, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel anti-human CD154
      domain antibody (dAb, BMS-986004). The anti-CD154 dAb effectively blocked CD40
      CD154 interactions but lacked crystallizable fragment (Fc) binding activity and
      resultant platelet activation. In a nonhuman primate kidney transplant model,
      anti-CD154 dAb was safe and efficacious, significantly prolonging allograft
      survival without evidence of thromboembolism (Median survival time 103 days). The
      combination of anti-CD154 dAb and conventional immunosuppression synergized to
      effectively control allograft rejection (Median survival time 397 days).
      Furthermore, anti-CD154 dAb treatment increased the frequency of CD4+ CD25+
      Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. This study demonstrates that the use of a novel anti
      CD154 dAb that lacks Fc binding activity is safe without evidence of
      thromboembolism and is equally as potent as previous anti-CD154 agents at
      prolonging renal allograft survival in a nonhuman primate preclinical model.

PMID- 28097814
TI  - Detection and Molecular Characterization of Foot and Mouth Disease Viruses from
      Outbreaks in Some States of Northern Nigeria 2013-2015.
AB  - Control measures for foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Nigeria have not been
      implemented due to the absence of locally produced vaccines and risk-based
      analysis resulting from insufficient data on the circulating FMD virus (FMDV)
      serotypes/strains. In 2013-2015, blood and epithelial samples were collected from
      reported FMD outbreaks in four states (Kaduna, Kwara, Plateau and Bauchi) in
      northern Nigeria. FMDV non-structural protein (NSP) seroprevalence for the
      outbreaks was estimated at 80% (72 of 90) and 70% (131 of 188) post-outbreak.
      Antibodies against FMDV serotypes O, A, SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3 were detected across
      the states using solid-phase competitive ELISA. FMDV genome was detected in 99%
      (73 of 74) of the samples from FMD-affected animals using rRT-PCR, and cytopathic
      effect was found in cell culture by 59% (44 of 74) of these samples. Three FMDV
      serotypes O, A and SAT2 were isolated and characterized. The phylogenetic
      assessments of the virus isolates showed that two topotypes of FMDV serotype O,
      East Africa-3 (EA-3) and West Africa (WA) topotypes were circulating, as well as
      FMDV strains belonging to the Africa genotype (G-IV) of serotype A and FMDV SAT2
      topotype VII strains. While the serotype O (EA-3) strains from Nigeria were most
      closely related to a 1999 virus strain from Sudan, the WA strain in Nigeria
      shares genetic relationship with three 1988 viruses in Niger. The FMDV serotype A
      strains were closely related to a known virus from Cameroon, and the SAT2 strains
      were most closely related to virus subtypes in Libya. This study provides
      evidence of co-occurrence of FMDV serotypes and topotypes in West, Central, East
      and North Africa, and this has implication for control. The findings help filling
      the knowledge gap of FMDV dynamics in Nigeria and West Africa subregion to
      support local and regional development of vaccination-based control plans and
      international risk assessment.

PMID- 28097815
TI  - Urinary bisphenol A concentration and the risk of central obesity in Chinese
      adults: A prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been associated with diabetes and
      related metabolic disorders, such as obesity, but studies of the association of
      urinary BPA concentrations with central obesity risk are limited. The aim of this
      study was to prospectively investigate the association between urinary BPA and
      incident central obesity in a Chinese population aged >=40 years. METHODS: The
      study followed 888 participants from Shanghai, China, who did not have central
      obesity at baseline (in 2009) for 4 years. Concentrations of BPA were measured in
      baseline morning spot urine samples. Central obesity was defined as waist
      circumference >=90 cm in men and >=80 cm in women. RESULTS: During a mean follow
      up of 4 years, 124 (14.0%) participants developed central obesity. Each 1-unit
      increase in log [BPA] was positively associated with a 2.30-fold risk of incident
      central obesity (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-3.78; P  < 0.001) after
      adjustment for confounders. Compared with the lowest tertile of urinary BPA
      concentration, Tertiles 2 and 3 were associated with a higher risk of incident
      central obesity (odds ratios 1.73 [95% CI 1.04-2.88] and 1.81 [95% CI 1.08-3.05],
      respectively). Stratified analysis showed significant associations of BPA with
      incident central obesity in women and individuals <60 years of age, with normal
      weight, non-smokers, non-drinkers, or non-hypertensives. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      indicate that higher urinary BPA concentrations may be associated with a greater
      risk of incident central obesity in Chinese adults. The study emphasizes the
      effects of BPA exposure on metabolic risk from a public health perspective.

PMID- 28097816
TI  - Effect of temperature and colonization of Legionella pneumophila and Vermamoeba
      vermiformis on bacterial community composition of copper drinking water biofilms.
AB  - It is unclear how the water-based pathogen, Legionella pneumophila (Lp), and
      associated free-living amoeba (FLA) hosts change or are changed by the microbial
      composition of drinking water (DW) biofilm communities. Thus, this study
      characterized the bacterial community structure over a 7-month period within
      mature (> 600-day-old) copper DW biofilms in reactors simulating premise plumbing
      and assessed the impact of temperature and introduction of Lp and its FLA host,
      Vermamoeba vermiformis (Vv), co-cultures (LpVv). Sequence and quantitative PCR
      (qPCR) analyses indicated a correlation between LpVv introduction and increases
      in Legionella spp. levels at room temperature (RT), while at 37 degrees C, Lp
      became the dominant Legionella spp. qPCR analysis suggested Vv presence may not
      be directly associated with Lp biofilm growth at RT and 37 degrees C, but may
      contribute to or be associated with non-Lp legionellae persistence at RT. Two-way
      PERMANOVA and PCoA revealed that temperature was a major driver of microbiome
      diversity. Biofilm community composition also changed over the seven-month period
      and could be associated with significant shifts in dissolved oxygen, alkalinity
      and various metals in the influent DW. Hence, temperature, biofilm age, DW
      quality and transient intrusions/amplification of pathogens and FLA hosts may
      significantly impact biofilm microbiomes and modulate pathogen levels over
      extended periods.

PMID- 28097817
TI  - Revisiting regulation of potassium homeostasis in Escherichia coli: the
      connection to phosphate limitation.
AB  - Two-component signal transduction constitutes the predominant strategy used by
      bacteria to adapt to fluctuating environments. The KdpD/KdpE system is one of the
      most widespread, and is crucial for K+ homeostasis. In Escherichia coli, the
      histidine kinase KdpD senses K+ availability, whereas the response regulator KdpE
      activates synthesis of the high-affinity K+ uptake system KdpFABC. Here we show
      that, in the absence of KdpD, kdpFABC expression can be activated via
      phosphorylation of KdpE by the histidine kinase PhoR. PhoR and its cognate
      response regulator PhoB comprise a phosphate-responsive two-component system,
      which senses phosphate limitation indirectly through the phosphate transporter
      PstCAB and its accessory protein PhoU. In vivo two-hybrid interaction studies
      based on the bacterial adenylate cyclase reveal pairwise interactions between
      KdpD, PhoR, and PhoU. Finally, we demonstrate that cross-regulation between the
      kdpFABC and pstSCAB operons occurs in both directions under simultaneous K+ and
      phosphate limitation, both in vitro and in vivo. This study for the first time
      demonstrates direct coupling between intracellular K+ and phosphate homeostasis
      and provides a mechanism for fine-tuning of the balance between positively and
      negatively charged ions in the bacterial cell.

PMID- 28097818
TI  - Staging Evaluation and Response Criteria Harmonization (SEARCH) for Childhood,
      Adolescent and Young Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma (CAYAHL): Methodology statement.
AB  - International harmonization of staging evaluation and response criteria is needed
      for childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood Hodgkin lymphoma. Two Hodgkin
      lymphoma protocols from cooperative trials in Europe and North America were
      compared for areas in need of harmonization, and an evidence-based approach is
      currently underway to harmonize staging and response evaluations with a goal to
      enhance comparisons, expedite identification of effective therapies, and aid in
      the approval process for new agents by regulatory agencies.

PMID- 28097819
TI  - Enantiospecific Trifluoromethyl-Radical-Induced Three-Component Coupling of
      Boronic Esters with Furans.
AB  - In the presence of trifluoromethylsulfonium reagents, boronate complexes derived
      from 2-lithio furan and non-racemic secondary and tertiary alkyl or aryl boronic
      esters undergo deborylative three-component coupling to give the corresponding
      2,5-disubstituted furans with excellent levels of enantiospecificity. The process
      proceeds via the reaction of boronate complexes with a trifluoromethyl radical,
      which triggers 1,2-metallate rearrangement upon single-electron oxidation.
      Alternative electrophiles can also be used in place of trifluoromethylsulfonium
      reagents to effect similar three-component coupling reactions.

PMID- 28097820
TI  - Cytograding of mast cell tumours in dogs: destaining or not and staining with
      what?

PMID- 28097821
TI  - Development of actinobacterial resources for functional cosmetics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Actinobacteria usually produce different functional compounds for
      various applications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to develop
      actinobacterial resources through the isolation and identification of soil
      bacteria with antibacterial and enzyme inhibitory activities for cosmetics
      application. METHODS: Soil bacteria were isolated and tested for antibacterial
      activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis using the
      spotting method. Isolates exhibiting antibacterial activities were assayed for
      tyrosinase inhibition, elastase inhibition, and free radical scavenging activity.
      RESULTS: Twelve actinobacterial strains were found to inhibit the growth of P.
      acnes and S. epidermidis. Among them, ten were from the genus Streptomyces and
      the other two were from the genera Actinokineospora and Calidifontibacter, and
      potentially represented novel species. For tyrosinase inhibition activities, when
      compared with arbutin (IC50 =47.84+/-0.36 MUg mL-1 ), strain T65 had similar
      activity with an IC50 value of 49.05+/-3.29 MUg mL-1 . For elastase inhibition,
      strains T65, T811, and R311 had similar activities with IC50 values of 10.78+/
      1.88 MUg mL-1 , 10.19+/-0.82 MUg mL-1 , and 10.19+/-2.1 MUg mL-1 , respectively,
      which had similar inhibitory activity to the IC50 value of the standard oleanolic
      acid (8.94+/-1.38 MUg mL-1 ). For DPPH radical scavenging activities, two
      strains, R311 and T327, with IC50 values of 6.11+/-1.17 MUg mL-1 and 5.25+/-0.93
      MUg mL-1 , respectively, had slightly lower activities than ascorbic acid (IC50
      =4.08+/-0.03 MUg mL-1 ). CONCLUSION: Among twelve strains of actinobacteria, the
      most effective strains were selected for the inhibition of both P. acnes and S.
      epidermidis as well as for enzyme activities. Actinobacterial strains isolated in
      this study could be used to produce active metabolites for cosmetics
      applications.

PMID- 28097823
TI  - Excess Retinoic Acid Induces Fusion of Centra by Degenerating Intervertebral
      Ligament Cells in Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus.
AB  - In marine aquaculture fish, excessive supplement of vitamin A (VA) to
      zooplanktons for larval culture and experimental exposure of larvae to retinoic
      acid (RA: active form of VA) have been known to cause vertebral deformity.
      However, the tissues in the developing vertebral column that are affected by RA
      and the progression of vertebral deformity remain undetermined. To examine these
      questions, we histologically traced the progress of vertebral deformity induced
      by RA in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Larvae were exposed to RA
      for 3 days at mid-metamorphosis (G-stage), a critical stage for vertebral
      deformity. Intervertebral ligament, which is known to form intervertebral joints
      in cooperation with the notochord, was severely degenerated by RA, leading to
      fusion of centra. During further development to adult, growth of centra was
      severely suppressed in an anterior-posterior direction in RA-treated fish and the
      notochord tissue was lost from fused centra, resulting in complete loss of
      intervertebral joints and fusion of centra. We conclude that RA initially damages
      the intervertebral ligaments, and these defects lead to fusion, narrowing of
      centra, and loss of intervertebral joints in the vertebral column. The cumulative
      effect of these modifications is a truncated body form.

PMID- 28097822
TI  - Synthetic lethality: emerging targets and opportunities in melanoma.
AB  - Great progress has been made in the treatment of melanoma through use of targeted
      therapies and immunotherapy. One approach that has not been fully explored is
      synthetic lethality, which exploits somatically acquired changes, usually driver
      mutations, to specifically kill tumour cells. We outline the various approaches
      that may be applied to identify synthetic lethal interactions and define how
      these interactions may drive drug discovery efforts.

PMID- 28097824
TI  - Mechanisms of metabolic memory and renal hypoxia as a therapeutic target in
      diabetic kidney disease.
AB  - Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a worldwide public health problem. The
      definition of DKD is under discussion. Although the term DKD was originally
      defined as 'kidney disease specific to diabetes,' DKD frequently means chronic
      kidney disease with diabetes mellitus and includes not only classical diabetic
      nephropathy, but also kidney dysfunction as a result of nephrosclerosis and other
      causes. Metabolic memory plays a crucial role in the progression of various
      complications of diabetes, including DKD. The mechanisms of metabolic memory in
      DKD are supposed to include advanced glycation end-products, deoxyribonucleic
      acid methylation, histone modifications and non-coding ribonucleic acid including
      micro ribonucleic acid. Regardless of the presence of diabetes mellitus, the
      final common pathway in chronic kidney disease is chronic kidney hypoxia, which
      influences epigenetic processes, including deoxyribonucleic acid methylation,
      histone modification, and conformational changes in micro ribonucleic acid and
      chromatin. Therefore, hypoxia and oxidative stress are appropriate targets of
      therapies against DKD. Prolyl hydroxylase domain inhibitor enhances the defensive
      mechanisms against hypoxia. Bardoxolone methyl protects against oxidative stress,
      and can even reverse impaired renal function; a phase 2 trial with considerable
      attention to heart complications is currently ongoing in Japan.

PMID- 28097827
TI  - Anxiety symptoms and functioning in patients with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28097826
TI  - Development Shapes a Consistent Inbreeding Effect in Mouse Crania of Different
      Line Crosses.
AB  - Development translates genetic variation into a multivariate pattern of
      phenotypic variation, distributing it among traits in a nonuniform manner. As
      developmental processes are largely shared within species, this suggests that
      heritable phenotypic variation will be patterned similarly, in spite of the
      different segregating alleles. To investigate developmental effect on the
      variational pattern in the shape of the mouse skull across genetically
      differentiated lines, we employed the full set of reciprocal crosses (a.k.a.
      diallel) between eight inbred mouse strains of the Collaborative Cross Project.
      We used geometric morphometrics and multivariate analysis to capture cranial size
      and shape changes in 8 parentals and their 54 F1 crosses. The high heterozygosity
      generated in the F1 crosses allowed us to compare the multivariate deviations of
      the F1 phenotypes from the expected midparental phenotypes in different haplotype
      combinations. In contrast to body weight, we found a high degree of nonadditive
      deviation in craniofacial shape. Whereas the phenotypic and genetic divergence of
      parental strains manifested in high dimensionality of additive effects, the
      nonadditive deviations exhibited lesser dimensionality and in particular a
      strikingly coherent direction in shape space. We interpret this finding as
      evidence for a strong structuring effect of a relatively small set of
      developmental processes on the mapping of genetic to phenotypic variation.

PMID- 28097825
TI  - Signalling pathways involved in hypoxia-induced renal fibrosis.
AB  - Renal fibrosis is the common pathological hallmark of progressive chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) with diverse aetiologies. Recent researches have highlighted the
      critical role of hypoxia during the development of renal fibrosis as a final
      common pathway in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), which joints the scientist's
      attention recently to exploit the molecular mechanism underlying hypoxia-induced
      renal fibrogenesis. The scaring formation is a multilayered cellular response and
      involves the regulation of multiple hypoxia-inducible signalling pathways and
      complex interactive networks. Therefore, this review will focus on the signalling
      pathways involved in hypoxia-induced pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis,
      including pathways mediated by HIF, TGF-beta, Notch, PKC/ERK, PI3K/Akt, NF
      kappaB, Ang II/ROS and microRNAs. Roles of molecules such as IL-6, IL-18, KIM-1
      and ADO are also reviewed. A comprehensive understanding of the roles that these
      hypoxia-responsive signalling pathways and molecules play in the context of renal
      fibrosis will provide a foundation towards revealing the underlying mechanisms of
      progression of CKD and identifying novel therapeutic targets. In the future,
      promising new effective therapy against hypoxic effects may be successfully
      translated into the clinic to alleviate renal fibrosis and inhibit the
      progression of CKD.

PMID- 28097828
TI  - Pollen has a microbiome: implications for plant reproduction, insect pollination
      and human allergies.

PMID- 28097829
TI  - Barriers to conducting research: A survey of trainees in emergency medicine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Research underpins evidence-based practice, but there are significant
      barriers to conducting research relevant to each clinical discipline.
      Understanding these barriers could allow strategies to reduce their impact. The
      present study was undertaken to understand specific barriers to research for
      emergency medicine (EM) trainees. METHODS: EM trainees attending research short
      courses were surveyed. Free-text responses were classified into themes and a list
      of pre-specified potential barriers was used for ranking purposes. RESULTS: The
      responders (n = 61/90; 67.8%) were young, mostly male with low confidence in
      leading a research project and limited previous research experience. There were
      155 unique barriers identified from 55 respondents, which fitted into nine
      categories. The most frequently perceived barrier was time (29%), followed by
      skills (22.6%) and cultural factors (19.4%). Most trainees (n = 54/56, 96.4%)
      believed that the barriers could be overcome. Strategies suggested included
      protection of time, mentoring and education, as well as top-down improved
      research culture. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers to research in EM are similar to other
      specialities and were perceived to be manageable. Reorganisation and refocus of
      the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine training curriculum may be an
      option to foster an environment to promote research.

PMID- 28097830
TI  - Plant phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C at the center of plant innate
      immunity.
AB  - Understanding plant resistance to pathogenic microbes requires detailed
      information on the molecular mechanisms controlling the execution of plant innate
      immune responses. A growing body of evidence places phosphoinositide-specific
      phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzymes immediately downstream of activated immune
      receptors, well upstream of the initiation of early defense responses. An
      increase of the cytoplasmic levels of free Ca2+ , lowering of the intercellular
      pH and the oxidative burst are a few examples of such responses and these are
      regulated by PI-PLCs. Consequently, PI-PLC activation represents an early primary
      signaling switch between elicitation and response involving the controlled
      hydrolysis of essential signaling phospholipids, thereby simultaneously
      generating lipid and non-lipid second messenger molecules required for a swift
      cellular defense response. Here, we elaborate on the signals generated by PI-PLCs
      and their respective downstream effects, while providing an inventory of
      different types of evidence describing the involvement of PI-PLCs in various
      aspects of plant immunity. We project the discussed information into a model
      describing the cellular events occurring after the activation of plant immune
      receptors. With this review we aim to provide new insights supporting future
      research on plant PI-PLCs and the development of plants with improved resistance.

PMID- 28097831
TI  - Arthrorheumatism with methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder in the
      brain.

PMID- 28097832
TI  - Registration and timely dissemination of clinical trials and results.

PMID- 28097833
TI  - Art as an instrument to understand the concept of death.

PMID- 28097834
TI  - High blood pressure in school children and adolescents in Argentina over the past
      25 years: A systematic review of observational studies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Over the past years, hypertension has been recognized as an
      important health problem in the pediatric population. A systematic review of
      observational studies published between 1988 and 2014 was conducted to estimate
      the prevalence of high blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors among
      children and adolescents in Argentina. POPULATION AND METHODS: A bibliographic
      search was done in MEDLINE, SciELO, and LILACS to look for studies on high blood
      pressure prevalence in school children and adolescents in Argentina. Studies and
      surveys that had included the measurement of blood pressure in children and
      adolescents (aged 5-20 years) according to the Fourth Report on the Diagnosis,
      Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents by
      the American Academy of Pediatrics were included in this study. RESULTS: Fourteen
      publications were identified. The pooled prevalence in 11 706 subjects (random
      effects model) was 6.61% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.30-9.37). The crude
      prevalence was 7.35% (95% CI: 6.88-7.83). High blood pressure was more prevalent
      among adolescents than children <= 10 years old (7.4% versus 4.3%, P = 0.001),
      and among boys than girls (11.2% versus 6.8%, P = 0.001). The most common risk
      factors included a sedentary lifestyle (50%), overweight (15.4%), abdominal
      obesity (13.7%), obesity (11.5%), and smoking (6.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show
      that the prevalence of high blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors in
      school children and adolescents is high, and this accounts for a very important
      public health problem in Argentina.

PMID- 28097835
TI  - Cognitive profiles of patients with early detected and treated congenital
      hypothyroidism.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) detected by newborn
      screening and adequately treated may have mild cognitive deficits. OBJECTIVES">To
      assess the intelligence quotient of children with CH and identify the presence of
      specific cognitive deficits. POPULATION AND METHODS: A group of 60 children with
      CH detected by newborn screening, who were aged 9-10 years old and received
      adequate treatment since their first month of life was selected and compared to a
      control group of 60 children without CH in the same age range. Inclusion
      criteria: children without concurrent diseases, who were attending school in a
      single shift, and whose parents had at least completed secondary education. The
      following tests were administered during individual interviews: the Wechsler
      Intelligence Scale for Children (third edition), the Rey complex figure test, the
      Woodcock-Munoz revised test, the Conners Continuous Performance Test II, the
      Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities, the verbal fluency test, the Knox
      Cube Test, the Trail Making Test, the faces test, and the 5 digit test. The
      statistical analysis was done using Student's t tests (for independent samples)
      with Bonferroni's correction (p < 0.002). RESULTS: Even within the normal average
      range, significant differences were observed between both groups in terms of
      total intelligence quotient and performance intelligence quotient (small and
      moderate effect sizes, respectively). In terms of performance, children with
      hypothyroidism had a significantly poorer performance in processing speed,
      reaction times, attention, cognitive flexibility, visuoconstruction, and long
      term memory. No significant differences were found between both groups in the
      verbal area. CONCLUSIONS: Children with congenital hypothyroidism and without
      mental disability had mild cognitive deficits, which should be taken into account
      for a comprehensive patient care.

PMID- 28097836
TI  - Validation of the Argentine Spanish version of Transition Readiness Assessment
      Questionnaire for adolescents with chronic conditions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The transition of adolescents with chronic conditions to adult
      follow-up care is an increasingly complex process. Patients need to acquire
      knowledge and skills that ensure continuity of their care. The goal of this study
      was to validate the Argentinian Spanish version of the Transition Readiness
      Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) 5.0 tool in adolescents and young adults with
      chronic conditions. POPULATION AND METHODS: Descriptive, crosssectional,
      quantitative study. Patients with chronic conditions aged 14 years or older
      treated at Hospital Garrahan were included. The TRAQ is made up of 20 items
      divided into 5 subscales (Managing Medication, Appointment Keeping, Tracking
      Health Issues, Talking with Providers, Managing Daily Activities), and is
      designed to be self-administered. Patients completed the TRAQ, as well as an
      opinion survey about its use and a self-perceived autonomy scale; their
      physicians answered a scale about patients' health impairment due to the
      condition. Sociodemographic, clinical and TRAQ-related variables were recorded.
      RESULTS: A total of 191 patients participated. The majority of patients (96.3%)
      understood the TRAQ 5.0 questionnaire and completed it correctly, in self
      administered modality, in a short time (median: 5 minutes), with little or no
      help (81%). Patients who live in poverty or have a lower education level than the
      one expected for their age needed more help. Internal consistency (Cronbach's
      alpha) for the overall score was 0.81. Construct validity was demonstrated by
      testing different hypotheses (all p < 0.05): discrimination by age >= 16 years
      (3.01 vs. 3.34), sex (women: 3.38 > men: 3.12) and having plans for the future
      (without plans: 3.01 < with plans: 3.34); correlation with self-perception scale
      (r= 0.49). CONCLUSION: The TRAQ 5.0 tool is available for use in Argentinian
      adolescents with chronic conditions.

PMID- 28097837
TI  - Food and beverage advertising on children's TV channels in Argentina: Frequency,
      duration, and nutritional quality.
AB  - : Food and beverage marketing has been identified as one of the determinants of
      unhealthy food and beverage consumption in the child population. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the frequency and duration of food and beverage advertising in
      children's programming and the nutritional quality of advertised food and
      beverages. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Children's cable and
      broadcast channel programming was recorded in two periods: over the week and on
      the weekend. The type, quantity, and duration of commercials were recorded. The
      nutritional quality of advertised food and beverages was analyzed. RESULTS: A
      total of 402.3 hours of children's programming were recorded. In total, 3711
      commercials were identified. Among these, 20.9% corresponded to food and
      beverages, i.e., an average of 1.9 +/- 1.0 commercials per hour or equivalent to
      0.68 +/- 0.36 min/hour. Dairy products, candies, and fast-food meals were the
      most advertised food products. Only a third of advertised food and beverages
      (35.8%) were categorized as healthy as per the nutrient profiling system. Based
      on the traffic light labeling system, 50% of advertised food and beverages were
      high in sugar, 25% were high in saturated fat, and approximately 15% were high in
      sodium or fat. CONCLUSION: Food and beverage advertising accounted for 20% of
      television advertising time. The most advertised products were dairy products,
      followed by candies and sweet snacks, fast-food meals, and beverages. Two-thirds
      of advertised food and beverages were considered unhealthy.

PMID- 28097838
TI  - Bullying at school: Agreement between caregivers' and children's perception.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bullying at school is usually kept secret from adults, making them
      unaware of the situation. OBJECTIVE: To describe caregivers' and children's
      perception and assess their agreement in terms of bullying situations. METHODS:
      Cross-sectional study in children aged 8-12 years old attending public schools
      and their caregivers. The questionnaire on preconceptions of intimidation and
      bullying among peers (PRECONCIMEI) (child/caregiver version) was used. Studied
      outcome measures: Scale of bullying, causes of bullying, child involvement in
      bullying, communication in bullying situations. Univariate and bivariate analyses
      were done and agreement was estimated using the Kappa index. RESULTS: A total of
      529 child/caregiver dyads participated. Among caregivers, 35% stated that
      bullying occurred in their children's schools. Among children, 133 (25%) admitted
      to being involved: 70 (13%) were victims of bullying, 40 (8%) were bullies, and
      23 (4%) were bullied and perpetrated bullying. Among the 63 caregivers of
      children who admitted to be bullies, 78% did not consider their children capable
      of perpetrating bullying. Among children who were bullied or who both suffered
      bullying and bullied others, 69.9% (65/93) indicated that "if they were the
      victims of bullying, they would tell their family." However, 89.2% (83/93) of
      caregivers considered that their children would tell them if they were ever
      involved in these situations. Agreement was observed in terms of a positive
      communication (Kappa = -0.04) between 62.6% (57/91) of the child/caregiver dyads
      school bullying. CONCLUSIONS: Disagreement was observed between children and
      their caregivers in relation to the frequency and communication of bullying
      situations. Few caregivers whose children admitted to being involved in these
      situations believed it was a possibility.

PMID- 28097839
TI  - Nutritional assessment of a population with a history of childhood
      craniopharyngioma seen at Hospital "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan".
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign malformations located
      between the pituitary and hypothalamus that may affect key hormone secretion for
      endocrine regulation and satiety modulation. Although this is a relatively benign
      disease, the combination of severe hypothalamic obesity and associated
      comorbidities results in a reduced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the
      nutritional status of patients after craniopharyngioma surgery. POPULATION AND
      METHODS: Patients younger than 21 years old at the time of the study who required
      craniopharyngioma surgery at Hospital de Pediatr.a Garrahan and who signed an
      informed consent. Anthropometric characteristics, body composition by impedance
      analysis, energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and energy intake were
      assessed. Insulin resistance and dyslipemia were estimated. RESULTS: A total of
      39 patients were included; 41% had a normal weight and 59% were obese. Overall,
      68% of patients had a central fat distribution; 40% had insulin resistance; and
      32%, dyslipemia. No significant differences were observed in terms of insulin
      resistance, dyslipemia, energy expenditure at rest, or energy intake between
      normal weight and obese patients. Among obese patients, 77% had a low energy
      expenditure, regardless of their percentage of lean body mass (62 A} 2.7% versus
      61.2 A} 1.8% of normal versus low energy expenditure at rest; p = 0.8).
      CONCLUSIONS: A total of 59% of the studied population was obese. No significant
      differences were observed in terms of metabolic complications between normal
      weight and obese patients. A lower energy expenditure was observed, regardless of
      the lean body mass percentage and a similar energy intake.

PMID- 28097840
TI  - Assessment of lipid profile and some risk factors of atherosclerosis in children
      whose parents had early onset coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The objective of our study was to analyze the lipid profile and
      some risk factors of atherosclerosis such as oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox
      LDL), small dense LDL (sd LDL) in the offspring of patients with premature
      coronary heart disease (CHD). POPULATION AND METHODS: Children whose parents had
      early onset CHD were matched with age and sex pairs. Study and controls were
      analyzed for lipid levels, apolipoproteins (Apo- A,B,E), ox-LDL, sd LDL and
      lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]. The data were evaluated with SPSS using "Student t and
      Mann-Whitney U" tests. RESULTS: The study group children (n: 43) had higher LDL,
      Lp(a) and ox-LDL levels, ratios of TC/HDL, Apo-B/A, LDL/HDL and ox-LDL/HDL
      (p<0.05) than control group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that dyslipidemia
      and increased LDL, Lp(a) and ox-LDL levels are common in the offspring of
      patients with early onset CHD and account largely for their familial
      predisposition for CHD.

PMID- 28097841
TI  - Oxygen saturation, periodic breathing, and sleep apnea in infants aged 1-4 months
      old living at 3200 meters above sea level.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe, in infants aged 1-4 months old living at 3200 meters
      above sea level (MASL), oxygen saturation (SpO2), sleep apnea indices, and
      periodic breathing (PB) during sleep. Polysomnographies were done in 18 healthy
      infants. RESULTS: The median SpO2 was 87%, and the median PB was 7.2% for the
      total sleep time. The median central sleep apnea index was 30.5/hour, which
      decreased to 5.4/hour once sleep apneas associated with PB were excluded. The 5th
      percentile for SpO2 was 76% among awake infants, and 66% among asleep infants.
      CONCLUSIONS: The SpO2 was lower than that observed at sea level, whereas PB and
      the central sleep apnea index were higher, once sleep apneas associated with PB
      were excluded. The latter was similar to that observed at sea level. At 3200
      MASL, different cut-off points are required for a normal SpO2, one for infants
      during the waking state and one for infants during sleep.

PMID- 28097842
TI  - In-hospital capacity-building in research and management for pediatric
      professionals.
AB  - We describe an educational strategy aimed at capacity-building of hospital health
      care professionals in research and management initiated at a pediatric hospital
      in 2006, and the results obtained eight years after its implementation. Research
      and Management in Pediatrics (GIP) is an annual 250-hour course combining
      meetings and off-site assignments delivered through the Hospital's on-line
      campus. It provides students with practical tools for research (epidemiology,
      methodology, bibliographic search, evidencebased medicine, biostatistics) and
      management (strategic planning, management programs, health services research,
      quality improvement, health economics). Assessment methods included integrative
      exercises, a final evaluation, and a group research or management project.
      Results obtained over the 2006-2013 period were highly satisfactory. An intensive
      training program on research and management is a useful strategy for in-hospital
      capacity-building of pediatric health care professionals in basic tools for
      research activities, critical reading of biomedical literature and rational
      management of pediatric health services.

PMID- 28097843
TI  - Colonization and infection in the newborn infant: Does chlorhexidine play a role
      in infection prevention?
AB  - Healthcare-associated infections are a major problem in newborn infants,
      considering their high morbidity, mortality, and long-term sequelae. In preterm
      infants, it has been shown that skin and gastrointestinal tract colonization
      undergoes variations compared to healthy term infants, and that preterm infants
      are more exposed to nosocomial microorganisms given their higher probability of
      being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit where they are cared for. This
      document reviews normal colonization, the changes observed during
      hospitalization, prematurity, and the potential role of chlorhexidine in the
      prevention of resistant microorganism transmission, as well as its side effects
      in newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

PMID- 28097844
TI  - [Angel-shaped phalango-epiphyseal dysplasia: case report].
AB  - We describe a rare and sporadic condition, characterized by swan neck deformity
      in hands, hip osteoarthritis in adulthood and malformations of the middle
      phalanges with an angel shape. The patient is a 4 year old boy who suffered hand
      trauma and on x-ray examination he was diagnosed with angel-shaped phalango
      epiphyseal dysplasia. Based on this diagnosis, his mother, who suffered from
      constant pain in her hips and lower limbs, was diagnosed with this syndrome as
      well.

PMID- 28097845
TI  - [Fatal case of rickettsiosis in a toddler from southeastern Mexico].
AB  - Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a
      bacteria transmitted by infected ticks. It is characterized by fever, exanthema,
      arthralgias and myalgias; but sometimes its clinical presentation is non
      specific. Due to its similarities with other exanthematic diseases like dengue or
      chikungunya, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is not a first line diagnosis, even
      though countries like Mexico show the ecologic and socioeconomic characteristics
      that favor its transmission, with a 30% mortality rate among pediatric patients.
      This mortality rate has been associated to a delayed diagnosis and therapy, due
      to a poor knowledge among physicians regarding this disease; this favors the
      occurrence of atypical and fulminant cases. The objective of this work is to
      describe a fulminant case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, expecting that this
      disease could be later considered among the differential diagnosis which could
      directly impact its mortality rate.

PMID- 28097846
TI  - [Solitary and congenital juvenile xanthogranuloma: case report].
AB  - Juvenile xanthogranuloma is a bening pathology and it represents the most common
      form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. It is characterized by the presence of
      papules or firm nodules of a pinkish or yellow-brownish nature, which mainly
      compromise the skin and, exceptionally, other organs. It is a self-limited entity
      having a spontaneous regression during the first five years of life. We report
      the case of a one-month-old patient who presented a congenital tumor in the
      abdomen, whose histopathology showed the presence of multinucleated giant Touton
      cells, which are typical of this pathology. We emphasize the rare occurrence of
      this type of lesion and the importance of the multiple differential diagnosis to
      be taken into account due to the age of the patient and the characteristics of
      the lesion.

PMID- 28097847
TI  - [Nicolau syndrome induced by intramuscular injection of a hexavalent vaccine in a
      6-month-old girl].
AB  - Nicolau syndrome, also known as embolia cutis medicamentosa or livedo-like
      dermatitis, is a sudden tissue necrosis, a rare complication of intramuscular
      injection of some drugs. We report a case of a 6-month-old girl who received
      intramuscularly the third dose of hexavalent vaccine (DTaP- HVB-IPV/HIb), and
      immediately presented a livedoid lesion around the injection site, progressing to
      necrosis. We reinforce the importance of early diagnosis to perform a suitable
      treatment and clinical follow-up to avoid ischemic secondary complications.

PMID- 28097848
TI  - [Congenital pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis in a newborn].
AB  - Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis is a rare entity characterized by the
      proliferation of capillaries into alveolar walls, interlobular septa, pleura and
      pulmonary interstitium, without malignant characteristics, with almost constant
      association with pulmonary hypertension. Until now two cases of congenital
      presentation have been reported in the literature. This is the third case in a
      newborn; he has not followed the usual pattern associated with pulmonary
      hypertension as occurs in most patients with this pathology; the highest
      incidence is among 20-40 years old. We report a preterm newborn patient of 36
      weeks of gestation with progressive respiratory distress requiring mechanical
      ventilation by constant desaturation during his clinical evolution without
      clinical, radiological or ultrasonographic signs of pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 28097849
TI  - [Case report: intestinal perforation by foreign body].
AB  - Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies in childhood is a common event that rarely
      requires interventional management and presents very few complications involving
      surgical treatment. We present a clinical case of a 10 month old infant, without
      abdominal manifestations, in whom it was incidentally found a foreign radiopaque
      body of 7 cm in length in the abdomen, compatible with a screw. It was not
      possible to extract it by endoscopy. Therefore, it was necessary to perform
      surgery and a perforation of the second and third portion of the duodenum was
      encountered.

PMID- 28097850
TI  - [A regenerative anemia in infants: 2 cases of Pearson's syndrome].
AB  - Anemia is very common in infants. Although its causes are usually not severe and
      treatable, proper etiologic diagnosis should be established. When anemia is non
      regenerative, it can be caused by aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, bone
      marrow infiltration or hematopoietic factors deficiencies. Another possible cause
      is Pearson's syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease that causes non-regenerative
      anemia associated with other cytopenias, pancreatic insufficiency, lactic
      acidosis and great variability in clinical presentation conditioned by
      heteroplasmy. It is characteristic to find in bone marrow studies variable
      vacuolization in erythroblastic progenitors and ring sideroblasts. The diagnosis
      is established by genetic study of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid performed
      by Southern blot analysis (complete mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid
      amplification by polymerase chain reaction -long), obtaining 70-80% deletion of
      4977 bp (NMD 8343-13459). There is no curative therapy and support treatment is
      the only available nowadays. Death is frequent in early years of life.

PMID- 28097851
TI  - [Bednar's aphthae in newborn].
AB  - The description of the Bednar's ulcer is uncommon in the current literature. It
      has been associated with the traumatic effect of the bottle's nipple and/or no
      orthodontic soothers while breastfeeding. We present a newborn of 20 days of life
      attended at the emergency room for irritability, with the only finding on
      physical examination of two oral ulcers. We describe the clinical presentation,
      evolution and treatment. The normality of the diagnostic test, clinical
      characteristics and evolution lead to the diagnosis of Bednar's ulcer.

PMID- 28097852
TI  - Laryngotracheal edema due to thermal injury: A complication after thyroidectomy
      in children.
AB  - Postoperative respiratory insufficiency is a serious complication of total
      thyroidectomies which can be multifactorial, especially in children. We report
      two siblings who had undergone thyroidectomy with subsequent respiratory
      distress. Electrothermal bipolar and harmonic scalpel were used during thyroid
      dissections. Both patients had early postoperative respiratory problems. The
      older one suffered from mild respiratory distress for 24 hours and then he
      spontaneously recovered. The younger one was extubated but then she had serious
      stridor accompanied with abdominal and intercostal retractions. She was re
      intubated and admitted to ICU for mechanical ventilatory support, where she
      stayed for 14 days due to multiple failed extubation attempts. The symptoms were
      more severe in the younger child probably due to softer tracheal wall and weaker
      tracheal cartilages. We should keep in mind the probable postoperative
      respiratory complications due to thermal injury or inappropriate surgical
      technique after thyroid surgeries.

PMID- 28097853
TI  - [Clinical and molecular study in a family with autosomal dominant hypohidrotic
      ectodermal dysplasia].
AB  - Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare disease characterized by
      deficiency in development of structure derived from the ectoderm and is caused by
      mutations in the genes EDA, EDAR, or EDARADD. Phenotypes caused by mutations in
      these three may exhibit similar clinical features, explained by a common
      signaling pathway. Mutations in EDA gene cause X linked HED, which is the most
      common form. Mutations in EDAR and EDARADD genes cause autosomal dominant and
      recessive form of HED. The most striking clinical findings in HED are hypodontia,
      hypotrichosis and hypohidrosis that can lead to episodes of hyperthermia. We
      report on clinical findings in a child with HED with autosomal dominant
      inheritance pattern with a heterozygous mutation c.1072C>T (p.Arg358X) in the
      EDAR gene. A review of the literature with regard to other cases presenting the
      same mutation has been carried out and discussed.

PMID- 28097854
TI  - [Citrullinemia type I with recurrent liver failure in a child].
AB  - Citrullinemia type I is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutation of the
      gene expressing ASS1 argininosuccinate synthetase, limiting enzyme of the urea
      cycle. The classic variants are associated with neonatal/infantile forms that
      cause hyperammonemia leading to death if treatment is not established. Initial
      symptoms of disorders of the urea cycle include neurological impairment with mild
      or moderate liver damage. We report a case of recurrent liver failure in an
      infant diagnosed with type I citrullinemia without severe neurological
      involvement that was referred to our center for liver transplantation. Acute
      liver failure can be caused by a wide range of disorders in which inborn errors
      of metabolism are included. Appropriate treatment of disorders of the urea cycle
      and in particular citrullinemia I can avoid the need for a transplant.

PMID- 28097855
TI  - [Prolapsed ureterocele: a diagnosis to be considered for a vulvar mass in an
      infant: case report].
AB  - Ureterocele is a relatively common malformation of the urinary system in
      children; however, the ureterocele prolapse through the urethra is an extremely
      rare presentation. Urological nuclear magnetic resonance is the test of choice
      for definitive diagnosis. Initial treatment of a prolapsed ureterocele involves
      decompression of the mass. We report the case of a 7-month-old infant with
      duplication of the collecting system and right ectopic ureterocele appearing as a
      vulvar mass.

PMID- 28097856
TI  - [Transition experience of patients with neuromuscular disease].
AB  - Neuromuscular diseases are mostly genetic disorders, with chronic and progressive
      course. Affected people are at high risk of developing physical and emotional
      disabilities. In the last decades, the advance in technology and science has
      increased chronic pediatric patients survival rate, thus requiring an ongoing
      assistance in adult hospitals, making the transition a necessity and a challenge.
      This article reports the clinical practice designed between Hospital Garrahan and
      Hospital Ramos Mejia for the transition of 27 adolescents during 2015, setting
      achievements, findings and challenges resulting from this experience.

PMID- 28097857
TI  - [Massive poisoning with carbon monoxide: an update from a case].
AB  - Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent murderer" because it is a colorless and
      odorless gas. According to these characteristics, toxicity goes unnoticed which
      makes the diagnosis difficult. In most cases, the cold periods and group
      poisoning make suspect its presence because inappropriate heat both in home or
      public environments. Our goal is to inform about a mass carbon monoxide poisoning
      in a children's parties room using a combustion source installed, not for the
      purpose of heating, but as a supply of light (generator), emphasizing that it can
      occur in any time of the year.

PMID- 28097858
TI  - [The current status of patient safety in Argentina: Cross sectional study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient safety is a priority for healthcare organizations. For the
      PRONAP's 2013 final exam, the Quality & Patient Safety Subcommittee and the
      PRONAP managers designed a survey to be answered by pediatrician students
      nationwide. It was destined to evaluate attitudes, practices and safety
      conditions in which they worked. AIM: To assess the current state of practices in
      patient safety. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Setting and sample: PRONAP students (7,438
      pediatrician nationwide) who answered 2013 final exam. Instrument: Patient Safety
      Survey about pediatric inpatient (9 domains) and outpatient (5 domains)
      practices, and population data. RESULTS: Patient Safety Survey: 6424 answered
      (86%). Population: age: 42% 30-40 years. Women: 80%. Residence in Pediatrics:
      83%. Patient safety training: 30%. geographical origin: all provinces and CABA.
      Inpatient practices: 15% answered their institution had Patient Safety Committee.
      74% of institutions did not have event reporting systems, 70% didn't have a
      patient's identification system. 32% answered that drug prescription should be
      done upon vademecum at their institution, and 27% had infection's control
      programs, 28% performed surgical checklist in operating room and 55% had a
      standardized patient hand-off. Outpatient practices: 62% said they had
      washbasins, 56% had soap available, and 63% alcohol gel. 70% answered children
      with a supposed infectious rash did not wait his turn separately. CONCLUSION:
      This study shows that most pediatricians in Argentine work without prioritizing
      patient safety, both in ambulatory and inpatient practice.

PMID- 28097859
TI  - [Proposal to update the anthropometric evaluation of the newborn].

PMID- 28097860
TI  - Emergency Endoscopic Consensus 2016. Executive summary

PMID- 28097861
TI  - Light-Driven Au-WO3@C Janus Micromotors for Rapid Photodegradation of Dye
      Pollutants.
AB  - A novel light-driven Au-WO3@C Janus micromotor based on colloidal carbon WO3
      nanoparticle composite spheres (WO3@C) prepared by one-step hydrothermal
      treatment is described. The Janus micromotors can move in aqueous media at a
      speed of 16 MUm/s under 40 mW/cm2 UV light due to diffusiophoretic effects. The
      propulsion of such Au-WO3@C Janus micromotors (diameter ~ 1.0 MUm) can be
      generated by UV light in pure water without any external chemical fuels and
      readily modulated by light intensity. After depositing a paramagnetic Ni layer
      between the Au layer and WO3, the motion direction of the micromotor can be
      precisely controlled by an external magnetic field. Such magnetic micromotors not
      only facilitate recycling of motors but also promise more possibility of
      practical applications in the future. Moreover, the Au-WO3@C Janus micromotors
      show high sensitivity toward extremely low concentrations of sodium-2,6
      dichloroindophenol (DCIP) and Rhodamine B (RhB). The moving speed of motors can
      be significantly accelerated to 26 and 29 MUm/s in 5 * 10-4 wt % DCIP and 5 * 10
      7 wt % RhB aqueous solutions, respectively, due to the enhanced diffusiophoretic
      effect, which results from the rapid photocatalytic degradation of DCIP and RhB
      by WO3. This photocatalytic acceleration of the Au-WO3@C Janus micromotors
      confirms the self-diffusiophoretic mechanism and opens an opportunity to tune the
      motility of the motors. This work also offers the light-driven micromotors a
      considerable potential for detection and rapid photodegradation of dye pollutants
      in water.

PMID- 28097862
TI  - Dynamic Self-Stiffening and Structural Evolutions of Polyacrylonitrile/Carbon
      Nanotube Nanocomposites.
AB  - The self-stiffening under external dynamic strain has been observed for some
      artificial materials, especially for nanocomposites. However, few systematic
      studies have been carried out on their structural evolutions, and the effect of
      the types of nanofillers was unclear. In this study, we used a semicrystalline
      polymer, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and various types of carbon nanomaterials
      including C60, carbon nanotube (CNT), and graphene oxide (GO). An external
      uniaxial dynamic strain at small amplitude of 0.2% was applied on the prepared
      nanocomposite films. It was observed that PAN/CNT exhibited significant self
      stiffening behavior, whereas PAN/GO showed no response. Systematic
      characterizations were performed to determine the structural evolutions of
      PAN/CNT film during dynamic strain testing, and it was found that the external
      dynamic strain not only induced the crystallization of PAN chains but also
      aligned CNT along the strain direction.

PMID- 28097863
TI  - Mitochondria Targeted Protein-Ruthenium Photosensitizer for Efficient
      Photodynamic Applications.
AB  - Organelle-targeted photosensitization represents a promising approach in
      photodynamic therapy where the design of the active photosensitizer (PS) is very
      crucial. In this work, we developed a macromolecular PS with multiple copies of
      mitochondria-targeting groups and ruthenium complexes that displays highest
      phototoxicity toward several cancerous cell lines. In particular, enhanced
      anticancer activity was demonstrated in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines, where
      significant impairment of proliferation and clonogenicity occurs. Finally,
      attractive two-photon absorbing properties further underlined the great
      significance of this PS for mitochondria targeted PDT applications in deep tissue
      cancer therapy.

PMID- 28097864
TI  - The Evidence of Giant Surface Flexoelectric Field in (111) Oriented BiFeO3 Thin
      Film.
AB  - In this work, the surface structure of a single-domain epitaxial BiFeO3 film with
      (111) orientation was investigated by in situ grazing incidence X-ray diffraction
      and X-ray reflectivity. We found that a large strain gradient exists in the
      surface region (2-3 nm) of the BiFeO3 film. The strain gradient is approximately
      107 m-1, which is 2 or 3 orders of magnitude larger than the value inside the
      film. Moreover, we found that a surface layer with a lower electron density
      compared with the underlying BiFeO3 layer exists on the surface of BiFeO3 film,
      and this layer exhibits an irreversible surface structure transition occurs at
      500 K, which should be associated with the surface flexoelectric field. We
      considered that this large strain gradient is originated from the surface
      depolarization field of ferroelectrics. Our results suggest a coupling between
      the surface structure and the flexoelectricity and imply that the surface layer
      and properties would be controlled by the strain gradient in ferroelectric films.

PMID- 28097865
TI  - Molecular Requirements of High-Fidelity Replication-Competent DNA Backbones for
      Orthogonal Chemical Ligation.
AB  - The molecular properties of the phosphodiester backbone that made it the
      evolutionary choice for the enzymatic replication of genetic information are not
      well understood. To address this, and to develop new chemical ligation strategies
      for assembly of biocompatible modified DNA, we have synthesized oligonucleotides
      containing several structurally and electronically varied artificial linkages.
      This has yielded a new highly promising ligation method based on amide backbone
      formation that is chemically orthogonal to CuAAC "click" ligation. A study of
      kinetics and fidelity of replication through these artificial linkages by primer
      extension, PCR, and deep sequencing reveals that a subtle interplay between
      backbone flexibility, steric factors, and ability to hydrogen bond to the
      polymerase modulates rapid and accurate information decoding. Even minor
      phosphorothioate modifications can impair the copying process, yet some radical
      triazole and amide DNA backbones perform surprisingly well, indicating that the
      phosphate group is not essential. These findings have implications in the field
      of synthetic biology.

PMID- 28097866
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution of the Illegal Food Colorant Rhodamine B in
      Rats.
AB  - The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) demonstrated rhodamine B
      as a potential carcinogen in 1978. Nevertheless, rhodamine B has been illegally
      used as a colorant in food in many countries. Few pharmacokinetic and
      toxicological investigations have been performed since the first pharmacokinetic
      study on rhodamine B in 1961. The aims of this study were to develop a simple and
      sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence
      detection for the quantitative detection of rhodamine B in the plasma and organs
      of rats and to estimate its pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. The results
      demonstrated that the oral bioavailabilities of rhodamine B were 28.3 and 9.8%
      for the low-dose and high-dose exposures, respectively. Furthermore, rhodamine B
      was highly accumulated in the liver and, to a lesser extent, the kidney, but was
      undetectable in the brain. These results provide useful information for improving
      the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of rhodamine B, supporting additional
      food safety evaluations.

PMID- 28097867
TI  - Selective Aza Diels-Alder and Domino [4+2]/[2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of
      Arynes with N-Sulfonyl Ketimines.
AB  - Transition-metal-free inverse electron-demand aza Diels-Alder and domino
      [4+2]/[2+2] cycloaddition reaction of arynes and N-sulfonyl ketimines has been
      demonstrated. This novel, mild, and efficient protocol allows rapid access to
      isothiazole dioxide-fused dihydroquinoline or dihydrocyclobutaquinoline
      derivatives selectively by simply varying the equivalents of aryne precursors.
      The application of this method has been amply illustrated in the synthesis of 2,4
      diarylquinolines.

PMID- 28097868
TI  - Development of Phenothiazine-Based Theranostic Compounds That Act Both as
      Inhibitors of beta-Amyloid Aggregation and as Imaging Probes for Amyloid Plaques
      in Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is imperative in enabling the
      understanding and clinical treatment of this disorder, as well as in preventing
      its progression. Imaging agents specifically targeting Abeta plaques in the brain
      and the retina may lead to the early diagnosis of AD. Among them, near-infrared
      fluorescent (NIRF) imaging has emerged as an attractive tool to noninvasively
      identify and monitor diseases during the preclinical and early stages. In the
      present study, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a series of new
      near-infrared fluorescent probes. Most of these probes displayed maximum emission
      in PBS (>650 nm), which falls in the good range for NIRF probes. Among them, 4a1
      showed the highest affinity toward Abeta aggregates (Kd = 7.5 nM) and an
      excellent targeting ability for Abeta plaques in slices of brain and retina
      tissue from double transgenic mice. These compounds are also found to effectively
      prevent Abeta fibril formation and disaggregate preformed Abeta fibrils, showing
      a promising potential as theranostic agents for the diagnosis and therapy of AD.

PMID- 28097869
TI  - Solvent-Free Processable and Photo-Patternable Hybrid Gate Dielectric for
      Flexible Top-Gate Organic Field-Effect Transistors.
AB  - We report a novel solvent-free and direct photopatternable
      poly[(mercaptopropyl)methyl-siloxane] (PMMS) hybrid dielectric for flexible top
      gate organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) utilizing a photoactivated thiol
      ene reaction under UV irradiation of 254 nm to induce cross-linking, even in air
      and at low temperatures. In particular, a solvent-free PMMS-f dielectric film,
      for which an optimal cross-linking density is shown by a well-organized molar
      ratio between thiol and vinyl in the thiol-ene reaction, exhibited a high
      dielectric constant (5.4 @ 100 Hz) and a low leakage current (<1 nA mm-2 @ 2 MV
      cm-1). The excellent dielectric characteristics of the solvent-free PMMS-hybrid
      dielectrics, along with their other unique characteristics of a direct
      photopatternability for which UV-nanoimprint lithography is used and a high
      surface energy of 45.6 mJ m-2, allowed the successful application of the
      dielectrics to flexible solvent-free top-gate OFETs with a high reliability
      against the radius of curvature (9.5, 7.0, and 5.5 mm) and repetitive bending
      cycles at the radius of curvature of 5.5 mm. This will eventually enable the
      proposed dielectric design to be used in a variety of applications such as
      flexible displays and soft organic sensors including chemical and tactile
      capability.

PMID- 28097870
TI  - Bicomponent Supramolecular Architectures at the Vacuum-Solid Interface.
AB  - This review aims at giving the readers the basic concepts needed to understand
      two-dimensional bimolecular organizations at the vacuum-solid interface. The
      first part describes and analyzes molecules-molecules and molecules-substrates
      interactions. The current limitations and needs in the understanding of these
      forces are also detailed. Then, a critical analysis of the past and recent
      advances in the field is presented by discussing most of the key papers
      describing bicomponents self-assembly on solid surface in an ultrahigh vacuum
      environment. These sections are organized by considering decreasing molecule
      molecule interaction strengths (i.e. starting from strong directional multiple H
      bonds up to weaker nondirectional bonds taking into account the increasing
      fundamental role played by the surface). Finally, we conclude with some research
      directions (predicting self-assembly, multi-components systems, and nonmetallic
      surfaces) and potential applications (porous networks and organic surfaces).

PMID- 28097871
TI  - Redox-Responsive Self-Assembly Micelles from Poly(N-acryloylmorpholine-block-2
      acryloyloxyethyl ferrocenecarboxylate) Amphiphilic Block Copolymers as Drug
      Release Carriers.
AB  - Novel well-defined redox-responsive ferrocene-containing amphiphilic block
      copolymers (PACMO-b-PAEFC) were synthesized by ATRP, with poly(N
      acryloylmorpholine) (PACMO) as hydrophilic blocks and poly(2-acryloyloxyethyl
      ferrocenecarboxylate) (PAEFC) as hydrophobic blocks. The copolymers were
      characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopies and gel permeation
      chromatography, and the crystalline behavior was determined by X-ray diffraction
      and small-angle X-ray scattering. The results showed that the size of the
      lamellar crystals and crystallinity vary with the systematic compositions while
      the periodic structure of the lamellar stacks has no obvious change. These block
      copolymers could self-assemble and form globular nanoscaled core-shell micellar
      aggregates in aqueous solution. The reductive ferrocene groups could be changed
      into hydrophilic ferrocenium via mild oxidation, whereas the polymer micelles at
      the oxidation state could reversibly recover from their original states upon
      reduction by vitamin C. The tunable redox response was investigated and verified
      by transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, cyclic
      voltammetry, and dynamic light scattering measurements. The copolymer micelles
      were used to entrap anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX), with high drug
      encapsulation efficiency of 61.4%, while the PTX-loaded drug formulation
      exhibited oxidation-controlled drug release, and the release rate could be
      mediated by the kinds and concentrations of oxidants. MTT assay was performed to
      disclose the biocompatibility and security of the copolymer micelles and to
      assess anticancer efficiency of the PTX-loaded nanomicelles. The developed
      copolymer nanomicelles with reversible redox response are anticipated to have
      potential in targeted drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.

PMID- 28097872
TI  - Dual-Responsive Bola-Type Supra-Amphiphile Constructed from Water-Soluble
      Pillar[5]arene and Naphthalimide-Containing Amphiphile for Intracellular Drug
      Delivery.
AB  - Supramolecular construction of multistimuli platform for drug delivery is a
      challenging task. In this work, a pH and GSH (glutathione) dual-responsive bola
      type supramolecular amphiphile was successfully fabricated by the complexation
      between a water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) and a bolaform naphthalimide guest
      (G) in water. The resulting bola-type amphiphile further self-assembled into
      supramolecular binary vesicles, which could be disassembled by low pH, a high-GSH
      concentration environment, or both. Furthermore, the results of drug loading and
      releasing tests showed that doxorubicin (DOX), the hydrophobic anticancer drug,
      could be successfully encapsulated into the Stern region of the obtained
      supramolecular vesicles and generated the DOX-loaded vesicles with good drug
      loading efficiency. Moreover, the obtained DOX-loaded vesicles displayed
      efficient and rapid DOX release at a simulated tumor microenvironment with low-pH
      or excess-GSH conditions or both. Significantly, cytotoxicity experiments
      revealed that the DOX-loaded supramolecular vesicles could obviously improve the
      anticancer efficiency of free DOX for tumor cells while remarkably reducing its
      side effects for normal cells. In vitro cellular uptake and subcellular
      localization assays further proved that these smart drug nanovehicles, entering
      cancer cells mainly via endocytosis, could cause excellent drug accumulation in
      cancer cells. The present study provides a successful example with which to
      rational design an effective bola-type stimuli-responsive supramolecular
      nanocarrier, which might have wide potential applications in the construction of
      various controlled drug-delivery systems.

PMID- 28097873
TI  - HPLC-fast scanning fluorimetric detection determination of risk exposure to
      polycyclic aromatics hydrocarbons biomarkers in human urine.
AB  - AIM: An HPLC method for the determination of 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-OHF), various
      hydroxyphenanthrene metabolites (1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene,
      OHPhs), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPy) and 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OHB[a]Py) in
      human urine, has been developed using fast scanning fluorimetric detection and
      gradient elution mode. MATERIALS & METHODS: All reagents were of analytical
      grade. Standard solutions were prepared separately, by exact weighing or dilution
      with ultrapure acetonitrile, and were stored at 4 oC in darkness. The standard
      addition method was used for the analysis of urine samples. RESULTS: In the
      optimized conditions, 2- and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1- and 9
      hydroxyphenanthrene metabolites eluted at the same retention time; however, all
      other hydroxy-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were well resolved. Multi-emission
      detection allows us to monitor each metabolite at its most sensitivity emission
      wavelength. Detection limits ranged between 0.9 and 4.26 ng ml-1. CONCLUSION:
      Fortified urine samples of nonexposure and nonsmoker volunteers, previous
      precipitation step with acetonitrile, were used to test the proposed method. The
      obtained results confirm the goodness of the method.

PMID- 28097875
TI  - miRNA profiling for the early detection and clinical monitoring of diabetic
      kidney disease.

PMID- 28097874
TI  - Through scaffold modification to 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles: new potent and
      selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B.
AB  - 3,5-Diaryl-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles were synthesized and evaluated as monoamine
      oxidase (MAO) enzyme inhibitors and iron chelators. All compounds exhibited
      selective inhibitory activity towards the B isoform of MAO in the nanomolar
      concentration range. The best performing compound was preliminarily evaluated for
      its ability to bind iron II and III cations, indicating that neither iron II nor
      iron III is coordinated. The best compounds racemic mixtures were separated and
      single enantiomers inhibitory activity evaluated. Furthermore, none of the
      synthesised compounds exhibited activity towards MAO A. Overall, these data
      support our hypothesis that 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles are promising
      scaffolds for the design of neuroprotective agents.

PMID- 28097876
TI  - The relationship of perfectionism with psychological symptoms in cancer patients
      and the contributing role of hyperarousability and coping.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Significant levels of anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms are
      found in cancer patients. Perfectionism, arousability and coping have been
      associated with these psychological symptoms in the general population but their
      role among cancer patients remains to be assessed. This study examined the
      longitudinal relationships between perfectionism and psychological symptoms
      (anxiety, depression, insomnia), and the intermediate role of the arousability
      trait and coping strategies. DESIGN: Participants (N = 853) completed the
      Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Coping with Health Injuries and
      Problems questionnaire and the Arousal Predisposition Scale at the perioperative
      period (T1), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Insomnia
      Severity Index two months later (T2). RESULTS: Higher levels of perfectionism
      (T1) were correlated with greater symptoms of anxiety, depression and insomnia
      (T2). Moderated mediation models indicated that arousability contributed to the
      association of perfectionism with all symptoms, with stronger associations found
      in men than in women. Coping was a significant pathway between perfectionism and
      anxiety, with associations of a comparable magnitude across sexes. CONCLUSION: If
      these results are replicated by future longitudinal studies, they would suggest
      that perfectionist cancer patients are at a higher risk of experiencing
      psychological symptoms, partly through their hyperarousability and the coping
      strategies they use.

PMID- 28097877
TI  - The epigenetics of testicular germ cell tumors: looking for novel disease
      biomarkers.
AB  - Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are a group of heterogeneous, biologically
      diverse and clinically challenging neoplasms. Despite the relatively low
      incidence and mortality rates, a subgroup of patients with disseminated disease
      relapse after conventional therapy and have a dismal prognosis. Moreover, TGCT
      afflict mostly young men and have therapeutic peculiarities, with some patients
      showing resistance to cisplatin-based treatments and others being troubled by
      irreversible side effects, such as infertility. Most TGCT share a common
      tumorigenic pathway and are cytogenetically similar, making room for Epigenetics
      to explain its heterogeneity at pathological and clinical level. In this review,
      we summarize the foremost epigenetic alterations among TGCT focusing on their
      clinical potential as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers.

PMID- 28097878
TI  - Focusing on frequent ASXL1 mutations in myeloid neoplasms, and considering rarer
      ASXL2 and ASXL3 mutations.

PMID- 28097879
TI  - Metabolomics biomarkers for tuberculosis diagnostics: current status and future
      objectives.
AB  - Numerous studies have contributed to our current understanding of the complex
      biology of pulmonary tuberculosis and subsequently provided solutions to its
      control or eradication. Metabolomics, a newcomer to the Omics research domain,
      has significantly contributed to this understanding by identifying biomarkers
      originating from the disease-associated metabolome adaptations of both the
      microbe and host. These biomarkers have shed light on previously unknown disease
      mechanisms, many of which have been implemented toward the development of
      improved diagnostic strategies. In this review, we will discuss the role that
      metabolomics has played in tuberculosis research to date, with a specific focus
      on new biomarker identification, and how these have contributed to improved
      disease characterization and diagnostics, and their potential clinical
      applications.

PMID- 28097880
TI  - Practical applications of matched series analysis: SAR transfer, binding mode
      suggestion and data point validation.
AB  - AIM: The assumption in scaffold hopping is that changing the scaffold does not
      change the binding mode and the same structure-activity relationships (SARs) are
      seen for substituents decorating each scaffold. Results/methodology: We present
      the use of matched series analysis, an extension of matched molecular pair
      analysis, to automate the analysis of a project's data and detect the presence or
      absence of comparable SAR between chemical series. CONCLUSION: The presence of
      SAR transfer can confirm the perceived binding mode overlay of different
      chemotypes or suggest new arrangements between scaffolds that may have gone
      unnoticed. The absence of series correlation can highlight the presence of
      inconsistent data points where assay values should be reconfirmed, or provide
      challenge to any project dogma.

PMID- 28097881
TI  - Evaluation of hemoglobin A1c measurement from filter paper using high-performance
      liquid chromatography and immunoturbidimetric assay.
AB  - Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement from whole blood (WB) samples is
      inconvenient for epidemic surveillance and self-monitoring of glycemic level. We
      evaluated HbA1c measurement from WB blotted on filter paper (FP), which can be
      easily transported to central laboratories, with high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) and immunoturbidimetric assay (ITA). WB was applied to
      Whatman filter paper. By using HPLC and WB samples as reference methods, these FP
      samples were evaluated on HPLC and ITA. Inter- and intra-assay variation, WB vs.
      FP agreement and sample stability at 20-25  degrees C and -70  degrees C were
      assessed by statistical analysis. Results showed that the coefficient of
      variation (CV, %) of FP samples for HPLC and ITA were 0.44-1.02% and 1.47-2.72%,
      respectively (intra-assay); 2.13-3.56% and 3.21-4.82%, respectively (inter
      assay). The correlation of WB HPLC with FP analyzed using HPLC and ITA are both
      significant (p < 0.001). Sample stability showed that FP method up to 5 days at
      20-25  degrees C and 5 weeks at -70  degrees C is accurate and reproducible. In
      conclusion, FP samples analyzed by HPLC and ITA can both provide an alternative
      to WB for HbA1c measurement, supporting the use of FP method in epidemic
      surveillance and healthcare units.

PMID- 28097882
TI  - Antidiabetic agents and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart diseases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This article reviews evidence of the benefits and risk of
      antidiabetic agents in cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, with a focus on medications
      approved by the FDA since 2008. STUDY SELECTION: Peer-reviewed articles were
      identified from MEDLINE and Current Content databases (both 1966 to 1 October
      2016) using the search terms insulin, metformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone,
      glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride, acarbose, miglitol, albiglutide, exenatide,
      liraglutide, lixisenatide, dulaglutide, pramlintide, meglitinide, alogliptin,
      linagliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin,
      empagliflozin, colesevalam, bromocriptine, mortality, myocardial infarction (MI),
      heart failure (HF), and stroke. Trials were included if they were randomized
      clinical trials evaluating adult patients (>=18 years) with type 2 diabetes; had
      a period of intervention and follow-up of >=12 months; and assessed CV outcomes
      (CV death, fatal/non-fatal MI or HF) as endpoints. Twenty-three randomized trials
      were included. Antidiabetic agents: Of agents approved prior to 2008, metformin
      has not been associated with measurable harm in patients with diabetes in terms
      of mortality and CV events (and has a trend of benefit). Controversial results
      existed with the use of sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) for CV
      outcomes. Among agents approved after 2008, liraglutide and empagliflozin have
      been shown to be superior to placebo in improving CV outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The
      FDA regulatory mandate to demonstrate CV safety in order to approve new diabetes
      drugs led to an increase in the number of CV outcome trials. However, these
      trials have placebo-controlled, non-inferiority designs aiming to show absence of
      CV toxicity. More studies are needed to address other questions, including
      comparative effectiveness, and longer-term risk versus benefits.

PMID- 28097883
TI  - Is angiotensin-(3-4) (Val-Tyr), the shortest angiotensin II-derived peptide,
      opening new vistas on the renin-angiotensin system?
AB  - Angiotensin-(3-4) (Ang-(3-4) or Val-Tyr) is the shorter angiotensin (Ang) II
      derived peptide, formed through successive hydrolysis that culminates with the
      release of Val-Tyr as a dipeptide. It is formed both in plasma and in kidney from
      Ang II and Ang III, and can be considered a component of the systemic and organ
      based renin-angiotensin system. It is potently antihypertensive in humans and
      rats, and its concerted actions on proximal tubule cells culminate in the
      inhibition of fluid reabsorption, hyperosmotic urinary excretion of Na+. At the
      renal cell signaling level, Ang-(3-4) counteracts Ang II-type 1 receptor-mediated
      responses by acting as an allosteric enhancer in Ang II-type 2 receptor
      populations that target adenosine triphosphate-dependent Ca2+ and Na+
      transporters through a cyclic adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase
      pathway.

PMID- 28097884
TI  - The pretreatment thrombocytosis may predict prognosis of patients with colorectal
      cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: Recently, several studies have reported that thrombocytosis may be
      associated with the poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless,
      their conclusions were still controversial. Results & methodology: We searched
      PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to April 2016. A total of
      30 studies including 9129 patients were included in this meta-analysis.
      Thrombocytosis had a close relationship with the poor overall survival of CRC
      compared with normal platelet counts, with the pooled hazard ratios being 1.89
      (95% CI: 1.45-2.47; p < 0.00001) and 1.83 (95% CI: 1.33-2.53; p = 0.0002), with
      univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: This
      meta-analysis indicated that thrombocytosis may be a cost-effective and
      noninvasive indicator for poor prognosis of patients with CRC, especially for
      overall survival.

PMID- 28097885
TI  - Transformative biomarkers for drug-induced liver injury: are we there yet?

PMID- 28097886
TI  - Reagent-free LC-MS/MS-based pharmacokinetic quantification of polyhistidine
      tagged therapeutic proteins.
AB  - AIM: Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography is widely employed for
      purifying polyhistidine-tagged recombinant proteins from cell lysates. The
      technique can be applied for quantification of therapeutic proteins in biological
      matrices by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: A protein reagent-free workflow was developed for
      quantifying polyhistidine-tagged proteins by LC-MS/MS. The workflow includes
      target protein enrichment by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography, on
      bead trypsin digestion and quantification of signature peptides by LC-MS/MS. It
      was applied to quantify a 6*His-tagged protein in a mouse pharmacokinetic study
      with assay sensitivity of 10.0 ng/ml and linearity up to 10,000 ng/ml.
      CONCLUSION: The protein reagent-free workflow developed herein can overcome
      reagent limitation and serve as a viable approach for quantifying polyhistidine
      tagged therapeutic proteins to support discovery pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic studies.

PMID- 28097887
TI  - Pseudokinases: update on their functions and evaluation as new drug targets.
AB  - The pseudokinase complement of the human kinase superfamily consists of
      approximately 60 signaling proteins, which lacks one or more of the amino acids
      typically required to correctly align ATP and metal ions, and phosphorylate
      protein substrates. Recent studies in the pseudokinase field have begun to expose
      the biological relevance of pseudokinases, which are now thought to perform a
      diverse range of physiological roles and are connected to a multitude of human
      diseases, including cancer. In this review, we discuss how and why members of the
      'pseudokinome' represent important new targets for drug discovery, and describe
      how knowledge of protein structure and function provides informative clues to
      help guide the rational chemical design or repurposing of inhibitors to target
      pseudokinases.

PMID- 28097888
TI  - Bioprocess enhancement of feather degradation using alkaliphilic microbial
      mixture.
AB  - 1. The main aim of this work is to develop a robust method to generate a
      microbial mixture which can successfully degrade poultry feathers to overcome
      environmental problems. 2. Four different alkaliphilic microbes were isolated and
      shown to degrade poultry feathers. 3. Two of the isolates were phylogenetically
      identified as Lysinibacillus and the others were identified as Nocardiopsis and
      Micrococcus. 4. The best microbial co-culture for white and black feather
      degradation was optimised for pH, temperature and relative population of the
      isolates to achieve almost 96% of degradation compared with a maximum of 31% when
      applying each isolate individually. 5. The maximum activity of keratinase was
      estimated to be 1.5 U/ml after 3 d for white feathers and 0.6 U/ml after 4 d for
      black feathers in a basal medium containing feather as the main carbon source.
      Additionally, non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed 4 and 3
      protease activity bands for white and black feather, respectively. 6. This study
      provides a robust method to develop potential new mixtures of microorganisms that
      are able to degrade both white and black feathers by applying a Central Composite
      Design.

PMID- 28097891
TI  - Incidental Hypercalcemia Caused by Primary Hyperparathyroidism with Rapid
      Progression to Renal Complications in a Child.

PMID- 28097889
TI  - Titanium cages versus autogenous iliac crest bone grafts in anterior cervical
      discectomy and fusion treatment of patients with cervical degenerative diseases:
      a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and partial meta-analysis is conducted to compare
      the efficacy and safety of anterior cervical decompression and fusion procedures
      employing either rectangular titanium cages or iliac crest autografts in patients
      suffering from cervical degenerative disc diseases. METHODS: Medline, PubMed,
      CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to June 2015, using the
      key words cervical discectomy; bone transplantation; titanium cages; and iliac
      crest autografts. Outcomes of interbody fusion rates were compared using odds
      ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Values of the Japanese
      Orthopaedic Association score, and visual analog scale before and after operation
      were also compared. RESULTS: The rate of interbody fusion was similar between
      patients in the iliac crest autograft and titanium cage groups (pooled OR = 0.33,
      95% CI = 0.07 to 1.66, P = .178). The overall analysis showed that patients in
      the two groups did not have significantly different post-surgery Japanese
      Orthopaedic Association score (pooled difference in means = -0.05, 95% CI = 0.73
      to 0.63, P = .876). Improvement in arm and neck pain scores were assessed with a
      visual analog scale and differed significantly between patients in the iliac
      crest autograft and titanium cage groups (pooled difference in means = 0.16, 95%
      CI = -0.44 to 0.76, P = .610; and pooled difference in means = -0.44, 95% CI = 
      2.23 to 1.36, P = .634, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the
      use of titanium cages constitutes a safe and efficient alternative to iliac crest
      bone autografts for anterior cervical discectomy with fusion.

PMID- 28097890
TI  - Novel 1-(2-pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazine derivatives as selective monoamine oxidase
      (MAO)-A inhibitors.
AB  - In the present study, a new series of 2-[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2
      oxoethyl 4-substituted piperazine-1-carbodithioate derivatives (2a-n) were
      synthesized and screened for their monoamine oxidase A and B inhibitory activity.
      The structures of compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods and some
      physicochemical properties of new compounds were predicted using Molinspiration
      and MolSoft programs. Compounds 2-[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl 4
      (4-nitrophenyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioate (2j) and 2-[4-(pyrimidin-2
      yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl 4-benzhydrylpiperazine-1-carbodithioate (2m)
      exhibited selective MAO-A inhibitory activity with IC50 = 23.10, 24.14 uM,
      respectively. Some of the biological results were found in accordance with the
      obtained in silico data based on Lipinski's fule of five.

PMID- 28097892
TI  - New avenues for targeted therapies and biomarkers in anaplastic large cell
      lymphoma.

PMID- 28097893
TI  - Probing the cholinergic system to understand neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 28097895
TI  - Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: limitations in current prophylactic
      strategies and directions for future research.

PMID- 28097894
TI  - High serum YKL-40 level positively correlates with coronary artery disease.
AB  - AIM: We investigated the predictive value of chitinase-like protein YKL-40 in
      coronary artery disease (CAD). PATIENTS: Serum YKL-40 levels in 116 CAD patients
      and 82 healthy controls were analyzed. Severity of CAD was evaluated using
      Gensini scores. Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate the correlation
      between Gensini scores and YKL-40 levels. The predictive value of YKL-40 was
      determined by receivers operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Serum
      YKL-40 levels were significantly elevated in CAD group as compared with control
      group. A positive correlation was found between the serum YKL-40 level and
      Gensini score. The optimum cut-off value of YKL-40 concentration was 127.7 ng/ml
      for distinguishing CAD patients from healthy controls with a 75.9% sensitivity
      and 57.3% specificity. CONCLUSION: A positive correlation exists between YKL-40
      levels and CAD, and YKL-40 might be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of CAD.

PMID- 28097896
TI  - A new nitrobenzoxadiazole-based GSTP1-1 inhibitor with a previously unheard of
      mechanism of action and high stability.
AB  - CONTEXT: The nitrobezoxadiazole derivative NBDHEX is a potent inhibitor of
      glutathione transferase P1-1 (GSTP1-1) endowed with outstanding anticancer
      activity in different tumor models. OBJECTIVE: To characterize by in vitro
      biochemical and in silico studies the NBDHEX analogues named MC2752 and MC2753.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Synthesis of MC2752 and MC2753, biochemical assays and in
      silico docking and normal-mode analyses. RESULTS: The presence of a hydrophobic
      moiety in the side chain of MC2753 confers unique features to this molecule.
      Unlike its parent drug NBDHEX, MC2753 does not require GSH to trigger the
      dissociation of the complex between GSTP1-1 and TRAF2, and displays high
      stability towards the nucleophilic attack of the tripeptide under physiological
      conditions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: MC2753 may represent a lead compound for
      the development of novel GSTP1-1 inhibitors not affected in their anticancer
      action by fluctuations of cellular GSH levels, and characterized by an increased
      half-life in vivo.

PMID- 28097898
TI  - Two approaches to the use of benzo[c][1,2]oxaboroles as active fragments for
      synthetic transformation of clarithromycin.
AB  - Clarithromycin (active against Gram positive infections) and 1-hydroxy-1,3
      dihydrobenzo[c][1,2]oxaborole derivatives (effective for Gram negative microbes)
      are the ligands of bacterial RNA. The antimicrobial activities of these
      benzoxaboroles linked with clarithromycin at 9 or 4" position were compared. Two
      synthetic pathways for these conjugates were elaborated. First pathway explored
      the substitution of the C-9 carbonyl group of macrolactone's cycle via oxime
      linker, the second direction used the modification of the 4"-O-group of cladinose
      via the formation of carbamates of benzoxaboroles. 4"-O-(3-S-(1-Hydroxy-1,3
      dihydro-benzo[c][1,2]oxaborole)-methyl-carbamoyl-clarithromycin showed twofold
      decrease in MICs for S. epidermidis and S. pneumoniae than clarithromycin. 4"-O
      Modified clarithromycin demonstrated an efficacy against Gram positive strains
      only. Compounds with C-9 substitution were more active than 4"-O-substituted
      antibiotics for susceptible strains E. coli tolC and did not exceed the activity
      of initial antibiotics.

PMID- 28097897
TI  - Carbonic anhydrase inhibitory properties of some uracil derivatives.
AB  - Inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase (CA) have been carried out in many therapeutic
      applications, especially antiglaucoma activity. In this study, we investigated
      some uracil derivatives (4-12) to inhibit human CA I (hCA I) and II (hCA II)
      isoenzymes. The KI values of the compounds 4-12 are in the range of 0.085-428 uM
      for hCA I and of 0.1715-645 uM against hCA II, respectively. It is concluded from
      the kinetic investigations, all compounds used in the study act as competitive
      inhibitors with substrate, 4-NPA. Uracil derivatives are emerging agents for the
      inhibiton of carbonic anhydrase which could be used in biomedicine.

PMID- 28097899
TI  - The need for narrative reflection and experiential learning in medical education:
      A lesson learned through an urban indigenous health elective.
AB  - In this personal view article, I discuss a formative experience I had during an
      Urban Indigenous Health elective in which I participated while in my final year
      of medical school. The elective was developed on the foundation of an
      experiential learning model, which is central to Indigenous pedagogy and
      emphasizes learning through experience and narrative reflection. By transforming
      medical education into a place where such concepts are integrated and valued, I
      argue that we will create physicians who are self-aware, compassionate and able
      to provide culturally safe care to all patient populations they will serve in
      their future practices.

PMID- 28097900
TI  - Structure-activity relationships of fraxamoside as an unusual xanthine oxidase
      inhibitor.
AB  - Fraxamoside, a macrocyclic secoiridoid glucoside featuring a hydroxytyrosol
      group, was recently identified as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI) comparable
      in potency in vitro to the standard antigout drug allopurinol. However, this
      activity and its considerably higher value than its derivatives oleuropein,
      oleoside 11-methyl ester, and hydroxytyrosol are not explained by structure
      activity relationships (SARs) of known XOIs. To exclude allosteric mechanisms, we
      first determined the inhibition kinetic of fraxamoside. The resulting competitive
      mechanism prompted a computational SAR characterization, combining molecular
      docking and dynamics, which fully explained the behavior of fraxamoside and its
      derivatives, attributed the higher activity of the former to conformational
      properties of its macrocycle, and showed a substantial contribution of the
      glycosidic moiety to binding, in striking contrast with glycoside derivatives of
      most other XOIs. Overall, fraxamoside emerged as a lead compound for a new class
      of XOIs potentially characterized by reduced interference with purine metabolism.

PMID- 28097902
TI  - Mistreatment of medical students in the third year may not be the problem.
AB  - Mistreatment and abuse of medical students has been recognized as a significant
      problem in medical schools. We believe, however, that the problem of mistreatment
      has been viewed incorrectly. This misperception of mistreatment exists in two
      primary ways. First, mistreatment has tended to be viewed as a "diagnosis" of
      unprofessionalism of the perpetrator when it may be more appropriately viewed as
      a symptom with a range of possible underlying causes. The second misconception
      that appears to be prevalent is the belief that the link between mistreatment and
      student well-being, distress, and falling empathy is clear. It is not. We present
      (1) evidence that other factors in the clinical learning environment may be
      having a greater negative impact on student mental health and well-being and (2)
      recommendations for changes that may produce enhancement to medical student
      mental health in the clerkship year.

PMID- 28097903
TI  - Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever with anakinra in patients unresponsive
      to colchicine.

PMID- 28097901
TI  - Skin whitening agents: medicinal chemistry perspective of tyrosinase inhibitors.
AB  - Melanogenesis is a process to synthesize melanin, which is a primary responsible
      for the pigmentation of human skin, eye and hair. Although numerous enzymatic
      catalyzed and chemical reactions are involved in melanogenesis process, the
      enzymes such as tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1) and TRP-2
      played a major role in melanin synthesis. Specifically, tyrosinase is a key
      enzyme, which catalyzes a rate-limiting step of the melanin synthesis, and the
      downregulation of tyrosinase is the most prominent approach for the development
      of melanogenesis inhibitors. Therefore, numerous inhibitors that target
      tyrosinase have been developed in recent years. The review focuses on the recent
      discovery of tyrosinase inhibitors that are directly involved in the inhibition
      of tyrosinase catalytic activity and functionality from all sources, including
      laboratory synthetic methods, natural products, virtual screening and structure
      based molecular docking studies.

PMID- 28097904
TI  - Estimated burden of cardiovascular disease and value-based price range for
      evolocumab in a high-risk, secondary-prevention population in the US payer
      context.
AB  - AIM: To estimate real-world cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden and value-based
      price range of evolocumab for a US-context, high-risk, secondary-prevention
      population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Burden of CVD was assessed using the UK-based
      Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) in order to capture complete CV burden
      including CV mortality. Patients on standard of care (SOC; high-intensity
      statins) in CPRD were selected based on eligibility criteria of FOURIER, a phase
      3 CV outcomes trial of evolocumab, and categorized into four cohorts: high-risk
      prevalent atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) cohort (n = 1448), acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS) (n = 602), ischemic stroke (IS) (n = 151), and heart failure (HF) (n = 291)
      incident cohorts. The value-based price range for evolocumab was assessed using a
      previously published economic model. The model incorporated CPRD CV event rates
      and considered CV event reduction rate ratios per 1 mmol/L reduction in low
      density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) from a meta-analysis of statin trials by
      the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists Collaboration (CTTC), i.e. CTTC relationship.
      RESULTS: Multiple-event rates of composite CV events (ACS, IS, or coronary
      revascularization) per 100 patient-years were 12.3 for the high-risk prevalent
      ASCVD cohort, and 25.7, 13.3, and 23.3, respectively, for incident ACS, IS, and
      HF cohorts. Approximately one-half (42%) of the high-risk ASCVD patients with a
      new CV event during follow-up had a subsequent CV event. Combining these real
      world event rates and the CTTC relationship in the economic model, the value
      based price range (credible interval) under a willingness-to-pay threshold of
      $150,000/quality-adjusted life-year gained for evolocumab was $11,990 ($9,341
      $14,833) to $16,856 ($12,903-$20,678) in ASCVD patients with baseline LDL-C
      levels >=70 mg/dL and >=100 mg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Real-world CVD
      burden is substantial. Using the observed CVD burden in CPRD and the CTTC
      relationship, the cost-effectiveness analysis showed that, accounting for
      uncertainties, the expected value-based price for evolocumab is higher than its
      current annual cost, as long as the payer discount off list price is greater than
      20%.

PMID- 28097905
TI  - Discovery of novel dual inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases EGFR and IGF-1R.
AB  - Novel 4-benzylamino benzo-anellated pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines have been synthesized
      with varied substitution patterns both at the molecular scaffold of the benzo
      anellated ring and at the 4-benzylamino residue. With a structural similarity to
      substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
      inhibitors, we characterized the inhibition of EGFR for our novel compounds. As
      receptor heterodimerization gained certain interest as mechanism of cancer cells
      to become resistant against novel protein kinase inhibitors, we additionally
      measured the inhibition of insulin-like growth factor receptor IGF-1R which is a
      prominent receptor for such heterodimerizations with EGFR. Structure-activity
      relationships are discussed for both kinase inhibitions depending on the varied
      substitution patterns. We discovered novel dual inhibitors of both receptor
      tyrosine kinases with interest for further studies to reduce inhibitor resistance
      developments in cancer treatment.

PMID- 28097906
TI  - Synthesis of new pyridothienopyrimidinone derivatives as Pim-1 inhibitors.
AB  - Four series of pyridothienopyrimidin-4-one derivatives were designed and prepared
      to improve the pim-1 inhibitory activity of the previously reported thieno[2,3
      b]pyridines. Significant improvement in the pim-1 inhibition and cytotoxic
      activity was achieved using structure rigidification strategy via ring closure.
      Six compounds (6c, 7a, 7c, 7d, 8b and 9) showed highly potent pim-1 inhibitory
      activity with IC50 of 4.62, 1.18, 1.38, 1.97, 8.83 and 4.18 MUM, respectively.
      Four other compounds (6b, 6d, 7b and 8a) showed moderate pim-1 inhibition. The
      most active compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activity on three cell
      lines [MCF7, HCT116 and PC3]. Compounds 7a [the 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2,3-dihydro
      derivative] and 7d [the 2-(2-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)-2,3-dihydro derivative]
      displayed the most potent cytotoxic effect on the three cell lines tested
      consistent with their highest estimated pim-1 IC50 values.

PMID- 28097907
TI  - The lignicolous fungus Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd (1920): a promising natural
      source of antiradical and AChE inhibitory agents.
AB  - This study aimed to determine antiradical (DPPH* and *OH) and
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities along with chemical composition
      of autochtonous fungal species Trametes versicolor (Serbia). A total of 38
      phenolic compounds with notable presence of phenolic acids were identified using
      HPLC/MS-MS. Its water extract exhibited the highest antiradical activity against
      *OH (3.21 MUg/mL), among the rest due to the presence of gallic, p-coumaric and
      caffeic acids. At the concentration of 100 MUg/mL, the same extract displayed a
      profound AChE inhibitory activity (60.53%) in liquid, compared to donepezil
      (89.05%), a drug in clinical practice used as positive control. The flavonoids
      baicalein and quercetin may be responsible compounds for the AChE inhibitory
      activity observed. These findings have demonstrated considerable potential of T.
      versicolor water extract as a natural source of antioxidant(s) and/or AChE
      inhibitor(s) to be eventually used as drug-like compounds or food supplements in
      the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 28097908
TI  - Common and specific genes and peripheral biomarkers in children and adults with
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Elucidating the biological mechanisms involved in attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been challenging. Relatively unexplored
      is the fact that these mechanisms can differ with age. METHODS: We present an
      overview on the major differences between children and adults with ADHD,
      describing several studies from genomics to metabolomics performed in ADHD
      children and in adults (cADHD and aADHD, respectively). A systematic search (up
      until February 2016) was conducted. RESULTS: From a PRISMA flow-chart, a total of
      350 and 91 genomics and metabolomics studies were found to be elligible for cADHD
      and aADHD, respectively. For children, associations were found for genes
      belonging to dopaminergic (SLC6A3, DRD4 and MAOA) and neurodevelopmental (LPHN3
      and DIRAS2) systems and OPRM1 (Yates corrected P = 0.016; OR = 2.27 95%CI: 1.15
      4.47). Studies of adults have implicated circadian rhythms genes, HTR2A, MAOB and
      a more generic neurodevelopmental/neurite outgrowth network (BCHE, SNAP25,
      BAIAP2, NOS1/NO, KCNIP4 and SPOCK3; Yates corrected P = 0.007; OR = 3.30 95%CI:
      1.33-8.29). In common among cADHD and aADHD, the most significant findings are
      for oxidative stress proteins (MAD, SOD, PON1, ARES, TOS, TAS and OSI), and, in
      the second level, DISC1, DBH, DDC, microRNA and adiponectin. CONCLUSIONS: Through
      a convergent functional genomics, this review contributes to clarification of
      which genetic/biological mechanisms differ with age. The effects of some genes do
      not change throughout the lifetime, whereas others are linked to age-specific
      stages. Additional research and further studies are needed to generate firmer
      conclusions that might someday be useful for predicting the remission and
      persistence of the disorder. Despite the limitations, some of these
      genes/proteins could be potential useful biomarkers to discriminate cADHD from
      aADHD.

PMID- 28097909
TI  - Administration of ketamine for unipolar and bipolar depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Clinical trials demonstrated that ketamine exhibits rapid
      antidepressant efficacy when administered in subanaesthetic dosages. We reviewed
      currently available literature investigating efficacy, response rates and safety
      profile. METHODS: Twelve studies investigating unipolar, seven on bipolar
      depression were included after search in medline, scopus and web of science.
      RESULTS: Randomized, placebo-controlled or open-label trials reported
      antidepressant response rates after 24 h on primary outcome measures at 61%. The
      average reduction of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was 10.9 points,
      Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) 15.7 points and Montgomery-Asberg Depression
      Rating Scale (MADRS) 20.8 points. Ketamine was always superior to placebo. Most
      common side effects were dizziness, blurred vision, restlessness, nausea/vomiting
      and headache, which were all reversible. Relapse rates ranged between 60% and
      92%. To provide best practice-based information to patients, a consent-form for
      application and modification in local language is included. CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine
      constitutes a novel, rapid and efficacious treatment option for patients
      suffering from treatment resistant depression and exhibits rapid and significant
      anti-suicidal effects. New administration routes might serve as alternative to
      intravenous regimes for potential usage in outpatient settings. However, long
      term side effects are not known and short duration of antidepressant response
      need ways to prolong ketamine's efficacy.

PMID- 28097910
TI  - Purification and biochemical characterization of a novel thermostable serine
      alkaline protease from Aeribacillus pallidus C10: a potential additive for
      detergents.
AB  - An extracellular thermostable alkaline serine protease enzyme from Aeribacillus
      pallidus C10 (GenBank No: KC333049), was purified 4.85 and 17. 32-fold with a
      yield of 26.9 and 19.56%, respectively, through DE52 anion exchange and Probond
      affinity chromatography. The molecular mass of the enzyme was determined through
      sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), with
      approximately 38.35 kDa. The enzyme exhibited optimum activity at pH 9 and at
      temperature 60  degrees C. It was determined that the enzyme had remained stable
      at the range of pH 7.0-10.0, and that it had preserved more than 80% of its
      activity at a broad temperature range (20-80  degrees C). The enzyme activity was
      found to retain more than 70% and 55% in the presence of organic solvents and
      commercial detergents, respectively. In addition, it was observed that the enzyme
      activity had increased in the presence of 5% SDS. KM and Vmax values were
      calculated as 0.197 mg/mL and 7.29 MUmol.mL-1.min-1, respectively.

PMID- 28097911
TI  - Design, synthesis and docking study of novel coumarin ligands as potential
      selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
AB  - New coumaryl-thiazole derivatives with the acetamide moiety as a linker between
      the alkyl chains and/or the heterocycle nucleus were synthesized and in vitro
      tested as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. 2-(diethylamino)-N-(4-(2-oxo-2H
      chromen-3-yl)thiazol-2-yl)acetamide (6c, IC50 value of 43 nM) was the best AChE
      inhibitor with a selectivity index of 4151.16 over BuChE. Kinetic study of AChE
      inhibition revealed that 6c was a mixed-type inhibitor. Moreover, the result of
      H4IIE hepatoma cell toxicity assay for 6c showed negligible cell death. Molecular
      docking studies were also carried out to clarify the inhibition mode of the more
      active compounds. Best pose of compound 6c is positioned into the active site
      with the coumarin ring wedged between the residues of the CAS and catalytic triad
      of AChE. In addition, the coumarin ring is anchored into the gorge of the enzyme
      by H-bond with Tyr130.

PMID- 28097912
TI  - Methanethiosulfonate derivatives as ligands of the STAT3-SH2 domain.
AB  - With the aim to discover new STAT3 direct inhibitors, potentially useful as
      anticancer agents, a set of methanethiosulfonate drug hybrids were synthesized.
      The in vitro tests showed that all the thiosulfonic compounds were able to
      strongly and selectively bind STAT3-SH2 domain, whereas the parent drugs were
      completely devoid of this ability. In addition, some of them showed a moderate
      antiproliferative activity on HCT-116 cancer cell line. These results suggest
      that methanethiosulfonate moiety can be considered a useful scaffold in the
      preparation of new direct STAT3 inhibitors. Interestingly, an unusual kind of
      organo-sulfur derivative, endowed with valuable antiproliferative activity, was
      occasionally isolated. [Formula: see text].

PMID- 28097913
TI  - Cost-consequence analysis of different active flowable hemostatic matrices in
      cardiac surgical procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent retrospective comparative effectiveness study found that use
      of the FLOSEAL Hemostatic Matrix in cardiac surgery was associated with
      significantly lower risks of complications, blood transfusions, surgical
      revisions, and shorter length of surgery than use of SURGIFLO Hemostatic Matrix.
      These outcome improvements in cardiac surgery procedures may translate to
      economic savings for hospitals and payers. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study
      was to estimate the cost-consequence of two flowable hemostatic matrices (FLOSEAL
      or SURGIFLO) in cardiac surgeries for US hospitals. METHODS: A cost-consequence
      model was constructed using clinical outcomes from a previously published
      retrospective comparative effectiveness study of FLOSEAL vs SURGIFLO in adult
      cardiac surgeries. The model accounted for the reported differences between these
      products in length of surgery, rates of major and minor complications, surgical
      revisions, and blood product transfusions. Costs were derived from Healthcare
      Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2012 database and
      converted to 2015 US dollars. Savings were modeled for a hospital performing 245
      cardiac surgeries annually, as identified as the average for hospitals in the NIS
      dataset. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were
      performed to test model robustness. RESULTS: The results suggest that if FLOSEAL
      is utilized in a hospital that performs 245 mixed cardiac surgery procedures
      annually, 11 major complications, 31 minor complications, nine surgical
      revisions, 79 blood product transfusions, and 260.3 h of cumulative operating
      time could be avoided. These improved outcomes correspond to a net annualized
      saving of $1,532,896. Cost savings remained consistent between $1.3m and $1.8m
      and between $911k and $2.4m, even after accounting for the uncertainty around
      clinical and cost inputs, in a one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Outcome differences associated with FLOSEAL vs
      SURGIFLO that were previously reported in a comparative effectiveness study may
      result in substantial cost savings for US hospitals.

PMID- 28097914
TI  - Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for the delivery of natural molecules with
      antimicrobial activity: production, characterisation and in vitro studies.
AB  - This study describes the preparation, characterisation and in vitro activity of
      nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) encapsulating natural molecules with
      antimicrobial activity, such as plumbagin, hydroquinon, eugenol, alpha-asarone
      and alpha-tocopherol. NLCs were prepared by melt and ultrasonication method,
      characterised by Cryo-TEM for morphology and SdFFF for dimensional distribution
      and active encapsulation yields. In vitro tests were conducted on bacteria, fungi
      and human cell cultures. In vitro tests demonstrated that plumbagin is strongly
      toxic towards F. oxysporum especially when active molecules are loaded on NLC.
      Plumbagin was completely non toxic on cyanobacterial model strain up to a
      threshold over which cell viability was completely lost. NLC loaded with active
      molecules showed a lower toxicity as compared to their free form on human
      cultured cells. Although further studies need to be performed, these systems can
      be potentially proposed to control phytopathogenic organisms.

PMID- 28097915
TI  - The relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion (I) /
      deletion (D) polymorphism, serum ACE activity and bone mineral density (BMD) in
      older Chinese.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, we set out to investigate the relationship between
      angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) I/D polymorphism, serum ACE activity and
      bone mineral density (BMD) in older Chinese. METHODS: A standardized, structured,
      face-to-face interview was performed to collect demographic information. BMD was
      measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). I/D genotypes of ACE were
      determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Serum ACE activity
      was determined photometrically by a commercially available kinetic kit. Multiple
      linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between ACE I/D
      polymorphism, serum ACE activity and BMD. RESULTS: A total of 1567 males and 1760
      females were selected for analyzing the relationship between ACE I/D polymorphism
      and BMD. There was no significant difference in spine BMD, total hip BMD and
      femur neck BMD among different ACE I/D genotypes both in males and females. A
      total of 1699 males and 1739 females were selected for analyzing the relationship
      between serum ACE activity and BMD. There was also no significant difference in
      spine BMD, total hip BMD and femur neck BMD among different serum ACE activity
      groups both in males and females. CONCLUSION: There was no relationship between
      ACE I/D polymorphism, serum ACE activity and BMD in older Chinese.

PMID- 28097916
TI  - Exploring the first Rimonabant analog-opioid peptide hybrid compound, as bivalent
      ligand for CB1 and opioid receptors.
AB  - Cannabinoid (CB) and opioid systems are both involved in analgesia, food intake,
      mood and behavior. Due to the co-localization of u-opioid (MOR) and CB1 receptors
      in various regions of the central nervous system (CNS) and their ability to form
      heterodimers, bivalent ligands targeting to both these systems may be good
      candidates to investigate the existence of possible cross-talking or synergistic
      effects, also at sub-effective doses. In this work, we selected from a small
      series of new Rimonabant analogs one CB1R reverse agonist to be conjugated to the
      opioid fragment Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH2. The bivalent compound (9) has been used
      for in vitro binding assays, for in vivo antinociception models and in vitro
      hypothalamic perfusion test, to evaluate the neurotransmitters release.

PMID- 28097917
TI  - Repeatability of whole-cornea measurements using an anterior segment imaging
      device based on OCT and Placido-disk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current advances in refractive surgery require high accuracy of
      corneal measurements. We aim to evaluate the repeatability of topographic
      measurements using an integrated Placido disk - OCT device. METHODS: Thirty right
      eyes of thirty healthy and young subjects were included. The topographic
      parameters of simulated keratometry, asphericity, minimum pachymetry, white-to
      white distance, spherical aberration and corneal elevation were studied. Three
      measurements were taken by the same observer using the Visante omni device. The
      coefficient of repeatability (CoR), coefficient of variation (CoV) and intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess the repeatability. The
      Bland-Altman graphical method was also applied. RESULTS: No significant
      differences between repeated measurements were found. The mean difference for
      simulated keratometry was between 0.01 and 0.02 D. For asphericity was -0.01 +/-
      0.02, and for minimum pachymetry, spherical aberration and WTW was equal or less
      than 0.02 mm. The mean differences for corneal elevation, in millimeters and
      diopters, were between 0.00 and 0.01. Overall, most topographic parameters had a
      CoV less than 0.4%, a CoR less than 0.3 and an ICC higher than 0.98. CONCLUSIONS:
      The Visante omni device provides good repeatability for topographical
      measurements of simulated keratometry, asphericity, pachymetry, spherical
      aberration and corneal elevation.

PMID- 28097918
TI  - The hearing benefit of cochlear implantation for individuals with unilateral
      hearing loss, but no tinnitus.
AB  - CONCLUSION: Cochlear implants improve the hearing abilities of individuals with
      unilateral hearing loss and no tinnitus. The benefit is no different from that
      seen in patients with unilateral hearing loss and incapacitating tinnitus.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hearing outcomes after cochlear implantation in
      individuals with unilateral hearing loss and no tinnitus and compare them to
      those obtained in a similar group who had incapacitating tinnitus. METHODS: Six
      cases who did not experience tinnitus before operation and 15 subjects with pre
      operative tinnitus were evaluated with a structured interview, a monosyllabic
      word test under difficult listening situations, a sound localization test, and an
      APHAB (abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit) questionnaire. RESULTS: All
      subjects used their cochlear implant more than 8 hours a day, 7 days a week. In
      'no tinnitus' patients, mean benefit of cochlear implantation was 19% for quiet
      speech, 15% for speech in noise (with the same signal-to-noise ratio in the
      implanted and non-implanted ear), and 16% for a more favourable signal-to-noise
      ratio at the implanted ear. Sound localization error improved by an average of 19
      degrees . The global score of APHAB improved by 16%. The benefits across all
      evaluations did not differ significantly between the 'no tinnitus' and 'tinnitus'
      groups.

PMID- 28097919
TI  - Performance of methods for estimating the effect of covariates on group
      membership probabilities in group-based trajectory models.
AB  - One purpose of a longitudinal study is to gain insight of how characteristics at
      earlier points in time can impact on subsequent outcomes. Typically, the outcome
      variable varies over time and the data for each individual can be used to form a
      discrete path of measurements, that is a trajectory. Group-based trajectory
      modelling methods seek to identify subgroups of individuals within a population
      with trajectories that are more similar to each other than to trajectories in
      distinct groups. An approach to modelling the influence of covariates measured at
      earlier time points in the group-based setting is to consider models wherein
      these covariates affect the group membership probabilities. Models in which prior
      covariates impact the trajectories directly are also possible but are not
      considered here. In the present study, we compared six different methods for
      estimating the effect of covariates on the group membership probabilities, which
      have different approaches to account for the uncertainty in the group membership
      assignment. We found that when investigating the effect of one or several
      covariates on a group-based trajectory model, the full likelihood approach
      minimized the bias in the estimate of the covariate effect. In this '1-step'
      approach, the estimation of the effect of covariates and the trajectory model are
      carried out simultaneously. Of the '3-step' approaches, where the effect of the
      covariates is assessed subsequent to the estimation of the group-based trajectory
      model, only Vermunt's improved 3 step resulted in bias estimates similar in size
      to the full likelihood approach. The remaining methods considered resulted in
      considerably higher bias in the covariate effect estimates and should not be
      used. In addition to the bias empirically demonstrated for the probability
      regression approach, we have shown analytically that it is biased in general.

PMID- 28097920
TI  - Extending the life-cycle of reverse osmosis membranes: A review.
AB  - The reverse osmosis (RO) technology for desalination and demineralization serves
      the global water crisis context, both technically and economically, and its
      market is growing. However, RO membranes have a limited life-cycle and are often
      disposed of in landfills. The impacts caused by the disposal of thousands of
      tonnes per annum of RO membranes have grown dramatically around the world. Waste
      prevention should have a high priority and take effect before the end-of-life
      phase of a product is reached. In this review, a summary is presented of the main
      advances in the performance of the RO technology and the membrane lifespan.
      Afterwards, this paper reviews the most important relevant literature and
      summarizes the key findings of the research on reusing and recycling the
      discarded modules for the purpose of extending the life-cycle of the RO
      membranes. In addtion, there are some recent researches that indicated recycling
      RO membranes for use by the microfiltration or ultrafiltration separation
      processes is a promising solution to the disposal problem. However, there are
      many gaps and differences in procedures and results. This article also discusses
      and brings to light key parameters involved and controversies about oxidative
      treatment of discarded RO membranes.

PMID- 28097921
TI  - How to care for a patient's eyes in critical care settings.
AB  - Rationale and key points Eye care is an important aspect of the nursing
      management of patients who are critically ill. All patients in acute care
      settings with absent or compromised eye defence mechanisms are at risk of eye
      complications and ocular surface disease. This article aims to assist nurses to
      care for the eyes of patients in critical care settings to enable early detection
      and routine management of ophthalmic issues, thereby avoiding visual compromise
      on patient discharge from critical care settings. " Corneal exposure is reported
      to occur in many patients who are critically ill. " Incomplete eyelid closure and
      lack of lubrication are the main mechanisms that underlie the development of
      corneal damage in patients who are critically ill. " Unconscious, sedated and/or
      paralysed patients and those with a reduced Glasgow Coma Scale score depend on
      healthcare professionals to maintain their ocular surface to prevent
      complications such as corneal abrasion, infection and ulceration, perforations
      and blindness. " Meticulous nursing care is required to prevent ophthalmic
      complications that can result from corneal exposure in this patient group.
      Regular, evidence-based eye care should be part of routine nursing practice for
      patients who are critically ill. Reflective activity 'How to' articles can help
      you update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article
      to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1. How this article
      might change your practice? 2. How you could use this resource to educate your
      colleagues in eye care of the unconscious patient?

PMID- 28097922
TI  - Cascade use indicators for selected biopolymers: Are we aiming for the right
      solutions in the design for recycling of bio-based polymers?
AB  - When surveying the trends and criteria for the design for recycling (DfR) of bio
      based polymers, priorities appear to lie in energy recovery at the end of the
      product life of durable products, such as bio-based thermosets. Non-durable
      products made of thermoplastic polymers exhibit good properties for material
      recycling. The latter commonly enjoy growing material recycling quotas in
      countries that enforce a landfill ban. Quantitative and qualitative indicators
      are needed for characterizing progress in the development towards more recycling
      friendly bio-based polymers. This would enable the deficits in recycling bio
      based plastics to be tracked and improved. The aim of this paper is to analyse
      the trends in the DfR of bio-based polymers and the constraints posed by the
      recycling infrastructure on plastic polymers from a systems perspective. This
      analysis produces recommendations on how life cycle assessment indicators can be
      introduced into the dialogue between designers and recyclers in order to promote
      DfR principles to enhance the cascading use of bio-based polymers within the
      bioeconomy, and to meet circular economy goals.

PMID- 28097923
TI  - Co-processing of olive bagasse with crude rapeseed oil via pyrolysis.
AB  - The co-pyrolysis of olive bagasse with crude rapeseed oil at different blend
      ratios was investigated at 500oC in a fixed bed reactor. The effect of olive
      bagasse to crude rapeseed oil ratio on the product distributions and properties
      of the pyrolysis products were comparatively investigated. The addition of crude
      rapeseed oil into olive bagasse in the co-pyrolysis led to formation of upgraded
      biofuels in terms of liquid yields and properties. While the pyrolysis of olive
      bagasse produced a liquid yield of 52.5 wt %, the highest liquid yield of 73.5 wt
      % was obtained from the co-pyrolysis of olive bagasse with crude rapeseed oil at
      a blend ratio of 1:4. The bio-oil derived from olive bagasse contained 5%
      naphtha, 10% heavy naphtha, 30% gas oil, and 55% heavy gas oil. In the case of
      bio-oil obtained from the co-pyrolysis of olive bagasse with crude rapeseed oil
      at a blend ratio of 1:4, the light naphtha, heavy naphtha, and light gas oil
      content increased. This is an indication of the improved characteristics of the
      bio-oil obtained from the co-processing. The heating value of bio-oil from the
      pyrolysis of olive bagasse alone was 34.6 MJ kg-1 and the heating values of bio
      oils obtained from the co-pyrolysis of olive bagasse with crude rapeseed oil
      ranged from 37.6 to 41.6 MJ kg-1. It was demonstrated that the co-processing of
      waste biomass with crude plant oil is a good alternative to improve bio-oil
      yields and properties.

PMID- 28097924
TI  - Enhancing the performance of electro-peroxone by incorporation of UV irradiation
      and BDD anodes.
AB  - In this work, the treatment of 4-nitrophenol (NP) in water by ozonation,
      electrolysis, electro-peroxone (EP), and photo-electro-peroxone (PEP) processes
      was investigated. PEP process is based on the combination of ozonation, UV
      irradiation, and electrolysis using a carbon felt cathode and a boron-doped
      diamond (BDD) anode. In this process, H2O2 is electrochemically generated from
      reduction of O2 in the ozone generator effluent at a carbon felt cathode. The in
      situ generated H2O2 is simultaneously decomposed by UV-photolysis and by reaction
      with O3 to form HO* radicals that can rapidly and non-selectively oxidize organic
      pollutants. The results showed that PEP is the most efficient process for a rapid
      NP degradation in water than the other individual and combined methods. In
      addition, PEP process was able to completely remove total organic carbon (TOC)
      from NP solution after consumption of 4.1 kWh/kg TOC removed. Hydroquinone, 1,2,4
      trihydroxybenzene, oxalic and maleic acids were identified as the main
      intermediates of NP degradation. The addition of iron to NP solution did not
      significantly affect the efficiency of PEP process. The results demonstrated that
      the incorporation of BDD anodes and UV light in PEP process can significantly
      enhance the kinetics and minimize energy requirements.

PMID- 28097925
TI  - Improving cancer imaging with magnetic nanoparticles: where are we now?

PMID- 28097926
TI  - A pilot study of a minimally supervised home exercise and walking program for
      people with Parkinson's disease in Jordan.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and cultural considerations of
      a minimally supervised, home-based exercise program in Jordan. METHODS:
      Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Thirty participants were
      randomly allocated to either an 8-week intervention group (n = 16), or a standard
      care group (n = 14). The intervention incorporated the home use of an exercise
      DVD, walking program and initial instructional sessions and weekly phone calls
      provided by a physiotherapist. Interviews were used to explore feasibility.
      Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS-III); balance and walking speed
      were assessed. RESULTS: The retention rate was 86.7% and mean adherence rate was
      77%. Personal and sociocultural barriers of adherence to the exercise program
      were identified. UPDRS-III at follow-up was lower in the intervention group.
      CONCLUSION: A home exercise program was feasible. Sociocultural barriers specific
      to Arabic culture may affect the uptake of such an intervention in Parkinson's
      disease in these countries.

PMID- 28097927
TI  - Assessment and comparison of three high-aluminum fly ash utilization scenarios in
      Inner Mongolia, China using an eco-efficiency indicator.
AB  - Utilization of fly ash is of great importance in China in the context of resource
      and environmental crises. Different fly ash utilization processes are proposed,
      and some have been practically applied. However, none of these fly ash
      utilization pathways has been evaluated comprehensively by integrating both
      environmental and economic perspectives. In this study, three high-aluminum fly
      ash utilization methods in Mongolia were assessed and compared based on the
      concept of eco-efficiency. The environmental assessment was conducted in
      accordance with life-cycle assessment principles, and a monetization-weighting
      approach was applied to obtain social willingness-to-pay as a reflection of
      environmental impact. The environmental assessment results revealed that the
      reuse of fly ash had significant advantage for saving primary resource, while
      solid waste, depletion of water, and global warming were the three highest
      environmental impacts from the life cycle perspective. The economic performance
      assessment showed positive net profits for fly ash utilization, but high value
      added products were not necessarily indicative of better economic performance due
      to the relatively high operation cost. Comparison of the eco-efficiency
      indicators (EEIs) implied that the process of scenario 1#, which produced mullite
      ceramic and active calcium silicate, was the most recommended out of the three
      scenarios on the present scale. This judgment was consistent with the evaluation
      of the resource utilization rate. The present study showed that the EEI could be
      used to compare different fly ash utilization processes in a comprehensive and
      objective manner, thus providing definitive and insightful suggestions for
      decision-making and technical improvement.

PMID- 28097928
TI  - Validity and reliability of a novel iPhone app for the measurement of barbell
      velocity and 1RM on the bench-press exercise.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to analyse the validity and reliability of a novel
      iPhone app (named: PowerLift) for the measurement of mean velocity on the bench
      press exercise. Additionally, the accuracy of the estimation of the 1-Repetition
      maximum (1RM) using the load-velocity relationship was tested. To do this, 10
      powerlifters (Mean (SD): age = 26.5 +/- 6.5 years; bench press 1RM . kg-1 = 1.34
      +/- 0.25) completed an incremental test on the bench-press exercise with 5
      different loads (75-100% 1RM), while the mean velocity of the barbell was
      registered using a linear transducer (LT) and Powerlift. Results showed a very
      high correlation between the LT and the app (r = 0.94, SEE = 0.028 m . s-1) for
      the measurement of mean velocity. Bland-Altman plots (R2 = 0.011) and intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.965) revealed a very high agreement between both
      devices. A systematic bias by which the app registered slightly higher values
      than the LT (P < 0.05; mean difference (SD) between instruments = 0.008 +/- 0.03
      m . s-1). Finally, actual and estimated 1RM using the app were highly correlated
      (r = 0.98, mean difference (SD) = 5.5 +/- 9.6 kg, P < 0.05). The app was found to
      be highly valid and reliable in comparison with a LT. These findings could have
      valuable practical applications for strength and conditioning coaches who wish to
      measure barbell velocity in the bench-press exercise.

PMID- 28097929
TI  - Improved survival of anchorage-dependent cells in core-shell hydrogel
      microcapsules via co-encapsulation with cell-friendly microspheres.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the effect of intracapsular environment on the
      survival of anchorage-dependent cells (ADCs) encapsulated in alginate
      microcapsules with three different core structures, i.e. liquid, semi-liquid and
      microsphere-encapsulating semi-liquid core, using NIH 3T3 fibroblasts as an ADC
      model. For the latter, we fabricated poly (E-caprolactone) microspheres and co
      encapsulated them with the cells, to establish cell-substrate interactions in the
      capsule. The fibroblast cells co-encapsulated with the microspheres exhibited
      higher survival and growth than those without. This study provides a "proof of
      concept" for employing microspheres as a cell-friendly surface to establish
      intracapsular cell-substrate interactions thus prolonging the survival of
      encapsulated therapeutic ADCs.

PMID- 28097930
TI  - Encapsulation of Sesbania grandiflora extract in polymeric micelles to enhance
      its solubility, stability, and antibacterial activity.
AB  - Clinical applications of Sesbania grandiflora bark extract (SGE) are limited
      because of its poor water solubility and stability. SGE was loaded in micelles of
      Pluronics. In vitro and in vivo antibacterial and toxicity tests were
      investigated using broth dilution and silkworm model. Aqueous solubility of SGE
      was improved by these micelles. Activity and toxicity of SGE loaded micelles were
      dependent on type and concentration of Pluronics. The micelles composed of 1:3
      SGE to Pluronic F68 (SGE-PF68-13) showed small size (24.95 +/- 0.34 nm), narrow
      PdI (<0.2), high entrapment efficiency (99.63 +/- 0.19%) and negative zeta
      potential (-41.53 +/- 0.15 mV). Stability of SGE in SGE-PF68-13 was 10 times
      higher than the unentrapped SGE. SGE-PF68-13 showed a dose dependent activity and
      significantly higher therapeutic effect than the unentrapped SGE. It is concluded
      that encapsulation of SGE in Pluronic micelles can enhance SGE solubility,
      stability, and antibacterial activity. SGE-PF68-13 is suitable for further study
      in mammalian animals.

PMID- 28097932
TI  - Sigrid G. Deeds, MPH, DrPH (1923-2011).

PMID- 28097933
TI  - Inflammatory myopathy in a patient with collagen VI mutations.

PMID- 28097931
TI  - Oil encapsulation in core-shell alginate capsules by inverse gelation. I:
      dripping methodology.
AB  - The production of capsules by inverse gelation consists of adding dropwise oil
      containing calcium dispersion into an alginate bath. A dripping technique to
      produce capsules from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions was proposed by Abang.
      However, little is known about the oil encapsulation using water-in-oil (W/O)
      emulsions. This work aims to develop a new method of W/O emulsions encapsulation
      by inverse gelation. The success of the W/O emulsion encapsulation is due to
      three factors: 1) use of an emulsion with moderate stability (50 min); 2)
      production of an emulsion with at least 90 g/L of CaCl2 and 3) addition of
      ethanol (20% v/v) into the alginate bath. Both wet and dry capsules were obtained
      with a spherical shape with diameters of 7 and 3.6 mm, respectively. All volume
      of oil was encapsulated and the oil loading in the wet and dry capsules was of 23
      and 68% v/v, respectively.

PMID- 28097934
TI  - Automatic and quantitative measurement of laryngeal video stroboscopic images.
AB  - The laryngeal video stroboscope is an important instrument for physicians to
      analyze abnormalities and diseases in the glottal area. Stroboscope has been
      widely used around the world. However, without quantized indices, physicians can
      only make subjective judgment on glottal images. We designed a new laser
      projection marking module and applied it onto the laryngeal video stroboscope to
      provide scale conversion reference parameters for glottal imaging and to convert
      the physiological parameters of glottis. Image processing technology was used to
      segment the important image regions of interest. Information of the glottis was
      quantified, and the vocal fold image segmentation system was completed to assist
      clinical diagnosis and increase accuracy. Regarding image processing, histogram
      equalization was used to enhance glottis image contrast. The center weighted
      median filters image noise while retaining the texture of the glottal image.
      Statistical threshold determination was used for automatic segmentation of a
      glottal image. As the glottis image contains saliva and light spots, which are
      classified as the noise of the image, noise was eliminated by erosion, expansion,
      disconnection, and closure techniques to highlight the vocal area. We also used
      image processing to automatically identify an image of vocal fold region in order
      to quantify information from the glottal image, such as glottal area, vocal fold
      perimeter, vocal fold length, glottal width, and vocal fold angle. The quantized
      glottis image database was created to assist physicians in diagnosing glottis
      diseases more objectively.

PMID- 28097935
TI  - Finite element simulations of the head-brain responses to the top impacts of a
      construction helmet: Effects of the neck and body mass.
AB  - Traumatic brain injuries are among the most common severely disabling injuries in
      the United States. Construction helmets are considered essential personal
      protective equipment for reducing traumatic brain injury risks at work sites. In
      this study, we proposed a practical finite element modeling approach that would
      be suitable for engineers to optimize construction helmet design. The finite
      element model includes all essential anatomical structures of a human head (i.e.
      skin, scalp, skull, cerebrospinal fluid, brain, medulla, spinal cord, cervical
      vertebrae, and discs) and all major engineering components of a construction
      helmet (i.e. shell and suspension system). The head finite element model has been
      calibrated using the experimental data in the literature. It is technically
      difficult to precisely account for the effects of the neck and body mass on the
      dynamic responses, because the finite element model does not include the entire
      human body. An approximation approach has been developed to account for the
      effects of the neck and body mass on the dynamic responses of the head-brain.
      Using the proposed model, we have calculated the responses of the head-brain
      during a top impact when wearing a construction helmet. The proposed modeling
      approach would provide a tool to improve the helmet design on a biomechanical
      basis.

PMID- 28097936
TI  - Experimental study on tissue phantoms to understand the effect of injury and
      suturing on human skin mechanical properties.
AB  - Skin injuries are the most common type of injuries occurring in day-to-day life.
      A skin injury usually manifests itself in the form of a wound or a cut. While a
      shallow wound may heal by itself within a short time, deep wounds require
      surgical interventions such as suturing for timely healing. To date, suturing
      practices are based on a surgeon's experience and may vary widely from one
      situation to another. Understanding the mechanics of wound closure and suturing
      of the skin is crucial to improve clinical suturing practices and also to plan
      automated robotic surgeries. In the literature, phenomenological two-dimensional
      computational skin models have been developed to study the mechanics of wound
      closure. Additionally, the effect of skin pre-stress (due to the natural tension
      of the skin) on wound closure mechanics has been studied. However, in most of
      these analyses, idealistic two-dimensional skin geometries, materials and loads
      have been assumed, which are far from reality, and would clearly generate
      inaccurate quantitative results. In this work, for the first time, a biofidelic
      human skin tissue phantom was developed using a two-part silicone material. A
      wound was created on the phantom material and sutures were placed to close the
      wound. Uniaxial mechanical tests were carried out on the phantom specimens to
      study the effect of varying wound size, quantity, suture and pre-stress on the
      mechanical behavior of human skin. Also, the average mechanical behavior of the
      human skin surrogate was characterized using hyperelastic material models, in the
      presence of a wound and sutures. To date, such a robust experimental study on the
      effect of injury and sutures on human skin mechanics has not been attempted. The
      results of this novel investigation will provide important guidelines for
      surgical planning and validation of results from computational models in the
      future.

PMID- 28097937
TI  - An assembly-type master-slave catheter and guidewire driving system for vascular
      intervention.
AB  - Current vascular intervention inevitably exposes a large amount of X-ray to both
      an operator and a patient during the procedure. The purpose of this study is to
      propose a new catheter driving system which assists the operator in aspects of
      less X-ray exposure and convenient user interface. For this, an assembly-type 4
      degree-of-freedom master-slave system was designed and tested to verify the
      efficiency. First, current vascular intervention procedures are analyzed to
      develop a new robotic procedure that enables us to use conventional vascular
      intervention devices such as catheter and guidewire which are commercially
      available in the market. Some parts of the slave robot which contact the devices
      were designed to be easily assembled and dissembled from the main body of the
      slave robot for sterilization. A master robot is compactly designed to conduct
      insertion and rotational motion and is able to switch from the guidewire driving
      mode to the catheter driving mode or vice versa. A phantom resembling the human
      arteries was developed, and the master-slave robotic system is tested using the
      phantom. The contact force of the guidewire tip according to the shape of the
      arteries is measured and reflected to the user through the master robot during
      the phantom experiment. This system can drastically reduce radiation exposure by
      replacing human effort by a robotic system for high radiation exposure
      procedures. Also, benefits of the proposed robot system are low cost by employing
      currently available devices and easy human interface.

PMID- 28097941
TI  - Telemedicine support shortens length of stay after fast-track hip replacement.
AB  - Background and purpose - Telemedicine could allow patients to be discharged more
      quickly after surgery and contribute to improve fast-track procedures without
      compromising quality, patient safety, functionality, anxiety, or other patient
      perceived parameters. We investigated whether using telemedicine support (TMS)
      would permit hospital discharge after 1 day without loss of self-assessed quality
      of life, loss of functionality, increased anxiety, increased rates of re
      admission, or increased rates of complications after hip replacement. Patients
      and methods - We performed a randomized controlled trial involving 72 Danish
      patients in 1 region who were referred for elective fast-track total hip
      replacement between August 2009 and March 2011 (654 were screened for
      eligibility). Half of the patients received a telemedicine solution connected to
      their TV. The patients were followed until 1 year after surgery. Results - Length
      of stay was reduced from 2.1 days (95% CI: 2.0-2.3) to 1.1 day (CI: 0.9-1.4; p <
      0.001) with the TMS intervention. Health-related quality of life increased in
      both groups, but there were no statistically significant differences between
      groups. There were also no statistically significant differences between groups
      regarding timed up-and-go test and Oxford hip score at 3-month follow-up. At 12
      month follow-up, the rates of complications and re-admissions were similar
      between the groups, but the number of postoperative hospital contacts was lower
      in the TMS group. Interpretation - Length of postoperative stay was shortened in
      patients with the TMS solution, without compromising patient-perceived or
      clinical parameters in patients undergoing elective fast-track surgery. These
      results indicate that telemedicine can be of value in fast-track treatment of
      patients undergoing total hip replacement.

PMID- 28097942
TI  - CD25 as an adverse prognostic factor in elderly patients with acute myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: CD25 has been reported to be highly expressed in leukemia stem cells
      and correlated with adverse outcomes in young patients with acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML). However, the significance of CD25 expression in elderly patients
      with AML has not yet been investigated. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 154
      newly diagnosed AML patients aged 60 years or over by flow cytometry. RESULTS:
      CD25-positive AML was characterized by high white blood cell counts, secondary
      AML, rare favorable karyotypes, and positivity for CD34 and CD7 antigens,
      compared with CD25-negative AML. CD25 positivity was significantly correlated
      with an inferior complete remission (CR), event-free survival (EFS), and overall
      survival. Multivariate analysis showed CD25 positivity to be a significant
      prognostic predictor of CR and EFS. A regimen of low-dose cytarabine and
      aclarubicin combined with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (CAG) led to
      higher CR rates in the CD25-positive AML patients than intensive chemotherapies.
      CD25 expression was increased at relapse and in the development of leukemic
      status from myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloproliferative neoplasm. DISCUSSION:
      An effective treatment strategy for elderly patients with CD25-positive AML has
      not been established. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of a CAG
      regimen and allogenic stem cell transplantation in patients. CONCLUSION: CD25 is
      an independent prognostic factor in elderly AML patients. Alternative therapies
      for CD25-positive elderly AML patients are needed.

PMID- 28097944
TI  - 2011 Index of Reviewers.

PMID- 28097946
TI  - Author Instructions.

PMID- 28097947
TI  - Evaluating waste printed circuit boards recycling: Opportunities and challenges,
      a mini review.
AB  - Rapid generation of waste printed circuit boards has become a very serious issue
      worldwide. Numerous techniques have been developed in the last decade to resolve
      the pollution from waste printed circuit boards, and also recover valuable metals
      from the waste printed circuit boards stream on a large-scale. However, these
      techniques have their own certain specific drawbacks that need to be rectified
      properly. In this review article, these recycling technologies are evaluated
      based on a strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis. Furthermore,
      it is warranted that, the substantial research is required to improve the current
      technologies for waste printed circuit boards recycling in the outlook of large
      scale applications.

PMID- 28097953
TI  - Comparison of Emission of Dioxins and Furans from Gasohol- and Ethanol-Powered
      Vehicles.
AB  - The exhaust emissions of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated
      dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were investigated in two spark-ignition light-duty
      vehicles, one gasohol-fueled and a flexible-fuel one fueled with hydrated
      ethanol. Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and 22% ethanol. The influence of fuel
      type and quality, lubricant oil type, and use of fuel additives on the formation
      of these compounds was tested using standardized U.S. Federal Test Procedure
      (FTP)-75 cycle tests. The sampling of the PCDD/Fs followed the recommendations of
      a modified U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 23 (
      http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/promgate/m-23.pdf ) and the analysis basically
      followed the U.S. EPA Method 8290 (
      http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/testmethods/sw846/pdfs/8290a.pdf ). Results showed
      that emission factors of PCDD/Fs for the gasohol vehicle varied from undetected
      to 0.068 pg international toxic equivalency (I-TEQ) km-1 (average of 0.0294 pg I
      TEQ km-1), whereas in the ethanol vehicle they varied from 0.004 to 0.157 pg (I
      TEQ) km-1 (average of 0.031 pg I-TEQ km-1). In the gasohol-powered vehicle, the
      use of fuel additive diminished the emission of Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD)
      significantly, whereas in the ethanol vehicle no significant associations were
      observed between the investigated variables and the emissions. [Box: see text].

PMID- 28097956
TI  - Biohydrogen production from used diapers: Evaluation of effect of temperature and
      substrate conditioning.
AB  - This research assessed the viability to use disposable diapers as a substrate for
      the production of biohydrogen, a valuable clean-energy source. The important
      content of cellulose of disposable diapers indicates that this waste could be an
      attractive substrate for biofuel production. Two incubation temperatures (35 
      degrees C and 55  degrees C) and three diaper conditioning methods (whole diapers
      with faeces, urine, and plastics, WD; diapers without plastic components, with
      urine and faeces, DWP; diapers with urine but without faeces and plastic, MSD)
      were tested in batch bioreactors. The bioreactors were operated in the solid
      substrate anaerobic hydrogenogenic fermentation with intermittent venting mode
      (SSAHF-IV). The batch reactors were loaded with the substrate at ca. 25% of total
      solids and 10% w/w inoculum. The average cumulative bioH2 production followed the
      order WD > MSD > DWP. The bio-H2 production using MSD was unexpectedly higher
      than DWP; the presence of plastics in the first was expected to be associated to
      lower degradability and H2 yield. BioH2 production at 55  degrees C was superior
      to that of 35  degrees C, probably owing to a more rapid microbial metabolism in
      the thermophilic regime. The results of this work showed low yields in the
      production of H2 at both temperatures compared with those reported in the
      literature for municipal and agricultural organic waste. The studied process
      could improve the ability to dispose of this residue with H2 generation as the
      value-added product. Research is ongoing to increase the yield of biohydrogen
      production from waste disposable diapers.

PMID- 28097958
TI  - Message from the Technical Editor-in-Chief.

PMID- 28097957
TI  - If medical education was a discipline, she would have five core competencies.
AB  - To date, many medical schools define medical educators by who they teach rather
      than the quality of their engagement with learners. In addition, evidence
      suggests that a traditional terminal degree may not satisfy the developmental
      needs of educators engaged in competency based medical education. Perhaps,
      medical educators require additional competencies. This personal view introduces
      five competencies that enliven the way in which medical educators engage in
      career paths, recruitment, performance assessment, compensation, and professional
      development.

PMID- 28097959
TI  - 2012 Reviewers.

PMID- 28097960
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28097961
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28097975
TI  - UK may face shortfall of 36,000 nurses by 2030.
AB  - The UK faces a potential shortage of more than 36,000 nurses by 2030, a new study
      has shown.

PMID- 28097974
TI  - Abstracts From the 2016 Annual Meeting.

PMID- 28097976
TI  - Staying enthusiastic after years in nursing.
AB  - Nursing teams are usually made up of a broad range of knowledge, skills and
      cultures. Experience only comes with time, and though we are becoming more aware
      of the need to respect diversity, ongoing misconceptions surrounding ageing can
      make working as a mature nurse challenging.

PMID- 28097977
TI  - Police investigate saline tampering.
AB  - A police investigation is under way at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS
      Trust after staff noticed a small number of saline bags appeared to have been
      tampered with in the Cumberland Infirmary.

PMID- 28097979
TI  - 'This diagnosis can be extremely scary'.
AB  - Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare genetic disorder that occurs in an
      estimated one in 35,000 people. The condition is often life-limiting and involves
      tumours growing on the nervous system, typically on the hearing nerves, brain and
      spine. While the tumours are mainly benign, they can lead to hearing loss,
      deafness and problems with balance and mobility. Most patients will need surgery
      or other treatments for NF2-related brain or spinal cord tumours at some point in
      their lives.

PMID- 28097981
TI  - Winter crisis increases need to speak up about poor care.
AB  - Nurses need to raise concerns and speak up now more than ever, the nurse who
      exposed appalling treatment of patients at Stafford Hospital has urged.

PMID- 28097980
TI  - Student life - How to ace an exam.
AB  - As a nursing student, you can expect to sit exams in anything from anatomy and
      physiology to numeracy and medicine management, and it's important not to let
      nerves get the better of you.

PMID- 28097982
TI  - Diversion tactics won't fix a system at breaking point.
AB  - Winter is always a challenge for the NHS, with the bad weather arriving just as
      hospitals and community service providers are running out of money at the end of
      the financial year.

PMID- 28097983
TI  - TV documentary highlights the reality of working in the NHS.
AB  - A new TV documentary shows the reality of working for one of the busiest trusts
      in the NHS.

PMID- 28097984
TI  - Grow your own career.
AB  - I recently read an advertisement with the headline 'Goodbye job, hello career'.
      Although it was for an accountancy course, the same message could easily apply to
      nursing.

PMID- 28097985
TI  - Cognitive therapy effective early treatment for children with PTSD.
AB  - Cognitive therapy can be an effective treatment for children and adolescents with
      post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new study results suggest.

PMID- 28097986
TI  - Enjoyment of life in older age associated with living longer.
AB  - Sustained enjoyment of life over several years in older age is associated with
      lower mortality, and the longer a person reports enjoying life, the lower their
      risk of death, say researchers from University College London.

PMID- 28097988
TI  - White managers must tackle discrimination.
AB  - At the end of last year I received a letter informing me I was to be made a Dame
      for services to nursing and the Mary Seacole Statue Appeal in the new year's
      honours list. It came as a great shock to me.

PMID- 28097989
TI  - About Me (autism passport).
AB  - This app can improve information sharing for children and young people with a
      diagnosis of autism, or those undergoing an autism assessment.

PMID- 28097987
TI  - NHS in crisis: health and care experts call for action.
AB  - Royal colleges, charities and even the head of NHS England have issued warnings
      to prime minister Theresa May about the state of the health service.

PMID- 28097991
TI  - Nursing: An Exquisite Obsession Clark June Nursing: An Exquisite Obsession 220pp
      L12.99 Quay Books 9781856425094 1856425096 [Formula: see text].
AB  - One of the publishing trends of recent years has been nursing memoirs.
      Heartwarming anecdotes of the nursing care provided for eccentric patients are
      generally combined with attacks on supposed developments in nurse education after
      about 1975, and the whole account is bathed in the light of a golden age that has
      passed. This memoir emphatically rejects such nostalgia.

PMID- 28097990
TI  - Lowering body temperature improves outcomes in adults with traumatic brain
      injury.
AB  - Lowering the body temperature of adults who experience a traumatic brain injury
      can significantly improve chances of survival, new study results suggest.

PMID- 28097992
TI  - Blood test could predict risk of heart attack and subsequent death.
AB  - A high-sensitivity blood test, known as a troponin test, could predict the risk
      of heart attack and death and patients' response to statins, say researchers from
      the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

PMID- 28097993
TI  - Exploring how mindfulness and self-compassion can enhance compassionate care.
AB  - Research suggests that the development of mindfulness and self-compassion may
      help to improve the well-being and resilience of professionals and students in
      the healthcare setting. This is reflected in the growth of mindfulness training
      for these individuals. Mindfulness is an important aspect of self-compassion, and
      healthcare professionals should be aware of the need to care for themselves when
      caring for others. This article explores the concepts of mindfulness and self
      compassion and their relationship with, and ability to enhance, compassionate
      care.

PMID- 28097994
TI  - Pressure rises in care home sector.
AB  - There are more beds in nursing and care homes than in NHS hospitals, yet it is
      only when things go wrong that the importance of the care sector is brought home
      to us.

PMID- 28097995
TI  - Gestational Diabetes: Your Survival Guide to Diabetes in Pregnancy Grant Paul
      Gestational Diabetes: Your Survival Guide to Diabetes in Pregnancy 128pp L9.99
      Sheldon Press 9781847094414 1847094414 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy complications, and this
      book is aimed at women who have developed the condition.

PMID- 28097996
TI  - Additional MRI scan can aid diagnosis of fetal abnormality.
AB  - Women whose mid-pregnancy ultrasound scans show a potential fetal abnormality
      should be given an additional MRI scan, say researchers from the University of
      Sheffield.

PMID- 28097998
TI  - Fast-track course halves three-year nursing degree.
AB  - A fast-track nursing degree course in north east England, aimed at addressing the
      UK's nurse shortage, will take on new students in March.

PMID- 28097997
TI  - The 4C framework for making reasonable adjustments for people with learning
      disabilities.
AB  - Background People with learning disabilities experience significant inequalities
      in accessing healthcare. Legal frameworks, such as the Equality Act 2010, are
      intended to reduce such disparities in care, and require organisations to make
      'reasonable adjustments' for people with disabilities, including learning
      disabilities. However, reasonable adjustments are often not clearly defined or
      adequately implemented in clinical practice. Aim To examine and synthesise the
      challenges in caring for people with learning disabilities to develop a framework
      for making reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities in
      hospital. This framework would assist ward staff in identifying and managing the
      challenges of delivering person-centred, safe and effective healthcare to people
      with learning disabilities in this setting. Method Fourth-generation evaluation,
      collaborative thematic analysis, reflection and a secondary analysis were used to
      develop a framework for making reasonable adjustments in the hospital setting.
      The authors attended ward manager and matron group meetings to collect their
      claims, concerns and issues, then conducted a collaborative thematic analysis
      with the group members to identify the main themes. Findings Four main themes
      were identified from the ward manager and matron group meetings: communication,
      choice-making, collaboration and coordination. These were used to develop the 4C
      framework for making reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities
      in hospital. Discussion The 4C framework has provided a basis for delivering
      person-centred care for people with learning disabilities. It has been used to
      inform training needs analyses, develop audit tools to review delivery of care
      that is adjusted appropriately to the individual patient; and to develop
      competencies for learning disability champions. The most significant benefit of
      the 4C framework has been in helping to evaluate and resolve practice-based
      scenarios. Conclusion Use of the 4C framework may enhance the care of people with
      learning disabilities in hospital, by enabling reasonable adjustments to be made
      in these settings.

PMID- 28097999
TI  - After 54 years in NHS, nursing assistant celebrates her 80th birthday at work.
AB  - One of the UK's oldest nursing assistants celebrated her 80th birthday with a
      party at work.

PMID- 28098001
TI  - Charity enlists nurses to tackle loneliness in older people.
AB  - An Age UK pilot programme involving nurses is helping to combat loneliness in
      older people, early findings show.

PMID- 28098000
TI  - The crisis we all saw coming.
AB  - The British Red Cross is absolutely right to talk about a humanitarian crisis in
      the NHS (news online, 6 January; see analysis page 12 ). This strong, emotive
      terminology is sadly accurate.

PMID- 28098002
TI  - 'At our lowest points Emma was always there to comfort us'.
AB  - Our daughter Annabelle was rushed to Evelina Children's Hospital in London. She
      was seriously ill with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare disease
      marked by a sudden, widespread attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal
      cord.

PMID- 28098003
TI  - Cervical cancer.
AB  - Essential facts In the UK in 2013 there were about 3,200 new cases of cervical
      cancer. It is the 12th most common cancer in UK women, resulting in 890 deaths in
      2014. Deaths in England are more common in women living in the most deprived
      areas.

PMID- 28098005
TI  - Department of Health backs overhaul of NMC's fitness to practise process.
AB  - The government has backed proposals to overhaul the Nursing and Midwifery
      Council's (NMC) 'outdated' legal framework, which could save more than L60
      million over the next decade.

PMID- 28098006
TI  - Emergency departments in crisis.

PMID- 28098007
TI  - New plan for mental health.
AB  - The prime minister's announcements about her plans for mental health care are
      great (news online, 9 January). Or they would be if I hadn't heard it before.

PMID- 28098009
TI  - Jamaica warns of nurse 'poaching'.
AB  - Health care in Jamaica is facing 'major and severe' consequences due to nursing
      staff leaving to work overseas, the country's health minister has warned.

PMID- 28098010
TI  - Safe staffing is more than a numbers game.
AB  - Nothing gives a worse impression to the public than a nurse sitting at a desk,
      tapping away, when he or she should be at the bedside with patients.

PMID- 28098011
TI  - An evaluation of the Florence Nightingale Foundation scholarships.
AB  - The Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) is a charity that awards scholarships
      in leadership, travel and research to nurses, midwives and other healthcare
      professionals to promote excellence in practice. The FNF offers mentoring support
      to scholars, and provides support with career development and writing articles
      for publication, in addition to the financial award. The leadership scholarships
      are bespoke: leadership scholars can access a range of development opportunities
      that are specially commissioned for them, and select their programme of study and
      experiences, based on their individual needs. All scholarships provide
      opportunities to represent the FNF and to meet other scholars at the FNF annual
      conference. This article provides an overview of the FNF scholarships, based on
      the findings of two evaluations that demonstrated the value of these scholarships
      in improving services for patients and carers, as well as enhancing the careers
      of individual scholars.

PMID- 28098012
TI  - Emotional intelligence is essential to leadership.
AB  - Leadership is about influencing others to achieve a common goal. However, this
      role can be an emotional burden due to the challenges, constant changes and
      relationships with others.

PMID- 28098014
TI  - Pressure ulcer prevention.
AB  - What was the nature of the CPD activity, practice-related feedback and/or event
      and/or experience in your practice? The CPD article discussed the importance of
      preventing pressure ulcers in frail older people. It outlined the risk factors,
      classification and effects of pressure ulcers, and the methods used to prevent
      their development.

PMID- 28098018
TI  - 'Don't be afraid to push at doors'.
AB  - Alison Twycross started her nursing career in 1981, volunteering at a local
      hospice while doing her A levels. A registered adult, mental health and
      children's nurse, she has worked in nurse education for 21 years and is professor
      and head of children's nursing at London South Bank University. Ms Twycross has
      edited three books on research related to managing pain in children, and is the
      editor of the RCNi journal Evidence-Based Nursing.

PMID- 28098017
TI  - This new year could match 2016 for exciting nursing developments.
AB  - As this is my first nurse leader column of 2017, I wish everyone a happy new
      year, although it probably seems a distant memory now.

PMID- 28098019
TI  - A lesson in the fundamentals.
AB  - I chose to visit the Philippines for my elective placement at the end of my
      second year of training. I worked in the department of psychiatry in a small
      government hospital in a deprived city.

PMID- 28098020
TI  - Readers' panel - Are there too many routes into nursing?
AB  - Our experts consider a hot topic of the day.

PMID- 28098021
TI  - Don't accept bullying, especially due to race.
AB  - A recent study from Birmingham City University uncovered some alarming examples
      of students' reactions to negative feedback from their mentors, ranging from
      manipulative behaviour to making threats and allegations of bullying.

PMID- 28098022
TI  - System dynamics research of remanufacturing closed-loop supply chain dominated by
      the third party.
AB  - With the rapid development of the electronic information industry in recent
      years, electronic products are being updated faster and faster, and e-waste
      recycling has become a common problem around the world. Firstly, this article
      contrasts recycling at home and abroad using the predicament of Midea Corp. Based
      on a closed-loop supply chain with the system dynamics method, a model is
      constructed and simulated. In this model, the collection point coverage rate is
      introduced to adjust the e-waste recycling rate dynamically. Aiming at a
      recycling mode dominated by the third party of the closed-loop supply chain, the
      article mainly discusses the impact on the sales rate and market share of the
      recycling model by third-party enterprises and compares the total revenue of all
      supply chains. Simulation results show that the model is more effective and
      optimal than the traditional recycling model.

PMID- 28098036
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 28098023
TI  - Key parameters for behaviour related to source separation of household organic
      waste: A case study in Hanoi, Vietnam.
AB  - Proper management of food waste, a major component of municipal solid waste
      (MSW), is needed, especially in developing Asian countries where most MSW is
      disposed of in landfill sites without any pretreatment. Source separation can
      contribute to solving problems derived from the disposal of food waste. An
      organic waste source separation and collection programme has been operated in
      model areas in Hanoi, Vietnam, since 2007. This study proposed three key
      parameters (participation rate, proper separation rate and proper discharge rate)
      for behaviour related to source separation of household organic waste, and
      monitored the progress of the programme based on the physical composition of
      household waste sampled from 558 households in model programme areas of Hanoi.
      The results showed that 13.8% of 558 households separated organic waste, and
      33.0% discharged mixed (unseparated) waste improperly. About 41.5% (by weight) of
      the waste collected as organic waste was contaminated by inorganic waste, and one
      third of the waste disposed of as organic waste by separators was inorganic
      waste. We proposed six hypothetical future household behaviour scenarios to help
      local officials identify a final or midterm goal for the programme. We also
      suggested that the city government take further actions to increase the number of
      people participating in separating organic waste, improve the accuracy of
      separation and prevent non-separators from discharging mixed waste improperly.

PMID- 28098039
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28098041
TI  - [Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the Netherlands more than doubled in the
      period 1999-2014].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the trend in the prevalence of diabetes in the Netherlands
      during the period 1999-2014. DESIGN: Descriptive study of prevalence. METHODS:
      The prevalence of diabetes during the period 1999-2014 was calculated on the
      basis of data from the PHARMO Database Network, a network of electronic databases
      that includes data from public pharmacies for 3.8 million residents of the
      Netherlands. A person with diabetes was defined as someone with at least two
      dispensings for a glucose lowering-drug within six months. Prevalence was
      adjusted for variation in age demographics per sex to investigate the influence
      of these variations on population demographics. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      diabetes in the Netherlands increased from 1.8% in 1999 to 4.9% in 2014. The
      increase was more pronounced among men as age increased. Only half of the
      increase was explained by changes in age demographics per sex. CONCLUSION: The
      study showed that the prevalence of diabetes more than doubled during the period
      1999-2014. This trend can only be partly explained by changes in age demographics
      per sex.

PMID- 28098040
TI  - [Hypocortisolism associated with nephrotic syndrome].
AB  - BACKGROUND: With nephrotic syndrome, cortisol levels may be falsely lowered by
      loss of cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) in the urine. An incorrect diagnosis of
      adrenal insufficiency could therefore be made. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe the
      case of a 52-year-old female with nephrotic syndrome that did not sufficiently
      respond to medication. Treatment management was complicated by symptomatic
      hypotension, which was thought to be caused by adrenal insufficiency. The
      cortisol levels in the blood were low and a clinical cause could not be
      identified. However, free cortisol in the saliva appeared normal and serum CBG
      levels were low; this therefore precluded adrenal insufficiency. After complete
      remission of the nephrotic syndrome, cortisol levels normalised. CONCLUSION: The
      reduced cortisol level in this patient was caused by the reduced CBG level due to
      loss associated with nephrotic syndrome. First and foremost it is important to
      indicate an abnormal laboratory result within an existing disease, before making
      a new diagnosis of concomitant disease.

PMID- 28098042
TI  - [Joining forces for quality improvement in tuberculosis control].
AB  - The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the Netherlands is declining every year. We
      fear there may be a loss of knowledge and awareness of detecting TB in the new
      generation of medical specialists. As medical specialists a great challenge lies
      before us in maintaining the quality of TB control in the Netherlands.
      Collaboration between pulmonologist, infectious disease specialist,
      microbiologist and the public health services is a necessity. Here we describe
      how, in the region of Arnhem, we work closely with these medical specialists
      based on structural multidisciplinary meetings. We also describe two of the
      quality indicators - doctor's delay and HIV testing policy - which are included
      in the national plan for TB control for 2016-2020. We explain how we intend to
      maintain and improve the quality of TB control by means of our structural
      meetings and collaboration.

PMID- 28098043
TI  - [The effects of smoking on health: growth of knowledge reveals even grimmer
      picture].
AB  - - In this article we give a short overview of new insights into the effects of
      smoking on health, both on smokers themselves and on those who are exposed to
      other people's tobacco smoke.- The number of diseases and conditions that are
      known to be caused by active smoking has now risen to over thirty.- The risk of
      premature death is not, as previously thought, twice as high in smokers as in non
      smokers, but actually three times as high.- Passive smoking too has been shown to
      have a whole range of negative effects on health.- Further, the causal mechanisms
      of, amongst other things, the development of cancer, ischaemic heart disease and
      nicotine dependence under the influence of smoking have been largely unravelled.-
      Various issues require further investigation; these include the effect of smoking
      on psychological health and the effects of 'third-hand' smoke. In the meantime, a
      concerted campaign against this consumer product with its deleterious effects of
      the health of the population is overdue.

PMID- 28098044
TI  - [An acutely dyspnoeic woman after acupuncture].
AB  - A 42-year-old woman without a medical history presented herself to the emergency
      room with sudden onset of dyspnoea and progressive tachypnoea. The X-ray showed a
      bilateral pneumothorax. Additional anamnesis suggested this was caused by
      thoracic acupuncture she had received that afternoon because of her chronic low
      back pain.

PMID- 28098045
TI  - [On the timing of randomised studies: the sooner initiated, the better?]
AB  - The study design for randomised double-blind studies is powerful. Randomisation
      and blinding ensure that the groups that are compared are truly exchangeable. Any
      differences in health outcomes can be attributed rightfully to the one aspect on
      which the study groups differ: the treatment. In this commentary, we argue that
      the use of this powerful study design at the wrong moment can lead to undesirable
      situations.

PMID- 28098046
TI  - Monitoring the effects of iodine prophylaxis in the adult population of southern
      Italy with deficient and sufficient iodine intake levels: a cross-sectional,
      epidemiological study.
AB  - I prophylaxis is the most effective strategy to eradicate I deficiency disorders,
      but it has been shown to affect the thyroid disease pattern. In this study, we
      assessed the frequency of thyroid disorders in an adult population living in two
      areas of southern Italy after implementing I prophylaxis. To this aim, a cross
      sectional, population-based study including 489 subjects from an I-deficient
      rural and an I-sufficient urban area of southern Italy was conducted. Thyroid
      ultrasound was performed on all participants, and urine and blood samples were
      collected from each subject. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH),
      thyroglobulin (TgAb) and thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb), urinary I excretion
      (UIE), and thyroid volume and echogenicity were evaluated. We found that the
      median UIE was higher in the urban than in the rural area (P=0.004), whereas the
      prevalence of subjects affected by goitre was higher in the rural compared with
      the urban area (P=0.003). Positive TgAb rather than TPOAb were more frequent in
      subjects from the urban area compared with the rural area (P=0.009). The
      hypoechoic pattern at thyroid ultrasound (HT-US) was similar between the two
      areas, but TgAb were significantly higher (P=0.01) in HT-US subjects from the
      urban area. The frequency of elevated TSH did not differ between the two screened
      populations, and no changes were found for TgAb positivity in subjects with high
      TSH in the urban compared with the rural area. Our findings support that the
      small risks of I supplementation are far outweighed by the substantial benefits
      of correcting I deficiency, although continued monitoring of populations is
      necessary.

PMID- 28098047
TI  - Vitamin A deficiency suppresses fish immune function with differences in
      different intestinal segments: the role of transcriptional factor NF-kappaB and
      p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways.
AB  - The present study investigated the effects of dietary vitamin A on immune
      function in the proximal intestine (PI), mid intestine (MI) and distal intestine
      (DI) of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Fish were fed graded levels
      of dietary vitamin A for 10 weeks, and then a challenge test using an injection
      of Aeromonas hydrophila was conducted for 14 d. The results showed that, compared
      with the optimum vitamin A level, vitamin A deficiency significantly decreased
      fish growth performance, increased enteritis morbidity, decreased intestinal
      innate humoral immune response and aggravated intestinal inflammation. However,
      liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2A/B mRNA in the DI and IL-6, IL-17D, IL
      10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in the PI were not
      affected by vitamin A levels. Meanwhile, vitamin A deficiency disturbed
      inflammatory cytokines in the PI, MI and DI, which might be partly linked to p38
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signalling and NF-kappaB canonical
      signalling pathway (IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta), IKKgamma, inhibitor of
      kappaBalpha, NF-kappaB p65 and c-Rel) rather than NF-kappaB non-canonical
      signalling pathway (NF-kappaB p52 and IKKalpha). However, the signalling
      molecules NF-kappaB p65 and p38MAPK did not participate in regulating cytokines
      in the PI. These results suggested that vitamin A deficiency decreased fish
      growth and impaired intestinal immune function, and that different immune
      responses in the PI, MI and DI were mediated partly by NF-kappaB canonical
      signalling and p38MAPK signalling pathways. On the basis of percentage of weight
      gain, to protect fish against enteritis morbidity and acid phosphatase activity,
      the optimum dietary vitamin A levels were estimated to be 0.664, 0.707 and 0.722
      mg /kg, respectively.

PMID- 28098048
TI  - Folate and vitamin B12 concentrations are associated with plasma DHA and EPA
      fatty acids in European adolescents: the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition
      in Adolescence (HELENA) study.
AB  - This study aimed to examine the association between vitamin B6, folate and
      vitamin B12 biomarkers and plasma fatty acids in European adolescents. A
      subsample from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study
      with valid data on B-vitamins and fatty acid blood parameters, and all the other
      covariates used in the analyses such as BMI, Diet Quality Index, education of the
      mother and physical activity assessed by a questionnaire, was selected resulting
      in 674 cases (43 % males). B-vitamin biomarkers were measured by chromatography
      and immunoassay and fatty acids by enzymatic analyses. Linear mixed models
      elucidated the association between B-vitamins and fatty acid blood parameters
      (changes in fatty acid profiles according to change in 10 units of vitamin B
      biomarkers). DHA, EPA) and n-3 fatty acids showed positive associations with B
      vitamin biomarkers, mainly with those corresponding to folate and vitamin B12.
      Contrarily, negative associations were found with n-6:n-3 ratio, trans-fatty
      acids and oleic:stearic ratio. With total homocysteine (tHcy), all the
      associations found with these parameters were opposite (for instance, an increase
      of 10 nmol/l in red blood cell folate or holotranscobalamin in females produces
      an increase of 15.85 umol/l of EPA (P value <0.01), whereas an increase of 10
      nmol/l of tHcy in males produces a decrease of 2.06 umol/l of DHA (P value
      <0.05). Positive associations between B-vitamins and specific fatty acids might
      suggest underlying mechanisms between B-vitamins and CVD and it is worth the
      attention of public health policies.

PMID- 28098049
TI  - Influence of barley grain particle size and treatment with citric acid on
      digestibility, ruminal fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in Holstein
      calves.
AB  - Chemical and physical treatments of barley grain increase ruminally resistant
      starch and can improve the rumen fermentation pattern. The objective of the
      present study was to evaluate the effects of chemical (addition of citric acid,
      CA) and physical (grinding to two different particle sizes, PS) treatment of
      barley grain on performance, rumen fermentation, microbial protein yield in the
      rumen and selected blood metabolites in growing calves. In all, 28 male Holstein
      calves (172+/-5.1 kg initial BW) were used in a complete randomised design with a
      factorial arrangement of 2 barley grain particle sizes*2 levels of citric acid.
      The diets were as follows: (i) small PS (average 1200 um) barley grain soaked in
      water (no CA addition); (ii) small PS barley grain soaked in a CA solution
      (adding 20 g CA/kg barley); (iii) large PS (average 2400 um) barley grain soaked
      in water (no citric acid addition) and (iv) large PS barley grain soaked in a
      citric acid solution (adding 20 g CA/kg barley). Barley grain was then
      incorporated at 35% in a total mixed ration and fed to the calves for 11 weeks.
      Feeding small PS barley decreased feed intake (P=0.02) and average daily weight
      gain (P=0.01). The addition of CA to barley grain did not affect intake but
      increased weight gain (P0.05). However, the molar proportion of propionate was
      increased (P=0.03) when barley was more finely ground, and that of acetate was
      increased (P=0.04) when CA was added to barley grain. The ruminal concentration
      of ammonia nitrogen was increased (P<0.01) and microbial nitrogen synthesis in
      the rumen tended to decrease by adding CA to barley. Treating barley grain with
      citric acid increased fibre digestibility of total mixed rations, attenuated the
      decrease in ruminal pH, and improved weight gain and feed efficiency in male
      Holstein growing calves fed a high-cereal diet (550 g cereal grain/kg diet).

PMID- 28098050
TI  - Dairy food supplementation may reduce malnutrition risk in institutionalised
      elderly.
AB  - Malnutrition in institutionalised elderly increases morbidity and care costs.
      Meat and dairy foods are high-quality protein sources so adequate intakes may
      reduce malnutrition risk. We aimed to determine whether inadequate intakes of
      meat and dairy foods contribute to malnutrition in institutionalised elderly.
      This cross-sectional study involved 215 elderly residents (70.2 % females, mean
      age 85.8 years) from twenty-one aged-care facilities in Melbourne, Australia.
      Dietary intake was assessed using observed plate waste. Food groups and serving
      sizes were based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Nutrient content was
      analysed using a computerised nutrient analysis software (Xyris). Malnutrition
      risk was assessed using the Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA) tool; a score between
      24 and 30 indicates normal nutritional status. Data were analysed using robust
      regression. Mean MNA score was 21.6 (sd 2.7). In total, 68 % of residents were
      malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (MNA score<=23.5). Protein intake was 87
      (sd 28) % of the Australian recommended dietary intake (RDI). Consumption
      averaged 1 serving each of dairy foods and meat daily. Number of dairy and meat
      servings related to proportion of protein RDI (both P24 points). Provision of
      meat and dairy foods did not meet recommended levels. On the basis of current
      dietary intakes in aged-care residents, increasing consumption of dairy foods to
      the recommended four servings daily ensures protein adequacy and may reduce
      malnutrition risk in institutionalised elderly, and so reduce risk of
      comorbidities and costs associated with malnutrition.

PMID- 28098051
TI  - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Cognitive, Behavioural and Emotional Processing
      Vulnerability Factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive-behavioural models of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
      suggest that personality factors such as perfectionism and high moral standards
      may contribute to the development of CFS. AIMS: To investigate cognitive,
      behavioural and emotional processing risk factors for CFS. METHOD: CFS patients
      (n = 67) at a UK specialist clinic completed questionnaires about psychological
      characteristics both currently and retrospectively (6 months pre-CFS onset).
      Responses were compared with those of healthy individuals (n = 73) who rated
      their current characteristics. Forty-four relatives retrospectively rated the pre
      morbid psychological characteristics of the CFS participants. RESULTS: CFS
      patients showed similar levels of current perfectionism to controls, though
      higher pre-morbid perfectionism. CFS patients showed greater self-sacrificial
      beliefs and more unhelpful beliefs about experiencing and expressing negative
      emotions, both currently but more markedly prior to onset. In the 6 months pre
      illness onset, CFS patients showed more disruption to their primary goal and
      greater general stress than controls. Ratings of pre-morbid psychological
      characteristics by relatives were consistent with patients' self-reports. The
      extent of overinvestment in one goal was significantly associated with fatigue.
      CONCLUSIONS: Perfectionism, self-sacrificial tendencies, unhelpful beliefs about
      emotions, and perceived stress may be present to a greater extent pre-morbidly in
      CFS patients compared with healthy individuals.

PMID- 28098052
TI  - Effect of maternal dietary counselling during the 1st year of life on glucose
      profile and insulin resistance at the age of 8 years: a randomised field trial.
AB  - Education interventions that stimulate complementary feeding practices can
      improve the nutritional status of children and may protect against future chronic
      diseases. We assessed the long-term effectiveness of dietary intervention during
      the 1st year of life on insulin resistance levels, and investigated the
      relationship between insulin resistance and weight changes over time. A
      randomised field trial was conducted among 500 mothers who gave birth to full
      term infants between October 2001 and June 2002 in a low-income area in Sao
      Leopoldo, Brazil. Mother-child pairs were randomly assigned to intervention (n
      200) and control groups (n 300), and the mothers in the intervention group
      received dietary counselling on breast-feeding and complementary feeding of their
      children during the 1st year of life. Fieldworkers blinded to assignment assessed
      socio-demographic, dietary and anthropometric data during follow-up at ages 1, 4
      and 8 years. Blood tests were performed in 305 children aged 8 years to measure
      fasting serum glucose and insulin concentrations and the homoeostasis model
      assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). At the age of 8 years, the
      intervention group showed no changes in glucose and insulin concentrations or
      HOMA-IR values (change 0.07; 95 % CI -0.06, 0.21 for girls; and change -0.07; 95
      % CI -0.19, 0.04 for boys) compared with study controls. Insulin resistance was
      highly correlated, however, with increases in BMI between birth and 8 years of
      age. Although this dietary intervention had no impact on glucose profile at age 8
      years, our findings suggest that BMI changes in early childhood can serve as an
      effective marker of insulin resistance.

PMID- 28098053
TI  - Dairy consumption is associated with a lower incidence of the metabolic syndrome
      in middle-aged and older Korean adults: the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study
      (KoGES).
AB  - This cohort study examined the association between total and individual dairy
      products and the risk of developing the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its
      components in Korean adults from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. We
      prospectively analysed 5510 participants aged 40-69 years without the MetS at
      baseline during a 10-year follow-up period. Dairy consumption was assessed with a
      semi-quantitative FFQ at baseline and after 4 years. The MetS was defined
      according to the criteria by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult
      Treatment Panel III. The Cox's proportional hazard model was used to examine the
      association between consumption of total dairy products, milk and yogurt in
      servings per week and the risk of incident MetS or individual components. A total
      of 2103 subjects developed the MetS (38.2 %) during an average follow-up of 67.4
      months (range 17-104 months). Frequent dairy consumption (>7 servings of total
      dairy and milk/week, >=4 servings of yogurt/week) was associated with a reduced
      risk of incident MetS and its components. In the multivariable adjusted model,
      hazard ratios for the MetS were 0.51 (95 % CI 0.43, 0.61) for total dairy
      products, 0.50 (95 % CI 0.38, 0.66) for milk and 0.67 (95 % CI 0.57, 0.78) for
      yogurt in frequent consumers compared with non-consumers. An inverse association
      between milk/yogurt and low HDL-cholesterol was shown only in women. In
      conclusion, high consumption of individual dairy products including milk and
      yogurt as well as total dairy were associated with a reduced risk of incident
      MetS and individual components in Korean adults.

PMID- 28098054
TI  - Long-term esophageal motility changes after thyroidectomy: associations with
      aerodigestive disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing thyroidectomy often complain aerodigestive
      disorders. In a previous study we showed the associations between voice
      impairment and proximal acid reflux, swallowing impairment and Upper Esophageal
      Sphyncter (UES) incoordination and the decrease in UES pressure in thirty-six
      patients observed before and soon afterwards uncomplicated thyroidectomy. This
      study investigated the state of post-thyroidectomy esophageal motility changes
      and its associations with these disorders after 18-24 months. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: The thirty-six patients prospectively recruited according to selection
      criteria (thyroid volume <=60 ml, benign disease, age 18-65 years, previous neck
      surgery, thyroiditis, pre- or postoperative vocal cord palsy) underwent voice
      (VIS) and swallowing (SIS) impairment scores, esophageal manometry and pH
      monitoring once again. RESULTS: After 18-24 months, both VIS and SIS recovered
      (respectively: p=0,022; p=0,0001); UES pressure increased (p=0,0001) nearing the
      preoperative values. The persistence of swallowing complaints were associated
      with the persistence of esophageal incoordination (p=0,03); the association
      between voice impairment and proximal acid reflux was confirmed (p<0,001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that aerodigestive disorders after uncomplicated
      thyroidectomy, largely transient, are strictly connected with upper esophageal
      motility changes. In this viewpoint, the innervation of upper aerodigestive
      anatomical structures (larynx, pharynx, upper esophagus) and its variations
      should be focused.

PMID- 28098055
TI  - Nonsurgical treatment of Mason type II radial head fractures in athletes. A
      retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The best treatment for moderately displaced radial head fractures
      (Mason type II) still remains controversial. In cases of isolated fractures,
      there is no evidence that a fragment displacement of >= 2 mm gives poor results
      in conservatively treated fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed 52 patients (31M, 21F) affected by an isolated Mason type II fracture,
      treated with a long arm cast for two weeks between 2008 and 2013. All patients
      had practiced sports before being injured. They were all either bicyclists, or
      baseball, boxers, basketball, rugby, tennis or football players. The mean follow
      up was 36 months. Elbow and forearm range of motion were measured. The Mayo Elbow
      Performance Score, the Broberg and Morrey rating system and the Disabilities of
      the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH score) were analyzed. Follow-up
      radiographs were examined for evidence of consolidation, late displacement, early
      arthritis and non-unions. RESULTS: Flexion was slightly impaired in the injured
      limb when compared to the uninjured limb (137 degrees +/- 6 degrees  versus 139
      degrees +/-5 degrees ) as were extension (-3 degrees +/-6 degrees  versus 1
      degrees +/-4 degrees , p < 0.05), supination (86 degrees +/-6 degrees  versus 88
      degrees +/-3 degrees ), pronation (87 degrees +/-4 degrees  versus 88 degrees +/
      6 degrees ) and valgus deviation (10 degrees +/-4 degrees  versus 8 degrees +/-3
      degrees , p < 0.05). 40 patients had no elbow complaints; 9 patients experienced
      occasional pain, 2 a mild instability of the elbow, and 4 a mild loss of grip
      strength. The DASH score was excellent in 48 patients (92.31%). In only 6 cases
      (11.53%) degenerative changes were greater in formerly injured elbows than in
      uninjured elbows. All patients returned to their previous sports activities.
      CONCLUSIONS: Isolated Mason type II fractures can have a good or excellent mid
      term functional outcome even when treated conservatively.

PMID- 28098056
TI  - Follow-up of multicentric HCC according to the mRECIST criteria: role of 320-Row
      CT with semi-automatic 3D analysis software for evaluating the response to
      systemic therapy.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the role of 320-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) with 3D
      analysis software in follow up of patients affected by multicentric
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with systemic therapy by using modified
      response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 38
      patients affected by multicentric HCC underwent MDCT. All exams were performed
      before and after iodinate contrast material intravenous injection by using a 320
      detection row CT device. CT images were analyzed by two radiologists using multi
      planar reconstructions (MPR) in order to assess the response to systemic therapy
      according to mRECIST criteria: complete response (CR), partial response (PR),
      progressive disease (PD), stable disease (SD). 30 days later, the same two
      radiologists evaluated target lesion response to systemic therapy according to
      mRECIST criteria by using 3D analysis software. The difference between the two
      systems in assessing HCC response to therapy was assessed by the analysis of the
      variance (Anova Test). Interobserver agreement between the two radiologists by
      using MPR images and 3D analysis software was calculated by using Cohen's Kappa
      test. RESULTS: PR occurred in 10/38 cases (26%), PD in 6/38 (16%), SD in 22/38
      (58%). Anova Test showed no statistically significant difference between the two
      systems for assessing target lesion response to therapy (p >0.05). Inter-observer
      agreement (k) was respectively of 0.62 for MPR images measurements and 0.86 for
      3D analysis ones. CONCLUSIONS: 3D Analysis software provides a semiautomatic
      system for assessing target lesion response to therapy according to mRECIST
      criteria in patient affected by multifocal HCC treated with systemic therapy. The
      reliability of 3D analysis software makes it useful in the clinical practice.

PMID- 28098057
TI  - Totally implantable catheter migration and its percutaneous retrieval: case
      report and review of the literature.
AB  - Totally subcutaneous intravascular portals have been increasingly used to
      administer long-term chemotherapy and parental nutrition. The reported
      complications are rare. Accidental endovascular rupture of a fragment of catheter
      is one of the most formidable complications of the central vein catheterization.
      The Authors report a case of deployment of a Port-a-Cath catheter and its
      percutaneous retrieval. The catheter accidentally detached and migrated from the
      reservoir of the port-a-cath placed in the left subclavian vein to the right
      heart cavities through the blood stream. A review of the Literature is also
      given, focusing on the possible factors responsible for this unusual
      complication.

PMID- 28098058
TI  - Repair of an inguinoscrotal hernia in a patient with Becker muscular dystrophy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia repairs are routinely performed as outpatient
      procedures in most patients, whereas a few require admission due to clinical or
      social peculiarities. Muscular dystrophies are inherited disorders characterized
      by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. In case of surgery there is no
      definite recommendation for either general or regional anesthesia. CASE REPORT:
      This contribution regards a 48 y. o. male patient diagnosed with Becker Muscular
      Dystrophy by muscle biopsy 10 years earlier. He had a left-sided sizable
      inguinoscrotal hernia with repeat episodes of incarceration. An elective mesh
      repair with suction drainage was accomplished under selective spinal anesthesia.
      The post-operative course was uneventful. DISCUSSION: A few inguinal hernia
      repairs require admission due to peculiarities such as extensive scrotal hernias
      requiring suction drainage. Muscular dystrophies are inherited disorders with no
      cure and no two dystrophy patients are exactly alike, therefore the health issues
      will be different for each individual. In case of surgery there is no definite
      recommendation for either general or regional anesthesia. This contribution
      regards the successful elective mesh repair with suction drainage of a large left
      sided inguino-scrotal hernia in a 48 y. o. male patient affected by Becker
      muscular dystrophy by selective spinal anesthesia obtained by 10 milligrams of
      hyperbaric bupivacaine. CONCLUSION: Effective mesh repair with suction drainage
      of large inguinal hernias under spinal anesthesia can be achieved in patients
      affected by muscular dystrophy.

PMID- 28098059
TI  - Laparoscopic ileocecal resection in acute and chronic presentations of Crohn's
      disease. A single center experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The terminal ileum is the most involved tract in Crohn's disease.
      The obstruction in this location is the most frequent complication. Acute or
      chronic presentations can occur. Surgery finds a role in the management of
      chronic strictures and in acute clinical presentations with complications not
      improving with conservative therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigate the
      outcome of patients with obstruction of the ileo-cecal bowel tract
      laparoscopically managed. It was analyzed the average operative time (OT), the
      conversion rate and the occurrence of re-operation due to surgical complications.
      RESULTS: 21 patients underwent an ileocecal resection for complicated Crohn's
      disease between January 2013 and December 2014. The admissions were performed in
      emergency in 42% of patients. The preintervention hospital stay was 5.8 (Sd
      6.23). The mean operative time was 154 min (Sd 41). 28% of the procedures were
      converted to open surgery. The average hospital stay was 10 days (Sd 5) in
      uncomplicated patients. The morbidity rate was 28%. In 19% of cases a re
      intervention was needed due to anastomotic leakage (3pts) and one hemoperitoneum
      for bleeding from the suture line. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopy seems an affordable
      technique in the management of obstructive pattern of Crohn's disease. It should
      be the preferable approach in young patients that probably will be submitted to
      subsequent surgery for the same disease; in fact, the reduced adhesions formation
      provided by the less bowel manipulation make easy the subsequent access. Older
      patients had usually more post-operative morbidity and mortality mostly due to
      pre-existing conditions; if possible in these patients the treatment should be
      medical.

PMID- 28098060
TI  - Gripping forceps "double action" for micro-neurosurgery.
AB  - Gripping forceps "double action" for microneurosurgery.

PMID- 28098062
TI  - history, art, humanity in surgery.

PMID- 28098061
TI  - Prostate cancer immunotherapy, particularly in combination with androgen
      deprivation or radiation treatment. Customized pharmacogenomic approaches to
      overcome immunotherapy cancer resistance.
AB  - Conventional therapeutic approaches for advanced prostate cancer - such as
      androgen deprivation, chemotherapy, radiation - come up often against lack of
      effectiveness because of possible arising of correlative cancer cell resistance
      and/or inadequate anti-tumor immune conditions. Whence the timeliness of
      resorting to immune-based treatment strategies including either therapeutic
      vaccination-based active immunotherapy or anti-tumor monoclonal antibody-mediated
      passive immunotherapy. Particularly attractive, as for research studies and
      clinical applications, results to be the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte check point
      blockade by the use of anti-CTLA-4 and PD-1 monoclonal antibodies, particularly
      when combined with androgen deprivation therapy or radiation. Unlike afore said
      immune check point inhibitors, both cell-based (by the use of prostate specific
      antigen carriers autologous dendritic cells or even whole cancer cells) and
      recombinant viral vector vaccines are able to induce immune-mediated focused
      killing of specific antigen-presenting prostate cancer cells. Such vaccines,
      either used alone or concurrently/sequentially combined with above-mentioned
      conventional therapies, led to generally reach, in the field of various clinical
      trials, reasonable results particularly as regards the patient's overall
      survival. Adoptive trasferred T-cells, as adoptive T-cell passive immunotherapy,
      and monoclonal antibodies against specific antigen-endowed prostate cancer cells
      can improve immune micro-environmental conditions. On the basis of a preliminary
      survey about various immunotherapy strategies, are here also outlined their
      effects when combined with androgen deprivation therapy or radiation. What's
      more, as regard the immune-based treatment effectiveness, it has to be pointed
      out that suitable personalized epigenetic/gene profile-achieved pharmacogenomic
      approaches to target identified gene aberrations, may lead to overcome - as well
      as for conventional therapies - possible prostate cancer resistance to
      immunotherapy.

PMID- 28098063
TI  - The Use of E-Cigarettes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a consumer product whose
      benefits and risks are currently debated. Advocates of the "tobacco harm
      reduction" strategy emphasize their potential as an aid to smoking cessation,
      while advocates of the precautionary principle emphasize their risks instead.
      There have been only a few studies to date on the prevalence of e-cigarette use
      in Germany. METHODS: In May 2016, in collaboration with Forsa, an opinion
      research firm, we carried out a survey among 4002 randomly chosen persons aged 14
      and older, asking them about their consumption of e-cigarettes with and without
      nicotine, reasons for using e-cigarettes, plans for future use, estimation of
      danger compared to that of tobacco products, smoking behavior, and
      sociodemographic features. RESULTS: 1.4% of the respondents used e-cigarettes
      regularly, and a further 2.2% had used them regularly in the past. 11.8% had at
      least tried them, including 32.7% of smokers and 2.3% of persons who had never
      smoked. 24.5% of ex-smokers who had quit smoking after 2010 had used e-cigarettes
      at least once. 20.7% of the respondents considered electronic cigarettes less
      dangerous than conventional cigarettes, 46.3% equally dangerous, and 16.1% more
      dangerous. An extrapolation of these data to the general population suggests that
      about one million persons in Germany use e-cigarettes regularly and another 1.55
      million have done so in the past. CONCLUSION: The consumption of electronic
      cigarettes in Germany is not very widespread, but it is not negligible either.
      Nearly 1 in 8 Germans has tried e-cigarettes at least once. Regular consumers of
      e-cigarettes are almost exclusively smokers and ex-smokers.

PMID- 28098064
TI  - The Association of Hyponatremia, Risk of Confusional State, and Mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyponatremia and delirium are frequent problems in older hospitalized
      patients. Although confusional states are considered to be a possible
      complication of hyponatremia, there has been no systematic study to date of the
      precise prevalence of delirium among patients with hyponatremia and its effect on
      long-term outcomes. METHODS: In a 13-month period in 2009/2010, all patients with
      a serum sodium level less than or equal to 130 mmol/L (the hyponatremia group) in
      a cohort of hospitalized older patients were studied and compared to a
      normonatremic control group of patients who were matched for age, sex, and
      diagnosis group. The prevalence of delirium was determined by two-stage
      examination. Inhospital mortality, mortality six months after initial
      examination, and functional status were prospectively analyzed. RESULTS: 179
      patients were identified whose serum sodium level was less than or equal to 130
      mmol/L (7.9% of all treated patients), of whom 141 were included in the
      hyponatremia group. The mean age of the participants was 83 (range, 63-102), and
      84% were women. Patients with hyponatremia suffered more often from delirium
      (22.7% versus 8.5%; p = 0.002) and had a higher inhospital mortality (10.6%
      versus 2.1%; p = 0.005). The mortality six months after initial examination was
      31.9% versus 22.7% (p = 0.080). 59.7% of patients in the hyponatremia group and
      49% in the control group (p = 0.146) needed a higher level of chronic care after
      discharge than they had needed before the hospitalization. CONCLUSION:
      Hyponatremia in hospitalized older patients is associated with a higher
      likelihood of delirium and an elevated in-hospital mortality.

PMID- 28098065
TI  - The Treatment of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) arises in 20-50% of patients who have
      sustained a deep vein thrombosis and markedly impairs their quality of life.
      METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective
      literature search in PubMed and the Cochrane Library, and on the guidelines of
      the German Societies of Phlebology and Vascular Surgery (Deutsche Gesellschaft
      fur Phlebologie, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Gefasschirurgie). RESULTS: The
      treatment options are conservative treatment with compression and patient
      exercises, endovascular recanalization with stent angioplasty, and open bypass
      surgery of the iliac obstructions. The endovascular techniques yield patency
      rates of 73 to 100%, with thrombotic stent occlusion and hematoma as potential
      complications. The open operations have only been documented in studies with
      small case numbers (3 to 85 cases per study, patency rates 58 to 100%). The
      complications of these invasive procedures can include thrombotic bypass
      occlusion, hematoma, and wound infection. There have been randomized trials of
      conservative treatment, but not of surgical treatment. The American Heart
      Association, in its guidelines, gives the same weak recommendation for all
      surgical methods (IIb). CONCLUSION: All conservative options should be exhausted
      as the first line of treatment. If PTS symptoms persist and markedly impair the
      patient's quality of life, the possible indication for surgery should be
      considered. As PTS hardly ever leads to death or limb loss, its treatment should
      be as uninvasive as possible. Endovascular recanalization is an attractive option
      in this respect. A conclusive evaluation of the role of endovascular procedures
      in PTS must await randomized trials of this form of treatment and of the optimal
      stent configuration.

PMID- 28098066
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.

PMID- 28098067
TI  - Renal Function in Type 2 Diabetes Following Gastric Bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic surgery for obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D)
      yields short- and long-term remission rates of 60-90%. Its effects on
      diabetesassociated complications such as neuropathy and nephropathy have not been
      well studied to date. Hardly any data are available on this subject with respect
      to moderately obese patients (body mass index [BMI] 25-35 kg/m2) with insulin
      dependent T2D. Our previous studies suggest that, in such patients, treatment
      with a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) improves diabetic neuropathy. In this
      pilot study, we investigate the course of diabetic nephropathy after RYGB
      surgery. METHODS: 20 insulin-dependent patients whose T2D was inadequately
      controlled with medication, and whose BMI was in the range 25-35 kg/m2, were
      prospectively included in a pilot study. All patients underwent a standardized
      RYGB operation. Blood and urine tests for renal function were performed before
      surgery and 12 and 24 months afterward. RESULTS: The serum creatinine level fell
      from 0.82 +/- 0.23 to 0.69 +/- 0.13 mg/dL (p = 0.0025) in the first 12 months
      after surgery and was unchanged a further 12 months later. The glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR) rose in the first 24 months after surgery from 96.4 +/-
      28.7 to 111.7 +/- 23.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.0093). The urinary
      albumin/creatinine and high-molecular-weight adiponectin/creatinine ratios fell
      markedly in the first 24 months after surgery (2.89 +/- 3.14 versus 1.00 +/- 0.24
      mg/mmol [p = 0.0491] and 0.18 +/- 0.06 versus 0.04 +/- 0.01 MUg/g [p = 0.0392]).
      CONCLUSION: RYGB has positive effects on renal function and may therefore be a
      good treatment option for moderately obese, insulin-dependent patients whose T2D
      cannot be adequately controlled with medication. These results still need to be
      confirmed in randomized, controlled trials with longer periods of followup.

PMID- 28098069
TI  - Simultaneous Echinococcal Cyst and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Without Underlying
      Liver Disease.

PMID- 28098068
TI  - The Differential Diagnosis of Dyspnea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dyspnea is a common symptom affecting as many as 25% of patients seen
      in the ambulatory setting. It can arise from many different underlying conditions
      and is sometimes a manifestation of a life-threatening disease. METHODS: This
      review is based on pertinent articles retrieved by a selective search in PubMed,
      and on pertinent guidelines. RESULTS: The term dyspnea refers to a wide variety
      of subjective perceptions, some of which can be influenced by the patient's
      emotional state. A distinction is drawn between dyspnea of acute onset and
      chronic dyspnea: the latter, by definition, has been present for more than four
      weeks. The history, physical examination, and observation of the patient's
      breathing pattern often lead to the correct diagnosis, yet, in 30-50% of cases,
      more diagnostic studies are needed, including biomarker measurements and other
      ancillary tests. The diagnosis can be more difficult to establish when more than
      one underlying disease is present simultaneously. The causes of dyspnea include
      cardiac and pulmonary disease (congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome;
      pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and many other conditions
      (anemia, mental disorders). CONCLUSION: The many causes of dyspnea make it a
      diagnostic challenge. Its rapid evaluation and diagnosis are crucial for reducing
      mortality and the burden of disease.

PMID- 28098070
TI  - Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle in China: a review.
AB  - The present review discusses the findings of cryptosporidiosis research conducted
      in cattle in China and highlights the currently available information on
      Cryptosporidium epidemiology, genetic diversity, and distribution in China, which
      is critical to understanding the economic and public health importance of
      cryptosporidiosis transmission in cattle. To date, 10 Cryptosporidium species
      have been detected in cattle in China, with an overall infection rate of 11.9%.
      The highest rate of infection (19.5%) was observed in preweaned calves, followed
      by that in juveniles (10.69%), postweaned juveniles (9.0%), and adult cattle
      (4.94%). The dominant species were C. parvum in preweaned calves and C. andersoni
      in postweaned, juvenile, and adult cattle. Zoonotic Cryptosporidium species (C.
      parvum and C. hominis) were found in cattle, indicating the possibility of
      transmission between humans and cattle. Different cattle breeds had significant
      differences in the prevalence rate and species of Cryptosporidium. This review
      demonstrates an age-associated, breed-associated, and geographic-related
      occurrence of Cryptosporidium and provides references for further understanding
      of the epidemiological characteristics, and for preventing and controlling the
      disease.

PMID- 28098071
TI  - Kikuchi's disease: cutaneous involvement and dermoscopic features.

PMID- 28098072
TI  - Near-infrared image-guided super-selective intra-arterial infusion of high-dose
      cisplatin for squamous cell carcinoma on the lower lip.

PMID- 28098073
TI  - Classical density functional study of wetting transitions on nanopatterned
      surfaces.
AB  - Even simple fluids on simple substrates can exhibit very rich surface phase
      behaviour. To illustrate this, we consider fluid adsorption on a planar wall
      chemically patterned with a deep stripe of a different material. In this system,
      two phase transitions compete: unbending and pre-wetting. Using microscopic
      density-functional theory, we show that, for thin stripes, the lines of these two
      phase transitions may merge, leading to a new two-dimensional-like wetting
      transition occurring along the walls. The influence of intermolecular forces and
      interfacial fluctuations on this phase transition and at complete pre-wetting are
      considered in detail.

PMID- 28098074
TI  - Comment on 'Electronic structure of Mo(1-x)Re x alloys studied through resonant
      photoemission spectroscopy'.
AB  - Further analysis of the resonant photoemission data, found within Sundar et al
      (2016 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 28 315502), show the intensities do not follow
      the elemental composition in the Mo1-x Re x alloy. Similar trends are observed in
      the published data for Gd1-x Ni x alloy films. The analysis of the resonant
      photoemission intensities suggests that Mo in the Mo1-x Re x alloy and Gd in the
      Gd1-x Ni x alloy have nearest neighbor bonds to Re and Ni respectively. This
      means the A-B bond is favored over the average of the A-A bond and the B-B bond
      in these binary alloys, so that the short range order favors strong local
      ordering rather than clustering alloys.

PMID- 28098075
TI  - Anisotropic superconducting property studies of single crystal PbTaSe2.
AB  - The anisotropic superconducting properties of PbTaSe2 single crystal is reported.
      Superconductivity with T c  =  3.83  +/-  0.02 K has been characterized fully
      with electrical resistivity rho(T), magnetic susceptibility chi(T), and specific
      heat C p (T) measurements using single crystal samples. The superconductivity is
      type-II with lower critical field H c1 and upper critical field H c2 of 65 and
      450 Oe (H?  to the ab-plane), 140 and 1500 Oe (H|| to the ab-plane),
      respectively. These results indicate that the superconductivity of PbTaSe2 is
      anisotropic. The superconducting anisotropy, electron-phonon coupling lambda ep,
      superconducting energy gap Delta0, and the specific heat jump DeltaC/gammaT c at
      T c confirms that PbTaSe2 can be categorized as a bulk superconductor.

PMID- 28098076
TI  - Melting of large Pt@MgO(1 0 0) icosahedra.
AB  - On the basis of ab initio calculations, we present a new parametrisation of the
      Vervisch-Mottet-Goniakowski (VMG) potential (Vervisch et al 2002 Phys. Rev. B 24
      245411) for modelling the oxide-metal interaction. Applying this model to mimic
      the finite temperature behaviour of large platinum icosahedra deposited on the
      pristine MgO(1 0 0), we find the nanoparticle undergoes two solid-solid
      transitions. At 650 K the 'squarisation' of the interface layer, while a full
      reshaping towards a fcc architecture takes place above 950 K. In between, a quite
      long-lived intermediate state with a (1 0 0) interface but with an icosahedral
      cap is observed. Our approach reproduces experimental observations, including
      wetting behaviour and the lack of surface diffusion.

PMID- 28098077
TI  - Salt Reduction at a Population Level: To do or not to do?

PMID- 28098078
TI  - Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of the general population towards organ
      donation: An Indian perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rate of organ donation in India is low and research on organ
      donation among the general population is limited. We assessed the knowledge,
      attitude and willingness to donate organs among the general population. METHODS:
      We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study among 193 randomly selected
      relatives of patients (not of those seeking organ donation) attending the
      outpatient department at a tertiary care centre. We used a structured
      questionnaire to collect data through face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: We found
      that 52.8% of the participants had adequate knowledge and 67% had a positive
      attitude towards organ donation. While 181 (93.8%) participants were aware of and
      147 (76.2%) supported organ donation, only 120 (62.2%) were willing to donate
      organs after death. Further, there were significant associations between age,
      gender, education, economic status and background of the participants with their
      intention to donate organs. CONCLUSION: Our study advocates for public education
      programmes to increase awareness among the general population about the
      legislation related to organ donation.

PMID- 28098079
TI  - Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal surface malignancies: A
      single institution Indian experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery followed by hyper- thermic intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy (HIPEC) has shown better oncological outcomes in peritoneal surface
      malignancies (PSM). We assessed the feasibility and perioperative outcomes of
      this procedure in Indian patients. METHODS: In this prospective observational
      study from February 2013 to April 2015, we included 56 patients (41 females,
      73.2%) with PSM. They had a good performance status, were either treatment-naive
      or previously treated by surgery and systemic chemotherapy. They underwent
      cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC using a hyperthermia pump, with the
      temperature at 42  degrees C for 30-90 minutes. The chemotherapy regimen was
      based on the primary malignancy. Perioperative outcome data were collected and
      analysed. We also analysed the short-term oncological outcomes. RESULTS: Our
      patients included those with peritoneum confined ovarian carcinoma (32, 57.1%),
      colorectal carcinoma (9, 16.1%), pseudomyxoma peritonei (7, 12.5%), meso-
      thelioma (2, 3.6%), gastric carcinoma (2, 3.6%) and others (4, 7.1%). The median
      duration of surgery including HIPEC was 9 hours and the median hospital stay was
      12 days. The median time for gastrointestinal recovery was 5 days. One-fifth of
      patients (11, 19.7%) required an extended stay in the inten- sive care unit. The
      most common grades 3 and 4 complications were hypocalcaemia 32.1%, hypokalaemia
      32.1%, anaemia 21.4% and thrombocytopenia 7.1%. Major morbidity requiring
      surgical intervention occurred in 8.9% of patients. The 60-day operative
      mortality was 1.8%. At a median follow-up of 16 months, 7.1% developed peritoneal
      recurrence, 8.9% had systemic recurrence and 7.1% succumbed to the disease.
      Patients with platinum-resistant ovarian carcinomas had more peritoneal
      recurrence (3.6%). CONCLUSION: In patients with PSM, surgical cytoreduction and
      HIPEC is feasible and potentially beneficial. It can be done with low mortality
      and acceptable morbidity. It requires a dedicated team of surgeons, anaesthetists
      and intensivists and proper infrastructure.

PMID- 28098080
TI  - Access to healthcare among the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states of India:
      Current status and impeding factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Access to healthcare is crucial for meeting the health needs of
      Indians. We explored factors impeding access to public sources of healthcare
      among the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states of India. We also examined the
      extent to which Indians depend on public and private sources of healthcare in the
      EAG states. METHODS: Our study is based on the unit-level records of 9988 ailing
      persons, who were surveyed among the EAG states in the 71st round of the National
      Sample Survey (NSS), conducted during January-June 2014 on the theme 'Social
      consumption: Health'. To analyse the socioeconomic factors, we did logistic
      regression using STATA version 12.0. RESULTS: Despite a vast public health
      infrastructure in the EAG states, around three-fourths of inpatients are
      dependent on private sources of healthcare in both rural (70%) and urban (78%)
      areas. Poor quality and long waiting time in accessing healthcare from public
      health facilities remain big concerns for inpatients of the EAG states.
      CONCLUSION: To make public health services more accessible, there is a need to
      improve the quality of services, enlarge infrastructure to reduce waiting time,
      and enhance the physical reach to inpatients in the EAG states of India. Public
      health services will then be able to compete with those in the private sector.

PMID- 28098081
TI  - Is tobacco use increasing among medical students of Bengaluru city, India?
      Evidence from two cross-sectional studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies investigating secular changes in tobacco use are rare in
      India. We estimated self-reported prevalence of tobacco use, across a 5-year
      interval, among medical students in Bengaluru, India. METHODS: We did two cross
      sectional studies during 2007 and 2013 among third year undergraduate medical
      students of four medical colleges in Bengaluru. A self-administered questionnaire
      was used to elicit information on tobacco smoking and chewing. RESULTS: The
      participation rates were 82% (323/395) in 2007 and 78% (253/324) in 2013 (p=0.2).
      Among males, there was no statistically significant change in prevalence of
      current smoking (3.5% [6/172] in 2007 to 8.9% [12/135] in 2013 [p=0.053]);
      experimental use of tobacco had however increased from 24% (41/172) in 2007 to
      42% (56/135) in 2013 (p=0.001). Similarly among females, experimental use was
      reported by 3.3% (5/151) in 2007 and 11.2% (13/116) in 2013 (p=0.01). Current
      smoking among female students was <1 % in both the study years. Reported current
      chewing levels remained unchanged among males, 1.8% (2/171) and 3.7% (5/135)
      (p=0.2) and fell from 4% (6/146) in 2007 to 0% in 2013 among females (p=0.04).
      CONCLUSION: There was no increase in current smoking or chewing of tobacco but
      there was an increase in experimental smoking among male and female medical
      students in this southern Indian city. Schools and colleges must include tobacco
      control education in their curriculum.

PMID- 28098082
TI  - Occupational health profile of workers employed in the manufacturing sector of
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The occupational health scenario of workers engaged in the
      manufacturing sector in India deserves attention for their safety and increasing
      productivity. We reviewed the status of the manufacturing sector, identified
      hazards faced by workers, and assessed the existing legislations and healthcare
      delivery mechanisms. METHODS: From October 2014 to March 2015, we did a
      literature review by manual search of pre-identified journals, general electronic
      search, electronic search of dedicated websites/databases and personal
      communication with experts of occupational health. RESULTS: An estimated 115
      million workers are engaged in the manufacturing sector, though the Labour Bureau
      takes into account only one-tenth of them who work in factories registered with
      the government. Most reports do not mention the human capital employed neither
      their quality of life, nor occupational health services available. The incidence
      of accidents were documented till 2011, and industry-wise break up of data is not
      available. Occupational hazards reported include hypertension, stress, liver
      disease, diabetes, tuberculosis, eye/ hearing problems, cancers, etc. We found no
      studies for manufacturing industries in glass, tobacco, computer and allied
      products, etc. The incidence of accidents is decreasing but the proportion of
      fatalities is increasing. Multiple legislations exist which cover occupational
      health, but most of these are old and have not been amended adequately to reflect
      the present situation. There is a shortage of manpower and occupational health
      statistics for dealing with surveillance, prevention and regulation in this
      sector. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need of a modern occupational health
      legislation and an effective machinery to enforce it, preferably through
      intersectoral coordination between the Employees' State Insurance Corporation,
      factories and state governments. Occupational health should be integrated with
      the general health services.

PMID- 28098083
TI  - Vaccination against malaria: A dream too distant?

PMID- 28098084
TI  - Genomic classification of acute myeloid leukaemia: An incessantly evolving
      concept.

PMID- 28098085
TI  - Experience of a faculty development workshop in mentoring at an Indian medical
      college.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our medical college is running a mentoring programme for
      undergraduate medical students since 2009. The academic leadership of the college
      identified the need to change the focus of the programme from mere problem-
      solving to professional and personal development of mentees. METHODS: A core
      group of faculty designed and implemented a workshop on mentoring for 28 mentors.
      The workshop included reflections on the participants' previous experiences about
      mentoring, discussion on perceptions of mentees about the existing mentoring
      programme, self-analysis of mentoring skills, overview of the Surrendering,
      Accepting, Gifting and Extending (SAGE) model and demonstration of effective
      mentoring skills using role plays and a film. We collected written anonymous
      feedback from participants at the end of the workshop to elicit their responses
      regarding various aspects of the programme, change in their views about mentoring
      and suggestions for future workshops. RESULTS: A majority of the participants
      (17, 60.7%) said that role plays and reflection on role plays were the most
      valuable part of workshop as they provided clarity on the concepts about
      mentoring. The most frequently identified take-home messages were: building trust
      with the mentee (7, 25%), balance in life and approach towards the mentee (6,
      21.4%), and understanding that mentoring is a process geared towards personal and
      professional development of the mentee (6, 21.4%). CONCLUSION: The participants'
      reaction to the workshop was positive. The responses of participants suggested
      that the workshop was successful in changing their views regarding the purpose of
      the mentoring programme.

PMID- 28098086
TI  - Movement for Global Mental Health: The crusade and its critique.

PMID- 28098087
TI  - Specialization and the Indian healthcare scenario: Have we got it right?

PMID- 28098088
TI  - Building research capacity in resource-poor settings: Triumphs and challenges.

PMID- 28098089
TI  - Doyle and the Edalji Case.

PMID- 28098090
TI  - Letter from Mumbai.

PMID- 28098091
TI  - Letter from Ganiyari.

PMID- 28098092
TI  - Haemoglobin H disease: All in the family.

PMID- 28098093
TI  - Hirayama disease.

PMID- 28098094
TI  - The point system of the Dental Council of India for publications by faculty.

PMID- 28098096
TI  - The prevalence of pregnancy-related acute renal failure in Asia: A systematic
      review.
AB  - Acute renal failure (ARF) is a major complication during pregnancy and is
      associated with high mortality rate in developing countries. The aim of this
      study was to report the prevalence of pregnancy-related ARF in Asia. This study
      is a systematic review Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline databases were
      searched for all papers in English on pregnancy related ARF (PR-ARF) in Asian
      countries that were published between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Of all the
      articles published in that period, 19 were selected - 17 were original articles
      and two were cases reports. We gathered information on the prevalence of PR-ARF,
      parity, duration of pregnancy when PR-ARF developed, etiology of PR-ARF, common
      clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings in PR-ARF.

PMID- 28098097
TI  - Protective role of Nigella sativa in diabetic nephropathy: A randomized clinical
      trial.
AB  - This study aims to evaluate efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa oil
      supplementation in patients with chronic kidney disease Stage 3 and 4 due to
      diabetic nephropathy. It was a prospective, comparative, and open-label study.
      Patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (Control) received conservative
      management of diabetic nephropathy, whereas Group 2 (Test) received N. sativa oil
      (2.5 mL, once daily and per orally) along with conservative management for 12
      weeks. Blood glucose, hemogram, and kidney function test were done at 0, 6, and
      12 weeks of treatment. Significance of differences between pre- and post
      treatment values in each group was assessed using Student's paired t-test and
      between the groups using unpaired t-test. We found a drop in blood glucose, serum
      creatinine, blood urea, and 24 h total urinary protein levels and a rise in
      glomerular filtration rate, 24 h total urinary volume, and hemoglobin level in
      the treatment group compared to the control group.

PMID- 28098098
TI  - A study of clinical assessment of frailty in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
      supported by cashless government scheme.
AB  - This is a prospective cohort study to assess the prevalence of frailty in
      patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) under the government-funded
      scheme at our center and to assess the relationship between frailty and falls,
      hospitalizations, and mortality. This was done at our center which is completely
      supported by the government, which provides HD to all the patients under poverty
      line. Epidemiological data, anthropometric measurements, comorbidities
      assessment, frailty assessment using Fried criteria, subsequent hospitalizations,
      falls, and mortality were recorded in our prevalent dialysis population at our
      center between October 2014 and October 2015. Two hundred and twenty-six patients
      were enrolled during this period. Twenty-one patients were excluded as they did
      not satisfy the inclusion criteria. Two hundred and five prospective patients
      were studied for the predictors of frailty. Frailty was present in 82% of the
      study population. Mean age of our study population was 44.95 +/- 13.27 years. On
      univariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension (HTN), cerebrovascular
      accident (CVA), left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), peripheral vascular disease
      (PVD), smoking, hepatitis C, inadequate dialysis, intradialytic hypotension
      (IDH), interdialytic weight gain, low serum creatinine <4 mg/dL, and anemia (Hb
      <10 g/dL) were found to be statistically significantly different between frail
      and nonfrail groups On multivariate regression analysis, only HTN, PVD, CVA,
      anemia, smoking, and IDH were found to be significant. Frailty is highly
      prevalent among dialysis population. Factors predicting frailty include HTN,
      smoking, LVD, PVD, CVA, smoking, anemia, and IDH. Frailty is a significant risk
      factor for falls and hospitalizations.

PMID- 28098099
TI  - The evaluation of the relationship between serum levels of Interleukin-6 and
      Interleukin-10 and metabolic acidosis in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease is defined as progressive kidney dysfunction. The levels
      of various cytokines increase in hemodialysis (HD) patients. High levels of
      interleukins (ILs) and presence of metabolic acidosis are described as
      independent risk factors for morbidity and mortality in these patients. This
      study was designed to evaluate the relationship between IL-6 and IL-10 and serum
      bicarbonate and metabolic acidosis in HD patients. In this analytical
      crosssectional study, patients referred to the HD units of Loghman Hakim and
      Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani Hospitals were randomly selected. Demographic and
      laboratory data, such as albumin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, parathormone,
      C-reactive protein, complete blood count, ferritin, ILs-6 and -10, and arterial
      blood gas analysis, were recorded for each patient. The correlation between IL
      and serum bicarbonate and other variables were evaluated by SPSS software. The
      patients were compared for the presence of acidosis and positivity for IL. A
      total of 84 patients with a mean age of 60.98 years and mean body mass index of
      24.86 kg/m[2] were evaluated (53% male and 57% female). The mean dialysis
      duration was 24.86 +/- 3.98 months. Overall, 41.7% of the patients had diabetes
      mellitus and 36.9% of them had hypotension. The mean serum levels of IL-6 and IL
      10 were 6.036 and 17.46 pg/ml, respectively. There was a significant correlation
      between IL-6 and IL-10 levels and serum bicarbonate and the incidence of
      metabolic acidosis (P <0.05). Based on the results, metabolic acidosis and
      bicarbonate could be considered prognostic factors to differentiate the increased
      levels of IL-6 and IL-10 and associated morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 28098100
TI  - Impact of residual renal function on clinical outcome and quality of life in
      patients on peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - We studied the impact of residual renal function (RRF) on clinical outcome and
      quality of life in 61 patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). They were assigned to
      two groups, at the time of initiation of PD, based on their estimated glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR). The high RRF group had eGFR >=5 mL/min/1.73 m[2] and the
      low RRF group hade GFR <5 mL/min/1.73 m[2]. All patients were followed up at
      regular intervals for clinical and biochemical variables. Baselines
      characteristics including age, sex, body mass index and cause of the kidney
      disease were similar in both groups. The high RRF group had a higher rate of
      continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis discontinuation. The incidence of
      peritonitis was higher in the low RRF group. Other infections (cellulitis,
      gastroenteritis, sepsis) were more common in patients with low RRF, compared to
      the high RRF group. The quality of life as assessed by depression score, restless
      leg syndrome, and sleep quality were poor in patients with reduced RRF. We found
      that a high RRF at the time of initiation of PD, significantly decreased the
      incidence of infections, depression, better nutrition, and lower levels of
      alkaline phosphatase; providing indirect evidence of better renal clearance of
      phosphorous, in those with preserved RRF.

PMID- 28098101
TI  - Insulin resistance in predialytic, nondiabetic, chronic kidney disease patients:
      A hospital-based study in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.
AB  - Most investigations have focused on patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
      More recently, due to increased recognition of the high prevalence of moderate-to
      severe chronic kidney disease (CKD), attention has been redirected to this
      patient population to identify risk factors associated with hospitalization,
      death, and progression to ESRD. The objective of this study was to examine the
      degree and determinants of insulin resistance (IR) in predialytic, nondiabetic,
      CKD patients. Our study is a hospital-based cross-sectional study. The
      participants were aged 18 years and above with CKD due to any cause, were all
      nondiabetic patients, and the mean serum creatinine was 1.41-5 mg/dL.
      Anthropometric parameters included body weight, height, and skinfold thickness.
      Homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) score was 2.5 +/- 1.2 in CKD
      patients and 1.9 +/- 0.7 in controls. In the unadjusted analysis, there was a
      significant (P <0.05) correlation between HOMA-IR and body mass index (BMI),
      waist circumference, cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) levels. Upon adjusting
      for age and sex, total body fat (BF), globulin, TG, and C-reactive protein were
      having positive, significant (P <0.05) correlation with HOMA-IR. In multivariate
      regression models, BMI and total BF% were significant (P <0.05) predictors of IR
      in patients with CKD but not in controls. BF% and BMI are indicators of IR in CKD
      as in non-CKD population.

PMID- 28098102
TI  - Evaluation of renal lesions and clinicopathologic correlation in rheumatoid
      arthritis.
AB  - The most common causes of renal disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are
      glomerulonephritis (GN), amyloidosis, tubulo-interstitial nephritis, and drug
      toxicity. Our aim was to evaluate the clinicopathologic correlation of renal
      lesions and to assess the course and prognosis of renal disease in patients with
      RA. We conducted a prospective observational study in all adult patients with RA
      between July 2010 and June 2015. The total number of patients studied was 90,
      with a female:male ratio of 2.3:1. Mean follow-up duration was 30 +/- 6.5 months.
      About 54 patients (60%) were asymptomatic. The most common symptom was edema legs
      (30%), followed by oliguria (10%). About 18 patients (20%) presented with the
      nephrotic syndrome, 15 patients (16.6%) with nephritic syndrome, and 30 (33%)
      with asymptomatic urinary abnormalities. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was seen in
      48 of 90 patients (53%).The most common renal pathology noted was
      mesangioproliferative GN followed by membranous nephropathy (MN). IgM with C3
      deposits was the most common immunofluorescence pattern observed. Among the
      patients who had glomerular diseases, complete remission was seen in nine
      patients, partial remission in 15, and persistent proteinuria in 14. Duration of
      RA and a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate correlated significantly with
      persistent proteinuria. Only one patient in the glomerular disease group
      progressed to dialysis-dependent renal failure. On followup, 11 out of 48 CKD
      patients showed a significant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate
      and worsened to the next stage of CKD. Renal disease in RA presents with varied
      renal pathology. MN was seen frequently and was not associated with gold or
      penicillamine usage. Relatively high incidence of CKD was noted. Hence, it is
      important to monitor renal function abnormalities periodically in these patients.

PMID- 28098103
TI  - Relation of fibroblast growth factor-23 and cardiovascular calcification in end
      stage kidney disease patients on regular hemodialysis.
AB  - More than half of deaths in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients are due to
      cardiovascular disease. Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) was found
      to be associated with mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients and correlates with
      peripheral calcification. Aortic calcification is associated with coronary artery
      calcification. Both aortic and peripheral vascular calcifications were associated
      with mortality in chronic kidney disease. We aimed to investigate the relation
      between intact FGF-23 and cardiovascular calcification in patients with ESKD who
      were maintained on regular HD. Sixty clinically stable ESKD patients on regular
      HD were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. They were evaluated by basal
      abdominal X-ray. They were divided into two groups: (Group A, n = 30), patients
      with abdominal aortic calcification who underwent multislice computerized
      tomography scan to measure coronary artery calcification score; and (Group B, n =
      30), patients without abdominal aortic calcification. All of them were evaluated
      by lipid profile and dialysis adequacy parameters. Fifty percent of patients had
      vascular calcification. We found a significant positive correlation between age
      and intact FGF-23; significant positive correlations between age, body mass
      index, duration of HD, and abdominal aortic calcification score. FGF-23 of all
      patients was elevated and had significant positive correlation with aortic and
      coronary calcifications in addition to lipid profile, left ventricular mass index
      (LVMI), and inflammatory markers. Plasma intact FGF-23 was elevated in
      nondiabetic ESKD patients, and vascular calcification was prevalent in such group
      of patients with many traditional and nontraditional risk factors. Possibly
      through its disturbing effects on minerals and parathyroid hormone, FGF-23 might
      indirectly affect vascular calcification. LVMI was higher in patients with
      vascular calcification and correlated positively with it.

PMID- 28098104
TI  - Evaluation of arterial stiffness in nondiabetic chronic kidney disease patients.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing problem worldwide. Clinical and
      epidemiologic studies have shown that structural and functional changes that
      occur in major arteries are a major contributing factor to the high mortality in
      uremic patients. Recent studies have shown a stepwise increase of the carotid
      femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) from CKD Stage 1 to Stage 5. We evaluated the
      cfPWV and augmentation index (AIx), as indirect markers of arterial stiffness in
      patients with nondiabetic CKD and compared the values with normal population; we
      also evaluated the relationship between various stages of CKD and arterial
      stiffness markers. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department
      of Nephrology for a duration of two years from January 15, 2012, to January 14,
      2014. Fifty patients with nondiabetic CKD were studied along with 50 healthy
      volunteers who did not have CKD, who served as controls. Assessment of arterial
      stiffness (blood pressure, PWV, heart rate, aortic augmentation pressure, and
      AIx) was performed using the PeriScope device. PWV positively correlated with
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean aortic arterial pressure, serum
      creatinine, and serum uric acid and negatively correlated with estimated
      glomerular filtration rate. Arterial stiffness increased as CKD stage increased
      and was higher in nondiabetic CKD group than in the general population. Arterial
      stiffness progressed gradually from CKD Stage 2 to 5, and then abruptly, in
      dialysis patients. Measures to decrease the arterial stiffness and its influence
      on decreasing cardiovascular events need further evaluation.

PMID- 28098105
TI  - Fasting in Ramadan is not associated with deterioration of chronic kidney
      disease: A prospective observational study.
AB  - Although not mandatory for patients, many Muslims fast in Ramadan. We aimed to
      investigate the effects of long hours (17.5) fasting on renal functions in
      patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Stage 3-5 CKD patients with stable
      renal function were recruited to this prospective observational study three
      months ahead of Ramadan in 2015. All patients were instructed regarding possible
      deleterious effects of dehydration caused by fasting. Forty-five patients (mean
      age 66.8 +/- 10.3 years, 68.8% male) chose to fast and 49 (mean, age: 64.1 +/-
      12.6 years, 51% male) chose not to fast. Clinical and laboratory data were
      recorded before and after Ramadan. Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters
      were similar in the two groups, except for higher serum creatinine and lower
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the nonfasting group (2.22 +/-
      0.99 vs. 1.64 +/- 0.41 mg/dL, P <0.001 and 3 1.9 +/- 12.4 vs. 42.6 +/- 9.8
      mL/min, P <0.001, respectively). More than 30% elevation in serum creatinine
      after Ramadan occurred in 8.8% and 8.1% of fasting and nonfasting patients,
      respectively (P = 0.9). More than 25% drop eGFR after Ramadan was noted in seven
      (15.5%) and six (12.2%) fasting and nonfasting patients, respectively (P =
      0.642). Patients with >= 25% drop in eGFR (13 vs. 81) were older (72.3 +/- 8.3
      years vs. 64.3 +/- 11.7 years, P = 0.020) and more frequently using diuretics
      (69.2% vs. 35.8%, P = 0.023). In multiple linear regression analysis, only
      advanced age was found to be associated with >=25% drop in eGFR after Ramadan in
      the fasting group. Fasting during Ramadan was not associated with increased risk
      of declining in renal functions in patients with Stage 3-5 CKD. However, elderly
      patients may still be under a higher risk.

PMID- 28098106
TI  - The role of dynamic renal scintigraphy on clinical decision making in
      hydronephrotic children.
AB  - Hydronephrosis may be related to an obstructive cause, ureteropelvic/uretero
      vesical junction obstruction or nonobstructive [vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)].
      When an obstructive pathology is considered, dynamic renal scintigraphy may help
      to predict whether it is a true obstruction or not. In this study, we aimed to
      determine the contribution of dynamic renal scintigraphy with [99] mTc-MAG-3 to
      the clinical decision-making for surgery in hydronephrotic children. Files of the
      patients evaluated by MAG-3 scintigraphy for antenatal (AH)/postnatal (PH)
      hydronephrosis between 1992 and 2014 were reviewed. Gender, age, hydronephrosis
      (HN) grade by ultrasound (US), presence of VUR, MAG-3 result (obstructive vs.
      nonobstructive), ultimate diagnosis, and need for surgery were assessed. Cases
      with double collecting system and neurogenic bladder were excluded from the
      study. All of the patients had normal serum creatinine and eGFR. There were a
      total of 178 patients with 218 hydronephrotic renal units (mean age 34.7 +/- 52.7
      months; male/ female = 121/57, AH of 62%). MAG-3 was nonobstructive in 134 and
      obstructive in 84 hydronephrotic renal units. MAG-3 was obstructive in 47 of 121
      (39%) males and 30 of 57 (53%) females (P = 0.058, odds ratio (OR) for
      obstruction was 1.9 for girls). MAG-3 was obstructive in 47 of 135 (35%) units
      with AH and 37 of 83 (45%) units with PH (P = 0.137). In 81 units with the
      society of fetal urology-4 HN by US, MAG-3 was obstructive in 55 (68%), and
      surgery was required in 52 of 55 (95%). Surgery was required for only two (7%) of
      the remaining 26 units with nonobstructive dilatation (P <0.001, sensitivity 96%,
      specificity 89%, OR 208). Antero-posterior diameter >16.5 mm was the best cutoff
      level for predicting obstruction by MAG-3 (sensitivity 75.2%; specificity 71%; OR
      3.8). MAG-3 significantly affects clinical decision for surgery in HN.
      Hydronephrotic girls have more risk in terms of true obstruction. Combining MAG-3
      with US improves the discrimination of true obstruction during follow-up.

PMID- 28098107
TI  - Knowledge and attitude towards organ donation among adult population in Al-Kharj,
      Saudi Arabia.
AB  - Organ transplantation is a lifesaving treatment for patients with end-stage organ
      failure. Despite the advanced medical science and technology, shortage of organs
      had led to a growing gap between the demand for organs and the number of donors.
      With a limited number of studies on the subject and based on those findings, the
      public knowledge and attitudes must be assessed to understand more clearly that
      why many people are opposing donating their organs in Saudi Arabia. The objective
      of our study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of the adult population
      toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional
      study where the information was collected using a self-administered questionnaire
      in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed in both King Khalid
      Hospital and Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, and data gathered
      analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0). There
      were a total of 403 respondents. Nearly 35.6% did not have the knowledge that
      organ donation is legal in the KSA. Almost 97% did not know where to go if they
      want to become donors. All of who were willing to donate, the most common reason
      was to save someone's life (92.7%). Body distortion (39%) and fear of health
      complications (35%) were the most common causes people opposed donation. It was
      suggested that, in order to increase the awareness for organ donation, the
      important role of health workers and hospital displays should be immediately
      addressed and public lectures should be held on regular basis. Information
      regarding organ donation should be incorporated with clear messages in various
      mass media.

PMID- 28098108
TI  - The relationship between mean platelet volume and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio
      with inflammation and proteinuria in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Atherosclerosis, which develops as a result of inflammation, is the most
      important cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In
      this study, we investigated the relationship of mean platelet volume (MPV) and
      neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with inflammation and proteinuria in patients
      with CKD Stage 3-4. Healthy individuals who applied to nephrology clinic for
      checkup purposes acted as controls. Fifty-three patients and 30 healthy controls
      were included in the study. Patients with diabetes mellitus, active infection,
      malignancy, and coronary artery disease were excluded from the study.
      Biochemistry values and hemograms were recorded for all patients and for control
      group. NLR was calculated. The relationship between MPV/NLR and protein,
      fibrinogen, and proteinuria was evaluated. Our study showed a statistically
      significant difference between CKD group and healthy control (HC) group in uric
      acid, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and NLR values (P <0.01, P <0.01, P = 0.01,
      P <0.01, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between
      CKD and HC groups for MPV (P = 0.307). Correlation analysis revealed a
      statistically significant relationship between NLR and creatinine (P <0.00, r =
      0.571), uric acid (P <0.00, r = 0.436), glomerular filtration rate (P <0.00, r = 
      0.418), 24 h urine protein (P = 0.004, r = 0.311), and 24 h urine microalbumin (P
      = 0.001, r = 0.354). A statistically significant relationship was detected
      between MPV and platelet count (P <0.001, r = -0.422), age (P = 0.004, r = 
      0.312), uric acid (P = 0.04, r = -0.226), and fibrinogen (P = 0.023, r = -0.249).
      Whereas, a statistically significant relationship was detected between NLR and
      microalbuminuria/proteinuria, there was no statistically significant relationship
      between MPV and microalbuminuria/proteinuria. Our study showed that the NLR is
      high in CKD group and is correlated with uric acid and proteinuria, which are
      known to be associated with atherosclerosis, in patients with CKD. NLR may be a
      determinant of inflammation and atherosclerosis in patients with CKD.

PMID- 28098109
TI  - Visceral leishmaniasis in adults with nephropathy.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the features of visceral leishmaniasis (VL)
      in adults with nephropathy, who were not infected with the human immunodeficiency
      virus. This is a retrospective study of 14 adults hospitalized between 2000 and
      2014, with VL and renal involvement. Clinical, biological, and therapeutic data
      were collected from the patients' medical files. Eleven women and three men, most
      of whom were from the North of the country, with a mean age of 40.5 years were
      studied. Lupus was present in five cases, the Sicca syndrome in three cases,
      diabetes in one case, renal failure on dialysis in two cases, and there were
      three renal transplant recipients. Major clinical symptoms were fever and
      weakness in all cases. Enlargement of the spleen was present in eight cases and
      hepatomegaly in six cases. Biologic inflammatory syndrome and anemia were present
      in all cases, and pancytopenia was present in seven cases. Renal insufficiency
      was noted in all cases. Diagnosis of VL was confirmed by bone marrow examination
      or serology. Treatment consisted of antimoniate in 10 cases and amphotericin B in
      four cases. Seven deaths were recorded. Clinical symptoms of VL are atypical in
      patients with nephropathy and therefore, the diagnosis should be suspected in
      such patients because VL is still endemic in our country.

PMID- 28098110
TI  - Hepatitis C in children with chronic kidney disease: A single-center, Egypt.
AB  - Prevalence of hepatitis C varies largely according to geographical distribution,
      and Egypt so far has the highest prevalence worldwide. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate hepatitis C infection in chronic kidney disease (CKD) children in our
      center with regard to its incidence and other morbidities. This is a cross
      sectional study involving 50 children with CKD, not on dialysis. All patients
      underwent a thorough history taking including disease duration and mean duration
      of admission, clinical examination including blood pressure measurements, and
      routine laboratory examination such as hemoglobin level, serum aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine. The
      detection of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies was done in all patients
      based on the use of third-generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA) that detects
      antibodies directed against various HCV epitopes. Nine (18%) children were found
      to be hepatitis C positive and 41 were negative to hepatitis C. Infected cases
      were of older age group and had a longer duration of CKD, lower estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), lower hemoglobin, higher ALT, higher serum
      urea, and creatinine. We conclude that 18% of children with CKDs have hepatitis C
      infection, and those with longer the duration of renal disease is more likely to
      be positive for HCV. Furthermore, HCV infection may predispose to higher
      deterioration of eGFR, lower hemoglobin level, and more days of admission. We
      recommend routine testing of HCV in all children with CKD.

PMID- 28098111
TI  - Incidence of hepatitis c virus seroconversion among hemodialysis patients in the
      Nile Delta of Egypt: A single-center study.
AB  - Egypt has the highest worldwide prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection,
      caused in part by nosocomial transmission. Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are at
      especially high risk of infection. We aimed to estimate the incidence of
      seroconversion among HCV-negative patients undergoing regular HD at a unit in a
      large public hospital in the Nile Delta of Egypt, which implements the Egyptian
      Ministry of Health guidelines for infection control, and an isolation policy for
      hepatitis-positive patients. We also assessed the adherence to infection control
      practices and evaluated nurses and physicians' knowledge and attitude toward
      infection control procedures. Records of HCV-negative patients undergoing regular
      HD at the unit from August 2008 to August 2010 were reviewed retrospectively for
      data on HCV status. Patients were then followed up until September 2011, when
      polymerase chain reaction was performed for all patients. Infection control
      practices were evaluated by four checklists applied monthly and analyzed by
      control charts. Nurses and physicians' knowledge and attitudes toward infection
      control were assessed by interview questionnaires. Of 60 patients followed up,
      there was one case of HCV seroconversion giving an incidence rate of 0.676/100
      person-years of follow-up (95% confidence interval: 0.017-3.76). There were no
      cases of hepatitis B virus seroconversion. The mean scores of all the infection
      control practices' checklists were very high and generally remained above the
      lower control limit over the 12-month period. Physicians and nurses achieved very
      high scores on knowledge and attitude on infection control (mean score >95%).
      This public facility had a low seroconversion rate and high adherence to
      infection control guidelines.

PMID- 28098112
TI  - Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: Study of clinical characteristics
      in an Indian population.
AB  - Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common
      hereditary form of kidney disease. Clinical data on this multisystem disorder are
      scarce from developing countries. We conducted a prospective observational study
      of the clinical profile of ADPKD patients at a single center over a period of six
      years. A total of 208 patients were studied. Majority were male (60.6%) and the
      mean age was 45.8 +/- 14.5 years. About 61.5% had early stage (Stages 1-3) of
      chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 38.5% had advanced CKD (Stages 4 and 5).
      Clinical features observed included pain abdomen (46.2%), nocturia (65.9%),
      hematuria (21.6%), nephrolithiasis (38.9%), urinary tract infection (UTI)
      (38.9%), hypertension (69.5%), and raised serum creatinine (54.3%). The
      prevalence of nocturia, hypertension, and renal dysfunction showed a significant
      increase with age (P = 0.001). Extrarenal manifestations were polycystic liver
      disease in 77 patients (37%), cysts in pancreas in two (1%), and stroke in three
      (1.5%) (hemorrhage in 2 and infarct in 1). There was significantly higher
      prevalence of hypertension (P = 0.027) and nephrolithiasis (P = 0.044) in males
      compared to females. Ninety-two patients (44.2%) had a positive family history
      for ADPKD. Fifteen (7.2%) had kidney failure at the diagnosis of ADPKD, were
      hospitalized, and underwent emergency dialysis. A total of 20 patients (9.6%)
      developed end-stage kidney disease during the study period. The age at diagnosis
      was higher, and there was a high prevalence of hypertension, nocturia, abdominal
      pain, nephrolithiasis, UTI, and renal dysfunction in Indian ADPKD patients.

PMID- 28098113
TI  - Role of renal biopsy in managing pediatric renal diseases: A midterm analysis of
      a series at bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

PMID- 28098114
TI  - A comparison of health-related quality of life in patients with renal failure
      under hemodialysis and healthy participants.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life
      (QoL) of patients under hemodialysis (HD) and to compare this to healthy
      participants. We compared 154 patients on HD to 308 healthy age- and sex-matched
      controls recruited from Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Babol, Northern Iran in 2014.
      The data of health-related QoL in eight subscales were collected with interview
      using a standard short-form questionnaire of short form-36. The demographic data
      and dry weight and height were measured. The scores of each subscale were
      transformed from 0 (the worse state) to 100 (the best state). In univariate
      analysis, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the distribution
      of scores between cases and controls according to gender, and multiple linear
      regression analysis was used to adjust the regression coefficient for possible
      potential confounding factors. The mean overall score of health-related QoL for
      men was 44.7 +/- 23.2 and 74.3 +/- 18.1 in patients and controls, respectively,
      and for women was 37.1 +/- 20.8 and 62.1 +/- 18.7, respectively. In all
      subscales, the mean score of patients was significantly lower than controls (P =
      0.001) in both sexes. In all eight subscales, after adjusting for demographic
      characteristics, the patients had significantly lower QoL than controls (P =
      0.001). In addition, the independent effect of age, gender, and educational level
      as predictors of QoL was significant across various subscales (P = 0.001).

PMID- 28098115
TI  - A novel fibrillin-1 mutation in an egyptian marfan family: A proband showing
      nephrotic syndrome due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
AB  - Marfan syndrome (MFS), the founding member of connective tissue disorder, is an
      autosomal dominant disease; it is caused by a deficiency of the microfibrillar
      protein fibrillin-1 (FBN1) and characterized by involvement of three main
      systems; skeletal, ocular, and cardiovascular. More than one thousand mutations
      in FBN1 gene on chromosome 15 were found to cause MFS. Nephrotic syndrome (NS)
      had been described in very few patients with MFS being attributed to
      membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis secondary to infective endocarditis.
      Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) had been reported in NS in conjunction
      with MFS without confirming the diagnosis by mutational analysis of FBN1. We
      hereby present an Egyptian family with MFS documented at the molecular level; it
      showed a male proband with NS secondary to FSGS, unfortunately, we failed to make
      any causal link between FBN dysfunction and FSGS. In this context, we review the
      spectrum of renal involvements occurring in MFS patients.

PMID- 28098116
TI  - Membranous glomerulopathy and massive cervical lymphadenopathy due to
      immunoglobulin G4-disease.
AB  - A 32-year-old male presented with acute and severe nephrotic syndrome as well as
      massive right cervical lymphadenopathy for <2 years. Computed tomography scan of
      the chest, abdomen, and pelvis did not reveal any lymphadenopathy. Histopathology
      and immunohistochemical testing of his lymph node biopsy showed infiltrate
      enriched with immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive plasma cells. His kidney biopsy
      showed granular membranous deposits of IgG4 in the basement membrane without
      interstitial infiltrate. Antiphospholipid 2 receptor antibodies were absent
      excluding its "idiopathic" nature. Since he was allergic to rituximab, he was
      treated with corticosteroids for two months and a combination of tacrolimus and
      mycophenolate. His lymphadenopathy disappeared, and his proteinuria abated. The
      dose of the latter two medications was reduced to half after four months and will
      be maintained for a minimum of two years to prevent relapse of his disease.

PMID- 28098117
TI  - Denosumab for the treatment of bisphosphonate resistant hypercalcemia in a
      hemodialysis patient.
AB  - The acronym of malignancy, iatrogenic, intoxication and immobilization,
      sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism, milk-alkali syndrome, and
      paget is very helpful in diagnosing hypercalcemia. We report on a 94-year-old
      patient with history of end-stage renal failure secondary to benign
      nephroangiosclerosis, who was on maintenance hemodialysis during dialysis, his
      blood chemistry revealed mild hypercalcemia (2.66 mmol/L) with normal level of
      intact primary hyperparathyroidism (32.37 ng/mL) mandating the discontinuation of
      Vitamin D[3]. In view of persisting hypercalcemia, denosumab 60 mg/mL was
      administrated subcutaneously. The serum calcium level showed a decrease and
      stabilized at near upper limit (2.57 mmol/L). Three weeks later, the serum
      calcium remained mildly elevated fluctuating between 2.66 and 2.80 mmol/L.

PMID- 28098118
TI  - Safety of denosumab in dialysis patients on calcium and vitamin D supplements.

PMID- 28098119
TI  - Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome: A report on four adult
      cases.
AB  - Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a rare disease,
      generally presenting in children and young women. The interstitial nephritis may
      precede, follow, or develop concurrent to the uveitis. We report the clinical
      features and outcomes of four adult patients, aged 41-70 years with the TINU
      syndrome.

PMID- 28098120
TI  - An unusual cause of hematuria following coronary intervention.
AB  - Acute renal infarction is rare. Its true incidence is not known. The paucity of
      literature and unawareness among the physicians makes it an underdiagnosed
      entity. Herein, we report a case of renal infarction following coronary
      intervention.

PMID- 28098121
TI  - Perspectives on hypertension outcomes after single-stage clearance of a complete
      staghorn renal calculus.
AB  - A 55-year-old male presented, in June 2013, with left flank pain. Investigations
      revealed a complete staghorn stone. He had undergone two sittings of
      extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in 2008 for left renal stone. One
      year subsequent to this, he was diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. The
      management of complete staghorn stones in a single sitting is a difficult
      proposition. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard to manage
      such stones. The patient was subjected to PCNL, and complete clearance was
      achieved in one sitting. On one-year follow-up, there was a significant reduction
      in blood pressure (BP) and better glycemic control. Although there are several
      reports where hypertension has been reported after multiple sittings of ESWL,
      whether ESWL contributed to the genesis of hypertension and diabetes in this
      patient or it was simply incidental, cannot be stated with certainty. There was a
      significant reduction in the BP after complete stone removal, but there is
      uncertainty over the effect of total clearance of renal stones on hypertension,
      and we need to await the results of more controlled trials studying this
      phenomenon. A better glycemic control was perhaps achieved secondary to the
      eradication of recurrent urinary tract infections due to complete stone
      clearance.

PMID- 28098122
TI  - A case of abdominal aortic thrombosis associated with the nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - Thromboembolic disease is an important and frequent complication in patients with
      the nephrotic syndrome (NS), and the consequences are often severe. Usually, the
      venous system is affected. Arterial thrombosis has rarely been reported and
      occurs mainly in children. We report the case of a 27-year-old man with a history
      of NS due to focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis resistant to steroids and
      cyclosporine, admitted for bilateral pain in the calves. Aortogram revealed a
      suspended thrombus in the abdominal aorta just below the origin of the renal
      arteries with embolism into the left tibioperoneal trunk and the right anterior
      tibial artery. Endarterectomy was performed followed by systemic heparinization
      with a good outcome. Arterial thrombosis is rare and must be prevented.

PMID- 28098123
TI  - Typhoid-associated acute kidney injury masquerading as a relapse of Takayasu
      arteritis.
AB  - Renal dysfunction is common in Takayasu arteritis. Uncommonly, renal failure in a
      case of Takayasu arteritis can be due to an unrelated disease, and if the disease
      is a rare complication, it is even more difficult to diagnose. We report a 21
      year-old male with type IV Takayasu arteritis presenting with fever and renal
      failure, who was diagnosed to have enteric fever- related glomerulonephritis
      which was successfully treated.

PMID- 28098124
TI  - Polymicrobial peritonitis with Leclercia adecarboxylata in a peritoneal dialysis
      patient.

PMID- 28098125
TI  - Prevalence of dyslipidemia and macrovascular complications among post kidney
      transplant patients.

PMID- 28098126
TI  - Zika virus infection: What should we know as nephrologists?

PMID- 28098127
TI  - Cultural and religious issues in organ transplantation: Crucial role in
      multiethnic countries.

PMID- 28098128
TI  - An atypical presentation of cake kidney.

PMID- 28098129
TI  - Tophi as the initial manifestation of gout in a normouricemic hemodialysis
      patient: An unusual case of a common disorder.

PMID- 28098130
TI  - Acute kidney injury due to multiple wasp stings.

PMID- 28098131
TI  - End-stage renal disease secondary to pelvic organ prolapse.

PMID- 28098132
TI  - [Materiality Analysis of Health Plans Based on Stakeholder Engagement and the
      Issues Included at ISO 26000:2010].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Health plans of the Spanish autonomous communities can incorporate
      sustainable development criteria in its development. There have been no analysis
      or proposals about development and indicators. The goal is to add a contribution
      to help build better health plans aimed at sustainable development and help to
      manage economic, social and environmental impacts of health systems criteria.
      METHODS: We used a variation of the RAND/UCLA or modified Delphi technique
      method. The process consisted of a bibliographical and context matters and issues
      related to health and social responsibility analysis based on ISO 26000: 2010. A
      survey by deliberately to a selection of 70 expert members of the identified
      stakeholders was carried out and a discussion group was held to determine the
      consensus on the issues addressed in the survey sample. The research was
      conducted in 2015. RESULTS: From the literature review 33 health issues included
      in ISO 26000:2010 were obtained. 7 survey proved relevant high consensus, 8
      relevance and average consensus and 18 with less relevance and high level of
      dissent. The expert group excluded 4 of the 18 subjects with less consensus.
      CONCLUSIONS: 29 issues included 33 at work, divided into 7 subjects contained in
      the guide ISO 26000 of social responsibility, were relevant stakeholders
      regarding possible inclusion in health plans. Considering the direct relationship
      published by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) among the
      issues ISO 26000 and the economic, social and environmental indicators in GRI
      (Global Reporting Initiative) in its G4 version, a panel with monitoring
      indicators related to relevant issues were elaborated.

PMID- 28098133
TI  - [The Need of a New Integral Approach to the Care of Patient with Severe Mental
      Disorder Thirty Years after the Psychiatric Reform].
AB  - More than thirty years have passed since the beginning of the psychiatric reform,
      a period of intense and relevant social, scientific and cultural changes which
      have directly impacted on mental disorders and their management. Improvement in
      psychopharmacological treatment, a new model of physician-patient relationship,
      patient's empowerment as a key issue and the fight against social stigma related
      to mental health disorders, changes in clinical governance and health policy, the
      assistential burden derived from the treatment of less severe pathology in mental
      health community centers, improvements in teamwork and coordination with other
      resources involved... are some of the relevant changes which determine the scene
      of community-based mental health assistance. We think this is a right time to
      check the state of the community-based care programmes for severe mental
      disorders, and the role of mental health center. We propose to have a reflexion
      about two relevant topics: where we are and where we are heading.

PMID- 28098134
TI  - [Validity, Reliability and Associated Factors of the International Physical
      Activity Questionnaire Adapted to Elderly (IPAQ-E)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Physical activity contributes to improve health and reduce mortality
      in older people. The objective was to analyze the validity of content and
      reliability of the short version of IPAQ-E in elderly people who attended to
      Fernando el Catolico health center between May 2013 and March 2015. METHODS:
      Validation study of the short version of the international physical activity
      questionnaire (IPAQ) adapted in Spanish elderly (IPAQ-E). Our sampling was for
      convenience. The short version of IPAQ in Spanish USA was used and its activities
      were adapted to Spanish elderly. Two measurements of IPAQ-E with 15 days between
      them were used to analyze the intraobserver reliability. The intraclass
      correlation coefficient was used to measure intraobserver reliability, Cronbach's
      alpha for internal consistency (CI) and Spearman correlation coefficients (CS) to
      analyze the correlation between IPAQ-E and the Short Physical Performance Battery
      (SPPB). RESULTS: The sample was 139 people, average age 73,18 years.
      Intraobserver reliability total was 0.914, besides exceeded 0.9 in the three
      dimensions of the questionnaire. The CI was 0.518; It exceeded 0.8 in the rest of
      dimensions of IPAQ-E. The CS between IPAQ-E Total and SPPB was (Rho 0.435),
      between the total scores SPPB and walking activity was (Rho 0.426), and the score
      vigorous activity was (Rho 0,248). CONCLUSIONS: The IPAQ-E is a valid and
      reliable instrument for measuring mobility in Spanish elderly. However, more
      studies about its validity will be required in the future.

PMID- 28098135
TI  - [Outbreak of Whooping cough in 2016.Ecija, Seville, Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Whooping cough is a global public health problem, is a highly
      contagious disease, and despite universal vaccination increased incidence is
      observed. The aim of this study was to describe the investigation of a population
      outbreak. METHODS: A descriptive study of a population outbreak of whooping cough
      between February and June 2016 in Ecija (Seville). Case and outbreak definitions
      was taken of Whooping Cough Monitoring Protocol. Information was collected from
      Health History, Epidemiological Monitoring System and Laboratory. For statistical
      analysis used the free software R, for measuring quantitative variables were
      presented, median, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values and percentiles
      for qualitative variables frequency distribution. RESULTS: 91 suspected cases
      were identified, ruling 33. Of the remaining 58, 42 cases were confirmed and 16
      probable cases. The cases have presented an average age of 10,24 years. 62,1% of
      cases occurred in women. The incidence during the duration of the outbreak was
      148,51 cases/100.000 people globally, and 851,06 cases/100.000 people in under 14
      years. All children under 18 years were successfully vaccinated in primary
      vaccination and only 2 children lacked the fifth dose. The average time between
      onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 24,86 days. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of
      monitoring and control measures have managed to limit and resolve the outbreak.
      It is recommended to enhance the information and coordination between the various
      levels of care (Primary care/Specialist) and professionals
      (Clinical/Epidemiology).

PMID- 28098137
TI  - Origin and evolution of the deep thermochemical structure beneath Eurasia.
AB  - A unique structure in the Earth's lowermost mantle, the Perm Anomaly, was
      recently identified beneath Eurasia. It seismologically resembles the large low
      shear velocity provinces (LLSVPs) under Africa and the Pacific, but is much
      smaller. This challenges the current understanding of the evolution of the plate
      mantle system in which plumes rise from the edges of the two LLSVPs, spatially
      fixed in time. New models of mantle flow over the last 230 million years
      reproduce the present-day structure of the lower mantle, and show a Perm-like
      anomaly. The anomaly formed in isolation within a closed subduction network
      ~22,000 km in circumference prior to 150 million years ago before migrating
      ~1,500 km westward at an average rate of 1 cm year-1, indicating a greater
      mobility of deep mantle structures than previously recognized. We hypothesize
      that the mobile Perm Anomaly could be linked to the Emeishan volcanics, in
      contrast to the previously proposed Siberian Traps.

PMID- 28098136
TI  - Exome and genome sequencing of nasopharynx cancer identifies NF-kappaB pathway
      activating mutations.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive head and neck cancer
      characterized by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and dense lymphocyte
      infiltration. The scarcity of NPC genomic data hinders the understanding of NPC
      biology, disease progression and rational therapy design. Here we performed whole
      exome sequencing (WES) on 111 micro-dissected EBV-positive NPCs, with 15 cases
      subjected to further whole-genome sequencing (WGS), to determine its mutational
      landscape. We identified enrichment for genomic aberrations of multiple negative
      regulators of the NF-kappaB pathway, including CYLD, TRAF3, NFKBIA and NLRC5, in
      a total of 41% of cases. Functional analysis confirmed inactivating CYLD
      mutations as drivers for NPC cell growth. The EBV oncoprotein latent membrane
      protein 1 (LMP1) functions to constitutively activate NF-kappaB signalling, and
      we observed mutual exclusivity among tumours with somatic NF-kappaB pathway
      aberrations and LMP1-overexpression, suggesting that NF-kappaB activation is
      selected for by both somatic and viral events during NPC pathogenesis.

PMID- 28098140
TI  - Dynamical observations on the crack tip zone and stress corrosion of two
      dimensional MoS2.
AB  - Whether and how fracture mechanics needs to be modified for small length scales
      and in systems of reduced dimensionality remains an open debate. Here, employing
      in situ transmission electron microscopy, atomic structures and dislocation
      dynamics in the crack tip zone of a propagating crack in two-dimensional (2D)
      monolayer MoS2 membrane are observed, and atom-to-atom displacement mapping is
      obtained. The electron beam is used to initiate the crack; during in situ
      observation of crack propagation the electron beam effect is minimized. The
      observed high-frequency emission of dislocations is beyond previous understanding
      of the fracture of brittle MoS2. Strain analysis reveals dislocation emission to
      be closely associated with the crack propagation path in nanoscale. The critical
      crack tip plastic zone size of nearly perfect 2D MoS2 is between 2 and 5 nm,
      although it can grow to 10 nm under corrosive conditions such as ultraviolet
      light exposure, showing enhanced dislocation activity via defect generation.

PMID- 28098139
TI  - Appetite responses to high-fat meals or diets of varying fatty acid composition:
      a comprehensive review.
AB  - Dietary fatty acids (FA) act as signaling molecules with diverse effects on
      physiologic function. The aim of this article is to review and summarize the
      clinical human studies in the literature on how dietary FA composition in meals
      and diets affects hunger and satiety signaling in the body. Studies examining FA
      saturation (monounsaturated (MUFA), saturated or polyunsaturated (PUFA) FAs) or
      FA chain length from high-fat meals/diets were included. Measures of appetite
      included visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires, appetite hormones
      (Cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY),
      gastric insulinotropic polypeptide gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), ghrelin,
      leptin, insulin) and/or energy intake (EI) data. VAS measures in 9 out of 13
      studies were not influenced by FA saturation. PUFAs, followed by MUFAs, tended to
      induce the greatest stimulatory effect on GLP-1, GIP and PYY, which was found in
      6 out of 11 studies measuring appetite-related hormones. Regarding FA chain
      length, five of six studies show either no difference or less hunger (VAS) and
      greater satiety hormone levels (two of six studies) for FAs with longer chain
      lengths. EI does not seem to be affected by the saturation of FAs while EI was
      inconclusive for studies comparing FA chain length. Possibly due to the
      inconsistencies in study design, little agreement is observed between the studies
      on the impact of FA composition on hormonal and subjective measures of appetite
      as well as EI. Therefore, more research on the long-term impact of dietary FA
      composition on appetite control may provide clearer outcomes.

PMID- 28098141
TI  - One million years of glaciation and denudation history in west Greenland.
AB  - The influence of major Quaternary climatic changes on growth and decay of the
      Greenland Ice Sheet, and associated erosional impact on the landscapes, is
      virtually unknown beyond the last deglaciation. Here we quantify exposure and
      denudation histories in west Greenland by applying a novel Markov-Chain Monte
      Carlo modelling approach to all available paired cosmogenic 10Be-26Al bedrock
      data from Greenland. We find that long-term denudation rates in west Greenland
      range from >50 m Myr-1 in low-lying areas to ~2 m Myr-1 at high elevations,
      hereby quantifying systematic variations in denudation rate among different
      glacial landforms caused by variations in ice thickness across the landscape. We
      furthermore show that the present day ice-free areas only were ice covered ca.
      45% of the past 1 million years, and even less at high-elevation sites, implying
      that the Greenland Ice Sheet for much of the time was of similar size or even
      smaller than today.

PMID- 28098138
TI  - SCIMP is a transmembrane non-TIR TLR adaptor that promotes proinflammatory
      cytokine production from macrophages.
AB  - Danger signals activate Toll-like receptors (TLRs), thereby initiating
      inflammatory responses. Canonical TLR signalling, via Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor
      domain (TIR)-containing adaptors and proinflammatory transcription factors such
      as NF-kappaB, occurs in many cell types; however, additional mechanisms are
      required for specificity of inflammatory responses in innate immune cells. Here
      we show that SCIMP, an immune-restricted, transmembrane adaptor protein (TRAP),
      promotes selective proinflammatory cytokine responses by direct modulation of
      TLR4. SCIMP is a non-TIR-containing adaptor, binding directly to the TLR4-TIR
      domain in response to lipopolysaccharide. In macrophages, SCIMP is constitutively
      associated with the Lyn tyrosine kinase, is required for tyrosine phosphorylation
      of TLR4, and facilitates TLR-inducible production of the proinflammatory
      cytokines IL-6 and IL-12p40. Point mutations in SCIMP abrogating TLR4 binding
      also prevent SCIMP-mediated cytokine production. SCIMP is, therefore, an immune
      specific TLR adaptor that shapes host defence and inflammation.

PMID- 28098143
TI  - Efficient DNA-free genome editing of bread wheat using CRISPR/Cas9
      ribonucleoprotein complexes.
AB  - Substantial efforts are being made to optimize the CRISPR/Cas9 system for
      precision crop breeding. The avoidance of transgene integration and reduction of
      off-target mutations are the most important targets for optimization. Here, we
      describe an efficient genome editing method for bread wheat using CRISPR/Cas9
      ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). Starting from RNP preparation, the whole protocol
      takes only seven to nine weeks, with four to five independent mutants produced
      from 100 immature wheat embryos. Deep sequencing reveals that the chance of off
      target mutations in wheat cells is much lower in RNP mediated genome editing than
      in editing with CRISPR/Cas9 DNA. Consistent with this finding, no off-target
      mutations are detected in the mutant plants. Because no foreign DNA is used in
      CRISPR/Cas9 RNP mediated genome editing, the mutants obtained are completely
      transgene free. This method may be widely applicable for producing genome edited
      crop plants and has a good prospect of being commercialized.

PMID- 28098142
TI  - Carbon translocation from a plant to an insect-pathogenic endophytic fungus.
AB  - Metarhizium robertsii is a common soil fungus that occupies a specialized
      ecological niche as an endophyte and an insect pathogen. Previously, we showed
      that the endophytic capability and insect pathogenicity of Metarhizium are
      coupled to provide an active method of insect-derived nitrogen transfer to a host
      plant via fungal mycelia. We speculated that in exchange for this insect-derived
      nitrogen, the plant would provide photosynthate to the fungus. By using 13CO2, we
      show the incorporation of 13C into photosynthate and the subsequent translocation
      of 13C into fungal-specific carbohydrates (trehalose and chitin) in the
      root/endophyte complex. We determined the amount of 13C present in root
      associated fungal biomass over a 21-day period by extracting fungal carbohydrates
      and analysing their composition using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      spectroscopy. These findings are evidence that the host plant is providing
      photosynthate to the fungus, likely in exchange for insect-derived nitrogen in a
      tripartite, and symbiotic, interaction.

PMID- 28098144
TI  - Oligo-fucoidan prevents renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by inhibiting the CD44
      signal pathway.
AB  - Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is recognized as a key determinant of progressive
      chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide extracted from
      brown seaweed, exerts beneficial effects in some nephropathy models. The present
      study evaluated the inhibitory effect of oligo-fucoidan (800 Da) on renal
      tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We established a mouse CKD model by right
      nephrectomy with transient ischemic injury to the left kidney. Six weeks after
      the surgery, we fed the CKD mice oligo-fucoidan at 10, 20, and 100 mg/kg/d for 6
      weeks and found that the oligo-fucoidan doses less than 100 mg/kg/d improved
      renal function and reduced renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in CKD mice. Oligo
      fucoidan also inhibited pressure-induced fibrotic responses and the expression of
      CD44, beta-catenin, and TGF-beta in rat renal tubular cells (NRK-52E). CD44
      knockdown downregulated the expression of beta-catenin and TGF-beta in pressure
      treated cells. Additional ligands for CD44 reduced the anti-fibrotic effect of
      oligo-fucoidan in NRK-52E cells. These data suggest that oligo-fucoidan at the
      particular dose prevents renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a CKD model. The
      anti-fibrotic effect of oligo-fucoidan may result from interfering with the
      interaction between CD44 and its extracellular ligands.

PMID- 28098145
TI  - Highly thermal-stable ferromagnetism by a natural composite.
AB  - All ferromagnetic materials show deterioration of magnetism-related properties
      such as magnetization and magnetostriction with increasing temperature, as the
      result of gradual loss of magnetic order with approaching Curie temperature TC.
      However, technologically, it is highly desired to find a magnetic material that
      can resist such magnetism deterioration and maintain stable magnetism up to its
      TC, but this seems against the conventional wisdom about ferromagnetism. Here we
      show that a Fe-Ga alloy exhibits highly thermal-stable magnetization up to the
      vicinity of its TC, 880 K. Also, the magnetostriction shows nearly no
      deterioration over a very wide temperature range. Such unusual behaviour stems
      from dual-magnetic-phase nature of this alloy, in which a gradual structural
      magnetic transformation occurs between two magnetic phases so that the magnetism
      deterioration is compensated by the growth of the ferromagnetic phase with larger
      magnetization. Our finding may help to develop highly thermal-stable
      ferromagnetic and magnetostrictive materials.

PMID- 28098146
TI  - Metal/oxide interfacial effects on the selective oxidation of primary alcohols.
AB  - A main obstacle in the rational development of heterogeneous catalysts is the
      difficulty in identifying active sites. Here we show metal/oxide interfacial
      sites are highly active for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and other
      industrially important primary alcohols on a range of metals and oxides
      combinations. Scanning tunnelling microscopy together with density functional
      theory calculations on FeO/Pt(111) reveals that benzyl alcohol enriches
      preferentially at the oxygen-terminated FeO/Pt(111) interface and undergoes
      readily O-H and C-H dissociations with the aid of interfacial oxygen, which is
      also validated in the model study of Cu2O/Ag(111). We demonstrate that the
      interfacial effects are independent of metal or oxide sizes and the way by which
      the interfaces were constructed. It inspires us to inversely support nano-oxides
      on micro-metals to make the structure more stable against sintering while the
      number of active sites is not sacrificed. The catalyst lifetime, by taking the
      inverse design, is thereby significantly prolonged.

PMID- 28098147
TI  - Nanoparticle-induced unusual melting and solidification behaviours of metals.
AB  - Effective control of melting and solidification behaviours of materials is
      significant for numerous applications. It has been a long-standing challenge to
      increase the melted zone (MZ) depth while shrinking the heat-affected zone (HAZ)
      size during local melting and solidification of materials. In this paper,
      nanoparticle-induced unusual melting and solidification behaviours of metals are
      reported that effectively solve this long-time dilemma. By introduction of Al2O3
      nanoparticles, the MZ depth of Ni is increased by 68%, while the corresponding
      HAZ size is decreased by 67% in laser melting at a pulse energy of 0.18 mJ. The
      addition of SiC nanoparticles shows similar results. The discovery of the unusual
      melting and solidification of materials that contain nanoparticles will not only
      have impacts on existing melting and solidification manufacturing processes, such
      as laser welding and additive manufacturing, but also on other applications such
      as pharmaceutical processing and energy storage.

PMID- 28098148
TI  - Clinical utility gene card for: Non-Syndromic Microphthalmia Including Next
      Generation Sequencing-Based Approaches.

PMID- 28098150
TI  - A survey of sub-Saharan gene flow into the Mediterranean at risk loci for
      coronary artery disease.
AB  - This study tries to find detectable signals of gene flow of Sub-Saharan origin
      into the Mediterranean in four genomic regions previously associated with
      coronary artery disease. A total of 366 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were
      genotyped in 772 individuals from 10 Mediterranean countries. Population
      structure analyses were performed, in which a noticeable Sub-Saharan component
      was found in the studied samples. The overall percentage of this Sub-Saharan
      component presents differences between the two Mediterranean coasts. D-statistics
      suggest possible Sub-Saharan introgression into one of the studied genomic
      regions (10q11). We also found differences in linkage disequilibrium patterns
      between the two Mediterranean coasts, possibly attributable to differential Sub
      Saharan admixture. Our results confirm the potentially important role of human
      demographic history when performing epidemiological studies.

PMID- 28098149
TI  - Characterising private and shared signatures of positive selection in 37 Asian
      populations.
AB  - The Asian Diversity Project (ADP) assembled 37 cosmopolitan and ethnic minority
      populations in Asia that have been densely genotyped across over half a million
      markers to study patterns of genetic diversity and positive natural selection. We
      performed population structure analyses of the ADP populations and divided these
      populations into four major groups based on their genographic information. By
      applying a highly sensitive algorithm haploPS to locate genomic signatures of
      positive selection, 140 distinct genomic regions exhibiting evidence of positive
      selection in at least one population were identified. We examined the extent of
      signal sharing for regions that were selected in multiple populations and
      observed that populations clustered in a similar fashion to that of how the
      ancestry clades were phylogenetically defined. In particular, populations
      predominantly located in South Asia underwent considerably different adaptation
      as compared with populations from the other geographical regions. Signatures of
      positive selection present in multiple geographical regions were predicted to be
      older and have emerged prior to the separation of the populations in the
      different regions. In contrast, selection signals present in a single population
      group tended to be of lower frequencies and thus can be attributed to recent
      evolutionary events.

PMID- 28098151
TI  - Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia-associated variants are associated with neo
      natal lethal Noonan syndrome.
AB  - Gain-of-function variants in some RAS-MAPK pathway genes, including PTPN11 and
      NRAS, are associated with RASopathies and/or acquired hematological malignancies,
      most notably juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). With rare exceptions, the
      spectrum of germline variants causing RASopathies does not overlap with the
      somatic variants identified in isolated JMML. Studies comparing these variants
      suggest a stronger gain-of-function activity in the JMML variants. As JMML
      variants have not been identified as germline defects and have a greater impact
      on protein function, it has been speculated that they would be embryonic lethal.
      Here we identified three variants, which have previously only been identified in
      isolated somatic JMML and other sporadic cancers, in four cases with a severe pre
      or neo-natal lethal presentation of Noonan syndrome. These cases support the
      hypothesis that these stronger gain-of-function variants are rarely compatible
      with life.

PMID- 28098152
TI  - Human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase is allosterically inhibited by its own
      product.
AB  - Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) is an enzyme of the mevalonate pathway and
      a well-established therapeutic target. Recent research has focused around a newly
      identified druggable pocket near the enzyme's active site. Pharmacological
      exploitation of this pocket is deemed promising; however, its natural biological
      function, if any, is yet unknown. Here we report that the product of FPPS,
      farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), can bind to this pocket and lock the enzyme in an
      inactive state. The Kd for this binding is 5-6 MUM, within a catalytically
      relevant range. These results indicate that FPPS activity is sensitive to the
      product concentration. Kinetic analysis shows that the enzyme is inhibited
      through FPP accumulation. Having a specific physiological effector, FPPS is a
      bona fide allosteric enzyme. This allostery offers an exquisite mechanism for
      controlling prenyl pyrophosphate levels in vivo and thus contributes an
      additional layer of regulation to the mevalonate pathway.

PMID- 28098153
TI  - MECP2 regulates cortical plasticity underlying a learned behaviour in adult
      female mice.
AB  - Neurodevelopmental disorders are marked by inappropriate synaptic connectivity
      early in life, but how disruption of experience-dependent plasticity contributes
      to cognitive and behavioural decline in adulthood is unclear. Here we show that
      pup gathering behaviour and associated auditory cortical plasticity are impaired
      in female Mecp2het mice, a model of Rett syndrome. In response to learned
      maternal experience, Mecp2het females exhibited transient changes to cortical
      inhibitory networks typically associated with limited plasticity. Averting these
      changes in Mecp2het through genetic or pharmacological manipulations targeting
      the GABAergic network restored gathering behaviour. We propose that pup gathering
      learning triggers a transient epoch of inhibitory plasticity in auditory cortex
      that is dysregulated in Mecp2het. In this window of heightened sensitivity to
      sensory and social cues, Mecp2 mutations suppress adult plasticity independently
      from their effects on early development.

PMID- 28098155
TI  - The geometric nature of weights in real complex networks.
AB  - The topology of many real complex networks has been conjectured to be embedded in
      hidden metric spaces, where distances between nodes encode their likelihood of
      being connected. Besides of providing a natural geometrical interpretation of
      their complex topologies, this hypothesis yields the recipe for sustainable
      Internet's routing protocols, sheds light on the hierarchical organization of
      biochemical pathways in cells, and allows for a rich characterization of the
      evolution of international trade. Here we present empirical evidence that this
      geometric interpretation also applies to the weighted organization of real
      complex networks. We introduce a very general and versatile model and use it to
      quantify the level of coupling between their topology, their weights and an
      underlying metric space. Our model accurately reproduces both their topology and
      their weights, and our results suggest that the formation of connections and the
      assignment of their magnitude are ruled by different processes.

PMID- 28098154
TI  - Structural basis of ligand interaction with atypical chemokine receptor 3.
AB  - Chemokines drive cell migration through their interactions with seven
      transmembrane (7TM) chemokine receptors on cell surfaces. The atypical chemokine
      receptor 3 (ACKR3) binds chemokines CXCL11 and CXCL12 and signals exclusively
      through beta-arrestin-mediated pathways, without activating canonical G-protein
      signalling. This receptor is upregulated in numerous cancers making it a
      potential drug target. Here we collected over 100 distinct structural probes from
      radiolytic footprinting, disulfide trapping, and mutagenesis to map the
      structures of ACKR3:CXCL12 and ACKR3:small-molecule complexes, including dynamic
      regions that proved unresolvable by X-ray crystallography in homologous
      receptors. The data are integrated with molecular modelling to produce complete
      and cohesive experimentally driven models that confirm and expand on the existing
      knowledge of the architecture of receptor:chemokine and receptor:small-molecule
      complexes. Additionally, we detected and characterized ligand-induced
      conformational changes in the transmembrane and intracellular regions of ACKR3
      that elucidate fundamental structural elements of agonism in this atypical
      receptor.

PMID- 28098156
TI  - Sixfold improved single particle measurement of the magnetic moment of the
      antiproton.
AB  - Our current understanding of the Universe comes, among others, from particle
      physics and cosmology. In particle physics an almost perfect symmetry between
      matter and antimatter exists. On cosmological scales, however, a striking
      matter/antimatter imbalance is observed. This contradiction inspires comparisons
      of the fundamental properties of particles and antiparticles with high precision.
      Here we report on a measurement of the g-factor of the antiproton with a
      fractional precision of 0.8 parts per million at 95% confidence level. Our value
      /2=2.7928465(23) outperforms the previous best measurement by a factor of 6. The
      result is consistent with our proton g-factor measurement gp/2=2.792847350(9),
      and therefore agrees with the fundamental charge, parity, time (CPT) invariance
      of the Standard Model of particle physics. Additionally, our result improves
      coefficients of the standard model extension which discusses the sensitivity of
      experiments with respect to CPT violation by up to a factor of 20.

PMID- 28098157
TI  - Antibody Responses to Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Health Care
      Personnel Previously Vaccinated and Vaccinated for The First Time.
AB  - Inactivated influenza vaccination induces a hemagglutinin-specific antibody
      response to the strain used for immunization. Annual vaccination is strongly
      recommended for health care personnel. However, it is debatable if repeated
      vaccination would affect the antibody response to inactivated influenza vaccine
      through the time. We enrolled health care personnel who had repeated and first
      trivalent inactivated influenza vaccination in 2005-2008. Serological antibody
      responses were measured by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test. Subjects with
      repeated vaccination had higher pre-vaccination and lower post-vaccination HI
      titer than those with first vaccination, although serological responses between
      groups might vary with different antigen types and while the drifted strain was
      introduced in the vaccine. Higher fold rise in the HI titer was observed in the
      group with first than repeated vaccination and the fold increase in the HI titer
      was inversely correlated with pre-vaccination titer in 2007 and 2008.
      Nevertheless, no significant difference in the day 28 seroprotection rate was
      observed between groups with repeated and first vaccination in most
      circumstances. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term effect of
      repeated vaccination on the antibody response both at the serological and
      repertoire levels among health care personnel.

PMID- 28098158
TI  - Pericytes from Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a model for the blood-brain barrier.
AB  - Blood brain-barrier (BBB) in vitro models have been widely reported in studies of
      the BBB phenotype. However, established co-culture systems involve brain
      endothelial cells, astrocytes, neurons and pericytes, and therefore are often
      consuming and technically challenging. Here we use mesenchymal system cells (MSC)
      as a potential substitute for pericytes in a BBB model. Both MSC and pericyte
      markers in 2D culture environment were evaluated on different extracellular
      matrix compositions. Further experiments indicated that MSC contributed in a
      similar manner to pericytes in a co-cultured 3D model on increasing trans
      endothelial electric resistance (TEER) and decreasing permeability against
      macromolecules.

PMID- 28098159
TI  - Fluid shear stress activates YAP1 to promote cancer cell motility.
AB  - Mechanical stress is pervasive in egress routes of malignancy, yet the intrinsic
      effects of force on tumour cells remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate
      that frictional force characteristic of flow in the lymphatics stimulates YAP1 to
      drive cancer cell migration; whereas intensities of fluid wall shear stress (WSS)
      typical of venous or arterial flow inhibit taxis. YAP1, but not TAZ, is strictly
      required for WSS-enhanced cell movement, as blockade of YAP1, TEAD1-4 or the YAP1
      TEAD interaction reduces cellular velocity to levels observed without flow.
      Silencing of TEAD phenocopies loss of YAP1, implicating transcriptional
      transactivation function in mediating force-enhanced cell migration. WSS dictates
      expression of a network of YAP1 effectors with executive roles in invasion,
      chemotaxis and adhesion downstream of the ROCK-LIMK-cofilin signalling axis.
      Altogether, these data implicate YAP1 as a fluid mechanosensor that functions to
      regulate genes that promote metastasis.

PMID- 28098160
TI  - A ZIP6-ZIP10 heteromer controls NCAM1 phosphorylation and integration into focal
      adhesion complexes during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
AB  - The prion protein (PrP) evolved from the subbranch of ZIP metal ion transporters
      comprising ZIPs 5, 6 and 10, raising the prospect that the study of these ZIPs
      may reveal insights relevant for understanding the function of PrP. Building on
      data which suggested PrP and ZIP6 are critical during epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT), we investigated ZIP6 in an EMT paradigm using ZIP6 knockout
      cells, mass spectrometry and bioinformatic methods. Reminiscent of PrP, ZIP6
      levels are five-fold upregulated during EMT and the protein forms a complex with
      NCAM1. ZIP6 also interacts with ZIP10 and the two ZIP transporters exhibit
      interdependency during their expression. ZIP6 contributes to the integration of
      NCAM1 in focal adhesion complexes but, unlike cells lacking PrP, ZIP6 deficiency
      does not abolish polysialylation of NCAM1. Instead, ZIP6 mediates phosphorylation
      of NCAM1 on a cluster of cytosolic acceptor sites. Substrate consensus motif
      features and in vitro phosphorylation data point toward GSK3 as the kinase
      responsible, and interface mapping experiments identified histidine-rich
      cytoplasmic loops within the ZIP6/ZIP10 heteromer as a novel scaffold for GSK3
      binding. Our data suggests that PrP and ZIP6 inherited the ability to interact
      with NCAM1 from their common ZIP ancestors but have since diverged to control
      distinct posttranslational modifications of NCAM1.

PMID- 28098161
TI  - Modelling of occupational exposure to inhalable nickel compounds.
AB  - The aim of this study was to estimate average occupational exposure to inhalable
      nickel (Ni) using the German exposure database MEGA. This database contains 8052
      personal measurements of Ni collected between 1990 and 2009 in adjunct with
      information on the measurement and workplace conditions. The median of all Ni
      concentrations was 9 MUg/m3 and the 95th percentile was 460 MUg/m3. We predicted
      geometric means (GMs) for welders and other occupations centered to 1999.
      Exposure to Ni in welders is strongly influenced by the welding process applied
      and the Ni content of the used welding materials. Welding with consumable
      electrodes of high Ni content (>30%) was associated with 10-fold higher
      concentrations compared with those with a low content (<5%). The highest exposure
      levels (GMs >=20 MUg/m3) were observed in gas metal and shielded metal arc
      welders using welding materials with high Ni content, in metal sprayers, grinders
      and forging-press operators, and in the manufacture of batteries and
      accumulators. The exposure profiles are useful for exposure assessment in
      epidemiologic studies as well as in industrial hygiene. Therefore, we recommend
      to collect additional exposure-specific information in addition to the job title
      in community-based studies when estimating the health risks of Ni exposure.

PMID- 28098163
TI  - Erratum: Global gain modulation generates time-dependent urgency during
      perceptual choice in humans.

PMID- 28098164
TI  - Uncovering the SUMOylation and ubiquitylation crosstalk in human cells using
      sequential peptide immunopurification.
AB  - Crosstalk between the SUMO and ubiquitin pathways has recently been reported.
      However, no approach currently exists to determine the interrelationship between
      these modifications. Here, we report an optimized immunoaffinity method that
      permits the study of both protein ubiquitylation and SUMOylation from a single
      sample. This method enables the unprecedented identification of 10,388 SUMO sites
      in HEK293 cells. The sequential use of SUMO and ubiquitin remnant immunoaffinity
      purification facilitates the dynamic profiling of SUMOylated and ubiquitylated
      proteins in HEK293 cells treated with the proteasome inhibitor MG132.
      Quantitative proteomic analyses reveals crosstalk between substrates that control
      protein degradation, and highlights co-regulation of SUMOylation and
      ubiquitylation levels on deubiquitinase enzymes and the SUMOylation of proteasome
      subunits. The SUMOylation of the proteasome affects its recruitment to
      promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies, and PML lacking the SUMO
      interacting motif fails to colocalize with SUMOylated proteasome further
      demonstrating that this motif is required for PML catabolism.

PMID- 28098165
TI  - Combination of mometasone furoate and oxymetazoline for the treatment of adenoid
      hypertrophy concomitant with allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - In the clinic, approximately 30% of children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH)
      concomitant with allergic rhinitis (AR) report poor responses to intranasal
      steroids. To determine whether the combination of mometasone furoate (MF) and
      oxymetazoline (OXY) is more effective than either agent alone, we performed a two
      stage, parallel, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, clinical trial with 240
      AH children with concomitant perennial AR. During the first stage, all children
      were randomly assigned to the MF or control group for six weeks of treatment.
      During the second stage, the non-responders from stage one were randomly assigned
      to 4 groups for 8 weeks of treatment that involved receiving the following
      treatments: MF/OXY, MF/placebo, placebo/OXY, or placebo/placebo. During the first
      stage of treatment, 39% of the responders treated with MF achieved greater
      reductions in total and individual symptom scores than did those on placebo.
      During the second stage of treatment, the nasal congestion scores of the MF/OXY
      group significantly decreased. The adenoid/choana ratio of the MF/OXY-treated
      group decreased and the nasal volume increased significantly. Our results suggest
      that the combination of OXY and MF is effective and safe for the treatment of AH
      children with concomitant AR and has a rapid onset of action.

PMID- 28098166
TI  - Inferring Centrality from Network Snapshots.
AB  - The topology and dynamics of a complex network shape its functionality. However,
      the topologies of many large-scale networks are either unavailable or incomplete.
      Without the explicit knowledge of network topology, we show how the data
      generated from the network dynamics can be utilised to infer the tempo
      centrality, which is proposed to quantify the influence of nodes in a consensus
      network. We show that the tempo centrality can be used to construct an accurate
      estimate of both the propagation rate of influence exerted on consensus networks
      and the Kirchhoff index of the underlying graph. Moreover, the tempo centrality
      also encodes the disturbance rejection of nodes in a consensus network. Our
      findings provide an approach to infer the performance of a consensus network from
      its temporal data.

PMID- 28098167
TI  - Electrocatalytic activity of lithium polysulfides adsorbed into porous TiO2
      coated MWCNTs hybrid structure for lithium-sulfur batteries.
AB  - Lithium-sulfur batteries have attracted great attention because of their high
      energy density, environmental friendliness, natural abundance and intrinsically
      low cost of sulfur. However, their commercial applications are greatly hindered
      by rapid capacity decay due to poor conductivity of electrode, fast dissolution
      of the intermediate polysulfides into the electrolyte, and the volume expansion
      of sulfur. Herein, we report a novel composite MWCNTs@TiO2-S nanostructure by
      grafting TiO2 onto the surface of MWCNTs, followed by incorporating sulfur into
      the composite. The inner MWCNTs improved the mechanical strength and conductivity
      of the electrode and the outer TiO2 provided the adsorption sites to immobilize
      polysulfides due to bonding interaction between TiO2 and polysulfides. The
      MWCNTs@TiO2-S composite with a mass ratio of 50% (MWCNTs in MWCNTs@TiO2)
      exhibited the highest electrochemistry performance among all compositing ratios
      of MWCNTs/TiO2. The performance improvement might be attributed to the downward
      shift of the apparent Fermi level to a more positive potential and electron rich
      space region at the interface of MWCNTs-TiO2 that facilitates the reduction of
      lithium polysulfide at a higher potential. Such a novel hybrid structure can be
      applicable for electrode design in other energy storage applications.

PMID- 28098168
TI  - The IL-17A rs2275913 single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with protection
      to tuberculosis but related to higher disease severity in Argentina.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes nearly 10 millions of new tuberculosis
      disease cases annually. However, most individuals exposed to Mtb do not develop
      tuberculosis, suggesting the influence of a human genetic component. Here, we
      investigated the association of the rs2275913 SNP (G -> A) from IL-17A and
      tuberculosis in Argentina by a case-control study. Furthermore, we evaluated in
      vitro the functional relevance of this SNP during the immune response of the host
      against Mtb and analyzed its impact on clinical parameters of the disease. We
      found an association between the AA genotype and tuberculosis resistance.
      Additionally, within the healthy donors population, AA cells stimulated with a
      Mtb lysate (Mtb-Ag) produced the highest amounts of IL-17A and IFN-gamma, which
      further support the genetic evidence found. In contrast, within the tuberculosis
      patients population, AA Mtb-Ag stimulated cells showed the lowest immunological
      parameters and we evidenced an association between the AA genotype and clinical
      parameters of disease severity, such as severe radiological lesions and higher
      bacilli burden in sputum. Overall, our findings demonstrated that the AA genotype
      from the IL-17A rs2275913 SNP is positively associated with protection to active
      tuberculosis but related to higher disease severity in the Argentinean
      population.

PMID- 28098169
TI  - IFN-gamma regulates human dental pulp stem cells behavior via NF-kappaB and MAPK
      signaling.
AB  - During caries, dental pulp expresses a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines in
      response to the infectious challenge. Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is a dimerized
      soluble cytokine, which is critical for immune responses. Previous study has
      demonstrated that IFN-gamma at relative high concentration (100 ng/mL) treatment
      improved the impaired dentinogenic and immunosuppressive regulatory functions of
      disease-derived dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). However, little is known about
      the regulatory effects of IFN-gamma at relative low concentration on healthy DPSC
      behavior (including proliferation, migration, and multiple-potential
      differentiation). Here we demonstrate that IFN-gamma at relatively low
      concentrations (0.5 ng/mL) promoted the proliferation and migration of DPSCs, but
      abrogated odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, we identified that NF
      kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways are both involved in the process of IFN-gamma
      regulated odonto/osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. DPSCs treated with IFN
      gamma and supplemented with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, an NF-kappaB
      inhibitor) or SB203580 (a MAPK inhibitor) showed significantly improved potential
      for odonto/osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs both in vivo and in vitro. These
      data provide important insight into the regulatory effects of IFN-gamma on the
      biological behavior of DPSCs and indicate a promising therapeutic strategy for
      dentin/pulp tissue engineering in future endodontic treatment.

PMID- 28098171
TI  - Metallurgical investigation on fourth century BCE silver jewellery of two hoards
      from Samaria.
AB  - A fourth century BCE silver jewellery collection, which is part of two hoards of
      Samarian coins (the Samaria and Nablus Hoards), was studied by non-destructive
      analyses. The collection, which consists of pendants, rings, beads and earrings,
      had been examined by visual testing, multi-focal microscopy and SEM-EDS analysis.
      In order to enhance our knowledge of past technologies of silver jewellery
      production, we developed a metallurgical methodology based on the chemical
      composition of the joints and bulk. The results show that all artefacts are made
      of silver containing a small percentage of copper. Higher copper concentrations
      were measured in the joining regions. Our research indicates that the
      manufacturing of the jewellery from both hoards involved similar techniques,
      including casting, cutting, hammering, bending, granulating and joining methods,
      indicating that the artefacts were made by trained silversmiths. Although the
      burial date of the Samaria Hoard - 352 BCE - is some 21 years earlier than that
      of the Nablus Hoard - circa 331 BCE, a noted continuity in the local production
      technology is apparent in the analysed items. This information provides better
      understanding of the technological abilities in the late Persian-period province
      of Samaria and bears implications on the local silver coins produced in the
      region.

PMID- 28098170
TI  - Targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway via GLI1 inhibition enhanced the drug sensitivity
      of acute myeloid leukemia cells.
AB  - Combination targeted therapy is commonly used to treat acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML) patients, particularly in refractory/relapse (RR) population. However,
      concerns have been raised regarding the safety and patient tolerance of
      combination chemotherapy. It is critical to choose the appropriate treatment for
      precision therapy. We performed genome-wide RNA profiling using RNA-Seq to
      compare the RR group and the complete remission (CR) group (a total of 42 adult
      AML patients). The Hedgehog (Hh) and PI3K/AKT pathways were upregulated in the RR
      population, which was further confirmed by western blot and/or qPCR.
      Overexpression of GLI1 in AML cells led to increased AKT phosphorylation and
      decreased drug sensitivity, which was attenuated by GLI1 inhibition. By contrast,
      neither the expression of GLI1 nor apoptosis in response to Ara-C treatment of
      AML cells was significantly affected by PI3K inhibition. Furthermore, co
      inhibition of GLI1 and PI3K induced apoptosis of hematopoietic stem/progenitor
      cells (HSPCs), which raised serious concerns about the side effects of this
      treatment. These results indicated that GLI1 inhibition alone, but not combined
      inhibition, is sufficient to enhance AML drug sensitivity, which provides a novel
      therapeutic strategy for AML treatment.

PMID- 28098172
TI  - Structural diversity of anti-pancreatic cancer capsimycins identified in mangrove
      derived Streptomyces xiamenensis 318 and post-modification via a novel cytochrome
      P450 monooxygenase.
AB  - Polycyclic tetramate macrolactams (PTMs) were identified as distinct secondary
      metabolites of the mangrove-derived Streptomyces xiamenensis 318. Together with
      three known compounds-ikarugamycin (1), capsimycin (2) and capsimycin B (3)-two
      new compounds, capsimycin C (4) with trans-diols and capsimycin D (5) with trans
      configurations at C-13/C-14, have been identified. The absolute configurations of
      the tert/tert-diols moiety was determined in 4 by NMR spectroscopic analysis, CD
      spectral comparisons and semi-synthetic method. The post-modification mechanism
      of the carbocyclic ring at C-14/C-13 of compound 1 in the biosynthesis of an
      important intermediate 3 was investigated. A putative cytochrome P450 superfamily
      gene, SXIM_40690 (ikaD), which was proximally localized to the ikarugamycin
      biosynthetic pathway, was characterized. In vivo gene inactivation and
      complementation experiment confirmed that IkaD catalysed the epoxide-ring
      formation reaction and further hydroxylation of ethyl side chain to form
      capsimycin G (3'). Binding affinities and kinetic parameters for the interactions
      between ikarugamycin (1) and capsimycin B (3) with IkaD were measured with
      Surface Plasmon Resonance. The intermediate compound 3' was isolated and
      identified as 30-hydroxyl-capsimycin B. The caspimycins 2 and 3, were transferred
      to methoxyl derivatives, 6 and 7, under acidic and heating conditions. Compounds
      1-3 exhibited anti-proliferative activities against pancreatic carcinoma with
      IC50 values of 1.30-3.37 MUM.

PMID- 28098173
TI  - Continuous cell supply from Krt7-expressing hematopoietic stem cells during
      native hematopoiesis revealed by targeted in vivo gene transfer method.
AB  - The nature of hematopoietic stem cells under normal hematopoiesis remained
      largely unknown due to the limited assays available to monitor their behavior in
      situ. Here, we develop a new mouse model to transfer genes specifically into the
      primitive hematopoietic stem cell compartment through the utilization of a
      modified Rcas/TVA system. We succeeded in transferring a GFP reporter gene into
      adult hematopoietic stem cells in vivo, which are predominantly quiescent, by
      generating pseudotyped-lentivirus. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of
      this system to study neonatal hematopoiesis, a developmental stage that has been
      difficult to analyze to date. Using the system developed in this study, we
      observed continuous multi-lineage hematopoietic cell supply in peripheral blood
      from Krt7-positive hematopoietic stem cells during unperturbed homeostatic
      condition. This powerful experimental system could provide a new standard tool to
      analyze hematopoiesis under physiological condition without transplantation.

PMID- 28098174
TI  - Novel G9 rotavirus strains co-circulate in children and pigs, Taiwan.
AB  - Molecular epidemiologic studies collecting information of the spatiotemporal
      distribution of rotavirus VP7 (G) and VP4 (P) genotypes have shown evidence for
      the increasing global importance of genotype G9 rotaviruses in humans and pigs.
      Sequence comparison of the VP7 gene of G9 strains identified different lineages
      to prevail in the respective host species although some of these lineages appear
      to be shared among heterologous hosts providing evidence of interspecies
      transmission events. The majority of these events indicates the pig-to-human
      spillover, although a reverse route of transmission cannot be excluded either. In
      this study, new variants of G9 rotaviruses were identified in two children with
      diarrhea and numerous pigs in Taiwan. Whole genome sequence and phylogenetic
      analyses of selected strains showed close genetic relationship among porcine and
      human strains suggesting zoonotic origin of Taiwanese human G9 strains detected
      in 2014-2015. Although the identified human G9P[19] and G9P[13] rotaviruses
      represented minority strains, the repeated detection of porcine-like rotavirus
      strains in Taiwanese children over time justifies the continuation of
      synchronized strain surveillance in humans and domestic animals.

PMID- 28098175
TI  - Correlated electronic decay in expanding clusters triggered by intense XUV pulses
      from a Free-Electron-Laser.
AB  - Irradiation of nanoscale clusters and large molecules with intense laser pulses
      transforms them into highly-excited non- equilibrium states. The dynamics of
      intense laser-cluster interaction is encoded in electron kinetic energy spectra,
      which contain signatures of direct photoelectron emission as well as emission of
      thermalized nanoplasma electrons. In this work we report on a so far not observed
      spectrally narrow bound state signature in the electron kinetic energy spectra
      from mixed Xe core - Ar shell clusters ionized by intense extreme-ultraviolet
      (XUV) pulses from a free-electron-laser. This signature is attributed to the
      correlated electronic decay (CED) process, in which an excited atom relaxes and
      the excess energy is used to ionize the same or another excited atom or a
      nanoplasma electron. By applying the terahertz field streaking principle we
      demonstrate that CED-electrons are emitted at least a few picoseconds after the
      ionizing XUV pulse has ended. Following the recent finding of CED in clusters
      ionized by intense near-infrared laser pulses, our observation of CED in the XUV
      range suggests that this process is of general relevance for the relaxation
      dynamics in laser produced nanoplasmas.

PMID- 28098162
TI  - Novel genetic loci associated with hippocampal volume.
AB  - The hippocampal formation is a brain structure integrally involved in episodic
      memory, spatial navigation, cognition and stress responsiveness. Structural
      abnormalities in hippocampal volume and shape are found in several common
      neuropsychiatric disorders. To identify the genetic underpinnings of hippocampal
      structure here we perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 33,536
      individuals and discover six independent loci significantly associated with
      hippocampal volume, four of them novel. Of the novel loci, three lie within genes
      (ASTN2, DPP4 and MAST4) and one is found 200 kb upstream of SHH. A hippocampal
      subfield analysis shows that a locus within the MSRB3 gene shows evidence of a
      localized effect along the dentate gyrus, subiculum, CA1 and fissure. Further, we
      show that genetic variants associated with decreased hippocampal volume are also
      associated with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (rg=-0.155). Our findings
      suggest novel biological pathways through which human genetic variation
      influences hippocampal volume and risk for neuropsychiatric illness.

PMID- 28098176
TI  - Comorbid generalized anxiety disorder and its association with quality of life in
      patients with major depressive disorder.
AB  - The comorbidity of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety
      disorder (GAD) is common and often predicts poorer outcomes than either disorder
      alone. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of comorbid GAD and its
      association with quality of life (QOL) among MDD patients. A total of 1225
      psychiatric outpatients were screened using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression
      Scale (HADS). Those who scored >=8 on the HADS were interviewed using DSM-IV
      criteria by two senior psychiatrists. Patients diagnosed with MDD were further
      assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, Social Support Rating
      Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and World Health Organization QOL Scale,
      brief version (WHOQOL-BREF). Ultimately, 667 patients were diagnosed with MDD, of
      71.7% of whom had GAD. Compared to those with MDD alone, comorbid patients had
      lower scores on the physical (38.64 +/- 10.35 vs.36.54 +/- 12.32, P = 0.026) and
      psychological (35.54 +/- 12.98 vs. 30.61 +/- 14.66, P < 0.001) domains of the
      WHOQOL-BREF. The association between comorbid GAD and poor QOL on the two domains
      remained statistically significant in the multiple linear regression
      (unstandardized coefficients: -1.97 and -4.65, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the
      prevalence of comorbid GAD in MDD patients is high, and co-occurring GAD may
      exacerbate impaired physical and psychological QOL in Chinese MDD patients.

PMID- 28098177
TI  - An extended N-H bond, driven by a conserved second-order interaction, orients the
      flavin N5 orbital in cholesterol oxidase.
AB  - The protein microenvironment surrounding the flavin cofactor in flavoenzymes is
      key to the efficiency and diversity of reactions catalysed by this class of
      enzymes. X-ray diffraction structures of oxidoreductase flavoenzymes have
      revealed recurrent features which facilitate catalysis, such as a hydrogen bond
      between a main chain nitrogen atom and the flavin redox center (N5). A neutron
      diffraction study of cholesterol oxidase has revealed an unusual elongated main
      chain nitrogen to hydrogen bond distance positioning the hydrogen atom towards
      the flavin N5 reactive center. Investigation of the structural features which
      could cause such an unusual occurrence revealed a positively charged lysine side
      chain, conserved in other flavin mediated oxidoreductases, in a second shell away
      from the FAD cofactor acting to polarize the peptide bond through interaction
      with the carbonyl oxygen atom. Double-hybrid density functional theory
      calculations confirm that this electrostatic arrangement affects the N-H bond
      length in the region of the flavin reactive center. We propose a novel second
      order partial-charge interaction network which enables the correct orientation of
      the hydride receiving orbital of N5. The implications of these observations for
      flavin mediated redox chemistry are discussed.

PMID- 28098178
TI  - Lithium Accumulates in Neurogenic Brain Regions as Revealed by High Resolution
      Ion Imaging.
AB  - Lithium (Li) is a potent mood stabilizer and displays neuroprotective and
      neurogenic properties. Despite extensive investigations, the mechanisms of action
      have not been fully elucidated, especially in the juvenile, developing brain.
      Here we characterized lithium distribution in the juvenile mouse brain during 28
      days of continuous treatment that result in clinically relevant serum
      concentrations. By using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry- (ToF
      SIMS) based imaging we were able to delineate temporospatial lithium profile
      throughout the brain and concurrent distribution of endogenous lipids with high
      chemical specificity and spatial resolution. We found that Li accumulated in
      neurogenic regions and investigated the effects on hippocampal neurogenesis.
      Lithium increased proliferation, as judged by Ki67-immunoreactivity, but did not
      alter the number of doublecortin-positive neuroblasts at the end of the treatment
      period. Moreover, ToF-SIMS revealed a steady depletion of sphingomyelin in white
      matter regions during 28d Li-treatment, particularly in the olfactory bulb. In
      contrast, cortical levels of cholesterol and choline increased over time in Li
      treated mice. This is the first study describing ToF-SIMS imaging for probing the
      brain-wide accumulation of supplemented Li in situ. The findings demonstrate that
      this technique is a powerful approach for investigating the distribution and
      effects of neuroprotective agents in the brain.

PMID- 28098179
TI  - A salivary EF-hand calcium-binding protein of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata
      lugens functions as an effector for defense responses in rice.
AB  - The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae),
      a major pest of rice in Asia, is able to successfully puncture sieve tubes in
      rice with its piercing stylet and then to ingest phloem sap. How BPH manages to
      continuously feed on rice remains unclear. Here, we cloned the gene NlSEF1, which
      is highly expressed in the salivary glands of BPH. The NlSEF1 protein has EF-hand
      Ca2+-binding activity and can be secreted into rice plants when BPH feed.
      Infestation of rice by BPH nymphs whose NlSEF1 was knocked down elicited higher
      levels of Ca2+ and H2O2 but not jasmonic acid, jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile) and
      SA in rice than did infestation by control nymphs; Consistently, wounding plus
      the recombination protein NlSEF1 suppressed the production of H2O2 in rice.
      Bioassays revealed that NlSEF1-knockdown BPH nymphs had a higher mortality rate
      and lower feeding capacity on rice than control nymphs. These results indicate
      that the salivary protein in BPH, NlSEF1, functions as an effector and plays
      important roles in interactions between BPH and rice by mediating the plant's
      defense responses.

PMID- 28098180
TI  - An aposymbiotic primary coral polyp counteracts acidification by active pH
      regulation.
AB  - Corals build their skeletons using extracellular calcifying fluid located in the
      tissue-skeleton interface. However, the mechanism by which corals control the
      transport of calcium and other ions from seawater and the mechanism of constant
      alkalization of calcifying fluid are largely unknown. To address these questions,
      we performed direct pH imaging at calcification sites (subcalicoblastic medium,
      SCM) to visualize active pH upregulation in live aposymbiotic primary coral
      polyps treated with HCl-acidified seawater. Active alkalization was observed in
      all individuals using vital staining method while the movement of HPTS and Alexa
      Fluor to SCM suggests that certain ions such as H+ could diffuse via a
      paracellular pathway to SCM. Among them, we discovered acid-induced oscillations
      in the pH of SCM (pHSCM), observed in 24% of polyps examined. In addition, we
      discovered acid-induced pH up-regulation waves in 21% of polyps examined, which
      propagated among SCMs after exposure to acidified seawater. Our results showed
      that corals can regulate pHSCM more dynamically than was previously believed.
      These observations will have important implications for determining how corals
      regulate pHSCM during calcification. We propose that corals can sense ambient
      seawater pH via their innate pH-sensitive systems and regulate pHSCM using
      several unknown pH-regulating ion transporters that coordinate with multicellular
      signaling occurring in coral tissue.

PMID- 28098181
TI  - Profiling single-guide RNA specificity reveals a mismatch sensitive core
      sequence.
AB  - Targeting specificity is an essential issue in the development of CRISPR-Cas
      technology. Using a luciferase activation assay, off-target cleavage activity of
      sgRNA was systematically investigated on single nucleotide-mismatched targets. In
      addition to confirming that PAM-proximal mismatches are less tolerated than PAM
      distal mismatches, our study further identified a "core" sequence that is highly
      sensitive to target-mismatch. This sequence is of 4-nucleotide long, located at
      +4 to +7 position upstream of PAM, and positioned in a steric restriction region
      when assembled into Cas9 endonuclease. Our study also found that, single or
      multiple target mismatches at this region abolished off-target cleavage mediated
      by active sgRNAs, thus proposing a principle for gene-specific sgRNA design.
      Characterization of a mismatch sensitive "core" sequence not only enhances our
      understanding of how this elegant system functions, but also facilitates our
      efforts to improve targeting specificity of a sgRNA.

PMID- 28098182
TI  - Nephro-toxic effects of intraperitoneally injected EGCG in diabetic mice:
      involvement of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.
AB  - Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been studied for its beneficial effects.
      However, some case reports have associated EGCG supplementation with hepato
      toxicity. In the present study, we investigated the possible nephro-toxic effects
      of EGCG in diabetic mice. Streptozotocin (150 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected in mice
      for diabetes induction. EGCG (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was then given for 4 days. The
      administration of EGCG to diabetic mice caused 60% mortality with no death
      recorded in other groups. Blood samples were collected for estimation of serum
      cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and blood urea nitrogen.
      Animals were then sacrificed and kidneys were rapidly excised for estimation of
      oxidative stress markers (NADPH oxidase, reduced glutathione, total antioxidant
      capacity, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heat shock protein 90,
      hemeoxygenase-1), as well as inflammatory markers (nuclear factor kappa-B and
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Administration of EGCG to diabetic mice showed
      significant elevation in serum cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated
      lipocalin, marked increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory states in
      addition to marked over expression of active caspase-3. Histopathological
      examination confirmed EGCG induced renal damage in diabetic mice. In conclusion,
      despite of its well known favorable effects, EGCG could paradoxically exhibit
      nephro-toxic effect in the presence of diabetes.

PMID- 28098183
TI  - Seasonal and regional presence of hymenopteran parasitoids of Drosophila in
      Switzerland and their ability to parasitize the invasive Drosophila suzukii.
AB  - Since its introduction into Europe the invasive Drosophila suzukii has
      established and spread widely, thereby entering habitats populated by native
      Drosophila species and their natural enemies. The highly prolific D. suzukii will
      likely interact with these species as a competitor, host or prey. To investigate
      potential interactions of D. suzukii with parasitoids, a field survey was
      conducted across several fruit-growing regions in Switzerland in two consecutive
      years. Eight species of hymenopteran parasitoids were collected using D.
      melanogaster as sentinel hosts in field-traps. Parasitoid capture was much higher
      in 2015 than in 2014 and varied among regions, time of the growing season, and
      habitat type. Laboratory no-choice assays with the field-collected species
      demonstrated that the larval parasitoids Asobara tabida, Leptopilina boulardi,
      and L. heterotoma could not use D. suzukii for reproduction, although the latter
      two reduced the number of emerging D. suzukii. In contrast, the pupal parasitoids
      Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae, Trichopria drosophilae, Vrestovia fidenas and
      Spalangia erythromera all developed with D. suzukii as hosts. Regional
      differences between strains were generally not evident, with the exception of two
      T. drosophilae strains that differed in parasitization rate. Thus, native
      parasitoids may interact with D. suzukii and should be regarded when implementing
      pest control measures.

PMID- 28098184
TI  - Infrared laser-induced gene expression for tracking development and function of
      single C. elegans embryonic neurons.
AB  - Visualizing neural-circuit assembly in vivo requires tracking growth of optically
      resolvable neurites. The Caenorhabditis elegans embryonic nervous system,
      comprising 222 neurons and 56 glia, is attractive for comprehensive studies of
      development; however, embryonic reporters are broadly expressed, making single
      neurite tracking/manipulation challenging. We present a method, using an infrared
      laser, for reproducible heat-dependent gene expression in small sublineages (one
      to four cells) without radiation damage. We go beyond proof-of-principle, and use
      our system to label and track single neurons during early nervous-system
      assembly. We uncover a retrograde extension mechanism for axon growth, and reveal
      the aetiology of axon-guidance defects in sax-3/Robo and vab-1/EphR mutants. We
      also perform cell-specific rescues, determining DAF-6/patched-related site of
      action during sensory-organ development. Simultaneous ablation and labelling of
      cells using our system reveals roles for glia in dendrite extension. Our method
      can be applied to other optically/IR-transparent organisms, and opens the door to
      high-resolution systematic analyses of C. elegans morphogenesis.

PMID- 28098185
TI  - Hydrocarbons in phlogopite from Kasenyi kamafugitic rocks (SW Uganda): cross
      correlated AFM, confocal microscopy and Raman imaging.
AB  - This study presents a cross-correlated surface and near surface investigation of
      two phlogopite polytypes from Kasenyi kamafugitic rocks (SW Uganda) by means of
      advanced Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), confocal microscopy and Raman micro
      spectroscopy. AFM revealed comparable nanomorphology and electrostatic surface
      potential for the two mica polytypes. A widespread presence of nano-protrusions
      located on the mica flake surface was also observed, with an aspect ratio
      (maximum height/maximum width) from 0.01 to 0.09. Confocal microscopy showed
      these features to range from few nm to several MUm in dimension, and shapes from
      perfectly circular to ellipsoidic and strongly elongated. Raman spectra collected
      across the bubbles showed an intense and convolute absorption in the range 3000
      2800 cm-1, associated with weaker bands at 1655, 1438 and 1297 cm-1, indicating
      the presence of fluid inclusions consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkanes
      and cycloalkanes, with minor amounts of oxygenated compounds, such as carboxylic
      acids. High-resolution Raman images provided evidence that these hydrocarbons are
      confined within the bubbles. This work represents the first direct evidence that
      phlogopite, a common rock-forming mineral, may be a possible reservoir for
      hydrocarbons.

PMID- 28098186
TI  - A novel multi-target regression framework for time-series prediction of drug
      efficacy.
AB  - Excavating from small samples is a challenging pharmacokinetic problem, where
      statistical methods can be applied. Pharmacokinetic data is special due to the
      small samples of high dimensionality, which makes it difficult to adopt
      conventional methods to predict the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine
      (TCM) prescription. The main purpose of our study is to obtain some knowledge of
      the correlation in TCM prescription. Here, a novel method named Multi-target
      Regression Framework to deal with the problem of efficacy prediction is proposed.
      We employ the correlation between the values of different time sequences and add
      predictive targets of previous time as features to predict the value of current
      time. Several experiments are conducted to test the validity of our method and
      the results of leave-one-out cross-validation clearly manifest the
      competitiveness of our framework. Compared with linear regression, artificial
      neural networks, and partial least squares, support vector regression combined
      with our framework demonstrates the best performance, and appears to be more
      suitable for this task.

PMID- 28098187
TI  - Carbon elimination from silicon kerf: Thermogravimetric analysis and mechanistic
      considerations.
AB  - 40% of ultrapure silicon is lost as kerf during slicing to produce wafers. Kerf
      is currently not being recycled due to engineering challenges and costs
      associated with removing its abundant impurities. Carbon left behind from the
      lubricant remains as one of the most difficult contaminants to remove in kerf
      without significant silicon oxidation. The present work enables to better
      understand the mechanism of carbon elimination in kerf which can aid the design
      of better processes for kef recycling and low cost photovoltaics. In this paper,
      we studied the kinetics of carbon elimination from silicon kerf in two
      atmospheres: air and N2, under a regime of no-diffusion-limitation. We report the
      apparent activation energy in both atmospheres using three methods: Kissinger,
      and two isoconversional approaches. In both atmospheres, a bimodal apparent
      activation energy is observed, suggesting a two stage process. A reaction
      mechanism is proposed in which (a) C-C and C-O bond cleavage reactions occur in
      parallel with polymer formation; (b) at higher temperatures, this polymer fully
      degrades in air but leaves a tarry residue in N2 that accounts for about 12% of
      the initial total carbon.

PMID- 28098188
TI  - Insecticide resistance status in the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci genetic groups Asia
      I, Asia-II-1 and Asia-II-7 on the Indian subcontinent.
AB  - The present study is a summary of the current level of the insecticide resistance
      to selected organophosphates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids in seven Indian
      field populations of Bemisia tabaci genetic groups Asia-I, Asia-II-1, and Asia-II
      7. Susceptibility of these populations was varied with Asia-II-7 being the most
      susceptible, while Asia-I and Asia-II-1 populations were showing significant
      resistance to these insecticides. The variability of the LC50 values was 7x for
      imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, 5x for monocrotophos and 3x for cypermethrin among
      the Asia-I, while, they were 7x for cypermethrin, 6x for deltamethrin and 5x for
      imidacloprid within the Asia-II-1 populations. When compared with the most
      susceptible, PUSA population (Asia-II-7), a substantial increase in resistant
      ratios was observed in both the populations of Asia-I and Asia-II-1. Comparative
      analysis during 2010-13 revealed a decline in susceptibility in Asia-I and Asia
      II-1 populations of B. tabaci to the tested organophosphate, pyrethroid, and
      neonicotinoid insecticides. Evidence of potential control failure was detected
      using probit analysis estimates for cypermethrin, deltamethrin, monocrotophos and
      imidacloprid. Our results update resistance status of B. tabaci in India. The
      implications of insecticide resistance management of B. tabaci on Indian
      subcontinent are discussed.

PMID- 28098189
TI  - Global identification of microRNAs associated with chlorantraniliprole resistance
      in diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.).
AB  - The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), is one of the most serious
      cruciferous pests and has developed high resistance to most insecticides,
      including chlorantraniliprole. Previous studies have reported several protein
      coding genes that involved in chlorantraniliprole resistance, but research on
      resistance mechanisms at the post-transcription level is still limited. In this
      study, a global screen of microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with chlorantraniliprole
      resistance in P. xylostella was performed. The small RNA libraries for a
      susceptible (CHS) and two chlorantraniliprole resistant strains (CHR, ZZ) were
      constructed and sequenced, and a total of 199 known and 30 novel miRNAs were
      identified. Among them, 23 miRNAs were differentially expressed between CHR and
      CHS, and 90 miRNAs were differentially expressed between ZZ and CHS, of which 11
      differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in both CHR and ZZ. Using miRanda
      and RNAhybrid, a total of 1,411 target mRNAs from 102 differentially expressed
      miRNAs were predicted, including mRNAs in several groups of detoxification
      enzymes. The expression of several differentially expressed miRNAs and their
      potential targets was validated by qRT-PCR. The results may provide important
      clues for further study of the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated chlorantraniliprole
      resistance in DBM and other target insects.

PMID- 28098190
TI  - An extraordinary palaeontinid from the Triassic of Korea and its significance.
AB  - A new, extraordinary palaeontinid Hallakkungis amisanus Nam, Wang &Szwedo, gen.
      et sp. nov., from the Upper Triassic of the Amisan Formation in Boryeong City,
      Korea is described. It is the first Palaeontinidae from Korea. The newly
      described taxon displays a mosaic of characters present in presumed ancestors of
      this insect family and some highly advanced features.

PMID- 28098191
TI  - Be12O12 Nano-cage as a Promising Catalyst for CO2 Hydrogenation.
AB  - An efficient conversion of CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals has been hotly
      pursued recently. Here, for the first time, we have explored a series of M12x12
      nano-cages (M = B, Al, Be, Mg; X = N, P, O) for catalysis of CO2 to HCOOH. Two
      steps are identified in the hydrogenation process, namely, H2 activation to 2H*,
      and then 2H* transfer to CO2 forming HCOOH, where the barriers of two H* transfer
      are lower than that of the H2 activation reaction. Among the studied cages,
      Be12O12 is found to have the lowest barrier in the whole reaction process,
      showing two kinds of reaction mechanisms for 2H* (simultaneous transfer and a
      step-wise transfer with a quite low barrier). Moreover, the H2 activation energy
      barrier can be further reduced by introducing Al, Ga, Li, and Na to B12N12 cage.
      This study would provide some new ideas for the design of efficient cluster
      catalysts for CO2 reduction.

PMID- 28098192
TI  - Wearable Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Fabrics Produced by Knitting Flexible Wire
      Electrodes for the Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agents.
AB  - One of the key reasons for the limited use of atmospheric pressure plasma (APP)
      is its inability to treat non-flat, three-dimensional (3D) surface structures,
      such as electronic devices and the human body, because of the rigid electrode
      structure required. In this study, a new APP system design-wearable APP (WAPP)
      that utilizes a knitting technique to assemble flexible co-axial wire electrodes
      into a large-area plasma fabric is presented. The WAPP device operates in ambient
      air with a fully enclosed power electrode and grounded outer electrode. The
      plasma fabric is flexible and lightweight, and it can be scaled up for larger
      areas, making it attractive for wearable APP applications. Here, we report the
      various plasma properties of the WAPP device and successful test results showing
      the decontamination of toxic chemical warfare agents, namely, mustard (HD), soman
      (GD), and nerve (VX) agents.

PMID- 28098194
TI  - New hydrate formation methods in a liquid-gas medium.
AB  - Conceptually new methods of hydrate formation are proposed. The first one is
      based on the shock wave impact on a water-bubble medium. It is shown that the
      hydrate formation rate in this process is typically very high. A gas hydrate of
      carbon dioxide was produced. The process was experimentally studied using various
      initial conditions, as well as different external action magnitudes. The obtained
      experimental data are in good agreement with the proposed model. Other methods
      are based on the process of boiling liquefied gas in an enclosed volume of water
      (explosive boiling of a hydrating agent and the organization of cyclic boiling
      condensation process). The key features of the methods are the high hydrate
      formation rate combined with a comparatively low power consumption leading to a
      great expected efficiency of the technologies based on them. The set of
      experiments was carried out. Gas hydrates of refrigerant R134a, carbon dioxide
      and propane were produced. The investigation of decomposition of a generated gas
      hydrate sample was made. The criteria of intensification of the hydrate formation
      process are formulated.

PMID- 28098193
TI  - Non-pathogenic tissue-resident CD8+ T cells uniquely accumulate in the brains of
      lupus-prone mice.
AB  - Severe lupus often includes psychiatric and neurological sequelae, although the
      cellular contributors to CNS disease remain poorly defined. Using intravascular
      staining to discriminate tissue-localized from blood-borne cells, we find
      substantial accumulation of CD8+ T cells relative to other lymphocytes in brain
      tissue, which correlates with lupus disease and limited neuropathology. This is
      in contrast to all other affected organs, where infiltrating CD4+ cells are
      predominant. Brain-infiltrating CD8+ T cells represent an activated subset of
      those found in the periphery, having a resident-memory phenotype (CD69+CD122
      PD1+CD44+CD62L-) and expressing adhesion molecules (VLA-4+LFA-1+) complementary
      to activated brain endothelium. Remarkably, infiltrating CD8+ T cells do not
      cause tissue damage in lupus-prone mice, as genetic ablation of these cells via
      beta2 m deficiency does not reverse neuropathology, but exacerbates disease both
      in the brain and globally despite decreased serum IgG levels. Thus, lupus
      associated inflammation disrupts the blood-brain barrier in a discriminating way
      biased in favor of non-pathogenic CD8+ T cells relative to other infiltrating
      leukocytes, perhaps preventing further tissue damage in such a sensitive organ.

PMID- 28098195
TI  - Global mapping of nonseismic sea level oscillations at tsunami timescales.
AB  - Present investigations of sea level extremes are based on hourly data measured at
      coastal tide gauges. The use of hourly data restricts existing global and
      regional analyses to periods larger than 2 h. However, a number of processes
      occur at minute timescales, of which the most ruinous are tsunamis.
      Meteotsunamis, hazardous nonseismic waves that occur at tsunami timescales over
      limited regions, may also locally dominate sea level extremes. Here, we show that
      nonseismic sea level oscillations at tsunami timescales (<2 h) may substantially
      contribute to global sea level extremes, up to 50% in low-tidal basins. The
      intensity of these oscillations is zonally correlated with mid-tropospheric winds
      at the 99% significance level, with the variance doubling from the tropics and
      subtropics to the mid-latitudes. Specific atmospheric patterns are found during
      strong events at selected locations in the World Ocean, indicating a globally
      predominant generation mechanism. Our analysis suggests that these oscillations
      should be considered in sea level hazard assessment studies. Establishing a
      strong correlation between nonseismic sea level oscillations at tsunami
      timescales and atmospheric synoptic patterns would allow for forecasting of
      nonseismic sea level oscillations for operational use, as well as hindcasting and
      projection of their effects under past, present and future climates.

PMID- 28098196
TI  - Enhanced removal of As (V) from aqueous solution using modified hydrous ferric
      oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - Hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) is most effective with high treatment capacity on
      arsenate [As(V)] sorption although its transformation and aggregation nature need
      further improvement. Here, HFO nanoparticles with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)
      or starch as modifier was synthesized for the purpose of stability improvement
      and As(V) removal from water. Comparatively, CMC might be the optimum stabilizer
      for HFO nanoparticles because of more effective physical and chemical stability.
      The large-pore structure, high surface specific area, and the non-aggregated
      nature of CMC-HFO lead to increased adsorption sites, and thus high adsorption
      capacities of As(V) without pre-treatment (355 mg.g-1), which is much greater
      than those reported in previous studies. Second-order equation and dual-mode
      isotherm model could be successfully used to interpret the sorption kinetics and
      isotherms of As(V), respectively. FTIR, XPS and XRD analyses suggested that
      precipitation and surface complexation were primary mechanisms for As(V) removal
      by CMC modified HFO nanoparticles. A surface complexation model (SCM) was used to
      simulate As adsorption over pH 2.5-10.4. The predominant adsorbed arsenate
      species were modeled as bidentate binuclear surface complexes at low pH and as
      monodentate complexes at high pH. The immobilized arsenic remained stable when
      aging for 270 d at room temperature.

PMID- 28098198
TI  - Climate change influences on crop mix shifts in the United States.
AB  - We examine the impact of current and future climate on crop mixes over space in
      the US. We find using historical data that temperature and precipitation are
      among the causal factors for shits in crop production location and mixes, with
      some crops being more sensitive than others. In particular, we find that when
      temperature rises, cotton, rice, sorghum and winter wheat are more likely to be
      chosen. We also find that barley, sorghum, winter wheat, spring wheat and hay are
      more likely to be chosen as regions become drier, and corn, cotton, rice and
      soybeans are more likely to be selected in wetter regions. Additionally, we
      assess how much of the observed crop mix shifts between 1970 and 2010 were
      contributed to by climate change. There we find climate explains about 7-50% of
      the shift in latitude, 20-36% in longitude and 4-28% of that in elevation.
      Finally, we estimate climate change impacts on future crop mix under CMIP5
      scenarios. There we find shifts in US production regions for almost all major
      crops with the movement north and east. The estimates describe how the farmers
      respond to altering climate and can be used for planning future crop allocations.

PMID- 28098197
TI  - Dantrolene versus amiodarone for cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomized,
      double-blinded experimental study.
AB  - Dantrolene was introduced for treatment of malignant hyperthermia. It also has
      antiarrhythmic properties and may thus be an alternative to amiodarone for the
      treatment of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Aim of this study was to compare the
      return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with dantrolene and amiodarone in a pig
      model of cardiac arrest. VF was induced in anesthetized pigs. After 8 min of
      untreated VF, chest compressions and ventilation were started and one of the
      drugs (amiodarone 5 mg kg-1, dantrolene 2.5 mg kg-1 or saline) was applied. After
      4 min of initial CPR, defibrillation was attempted. ROSC rates, hemodynamics and
      cerebral perfusion measurements were measured. Initial ROSC rates were 7 of 14
      animals in the dantrolene group vs. 5 of 14 for amiodarone, and 3 of 10 for
      saline). ROSC persisted for the 120 min follow-up in 6 animals in the dantrolene
      group, 4 after amiodarone and 2 in the saline group (n.s.). Hemodynamics were
      comparable in both dantrolene group amiodarone group after obtaining ROSC.
      Dantrolene and amiodarone had similar outcomes in our model of prolonged cardiac
      arrest, However, hemodynamic stability was not significantly improved using
      dantrolene. Dantrolene might be an alternative drug for resuscitation and should
      be further investigated.

PMID- 28098199
TI  - Optogenetic Modulation of Urinary Bladder Contraction for Lower Urinary Tract
      Dysfunction.
AB  - As current clinical approaches for lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction such as
      pharmacological and electrical stimulation treatments lack target specificity,
      thus resulting in suboptimal outcomes with various side effects, a better
      treatment modality with spatial and temporal target-specificity is necessary. In
      this study, we delivered optogenetic membrane proteins, such as channelrhodopsin
      2 (ChR2) and halorhodopsin (NpHR), to bladder smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of mice
      using either the Cre-loxp transgenic system or a viral transfection method. The
      results showed that depolarizing ChR2-SMCs with blue light induced bladder
      contraction, whereas hyperpolarizing NpHR-SMCs with yellow light suppressed PGE2
      induced overactive contraction. We also confirmed that optogenetic contraction of
      bladder smooth muscles in this study is not neurogenic, but solely myogenic, and
      that optogenetic light stimulation can modulate the urination in vivo. This study
      thus demonstrated the utility of optogenetic modulation of smooth muscle as a
      means to actively control the urinary bladder contraction with spatial and
      temporal accuracy. These features would increase the efficacy of bladder control
      in LUT dysfunctions without the side effects of conventional clinical therapies.

PMID- 28098201
TI  - Fiber-Laser-Based Ultrasound Sensor for Photoacoustic Imaging.
AB  - Photoacoustic imaging, especially for intravascular and endoscopic applications,
      requires ultrasound probes with miniature size and high sensitivity. In this
      paper, we present a new photoacoustic sensor based on a small-sized fiber laser.
      Incident ultrasound waves exert pressures on the optical fiber laser and induce
      harmonic vibrations of the fiber, which is detected by the frequency shift of the
      beating signal between the two orthogonal polarization modes in the fiber laser.
      This ultrasound sensor presents a noise-equivalent pressure of 40 Pa over a 50
      MHz bandwidth. We demonstrate this new ultrasound sensor on an optical-resolution
      photoacoustic microscope. The axial and lateral resolutions are 48 MUm and 3.3
      MUm. The field of view is up to 1.57 mm2. The sensor exhibits strong resistance
      to environmental perturbations, such as temperature changes, due to common-mode
      cancellation between the two orthogonal modes. The present fiber laser ultrasound
      sensor offers a new tool for all-optical photoacoustic imaging.

PMID- 28098200
TI  - Cullin 7 mediates proteasomal and lysosomal degradations of rat Eag1 potassium
      channels.
AB  - Mammalian Eag1 (Kv10.1) potassium (K+) channels are widely expressed in the
      brain. Several mutations in the gene encoding human Eag1 K+ channel have been
      associated with congenital neurodevelopmental anomalies. Currently very little is
      known about the molecules mediating protein synthesis and degradation of Eag1
      channels. Herein we aim to ascertain the protein degradation mechanism of rat
      Eag1 (rEag1). We identified cullin 7 (Cul7), a member of the cullin-based E3
      ubiquitin ligase family, as a novel rEag1 binding partner. Immunoprecipitation
      analyses confirmed the interaction between Cul7 and rEag1 in heterologous cells
      and neuronal tissues. Cul7 and rEag1 also exhibited significant co-localization
      at synaptic regions in neurons. Over-expression of Cul7 led to reduced protein
      level, enhanced ubiquitination, accelerated protein turn-over, and decreased
      current density of rEag1 channels. We provided further biochemical and
      morphological evidence suggesting that Cul7 targeted endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-
      and plasma membrane-localized rEag1 to the proteasome and the lysosome,
      respectively, for protein degradation. Cul7 also contributed to protein
      degradation of a disease-associated rEag1 mutant. Together, these results
      indicate that Cul7 mediates both proteasomal and lysosomal degradations of rEag1.
      Our findings provide a novel insight to the mechanisms underlying ER and
      peripheral protein quality controls of Eag1 channels.

PMID- 28098202
TI  - Superresolution Imaging of Clinical Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Breast
      Cancer with Single Molecule Localization Microscopy.
AB  - Millions of archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens contain
      valuable molecular insight into healthy and diseased states persevered in their
      native ultrastructure. To diagnose and treat diseases in tissue on the nanoscopic
      scale, pathology traditionally employs electron microscopy (EM), but this
      platform has significant limitations including cost and painstaking sample
      preparation. The invention of single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM)
      optically overcame the diffraction limit of light to resolve fluorescently
      labeled molecules on the nanoscale, leading to many exciting biological
      discoveries. However, applications of SMLM in preserved tissues has been limited.
      Through adaptation of the immunofluorescence workflow on FFPE sections milled at
      histological thickness, cellular architecture can now be visualized on the
      nanoscale using SMLM including individual mitochondria, undulations in the
      nuclear lamina, and the HER2 receptor on membrane protrusions in human breast
      cancer specimens. Using astigmatism imaging, these structures can also be
      resolved in three dimensions to a depth of ~800 nm. These results demonstrate the
      utility of SMLM in efficiently uncovering ultrastructural information of archived
      clinical samples, which may offer molecular insights into the physiopathology of
      tissues to assist in disease diagnosis and treatment using conventional sample
      preparation methods.

PMID- 28098203
TI  - Optical coherence tomography angiography microvascular findings in macular edema
      due to central and branch retinal vein occlusions.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal and choriocapillaris vessel density
      using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in eyes with central
      retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)
      complicated by macular edema (ME). Sixty eyes of 60 patients with CRVO or BRVO
      and ME and 40 healthy subjects underwent measurements of superficial and deep
      foveal and parafoveal vessel density (FVD, PFVD) and choricapillary density using
      OCTA at baseline and 60 days after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IVDEX).
      FVD and PFVD of the superficial plexus were not significantly lower in CRVO group
      compared to the controls while in the BRVO group overall PFVD were significantly
      lower compared to control group (p < 0.001). Overall PFVD of the deep plexus was
      significantly lower in CRVO and BRVO groups compared to the control group (p <
      0.001). FVD and overall PFVD of choriocapillaris were significantly reduced
      compared to controls in CRVO group (p < 0.001) and PFVD of choriocapillaris was
      significantly reduced compared to controls in the affected hemi fields in BRVO
      groups (p < 0.001). OCTA showed vessel density reduction in BRVO and CRVO with
      main involvement of the deep retinal plexus compared to the superficial retinal
      plexus due to ischemia that did not recover after intravitreal dexamethasone
      implant.

PMID- 28098205
TI  - Reliable and efficient solution of genome-scale models of Metabolism and
      macromolecular Expression.
AB  - Constraint-Based Reconstruction and Analysis (COBRA) is currently the only
      methodology that permits integrated modeling of Metabolism and macromolecular
      Expression (ME) at genome-scale. Linear optimization computes steady-state flux
      solutions to ME models, but flux values are spread over many orders of magnitude.
      Data values also have greatly varying magnitudes. Standard double-precision
      solvers may return inaccurate solutions or report that no solution exists. Exact
      simplex solvers based on rational arithmetic require a near-optimal warm start to
      be practical on large problems (current ME models have 70,000 constraints and
      variables and will grow larger). We have developed a quadruple-precision version
      of our linear and nonlinear optimizer MINOS, and a solution procedure (DQQ)
      involving Double and Quad MINOS that achieves reliability and efficiency for ME
      models and other challenging problems tested here. DQQ will enable extensive use
      of large linear and nonlinear models in systems biology and other applications
      involving multiscale data.

PMID- 28098204
TI  - Strain-specific Fibril Propagation by an Abeta Dodecamer.
AB  - Low molecular weight oligomers of amyloid-beta (Abeta) have emerged as the
      primary toxic agents in the etiology of Alzheimer disease (AD). Polymorphism
      observed within the aggregation end products of fibrils are known to arise due to
      microstructural differences among the oligomers. Diversity in aggregate
      morphology correlates with the differences in AD, cementing the idea that
      conformational strains of oligomers could be significant in phenotypic outcomes.
      Therefore, it is imperative to determine the ability of strains to faithfully
      propagate their structure. Here we report fibril propagation of an Abeta42
      dodecamer called large fatty acid-derived oligomers (LFAOs). The LFAO oligomeric
      strain selectively induces acute cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in neonatally
      injected transgenic CRND8 mice. Propagation in-vitro occurs as a three-step
      process involving the association of LFAO units. LFAO-seeded fibrils possess
      distinct morphology made of repeating LFAO units that could be regenerated upon
      sonication. Overall, these data bring forth an important mechanistic perspective
      into strain-specific propagation of oligomers that has remained elusive thus far.

PMID- 28098207
TI  - Using 13C isotopes to explore denitrification-dependent anaerobic methane
      oxidation in a paddy-peatland.
AB  - Peatlands are organic-matter-rich but nitrogen-limited natural systems, the
      carbon/nitrogen (C/N) status of which are subject to increasing exposure from
      long-term nitrate (NO3-) fertilizer inputs and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposits.
      To manage and protect these unique environments, an improved understanding of
      denitrification-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (DAMO) in peatlands is
      needed. In this study, we used stable isotope measurements and incubation with
      NO3- additions to facilitate an investigation and comparison of the potential
      DAMO rates in a paddy-peatland that has been influenced by N fertilizer over 40
      years and an undisturbed peatland in northeast China. Monitoring of 13CO2
      production confimed DAMO did occur in both the paddy-peatland and the undisturbed
      peatland, the rates of which increased with NO3- additions, but decreased
      logarithmically with time. When NO3- was added, there were no significant
      differences between the CH4 oxidation in the paddy-peatland and peatland samples
      after 36 hours of incubation (97.08 vs. 143.69 nmol g-1 dry peat) and the
      potential DAMO rate after incubation for 1 hour (92.53 vs. 69.99 nmol g-1 h-1).
      These results indicate that the occurrence of DAMO in peatlands might be
      controlled by the amount of NO3- applied and the depth to which it penetrates
      into the anoxic layer.

PMID- 28098206
TI  - Protein kinase C delta signaling is required for dietary prebiotic-induced
      strengthening of intestinal epithelial barrier function.
AB  - Prebiotics are non-digestible oligosaccharides that promote the growth of
      beneficial gut microbes, but it is unclear whether they also have direct effects
      on the intestinal mucosal barrier. Here we demonstrate two commercial prebiotics,
      inulin and short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide (scFOS), when applied onto
      intestinal epithelia in the absence of microbes, directly promote barrier
      integrity to prevent pathogen-induced barrier disruptions. We further show that
      these effects involve the induction of select tight junction (TJ) proteins
      through a protein kinase C (PKC) delta-dependent mechanism. These results suggest
      that in the absence of microbiota, prebiotics can directly exert barrier
      protective effects by activating host cell signaling in the intestinal
      epithelium, which represents a novel alternative mechanism of action of
      prebiotics.

PMID- 28098208
TI  - High Efficiency Hydrodynamic DNA Fragmentation in a Bubbling System.
AB  - DNA fragmentation down to a precise fragment size is important for biomedical
      applications, disease determination, gene therapy and shotgun sequencing. In this
      work, a cheap, easy to operate and high efficiency DNA fragmentation method is
      demonstrated based on hydrodynamic shearing in a bubbling system. We expect that
      hydrodynamic forces generated during the bubbling process shear the DNA
      molecules, extending and breaking them at the points where shearing forces are
      larger than the strength of the phosphate backbone. Factors of applied pressure,
      bubbling time and temperature have been investigated. Genomic DNA could be
      fragmented down to controllable 1-10 Kbp fragment lengths with a yield of 75.30
      91.60%. We demonstrate that the ends of the genomic DNAs generated from
      hydrodynamic shearing can be ligated by T4 ligase and the fragmented DNAs can be
      used as templates for polymerase chain reaction. Therefore, in the bubbling
      system, DNAs could be hydrodynamically sheared to achieve smaller pieces in
      dsDNAs available for further processes. It could potentially serve as a DNA
      sample pretreatment technique in the future.

PMID- 28098209
TI  - Crystal growth of Dirac semimetal ZrSiS with high magnetoresistance and mobility.
AB  - High quality single crystal ZrSiS as a theoretically predicted Dirac semimetal
      has been grown successfully using a vapor phase transport method. The single
      crystals of tetragonal structure are easy to cleave into perfect square-shaped
      pieces due to the van der Waals bonding between the sulfur atoms of the quintuple
      layers. Physical property measurement results including resistivity, Hall
      coefficient (RH), and specific heat are reported. The transport and thermodynamic
      properties suggest a Fermi liquid behavior with two Fermi pockets at low
      temperatures. At T = 3 K and magnetic field of H||c up to 9 Tesla, large magneto
      resistance up to 8500% and 7200% for I||(100) and I||(110) were found. Shubnikov
      de Haas (SdH) oscillations were identified from the resistivity data, revealing
      the existence of two Fermi pockets at the Fermi level via the fast Fourier
      transform (FFT) analysis. The Hall coefficient (RH) showed hole-dominated
      carriers with a high mobility of 3.05 * 104 cm2 V-1 s-1 at 3 K. ZrSiS has been
      confirmed to be a Dirac semimetal by the Dirac cone mapping near the X-point via
      angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) with a Dirac nodal line near
      the Fermi level identified using scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS).

PMID- 28098210
TI  - Intrinsic Defects and H Doping in WO3.
AB  - WO3 is widely used as industrial catalyst. Intrinsic and/or extrinsic defects can
      tune the electronic properties and extend applications to gas sensors and
      optoelectonics. However, H doping is a challenge to WO3, the relevant mechanisms
      being hardly understood. In this context, we investigate intrinsic defects and H
      doping by density functional theory and experiments. Formation energies are
      calculated to determine the lowest energy defect states. O vacancies turn out to
      be stable in O-poor environment, in agreement with X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy, and O-H bond formation of H interstitial defects is predicted and
      confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

PMID- 28098211
TI  - Deep-sea crustacean trawling fisheries in Portugal: quantification of effort and
      assessment of landings per unit effort using a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).
AB  - Mapping and quantifying bottom trawling fishing pressure on the seafloor is
      pivotal to understand its effects on deep-sea benthic habitats. Using data from
      the Vessel Monitoring System of crustacean trawlers along the Portuguese margin,
      we have identified the most exploited areas and characterized the most targeted
      habitats and water depths. We estimated a total trawling effort of 69596, 66766,
      and 63427 h y-1 for the years 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively which,
      considering the total landings estimated for this gear, yield values of 20.76,
      21.06, and 19.11 kg of landed fish per trawled hour. The main trawling pressure
      is exerted in the South and Southwest Portuguese margins, on muddy and muddy-sand
      bottoms between 200 and 700 m water depths, while in the North and Central-West
      coasts a minor effort, at shallower waters and across a wider range of habitats,
      is also applied. The most landed species are crustaceans such as rose shrimp and
      Norway lobster, although this varies importantly between the different regions of
      Portugal, being fish and cephalopods the main captures in the Northern ports. We
      discuss the consequences of trawling for the impacted communities as well as the
      characteristics of the commercialization of these captures in Portugal.

PMID- 28098212
TI  - Different Volumetric Measurement Methods for Pituitary Adenomas and Their Crucial
      Clinical Significance.
AB  - Confirming the status of residual tumors is crucial. In stationary or spontaneous
      regression cases, early treatments are inappropriate. The long-used geometric
      calculation formula is 1/2 (length * width * height). However, it yields only
      rough estimates and is particularly unreliable for irregularly shaped masses. In
      our study, we attempted to propose a more accurate method. Between 2004 and 2014,
      94 patients with pituitary tumors were enrolled in this retrospective study. All
      patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and received magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI). The pre- and postoperative volumes calculated using the
      traditional formula were termed A1 and A2, and those calculated using the
      proposed method were termed O1 and O2, respectively. Wilcoxon signed rank test
      revealed no significant difference between the A1 and O1 groups (P = 0.1810) but
      a significant difference between the A2 and O2 groups (P < 0.0001). Significant
      differences were present in the extent of resection (P < 0.0001), high-grade
      cavernous sinus invasion (P = 0.0312), and irregular shape (P = 0.0116). Volume
      is crucial in evaluating tumor status and determining treatment. Therefore, a
      more scientific method is especially useful when lesions are irregularly shaped
      or when treatment is determined exclusively based on the tumor volume.

PMID- 28098213
TI  - Tunable diffraction-free array in nonlinear photonic crystal.
AB  - Diffraction-free beams have attracted increasing research interests because of
      their unique performances and broad applications in various fields. Although many
      methods have been developed to produce such beams, it is still challenging to
      realize a tunable non-diffracting beam. Here, we report the generation of a
      tunable diffraction-free array through second-harmonic generation in a nonlinear
      photonic crystal, i.e., a 2D periodically-poled LiTaO3 crystal. In such a
      crystal, the second-harmonic wave is engineered by properly designing the domain
      structure based on the Huygens-Fresnel principle. The characteristics of the
      generated diffraction-free array including its period, propagation length, and
      wavelength can be tuned by simply changing the input wavelength. Our observation
      not only enriches the diffraction-free optics, but also has potential
      applications for photolithography and imaging.

PMID- 28098214
TI  - Clinical Roles of Lung Volumes Detected by Body Plethysmography and Helium
      Dilution in Asthmatic Patients: A Correlation and Diagnosis Analysis.
AB  - Roles of lung volumes in asthma remain controversial. We aimed to evaluate the
      efficacy of lung volumes in differentiating asthma severity levels. Consecutive
      outpatients with chronic persistent asthma were enrolled, and body
      plethysmography (BP) and helium dilution (HD) were performed simultaneously to
      extract RV%pred, TLC%pred, and RV/TLC. Significant negative correlations were
      found between FEV1%pred and RV%pred (r = -0.557, P < 0.001), TLC%pred (r = 
      0.387, P < 0.001), and RV/TLC (r = -0.485, P < 0.001) measured by BP, as well as
      difference in volumes between these two techniques (DeltaRV%pred, DeltaTLC%pred
      and DeltaRV/TLC). In mild and moderate asthma, AUC of RV%pred detected by BP and
      DeltaTLC%pred was 0.723 (95%CI 0.571-0.874, P = 0.005) and 0.739 (95%CI 0.607
      0.872, P = 0.002) with sensitivity and specificity being 79.41% and 88.24%, and
      65.22% and 56.52% at cut-off of 145.40% and 14.23%, respectively. In moderate and
      severe asthma, AUC of RV%pred detected by BP and DeltaTLC%pred was 0.782 (95%CI
      0.671-0.893, P < 0.001) and 0.788 (95%CI 0.681-0.894, P < 0.002) with sensitivity
      and specificity being 77.78% and 97.22%, and 73.53% and 52.94% at cut-off of
      179.85% and 20.22%, respectively. In conclusion, lung volumes are reliable
      complement of FEV1 in identifying asthma severity levels.

PMID- 28098216
TI  - Chemical bonding in aqueous hexacyano cobaltate from photon- and electron
      detection perspectives.
AB  - The electronic structure of the [Co(CN)6]3- complex dissolved in water is studied
      using X-ray spectroscopy techniques. By combining electron and photon detection
      methods from the solutions ionized or excited by soft X-rays we experimentally
      identify chemical bonding between the metal center and the CN ligand. Non
      resonant photoelectron spectroscopy provides solute electron binding energies,
      and nitrogen 1 s and cobalt 2p resonant core-level photoelectron spectroscopy
      identifies overlap between metal and ligand orbitals. By probing resonances we
      are able to qualitatively determine the ligand versus metal character of the
      respective occupied and non-occupied orbitals, purely by experiment. For the same
      excitations we also detect the emitted X-rays, yielding the complementary
      resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectra. For a quantitative interpretation of
      the spectra, we perform theoretical electronic-structure calculations. The latter
      provide both orbital energies and orbital character which are found to be in good
      agreement with experimental energies and with experimentally inferred orbital
      mixing. We also report calculated X-ray absorption spectra, which in conjunction
      with our orbital-structure analysis, enables us to quantify various bonding
      interactions with a particular focus on the water-solvent - ligand interaction
      and the strength of pi-backbonding between metal and ligand.

PMID- 28098215
TI  - Epigenetic modifications at DMRs of placental genes are subjected to variations
      in normal gestation, pathological conditions and folate supplementation.
AB  - Invasive placentation and cancer development shares many similar molecular and
      epigenetic pathways. Paternally expressed, growth promoting genes (SNRPN, PEG10
      and MEST) which are known to play crucial role in tumorogenesis, are not well
      studied during placentation. This study reports for the first time of the impact
      of gestational-age, pathological conditions and folic acid supplementation on
      dynamic nature of DNA and histone methylation present at their differentially
      methylated regions (DMRs). Here, we reported the association between low DNA
      methylation/H3K27me3 and higher expression of SNRPN, PEG10 and MEST in highly
      proliferating normal early gestational placenta. Molar and preeclamptic placental
      villi, exhibited aberrant changes in methylation levels at DMRs of these genes,
      leading to higher and lower expression of these genes, respectively, in reference
      to their respective control groups. Moreover, folate supplementation could induce
      gene specific changes in mRNA expression in placental cell lines. Further, MEST
      and SNRPN DMRs were observed to show the potential to act as novel fetal DNA
      markers in maternal plasma. Thus, variation in methylation levels at these DMRs
      regulate normal placentation and placental disorders. Additionally, the
      methylation at these DMRs might also be susceptible to folic acid supplementation
      and has the potential to be utilized in clinical diagnosis.

PMID- 28098217
TI  - Disrupting Hepatocyte Cyp51 from Cholesterol Synthesis Leads to Progressive Liver
      Injury in the Developing Mouse and Decreases RORC Signalling.
AB  - Development of mice with hepatocyte knockout of lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase
      (HCyp51-/-) from cholesterol synthesis is characterized by the progressive onset
      of liver injury with ductular reaction and fibrosis. These changes begin during
      puberty and are generally more aggravated in the knockout females. However, a
      subgroup of (pre)pubertal knockout mice (runts) exhibits a pronounced male
      prevalent liver dysfunction characterized by downregulated amino acid metabolism
      and elevated Casp12. RORC transcriptional activity is diminished in livers of all
      runt mice, in correlation with the depletion of potential RORC ligands subsequent
      to CYP51 disruption. Further evidence for this comes from the global analysis
      that identified a crucial overlap between hepatic Cyp51-/- and Rorc-/- expression
      profiles. Additionally, the reduction in RORA and RORC transcriptional activity
      was greater in adult HCyp51-/- females than males, which correlates well with
      their downregulated amino and fatty acid metabolism. Overall, we identify a
      global and sex-dependent transcriptional de-regulation due to the block in
      cholesterol synthesis during development of the Cyp51 knockout mice and provide
      in vivo evidence that sterol intermediates downstream of lanosterol may regulate
      the hepatic RORC activity.

PMID- 28098218
TI  - The role of miR-497-5p in myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs and pulmonary
      fibrogenesis.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and fatal fibrotic
      lung disease characterized by profound changes in stem cell differentiation,
      epithelial cell phenotypes and fibroblast proliferation. In our study, we found
      that miR-497-5p was significantly upregulated both during myofibroblast
      differentiation of lung resident mesenchymal stem cells (LR-MSCs) and in the lung
      tissues of a pulmonary fibrosis model. In addition, as determined by luciferase
      assays and Western blot analysis, reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with
      kazal motifs (Reck) was identified to be one of the target genes of miR-497-5p,
      and Reck could suppress the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (Mmp2) and
      Mmp9, which could activate latent transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1).
      To test the potential therapeutic significance of this miRNA, we modulated the
      expression of miR-497-5p in LR-MSCs and relevant animal models. The results
      demonstrated that upregulation of miR-497-5p could induce LR-MSCs to
      differentiate into myofibroblasts and promote pulmonary fibrogenesis, while
      inhibition of its expression could effectively retard these processes. In
      conclusion, our work supports that controlling pulmonary fibrogenesis via
      inhibition of miR-497-5p expression may provide a potential therapeutic strategy
      for IPF.

PMID- 28098220
TI  - Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Raccoon Dog Skin to Determine Melanin
      Content in Hair and Melanin Distribution in Skin.
AB  - The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an important canid fur-bearing
      animal species worldwide. Chinese raccoon dogs that present a white mutation,
      especially those with a white coat. Exploring melanin biosynthesis in the hair
      and skin of raccoon dogs is important for understanding the survival and
      evolutionary mechanisms of them. In this study, we measured the content of
      melanin in the hair of two types of raccoon dog and generated stained slices of
      skin tissue. The results indicated that melanin biosynthesis occurs in the wild
      type (W) and white-type (B) raccoon dog skin, although less melanin is produced
      in B skin. We then sequenced the skin transcriptomes of W and B, compared the
      similarities and differences in expressed genes. A comparison of the gene
      expression showed 60 up-regulated genes and 127 down-regulated genes in B skin.
      We analyzed the unigenes and pathways related to the melanogenesis pathway and
      found that TYR, TYRP1, MC1R, SLC24a5, SLC45a2 and OCA2 were significantly down
      regulated in B skin and these results were verified via qRT-PCR. We surmised that
      the phenotypic characteristics of the white mutation might be caused by the
      reduced expression of these genes and this finding provides new insights for
      future experiments in raccoon dogs.

PMID- 28098219
TI  - Combined LRRK2 mutation, aging and chronic low dose oral rotenone as a model of
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Aging, genetics and environmental toxicity are important etiological factors in
      Parkinson's disease (PD). However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. A major
      obstacle is the lack of an appropriate experimental model which incorporates
      genetic susceptibility, aging and prolonged environmental toxicity. Here, we
      explored the interplay amongst these factors using mutant LRRK2R1441G (leucine
      rich-repeat-kinase-2) knockin mice. We found that mutant primary cortical and
      mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons were more susceptible to rotenone-induced ATP
      deficiency and cell death. Compared with wild-type controls, striatal
      synaptosomes isolated from young mutant mice exhibited significantly lower
      dopamine uptake after rotenone toxicity, due to reduced striatal synaptosomal
      mitochondria and synaptic vesicular proton pump protein (V-ATPase H) levels.
      Mutant mice developed greater locomotor deficits in open-field tests than wild
      type mice following low oral rotenone doses given twice weekly over 50 weeks
      (half their lifespan). The increased locomotor deficit was associated with
      specific reduction in striatal mitochondrial Complex-I (NDUFS4) in rotenone
      treated mutant but not in similarly treated wild-type mice. Our unique
      experimental model which incorporates genetic effect, natural aging and prolonged
      oral environmental toxicity administered to mutant knockin LRRK2 mice over half
      their life span, with observable and measurable phenotype, is invaluable in
      further studies of the pathogenic process and therapeutics of PD.

PMID- 28098221
TI  - Remote cooling by a novel thermal lens with anisotropic positive thermal
      conductivity.
AB  - A novel thermal lens that can achieve a remote cooling effect is designed by
      transformation thermodynamics. The effective distance between the separate hot
      source and cold source is shortened by our shelled thermal lens without any
      negative thermal conductivity. Numerical simulations verify the performance of
      our thermal lens. Based on the effective medium theory, we also propose a
      practical way to realize our lens using two-layered isotropic thermal media that
      are both found in nature. The proposed thermal lens will have potential
      applications in remote temperature control and in creating other thermal
      illusions.

PMID- 28098222
TI  - Dose-dependency and reversibility of radiation-induced injury in cardiac explant
      derived cells of mice.
AB  - We evaluated the dose-dependency and reversibility of radiation-induced injury in
      cardiac explant-derived cells (CDCs), a mixed cell population grown from heart
      tissues. Adult C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 0, 10, 50 and 250 mGy gamma-rays for
      7 days and atrial tissues were collected for experiments 24 hours after last
      exposure. The number of CDCs was significantly decreased by daily exposure to
      over 250 mGy. Interestingly, daily exposure to over 50 mGy significantly
      decreased the c-kit expression and telomerase activity, increased 53BP1 foci in
      the nuclei of CDCs. However, CD90 expression and growth factors production in
      CDCs were not significantly changed even after daily exposure to 250 mGy. We
      further evaluated the reversibility of radiation-induced injury in CDCs at 1 week
      and 3 weeks after a single exposure to 3 Gy gamma-rays. The number and growth
      factors production of CDCs were soon recovered at 1 week. However, the increased
      expression of CD90 were retained at 1 week, but recovered at 3 weeks. Moreover,
      the decreased expression of c-kit, impaired telomerase activity, and increased
      53BP1 foci were poorly recovered even at 3 weeks. These data may help us to find
      the most sensitive and reliable bio-parameter(s) for evaluating radiation-induced
      injury in CDCs.

PMID- 28098223
TI  - Dispersion of nonresonant third-order nonlinearities in Silicon Carbide.
AB  - In this paper we present a physical discussion of the indirect two-photon
      absorption (TPA) occuring in silicon carbide with either cubic or wurtzite
      structure. Phonon-electron interaction is analyzed by finding the phonon features
      involved in the process as depending upon the crystal symmetry. Consistent
      physical assumptions about the phonon-electron scattering mechanisms are proposed
      in order to give a mathematical formulation to predict the wavelength dispersion
      of TPA and the Kerr nonlinear refractive index n2. The TPA spectrum is
      investigated including the effects of band nonparabolicity and the influence of
      the continuum exciton. Moreover, a parametric analysis is presented in order to
      fit the experimental measurements. Finally, we have estimated the n2 in a large
      wavelength range spanning the visible to the mid-IR region.

PMID- 28098224
TI  - Association of Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) Identified SNPs and Risk of
      Breast Cancer in an Indian Population.
AB  - To date, no studies have investigated the association of the GWAS-identified SNPs
      with BC risk in Indian population. We investigated the association of 30
      previously reported and replicated BC susceptibility SNPs in 1,204 cases and
      1,212 controls from a hospital based case-control study conducted at the Tata
      Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. As a measure of total susceptibility burden, the
      polygenic risk score (PRS) for each individual was defined by the weighted sum of
      genotypes from 21 independent SNPs with weights derived from previously published
      estimates of association odds-ratios. Logistic regression models were used to
      assess risk associated with individual SNPs and overall PRS, and stratified by
      menopausal and receptor status. A total of 11 SNPs from eight genomic regions
      (FGFR2, 9q31.2, MAP3K, CCND1, ZM1Z1, RAD51L11, ESR1 and UST) showed statistically
      significant (p-value <= 0.05) evidence of association, either overall or when
      stratified by menopausal status or hormone receptor status. BC SNPs previously
      identified in Caucasian population showed evidence of replication in the Indian
      population mainly with respect to risk of postmenopausal and hormone receptor
      positive BC.

PMID- 28098225
TI  - The impacts of air pollution on maternal stress during pregnancy.
AB  - To investigate the association of air pollution with maternal stress during
      pregnancy, we enrolled 1,931 women during mid-to-late pregnancy in Shanghai in
      2010. The "Life-Event Scale for Pregnant Women" and "Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised
      Scale" (SCL-90-R) were used to evaluate life event stress and emotional stress,
      respectively. Air pollution data were collected for each district where pregnant
      women lived during pregnancy. We associated ambient air pollution with stress
      scores using multivariable logistic regression models. After adjusting for
      relevant covariates, an interquartile-range (IQR) increase in sulphur-dioxide
      (SO2) (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11-1.52) and particulate-matter with an aerodynamic
      diameter <10 MUm (PM10) (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.02-1.34) concentrations on the
      recruitment day, and in the 5-day moving average concentrations of nitrogen
      dioxide (NO2) (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05-1.70) were associated with high Global
      Severity-Indices (P75-P100) of the SCL-90-R. These associations were stronger
      among women bearing high levels (P25-P100) of air pollutants than among women
      experiencing low levels (P1-P25) of pollutants. The stronger associations and
      higher levels of pollutants were observed in the cool season than in the warm
      season. SO2 increases on the recruitment day were also associated with an
      increased risk of high depression scores (P75-P100). Our findings supported a
      dose-dependent association between air pollution and emotional stress during
      pregnancy.

PMID- 28098226
TI  - Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) suppresses apoptosis in
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - Identifying oncogenes that promote cancer cell proliferation or survival is
      critical for treatment of colorectal cancer. The Brother of Regulator of
      Imprinted Sites (BORIS) is frequently expressed in most types of cancer, but
      rarely in normal tissues. Aberrantly expressed BORIS relates to colorectal
      cancer, but its function in colorectal cancer cells remains unclear. In addition,
      previous studies indicated the significance of cytoplasm-localized BORIS in
      cancer cells. However, none of them investigated its function. Herein, we
      investigated the functions of BORIS in cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis
      and the role of cytoplasm-localized BORIS in colorectal cancer. BORIS expression
      correlated with colorectal cancer proliferation. BORIS overexpression promoted
      colorectal cancer cell growth, whereas BORIS knockdown suppressed cell
      proliferation. Sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
      was inversely correlated with BORIS expression. These data suggest that BORIS
      functions as an oncogene in colorectal cancer. BORIS silencing induced reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis, whereas BORIS supplementation
      inhibited apoptosis induced by BORIS short interfering RNA (siRNA), hydrogen
      peroxide (H2O2) or 5-FU. Introduction of BORIS-ZFdel showed that cytoplasmic
      localization of BORIS inhibited apoptosis but not ROS production. Our study
      highlights the anti-apoptotic function of BORIS in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 28098227
TI  - Adolescents display distinctive tolerance to ambiguity and to uncertainty during
      risky decision making.
AB  - Although actuarial data indicate that risk-taking behavior peaks in adolescence,
      laboratory evidence for this developmental spike remains scarce. One possible
      explanation for this incongruity is that in the real world adolescents often have
      only vague information about the potential consequences of their behavior and the
      likelihoods of those consequences, whereas in the lab these are often clearly
      stated. How do adolescents behave under such more realistic conditions of
      ambiguity and uncertainty? We asked 105 participants aged from 8 to 22 years to
      make three types of choices: (1) choices between options whose possible outcomes
      and probabilities were fully described (choices under risk); (2) choices between
      options whose possible outcomes were described but whose probability information
      was incomplete (choices under ambiguity), and (3) choices between unknown options
      whose possible outcomes and probabilities could be explored (choices under
      uncertainty). Relative to children and adults, two adolescent-specific markers
      emerged. First, adolescents were more accepting of ambiguity; second, they were
      also more accepting of uncertainty (as indicated by shorter pre-decisional
      search). Furthermore, this tolerance of the unknown was associated with
      motivational, but not cognitive, factors. These findings offer novel insights
      into the psychology of adolescent risk taking.

PMID- 28098228
TI  - Unique Bacteria Community Composition and Co-occurrence in the Milk of Different
      Ruminants.
AB  - Lactation provides the singular source of nourishment to the offspring of
      mammals. This nutrition source also contains a diverse microbiota affecting the
      development and health of the newborn. Here, we examined the milk microbiota in
      water deer (Hydropotes inermis, the most primitive member of the family
      Cervidae), reindeer (Rangifer tarandus, the oldest semi-domesticated cervid), and
      the dairy goat (Capra aegagrus, member of the family Bovidae), to determine if
      common milk microbiota species were present across all three ruminant species.
      The results showed that water deer had the highest bacterial diversity, followed
      by reindeer, and then goat. Unifrac distance and correspondence analyses revealed
      that water deer harbored an increased abundance of Pseudomonas spp. and
      Acinetobacter spp., while milk from reindeer and goat was dominated by
      unclassified bacteria from the family Hyphomicrobiaceae and Bacillus spp.,
      respectively. These data indicate significant differences in the composition of
      milk-based bacterial communities. The presence of Halomonas spp. in three
      distinct co-occurrence networks of bacterial interactions revealed both common
      and unique features in milk niches. These results suggest that the milk of water
      deer and reindeer harbor unique bacterial communities compared with the goat,
      which might reflect host microbial adaptation caused by evolution.

PMID- 28098229
TI  - Novel synthesis of ZnO/PMMA nanocomposites for photocatalytic applications.
AB  - The incorporation of nanostructured photocatalysts in polymers is a strategic way
      to obtain novel water purification systems. This approach takes the advantages
      of: (1) the presence of nanostructured photocatalyst; (2) the flexibility of
      polymer; (3) the immobilization of photocatalyst, that avoids the recovery of the
      nanoparticles after the water treatment. Here we present ZnO-polymer
      nanocomposites with high photocatalytic performance and stability. Poly (methyl
      methacrylate) (PMMA) powders were coated with a thin layer of ZnO (80 nm thick)
      by atomic layer deposition at low temperature (80  degrees C). Then the method of
      sonication and solution casting was performed so to obtain the ZnO/PMMA
      nanocomposites. A complete morphological, structural, and chemical
      characterization was made by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. The
      remarkable photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites was demonstrated by
      the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye and phenol in aqueous solution under
      UV light irradiation. The composites also resulted reusable and stable, since
      they maintained an unmodified photo-activity after several MB discoloration runs.
      Thus, these results demonstrate that the proposed ZnO/PMMA nanocomposite is a
      promising candidate for photocatalytic applications and, in particular, for novel
      water treatment.

PMID- 28098230
TI  - Molecular mechanism of the allosteric regulation of the alphagamma heterodimer of
      human NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase.
AB  - Human NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase catalyzes the decarboxylation of
      isocitrate (ICT) into alpha-ketoglutarate in the Krebs cycle. It exists as the
      alpha2betagamma heterotetramer composed of the alphabeta and alphagamma
      heterodimers. Previously, we have demonstrated biochemically that the
      alpha2betagamma heterotetramer and alphagamma heterodimer can be allosterically
      activated by citrate (CIT) and ADP. In this work, we report the crystal
      structures of the alphagamma heterodimer with the gamma subunit bound without or
      with different activators. Structural analyses show that CIT, ADP and Mg2+ bind
      adjacent to each other at the allosteric site. The CIT binding induces
      conformational changes at the allosteric site, which are transmitted to the
      active site through the heterodimer interface, leading to stabilization of the
      ICT binding at the active site and thus activation of the enzyme. The ADP binding
      induces no further conformational changes but enhances the CIT binding through
      Mg2+-mediated interactions, yielding a synergistic activation effect. ICT can
      also bind to the CIT-binding subsite, which induces similar conformational
      changes but exhibits a weaker activation effect. The functional roles of the key
      residues are verified by mutagenesis, kinetic and structural studies. Our
      structural and functional data together reveal the molecular mechanism of the
      allosteric regulation of the alphagamma heterodimer.

PMID- 28098231
TI  - Reduced graphene oxide as a stable and high-capacity cathode material for Na-ion
      batteries.
AB  - We report the feasibility of using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as a cost
      effective and high performance cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).
      Graphene oxide is synthesized by a modified Hummers' method and reduced using a
      solid-state microwave irradiation method. The RGO electrode delivers an
      exceptionally stable discharge capacity of 240 mAh g-1 with a stable long cycling
      up to 1000 cycles. A discharge capacity of 134 mAh g-1 is obtained at a high
      current density of 600 mA g-1, and the electrode recovers a capacity of 230 mAh g
      1 when the current density is reset to 15 mA g-1 after deep cycling, thus
      demonstrating the excellent stability of the electrode with sodium
      de/intercalation. The successful use of the RGO electrode demonstrated in this
      study is expected to facilitate the emergence of low-cost and sustainable carbon
      based materials for SIB cathode applications.

PMID- 28098232
TI  - Crystal structure of Sec10, a subunit of the exocyst complex.
AB  - The exocyst complex is a heterooctameric protein complex composed of Sec3, Sec5,
      Sec6, Sec8, Sec10, Sec15, Exo70 and Exo84. This complex plays an essential role
      in trafficking secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane through its interaction
      with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and small GTPases. To date, the near
      full-length structural information of each subunit has been limited to Exo70,
      although the C-terminal half structures of Sec6, Sec15 and Exo84 and the
      structures of the small GTPase-binding domains of Sec3, Sec5 and Exo84 have been
      reported. Here, we report the crystal structure of the near-full-length zebrafish
      Sec10 (zSec10) at 2.73 A resolution. The structure of zSec10 consists of tandem
      antiparallel helix bundles that form a straight rod, like helical core regions of
      other exocyst subunits. This structure provides the first atomic details of
      Sec10, which may be useful for future functional and structural studies of this
      subunit and the exocyst complex.

PMID- 28098233
TI  - MicroRNA-34 directly targets pair-rule genes and cytoskeleton component in the
      honey bee.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of developmental processes, such as cell
      fate determination and differentiation. Previous studies showed Dicer knockdown
      in honeybee embryos disrupt the processing of functional mature miRNAs and
      impairs embryo patterning. Here we investigated the expression profiles of miRNAs
      in honeybee embryogenesis and the role of the highly conserved miR-34-5p in the
      regulation of genes involved in insect segmentation. A total of 221 miRNAs were
      expressed in honey bee embryogenesis among which 97 mature miRNA sequences have
      not been observed before. Interestingly, we observed a switch in dominance
      between the 5-prime and 3-prime arm of some miRNAs in different embryonic stages;
      however, most miRNAs present one dominant arm across all stages of embryogenesis.
      Our genome-wide analysis of putative miRNA-target networks and functional
      pathways indicates miR-34-5p is one of the most conserved and connected miRNAs
      associated with the regulation of genes involved in embryonic patterning and
      development. In addition, we experimentally validated that miR-34-5p directly
      interacts to regulatory elements in the 3'-untranslated regions of pair-rule
      (even-skipped, hairy, fushi-tarazu transcription factor 1) and cytoskeleton
      (actin5C) genes. Our study suggests that miR-34-5p may regulate the expression of
      pair-rule and cytoskeleton genes during early development and control insect
      segmentation.

PMID- 28098234
TI  - Maternal cortisol stimulates neurogenesis and affects larval behaviour in
      zebrafish.
AB  - Excess glucocorticoid transferred from stressed mother to the embryo affects
      developing vertebrate offspring, but the underlying programming events are
      unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that increased zygotic
      glucocorticoid deposition, mimicking a maternal stress scenario, modifies early
      brain development and larval behaviour in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Cortisol was
      microinjected into the yolk at one cell-stage, to mimic maternal transfer, and
      the larvae [96 hours post-fertilization (hpf)] displayed increased activity in
      light and a reduction in thigmotaxis, a behavioural model for anxiety, suggesting
      an increased propensity for boldness. This cortisol-mediated behavioural
      phenotype corresponded with an increase in primary neurogenesis, as measured by
      incorporation of EdU at 24 hpf, in a region-specific manner in the preoptic
      region and the pallium, the teleostean homolog of the hippocampus. Also, cortisol
      increased the expression of the proneural gene neurod4, a marker of neurogenesis,
      in a region- and development-specific manner in the embryos. Altogether, excess
      zygotic cortisol, mimicking maternal stress, affects early brain development and
      behavioural phenotype in larval zebrafish. We propose a key role for cortisol in
      altering brain development leading to enhanced boldness, which may be beneficial
      in preparing the offspring to a stressful environment and enhancing fitness.

PMID- 28098236
TI  - Wind Wave Behavior in Fetch and Depth Limited Estuaries.
AB  - Wetland dominated estuaries serve as one of the most productive natural
      ecosystems through their ecological, economic and cultural services, such as
      nursery grounds for fisheries, nutrient sequestration, and ecotourism. The
      ongoing deterioration of wetland ecosystems in many shallow estuaries raises
      concerns about the contributing erosive processes and their roles in restraining
      coastal restoration efforts. Given the combination of wetlands and shallow bays
      as landscape components that determine the function of estuaries, successful
      restoration strategies require knowledge of wind wave behavior in fetch and depth
      limited water as a critical design feature. We experimentally evaluate physics of
      wind wave growth in fetch and depth limited estuaries. We demonstrate that wave
      growth rate in shallow estuaries is a function of wind fetch to water depth
      ratio, which helps to develop a new set of parametric wave growth equations. We
      find that the final stage of wave growth in shallow estuaries can be presented by
      a product of water depth and wave number, whereby their product approaches 1.363
      as either depth or wave energy increases. Suggested wave growth equations and
      their asymptotic constraints establish the magnitude of wave forces acting on
      wetland erosion that must be included in ecosystem restoration design.

PMID- 28098235
TI  - Molecular Characterization of Pediatric Restrictive Cardiomyopathy from
      Integrative Genomics.
AB  - Pediatric restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a genetically heterogeneous heart
      disease with limited therapeutic options. RCM cases are largely idiopathic;
      however, even within families with a known genetic cause for cardiomyopathy,
      there is striking variability in disease severity. Although accumulating evidence
      implicates both gene expression and alternative splicing in development of
      dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), there have been no detailed molecular
      characterizations of underlying pathways dysregulated in RCM. RNA-Seq on a cohort
      of pediatric RCM patients compared to other forms of adult cardiomyopathy and
      controls identified transcriptional differences highly common to the
      cardiomyopathies, as well as those unique to RCM. Transcripts selectively induced
      in RCM include many known and novel G-protein coupled receptors linked to calcium
      handling and contractile regulation. In-depth comparisons of alternative splicing
      revealed splicing events shared among cardiomyopathy subtypes, as well as those
      linked solely to RCM. Genes identified with altered alternative splicing
      implicate RBM20, a DCM splicing factor, as a potential mediator of alternative
      splicing in RCM. We present the first comprehensive report on molecular pathways
      dysregulated in pediatric RCM including unique/shared pathways identified
      compared to other cardiomyopathy subtypes and demonstrate that disruption of
      alternative splicing patterns in pediatric RCM occurs in the inverse direction as
      DCM.

PMID- 28098237
TI  - Controllable Synthesis of TiO2@Fe2O3 Core-Shell Nanotube Arrays with Double-Wall
      Coating as Superb Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes.
AB  - Highlighted by the safe operation and stable performances, titanium oxides (TiO2)
      are deemed as promising candidates for next generation lithium-ion batteries
      (LIBs). However, the pervasively low capacity is casting shadow on desirable
      electrochemical behaviors and obscuring their practical applications. In this
      work, we reported a unique template-assisted and two-step atomic layer deposition
      (ALD) method to achieve TiO2@Fe2O3 core-shell nanotube arrays with hollow
      interior and double-wall coating. The as-prepared architecture combines both
      merits of the high specific capacity of Fe2O3 and structural stability of TiO2
      backbone. Owing to the nanotubular structural advantages integrating facile
      strain relaxation as well as rapid ion and electron transport, the TiO2@Fe2O3
      nanotube arrays with a high mass loading of Fe2O3 attained desirable capacity of
      ~520 mA h g-1, exhibiting both good rate capability under uprated current density
      of 10 A g-1 and especially enhanced cycle stability (~450 mA h g-1 after 600
      cycles), outclassing most reported TiO2@metal oxide composites. The results not
      only provide a new avenue for hybrid core-shell nanotube formation, but also
      offer an insight for rational design of advanced electrode materials for LIBs.

PMID- 28098238
TI  - Expression of the novel maternal centrosome assembly factor Wdr8 is required for
      vertebrate embryonic mitoses.
AB  - The assembly of the first centrosome occurs upon fertilisation when male
      centrioles recruit pericentriolar material (PCM) from the egg cytoplasm. The
      mechanisms underlying the proper assembly of centrosomes during early
      embryogenesis remain obscure. We identify Wdr8 as a novel maternally essential
      protein that is required for centrosome assembly during embryonic mitoses of
      medaka (Oryzias latipes). By CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout, maternal/zygotic Wdr8
      null (m/zWdr8-/-) blastomeres exhibit severe defects in centrosome structure that
      lead to asymmetric division, multipolar mitotic spindles and chromosome alignment
      errors. Via its WD40 domains, Wdr8 interacts with the centriolar satellite
      protein SSX2IP. Combining targeted gene knockout and in vivo reconstitution of
      the maternally essential Wdr8-SSX2IP complex reveals an essential link between
      maternal centrosome proteins and the stability of the zygotic genome for accurate
      vertebrate embryogenesis. Our approach provides a way of distinguishing maternal
      from paternal effects in early embryos and should contribute to understanding
      molecular defects in human infertility.

PMID- 28098240
TI  - Metal-Insulator Transition of strained SmNiO3 Thin Films: Structural, Electrical
      and Optical Properties.
AB  - Samarium nickelate (SmNiO3) thin films were successfully synthesized on LaAlO3
      and SrTiO3 substrates using pulsed-laser deposition. The Mott metal-insulator
      (MI) transition of the thin films is sensitive to epitaxial strain and strain
      relaxation. Once the strain changes from compressive to tensile, the transition
      temperature of the SmNiO3 samples shifts to slightly higher values. The optical
      conductivity reveals the strong dependence of the Drude spectral weight on the
      strain relaxation. Actually, compressive strain broadens the bandwidth. In
      contrast, tensile strain causes the effective number of free carriers to reduce
      which is consistent with the d-band narrowing.

PMID- 28098239
TI  - Immunoglobulin light chain (IGL) genes in torafugu: Genomic organization and
      identification of a third teleost IGL isotype.
AB  - Here, we report a genome-wide survey of immunoglobulin light chain (IGL) genes of
      torafugu (Takifugu rubripes) revealing multi-clusters spanning three separate
      chromosomes (v5 assembly) and 45 scaffolds (v4 assembly). Conventional sequence
      similarity searches and motif scanning approaches based on recombination signal
      sequence (RSS) motifs were used. We found that three IGL isotypes (L1, L2, and
      L3) exist in torafugu and that several loci for each isotype are present. The
      transcriptional orientations of the variable IGL (VL) segments were found to be
      either the same (in the L2 isotype) or opposite (in the L1 and L3 isotypes) to
      the IGL joining (JL) and constant (CL) segments, suggesting they can undergo
      rearrangement by deletion or inversion when expressed. Alignments of expressed
      sequence tags (ESTs) to corresponding germline gene segments revealed expression
      of the three IGL isotypes in torafugu. Taken together, our findings provide a
      genomic framework for torafugu IGL genes and show that the IG diversity of this
      species could be attributed to at least three distinct chromosomal regions.

PMID- 28098241
TI  - Characterization of a P1-like bacteriophage carrying CTX-M-27 in Salmonella spp.
      resistant to third generation cephalosporins isolated from pork in China.
AB  - The aim of this study was to elucidate the epidemiology of third generation
      cephalosporin resistant Samonella isolates from pork of a slaughterhouse in China
      and the features of transferable elements carrying blaCTX-M genes. One hundred
      and twenty-six (7.3%) Salmonella isolates were identified; S. Derby and S. Rissen
      were the most two prevalent serotypes. Among these isolates 20 (15.8%) were
      resistant to third generation cephalosporins and nine of them carried blaCTX-M
      27. S1-PFGE and replicon typing of blaCTX-M-27-carrying plasmids showed that
      seven were untypeable plasmids of about 104 Kb and two were IncP plasmids of
      about 300 Kb. Complete sequence analysis of one PBRT-untypeable plasmid showed it
      was a P1-like bateriophage, named SJ46, which contained a non-phage-associated
      region with several mobile elements, including Tn1721, ISEcp1B and IS903D. The
      other six 104 Kb PBRT-untypeable blaCTX-M-27-carrying plasmids also harboured the
      same phage-insertion region of SJ46 suggesting that they were the same P1-like
      bacteriophage. PFGE profiles of the parental strains revealed both potential
      vertical and horizontal spread of this P1-like blaCTX-M-27-containing element.
      Additionally, the representative gene of the P1 family bacteriophage, repL, was
      detected in 19.0% (24/126) of the isolates. This study indicated a potential role
      of P1-family bacteriophage in capture and spread of antimicrobial resistance in
      pathogens.

PMID- 28098242
TI  - MerR and ChrR mediate blue light induced photo-oxidative stress response at the
      transcriptional level in Vibrio cholerae.
AB  - Blue light (BL) is a major environmental factor that affects the physiology,
      behavior, and infectivity of bacteria as it contributes to the generation of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) while increasing photo-oxidative stress in cells.
      However, precise photo-oxidative response mechanism in non-phototrophic bacteria
      is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of BL in
      Vibrio cholerae by using genetics and transcriptome profiling. Genome-wide
      analysis revealed that transcription of 6.3% of V. cholerae genes were regulated
      by BL. We further showed that BL enhances ROS production, which is generated
      through the oxidative phosphorylation. To understand signaling mechanisms, we
      generated several knockouts and analyzed their transcriptome under BL exposure.
      Studies with a double-knockout confirm an anti-sigma factor (ChrR) and putative
      metalloregulatory-like protein (MerR) are responsible for the genome-wide
      regulation to BL response in V. cholerae. Collectively, these results demonstrate
      that MerR-like proteins, in addition to ChrR, are required for V. cholerae to
      mount an appropriate response against photo-oxidative stress induced by BL.
      Outside its natural host, V. cholerae can survive for extended periods in natural
      aquatic environments. Therefore, the regulation of light response for V. cholerae
      may be a critical cellular process for its survival in these environments.

PMID- 28098244
TI  - Stochastic evolution in populations of ideas.
AB  - It is known that learning of players who interact in a repeated game can be
      interpreted as an evolutionary process in a population of ideas. These analogies
      have so far mostly been established in deterministic models, and memory loss in
      learning has been seen to act similarly to mutation in evolution. We here propose
      a representation of reinforcement learning as a stochastic process in finite
      'populations of ideas'. The resulting birth-death dynamics has absorbing states
      and allows for the extinction or fixation of ideas, marking a key difference to
      mutation-selection processes in finite populations. We characterize the outcome
      of evolution in populations of ideas for several classes of symmetric and
      asymmetric games.

PMID- 28098243
TI  - Vanillic acid attenuates Abeta1-42-induced oxidative stress and cognitive
      impairment in mice.
AB  - Increasing evidence demonstrates that beta-amyloid (Abeta) elicits oxidative
      stress, which contributes to the pathogenesis and disease progression of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aims of the present study were to determine and
      explore the antioxidant nature and potential mechanism of vanillic acid (VA) in
      Abeta1-42-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation mediated cognitive
      impairment in mice. An intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Abeta1-42
      into the mouse brain triggered increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels,
      neuroinflammation, synaptic deficits, memory impairment, and neurodegeneration.
      In contrast, the i.p. (intraperitoneal) administration of VA (30 mg/kg, for 3
      weeks) after Abeta1-42-injection enhanced glutathione levels (GSH) and abrogated
      ROS generation accompanied by an induction of the endogenous nuclear factor
      erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) via the
      activation of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta) in the brain
      mice. Additionally, VA treatment decreased Abeta1-42-induced neuronal apoptosis
      and neuroinflammation and improved synaptic and cognitive deficits. Moreover, VA
      was nontoxic to HT22 cells and increased cell viability after Abeta1-42 exposure.
      To our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal the neuroprotective effect of
      VA against Abeta1-42-induced neurotoxicity. Our findings demonstrate that VA
      could potentially serve as a novel, promising, and accessible neuroprotective
      agent against progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

PMID- 28098245
TI  - Natural cytotoxicity receptor 1 in mouse uNK cell maturation and function.
AB  - Early and midgestational decidua of mice genetically ablated for expression of
      the natural killer (NK) cell natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR; Ncr1Gfp/Gfp
      mice) shows restricted angiogenesis and atypically small uterine (u)NK cells. We
      hypothesized that NCR1 inactivation disturbs maturation and angiokine production
      by uterine natural killer (uNK) cells. Using histological and morphometric
      approaches, we observed that Ncr1Gfp/Gfp but not control C57BL/6 (B6)
      implantation sites sustain immature, non-granulated uNK cells into midpregnancy.
      Mouse uNK cells can be subclassified by their reactivity with Dolichos biflorus
      agglutinin (DBA) lectin; DBA+ uNK cells with greater Ncr1 expression were
      investigated. DBA+ uNK cells from Ncr1Gfp/Gfp mice show delayed maturation as
      indicated by shorter diameters and fewer cytoplasmic granules. Granules in mature
      Ncr1Gfp/Gfp uNK cells are ultrastructurally abnormal and abundance of granule
      associated proteins (perforin, granzyme) and of cytoplasmic proteins (vascular
      endothelial growth factor; placental growth factor) differs from controls.
      Leukocyte-leukocyte conjugate formation in gestation day 6.5 and 8.5 intact
      Ncr1Gfp/Gfp decidua was less frequent than in B6; however, this difference
      involved leukocytes other than DBA+ uNK cells. These studies strongly support
      roles for NCR1 and its ligands in normal pregnancy promotion.

PMID- 28098246
TI  - Tryptophan metabolite activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulates IL-10
      receptor expression on intestinal epithelia.
AB  - IL-10 is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits the production of
      proinflammatory mediators. Signaling by IL-10 occurs through the IL-10 receptor
      (IL-10R), which is expressed in numerous cell types, including intestinal
      epithelial cells (IECs), where it is associated with development and maintenance
      of barrier function. Guided by an unbiased metabolomics screen, we identified
      tryptophan (Trp) metabolism as a major modifying pathway in interferon-gamma
      (IFNgamma)-dominant murine colitis. In parallel, we demonstrated that IFNgamma
      induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, an enzyme that catalyzes the
      conversion of Trp to kynurenine (Kyn), induces IL-10R1 expression. Based on these
      findings, we hypothesized that IL-10R1 expression on IEC is regulated by Trp
      metabolites. Analysis of the promoter region of IL-10R1 revealed a functional
      aryl hydrocarbon response element, which is induced by Kyn in luciferase-based IL
      10R1 promoter assays. Additionally, this analysis confirmed that IL-10R1 protein
      levels were increased in response to Kyn in IEC in vitro. Studies using in vitro
      wounding assays revealed that Kyn accelerates IL-10-dependent wound closure.
      Finally, reduction of murine dextran sodium sulfate colitis through Kyn
      administration correlates with colonic IL-10R1 expression. Taken together, these
      results provide evidence on the importance of IL-10 signaling in intestinal
      epithelia and implicate AHR in the regulation of IL-10R1 expression in the colon.

PMID- 28098247
TI  - c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 promotes enterocyte survival and goblet cell
      differentiation in the inflamed intestine.
AB  - c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) contribute to immune signaling but their
      functional role during intestinal mucosal inflammation has remained ill defined.
      Using genetic mouse models, we characterized the role of JNK1 and JNK2 during
      homeostasis and acute colitis. Epithelial apoptosis, regeneration,
      differentiation, and barrier function were analyzed in intestinal epithelium
      specific (DeltaIEC) or complete JNK1 and bone marrow chimeric or complete JNK2
      deficient mice as well as double-knockout animals (JNK1DeltaIECJNK2-/-) during
      homeostasis and acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Results were
      confirmed using human HT-29 cells and wild-type or JNK2-deficient mouse
      intestinal organoid cultures. We show that nonhematopoietic JNK2 but not JNK1
      expression confers protection from DSS-induced intestinal inflammation reducing
      epithelial barrier dysfunction and enterocyte apoptosis. JNK2 additionally
      enhanced Atonal homolog 1 expression, goblet cell and enteroendocrine cell
      differentiation, and mucus production under inflammatory conditions. Our results
      identify a protective role of epithelial JNK2 signaling to maintain mucosal
      barrier function, epithelial cell integrity, and mucus layer production in the
      event of inflammatory tissue damage.

PMID- 28098248
TI  - Microbial succession in the gastrointestinal tract of dairy cows from 2 weeks to
      first lactation.
AB  - Development of the dairy calf gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and its associated
      microbiota are essential for survival and milk production, as this community is
      responsible for converting plant-based feeds into accessible nutrients. However,
      little is known regarding the establishment of microbes in the calf GIT. Here, we
      measured fecal-associated bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities of dairy
      cows from 2 weeks to the middle of first lactation (>2 years) as well as rumen
      associated communities from weaning (8 weeks) to first lactation. These
      communities were then correlated to animal growth and health. Although succession
      of specific operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was unique to each animal, beta
      diversity decreased while alpha-diversity increased as animals aged. Calves
      exhibited similar microbial families and genera but different OTUs than adults,
      with a transition to an adult-like microbiota between weaning and 1 year of age.
      This suggests that alterations of the microbiota for improving downstream milk
      production may be most effective during, or immediately following, the weaning
      transition.

PMID- 28098249
TI  - Enhancing dielectric permittivity for energy-storage devices through tricritical
      phenomenon.
AB  - Although dielectric energy-storing devices are frequently used in high voltage
      level, the fast growing on the portable and wearable electronics have been
      increasing the demand on the energy-storing devices at finite electric field
      strength. This paper proposes an approach on enhancing energy density under low
      electric field through compositionally inducing tricriticality in Ba(Ti,Sn)O3
      ferroelectric material system with enlarged dielectric response. The optimal
      dielectric permittivity at tricritical point can reach to epsilonr = 5.4 * 104,
      and the associated energy density goes to around 30 mJ/cm3 at the electric field
      of 10 kV/cm, which exceeds most of the selected ferroelectric materials at the
      same field strength. The microstructure nature for such a tricritical behavior
      shows polarization inhomogeneity in nanometeric scale, which indicates a large
      polarizability under external electric field. Further phenomenological Landau
      modeling suggests that large dielectric permittivity and energy density can be
      ascribed to the vanishing of energy barrier for polarization altering caused by
      tricriticality. Our results may shed light on developing energy-storing
      dielectrics with large permittivity and energy density at low electric field.

PMID- 28098250
TI  - Tailoring femtosecond 1.5-MUm Bessel beams for manufacturing high-aspect-ratio
      through-silicon vias.
AB  - Three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs) are an attractive replacement for
      conventional 2D ICs as high-performance, low-power-consumption, and small
      footprint microelectronic devices. However, one of the major remaining challenges
      is the manufacture of high-aspect-ratio through-silicon vias (TSVs), which is a
      crucial technology for the assembly of 3D Si ICs. Here, we present the
      fabrication of high-quality TSVs using a femtosecond (fs) 1.5-MUm Bessel beam. To
      eliminate the severe ablation caused by the sidelobes of a conventional Bessel
      beam, a fs Bessel beam is tailored using a specially designed binary phase plate.
      We demonstrate that the tailored fs Bessel beam can be used to fabricate a 2D
      array of approximately ?10-MUm TSVs on a 100-MUm-thick Si substrate without any
      sidelobe damage, suggesting potential application in the 3D assembly of 3D Si
      ICs.

PMID- 28098251
TI  - Unsaturated lipid bodies as a hallmark of inflammation studied by Raman 2D and 3D
      microscopy.
AB  - Endothelial HMEC-1 cells incubated with pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha for 6
      and 24 hours were studied as a model of inflammation using Raman imaging.
      Striking changes in distribution, composition and concentration of cellular
      lipids were observed after exposure to TNF-alpha compared to the control. In
      particular, 3D Raman imaging revealed a significant increase in the amount of
      lipid entities formed under inflammation. Lipid bodies were randomly distributed
      in the cytoplasm and two types of droplets were assembled: more saturated one, in
      spectral characteristics resembling phosphatidylcholine and saturated cholesteryl
      esters, observed also in the control, and highly unsaturated one, containing also
      cholesterols, being a hallmark of inflamed cells. The statistical analysis showed
      that the number of lipid bodies was significantly dependent on the exposure time
      to TNF-alpha. Overall, observed formation of unsaturated lipid droplets can be
      directly correlated with the increase in production of prostacyclins - endogenous
      inflammation mediators.

PMID- 28098252
TI  - Flexible and Wavelength-Selective MoS2 Phototransistors with Monolithically
      Integrated Transmission Color Filters.
AB  - Color-selective or wavelength-tunable capability is a crucial feature for two
      dimensional (2-D) semiconducting material-based image sensor applications. Here,
      we report on flexible and wavelength-selective molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)
      phototransistors using monolithically integrated transmission Fabry-Perot (F-P)
      cavity filters. The fabricated multilayer MoS2 phototransistors on a polyarylate
      substrate exhibit decent electrical characteristics (MUFE > 64.4 cm2/Vs, on/off
      ratio > 106), and the integrated F-P filters, being able to cover whole visible
      spectrum, successfully modulate the spectral response characteristics of MoS2
      phototransistors from ~495 nm (blue) to ~590 nm (amber). Furthermore, power
      dependence of both responsivity and specific detectivity shows similar trend with
      other reports, dominated by the photogating effect. When combined with large-area
      monolayer MoS2 for optical property enhancement and array processing, our results
      can be further developed into ultra-thin flexible photodetectors for wearables,
      conformable image sensor, and other optoelectronic applications.

PMID- 28098254
TI  - Nanoscale measurement of trace element distributions in Spartina alterniflora
      root tissue during dormancy.
AB  - This paper reports a nanometer-scale investigation of trace element (As, Ca, Cr,
      Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, S and Zn) distributions in the root system Spartina alterniflora
      during dormancy. The sample was collected on a salt marsh island in Jamaica Bay,
      New York, in April 2015 and the root was cross-sectioned with 10 MUm resolution.
      Synchrotron X-ray nanofluorescence was applied to map the trace element
      distributions in selected areas of the root epidermis and endodermis. The
      sampling resolution was 60 nm to increase the measurement accuracy and reduce the
      uncertainty. The results indicate that the elemental concentrations in the
      epidermis, outer endodermis and inner endodermis are significantly (p < 0.01)
      different. The root endodermis has relatively higher concentrations of these
      elements than the root epidermis. Furthermore, this high resolution measurement
      indicates that the elemental concentrations in the outer endodermis are
      significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those in the inner endodermis. These results
      suggest that the Casparian strip may play a role in governing the aplastic
      transport of these elements. Pearson correlation analysis on the average
      concentrations of each element in the selected areas shows that most of the
      elements are significantly (p < 0.05) correlated, which suggests that these
      elements may share the same transport pathways.

PMID- 28098253
TI  - The clinically approved antiviral drug sofosbuvir inhibits Zika virus
      replication.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family, along with other agents
      of clinical significance such as dengue (DENV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses.
      Since ZIKV causes neurological disorders during fetal development and in
      adulthood, antiviral drugs are necessary. Sofosbuvir is clinically approved for
      use against HCV and targets the protein that is most conserved among the members
      of the Flaviviridae family, the viral RNA polymerase. Indeed, we found that
      sofosbuvir inhibits ZIKV RNA polymerase, targeting conserved amino acid residues.
      Sofosbuvir inhibited ZIKV replication in different cellular systems, such as
      hepatoma (Huh-7) cells, neuroblastoma (SH-Sy5y) cells, neural stem cells (NSC)
      and brain organoids. In addition to the direct inhibition of the viral RNA
      polymerase, we observed that sofosbuvir also induced an increase in A-to-G
      mutations in the viral genome. Together, our data highlight a potential secondary
      use of sofosbuvir, an anti-HCV drug, against ZIKV.

PMID- 28098255
TI  - Annual time-series analysis of aqueous eDNA reveals ecologically relevant
      dynamics of lake ecosystem biodiversity.
AB  - The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) in biodiversity assessments offers a step
      change in sensitivity, throughput and simultaneous measures of ecosystem
      diversity and function. There remains, however, a need to examine eDNA
      persistence in the wild through simultaneous temporal measures of eDNA and biota.
      Here, we use metabarcoding of two markers of different lengths, derived from an
      annual time series of aqueous lake eDNA to examine temporal shifts in ecosystem
      biodiversity and in an ecologically important group of macroinvertebrates
      (Diptera: Chironomidae). The analyses allow different levels of detection and
      validation of taxon richness and community composition (beta-diversity) through
      time, with shorter eDNA fragments dominating the eDNA community. Comparisons
      between eDNA, community DNA, taxonomy and UK species abundance data further show
      significant relationships between diversity estimates derived across the
      disparate methodologies. Our results reveal the temporal dynamics of eDNA and
      validate the utility of eDNA metabarcoding for tracking seasonal diversity at the
      ecosystem scale.

PMID- 28098256
TI  - Dopamine promotes NMDA receptor hypofunction in the retina through D1 receptor
      mediated Csk activation, Src inhibition and decrease of GluN2B phosphorylation.
AB  - Dopamine and glutamate are critical neurotransmitters involved in light-induced
      synaptic activity in the retina. In brain neurons, dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs)
      and the cytosolic protein tyrosine kinase Src can, independently, modulate the
      behavior of NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Here we studied the interplay
      between D1Rs, Src and NMDARs in retinal neurons. We reveal that dopamine-mediated
      D1R stimulation provoked NMDAR hypofunction in retinal neurons by attenuating
      NMDA-gated currents, by preventing NMDA-elicited calcium mobilization and by
      decreasing the phosphorylation of NMDAR subunit GluN2B. This dopamine effect was
      dependent on upregulation of the canonical D1R/adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/PKA pathway,
      of PKA-induced activation of C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) and of Src inhibition.
      Accordingly, knocking down Csk or overexpressing a Csk phosphoresistant Src
      mutant abrogated the dopamine-induced NMDAR hypofunction. Overall, the interplay
      between dopamine and NMDAR hypofunction, through the D1R/Csk/Src/GluN2B pathway,
      might impact on light-regulated synaptic activity in retinal neurons.

PMID- 28098258
TI  - Unidirectional invisibility induced by parity-time symmetric circuit.
AB  - Parity-time (PT) symmetric structures present the unidirectional invisibility at
      the spontaneous PT-symmetry breaking point. In this paper, we propose a PT
      symmetric circuit consisting of a resistor and a microwave tunnel diode (TD)
      which represent the attenuation and amplification, respectively. Based on the
      scattering matrix method, the circuit can exhibit an ideal unidirectional
      performance at the spontaneous PT-symmetry breaking point by tuning the
      transmission lines between the lumped elements. Additionally, the resistance of
      the reactance component can alter the bandwidth of the unidirectional
      invisibility flexibly. Furthermore, the electromagnetic simulation for the
      proposed circuit validates the unidirectional invisibility and the
      synchronization with the input energy well. Our work not only provides an
      unidirectional invisible circuit based on PT-symmetry, but also proposes a
      potential solution for the extremely selective filter or cloaking applications.

PMID- 28098257
TI  - A comprehensive platform for the analysis of ubiquitin-like protein modifications
      using in vivo biotinylation.
AB  - Post-translational modification by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins (UbLs)
      is fundamental for maintaining protein homeostasis. Efficient isolation of UbL
      conjugates is hampered by multiple factors, including cost and specificity of
      reagents, removal of UbLs by proteases, distinguishing UbL conjugates from
      interactors, and low quantities of modified substrates. Here we describe bioUbLs,
      a comprehensive set of tools for studying modifications in Drosophila and
      mammals, based on multicistronic expression and in vivo biotinylation using the
      E. coli biotin protein ligase BirA. While the bioUbLs allow rapid validation of
      UbL conjugation for exogenous or endogenous proteins, the single vector approach
      can facilitate biotinylation of most proteins of interest. Purification under
      denaturing conditions inactivates deconjugating enzymes and stringent washes
      remove UbL interactors and non-specific background. We demonstrate the utility of
      the method in Drosophila cells and transgenic flies, identifying an extensive set
      of putative SUMOylated proteins in both cases. For mammalian cells, we show
      conjugation and localization for many different UbLs, with the identification of
      novel potential substrates for UFM1. Ease of use and the flexibility to modify
      existing vectors will make the bioUbL system a powerful complement to existing
      strategies for studying this important mode of protein regulation.

PMID- 28098259
TI  - Wafer-scale Thermodynamically Stable GaN Nanorods via Two-Step Self-Limiting
      Epitaxy for Optoelectronic Applications.
AB  - We present a method of epitaxially growing thermodynamically stable gallium
      nitride (GaN) nanorods via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) by
      invoking a two-step self-limited growth (TSSLG) mechanism. This allows for growth
      of nanorods with excellent geometrical uniformity with no visible extended
      defects over a 100 mm sapphire (Al2O3) wafer. An ex-situ study of the growth
      morphology as a function of growth time for the two self-limiting steps elucidate
      the growth dynamics, which show that formation of an Ehrlich-Schwoebel barrier
      and preferential growth in the c-plane direction governs the growth process. This
      process allows monolithic formation of dimensionally uniform nanowires on
      templates with varying filling matrix patterns for a variety of novel electronic
      and optoelectronic applications. A color tunable phosphor-free white light LED
      with a coaxial architecture is fabricated as a demonstration of the applicability
      of these nanorods grown by TSSLG.

PMID- 28098260
TI  - Hepatitis B virus X protein is capable of down-regulating protein level of host
      antiviral protein APOBEC3G.
AB  - The apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) family
      proteins bind RNA and single-stranded DNA, and create C-to-U base modifications
      through cytidine deaminase activity. APOBEC3G restricts human immunodeficiency
      virus 1 (HIV-1) infection by creating hypermutations in proviral DNA, while HIV-1
      encoded vif protein antagonizes such restriction by targeting APOBEC3G for
      degradation. APOBEC3G also inhibits hepatitis B virus (HBV): APOBEC3G co
      expression inhibits HBV replication and evidences exist indicating APOBEC3G
      mediated HBV hypermutations in patients. HBV encodes a small non-structural X
      protein (HBx) with a recognized activating effect on HBV life cycle. In this
      work, we report the discovery that HBx selectively and dose-dependently decreases
      the protein level of co-expressed APOBEC3G in transfected Huh-7 cells. The effect
      was shown to take place post-translationally, but does not rely on protein
      degradation via proteasome or lysosome. Further work demonstrated that
      intracellular APOBEC3G is normally exported via exosome secretion and inhibition
      of exosome biogenesis causes retention of intracellular APOBEC3G. Finally, HBx co
      expression specifically enhanced externalization of APOBEC3G via exosomes,
      resulting in decrease of intracellular APOBEC3G protein level. These data suggest
      the possibility that in addition to other mechanisms, HBx-mediated activation of
      HBV might also involve antagonizing of intracellular restriction factor APOBEC3G
      through promotion of its export.

PMID- 28098261
TI  - Direct Observation of the Layer-by-Layer Growth of ZnO Nanopillar by In situ High
      Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy.
AB  - Catalyst-free methods are important for the fabrication of pure nanowires (NWs).
      However, the growth mechanism remains elusive due to the lack of crucial
      information on the growth dynamics at atomic level. Here, the noncatalytic growth
      process of ZnO NWs is studied through in situ high resolution transmission
      electron microscopy. We observe the layer-by-layer growth of ZnO nanopillars
      along the polar [0001] direction under electron beam irradiation, while no growth
      is observed along the radial directions, indicating an anisotropic growth
      mechanism. The source atoms are mainly from the electron beam induced damage of
      the sample and the growth is assisted by subsequent absorption and then diffusion
      of atoms along the side surface to the top (0002) surface. The different binding
      energy on different ZnO surface is the main origin for the anisotropic growth.
      Additionally, the coalescence of ZnO nanocrystals related to the nucleation stage
      is uncovered to realize through the rotational motions and recrystallization. Our
      in situ results provide atomic-level detailed information about the dynamic
      growth and coalescence processes in the noncatalytic synthesis of ZnO NW and are
      helpful for understanding the vapor-solid mechanism of catalyst-free NW growth.

PMID- 28098262
TI  - Quantification of the sources and composition of particulate matter by field
      deployable mass spectrometry: implications for air quality and public health.
AB  - Airborne particulate matter less than 2.5 MUm in diameter (PM2.5) negatively
      impacts air quality in cities throughout the world where it has been linked to
      increased cardiac and respiratory morbidity and mortality. For this reason PM2.5
      standards have been established by many countries and the World Health
      Organization. However, these guidelines are regularly exceeded in North America,
      Europe and East Asia. While PM2.5 is often reported as a single atmospheric
      species, it is actually a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. The organic
      fraction, termed organic aerosol (OA), contributes approximately 20-70% of the
      PM2.5 mass globally, and OA itself is a complex mixture of thousands of
      compounds. Characterizing the chemical properties of OA represents a major
      analytical challenge that has motivated the development of a range of new
      instruments. The focus of this perspective is the use of field-deployable mass
      spectrometers and in particular the Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) for
      chemically characterizing submicron particles. Field measurements of the
      composition of PM2.5 are directly relevant to evaluating its health impact
      because reductions in life expectancy due to PM2.5 vary according to composition.
      In addition, AMS measurements are especially useful for characterizing OA. The
      sources of OA are not well understood as evidenced by the performance of many air
      quality models, including those run by government agencies, which lack accurate
      and well constrained parameterizations for simulating secondary OA concentrations
      in urban regions. Given that OA is an important component of the total PM2.5
      mass, this uncertainty makes accurate evaluation of the impact of PM2.5 on public
      health difficult, especially when evaluating future mitigation strategies. The
      development of the AMS has been a critical step towards addressing this public
      health challenge in that it provides quantitative data regarding particulate
      matter and OA concentration and composition that can be used to constrain
      uncertainties in air quality models.

PMID- 28098263
TI  - A lab-on-a-chip for monolith-based preconcentration and electrophoresis
      separation of phosphopeptides.
AB  - A microdevice combining online preconcentration and separation of phosphopeptides
      was developed in a glass microchip. An ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate
      (EGMP), acrylamide (AM) and bisacrylamide (BAA) based monolith was synthesized
      within microchannels through a photo-driven process. Morphological investigations
      revealed a homogeneous monolithic structure composed of uniform nodules (~0.8
      MUm), with a large pore volume (0.62 cm3 g-1) and sufficiently high specific
      surface area (34.1 m2 g-1). These features make the monolith particularly
      interesting for preconcentration purposes. Immobilization of Zr4+ ions on the
      phosphate groups present at the poly(EGMP-co-AM-co-BAA) monolith surface leads to
      immobilized metal affinity chromatography support. This monolith-Zr4+ showed a
      great capacity to capture phosphopeptides. Successful preconcentration and
      separation of a mixture of ERK2 derived peptides differing only by their
      phosphorylation degree and sites could be achieved with signal enhancement
      factors between 340 and 910 after only 7 min of preconcentration. This integrated
      microdevice represents a novel approach for phosphoproteomic applications.

PMID- 28098264
TI  - Assessment of coulometric array electrochemical detection coupled with HPLC-UV
      for the absolute quantitation of pharmaceuticals.
AB  - The use of a coulometric array detector in tandem with HPLC-UV was evaluated for
      the absolute quantitation of pharmaceutical compounds without standards, an
      important capability gap in contemporary pharmaceutical research and development.
      The high-efficiency LC flow-through electrochemical detector system allows for
      the rapid evaluation of up to 16 different potentials, aiding in the
      identification and quantitation of electrochemically reactive species. By
      quantifying the number of electrons added or removed from an analyte during its
      passage through the detector, the number of moles of the analyte can be
      established. Herein we demonstrate that molecules containing common electroactive
      functional groups (e.g. anilines, phenols, parabens and tertiary alkyl amines)
      can in some cases be reliably quantified in HPLC-EC-UV without the need for
      authentic standards. Furthermore, the multichannel nature of the CoulArray
      detector makes it well suited for optimizing the conditions for electrochemical
      reaction, allowing the impact of changes in potential, flow rate, temperature and
      pH to be conveniently studied. The electrochemical oxidation of albacivir,
      zomepirac, diclofenac, rosiglitazone and several other marketed drugs resulted in
      large linear ranges, predictable recoveries and excellent quantitation using the
      total moles of electrons and back-calculating using Faraday's law. Importantly,
      we observed several instances where subtle structural changes within a given
      class of molecules (e.g. aromatic ring isomers) led to unanticipated changes in
      electrochemical behavior. Consequently, some care should be taken when applying
      the technique to the routine quantitation of compound libraries where standards
      are not available.

PMID- 28098265
TI  - Depth-selective photothermal IR spectroscopy of skin: potential application for
      non-invasive glucose measurement.
AB  - An infrared spectroscopic technique is described that employs a mid-IR broadband
      (980-1245 cm-1) tunable quantum cascade laser (QCL) to produce a pump beam, and a
      detection method based on photothermal deflection, enhanced by total internal
      reflection. The IR spectra thus obtained are depth-dependent by modulating the
      pump beam with different frequencies between 10 Hz and 500 Hz. A model system
      consisting of glucose and a polymer film is used to demonstrate the depth
      selectivity of this technique. We also apply this photothermal depth profiling
      method to record in vivo IR spectra of the human epidermis at different depths.
      This information can be used for a non-invasive glucose monitoring on diabetes
      patients, which is also demonstrated. Beyond biomedical infrared spectroscopy,
      there are numerous applications for total internal reflection enhanced
      photothermal deflection spectroscopy (TIR-PTDS). The high penetration depth of
      mid-IR light compared to the traditional ATR-FTIR technique and the easy sample
      access make this technique appropriate for in situ measurements, such as in
      industrial quality control. The depth selectivity of TIR-PTDS may be a convincing
      argument for its use in the analysis of multilayered samples or for the analysis
      of artwork, where the layers of interest are covered by a layer of varnish.

PMID- 28098266
TI  - Self-assembled lipoprotein based gold nanoparticles for detection and
      photothermal disaggregation of beta-amyloid aggregates.
AB  - We present a reconstituted lipoprotein-based nanoparticle platform comprising a
      curcumin fluorescent motif and an NIR responsive gold core. This multifunctional
      nanosystem is successfully used for aggregation-dependent fluorescence detection
      and photothermal disassembly of insoluble amyloid aggregates.

PMID- 28098267
TI  - A tailored multi-frequency EPR approach to accurately determine the magnetic
      resonance parameters of dynamic nuclear polarization agents: application to
      AMUPol.
AB  - To understand the dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhancements of biradical
      polarizing agents, the magnetic resonance parameters need to be known. We
      describe a tailored EPR approach to accurately determine electron spin-spin
      coupling parameters using a combination of standard (9 GHz), high (95 GHz) and
      ultra-high (275 GHz) frequency EPR. Comparing liquid- and frozen-solution
      continuous-wave EPR spectra provides accurate anisotropic dipolar interaction D
      and isotropic exchange interaction J parameters of the DNP biradical AMUPol. We
      found that D was larger by as much as 30% compared to earlier estimates, and that
      J is 43 MHz, whereas before it was considered to be negligible. With the refined
      data, quantum mechanical calculations confirm that an increase in dipolar
      electron-electron couplings leads to higher cross-effect DNP efficiencies.
      Moreover, the DNP calculations qualitatively reproduce the difference of TOTAPOL
      and AMUPol DNP efficiencies found experimentally and suggest that AMUPol is
      particularly effective in improving the DNP efficiency at magnetic fields higher
      than 500 MHz. The multi-frequency EPR approach will aid in predicting the optimal
      structures for future DNP agents.

PMID- 28098268
TI  - Novel surfactant-directed synthesis of ultra-thin palladium nanosheets as
      efficient electrocatalysts for glycerol oxidation.
AB  - Ultra-thin palladium nanosheets (PdNSs) with a diameter of ~0.8 nm and
      characteristic (110)-oriented flat planes were synthesized by confined growth
      inside lamellar micelles. The rationally designed pyridinium-type surfactant with
      a long carbon chain (e.g., C22) is a crucial factor for the construction of
      PdNSs. The other synthesis parameters, including the reduction rate and
      concentration of reactants, should be carefully controlled. Owing to the ultra
      thin feature, PdNSs performed superior electrocatalytic activity towards glycerol
      oxidation.

PMID- 28098269
TI  - Electron-transporting polymers based on a double B<-N bridged bipyridine (BNBP)
      unit.
AB  - In this communication, we report a series of polymer semiconductors based on a
      novel electron-deficient building block, double B<-N bridged bipyridine (BNBP).
      These polymers show ambipolar or unipolar n-channel charge-transporting
      characteristics with electron mobilities in the range of 0.02-0.32 cm2 V-1 s-1 in
      organic thin film transistors.

PMID- 28098270
TI  - Copper(i)/TF-BiphamPhos catalyzed asymmetric nitroso Diels-Alder reaction.
AB  - A highly efficient enantioselective nitroso Diels-Alder reaction of 6-methyl-2
      nitroso pyridine with various 1,3-dienes was successfully developed using a
      Cu(i)/(S)-TF-BiphamPhos complex as the catalyst. For most of the cyclic dienes,
      synthetically important heterocyclic 3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazines were obtained in
      high yields with excellent regio-, diastereo- and enantioselectivities. Acyclic 2
      silyloxy-1,3-diene also worked well in the reaction.

PMID- 28098271
TI  - A two-channel responsive fluorescent probe with AIE characteristics and its
      application for selective imaging of superoxide anions in living cells.
AB  - A two-channel responsive and AIE-active fluorescent probe was developed to
      selectively detect superoxide anions in living cells, which can be used to track
      the endogenous superoxide anion level when cells undergo apoptosis and
      inflammation.

PMID- 28098272
TI  - A near-infrared light responsive c-di-GMP module-based AND logic gate in
      Shewanella oneidensis.
AB  - A novel, biofilm-based AND logic gate was constructed in Shewanella oneidensis
      through a near-infrared (NIR) light responsive c-di-GMP module. The logic gate
      was demonstrated in microbial fuel cells with isopropyl beta-d-thiogalactoside
      (IPTG) and NIR light as the inputs and electrical signals as the output.

PMID- 28098273
TI  - High definition infrared chemical imaging of colorectal tissue using a Spero QCL
      microscope.
AB  - Mid-infrared microscopy has become a key technique in the field of biomedical
      science and spectroscopy. This label-free, non-destructive technique permits the
      visualisation of a wide range of intrinsic biochemical markers in tissues, cells
      and biofluids by detection of the vibrational modes of the constituent molecules.
      Together, infrared microscopy and chemometrics is a widely accepted method that
      can distinguish healthy and diseased states with high accuracy. However, despite
      the exponential growth of the field and its research world-wide, several barriers
      currently exist for its full translation into the clinical sphere, namely sample
      throughput and data management. The advent and incorporation of quantum cascade
      lasers (QCLs) into infrared microscopes could help propel the field over these
      remaining hurdles. Such systems offer several advantages over their FT-IR
      counterparts, a simpler instrument architecture, improved photon flux, use of
      room temperature camera systems, and the flexibility of a tunable illumination
      source. In this current study we explore the use of a QCL infrared microscope to
      produce high definition, high throughput chemical images useful for the screening
      of biopsied colorectal tissue.

PMID- 28098274
TI  - Janus structured Pt-FeNC nanoparticles as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction
      reaction.
AB  - We present a new Janus structured catalyst consisting of Pt nanoparticles on Fe-N
      C nanoparticles encapsulated by graphene layers for the ORR. The ORR activity of
      the catalyst increases under potential cycling as the unique Janus nanostructure
      is further bonded due to a synergetic effect. The present study describes an
      important advanced approach for the future design of efficient, stable, and low
      cost Pt-based electrocatalytic systems.

PMID- 28098275
TI  - The initial stages of melting of graphene between 4000 K and 6000 K.
AB  - Graphene and its analogues have some of the highest predicted melting points of
      any materials. Previous work estimated the melting temperature for freestanding
      graphene to be a remarkable 4510 K. However, this work relied on theoretical
      methods that do not accurately account for the role of bond breaking or complex
      bonding configurations in the melting process. Furthermore, experiments to verify
      these high melting points have been challenging. Practical applications of
      graphene and carbon nanotubes at high temperatures will require a detailed
      understanding of the behavior of these materials under these conditions.
      Therefore, we have used reliable ab initio molecular dynamics calculations to
      study the initial stages of melting of freestanding graphene monolayers between
      4000 and 6000 K. To accommodate large defects, and for improved accuracy, we used
      a large 10 * 10 periodic unit cell. We find that the system can be heated up to
      4500 K for 18 ps without melting, and 3-rings and short lived broken bonds (10
      rings) are observed. At 4500 K, the system appears to be in a quasi-2D liquid
      state. At 5000 K, the system is starting to melt. During the 20 ps simulation,
      diffusion events are observed, leading to the creation of a 5775 defect. We
      calculate accurate excitation energies for these configurations, and the pair
      correlation function is presented. The modified Lindemann criterion was
      calculated. Graphene and nanotubes together with other proposed high melting
      point materials would be interesting candidates for experimental tests of melting
      in the weightless environment of space.

PMID- 28098276
TI  - Direct white-light-emitting and near-infrared phosphorescence of zeolitic
      imidazolate framework-8.
AB  - Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 directly exhibits unexpected white-light
      emission and near-infrared (NIR) phosphorescence, due to the host-guest
      interaction and the alternation of electron-density distribution, as confirmed by
      both experimental and computational studies.

PMID- 28098277
TI  - Tuning of intrinsic antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic ordering in microporous
      alpha-MnO2 by inducing tensile strain.
AB  - By employing first principles density functional calculations, we investigated an
      alpha-MnO2 compound with a tunnel framework, which provides an eminent platform
      to alter the intrinsic antiferromagnetic (AFM) to ferromagnetic (FM) ordering,
      through the introduction of chemical or mechanical tensile strain. Our
      calculations further showed that the strength of FM ordering increases until 10%
      triaxial tensile strain. Since long range FM ordering is induced, it is realized
      to be superior as compared to the experimentally observed short-range FM ordering
      in oxygen-deficient compound. The driving force behind this superior effect is
      understood from the unusual electron occupancy in Mn atoms as a result of
      tetrahedral distortion in the MnO6 octahedra and an increase in the sp3 character
      of the oxygen atoms. Thus, the alpha-MnO2 compound belongs to a class of
      materials that exhibit good potential for piezomagnetic applications.

PMID- 28098278
TI  - Understanding the connection between conformational changes of peptides and
      equilibrium thermal fluctuations.
AB  - Despite the increasing evidence that conformational transitions in peptides and
      proteins are driven by specific vibrational energy pathways along the molecule,
      the current experimental techniques of analysis do as yet not allow to study
      these biophysical processes in terms of anisotropic energy flows. Computational
      methods offer a complementary approach to obtain a more detailed understanding of
      the vibrational and conformational dynamics of these systems. Accordingly, in
      this work we investigate jointly the vibrational energy distribution and the
      conformational dynamics of trialanine peptide in water solution at room
      temperature by applying the Instantaneous Normal Mode analysis to the results
      derived from equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. It is shown that
      conformational changes in trialanine are triggered by the vibrational energy
      accumulated in the low-frequency modes of the molecule, and that excitation is
      caused exclusively by thermal fluctuations of the solute-solvent system, thus
      excluding the possibility of an intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution
      process.

PMID- 28098279
TI  - Eu3+-Doped Y3-xNdxAl3O12 garnet: synthesis and structural investigation.
AB  - Nd3+-Doped yttrium aluminium garnet and Eu3+-Nd3+-co-doped yttrium aluminium
      garnet were synthesized using an environmentally friendly sol-gel method at low
      temperatures. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the powders
      sintered at 1000  degrees C showed the purity and formation of monophasic
      compounds. The phase composition and purity confirmation of the samples were also
      characterized via FTIR spectroscopy. Desirable microstructural features and
      particle size of phosphorous materials of the polycrystalline samples were
      studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The local environments of Eu3+
      and Nd3+ activator ions of the garnets structure compounds were investigated
      using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The local environments of
      the small number of substituted phosphorous ions (Eu3+ and Nd3+) in YAG were
      shown to critically influence optical properties. Structural features of garnets
      were found to correlate with their luminescence properties. The luminescence
      properties were characterized using the results from a photoluminescence (PL)
      study. Effective concentration of luminescent ion - Nd in YAG was, observed and
      the optimum ratio between two phosphorous (Eu3+ and Nd3+) was analysed. The
      transition among europium and neodymium phosphorus was determined.

PMID- 28098280
TI  - Single lithium-ion conducting solid polymer electrolytes: advances and
      perspectives.
AB  - Electrochemical energy storage is one of the main societal challenges to
      humankind in this century. The performances of classical Li-ion batteries (LIBs)
      with non-aqueous liquid electrolytes have made great advances in the past two
      decades, but the intrinsic instability of liquid electrolytes results in safety
      issues, and the energy density of the state-of-the-art LIBs cannot satisfy the
      practical requirement. Therefore, rechargeable lithium metal batteries (LMBs)
      have been intensively investigated considering the high theoretical capacity of
      lithium metal and its low negative potential. However, the progress in the field
      of non-aqueous liquid electrolytes for LMBs has been sluggish, with several
      seemingly insurmountable barriers, including dendritic Li growth and rapid
      capacity fading. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer a perfect solution to
      these safety concerns and to the enhancement of energy density. Traditional SPEs
      are dual-ion conductors, in which both cations and anions are mobile and will
      cause a concentration polarization thus leading to poor performances of both LIBs
      and LMBs. Single lithium-ion (Li-ion) conducting solid polymer electrolytes (SLIC
      SPEs), which have anions covalently bonded to the polymer, inorganic backbone, or
      immobilized by anion acceptors, are generally accepted to have advantages over
      conventional dual-ion conducting SPEs for application in LMBs. A high Li-ion
      transference number (LTN), the absence of the detrimental effect of anion
      polarization, and the low rate of Li dendrite growth are examples of benefits of
      SLIC-SPEs. To date, many types of SLIC-SPEs have been reported, including those
      based on organic polymers, organic-inorganic hybrid polymers and anion acceptors.
      In this review, a brief overview of synthetic strategies on how to realize SLIC
      SPEs is given. The fundamental physical and electrochemical properties of SLIC
      SPEs prepared by different methods are discussed in detail. In particular,
      special attention is paid to the SLIC-SPEs with high ionic conductivity and high
      LTN. Finally, perspectives on the main challenges and focus on the future
      research are also presented.

PMID- 28098281
TI  - Thermodynamic stability of stoichiometric LaFeO3 and BiFeO3: a hybrid DFT study.
AB  - BiFeO3 perovskite attracts great attention due to its multiferroic properties and
      potential use as a parent material for Bi1-xSrxFeO3-delta and Bi1-xSrxFe1-yCoyO3
      delta solid solutions in intermediate temperature cathodes of oxide fuel cells.
      Another iron-based LaFeO3 perovskite is the end member for well-known solid
      solutions (La1-xSrxFe1-yCoyO3-delta) used for oxide fuel cells and other
      electrochemical devices. In this study an ab initio hybrid functional approach
      was used for the study of the thermodynamic stability of both LaFeO3 and BiFeO3
      with respect to decompositions to binary oxides and to elements, as a function of
      temperature and oxygen pressure. The localized (LCAO) basis sets describing the
      crystalline electron wave functions were carefully re-optimized within the
      CRYSTAL09 computer code. The results obtained by considering Fe as an all
      electron atom and within the effective core potential technique are compared in
      detail. Based on our calculations, the phase diagrams were constructed allowing
      us to predict the stability region of stoichiometric materials in terms of atomic
      chemical potentials. This permits determining the environmental conditions for
      the existence of stable BiFeO3 and LaFeO3. These conditions were presented as
      contour maps of oxygen atoms' chemical potential as a function of temperature and
      partial pressure of oxygen gas. A similar analysis was also performed using the
      experimental Gibbs energies of formation. The obtained phase diagrams and contour
      maps are compared with the calculated ones.

PMID- 28098282
TI  - B40 cluster stability, reactivity, and its planar structural precursor.
AB  - We report a comprehensive first-principles study of the structural and chemical
      properties of the recently discovered B40 cage. It is found to be highly reactive
      and can exothermically dimerize, regardless of the orientation, by overcoming a
      small energy barrier ?0.06 eV. The energy gap of the system varies widely with
      the aggregation of the increasing number of B40 cages, from 3.14 eV in a single
      B40, to 1.54 eV in the dimer, to 1.25 eV in the trimer. We also explore a recipe
      for protecting the B40 cage by sheathing it within a carbon shell and identify
      carbon nanotubes with a radius of ~6 A as optimal hosts for an isolated cage. It
      is demonstrated that B40 can be unfolded into a planar 'molecule' that
      tessellates the plane. The corresponding 2D boron sheet constitutes a structural
      precursor foldable into this unique boron cage structure of current interest.

PMID- 28098283
TI  - High precision, localized proton gradients and fluxes generated by a
      microelectrode device induce differential growth behaviors of pollen tubes.
AB  - Pollen tubes are tip-growing plant cells that deliver the sperm cells to the
      ovules for double fertilization of the egg cell and the endosperm. Various
      directional cues can trigger the reorientation of pollen tube growth direction on
      their passage through the female tissues. Among the external stimuli, protons
      serve an important, regulatory role in the control of pollen tube growth. The
      generation of local guidance cues has been challenging when investigating the
      mechanisms of perception and processing of such directional triggers in pollen
      tubes. Here, we developed and characterized a microelectrode device to generate a
      local proton gradient and proton flux through water electrolysis. We confirmed
      that the cytoplasmic pH of pollen tubes varied with environmental pH change.
      Depending on the position of the pollen tube tip relative to the proton gradient,
      we observed alterations in the growth behavior, such as bursting at the tip,
      change in growth direction, or complete growth arrest. Bursting and growth arrest
      support the hypothesis that changes in the extracellular H+ concentration may
      interfere with cell wall integrity and actin polymerization at the growing tip. A
      change in growth direction for some pollen tubes implies that they can perceive
      the local proton gradient and respond to it. We also showed that the growth rate
      is directly correlated with the extracellular pH in the tip region. Our
      microelectrode approach provides a simple method to generate protons and
      investigate their effect on plant cell growth.

PMID- 28098284
TI  - Oxygen vacancy ordering in SrFe0.25Co0.75O2.63 perovskite material.
AB  - SrFe0.25Co0.75O2.63 was synthesized by a solid-state reaction. Its structural
      study at room temperature using conventional X-ray as well as neutron powder
      diffraction, electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron
      microscopy is presented. An oxygen-vacancy ordering related to the "314" model
      known for the Sr3Y1Co4O10.5 oxide is proposed despite neither an A-site ordering
      nor an A-site mismatch. By means of Mossbauer spectroscopy, Mohr salt titration
      and the difference in the neutron cross sections of Fe and Co, a cation
      distribution within the crystallographic sites as the following
      Sr4(Fe0.143+Co0.363+)48h(Fe0.114+Co0.144+Co0.253+)48fO10.52 is suggested,
      highlighting a natural layered structure with Fe and Co in higher oxidation
      states in the oxygen replete layers than in the oxygen deficient ones.

PMID- 28098285
TI  - KB(PO4)F: a novel acentric deep-ultraviolet material.
AB  - Two challenges to grow KBe2BO3F2 (KBBF), the best known deep-ultraviolet
      nonlinear optical (NLO) material to date, are the limited crystal sizes and the
      use of a highly toxic element (Be). Herein we report on the discovery of a novel
      anhydrous non-centrosymmetric alkali fluorinated borophosphate KB(PO4)F (KBPF)
      featuring a cut-off wavelength of less than 200 nm and a large second-harmonic
      generation (SHG) effect similar to KH2PO4 (KDP), hence representing a new
      promising deep-ultraviolet NLO material. The KBPF crystals consisting of common
      elements can be grown using green and cost effective processes and do not show
      any detectable hygroscopicity. The title compound also features a 2-dimensional
      layer [BPO4F]infinity built from [BO3F]4- and [PO4]3- tetrahedral groups but has
      much stronger interlayer bonds than KBBF, allowing the growth of large crystals.
      The title compound has been characterized by PXRD, SEM, TG-DSC, FTIR, UV-Vis-NIR
      diffuse reflectance and SHG analyses as well as single-crystal X-ray structure
      refinements. The optical properties of KBPF have also been evaluated by first
      principles calculations at the density functional theory (DFT) level.

PMID- 28098286
TI  - Tridentate Lewis-acids based on triphenylsilane.
AB  - Several derivatives of the propeller-shaped ortho-substituted triphenylsilanes,
      carrying metal- or silicon-based acceptor groups, are reported. They were
      synthesized starting from tris(2-bromophenyl)fluorosilane, tris(2
      vinylphenyl)fluorosilane and tris(2-ethynylphenyl)fluorosilane to generate a
      scope of Lewis-acidic molecules with different cavities. An improved synthetic
      protocol for donor-free tris(2-lithiophenyl)silanes is described. First attempts
      in host-guest chemistry to probe the binding between a threefold alane
      functionalised ortho-substituted triphenylsilane and a tridentate Lewis-basic
      guest molecule are presented. The synthesis and a first molecular structure
      determination in the crystalline state of a bismasilatriptycene is reported.

PMID- 28098287
TI  - Second-harmonic phase determination by real-time in situ interferometry.
AB  - Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) has emerged as a highly sensitive probe of
      protein conformation. SHG can also be used to determine the tilt angle of an SHG
      active moiety bound to a surface-adsorbed protein through polarization-dependent
      measurements. However, due to the coherent nature of SHG, interference occurs
      between the SHG produced by the SHG-active moieties and background sources at a
      solid-liquid interface, obscuring the signal of interest. In order to separate
      the protein-specific signal from the background signal, the phase difference
      between these two different sources of SHG must be determined. Although the phase
      difference can be obtained through a conventional interferometric approach
      involving a phase-modulated SHG source external to the sample, it can be
      sensitive to drift and other instabilities. We present here a simple, convenient,
      and crucially, model-independent method to determine the phase difference for any
      system in which the intensity of SHG-active moieties can be varied. We
      demonstrate the approach with time-resolved measurements of an SHG-active labeled
      protein binding to a supported lipid bilayer surface using a total internal
      reflection (TIR) geometry. This approach requires no additional optics beyond
      what is required to measure SHG and is highly stable since the interferometry
      occurs in situ, within the sample over a nanometer length scale, rather than
      external to it. To validate our measurements and the general approach, we
      constructed a dual-beam, external SHG interferometer in a TIR geometry. We also
      validated our approach by applying the in situ method to previously published
      measurements of the phase difference, obtaining the same values without recourse
      to a specific adsorption model.

PMID- 28098288
TI  - Ag-Au bimetallic nanoclusters formed from a homogeneous gas phase: a new
      thermodynamic expression confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation.
AB  - In this work, two probabilistic and thermodynamic limits for formation of a
      bimetallic nanocluster from a homogeneous gas phase were obtained in order to
      investigate the related phenomena using molecular dynamics simulation. Therefore,
      by application of some simple assumptions from thermodynamics and statistical
      mechanics, a new expression for composition of the nanocluster was derived which
      depends only on the initial conditions of the system and one adjustable
      parameter. This expression can be easily fitted to the results of molecular
      dynamics and can be used as a measure of the thermodynamic contribution in the
      cluster formation process. Then, molecular dynamics simulations were performed
      for several systems containing the same total number of metallic atoms and
      different concentrations of Ag and Au atoms. The results of this study exhibited
      that depending on different initial compositions of Ag and Au types, fcc and
      icosahedral structures are formed. Moreover, increase of the initial Ag
      concentration leads to products whose compositions are more controlled by
      probability limits. However, longer simulation times indicated that creation of
      more thermodynamically favoured nanoclusters depends on the formation of more
      probable ones in the early stages of the simulation.

PMID- 28098289
TI  - Photoactive meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin-tetrakis
      [chloro(2,2'bipyridine)platinum(ii) derivatives recognize and cleave DNA upon
      irradiation.
AB  - In this work, we evaluate the interaction of the peripheral Pt(bpy)Cl+
      substituted porphyrins, H2PtPor and ZnPtPor with DNA using UV-vis, emission
      fluorescence, CD spectroscopy, and DNA melting properties altered by the Pt(ii)
      porphyrinoid compounds. Additionally, we observe the ability of these porphyrin
      derivatives to generate 1O2 and to efficiently photocleave plasmid DNA upon
      visible light irradiation based on a mixed (oxidative/hydrolytic) mechanism.

PMID- 28098290
TI  - In situ ligand exchange-mediated 0D/1D transformation of a polyoxovanadate.
AB  - The antimonato-polyoxovanadate {NiII(en)3}3[VSbO42(H2O)].ca.15H2O was utilized as
      a synthon for the solvothermal in situ generation of the new compound
      {NiII(phen)3}2[{NiII(en)2}VSbO42(H2O)].19H2O, a rearrangement induced by ligand
      metathesis. While in the precursor structure cations and anions are isolated, the
      solid-state structure of the product is characterized by 1D chains consisting of
      alternating [V15Sb6O42(H2O)]6- cluster shells and [Ni(en)2]2+ units covalently
      linked to neighboring clusters via terminal oxygen atoms. Water clusters composed
      of sixteen hydrogen-bonded H2O molecules are located in void spaces of the
      structure. The magnetic properties indicate weak antiferromagnetic interactions
      of the bridging Ni2+ center and adjacent polyoxovanadate anions, as well as small
      magnetic anisotropy of the individual Ni2+ centers.

PMID- 28098291
TI  - Investigation into the bioavailability of milk protein-derived peptides with
      dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitory activity using Caco-2 cell monolayers.
AB  - In recent years, peptides derived from a variety of dietary proteins have been
      reported to exhibit inhibitory activity against the dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP
      IV) enzyme, a target in the management of type 2 diabetes. While much attention
      has been given to the production and identification of peptides with DPP-IV
      inhibitory activity from food proteins, particularly dairy proteins, little is
      known on the bioavailability of these molecules. In this study, the stability and
      transport of five previously identified milk-derived peptides (LKPTPEGDL, LPYPY,
      IPIQY, IPI and WR) and a whey protein isolate (WPI) digest with DPP-IV-inhibitory
      activity were investigated using Caco-2 cell monolayers as a model system for
      human intestinal absorption. Even though a small percentage (ranging from 0.05%
      for LPYPY to 0.47% for WR) of the bioactive peptides added to the apical side was
      able to cross the monolayer intact, all five peptides investigated were
      susceptible to peptidase action during the transport study. Conversely, only
      minor changes to the WPI digest composition were observed. Determination of the
      DPP-IV inhibitory activity of the peptides and amino acids identified in the
      apical and basolateral solutions showed that most degradation products were less
      effective at inhibiting DPP-IV than the peptide they originated from. Findings
      from this research suggest that the susceptibility of food-derived DPP-IV
      inhibitory peptides to degradation by intestinal brush border membrane enzymes
      may alter their biological activity in vivo. Further research should be conducted
      to enhance the bioavailability of DPP-IV inhibitory peptides.

PMID- 28098293
TI  - Polyaniline nanofibers: broadening applications for conducting polymers.
AB  - Polyaniline is a conducting polymer with incredible promise, but it has had
      limited use due to poor reaction control and processability associated with
      conventional morphologies. Polyaniline nanofibers, on the other hand, have
      demonstrated, through manufacturing techniques discovered during the past decade,
      increased processability, higher surface area, and improved consistency and
      stability in aqueous dispersions, which are finally allowing for expanded
      commercial development of this promising polymer. This review explores some
      intriguing applications of polyaniline nanofibers, as well as the advantages and
      remaining challenges in developing better products using polyaniline in this new
      morphology.

PMID- 28098292
TI  - An andrographolide derivative AGP-26b exhibiting anti-angiogenic activity in
      HUVECs and zebrafish via blocking the VEGFA/VEGFR2 signaling pathway.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-angiogenic properties of
      andrographolide derivatives AGP-26a (12beta-isomer), AGP-26b (12alpha-isomer) and
      AGP-26 (4 : 1 mixture of AGP-26a and AGP-26b) in vitro and in vivo. Human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the Tg(fli-1a:EGFP)y1 zebrafish
      model were used to identify the anti-angiogenic activities of AGP-26, AGP-26a,
      and AGP-26b. The results showed that AGP-26b exhibits the strongest inhibitory
      effect on VEGF-induced proliferation, migration, invasion and formation of
      capillary-like structures in HUVECs. In the zebrafish model, AGP-26b also showed
      the strongest suppression of ISV development. Further studies showed that the
      underlying mechanism of the anti-angiogenic effects of AGP-26b was at least
      partly through the blockage of the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathways. AGP-26b
      blocked the activation of VEGFR2. Consequently, the phosphorylation of key
      intracellular proangiogenic kinases such as Src family kinase (Src), focal
      adhesion kinase (Fak), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (Erk1/2) and Akt induced by VEGF was suppressed
      by treatment with AGP-26b. Moreover, AGP-26b reduced the protein expression of
      matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9 but not MMP-2) in HUVECs. These results provide
      evidence supporting the notion that AGP-26b may serve as a potential therapeutic
      anti-angiogenic agent.

PMID- 28098294
TI  - CO2 as a hydrogen vector - transition metal diamine catalysts for selective HCOOH
      dehydrogenation.
AB  - The homogeneous catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid in aqueous solution
      provides an efficient in situ method for hydrogen production, under mild
      conditions, and at an adjustable rate. We synthesized a series of catalysts with
      the chemical formula [(Cp*)M(N-N')Cl] (M = Ir, Rh; Cp* =
      pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; N-N = bidentate chelating nitrogen donor ligands),
      which have been proven to be active in selective formic acid decomposition in
      aqueous media. The scope of the study was to examine the relationship between
      stability and activity of catalysts for formic acid dehydrogenation versus
      electronic and steric properties of selected ligands, following a bottom-up
      approach by increasing the complexity of the N,N'-ligands progressively. The
      highest turnover frequency, TOF = 3300 h-1 was observed with a Cp*Ir(iii) complex
      bearing 1,2-diaminocyclohexane as the N,N'-donor ligand. From the variable
      temperature studies, the activation energy of formic acid dehydrogenation has
      been determined, Ea = 77.94 +/- 3.2 kJ mol-1. It was observed that the different
      steric and electronic properties of the bidentate nitrogen donor ligands alter
      the catalytic activity and stability of the Ir and Rh compounds profoundly.

PMID- 28098296
TI  - Naked eye plasmonic indicator with multi-responsive polymer brush as signal
      transducer and amplifier.
AB  - For decades, plasmonic nanostructures have been used as important optical sensing
      platforms, however, the necessity of sensitive optical instruments for detection
      greatly limits their practical application. Herein, a multi-responsive naked eye
      plasmonic indicator has been prepared through introduction of a responsive
      polymer brush (PNIPAm) into the cavity of a Ag nanovolcano array (Ag NVA).
      According to the phase change of the PNIPAm brush under different external
      conditions, the as-prepared Ag NVA shows responsive monochromatic colors, which
      allow the Ag NVA to serve as a plasmonic indicator detected by the naked eye.
      Importantly, the as-prepared Ag NVA also possesses a rapid response rate as well
      as excellent repeatability, and is compatible with conventional micro-fabrication
      methods. All of these excellent features make the as-prepared Ag NVA an
      attractive candidate for future optical indicating and intelligent color display
      applications.

PMID- 28098295
TI  - Spontaneous decoration of silicon surfaces with MoOx nanoparticles for the
      sunlight-assisted hydrogen evolution reaction.
AB  - The immersion of oxide-free Si surfaces in MoS42- aqueous solutions induces their
      spontaneous decoration with isolated MoOx nanoparticles (NPs). The process is
      versatile and was used on planar Si (100) as well as on antireflective Si (111)
      micro-pyramid (SimPy) arrays. The NP decoration does not affect the optical
      properties of the surface in the visible range and improves the performance of
      the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under simulated sunlight. The simplicity
      and the scalability of the technique make it highly promising for the fabrication
      of catalytically active photoelectrodes. More specifically, the MoOx-decorated
      SimPy produced H2 at a rate of 11 MUmol cm-2 min-1 with a faradaic efficiency
      higher than 90% at -0.35 V vs. RHE. Furthermore, this process can be of great
      interest for other applications in high-performance electronic devices.

PMID- 28098297
TI  - Spontaneous assembly of a hybrid crystal-liquid phase in inverse patchy colloid
      systems.
AB  - Materials with well-defined architectures are heavily sought after in view of
      their diverse technological applications. Among the desired target architectures,
      lamellar phases stand out for their exceptional mechanical and optical features.
      Here we show that charged colloids, decorated on their poles with two oppositely
      charged regions possess the unusual ability to spontaneously assemble in
      different morphologies of (semi-)ordered, layered particle arrangements which
      maintain their structural stability over a surprisingly large temperature range.
      This remarkable capacity is related to a characteristic bonding mechanism: stable
      intra-layer bonds guarantee the formation of planar aggregates, while strong
      inter-layer bonds favor the stacking of the emerging planar assemblies. These two
      types of bonds together are responsible for the self-healing processes occurring
      during the spontaneous assembly. The resulting phases are characterized by
      parallel, densely packed, particle layers connected by a relatively small number
      of intra-layer particles. We investigate the properties of the (semi-)ordered
      phases in terms of static and dynamic correlation functions, focusing in
      particular on a novel hybrid crystal-liquid phase that prevails at intermediate
      temperatures where the inter-layer particles form a mobile, fluid phase.

PMID- 28098298
TI  - Recent progress in mild Csp3-H bond dehydrogenative or (mono-) oxidative
      functionalization.
AB  - Over the past few years, the development of oxidative methodologies towards
      efficient and selective direct Csp3-H bond functionalization processes has
      attracted tremendous attention from synthetic chemists. However, only a little
      attention has been given to the key role of the nature of the oxidant. This
      review aims at providing a brief summary of the recent advances in mild and more
      benign oxidative Csp3-H bond functionalization reactions, which are classified
      according to the type of oxidation system employed.

PMID- 28098299
TI  - Vacancies in functional materials for clean energy storage and harvesting: the
      perfect imperfection.
AB  - Vacancies exist throughout nature and determine the physical properties of
      materials. By manipulating the density and distribution of vacancies, it is
      possible to influence their physical properties such as band-gap, conductivity,
      magnetism, etc. This can generate exciting applications in the fields of water
      treatment, energy storage, and physical devices such as resistance-change
      memories. In this review, we focus on recent progress in vacancy engineering for
      the design of materials for energy harvesting applications. A brief discription
      of the concept of vacancies, the way to create and control them, as well as their
      fundamental properties, is first provided. Then, emphasis is placed on the
      strategies used to tailor vacancies for metal-insulator transitions, electronic
      structures, and introducing magnetism in non-magnetic materials. Finally, we
      present representative applications of different structures with vacancies as
      active electrode materials of lithium or sodium ion batteries, catalysts for
      water splitting, and hydrogen evolution.

PMID- 28098300
TI  - Exploration of new ferromagnetic, semiconducting and biocompatible Nb3X8 (X = Cl,
      Br or I) monolayers with considerable visible and infrared light absorption.
AB  - Ferromagnetic character and biocompatible properties have become key factors for
      developing next-generation spintronic devices and show potential in biomedical
      applications. Unfortunately, the Mn-containing monolayer is not biocompatible
      though it has been extensively studied, and the Cr-containing monolayer is not
      environmental friendly, although these monolayers are ferromagnetic. Herein, we
      systematically investigated new types of 2D ferromagnetic monolayers Nb3X8 (X =
      Cl, Br or I) by means of first principles calculations together with mean field
      approximation based on the classical Heisenberg model. The small cleavage energy
      and high in-plane stiffness have been calculated to evaluate the feasibility of
      exfoliating the monolayers from their layered bulk phase. Spin-polarized
      calculations together with self-consistently determined Hubbard U were utilized
      to assess a strong correlation energy, which demonstrated that Nb3X8 (X = Cl, Br
      or I) monolayers are ferromagnetic. The calculated Curie temperatures for Nb3Cl8,
      Nb3Br8 and Nb3I8 were 31, 56 and 87 K, respectively, which may be increased by
      external strain, or electron or hole doping. Moreover, the Nb3X8 (X = Cl, Br or
      I) monolayers exhibited strong visible and infrared light absorption. The
      biocompatibility, ferromagnetism and considerable visible and infrared light
      absorption render the Nb3X8 (X = Cl, Br or I) monolayers with great potential
      application in next-generation biocompatible spintronic and optoelectronic
      devices.

PMID- 28098302
TI  - Carbon/two-dimensional MoTe2 core/shell-structured microspheres as an anode
      material for Na-ion batteries.
AB  - Unique-structured composite microspheres of carbon and MoTe2 were prepared by a
      two-step process. Precursor C-MoOx composite microspheres were prepared by spray
      pyrolysis, and then the precursor was transformed into C-MoTe2 composite
      microspheres by a tellurization process. C-MoTe2 composites with a uniform
      distribution of MoTe2 nanocrystals (C/MoTe2) and core-shell-structured C-MoTe2
      composites (C@MoTe2) were synthesized at tellurization temperatures of 450 and
      600  degrees C, respectively. At a higher tellurization temperature of 600 
      degrees C, all of the MoTe2 nanocrystals moved to the surface of the microsphere
      because of the Ostwald ripening process. The initial discharge capacities of the
      C/MoTe2, C@MoTe2, and bare MoTe2 (i.e., containing no carbonaceous materials)
      powders for Na-ion storage at a current density of 1.0 A g-1 were 328, 388, and
      341 mA h g-1, respectively. The discharge capacities of the C/MoTe2, C@MoTe2, and
      bare MoTe2 powders for the 200th cycle were 241, 286, and 104 mA h g-1,
      respectively, and the corresponding capacity retentions, which were measured from
      the second cycle were 100%, 99%, and 37%, respectively. The high structural
      stability and well-developed two-dimensional layer of MoTe2 of the C@MoTe2
      microspheres provide superior Na-ion storage properties compared to those of the
      C/MoTe2 microspheres and bare MoTe2 powder.

PMID- 28098301
TI  - Optical DNA mapping in nanofluidic devices: principles and applications.
AB  - Optical DNA mapping has over the last decade emerged as a very powerful tool for
      obtaining long range sequence information from single DNA molecules. In optical
      DNA mapping, intact large single DNA molecules are labeled, stretched out, and
      imaged using a fluorescence microscope. This means that sequence information
      ranging over hundreds of kilobasepairs (kbp) can be obtained in one single image.
      Nanochannels offer homogeneous and efficient stretching of DNA that is crucial to
      maximize the information that can be obtained from optical DNA maps. In this
      review, we highlight progress in the field of optical DNA mapping in
      nanochannels. We discuss the different protocols for sequence specific labeling
      and divide them into two main categories, enzymatic labeling and affinity-based
      labeling. Examples are highlighted where optical DNA mapping is used to gain
      information on length scales that would be inaccessible with traditional
      techniques. Enzymatic labeling has been commercialized and is mainly used in
      human genetics and assembly of complex genomes, while the affinity-based methods
      have primarily been applied in bacteriology, for example for rapid analysis of
      plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance. Next, we highlight how the design of
      nanofluidic channels can been altered in order to obtain the desired information
      and discuss how recent advances in the field make it possible to retrieve
      information beyond DNA sequence. In the outlook section, we discuss future
      directions of optical DNA mapping, such as fully integrated devices and portable
      microscopes.

PMID- 28098303
TI  - Topologically inferring pathway activity for precise survival outcome prediction:
      breast cancer as a case.
AB  - Accurately predicting the survival outcome of patients is of great importance in
      clinical cancer research. In the past decade, building survival prediction models
      based on gene expression data has received increasing interest. However, the
      existing methods are mainly based on individual gene signatures, which are known
      to have limited prediction accuracy on independent datasets and unclear
      biological relevance. Here, we propose a novel pathway-based survival prediction
      method called DRWPSurv in order to accurately predict survival outcome. DRWPSurv
      integrates gene expression profiles and prior gene interaction information to
      topologically infer survival associated pathway activities, and uses the pathway
      activities as features to construct Lasso-Cox model. It uses topological
      importance of genes evaluated by directed random walk to enhance the robustness
      of pathway activities and thereby improve the predictive performance. We applied
      DRWPSurv on three independent breast cancer datasets and compared the predictive
      performance with a traditional gene-based method and four pathway-based methods.
      Results showed that pathway-based methods obtained comparable or better
      predictive performance than the gene-based method, whereas DRWPSurv could predict
      survival outcome with better accuracy and robustness among the pathway-based
      methods. In addition, the risk pathways identified by DRWPSurv provide
      biologically informative models for breast cancer prognosis and treatment.

PMID- 28098304
TI  - Real-time monitoring of plasmon induced dissociative electron transfer to the
      potential DNA radiosensitizer 8-bromoadenine.
AB  - The excitation of localized surface plasmons in noble metal nanoparticles (NPs)
      results in different nanoscale effects such as electric field enhancement, the
      generation of hot electrons and a temperature increase close to the NP surface.
      These effects are typically exploited in diverse fields such as surface-enhanced
      Raman scattering (SERS), NP catalysis and photothermal therapy (PTT). Halogenated
      nucleobases are applied as radiosensitizers in conventional radiation cancer
      therapy due to their high reactivity towards secondary electrons. Here, we use
      SERS to study the transformation of 8-bromoadenine (8BrA) into adenine on the
      surface of Au and AgNPs upon irradiation with a low-power continuous wave laser
      at 532, 633 and 785 nm, respectively. The dissociation of 8BrA is ascribed to a
      hot-electron transfer reaction and the underlying kinetics are carefully
      explored. The reaction proceeds within seconds or even milliseconds. Similar
      dissociation reactions might also occur with other electrophilic molecules, which
      must be considered in the interpretation of respective SERS spectra. Furthermore,
      we suggest that hot-electron transfer induced dissociation of radiosensitizers
      such as 8BrA can be applied in the future in PTT to enhance the damage of tumor
      tissue upon irradiation.

PMID- 28098305
TI  - Phase behaviour and temperature-responsive properties of a gemini surfactant/Brij
      30/water system.
AB  - The phase behaviour of a ternary system composed of cationic gemini surfactant 2
      hydroxypropyl-1,3-bis(myristyldimethylammonium chloride) (14-3(OH)-14(2Cl)),
      nonionic surfactant polyoxyethylene laurel ether (C12H25(OCH2CH2)10OH, Brij-30)
      and H2O was studied and its phase diagram was determined. In several different
      phase regions identified in the phase diagram, the viscoelastic worm-like
      micellar solution region was investigated. The focus of the investigation was the
      increase in the viscosity of the micellar solution with the temperature and the
      Brij-30 content, as suggested by a partial region of the triangular phase
      diagram. With an increase in the Brij-30 content or temperature, one-dimensional
      micellar growth occurred, and a maximum appeared in the zero-shear viscosity,
      eta0, versus Brij-30 content or temperature curves; this was true for mixed
      solutions containing 14-3(OH)-14(2Cl) and Brij-30 in different mass ratios (WBrij
      30/W14-3(OH)-14(2Cl)). After the maximum point, the decrease in viscosity is the
      result of the micellar shortening in the size with Brij-30 content and of the
      micellar branching in the network structure with temperature. This rheological
      analysis was performed to investigate the structural changes in different
      solutions as well as the effects of various factors on micellar growth. Various
      techniques were used to study the phase-transition processes occurring in this
      system, including cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray
      scattering measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry. The transition
      mechanisms of the aggregates were analysed on the basis of the obtained results.

PMID- 28098306
TI  - Effective viscosity and dynamics of spreading epithelia: a solvable model.
AB  - Collective cell migration in spreading epithelia in controlled environments has
      become a landmark in our current understanding of fundamental biophysical
      processes in development, regeneration, wound healing or cancer. Epithelial
      monolayers are treated as thin layers of a viscous fluid that exert active
      traction forces on the substrate. The model is exactly solvable and shows a broad
      range of applicabilities for the quantitative analysis and interpretation of
      force microscopy data of monolayers from a variety of experiments and cell lines.
      In addition, the proposed model provides physical insights into how the
      biological regulation of the tissue is encoded in a reduced set of time-dependent
      physical parameters. In particular the temporal evolution of the effective
      viscosity entails a mechanosensitive regulation of adhesion. Besides, the
      observation of an effective elastic tensile modulus can be interpreted as an
      emergent phenomenon in an active fluid.

PMID- 28098307
TI  - A ratiometric fluorescence probe for imaging sulfur dioxide derivatives in the
      mitochondria of living cells.
AB  - Although sulfur dioxide (SO2) plays an essential role in several physiological
      processes, monitoring of intracellular SO2 at subcellular levels remains
      challenging due to the lack of rapid and sensitive methods for its quantification
      in a 100% aqueous solution. Herein, a new hemicyanine dyes-based fluorescence
      probe, NBD-Id, was designed and synthesized for the detection of SO2 derivatives
      in pure aqueous solution and living cells. By virtue of a specific 1,4-addition
      reaction of SO32-HSO3- and the polymethine chain of hemicyanine, significant
      changes in the absorption and fluorescence emission spectra were observed in less
      than 20 seconds. The ratiometric fluorescence (F467/F593) detection of SO2
      derivatives was then obtained with high sensitivity (detection limit 3.6 nM). It
      was noted that NBD-Id has a specific response towards SO2 derivatives without
      interference from other anions and biomolecules. Intracellular fluorescence
      imaging indicated that NBD-Id is cell membrane permeable and mainly distributed
      within the mitochondria. Therefore, ratiometric fluorescence imaging of SO2
      derivatives in the mitochondria of MCF-7 cells was successfully demonstrated.

PMID- 28098308
TI  - A core-multiple shell nanostructure enabling concurrent upconversion and quantum
      cutting for photon management.
AB  - Photon management enables the manipulation of the number of input photons by
      conversion of two or more light quanta into one (upconversion) or vice versa
      (quantum cutting). Simultaneous realization of both these processes in a single
      unit provides unique opportunities of efficient utilization of photons throughout
      a broad spectral range. Yet, concurrent realization of these two parallel optical
      processes in one single unit remains elusive, limiting its impact on many
      existing or possible future applications such as for panchromatic photovoltaics.
      Here, we describe an epitaxial active core/inert shell/active shell/inert shell
      fluoride nanostructure to implement upconversion and quantum cutting within
      spatially confined and isolated rare-earth-doped active domains. The core area
      transforms infrared photons through trivalent erbium (Er3+) ions into three- and
      two-photon upconverted visible and near infrared luminescence, while the second
      shell domain splits an excitation photon into two near infrared photons through
      cooperative quantum cutting from one trivalent terbium ion (Tb3+) to two
      trivalent ytterbium ions (Yb3+). The inert layer in between the active domains is
      able to effectively suppress the destructive interference between upconversion
      and quantum cutting, while the outermost inert shell is able to eliminate surface
      related quenching. This design enables the colloidal core/multishell
      nanoparticles to have an upconversion quantum yield of ~1.6%, and to have a
      luminescence yield of the quantum cutting process as high as ~130%. This work
      constitutes a solid step for flexible photon management in a single
      nanostructure, and has an implication for photonic applications beyond
      photovoltaics.

PMID- 28098309
TI  - Multi-shelled ceria hollow spheres with a tunable shell number and thickness and
      their superior catalytic activity.
AB  - In this work, ceria multi-shelled nanospheres with a tunable shell number and
      thickness were prepared by a facile coordination polymer (CP) precursor method
      without the use of any template and surfactant. Interestingly, the number,
      thickness and structure of the shell can be tuned by varying the reaction time,
      reaction temperature, ratio of reagent and calcination temperature. The formation
      process of the multi-shelled hollow spheres was also investigated, which
      experienced a core contraction and shell separation process. Moreover, the multi
      shelled CeO2 hollow nanospheres displayed excellent photocatalytic activity in
      the degradation of RhB. Au and AuPd nanoparticle loaded multi-shelled CeO2
      nanocomposites were also prepared. Results show that Au/CeO2 multi-shelled hollow
      nanospheres showed eximious catalytic activity for the reduction of p-nitrophenol
      with a reaction rate constant k of 0.416 min. In addition, AuPd/CeO2 exhibited a
      remarkable catalytic activity for the conversion of CO. Employing this method,
      heavy rare earth oxide multi-shelled structures and light rare earth oxide solid
      spheres were obtained. This method may be employed for the preparation of other
      materials with complex structures.

PMID- 28098310
TI  - A computational model predicts genetic nodes that allow switching between species
      specific responses in a conserved signaling network.
AB  - Cell signaling networks regulate a variety of developmental and physiological
      processes, and changes in their response to external stimuli are often implicated
      in disease initiation and progression. To elucidate how different responses can
      arise from conserved signaling networks, we have developed a mathematical model
      of the well-characterized Caenorhabditis vulval development network involving
      EGF, Wnt and Notch signaling that recapitulates biologically observed behaviors.
      We experimentally block a specific element of the EGF pathway (MEK), and find
      different behaviors in vulval development in two Caenorhabditis species, C.
      elegans and C. briggsae. When we separate our parameters into subsets that
      correspond to these two responses, they yield model behaviors that are consistent
      with observed experimental results, despite the initial parameter grouping based
      on perturbation in a single node of the EGF pathway. Finally, our analysis
      predicts specific parameters that may be critical for the theoretically and
      experimentally observed differences, suggesting modifications that might allow
      intentional switching between the two species' responses. Our results indicate
      that all manipulations within a signal transduction pathway do not yield the same
      outcome, and provide a framework to identify the specific genetic perturbations
      within a conserved network that will confer unique behaviors on the network.

PMID- 28098311
TI  - Transition metal-free direct trifluoromethylthiolation of indoles using
      trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride in the presence of triphenylphosphine.
AB  - A novel triphenylphosphine-mediated direct trifluoromethylthiolation of indole
      derivatives using trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride as the SCF3 source was
      developed. Sodium iodide facilitated this transformation by generating iodine in
      situ which was found to accelerate this transformation. The use of a transition
      metal-free protocol, readily available reagents, and mild reaction conditions
      allowed this protocol to be easily scaled up.

PMID- 28098313
TI  - The glass transition and interfacial dynamics of single strand fibers of
      polymers.
AB  - We investigate the glass transition and interfacial dynamics of single strand
      fibers of flexible polymers by employing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations
      along with a coarse grained model. While the polymer fiber has drawn significant
      attention due to its applicability in tissue engineering and stretchable
      electronics, its dynamic properties, especially the glass transition temperature
      (Tg), are yet to be understood at the molecular level. For example, there has
      been a controversy on the effect of the polymer fiber radius (R) on Tg: Tg
      decreased with a decrease in R for some polymer fibers, whereas Tg of other
      polymer fibers was not sensitive to R. In this article, we estimate the bond
      relaxation time of polymers and evaluate both Tg and fragility (m) as a function
      of R. We illustrate that Tg of the polymer fiber decreased with a decrease in R
      monotonically and also that the values of Tg follow faithfully the empirical
      equation proposed by Keddie et al. as a function of R, which was successfully
      employed to fit the values of Tg of both polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and
      polyethylene (PE) fibers. We also find that the dynamics of polymers at the
      interface between a polymer fiber and air is faster than that of polymers at the
      center. By employing Adam-Gibbs theory, we show that the fast interface dynamics
      of polymer fibers should influence the cooperative motion of monomers, which
      should be responsible for the decrease in Tg for smaller values of R. Near the
      interface there are more mobile monomers that participate in the cooperative
      motions of polymers. Interesting is that due to the curved surface (unlike flat
      polymer films) the cooperative motion of monomers is anisotropic in polymer
      fibers.

PMID- 28098315
TI  - A pH-responsive wormlike micellar system of a noncovalent interaction-based
      surfactant with a tunable molecular structure.
AB  - Responsive wormlike micelles are very useful in a number of applications, whereas
      it is still challenging to create dramatic viscosity changes in wormlike micellar
      systems. Here we developed a pH-responsive wormlike micellar system based on a
      noncovalent constructed surfactant, which is formed by the complexation of N
      erucamidopropyl-N,N-dimethylamine (UC22AMPM) and citric acid at the molar ratio
      of 3 : 1 (EACA). The phase behavior, aggregate microstructure and viscoelasticity
      of EACA solutions were investigated by macroscopic appearance observation,
      rheological and cryo-TEM measurements. It was found that the phase behavior of
      EACA solutions undergoes transition from transparent viscoelastic fluids to
      opalescent solutions and then phase separation with white floaters upon
      increasing the pH. Upon increasing the pH from 2.03 to 6.17, the viscosity of
      wormlike micelles in the transparent solutions continuously increased and reached
      ~683 000 mPa s at pH 6.17. As the pH was adjusted to 7.31, the opalescent
      solution shows a water-like flowing behaviour and the eta0 rapidly declines to ~1
      mPa s. Thus, dramatic viscosity changes of about 6 magnitudes can be triggered by
      varying the pH values without any deterioration of the EACA system. This drastic
      variation in rheological behavior is attributed to the pH dependent interaction
      between UC22AMPM and citric acid. Furthermore, the dependence on concentration
      and temperature of the rheological behavior of EACA solutions was also studied to
      assist in obtaining the desired pH-responsive viscosity changes.

PMID- 28098314
TI  - Isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins as potential fluorescence-suppressed
      spin probes.
AB  - A series of isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins were synthesized by the
      reaction of 5-phenyldipyrromethane and 5-(4'-carboethoxy
      methyleneoxyphenyl)dipyrromethane with 5-formyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylisoindolin-2
      yloxyl (FTMIO) using the Lindsey method. The corresponding water-soluble spin
      labeled porphyrins were also prepared. Subsequently, these compounds were
      characterized and their in vitro properties were evaluated. The electrochemical
      assay demonstrated that these isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins had
      similar electrochemical and redox properties to 5-carboxy-1,1,3,3
      tetramethylisoindolin-2-yloxyl (CTMIO). The electron paramagnetic resonance test
      showed that these porphyrins exhibited hyperfine splittings and characteristic
      spectra of CTMIO with typical nitroxide g-values and nitrogen isotropic hyperfine
      coupling constants. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay indicated that these
      porphyrins possessed low cytotoxicity to human renal tubular epithelial 293T
      cells (normal cells) and human hepatoma HepG2 cells (tumor cells). Fluorescence
      spectroscopy revealed that free base isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins
      exhibited fluorescence suppression characteristic of nitroxide-fluorophore
      systems. In vitro fluorescene imaging demonstrated that the reduced isoindoline
      nitroxide-labeled porphyrins eliminated fluorescence suppression and displayed
      strong red fluorescence imaging in HepG2 cells. Thus these isoindoline nitroxide
      labeled porphyrins may be considered potentially as biological spin probes for
      fluorescence imaging and EPR spectroscopy.

PMID- 28098316
TI  - A family of mechanically adaptive supramolecular graphene
      oxide/poly(ethylenimine) hydrogels from aqueous assembly.
AB  - Composite hydrogels containing graphene oxide (GO) offer advantageous mechanical
      properties, but tuning these properties generally requires the synthesis of new
      hydrogels or if the hydrogel is thermally responsive, utilization of a chemistry
      determined temperature window. Here, we demonstrate a simple route to generate a
      family of GO-based hydrogels from aqueous solution based assembly of GO with
      polycationic poly(ethylenimine), PEI, without any secondary chemical
      crosslinking. Tuning the ratio of GO : PEI during the assembly produces a family
      of hydrogels that responds to mechanical compression by irreversibly altering
      their equilibrium water content and mechanical properties in a controllable
      manner. Despite the lack of chemical crosslinks, the hydrogels are stable when
      stored in an excess of water or NaCl solutions (up to 1 M) and exhibit a tunable
      swelling ratio (mass hydrogel : mass solid) between 44 and 162 based on both
      composition and compression history. Consequently, the storage modulus from shear
      rheology can be increased by more than 3 orders of magnitude from this
      irreversible mechanical compression of the hydrogel. This stiffening of the
      hydrogels in response to mechanical stimuli enables the prior compression loading
      of the hydrogel to be determined. We demonstrate that this strategy is
      generalizable to other anionic 2D materials such as clay (cloisite). This family
      of mechanically adaptive hydrogels enables facile fabrication and tuning of
      physical properties that could be advantageous for sensing, energy dissipation,
      and other applications.

PMID- 28098317
TI  - A novel withanolide with an unprecedented carbon skeleton from Physalis angulata.
AB  - A novel withanolide, aromaphysalin A (1), possessing an exceptional C(11)-C(15)
      bond and an unprecedented 4,9-cyclized aromatic ring (ring A), is isolated from
      stems and leaves of Physalis angulata L. Its structure was determined by a
      combination of HRESIMS, 2D NMR spectra, and theoretical calculations. Compound 1
      exhibited inhibitory activity on NO production with an IC50 value of 51.64 MUM. A
      plausible biosynthetic pathway for 1 is also discussed.

PMID- 28098318
TI  - Correction: On the mechanism of Ni(ii)-promoted Michael-type hydroamination of
      acrylonitrile and its substituted derivatives.
AB  - Correction for 'On the mechanism of Ni(ii)-promoted Michael-type hydroamination
      of acrylonitrile and its substituted derivatives' by S. Lapointe et al., Dalton
      Trans., 2016, 45, 15800-15810.

PMID- 28098319
TI  - Copper-catalyzed aromatic C-H alkoxylation with alcohols under aerobic
      conditions.
AB  - An efficient protocol for copper-catalyzed aromatic C-H alkoxylation with
      alcohols has been developed under aerobic conditions. The protocol provides a
      complementary method to couple arenes and alcohols to furnish aromatic ethers.
      The advantages of this method are the employment of a cheap Cu(OAc)2 catalyst,
      oxygen as the terminal oxidant and alcohol as both an alkoxy reagent and a
      solvent. Notably, the catalytic amount of benzoic acid plays a significant role
      in this transformation.

PMID- 28098320
TI  - Versatile tissue lasers based on high-Q Fabry-Perot microcavities.
AB  - Biolasers are an emerging technology for next generation biochemical detection
      and clinical applications. Progress has recently been made to achieve lasing from
      biomolecules and single living cells. Tissues, which consist of cells embedded in
      an extracellular matrix, mimic more closely the actual complex biological
      environment in a living body and therefore are of more practical significance.
      Here, we developed a highly versatile tissue laser platform, in which tissues
      stained with fluorophores are sandwiched in a high-Q Fabry-Perot microcavity.
      Distinct lasing emissions from muscle and adipose tissues stained respectively
      with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY), and
      hybrid muscle/adipose tissue with dual staining were achieved with a threshold of
      only ~10 MUJ mm-2. Additionally, we investigated how the tissue
      structure/geometry, tissue thickness, and staining dye concentration affect the
      tissue laser. Lasing emission from FITC conjugates (FITC-phalloidin) that
      specifically target F-actin in muscle tissues was also realized. It is further
      found that, despite the large fluorescence spectral overlap between FITC and
      BODIPY in tissues, their lasing emissions could be clearly distinguished and
      controlled due to their narrow lasing bands and different lasing thresholds, thus
      enabling highly multiplexed detection. Our tissue laser platform can be broadly
      applicable to various types of tissues/diseases. It provides a new tool for a
      wide range of biological and biomedical applications, such as
      diagnostics/screening of tissues and identification/monitoring of biological
      transformations in tissue engineering.

PMID- 28098321
TI  - The shortest Th-Th distance from a new type of quadruple bond.
AB  - Compounds featuring unsupported metal-metal bonds between actinide elements
      remain highly sought after yet confined experimentally to inert gas matrix
      studies. Notwithstanding this paucity, actinide-actinide bonding has been the
      subject of extensive computational research. In this contribution, high level
      quantum chemical calculations at both the scalar and spin-orbit levels are used
      to probe the Th-Th bonding in a range of zero valent systems of general formula
      LThThL. Several of these compounds have very short Th-Th bonds arising from a new
      type of Th-Th quadruple bond with a previously unreported electronic
      configuration featuring two unpaired electrons in 6d-based delta bonding
      orbitals. H3AsThThAsH3 is found to have the shortest Th-Th bond yet reported
      (2.590 A). The Th2 unit is a highly sensitive probe of ligand electron
      donor/acceptor ability; we can tune the Th-Th bond from quadruple to triple,
      double and single by judicious choice of the L group, up to 2.888 A for singly
      bonded ONThThNO.

PMID- 28098322
TI  - Flory theory of randomly branched polymers.
AB  - Randomly branched polymer chains (or trees) are a classical subject of polymer
      physics with connections to the theory of magnetic systems, percolation and
      critical phenomena. More recently, the model has been reconsidered for RNA,
      supercoiled DNA and the crumpling of topologically-constrained polymers. While
      solvable in the ideal case, little is known exactly about randomly branched
      polymers with volume interactions. Flory theory provides a simple, unifying
      description for a wide range of branched systems, including isolated trees in
      good and theta-solvent, and tree melts. In particular, the approach provides a
      common framework for the description of randomly branched polymers with quenched
      connectivity and for randomly branching polymers with annealed connectivity. Here
      we review the Flory theory for interacting trees in the asymptotic limit of very
      large polymerization degree for good solvent, theta-solutions and melts, and
      report its predictions for annealed connectivity in theta-solvents. We compare
      the predictions of Flory theory for randomly branched polymers to a wide range of
      available analytical and numerical results and conclude that they are
      qualitatively excellent and quantitatively good in most cases.

PMID- 28098323
TI  - Two-dimensional melting of colloids with long-range attractive interactions.
AB  - The solid-liquid melting transition in a two-dimensional (2-D) attractive
      colloidal system is visualized using superparamagnetic colloids that interact
      through a long-range isotropic attractive interaction potential, which is induced
      using a high-frequency rotating magnetic field. Various experiments, supported by
      Monte Carlo simulations, are carried out over a range of interaction potentials
      and densities to determine structure factors, Lindermann parameters, and
      translational and orientational order parameters. The system shows a first-order
      solid-liquid melting transition. Simulations and experiments suggest that
      dislocations and disclinations simultaneously unbind during melting. This is in
      direct contrast with reports of 2-D melting of paramagnetic particles that
      interact with a repulsive interaction potential.

PMID- 28098324
TI  - Ionic screening and dissociation are crucial for understanding chemical self
      propulsion in polar solvents.
AB  - Polar solvents like water support the bulk dissociation of themselves and their
      solutes into ions, and the re-association of these ions into neutral molecules in
      a dynamic equilibrium, e.g., H2O2 ? H+ + HO2-. Using continuum theory, we study
      the influence of these association-dissociation reactions on the self-propulsion
      of colloids driven by surface chemical reactions (chemical swimmers). We find
      that association-dissociation reactions should have a strong influence on
      swimmers' behaviour, and therefore should be included in future modelling. In
      particular, such bulk reactions should permit charged swimmers to propel
      electrophoretically even if all species involved in the surface reactions are
      neutral. The bulk reactions also significantly modify the predicted speed of
      chemical swimmers propelled by ionic currents, by up to an order of magnitude.
      For swimmers whose surface reactions produce both anions and cations (ionic self
      diffusiophoresis), the bulk reactions produce an additional reactive screening
      length, analogous to the Debye length in electrostatics. This in turn leads to an
      inverse relationship between swimmer radius and swimming speed, which could
      provide an alternative explanation for recent experimental observations on Pt
      polystyrene Janus swimmers [S. Ebbens et al., Phys. Rev. E: Stat., Nonlinear,
      Soft Matter Phys., 2012, 85, 020401]. We also use our continuum theory to
      investigate the effect of the Debye screening length itself, going beyond the
      infinitely-thin-screening-length approximation used by previous analytical
      theories. We identify significant departures from this limiting behaviour for
      micron-sized swimmers under typical experimental conditions and find that the
      approximation fails entirely for nanoscale swimmers.

PMID- 28098326
TI  - Weinreb amide directed cross-coupling reaction between electron-deficient alkenes
      catalyzed by a rhodium catalyst.
AB  - A rhodium-catalyzed Weinreb amide directed cross-coupling reaction between
      electron-deficient alkenes is reported, which provides an efficient route for the
      synthesis of valuable and versatile Weinreb amide functionalized (Z,E)
      butadienes. The catalytic system is insensitive to water and oxygen and exhibits
      broad functional group tolerance. This method also allowed both terminal and
      internal alkenes as the cross-coupling partners.

PMID- 28098332
TI  - Revisiting the optimized doping ratio in core/shell nanostructured upconversion
      particles.
AB  - The development of rare-earth doped upconversion nanoparticles (RE-UCNPs) in
      various applications is fuelling the demand for nanoparticles with highly
      enhanced upconversion luminescence (UCL). Although the core/shell structure is
      proved to enhance the UCL effectively, there is still plenty of room to further
      improve the UCL by optimizing the doping ratio of the materials. In this article,
      a general strategy is demonstrated to achieve highly-enhanced visible UCL in
      core/shell nanostructured NaREF4 by increasing the doping ratio of Yb3+ in the
      core region. The energy transfer from RE-UCNPs to surface quenching sites through
      Yb3+-Yb3+ energy migration is demonstrated to be the main reason for restricting
      the doping ratio of Yb3+. Notable UCL enhancement (ca. 15 times) of core/shell
      structured alpha-NaYF4:Yb,Er@CaF2 nanoparticles is observed by increasing the
      concentration of Yb3+ to 98 mol%. The highly-enhanced visible UCL signal is used
      to guide the lymphatic vessel resection with the naked eye.

PMID- 28098335
TI  - Not an exception to the rule: the functional significance of intrinsically
      disordered protein regions in enzymes.
AB  - Intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs) are remarkably common and have
      unique and important biological functions. Enzymes have long been considered an
      exception to the rule of protein intrinsic disorder due to the structural
      requirements for catalysis. Although functionally significant IDPRs have been
      described in several enzymes, there has been no study quantifying the extent of
      this phenomenon. We have conducted a multilevel computational analysis of missing
      regions in X-ray crystal structures in the PDB and predicted disorder in 66
      representative proteomes. We found that the fraction of predicted disorder was
      higher in non-enzymes than enzymes, because non-enzymes were more likely to be
      fully disordered. However, we also found that transferases, hydrolases and
      enzymes with multiple assigned functional classifications were similar to non
      enzymes in terms of the length of the longest continuous stretch of predicted
      disorder. Both eukaryotic enzymes and non-enzymes had a greater disorder content
      than was seen in bacteria. Disorder at the proteome level appears to emerge in
      response to organismic and functional complexity, and enzymes are not an
      exception to this rule.

PMID- 28098337
TI  - Characterisation of the enzymatic properties of MpAPr1, an aspartic protease
      secreted by the wine yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MpAPr1, encoding an acid protease from the wine yeast Metschnikowia
      pulcherrima IWBT Y1123, was previously isolated and shown to display potential
      activity against casein and grape proteins. However, its characterisation
      remained partial. RESULTS: MpAPr1 was cloned into the pGAPZalphaA vector and
      transformed into Komagataella pastoris X33 for heterologous expression. After
      verification of activity, the enzyme properties were characterised. Protease
      activity within the concentrated supernatant was retained over a pH range of 3.0
      to 5.0 and between 10  degrees C and 50  degrees C. Optimal conditions for
      protease activity were found at 40  degrees C and pH 4.5. Activity was mostly
      unaffected by the presence of metal ions with the exception of Cu2+ and Ni2+ .
      Furthermore, proteolytic activity was retained in the presence of sugar and
      ethanol. pH and temperature conditions for MpAPr1 expression in K. pastoris were
      optimised. Purification was achieved by means of cation exchange chromatography
      and kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax ) were determined. MpAPr1 activity against
      grape proteins was confirmed, but the extent of the degradation was dependent on
      the nature of these proteins and the environmental conditions. CONCLUSION:
      Overall, the results suggest that MpAPr1 could be applied in food biotechnology
      processes such as winemaking. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28098338
TI  - Limitations of a scoring model to predict thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura.

PMID- 28098336
TI  - Preclinical evaluation of intravenous NAX 810-2, a novel GalR2-preferring analog,
      for anticonvulsant efficacy and pharmacokinetics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Potential clinical utility of galanin or peptidic analogs has been
      hindered by poor metabolic stability, lack of brain penetration, and
      hyperglycemia due to galanin receptor subtype 1 (GalR1) activation. NAX 810-2, a
      galanin receptor subtype 2 (GalR2)-preferring galanin analog, possesses 15-fold
      greater affinity for GalR2 over GalR1 and protects against seizures in the mouse
      6 Hz, corneal kindling, and Frings audiogenic seizure models. The purpose of
      these studies was to further evaluate the preclinical efficacy and
      pharmacokinetics of NAX 810-2 in mice. METHODS: NAX 810-2 was administered by
      intravenous (i.v.; tail vein, bolus) injection to fully kindled (corneal kindling
      assay) or naive CF-1 mice (6 Hz assay and pharmacokinetic studies). Plasma NAX
      810-2 levels were determined from trunk blood samples. NAX 810-2 was also added
      to human plasma at various concentrations for determination of plasma protein
      binding. RESULTS: In the mouse corneal kindling model, NAX 810-2 dose-dependently
      blocked seizures following intravenous administration (median effective dose
      [ED50 ], 0.5 mg/kg). In the mouse 6 Hz (32 mA) seizure model, it was demonstrated
      that NAX 810-2 dose-dependently blocked seizures following bolus administration
      (0.375-1.5 mg/kg, i.v.; ED50 , 0.7 mg/kg), with a time-to-peak effect of 0.5 h
      posttreatment. Motor impairment was observed at 1.5 mg/kg, i.v., whereas one-half
      of this dose, 0.75 mg/kg, i.v., was maximally effective in the 6 Hz test. Plasma
      levels of NAX 810-2 show linear pharmacokinetics following intravenous
      administration and a half-life of 1.2 h. Functional agonist activity studies
      demonstrate that NAX 810-2 effectively activates GalR2 at therapeutic
      concentrations. SIGNIFICANCE: These studies further suggest the potential utility
      of NAX 810-2 as a novel therapy for epilepsy.

PMID- 28098339
TI  - The effect of blue light on stomatal oscillations and leaf turgor pressure in
      banana leaves.
AB  - Stomatal oscillations are cyclic opening and closing of stomata, presumed to
      initiate from hydraulic mismatch between leaf water supply and transpiration
      rate. To test this assumption, mismatches between water supply and transpiration
      were induced using manipulations of vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and light
      spectrum in banana (Musa acuminata). Simultaneous measurements of gas exchange
      with changes in leaf turgor pressure were used to describe the hydraulic
      mismatches. An increase of VPD above a certain threshold caused stomatal
      oscillations with variable amplitudes. Oscillations in leaf turgor pressure were
      synchronized with stomatal oscillations and balanced only when transpiration
      equaled water supply. Surprisingly, changing the light spectrum from red and blue
      to red alone at constant VPD also induced stomatal oscillations - while the
      addition of blue (10%) to red light only ended oscillations. Blue light is known
      to induce stomatal opening and thus should increase the hydraulic mismatch,
      reduce the VPD threshold for oscillations and increase the oscillation amplitude.
      Unexpectedly, blue light reduced oscillation amplitude, increased VPD threshold
      and reduced turgor pressure loss. These results suggest that additionally, to the
      known effect of blue light on the hydroactive opening response of stomata, it can
      also effect stomatal movement by increased xylem-epidermis water supply.

PMID- 28098340
TI  - Inhibitory effect of blue light emitting diode on migration and invasion of
      cancer cells.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effects and molecular mechanism of
      blue light emitting diode (LED) in tumor cells. A migration and invasion assay
      for the metastatic behavior of mouse colon cancer CT-26 and human fibrosarcoma HT
      1080 cells was performed. Cancer cell migration-related proteins were identified
      by obtaining a 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in total cellular protein
      profile of blue LED-irradiated cancer cells, followed by matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis of proteins. Protein
      levels were examined by immunoblotting. Irradiation with blue LED inhibited CT-26
      and HT-1080 cell migration and invasion. The anti-metastatic effects of blue LED
      irradiation were associated with inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2
      and MMP-9 expression. P38 MAPK phosphorylation was increased in blue LED
      irradiated CT-26 and HT-1080 cells, but was inhibited after pretreatment with
      SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK. Inhibition of p38 MAPK
      phosphorylation by SB203580 treatment increased number of migratory cancer cells
      in CT-26 and HT-1080 cells, indicating that blue LED irradiation inhibited cancer
      cell migration via phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Additionally blue LED irradiation
      of mice injected with CT-26 cells expressing luciferase decreased early stage
      lung metastasis compared to untreated control mice. These results indicate that
      blue LED irradiation inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and in
      vivo.

PMID- 28098341
TI  - Retrospective cohort study of prophylactic intraoperative uterine artery
      embolization for abnormally invasive placenta.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic intraoperative
      uterine artery embolization (UAE) during cesarean delivery as conservative
      treatment for patients with abnormally invasive placenta. METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort study enrolled patients surgically diagnosed with abnormally
      invasive placenta who underwent cesarean delivery at the First Affiliated
      Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China, between February 1, 2012,
      and February 28, 2015. Postpartum estimated blood loss, blood transfusions,
      hysterectomy, and adverse events were compared between patients who underwent
      cesarean delivery only (control group) and those who underwent concurrent
      prophylactic intraoperative UAE (UAE group). RESULTS: There were 45 patients
      included in the study; 26 and 19 in the UAE and control groups, respectively.
      Among patients who did not undergo hysterectomy owing to placenta accreta, the
      mean estimated blood loss was lower among patients in the UAE group (P=0.005);
      however, among patients who did undergo hysterectomy for placenta increta or
      percreta, no difference in mean estimated blood loss was observed (P=0.973).
      There were no differences in the hysterectomy rate (P=0.639) or incidence of
      requiring massive blood transfusion (P=0.050) between the groups. Only one
      patient in the UAE group experienced uterine necrosis. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic
      intraoperative UAE was relatively safe and effective for reducing postpartum
      hemorrhage among patients with placenta accreta. The potential benefits could be
      lower among patients with placenta increta or percreta.

PMID- 28098342
TI  - The evolution of regulators of G protein signalling proteins as drug targets - 20
      years in the making: IUPHAR Review 21.
AB  - Regulators of G protein signalling (RGS) proteins are celebrating the 20th
      anniversary of their discovery. The unveiling of this new family of negative
      regulators of G protein signalling in the mid-1990s solved a persistent conundrum
      in the G protein signalling field, in which the rate of deactivation of
      signalling cascades in vivo could not be replicated in exogenous systems. Since
      then, there has been tremendous advancement in the knowledge of RGS protein
      structure, function, regulation and their role as novel drug targets. RGS
      proteins play an important modulatory role through their GTPase-activating
      protein (GAP) activity at active, GTP-bound Galpha subunits of heterotrimeric G
      proteins. They also possess many non-canonical functions not related to G protein
      signalling. Here, an update on the status of RGS proteins as drug targets is
      provided, highlighting advances that have led to the inclusion of RGS proteins in
      the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY database of drug targets.

PMID- 28098343
TI  - Mn accumulation in a submerged plant Egeria densa (Hydrocharitaceae) is mediated
      by epiphytic bacteria.
AB  - Many aquatic plants act as biosorbents, removing and recovering metals from the
      environment. To assess the biosorbent activity of Egeria densa, a submerged
      freshwater macrophyte, plants were collected monthly from a circular drainage
      area in Lake Biwa basin and the Mn concentrations of the plants were analysed. Mn
      concentrations in these plants were generally above those of terrestrial
      hyperaccumulators, and were markedly higher in spring and summer than in autumn.
      Mn concentrations were much lower in plants incubated in hydroponic medium at
      various pH levels with and without Mn supplementation than in field-collected
      plants. The precipitation of Mn oxides on the leaves was determined by variable
      pressure scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis and
      Leucoberbelin blue staining. Several strains of epiphytic bacteria were isolated
      from the field-collected E. densa plants, with many of these strains, including
      those of the genera Acidovorax, Comamonas, Pseudomonas and Rhizobium, found to
      have Mn-oxidizing activity. High Mn concentrations in E. densa were mediated by
      the production of biogenic Mn oxide in biofilms on leaf surfaces. These findings
      provide new insights into plant epidermal bacterial flora that affect metal
      accumulation in plants and suggest that these aquatic plants may have use in Mn
      phytomining.

PMID- 28098345
TI  - Effect of sequential fermentations and grape cultivars on volatile compounds and
      sensory profiles of Danish wines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been an increasing interest in the use of selected non
      Saccharomyces yeasts in co-culture with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this work,
      three non-Saccharomyces yeast strains (Metschnikowia viticola, Metschnikowia
      fructicola and Hanseniaspora uvarum) indigenously isolated in Denmark were used
      in sequential fermentations with S. cerevisiae on three cool-climate grape
      cultivars, Bolero, Rondo and Regent. During the fermentations, the yeast growth
      was determined as well as key oenological parameters, volatile compounds and
      sensory properties of finished rose wines. RESULTS: The different non
      Saccharomyces strains and cool-climate grape cultivars produced wines with a
      distinctive aromatic profile. A total of 67 volatile compounds were identified,
      including 43 esters, 14 alcohols, five acids, two ketones, a C13-norisoprenoid, a
      lactone and a sulfur compound. The use of M. viticola in sequential fermentation
      with S. cerevisiae resulted in richer berry and fruity flavours in wines. The
      sensory plot showed a more clear separation among wine samples by grape cultivars
      compared with yeast strains. CONCLUSION: Knowledge on the influence of indigenous
      non-Saccharomyces strains and grape cultivars on the flavour generation
      contributed to producing diverse wines in cool-climate wine regions. (c) 2017
      Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28098346
TI  - Novel founder mutation in French-Canadian families with Naxos disease.

PMID- 28098344
TI  - Inhibition of oxytocin and vasopressin neuron activity in rat hypothalamic
      paraventricular nucleus by relaxin-3-RXFP3 signalling.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Relaxin-3 is a stress-responsive neuropeptide that acts at its
      cognate receptor, RXFP3, to alter behaviours including feeding. In this study, we
      have demonstrated a direct, RXFP3-dependent, inhibitory action of relaxin-3 on
      oxytocin and vasopressin paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neuron electrical
      activity, a putative cellular mechanism of orexigenic actions of relaxin-3. We
      observed a Galphai/o -protein-dependent inhibitory influence of selective RXFP3
      activation on PVN neuronal activity in vitro and demonstrated a direct action of
      RXFP3 activation on oxytocin and vasopressin PVN neurons, confirmed by their
      abundant expression of RXFP3 mRNA. Moreover, we demonstrated that RXFP3
      activation induces a cadmium-sensitive outward current, which indicates the
      involvement of a characteristic magnocellular neuron outward potassium current.
      Furthermore, we identified an abundance of relaxin-3-immunoreactive axons/fibres
      originating from the nucleus incertus in close proximity to the PVN, but
      associated with sparse relaxin-3-containing fibres/terminals within the PVN.
      ABSTRACT: The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) plays an
      essential role in the control of food intake and energy expenditure by
      integrating multiple neural and humoral inputs. Recent studies have demonstrated
      that intracerebroventricular and intra-PVN injections of the neuropeptide relaxin
      3 or selective relaxin-3 receptor (RXFP3) agonists produce robust feeding in
      satiated rats, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action associated
      with these orexigenic effects have not been identified. In the present studies,
      using rat brain slices, we demonstrated that relaxin-3, acting through its
      cognate G-protein-coupled receptor, RXFP3, hyperpolarized a majority of putative
      magnocellular PVN neurons (88%, 22/25), including cells producing the
      anorexigenic neuropeptides, oxytocin and vasopressin. Importantly, the action of
      relaxin-3 persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin and glutamate/GABA receptor
      antagonists, indicating its direct action on PVN neurons. Similar inhibitory
      effects on PVN oxytocin and vasopressin neurons were produced by the RXFP3
      agonist, RXFP3-A2 (82%, 80/98 cells). In situ hybridization histochemistry
      revealed a strong colocalization of RXFP3 mRNA with oxytocin and vasopressin
      immunoreactivity in rat PVN neurons. A smaller percentage of putative
      parvocellular PVN neurons was sensitive to RXFP3-A2 (40%, 16/40 cells). These
      data, along with a demonstration of abundant peri-PVN and sparse intra-PVN
      relaxin-3-immunoreactive nerve fibres, originating from the nucleus incertus, the
      major source of relaxin-3 neurons, identify a strong inhibitory influence of
      relaxin-3-RXFP3 signalling on the electrical activity of PVN oxytocin and
      vasopressin neurons, consistent with the orexigenic effect of RXFP3 activation
      observed in vivo.

PMID- 28098347
TI  - Evolutionary origin of phytochrome responses and signaling in land plants.
AB  - Phytochromes comprise one of the major photoreceptor families in plants, and they
      regulate many aspects of plant growth and development throughout the plant life
      cycle. A canonical land plant phytochrome originated in the common ancestor of
      streptophytes. Phytochromes have diversified in seed plants and some basal land
      plants because of lineage-specific gene duplications that occurred during the
      course of land plant evolution. Molecular genetic analyses using Arabidopsis
      thaliana suggested that there are two types of phytochromes in angiosperms, light
      labile type I and light-stable type II, which have different signaling mechanisms
      and which regulate distinct responses. In basal land plants, little is known
      about molecular mechanisms of phytochrome signaling, although red light/far-red
      photoreversible physiological responses and the distribution of phytochrome genes
      are relatively well documented. Recent advances in molecular genetics using the
      moss Physcomitrella patens and the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha revealed that
      basal land plants show far-red-induced responses and that the establishment of
      phytochrome-mediated transcriptional regulation dates back to at least the common
      ancestor of land plants. In this review, we summarize our knowledge concerning
      functions of land plant phytochromes, especially in basal land plants, and
      discuss subfunctionalization/neofunctionalization of phytochrome signaling during
      the course of land plant evolution.

PMID- 28098349
TI  - Ectopic expression of two AREB/ABF orthologs increases drought tolerance in
      cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).
AB  - Plants have evolved complex molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms to
      respond to environmental stressors. Because of the inherent complexity of this
      response, genetic manipulation to substantially improve water deficit tolerance,
      particularly in agricultural crops, has been largely unsuccessful, as the
      improvements are frequently accompanied by slower growth and delayed
      reproduction. Here, we ectopically express two abiotic stress-responsive bZIP
      AREB/ABF transcription factor orthologs, Arabidopsis ABF3 and Gossypium hirsutum
      ABF2D, in G. hirsutum, to compare the effects of exogenous and endogenous
      AREB/ABF transgene overexpression on dehydration resilience. Our results show
      that ectopic expression of each of these orthologs increases dehydration
      resilience, although these increases are accompanied by slower growth. These
      phenotypic effects are proportional to the ectopic expression level in the
      GhABF2D transgenic plants, while the phenotypes of all of the AtABF3 transgenic
      plants are similar, largely independent of ectopic expression level, possibly
      indicating differential post-transcriptional regulation of these transgenes. Our
      results indicate that overexpression of exogenous and endogenous ABF homologs in
      G. hirsutum substantially increases drought resilience, primarily through
      stomatal regulation, negatively impacting transpiration and photosynthetic
      productivity.

PMID- 28098348
TI  - Impact of lysosomal storage disorders on biology of mesenchymal stem cells:
      Evidences from in vitro silencing of glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and alpha
      galactosidase A (GLA) enzymes.
AB  - Lysosomal storage disorders (LDS) comprise a group of rare multisystemic diseases
      resulting from inherited gene mutations that impair lysosomal homeostasis. The
      most common LSDs, Gaucher disease (GD), and Fabry disease (FD) are caused by
      deficiencies in the lysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and alpha-galactosidase A
      (GLA) enzymes, respectively. Given the systemic nature of enzyme deficiency, we
      hypothesized that the stem cell compartment of GD and FD patients might be also
      affected. Among stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a commonly
      investigated population given their role in hematopoiesis and the homeostatic
      maintenance of many organs and tissues. Since the impairment of MSC functions
      could pose profound consequences on body physiology, we evaluated whether GBA and
      GLA silencing could affect the biology of MSCs isolated from bone marrow and
      amniotic fluid. Those cell populations were chosen given the former's key role in
      organ physiology and the latter's intriguing potential as an alternative stem
      cell model for human genetic disease. Our results revealed that GBA and GLA
      deficiencies prompted cell cycle arrest along with the impairment of autophagic
      flux and an increase of apoptotic and senescent cell percentages. Moreover, an
      increase in ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated staining 1 hr after oxidative stress
      induction and a return to basal level at 48 hr, along with persistent gamma-H2AX
      staining, indicated that MSCs properly activated DNA repair signaling, though
      some damages remained unrepaired. Our data therefore suggest that MSCs with
      reduced GBA or GLA activity are prone to apoptosis and senescence due to impaired
      autophagy and DNA repair capacity.

PMID- 28098351
TI  - The elicitation of steady-state visual evoked potentials during sleep.
AB  - This study confirmed the hypothesis that it is possible to elicit SSVEPs through
      closed eyelids during NREM sleep. To test this hypothesis, SSVEP amplitudes were
      measured in eight subjects across two conditions of stimulation (stimulation on
      and stimulation off) and three brain states (waking, light sleep, and deep
      sleep). Results showed a significant interaction between stimulation and brain
      state. In particular, EEG activity at the frequency of stimulation was higher
      during both light sleep and deep sleep in the stimulation on condition than in
      the stimulation off condition. The fact that it is possible to elicit SSVEPs
      during sleep may provide a new way to study how SSVEPs are generated in the brain
      one that might help resolve open questions such as identifying the SSVEP
      activation sequence or deciding if SSVEPs derive from evoked or oscillatory
      neural processes.

PMID- 28098350
TI  - Endogenous circadian rhythms in pigment composition induce changes in
      photochemical efficiency in plant canopies.
AB  - There is increasing evidence that the circadian clock is a significant driver of
      photosynthesis that becomes apparent when environmental cues are experimentally
      held constant. We studied whether the composition of photosynthetic pigments is
      under circadian regulation, and whether pigment oscillations lead to rhythmic
      changes in photochemical efficiency. To address these questions, we maintained
      canopies of bean and cotton, after an entrainment phase, under constant (light or
      darkness) conditions for 30-48 h. Photosynthesis and quantum yield peaked at
      subjective noon, and non-photochemical quenching peaked at night. These
      oscillations were not associated with parallel changes in carbohydrate content or
      xanthophyll cycle activity. We observed robust oscillations of Chl a/b during
      constant light in both species, and also under constant darkness in bean, peaking
      when it would have been night during the entrainment (subjective nights). These
      oscillations could be attributed to the synthesis and/or degradation of trimeric
      light-harvesting complex II (reflected by the rhythmic changes in Chl a/b), with
      the antenna size minimal at night and maximal around subjective noon. Considering
      together the oscillations of pigments and photochemistry, the observed pattern of
      changes is counterintuitive if we assume that the plant strategy is to avoid
      photodamage, but consistent with a strategy where non-stressed plants maximize
      photosynthesis.

PMID- 28098352
TI  - DNA repair and erasure of 5-methylcytosine in vertebrates.
AB  - DNA methylation plays important roles in development and disease. Yet, only
      recently has the dynamic nature of this epigenetic mark via oxidation and DNA
      repair-mediated demethylation been recognized. A major conceptual challenge to
      the model that DNA methylation is reversible is the risk of genomic instability,
      which may come with widespread DNA repair activity. Here, we focus on recent
      advances in mechanisms of TET-TDG mediated demethylation and cellular strategies
      that avoid genomic instability. We highlight the recently discovered involvement
      of NEIL DNA glycosylases, which cooperate with TDG in oxidative demethylation to
      accelerate substrate turnover and promote the organized handover of harmful
      repair intermediates to maintain genome stability.

PMID- 28098353
TI  - The role of various peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and their ligands
      in clinical practice.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated
      transcription factors involved in several physiological processes including
      modulation of cellular differentiation, development, metabolism of carbohydrates,
      lipids, proteins, and tumorigenesis. The aim of this review is to examine how
      different PPAR ligands act, and discuss their use in clinical practice. PPAR
      ligands have a lot of effects and applications in clinical practice. Some PPAR
      ligands such as fibrates (PPAR-alpha ligands) are currently used for the
      treatment of dyslipidemia, while pioglitazone and rosiglitazone (PPAR-gamma
      ligands) are anti-diabetic and insulin-sensitizing agents. Regarding new
      generation drugs, acting on both alpha/gamma, beta/delta, or alpha/delta
      receptors simultaneously, preliminary data on PPAR-alpha/gamma dual agonists
      revealed a positive effect on lipid profile, blood pressure, atherosclerosis,
      inflammation, and anti-coagulant effects, while the overexpression of PPAR
      beta/delta seems to prevent obesity and to decrease lipid storage in cardiac
      cells. Finally, PPAR-alpha/delta dual agonist induces resolution of nonalcoholic
      steatohepatitis without fibrosis worsening.

PMID- 28098354
TI  - Concealed Accessory Pathways with a Single Ventricular and Two Discrete Atrial
      Insertion Sites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT) utilizing a
      concealed accessory pathway is common. It is well appreciated that some patients
      may have multiple accessory pathways with separate atrial and ventricular
      insertion sites. METHODS: We present three cases of AVRT utilizing concealed
      pathways with evidence that each utilizing a single ventricular insertion and two
      discrete atrial insertion sites. RESULTS: In case one, two discrete atrial
      insertion sites were mapped in two separate procedures, and only during the
      second ablation was the Kent potential identified. Ablation of the Kent potential
      at this site remote from the two atrial insertion sites resulted in the
      termination of the retrograde conduction in both pathways. Case two presented
      with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with alternating eccentric atrial
      activation patterns without alteration in the tachycardia cycle length. The two
      distinct atrial insertion sites during orthodromic AVRT and ventricular pacing
      were targeted and each of the two atrial insertion sites were successfully mapped
      and ablated. In case three, retrograde decremental conduction utilizing both
      atrial insertion sites was identified prior to ablation. After mapping and
      ablation of the first discrete atrial insertion site, tachycardia persisted
      utilizing the second atrial insertion site. Only after ablation of the second
      atrial insertion site was SVT noninducible, and VA conduction was no longer
      present. CONCLUSIONS: Concealed retrograde accessory pathways with discrete
      atrial insertion sites may have a common ventricular insertion site.
      Identification and ablation of the ventricular insertion site or the separate
      discrete atrial insertion sites result in successful treatment.

PMID- 28098355
TI  - A comparative study on composition and antioxidant activities of supercritical
      carbon dioxide, hexane and ethanol extracts from blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)
      growing in Poland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Large quantities of blackberry seeds are produced as a pomace during
      the processing of juice and jam production; this by-product is a very interesting
      raw material both for oil manufacturing and as a source of bioactive compounds.
      In this work the composition, yield and antioxidant activity of three types of
      Rubus fructicosus pomace extracts isolated by liquid extraction using solvents of
      different polarity, as well with supercritical CO2 fluid extraction have been
      compared. RESULTS: The highest extract yield was reported for Soxhlet extraction
      using ethanol as a solvent (14.2%). Supercritical carbon dioxide and hexane
      extracts were characterised by the highest content of phytosterols (1445 and 1583
      mg 100 g-1 of extract, respectively) among which beta-sitosterol was the main
      one, while the concentration of tocopherols, with predominant gamma-isomer, was
      the highest for both hexane and ethanol extracts, being 2364 and 2334 mg 100 g-1
      , respectively. Using a GC-MS method 95 volatiles, in which non-saturated
      aldehydes were predominant, were identified in the essential oil of seed pomace
      and in the volatile oil isolated from supercritical extract. The ethanolic
      extract which is characterised by the highest phenolic content (9443 mg GAE 100 g
      1 ) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (according to the ABTS*+ and DPPH*
      assays). CONCLUSION: All pomace extracts examined were of high quality, rich in
      essential omega fatty acids and with a very high content of bioactive compounds,
      such as phytosterols and tocopherols. The high nutritional value of extracts from
      berry seed pomace could justify the commercialisation of specific extracts not
      only as food additives but also as cosmetic components. (c) 2017 Society of
      Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28098357
TI  - Partial purification, characterisation and thermal inactivation kinetics of
      peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase isolated from Kalipatti sapota (Manilkara
      zapota).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The extraction, purification, and characterisation of peroxidase
      (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were studied for Kalipatti sapota fruit. The
      crude enzyme extract was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation
      followed by BioGel P100 size exclusion and Unosphere Q anion-exchange
      chromatography. RESULTS: Molecular weights of 20 kDa (POD) and 24 kDa (PPO) were
      indicated by SDS-PAGE. A single band was observed on SDS-PAGE with a fold purity
      of 10.38 and 7.42 for POD and PPO, respectively. Michaelis-Menten constants for
      POD and PPO were 22.3 and 23.0 mmol L-1 using guaiacol and catechol as
      substrates. Thermal inactivation kinetics was studied in the temperature range of
      60-95  degrees C. The crude extract of POD and PPO showed D-values of 2.2-60.2
      and 1.0-35.2 min; Z-values of 18.7 +/- 0.4 and 16.0 +/- 0.3  degrees C; and
      activation energies (Ea ) of 128.6 and 151.0 kJ mol-1 , respectively. CONCLUSION:
      POD and PPO showed good stability over a wide range of pH and temperature. As
      reflected by Z and Ea values, the fruit matrix had no significant influence
      towards enzyme stability. Designing of thermal process should take into
      consideration D- and Z-values of the enzymes along with D- and Z-values of
      microorganisms to obtain a product with better shelf life. (c) 2017 Society of
      Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28098356
TI  - Mechano-chemo-transduction in cardiac myocytes.
AB  - The heart has the ability to adjust to changing mechanical loads. The Frank
      Starling law and the Anrep effect describe exquisite intrinsic mechanisms the
      heart has for autoregulating the force of contraction to maintain cardiac output
      under changes of preload and afterload. Although these mechanisms have been known
      for more than a century, their cellular and molecular underpinnings are still
      debated. How does the cardiac myocyte sense changes in preload or afterload? How
      does the myocyte adjust its response to compensate for such changes? In cardiac
      myocytes Ca2+ is a crucial regulator of contractile force and in this review we
      compare and contrast recent studies from different labs that address these two
      important questions. The 'dimensionality' of the mechanical milieu under which
      experiments are carried out provide important clues to the location of the
      mechanosensors and the kinds of mechanical forces they can sense and respond to.
      As a first approximation, sensors inside the myocyte appear to modulate reactive
      oxygen species while sensors on the cell surface appear to also modulate nitric
      oxide signalling; both signalling pathways affect Ca2+ handling. Undoubtedly,
      further studies will add layers to this simplified picture. Clarifying the
      intimate links from cellular mechanics to reactive oxygen species and nitric
      oxide signalling and to Ca2+ handling will deepen our understanding of the Frank
      Starling law and the Anrep effect, and also provide a unified view on how
      arrhythmias may arise in seemingly disparate diseases that have in common altered
      myocyte mechanics.

PMID- 28098358
TI  - Subclinical alteration of the cervical-vaginal microbiome in women with
      idiopathic infertility.
AB  - Biomarkers have a wide application in research and clinic, they help to choose
      the correct treatment for diseases. Recent studies, addressing the vaginal
      microbiome using next generation sequencing (NGS), reported the involvement of
      bacterial species in infertility. We compared the vaginal microbiome of
      idiopathic infertile women with that of healthy, including bacterial vaginosis
      affected women and non-idiopathic infertile women, to identify bacterial species
      suitable as biomarkers. Information on microorganisms was obtained from the V3
      16S rDNA sequencing of cervical-vaginal fluids of 96 women using the Ion Torrent
      platform. Data were processed with QIIME and classified against the Vaginal 16S
      rDNA Reference Database. The analysis revealed a significant beta-diversity
      variation (p < 0.001) between the four groups included in the study. L. iners, L.
      crispatus, and L. gasseri distinguished idiopathic infertile women from the other
      groups. In these women, a microbial profile similar to that observed in bacterial
      vaginosis women has been detected. Our results suggest that the quantitative
      assessment and identification of specific microorganisms of the cervical-vaginal
      microflora could increase the accuracy of available tools for the diagnosis of
      infertility and improve the adoption of therapeutic protocols.

PMID- 28098359
TI  - M2-like macrophages induce colon cancer cell invasion via matrix
      metalloproteinases.
AB  - The inflammatory milieu plays an important role in colon cancer development and
      progression. Previously, we have shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs),
      an important component of the tumor microenvironment, are enriched in tumors
      compared with normal tissue and confer a poorer prognosis. In the present study,
      we found that matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades extracellular
      matrix proteins, was increased in biopsies from colon cancer patients and in
      mouse xenografts with SW480 cell-derived tumors. SW480 colon cancer cells exposed
      to M2-like macrophage-conditioned medium (M2-medium) exhibited increased MMP-9
      mRNA, protein expression and gelatinase activity. A similar effect was obtained
      by the addition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and leukotriene D4
      (LTD4 ). MMP-9 expression and activity were reduced by a TNFalpha blocking
      antibody adalimumab and a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLTR1, the receptor
      for LTD4 ) antagonist montelukast. M2-medium also induced changes in the
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers E-cadherin, beta-catenin,
      vimentin, and snail in SW480 cells. We also found that both M2-medium and
      TNFalpha and LTD4 induced stabilization/nuclear translocation of beta-catenin.
      Furthermore, we also observed an elongated phenotype that may indicate increased
      invasiveness, as confirmed in a collagen I invasion assay. M2-medium increased
      the invasive ability, and a similar effect was also obtained by the addition of
      TNFalpha and LTD4 . The specific MMP inhibitor I or adalimumab and montelukast
      reduced the number of invasive cells. In conclusion, our findings show that M2
      medium enriched in TNFalpha and LTD4 promote colon cancer cell invasion via MMP-9
      expression and activation and the induction of EMT.

PMID- 28098362
TI  - What substances are allergenic and in whom?

PMID- 28098363
TI  - The itchy scalp.

PMID- 28098360
TI  - Morroniside, a secoiridoid glycoside from Cornus officinalis, attenuates
      neuropathic pain by activation of spinal glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Iridoid glycosides containing the double bond scaffold of
      cyclopentapyran are reversible and orthosteric agonists of glucagon-like peptide
      1 (GLP-1) receptors and exert anti-nociceptive and neuroprotective actions.
      Morroniside, derived from the medicinal herb Cornus officinalis, is an atypical
      secoiridoid containing a six-membered cyclic inner ether fragment. Here we
      investigated whether morroniside was an orthosteric GLP-1 receptor agonist and
      had anti-hypersensitivity activities in a model of neuropathic pain. EXPERIMENTAL
      APPROACH: We used a model of neuropathic pain, induced by tight ligation of L5/L6
      spinal nerves in rats. Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage was also
      assayed in N9 microglial cells and human HEK293 cells stably expressing GLP-1
      receptors. KEY RESULTS: Morroniside protected against hydrogen peroxide-induced
      oxidative damage in N9 microglial and HEK293 cells that expressed mouse or human
      GLP-1 receptors, but not in HEK293T cells without GLP-1 receptors. The GLP-1
      receptor orthosteric antagonist exendin(9-39) also concentration-dependently
      shifted the concentration-protective response curves of morroniside and exenatide
      to the right without affecting maximal protection, with similar pA2 values.
      Furthermore, morroniside given by oral gavage or intrathecally in neuropathic
      rats dose-dependently attenuated mechanical allodynia, with comparable Emax
      values and ED50 s of 335 mg.kg-1 and 7.1 MUg and completely blocked thermal
      hyperalgesia. Daily intrathecal injections of morroniside over 7 days did not
      induce anti-allodynic tolerance. Pretreatment with intrathecal exendin(9-39)
      completely blocked systemic and intrathecal morroniside-induced mechanical anti
      allodynia. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our data demonstrated that morroniside
      was an orthosteric agonist of GLP-1 receptors and produced antihypersensitivity
      in a neuropathic pain model by activation of spinal GLP-1 receptors.

PMID- 28098364
TI  - Mosaicism in the skin: lumping or splitting?

PMID- 28098365
TI  - Rare diseases and costly treatments: the role of IL-1beta in pustular psoriasis.

PMID- 28098366
TI  - The evolution of clinical guidelines for dermatologists: GRADE, AGREE and
      occasionally consensus by experts.

PMID- 28098367
TI  - PD-1 checkpoint blockade is an emerging treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma.

PMID- 28098368
TI  - The correlation between clinical and histological clearance of actinic keratoses.

PMID- 28098369
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes in patients with cutaneous lupus.

PMID- 28098370
TI  - Effectiveness of phototherapy in chronic urticaria.

PMID- 28098371
TI  - Assessing the effects of advanced glycation end products in the skin.

PMID- 28098372
TI  - Missing factors in human skin equivalent models?

PMID- 28098374
TI  - Editor's Choice January 2017 Alex Anstey.

PMID- 28098373
TI  - Intercellular IgA dermatosis.

PMID- 28098375
TI  - Cover Image: Dermoscopy in vivo for the life cycle of Phthirus pubis.

PMID- 28098377
TI  - Quantitative image analysis for hereditary hair disorders.

PMID- 28098376
TI  - Why have hospitalization rates for bullous pemphigoid soared?

PMID- 28098379
TI  - Plain language summaries in Simplified Chinese.

PMID- 28098378
TI  - Expanding the skin and histopathology manifestations of autoinflammatory
      diseases.

PMID- 28098380
TI  - British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the care of patients with
      actinic keratosis 2017.

PMID- 28098381
TI  - Conflicts of interest and authorship of industry-sponsored publications.

PMID- 28098382
TI  - The management of acne in primary care.

PMID- 28098383
TI  - Shortcomings in rosacea diagnosis and classification.

PMID- 28098384
TI  - Image Gallery: Cutaneous botryomycosis at an unusual site in an immunocompetent
      patient.

PMID- 28098385
TI  - Updated guidance for writing a British Association of Dermatologists clinical
      guideline: the adoption of the GRADE methodology 2016.

PMID- 28098386
TI  - Plain language summaries.

PMID- 28098388
TI  - Image Gallery: Relapsing polychondritis associated with monoclonal gammopathy.

PMID- 28098389
TI  - Rosacea, inflammatory bowel disease and the value of big data and of
      epidemiological studies.

PMID- 28098390
TI  - Image Gallery: Systemic sarcoidosis presenting within the black pigment of a
      cosmetic tattoo.

PMID- 28098392
TI  - Bayesian nonparametric clustering in phylogenetics: modeling antigenic evolution
      in influenza.
AB  - Influenza is responsible for up to 500,000 deaths every year, and antigenic
      variability represents much of its epidemiological burden. To visualize antigenic
      differences across many viral strains, antigenic cartography methods use
      multidimensional scaling on binding assay data to map influenza antigenicity onto
      a low-dimensional space. Analysis of such assay data ideally leads to natural
      clustering of influenza strains of similar antigenicity that correlate with
      sequence evolution. To understand the dynamics of these antigenic groups, we
      present a framework that jointly models genetic and antigenic evolution by
      combining multidimensional scaling of binding assay data, Bayesian phylogenetic
      machinery and nonparametric clustering methods. We propose a phylogenetic Chinese
      restaurant process that extends the current process to incorporate the
      phylogenetic dependency structure between strains in the modeling of antigenic
      clusters. With this method, we are able to use the genetic information to better
      understand the evolution of antigenicity throughout epidemics, as shown in
      applications of this model to H1N1 influenza. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28098391
TI  - Understanding the formidable nail barrier: A review of the nail microstructure,
      composition and diseases.
AB  - The topical treatment of nail fungal infections has been a focal point of nail
      research in the past few decades as it offers a much safer and focused
      alternative to conventional oral therapy. Although the current focus remains on
      exploring the ways of enhancing permeation through the formidable nail barrier,
      the understanding of the nail microstructure and composition is far from
      complete. This article reviews our current understanding of the nail
      microstructure, composition and diseases. A few of the parameters affecting the
      nail permeability and potential causes of the recurrence of fungal nail infection
      are also discussed.

PMID- 28098393
TI  - Clinical and histopathological features of cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial
      infection: a review of 13 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM)
      infection has increased in recent decades because of widespread use of
      immunosuppressive therapy and better detection methods. The histopathology of
      cutaneous NTM infection is not pathognomic and the organisms are slow and
      difficult to culture, making diagnosis challenging. METHODS: We reviewed the
      clinical and histopathological features of 13 cases of cutaneous NTM infection,
      and performed panmycobacterial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the paraffin
      blocks. RESULTS: The immunocompetent patients presented with localized lesions on
      the extremities, whereas the immunocompromised patients presented with
      disseminated cutaneous lesions. The histopathology in immunocompetent patients
      was characterized by pseudoepitheliomatous epidermal hyperplasia, intraepithelial
      abscesses, transepidermal elimination and dermal granulomatous inflammation
      accompanied by necrosis and suppuration. The immunocompromised patients showed
      suppurative inflammation with little granuloma formation and numerous acid-fast
      bacilli. Paraffin block PCR was positive in 4 of 13 cases (31%), whereas culture
      was positive in 11 of 13 cases (85%). CONCLUSION: The aforementioned histological
      features should help in diagnosing cutaneous NTM infection when combined with
      clinical and microbiological correlation. In our study, we did not find paraffin
      block PCR to be superior to conventional culture in detecting cutaneous NTM
      infection.

PMID- 28098394
TI  - Review: Use of Asian samples in genetic research of alcohol use disorders:
      Genetic variation of alcohol metabolizing enzymes and the effects of
      acetaldehyde.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological studies consistently find that Asian
      populations report lower rates of alcohol use disorders (AUD) compared with other
      racial groups. These differences result from a variety of biological, genetic,
      and environmental influences, some of which are related to the metabolism of
      alcohol. We will review several studies of these metabolic factors, including
      several alcohol clamping studies conducted in our laboratory, that provide
      further insight into the role of the alcohol metabolizing genes and drinking
      behavior among Japanese drinkers. METHODS: This manuscript reviewed studies
      investigating genetic variations of alcohol metabolizing enzymes among Asians and
      several mechanisms by which these genes are thought to give rise to differences
      in rates of alcohol dependence. RESULTS: The inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2
      (ALDH2) and highly active alcohol dehydrogenase-1B (ADH1B) genes are protective
      factors for the development of AUD. The inactive ALDH2 provides its protective
      effect through the accumulation of acetaldehyde after consuming alcohol,
      resulting in unpleasant effects, and heightened sensitivity to alcohol. However,
      the suppressive effects of inactive ALDH2 and highly active ADH1B for AUDs are
      only partial and interact with other factors, such as personality traits,
      psychiatric comorbidities, and environmental factors. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
      While Asians are excellent models for the study of certain genetic effects on the
      development and consequences of AUD, few clinical studies of this population have
      been conducted. Further exploration of the interactions between various genetic,
      individual, and environmental factors influencing drinking behavior and, thus
      affecting the risk of AUD, would enhance our understanding of how alcohol-related
      problems develop. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: The heterozygous ALDH2*1/*2 genotype
      has only partial effects on limiting drinking behavior, suggesting the potential
      interaction with other factors. Therefore AUD patients with inactive ALDH2 may be
      a useful model to identify and to test a variety of other risk factors of AUD.
      (Am J Addict 2017;26:469-476).

PMID- 28098395
TI  - First UHPLC-MS/MS method coupled with automated online SPE for quantification
      both of tacrolimus and everolimus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and its
      application on samples from co-treated pediatric patients.
AB  - Tacrolimus (TAC, FK-506) and everolimus (EVE, RAD001) are immunosuppressors used
      to treat pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation. Their hematic TDM
      by liquid chromatography became standard practice. However, it does not always
      reflect concentrations at their active site. Our aim was to develop and validate
      a new method for the simultaneous TAC and EVE quantification into target cells:
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      were collected using cell preparation tubes; cells number and mean cell volume
      were evaluated by an automatic cell counter. TAC and EVE were quantified using
      UHPLC-MS/MS coupled with an automated online solid-phase extraction platform.
      Chromatographic run was performed on an Acquity UPLC(r) BEH C18 1.7 MUm (2.1 * 50
      mm) column at 45  degrees C, for 6 min at 0.5 ml/min. Mobile phases were water
      and methanol, both with 2 mm ammonium acetate and 1 ml/l formic acid). XBridge(r)
      C8 10 MUm (1 * 10 mm) SPE cartridges were used, and the internal standard was
      ascomycin. Following Food and Drug Administration guidelines, method validation
      resulted in high sensitivity and specificity. Calibration curves were linear (r2 
      = 0.998) and intra-day and inter-day imprecision and inaccuracy were <15%. A
      reproducible matrix effect was observed, with a good recovery for all compounds.
      Drug amounts in 15 'real' PBMCs samples from five pediatric patients in co
      treatment resulted within the calibration range (0.039-5 ng). Concentrations from
      each patient were standardized using their evaluated mean cell volume: intra
      PBMCs concentration was meanly 19.23 and 218.61 times higher than the hematic one
      for TAC and EVE, respectively. This method might be useful in clinical routine,
      giving reliable data on drugs concentration at the active site. Copyright (c)
      2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28098396
TI  - Effects of chronic cobalt and chromium exposure after metal-on-metal hip
      resurfacing: An epigenome-wide association pilot study.
AB  - Metal-on-metal (MOM) hip resurfacing has recently been a popular prosthesis
      choice for the treatment of symptomatic arthritis, but results in the release of
      cobalt and chromium ions into the circulation that can be associated with adverse
      clinical effects. The mechanism underlying these effects remains unclear. While
      chromosomal aneuploidy and translocations are associated with this exposure, the
      presence of subtle structural epigenetic modifications in patients with MOM joint
      replacements remains unexplored. Consequently, we analyzed whole blood DNA
      methylation in 34 OA patients with MOM hip resurfacing (MOM HR) compared to 34 OA
      patients with non-MOM total hip replacements (non-MOM THR), using the genome-wide
      Illumina HumanMethylation 450k BeadChip. No probes showed differential
      methylation significant at 5% false-discovery rate (FDR). We also tested
      association of probe methylation levels with blood chromium and cobalt levels
      directly; there were no significant associations at 5% FDR. Finally, we used the
      "epigenetic clock" to compare estimated to actual age at sample for all
      individuals. We found no significant difference between MOM HR and non-MOM THR,
      and no correlation of age acceleration with blood metal levels. Our results
      suggest the absence of large methylation differences systemically following metal
      exposure, however, larger sample sizes will be required to identify potential
      small effects. Any DNA methylation changes that may occur in the local
      periprosthetic tissues remain to be elucidated. (c) 2017 The Authors. Orthopaedic
      Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic
      Research Society. J Orthop Res 35:2323-2328, 2017.

PMID- 28098397
TI  - Regression analysis of mixed panel count data with dependent terminal events.
AB  - Event history studies are commonly conducted in many fields, and a great deal of
      literature has been established for the analysis of the two types of data
      commonly arising from these studies: recurrent event data and panel count data.
      The former arises if all study subjects are followed continuously, while the
      latter means that each study subject is observed only at discrete time points. In
      reality, a third type of data, a mixture of the two types of the data earlier,
      may occur and furthermore, as with the first two types of the data, there may
      exist a dependent terminal event, which may preclude the occurrences of recurrent
      events of interest. This paper discusses regression analysis of mixed recurrent
      event and panel count data in the presence of a terminal event and an estimating
      equation-based approach is proposed for estimation of regression parameters of
      interest. In addition, the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimator are
      established, and a simulation study conducted to assess the finite-sample
      performance of the proposed method suggests that it works well in practical
      situations. Finally, the methodology is applied to a childhood cancer study that
      motivated this study. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28098398
TI  - Depression and discrimination in the lives of women, transgender and gender
      liminal people in Ontario, Canada.
AB  - This article uses an intersectionality lens to explore how experiences of race,
      gender, sexuality, class and their intersections are associated with depression
      and unmet need for mental healthcare in a population of 704 women and
      transgender/gender liminal people from Ontario, Canada. A survey collecting
      demographic information, information about mental health and use of mental
      healthcare services, and data for the Everyday Discrimination Scale and the PHQ-9
      Questionnaire for Depression was completed by 704 people via Internet or pen-and
      paper between June 2011 and June 2012. Bivariate and regression analyses were
      conducted to assess group differences in depression and discrimination
      experiences, and predictors of depression and unmet need for mental healthcare
      services. Analyses revealed that race, gender, class and sexuality all
      corresponded to significant differences in exposure to discrimination,
      experiences of depression and unmet needs for mental healthcare. Use of
      interaction terms to model intersecting identities and exclusion contributed to
      explained variance in both outcome variables. Everyday discrimination was the
      strongest predictor of both depression and unmet need for mental healthcare. The
      results suggest lower income and intersections of race with other marginalised
      identities are associated with more depression and unmet need for mental
      healthcare; however, discrimination is the factor that contributes the most to
      those vulnerabilities. Future research can build on intersectionality theory by
      foregrounding the role of structural inequities and discrimination in promoting
      poor mental health and barriers to healthcare.

PMID- 28098399
TI  - MYB, CD117 and SOX-10 expression in cutaneous adnexal tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated MYB expression has been documented in adenoid cystic
      carcinoma (ACC), cylindroma, and spiradenoma, but the specificity of this finding
      is unknown. CD117 and SOX-10 expression also occurs in some cutaneous adnexal
      tumors. This study assesses MYB, CD117 and SOX-10 expression in cutaneous adnexal
      tumors. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 184 benign adnexal tumors (140
      eccrine/apocrine, 40 follicular and 10 sebaceous), and 30 malignant adnexal
      tumors was performed with MYB, SOX-10 and CD117 immunostaining. RESULTS: In the
      benign adnexal tumors, 16% (23/140) significantly expressed MYB. MYB expression
      was limited to cylindromas and to a lesser extent, spiradenomas in the benign
      cohort. Elevated MYB expression was detected in mucinous carcinoma, endocrine
      mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma and 1 and 4 cases of extramammary Paget's
      disease (EMPD) in the malignant cohort. CD117 and SOX-10 had similar overall
      positivity rates in benign apocrine and eccrine tumors (45% and 68%
      respectively), and were generally negative in other benign and malignant adnexal
      tumors. CONCLUSION: Expression of MYB appears limited to a small number of
      cutaneous adnexal tumors, including cylindromas, spiradenomas, ACCs, mucinous
      carcinoma, endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma and some cases of
      EMPD.

PMID- 28098400
TI  - Role of Contrast-Enhanced Sonography in the Evaluation of Axillary Lymph Nodes in
      Breast Carcinoma: A Monocentric Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced
      sonography for characterization of the lymph node status (metastatic or not) in
      patients with breast carcinomas by comparison with sentinel lymph node biopsy.
      METHODS: From January to August 2015, 50 female patients with a histologic
      diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma were prospectively examined by ipsilateral
      axillary contrast-enhanced sonography. The test was performed by a single
      radiologist using an ultrasound system with a broadband 8-12-MHz, 38-mm high
      resolution linear transducer. For the target lymph node, we chose a node with a
      sonographic pattern that was suspicious for malignancy: ie, a longitudinal-to
      transverse diameter ratio of less than 2, absence of a central hyperechogenic
      hilum, or both. In cases with a lack of sonographic signs of malignancy, we
      evaluated the node with the maximal transverse diameter. Nodes were considered
      malignant in cases with total absence of contrast enhancement and in those with
      enhancement alterations. Within 1 week, all patients underwent sentinel lymph
      node biopsy, followed by a histologic test. RESULTS: The histologic test showed
      benignity in 22 of 50 sentinel lymph nodes, whereas 28 were metastatic. Among the
      22 patients with negative biopsy results, contrast-enhanced sonography showed 18
      concordances and 4 false-positives results; among the 28 with positive biopsy
      results, contrast-enhanced sonography obtained 100% correct characterizations of
      the axillary status. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%, 82%,
      and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced sonography appears to be a
      method with high accuracy for characterization of axillary lymph nodes, very
      close to the reference-standard sentinel lymph node biopsy. This technique seems
      to have overall high sensitivity.

PMID- 28098402
TI  - Anion-pi Interactions in Flavoproteins Involve a Substantial Charge-Transfer
      Component.
AB  - Anion-pi interactions have been shown to stabilize flavoproteins and to regulate
      the redox potential of the flavin cofactor. They are commonly attributed to
      electrostatic forces. Herein we show that anion-flavin interactions can have a
      substantial charge-transfer component. Our conclusion emanates from a multi
      approach theoretical analysis and is backed by previously reported observations
      of absorption bands, originating from charge transfer between oxidized flavin and
      proximate cysteine thiolate groups. This partial covalency of anion-flavin
      contacts renders classical simulations of flavoproteins questionable.

PMID- 28098401
TI  - Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori in Chinese children: A multicenter
      retrospective study over 7 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of resistance to metronidazole,
      clarithromycin, levofloxacin, amoxicillin, and furazolidone in Helicobacter
      pylori isolated from Chinese children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter
      retrospective study was conducted from January 2009 to December 2015. A total of
      1746 isolates of H. pylori were collected from nine areas of Zhejiang province in
      the southeast coastal region of China. H. pylori strains were examined for
      antibiotics susceptibility by agar dilution method. RESULTS: The resistance rates
      were 75.20% for metronidazole, 16.38% for clarithromycin, 6.70% for levofloxacin,
      0.06% for amoxicillin, and 0.06% for furazolidone. The pattern of H. pylori
      antibiotic resistance demonstrated no significant changes in the rates of
      resistance to clarithromycin, amoxicillin, furazolidone, and metronidazole over 7
      years. A significant trend of increasing resistance to metronidazole was observed
      as children aged, but a downward trend in clarithromycin resistance was observed
      as children aged. No difference in the resistance to other antibiotics was
      observed among different age groups. Also, there was no significant difference
      between male and female subjects in rates of resistance to these five types of
      antibiotics. The predominant dual resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin
      was presented in 10.65% of the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The resistance rates of H.
      pylori in children from southeast coastal region of China were very high to
      metronidazole, moderate to clarithromycin and levofloxacin, and low to
      amoxicillin and furazolidone. It is important to continue monitoring the
      resistance profiles of H. pylori isolated in this region.

PMID- 28098403
TI  - MiR-338-5p Promotes Inflammatory Response of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in
      Rheumatoid Arthritis via Targeting SPRY1.
AB  - Our purpose is to study the roles of microRNA-338-5p (miR-338-5p) on the
      proliferation, invasion, and inflammatory response of fibroblast-like
      synoviocytes (SFs) in rheumatoid arthritis patients by regulating SPRY1. The
      target relationship between miR-338-5p and SPRY1 was validated through luciferase
      reporter system. The expression of miR-338-5p and SPRY1 in synovial tissues and
      synovial cells were detected using RT-PCR and western blot. The mimics and
      inhibitors of miR-338-5p were transfected into SFs. MTT, Transwell, and ELISA
      assays were used to analyze cell proliferation, invasiveness, and the secreted
      extracellular pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1a, IL-6, COX2) levels of
      SFs. MiR-338-5p was highly expressed in rheumatoid arthritis tissues and cells,
      and directly down-regulated the expression of SPRY1 in the SFs of rheumatoid
      arthritis patients. Cell proliferation, invasiveness and the expression level of
      pro-inflammatory cytokines in synovial cells increased after the transfection of
      miR-338-5p mimics, while the proliferation, invasion and expression level of pro
      inflammatory cytokines decreased after the transfection of miR-338-5p inhibitors.
      In conclusion,miR-338-5p promoted the proliferation, invasion and inflammatory
      reaction in SFs of rheumatoid arthritis by directly down-regulating SPRY1
      expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2295-2301, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 28098404
TI  - ESI activity of Br-, BF4- , ClO4- and BPh4- anions in the presence of Li+ and
      NBu4+ counter-ions.
AB  - To improve our understanding of the electrospray ionization (ESI) process, we
      have subjected equimolar mixtures of salts A+ X- (A+  = Li+ , NBu4+ ; X-  = Br- ,
      ClO4- , BF4- , BPh4- ) in different solvents (CH3 CN, tetrahydrofuran, CH3 OH, H2
      O) to negative-ion mode ESI and analyzed the relative ESI activity of the
      different anionic model analytes. The ESI activity of the large and hydrophobic
      BPh4- ion greatly exceeds that of the smaller and more hydrophilic anions Br- ,
      ClO4- and BF4- , which we ascribe to its higher surface activity. Moreover, the
      ESI activity of the anions is modulated by the action of the counter-ions and
      their different tendency toward ion pairing. The tendency toward ion pairing can
      be reduced by the addition of the chelating ligands 12-crown-4 and 2.2.1 cryptand
      and is, although to a smaller degree, further influenced by the variation of the
      solvent. Complementary electrical conductivity measurements afford additional
      information on the interactions of the ionic constituents of the sample
      solutions. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28098405
TI  - Shielding Engineered Islets With Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Survival Under
      Hypoxia.
AB  - In the present study we focused on the improvisation of islet survival in
      hypoxia.The Islet like cell aggregates (ICAs) derived from wharton's jelly
      mesenchymal stem cells (WJ MSC) were cultured with and without WJ MSC for 48 h in
      hypoxia and normoxia and tested for their direct trophic effect on beta cell
      survival. The WJ MSCs themselves secreted insulin upon glucose challenge and
      expressed the pancreatic markers at both transcription and translational level (C
      peptide, Insulin, Glucagon, and Glut 2). Direct contact of MSCs with ICAs
      facilitated highest viability under hypoxia as evidenced by fluorescein
      diacetate/propidium iodide and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cytokine analysis of the co-cultured
      ICAs revealed amplification of anti-inflammatory cytokine like TGFbeta and
      TNFalpha accompanied by depletion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The increment in
      VEGF and PDGFa was also seen showing their ability to vascularize upon
      transplantation. This was further accompanied by reduction in total reactive
      oxygen species, nitric oxide, and super oxide ions and down regulation of
      Caspase3, Caspase8, p53, and up regulation of Bcl2 confirming prevention of
      apoptosis in ICAs. The western blot analysis confirmed the cytoprotective effect
      of WJ MSC on ICAs as they enhanced the anti-apoptotic marker BCL2 and reduced the
      expression of apoptotic markers, Annexin 5 and Caspase 3. There was a significant
      reduction in the expression of p38 protein in the presence of MSCs making the
      ICAs responsive to glucose. Taken together our data demonstrate for the first
      time that the WJ MSC expressed pancreatic markers and their supplementation
      protected engineered islets against hypoxia and oxidative stress. J. Cell.
      Biochem. 118: 2672-2683, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28098406
TI  - Contemporary migration patterns in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori
      infection: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A rapid growth in the number of international migrants over the past
      years has occurred with most traveling to more affluent settings. As Helicobacter
      pylori infects over half of the adult population and its prevalence is higher in
      developing countries, understanding the prevalence of infection in migrants can
      provide insight into future trends in the burden and management of infection. We
      aimed to describe the prevalence of H. pylori among migrants through a systematic
      literature review. METHODS: We searched PubMed(r) from inception to September
      2015 to identify studies reporting the prevalence of H. pylori in international
      migrants according to country of birth for first-generation, and country of birth
      and parents' nationality for successive generations. Comparable data from origin
      and destination populations were obtained from the same studies or, when not
      present, from a previous systematic review on H. pylori worldwide. RESULTS: A
      total of 28 eligible studies were identified with data for 29 origin and 12
      destination countries. Two studies that evaluated refugees presented prevalences
      of infection higher than both the origin and destination countries. Otherwise,
      the prevalences among migrants were generally similar or below that of the origin
      and higher than the destination. Second- or more generation had lower prevalences
      compared to first-generation migrants. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings are
      consistent with what would be expected based on the prevalence of H. pylori
      worldwide. The results of this review show that migrants are particularly at risk
      of infection and help to identify gaps in the knowledge of migrants' prevalence
      of infection globally.

PMID- 28098407
TI  - Tumefactive foreign body giant cell reaction following high-pressure paint
      injection injury: A case report and review of literature.
AB  - High-pressure paint injection injury is an uncommon but well-described injury.
      The histologic features of long-term paint injection injury with retained
      material are less recognized. A 46-year-old male presented clinically as
      "recurrent giant cell tumor of tendon sheath." The right index finger
      demonstrated fusiform enlargement by a pigmented mass with diffuse infiltration
      into the soft tissue of the hand. Histologically the tumor showed multiple giant
      cells in a fibrotic stroma extending into the dermis. There were multiple types
      of foreign material including diffuse brown black pigment, weakly optically
      polarizing foreign material and white inclusions with a "train track" appearance.
      The cells were positive for CD68 and negative for S100 antigen. Further
      investigation revealed that the patient had a history of high-pressure paint
      injection injury to his digit 6 years prior. Foreign material injected under high
      pressure into tissues may result in a pseudo-neoplastic foreign body
      granulomatous reaction that can mimic giant cell tumor of tendon sheath. Our case
      demonstrates that this reaction can be florid and can have slow growth over
      years. A high index of suspicion, a good clinical history and careful examination
      can distinguish these 2 entities.

PMID- 28098408
TI  - Vonoprazan improves the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy with
      a regimen consisting of clarithromycin and metronidazole in patients allergic to
      penicillin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although all Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-positive patients should
      receive eradication therapy, the therapy is a challenge for patients allergic to
      penicillin. There have been a few reports on the efficacy of eradication therapy
      for such patients. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of vonoprazan or proton
      pump inhibitor (PPI)-based 7-day triple therapy in patients allergic to
      penicillin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 88 consecutive patients allergic to
      penicillin who received H. pylori eradication therapy were retrospectively
      analyzed. Thirty-one patients had a history of failed eradication therapy. Four 7
      day regimens were prescribed during the study period: clarithromycin
      metronidazole-PPI (13 patients), clarithromycin-metronidazole-vonoprazan (14
      patients), metronidazole-sitafloxacin-PPI (44 patients) and metronidazole
      sitafloxacin-vonoprazan (17 patients). A 13 C-urea breath test was used for
      confirmation of eradication, and efficacy of eradication was evaluated by
      "intention-to-treat" analysis and "per-protocol" analysis. RESULTS: Intention-to
      treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 46.2%/54.6% for patients who
      received clarithromycin-metronidazole-PPI, 92.9/92.9% for patients who received
      clarithromycin-metronidazole-vonoprazan, 100/100% for patients who received
      metronidazole-sitafloxacin-PPI and 88.2/93.8% for patients who received
      metronidazole-sitafloxacin-vonoprazan. For first eradication, vonoprazan
      significantly raised the intention-to-treat efficacy of the triple therapy
      including clarithromycin-metronidazole (vonoprazan: 92.9%, PPI: 46.2%, P=.0128).
      A 7-day regimen consisting of metronidazole and sitafloxacin was effective for
      patients allergic to penicillin with or without past failure of eradication.
      CONCLUSION: For first eradication in patients allergic to penicillin, a 7-day
      triple therapy consisting of clarithromycin, metronidazole and vonoprazan could
      be a candidate eradication regimen.

PMID- 28098409
TI  - TRPV4 Contributes to Resting Membrane Potential in Retinal Muller Cells:
      Implications in Cell Volume Regulation.
AB  - Neural activity alters osmotic gradients favoring cell swelling in retinal Muller
      cells. This swelling is followed by a regulatory volume decrease (RVD), partially
      mediated by an efflux of KCl and water. The transient receptor potential channel
      4 (TRPV4), a nonselective calcium channel, has been proposed as a candidate for
      mediating intracellular Ca2+ elevation induced by swelling. We previously
      demonstrated in a human Muller cell line (MIO-M1) that RVD strongly depends on
      ion channel activation and, consequently, on membrane potential (Vm ). The aim of
      this study was to investigate if Ca2+ influx via TRPV4 contributes to RVD by
      modifying intracellular Ca2+ concentration and/or modulating Vm in MIO-M1 cells.
      Cell volume, intracellular Ca2+ levels, and Vm changes were evaluated using
      fluorescent probes. Results showed that MIO-M1 cells express functional TRPV4
      which determines the resting Vm associated with K+ channels. Swelling-induced
      increases in Ca2+ levels was due to both Ca2+ release from intracellular stores
      and Ca2+ influx by a pathway alternative to TRPV4. TRPV4 blockage affected
      swelling-induced biphasic response (depolarization-repolarization), suggesting
      its participation in modulating Vm changes during RVD. Agonist stimulation of
      Ca2+ influx via TRPV4 activated K+ channels hyperpolarizing Vm and accelerating
      RVD. We propose that TRPV4 forms a signaling complex with Ca2+ and/or voltage
      dependent K+ channels to define resting Vm and Vm changes during RVD. TRPV4
      involvement in RVD depends on the type of stimuli and/or degree of channel
      activation, leading to a maximum RVD response when Ca2+ influx overcomes a
      threshold and activates further signaling pathways in cell volume regulation. J.
      Cell. Biochem. 118: 2302-2313, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28098410
TI  - Juror Decision-making in Death Penalty Sentencing when Presented with Defendant's
      History of Child Abuse or Neglect.
AB  - Previous studies have found aggravating, mitigating, and null effects of
      defendant histories of abuse and neglect on punishment preferences in capital
      sentencing. Perceiving these defendants as more dangerous, jurors may be more
      likely to favor the death penalty when such evidence is presented. This is
      counter to the intuition that abuse or neglect reduces culpability, and therefore
      mitigates the severity of punishment. We investigated the effect of defendant
      childhood physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect on the probability of a
      prospective juror preferring the death penalty in an between-subject experimental
      design. Using vignettes and two large samples (students and jurors), defendant
      histories were found to mitigate the probability that the hypothetical defendant
      received the death penalty, with sexual abuse having the most salient effect.
      Further, the effects were conditioned by preference for the death penalty -
      larger mitigating effects were observed among individuals who favor the death
      penalty. These findings suggest that initial judgments of abuse and neglect are
      related to juror leniency, and further research on the interaction of jury
      instructions and defendant histories is needed. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28098411
TI  - An efficient basket trial design.
AB  - The landscape for early phase cancer clinical trials is changing dramatically
      because of the advent of targeted therapy. Increasingly, new drugs are designed
      to work against a target such as the presence of a specific tumor mutation.
      Because typically only a small proportion of cancer patients will possess the
      mutational target, but the mutation is present in many different cancers, a new
      class of basket trials is emerging, whereby the drug is tested simultaneously in
      different baskets, that is, subgroups of different tumor types. Investigators
      desire not only to test whether the drug works but also to determine which types
      of tumors are sensitive to the drug. A natural strategy is to conduct parallel
      trials, with the drug 's effectiveness being tested separately, using for
      example, the popular Simon two-stage design independently in each basket. The
      work presented is motivated by the premise that the efficiency of this strategy
      can be improved by assessing the homogeneity of the baskets ' response rates at
      an interim analysis and aggregating the baskets in the second stage if the
      results suggest the drug might be effective in all or most baskets. Via
      simulations, we assess the relative efficiencies of the two strategies. Because
      the operating characteristics depend on how many tumor types are sensitive to the
      drug, there is no uniformly efficient strategy. However, our investigation
      demonstrates that substantial efficiencies are possible if the drug works in most
      or all baskets, at the cost of modest losses of power if the drug works in only a
      single basket. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28098412
TI  - A hierarchical modeling approach to estimate regional acute health effects of
      particulate matter sources.
AB  - Exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution has been associated with a
      range of adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease
      hospitalizations and other clinical parameters. Determining which sources of PM,
      such as traffic or industry, are most associated with adverse health outcomes
      could help guide future recommendations aimed at reducing harmful pollution
      exposure for susceptible individuals. Information obtained from multisite
      studies, which is generally more precise than information from a single location,
      is critical to understanding how PM impacts health and to informing local
      strategies for reducing individual-level PM exposure. However, few methods exist
      to perform multisite studies of PM sources, which are not generally directly
      observed, and adverse health outcomes. We developed SHared Across a REgion
      (SHARE), a hierarchical modeling approach that facilitates reproducible,
      multisite epidemiologic studies of PM sources. SHARE is a two-stage approach that
      first summarizes information about PM sources across multiple sites. Then, this
      information is used to determine how community-level (i.e., county-level or city
      level) health effects of PM sources should be pooled to estimate regional-level
      health effects. SHARE is a type of population value decomposition that aims to
      separate out regional-level features from site-level data. Unlike previous
      approaches for multisite epidemiologic studies of PM sources, the SHARE approach
      allows the specific PM sources identified to vary by site. Using data from 2000
      to 2010 for 63 northeastern US counties, we estimated regional-level health
      effects associated with short-term exposure to major types of PM sources. We
      found that PM from secondary sulfate, traffic, and metals sources was most
      associated with cardiovascular disease hospitalizations. Copyright (c) 2017 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28098413
TI  - Dermatomal spread following posterior transversus abdominis plane block in
      pediatric patients: our initial experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several techniques for the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block
      have been described. The extent of sensory changes using an ultrasound-guided
      posterior TAP block (pTAP) remains unclear in pediatric patients. The primary aim
      of this study was to report the extent of sensory changes achieved with pTAP;
      specifically the highest thoracic dermatome anesthetized. Secondary outcomes were
      pain scores (PS), opioid consumption, and complications. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients less than 21 years of
      age undergoing abdominal surgery with a unilateral or bilateral pTAP(s) for
      postoperative analgesia. The local anesthetic was placed posterior to the
      termination of the transversus abdominis muscle where the thoracolumbar fascia
      overrides the quadratus lumborum muscle. The extent of sensory changes, pain
      scores, and opioid consumption were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients (15
      pTAP blocks) met the inclusion criteria. The mean (sd; range) age and weight were
      15 years (5 years; range 7-20 years) and 57 kg (21 kg; 27-97 kg), respectively.
      The cephalad dermatome levels achieved were: T7 in 6/15 (40%); T8 in 10/15 (67%);
      and T9 in 14/15 (93%). An inferior dermatome level of T12/L1 and sensory
      extension from midaxillary line to the midline was documented in 15/15 blocks.
      The mean intraoperative and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) opioid consumption in
      morphine equivalents were 0.34 mg.kg-1 (sd = 0.12 mg.kg-1 ) and 0.04 mg.kg-1 (sd
      = 0.05 mg.kg-1 ), respectively. PACU pain scores were mild (<4) in 60%, moderate
      (4-7) in 30%, and severe (>7) in 10% of patients. No complications were reported.
      DISCUSSION: The current uncertainty regarding sensory blockade limits the
      clinical application of TAP blocks. While the midaxillary approach results in
      unpredictable sensory changes of the abdomen, we reliably achieved sensory
      changes up to a T9 level in 93% of the blocks. CONCLUSION: In this small series
      of patients, we demonstrate a high technical success rate of achieving cutaneous
      analgesia to the abdominal wall. These results should encourage clinical studies
      of the efficacy of this block for abdominal surgery in pediatric patients.

PMID- 28098414
TI  - Integrated photografted molecularly imprinted polymers with a cellulose acetate
      membrane for the extraction of melamine from dry milk before HPLC analysis.
AB  - In this study, a new separation technique based on membrane extraction is
      described for the determination of melamine in dry milk. The water-compatible
      cellulose acetate membrane, which is photografted by melamine imprinted
      nanospheres, was prepared by placing the membrane into the polymerization
      solution containing methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol
      dimethacrylate as cross-linker, acetonitrile as porogen, and melamine as the
      template molecule. The characterization of the polymeric membrane was performed
      by Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
      This integrated composite membrane was used as a solid-phase extraction medium
      for the extraction of melamine from dry milk samples. Various parameters
      affecting the extraction efficiency of the membrane were evaluated. The results
      showed higher binding capacity for melamine imprinted membranes in comparison
      with the nonimprinted membranes. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis
      showed that the extraction of melamine from dry milk by the photografted
      cellulose acetate membrane had a linear calibration curve in the range of 0.02
      11.80 MUg/mL with an excellent precision of 2.73%. The limit of detection and
      quantification of melamine was 0.007 and 0.020 MUg/mL, respectively. The
      recoveries of melamine were in the range of 88.7-94.8%.

PMID- 28098415
TI  - Intracranial AAV-IFN-beta gene therapy eliminates invasive xenograft glioblastoma
      and improves survival in orthotopic syngeneic murine model.
AB  - The highly invasive property of glioblastoma (GBM) cells and genetic
      heterogeneity are largely responsible for tumor recurrence after the current
      standard-of-care treatment and thus a direct cause of death. Previously, we have
      shown that intracranial interferon-beta (IFN-beta) gene therapy by locally
      administered adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) successfully treats noninvasive
      orthotopic glioblastoma models. Here, we extend these findings by testing this
      approach in invasive human GBM xenograft and syngeneic mouse models. First, we
      show that a single intracranial injection of AAV encoding human IFN-beta
      eliminates invasive human GBM8 tumors and promotes long-term survival. Next, we
      screened five AAV-IFN-beta vectors with different promoters to drive safe
      expression of mouse IFN-beta in the brain in the context of syngeneic GL261
      tumors. Two AAV-IFN-beta vectors were excluded due to safety concerns, but
      therapeutic studies with the other three vectors showed extensive tumor cell
      death, activation of microglia surrounding the tumors, and a 56% increase in
      median survival of the animals treated with AAV/P2-Int-mIFN-beta vector. We also
      assessed the therapeutic effect of combining AAV-IFN-beta therapy with
      temozolomide (TMZ). As TMZ affects DNA replication, an event that is crucial for
      second-strand DNA synthesis of single-stranded AAV vectors before active
      transcription, we tested two TMZ treatment regimens. Treatment with TMZ prior to
      AAV-IFN-beta abrogated any benefit from the latter, while the reverse order of
      treatment doubled the median survival compared to controls. These studies
      demonstrate the therapeutic potential of intracranial AAV-IFN-beta therapy in a
      highly migratory GBM model as well as in a syngeneic mouse model and that
      combination with TMZ is likely to enhance its antitumor potency.

PMID- 28098417
TI  - Delivery of anesthesia for children with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III
      (Sanfilippo syndrome): a review of 86 anesthetics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS III) is rare, with 97 cases in the United
      Kingdom between 1988 and 1998. Mucopolysaccharide infiltration of tissues in
      mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) causes multi-systemic pathology including difficult
      airways and cardiac disease. Published anesthesia case reviews of Sanfilippo
      syndrome have included limited numbers of patients to date. AIM: To identify the
      perioperative management and complications of anesthesia in children with
      mucopolysaccharidosis Type III at Great Ormond Street Hospital. METHODS: A
      retrospective case note review of all children with MPS III in our institution
      was undertaken. All medical notes and anesthetic charts were analyzed, and
      conduct of anesthesia, airway management, perioperative complications, and
      associated comorbidities were identified. RESULTS: There were 43 patients with
      MPS III, of which 34 required anesthesia, on 86 occasions for 156 procedures
      between 1993 and 2015. Dental extraction was the likeliest indication for
      anesthesia (34%) (general surgery [30%]; ear, nose, and throat [26%]; other
      [10%]). Thirteen of 34 patients had cardiac pathology (valvular [n = 6],
      functional [n = 6], electrophysiological [n = 1]). Ten of 34 patients had
      evidence of clotting abnormality (mild prolonged clotting time [n = 5], low von
      Willebrand factor [n = 2], thrombocytopenia [n = 3]). The majority of intubations
      were Cormack-Lehane Grade 1 (n = 47) (Grade 2 [n = 14], Grade 3 [n = 1], Grade 4
      [n = 1]). In 86 anesthetics, there were 0 cases of difficulty with mask
      ventilation. There was 1 case of failed intubation. They were subsequently
      anesthetized by a different operator uneventfully at a later date. Two
      perioperative complications occurred: a failed intubation and bleeding during
      adenoidectomy. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate a difficult airway is unlikely when
      anesthetizing an MPS III patient although a risk does remain. A significant
      proportion of MPS III have cardiac involvement although no perioperative
      complications were described. With associated coagulation issues, bleeding
      tendency, while uncommon, can occur in this group.

PMID- 28098416
TI  - Motuporamine Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents and Antibiotic Enhancers against
      Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria.
AB  - Dihydromotuporamine C and its derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro
      antimicrobial activities and antibiotic enhancement properties against Gram
      negative bacteria and clinical isolates. The mechanism of action of one of these
      derivatives, MOTU-N44, was investigated against Enterobacter aerogenes by using
      fluorescent dyes to evaluate outer-membrane depolarization and permeabilization.
      Its efficiency correlated with inhibition of dye transport, thus suggesting that
      these molecules inhibit drug transporters by de-energization of the efflux pump
      rather than by direct interaction of the molecule with the pump. This suggests
      that depowering the efflux pump provides another strategy to address antibiotic
      resistance.

PMID- 28098418
TI  - Investigation of the variability of anterior chamber scan protocol with Cirrus
      high definition optical coherence tomography.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The evaluation of anterior chamber scan of Cirrus optical coherence
      tomography for routine clinical use. BACKGROUND: To assess the variability of
      anterior chamber angle measurements. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study.
      PARTICIPANTS: Forty subjects aged 40-80 years were included. METHODS: One
      randomly selected eye from 40 subjects was imaged with Cirrus optical coherence
      tomography (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) by two different operators (expert
      vs. non-expert) with a 15-min interval for inter-observer and intra-observer
      variability of image acquisition. For image grading, the angle opening distance
      (AOD750) and the trabecular iris space area (TISA750) of nasal and temporal
      quadrants were measured with a customized algorithm (ImageJ, NIH, Bethesda, MD)
      by two different graders in a masked and random fashion. Bland Altman analysis
      and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: ICC and limit of agreements (LOA). RESULTS: There were 15 (37.5%) eyes
      with closed angles. For inter-observer variability, the mean difference (95% LOA)
      of AOD750 for image acquisition and grading were -0.0039 mm (-0.0486, 0.0408) and
      0.0011 mm (-0.0228, 0.025), respectively. The mean difference (95% LOA) of AOD750
      for intra-observer variability for image acquisition and grading were 0.0013 mm (
      0.0362, 0.0389) and -0.0013 mm (-0.0482, 0.0457), respectively. The ICCs were all
      >=0.9. There was no significant difference in measurement variability between
      open and closed angles (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Anterior chamber
      scan had low inter-observer and intra-observer variability in quantitative
      evaluation that was not affected by the angle status or the experience of an
      operator.

PMID- 28098419
TI  - Determination of a broad spectrum of endocrine-disrupting pesticides in fish
      samples by UHPLC-MS/MS using the pass-through cleanup approach.
AB  - We describe a new methodology for the simultaneous determination of the endocrine
      disrupting herbicides (acetochlor, alachlor, amitrole, and atrazine), fungicides
      (carbendazim, triadimefon, penconazole, and propiconazole), and insecticides
      (carbaryl and carbofuran) in fish samples followed by high-performance liquid
      chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted and purified
      using the pass-through cleanup approach. The recoveries of the pesticides were in
      the range 71.8-116.5%, with relative standard deviations lower than 15.28%.
      Limits of quantitation were in the range of 0.03-2.50 MUg/kg. Validation results
      on linearity, accuracy, and precision, as well as on application to the analysis
      of the endocrine-disrupting pesticides in 20 fish samples, demonstrated the
      applicability to screen the presence of pesticides in fish.

PMID- 28098420
TI  - Deciphering chemical interactions between Glycyrrhizae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma
      by liquid chromatography with transformed multiple reaction monitoring mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - In this study, we propose an integrated strategy for the efficient identification
      and quantification of herbal constituents using liquid chromatography with mass
      spectrometry. First, liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry was employed for the chemical profiling of herbs, where a targeted
      following nontargeted approach was developed to detect trace constituents by
      using structural correlations and extracted ion chromatograms. Next, ion pairs
      and parameters of MS2 of quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry were
      selected to design multiple reaction monitoring transitions for the identified
      compounds on liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The
      relative concentration of each constituent was then calculated using a
      semiquantitative calibration curve. The proposed strategy was applied in a study
      of chemical interactions between Glycyrrhizae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma. A total
      of 140 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized from the herbs, 132
      of which were relatively quantified. The visualized quantitative results clearly
      showed codecoction produced significant constituent concentration variations
      especially for those with a low polarity. The case study also indicated that the
      present methodology could provide a reliable, accurate, and labor-saving solution
      for chemical studies of herbal medicines.

PMID- 28098421
TI  - Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) Sheets Decorated with OLi, ONa, and Li2 F
      Molecules for Enhanced Energy Storage.
AB  - First-principles electronic structure calculations were carried out on hexagonal
      boron nitride (h-BN) sheets functionalized with small molecules, such as OLi,
      ONa, and Li2 F, to study their hydrogen (H2 ) storage properties. We found that
      OLi and ONa strongly adsorb on h-BN sheets with reasonably large inter-adsorbent
      separations, which is desirable for H2 storage. Ab initio molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations further confirmed the structural stability of OLi-BN and ONa-BN
      systems at 400 K. On the other hand, Li2 F molecules form clusters over the
      surface of h-BN at higher temperatures. We performed a Bader charge investigation
      to explore the nature of binding between the functionalized molecules and h-BN
      sheets. The density of states (DOS) revealed that functionalized h-BN sheets
      become metallic with two-sided coverage of each type of molecules. Hydrogenation
      of OLi-BN and ONa-BN revealed that the functionalized systems adsorb multiple H2
      molecules around the Li and Na atoms, with H2 adsorption energies ranging from
      0.20 to 0.28 eV, which is desirable for an efficient H2 storage material.

PMID- 28098422
TI  - Structural Elucidation of a Nonpeptidic Inhibitor Specific for the Human
      Immunoproteasome.
AB  - Selective inhibition of the immunoproteasome is a promising approach towards the
      development of immunomodulatory drugs. Recently, a class of substituted thiazole
      compounds that combine a nonpeptidic scaffold with the absence of an electrophile
      was reported in a patent. Here, we investigated the mode of action of the lead
      compound by using a sophisticated chimeric yeast model of the human
      immunoproteasome for structural studies. The inhibitor adopts a unique
      orientation perpendicular to the beta5i substrate-binding channel. Distinct
      interactions between the inhibitor and the subpockets of the human
      immunoproteasome account for its isotype selectivity.

PMID- 28098424
TI  - Application of zein-modified magnetite nanoparticles in dispersive magnetic micro
      solid-phase extraction of synthetic food dyes in foodstuffs.
AB  - A simple method for the simultaneous and trace analysis of four synthetic food
      azo dyes including carmoisine, ponceau 4R, sunset yellow, and allura red from
      some foodstuff samples was developed by combining dispersive MU-solid-phase
      extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection.
      Zein-modified magnetic Fe3 O4 nanoparticles were prepared and used for MU-solid
      phase extraction of trace amounts of mentioned food dyes. The prepared modified
      magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and
      FTIR spectroscopy. The factors affecting the extraction of the target analytes
      such as pH, amount of sorbent, extraction time, type and volume of the desorption
      eluent, and desorption time were investigated. Under the optimized conditions,
      the method provided good repeatability with relative standard deviations lower
      than 5.8% (n = 9). Limit of detection values ranged between 0.3 and 0.9 ng/mL
      with relatively high enrichment factors (224-441). Comparing the obtained results
      indicated that Fe3 O4 nanoparticles modified by zein biopolymer show better
      analytical application than bare magnetic nanoparticles. The proposed method was
      also applied for the determination of target synthetic food dyes in foodstuff
      samples such as carbonated beverage, snack, and candy samples.

PMID- 28098423
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiac
      dysfunction through activating Akt signalling in rats.
AB  - The clinical application of doxorubicin (Dox) is limited by its adverse effect of
      cardiotoxicity. Previous studies have suggested the cardioprotective effect of
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We hypothesize that BDNF could protect
      against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Sprague Dawley rats were injected with Dox
      (2.5 mg/kg, 3 times/week, i.p.), in the presence or absence of recombinant BDNF
      (0.4 MUg/kg, i.v.) for 2 weeks. H9c2 cells were treated with Dox (1 MUM) and/or
      BDNF (400 ng/ml) for 24 hrs. Functional roles of BDNF against Dox-induced cardiac
      injury were examined both in vivo and in vitro. Protein level of BDNF was reduced
      in Dox-treated rat ventricles, whereas BDNF and its receptor tropomyosin-related
      kinase B (TrkB) were markedly up-regulated after BDNF administration. Brain
      derived neurotrophic factor significantly inhibited Dox-induced cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis, oxidative stress and cardiac dysfunction in rats. Meanwhile, BDNF
      increased cell viability, inhibited apoptosis and DNA damage of Dox-treated H9c2
      cells. Investigations of the underlying mechanisms revealed that BDNF activated
      Akt and preserved phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin and Bad
      without affecting p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular
      regulated protein kinase pathways. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of BDNF was
      abolished by BDNF scavenger TrkB-Fc or Akt inhibitor. In conclusion, our findings
      reveal a potent protective role of BDNF against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity by
      activating Akt signalling, which may facilitate the safe use of Dox in cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 28098425
TI  - Cardiovascular effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapies in
      patients with type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 28098426
TI  - Dapagliflozin in patients with type 1 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of the effect
      of insulin dose adjustments on 24-hour continuously monitored mean glucose and
      fasting beta-hydroxybutyrate levels in a phase IIa pilot study.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the effects of total daily insulin dose (TDD) reductions on
      24-hour continuously monitored mean glucose and fasting beta-hydroxybutyrate (a
      marker for diabetic ketosis/ketoacidosis [DKA]) levels, using patient-level data
      from a 14-day, pilot study of dapagliflozin in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). METHODS: A
      post hoc exploratory correlation analysis was performed to determine the
      relationship between change in TDD and (1) 24-hour mean glucose, assessed by
      continuous glucose monitoring, and (2) fasting beta-hydroxybutyrate, in 70
      patients with T1DM receiving insulin and dapagliflozin (1, 2.5, 5 or 10 mg) or
      placebo. The pharmacodynamic effect of dapagliflozin was estimated as a virtual
      "insulin dose" using 24-hour urinary glucose excretion values and a recognized
      insulin-to-carbohydrate counting technique. RESULTS: Trends for correlations were
      observed between change in TDD and 24-hour glucose (day 7: r = -0.264, P = .056)
      and beta-hydroxybutyrate (day 7: r = -0.187, P = .133; day 14: r = -0.274, P =
      .047). The pharmacodynamic effect of dapagliflozin 5 or 10 mg was estimated as
      equivalent to ~20% of baseline TDD. Higher mean and maximum beta-hydroxybutyrate
      levels were observed on days 7 and 14 in patients with a TDD reduction >20% vs
      <=20%. CONCLUSIONS: Over 14 days, decreasing the insulin dose diminished the
      glucose-lowering effect of dapagliflozin-insulin combination therapy and
      increased levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate. While insulin dose adjustments should
      always be individualized, these analyses suggest that, as a general rule, TDD
      reduction in dapagliflozin-treated patients with T1DM should not exceed 20%, to
      ensure glycaemic control does not deteriorate and to mitigate the potential for
      an increased risk of DKA.

PMID- 28098427
TI  - Emergence of mania in two middle-aged patients with a history of unipolar
      treatment-refractory depression receiving vagus nerve stimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We report on two patients who experienced emergence of full manic
      symptoms while receiving vagal nerve stimulation (VNS). METHODS: Two patients,
      both with a well-documented and verified history of longstanding unipolar
      depression, were initiated on VNS for treatment of their severe major depressive
      episodes. RESULTS: The two patients had emergence of full manic symptoms after 8
      and 9 months of VNS, respectively. Manic symptoms were adequately managed with
      standard treatments (mood stabilizer and electroconvulsive therapy) and VNS was
      continued in the two subjects for up to 5 years without any further occurrences
      of manic/hypomanic episodes. CONCLUSIONS: These cases suggest that some patients
      with treatment-resistant depression may have a previously unrecognized bipolar
      disorder, triggered only by VNS. This report also provides evidence that VNS
      induced manic switches, however serious and troubling to patients, can be managed
      safely, and that VNS maintenance can be continued for an extended period of time
      without manic relapses. Although the mechanism of action of VNS is not known,
      emerging evidence supports central nervous system dopaminergic and possibly
      cholinergic system involvement.

PMID- 28098428
TI  - The self-sufficient P450 RhF expressed in a whole cell system selectively
      catalyses the 5-hydroxylation of diclofenac.
AB  - P450 monooxygenases are able to catalyze the highly regio- and stereoselective
      oxidations of many organic molecules. However, the scale-up of such bio
      oxidations remains challenging due to the often-low activity, level of expression
      and stability of P450 biocatalysts. Despite these challenges they are
      increasingly desirable as recombinant biocatalysts, particularly for the
      production of drug metabolites. Diclofenac is a widely used anti-inflammatory
      drug that is persistent in the environment along with the 4'- and 5-hydroxy
      metabolites. Here we have used the self-sufficient P450 RhF (CYP116B2) from
      Rhodococcus sp. in a whole cell system to reproducibly catalyze the highly
      regioselective oxidation of diclofenac to 5-hydroxydiclofenac. The product is a
      human metabolite and as such is an important standard for environmental and
      toxicological analysis. Furthermore, access to significant quantities of 5
      hydroxydiclofenac has allowed us to demonstrate further oxidative degradation to
      the toxic quinoneimine product. Our studies demonstrate the potential for gram
      scale production of human drug metabolites through recombinant whole cell
      biocatalysis.

PMID- 28098429
TI  - Natural history of nonimmune-mediated thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury in
      pediatric open-heart surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury (AKI) are common following
      pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, the
      relationship between postoperative nadir platelet counts and AKI has not been
      investigated in the pediatric population. Our objective was to investigate this
      relationship and examine independent predictors of AKI. DESIGN: After IRB
      approval, we performed a retrospective review of the institution's medical
      records and database. SETTING: This study was performed at a single institution
      over a 5-year period. PATIENTS: We included patients <21 years of age undergoing
      cardiac surgery with CPB. INTERVENTIONS: Demographics, laboratory, and surgical
      characteristics were captured, and clinical event rates were recorded.
      MEASUREMENTS: Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate platelet and
      creatinine distributions. T-tests and chi-squared tests were used to compare
      characteristics among Acute Kidney Injury Network groups. Multivariable logistic
      and ordinal logistic regression models were used to determine the association of
      our predictor of interest, postoperative nadir platelet count and AKI. RESULTS:
      Eight hundred and fourteen patients (23% infants and 23% neonates) were included
      in the analysis. Postoperative platelet counts decreased 48% from baseline
      reaching a mean nadir value of 150 * 109 .l-1 on postoperative day 3. AKI
      occurred in 37% of patients including 13%, 17%, and 6% with Acute Kidney Injury
      Network stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The magnitude of nadir platelet counts
      correlated with the severity of AKI. Independent predictors of severity of AKI
      include nadir platelet counts, CPB time, Aristotle score, patient weight, intra
      operative packed red blood cell transfusion, and having a heart transplant
      procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric open-heart surgery, thrombocytopenia and AKI
      occur commonly following CPB. Our findings show a strong association between
      nadir platelet counts and the severity of AKI.

PMID- 28098430
TI  - Behavioral and Electrophysiological Alterations for Reinforcement Learning in
      Manic and Euthymic Patients with Bipolar Disorder.
AB  - AIMS: Bipolar disorder is characterized by behavioral changes such as risk-taking
      and increasing goal-directed activities, which may result from altered reward
      processing. Patients with bipolar disorder show impaired reward learning in
      situations that require the integration of reinforced feedback over time. In this
      study, we examined the behavioral and electrophysiological characteristics of
      reward learning in manic and euthymic patients with bipolar disorder using a
      probabilistic reward task. METHODS: Twenty-four manic and 20 euthymic patients
      with bipolar I disorder and 24 healthy control subjects performed the
      probabilistic reward task. We assessed response bias (RB) as a preference for the
      stimulus paired with the more frequent reward and feedback-related negativity
      (FRN) to correct identification of the rich stimulus. RESULTS: Both manic and
      euthymic patients showed significantly lower RB scores in the early learning
      stage (block 1) in comparison with the late learning stage (block 2 or block 3)
      of the task, as well as significantly lower RB scores in the early stage compared
      to healthy subjects. Relatively more negative FRN amplitude is elicited by no
      presentation of an expected reward, compared to that elicited by presentation of
      expected feedback. The FRN became significantly more negative from the early
      (block 1) to the later stages (blocks 2 and 3) in both manic and euthymic
      patients, but not in healthy subjects. Changes in RB scores and FRN amplitudes
      between blocks 2 and 3 and block 1 correlated positively in healthy controls, but
      correlated negatively in manic and euthymic patients. The severity of manic
      symptoms correlated positively with reward learning scores and negatively with
      the FRN. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that patients with bipolar disorder
      during euthymic or manic states have behavioral and electrophysiological
      alterations in reward learning compared to healthy subjects. This dysfunctional
      reward processing may be related to the abnormal decision-making or altered goal
      directed activities frequently seen in patients with bipolar disorder.

PMID- 28098431
TI  - Synthesis and Characterisation of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Bismuth Composite for
      Electrodes in Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices.
AB  - A reduced graphene oxide/bismuth (rGO/Bi) composite was synthesized for the first
      time using a polyol process at a low reaction temperature and with a short
      reaction time (60  degrees C and 3 hours, respectively). The as-prepared sample
      is structured with 20-50 nm diameter bismuth particles distributed on the rGO
      sheets. The rGO/Bi composite displays a combination of capacitive and battery
      like charge storage, achieving a specific capacity value of 773 C g-1 at a
      current density of 0.2 A g-1 when charged to 1 V. The material not only has good
      power density but also shows moderate stability in cycling tests with current
      densities as high as 5 A g-1 . The relatively high abundance and low price of
      bismuth make this rGO/Bi material a promising candidate for use in electrode
      materials in future energy storage devices.

PMID- 28098432
TI  - A Multi-Mitochondrial Anticancer Agent that Selectively Kills Cancer Cells and
      Overcomes Drug Resistance.
AB  - Mitochondria are double-membrane-bound organelles involved mainly in supplying
      cellular energy, but also play roles in signaling, cell differentiation, and cell
      death. Mitochondria are implicated in carcinogenesis, and therefore dozens of
      lethal signal transduction pathways converge on these organelles. Accordingly,
      mitochondria provide an alternative target for cancer management. In this study,
      F16, a drug that targets mitochondria, and chlorambucil (CBL), which is indicated
      for the treatment of selected human neoplastic diseases, were covalently linked,
      resulting in the synthesis of a multi-mitochondrial anticancer agent, FCBL. FCBL
      can associate with human serum albumin (HSA) to form an HSA-FCBL nanodrug, which
      selectively recognizes cancer cells, but not normal cells. Systematic
      investigations show that FCBL partially accumulates in cancer cell mitochondria
      to depolarize mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increase reactive oxygen
      species (ROS), and attack mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). With this synergistic effect
      on multiple mitochondrial components, the nanodrug can effectively kill cancer
      cells and overcome multiple drug resistance. Furthermore, based on its
      therapeutic window, HSA-FCBL exhibits clinically significant differential
      cytotoxicity between normal and malignant cells. Finally, while drug dosage and
      drug resistance typically limit first-line mono-chemotherapy, HSA-FCBL, with its
      ability to compromise mitochondrial membrane integrity and damage mtDNA, is
      expected to overcome those limitations to become an ideal candidate for the
      treatment of neoplastic disease.

PMID- 28098433
TI  - Synthesis and Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory N-Substituted 3,5-Bis(2
      (trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)piperidin-4-ones.
AB  - A total of 24 N-substituted 3,5-bis(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)piperidin-4
      one derivatives were synthesized via aldol condensation, and their anti
      inflammatory activities were evaluated. These compounds were found to have no
      significant cytotoxicity against mouse bone marrow cells in vitro. However, some
      compounds, such as c6 (N-(3-methylbenzoyl)-3,5-bis-(2
      (trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)piperidin-4-one) and c10 (N-(2-chlorobenzoyl)-3,5
      bis-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)piperidin-4-one), displayed potent anti
      inflammatory activity by inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1beta, prostaglandin E2
      (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells. Treatment with c6 or
      c10 at 2.5 or 10 mg kg-1 significantly decreased the paw edema induced by
      carrageenan in rats, and the anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds were
      found to be better than those of celecoxib or indomethacin as well as their
      parent compound C66 (2,6-bis-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)cyclohexanone).
      Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that c6 has better bioavailability than
      curcumin. Therefore, these compounds may be valuable leads for the development of
      new anti-inflammatory drugs.

PMID- 28098434
TI  - Method for the unique identification of hyperelastic material properties using
      full-field measures. Application to the passive myocardium material response.
AB  - Quantitative measurement of the material properties (eg, stiffness) of biological
      tissues is poised to become a powerful diagnostic tool. There are currently
      several methods in the literature to estimating material stiffness, and we extend
      this work by formulating a framework that leads to uniquely identified material
      properties. We design an approach to work with full-field displacement data-ie,
      we assume the displacement field due to the applied forces is known both on the
      boundaries and also within the interior of the body of interest-and seek
      stiffness parameters that lead to balanced internal and external forces in a
      model. For in vivo applications, the displacement data can be acquired clinically
      using magnetic resonance imaging while the forces may be computed from pressure
      measurements, eg, through catheterization. We outline a set of conditions under
      which the least-square force error objective function is convex, yielding
      uniquely identified material properties. An important component of our framework
      is a new numerical strategy to formulate polyconvex material energy laws that are
      linear in the material properties and provide one optimal description of the
      available experimental data. An outcome of our approach is the analysis of the
      reliability of the identified material properties, even for material laws that do
      not admit unique property identification. Lastly, we evaluate our approach using
      passive myocardium experimental data at the material point and show its
      application to identifying myocardial stiffness with an in silico experiment
      modeling the passive filling of the left ventricle.

PMID- 28098435
TI  - Supramolecular Helical Nanofibers Formed by Achiral Monomers and Their Reversible
      Sol-Gel Transition.
AB  - Well-defined supramolecular helical nanofibers have been constructed by a
      rationally designed achiral monomer in aqueous solution based on the 1:2 host
      guest combination between cucurbit[8]uril and a 4,4'-bipyridin-1-ium chloride
      (BPY+ ) salt derivative. The formed nanostructures could be adjusted by varying
      the concentration of monomer from helical nanofibers to a pH-responsive hydrogel.

PMID- 28098437
TI  - Opiates for Chronic Pain.

PMID- 28098436
TI  - Bringing 3D tumor models to the clinic - predictive value for personalized
      medicine.
AB  - Current decision-guiding algorithms in cancer drug treatment are based on decades
      of research and numerous clinical trials. For the majority of patients, this data
      is successfully applied for a systemic disease management. For a number of
      patients however, treatment stratification according to clinically based risk
      criteria will not be sufficient. The most effective treatment options are ideally
      identified prior to the start of clinical drug therapy. This review will discuss
      the implementation of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models as a preclinical
      testing paradigm for the efficacy of clinical cancer treatment. Patient tumor
      derived cells in 3D cultures duplicate the individual tumor microenvironment with
      a minimum of confounding factors. Clinical implementation of such personalized
      tumor models requires a high quality of methodological and clinical validation
      comparable to other biomarkers. A non-systematic literature search demonstrated
      the small number of prospective studies that have been conducted in this area of
      research. This may explain the current reluctance of many physicians and
      insurance providers in implementing this type of assay into the clinical
      diagnostic routine despite potential benefit for patients. Achieving valid and
      reproducible results with a high level of evidence is central in improving the
      acceptance of preclinical 3D tumor models.

PMID- 28098439
TI  - Understanding the proteomes using non-proteomics approaches: Expanding the scope
      of PROTEOMICS.

PMID- 28098440
TI  - Corrosion Protection of Copper Using Al2O3, TiO2, ZnO, HfO2, and ZrO2 Atomic
      Layer Deposition.
AB  - Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a viable means to add corrosion protection to
      copper metal. Ultrathin films of Al2O3, TiO2, ZnO, HfO2, and ZrO2 were deposited
      on copper metal using ALD, and their corrosion protection properties were
      measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and linear sweep
      voltammetry (LSV). Analysis of ~50 nm thick films of each metal oxide
      demonstrated low electrochemical porosity and provided enhanced corrosion
      protection from aqueous NaCl solution. The surface pretreatment and roughness was
      found to affect the extent of the corrosion protection. Films of Al2O3 or HfO2
      provided the highest level of initial corrosion protection, but films of HfO2
      exhibited the best coating quality after extended exposure. This is the first
      reported instance of using ultrathin films of HfO2 or ZrO2 produced with ALD for
      corrosion protection, and both are promising materials for corrosion protection.

PMID- 28098441
TI  - Ultrasmooth Perovskite Film via Mixed Anti-Solvent Strategy with Improved
      Efficiency.
AB  - Most antisolvents employed in previous research were miscible with perovskite
      precursor solution. They always led to fast formation of perovskite even if the
      intermediate stage existed, which was not beneficial to obtain high quality
      perovskite films and made the formation process less controllable. In this work,
      a novel ethyl ether/n-hexane mixed antisolvent (MAS) was used to achieve high
      nucleation density and slow down the formation process of perovskite, producing
      films with improved orientation of grains and ultrasmooth surfaces. These high
      quality films exhibited efficient charge transport at the interface of
      perovskite/hole transport material and perovskite solar cells based on these
      films showed greatly improved performance with the best power conversion
      efficiency of 17.08%. This work also proposed a selection principle of MAS and
      showed that solvent engineering by designing the mixed antisolvent system can
      lead to the fabrication of high-performance perovskite solar cells.

PMID- 28098442
TI  - NASICON-Type Mg0.5Ti2(PO4)3 Negative Electrode Material Exhibits Different
      Electrochemical Energy Storage Mechanisms in Na-Ion and Li-Ion Batteries.
AB  - A carbon-coated Mg0.5Ti2(PO4)3 polyanion material was prepared by the sol-gel
      method and then studied as the negative electrode materials for lithium-ion and
      sodium-ion batteries. The material showed a specific capacity of 268.6 mAh g-1 in
      the voltage window of 0.01-3.0 V vs Na+/Na0. Due to the fast diffusion of Na+ in
      the NASICON framework, the material exhibited superior rate capability with a
      specific capacity of 94.4 mAh g-1 at a current density of 5A g-1. Additionally,
      99.1% capacity retention was achieved after 300 cycles, demonstrating excellent
      cycle stability. By comparison, Mg0.5Ti2(PO4)3 delivered 629.2 mAh g-1 in 0.01
      3.0 V vs Li+/Li0, much higher than that of the sodium-ion cells. During the first
      discharge, the material decomposed to Ti/Mg nanoparticles, which were
      encapsulated in an amorphous SEI and Li3PO4 matrix. Li+ ions were stored in the
      Li3PO4 matrix and the SEI film formed/decomposed in subsequent cycles,
      contributing to the large Li+ capacity of Mg0.5Ti2(PO4)3. However, the lithium
      ion cells exhibited inferior rate capability and cycle stability compared to the
      sodium-ion cells due to the sluggish electrochemical kinetics of the electrode.

PMID- 28098443
TI  - Fe-Cluster Pushing Electrons to N-Doped Graphitic Layers with Fe3C(Fe) Hybrid
      Nanostructure to Enhance O2 Reduction Catalysis of Zn-Air Batteries.
AB  - Non-noble metal catalysts with catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction
      reaction (ORR) comparable or even superior to that of Pt/C are extremely
      important for the wide application of metal-air batteries and fuel cells. Here,
      we develop a simple and controllable strategy to synthesize Fe-cluster embedded
      in Fe3C nanoparticles (designated as Fe3C(Fe)) encased in nitrogen-doped
      graphitic layers (NDGLs) with graphitic shells as a novel hybrid nanostructure as
      an effective ORR catalyst by directly pyrolyzing a mixture of Prussian blue (PB)
      and glucose. The pyrolysis temperature was found to be the key parameter for
      obtaining a stable Fe3C(Fe)@NDGL core-shell nanostructure with an optimized
      content of nitrogen. The optimized Fe3C(Fe)@NDGL catalyst showed high catalytic
      performance of ORR comparable to that of the Pt/C (20 wt %) catalyst and better
      stability than that of the Pt/C catalyst in alkaline electrolyte. According to
      the experimental results and first principle calculation, the high activity of
      the Fe3C(Fe)@NDGL catalyst can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of an
      adequate content of nitrogen doping in graphitic carbon shells and Fe-cluster
      pushing electrons to NDGL. A zinc-air battery utilizing the Fe3C(Fe)@NDGL
      catalyst demonstrated a maximum power density of 186 mW cm-2, which is slightly
      higher than that of a zinc-air battery utilizing the commercial Pt/C catalyst
      (167 mW cm-2), mostly because of the large surface area of the N-doped graphitic
      carbon shells. Theoretical calculation verified that O2 molecules can
      spontaneously adsorb on both pristine and nitrogen doped graphene surfaces and
      then quickly diffuse to the catalytically active nitrogen sites. Our catalyst can
      potentially become a promising replacement for Pt catalysts in metal-air
      batteries and fuel cells.

PMID- 28098444
TI  - Heterogeneous Electrocatalyst with Molecular Cobalt Ions Serving as the Center of
      Active Sites.
AB  - Molecular Co2+ ions were grafted onto doped graphene in a coordination
      environment, resulting in the formation of molecularly well-defined, highly
      active electrocatalytic sites at a heterogeneous interface for the oxygen
      evolution reaction (OER). The S dopants of graphene are suggested to be one of
      the binding sites and to be responsible for improving the intrinsic activity of
      the Co sites. The turnover frequency of such Co sites is greater than that of
      many Co-based nanostructures and IrO2 catalysts. Through a series of carefully
      designed experiments, the pathway for the evolution of the Co cation-based
      molecular catalyst for the OER was further demonstrated on such a single Co-ion
      site for the first time. The Co2+ ions were successively oxidized to Co3+ and
      Co4+ states prior to the OER. The sequential oxidation was coupled with the
      transfer of different numbers of protons/hydroxides and generated an active
      Co4+?O fragment. A side-on hydroperoxo ligand of the Co4+ site is proposed as a
      key intermediate for the formation of dioxygen.

PMID- 28098445
TI  - Circular and Chainlike Copper(II)-Lanthanide(III) Complexes Generated by Assembly
      Reactions of Racemic and Chiral Copper(II) Cross-Linking Ligand Complexes with
      LnIII(NO3)3.6H2O (LnIII = GdIII, TbIII, DyIII).
AB  - The 1:1 assembly reaction of the racemic form of the cross-linking ligand complex
      Na[CuIILdpen(1R2R/1S2S)] with LnIII(NO3)3.6H2O gave the centrosymmetric circular
      (CuIILnIII)2 complex [CuIILdpen(1R2R/1S2S)LnIII(NO3)2]2 (1Ln: Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy),
      while the reaction of the enantiopure form Na[CuIILdpen(1R2R)] with
      LnIII(NO3)3.6H2O gave the chiral chainlike (CuIILnIII)1infinity complex
      [CuIILdpen(1R2R)LnIII(NO3)2(CH3CN)]1infinity.CH3CN (2Ln: Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy), where
      {CuIILdpen(1R2R)}- is (N-((1R,2R)-2-(((E)-3-ethoxy-2-oxybenzylidene)amino)-1,2
      diphenylethyl)-2-oxybenzamide)copper(II) and {CuIILdpen(1R2R/1S2S)}- is the
      racemic mixture of {CuIILdpen(1R2R)}- and {CuIILdpen(1S2S)}-. The copper(II)
      component functions as a cross-linking ligand complex and bridges two LnIII ions
      at two phenoxo oxygen atoms and one ethoxy oxygen atom, as well as at an amido
      oxygen atom. For 1Ln, two binuclear species of [CuIILdpen(1R2R)LnIII(NO3)2] and
      [CuIILdpen(1S2S)LnIII(NO3)2] with opposite chiralities are linked by two amido
      oxygen atoms O3 and O3* to form a centrosymmetric circular structure with Gd-Cu =
      3.370(1) A and Gd-Cu* = 5.627(1) A. For 2Ln, binuclear species with the same
      chirality are bridged by Gd-O3* = 2.228(5) A to form a chiral chainlike structure
      with Gd-Cu = 3.3348(9) A and Gd-Cu* = 6.2326(9) A. The bridged angles through the
      amido group of Gd-O3*?C7* are 133.9(5) and 177.6(4) degrees  for 1Gd and 2Gd,
      respectively. The magnetic susceptibilities of 1Gd and 2Gd were analyzed by the
      spin-only Hamiltonian on the basis of the circular tetranuclear (-CuIIGdIII-)2
      and linear chainlike (-CuIIGdIII-)1infinity structures, respectively. The CuII
      GdIII magnetic interactions through two phenoxo bridges and a three-atom N-C?O
      bridge, J1 and J2, are both ferromagnetic to be J1 = +4.6 cm-1 and J2 = +1.8 cm-1
      for 1Gd and J1 = +4.2 cm-1 and J2 = +0.037 cm-1 for 2Gd. The J2 value of 2Gd is
      much smaller than that of 1Gd. When the temperature was lowered, 1Ln and 2Ln (Ln
      = Tb, Dy) showed a decrease in the chiMT vs T plot due to crystal field effects
      on the LnIII ion (Stark splitting) and an increase due to the ferromagnetic CuII
      LnIII interaction. The magnetization values of 1Ln and 2Ln (Ln = Tb, Dy) without
      liquid paraffin are considerably larger than the corresponding values with liquid
      paraffin, indicating the presence of strong magnetic anisotropy. 1Tb and 1Dy
      showed frequency dependence of ac magnetic susceptibility under zero external dc
      magnetic field, showing the behavior of single-molecule magnets (SMMs). 2Tb and
      2Dy showed no frequency dependence under a zero external magnetic field but
      showed a meaningful frequency dependence under an external magnetic field. Their
      energy barriers, Delta/kB, estimated by the Arrhenius plots are 29.4(6) and
      20.6(3) K for 1Tb and 2Tb under dc bias fields of 0 and 1000 Oe, respectively,
      and those of 1Dy and 2Dy are 13.1(9) K and 16.4(2) K under dc bias fields of 0
      and 1000 Oe, respectively.

PMID- 28098446
TI  - Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in Cork Agglomerates by GDME-HPLC-UV:
      Identification of the Extracted Compounds by HPLC-MS/MS.
AB  - A new approach is proposed for the extraction and determination of carbonyl
      compounds in solid samples, such as wood or cork materials. Cork products are
      used as building materials due to their singular characteristics; however, little
      is known about its aldehyde emission potential and content. Sample preparation
      was done by using a gas-diffusion microextraction (GDME) device for the direct
      extraction of volatile aldehydes and derivatization with 2,4
      dinitrophenylhydrazine. Analytical determination of the extracts was done by HPLC
      UV, with detection at 360 nm. The developed methodology proved to be a reliable
      tool for aldehyde determination in cork agglomerate samples with suitable method
      features. Mass spectrometry studies were performed for each sample, which enabled
      the identification, in the extracts, of the derivatization products of a total of
      13 aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, furfural, propanal, 5-methylfurfural,
      butanal, benzaldehyde, pentanal, hexanal, trans-2-heptenal, heptanal, octanal,
      and trans-2-nonenal) and 4 ketones (3-hydroxy-2-butanone, acetone, cyclohexanone,
      and acetophenone). This new analytical methodology simultaneously proved to be
      consistent for the identification and determination of aldehydes in cork
      agglomerates and a very simple and straightforward procedure.

PMID- 28098448
TI  - New Insights into Trihalomethane and Haloacetic Acid Formation Potentials:
      Correlation with the Molecular Composition of Natural Organic Matter in Source
      Water.
AB  - Natural organic matter (NOM) represents the major source of precursors for
      disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic
      acids (HAAs), formed during disinfection of drinking water, but the molecular
      composition and reactivity of NOM remain not well understood. In this study,
      electrospray ionization coupled to Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass
      spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) was used to characterize the molecular composition of
      NOM of 20 source waters taken across China for the purpose of determining the
      major precursors of THMs and HAAs at molecular level. It was found that there is
      a core of NOM compositions that are ubiquitous in different source waters, which
      is supposed to be more relevant for NOM quality. Formation potentials (FP) of
      THMs and HAAs were determined for NOM from different source waters during
      chlorination. Spearman's rank correlation was used to link THMFP and HAAFP with
      the individual molecular composition of NOM. Significant correlation (P < 0.001)
      was found between DBPFP and the NOM molecules with a high O/C ratio and low H/C
      ratio, indicating these molecules could contribute greatly to the formation of
      THMs and HAAs during chlorination. The link of THMFP and HAAFP with individual
      NOM molecules may allow us to develop more effective treatment strategies to
      achieve the drinking water safety objective: effective disinfection of waterborne
      pathogens while minimizing toxic DBPs.

PMID- 28098447
TI  - The Stories Tryptophans Tell: Exploring Protein Dynamics of Heptosyltransferase I
      from Escherichia coli.
AB  - Heptosyltransferase I (HepI) catalyzes the addition of l-glycero-beta-d-manno
      heptose to Kdo2-Lipid A, as part of the biosynthesis of the core region of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Gram-negative bacteria with gene knockouts of HepI have
      reduced virulence and enhanced susceptibility to hydrophobic antibiotics, making
      the design of inhibitors of HepI of interest. Because HepI protein dynamics are
      partially rate-limiting, disruption of protein dynamics might provide a new
      strategy for inhibiting HepI. Discerning the global mechanism of HepI is
      anticipated to aid development of inhibitors of LPS biosynthesis. Herein, dynamic
      protein rearrangements involved in the HepI catalytic cycle were probed by
      combining mutagenesis with intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and circular
      dichroism analyses. Using wild-type and mutant forms of HepI, multiple dynamic
      regions were identified via changes in Trp fluorescence. Interestingly, Trp
      residues (Trp199 and Trp217) in the C-terminal domain (which binds ADP-heptose)
      are in a more hydrophobic environment upon binding of ODLA to the N-terminal
      domain. These residues are adjacent to the ADP-heptose binding site (with Trp217
      in van der Waals contact with the adenine ring of ADP-heptose), suggesting that
      the two binding sites interact to report on the occupancy state of the enzyme.
      ODLA binding was also accompanied by a significant stabilization of HepI (heating
      to 95  degrees C fails to denature the protein when it is in the presence of
      ODLA). These results suggest that conformational rearrangements, from an induced
      fit model of substrate binding to HepI, are important for catalysis, and the
      disruption of these conformational dynamics may serve as a novel mechanism for
      inhibiting this and other glycosyltransferase enzymes.

PMID- 28098449
TI  - Targeting Type 2 Diabetes with C-Glucosyl Dihydrochalcones as Selective Sodium
      Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation.
AB  - Inhibiting glucose reabsorption by sodium glucose co-transporter proteins (SGLTs)
      in the kidneys is a relatively new strategy for treating type 2 diabetes.
      Selective inhibition of SGLT2 over SGLT1 is critical for minimizing adverse side
      effects associated with SGLT1 inhibition. A library of C-glucosyl
      dihydrochalcones and their dihydrochalcone and chalcone precursors was
      synthesized and tested as SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitors using a cell-based fluorescence
      assay of glucose uptake. The most potent inhibitors of SGLT2 (IC50 = 9-23 nM)
      were considerably weaker inhibitors of SGLT1 (IC50 = 10-19 MUM). They showed no
      effect on the sodium independent GLUT family of glucose transporters, and the
      most potent ones were not acutely toxic to cultured cells. The interaction of a C
      glucosyl dihydrochalcone with a POPC membrane was modeled computationally,
      providing evidence that it is not a pan-assay interference compound. These
      results point toward the discovery of structures that are potent and highly
      selective inhibitors of SGLT2.

PMID- 28098450
TI  - Serum Amyloid P Component (SAP) Interactome in Human Plasma Containing
      Physiological Calcium Levels.
AB  - The pentraxin serum amyloid P component (SAP) is secreted by the liver and found
      in plasma at a concentration of approximately 30 mg/L. SAP is a 25 kDa
      homopentamer known to bind both protein and nonprotein ligands, all in a calcium
      dependent manner. The function of SAP is unclear but likely involves the humoral
      innate immune system spanning the complement system, inflammation, and
      coagulation. Also, SAP is known to bind to the generic structure of amyloid
      deposits and possibly to protect them against proteolysis. In this study, we have
      characterized the SAP interactome in human plasma containing the physiological
      Ca2+ concentration using SAP affinity pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation
      experiments followed by mass spectrometry analyses. The analyses resulted in the
      identification of 33 proteins, of which 24 were direct or indirect interaction
      partners not previously reported. The SAP interactome can be divided into
      categories that include apolipoproteins, the complement system, coagulation, and
      proteolytic regulation.

PMID- 28098451
TI  - Effect of Injection Layer Sub-Bandgap States on Electron Injection in Organic
      Light-Emitting Diodes.
AB  - It is generally considered that the injection of charges into an active layer of
      an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is solely determined by the energetic
      injection barrier formed at the device interfaces. Here, we demonstrate that the
      density of surface states of the electron-injecting ZnO layer has a profound
      effect on both the charge injection and the overall performance of the OLED
      device. Introducing a dopant into ZnO reduces both the energy depth and density
      of surface states without altering the position of the energy levels-thus, the
      magnitude of the injection barrier formed at the organic/ZnO interface remains
      unchanged. Changes observed in the density of surface states result in an
      improved electron injection and enhanced luminescence of the device. We
      implemented a numerical simulation, modeling the effects of energetics and the
      density of surface states on the electron injection, demonstrating that both
      contributions should be considered when choosing the appropriate injection layer.

PMID- 28098452
TI  - A Perspective on Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) Constituent Crocin: A Potent Water
      Soluble Antioxidant and Potential Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, in which the death
      of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Several factors are
      thought to play roles in the development and course of AD. Existing medical
      therapies only modestly alleviate and delay cognitive symptoms. Current research
      has been focused on developing antibodies to remove the aggregates of amyloid
      beta (Abeta) and tau protein. This approach has achieved removal of Abeta;
      however, no cognitive improvement in AD patients has been reported. The
      biological properties of saffron, the dry stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L.,
      and particularly its main constituent crocin, have been studied extensively for
      many conditions including dementia and traumatic brain injury. Crocin is a unique
      antioxidant because it is a water-soluble carotenoid. Crocin has shown potential
      to improve learning and memory as well as protect brain cells. A search of the
      studies on saffron and crocin that have been published in recent years for their
      impact on AD as well as crocin's effects on Abeta and tau protein has been
      conducted. This review demonstrates that crocin exhibits multifunctional
      protective activities in the brain and could be a promising agent applied as a
      supplement or drug for prevention or treatment of AD.

PMID- 28098453
TI  - Surface-Engineered Multifunctional Eu:Gd2O3 Nanoplates for Targeted and pH
      Responsive Drug Delivery and Imaging Applications.
AB  - In this paper, we report the synthesis of surface-engineered multifunctional
      Eu:Gd2O3 triangular nanoplates with small size and uniform shape via a high
      temperature solvothermal technique. Surface engineering has been performed by a
      one-step polyacrylate coating, followed by controlled conjugation chemistry. This
      creates the desired number of surface functional groups that can be used to
      attach folic acid as a targeting ligand on the nanoparticle surface. To
      specifically deliver the drug molecules in the nucleus, the folate density on the
      nanoparticle surface has been kept low. We have also modified the drug molecules
      with terminal double bond and ester linkage for the easy conjugation of
      nanoparticles. The nanoparticle surface was further modified with free thiols to
      specifically attach the modified drug molecules with a pH-responsive feature.
      High drug loading has been encountered for both hydrophilic drug daunorubicin
      (~69% loading) and hydrophobic drug curcumin (~75% loading) with excellent pH
      responsive drug release. These nanoparticles have also been used as imaging
      probes in fluorescence imaging. Some preliminary experiments to evaluate their
      application in magnetic resonance imaging have also been explored. A detailed
      fluorescence imaging study has confirmed the efficient delivery of drugs to the
      nuclei of cancer cells with a high cytotoxic effect. Synthesized surface
      engineered nanomaterials having small hydrodynamic size, excellent colloidal
      stability, and high drug-loading capacity, along with targeted and pH-responsive
      delivery of dual drugs to the cancer cells, will be potential nanobiomaterials
      for various biomedical applications.

PMID- 28098454
TI  - Highly Sensitive Wearable Textile-Based Humidity Sensor Made of High-Strength,
      Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Filaments.
AB  - Textile-based humidity sensors can be an important component of smart wearable
      electronic-textiles and have potential applications in the management of wounds,
      bed-wetting, and skin pathologies or for microclimate control in clothing. Here,
      we report a wearable textile-based humidity sensor for the first time using high
      strength (~750 MPa) and ultratough (energy-to-break, 4300 J g-1) SWCNT/PVA
      filaments via a wet-spinning process. The conductive SWCNT networks in the
      filaments can be modulated by adjusting the intertube distance by swelling the
      PVA molecular chains via the absorption of water molecules. The diameter of a
      SWCNT/PVA filament under wet conditions can be as much as 2 times that under dry
      conditions. The electrical resistance of a fiber sensor stitched onto a
      hydrophobic textile increases significantly (by more than 220 times) after water
      sprayed. Textile-based humidity sensors using a 1:5 weight ratio of SWCNT/PVA
      filaments showed high sensitivity in high relative humidity. The electrical
      resistance increases by more than 24 times in a short response time of 40 s. We
      also demonstrated that our sensor can be used to monitor water leakage on a high
      hydrophobic textile (contact angle of 115.5 degrees ). These smart textiles will
      pave a new way for the design of novel wearable sensors for monitoring blood
      leakage, sweat, and underwear wetting.

PMID- 28098455
TI  - Angular Dependence of Ionization by Circularly Polarized Light Calculated with
      Time-Dependent Configuration Interaction with an Absorbing Potential.
AB  - The angular dependence of ionization by linear and circularly polarized light has
      been examined for N2, NH3, H2O, CO2, CH2O, pyrazine, methyloxirane, and
      vinyloxirane. Time-dependent configuration interaction with single excitations
      and a complex absorbing potential was used to simulate ionization by a seven
      cycle 800 nm cosine squared pulse with intensities ranging from 0.56 * 1014 to
      5.05 * 1014 W cm-2. The shapes of the ionization yield for linearly polarized
      light can be understood primarily in terms of the nodal structure of the highest
      occupied orbitals. Depending on the orbital energies, ionization from lower-lying
      orbitals may also make significant contributions to the shapes. The shapes of the
      ionization yield for circularly polarized light can be readily explained in terms
      of the shapes for linearly polarized light. Averaging the results for linear
      polarization over orientations perpendicular to the direction of propagation
      yields shapes that are in very good agreement with direct calculations of the
      ionization yield by circularly polarized light.

PMID- 28098456
TI  - Ultrafast Electronic Relaxation through a Conical Intersection: Nonadiabatic
      Dynamics Disentangled through an Oscillator Strength-Based Diabatization
      Framework.
AB  - We employ surface hopping trajectories to model the short-time dynamics of gas
      phase and partially solvated 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzonitrile (DMABN), a dual
      fluorescent molecule that is known to undergo a nonadiabatic transition through a
      conical intersection. To compare theory vs time-resolved fluorescence
      measurements, we calculate the mixed quantum-classical density matrix and the
      ensemble averaged transition dipole moment. We introduce a diabatization scheme
      based on the oscillator strength to convert the TDDFT adiabatic states into
      diabatic states of La and Lb character. Somewhat surprisingly, we find that the
      rate of relaxation reported by emission to the ground state is almost 50% slower
      than the adiabatic population relaxation. Although our calculated adiabatic rates
      are largely consistent with previous theoretical calculations and no obvious
      effects of decoherence are seen, the diabatization procedure introduced here
      enables an explicit picture of dynamics in the branching plane, raising
      tantalizing questions about geometric phase effects in systems with dozens of
      atoms.

PMID- 28098457
TI  - Surface Forces and Rheology of Titanium Dioxide in the Presence of Dicarboxylic
      Acids: From Molecular Interactions to Yield Stress.
AB  - The surface forces and yield stress of titanium dioxide were measured in the
      presence of dicarboxylic acids in order to understand the molecular basis for the
      observed rheological response. The yield stress was measured using the static
      vane technique, and the surface forces were characterized using an atomic force
      microscope. The trans and cis isomers of butenedioic acid (fumaric and maleic
      acids, respectively) were chosen as the relative orientation of the carboxylic
      groups differs substantially. This enables us to test the hypothesis that an
      increase in adhesion leads to an increase in yield stress as a consequence of the
      dicarboxylic acids participating in highly directed bridging. Unlike fumaric
      acid, maleic acid caused a yield stress reduction in the titanium dioxide
      suspensions. Surface force measurements between approaching surfaces found that
      at low pH, fumaric and maleic acids did not induce any additional attraction
      between the titanium dioxide surfaces. However, significant differences in
      adhesion were observed, which can be explained in terms of the configuration of
      the acids at the surface. The observations are consistent with highly directed
      bridging in the presence of fumaric acid but not in the presence of maleic acid
      due to the molecular architecture of the dicarboxylic acids.

PMID- 28098458
TI  - Sequence of Silicon Monolayer Structures Grown on a Ru Surface: from a
      Herringbone Structure to Silicene.
AB  - Silicon-based two-dimensional (2D) materials are uniquely suited for integration
      in Si-based electronics. Silicene, an analogue of graphene, was recently
      fabricated on several substrates and was used to make a field-effect transistor.
      Here, we report that when Ru(0001) is used as a substrate, a range of distinct
      monolayer silicon structures forms, evolving toward silicene with increasing Si
      coverage. Low Si coverage produces a herringbone structure, a hitherto
      undiscovered 2D phase of silicon. With increasing Si coverage, herringbone elbows
      evolve into silicene-like honeycomb stripes under tension, resulting in a
      herringbone-honeycomb 2D superlattice. At even higher coverage, the honeycomb
      stripes widen and merge coherently to form silicene in registry with the
      substrate. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to image the structures.
      The structural stability and electronic properties of the Si 2D structures, the
      interaction between the Si 2D structures and the Ru substrate, and the evolution
      of the distinct monolayer Si structures were elucidated by density functional
      theory (DFT) calculations. This work paves the way for further investigations of
      monolayer Si structures, the corresponding growth mechanisms, and possible
      functionalization by impurities.

PMID- 28098459
TI  - Two-Dimensional SnO Anodes with a Tunable Number of Atomic Layers for Sodium Ion
      Batteries.
AB  - We have systematically changed the number of atomic layers stacked in 2D SnO
      nanosheet anodes and studied their sodium ion battery (SIB) performance. The
      results indicate that as the number of atomic SnO layers in a sheet decreases,
      both the capacity and cycling stability of the Na ion battery improve. The
      thinnest SnO nanosheet anodes (two to six SnO monolayers) exhibited the best
      performance. Specifically, an initial discharge and charge capacity of 1072 and
      848 mAh g-1 were observed, respectively, at 0.1 A g-1. In addition, an impressive
      reversible capacity of 665 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1 and 452 mAh g-1
      after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 1.0 A g-1 was observed, with
      excellent rate performance. As the average number of atomic layers in the anode
      sheets increased, the battery performance degraded significantly. For example,
      for the anode sheets with 10-20 atomic layers, only a reversible capacity of 389
      mAh g-1 could be obtained after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1. Density functional
      theory calculations coupled with experimental results were used to elucidate the
      sodiation mechanism of the SnO nanosheets. This systematic study of monolayer
      dependent physical and electrochemical properties of 2D anodes shows a promising
      pathway to engineering and mitigating volume changes in 2D anode materials for
      sodium ion batteries. It also demonstrates that ultrathin SnO nanosheets are
      promising SIB anode materials with high specific capacity, stable cyclability,
      and excellent rate performance.

PMID- 28098460
TI  - Sulfate-Mediated End-to-End Assembly of Gold Nanorods.
AB  - There is interest in the controlled aggregation of gold nanorods (GNRs) for the
      production of extended nanoassemblies. Prior studies have relied upon chemical
      modification of the GNR surface to achieve a desired final aggregate structure.
      Herein we illustrate that control of electrolyte composition can facilitate end
      to-end assembly of cetyltrimethylammonium-bromide-coated (CTAB) GNRs. By
      adjusting either the sulfate anion concentration or the exposure time it is
      possible to connect GNRs in chain-like assemblies. In contrast, end-to-end
      assembly was not observed in control experiments using monovalent chloride salts.
      We attribute the end-to-end assembly to the localized association of sulfate with
      exposed quaternary ammonium head groups of CTAB at the nanorod tip. To quantify
      the assembly kinetics, visible-near-infrared extinction spectra were collected
      over a predetermined time period, and the colloidal behavior of the GNR
      suspensions was interpreted using plasmon band analysis. Transmission electron
      microscopy and atomic force microscopy results support the conclusions reached
      via plasmon band analysis, and the colloidal behavior is consistent with
      Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory.

PMID- 28098461
TI  - Readily Accessible Unsymmetrical Unsaturated 2,6-Diisopropylphenyl N-Heterocyclic
      Carbene Ligands. Applications in Enantioselective Catalysis.
AB  - A new multicomponent procedure was applied to the synthesis of (a)chiral bulky
      unsymmetrical unsaturated 2,6-diisopropylphenyl N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)
      precursors with excellent selectivity (up to 95%) and good yields. This approach
      offers access to new chiral NHC ligands, which have found successful applications
      in both copper-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation and copper-catalyzed
      asymmetric borylation.

PMID- 28098462
TI  - Total Synthesis of Resolvin D5.
AB  - Resolvin D5 (RvD5) is a metabolite of docosahexanoic acid with anti-inflammatory
      activity that has not yet been thoroughly investigated because of its low
      biological availability. A synthetic route to optically active RvD5 was developed
      by assembling the C1-C10 aldehyde, C11-C13 phosphonium salt, and C14-C22 aldehyde
      building blocks. The aldehyde fragments were prepared by Sharpless asymmetric
      epoxidation of corresponding racemic (E)-1-TMS-1-alken-3-ols followed by reaction
      of the TBS ethers of the resulting epoxy alcohols with Et2AlCN and DIBAL
      reduction of the (E)-1-cyano-1-alken-3-ol derivatives. The C14-C22 aldehyde was
      connected with the C11-C13 fragment, i.e., [TBSO(CH2)3PPh3]+ Br-, by Wittig
      reaction. The resulting C11-C22 intermediate was converted to the phosphonium
      salt, which was attached to the C1-C10 aldehyde by Wittig reaction to yield the
      structure of RvD5.

PMID- 28098464
TI  - Clustering of Uracil Molecules on Ice Nanoparticles.
AB  - We generate a molecular beam of ice nanoparticles (H2O)N, N ~ 130-220, which
      picks up several individual gas phase uracil (U) or 5-bromouracil (BrU)
      molecules. The mass spectra of the doped nanoparticles prove that the uracil and
      bromouracil molecules coagulate to clusters on the ice nanoparticles.
      Calculations of U and BrU monomers and dimers on the ice nanoparticles provide
      theoretical support for the cluster formation. The (U)mH+ and (BrU)mH+ intensity
      dependencies on m extracted from the mass spectra suggest a smaller tendency of
      BrU to coagulate compared to U, which is substantiated by a lower mobility of
      bromouracil on the ice surface. The hydrated Um.(H2O)nH+ series are also reported
      and discussed. On the basis of comparison with the previous experiments, we
      suggest that the observed propensity for aggregation on ice nanoparticles is a
      more general trend for biomolecules forming strong hydrogen bonds. This, together
      with their mobility, leads to their coagulation on ice nanoparticles which is an
      important aspect for astrochemistry.

PMID- 28098463
TI  - Absolute Configuration of Native Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins with Dentin
      Biomodification Potency.
AB  - The structurally complex oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPACs) are promising
      biomimetic agents, capable of strengthening the macromolecular backbone of teeth
      via intermolecular and intermicrofibrillar cross-linking. This study establishes
      analytical methods capable of determining the absolute configuration of the
      catechin-type monomeric units of underivatized OPACs. This preserves the capacity
      of their biological evaluation, aimed at understanding the inevitably
      stereospecific interactions between the OPACs and dentin collagen. Guided by
      dental bioassays (modulus of elasticity, long-term stability), two new trimeric
      and tetrameric A-type OPACs were discovered as dentin biomodifiers from pine
      (Pinus massoniana) bark: epicatechin-(2beta->O->7,4beta->8)-epicatechin-(2beta->O
      >7,4beta->8)-catechin (5) and epicatechin-(2beta->O->7,4beta->8)-epicatechin
      (2beta->O->7,4beta->6)-epicatechin-(2beta->O->7,4beta->8)-catechin (6),
      respectively. Combining 1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS, ECD, 1H iterative full spin analysis
      (HiFSA), and gauge-invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) delta calculations, we
      demonstrate how 13C NMR chemical shifts (diastereomeric building blocks (A-type
      dimers)) empower the determination of the absolute configuration of monomeric
      units in the higher oligomers 5 and 6. Collectively, NMR with ECD reference data
      elevates the level of structural information achievable for these structurally
      demanding molecules when degradation analysis is to be avoided. Considering their
      numerous and deceptively subtle, but 3D impactful, structural variations, this
      advances the probing of OPAC chemical spaces for species that bind selectively to
      collagenous and potentially other biologically important biomacromolecules.

PMID- 28098465
TI  - Rejection of Commonly Used Electrolytes in Asymmetric Flow Field Flow
      Fractionation: Effects of Membrane Molecular Weight Cutoff Size, Fluid Dynamics,
      and Valence of Electrolytes.
AB  - Asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) is an efficient size-based
      separation technique for the characterization of submicron size particulates. In
      AF4, membranes having various molecular weight cutoff sizes are used as a barrier
      to retain particles while allowing the carrier fluid containing electrolytes to
      permeate. Here, we have hypothesized that electrolyte rejection by the barrier
      membrane leads to the accumulation of electrolytes in the channel during
      operation. Electrolyte accumulation can cause various adverse effects that can
      lead to membrane fouling. An instrument setup containing a conductivity detector
      was assembled, and the rejection of commonly used carrier electrolytes such as
      trisodium citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, sodium chloride, and ammonium
      carbonate was evaluated by varying the concentration, cross-flow rate, focusing
      flow rate, membrane material type, and cutoff sizes. The results showed that
      electrolyte rejection increased with a decrease in the electrolyte concentration
      and the molecular weight cutoff size (pore size) or with an increase in the
      charge state of the anion in the carrier electrolytes. We proposed an
      electrostatic repulsion-based rejection mechanism and verified it with the
      measurement of the rejection rate while varying the electrolyte concentration in
      the running media.

PMID- 28098466
TI  - Lithography-Free Miniaturization of Resistive Nonvolatile Memory Devices to the
      100 nm Scale by Glancing Angle Deposition.
AB  - The scaling of nonvolatile memory (NVM) devices based on resistive filament
      switching to below a 100 nm2 footprint area without employing cumbersome
      lithography is demonstrated. Nanocolumns of the organic semiconductor 4,4-bis[N
      (1-naphthyl)-N-phenyl-amino]diphenyl (alpha-NPD) were grown by glancing angle
      deposition on a silver electrode. Individual NVM devices were electrically
      characterized by conductive atomic force microscopy with the tip of a conductive
      cantilever serving as second electrode. The resistive switching mechanism is
      unambiguously attributed to Ag filament formation between the electrodes. This
      sets the upper limit for the filament diameter to well below 100 nm. Full
      functionality of these NVM nanodevices is evidenced, revealing a potential memory
      density of >1 GB/cm2 in appropriate architectures.

PMID- 28098467
TI  - Modular Two-Step Approach for the Stereodivergent Synthesis of 1,3-Diamines with
      Three Continuous Stereocenters.
AB  - A two-step reaction sequence for the highly stereodivergent construction of 1,3
      diamines with three continuous stereocenters is reported. This novel method
      enables the controlled synthesis of any given diastereomer of the 1,3-diamine
      scaffold from a simple set of starting materials in a highly modular manner. The
      disclosed approach is based on the reaction of an enamide with an in situ
      generated N-acylimine followed by a subsequent trapping of the generated
      intermediate with a suitable nucleophile. By careful choice of starting
      materials, reagents, and reaction conditions, each stereocenter can be
      constructed in a highly selective fashion.

PMID- 28098468
TI  - [How to treat an idiopatic scoliosis].
AB  - Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine. In its most common form
      idiopathic scoliosis (70 to 80 % of cases), the causes are unknown. It is defined
      as a curve of at least 10 degrees , measured on a standing radiograph using the
      Cobb technique. A severe form of scoliosis is more commonly found in females.
      Typically scoliosis does not cause any health problems during growth (except for
      extreme cases). Patients are generally treated in an attempt to halt the
      progressive nature of the deformity. We present a treatment of different kind of
      curves.By the end of growth, the risk of health and social problems in adulthood
      increases significantly. Problems include reduced quality of life, disability,
      pain, increased cosmetic deformity, functional limitations, sometimes pulmonary
      problems, and progression during adulthood. It is necessary to start with the
      treatment ASAP, because the management of scoliosis includes the prevention of
      secondary problems associated with the deformity.

PMID- 28098469
TI  - [Primary malignant bone tumors in children possibilities of limb-saving surgery
      using allografts].
AB  - Therapy of primary malignant bone tumors is always multimodal and requires close
      cooperation of oncologist, orthopedic surgeon, radiologist and others. In our
      article, we provide a brief overview of the most common malignant bone tumors in
      pediatric patients and summarize the commonly used therapeutic procedures.
      Despite advances in cancer treatment radical surgical resection of the tumor is
      still necessary. If possible, it should be complete removal of the affected
      structures, made in terms of the so-called limb-saving (limb-sparing) surgery
      that preserves the shape and function of the affected limb to the fullest extent
      possible. In addition the resection must be done at the same time with
      substitution of the removed bone. Bone grafts, both autografts and allografts,
      are used in majority of solutions. We also discuss the comparison of different
      approaches of limb-saving surgery compared to ablative procedures.

PMID- 28098470
TI  - [Femoroacetabular impingement treatment options].
AB  - Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is a very common hip pathology that is
      responsible for hip pain in patients under 40 years of age. Anatomic changes in
      hip joint cause labral tears and cartilage dysfunction, both of these conditions
      cause severe hip pain and often lead to hip arthritis. This syndrome is very
      common in the population, but very often misdiagnosed and undertreated.The main
      treatment option is surgical treatment; conservative treatment alone is not
      successful. There are many surgical procedures that may be chosen according to
      the degree of hip pathology. In this article we present treatment options for
      femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and our results. Recently one of the main
      treatment options is hip arthroscopy we have very good experience and results
      with this method.

PMID- 28098471
TI  - [Limb shortening in the management of leg length discrepancy].
AB  - Limb shortening is an option to manage leg length discrepancy. Before skeletal
      maturity, small length discrepancy between 2 and 5 cm can be corrected by open or
      closed epiphyseodesis or stapling. All these procedures require exact timing of
      surgery. In skeletally matured patients is shortening of the femur considered
      safer than tibial shortening. Length discrepancy more than 10 cm should be
      corrected either by prolongation or one timed procedures concerning shortening
      osteotomy of longer limb followed with excised bone segment and its implantation
      in the contralateral limb. Presented review summarizes advantages and
      disadvantages of both operational concepts (shortening and lengthening) in leg
      length discrepancy management.

PMID- 28098472
TI  - [Avascular necrosis of the femoral head].
AB  - Avascular necrosis of the femoral head in adults is not common, but not too rare
      diseases. In orthopedic practice, it is one of the diseases that are causing
      implantation of hip replacement at a relatively early age. In the early detection
      and initiation of therapy can delay the implantation of prosthesis for several
      years, which is certainly more convenient for the patient and beneficial. This
      article is intended to acquaint the reader with the basic diagnostic procedures
      and therapy.

PMID- 28098473
TI  - [Rehabilitation after total knee and hip arthroplasty].
AB  - The main purpose of total hip replacement is to relieve hip pain and recover the
      lost mobility of the joint. The postoperative functionality of the hip
      endoprosthesis is closely related to proper physiotherapy. A good range of
      motion, sufficient pain reduction and minimum disruption to the muscle tissues
      are conditions allowing the patients to perform individualized muscle
      strengthening exercises and to exercise the newly gained mobility, following
      practice sessions during the early postoperative period still in hospital. The
      authors describe the individual fazes of the physiotherapy and summarize the
      principles, which lead to a successful rehabilitation of the patient and his
      early recovery as well as return to normal life activities.

PMID- 28098474
TI  - [UHMWPE - polyethylene for articulating surfaces of joint replacements].
AB  - The introduction of artificial joint replacement constitutes a breakthrough
      method of treatment for severe joint disease for millions of people
      worldwide.Annual increase in the number of primary replacement and also
      increasing demands on the longevity of joint replacements are leading to
      increased demands on wear resistance of articular surface. Ultra-high molecular
      weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is still most commonly used material for the
      production of articular surface. It was introduced into clinical practice in the
      60s of the 20th century. Physical-chemical properties of UHMWPE are subject of
      many studies. These lead gradually to its improvement in terms of higher wear
      resistance while maintaining the stability against oxidative degradation.The main
      objective of this review is to summarize the basic properties of high-molecular
      weight polyethylene which are important for its use in orthopaedic practice and
      to explain the possibilities of its modification and sterilization. Knowledge of
      the latest trends about this material helps to orthopaedic surgeons get oriented
      in the issues and then to choose for their patients implants with the highest
      implant longevity.

PMID- 28098475
TI  - [Artificial bone substitutes].
AB  - Bone tissue substitutes are divided into basic classification with its pros and
      cons described. Arteficial bone grafts are especially pointed out in article,
      publishing our own experience with two specific synthetic preps. Finally there is
      a blink in the near future of bone tissue augmentation.

PMID- 28098476
TI  - [The first experience with dabigatran antidote in the University Hospital
      Pilsen].
AB  - Dabigatran (Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim) is the first direct oral thrombin
      (FIIa) inhibitor. It is indicated for thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing
      elective total replacement hip or knee joint surgery or for the primary or
      secondary prophylaxis of elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
      or for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism treatment and prophylaxis.
      Idarucizumab (Praxbind, Boehringer Ingelheim) is a specific monoclonal antibody
      fragment indicated in patients treated with dabigatran. It is recommended when
      reversal of anticoagulant effect of dabigatran is needed especially in cases of
      life-threatening bleeding, for emergency surgery or urgent procedures purposes.
      In this article, there is a summary of our clinical and laboratory experience
      with reversal effect of idarucizumab in our five patients.

PMID- 28098477
TI  - [Palliative care in Czech Republic in 2016].
AB  - In the Czech Republic more than 70,000 patients with chronic incurable diseases
      need palliative care each year. In 50,000 this need is manageable in the context
      of general palliative care, 20,000 patients would greatly benefited from
      specialized palliative care. Most chronically ill patients (> 60 %) died in acute
      or post acute inpatient health care facilities. Here s the availability and
      quality of palliative care varies substantially. Inpatient hospices provide end
      of life palliative care to less than 3000 patients each year. Outpatient and
      mobile specialized palliative care services are available only to a few hundreds
      of patients.In the year 2016 palliative care at the appropriate professional
      level ("state of art") is not a generally available and guaranteed within Czech
      health care and social system. We perceive an urgent need for the systematic
      development of general and specialized palliative care at the level of education,
      healthcare organization and the development of new health and social services.

PMID- 28098478
TI  - The Work-Family Interface and Sleep Quality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article investigated whether work-to-family conflict (WFC) and
      work-to-family enrichment (WFE) were associated with employee sleep quality. WFC
      and WFE reflect the potential for experiences at work to negatively and
      positively influence nonworking life respectively, and may have implications for
      sleep quality. In this article, we examined whether WFC and WFE were linked with
      sleep quality via hedonic balance (i.e., positive affect relative to negative
      affect). PARTICIPANTS: The sample included 3,170 employed Australian parents
      involved in the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey.
      METHODS: Information on WFC, WFE, hedonic balance, sleep quality, and relevant
      covariates was collected through a structured interview and self-completion
      questionnaire. RESULTS: WFC was associated with poorer sleep quality (beta = .27,
      p < .001), and this relationship was stronger in males than females and in dual
      parent-single income families. WFC was also found to be indirectly associated
      with poor sleep quality via a lower hedonic balance (beta = .17, 99% confidence
      interval [.14, .20]). WFE was not directly associated with sleep quality, but was
      indirectly associated with better sleep quality via a higher hedonic balance
      (beta = -.04 [-.07, -.02]). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that aspects of
      the work-family interface are associated with employee sleep quality.
      Furthermore, affective experiences were found to link WFC and WFE with sleep
      quality. Workplace interventions that target WFC and WFE may have implications
      for employee sleep.

PMID- 28098479
TI  - Screening of visual perceptual disorders following acquired brain injury: A
      Delphi study.
AB  - Impairments in visual perception are common after acquired brain injury (ABI) and
      adequate assessment is crucial for diagnosis and rehabilitation. However, there
      is no consensus yet on how to assess these disorders after ABI. The aim of the
      present study was to explore what measures are considered reasonable to be part
      of a test battery for the screening of a broad range of mid-level and higher
      order visual perceptual disorders. A Delphi method was used to collect the
      opinions of 28 international multidisciplinary experts in visual perception in
      order to achieve consensus on the content of the test battery. Seventeen experts
      evaluated the test battery proposed in the third and final round of the Delphi
      process. Consensus was achieved (94%) on a battery of 11 distinctive tests with
      an expected administration time of 30 minutes. The current study provides an
      essential step in the development of a standardized and time-efficient test
      battery for the screening of mid-level and higher-order visual perceptual
      disorders. The composed battery may improve effectiveness of clinical assessment
      by providing insight into potential visual deficits in little time, thereby
      initiating further assessment. Future studies should focus on the validation of
      the suggested test battery and collect normative data.

PMID- 28098483
TI  - Academic Performance on First-Year Medical School Exams: How Well Does It Predict
      Later Performance on Knowledge-Based and Clinical Assessments?
AB  - Number of appearances in the bottom quartile of 1st-year medical school exams
      were used to represent the extent to which students were having academic
      difficulties. Medical educators have long expressed a desire to have indicators
      of medical student performance that have strong predictive validity. Predictors
      traditionally used fell into 4 general categories: demographic (e.g., gender),
      other background factors (e.g., college major), performance/aptitude (e.g.,
      medical college admission test scores), and noncognitive factors (e.g.,
      curiosity). These factors, however, have an inconsistent record of predicting
      student performance. In comparison to traditional predictive factors, we sought
      to determine the extent to which academic performance in the 1st-year of medical
      school, as measured by examination performance in the bottom quartile of the
      class in 7 required courses, predicted later performance on a variety of
      assessments, both knowledge based (e.g., United States Medical Licensing
      Examination Step 1 and Step IICK) and clinical skills based (e.g., clerkship
      grades and objective structured clinical exam performance). Of all predictors
      measured, number of appearances in the bottom quartile in Year 1 was the most
      strongly related to performance in knowledge-based assessments, as well as
      clinically related outcomes, and, for each outcome, bottom-quartile performance
      accounted for additional variance beyond that of the traditional predictors. Low
      academic performance in the 1st year of medical school is a meaningful risk
      factor with both predictive validity and predictive utility for low performance
      later in medical school. The question remains as to how we can incorporate this
      indicator into a system of formative assessment that effectively addresses the
      challenges of medical students once they have been identified.

PMID- 28098484
TI  - Romanowsky staining, the Romanowsky effect and thoughts on the question of
      scientific priority.
AB  - I give an historical account and analysis of the scientific priority of the
      discovery of the polychrome staining of microscopic biological preparations
      provided by mixtures of eosin plus methylene blue and its derivatives, especially
      azure B. I maintain that both the formal priority for the discovery of the
      polychrome staining phenomenon and credit for initiating the development of a
      technique of polychrome staining properly belong to D. L. Romanowsky. His
      scientific work demonstrated the possibility of using a simple technique to stain
      hematological preparations selectively to give good contrast, high resolution and
      the ability to identify malaria parasites. Romanowsky's approach constituted the
      starting point for the development of a family of polychrome stains for
      microscopic investigation of hematological preparations by a number of his
      contemporaries.

PMID- 28098485
TI  - Effects of umbilical cord blood stem cells on healing factors for diabetic foot
      injuries.
AB  - The use of stem or progenitor cells from bone marrow, or peripheral or umbilical
      cord blood is becoming more common for treatment of diabetic foot problems. These
      cells promote neovascularization by angiogenic factors and they promote
      epithelium formation by stimulating cell replication and migration under certain
      pathological conditions. We investigated the role of CD34 + stem cells from human
      umbilical cord blood in wound healing using a rat model. Rats were randomly
      divided into a control group and two groups with diabetes induced by a single
      dose of 55 mg/kg intraperitoneal streptozocin. Scarred areas 5 mm in diameter
      were created on the feet of all rats. The diabetic rats constituted the diabetes
      control group and a diabetes + stem cell group with local injection into the
      wound site of 0.5 * 106 CD34 + stem cells from human umbilical cord blood. The
      newly formed skin in the foot wounds following CD34 + stem cell treatment showed
      significantly improvement by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL staining, and were
      closer to the wound healing of the control group than the untreated diabetic
      animals. The increase in FGF expression that accompanied the local injection of
      CD34 + stem cells indicates that FGF stimulation helped prevent apoptosis. Our
      findings suggest a promising new treatment approach to diabetic wound healing.

PMID- 28098486
TI  - Identification and characterization of genes on a single subgenome in the
      hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotype 'Chinese Spring'.
AB  - Gene loss during the formation of hexaploid bread wheat has been repeatedly
      reported. However, our knowledge on genome-wide analysis of the genes present on
      a single subgenome (SSG) in bread wheat is still limited. In this study, by
      analysing the 'Chinese Spring' chromosome arm shotgun sequences together with
      high-confidence gene models, we detected 433 genes on a SSG. Greater gene loss
      was observed in A and D subgenomes compared with B subgenome. More than 79% of
      the orthologs for these SSG genes were detected in diploid and tetraploid
      relatives of hexaploid wheat. Unexpectedly, no bias in expression breadth or in
      the distribution patterns of GO (gene ontology) terms for these genes was
      detected among the high-confidence genes. Further, network and KEGG (Kyoto
      Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analyses indicated that most of these
      genes were not functionally related to each other. Interestingly, 30.7% of these
      SSG genes were most highly expressed in root, showing biased distribution given
      the distribution of the whole high-confidence genes. Collectively, these results
      facilitate our understanding of the loss of the genes that were retained in a SSG
      during the formation of hexaploid wheat.

PMID- 28098488
TI  - Pulse wave velocity and myocardial performance index in premature ovarian
      insufficiency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies suggest that women with loss of ovarian
      function at early ages may be especially burdened by cardiovascular disease
      (CVD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate pulse wave velocity (PWV) and
      myocardial performance index (MPI) in patients with premature ovarian
      insufficiency (POI). DESIGN: We enrolled 51 female patients (mean age 38.9 +/-
      6.7 years) with POI and 49 healthy subjects (mean age 36.8 +/- 5.2 years). All
      participants underwent a detailed echocardiographic examination and PWV
      measurement, which is basically the velocity of pulse wave travelling from
      carotid to femoral artery. RESULTS: Both groups were similar with regard to age,
      body mass index (BMI) and left ventricular ejection fraction. When diastolic
      functions were assessed, patients with POI had higher mean E/E'ratio (9.3 +/- 1.9
      vs. 7.6 +/- 1.6, p < 0.001). POI patients have impaired MPI (0.9 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.5
      +/- 0.2, p < 0.001) comparing to healthy controls but PWV measurements did not
      differ between two groups (5.7 +/- 0.8 vs. 5.6 +/- 0.6 m/s, p = 0.48).
      CONCLUSIONS: This study showed POI patients might have impaired global left
      ventricular functions comparing to age matched healthy controls and this might
      reflect the effects of premature lack of estrogen (E) on women's cardiovascular
      (CV) system.

PMID- 28098491
TI  - Particle sizing methods for the detection of protein aggregates in
      biopharmaceuticals.
AB  - Protein aggregation is a common biological phenomenon which is responsible for
      degenerative diseases and is problematic in the pharmaceutical industry.
      According to the rules provided by regulatory agencies, industry is supposed to
      assess the product quality regarding the presence of subvisible particles. Also,
      they should evaluate the technologies that are used to measure these particles.
      Therefore, US FDA and industry have been looking for methods capable of
      accurately characterizing the protein products. Four sizing techniques reviewed
      here are good candidates to be used for characterization of protein and their
      aggregates: dynamic light scattering, size-exclusion chromatography, electron
      microscopy and Taylor dispersion analysis. The first three are more established
      techniques while the last one is a more recent and growing technique.

PMID- 28098492
TI  - Insomnia Management in the Australian Primary Care Setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Insomnia is one of the most prevalent and costly sleep
      disorders presenting in general practice, and when left untreated, has major
      health consequences. However, studies are limited on how general practitioners
      respond to this health issue, especially since the reconceptualization of
      insomnia in DSM 5. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how insomnia
      is diagnosed and treated in Australian general practices. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty
      four (54% male) general practitioners were recruited throughout the greater
      Sydney metropolitan area in New South Wales using the professional network of
      research team members and snowballing technique. METHODS: Participants were
      interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The audio-taped interviews
      were transcribed verbatim and a framework approach was used for analysis of
      transcribed data. RESULTS: Participant's responses highlighted that despite being
      a frequent presentation, insomnia is often trivialized with a low recognition
      rate in general practices. Lack of support and clear and effective management
      guidelines for general practitioners are the perceived barriers to early
      recognition of insomnia in general practices. Treating the underlying causes and
      initiating the treatment with general practitioners to manage insomnia.
      Medications including off-label antidepressants are often prescribed based on
      perceived patient expectation for a prescription. CONCLUSION: Findings of this
      exploratory study suggest the need for clearly contextualized guidelines that
      include information about a patient's insomnia experience and treatment
      expectations. Another significant implication of this study is the need to
      develop and evaluate a model of collaborative sleep health services in general
      practice.

PMID- 28098495
TI  - Psychometric Characteristics of the Insomnia Severity Index in Veterans With
      History of Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) is a widely used self
      report measure of insomnia symptoms. However, to date this measure has not been
      validated or well-characterized in veterans who have experienced traumatic brain
      injury (TBI). This study assessed the psychometric properties and convergent,
      divergent, construct, and discriminate validity of the ISI in veterans with a
      history of TBI. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-three veterans with history of TBI were seen
      in the VA San Diego Healthcare System as part of a research protocol. METHODS:
      Measures included the ISI, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth
      Sleepiness Scale, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory
      II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and PTSD Checklist-Military Version. RESULTS: The ISI
      demonstrated moderate to strong or excellent convergent and divergent validity. A
      principal component analysis indicated a single construct with excellent internal
      consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92). In exploratory analyses, the ISI
      discriminated well between those with (73%) and without (27%) sleep disturbance
      based on the PSQI. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study indicate validity of the
      ISI in assessing insomnia in veterans with history of TBI and suggest a cutoff
      score not dissimilar from non-TBI populations. Findings from this study can help
      inform clinical applicability of the ISI, as well as future studies of insomnia
      in TBI.

PMID- 28098496
TI  - Real-world adherence assessment of lurasidone and other oral atypical
      antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia: an administrative claims
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare adherence with lurasidone to other oral atypical
      antipsychotics among Medicaid and commercially insured patients with
      schizophrenia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Administrative claims of patients
      with schizophrenia treated with atypical antipsychotics (lurasidone,
      aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, or ziprasidone) from October
      2010 to September 2011 were identified from MarketScan Commercial and Medicaid
      Databases, and were classified by the first (index) antipsychotic. Patients were
      18-64 years, had insurance coverage 12 months pre- and 6 months post-index, and
      no pre-index use of the index drug. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Medication possession
      ratio (MPR), discontinuation rate, and mean time to discontinuation were assessed
      post-index. Pairwise comparisons (lurasidone versus each drug) were conducted
      using chi-square tests and Student's t-tests. RESULTS: There were 146 Medicaid
      (mean age 43.5 years, 47.9% female) and 63 commercial (mean age 40.0 years, 42.9%
      female) patients treated with lurasidone. In the Medicaid population, the MPR for
      patients treated with lurasidone was 0.60, versus 0.41-0.48 for patients treated
      with other antipsychotics (all p < .05). Patients treated with lurasidone
      exhibited a lower discontinuation rate compared to patients treated with all
      other antipsychotics (49.3% versus 62.3%-68.3%, all p < .05). The mean time to
      discontinuation with lurasidone was significantly longer than with ziprasidone (p
      < .05). In the commercial population, the MPR for patients treated with
      lurasidone (0.61) was higher compared to patients treated with quetiapine (0.44)
      and ziprasidone (0.43) (both p < .05). The discontinuation rate (44.4%) was lower
      for patients treated with lurasidone compared to patients treated with all other
      antipsychotics except risperidone (p < .05). The mean time to discontinuation was
      longer for lurasidone than with other antipsychotics. CONCLUSIONS: In Medicaid
      and commercial populations, patients treated with lurasidone demonstrated greater
      adherence compared to patients treated with other atypical antipsychotics.
      Limitations of using administrative claims data include potential errors or
      inconsistencies in coding, and lack of complete clinical information.

PMID- 28098497
TI  - Magnetic resonance arthrography results that indicate surgical treatment for
      partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion: a retrospective study in a
      tertiary center.
AB  - Background Specific findings on magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) that
      indicate the need for surgery in patients with partial articular-sided
      supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) are not well understood. Purpose To
      determine which MRA findings are characteristic of patients who undergo surgery
      for PASTA. Material and Methods From July 2011 to February 2014, MRA findings for
      patients treated for PASTA were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were
      divided into two groups: conservative treatment and surgical repair. MRA findings
      were compared between the groups. The following MRA results were assessed: length
      grade, width grade, co-existing superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP)
      lesions, degenerative changes in the glenohumeral joint, presence of subacromial
      subdeltoid bursitis, acromion type, presence of adhesive capsulitis, and tears of
      the subscapularis or infraspinatus tendon within the rotator cuff. Logistic
      regression analyses were conducted to identify which MRA findings were
      significantly associated with surgical treatment. Results Forty-five surgically
      treated patients and 203 conservatively treated ones were evaluated. The MRA
      findings showed significant differences between the groups with respect to length
      grade, width grade, degenerative changes in glenohumeral joint, bursitis, and co
      existing rotator cuff tears ( P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed
      correlations between surgical repair and both grade 3 length tears (odds ratio,
      30.8) and co-existing tears of the subscapularis or infraspinatus tendon (odds
      ratio, 2.9). Conclusion Surgical treatment is commonly performed in PASTA
      patients whose lesion lengths are grade 3 or who have co-existing tears in the
      subscapularis or infraspinatus tendon. Radiologists should pay attention to these
      MRA signs when evaluating PASTA patients.

PMID- 28098498
TI  - Social health in dementia. Towards a positive dementia discourse.
AB  - A shift in focus from symptoms and disability towards the capacity and potential
      of the person with dementia is urgently needed to create a more balanced view of
      dementia and a more dementia-friendly society, which enables people and their
      families to adapt to the changes dementia brings in their lives. The new concept
      of social health suggested by Huber and colleagues seems helpful to make such a
      shift. In this dedicated special issue, a consensus-based operationalization of
      the concept of social health in dementia is proposed and several aspects of
      social health and related dementia care are addressed within the framework of
      European collaborative projects of the INTERDEM network.

PMID- 28098499
TI  - Inhibition of Leishmania infantum trypanothione reductase by diaryl sulfide
      derivatives.
AB  - The study presented here aimed at identifying a new class of compounds acting
      against Leishmania parasites, the causative agent of Leishmaniasis. For this
      purpose, the thioether derivatives of our in-house library have been evaluated in
      whole-cell screening assays in order to determine their in vitro activity against
      Leishmania protozoan. Among them, promising results have been achieved with
      compound RDS 777 (6-(sec-butoxy)-2-((3-chlorophenyl)thio)pyrimidin-4-amine) (IC50
      = 29.43 uM), which is able to impair the mechanism of the parasite defence
      against the reactive oxygen species by inhibiting the trypanothione reductase
      (TR) with high efficiency (Ki 0.25 +/- 0.18 uM). The X-ray structure of L.
      infantum TR in complex with RDS 777 disclosed the mechanism of action of this
      compound that binds to the catalytic site and engages in hydrogen bonds the
      residues more involved in the catalysis, namely Glu466', Cys57 and Cys52, thereby
      inhibiting the trypanothione binding and avoiding its reduction.

PMID- 28098500
TI  - Exploring Black College Females' Perceptions Regarding HIV Prevention Message
      Content.
AB  - Media messages can facilitate the delivery of accurate information related to HIV
      and sexually transmitted infection. This study's purpose was to examine
      preexisting media campaigns from the iMPPACS study to assess age-, gender-, and
      culturally appropriate components identified by African American females who
      attend historically Black colleges/universities. In 3 separate focus group
      sessions, 31 Black female college students (M age = 20) viewed 4 vignettes and
      heard 3 audio-only clips, then ranked and commented on them based on perceived
      satisfaction with HIV prevention content and appropriateness of delivery.
      Conventional qualitative analysis using NVivo software was performed until
      saturation of content was achieved and themes derived. Six major themes emerged
      and were designated as (a) social media; (b) mirror image; (c) visually dynamic
      advertisements; (d) the real world; (e) people, place, things; and (f) HIV
      knowledge. Visually stimulating content (i.e., graphics) was found to be most
      appealing in marketing HIV prevention, with brief monologue/dialogue from
      scenarios that resemble daily life. Socially and culturally relevant HIV
      prevention messages are important to Black college female students. Participants
      recommended creating short audiovisual messages that encompass familiar contexts
      like dorm rooms and appealing graphics for HIV health promotion messages, such as
      emojis. Future audio-only prevention advertisements for this population should
      use recognizable voices (e.g., celebrities). Finally, messaging should be
      promoted on open and closed circuit social media platforms.

PMID- 28098501
TI  - Prevalence of house dust mite allergens in low-income homes with evaporative
      coolers in a semiarid climate.
AB  - House dust mites are typically absent in homes in arid and semiarid climates due
      to low humidity. Evaporative "swamp" cooling significantly increases indoor
      humidity in dry climates and is suspected of promoting dust mite survival in
      these regions. We investigated the prevalence and concentration of mite allergens
      in dust from low-income homes (N = 22) with evaporative coolers in Utah County,
      Utah. Overall, 15 homes (68.2%) were positive for either Der p 1 or Der f 1 in at
      least 1 location. Geometric mean allergen levels in mattresses were 0.107 and
      0.087 ug/g dust for Der p 1 and Der f 1, respectively. In furniture, levels were
      0.143 and 0.165 ug/g dust for Der p1 and Der f 1, respectively. The percentage of
      positive homes in this study was much higher than previously reported in larger
      homes with swamp coolers in the same community. These results suggest
      socioeconomic factors may play a role in dust mite allergen prevalence in homes
      with evaporative coolers in dry climates.

PMID- 28098502
TI  - United Kingdom national paediatric bilateral project: Results of professional
      rating scales and parent questionnaires.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This fourteen-centre project used professional rating scales and
      parent questionnaires to assess longitudinal outcomes in a large non-selected
      population of children receiving simultaneous and sequential bilateral cochlear
      implants. METHODS: This was an observational non-randomized service evaluation.
      Data were collected at four time points: before bilateral cochlear implants or
      before the sequential implant, one year, two years, and three years after. The
      measures reported are Categories of Auditory Performance II (CAPII), Speech
      Intelligibility Rating (SIR), Bilateral Listening Skills Profile (BLSP) and
      Parent Outcome Profile (POP). RESULTS: Thousand and one children aged from 8
      months to almost 18 years were involved, although there were many missing data.
      In children receiving simultaneous implants after one, two, and three years
      respectively, median CAP scores were 4, 5, and 6; median SIR were 1, 2, and 3.
      Three years after receiving simultaneous bilateral cochlear implants, 61% of
      children were reported to understand conversation without lip-reading and 66% had
      intelligible speech if the listener concentrated hard. Auditory performance and
      speech intelligibility were significantly better in female children than males.
      Parents of children using sequential implants were generally positive about their
      child's well-being and behaviour since receiving the second device; those who
      were less positive about well-being changes also generally reported their
      children less willing to wear the second device. CONCLUSION: Data from 78% of
      paediatric cochlear implant centres in the United Kingdom provide a real-world
      picture of outcomes of children with bilateral implants in the UK. This large
      reference data set can be used to identify children in the lower quartile for
      targeted intervention.

PMID- 28098503
TI  - Relationship between perceived competence and performance during real and virtual
      motor tasks by children with developmental coordination disorder.
AB  - PURPOSE: (i) To compare children with DCD and typically developing participants
      via standard motor assessments, two interactive virtual games, measures of
      physical, social and cognitive self-competence and feedback while playing the
      virtual games and (ii) To examine the contribution of age and each motor
      assessment to predict self-competence. METHODS: Participants were 25 boys with
      DCD and 25 typically developing boys, aged 5-9 years. They completed the M-ABC-2,
      the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence, the 6-Minute Walk Test, and then
      played the two Kinect games and completed the Short Feedback Questionnaire for
      Children. RESULTS: Children with DCD showed lower physical competence and lower
      performance than the typical controls in all standard motor assessments. This
      performance significantly correlated with the children achievements in part of
      virtual games and with their self-perceived experience while performing within
      virtual environments. Among the DCD group, Kinect Running game significantly
      predicted physical and social competence. CONCLUSIONS: The significant
      correlations between the virtual games and standard motor assessments support the
      feasibility of using these games when evaluating children with DCD for the richer
      profile they provide. Implications for rehabilitation Clinicians should refer to
      the impacts of DCD on child's self-competence and daily life. Technological
      rehabilitation and the use of VR games have the potential to improve self
      competence of children with DCD. By including VR games that simulate real life in
      the intervention for DCD, clinicians may raise child's enjoyment, self-competence
      and involvement in therapy.

PMID- 28098504
TI  - Effects of culturally adaptive walking intervention on cardiovascular disease
      risks for middle-aged Korean-Chinese female migrant workers.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a standard treatment (ST)
      walking program compared to an ST walking program enhanced (enhanced treatment,
      ET) on cardiovascular health outcomes among Korean-Chinese female migrant workers
      in Korea. A quasi-experimental sequential design was used. A total of 132 Korean
      Chinese women without contraindications to physical activity participated in the
      study. Both ST and ET groups had monthly goal settings; the ET group received
      text messages to encourage walking adherence and acculturation. A significant
      decrease was found in 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), blood
      pressure, fasting glucose, body mass index, and waist-hip ratio at weeks 12 and
      24 in both groups, but there were no significant group differences. This
      indicates that culturally adaptive walking intervention is a promising way to
      reduce CVD risk factors for underserved Korean-Chinese migrant women.

PMID- 28098505
TI  - Facilitating and hindering factors for coping with the experience of having a
      child with cancer: A Lebanese perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Families with a child with cancer face significant emotional and
      psychosocial stressors. The frequency of childhood cancer is increasing in
      Lebanon with more than 282 children diagnosed each year. This condition is
      reported to evoke a range of challenging emotions for parents, yet no studies
      have been conducted on the facilitating and hindering factors that affect
      Lebanese parents coping with a child with cancer. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the
      study was to gain an in-depth understanding of factors facilitating and hindering
      coping methods of Lebanese parents with a child with cancer. METHODS: The study
      followed purposeful sampling and saturation principles in which 12 parents
      (mother or father) of a child were interviewed. Data were analyzed following the
      Utrecht School of phenomenology. RESULTS: Helpful and harmful experiences emerged
      through the coding process. The enabling factors were social/family support;
      talking about it; strong religious beliefs; and the communication style of health
      workers. On the other hand, the deterring factors were the waiting time and the
      hospital stay; changes in the couple's relationship; and sibling rivalry.
      CONCLUSION: These results could be used as the basis for additional research
      aimed at developing a structured approach to care that endorses the coping
      processes of Lebanese parents with a child with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL
      PRACTICE: Nursing and medical staff need to be conscious of parents' coping
      strategies and their impact on family dynamics and the relationship between the
      family and the health care team.

PMID- 28098506
TI  - Capsicum annuum var. grossum (Bell Pepper) Inhibits beta-Secretase Activity and
      beta-Amyloid1-40 Aggregation.
AB  - The deposition of amyloid protein as senile plaques is the major signature of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is produced by the sequential cleavage of the
      amyloid precursor protein by secretases. Moreover, peppers are noted for their
      antiaging and cognitive enhancing properties. Thus, in this study, the effects of
      polyphenol-rich extracts from bell pepper on amyloid production and aggregation
      in vitro were investigated. Bell pepper (ripe and unripe) was extracted with
      methanol-1 N HCl (1:1 v/v). Thereafter, the inhibitory potentials of the extracts
      on beta-secretase and beta-amyloid1-40 aggregation were determined. Phenolic
      composition of the pepper fruits was further determined by HPLC-DAD (high
      performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector). There was a dose
      dependent inhibition of beta-secretase by the pepper fruits with the ripe fruits
      (2.17 +/- 0.17 MUg/L) showing a significantly (P < .05) higher inhibitory effect
      than the unripe (3.44 +/- 0.11 MUg/L). Furthermore, Thioflavin-T and transmission
      electron microscopy analyses revealed that phenolic extracts from pepper fruits
      (1 and 10 MUg/L) could counteract the initial aggregation of Abeta1-40, as well
      as prevent further aggregation preformed fibrils. These inhibitory activities
      could be attributed to the predominant presence of phenolic constituents in the
      pepper fruits. It is possible to conclude that bell pepper could be a possible
      dietary intervention into the management of AD.

PMID- 28098507
TI  - Development and Evaluation of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (Lamp)
      Assay for the Detection of Haemonchus contortus in Goat Fecal Samples.
AB  - Haemonchus contortus is one of the most significant strongylid nematodes
      infecting small ruminants, and it causes great economic losses to the livestock
      industry worldwide. Accurate diagnosis of H. contortus is crucial to control
      strategies. Traditional microscopic examinations are the most common methods for
      the diagnosis of H. contortus , but they are time-consuming and inaccurate.
      Molecular methods based on PCR are more accurate, but need expensive machines
      usually only used in the laboratory. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification
      (LAMP) is a rapid, simple, specific, and sensitive method that has been widely
      used to detect viruses, bacteria, and parasites. In the present study, a LAMP
      method targeting ribosomal ITS-2 gene for detection of the H. contortus in goat
      fecal samples has been established. The established LAMP method was H. contortus
      specific, and the sensitivity of LAMP was the same as that of the H. contortus
      species-specific PCR, with the lowest DNA level detected as being 1 pg.
      Examination of the clinical samples indicated that the positive rate of LAMP was
      higher than that of PCR, but no statistical difference was observed between LAMP
      and PCR (chi2 = 17.991, P = 0.053). In conclusion, a LAMP assay with a high
      specificity and a good sensitivity has been developed to detect H. contortus
      infection in goats. The established LAMP assay is useful for clinical diagnosis
      of H. contortus .

PMID- 28098508
TI  - Evaluation of a Social Norms Approach to a Suicide Prevention Campaign.
AB  - Suicide is a leading cause of death for college-aged youth, and university
      counseling centers (UCC) strive to educate students about mental health issues
      and available campus services. The current research evaluates a college campus
      social norms campaign that used both peer and celebrity sources to promote help
      seeking among college students as a suicide prevention strategy. Postcampaign
      surveys of this quasi-experiment (n = 391) revealed that compared to students in
      the control neighborhood condition, students exposed to the campaign messages in
      the experimental neighborhood conditions were more likely to perceive students
      would refer a friend to the UCC and more likely to visit the UCC for a mental
      health concern. Students living in the intervention neighborhood with a peer
      message source reported a greater willingness to refer friends to the UCC
      compared to those who lived in the celebrity and control neighborhoods.
      Regardless of condition, students who reported seeing UCC messages reported
      greater effects than those who reported not viewing the messages (e.g., greater
      intentions to seek help and to talk to others about the UCC). Results of this
      study are discussed within a social norms framework and support the need for
      continued exposure to campaign messages to impact health outcomes.

PMID- 28098509
TI  - 'Compassionate use' protocol for auditory brainstem implantation in
      neurofibromatosis type 2: Early House Ear Institute experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the preliminary outcomes of auditory brainstem implantation
      (ABI) under a compassionate use protocol for two ABI devices that are not
      approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. METHODS: A retrospective review
      was performed of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients who underwent
      microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS) and placement of either the Cochlear
      ABI541 or Med-El Synchrony ABIs. Peri-operative and device- related complications
      were reviewed. Audiometric performance was also evaluated. RESULTS: Seven
      patients received either the Cochlear ABI541 (6) or the Med-El Synchrony ABI (1)
      after the resection of VS. No device or patient-related complications occurred to
      date. Surgical times and early audiological performance are similar to our
      previous experience with the Cochlear ABI24 device. CONCLUSIONS: Early experience
      with the Cochlear ABI541 and Med-El Synchrony ABI devices under a compassionate
      use protocol suggest that both devices are safe with comparable utility to the
      Cochlear ABI24 device.

PMID- 28098510
TI  - DT MRI microstructural cortical lesion damage does not explain cognitive
      impairment in MS.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We combined double inversion recovery (DIR) and diffusion tensor (DT)
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the severity of cortical lesion (CL)
      microstructural tissue abnormalities in a large cohort of relapse-onset multiple
      sclerosis (MS) patients and its contribution to cognitive dysfunction. METHODS:
      DIR, DT, dual-echo, and three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted scans were acquired
      from 149 MS patients and 40 controls. Cognitively impaired (CI) patients had ?2
      abnormal neuropsychological tests. Diffusivity values in CLs, cortex, white
      matter (WM) lesions, and normal-appearing (NA) WM were assessed. Predictors of
      cognitive impairment were identified using a random forest analysis. RESULTS:
      Compared to controls, MS patients had lower normalized brain volume (NBV), gray
      matter volume (GMV), WM volume, lower fractional anisotropy (FA), and higher mean
      diffusivity in cortex and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). A total of 44
      (29.5%) patients were CI. Compared to cognitively preserved (CP), CI patients had
      higher T2 WM lesion volume (LV), lower NBV and GMV, and more severe diffusivity
      abnormalities in WM lesions, cortex, and NAWM. CL measures did not differ between
      CI and CP patients. Cortex FA, age, disease duration, T2 WM LV, and GMV best
      predicted MS-related cognitive impairment (C-statistic = 0.88). CONCLUSION:
      "Diffuse" GM and NAWM damage and WM lesions, rather than intrinsic CL damage,
      contribute to cognitive impairment in MS.

PMID- 28098511
TI  - Hemodynamic effects of HPMA copolymer based doxorubicin conjugate: A randomized
      controlled and comparative spectral study in conscious rats.
AB  - Conjugation of Doxorubicin (DOX) to N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methylacrylamide
      copolymer (HPMA) has significantly reduced the DOX-associated cardiotoxicity.
      However, the reports on the impact of HPMA-DOX conjugates on the cardiovascular
      system such as blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were in restrained animals
      using tail cuff and/or other methods that lacked the resolution and sensitivity.
      Herein, we employed radiotelemetric-spectral-echocardiography approach to further
      understand the in vivo cardiovascular hemodynamics and variability post
      administration of free DOX and HPMA-DOX. Rats implanted with radio-telemetry
      device were administered intravenously with DOX (5 mg/kg), HPMA-DOX (5 mg DOX
      equivalent/kg) and HPMA copolymer and subjected to continuous cardiovascular
      monitoring and echocardiography for 140 days. We found that DOX-treated rats had
      ruffled fur, reduced body weight (BW) and a low survival rate. Although BP and HR
      were normal, spectral analysis indicated that their BP and HR variabilities were
      reduced. All rats exhibited typical signs of cardiotoxicity at histopathology. In
      contrast, HPMA-DOX rats gained weight over time and survived. Although BP, HR and
      related variabilities were unaffected, the left ventricular end diastolic volume
      (EDV) of these rats, as well as of the HPMA copolymer-treated rats, was found
      increased at the end of observation period. Additionally, HPMA copolymer caused
      microscopic injury of the heart tissue. All of these suggest the necessity of
      caution when employing HPMA as carrier for prolonged drug delivery. The current
      study also indicates the potential of radiotelemetric-spectral-echocardiography
      approach for improved preclinical cardiovascular risk assessment of polymer-drug
      conjugate and other nano-sized-drug constructs.

PMID- 28098512
TI  - The impact of electric hearing on children's timbre and pitch perception and
      talker discrimination.

PMID- 28098513
TI  - Attrition and retention in upper limb prosthetics research: experience of the VA
      home study of the DEKA arm.
AB  - PURPOSE: (1) Describe study attrition; (2) identify reasons for attrition, and
      (3) discuss implications for prosthetic prescription and design of future device
      studies. Design and methodological procedures used: Completion phase (during in
      laboratory training, after training, or home use) was identified for 42
      participants. Qualitative data were analyzed to identify attrition reasons.
      Reasons were classified as related to the DEKA arm, or not. RESULTS: Study
      attrition was 57%, with 43% completing the full study. Attrition during the in
      laboratory portion was 21%. Reasons for attrition were related to the DEKA arm
      entirely or in-part for 42%, 25%, respectively. Most common reasons were
      scheduling/personal (54%); device weight (29%); and dissatisfaction with device
      (25%). About 21% withdrew because of concerns about compliance with study
      protocol. CONCLUSIONS: This study had a high attrition rate with evidence of
      selective attrition due to device characteristics. Strategies to minimize
      attrition and the importance of tracking reasons for withdrawal are discussed.
      Given that retention could be an indicator of willingness to adopt the DEKA arm,
      findings suggest that it would be prudent to provide patients with the
      opportunity to train with the DEKA arm before a decision is made regarding the
      appropriateness of the device for the patient. Implications for Rehabilitation
      This study of a new upper limb prosthesis, the DEKA arm, had a 57% attrition rate
      with evidence of selective attrition due to characteristics of the DEKA arm.
      Findings point to the need for strategies to minimize attrition in future
      studies. Findings also illustrate the importance of tracking reasons for subject
      withdrawal in longitudinal prosthesis device studies. Because participant
      retention in longitudinal device studies may be an indicator of future
      willingness to adopt a device, our findings suggest that it would be prudent to
      provide patients with the opportunity to train with the DEKA arm before a final
      decision is made regarding the appropriateness of the device for the patient.

PMID- 28098514
TI  - Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: Emerging Brain Food for the Mitigation of
      Neurodegenerative Diseases.
AB  - There is an exponential increase in dementia in old age at a global level because
      of increasing life expectancy. The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such
      as dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) will continue to rise steadily, and is
      expected to reach 42 million cases worldwide in 2020. Despite the advancement of
      medication, the management of these diseases remains largely ineffective.
      Therefore, it is vital to explore novel nature-based nutraceuticals to mitigate
      AD and other age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Mushrooms and their
      extracts appear to hold many health benefits, including immune-modulating
      effects. A number of edible mushrooms have been shown to contain rare and exotic
      compounds that exhibit positive effects on brain cells both in vitro and in vivo.
      In this review, we summarize the scientific information on edible and culinary
      mushrooms with regard to their antidementia/AD active compounds and/or
      pharmacological test results. The bioactive components in these mushrooms and the
      underlying mechanism of their activities are discussed. In short, these mushrooms
      may be regarded as functional foods for the mitigation of neurodegenerative
      diseases.

PMID- 28098516
TI  - Germacrone Attenuates Hyperlipidemia and Improves Lipid Metabolism in High-Fat
      Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6J Mice.
AB  - We previously showed that Aster spathulifolius Maxim extract (ASE) reduced body
      weight gain and serum and liver lipid levels and significantly suppressed serum
      insulin and leptin concentrations in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats.
      Germacrone (GM) was identified as a potent bioactive constituent of ASE. In this
      study, we hypothesized that GM can attenuate hyperlipidemia by alleviating fatty
      acid (FA) synthesis/uptake and improve lipid metabolism by stimulating FA beta
      oxidation in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. To induce obesity, mice were fed an
      HFD for 6 weeks, while control mice were fed a commercial standard diet. The mice
      were allocated to six groups and fed either a normal diet, HFD, HFD with GM (5,
      10, and 20 mg/kg), or HFD with 200 mg/kg Garcinia cambogia extract for 30 days.
      In the GM groups, body weight gain, visceral fat pad weight, fasting plasma
      glucose, serum insulin and leptin, and serum, as well as hepatic lipid, levels
      were attenuated. Transcriptional factors related to lipid metabolism, such as AMP
      activated protein kinase alpha, sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)
      1, SREBP 2, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      (PPAR)-alpha, PPAR-gamma, FA synthase, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1,
      showed higher expression in the GM groups. In summary, GM may help attenuate
      hyperlipidemia by suppressing FA synthesis and uptake by inhibiting SREBP
      signaling pathway activation and improve lipid metabolism by stimulating FA beta
      oxidation by activating the AMPKalpha signaling pathway in HFD-induced obesity.

PMID- 28098515
TI  - A Randomized Open-Label Trial to Assess the Effect of Plant Sterols Associated
      with Ezetimibe in Low-Density Lipoprotein Levels in Patients with Coronary Artery
      Disease on Statin Therapy.
AB  - Consumption of food products enriched with plant sterols and the use of ezetimibe
      reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestine and effectively reduce low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) plasma levels. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of the
      ezetimibe+plant sterol association in patients with coronary artery disease still
      not reaching recommended lipid levels despite the use of statins. We performed a
      prospective open-label study with 41 patients with stable coronary disease and
      LDL >70 mg/dL. Patients were randomized into four groups for a 6-week treatment:
      the control (CT) group remained on the same statin therapy, the ezetimibe (EZ)
      group received 10 mg/day of ezetimibe, the plant sterol (PS) group received
      spread enriched with 2 g of plant sterols, and the ezetimibe+PS (EZ+PS) group
      received 10 mg/day EZ +2 g PS. Initial mean LDL level was 97.4 +/- 31.1 mg/dL in
      control group, 105.1 +/- 23.1 mg/dL in EZ group, 95.4 +/- 27.7 mg/dL in PS group,
      and 97.0 +/- 8.3 mg/dL in EZ+PS group (P > .05). After 6 weeks of treatment, LDL
      of patients slightly increased in the control group (+8.9%; P > .05) and dropped
      in EZ group (-19.1%; P = .06), PS group (-16.6%; P = .01), and EZ+PS group (
      27.3%; P < .01). Mean LDL levels after treatment were 70.5 +/- 17.9 mg/dL in
      EZ+PS group, lower than the other groups (control was 106.1 +/- 34.9 mg/dL, EZ
      group was 85.0 +/- 35.6 mg/dL, and PS was 79.6 +/- 29.7 mg/dL) (P = .05 variance
      analysis factor [ANOVA]). Body weight, body-mass index, and glucose plasma levels
      did not change significantly after intervention. The combination of PS+ezetimibe
      was associated with lower LDL levels and suggests beneficial therapeutic effect
      against major cardiovascular events.

PMID- 28098517
TI  - Antiobesity Effects of Sansa (Crataegi fructus) on 3T3-L1 Cells and on High-Fat
      High-Cholesterol Diet-Induced Obese Rats.
AB  - This study was performed to investigate the effects of Crataegi fructus ethanol
      extracts (CFEEs) on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, and to evaluate the
      effects of C. fructus powder (CFP) on lipid metabolism and its antiobesity effect
      in rats fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFC) diet. Both in vitro and in vivo
      studies were performed for physiological activity and antiobesity effects on the
      serum, liver, and adipose tissues in obesity-induced rats. CFEEs showed
      significant inhibitory action on differentiation and triglyceride (TG)
      accumulation in 3T3-L1 mature cells in a dose-dependent manner. Subcutaneous,
      mesenteric, epididymal, and total adipose tissue weights of HFC diet group were
      heavier than those of normal diet (N) group, whereas those of groups fed CFP were
      significantly decreased. Levels of serum TGs, total cholesterol (TC), and low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased in the CFP groups
      than in the HFC group, whereas the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      level decreased in the HFC group and markedly increased in the CFP groups. TC and
      TG levels in the liver and adipose tissues were significantly lower in CFP groups
      than in the HFC groups. In addition, feeding with CFP significantly reduced the
      occurrence of fatty liver deposits and steatosis, and inhibited an HFC diet
      induced increase in adipocyte size. These results suggest that C. fructus may
      improve lipid metabolism in the serum, liver, and adipose tissue, and may
      potentially reduce lipid storage.

PMID- 28098518
TI  - A 4-Nitroquinoleneoxide-Induced Pleurotus eryngii Mutant Variety Increases Pin1
      Expression in Rat Brain.
AB  - To develop Pleurotus eryngii varieties with improved medicinal qualities,
      protoplasts of P. eryngii were mutagenized using 4-nitroquinoleneoxide. The
      effects of the resulting variant mushrooms on a human cell were evaluated by
      applying their aqueous extracts to the human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, in vitro
      and examining any alteration in the proteomes of the treated HepG2. The P.
      eryngii mutant, NQ2A-12, was selected for its effects on increasing the
      expression level of Pin1 in HepG2. Pin1 is one of the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans
      isomerases known to play an important role in repressing Alzheimer's disease
      pathogenesis. Validity of NQ2A-12 related to Alzheimer's disease was shown with
      an enhanced expression of Pin1 in a mouse brain tissue by injecting the NQ2A-12
      extract. The mutant mushroom, NQ2A-12, could be developed as a new variety of P.
      eryngii with potential to protect against Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 28098519
TI  - Who Knows? Knowledge Activation, Belief in Certainty of Knowledge, Maximization
      Tendencies and Need for Cognition in Answerability Judgments.
AB  - In this study, investigating answerability judgments, 123 participants judged
      whether each of 46 general knowledge questions could currently be answered by
      themselves, by someone else, or by no one. There were 26 consensus questions
      (high expected consensus about their answerability) and 20 non-consensus
      questions. Before each question, half of the participants rated the extent of
      their knowledge related to the question. Results showed that answering consensus
      questions compared with non-consensus led to a lower proportion of "No one knows"
      answers. Moreover, in the knowledge rating condition compared with the control
      condition, participants choose "No one knows" proportionally less. Participants'
      ratings of belief in certainty of knowledge were associated with more "Someone
      else knows" for the non-consensus questions. Moreover, tendency to maximization
      led to a higher proportion of "Someone else knows" options for the non-consensus
      questions. Finally, high need for cognition was associated with fewer choices of
      "Someone else knows."

PMID- 28098520
TI  - The Role of the Relationship with Parents with Respect to Work Orientation and
      Work Ethic.
AB  - We examined the extent to which individual relationships with mother and father,
      social support from partner, and quality of the relationship with the partner,
      are related to work orientation and work ethic. Survey data were obtained from
      3841 respondents from the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study (wave 2). The results
      showed that, overall, people with a more positive relationship with their parents
      had a more positive work orientation and a stronger work ethic. A positive
      relationship with the father had a greater influence on these work aspects than a
      positive relationship with the mother, particularly for men. Partner support and
      the quality of the partner relationship partially mediated the association
      between the relationship with one's parents and work orientation only for women.
      There were no significant relationships between partner support or the quality of
      the partner relationship, and work ethic. Research on the relationship with
      parents and work-related variables is discussed.

PMID- 28098521
TI  - Semantic and Syntactic Associations During Word Search Modulate the Relationship
      Between Attention and Subsequent Memory.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to investigate how linguistic information
      influences attention allocation in visual search and memory for words. In
      Experiment 1, participants searched for the synonym of a cue word among five
      words. The distractors included one antonym and three unrelated words. In
      Experiment 2, participants were asked to judge whether the five words presented
      on the screen comprise a valid sentence. The relationships among words were
      sentential, semantically related or unrelated. A memory recognition task
      followed. Results in both experiments showed that linguistically related words
      produced better memory performance. We also found that there were significant
      interactions between linguistic relation conditions and memorization on eye
      movement measures, indicating that good memory for words relied on frequent and
      long fixations during search in the unrelated condition but to a much lesser
      extent in linguistically related conditions. We conclude that semantic and
      syntactic associations attenuate the link between overt attention allocation and
      subsequent memory performance, suggesting that linguistic relatedness can
      somewhat compensate for a relative lack of attention during word search.

PMID- 28098522
TI  - McGurk Effect in Gender Identification: Vision Trumps Audition in Voice
      Judgments.
AB  - Demonstrations of non-speech McGurk effects are rare, mostly limited to emotion
      identification, and sometimes not considered true analogues. We presented videos
      of males and females singing a single syllable on the same pitch and asked
      participants to indicate the true range of the voice-soprano, alto, tenor, or
      bass. For one group of participants, the gender shown on the video matched the
      gender of the voice heard, and for the other group they were mismatched. Soprano
      or alto responses were interpreted as "female voice" decisions and tenor or bass
      responses as "male voice" decisions. Identification of the voice gender was 100%
      correct in the preceding audio-only condition. However, whereas performance was
      also 100% correct in the matched video/audio condition, it was only 31% correct
      in the mismatched video/audio condition. Thus, the visual gender information
      overrode the voice gender identification, showing a robust non-speech McGurk
      effect.

PMID- 28098523
TI  - Effects of Psychological Distance and Need for Cognitive Closure on Impression
      Formation.
AB  - Based on theoretical and empirical similarities between Construal level theory of
      psychological distance and the Need for cognitive closure (NFC) theory, it could
      be hypothesized that psychological distance and NFC represent constructs that
      overlap to some degree. Since both theories describe judgmental behavior in terms
      of schematic processing, we hypothesized that primacy effect, a schema-driven
      phenomenon, is strengthened under the heightened NFC and psychological distance.
      We tested this hypothesis in an impression formation experiment while
      manipulating psychological distance and measuring NFC. Low NFC and psychological
      closeness reflect preference for situationally specific, contextually rich
      information, and therefore their joint effect resulted in reliance on all
      available information regardless of their position in a sequence. High NFC and
      psychological distance produced a preference for clear, schematic, stable
      knowledge, and therefore weighed first information more, which resulted in the
      primacy effect.

PMID- 28098524
TI  - Swine Influenza Virus (H1N2) Characterization and Transmission in Ferrets, Chile.
AB  - Phylogenetic analysis of the influenza hemagglutinin gene (HA) has suggested that
      commercial pigs in Chile harbor unique human seasonal H1-like influenza viruses,
      but further information, including characterization of these viruses, was
      unavailable. We isolated influenza virus (H1N2) from a swine in a backyard
      production farm in Central Chile and demonstrated that the HA gene was identical
      to that in a previous report. Its HA and neuraminidase genes were most similar to
      human H1 and N2 viruses from the early 1990s and internal segments were similar
      to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. The virus replicated efficiently in vitro and in
      vivo and transmitted in ferrets by respiratory droplet. Antigenically, it was
      distinct from other swine viruses. Hemagglutination inhibition analysis suggested
      that antibody titers to the swine Chilean H1N2 virus were decreased in persons
      born after 1990. Further studies are needed to characterize the potential risk to
      humans, as well as the ecology of influenza in swine in South America.

PMID- 28098525
TI  - Genetic Diversity and New Lineages of Dengue Virus Serotypes 3 and 4 in Returning
      Travelers, Germany, 2006-2015.
AB  - During 2006-2015, we analyzed 70 dengue virus (DENV) strains isolated from
      febrile travelers returning to Germany. High genetic diversity, including
      multiple co-circulating DENV lineages and emerging new lineages of DENV-3 and
      DENV-4, was demonstrated. Our passive surveillance system based on returning
      travelers yielded substantial information on DENV diversity.

PMID- 28098526
TI  - Ancylostoma ceylanicum Hookworm in the Solomon Islands.
AB  - Although hookworm is highly prevalent in the Solomon Islands, the species
      involved are unknown. We initiated this study in response to finding Ancylostoma
      ceylanicum hookworm in a peacekeeper in Australia who had returned from the
      Solomon Islands. Kato-Katz fecal surveys performed in 2013 and 2014 in 2 village
      groups in East Malaita, Solomon Islands, identified hookworm-positive samples.
      These specimens were tested by cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox-1) gene multiplex PCR
      and sequenced. Of 66 positive specimens, 54 (81.8%) contained only Necator
      americanus, 11 (16.7%) contained only A. ceylanicum, and 1 (1.5%) contained both
      species. A. duodenale was not found. Haplotype analysis of cox-1 sequences placed
      all human isolates (99% bootstrap support) of A. ceylanicum within the zoonotic
      clade rather than the human-specific clade. This study confirms that A.
      ceylanicum is endemic in the East Malaita region of this Pacific Island nation.
      The strain of the A. ceylanicum in this region can be shared among humans, dogs,
      and cats.

PMID- 28098527
TI  - Changing Epidemiology of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E Viruses in China, 1990-2014.
AB  - We compared the epidemiology of hepatitis A and hepatitis E cases in China from
      1990-2014 to better inform policy and prevention efforts. The incidence of
      hepatitis A cases declined dramatically, while hepatitis E incidence increased.
      During 2004-2014, hepatitis E mortality rates surpassed those of hepatitis A.

PMID- 28098528
TI  - Spread and Evolution of Respiratory Syncytial Virus A Genotype ON1, Coastal
      Kenya, 2010-2015.
AB  - In February 2012, the novel respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) group A, genotype
      ON1, was detected in Kilifi County, coastal Kenya. ON1 is characterized by a 72
      nt duplication within the highly variable G gene (encoding the immunogenic
      attachment surface protein). Cases were diagnosed through surveillance of
      pneumonia in children at the county hospital. Analysis of epidemiologic,
      clinical, and sequence data of RSV-A viruses detected over 5 RSV seasons
      (2010/2011 to 2014/2015) indicated the following: 1) replacement of previously
      circulating genotype GA2 ON1, 2) an abrupt expansion in the number of ON1
      variants detected in the 2014/2015 epidemic, 3) recently accumulation of amino
      acid substitutions within the ON1 duplicated sequence, and 4) no clear evidence
      of altered pathogenicity relative to GA2. The study demonstrates the public
      health importance of molecular surveillance in defining the spread, clinical
      effects, and evolution of novel respiratory virus variants.

PMID- 28098529
TI  - Multidrug-Resistant Candida haemulonii and C. auris, Tel Aviv, Israel.
AB  - Candida auris and C. haemulonii are closely related, multidrug-resistant emerging
      fungal pathogens that are not readily distinguishable with phenotypic assays. We
      studied C. auris and C. haemulonii clinical isolates from 2 hospitals in central
      Israel. C. auris was isolated in 5 patients with nosocomial bloodstream
      infection, and C. haemulonii was found as a colonizer of leg wounds at a
      peripheral vascular disease clinic. Liberal use of topical miconazole and close
      contact among patients were implicated in C. haemulonii transmission. C. auris
      exhibited higher thermotolerance, virulence in a mouse infection model, and ATP
      dependent drug efflux activity than C. haemulonii. Comparison of ribosomal DNA
      sequences found that C. auris strains from Israel were phylogenetically distinct
      from isolates from East Asia, South Africa and Kuwait, whereas C. haemulonii
      strains from different countries were closely interrelated. Our findings
      highlight the pathogenicity of C. auris and underscore the need to limit its
      spread.

PMID- 28098530
TI  - Fatal Infection with Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus Imported from Australia to
      Canada, 2011.
AB  - Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), a flavivirus belonging to the Japanese
      encephalitis serogroup, can cause severe clinical manifestations in humans. We
      report a fatal case of MVEV infection in a young woman who returned from
      Australia to Canada. The differential diagnosis for travel-associated
      encephalitis should include MVEV, particularly during outbreak years.

PMID- 28098531
TI  - Changing Epidemiology of Human Brucellosis, China, 1955-2014.
AB  - Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease, was made statutorily notifiable in China in
      1955. We analyzed the incidence and spatial-temporal distribution of human
      brucellosis during 1955-2014 in China using notifiable surveillance data:
      aggregated data for 1955-2003 and individual case data for 2004-2014. A total of
      513,034 brucellosis cases were recorded, of which 99.3% were reported in northern
      China during 1955-2014, and 69.1% (258, 462/374, 141) occurred during February
      July in 1990-2014. Incidence remained high during 1955-1978 (interquartile range
      0.42-1.0 cases/100,000 residents), then decreased dramatically in 1979-1994.
      However, brucellosis has reemerged since 1995 (interquartile range 0.11-0.23 in
      1995-2003 and 1.48-2.89 in 2004-2014); the historical high occurred in 2014, and
      the affected area expanded from northern pastureland provinces to the adjacent
      grassland and agricultural areas, then to southern coastal and southwestern
      areas. Control strategies in China should be adjusted to account for these
      changes by adopting a One Health approach.

PMID- 28098532
TI  - Oral Transmission of L-Type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Agent among Cattle.
AB  - To determine oral transmissibility of the L-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy
      (BSE) prion, we orally inoculated 16 calves with brain homogenates of the agent.
      Only 1 animal, given a high dose, showed signs and died at 88 months. These
      results suggest low risk for oral transmission of the L-BSE agent among cattle.

PMID- 28098533
TI  - Azithromycin-Nonsusceptible Shigella flexneri 3a in Men Who Have Sex with Men,
      Taiwan, 2015-2016.
AB  - We report an outbreak of azithromycin-nonsusceptible Shigella flexneri 3a
      infection in Taiwan associated with men who have sex with men. The bacterial
      strains belonged to the sublineage A of a recently reported outbreak lineage
      associated with men who have sex with men, characterized by reduced azithromycin
      susceptibility and circulation in shigellosis low-risk regions.

PMID- 28098534
TI  - Cerebrospinal Fluid Findings in an Adult with Human Metapneumovirus-Associated
      Encephalitis.

PMID- 28098535
TI  - Outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease Caused by Legionella pneumophila Serogroups 1
      and 13.
AB  - In Japan, hot springs and public baths are the major sources of legionellosis. In
      2015, an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease occurred among 7 patients who had
      visited a spa house. Laboratory investigation indicated that L. pneumophila
      serogroup 1 and 13 strains caused the outbreak and that these strains were
      genetically related.

PMID- 28098536
TI  - Emergence of blaNDM-7-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Gabon, 2016.
AB  - Reports of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Africa remain rare and
      assess mostly blaOXA-48-producing isolates from Mediterranean countries and South
      Africa. We identified blaNDM-7-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Gabon in 2016. The
      isolates contained blaNDM-7 IncX3 plasmids that were unusual and similar to the
      one described in a colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae SZ04 isolate from
      China.

PMID- 28098537
TI  - Persistent Infections with Diverse Co-Circulating Astroviruses in Pediatric
      Oncology Patients, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
AB  - Human astroviruses are a major cause of pediatric gastroenteritis, especially in
      immunocompromised children. We conducted a retrospective study to demonstrate
      that diverse astrovirus genotypes can co-circulate in pediatric oncology
      patients. A subset of cases is associated with long-term virus shedding (range 17
      183 days).

PMID- 28098538
TI  - Neisseria meningitidis ST11 Complex Isolates Associated with Nongonococcal
      Urethritis, Indiana, USA, 2015-2016.
AB  - At a clinic in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, we observed an increase in Neisseria
      gonorrhoeae-negative men with suspected gonococcal urethritis who had urethral
      cultures positive for N. meningitidis. We describe genomes of 2 of these N.
      meningitidis sequence type 11 complex urethritis isolates. Clinical evidence
      suggests these isolates may represent an emerging urethrotropic clade.

PMID- 28098539
TI  - Incidence of Norovirus-Associated Diarrhea, Shanghai, China, 2012-2013.
AB  - We conducted sentinel-based surveillance for norovirus in the Pudong area of
      Shanghai, China, during 2012-2013, by analyzing 5,324 community surveys, 408,024
      medical records, and 771 laboratory-confirmed norovirus infections among 3,877
      diarrhea cases. Our analysis indicated an outpatient incidence of 1.5/100 person
      years and a community incidence of 8.9/100 person-years for norovirus-associated
      diarrhea.

PMID- 28098540
TI  - Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense Tapeworm Larvae in Salmon from North America.
AB  - Diphyllobothriosis is reemerging because of global importation and increased
      popularity of eating raw fish. We detected Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense
      plerocercoids in the musculature of wild pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
      from Alaska, USA. Therefore, salmon from the American and Asian Pacific coasts
      and elsewhere pose potential dangers for persons who eat these fish raw.

PMID- 28098541
TI  - Cutavirus in Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma.
AB  - A novel human protoparvovirus related to human bufavirus and preliminarily named
      cutavirus has been discovered. We detected cutavirus in a sample of cutaneous
      malignant melanoma by using viral enrichment and high-throughput sequencing. The
      role of cutaviruses in cutaneous cancers remains to be investigated.

PMID- 28098542
TI  - Detection of Vaccinia Virus in Urban Domestic Cats, Brazil.
AB  - We investigated possible vaccinia virus (VACV) in urban house cats in Brazil.
      Serum samples from 6 cats were positive for VACV by PCR, indicating likely VACV
      circulation among house cats in urban areas of Brazil. This finding highlights
      the importance of epidemiologic surveillance to avoid outbreaks among urban human
      populations.

PMID- 28098543
TI  - Increasing Antibiotic Resistance in Shigella spp. from Infected New York City
      Residents, New York, USA.
AB  - Approximately 20% of Shigella isolates tested in New York City, New York, USA,
      during 2013-2015 displayed decreased azithromycin susceptibility. Case-patients
      were older and more frequently male and HIV infected than those with azithromycin
      susceptible Shigella infection; 90% identified as men who have sex with men.
      Clinical interpretation guidelines for azithromycin resistance and outcome
      studies are needed.

PMID- 28098544
TI  - Fatal Emmonsia sp. Infection and Fungemia after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.
AB  - We report a fatal case of disseminated Emmonsia sp. infection in a 55-year-old
      man who received an orthotopic liver transplant. The patient had pneumonia and
      fungemia, and multisystem organ failure developed. As human habitats and the
      number of immunocompromised patients increase, physicians must be aware of this
      emerging fungal infection.

PMID- 28098545
TI  - Increase in Urgent Care Center Visits for Sexually Transmitted Infections, United
      States, 2010-2014.
AB  - During 2010-2014, urgent care centers saw a ~2-fold increase in the number of
      visits for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing and a >3-fold increase in visits by
      persons with diagnosed sexually transmitted infections. As urgent care becomes
      more popular, vigilance is required to ensure proper management of these
      diseases.

PMID- 28098546
TI  - Reoccurrence of Avian Influenza A(H5N2) Virus Clade 2.3.4.4 in Wild Birds,
      Alaska, USA, 2016.
AB  - We report reoccurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N2) virus clade
      2.3.4.4 in a wild mallard in Alaska, USA, in August 2016. Identification of this
      virus in a migratory species confirms low-frequency persistence in North America
      and the potential for re-dissemination of the virus during the 2016 fall
      migration.

PMID- 28098547
TI  - mcr-1-Harboring Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Sequence Type 34 in Pigs,
      China.
AB  - We detected the mcr-1 gene in 21 (14.8%) Salmonella isolates from pigs at
      slaughter; 19 were serovar Typhimurium sequence type 34. The gene was located on
      IncHI2-like plasmids that also harbored IncF replicons and lacked a conjugative
      transfer region. These findings highlight the need to prevent further spread of
      colistin resistance in animals and humans.

PMID- 28098549
TI  - Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis Caused by Ancylostoma Hookworm.
AB  - Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis is an ocular infectious disease caused
      by several distinct nematodes. Definite identification of the involved nematodes
      is rarely achieved. We report on the molecular-based genetic identification of an
      Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworm implicated in a case of diffuse unilateral
      subacute neuroretinitis in a child.

PMID- 28098548
TI  - Nosocomial Infections with IMP-19-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Linked to
      Contaminated Sinks, France.
AB  - We isolated IMP-19-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa from 7 patients with
      nosocomial infections linked to contaminated sinks in France. We showed that
      blaIMP-19 was located on various class 1 integrons among 8 species of gram
      negative bacilli detected in sinks: P. aeruginosa, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, A.
      aegrifaciens, P. putida, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, P. mendocina, Comamonas
      testosteroni, and Sphingomonas sp.

PMID- 28098550
TI  - Determination of Elizabethkingia Diversity by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and
      Whole-Genome Sequencing.
AB  - In a hospital-acquired infection with multidrug-resistant Elizabethkingia, matrix
      assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and 16S
      rRNA gene analysis identified the pathogen as Elizabethkingia miricola. Whole
      genome sequencing, genus-level core genome analysis, and in silico DNA-DNA
      hybridization of 35 Elizabethkingia strains indicated that the species taxonomy
      should be further explored.

PMID- 28098551
TI  - Seroprevalence and Transmission of Human Influenza A(H5N1) Virus before and after
      Virus Reassortment, Cambodia, 2006-2014.
AB  - Thirty-five human influenza A(H5N1) cases were reported in Cambodia during 2013
      2014 after emergence of a clade 1.1.2 reassortant virus. We tested 881 villagers
      and found 2 cases of pauci- or asymptomatic infection. Seroprevalence after
      emergence of the reassortant strain (0.2%) was lower than the aggregate
      seroprevalence of 1.3% reported in earlier studies.

PMID- 28098552
TI  - Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, France.
AB  - The rate of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus (HEV) in transplant
      recipients is unknown. We identified 60 HEV-positive solid organ transplant
      patients and retrospectively assessed their blood transfusions for HEV. Seven of
      60 patients received transfusions; 3 received HEV-positive blood products.
      Transfusion is not the major route of infection in this population.

PMID- 28098553
TI  - Biofilm-Forming Capability of Highly Virulent, Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris.
AB  - The emerging multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen Candida auris has attracted
      considerable attention as a source of healthcare-associated infections. We report
      that this highly virulent yeast has the capacity to form antifungal resistant
      biofilms sensitive to the disinfectant chlorhexidine in vitro.

PMID- 28098554
TI  - Risk Factors for Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis, United States.
AB  - Of 150,000 new coccidioidomycosis infections that occur annually in the United
      States, ~1% disseminate; one third of those cases are fatal. Immunocompromised
      hosts have higher rates of dissemination. We identified 8 patients with
      disseminated coccidioidomycosis who had defects in the interleukin-12/interferon
      gamma and STAT3 axes, indicating that these are critical host defense pathways.

PMID- 28098555
TI  - Nematophagous fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora mimics olfactory cues of sex and
      food to lure its nematode prey.
AB  - To study the molecular basis for predator-prey coevolution, we investigated how
      Caenorhabditis elegans responds to the predatory fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora.
      C. elegans and other nematodes were attracted to volatile compounds produced by
      A. oligospora. Gas-chromatographic mass-spectral analyses of A. oligospora
      derived volatile metabolites identified several odors mimicking food cues
      attractive to nematodes. One compound, methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB)
      additionally triggered strong sex- and stage-specific attraction in several
      Caenorhabditis species. Furthermore, when MMB is present, it interferes with
      nematode mating, suggesting that MMB might mimic sex pheromone in Caenorhabditis
      species. Forward genetic screening suggests that multiple receptors are involved
      in sensing MMB. Response to fungal odors involves the olfactory neuron AWCs.
      Single-cell RNA-seq revealed the GPCRs expressed in AWC. We propose that A.
      oligospora likely evolved the means to use olfactory mimicry to attract its
      nematode prey through the olfactory neurons in C. elegans and related species.

PMID- 28098556
TI  - Genetic defects in beta-spectrin and tau sensitize C. elegans axons to movement
      induced damage via torque-tension coupling.
AB  - Our bodies are in constant motion and so are the neurons that invade each tissue.
      Motion-induced neuron deformation and damage are associated with several
      neurodegenerative conditions. Here, we investigated the question of how the
      neuronal cytoskeleton protects axons and dendrites from mechanical stress,
      exploiting mutations in UNC-70 beta-spectrin, PTL-1 tau/MAP2-like and MEC-7 beta
      tubulin proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that mechanical stress
      induces supercoils and plectonemes in the sensory axons of spectrin and tau
      double mutants. Biophysical measurements, super-resolution, and electron
      microscopy, as well as numerical simulations of neurons as discrete, elastic rods
      provide evidence that a balance of torque, tension, and elasticity stabilizes
      neurons against mechanical deformation. We conclude that the spectrin and
      microtubule cytoskeletons work in combination to protect axons and dendrites from
      mechanical stress and propose that defects in beta-spectrin and tau may sensitize
      neurons to damage.

PMID- 28098557
TI  - Length-dependent flagellar growth of Vibrio alginolyticus revealed by real time
      fluorescent imaging.
AB  - Bacterial flagella are extracellular filaments that drive swimming in bacteria.
      During motor assembly, flagellins are transported unfolded through the central
      channel in the flagellum to the growing tip. Here, we applied in vivo fluorescent
      imaging to monitor in real time the Vibrio alginolyticus polar flagella growth.
      The flagellar growth rate is found to be highly length-dependent. Initially, the
      flagellum grows at a constant rate (50 nm/min) when shorter than 1500 nm. The
      growth rate decays sharply when the flagellum grows longer, which decreases to ~9
      nm/min at 7500 nm. We modeled flagellin transport inside the channel as a one
      dimensional diffusive process with an injection force at its base. When the
      flagellum is short, its growth rate is determined by the loading speed at the
      base. Only when the flagellum grows longer does diffusion of flagellin become the
      rate-limiting step, dramatically reducing the growth rate. Our results shed new
      light on the dynamic building process of this complex extracellular structure.

PMID- 28098559
TI  - Lattice Boltzmann simulations of the bead-spring microswimmer with a responsive
      stroke-from an individual to swarms.
AB  - Propulsion at low Reynolds numbers is often studied by defining artificial
      microswimmers which exhibit a particular stroke. The disadvantage of such an
      approach is that the stroke does not adjust to the environment, in particular the
      fluid flow, which can diminish the effect of hydrodynamic interactions. To
      overcome this limitation, we simulate a microswimmer consisting of three beads
      connected by springs and dampers, using the self-developed waLBerla and [Formula:
      see text] framework based on the lattice Boltzmann method and the discrete
      element method. In our approach, the swimming stroke of a swimmer emerges as a
      balance of the drag, the driving and the elastic internal forces. We validate the
      simulations by comparing the obtained swimming velocity to the velocity found
      analytically using a perturbative method where the bead oscillations are taken to
      be small. Including higher-order terms in the hydrodynamic interactions between
      the beads improves the agreement to the simulations in parts of the parameter
      space. Encouraged by the agreement between the theory and the simulations and
      aided by the massively parallel capabilities of the waLBerla-[Formula: see text]
      framework, we simulate more than ten thousand such swimmers together, thus
      presenting the first fully resolved simulations of large swarms with active
      responsive components.

PMID- 28098558
TI  - Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling directs cardiomyocyte movement
      toward the midline during heart tube assembly.
AB  - Communication between neighboring tissues plays a central role in guiding organ
      morphogenesis. During heart tube assembly, interactions with the adjacent
      endoderm control the medial movement of cardiomyocytes, a process referred to as
      cardiac fusion. However, the molecular underpinnings of this endodermal
      myocardial relationship remain unclear. Here, we show an essential role for
      platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (Pdgfra) in directing cardiac
      fusion. Mutation of pdgfra disrupts heart tube assembly in both zebrafish and
      mouse. Timelapse analysis of individual cardiomyocyte trajectories reveals
      misdirected cells in zebrafish pdgfra mutants, suggesting that PDGF signaling
      steers cardiomyocytes toward the midline during cardiac fusion. Intriguingly, the
      ligand pdgfaa is expressed in the endoderm medial to the pdgfra-expressing
      myocardial precursors. Ectopic expression of pdgfaa interferes with cardiac
      fusion, consistent with an instructive role for PDGF signaling. Together, these
      data uncover a novel mechanism through which endodermal-myocardial communication
      can guide the cell movements that initiate cardiac morphogenesis.

PMID- 28098560
TI  - Disordered Kitaev chains with long-range pairing.
AB  - We study the competition of disorder and superconductivity for a generalized
      Kitaev model in incommensurate potentials. The generalized Kitaev model describes
      one dimensional spinless fermions with long-range p-wave superconducting pairing,
      which decays with distance l as a power law  ~[Formula: see text]. We focus on
      the transition from the topological superconducting phase to the topologically
      trivial Anderson localized phase, and effects of the exponent alpha on this phase
      transition. In the topological superconducting phase, for a system under open
      boundary condition the amplitude of zero-mode Majorana fermion has a hybrid
      exponential-algebraic decay as the distance increases from the edge. In the
      Anderson localized phase, some single-particle states remain critical for very
      strong disorders and the number of critical states increases as alpha decreases.
      In addition, except for critical disorders, the correlation function always has
      an exponential decay at the short range and an algebraic decay at the long range.
      Phase transition points are also numerically determined and the topological phase
      transition happens earlier at a smaller disorder strength for a system with
      smaller alpha.

PMID- 28098561
TI  - Decoding of intended saccade direction in an oculomotor brain-computer interface.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To date, invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) research has largely
      focused on replacing lost limb functions using signals from the hand/arm areas of
      motor cortex. However, the oculomotor system may be better suited to BCI
      applications involving rapid serial selection from spatial targets, such as
      choosing from a set of possible words displayed on a computer screen in an
      augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) application. Here we aimed to
      demonstrate the feasibility of a BCI utilizing the oculomotor system. APPROACH:
      We developed a chronic intracortical BCI in monkeys to decode intended saccadic
      eye movement direction using activity from multiple frontal cortical areas. MAIN
      RESULTS: Intended saccade direction could be decoded in real time with high
      accuracy, particularly at contralateral locations. Accurate decoding was evident
      even at the beginning of the BCI session; no extensive BCI experience was
      necessary. High-frequency (80-500 Hz) local field potential magnitude provided
      the best performance, even over spiking activity, thus simplifying future BCI
      applications. Most of the information came from the frontal and supplementary eye
      fields, with relatively little contribution from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Our results support the feasibility of high-accuracy intracortical
      oculomotor BCIs that require little or no practice to operate and may be ideally
      suited for 'point and click' computer operation as used in most current AAC
      systems.

PMID- 28098563
TI  - Aortic surgery and laparoscopy: still a future in the endovascular surgery era?
AB  - : Laparoscopic surgery (LS) is the minimally invasive alternative to open surgery
      and endovascular approach for treating major aortic diseases. Only few reports in
      the literature describe the long-term outcomes of the laparoscopic approach for
      major vascular diseases. Furthermore, the widespread use of endovascular
      techniques has limited the use of LS to wellselected patients. This review
      evaluated the results of LS for aortic disease and compared the clinical outcomes
      of laparoscopic technique with those of open and endovascular surgery. A
      systematic review was performed by using the MEDLINE database, along with a meta
      analysis of the reported studies on the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm
      (AAA) and/or aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Forty-three studies were
      analyzed (17 for AAA and 26 for AIOD), with a total of 1197 patients with AAA and
      1307 patients with AIOD. Laparoscopic surgery, when performed in experienced
      centers, is a feasible and safe technique for the treatment of AAA and AIOD in
      patients unfit for open and endovascular repair. Assisted laparoscopic approach
      has shown better outcomes than totally laparoscopic repair, with a lower rate of
      mortality and morbidity. Endovascular repair, however, remains the gold standard
      in the treatment of AAA. KEY WORDS: Abdominal aortic aneurysm, Aorta, Aneurysm,
      Aorto-iliac occlusive disease, Endovascular aneurysm repair, EVAR, Laparoscopy,
      Endovascular, Repair, Laparoscopic Assisted, Laparoscopy Vascular, Laparoscopic
      surgery, Totally.

PMID- 28098564
TI  - Male breast cancer originating in an ectopic breast tissue in the umbilicus A
      Case Report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Accessory breast tissue is a rare finding in the general population
      with an incidence of 1-2%. Carcinomas of accessory breast tissue account for
      ~0.3% of breast cancers, 5% of which are arising within a supernumerary breast.
      They are usually diagnosed at a later stage compared with breast cancer, due to
      their rarity and low clinical suspicion. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case
      of a 58 years old male who was admitted to our hospital for an umbilical hernia,
      surgical repair. During surgery a small skin biopsy was excised and sent for
      pathological examination as routine procedure. The histological report revealed
      the presence of a poorly differentiated carcinoma. Immunochemical analysis
      confirmed adenocarcinoma of breast origin. CONCLUSION: Carcinomas of accessory
      breast tissue are rare and therefore they are usually of advanced stage in time
      of diagnosis. Few cases have been reported in literature of accessory breast
      tissue carcinomas in men. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case in
      the literature, of ectopic breast tissue cancer in the umbilicus. KEY WORDS:
      Ectopic breast, Male breast cancer, Umbilicus.

PMID- 28098565
TI  - Bio-Engineering tissue and V.A.C. therapy: A new method for the treatment of
      extensive necrotizing infection in the diabetic foot.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the standard care for progressive
      necrotizing infection in diabetic foot with a treatment protocol based on the
      association between autologous fibroblast grafts and vacuum-assisted closure
      therapy (V.A.C.). MATERIAL OF STUDY: A retrospective matched Case-Control study
      was carried out on 20 patients with diabetic foot infection, 10 treated with the
      standard care and 10 with our new protocol. Inclusion criteria were: acute
      diabetic foot necrosis (Wagner III and IV), ulcer size (30 to 80 cm2), tendon and
      bone exposure. Success in the treatment was evaluated as: percentage of healing
      at the 20th week, time of healing, deambulation, recurrence and major amputation
      rate. RESULTS: A 90% healing rate was observed after 20 weeks in the study group,
      compared to a 28.6% in the control group. The recurrence rate in the treated
      areas was 20% in the study group and 100% in the control group. None of the
      patients in either group required major amputations. DISCUSSION: We achieved very
      promising results by associating autologous fibroblasts grafts and V.A.C.
      therapy, in comparison with standard care. V.A.C. therapy seems to improve the
      growth rate of the fibroblasts, probably by sealing the wound and providing a
      moist environment following the fibroblast graft. The improved neoangiogenesis of
      the neo-dermis could explain the reduced recurrence rate of the study group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low number of patients involved and the retrospective
      nature of the analysis, this study showed a reliable, safe and cost-effective
      method of treating extensive infection in the diabetic foot. KEY WORDS: Bio
      Engineered Tissue, Diabetic foot, Fibroblast graft, V.A.C. THERAPY: 

PMID- 28098566
TI  - Comprehensive surgical. Orthodontic treatment of class III malocclusion in cleft
      patient involving minimally invasive surgery Case report and literature review.
AB  - AIM: Surgical and orthodontic treatment of a teenage cleft patient. CASE REPORT:
      Authors describe the case of a 13 year old female cleft patient presented with
      class III malocclusion RESULT: The patient underwent comprehensive surgical
      secondary bone grafting and orthodontic treatment. Stable skeletal and occlusal
      class I relationship was achived and maintained in the post treatment observation
      period till the age of 16. DISCUSSION: Although several authors suggests primary
      gingivoperiosteoplasty, other advocates that such early intervention can cause
      later restrictions in maxillary growth. For alveolar reconstruction, maxillary
      growth and dental age were the main considerations in determining the timing of
      surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: This case showed that borderline cases of
      complex dentoalveolar and skeletal anomaly in cleft patients could be
      successfully treated with comprehensive secondary bone grafting and orthodontic
      treatment thus avoiding the need for orthognatic surgery. KEY WORDS: Alveolar
      bone grafting, Cleft, Malocclusion.

PMID- 28098567
TI  - Multiple enlarged lymph nodes in axilla A case report of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - : We present the case of a 59-year-old man with a growing mass in his left
      axillary area. A biopsy and immunostainings demonstrated neuroendocrine
      carcinoma, which is Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). The disease is characterised by
      neurosecretory granules in tumor cells. MCC is a rare entity. The disease is
      predominantly seen in the inguinal region or the axilla and typically found
      incidentally. It presents clinically as multiple lymph nodes enlargement. Yet
      controversy exists regarding treatment modality of MCC. We report the first case
      of MCC in (Left) Axilla where there were two cases reported previously in (Right)
      Axilla. KEY WORDS: Lymph nodes enlargement, Merkel cell carcinoma, Radiotherapy.

PMID- 28098568
TI  - Giant retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Liposarcoma is the most frequent type of retroperitoneal sarcomas.
      Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is the least common subtype and is an extremely rare
      tumor. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 53-year-old male who was referred
      with a giant retroperitoneal mass. The patients' mass was deemed unresectable by
      the previous institution and received chemotherapy with no benefit. We
      macroscopically removed the 38x32 cm mass with right nefrectomy. Pathological
      examination revealed dedifferentiated liposarcoma. CONCLUSION: Surgery is the
      gold standart in the treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas. Giant masses present
      a challenge for the surgeon with possible major vascular injuries and multiorgan
      resections. Therefore it is important for these patients to be referred for
      surgery without delay. KEY WORDS: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma, Liposarcoma,
      Retroperitoneal sarcoma.

PMID- 28098569
TI  - Human Papillomavirus Genotyping of Incidental Malignant and Premalignant Lesions
      on Hemorrhoidectomy Specimens.
AB  - Routine histopathologic examination of hemorrhoidectomy specimens is
      controversial having been described as not useful and expensive with few of these
      common cases demonstrating incidental lesions. However, unexpected premalignant
      and malignant lesions have been detected on excised hemorrhoids. The high-risk
      human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types associated with these incidentally identified
      high-grade lesions are presently unknown. We aimed to identify cases of
      incidental high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-AIN) and anal squamous
      cell carcinoma incidentally discovered on hemorrhoidectomy specimens, genotype HR
      HPVs from these lesions, and assess p53 and p16 expression by
      immunohistochemistry to identify risk factors for their development. With
      institutional approval, cases with associated demographics from 1995 to 2015 were
      reviewed to identify and confirm incidental HG-AIN or squamous cell carcinoma in
      hemorrhoidectomy specimens. Genotyping for HR-HPV types and immunohistochemical
      staining for p53 and p16 was performed. Statistical analysis comparing HPV
      genotypes, p53 and p16 staining, and potential risk factors by the Fisher exact
      test was performed. In the largest series of incidental high-grade lesions on
      hemorrhoidectomy, HPV 16 was the most common HR-HPV detected though multiple-type
      infections were common including some HPV 16/18-negative cases. By genotyping,
      HPV 39 was significantly associated with IV-drug abuse history (P=0.0015) and HIV
      positive status (P=0.037), whereas HPV 58 detection correlated with chemotherapy
      induced immunosuppression (P=0.029). There was frequent overlap between p53
      staining and HPV positivity, particularly when HPV 31 was detected. We also
      identified several mimickers of HG-AIN that may present diagnostic challenges in
      these specimens. Our data support continued routine examination of
      hemorrhoidectomy specimens and suggest that adjunctive studies such as
      immunohistochemistry for challenging cases may be useful.

PMID- 28098570
TI  - Preferential Localization of MET Expression at the Invasion Front and in
      Spreading Cells Through Air Spaces in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinomas.
AB  - The involvement of the HGF/MET pathway in acquisition of an invasive phenotype in
      non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) suggests that MET inhibitors might prove
      effective against these cancers, but clinical trials have yielded conflicting
      results. The aim of our study was to evaluate how intratumoral heterogeneity
      (ITH) of MET staining affects the determination of MET status for therapeutic
      purposes. We analyzed 64 NSCLC samples, including 33 adenocarcinomas (ADCs) and
      31 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). We used immunohistochemistry to detect MET
      and phospho-MET on whole slides and determined the MET SP44 immunoscore and the H
      score. A high METMab score (2+/3+) was observed in 34% of NSCLCs and was more
      prevalent in ADCs (52%) than in SCCs (16%). We found ITH in 73% of ADCs and 77%
      of SCCs, with higher levels of MET and phospho-MET at the invasion front (in 52%
      of ADCs and 22% of SCCs) and in tumor cells spreading through air spaces in ADCs.
      Within-sample ITH was high in 40% of the ADCs and 29% of the SCCs. When different
      samples from the same tumor were compared, discordant assessments (high MET vs.
      low MET) were made for 12% of the ADCs and 10% of the SCCs. C-MET and phospho-MET
      overexpression occurred preferentially in ADCs and in areas involved in tumor
      progression, in support of the view that MET activation plays a role in the
      development of an invasive phenotype in NSCLC. To use MET status adequately as a
      biomarker, one must take the resulting high level of ITH into account.

PMID- 28098571
TI  - Operating Room Anesthesia Subspecialization Is Not Associated With Significantly
      Greater Quality of Supervision of Anesthesia Residents and Nurse Anesthetists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Supervision of anesthesia residents and nurse anesthetists is a major
      responsibility of faculty anesthesiologists. The quality of their supervision can
      be assessed quantitatively by the anesthesia residents and nurse anesthetists.
      Supervision scores are an independent measure of the contribution of the
      anesthesiologist to patient care. We evaluated the association between quality of
      supervision and level of specialization of anesthesiologists. METHODS: We used
      two 6-month periods, one with no feedback to anesthesiologists of the residents'
      and nurse anesthetists' evaluations, and the other with feedback. Supervision
      scores provided by residents and nurse anesthetists were considered separately.
      Sample sizes among the 4 combinations ranged from n = 51 to n = 62 University of
      Iowa faculty. For each supervising anesthesiologist and 6-month period, we
      calculated the proportion of anesthetic cases attributable to each anesthesia
      Current Procedural Terminology code. The sum of the square of the proportions, a
      measurement of diversity, is known as the Herfindahl index. The inverse of this
      index represents the effective number of common procedures. The diversity (degree
      of specialization) of each faculty anesthesiologist was measured attributing each
      case to: (1) the anesthesiologist who supervised for the longest total period of
      time, (2) the anesthesiologist who started the case, or (3) the anesthesiologist
      who started the case, limited to cases started during "regular hours" (defined as
      nonholiday Monday to Friday, 07:00 AM to 02:59 PM). Inferential analysis was
      performed using bivariate-weighted least-squares regression. RESULTS: The point
      estimates of all 12 slopes were in the direction of greater specialization of
      practice of the evaluated faculty anesthesiologist being associated with
      significantly lower supervision scores. Among supervision scores provided by
      nurse anesthetists, the association was statistically significant for the third
      of the 6-month periods under the first and second ways of attributing the cases
      (uncorrected P < .0001). However, the slopes of the relationships were all small
      (eg, 0.109 +/- 0.025 [SE] units on the 4-point supervision scale for a change of
      10 common procedures). Among supervision scores provided by anesthesia residents,
      the association was statistically significant during the first period for all 3
      ways of attributing the case (uncorrected P < .0001). However, again, the slopes
      were small (eg, 0.127 +/- 0.027 units for a change of 10 common procedures).
      CONCLUSIONS: Greater clinical specialization of faculty anesthesiologists was not
      associated with meaningful improvements in quality of clinical supervision.

PMID- 28098572
TI  - Metastatic Organotropism: An Intrinsic Property of Breast Cancer Molecular
      Subtypes.
AB  - It has long been known that some cancers have the propensity to metastasize to
      certain organs thus creating a nonrandom distribution of sites for distant
      relapse, a phenomenon known as "metastatic organotropism." Some of these examples
      include ovary primary to abdominal cavity, prostate primary to bone, and pancreas
      primary to liver. In contrast, other tumor types, such as mammary and renal cell
      carcinoma, can relapse in multiple organs although approximately half of advanced
      breast cancers metastasize to bone. On the other hand gene expression profiling
      studies have identified various breast cancer classes with prognostic
      significance. Recent studies have revealed that breast cancer subtypes differ not
      only in primary tumor characteristics but also in their metastatic behavior. In
      particular, the luminal tumors are remarkable for their significant bone-seeking
      phenotype; the HER2 subtype demonstrates a significant liver-homing
      characteristic; whereas so-called triple-negative breast cancers predispose to
      lung metastases. These findings suggest that this knowledge could potentially be
      utilized in the development of effective disease surveillance strategies in the
      pursuit of precision medicine, thus necessitating further investigation.

PMID- 28098573
TI  - Managing Maternal Sepsis: Early Warning Criteria to ECMO.
AB  - Maternal sepsis is now a leading cause of direct maternal death during pregnancy.
      This review addresses the latest advances in the identification and management of
      critically ill parturients. Specifically, this review will focus on the
      vulnerability of pregnant women to sepsis, the utility of early warning criteria
      in the identification of the septic parturient, emphasize the immediate
      antibiotic management of suspected sepsis, and elaborate upon the latest
      understanding in the ventilatory management of parturients with sepsis.

PMID- 28098574
TI  - New Developments in Robotics and Single-site Gynecologic Surgery.
AB  - Within the last 10 years there have been significant advances in minimal-access
      surgery. Although no emerging technology has demonstrated improved outcomes or
      fewer complications than standard laparoscopy, the introduction of the robotic
      surgical platform has significantly lowered abdominal hysterectomy rates. While
      operative time and cost were higher in robotic-assisted procedures when the
      technology was first introduced, newer studies demonstrate equivalent or improved
      robotic surgical efficiency with increased experience. Single-port hysterectomy
      has not improved postoperative pain or subjective cosmetic results. Emerging
      platforms with flexible, articulating instruments may increase the uptake of
      single-port procedures including natural orifice transluminal endoscopic cases.

PMID- 28098575
TI  - Obstetric Anesthesia Liability Concerns.
AB  - Obstetric practice carries a high risk of medical liability and involves both
      obstetricians and anesthesiologists. Analysis of data from the Anesthesia Closed
      Claims Project database shows an increase in the proportion of anesthesia claims
      for maternal death and brain damage between the 1990s and 2000 and later,
      primarily due to hemorrhage. The proportion of claims for newborn brain damage
      remained unchanged while those for maternal nerve injury and minor injuries
      decreased. Use of massive transfusion protocols and clinical drills have been
      shown to improve outcomes from hemorrhage. Good communication and teamwork are
      critical for reducing obstetric liability.

PMID- 28098576
TI  - Grafting and Dental Implantation in Patients With Jawbone Cavitation: Case Series
      and 3-Year Follow-Up.
AB  - PURPOSE: Jawbone cavitation (BC) is not uncommon and is considered to be related
      to some cases of unexpected implant displacement into deep jawbone space. Here, a
      series of cases with BC is described, in which the lesions were accidentally
      found and successfully treated by bone grafting and dental implantation. METHODS:
      Thirty-four partially edentulous patients who were found to have BC during dental
      implant surgeries were included in this study. Alloplast bone substitute (beta
      tricalcium phosphate) grafting with immediate or staged locking-taper implant
      placement was performed. Bone filling and implants on BC were followed up to 36
      months, and they were evaluated clinically and radiographically to verify
      treatment outcome. RESULTS: A total of 41 BCs were found at premolar and molar
      regions, which involved one or more teeth breadth. Nearly most of the lesions
      occurred in the mandible (95.1%, 39/41). Histologically, they were compatible
      with focal osteoporotic marrow defects. Fifty-two locking-taper implants and
      final restorations were delivered on 38 BCs. One implant failed due to loss of
      integration. The overall cumulative 3-year implant survival rate was 98.1%.
      CONCLUSION: By carefully examining and managing the surgical bed, the current
      treatment modality was shown to yield a satisfactory outcome for restoration of
      edentulous ridge with underneath BC.

PMID- 28098578
TI  - Helicobacter pylori and Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic
      Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common chronic
      bacterial infection. Patients with H. pylori infection may be at an increased
      risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) because of chronic inflammation
      and insulin resistance. Several epidemiologic studies attempting to determine
      this risk have yielded inconsistent results. This meta-analysis was conducted
      with the aims to summarize all available evidence and estimate the risk of NAFLD
      in patients with H. pylori infection. METHODS: A literature search was performed
      using MEDLINE and EMBASE database from inception to June 2016. Studies that
      reported relative risks, odd ratios, or hazard ratios comparing the risk of NAFLD
      among patients with H. pylori infection versus without H. pylori infection were
      included. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a
      random-effect, generic inverse variance method. RESULTS: Six studies met our
      eligibility criteria and were included in this analysis. We found a statistically
      significant increased risk of NAFLD among patients with H. pylori infection with
      the pooled odds ratios of 1.21 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.37). The
      statistical heterogeneity was low with an I of 49%. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly
      increased risk of NAFLD among patients with H. pylori infection was demonstrated
      in this meta-analysis. Further studies are required to clarify how this risk
      should be addressed in clinical practice.

PMID- 28098579
TI  - XEN Gel Stent Internal Ostium Occlusion: Ab-Interno Revision.
AB  - Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery aims to provide a safer and less-invasive
      means of reducing IOP compared with traditional surgery, with the goal of
      reducing the need for topical medications. The XEN gel stent is an ab-interno
      minimally invasive glaucoma surgery device that approaches intraocular pressure
      reduction by creating a subconjunctival drainage pathway. As with any new device
      there is lack of experience and knowledge about its long-term results in terms of
      efficacy, technique, and complications. We report a clinical case of a XEN blood
      clot internal ostium obstruction and how it was managed. The ab-interno approach
      with microforceps seems a minimally invasive, safe, and effective procedure.

PMID- 28098580
TI  - An Investigation of Treatment Engagement Among Returning Veterans With
      Problematic Anger.
AB  - Anger is a commonly reported problem among returning veterans, yet little
      attention has been devoted to studying treatment engagement among veterans who
      report anger problems but do not have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This
      study compares Iraq-Afghanistan veterans with anger/no PTSD (n = 159) to others
      reporting significant PTSD symptoms (n = 285) and those reporting neither anger
      nor PTSD (n = 716) on rates of treatment utilization, perceived barriers to
      treatment, and preferences for care. Relative to the PTSD group, the anger/no
      PTSD group was significantly less likely to have received mental health treatment
      in the last year, despite endorsing barriers to treatment at a lower rate.
      Furthermore, the anger/no-PTSD group endorsed fewer preferences than the PTSD
      group. Results suggest that the anger/no-PTSD group is a unique subgroup that may
      be less likely to identify a need for treatment. Implications are discussed.

PMID- 28098577
TI  - Mitochondria Initiate and Regulate Sarcopenia.
AB  - We present the hypothesis that an accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria
      initiates a signaling cascade leading to motor neuron and muscle fiber death and
      culminating in sarcopenia. Interactions between neural and muscle cells that
      contain dysfunctional mitochondria exacerbate sarcopenia. Preventing sarcopenia
      will require identifying mitochondrial sources of dysfunction that are
      reversible.

PMID- 28098581
TI  - Timing of Pavlik Harness Initiation: Can We Wait?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip is effectively treated with a
      Pavlik harness (PH) within the first 6 months of life. Over 80% of unstable hips
      in the newborn period will naturally stabilize by 2 months of age. If there is no
      difference in the effectiveness of initiating PH treatment at 1 week compared
      with 4 weeks of age, waiting may allow the hips to naturally stabilize and avoid
      treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the timing of PH
      implementation influences its effectiveness in the treatment of developmental
      dysplasia of the hip. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted between 2004
      and 2010. Patients were included if PH therapy was prescribed for hip instability
      or dislocation at or before 6 months of age. PH failure was defined as requiring
      any operative procedure for definitive management. Groups were divided based on
      the age at which the PH was initiated-group1=<30 days, group 2=30 to 60 days,
      group 3=>60 days. RESULTS: A total of 176 children were included with 38 (21.6%)
      failing PH treatment. The mean age at PH initiation was 1.3 months (SD=1.3) in
      the successfully treated children and 1.4 months (SD=1.2) in the failures
      (P=0.77). There was no difference in the failure rates by age with group 1=19.1%
      (18/94), group 2=22.5% (9/40), and group 3=26.2% (11/42) (P=0.87). There was no
      statistical difference with respect to sex or breech positioning in the success
      or failure groups; however, there was a higher percentage of bilateral
      involvement in the failure group (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had PH
      initiation before 30 days of age were no more or less likely to fail than when PH
      was initiated after 30 days of age. Parents can be counseled that waiting until
      after 30 days of age is appropriate before PH implementation. By avoiding
      swaddling during this period, the hips may stabilize without treatment and allow
      for more parental-infant bonding before implementation of PH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level III-therapeutic, case control study.

PMID- 28098583
TI  - Dyschromatopsia in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Marker of Subclinical
      Involvement?: Response.

PMID- 28098582
TI  - Dyschromatopsia in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Marker of Subclinical
      Involvement?: Comment.

PMID- 28098584
TI  - Interrater Agreement of Manual Palpation for Identification of Myofascial Trigger
      Points: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To achieve a statistical estimate of the agreement of manual palpation
      for identification of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and secondarily to
      investigate potential factors impacting the agreement of this technique. METHODS:
      We searched MEDLINE(R) and Embase for studies examining the reproducibility of
      manual palpation for the identification of MTrPs from the year 2007 to present.
      In addition, we utilized studies identified by 2 comprehensive systematic reviews
      that covered the period before 2007. The included studies were original peer
      reviewed research articles and included Cohen kappa measures or data with which
      to calculate Cohen kappa. Studies were excluded if they lacked a measure of
      variability or information required to calculate variability. Studies that
      examined palpation through body cavities were also excluded. Of the 18
      potentially relevant articles only 6 met inclusion criteria including 363
      patients. Modified QUADAS tool was used to assess study validity. Subgroup
      comparisons were made utilizing Q and Z tests. RESULTS: An estimate of
      kappa=0.452 (95% confidence interval, 0.364-0.540) was obtained for interrater
      agreement of manual palpation of MTrPs. Localized tenderness (kappa=0.676) and
      pain recognition (kappa=0.575) were the most reliable criteria. Only 1 study met
      inclusion criteria for intrarater agreement and therefore no meta-analysis was
      performed. DISCUSSION: Use of manual palpation for identification of MTrPs is
      unreliable, and future investigation should focus on integration with more
      reliable techniques.

PMID- 28098585
TI  - The Missing Record of Mental Status in Written Sign-outs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine how frequently mental status and
      mental status changes are documented in the written patient summary ("sign-out")
      provided to covering physicians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective
      cohort study of general medical patients hospitalized between March 16, 2009, and
      March 15, 2010, conducted at 2 teaching hospitals. Participants included patients
      with mental status change adverse events (MSAEs) and their providers. Chart
      review was performed to identify patients with MSAEs and details about these
      events. Sign-outs were reviewed for documentation of mental status. Main outcome
      measures were (1) proportion of patients with MSAEs who had mental status ever
      recorded in sign-out entries and (2) the proportion of patients with MSAEs whose
      change in mental status was recorded in the sign-out. RESULTS: Sixty-eight
      patients had MSAEs and were included in the sample. Fifty percent of MSAEs were
      attributed to medications; 75% of these events were first detected by nurses.
      Only 25% of patients with MSAEs had their change in mental status recorded in
      sign-outs. CONCLUSIONS: Recording mental status in written sign-outs is uncommon.
      Particularly concerning is that patients with MSAEs identified by chart review
      seldom had sign-outs that reflected those events. Interventions should be
      designed to increase the recording of this information in sign-outs.

PMID- 28098586
TI  - Comparing the Outcomes of Reporting and Trigger Tool Methods to Capture Adverse
      Events in the Emergency Department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about which methods are best for detecting adverse
      events in the emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVES: This study compared the
      ability of trigger tool and reporting methods to capture adverse events in the ED
      and investigated the characteristics of the adverse events identified by each.
      METHODS: This 1-year prospective observational cohort study evaluated a
      monitoring system that combined 2 reporting methods and 5 trigger tool methods to
      capture adverse events in the ED of an academic medical center. Measurement
      outcomes included the number, type, and physical impact of the captured adverse
      events. RESULTS: Among 69,327 adult nontrauma ED visits, 285 adverse events were
      identified. Of these adverse events, 77.2% were identified using reporting
      methods, 26% using trigger tool methods, and 3.2% using both methods. Most
      patients (81.7%) incurred temporary, minor physical impacts. Of the adverse
      events that occurred, 86.7% were related to clinical performance. Compared with
      reporting methods, trigger tool methods had a lower positive predictive rate to
      identify adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 0.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09
      0.16), a greater proportion of adverse events occurring during the
      preinterventation and postintervention phases (OR, 17.0; 95% CI, 8.48-34.16), and
      more cases of severe physical impact or death (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.62-11.10).
      CONCLUSIONS: The reporting methods more effectively captured greater numbers of
      adverse events, whereas the adverse events captured by the trigger tool methods
      were more likely to be severe physical impacts. The combined use of the different
      methods had synergistic benefits for monitoring adverse events in the ED.This is
      an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
      Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is
      permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The
      work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from
      the journal.

PMID- 28098587
TI  - Reducing the Shock of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Is Veno-Venous ECMO a
      Viable Therapy in the Hemodynamically Unstable Patient?

PMID- 28098588
TI  - Choice of Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: An Analysis of the National
      Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry.
AB  - Neuraxial anesthesia use in cesarean deliveries (CDs) has been rising since the
      1980s, whereas general anesthesia (GA) use has been declining. In this brief
      report we analyzed recent obstetric anesthesia practice patterns using National
      Anesthesiology Clinical Outcomes Registry data. Approximately 218,285 CD cases
      were identified between 2010 and 2015. GA was used in 5.8% of all CDs and 14.6%
      of emergent CDs. Higher rates of GA use were observed in CDs performed in
      university hospitals, after hours and on weekends, and on patients who were
      American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or higher and 18 years of age or
      younger.

PMID- 28098589
TI  - Can Mandibular Condylar Mobility Sonography Measurements Predict Difficult
      Laryngoscopy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited mandibular condylar mobility plays an important role in
      difficult laryngoscopy. Indirect assessment methods, such as mouth opening, have
      been proven to be useful predictors of difficult laryngoscopy. Sonography is a
      new direct assessment method for the limited mandibular condylar mobility.
      However, whether this method could be used in predicting difficult laryngoscopy
      still remains unknown. This study aimed to observe its ability to predict
      difficult laryngoscopy. METHODS: Adult patients who were administered tracheal
      intubations for elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in the
      study. Mandibular condylar mobility was assessed by sonography through condylar
      translation measurements. Beside mouth opening, other indirect variables that
      correlated with temporomandibular joint mobility, such as mandibular protrusion
      distance, upper lip bite test, and whether the condyle-tragus distance was <1
      finger breadth, were also evaluated before anesthesia. The primary outcome was
      difficult laryngoscopy defined as the Cormack-Lehane level 3 or 4. RESULTS: A
      total of 484 patients were prospectively included, and difficult laryngoscopy was
      reported in 41 patients. The condylar translation prediction criterion for
      difficult laryngoscopy was <=10 mm. The condylar translation was correlated with
      Cormack-Lehane level (Spearman correlation coefficient, -0.46; 99% confidence
      interval [CI], -0.55 to -0.36) and owned the highest area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve (0.93; 99% CI, 0.90 to 0.96, compared with that of
      the other predictors, P < .001) with difficult laryngoscopy. The condylar
      translation <=10 mm was with a considerable kappa value (kappa = 0.52; 99% CI,
      0.37 to 0.67) to difficult laryngoscopy and proved to be an independent predictor
      by a multivariate logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with indirect
      assessments, such as mouth opening and other parameters, mandibular condylar
      mobility, as assessed directly using sonography, was correlated with difficult
      laryngoscopy and demonstrated an independent and notably predictive property.

PMID- 28098590
TI  - Analgesia and Sedation Requirements in Mechanically Ventilated Trauma Patients
      With Acute, Preinjury Use of Cocaine and/or Amphetamines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether mechanically
      ventilated trauma patients with a positive urine drug screen (UDS) for cocaine
      and/or amphetamines have different opioid analgesic and sedative requirements
      compared with similar patients with a negative drug screen for these stimulants.
      METHODS: This retrospective, single-center cohort study at a tertiary care,
      academic medical and level 1 trauma center in the United States included patients
      >=16 years of age who were admitted to an adult intensive care unit with a
      diagnosis of trauma between 2009 and 2013 with a UDS documented within 24 hours
      of admission, and were mechanically ventilated for >24 hours. The primary end
      point was the daily dose of opioid received during mechanical ventilation,
      expressed as morphine equivalents, for patients presenting with a positive UDS
      for cocaine and/or amphetamines compared with patients with a negative UDS for
      these stimulants. Secondary end points included the daily benzodiazepine dose and
      median infusion rates of propofol and dexmedetomidine received during mechanical
      ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital
      length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Analgesic and sedative goals were
      similar for the duration of the study period, and both intermittent and
      continuous infusions of opioids and sedatives were administered to achieve these
      targets, although a standardized approach was not used. A multivariate logistic
      regression analysis and a propensity-adjusted model evaluated patient
      characteristics predictive of a higher median opioid requirement. RESULTS: A
      total of 150 patients were included in the final analysis. In a univariate
      analysis, opioid and sedative requirements were similar for patients presenting
      with a positive UDS for cocaine and/or amphetamines compared with patients with a
      negative UDS for these stimulants. In the multivariate regression analysis,
      increasing age and Abbreviated Injury Scale (head and neck) were associated with
      decreased daily opioid requirements (odds ratio [OR], .95, 95% confidence
      interval [CI], .93-.97 and OR, .71, 95% CI, .65-.77, respectively), whereas
      preinjury stimulant use was not predictive of opioid requirements (OR, .88, 95%
      CI, .40-1.90). In a propensity score--adjusted model, preinjury stimulant use was
      similarly not predictive of opioid requirements during mechanical ventilation
      (OR, .97, 95% CI, .44-2.11). CONCLUSIONS: For trauma patients presenting with
      acute, preinjury use of cocaine and/or amphetamines, analgesic and sedative
      requirements are variables and may not be greater than those patients presenting
      with a stimulant-negative UDS to achieve desirable pain control and depth of
      sedation, although this observation should be interpreted cautiously in light of
      the wide CI observed in the propensity score--adjusted model. Although
      unexpected, these findings indicate that empirically increasing analgesic and
      sedative doses based on positive UDS results for these stimulants may not be
      necessary.

PMID- 28098592
TI  - Protocolized Early Sepsis Care Is Not Only Helpful for Patients: It Prevents
      Medical Errors.

PMID- 28098591
TI  - Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and
      Septic Shock: 2016.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide an update to "Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines for
      Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: 2012." DESIGN: A consensus committee of 55
      international experts representing 25 international organizations was convened.
      Nominal groups were assembled at key international meetings (for those committee
      members attending the conference). A formal conflict-of-interest (COI) policy was
      developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. A stand-alone
      meeting was held for all panel members in December 2015. Teleconferences and
      electronic-based discussion among subgroups and among the entire committee served
      as an integral part of the development. METHODS: The panel consisted of five
      sections: hemodynamics, infection, adjunctive therapies, metabolic, and
      ventilation. Population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) questions
      were reviewed and updated as needed, and evidence profiles were generated. Each
      subgroup generated a list of questions, searched for best available evidence, and
      then followed the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
      Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the quality of evidence from
      high to very low, and to formulate recommendations as strong or weak, or best
      practice statement when applicable. RESULTS: The Surviving Sepsis Guideline panel
      provided 93 statements on early management and resuscitation of patients with
      sepsis or septic shock. Overall, 32 were strong recommendations, 39 were weak
      recommendations, and 18 were best-practice statements. No recommendation was
      provided for four questions. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial agreement exists among a
      large cohort of international experts regarding many strong recommendations for
      the best care of patients with sepsis. Although a significant number of aspects
      of care have relatively weak support, evidence-based recommendations regarding
      the acute management of sepsis and septic shock are the foundation of improved
      outcomes for these critically ill patients with high mortality.

PMID- 28098593
TI  - Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia: an underdiagnosed lipid disorder.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review pathophysiological, epidemiological and clinical
      aspects of familial dysbetalipoproteinemia; a model disease for remnant
      metabolism and remnant-associated cardiovascular risk. RECENT FINDINGS: Familial
      dysbetalipoproteinemia is characterized by remnant accumulation caused by
      impaired remnant clearance, and premature cardiovascular disease. Most familial
      dysbetalipoproteinemia patients are homozygous for apolipoprotein epsilon2, which
      is associated with decreased binding of apolipoprotein E to the LDL receptor.
      Although familial dysbetalipoproteinemia is an autosomal recessive disease in
      most cases, 10% is caused by autosomal dominant mutations. Of people with an
      epsilon2epsilon2 genotype 15% develops familial dysbetalipoproteinemia, which is
      associated with secondary risk factors, such as obesity and insulin resistance,
      that inhibit remnant clearance by degradation of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan
      receptor. The prevalence of familial dysbetalipoproteinemia ranges from 0.12 to
      0.40% depending on the definition used. Clinical characteristics of familial
      dysbetalipoproteinemia are xanthomas and mixed hyperlipidemia (high total
      cholesterol and triglycerides); the primary lipid treatment goal in familial
      dysbetalipoproteinemia is non-HDL-cholesterol; and treatment consists of dietary
      therapy and treatment with statin and fibrate combination. SUMMARY: Familial
      dysbetalipoproteinemia is a relatively common, though often not diagnosed, lipid
      disorder characterized by mixed hyperlipidemia, remnant accumulation and
      premature cardiovascular disease, which should be treated with dietary therapy
      and statin and fibrate combination.

PMID- 28098595
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28098594
TI  - Mediators of diabetic neuropathy: is hyperglycemia the only culprit?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a disabling, highly
      prevalent complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and
      T2DM). Large clinical studies support the concept that, in addition to
      hyperglycemia, components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) may underlie the
      pathogenesis of DPN, especially in T2DM. This review will present the evidence
      supporting the MetS and its individual components as potential causal factors for
      the development of neuropathy. RECENT FINDINGS: In addition to poor glycemic
      control and duration of diabetes, components of MetS such as dyslipidemia,
      obesity, and hypertension may have an important impact on the prevalence of DPN.
      Obesity and prediabetes have the most data to support their role in neuropathy,
      whereas hypertension and dyslipidemia have more mixed results. Nonmetabolic
      factors, such as genetic susceptibility, age, height, sex, smoking, and alcohol,
      have also been highlighted as potential risk factors in peripheral neuropathy,
      although the exact contribution of these factors to DPN remains unknown. SUMMARY:
      DPN is a chronic and disabling disease, and the accurate identification and
      modification of DPN risk factors is important for clinical management. Recent
      data support a role for components of the MetS and other risk factors in the
      development of DPN, offering novel targets beyond hyperglycemia for therapeutic
      development.

PMID- 28098596
TI  - Erythema Nodosum Leprosum-Like Lesions Are a Histopathologic Pattern in Whipple's
      Disease and a Sign of the Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome: A Case
      Series and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Inflammatory and subcutaneous nodules can arise in treated and untreated cases of
      Whipple disease (WD). The inflammatory immune reconstitution syndrome describes
      paradoxical clinical inflammatory worsening of a preexisting condition because of
      a return of immune function. Clinicopathologic examination of 4 patients with WD
      who presented with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL)-like lesions and the findings
      of a systematic review of this phenomenon revealed that ENL-like lesions occurred
      in predominantly middle-aged male patients who suffered from WD, mostly on the
      legs. Patients showed a nonvasculitic, mostly septal panniculits with
      neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. Numerous bacteria-laden periodic acid
      Schiff + macrophages and free bacilli were detected in the dermis, as well as
      subcutaneous septae and adipose lobules. These lesions occurred in both untreated
      and treated patients as part of inflammatory immune reconstitution syndrome. In
      conclusion, ENL-like lesions represent a characteristic histopathologic pattern
      associated with WD, which can occur in different contexts whenever there is a
      change in the immunological status of the patient. This change can be triggered
      by antimicrobial treatment, immunomodulatory and immunosuppressant therapy, or
      occur spontaneously, rarely.

PMID- 28098597
TI  - Sporadic Trichoblastomas and Those Occurring in the Setting of Multiple Familial
      Trichoepithelioma/Brooke-Spiegler Syndrome Show No BAP1 Loss.

PMID- 28098598
TI  - Science of intracrinology in postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the marked differences between classical endocrinology
      that distributes hormones to all tissues of the body through the bloodstream and
      the science of intracrinology, whereby each cell of each peripheral tissue makes
      a small and appropriate amount of estrogens and androgens from the inactive
      precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA being mainly of adrenal origin.
      Because only the inactivated sex steroids are released in the blood, influence in
      the other tissues is avoided. METHODS: Molecular biology has been used for the
      identification/characterization of the steroid-forming and steroid-inactivating
      enzymes, whereas steroids have been measured by mass spectrometry-based assays
      validated according to the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. RESULTS:
      Evolution over 500 million years has engineered the expression of about 30
      steroid-forming enzymes specific for each peripheral tissue. These tissue
      specific enzymes transform DHEA into the appropriate small amounts of estrogens
      and androgens for a strictly intracellular and local action. Humans, contrary to
      species below primates, also possess intracellular steroid-inactivating enzymes,
      especially glucuronyl transferases and sulfotransferases, which inactivate the
      estrogens and androgens at their local site of formation, thus preventing the
      release of a biologically significant amount of estradiol (E2) and testosterone
      in the circulation. Since DHEA becomes the unique source of sex steroids after
      menopause, serum E2 and testosterone are thus maintained at low biologically
      inactive concentrations with no activity outside the cells of origin. DHEA
      secretion, unfortunately, starts decreasing at about the age of 30 at various
      rates in different women. Moreover, there is no feedback mechanism to increase
      DHEA secretion when the concentration of serum DHEA decreases. Considering this
      mechanism is unique to the human, it seems logical to replace DHEA locally in
      women suffering from vulvovaginal atrophy (genitourinary syndrome of menopause).
      The clinical data obtained using a small dose of intravaginal DHEA (prasterone)
      confirm the mechanisms of intracrinology mentioned above which avoid biologically
      significant changes in serum E2 and testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms and
      signs of vulvovaginal atrophy (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) can be
      successfully treated by the intravaginal administration of DHEA without safety
      concerns. This strategy exclusively replaces in the vagina the missing cell
      specific intracellular estrogens and androgens. This approach avoids systemic
      exposure and the potential risks of estrogen exposure for the tissues other than
      the vagina.

PMID- 28098599
TI  - Is there a SERM in your menopause toolkit?
AB  - Over the past 3 decades, compounds called selective estrogen receptor modulators
      (SERMs) have been developed that block the estrogen receptor in some tissues
      (estrogen receptor antagonists) or stimulate the estrogen receptor in other
      tissues (estrogen receptor agonists). This Practice Pearl focuses on SERMs that
      clinicians can use for menopausal patients.

PMID- 28098610
TI  - Images in Anesthesiology: Laryngeal Cleft.

PMID- 28098612
TI  - Cutaneous Mitochondrial Po2: A Beginning of a New Era?

PMID- 28098613
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 28098614
TI  - Flumazenil Modulation of the gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor: Competitive
      versus Noncompetitive Antagonism at the Agonist-binding Site.

PMID- 28098615
TI  - A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats: Increased Ventilation May Be Involved in
      Accelerated Recovery from Isoflurane Anesthesia after Flumazenil Administration.

PMID- 28098616
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 28098617
TI  - Nobel Prize for Anesthesia Pioneer.

PMID- 28098618
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 28098619
TI  - As the Pendulum Swings from the Needle to the Scalpel, the Evolution of Emergency
      Airway Management Will Continue.

PMID- 28098620
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 28098621
TI  - LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM RESTORATION AFTER A TRIPLE
      TEAR.
AB  - PURPOSE: To demonstrate longitudinal multimodal imaging findings in a case of
      neovascular age-related macular degeneration presenting with multiple retinal
      pigment epithelium (RPE) tears showing progressive RPE restoration. METHODS:
      Observational clinical case report. RESULTS: A 79-year-old woman diagnosed with
      neovascular age-related macular degeneration developed 3 consecutive RPE tears in
      her right eye during the course of treatment with intravitreal anti-vascular
      endothelial growth factor therapy. The RPE tears initially appeared
      hypoautofluorescent on fundus autofluorescence. Spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography showed contractile folds of the RPE with adjacent subretinal fluid and
      overlying ellipsoid zone disruption. Over an 8-year follow-up period, the RPE
      defects progressively resolved with a return of patchy fundus autofluorescence.
      Eye-tracked spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed gradual
      restoration of the RPE band defects over an enlarging Type 1 neovascular lesion.
      CONCLUSION: Some RPE tears may show observable remodeling and restoration over
      time. These changes may be followed longitudinally with multimodal imaging,
      including eye-tracked spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus
      autofluorescence.

PMID- 28098622
TI  - Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in the ICU: A Dialogue on Core Ethical
      Issues.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many patients are admitted to the ICU at or near the end of their
      lives. Consequently, the increasingly common debate regarding physician-assisted
      suicide and euthanasia holds implications for the practice of critical care
      medicine. The objective of this article is to explore core ethical issues related
      to physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia from the perspective of healthcare
      professionals and ethicists on both sides of the debate. SYNTHESIS: We identified
      four issues highlighting the key areas of ethical tension central to evaluating
      physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia in medical practice: 1) the benefit or
      harm of death itself, 2) the relationship between physician-assisted suicide and
      euthanasia and withholding or withdrawing life support, 3) the morality of a
      physician deliberately causing death, and 4) the management of conscientious
      objection related to physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia in the critical
      care setting. We present areas of common ground and important unresolved
      differences. CONCLUSIONS: We reached differing positions on the first three core
      ethical questions and achieved unanimity on how critical care clinicians should
      manage conscientious objections related to physician-assisted suicide and
      euthanasia. The alternative positions presented in this article may serve to
      promote open and informed dialogue within the critical care community.

PMID- 28098623
TI  - Greater Protein and Energy Intake May Be Associated With Improved Mortality in
      Higher Risk Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter, Multinational Observational
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Controversy exists about the value of greater nutritional intake in
      critically ill patients, possibly due to varied patient nutritional risk. The
      objective of this study was to investigate whether clinical outcomes vary by
      protein or energy intake in patients with risk evaluated by the NUTrition Risk in
      the Critically Ill score. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort. SETTING: A
      total of 202 ICUs. PATIENTS: A total of 2,853 mechanically ventilated patients in
      ICU greater than or equal to 4 days and a subset of 1,605 patients in ICU greater
      than or equal to 12 days. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In
      low-risk (NUTrition Risk in the Critically Ill, < 5) and high-risk (NUTrition
      Risk in the Critically Ill, >= 5) patients, mortality and time to discharge alive
      up to day 60 were assessed relative to nutritional intake over the first 12 days
      using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression, respectively.
      In high-risk but not low-risk patients, mortality was lower with greater protein
      (4-d sample: odds ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.98; p = 0.003 and 12-d sample: odds
      ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84-0.96; p = 0.003) and energy (4-d sample: odds ratio,
      0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.97; p < 0.001 and 12-d sample: odds ratio, 0.88; 95% CI,
      0.83-0.94; p < 0.001) intake. In the 12-day sample, there was significant
      interaction among NUTrition Risk in the Critically Ill category, mortality, and
      protein and energy intake, whereas in the 4-day sample, the test for interaction
      was not significant. In high-risk but not low-risk patients, time to discharge
      alive was shorter with greater protein (4-d sample: hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% CI,
      1.01-1.09; p = 0.01 and 12-d sample: hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.16; p =
      0.002) and energy intake (4-d sample: hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09; p =
      0.02 and 12-d sample: hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.16; p = 0.002). In the
      12-day sample, there was significant interaction among NUTrition Risk in the
      Critically Ill category, time to discharge alive, and protein and energy intake,
      whereas in the 4-day sample, the test for interaction was not significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Greater nutritional intake is associated with lower mortality and
      faster time to discharge alive in high-risk, longer stay patients but not
      significantly so in nutritionally low-risk patients.

PMID- 28098624
TI  - Long-Term Survival in Adults Treated With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for
      Respiratory Failure and Sepsis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults with
      respiratory failure and sepsis is steadily increasing, but the knowledge on long
      term survival in this group is scarce. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the 5-year survival rates and causes of late death in this group of
      patients. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Karolinska
      University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. PATIENTS: Adult patients treated with
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure and sepsis between
      the service being established for adults in 1995 and December 2013.
      INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Survival status was attained
      from a national Causes of Death registry. Minimal patient background data, along
      with data on survival and causes of death were collected. Survival rates were
      calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Of 255 subjects, 64% survived to
      discharge. The median follow-up time in survivors was 4.4 years. There was a high
      mortality rate within the first months after discharge. In the group of patients
      who survived the first 90 days after treatment, the 5-year survival rate was 87%
      and was particularly beneficial in patients treated for infectious diseases (88
      100%). Late deaths were seen in most diagnostic groups, but the Kaplan-Meier
      curves flattened out over time. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      treatment in adult patients with respiratory failure and sepsis can be lifesaving
      in appropriately selected patients. For patients who survive the first months
      after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment, long-term survival seems
      good, especially in patients treated for infections.

PMID- 28098625
TI  - Innovative Interdisciplinary Strategies to Address the Intensivist Shortage.

PMID- 28098627
TI  - Global Collaboration in Acute Care Clinical Research: Opportunities, Challenges,
      and Needs.
AB  - The most impactful research in critical care comes from trials groups led by
      clinician-investigators who study questions arising through the day-to-day care
      of critically ill patients. The success of this model reflects both "necessity"
      the paucity of new therapies introduced through industry-led research-and
      "clinical reality"-nuanced modulation of standard practice can have substantial
      impact on clinically important outcomes. Success in a few countries has fueled
      efforts to build similar models around the world and to collaborate on an
      unprecedented scale in large international trials. International collaboration
      brings opportunity-the more rapid completion of clinical trials, enhanced
      generalizability of the results of these trials, and a focus on questions that
      have evoked international curiosity. It has changed practice, improved outcomes,
      and enabled an international response to pandemic threats. It also brings
      challenges. Investigators may feel threatened by the loss of autonomy inherent in
      collaboration, and appropriate models of academic credit are yet to be developed.
      Differences in culture, practice, ethical frameworks, research experience, and
      resource availability create additional imbalances. Patient and family engagement
      in research is variable and typically inadequate. Funders are poorly equipped to
      evaluate and fund international collaborative efforts. Yet despite or perhaps
      because of these challenges, the discipline of critical care is leading the world
      in crafting new models of clinical research collaboration that hold the promise
      of not only improving the care of the most vulnerable patients in the healthcare
      system but also transforming the way that we conduct clinical research.

PMID- 28098626
TI  - The Brain and Hypothermia-From Aristotle to Targeted Temperature Management.

PMID- 28098628
TI  - The ABCDEF Bundle: Science and Philosophy of How ICU Liberation Serves Patients
      and Families.
AB  - Over the past 20 years, critical care has matured in a myriad of ways resulting
      in dramatically higher survival rates for our sickest patients. For millions of
      new survivors comes de novo suffering and disability called "the postintensive
      care syndrome." Patients with postintensive care syndrome are robbed of their
      normal cognitive, emotional, and physical capacity and cannot resume their
      previous life. The ICU Liberation Collaborative is a real-world quality
      improvement initiative being implemented across 76 ICUs designed to engage
      strategically the ABCDEF bundle through team- and evidence-based care. This
      article explains the science and philosophy of liberating ICU patients and
      families from harm that is both inherent to critical illness and iatrogenic. ICU
      liberation is an extensive program designed to facilitate the implementation of
      the pain, agitation, and delirium guidelines using the evidence-based ABCDEF
      bundle. Participating ICU teams adapt data from hundreds of peer-reviewed studies
      to operationalize a systematic and reliable methodology that shifts ICU culture
      from the harmful inertia of sedation and restraints to an animated ICU filled
      with patients who are awake, cognitively engaged, and mobile with family members
      engaged as partners with the ICU team at the bedside. In doing so, patients are
      "liberated" from iatrogenic aspects of care that threaten his or her sense of
      self-worth and human dignity. The goal of this 2017 plenary lecture at the 47th
      Society of Critical Care Medicine Congress is to provide clinical ICU teams a
      synthesis of the literature that led to the creation of ICU liberation philosophy
      and to explain how this patient- and family-centered, quality improvement program
      is novel, generalizable, and practice changing.

PMID- 28098629
TI  - Right Dose, Right Now: Customized Drug Dosing in the Critically Ill.
AB  - Drugs are key weapons that clinicians have to battle against the profound
      pathologies encountered in critically ill patients. Antibiotics in particular are
      commonly used and can improve patient outcomes dramatically. Despite this, there
      are strong opportunities for further reducing the persisting poor outcomes for
      infected critically ill patients. However, taking these next steps for improving
      patient care requires a new approach to antibiotic therapy. Giving the right dose
      is highly likely to increase the probability of clinical cure from infection and
      suppress the emergence of resistant pathogens. Furthermore, in some patients with
      higher levels of sickness severity, reduced mortality from an optimized approach
      to antibiotic use could also occur. To enable optimized dosing, the use of
      customized dosing regimens through either evidence-based dosing nomograms or
      preferably through the use of dosing software supplemented by therapeutic drug
      monitoring data should be embedded into daily practice. These customized dosing
      regimens should also be given as soon as practicable as reduced time to
      initiation of therapy has been shown to improve patient survival, particularly in
      the presence of septic shock. However, robust data supporting these logical
      approaches to therapy, which may deliver the next step change improvement for
      treatment of infections in critically ill patients, are lacking. Large
      prospective studies of patient survival and health system costs are now required
      to determine the value of customized antibiotic dosing, that is, giving the right
      dose at the right time.

PMID- 28098631
TI  - After the Fall: The Tapestry of Disturbance and Recovery.
AB  - On July 3, 2015, Nalini Nadkarni, a world-renowned ecologist who had been
      studying the biologic processes of ecosystem disturbance and recovery, sustained
      a catastrophic 50-foot free-fall from the top of the rainforest canopy to the
      forest floor at her remote field research site. She lost consciousness in shock
      and sustained life-threatening injuries. Her accompanying students hiked out,
      radio-called 911, and the Harborview Medical Center (Seattle) Medivac team
      arrived 4 hours later to rescue her. Her prognosis was extremely grim; her family
      gathered in anticipation of her death as she underwent four operations during her
      10 days in the ICU. As she emerged from coma, she spent weeks of hospital
      recovery and months of progressive mobility and physical therapy during medical
      leave from work. She experienced ICU psychosis and postintensive care syndrome,
      but slowly recovered nearly totally, to the point where she can solo hike up to
      18 miles in a day, and has fully resumed her professional responsibilities as
      professor of biology, including climbing tall trees for her canopy research. She
      attributes her survival and remarkable recovery to both exquisite medical
      critical care and support she received, and also to incorporating lessons learned
      from her interdisciplinary study of how diverse natural systems commonly
      experience and recover from catastrophic disturbances (e.g., forest fires,
      traffic jams, orphaned children, and refugee survivors of war). Insights from her
      own encounter with critical illness and study of disturbance and recovery led her
      to reflect on the tapestry of disturbance and recovery that permeate all
      ecosystems, and with relevance to the evolving Society of Critical Care Medicine,
      postintensive care syndrome, and THRIVE initiatives.

PMID- 28098632
TI  - Palliative Care in the ICU and the Role for Physician-Assisted Dying-Or Lack
      Thereof.

PMID- 28098630
TI  - Collapse of the Microbiome, Emergence of the Pathobiome, and the Immunopathology
      of Sepsis.
AB  - The definition of sepsis has been recently modified to accommodate emerging
      knowledge in the field, while at the same time being recognized as challenging,
      if not impossible, to define. Here, we seek to clarify the current understanding
      of sepsis as one that has been typically framed as a disorder of inflammation to
      one in which the competing interests of the microbiota, pathobiota, and host
      immune cells lead to loss of resilience and nonresolving organ dysfunction. Here,
      we challenge the existence of the idea of noninfectious sepsis given that
      critically ill humans never exist in a germ-free state. Finally, we propose a new
      vision of the pathophysiology of sepsis that includes the invariable loss of the
      host's microbiome with the emergence of a pathobiome consisting of both
      "healthcare-acquired and healthcare-adapted pathobiota." Under this framework,
      the critically ill patient is viewed as a host colonized by pathobiota
      dynamically expressing emergent properties which drive, and are driven by, a
      pathoadaptive immune response.

PMID- 28098633
TI  - More Food for Thought: Nutrition, the Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill Score,
      and the Dilemma of "Goal" Feeding.

PMID- 28098634
TI  - Long-Term Survival After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy: The
      Attention It Deserves!

PMID- 28098635
TI  - Bringing the ABCDEF Bundle to Life and Saving Lives Through the Process.

PMID- 28098636
TI  - ICU Rounds: "What We've Got Here Is Failure to Communicate".

PMID- 28098637
TI  - Oxygen: Breath of Life or Kiss of Death.

PMID- 28098638
TI  - Triangulating Weakness, Morbidity, and Mortality Among Acute Respiratory Distress
      Syndrome Survivors: A Story Emerges.

PMID- 28098639
TI  - Why So Few Randomized Trials Are Useful.

PMID- 28098640
TI  - Sepsis Quality Improvement Initiatives: Prepare for the Marathon, Not the Sprint.

PMID- 28098641
TI  - Vitamin D Deficiency in Sepsis: "Body Humors" Imbalance or Sepsis
      "Epiphenomenon"?

PMID- 28098642
TI  - Readmissions: Accepting Those That Cannot Be Prevented, Courage to Prevent Those
      That Can Be, and the Wisdom to Know the Difference.

PMID- 28098643
TI  - Are ICU Length of Stay Predictions Worthwhile?

PMID- 28098644
TI  - Using Noninvasive Ventilation in Ordinary Wards to Treat Acute Respiratory
      Failure: But Where, When, and Whom to Treat?

PMID- 28098645
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 28098646
TI  - Outcome Prediction for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Are the Current Three
      Variables Really Optimal?

PMID- 28098647
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 28098648
TI  - Does Lactate Ringer Matter or Sodium-Free Solution Matter?

PMID- 28098649
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 28098650
TI  - Was the Intraaortic Balloon Pumping Under Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane
      Oxygenation Really Effective in Reducing the Mortality of Cardiogenic Patients?

PMID- 28098651
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 28098652
TI  - Call for Subcategory of Severe Acute Pancreatitis: "Fulminant Acute
      Pancreatitis".

PMID- 28098653
TI  - The author replies.

PMID- 28098654
TI  - Meta-Analysis of Time to Antimicrobial Therapy in Sepsis: Confounding as Well as
      Bias.

PMID- 28098655
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 28098656
TI  - High-Flow Nasal Cannula Meta-Analysis: Do Not Mix Apples and Oranges!

PMID- 28098657
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 28098658
TI  - Critical Illness Needs Better Science, Not Clinical "Precision".

PMID- 28098659
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28098660
TI  - To the Editor.

PMID- 28098661
TI  - Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Triggered by Vertebral Artery
      Angiogram.

PMID- 28098662
TI  - Management of a Patient With Antiphospholipid Syndrome Undergoing Aortic Valve
      Replacement Using the Hepcon Hemostasis Management System Plus and Rotational
      Thromboelastometry: A Case Report.
AB  - A 72-year-old woman with antiphospholipid syndrome underwent aortic valve
      replacement. Her preoperative activated partial thromboplastin time was 61.7
      seconds and activated clotting time was 219 seconds. During cardiopulmonary
      bypass, the Hepcon Hemostasis Management System (HMS) Plus determined the heparin
      dose needed to maintain whole-body heparin at 3 U/mL. After cardiopulmonary
      bypass, 100 mg of protamine was administered based on heparin-protamine
      neutralization, and the activated clotting time decreased. We applied rotational
      thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to diagnose residual heparin using the INTEM/HEPTEM
      clotting time ratio. The HMS and ROTEM are useful for heparin-protamine control
      in antiphospholipid syndrome.

PMID- 28098663
TI  - Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Pancreas Demonstrated on 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging.
AB  - A 69-year-old woman had gradually worsening abdominal discomfort over a year. A
      pancreatic mass was revealed by abdominal CT. The patient underwent FDG PET/CT
      for staging, which demonstrated the hypermetabolic pancreatic mass with multiple
      liver metastases. The lesion was pathologically confirmed as pancreatic
      adenosquamous carcinoma after biopsy.

PMID- 28098664
TI  - Pancreatic Cancer Complicated by Pancreatitis Demonstrated on FDG PET/CT.
AB  - A 73-year-old man was referred for F-FDG PET/CT study for staging of biopsy
      proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The scan demonstrated focal intense FDG uptake
      in the pancreatic head, localizing the primary tumor. Additional moderate diffuse
      uptake was seen throughout the pancreas, suggestive of acute pancreatitis.
      Concurrent diagnostic CT showed diffuse pancreatic hypoenhancement consistent
      with edema. Serum lipase level was elevated, confirming a diagnosis of acute
      pancreatitis.

PMID- 28098665
TI  - Source of Ectopic ACTH Secretion Easily Identified by 68 Ga DOTANOC PET/CT.
AB  - Malignant tumors account for most sources of ectopic ACTH Cushing syndrome (EA
      CS). Early localization of the source and complete removal can be curative and
      also prevent metastasis. Diagnostic CT is known to perform better than PET/CT
      (low dose) in characterizing lung pathologies. However, bronchial carcinoids, a
      common source of EA-CS, may be difficult to detect on chest CT scan especially
      when it is small and located close to the hilar region. We present a case of EA
      CS due to bronchial carcinoid, which was easily seen on Ga DOTANOC PET/CT after a
      diagnostic chest CT was reported as normal.

PMID- 28098666
TI  - Estimated Internal and External Radiation Exposure of Caregivers of Patients With
      Pediatric Neuroblastoma Undergoing 131I Metaiodobenzylguanidine Therapy: A
      Prospective Pilot Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Current recommendations suggest that family members should participate
      in the care of children receiving in-hospital I metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG)
      therapy for neuroblastoma. The present study aimed to measure the external
      radiation exposure and estimate the internal radiation exposure of caregivers
      during the hospital stay for I MIBG therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caregivers
      received radiation safety instructions and a potassium iodide solution for
      thyroid blockade before patient admission. External radiation exposure was
      determined using a personal pocket dosimeter. Serial 24-hour urine samples were
      collected from caregivers during the hospital stay. Estimated internal radiation
      exposure was calculated based on the urine activity. RESULTS: Twelve cases (mean
      age, 6.2 +/- 3.5 years; range, 2-13 years) were enrolled. The mean administered
      activity was 233.3 +/- 74.9 (range, 150.0-350.0) mCi. The mean external radiation
      dose was 5.8 +/- 7.2 (range, 0.8-19.9) mSv. Caregivers of children older than 4
      years had significantly less external radiation exposure than those of children
      younger than 4 years (1.9 +/- 1.0 vs 16.4 +/- 5.0 mSv; P = 0.012). The mean
      estimated internal radiation dose was 11.3 +/- 10.2 (range, 1.0-29.8) MUSv.
      CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers receive both external and internal radiation exposure
      while providing in-hospital care to children receiving I MIBG therapy for
      neuroblastoma. However, the internal radiation exposure was negligible compared
      with the external radiation exposure.

PMID- 28098667
TI  - 18F-NaF PET-CT in Symptomatic Fabella Syndrome.
AB  - Fabella is a sesamoid bone, located within the tendon of the lateral head of the
      gastrocnemius muscle. It may be associated with posterolateral knee pain because
      of repetitive friction over the posterolateral femoral condyle. We report a case
      of a 64-year-old woman presenting with right posterolateral knee pain. F-NaF PET
      CT demonstrated increased uptake posterior to the right knee joint localizing to
      a fabella. Standard examination and radiographic imaging excluded other causes
      for posterolateral knee pain, and the increased activity was considered to be
      secondary to fabella syndrome. NaF PET-CT can provide useful information in the
      evaluation of posterolateral knee pain.

PMID- 28098669
TI  - Eye problems in a woman with Churg-Strauss syndrome.
AB  - Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare, systemic vasculitis of unknown cause. Ocular
      involvement is a rare but established complication and can lead to vision damage
      or blindness if not treated promptly. Treatment of ocular manifestations
      corresponds with systemic treatment of the disease and consists primarily of
      corticosteroids.

PMID- 28098670
TI  - Understanding therapeutic hypothermia.
AB  - Therapeutic hypothermia is a relatively new protocol that can improve patients'
      chances of favorable neurologic outcomes after cardiac arrest. However,
      implementation rates remain low nationwide. This article describes
      recommendations for and benefits of therapeutic hypothermia in postresuscitation
      care.

PMID- 28098671
TI  - The effects of effleurage hand massage on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing
      chemotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of effleurage hand massage performed by
      trained volunteers on reducing anxiety and pain in patients receiving treatment
      at a chemotherapy center in Fort Wayne, Ind., as measured by heart rate,
      respiratory rate, BP, visual analogue scale for anxiety (VAS-A), and visual
      analogue scale for pain (VAS-P). METHODS: Volunteers trained in effleurage
      massage gave 10-minute hand massages to 24 patients at the beginning of their
      chemotherapy session. Baseline and post-treatment vital signs were collected.
      Patients completed VAS-A and VAS-P scales before massage and after the
      chemotherapy session. Analysis of premassage and post-treatment data was
      performed using one-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Significant
      reductions were noted in systolic BP (z=-1.66, P<0.05), heart rate (z=-3.902,
      P<0.001), VAS-A (z=-3.91, P<0.001), and VAS-P (z=-3.49, P<0.001); no significant
      difference was found for diastolic BP (P=0.47) or respiratory rate (P=0.06).
      CONCLUSION: In patients receiving chemotherapy, effleurage hand massages
      performed by trained volunteers effectively reduced anxiety and pain similar to
      previously reported results with massages administered by massage therapists.
      These findings could have important future implications, allowing for training of
      family members and caregivers in the technique of effleurage massage.

PMID- 28098672
TI  - A chronicle of PA journals.
AB  - At its semicentennial mark, the PA profession appears to be flourishing. Over the
      past 50 years, a number of journals have emerged to highlight the development of
      the profession and offer observations on it. The Physician Associate Journal,
      launched in 1970, was the first foray into PA reporting. Following this small
      effort, a dozen journals or newspapers came into print, lasted for a while, and
      then were replaced or died. Of journals that survived to the present, four are in
      English and one in Dutch. Three of the five journals are association-based, and
      four produce clinical articles; publication is monthly, quarterly, or
      semiannually. Two journals produce original health services research or studies
      on the PA education process and have citable track records. Readership of all
      journals is growing, and collectively these periodicals produce a body of
      scholarly work that clarifies the PA as a healthcare professional growing on a
      world stage. This article describes the journalistic history of one aspect of PA
      development.

PMID- 28098673
TI  - Pelvic inflammatory disease.

PMID- 28098674
TI  - Diethylstilbestrol: Potential health risks for women exposed in utero and their
      offspring.
AB  - Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen given to pregnant women to
      prevent miscarriages and preterm labor; the drug was used between 1941 and 1971
      in the United States and into the 1980s in other countries. DES exposure is
      associated with significant long-term health effects, including increased risk
      for breast cancer, cervical and vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma, reproductive
      tract abnormalities, infertility, poor pregnancy outcomes, and early menopause.
      This article reviews the potential health risks associated with DES exposure, how
      to assess which patients are at risk, and management recommendations for patients
      exposed to DES.

PMID- 28098676
TI  - What is causing this man's facial flushing?

PMID- 28098678
TI  - An intangible gift.

PMID- 28098677
TI  - A poetic tongue in cheek.

PMID- 28098679
TI  - A patient with a curious case of cyclical vomiting.
AB  - Cannabis-related ED visits are on the rise due to wider legalization and
      availability of marijuana, and habitual daily use is increasingly common.
      Cannabis abuse has long been associated with various short-term and long-term
      adverse reactions. One such reaction is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome:
      cyclical vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain that only resolves with a warm bath
      or shower. Healthcare providers must understand the signs and symptoms of
      cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome so the problem can be recognized early and
      patients avoid unnecessary testing.

PMID- 28098680
TI  - Insight into scabies.
AB  - Scabies, an infectious disease caused by the scabies mite, manifests as an
      intensely pruritic skin rash. Children, the underprivileged, and patients with
      immunocompromise are at a higher risk of acquiring this contagious disease.
      Infectivity occurs worldwide in patients of all races, ages, and sex. The
      classical appearance of papular burrows between the webbed spaces of digits or
      along the wrists can help distinguish scabies from other dermatologic diseases.
      Practitioners need to be familiar with how scabies may present so that patients
      can be treated and taught how to prevent spread of the disease.

PMID- 28098681
TI  - Remembering the USPHS.

PMID- 28098682
TI  - A Hole Lot Better: The Dural Puncture Epidural Technique.

PMID- 28098683
TI  - Threading the Needle With Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Achieving Analgesia, Avoiding
      Neurological Injury.

PMID- 28098684
TI  - Closed-Loop Anesthesia: Ready for Prime Time?

PMID- 28098685
TI  - Pain, Pain Relief, Satisfaction and Excellence in Obstetric Anesthesia: A
      Surprisingly Complex Relationship.

PMID- 28098686
TI  - We Should Train for Strain.

PMID- 28098687
TI  - Is There Anything New About Preoxygenation? Duh, Yeah!

PMID- 28098688
TI  - The 2017 Virginia Apgar Collection Part I: Analgesic Innovations.

PMID- 28098689
TI  - Inconsistency Between Different Methods to Indicate Statistical Significance.

PMID- 28098690
TI  - In Response.

PMID- 28098691
TI  - Comparative Effectiveness of Lower Leg Compression Devices Versus Sequential
      Compression Devices to Prevent Postspinal Hypotension During Cesarean Delivery.

PMID- 28098692
TI  - Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and Low Regional Cerebral Oxygen Saturation:
      Is This Relationship Fragile or Fractured Altogether?

PMID- 28098693
TI  - In Response.

PMID- 28098694
TI  - If the Goal Is Balance, Why Not Fresh Frozen Plasma?

PMID- 28098695
TI  - In Response.

PMID- 28098696
TI  - Global Health for the Global North?

PMID- 28098697
TI  - In Response.

PMID- 28098698
TI  - Clinical and Practical Aspects of Restoring Thrombin Generation in Acute
      Coagulopathic Bleeding.

PMID- 28098699
TI  - In Response.

PMID- 28098700
TI  - High Risk of Aspiration in Patients With ReShape Intragastric Balloon Weight Loss
      System.

PMID- 28098701
TI  - Chloroform Anesthesia, Antarctica, 1908.

PMID- 28098702
TI  - Laparoscopic Surgery: Are Vital Signs Important?

PMID- 28098703
TI  - Can We Continue to Deny Neuraxial Anesthesia to Otherwise-Healthy Parturients
      With Thrombocytopenia?

PMID- 28098704
TI  - In Response.

PMID- 28098705
TI  - Heterotopic Ossification in Acetabular Fracture Surgery.
AB  - Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication of the surgical treatment
      of acetabular fractures. HO is the formation of trabecular bone in soft tissues
      where bone does not usually occur. Over the last decade, many risk factors have
      been identified for HO after surgical fixation of acetabular fractures; however,
      prophylaxis and treatment of this condition are controversial. Potential
      preventive measures range from NSAIDs to external beam irradiation, but recent
      studies have questioned the utility of these measures. The Brooker classification
      system, which has been correlated with patient function and outcomes, is most
      commonly used to describe HO severity. Advances will assist in the diagnosis,
      prevention, and management of HO as well as the assessment of risk factors that
      could affect outcomes.

PMID- 28098706
TI  - Current Trends in Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Surgery Among Newly
      Trained Orthopaedic Surgeons.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstructions are being performed
      with an increasing annual incidence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      trends in UCL surgery among recently trained orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS: The
      American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS) database was used to identify all
      UCL reconstructions from 2004 to 2013. Procedures were identified by Current
      Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and verified by International Classification
      of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. Data on surgeon fellowship, practice
      location, concomitant surgical procedures, and complications were collected.
      RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four UCL reconstructions were performed by 133 ABOS
      Part II candidates. The annual incidence increased from 1.52 to 3.46 cases per
      10,000 (P = 0.042). Reconstructions were most commonly performed by surgeons with
      fellowship training in sports medicine (65.9%), hand and upper extremity (18.9%),
      and shoulder and elbow (9.1%). Most reconstructions were performed in isolation
      (57.3%), or with ulnar nerve transposition (32.9%) or elbow arthroscopy (9.8%).
      Concomitant elbow arthroscopy rates decreased significantly (P = 0.022).
      Complications occurred in 9.8% of cases, although the rates did not significantly
      change (P = 0.466). CONCLUSIONS: UCL reconstructions are being performed with
      increasing frequency. Concomitant procedure rates remained the same, although
      arthroscopy was less commonly performed. Complication rates did not change
      considerably over the observed period. Further study of the surgical trends and
      associated long-term outcomes is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

PMID- 28098707
TI  - Descriptive Epidemiology of Acetabular Dysplasia: The Academic Network of
      Conservational Hip Outcomes Research (ANCHOR) Periacetabular Osteotomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an established treatment for
      symptomatic acetabular dysplasia, which is a well-recognized cause of hip pain,
      functional limitations, and secondary osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study
      was to describe the demographics of patients undergoing PAO, the baseline patient
      reported outcome measures for this population, and the types of adjunctive
      procedures performed at the time of PAO surgery. METHODS: Demographics, disease
      characteristics, and patient-reported functional measures were prospectively
      collected from all patients who underwent PAO performed by 12 surgeons from 2008
      to 2013. RESULTS: We enrolled 950 consecutive patients (982 hips) in the study;
      83% were female and 17% were male, with an average age of 25.3 years and an
      average body mass index (BMI) of 24.6 kg/m. Most patients were Caucasian (87%),
      and 15% had undergone previous hip surgery. Before PAO was performed, most
      patients had had symptoms for 1 to 3 years. Baseline modified Harris Hip and
      University of California Los Angeles activity scores (61.8 and 6.6, respectively)
      indicated that patients had considerable functional limitations. DISCUSSION:
      Patients undergoing PAO for symptomatic dysplasia were predominantly young,
      female, and Caucasian with a normal BMI. Many patients had undergone prior hip
      surgery, and most had had symptoms for several years before treatment. Baseline
      patient-reported functional scores demonstrated marked functional limitations.
      Adjunctive procedures for intra-articular pathology, especially femoral
      osteochondroplasty and hip arthroscopy, are commonly performed at the time of
      PAO.

PMID- 28098708
TI  - Intramedullary Fixation of Clavicle Fractures: Anatomy, Indications, Advantages,
      and Disadvantages.

PMID- 28098709
TI  - MULTIMODAL IMAGING DURING THE EVOLUTION OF BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER DISRUPTION
      MACULOPATHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To highlight the course of blood-brain barrier disruption maculopathy in
      a patient with successfully managed relapsed central nervous system lymphoma.
      METHODS: Case report with fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence
      tomography imaging, and literature review. RESULTS: A 57-year-old patient
      diagnosed with central nervous system large B-cell lymphoma had a normal
      ophthalmic evaluation on his first visit. Subsequently, when his malignancy
      recurred locally, he was started on blood-brain barrier disruption therapy and
      intraarterial methotrexate. During the course of the therapy, he developed
      bilateral retinal pigment epithelial abnormalities located in the foveal and
      perifoveal zones. The changes were first mildly progressive and then marginally
      regressive in nature with minimal eventual loss of visual acuity to 20/32 and
      20/25 in his right and left eye, respectively. CONCLUSION: Maculopathy is a known
      complication in patients with central nervous system malignancies undergoing
      blood-brain barrier disruption. A detailed clinical evaluation using fundus
      autofluorescence and high-definition optical coherence tomography are informative
      in managing such patients.

PMID- 28098710
TI  - STELLATE NONHEREDITARY IDIOPATHIC FOVEOMACULAR RETINOSCHISIS ACCOMPANIED BY
      CONTRALATERAL PERIPHERAL RETINOSCHISIS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present a patient with stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular
      retinoschisis on one eye and peripheral retinoschisis without foveal affection on
      the other eye. METHODS: A case report with complete workup of family history and
      clinical examination, including multimodal imaging with optical coherence
      tomography and angiography, fluorescein angiography, and infrared fundus imaging.
      Genetic testing for gene mutation XRLS1 was performed. RESULTS: A white woman
      with unremarkable medical history presented with stellate foveal splitting of the
      outer plexiform layer on the right eye and peripheral splitting of the outer
      plexiform layer on both eyes. All known allegeable trigger factors for the
      existence of a hereditary or acquired foveomacular retinoschisis were ruled out
      either by clinical presentation or genetic testing. This led to the diagnosis of
      stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis with central
      involvement only present on one eye. CONCLUSION: Although peripheral schisis of
      the outer plexiform layer is often concomitant with central splitting in X-linked
      juvenile retinoschisis, this is the first known report of nonhereditary cleavage
      of the outer plexiform layer of the peripheral retina without central affection
      in a patient with documented stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular
      retinoschisis on the other eye. These findings suggest an accurate bilateral
      examination of the peripheral retina while confirming the diagnose of stellate
      nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis.

PMID- 28098711
TI  - Primary Septal Cartilage Graft for the Unilateral Cleft Rhinoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 2006, the authors have explored the option of using septal
      cartilage as an alar rim graft on the cleft side during primary rhinoplasty to
      improve nasal symmetry. The aim of this study was to compare the nasal shape with
      or without rim graft. METHODS: A total of 98 patients with unilateral complete
      cleft lip and palate were included; 39 patients had septal cartilage as the rim
      graft, and 59 patients did not. Measurements of the nostril height, nostril
      width, one-fourth medial part of nostril height, nostril area, nasal dome height,
      and nostril axis were obtained on the cleft and noncleft sides. Ratios of these
      measurements were calculated. These ratios were then compared between the graft
      and nongraft groups. The levels of asymmetry were categorized into four levels
      less than 5 percent, 5 to 10 percent, 10 to 15 percent, and greater than 15
      percent-based on the percentages deviated from perfect symmetry (100 percent).
      Panel assessment was also performed. Nasolabial angle and tip projection ratio
      were measured for the comparison of nasal growth. RESULTS: The nostril height,
      height-to-width ratio, and nasal dome height were higher in the graft group (p =
      0.003, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). The graft group showed more
      consistency regarding the nostril shape and axis, and the differences were
      statistically significant (p < 0.05). The nasolabial angle and tip projection
      ratio showed no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This
      preliminary study suggests that the use of a primary septal cartilage graft may
      offer better support at the alar rim and improve the long-term outcomes. CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 28098712
TI  - Business Education for Plastic Surgeons: A Systematic Review, Development, and
      Implementation of a Business Principles Curriculum in a Residency Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rising health care costs, decreasing reimbursement rates, and changes
      in American health care are forcing physicians to become increasingly business
      minded. Both academic and private plastic surgeons can benefit from being
      educated in business principles. The authors conducted a systematic review to
      identify existing business curricula and integrated a business principles
      curriculum into residency training. METHODS: The authors anonymously surveyed
      their department regarding perceived importance of business principles and
      performed a systematic literature review from 1993 to 2013 using PubMed and
      Embase to identify residency training programs that had designed/implemented
      business curricula. Subsequently, the authors implemented a formal, quarterly
      business curriculum. RESULTS: Thirty-two of 36 physicians (88.9 percent; 76.6
      percent response rate) stated business principles are either "pretty important"
      or "very important" to being a doctor. Only 36 percent of faculty and 41 percent
      of trainees had previous business instruction. The authors identified 434
      articles in the systematic review: 29 documented formal business curricula.
      Twelve topics were addressed, with practice management/administration (n = 22)
      and systems-based practice (n = 6) being the most common. Four articles were from
      surgical specialties: otolaryngology (n = 1), general surgery (n = 2), and
      combined general surgery/plastic surgery (n = 1). Teaching formats included
      lectures and self-directed learning modules; outcomes and participant
      satisfaction were reported inconsistently. From August of 2013 to June of 2015,
      the authors held eight business principles sessions. Postsession surveys
      demonstrated moderately to extremely satisfied responses in 75 percent or more of
      resident/fellow respondents (n = 13; response rate, 48.1 percent) and faculty (n
      = 9; response rate, 45.0 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Business principles can be
      integrated into residency training programs. Having speakers familiar with the
      physician audience and a session coordinator is vital to program success.

PMID- 28098713
TI  - Regional Oxygen Saturation Index: A Novel Criterion for Free Flap Assessment
      Using Tissue Oximetry.

PMID- 28098714
TI  - Reply: Regional Oxygen Saturation Index: A Novel Criterion for Free Flap
      Assessment Using Tissue Oximetry.

PMID- 28098715
TI  - One versus Two Venous Anastomoses in Anterolateral Thigh Flap Reconstruction
      after Oral Cancer Ablation.

PMID- 28098716
TI  - Reply: One versus Two Venous Anastomoses in Anterolateral Thigh Flap
      Reconstruction after Oral Cancer Ablation.

PMID- 28098717
TI  - Effectiveness of Autologous Fat Grafting in Adherent Scars: Results Obtained by a
      Comprehensive Scar Evaluation Protocol.

PMID- 28098718
TI  - Double Exposure to Adverse Psychosocial Work Factors and High Family
      Responsibilities as Related to Ambulatory Blood Pressure at Work: A 5-Year
      Prospective Study in Women With White-Collar Jobs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Accumulating evidence shows that psychosocial work factors of the
      demand-control and effort-reward imbalance models may contribute to increase
      blood pressure (BP). Women are more likely to be exposed to these psychosocial
      factors than men. Moreover, women spend twice as much time per week performing
      family responsibilities than men. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal
      association of the double exposure to psychosocial work factors and high family
      responsibilities in women with BP for a 5-year follow-up. METHODS: At baseline,
      the study sample was composed of 1215 working women. Psychosocial work factors
      were measured using validated scales. Family responsibilities were measured using
      items related to "the number of children and their age" and "housework and
      children care." Ambulatory BP measures were taken every 15 minutes during a
      working day. Associations between psychosocial measures and BP were examined
      using analyses of covariance. RESULTS: Women with a double exposure to effort
      reward imbalance and high family responsibilities had significantly higher BP
      means than women not exposed to these factors at baseline (diastolic: +2.75 mm
      Hg), at 3-year follow-up (systolic: +2.22 mm Hg and diastolic: +2.55 mm Hg), and
      at 5-year follow-up (systolic: +2.94 mm Hg and diastolic: + 3.10 mm Hg). No
      adverse effect on BP was observed for the double exposure to the psychosocial
      work factors of the demand-control model and high family responsibilities.
      CONCLUSIONS: A double exposure to effort-reward imbalance at work and high family
      responsibilities might contribute to elevated ambulatory BP at work among women.
      BP elevations related to this double exposure may persist for several years.

PMID- 28098721
TI  - The Endocannabinoid System and Its Role in Eczematous Dermatoses.
AB  - The skin serves as the foremost barrier between the internal body and the
      external world, providing crucial protection against pathogens and chemical,
      mechanical, and ultraviolet damages. The skin is a central player in the
      intricate network of immune, neurologic, and endocrine systems. The
      endocannabinoid system (ECS) includes an extensive network of bioactive lipid
      mediators and their receptors, functions to modulate appetite, pain, mood, and
      memory, and has recently been implicated in skin homeostasis. Disruption of ECS
      homeostasis is implicated in the pathogenesis of several prevalent skin
      conditions. In this review, we highlight the role of endocannabinoids in
      maintaining skin health and homeostasis and discuss evidence on the role of ECS
      in several eczematous dermatoses including atopic dermatitis, asteatotic eczema,
      irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and chronic pruritus.
      The compilation of evidence may spark directions for future investigations on how
      the ECS may be a therapeutic target for dermatologic conditions.

PMID- 28098719
TI  - Regional Gray Matter Volumes as Related to Psychomotor Slowing in Adults with
      Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Psychomotor slowing is a common cognitive complication in type 1
      diabetes (T1D), but its neuroanatomical correlates and risk factors are unclear.
      In nondiabetic adults, smaller gray matter volume (GMV) and presence of white
      matter hyperintensities are associated with psychomotor slowing. We hypothesize
      that smaller GMV in prefronto-parietal regions explains T1D-related psychomotor
      slowing. We also inspect the contribution of microvascular disease and
      hyperglycemia. METHODS: GMV, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and glucose
      levels were measured concurrently with a test of psychomotor speed (Digit Symbol
      Substitution Test [DSST]) in 95 adults with childhood-onset T1D (mean
      age/duration = 49/41 years) and 135 similarly aged non-T1D adults. Linear
      regression models tested associations between DSST and regional GMV, controlling
      for T1D, sex, and education; a bootstrapping method tested whether regional GMV
      explained between-group differences in DSST. For the T1D cohort, voxel-based and
      a priori regions-of-interest methods further tested associations between GMV and
      DSST, adjusting for WMH, hyperglycemia, and age. RESULTS: Bilateral putamen, but
      no other regions examined, significantly attenuated DSST differences between the
      cohorts (bootstrapped unstandardized indirect effects: -3.49, -3.26; 95%
      confidence interval = -5.49 to -1.80, -5.29 to -1.44, left and right putamen,
      respectively). Among T1D, DSST was positively associated with GMV of bilateral
      putamen and left thalamus. Neither WMH, hyperglycemia, age, nor other factors
      substantially modified these relationships. CONCLUSIONS: For middle-aged adults
      with T1D and cerebral microvascular disease, GMV of basal ganglia may play a
      critical role in regulating psychomotor speed, as measured via DSST. Studies to
      quantify the impact of basal ganglia atrophy concurrent with WMH progression on
      psychomotor slowing are warranted.

PMID- 28098722
TI  - Prevalence of Preservatives Across All Product Types in the Contact Allergen
      Management Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preservatives are known causes of allergic contact dermatitis.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of preservatives
      in each product category in the Contact Allergen Management Program and compare
      prevalence with reported rates of allergic contact dermatitis. METHODS: Contact
      Allergen Management Program product information was queried based on the 53
      approved preservatives for cosmetic products by the European Union and
      Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus 5 additional preservatives used in US
      products. RESULTS: Phenoxyethanol and parabens were the most common preservatives
      with 23.9% of products containing phenoxyethanol and 20.75% of products
      containing parabens. Methylisothiazolinone (MI) was found in 12.9% of products,
      most commonly in hair care and household products. Preservatives like MI and
      methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) that are both common in products and have a
      high incidence of allergic contact dermatitis are of greatest concern as contact
      allergy hazards. Phenoxyethanol and parabens are common and have weak sensitizing
      power, making them preferred preservatives. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating the
      prevalence of preservatives provides important information on allergen exposures.
      Using current positive reaction rates, the risk of sensitization to a given
      preservative can be more accurately estimated and may affect the use of certain
      preservatives by industry in the future.

PMID- 28098723
TI  - ASSESSMENT OF THE INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE STATUS WHEN A MACULAR EPIRETINAL
      MEMBRANE IS REMOVED IN A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the presence and integrity of the internal limiting membrane
      (ILM) after removal of the macular epiretinal membrane (ERM) and to investigate
      the accuracy of tissue identification using surgical dyes when compared to
      histopathology results. METHODS: Patients with idiopathic ERM were enrolled in a
      prospective study and randomized to one of two surgical techniques. In one (Group
      M), only the ERM was deliberately removed and in the other (Group L) the ILM was
      also removed. Pars plana vitrectomy and extraction of the ERM with trypan blue
      dye were performed in all patients. The ILM status was assessed with brilliant
      blue G dye, and in Group L patients, the ILM was then removed. Histopathology was
      performed on all samples. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients underwent the study
      procedure: 11 in the Group M and 15 in the Group L. The patients' median age was
      70.65 years (53-81), and the average follow-up was 15.35 months (4.86-25.10). The
      ILM extraction patterns were as follows: In Group M in block in 8 of 11 patients
      and partial in 3 of 11 patients; In Group L in block in 9 of 15 patients, partial
      in 5 of 15 patients and sequential in 1 of 15 patients. In only 3.8% of patients
      was the ILM intact after ERM removal. Thirty-two surgical samples were analyzed,
      containing both ERM and ILM, ERM only, or ILM only. In 84.37% of samples, the
      tissue identification using surgical dyes was consistent with identification
      according to pathological examination. This consistency was higher still at 96.7%
      when focused on ILM identification. CONCLUSION: It is technically difficult to
      extract the ERM in isolation from the ILM. There is good consistency between the
      content of removed tissue as identified using surgical dyes and the
      histopathological results of the samples. This is higher in ILM than in ERM.

PMID- 28098724
TI  - CENTRAL MACULAR THICKNESS IN 6.5-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN BORN EXTREMELY PRETERM IS
      STRONGLY ASSOCIATED WITH GESTATIONAL AGE EVEN WHEN ADJUSTED FOR RISK FACTORS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the macular thickness in 6.5-year-old children born extremely
      preterm (EPT) in comparison with children born at term and to investigate risk
      factors associated with the macular thickness in the preterm group. METHODS: A
      population-based study of 6.5-year-old children born before the gestational age
      of 27 weeks and age-matched control subjects. Macular assessments with optical
      coherence tomography were performed, and the results were compared with neonatal
      risk factors and sex. RESULTS: Adequate optical coherence tomography measurements
      were obtained from 134 children born EPT (mean gestational age of 25 weeks [range
      23-26]) and 145 control subjects. The mean (range) of central macula thickness
      was significantly increased (P < 0.001) in the EPT group (right eyes: 282 MUm
      [238-356], left eyes: 283 MUm [229-351]), compared with the control group (right
      eyes: 249 MUm [208-293], left eyes: 248 MUm [207-290]). A multiple linear mixed
      model analysis of the EPT group revealed gestational age, retinopathy of
      prematurity, and male gender as important risk factors for an increased macular
      thickness. The macular thickness decreased by 3.9 MUm per gestational week, when
      adjusted for retinopathy of prematurity and sex. CONCLUSION: Extremely preterm
      birth constitutes a substantial risk factor for a thick central macula, even when
      adjusted for retinopathy of prematurity and male gender.

PMID- 28098725
TI  - HOW VITREOMACULAR INTERFACE MODIFIES THE EFFICACY OF ANTI-VEGF THERAPY FOR MYOPIC
      CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab in the treatment of
      myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) complicated by vitreoretinal interface
      alterations. METHODS: Thirty-two patients affected by mCNV and concurrent
      vitreoretinal interface disorders, including macular epiretinal membrane (18
      patients), lamellar macular hole (4 patients), full-thickness macular hole (1
      patient), broad/focal vitreomacular traction (3 patients), broad/focal
      vitreomacular adhesion (4 patients), and myopic foveoschisis (2 patients), were
      enrolled in a prospective study. After a comprehensive ophthalmologic
      examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein
      angiography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, each patient
      received a first intravitreal ranibizumab. Further re-treatments were performed
      in the presence of choroidal neovascularization activity (new hemorrhages,
      leakage on fluorescein angiography, intraretinal/subretinal fluid on spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography, visual acuity loss of five letters). Main
      outcome measure was the change in the BCVA and in the central foveal thickness.
      Data were compared with the historical control group with uncomplicated mCNV.
      RESULTS: The median BCVA in the epiretinal membrane-myopic choroidal
      neovascularization subgroup showed a stabilization from the baseline value of
      0.30 logarithm of minimal angle resolution (20/40) to 0.40 (20/50, P: 0.49) at
      the last visit (30 +/- 13 months). Median BCVA significantly improved from 0.30
      (20/40) to 0.10 (20/25, P: 0.0005) in the mCNV group and was better than the
      epiretinal membrane-myopic choroidal neovascularization subgroup (0.008). Central
      foveal thickness reduced significantly within both groups, with no difference
      between the groups at the final examination. Considering the vitreoretinal
      alterations with lower prevalence, BCVA stabilization was registered after a
      follow-up of 28.9 +/- 13 months, with a median BCVA of 0.3 logarithm of minimal
      angle resolution (20/40) at the baseline and at the final examination. A
      nonstatistically significant reduction in the median central foveal thickness was
      registered at the final examination (P: 0.12). CONCLUSION: The data show that
      ranibizumab is effective in controlling mCNV activity when associated with
      vitreoretinal interface alterations. However, a visual recovery was observed only
      in patients with uncomplicated mCNV.

PMID- 28098727
TI  - PERSISTENT OVERPRODUCTION OF INTRAOCULAR VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR AS A
      CAUSE OF LATE VITREOUS HEMORRHAGE AFTER VITRECTOMY FOR PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC
      RETINOPATHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether vitreous levels of
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) predict late vitreous hemorrhage (VH)
      after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and how VEGF level
      changes in patients with postoperative late VH. METHODS: Eighty-five eyes of 68
      patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy who underwent vitrectomy were
      analyzed retrospectively. Vitreous samples were collected from eyes undergoing
      primary vitrectomy and from eyes with late VH undergoing second vitrectomy.
      Vitreous VEGF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The
      relationship between VEGF level and late VH (>4 weeks) occurring during follow-up
      as well as clinical findings, and changes in VEGF level in eyes with late VH
      undergoing second vitrectomy were analyzed. RESULTS: Late VH occurred in 20 (24%)
      of 85 eyes, and 9 eyes required second vitrectomy. Vitreous levels of VEGF were
      significantly higher (median: 1,945 pg/mL; P < 0.0001) in eyes with late VH than
      in those without. Preexisting iris neovascularization (P < 0.0001), hypertension
      (P = 0.002), and proteinuria (P = 0.040) were also significant risk factors of
      late VH. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a higher vitreous
      VEGF level was independently associated with a risk of postoperative late VH in
      patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio: 20.8, 95%
      confidence interval: 2.72-159.47; P = 0.003). Vitreous VEGF level at second
      vitrectomy in patients with late VH was significantly lower compared with that at
      primary vitrectomy, but remained elevated (median: 1,610 pg/mL; P = 0.023).
      CONCLUSION: In patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, high intraocular
      VEGF level at primary vitrectomy was identified as an independent risk factor of
      postoperative late VH. Persistent overproduction of intraocular VEGF may be
      associated with postoperative late VH.

PMID- 28098726
TI  - ASSESSMENT OF RETINAL BLOOD FLOW IN DIABETIC RETINOPATHY USING DOPPLER FOURIER
      DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate retinal blood flow measurements in normal eyes and eyes with
      varying levels of diabetic retinopathy (DR) using Doppler Fourier-domain optical
      coherence tomography (FD-OCT). METHODS: Twenty-two eyes of 19 subjects, 10 with
      severe nonproliferative DR (NPDR) and 12 with proliferative DR (PDR), were
      compared with 44 eyes of 40 healthy control subjects. All eyes were scanned by
      RTvue FD-OCT. Color disk photographs and cube/volume scans of the optic nerve
      head were obtained. Doppler OCT scans and accessory imaging data were imported
      into Doppler OCT of Retinal Circulation grading software to calculate TRBF and
      vascular parameters (e.g., venous and arterial cross-sectional area).
      Measurements were compared between cases and controls using independent t-tests.
      RESULTS: Mean TRBF was 44.98 +/- 9.80 (range: 30.18-64.58) uL/minute for normal
      eyes, 35.80 +/- 10.48 (range: 20.69-49.56) uL/minute for eyes with severe NPDR,
      and 34.79 +/- 10.61 (range: 16.77-48.9) uL/minute for eyes with PDR. Mean TRBF
      was significantly lower in eyes with severe NPDR (P = 0.01) and PDR (P = 0.003)
      than in normal eyes. CONCLUSION: Total retinal blood flow was significantly lower
      in eyes with severe NPDR and PDR compared with normal eyes. Retinal blood flow
      determined by Doppler OCT may be a useful parameter for evaluating patients with
      DR.

PMID- 28098728
TI  - PERIPAPILLARY RETINAL NERVE FIBER THICKNESS CHANGES AFTER VITRECTOMY FOR
      EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE IN EYES WITH AND WITHOUT VITREOUS DETACHMENT.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the changes in postoperative peripapillary retinal nerve
      fiber layer (p-RNFL) thickness after vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane in eyes
      with preexisting posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and eyes with surgically
      induced PVD. METHODS: This study included consecutive patients who underwent 25
      gauge vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane. Eyes were divided, according to
      intraoperative PVD status, into a preexisting PVD group and surgically induced
      PVD group. Best-corrected visual acuity, p-RNFL thickness, and central retinal
      thickness were performed before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS:
      One hundred and twenty eyes of 120 patients were enrolled: 64 eyes in the
      preexisting PVD group and 56 eyes in the surgically induced PVD group. In the
      preexisting PVD group at 6 months, the mean global p-RNFL thickness did not
      change, whereas it was reduced in the temporal sector (P = 0.034). In the
      surgically induced PVD group at 6 months, significant decreases were observed in
      global p-RNFL thickness (P = 0.027), temporal (P = 0.021), temporal inferior (P =
      0.030), and nasal inferior sectors (P = 0.010). At 6 months, the two groups
      differed significantly in temporal (P < 0.001) and temporal inferior sectors (P =
      0.004). The preoperative mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly
      at 6 months in both groups. CONCLUSION: Postoperative p-RNFL thickness after
      vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane tended to decrease in the temporal sector in
      all eyes and in the temporal inferior and nasal inferior sectors in eyes with
      surgically induced PVD.

PMID- 28098729
TI  - VITRECTOMY FOR PERSISTENT MACULAR HOLES FOLLOWING OCRIPLASMIN INJECTION: A
      Comparative Multicenter Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine functional and anatomical outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy
      for persistent full-thickness macular hole (MH) after intravitreal injection of
      ocriplasmin. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective interventional study of
      37 eyes of 37 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting
      membrane peeling for persistent MH after ocriplasmin treatment between December
      2013 and December 2015 and comparison with 35 eyes of 35 patients who were
      offered ocriplasmin injection but underwent pars plana vitrectomy alone without
      pharmacologic vitreolysis before surgery. In addition, 24 matched pairs (MH
      diameter at baseline +/-5 um) were analyzed. Clinical data such as visual acuity,
      intraoperative characteristics, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography
      images were reviewed. Main outcome measures were visual acuity and MH closure
      rate. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 9 months, postoperative mean
      visual acuity showed no significant differences between ocriplasmin-treated eyes
      (logarithm of minimum angle of resolution 0.37 +/- 0.26, Snellen 20/47) and eyes
      without ocriplasmin treatment (logarithm of minimum angle of resolution 0.39 +/-
      0.25; Snellen 20/49) (P > 0.9). After ocriplasmin injection, mean MH diameter
      enlarged from 217 +/- 102 um to 384 +/- 239 um (P < 0.001). Matched-pair analysis
      revealed no difference in gain of visual acuity between the first visit and the
      last follow-up (P = 0.29). Macular hole closure was observed in similar
      proportion in ocriplasmin-treated eyes (97%) and vitrectomy-only eyes (94%) (P >
      0.5). CONLCUSION: Eyes with persistent MH after ocriplasmin injection showed
      significant visual improvement after pars plana vitrectomy. Matched-pair analysis
      revealed no statistical differences in functional and anatomical postoperative
      results comparing with eyes of similar MH diameter that proceeded directly to
      surgery without ocriplasmin pretreatment.

PMID- 28098730
TI  - NOVEL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR COMBINED HAMARTOMA OF THE RETINA AND RETINAL
      PIGMENT EPITHELIUM.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop an anatomical classification scheme for combined hamartoma of
      the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and specify recommendations for
      follow-up interval. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with combined
      hamartoma of the retina and RPE examined during a 7-year period (2008-2015). The
      clinical presentation, fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Lesions were classified based on location, fundus features,
      and optical coherence tomography findings. Lesion location: macular/peripapillary
      Zone 1; mid-periphery-Zone 2; and far periphery-Zone 3. Associated fundus
      findings: no retinal traction-Stage 1; retinal traction and/or retinoschisis
      Stage 2; and retinal detachment-Stage 3. Optical coherence tomography findings:
      epiretinal component only-A; partial retinal involvement-B; and complete retinal
      and RPE involvement-C. Complete ophthalmologic evaluation is recommended at least
      every 6 months for patients younger than 12 years, with more frequent follow-up
      in patients with: lesions in the macula/peripapillary (Zone 1) or with retinal
      traction, retinoschisis, or retinal detachment (Stage 2 and 3). Surgical
      intervention is recommended in patients with vision loss secondary to macular
      traction or retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: A new clinical classification system
      is proposed for evaluating and managing patients with combined hamartoma of the
      retina and RPE. The zone and stage of combined hamartoma of the retina and RPE
      lesion will assist in determining follow-up interval and surgical intervention.
      Application of a uniform classification scheme will facilitate assessment and
      comparison of findings across different studies.

PMID- 28098731
TI  - CHOROIDAL STRUCTURE ALTERED BY DEGENERATION OF RETINA IN EYES WITH RETINITIS
      PIGMENTOSA.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the structural characteristics of the choroid in the areas
      with greater retinal degeneration to the areas with less retinal degeneration in
      eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: Patients with RP who had a
      hyperautofluorescent ring were studied. The choroidal images obtained by enhanced
      depth imaging optical coherence tomography located 7,500 MUm from the optic disk
      in the horizontal plane were analyzed. The cross-sectional areas of the total,
      luminal, and stromal choroid were measured. The area within the
      hyperautofluorescent ring was defined as the "central choroid" with less retinal
      degeneration. RESULTS: Thirty-seven eyes of 24 patients with RP were studied. The
      cross-sectional area of the total choroid was significantly smaller in the RP
      eyes than that in the control eyes (P < 0.01). The stromal areas of the choroid
      were not significantly different from the stromal areas of the controls. However,
      the luminal areas of the nasal and temporal choroid in the RP eyes were
      significantly smaller than that of the corresponding areas of the controls. The
      ratio of the luminal area to the total choroidal area in the central choroid was
      68.0 +/- 3.3% which was significantly larger than that of the nasal or the
      temporal choroid (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The choroidal structure is
      differentially altered in eyes with RP. The changes in the choroid were dependent
      on whether they were located within the hyperautofluorescent or outside the
      hyperautofluorescent ring.

PMID- 28098732
TI  - SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION OF PERIPAPILLARY CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN PATIENTS WITH
      UNILATERAL BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in peripapillary choroidal thickness in patients
      with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) over 12 months, using spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging. METHODS: This
      retrospective, interventional case series included 20 treatment-naive patients
      with unilateral BRVO with at least 12 months follow-up. The peripapillary
      choroidal thickness was measured over 12 months. RESULTS: In BRVO-affected eyes,
      the mean peripapillary choroidal thickness was 213.5 +/- 51.7 MUm (126.1[FIGURE
      DASH]326.9 MUm) at baseline and 129.6 +/- 39.3 MUm (65.9[FIGURE DASH]197.1 MUm)
      at 12 months. In nonaffected contralateral eyes, the mean peripapillary choroidal
      thickness was 194.1 +/- 39.8 MUm (158.5[FIGURE DASH]238.3 MUm) at baseline and
      156.6 +/- 56.2 MUm (125.9[FIGURE DASH]213.9 MUm) at 12 months. The mean
      peripapillary choroidal thickness decreased significantly over 12 months in both
      BRVO-affected and nonaffected eyes (P < 0.001, both eyes). Although the mean
      peripapillary choroidal thickness was not significantly different between groups
      at baseline (P = 0.472), it was significantly lower in BRVO-affected eyes than in
      nonaffected eyes at 12 months (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Peripapillary choroidal
      thickness decreased significantly over 12 months in BRVO-affected eyes and
      nonaffected eyes in patients with unilateral BRVO.

PMID- 28098733
TI  - PREVENTING PUPILLARY CAPTURE AFTER VITRECTOMY AND TRANSSCLERAL FIXATION OF AN
      INTRAOCULAR LENS: Iridotomy Using a Vitrectomy Probe.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of concurrent iridotomy using a vitreous
      cutter probe on the prevention of pupillary capture in patients undergoing
      transscleral fixation of intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: A total of 79
      eyes from 79 patients, who underwent transscleral fixation of intraocular lens
      without preexisting vitreoretinal disorders and who were followed up for 6 months
      were included. Subjects were divided into a noniridotomy group (51 eyes) and an
      iridotomy group (28 eyes). After conventional 23-gauge vitrectomy and
      transscleral fixation of intraocular lens implantation in all patients, 28
      patients underwent concurrent iridotomy intraoperatively. The patients were
      followed up to evaluate the incidence of surgery-related complications, including
      pupillary capture. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences
      in the preoperative demographic findings between the two groups (all P > 0.05).
      There was a significant difference in pupillary capture in 15 eyes (29.4%) of the
      noniridotomy group, compared with 1 eye (3.6%) of the iridotomy group (P =
      0.007). There were no differences in postoperative best-corrected visual acuity
      between the two groups, and no iridotomy-related complications were observed.
      CONCLUSION: Concurrent iridotomy using a vitreous cutter probe is an easy, rapid,
      and effective procedure to prevent possible pupillary capture after combined
      vitrectomy and transscleral fixation of intraocular lens implantation.

PMID- 28098734
TI  - MULTIMODAL FUNDUS IMAGING OF OUTER RETINAL TUBULATIONS IN CHOROIDAL OSTEOMA
      PATIENTS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphological findings of outer retinal tubulations
      (ORTs) shown on multimodal imaging modalities in patients with choroidal osteoma.
      METHODS: Nineteen eyes of 17 patients with choroidal osteoma underwent full
      clinical and imaging assessments. Color fundus photography, spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography (OCT), and en face OCT were used to identify and
      detect the characteristics of ORT structures, including the shape, configuration,
      location, and distribution in the fundus. Optical coherence tomography
      angiography was implemented as an assist to differentiate tumor's feeder vessels
      from choroidal neovascularization. The correlations between age, gender, tumor
      features, best-corrected visual acuity at baseline, OCT characteristics, and the
      presence of ORTs were analyzed. RESULTS: Outer retinal tubulations were
      identified in five eyes (26.3%). All were located at the decalcified region of
      the tumor where the choroidal vessels, retinal pigment epithelium, and overlying
      outer retinal structures were considerably disrupted to varying degrees. With
      spectral-domain OCT, the ORTs appeared as one or multiple, round or ovoid,
      hyporeflective lumens with hyperreflective borders confined to the outer nuclear
      layer, sometimes with hyperreflective luminal content (four eyes, 80%). In one
      eye, ORTs were found at the focal choroidal excavation. On en face OCT, these
      tubulations exhibited different shapes, including a dendritic pattern in two
      eyes, a tube-like pattern in one eye, a circular pattern in one eye, and a
      hairpin pattern in one eye. Simultaneous OCT angiography imaging demonstrated
      that the area of choroidal neovascularization was underneath ORT in one eye and
      very close to ORT in two eyes. The ORTs of three eyes were above or adjacent to
      tumor's rich feeder vessels. Statistically, age (P = 0.007), greatest tumor
      linear dimension (P = 0.003), total tumor area (P = 0.002), decalcification area
      (P = 0.000), and the presence of intraretinal fluid (P = 0.01) and retinal
      pigment epithelium alterations (P = 0.038) within the foveola and central 1-mm
      region of patients with ORT were significantly different from those of patients
      without ORTs. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that age, the
      greatest tumor linear dimension, total tumor area, decalcification area, and the
      presence of intraretinal fluid and retinal pigment epithelium alterations within
      the foveola and central 1-mm region might be risk factors for ORT formation.
      Spectral-domain OCT combined with en face OCT provides comprehensive imaging
      information for ORTs in choroidal osteoma.

PMID- 28098735
TI  - OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY OF THE FOVEA IN CHILDREN BORN PRETERM.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area measured by optical
      coherence tomography angiography in children who had been born preterm with age
      matched controls. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational comparative case
      series, 43 eyes of 26 children (28 eyes of 15 former preterm infants and 15 eyes
      of 11 former term infants) between the ages of 4 and 12 years old were included.
      Optical coherence tomography angiography with a scan size of 3 * 3 was performed
      for all eyes. Foveal avascular zone area was measured using the Optovue RTVue
      AVANTI instrument (Optovue Inc, Fremont, CA) software. Inner and outer retinal
      thicknesses were measured with the instrument caliper. RESULTS: A distinct FAZ
      was absent in 12 eyes (42.8%) of children with a history of preterm birth,
      however, it was present in all (100%) control eyes. The FAZ area was
      significantly correlated with gestational age (r = 0.82, P < 0.001) and birth
      weight (r = 0.80, P < 0.001). The gestational age was less than 29 weeks and
      birth weight was less than 1,480 grams in eyes with no distinct FAZ. Mean central
      foveal vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus was 41.8 +/- 4.4% in
      the preterm group and 32.8 +/- 5.8% in the control group (P < 0.001). In all
      eyes, a significant negative correlation was found between the central foveal
      vessel density and gestational age (r = -0.63, P = 0.001) and birth weight (r = 
      0.59, P = 0.002). On spectral domain optical coherence tomography examination,
      the foveal depression was absent and the inner retinal layers were preserved in
      all eyes with absent FAZ. In all eyes, a significant negative correlation was
      found between the inner retinal thickness and gestational age (r = -0.68, P <
      0.001) and birth weight (r = -0.61, P = 0.001). Ten eyes of 6 preterm children
      had a history of laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity. A distinct FAZ was
      absent in six eyes (60%) with retinopathy of prematurity with history of laser
      therapy, and six eyes (33.3%) with preterm birth without laser therapy. Eyes with
      history of laser therapy had a statistically significantly higher inner retinal
      thickness and central foveal vessel density and smaller FAZ compared with the
      eyes with preterm birth without laser therapy (P < 0.001, P = 0.04 and P = 0.03,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography angiography is a novel
      modality for noninvasive visualization of the retinal vasculature in pediatric
      patients and expands our knowledge of foveal abnormalities in retinopathy of
      prematurity. A small or absent FAZ seems to be a distinct sign of prematurity.

PMID- 28098736
TI  - FOVEAL EXUDATE AND CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN ATYPICAL CASES OF MULTIPLE
      EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe atypical cases of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome
      (MEWDS) associated with foveal exudation, increased choroidal thickness, and
      secondary Type 2 (subretinal) neovascularization. METHODS: Four cases of atypical
      MEWDS were studied at a retina referral center. Patients underwent evaluation
      with multimodal retinal imaging, including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine
      green angiography, spectral-domain and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence
      tomography (OCT). Two patients were imaged with OCT angiography. RESULTS: Four
      patients (3 female, 1 male) with a median age of 23.5 years presented with acute
      onset, painless, decreased central vision. All cases demonstrated fundus findings
      consistent with MEWDS on color photography, indocyanine green angiography,
      fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and structural OCT imaging. On
      structural OCT, all 4 patients were noted to have hyperreflective subretinal
      material and increased subfoveal choroidal thickness ranging from 307 MUm to 515
      MUm. Type 2 neovascularization was diagnosed in all four patients using
      fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and/or OCT angiography.
      Two patients had poor visual acuity at the last follow-up despite resolution of
      characteristic clinical findings of MEWDS. CONCLUSION: A subset of patients with
      atypical MEWDS may develop persistent poor vision due to subfoveal exudation and
      secondary Type 2 neovascularization. Patients showing increased choroidal
      thickness at presentation may be more susceptible to this unusual presentation.

PMID- 28098737
TI  - INCREASED INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE IS A RISK FACTOR FOR UNEXPLAINED VISUAL LOSS
      DURING SILICONE OIL ENDOTAMPONADE.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the incidence rate and risk factors for unexplained visual
      loss associated with silicone oil endotamponade used during primary repair of
      macula-sparing rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. METHODS: This retrospective
      cohort study included patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for primary
      surgical repair of macula-sparing rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in whom
      silicone oil endotamponade was used. The primary outcome measure was the
      incidence rate of unexplained visual loss and identification of risk factors
      associated with vision loss. RESULTS: Of 1,218 eyes undergoing pars plana
      vitrectomy for primary retinal detachment repair, 44 eyes were included for
      analysis. In 9 eyes (20%), an unexplained vision loss occurred. Logistic
      regression identified increased intraocular pressure (IOP) (prospectively defined
      as IOP readings during silicone oil endotamponade >=21 mmHg on two consecutive
      visits or >=25 mmHg at any time during this period) as significant predictor
      (odds ratio = 4.9; P = 0.04) and a classification tree ranked IOP as the most
      important variable for vision loss. Incidence rate of vision loss in eyes
      experiencing IOP increase was 4.5 vision loss events per 1,000 days at risk
      compared with 1 event per 1,000 days in eyes without IOP increase, yielding an
      incidence rate ratio of 4.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.1-17.9; P = 0.02).
      CONCLUSION: Sufficient control of IOP during silicone oil endotamponade for
      primary retinal detachment repair is warranted to reduce the probability of
      vision loss.

PMID- 28098738
TI  - SUBRETINAL CELL-BASED THERAPY: An Analysis of Surgical Variables to Increase Cell
      Survival.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a novel surgical approach to provide consistent delivery of
      cell suspension into the subretinal space without cell leakage into the vitreous.
      METHODS: Cell viability was assessed following mock injections to determine the
      optimal size cannula for delivery of the cells. A pars plana without vitrectomy
      approach was used to create a subretinal bleb with balanced salt solution using a
      41-gauge cannula. GFP-labeled retinal pigment epithelium cells were injected
      through transretinal (n = 8) and transscleral (n = 16) injection approaches.
      Optical coherence tomography, fundus photography and autofluorescence, and
      histological analysis were used to evaluate surgical success. RESULTS: The 30
      gauge cannula yielded the highest recovery of cells with highest viability. The
      transretinal approach consistently resulted in transplanted cells in the
      vitreous, with some cells coming to rest on the inner limiting membrane.
      Conversely, the transscleral approach resulted in transplantation of cells into
      the subretinal space in 100% of cases. Histological analysis confirmed these
      results. CONCLUSION: We have developed a novel surgical approach that resulted in
      encapsulation of transplanted cells into the subretinal space with a 100% success
      rate. This approach will provide a useful tool for further cell transplantation
      study and may provide an approach for clinical application of delivering cells to
      the subretinal space.

PMID- 28098739
TI  - Three-Dimensional Head-Mounted Display System for Ophthalmic Surgical Procedures.

PMID- 28098740
TI  - Adult Scoliosis Deformity Surgery: Comparison of Outcomes Between One Versus Two
      Attending Surgeons.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. OBJECTIVE:
      Assess outcomes of adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery performed by one versus
      two attending surgeons. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: ASD centers have developed
      two attending teams to improve efficiency; their effects on complications and
      outcomes have not been reported. METHODS: Patients with ASD with five or more
      levels fused and more than 2-year follow-up were included. Estimated blood loss
      (EBL), length of stay (LOS), operating room (OR) time, complications, quality of
      life (Health Related Quality of Life), and x-rays were analyzed. Outcomes were
      compared between one-surgeon (1S) and two-surgeon (2S) centers. A deformity
      matched cohort was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients in 1S and 77 in 2S
      group were included. 2S group patients were older and had worse deformity based
      on the Scoliosis Research Society-Schwab classification (P < 0.05). There were no
      significant differences in levels fused (P = 0.57), LOS (8.7 vs 8.9 days), OR
      time (445.9 vs 453.2 min), or EBL (2008 vs 1898 cm; P > 0.05). 2S patients had
      more three-column osteotomies (3CO; P < 0.001) and used less bone morphogenetic
      protein 2 (BMP-2; 79.9% vs 15.6%; P < 0.001). The 2S group had fewer
      intraoperative complications (1.3% vs 11.1%; P = 0.006). Postoperative (6 wk to 2
      yr) complications were more frequent in the 2S group (4.8% vs 15.6%; P < 0.002).
      After matching for deformity, there were no differences in (9.1 vs 10.1 days), OR
      time (467.8 vs 508.4 min), or EBL (3045 vs 2247 cm; P = 0.217). 2S group used
      less BMP-2 (20.6% vs 84.8%; P < 0.001), had fewer intraoperative complications (P
      = 0.015) but postoperative complications due to instrumentation
      failure/pseudarthrosis were more frequent (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: No significant
      differences were found in LOS, OR time, or EBL between the 1S and 2S groups, even
      when matching for severity of deformity. 2S group had less BMP-2 use, fewer
      intraoperative complications but more postoperative complications. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 2.

PMID- 28098741
TI  - Does Familial Aggregation of Chronic Low Back Pain Affect Recovery?: A Population
      Based Twin Study.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal twin-cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
      effect familial aggregation of chronic low back pain (LBP) has on the recovery
      from chronic LBP. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LBP is a worldwide problem, with
      pain and disability often becoming chronic. Genetics and familial behaviors could
      significantly affect the recovery from chronic LBP but have not been extensively
      investigated. METHODS: A total of 624 Spanish twins from the Murcia Twin Registry
      reported experiencing chronic LBP within the past 2 years during the 2009/11 data
      collection wave and were followed up in 2013. Familial aggregation of chronic LBP
      was determined by the co-twin experiencing chronic LBP within the past 2 years at
      baseline. Twins reporting LBP "within the past 4 weeks" at follow-up were
      considered to have not recovered. RESULTS: There were 455 twins with available
      data on LBP at follow-up and available data on LBP from their co-twin at
      baseline. Twins with an affected co-twin at baseline were significantly more
      likely to have not recovered from chronic LBP at follow-up (odds ratio [OR] =
      1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-2.4, P = 0.046). This relationship was
      stronger for monozygotic twins (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.8, P = 0.006) (n = 172)
      but disappeared when considering only dizygotic twins (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6-2.0,
      P = 0.668) (n = 283). Sibling-relative recurrence risk (lambda s) was 1.2 for the
      total sample, 1.5 for monozygotic twins, and 1.1 for dizygotic twins. CONCLUSION:
      Having a sibling with chronic LBP at baseline increased the likelihood of LBP at
      follow-up by 20%, with this likelihood increasing to 50% if the sibling was an
      identical twin. These results are novel and highlight the important influence
      genetics have on people's recovery from chronic LBP. Information regarding the
      presence of chronic LBP within a family is easy to obtain and has the potential
      to inform clinicians on which patients are less likely to recover when treatment
      implementation is not considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 28098742
TI  - Does Transection of the C2 Nerve Roots During C1 Lateral Mass Screw Placement for
      Atlantoaxial Fixation Result in a Superior Outcome?: A Systematic Review of the
      Literature and Meta-analysis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      clinical and functional outcomes of transection of the C2 roots during C1 lateral
      mass screw placement for atlantoaxial fixation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:
      Transection of the C2 nerve roots has been recommended during atlantoaxial
      fixation to facilitate C1 lateral mass screw placement and possibly reduce
      postoperative occipital neuralgia, although this practice remains controversial.
      METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library
      for studies evaluating the outcomes of C1-2 fixation involving sacrifice of the
      C2 roots. We calculated transformed proportions with 95% confidence intervals
      (CI) for the outcomes of occipital neuralgia, numbness, bony fusion, and
      procedural morbidity. For studies comparing C2 transection with nerve sparing
      surgery, we performed meta-analyses for the outcomes of occipital neuralgia,
      occipital numbness, blood loss, and operative time. RESULTS: Eight observational
      studies (N = 393) met eligibility criteria. The rate of postoperative occipital
      neuralgia among included studies was 0% to 25%; occipital numbness, 6.7% to100%;
      bony fusion, 96.7% to 100%; and procedural morbidity, 0% to 14.3%. Among
      comparative studies, C2 transection was associated with a higher rate of
      occipital numbness [odds ratio (OR) 178.6 (95% CI 26.6 to 1198.4)], lower blood
      loss [mean difference (MD) -195.3 mL (95% CI -317.7 to -72.8 mL)] and shorter
      operative times [MD -57.5 mins (95% CI -76.9 to -38.2 mins)] than when the C2
      roots were spared. We found no difference in rates of occipital neuralgia [OR
      1.44 (95% CI 0.45 to 4.68)]. CONCLUSION: Transection of the C2 nerve roots
      appears to be a viable, safe option when undertaking placement of C1 lateral mass
      screws. The procedure is associated with reduced operative duration and blood
      loss, increased rate of occipital numbness, and no change in the rate of
      occipital neuralgia. However, given the relatively low quality of evidence,
      prospective, controlled studies to evaluate this strategy are recommended. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: N /A.

PMID- 28098743
TI  - Analysis of Incident and Accident Reports and Risk Management in Spine Surgery.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A review of accident and incident reports. OBJECTIVE: To analyze
      prevalence, characteristics, and details of perioperative incidents and accidents
      in patients receiving spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In our
      institution, a clinical error that potentially results in an adverse event is
      usually submitted as an incident or accident report through a web database, to
      ensure anonymous and blame-free reporting. All reports are analyzed by a medical
      safety management group. These reports contain valuable data for management of
      medical safety, but there have been no studies evaluating such data for spine
      surgery. METHODS: A total of 320 incidents and accidents that occurred
      perioperatively in 172 of 415 spine surgeries were included in the study.
      Incidents were defined as events that were "problematic, but with no damage to
      the patient," and accidents as events "with damage to the patient." The details
      of these events were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 278 incidents in 137 surgeries
      and 42 accidents in 35 surgeries, giving prevalence of 33% (137/415) and 8%
      (35/415), respectively. The proportion of accidents among all events was
      significantly higher for doctors than non-doctors [68.0% (17/25) vs. 8.5%
      (25/295), P < 0.01] and in the operating room compared with outside the operating
      room [40.5% (15/37) vs. 9.5% (27/283), P < 0.01]. There was no significant
      difference in years of experience among personnel involved in all events. The
      major types of events were medication-related, line and tube problems, and falls
      and slips. Accidents also occurred because of a long-term prone position, with
      complications such as laryngeal edema, ulnar nerve palsy, and tooth damage.
      CONCLUSION: Surgery and procedures in the operating room always have a risk of
      complications. Therefore, a particular effort is needed to establish safe
      management of this environment and to provide advice on risk to the doctor and
      medical care team. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 28098744
TI  - Trabecular Microstructure and Damage Affect Cement Leakage From the Basivertebral
      Foramen During Vertebral Augmentation.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study on cadaver specimens. OBJECTIVE: To explore why
      cement leakage from basivertebral foramen (BF) easily occurs during vertebral
      augmentation procedures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Type B (through BF,
      basivertebral foramen) cement leakage is the most common type after vertebral
      augmentation, but the mechanism of this is still controversial. The contribution
      of vertebral trabecular bone orientation and trabecular damage during compression
      fracture to cement leakage is still unknown. METHODS: In this study, 12 fresh
      frozen human lumbar spines (T12-L5) were collected and divided into 24 three
      segment units. Mechanical testing was performed to simulate a compression
      fracture. MicroCT were performed on all segments before and after mechanical
      testing, and trabecular microstructure of the superior, middle (containing BF),
      and inferior 1/3 of each vertebral body was analyzed. The diameter variation of
      intertrabecular space before and after compression fracture was used to quantify
      trabecular injury. After mechanical testing, vertebral augmentation, and imaging
      based diagnosis were used to evaluate cement leakage. RESULTS: Trabecular bone
      microstructural parameters in middle region (containing BF) were lower than those
      of the superior or inferior regions (P < 0.01). After compressive failure, 3D
      reconstruction of the vertebral body by MicroCT demonstrated that intertrabecular
      distance in the middle region was markedly increased. Type B cement leakage was
      the most common type after vertebral augmentation, as found previously in Wang et
      al. (Spine J 2014;14: 1551-1558). CONCLUSION: The presence of the BF and the
      relative sparsity of trabecular bone make the middle region of the vertebral body
      the mechanically weakest region. Trabecular bone in middle region suffered the
      most severe damage during compressive failure of the vertebral body, which
      resulted in the greatest intervertebral spacing, and subsequently the highest
      percentage of type B cement leakage. These data suggest specific mechanisms by
      which cement may leak from the BF, and the contribution of trabecular
      microstructure and trabecular injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 28098745
TI  - Effect of Freeze-Dried Allograft Bone With Human Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor
      Containing a Collagen-Binding Domain From Clostridium histolyticum Collagenase on
      Bone Formation After Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion Surgery in Rats.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of
      freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)
      fused with the polycystic kidney disease domain (PKD) and the collagen-binding
      domain (CBD) of Clostridium histolyticum collagenase, for the acceleration of
      lumbar posterolateral fusion in rats. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Reports
      indicate bFGF is an effective growth factor with osteogenic potential for
      promoting bone regeneration, although its efficiency decreases rapidly following
      its diffusion in body fluid from the host site. We developed a bFGF fusion
      protein containing the PKD and the CBD of C histolyticum collagenase (bFGF-PKD
      CBD), which markedly enhanced bone formation at a relatively low concentration
      when applied to the surface of rat femurs in a previous study. The potential of
      this novel protein to accelerate bone fusion in a rat model of lumbar
      posterolateral fusion has yet to be investigated. METHODS: Bilateral L4-L5
      posterolateral fusions were performed, using 150 mg of FDBA powder per side. A
      total of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200 to 250 g/each were divided into
      two groups of 10 rats: FDBA was incubated with either phosphate-buffered saline
      (control group) or 0.58 nmol bFGF-PKD-CBD (bFGF-PKD-CBD group) before fusion
      surgery. The effect of bFGF-PKD-CBD was estimated using radiographs,
      microcomputed tomography, and histology (hematoxylin-eosin and von Kossa
      staining). RESULTS: Both grafted bone volume in the posterolateral lesion and the
      volume of new bone formation on the surface of laminae and spinal processes were
      significantly higher in the bFGF-PKD-CBD group than in the control group.
      Histologically, new bone formation and surrounding chondrocytes and fibroblasts
      were prominent in the bFGF-PKD-CBD group. CONCLUSION: FDBA infused with bFGF-PKD
      CBD may be a promising material for accelerating spinal fusion, and the FDBA
      based delivery system for localizing bFGF-PKD-CBD may offer novel therapeutic
      approaches to augment spinal fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 28098746
TI  - Marine Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Design Strategies and Research Progress.
AB  - Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), constructed with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs),
      linkers, and natural cytotoxins, are innovative drugs developed for oncotherapy.
      Owing to the distinctive advantages of both chemotherapy drugs and antibody
      drugs, ADCs have obtained enormous success during the past several years. The
      development of highly specific antibodies, novel marine toxins' applications, and
      innovative linker technologies all accelerate the rapid R&D of ADCs. Meanwhile,
      some challenges remain to be solved for future ADCs. For instance, varieties of
      site-specific conjugation have been proposed for solving the inhomogeneity of
      DARs (Drug Antibody Ratios). In this review, the usages of various natural
      toxins, especially marine cytotoxins, and the development strategies for ADCs in
      the past decade are summarized. Representative ADCs with marine cytotoxins in the
      pipeline are introduced and characterized with their new features, while
      perspective comments for future ADCs are proposed.

PMID- 28098748
TI  - Propagation Modeling and Defending of a Mobile Sensor Worm in Wireless Sensor and
      Actuator Networks.
AB  - WSANs (Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks) are derived from traditional
      wireless sensor networks by introducing mobile actuator elements. Previous
      studies indicated that mobile actuators can improve network performance in terms
      of data collection, energy supplementation, etc. However, according to our
      experimental simulations, the actuator's mobility also causes the sensor worm to
      spread faster if an attacker launches worm attacks on an actuator and compromises
      it successfully. Traditional worm propagation models and defense strategies did
      not consider the diffusion with a mobile worm carrier. To address this new
      problem, we first propose a microscopic mathematical model to describe the
      propagation dynamics of the sensor worm. Then, a two-step local defending
      strategy (LDS) with a mobile patcher (a mobile element which can distribute
      patches) is designed to recover the network. In LDS, all recovering operations
      are only taken in a restricted region to minimize the cost. Extensive
      experimental results demonstrate that our model estimations are rather accurate
      and consistent with the actual spreading scenario of the mobile sensor worm.
      Moreover, on average, the LDS outperforms other algorithms by approximately 50%
      in terms of the cost.

PMID- 28098747
TI  - Integrated Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders: The Mediating Role of
      PTSD Improvement in the Reduction of Depression.
AB  - Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represents one of the most common mental
      health disorders, particularly among veterans, and is associated with significant
      distress and impairment. This highly debilitating disorder is further complicated
      by common comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders (SUD).
      Individuals with PTSD and co-occurring SUD also commonly present with secondary
      symptoms, such as elevated depression. Little is known, however, about how these
      secondary symptoms are related to treatment outcome. The aim of the present
      study, therefore, was to examine (1) the effects of treatment of comorbid
      PTSD/SUD on depressive symptoms; and (2) whether this effect was mediated by
      changes in PTSD severity or changes in SUD severity. Participants were 81 U.S.
      military veterans (90.1% male) with PTSD and SUD enrolled in a randomized
      controlled trial examining the efficacy of an integrated, exposure-based
      treatment (Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using
      Prolonged Exposure; n = 54) versus relapse prevention (n = 27). Results revealed
      significantly lower depressive symptoms at post-treatment in the COPE group, as
      compared to the relapse prevention group. Examination of the mechanisms
      associated with change in depression revealed that reduction in PTSD severity,
      but not substance use severity, mediated the association between the treatment
      group and post-treatment depression. The findings underscore the importance of
      treating PTSD symptoms in order to help reduce co-occurring symptoms of
      depression in individuals with PTSD/SUD. Clinical implications and avenues for
      future research are discussed.

PMID- 28098749
TI  - A Semipersistent Plant Virus Differentially Manipulates Feeding Behaviors of
      Different Sexes and Biotypes of Its Whitefly Vector.
AB  - It is known that plant viruses can change the performance of their vectors.
      However, there have been no reports on whether or how a semipersistent plant
      virus manipulates the feeding behaviors of its whitefly vectors. Cucurbit
      chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) (genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviridae) is an
      emergent plant virus in many Asian countries and is transmitted specifically by B
      and Q biotypes of tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), in a
      semipersistent manner. In the present study, we used electrical penetration graph
      (EPG) technique to investigate the effect of CCYV on the feeding behaviors of B.
      tabaci. The results showed that CCYV altered feeding behaviors of both biotypes
      and sexes of B. tabaci with different degrees. CCYV had stronger effects on
      feeding behaviors of Q biotype than those of B biotype, by increasing duration of
      phloem salivation and sap ingestion, and could differentially manipulate feeding
      behaviors of males and females in both biotype whiteflies, with more phloem
      ingestion in Q biotype males and more non-phloem probing in B biotype males than
      their respective females. With regard to feeding behaviors related to virus
      transmission, these results indicated that, when carrying CCYV, B. tabaci Q
      biotype plays more roles than B biotype, and males make greater contribution than
      females.

PMID- 28098750
TI  - Cluster-Based Maximum Consensus Time Synchronization for Industrial Wireless
      Sensor Networks.
AB  - Time synchronization is one of the key technologies in Industrial Wireless Sensor
      Networks (IWSNs), and clustering is widely used in WSNs for data fusion and
      information collection to reduce redundant data and communication overhead.
      Considering IWSNs' demand for low energy consumption, fast convergence, and
      robustness, this paper presents a novel Cluster-based Maximum consensus Time
      Synchronization (CMTS) method. It consists of two parts: intra-cluster time
      synchronization and inter-cluster time synchronization. Based on the theory of
      distributed consensus, the proposed method utilizes the maximum consensus
      approach to realize the intra-cluster time synchronization, and adjacent clusters
      exchange the time messages via overlapping nodes to synchronize with each other.
      A Revised-CMTS is further proposed to counteract the impact of bounded
      communication delays between two connected nodes, because the traditional
      stochastic models of the communication delays would distort in a dynamic
      environment. The simulation results show that our method reduces the
      communication overhead and improves the convergence rate in comparison to
      existing works, as well as adapting to the uncertain bounded communication
      delays.

PMID- 28098752
TI  - Microbiological Load of Edible Insects Found in Belgium.
AB  - Edible insects are gaining more and more attention as a sustainable source of
      animal protein for food and feed in the future. In Belgium, some insect products
      can be found on the market, and consumers are sourcing fresh insects from fishing
      stores or towards traditional markets to find exotic insects that are illegal and
      not sanitarily controlled. From this perspective, this study aims to characterize
      the microbial load of edible insects found in Belgium (i.e., fresh mealworms and
      house crickets from European farms and smoked termites and caterpillars from a
      traditional Congolese market) and to evaluate the efficiency of different
      processing methods (blanching for all species and freeze-drying and sterilization
      for European species) in reducing microorganism counts. All untreated insect
      samples had a total aerobic count higher than the limit for fresh minced meat
      (6.7 log cfu/g). Nevertheless, a species-dependent blanching step has led to a
      reduction of the total aerobic count under this limit, except for one caterpillar
      species. Freeze-drying and sterilization treatments on European species were also
      effective in reducing the total aerobic count. Yeast and mold counts for
      untreated insects were above the Good Manufacturing Practice limits for raw meat,
      but all treatments attained a reduction of these microorganisms under this limit.
      These results confirmed that fresh insects, but also smoked insects from non
      European trades, need a cooking step (at least composed of a first blanching
      step) before consumption. Therefore, blanching timing for each studied insect
      species is proposed and discussed.

PMID- 28098753
TI  - Reagent-Less and Robust Biosensor for Direct Determination of Lactate in Food
      Samples.
AB  - Lactic acid is a relevant analyte in the food industry, since it affects the
      flavor, freshness, and storage quality of several products, such as milk and
      dairy products, juices, or wines. It is the product of lactose or malo-lactic
      fermentation. In this work, we developed a lactate biosensor based on the
      immobilization of lactate oxidase (LOx) onto N,N'-Bis(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene) 
      1,2-diaminobenzene Schiff base tetradentate ligand-modified gold nanoparticles
      (3,4DHS-AuNPs) deposited onto screen-printed carbon electrodes, which exhibit a
      potent electrocatalytic effect towards hydrogen peroxide oxidation/reduction.
      3,4DHS-AuNPs were synthesized within a unique reaction step, in which 3,4DHS acts
      as reducing/capping/modifier agent for the generation of stable colloidal
      suspensions of Schiff base ligand-AuNPs assemblies of controlled size. The ligand
      in addition to its reduction action-provides a robust coating to gold
      nanoparticles and a catalytic function. Lactate oxidase (LOx) catalyzes the
      conversion of l-lactate to pyruvate in the presence of oxygen, producing hydrogen
      peroxide, which is catalytically oxidized at 3,4DHS-AuNPs modified screen-printed
      carbon electrodes at +0.2 V. The measured electrocatalytic current is directly
      proportional to the concentration of peroxide, which is related to the amount of
      lactate present in the sample. The developed biosensor shows a detection limit of
      2.6 MUM lactate and a sensitivity of 5.1 +/- 0.1 MUA.mM-1. The utility of the
      device has been demonstrated by the determination of the lactate content in
      different matrixes (white wine, beer, and yogurt). The obtained results compare
      well to those obtained using a standard enzymatic-spectrophotometric assay kit.

PMID- 28098755
TI  - Exopolysaccharides Isolated from Milk Fermented with Lactic Acid Bacteria Prevent
      Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Damage in Hairless Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We studied the mechanism by which fermented milk ameliorates UV-B
      induced skin damage and determined the active components in milk fermented with
      lactic acid bacteria by evaluating erythema formation, dryness, epidermal
      proliferation, DNA damage and cytokine mRNA levels in hairless mice exposed to
      acute UV-B irradiation. METHODS: Nine week-old hairless mice were given fermented
      milk (1.3 g/kg BW/day) or exopolysaccharide (EPS) concentrate (70 mg/kg BW/day)
      orally for ten days. Seven days after fermented milk or EPS administration began,
      the dorsal skin of the mice was exposed to a single dose of UV-B (20 mJ/cm2).
      RESULTS: Ingestion of either fermented milk or EPS significantly attenuated UV-B
      induced erythema formation, dryness and epidermal proliferation in mouse skin.
      Both fermented milk and EPS were associated with a significant decrease in
      cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and upregulated mRNA levels of xeroderma
      pigmentosum complementation group A (XPA), which is involved in DNA repair.
      Furthermore, administration of either fermented milk or EPS significantly
      suppressed increases in the ratio of interleukin (IL)-10/IL-12a and IL
      10/interferon-gamma mRNA levels. CONCLUSION: Together, these results indicate
      that EPS isolated from milk fermented with lactic acid bacteria enhanced DNA
      repair mechanisms and modulated skin immunity to protect skin against UV damage.

PMID- 28098754
TI  - Drp1-Dependent Mitochondrial Fission Plays Critical Roles in Physiological and
      Pathological Progresses in Mammals.
AB  - Current research has demonstrated that mitochondrial morphology, distribution,
      and function are maintained by the balanced regulation of mitochondrial fission
      and fusion, and perturbation of the homeostasis between these processes has been
      related to cell or organ dysfunction and abnormal mitochondrial redistribution.
      Abnormal mitochondrial fusion induces the fragmentation of mitochondria from a
      tubular morphology into pieces; in contrast, perturbed mitochondrial fission
      results in the fusion of adjacent mitochondria. A member of the dynamin family of
      large GTPases, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), effectively influences cell
      survival and apoptosis by mediating the mitochondrial fission process in mammals.
      Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission is an intricate process regulating both
      cellular and organ dynamics, including development, apoptosis, acute organ
      injury, and various diseases. Only after clarification of the regulative
      mechanisms of this critical protein in vivo and in vitro will it set a milestone
      for preventing mitochondrial fission related pathological processes and
      refractory diseases.

PMID- 28098756
TI  - Detection of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor with a Novel Bioluminescence
      Resonance Energy Transfer Pair Using a Two-Component System.
AB  - In this paper we describe a two-component BRET (bioluminescence resonance energy
      transfer)-based method to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      molecules in unknown samples as the basis for subsequent in vivo use. A
      luminescent VEGF binding molecule, which binds in the receptor binding motif of
      VEGF, is used as the energy donor, transferred to a fluorophore-coupled VEGF
      binding molecule (acceptor), which binds to the neuropilin binding motif of VEGF,
      thus enabling energy transfer from the donor to the acceptor molecule. This leads
      to the emission of light at a longer wavelength and thus the generation of an
      increased BRET signal only when VEGF is bound to both the donor and acceptor
      molecules. We further describe a novel BRET pair that uses the Renilla reniformis
      mutant luciferase RLuc8 and the chemically engineered fluorophore PerCP-Cy5.5(r),
      which exhibits superior peak separation of approximately 300 nm. The implantation
      of capsules consisting of the two BRET components in solution, permeable for VEGF
      for its in vivo detection, would provide a new and improved method for monitoring
      VEGF-induced pathologies and thus an adjustment of therapy to patient needs.

PMID- 28098757
TI  - Role of miR-34a-5p in Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Proliferation and Fate
      Decision: Novel Insights into the Pathogenesis of Primary Myelofibrosis.
AB  - Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) is a chronic Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative
      neoplasm characterized by a skewed megakaryopoiesis and an overproduction of
      proinflammatory and profibrotic mediators that lead to the development of bone
      marrow (BM) fibrosis. Since we recently uncovered the upregulation of miR-34a-5p
      in PMF CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), in order to elucidate its
      role in PMF pathogenesis here we unravelled the effects of miR-34a-5p
      overexpression in HPCs. We showed that enforced expression of miR-34a-5p
      partially constrains proliferation and favours the megakaryocyte and
      monocyte/macrophage commitment of HPCs. Interestingly, we identified lymphoid
      enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) and nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A,
      member 2 (NR4A2) transcripts as miR-34a-5p-targets downregulated after miR-34a-5p
      overexpression in HPCs as well as in PMF CD34+ cells. Remarkably, the knockdown
      of NR4A2 in HPCs mimicked the antiproliferative effects of miR-34a-5p
      overexpression, while the silencing of LEF1 phenocopied the effects of miR-34a-5p
      overexpression on HPCs lineage choice, by favouring the megakaryocyte and
      monocyte/macrophage commitment. Collectively our data unravel the role of miR-34a
      5p in HPCs fate decision and suggest that the increased expression of miR-34a-5p
      in PMF HPCs could be important for the skewing of megakaryopoiesis and the
      production of monocytes, that are key players in BM fibrosis in PMF patients.

PMID- 28098758
TI  - Neurotrophin Promotes Neurite Outgrowth by Inhibiting Rif GTPase Activation
      Downstream of MAPKs and PI3K Signaling.
AB  - Members of the well-known semaphorin family of proteins can induce both repulsive
      and attractive signaling in neural network formation and their cytoskeletal
      effects are mediated in part by small guanosine 5'-triphosphatase (GTPases). The
      aim of this study was to investigate the cellular role of Rif GTPase in the
      neurotrophin-induced neurite outgrowth. By using PC12 cells which are known to
      cease dividing and begin to show neurite outgrowth responding to nerve growth
      factor (NGF), we found that semaphorin 6A was as effective as nerve growth factor
      at stimulating neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, and that its neurotrophic effect
      was transmitted through signaling by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)
      and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). We further found that neurotrophin
      induced neurite formation in PC12 cells could be partially mediated by inhibition
      of Rif GTPase activity downstream of MAPKs and PI3K signaling. In conclusion, we
      newly identified Rif as a regulator of the cytoskeletal rearrangement mediated by
      semaphorins.

PMID- 28098759
TI  - Reactive Oxygen Species Generated by NADPH Oxidases Promote Radicle Protrusion
      and Root Elongation during Rice Seed Germination.
AB  - Seed germination is a complicated biological process that requires regulation
      through various enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Although it has been
      recognized that reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate radicle emergence and root
      elongation in a non-enzymatic manner during dicot seed germination, the role of
      ROS in monocot seed germination remains unknown. NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are the
      major ROS producers in plants; however, whether and how NOXs regulate rice seed
      germination through ROS generation remains unclear. Here, we report that
      diphenyleneiodinium (DPI), a specific NOX inhibitor, potently inhibited embryo
      and seedling growth-especially that of the radicle and of root elongation-in a
      dose-dependent manner. Notably, the DPI-mediated inhibition of radicle and root
      growth could be eliminated by transferring seedlings from DPI to water.
      Furthermore, ROS production/accumulation during rice seed germination was
      quantified via histochemistry. Superoxide radicals (O2-), hydrogen peroxide
      (H2O2) and hydroxyl radicals (*OH) accumulated steadily in the coleorhiza,
      radicle and seedling root of germinating rice seeds. Expression profiles of the
      nine typical NOX genes were also investigated. According to quantitative PCR,
      OsNOX5, 7 and 9 were expressed relatively higher. When seeds were incubated in
      water, OsNOX5 expression progressively increased in the embryo from 12 to 48 h,
      whereas OsNOX7 and 9 expressions increased from 12 to 24 h and decreased
      thereafter. As expected, DPI inhibits the expression at predetermined time points
      for each of these genes. Taken together, these results suggest that ROS produced
      by NOXs are involved in radicle and root elongation during rice seed germination,
      and OsNOX5, 7 and 9 could play crucial roles in rice seed germination. These
      findings will facilitate further studies of the roles of ROS generated by NOXs
      during seed germination and seedling establishment and also provide valuable
      information for the regulation of NOX family gene expression in germinating seeds
      of monocot cereals.

PMID- 28098761
TI  - Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Basic Biology, Current Treatment Strategies
      and Prospects for the Future.
AB  - Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) are rare tumors accounting for only
      1%-2% of all pancreatic tumors. pNENs are pathologically heterogeneous and are
      categorized into three groups (neuroendocrine tumor: NET G1, NET G2; and
      neuroendocrine carcinoma: NEC) on the basis of the Ki-67 proliferation index and
      the mitotic count according to the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO)
      classification of gastroenteropancreatic NENs. NEC in this classification
      includes both histologically well-differentiated and poorly differentiated
      subtypes, and modification of the WHO 2010 classification is under discussion
      based on genetic and clinical data. Genomic analysis has revealed NETs G1/G2 have
      genetic alterations in chromatin remodeling genes such as MEN1, DAXX and ATRX,
      whereas NECs have an inactivation of TP53 and RB1, and these data suggest that
      different treatment approaches would be required for NET G1/G2 and NEC. While
      there are promising molecular targeted drugs, such as everolimus or sunitinib,
      for advanced NET G1/G2, treatment stratification based on appropriate predictive
      and prognostic biomarkers is becoming an important issue. The clinical outcome of
      NEC is still dismal, and a more detailed understanding of the genetic background
      together with preclinical studies to develop new agents, including those already
      under investigation for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), will be needed to improve
      the prognosis.

PMID- 28098763
TI  - New Abietane and Kaurane Type Diterpenoids from the Stems of Tripterygium
      regelii.
AB  - Eleven new abietane type (1-11), and one new kaurane (12), diterpenes, together
      with eleven known compounds (13-23), were isolated and identified from the stems
      of Tripterygium regelii, which has been used as a traditional folk Chinese
      medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in China. The structures of
      new compounds were characterized by means of the interpretation of high
      resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), extensive nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data and comparisons of their experimental
      CD spectra with calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compound
      1 is the first abietane type diterpene with an 18->1 lactone ring. Compound 19
      was isolated from the plants of the Tripterygium genus for the first time, and
      compounds 14-17 were isolated from T. regelii for the first time. Triregelin I
      (9) showed significant cytotoxicity against A2780 and HepG2 with IC50 values of
      5.88 and 11.74 uM, respectively. It was found that this compound was inactive
      against MCF-7 cells. The discovery of these twelve new diterpenes not only
      provided information on chemical substances of T. regelii, but also contributed
      to the chemical diversity of natural terpenoids.

PMID- 28098760
TI  - Autocrine and Paracrine Mechanisms Promoting Chemoresistance in
      Cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - Resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, a typical feature of
      cholangiocarcinoma, prevents the efficacy of the therapeutic arsenal usually used
      to combat malignancy in humans. Mechanisms of chemoresistance by neoplastic
      cholangiocytes include evasion of drug-induced apoptosis mediated by autocrine
      and paracrine cues released in the tumor microenvironment. Here, recent evidence
      regarding molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance is reviewed, as well as
      associations between well-developed chemoresistance and activation of the cancer
      stem cell compartment. It is concluded that improved understanding of the complex
      interplay between apoptosis signaling and the promotion of cell survival
      represent potentially productive areas for active investigation, with the
      ultimate aim of encouraging future studies to unveil new, effective strategies
      able to overcome current limitations on treatment.

PMID- 28098764
TI  - IQGAP1 in Podosomes/Invadosomes Is Involved in the Progression of Glioblastoma
      Multiforme Depending on the Tumor Status.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive primary brain
      tumor. GBM is formed by a very heterogeneous astrocyte population, neurons,
      neovascularization and infiltrating myeloid cells (microglia and monocyte derived
      macrophages). The IQGAP1 scaffold protein interacts with components of the
      cytoskeleton, cell adhesion molecules, and several signaling molecules to
      regulate cell morphology and motility, cell cycle and other cellular functions.
      IQGAP1 overexpression and delocalization has been observed in several tumors,
      suggesting a role for this protein in cell proliferation, transformation and
      invasion. IQGAP1 has been identified as a marker of amplifying cancer cells in
      GBMs. To determine the involvement of IQGAP1 in the onco-biology of GBM, we
      performed immunohistochemical confocal microscopic analysis of the IQGAP1 protein
      in human GBM tissue samples using cell type-specific markers. IQGAP1
      immunostaining and subcellular localization was heterogeneous; the protein was
      located in the plasma membrane and, at variable levels, in nucleus and/or
      cytosol. Moreover, IQGAP1 positive staining was found in podosome/invadopodia
      like structures. IQGAP1+ staining was observed in neurons (Map2+ cells), in
      cancer stem cells (CSC; nestin+) and in several macrophages (CD31+ or Iba1+). Our
      results indicate that the IQGAP1 protein is involved in normal cell physiology as
      well as oncologic processes.

PMID- 28098765
TI  - Validation of an Online Food Frequency Questionnaire against Doubly Labelled
      Water and 24 h Dietary Recalls in Pre-School Children.
AB  - The development of easy-to-use and accurate methods to assess the intake of
      energy, foods and nutrients in pre-school children is needed. KidMeal-Q is an
      online food frequency questionnaire developed for the LifeGene prospective cohort
      study in Sweden. The aims of this study were to compare: (i) energy intake (EI)
      obtained using KidMeal-Q to total energy expenditure (TEE) measured via doubly
      labelled water and (ii) the intake of certain foods measured using KidMeal-Q to
      intakes acquired by means of 24 h dietary recalls in 38 children aged 5.5 years.
      The mean EI calculated using KidMeal-Q was statistically different (p < 0.001)
      from TEE (4670 +/- 1430 kJ/24 h and 6070 +/- 690 kJ/24 h, respectively).
      Significant correlations were observed for vegetables, fruit juice and candy
      between KidMeal-Q and 24 h dietary recalls. Only sweetened beverage consumption
      was significantly different in mean intake (p < 0.001), as measured by KidMeal-Q
      and 24 h dietary recalls. In conclusion, KidMeal-Q had a relatively short
      answering time and comparative validity to other food frequency questionnaires.
      However, its accuracy needs to be improved before it can be used in studies in
      pre-school children.

PMID- 28098766
TI  - Single Electrode Deep Brain Stimulation with Dual Targeting at Dual Frequency for
      the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been used to target many deep brain structures
      for the treatment of chronic pain. The periaqueductal grey and periventricular
      grey (PAG/PVG) is an effective target but results are variable, sometimes short
      lived or subject to tolerance. The centromedian intra-laminar parafascicular
      complex (CMPf) modulates medial pain pathways and CMPf DBS may address the
      affective aspects of pain perception. Stimulation of multiple deep brain targets
      may offer a strategy to optimize management of patients with complex pain
      symptomatology. However, previous attempts to stimulate multiple targets requires
      multiple trajectories and considerable expense. Using a single electrode to
      stimulate multiple targets would help overcome these challenges. A pre-requisite
      of such a technique is the ability to use different stimulation parameters at
      different contacts simultaneously on the same electrode. We describe a novel
      technique in 3 patients with chronic pain syndromes for whom conventional medical
      and/or neuromodulation therapy had failed using a single electrode technique to
      stimulate PVG/PAG and CMPf at dual frequencies.

PMID- 28098767
TI  - Cheese Consumption and Risk of All-Cause Mortality: A Meta-Analysis of
      Prospective Studies.
AB  - The association between cheese consumption and risk for major health endpoints
      has been investigated in many epidemiologic studies, but findings are
      inconsistent. As all-cause mortality can be viewed as the final net health effect
      of dietary intakes, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the long-term
      association of cheese consumption with all-cause mortality. Relevant studies were
      identified by a search of the PubMed database through May 2016. Reference lists
      from retrieved articles were also reviewed. Summary relative risks (RR) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Pre
      specified stratified and dose-response analyses were also performed. The final
      analysis included nine prospective cohort studies involving 21,365 deaths. The
      summary RR of all-cause mortality for the highest compared with the lowest cheese
      consumption was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.06), and little evidence of heterogeneity
      was observed. The association between cheese consumption and risk of all-cause
      mortality did not significantly differ by study location, sex, age, number of
      events, study quality score or baseline diseases excluded. There was no dose
      response relationship between cheese consumption and risk of all-cause mortality
      (RR per 43 g/day = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.99-1.07). No significant publication bias was
      observed. Our findings suggest that long-term cheese consumption was not
      associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.

PMID- 28098768
TI  - Preventive Effects of Drinking Hydrogen-Rich Water on Gingival Oxidative Stress
      and Alveolar Bone Resorption in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet.
AB  - Obesity induces gingival oxidative stress, which is involved in the progression
      of alveolar bone resorption. The antioxidant effect of hydrogen-rich water may
      attenuate gingival oxidative stress and prevent alveolar bone resorption in cases
      of obesity. We examined whether hydrogen-rich water could suppress gingival
      oxidative stress and alveolar bone resorption in obese rats fed a high-fat diet.
      Male Fischer 344 rats (n = 18) were divided into three groups of six rats each: a
      control group (fed a regular diet and drinking distilled water) and two
      experimental groups (fed a high-fat diet and drinking distilled water or hydrogen
      rich water). The level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine was determined to evaluate
      oxidative stress. The bone mineral density of the alveolar bone was analyzed by
      micro-computerized tomography. Obese rats, induced by a high-fat diet, showed a
      higher gingival level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and a lower level of alveolar
      bone density compared to the control group. Drinking hydrogen-rich water
      suppressed body weight gain, lowered gingival level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine,
      and reduced alveolar bone resorption in rats on a high-fat diet. The results
      indicate that hydrogen-rich water could suppress gingival oxidative stress and
      alveolar bone resorption by limiting obesity.

PMID- 28098769
TI  - Sensory Acceptability of Infant Cereals with Whole Grain in Infants and Young
      Children.
AB  - In many countries, infant cereals are one of the first foods introduced during
      the complementary feeding stage. These cereals are usually made with refined
      cereal flours, even though several health benefits have been linked to the intake
      of whole grain cereals. Prior evidence suggests that food preferences are
      developed at early stages of life, and may persist in later childhood and
      adulthood. Our aim was to test whether an infant cereal with 30% of whole grain
      was similarly accepted both by parents and infants in comparison to a similar
      cereal made from refined flour. A total of 81 infants between 4 and 24 months old
      were included in the study. Parent-infant pairs participated in an 8-day
      experimental study. Acceptance was rated on hedonic scales (4-points for infants
      and 7-points for parents). Other attributes like color, smell, and taste were
      evaluated by the parents. Acceptability for infant cereals with whole grain and
      refined cereals was very similar both for infants (2.30 +/- 0.12 and 2.32 +/-
      0.11, p = 0.606) and parents (6.1 +/- 0.8 and 6.0 +/- 0.9, p = 0.494). Therefore,
      our findings show that there is an opportunity to introduce whole grain cereals
      to infants, including those who are already used to consuming refined infant
      cereals, thereby accelerating the exposure of whole grain in early life.

PMID- 28098770
TI  - Can Malaysian Young Adults Report Dietary Intake Using a Food Diary Mobile
      Application? A Pilot Study on Acceptability and Compliance.
AB  - Mobile applications may improve dietary reporting among young adults due to their
      high accessibility and embedded camera function. This pilot study aimed to (i)
      evaluate users' acceptability and compliance in reporting dietary intake using a
      newly developed food diary mobile application (food app); and (ii) identify
      issues and recommendations for improving dietary assessment using this food app
      via quantitative and qualitative protocols. Twenty-eight university students each
      used a food app for seven consecutive days and attended one of five focus group
      interviews. A 42% decrement in reporting compliance was observed throughout the
      seven-day recording period. An average of 5.9 recording days were reported and
      4.8 occasions of meal data were uploaded each day. Based on questionnaires, high
      levels of agreement were reported in terms of perceived usefulness (69.3%),
      perceived ease of use (77.1%), attitude (73.6%), perceived enjoyment (62.6%), and
      smartphone experience (91.1%), but such agreement was not reported for intention
      to use (38.1%) and social influence (33.4%). Four major themes emerged from the
      focus group interviews, namely, (i) features; (ii) potential use; (iii) utility
      issues of the food app; and (iv) suggestions for improvements. While the food app
      was well-accepted by most of the young adults, the current prototype would
      benefit from incorporation of a barcode scanning function, customizable
      reminders, in-app tutorial, an entertainment component, and enhancement in
      overall appearance.

PMID- 28098772
TI  - A Non-Intrusive Cyber Physical Social Sensing Solution to People Behavior
      Tracking: Mechanism, Prototype, and Field Experiments.
AB  - Tracking people's behaviors is a main category of cyber physical social sensing
      (CPSS)-related people-centric applications. Most tracking methods utilize camera
      networks or sensors built into mobile devices such as global positioning system
      (GPS) and Bluetooth. In this article, we propose a non-intrusive wireless
      fidelity (Wi-Fi)-based tracking method. To show the feasibility, we target
      tracking people's access behaviors in Wi-Fi networks, which has drawn a lot of
      interest from the academy and industry recently. Existing methods used for
      acquiring access traces either provide very limited visibility into media access
      control (MAC)-level transmission dynamics or sometimes are inflexible and costly.
      In this article, we present a passive CPSS system operating in a non-intrusive,
      flexible, and simplified manner to overcome above limitations. We have
      implemented the prototype on the off-the-shelf personal computer, and performed
      real-world deployment experiments. The experimental results show that the method
      is feasible, and people's access behaviors can be correctly tracked within a one
      second delay.

PMID- 28098773
TI  - Continuous Space Estimation: Increasing WiFi-Based Indoor Localization Resolution
      without Increasing the Site-Survey Effort.
AB  - Although much research has taken place in WiFi indoor localization systems, their
      accuracy can still be improved. When designing this kind of system, fingerprint
      based methods are a common choice. The problem with fingerprint-based methods
      comes with the need of site surveying the environment, which is effort consuming.
      In this work, we propose an approach, based on support vector regression, to
      estimate the received signal strength at non-site-surveyed positions of the
      environment. Experiments, performed in a real environment, show that the proposed
      method could be used to improve the resolution of fingerprint-based indoor WiFi
      localization systems without increasing the site survey effort.

PMID- 28098771
TI  - Breast Cancer Brain Metastases: Clonal Evolution in Clinical Context.
AB  - Brain metastases are highly-evolved manifestations of breast cancer arising in a
      unique microenvironment, giving them exceptional adaptability in the face of new
      extrinsic pressures. The incidence is rising in line with population ageing, and
      use of newer therapies that stabilise metastatic disease burden with variable
      efficacy throughout the body. Historically, there has been a widely-held view
      that brain metastases do not respond to circulating therapeutics because the
      blood-brain-barrier (BBB) restricts their uptake. However, emerging data are
      beginning to paint a more complex picture where the brain acts as a sanctuary for
      dormant, subclinical proliferations that are initially protected by the BBB, but
      then exposed to dynamic selection pressures as tumours mature and vascular
      permeability increases. Here, we review key experimental approaches and landmark
      studies that have charted the genomic landscape of breast cancer brain
      metastases. These findings are contextualised with the factors impacting on
      clonal outgrowth in the brain: intrinsic breast tumour cell capabilities required
      for brain metastatic fitness, and the neural niche, which is initially hostile to
      invading cells but then engineered into a tumour-support vehicle by the
      successful minority. We also discuss how late detection, abnormal vascular
      perfusion and interstitial fluid dynamics underpin the recalcitrant clinical
      behaviour of brain metastases, and outline active clinical trials in the context
      of precision management.

PMID- 28098774
TI  - Learning to Diagnose Cirrhosis with Liver Capsule Guided Ultrasound Image
      Classification.
AB  - This paper proposes a computer-aided cirrhosis diagnosis system to diagnose
      cirrhosis based on ultrasound images. We first propose a method to extract a
      liver capsule on an ultrasound image, then, based on the extracted liver capsule,
      we fine-tune a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model to extract features
      from the image patches cropped around the liver capsules. Finally, a trained
      support vector machine (SVM) classifier is applied to classify the sample into
      normal or abnormal cases. Experimental results show that the proposed method can
      effectively extract the liver capsules and accurately classify the ultrasound
      images.

PMID- 28098776
TI  - Distinguishing Benign from Malignant Pancreatic and Periampullary Lesions Using
      Combined Use of 1H-NMR Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Previous work demonstrated that serum metabolomics can distinguish pancreatic
      cancer from benign disease. However, in the clinic, non-pancreatic periampullary
      cancers are difficult to distinguish from pancreatic cancer. Therefore, to test
      the clinical utility of this technology, we determined whether any pancreatic and
      periampullary adenocarcinoma could be distinguished from benign masses and
      biliary strictures. Sera from 157 patients with malignant and benign pancreatic
      and periampullary lesions were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance
      (1H-NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
      Multivariate projection modeling using SIMCA-P+ software in training datasets (n
      = 80) was used to generate the best models to differentiate disease states.
      Models were validated in test datasets (n = 77). The final 1H-NMR spectroscopy
      and GC-MS metabolomic profiles consisted of 14 and 18 compounds, with AUROC
      values of 0.74 (SE 0.06) and 0.62 (SE 0.08), respectively. The combination of 1H
      NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS metabolites did not substantially improve this
      performance (AUROC 0.66, SE 0.08). In patients with adenocarcinoma, glutamate
      levels were consistently higher, while glutamine and alanine levels were
      consistently lower. Pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinomas can be
      distinguished from benign lesions. To further enhance the discriminatory power of
      metabolomics in this setting, it will be important to identify the metabolomic
      changes that characterize each of the subclasses of this heterogeneous group of
      cancers.

PMID- 28098775
TI  - Mammary Gland Involution Provides a Unique Model to Study the TGF-beta Cancer
      Paradox.
AB  - Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling in cancer has been termed
      the "TGF-beta paradox", acting as both a tumor suppresser and promoter. The
      complexity of TGF-beta signaling within the tumor is context dependent, and
      greatly impacted by cellular crosstalk between TGF-beta responsive cells in the
      microenvironment including adjacent epithelial, endothelial, mesenchymal, and
      hematopoietic cells. Here we utilize normal, weaning-induced mammary gland
      involution as a tissue microenvironment model to study the complexity of TGF-beta
      function. This article reviews facets of mammary gland involution that are TGF
      beta regulated, namely mammary epithelial cell death, immune activation, and
      extracellular matrix remodeling. We outline how distinct cellular responses and
      crosstalk between cell types during physiologically normal mammary gland
      involution contribute to simultaneous tumor suppressive and promotional
      microenvironments. We also highlight alternatives to direct TGF-beta blocking
      anti-cancer therapies with an emphasis on eliciting concerted microenvironmental
      mediated tumor suppression.

PMID- 28098777
TI  - New Irradiation Method with Indocyanine Green-Loaded Nanospheres for Inactivating
      Periodontal Pathogens.
AB  - Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been proposed as an adjunctive
      strategy for periodontitis treatments. However, use of aPDT for periodontal
      treatment is complicated by the difficulty in accessing morphologically complex
      lesions such as furcation involvement, which the irradiation beam (which is
      targeted parallel to the tooth axis into the periodontal pocket) cannot access
      directly. The aim of this study was to validate a modified aPDT method that
      photosensitizes indocyanine green-loaded nanospheres through the gingivae from
      outside the pocket using a diode laser. To establish this trans-gingival
      irradiation method, we built an in vitro aPDT model using a substitution for
      gingivae. Irradiation conditions and the cooling method were optimized before the
      bactericidal effects on Porphyromonas gingivalis were investigated. The permeable
      energy through the gingival model at irradiation conditions of 2 W output power
      in a 50% duty cycle was comparable with the transmitted energy of conventional
      irradiation. Intermittent irradiation with air cooling limited the temperature
      increase in the gingival model to 2.75  degrees C. The aPDT group showed
      significant bactericidal effects, with reductions in colony-forming units of
      99.99% after 5 min of irradiation. This effect of aPDT against a periodontal
      pathogen demonstrates the validity of trans-gingival irradiation for periodontal
      treatment.

PMID- 28098778
TI  - Bone Niches, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, and Vessel Formation.
AB  - Bone marrow (BM) is a source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs are
      localized in both the endosteum, in the so-called endosteal niche, and close to
      thin-walled and fenestrated sinusoidal vessel in the center of BM, in the so
      called vascular niche. HSCs give rise to all types of mature blood cells through
      a process finely controlled by numerous signals emerging from the bone marrow
      niches where HSCs reside. This review will focus on the description of the role
      of BM niches in the control of the fate of HSCs and will also highlight the role
      of the BM niches in the regulation of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Moreover,
      alterations of the signals in niche microenvironment are involved in many aspects
      of tumor progression and vascularization and further knowledge could provide the
      basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 28098779
TI  - Unravelling the Diversity of the Cyclopiazonic Acid Family of Mycotoxins in
      Aspergillus flavus by UHPLC Triple-TOF HRMS.
AB  - Cyclopiazonic acid (alpha-cyclopiazonic acid, alpha-CPA) is an indole-hydrindane
      tetramic acid neurotoxin produced by various fungal species, including the
      notorious food and feed contaminant Aspergillus flavus. Despite its discovery in
      A. flavus cultures approximately 40 years ago, its contribution to the A. flavus
      mycotoxin burden is consistently minimized by our focus on the more potent
      carcinogenic aflatoxins also produced by this fungus. Here, we report the
      screening and identification of several CPA-type alkaloids not previously found
      in A. flavus cultures. Our identifications of these CPA-type alkaloids are based
      on a dereplication strategy involving accurate mass high resolution mass
      spectrometry data and a careful study of the alpha-CPA fragmentation pattern. In
      total, 22 CPA-type alkaloids were identified in extracts from the A. flavus
      strains examined. Of these metabolites, 13 have been previously reported in other
      fungi, though this is the first report of their existence in A. flavus. Two of
      our metabolite discoveries, 11,12-dehydro alpha-CPA and 3-hydroxy-2-oxo CPA, have
      never been reported for any organism. The conspicuous presence of CPA and its
      numerous derivatives in A. flavus cultures raises concerns about the long-term
      and cumulative toxicological effects of these fungal secondary metabolites and
      their contributions to the entire A. flavus mycotoxin problem.

PMID- 28098780
TI  - Adding Salt to Meals as a Risk Factor of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is thought to arise from the complex
      interplay between genetic and environmental factors. It is important to identify
      modifiable risk factors that may help to reduce the risk of diabetes. Data on
      salt intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes are limited. The aim of this study
      was to assess the relationship between adding salt to prepared meals and the risk
      of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In a case-control study, we included 234 cases, all
      of whom were patients aged 35-86 years with a newly confirmed diagnosis of T2DM,
      and 468 controls that were free of the disease. Cases and controls (ratio 1:2)
      were matched by gender and age (+/-5 years). A questionnaire was used to collect
      information on possible risk factors for diabetes. Adding salt to prepared meals
      was assessed according to: Never, when there was not enough, or almost every time
      without tasting. The odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for type
      2 diabetes was calculated using a conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The
      cases had a higher body mass index and a significantly lower education level
      compared to the controls. Variables such as waist circumference, body mass index,
      eating speed, smoking, family history of diabetes, arterial hypertension, plasma
      triglycerides, educational level, occupational status, morning exercise, marital
      status, daily urine sodium excretion, and daily energy intake were retained in
      the models as confounders. After adjusting for possible confounders, an
      approximately two-fold increased risk of type 2 diabetes was determined in
      subjects who add salt to prepared meals when "it is not enough" or "almost every
      time without tasting" (1.82; 95% CI 1.19-2.78; p = 0.006) compared with never
      adding salt. CONCLUSION: Presented data suggest the possible relationship between
      additional adding of salt to prepared meals and an increased risk of type 2
      diabetes.

PMID- 28098781
TI  - Distinct Neurotoxicity Profile of Listeriolysin O from Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are protein toxins that originate from
      Gram-positive bacteria and contribute substantially to their pathogenicity. CDCs
      bind membrane cholesterol and build prepores and lytic pores. Some effects of the
      toxins are observed in non-lytic concentrations. Two pathogens, Streptococcus
      pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes, cause fatal bacterial meningitis, and both
      produce toxins of the CDC family-pneumolysin and listeriolysin O, respectively.
      It has been demonstrated that pneumolysin produces dendritic varicosities
      (dendrite swellings) and dendritic spine collapse in the mouse neocortex,
      followed by synaptic loss and astrocyte cell shape remodeling without elevated
      cell death. We utilized primary glial cultures and acute mouse brain slices to
      examine the neuropathological effects of listeriolysin O and to compare it to
      pneumolysin with identical hemolytic activity. In cultures, listeriolysin O
      permeabilized cells slower than pneumolysin did but still initiated non-lytic
      astrocytic cell shape changes, just as pneumolysin did. In an acute brain slice
      culture system, listeriolysin O produced dendritic varicosities in an NMDA
      dependent manner but failed to cause dendritic spine collapse and cortical
      astrocyte reorganization. Thus, listeriolysin O demonstrated slower cell
      permeabilization and milder glial cell remodeling ability than did pneumolysin
      and lacked dendritic spine collapse capacity but exhibited equivalent dendritic
      pathology.

PMID- 28098782
TI  - Auranofin Inhibits the Enzyme Activity of Pasteurella multocida Toxin PMT in
      Human Cells and Protects Cells from Intoxication.
AB  - The AB-type protein toxin from Pasteurella multocida (PMT) contains a
      functionally important disulfide bond within its catalytic domain, which must be
      cleaved in the host cell cytosol to render the catalytic domain of PMT into its
      active conformation. Here, we found that the reductive potential of the cytosol
      of target cells, and more specifically, the activity of the thioredoxin reductase
      (TrxR) is crucial for this process. This was demonstrated by the strong
      inhibitory effect of the pharmacological TrxR inhibitor auranofin, which
      inhibited the intoxication of target cells with PMT, as determined by analyzing
      the PMT-catalyzed deamidation of GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) in the cytosol
      of cells. The amount of endogenous substrate levels modified by PMT in cells
      pretreated with auranofin was reduced compared to cells treated with PMT alone.
      Auranofin had no inhibitory effect on the activity of the catalytic domain of
      constitutively active PMT in vitro, demonstrating that auranofin did not directly
      inhibit PMT activity, but interferes with the mode of action of PMT in cells. In
      conclusion, the results show that TrxR is crucial for the mode of action of PMT
      in mammalian cells, and that the drug auranofin can serve as an efficient
      inhibitor, which might be a starting point for novel therapeutic options against
      toxin-associated diseases.

PMID- 28098783
TI  - The Influence of the Toxin/Antitoxin mazEF on Growth and Survival of Listeria
      monocytogenes under Stress.
AB  - A major factor in the resilience of Listeria monocytogenes is the alternative
      sigma factor B (sigmaB). Type II Toxin/Antitoxin (TA) systems are also known to
      have a role in the bacterial stress response upon activation via the ClpP or Lon
      proteases. Directly upstream of the sigmaB operon in L. monocytogenes is the TA
      system mazEF, which can cleave mRNA at UACMU sites. In this study, we showed that
      the mazEF TA locus does not affect the level of persister formation during
      treatment with antibiotics in lethal doses, but exerts different effects
      according to the sub-inhibitory stress added. Growth of a DeltamazEF mutant was
      enhanced relative to the wildtype in the presence of sub-inhibitory norfloxacin
      and at 42  degrees C, but was decreased when challenged with ampicillin and
      gentamicin. In contrast to studies in Staphylococcus aureus, we found that the
      mazEF locus did not affect transcription of genes within the sigmaB operon, but
      MazEF effected the expression of the sigmaB-dependent genes opuCA and lmo0880,
      with a 0.22 and 0.05 fold change, respectively, compared to the wildtype under
      sub-inhibitory norfloxacin conditions. How exactly this system operates remains
      an open question, however, our data indicates it is not analogous to the system
      of S. aureus, suggesting a novel mode of action for MazEF in L. monocytogenes.

PMID- 28098784
TI  - Fused-Ring Oxazolopyrrolopyridopyrimidine Systems with Gram-Negative Activity.
AB  - Fused polyheterocyclic derivatives are available by annulation of a tetramate
      scaffold, and been shown to have antibacterial activity against a Gram-negative,
      but not a Gram-positive, bacterial strain. While the activity is not potent,
      these systems are structurally novel showing, in particular, a high level of
      polarity, and offer potential for the optimization of antibacterial activity.

PMID- 28098785
TI  - Neighborhood Design, Physical Activity, and Wellbeing: Applying the Walkability
      Model.
AB  - Neighborhood design affects lifestyle physical activity, and ultimately human
      wellbeing. There are, however, a limited number of studies that examine
      neighborhood design types. In this research, we examine four types of
      neighborhood designs: traditional development, suburban development, enclosed
      community, and cluster housing development, and assess their level of walkability
      and their effects on physical activity and wellbeing. We examine significant
      associations through a questionnaire (n = 486) distributed in Tucson, Arizona
      using the Walkability Model. Among the tested neighborhood design types,
      traditional development showed significant associations and the highest value for
      walkability, as well as for each of the two types of walking (recreation and
      transportation) representing physical activity. Suburban development showed
      significant associations and the highest mean values for mental health and
      wellbeing. Cluster housing showed significant associations and the highest mean
      value for social interactions with neighbors and for perceived safety from crime.
      Enclosed community did not obtain the highest means for any wellbeing benefit.
      The Walkability Model proved useful in identifying the walkability categories
      associated with physical activity and perceived crime. For example, the
      experience category was strongly and inversely associated with perceived crime.
      This study provides empirical evidence of the importance of including vegetation,
      particularly trees, throughout neighborhoods in order to increase physical
      activity and wellbeing. Likewise, the results suggest that regular maintenance is
      an important strategy to improve mental health and overall wellbeing in cities.

PMID- 28098786
TI  - Retinoic Acid and Its Role in Modulating Intestinal Innate Immunity.
AB  - Vitamin A (VA) is amongst the most well characterized food-derived nutrients with
      diverse immune modulatory roles. Deficiency in dietary VA has not only been
      associated with immune dysfunctions in the gut, but also with several systemic
      immune disorders. In particular, VA metabolite all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) has
      been shown to be crucial in inducing gut tropism in lymphocytes and modulating T
      helper differentiation. In addition to the widely recognized role in adaptive
      immunity, increasing evidence identifies atRA as an important modulator of innate
      immune cells, such as tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) and innate lymphoid cells
      (ILCs). Here, we focus on the role of retinoic acid in differentiation,
      trafficking and the functions of innate immune cells in health and inflammation
      associated disorders. Lastly, we discuss the potential involvement of atRA during
      the plausible crosstalk between DCs and ILCs.

PMID- 28098787
TI  - Pathological Impairment, Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis of Thymus and Bursa of
      Fabricius Induced by Aflatoxin-Contaminated Corn in Broilers.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effects of aflatoxin-contaminated
      corn on the thymus and bursa of Fabricius (BF) in chickens by detecting
      histopathological lesions, cell cycle phase distribution and apoptosis. A total
      of 900 COBB500 male broilers were randomly allocated into five groups. The
      experiment lasted for six weeks and the five dietary treatments consisted of
      uncontaminated corn (control), 25% contaminated corn, 50% contaminated corn, 75%
      contaminated corn and 100% contaminated corn groups. The gross changes showed the
      decreased size of the thymus and BF, as well as the pale color of the BF in the
      broilers after aflatoxin contaminated diet exposure. There were more nuclear
      debris in the thymus and BF of birds in the 50%, 75%, and 100% contaminated corn
      groups, but the pathological impairments of the BF were more obvious than those
      of the thymus, which showed as more obvious lymphocyte depletion and the
      proliferation of reticulocytes and fibroblasts. At 21 days of age, the percentage
      of thymocytes and BF cells in the G2M phase was increased in a dose-dependent
      manner in the four AFB-contaminated corn groups. However, at 42 days of age,
      dietary AFB1 induced cell cycle perturbation at the G0G1 phase in thymocytes, but
      at the G2M phase in BF cells. The increased percentage of apoptotic cells in the
      thymus and BF were similarly observed in the AFB groups. According to these
      results, the severity of histopathological lesions may be correlated with the
      different sensitivity of the two central immune organs when exposed to AFB;
      different arrested cell cycle phases suggest that different mechanisms may be
      involved in the lesions of the thymus and BF, which need to be further
      researched.

PMID- 28098788
TI  - Evaluation of Potential Average Daily Doses (ADDs) of PM2.5 for Homemakers
      Conducting Pan-Frying Inside Ordinary Homes under Four Ventilation Conditions.
AB  - Several studies reported that commercial barbecue restaurants likely contribute
      to the indoor emission of particulate matters with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers
      or less (PM2.5) while pan-frying meat. However, there is inadequate knowledge of
      exposure level to indoor PM2.5 in homes and the contribution of a typical indoor
      pan-frying event. We measured the indoor PM2.5 concentration and, using Monte
      Carlo simulation, estimated potential average daily dose (ADD) of PM2.5 for
      homemakers pan-frying a piece of pork inside ordinary homes. Convenience-based
      sampling at 13 homes was conducted over four consecutive days in June 2013 (n =
      52). Although we pan-fried 100 g pork for only 9 min, the median (interquartile
      range, IQR) value was 4.5 (2.2-5.6) mg/m3 for no ventilation and 0.5 (0.1-1.3)
      mg/m3 with an active stove hood ventilation system over a 2 h sampling interval.
      The probabilities that the ADDs from inhalation of indoor PM2.5 would be higher
      than the ADD from inhalation of PM2.5 on an outdoor roadside (4.6 MUg/kg.day)
      were 99.44%, 97.51%, 93.64%, and 67.23%, depending on the ventilation conditions:
      (1) no window open; (2) one window open in the kitchen; (3) two windows open, one
      each in the kitchen and living room; and (4) operating a forced-air stove hood,
      respectively.

PMID- 28098789
TI  - Implications of Changing Temperatures on the Growth, Fecundity and Survival of
      Intermediate Host Snails of Schistosomiasis: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Climate change has been predicted to increase the global mean temperature and to
      alter the ecological interactions among organisms. These changes may play
      critical roles in influencing the life history traits of the intermediate hosts
      (IHs). This review focused on studies and disease models that evaluate the
      potential effect of temperature rise on the ecology of IH snails and the
      development of parasites within them. The main focus was on IH snails of
      schistosome parasites that cause schistosomiasis in humans. A literature search
      was conducted on Google Scholar, EBSCOhost and PubMed databases using predefined
      medical subject heading terms, Boolean operators and truncation symbols in
      combinations with direct key words. The final synthesis included nineteen
      published articles. The studies reviewed indicated that temperature rise may
      alter the distribution, optimal conditions for breeding, growth and survival of
      IH snails which may eventually increase the spread and/or transmission of
      schistosomiasis. The literature also confirmed that the life history traits of IH
      snails and their interaction with the schistosome parasites are affected by
      temperature and hence a change in climate may have profound outcomes on the
      population size of snails, parasite density and disease epidemiology. We
      concluded that understanding the impact of temperature on the growth, fecundity
      and survival of IH snails may broaden the knowledge on the possible effects of
      climate change and hence inform schistosomiasis control programmes.

PMID- 28098790
TI  - Synthesis, Structure and Antimicrobial Properties of Novel Benzalkonium Chloride
      Analogues with Pyridine Rings.
AB  - Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a group of compounds of great economic
      significance. They are widely used as emulsifiers, detergents, solubilizers and
      corrosion inhibitors in household and industrial products. Due to their excellent
      antimicrobial activity QACs have also gained a special meaning as antimicrobials
      in hospitals, agriculture and the food industry. The main representatives of the
      microbiocidal QACs are the benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), which exhibit biocidal
      activity against most bacteria, fungi, algae and some viruses. However, the
      misuses of QACs, mainly at sublethal concentrations, can lead to an increasing
      resistance of microorganisms. One of the ways to avoid this serious problem is
      the introduction and use of new biocides with modified structures instead of the
      biocides applied so far. Therefore new BAC analogues P13-P18 with pyridine rings
      were synthesized. The new compounds were characterized by NMR, FT-IR and ESI-MS
      methods. PM3 semiempirical calculations of molecular structures and the heats of
      formation of compounds P13-P18 were also performed. Critical micellization
      concentrations (CMCs) were determined to characterize the aggregation behavior of
      the new BAC analogues. The antimicrobial properties of novel QACs were examined
      by determining their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against the
      fungi Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Penicillium chrysogenum and bacteria
      Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa. The MIC values of N,N-dimethyl-N-(4-methylpyridyl)-N-alkylammonium
      chlorides for fungi range from 0.1 to 12 mM and for bacteria, they range from
      0.02 to 6 mM.

PMID- 28098791
TI  - Development of High-Throughput Method for Measurement of Vascular Nitric Oxide
      Generation in Microplate Reader.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of nitric oxide (NO) in vascular physiology
      and pathology, a high-throughput method for the quantification of its vascular
      generation is lacking. OBJECTIVE: By using the fluorescent probe 4-amino-5
      methylamino-2',7'-difluorofluorescein (DAF-FM), we have optimized a simple method
      for the determination of the generation of endothelial nitric oxide in a
      microplate format. METHODS: A nitric oxide donor was used (3
      morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride, SIN-1). Different factors affecting the
      method were studied, such as the effects of dye concentration, different buffers,
      time of reaction, gain, and number of flashes. RESULTS: Beer's law was linear
      over a nanomolar range (1-10 nM) of SIN-1 with wavelengths of maximum excitation
      and emission at 495 and 525 nm; the limit of detection reached 0.897 nM. Under
      the optimized conditions, the generation of rat aortic endothelial NO was
      measured by incubating DAF-FM with serial concentrations (10-1000 uM) of
      acetylcholine (ACh) for 3 min. To confirm specificity, Nomega-Nitro-l-arginine
      methyl ester (l-NAME)-the standard inhibitor of endothelial NO synthase-was found
      to inhibit the ACh-stimulated generation of NO. In addition, vessels pre-exposed
      for 1 h to 400 uM of the endothelial damaging agent methyl glyoxal showed
      inhibited NO generation when compared to the control stimulated by ACh.
      CONCLUSIONS: The capability of the method to measure micro-volume samples makes
      it convenient for the simultaneous handling of a very large number of samples.
      Additionally, it allows samples to be run simultaneously with their replicates to
      ensure identical experimental conditions, thus minimizing the effect of
      biological variability.

PMID- 28098793
TI  - Osteocyte Alterations Induce Osteoclastogenesis in an In Vitro Model of Gaucher
      Disease.
AB  - Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by mutations in the glucosylceramidase beta (GBA
      1) gene that confer a deficient level of activity of glucocerebrosidase (GCase).
      This deficiency leads to the accumulation of the glycolipid glucocerebroside in
      the lysosomes of cells, mainly in the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Its mildest
      form is Type I GD, characterized by non-neuronopathic involvement. Bone
      compromise is the most disabling aspect of the Gaucher disease. However, the
      pathophysiological aspects of skeletal alterations are not yet fully understood.
      The bone tissue homeostasis is maintained by a balance between resorption of old
      bone by osteoclasts and new bone formation by osteoblasts. A central player in
      this balance is the osteocyte as it controls both processes. We studied the
      involvement of osteocytes in an in vitro chemical model of Gaucher disease. The
      osteocyte cell line MLO-Y4 was exposed to conduritol-beta-epoxide (CBE), an
      inhibitor of GCase, for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days. Conditioned media from CBE
      treated osteocytes was found to induce osteoclast differentiation. GCase
      inhibition caused alterations in Cx43 expression and distribution pattern and an
      increase in osteocyte apoptosis. Osteoclast differentiation involved osteocyte
      apoptotic bodies, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and
      soluble factors. Thus, our results indicate that osteocytes may have a role to
      play in the bone pathophysiology of GD.

PMID- 28098794
TI  - Ftr82 Is Critical for Vascular Patterning during Zebrafish Development.
AB  - Cellular components and signaling pathways are required for the proper growth of
      blood vessels. Here, we report for the first time that a teleost-specific gene
      ftr82 (finTRIM family, member 82) plays a critical role in vasculature during
      zebrafish development. To date, there has been no description of tripartite motif
      proteins (TRIM) in vascular development, and the role of ftr82 is unknown. In
      this study, we found that ftr82 mRNA is expressed during the development of
      vessels, and loss of ftr82 by morpholino (MO) knockdown impairs the growth of
      intersegmental vessels (ISV) and caudal vein plexus (CVP), suggesting that ftr82
      plays a critical role in promoting ISV and CVP growth. We showed the specificity
      of ftr82 MO by analyzing ftr82 expression products and expressing ftr82 mRNA to
      rescue ftr82 morphants. We further showed that the knockdown of ftr82 reduced ISV
      cell numbers, suggesting that the growth impairment of vessels is likely due to a
      decrease of cell proliferation and migration, but not cell death. In addition,
      loss of ftr82 affects the expression of vascular markers, which is consistent
      with the defect of vascular growth. Finally, we showed that ftr82 likely
      interacts with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Notch signaling.
      Together, we identify teleost-specific ftr82 as a vascular gene that plays an
      important role for vascular development in zebrafish.

PMID- 28098795
TI  - Broad-Spectrum Inhibition of the CC-Chemokine Class Improves Wound Healing and
      Wound Angiogenesis.
AB  - Angiogenesis is involved in the inflammation and proliferation stages of wound
      healing, to bring inflammatory cells to the wound and provide a microvascular
      network to maintain new tissue formation. An excess of inflammation, however,
      leads to prolonged wound healing and scar formation, often resulting in
      unfavourable outcomes such as amputation. CC-chemokines play key roles in the
      promotion of inflammation and inflammatory-driven angiogenesis. Therefore,
      inhibition of the CC-chemokine class may improve wound healing. We aimed to
      determine if the broad-spectrum CC-chemokine inhibitor "35K" could accelerate
      wound healing in vivo in mice. In a murine wound healing model, 35K protein or
      phosphate buffered saline (PBS, control) were added topically daily to wounds.
      Cohorts of mice were assessed in the early stages (four days post-wounding) and
      in the later stages of wound repair (10 and 21 days post-wounding). Topical
      application of the 35K protein inhibited CC-chemokine expression (CCL5, CCL2) in
      wounds and caused enhanced blood flow recovery and wound closure in early-mid
      stage wounds. In addition, 35K promoted neovascularisation in the early stages of
      wound repair. Furthermore, 35K treated wounds had significantly lower expression
      of the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB, a key inflammatory transcription factor, and
      augmented wound expression of the pro-angiogenic and pro-repair cytokine TGF
      beta. These findings show that broad-spectrum CC-chemokine inhibition may be
      beneficial for the promotion of wound healing.

PMID- 28098796
TI  - Comparative Metabolite Profiling of Triterpenoid Saponins and Flavonoids in
      Flower Color Mutations of Primula veris L.
AB  - Primula veris L. is an important medicinal plant with documented use for the
      treatment of gout, headache and migraine reaching back to the Middle Ages.
      Triterpenoid saponins from roots and flowers are used in up-to-date
      phytotherapeutic treatment of bronchitis and colds due to their expectorant and
      secretolytic effects. In addition to the wild type plants with yellow petals, a
      red variant and an intermediate orange form of Primula veris L. have recently
      been found in a natural habitat. The secondary metabolite profiles of roots,
      leaves and flowers of these rare variants were investigated and compared with the
      wild type metabolome. Two flavonoids, six flavonoid glycosides, four novel
      methylated flavonoid glycosides, five anthocyanins and three triterpenoid
      saponins were identified in alcoholic extracts from the petals, leaves and roots
      of the three variants by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-diode
      array detection (DAD)/mass spectrometry (MSn) analyses. Anthocyanins were
      detected in the petals of the red and orange variety, but not in the wild type.
      No other effects on the metabolite profiles of the three varieties have been
      observed. The possibility is discussed that a regulatory step of the anthocyanin
      biosynthetic pathway may have been affected by mutation thus triggering color
      polymorphism in the petals.

PMID- 28098797
TI  - Nonlinear Fusion of Multispectral Citrus Fruit Image Data with Information
      Contents.
AB  - The main issue of vison-based automatic harvesting manipulators is the difficulty
      in the correct fruit identification in the images under natural lighting
      conditions. Mostly, the solution has been based on a linear combination of color
      components in the multispectral images. However, the results have not reached a
      satisfactory level. To overcome this issue, this paper proposes a robust
      nonlinear fusion method to augment the original color image with the synchronized
      near infrared image. The two images are fused with Daubechies wavelet transform
      (DWT) in a multiscale decomposition approach. With DWT, the background noises are
      reduced and the necessary image features are enhanced by fusing the color
      contrast of the color components and the homogeneity of the near infrared (NIR)
      component. The resulting fused color image is classified with a C-means algorithm
      for reconstruction. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated with
      the statistical F measure in comparison to some existing methods using linear
      combinations of color components. The results show that the fusion of information
      in different spectral components has the advantage of enhancing the image
      quality, therefore improving the classification accuracy in citrus fruit
      identification in natural lighting conditions.

PMID- 28098798
TI  - Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Drops and Spray Containing Propolis-An EPR
      Examination.
AB  - The influence of heating at a temperature of 50  degrees C and UV-irradiation of
      propolis drops and spray on their free radical scavenging activity was
      determined. The kinetics of interactions of the propolis samples with DPPH free
      radicals was analyzed. Interactions of propolis drops and propolis spray with
      free radicals were examined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. A
      spectrometer generating microwaves of 9.3 GHz frequency was used. The EPR spectra
      of the model DPPH free radicals were compared with the EPR spectra of DPPH in
      contact with the tested propolis samples. The antioxidative activity of propolis
      drops and propolis spray decreased after heating at the temperature of 50 
      degrees C. A UV-irradiated sample of propolis drops more weakly scavenged free
      radicals than an untreated sample. The antioxidative activity of propolis spray
      increased after UV-irradiation. The sample of propolis drops heated at the
      temperature of 50  degrees C quenched free radicals faster than the unheated
      sample. UV-irradiation weakly changed the kinetics of propolis drops or spray
      interactions with free radicals. EPR analysis indicated that propolis drops and
      spray should not be stored at a temperature of 50  degrees C. Propolis drops
      should not be exposed to UV-irradiation.

PMID- 28098799
TI  - Occurrence of Emerging Micropollutants in Water Systems in Gauteng, Mpumalanga,
      and North West Provinces, South Africa.
AB  - The ubiquitous occurrence of emerging micropollutants (EMPs) in water is an issue
      of growing environmental-health concern worldwide. However, there remains a
      paucity of data regarding their levels and occurrence in water. This study
      determined the occurrence of EMPs namely: carbamazepine (CBZ), galaxolide (HHCB),
      caffeine (CAF), tonalide (AHTN), 4-nonylphenol (NP), and bisphenol A (BPA) in
      water from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces, South Africa using
      comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high resolution time
      of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-HRTOFMS). Kruskal-Wallis test and ANOVA were
      performed to determine temporal variations in occurrence of the EMPs. Principal
      component analysis (PCA) and Surfer Golden Graphics software for surface mapping
      were used to determine spatial variations in levels and occurrence of the EMPs.
      The mean levels ranged from 11.22 +/- 18.8 ng/L for CAF to 158.49 +/- 662 ng/L
      for HHCB. There was no evidence of statistically significant temporal variations
      in occurrence of EMPs in water. Nevertheless, their levels and occurrence vary
      spatially and are a function of two principal components (PCs, PC1 and PC2) which
      controlled 89.99% of the variance. BPA was the most widely distributed EMP, which
      was present in 62% of the water samples. The detected EMPs pose ecotoxicological
      risks in water samples, especially those from Mpumalanga province.

PMID- 28098800
TI  - Characterization of the Transcriptome and Gene Expression of Brain Tissue in
      Sevenband Grouper (Hyporthodus septemfasciatus) in Response to NNV Infection.
AB  - Grouper is one of the favorite sea food resources in Southeast Asia. However, the
      outbreaks of the viral nervous necrosis (VNN) disease due to nervous necrosis
      virus (NNV) infection have caused mass mortality of grouper larvae. Many aqua
      farms have suffered substantial financial loss due to the occurrence of VNN. To
      better understand the infection mechanism of NNV, we performed the transcriptome
      analysis of sevenband grouper brain tissue, the main target of NNV infection.
      After artificial NNV challenge, transcriptome of brain tissues of sevenband
      grouper was subjected to next generation sequencing (NGS) using an Illumina Hi
      seq 2500 system. Both mRNAs from pooled samples of mock and NNV-infected
      sevenband grouper brains were sequenced. Clean reads of mock and NNV-infected
      samples were de novo assembled and obtained 104,348 unigenes. In addition, 628
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to NNV infection were
      identified. This result could provide critical information not only for the
      identification of genes involved in NNV infection, but for the understanding of
      the response of sevenband groupers to NNV infection.

PMID- 28098801
TI  - A Novel Antihypertensive Derived from Adlay (Coix larchryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen
      Stapf) Glutelin.
AB  - Our previous studies have shown that Coix glutelin pepsin hydrolysate can
      effectively inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in vitro. The
      main purpose of this study was to obtain potent anti-hypertensive peptides from
      Coix glutelin. The Coix glutelin hydrolysates (CGH) were prepared by pepsin
      catalysis and further separated by an ultrafitration (UF) system, gel filtration
      chromatography (GFC) and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography
      (RP-HPLC). As a result, the sub-fraction F5-3 had the highest ACE-inhibitory
      activity. Six ACE inhibitory peptides were identifiedusing nano-liquid
      chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The most potent peptide
      GAAGGAF (IC50 = 14.19 MUmol.L-1) was finally obtained by further molecular
      simulation screening and a series of division and optimization. Single oral
      administration of synthesized GAAGGAF at 15 mg/kg body weight (BW) in
      spontaneously hypertensively rats (SHR) could reduce the systolic blood pressure
      (SBP) around 27.50 mmHg and blood pressure-lowering effect lasted for at least 8
      h. The study demonstrated for the first time that the ACE inhibitory peptide
      GAAGGAF from Coix glutelin has a significant antihypertensive effect, and it
      could be a good natural ingredient for pharmaceuticals against hypertension and
      the related diseases.

PMID- 28098802
TI  - Penduliflaworosin, a Diterpenoid from Croton crassifolius, Exerts Anti-Angiogenic
      Effect via VEGF Receptor-2 Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Anti-angiogenesis targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR
      2) has been considered as an important strategy for cancer therapy.
      Penduliflaworosin is a diterpenoid isolated from the plant Croton crassifolius.
      Our previous study showed that this diterpenoid possesses strong anti-angiogenic
      activity by inhibiting vessel formation in zebrafish. This study was conducted to
      further investigate the anti-angiogenic activity and mechanism of
      penduliflaworosin. Results revealed that penduliflaworosin significantly
      inhibited VEGF-induced angiogenesis processes including proliferation, invasion,
      migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
      Moreover, it notably inhibited VEGF-induced sprout formation of aortic rings and
      blocked VEGF-induced vessel formation in mice. Western blotting studies showed
      that penduliflaworosin inhibited phosphorylation of the VEGF receptor-2 and its
      downstream signaling mediators in HUVECs, suggesting that the anti-angiogenic
      activity was due to an interference with the VEGF/VEGF receptor-2 pathway. In
      addition, molecular docking simulation indicated that penduliflaworosin could
      form hydrogen bonds within the ATP-binding region of the VEGF receptor-2 kinase
      unit. Finally, cytotoxicity assay showed that penduliflaworosin possessed little
      toxicity toward both cancer and normal cells. Taken together, our findings
      demonstrate that penduliflaworosin exerts its anti-angiogenic effect via the VEGF
      receptor-2 signaling pathway. The anti-angiogenic property and low cytotoxicity
      of penduliflaworosin suggest that it may be useful in cancer treatments.

PMID- 28098803
TI  - Optimization of the Production of 1-Phenylethanol Using Enzymes from Flowers of
      Tea (Camellia sinensis) Plants.
AB  - 1-Phenylethanol (1PE) can be used as a fragrance in food flavoring and cosmetic
      industries and as an intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry. 1PE can be
      synthesized from acetophenone, and the cost of 1PE is higher than the cost of
      acetophenone. Therefore, it is important to establish an effective and low-cost
      approach for producing 1PE. Our previous studies found that tea (Camellia
      sinensis) flowers, which are an abundant and waste resource, contained enzymes
      that could transform acetophenone to 1PE. In the present study, we extracted
      crude enzymes from tea flowers and optimized the production conditions of 1PE
      using response surface methodology. The optimized conditions were an extraction
      pH of 7.0, a reaction pH of 5.3, a reaction temperature of 55  degrees C, a
      reaction time of 100 min, a coenzyme NADPH concentration of 3.75 MUmol/mL in the
      reaction assay, and a substrate acetophenone concentration of 1.25 MUmol/mL in
      the reaction assay. The results provide essential information for future
      industrial 1PE production using plant-derived enzymes.

PMID- 28098804
TI  - GADD45a Regulates Olaquindox-Induced DNA Damage and S-Phase Arrest in Human
      Hepatoma G2 Cells via JNK/p38 Pathways.
AB  - Olaquindox, a quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide derivative, is widely used as a feed
      additive in many countries. The potential genotoxicity of olaquindox, hence, is
      of concern. However, the proper mechanism of toxicity was unclear. The aim of the
      present study was to investigate the effect of growth arrest and DNA damage 45
      alpha (GADD45a) on olaquindox-induced DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in HepG2
      cells. The results showed that olaquindox could induce reactive oxygen species
      (ROS)-mediated DNA damage and S-phase arrest, where increases of GADD45a, cyclin
      A, Cdk 2, p21 and p53 protein expression, decrease of cyclin D1 and the
      activation of phosphorylation-c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK), phosphorylation
      p38 (p-p38) and phosphorylation-extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK)
      were involved. However, GADD45a knockdown cells treated with olaquindox could
      significantly decrease cell viability, exacerbate DNA damage and increase S-phase
      arrest, associated with the marked activation of p-JNK, p-p38, but not p-ERK.
      Furthermore, SP600125 and SB203580 aggravated olaquindox-induced DNA damage and S
      phase arrest, suppressed the expression of GADD45a. Taken together, these
      findings revealed that GADD45a played a protective role in olaquindox treatment
      and JNK/p38 pathways may partly contribute to GADD45a regulated olaquindox
      induced DNA damage and S-phase arrest. Our findings increase the understanding on
      the molecular mechanisms of olaquindox.

PMID- 28098806
TI  - Antibacterial Activities and Possible Modes of Action of Acacia nilotica (L.)
      Del. against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella.
AB  - Medicinal plants are frequently used for the treatment of various infectious
      diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity
      and mode of action of Acacia nilotica and the antibiogram patterns of foodborne
      and clinical strains of Escherichia coli and Salmonella. The mechanism of action
      of acacia extracts against E. coli and Salmonella was elucidated by observing
      morphological damages including cell integrity and cell membrane permeability, as
      well as changes in cell structures and growth patterns in kill-time experiments.
      The clinical isolates of E. coli and Salmonella were found resistant to more of
      the tested antibiotics, compared to food isolates. Minimum inhibitory
      concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of acacia leaf extracts were
      in the ranges of 1.56-3.12 mg/mL and 3.12-6.25 mg/mL, respectively, whereas pods
      and bark extracts showed somewhat higher values of 3.12-6.25 mg/mL and 6.25-12.5
      mg/mL, respectively, against all tested pathogens. The release of electrolytes
      and essential cellular constituents (proteins and nucleic acids) indicated that
      acacia extracts damaged the cellular membrane of the pathogens. These changes
      corresponded to simultaneous reduction in the growth of viable bacteria. This
      study indicates that A. nilotica can be a potential source of new antimicrobials,
      effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens.

PMID- 28098807
TI  - Throughput Measurement of a Dual-Band MIMO Rectangular Dielectric Resonator
      Antenna for LTE Applications.
AB  - An L-shaped dual-band multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) rectangular
      dielectric resonator antenna (RDRA) for long term evolution (LTE) applications is
      proposed. The presented antenna can transmit and receive information
      independently using fundamental TE111 and higher order TE121 modes of the DRA.
      TE111 degenerate mode covers LTE band 2 (1.85-1.99 GHz), 3 (1.71-1.88 GHz), and 9
      (1.7499-1.7849 GHz) at fr = 1.8 GHz whereas TE121 covers LTE band 7 (2.5-2.69
      GHz) at fr = 2.6 GHz, respectively. An efficient design method has been used to
      reduce mutual coupling between ports by changing the effective permittivity
      values of DRA by introducing a cylindrical air-gap at an optimal position in the
      dielectric resonator. This air-gap along with matching strips at the corners of
      the dielectric resonator keeps the isolation at a value more than 17 dB at both
      the bands. The diversity performance has also been evaluated by calculating the
      envelope correlation coefficient, diversity gain, and mean effective gain of the
      proposed design. MIMO performance has been evaluated by measuring the throughput
      of the proposed MIMO antenna. Experimental results successfully validate the
      presented design methodology in this work.

PMID- 28098805
TI  - Chemical Constituents from the Roots and Rhizomes of Asarum heterotropoides var.
      mandshuricum and the In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity.
AB  - Anti-inflammatory compounds were investigated from the ethanol extract of the
      roots and rhizomes of Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum, a traditional
      Chinese medicine called Xixin and used for pain and inflammatory. Nine new
      compounds were isolated, including six new lignans, neoasarinin A-C (1-3),
      neoasarininoside A and B (4 and 5), and asarinin B (7), and one new monoterpene,
      asarincin A (8), two new amides, asaramid II and III (10 and 11), and one new
      natural monoterpene, asaricin B (9), along with 37 known compounds (6, 12-47).
      Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of
      spectroscopic methods and chemical analyses. This is the first report of the
      absolute configuration of asarinin A (6). The 8-O-4' neolignans (1-5) were
      reported in the genus Asarum for the first time. The 15 compounds 17, 19, 22-25,
      28, 31, 36, 40, 42, 43, 45-47 were isolated from the genus Asarum, and compounds
      16, 32, 33, 37 and 39 were isolated from A. heterotropoides var. mandshuricum for
      the first time. Thirty-seven of the isolates were evaluated for anti-inflammatory
      activity against the release of beta-glucuronidase in polymorphonuclear
      leukocytes (PMNs) induced by the platelet-activating factor (PAF), and compounds
      1, 4, 7, 8, 14, 17-19, 22, 24, 25, 29, 30, 32, 33, 40-43, 45, and 46 showed
      potent anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, with 27.9%-72.6% inhibitions at 10
      5 mol/L. The results of anti-inflammatory assay suggested that lignans obtained
      from the CHCl3 extract might be the main active components of Xixin.

PMID- 28098808
TI  - Infectious Bursal Disease Virus-Host Interactions: Multifunctional Viral Proteins
      that Perform Multiple and Differing Jobs.
AB  - Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute, highly contagious and
      immunosuppressive poultry disease caused by IBD virus (IBDV). The consequent
      immunosuppression increases susceptibility to other infectious diseases and the
      risk of subsequent vaccination failure as well. Since the genome of IBDV is
      relatively small, it has a limited number of proteins inhibiting the cellular
      antiviral responses and acting as destroyers to the host defense system. Thus,
      these virulence factors must be multifunctional in order to complete the viral
      replication cycle in a host cell. Insights into the roles of these viral proteins
      along with their multiple cellular targets in different pathways will give rise
      to a rational design for safer and effective vaccines. Here we summarize the
      recent findings that focus on the virus-cell interactions during IBDV infection
      at the protein level.

PMID- 28098810
TI  - State-of-the-Art: DTM Generation Using Airborne LIDAR Data.
AB  - Digital terrain model (DTM) generation is the fundamental application of airborne
      Lidar data. In past decades, a large body of studies has been conducted to
      present and experiment a variety of DTM generation methods. Although great
      progress has been made, DTM generation, especially DTM generation in specific
      terrain situations, remains challenging. This research introduces the general
      principles of DTM generation and reviews diverse mainstream DTM generation
      methods. In accordance with the filtering strategy, these methods are classified
      into six categories: surface-based adjustment; morphology-based filtering,
      triangulated irregular network (TIN)-based refinement, segmentation and
      classification, statistical analysis and multi-scale comparison. Typical methods
      for each category are briefly introduced and the merits and limitations of each
      category are discussed accordingly. Despite different categories of filtering
      strategies, these DTM generation methods present similar difficulties when
      implemented in sharply changing terrain, areas with dense non-ground features and
      complicated landscapes. This paper suggests that the fusion of multi-sources and
      integration of different methods can be effective ways for improving the
      performance of DTM generation.

PMID- 28098809
TI  - The Clinical Benefits and Accuracy of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in
      Critically Ill Patients-A Systematic Scoping Review.
AB  - Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems could improve glycemic control in
      critically ill patients. We aimed to identify the evidence on the clinical
      benefits and accuracy of CGM systems in these patients. For this, we performed a
      systematic search in Ovid MEDLINE, from inception to 26 July 2016. Outcomes were
      efficacy, accuracy, safety, workload and costs. Our search retrieved 356
      articles, of which 37 were included. Randomized controlled trials on efficacy
      were scarce (n = 5) and show methodological limitations. CGM with automated
      insulin infusion improved time in target and mean glucose in one trial and two
      trials showed a decrease in hypoglycemic episodes and time in hypoglycemia.
      Thirty-two articles assessed accuracy, which was overall moderate to good, the
      latter mainly with intravascular devices. Accuracy in critically ill children
      seemed lower than in adults. Adverse events were rare. One study investigated the
      effect on workload and cost, and showed a significant reduction in both. In
      conclusion, studies on the efficacy and accuracy were heterogeneous and difficult
      to compare. There was no consistent clinical benefit in the small number of
      studies available. Overall accuracy was moderate to good with some intravascular
      devices. CGM systems seemed however safe, and might positively affect workload
      and costs.

PMID- 28098811
TI  - Aspalathin Protects the Heart against Hyperglycemia-Induced Oxidative Damage by
      Up-Regulating Nrf2 Expression.
AB  - Aspalathin (ASP) can protect H9c2 cardiomyocytes against high glucose (HG)
      induced shifts in myocardial substrate preference, oxidative stress, and
      apoptosis. The protective mechanism of ASP remains unknown. However, as one of
      possible, it is well known that phytochemical flavonoids reduce oxidative stress
      via nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) activation resulting in up
      regulation of antioxidant genes and enzymes. Therefore, we hypothesized that ASP
      protects the myocardium against HG- and hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage by
      up-regulating Nrf2 expression in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and diabetic (db/db) mice,
      respectively. Using an oxidative stress RT2 Profiler PCR array, ASP at a dose of
      1 uM was demonstrated to protect H9c2 cardiomyocytes against HG-induced oxidative
      stress, but silencing of Nrf2 abolished this protective response of ASP and
      exacerbated cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Db/db mice and their non-diabetic (db/+)
      littermate controls were subsequently treated daily for six weeks with either a
      low (13 mg/kg) or high (130 mg/kg) ASP dose. Compared to nondiabetic mice the
      db/db mice presented increased cardiac remodeling and enlarged left ventricular
      wall that occurred concomitant to enhanced oxidative stress. Daily treatment of
      mice with ASP at a dose of 130 mg/kg for six weeks was more effective at
      reversing complications than both a low dose ASP or metformin, eliciting enhanced
      expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes. These results indicate
      that ASP maintains cellular homeostasis and protects the myocardium against
      hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress through activation of Nrf2 and its
      downstream target genes.

PMID- 28098812
TI  - Novel Aflatoxin-Degrading Enzyme from Bacillus shackletonii L7.
AB  - Food and feed contamination by aflatoxin (AF)B1 has adverse economic and health
      consequences. AFB1 degradation by microorganisms or microbial enzymes provides a
      promising preventive measure. To this end, the present study tested 43 bacterial
      isolates collected from maize, rice, and soil samples for AFB1-reducing activity.
      The higher activity was detected in isolate L7, which was identified as Bacillus
      shackletonii. L7 reduced AFB1, AFB2, and AFM1 levels by 92.1%, 84.1%, and 90.4%,
      respectively, after 72 h at 37  degrees C. The L7 culture supernatant degraded
      more AFB1 than viable cells and cell extracts; and the degradation activity was
      reduced from 77.9% to 15.3% in the presence of proteinase K and sodium dodecyl
      sulphate. A thermostable enzyme purified from the boiled supernatant was
      designated as Bacillus aflatoxin-degrading enzyme (BADE). An overall 9.55-fold
      purification of BADE with a recovery of 39.92% and an activity of 3.85 * 103 U.mg
      1 was obtained using chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose. BADE had an estimated
      molecular mass of 22 kDa and exhibited the highest activity at 70  degrees C and
      pH 8.0, which was enhanced by Cu2+ and inhibited by Zn2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, and Li+.
      BADE is the major protein involved in AFB1 detoxification. This is the first
      report of a BADE isolated from B. shackletonii, which has potential applications
      in the detoxification of aflatoxins during food and feed processing.

PMID- 28098813
TI  - Reverse Vaccinology: An Approach for Identifying Leptospiral Vaccine Candidates.
AB  - Leptospirosis is a major public health problem with an incidence of over one
      million human cases each year. It is a globally distributed, zoonotic disease and
      is associated with significant economic losses in farm animals. Leptospirosis is
      caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. that can infect a wide range of domestic and
      wild animals. Given the inability to control the cycle of transmission among
      animals and humans, there is an urgent demand for a new vaccine. Inactivated
      whole-cell vaccines (bacterins) are routinely used in livestock and domestic
      animals, however, protection is serovar-restricted and short-term only. To
      overcome these limitations, efforts have focused on the development of
      recombinant vaccines, with partial success. Reverse vaccinology (RV) has been
      successfully applied to many infectious diseases. A growing number of leptospiral
      genome sequences are now available in public databases, providing an opportunity
      to search for prospective vaccine antigens using RV. Several promising
      leptospiral antigens were identified using this approach, although only a few
      have been characterized and evaluated in animal models. In this review, we
      summarize the use of RV for leptospirosis and discuss the need for potential
      improvements for the successful development of a new vaccine towards reducing the
      burden of human and animal leptospirosis.

PMID- 28098814
TI  - Thioridazine: A Non-Antibiotic Drug Highly Effective, in Combination with First
      Line Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs, against Any Form of Antibiotic Resistance of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis Due to Its Multi-Mechanisms of Action.
AB  - This review presents the evidence that supports the use of thioridazine (TZ) for
      the therapy of a pulmonary tuberculosis infection regardless of its antibiotic
      resistance status. The evidence consists of in vitro and ex vivo assays that
      demonstrate the activity of TZ against all encountered Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      (Mtb) regardless of its antibiotic resistance phenotype, as well as in vivo as a
      therapy for mice infected with multi-drug resistant strains of Mtb, or for human
      subjects infected with extensively drug resistant (XDR) Mtb. The mechanisms of
      action by which TZ brings about successful therapeutic outcomes are presented in
      detail.

PMID- 28098816
TI  - Estrogen Enhances the Expression of the Multidrug Transporter Gene ABCG2
      Increasing Drug Resistance of Breast Cancer Cells through Estrogen Receptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multidrug resistance is a major obstacle in the successful therapy of
      breast cancer. Studies have proved that this kind of drug resistance happens in
      both human cancers and cultured cancer cell lines. Understanding the molecular
      mechanisms of drug resistance is important for the reasonable design and use of
      new treatment strategies to effectively confront cancers. RESULTS: In our study,
      ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2), adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      synthase and cytochrome c oxidase subunit VIc (COX6C) were over-expressed more in
      the MCF-7/MX cell line than in the normal MCF7 cell line. Therefore, we believe
      that these three genes increase the tolerance of MCF7 to mitoxantrone (MX). The
      data showed that the high expression of COX6C made MCF-7/MX have more stable on
      mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      expression than normal MCF7 cells under hypoxic conditions. The accumulation of
      MX was greater in the ATP-depleted treatment MCF7/MX cells than in normal MCF7/MX
      cells. Furthermore, E2 increased the tolerance of MCF7 cells to MX through
      inducing the expression of ABCG2. However, E2 could not increase the expression
      of ABCG2 after the inhibition of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) in MCF7 cells.
      According to the above data, under the E2 treatment, MDA-MB231, which lacks ER,
      had a higher sensitivity to MX than MCF7 cells. CONCLUSIONS: E2 induced the
      expression of ABCG2 through ERalpha and the over-expressed ABCG2 made MCF7 more
      tolerant to MX. Moreover, the over-expressed ATP synthase and COX6c affected
      mitochondrial genes and function causing the over-expressed ABCG2 cells pumped
      out MX in a concentration gradient from the cell matrix. Finally lead to
      chemoresistance.

PMID- 28098815
TI  - Replication Fork Protection Factors Controlling R-Loop Bypass and Suppression.
AB  - Replication-transcription conflicts have been a well-studied source of genome
      instability for many years and have frequently been linked to defects in RNA
      processing. However, recent characterization of replication fork-associated
      proteins has revealed that defects in fork protection can directly or indirectly
      stabilize R-loop structures in the genome and promote transcription-replication
      conflicts that lead to genome instability. Defects in essential DNA replication
      associated activities like topoisomerase, or the minichromosome maintenance (MCM)
      helicase complex, as well as fork-associated protection factors like the Fanconi
      anemia pathway, both appear to mitigate transcription-replication conflicts.
      Here, we will highlight recent advances that support the concept that normal and
      robust replisome function itself is a key component of mitigating R-loop coupled
      genome instability.

PMID- 28098817
TI  - Spatial Analysis of Human Health Risk Due to Arsenic Exposure through Drinking
      Groundwater in Taiwan's Pingtung Plain.
AB  - Chronic arsenic (As) exposure continues to be a public health problem of major
      concern worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people. A long-term
      groundwater quality survey has revealed that 20% of the groundwater in southern
      Taiwan's Pingtung Plain is clearly contaminated with a measured As concentration
      in excess of the maximum level of 10 ug/L recommended by the World Health
      Organization. The situation is further complicated by the fact that more than
      half of the inhabitants in this area continue to use groundwater for drinking.
      Efforts to assess the health risk associated with the ingestion of As from the
      contaminated drinking water are required in order to determine the priorities for
      health risk management. The conventional approach to conducting a human health
      risk assessment may be insufficient for this purpose, so this study adopts a
      geostatistical Kriging method to perform a spatial analysis of the health risk
      associated with ingesting As through drinking groundwater in the Pingtung Plain.
      The health risk is assessed based on the hazard quotient (HQ) and target cancer
      risk (TR) established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The results
      show that most areas where the HQ exceeds 1 are in the southwestern part of the
      study area. In addition, the high-population density townships of Daliao,
      Linyuan, Donggang, Linbian, Jiadong, and Fangliao presently have exceedingly high
      TR values that are two orders of magnitude higher than the acceptable standard.
      Thus, the use of groundwater for drinking in these townships should be strictly
      avoided. A map that delineates areas with high TR values and high population
      densities is provided. The findings broaden the scope of the spatial analysis of
      human health risk and provide a basis for improving the decision-making process.

PMID- 28098818
TI  - A Study on Coexistence Capability Evaluations of the Enhanced Channel Hopping
      Mechanism in WBANs.
AB  - As an important coexistence technology, channel hopping can reduce the
      interference among Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs). However, it
      simultaneously brings some issues, such as energy waste, long latency and
      communication interruptions, etc. In this paper, we propose an enhanced channel
      hopping mechanism that allows multiple WBANs coexisted in the same channel. In
      order to evaluate the coexistence performance, some critical metrics are designed
      to reflect the possibility of channel conflict. Furthermore, by taking the
      queuing and non-queuing behaviors into consideration, we present a set of
      analysis approaches to evaluate the coexistence capability. On the one hand, we
      present both service-dependent and service-independent analysis models to
      estimate the number of coexisting WBANs. On the other hand, based on the uniform
      distribution assumption and the additive property of Possion-stream, we put
      forward two approximate methods to compute the number of occupied channels.
      Extensive simulation results demonstrate that our estimation approaches can
      provide an effective solution for coexistence capability estimation. Moreover,
      the enhanced channel hopping mechanism can significantly improve the coexistence
      capability and support a larger arrival rate of WBANs.

PMID- 28098819
TI  - Low Cost and Flexible UAV Deployment of Sensors.
AB  - This paper presents a platform for airborne sensor applications using low-cost,
      open-source components carried by an easy-to-fly unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV).
      The system, available in open-source , is designed for researchers, students and
      makers for a broad range of exploration and data-collection needs. The main
      contribution is the extensible architecture for modularized airborne sensor
      deployment and real-time data visualisation. Our open-source Android application
      provides data collection, flight path definition and map tools. Total cost of the
      system is below 800 dollars. The flexibility of the system is illustrated by
      mapping the location of Bluetooth beacons (iBeacons) on a ground field and by
      measuring water temperature in a lake.

PMID- 28098820
TI  - Applying Human ADAR1p110 and ADAR1p150 for Site-Directed RNA Editing-G/C
      Substitution Stabilizes GuideRNAs against Editing.
AB  - Site-directed RNA editing is an approach to reprogram genetic information at the
      RNA level. We recently introduced a novel guideRNA that allows for the
      recruitment of human ADAR2 to manipulate genetic information. Here, we show that
      the current guideRNA design is already able to recruit another human deaminase,
      ADAR1, in both isoforms, p110 and p150. However, further optimization seems
      necessary as the current design is less efficient for ADAR1 isoforms.
      Furthermore, we describe hotspots at which the guideRNA itself is edited and show
      a way to circumvent this auto-editing without losing editing efficiency at the
      target. Both findings are important for the advancement of site-directed RNA
      editing as a tool in basic biology or as a platform for therapeutic editing.

PMID- 28098822
TI  - Application of Fault Tree Analysis and Fuzzy Neural Networks to Fault Diagnosis
      in the Internet of Things (IoT) for Aquaculture.
AB  - In the Internet of Things (IoT) equipment used for aquaculture is often deployed
      in outdoor ponds located in remote areas. Faults occur frequently in these tough
      environments and the staff generally lack professional knowledge and pay a low
      degree of attention in these areas. Once faults happen, expert personnel must
      carry out maintenance outdoors. Therefore, this study presents an intelligent
      method for fault diagnosis based on fault tree analysis and a fuzzy neural
      network. In the proposed method, first, the fault tree presents a logic structure
      of fault symptoms and faults. Second, rules extracted from the fault trees avoid
      duplicate and redundancy. Third, the fuzzy neural network is applied to train the
      relationship mapping between fault symptoms and faults. In the aquaculture IoT,
      one fault can cause various fault symptoms, and one symptom can be caused by a
      variety of faults. Four fault relationships are obtained. Results show that one
      symptom-to-one fault, two symptoms-to-two faults, and two symptoms-to-one fault
      relationships can be rapidly diagnosed with high precision, while one symptom-to
      two faults patterns perform not so well, but are still worth researching. This
      model implements diagnosis for most kinds of faults in the aquaculture IoT.

PMID- 28098823
TI  - Integrative miRNA-Gene Expression Analysis Enables Refinement of Associated
      Biology and Prediction of Response to Cetuximab in Head and Neck Squamous Cell
      Cancer.
AB  - This paper documents the process by which we, through gene and miRNA expression
      profiling of the same samples of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC)
      and an integrative miRNA-mRNA expression analysis, were able to identify
      candidate biomarkers of progression-free survival (PFS) in patients treated with
      cetuximab-based approaches. Through sparse partial least square-discriminant
      analysis (sPLS-DA) and supervised analysis, 36 miRNAs were identified in two
      components that clearly separated long- and short-PFS patients. Gene set
      enrichment analysis identified a significant correlation between the miRNA first
      component and EGFR signaling, keratinocyte differentiation, and p53. Another
      significant correlation was identified between the second component and RAS,
      NOTCH, immune/inflammatory response, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and
      angiogenesis pathways. Regularized canonical correlation analysis of sPLS-DA
      miRNA and gene data combined with the MAGIA2 web-tool highlighted 16 miRNAs and
      84 genes that were interconnected in a total of 245 interactions. After feature
      selection by a smoothed t-statistic support vector machine, we identified three
      miRNAs and five genes in the miRNA-gene network whose expression result was the
      most relevant in predicting PFS (Area Under the Curve, AUC = 0.992). Overall,
      using a well-defined clinical setting and up-to-date bioinformatics tools, we are
      able to give the proof of principle that an integrative miRNA-mRNA expression
      could greatly contribute to the refinement of the biology behind a predictive
      model.

PMID- 28098821
TI  - Tumor Microenvironment Modulation via Gold Nanoparticles Targeting Malicious
      Exosomes: Implications for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy.
AB  - Exosomes are nanovesicles formed in the endosomal pathway with an important role
      in paracrine and autocrine cell communication. Exosomes secreted by cancer cells,
      malicious exosomes, have important roles in tumor microenvironment maturation and
      cancer progression. The knowledge of the role of exosomes in tumorigenesis
      prompted a new era in cancer diagnostics and therapy, taking advantage of the use
      of circulating exosomes as tumor biomarkers due to their stability in body fluids
      and targeting malignant exosomes' release and/or uptake to inhibit or delay tumor
      development. In recent years, nanotechnology has paved the way for the
      development of a plethora of new diagnostic and therapeutic platforms, fostering
      theranostics. The unique physical and chemical properties of gold nanoparticles
      (AuNPs) make them suitable vehicles to pursuit this goal. AuNPs' properties such
      as ease of synthesis with the desired shape and size, high surface:volume ratio,
      and the possibility of engineering their surface as desired, potentiate AuNPs'
      role in nanotheranostics, allowing the use of the same formulation for exosome
      detection and restraining the effect of malicious exosomes in cancer progression.

PMID- 28098824
TI  - Fabrication of a Miniature Multi-Parameter Sensor Chip for Water Quality
      Assessment.
AB  - Water contamination is a main inducement of human diseases. It is an important
      step to monitor the water quality in the water distribution system. Due to the
      features of large size, high cost, and complicated structure of traditional water
      determination sensors and devices, it is difficult to realize real-time water
      monitoring on a large scale. In this paper, we present a multi-parameter sensor
      chip, which is miniature, low-cost, and robust, to detect the pH, conductivity,
      and temperature of water simultaneously. The sensor chip was fabricated using
      micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) techniques. Iridium oxide film was
      electrodeposited as the pH-sensing material. The atomic ratio of Ir(III) to
      Ir(IV) is about 1.38 according to the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
      analysis. The pH sensing electrode showed super-Nernstian response (-67.60 mV/pH)
      and good linearity (R2 = 0.9997), in the range of pH 2.22 to pH 11.81. KCl-agar
      and epoxy were used as the electrolyte layer and liquid junction for the solid
      state reference electrode, respectively, and its potential stability in deionized
      water was 56 h. The conductivity cell exhibited a linear determination range from
      21.43 MU S / cm to 1.99 mS / cm , and the electrode constant was 1.566 cm-1.
      Sensitivity of the temperature sensor was 5.46 Omega /  degrees  C . The results
      indicate that the developed sensor chip has potential application in water
      quality measurements.

PMID- 28098825
TI  - Optical Fibre Sensors Using Graphene-Based Materials: A Review.
AB  - Graphene and its derivatives have become the most explored materials since
      Novoselov and Geim (Nobel Prize winners for Physics in 2010) achieved its
      isolation in 2004. The exceptional properties of graphene have attracted the
      attention of the scientific community from different research fields, generating
      high impact not only in scientific journals, but also in general-interest
      newspapers. Optical fibre sensing is one of the many fields that can benefit from
      the use of these new materials, combining the amazing morphological, chemical,
      optical and electrical features of graphene with the advantages that optical
      fibre offers over other sensing strategies. In this document, a review of the
      current state of the art for optical fibre sensors based on graphene materials is
      presented.

PMID- 28098827
TI  - Shared Sulfur Mobilization Routes for tRNA Thiolation and Molybdenum Cofactor
      Biosynthesis in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes.
AB  - Modifications of transfer RNA (tRNA) have been shown to play critical roles in
      the biogenesis, metabolism, structural stability and function of RNA molecules,
      and the specific modifications of nucleobases with sulfur atoms in tRNA are
      present in pro- and eukaryotes. Here, especially the thiomodifications xm5s2U at
      the wobble position 34 in tRNAs for Lys, Gln and Glu, were suggested to have an
      important role during the translation process by ensuring accurate deciphering of
      the genetic code and by stabilization of the tRNA structure. The trafficking and
      delivery of sulfur nucleosides is a complex process carried out by sulfur relay
      systems involving numerous proteins, which not only deliver sulfur to the
      specific tRNAs but also to other sulfur-containing molecules including iron
      sulfur clusters, thiamin, biotin, lipoic acid and molybdopterin (MPT). Among the
      biosynthesis of these sulfur-containing molecules, the biosynthesis of the
      molybdenum cofactor (Moco) and the synthesis of thio-modified tRNAs in particular
      show a surprising link by sharing protein components for sulfur mobilization in
      pro- and eukaryotes.

PMID- 28098826
TI  - Hair Growth Promoting and Anticancer Effects of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1)
      Inhibitors Isolated from Different Parts of Alpinia zerumbet.
AB  - PAK1 (p21-activated kinase 1) is an emerging target for the treatment of hair
      loss (alopecia) and cancer; therefore, the search for PAK1 blockers to treat
      these PAK1-dependent disorders has received much attention. In this study, we
      evaluated the anti-alopecia and anticancer effects of PAK1 inhibitors isolated
      from Alpinia zerumbet (alpinia) in cell culture. The bioactive compounds isolated
      from alpinia were found to markedly promote hair cell growth. Kaempferol-3-O-beta
      d-glucuronide (KOG) and labdadiene, two of the isolated compounds, increased the
      proliferation of human follicle dermal papilla cells by approximately 117%-180%
      and 132%-226%, respectively, at 10-100 MUM. MTD (2,5-bis(1E,3E,5E)-6-methoxyhexa
      1,3,5-trien-1-yl)-2,5-dihydrofuran) and TMOQ ((E)-2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-8-methylene
      7-(oct-6-en-1-yl)octahydro-1H-quinolizine) showed growth-promoting activity
      around 164% and 139% at 10 MUM, respectively. The hair cell proliferation induced
      by these compounds was significantly higher than that of minoxidil, a
      commercially available treatment for hair loss. Furthermore, the isolated
      compounds from alpinia exhibited anticancer activity against A549 lung cancer
      cells with IC50 in the range of 67-99 MUM. Regarding the mechanism underlying
      their action, we hypothesized that the anti-alopecia and anticancer activities of
      these compounds could be attributed to the inhibition of the oncogenic/aging
      kinase PAK1.

PMID- 28098828
TI  - Development of a Topical Resveratrol Formulation for Commercial Applications
      Using Dendrimer Nanotechnology.
AB  - Resveratrol (RSV) is well known for its anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties.
      However, resveratrol is insoluble in water and has stability issues. Recently,
      efforts were placed to prepare a resveratrol-based advanced anti-aging topical
      product but it contains harsh organic solvents and oils that could be harmful to
      the human body and the environment. Hence, we propose the use of a
      multifunctional dendrimer to solve the solubility and stability issues of
      resveratrol. A dendrimer-resveratrol complex was prepared, optimized and tested
      for solubility enhancement, stability in solution and cream dosage forms. We have
      also developed a high performance liquid chromatography method to measure the
      resveratrol within the final product. PAMAM dendrimers increased the solubility
      and stability of resveratrol in water and semisolid dosage forms. Therefore, this
      product would be water based 'green' formulation devoid of harsh organic solvents
      and oils and can be safely applied to the skin. Additionally, we have shown that
      the dendrimer helped to increase overall RSV loading and skin penetration of
      resveratrol. The dendrimer-RSV formulation was successfully scaled up towards
      commercialization. Dendrimer with RSV has led to an innovation in anti-aging
      cream and solutions that could be commercially marketed. Dendrimer-RSV complex
      could also be added to other product forms for additional purposes and
      applications.

PMID- 28098829
TI  - Rapid Transfer Alignment of MEMS SINS Based on Adaptive Incremental Kalman
      Filter.
AB  - In airborne MEMS SINS transfer alignment, the error of MEMS IMU is highly
      environment-dependent and the parameters of the system model are also uncertain,
      which may lead to large error and bad convergence of the Kalman filter. In order
      to solve this problem, an improved adaptive incremental Kalman filter (AIKF)
      algorithm is proposed. First, the model of SINS transfer alignment is defined
      based on the "Velocity and Attitude" matching method. Then the detailed algorithm
      progress of AIKF and its recurrence formulas are presented. The performance and
      calculation amount of AKF and AIKF are also compared. Finally, a simulation test
      is designed to verify the accuracy and the rapidity of the AIKF algorithm by
      comparing it with KF and AKF. The results show that the AIKF algorithm has better
      estimation accuracy and shorter convergence time, especially for the bias of the
      gyroscope and the accelerometer, which can meet the accuracy and rapidity
      requirement of transfer alignment.

PMID- 28098830
TI  - Bulk Data Dissemination in Low Power Sensor Networks: Present and Future
      Directions.
AB  - Wireless sensor network-based (WSN-based) applications need an efficient and
      reliable data dissemination service to facilitate maintenance, management and
      data distribution tasks. As WSNs nowadays are becoming pervasive and data
      intensive, bulk data dissemination protocols have been extensively studied
      recently. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art bulk
      data dissemination protocols. The large number of papers available in the
      literature propose various techniques to optimize the dissemination protocols.
      Different from the existing survey works which separately explores the building
      blocks of dissemination, our work categorizes the literature according to the
      optimization purposes: Reliability, Scalability and Transmission/Energy
      efficiency. By summarizing and reviewing the key insights and techniques, we
      further discuss on the future directions for each category. Our survey helps
      unveil three key findings for future direction: (1) The recent advances in
      wireless communications (e.g., study on cross-technology interference, error
      estimating codes, constructive interference, capture effect) can be potentially
      exploited to support further optimization on the reliability and energy
      efficiency of dissemination protocols; (2) Dissemination in multi-channel, multi
      task and opportunistic networks requires more efforts to fully exploit the
      spatial-temporal network resources to enhance the data propagation; (3) Since
      many designs incur changes on MAC layer protocols, the co-existence of
      dissemination with other network protocols is another problem left to be
      addressed.

PMID- 28098831
TI  - A Fast Multimodal Ectopic Beat Detection Method Applied for Blood Pressure
      Estimation Based on Pulse Wave Velocity Measurements in Wearable Sensors.
AB  - Automatic detection of ectopic beats has become a thoroughly researched topic,
      with literature providing manifold proposals typically incorporating
      morphological analysis of the electrocardiogram (ECG). Although being well
      understood, its utilization is often neglected, especially in practical
      monitoring situations like online evaluation of signals acquired in wearable
      sensors. Continuous blood pressure estimation based on pulse wave velocity
      considerations is a prominent example, which depends on careful fiducial point
      extraction and is therefore seriously affected during periods of increased
      occurring extrasystoles. In the scope of this work, a novel ectopic beat
      discriminator with low computational complexity has been developed, which takes
      advantage of multimodal features derived from ECG and pulse wave relating
      measurements, thereby providing additional information on the underlying cardiac
      activity. Moreover, the blood pressure estimations' vulnerability towards ectopic
      beats is closely examined on records drawn from the Physionet database as well as
      signals recorded in a small field study conducted in a geriatric facility for the
      elderly. It turns out that a reliable extrasystole identification is essential to
      unsupervised blood pressure estimation, having a significant impact on the
      overall accuracy. The proposed method further convinces by its applicability to
      battery driven hardware systems with limited processing power and is a favorable
      choice when access to multimodal signal features is given anyway.

PMID- 28098833
TI  - Role of Electron-Driven Proton-Transfer Processes in the Ultrafast Deactivation
      of Photoexcited Anionic 8-oxoGuanine-Adenine and 8-oxoGuanine-Cytosine Base
      Pairs.
AB  - It has been reported that 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-guanosine (8-oxo-G), which is the
      main product of oxidative damage of DNA, can repair cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer
      (CPD) lesions when incorporated into DNA or RNA strands in proximity to such
      lesions. It has therefore been suggested that the 8-oxo-G nucleoside may have
      been a primordial precursor of present-day flavins in DNA or RNA repair. Because
      the electron transfer leading to the splitting of a thymine-thymine pair in a CPD
      lesion occurs in the photoexcited state, a reasonably long excited-state lifetime
      of 8-oxo-G is required. The neutral (protonated) form of 8-oxo-G exhibits a very
      short (sub-picosecond) intrinsic excited-state lifetime which is unfavorable for
      repair. It has therefore been argued that the anionic (deprotonated) form of 8
      oxo-G, which exhibits a much longer excited-state lifetime, is more likely to be
      a suitable cofactor for DNA repair. Herein, we have investigated the exited-state
      quenching mechanisms in the hydrogen-bonded complexes of deprotonated 8-oxo-G-
      with adenine (A) and cytosine (C) using ab initio wave-function-based electronic
      structure calculations. The calculated reaction paths and potential-energy
      profiles reveal the existence of barrierless electron-driven inter-base proton
      transfer reactions which lead to low-lying S1/S0 conical intersections. The
      latter can promote ultrafast excited-state deactivation of the anionic base
      pairs. While the isolated deprotonated 8-oxo-G- nucleoside may have been an
      efficient primordial repair cofactor, the excited states of the 8-oxo-G--A and 8
      oxo-G--C base pairs are likely too short-lived to be efficient electron-transfer
      repair agents.

PMID- 28098834
TI  - Volatile Compound Profiling by HS-SPME/GC-MS-FID of a Core Olive Cultivar
      Collection as a Tool for Aroma Improvement of Virgin Olive Oil.
AB  - Virgin olive oil (VOO) is the only food product requiring official sensory
      analysis to be classified in commercial categories, in which the evaluation of
      the aroma plays a very important role. The selection of parents, with the aim of
      obtaining new cultivars with improved oil aroma, is of paramount importance in
      olive breeding programs. We have assessed the volatile fraction by headspace
      solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-flame ionization
      detection (HS-SPME/GC-MS-FID) and the deduced aroma properties of VOO from a core
      set of olive cultivars (Core-36) which possesses most of the genetic diversity
      found in the World Olive Germplasm Collection (IFAPA Alameda del Obispo) located
      in Cordoba, Spain. The VOO volatile fractions of Core-36 cultivars display a high
      level of variability. It is mostly made of compounds produced from
      polyunsaturated fatty acids through the lipoxygenase pathway, which confirms to
      be a general characteristic of the olive species (Olea europaea L.). The main
      group of volatile compounds in the oils was six straight-chain carbon compounds
      derived from linolenic acid, some of them being the main contributors to the
      aroma of the olive oils according to their odor activity values (OAV). The high
      level of variability found for the volatile fraction of the oils from Core-36
      and, therefore, for the aroma odor notes, suggest that this core set may be a
      very useful tool for the choice of optimal parents in olive breeding programs in
      order to raise new cultivars with improved VOO aroma.

PMID- 28098832
TI  - Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the Th17/Treg Axis in Autoimmune Disorders.
AB  - A disruption of the crucial balance between regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and Th17
      cells was recently implicated in various autoimmune disorders. Tregs are
      responsible for the maintenance of self-tolerance, thus inhibiting autoimmunity,
      whereas pro-inflammatory Th17-cells contribute to the induction and propagation
      of inflammation. Distortion of the Th17/Treg balance favoring the  pro
      inflammatory Th17 side is hence suspected to contribute to exacerbation of
      autoimmune disorders. This review aims to summarize recent data and advances in
      targeted therapeutic modification of the Th17/Treg-balance, as well as
      information on the efficacy of candidate therapeutics with respect to the
      treatment of autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 28098835
TI  - An Electrostatic-Barrier-Forming Window that Captures Airborne Pollen Grains to
      Prevent Pollinosis.
AB  - An electrostatic-barrier-forming window (EBW) was devised to capture airborne
      pollen, which can cause allergic pollinosis. The EBW consisted of three layers of
      insulated conductor wires (ICWs) and two voltage generators that supplied
      negative charges to the two outer ICW layers and a positive charge to the middle
      ICW layer. The ICWs generated an attractive force that captured pollen of the
      Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica, from air blown through the EBW. The
      attractive force was directly proportional to the applied voltage. At >=3.5 kV,
      the EBW exerted sufficient force to capture all pollen carried at an air flow of
      3 m/s, and pollen-free air passed through the EBW. The findings demonstrated that
      the electrostatic barrier that formed inside the EBW was very effective at
      capturing airborne pollen; thus, it could allow a home to remain pollen-free and
      healthy despite continuous pollen exposure.

PMID- 28098836
TI  - Association of School Environment and After-School Physical Activity with Health
      Related Physical Fitness among Junior High School Students in Taiwan.
AB  - The relationship between students' school environment and exercise habits is
      complex, and is affected by numerous factors. However, the few studies that have
      been conducted on this relationship have reported inconsistent results,
      especially regarding Taiwanese students. We conducted this cross-sectional study
      to investigate the association of school environment and after-school physical
      activity with health-related physical fitness in Taiwanese adolescents. Data were
      drawn from a national survey conducted by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan in
      2008 of health-related physical fitness measurements among junior high school
      students (649,442 total) in grades seven to nine.School environment (level of
      urbanization, school size, presence of sports field or gymnasium) and after
      school physical activity were assessed for their association with adolescents'
      physical fitness measurements (body mass index (BMI), bent-leg sit-ups, 800-/1600
      m run, sit-and-reach, standing long jump). Urban boys and girls perform
      significantly better in muscle strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory
      endurance, flexibility, and explosive power; girls from rural areas exhibited
      significantly worse scores in body composition. Boys from large-size schools
      performed the worst in cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and explosive
      power; whereas girls from large-size schools performed the worst in muscle
      strength, muscle endurance, and explosive power, but had the best score for body
      composition. However, the differences in body composition of boys from large-,
      medium-, and small- size schools did not reach a statistically significant level.
      Adolescents of both genders in schools with a sports field or gymnasium exhibited
      significantly better in muscle strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory
      endurance, and explosive power. Boys in schools with a sports field or gymnasium
      had significantly better body composition; girls in schools with sports field or
      gymnasium differed significantly in flexibility. Adolescents of both genders who
      participated in physical activity after school had significantly better body
      composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility. Boys who participated
      in physical activity after school significantly differed in explosive power,
      whereas girls who participated in physical activity after school exhibited
      significantly better flexibility. Thus, the current study demonstrated that some
      factors, including urbanization (school location in rural or urban areas), school
      size, school facility provision (school with or without sports fields or
      gymnasiums), and after-school physical activity participation are more important
      than others in shaping adolescents' physical fitness in Taiwan; meanwhile, these
      association patterns differed by gender.

PMID- 28098837
TI  - Casein Glycomacropeptide Hydrolysates Exert Cytoprotective Effect against
      Cellular Oxidative Stress by Up-Regulating HO-1 Expression in HepG2 Cells.
AB  - Oxidative stress is considered as an important mediator in the progression of
      metabolic disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential
      hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of bovine casein glycomacropeptide
      hydrolysates (GHP) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in HepG2
      cells. Results showed that GHP significantly blocked H2O2-induced intracellular
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cell viability reduction in a dose
      dependent manner. Further, GHP concentration-dependently induced heme oxygenase-1
      (HO-1) expression and increased nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2
      (Nrf2) nuclear translocation. Moreover, pretreatment of GHP increased the
      activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and extracellular
      signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), which were shown to contribute to
      Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression. Taken together, GHP protected HepG2 cells from
      oxidative stress by activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 via p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling
      pathways. Our findings indicate that bovine casein glycomacropeptide hydrolysates
      might be a potential ingredient in the treatment of oxidative stress-related
      disorders and further studies are needed to investigate the protective effects in
      vivo.

PMID- 28098838
TI  - Role of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 in the Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of
      Silymarin Flavonolignans in Patients with HCV and NAFLD.
AB  - Silymarin is the most commonly used herbal medicine by patients with chronic
      liver disease. Silymarin flavonolignans undergo rapid first-pass metabolism
      primarily by glucuronidation. The aims of this investigation were: (1) to
      determine the association of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism with the area under the
      plasma concentration-time curves (AUCs) for silybin A (SA) and silybin B (SB);
      (2) to evaluate the effect of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism on the profile of
      flavonolignan glucuronide conjugates found in the plasma; and (3) to investigate
      the role of UGT1A1 enzyme kinetics on the pharmacokinetics of SA and SB. AUCs and
      metabolic ratios for thirty-three patients with chronic liver disease
      administered oral doses of silymarin were compared between different UGT1A1*28
      genotypes. The AUCs, metabolic ratios, and the profiles of major SA and SB
      glucuronides did not differ significantly among the three UGT1A1 genotypes. In
      contrast, an increase in the proportion of sulfated flavonolignan conjugates in
      plasma was observed in subjects with UGT1A1*28/*28 genotype compared to subjects
      carrying wild type alleles. Differences in SA and SB in vitro intrinsic clearance
      estimates for UGTIA1 correlated inversely with SA and SB exposures observed in
      vivo indicating a major role for UGT1A1 in silymarin metabolism. In addition, a
      significant difference in the metabolic ratio observed between patients with
      NAFLD and HCV suggests that any effect of UGT1A1 polymorphism may be obscured by
      a greater effect of liver disease on the pharmacokinetics of silymarin. Taken
      together, these results suggest the presence of the UGT1A1*28 allele does not
      contribute significantly to a large inter-subject variability in the
      pharmacokinetics of silybin A and silybin B which may obscure the ability to
      detect beneficial effects of silymarin in patients with liver disease.

PMID- 28098839
TI  - Continuous Glucose Monitoring Enables the Detection of Losses in Infusion Set
      Actuation (LISAs).
AB  - Reliable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) enables a variety of advanced
      technology for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. In addition to artificial
      pancreas algorithms that use CGM to automate continuous subcutaneous insulin
      infusion (CSII), CGM can also inform fault detection algorithms that alert
      patients to problems in CGM or CSII. Losses in infusion set actuation (LISAs) can
      adversely affect clinical outcomes, resulting in hyperglycemia due to impaired
      insulin delivery. Prolonged hyperglycemia may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis-a
      serious metabolic complication in type 1 diabetes. Therefore, an algorithm for
      the detection of LISAs based on CGM and CSII signals was developed to improve
      patient safety. The LISA detection algorithm is trained retrospectively on data
      from 62 infusion set insertions from 20 patients. The algorithm collects glucose
      and insulin data, and computes relevant fault metrics over two different sliding
      windows; an alarm sounds when these fault metrics are exceeded. With the chosen
      algorithm parameters, the LISA detection strategy achieved a sensitivity of 71.8%
      and issued 0.28 false positives per day on the training data. Validation on two
      independent data sets confirmed that similar performance is seen on data that was
      not used for training. The developed algorithm is able to effectively alert
      patients to possible infusion set failures in open-loop scenarios, with limited
      evidence of its extension to closed-loop scenarios.

PMID- 28098840
TI  - Comparative Solid-State Stability of Perindopril Active Substance vs.
      Pharmaceutical Formulation.
AB  - This paper presents the results obtained after studying the thermal stability and
      decomposition kinetics of perindopril erbumine as a pure active pharmaceutical
      ingredient as well as a solid pharmaceutical formulation containing the same
      active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Since no data were found in the
      literature regarding the spectroscopic description, thermal behavior, or
      decomposition kinetics of perindopril, our goal was the evaluation of the
      compatibility of this antihypertensive agent with the excipients in the tablet
      under ambient conditions and to study the effect of thermal treatment on the
      stability of perindopril erbumine. ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier
      Transform Infrared) spectroscopy, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric mass curve
      (TG-thermogravimetry), derivative thermogravimetric mass curve (DTG), and heat
      flow (HF)) and model-free kinetics were chosen as investigational tools. Since
      thermal behavior is a simplistic approach in evaluating the thermal stability of
      pharmaceuticals, in-depth kinetic studies were carried out by classical kinetic
      methods (Kissinger and ASTM E698) and later with the isoconversional methods of
      Friedman, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa. It was shown that the
      main thermal degradation step of perindopril erbumine is characterized by
      activation energy between 59 and 69 kJ/mol (depending on the method used), while
      for the tablet, the values were around 170 kJ/mol. The used excipients (anhydrous
      colloidal silica, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, and magnesium stearate)
      should be used in newly-developed generic solid pharmaceutical formulations,
      since they contribute to an increased thermal stability of perindopril erbumine.

PMID- 28098841
TI  - Compressed Sensing Techniques Applied to Ultrasonic Imaging of Cargo Containers.
AB  - One of the key issues in the fight against the smuggling of goods has been the
      development of scanners for cargo inspection. X-ray-based radiographic system
      scanners are the most developed sensing modality. However, they are costly and
      use bulky sources that emit hazardous, ionizing radiation. Aiming to improve the
      probability of threat detection, an ultrasonic-based technique, capable of
      detecting the footprint of metallic containers or compartments concealed within
      the metallic structure of the inspected cargo, has been proposed. The system
      consists of an array of acoustic transceivers that is attached to the metallic
      structure-under-inspection, creating a guided acoustic Lamb wave. Reflections due
      to discontinuities are detected in the images, provided by an imaging algorithm.
      Taking into consideration that the majority of those images are sparse, this
      contribution analyzes the application of Compressed Sensing (CS) techniques in
      order to reduce the amount of measurements needed, thus achieving faster
      scanning, without compromising the detection capabilities of the system. A
      parametric study of the image quality, as a function of the samples needed in
      spatial and frequency domains, is presented, as well as the dependence on the
      sampling pattern. For this purpose, realistic cargo inspection scenarios have
      been simulated.

PMID- 28098842
TI  - Modulation Index Adjustment for Recovery of Pure Wavelength Modulation
      Spectroscopy Second Harmonic Signal Waveforms.
AB  - A new technique of modulation index adjustment for pure wavelength modulation
      spectroscopy second harmonic signal waveforms recovery is presented. As the
      modulation index is a key parameter in determining the exact form of the signals
      generated by the technique of wavelength modulation spectroscopy, the method of
      modulation index adjustment is applied to recover the second harmonic signal with
      wavelength modulation spectroscopy. By comparing the measured profile with the
      theoretical profile by calculation, the relationship between the modulation index
      and average quantities of the scanning wavelength can be obtained. Furthermore,
      when the relationship is applied in the experimental setup by point-by-point
      modulation index modification for gas detection, the results show good agreement
      with the theoretical profile and signal waveform distortion (such as the
      amplitude modulation effect caused by diode laser) can be suppressed. Besides,
      the method of modulation index adjustment can be used in many other aspects which
      involve profile improvement. In practical applications, when the amplitude
      modulation effect can be neglected and the stability of the detection system is
      limited by the sampling rate of analog-to-digital, modulation index adjustment
      can be used to improve detection into softer inflection points and solve the
      insufficient sampling problem. As a result, measurement stability is improved by
      40%.

PMID- 28098844
TI  - Modeling and Calibration of a Novel One-Mirror Galvanometric Laser Scanner.
AB  - A laser stripe sensor has limited application when a point cloud of geometric
      samples on the surface of the object needs to be collected, so a galvanometric
      laser scanner is designed by using a one-mirror galvanometer element as its
      mechanical device to drive the laser stripe to sweep along the object. A novel
      mathematical model is derived for the proposed galvanometer laser scanner without
      any position assumptions and then a model-driven calibration procedure is
      proposed. Compared with available model-driven approaches, the influence of
      machining and assembly errors is considered in the proposed model. Meanwhile, a
      plane-constraint-based approach is proposed to extract a large number of
      calibration points effectively and accurately to calibrate the galvanometric
      laser scanner. Repeatability and accuracy of the galvanometric laser scanner are
      evaluated on the automobile production line to verify the efficiency and accuracy
      of the proposed calibration method. Experimental results show that the proposed
      calibration approach yields similar measurement performance compared with a look
      up table calibration method.

PMID- 28098843
TI  - PERM Hypothesis: The Fundamental Machinery Able to Elucidate the Role of
      Xenobiotics and Hormesis in Cell Survival and Homeostasis.
AB  - In this article the Proteasome, Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria (PERM)
      hypothesis is discussed. The complex machinery made by three homeostatic
      mechanisms involving the proteasome (P), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and
      mitochondria (M) is addressed in order to elucidate the beneficial role of many
      xenobiotics, either trace metals or phytochemicals, which are spread in the human
      environment and in dietary habits, exerting their actions on the mechanisms
      underlying cell survival (apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, DNA repair and
      turnover, autophagy) and stress response. The "PERM hypothesis" suggests that
      xenobiotics can modulate this central signaling and the regulatory engine made
      fundamentally by the ER, mitochondria and proteasome, together with other
      ancillary components such as peroxisomes, by acting on the energetic balance,
      redox system and macromolecule turnover. In this context, reactive species and
      stressors are fundamentally signalling molecules that could act as negative
      modulating signals if PERM-mediated control is offline, impaired or dysregulated,
      as occurs in metabolic syndrome, degenerative disorders, chronic inflammation and
      cancer. Calcium is an important oscillatory input of this regulation and, in this
      hypothesis, it might play a role in maintaining the correct rhythm of this PERM
      modulation, probably chaotic in its nature, and guiding cells to a more drastic
      decision, such as apoptosis. The commonest effort sustained by cells is to
      maintain their survival balance and the proterome has the fundamental task of
      supporting this mechanism. Mild stress is probably the main stimulus in this
      sense. Hormesis is therefore re-interpreted in the light of this hypothetical
      model and that experimental evidence arising from flavonoid and hormesis
      reasearch.

PMID- 28098846
TI  - Localization-Free Detection of Replica Node Attacks in Wireless Sensor Networks
      Using Similarity Estimation with Group Deployment Knowledge.
AB  - Due to the unattended nature and poor security guarantee of the wireless sensor
      networks (WSNs), adversaries can easily make replicas of compromised nodes, and
      place them throughout the network to launch various types of attacks. Such an
      attack is dangerous because it enables the adversaries to control large numbers
      of nodes and extend the damage of attacks to most of the network with quite
      limited cost. To stop the node replica attack, we propose a location similarity
      based detection scheme using deployment knowledge. Compared with prior solutions,
      our scheme provides extra functionalities that prevent replicas from generating
      false location claims without deploying resource-consuming localization
      techniques on the resource-constraint sensor nodes. We evaluate the security
      performance of our proposal under different attack strategies through heuristic
      analysis, and show that our scheme achieves secure and robust replica detection
      by increasing the cost of node replication. Additionally, we evaluate the impact
      of network environment on the proposed scheme through theoretic analysis and
      simulation experiments, and indicate that our scheme achieves effectiveness and
      efficiency with substantially lower communication, computational, and storage
      overhead than prior works under different situations and attack strategies.

PMID- 28098845
TI  - Optical Tip Clearance Measurements as a Tool for Rotating Disk Characterization.
AB  - An experimental investigation on the vibrational behavior of a rotating disk by
      means of three optical fiber sensors is presented. The disk, which is a scale
      model of the real disk of an aircraft engine, was assembled in a wind tunnel in
      order to simulate real operation conditions. The pressure difference between the
      upstream and downstream sides of the disk causes an airflow that might force the
      disk to vibrate. To characterize this vibration, a set of parameters was
      determined by measuring the tip clearance of the disk: the amplitude, the
      frequency and the number of nodal diameters in the disk. All this information
      allowed the design of an upgraded prototype of the disk, whose performance was
      also characterized by the same method. An optical system was employed for the
      measurements, in combination with a strain gauge mounted on the disk surface,
      which served to confirm the results obtained. The data of the strain gauge
      coincided closely with those provided by the optical fiber sensors, thus
      demonstrating the suitability of this innovative technique to evaluate the
      vibrational behavior of rotating disks.

PMID- 28098847
TI  - Polish Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis L.) Honey, Chromatographic
      Fingerprints, and Chemical Markers.
AB  - A case study of Polish Melilotus officinalis honey was presented for the first
      time. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (after steam distillation,
      Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonic solvent extraction, and solid phase extraction
      (SPE)) and targeted high performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode
      array detector (HPLC-PAD) were applied to determine the characteristic components
      of honey. While ubiquitous in most honeys, carbohydrates, terpene derivatives,
      and phenylacetic acid dominated in the Soxhlet extracts (25.54%) and in the
      application of SPE (13.04%). In addition, lumichrome (1.85%) was found, and may
      be considered as a marker of this honey. Due to the presence of these compounds,
      Polish yellow sweet clover honey is similar to French lavender honeys. The major
      compounds determined in the methanolic extract were (+)-catechine (39.7%) and
      gallic acid (up to 30%), which can be regarded as specific chemical markers of
      the botanical origin of melilot honey. With respect to total phenolic and
      flavonoid contents, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were determined
      spectrophotometrically. The honey exhibited a moderate antioxidant activity,
      typical for light honeys, which correlates well with its phenolic and flavonoid
      composition.

PMID- 28098849
TI  - No evidence for MHC class II-based non-random mating at the gametic haplotype in
      Atlantic salmon.
AB  - Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are a likely target of mate
      choice because of their role in inbreeding avoidance and potential benefits for
      offspring immunocompetence. Evidence for female choice for complementary MHC
      alleles among competing males exists both for the pre- and the postmating stages.
      However, it remains unclear whether the latter may involve non-random fusion of
      gametes depending on gametic haplotypes resulting in transmission ratio
      distortion or non-random sequence divergence among fused gametes. We tested
      whether non-random gametic fusion of MHC-II haplotypes occurs in Atlantic salmon
      Salmo salar. We performed in vitro fertilizations that excluded interindividual
      sperm competition using a split family design with large clutch sample sizes to
      test for a possible role of the gametic haplotype in mate choice. We sequenced
      two MHC-II loci in 50 embryos per clutch to assess allelic frequencies and
      sequence divergence. We found no evidence for transmission ratio distortion at
      two linked MHC-II loci, nor for non-random gamete fusion with respect to MHC-II
      alleles. Our findings suggest that the gametic MHC-II haplotypes play no role in
      gamete association in Atlantic salmon and that earlier findings of MHC-based mate
      choice most likely reflect choice among diploid genotypes. We discuss possible
      explanations for these findings and how they differ from findings in mammals.

PMID- 28098848
TI  - Identification of Phenolic Compounds from Hancornia speciosa (Apocynaceae) Leaves
      by UHPLC Orbitrap-HRMS.
AB  - Apocynaceae is a botanical family distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical
      regions of the world. In Brazil, they comprise about 90 genera and 850 species,
      inhabiting various types of vegetation. Within this large botanical family, the
      genus Hancornia is considered monotypic, with its only species Hancornia speciosa
      Gomes. Antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antiviral activities are described for
      this species. Despite having been the target of some studies, knowledge of its
      chemical composition is still limited. In this study, the phenolics of H.
      speciosa leaves were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography
      (UHPLC) coupled to Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). As a
      result, 14 compounds were identified viz. protocatechuic acid, catechin, and
      quercetin, and another 14 were putatively identified viz. B- and C-type
      procyanidins, while just one compound remained unknown. From the identified
      compounds, 17 are reported for the first time viz. coumaroylquinic acid isomers
      and eriodyctiol. The results show that Hancornia speciosa can serve as source of
      valuable phenolics.

PMID- 28098851
TI  - Solving Large-Scale Inverse Magnetostatic Problems using the Adjoint Method.
AB  - An efficient algorithm for the reconstruction of the magnetization state within
      magnetic components is presented. The occurring inverse magnetostatic problem is
      solved by means of an adjoint approach, based on the Fredkin-Koehler method for
      the solution of the forward problem. Due to the use of hybrid FEM-BEM coupling
      combined with matrix compression techniques the resulting algorithm is well
      suited for large-scale problems. Furthermore the reconstruction of the
      magnetization state within a permanent magnet as well as an optimal design
      application are demonstrated.

PMID- 28098852
TI  - Adaptive processes explain variations in human thermal sensation.

PMID- 28098850
TI  - A rare exception to Haldane's rule: Are X chromosomes key to hybrid
      incompatibilities?
AB  - The prevalence of Haldane's rule suggests that sex chromosomes commonly have a
      key role in reproductive barriers and speciation. However, the majority of
      research on Haldane's rule has been conducted in species with conventional sex
      determination systems (XY and ZW) and exceptions to the rule have been
      understudied. Here we test the role of X-linked incompatibilities in a rare
      exception to Haldane's rule for female sterility in field cricket sister species
      (Teleogryllus oceanicus and T. commodus). Both have an XO sex determination
      system. Using three generations of crosses, we introgressed X chromosomes from
      each species onto different, mixed genomic backgrounds to test predictions about
      the fertility and viability of each cross type. We predicted that females with
      two different species X chromosomes would suffer reduced fertility and viability
      compared with females with two parental X chromosomes. However, we found no
      strong support for such X-linked incompatibilities. Our results preclude X-X
      incompatibilities and instead support an interchromosomal epistatic basis to
      hybrid female sterility. We discuss the broader implications of these findings,
      principally whether deviations from Haldane's rule might be more prevalent in
      species without dimorphic sex chromosomes.

PMID- 28098853
TI  - Does human resource primacy moderate the impact of psychological distress on
      subsequent risk for disability retirement?
AB  - Objective Human resource primacy (HRP) refers to employees' perceptions of how
      the organization shows interests in its employees' welfare, happiness, and
      health. The aims of this study were to determine whether (i) perceptions of HRP
      are related to the risk for disability retirement and (ii) HRP moderates the
      impact of psychological distress on later risk for disability retirement. Methods
      The study relied on a combination of self-report survey questionnaire data on HRP
      and psychological distress supplemented with official register data on disability
      benefits from the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration. The sample
      comprised 14 501 Norwegian employees from various occupations and industries.
      Results HRP was significantly associated with reduced risk of disability
      retirement [hazard ratio (HR) in bivariate analysis 0.84, 95% confidence interval
      (95% CI) 0.77-0.93] and after adjusting for gender and educational level.
      However, HRP (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.87-1.07) was not associated with later risk for
      disability retirement after adjusting for psychological distress and did not
      moderate the association between psychological distress and disability
      retirement. Conclusions A positive impression of HRP may reduce the risk of
      disability retirement in general but not in cases following psychological
      distress. Upcoming research should identify other factors that may be more
      beneficial with regard to reducing the risk for disability retirement following
      distress.

PMID- 28098854
TI  - LSD1 sustains estrogen-driven endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation through
      the PI3K/AKT pathway via di-demethylating H3K9 of cyclin D1.
AB  - A recent study reported that histone lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1, KDM1A)
      is overexpressed in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) and associated with
      tumor progression as well as poor prognosis. However, the physiological function
      and mechanism of LSD1 in endometrial cancer (EC) remains largely unknown. In this
      study, we demonstrate that beta-estradiol (E2) treatment increased LSD1
      expression via the GPR30/PI3K/AKT pathway in endometrial cancer cells. Both
      siGPR30 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 block this effect. RNAi-mediated
      silencing of LSD1 abolished estrogen-driven endometrial cancer cell (ECC)
      proliferation, and induced G1 cell arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, we find
      that LSD1 silencing results in PI3K/AKT signal inactivation, but without the
      elevation of PTEN expression as expected. This is because the inhibition of LSD1
      induces dimethylation of lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9m2) accumulation at the
      promoter region of cyclin D1. Interfering with cyclin D1 leads to PI3K/AKT signal
      suppression. Re-overexpression of cyclin D1 in LSD1-knockdown ECCs reverses the
      LSD1 inhibitory action. Our finding connects estrogen signaling with epigenetic
      regulation in EEC and provides novel experimental support for LSD1 as a potential
      target for endometrial cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 28098855
TI  - Regulation of EMT by STAT3 in gastrointestinal cancer (Review).
AB  - Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is characterized by its aggressiveness and tendency
      to metastasize at early stage. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), commonly
      known as the preparing step of metastasis, may account for the aggressive
      phenotype of GI cancer cells. The process of EMT is finely orchestrated by
      multiple layers of regulators. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
      (STAT3) is a transcription factor constitutively activated in diverse
      malignancies. Recent studies have suggested an involvement of STAT3 in GI cancer
      EMT. In this review, we first take an insight into the oncogenic functions of
      STAT3 in GI cancer, and then summarize the possible mechanisms by which STAT3
      regulates the EMT process. Through the extensive interactions with EMT-inducing
      transcription factors and non-coding RNAs, and crosstalk with other signaling
      pathways, STAT3 has been demonstrated to promote the mesenchymal and invasive
      phenotype of GI cancer, which provides rationales for specifically targeting
      STAT3 to prevent and reverse the progression of GI cancer.

PMID- 28098856
TI  - Anti-wrinkle effect of fermented black ginseng on human fibroblasts.
AB  - Fermented black ginseng (FBG) is processed by the repeated steaming and drying of
      fresh ginseng followed by fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is known
      to possess anti-oxidative effects. Skin wrinkle formation is associated with
      oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to
      determine whether FBG possesses anti-wrinkle activity using human fibroblasts
      (HS68). According to the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) guidelines
      for the evaluation of the efficacy of functional anti-wrinkle cosmetics, we
      attempted to elucidate the effects of FBG on type I procollagen, matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase
      2 (TIMP-2). In addition, the eye irritation potential of FBG was examined using
      the EpiOcular-EIT kit. Our results revealed that FBG was not cytotoxic at
      concentrations <10 ug/ml. It was considered as safe for the eyes at
      concentrations of up to 100 ug/ml. Treatment with FBG at concentrations from 0.3
      to 10 ug/ml significantly (P<0.05) increased the type I procollagen expression
      levels from 117.61+/-1.51 to 129.95+/-4.47% in the human fibroblasts. By
      contrast, FBG significantly (P<0.05) decreased the MMP-1 expression level from
      18.41+/-4.95 to 27.41+/-3.96%. FBG at 3 ug/ml also increased the expression of
      TIMP-2 up to 154.55%. However, FBG at 10 ug/ml decreased the expression levels of
      MMP-2 and MMP-9 to 45.15 and 66.65%, respectively. These results suggest that FBG
      has potential anti-wrinkle effects as a potential ingredient in cosmetics.

PMID- 28098857
TI  - Anticancer effects of ginsenoside Rg3 (Review).
AB  - Cancer is a life-threatening disease with an alarmingly increased annual
      mortality rate globally. Although various therapies are employed for cancer, the
      final effect is not satisfactory. Chemotherapy is currently the most commonly
      used treatment option. However, the unsatisfactory efficacy, severe side-effects
      and drug resistance hinder the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs.
      There is increasing evidence indicating that ginsenoside Rg3, a naturally
      occurring phytochemical, plays an important role in the prevention and treatment
      of cancer. The suggested mechanisms mainly include the induction of apoptosis,
      and the inhibition of proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis, as well as the
      promotion of immunity. In addition, ginsenoside Rg3 can be used as an adjuvant to
      conventional cancer therapies, improving the efficacy and/or reducing adverse
      effects via synergistic activities. Ginsenoside Rg3 may be a widely applied
      natural medicine against cancer. To date however, there is no systematic summary
      available of the anticancer effects of ginsenoside Rg3. Therefore, in this
      review, all available literature over the past 10 years was reviewed and
      discussed in order to facilitate further research of ginsenoside Rg3.

PMID- 28098858
TI  - miR-345 inhibits tumor metastasis and EMT by targeting IRF1-mediated
      mTOR/STAT3/AKT pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play critical roles in tumor progression
      including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, the underlying mechanisms need
      further investigation. Previous study reported that loss of miR-345 expression
      indicated a poor prognosis of HCC patients. This study evaluated whether loss of
      miR-345 could promote the tumor metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition
      (EMT) of HCC by targeting interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1)-mediated
      mTOR/STAT3/AKT signaling. Underexpression of miR-345 was identified in 65 cases
      of human HCC compared to matched tumor-adjacent tissues by qRT-PCR. Moreover, we
      found that reduced expression of mi-345 was observed in HCC cell lines. The
      restoration of miR-345 inhibited cell migration and invasion in HCCLM3 cells,
      while its loss facilitated the cell mobility of HepG2 cells. Furthermore, miR-345
      over-expression reduced lung metastases of HCC cells in nude mice. Notably, miR
      345 overexpression prohibited, while its knockdown enhanced the EMT process of
      HCC cell lines in vitro. Bioinformatics software predicted that IRF1 was a direct
      target of miR-345. We then observed the negative regulation of miR-345 on IRF1
      protein expression and the direct binding between them was further verified by
      dual-luciferase assays in HCC cells. In addition, over-expression of IRF1 mRNA
      was inversely correlated with the level of miR-345 in HCC specimens. Restoration
      of IRF1 resulted in promoted EMT and cell mobility in miR-345 overexpressing
      HCCLM3 cells. It was found that mTOR/STAT3/AKT pathway and its downstream targets
      including Slug, Snail and Twist may be involved in IRF1 mediated EMT process. In
      conclusion, miR-345 acts as an inhibitor of EMT process in HCC cells by targeting
      IRF1 and this study highlights the potential effects of miR-345 on prognosis and
      treatment of HCC.

PMID- 28098860
TI  - Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan protein is stimulated by interleukin 11 and
      promotes endometrial epithelial cancer cell proliferation and migration.
AB  - Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer. We identified
      interleukin 11 (IL11) as a critical mediator of endometrial tumourigenesis and
      demonstrated that IL11 regulates chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG4) in
      human placental trophoblasts. CSPG4 is a cell membrane protein overexpressed in
      numerous human cancers, although its role in endometrial cancer has not been
      investigated. We examined CSPG4 expression and localization in primary human type
      I endometrioid grade (G) 1-3 tumours by qPCR and immunohistochemistry and
      determined whether IL11 stimulated CSPG4. IL11 upregulated CSPG4 mRNA in HEC1A
      (G2-derived endometrial epithelial cancer cell line) cells. IL11 administration
      to BALB/c nude mice enhanced HEC1A xenograft tumour growth and increased CSPG4
      protein in tumours. CSPG4 mRNA was unchanged between human G1-3 endometrial
      cancer and control tissues. CSPG4 protein levels were elevated in the epithelium
      of G2 and G3 endometrial cancer and in the tumour-associated stroma of G3 tumour
      tissues compared to proliferative phase or post-menopausal endometrium. CSPG4
      knockdown by siRNA reduced HEC1A proliferation and migration in vitro and reduced
      gene expression of the key epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulator
      SNAIL. Our data suggest that CSPG4 inhibition may impair endometrial cancer
      progression by reducing cancer cell proliferation, migration and potentially EMT.

PMID- 28098859
TI  - DNA damage response defect in Williams-Beuren syndrome.
AB  - Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS, no. OMIM 194050) is a rare multisystem genetic
      disorder caused by a microdeletion on chromosome 7q11.23 and characterized by
      cardiovascular malformations, mental retardation, and a specific facial
      dysmorphism. Recently, we reported that a series of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs
      in children with WBS and thus hypothesized that a predisposition to cancer may be
      associated with this genetic disorder. The aim of the present study was to
      ascertain the role played by three genes hemizygously deleted in WBS (RFC2, GTF2I
      and BAZ1B) in DNA damage response pathways. Cell proliferation, cell cycle
      analysis, gamma-H2A.X induction, and expression of DNA damage response proteins
      were investigated upon exposure to genotoxic treatments in WBS patient-derived
      primary fibroblasts and in the 293T cell line treated with specific siRNAs
      targeting RFC2, GTF2I and BAZ1B. An impaired hydroxyurea-induced phosphorylation
      of CHK1 was observed in the WBS cells. However, this defective DNA damage
      response was not associated with an increased sensitivity to genotoxic agents. In
      addition, depletion of RFC2, GTF2I and BAZ1B using specific siRNAs did not have a
      significant impact on the DNA damage response in 293T cells. Our results
      highlight that the ATR-dependent DNA damage response is impaired in WBS patient
      cells but is also dispensable for viability when these cells undergo a genotoxic
      stress. The mechanism by which the ATR pathway is impaired in WBS warrants
      elucidation through further investigation.

PMID- 28098861
TI  - Triptolide inhibits viability and induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells through
      activation of the tumor suppressor gene p53.
AB  - The present study investigated the effect of triptolide on viability and
      apoptosis along with underlying mechanism in liver cancer cells. CCK-8 assay
      showed that triptolide treatment for 48 h significantly reduced the viability of
      HepG2 and QSG7701 cells at 50 uM concentration. Annexin V-FITC and propidium
      iodide staining showed that triptolide treatment of HepG2 cells at 50 uM
      concentrations induced apoptosis in 56.45% cells compared to only 2.36% cells in
      the control cultures. Western blot assay showed that treatment of HepG2 cells
      with 50 uM concentration of triptolide significantly induced phosphorylation of
      p53 in a 2 h-treatment. Phosphorylation of histone H2A.X indicator of DNA damage
      was induced by triptolide treatment after 12 h in HepG2 cells. The level of
      nuclear p53 in a 6 h-treatment with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 uM concentration of
      triptolide was found to be 15.3, 19.6, 28.5, 43.7, 63.8 and 91.5%, respectively.
      Treatment of HepG2 cells with triptolide at 50 uM concentration caused a
      significant increase in the binding potential of p53 to DNA. Triptolide treatment
      of HepG2 cells caused a significant increase in the expression of p21, Bax and
      DR5 genes in HepG2 cells. It also increased the expression of miR-34b and miR-34c
      in HepG2 cells markedly. Treatment of HepG2 cells with p53 inhibitor, pifithrin
      alpha prior to incubation with triptolide significantly prevented induction of
      cell apoptosis. Suppression of p53 expression by siRNA inhibited the expression
      of p53 as well as its target genes along with the prevention of apoptosis
      induction. In conclusion, triptolide inhibits viability and induces apoptosis in
      liver cancer cells through activation of the tumor suppressor gene p53. Thus,
      triptolide can be used for the treatment of liver cancer.

PMID- 28098862
TI  - Rhein suppresses matrix metalloproteinase production by regulating the
      Rac1/ROS/MAPK/AP-1 pathway in human ovarian carcinoma cells.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of calcium-dependent zinc
      containing endopeptidases, which play an integral role in migration and invasion
      of ovarian cancer. Rac1 proteins might mostly influence cell migration and
      invasion by generating endogenous reactive oxygen species. Therefore, inhibiting
      MMPs and regulating the Rac1/ROS/MAPK/AP-1 pathway may be a new therapeutic
      strategy for ovarian cancer. In this study, we found that rhein could suppress
      the invasion and migration of SKOV3-PM4 cells with characteristics of directional
      highly lymphatic metastasis. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which is a
      Rac1 activator, significantly enhanced the expression levels of MMP-2, -3, -9 and
      -19 proteins, whereas the results of rhein and Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 were just
      the opposite. The inhibitory effects of rhein were associated with the
      upregulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2 and NM23
      H1. Subsequent mechanism studies revealed that rhein reduce the production of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lower NADPH oxidase activity. Furthermore,
      rhein significantly inhibited JNK, AP-1 phosphorylation in the cells treated with
      PMA. The results obtained from the cells treated with NSC23766 alone or NSC23766
      combined with rhein, were consistent with rhein treatment alone. Taken together,
      these results indicate that rhein may be a potential inhibitor of Rac1 and can
      inhibit the migration and invasion of SKOV3-PM4 cells through modulating matrix
      metalloproteinases and RAC1/ROS/MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway-associated proteins.

PMID- 28098863
TI  - Effect and mechanism of resveratrol on drug resistance in human bladder cancer
      cells.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a significant barrier to the effective treatment of
      bladder cancer. In order to improve the management of bladder cancer, it is
      crucial to identify strategies that may reverse MDR. The effects of three herbal
      medicines, ginsenoside Rh2, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol
      (RES) on bladder cancer were determined. The effect of these three herbal
      medicines against the drug resistance in adriamycin (ADM)-resistant pumc-91 cells
      (pumc-91/ADM) was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 cell proliferation assay
      system. Cell cycle distribution analysis was performed using flow cytometry
      following treatment with RES. The mRNA and protein expression levels of multidrug
      resistance protein 1 (MRP1), lung resistance protein (LRP), glutathione S
      transferase (GST), B cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and topoisomerase-II (Topo
      II) were evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction and immunofluorescence, respectively. RES enhanced the cytotoxicity of
      anticancer agents on pumc-91/ADM cells; however, Rh2 and EGCG were unable to
      induce a similar effect. Additionally, RES treatment led to S phase cell cycle
      arrest accompanied by a decrease in the number of cells in the G1 phase. A
      significant decrease of MRP1, LRP, GST, BCL-2 levels and an increase of Topo-II
      levels were observed in RES groups compared with the control group. RES
      effectively reversed ADM resistance in pumc-91/ADM cells and the underlying
      molecular mechanism may be associated with the alteration of MRP1, LRP, GST, BCL
      2 and Topo-II expression levels. Therefore, RES may be a potential candidate for
      reversing drug resistance in bladder cancer chemotherapy.

PMID- 28098864
TI  - VICTOR: Vinflunine in advanced metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the
      urothelium: A retrospective analysis of the use of vinflunine in multi-centre
      real life setting as second line chemotherapy through Free of Charge Programme
      for patients in the UK and Ireland.
AB  - There is no standard of care in the UK or Ireland for second-line chemotherapy
      for patients with advanced transitional cell carcinoma (TCCU). Vinflunine is
      approved for TCCU patients who have failed a platinum-based regimen, and is
      standard of care in Europe but is not routinely available in the UK. Data were
      collected retrospectively on patients who received vinfluine as a second-line
      treatment. The aims were to document the toxicity and efficacy in a real life
      setting. Data were collected on 49 patients from 9 sites across the UK and
      Ireland [median age, 64 (IQR, 57-70) years, 33 males]. All patients had advanced
      metastatic TCCU. Thirteen patients had bone or liver metastases, 4 patients had
      PS 2 and 11 patients had HB <10. Median vinflunine administration was 3.5 cycles
      (range 1-18). Most common grade 3-4 toxicities were constipation (4 patients) and
      fatigue (3 patients). Partial response rate was 29% (14 PR, 11 SD, 19 PD, 4 NE, 1
      not available). Median OS was 9.1 (6.0, 12.7) months. Results are consistent with
      real life data from Europe. Toxicity is further reduced with prophylactic
      laxative and oral antibiotics. Vinflunine is an efficient and tolerable second
      line treatment in advanced TCCU.

PMID- 28098865
TI  - Endophytic fungi from mangrove inhibit lung cancer cell growth and angiogenesis
      in vitro.
AB  - The secondary metabolites of mangrove-derived endophytic fungi contain multiple
      substances with novel structures and biological activities. In the present study,
      three types of mangrove plants, namely Kandelia candel, Rhizophora stylosa and
      Rhizophoraceae from Zhanjiang region including the leaves, roots and stems were
      collected, and endophytic fungi were isolated, purified and identified from these
      mangrove plants. MTT assay was used to observe the effects of the isolated
      endophytic fungi on the growth of A549 and NCI-H460 lung cancer cells. The effect
      of the endophytic fungi on lung cancer angiogenesis in vitro induced by the HPV
      16 E7 oncoprotein was observed. Our results showed that 28 strains of endophytic
      fungi were isolated, purified and identified from the three types of mangrove
      plants. Ten strains of endophytic fungi significantly suppressed the growth of
      A549 and NCI-H460 cells. The average inhibitory rates in the A549 cells were
      64.4, 59.5, 81.9, 43.9, 58.3, 56.2, 48.3, 42.4, 93.0 and 49.7%, respectively. The
      average inhibitory rates in the NCI-H460 cells were 41.2, 49.3, 82.7, 40.7, 53.9,
      52.6, 56.8, 64.3, 91.0 and 45.6%, respectively. Particularly, three strains of
      endophytic fungi markedly inhibited HPV-16 E7 oncoprotein-induced lung cancer
      angiogenesis in vitro. These findings contribute to the further screening of
      potential chemotherapeutic agents from mangrove-derived endophytic fungi.

PMID- 28098867
TI  - [Retracted] Nuclear import of prototype foamy virus transactivator Bel1 is
      mediated by KPNA1, KPNA6 and KPNA7.
AB  - We would like to retract the article entitled "Nuclear import of prototype foamy
      virus transactivator Bel1 is mediated by KPNA1, KPNA6 and KPNA7" published in
      International Journal of Molecular Medicine 38: 339-406, 2016. The results
      presented in Fig. 6 have been demonstrated to be unreproducible, and we cannot
      provide an explanation for this. Furthermore, we have recently identified that
      the cell cultures used in our experiments were partly contaminated with
      Mycoplasma, which could have contributed to the irreproducibility of the results.
      In addition, we are currently in dispute with a colleague who has contributed
      towards this study, but does not wish to be included as a named author on the
      paper. We are therefore going to retract this article. All the authors
      unanimously agree to the retraction of this paper, and we deeply apologize to
      readers and editors for any inconvenience caused by this retraction. [the
      original article was published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      38: 399-406, 2016; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2635].

PMID- 28098866
TI  - In vitro long-term treatment with MAPK inhibitors induces melanoma cells with
      resistance plasticity to inhibitors while retaining sensitivity to CD8 T cells.
AB  - The development of BRAF V600 and MEK inhibitors constitutes a breakthrough in the
      treatment of patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma. However, although
      there is an increase in overall survival, these patients generally confront
      recurrence, and several resistance mechanisms have already been described. In the
      present study we describe a different resistance mechanism. After several weeks
      of long-term in vitro treatment of two different V600E BRAF-mutated melanoma cell
      lines with MARK inhibitors, PLX4032 and/or GDC-0973, the majority of the cells
      died whereas some remained viable and quiescent (SUR). Markedly, discontinuing
      treatment of SUR cells with MAPK inhibitors allowed the population to regrow and
      these cells retained drug sensitivity equal to that of the parental cells. SUR
      cells had increased expression levels of CD271 and ABCB5 and presented senescence
      associated characteristics. Notably, SUR cells were efficiently lysed by
      cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognizing MART-1 and gp100 melanoma differentiation
      antigens. We propose quiescent plasticity as a mechanism of resistance to BRAF
      and MEK inhibitors while retaining sensitivity to immune effectors.

PMID- 28098868
TI  - MicroRNA-187 promotes growth and metastasis of gastric cancer by inhibiting
      FOXA2.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an active role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. The
      expression and biological function for miR-187 in gastric cancer remains unknow.
      In the present study, we demonstrated that miR-187 expression was increased in
      gastric cancer (GC) tissues and cells. Increased expression level of miR-187 was
      associated with adverse clinical features including tumor size, lymph metastasis
      and TNM stage, and decreased overall survival and disease-free survival of GC
      patients. Functionally, overexpression miR-187 could promote while inhibition of
      miR-187 could suppress, the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells in
      vitro. In vivo experiments showed that overexpression of miR-187 promoted the
      growth and lung metastasis of SGC-7901 cells in nude mice. Mechanically, we
      confirmed that FOXA2 was the downstream target of miR-187 in GC cells using
      luciferase assay, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. Moreover, overexpression of
      FOXA2 abrogated the promoting effects of miR-187 overexpression on SGC-7901 cell
      proliferation, migration and invasion, while inhibition of FOXA2 reversed the
      inhibitory effects of miR-187 downregulation on these biological functions of AGS
      cells, suggesting that FOXA2 was a functional mediator of miR-187 in GC.
      Therefore, this study indicates that miR-187 is potentially a biomarker and
      treatment target for GC patients.

PMID- 28098869
TI  - Core-shell lipid polymer nanoparticles for combined chemo and gene therapy of
      childhood head and neck cancers.
AB  - Pediatric head and neck cancers account for overall 12% of all pediatric cancers.
      Despite recent advances in therapeutic modalities, children with tumor metastasis
      have poor prognosis. Therefore, there is an unmet need for new and effective
      treatment modalities for pediatric head and neck cancers. The present study
      describes a simple and efficient method for fabrication of cationic lipid-polymer
      hybrid nanoparticles (CLPNs) for co-delivery of cisplatin (CDDP) and DNA
      (CDDP/DNA CLPNs) for the therapy of childhood head and neck cancers. CDDP/DNA
      CLPNs were prepared by the modified double emulsion solvent evaporation method
      with self-assembly. CDDP-loaded CLPNs (CDDP CLPNs), CDDP-loaded polymeric
      nanoparticles (PNPs) (CDDP PNPs), and DNA-loaded Lipofectamine(r) 2000 (DNA LIPO)
      were also prepared for comparison. The results illustrated that the concentration
      of the cationic lipid has influence on the characteristics of CLPNs. In vitro
      anticancer effect, in vitro transfection efficiency, in vivo antitumor and gene
      delivery efficacy of CDDP/DNA CLPNs have advantages over other formulations
      tested. In conclusion, outstanding delivery ability of CLPNs for both CDDP and
      DNA could combine the therapeutic efficiency of both drug and gene for the
      treatment of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

PMID- 28098870
TI  - miR-148a increases the sensitivity to cisplatin by targeting Rab14 in renal
      cancer cells.
AB  - MicroRNA (miR) can exert various biological functions by targeting oncogenes or
      tumor suppressor genes in numerous human malignancies. Recent evidence has shown
      that miR-148a increases the drug sensitivity of various cancer cells. Herein, we
      show that ectopic expression of miR-148a induces apoptosis, reduces
      clonogenicity, and increases the sensitivity to TRAIL and cisplatin in renal
      cancer cells. The luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-148a negatively
      regulated ras-related protein 14 (Rab14) expression by binding to the miR-148a
      binding site in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of Rab14. Rab14-specific siRNA
      induced downregulation of Rab14 increases the sensitivity to cisplatin, while
      forced expression of Rab14 lacking 3'-UTR abrogated the pro-apoptotic function of
      miR-148a in renal cancer cells. These findings suggest that miR-148a acts as a
      tumor suppressor and holds great potential for renal cancer therapy by directly
      targeting Rab14.

PMID- 28098871
TI  - Lectin PCL inhibits the Warburg effect of PC3 cells by combining with EGFR and
      inhibiting HK2.
AB  - Prostatic carcinoma is the most aggressive tumor in adult men. Warburg effect is
      an important characteristic of tumor cell metabolism including prostate cancer
      cells, in which hexokinase 2 (HK2), a major rate-limiting enzyme involved in
      Warburg effect, is selectively upregulated. The lectin PCL is a mannose binding
      lectin which induces tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy. In the present study, we
      report that PCL could lower glucose consumption and lactate production, shift the
      Warburg effect by inhibiting the expression of HK2 in PC3 cells and the
      suppression of HK2 by siRNA reversed the effect of PCL on glucose consumption and
      lactate production. The expression of HK2 is closely related to epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) and downstream signaling pathway activation, therefore, we
      investigated the interaction of PCL with EGFR by western blot analysis and found
      that PCL could suppress the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) with EGFR
      and HK2 expression. Also, we explored the binding mechanism between the PCL and
      EGFR through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations and found that
      PCL bocked the active site of EGFR which is also the binding site of the nature
      ligand EGF, the resulting conformation has higher stability than EGF in complex
      with EGFR. The results indicated that PCL could competitively bind to EGFR
      binding pocket and then prevent EGF from binding to EGFR, blocking the
      autophosphorylation of the EGFR tyrosine kinase, after that the EGFR activation
      is inhibited. Collectively, our studies concluded that PCL inhibits tumor cell
      glycolysis by combining with EGFR and reducing HK2 expression.

PMID- 28098872
TI  - TRIM29 promotes progression of thyroid carcinoma via activating P13K/AKT
      signaling pathway.
AB  - Thyroid cancer (TC) is a common malignancy of the endocrine system. Abnormal
      expression of tripartite motif-containing 29 (TRIM29) has been reported to
      promote tumorigenesis and predict poor prognosis in several human malignancies.
      The aim of this study was to assess the involvement of TRIM29 in the significance
      and prognosis of TC. Fifty-six tumor samples and their clinicopathological para
      meters were obtained from TC patients; the expression level of TRIM29 was
      detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. TRIM29 expression was knocked down by
      small interfering RNA (siRNA) among TT, TPC-1, and K1 cells to investigate the
      biological role of TRIM29 in TC cells. The results showed that TRIM29 expression
      was significantly increased in TC tissue samples and cells compared to normal
      tissues and cells (P<0.01, respectively). Overexpression of TRIM29 was associated
      with TNM stage (P<0.01), extrathyroidal extension (P<0.01), lymph node metastasis
      (P<0.05), and distant metastasis (P<0.05). Furthermore, the overall survival and
      disease-free rates of patients with high TRIM29 expression were decreased
      significantly compared with those with low TRIM29 expression (P<0.01,
      respectively). Knockdown of TRIM29 obviously suppressed cell proliferation;
      enhanced chemosensitivity to cisplatin; inhibited cell invasion and migration;
      caused cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase by decreasing cyclin B1, cyclin D1 and
      CDK2, while increasing p21 and p27; and induced cell apoptosis by enhancing the
      activities of caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax, while decreased Bcl-2. Notably,
      decreased TRIM29 expression significantly inhibited the activation of P13K/AKT
      signaling pathway as well. Taken together, our findings suggested that TRIM29
      played a crucial role in the progression and malignancy of TC, and silencing of
      TRIM29 exerted its antitumor effect by blocking P13K/AKT signaling pathway. Thus,
      TRIM29 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of TC.

PMID- 28098873
TI  - TRIM37 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer.
AB  - There is substantial research on the oncogenic role of tripartite motif
      containing 37 (TRIM37); however, its importance in colorectal cancer (CRC)
      remains to be elucidated. The present study used reverse transcription
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blotting
      to detect the expression level of TRIM37 in CRC. The importance of TRIM37 in cell
      proliferation, invasion and metastasis of CRC were investigated through
      overexpressing or knocking-down of TRIM37 in CRC cell lines, to observe its
      function. The present study revealed that TRIM37 was overexpressed in human CRC
      tissues. High TRIM37 expression resulted in increased CRC proliferation,
      migration and invasion. Mechanistically, it was confirmed that TRIM37 enhanced
      invasion and metastasis of CRC via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway.
      In conclusion, the present study suggested that TRIM3 may contribute to CRC and
      act as a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

PMID- 28098874
TI  - MICA/IL-12: A novel bifunctional protein for killer cell activation.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to be effective killers of tumor
      cells. They are governed by inhibitory and activating receptors such as NKG2D,
      whose ligands are normally upregulated in cells that are stressed, like cancer
      cells. Advanced cancer cells, however, have ways to reduce the expression of
      these ligands, leaving them less detectable by NK cells. Along with these
      receptors, NK cells also require activating cytokines, such as IL-12. A previous
      study in our laboratory showed that a fusion protein of the extracellular domain
      of mouse UL-16 binding protein-like transcript 1 (MULT1E) and mouse interleukin
      12 (IL-12) can effectively activate mouse NK cells by in vitro assays and in vivo
      in animal tumor models. The aim of the present study was to expand the concept of
      developing a novel bifunctional fusion protein for enhanced NK cell activation to
      human killer cells. The proposed protein combines the extracellular domain of a
      human NKG2D ligand, MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA) and IL-12.
      It is hypothesized that when expressed by tumor cells, the protein will activate
      human NK and other killer cells using the NKG2D receptor, and deliver IL-12 to
      the NK cells where it can interact with the IL-12R and enhance cytotoxicity. The
      fusion protein, when expressed by engineered tumor cells, indeed activated NK92
      cells as measured by an increase in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production and
      an increase in cytotoxicity of tumor cells. The fusion protein was also able to
      increase the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
      and augment their production of IFN-gamma. This study along with the data from
      the previous mouse studies suggest that the MICA/IL-12 bifunctional fusion
      protein represents an effective activator of killer cells for cancer treatment.

PMID- 28098875
TI  - Exposure to TNF-alpha combined with TGF-beta induces carcinogenesis in vitro via
      NF-kappaB/Twist axis.
AB  - Persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection induces chronic inflammation
      resulting in human cervical cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying
      carcinogenesis via chronic inflammation remain largely unclear. We investigated
      the role of pro-inflammatory factors in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      and cancer stem cell-like (CSCL) characteristics of HeLa cells exposed to TNF
      alpha with or without TGF-beta. We then determined the role of NF-kappaB/Twist
      signal axis in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. We found that HeLa cells
      exposed to TNF-alpha following chronic treatment with TGF-beta exhibited EMT,
      self-renewal and high mobility. Knockdown of NF-kappaBp65 inhibited NF-kappaB and
      Twist1 expression, and EMT and CSCL properties of HeLa cells following co
      treatment with TNF-alpha and TGF-beta. Conversely, overexpression of NF-kappaBp65
      potentiated the above effects. However, knockdown or overexpression of Twist1 had
      no effect on NF-kappaBp65 expression, but inhibited or promoted EMT and CSCL
      features. Notably, overexpression of Twist1 rescued NF-kappaBp65 knockdown. Our
      results demonstrate the role of NF-kappaB/Twist signaling axis in which HeLa
      cells treated with TNF-alpha following chronic exposure to TGF-beta induce EMT
      and CSCL properties. The NF-kappaB/Twist signal axis may represent an effective
      therapeutic target in cervical cancer.

PMID- 28098876
TI  - BDNF regulates the expression and secretion of VEGF from osteoblasts via the
      TrkB/ERK1/2 signaling pathway during fracture healing.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotropic family, is
      expressed in osteoblast-like cells of a fracture callus, however, its role in
      fracture healing remains to be fully elucidated. Osteoblasts isolated from
      Sprague Dawley rats were stimulated by BDNF in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
      Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression and
      distribution of targeted proteins. The concentration of vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) released in medium was determined using an ELISA. PD98059
      and K252a were used to investigate the signaling pathways that may be involved.
      The present study demonstrated that BDNF was involved in fracture repair by
      controlling the expression and secretion of VEGF from osteoblasts, which
      predominantly drives angiogenesis during fracture healing. Tropomyosin-related
      kinase B (TrkB), the specific receptor of BDNF, was shown to be expressed at high
      levels in the osteoblasts. Following BDNF stimulation, TrkB and extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were rapidly activated. The inhibition of
      TrkB by K252a decreased the expression and secretion of VEGF, and suppressed the
      phosphorylation level of ERK1/2. PD98059, an antagonist of ERK1/2, elicited the
      same effects on VEGF from the BDNF-stimulated osteoblasts, however, it did not
      affect the phosphorylation of TrkB. In conclusion, during fracture healing, BDNF
      was found to stimulate the expression and secretion of VEGF from osteoblasts via
      the TrkB/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

PMID- 28098877
TI  - Differentiation of osteoblast-like cells and ectopic bone formation induced by
      bone marrow stem cells transfected with chitosan nanoparticles containing plasmid
      BMP2 sequences.
AB  - The present study investigated the efficiency of the use of chitosan
      nanoparticles containing plasmid-bone morphogenetic protein 2 (pBMP2) sequences
      (CNPBs) to induce the differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) into
      osteoblast-like cells that may be able to promote ectopic bone formation. pBMP2s
      were constructed, and chitosan nanoparticles were incubated with 50, 100 or 200
      ug/ml pBMP2. BMSCs were collected from the tibiae and femurs of 6-week old rats,
      cultured and treated with the CNPBs or 200 ug/ml pBMP2 as a positive control.
      Transfection efficiency was confirmed using the green fluorescent protein assay.
      Histological staining methods, including alkaline phosphatase, Wright's and von
      Kasso staining, were used to identify features of osteoblast-like cells
      differentiated from BMSCs. Expression levels of the markers of osteoblasts, such
      as alkaline phosphatase, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin and osteopontin, were
      determined to verify the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblast-like cells.
      Ectopic bone formation was observed following the integration of polyglycolic
      acid (PGA) scaffolds with CNPBs and BMSCs, which were implanted into the dorsal
      muscles of Sprague-Dawley rats. Exposure to CNPBs led to the transfection of
      BMSCs with BMP2. The transfected BMSCs possessed the characteristic phenotypes of
      osteoblasts. The expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, osteoprotegerin,
      osteocalcin and osteopontin were significantly higher in the transfected cells
      compared with the control group, particularly the CBP200 group. PGA scaffolds
      integrated with BMSCs and CNPBs induced ectopic bone formation, as changes in the
      morphology of cells were observed using histological staining. Therefore, CNPBs
      may be a promising method of promoting the formation of novel bone tissue.

PMID- 28098878
TI  - Early growth response 3 inhibits growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via
      upregulation of Fas ligand.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy with aggressive
      biological behavior and poor prognosis. Early growth response 3 (EGR3) is a zinc
      finger transcription factor, and has been studied primarily in the context of
      neurodevelopment, autoimmunity, inflammation and angiogenesis. Accumulating
      evidence indicates that EGR3 is a novel suppressor gene of tumor initiation and
      progression in certain cancer events, but little work has been carried out in
      exploring the relationship between EGR3 and HCC growth. The purpose of this study
      was to investigate the possible effects of EGR3 on cell proliferation and
      apoptosis in HCC, and determine the underlying mechanisms. Here, we observed that
      EGR3 expression was frequently downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines.
      Ectopic expression of EGR3 contributed to cell proliferation inhibition and
      apoptosis induction in HCC cells in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of Fas
      ligand (FasL) was significantly enhanced following upregulation of EGR3 in HCC
      cells, accompanied by an obvious increase of pro-apoptotic Bak and cell cycle
      inhibitor p21 expression. Based on nude mouse models, we demonstrated that
      ectopic expression of EGR3 markedly restricted tumor growth, and the expression
      of FasL was significantly increased in the xenograft tumor tissues which
      exhibited high EGR3 expression. We further established a co-transfection in HCC
      cells with EGR3 overexpression plasmid and FasL siRNA. We found that silencing of
      FasL gene impeded the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, as well as
      the increase of Bak and p21 expression, suggesting an essential role of FasL in
      EGR3-mediated growth suppression in HCC cells. Collectively, in conclusion, EGR3
      contributes to cell growth inhibition via upregulation of FasL in HCC.

PMID- 28098879
TI  - Cytokines, inducers and inhibitors modulate MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion by human
      Fanconi anemia immortalized fibroblasts.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukemia and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are the major
      causes of mortality and morbidity in Fanconi anemia (FA) patients. Matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, have been implicated in
      tumor invasion and metastasis. Various cytokines, mitogens, growth factors,
      inducers and inhibitors control MMP activities. We investigated the roles of
      these in the regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human immortalized fibroblasts from
      FA. Human FA immortalized fibroblast cell lines FA-A:PD220 and FA-D2:PD20 were
      grown in minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum
      (FBS) and antibiotics in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the
      cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and incubated in serum
      free media with the following: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) at 10-100
      ng/ml; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)
      at 0.1-25 ng/ml; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 10-100 ug/ml; epigallocatechin
      gallate (EGCG) and doxycycline (Dox) at 10-100 uM without and with PMA; a
      nutrient mixture (NM) without and with PMA at 10-1,000 ug/ml; actinomycin-D and
      cyclohexamide at 2 and 4 uM; retinoic acid and dexamethasone at 50 uM. After 24
      h, media were removed and analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography. Both FA
      cell lines expressed only MMP-2 and responded similarly to cytokines, mitogens,
      inducers and inhibitors. PMA potently stimulated MMP-9 and had a moderate effect
      on MMP-2. TNF-alpha showed variable effects on MMP-2 and significantly enhanced
      MMP-9. IL-1beta enhanced MMP-2 slightly and MMP-9 significantly. LPS had a
      moderate stimulatory effect on MMP-2 and no effect on MMP-9. EGCG, Dox and NM,
      without and with PMA, downregulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Actinomycin-D,
      retinoic acid and dexamethasone also had inhibitory effects on MMP-2. Our results
      showed that cytokines, mitogens and inhibitors modulated FA fibroblast MMP-2 and
      MMP-9 expression, suggesting the clinical use of MMP inhibitors, particularly
      such potent and non-toxic ones as the NM and its component EGCG in the management
      of FA cancers.

PMID- 28098881
TI  - Overexpression of GRP75 inhibits inflammation in a rat model of intracerebral
      hemorrhage.
AB  - Glucose-regulated protein 75 (GRP75) is a member of the heat shock protein 70
      family and previous studies have demonstrated that GRP75 is involved in diseases
      of the central nervous system. However, the biological function of GRP75 in
      intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains to be clarified. Thus, the aim of the
      present study was to evaluate the effects of GRP75 in a rat model of ICH. Western
      blotting was used to detect the protein expression of GRP75, active caspase-3,
      Bax, Bcl-2, p-Akt and Akt in brain tissues following ICH. The levels of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-1beta were evaluated using
      ELISA assay. Expression of GRP75 mRNA and protein was demonstrated to be reduced
      in the brain tissues of rats with ICH compared with sham-operated rats. In
      addition, overexpression of GRP75 in brain tissues with ICH significantly
      inhibited the production of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and
      increased Bcl-2/decreased Bax levels compared with ICH alone. Furthermore,
      overexpression of GRP75 in brain tissues with ICH resulted in significantly
      increased phosphorylation of Akt compared with ICH alone. Therefore, the present
      study demonstrated, for the first time to the best of our knowledge,
      significantly reduced GRP75 expression in brain tissues following ICH, and that
      overexpression of GRP75 inhibits inflammation and potentially inhibits neuronal
      apoptosis in a rat model of ICH. GRP75 may, therefore, represent a promising
      target in the treatment of ICH.

PMID- 28098880
TI  - The role of gap junctions in inflammatory and neoplastic disorders (Review).
AB  - Gap junctions are intercellular channels made of connexin proteins, mediating
      both electrical and biochemical signals between cells. The ability of gap
      junction proteins to regulate immune responses, cell proliferation, migration,
      apoptosis and carcinogenesis makes them attractive therapeutic targets for
      treating inflammatory and neoplastic disorders in different organ systems.
      Alterations in gap junction profile and expression levels are observed in
      hyperproliferative skin disorders, lymphatic vessel diseases, inflammatory lung
      diseases, liver injury and neoplastic disorders. It is now recognized that the
      therapeutic effects mediated by traditional pharmacological agents are dependent
      upon gap junction communication and may even act by influencing gap junction
      expression or function. Novel strategies for modulating the function or
      expression of connexins, such as the use of synthetic mimetic peptides and siRNA
      technology are considered.

PMID- 28098882
TI  - Downregulation of microRNA-34b is responsible for the elevation of blood pressure
      in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - The present study aimed to identify the microRNA (miRNA) responsible for the
      development of primary hypertension, and examine the downstream signaling
      pathway, which mediates the effect of the miRNA. Reverse transcription
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to identify which
      miRNA may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In silico analysis and
      a luciferase assay were used to validate the target of the selected miRNA, and
      miRNA mimics and small interfering (si)RNA of the target were transfected into
      smooth muscle cells to examine its effect on the biological activity of the
      cells. miR-34b was found to be upregulated in spontaneously hypertensive rats
      (SHRs), compared with Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Therefore, the present study used
      online miRNA target prediction tools to predict the candidate target genes of miR
      34b in the database, and consequently identified cyclin G1 (CCNG1) and cyclin
      dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) as its possible target genes. CDK6 subsequently
      identified to be the direct target gene of miR-34b using a luciferase reporter
      assay in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The present study also established
      the possible negative regulatory association between miR-34b and CDK6 via
      investigating the mRNA and protein expression levels of CDK6 and CCNG1 in VSMCs
      collected from the SHRs and WKY rats, respectively. To investigate the signaling
      pathways between miR-34b and CDK6, the mRNA and protein expression levels of
      CDK6, and the proliferation rates were compared in VSMCs transfected with CDK6
      siRNA or miR-34b mimics, the results of which indicated that the miR-34b mimics
      exerted the same effects on the expression of CDK6 and cell proliferation as CDK6
      siRNA. The negative regulatory association between miR-34b and its target, CDK6,
      was confirmed, which may offer potential as a novel therapeutic target in the
      treatment of hypertension.

PMID- 28098883
TI  - Developmental expression of Toll-like receptors in the guinea pig lung.
AB  - The guinea pig is a useful model for investigating infectious and non-infectious
      lung diseases due to the sensitivity of its respiratory system and susceptibility
      to infectious agents. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important components of the
      innate immune response and are critical for lung immune function. In the present
      study, the differentiation of epithelial cells in the guinea pig lung was
      examined during gestation by studying anatomic morphology and the major
      epithelial cell types using cell type-specific markers. The developmental
      expression of all 9 TLRs and the TLR signaling adaptors myeloid differentiation
      factor 88 (MyD88) and tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF-6)
      were investigated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      and western blotting analysis. The formation of lung lobes in guinea pigs was
      observed at 45 days of gestation (dGA), along with the expression of the basal
      cell marker keratin 14 and the alveolar type II cell marker pro-surfactant
      protein. However, the cube cell marker secretoglobin family1A member 1 and
      ciliated cell marker b-tubulin IV were only detected in the lungs from 52 dGA
      onward. The expression levels of all TLRs, MyD88 and TRAF-6 were determined in
      lung tissues harvested from embryos, newborn, postnatal and adult animals. The
      expression levels of all TLR signaling components displayed similar dynamic
      expression patterns with gestation age and postnatal maturation time, except for
      TLR-4 and TLR-7. mRNA expression levels of TLR components were significantly
      increased in the lungs at 45 and 52 dGA, compared with later developmental
      stages. These results suggest that TLR expression in the guinea pig lung is
      developmentally regulated, enhancing the understanding of lung biology in guinea
      pig models.

PMID- 28098885
TI  - Carboxamide analog ITR-284 evokes apoptosis and inhibits migration ability in
      human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.
AB  - Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer and found in both
      smokers and non-smokers, but the treatment of lung cancer is limited. ITR-284 has
      been shown to be a potent carboxamide-derived anticancer agent and to induce
      apoptosis in leukemia and colon cancer cells. However, little is known whether
      ITR-284 has anticancer activity in human lung adenocarcinoma cells through
      induction of apoptosis and suppression of migration in vitro. We showed that ITR
      284 inhibited human lung cancer A549 cells using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium
      bromide (MTT) assay and evoked apoptosis via the cell cycle distribution at S
      phase arrest. After treatment with 20 nM ITR-284 for 24 h, apoptotic cells were
      induced and detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The production of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) was dose-dependently increased in A549 cells caused by ITR
      284. The results from immunoblotting analysis showed an elevation of protein
      levels of p53 and phosphorylation of p53 in A549 cells prior to ITR-284 exposure.
      Additionally, apoptosis-associated proteins such as Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and
      cleaved PARP were upregulated after ITR-284 treatment. By wound healing assay,
      low concentrations (1-5 nM) of ITR-284 exerted a greater effect on inhibition of
      A549 cell migration. The protein levels of E-cadherin and vimentin, which are the
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, were modulated in ITR-284
      treated cells assessed by western blot analysis. Taken together, our data suggest
      that ITR-284 may be an effective anticancer agent for treating lung
      adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 28098884
TI  - Renin-angiotensin system activation accelerates atherosclerosis in experimental
      renal failure by promoting endoplasmic reticulum stress-related inflammation.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the association between the renin-angiotensin
      system (RAS), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and atherosclerosis (AS) in
      uremic apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-/-) mice. Mild uremia was induced by a 5/6
      nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) in 10-week-old apoE-/- mice. Four weeks after nephrectomy,
      the mice received losartan or no treatment for 16 weeks. Sham-operated mice
      served as the controls. We found that uremia accelerated AS at the aortic root.
      The activation of ER stress and the significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines and chemokines were observed in the uremic mice. Phosphorylated
      inositol-requiring 1alpha (p-IRE1alpha), an ER stress marker protein, was mainly
      expressed in macrophages in the atherosclerotic lesions. Treatment with losartan
      significantly attenuated aortic AS, inhibited ER stress and reduced aortic
      inflammation. In in vitro experiments, angiotensin II (Ang II) increased the
      levels of the common ER stress maker, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and
      the phosphorylation of IRE1alpha in RAW264.7 macrophages. Treatment with losartan
      inhibited the activation of ER stress and the upregulation of GRP78, and enhanced
      the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor (IkappaB) in Ang II
      stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. IRE1alpha-siRNA suppressed inflammation and
      downregulated IkappaB expression and IkappaB kinase (IKK) phosphorylation, which
      inhibited IkappaB degradation and NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation in Ang II
      treated RAW264.7 macrophages. These findings suggest that RAS activation
      accelerates AS by promoting ER stress-related inflammation in uremic mice.

PMID- 28098886
TI  - Novel zinc phthalocyanine as a promising photosensitizer for photodynamic
      treatment of esophageal cancer.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gathered much attention in the field of cancer
      treatment and is increasingly used as an alternative solution for esophageal
      cancer therapy. However, there is a constant need for improving the effectiveness
      and tolerability of the applied photosensitizers (PS). Here, we propose tetra
      triethyleneoxysulfonyl substituted zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) as a promising PS
      for photodynamic treatment of esophageal cancer. ZnPc-induced phototoxicity was
      studied in two human esophageal cancer cell lines: OE-33 (adenocarcinoma) and
      Kyse-140 (squamous cell carcinoma). In vitro studies focused on the uptake and
      intracellular distribution of the novel ZnPc as well as on its growth inhibitory
      potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and the induction of
      apoptosis. The chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM assay) and studies on
      native Wistar rats were employed to determine the antineoplastic and
      antiangiogenic activity of ZnPc-PDT as well as the tolerability and safety of non
      photoactivated ZnPc in vivo. ZnPc was taken up by cancer cells in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner and showed a homogeneous cytoplasmic distribution.
      Photoactivation of ZnPc-loaded (1-10 uM) cells led to a dose-dependent growth
      inhibition of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cells of
      >90%. The antiproliferative effect was based on ROS-induced cytotoxicity and the
      induction of mitochondria-driven apoptosis. In vivo studies on esophageal tumor
      plaques grown on the CAM revealed pronounced antiangiogenic and antineoplastic
      effects. ZnPc-PDT caused long-lasting changes in the vascular architecture and a
      marked reduction of tumor feeding blood vessels. Animal studies confirmed the
      good tolerability and systemic safety of ZnPc, as no changes in immunological,
      behavioral and organic parameters could be detected upon treatment with the non
      photoactivated ZnPc. Our findings show the extraordinary photoactive potential of
      the novel ZnPc as a photosensitizer for PDT of esophageal cancer.

PMID- 28098887
TI  - miRNA-375 regulates the cell survival and apoptosis of human non-small cell
      carcinoma by targeting HER2.
AB  - micro (mi)-RNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene
      expression by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of mRNA, which may lead to
      mRNA degradation or transcription regulation. Previous studies indicated that
      miRNAs are important for the pathogenesis of human cancer. miR-375 has been
      implicated in various tumor types; however, the biological activity in human non
      small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells remains to be fully elucidated. The
      purpose of the present study was to investigate the biological importance of miR
      375 in human NSCLC cells. The expression of miRNAs and mRNA was determined using
      reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation
      was analyzed using a Cell Counting kit-8 assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed using
      a fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay. The migration and invasion abilities
      of cells were evaluated using an in vivo mouse model. Dual-luciferase assay and
      western blotting were used to determine the potential target of miR-375. The
      results indicated that the expression of miR-375 in human NSCLC cells was
      significantly downregulated and induction of miR-375 may inhibit the
      proliferation of human NSCLC cells by inducing apoptosis. An animal model was
      used to determine that the upregulation of miR-375 inhibited the migration and
      invasion of A549 human NSCLC cells in vivo. It was also determined that human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) was a direct target gene of miR-375
      and induction of miR-375 may reduce the expression of HER-2 in human NSCLC cells.
      These findings suggested that miR-375 may act as a potential therapeutic target
      for human NSCLC cancer in the future.

PMID- 28098888
TI  - hCLOCK induction by hypoxia promotes inflammatory responses by activating the NF
      kappaB pathway.
AB  - The expression and secretion of infla-mmation-associated cytokines are induced by
      hypoxia. Circadian locomotor output cycles protein kaput (CLOCK) has previously
      been shown to activate the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway, which is a
      key transcription factor during hypoxia. The present study evaluated the role of
      the NF-kappaB pathway in the CLOCK-induced inflammatory response. Under hypoxic
      conditions, the expression levels of NF-kappaB and proinflammatory cytokines,
      including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-1beta, IL-6, intercellular adhesion molecule 1,
      cyclooxygenase 2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, were significantly increased
      compared with under control conditions. Conversely, human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs) that were transfected with small hairpin RNA against
      human CLOCK exhibited reversed effects. Furthermore, inhibition of NF-kappaB with
      pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) reduced the expression of proinflammatory
      cytokines in HUVECs treated under hypoxic conditions. In addition, the CLOCK
      induced inflammatory response was abolished with PDTC treatment. These findings
      suggest that the mechanism by which CLOCK induces inflammation mainly involves
      activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

PMID- 28098889
TI  - IsomiR expression patterns in canonical and Dicer-independent microRNAs.
AB  - Multiple microRNA (miRNA) variants, known as isomiRs, are extensively distributed
      in miRNA loci and predominantly derive from the alternative cleavage of
      Drosha/Dicer and 3'addition events. The present study aimed to investigate the
      expression patterns of multiple isomiRs in typical miRNA and Dicer-independent
      miRNA loci by conducting evolutionary and expression analysis using public
      datasets. Although different miRNA maturation processes exist, multiple isomiRs
      can be detected by similar expression distributions. However, isomiR expression
      in Dicer-independent miRNA loci tends to be at a moderate level, particularly for
      random distribution in the ends that are split by Dicer in the typical miRNA
      loci. Compared with the mature miRNA locus (dominant miRNA locus), the non
      dominant miRNA locus indicates an expression distribution similar to that of the
      Dicer-independent miRNA locus. These results increase the understanding of
      multiple isomiRs in the progression of diseases.

PMID- 28098890
TI  - Characterization of the microRNA profile in early-stage cervical squamous cell
      carcinoma by next-generation sequencing.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is histologically the most prominent type of
      cervical cancer. There is accumulating evidence suggesting that microRNAs
      (miRNAs) play important regulatory roles in the biological processes of cervical
      squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Deciphering the miRNA regulatory network in CSCC
      could deepen our understanding at the molecular level of CSCC initiation and
      progression. In the present study, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS)
      to profile miRNA expression in 3 pairs of early-stage CSCC samples. Quantitative
      real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify primary findings
      in another 20 pairs of CSCC samples. We identified 37 known miRNAs that exhibited
      significant alterations in expression (2-fold change or greater), among which 8
      miRNAs were upregulated and 29 miRNAs were downregulated. Nine of these miRNAs
      were selected for further qRT-PCR validation. A novel miRNA candidate was also
      reported for the first time in the present study to be upregulated. The Gene
      Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway
      enrichment analysis revealed that its target genes were involved in MAPK, calcium
      and adherent junction signaling pathways. The present study systematically
      characterized the miRNA expression variation in early-stage CSCC and provides
      novel biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment as well as an opportunity for
      further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and
      development of CSCC.

PMID- 28098891
TI  - NHE1 is upregulated in gastric cancer and regulates gastric cancer cell
      proliferation, migration and invasion.
AB  - Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) is known to play a key role in regulating
      intracellular pH and osmotic homeostasis and is involved in the development and
      progression of several types of cancer. However, the function and specific
      mechanism of NHE1 in gastric cancer (GC) are not clearly understood. In the
      present study, we report that NHE1 is overexpressed in tissues and cell lines
      from GC patients, and knockdown or inhibition of NHE1 suppressed GC cell
      proliferation via regulation of G1/S and G2/M cell cycle phase transitions,
      concomitant with a marked decrease in positive cell cycle regulators, including
      cyclin D1 and cyclin B1. Likewise, NHE1 was required for GC cell migration and
      invasion through the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      proteins, and NHE1 inhibition resulted in an acidic intracellular environment,
      providing possible mechanisms underlying NHE1-mediated GC progression both in
      vitro and in vivo. These data highlight the important role of NHE1 in GC
      progression and suggest that NHE1 may be a useful target for GC therapy.

PMID- 28098892
TI  - Metabolomics study on primary dysmenorrhea patients during the luteal regression
      stage based on ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole
      time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological disorder which, while not
      life-threatening, severely affects the quality of life of women. Most patients
      with PD suffer ovarian hormone imbalances caused by uterine contraction, which
      results in dysmenorrhea. PD patients may also suffer from increases in estrogen
      levels caused by increased levels of prostaglandin synthesis and release during
      luteal regression and early menstruation. Although PD pathogenesis has been
      previously reported on, these studies only examined the menstrual period and
      neglected the importance of the luteal regression stage. Therefore, the present
      study used urine metabolomics to examine changes in endogenous substances and
      detect urine biomarkers for PD during luteal regression. Ultra performance liquid
      chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used
      to create metabolomic profiles for 36 patients with PD and 27 healthy controls.
      Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminate analysis were
      used to investigate the metabolic alterations associated with PD. Ten biomarkers
      for PD were identified, including ornithine, dihydrocortisol, histidine,
      citrulline, sphinganine, phytosphingosine, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone,
      androstenedione, and 15-keto-prostaglandin F2alpha. The specificity and
      sensitivity of these biomarkers was assessed based on the area under the curve of
      receiver operator characteristic curves, which can be used to distinguish
      patients with PD from healthy controls. These results provide novel targets for
      the treatment of PD.

PMID- 28098894
TI  - 17beta-Estradiol treatment drives Sp1 to upregulate MALAT-1 expression and
      epigenetically affects physiological processes in U2OS cells.
AB  - Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor characterized by high risk of
      metastasis, thus presents with an overall survival rate of 60%, despite the use
      of chemotherapy and surgery. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript
      1 (MALAT-1) has been reported to upregulated and epigenetically regulate the
      metastasis in osteosarcoma; however, the regulatory mechanisms of MALAT-1
      expression remain unclear. In the current study, significant upregulation of
      MALAT-1 was observed subsequent to exposure to low concentrations of 17beta
      estradiol (E2) in U2OS cells. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, E2
      activated estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) was identified to promote the binding
      of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) to the MALAT-1 promoter. Electrophoretic mobility
      shift assay and immunoprecipitation results demonstrate that ERalpha binds
      indirectly to the MALAT-1 promoter by binding directly to Sp1 protein. Notably,
      without E2 stimulation, overexpressed ERalpha results in no significant promotion
      of the Sp1/MALAT-1 promoter, indicating that the translocation of ERalpha to
      nuclei stimulated by E2 is necessary. The immunofluorescence assay confirmed that
      E2 stimulation promotes the translocation of Sp1 to the nuclei in an ERalpha
      dependent manner. Subsequently, the effects of E2 on osteosarcoma physiological
      processes were further analyzed. Consistently, E2 treatment was observed to
      promote proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in U2OS cells.
      Taken together, the results indicate a role for E2 in regulating the
      physiological processes of osteosarcoma cells by regulating MALAT-1 expression
      levels.

PMID- 28098893
TI  - Systematic analysis of microarray datasets to identify Parkinson's disease
      associated pathways and genes.
AB  - In order to investigate commonly disturbed genes and pathways in various brain
      regions of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), microarray datasets from
      previous studies were collected and systematically analyzed. Different
      normalization methods were applied to microarray datasets from different
      platforms. A strategy combining gene co-expression networks and clinical
      information was adopted, using weighted gene co-expression network analysis
      (WGCNA) to screen for commonly disturbed genes in different brain regions of
      patients with PD. Functional enrichment analysis of commonly disturbed genes was
      performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated
      Discovery (DAVID). Co-pathway relationships were identified with Pearson's
      correlation coefficient tests and a hypergeometric distribution-based test.
      Common genes in pathway pairs were selected out and regarded as risk genes. A
      total of 17 microarray datasets from 7 platforms were retained for further
      analysis. Five gene coexpression modules were identified, containing 9,745, 736,
      233, 101 and 93 genes, respectively. One module was significantly correlated with
      PD samples and thus the 736 genes it contained were considered to be candidate PD
      associated genes. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these genes
      were implicated in oxidative phosphorylation and PD. A total of 44 pathway pairs
      and 52 risk genes were revealed, and a risk gene pathway relationship network was
      constructed. Eight modules were identified and were revealed to be associated
      with PD, cancers and metabolism. A number of disturbed pathways and risk genes
      were unveiled in PD, and these findings may help advance understanding of PD
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 28098895
TI  - MicroRNA-133b is regulated by TAp63 while no gene mutation is present in
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - Downregulation of miR-133b has been reported in multiple types of malignancies
      including colorectal cancer (CRC). We previously confirmed that TAp63 actively
      translates microRNA-133b (miR-133b) transcripts. While the presence of miRNA
      mutations have frequently been described in CRC, most CRCs do not show any
      variation in the miR-133b coding sequence. Therefore, it is important to
      elucidate the relationship between TAp63 and miR-133b, and identify other
      mediators of miR-133b downregulation in CRC. The expression of TAp63 was detected
      by RT-qPCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and densitometric
      analysis using Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software in 38 CRC and corresponding non
      cancerous tissues (NCTs). The expression of mature miR-133b was determined by RT
      qPCR, in situ hybridization (ISH) and densitometric analysis using Image-Pro Plus
      6.0 software. The DNA from 38 CRC tissues and NCTs were screened for miR-133b
      mutations through sequence analysis. Compared with the NCTs, TAp63 mRNA
      expression was significantly lower in 21 (55.27%) tumor tissues. Compared with
      the NCTs, the miR-133b expression level was significantly lower in 31 (81.58%)
      tumor tissues. The expression of miR-133b was found to be positively correlated
      with TAp63. Loss of TAp63 and miR-133b was associated with an increased
      likelihood of metastatic events. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of TAp63 for
      CRC was 0.623 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.497-0.748; P=0.046], with 73.7%
      sensitivity and 50% specificity, respectively. The AUC of miR-133b for CRC was
      0.857 (95% CI, 0.774-0.940; P<0.0001), with 78.9% sensitivity and 81.6%
      specificity, respectively. The combined AUC of TAp63 and miR-133b for CRC was
      0.881 (95% CI, 0.805-0.956; P<0.0001), with 89.5% sensitivity and 71.1%
      specificity, respectively. Point mutations within the seed region of miR-133b
      were found in 1 patient, but the point mutation did not impact the secondary
      structure of the pre-miR-133b. Therefore, downregulation of TAp63 may be one
      reason for the dysregulation of miR-133b in CRC. The expression analysis of TAp63
      and miR-133b revealed that they may be used as valuable prognostic biomarkers for
      CRC.

PMID- 28098896
TI  - MicroRNA-194 represses glioma cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by
      targeting Bmi1.
AB  - MicroRNA-194 (miR-194) is frequently dysregulated in many types of cancer.
      However, the function of miR-194 in glioma remains unknown. In the present study,
      we aimed to investigate the biological functions of miR-194 in glioma and the
      potential molecular mechanism of miR-194 involved in glioma progression. We found
      that miR-194 expression was significantly reduced in glioma specimens and cell
      lines, as detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)
      analysis. The overexpression of miR-194 inhibited while the suppression of miR
      194 promoted cell migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      in glioma cells. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the B cell-specific moloney
      murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 (Bmi1) was a direct target of miR-194,
      which was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR and western blot
      analysis. The restoration of Bmi1 expression significantly abrogated the
      suppressive effect of miR-194 on glioma cell EMT. Taken together, the present
      study suggests that miR-194 inhibits glioma cell EMT by targeting Bmi1 providing
      novel insights into understanding the pathogenesis of glioma. The restoration of
      miR-194 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for glioma treatment.

PMID- 28098897
TI  - Overexpression of ARF1 is associated with cell proliferation and migration
      through PI3K signal pathway in ovarian cancer.
AB  - ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) is a small G protein that regulates many
      cellular processes such as reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and is highly
      expressed in various tumor cells and tissues. However, the role of ARF1 in
      ovarian cancer progression remains unknown. In the present study, we explored the
      expression patterns of ARF1 in clinical ovarian cancer samples and adjacent
      noncancerous tissues. The results revealed that ARF1 overexpressed in EOC tissues
      and cell lines, compared with the adjacent non-tumorous tissues and normal
      ovarian cells. In addition, the immunoreactivity of ARF1 was positively
      correlated with EOC grade and Ki-67 expression. Knockdown of ARF1 expression
      notably inhibited cell proliferation and migration rate of EOC cells by the
      auxiliary of PI3K. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the
      functional role of ARF1 on EOC cell growth and migration and it may serve as a
      diagnostic and therapeutic target.

PMID- 28098898
TI  - A hepatic stem cell vaccine is superior to an embryonic stem cell vaccine in the
      prophylaxis and treatment of murine hepatocarcinoma.
AB  - Stem cells and cancer cells express a common subset of antigens called oncofetal
      antigens. Theoretically, vaccination with stem cells is effective at boosting the
      preexisting anticancer immune response. Herein we describe the efficacy of two
      stem cell-based vaccines in the prophylaxis and treatment of subcutaneous hepatic
      tumors transplanted into mice. C57BL/6j mice were vaccinated weekly with either
      hepatic stem cells (HSCs) or embryonic stem cells (ESCs) for three weeks,
      followed by a subcutaneous challenge with Hepa 1-6 cells at one week (group 1) or
      four weeks (group 2) after vaccination. No tumor formation was observed in HSC
      vaccinated mice when challenged within one week after vaccination (group 1), but
      tumors formed in 10% of mice in the ESC-vaccinated group and in 60% of mice in
      the unvaccinated group. When the long-term memory response was examined (group
      2), only 10% of HSC-vaccinated mice and 20% of ESC-vaccinated mice developed
      macroscopic hepatocarcinomas compared to 60% of the unvaccinated mice. Besides
      their function as prophylactic vaccines, administration of either HSC or ESC
      could be a potential treatment for cancer. In mice with subcutaneous
      hepatocarcinomas, complete clearance of tumor burden was observed in 80% of mice
      receiving HSC vaccination, but 40% of ESC-vaccinated mice presented with tumors
      that did not increase in size over time. These data support that HSC is a
      superior vaccine candidate for durable antitumor protection in this
      hepatocarcinoma model.

PMID- 28098899
TI  - Analysis of gene expression profiles of non-small cell lung cancer at different
      stages reveals significantly altered biological functions and candidate genes.
AB  - We attempt to dissect the pathology of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      patients at different stages and discover the novel candidate genes. Microarray
      data (GSE21933) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The
      differential expression profiles of lung tumor tissues during different stages
      were analyzed. The significantly altered functions and pathways were assessed and
      the key nodes in a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were screened out.
      Then, the coexpression gene pairs and tumor-related genes were assessed. RT-PCR
      analysis was performed to validate the candidate gene, natural killer-tumor
      recognition sequence (NKTR). The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs)
      for stage IB, IIB, IIIA and IV tumors were 499, 602, 592 and 457, respectively.
      Most of the DEGs were NSCLC-related genes identified through literature research.
      A few genes were commonly downregulated in all the 4 stages of tumors, such as
      CNTN6 and LBX2. The DEGs in early-stage tumors were closely related with the
      negative regulation of signal transduction, the apoptosis pathway and the p53
      signaling pathway. DEGs in late-stage tumors were significantly enriched in
      transcription, response to organic substances and synapse regulation-related
      biological processes. A total of 16 genes (including NKTR) made up the
      significant coexpression network. NKTR was a key node in the PPI network and was
      significantly upregulated in lung cancer cells. The mechanism of NSCLC
      progression in different tumor stages may be different. NKTR may be the target
      candidate for NSCLC prevention and treatment.

PMID- 28098900
TI  - Endothelial microparticles activate endothelial cells to facilitate the
      inflammatory response.
AB  - Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and endothelial cells (ECs) are involved in the
      pathophysiological mechanisms of sepsis and septic shock. EMPs are small vesicles
      released by ECs and are considered biomarkers for endothelial cell function and
      mediators for intercellular information exchange. However, the effect of EMPs on
      their parental ECs remains unknown. The present study collected tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha-derived EMPs and detected the proinflammatory cytokines released
      from unstimulated and EMP-stimulated ECs by proteome profiler array. This
      revealed that EMPs induce an inflammatory response in ECs. Within this response,
      interferon gamma-induced protein 10 was revealed by ELISA to be associated with
      the activity of EMPs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. It was hypothesized
      that the possible mechanism underlying this phenomenon was nuclear factor-kappaB.
      This was demonstrated to be crucial for the expression of IP-10 in EMP-stimulated
      ECs and the function of EMPs by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. The
      present study enhances understanding of the involvement of EMPs and ECs in sepsis
      and will assist with the early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.

PMID- 28098901
TI  - Effect of evodiamine and berberine on the interaction between DNMTs and target
      microRNAs during malignant transformation of the colon by TGF-beta1.
AB  - The tissue microenvironment functions as a crucial player in carcinogenesis, and
      transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) within the microenvironment
      stimulates the formation of neoplasms. Using an in vitro model of malignancy
      induced by TGF-beta1, we assessed the effect of evodiamine and berberine on the
      interaction between DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and target microRNAs (miRNAs)
      in the model. Colon tissues from neonatal rats 7 days of age were cultured and
      malignancy was induced by TGF-beta1 in vitro for 48 h, and then the tissues were
      respectively treated with evodiamine and berberine for 24 h. Morphological
      alteration of tissues was observed by an inverted microscope, histological
      structures were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the expression
      levels of DNMTs and targeted miRNAs screened by bioinformatics software combined
      with Gene chip analysis in our previous study were detected by
      immunohistochemistry and quantified by real-time PCR. Twenty-four hours after
      treatment with TGF-beta1, expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B and miR-152
      (target DNMT1), miR-429 (target DNMT3A) and miR-29a (target DNMT3A/3B) were
      markedly decreased; however, after 48 h, the expression levels of DNMT1 and
      DNMT3A were significantly increased, but their target miRNAs were still
      decreased. After treatment with a DNMT inhibitor (5-Aza-dC), expression levels of
      the miRNAs were increased to a larger extent, but did not reach normal levels.
      After treatment with berberine and evodiamine for 24 h, respectively, increased
      expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B and miR-152, miR-429, miR-29a was noted. In
      conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that miRNAs can also be post
      transcriptionally regulated by their corresponding DNMTs and that berberine and
      evodiamine regulate the expression of these genes, which provides early
      epigenetic evidence for the prevention and therapy of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 28098902
TI  - Downregulation of leucine-rich-alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 expression is associated
      with the tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Leucine-rich-alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) is considered as a potential biomarker
      as it is aberrantly expressed in various malignancies. However, there is limited
      information regarding its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
      In the present study, we aimed to explore the expression pattern of LRG1 in HNSCC
      and its clinicopathological significance. We first analyzed LRG1 gene expression
      in HNSCC by investigating data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO)
      database. The results showed that LRG1 was downregulated in HNSCC tissues and its
      expression level was negatively related to tumor T and N stages and degree of
      malignancy. Then, we further tested a tissue microassay and clinical samples,
      respectively, by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Consistently,
      the results revealed that LRG1 expression was decreased in tumor tissues
      regardless of the grade of the tumor. Moreover, the protein level of LRG1 showed
      slight differences among four T stages or three N stages. In addition, there were
      no significant associations between LRG1 protein expression and other
      clinicopathological parameters such as gender, age, tumor location and clinical
      staging. These findings imply that downregulation of the expression of LRG1 is
      correlated with tumorigenesis but not with the development of HNSCC, indicating
      the potential clinical value of LRG1 in the early diagnosis of HNSCC.

PMID- 28098903
TI  - Vitexin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced islet cell injury by inhibiting
      HMGB1 release.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease, where the predominant
      pathogenesis is pancreatic beta-cells dysfunction or injury. It has been well
      established that inflammation leads to a gradual exhaustion of pancreatic beta
      cell function with decreased beta-cell mass likely resulting from pancreatic beta
      cells apoptosis or death. Vitexin, a major bioactive flavonoid compound in plants
      has numerous pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
      and antimyeloperoxidase. Whether vitexin can protect pancreatic beta-cells
      against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and
      apoptosis has received little attention. The present study investigated the
      potential effects of vitexin on LPS-induced pancreatic beta-cell injury and
      apoptosis. It was revealed that apoptosis and damage induced by LPS in islet
      tissue of rats and INS-1 cells was significantly decreased in response to vitexin
      treatment. In addition, pretreatment with vitexin decreased the levels of the pro
      inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and high mobility group box 1
      (HMGB1) in LPS-induced rats. Further experiments demonstrated that vitexin
      pretreatment suppressed the activation of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      signaling pathways in LPS-induced INS-1 cells. In conclusion, the results
      indicated that vitexin prevented LPS-induced islet tissue damage in rats, and INS
      1 cells injury and apoptosis by inhibiting HMGB1 release. Therefore, the present
      study provided clear evidence indicating that vitexin may be a viable therapeutic
      strategy for the treatment of DM.

PMID- 28098904
TI  - Identification of biomarkers of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma via integrated
      analysis of mRNA and miRNA microarray data.
AB  - The present study aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets of intrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) via integrated analysis of gene (transcript version) and
      microRNA (miRNA/miR) expression. The miRNA microarray dataset GSE32957 contained
      miRNA expression data from 16 ICC, 7 mixed type of combined hepatocellular
      cholangiocarcinoma (CHC), 2 hepatic adenoma, 3 focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH)
      and 5 healthy liver tissue samples, and 2 cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. In
      addition, the mRNA microarray dataset GSE32879 contained mRNA expression data
      from 16 ICC, 7 CHC, 2 hepatic adenoma, 5 FNH and 7 healthy liver tissue samples.
      The datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.
      Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEMs) in ICC samples compared
      with healthy liver tissues were identified via the limma package, following data
      preprocessing. Genes that exhibited alternative splicing (AS) in ICC samples were
      identified via AltAnalyze software. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was
      performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated
      Analysis. Target genes of DEMs were identified using the TargetScan database. The
      regulatory association between DEMs and any overlaps among DEGs, alternative
      splicing genes (ASGs) and target genes of DEMs were retrieved, and a network was
      visualized using the Cytoscape software. A total of 2,327 DEGs, 70 DEMs and 623
      ASGs were obtained. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were
      primarily enriched in biological processes and pathways associated with cell
      activity or the immune system. A total of 63 overlaps were obtained among DEGs,
      ASGs and target genes of DEMs, and a regulation network that contained 243 miRNA
      gene regulation pairs was constructed between these overlaps and DEMs. The
      overlapped genes, including sprouty-related EVH1 domain containing 1, protein
      phosphate 1 regulatory subunit 12A, chromosome 20 open reading frame 194, and
      DEMs, including hsa-miR-96, hsa-miR-1 and hsa-miR-25, may be potential
      therapeutic targets for the future treatment of ICC.

PMID- 28098905
TI  - Cripto-1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer via
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
AB  - The Cripto-1 (CR-1) derived EGF-CFC family was overexpressed in tumor development
      enhancing proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration of
      tumor cells. However, correlation between CR-1 and prostate cancer (PCa) remains
      still unclear. In the present study, we proved that CR-1 was expressed in PCa and
      its function was in the progression of PCa. Compared with benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH) tissues, we confirmed that PCa tissues had high expression of
      CR-1 by immunohistochemistry and statistical data showed that CR-1 promoted
      properties of EMT in PCa tissues, including the downregulation of the cell
      adhesion molecules beta-catenin (membrane) and E-cadherin while upregulating
      transcription factors beta-catenin. Overexpression of CR-1 had close relationship
      with PSA, Gleason, clinical staging and lymph node metastasis in PCa patients.
      Then, we found that PC-3 cells transfected with CR-1-shRNA inhibited EMT using RT
      PCR, RT-qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. Also, we evaluated cell
      invasive ability in vitro by transwell and wound-healing assay. Our data showed
      that transfected CR-1-shRNA altered EMT including beta-catenin, E-cadherin, c
      myc, GSK-3, p-GSK and Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in PC-3. It also suppressed PC-3
      cell migration. Additionally, our results displayed that Licl had antitumor
      activity against PC-3 through the inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway.
      Inhibition of cell viability was dose-time dependent. The present study proved
      that CR-1 regulates EMT of PCa by Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Hence, CR-1 may
      provide a new biological marker, and possibly contributes to clinical treatment
      against PCa.

PMID- 28098906
TI  - miR-15a-5p acts as an oncogene in renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - miRNAs have been reported to be involved in multiple cellular processes and the
      tumorigenesis of various cancers. miR-15a-5p (also termed miR-15a) has previously
      been determined to be upregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by microarray
      profile. However, the expression and function of miR-15a-5p in RCC remain to be
      validated. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-15a
      5p in RCC tissues and cells. The expression level of miR-15a-5p was upregulated
      or downregulated by transfecting synthesized miR-15a-5p mimics or inhibitors. The
      MTT assay, CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, wound healing assay, Hoechest 33342
      staining and flow cytometry were conducted to investigate the role of miR-15a-5p
      in RCC. The results of the RT-qPCR demonstrated that miR-15a-5p was upregulated
      in RCC tissues and ACHN, 786-O and 769P RCC cells compared with paired normal
      tissues and HEK-293T cells. miR-15a-5p was observed to be associated with RCC
      cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. The results demonstrated
      that miR-15a-5p may be important as a tumor promoter in RCC. To the best of our
      knowledge, the present study is the first to describe miR-15a-5p as a tumor
      promoter in RCC. Further research will be performed to investigate the underlying
      signaling pathway of miR-15a-5p and the potential role of miR-15a-5p as a
      biomarker for early detection, prognosis prediction and a therapeutic target of
      RCC.

PMID- 28098907
TI  - Synergistic combination of YS-1 and adriamycin inhibits human renal cancer
      through ERK1/2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Adriamycin (ADM) is a principal drug for the treatment of renal cell cancer
      (RCC). Due to its limited response and high renal and cardiac toxicity,
      synergistic effects of ADM in combination with other drugs have been widely
      researched. In this study, we found the combination between YS-1 and ADM,
      performed higher anticancer activity on 786-O human RCC cells in vitro and in
      vivo, than that reported on its anti-angiogenesis effect compared with
      monotherapy of ADM. Our data showed that when combined with ADM, YS-1 promoted
      the sensitivity of 786-O cells to ADM. The combination of YS-1 and ADM also
      inhibited cell proliferation, but without affecting cell apoptosis. We found that
      ADM monotherapy treatment notably upregulated the activity of extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase ERK1 and ERK2 (ERK1/2), but when combined with YS-1, the
      p-ERK1/2 level was reduced; then inhibited the Ras/Raf/MEK pathway. Additionally,
      the synergistic effects on cell cycle arrest inhibition were eliminated when
      ERK1/2 was silenced using siRNA. Our combination therapy of YS-1 with ADM showed
      the strongest antitumor effects in vivo (inhibition ratio: 5 mg/kg YS-1 combined
      with 1 mg/kg ADM, 68.19%) in comparison with individual effects (inhibition
      ratio: 5 mg/kg YS-1, 30.07%; 1 mg/kg ADM, 50.42%). Collectively, these findings
      indicated that YS-1 did not only enhance the ability of ADM to inhibit tumor
      proliferation, but also reduce the renal toxicity to protect the normal renal
      tissues.

PMID- 28098908
TI  - Protective effects of ethyl pyruvate on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung
      injury through inhibition of autophagy in neutrophils.
AB  - Among a number of clinical factors, bacterial infection is one of the most common
      causes of acute lung injury (ALI), a serious complication that carries a high
      risk of mortality (~40%). During the process of ALI, intense local and systemic
      inflammation is elicited, which exacerbates the injury. Neutrophil infiltration
      into airspace is observed in early stage of ALI, and is required for the full
      development of ALI through an array of mechanisms, including the release of
      granule contents and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, due to the
      overactivation of complement and cytokines. The present study noted that ethyl
      pyruvate alleviated ALI in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mice. Increased
      autophagy in neutrophils from ALI mice was observed, while ethyl pyruvate
      diminished autophagy in neutrophils and constrained granule release, and
      therefore myeloperoxidase (MPO) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the
      production of proinflammatory cytokines. Using neutrophil cells, it was
      identified that autophagy was required for neutrophil activation and granule
      release, and that ethyl pyruvate caused neutrophil autophagy, leading to the
      restriction of granule release, and thus contributing to the mitigation of ALI.
      If autophagy was obviated through knockdown of key regulator of autophagy Atg5,
      the effects of ethyl pyruvate on granule release by neutrophils disappeared.
      Taken together, the results demonstrated that ethyl pyruvate alleviates ALI
      through inhibition of autophagy-induced granule release by neutrophils, and this
      mechanism suggested a novel potential therapeutic target in autophagy regulation
      for ALI.

PMID- 28098909
TI  - Biology and function of glypican-3 as a candidate for early cancerous
      transformation of hepatocytes in hepatocellular carcinoma (Review).
AB  - Glypican-3 (GPC-3), a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), has
      recently been investigated as a player in tissue-dependent cellular signaling,
      specifically as a regulator of growth. Noteworthy, the regulatory protein has
      been implicated in both stimulatory and inhibitory pathways involving cell
      growth. Initially, GPC-3 was thought to act as a cell cycle regulator, as a loss
      of-function mutation in the gene caused a hyper-proliferative state known as
      Simpson-Golabi-Behmel (SGB) overgrowth syndrome. Additionally, certain cancer
      types have displayed a downregulation of GPC-3 expression. More recently, the
      protein has been evaluated as a useful marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      due to its increased expression in the liver during times of growth. In contrast,
      the GPC-3 marker is not detectable in normal adult liver. Immunotherapy that
      targets GPC-3 and its affiliated proteins is under investigation as these new
      biomarkers may hold potential for the detection and treatment of HCC and other
      diseases in which GPC-3 may be overexpressed. Studies have reported that an
      overexpression of GPC-3 in HCC predicts a poorer prognosis. This prognostic value
      further pushes the question regarding GPC-3's role in the regulation and
      progression of HCC. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding
      the clinical aspects of GPC-3, while also synthesizing the current literature
      with the aim to better understand this molecule's biological interactions at a
      molecular level, not only in the liver, but in the rest of the body as well. Due
      to the existing gap in the literature surrounding GPC-3, we believe further
      investigation of function, structure and domains, cellular localization, and
      other subfields is warranted to evaluate the protein as a whole, as well as its
      part in the study of HCC.

PMID- 28098910
TI  - Hydrogen-rich saline improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by alleviating
      oxidative stress and activating hepatic PPARalpha and PPARgamma.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a range of liver diseases,
      between steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver cirrhosis, which
      are closely associated with diabetes mellitus. Previous studies have indicated
      that oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of NAFLD. Molecular
      hydrogen (H2) may ameliorate oxidative stress injuries by selectively
      neutralizing peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals. The present study evaluated the
      effects of H2 on NAFLD in rats and concluded that H2-rich saline had significant
      therapeutic effects on NAFLD induced by hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, as
      demonstrated by hematoxylin and eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase
      mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining. H2-rich saline improved fasting blood
      glucose, fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, and lowered
      the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta, 3
      nitrotyrosine and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the liver. In addition, the
      present study revealed that H2-rich saline could significantly increase
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and PPARgamma expression
      in hepatocytes. In conclusion, H2-rich saline may significantly improve NAFLD,
      possibly by reducing oxidative stress and activating hepatic PPARalpha and
      PPARgamma expression.

PMID- 28098911
TI  - Diagnosis for choroideremia in a large Chinese pedigree by next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).
AB  - To develop an effective strategy to isolate and use cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA)
      for the combined use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for diagnosing
      choroideremia and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for Y chromosome
      determination, a large Chinese family with an X-linked recessive disease,
      choroideremia, was recruited. Cell-free DNA was extracted from maternal plasma,
      and SRY polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed using NIPT. Sanger
      sequencing was subsequently used for fetal amniotic fluid DNA verification. A
      nonsense mutation (c.C799T:p.R267X) of the CHM gene on the X chromosome of the
      proband (IV:7) and another 5 males with choroideremia were detected, while 3
      female carriers with no symptoms were also identified. The fetus (VI:7) was
      identified as female from the cffDNA, and the same heterozygous nonsense mutation
      present in her mother was also confirmed. At one and a half years of age, the
      female baby did not present with any associated symptoms of choroideremia.
      Therefore, cffDNA was successfully used for the combined use of NGS for
      diagnosing choroideremia in a large Chinese pedigree, and NIPT for Y chromosome
      determination. This approach should result in a markedly increased use of
      prenatal diagnosis and improvement, and more sophisticated clinical management of
      diseases in China and other developing countries. The establishment of a highly
      accurate method for prenatal gene diagnosis will allow for more reliable gene
      diagnosis, improved genetic counseling, and personalized clinical management of
      our patients.

PMID- 28098913
TI  - Diets link metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer development (Review).
AB  - Diets have been believed to be an important factor in the development of
      metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer (CRC). In recent years, many studies
      have shown an intimate relationship between mucosal immunity, metabolism and
      diets, which has led to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of
      metabolic syndrome and CRC development. Although the precise effects of diets on
      oncogenesis have not been compl-etely elucidated, microbiota changes and
      inflammation are believed to be important factors that influence the development
      of CRC. Moreover, increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alteration
      of adipokine levels have been observed in patients with colorectal adenoma and/or
      CRC, and these all have been considered as the important mechanisms that link
      diets to the development of metabolic syndrome and CRC. Importantly, a high-fat,
      low-fiber diet is associated with dysbiosis, and as the gut signature becomes
      more important in metabolic syndrome and CRC, an increased understanding of diets
      on bacterial activity in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and CRC will lead
      to new preventive and therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 28098912
TI  - MicroRNA-9 limits hepatic fibrosis by suppressing the activation and
      proliferation of hepatic stellate cells by directly targeting MRP1/ABCC1.
AB  - Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the proliferation and
      activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive deposition of
      extracellular matrix (ECM). Research suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are a new
      type of regulator of liver fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the
      role of microRNA-9 (miR-9) in the process of liver fibrosis, as well as the
      underlying mechanism of action. Downregulated levels of miR-9 were found in
      fibrotic liver tissues and activated HSCs as detected by qRT-PCR; whereas,
      expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) was
      upregulated in the fibrotic liver tissues and activated HSCs. CCK-8 and BrdU
      assays revealed that miR-9 reduced the proliferative ability of the HSCs. In
      addition, expression levels of ECM-related genes (alpha-SMA, Col-1 and Timp-1),
      which are markers of HSC activation, were downregulated by miR-9. Conversely, an
      miR-9 inhibitor promoted cell proliferation and HSC activation. In addition, a
      luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-9 targets the 3'-untranslated region
      (3'-UTR) of MRP1 and causes a significant decrease in MRP1. miR-9 inhibited the
      activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway and the expression of MRP1, while this
      suppression was rescued by the overexpression of MRP1. Finally, a CCl4-induced
      mouse model of liver fibrosis was used to investigate the effects of miR-9 on
      liver fibrosis in vivo. The results showed that miR-9 abrogated hepatic fibrosis
      by suppressing the expression of MRP1 in CCl4-induced liver fibrotic mice. In
      conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR-9 suppresses the
      proliferation and activation of HSCs through the Hh pathway by targeting MRP1,
      which suggests that miR-9 has therapeutic potential for liver fibrosis.

PMID- 28098915
TI  - Somatic mutational spectrum analysis in a prospective series of 104
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumors distinguished by
      driver mutations in proto-oncogenes KIT or PDGFRA in 85-90% of cases. These
      mutations have been linked to the response to imatinib, a multikinase inhibitor,
      and have independent prognostic impact. Here, we describe the prospective study
      of the molecular characteristics of 104 GISTs from French adult patients analyzed
      routinely through the National Hospital Program of Molecular Cancer Diagnosis.
      All patients with GISTs diagnosed at the University Hospital of Besancon between
      August 2005 and October 2014 were prospectively included in the present study.
      KIT, PDGFRA and KRAS-codons 12 and 13 as well as BRAF codon 600 mutations were
      analyzed by Sanger sequencing or SNaPshot. KIT and PDGFRA mutations were detected
      in 71.2 and 19.2% of the cases, respectively. A total of 43 different mutations
      were detected of which 13 had never been described. As expected, KIT exon 9 and
      PDGFRA exon 18 mutations were associated with small bowel and gastric
      localizations respectively. No mutation was found in KRAS and BRAF. Molecular
      studies are critical to improve the management of GISTs. Our study enhances the
      current knowledge by describing 13 new mutations in KIT. A common molecular
      pattern in all KIT exon 11 substitutions is also described for the first time in
      this study but its significance remains unknown since genetic and environmental
      risk factors favoring the development of GISTs such as DNA repair defects and
      exposure to carcinogens are not currently known.

PMID- 28098914
TI  - Role of miR-647 in human gastric cancer suppression.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate various oncogenes concomitantly, resulting in tumor
      suppression. They regulate proliferation and migration pathways in tumor
      development, suggesting a potential therapeutic role. In the present study, we
      found that miR-647 was markedly downregulated in gastric cancer (GC), and was
      significantly correlated with reduced tumor size and metastasis. In addition, miR
      647 was also reduced in GC cell lines. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-647 in
      the GC cell lines inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell cycle arrest at the
      G0/G1 phase and induced cell apoptosis. miR-647 also significantly inhibited
      tumor growth in vivo. Notably, we found that miR-647 overexpression suppressed
      the migration and invasion of the cancer cells, particularly liver metastasis in
      nude mice. miR-647 also reduced the expression levels of genes associated with
      proliferation and metastasis in tumors, including ANK2, FAK, MMP2, MMP12, CD44
      and SNAIL1. Overall, our findings demonstrated that miR-647 exerts powerful
      antitumorigenic effects in vitro and in vivo, and may represent a promising
      therapeutic agent against GC.

PMID- 28098916
TI  - Depression and suicidal ideation among Canadians aged 15 to 24.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among Canadians aged 15 to 24, the rate of depression is higher than
      at any other age, and suicide is the second leading cause of death. The current
      study provides detailed information about depression and suicidal ideation among
      young Canadians, including their use of mental health support. DATA AND METHODS:
      Data from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health (CCHS-MH) were
      used to describe rates and experiences of depression and suicidal ideation among
      Canadians aged 15 to 24, including psychosocial characteristics of those who had
      depression or reported suicidal thoughts. Characteristics associated with seeking
      professional support were also examined. RESULTS: About 11% of Canadians aged 15
      to 24 had experienced depression in their lifetime; 7%, in the past year.
      Approximately 14% reported having had suicidal thoughts in their lifetime; 6%, in
      the past year. Lifetime depression and suicidal thoughts were moderately
      correlated (r = .34, p ? .001). Individuals with lifetime depression had more
      than four times the odds of seeking professional support in the previous year,
      compared with those who did not have lifetime depression; those with lifetime
      suicidal thoughts had more than three times the odds of seeking professional
      support, compared with those who did not have lifetime suicidal thoughts.
      Psychosocial factors such as negative social interactions and lower perceived
      ability to deal with stress were associated with depression and suicidal
      thoughts, although these associations differed for males and females.
      INTERPRETATION: The findings suggest that many young Canadians have depression
      and/or suicidal thoughts. Their odds of seeking professional support are
      significantly high.

PMID- 28098917
TI  - Tanning equipment use: 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tanning equipment use is related to the early onset of cancer, with
      the risk increasing as the duration and repetition of exposure increase. In 2009,
      the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified tanning equipment use
      as carcinogenic to humans, and according to the World Health Organization, the
      risk of skin melanoma increases significantly when use begins before age 35. DATA
      AND METHODS: The rapid response component of the 2014 Canadian Community Health
      Survey collected data on the use of tanning equipment in the previous 12 months,
      including reasons for use, frequency/duration of use, precautions taken, and
      adverse reactions or injuries. This analysis examines the prevalence of self
      reported indoor tanning in a nationally representative sample of Canadians aged
      12 or older in the 10 provinces. RESULTS: In 2014, 4.5% of Canadians (an
      estimated 1.35 million) reported that they had used tanning equipment in the past
      year; 70.3% of them were female, and just over half of female users were aged 18
      to 34. The prevalence of indoor tanning was highest among people with some
      postsecondary education and among those in higher income households (trend p
      value ? 0.0001). Most users reported fewer than 10 sessions in the past year. The
      most common reason (62.0%) was to develop a "protective" base tan.
      INTERPRETATION: Females made up the majority of tanning equipment users,
      particularly at ages 18 to 34. Efforts to increase awareness of the risks may be
      beneficial, given the high percentage of users who believed that indoor tanning
      offers some level of skin protection from future sun exposure.

PMID- 28098919
TI  - [The Journal in 2016].

PMID- 28098918
TI  - [The new standard for quality of care].

PMID- 28098920
TI  - [(Too) long in tbs? A study on patients receiving forensic psychiatric tbs
      treatment for 15 years or longer].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2013 in the Netherlands about 100 forensic psychiatric patients
      were treated in tbs-hospitals for 15 years or more.<br/> AIM: To investigate the
      variables that characterise patients who have been receiving forensic psychiatric
      treatment (tbs) for 15 years or more, and to obtain insight in which actions
      might be helpful to facilitate discharge or transfer of such patients to other
      (mental health care) facilities, according to their caregivers and experts.<br/>
      METHOD: The group of long-term tbs-patients (n = 97) was compared with regard to
      diagnostic characteristics, 'basic historical risks' (as assessed by risk
      assessment instruments), and behaviour  to three other groups of forensic
      patients: a. a group who had received treatment for 5 to 10 years, b. a group of
      patients who had been recently discharged, and c. a group of long-stay tbs
      patients.<br/> RESULTS: Long-term tbs-patients relatively often had been sex
      offenders (50% compared to about 20% of recently discharged tbs-patients), and
      had been admitted in a tbs-hospital at a relatively young age (on average they
      had been five years younger on admission). The professional clinicians of the
      long-term tbs-patients considered that the psychopathology of the long term tbs
      patients was more severe than the psychopathology of the average tbs-patient. The
      clinicians also indicated that the long-term tbs-patients all need long-term
      supervision; however, they considered that only a minority of these patients
      (17%) required a maximum level of security and very restricted possibilities for
      temporary leave.<br/> CONCLUSION: Patient related factors and organisational
      factors within the tbs-hospital and the general mental health care system seem to
      play a role in the lengthy period of tbs-treatment of the long-term tbs-patients.
      According to tbs-clinicians, these patients require prolonged and intensive
      supervision which the general mental health care system is often not equipped to
      deliver.

PMID- 28098921
TI  - [Does less seclusion create a safer environment? An attempt to map the concept of
      'feeling safe'].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The degree of restraint imposed by a psychiatrist seems to be
      influenced by the safety of the team. So far, there have been few attempts to map
      the concept of 'feeling safe'.<br/> AIM: To analyse, define and quantify the
      concept of 'feeling safe'.<br/> METHOD: Concept mapping involves combining, in a
      structured way, qualitative (item collection) and quantitative methods (multi
      dimensional scaling and hierarchical clusteranalysis) with the knowledge of
      professionals from psychiatric practice (N=24), first on an individual basis and
      then as a group (N=8).<br/> RESULTS: The participants generated and prioritised a
      total of 97 different items. These were then divided into six clusters:
      organisational structure, professionalism of team members, increased expertise,
      marginal conditions, internal and external features of the hospital building,
      views on mental health care and policy. Group members gave almost equal priority
      to the clusters, but they assigned different degrees of importance to separate
      items (ranging from 4.63 to 2.38 on a five-point scale).<br/> CONCLUSION: Concept
      mapping is an adequate method of defining the concept of 'feeling safe'.
      Professionalism of the team and qualities such as openness and ability to
      communicate, expertise and trusting one's colleagues and having an adequate alarm
      system available are all important factors that help to make employees 'feel
      safe' in their respective departments.

PMID- 28098922
TI  - [Depression and anxiety in Turkish and Moroccan minorities in the Netherlands:
      prevalence, symptoms, risk factors and protective factors A systematic review].
AB  - <p/>.

PMID- 28098923
TI  - [SSRIs and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia: a systematic review].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with schizophrenia frequently have depressive symptoms.
      Current guidelines do not provide specific recommendations regarding the
      treatment of these symptoms, nor do they mention the role that selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris) can play in the treatment.<br/> AIM: To
      investigate whether ssris are more effective than placebo in treating depressive
      symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.<br/> METHOD: We searched the literature
      systematically using PubMed, embase, Cochrane Library and Psycinfo. We selected
      articles on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and the methodologies
      used and compared the severity of patients symptoms before and after
      treatment.<br/> RESULTS: We found only four published studies of randomised,
      double blind, placebo-controlled trials. These showed that an ssri was
      significantly more effective than a placebo (the difference being 0.4 - 6.7
      points on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and 0.2 - 2.6 on the Calgary
      Depression Scale for Schizophrenia).<br/> CONCLUSION: There are indications that
      ssris are effective for the treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with
      schizophrenia. However, the total sample size was limited and individual studies
      had several methodological limitations.

PMID- 28098925
TI  - [Personality disorders: life span perspective makes sense].

PMID- 28098924
TI  - [Hypernatremia caused by treatment with GHB obtained via a doctor's
      prescription].
AB  - In the last few years, gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) has been used increasingly
      as a party drug; this has led to a marked increase in the number of requests for
      professional help with the treatment of GHB addiction. Pharmaceutical GHB (sodium
      oxybate, the sodium-salt of GHB), registered for cataplexia in narcolepsy
      patients, is used off-label to treat the withdrawal symptoms associated with GHB
      addiction. Pharmaceutical GHB has a high sodium load. In this report we present
      the cases of two patients who developed symptomatic hypernatremia following
      treatment with pharmaceutical GHB and who thereafter needed intensive care for
      the severe withdrawal symptoms that they experienced.

PMID- 28098926
TI  - Relevance of osteoclast-specific enzyme activities in cell-based in vitro
      resorption assays.
AB  - Cell-based in vitro resorption assays are an important tool to simulate the in
      vivo biodegradation of resorbable bone graft materials and to predict their
      clinical performance. The present study analyses the activity of osteoclast
      specific enzymes as potential surrogate measures for classical pit assay, which
      is not applicable on irregular structured materials. Osteoclasts derived from
      human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultivated on different surfaces:
      calcium phosphate bone cements (CPC), dentin discs, osteoblast-derived
      extracellular matrix (ECM) and tissue culture polystyrene as control. Pit
      formation on the resorbable materials was investigated and correlated with the
      activity of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), carbonic anhydrase II
      (CAII) and cathepsin K (CTSK). Furthermore, the relation between intra- and
      extracellular enzyme activities was examined for TRAP and CTSK during resorption
      of the different materials. Resorbed area of CPC correlated with intracellular
      TRAP activity and intracellular CAII activity. Highest resorption was detected at
      around pH 7.2. Resorbed area on dentin correlated with the extracellular CTSK
      activity and extracellular TRAP activity and was maximal at around pH 6.8.
      Osteoclasts cultivated on cell-derived mineralised ECM showed a good correlation
      between both extracellular TRAP and CTSK activity and the release of calcium
      ions. Based on these data a different regulation of TRAP and CTSK secretion is
      hypothesised for the resorption of inorganic calcium phosphate compared to the
      resorption of collagenous mineralised matrix.

PMID- 28098927
TI  - The role of HE4 and CA125 in differentiation between malignant and non-malignant
      endometrial pathologies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the role of HE4 and CA125 in
      differentiation between malignant and non-malignant endometrial pathologies.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 87 patients with endometrial
      pathologies was conducted. Tumor markers were assessed two weeks before surgical
      intervention in each subject. The final diagnosis was established on the basis of
      the histopathological examination of the endometrium. RESULTS: Serum HE4 levels
      were significantly higher in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) as compared to
      non-malignant endometrial pathologies (p < 0.001), patients with stage I EC as
      compared to non-malignant endometrial pathologies (p < 0.001), and patients with
      stage Ia EC as compared to non-malignant endometrial pathologies (p = 0.003).
      Serum CA125 levels were not significantly different as far as these groups of
      patients were concerned. Both tumor markers were significantly higher in patients
      with stage II-III as compared to stage I EC and non-malignant endometrial
      pathologies (p < 0.001 for both markers). Sensitivity and specificity of HE4 at
      the cut-off level of 70 pmol/L for detecting endometrial malignancies were 73.08%
      and 85.71%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of CA125 at the cut-off
      level of 35 U/mL were 29.41% and 94.29%, respectively. The area under the curve
      (AUC) for HE4 was 0.875, suggesting that this marker reliably differentiates
      malignant from non-malignant endometrial pathologies (p < 0.001). AUC for CA125
      was 0.552, suggesting that this marker does not reliably differentiate between
      malignant and non-malignant endometrial pathologies (p = 0.414). CONCLUSION: HE4,
      in contrast to CA125, might be a useful tool for detecting malignant endometrial
      pathologies.

PMID- 28098928
TI  - 2D/3D ultrasonography for endometrial evaluation in a cohort of 118
      postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleedings.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasonography in evaluation of endometrium in
      postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleedings (AUB). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      2D/3D transvaginal ultrasonography (TVU) was performed in 118 menopausal women
      with AUB. Endometrial volume and thickness, uterine volume and endometrial
      vascularity were evaluated. Complete histologic evaluation of the endometrium was
      obtained through dilatation & curettage (D&C) and/or hysteroscopy. Accordingly,
      patients were divided into 3 groups: controls (no endometrial pathology, n = 49),
      GI (benign endometrial pathology, n = 37), GII (endometrial carcinoma, n = 32).
      RESULTS: GII had greater thickness and volume of the endometrium, compared to GI
      and controls. The presence of arterial vascular flow was identified only in GI
      and GII (51.35% and 93.75%, respectively). Endometrial volume merged together
      with uterine volume measurements (TVU-3D) showed a strong, statistical
      significance between GI and GII, allowing differentiation of begin and malignant
      endometrial pathologies in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: In TVU diagnostics
      of postmenopausal women with AUB the following play the most significant role: 1)
      endometrial thickness (TVU-2D); 2) endometrial volume (TVU-3D); 3) uterine plus
      endometrial volume (TVU-3D); 4) vascularization within the endometrium, allowing
      to differentiate between pathological and normal endometrium (TVU-2/3D).
      Evaluation of the endometrial vascularity, both in TVU-2D and TVU-3D technique,
      does not allow for reliable differentiation between benign lesions and
      endometrial cancer.

PMID- 28098929
TI  - The organization and financing of cervical cancer prevention carried out by
      midwives in primary health care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the project was the evaluation of the
      organizational and financial aspects of midwives in primary health care (PHC),
      functioning under The Population Program for the Early Detection of Cervical
      Cancer two years after the implementation of new law regulations, which enable
      this occupational group to collect cytological material for screening. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Under this project, the data of the Program's Coordinating Centre,
      affecting midwives' postgraduate education in the field of pap smear tests, was
      taken into analysis. Furthermore, The National Health Fund (NFZ) reports on
      contracts entered in the field of the discussed topics, taking into consideration
      the value of health services performed within the Program in respect of
      ambulatory care and primary care units. RESULTS: NFZ concluded contracts for the
      provision of PHC service with 6124 service providers in 2016, including the
      contracts in the field of providing health services under the cervical cancer
      prevention program by PHC midwifes, which were entered into by 358 institutions
      (5.85%). The value of the basic services under the Program, carried out under NFZ
      contracts in 2014, amounted to approx. PLN 12.3 million, while the value of
      services performed by PHC midwives represented only 0.38% of this sum.
      CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of legislative changes, allowing PHC midwives to
      collect cytological material for screening, did not cause, in the period of the
      observation on a national scale, the expected growth of availability of basic
      stage services within the cervical cancer prevention program.

PMID- 28098930
TI  - Can neonates born at 34 weeks be classified as late preterm?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In recent years, much attention has been given to infants born
      prematurely, at 34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks of gestation (WG), which have been
      classified as 'late preterm'. Neonates from that subgroup are less
      physiologically and metabolically mature than term infants. The aim of the study
      was to determine whether infants born at 34WG can be classified as 'late preterm'
      or 'preterm' newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 141 newborns were
      included in the study: 25 born <= 33WG, 53 late-preterm newborns, and 63 term
      infants. Cord-blood neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and
      creatinine concentrations were measured in all newborns. Also, the incidence of
      clinical complications in the early adaptive period during hospitalization was
      evaluated. RESULTS: Higher NGAL concentration was noted among preterm newborns as
      compared to late-preterm neonates (p < 0.05), and term newborns (p < 0.05),
      especially in children born at 34WG as compared to 35WG (p < 0.001). However, no
      differences in NGAL concentration were found between neonates born at 35WG and
      36WG, as well as children born at 36WG and term infants. A relationship between
      umbilical NGAL levels and gestational age was observed. Additionally, a
      statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of respiratory
      distress syndrome (p < 0.05) and infections (p < 0.05) among neonates born at
      34WG as compared to 35WG. CONCLUSIONS: Late preterm neonates should be defined as
      'preterm' between 35 0/7 and 36 6/7 WG. Infants born at 34WG should be included
      in the preterm group.

PMID- 28098931
TI  - Diagnostic value of CA 19-9 in pregnancies complicated by spinal neural tube
      defects: a preliminary study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Various physiological and pathological conditions can induce
      significant variations in plasma concentrations of tumor markers, such as CA 19
      9, which is present in the serum and amniotic fluid of pregnant women. Herein, we
      aimed to determine the clinical importance of maternal serum CA 19-9 levels in
      the diagnosis of neural tube defects (NTDs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100
      women were included in this controlled cross-sectional study. Thirty-three
      patients whose pregnancies were complicated by isolated meningocele or
      meningomyelocele constituted the study group, whereas 33 normal, healthy pregnant
      women constituted the control group, and 34 age- and body mass index (BMI)
      matched non-pregnant women were chosen for the validation group. RESULTS: The
      mean maternal serum CA 19-9 levels were 17.2 +/- 17.0 IU/mL, 7.1 +/- 5.9 IU/mL,
      and 4.7 +/- 3.6 IU/mL in the study, control, and validation groups, respectively
      (p < 0.001). ROC analyses showed that elevated CA 19-9 values may predict NTDs (p
      < 0.001). The cut-off value for CA 19-9 was found to be 9.6 IU/mL at 70% (51%
      84%, 95% CI) sensitivity and 84% (74%-92%, 95% CI) specificity. CONCLUSIONS: CA
      19-9 may be a promising noninvasive marker for NTDs. Further studies are needed
      to reveal the clinical applicability and diagnostic potential of maternal serum
      CA 19-9 levels in the identification of NTDs.

PMID- 28098932
TI  - Personality type, social support and other correlates of risk for affective
      disorders in early puerperium.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of risk for
      postpartum mood disorders in mothers during the early postnatal period and to
      search for coexisting conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 546 women in
      the first week after delivery. The subjects filled out a questionnaire concerning
      their health, social and demographic status, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
      Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the NEO-FFI Personality Inventory and
      the Berlin Social Support Scales. RESULTS: Probable mood disorders affected
      15.85% of these patients. The risk increased with a current cesarean section (ORa
      = 2.54), a higher level of neuroticism (ORa = 1.65), greater fear of childbirth
      (ORa = 1.18), a lower level of extraversion (ORa = 0.77) and greater need for
      social support (ORa = 2.68). CONCLUSIONS: High level of neuroticism and
      introversion, as well as higher fear of delivery and the need of social support
      are among factors increasing the probability of mood disturbances in early
      postpartum period. A cesarean section might elevate the risk similarly. The
      mental health of such patients should be carefully examined.

PMID- 28098933
TI  - Assisted reproductive technology in reproductive medicine - possibilities and
      limitations.
AB  - Infertility has become an increasingly common health problem and has been
      estimated to affect approximately 10% of women in the reproductive age. Due to
      its high prevalence, it has been deemed a social disease by the World Health
      Organization (WHO). The causes of infertility are numerous and vary from person
      to person. As for treatment, the three main therapeutic strategies include
      pharmacological therapy, surgical therapy - mostly endoscopy, and assisted
      reproductive technology (ART). Recent decades have witnessed great progress in
      ART, resulting in successful treatment of the previously untreatable cases,
      particularly in the field of fertility preservation, preimplantation screening
      for aneuploidy, uterine transplantations and mitochondrial replacement techniques
      as prevention against a number of severe diseases. Regardless, ART treatment does
      not guarantee pregnancy and live birth. The success rate is much smaller as
      compared to the failure rate, it being among its most important limitations.
      Embryo implantation is an extremely complex process and represents the most
      critical step of the reproduction process in humans. Attempts to evaluate
      endometrial receptivity and strategies for its correction have been discussed.
      The search for new effective predictors of an individual prognosis remains a
      crucial challenge for the contemporary reproductive medicine.

PMID- 28098934
TI  - Clinical, ultrasound parameters and tumor marker-based mathematical models and
      scoring systems in pre-surgical diagnosis of adnexal tumors.
AB  - The choice of management for patients with adnexal tumors requires careful pre
      surgical assessment. In case of adnexal masses, the diagnostic difficulties arise
      from the heterogenic nature of the adnexal diseases, presence of multiple
      functional changes, and lack of early symptoms of malignancy. A reliable pre
      surgical differentiation cannot be performed using clinical features, ultrasound
      examination, or tumor markers alone. New diagnostic techniques and novel markers
      are under investigations, however no single test can be used to conclusively
      differentiate between malignant and non-malignant adnexal masses. Mathematical
      models and scoring systems based on different clinical, ultrasonographic and
      laboratory parameters alone or together may facilitate the diagnosis. Selected
      mathematical models and scoring systems are presented in this article. Models
      using only ultrasound features include simple rules, regression models,
      Gynecologic Imaging Report and Data System, and various morphologic scores. Some
      logistic regression models are based on multiple clinical and ultrasound data.
      The OVA1 test is based on five tumor markers without using other data. The Risk
      of Malignancy Algorithm uses two tumor markers with one clinical parameter. i.e.
      the menopausal status. Some models used clinical, ultrasound and tumor marker
      data together. This group of models includes risk of malignancy indices,
      artificial neural networks, and the ADNEX model. Although some of these models
      have been compared in the literature, more prospective studies are needed to
      select the most effective model, to develop the existing models, or to create new
      more effective models of oncological assessment of the adnexal tumors.

PMID- 28098935
TI  - Diaphragmatic hernia as an early ultrasound manifestation of Apert syndrome.
AB  - n/a.

PMID- 28098936
TI  - Evaluation of the effectiveness of selected natural fertility symptoms used for
      contraception: estimation of the Pearl index of Lady-Comp, Pearly and Daysy cycle
      computers based on 10 years of observation in the Polish market.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cycle computers are medical devices which use sophisticated
      statistical methods in addition to a comprehensive on-board database. Their main
      function is to precisely indicate the fertile and infertile phases of the
      menstrual cycle, based on daily basal body temperature measurements. A recent
      medical research program aimed at evaluating the EFFECTIVENESS of cycle computers
      for contraceptive purposes was conducted. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was
      conducted between May and June 2016 on 3,450 Polish women. The Polish distributor
      sent an anonymous questionnaire to the participants. To date, 361 women,
      representing 17,322 cycles have returned accurately completed questionnaires.
      RESULTS: In the resultant group only 4 unintended pregnancies were observed,
      resulting in a Pearl index of 0.4989. This suggests that fewer than 5 in 1000
      women, who use a cycle computer correctly over a period of one year, may become
      pregnant unintentionally. This result is slightly better than the results from
      2010, when the Pearl index was 0.64. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from the
      study indicate that the effectiveness of cycle computers for contraceptive
      purposes is comparable with other methods, such as hormonal contraception, and
      therefore cycle computers can be recommended for women who either cannot use or
      do not wish to use traditional contraception. These results confirm the
      effectiveness of using natural fertility symptoms, such as basal body temperature
      changes in the context of cycle computer technology for the purposes of
      contraception.

PMID- 28098937
TI  - Sodium selenate treatment improves symptoms and seizure susceptibility in a malin
      deficient mouse model of Lafora disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To search for new therapies aimed at ameliorating the neurologic
      symptoms and epilepsy developing in patients with Lafora disease. METHODS: Lafora
      disease is caused by loss-of-function mutations in either the EPM2A or EPM2B
      genes. Epm2a-/- and Epm2b-/- mice display neurologic and behavioral abnormalities
      similar to those found in patients. Selenium is a potent antioxidant and its
      deficiency has been related to the development of certain diseases, including
      epilepsy. In this study, we investigated whether sodium selenate treatment
      improved the neurologic alterations and the hyperexcitability present in the
      Epm2b-/- mouse model. RESULTS: Sodium selenate ameliorates some of the motor and
      memory deficits and the sensitivity observed with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)
      treatments in Epm2b-/- mice. Neuronal degeneration and gliosis were also
      diminished after sodium selenate treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: Sodium selenate could
      be beneficial for ameliorating some symptoms that present in patients with Lafora
      disease.

PMID- 28098938
TI  - Towards prognostic biomarkers from BOLD fluctuations to differentiate a first
      epileptic seizure from new-onset epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of epilepsy cannot be reliably made prior to a patient's
      second seizure in most cases. Therefore, adequate diagnostic tools are needed to
      differentiate subjects with a first seizure from those with a seizure preceding
      the onset of epilepsy. The objective was to explore spontaneous blood oxygen
      level-dependent (BOLD) fluctuations in subjects with a first-ever seizure and
      patients with new-onset epilepsy (NOE), and to find characteristic biomarkers for
      seizure recurrence after the first seizure. METHODS: We examined 17 first-seizure
      subjects, 19 patients with new-onset epilepsy (NOE), and 18 healthy controls. All
      subjects underwent clinical investigation and received electroencephalography and
      resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The BOLD time series
      were analyzed in terms of regional homogeneity (ReHo) and fractional amplitude of
      low-frequency fluctuations (fALFFs). RESULTS: We found significantly stronger
      amplitudes (higher fALFFs) in patients with NOE relative to first-seizure
      subjects and healthy controls. The frequency range of 73-198 mHz (slow-3 subband)
      appeared most useful for discriminating patients with NOE from first-seizure
      subjects. The ReHo measure did not show any significant differences.
      SIGNIFICANCE: The fALFF appears to be a noninvasive measure that characterizes
      spontaneous BOLD fluctuations and shows stronger amplitudes in the slow-3 subband
      of patients with NOE relative first-seizure subjects and healthy controls. A
      larger study population with follow-up is required to determine whether fALFF
      holds promise as a potential biomarker for identifying subjects at increased risk
      to develop epilepsy.

PMID- 28098939
TI  - A systematic review of economic evaluations of treatments for patients with
      epilepsy.
AB  - The increasing number of treatment options and the high costs associated with
      epilepsy have fostered the development of economic evaluations in epilepsy. It is
      important to examine the availability and quality of these economic evaluations
      and to identify potential research gaps. As well as looking at both pharmacologic
      (antiepileptic drugs [AEDs]) and nonpharmacologic (e.g., epilepsy surgery,
      ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation) therapies, this review examines the
      methodologic quality of the full economic evaluations included. Literature search
      was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED),
      Econlit, Web of Science, and CEA Registry. In addition, Cochrane Reviews,
      Cochrane DARE and Cochrane Health Technology Assessment Databases were used. To
      identify relevant studies, predefined clinical search strategies were combined
      with a search filter designed to identify health economic studies. Specific
      search strategies were devised for the following topics: (1) AEDs, (2) patients
      with cognitive deficits, (3) elderly patients, (4) epilepsy surgery, (5)
      ketogenic diet, (6) vagus nerve stimulation, and (7) treatment of (non)convulsive
      status epilepticus. A total of 40 publications were included in this review, 29
      (73%) of which were articles about pharmacologic interventions. Mean quality
      score of all articles on the Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC)-extended
      was 81.8%, the lowest quality score being 21.05%, whereas five studies had a
      score of 100%. Looking at the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting
      Standards (CHEERS), the average quality score was 77.0%, the lowest being 22.7%,
      and four studies rated as 100%. There was a substantial difference in methodology
      in all included articles, which hampered the attempt to combine information
      meaningfully. Overall, the methodologic quality was acceptable; however, some
      studies performed significantly worse than others. The heterogeneity between the
      studies stresses the need to define a reference case (e.g., how should an
      economic evaluation within epilepsy be performed) and to derive consensus on what
      constitutes "standard optimal care."

PMID- 28098940
TI  - Characterization of Date (Deglet Nour) Seed Free and Bound Polyphenols by High
      Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Date (Pheonix dactylifera L.) seeds are a valuable and abundant by-product with
      various potential food applications. Free polyphenols (FPPs) and bound
      polyphenols (BPPs) of date seeds from Deglet Nour variety grown in Australia were
      investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The
      FPP fraction contained the following main phenolic compounds per gram of date
      seed powder; procyanidin B1 (499.8 +/- 7.8 MUg), procyanidin B2 (288.6 +/- 6.1
      MUg), catechin (167.6 +/- 2.1 MUg), epicatechin (39.44 +/- 0.39 MUg), and
      protocatechuic acid (1.77 +/- 0.22 MUg). Additionally, one of the 2 A-type dimers
      was confirmed as procyanidin A2 (24.05 +/- 0.12 MUg/g). A-type dimers have not
      been reported before in date seeds. The BPP fraction contained epicatechin (52.59
      +/- 0.76 MUg/g) and procyanidin B2 (294.2 +/- 3.7 MUg/g), while several peaks
      exhibiting ESI- m/z of 153 indicated dihydroxybenzoic acid isomers including
      protocatechuic acid (2.138 +/- 0.025 MUg/g). These findings contributed to our
      knowledge of date seed phytochemicals and understanding of their contribution to
      the reported bioactivities.

PMID- 28098941
TI  - Posterior cortex epilepsy surgery in childhood and adolescence: Predictors of
      long-term seizure outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the long-term seizure outcome of children and
      adolescents who were undergoing epilepsy surgery in the parietooccipital cortex
      and determine their predictive factors. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the
      data of 50 consecutive patients aged 11.1 (mean) +/- 5.1 (standard deviation)
      years at surgery. All patients but one had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      visible lesion. Resections were parietal in 40%, occipital in 32%, and
      parietooccipital in 28% cases; 24% patients additionally underwent a resection of
      the posterior border of the temporal lobe. Etiology included focal cortical
      dysplasia in 44%, benign tumors (dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor,
      ganglioglioma, angiocentric glioma, and pilocystic astrocytoma) in 32%, peri- or
      postnatal ischemic lesions in 16%, and tuberous sclerosis in 8% cases. RESULTS:
      At last follow-up (mean 8 years, range 1.5-18 years), 60% patients remained
      seizure-free (Engel class I): 30% had discontinued and 20% had reduced
      antiepileptic drugs. Most seizure recurrences (71%) occurred within the first 6
      months, and only three patients presented with seizures >=2 years after surgery.
      Independent predictors of seizure recurrence included left-sided as well as
      parietal epileptogenic zones and resections. Longer epilepsy duration to surgery
      was identified as the only modifiable independent predictor of seizure
      recurrence. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study demonstrates that posterior cortex epilepsy
      surgery is highly effective in terms of lasting seizure control and antiepileptic
      drug cessation in selected pediatric candidates. Most importantly, our data
      supports the early consideration of surgical intervention in children and
      adolescents with refractory posterior cortex epilepsy.

PMID- 28098942
TI  - Biomarkers for the Detection of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Review.
AB  - Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can cause adverse effects to the fetus, because
      it interferes with fetal development, leading to later physical and mental
      impairment. The most common clinical tool to determine fetal alcohol exposure is
      maternal self-reporting. However, a more objective and useful method is based on
      the use of biomarkers in biological specimens alone or in combination with
      maternal self-reporting. This review reports on clinically relevant biomarkers
      for detection of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). A systematic search was
      performed to ensure a proper overview in existing literature. Studies were
      selected to give an overview on clinically relevant neonatal and maternal
      biomarkers. The direct biomarkers fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), ethyl
      glucuronide (EtG), ethyl sulfate, and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) were found to be
      the most appropriate biomarkers in relation to detection of PAE. To review each
      biomarker in a clinical context, we have compared the advantages and
      disadvantages of each biomarker, in relation to its window of detectability, ease
      of collection, and the ease and cost of analysis of each biomarker. The
      biomarkers PEth, FAEEs, and EtG were found to be applicable for detection of even
      low levels of alcohol exposure. Meconium is an accessible matrix for
      determination of FAEEs and EtG, and blood an accessible matrix for determination
      of PEth.

PMID- 28098943
TI  - A Survey of the Peptide Profile in Prato Cheese as Measured by MALDI-MS and
      Capillary Electrophoresis.
AB  - In this study, we describe the characterization of the peptide profile in
      commercial Prato cheese by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Ten commercial Prato
      cheese brands were characterized via their physicochemical composition and
      subjected to fractionation according to solubility at pH 4.6. The pH 4.6
      insoluble fraction was evaluated by CE, whereas MALDI-MS was applied to the
      fraction soluble at pH 4.6 and in 70% ethanol. CE revealed a characteristic
      pattern of hydrolysis, with formation of para-kappa-casein, hydrolysis of alphas1
      -casein at the Phe23 - Phe24 bond, and hydrolysis of beta-casein. For the MALDI
      MS data, a complex peptide profile was observed, with the identification of 44
      peptides previously reported (24 peptides from alphas1 -casein, 14 from beta
      casein, 3 from kappa-casein, and 3 from alphas2 -casein). It was also observed
      that cheeses with salt-in-moisture content greater than 5% showed an accumulation
      of a bitter-tasting peptide (m/z 1536, alphas1 -CN f1-13), suggesting a
      relationship between the higher salt concentration and the abundance of this
      peptide. In conclusion, the results showed that even commercial cheeses produced
      with different raw material and processing conditions showed very similar peptide
      profiles when assessed at the molecular level, and only 9 peptides were
      responsible for discrimination of cheeses.

PMID- 28098944
TI  - Validation of a smartphone-based point-of-care hemoglobin assay for use in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate a smartphone-based spectrophotometric assay for point-of
      care (POC) measurement of hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration against the standard
      measurement method in dogs without increases in serum lipemia, hemolysis, or
      bilirubin. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University teaching
      hospital. ANIMALS: One hundred thirty-nine dogs that had a CBC and corresponding
      biochemical profile submitted to the clinical pathology laboratory.
      INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Blood tubes submitted for CBC
      were collected for hemoglobin (Hgb) measurements performed on a POC smartphone
      device. Each whole blood sample was run on the smartphone in duplicate using 2
      strips, for a total of 4 POC Hgb readings per dog. Data collected for each dog
      included CBC Hgb value, 4 POC Hgb values, and select biochemistry values
      (bilirubin, lipemia, hemolysis, icterus). A calibration equation was estimated
      using a weighted linear regression: estimated CBC = (avgPOC-0.4871)/1.0015. For
      each dog, the percent error was computed between estimated and actual Hgb values;
      95% of the percent errors ranged from -13.2% to 20.1%. The standard deviation of
      percent errors was 7.9% overall. When samples were further divided according to
      CBC Hgb concentration (low, normal or high), the standard deviation of percent
      error was 6.7% when Hgb<13 g/dL [130 g/L], 8.9% when Hgb 13-20 g/dL [130-200
      g/L], and 6.5% when Hgb>20 g/dL [200 g/L]. The coefficient of variability among
      the 4 individual POC readings was 3.4%. CONCLUSIONS: A smartphone-based
      photometric method for measuring Hgb represents a clinically useful POC
      alternative to a standard laboratory Hgb measurement. There was excellent
      intrasample reproducibility, and the standard deviation of percent errors was
      relatively constant across CBC ranges. Additional sampling of patients with a
      greater range of diseases and biochemical abnormalities that may influence
      spectrophotometric assays (ie, abnormal bilirubin, icterus, lipemia, hemolysis)
      is warranted to extend the findings of this study.

PMID- 28098945
TI  - Frequency of CNKSR2 mutation in the X-linked epilepsy-aphasia spectrum.
AB  - Synaptic proteins are critical to neuronal function in the brain, and their
      deficiency can lead to seizures and cognitive impairments. CNKSR2 (connector
      enhancer of KSR2) is a synaptic protein involved in Ras signaling-mediated
      neuronal proliferation, migration and differentiation. Mutations in the X-linked
      gene CNKSR2 have been described in patients with seizures and neurodevelopmental
      deficits, especially those affecting language. In this study, we sequenced 112
      patients with phenotypes within the epilepsy-aphasia spectrum (EAS) to determine
      the frequency of CNKSR2 mutation within this complex set of disorders. We
      detected a novel nonsense mutation (c.2314 C>T; p.Arg712*) in one Ashkenazi
      Jewish family, the male proband of which had a severe epileptic encephalopathy
      with continuous spike-waves in sleep (ECSWS). His affected brother also had ECSWS
      with better outcome, whereas the sister had childhood epilepsy with
      centrotemporal spikes. This mutation segregated in the three affected siblings in
      an X-linked manner, inherited from their mother who had febrile seizures.
      Although the frequency of point mutation is low, CNKSR2 sequencing should be
      considered in families with suspected X-linked EAS because of the specific
      genetic counseling implications.

PMID- 28098946
TI  - Negative Association Between MR-Spectroscopic Glutamate Markers and Gray Matter
      Volume After Alcohol Withdrawal in the Hippocampus: A Translational Study in
      Humans and Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both chronic alcohol consumption and alcohol withdrawal lead to
      neural tissue damage which partly recovers during abstinence. This study
      investigated withdrawal-associated changes in glutamatergic compounds, markers of
      neuronal integrity, and gray matter volumes during acute alcohol withdrawal in
      the hippocampus, a key region in development and maintenance of alcohol
      dependence in humans and rats. METHODS: Alcohol-dependent patients (N = 39)
      underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) measurements
      within 24 hours after the last drink and after 2 weeks of abstinence. MRI and MRS
      data of healthy controls (N = 34) were acquired once. Our thorough quality
      criteria resulted in N = 15 available spectra from the first and of N = 21 from
      the second measurement in patients, and of N = 19 from healthy controls. In a
      translational approach, chronic intermittent ethanol-exposed rats and respective
      controls (8/group) underwent 5 MRS measurements covering baseline, intoxication,
      12 and 60 hours of withdrawal, and 3 weeks of abstinence. RESULTS: In both
      species, higher levels of markers of glutamatergic metabolism were associated
      with lower gray matter volumes in the hippocampus in early abstinence. Trends of
      reduced N-acetylaspartate levels during intoxication persisted in patients with
      severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms over 2 weeks of abstinence. We observed a
      higher ratio of glutamate to glutamine during alcohol withdrawal in our animal
      model. CONCLUSIONS: Due to limited statistical power, we regard the results as
      preliminary and discuss them in the framework of the hypothesis of withdrawal
      induced hyperglutamatergic neurotoxicity, alcohol-induced neural changes, and
      training-associated effects of abstinence on hippocampal tissue integrity.

PMID- 28098947
TI  - Conservation vs divergence in LEAFY and APETALA1 functions between Arabidopsis
      thaliana and Cardamine hirsuta.
AB  - A conserved genetic toolkit underlies the development of diverse floral forms
      among angiosperms. However, the degree of conservation vs divergence in the
      configuration of these gene regulatory networks is less clear. We addressed this
      question in a parallel genetic study between the closely related species
      Arabidopsis thaliana and Cardamine hirsuta. We identified leafy (lfy) and
      apetala1 (ap1) alleles in a mutant screen for floral regulators in C. hirsuta. C.
      hirsuta lfy mutants showed a complete homeotic conversion of flowers to leafy
      shoots, mimicking lfy ap1 double mutants in A. thaliana. Through genetic and
      molecular experiments, we showed that AP1 activation is fully dependent on LFY in
      C. hirsuta, by contrast to A. thaliana. Additionally, we found that LFY
      influences heteroblasty in C. hirsuta, such that loss or gain of LFY function
      affects its progression. Overexpression of UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS also alters C.
      hirsuta leaf shape in an LFY-dependent manner. We found that LFY and AP1 are
      conserved floral regulators that act nonredundantly in C. hirsuta, such that LFY
      has more obvious roles in floral and leaf development in C. hirsuta than in A.
      thaliana.

PMID- 28098948
TI  - Phosphorus acquisition efficiency in arbuscular mycorrhizal maize is correlated
      with the abundance of root-external hyphae and the accumulation of transcripts
      encoding PHT1 phosphate transporters.
AB  - Plant interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have long attracted interest
      for their potential to promote more efficient use of mineral resources in
      agriculture. Their use, however, remains limited by a lack of understanding of
      the processes that determine the outcome of the symbiosis. In this study, the
      impact of host genotype on growth response to mycorrhizal inoculation was
      investigated in a panel of diverse maize lines. A panel of 30 maize lines was
      evaluated with and without inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The
      line Oh43 was identified to show superior response and, along with five other
      reference lines, was characterized in greater detail in a split-compartment
      system, using 33 P to quantify mycorrhizal phosphorus uptake. Changes in relative
      growth indicated variation in host capacity to profit from the symbiosis. Shoot
      phosphate content, abundance of root-internal and -external fungal structures,
      mycorrhizal phosphorus uptake, and accumulation of transcripts encoding plant
      PHT1 family phosphate transporters varied among lines. Superior response in Oh43
      is correlated with extensive development of root-external hyphae, accumulation of
      specific Pht1 transcripts and high phosphorus uptake by mycorrhizal plants. The
      data indicate that host genetic factors influence fungal growth strategy with an
      impact on plant performance.

PMID- 28098950
TI  - Diagnosis of childhood obesity using BMI: potential ethicolegal implications and
      downstream effects.

PMID- 28098949
TI  - Identification of cellular targets involved in cardiac failure caused by PKI in
      oncology: an approach combining pharmacovigilance and pharmacodynamics.
AB  - AIMS: The aims of the present study were to evaluate the risk of cardiac failure
      (CF) associated with 15 anticancer protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) through a
      case/noncase analysis and to identify which PK(s) and pathways are involved in
      PKI-induced CF. METHODS: In order to evaluate the risk of CF, adjusted reporting
      odds ratios (aRORs) were calculated for the 15 anticancer PKIs in the World
      Health Organization safety report database (VigiBase(r)). We realised a
      literature review to identify 21 protein kinases (PKs) that were possibly
      involved in CF caused by PKIs. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between aRORs
      and affinity data of the 15 PKIs for the 21 PKs were calculated to identify the
      cellular target most likely to be involved in PKI-induced CF. RESULTS: A total of
      141 601 individual case safety reports (ICSRs) were extracted from VigiBase(r)
      for the following PKIs: afatinib, axitinib, bosutinib, crizotinib, dasatinib,
      erlotinib, gefitinib, imatinib, lapatinib, nilotinib, pazopanib, ruxolitinib,
      sorafenib, sunitinib and vandetanib. Among them, 2594 ICSRs concerned CF. The
      disproportionality analysis revealed that, for dasatinib, imatinib, bosutinib,
      sunitinib and nilotinib, disproportionality for CF was significantly higher than
      for other PKIs, with aRORs of 2.52 [95% CI 2.26, 2.82], 1.79 (95% CI 1.57, 2.03),
      1.73 (95% CI 1.18, 2.54), 1.67 (95% CI 1.51, 1.84) and 1.38 (95% CI 1.18, 1.61),
      respectively. Significant values for correlation coefficients between the product
      of dissociation constant (pKd) and aROR were observed for two non-receptor
      protein kinases: ABL1 (non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated forms) and ABL2
      protein kinases, with values of r = 0.83 (P = 0.0001), r = 0.75 (P = 0.0014) and
      r = 0.78 (P = 0.0006), respectively. CONCLUSION: We observed a higher
      disproportionality for CF with dasatinib, imatinib, bosutinib, sunitinib and
      nilotinib than with other PKIs. In addition, the study highlighted the role of
      ABL tyrosine kinases in CF caused by anticancer PKIs.

PMID- 28098951
TI  - Lessons Learned From a Practice-Based, Multisite Intervention Study With Nurse
      Participants.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify challenges and solutions to the efficient conduct of a
      multisite, practice-based randomized controlled trial to improve nurses'
      adherence to personal protective equipment use in ambulatory oncology settings.
      DESIGN: The Drug Exposure Feedback and Education for Nurses' Safety (DEFENS)
      study is a clustered, randomized, controlled trial. Participating sites are
      randomized to Web-based feedback on hazardous drug exposures in the sites plus
      tailored messages to address barriers versus a control intervention of a Web
      based continuing education video. APPROACH: The study principal investigator, the
      study coordinator, and two site leaders identified challenges to study
      implementation and potential solutions, plus potential methods to prevent
      logistical challenges in future studies. FINDINGS: Noteworthy challenges included
      variation in human subjects' protection policies, grants and contracts budgeting,
      infrastructure for nursing-led research, and information technology variation.
      Successful strategies included scheduled Web conferences, site-based study
      champions, site visits by the principal investigator, and centrally based
      document preparation. Strategies to improve efficiency in future studies include
      early and continued engagement with contract personnel in sites, and proposed
      changes to the common rule concerning human subjects. The DEFENS study
      successfully recruited 393 nurses across 12 sites. To date, 369 have completed
      surveys and 174 nurses have viewed educational materials. CONCLUSIONS: Multisite
      studies of nursing personnel are rare and challenging to the existing
      infrastructure. These barriers can be overcome with strong engagement and
      planning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Leadership engagement, onsite staff support, and
      continuous communication can facilitate successful recruitment to a workplace
      based randomized, controlled behavioral trial.

PMID- 28098952
TI  - Solving the Puzzle of One-Carbon Loss in Ripostatin Biosynthesis.
AB  - Ripostatin is a promising antibiotic that inhibits RNA polymerase by binding to a
      novel binding site. In this study, the characterization of the biosynthetic gene
      cluster of ripostatin, which is a peculiar polyketide synthase (PKS) hybrid
      cluster encoding cis- and trans-acyltransferase PKS genes, is reported. Moreover,
      an unprecedented mechanism for phenyl acetic acid formation and loading as a
      starter unit was discovered. This phenyl-C2 unit is derived from phenylpyruvate
      (phenyl-C3) and the mechanism described herein explains the mysterious loss of
      one carbon atom in ripostatin biosynthesis from the phenyl-C3 precursor. Through
      in vitro reconstitution of the whole loading process, a pyruvate dehydrogenase
      like protein complex was revealed that performs thiamine pyrophosphate dependent
      decarboxylation of phenylpyruvate to form a phenylacetyl-S-acyl carrier protein
      species, which is supplied to the subsequent biosynthetic assembly line for chain
      extension to finally yield ripostatin.

PMID- 28098953
TI  - Mesoporous Germanium Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery with Exceptional
      Cycling Stability in Wide Temperature Range.
AB  - Porous structured materials have unique architectures and are promising for
      lithium-ion batteries to enhance performances. In particular, mesoporous
      materials have many advantages including a high surface area and large void
      spaces which can increase reactivity and accessibility of lithium ions. This
      study reports a synthesis of newly developed mesoporous germanium (Ge) particles
      prepared by a zincothermic reduction at a mild temperature for high performance
      lithium-ion batteries which can operate in a wide temperature range. The
      optimized Ge battery anodes with the mesoporous structure exhibit outstanding
      electrochemical properties in a wide temperature ranging from -20 to 60  degrees
      C. Ge anodes exhibit a stable cycling retention at various temperatures (capacity
      retention of 99% after 100 cycles at 25  degrees C, 84% after 300 cycles at 60 
      degrees C, and 50% after 50 cycles at -20  degrees C). Furthermore, full cells
      consisting of the mesoporous Ge anode and an LiFePO4 cathode show an excellent
      cyclability at -20 and 25  degrees C. Mesoporous Ge materials synthesized by the
      zincothermic reduction can be potentially applied as high performance anode
      materials for practical lithium-ion batteries.

PMID- 28098954
TI  - Use of Play Therapy in Nursing Process: A Prospective Randomized Controlled
      Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Play therapy is a nursing intervention employed in multidisciplinary
      approaches to develop the social, emotional, and behavioral skills of children.
      In this study, we aim to determine the effects of play therapy on the social,
      emotional, and behavioral skills of pre-school children through the nursing
      process. DESIGN: A single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled study was
      undertaken. The design, conduct, and reporting of this study adhere to the
      Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. METHODS: The
      participants included 4- to 5-year-old kindergarten children with no oral or
      aural disabilities and parents who agreed to participate in the study. The Pre
      school Child and Family Identification Form and Social Competence and the
      Behavior Evaluation Scale were used to gather data. Games in the play therapy
      literature about nursing diagnoses (fear, social disturbance, impaired social
      interactions, ineffective coping, anxiety), which were determined after the
      preliminary test, constituted the application of the study. FINDINGS: There was
      no difference in the average scores of the children in the experimental and
      control groups in their Anger-Aggression (AA), Social Competence (SC), and
      Anxiety-Withdrawal (AW) scores beforehand (t = 0.015, p = .988; t = 0.084, p =
      .933; t = 0.214, p = .831, respectively). The difference between the average AA
      and SC scores in the post-test (t = 2.041, p = .045; t = 2.692, p = .009,
      respectively), and the retests were statistically significant in AA and SC
      average scores in the experimental and control groups (t = 4.538, p = .000; t =
      4.693; p = .000, respectively). In AW average scores, no statistical difference
      was found in the post-test (t = 0.700, p = .486), whereas in the retest, a
      significant difference was identified (t = 5.839, p = .000). CONCLUSIONS: Play
      therapy helped pre-school children to improve their social, emotional, and
      behavioral skills. It also provided benefits for the children to decrease their
      fear and anxiety levels, to improve their communication and coping skills, and to
      increase their self-esteem. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study concluded that play
      therapy helps develop the social, emotional, and behavioral skills of pre-school
      children. It has also helped children lower their fear and anxiety levels,
      improve their communication and coping skills, and promote their self-esteem.
      Pediatric nurses are recommended to include play therapy in their profession and
      in the nursing process.

PMID- 28098955
TI  - The impact of childhood cancer: Perceptions of adult survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to describe perceptions and
      associated risk factors of the impact of cancer on functional outcomes, including
      social relationships, exercise, finances, and religion, among adult survivors of
      childhood cancer. METHODS: Evaluable participants included 3001 adult survivors
      (mean age, 32.5 years; range, 18.3-63.8 years; 24.1 years from diagnosis; 50.8%
      male; 84.9% Caucasian) who were enrolled in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort study.
      Perceptions of the impact of cancer were assessed using the Brief Cancer Impact
      Assessment (BCIA). Regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for
      functional outcomes. RESULTS: The median response on the BCIA was a perception
      that cancer had minimal impact on the domains assessed. Approximately 33.1% to
      46.6% of survivors indicated this response across the 4 subscales, although
      responses ranged from very positive to very negative impact. Other than diagnosis
      (with survivors of brain tumors generally indicating a more negative impact of
      cancer, with subscale estimates of -1.25 for caregiving and finance and -1.01 for
      social and emotional and an odds ratio of 1.83 for exercise and diet), most
      variability was because of demographic factors, including sex, age, race,
      education, and employment. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings highlight that many
      long-term adult survivors perceive minimal impact of childhood cancer on
      functional aspects of adulthood, including caregiving, finances, exercise, social
      emotional relationships, and religion. This suggests that survivors may not be
      focusing on the influence of likely physical and psychological late effects of
      their disease in their day-to-day lives. For those who do perceive a negative
      impact, variability in responses suggests that there are of survivors who may
      benefit from interventions focused on the achievement of functional goals. Cancer
      2017;123:1625-1634. (c) 2017 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 28098956
TI  - The Effect of Reference Group Classification and Change in Alcohol Consumption on
      the Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies suggest that mild alcohol consumption can help avert
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study investigated the association between
      alcohol consumption and CVD incidence, and assessed whether this differed by
      reference group classification. As alcohol consumption amounts may change over
      time, the results of simple and time-dependent analyses were compared. METHODS:
      Data were from a community-based cohort study on 40- to 69-year-old Koreans
      recruited in 2001 to 2002. A total of 8,330 participants were followed up for 10
      years and classed as nondrinkers (0 g/d), drinker group 1 (<15 g/d), and drinker
      group 2 (>=15 g/d). The risk of CVD, including myocardial infarction and coronary
      artery disease, was compared among groups using simple and time-dependent Cox
      analysis. Occasional drinkers (<2.5 g/d), nondrinkers, and lifetime abstainers
      were used as comparison reference groups. RESULTS: Simple Cox analysis indicated
      that drinker group 1 exhibited a significantly lower risk of myocardial
      infarction (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21, 0.92)
      and coronary artery disease (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.4, 0.94) than nondrinkers. Time
      dependent analysis based on alcohol consumption change showed that the beneficial
      effects of drinker group 1 were significant only for myocardial infarction, not
      for coronary artery disease. The benefits did not change significantly when
      either nondrinkers or lifetime abstainers were the reference group. However, when
      occasional drinkers were included in the reference group, the benefits of drinker
      group 1 were not significant for myocardial infarction (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.29,
      1.45) or coronary artery disease (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.42, 1.19). Occasional
      drinkers and drinkers had more similar sociodemographic characteristics than did
      nondrinkers and drinkers. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies on alcohol consumption and
      its effects on health must use repeated measurement to define drinking status, as
      simple and time-dependent analyses can show different alcohol consumption risks.
      These findings do not indicate a beneficial effect of drinking <15 g/d when
      occasional drinkers and nondrinkers are included in the reference group.

PMID- 28098958
TI  - Perilesional Hyperintensity on T1-Weighted Images in Intra-Axial Brain Masses
      other than Cavernous Malformations.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging in perilesional
      vasogenic edema has been reported as a useful sign for differentiating cavernous
      malformation from other hemorrhagic intra-axial masses. In this study, we
      investigated the frequency of perilesional hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging
      in patients with intra-axial hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic brain masses.
      METHODS: The study was performed with the approval of the institutional review
      board. Magnetic resonance images of 218 patients with 282 intra-axial brain
      masses (129 metastases, 46 gliomas, 18 primary central nervous system lymphomas
      [PCNSLs], 25 intracerebral hemorrhages, 50 cavernous malformations, and 14
      patients with brain abscesses) were evaluated. The signal intensity in
      perilesional area was qualitatively evaluated on T1-weighted sequences. In
      addition, signal intensity in perilesional area was quantitatively measured on T1
      weighted sequences and normalized to the contralateral white matter. RESULTS:
      Hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging in perilesional vasogenic edema was found
      in 12 (9%) of 129 metastases, 8 (16%) of 50 cavernous malformations, 1 (4%) in 25
      nonneoplastic intracerebral hemorrhages, and none of the patients with high-grade
      glioma, PCNSL, or abscess. All of the lesions with perilesional hyperintensity
      showed either acute or subacute hemorrhage. Pairwise comparison of qualitative
      hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging demonstrated no significant difference
      between the groups. Perilesional hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging showed
      high specificity in both metastasis and cavernous malformation groups (94%).
      CONCLUSION: Perilesional hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging is not limited to
      cavernous malformations and frequently evident with melanoma and other
      hemorrhagic metastasis to the brain. In our experience, it was not seen in high
      grade glioma, PCNSL, and brain abscess.

PMID- 28098959
TI  - Influence of electronic and molecular structure on the fragmentation dynamic of
      even-electron carbocationic triangulenes and helicenes in the gas phase.
AB  - Stable, long-lived organic cations are directly transferred by electrospray
      ionization (ESI) from solution into the gas phase where their collision-induced
      dissociations (CID) are studied by tandem mass spectrometry. Three related types
      of triphenyl carbenium ions are investigated, in which the meta positions are
      either substituted by methoxy groups or tertiary nitrogen bridges, including
      tetramethoxyphenylacridinium (TMPA+ ), dimethoxyquinacridinium (DMQA+ ), and
      triazatriangulenium (TATA+ ) cations. These ions are triangular in shape with
      increasing degrees of planarity. Fragmentation occurs at the periphery of the
      triangular molecule, involving the methoxy groups and the substituent of the
      nitrogen bridge. Each initial precursor cation is an even electron (EE) system
      and shows competing dissociations into both even (EE) and odd electron (OE)
      fragment ions. The latter reaction is a breach of the classic 'even-electron
      rule' in mass spectrometry. While the EE fragment dissociates similar to the
      precursor, the OE fragment ion shows a rich radical-induced fragmentation
      pattern. Two driving forces direct the fragmentation of the EE precursor ion
      toward OE fragment ions, including the release of stabilized radicals and the
      extension of the pi-system by increasing planarization of the triangulene core.
      Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28098957
TI  - The risk factors for postpartum depression: A population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) can result in negative personal and child
      developmental outcomes. Only a few large population-based studies of PPD have
      used clinical diagnoses of depression and no study has examined how a maternal
      depression history interacts with known risk factors. The objective of this study
      was to examine the impact of a depression history on PPD and pre- and perinatal
      risk factors. METHODS: A nationwide prospective cohort study of all women with
      live singleton births in Sweden from 1997 through 2008 was conducted. Relative
      risk (RR) of clinical depression within the first year postpartum and two-sided
      95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: The RR of PPD in women with a
      history of depression was estimated at 21.03 (confidence interval: 19.72-22.42),
      compared to those without. Among all women, PPD risk increased with advanced age
      (1.25 (1.13-1.37)) and gestational diabetes (1.70 (1.36-2.13)). Among women with
      a history of depression, pregestational diabetes (1.49 (1.01-2.21)) and mild
      preterm delivery also increased risk (1.20 (1.06-1.36)). Among women with no
      depression history, young age (2.14 (1.79-2.57)), undergoing instrument-assisted
      (1.23 (1.09-1.38)) or cesarean (1.64(1.07-2.50)) delivery, and moderate preterm
      delivery increased risk (1.36 (1.05-1.75)). Rates of PPD decreased considerably
      after the first postpartum month (RR = 0.27). CONCLUSION: In the largest
      population-based study to date, the risk of PPD was more than 20 times higher for
      women with a depression history, compared to women without. Gestational diabetes
      was independently associated with a modestly increased PPD risk. Maternal
      depression history also had a modifying effect on pre- and perinatal PPD risk
      factors.

PMID- 28098960
TI  - A Hollow Spherical Carbon Derived from the Spray Drying of Corncob Lignin for
      High-Rate-Performance Supercapacitors.
AB  - Controlling the microstructure of biomass-derived carbon is of essential
      importance for directing its use. Herein, a hollow spherical carbon (HSC) was
      prepared from corncob lignin through spray drying and subsequent heat treatment.
      The HSC, which is characterized by its hierarchically porous structure, delivers
      high rate capability when it is directly used as electrode material for
      supercapacitors. This strategy that uses lignin as the precursor avoids the
      intrinsic difficulty in tuning the microstructure of the biomass-derived carbons
      and is suitable for mass production for practical use.

PMID- 28098962
TI  - Gold-Catalyzed Suzuki Coupling of ortho-Substituted Hindered Aryl Substrates.
AB  - A method that allows hindered ortho-substituted aryl iodides to be efficiently
      coupled to phenylboronic acid using a gold-catalyzed C-C bond formation is
      presented. The use of a molecularly-defined dinuclear gold chloride catalytic
      precursor that is stabilized by a new tetradentate (N,N')-diamino-(P,P')
      diphosphino ferrocene hybrid ligand in a Suzuki-type reaction is described for
      the first time. Electron-rich isopropyl groups on phosphorus were found essential
      for a superior activity, while the performances of a set of analogous gold
      dinuclear complexes that were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR
      spectroscopy and XRD analysis, were investigated. Therefore, arylation of para
      and ortho-substituted iodoarenes bearing electron-rich, electron-poor functional
      groups, and even hindered polycyclic aromatic compounds is described.

PMID- 28098961
TI  - Angiogenic and osteogenic regeneration in rats via calcium phosphate scaffold and
      endothelial cell co-culture with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs),
      human umbilical cord MSCs, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs and
      human embryonic stem cell-derived MSCs.
AB  - Angiogenesis is a limiting factor in regenerating large bone defects. The
      objective of this study was to investigate angiogenic and osteogenic effects of
      co-culture on calcium phosphate cement (CPC) scaffold using human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (hUVECs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different
      origins for the first time. hUVECs were co-cultured with four types of cell:
      human umbilical cord MSCs (hUCMSCs), human bone marrow MSCs (hBMSCs) and MSCs
      from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-MSCs) and embryonic stem cells (hESC
      MSCs). Constructs were implanted in 8 mm cranial defects of rats for 12 weeks.
      CPC without cells served as control 1. CPC with hBMSCs served as control 2.
      Microcapillary-like structures were successfully formed on CPC in vitro in all
      four co-cultured groups. Microcapillary lengths increased with time (p < 0.05).
      Osteogenic and angiogenic gene expressions were highly elevated and
      mineralization by co-cultured cells increased with time (p < 0.05). New bone
      amount and blood vessel density of co-cultured groups were much greater than
      controls (p < 0.05) in an animal study. hUVECs co-cultured with hUCMSCs, hiPSC
      MSCs and hESC-MSCs achieved new bone and vessel density similar to hUVECs co
      cultured with hBMSCs (p > 0.1). Therefore, hUCMSCs, hiPSC-MSCs and hESC-MSCs
      could serve as alternative cell sources to hBMSCs, which require an invasive
      procedure to harvest. In conclusion, this study showed for the first time that co
      cultures of hUVECs with hUCMSCs, hiPSC-MSCs, hESC-MSCs and hBMSCs delivered via
      CPC scaffold achieved excellent osteogenic and angiogenic capabilities in vivo.
      The novel co-culture constructs are promising for bone reconstruction with
      improved angiogenesis for craniofacial/orthopaedic applications. Copyright (c)
      2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28098963
TI  - Scaffolding of Enzymes on Virus Nanoarrays: Effects of Confinement and Virus
      Organization on Biocatalysis.
AB  - Organizing active enzyme molecules on nanometer-sized scaffolds is a promising
      strategy for designing highly efficient supported catalytic systems for
      biosynthetic and sensing applications. This is achieved by designing model
      nanoscale enzymatic platforms followed by thorough analysis of the catalytic
      activity. Herein, the virus fd bacteriophage is considered as an enzyme
      nanocarrier to study the scaffolding effects on enzymatic activity. Nanoarrays of
      randomly oriented, or directionally patterned, fd bacteriophage virus are
      functionalized with the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx), using an immunological
      assembly strategy, directly on a gold electrode support. The scaffolding process
      on the virus capsid is monitored in situ by AFM (atomic force microscopy)
      imaging, while cyclic voltammetry is used to interrogate the catalytic activity
      of the resulting functional GOx-fd nanoarrays. Kinetic analysis reveals the
      ability to modulate the activity of GOx via nanocarrier patterning. The results
      evidence, for the first time, enhancement of the enzymatic activity due to
      scaffolding on a filamentous viral particle.

PMID- 28098964
TI  - 2017 - One Decade of Journal of Biophotonics.

PMID- 28098965
TI  - Continuous Tuning of Phase Transition Temperature in VO2 Thin Films on c-Cut
      Sapphire Substrates via Strain Variation.
AB  - Vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films with controlled thicknesses are deposited on c
      cut sapphire substrates with Al-doped ZnO (AZO) buffer layers by pulsed laser
      deposition. The surface roughness of AZO buffer layers is varied by controlling
      oxygen pressure during growth. The strain in the VO2 lattice is found to be
      dependent on the VO2 thickness and the VO2/AZO interface roughness. The
      semiconductor-to-metal transition (SMT) properties of VO2 thin films are
      characterized and the transition temperature (Tc) is successfully tuned by the
      VO2 thickness as well as the VO2/AZO interface roughness. It shows that the Tc of
      VO2 decreases with the decrease of film thickness or VO2/AZO interface roughness.
      Other SMT properties of the VO2 films are maintained during the Tc tuning. The
      results suggest that the strain tuning induced by AZO buffer provides an
      effective approach for tuning Tc of VO2 continuously.

PMID- 28098966
TI  - Surface Optical Rectification from Layered MoS2 Crystal by THz Time-Domain
      Surface Emission Spectroscopy.
AB  - Surface optical rectification was observed from the layered semiconductor
      molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) crystal via terahertz (THz) time-domain surface
      emission spectroscopy under linearly polarized femtosecond laser excitation. The
      radiated THz amplitude of MoS2 has a linear dependence on ever-increasing pump
      fluence and thus quadratic with the pump electric field, which discriminates from
      the surface Dember field induced THz radiation in InAs and the transient
      photocurrent-induced THz generation in graphite. Theoretical analysis based on
      space symmetry of MoS2 crystal suggests that the underlying mechanism of THz
      radiation is surface optical rectification under the reflection configuration.
      This is consistent with the experimental results according to the radiated THz
      amplitude dependences on azimuthal and incident polarization angles. We also
      demonstrated the damage threshold of MoS2 due to microscopic bond breaking under
      the femtosecond laser irradiation, which can be monitored via THz time-domain
      emission spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

PMID- 28098967
TI  - Synthesis of Fluorinated Graphene/CoAl-Layered Double Hydroxide Composites as
      Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors.
AB  - CoAl-layered double hydroxide/fluorinated graphene (CoAl-LDH/FGN) composites were
      fabricated via a two-step hydrothermal method. The synthesized CoAl-LDH/FGN
      composites have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS),
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field-emission scanning electron
      microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and
      electrochemical measurements. The results indicated that the fluorinated carbon
      with various configuration forms were grafted onto the framework of graphene, and
      the C-F bond configuration and fluorine content could be tuned by the
      fluorination time. Most of semi-ionic C-F bonds were formed at an appropriate
      fluorination time and, then, converted into fluorine rich surface groups (such as
      CF2, CF3, etc.) which were electrochemically inactive as the fluorination time
      prolonged. Moreover, the CoAl-LDH/FGN composites prepared at the optimal
      fluorination time exhibited the highest specific capacitance (1222 F/g at 1 A/g),
      the best rate capability, and the most stable capacitance retention, which
      offered great promise as electrode materials for supercapacitors.

PMID- 28098968
TI  - Functional Microcapsules via Thiol-Ene Photopolymerization in Droplet-Based
      Microfluidics.
AB  - Thiol-ene chemistry was exploited in droplet-based microfluidics to fabricate
      advanced microcapsules with tunable encapsulation, degradation, and thermal
      properties. In addition, by utilizing the thiol-ene photopolymerization with
      tunable cross-link density, we demonstrate the importance of monomer conversion
      on the retention of omniphilic cargo in double emulsion templated microcapsules.
      Furthermore, we highlight the rapid cure kinetics afforded by thiol-ene chemistry
      in a continuous flow photopatterning device for hemispherical microparticle
      production.

PMID- 28098969
TI  - Exciplex-Forming Co-Host-Based Red Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
      with Long Operational Stability and High Efficiency.
AB  - The use of exciplex forming cohosts and phosphors incredibly boosts the
      efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by providing a barrier-free
      charge injection into an emitting layer and a broad recombination zone. However,
      most of the efficient OLEDs based on the exciplex forming cohosts has suffered
      from the short operational lifetime. Here, we demonstrated phosphorescent OLEDs
      (PhOLEDs) having both high efficiency and long lifetime by using a new exciplex
      forming cohost composed of N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine
      (NPB) and (1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)tris(benzene-3,1
      diyl))tris(diphenylphosphine oxide) (PO-T2T). The red-emitting PhOLEDs using the
      exciplex forming cohost achieved a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of
      34.1% and power efficiency of 62.2 lm W1- with low operating voltages and low
      efficiency roll-offs. More importantly, the device demonstrated a long lifetime
      around 2249 h from 1000 cd m-2 to 900 cd m-2 (LT90) under a continuous flow of
      constant current. The efficiencies of the devices are the highest for red OLEDs
      with an LT90 > 1000 h.

PMID- 28098970
TI  - Strong Enhancement of Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency of Co-hybridized
      Polymer Solar Cell by Silver Nanoplates and Core-Shell Nanoparticles.
AB  - A new way was meticulously designed to utilize the localized surface plasmon
      resonance (LSPR) effect and the light scattering effect of silver nanoplate (Ag
      nPl) and core-shell Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2-NPs) to enhance the
      photovoltaic performances of polymer solar cells (PSCs). To prevent direct
      contact between silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and photoactive materials which
      will cause electrons quenching, bare Ag-nPl were spin-coated on indium tin oxide
      and silica capsulated Ag-NPs were incorporated to a PBDTTT-C-T:PC71BM active
      layer. As a result, the devices incorporated with Ag-nPl and Ag@SiO2-NPs showed
      great enhancements. With the dual effects of Ag-nPl and Ag@SiO2-NPs in devices,
      all wavelength sensitization in the visible range was realized; therefore, the
      power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs showed a great enhancement of 14.0% to
      8.46%, with an increased short-circuit current density of 17.23 mA.cm-2. The
      improved photovoltaic performances of the devices were ascribed to the LSPR
      effect and the light scattering effect of metallic nanoparticles. Apart from
      optical effects, the charge collection efficiency of PSCs was improved after the
      incorporation of Ag-nPl.

PMID- 28098971
TI  - Photodiode Response in a CH3NH3PbI3/CH3NH3SnI3 Heterojunction.
AB  - Here we report another surprising feature of the methylammonium metal halide
      material family, the phototunability of the diode response of a heterojunction
      made of CH3NH3PbI3 and its close relative, CH3NH3SnI3. In the dark state the
      device behaves as a diode, with the Sn homologue acting as the "p" side. The
      junction is extremely sensitive to illumination. A complete reversal of the diode
      polarity, the first observation of its kind, is seen when the junction is exposed
      to red laser light of 25 mW/cm2 or larger power density. This finding opens up
      the possibility for a novel class of optoelectronic devices.

PMID- 28098973
TI  - Electrochemiluminescence Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Based on a Novel
      Polydopamine Surface Imprinted Polymer Biosensor.
AB  - In this paper, a facilely prepared electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was
      developed for Escherichia coli O157:H7 quantitative detection based on a
      polydopamine (PDA) surface imprinted polymer (SIP) and nitrogen-doped graphene
      quantum dots (N-GQDs). N-GQDs with a high quantum yield of 43.2% were
      synthesized. The uniform PDA SIP film for E. coli O157:H7 was established
      successfully with a facile route. The dopamine and target bacteria were
      electropolymerized directly on the electrode. After removal of the E. coli
      O157:H7 template, the established PDA SIP can selectively recognize E. coli
      O157:H7. Accordingly, E. coli O157:H7 polyclonal antibody (pAb) was labeled with
      N-GQDs. The bioconjugation of SIP-E. coli O157:H7/pAb-N-GQDs can generate
      intensive ECL irradiation with K2S2O8. As a result, E. coli O157:H7 was detected
      with the ECL sensing system. Under optimal conditions, the linear relationships
      between the ECL intensity and E. coli O157:H7 concentration were obtained from
      101 colony-forming units (CFU) mL-1 to 107 CFU mL-1 with a limit of detection of
      8 CFU mL-1. The biosensor based on this SIP film was applied in water sample
      detection successfully. The N-GQD-based ECL analytical method for E. coli O157:H7
      was reported for the first time. The sensing system had high selectivity to the
      target analyte, provided new opportunities for use, and increased the rate of
      disease diagnosis and treatment and the prevention of pathogens.

PMID- 28098972
TI  - Hepta-Mutant Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A (SrtA7m) as a Tool for in Vivo
      Protein Labeling in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - In vivo protein ligation is of emerging interest as a means of endowing proteins
      with new properties in a controlled fashion. Tools to site-specifically and
      covalently modify proteins with small molecules, peptides, or other proteins in
      living cells are few and far between. Here, we describe the development of a
      Staphylococcus aureus sortase (SrtA)-based protein ligation approach for site
      specific conjugation of fluorescent dyes and ubiquitin (Ub) to modify proteins in
      Caenorhabditis elegans. Hepta-mutant SrtA (SrtA7m) expressed in C. elegans is
      functional and supports in vitro sortase reactions in a low-Ca2+ environment.
      Feeding SrtA7m-expressing C. elegans with small peptide-based probes such as
      (Gly)3- biotin or (Gly)3-fluorophores enables in vivo target protein
      modification. SrtA7m also catalyzes the circularization of suitably modified
      linear target proteins in vivo and allows the installation of F-box domains on
      targets to induce their degradation in a ubiquitin-dependent manner. This is a
      noninvasive method to achieve in vivo protein labeling, protein circularization,
      and targeted degradation in C. elegans. This technique should improve our ability
      to monitor and alter the function of intracellular proteins in vivo.

PMID- 28098974
TI  - Surfactant-Free Preparation of Au@Resveratrol Hollow Nanoparticles with
      Photothermal Performance and Antioxidant Activity.
AB  - Nanocomposites based on hollow Au nanostructures have gained considerable
      attention in theranostics applications because of their unique plasmonic
      structures and attractive physicochemical properties. The exploration of feasible
      and facile methods for constructing multifunctional nanocomposites combined with
      bioactive molecules is greatly needed for the development of multifunctional
      theranostics platforms. In this work, resveratrol, a natural polyphenol with
      antioxidant activity and cancer-chemopreventive propertyies is employed as the
      reducing agent cum coating agent for the surfactant-free preparation of
      Au@resveratrol hollow NPs (Au@Res HNPs). The as-prepared Au@Res HNPs were found
      to present good photothermal performance and chemical inhibition for cancer
      therapy. In vitro experiments indicated that the Au@Res HNPs can block cell
      cycles to inhibit cell division and lead to cell apoptosis after 808-nm laser
      irradiation. Because no toxic surfactants are introduced, the current protocol
      avoids the tedious surfactant separation and surface modification processes that
      are necessary for most theranostics materials.

PMID- 28098975
TI  - Development of Spiro[cyclopenta[1,2-b:5,4-b']dithiophene-4,9'-fluorene]-Based A
      pi-D-pi-A Small Molecules with Different Acceptor Units for Efficient Organic
      Solar Cells.
AB  - Three acceptor-pi-donor-pi-acceptor (A-pi-D-pi-A) small molecules (STFYT, STFRDN,
      and STFRCN) with spiro[cyclopenta[1,2-b:5,4-b']dithiophene-4,9'-fluorene] (STF)
      as the central donor unit, terthiophene as the pi-conjugated bridge, indenedione,
      3-ethylrhodanine, or 2-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)rhodanine as the acceptor unit are
      designed, synthesized, and characterized as electron donor materials in solution
      processing organic solar cells (OSCs). The effects of the spiro STF-based central
      core and different acceptors on the molecular configuration, absorption
      properties, electronic energy levels, carrier transport properties, the
      morphology of active layers, and photovoltaic properties are investigated in
      detail. The three molecules exhibit desirable physicochemical features: wide
      absorption bands (300-850 nm) and high molar absorption coefficients (4.82 * 104
      to 7.56 * 104 M-1 cm-1) and relatively low HOMO levels (-5.15 to -5.38 eV).
      Density functional theory calculations reveal that the spiro STF central core
      benefits to reduce the steric hindrance effect between the central donor block
      and terthiophene bridge and suppress excessive intermolecular aggregations. The
      optimized OSCs based on these molecules deliver power conversion efficiencies
      (PCEs) of 6.68%, 3.30%, and 4.33% for STFYT, STFRDN, and STFRCN, respectively.
      The higher PCE of STFYT-based OSCs should be ascribed to its better absorption
      ability, higher and balanced hole and electron mobilities, and superior active
      layer morphology as compared to the other two compounds. So far, this is the
      first example of developing the A-pi-D-pi-A type small molecules with a spiro
      central donor core for high-performance OSC applications. Meanwhile, these
      results demonstrate that using spiro central block to construct A-pi-D-pi-A
      molecule is an alternative and effective strategy for achieving high-performance
      small molecule donor materials.

PMID- 28098976
TI  - Adsorption Neutralization Model and Floc Growth Kinetics Properties of Aluminum
      Coagulants Based on Sips and Boltzmann Equations.
AB  - Single-molecule aluminum salt AlCl3, medium polymerized polyaluminum chloride
      (PAC), and high polymerized polyaluminum chloride (HPAC) were prepared in a
      laboratory. The characteristics and coagulation properties of these prepared
      aluminum salts were investigated. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips adsorption
      isotherms were first used to describe the adsorption neutralization process in
      coagulation, and the Boltzmann equation was used to fit the reaction kinetics of
      floc growth in flocculation. It was novel to find that the experimental data
      fitted well with the Sips and Boltzmann equation, and the significance of
      parameters in the equations was discussed simultaneously. Through the Sips
      equation, the adsorption neutralization reaction was proved to be spontaneous and
      the adsorption neutralization capacity was HPAC > PAC > AlCl3. Sips equation also
      indicated that the zeta potential of water samples would reach a limit with the
      increase of coagulant dosage, and the equilibrium zeta potential values were
      30.25, 30.23, and 27.25 mV for AlCl3, PAC, and HPAC, respectively. The lower
      equilibrium zeta potential value of HPAC might be the reason why the water sample
      was not easy to achieve restabilization at a high coagulant dosage. Through the
      Boltzmann equation modeling, the maximum average floc size formed by AlCl3, PAC,
      and HPAC were 196.0, 188.0, and 203.6 MUm, respectively, and the halfway time of
      reactions were 31.23, 17.08, and 9.55 min, respectively. The HPAC showed the
      strongest floc formation ability and the fastest floc growth rate in the
      flocculation process, which might be caused by the stronger adsorption and
      bridging functions of Alb and Alc contained in HPAC.

PMID- 28098978
TI  - Reliable and Low-Power Multilevel Resistive Switching in TiO2 Nanorod Arrays
      Structured with a TiOx Seed Layer.
AB  - The electrical performance of TiO2 nanorod array (NRA)-based resistive switching
      memory devices is examined in this paper. The formation of a seed layer on the
      fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate after treatment in TiCl4 solution,
      before the growth of TiO2 NRAs on the FTO substrate via a hydrothermal process,
      is shown to significantly improve the resistive switching performance of the
      resulting TiO2 NRA-based device. As fabricated, the Al/TiO2 NRA/TiOx layer/FTO
      device displayed electroforming-free bipolar resistive switching behavior while
      maintaining a stable ON/OFF ratio for more than 500 direct sweeping cycles over a
      retention period of 3 * 104 s. Meanwhile, the programming current as low as ~10-8
      A and 10-10 A for low resistance state and high resistance state respectively
      makes the fabricated devices suitable for low-power memristor applications. The
      TiOx precursor seed layer not only promotes the uniform and preferred growth of
      TiO2 nanorods on the FTO substrate but also functions as an additional source
      layer of trap centers due to its oxygen-deficient composition. Our data suggest
      that the primary conduction mechanism in these devices arises from trap-mediated
      space-charge-limited current (SCLC). Multilevel memory performance in this new
      device is achieved by varying the SET voltage. The origin of this effect is also
      discussed.

PMID- 28098977
TI  - Lamellar Metal Organic Framework-Derived Fe-N-C Non-Noble Electrocatalysts with
      Bimodal Porosity for Efficient Oxygen Reduction.
AB  - Developing highly efficient and stable non-Pt electrocatalysts for the oxygen
      reduction reaction (ORR) to replace the state-of-the-art noble metal is essential
      for commercialization of fuel cells. Fe-N-C-based electrocatalysts are considered
      as a promising alternative to commercial Pt/C. An efficient electrocatalyst
      commonly requires large density of active site, high surface area, and desirable
      porosity, especially multimodal porosity with both large pores for efficient mass
      transfer and small pores for exposing as many active sites as possible. Herein, a
      lamellar metal organic framework (MOF) was developed as a precursor to directly
      achieve such a highly active Fe-N-C electrocatalyst with high surface area and
      desirable bimodal porosity. The mesopores arising from the special lamellar
      morphology of MOF benefits efficient mass transfer, and the nanopores resulting
      from pyrolysis of the MOF makes the majority of active sites accessible to
      electrolyte and thus effective for ORR. Uniform distribution of active elements
      N, C, and Fe at the molecular level in MOF precursor ensures abundant well
      dispersed highly active sites in the catalyst. As a result, the catalyst
      exhibited superior ORR electrocatalytic activity and stability to commercial
      Pt/C. This strategy, using rarely reported lamellar MOF to prepare ORR catalysts
      with the merits mentioned, could inspire the exploration of a wide range of
      electrocatalysts from lamellar MOF precursors for various applications.

PMID- 28098979
TI  - Electroactive Self-Assembled Monolayers Detect Micelle Formation.
AB  - The interfacial electrochemistry of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of
      ferrocenyldodecanethiolate on gold (FcC12SAu) electrodes is applied to detect the
      micellization of some common anionic surfactants, sodium n-alkyl sulfates, sodium
      n-alkyl sulfonates, sodium diamyl sulfosuccinate, and sodium dodecanoate, in
      aqueous solution by cyclic voltammetry. The apparent formal redox potential (E
      degrees 'SAM) of the FcC12SAu SAM is used to track changes in the concentration
      of the unaggregated surfactant anions and determine the critical micelle
      concentration (cmc). The effect of added salt (NaF) on the sodium alkyl sulfate
      concentration dependence of E degrees 'SAM is also investigated. Weakly hydrated
      anions, such as ClO4-, pair with the electrogenerated SAM-bound ferroceniums to
      neutralize the excess positive charge created at the SAM/electrolyte solution
      interface and stabilize the oxidized cations. E degrees 'SAM exhibits a Nernstian
      type dependence on the anion activity in solution. Aggregation of the surfactant
      anions into micelles above the cmc causes the free surfactant anion activity to
      deviate from the molar concentration of added surfactant, resulting in a break in
      the plot of E degrees 'SAM versus the logarithm of the concentration of anionic
      surfactant. The concentration at which this deviation occurs is in good agreement
      with literature or experimentally determined values of the cmc. The effects of
      Ohmic potential drop, liquid junction potential, and surfactant adsorption
      behavior on E degrees 'SAM are addressed. Ultimately, the E degrees 'SAM response
      as a function of the anionic surfactant concentration exhibits the same features
      reported using potentiometry and surfactant ion-selective electrodes, which
      provide a direct measure of the free surfactant anion activity, thus making
      FcC12SAu SAM electrodes useful for the detection of surfactant aggregation and
      micelle formation.

PMID- 28098980
TI  - Ruthenium(II) Complex-Based Luminescent Bifunctional Probe for Ag+ and Phosphate
      Ions: Ag+-Assisted Detection and Imaging of rRNA.
AB  - A new bis-heteroleptic Ru(II) complex (1) of benzimidazole-substituted 1,2,3
      triazole pyridine ligand has been designed and constructed for the
      photoluminescent detection of cationic and anionic analytes, Ag+ and phosphate
      ions. Compound, 1[PF6]2 was fully characterized by various spectroscopic
      techniques and the solid-state structure was determined via single-crystal X-ray
      diffraction. The cation and anion sensing properties in 50% aqueous buffer (pH
      9.2) and pure acetonitrile were carefully examined in photoluminescence (PL)
      spectroscopy. The 1[PF6]2 was found to be highly selective to pyrophosphate;
      PPi/HP2O73- and H2PO4- ions in CH3CN. It showed ~10-fold PL intensity enhancement
      at 583 nm in the presence of only 1 and 2 equiv of PPi and H2PO4- ions,
      respectively. The PL titrations of 1[PF6]2 with PPi and H2PO4- in CH3CN furnished
      the association constant (Ka = 3.3 * 103 M-1 and 6.8 * 103 M-1) and the detection
      limit was as low as 5.73 and 5.19 ppb, respectively. The 1[PF6]2 also selectively
      detected Ag+ over other competitive cations through the luminescence light up in
      50% aqueous buffer (pH 9.2) media. The PL titration of 1[PF6]2 with Ag+ showed ~8
      fold luminescence enhancement at 591 nm and yielded association constant, Ka =
      3.5 * 104 M-1 and the detection limit was determined to be 5.05 ppb. A new cation
      sensing mechanism has been established where the Ag+ ion is detected in
      photoluminescence spectroscopy through the unique cyclometalated Ag+-triazolide
      complex formation. The high selectivity of 1[PF6]2 for phosphates and Ag+ was
      established by PL in the presence of various competing ions. Finally, for
      biological application, the cytotoxicity study was performed. The probe showed
      low cytotoxicity and was suitable for intracellular Ag+ imaging. The cell imaging
      and in vitro photoluminescence study revealed that the probe stained the cell
      nucleoli and specifically bind with ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and, therefore, it can
      also serve as a luminescent probe for rRNA in the presence of Ag+.

PMID- 28098981
TI  - Comparing Ion Exchange Adsorbents for Nitrogen Recovery from Source-Separated
      Urine.
AB  - Separate collection of urine, which is only 1% of wastewater volume but contains
      the majority of nitrogen humans excrete, can potentially reduce the costs and
      energy input of wastewater treatment and facilitate recovery of nitrogen for
      beneficial use. Ion exchange was investigated for recovery of nitrogen as
      ammonium from urine for use as a fertilizer or disinfectant. Cation adsorption
      curves for four adsorbents (clinoptilolite, biochar, Dowex 50, and Dowex Mac 3)
      were compared in pure salt solutions, synthetic urine, and real stored urine.
      Competition from sodium and potassium present in synthetic and real urine did not
      significantly decrease ammonium adsorption for any of the adsorbents. Dowex 50
      and Dowex Mac 3 showed nearly 100% regeneration efficiencies. Estimated ion
      exchange reactor volumes to capture the nitrogen for 1 week from a four-person
      household were lowest for Dowex Mac 3 (5 L) and highest for biochar (19 L).
      Although Dowex Mac 3 had the highest adsorption capacity, material costs ($/g N
      removed) were lower for clinoptilolite and biochar because of their substantially
      lower unit cost.

PMID- 28098982
TI  - Glycine Substitutions in Collagen Heterotrimers Alter Triple Helical Assembly.
AB  - Osteogenesis imperfecta typically results from missense mutations in the collagen
      genome where the required glycine residues are replaced with another amino acid.
      Many models have attempted to replicate the structure of mutated collagen on the
      triple helix level. However, composition and register control of the triple helix
      is complicated and requires extreme precision, especially when these
      destabilizing mutations are present. Here we present mutations to a composition-
      and register-controlled AAB helix where one of the requisite glycines in the A
      chain of the triple helix is changed to serine or alanine. We see a loss of
      compositional control when the A chain is mutated, resulting in an A'BB
      composition that minimizes the number of mutations included in the triple helix.
      However, when both A and B chains are mutated and no nonmutated peptide chains
      are available, the designed A'A'B' composition is reestablished. Our work shows
      the ability of the mutations to influence and alter the composition and register
      of the collagen triple helix.

PMID- 28098983
TI  - Redox-Initiated Reactivity of Dinuclear beta-Diketiminatoniobium Imido Complexes.
AB  - High-valent dichloride and dimethylniobium complexes 1 and 2 bearing tert
      butylimido and N,N'-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-beta-diketiminate (BDIAr) ligands
      were prepared. The dimethyl complex reacted with dihydrogen to release methane
      and generate the hydride-bridged diniobium(IV) complex 3 in high yield. One
      electron oxidation of 3 with silver salts resulted in the release of dihydrogen
      and conversion to a mixed-valent NbIII-NbIV complex, 4, that displayed a frozen
      solution X-band electron paramagnetic resonance signal consistent with a slight
      dissymmetry between the two Nb centers. Spectroscopic and computational analysis
      supported the presence of Nb-Nb sigma-bonding interactions in both 3 and 4.
      Finally, one-electron reduction of 4 resulted in conversion to the highly
      dissymmetric NbV-NbV dimer 5 that formed from the reductive C-N bond cleavage of
      one of the BDIAr supporting ligands.

PMID- 28098984
TI  - Red-Emitting Ruthenium(II) and Iridium(III) Complexes as Phosphorescent Probes
      for Methylglyoxal in Vitro and in Vivo.
AB  - Transition-metal complexes, ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) complexes in
      particular, with fascinating triplet emissions are rapidly emerging as important
      phosphorescent dyes for application in the sensing and imaging of biological
      makers in live cells and organisms. In this contribution, two red-emitting
      transition-metal complexes, [Ru(bpy)2(DA-phen)](PF6)2 and [Ir(ppy)2(DA
      phen)](PF6) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, DA-phen = 4,5-diamino-1,10-phenanthroline,
      and ppy = 2-phenylpyridine), were designed and synthesized as phosphorescent
      probes for the highly sensitive and selective detection of methylglyoxal (MGO),
      an essential biomarker in the etiopathogenesis of several diseases. Both probes
      showed weak emissions in aqueous media because of the existence of an effective
      photoinduced-electron-transfer process, while their emissions could be remarkably
      enhanced upon the addition of MGO. The photophysical and electrochemical
      properties, as well as phosphorescent responses of the probes toward MGO, were
      examined. The ground- and excited-state properties of the probes and their
      reaction products with MGO, [Ru(bpy)2(MP-phen)](PF6)2 and [Ir(ppy)2(MP
      phen)](PF6) (MP-phen = 2-methylpyrazino-1,10-phenanthroline), the sensing
      mechanism, and several important experimental facts were investigated and
      validated using density functional theory (DFT)/time-dependent DFT computations.
      The results indicated that the phosphorescence switch-ON is due to the
      elimination of electron transfer and followed the reestablishment of emissive
      triplet excited states. To evaluate the feasibility of [Ru(bpy)2(DA-phen)](PF6)2
      and [Ir(ppy)2(DA-phen)](PF6) as bioprobes, their cytotoxicity was examined, and
      their applicability for visualizing intracellular and in vivo MGO was
      demonstrated.

PMID- 28098986
TI  - Investigation of the Energy-Transfer Mechanism in Ho3+- and Yb3+-Codoped Lu2O3
      Phosphor with Efficient Near-Infrared Downconversion.
AB  - A high-temperature solid-state method was used to synthesize the Ho3+- and Yb3+
      codoped cubic Lu2O3 powders. The crystal structures of the as-prepared powders
      were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The energy-transfer (ET) phenomenon
      between Ho3+ ions and Yb3+ ions was verified by the steady-state spectra
      including visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions. Beyond that, the decay curves
      were also measured to certify the existence of the ET process. The downconversion
      phenomena appeared when the samples were excited by 446 nm wavelength
      corresponding to the transition of Ho3+: 5I8->5G6/5F1. On the basis of the
      analysis of the relationship between the initial transfer rate of Ho3+: 5F3 level
      and the Yb3+ doping concentration, it indicates that the ET from 5F3 state of
      Ho3+ ions to 2F5/2 state of Yb3+ ions is mainly through a two-step ET process,
      not the long-accepted cooperative ET process. In addition, a 62% ET efficiency
      can be achieved in Lu2O3: 1% Ho3+/30% Yb3+. Unlike the common situations in which
      the NIR photons are all emitted by the acceptors Yb3+, the sensitizers Ho3+ also
      make contributions to the NIR emission upon 446 nm wavelength excitation.
      Meanwhile, the 5I5->5I8 transition and 5F4/5S2->5I6 transition of Ho3+ as well as
      the 2F5/2->2F7/2 transition of Yb3+ match well with the optimal spectral response
      of crystalline silicon solar cells. The current research indicates that Lu2O3:
      Ho3+/Yb3+ is a promising material to improve conversion efficiency of crystalline
      silicon solar cell.

PMID- 28098985
TI  - HMGB1 Stimulates Activity of Polymerase beta on Nucleosome Substrates.
AB  - The process of base excision repair (BER) recognizes and repairs small lesions or
      inappropriate bases on DNA through either a short-patch or long-patch pathway.
      The enzymes involved in BER have been well-characterized on DNA substrates, and,
      somewhat surprisingly, many of these enzymes, including several DNA glycosylases,
      AP endonuclease (APE), FEN1 endonuclease, and DNA ligases, have been shown to
      have activity on DNA substrates within nucleosomes. DNA polymerase beta (Pol
      beta), however, exhibits drastically reduced or no activity on nucleosomal DNA.
      Interestingly, acetylation of Pol beta, by the acetyltransferase p300, inhibits
      its 5' dRP-lyase activity and presumably pushes repair of DNA substrates through
      the long-patch base excision repair (LP-BER) pathway. In addition to the major
      enzymes involved in BER, a chromatin architectural factor, HMGB1, was found to
      directly interact with and enhance the activity of APE1 and FEN1, and thus may
      aid in altering the structure of the nucleosome to be more accessible to BER
      factors. In this work, we investigated whether acetylation of Pol beta, either
      alone or in conjunction with HMGB1, facilitates its activity on nucleosome
      substrates. We find acetylated Pol beta exhibits enhanced strand displacement
      synthesis activity on DNA substrates, but, similar to the unmodified enzyme, has
      little or no activity on nucleosomes. Preincubation of DNA templates with HMGB1
      has little or no stimulatory effect on Pol beta and even is inhibitory at higher
      concentrations. In contrast, preincubation of nucleosomes with HMGB1 rescues Pol
      beta gap-filling activity in nucleosomes, suggesting that this factor may help
      overcome the repressive effects of chromatin.

PMID- 28098987
TI  - Predicting Copper Speciation in Estuarine Waters-Is Dissolved Organic Carbon a
      Good Proxy for the Presence of Organic Ligands?
AB  - A new generation of speciation-based aquatic environmental quality standards
      (EQS) for metals have been developed using models to predict the free metal ion
      concentration, the most ecologically relevant form, to set site-specific values.
      Some countries such as the U.K. have moved toward this approach by setting a new
      estuarine and marine water EQS for copper, based on an empirical relationship
      between copper toxicity to mussels (Mytilus sp.) and ambient dissolved organic
      carbon (DOC) concentrations. This assumes an inverse relationship between DOC and
      free copper ion concentration owing to complexation by predominantly organic
      ligands. At low DOC concentrations, the new EQS is more stringent, but above 162
      MUM DOC it is higher than the previous value. However, the relationship between
      DOC and copper speciation is poorly defined in estuarine waters. This research
      discusses the influence of DOC from different sources on copper speciation in
      estuaries and concludes that DOC is not necessarily an accurate predictor of
      copper speciation. Nevertheless, the determination of ligand strength and
      concentrations by Competitive Ligand Exchange Adsorptive Cathodic Stripping
      Voltammetry enabled the prediction of the free metal ion concentration within an
      order of magnitude for estuarine waters by using a readily available metal
      speciation model (Visual MINTEQ).

PMID- 28098988
TI  - C-F Bond Cleavage Enabled Redox-Neutral [4+1] Annulation via C-H Bond Activation.
AB  - Using alpha,alpha-difluoromethylene alkyne as a nontraditional one-carbon
      reaction partner, a synthetically novel method for the construction of isoindolin
      1-one derivatives via Rh(III)-catalyzed [4+1] annulation reaction is reported.
      The 2-fold C-F bond cleavage not only enables the generation of desired product
      under an overall oxidant-free condition but also results in a net migration of
      carbon-carbon triple bond. In addition, the present reaction protocol exhibits a
      tolerance of a wide spectrum of functional groups due to the mild reaction
      conditions employed.

PMID- 28098990
TI  - Chemo- and Regioselective Distal Heteroaryl ipso-Migration: A General Protocol
      for Heteroarylation of Unactivated Alkenes.
AB  - Herein we report a novel, general protocol for distal heteroaryl ipso-migration
      and its application to the elusive heteroarylation of unactivated alkenes. A set
      of nitrogen-containing heteroaryl groups showcase the migratory aptitude. This
      reaction provides a variety of fluoroalkyl functionalized heteroarenes under mild
      reaction conditions. This is the first report of a difunctionalization of
      unactivated alkenes with distal heteroaryl migration.

PMID- 28098989
TI  - Discovery of 40 Classes of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Historical
      Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFFs) and AFFF-Impacted Groundwater.
AB  - Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl
      substances (PFASs), are released into the environment during response to fire
      related emergencies. Repeated historical applications of AFFF at military sites
      were a result of fire-fighter training exercises and equipment testing. Recent
      data on AFFF-impacted groundwater indicates that ~25% of the PFASs remain
      unidentified. In an attempt to close the mass balance, a systematic evaluation of
      3M and fluorotelomer-based AFFFs, commercial products, and AFFF-impacted
      groundwaters from 15 U.S. military bases was conducted to identify the remaining
      PFASs. Liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used
      for compound discovery. Nontarget analysis utilized Kendrick mass defect plots
      and a "nontarget" R script. Suspect screening compared masses with those of
      previously reported PFASs. Forty classes of novel anionic, zwitterionic, and
      cationic PFASs were discovered, and an additional 17 previously reported classes
      were observed for the first time in AFFF and/or AFFF-impacted groundwater. All 57
      classes received an acronym and IUPAC-like name derived from collective author
      knowledge. Thirty-four of the 40 newly identified PFAS classes derive from
      electrochemical fluorination (ECF) processes, most of which have the same base
      structure. Of the newly discovered PFASs found only in AFFF-impacted groundwater,
      11 of the 13 classes are ECF-derived, and the remaining two classes are
      fluorotelomer-derived, which suggests that both ECF- and fluorotelomer-based
      PFASs are persistent in the environment.

PMID- 28098991
TI  - Evidence of Absence: Estrogenicity Assessment of a New Food-Contact Coating and
      the Bisphenol Used in Its Synthesis.
AB  - Consumer concerns about exposure to substances found in food contact materials
      with estrogenic activity (EA) have created substantial demand for alternatives.
      We assessed the potential EA of both a new bisphenol monomer used to synthesize
      polymeric coatings for metal food-contact applications and the nonintentionally
      added substances (NIAS) that may migrate into food. We evaluated tetramethyl
      bisphenol F (TMBPF) using in vitro and in vivo assays. We extracted the polymeric
      coating using food simulants ethanol (50% v/v) and acetic acid (3% w/v) and
      measured migration using tandem liquid chromatography (LC)/mass spectrometry (MS)
      and LC time-of-flight MS for TMBPF and NIAS, respectively. We also tested
      migrants for EA using the E-SCREEN assay. TMBPF did not show estrogenic activity
      in the uterotrophic assay and did not alter puberty in male and female rats or
      mammary gland development in female rats. Neither TMBPF nor the migrants from the
      final polymeric coating increased proliferation of estrogen-sensitive MCF7 cells.
      TMBPF did not show estrogen-agonist or antagonist activity in the estrogen
      receptor-transactivation assay. TMBPF migration was below the 0.2 parts per
      billion detection limit. Our findings provide compelling evidence for the absence
      of EA by TMBPF and the polymeric coating derived from it and that human exposure
      to TMBPF would be negligible.

PMID- 28098992
TI  - Mechanistic Insights into Tunable Metal-Mediated Hydrolysis of Amyloid-beta
      Peptides.
AB  - An amyloidogenic peptide, amyloid-beta (Abeta), has been implicated as a
      contributor to the neurotoxicity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that continues to
      present a major socioeconomic burden for our society. Recently, the use of metal
      complexes capable of cleaving peptides has arisen as an efficient tactic for
      amyloid management; unfortunately, little has been reported to pursue this
      strategy. Herein, we report a novel approach to validate the hydrolytic cleavage
      of divalent metal complexes toward two major isoforms of Abeta (Abeta40 and
      Abeta42) and tune their proteolytic activity based on the choice of metal centers
      (M = Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) which could be correlated to their anti-amyloidogenic
      properties. Such metal-dependent tunability was facilitated employing a tetra-N
      methylated cyclam (TMC) ligand that imparts unique geometric and stereochemical
      control, which has not been available in previous systems. Co(II)(TMC) was
      identified to noticeably cleave Abeta peptides and control their aggregation,
      reporting the first Co(II) complex for such reactivities to the best of our
      knowledge. Through detailed mechanistic investigations by biochemical,
      spectroscopic, mass spectrometric, and computational studies, the critical
      importance of the coordination environment and acidity of the aqua-bound
      complexes in promoting amide hydrolysis was verified. The biological
      applicability of Co(II)(TMC) was also illustrated via its potential blood-brain
      barrier permeability, relatively low cytotoxicity, regulatory capability against
      toxicity induced by both Abeta40 and Abeta42 in living cells, proteolytic
      activity with Abeta peptides under biologically relevant conditions, and
      inertness toward cleavage of structured proteins. Overall, our approaches and
      findings on reactivities of divalent metal complexes toward Abeta, along with the
      mechanistic insights, demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing such metal
      complexes for amyloid control.

PMID- 28098993
TI  - In Situ Hydrogenation of the Zintl Phase SrGe.
AB  - Hydrides (deuterides) of the CrB-type Zintl phases AeTt (Ae = alkaline earth; Tt
      = tetrel) show interesting bonding properties with novel polyanions. In SrGeD4/3
      x (gamma phase), three zigzag chains of Ge atoms are condensed and terminated by
      covalently bound D atoms. A combination of in situ techniques (thermal analysis
      and synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction) revealed the existence of two
      further hydride (deuteride) phases with lower H (D) content (called alpha and
      beta phases). Both are structurally related to the parent Zintl phase SrGe and to
      the ZrNiH structure type containing variable amounts of H (D) in Sr4 tetrahedra.
      For alpha-SrGeDy, the highest D content y = 0.29 was found at 575(2) K under
      5.0(1) MPa of D2 pressure, and beta-SrGeDy shows a homogeneity range of 0.47 < y
      < 0.63. Upon decomposition of SrGeD4/3-x (gamma-SrGeDy), tetrahedral Sr4 voids
      stay filled, while the Ge-bound D4 site loses D. When reaching the lower D
      content limit, SrGeD4/3-x (gamma phase) with 0.10 < x < 0.17, decomposes to the
      beta phase. All three hydrides (deuterides) of SrGe show variable H (D) content.

PMID- 28098994
TI  - Hydrides of Alkaline Earth-Tetrel (AeTt) Zintl Phases: Covalent Tt-H Bonds from
      Silicon to Tin.
AB  - Zintl phases form hydrides either by incorporating hydride anions (interstitial
      hydrides) or by covalent bonding of H to the polyanion (polyanionic hydrides),
      which yields a variety of different compositions and bonding situations. Hydrides
      (deuterides) of SrGe, BaSi, and BaSn were prepared by hydrogenation (deuteration)
      of the CrB-type Zintl phases AeTt and characterized by laboratory X-ray,
      synchrotron, and neutron diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, and quantum-chemical
      calculations. SrGeD4/3-x and BaSnD4/3-x show condensed boatlike six-membered
      rings of Tt atoms, formed by joining three of the zigzag chains contained in the
      Zintl phase. These new polyanionic motifs are terminated by covalently bound H
      atoms with d(Ge-D) = 1.521(9) A and d(Sn-D) = 1.858(8) A. Additional hydride
      anions are located in Ae4 tetrahedra; thus, the features of both interstitial
      hydrides and polyanionic hydrides are represented. BaSiD2-x retains the zigzag Si
      chain as in the parent Zintl phase, but in the hydride (deuteride), it is
      terminated by H (D) atoms, thus forming a linear (SiD) chain with d(Si-D) =
      1.641(5) A.

PMID- 28098995
TI  - A Chemometrics Approach to the Investigation of the Intraspecific Variability of
      the Volatile Oil of Eupatorium tremulum from Southern Brazil.
AB  - Eupatorium tremulum is a South American shrub reported to cause cattle digestive
      intoxication, of which the volatile oil, mainly composed by bisabolane- and
      amorphane-type sesquiterpenoids, exhibits high quantitative variability. This
      report describes the application of chemometric tools for the identification of
      volatile compounds that characterize phenophasical changes in the plant.
      Preblooming, blooming, and postblooming specimens were paired-sampled and
      submitted to hydrodistillation and GC-MS analysis. Differential results were
      analyzed by orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis
      (OPLS-DA), and the substances with different distribution in each phase were
      highlighted. Mean results between phases were submitted to factor analysis (FA),
      and correlations between the variables were demonstrated. Preblooming to blooming
      phase change was characterized by decreased levels of amorpha-4-en-7-ol (13) and
      epi-alpha-bisabolol (19) and increased amounts of amorpha-4,7(11)-diene (1).
      Blooming to postblooming change was characterized by decreases in 1, germacrene D
      (2), and beta-bisabolene (4) and increases in 13 and 19. Finally, enhanced levels
      of 1, 4, and 2 reflected the change from the postblooming to the preblooming
      phase. FA revealed a strong correlation in the variability between the bisabolane
      hydrocarbons, possibly related to its common enzymatic origin. Another strong
      source of negative correlation showed bisabolane- and amorphane-type alcohols, on
      one side, and amorphane-type furans, on the other side, to occur in two
      alternative oxidation routes. Finally, 1 was strongly negatively correlated to
      its oxidized furan and ketofuran derivatives [verboccidentafuran (16) and 3-oxo
      verboccidentafuran (23)] and additionally to a third compound, putatively
      identified as a biosynthetic intermediate between this hydrocarbon and the
      furans, amorpha-4,7(11)-dien-8-one (20).

PMID- 28098996
TI  - Ulapualides C-E Isolated from a Hawaiian Hexabranchus sanguineus Egg Mass.
AB  - Three new ulapualides (3-5) were isolated from egg masses of the nudibranch
      Hexabranchus sanguineus. The structures of 3-5 were deduced by analyses of
      physical and spectroscopic data in comparisons with ulapualides A (1) and B (2).
      Ulapualide C demonstrated submicromolar cytotoxicity against select NCI cell
      lines (768-0, DU-145, MDA-MB-231, and A549) with the most potent activity against
      MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50 0.58 MUM). Ulapualides A (1) and B (2) were 2- to 4-fold
      more potent than 3.

PMID- 28098997
TI  - Two-Step Design of a Single-Doped White Phosphor with High Color Rendering.
AB  - A strategy to design step by step an inorganic single-doped white phosphor is
      demonstrated. The method consists in tuning different contributions of the
      emission by successively controlling the chemical compositions of the solid
      solution or nanosegregated host matrix and the oxidation states of the single
      dopant. We use this approach to design a white phosphor Na4CaMgSc4Si10O30:Eu with
      excellent color rendering (CRI > 90) that is similar to common mixed-phosphor
      light sources but for a single-phase. We show that this methodology can also be
      extended to other phosphors for use in diverse applications such as biomedicine
      or telecommunications.

PMID- 28098998
TI  - Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Betalains.
AB  - Betalains are vacuolar pigments composed of a nitrogenous core structure,
      betalamic acid. Betalamic acid condenses with imino compounds (cyclo-DOPA/its
      glucosyl derivates) or amino acids/derivates to form violet betacyanins and
      yellow betaxanthins. These pigments have gained the curiosity of scientific
      researchers in recent decades. Their importance was increased not only by market
      orientation toward natural colorants and antioxidants but also by their safety
      and health promoting properties. To date, about 78 betalains have been identified
      from plants of about 17 families. In this review, all of the identified pigments
      are presented, followed by a comprehensive discussion of their structure-activity
      relationship.

PMID- 28098999
TI  - DNA Deformation-Coupled Recognition of 8-Oxoguanine: Conformational Kinetic
      Gating in Human DNA Glycosylase.
AB  - 8-Oxoguanine (8-oxoG), a mutagenic DNA lesion generated under oxidative stress,
      differs from its precursor guanine by only two substitutions (O8 and H7). Human 8
      oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (OGG1) can locate and remove 8-oxoG through extrusion
      and excision. To date, it remains unclear how OGG1 efficiently distinguishes 8
      oxoG from a large excess of undamaged DNA bases. We recently showed that
      formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg), a bacterial functional analog of OGG1,
      can selectively facilitate eversion of oxoG by stabilizing several intermediate
      states, and it is intriguing whether OGG1 also employs a similar mechanism in
      lesion recognition. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to explore the
      mechanism by which OGG1 discriminates between 8-oxoG and guanine along the base
      eversion pathway. The MD results suggest an important role for kinking of the DNA
      by the glycosylase, which positions DNA phosphates in a way that assists lesion
      recognition during base eversion. The computational predictions were validated
      through experimental enzyme assays on phosphorothioate substrate analogs. Our
      simulations suggest that OGG1 distinguishes between 8-oxoG and G using their
      chemical dissimilarities not only at the active site but also at earlier stages
      during base eversion, and this mechanism is at least partially conserved in Fpg
      despite a lack of structural homology. The similarity also suggests that lesion
      recognition through multiple gating steps may be a common theme in DNA repair.
      Our results provide new insight into how enzymes can exploit kinetics and DNA
      conformational changes to probe the chemical modifications present in DNA
      lesions.

PMID- 28099000
TI  - Application of Nano FeIII-Tannic Acid Complexes in Modifying Aqueous Acrylic
      Latex for Controlled-Release Coated Urea.
AB  - Acrylic latexes are valuable waterborne materials used in controlled-release
      fertilizers. Controlled-release urea coated with these latexes releases a large
      amount of nutrients, making it difficult to meet the requirement of plants.
      Herein, FeIII-tannic acid (TA) complexes were blended with acrylic latex and
      subsequently reassembled on a surface of polyacrylate particles. These complexes
      remarkably retarded the release of urea (the preliminary solubility was decreased
      from 22.3 to 0.8%) via decreasing the coating tackiness (Tg was increased from
      4.17 to 6.42  degrees C), increasing the coating strength (tensile stress was
      improved from 3.88 to 4.45 MPa), and promoting the formation of denser structures
      (surface tension was decreased from 37.37 to 35.94 mN/m). Overall, our findings
      showed that a simple blending of FeIII-TA complexes with acrylic latex produces
      excellent coatings that delay the release of urea, which demonstrates great
      potential for use in controlled-release fertilizers coated with waterborne
      polymers.

PMID- 28099002
TI  - Theory and Applications of Generalized Pipek-Mezey Wannier Functions.
AB  - The theory for the generation of Wannier functions within the generalized Pipek
      Mezey approach (Lehtola, S.; Jonsson, H. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2014, 10, 642)
      is presented and an implementation thereof is described. Results are shown for
      systems with periodicity in one, two, and three dimensions as well as isolated
      molecules. The generalized Pipek-Mezey Wannier functions (PMWF) are highly
      localized orbitals consistent with chemical intuition where a distinction is
      maintained between sigma- and pi-orbitals. The PMWF method is compared with the
      so-called maximally localized Wannier functions (MLWFs) that are frequently used
      for the analysis of condensed matter calculations. Whereas PMWFs maximize the
      localization criterion of Pipek and Mezey, MLWFs maximize that of Foster and Boys
      and have the disadvantage of mixing sigma- and pi-orbitals in many cases. The
      PMWF orbitals turn out to be as localized as the MLWF orbitals as evidenced by
      cross-comparison of the values of the PMWF and MLWF objective functions for the
      two types of orbitals. Our implementation in the atomic simulation environment
      (ASE) is compatible with various representations of the wave function, including
      real-space grids, plane waves, and linear combinations of atomic orbitals. The
      projector-augmented wave formalism for the representation of atomic core
      electrons is also supported. Results of calculations with the GPAW software are
      described here, but our implementation can also use output from other electronic
      structure software such as ABINIT, NWChem, and VASP.

PMID- 28099001
TI  - Conformational Dynamics in Penicillin-Binding Protein 2a of Methicillin-Resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus, Allosteric Communication Network and Enablement of
      Catalysis.
AB  - The mechanism of the beta-lactam antibacterials is the functionally irreversible
      acylation of the enzymes that catalyze the cross-linking steps in the
      biosynthesis of their peptidoglycan cell wall. The Gram-positive pathogen
      Staphylococcus aureus uses one primary resistance mechanism. An enzyme, called
      penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), is brought into this biosynthetic pathway
      to complete the cross-linking. PBP2a effectively discriminates against the beta
      lactam antibiotics as potential inhibitors, and in favor of the peptidoglycan
      substrate. The basis for this discrimination is an allosteric site, distal from
      the active site, that when properly occupied concomitantly opens the gatekeeper
      residues within the active site and realigns the conformation of key residues to
      permit catalysis. We address the molecular basis of this regulation using
      crystallographic studies augmented by computational analyses. The crystal
      structures of three beta-lactams (oxacillin, cefepime, ceftazidime) complexes
      with PBP2a-each with the beta-lactam in the allosteric site-defined (with
      preceding PBP2a structures) as the "open" or "partially open" PBP2a states. A
      particular loop motion adjacent to the active site is identified as the driving
      force for the active-site conformational change that accompanies active-site
      opening. Correlation of this loop motion to effector binding at the allosteric
      site, in order to identify the signaling pathway, was accomplished
      computationally in reference to the known "closed" apo-PBP2a X-ray crystal
      structure state. This correlation enabled the computational simulation of the
      structures coinciding with initial peptidoglycan substrate binding to PBP2a, acyl
      enzyme formation, and acyl transfer to a second peptidoglycan substrate to attain
      cross-linking. These studies offer important insights into the structural bases
      for allosteric site-to-active site communication and for beta-lactam mimicry of
      the peptidoglycan substrates, as foundational to the mechanistic understanding of
      emerging PBP2a resistance mutations.

PMID- 28099004
TI  - Nickel-Mediated Decarbonylation of Simple Unstrained Ketones through the Cleavage
      of Carbon-Carbon Bonds.
AB  - Despite advances in methods for the decarbonylation of aldehydes, the
      decarbonylation of ketones has been met with limited success because this process
      requires the activation of two inert carbon-carbon bonds. All of the
      decarbonylation reactions of simple unstrained ketones reported to date require
      the addition of a stoichiometric rhodium complex. We report herein the nickel/N
      heterocyclic carbene-mediated decarbonylation of simple diaryl ketones. This
      reaction shows unique acceleration effects based on the presence of both electron
      donating and electron-withdrawing groups.

PMID- 28099003
TI  - (-)-Neocaryachine, an Antiproliferative Pavine Alkaloid from Cryptocarya
      laevigata, Induces DNA Double-Strand Breaks.
AB  - Twelve benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, including pavine and phenanthroindolizidine
      types, were isolated from a MeOH/CH2Cl2 extract of Cryptocarya laevigata (stem
      bark) through bioactivity-guided fractionation for antitumor effects. Selected
      compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against five human tumor
      cell lines, including a multidrug-resistant subline. Since more common 2,3,8,9
      tetrasubstituted pavine alkaloids, such as crychine (3), exhibit very mild or no
      cytotoxicity, this compound type has not been well investigated for antitumor
      activity. Thus, this report is the first discovery of a 7-hydroxylated pavine
      alkaloid, (-)-neocaryachine (1), to demonstrate strong antiproliferative
      activity, with IC50 values of 0.06 to 0.41 MUM against five tested tumor cell
      lines, including an MDR subline. Further mechanism of action studies revealed
      that 1 impacts the cellular S-phase by inducing DNA double-strand breaks.

PMID- 28099005
TI  - Complementarity of DFT Calculations, NMR Anisotropy, and ECD for the
      Configurational Analysis of Brevipolides K-O from Hyptis brevipes.
AB  - Brevipolides K-O (1-5), five new cytotoxic 6-(6'-cinnamoyloxy-2',5'-epoxy-1'
      hydroxyheptyl)-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-ones (IC50 values against six cancer cell
      lines, 1.7-10 MUM), were purified by recycling HPLC from Hyptis brevipes. The
      structures, containing a distinctive tetrahydrofuran ring, were established by
      comprehensive quantum mechanical calculations and experimental spectroscopic
      analysis of their NMR and ECD data. Detailed analysis of the experimental NMR 1H
      1H vicinal coupling constants in comparison with the corresponding DFT-calculated
      values at the B3LYP/DGDZVP level confirmed the absolute configuration of 3 and
      revealed its conformational preferences, which were further strengthened by NOESY
      correlations. NMR anisotropy experiments by the application of Mosher's ester
      methodology and chemical correlations were also used to conclude that this novel
      brevipolide series (1-5) share the same absolute configuration corresponding to C
      6(R), C-1'(S), C-2'(R), C-5'(S), and C-6'(S).

PMID- 28099006
TI  - Constituents of the Rhizomes of Boesenbergia pandurata and Their Antiausterity
      Activities against the PANC-1 Human Pancreatic Cancer Line.
AB  - Human pancreatic cancer cell lines have a remarkable tolerance to nutrition
      starvation, which enables them to survive under a tumor microenvironment. The
      search for agents that preferentially inhibit the survival of cancer cells under
      low nutrient conditions represents a novel antiausterity strategy in anticancer
      drug discovery. In this investigation, a methanol extract of the rhizomes of
      Boesenbergia pandurata showed potent preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1
      human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrient-deprived conditions, with a PC50
      value of 6.6 MUg/mL. Phytochemical investigation of this extract led to the
      isolation of 15 compounds, including eight new cyclohexene chalcones (1-8). The
      structures of the new compounds were elucidated by NMR spectroscopic data
      analysis. Among the isolated compounds obtained, isopanduratin A1 (14) and
      nicolaioidesin C (15) exhibited potent preferential cytotoxicity against PANC-1
      human pancreatic cancer cells under nutrition-deprived conditions, with PC50
      values of 1.0 and 0.84 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 28099007
TI  - Pyridinium Boranephosphonate Modified DNA Oligonucleotides.
AB  - The synthesis of previously unknown derivatives of boranephosphonate that contain
      amine substitutions at boron and the incorporation of these derivatives into the
      backbone of DNA oligonucleotides is described. These derivatives result from
      iodine-mediated replacement of one BH3 hydride of a boranephosphonate linkage by
      pyridine, various substituted pyridines, other aromatic amines, and certain
      unsaturated amines. Oligonucleotides containing these backbone modifications show
      enhanced uptake, relative to unmodified DNA, in mammalian cells. The redox
      behavior of the boranephosphonate and pyridinium boranephosphonate conjugated
      linkages has also been studied.

PMID- 28099008
TI  - Critical Analysis of Rate Constants and Turnover Frequency in Nucleic Acid
      Templated Reactions: Reaching Terminal Velocity.
AB  - Nucleic acid-templated reactions have attracted significant attention for nucleic
      acid sensing and imaging. The level of signal amplification obtained from
      templated reactions is a function of the template turnover, wherein the template
      acts as the catalyst. Herein, we report the application of a pyridinium linker
      that immolates upon photocatalytic reduction with a ruthenium complex to yield
      the fastest nucleic acid templated reaction reported to date. We show that the
      templated reaction turnover is limited by the duplex dissociation kinetics beyond
      probes longer than a 6-mer and proceeded fastest for a 5-mer PNA probe. Using a
      beacon architecture that masks the catalytic template, we show that this
      methodology can be used for nucleic acid sensing extending the analyte
      recognition beyond a 5-mer. The system proceeds with a catalytic efficiency of
      105 M-1 s-1 and achieves turnover frequency of >100 h-1.

PMID- 28099009
TI  - Thickness-Controlled Quasi-Two-Dimensional Colloidal PbSe Nanoplatelets.
AB  - We demonstrate controlled synthesis of discrete two-dimensional (2D) PbSe
      nanoplatelets (NPLs), with measurable photoluminescence, via oriented attachment
      directed by quantum dot (QD) surface chemistry. Halide passivation is critical to
      the growth of these (100) face-dominated NPLs, as corroborated by density
      functional theory studies. PbCl2 moieties attached to the (111) and (110) of
      small nanocrystals form interparticle bridges, aligning the QDs and leading to
      attachment. We find that a 2D bridging network is energetically favored over a 3D
      network, driving the formation of NPLs. Although PbI2 does not support bridging,
      its presence destabilizes the large (100) faces of NPLs, providing means for
      tuning NPL thickness. Spectroscopic analysis confirms the predicted role of
      thickness-dependent quantum confinement on the NPL band gap.

PMID- 28099010
TI  - Functional-Group-Tolerant, Silver-Catalyzed N-N Bond Formation by Nitrene
      Transfer to Amines.
AB  - Silver(I) promotes the highly chemoselective N-amidation of tertiary amines under
      catalytic conditions to form aminimides by nitrene transfer from PhI?NTs.
      Remarkably, this transformation proceeds in a selective manner in the presence of
      olefins and other functional groups without formation of the commonly observed
      aziridines or C-H insertion products. The methodology can be applied not only to
      rather simple tertiary amines but also to complex natural molecules such as
      brucine or quinine, where the products derived from N-N bond formation were
      exclusively formed. Theoretical mechanistic studies have shown that this
      selective N-amidation reaction proceeds through triplet silver nitrenes.

PMID- 28099011
TI  - Montagnuphilones A-G, Azaphilones from Montagnulaceae sp. DM0194, a Fungal
      Endophyte of Submerged Roots of Persicaria amphibia.
AB  - Seven azaphilones, montagnuphilones A-G (1-7), together with previously known
      azaphilones 8-11, were encountered in Montagnulaceae sp. DM0194, an endophytic
      fungus isolated from submerged roots of Persicaria amphibia. The structures of 1
      7 were elucidated on the basis of their MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis.
      Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and ability to inhibit nitric
      oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.
      Among these, none were found to be cytotoxic to RAW264.7 cells up to 100.0 MUM,
      but 8, 5, and 2 showed NO inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 9.2 +/- 0.9,
      25.5 +/- 1.1, and 39.6 +/- 1.8 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 28099012
TI  - Aqueous Photochemistry of Secondary Organic Aerosol of alpha-Pinene and alpha
      Humulene Oxidized with Ozone, Hydroxyl Radical, and Nitrate Radical.
AB  - Formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) from biogenic volatile organic
      compounds (BVOC) occurs via O3- and OH-initiated reactions during the day and
      reactions with NO3 during the night. We explored the effect of these three
      oxidation conditions on the molecular composition and aqueous photochemistry of
      model SOA prepared from two common BVOC. A common monoterpene, alpha-pinene, and
      sesquiterpene, alpha-humulene, were used to form SOA in a smog chamber via BVOC +
      O3, BVOC + NO3, and BVOC + OH + NOx oxidation. Samples of SOA were collected on
      filters, water-soluble compounds from SOA were extracted in water, and the
      resulting aqueous solutions were photolyzed to simulate the photochemical aqueous
      processing of SOA. The extent of change in the molecular level composition of SOA
      over 4 h of photolysis (approximately equivalent to 64 h of photolysis under
      ambient conditions) was assessed with high-resolution electrospray ionization
      mass spectrometry. The analysis revealed significant differences in the molecular
      composition between SOA formed by the different oxidation pathways. The
      composition further evolved during photolysis with the most notable change
      corresponding to the nearly complete removal of nitrogen-containing organic
      compounds. Hydrolysis of SOA compounds also occurred in parallel with photolysis.
      The preferential loss of larger SOA compounds during photolysis and hydrolysis
      made the SOA compounds more volatile on average. This study suggests that aqueous
      processes may under certain conditions lead to a reduction in the SOA loading as
      opposed to an increase in SOA loading commonly assumed in the literature.

PMID- 28099014
TI  - Magneto-Structural Analysis of Iron(III) Keggin Polyoxometalates.
AB  - A computational study and magnetic susceptibility measurements of three
      homonuclear Fe(III) Keggin structures are herein presented: the [FeO4@Fe12F24(MU
      OCH3)12]5- anion (1), the [Bi6{FeO4@Fe12O12(OH)12}(MU-O2CCCl3)12]+ cation (2) and
      its polymorph [Bi6{FeO4@Fe12O12(OH)10(H2O)2}(MU-O2CCF3)10]3+ (3). These results
      are contrasted with the exchange interactions present in the previously
      characterized [Fe6(OH)3Ge2W18O68(OH)6]11- and [H12As4Fe8W30O120(H2O)2]4- anions.
      The computational analysis shows that the most significant antiferromagnetic spin
      coupling takes place at the junction between each of the
      {Fe3O6(OH)3}/{Fe3F6(OCH3)3} framework motifs, a possibility that had been
      previously discarded in the literature on the basis of the Fe-Fe distances. For
      all the examined iron(III) Keggin structures, it is found that the magnitude of
      the magnetic couplings within each structural subunit follows the same trend.

PMID- 28099013
TI  - Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Signal Enhancement with High-Affinity Biradical
      Tags.
AB  - Dynamic nuclear polarization is an emerging technique for sensitizing solid-state
      NMR experiments by transferring polarization from electrons to nuclei. Stable
      biradicals, the polarization source for the cross effect mechanism, are typically
      codissolved at millimolar concentrations with proteins of interest. Here we
      describe the high-affinity biradical tag TMP-T, created by covalently linking
      trimethoprim, a nanomolar affinity ligand of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), to
      the biradical polarizing agent TOTAPOL. With TMP-T bound to DHFR, large
      enhancements of the protein spectrum are observed, comparable to when TOTAPOL is
      codissolved with the protein. In contrast to TOTAPOL, the tight binding TMP-T can
      be added stoichiometrically at radical concentrations orders of magnitude lower
      than in previously described preparations. Benefits of the reduced radical
      concentration include reduced spectral bleaching, reduced chemical perturbation
      of the sample, and the ability to selectively enhance signals for the protein of
      interest.

PMID- 28099015
TI  - Intersystem Crossing Rates of Isolated Fullerenes: Theoretical Calculations.
AB  - Although the triplet states of fullerenes have prosperous applications, it
      remains unclear how the structural parameters of singlet and triplet states
      control the intersystem crossing (ISC) rates. Here, electronic structure
      calculations (reorganization energy, driving force, and spin-orbit coupling) and
      a rate theory (Marcus formula) are employed to quantitatively predict the ISC
      rates of isolated fullerenes Cn (n = 60-110). The results demonstrate that the
      driving force is not the only factor to predict the ISC rates. For instance,
      although C80, C82, and C110 have the favorable driving force, the ISC rates are
      close to zero because of small spin obit couplings, whereas small ISC rates of
      C96 and C100 result from quite small reorganization energies. Meanwhile, in
      addition to well-known C60 and C70, C92 possesses good ISC property with
      obviously large ISC rate. C92 also has a higher triplet-state energy than singlet
      state oxygen energy; it may thus have a good photoactive property.

PMID- 28099016
TI  - Influence of Energetic Disorder on Exciton Lifetime and Photoluminescence
      Efficiency in Conjugated Polymers.
AB  - Using time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectroscopy the exciton lifetime in
      a range of conjugated polymers is investigated. For poly(p-phenylenevinylene)
      (PPV)-based derivatives and a polyspirobifluorene copolymer (PSBF) we find that
      the exciton lifetime is correlated with the energetic disorder. Better ordered
      polymers exhibit a single exponential PL decay with exciton lifetimes of a few
      hundred picoseconds, whereas polymers with a larger degree of disorder show
      multiexponential PL decays with exciton lifetimes in the nanosecond regime. These
      observations are consistent with diffusion-limited exciton quenching at
      nonradiative recombination centers. The measured PL decay time reflects the time
      that excitons need to diffuse toward these quenching sites. Conjugated polymers
      with large energetic disorder and thus longer exciton lifetime also exhibit a
      higher photoluminescence quantum yield due to the slower exciton diffusion toward
      nonradiative quenching sites.

PMID- 28099017
TI  - Absence of Intramolecular Charge Transfer with 4-Fluoro-N,N-dimethylaniline
      (DMA4F), Contrary to an Experimental Report Supported by Computations.
AB  - With 4-fluoro-N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA4F), only a single fluorescence from a
      locally excited (LE) state is observed, irrespective of solvent polarity,
      temperature, and excitation wavelength. The relatively small excited state dipole
      moment MUe = 7.3 D confirms the identification as LE. The single exponential
      fluorescence decays in the nonpolar n-hexane (2.04 ns) and in the strongly polar
      acetonitrile (5.73 ns) are a further support. Similar results are obtained with 4
      chloro-N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA4Cl), having a chlorobenzene subgroup, a somewhat
      better electron acceptor than the fluorobenzene moiety in DMA4F. The absence of
      intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) with DMA4F is in accord with its large
      energy gap DeltaE(S1,S2) of 8300 cm-1 in n-hexane between the two lowest singlet
      excited states, which is even larger than that (6300 cm-1) of N,N-dimethylaniline
      (DMA), for which an LE -> ICT reaction likewise does not occur. The results with
      DMA4F are in contradiction with a publication by Fujiwara et al. ( Chem. Phys.
      Lett. 2013 , 586 , 70 ), in which the appearance of dual LE + ICT emission is
      reported for DMA4F in n-hexane and MeCN at room temperature. The ICT/LE
      fluorescence quantum yield ratio Phi'(ICT)/Phi(LE) reached a maximum value of ~2,
      in n-hexane and surprisingly also in MeCN, as the excitation wavelength
      approaches the red-edge of the absorption spectrum. These, in our opinion,
      erroneous observations were supported by time-dependent density functional theory
      (TDDFT) calculations, which compute a perpendicularly twisted lowest ICT state
      (TICT) state. This is a further example of the general tendency of computations
      to find a TICT conformation for the lowest excited singlet state of electron
      donor/acceptor molecules such as p-substituted anilines.

PMID- 28099018
TI  - Reactive Ni/Al Nanocomposites: Structural Characteristics and Activation Energy.
AB  - Stochastically structured Ni/Al reactive nanocomposites (RNCs) were prepared
      using short-term high-energy ball milling. Several milling times were utilized to
      prepare RNCs with differing internal nanostructures. These internal structures
      were quantitatively and statistically analyzed by use of serial focused ion beam
      sectioning coupled with 3D reconstruction techniques. The reaction kinetics were
      analyzed using the electrothermal explosion technique for each milling condition.
      It is shown that the effective activation energy (Eef) ranges from 79 to 137
      kJ/mol and is directly related to the surface area contact between the reactants.
      Essentially, the reaction kinetics can be accurately controlled through
      mechanical processing techniques. Finally, the nature of the reaction is
      considered; the mechanistic effect of the reactive and three diffusive activation
      energies on the effective activation energy is examined.

PMID- 28099019
TI  - Combined Molecular Dynamics, Atoms in Molecules, and IR Studies of the Bulk
      Monofluoroethanol and Bulk Ethanol To Understand the Role of Organic Fluorine in
      the Hydrogen Bond Network.
AB  - The presence of the fluorocarbon group in fluorinated alcohols makes them an
      important class of molecules that have diverse applications in the field of
      separation techniques, synthetic chemistry, polymer industry, and biology. In
      this paper, we have performed the density function theory calculation along with
      atom in molecule analysis, molecular dynamics simulation, and IR measurements of
      bulk monofluoroethanol (MFE) and compared them with the data for bulk ethanol
      (ETH) to understand the effect of the fluorocarbon group in the structure and the
      hydrogen bond network of bulk MFE. It has been found that the intramolecular O
      H...F hydrogen bond is almost absent in bulk MFE. Molecular dynamics simulation
      and density function theory calculation along with atom in molecule analysis
      clearly depict that in the case of bulk MFE, a significant amount of
      intermolecular O-H...F and C-H...F hydrogen bonds are present along with the
      intermolecular O-H...O hydrogen bond. The presence of intermolecular O-H...F and
      C-H...F hydrogen bonds causes the difference in the IR spectrum of bulk MFE as
      compared to bulk ETH. This study clearly depicts that the organic fluorine
      (fluorocarbon) of MFE acts as a hydrogen bond acceptor and plays a significant
      role in the structure and hydrogen bond network of bulk MFE through the formation
      of weak O-H...F as well C-H...F hydrogen bonds, which may be one of the important
      reasons behind the unique behavior of the fluoroethanols.

PMID- 28099020
TI  - Two-Dimensional Electronic Stark Spectroscopy.
AB  - Characterizing ultrafast energy and charge transfer is important for
      understanding a wide range of systems, from natural photosynthetic complexes to
      organic photovoltaics. Distinguishing the kinetic processes of energy transfer
      and charge separation in such systems is challenging due to the lack of clear
      spectral signatures of charge transfer states, which are typically nonradiative.
      Stark spectroscopy has proven to be a valuable method for uncovering charge
      transfer states. Here we extend the dimensionality of Stark spectroscopy to
      perform two-dimensional electronic Stark spectroscopy. We demonstrate the method
      on TIPS-pentacene in 3-methylpentane at 77 K. The additional frequency dimension
      of two-dimensional Stark spectroscopy promises to enable the identification of
      charge transfer states, their coupling to other charge transfer and exciton
      states, and their involvement in charge separation processes.

PMID- 28099021
TI  - Location of Methanol on the S2 State Mn Cluster in Photosystem II Studied by
      Proton Matrix Electron Nuclear Double Resonance.
AB  - Proton matrix electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy was
      performed to specify the location of the methanol molecule near the manganese
      cluster in photosystem II. Comparison of the ENDOR spectra in the presence of
      CH3OH and CD3OH revealed two pairs of hyperfine couplings, 1.2 MHz for A? and 2.5
      MHz for A//, arising from the methyl group in methanol. On the basis of the
      crystal structure, the possible location of methanol close to the manganese
      cluster was discussed.

PMID- 28099022
TI  - Molecular Weight Dependence of Interdiffusion and Adhesion of Polymers at Short
      Contact Times.
AB  - The autohesion and subsequent debonding of thin layers of three linear and
      monodisperse random copolymers of styrene-butadiene (SBR) with molecular weights
      varying between 30 and 75 times the average molecular weight between
      entanglements Me were investigated using a carefully controlled tack adhesion
      testing device in conjunction with a fast camera setup over a range of contact
      times tc (10 ms to 10 s) much shorter in comparison to the terminal relaxation
      times of the polymers. The evolution of the stress-strain curves and debonding
      mechanisms with increasing contact time was examined, and the work required to
      debond the layers was found to be strongly dependent on molecular weight at long
      contact times, but not at short contact times. We propose a cutoff contact time
      of 300 ms, corresponding to 104 times the entanglement time taue after which
      molecular weight becomes important in controlling the interdiffusion process and
      the debonding mechanisms of the tack test. For contact times over 300 ms, the
      debonding energy plotted as a function of tc normalized by the reptation time
      taurep, collapses onto a master curve. Below this threshold tc, by comparing the
      adhesion of SBR on itself with the adhesion of SBR on glass, we also show that
      interdiffusion plays a part in adhesion of two identical polymer layers even at
      the shortest contact times, where the interdiffusion is controlled by the number
      of entanglements formed which scales with 1/?N.

PMID- 28099024
TI  - Surface Interactions and Confinement of Methane: A High Pressure Magic Angle
      Spinning NMR and Computational Chemistry Study.
AB  - Characterization and modeling of the molecular-level behavior of simple
      hydrocarbon gases, such as methane, in the presence of both nonporous and
      nanoporous mineral matrices allows for predictive understanding of important
      processes in engineered and natural systems. In this study, changes in local
      electromagnetic environments of the carbon atoms in methane under conditions of
      high pressure (up to 130 bar) and moderate temperature (up to 346 K) were
      observed with 13C magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy while the methane
      gas was mixed with two model solid substrates: a fumed nonporous, 12 nm particle
      size silica and a mesoporous silica with 200 nm particle size and 4 nm average
      pore diameter. Examination of the interactions between methane and the silica
      systems over temperatures and pressures that include the supercritical regime was
      allowed by a novel high pressure MAS sample containment system, which provided
      high resolution spectra collected under in situ conditions. For pure methane, no
      significant thermal effects were found for the observed 13C chemical shifts at
      all pressures studied here (28.2, 32.6, 56.4, 65.1, 112.7, and 130.3 bar).
      However, the 13C chemical shifts of resonances arising from confined methane
      changed slightly with changes in temperature in mixtures with mesoporous silica.
      The chemical shift values of 13C nuclides in methane change measurably as a
      function of pressure both in the pure state and in mixtures with both silica
      matrices, with a more pronounced shift when meso-porous silica is present.
      Molecular-level simulations utilizing GCMC, MD, and DFT confirm qualitatively
      that the experimentally measured changes are attributed to interactions of
      methane with the hydroxylated silica surfaces as well as densification of methane
      within nanopores and on pore surfaces.

PMID- 28099023
TI  - Computational Models of the Gastrointestinal Environment. 1. The Effect of
      Digestion on the Phase Behavior of Intestinal Fluids.
AB  - Improved models of the gastrointestinal environment have great potential to
      assist the complex process of drug formulation. Molecular dynamics (MD) is a
      powerful method for investigating phase behavior at a molecular level. In this
      study we use multiple MD simulations to calculate phase diagrams for bile before
      and after digestion. In these computational models, undigested bile is
      represented by mixtures of palmitoyl-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC), sodium
      glycodeoxycholate (GDX), and water. Digested bile is modeled using a 1:1 mixture
      of oleic acid and palmitoylphosphatidylcholine (lysophosphatidylcholine, LPC),
      GDX, and water. The computational phase diagrams of undigested and digested bile
      are compared, and we describe the typical intermolecular interactions that occur
      between phospholipids and bile salts. The diffusion coefficients measured from MD
      simulation are compared to experimental diffusion data measured by DOSY-NMR,
      where we observe good qualitative agreement. In an additional set of simulations,
      the effect of different ionization states of oleic acid on micelle formation is
      investigated.

PMID- 28099025
TI  - Optical Line Width Broadening Mechanisms at the 10 kHz Level in Eu3+:Y2O3
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - We identify the physical mechanisms responsible for the optical homogeneous
      broadening in Eu3+:Y2O3 nanoparticles to determine whether rare-earth crystals
      can be miniaturized to volumes less than lambda3 while preserving their appeal
      for quantum technology hardware. By studying how the homogeneous line width
      depends on temperature, applied magnetic field, and measurement time scale, the
      dominant broadening interactions for various temperature ranges above 3 K were
      characterized. Below 3 K the homogeneous line width is dominated by an
      interaction not observed in bulk crystal studies. These measurements demonstrate
      that broadening due to size-dependent phonon interactions is not a significant
      contributor to the homogeneous line width, which contrasts previous studies in
      rare-earth ion nanocrystals. Importantly, the results provide strong evidence
      that for the 400 nm diameter nanoparticles under study the minimum line width
      achieved (45 +/- 1 kHz at 1.3 K) is not fundamentally limited. In addition, we
      highlight that the expected broadening caused by electric field fluctuations
      arising from surface charges is comparable to the observed broadening. Under the
      assumption that such Stark broadening is a significant contribution to the
      homogeneous line width, several strategies for reducing this line width to below
      10 kHz are discussed. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the Eu3+ hyperfine
      state lifetime is sufficiently long to preserve spectral features for time scales
      up to 1 s. These results allow integrated rare-earth ion quantum optics to be
      pursued at a submicron scale and, hence, open up directions for greater scaling
      of rare-earth quantum technology.

PMID- 28099026
TI  - Unimer-Assisted Exfoliation for Highly Concentrated Aqueous Dispersion Solutions
      of Single- and Few-Layered van der Waals Materials.
AB  - We suggest a unimer-assisted exfoliation method for the exfoliation of van der
      Waals two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, MoS2, and h-BN and show
      that the micellar size is a critical parameter for enhancing the exfoliation
      efficiency. To explain the effectiveness of the unimers in the exfoliation, the
      influence of the micellar size of a biocompatible block copolymer, Pluronic F-68,
      is evaluated in view of the yield and thickness of exfoliated 2D flakes. By the
      addition of water-soluble alcohols, the surfactants exist in the form of a
      unimer, which facilitates the intercalation into the layered materials and their
      exfoliation. The results showed that the high exfoliation efficiency could be
      achieved by controlling the micellar size mostly to be unimers; the average yield
      rate of MoS2 exfoliation was 4.51% per hour, and the very high concentration of
      1.45 mg/mL was obtained by sonication for 3 h. We also suggested the
      dielectrophoresis technique as a method for forming a film composed of 2D flakes
      for diverse applications requiring electrical signals. The unimer-assisted
      exfoliation method will be substantially utilized to achieve highly concentrated
      aqueous dispersion solutions of 2D materials.

PMID- 28099027
TI  - Inactivation of Soybean Trypsin Inhibitor by Epigallocatechin Gallate: Stopped
      Flow/Fluorescence, Thermodynamics, and Docking Studies.
AB  - Tea is one of the most widely daily consumed beverages all over the world, and it
      is usually consumed with milk and/or soy milk. However, very few researches have
      studied the interactions between tea polyphenols (TPs) and soy milk proteins as
      compared with milk proteins. Here, we reported that epigallocatechin gallate
      (EGCG), a major component of TPs, can effectively inhibit the inhibitory activity
      of Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI, a major antinutrient in soy milk). The
      mechanism of inactivation of KTI by EGCG was investigated by stopped
      flow/fluorescence, thermodynamics, and docking studies. The results indicated
      that EGCG binds KTI via both hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions with an
      association constant of 6.62 * 105 M-1 to form a 1:1 complex. Molecular docking
      showed the participation of amino acids includes three amino acid residues
      (Asn13, Pro72, and Trp117) near the reactive site of KTI, which may prevent KTI
      from contacting trypsin and hence inactivate KTI.

PMID- 28099028
TI  - Chemical Insights into the Design and Development of Face-Centered Cubic
      Ruthenium Catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis.
AB  - Ruthenium is a promising low-temperature catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
      (FTS). However, its scarcity and modest specific activity limit its widespread
      industrialization. We demonstrate here a strategy for tuning the crystal phase of
      catalysts to expose denser and active sites for a higher mass-specific activity.
      Density functional theory calculations show that upon CO dissociation there are a
      number of open facets with modest barrier available on the face-centered cubic
      (fcc) Ru but only a few step edges with a lower barrier on conventional hexagonal
      closest packed (hcp) Ru. Guided by theoretical calculations, water-dispersible
      fcc Ru catalysts containing abundant open facets were synthesized and showed an
      unprecedented mass-specific activity in the aqueous-phase FTS, 37.8 molCO.molRu
      1.h-1 at 433 K. The mass-specific activity of the fcc Ru catalysts with an
      average size of 6.8 nm is about three times larger than the previous best hcp
      catalyst with a smaller size of 1.9 nm and a higher specific surface area. The
      origin of the higher mass-specific activity of the fcc Ru catalysts is identified
      experimentally from the 2 orders of magnitude higher density of the active sites,
      despite its slightly higher apparent barrier. Experimental results are in
      excellent agreement with prediction of theory. The great influence of the crystal
      phases on site distribution and their intrinsic activities revealed here provides
      a rationale design of catalysts for higher mass-specific activity without
      decrease of the particle size.

PMID- 28099029
TI  - Energy Transfer Between Coherently Delocalized States in Thin Films of the
      Explosive Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) Revealed by Two-Dimensional
      Infrared Spectroscopy.
AB  - Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a common secondary explosive and has been
      used extensively to study shock initiation and energy propagation in energetic
      materials. We report 2D IR measurements of PETN thin films that resolve
      vibrational energy transfer and relaxation mechanisms. Ultrafast anisotropy
      measurements reveal a sub-500 fs reorientation of transition dipoles in thin
      films of vapor-deposited PETN that is absent in solution measurements, consistent
      with intermolecular energy transfer. The anisotropy is frequency dependent,
      suggesting spectrally heterogeneous vibrational relaxation. Cross peaks are
      observed in 2D IR spectra that resolve a specific energy transfer pathway with a
      2 ps time scale. Transition dipole coupling calculations of the nitrate ester
      groups in the crystal lattice predict that the intermolecular couplings are as
      large or larger than the intramolecular couplings. The calculations match well
      with the experimental frequencies and the anisotropy, leading us to conclude that
      the observed cross peak is measuring energy transfer between two eigenstates that
      are extended over multiple PETN molecules. Measurements of the transition dipole
      strength indicate that these vibrational modes are coherently delocalized over at
      least 15-30 molecules. We discuss the implications of vibrational relaxation
      between coherently delocalized eigenstates for mechanisms relevant to explosives.

PMID- 28099030
TI  - Ultrafast Broadband Photodetectors Based on Three-Dimensional Dirac Semimetal
      Cd3As2.
AB  - Photodetection with extreme performances in terms of ultrafast response time,
      broad detection wavelength range, and high sensitivity has a wide range of
      optoelectronic and photonic applications, such as optical communications,
      interconnects, imaging, and remote sensing. Graphene, a typical two-dimensional
      Dirac semimetal, has shown excellent potential toward a high-performance
      photodetector with high operation speed, broadband response, and efficient
      carrier multiplications benefiting from its linear dispersion band structure with
      a high carrier mobility and zero bandgap. As the three-dimensional analogues of
      graphene, Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 processes all advantages of graphene as a
      photosensitive material but potentially has stronger interaction with light as a
      bulk material and thus enhanced responsivity. In this work, we report the
      realization of an ultrafast broadband photodetector based on Cd3As2. The
      prototype metal-Cd3As2-metal photodetector exhibits a responsivity of 5.9 mA/W
      with a response time of about 6.9 ps without any special device optimization.
      Broadband responses from 532 nm to 10.6 MUm are achieved with a potential
      detection range extendable to far-infrared and terahertz. Systematical studies
      indicate that the photothermoelectric effect plays an important role in
      photocurrent generation. Our results suggest this emerging class of exotic
      quantum materials can be harnessed for photodetection with a high sensitivity and
      high speed (~145 GHz) over a broad wavelength range.

PMID- 28099031
TI  - Stereospecific Intramolecular Arylation of 2- and 3-Pyridyl Substituted
      Alkylamines via Configurationally Stable alpha-Pyridyl Organolithiums.
AB  - Treatment of N'-aryl urea derivatives of enantiomerically enriched alpha-(2
      pyridyl) and alpha-(3-pyridyl)alkylamines with a base leads to the migration of
      the N'-aryl substituent from N to C in a 'nonclassical' intramolecular
      nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction. Both electron-rich and -poor rings
      migrate successfully. A new quaternary stereogenic center is formed adjacent to
      the pyridine ring with high stereospecificity, even when the intermediate anion
      is a presumably planar 2-picolyllithium. Base hydrolysis of the urea gives
      enantiomerically enriched alpha-pyridylalkylamines.

PMID- 28099032
TI  - Pathogenicity Genes in Ustilaginoidea virens Revealed by a Predicted Protein
      Protein Interaction Network.
AB  - Rice false smut, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, produces significant losses in
      rice yield and grain quality and has recently emerged as one of the most
      important rice diseases worldwide. Despite its importance in rice production,
      relatively few studies have been conducted to illustrate the complex interactome
      and the pathogenicity gene interactions. Here a protein-protein interaction
      network of U. virens was built through two well-recognized approaches, interolog-
      and domain-domain interaction-based methods. A total of 20 217 interactions
      associated with 3305 proteins were predicted after strict filtering. The
      reliability of the network was assessed computationally and experimentally. The
      topology of the interactome network revealed highly connected proteins. A
      pathogenicity-related subnetwork involving up-regulated genes during early U.
      virens infection was also constructed, and many novel pathogenicity proteins were
      predicted in the subnetwork. In addition, we built an interspecies PPI network
      between U. virens and Oryza sativa, providing new insights for molecular
      interactions of this host-pathogen pathosystem. A web-based publicly available
      interactive database based on these interaction networks has also been released.
      In summary, a proteome-scale map of the PPI network was described for U. virens,
      which will provide new perspectives for finely dissecting interactions of genes
      related to its pathogenicity.

PMID- 28099033
TI  - Hemobilia due to intracholecystic papillary neoplasm.
AB  - We report the case of a 39-year-old patient who presented an episode of upper
      gastrointestinal bleeding due to hemobilia. The imaging tests showed the
      gallbladder occupied by solid tissue, with a diagnosis of intracholecystic
      papillary neoplasm after the cholecystectomy. The intracholecystic papillary
      neoplasm of the gallbladder is a newly established entity and it is considered a
      subtype of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct. Its presentation in
      the form of hemobilia has barely been described in the literature.

PMID- 28099034
TI  - Re: "Evidence That Dry Needling Is the Intent to Bypass Regulation to Practice
      Acupuncture in the United States" by Fan et al. (J Altern Complement Med
      2016;22:591-593).

PMID- 28099035
TI  - "Let the Algorithm Do the Work": Reduction of Hypoglycemia Using Sensor-Augmented
      Pump Therapy with Predictive Insulin Suspension (SmartGuard) in Pediatric Type 1
      Diabetes Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A sensor-augmented insulin pump (SAP) using the MiniMed(r) 640G
      system with SmartGuardTM technology allows an automatic stop of insulin delivery
      based on prediction of low glucose levels. Since pediatric patients are
      particularly prone to hypoglycemia, this device may offer additional protection
      beyond conventional sensor-augmented therapy. METHODS: This prospective,
      pediatric multicenter user evaluation assessed 6 weeks of SAP with SmartGuard
      (threshold setting for hypoglycemia: 70 mg/dL) compared to a preceding period of
      2 weeks with SAP only. The primary outcome was the potential reduction in the
      frequency of hypoglycemic episodes and hypoglycemic intensity (area under the
      curve [AUC] and time <70 mg/dL). RESULTS: The study included 24 patients with at
      least 3 months of insulin pump use (average age: 11.6 +/- 5.1 years, 15 female,
      average type 1 diabetes duration: 7.5 +/- 4.2 years, mean +/- SD) who had on
      average 3.2 +/- 1.0 predictive suspensions/patient/day. The mean sensor glucose
      minimum during suspension was 78 +/- 6 mg/dL and the average suspension time was
      155 +/- 47 min/day. Use of SmartGuard in patients treated as per the protocol (n
      = 18) reduced the number of instances in which the glucose level was <70 mg/dL
      (1.02 +/- 0.52 to 0.72 +/- 0.36; P = 0.027), as well as AUC <70 mg/dL (0.76 +/-
      0.73 to 0.38 +/- 0.24; P = 0.027) and the time/day the level fell below 70 mg/dL
      (73 +/- 56 to 31 +/- 22 min). The reduction of hypoglycemia was not associated
      with a significant change in mean glucose concentration (171 +/- 26 to 180 +/- 19
      mg/dL, P = 0.111) and HbA1c (7.5% +/- 0.5% to 7.6% +/- 0.7%, (P = 0.329). Manual
      resumption of insulin delivery followed by carbohydrate intake resulted in
      significantly higher glucose levels 1 h after suspension compared to SmartGuard
      suspensions with automatic resume (190.8 +/- 26.5 vs. 138.7 +/- 10.3 mg/dL; P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SmartGuard technology significantly reduced the risk for
      hypoglycemia in pediatric type 1 diabetes patients without increasing HbA1c.
      Patients must be educated that when using combining predictive low-glucose
      insulin suspension technology, extra carbohydrate intake in response to an alarm
      combined with manual resumption is likely to cause rebound hyperglycemia. The
      best results were achieved when the user did not interfere with pump operation.

PMID- 28099036
TI  - Another Generation of Stigma? Assessing Healthcare Student Perceptions of HIV
      Positive Patients in Mwanza, Tanzania.
AB  - HIV-related stigma remains a persistent global health concern among people living
      with HIV/AIDS (PLWA) in developing nations. The literature is lacking in studies
      about healthcare students' perceptions of PLWA. This study is the first effort to
      understand stigmatizing attitudes toward HIV-positive patients by healthcare
      students in Mwanza, Tanzania, not just those who will be directly treating
      patients but also those who will be indirectly involved through nonclinical
      roles, such as handling patient specimens and private health information. A total
      of 208 students were drawn from Clinical Medicine, Laboratory Sciences, Health
      Records and Information Management, and Community Health classes at the Tandabui
      Institute of Health Sciences and Technology for a voluntary survey that assessed
      stigmatizing beliefs toward PLWA. Students generally obtained high scores on the
      overall survey instrument, pointing to low stigmatizing beliefs toward PLWA and
      an overall willingness to treat PLWA with the same standard of care as other
      patients. However, there are gaps in knowledge that exist among students, such as
      a comprehensive understanding of all routes of HIV infection. The study also
      suggests that students who interact with patients as part of their training are
      less likely to exhibit stigmatizing beliefs toward PLWA. A comprehensive course
      in HIV infection, one that includes classroom sessions focused on the
      epidemiology and routes of transmission as well as clinical opportunities to
      directly interact with PLWA-perhaps through teaching sessions led by PLWA-may
      allow for significant reductions in stigma toward such patients and improve
      clinical outcomes for PLWA around the world.

PMID- 28099037
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 28099039
TI  - Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome, Depression, Depressive Illness, and Correlates in
      a Child and Adolescent Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) and depression are both common
      disorders. It has been suggested that depression occurs in 13%-76% GTS patients.
      Despite this, there are few studies into the specific relationships and
      correlates between the two disorders. There is only some consensus as to the
      precise relationship between the two disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      undertook the study to investigate the relationship between depressive
      symptomatology and the core clinical features of GTS in a well-characterized
      clinical population of youth with this disorder. Our aim was to verify the
      association between depression and comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and
      explore further other potential associations highlighted in some, but not all, of
      the studies focused on this topic. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that (1) the
      GTS patients were significantly older than the controls, (2) the GTS patients
      were significantly more depressed than controls, (3) depression was associated
      with tic severity, (4) the Diagnostic Confidence Index scores were higher in GTS
      patients without depression, (5) anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), and behavioral problems were
      significantly associated with depression, and (6) finally, patients with GTS and
      depression have a positive family history of depression. However, obsessionality
      (CY-BOCS) did not differentiate between depressed and not depressed GTS patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Depression is common in patients with GTS and occurs significantly
      more in GTS than in controls. Depression is significantly associated with GTS
      factors such as tic severity, comorbidity with ADHD, and the presence of
      coexistent anxiety, CDs, and behavior problems. Depression is importantly
      significantly associated with a positive family history of depression.
      Intriguingly, depression in our sample was not related to obsessionality.

PMID- 28099038
TI  - An Exome Sequencing Study to Assess the Role of Rare Genetic Variation in
      Pulmonary Fibrosis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an increasingly recognized,
      often fatal lung disease of unknown etiology. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study
      was to use whole-exome sequencing to improve understanding of the genetic
      architecture of pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: We performed a case-control exome
      wide collapsing analysis including 262 unrelated individuals with pulmonary
      fibrosis clinically classified as IPF according to American Thoracic
      Society/European Respiratory Society/Japanese Respiratory Society/Latin American
      Thoracic Association guidelines (81.3%), usual interstitial pneumonia secondary
      to autoimmune conditions (11.5%), or fibrosing nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
      (7.2%). The majority (87%) of case subjects reported no family history of
      pulmonary fibrosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We searched 18,668 protein
      coding genes for an excess of rare deleterious genetic variation using whole
      exome sequence data from 262 case subjects with pulmonary fibrosis and 4,141
      control subjects drawn from among a set of individuals of European ancestry.
      Comparing genetic variation across 18,668 protein-coding genes, we found a study
      wide significant (P < 4.5 * 10-7) case enrichment of qualifying variants in TERT,
      RTEL1, and PARN. A model qualifying ultrarare, deleterious, nonsynonymous
      variants implicated TERT and RTEL1, and a model specifically qualifying loss-of
      function variants implicated RTEL1 and PARN. A subanalysis of 186 case subjects
      with sporadic IPF confirmed TERT, RTEL1, and PARN as study-wide significant
      contributors to sporadic IPF. Collectively, 11.3% of case subjects with sporadic
      IPF carried a qualifying variant in one of these three genes compared with the
      0.3% carrier rate observed among control subjects (odds ratio, 47.7; 95%
      confidence interval, 21.5-111.6; P = 5.5 * 10-22). CONCLUSIONS: We identified
      TERT, RTEL1, and PARN-three telomere-related genes previously implicated in
      familial pulmonary fibrosis-as significant contributors to sporadic IPF. These
      results support the idea that telomere dysfunction is involved in IPF
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 28099040
TI  - Effect of Bacoside A on growth and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - The goal of this study was to evaluate the antibiofilm and antimicrobial
      activities of Bacoside A, a formulation of phytochemicals from Bacopa monnieri,
      against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are known to form
      biofilms as one of their virulence traits. The antimicrobial effects of Bacoside
      A were tested using the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal
      concentration assays. A cell membrane disruption assay was performed to find its
      possible target site. MTT assay, crystal violet assay, and microscopic studies
      were performed to assess the antibiofilm activity. Bacoside A showed
      antimicrobial activity against both test organisms in their planktonic and
      biofilm states. At a subminimum inhibitory concentration of 200 MUg.mL-1,
      Bacoside A significantly removed ~88%-93% of bacterial biofilm developed on
      microtiter plates. Biochemical and microscopic studies suggested that the
      eradication of biofilm might be due to the loss of extracellular polymeric
      substances and to a change in cell membrane integrity of the selected bacterial
      strains treated with Bacoside A. These results indicate that Bacoside A might be
      considered as an antimicrobial having the ability to disrupt biofilms. Thus,
      either alone or in combination with other therapeutics, Bacoside A could be
      useful to treat biofilm-related infections caused by opportunistic bacterial
      pathogens.

PMID- 28099041
TI  - Eyes on New Product Development.

PMID- 28099042
TI  - Sex differences in associations between insulin resistance, heart rate
      variability, and arterial stiffness in healthy women and men: a physiology study.
AB  - Diabetes confers greater cardiovascular risk to women than to men. Whether
      insulin-resistance-mediated risk extends to the healthy population is unknown.
      Measures of insulin resistance (fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment,
      hemoglobin A1c, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, glucose) were
      determined in 48 (56% female) healthy subjects. Heart rate variability (HRV) was
      calculated by spectral power analysis and arterial stiffness was determined using
      noninvasive applanation tonometry. Both were measured at baseline and in response
      to angiotensin II infusion. In women, there was a non-statistically significant
      trend towards increasing insulin resistance being associated with an overall
      unfavourable HRV response and increased arterial stiffness to the stressor, while
      men demonstrated the opposite response. Significant differences in the
      associations between insulin resistance and cardiovascular physiological profile
      exist between healthy women and men. Further studies investigating the sex
      differences in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in cardiovascular
      disease are warranted.

PMID- 28099043
TI  - Validation of the Arabic Version of the Infant Feeding Intentions Scale Among
      Lebanese Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Infant Feeding Intentions (IFI) scale was shown to reliably
      measure maternal intentions to initiate breastfeeding and continue exclusive
      breastfeeding until 1, 3, or 6 months in English and Spanish but not in Arab
      contexts. Research aim: This study aimed to validate an Arabic version of the IFI
      scale (IFI-A) and examine its ability to predict exclusive breastfeeding at 1, 3,
      or 6 months in pregnant Lebanese women. METHODS: The internal consistency
      reliability and construct validity of the IFI-A scale were tested on 50 pregnant
      women (Group 1), whereas its predictive ability was tested on 196 pregnant women
      (Group 2), who were surveyed monthly about their infants' nutrition method until
      6 months. RESULTS: The IFI-A scale's Cronbach's alpha internal consistency
      reliability is .82. Its corrected item-total correlations ranged from .26 for
      Item 2 ("at least give breastfeeding a try") to .86 for Item 4 ("will be
      exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months"). Exploratory factor analysis revealed
      that it is unidimensional. IFI-A scores correlated significantly with exclusive
      breastfeeding duration in Group 1 ( r = .624; p = .001) and with participants'
      breastfeeding attitude ( r = .390; p < .001) and previous breastfeeding duration
      ( r = .237; p = .011) in Group 2, thus confirming its external construct
      validity. In adjusted analysis, the IFI-A scale predicted exclusive breastfeeding
      at 3 months, albeit weakly (odds ratio = 1.16; 95% confidence interval [0.99,
      1.36]), but not at 1 or 6 months. CONCLUSION: The IFI-A scale is a reliable and
      valid tool to assess maternal feeding intentions and predict exclusive
      breastfeeding at 3 months in the Arab context. Further studies are needed in
      other Arab contexts to confirm our findings.

PMID- 28099044
TI  - Affect of Early Skin-to-Skin Mother-Infant Contact in the Maintenance of
      Exclusive Breastfeeding: Experience in a Health Department in Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding has been shown to result in extensive physical and
      psychological benefits for both the mother and the newborn. However, the rate and
      duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains low worldwide. Mother-infant
      skin-to-skin contact (SSC) immediately after birth has demonstrated results that
      support the argument for breastfeeding continuation. Research aim: This study
      aimed to investigate the prevalence of EBF 3 months postpartum and the effect of
      early SSC in maintaining optimal EBF practices for mothers and their healthy
      newborns. METHODS: We conducted an observational, retrospective study in Spain
      from 2013 to 2015. Pregnant women were interviewed immediately postpartum and
      again at 3 months postpartum regarding variables associated with breastfeeding
      initiation and continuation. RESULTS: There were 1,071 women recruited. Early SSC
      was performed in 92% of vaginal births but only 57% of urgent cesarean births. Of
      women breastfeeding at discharge, 69.5% performed SSC with their newborn. We
      found that 68.6% of women were exclusively breastfeeding by discharge and 46.7%
      by 3 months postpartum. Type of feeding at discharge, country of origin, and
      parity were found to be associated with each other ( p = .003, p = .001,
      respectively). Early SSC was also significantly associated with type of feeding
      at discharge, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months postpartum ( p < .001).
      Hypogalactia (19.8%) was the most frequently reported factor for breastfeeding
      discontinuation. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding promotion interventions are likely to
      improve breastfeeding rates at 3 months postpartum. Social and economic factors
      should be taken into account when such programs are planned to be implemented.

PMID- 28099045
TI  - Factors Associated With Extended Breastfeeding in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extended breastfeeding duration is common in India. Extended
      breastfeeding protects the infant from infectious disease and promotes child
      spacing. In the 1990s, the median breastfeeding duration in India was 24 months.
      Research aim: This study aimed to investigate the median duration of
      breastfeeding in India and to identify the factors associated with extended
      breastfeeding to 24 months as recommended by the World Health Organization.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional data analysis used nationally representative data
      from the 2011-2012 Indian Human Development Survey II. The outcome in this study
      was extended breastfeeding defined as breastfeeding to 24 months or more.
      Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with
      extended breastfeeding. RESULTS: The median duration of breastfeeding was 12
      months; approximately 25% of women breastfed 24 months or more. Women were at
      greater odds of breastfeeding 24 months or more if the infant was a boy compared
      with a girl, if the women lived in a rural area compared with an urban area, if
      the women were married at a young age (< 17 vs. 20 years or older at marriage),
      and if the delivery was assisted by a friend or relative compared with a doctor.
      CONCLUSION: The median duration of breastfeeding has decreased by 50% from 1992
      1993 to 2011-2012. The women who continue to breastfeed 24 months or more tend to
      be more traditional (i.e., living in rural areas, marrying young, and having
      family/friends as birth attendants). Further research to study the health effect
      of decreased breastfeeding duration is warranted.

PMID- 28099046
TI  - Death Notification: Someone Needs To Call the Family.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The death notification process can affect family grief and
      bereavement. It can also affect the well-being of involved physicians. There is
      no standardized process for making death notification phone calls. We assumed
      that residents are likely to be unprepared before and troubled after. OBJECTIVE:
      We investigated current death notification practices to develop an evidence-based
      template for standardizing this process. DESIGN: We used results of a literature
      review and open-ended interviews with faculty, residents, and widows to develop a
      survey regarding resident training and experience in death notification by phone.
      SETTING/SUBJECTS: We invited all internal medicine (IM) residents at our
      institution to complete the survey. MEASUREMENTS: Sixty-seven of 93 IM residents
      (72%) responded to the survey. Eighty-seven percent of responders reported
      involvement in a death that required notification by phone. RESULTS: Eighty
      percent of residents felt inadequately trained for this task. Over 25% reported
      that calls went poorly. Attendings were involved in 17% of cases. Primary care
      physicians were not involved. Nurses and chaplains were not involved. Respondents
      never delayed notification of death until family arrived at the hospital. There
      was no consistent approach to rehearsing or making the call, advising families
      about safe travel to the hospital, greeting families upon arrival, or following
      up with expressions of condolence. CONCLUSIONS: Poor communication skills during
      death notification may contribute to complicated grief for surviving relatives
      and stress among physicians. This study is the first to describe current
      practices of death notification by IM residents. More training is needed and
      could be combined with training in disclosure of medical error.

PMID- 28099047
TI  - Factors Influencing the Breastfeeding Practices of Young Mothers Living in a
      Maternity Shelter: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Young mothers have the lowest breastfeeding rates in Canada. Young
      mothers and their infants who access maternity shelters are especially at risk
      for poor outcomes, some of which breastfeeding may help to mitigate, yet little
      is known of the breastfeeding practices of this population. Research aim: The
      purpose of this study was to answer the research question, "What factors
      influence the breastfeeding practices of young mothers who live or have lived in
      a maternity shelter?" METHODS: The study was conducted using interpretive
      description methodology and inductive content analysis. Data were collected by
      means of one-on-one interviews, with the participants recruited from a maternity
      shelter in Ontario, Canada. RESULTS: Nine young mothers ages 17 to 24 years, who
      had initiated breastfeeding and resided at a maternity shelter, were interviewed.
      The five themes that emerged from the data were as follows: (a) choice, (b)
      special, (c) importance of early postpartum support, (d) being part of the "in
      crowd," and (e) importance of ongoing supports. The participants in this study
      took ownership of their choice to breastfeed. Hospital postpartum nurses and
      lactation consultants had a critical role in the establishment of early
      breastfeeding, and ongoing, accessible, and nonjudgmental peer, family, and
      community support were important to breastfeeding duration. CONCLUSION: A
      combination of emotional and practical supports from multiple trusted sources,
      including professional and peer supports on an ongoing basis, enabled young
      mothers to reach their breastfeeding goals.

PMID- 28099048
TI  - Effects of Enhancing School-Based Body Mass Index Screening Reports with Parent
      Education on Report Utility and Parental Intent To Modify Obesity Risk Factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: School-based body mass index screenings (SBMIS) have been
      controversial. We aimed to determine if parents would indicate improved utility
      with SBMIS when the report included parent education and whether parental intent
      to modify obesity risk factors would vary with report type or child weight.
      METHODS: A cluster-controlled trial was conducted with 31 elementary schools
      randomized to distribute a standard SBMIS report or the standard report plus
      education (SBMIS+). A random subsample of parents completed a mailed survey (731
      SBMIS, 738 SBMIS+). Using a two-stage cluster sampling design, logistic
      regression models with school-level random effect were used to assess differences
      between conditions and by weight category. RESULTS: Parents in the SBMIS+
      condition vs. the standard condition were more likely to indicate that the report
      provided useful information (not significant) and an intent to help their child
      get enough sleep (p < 0.001). Parents of children who were overweight or obese
      were less likely than parents of children who were not to indicate that the
      report provided useful information about their child's weight status (p < 0.001)
      or access to resources (p < 0.05). However, these parents were more likely to
      plan a visit to healthcare provider (p < 0.001) and to intend to limit sugar
      sweetened beverages (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Parental education can enhance the
      utility of the SBMIS report and parental intention to modify at least one obesity
      risk factor. SBMIS reports prompted parents of children with overweight and
      obesity to seek clinical care and limit sugar-sweetened drinks.

PMID- 28099049
TI  - Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide-Releasing Compounds on Aqueous Humor Outflow Facility
      in Porcine Ocular Anterior Segments, Ex Vivo.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the pharmacological actions of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
      releasing compounds l-cysteine and sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on aqueous humor
      (AH) outflow facility in porcine ocular anterior segment. METHODS: Porcine ocular
      anterior segments were perfused with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium at a
      constant pressure of 7.35 mmHg. After stable outflow baseline, explants were
      exposed to NaHS or l-cysteine. The increase in outflow generated by the H2S
      releasing compounds was measured in the absence and presence of inhibitor of H2S
      biosynthesis (aminooxyacetic acid; AOAA), blocker of KATP channels
      (glibenclamide), and inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase (SQ 22536). Hematoxylin and
      eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess trabecular meshwork (TM) morphology.
      RESULTS: l-cysteine elicited a concentration-dependent increase in AH outflow
      facility, reaching maximal effect at 100 nM (150.6% +/- 17.2% of basal level).
      This increase in outflow induced by l-cysteine was significantly (P < 0.001)
      antagonized by AOAA (30 MUM) and glibenclamide (100 MUM). AOAA and glibenclamide
      had no significant action on baseline outflow, whereas SQ 22536 (100 MUM)
      increased outflow for only an hour. In addition, NaHS produced a concentration
      dependent increase in AH outflow, with a maximal effect at 10 MUM (151.4% +/-
      22.9% of basal level). Likewise, the increase in outflow caused by NaHS was
      significantly (P < 0.04) blocked by glibenclamide and SQ 22536. H&E staining
      revealed that l-cysteine or NaHS did not alter TM conformation. CONCLUSION: H2S
      releasing compounds can increase outflow facility in porcine ocular anterior
      segment. The stimulatory action of these compounds on outflow is mediated, in
      part by endogenously produced H2S, KATP channels, and adenylyl cyclase.

PMID- 28099050
TI  - Lipohypertrophy in China: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Insulin Consumption, and
      Clinical Impact.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lipohypertrophy (LH) is a complication of insulin therapy. We
      assessed LH prevalence, risk factors, insulin usage, and clinical and health
      economic effects in China. METHODS: In four cities, 401 adult patients injecting
      insulin >=1 year were surveyed for diabetes/insulin injection history and
      practices, pen needle reimbursement (PNR), and health resource utilization,
      followed by structured examination and HbA1c testing. Differences between those
      with and without LH were evaluated by Student's t-test or the Wilcoxon rank sum
      test. Insulin costs were calculated. RESULTS: Patients were 59.6 +/- 11.5 years
      old; 50% male; 93.5% type 2 diabetes. LH prevalence was 53.1%. Compared to those
      without LH, patients with LH had higher body mass index (BMI; 26 vs. 24.8 kg/m2)
      and HbA1c (8.2% vs. 7.7% [66 vs. 61 mmol/mol]), took 11 IU (0.13 IU/kg or 31.7%)
      more insulin costing $1.4 versus $1.0 (RMB 9.5 vs. 6.8) daily, reused PNs more
      times, and had less PNR (all P <= 0.003). LH patients correctly rotated injection
      sites less often (67.6% vs. 92.3%, P < 0.0001). By stepwise logistic regression,
      BMI, needle reuse frequency, and PNR remained modestly associated with LH
      prevalence (odds ratios [OR] <1.9; P <= 0.03); weight-adjusted insulin dose and
      incorrect site rotation showed ORs of nearly 7 and 8.4, respectively (P <=
      0.001). Extrapolated to 9 million insulin-injecting patients in China and
      adjusted for therapy adherence, LH-related excess annual insulin consumption cost
      is estimated at nearly $297 million (RMB 2 billion). CONCLUSIONS: LH is common in
      China and associated with worse glycemic control, despite nearly one-third
      greater insulin consumption, with large cost implications. Proper injection
      technique education may reduce LH prevalence.

PMID- 28099051
TI  - Mobile Health (mHealth) for Diabetes Care: Opportunities and Challenges.

PMID- 28099052
TI  - mHealth Intervention Elements and User Characteristics Determine Utility: A Mixed
      Methods Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are improving the medication
      adherence of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but few studies examine
      how users experience these interventions. Therefore, we used a mixed-methods
      approach to understand how T2DM users experience a text messaging and interactive
      voice response (IVR)-delivered medication adherence intervention called MEssaging
      for Diabetes (MED). METHODS: Adults with T2DM used MED as part of a 3-month pilot
      study. MED sends daily tailored text messages addressing adherence barriers,
      daily assessment text messages asking about adherence, and weekly tailored IVR
      calls providing adherence feedback, encouragement, and questions to facilitate
      problem solving. Sixty participants completed feedback interviews. We used a
      mixed-methods approach to understand their experience, examining associations
      between participants' characteristics and their feedback. RESULTS: Participants
      who completed feedback interviews were on average 50.0 +/- 10.1 years old; 65%
      female, 62% non-white; 15% had less than a high school education, 70% had annual
      incomes less than $20K; and average hemoglobin A1c was 8.0% +/- 1.9%.
      Participants rated each intervention element favorably; common reasons for MED's
      helpfulness included receiving novel information about diabetes medications,
      emotional support, and reminders to take medication. People who were younger and
      more recently diagnosed with T2DM had more favorable experiences using MED. In
      general, users valued text messages more than IVR calls. CONCLUSIONS:
      Consideration of the user experience is critical for developing engaging mHealth
      interventions. User feedback reveals what mHealth elements have the most value
      and why, which users to target, and how to optimize an intervention's utility and
      appeal.

PMID- 28099053
TI  - Palliative Care Involvement Is Associated with Less Intensive End-of-Life Care in
      Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescent and young adult oncology (AYAO) patients often receive
      intensive medical care and experience significant symptoms at the end of life
      (EOL). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of AYAO
      patients aged 15-26 years who died as inpatients in a hospital and to compare the
      illness and EOL experiences of AYAO patients who did and did not receive
      palliative care (PC). DESIGN AND SETTING: A standardized data extraction tool was
      used to collect information about demographics, treatment, terminal
      characteristics, and symptoms during the last month of life (LMOL) for 69 AYAO
      patients who died while hospitalized between 2008 and 2014. MEASUREMENTS AND
      RESULTS: AYAO patients who died in the hospital required considerable medical and
      psychosocial care and experienced numerous symptoms during the LMOL. Compared to
      those patients who received no formal PC services, patients followed by the PC
      team were less likely to die in the intensive care unit (ICU) (38% vs. 68%, p =
      0.024) and less likely to have been on a ventilator (34% vs. 63%, p = 0.028)
      during the LMOL. They also received fewer invasive medical procedures during the
      LMOL (median, 1 vs. 3 procedures, p = 0.009) and had a do not resuscitate order
      in place for a longer time before death (median, 6 vs. two days, p = 0.008).
      CONCLUSIONS: Involvement of the PC team was associated with the receipt of less
      intensive treatments and fewer deaths in the ICU.

PMID- 28099054
TI  - Association between Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate Status and Resident
      Physician Decision-making. A National Survey.
AB  - RATIONALE: Compared with their Full Code counterparts, patients with do not
      resuscitate/do not intubate (DNR/DNI) status receive fewer interventions and have
      higher mortality than predicted by clinical characteristics. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess whether internal medicine residents, the front-line providers for many
      hospitalized patients, would manage hypothetical patients differently based on
      code status. We hypothesized respondents would be less likely to provide a
      variety of interventions to DNR/DNI patients than to Full Code patients. METHODS:
      Cross-sectional, randomized survey of U.S. internal medicine residents. We
      created two versions of an internet survey, each containing four clinical
      vignettes followed by questions regarding possible interventions; the versions
      were identical except for varying code status of the vignettes. Residency
      programs were randomly allocated between the two versions. RESULTS: Five hundred
      thirty-three residents responded to the survey. As determined by Chi-squared and
      Fisher's exact test, decisions to intubate or perform cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation were largely dictated by patient code status (>94% if Full Code,
      <5% if DNR/DNI; P < 0.0001 for all scenarios). Resident proclivity to deliver
      noninvasive interventions (e.g., blood cultures, medications, imaging) was
      uniformly high (>90%) and unaffected by code status. However, decisions to pursue
      other aggressive or invasive options (e.g., dialysis, bronchoscopy, surgical
      consultation, transfer to intensive care unit) differed significantly based on
      code status in most vignettes. CONCLUSIONS: Residents appear to assume that
      patients who would refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation would prefer not to
      receive other interventions. Without explicit clarification of the patient's
      goals of care, potentially beneficial care may be withheld against the patient's
      wishes.

PMID- 28099055
TI  - Mastering Robotic Surgery: Where Does the Learning Curve Lead Us?
AB  - The robotic surgical technology introduced over the last decade and a half has
      revolutionized many aspects of performing complex procedures. It combines
      technological and clinical innovations to improve surgical quality and patient
      outcomes. Yet, to date, there is still a lack of standardization in training and
      certification of robotic surgeons. The criteria for proficiency and credentialing
      in robotic surgery vary widely among institutions. The aim of this review is to
      discuss the key points of training and surgeon assessment in robotic surgery, as
      well as the challenges that still need to be overcome.

PMID- 28099056
TI  - Multidisciplinary Approach to Esophageal Achalasia: A Single Center Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of achalasia is palliative. Pneumatic dilatation (PD)
      or laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) just eliminates the outflow obstruction
      allowing easier emptying of the esophagus. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the results of a multidisciplinary approach to esophageal achalasia. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with achalasia treated by a
      multidisciplinary esophageal team consisting of radiologists,
      gastroenterologists, and surgeons in a quaternary care center between May 2008
      and April 2015 were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients with achalasia
      underwent LHM and partial fundoplication. Sixty-two patients (42%) had been
      treated preoperatively with PD and/or botulinum toxin (BT). The preoperative
      Eckardt score (ES) was 6.4 +/- 2. At a median follow-up of 22 months, 128
      patients (87%) did well and required no further treatment (ES 0.1). The remaining
      19 patients (13%) had recurrence of symptoms and required further treatment: 12
      were treated with PD and improved (ES 0.7); 4 were treated with PD and BT and
      improved (ES 1.3); 3 failed PD. These 3 patients had been treated with multiple
      sessions of PD and BT before the myotomy. Overall, 144 patients (98%) did well
      with laparoscopic (87%) or laparoscopic and endoscopic treatment (11%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that (a) LHM is an effective
      treatment modality, (b) PD improved symptoms in the majority of patients with
      recurrent dysphagia after myotomy and (c) multiple preoperative endoscopic
      treatments seem to affect outcomes of LHM. Patients with achalasia should be
      treated in a quaternary care center by a multidisciplinary team.

PMID- 28099057
TI  - A Provisional Experience with Robot-Assisted Soave Procedure for Older Children
      with Hirschsprung Disease: Back to the Future?
AB  - Hirschsprung disease is a congenital disease characterized by intestinal
      aganglionosis of various extents. Most patients are younger than 1 year of age.
      Though, a minority of cases can be older or even adult. Older the patient the
      more difficult and prolonged is the endorectal dissection required for the pull
      through procedure. Longer surgery leads to longer anal dilatation and trauma with
      subsequent higher likelihood of continence impairment. The article aims at
      describing the first case series of robot-assisted Soave procedure, which was
      adopted as an alternative minimally invasive approach to older patients with
      Hirschsprung disease. The technical principles are represented by intraoperative
      seromuscolar leveling biopsies, intracorporeal endorectal cranial dissection, and
      endorectal pull-through with colo-anal anastomosis. The authors report three
      procedures that were carried on without complication with a limited requirement
      for anal dilatation and trauma, given the reduced need for endorectal caudal
      dissection. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The
      robotic approach should be considered as an alternative minimally invasive
      approach for older children or adults with Hirschsprung disease.

PMID- 28099058
TI  - Two-Site Appendectomy in Children: Description of Technique and Outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Laparoscopic appendectomy is one of the most common operations. Single
      site appendectomy has been gaining popularity; however, it has certain
      disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to review the results of an
      essentially scarless laparoscopic appendectomy technique. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of all patients who underwent two-site appendectomy for
      appendicitis between January 2015 and February 2016 was performed. For all cases,
      a 4 mm trocar and a 5 mm trocar were placed through an infraumbilical incision
      and a 3 mm trocar was placed in the suprapubic region. RESULTS: Fifty patients
      underwent appendectomy using this technique. The average age was 9.7 years (5-16
      years) and average weight was 40 kg (15.7-73.3 kg). The classifications of
      appendicitis consisted of 32 simple, 5 suppurative, 4 gangrenous, and 8
      perforated. The average operative time was 29 minutes (6-53 minutes) and average
      length of stay was 1.9 days (1-6 days). There were three minor complications, and
      all cases were completed with this technique, including in obese patients and for
      perforated appendicitis. All patients reported satisfaction with their
      postoperative cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This technique allows for the main
      incision to be hidden at the umbilicus, creating an essentially scarless cosmetic
      result. The addition of a 3 mm suprapubic port leads to increased maneuverability
      of the instruments and better retraction of the appendix. It is also feasible in
      obese children and cases of perforated appendicitis.

PMID- 28099059
TI  - Family Physician Readiness for Value-Based Payments: Does Ownership Status
      Matter?
AB  - Value-based payments are rapidly replacing fee-for-service arrangements,
      necessitating advancements in physician practice capabilities and functions. The
      objective of this study was to examine potential differences among family
      physicians who are owners versus employed with respect to their readiness for
      value-based payment models. The authors surveyed more than 550 family physicians
      from the American Academy of Family Physician's membership; nearly 75% had made
      changes to participate in value-based payments. However, owners were
      significantly more likely to report that their practices had made no changes in
      value-based payment capabilities than employed physicians (owners 35.2% vs.
      employed 18.1%, P < 0.05). This study identified 3 key areas in which physician
      owners' value-based practice capabilities were not as advanced as the employed
      physician group: (1) quality improvement strategies, (2) human capital
      investment, and (3) identification of high-risk patients. Specifically, the
      employed physician group reported more quality improvement strategies, including
      quality measures, Plan-Do-Study-Act, root cause analysis, and Lean Six Sigma (P <
      0.05 for all). More employed physicians reported that their practices had full
      time care management staff (19.8% owners vs. 30.8% employed, P < 0.05), while
      owners were more likely to report that they had no resources/capacity to hire
      care managers or care coordinators (31.4% owners vs. 19.4% employed, P < 0.05).
      Owners were significantly more likely to respond that they do not have the
      resources/capacity to identify high-risk patients (23.1% owners vs. 19.3%
      employed, P < 0.05). As public and private payers transition to value-based
      payments, consideration of different population health management needs according
      to ownership status has the potential to support the adoption of value-based care
      delivery for family physicians.

PMID- 28099060
TI  - Understanding Medicaid Managed Care Investments in Members' Social Determinants
      of Health.
AB  - Despite widespread interest in addressing social determinants of health (SDH) as
      a means to improve health and to reduce health care spending, little information
      is available about how to develop, sustain, and scale nonmedical interventions in
      diverse payer environments, including Medicaid Managed Care. This study aimed to
      explore how Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MMCO) leaders interpret their
      roles and responsibilities around SDH, how they garner resources to develop and
      sustain interventions to address SDH, and how they perceive the influences of
      external organizations on related activities. Semistructured qualitative key
      informant interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 26 Medicaid
      Managed Care corporate executives. Data were analyzed with an iterative coding,
      thematic development and interpretation process. MMCO leaders' interests and
      activities around interventions to address SDH are described, as well as their
      perceptions of existing and potential incentives and barriers to expanding these
      interventions. Despite significant experimentation and programmatic diversity of
      interventions addressing social determinants, MMCO leaders struggle with clinical
      integration, financing, and evaluation efforts that could promote sustainability.
      Though their efforts are nascent, MMCO leaders are investing in tackling social
      determinants to improve health and to decrease health care spending in managed
      care settings that serve low-income populations. Results highlight both
      opportunities and concerns about sustaining and scaling clinical interventions
      addressing SDH.

PMID- 28099061
TI  - Iodometric and Molecular Detection of ESBL Production Among Clinical Isolates of
      E. coli Fingerprinted by ERIC-PCR: The First Egyptian Report Declares the
      Emergence of E. coli O25b-ST131clone Harboring blaGES.
AB  - The extensive use of beta-lactam antibiotics has led to emergence and spread of
      extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). This study was conducted to
      investigate the prevalence of 7 different ESBL genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M,
      blaVEB, blaPER, blaGES, and blaOXA-10) and O25b-ST131 high-risk clone among 61
      clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. Also, one broad-spectrum beta-lactamase
      (blaOXA-1) was investigated. This study was also constructed to evaluate
      iodometric overlay method in detection of ESBL production. Phenotypic
      identification of E. coli isolates using API 20E revealed 18 distinct biotypes.
      DNA fingerprinting using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus
      polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) differentiated all isolates into 2 main
      phylogenetic groups with 60 distinct genetic profiles. Elevated values of minimal
      inhibitory concentration (MIC)50 and MIC90 for third- and fourth-generation
      cephalosporins were observed. Phenotypic tests revealed that 85.24% of isolates
      were ESBL producers. The incidence rates of blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, blaGES,
      blaOXA-1, and blaOXA-10 among E. coli ESBL producer phenotype were 69.23%, 25%,
      96.15%, 3.85%, 11.54%, and 48%, respectively. On the other hand, blaVEB and
      blaPER were not detected. Sequencing of blaTEM and blaSHV revealed that blaTEM
      214 and blaSHV-11 were the most prevalent variants. Group characterization of
      blaCTX-M revealed that blaCTX-M-1 was the most prevalent group of blaCTX-M
      family. It was found that 30.77% of E. coli ESBL producers belonged to O25b-ST131
      clone harboring blaCTX-M-15. This study concluded that iodometric overlay method
      was 100% sensitive in detection of ESBL production. To our knowledge, this is the
      first Egyptian study that declares the emergence of E. coli O25b-ST131 harboring
      blaGES.

PMID- 28099062
TI  - Rectal Carriage of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and Carbapenemase Producing
      Gram-Negative Bacilli in Intensive Care Units in Tunisia.
AB  - This study was conducted to evaluate the rate of fecal carriage of Gram-negative
      bacilli (GNB) resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (third GC) in patients
      hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Charles Nicolle Hospital of
      Tunis and to identify the enzymatic mechanisms involved. From February to April
      2014, rectal swabs were collected from all patients (n = 38) at admission and
      once weekly thereafter to identify acquisition. They were cultured on
      desoxycholate-lactose-agar plates supplemented with cefotaxime (2 mg/L). The rate
      of fecal carriage of GNB resistant to third GC was 0% (0/38) at admission and the
      acquisition rate was 45.16% (14/31). Nineteen GNB resistant to C3G were collected
      from 14 patients. The major species collected were Acinetobacter baumannii (n =
      5), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 5), and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 5). Thirteen
      extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing GNB were found; CTX-M-15 (n =
      10) and CTX-M-14 (n = 1) among Enterobacteriacae and GES-12 (n = 2) among A.
      baumannii. Ten strains were carbapenem resistant. OXA-48 (n = 4) and NDM-1 (n =
      1) were detected among Enterobacteriacae and OXA-23 (n = 5), and GES-11 (n = 1)
      were detected in A. baumannii. Gene encoding the ACT-16 AmpC-type-beta-lactamase
      was detected in two isolates. All Escherichia coli isolates were assigned to
      group B2. Among virulence genes, prevalence of fimH, fuyA, ompT, pai, and usp
      were highest observed in all E. coli isolates. Among K. pneumoniae mrkD and entB
      were the most frequent (n = 5) followed by ybtS (n = 4) and kfu (n = 2). This
      study revealed a high prevalence of fecal carriage of multidrug-resistant GNB,
      including ESBLs, carbapenemases, and cephalosporinases producing bacteria in
      patients hospitalized in ICU.

PMID- 28099063
TI  - Improve Quality, Control Spending, Maintain Access - Can the Merit-Based
      Incentive Payment System Deliver?

PMID- 28099064
TI  - Surgical Intervention for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Pediatric
      Population: When and Why?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous pneumothorax in pediatric patients is relatively
      uncommon. The management strategy varies in different centers due to dearth of
      evidence-based pediatric guidelines. In this study, we reviewed our experience of
      thoracoscopic management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in children
      and identified risk factors associated with postoperative air leakage and
      recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of
      pediatric patients who had PSP and underwent surgical management in our
      institution between April 2008 and March 2015. Demographic data, radiological
      findings, interventions, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of
      92 patients with 110 thoracoscopic surgery for PSP were identified. The
      indications for surgery were failed nonoperative management with persistent air
      leakage in 32.7%, recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax in 36.4%, first
      contralateral pneumothorax in 14.5%, bilateral pneumothorax in 10%, and
      significant hemopneumothorax in 5.5%. Bulla was identified in 101 thoracoscopy
      (91.8%) with stapled bullectomy performed. 14.5% patients had persistent
      postoperative air leakage and treated with reinsertion of thoracostomy tube and
      chemical pleurodesis. 17.3% patients had postoperative recurrence occurred at
      mean time of 11 months. Operation within 7 days of symptoms onset was associated
      with less postoperative air leakage (P = .04). Bilateral pneumothorax and those
      with abnormal radiographic features had significantly more postoperative air
      leakage (P = .002, P < .01 respectively) and recurrence (P < .01, P = .007).
      CONCLUSION: Early thoracoscopic mechanical pleurodesis and stapled bullectomy
      after thoracostomy tube insertion could be offered as a primary option for
      management of large PSP in pediatric population, since most of these patients had
      bulla identified as the culprit of the disease.

PMID- 28099065
TI  - Exploring Variation in Transformation of Primary Care Practices to Patient
      Centered Medical Homes: A Mixed Methods Approach.
AB  - The objective was to quantify the activities required for patient-centered
      medical home (PCMH) transformation in a sample of small to medium-sized National
      Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognized practices, and explore barriers
      and facilitators to transformation. Eleven small to medium-sized PCMH practices
      in Southeastern Pennsylvania completed a survey, which was adapted from the 2011
      NCQA standards. Semistructured follow-up interviews were conducted, descriptive
      statistics were computed for the quantitative analysis, and a process of thematic
      coding was deployed for the qualitative analysis. Practices had considerable
      quantitative variation in their workforce composition and the PCMH-related
      activities they implemented. Most practices improved access and continuity
      through staff training and team-based care as well as expanded data collection
      for population management. The barriers to PCMH recognition were least burdensome
      for the largest practices. The heterogeneity of the small PCMH practices within
      the study sample underscore the need to understand the key transformation issues
      as efforts to disseminate the PCMH model continue.

PMID- 28099066
TI  - New Vaccines against Epidemic Infectious Diseases.

PMID- 28099067
TI  - Implementation of a Comprehensive Population Health Management Model.

PMID- 28099069
TI  - Essential Values for Population Health Improvement.

PMID- 28099068
TI  - Same Story, Different Story.
AB  - Differences in people's beliefs can substantially impact their interpretation of
      a series of events. In this functional MRI study, we manipulated subjects'
      beliefs, leading two groups of subjects to interpret the same narrative in
      different ways. We found that responses in higher-order brain areas-including the
      default-mode network, language areas, and subsets of the mirror neuron system
      tended to be similar among people who shared the same interpretation, but
      different from those of people with an opposing interpretation. Furthermore, the
      difference in neural responses between the two groups at each moment was
      correlated with the magnitude of the difference in the interpretation of the
      narrative. This study demonstrates that brain responses to the same event tend to
      cluster together among people who share the same views.

PMID- 28099070
TI  - Laparoscopic Rectal Dissection Assisted by Transanal Endoluminal Videoendoscopy
      Through a Blunt Tip Trocar.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Laparoscopic resection is a well-established approach for
      colorectal cancer surgery. In patients with rectal cancer treated by neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy, it may be difficult to identify a clear safety margin for
      endostapling and subsequent anastomosis. We designed an innovative technical
      approach to assist colorectal anastomosis in these patients. TECHNIQUE: A four
      trocar laparoscopic approach is used. After exploration of the abdominal cavity,
      the left colic flexure is completely mobilized. Using a medial to lateral
      approach, the inferior mesenteric artery and vein are divided between clips, and
      the left colon proximal to the tumor is transected with a linear stapler. A total
      mesorectal excision is performed. At this point, if the free margin distal to the
      tumor site cannot be clearly identified, a blunt tip trocar (BTT, 10 mm;
      Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) is inserted into the anus and the proximal foam
      sponge is secured to the anal verge to avoid displacement and gas leakage. Under
      low flow rate gas insufflation, a 0 degrees  scope inserted into the trocar
      allows a clear observation of the distal margin of the lesion and guides the low
      rectal laparoscopic dissection and the precise placement of the stapler. The BTT
      is then removed to perform the transanal colorectal anastomosis; at the end of
      the procedure, the BTT can be reinserted to check the anastomosis for bleeding
      and leakage. RESULTS: We used this novel technique on 3 patients who underwent
      neoadjuvant therapy for T3 rectal cancer. In all of them, identification of the
      distal tumor margin was difficult at laparoscopy. All surgical procedures were
      safely completed and resulted in R0 resection. The average length of stay was 6
      days. All patients were free from recurrences at 1 year follow-up. CONCLUSION:
      Endoluminal videoendoscopy through a transanal BTT is a useful ancillary
      technique to achieve a safe free margin during low rectal resection.

PMID- 28099071
TI  - An Observational Study of Provider Perspectives on Alternative Payment Models.
AB  - Over the past decade, reimbursement in the US health care system has undergone
      rapid transformation. The Affordable Care Act and the Medicare Access and CHIP
      Reauthorization Act are some of the many changes challenging traditional modes of
      practice and raising concerns about practitioners' ability to adapt. Recently,
      physician satisfaction was proposed as an addition to the Triple Aim in
      acknowledgment of how the physician's attitude can affect outcomes. To understand
      how physicians perceive alternative payment models (APMs) and how those
      perceptions may vary by their organizational role, non-leader physicians (N =
      31), physician leaders (N = 67), and health system leaders (N = 49) were surveyed
      using a mixed-methods approach. Respondents to the electronic survey, who were
      identified from a Jefferson College of Population Health program participant
      database, rated their organizations' responses to APMs and provided commentary.
      Analysis of the Likert scale quantitative data indicates a significant difference
      in ratings between the 3 groups, particularly between health system leaders and
      non-leader physicians. The aggregated Attitudes Toward APMs Scale indicates that
      health system leaders were statistically significantly more likely to rate
      themselves and their organizations as better prepared for APMs compared to non
      leader physicians and physician leaders. Qualitative analysis of comments
      indicates that non-leader physicians are more negative of APMs, often expressing
      frustration at added administrative burdens, barriers to implementation, and
      inconsistent or unclear measurement requirements. These findings indicate that
      the negative feelings non-leader physicians and physician leaders, in particular,
      expressed could contribute to physician burnout and decreased professional
      satisfaction, and impede the effective implementation of APMs.

PMID- 28099072
TI  - Re: "Cigarette Smoking and Breast Cancer Risk in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White
      Women: The Breast Cancer Health Disparities Study" by Conner et al. (J Womens
      Health (Larchmt) 2016;25:299-310).

PMID- 28099073
TI  - CDC's DELTA FOCUS Program: Identifying Promising Primary Prevention Strategies
      for Intimate Partner Violence.
AB  - According to 2011 data, nearly one in four women and one in seven men in the
      United States experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner,
      creating a public health burden requiring population-level solutions. To prevent
      intimate partner violence (IPV) before it occurs, the CDC developed Domestic
      Violence Prevention Enhancements and Leadership Through Alliances, Focusing on
      Outcomes for Communities United with States to identify promising community- and
      societal-level prevention strategies to prevent IPV. The program funds 10 state
      domestic violence coalitions for 5 years to implement and evaluate programs and
      policies to prevent IPV by influencing the environments and conditions in which
      people live, work, and play. The program evaluation goals are to promote IPV
      prevention by identifying promising prevention strategies and describing those
      strategies using case studies, thereby creating a foundation for building
      practice-based evidence with a health equity approach.

PMID- 28099074
TI  - New Developments in Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment.
AB  - The clinical update serves as a brief review of recently published, high-impact,
      and potentially practice-changing journal articles summarized for our readers. In
      this clinical update, we selected top recent articles regarding breast health
      that may change the clinical practice of women's health providers. We identified
      articles by reviewing high-impact medical and women's health journals as well as
      national practice guidelines. Three of our articles are dedicated to the rapid
      changes in breast cancer screening. With regard to breast cancer treatment, we
      focused on two articles that impact who we treat with traditional aggressive
      regimens.

PMID- 28099075
TI  - OCCURRENCE AND RELEVANCE OF MYCOPLASMA STURNI IN FREE-RANGING CORVIDS IN GERMANY.
AB  - Several Mycoplasma spp. are well-known pathogens in poultry. In birds of prey,
      White Storks ( Ciconia ciconia ), and some waterfowl (Anatidae, Pelecanidae)
      species, mycoplasmas occur commonly and seem to be apathogenic or commensal and
      most likely belong to the physiologic microbial flora of the respiratory tract.
      In other bird species, such as Common Nightingales ( Luscinia megarhynchos ) and
      tits (Paridae), Mycoplasma spp. are absent in healthy birds. In corvids, the
      prevalence and role of Mycoplasma spp. in disease remains unclear. In previous
      studies, Mycoplasma sturni was detected in diseased corvids; however, those
      studies included only a limited sample size or preselected individuals. We
      collected tracheal swabs of 97 free-ranging Corvidae, including 68 randomly
      selected individuals from hunting bags and 29 birds that had been admitted to a
      veterinary clinic. Tracheal swabs were examined for Mycoplasma spp. using culture
      and genus-specific PCR. If Mycoplasma spp. were detected, the species were
      identified by sequencing the 16S ribosomal (r) RNA gene and 16-23S rRNA
      intergenic transcribed spacer region. Five of 68 (7%) of the hunted birds and
      nine of 29 (31%) of the birds admitted to the veterinary clinic were PCR
      positive. In 13 of 14 PCR-positive samples, mycoplasmas were cultured and M.
      sturni was the only mycoplasmal species identified. None of the positive corvids
      from the hunting bags had clinical signs, whereas five of nine birds admitted to
      the veterinary clinic showed apathy, lameness, injuries, or fractures, which may
      not be associated with mycoplasmal infections. These data support the notion that
      M. sturni is the Mycoplasma sp. most frequently found in corvids, though its
      prevalence and ability to cause disease may involve interaction with other
      aspects of bird health.

PMID- 28099076
TI  - Extension of the Avian Host Range of Collyriclosis in Europe.
AB  - We describe cases of collyriclosis in apodiform and passeriform birds in
      Portugal, Switzerland, and Germany. We extend the host range of Collyriculm faba
      to include apodiform birds ( Apus apus , Apus melba , and Apus pallidus ) and the
      passerine Sitta europaea (Eurasian Nuthatch). Infections varied in severity from
      an incidental finding to severe debilitation and death. The infection route
      remains unclear with the apparent absence from Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland
      of the first intermediate host of C. faba, the aquatic gastropod Bythinella
      austriaca, implying that other organisms might be involved in the parasite's life
      cycle. Furthermore, the detection of C. faba cysts in very young passerine birds
      may indicate an infection during the nestling stage and a rapid development of
      parasite-containing subcutaneous cysts. This series of cases highlights an
      increased geographic range into Portugal and the potential debilitating nature of
      a parasite of migratory birds in Europe. However, given the rarity of cases,
      collyriclosis does not seem to present an important threat to migratory species
      preservation.

PMID- 28099077
TI  - DISEASE COMPLEXITY IN A DECLINING ALASKAN MUSKOX (OVIBOS MOSCHATUS) POPULATION.
AB  - The muskox ( Ovibos moschatus ) population inhabiting the eastern North Slope
      (ENS) of Alaska, US declined dramatically during 1999-2006, whereas populations
      in western Alaska (WA) were stable or increasing. To understand morbidity and
      mortality factors contributing to the decline, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
      conducted pathologic investigations of carcasses from 2005 until 2008.
      Additionally, archived sera from both ENS and WA muskoxen collected during 1984
      92, before the documented beginning of the ENS decline; sera collected during
      2000, near the beginning of the decline; and contemporary sera (from live capture
      release, adult females) collected during 2006, 2007, and 2008 were analyzed to
      determine whether prevalence of antibody to potential pathogens differed in the
      two areas or changed over time. The pathogens investigated were those that were
      believed could cause lameness or poor reproduction or adversely affect general
      health. Furthermore, trace mineral levels, hemograms, and gastrointestinal
      parasites were evaluated in live adult females captured 2006-08. Pathologic
      investigations identified several comorbid conditions, including predation,
      polyarthritis caused by or consistent with Chlamydophila spp. infection, hoof
      lesions, copper deficiency, contagious ecthyma, verminous pneumonia, hepatic
      lipidosis suggestive of negative energy balance, and bacterial bronchopneumonia
      due to Trueperella pyogenes and Bibersteinia trehalosi . Pathogens suspected to
      be newly introduced in the ENS muskox population on the basis of serologic
      detection include bovine viral diarrhea, respiratory syncytial virus,
      Chlamydophila spp., Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii , and Leptospira spp.,
      whereas parainfluenza virus-3 antibody prevalence has increased in the WA
      population. Although multiple disease syndromes were identified that contributed
      to mortality and, in combination, likely limited the ENS muskox population,
      further holistic investigations of disease agents, trace mineral status, and
      nutritional factors in conjunction with intensive demographic and environmental
      analyses would provide a better understanding of factors that influence Alaskan
      muskox populations.

PMID- 28099078
TI  - PREVALENCE OF TERRAPENE HERPESVIRUS 1 IN FREE-RANGING EASTERN BOX TURTLES
      (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA) IN TENNESSEE AND ILLINOIS, USA.
AB  - Diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract, such as herpesviruses, are well
      described in captive chelonians worldwide, but their importance in free-ranging
      populations is less well known. To characterize the disease epidemiology of
      terrapene herpesvirus 1 (TerHV1), 409 free-ranging eastern box turtles (
      Terrapene carolina carolina) in Tennessee and Illinois, US were tested for TerHV1
      in 2013 and 2014 using TaqMan quantitative PCR. Whole blood and swabs of the oral
      mucosa were collected from 365 adults (154 females, 195 males, 16 unknown sex)
      and 44 juveniles. The prevalence of detection was 31.3% (n=128). Turtles were
      more likely to be positive for TerHV1 in July (50%; n=67) compared to September
      (38%; n=44) and May (11%; n=17). Turtles sampled in 2014 had a significantly
      higher prevalence (50%; n=98) than in 2013 (14%; n=30). In a multivariate model,
      only season, year, and the interaction between season and year were maintained;
      turtles were most likely to be positive in July (odds ratio: 30.5) and September
      (odds ratio: 41.8) 2014 compared to May 2013. The prevalence was not
      statistically different by state of collection, sex, or age class. Packed cell
      volume (25.5%) and total solids (4.8 mg/dL) in positive turtles were
      significantly higher than in negative turtles (23.0%; 4.3 mg/dL). Positive
      turtles had increased eosinophil concentrations, fewer lymphocytes, and fewer
      monocytes. No clinical sign was associated with detection of herpesvirus.
      Widespread DNA evidence of TerHV1 infection was detected in eastern box turtles,
      and knowledge of the epidemiology of this virus may aid in management of free
      ranging and captive individuals.

PMID- 28099080
TI  - Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Candidate Therapies for a Potentially
      Lethal Disease.
AB  - Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a potentially lethal disease
      that presents with rapidly progressive multiple organ thromboses.
      Anticoagulation, corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange
      are the most commonly used treatments for CAPS patients. However, the high
      mortality despite these medications necessitates new treatment strategies.
      Following a brief review of current diagnostic and management strategies, we
      discuss the candidate therapies, i.e., hydroxychloroquine, rituximab, eculizumab,
      sirolimus, and defibrotide, that can be considered in CAPS patients refractory to
      traditional treatment.

PMID- 28099079
TI  - Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: A Monogenic Model of Malignancy.
AB  - Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, low-grade, metastasizing neoplasm that
      arises from an unknown source, spreads via the lymphatics, and targets the lungs.
      All pulmonary structures become infiltrated with benign-appearing spindle and
      epithelioid cells (LAM cells) that express smooth-muscle and melanocyte-lineage
      markers, harbor mTOR-activating mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
      genes, and recruit abundant stromal cells. Elaboration of lymphangiogenic growth
      factors and matrix remodeling enzymes by LAM cells enables their access to
      lymphatic channels and likely drives the cystic lung remodeling that often
      culminates in respiratory failure. Dysregulated cellular signaling results in a
      shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis as the preferred mode of
      energy generation, to allow for the accumulation of biomass required for cell
      growth and tolerance of nutrient-poor, anaerobic environments. Symptomatic LAM
      occurs almost exclusively in females after menarche, highlighting the central but
      as yet poorly understood role for sex-restricted anatomical structures and/or
      hormones in disease pathogenesis. LAM is an elegant model of malignancy because
      biallelic mutations at a single genetic locus confer all features that define
      cancer upon the LAM cell-metabolic reprogramming and proliferative signals that
      drive uncontrolled growth and inappropriate migration and invasion, the capacity
      to exploit the lymphatic circulation as a vehicle for metastasis and access to
      the lungs, and destruction of remote tissues. The direct benefit of the study of
      this rare disease has been the rapid identification of an effective FDA-approved
      therapy, and the collateral benefits have included elucidation of the pivotal
      roles of mTOR signaling in the regulation of cellular metabolism and the
      pathogenesis of cancer.

PMID- 28099081
TI  - Controversies in the Treatment of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ.
AB  - Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) accounts for 20% of all newly diagnosed breast
      cancers. Mastectomy was once the gold standard for the treatment of DCIS;
      however, breast-conserving surgery (BCS) has been adopted as the treatment of
      choice for patients with small, screen-detected lesions. Both adjuvant radiation
      and hormonal therapy following BCS have been demonstrated in randomized trials to
      reduce the risk of both invasive and DCIS recurrence, but neither affects
      survival. With the variety of surgical and adjuvant treatment options available,
      there has been great interest in tailoring the treatment to the individual, with
      the goal of optimizing the balance of risks and benefits according to the values
      and priorities of the woman herself. Prospective studies of women with "low-risk"
      DCIS treated with BCS alone have successfully identified women at lower than
      average risk but have not achieved the goal of identifying a subset of women with
      DCIS at minimal risk of recurrence after surgical excision alone. No studies have
      evaluated the safety of medical management alone.

PMID- 28099083
TI  - Update on Alzheimer's Disease Therapy and Prevention Strategies.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of age-related dementia. Effective
      strategies to prevent and treat AD remain elusive despite major efforts to
      understand its basic biology and clinical pathophysiology. Significant
      investments in therapeutic drug discovery programs over the past two decades have
      yielded some important insights but no blockbuster drugs to alter the course of
      disease. Because significant memory loss and cognitive decline are associated
      with neuron death and loss of gray matter, especially in the frontal cortex and
      hippocampus, some focus in drug development has shifted to early prevention of
      cellular pathology. Although clinical trial design is challenging, due in part to
      a lack of robust biomarkers with predictive value, some optimism has come from
      the identification and study of inherited forms of early-onset AD and genetic
      risk factors that provide insights about molecular pathophysiology and potential
      drug targets. In addition, better understanding of the Abeta amyloid pathway and
      the tau pathway-leading to amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles,
      respectively, which are histopathological hallmarks of AD-continues to drive
      significant drug research and development programs. The main focus of this review
      is to summarize the most recent basic biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology
      that serve as a foundation for more than 50 active advanced-phase clinical trials
      for AD prevention and therapy.

PMID- 28099084
TI  - Mechanisms and New Strategies for Primary Sjogren's Syndrome.
AB  - Primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a common chronic autoimmune disease
      characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, mainly salivary and
      lacrimal, resulting in oral and ocular dryness, although virtually any organ
      system can be affected. SS-related systemic manifestations are classified as
      either related to the presence of periepithelial infiltrates in exocrine and
      parenchymal organs or resulting from immunocomplex deposition due to B cell
      hyperactivity with increased risk for B cell lymphoma development. Activation of
      both innate and adaptive immune pathways contributes to disease pathogenesis,
      with prominent interferon (IFN) signatures identified in both peripheral blood
      and affected salivary gland tissues. Recently, LINE-1 genomic repeat elements
      have been proposed as potential triggers of type I IFN pathway activation in SS
      through activation of Toll-like receptor-dependent and -independent pathways. In
      view of the increasingly appreciated variability of SS, elucidation of distinct
      operating pathways in relation to diverse clinical phenotypes and selection of
      the optimal therapeutic intervention remain major challenges. Inhibition of
      cathepsin S molecules, blockade of costimulation through administration of
      abatacept and inhibitors of B7-related molecules and CD40, blockade of B cell
      function and B cell survival factors, and disruption of the formation of ectopic
      germinal centers are considered the main therapeutic targets. Well-controlled
      multicenter clinical trials are ongoing and data are awaited.

PMID- 28099085
TI  - Lysosomal Proteins as a Therapeutic Target in Neurodegeneration.
AB  - Several proteins that are mutated in lysosomal storage diseases are linked to
      neurodegenerative disease. This review focuses on some of these lysosomal enzymes
      and transporters, as well as current therapies that have emerged from the
      lysosomal storage disease field. Given the deeper genetic understanding of
      lysosomal defects in neurodegeneration, we explore why some of these orphan
      disease drug candidates are also attractive targets in subpopulations of
      individuals with neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 28099082
TI  - Therapeutics Targeting Drivers of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Acute Aortic
      Dissections: Insights from Predisposing Genes and Mouse Models.
AB  - Thoracic aortic diseases, including aneurysms and dissections of the thoracic
      aorta, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for thoracic
      aortic disease include increased hemodynamic forces on the ascending aorta,
      typically due to poorly controlled hypertension, and heritable genetic variants.
      The altered genes predisposing to thoracic aortic disease either disrupt smooth
      muscle cell (SMC) contraction or adherence to an impaired extracellular matrix,
      or decrease canonical transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling.
      Paradoxically, TGF-beta hyperactivity has been postulated to be the primary
      driver for the disease. More recently, it has been proposed that the response of
      aortic SMCs to the hemodynamic load on a structurally defective aorta is the
      primary driver of thoracic aortic disease, and that TGF-beta overactivity in
      diseased aortas is a secondary, unproductive response to restore tissue function.
      The engineering of mouse models of inherited aortopathies has identified
      potential therapeutic agents to prevent thoracic aortic disease.

PMID- 28099086
TI  - Maximal heart rate declines linearly with age independent of cardiorespiratory
      fitness levels.
AB  - There have been many conflicting observations between the linear or curvilinear
      decline in maximal heart rate (HRmax) with age. The aim of this study was to
      determine if linear or curvilinear equations would better describe the decline in
      HRmax with age in individuals of differing cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)
      levels. Treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) results from participants
      (1510 men and 1134 women; 18-76 years) free of overt cardiovascular disease were
      retrospectively examined using cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs.
      Participants completing >=2 CPX with >=1 year between test dates were included in
      the longitudinal analysis (325 men and 150 women). Linear and quadratic
      regressions were applied to age and HRmax for the whole cohort and respective CRF
      groups (high, moderate, and low, relative to age and gender normative values). To
      test for differences among linear, quadratic, and polynomial equations, the
      change in R2 (cross-sectional analysis) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC)
      (longitudinal analysis) from the linear to the more complex models were
      calculated. The quadratic or polynomial regression in the cross-sectional
      analysis, marginally improved the variance in HRmax explained by age compared to
      the linear regression for the whole cohort (0.2%), moderate fit group (0.3%), and
      low fit group (0.8%). With no improvements in the high fit group. BIC did not
      improve for any CRF category in the longitudinal analysis. In conclusion, the
      minimal differences among linear, quadratic, and polynomial equations in the
      respective CRF groups, emphasizes the use of linear prediction equations to
      estimate HRmax.

PMID- 28099087
TI  - Effects of biochar on the emissions, soil distribution, and nematode control of
      1,3-dichloropropene.
AB  - Emissions of volatile soil fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) from soil to air
      are a significant concern in relation to air quality, and cost-effective
      strategies to reduce such emissions are urgently required by growers to help them
      comply with increasingly stringent regulations. In this work, application of a
      rice husk-derived biochar to the surface of a sandy loam soil chamber reduced
      soil-air emissions of 1,3-D from 42% in a control (no biochar) to 8% due to
      adsorption onto the biochar. This adsorbed 1,3-D showed a potential for re
      volatilization into air and solubilization into the soil-liquid phase. Biochar at
      the soil surface also reduced soil-gas concentrations in the upper soil; based on
      the determination of concentration-time values, this may limit 1,3-D-induced
      nematode control in the upper soil. In batch studies, the mixing of biochar into
      the soil severely limited nematode control; 1,3-D application rates around four
      times greater than the maximum permissible limit would be required to give
      nematode control under such conditions. Therefore, the use of biochar as a
      surface amendment, while showing an emission reduction benefit, may limit pest
      control during subsequent fumigations if, as seems probable, it is plowed into
      the soil.

PMID- 28099088
TI  - Mother gestational exposure to organophosphorus pesticide induces neuron and glia
      loss in daughter adult brain.
AB  - Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide with developmental
      neurotoxicity such as morphogenesis toxicity. In the present study, we assessed
      the effects of prenatal CPF exposure on systemic parameters and cytoarchitecture
      of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in adulthood. Gestational dams were exposed to
      5mg/kg/d of CPF during gestational days 13-17, while body weight, organ
      coefficient, and neuron and glia counts of offspring were determined on postnatal
      day 60. Our results showed that CPF treatment induced little or no effects on
      body weight and organ coefficients. There were also no significant pathological
      changes in mPFC. However, neuron and glia count analysis showed that CPF
      treatment reduced neuron and glia counts in anterior cingulate, prelimbic, and
      infralimbic areas of mPFC. The CPF react pattern was similar in both sexes, and
      there was no statistical difference in most of the sub-regions. Thus, our results
      revealed an embryonic origin brain deficit induced by gestational mother
      pesticide exposure.

PMID- 28099089
TI  - Genotypic characterization of quinolone resistant-Escherichia coli isolates from
      retail food in Morocco.
AB  - This study was conducted to assess the retail food as a possible vehicle for
      antimicrobial resistant, particularly quinolones resistant and pathogenic
      Escherichia coli. We determined the prevalence and characteristics of nalidixic
      acid (Nal) resistant E. coli isolates from diverse retail food samples. In all,
      70 (28%) of 250 E. coli isolates studied were Nal-resistant E. coli and 91% of
      these were multi-drug resistant. Plasmid mediated quinolone resistance genes were
      identified in 32 isolates, including aac(6')-Ib-cr (n = 16), qnrS1 (n = 11) and
      qnrB19 (n = 7). Mutations in gyr A and par C genes were detected among 80% of the
      isolates, and the isolates showed substitution Ser83-Leu and Asp87-Asn in gyrA
      and Ser80-Ile in parC. In addition, three different gene cassettes were
      identified (aadA1, aadA7, aac(3)-Id) in 18%. Virulence-associated genes stx1,
      eae, sfa, hlyA and stx2 were found in six (8%), three (4%), two (3%), three (4%)
      and three (4%) isolates, respectively. E. coli isolates of phylogenetic group A
      were dominant (64%, 45/70). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis revealed none
      epidemiological relationship between these isolates. The results of this work
      report the higher frequency of Nal-resistant E. coli isolates from Moroccan
      retail food samples including MDR and pathogenic isolates.

PMID- 28099090
TI  - Nutritional evaluation, bioaccumulation and toxicological assessment of heavy
      metals in edible fruits of FicussurForssk (Moraceae).
AB  - Ficussur (Moraceae) is an indigenous medicinal plant with a wide distribution in
      Africa. In this study, the nutritional potential fruit of this indigenous plant
      to meet domestic food demands and reduce food insecurity in KwaZulu-Natal. South
      Africa, was investigated. The proximate composition and concentrations of metals
      in the edible fruits collected from eight different sites in KwaZulu-Natal were
      determined to assess for nutritional value and the concentrations of metals in
      the growth soil was determined to evaluate the impact of soil quality on
      elemental uptake. The fruits contained high levels of moisture (88.8%) and
      carbohydrates (65.6%). The concentrations of elements in the fruits were found to
      be in decreasing order of Ca>Mg >Fe >Zn>Cu >Mn> Se with low levels of toxic
      metals (As, Cd, Co and Pb). This study shows that the consumption of the fruits
      of F. sur can contribute positively to the nutritional needs of rural communities
      in South Africa for most essential nutrients without posing the risk of adverse
      health effects.

PMID- 28099091
TI  - Acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos to embryo and larvae of banded gourami
      Trichogaster fasciata.
AB  - This study elucidated the acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos on the early life stages
      of banded gourami (Trichogaster fasciata). To determine the acute effects of
      chlorpyrifos on their survival and development, we exposedthe embryos and two-day
      old larvae to six concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.10, 1.0, 10 and 100 ug L-1) of
      chlorpyrifos in plastic bowls. Log-logistic regression was used to calculate LC10
      and LC50 values. Results showed that embryo mortality significantly increased
      with increasing chlorpyrifos concentrations. The 24-h LC10 and LC50 values (with
      95% confidence limits) of chlorpyrifos for embryos were 0.89 (0.50-1.58) and 11.8
      (9.12-15.4) ug L-1, respectively. Hatching success decreased and mortality of
      larvae significantly increased with increasing concentrations of chlorpyrifos.
      The 24-h LC10 and LC50 values (with 95% confidence limits) of chlorpyrifos for
      larvae were 0.53 (0.27-1.06) and 21.7 (15.9-29.4) ug L-1, respectively; the 48-h
      LC10 and LC50 for larvae were 0.04 (0.02-0.09) and 5.47 (3.77-7.94) ug L-1,
      respectively. The results of this study suggest that 1 ug L-1 of chlorpyrifos in
      the aquatic environment may adversely affect the development and the reproduction
      of banded gourami. Our study also suggests that banded gourami fish can serve as
      an ideal model species for evaluating developmental toxicity of environmental
      contaminants.

PMID- 28099092
TI  - Training and development of Canadian wheelchair basketball players.
AB  - Considering the growth in research, examining the development of mainstream sport
      athletes over the past two decades, studies examining development of athletes
      with disabilities have been surprisingly limited. While similarities in
      developmental trajectories between the two cohorts may exist regarding factors
      such as the value of practice, which tend to be universal regardless of context,
      disability-related issues (e.g. whether the disability was congenital or
      acquired) may influence the course of development, affecting variables such as
      starting age, training and developmental milestones. Fifty-two male and female
      athletes training with the Wheelchair Basketball Canada National Academy provided
      detailed training histories. Athletes illustrated similar developmental patterns
      (e.g. milestones, training adjustments) as they progressed through their sporting
      career. However, athletes with congenital disabilities started participation in
      wheelchair basketball and unorganised practice at significantly younger ages (t49
      = -4.35, p < .001, d  = 1.32; t49 = -3.49, p < .001, d  = 1.03, respectively).
      While athletes with congenital disabilities continued to reach a majority of the
      sporting milestones at younger ages, athletes with acquired disabilities were
      able to reach late career milestones (e.g. national debuts) at similar ages.
      Athletes' disability severity did not influence their progress through the
      developmental milestones and time devoted to training throughout their sporting
      career. Future work may consider examining developmental trajectories and
      training histories of athletes in various parasports to extend our understanding
      of their development and skill acquisition.

PMID- 28099093
TI  - Patients with Infectious Endocarditis and Drug Dependence Have Worse Clinical
      Outcomes after Valvular Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with infective endocarditis (IE) are at high risk for post
      operative morbidity and death, which might be associated with drug abuse. The
      purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of drug dependence on outcomes in
      patients who have IE and undergo valvular surgery (VS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The
      Nationwide/National Inpatient Sample 2001-2012 was queried to select patients
      with IE who had elective VS using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis and procedure codes. Among them,
      patients with drug dependence (PDD) were identified, and their health status and
      post-operative outcomes were compared with those in patients without drug
      dependence (control group). Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests as well as
      multi-variable regression analysis were used for statistics. RESULTS: A total of
      809 (12.9%) PDD of the 6,264 patients who underwent VS were evaluated. They were
      younger compared with those in the control group (39.0 +/- 10.8 y vs. 54.4 +/-
      14.8 y; p < 0.0001), had less age-related co-morbidities such as hypertension,
      diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, renal failure, obesity, but greater
      rates of alcohol abuse, liver disease, and psychoses. Despite the younger age and
      fewer co-morbidities, PDD compared with control patients were more likely to have
      post-operative complications develop overall (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6; 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.34-2.01), including infectious complications (OR =
      1.5; 95% CI 1.27-1.78), specifically pneumonia (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.14-1.74) and
      sepsis (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.16-1.63), renal complications (OR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.23
      1.77), and pulmonary embolism (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.44-2.52). Further, PDD had 11%
      longer hospital length of stay than those in the control groups (p < 0.0001). We
      did not find significant difference in hospital deaths, however, between these
      groups. CONCLUSION: Drug dependence is associated with worse post-operative
      outcomes in patients with infective endocarditis who underwent valvular surgery
      and lengthens their hospital stay.

PMID- 28099094
TI  - Case 242.

PMID- 28099095
TI  - When Imaging Becomes Clinically Relevant: Multikinase Inhibitor-related
      Pancreatic Insufficiency and Pancreatic Atrophy.

PMID- 28099096
TI  - Two Decades of Progress Measured by Big Steps and Driven by Persistence.

PMID- 28099097
TI  - Blood-Brain Barrier Leakage in Patients with Early Alzheimer Disease.

PMID- 28099098
TI  - Evaluation of Peripheral Arterial Disease with Nonenhanced Quiescent-Interval
      Single-Shot MR Angiography.

PMID- 28099099
TI  - Quantitative Assessment of Rectal Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Combined
      Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy.

PMID- 28099100
TI  - Lung Shunting: An Indicator of Survival, But Not Necessarily a Tool for Selecting
      Patients for Radioembolization.

PMID- 28099101
TI  - Myeloperoxidase Nuclear Imaging for Epileptogenesis.

PMID- 28099102
TI  - Interaction of Vascular Damage and Alzheimer Dementia: Focal Damage and
      Disconnection.

PMID- 28099103
TI  - Impact of Data-driven Respiratory Gating in Clinical PET.

PMID- 28099104
TI  - Morton A. Bosniak, MD.

PMID- 28099105
TI  - Quantitative Assessment of Rectal Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Combined
      Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: Comparison of Three Methods of Positioning
      Region of Interest for ADC Measurements at Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging.

PMID- 28099106
TI  - Costing in Radiology and Health Care: Rationale, Relativity, Rudiments, and
      Realities.
AB  - Costs direct decisions that influence the effectiveness of radiology in the care
      of patients on a daily basis. Yet many radiologists struggle to harness the power
      of cost measurement and cost management as a critical path toward establishing
      their value in patient care. When radiologists cannot articulate their value,
      they risk losing control over how imaging is delivered and supported. In the
      United States, recent payment trends directing value-based payments for bundles
      of care advance the imperative for radiology providers to articulate their value.
      This begins with the development of an understanding of the providers' own costs,
      as well as the complex interrelationships and imaging-associated costs of other
      participants across the imaging value chain. Controlling the costs of imaging
      necessitates understanding them at a procedural level and quantifying the costs
      of delivering specific imaging services. Effective product-level costing is
      dependent on a bottom-up approach, which is supported through recent innovations
      in time-dependent activity-based costing. Once the costs are understood, they can
      be managed. Within the high fixed cost and high overhead cost environment of
      health care provider organizations, stakeholders must understand the implications
      of misaligned top-down cost management approaches that can both paradoxically
      shift effort from low-cost workers to much costlier professionals and allocate
      overhead costs counterproductively. Radiology's engagement across a broad
      spectrum of care provides an excellent opportunity for radiology providers to
      take a leading role within the health care organizations to enhance value and
      margin through principled and effective cost management. Following a discussion
      of the rationale for measuring costs, this review contextualizes costs from the
      perspectives of a variety of stakeholders (relativity), discusses core concepts
      in how costs are classified (rudiments), presents common and improved methods for
      measuring costs in health care, and discusses how cost management strategies can
      either improve or hinder high-value health care (realities). (c) RSNA, 2017
      Online supplemental material is available for this article.

PMID- 28099107
TI  - Case 238: Spontaneous Pneumothorax Secondary to Intrapulmonary Necrobiotic
      Rheumatoid Nodule.
AB  - History A 54-year-old white woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis who was
      taking glucocorticoids and methotrexate presented to the emergency department in
      December with worsening shortness of breath and chest heaviness for 1 week. She
      reported additional symptoms of weakness, headache, and arthralgia primarily
      involving her bilateral hands, wrist, ankles, and feet. She denied experiencing
      fevers, syncope or presyncope, focal neurologic deficits, chest pain, nausea,
      vomiting, unintentional weight loss, or recent trauma. Additional medical history
      included hypertension, asthma, degenerative disk disease, and migraine, all of
      which were reportedly controlled with medications. This patient had a smoking
      history of 80 pack-years, but she had quit smoking 2 months prior to
      presentation. She denied abuse of alcohol or recreational drugs and reported she
      was up-to-date on her immunizations, including those for pneumonia and flu.
      Family history was pertinent for breast cancer in her mother, sister, and
      maternal aunt. The patient reported normal findings at screening mammography and
      colonoscopy. A physical examination was remarkable for slightly asymmetric breath
      sounds, which appeared to be diminished on the right side. This patient had
      multiple joint deformities, most notably in the bilateral metacarpophalangeal
      joints. Initial electrocardiography findings and cardiac biomarkers were
      negative. Her complete blood count and basic metabolic profile were unremarkable.
      Posteroanterior and lateral chest radiographs were obtained in the emergency
      department. Subsequently, computed tomography (CT) of the chest was performed.

PMID- 28099108
TI  - Integration of Contrast-enhanced US into a Multimodality Approach to Imaging of
      Nodules in a Cirrhotic Liver: How I Do It.
AB  - Accurate characterization of cirrhotic nodules and early diagnosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are of vital importance. Currently, computed
      tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are standard modalities for
      the investigation of new nodules found at surveillance ultrasonography (US). This
      article describes the successful integration of contrast material-enhanced US
      into a multimodality approach for diagnosis of HCC and its benefits in this
      population. The application of contrast-enhanced US immediately following
      surveillance US allows for prompt dynamic contrast-enhanced evaluation, removing
      the need for further imaging of benign lesions. Contrast-enhanced US also
      provides dynamic real-time assessment of tumor vascularity so that contrast
      enhancement can be identified regardless of its timing or duration, allowing for
      detection of arterial hypervascularity and portal venous washout. The purely
      intravascular nature of US contrast agents is valuable as the rapid washout of
      nonhepatocyte malignancies is highly contributory to their differentiation from
      HCC. The authors believe contrast-enhanced US provides complementary information
      to CT and MR imaging in the characterization of nodules in high-risk patients.
      (c) RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

PMID- 28099109
TI  - Arterial Spin Labeling to Predict Brain Tumor Grading: Limits of Cutoff Cerebral
      Blood Flow Values.

PMID- 28099110
TI  - Management Matters.

PMID- 28099112
TI  - Science to Practice: Multiparametric Molecular and Functional US Imaging Goes
      Three-dimensional.
AB  - Although microbubbles can boost the diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US),
      they are not routinely applied in clinical tumor diagnosis. This can be explained
      by the limited reproducibility of US examinations and the fact that single or few
      recorded image sections may not be representative of the entire tumor. Three
      dimensional (3D) US may help to overcome these limitations. Therefore, Wang and
      coworkers applied a 3D matrix transducer to monitor response of colon cancer
      xenografts to antiangiogenic therapy with functional and molecular US imaging. It
      was shown that tumor response to therapy can be assessed early, precisely, and in
      high agreement with histologic findings.

PMID- 28099113
TI  - RAGE deficiency predisposes mice to virus-induced paucigranulocytic asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease. Although many patients with asthma
      develop type-2 dominated eosinophilic inflammation, a number of individuals
      develop paucigranulocytic asthma, which occurs in the absence of eosinophilia or
      neutrophilia. The aetiology of paucigranulocytic asthma is unknown. However, both
      respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and mutations in the receptor for
      advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) are risk factors for asthma development.
      Here, we show that RAGE deficiency impairs anti-viral immunity during an early
      life infection with pneumonia virus of mice (PVM; a murine analogue of RSV). The
      elevated viral load was associated with the release of high mobility group box-1
      (HMGB1) which triggered airway smooth muscle remodelling in early-life. Re
      infection with PVM in later-life induced many of the cardinal features of asthma
      in the absence of eosinophilic or neutrophilic inflammation. Anti-HMGB1 mitigated
      both early-life viral disease and asthma-like features, highlighting HMGB1 as a
      possible novel therapeutic target.

PMID- 28099114
TI  - Mitochondrial respiratory gene expression is suppressed in many cancers.
AB  - The fundamental metabolic decision of a cell, the balance between respiration and
      fermentation, rests in part on expression of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) and
      coordination with expression of the nuclear genome (nuDNA). Previously we
      described mtDNA copy number depletion across many solid tumor types (Reznik et
      al., 2016). Here, we use orthogonal RNA-sequencing data to quantify mtDNA
      expression (mtRNA), and report analogously lower expression of mtRNA in tumors
      (relative to normal tissue) across a majority of cancer types. Several cancers
      exhibit a trio of mutually consistent evidence suggesting a drop in respiratory
      activity: depletion of mtDNA copy number, decreases in mtRNA levels, and
      decreases in expression of nuDNA-encoded respiratory proteins. Intriguingly, a
      minority of cancer types exhibit a drop in mtDNA expression but an increase in
      nuDNA expression of respiratory proteins, with unknown implications for
      respiratory activity. Our results indicate suppression of respiratory gene
      expression across many cancer types.

PMID- 28099115
TI  - Examination of the reliability of an inertial sensor-based gait analysis system.
AB  - Gait analysis is an important and useful part of the daily therapeutic routine.
      InvestiGAIT, an inertial sensor-based system, was developed for using in
      different research projects with a changing number and position of sensors and
      because commercial systems do not capture the motion of the upper body. The
      current study is designed to evaluate the reliability of InvestiGAIT consisting
      of four off-the-shelf inertial sensors and in-house capturing and analysis
      software. Besides the determination of standard gait parameters, the motion of
      the upper body (pelvis and spine) can be investigated. Kinematic data of 25
      healthy individuals (age: 25.6+/-3.3 years) were collected using a test-retest
      design with 1 week between measurement sessions. We calculated different
      parameters for absolute [e.g. limits of agreement (LoA)] and relative reliability
      [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC)]. Our results show excellent ICC
      values for most of the gait parameters. Midswing height (MH), height difference
      (HD) of initial contact (IC) and terminal contact (TC) and stride length (SL) are
      the gait parameters, which did not exhibit acceptable values representing
      absolute reliability. Moreover, the parameters derived from the motion of the
      upper body (pelvis and spine) show excellent ICC values or high correlations. Our
      results indicate that InvestiGAIT is suitable for reliable measurement of almost
      all the considered gait parameters.

PMID- 28099116
TI  - Determination of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase cut-off values in a Tunisian
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the commonest
      enzymopathy worldwide. The incidence depends essentially on the methods used for
      the assessment. In this respect, we attempted in this study to set cut-off values
      of G6PD activity to discriminate among normal, heterozygous, and deficient
      individuals using the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and the
      receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. METHODS: Blood samples
      from 250 female and 302 male subjects were enrolled in this study. The G6PD
      activity was determined using a quantitative assay. The common G6PD mutations in
      Tunisia were determined using the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS
      PCR) method. The ROC curve was used to choice the best cut-off. RESULTS: Normal
      G6PD values were 7.69+/-2.37, 7.86+/-2.39, and 7.51+/-2.35 U/g Hb for the entire,
      male, and female groups, respectively. Cut-off values for the total, male, and
      female were determined using the WHO classification and ROC curves analysis. In
      the male population, both cut-offs established using ROC curve analysis (4.00 U/g
      Hb) and the 60% level (3.82 U/g Hb), respectively are sensitive and specific
      resulting in a good efficiency of discrimination between deficient and normal
      males. For the female group the ROC cut-off (5.84 U/g Hb) seems better than the
      60% level cut-off (3.88 U/g Hb) to discriminate between normal and heterozygote
      or homozygote women with higher Youden Index. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of
      the normal values for a population is important for a better evaluation of the
      assay result. The ROC curve analysis is an alternative method to determine the
      status of patients since it correlates DNA analysis and G6PD activity.

PMID- 28099117
TI  - CASZ1 loss-of-function mutation contributes to familial dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The zinc finger transcription factor CASZ1 plays a key role in
      cardiac development and postnatal adaptation, and in mice, deletion of the CASZ1
      gene leads to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, in humans whether
      genetically defective CASZ1 contributes to DCM remains unclear. METHODS: The
      coding exons and splicing junction sites of the CASZ1 gene were sequenced in 138
      unrelated patients with idiopathic DCM. The available family members of the index
      patient harboring an identified CASZ1 mutation and 200 unrelated, ethnically
      matched healthy individuals used as controls were genotyped for CASZ1. The
      functional characteristics of the mutant CASZ1 were analyzed in contrast to its
      wild-type counterpart using a luciferase reporter assay system. RESULTS: A novel
      heterozygous CASZ1 mutation, p.K351X, was identified in an index patient with
      DCM. Genetic analysis of the mutation carrier's family showed that the mutation
      co-segregated with DCM, which was transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern
      with complete penetrance. The nonsense mutation, which was absent in 400
      referential chromosomes, altered the amino acid that was highly conserved
      evolutionarily. Biological investigations revealed that the mutant CASZ1 had no
      transcriptional activity. CONCLUSIONS: The current study reveals CASZ1 as a new
      gene responsible for human DCM, which provides novel mechanistic insight and
      potential therapeutic target for CASZ1-associated DCM, implying potential
      implications in improved prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for DCM, the
      most common type of primary myocardial disease.

PMID- 28099118
TI  - Assessment of autoantibodies to interferon-omega in patients with autoimmune
      polyendocrine syndrome type 1: using a new immunoprecipitation assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurements of autoantibodies to interferon-omega (IFN-omega) in
      patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1) were performed
      using a new immunoprecipitation assay (IPA) based on 125I-labeled IFN-omega.
      METHODS: We have developed and validated a new IPA based on 125I-labeled IFN
      omega. Sera from 78 patients (aged 3-78 years) with clinically diagnosed APS-1,
      35 first degree relatives, 323 patients with other adrenal or non-adrenal
      autoimmune diseases and 84 healthy blood donors were used in the study. In
      addition, clinical features and autoimmune regulator (AIRE) genotype for the APS
      1 patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-six (84.6%) of 78 APS-1 patients were
      positive for IFN-omega Ab using 125I-labeled IFN-omega IPA. IFN-omega Ab was the
      most prevalent of the six different autoantibodies tested in this group of APS-1
      patients. All 66 IFN-omega Ab-positive APS-1 patients had AIRE mutations and 7
      IFN-omega Ab-negative patients had no detectable AIRE mutations, whereas 3 (3.8%)
      patients were discrepant for IFN-omega Ab positivity and AIRE mutation results.
      Out of autoimmune controls studied, two patients were positive for IFN-omega Ab.
      Positivity and levels of IFN-omega Ab in the APS-1 patients studied were similar
      irrespective of patient's clinical phenotype and AIRE genotype. Furthermore, IFN
      omega Ab levels did not change over time (up to 36 years of disease duration) in
      8 APS-1 patients studied. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a novel, highly
      sensitive and specific assay for measurement of IFN-omega Ab. It provides a
      simple and convenient method for the assessment of patients with APS-1 and
      selecting patients suspected of having APS-1 for AIRE gene analysis.

PMID- 28099119
TI  - Interference in Na+ measurements on the Siemens RAPIDPoint(r) 500 after
      nortriptyline intoxication: a case report.

PMID- 28099120
TI  - The clinical significance of platelet microparticle-associated microRNAs.
AB  - Circulating blood platelets play a central role in the maintenance of hemostasis.
      They adhere to subendothelial extracellular matrix proteins that become exposed
      upon vessel wall damage, which is followed by platelet activation, further
      platelet recruitment, platelet aggregation and formation of an occlusive, or non
      occlusive, platelet thrombus. Platelets host a surprisingly diverse
      transcriptome, which is comprised of ~9500 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and different
      classes of non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, as well as a significant
      repertoire of proteins that contribute to their primary (adhesion, aggregation,
      granule secretion) and alternative (RNA transfer, mRNA translation, immune
      regulation) functions. Platelets have the propensity to release microparticles
      (MPs; 0.1-1 MUm in diameter) upon activation, which may mediate inflammatory
      responses and contribute to exacerbate inflammatory diseases and conditions.
      Carrying components of the platelets' cytoplasm, platelet MPs may exert their
      effects on recipient cells by transferring their content in platelet-derived
      bioactive lipid mediators, cytokines, mRNAs and microRNAs. Platelet MP-associated
      microRNAs may thus function also outside of platelets and play an important role
      in intercellular signaling and gene expression programming across the entire
      circulatory system. The role and importance of platelet MP-associated microRNAs
      in various aspects of biology and pathophysiology are increasingly recognized,
      and now provide the scientific basis and rationale to support further
      translational research and clinical studies. The clinical significance,
      pathophysiological role as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of
      platelet MP-associated microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases, platelet transfusion
      and cancer will be discussed.

PMID- 28099121
TI  - Early mixed hematopoietic chimerism detection by digital droplet PCR in patients
      undergoing gender-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical decision making after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
      (HSCT) is partially based on hematopoietic chimerism analysis. Polymerase chain
      reaction amplification of polymorphic short tandem repeats (STR-PCR) is currently
      considered the gold standard for chimerism surveillance after transplantation.
      Nevertheless, this method has shown several limitations. Emerging technologies
      such as digital PCR (dPCR) has been applied to detect hematopoietic chimerism.
      Despite previous reports, the clinical usefulness of dPCR is unclear because the
      studies were performed in limited patient populations with short follow-ups.
      METHODS: In order to compare hematopoietic chimerism detection time and rate, we
      analyzed 591 samples from 155 patients undergoing gender-mismatched HSCT using
      STR-PCR and dPCR. We also established the correlation between both methods in
      artificial DNA mixtures prepared in known proportions and in clinical samples.
      RESULTS: Depending on the artificial DNA mixture analyzed the correlation
      coefficient between both methods was 0.9946 and 0.9732. The limit of detection
      for dPCR was 0.01%. Of 157 samples with donor and recipient DNA, mixed chimerism
      (MC) was detected solely by dPCR in 66 samples. Within the group of patients
      relapsing after HSCT (n=32) MC was detected earlier in 15 of these patients with
      dPCR in comparison with STR-PCR. The mean time from MC detection to relapse was
      155 days (range: 13-385 days) and 65 days (range: 0-203 days) for dPCR and STR
      PCR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: dPCR is a sensitive and accurate method for the
      quantification of hematopoietic chimerism allowing earlier MC detection compared
      to STR-PCR.

PMID- 28099122
TI  - Parathormone stability in hemodialyzed patients and healthy subjects: comparison
      on non-centrifuged EDTA and serum samples with second- and third-generation
      assays.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stability is important. Many studies have
      shown divergent results between EDTA and serum, which are mainly linked to
      differences in protocols or cut-offs used to determine whether or not PTH
      remained stable. No studies have yet compared PTH stability as measured by second
      and third-generation assays on the same samples in hemodialyzed patients and
      healthy subjects. METHODS: Five pairs of samples (EDTA and gel tubes) were
      obtained in 10 hemodialyzed patients before a dialysis session and in 10 healthy
      subjects. One pair was centrifuged and run directly to define the "T0". Two pairs
      were kept at +4 degrees C and two pairs were kept at +25 degrees C. They were
      centrifuged after 4 and 18 h. Supernatant was kept at -80 degrees C for 1 week.
      All samples were measured in a single batch, on Roche Cobas and DiaSorin XL
      second- and third-generation PTH assays. We used three different approaches to
      evaluate PTH stability: Wilcoxon test, an Acceptable Change Limit (ACL) according
      to ISO Guide 5725-6 and a Total Change Limit (TCL) derived from the sum of
      biological and technical variability according to WHO. RESULTS: PTH decreased in
      all samples. Stability of PTH was mainly dependent on the way it was evaluated.
      Percentages of decrease were systematically lower in EDTA vs. serum. Wilcoxon and
      ACL showed that PTH was no more stable after 4 h at +4 degrees C in EDTA or serum
      gel tubes. None of the subjects presented a PTH decrease higher than the TCL with
      EDTA plasma. In serum gel tubes, PTH was unstable only when kept at 25 degrees C
      for 18 h. CONCLUSIONS: PTH seems more stable in EDTA than in serum gel tubes but
      only when samples have to stay unprocessed for a long period (18 h) at room
      temperature (25 degrees C), which can happen when samples are delivered from
      external care centers. For all the other conditions, using serum gel tubes is
      recommended since calcium measurement, which is necessary for a good PTH results
      interpretation, can be achieved on the same tube.

PMID- 28099123
TI  - Hyperandrogenemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: prevalence,
      characteristics and association with body mass index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperandrogenemia is one of the major diagnostic features for the
      diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to
      estimate the prevalence and the characteristics of hyperandrogenemia in women
      with PCOS and to investigate the association of clinical and biochemical
      characteristics with body mass index (BMI) according to the presence of
      hyperandrogenemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 266 women diagnosed with
      PCOS. Hyperandrogenemia was defined by testosterone (T) and/or free testosterone
      (FT) and/or ?4 androstenedione (Delta4-A) higher than 75% of the upper limits of
      each hormone. Patients were stratified in two groups according to a BMI threshold
      of 25 kg/m2. RESULTS: Hyperandrogenemia was present in 78.2% of the patients.
      Elevated levels of T were found in 58.4%, while elevated levels of FT and Delta4
      A were found in 42.5% and 34.1% of patients. In normal weight women (BMI<=25
      kg/m2) with hyperandrogenemia lower values of hip circumference and HOMA-IR and
      increased levels of T, FT, Delta4-A, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP),
      dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils
      were observed compared to women without hyperandrogenemia. Also, in overweight
      women higher levels of T, FT, Delta4-A, 17-OHP, DHEAS and cortisol were measured,
      while lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were comparable to women
      without hyperandrogenemia. CONCLUSION: This study showed high prevalence of
      hyperandrogenemia in PCOS women. Women with BMI<=25 kg/m2 have significant
      differences in androgens, WBC, neutrophils and HOMA-IR and women with BMI>=25
      kg/m2 in androgens, TSH and cortisol according to the presence or not of
      hyperandrogenemia.

PMID- 28099124
TI  - Browning of white adipose tissue: lessons from experimental models.
AB  - Beige or brite (brown-in-white) adipocytes are present in white adipose tissue
      (WAT) and have a white fat-like phenotype that when stimulated acquires a brown
      fat-like phenotype, leading to increased thermogenesis. This phenomenon is known
      as browning and is more likely to occur in subcutaneous fat depots. Browning
      involves the expression of many transcription factors, such as PR domain
      containing 16 (PRDM16) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)
      gamma, and of uncoupling protein (UCP)-1, which is the hallmark of thermogenesis.
      Recent papers pointed that browning can occur in the WAT of humans, with
      beneficial metabolic effects. This fact indicates that these cells can be
      targeted to treat a range of diseases, with both pharmacological and nutritional
      activators. Pharmacological approaches to induce browning include the use of PPAR
      alpha agonist, adrenergic receptor stimulation, thyroid hormone administration,
      irisin and FGF21 induction. Most of them act through the induction of PPAR-gamma
      coactivator (PGC) 1-alpha and the consequent mitochondrial biogenesis and UCP1
      induction. About the nutritional inducers, several compounds have been described
      with multiple mechanisms of action. Some of these activators include specific
      amino acids restriction, capsaicin, bile acids, Resveratrol, and retinoic acid.
      Besides that, some classes of lipids, as well as many plant extracts, have also
      been implicated in the browning of WAT. In conclusion, the discovery of browning
      in human WAT opens the possibility to target the adipose tissue to fight a range
      of diseases. Studies have arisen showing promising results and bringing new
      opportunities in thermogenesis and obesity control.

PMID- 28099125
TI  - Meningococcal ACWY vaccine uptake and awareness among student freshers enrolled
      at Northern Ireland universities.
AB  - A new MenACWY conjugate meningococcal vaccination programme was introduced in
      Northern Ireland (NI) in August 2015, for 13-18 year olds, as well as for first
      time university entrants up to 25 years. This reflected the response made by
      Public Health England, due to the recent rapid increase of meningococcal group W
      (MenW) disease and on advice of the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and
      Immunisation (JCVI). The aims of this study were to evaluate (i) the uptake of
      the MenACWY vaccine among first-time university students, (ii) vaccine and
      meningitis awareness, (iii) optimal communication modalities via a
      multidisciplinary team (MDT) model and (iv) current international vaccination
      policies relating to non-UK students. A survey was completed by 1210 students,
      868 first-time freshers and 342 non-freshers, from healthcare-related, non
      healthcare-related and engineering/computing faculties. The survey included an
      anonymous questionnaire and consented students were aged 17-50 years with a 2:3
      ratio of male:female. Vaccine uptake amongst 18-year-old students was 90.7% and
      87.3% in female and male cohorts, respectively, falling to 72.1% and 67.7% (19
      year cohort) and 32.7% and 39.6% (20- to 25-year cohort) in males and females,
      respectively. Students reported that posters, clinics and talks were the
      preferred methods of communication and not social media. There was general lack
      of awareness of the signs/symptoms of meningitis and approximately 30% of
      students falsely believed that administration of the MenACWY vaccine excluded the
      risk of contracting meningitis. Overall, there was a successful vaccination
      campaign; however, there was a lack of meningitis awareness. Due to differing
      international meningococcal vaccination schedules, international students
      enrolling at UK universities need to be informed about current UK policies. For
      the successful introduction of any vaccination programme amongst university
      students, it is fundamental that a MDT is established to inform and deliver such
      a programme in an efficient and timely manner.

PMID- 28099126
TI  - Aminoguanidine pretreatment prevents methotrexate-induced small intestinal injury
      in the rat by attenuating nitrosative stress and restoring the activities of
      vital mitochondrial enzymes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the major toxic side effects of methotrexate (MTX) is
      enterocolitis, for which there is no efficient standard treatment. Nitric oxide
      overproduction has been reported to play an important role in MTX-induced
      mucositis. This study was designed to investigate whether pretreatment with
      aminoguanidine (AG) - a selective iNOS inhibitor - prevents MTX-induced mucositis
      in rats. METHODS: Rats were pretreated with AG (30 and 50 mg/kg body weight) i.p.
      daily 1 h before MTX (7 mg/kg body weight) administration for 3 consecutive days.
      After the final dose of MTX, the rats were killed, and the small intestines were
      used for analysis. RESULTS: The small intestines of MTX-treated rats showed
      moderate to severe injury. Pretreatment with AG had a dose-dependent protective
      effect on MTX-induced mucositis. AG pretreatment reduced iNOS protein levels,
      mucosal nitric oxide levels, and protein tyrosine nitration. AG pretreatment also
      restored the activities of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, vital
      tricarboxylic acid (TCA cycle) enzymes, and mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that AG is beneficial in ameliorating MTX
      induced enteritis in rats.

PMID- 28099127
TI  - Prevalence, risk factors and consequences of overweight and obesity among
      schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study in Kashmir, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity among children and adolescents is a growing public health
      problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors
      and metabolic consequences of obesity among schoolchildren from Kashmir, India.
      METHODS: The study subjects (n=2024) included 870 boys and 1154 girls, aged
      between 6 and 18 years. Data were collected by interviewer-administered
      questionnaires. Information was obtained about different lifestyles,
      anthropometric parameters and dietary habits. Obesity was defined as body mass
      index (BMI) percentile as per the guidelines of Centers for Disease Control,
      2000. For the evaluation of different clinical parameters, blood samples were
      collected from the subjects in the fasting state at 8 to 9 am after an overnight
      (10-12 h) fast. RESULTS: The highest representation of subjects was from fee
      paying private schools. Out of the total subjects, 6.69% were overweight and
      4.64% were obese. The hip circumference, abdominal circumference, BMI, blood
      pressure (BP), use of ready-made foods as well as the clinical parameters like
      glucose, phosphorous, cholesterol and triglycerides were found significantly
      higher among girls than boys (p<0.05). Boys were taller and were physically more
      active than girls (p<0.01). Compared to the boys (3.33%), the girls were found to
      be more obese (5.63%). Rural dwelling subjects (4.22%) exhibited a lower
      percentage of obesity than urban population (5.00%). The difference in obesity
      among the different age groups was found statistically significant (p<0.05).
      Additionally, children with active lives in the form of vigorous (10.59%) or
      moderate (10.34%) exercise decreased their chances of gaining weight
      substantially. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the present study have shown that
      prevalence of obesity among children was high in our population.

PMID- 28099128
TI  - Bone health assessment of food allergic children on restrictive diets: a
      practical guide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food allergy in childhood is on the rise globally and is managed with
      avoidance diets; recent case reports of food allergic children with nutritional
      rickets in the literature highlight the importance of close monitoring of bone
      health in this population. METHODS: There is no consensus as yet with regard to
      bone health evaluation in food allergic children; therefore, extensive literature
      search was performed and the existing evidence is presented, along with a
      relevant algorithm. RESULTS: Children allergic to cow's milk protein or
      presenting with allergy in more than three food items, as well as patients with
      severe allergic phenotypes or comorbidities known to affect the skeleton, seem to
      be at risk of metabolic bone disorders. As a practical guide, suspicious cases
      can be investigated with basic bone profile, whereas more severe cases
      (persistent bone pain and fractures) may undergo advanced bone health assessment,
      with bone mineral density (BMD) and metabolic bone markers' evaluation. Of note,
      these diagnostic steps call for further studies in the field of food allergy, as
      they are not performed as a routine. Evidence is accumulating with regard to
      vitamin D deficiency, osteopenia and imbalanced bone metabolism in those food
      allergic children who show poor dietary compliance or have inadequate medical
      supervision. CONCLUSIONS: Ensuring optimal bone accrual in a food allergic child
      is an important task for the clinician and requires close monitoring of the
      restrictive diet and prompt therapeutic intervention, in an effort to avoid
      rickets or osteopenia.

PMID- 28099129
TI  - The association between obesity, hypertension and left ventricular mass in
      adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity and hypertension (HT) are well known cardiac risk factors.
      Our goal was to show that even if arterial blood pressure (BP) measurements of
      obese adolescents are normal during clinical examination, ambulatory blood
      pressure monitoring (ABPM) can be high, may include cardiac involvement and can
      also detect left ventricular mass indices (LVMI) value for obese adolescents to
      diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS: This study included 130
      children (57 obese hypertensive, 36 obese normotensive, 14 normal weight
      hypertensive and 23 normal weight normotensive). Adolescents whose BP was
      measured during clinical examination, after 24-h BP was detected using ABPM, were
      examined with echocardiography for calculation of LVMI to determine cardiac risk
      factors for LVH. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the LVMI of
      obese-normotensive and obese-hypertensive adolescents, which showed the effect of
      obesity on LVMI independent of HT. Twenty (35.7%) of 56 obese adolescents with HT
      detected with ABPM had normal BP measurements during clinical examination. Dipper
      and nondipper features of obese adolescents were significantly higher in ABPM
      than those with normal body mass index. When the cutoff LVMI value for LVH was
      set at >=38 g/m2.7, 38.9% of obese-normotensive and 50.9% of obese-hypertensive
      subjects had LVH; however, when the cutoff value was set at >=51 g/m2.7, the
      rates were 2.8% and 19.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is a risk factor
      for LVH independent of HT. To identify masked HT, 24-h ABPM and cardiac
      examination should be routinely performed in obese adolescents. Using a limit of
      LVMI >=38 g/m2.7 in evaluating LVH secondary to HT in obese individuals may lead
      to an overestimated diagnosis rate of LVH.

PMID- 28099130
TI  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) involvement in successful growth hormone
      (GH) signaling in GH transduction defect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growth hormone (GH) transduction defect (GHTD) is a growth disorder
      with impaired signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)
      phosphorylation mediated by overexpression of cytokine-inducible SH2-containing
      protein (CIS), which causes increased growth hormone receptor (GHR) degradation.
      This study investigated the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the
      restoration of normal GH signaling in GHTD. METHODS: Protein expression, cellular
      localization and physical contact of proteins of the GH and EGF signaling
      pathways were studied by Western immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and co
      immunoprecipitation, respectively. These were performed in fibroblasts of one
      GHTD patient (P) and one control child (C) at the basal state and after induction
      with human GH (hGH) 200 MUg/L (GH200), either with or without silencing of CIS
      mRNA, and after induction with hGH 1000 MUg/L (GH1000) or 50 ng/mL EGF. RESULTS:
      The membrane availability of the EGF receptor (EGFR) and the activated EGFR
      (pEGFR) was increased in P only after simultaneous GH200 and silencing of CIS
      mRNA or with GH1000, whereas this occurred in C after GH200 alone. After EGF
      induction, the membrane localization of GHR, STAT3 and that of EGFR were
      increased in P more than in C. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in GHTD, the EGFR
      seems to participate in successful GH signaling, but induction of GHTD
      fibroblasts with a higher dose of hGH is needed. The EGF/EGFR pathway, in
      contrast to the GH/GHR pathway, seems to function normally in P and is more
      primed compared to C. The involvement of the EGFR in successful GH signaling may
      explain the catch-up growth seen in the Ps when exogenous hGH is administered.

PMID- 28099131
TI  - Turner syndrome and pituitary adenomas: a case report and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Turner syndrome (TS) is the most common sex chromosome abnormality in
      females, typically associated with primary amenorrhea and premature ovarian
      failure due to gonadal dysgenesis. The association of TS with hypopituitarism is
      an uncommon finding. The objective of the study was to describe an adolescent
      with TS with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and subsequent hypogonadotropic
      hypogonadism. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old female with primary amenorrhea was
      diagnosed with TS based on karyotype 45,XO. Other laboratory values included FSH
      45.52 IU/L, LH 17.4 IU/L, undetectable estradiol, and prolactin 1.08 nmol/L. Two
      months later and before treatment, she presented with severe headache and a new
      left cranial nerve VI palsy. Brain MRI showed a 2.7-cm hemorrhagic pituitary
      macroadenoma expanding the sella. Laboratory evaluation showed FSH 5.9 IU/L, LH
      0.9 IU/L, prolactin 0.09 nmol/L, and GH 1.03 ng/mL. She underwent transphenoidal
      hypophysectomy, and pathology revealed pituitary adenoma with immunohistochemical
      staining positive for growth hormone and prolactin. She subsequently developed
      multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. Review of the literature identified
      eight case reports of women with TS who developed pituitary adenomas.
      CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates an uncommon co-occurrence of TS and pituitary
      macroadenoma. Sequential gonadotropin measurements demonstrate the evolution of
      hypergonadotropic hypogonadism into hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to
      hemorrhagic pituitary macroadenoma.

PMID- 28099132
TI  - Efficacy of long-term growth hormone therapy in short non-growth hormone
      deficient children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, several studies have been published showing
      different responses to growth hormone (GH) treatment in idiopathic short stature
      children. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether non-growth
      hormone-deficient (non-GHD) short children could benefit from long-term GH
      treatment as GHD patients. METHODS: We enrolled 22 prepubertal children and 22
      age- and sex-matched GHD patients, with comparable height, body mass index (BMI),
      bone age, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) circulating levels. The
      patients were treated with recombinant human GH (rhGH) and followed until they
      reach adult height. RESULTS: During GH treatment, the two groups grew in
      parallel, reaching the same final height-standard deviation score (SDS) and the
      same height gain. On the contrary, we found significantly lower IGF-I serum
      concentrations in non-GHD patients than in GHD ones, at the end of therapy
      (p=0.0055). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the response to GH treatment in short non
      GHD patients proved to be similar to that in GHD ones. However, a careful
      selection of short non-GHD children to be treated with GH would better justify
      the cost of long-term GH therapy.

PMID- 28099133
TI  - Association between screen time and snack consumption in children and
      adolescents: The CASPIAN-IV study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between screen time (ST) and the frequency of snack
      consumption in a national sample of Iranian children and adolescents was
      assessed. The present nationwide survey was conducted on 14,880 school students
      living in urban and rural areas of 30 provinces in Iran. Trained healthcare
      providers conducted the physical examination and completed the questionnaire of
      the World Health Organization - Global School-Based Student Health Survey (WHO
      GSHS). METHODS: The association between ST (total time spent watching TV and
      using a computer in leisure time) and the frequency of snack consumption was
      determined using ordinal logistic regression analysis. The subjects were 13,486
      students out of the 14,880 invited including 50.8% boys. The mean (SD) age of
      participants was 12.47 (3.36) years. RESULTS: In multivariate models, for
      students who had prolonged ST (more than 4 h/day), the odds of daily consumption
      of sweets (odds ratio, OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.14-1.4), salty snacks (OR 1.6; 95% CI
      1.5-1.76), soft drinks (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.4-1.7), canned fruit juice (OR 1.3; 95%
      CI 1.2-1.4), and fast food (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.4-1.7) were higher compared to
      those with low ST. Furthermore, the odds of daily consumption of milk in students
      who had prolonged ST (more than 4 h/day) were lower compared to those with low ST
      (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged time spent watching TV and
      using a computer during leisure time might be associated with unhealthy dietary
      habits. Moreover, inactivity induced by prolonged ST may also lead to unhealthy
      dietary habits and in turn excess weight in children and adolescents.

PMID- 28099134
TI  - Carboxyhemoglobin - the forgotten parameter of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is influenced by a wide variety of
      factors, one of which is hemolysis. Serious hyperbilirubinemia may lead to a
      kernicterus with detrimental neurologic sequelae. Patients suffering from
      hemolytic disease have a higher risk of developing kernicterus. Carbon monoxide
      (CO), a byproduct of hemolysis or heme degradation, was described by Sjostrand in
      the 1960s. It is transported as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and exhaled through the
      lungs. We were interested in a potential correlation between COHb and total serum
      bilirubin (TSB) and the time course of both parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      used a point of care (POC) blood gas analyzer and did a retrospective analysis of
      bilirubin and COHb data collected over a 60-day period. RESULTS: An arbitrary cut
      off point set at 2% COHb identified four patients with hemolytic disease of
      different origins who required phototherapy. In one patient with atypical
      hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), COHb preceded the rise in bilirubin by about 2
      days. Despite this displacement, there was a moderately good correlation of COHb
      with TSB levels <15 mg/dL (257 MUmol/L) (r2: 0.80) and direct bilirubin (r2:
      0.78) in the first patient. For all the four patients and all time points the
      correlation was slightly lower (r2: 0.59). CONCLUSIONS: COHb might be useful as a
      marker for high hemoglobin turnover to allow an earlier identification of
      newborns at risk to a rapid rise in bilirubin.

PMID- 28099135
TI  - Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma infection in pregnancy: to screen or not to screen.
AB  - Mycoplasmata have been linked to pregnancy complications and neonatal risk. While
      formerly a limited number of species could be discovered by cultures, molecular
      biology nowadays discovers both lower quantities and more diverse species, making
      us realize that mycoplasmata are ubiquitous in the vaginal milieu and do not
      always pose a danger for pregnant women. As the meaning of mycoplasmata in
      pregnancy is not clear to many clinicians, we summarized the current knowledge
      about the meaning of different kinds of mycoplasmata in pregnancy and discuss the
      potential benefits and disadvantages of treatment. Currently, there is no general
      rule to screen and treat for mycoplasmata in pregnancy. New techniques seem to
      indicate that Ureaplasma parvum (Up), which now can be distinguished from U.
      urealyticum (Uu), may pose an increased risk for preterm birth and
      bronchopulmonary disease in the preterm neonate. Mycoplasma hominis (Mh) is
      related to early miscarriages and midtrimester abortions, especially in the
      presence of abnormal vaginal flora. Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) is now recognized
      as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is involved in the causation of
      cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in non-pregnant, and preterm birth
      and miscarriages in pregnant women, irrespective of the presence of concurrent
      other STIs, like Chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Proper studies to test for efficacy and
      improved pregnancy outcome are scarce and inconclusive. Azythromycin is the
      standard treatment now, although, for Mg, this may not be sufficient. The role of
      clarithromycin in clinical practice still has to be established. There is a
      stringent need for new studies based on molecular diagnostic techniques and
      randomized treatment protocols with promising and safe antimicrobials.

PMID- 28099136
TI  - Alexithymia and automatic processing of emotional stimuli: a systematic review.
AB  - Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties in recognizing
      and verbalizing emotions and the utilization of a cognitive style that is
      oriented toward external events, rather than intrapsychic experiences.
      Alexithymia is considered a vulnerability factor influencing onset and course of
      many psychiatric disorders. Even though emotions are, in general, elicited
      involuntarily and emerge without conscious effort, it is surprising that little
      attention in etiological considerations concerning alexithymia has been given to
      deficits in automatic emotion processing and their neurobiological bases. In this
      article, results from studies using behavioral or neurobiological research
      methods were systematically reviewed in which automatic processing of external
      emotional information was investigated as a function of alexithymia in healthy
      individuals. Twenty-two studies were identified through a literature search of
      Psycinfo, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from 1990 to 2016. The review
      reveals deficits in the automatic processing of emotional stimuli in alexithymia
      at a behavioral and neurobiological level. The vast majority of the reviewed
      studies examined visual processing. The alexithymia facets externally oriented
      thinking and difficulties identifying feelings were found to be related to
      impairments in the automatic processing of threat-related facial expressions.
      Alexithymic individuals manifest low reactivity to barely visible negative
      emotional stimuli in brain regions responsible for appraisal, encoding, and
      affective response, e.g. amygdala, occipitotemporal areas, and insula. Against
      this background, it appears plausible to assume that deficits in automatic
      emotion processing could be factors contributing to alexithymic personality
      characteristics. Directions for future research on alexithymia and automatic
      emotion perception are suggested.

PMID- 28099137
TI  - Epilepsy-associated alterations in hippocampal excitability.
AB  - The hippocampus exhibits a wide range of epilepsy-related abnormalities and is
      situated in the mesial temporal lobe, where limbic seizures begin. These
      abnormalities could affect membrane excitability and lead to overstimulation of
      neurons. Multiple overlapping processes refer to neural homeostatic responses
      develop in neurons that work together to restore neuronal firing rates to control
      levels. Nevertheless, homeostatic mechanisms are unable to restore normal
      neuronal excitability, and the epileptic hippocampus becomes hyperexcitable or
      hypoexcitable. Studies show that there is hyperexcitability even before starting
      recurrent spontaneous seizures, suggesting although hippocampal hyperexcitability
      may contribute to epileptogenesis, it alone is insufficient to produce epileptic
      seizures. This supports the concept that the hippocampus is not the only
      substrate for limbic seizure onset, and a broader hyperexcitable limbic structure
      may contribute to temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) seizures. Nevertheless, seizures
      also occur in conditions where the hippocampus shows a hypoexcitable phenotype.
      Since TLE seizures most often originate in the hippocampus, it could therefore be
      assumed that both hippocampal hypoexcitability and hyperexcitability are
      undesirable states that make the epileptic hippocampal network less stable and
      may, under certain conditions, trigger seizures.

PMID- 28099138
TI  - Role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in the pathogenesis and
      treatment of mood disorders.
AB  - Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is widely recognized as a
      survival factor for dopaminergic neurons, but GDNF has also been shown to promote
      development, differentiation, and protection of other central nervous system
      neurons and was thought to play an important role in various neuropsychiatric
      disorders. Severe mood disorders, such as primarily major depressive disorder and
      bipolar affective disorder, attract particular attention. These psychopathologies
      are characterized by structural alterations accompanied by the dysregulation of
      neuroprotective and neurotrophic signaling mechanisms required for the
      maturation, growth, and survival of neurons and glia. The main objective of this
      review is to summarize the recent findings and evaluate the potential role of
      GDNF in the pathogenesis and treatment of mood disorders. Specifically, it
      describes (1) the implication of GDNF in the mechanism of depression and in the
      effect of antidepressant drugs and mood stabilizers and (2) the interrelation
      between GDNF and brain neurotransmitters, playing a key role in the pathogenesis
      of depression. This review provides converging lines of evidence that (1) brain
      GDNF contributes to the mechanism underlying depressive disorders and the effect
      of antidepressants and mood stabilizers and (2) there is a cross-talk between
      GDNF and neurotransmitters representing a feedback system: GDNF-neurotransmitters
      and neurotransmitters-GDNF.

PMID- 28099139
TI  - Quantitative EEG in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a review of the literature.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by the recurrent
      cessation (apnea) or reduction (hypopnea) of airflow due to the partial or
      complete upper airway collapse during sleep. Respiratory disturbances causing
      sleep fragmentation and repetitive nocturnal hypoxia are responsible for a
      variety of nocturnal and daytime complaints of sleep apnea patients, such as
      snoring, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or impaired cognitive functions. Different
      techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy,
      and positron emission tomography, are used to evaluate the structural and
      functional changes in OSAS patients. With quantitative electroencephalographic
      (qEEG) analysis, the possible existence of alterations in the brain electrical
      activity of OSAS patients can be investigated. We review the articles on qEEG
      results of sleep apnea patients and summarize the possible explanations of these
      qEEG measures. Finally, we review the impact of continuous positive airway
      pressure (CPAP) treatment on these alterations to assess whether CPAP use can
      eliminate alterations in the brain activity of OSAS patients.

PMID- 28099140
TI  - Telomerase antagonist imetelstat increases radiation sensitivity in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - The morbidity and mortality of esophageal cancer is one of the highest around the
      world and the principal therapeutic method is radiation. Thus, searching for
      sensitizers with lower toxicity and higher efficiency to improve the efficacy of
      radiation therapy is critical essential. Our research group has previously
      reported that imetelstat, the thio-phosphoramidate oligonucleotide inhibitor of
      telomerase, can decrease cell proliferation and colony formation ability as well
      as increase DNA breaks induced by radiation in esophageal cancer cells. Further
      study in this project showed that imetelstat significantly sensitized esophageal
      cancer cells to radiation in vitro. Later study showed that imetelstat leads to
      increased cell apoptosis. We also measured the expression level of several DNA
      repair and apoptosis signaling proteins. pS345 CHK1, gamma-H2AX, p53 and caspase3
      expression were up-regulated in imetelstat treated cells, identifying these
      factors as molecular markers. Mouse in vivo model using imetelstat at clinically
      achievable concentrations and fractionated irradiation scheme yielded results
      demonstrating radiosensitization effect. Finally, TUNEL assay, caspase 3 and Ki67
      staining in tumor tissue proved that imetelstat sensitized esophageal cancer to
      radiation in vivo through promoting cell apoptosis and inhibiting cell
      proliferation. Our study supported imetelstat increase radiation sensitivity of
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through inducing cell apoptosis and the
      specific inhibitor of telomerase might serve as a potential novel therapeutic
      tool for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma therapy.

PMID- 28099141
TI  - Antitumor activity of a Trans-thiosemicarbazone schiff base palladium (II)
      complex on human gastric adenocarcinoma cells.
AB  - The development of transition-metal-based antitumor drug candidates increases the
      metallopharmaceuticals study dramatically. Two trans-thiosemicarbazone-based,
      Schiff base palladium (Pd) (II) complexes, DMABTSPd (TSPd) and DMABPTSPd (PTSPd),
      were prepared and characterized as described in our previous study. Here, we
      investigated whether the two complexes have antitumor effect on human gastric
      adenocarcinoma cell lines, BGC-823 and SGC-7901, compared with normal human
      gastric mucosal epithelial cell line, Ges-1. The results show that the Pd complex
      with the bare amino group (DMABTSPd(TSPd)) can inhibit cell viabilities and
      induce apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells, rather than the Pd complex
      without the bare amino group (DMABPTSPd (PTSPd)). This occurs via a mitochondrial
      related pathway by down-regulating the level of Bcl-2 expression and up
      regulating the level of Bid expression. Meanwhile, DMABTSPd (TSPd) suppressed
      tumor growth via a mitochondrial-related pathway in a nude mouse tumor xenograft
      model derived from BGC-823 cells. These findings demonstrate that DMABTSPd (TSPd)
      is worthy of further structural optimization and representing a promising Pd
      complex for the development of a new antitumor therapeutic agent.

PMID- 28099142
TI  - The pentapeptide Gly-Thr-Gly-Lys-Thr confers sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs by
      inhibition of CAGE binding to GSK3beta and decreasing the expression of cyclinD1.
AB  - We previously reported the role of cancer/testis antigen CAGE in the response to
      anti-cancer drugs. CAGE increased the expression of cyclinD1, and pGSK3betaSer9,
      an inactive GSK3beta, while decreasing the expression of phospho-cyclinD1Thr286.
      CAGE showed binding to GSK3beta and the domain of CAGE (amino acids 231-300)
      necessary for binding to GSK3beta and for the expression regulation of cyclinD1
      was determined. 269GTGKT273 peptide, corresponding to the DEAD box helicase
      domain of CAGE, decreased the expression of cyclinD1 and pGSK3betaSer9 while
      increasing the expression of phospho-cyclinD1Thr286. GTGKT peptide showed the
      binding to CAGE and prevented CAGE from binding to GSK3beta. GTGKT peptide
      changed the localization of CAGE and inhibited the binding of CAGE to the
      promoter sequences of cyclin D1. GTGKT peptide enhanced the apoptotic effects of
      anti-cancer drugs and decreased the migration, invasion, angiogenic, tumorigenic
      and metastatic potential of anti-cancer drug-resistant cancer cells. We found
      that Lys272 of GTGKT peptide was necessary for conferring anti-cancer activity.
      Peptides corresponding to the DEAD box helicase domain of CAGE, such as AQTGTGKT,
      QTGTGKT and TGTGKT, also showed anti-cancer activity by preventing CAGE from
      binding to GSK3beta. GTGKT peptide showed ex vivo tumor homing potential. Thus,
      peptides corresponding to the DEAD box helicase domain of CAGE can be developed
      as anti-cancer drugs in cancer patients expressing CAGE.

PMID- 28099143
TI  - Desirable cytolytic immune effector cell recruitment by interleukin-15 dendritic
      cells.
AB  - Success of dendritic cell (DC) therapy in treating malignancies is depending on
      the DC capacity to attract immune effector cells, considering their reciprocal
      crosstalk is partially regulated by cell-contact-dependent mechanisms. Although
      critical for therapeutic efficacy, immune cell recruitment is a largely
      overlooked aspect regarding optimization of DC vaccination. In this paper we have
      made a head-to-head comparison of interleukin (IL)-15-cultured DCs and
      conventional IL-4-cultured DCs with regard to their proficiency in the
      recruitment of (innate) immune effector cells. Here, we demonstrate that IL-4 DCs
      are suboptimal in attracting effector lymphocytes, while IL15 DCs provide a
      favorable chemokine milieu for recruiting CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells
      and gamma delta (gammadelta) T cells. Gene expression analysis revealed that IL
      15 DCs exhibit a high expression of chemokines involved in antitumor immune
      effector cell attraction, while IL-4 DCs display a more immunoregulatory profile
      characterized by the expression of Th2 and regulatory T cell-attracting
      chemokines. This is confirmed by functional data indicating an enhanced
      recruitment of granzyme B+ effector lymphocytes by IL-15 DCs, as compared to IL-4
      DCs, and subsequent superior killing of tumor cells by the migrated lymphocytes.
      Elevated CCL4 gene expression in IL-15 DCs and lowered CCR5 expression on both
      migrated gammadelta T cells and NK cells, led to validation of increased CCL4
      secretion by IL15 DCs. Moreover, neutralization of CCR5 prior to migration
      resulted in an important inhibition of gammadelta T cell and NK cell recruitment
      by IL-15 DCs. These findings further underscore the strong immunotherapeutic
      potential of IL-15 DCs.

PMID- 28099144
TI  - MiR-199a-5p and let-7c cooperatively inhibit migration and invasion by targeting
      MAP4K3 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - : Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high recurrence rate, and patients exhibit
      poor survival mainly because intrahepatic metastasis is common. We previously
      reported that let-7c down-regulation is significantly associated with poor
      differentiation level in HCC. In the present study, we demonstrate that miR-199a
      5p and let-7c are frequently down-regulated in HCC cells and tissues, and low
      expression of miR-199a-5p is correlated with tumor size, liver envelope invasion.
      Furthermore, miR-199a-5p and let-7c cooperatively inhibit HCC cell migration and
      invasion in vitro. MAP4K3 is identified as the direct target of miR-199a-5p and
      let-7c and this regulation is further confirmed by luciferase reporter assays and
      Western blotting. In addition, MAP4K3 functions as a metastasis promoter since
      the results demonstrate that MAP4K3 could promote HCC cell migration and
      invasion. We also find that miR-199a-5p and let-7c increase the sensitivity of
      HCC cells to sorafenib. CONCLUSIONS: We report that miR-199a-5p and let-7c
      cooperatively and efficiently inhibit HCC cell migration and invasion by
      targeting the metastasis promoter MAP4K3 and MAP4K3-mediated drug sensitization,
      suggesting that the use of miRNAs and sorafenib in combination therapy may be a
      powerful approach to the treatment of HCC.

PMID- 28099145
TI  - Down-regulation of toll-like receptor 4 alleviates intestinal ischemia
      reperfusion injury and acute lung injury in mice.
AB  - Intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury is a critical problem, which can
      cause intestinal injury locally and acute lung injury (ALI) distally by
      inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is
      involved in innate immune and inflammatory responses. This study was to determine
      whether TLR4 mutant can attenuate intestinal and lung injuries after intestinal
      IR. Wild type (WT) and TLR4 mutant mice were submitted to intestinal IR by
      occluding the superior mesenteric artery. Histological assessment of the
      intestine and the lung were conducted by HE staining. The levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, apoptotic index and other
      mediators were measured. In addition, a 24-hour survival study was performed.
      Histological assessment showed that intestinal IR caused serious injuries in the
      intestine and the lung, corroborated by increased proinflammatory cytokines in
      the circulation. TLR4 mutant suppressed the histological injuries as demonstrated
      by significantly decreased pathological scores. Consistent with the morphological
      results, the TLR4 mutant mice exhibited remarkably lowered cytokine expressions
      in the intestine (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, and NF-kappaB) and the lung (NO,
      iNOS, MCP-1, MIP-2, NF-kappaB, and Caspase-3). ALT and creatinine were also
      significantly dampened in the liver and kidney, respectively. Furthermore, the
      survival rate over the course of 24 hours was significantly improved.
      Collectively, the findings reveal that TLR4 mutant significantly abated the
      intestinal IR injury and ALI at least in part by alleviating the inflammatory
      response and oxidative stress.

PMID- 28099146
TI  - Long non-coding RNA growth arrest specific transcript 5 acts as a tumour
      suppressor in colorectal cancer by inhibiting interleukin-10 and vascular
      endothelial growth factor expression.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are highly involved in diverse biological
      processes of human malignancies. The expression profile and underlying mechanism
      of lncRNA growth arrest specific transcript 5 (GAS5) in colorectal cancer (CRC)
      is poorly understood. In this study, we found that GAS5 was commonly
      downregulated in CRC tissues, serum of CRC patients and CRC cell lines. Knockdown
      of GAS5 promoted CRC cell proliferation and colony formation, whereas
      overexpression of GAS5 produced the opposite result. We further demonstrated that
      knockdown of GAS5 increased the expression and secretion of interleukin-10 (IL
      10) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) via NF-kappaB and Erk1/2
      pathways. Neutralization of IL-10 and VEGF-A reduced tumour proliferation caused
      by GAS5 knockdown. Moreover, GAS5 expression showed a statistically significant
      correlation with the mRNA levels of IL-10 and VEGF-A in CRC tissues. We further
      illustrated that GAS5 was markedly downregulated and negatively correlated with
      the cytokine expression in a mouse model of colitis-associated cancer (CAC).
      These results delineate a novel mechanism of lncRNA GAS5 in suppressing
      colorectal carcinogenesis. The cytokines IL-10 and VEGF-A inhibited by GAS5 may
      provide targets for lncRNA-based therapies for CRC.

PMID- 28099147
TI  - CTLA-4 positive breast cancer cells suppress dendritic cells maturation and
      function.
AB  - Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), a potent immunoregulatory
      molecule, can down-regulate T-cell activation and inhibit anti-tumor immune
      response. This study showed that LPS-stimulated human dendritic cells (DCs)
      decreased the expression of HLA-DR, CD83 and costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80
      and CD86) following coculturing with CTLA-4+ breast cancer cells. Moreover, the
      suppressed DCs further inhibited proliferation of allogeneic CD4+/CD8+ T-cells,
      differentiation of Th1 and function of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs). However,
      CTLA-4 blockade in breast cancer cells could recover DC maturation and cytokine
      production, elevate antigen-presenting function of DCs, reverse Th1/CTLs response
      and cytokine secretion. Subsequent study demonstrated that the activation of
      extracellular-signal regulated kinase and signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 3 of DCs caused by CTLA-4+ breast cancer cells were the predominant
      mechanism of DC suppression. In addition, CTLA-4 blockade treatment also directly
      inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of CTLA-4+ breast cancer cells.
      Collectively, CTLA-4 was expressed and functional on human breast cancer cells
      through influencing maturation and function of DCs in vitro, and CTLA-4 blockage
      not only recovered the antigen-presenting function of DCs and T-cells activation
      but also suppressed the biological activity of breast cancer cells themselves.
      This study highlights the clinical application of CTLA-4 blockade therapy in
      breast cancer.

PMID- 28099148
TI  - Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid increases anti-cancer effect of tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha through up-regulation of TNF receptor 1 in lung cancer cells.
AB  - Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor
      has anti-cancer effect. Here, we evaluated the effect of SAHA on HDAC activity
      and cell growth in many normal lung and cancer cells. We observed that the HDAC
      activities of lung cancer cells were higher than that of normal lung cells. SAHA
      inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells regardless of the inhibitory effect on
      HDAC. This agent induced a G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis, which was accompanied
      by mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP: DeltaPsim) loss in lung cancer cells.
      However, SAHA did not induce cell death in normal lung cells. All tested caspase
      inhibitors prevented apoptotic cell death in SAHA-treated A549 and Calu-6 lung
      cancer cells. Treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) enhanced
      apoptosis in SAHA-treated lung cancer cells through caspase-8 and caspase-9
      activations. Especially, SAHA increased the expression level of TNF-alpha
      receptor 1 (TNFR1), especially acetylation of the region of TNFR1 promoter -223/
      29 in lung cancer cells. The down-regulation of TNFR1 suppressed apoptosis in TNF
      alpha and SAHA-treated lung cancer cells. In conclusion, SAHA inhibited the
      growth of lung cancer cells via a G2/M phase arrest and caspase-dependent
      apoptosis. SAHA also enhanced apoptotic effect of TNF-alpha in human lung cancer
      cells through up-regulation of TNFR1. TNF-alpha may be a key to improve anti
      cancer effect of HDAC inhibitors.

PMID- 28099149
TI  - Clinically relevant HIF-1alpha-dependent metabolic reprogramming in oropharyngeal
      squamous cell carcinomas includes coordinated activation of CAIX and the miR
      210/ISCU signaling axis, but not MCT1 and MCT4 upregulation.
AB  - Metabolic reprogramming is a very heterogeneous phenomenon in cancer. It mostly
      consists on increased glycolysis, lactic acid formation and extracellular
      acidification. These events have been associated to increased activity of the
      hypoxia inducible factor, HIF-1alpha. This study aimed at defining the metabolic
      program activated by HIF-1alpha in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC)
      and assessing its clinical impact. Global gene/miRNA expression was analyzed in
      SCC-derived cells exposed to hypoxia. Expression of HIF-1alpha, the carbonic
      anhydrase CAIX, and the lactate/H+ transporters MCT1 and MCT4 were analyzed by
      immunohistochemistry in 246 SCCs. Cell-based analysis revealed that HIF-1alpha
      driven metabolic program includes over-expression of glycolytic enzymes and the
      microRNA miR-210 coupled to down-regulation of its target, the iron-sulfur
      cluster assembly protein, ISCU. pH-regulator program entailed over-expression of
      CAIX, but not MCT1 or MCT4. Accordingly, significant overlapping exists between
      over-expression of HIF-1alpha and CAIX, but not HIF-1alpha and MCT1 or MCT4, in
      tumor cells. Increased miR-210 and concomitant decreased ISCU RNA levels were
      found in ~40% of tumors and this was significantly associated with HIF-1alpha and
      CAIX, but not MCT1 or MCT4, over-expression. HIF-1alpha and/or CAIX over
      expression was associated with high recurrence rate and low overall survival of
      surgically treated patients. By contrast, clinically significant correlations
      were not found in tumors with MCT1 or MCT4 over-expression. This is the first
      study that provides in vivo evidences of coordinated activation of HIF-1alpha,
      CAIX, miR-210 and ISCU in carcinoma and association with poor prognosis, a
      finding with important implications for the development of metabolic-targeting
      therapies against hypoxia.

PMID- 28099150
TI  - Elimination of quiescent slow-cycling cells via reducing quiescence depth by
      natural compounds purified from Ganoderma lucidum.
AB  - The medical mushroom Ganoderma lucidum has long been used in traditional Chinese
      medicine and shown effective in the treatment of many diseases including cancer.
      Here we studied the cytotoxic effects of two natural compounds purified from
      Ganoderma lucidum, ergosterol peroxide and ganodermanondiol. We found that these
      two compounds exhibited cytotoxicity not only against fast proliferating cells,
      but on quiescent, slow-cycling cells. Using a fibroblast cell-quiescence model,
      we found that the cytotoxicity on quiescent cells was due to induced apoptosis,
      and was associated with a shallower quiescent state in compound-treated cells,
      resultant from the increased basal activity of an Rb-E2F bistable switch that
      controls quiescence exit. Accordingly, we showed that quiescent breast cancer
      cells (MCF7), compared to its non-transformed counterpart (MCF10A), were
      preferentially killed by ergosterol peroxide and ganodermanondiol treatment
      presumably due to their already less stable quiescent state. The cytotoxic effect
      of natural Ganoderma lucidum compounds against quiescent cells, preferentially on
      quiescent cancer cells vs. non-cancer cells, may help future antitumor
      development against the slow-cycling cancer cell subpopulations including cancer
      stem and progenitor cells.

PMID- 28099151
TI  - Clinical impact of serum survivin positivity and tissue expression of EBV-encoded
      RNA in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with rituximab-CHOP.
AB  - Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis and is upregulated by Epstein-Barr virus
      (EBV) latent genes. Given the frequent association of EBV with lymphoid
      malignancies, survivin is expected to have prognostic value in diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Thus, we measured the pretreatment serum level of survivin
      in DLBCL patients and analyzed its association with survival outcome and EBV
      status, as represented by EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) in DLBCL. Pretreatment serum
      survivin level was measured in patients registered in a prospective cohort study
      (n = 210), and serum survivin-positivity was defined as any detectable level of
      survivin. EBV status was determined using EBER in situ hybridization, and EBER
      positivity was defined as 20% of examined cells showing nuclear positivity. Mean
      serum survivin level was higher in patients with relapsed or refractory disease
      than with responsive disease (59.89 pg/mL versus 17.34 pg/mL, P = 0.041). Serum
      survivin-positive patients had worse overall and progression-free survival (P =
      0.023 and 0.022, respectively). Serum survivin positivity was associated with
      unfavorable characteristics including stage. In patients with non-germinal center
      B-cell type DLBCL, serum survivin-positive patients also had significantly worse
      survival than serum survivin-negative patients (P < 0.001). EBER-positivity was
      found in 6.7% (14/210) of patients, and EBER-positive patients had worse survival
      (P < 0.05). Patients having concomitant positivity for serum survivin and EBER
      expression (2.8%, 6/210) showed extremely poor prognosis. In the present era of
      rituximab in DLBCL, DLBCL with serum survivin positivity showed adverse clinical
      features and followed worse clinical course, especially in non-GCB subtype DLBCL.
      EBER-positivity was still associated with worse outcomes in DLBCL.

PMID- 28099152
TI  - The EMSY threonine 207 phospho-site is required for EMSYdriven suppression of DNA
      damage repair.
AB  - BRCA1 and BRCA2 are essential for the repair of double-strand DNA breaks, and
      alterations in these genes are a hallmark of breast and ovarian carcinomas. Other
      functionally related genes may also play important roles in carcinogenesis.
      Amplification of EMSY, a putative BRCAness gene, has been suggested to impair DNA
      damage repair by suppressing BRCA2 function. We employed direct repeat GFP (DR
      GFP) and RAD51 foci formation assays to show that EMSY overexpression impairs the
      repair of damaged DNA, suggesting that EMSY belongs to the family of BRCAness
      proteins. We also identified a novel phospho-site at threonine 207 (T207) and
      demonstrated its role in EMSY-driven suppression of DNA damage repair. In vitro
      kinase assays established that protein kinase A (PKA) directly phosphorylates the
      T207 phospho-site. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggest that EMSY-driven
      suppression of DNA damage repair is a BRCA2-independent process. The data also
      suggest that EMSY amplification is a BRCAness feature, and may help to expand the
      population of patients who could benefit from targeted therapies that are also
      effective in BRCA1/2-mutant cancers.

PMID- 28099154
TI  - Vitamin K epoxide reductase regulation of androgen receptor activity.
AB  - Long-term use of warfarin has been shown to be associated with a reduced risk of
      prostate cancer. Warfarin belongs to the vitamin K antagonist class of
      anticoagulants, which inhibit vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR). The vitamin K
      cycle is primarily known for its role in gamma-carboxylation, a rare post
      translational modification important in blood coagulation. Here we show that
      warfarin inhibits the transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor (AR), an
      important driver of prostate cancer development and progression. Warfarin
      treatment or knockdown of its target VKOR inhibits the activity of AR both in
      cell lines and in mouse prostate tissue. We demonstrate that AR can be gamma
      carboxylated, and mapped the gamma-carboxylation to glutamate residue 2 (E2)
      using mass spectrometry. However, mutation of E2 and other glutamates on AR
      failed to suppress the effects of warfarin on AR suggesting that inhibition of AR
      is gamma-carboxylation independent. To identify pathways upstream of AR signaling
      that are affected by warfarin, we performed RNA-seq on prostates of warfarin
      treated mice. We found that warfarin inhibited peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma (PPARgamma) signaling, which in turn, inhibited AR signaling.
      Although warfarin is unfit for use as a chemopreventative due to its
      anticoagulatory effects, our data suggest that its ability to reduce prostate
      cancer risk is independent of its anticoagulation properties. Furthermore, our
      data show that warfarin inhibits PPARgamma and AR signaling, which suggests that
      inhibition of these pathways could be used to reduce the risk of developing
      prostate cancer.

PMID- 28099153
TI  - Building personalized treatment plans for early-stage colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - We developed a series of models to predict the likelihood of recurrence and the
      response to chemotherapy for the personalized treatment of stage I and II
      colorectal cancer patients. A recurrence prediction model was developed from 235
      stage I/II patients. The model successfully distinguished between high-risk and
      low-risk groups, with a hazard ratio of recurrence of 4.66 (p < 0.0001). More
      importantly, the model was accurate for both stage I (hazard ratio = 5.87, p =
      0.0006) and stage II (hazard ratio = 4.30, p < 0.0001) disease. This model
      performed much better than the Oncotype and ColoPrint commercial services in
      identifying patients at high risk for stage II recurrence. And unlike the
      commercial services, the robust model included recurrence prediction for stage I
      patients. As stage I/II CRC patients usually do not receive chemotherapy, we
      generated chemotherapy efficacy prediction models with data from 358 stage III
      patients. The predictions were highly accurate: the hazard ratio of recurrence
      for responders vs. non-responders was 4.13 for those treated with FOLFOX (p <
      0.0001), and 3.16 (p = 0.0012) for those treated with fluorouracil. We have thus
      created a prognostic model that accurately identifies patients at high risk for
      recurrence, and the first accurate chemotherapy efficacy prediction model for
      individual patients. In the future, complete personalized treatment plans for
      stage I/II patients may be developed if the drug prediction models generated from
      stage III patients are verified to be effective for stage I and II patients in
      prospective studies.

PMID- 28099156
TI  - Quasi-monochromatic imaging in x-ray CT via spectral deconvolution using photon
      counting detectors.
AB  - Photon-counting detectors can obtain the spectral information from an incident x
      ray spectrum, although the detected counts may differ from the incident counts
      due to the detector response. If uncorrected or uncompensated, the response will
      lead to distortion in CT reconstruction. With the intention of reducing the
      distortion and exploring the potential of photon-counting detectors, a novel
      reconstruction strategy with spectral deconvolution, which attempts to set itself
      apart from traditional material decomposition frameworks, is proposed in this
      paper. It applies deconvolution to the energy window counts using a calibrated
      detector response and then uses the post-deconvolution photon counts to
      reconstruct images in multi-energy windows. The output has a quantitative meaning
      as a quasi-monochromatic attenuation coefficient, because a relatively narrow
      energy window width is selected. The deconvolution settings and results are
      carefully discussed in the numerical simulation. An experimental study is then
      carried out to verify the effectiveness and robustness. The results show that the
      reconstructed attenuation coefficients after deconvolution fit the standard
      reference data very well in most of the energy windows, which implies the
      feasibility of this quasi-monochromatic imaging method.

PMID- 28099155
TI  - Metformin promotes apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma through the CEBPD
      induced autophagy pathway.
AB  - Metformin, as an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, can activate
      autophagy. A study showed that metformin decreased the risk of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) in diabetic patients. However, the detailed mechanism in the
      metformin-mediated anticancer effect remains an open question. Transcription
      factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (CEBPD) has been suggested to serve
      as a tumor suppressor and is responsive to multiple anticancer drugs in HCC. In
      this study, we found that CEBPD and autophagy are involved in metformin-induced
      cell apoptosis in Huh7 cells. The underlying mechanisms in this process included
      a reduction in Src-mediated CEBPD protein degradation and an increase in CEBPD
      regulated LC3B and ATG3 gene transcription under metformin treatment. We also
      found that AMPK is involved in metformin-induced CEBPD expression. Combined
      treatment with metformin and rapamycin can enhance autophagic cell death through
      the AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent pathway, respectively. Taken together, we
      provide a new insight and therapeutic approach by targeting autophagy in the
      treatment of HCC.

PMID- 28099157
TI  - High quality epitaxial graphene by hydrogen-etching of 3C-SiC(111) thin-film on
      Si(111).
AB  - Etching with atomic hydrogen, as a preparation step before the high-temperature
      growth process of graphene onto a thin 3C-SiC film grown on Si(111), greatly
      improves the structural quality of topmost graphene layers. Pit formation and
      island coalescence, which are typical of graphene growth by SiC graphitization,
      are quenched and accompanied by widening of the graphene domain sizes to hundreds
      of nanometers, and by a significant reduction in surface roughness down to a
      single substrate bilayer. The surface reconstructions expected for graphene and
      the underlying layer are shown with atomic resolution by scanning tunnelling
      microscopy. Spectroscopic features typical of graphene are measured by core-level
      photoemission and Raman spectroscopy.

PMID- 28099158
TI  - Single transmission-line readout method for silicon photomultiplier based time-of
      flight and depth-of-interaction PET.
AB  - We propose a novel single transmission-line readout method for whole-body time-of
      flight positron emission tomography applications, without compromising on
      performance. The basic idea of the proposed multiplexing method is the addition
      of a specially prepared tag signal ahead of the scintillation pulse. The tag
      signal is a square pulse that encodes photon arrival time and channel
      information. The 2D position of a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array is encoded
      by the specific width and height of the tag signal. A summing amplifier merges
      the tag and scintillation signals of each channel, and the final output signal
      can be acquired with a one-channel digitizer. The feasibility and performance of
      the proposed method were evaluated using a 1:1 coupled detector consisting of 4 
      *  4 array of LGSO crystals and 16 channel SiPM. The sixteen 3 mm LGSO crystals
      were clearly separated in the crystal-positioning map with high reliability. The
      average energy resolution and coincidence resolving time were 11.31  +/-  0.55%
      and 264.7  +/-  10.7 ps, respectively. We also proved that the proposed method
      does not degrade timing performance with increasing multiplexing ratio. The two
      types of LGSO crystals (L0.95GSO and L0.20GSO) in phoswich detector were also
      clearly identified with the high-reliability using pulse shape discrimination,
      thanks to the well-preserved pulse shape information. In conclusion, the proposed
      multiplexing method allows decoding of the 3D interaction position of gamma rays
      in the scintillation detector with single-line readout.

PMID- 28099159
TI  - Reducing false arrhythmia alarm rates using robust heart rate estimation and cost
      sensitive support vector machines.
AB  - To lessen the rate of false critical arrhythmia alarms, we used robust heart rate
      estimation and cost-sensitive support vector machines. The PhysioNet MIMIC II
      database and the 2015 PhysioNet/CinC Challenge public database were used as the
      training dataset; the 2015 Challenge hidden dataset was for testing. Each record
      had an alarm labeled with asystole, extreme bradycardia, extreme tachycardia,
      ventricular tachycardia or ventricular flutter/fibrillation. Before alarm onsets,
      300 s multimodal data was provided, including electrocardiogram, arterial blood
      pressure and/or photoplethysmogram. A signal quality modified Kalman filter
      achieved robust heart rate estimation. Based on this, we extracted heart rate
      variability features and statistical ECG features. Next, we applied a genetic
      algorithm (GA) to select the optimal feature combination. Finally, considering
      the high cost of classifying a true arrhythmia as false, we selected cost
      sensitive support vector machines (CSSVMs) to classify alarms. Evaluation on the
      test dataset showed the overall true positive rate was 95%, and the true negative
      rate was 85%.

PMID- 28099160
TI  - Phase shift between respiratory oscillations in cerebral blood flow velocity and
      arterial blood pressure.
AB  - We aim to investigate whether phase shift between respiratory oscillations in
      cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) is
      associated with changes in cerebral autoregulation (CA) or reflects the mechano
      elastic properties of the cerebrovascular bed. The relationships between
      respiratory phase shift and slow wave phase shift versus cerebrovascular time
      constant (the product of cerebrovascular resistance and compliance) and the index
      of CA (Mx) were analyzed during breathing at 6, 10, and 15 breaths min-1 in 39
      volunteers. With increasing respiratory rate the time constant, Mx, and
      respiratory phase shift decreased, whereas slow wave phase shift increased. The
      time constant correlated moderately strongly with the respiratory phase shift (R 
      =  0.49, p [Formula: see text] 0.001) and did not correlate with the slow wave
      phase shift. The slow wave phase shift was significantly associated with Mx (R  =
      -0.46, p [Formula: see text] 0.001). The respiratory phase shift more accurately
      reflects the mechano-elastic properties of the cerebrovascular bed, whereas CA is
      better described by the slow wave phase shift.

PMID- 28099161
TI  - Menstrual cycle and the temporal discrimination threshold.
AB  - The temporal discrimination threshold (TDT) is a proposed pre-clinical biomarker
      (endophenotype) for adult onset isolated focal dystonia (AOIFD). Age- and sex
      related effects on temporal discrimination demonstrate that women, before the age
      of 40 years, have faster temporal discrimination than men but their TDTs worsen
      with age at almost three times the rate of men. Thus after 40 years the TDT in
      women is progressively worse than in men. AOIFD is an increasingly female
      predominant disorder after the age of 40; it is not clear whether this age
      related sexually-dimorphic difference observed for both the TDT and sex ratio at
      disease onset in AOIFD is a hormonal or chromosomal effect. The aim of this study
      was to examine temporal discrimination at weekly intervals during two consecutive
      menstrual cycles in 14 healthy female volunteers to determine whether
      physiological hormonal changes affected temporal discrimination. We observed no
      significant differences in weekly temporal discrimination threshold values during
      the menstrual cycles and no significant correlation with the menstrual cycle
      stage. This observed stability of temporal discrimination during cyclical
      hormonal change raises interesting questions concerning the age-related sexually
      dimorphic decline observed in temporal discrimination. Our findings pave the way
      for future studies exploring potential pathomechanisms for this age-related
      deterioration.

PMID- 28099162
TI  - Thermography-based blood flow imaging in human skin of the hands and feet: a
      spectral filtering approach.
AB  - The determination of the relationship between skin blood flow and skin
      temperature dynamics is the main problem in thermography-based blood flow
      imaging. Oscillations in skin blood flow are the source of thermal waves
      propagating from micro-vessels toward the skin's surface, as assumed in this
      study. This hypothesis allows us to use equations for the attenuation and
      dispersion of thermal waves for converting the temperature signal into the blood
      flow signal, and vice versa. We developed a spectral filtering approach (SFA),
      which is a new technique for thermography-based blood flow imaging. In contrast
      to other processing techniques, the SFA implies calculations in the spectral
      domain rather than in the time domain. Therefore, it eliminates the need to solve
      differential equations. The developed technique was verified within 0.005-0.1 Hz,
      including the endothelial, neurogenic and myogenic frequency bands of blood flow
      oscillations. The algorithm for an inverse conversion of the blood flow signal
      into the skin temperature signal is addressed. The examples of blood flow imaging
      of hands during cuff occlusion and feet during heating of the back are
      illustrated. The processing of infrared (IR) thermograms using the SFA allowed us
      to restore the blood flow signals and achieve correlations of about 0.8 with a
      waveform of a photoplethysmographic signal. The prospective applications of the
      thermography-based blood flow imaging technique include non-contact monitoring of
      the blood supply during engraftment of skin flaps and burns healing, as well the
      use of contact temperature sensors to monitor low-frequency oscillations of
      peripheral blood flow.

PMID- 28099163
TI  - Adapting smartphone-based photoplethysmograpy to suboptimal scenarios.
AB  - Photoplethysmography (PPG) is an optical technique used to measure the heart rate
      (HR) and other cardiovascular variables by analyzing volume changes in the
      microvascular bed of tissue. At the moment, smartphone users can already measure
      their HR using PPG applications that use the smartphone's built-in camera.
      However, available applications are unreliable when artifacts are present, such
      as those caused by movement, finger pressure, or ambient light changes. This
      contribution aims to analyze the limitations of a smartphone-based PPG algorithm
      capable of measuring N-N intervals when such artifacts are present by comparing
      it to a 2-lead electrocardiography (ECG). By using a Bandpass filter and a zero
      crossing detection algorithm on a PPG signal captured at 800  *  600 pixels and
      30 Hz, we have designed an approach capable of assessing N-N intervals when
      movement artifacts are present. An evaluation performed on n  =  31 users shows
      our algorithm is capable of measuring N-N intervals with an average relative
      error of 9.23 ms, when compared to a 2-lead ECG. Our approach proves the
      reliability of smartphone-based photoplethysmography to measure N-N intervals,
      even under the presence of movement artifacts, and opens the door for its future
      use in remote diagnosis scenarios.

PMID- 28099164
TI  - Investigation of time-resolved proton radiography using x-ray flat-panel imaging
      system.
AB  - Proton beam therapy benefits from the Bragg peak and delivers highly conformal
      dose distributions. However, the location of the end-of-range is subject to
      uncertainties related to the accuracy of the relative proton stopping power
      estimates and thereby the water-equivalent path length (WEPL) along the beam. To
      remedy the range uncertainty, an in vivo measurement of the WEPL through the
      patient, i.e. a proton-range radiograph, is highly desirable. Towards that goal,
      we have explored a novel method of proton radiography based on the time-resolved
      dose measured by a flat panel imager (FPI). A 226 MeV pencil beam and a custom
      designed range modulator wheel (MW) were used to create a time-varying broad
      beam. The proton imaging technique used exploits this time dependency by looking
      at the dose rate at the imager as a function of time. This dose rate function
      (DRF) has a unique time-varying dose pattern at each depth of penetration. A
      relatively slow rotation of the MW (0.2 revolutions per second) and a fast image
      acquisition (30 frames per second, ~33 ms sampling) provided a sufficient
      temporal resolution for each DRF. Along with the high output of the CsI:Tl
      scintillator, imaging with pixel binning (2  *  2) generated high signal-to-noise
      data at a very low radiation dose (~0.1 cGy). Proton radiographs of a head
      phantom and a Gammex CT calibration phantom were taken with various
      configurations. The results of the phantom measurements show that the FPI can
      generate low noise and high spatial resolution proton radiographs. The WEPL
      values of the CT tissue surrogate inserts show that the measured relative
      stopping powers are accurate to ~2%. The panel did not show any noticeable
      radiation damage after the accumulative dose of approximately 3831 cGy. In
      summary, we have successfully demonstrated a highly practical method of
      generating proton radiography using an x-ray flat panel imager.

PMID- 28099165
TI  - The spectral properties of DNA and RNA macromolecules at low temperatures:
      fundamental and applied aspects.
AB  - This paper summarizes the results of studies of the spectral properties-optical
      absorption, fluorescence and phosphorescence-of DNA and RNA macromolecules and
      synthetic poly-, oligo- and mono-nucleotides, which have been carried out in our
      laboratory. The system of first excited singlet and triplet energy levels for DNA
      and RNA is evaluated using low-temperature (4.2 K-77 K) luminescent measurements.
      The traps of the singlet and triplet electronic excitations in these compounds
      are identified. An important self-protection mechanism against photo-damage of
      DNA and RNA by UV photons or penetrative radiation based on the capture of
      triplet electronic-energy excitations by the most photostable centers-in DNA, the
      complex formed by neighboring adenosine (A) and thymidine (T) links; in RNA, the
      adenosine links-is described. It is confirmed that despite similarities in the
      chemical and partly energy structures DNA is more stable than RNA. The spectral
      manifestation of the telomeres (the important functional system) in DNA
      macromolecules is examined. The results obtained on telomere fragments provide
      the possibility of finding the configuration peculiarities of the triplet
      excitations traps in DNA macromolecules. The resulting spreading length of the
      migrating singlet (l s) and triplet (l t) excitations for DNA and RNA
      macromolecules are evaluated.

PMID- 28099166
TI  - Despiking SEEG signals reveals dynamics of gamma band preictal activity.
AB  - Interictal epileptiform discharges, or 'interictal spikes', are the hallmark of
      epilepsy. Still, there is growing evidence that oscillatory activity-whether in
      the gamma band (30-120 Hz) or at higher frequencies is another important marker
      of hyperexcitable tissues. A major difficulty arises from the fact that
      interictal spikes and oscillations overlap in the frequency domain. This hampers
      the correct delineation of the cortex producing pathological oscillations by
      simple filtering. Here, we propose a nonlinear technique for fitting the spike
      waveform in order to remove it, resulting in a 'despiked' signal. This strategy
      was first applied to simulated data inspired from real stereo
      electroencephalographic (SEEG) signals, then to real data. We show that despiking
      leads to a better space-time-frequency analysis of the oscillatory part of the
      signal. Thus, in the real SEEG signals, the spatio-temporal maps show a buildup
      of gamma oscillations during the preictal period in the despiked signals, whereas
      in the original signals this activity is masked by spikes. Despiking is thus a
      promising venue for a better characterization of oscillatory activity in
      electrophysiology of epilepsy.

PMID- 28099167
TI  - Non-invasive measurement of volume-time curves in patients with mitral
      regurgitation and in healthy volunteers, using a new operator-independent
      screening tool.
AB  - Left ventricular volume-time curves (VTCs) provide hemodynamic data, and may help
      clinical decision making. The generation of VTCs using echocardiography, however,
      is time-consuming and prone to inter-operator variability. In this study, we used
      a new non-invasive, operator-independent technique, the hemodynamic cardiac
      profiler (HCP), to generate VTCs. The HCP, which uses a low-intensity, patient
      safe, high-frequency applied AC current, and 12 standard ECG electrodes attached
      on the thorax in a pre-defined pattern, was applied to five young healthy
      volunteers, five older healthy volunteers, and five patients with severe mitral
      regurgitation. From the VTCs generated by the HCP, the presence or absence of an
      isovolumetric contraction phase (ICP) was assessed, as well as the left
      ventricular ejection time (LVET), time of the pre-ejection period (tPEP), and
      ratio of the volumes of the early (E) and late (A) diastolic filling (E V/A V
      ratio), and compared to 2D transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE) at rest. The
      reproducibility by two different operators showed good results (RMS  =  5.2%).
      For intra-patient measurement RMS was 2.8%. Both LVET and the E V/A V ratio
      showed a strong significant correlation between HCP and 2D TTE derived parameters
      (p  <  0.05). For tPEP, the correlation was still weak (p  =  0.32). In all five
      patients with mitral regurgitation, the ICP was absent in the VTC from the HCP,
      whereas it was present in the 10 healthy volunteers, which is in accordance with
      pathophysiology. We conclude that the HCP seems to be a method for reproducible
      VTC generation, and may become a useful early screening tool for cardiac
      dysfunction in the future.

PMID- 28099168
TI  - A non-invasive approach to investigation of ventricular blood pressure using
      cardiac sound features.
AB  - Heart sounds (HSs) are produced by the interaction of the heart valves, great
      vessels, and heart wall with blood flow. Previous researchers have demonstrated
      that blood pressure can be predicted by exploring the features of cardiac sounds.
      These features include the amplitude of the HSs, the ratio of the amplitude, the
      systolic time interval, and the spectrum of the HSs. A single feature or
      combinations of several features have been used for prediction of blood pressure
      with moderate accuracy. Experiments were conducted with three beagles under
      various levels of blood pressure induced by different doses of epinephrine. The
      HSs, blood pressure in the left ventricle and electrocardiograph signals were
      simultaneously recorded. A total of 31 records (18 262 cardiac beats) were
      collected. In this paper, 91 features in various domains are extracted and their
      linear correlations with the measured blood pressures are examined. These
      features are divided into four groups and applied individually at the input of a
      neural network to predict the left ventricular blood pressure (LVBP). The
      analysis shows that non-spectral features can track changes of the LVBP with
      lower standard deviation. Consequently, the non-spectral feature set gives the
      best prediction accuracy. The average correlation coefficient between the
      measured and the predicted blood pressure is 0.92 and the mean absolute error is
      6.86 mmHg, even when the systolic blood pressure varies in the large range from
      90 mmHg to 282 mmHg. Hence, systolic blood pressure can be accurately predicted
      even when using fewer HS features. This technique can be used as an alternative
      to real-time blood pressure monitoring and it has promising applications in home
      health care environments.

PMID- 28099169
TI  - A comparison of stimulus presentation methods in temporal discrimination testing.
AB  - The temporal discrimination threshold (TDT) is the shortest time interval at
      which an individual detects two stimuli to be asynchronous (normal  =  30-50 ms).
      It has been shown to be abnormal in patients with disorders affecting the basal
      ganglia including adult onset idiopathic focal dystonia (AOIFD). Up to 97% of
      patients have an abnormal TDT with age- and sex-related penetrance in unaffected
      relatives, demonstrating an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. These
      findings support the use of the TDT as a pre-clinical biomarker for AOIFD. The
      usual stimulus presentation method involves the presentation of progressively
      asynchronous stimuli; when three sequential stimuli are reported asynchronous is
      taken as a participant's TDT. To investigate the robustness of the 'staircase'
      method of presentation, we introduced a method of randomised presentation order
      to explore any potential 'learning effect' that may be associated with this
      existing method. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in temporal
      discrimination using two methods of stimulus presentation. Thirty healthy
      volunteers were recruited to the study (mean age 33.73  +/-  3.4 years). Visual
      and tactile TDT testing using a staircase and randomised method of presentation
      order was carried out in a single session. There was a strong relationship
      between the staircase and random method for TDT values. This observed consistency
      between testing methods suggests that the existing experimental approach is a
      robust method of recording an individual's TDT. In addition, our newly devised
      randomised paradigm is a reproducible and more efficient method for data
      acquisition in the clinic setting. However, the two presentation methods yield
      different absolute TDT results and either of the two methods should be used
      uniformly in all participants in any one particular study.

PMID- 28099170
TI  - Exploring the ability of the nalidixate to sensitize visible and near-infrared
      emitting lanthanide(III) cations.
AB  - Recently, a strong interest has been directed towards near-infrared (NIR)
      emitting lanthanide(III) compounds as they do possess complementary advantages in
      respect to organic molecules and semi-conductor nanocrystals, especially in the
      fields of biological analysis and imaging. To benefit from their emission, a key
      requirement to fulfill is the sensitization of lanthanide(III) cations with an
      appropriate chromophore. This condition is especially challenging to address for
      the lanthanide(III) cations emitting in the NIR. The quest for new chromophores
      well adapted to the NIR-emitting lanthanide(III) ions is an important direction
      of research in order to broaden the rationalization of the parameters that
      control the sensitization process. In this work, we have investigated the ability
      of a readily available chromophoric ligand, the nalidixic acid, to sensitize
      lanthanide(III) cations with a specific interest for those emitting in the NIR.
      We have therefore performed an extensive study of the luminescence properties of
      lanthanide(III) complexes emitting in the visible and in the NIR ranges formed in
      situ upon mixing the corresponding Ln(III) nitrates (Ln(III)  =  Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu,
      Tb, Dy, Ho, Tm, Yb) with nalidixic acid (HNA) in a 1:3 molar ratio in the
      presence of a base. Luminescence spectra, quantum yields and luminescence
      lifetimes have been measured and discussed. The red emission of Eu with a quantum
      yield value of 5.90(3)%, red and NIR of Pr (7(1) . 10-4 and 5.6(1) . 10-4%) and
      Ho (9.3(2) . 10-4 and 2.8(1) . 10-4%), green of Tb (5.21(5)%), yellow and NIR of
      Dy (0.51(2) and 0.065(4)%), orange and NIR of Sm (0.147(5) and 0.037(2)%), as
      well as NIR of Nd (0.0321(2)%) and Yb (0.021(1)%) were observed. These results
      and analysis show that the nalidixate is a versatile chromophoric ligand that is
      suitable for the sensitization of nine different lanthanide(III) cations, five of
      them emitting in the NIR.

PMID- 28099171
TI  - An approach to estimate spatial distribution of analyte within cells using
      spectrally-resolved fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - While fluorescence microscopy has become an essential tool amongst chemists and
      biologists for the detection of various analyte within cellular environments, non
      uniform spatial distribution of sensors within cells often restricts extraction
      of reliable information on relative abundance of analytes in different
      subcellular regions. As an alternative to existing sensing methodologies such as
      ratiometric or FRET imaging, where relative proportion of analyte with respect to
      the sensor can be obtained within cells, we propose a methodology using
      spectrally-resolved fluorescence microscopy, via which both the relative
      abundance of sensor as well as their relative proportion with respect to the
      analyte can be simultaneously extracted for local subcellular regions. This
      method is exemplified using a BODIPY sensor, capable of detecting mercury ions
      within cellular environments, characterized by spectral blue-shift and concurrent
      enhancement of emission intensity. Spectral emission envelopes collected from sub
      microscopic regions allowed us to compare the shift in transition energies as
      well as integrated emission intensities within various intracellular regions.
      Construction of a 2D scatter plot using spectral shifts and emission intensities,
      which depend on the relative amount of analyte with respect to sensor and the
      approximate local amounts of the probe, respectively, enabled qualitative
      extraction of relative abundance of analyte in various local regions within a
      single cell as well as amongst different cells. Although the comparisons remain
      semi-quantitative, this approach involving analysis of multiple spectral
      parameters opens up an alternative way to extract spatial distribution of analyte
      in heterogeneous systems. The proposed method would be especially relevant for
      fluorescent probes that undergo relatively nominal shift in transition energies
      compared to their emission bandwidths, which often restricts their usage for
      quantitative ratiometric imaging in cellular media due to strong cross-talk
      between energetically separated detection channels.

PMID- 28099172
TI  - Decrease of muscle fiber conduction velocity correlates with strength loss after
      an endurance run.
AB  - Monitoring surface electromyographic (EMG) signals can provide useful insights
      for characterizing muscle fatigue, which is defined as an exercise-induced
      strength loss. This experiment investigated the muscle fiber conduction velocity
      (CV) changes induced by an endurance run. The day before and immediately after a
      half-marathon run (21.097 km) 11 amateur runners performed maximum voluntary
      contractions (MVCs) of knee extensor muscles. During the MVC, multichannel EMG
      was recorded from the vastus lateralis and EMG amplitude and CV were calculated.
      After the run, knee extensors showed a decreased strength (-13  +/-  9%, p  = 
      0.001) together with a reduction in EMG amplitude (-13  +/-  10%, p  =  0.003)
      and in CV (-6  +/-  8%, p  =  0.032). Knee extensor strength loss positively
      correlated with vastus lateralis CV differences (r  =  0.76, p  =  0.006). Thus,
      the exercises-induced muscle fatigue was associated not only with a decrease in
      EMG amplitude, but also with a reduction in CV. This finding suggests that muscle
      fibers with higher CV (i.e. those with greater fiber size) were the most impaired
      during strength production after an endurance run.

PMID- 28099173
TI  - Surgical approach for ulcerated locally advanced breast cancer. A single Center
      experience: a retrospective study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of our retrospective study is to analyze surgical possibilities for
      the extended LABC in those cases not suitable for a neoadjuvant chemotherapy step
      and to consider various reconstruction techniques. MATERIAL OF STUDY: Between
      2009 and 2015 we enrolled 11 patients, admitted to the Emergency Department,
      presenting ulcerated LABC that needed palliative surgical demolitive procedures
      because of bleeding and anemia and in which was necessary to use natural tissues
      transposition or synthetic substitutes for the reconstruction of the skin flaps.
      RESULTS: The mean follow up was 12 months. Mortality rate was 82% (9 patients);
      in 2 cases there was local relapse after 6 months; 9 months was the longest
      disease free survival. DISCUSSION: Thanks to multidisciplinary strategies LABC's
      surgical treatment improved results with a five-year survival rate between 30-40%
      and better quality of survival. Despite extended demolitive approach, there is
      still a 50% of death because of metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that
      musculocutaneous flap, skin anterior thigh grafts, bilayer matrix wound dressing
      are excellent reconstructive strategies in locally advanced ulcerated breast
      cancer after aggressive extended surgery even if palliative to improve patients'
      further survival. Our data also showed that those patients presenting medium
      level of malignancy as "luminal b" subtype (7 patients) if treated earlier with a
      radical surgical procedure would have better prognosis. KEY WORDS: Oncoplastic
      techniques, Ulcerated breast cancer.

PMID- 28099174
TI  - Discordance Rate in Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, HER2 Status, and
      Ki67 Index Between Primary Unifocal and Multiple Homogenous Breast Carcinomas and
      Synchronous Axillary Lymph Node Metastases Have an Impact on Therapeutic
      Decision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to demonstrate that in breast carcinomas the tumor profile
      is not stable during the metastatic process, with impact on therapeutic
      decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the estrogen receptor (ER),
      progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 status and Ki67 index in 41 primary unifocal
      (PU) and 37 primary multiple (PM) breast carcinomas with identical
      immunohistochemical profiles among multiple tumor foci and the matched axillary
      lymph node metastases. We defined as concordant cases in which the primary tumor
      (PU or PM) and lymph node metastases displayed identical positivity or negativity
      for ER, PR, HER2, Ki67 and as discordant cases in which there was a mismatch in
      at least 1 biological parameter among PU and PM tumor and lymph node metastases.
      Moreover, we defined as concordant cases in which the molecular profile (based on
      the immunohistochemical evaluation of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67) was concordant
      among PU and PM tumors and lymph node metastases and mismatch cases as those in
      which the molecular profile of the primary tumor differs from one of the lymph
      node metastases in at least 1 lymph node. RESULTS: The positivity for the
      biological markers is not stable during the metastatic process. In this study the
      total rate of discordant cases was 92.7% in PU tumors and 75.7% in PM homogenous
      tumors (P=0.058, odds ratio=0.245, 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.991). The
      total rate of shifted cases was 64.9% in PM tumors and 82.9% in PU tumors. The
      highest rate of shifting was encountered from Luminal B-like to Luminal A-like.
      In 11 out of 37 (29.7%) PM and in 17 out of 41 (41.5%) PU cases the subtype
      shifted to a poorer one with respect to prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The patients in
      whom the primary tumor is hormone receptor and/or HER2 negative but is positive
      for these markers in the axillary lymph nodes could become eligible for hormonal
      treatment and/or trastuzumab treatment, which may significantly improve the
      patient's outcome.

PMID- 28099175
TI  - Two for One: A Case Report of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion to Treat Local
      Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity in Term Pregnancy.
AB  - Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) analgesia is a frequently used method of labor
      analgesia. Although it is considered safe and effective, CSE can be complicated
      by local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), a potentially life-threatening
      condition. We present a case of LAST that developed in a primigravida 50 minutes
      after uneventful placement of a CSE. Her symptoms resolved within 10 minutes of
      administering intralipid emulsion. She subsequently underwent cesarean delivery
      under spinal anesthesia for failure to progress without sequelae in the mother or
      infant. LAST in pregnancy can occur at traditionally subthreshold dosing;
      anesthesiologists must be vigilant to ensure prompt and effective treatment.

PMID- 28099176
TI  - Teaching Population Health: Community-Oriented Primary Care Revisited.

PMID- 28099177
TI  - Medical Students' Perspectives on Implementing Curriculum Change at One
      Institution.
AB  - Training physicians to be effective practitioners throughout their careers begins
      in undergraduate medical education with particular focus on self-directed
      inquiry, professional and interprofessional development, and competency-based
      assessment. A select number of medical schools are restructuring their curricula
      by placing the student at the center of content delivery to enhance the learning
      experience. While this restructuring may benefit the adult learner,
      administrators often make assumptions about how students will perceive and
      respond to such innovative and unfamiliar educational concepts. This can create a
      disconnect between students and their curriculum. Administrative mindfulness of
      student experiences is needed to ensure successful implementation of curricular
      change, facilitate the transition from old to new modalities, and train competent
      physician graduates.Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM) recently
      completed a curriculum update, and student representatives have been essential
      participants in the transition, from the earliest stages in preplanning to rapid
      cycle feedback as the curriculum runs. Two of the authors are members of VUSM's
      Student Curriculum Committee, which facilitates gathering and relaying student
      feedback to the administration. Drawing from their experiences, five specific
      considerations to address and manage when implementing student-centered
      curricular change are presented: (1) Communicate the rationale, (2) acknowledge
      anxiety, (3) adjust extracurricular leadership roles, (4) manage "The Bulge" of
      learners in the clinical environment, and (5) foster ongoing collaboration of
      students and administrators. For each consideration, examples and proposed
      solutions are provided.

PMID- 28099178
TI  - Clinical Performance Evaluations of Third-Year Medical Students and Association
      With Student and Evaluator Gender.
AB  - PURPOSE: Clinical performance evaluations are major components of medical school
      clerkship grades. But are they sufficiently objective? This study aimed to
      determine whether student and evaluator gender is associated with assessment of
      overall clinical performance. METHOD: This was a retrospective analysis of 4,272
      core clerkship clinical performance evaluations by 829 evaluators of 155 third
      year students, within the Alpert Medical School grading database for the 2013
      2014 academic year. Overall clinical performance, assessed on a three-point scale
      (meets expectations, above expectations, exceptional), was extracted from each
      evaluation, as well as evaluator gender, age, training level, department, student
      gender and age, and length of observation time. Hierarchical ordinal regression
      modeling was conducted to account for clustering of evaluations. RESULTS: Female
      students were more likely to receive a better grade than males (adjusted odds
      ratio [AOR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.50), and female evaluators
      awarded lower grades than males (AOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55-0.93), adjusting for
      department, observation time, and student and evaluator age. The interaction
      between student and evaluator gender was significant (P = .03), with female
      evaluators assigning higher grades to female students, while male evaluators'
      grading did not differ by student gender. Students who spent a short time with
      evaluators were also more likely to get a lower grade. CONCLUSIONS: A one-year
      examination of all third-year clerkship clinical performance evaluations at a
      single institution revealed that male and female evaluators rated male and female
      students differently, even when accounting for other measured variables.

PMID- 28099179
TI  - Traditional Sternotomy Versus Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement in
      Patients Stratified by Ejection Fraction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Low ejection fraction (EF < 40%) portends adverse outcomes in patients
      undergoing valvular heart surgery. The role of traditional median sternotomy
      aortic valve replacement (SAVR) compared with minimally invasive aortic valve
      replacement (MIAVR) in this cohort remains incompletely understood. METHODS: A
      multi-institutional retrospective review of 1503 patients who underwent SAVR (n =
      815) and MIAVR via right anterior thoracotomy (n = 688) from 2011 to 2014 was
      performed. Patients were stratified into two groups: EF of less than 40% and EF
      of 40% or more. In each EF group, SAVR and MIAVR patients were propensity matched
      by age, sex, body mass index, race, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia,
      dialysis, cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular
      accident, peripheral vascular disease, last creatinine level, EF, previous MI and
      cardiogenic shock, and the Society for Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score. RESULTS:
      Among patients with an EF of 40% or more (377 pairs), patients who underwent
      MIAVR compared with SAVR had decreased intensive care unit hours (56.8% vs 84.6%,
      P < 0.001), postoperative length of stay (7.1 vs 7.9 days, P = 0.04), incidence
      of atrial fibrillation (18.8% vs 38.7%, P < 0.001), bleeding (0.8% vs 3.2%, P =
      0.04), and a trend toward decreased 30-day mortality (0.3% vs 1.3%, P = 0.22).
      The STS scores were largely equivalent in patients undergoing MIAVR compared with
      SAVR (2.4% vs 2.6%, P = 0.09). In patients with an EF of less than 40% (35
      pairs), there was no difference in intensive care unit hours (69% vs 72.6%, P =
      0.80), postoperative length of stay (10.3 vs 7.2 days, P = 0.13), 30-day
      mortality (3.8% vs 0.8%, P = 0.50), or the STS score (3.3% vs 3.2%, P = 0.68).
      CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in patients with
      preserved EF was associated with improved short-term outcomes compared with SAVR.
      In patients with left ventricular dysfunction, short-term outcomes between MIAVR
      and SAVR are largely equivalent.

PMID- 28099180
TI  - KBG syndrome: 16q24.3 microdeletion in an Indian patient.

PMID- 28099181
TI  - Adverse events and risk factors during emergency intubation in a tertiary
      paediatric emergency department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapid sequence intubation and emergency intubation in the emergency
      department (ED) can be life-saving procedures, but require the appropriate
      skills, experience and preparation to avoid complications ranging from simple
      trauma to life-threatening desaturation. Only scarce data exist in the published
      literature on complications following emergency intubation in children and most
      guidelines are extrapolated from the adult population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      reviewed all emergency intubations of patients in our tertiary paediatric ED
      within a 2-year period to estimate the incidence of complications and to analyse
      the risk factors associated with this procedure. RESULTS: Seventy-two children
      were intubated; complications occurred in one in four and repeated attempts at
      intubation in 17/23 children. The median age of the children was 2 years (range:
      0 days-6 years). The most common reason for intubation was altered level of
      consciousness and the most frequent diagnosis at the time of intubation was
      seizure/status epilepticus. Complications were related to desaturation (n=7),
      equipment failure (n=3), intravenous access (n=2) and hypotension (n=2),
      erroneous or insufficient drug preparation (n=1) and other reasons (n=3). There
      was no significant association of complications with the child's age or weight,
      time of arrival to ED, preintubation hypotension or combination of drugs used.
      CONCLUSION: Complications of rapid sequence intubation, a relatively low
      frequency procedure in the paediatric ED, occurred in one of four children and
      repeat attempts at intubation were made in another 24%. We suggest that the use
      of an intubation checklist including the preparation of equipment and
      recommendations for drug use would minimize the occurrence of adverse events of
      intubation in children.

PMID- 28099182
TI  - Reliability of the revised Swiss Emergency Triage Scale: a computer simulation
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Swiss Emergency Triage Scale (SETS) is a four-level emergency
      scale that previously showed moderate reliability and high rates of undertriage
      due to a lack of standardization. It was revised to better standardize the
      measurement and interpretation of vital signs during the triage process.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the inter-rater and test-retest
      reliability, and the rate of correct triage of the revised SETS. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Thirty clinical scenarios were evaluated twice at a 3-month interval
      using an interactive computerized triage simulator by 58 triage nurses at an
      urban teaching emergency department admitting 60 000 patients a year. Inter-rater
      and test-retest reliabilities were determined using kappa statistics. Triage
      decisions were compared with a gold standard attributed by an expert panel. Rates
      of correct triage, undertriage, and overtriage were computed. A logistic
      regression model was used to identify the predictors of correct triage. RESULTS:
      A total of 3387 triage situations were analyzed. Inter-rater reliability showed
      substantial agreement [mean kappa: 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-0.78]
      and test-retest almost perfect agreement (mean kappa: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.84-0.88).
      The rate of correct triage was 84.1%, and rates of undertriage and overtriage
      were 7.2 and 8.7%, respectively. Vital sign measurement was an independent
      predictor of correct triage (odds ratios for correct triage: 1.29 for each
      additional vital sign measured, 95% CI: 1.20-1.39). CONCLUSION: The revised SETS
      incorporating standardized vital sign measurement and interpretation during the
      triage process resulted in high reliability and low rates of mistriage.

PMID- 28099184
TI  - Efficacy of Vitamin B6 in Lithium-Associated Tremor: A Case Series.

PMID- 28099183
TI  - Memantine as an Adjuvant Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms in Manic
      Phase of Bipolar Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled
      Clinical Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of memantine
      as an adjuvant treatment for obsessive compulsive (OC) symptoms in patients with
      bipolar disorder (BD) type I, manic phase. METHODS/PROCEDURES: In this 16-week
      double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 58 patients in the
      manic phase of BD who had OC symptoms were randomly allocated to receive
      memantine or placebo plus their routine medications (lithium + olanzapine +
      clonazepam). The Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Behavior Scale was used to
      assess the outcomes. Adverse effects were also recorded. FINDINGS/RESULTS: Thirty
      eight patients (19 in the memantine group and 19 in the placebo group) completed
      the trial. Throughout the trial, the mean score decreased from 20.26 +/- 5.91 to
      9.73 +/- 5.44 in the memantine group (P < 0.000) and from 22.89 +/- 5.70 to 16.63
      +/- 4.00 in the placebo group (P < 0.000). At the end of the study, 15 (78.94%)
      patients in the memantine group and 7 (36.84%) patients in the placebo group
      demonstrated more than 34% decline in the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive
      Behavior Scale score (P < 0.01). No serious adverse effects were reported.
      IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Our double-blind controlled clinical trial showed that
      memantine is an effective adjuvant agent for reducing OC symptoms in patients
      with BD. However, it needs to be noted that our study is preliminary, and larger
      double-blind controlled studies are needed to confirm the results.

PMID- 28099185
TI  - Ketamine and Suicidal Ideation: Direct Effect or Epiphenomenon?

PMID- 28099186
TI  - Poststroke depression: risk factors and potential effects on functional recovery.
AB  - The factors that may cause poststroke depression were investigated in the
      literature focusing on lesion localization, age, stroke severity, and impairments
      in physical and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to examine the risk
      factors influencing the development of poststroke depression and to determine the
      effect of depression on the patients' functional improvement after
      rehabilitation. Patients in the first 6-month period after stroke who were
      hospitalized in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic were included in
      this study. Patients who were admitted to the hospital within 0-30 and 30-120
      days from the date of stroke were considered early and late rehabilitation
      entrants, respectively. The sample of this study included 93 patients. Patients'
      demographic and clinical characteristics, complications, and medical history were
      recorded. Upper extremity motor function, ambulation, and mood were evaluated
      according to the Frenchay Arm Test, the Functional Ambulation Scale, and the Beck
      Depression Inventory, respectively. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was
      applied to patients at admission to the hospital, at discharge, and 1 month after
      discharge (follow-up). The mean age of the patients was 58 years and the mean
      disease duration was 53 days. Depression was diagnosed in 49 (53%) patients.
      Except for age and disease duration, none of the factors of sex, hemiplegic side,
      stroke severity, stroke etiology, neglect, spasticity, sedentary lifestyle,
      poststroke immobility, and early-onset or late-onset to rehabilitation was found
      to induce statistically significant differences in the development of depression.
      Statistically significant changes occurred in total FIM levels between the groups
      with and without depression between admission and discharge, admission and follow
      up, and discharge and follow-up. The levels were significantly higher in patients
      without depression than in patients with depression. Depression was found in a
      high frequency in stroke patients. Younger age and long disease duration were
      found to be factors affecting the development of depression. FIM scores were
      observed to be lower in stroke patients with depression.

PMID- 28099187
TI  - A Comparative Study of Anterior Decompression With Fusion and Posterior
      Decompression With Laminoplasty for the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic
      Myelopathy Patients With Large Anterior Compression of the Spinal Cord.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational single-center study.
      OBJECTIVES: To compare anterior decompression and fusion (ADF) and laminoplasty
      (LAMP) for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients with
      large anterior compression in terms of clinical and radiologic outcomes. SUMMARY
      OF BACKGROUND DATA: We have reported that insufficient posterior decompression
      could be often seen after laminoplasty for CSM patients with preoperative
      anterior clearance of the spinal cord, defined as an interval <4 mm between the
      preoperative the modified K-line and anterior structure of the spinal canal at
      most compressive segment on sagittal T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Here
      we conduct a study comparing ADF and LAMP for the treatment of CSM patients with
      such a risk factor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 221 consecutive CSM patients
      treated with either ADF or LAMP between 2008 and 2012 at our hospital, 79
      patients in whom the interval was <4 mm with age ranged from 50 to 79 years were
      enrolled. Patients with myelopathy caused by single-level disk herniation, tumor
      or ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, or patients with a history of
      cervical spine injury were excluded. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA)
      scoring system for cervical myelopathy, recovery rate of the JOA score at the
      time of 2 years after surgery were investigated as clinical outcomes to compare
      these 2 groups. RESULTS: Demographics were almost similar between ADF and LAMP
      groups. The mean preoperative and postoperative JOA scores were 10.9 and 13.8
      points for ADF group and 10.1 and 12.4 points for LAMP group, indicating that the
      recovery rate of JOA score was significantly greater in ADF group (49.6%) than
      that in LAMP group (38.2%; P=0.047). In LAMP group, spinal cord deformity was a
      significant predictive factor for unsatisfactory clinical outcome. CONCLUSION:
      ADF provided better surgical treatment for the patients with absence of
      preoperative anterior clearance of the spinal cord.

PMID- 28099188
TI  - Hepatitis B incidence and prevention with antiretroviral therapy among HIV
      positive individuals in Uganda.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) may interfere with replication of
      hepatitis B virus (HBV), raising the hypothesis that HBV infection might be
      prevented by ART. We investigated the incidence and risk factors associated with
      HBV among HIV-infected adults in Rakai, Uganda. METHODS: We screened stored sera
      from 944 HIV-infected adults enrolled in the Rakai Community Cohort Study between
      September 2003 and March 2015 for evidence of HBV exposure. Serum from
      participants who tested anti-hepatitis B core-negative (497) at baseline were
      tested over 3-7 consecutive survey rounds for incident HBV. Poisson incidence
      methods were used to estimate incidence of HBV with 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs), whereas Cox proportional regression methods were used to estimate hazard
      ratios (HRs). RESULTS: Thirty-nine HBV infections occurred over 3342 person
      years, incidence 1.17/100 person-years. HBV incidence was significantly lower
      with ART use: 0.49/100 person-years with ART and 2.3/100 person-years without ART
      [adjusted HR (aHR) 0.25, 95% CI 0.1-0.5, P < 0.001], and with lamivudine (3TC)
      use: 0.58/100 person-years) with 3TC and 2.25/100 person-years without 3TC (aHR
      0.32, 95% CI 0.1-0.7, P =  < 0.007). No new HBV infections occurred among those
      on tenofovir-based ART. HBV incidence also decreased with HIV RNA suppression:
      0.6/100 person-years with 400 copies/ml or less and 4.0/100 person-years with
      more than 400 copies/ml (aHR, 6.4, 95% CI 2.2-19.0, P < 0.001); and with age: 15
      29 years versus 40-50 years (aHR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2-9.0); 30-39 years versus 40-50
      years (aHR 2.1, 95% CI 0.9-5.3). CONCLUSION: HBV continues to be acquired in
      adulthood among HIV-positive Ugandans and HBV incidence is dramatically reduced
      with HBV-active ART. In addition to widespread vaccination, initiation of ART may
      prevent HBV acquisition among HIV-positive adults in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 28099189
TI  - Productive infection of human neural progenitor cells by R5 tropic HIV-1: opiate
      co-exposure heightens infectivity and functional vulnerability.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: HIV type-1 (HIV-1) causes a spectrum of central nervous system (CNS)
      complications; many are worsened by opiate co-exposure. Human neural progenitor
      cells (hNPCs) give rise to all CNS neurons and macroglia. We tested the
      hypothesis that hNPC maturation and fate are altered by HIV and opiates,
      contributing to HIV-1-related neuropathology. Reports of hNPC infection remain
      controversial. We rigorously examined this question, testing whether hNPCs
      propogated infection, and whether HIV affected hNPCs absent their infection.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: Primary hNPCs were characterized over multiple passages.
      Following R5 HIV-1BaL exposure, p24, Nef, and tat assays monitored infection; a
      serial dilution approach tested infection transfer to naive hNPCs.
      Bromodeoxyuridine uptake, population doubling time, and immunostaining assessed
      proliferation and differentiation. Morphine co-exposure assessed opiate
      interactions. Supernatant from HIV-1BaL-infected PBMCs (HIVsup), HIV-1BaL, and
      ultraviolet light-inactivated HIVsup were compared to test effects of
      inflammatory milieu versus virus or infection per se. RESULTS: The hNPCs
      (CD4/CD8/Iba/CXC3CL1/CD11b) were infectable and could transfer infection to naive
      hNPCs. Infection was partly blocked by maraviroc, implicating CCR5. HIVsup
      reduced hNPC proliferation and caused premature differentiation into
      neurons/astroglia. Effects on proliferation were due to soluble factors/viral
      proteins, not infection per se. Morphine co-exposure exacerbated certain
      functional consequences of HIVsup, and sustained the infection of hNPCs.
      CONCLUSION: hNPCs can be infected and propagate virus in vitro. hNPCs or their
      progeny may represent an underappreciated viral reservoir. Factors from infected
      cells alter hNPC proliferation and neural cell maturation, which likely
      compromises CNS structure and function. Morphine-HIV interactions may worsen
      dysfunction and sustain infection.

PMID- 28099190
TI  - Coagulation imbalance and neurocognitive functioning in older HIV-positive adults
      on suppressive antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare plasma biomarkers of coagulation
      between HIV-infected individuals and HIV-uninfected controls and to assess the
      impact of disturbances in coagulation on neurocognitive functioning in HIV.
      DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of 66 antiretroviral therapy treated, virally
      suppressed, HIV-infected and 34 HIV-uninfected older (>=50 years of age) adults.
      METHODS: Participants completed standardized neurobehavioral and neuromedical
      assessments. Neurocognitive functioning was evaluated using a well validated
      comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Plasma biomarkers associated with
      procoagulation (fibrinogen, p-selectin, tissue factor and von Willebrand factor),
      anticoagulation (antithrombin, protein C and thrombomodulin), fibrinolysis (d
      dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and plasminogen) were collected.
      Multivariable linear regression was used to test the interaction of HIV and
      coagulation on neurocognitive functioning. RESULTS: Most participants were male
      (78.0%) and non-Hispanic white (73.0%) with a mean age of 57.8 years. Among HIV
      infected participants, mean estimated duration of HIV infection was 19.4 years
      and median current CD4 cell count was 654 cells/MUl. Levels of soluble biomarkers
      of procoagulation, anticoagulation and fibrinolysis were comparable between the
      HIV serostatus groups. Coagulation and HIV had an interacting effect on
      neurocognitive functioning, such that greater coagulation imbalance was
      associated with poorer neurocognitive functioning among the HIV-infected
      participants. The moderating effect of coagulation on neurocognition was driven
      by procoagulant but not anticoagulant or fibrinolytic biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Elevated levels of procoagulants may exert a particularly detrimental effect on
      neurocognitive functioning among older HIV-infected persons. A better
      understanding of the specific role of coagulation in the cause of HIV-associated
      neurocognitive disorders may lead to treatments aimed at reducing coagulopathy,
      thereby improving neurocognitive outcomes.

PMID- 28099191
TI  - Long-acting combination anti-HIV drug suspension enhances and sustains higher
      drug levels in lymph node cells than in blood cells and plasma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine whether a combination of
      anti-HIV drugs - tenofovir (TFV), lopinavir (LPV) and ritonavir (RTV) - in a
      lipid-stabilized nanosuspension (called TLC-ART101) could enhance and sustain
      intracellular drug levels and exposures in lymph node and blood cells above those
      in plasma. DESIGN: Four macaques were given a single dose of TLC-ART101
      subcutaneously. Drug concentrations in plasma and mononuclear cells of the blood
      (PBMCs) and lymph nodes (LNMCs) were analysed using a validated combination LC
      MS/MS assay. RESULTS: For the two active drugs (TFV, LPV), plasma and PBMC
      intracellular drug levels persisted for over 2 weeks; PBMC drug exposures were
      three- to four-fold higher than those in plasma. Apparent terminal half-lives
      (t1/2) of TFV and LPV were 65.3 and 476.9 h in plasma, and 169.1 and 151.2 h in
      PBMCs. At 24 and 192 h, TFV and LPV drug levels in LNMCs were up to 79-fold
      higher than those in PBMCs. Analysis of PBMC intracellular TFV and its active
      metabolite TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) indicated that intracellular exposures of
      total TFV and TFV-DP were markedly higher and persisted longer than in humans and
      macaques dosed with oral TFV prodrugs, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or
      tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). CONCLUSIONS: A simple, scalable three-drug
      combination, lipid-stabilized nanosuspension exhibited persistent drug levels in
      cells of lymph nodes and the blood (HIV host cells) and in plasma. With
      appropriate dose adjustment, TLC-ART101 may be a useful HIV treatment with a
      potential to impact residual virus in lymph nodes.

PMID- 28099192
TI  - Aerobic Exercise Training in Very Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise training in patients with
      very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: We searched
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cumulative
      Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases using the following as
      search terms: COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Exercise, and
      Pulmonary Rehabilitation. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of
      subjects with forced expiratory volume in the first second of less than 35% of
      the predicted normal value enrolled in in-patient, outpatient, or home- or
      community-based training programs lasting at least 4 weeks with respect to usual
      care. We included RCTs with outcome measures including the 6-minute walking test
      and/or health-related quality of life assessed by the St. George's Respiratory
      Questionnaire (SGRQ). RESULTS: Of 580 articles screened, 10 were included. The
      programs' duration ranged from 4 to 52 weeks with 1 to 5 sessions per week
      lasting 15 to 40 minutes each. The intervention group improved in 6-minute
      walking test [weighted mean difference, 67.1 (95% confidence interval [CI],
      37.897-98.927); standardized mean difference, 3.86 (95% CI, 2.04-5.67)], and St.
      George's Respiratory Questionnaire [weighted mean difference, -8.041 (95% CI, 
      15.273 to -0.809); standardized mean difference, -1.23 (95% CI, -2.14 to -0.31)].
      CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training improves exercise tolerance and health-related
      quality of life in patients with very severe COPD. However, because few studies
      on severely affected patients are available and the training programs are Highly
      heterogeneous, larger RCTs are needed.

PMID- 28099193
TI  - The Effect of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation on Shoulder Biomechanics: A Randomized
      Controlled Trial in Comparison to Physical Therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the effects on shoulder biomechanics from a peripheral
      nerve stimulation (PNS) treatment compared to physical therapy (PT) in stroke
      survivors with chronic hemiplegic shoulder pain. DESIGN: Single-site, pilot,
      randomized controlled trial for adults with chronic shoulder pain after stroke.
      Participants were randomized to receive a 3-week treatment of single-lead PNS or
      physical therapy (PT). The outcomes included isometric shoulder abduction
      strength, pain-free shoulder external rotation range of motion (ROM), delay in
      initiation and termination of shoulder abduction electromyogram (EMG) activity,
      and the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (upper extremity section). Outcomes were
      measured at baseline, and at weeks 1, 4, 12, and 16. RESULTS: Twenty-five
      participants were recruited, 13 to PNS and 12 to PT. There were significant
      improvements for both PNS and PT in maximum isometric shoulder abduction
      strength, pain-free external rotation ROM, and Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment. There
      were no significant changes in delay of initiation or termination of deltoid EMG
      with either treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Both PNS and PT are capable of improving
      shoulder biomechanics in those with HSP, though changes in biomechanics alone do
      not account for the greater pain relief associated with PNS than PT.

PMID- 28099194
TI  - Chronic Resistance Training Does Not Ameliorate Unloading-Induced Decrements in
      Neuromuscular Function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of long-term
      resistance training in preventing the detrimental effects of muscle unloading on
      neuromuscular function. DESIGN: Eleven untrained men and 11 men with extensive
      backgrounds in resistance training were tested for several parameters of
      neuromuscular function at various isokinetic contractile velocities before and
      after 7 days of muscle unloading. Measurements included muscle mass, strength,
      power, total work, electromyography, and neuromuscular transmission efficiency
      using superimposed electrical stimulation of maximally contracting muscles.
      RESULTS: Muscle performance was superior in resistance-trained subjects before
      and after unloading. In both groups of participants, unloading resulted in
      significantly (P < 0.05) diminished muscle performance, but only at isometric or
      slower isokinetic contractile velocities. Electromyography activity was
      significantly higher in trained than in untrained subjects before and after
      unloading. Thigh muscle mass was greater among trained subjects before and after
      unloading. Neither electromyography activity, thigh muscle mass, nor
      neuromuscular transmission efficiency was significantly altered by unloading in
      trained or untrained participants. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic resistance training was
      found to be ineffective in neutralizing the deleterious effects of unloading on
      neuromuscular function. It appears that positive adaptations associated with long
      term resistance training provide no prophylactic effect when neuromuscular
      systems are subjected to unloading.

PMID- 28099195
TI  - Systolic peak foot-to-apex time interval, a novel oscillometric technique for
      systolic blood pressure measurement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Noninvasive blood pressure (BP) measurement is essential for the
      study of human physiology but automatic oscillometric devices only estimate SBP
      and DBP using various, undisclosed algorithms, precluding standardization and
      interchangeability. We propose a novel approach by tracking, during pneumatic
      cuff deflation, the time interval from the foot to the apex of the systolic peak
      of the oscillometric signal, which reaches a maximum concomitant with the first
      Korotkoff sound. METHOD: In 145 study participants and patients (group 1), we
      measured the systolic brachial artery blood pressure by Korotkoff sound
      recording, conventional oscillometry, and our fully automated systolic peak foot
      to-apex time interval (SFATI) technique. In 35 other patients (group 2), we
      compared SFATI with intra-arterial measurement. RESULTS: In group 1, the
      concordance correlation coefficient was 0.989 and 0.984 between SFATI and
      Korotkoff sounds, 0.884 and 0.917 between oscillometry and Korotkoff sounds, and
      0.882 and 0.919 between SFATI and oscillometry, respectively, on the left and
      right arm. In group 2, it was 0.72 between SFATI and intra-arterial measurement,
      0.67 between oscillometry and intra-arterial measurement, and 0.92 between SFATI
      and Korotkoff sounds. In 40 study participants, the reproducibility study yielded
      a concordance coefficient of 0.95 for SFATI and 0.94 for Korotkoff sounds.
      CONCLUSION: SFATI BP measurement shows an excellent concordance with the
      auscultatory technique, offering a major improvement over current oscillometric
      techniques and allowing standardization.

PMID- 28099196
TI  - Use of Engineered Exosomes Expressing HLA and Costimulatory Molecules to Generate
      Antigen-specific CD8+ T Cells for Adoptive Cell Therapy.
AB  - Dendritic cell-derived exosomes (DEX) comprise an efficient stimulator of T
      cells. However, the production of sufficient DEX remains a barrier to their broad
      applicability in immunotherapeutic approaches. In previous studies, genetically
      engineered K562 have been used to generate artificial antigen presenting cells
      (AAPC). Here, we isolated exosomes from K562 cells (referred to as CoEX-A2s)
      engineered to express human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 and costimulatory
      molecules such as CD80, CD83, and 41BBL. CoEX-A2s were capable of stimulating
      antigen-specific CD8 T cells both directly and indirectly via CoEX-A2 cross
      dressed cells. Notably, CoEX-A2s also generated similar levels of HCMV pp65
      specific and MART1-specific CD8 T cells as DEX in vitro. The results suggest that
      these novel exosomes may provide a crucial reagent for generating antigen
      specific CD8 T cells for adoptive cell therapies against viral infection and
      tumors.

PMID- 28099197
TI  - Relative Frequencies of Arteritic and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic
      Neuropathy in an Arab Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relative frequencies of arteritic and nonarteritic
      anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) in an Arab population and to compare
      and contrast these findings with known epidemiological data from Caucasian
      populations. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of all
      patients diagnosed with AION at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH)
      in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 1997 and 2012. RESULTS: Of 171 patients with
      AION, 4 had biopsy-proven giant-cell arteritis (GCA). The relative frequencies of
      arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION) and nonarteritic anterior
      ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in this Arab cohort were 2.3% and 97.7%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The relative frequencies of arteritic anterior
      ischemic optic neuropathy and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
      differ between Arab and North American clinic-based populations, with giant-cell
      arteritis-related ischemia being much less frequent in Saudi Arabia.

PMID- 28099198
TI  - Osteomyelitis of the accessory and body of the navicular bone: a case report.
AB  - A 16-year-old boy developed left foot pain of unknown cause that was unresponsive
      to conservative treatment, associated with fever and difficulty walking. He was
      admitted to our hospital with osteomyelitis of the accessory and body of the
      navicular bone. Surgery could not be performed because the patient had been
      diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. After antibiotic therapy, laboratory
      abnormalities and pain had resolved. One year after treatment, the patient had
      returned to his original level of sports activity. Both an accessory navicular
      and the body of the navicular bone may develop osteomyelitis in immunocompromised
      patients; early diagnosis is important for prescribing effective conservative
      treatment.

PMID- 28099199
TI  - Chronic lateral epiphyseal separation of the proximal tibia causes late-onset
      tibia vara.
AB  - An adolescent obese boy showed late-onset unilateral tibia vara associated with
      physeal separation (slipped epiphysis) of the lateral proximal tibia and physeal
      widening of the lateral distal femur. These affected physes showed normal signal
      intensities by MRI. He was treated with lateral hemiepiphysiodesis of the left
      proximal tibia and the distal femur using two parallel eight-Plates, and varus
      deformity rapidly improved postoperatively without recurrence. This is the first
      case of late-onset tibia vara caused by lateral physeal separation of the
      proximal tibia. Normal growth of the medial physes around the knee would
      contribute toward significant correction after surgery.

PMID- 28099200
TI  - Perception and Acceptability of Medical Photography in Chinese Dermatologic
      Patients: A Questionnaire Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical photography is increasingly used by physicians, but studies
      assessing the perception and acceptability of medical photography by Chinese
      dermatologic patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception and
      acceptability of medical photography in Chinese dermatologic patients. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: From July to December 2014, adult patients visiting the Dermatology
      Clinic of The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University were
      included in this study. They were required to fill an anonymous questionnaire
      regarding perception and acceptability of medical photography. RESULTS: A total
      of 509 consecutive patients completed the questionnaire, with 35 and 474
      declining and undergoing medical photography, respectively. Meanwhile, 81.0% of
      the patients preferred to be photographed by attending physicians; 63.3% favored
      clinic-owned cameras, and 81.0% would rather have their photographs stored in the
      department's database. Besides, most patients allowed their photographs to be
      used in case studies (92.8%) or medical record keeping (90.3%). CONCLUSION: Most
      Chinese dermatologic patients accept medical photography. However, the principles
      of privacy protection and informed consent should be strictly enforced in
      clinical practice, and appropriate photographic devices and storage methods
      should be used, for better acceptance.

PMID- 28099201
TI  - Medial Canthal Reconstruction With Malar Advancement Flap Combined With Cutaneous
      Island Flap Created Using "Conventionally Discarded" Tissue.

PMID- 28099202
TI  - Early Changes in Facial Profile Following Structured Filler Rhinoplasty: An
      Anthropometric Analysis Using a 3-Dimensional Imaging System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative measurements are important for objective evaluation of
      postprocedural outcomes. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging is known as an objective,
      accurate, and reliable system for quantifying the soft tissue dimensions of the
      face. OBJECTIVE: To compare the preprocedural and acute postprocedural
      nasofrontal, nasofacial, nasolabial, and nasomental angles, early changes in the
      height and length of the nose, and nasal volume using a 3D surface imaging with a
      light-emitting diode. METHODS: The 3D imaging analysis of 40 Korean women who
      underwent structured nonsurgical rhinoplasty was conducted. The 3D assessment was
      performed before, immediately after, 1 day, and 2 weeks after filler rhinoplasty
      with a Morpheus 3D scanner (Morpheus Co., Seoul, Korea). RESULTS: There were
      significant early changes in facial profile following nonsurgical rhinoplasty
      with a hyaluronic acid filler. An average increase of 6.03 degrees  in the
      nasofrontal angle, an increase of 3.79 degrees  in the nasolabial angle, increase
      of 0.88 degrees  in the nasomental angle, and a reduction of 0.83 degrees  in the
      nasofacial angle was observed at 2 weeks of follow-up. Increment in nasal volume
      and nose height was also found after 2 weeks. Side effects, such as hematoma,
      nodules, and skin necrosis, were not observed. CONCLUSION: The 3D surface imaging
      quantitatively demonstrated the early changes in facial profile after structured
      filler rhinoplasty. The study results describe significant acute spatial changes
      in nose shape following treatment.

PMID- 28099203
TI  - Evaluation of Gene Expression Patterns in Micrografts Demonstrate Induction of
      Catagen-Like Processes During Storage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alterations of gene expression patterns may contribute to the
      commonly observed transient reduction of hair shaft elongation in hair
      restoration surgery. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the molecular causes, we evaluated
      changes in gene expression patterns in hair follicle micrografts during storage.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Micrografts with different amounts of adjacent connective
      tissue (regular, skinny, and chubby) were stored for different periods, and the
      expression of key genes was determined: dermal papilla (DP): FGF7, alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP), versican; outer root sheath: Krt15; inner root sheath: Krt 25;
      cuticula: Krt85; Henle layer: filaggrin; genes related to apoptosis and
      growth/differentiation: Caspase 3, Ovol1, and Foxo1. RESULTS: A significant
      decrease in FGF7 (4 * 10 fold) was observed after 4 hours, with further decrease
      after 48 hours. A significant decrease of versican (0.35 fold) and ALP (0.004
      fold) was observed after 24 hours of storage. No differences relating to adjacent
      connective tissue were observed. No changes of different keratins genes or genes
      related to growth/differentiation and apoptosis were observed. CONCLUSION: These
      data clearly demonstrate a reduction in the specific function of cells in the DP,
      which seem to be the causative for the induction of hair follicle cycling during
      micrograft preparation and storage.

PMID- 28099205
TI  - The HDL cholesterol/apolipoprotein A-I ratio: an indicator of cardiovascular
      disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In multiple studies, the HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration
      has been shown to be inversely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and
      CVD risk. Based on this observation, increasing the plasma HDL-C concentration is
      thought to be a desirable strategy, in the 21st century, for decreasing the
      burden of CVD. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have shown that powerful HDL-C
      concentration-increasing drugs are ineffective for decreasing CVD. Increasing
      evidence now shows that HDL is an unstable and heterogeneous particle, and that
      'HDL particle functionality' is far more important in atheroprotection than is
      the HDL-C level, alone. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major protein
      component of HDL, and increasing evidence suggests that the ratio of HDL-C to
      apoA-I may give additional insight as a risk marker not just for CVD but also for
      all-cause and cancer mortality. SUMMARY: In this review, we discuss the
      importance of HDL composition, apoA-I levels, and the HDL-C/apoA-I ratio for
      predicting CVD and mortality outcomes.

PMID- 28099204
TI  - Narrowing in on the anti-beta cell-specific T cells: looking 'where the action
      is'.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: By necessity, the vast majority of information we have on
      autoreactive T cells in human type 1 diabetes (T1D) has come from the study of
      peripheral blood of donors with T1D. It is not clear how representative the
      peripheral autoreactive T-cell repertoire is of the autoreactive T cells
      infiltrating the islets in T1D. We will summarize and discuss what is known of
      the immunohistopathology of insulitis, the T-cell receptor repertoire expressed
      by islet-infiltrating T cells, and the autoreactivity and function of islet
      infiltrating T cells in T1D. RECENT FINDINGS: Recovery and analysis of live,
      islet-infiltrating T cells from the islets of cadaveric donors with T1D revealed
      a broad repertoire and proinflammatory phenotype of CD4 T-cell autoreactivity to
      peptide targets from islet proteins, including proinsulin, as well as CD4 T-cell
      reactivity to a number of post-translationally modified peptides, including
      peptides with citrullinations and hybrid insulin peptide fusions. Islet
      infiltrating CD8 T cells were also derived and required further isolation and
      characterization. SUMMARY: The recovery of live, islet-infiltrating T cells from
      donors with T1D, reactive with a broad range of known targets and post
      translationally modified peptides, allows for the specific functional analysis of
      islet-infiltrating T cells for the development of antigen-specific
      immunotherapies.

PMID- 28099206
TI  - Is a beta cell a beta cell?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This report examines recent publications identifying
      phenotypic and functional heterogeneity among pancreatic beta cells and
      investigating their potential roles in normal and abnormal islet function. The
      development of new methods and tools for the study of individual islet cells has
      produced a surge of interest in this topic. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies of beta cell
      maturation and pregnancy-induced proliferation have identified changes in
      serotonin and transcription factors SIX2/3 expression as markers of temporal
      heterogeneity. Structural and functional heterogeneity in the form of
      functionally distinct 'hub' and 'follower' beta cells was found in mouse islets.
      Heterogeneous expression of Fltp (in mouse beta cells) and ST8SIA1 and CD9 (in
      human beta cells) were associated with distinct functional potential. Several
      impressive reports describing the transcriptomes of individual beta cells were
      also published in recent months. Some of these reveal previously unknown beta
      cell subpopulations. SUMMARY: A wealth of information on functional and
      phenotypic heterogeneity has been collected recently, including the
      transcriptomes of individual beta cells and the identities of functionally
      distinct beta cell subpopulations. Several studies suggest the existence of two
      broad categories: a more proliferative but less functional and a less
      proliferative but more functional beta cell type. The identification of
      functionally distinct subpopulations and their association with type 2 diabetes
      underlines the potential clinical importance of these investigations.

PMID- 28099207
TI  - Could high-density lipoprotein cholesterol predict increased cardiovascular risk?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered to be
      protective against cardiovascular disease. However, there is emerging evidence
      that under certain conditions the HDL molecule can become dysfunctional and
      proinflammatory, paradoxically leading to increased risk of cardiovascular
      disease. This review will provide a brief outline of the potential mechanisms by
      which HDL can become atherogenic and summarize some of the clinical evidence on
      this topic. RECENT FINDINGS: HDL metabolism, structure, and function in addition
      to its level can be profoundly altered under conditions of marked oxidative
      stress and chronic inflammation. These abnormalities, in turn, lead to impaired
      reverse cholesterol transport, increased systemic oxidative stress/inflammation,
      and endothelial dysfunction that subsequently may contribute to atherogenesis and
      progression of cardiovascular disease. SUMMARY: Association of serum HDL
      cholesterol level with outcomes is not only dependent on its serum concentration
      but also on the qualities/properties of this lipoprotein at a given point in
      time. Hence, it is essential that future studies examining association of HDL
      with risk of cardiovascular disease take into account the complexities of HDL
      metabolism and function and address the impact of the HDL particle as a whole
      (quantity as well as various properties) on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular
      outcomes.

PMID- 28099208
TI  - The upside down world of diabetes care medical economics and what we might do to
      improve it.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Increasingly over the past generation, the American healthcare
      delivery system has received consistently poor marks with regard to public health
      outcomes and costs. This review by two seasoned diabetes care providers is
      intended to shed light on the fundamental flaws we believe to underlie that poor
      performance, and suggest options for better outcomes and cost efficiencies.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Despite major advances in diabetes management medications and
      tools, overall public health with regard to diabetes outcomes remains poor.
      Efforts focused on controlling costs appear to be exacerbating the problem.
      SUMMARY: For chronic diseases like diabetes, fee-for-service care models are
      fundamentally flawed and predictably fail. We suggest that a major overhaul of
      the medical economics underlying diabetes care can improve patient outcomes and
      decrease costs.

PMID- 28099209
TI  - Functional neuroimaging in obesity.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The review examines recent advances in the use of functional
      neuroimaging to study human obesity, a field that is rapidly expanding and
      continues to be of paramount importance for a better understanding of the
      pathogenesis of this condition. With rising levels of obesity worldwide and
      limited therapeutic options, there is a great need for the development of new
      solutions that can benefit patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies that utilize
      functional neuroimaging are beginning to shed light on the nature of behavioral
      and neurocognitive dysfunctions previously identified in individuals with
      obesity. Significant progress has occurred in the study of reward-related
      processes, cognition-reward interactions, mechanisms of weight loss, genetic
      influences, and the case of obesity in children and adolescents. Research
      findings confirm that obesity and its related overeating behaviors are strongly
      associated with the brain, both at a regional level and a large-scale network
      level. SUMMARY: Functional neuroimaging studies bring unprecedented levels of
      detail to examine the brain basis of obesity, and show promise for the
      development of future brain-based biomarkers and interventions in this condition.

PMID- 28099210
TI  - Pazopanib, a promising option for the treatment of aggressive fibromatosis.
AB  - Desmoid tumour/aggressive fibromatosis (DT/AF) is a rare soft-tissue neoplasm
      that is locally aggressive but does not metastasize. There is no standard
      systemic treatment for symptomatic patients, although a number of agents are
      used. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have recently been reported to show useful
      activity. We reviewed our bi-institutional (Royal Marsden Hospital, Cambridge
      University Hospitals) experience with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor pazopanib in
      the treatment of progressing DT/AF. Eight patients with DT/AF were treated with
      pazopanib at Royal Marsden Hospital and Cambridge University Hospitals between
      June 2012 and June 2016. The median age of the patients was 37.5 (range: 27-60)
      years. The median duration of pazopanib treatment was 12 (range: 5-22) months and
      for three patients the treatment is ongoing. Three patients discontinued
      treatment early (patient preference, intolerable toxicity and logistical reasons,
      respectively). None of the patients showed radiological progression while on
      treatment, best responses according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid
      Tumors 1.1 were partial response in 3/8 and stable disease in 5/8 cases. Six
      patients derived clinical benefit from treatment in terms of improved function
      and/or pain reduction. Median progression-free survival was 13.5 (5-36) months.
      Only one patient experienced intolerable toxicity (grade 3 hypertension) leading
      to early treatment discontinuation. In our series of patients with DT/AF,
      pazopanib demonstrated important activity both in terms of symptom control (75%)
      and absence of radiological progression (100%). Results of ongoing confirmatory
      trials are eagerly awaited.

PMID- 28099213
TI  - Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Erythema Multiforme.

PMID- 28099214
TI  - Rheumatoid Arthritis: Selecting Monotherapy Versus Combination Therapy.
AB  - The overall goal of therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is to
      achieve low disease activity or remission and to prevent or control joint damage,
      prevent loss of function, and decrease pain. However, many patients with RA do
      not have the disease adequately controlled, and only a minority attain consistent
      remission. To successfully treat to target, rheumatologists need practical
      guidance to select monotherapy and combination therapy regimens based on
      available data. Differences in study design, dosing regimens, and data from
      defined and specific patient populations pose challenges to clinicians who treat
      patients with diverse characteristics and needs. Because clinical trial results
      are not always translated into real-life clinical practice, this article
      synthesizes evidence from all sources, including meta-analyses of clinical trial
      data, data from patient registries in RA, and results of pragmatic trial designs.
      Practical guidance with these strategies is demonstrated using application in
      patient case scenarios, which will enable rheumatology health care professionals
      to more easily compare the effectiveness and safety of RA treatment strategies as
      experienced in real-life practice settings. Combination therapy is important for
      most patients with RA; however, there remain no clear guidelines for selecting
      the most appropriate combination strategy.

PMID- 28099215
TI  - Prevalence and Severity of Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Systemic
      Sclerosis: An Epidemiologic Survey and Investigation of Clinical Correlates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic multisystem connective tissue
      disorder with detrimental impact on quality of life. Patients with SSc face
      emotional distress and frequently meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder.
      However, the pattern of psychiatric manifestations may vary according to
      socioethnic background. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the prevalence of depressive
      and anxiety symptoms and examined their association with sociodemographic and
      clinical factors in Iranian SSc patients. METHODS: Depressive and anxiety
      symptoms were evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory and Cattell questionnaire in
      114 SSc patients. The associations between sociodemographic and clinical factors
      and depressive/anxiety symptoms were examined via multivariate analysis. RESULTS:
      The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 68.4%. There was a significant
      association between depressive symptoms and pulmonary and gastrointestinal
      manifestations. Also, diffuse SSc patients were more prone to depressive
      symptoms. Mean Rodnan scores were significantly higher in patients with
      depressive symptoms in comparison with subjects with no depressive symptoms. The
      prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 23.6%. Anxiety symptoms were not associated
      with demographic characteristics, SSc subtype, disease duration, Rodnan score,
      other clinical features, and previous history of depression in the patients or
      their family. The coincidence of anxiety and depression was 82.8%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Depressive and anxiety symptoms are prevalent among Iranian SSc population. The
      depressive symptoms showed correlation with pulmonary and gastrointestinal
      involvement, as well as diffuse SSc subtype.

PMID- 28099216
TI  - A Rare Case of Amyopathic Juvenile Dermatomyositis Associated With Psoriasis
      Successfully Treated With Ustekinumab.

PMID- 28099217
TI  - Indirect Carotid-Cavernous Fistula Mimicking Scleritis.

PMID- 28099218
TI  - Perceptions in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Comparative Study Between Patients and Their
      Close Families.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare perceptions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to
      those of their families regarding pain and subjective experience of the disease.
      METHODS: It was a monocentric study, including 120 RA patients (according to the
      American College of Rheumatology criteria). The questionnaires were developed
      during meetings of RA patients, rheumatologists, and methodologists while
      referring to the literature. The patient questionnaire comprised 22 items
      organized in 4 sections: pain, perceived experience of the disease, activity
      restrictions, and help received. Concordance among patients, family, and friends
      replies was evaluated using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The mean age was 42
      +/- 12 years with female predominance 110 (91.7%). The family member was usually
      the spouse (46.3%). Joint pain was described by patients as spontaneous (98.3%),
      unpredictable (95.9%), and variable (95.1%). RA had negatively affected work
      related activities (100%), recreational activities (98.4%), family life (87.6%),
      relationships with friends (77.7%), sexual activities (50.4%), plans for having
      children (47.1%), and intimate relationships (46.3%). Concordance between
      patients and family perceptions was mediocre for pain severity (kappa: 0.3) and
      main joint-pain characteristics, excellent for majority items of experience of
      the disease (kappa > 0.80). Family tended to underestimate pain severity and to
      overestimate negative effects of RA on patient's life. CONCLUSION: We found a
      good agreement between patients' and family members' perceptions. It is essential
      that any family support be in accordance with patients' needs. Our qualitative
      analysis objectified, in addition to a major physical impact of the disease, a
      negative psychosocial effect.

PMID- 28099212
TI  - Dysfunctional tear syndrome: dry eye disease and associated tear film disorders -
      new strategies for diagnosis and treatment.
AB  - Dysfunctional tear syndrome (DTS) is a common and complex condition affecting the
      ocular surface. The health and normal functioning of the ocular surface is
      dependent on a stable and sufficient tear film. Clinician awareness of conditions
      affecting the ocular surface has increased in recent years because of expanded
      research and the publication of diagnosis and treatment guidelines pertaining to
      disorders resulting in DTS, including the Delphi panel treatment recommendations
      for DTS (2006), the International Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) (2007), the Meibomian
      Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Workshop (2011), and the updated Preferred Practice
      Pattern guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology pertaining to dry
      eye and blepharitis (2013). Since the publication of the existing guidelines, new
      diagnostic techniques and treatment options that provide an opportunity for
      better management of patients have become available. Clinicians are now able to
      access a wealth of information that can help them obtain a differential diagnosis
      and treatment approach for patients presenting with DTS. This review provides a
      practical and directed approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with
      DTS, emphasizing treatment that is tailored to the specific disease subtype as
      well as the severity of the condition.

PMID- 28099219
TI  - A Review of the Clinical Utility of Intravascular Ultrasound and Optical
      Coherence Tomography in the Assessment and Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - Coronary artery disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and
      mortality in the United States. As a medical society, we continue to search for
      ways to better treat coronary artery disease and prevent acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS). As it stands, only statins and antiplatelet agents have been proven to
      significantly reduce the occurrence of ACS. A histopathological understanding of
      the pathogenesis of ACS has provided insight into the importance of plaque
      morphology. Therefore, it has been proposed that increasing the ability to detect
      true vulnerable, "at-risk" lesions, would foster the use of percutaneous coronary
      intervention as a means for the prevention of ACS. There are now several
      different imaging modalities to help cardiologists stratify plaque stability.
      These include, but are not limited to, angioscopy, magnetic resonance
      angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT),
      and near-infrared fluorescence. To date, the most studied and frequently used in
      clinical trials are IVUS and OCT. Following a brief background discussion of IVUS
      and OCT, we will objectively evaluate each modality's ability to detect specific
      morphological characteristics. This article will also discuss IVUS and OCT's
      clinical utility with regard to proper stent placement and follow-up after
      percutaneous coronary interventions.

PMID- 28099220
TI  - Evacetrapib: Another CETP Inhibitor for Dyslipidemia With No Clinical Benefit.
AB  - Evacetrapib is a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor that has
      been recently studied as a cholesterol modifying agent to reduce cardiovascular
      risk and mortality in high risk cardiovascular disease patients. Evacetrapib acts
      to decrease lipid exchange through CETP inhibition. CETP acts to transfer
      cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) to low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL
      C). HDL-C is involved in reverse cholesterol transport and its blood levels have
      been shown to be inversely correlated with cardiovascular risk. Thus, a
      pharmacologic agent that can elevate HDL-C has been seen as an exciting area of
      research. In recent studies, evacetrapib was shown to be safe and efficacious. It
      produced an increase in HDL-C up to 128% and a 35% decrease in LDL-C, in
      comparison to placebo. In addition, evacetrapib was also shown to be more potent
      than previous CETP inhibitors. HDL-C particles treated with evacetrapib remained
      functional and had improved cholesterol efflux. A previously studied CETP
      inhibitor, torcetrapib, exhibited side effects of hyperaldosteronism, manifesting
      in electrolyte disturbances, and hypertension. These detrimental effects were not
      seen with evacetrapib. Recently, the results of evacetrapib's phase III
      ACCELERATE trial showed no significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular
      events or mortality, and the drug will not be marketed. Although beneficial
      cholesterol effects were seen with this drug, more needs to be known to
      understand what role, if any, evacetrapib has in the reduction of cardiovascular
      risk.

PMID- 28099221
TI  - Practice Guidelines as Implementation Science: The Journal Editors' Perspective.

PMID- 28099222
TI  - A Users' Guide to the 2016 Surviving Sepsis Guidelines.

PMID- 28099223
TI  - Median Lingual Lymph Nodes: Prevalence on Imaging and Potential Implications for
      Oral Cavity Cancer Staging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study sought to estimate the prevalence of median lingual lymph
      node (MLLN) metastases from oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) and
      determine the frequency with which MLLNs can be identified with magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) in control subjects. METHODS: Pathology reports were used
      to identify patients with surgically treated OCSCC who underwent preoperative
      positron emission tomography-computed tomography to define the prevalence of MLLN
      metastases. As a control group, 500 consecutive face-neck MRIs from noncancer
      patients were reviewed for structures consistent with MLLNs. RESULTS: In the
      study group, 1 (0.95%) of 105 OCSCC cases demonstrated a single MLLN metastasis
      from a lateral tongue tumor (T4aN2c). The MLLN exceeded 1 cm in all planes and
      was abnormal in morphology. The frequency of suspected MLLNs in controls was
      1.0%, with a maximum measurement of 0.9 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Median lingual lymph
      nodes are infrequently identified with MRI in controls, concordant with the low
      prevalence of metastases from OCSCC to this inconstant nodal group.

PMID- 28099224
TI  - Comparison of Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction, Adaptive Statistical
      Iterative Reconstruction, and Filtered Back Projection for Detecting Hepatic
      Metastases on Submillisievert Low-Dose Computed Tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of
      model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), adaptive statistical iterative
      reconstruction (ASIR), and filtered back projection (FBP) on submillisievert low
      dose computed tomography (LDCT) for detecting hepatic metastases. METHODS: Thirty
      eight patients having hepatic metastases underwent abdomen CT. Computed
      tomography protocol consisted of routine standard-dose portal venous phase scan
      (120 kVp) and 90-second delayed low-dose scan (80 kVp). The LDCT images were
      reconstructed with FBP, ASIR, and MBIR, respectively. Two readers recorded the
      number of hepatic metastases on each image set. RESULTS: A total of 105
      metastatic lesions were analyzed. For reader 1, sensitivity for detecting
      metastases was stationary between FBP (49%) and ASIR (52%, P = 0.0697); however,
      sensitivity increased in MBIR (66%, P = 0.0035). For reader 2, it was stationary
      for all the following sets: FBP (65%), ASIR (68%), and MBIR (67%, P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The MBIR and ASIR showed a limited sensitivity for detecting hepatic
      metastases in submillisievert LDCT.

PMID- 28099225
TI  - The Performance of Noncontrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Detecting Renal
      Artery Stenosis as Compared With Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography
      Using Conventional Angiography as a Reference.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the performance of noncontrast
      magnetic resonance angiography (NC MRA) for detecting renal artery stenosis (RAS)
      as compared with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE MRA) and to
      evaluate the clinical feasibility, technical success rate, and performance of NC
      MRA for detecting RAS as compared with CE MRA. METHODS: Thirty-six subjects who
      underwent NC MRA and/or CE MRA were enrolled. Feasibility, technical success
      rate, and image quality scores were compared. Diagnostic ability was calculated
      using conventional angiography as a reference. RESULTS: Noncontrast MRA had
      higher feasibility and technical success rates than CE MRA did (100% and 97.2% vs
      83.3% and 90%, respectively). Noncontrast MRA yielded significantly better image
      quality in motion artifact (P = 0.016). The diagnostic ability for detecting RAS
      is without significant difference between NC MRA and CE MRA. CONCLUSION: Although
      NC MRA and CE MRA demonstrated comparable ability in diagnosing RAS, NC MRA
      achieved better technical success rates, feasibility, and image quality in motion
      artifacts than CE MRA did.

PMID- 28099226
TI  - Computed Tomography in Cystic Fibrosis: Combining Low-Dose Techniques and
      Iterative Reconstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of iterative
      reconstruction (IR) and low-kilovolt technique on dose reduction and image
      quality of chest computed tomography scans obtained in patients with cystic
      fibrosis (CF). METHODS: A total of 124 CF patients were examined; group A (n =
      63) was examined with a dose reduction protocol using IR and group B (n = 61)
      with a standard protocol using filtered back projection. Further subgroups with
      tube voltage modulations were established. Quantitative and qualitative image
      quality was assessed. RESULTS: The radiation dose in groups with comparable image
      quality was approximately 40% lower using IR compared with filtered back
      projection. The IR protocol combined with 80-kV tube voltage showed adequate
      image quality with a mean effective dose of only 0.47 mSv. CONCLUSIONS: Iterative
      reconstruction helps extensively reduce radiation dose by improving image
      quality. It permits the use of low-kilovolt protocols without significantly
      degrading image reading ability in the monitoring of the predominantly young
      patients with CF.

PMID- 28099228
TI  - Transitioning to Second-line Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents in
      Copperbelt Province, Zambia: Predictors of Treatment Switching and Adherence to
      Second-line Regimens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) experience less favorable
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes than other age groups. First-line treatment
      failure complicates ART management as second-line regimens can be costlier and
      have greater pill burdens. Understanding predictors of switching ART regimens and
      adherence among adolescents on second-line ART may help to prevent poor treatment
      outcomes. METHODS: A quantitative survey was administered to 309 ALHIV attending
      3 ART clinics in the Copperbelt Province, Zambia. Medical chart data, including
      pharmacy refill data, were abstracted. Associations between being on second-line
      ART and sociodemographic, psychosocial and ART adherence characteristics were
      tested. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effect of
      baseline ART variables on time to switching. RESULTS: Ten percent of participants
      were on second-line regimens. Compared with ALHIV on first-line ART, adolescents
      on second-line regimens were older (P = 0.02), out of school due to completion of
      secondary studies (P = 0.04) and on ART longer (P = 0.03). Adolescents on second
      line regimens were more likely to report missing >=48 consecutive hours of drugs
      in the last 3 months (P = 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that adolescents
      who initiated ART with efavirenz-based regimens were more likely to switch to
      second-line than those put on nevirapine-based regimens (hazard ratio = 2.6; 95%
      confidence interval: 1.1-6.4). CONCLUSIONS: Greater support is needed for ALHIV
      who are on second-line regimens. Interventions for older adolescents that bridge
      the gap between school years and young adulthood would be helpful. More research
      is needed on why ALHIV who start on efavirenz-based regimens are more likely to
      switch within this population.

PMID- 28099229
TI  - Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for clinical evaluation of
      hypertensive patients in primary care: which groups would most benefit?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular
      outcomes. Blood pressure (BP) control levels remain largely out of target among
      primary healthcare (PHC) patients. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure
      monitoring (ABPM) may contribute toward the identification of cardiovascular risk
      groups. OBJECTIVE: To assess concordance between conventional office BP
      measurements and 24-h ABPM of hypertension control in cardiovascular risk groups
      of PHC hypertensive patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with
      569 hypertensive patients was carried out. The evaluation of BP was performed by
      a PHC doctor, and the 24-h ABPM was performed by a different and blinded
      provider. The therapeutic targets for BP followed the guidance of The Eighth
      Joint National Committee, the Brazilian guideline, and the 2013 European Society
      of Hypertension. Considering the hypertension control therapeutic targets, the
      guidelines were not similar and were used to evaluate differences in BP value
      concordances compared with BP standard measurements. RESULTS: After a
      multivariate logistic regression analysis, a conventional BP was used in
      comparison with ABPM in different cardiovascular risk groups of hypertensive
      patients. According to the ABPM by European Society of Hypertension guideline,
      the subgroup of inactive patients (P=0.006), with altered glycemia (P=0.015) and
      over 30 mg/dl albuminuria (P=0.001), presented discordance among methods. When a
      conventional BP measurement in comparison with the ABPM results according to the
      Brazilian ABPM guideline was used, the discordance occurred significantly in
      inactive (P=0.001) and microalbuminuria more than 30 mg/dl (P=0.022) subgroups.
      However, in this comparison, a concordance between high-density lipoprotein more
      than 60 mg/dl (P=0.015) and obesity (P=0.035) subgroups occurred. CONCLUSION:
      Uncontrolled glucose levels, a sedentary lifestyle, and the presence of
      microalbuminuria correspond to some cardiovascular risk groups that would
      particularly benefit from 24-h ABPM as a tool for the control of BP with the PHC
      hypertensive patients of this study.

PMID- 28099230
TI  - Primary Orbital Chondromyxoid Fibroma: A Rare Case.
AB  - A 56-year-old male with history of chronic sinusitis was found to have a 3 cm
      left orbital lesion on CT. Subsequent MRI demonstrated a multilobulated enhancing
      soft tissue lesion at the superotemporal region of the left orbit. Initial biopsy
      was reported as a low-grade sarcoma. On further evaluation, a consensus was made
      that the lesion was likely a benign mixed mesenchymal type tumor but should
      nonetheless be surgically removed. Left lateral orbitotomy was performed which
      revealed a tumor originating in the lateral orbital bone with segments eroding
      through the wall of the orbit. Intraoperative frozen sections revealed
      myoepitheliod tissue with locally aggressive features and the tumor was
      completely removed. The final histopathologic analysis of the tissue was
      consistent with a chondromyxoid fibroma. Chondomyxoid fibroma is a rare entity in
      the orbital bones and is more commonly seen in long bones.

PMID- 28099231
TI  - Vemurafenib (BRAF Inhibitor) Therapy for Orbital Erdheim-Chester Disease.
AB  - Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare xanthogranulomatous systemic disease, which
      involves the orbit in some cases. Through this case report, the authors review
      the treatment modalities used in orbital Erdheim-Chester disease and explore a
      newer modality of treatment. Cases of orbital Erdheim-Chester disease were
      identified in the literature utilizing a PubMed search and all the treatment
      modalities were reviewed. The response to treatment of orbital Erdheim-Chester
      disease has been poor with the various medical and surgical treatment modalities
      used in the past. The authors report the use of BRAF inhibitor with a remarkable
      response in our case.

PMID- 28099232
TI  - Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor Involving the Orbital Apex.

PMID- 28099233
TI  - Primary Outcome Measures in Pediatric Septic Shock Trials: A Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate all published pediatric randomized controlled trials of
      patients with septic shock from any cause to examine the outcome measures used,
      the strengths and limitations of these measurements and whether the trial
      outcomes met feasibility criteria. DATA SOURCES: We used a previously published
      database of pediatric critical care randomized controlled trials (PICUtrials.net)
      derived from searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CENTRAL. STUDY SELECTION:
      We included randomized controlled trials of interventions to children admitted to
      a PICU with septic or dengue hemorrhagic shock which were published in English.
      DATA EXTRACTION: Study characteristics and outcomes were retrieved by two
      independent reviewers with disagreement being resolved by a third reviewer. We
      defined feasibility as 1) recruitment of at least 90% of the targeted sample size
      and agreement of the observed outcome rate in the control group with the rate
      used for the sample size calculation to within 10% or 2) finding of a
      statistically significant difference in an interim or final analysis. DATA
      SYNTHESIS: Nineteen of 321 identified articles were selected for review. Fourteen
      of 19 studies (74%) provided an a priori definition of their primary outcome
      measure in their "Methods section." Mortality rate was the most commonly reported
      primary outcome (8/14; 57%), followed by duration of shock (4/14; 29%) followed
      by organ failure (1/14; 7%). Only three of 19 included trials met feasibility
      criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Our review found that use of mortality alone as a primary
      outcome in pediatric septic shock trials was associated with significant
      limitations and that long-term patient-centered outcomes were not used in this
      setting. Composite outcomes incorporating mortality and long-term outcomes should
      be explored for use in future pediatric septic shock trials.

PMID- 28099235
TI  - Serum Levels of Cardiotroponin I in Burn Patients and Its Relation to Outcome of
      the Disease.

PMID- 28099234
TI  - Electrographic Seizures in Children and Neonates Undergoing Extracorporeal
      Membrane Oxygenation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for
      electrographic seizures in neonates and children requiring extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation support. DESIGN: Prospective quality improvement project.
      SETTING: Quaternary care pediatric institution. PATIENTS: Consistent with
      American Clinical Neurophysiology Society electroencephalographic monitoring
      recommendations, neonates and children requiring extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation support underwent clinically indicated electroencephalographic
      monitoring. INTERVENTIONS: We performed a 2-year quality improvement study from
      July 2013 to June 2015 evaluating electrographic seizure prevalence and risk
      factors. MAIN RESULTS: Ninety-nine of 112 patients (88%) requiring extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation support underwent electroencephalographic monitoring.
      Electrographic seizures occurred in 18 patients (18%), of whom 11 patients (61%)
      had electrographic status epilepticus and 15 patients (83%) had exclusively
      electrographic-only seizures. Electrographic seizures were more common in
      patients with low cardiac output syndrome (p = 0.03). Patients with
      electrographic seizures were more likely to die prior to discharge (72% vs 30%; p
      = 0.01) and have unfavorable outcomes (54% vs 17%; p = 0.004) than those without
      electrographic seizures. CONCLUSIONS: Electrographic seizures occurred in 18% of
      neonates and children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support,
      often constituted electrographic status epilepticus, and were often
      electrographic-only thereby requiring electroencephalographic monitoring for
      identification. Low cardiac output syndrome was associated with an increased risk
      for electrographic seizures. Electrographic seizures were associated with higher
      mortality and unfavorable outcomes. Further investigation is needed to determine
      whether electrographic seizures identification and management improves outcomes.

PMID- 28099236
TI  - Intratracheal Instillation of Perfluorohexane Modulates the Pulmonary Immune
      Microenvironment by Attenuating Early Inflammatory Factors in Patients With Smoke
      Inhalation Injury: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
AB  - Smoke inhalation injury (SII) is associated with significant morbidity and
      mortality in burn patients, and effective treatments are lacking.
      Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) have a protective effect against acute lung injury. We
      aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of perfluorohexane on burn patients with
      SII. Patients with burns complicated by moderately severe SII were randomly
      divided into control (n = 11) and PFC groups (n = 12). The control group received
      conventional treatment (anti-infection, nutritional support, antishock measures,
      and supportive treatment). The PFC group received endotracheal perfluorohexane
      instillation in addition to conventional treatment. On admission and 3 days
      later, therapeutic effects were evaluated and inflammatory mediators in
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma were analyzed. There was no significant
      difference between the control and PFC group on admission. After 3 days,
      perfluorohexane treatment significantly (P < .05) increased lung dynamic
      compliance, and reduced alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, Acute Physiology and
      Chronic Health Evaluation II score, percentage of neutrophils, and levels of
      interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid; there was no significant change in the control group before and
      after treatment. Intratracheal instillation of perfluorohexane modulates the
      pulmonary immune microenvironment and supplements current conventional treatments
      for burn patients with SII.

PMID- 28099237
TI  - Lower-Limb Muscular Strength, Balance, and Mobility Levels in Adults Following
      Severe Thermal Burn Injuries.
AB  - Severe burn injuries are associated with hypermetabolic response and increased
      catabolism. These lead to a vast loss of muscle mass and reduced muscle strength
      and function. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the impact of
      severe burn injuries on lower-limb muscular strength, balance, and mobility level
      in adults. Forty burned adults with burned TBSA (burned TBSA) >=40% participated
      in this study. The peak torque and total work of quadriceps and knee flexors were
      calculated at 150 degrees /sec using Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Balance and
      mobility were tested via the Biodex balance device and the high mobility
      assessment tool, respectively. Twenty-three matched nonburned healthy adults were
      evaluated and served as a control group. Severely burned adults exhibited
      significantly lower peak torque and total work in their quadriceps (27.50 and
      22.58%, P < .05) and knee flexors (23.72, and 21.65%, P < .05) relative to the
      nonburned adults. Burned adults had a significant decrease in stability index and
      balance including the dynamic limits of stability (P < .05). The high mobility
      assessment tool scores were significantly lower (42 +/- 7.64, P < .05) when
      compared with control subjects (51 +/- 1.62). Patients who had severe burns
      (burned TBSA >= 40%) showed muscular weakness, limited balance, and mobility
      levels between 16 and 24 weeks after discharge from the hospital compared with
      matched nonburned control subjects. These results can guide therapists in
      creating rehabilitation programs that focus on the specific difficulties faced by
      burned patients.

PMID- 28099238
TI  - Evaluation of the New North Carolina Burn Registry.
AB  - High-quality burn registries can facilitate best practices in burn treatment,
      patient education, and research. A new burn registry was designed and implemented
      at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in June 2013. The primary goals for the
      design of the new North Carolina (NC) burn registry were to improve reporting to
      the American Burn Association's National Burn Repository while maintaining
      current functionality and preserving previously collected data. The objective of
      this evaluation was to review the literature for best practices in designing a
      disease registry, benchmark the design of the NC burn registry with the best
      practices identified in the literature, and compare data quality before and after
      implementation of the new NC burn registry. The NC burn registry was evaluated
      using six measurable elements identified from essential indicators of the Agency
      for Healthcare Research and Quality user's guide for design, implementation,
      analysis, interpretation, and quality evaluation of registries. These elements
      were achieving objectives, using literature to inform the choice of data
      elements, improving completeness of information, employing consistency checks,
      providing clear, operational definitions of outcomes and other data elements, and
      minimizing active data collection. Five of the six chosen essential elements were
      found to have been met during the evaluation of the new NC burn registry. One
      essential element, improving completeness of information, had mixed results. The
      new NC burn registry improved reporting to the National Burn Repository while
      maintaining current functionality and preserving previously collected data.

PMID- 28099239
TI  - Jewelry Ring-Associated Electrothermal Burn Injuries: A Nine-Patient Case Series.
AB  - Ring-associated burns are infrequent, comprising only a small fraction of burn
      consults and admissions. However, because of the location of these burns and the
      propensity for circumferential wounds, small burn size may belie the severity of
      resultant injuries. Herein, the authors present their experience with this
      potentially severe type of burn. Records from a regional burn center were
      retrospectively analyzed during a 36-month period. All patients who sustained
      ring burns were included. Data points included demographics, burn location, need
      for surgical intervention, grafted area, hospital days (length of stay), percent
      graft take, complications, and time to re-epithelialization. Nine patients
      sustained ring-associated burns during the study period, accounting for 1.4% of
      all patients with burns seen during the same period. Average age was 41 years
      (range: 29-52 years). Seven (77%) ring-associated burns involved contact with a
      battery. All injuries were circumferential. Average burn TBSA was 0.07%. Two
      patients (22%) had third-degree injuries, both of which received split-thickness
      skin grafts. Grafted area was 4 and 5 cm, respectively. Average length of stay
      was 2.8 days. Mean graft take was 99.5 +/- 1.5%. Average time to complete re
      epithelialization was 12 days. One patient suffered temporary disability. No
      patients suffered from compartment syndrome. Ring-associated burns are an
      uncommon source of injury in the burn population. Despite small burn TBSA, these
      patients are more likely to require split-thickness skin grafts and suffer
      dysfunction compared with similarly-sized burns in other body regions. Expedient
      treatment and coordination with occupational therapy should be undertaken to
      achieve optimal outcomes.

PMID- 28099240
TI  - Inter-relationship of Soft Contact Lens Diameter, Base Curve Radius, and Fit.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the inter-relationship of soft contact lens base curve
      radius (BC), diameter, and lens fit using a mathematical model. METHODS: A
      spreadsheet mathematical model was used to evaluate theoretical fitting
      characteristics for various combinations of soft lens BC and diameter. The
      designs were evaluated using ocular topography data collected from 163 UK
      subjects. The model evaluated lens tightness (edge strain) and on-eye diameter
      (horizontal corneal overlap) and assumed that acceptable values fell within the
      range 0 to 6% and 0.2 to 1.2 mm, respectively. Analyses were undertaken of
      various trends relating to soft lens fit, including (1) the effect of BC and
      diameter on fitting success; (2) the effect of lens asphericity, BC, and sag on
      lens diameter on the eye; and (3) the effect of lens diameter on lens tightness.
      RESULTS: The highest overall success rate (90.2%) was achieved with an 8.60/14.2
      mm (BC/diameter) design. Using this design on the sample population, the median
      edge strain value was 3.2% (IQR: 2.1%) whereas median corneal overlap was 0.62 mm
      (IQR: 0.35). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.37, P < .0001) between edge
      strain and corneal overlap. Edge strain showed significant correlations with each
      of the ocular topography variables, most notably corneal asphericity (-0.62, P <
      .0001). Corneal overlap showed significant correlations with corneal asphericity
      (r = -0.42, P < .0001) and corneal diameter (r = 0.92, P < .0001). For a 0.4 mm
      change in BC, it is necessary to change diameter by 0.2 mm to maintain similar on
      eye diameter (arclength). When changing lens diameter, a change in BC of 0.2 mm
      is required to maintain similar tightness of fit. CONCLUSIONS: Mathematical
      modeling is a useful technique for large-scale evaluation of the interactions of
      soft contact lens design and fit. The study has given useful insights into the
      general performance of soft lens designs.

PMID- 28099241
TI  - fMRI with Central Vision Loss: Effects of Fixation Locus and Stimulus Type.
AB  - PURPOSE: In patients with central visual field scotomata, a large part of visual
      cortex is not adequately stimulated. Patients often use a new eccentric fixation
      area on intact peripheral retina ("preferred retinal locus"-PRL) that functions
      as a pseudo-fovea. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to
      examine whether stimulating this pseudo-fovea leads to increased activation or
      altered activation patterns in visual cortex in comparison to stimulating a
      comparable peripheral area in the opposite hemifield (OppPRL). METHODS: Nineteen
      patients with binocular central scotomata caused by hereditary retinal
      dystrophies and an age-matched control group were tested. The center of the
      visual field, PRL, and OppPRL were stimulated with flickering checkerboard
      stimuli and object pictures during fMRI measurement. RESULTS: Results show that
      stimulation with pictures of everyday objects led to overall larger BOLD (blood
      oxygen level dependent) responses in visual cortex compared to that evoked by
      stimulation with flickering checkerboards. Patients showed this enhancement as
      early as in V1. When the PRL was directly stimulated with object pictures, the
      central representation area in early visual cortex was coactivated in the
      patients but not in the controls. In higher visual areas beyond retinotopic
      cortex, BOLD responses to stimulation of the PRL with object pictures were
      significantly enhanced in comparison to stimulation of the OppPRL area. Highly
      stable eccentric fixation with the PRL was associated with a higher BOLD signal
      in visual cortex in patients, and this effect was most pronounced in the
      conditions with object picture stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: The observed results
      suggest that naturalistic images are more likely to trigger top-down processes
      that regulate activation in early visual cortex in patients with central vision
      loss.

PMID- 28099242
TI  - Acquired Bronchoesophageal Fistula and Gastroesophageal Junction Mass.

PMID- 28099243
TI  - Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in the Presence of a Cervical Rib.

PMID- 28099244
TI  - Presepsin (sCD14-ST) Is a Novel Marker for Risk Stratification in Cardiac Surgery
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Presepsin (soluble cluster-of-differentiation 14 subtype [sCD14-ST])
      is a humoral risk stratification marker for systemic inflammatory response
      syndrome and sepsis. It remains unknown whether presepsin can be used to stratify
      risk in elective cardiac surgery. The authors therefore determined the usefulness
      of presepsin for risk stratification in patients having elective cardiac surgery.
      METHODS: Eight hundred fifty-six cardiac surgical patients were prospectively
      studied. Preoperative plasma concentrations of presepsin, procalcitonin, N
      terminal pro-hormone natriuretic peptide, cystatin C, and the additive European
      System of Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation 2 were compared to mortality at 30
      days (primary outcome), 6 months, and 2 yr. Discrimination was assessed with C
      statistic. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate univariable and
      multivariable odds ratios. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 3.2%, 6-month
      mortality was 6.1%, and 2-yr mortality was 10.4% across the population. Median
      preoperative presepsin concentrations were significantly greater in 30-day
      nonsurvivors than in survivors: 842 pg/ml (interquartile range, 306 to 1,246)
      versus 160 pg/ml (interquartile range, 122 to 234); difference, 167 pg/ml
      (interquartile range, 92 to 301; P < 0.001). The results were similar for 6-month
      and 2-yr mortality. Compared to the European System of Cardiac Operative Risk
      Evaluation 2, presepsin concentration provided better discrimination for
      postoperative mortality at all follow-up periods, including 30 days (C statistic
      0.88 vs. 0.74), 6 months (0.87 vs. 0.76), and 2 yr (0.81 vs. 0.74). Presepsin
      also provided better discrimination than cystatin C, N-terminal pro-hormone
      natriuretic peptide, or procalcitonin. Elevated presepsin remained an independent
      risk predictor after adjustment for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS:
      Elevated preoperative plasma presepsin concentration is an independent predictor
      of postoperative mortality in elective cardiac surgery patients and is a stronger
      predictor than several other commonly used assessments.

PMID- 28099245
TI  - Ketamine: A Drug at War with Itself.

PMID- 28099246
TI  - Paradoxical Emergence: Administration of Subanesthetic Ketamine during Isoflurane
      Anesthesia Induces Burst Suppression but Accelerates Recovery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Promoting arousal by manipulating certain brain regions and/or
      neurotransmitters has been a recent research focus, with the goal of trying to
      improve recovery from general anesthesia. The current study tested the hypothesis
      that a single subanesthetic dose of ketamine during isoflurane anesthesia would
      increase cholinergic tone in the prefrontal cortex and accelerate recovery.
      METHODS: Adult male rats were implanted with electroencephalography electrodes
      (frontal, parietal, and occipital cortex) and a microdialysis guide cannula
      targeted for the prefrontal cortex. After establishing general anesthesia with
      isoflurane, animals were randomly assigned to receive a saline control or
      ketamine injection. When isoflurane was discontinued nearly 90 min after drug or
      saline administration, recovery from anesthesia was measured by experimenters and
      blinded observers. During the entire experiment, electrophysiologic signals were
      recorded and acetylcholine was quantified by high-performance liquid
      chromatography with electrochemical detection. RESULTS: A single dose of
      subanesthetic ketamine caused an initial 125% increase in burst suppression ratio
      (last isoflurane sample: 37.48 +/- 24.11% vs. isoflurane after ketamine
      injection: 84.36 +/- 8.95%; P < 0.0001), but also a significant 44% reduction in
      emergence time (saline: 877 +/- 335 s vs. ketamine: 494 +/- 108 s; P = 0.0005; n
      = 10 per treatment). Furthermore, ketamine caused a significant 317% increase in
      cortical acetylcholine release (mean after ketamine injection: 0.18 +/- 0.16 pmol
      vs. ketamine recovery: 0.75 +/- 0.41 pmol; P = 0.0002) after isoflurane
      anesthesia was discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of subanesthetic doses
      of ketamine during isoflurane anesthesia increases anesthetic depth but
      paradoxically-accelerates the recovery of consciousness, possibly through
      cholinergic mechanisms.

PMID- 28099247
TI  - Images in Anesthesiology: Hypercoagulability during Resternotomy for Prosthetic
      Valve Endocarditis.

PMID- 28099248
TI  - Overexpression of YKL-40 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients Undergoing Curative
      Resection of Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of YKL-40
      expression in patients undergoing curative resection of pancreatic cancer.
      METHODS: This cohort study included 234 consecutive patients with pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent curative resection. Surgical specimens were
      immunohistochemically assessed for YKL-40 expression. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox
      regression were used to evaluate the prognostic impact of YKL-40 expression. A
      multivariate logistic regression model was performed to examine the correlation
      between YKL-40 expression and tumor stage. RESULTS: Of the 234 patients, YKL-40
      overexpression was detected in 149 (63.7%) patients. Survival curves showed that
      patients with YKL-40 overexpression had significantly shorter survival time than
      those with low YKL-40 expression (P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis indicated
      that YKL-40 expression was an independent prognostic factor for both overall
      survival (hazard ratio, 3.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.38-6.13) and
      progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 3.73; 95% CI, 2.33-5.99). Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis demonstrated that YKL-40 overexpression was an
      independent predictor for advanced tumor stage (odds ratio 4.15; 95% CI, 1.35
      12.71). CONCLUSIONS: YKL-40 overexpression predicts poor prognosis and advanced
      tumor stage in patients undergoing curative resection of pancreatic cancer.
      Application of adjuvant treatment targeting the YKL-40 pathway may improve
      prognosis.

PMID- 28099249
TI  - Immunohistochemical Antibody Panel for the Differential Diagnosis of Pancreatic
      Ductal Carcinoma From Gastrointestinal Contamination and Benign Pancreatic Duct
      Epithelium in Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by
      endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can be challenging
      to distinguish tumor cells from benign epithelium (BE). The aim of the present
      study was to set a minimal antibody panel to differentiate PDAC from contaminated
      BE in EUS-FNA specimens. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry using claudin 4, EZH2, Ki
      67, maspin, p53, and S100P was performed on tissue microarray sections containing
      53 PDACs and 33 BE as well as cell blocks of EUS-FNA including 53 PDACs and 22
      BE. The positive rate was scored as 0 to 4+. The receiver operating
      characteristic curve was applied to determine a cutoff point, and the
      Classification And Regression Trees method was used to obtain a classification
      tree of the best panel. RESULTS: The cutoff point was 1+ for claudin 4, EZH2, Ki
      67, p53, and S100P and 2+ for maspin. All BE scored 0 for p53. The classification
      tree revealed using p53, S100P, and claudin 4 was the most powerful. The
      sensitivity and specificity of the tree were 96.2% and 100% in tissue microarrays
      and 100% and 95.5% in EUS-FNA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The classification tree
      using p53, S100P, and claudin 4 seems to successfully distinguish PDAC from the
      accompanying BE.

PMID- 28099250
TI  - Interleukin-36alpha Induces Inflammatory Mediators From Human Pancreatic
      Myofibroblasts Via a MyD88 Dependent Pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Interleukin-36 (IL-36) is a recently described proinflammatory
      cytokine, characterized by the induction of inflammatory mediators. In the
      present study, we investigated the biological activity and the signal
      transduction of IL-36alpha in human pancreatic myofibroblasts. METHODS: The mRNA
      and protein expression of inflammatory mediators was evaluated using real-time
      polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.
      The expression of IL-36alpha and its receptor in the pancreatic tissue was
      evaluated using immunohistochemical technique. Intracellular signaling pathways
      were evaluated using immunoblotting and specific small interference RNA
      transfected cells. RESULTS: Interleukin-36alpha and its receptor complex IL
      36R/IL-1RAcP were detected in fibrotic tissue of chronic pancreatitis.
      Interleukin-36alpha dose- and time-dependently induced the mRNA expression and
      protein secretion of CXCL1, CXCL8, MMP-1, and MMP-3 from human pancreatic
      myofibroblasts. Interleukin-36alpha assembled MyD88 adaptor proteins (MyD88,
      TRAF6, IRAK1, and TAK1) into a complex. Furthermore, IL-36alpha induced the
      phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and the activation of
      nuclear factor kappaB and activator protein 1. Mitogen-activated protein kinase
      inhibitors and small interference RNAs specific for nuclear factor kappaB and
      activator protein 1 significantly suppressed the protein secretion of
      inflammatory mediators induced by IL-36alpha stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: It was
      suggested that IL-36alpha plays an important role in the pathophysiology of
      inflammation and fibrosis in the pancreas via an autocrine function.

PMID- 28099251
TI  - Utility of Assessing the Number of Mutated KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, and SMAD4 Genes
      Using a Targeted Deep Sequencing Assay as a Prognostic Biomarker for Pancreatic
      Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, and SMAD4 have been recognized as major driver
      genes in pancreatic carcinogenesis. We examined somatic mutations in 50 cancer
      related genes, including the four above-mentioned driver genes, to identify
      genomic biomarkers for predicting the outcome of patients with pancreatic cancer.
      METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh-frozen specimens obtained from 100
      patients with pancreatic cancer who had undergone a pancreatectomy with curative
      intent. The mutation profile was obtained using a single targeted deep sequencing
      assay performed with a next-generation sequencer, and the associations with
      clinicopathological factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Mutations in the KRAS,
      CDKN2A, TP53, and SMAD4 genes were detected in 96% (96/100), 42% (42/100), 13%
      (13/100), and 7% (7/100) of all patients, respectively. Among the 71 patients who
      underwent a radical operation followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, patients with
      fewer mutations among the four driver genes tended to have a better outcome. A
      multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model showed that the
      presence of 0 to 2 mutated driver genes was an independent predictor of a better
      overall survival (hazard ratio for death, 0.20; P = 0.0040). CONCLUSIONS: The
      number of mutated driver genes assessed using a targeted deep sequencing assay
      was a promising prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 28099252
TI  - The Role of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Unresectable Pancreatic
      Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) are prone to exocrine
      pancreatic insufficiency, there are little evidence about pancreatic enzyme
      replacement therapy (PERT) in patients with PC, especially those receiving
      chemotherapy. METHODS: This is a prospective consecutive observational study of
      PERT in patients with unresectable PC. We prospectively enrolled patients
      receiving chemotherapy for unresectable PC from April 2012 to February 2014 and
      prescribed oral pancrelipase of 48,000 lipase units per meal (pancrelipase
      group). N-benzoyl-tryrosyl para-aminobenzoic acid test was performed at baseline.
      Patients receiving chemotherapy before April 2012 were retrospectively studied as
      a historical cohort. Data on the nutritional markers at baseline and 16 weeks
      were extracted, and serial changes, defined as the ratio of markers at 16
      weeks/baseline, were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 91 patients
      (46 in the pancrelipase group and 45 in the historical cohort) were analyzed. N
      benzoyl-tryrosyl para-aminobenzoic acid test was low in 94% of the pancrelipase
      group. Serial change in the pancrelipase group versus historical cohort was 1.01
      versus 0.95 in body mass index (P < 0.001) and 1.03 versus 0.97 in serum albumin
      (P = 0.131). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in
      unresectable PC was high, and PERT can potentially improve the nutritional status
      during chemotherapy.

PMID- 28099253
TI  - Smoking Status and the Incidence of Pancreatic Cancer Concomitant With
      Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effect of smoking status on the incidence of pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC) concomitant with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
      (IPMN) has not been clarified. This study investigated the association of smoking
      status with PDAC concomitant with IPMN. METHODS: The subjects were 124
      consecutive patients undergoing resection of IPMNs (intraductal papillary
      mucinous adenoma (IPMA): N = 77, invasive IPMN: N = 31, and PDAC with IPMN: N =
      16) between April 2008 and October 2015. The associations between smoking status
      (never/former/current smoker) or cumulative pack-years (0-19/20-39/>=40) and the
      incidence of PDAC concomitant with IPMN or invasive IPMN were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Current smoking, not former smoking, was associated with the incidence of PDAC
      concomitant with IPMN (PDAC with IPMN vs IPMN alone; P = 0.004, PDAC with IPMN vs
      IPMA; P = 0.004, PDAC with IPMN vs invasive IPMN; P = 0.04, respectively), but
      not that of invasive IPMN (invasive IPMN vs IPMA; P = 0.85). Cumulative pack
      years were higher in patients who had PDAC concomitant with IPMN than in patients
      with invasive IPMN (P = 0.04). Cumulative pack-years were not associated with
      smoking status (current vs former). CONCLUSIONS: Current smoking, not former
      smoking, was associated with the incidence of PDAC concomitant with IPMN.
      Cessation of smoking may be recommended for patients with IPMN.

PMID- 28099254
TI  - Everolimus in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Carcinomas G3.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate everolimus efficacy in well
      moderately differentiated pancreatic NEC (pNEC) G3. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective analysis of patients with pNEC G3 and Ki67 20% to 55% treated with
      everolimus. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with median Ki67 30% and Eastern
      Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 1 were evaluated. Of these, 4
      patients received everolimus as first-line treatment, whereas 11 had been
      pretreated with chemotherapy or peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. Median
      progression-free survival was 6 months, and median overall survival was 28
      months. Eleven patients achieved disease stabilization (DS) at 3 month follow-up.
      Six patients (40%) maintained DS for at least 12 months. Three of 4 patients who
      received everolimus as first-line therapy had sustained DS (progression-free
      survival, 12, 17, and 22 months). The safety profile was consistent with that
      previously reported, with adverse events occurring in 9 patients (66.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that everolimus is active in pNEC G3 with well
      moderately differentiated morphology and Ki67 less than 55%, in which more toxic
      systemic chemotherapy is, to date, the only available treatment.

PMID- 28099255
TI  - Effect of Combinatory Treatment With Resveratrol and Guggulsterone on Mild Acute
      Pancreatitis in Mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the preventive/therapeutic effects
      of combined administration of resveratrol and guggulsterone on cerulein-induced
      acute pancreatitis in mice. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced by
      intraperitoneal injection of cerulein in mice. Serum amylase assay and histology
      were performed to measure the severity of pancreatitis. Western blotting and
      multiplex cytokine/chemokine analysis were conducted to understand the action
      mechanisms of the reagents. RESULTS: Serum amylase assay and histology revealed
      that the severity of acute pancreatitis was reduced by the combinatory treatment
      with resveratrol and guggulsterone, but the ratio of the band intensity implied
      that reduced nuclear factor-kappaB activation is primarily responsible for the
      effect. The reduced amounts of keratinocyte chemoattractant (chemokine [C-X-C
      motif] ligand 1), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (C-X-C motif chemokine 10)
      and interleukin 6 expression in the sera could be involved in attenuated immune
      cell migration and reduced inflammation by these reagents. CONCLUSIONS:
      Combinatory treatment with resveratrol and guggulsterone marginally reduced
      cerulein-induced mild acute pancreatitis in mice.

PMID- 28099256
TI  - Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis Incorporating Endosonographic Features,
      Demographics, and Behavioral Risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Diagnosing chronic pancreatitis remains challenging. Endoscopic
      ultrasound (EUS) is utilized to evaluate pancreatic disease. Abnormal pancreas
      function test is considered the "nonhistologic" criterion standard for chronic
      pancreatitis. We derived a prediction model for abnormal endoscopic pancreatic
      function test (ePFT) by enriching EUS findings with patient demographic and
      pancreatitis behavioral risk characteristics. METHODS: Demographics, behavioral
      risk characteristics, EUS findings, and peak bicarbonate results were collected
      from patients evaluated for pancreatic disease. Abnormal ePFT was defined as peak
      bicarbonate of less than 75 mEq/L. We fit a logistic regression model and
      converted it to a risk score system. The risk score was validated using 1000
      bootstrap simulations. RESULTS: A total of 176 patients were included; 61% were
      female with median age of 48 years (interquartile range, 38-57 years). Abnormal
      ePFT rate was 39.2% (69/176). Four variables formulated the risk score: alcohol
      or smoking status, number of parenchymal abnormalities, number of ductal
      abnormalities, and calcifications. Abnormal ePFT occurred in 10.7% with scores 4
      or less versus 92.0% scoring 20 or greater. The model C-statistic was 0.78 (95%
      confidence interval, 0.71-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Number of EUS pancreatic duct and
      parenchymal abnormalities, presence of calcification, and smoking/alcohol status
      were predictive of abnormal ePFT. This simple model has good discrimination for
      ePFT results.

PMID- 28099258
TI  - Patient Preferences for Management of Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas: A Cross
      Sectional Survey Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine how patient anxiety, knowledge,
      and cancer worry influence preferences for management of pancreatic cysts.
      METHODS: We performed a prospective, cross-sectional study using a disease
      specific survey instrument. We included patients older than 18 years who were
      diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst. A telephone survey instrument was developed to
      assess baseline anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS),
      knowledge regarding pancreatic cysts, cancer worry, and patient preferences using
      a standard gamble. RESULTS: Of the 100 studied participants (median age, 65
      years; 72% women), median Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score was 4
      (normal range). In terms of knowledge, 96% of the patients were not aware of
      their specific cyst type, and 58% were unaware of the possibility of any cyst
      related malignancy. Overall, 8% of respondents had some degree of cancer worry.
      Respondents were more willing to undergo magnetic resonance imaging surveillance
      compared with endoscopic ultrasound or surgery. Knowledge of cyst type was a
      significant predictor of willingness to undergo invasive testing. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is a significant gap in patient knowledge with respect to pancreatic cysts.
      Greater emphasis on patient education can help patients make informed decisions
      regarding cyst management.

PMID- 28099257
TI  - Antifibrotic Effect of Saturated Fatty Acids via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
      Response in Rat Pancreatic Stellate Cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of saturated fatty acids on chronic
      pancreatitis pathogenesis by elucidating the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress
      response in pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which are major effector cells in
      pancreatic fibrosis. METHODS: Wistar Bonn/Kobori rats were fed either control
      diet or high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, cultured rat PSCs were
      stimulated with thapsigargin, an ER stress inducer, or palmitic acid (PA).
      Pancreatic fibrosis, expressions of fibrosis-related and ER stress-related
      proteins and mRNA, cell viability, and apoptosis were examined. RESULTS: The HFD
      reduced fibrosis and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression (ie, activated PSCs)
      but upregulated ER stress-related mRNA expression in the pancreas of young HFD
      fed Wistar Bonn/Kobori rats. Induction of ER stress response in PSCs with
      thapsigargin or PA induced apoptosis, activated the protein kinase-like ER kinase
      (PERK) pathway, inhibited cell viability, and downregulated fibrosis-related
      protein and mRNA expression. The PERK inhibitor negated PA-induced ER stress
      response. CONCLUSIONS: Saturated fatty acids can inhibit but may not promote the
      fibrogenesis of chronic pancreatitis, at least in the early stage, via an ER
      stress response (ie, the PERK pathway) in PSCs. Moreover, induction of an
      apoptotic ER stress response in PSCs might be a novel therapeutic strategy for
      pancreatic fibrosis.

PMID- 28099259
TI  - Smad2/3 Linker Phosphorylation Is a Possible Marker of Pancreatic Stem/Progenitor
      Cells in the Regenerative Phase of Acute Pancreatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study are to characterize cell proliferation and
      differentiation during regeneration after pancreatitis and pancreatic buds during
      development to evaluate the role of Smad2/3, phosphorylated at the specific
      linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr) in positive cells. METHODS: Male
      C57BL/6 mice received hourly intraperitoneal injections of cerulein and were
      analyzed after induced pancreatitis. Pancreatitis-affected tissue sections and
      pancreatic buds were immunostained for pSmad2/3L-Thr, with other markers thought
      to be stem/progenitor markers of the pancreas. RESULTS: pSmad2/3L-Thr
      immunostaining-positive cells increased as the pancreatitis progressed. The
      expression of pSmad2/3L-Thr was seen in acinar cells and ductlike tubular
      complexes. These results suggest that pSmad2/3L-Thr is expressed during acinar
      ductal metaplasia. Immunohistochemical colocalization of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67
      was never observed. pSmad2/3L-Thr-positive cells may remain in an
      undifferentiated state. During the pancreatic development process, pSmad2/3L-Thr
      was expressed as other markers. pSmad2/3L-Thr develops in duct structure of the
      undifferentiated cell population in the last part of viviparity that acinar
      structure is formed clearly. CONCLUSIONS: pSmad2/3L-Thr expression occurs during
      acinar-ductal metaplasia after pancreatitis and may represent the contribution of
      stem cells and/or progenitor cells to the differentiation of the pancreas.

PMID- 28099260
TI  - Differentiation of Pancreatic Masses via Endoscopic Ultrasound Strain Ratio
      Elastography Using Adjacent Pancreatic Tissue as the Reference.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate diagnostic value of
      endoscopic ultrasound strain ratio elastography in patients with focal pancreatic
      masses and to determine the cutoff value between the pancreatic malignancies and
      inflammatory pancreatic masses using reference areas different than those used by
      other investigators. METHODS: In a prospective single-center study, strain ratio
      was measured in patients with pancreatic masses. After the diagnosis was
      established, statistical analysis was used to compare the group with pancreatic
      malignancies to the one with inflammatory masses. RESULTS: Strain ratio cutoff of
      7.59 provided 100% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and 97% overall accuracy for
      differentiation of patients with pancreatic malignancies from those with
      inflammatory masses. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show high sensitivity and specificity
      for the calculated strain ratio. Adjacent normal pancreatic tissue is adequate as
      a reference area based on the inclusion criteria. Diverse cutoff values and
      standardization of methods in the studies published so far require further
      investigations, before the implementation of the method in a routine clinical
      practice becomes possible.

PMID- 28099261
TI  - Health Care Utilization and Costs Associated With Acute Pancreatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acute pancreatitis is a common inpatient diagnosis among
      gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence
      of inpatient admissions, costs, and mortality rates associated with acute
      pancreatitis in the United States. METHODS: We analyzed the National Inpatient
      Sample for all patients in which acute pancreatitis (International Classification
      of Diseases, Ninth Revision code: 577.0) was the principal discharge diagnosis
      during the period 1997-2012. The statistical significance of the difference in
      the hospital discharges, length of stay, and costs over the study period was
      determined by utilization of regression analysis. RESULTS: In 1997, there were
      164,776 admissions with a principal discharge diagnosis of acute pancreatitis as
      compared with 275,170 in 2012 (P < 0.001). The mean length of stay for acute
      pancreatitis decreased from 6.4 days in 1997 to 4.7 days in 2012 (P < 0.001).
      However, during this period, the mean hospital charges increased by 118.6% from
      $15,433 in 1997 to $33,744 in 2012 (P < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate
      decreased significantly from 1.9% in 1997 to 0.78% in 2012 (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient admissions for acute pancreatitis and associated costs
      have increased markedly over the last 16 years in the United States. However, the
      lengths of stay and mortality rates have decreased significantly.

PMID- 28099262
TI  - Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Activation With Compound 21 Augments Islet
      Function and Regeneration in Streptozotocin-Induced Neonatal Rats and Human
      Pancreatic Progenitor Cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of compound 21 (C21), a nonpeptide
      angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist, on islet cell function and survival in
      streptozotocin (STZ)-treated neonatal rats and human pancreatic progenitor cells.
      METHODS: Neonatal rats were randomized into 5 groups, including a control, an STZ
      (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), and 3 STZ + C21 (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg per day
      for 7 days, intraperitoneally) groups. Body weight and blood glucose were
      monitored daily. On the last experimental day, serum insulin levels and glucose
      tolerance were assessed, and the rat pups' pancreata were extracted for
      examination of islet cell function/mass and involvement of signaling pathways.
      RESULTS: The C21-treated STZ rats, particularly in the 0.5- and 1 mg/kg-dosage
      groups, had significantly decreased blood glucose, increased serum insulin
      concentrations, higher glucose-stimulated insulin secretion activity, and greater
      islet-cell mass and up-regulated expression of insulin and Ngn3 in the pancreas
      than did the control groups; these rats also demonstrated increased beta-cell
      proliferation, lower superoxide levels and enhanced SOD1 expression, and up
      regulated phospho-AKT expression; consistently, similar results were also
      observed in human pancreatic progenitor cells. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest
      that C21 has a beneficial effect on islet cell function and regeneration,
      probably via proliferative and antioxidative pathways.

PMID- 28099263
TI  - International Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms Registry: Long-Term
      Results Based on the New Guidelines.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of a long-term
      intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) registry and evaluate new
      guidelines. METHODS: A prospectively maintained IPMN registry involving 6 centers
      in Europe and the United States was used to collect the data. Patients with more
      than 1-year follow-up and no malignancy diagnosed within the first 3 months of
      surveillance were included. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2014, 620 patients were
      included. The median follow-up time was 3 years. Thirty-seven (6%) patients
      developed malignancy with a median time from IPMN diagnosis to malignancy of 10.3
      months. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year actuarial rates of disease-free survival were
      97%, 93%, and 92% respectively. Four hundred thirty-one patients met criteria for
      low-risk branch duct IPMN consisting of cyst size less than 3 cm, with no solid
      component or main duct dilation. Eight malignancies were diagnosed in this
      subgroup, all of them within the first 5 years. From this subcohort, 112 patients
      had a follow-up time of more than 5 years, and no malignancy was diagnosed.
      CONCLUSIONS: In IPMN lesions with low-risk features at baseline, the risk of
      progression to malignancy after the first 5 years of follow-up was minimal.
      Furthermore, the main cyst characteristics remained unchanged during their
      surveillance.

PMID- 28099264
TI  - Post-treatment 18F-FDG-PET/CT versus contrast-enhanced CT in patients with
      oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: comparative effectiveness study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of same-day therapy-assessment PET/computed
      tomography (PET/CT) and conventional contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT)
      in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). METHODS: A total
      of 110 (95 men and 15 women; mean age 59 years) patients with biopsy-proven OPSCC
      were evaluated with same-day PET/CT and CECT pair scans as part of follow-up
      therapy assessment. Scans were performed within 6 months after the completion of
      primary treatment (median time: 3.1 months; range: 0.5-6 months). PET/CT and CECT
      scans were reviewed retrospectively for residual primary site disease, and right
      and left cervical lymph node involvement. Histopathology or 6 month
      clinical/imaging follow-up were used as the gold standard. Sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV),
      and accuracy were calculated for the primary site and cervical nodal disease.
      RESULTS: Of 110 OPSCC patients, 90.9% were human papilloma virus positive, 80.8%
      were stage 4, and 76.4% received chemoradiation as the primary treatment. The
      sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of PET/CT and CECT were similar
      in the evaluation of the primary cancer site (PET/CT: 75.0, 91.5, 25.0, 99.0, and
      90.9, respectively, versus CECT: 75.0, 90.6, 23.1, 99.0, and 90.0, respectively).
      In evaluating cervical lymph node involvement, PET/CT appeared to have higher
      accuracy (96.8 vs. 81.7%), specificity (97.7 vs. 81.7%), and PPV (45.8 vs.
      16.5%), comparable NPV (99.4% for both), and lower sensitivity (65 vs. 75%)
      compared with same-day CECT. CONCLUSION: Same-day PET/CT and CECT scans had
      comparable accuracy in the evaluation of primary tumor sites after completion of
      therapy in patients with OPSCC. PET/CT showed higher accuracy in the evaluation
      of cervical lymph node involvement.

PMID- 28099265
TI  - Observer agreement of treatment responses on planar bone scintigraphy in prostate
      cancer patients: importance of the lesion assessment method.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess observer agreement on the evaluation
      of treatment responses of bone metastases by bone scintigraphy (BS) using
      different scoring methods in prostate cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Sixty-three paired BS from 55 patients were included. BS was performed before and
      after more than 12 weeks of anticancer treatment. A panel of experienced nuclear
      medicine physicians from several institutions evaluated treatment response using
      three different methods: (a) standard clinical assessment, (b) MD Anderson
      criteria, and (c) Prostate Cancer Working Group 2 (PCWG-2) criteria. All methods
      were based on the evaluation of paired before-after bone scans. RESULTS: Readers
      were able to classify the presence of bone metastases at baseline with a high
      level of agreement [Cohen's kappa=0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82-1.00].
      Observer agreement on bone response by PCWG-2 criteria showed considerable
      agreement (Cohen's kappa=0.84, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99). Evaluation using standard
      clinical assessment and MD Anderson criteria showed moderate agreement (0.52, 95%
      CI: 0.36-0.69 and 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48-0.79, respectively). There was considerable
      variation among readers for regional lesion count on individual scans, with
      limits of agreement of -10 to 10 lesions or more for the majority of anatomical
      regions, including the thorax, spine, and pelvis. CONCLUSION: Observer agreement
      on treatment response by BS varied notably across methods. Optimal agreement was
      achieved by the PCWG-2 criteria. Variation in the classification of treatment
      response of bone metastases may have a significant impact on clinical decision
      making, emphasizing the need for a uniform approach, including during clinical
      practice. Response assessment by lesion counting on repeated BS without access to
      previous scans cannot be recommended.

PMID- 28099266
TI  - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Gastrointestinal Disorders in the Danish
      Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence for the association between posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders is mixed, owing in part to
      methodologic differences across studies. Furthermore, studies which have combined
      GI disorders or symptoms for examination as one overall category may potentially
      obscure associations between PTSD and individual GI diagnoses. METHODS: This
      nationwide cohort study examined the incidence of all major nonmalignant GI
      disorders in patients with a prior PTSD diagnosis (n = 4,076), compared with the
      general population incidence from 1995 to 2013, using Danish medical registry
      data. We examined differences by sex, age, marital status, psychiatric and
      somatic comorbidity, and follow-up time. Risks, standardized incidence rates
      (SIRs), and confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Risk of any
      GI disorder among PTSD patients was 25% (95% CI: 21%, 29%); the SIR for any GI
      disorder was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.7, 2.0). Risk and SIRs varied by disorder (e.g., no
      association with diverticula of the intestines [SIR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.5];
      stronger association with peptic ulcer, site unspecified [SIR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.8,
      5.5]). Stratified analyses revealed that some associations were stronger for
      persons ages 16-39 or unmarried at PTSD diagnosis, persons with comorbid
      psychiatric diagnoses, and in the year following PTSD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study documents associations between clinician-diagnosed PTSD and all major
      nonmalignant GI disorders in an unselected nationwide cohort with long follow-up.
      Differences in associations across GI disorders and important modifiers may
      account for previous conflicting research findings.

PMID- 28099267
TI  - Measurement Error Correction for Predicted Spatiotemporal Air Pollution
      Exposures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Air pollution cohort studies are frequently analyzed in two stages,
      first modeling exposure then using predicted exposures to estimate health effects
      in a second regression model. The difference between predicted and unobserved
      true exposures introduces a form of measurement error in the second stage health
      model. Recent methods for spatial data correct for measurement error with a
      bootstrap and by requiring the study design ensure spatial compatibility, that
      is, monitor and subject locations are drawn from the same spatial distribution.
      These methods have not previously been applied to spatiotemporal exposure data.
      METHODS: We analyzed the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and
      birth weight in the US state of Georgia using records with estimated date of
      conception during 2002-2005 (n = 403,881). We predicted trimester-specific PM2.5
      exposure using a complex spatiotemporal exposure model. To improve spatial
      compatibility, we restricted to mothers residing in counties with a PM2.5 monitor
      (n = 180,440). We accounted for additional measurement error via a nonparametric
      bootstrap. RESULTS: Third trimester PM2.5 exposure was associated with lower
      birth weight in the uncorrected (-2.4 g per 1 MUg/m difference in exposure; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: -3.9, -0.8) and bootstrap-corrected (-2.5 g, 95% CI: 
      4.2, -0.8) analyses. Results for the unrestricted analysis were attenuated (-0.66
      g, 95% CI: -1.7, 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a novel application of
      measurement error correction for spatiotemporal air pollution exposures. Our
      results demonstrate the importance of spatial compatibility between monitor and
      subject locations and provide evidence of the association between air pollution
      exposure and birth weight.

PMID- 28099268
TI  - Vascular Nature and Existence of Anastomoses of Extrinsic Postauricular Fascia:
      Application for Staged Auricular Reconstruction.
AB  - A staged auricular reconstruction in microtia patients was developed by using
      superficial mastoid fascia (as part of extrinsic postauricular fascia) to cover
      the cartilagenous framework due to its highly vascularized nature. Three branches
      of external carotid artery (superficial temporal artery, posterior auricular
      artery and occipital artery) were found to supply this fascia, this study was
      therefore aimed to investigate the dimension of blood supply from each vessel and
      also to demonstrate the existence of anastomoses among these arteries. Thirty
      eight pinnas and postauricular fascias from Thai fresh adult cadavers were
      included to document the anastomoses by showing both perfused dye connection (10
      dissections) and visible anastomotic branches (8 dissections) among them.
      Distribution of each vessel trunk and its branches were demonstrated using
      superimposed illustration in the other 20 dissections with dye injection into
      each artery to designate 3 zones of anastomotic area between each arterial pair.
      Maximal size of viable postauricular fascial flap for staged reconstruction
      according to this vascular study was thus estimated to be at least 5 cm above and
      3 cm below the Frankfurt horizontal plane and about 6 cm posterior to external
      acoustic meatus owing to the course of posterior auricular artery and its
      anastomoses. In addition, greater size of flap with dual blood supply from both
      superficial temporal and posterior auricular arteries can be raised by harvesting
      beyond 5 cm above external acoustic meatus.

PMID- 28099269
TI  - Bilateral Leg Replantation in a 3-Month-Old Baby After a Knee Level Crush
      Amputation-A 2-Year Follow-up.
AB  - We present a case of a successful bilateral leg replantation in a 3-month-old
      baby after a knee-level crush amputation with the loss of both knee joints. The
      legs were replanted after 4 hours of warm and an additional 2.5 and 3.5 hours of
      cold ischemia time. Both legs show motor and sensory reinnervation, without
      additional procedures performed on the right leg, and after a nerve
      reconstruction with cadaveric allografts on the left leg. Both replanted legs
      exhibit excellent bony and soft tissue growth. Two years after the injury, the
      patient is progressing well with rehabilitation, with favourable odds of having
      knee reconstructions performed at a later age. This is the youngest patient
      reported to have had successful replantation of both legs.

PMID- 28099270
TI  - A Prospective Assessment of Surgical Risk Factors in 114 Gluteal Fold Flap
      Reconstructions After Oncological Vulvoperineal Resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: To date, clinically relevant selection criteria have not been
      established for the use of the gluteal fold flap after oncological vulvoperineal
      resection. We prospectively assessed the surgical risk factors of this
      reconstructive technique in a large series. METHODOLOGY: From April of 2000
      through December of 2015, 114 gluteal fold flaps were used for vulvoperineal
      reconstruction after excision of (pre)malignant skin disorders in 75 women. The
      possible influence of 10 patient-related and 6 procedure-related risk factors on
      flap-related postoperative complications was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: We
      observed a major complication in 13 flaps (11%) and a minor complication in 19
      flaps (17%). Previous radiotherapy (P = 0.01) was associated with significantly
      more complications, and a rotation flap design rather than VY advancement (P =
      0.02) was associated with major complications. Recurrent disease, multifocal
      tumor localization, incomplete removal of tumor, and bilateral flap procedure
      were found to be clinically relevant risk factors, but not significantly so. The
      same applied to recurrence of disease during postoperative follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: We identified surgical risk factors for gluteal fold flap use after
      oncological vulvoperineal resection. These observations may potentially allow for
      more favorable future surgical outcomes by adaption of selection of patients or
      procedure.

PMID- 28099271
TI  - Innovative strategies for adverse karyotype acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adverse karyotype acute myeloid leukemia is a disease
      particularly of older patients, but also observed in younger patients. Despite
      all efforts, standard chemotherapy is still generally applied in fit patients, as
      already for decades, and for nearly all different subtypes of acute myeloid
      leukemia. Lack of more specifically targeted therapy and the often older age of
      the patients are complicating treatment, and in the subgroup of patients
      achieving a complete remission, the strikingly high frequency of relapse is a
      characteristic of this disease. This review aims to give an overview of current
      treatment approaches as well as emerging therapies. RECENT FINDINGS: Currently,
      the approach of a targeted therapy specific to the genetic and/or epigenetic
      aberrations detected in the individual patient is still not possible, and a 'one
      treatment fits all' course of action is still used, with allografting as curative
      consolidation. However, first immunotherapeutic approaches are emerging as
      treatment options and first phase 1 and 2 studies are described. SUMMARY:
      Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia with adverse karyotype is still not
      individualized, most treatment options currently not being curative. This can
      change in the near future, but recent findings will have to be implemented into
      larger phase 3 studies before being standard of care.

PMID- 28099272
TI  - Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia: current challenges in diagnosis and therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a rare disease that
      poses many diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Patients with MPAL are
      considered to have poor outcomes. The difficulties in classifying this leukemia,
      the lack of prospectively collected data concerning therapeutic outcomes, and
      rare incidence result in much uncertainty as to the best approach for patients
      with MPAL. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies demonstrated that most MPALs are
      associated with cytogenetic abnormalities; genetic sequencing studies disclose a
      high frequency of somatic mutations in genes encoding epigenetic regulators,
      tumor suppressors, and transcription factors. The limited available data suggest
      that higher remission rates are achieved with acute lymphoblastic leukemia-like
      induction regimens compared with acute myeloid leukemia-type approaches.
      Allogeneic transplantation in first remission may be associated with improved
      survival compared with consolidation chemotherapy. SUMMARY: Advances in
      understanding the genetic landscape of MPAL may allow a more biologically driven
      classification of this heterogeneous group of leukemias in the future that will
      lead to optimized therapies for individual patients. Most data that inform
      therapy are based on retrospective, uncontrolled studies; prospective trials that
      incorporate targeted approaches based on genetics and immunophenotype are needed.

PMID- 28099273
TI  - Making the most of hypomethylating agents in myelodysplastic syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypomethylating agents (HMA) are the preferred therapy for
      patients with higher risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and an alternative
      therapeutic strategy for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia. These agents
      have improved both survival and quality of life, but results overall remain poor.
      The purpose of this review is to highlight recent developments in clinical
      research with HMA in MDS/acute myeloid leukemia over the last year. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Combination of HMA with B-cell lymphoma-2 inhibitors, hedgehog
      inhibitors, and a variety of other agents are underway, as are further studies
      with reformulated HMA that have more favorable pharmacokinetics (including oral
      bioavailability). HMA may also be promising in maintenance therapy after
      allogeneic transplantation. Generally speaking, testing new agents in randomized
      studies after 'HMA failure,' however, may be suboptimal for assessing efficacy.
      SUMMARY: No clear 'winner' as a combination partner with HMA or novel formulation
      of HMA has yet emerged. We concur with growing trends to test novel agents early
      in the drug development timeline, including the frontline treatment setting in
      combination with HMA, to bring new agents to Food and Drug Administration
      approval more quickly. HMA are standard in name only, clinical research should be
      the standard of care.

PMID- 28099274
TI  - Can any patients with chronic myeloid leukemia outside of a clinical trial have
      their tyrosine kinase inhibitor discontinued?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article critically appraises the state of treatment-free
      remission as a strategy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in deep
      remission after therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). RECENT FINDINGS:
      Approximately half of patients with CML defined fairly narrowly by trial criteria
      - TKI sensitive, in deep molecular remission for a defined period - can
      successfully maintain protective levels of response after TKI cessation. Those
      who cannot appear at very low risk of disease control loss and can promptly
      regain remission with TKI resumption. Increasing numbers of patients followed
      longer term in trials have proven as well as a lack of additional late relapse in
      either group and that 'functional cure' of CML is feasible. Both the definition
      of remission sufficient to attempt treatment-free remission and the trigger to
      resume treatment have been relaxed somewhat while outcomes have remained the
      same. Based on repeated confirmatory data, economic pressures, and pragmatism,
      the question of feasibility and safety of TKI cessation outside of clinical
      trials is at hand. SUMMARY: TKI cessation outside of clinical trials, if
      performed under strict guidelines, utilizing optimal monitoring techniques, with
      counsel available from experts in the field, and after full disclosure of the
      risks and benefits with the patient, may be safe (see video, supplemental digital
      content 1, which summarizes the abstract and offers the author's
      perspective,http://links.lww.com/COH/A15).

PMID- 28099275
TI  - Characterization, regulation, and targeting of erythroid progenitors in normal
      and disordered human erythropoiesis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The erythroid progenitors burst-forming unit-erythroid and
      colony-forming unit-erythroid have a critical role in erythropoiesis. These cells
      represent a heterogeneous and poorly characterized population with modifiable
      self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation capabilities. This review focuses
      on the current state of erythroid progenitor biology with regard to
      immunophenotypic identification and regulatory programs. In addition, we will
      discuss the therapeutic implications of using these erythroid progenitors as
      pharmacologic targets. RECENT FINDINGS: Erythroid progenitors are classically
      characterized by the appearance of morphologically defined colonies in semisolid
      cultures. However, these prior systems preclude a more thorough understanding of
      the composite nature of progenitor populations. Recent studies employing novel
      flow cytometric and cell-based assays have helped to redefine hematopoiesis, and
      suggest that erythroid progenitors may arise from different levels of the
      hematopoietic tree. Moreover, the identification of cell surface marker patterns
      in human burst-forming unit-erythroid and colony-forming unit-erythroid enhance
      our ability to perform downstream functional and molecular analyses at the
      population and single cell level. Advances in these techniques have already
      revealed novel subpopulations with increased self-renewing capacity, roles for
      erythroid progenitors in globin gene expression, and insights into pharmacologic
      mechanisms of glucocorticoids and pomalidomide. SUMMARY: Immunophenotypic and
      molecular characterization resolves the diversity of erythroid progenitors, and
      may ultimately lead to the ability to target these progenitors to ameliorate
      diseases of dyserythropoiesis.

PMID- 28099276
TI  - Factors in the Efficacy, Safety, and Impact on Quality of Life for Treatment of
      Drooling with Botulinum Toxin Type A in Patients with Cerebral Palsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A)
      injected in both submandibular and parotid versus only in parotid glands as a
      treatment for drooling in patients with spastic and dyskinetic cerebral palsy
      (CP), including an assessment of impact on quality of life (QoL) based on items
      from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health
      (ICF) core set. DESIGN: Forty patients with CP 18 years or older (mean, 21.8
      years) participated in a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled
      interventional study. All participants were classified as Gross Motor Function
      Classification System level III or higher and all had significant drooling as
      defined in prior studies. One group (group A) was treated with 100 U of BoNT-A,
      and another group (group B) served as control. In the treatment group, all
      patients first received combined parotid and submandibular injections, and then
      parotid injections only. The main outcome variables were a postinjection decrease
      in the drooling quotient (DQ) of 50% or more, total flow of 30% or more, and QoL
      as assessed by a set of 10 items related to drooling from the ICF. RESULTS: The
      proportion of patients who achieved at least 50% reduction in DQ was 45% in group
      A versus 0.0% in group B; 0.0% (P = 0.0012); and of those who achieved at least
      30% reduction in total flow was 90% in group A versus 10% in group B (P <
      0.0001). Within group A, 42.1% of the dyskinetic patients versus 58.0% of the
      spastic ones showed 50% or better response in DQ, which is not a statistically
      significant difference (P = 0.8045). With regard to ICF questions, group A showed
      statistically significant improvements in several related items. There did not
      seem to be a significant difference in overall response for providing parotid
      only injections. Additional correlations and uncommon adverse effect experiences
      are also reviewed. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin A injection of the salivary glands
      is frequently effective and generally safe for the treatment of drooling in
      patients with either spastic or dyskinetic CP, both in objective measurement of
      saliva production and subjective symptoms related to the condition. There does
      not seem to be a significant advantage of injecting both submandibular and
      parotid glands over injecting parotid glands alone.

PMID- 28099277
TI  - Benefits of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Therapy in Thymectomy for Myasthenia
      Gravis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effectiveness of a comprehensive program of
      rehabilitation therapy in patients undergoing thymectomy for myasthenia gravis
      (MG). DESIGN: From 2005 to 2010, 46 consecutive patients affected by MG underwent
      a rehabilitation program both before and after thymectomy. We matched each
      patient with a "control patient" who underwent thymectomy within the period 1999
      to 2004 with no preoperative rehabilitation, who had the closest propensity score
      matching. RESULTS: All patients but 2 were able to complete the intended program.
      Eighteen patients (41%) experienced mild fatigue (>25 at MG quantitative score).
      Propensity score selected a group of 17 patients for the matching process. The
      group of patients who underwent the rehabilitation program showed significant
      preoperative improvement associated with a reduced operative risk, a decreased
      early postoperative morbidity, a lower rate of postoperative intensive care unit
      needed (12% vs 35%; P = 0.01) and a shorter hospital stay (3 vs 5 days; P =
      0.04). After the expected perioperative decline, all major myasthenic outcomes
      demonstrated a significant faster recovery at 3 months. Complete stable remission
      did not reveal significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise is not necessarily
      a contraindication in MG, and rehabilitation can be safely performed before and
      after thymectomy, reducing operative risks and decreasing recovery time. TO CLAIM
      CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at
      http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCMECME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this
      article, the reader should be able to do the following: (1) appreciate the
      benefits of physical therapy in individuals with myasthenia gravis; (2) describe
      the benefits of physical therapy on postoperative morbidity in myasthenia gravis
      patients who undergo thymectomy; and (3) incorporate appropriate rehabilitation
      into the treatment plan of patient with myasthenia gravis. LEVEL:
      AdvancedACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by
      the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing
      medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists
      designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM.
      Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their
      participation in the activity.

PMID- 28099278
TI  - Recurrent Median Nerve Injury in a Weight Lifter.
AB  - Recurrent median neuropathy is an uncommon injury that can be commonly mistaken
      for other pathological causes. It is important to be aware of the potential
      causes and symptoms of injury as delay in diagnosis can lead to permanent
      decrease in hand function and disability. This case is a description of a 33-year
      old male patient who previously presented with radicular symptoms and had
      complete resolution of his pain after a C7 selective nerve root block. Several
      months after presentation, he developed significant thenar atrophy, localized
      pain, and weakness associated with weight lifting activities. He was originally
      diagnosed with a recurrence of his C7 symptoms and a wrist sprain and was treated
      with a prednisone taper and wrist splint. After no improvement, he was referred
      to a physiatrist at an outpatient orthopedic clinic where he was examined and
      found to have a recurrent median neuropathy on electrodiagnostic studies. A left
      hand MRI was ordered which demonstrated no anatomical evidence of a compressive
      nerve lesion, and it was concluded that his injury was secondary to direct
      compression from high intensity weight lifting.

PMID- 28099279
TI  - New Survival Target for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
AB  - We report a patient with a typical phenotype and clinical history of Duchenne
      muscular dystrophy who is currently 53 years old. Because of improvements in
      cardiopulmonary care, there has been a great improvement in survival and
      preservation of quality of life for many of these patients. Whereas it is no
      longer rare to find patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy living into their
      fifth decade, this is the first report of a patient in his sixth decade of life.
      We believe that besides use of continuous noninvasive respiratory support, the
      fortuitous absence of dilated cardiomyopathy associated with the particular point
      mutation of his dystrophin gene has permitted prolonged survival.

PMID- 28099280
TI  - A Novel Approach for Ultrasound-Guided Botulinum Toxin Injections: Botulis-MUS
      Projects.

PMID- 28099281
TI  - Vision-Related Quality of Life Before and After Deep Anterior Lamellar
      Keratoplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine changes in the vision-related quality of life in
      patients undergoing deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) by using the 25
      item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). METHODS:
      Thirty-five patients who were scheduled for DALK between March 1, 2013, and March
      1, 2014 were asked to complete the NEI VFQ-25. NEI VFQ-25 was administered again
      at 6 months and at 1 year postoperatively. Data on patients' age, sex,
      preoperative diagnosis, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual
      acuity, and postoperative astigmatism were recorded. RESULTS: Successful DALK
      with the Anwar big bubble technique was achieved in 23 of 35 (65.7%) patients.
      The indications for surgery were keratoconus in 15 patients (62.2%), stromal
      corneal dystrophies in 4 (17%), and corneal scar in 4 (17%). The mean
      preoperative NEI VFQ-25 composite score (55.2+/-19.7) improved significantly
      (76.9+/-11.6) at 6 months after DALK and continued to improve (84.3+/-6.6) at 1
      year postoperatively (Friedman test, P=0.001). All NEI VFQ-25 subscale item
      scores increased significantly after surgery. The patients' age was significantly
      correlated with the NEI VFQ-25 subscale score of mental health at 6 month and at
      1 year postoperatively (r=0.92, P=0.008 and r=0.94, P=0.005, respectively). There
      was a negative relationship between postoperative astigmatism at 1 year and NEI
      VFQ-25 ocular pain, social functioning, peripheral vision, and mental health
      subscale scores (r=-0.76, P=-0.07; r=-0.53, P=0.2; r=-0.53, P=0.27; r=-0.80,
      P=0.05). CONCLUSION: Vision-related quality of life improved significantly after
      DALK and continued to improve after suture removal.

PMID- 28099282
TI  - Risk Factors for Acanthamoeba Keratitis-A Multistate Case-Control Study, 2008
      2011.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify modifiable risk factors contributing to Acanthamoeba
      keratitis (AK) infection. METHODS: A case-control investigation was conducted.
      Case patients were soft contact lens wearers with laboratory-confirmed AK.
      Control were soft contact lens wearers >=12 years of age, with no history of AK.
      Case patients were recruited from 14 ophthalmology referral centers and a
      clinical laboratory. Control were matched on state of residence and type of
      primary eye care provider (ophthalmologist or optometrist). Participants were
      interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Univariable and multivariable
      conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted. Matched odds ratios
      (mORs) were calculated. RESULTS: Participants included 88 case patients and 151
      matched control. Case patients were more likely to be aged <25 years (unadjusted
      mOR 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.3-5.5) or aged >53 years (mOR 2.5, 1.1-5.7),
      and more likely to be men (mOR 2.6, 1.4-4.8). Unadjusted analyses identified
      multiple risk factors: rinsing (mOR 6.3, 1.3-29.9) and storing lenses in tap
      water (mOR 3.9, 1.2-12.3), topping off solution in the lens case (mOR 4.0, 2.0
      8.0), having worn lenses <=5 years (mOR 2.4, 1.3-4.4), rinsing the case with tap
      water before storing lenses (mOR 2.1, 1.1-4.1), and using hydrogen peroxide (mOR
      3.6, 1.1-11.7) versus multipurpose solution. Significant risk factors in
      multivariable modeling included age >53 years, male sex, topping off, and using
      saline solution. CONCLUSIONS: Numerous modifiable risk factors for AK were
      identified, mostly involving hygiene practices. To reduce the risk of AK, lens
      wearers should observe recommended lens care practices.

PMID- 28099283
TI  - The Characteristics of Excimer Laser Refractive Surgery Candidates.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the demographic and refractive characteristics of excimer
      laser refractive surgery candidates in Iran. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional
      study between 2010 and 2014. All information was collected from 28 centers
      randomly selected from 12 provinces. Then, for each season of the year, one week
      was chosen through simple random selection, and within each week, 3 days were
      again chosen randomly. All excimer laser surgical procedures performed during
      these 3 days were identified by training staff, and data were extracted from
      patient charts. RESULTS: A total of 14,569 charts were reviewed; 67.5% of the
      subjects were female and the rest were male. Of the total surgeries, 18.6% had
      been done in 2010 which reached to 19.1% in 2014. The mean age of people
      receiving refractive surgery showed an upward trend (P<0.001) and female patients
      were significantly younger than male patients (P<0.001). The 25 to 39 years age
      group received the highest number of surgeries (31.9% of the total) and there was
      a significant association with gender (P<0.001). The most common refractive error
      was compound myopic astigmatism with a prevalence of 79.3%. In 2010, 33.3% of the
      performed surgeries were covered by insurance policies, and this decreased to
      30.2% in 2014 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Women with compound myopic astigmatism in
      the age range of 25 and 35 years are the most frequent users of excimer laser
      refractive surgery. Less than one-third of laser refractive surgeries are covered
      by insurance policies. Therefore, proper planning for improving services to this
      group must be given priority.

PMID- 28099284
TI  - The Presence of Conjunctivochalasis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to detect the presence of
      conjunctivochalasis (CCh) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. METHODS: We
      included 54 subjects (41 OSA patients and 14 control subjects) in the study. All
      the patients were assessed regarding the presence and stage of CCh. RESULTS: The
      patients were grouped according to their apnea-hypopnea index as determined
      during nocturnal polysomnography in our laboratory as mild (12 patients),
      moderate (16 patients), and severe (13 patients) OSA. The CCh rate was 87.8% in
      the OSA group and 57.1% in the control group (P=0.022). Mean CCh stage was 1.58+/
      1.24, 2.38+/-0.88, and 2.15+/-0.98 in the mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups,
      respectively, and 0.71+/-0.72 in the control group (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      moderate and severe OSA groups were associated with higher rates and more
      advanced stages of CCh. We believe that detailed conjunctival assessment is
      necessary for patients with complaints such as burning, stinging, and foreign
      body sensation, which we frequently confront in daily practice. In particular,
      young patients diagnosed with CCh must be carefully assessed regarding sleep
      apnea. In light of the above findings, we suggest that patients with ocular
      surface symptoms that are not relieved by topical medical treatment should be
      assessed for CCh and OSA. Longitudinal studies monitoring the response of CCh to
      OSA treatment are needed to clarify the relationship between CCh and OSA.

PMID- 28099285
TI  - Comparison of Silicone Hydrogel and Hydrogel Daily Disposable Contact Lenses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare subjective, objective and safety performance of silicone
      hydrogel (SiHy) daily disposable (DD) with hydrogel (Hy) DD contact lenses.
      METHOD: Retrospective analysis on approximately 40 participants (Px) each in 5
      trials. Lenses grouped into SiHy (delefilcon A, somofilcon A, narafilcon A) and
      Hy (omafilcon A, nelfilcon A). Participants attended follow-up visits at
      baseline, 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months. Subjective ratings (1-10 scale), adverse
      events (percentage of Px), physiological variables (0-4 scale), and wearing time
      were collected at each visit and compared between groups. RESULT: Trials enrolled
      201 Px totally. No differences in age, sex, and lens wear experience were found
      between SiHy and Hy groups (P>=0.09). There was greater increase in limbal
      redness from baseline in Hy group (0.18+/-0.38 vs. 0.02+/-0.47, P<0.001), whereas
      conjunctival staining and indentation were less in Hy group (P<0.001). No
      differences in comfortable wearing time were found between groups (P=0.41), and
      comfort at insertion, during day, and end of day was also no different (P>=0.71).
      Incidence of corneal infiltrative events (SiHy vs. Hy: 6.7% vs. 2.5%; P=0.32) and
      mechanical adverse events (SiHy vs. Hy: 0.0% vs. 0.0%; P=1.00) were no different.
      CONCLUSION: Though some statistical significance was found between the groups,
      these differences were within measurement error. Neither material types showed
      superiority in comfort, and adverse event rates were low with both material
      types. These findings suggest that choice of material is a patient and
      practitioner preference; however, for patients at risk of hypoxia-related
      complications, SiHy materials should be considered.

PMID- 28099286
TI  - Multicenter Study Validating Accuracy of a Continuous Respiratory Rate
      Measurement Derived From Pulse Oximetry: A Comparison With Capnography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intermittent measurement of respiratory rate via observation is
      routine in many patient care settings. This approach has several inherent
      limitations that diminish the clinical utility of these measurements because it
      is intermittent, susceptible to human error, and requires clinical resources. As
      an alternative, a software application that derives continuous respiratory rate
      measurement from a standard pulse oximeter has been developed. We sought to
      determine the performance characteristics of this new technology by comparison
      with clinician-reviewed capnography waveforms in both healthy subjects and
      hospitalized patients in a low-acuity care setting. METHODS: Two independent
      observational studies were conducted to validate the performance of the Medtronic
      Nellcor Respiration Rate Software application. One study enrolled 26 healthy
      volunteer subjects in a clinical laboratory, and a second multicenter study
      enrolled 53 hospitalized patients. During a 30-minute study period taking place
      while participants were breathing spontaneously, pulse oximeter and nasal/oral
      capnography waveforms were collected. Pulse oximeter waveforms were processed to
      determine respiratory rate via the Medtronic Nellcor Respiration Rate Software.
      Capnography waveforms reviewed by a clinician were used to determine the
      reference respiratory rate. RESULTS: A total of 23,243 paired observations
      between the pulse oximeter-derived respiratory rate and the capnography reference
      method were collected and examined. The mean reference-based respiratory rate was
      15.3 +/- 4.3 breaths per minute with a range of 4 to 34 breaths per minute. The
      Pearson correlation coefficient between the Medtronic Nellcor Respiration Rate
      Software values and the capnography reference respiratory rate is reported as a
      linear correlation, R, as 0.92 +/- 0.02 (P < .001), whereas Lin's concordance
      correlation coefficient indicates an overall agreement of 0.85 +/- 0.04 (95%
      confidence interval [CI] +0.76; +0.93) (healthy volunteers: 0.94 +/- 0.02 [95% CI
      +0.91; +0.97]; hospitalized patients: 0.80 +/- 0.06 [95% CI +0.68; +0.92]). The
      mean bias of the Medtronic Nellcor Respiration Rate Software was 0.18 breaths per
      minute with a precision (SD) of 1.65 breaths per minute (healthy volunteers: 0.37
      +/- 0.78 [95% limits of agreement: -1.16; +1.90] breaths per minute; hospitalized
      patients: 0.07 +/- 1.99 [95% limits of agreement: -3.84; +3.97] breaths per
      minute). The root mean square deviation was 1.35 breaths per minute (healthy
      volunteers: 0.81; hospitalized patients: 1.60). CONCLUSIONS: These data
      demonstrate the performance of the Medtronic Nellcor Respiration Rate Software in
      healthy subjects and patients hospitalized in a low-acuity care setting when
      compared with clinician-reviewed capnography. The observed performance of this
      technology suggests that it may be a useful adjunct to continuous pulse oximetry
      monitoring by providing continuous respiratory rate measurements. The potential
      patient safety benefit of using combined continuous pulse oximetry and
      respiratory rate monitoring warrants assessment.

PMID- 28099287
TI  - Anesthetic Outcomes of Children With Arthrogryposis Syndromes: No Evidence of
      Hyperthermia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arthrogryposis syndromes are a heterogeneous group of disorders
      characterized by congenital joint contractures often requiring multiple surgeries
      during childhood to address skeletal and visceral abnormalities. Previous reports
      suggest that these children have increased perioperative risk, including
      hypermetabolic events discrete from malignant hyperthermia, difficult airway
      management, isolated hyperthermia, and difficult IV line placement. We sought to
      compare children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) versus the less
      severe, distal arthrogryposis syndromes (DAS) and to evaluate possible
      intraoperative hyperthermia of patients with AMC. We hypothesized that children
      with AMC had a greater incidence of intraoperative hyperthermia and more
      difficulty with airway management and IV access. METHODS: Children aged 0 to 25
      years with arthrogryposis syndromes who underwent anesthesia from 1972 to 2013
      were identified. The medical records were reviewed for demographics,
      arthrogryposis type, and anesthetic complications. AMC subjects were compared
      with DAS subjects. To evaluate the probability of hyperthermia and hypermetabolic
      responses of patients with AMC, we performed a post hoc case-control analysis.
      Patients with AMC were matched in a 1:2 ratio to patients without arthrogryposis
      to evaluate the primary outcome of maximum intraoperative temperature. RESULTS:
      Forty-five patients with AMC and 16 patients with DAS underwent 264 and 105
      unique anesthetics, respectively. There was no significant difference in
      intraoperative hyperthermia or hypermetabolic events (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.36-2.47; P = .90). Children with AMC were more likely
      to have difficult IV access (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 1.81-27.90; P = .005). Additional
      evidence suggested that difficult airway management (OR, 4.06; 95% CI, 1.01
      16.39; P = .049) and hemodynamic instability (OR, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.03-17.26; P =
      .045) were more likely in children with AMC. From post hoc case-control analysis,
      there was no significant difference in the mean maximum intraoperative
      temperature (estimated difference +0.04 degrees C; 95% CI, -0.14 to +0.22; P =
      .64) or odds of intraoperative hyperthermia (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.78-2.82; P =
      .223) for patients with AMC compared with control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Children
      with arthrogryposis syndromes present challenges to the anesthesia and surgical
      teams, including greater neuromuscular disease burden and challenging peripheral
      IV placement, with additional evidence suggesting difficult airway management and
      intraoperative hemodynamic instability. Although more definitive studies are
      warranted, we did not find evidence of increased odds of intraoperative
      hyperthermia or hypermetabolic responses.

PMID- 28099288
TI  - Assessing the Agreement Between Radiologic and Clinical Measurements of Lumbar
      and Cervical Epidural Depths in Patients Undergoing Prone Interlaminar Epidural
      Steroid Injection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injection (ESI) commonly is
      performed to treat radicular pain yet can lead to adverse events if the needle is
      not advanced with precision. Accurate preoperative assessment of the distance
      from the skin to the epidural space holds the potential for reducing the risks of
      adverse effects from ESI. It was hypothesized that the distance from the skin to
      the epidural space as measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      would agree with the distance traveled by a Tuohy needle to reach the epidural
      space during midline, interlaminar ESI. This study compared the final needle
      depth measurement at the point of loss of resistance (LOR) from cervical or
      lumbar ESI to the distance from the skin to the anterior and posterior borders of
      the epidural space on the associated cervical and lumbar preoperative MRI.
      METHODS: This retrospective chart review analyzed the procedure notes, MRI, and
      demographic data of patients who received a prone, interlaminar ESI at an
      outpatient chronic pain clinic between June 1, 2013, and June 1, 2015. The
      following data were collected: body mass index (BMI), age, sex, intervertebral
      level of the ESI, and LOR depth. We then measured the distance from the skin
      surface to the anterior border of the ligamentum flavum (ligamentum flavum depth
      [LFD]) and dura (dura depth [DD]) on MRI. A total of 335 patients were
      categorized into the following patient subgroups: age >=65 years, age <65 years,
      BMI >=30 kg/m (obese), BMI <30 kg/m (nonobese), male, and female. Secondary
      analyses were then performed to compare the agreement between LOR depth and DD
      with that between LOR depth and LFD within each patient subgroup. Intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot were used to assess the
      agreement between DD or LFD and LOR depth. RESULTS: Data from 335 ESIs were
      analyzed, including 147 cervical ESIs and 188 lumbar ESIs. Estimated ICC values
      for the agreement between LOR depth and LFD for all lumbar and cervical
      measurements were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.91) and 0.72 (95%
      CI, 0.64-0.79), respectively. Estimated ICC values for the agreement between LOR
      depth and DD for all lumbar and cervical measurements were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.82
      0.89) and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.60-0.77), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      assessed the agreement between MRI-derived measurements of epidural depth and
      those determined clinically. MRI-derived measurements from the skin to the
      anterior border of the ligamentum flavum, which represents the most posterior
      aspect of the epidural space, revealed stronger agreement with LOR depths than
      did measurements to the dura or the most anterior aspect of the epidural space.
      These results require further analysis and refinement before supporting clinical
      application.

PMID- 28099289
TI  - Orthogonal Views of Coronary Vessels: A Method for Imaging the Delivery of Blood
      Cardioplegia Using Transesophageal Echocardiography.
AB  - Coronary blood flow can be disrupted during cardiac interventions such as mitral
      valve surgeries, left atrial appendage ligation, transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation, and aortic procedures involving reimplantation of coronary buttons.
      Although difficult to accomplish, coronary imaging using transesophageal
      echocardiography can be performed by the use of orthogonal imaging with the
      ability for real-time tilt for angle adjustment. The technique described herein
      allows imaging of the right coronary artery, left main coronary artery
      bifurcation, left anterior descending, and circumflex coronary arteries. The
      imaging is facilitated by acquisition during the delivery of blood cardioplegia.
      Coronary sinus and great cardiac vein imaging also can be obtained during the
      delivery of retrograde cardioplegia. Although further studies are needed, this
      imaging technique may prove useful in procedures where coronary flow disruption
      is suspected or as an additional parameter to confirm delivery of cardioplegia.

PMID- 28099290
TI  - Increased Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Among Asian American and Pacific
      Islander Women in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are the fastest-growing
      racial group in the United States. Despite a higher socioeconomic status, AAPI
      women experience higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Using
      the National Inpatient Sample, we performed a retrospective cohort analysis of
      women who were hospitalized for delivery from 2002 to 2013. The primary outcome
      variable was inpatient mortality rate, and the presence of severe maternal
      morbidities was estimated using the Bateman Comorbidity Index, a validated tool
      for predicting obstetric morbidity. RESULTS: AAPI women presenting for delivery
      between 2003 and 2012 were older, more likely to reside in a zip code in the top
      quartile of annual income, be privately insured than Caucasian women, and less
      likely to have a higher Bateman Comorbidity Index. However, AAPI women had a
      higher likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage (3.4% vs 2.7%, P < .001), uterine
      atony, severe perineal lacerations, and severe maternal morbidities. Procedures
      such as transfusion, hysterectomy, and mechanical ventilation were also more
      common in AAPI women. Furthermore, AAPI women had a higher mortality rate that
      persisted despite adjustment for an apparently higher income and comorbidities
      (odds ratio 1.72, 95% confidence interval: 1.14-2.59, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite having a higher socioeconomic status, AAPI women had higher rates of
      maternal mortality during hospitalization for delivery. This increase persisted
      even after adjustment for factors known to affect peripartum outcomes. Further
      investigation is needed to better clarify the causes of racial differences in
      maternal morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 28099291
TI  - Transcutaneous Carbon Dioxide Measurements in Women Receiving Intrathecal
      Morphine for Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuraxial morphine is the most commonly used analgesic technique
      after cesarean delivery. The incidence of respiratory depression is reported to
      be very low (0%-1.2%) in this patient population as measured by pulse oximetry
      and respiratory rates. However, hypercapnia may be a more sensitive measure of
      respiratory depression. In the current study, the incidence of hypercapnia events
      (transcutaneous CO2 [TcCO2] >50 mm Hg) for >=2-minute duration was evaluated
      using the Topological Oscillation Search with Kinematical Analysis monitor in
      women who received intrathecal morphine for postcesarean delivery analgesia.
      METHODS: Healthy women (>37 weeks of gestation) scheduled for a cesarean delivery
      with spinal anesthesia with intrathecal morphine were recruited. Baseline STOP
      BANG sleep apnea questionnaire and TcCO2 readings were obtained. Spinal
      anesthesia was initiated with 12 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine, 15 ug fentanyl, and
      150 ug morphine. The Topological Oscillation Search with Kinematical Analysis
      monitor was reapplied in the postanesthesia care unit and TcCO2 measurements
      obtained for up to 24 hours. Supplemental opioid administration and adverse
      respiratory events were recorded. The primary outcome was the incidence of
      hypercapnia events, defined as a TcCO2 reading >50 mm Hg for >=2 minutes in the
      first 24 hours after delivery. RESULTS: Of the 120 women who were recruited, 108
      completed the study. Thirty-five women (32%; 99.15% confidence interval, 21%-45%)
      reached the primary outcome of a sustained hypercapnia event. The median time
      (interquartile range [IQR]) from intrathecal morphine administration to the
      hypercapnia event was 300 (124-691) minutes. The median (IQR) number of events
      was 3 (1-6) and longest duration of an event was 25.6 (8.4-98.7) minutes.
      Baseline median (IQR) TcCO2 measurements were 35 (30-0) mm Hg and
      postoperatively, median (IQR) TcCO2 measurements were 40 (36-43) mm Hg, a
      difference of 5 mm Hg (99.15% confidence interval of the difference 2-8 mm Hg, P
      < .001). The incidence of hypercapnia events was 5.4% in women with a baseline
      TcCO2 value <=31 mm Hg, 22.5% with a baseline TcCO2 between 32 and 38 mm Hg, and
      77.4% with a baseline TcCO2 >38 mm Hg (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Hypercapnia events
      (>50 mm Hg for >=2-minute duration) occurred frequently in women receiving 150
      MUg intrathecal morphine for postcesarean analgesia. Higher baseline TcCO2
      readings were observed in women who had hypercapnia events.

PMID- 28099292
TI  - Evaluating the Necessity of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Acute Epididymitis in
      Pediatric Patients: A Literature Review of Retrospective Studies and Data
      Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This literature review and data analysis aims to evaluate the
      percentage of pediatric patients with acute epididymitis found to have bacterial
      etiology and the percentage of patients in these studies that were treated with
      antibiotic therapy versus conservative therapy. METHODS: A search of EBSCO
      through January 13, 2016, using the key words epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis
      and child, children, or pediatric, identified 542 potential studies.Twenty-seven
      retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria, containing patients aged 21
      years or younger with acute epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis. The number and
      age of patients, urine cultures and urinalysis results, number of patients
      treated with antibiotics, and incidence were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 1496
      patients with acute epididymitis were identified. A urinalysis was obtained for
      1124 patients, and 190 (16.9%) were positive. A urine culture was obtained for
      670 patients, and 100 (14.9%) were positive. Fourteen studies addressed
      antibiotic administration wherein 652 patients were with acute epididymitis and
      554 (85%) received antibiotics.Of 502 patients with urinalysis results, urine
      culture results, and antibiotic treatment rates, 54 (10.8%) were positive for a
      bacterial source. Antibiotics were administered to 410 (81.7%) of these 502
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioners should consider only prescribing antibiotics
      to patients with acute epididymitis if there is an abnormal urinalysis or urine
      culture.

PMID- 28099293
TI  - Validating a Clinical Prediction Rule for Ventricular Shunt Malfunction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to validate a published ventricular shunt clinical
      prediction rule for the identification of children at low risk for ventricular
      shunt malfunction based on the absence of 3 high-risk clinical predictors
      (irritability, nausea or vomiting, and headache). METHODS: We identified children
      aged 21 years and younger with a ventricular shunt who presented between 2010 and
      2013 to a single pediatric emergency department (ED) for evaluation of potential
      shunt malfunction. We defined a ventricular shunt malfunction as obstruction to
      cerebrospinal fluid flow requiring operative neurosurgical intervention within 72
      hours of initial ED evaluation. We applied this ventricular shunt clinical
      prediction rule to the study population and report the test characteristics.
      RESULTS: We identified 755 ED visits for 294 children with potential ventricular
      shunt malfunction. Of these encounters, 146 (19%; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      17%-22%) had a ventricular shunt malfunction. The ventricular shunt clinical
      prediction rule had a sensitivity of 99% (95% CI, 94%-100%), specificity of 7%
      (95% CI, 5%-9%), and negative predictive value of 95% (95% CI, 82%-99%). Two
      children with a ventricular shunt malfunction were misclassified as low risk by
      this clinical prediction rule. CONCLUSIONS: Ventricular shunt malfunctions were
      common. Although children classified as low risk by the ventricular shunt
      clinical prediction rule were less likely to have a shunt malfunction, routine
      neuroimaging may still be required because exclusion of ventricular shunt
      malfunction may be difficult on clinical grounds alone.

PMID- 28099294
TI  - Examination of Pediatric Radiation Dose Delivered After Cervical Spine Trauma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pediatric cervical spine injuries (CSIs) are rare but potentially
      fatal injuries. Plain radiographs (x-rays) and computed tomography (CT) are used
      to diagnose CSIs. Given concerns related to radiation exposure, the utility of x
      rays in diagnosing CSIs compared with other forms of imaging must be examined.
      METHODS: Patients younger than 19 years presenting with possible CSI to an urban
      tertiary care hospital who received imaging for possible CSI between January 1,
      2011, and December 31, 2013, were included. The dose-length product was
      abstracted from the PACS system. Test performance for x-ray, CT, and MRI were
      calculated and effective radiation dose by age group was analyzed using the
      Kruskal-Wallis Test. RESULTS: A total of 671 patient charts were reviewed, 574
      children were included in the study cohort. Median age of enrolled children was
      9.70 (interquartile range, 4.78-13.83) years; 42.5% were female. Test performance
      of x-ray, CT, and MRI to detect CSI were calculated. Cervical x-rays performed
      only slightly inferior to CT. Sensitivity was 83% (95% confidence interval [CI],
      36-99%), and specificity was 97% (95% CI, 96%-99%) versus 100% (95% CI, 96%-100%)
      for CT. Median effective dose of radiation for cervical CTs was 4.51 mSv
      (interquartile range, 3.84-5.59 mSv). Median dose significantly increased with
      age (2.94-5.10 mSv, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Plain radiographs were largely
      sufficient to screen for CSIs, indicating their utility as a screening tool for
      CSIs. The incidence of CSIs in our sample was similar to prior reports. The
      effective radiation dose delivered during pediatric head and cervical CTs were
      lower than previously published estimates.

PMID- 28099295
TI  - Comparison of Resource Utilization and Length of Hospitalization Between
      Overweight and Healthy-Weight Pediatric Trauma Patients Presenting to a Pediatric
      Emergency Department With Moderate to Severe Injury: A Prospective Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to compare overweight and healthy-weight pediatric
      trauma patient outcomes, specifically with respect to hospital length of stay and
      resource utilization. We hypothesized that overweight pediatric trauma patients
      would have increased hospital length of stay and radiographic study use compared
      with their healthy-weight counterparts. METHODS: This was a prospective,
      observational, cohort study of pediatric trauma patients aged 2 to 19 years
      presenting to an urban pediatric emergency department over a period of 1 year.
      Using measured height and weight values, body mass index (BMI) for age was
      calculated and plotted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMI-for
      age growth charts. Patients were followed up throughout their hospitalization,
      and the following items were recorded: trauma alert level, mechanism of injury,
      age, sex, race, Glasgow Coma Scale score, total number of days in hospital, total
      number of intensive care unit days, total number of radiographs obtained, total
      number of computed tomography scans obtained, and mechanism of injury. RESULTS:
      Our study population included 109 subjects. The mean age of the subjects was 9.7
      years. The number of patients meeting the definition of obese (BMI for age >=95%)
      was 15, or 14% of the total study population. There was no significant difference
      between the overweight cohort and the healthy-weight cohort found among any of
      the variables recorded and analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are many chronic
      conditions in children associated with obesity, in the case of trauma, it does
      not seem to be a strong concern. A continued focus on preventing and reversing
      childhood obesity for other physical and mental health outcomes may be more
      important.

PMID- 28099296
TI  - A Reexamination of the Accuracy of the Broselow Tape as an Instrument for Weight
      Estimation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate weight estimation is important for calculating appropriate
      medication dosages, determining rates of fluid replacement, and selecting correct
      equipment sizes in critically ill children requiring resuscitation. The actual
      measurement of the weight of a critically ill or injured child is often not
      possible. The Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape (BT) is an important tool for
      predicting a child's weight based on his/her height. Although BT has previously
      been validated, given the increasing prevalence of obesity in today's society, it
      behooves clinicians relying on this resuscitation aid to revisit the issue.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the color-coded
      BT in weight estimation and the influence of obesity on its accuracy. METHODS:
      This is a retrospective study conducted in a pediatric clinic of urban hospital.
      This study reviewed the medical records of children up to 96 months of age, who
      presented during 2008-2010. We recorded the child's age (in months), actual
      (measured) weight (in kilograms), and height (in centimeters). Based on the
      height, weight estimation was obtained using the color-coded BT. The actual
      weight was compared with the predicted weight obtained by the height-based BT.
      Patients presenting with any medical condition that would substantially affect
      growth of the child were excluded. A univariate logistic regression model was
      utilized to predict any underestimation based on age, sex, and body mass index
      (BMI) percentile. RESULTS: The medical records of 538 children were reviewed.
      There was a discrepancy in 226 children (42%). Broselow Pediatric Emergency Tape
      underestimated weight (measured weight was higher than predicted weight) in 158
      children (29.4%) and overestimated (measured weight was lower than predicted
      weight) in 68 children (12.6%). Of the 158 underestimated children, 138 were off
      by 1 color zone, 16 by 2 color zones, and 4 by more than 2 color zones. When
      characterized by BMI, 46 children (13.6%) had normal BMI, 27 (45.8%) were
      overweight, and 84 (80.8%) were obese, whereas one child (2.8%) was underweight.
      CONCLUSIONS: In our population, BT was inaccurate in predicting weight in 42% of
      children (underestimation in 158 children [29.4%] and overestimation weight in 68
      children [12.6%]). However, the majority of discrepancies involved only 1 BT
      color zone. Emergency physicians should be aware of this discrepancy until more
      accurate methods become available.

PMID- 28099297
TI  - Sedentary Behavior, Cadence, and Physical Activity Outcomes after Knee
      Arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study comprehensively examined sedentary behavior and physical
      activity patterns in people with severe knee osteoarthritis awaiting total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) and in individuals after TKA. METHODS: Preoperative (n = 32,
      mean +/- SD = 69.9 +/- 5.3 yr) and 1-yr postoperative participants with TKA (n =
      38, 67.9 +/- 7.3 yr) wore ActiGraph GT3X+ activity monitors for 6.8 +/- 0.6 d.
      Total sedentary time, time in long sedentary bouts (>=30 min), and physical
      activity outcomes (steps, time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA],
      cadence) were examined. RESULTS: There were no differences between pre- and
      postoperative groups for total sedentary time (9.3 +/- 1.4 vs 9.2 +/- 1.4 h.d, P
      = 0.62) and number of long sedentary bouts per day (median [interquartile range]
      = 3.4 [1.9] vs 3.1 [2.0], P = 0.37). Daily steps, peak 30-min cadence, and peak 1
      min cadence values were greater in people after TKA compared with those awaiting
      surgery (5935 [3316] vs 3724 [2338], 55.6 [31.0] vs 35.9 [19.3], and 91.5 +/-
      20.6 vs 70.0 +/- 23.7, respectively, all P < 0.01). There were no differences in
      lifestyle MVPA between groups. The number of bouts of Freedson MVPA was greater
      in postoperative participants, but the differences were not substantial (one bout
      per week). CONCLUSION: Patients report less knee pain and improved function after
      TKA; however, sedentary behavior does not differ and physical activity is only
      marginally increased compared with those awaiting surgery. After TKA, daily
      walking at slow, moderate, and brisk paces and engagement in MVPA do not match
      levels seen in healthy older adults, which, when combined with high levels of
      sedentary behavior, leaves patients at increased risk for physical disability and
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 28099298
TI  - Low-Dose Aspirin Is Effective Chemoprophylaxis Against Clinically Important
      Venous Thromboembolism Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Preliminary
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aspirin is a safe and effective prophylaxis for the prevention of
      venous thromboembolism following total joint arthroplasty. The optimal dose of
      aspirin prophylaxis is unknown. Our hypothesis was that lower-dose aspirin is as
      effective as higher-dose aspirin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism and
      is associated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects. METHODS: In a
      prospective, crossover study, we analyzed 4,651 primary total joint arthroplasty
      cases performed from July 2013 to June 2015. For 4 weeks, 3,192 patients received
      enteric-coated 325-mg aspirin twice daily (the 325-mg aspirin group) and 1,459
      patients received 81-mg aspirin twice daily (the 81-mg aspirin group). There were
      no significant differences (p > 0.05) in sex, body mass index, or Charlson
      Comorbidity Index between the two patient populations. Recorded complications
      occurring within 90 days postoperatively included symptomatic venous
      thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), gastrointestinal
      complications, acute periprosthetic joint infection, and death. RESULTS: The
      incidence of venous thromboembolism of 0.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0% to
      0.3%) in the 81-mg aspirin group (1 with deep venous thrombosis and 1 with
      pulmonary embolism) was not significantly different (p = 0.345) from 0.3% (95%
      CI, 0.1% to 0.6%) in the 325-mg aspirin group (7 with deep venous thrombosis and
      5 with pulmonary embolism). The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding or
      ulceration of 0.3% (95% CI, 0% to 0.5%) in the 81-mg aspirin group was slightly,
      but not significantly (p = 0.66), lower than the 0.4% (95% CI, 0.2% to 0.6%) in
      the 325-mg aspirin group. The incidence of acute periprosthetic joint infection
      was 0.2% (95% CI, 0% to 0.4%) in the 81-mg aspirin group compared with 0.5% (95%
      CI, 0.2% to 0.7%) in the 325-mg aspirin group (p = 0.28). The 90-day mortality
      rate was similar in both groups at 0.1% (95% CI, 0% to 0.2%) in the 81-mg aspirin
      group and 0.1% (95% CI, 0% to 0.2%) in the 325-mg aspirin group (p = 0.78).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that low-dose aspirin is not inferior to high
      dose aspirin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following total joint
      arthroplasty. This is not unexpected, as the available literature demonstrates
      that low-dose aspirin is as effective as higher-dose aspirin in the prevention of
      acute coronary syndrome and cerebrovascular events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of
      levels of evidence.

PMID- 28099299
TI  - Direct Anterior Approach: Risk Factor for Early Femoral Failure of Cementless
      Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is
      marketed with claims of superiority over other approaches. Femoral exposure can
      be technically challenging and potentially lead to early failure. We examined
      whether surgical approach is associated with early THA failure. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of 478 consecutive early revision THAs performed within 5
      years after the primary THAs at 3 academic centers from 2011 through 2014 was
      carried out. Exclusion criteria resulted in a final analysis sample of 342 early
      failure THAs. The surgical approach of the primary operation that was revised,
      the time to the revision, and the etiology of the failure leading to the revision
      were documented. RESULTS: Analysis of the revisions due to early femoral failure
      showed them to be more common in patients who had undergone the direct anterior
      approach (57/112; 50.9%) than in those treated with the direct lateral (39/112;
      34.8%) or the posterior (16/112; 14.3%) approach (p = 0.001). In multivariate
      regression analysis controlling for age, sex, laterality, Dorr bone type, body
      mass index (BMI) at revision, bilateral procedure (yes/no), and femoral stem
      type, the direct anterior approach remained a significant predictor of early
      femoral failure (p = 0.007). The majority of early revisions due to instability
      were associated with the posterior (19/40; 47.5%) or direct anterior (15/40;
      37.5%) approach (p = 0.001 for the comparison with the direct lateral approach
      [6/40; 15.0%]). CONCLUSIONS: Despite claims of earlier recovery and improved
      outcomes with the direct anterior approach for THA, our findings indicate that
      that approach may confer a greater risk of early femoral failure and, along with
      the posterior approach, confer a greater risk of early instability compared with
      the direct lateral approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See
      Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28099300
TI  - Plate Fixation Compared with Nonoperative Treatment for Displaced Midshaft
      Clavicular Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of operative treatment for clavicular fractures is
      increasing, despite varying results in previous studies. The aim of this study
      was to compare plate fixation and nonoperative treatment for displaced midshaft
      clavicular fractures with respect to nonunion, adverse events, and shoulder
      function. METHODS: In this multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial,
      patients between 18 and 60 years old with a displaced midshaft clavicular
      fracture were randomized between nonoperative treatment and open reduction with
      internal plate fixation. The primary outcome was evidence of nonunion at 1 year.
      Other outcomes were secondary operations, arm function as measured with the
      Constant shoulder score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)
      score, pain, cosmetic results, and general health status. Outcomes were recorded
      at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year following trauma. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty
      patients were randomized. The rate of nonunion was significantly higher in the
      nonoperatively treated group than in the operatively treated group (23.1%
      compared with 2.4%; p < 0.0001), as was the rate of nonunion for which secondary
      plate fixation was performed (12.9% compared with 1.2%; p = 0.006). The rate of
      secondary operations was 27.4% in the operatively treated group (16.7% for
      elective plate removal) and 17.1% in the nonoperatively treated group (p = 0.18).
      Nineteen percent of the patients in the operatively treated group had persistent
      loss of sensation around the scar. No difference was found between the groups
      with respect to the Constant and DASH scores at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: For
      patients with a diaphyseal fracture of the clavicle displaced at least 1 shaft
      width, plate fixation improves the chances that the bone will heal; however, the
      rate of patients who need a second operation is considerable. In addition, the
      procedure does not improve shoulder function or general symptoms, and it does not
      decrease limitations compared with nonoperative treatment in a sling. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete
      description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28099301
TI  - Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Provides Higher Activity and Durability Than
      Valgus-Producing Proximal Tibial Osteotomy at 5 to 7 Years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cases of patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis who were
      <=55 years old and had a proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) or medial
      unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) were compared. Outcomes included
      postoperative activity level, function, and survivorship free of revision to
      total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2013, data were available for
      240 patients between 18 and 55 years old with medial compartment arthritis and
      varus malalignment who were treated either with PTO (57 patients) or with UKA
      (183 patients). The mean age was 42.7 years for the 57 patients (41 men and 16
      women) in the PTO group versus 49.2 years for the 183 patients (82 men and 101
      women) in the UKA group. The Tegner activity level and Lysholm knee scores were
      evaluated at 3 months and at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively as well as at the
      time of the final follow-up. The end point for survival was defined as revision
      to total knee arthroplasty. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to evaluate the
      difference between the groups with respect to the Tegner and Lysholm scores at
      the respective follow-up intervals. Multivariate regression was used to assess
      potential confounders. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the PTO and UKA groups had
      similar Tegner (3.0 +/- 1.3 and 2.6 +/- 0.09, respectively) and Lysholm scores
      (69.5 +/- 7.3 and 71.6 +/- 5.4). Postoperatively, the UKA group had significantly
      superior mean Tegner scores compared with the PTO group at 3 months (3.82 and
      2.02, respectively), at 2 years (4.33 and 3.75), and at the time of the final
      follow-up (4.48 and 3.08), while the Lysholm scores were higher at 3 months (88.0
      and 76.3) and at the final follow-up (90.0 and 80.2) (p < 0.01 for all).
      Multivariate analysis showed UKA to be an independent predictor of activity level
      at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years, as well as at the final follow-up. The
      survivorship was 77% in the PTO group at an average of 7.2 years and 94% in the
      UKA group at an average of 5.8 years (p < 0.01). The average time to failure was
      98 months (range, 38 to 169 months) in the PTO group and 42 months (range, 2 to
      123 months) in the UKA group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this comparative cohort
      study of young patients with isolated unicompartmental arthritis, those treated
      with UKA reached a higher level of activity early after surgery and it persisted
      at mid-term follow-up. The UKA group had earlier, but less frequent, revision to
      total knee arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See
      Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28099302
TI  - Comparison of Ultrasound and MRI for the Diagnosis of Glenohumeral Dysplasia in
      Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the agreement between measurements
      made on ultrasound and those made on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the
      assessment of glenohumeral dysplasia resulting from brachial plexus birth palsy.
      METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (14 male and 25 female) with brachial plexus birth
      palsy were evaluated at 2 tertiary care centers. All patients underwent
      ultrasonography and MRI for suspected glenohumeral dysplasia. Studies were
      obtained at an average of 2 months apart (range, 0 to 6 months). The average
      patient age at the time of the initial imaging study was 20 months (range, 4 to
      54 months). Four blinded independent evaluators measured the alpha angle, the
      posterior humeral head displacement (PHHD), and glenoid version on both the
      ultrasound and MRI study for each patient. The percentage of the humeral head
      anterior to the scapular axis (PHHA) was determined on MRI only. Measurements
      were obtained on OsiriX software (Pixmeo). Intraclass correlation coefficients
      (ICCs) were used to assess the intrarater and interrater reliability, and Bland
      Altman plots were used to compare MRI and ultrasound measurement agreement.
      RESULTS: We found excellent interrater reliability for measurements of the alpha
      angle on MRI, glenoid version on MRI, and the alpha angle on ultrasound (ICC:
      0.83, 0.75, and 0.78, respectively). The interrater reliability for the PHHD on
      both MRI and ultrasound was good (ICC: 0.70 and 0.68, respectively), and the
      interrater reliability for the PHHA on MRI was fair (ICC: 0.57). However, the
      interrater reliability for glenoid version on ultrasound was poor (ICC: 0.30).
      Relative to MRI measurements, ultrasound measurements were found to underestimate
      the alpha angle and glenoid version by an average of 13 degrees  +/- 23 degrees 
      and 6 degrees  +/- 17 degrees , respectively, and overestimate the PHHD by an
      average of 4% +/- 20%. Increasing patient age corresponded with a significant
      increase in the MRI-ultrasound measurement difference for the alpha angle (p <
      0.01) and a marginally significant increase in the difference for the PHHD (p <
      0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Measurements on MRI and ultrasound were reliable, with
      measured bias. The poor agreement between measurements on MRI and ultrasound
      calls into question the validity of using ultrasonography as a stand-alone
      modality in the evaluation of glenohumeral dysplasia. MRI remains the gold
      standard for fully evaluating the glenohumeral joint. The clinical role of
      ultrasonography may be that of a screening tool or a way of evaluating joint
      reduction in real time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level I. See Instructions
      for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28099303
TI  - Quality of Life in Bilateral Vs. Unilateral End-Stage Ankle Arthritis and
      Outcomes of Bilateral Vs. Unilateral Total Ankle Replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed a retrospective cohort study to compare preoperative
      health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between patients with bilateral and those
      with unilateral end-stage ankle arthritis. We also compared midterm outcomes in a
      subgroup of patients who had undergone staged bilateral total ankle replacement
      (TAR) with the outcomes in the group treated with unilateral TAR. METHODS: The
      HRQoL before surgical treatment was compared between 53 patients with bilateral
      end-stage ankle arthritis identified from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle
      Society Prospective Ankle Reconstruction Database and 106 patients with
      unilateral arthritis selected from the same database. Short Form-36 (SF-36) and
      American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle Module (AAOS-FAM) scores
      were used to assess preoperative HRQoL. Midterm outcomes (implant survival,
      HRQoL, and reoperation and revision rates) were compared between 37 patients who
      had undergone staged bilateral TAR and 106 patients treated with unilateral TAR;
      all patients were followed for at least 2 years. RESULTS: Preoperatively,
      patients with unilateral disease had a higher prevalence of posttraumatic
      arthritis, whereas patients with bilateral disease had a higher prevalence of
      primary and secondary arthritis (p < 0.001). The mean preoperative SF-36 physical
      component summary (PCS) score in the unilateral group was higher than that in the
      bilateral group (p < 0.002). The mean postoperative follow-up (and standard
      deviation) was 5.0 +/- 2.0 years in the bilateral TAR group and 4.0 +/- 1.8 years
      in the unilateral TAR group. The patients who underwent either unilateral or
      staged bilateral TAR demonstrated improved SF-36 PCS scores between the
      preoperative and postoperative evaluations (p < 0.001). The postoperative SF-36
      PCS scores were similar between the patients with unilateral TAR and those with
      bilateral TAR (p = 0.70). Six ankles (6%) in the unilateral cohort and 6 ankles
      (8%) in the bilateral cohort required revision of the metal component (p = 0.52).
      The mean implant survival time was 10.9 years (95% confidence interval [CI] =
      10.1 to 11.7 years) in the bilateral cohort and 9.2 years (95% CI = 8.5 to 9.8
      years) in the unilateral cohort (p = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative SF-36
      scores demonstrated that bilateral end-stage ankle arthritis is a more
      debilitating condition than unilateral arthritis. Patients who underwent staged
      bilateral TAR benefited as much as patients who underwent unilateral TAR, despite
      having a worse preoperative health status. Metal component revision rates and
      implant survival were similar between the 2 groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of
      levels of evidence.

PMID- 28099304
TI  - Three-Dimensional Analysis of Acute Scaphoid Fracture Displacement: Proximal
      Extension Deformity of the Scaphoid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our goal was to analyze the movement of acute scaphoid waist fracture
      fragments and adjacent bones in a common coordinate system. Our hypothesis was
      that the distal scaphoid fragment flexes and pronates and the proximal fragment
      extends. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of patients diagnosed with an
      acute scaphoid waist fracture were evaluated using a 3-dimensional (3D) model.
      The scans of 57 nondisplaced and 23 displaced fractures were compared with a
      control group of 27 scans showing no pathological involvement of the wrist. Three
      anatomical landmarks were labeled on the distal and proximal fragments of the
      scaphoid, the lunate, and the trapezium. Each set of labels formed a triangle
      representing the bone or fragment. Four landmarks were labeled on the distal
      radial articular surface and used to create a common coordinate system. The
      position of each bone or fragment was calculated in reference to these
      coordinates. RESULTS: The displaced fracture group showed significant extension,
      supination, and volar translation of the proximal scaphoid fragment when compared
      with the other groups. The lunate tended toward a supinated position, which was
      not statistically significant. The distal scaphoid fragment and the trapezium
      showed no movement. CONCLUSIONS: In acute displaced scaphoid fractures, it is the
      proximal fragment that displaces and should be reduced. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The
      typical "humpback" deformity is actually a "proximal extension" deformity, the
      consequence of displacement of the proximal fragment of the scaphoid (with the
      lunate). Manipulating only the proximal fragment (with the lunate) may be
      technically easier and more effective than manipulating both fragments.

PMID- 28099305
TI  - Characterizing the Propionibacterium Load in Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty: A
      Study of 137 Culture-Positive Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Propionibacterium is commonly recovered from explants or surrounding
      tissues in revision shoulder arthroplasty. Rather than attempting to
      differentiate a true infection from a false-positive result on the basis of the
      number of positive cultures, we characterized the amount of these bacteria in
      each specimen and shoulder. METHODS: The study included 137 revision shoulder
      arthroplasties from which a minimum of 4 specimens had been submitted for culture
      and at least 1 was positive for Propionibacterium. Standard microbiology
      procedures were used to assign a semiquantitative value (0.1, 1, 2, 3, or 4),
      called the Specimen Propi Value, to the amount of growth in each specimen. The
      sum of the Specimen Propi Values for each shoulder was defined as the Shoulder
      Propi Score, which was then divided by the total number of specimens to calculate
      the Average Shoulder Propi Score. RESULTS: The number and percentage of positive
      specimen-specific cultures (of material obtained from the stem explant, head
      explant, glenoid explant, humeral membrane, collar membrane, other soft tissue,
      fluid, or other) per shoulder ranged from 1 to 6 and 14% to 100%. A high
      percentage of specimens (mean, 43%; median, 50%) from the culture-positive
      shoulders showed no growth. Only 32.6% of the fluid cultures were positive in
      comparison with 66.5% of the soft-tissue cultures and 55.6% of the cultures of
      explant specimens. The average Specimen Propi Value (and standard deviation) for
      fluid specimens (0.35 +/- 0.89) was significantly lower than those for the soft
      tissue (0.92 +/- 1.50) and explant (0.66 +/- 0.90) specimens (p < 0.001). The
      Shoulder Propi Score was significantly higher in men (3.56 +/- 3.74) than in
      women (1.22 +/- 3.11) (p < 0.001). Similarly, men had a significantly higher
      Average Shoulder Propi Score (0.53 +/- 0.51) than women (0.19 +/- 0.43) (p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation suggests that Propionibacterium is
      unevenly distributed within culture-positive revised shoulders. As a result, the
      specimen number and source (explant, soft tissue, or fluid) have major influences
      on the culture results for a revised shoulder arthroplasty. We found no evidence
      that suggested useful threshold values for defining a true infection. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete
      description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28099306
TI  - Nonoperatively Corrected Clubfoot at Age 2 Years: Radiographs Are Not Helpful in
      Predicting Future Relapse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonoperative treatment of idiopathic clubfoot is standard. The
      purpose of this study was to determine if measurements made on standing lateral
      radiographs of successfully treated clubfeet made at 18 to 24 months of age were
      predictive of late recurrence. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were idiopathic
      clubfoot with an age at presentation of <=3 months, nonoperative treatment
      resulting in a clinically plantigrade foot at 2 years of age, standing lateral
      radiograph of the involved foot made at 18 to 24 months of age, and a minimum age
      of 4 years at the time of follow-up. The radiographs were assessed for the
      talocalcaneal angle and the tibiocalcaneal angle, with measurements made by 2
      trained practitioners. The average values of the 2 raters were used. The
      interobserver reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation
      coefficients (ICCs). A total of 211 patients with 312 clubfeet were evaluated.
      The average age at the time of follow-up was 8.0 years (range, 4.0 to 13.3
      years). Results at the time of follow-up were rated as good (maintained
      plantigrade foot), fair (required limited surgery to maintain, or return to, a
      plantigrade position), or poor (required posteromedial release). RESULTS: Over
      time, 75% of the feet had a good result, 19% had a fair result, and 6% had a poor
      result. With regard to radiographic assessment, the ICCs were 0.97 (talocalcaneal
      angle) and 0.98 (tibiocalcaneal angle), demonstrating excellent agreement between
      the raters. The mean talocalcaneal angle differed significantly between the feet
      with a good clinical outcome and those with a fair outcome (28 degrees  versus 24
      degrees ; p < 0.02), but did not differ significantly between those with a good
      versus poor outcome (28 degrees  versus 26 degrees ), or a fair versus poor
      outcome (24 degrees  versus 26 degrees ). There were no significant differences
      in the mean tibiocalcaneal angle among the groups (86 degrees , 90 degrees , and
      84 degrees , respectively) (p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Most clubfeet that were
      clinically plantigrade at 2 years of age remained so, while one-fourth
      subsequently required some surgery for late recurrence, primarily limited
      procedures. The tibiocalcaneal angle and talocalcaneal angle from standing
      lateral radiographs made at 18 to 24 months of age were not helpful in predicting
      future relapse. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for
      Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 28099307
TI  - The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Appropriate Use Criteria for the
      Management of Patients with Orthopaedic Implants Undergoing Dental Procedures.

PMID- 28099308
TI  - What's New in Adult Reconstructive Knee Surgery.

PMID- 28099309
TI  - The Core Competencies for General Orthopaedic Surgeons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the changing delivery of orthopaedic surgical care, there is a
      need to define the knowledge and competencies that are expected of an
      orthopaedist providing general and/or acute orthopaedic care. This article
      provides a proposal for the knowledge and competencies needed for an orthopaedist
      to practice general and/or acute care orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: Using the
      modified Delphi method, the General Orthopaedic Competency Task Force consisting
      of stakeholders associated with general orthopaedic practice has proposed the
      core knowledge and competencies that should be maintained by orthopaedists who
      practice emergency and general orthopaedic surgery. RESULTS: For relevancy to
      clinical practice, 2 basic sets of competencies were established. The assessment
      competencies pertain to the general knowledge needed to evaluate, investigate,
      and determine an overall management plan. The management competencies are
      generally procedural in nature and are divided into 2 groups. For the Management
      1 group, the orthopaedist should be competent to provide definitive care
      including assessment, investigation, initial or emergency care, operative or
      nonoperative care, and follow-up. For the Management 2 group, the orthopaedist
      should be competent to assess, investigate, and commence timely non-emergency or
      emergency care and then either transfer the patient to the appropriate
      subspecialist's care or provide definitive care based on the urgency of care,
      exceptional practice circumstance, or individual's higher training. This may
      include some higher-level procedures usually performed by a subspecialist, but
      are consistent with one's practice based on experience, practice environment,
      and/or specialty interest. CONCLUSIONS: These competencies are the first step in
      defining the practice of general orthopaedic surgery including acute orthopaedic
      care. Further validation and discussion among educators, general orthopaedic
      surgeons, and subspecialists will ensure that these are relevant to clinical
      practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These competencies provide many stakeholders,
      including orthopaedic educators and orthopaedists, with what may be the minimum
      knowledge and competencies necessary to deliver acute and general orthopaedic
      care. This document is the first step in defining a practice-based standard for
      training programs and certification groups.

PMID- 28099310
TI  - National Institutes of Health Funding to Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery at
      U.S. Medical Schools.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest supporter of
      biomedical research in the U.S., yet its contribution to orthopaedic research is
      poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the portfolio of NIH funding to
      departments of orthopaedic surgery at U.S. medical schools. METHODS: The NIH
      RePORT (Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools) database was queried for NIH
      grants awarded to departments of orthopaedic surgery in 2014. Funding totals were
      determined for award mechanisms and NIH institutes. Trends in NIH funding were
      determined for 2005 to 2014 and compared with total NIH extramural research
      funding. Funding awarded to orthopaedic surgery departments was compared with
      that awarded to departments of other surgical specialties in 2014.
      Characteristics of NIH-funded principal investigators were obtained from
      department web sites. RESULTS: In 2014, 183 grants were awarded to 132
      investigators at 44 departments of orthopaedic surgery. From 2005 to 2014, NIH
      funding increased 24.3%, to $54,608,264 (p = 0.030), but the rates of increase
      seen did not differ significantly from those of NIH extramural research funding
      as a whole (p = 0.141). Most (72.6%) of the NIH funding was awarded through the
      R01 mechanism, with a median annual award of $343,980 (interquartile range [IQR],
      $38,372). The majority (51.1%) of the total funds supported basic science
      research, followed by translational (33.0%), clinical (10.0%), and educational
      (5.9%) research. NIH-funded orthopaedic principal investigators were
      predominately scientists whose degree was a PhD (71.1%) and who were male
      (79.5%). Eleven NIH institutes were represented, with the National Institute of
      Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) providing the
      preponderance (74.2%) of the funding. In 2014, orthopaedic surgery ranked below
      the surgical departments of general surgery, ophthalmology, obstetrics and
      gynecology, otolaryngology, and urology in terms of NIH funding received.
      CONCLUSIONS: The percentage increase of NIH funding to departments of orthopaedic
      surgery from 2005 to 2014 was not significantly greater than that of total NIH
      extramural research funding. Funding levels to orthopaedic surgery departments
      lag behind funding to departments of other surgical disciplines. Funding levels
      may not match the academic potential of orthopaedic faculty, and interventions
      may be needed to increase NIH grant procurement.

PMID- 28099311
TI  - Aspirin, the Unsung Champion of Deep Venous Thrombosis Chemoprophylaxis: A
      Historical Perspective: Commentary on an article by Javad Parvizi, MD, FRCS, et
      al.: "Low-Dose Aspirin Is Effective Chemoprophylaxis Against Clinically Important
      Venous Thromboembolism Following Total Joint Arthroplasty. A Preliminary
      Analysis".

PMID- 28099312
TI  - The Emperor May Truly Have New Clothes: Commentary on an article by Zahab S.
      Ahsan, MD, et al.: "Characterizing the Propionibacterium Load in Revision
      Shoulder Arthroplasty. A Study of 137 Culture-Positive Cases."

PMID- 28099313
TI  - What Makes a Competent Orthopaedist?: Commentary on an article by James F.
      Kellam, MD, on behalf of the General Orthopaedic Competency Task Force: "The Core
      Competencies for General Orthopaedic Surgeons".

PMID- 28099314
TI  - FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE LIFETIMES AND CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify retinal fluorescence lifetimes in patients with central
      serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and to identify disease specific lifetime
      characteristics over the course of disease. METHODS: Forty-seven participants
      were included in this study. Patients with central serous chorioretinopathy were
      imaged with fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence
      tomography, and fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) and compared
      with age-matched controls. Retinal autofluorescence was excited using a 473-nm
      blue laser light and emitted fluorescence light was detected in 2 distinct
      wavelengths channels (498-560 nm and 560-720 nm). Clinical features, mean retinal
      autofluorescence lifetimes, autofluorescence intensity, and corresponding optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) images were further analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-five
      central serous chorioretinopathy patients with a mean visual acuity of 78 ETDRS
      letters (range, 50-90; mean Snellen equivalent: 20/32) and 12 age-matched
      controls were included. In the acute stage of central serous chorioretinopathy,
      retinal fluorescence lifetimes were shortened by 15% and 17% in the respective
      wavelength channels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that fluorescence
      lifetimes were significantly influenced by the disease duration (P < 0.001) and
      accumulation of photoreceptor outer segments (P = 0.03) but independent of the
      presence or absence of subretinal fluid. Prolonged central macular
      autofluorescence lifetimes, particularly in eyes with retinal pigment epithelial
      atrophy, were associated with poor visual acuity. CONCLUSION: This study
      establishes that autofluorescence lifetime changes occurring in central serous
      chorioretinopathy exhibit explicit patterns which can be used to estimate
      perturbations of the outer retinal layers with a high degree of statistical
      significance.

PMID- 28099315
TI  - FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VISUAL OUTCOME AFTER MACULA-OFF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL
      DETACHMENT SURGERY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate preoperative factors influencing the visual outcome and
      postoperative factors associated with the changes in visual acuity, after
      reattachment surgery to treat macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
      METHODS: A total of 180 eyes of 180 patients who underwent reattachment surgery
      to treat macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and who were followed up
      for more than 12 months, were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and
      postoperative characteristics, including optical coherence tomography findings,
      were comprehensively analyzed using univariate and multivariate models to
      evaluate preoperative factors influencing best-corrected visual acuity 12 months
      after macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery and postoperative
      factors associated with changes in best-corrected visual acuity after surgery.
      RESULTS: Preoperatively, the extent of detachment (P = 0.037), macula-off
      duration (P < 0.001), and integrity of the external limiting membrane (beta =
      0.163; P = 0.002) were significantly associated with postoperative visual
      prognosis. Six factors were associated with changes in visual acuity after
      surgery: disruption of ellipsoid zone integrity (beta = 0.167; P < 0.001), the
      Henle's fiber layer and the outer nuclear layer (HFL + ONL)/photoreceptor layer
      ratio (beta = 0.199; P < 0.001), the photoreceptor outer segment length (beta = 
      0.020; P < 0.001), the photoreceptor inner segment length/photoreceptor outer
      segment length ratio (beta = 0.047; P = 0.005), the ratio of photoreceptor layer
      thickness between the RD eye and fellow eye (beta = -0.126; P = 0.018), and the
      photoreceptor outer segment length ratio between the RD eye and fellow eye (beta
      = -0.425; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative factors associated with the visual
      outcome after macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery were the
      extent of detachment, macula-off duration, and external limiting membrane
      integrity. Postoperatively, predictive factors were the outer retinal
      microstructures, particularly the photoreceptor outer segment layer.

PMID- 28099316
TI  - PNEUMATIC VITREOLYSIS FOR RELIEF OF VITREOMACULAR TRACTION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas injection for
      symptomatic vitreomacular traction (VMT) with or without Stage 2 macular hole
      (MH). METHODS: A retrospective review of eyes with VMT treated with 0.3 mL of
      C3F8 gas was performed. Patients avoided the supine position until gas
      resolution. Patients with small MH maintained partial face-down positioning.
      RESULTS: Forty-nine consecutive patients (50 eyes) with symptomatic VMT underwent
      pneumatic vitreolysis between 2010 and 2016. A posterior vitreous detachment
      developed in 43 eyes (86.0%) after a single gas injection, at a median of 3.0
      weeks. Twenty-eight of 35 eyes (80.0%) with VMT only and all 15 eyes (100%) with
      a small Stage 2 MH developed a posterior vitreous detachment, with MH closure in
      10 of 15 eyes (66.7%). Median baseline and last best spectacle-corrected visual
      acuities were 20/50 and 20/40, respectively (P < 0.001). Mean follow-up time was
      11.1 +/- 9.9 months. Rate of posterior vitreous detachment was reduced with
      presence of diabetes mellitus (25%) and with thick cellophane membrane (50%).
      Univariate analysis showed increased VMT release for eyes with VMT extent within
      1 disk area (chi = 13.1, P = 0.002), eyes with absence of diabetes mellitus (chi
      = 8.8, P = 0.007), and eyes with Stage 2 MH (chi = 5.47, P = 0.019); there was a
      trend between success and lack of thick cellophane membrane (chi = 3.32, P =
      0.068). Results using logistic regression also showed younger age (P = 0.012),
      followed by better baseline best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.044),
      lack of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.077), and female gender (P = 0.045) to be
      predictors of increased VMT release. One VMT-only eye formed a MH and another VMT
      only eye developed a retinal detachment. Both eyes responded to vitrectomy.
      CONCLUSION: Pneumatic vitreolysis with limited face-down position is a viable
      option for treating VMT with few adverse events. More studies are needed to
      elucidate its indications, benefits, and risks.

PMID- 28099317
TI  - STARGARDT DISEASE: Beyond Flecks and Atrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify changes in the outer retina in areas without atrophy or
      flecks of Stargardt disease (STGD) using spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography. METHODS: Twenty-three STGD patients and 26 control subjects were
      assessed for outer retina (from the outer border of Bruch membrane [BrM] to the
      inner border of the inner segment ellipsoid zone [EZ]), BrM-retinal pigment
      epithelium apex, the EZ thickness, and apical process interdigitation zone.
      RESULTS: Patients with STGD had increased BrM-EZ thickness in areas without
      apparent disease versus control subjects at 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 MUm
      superior and 1,500 MUm, 2,000 MUm, and 2,500 MUm inferior to the fovea (P < 0.05
      to P < 0.001), greatest difference (3.4 MUm) at 2,500 MUm superiorly. The BrM
      retinal pigment epithelium segment showed larger fractional contribution of 0.48
      to 0.51 to the overall BrM-EZ thickness compared with 0.35 to 0.42 in control
      subjects. The thickness of EZ and the interspace between the retinal pigment
      epithelium apex and EZ were smaller in the STGD patients (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).
      Patients with STGD displayed an interrupted interdigitation zone in 16 (84.2%) of
      19 eyes versus 6 (23.1%) of 26 eyes of the control subjects (P < 0.001). The BrM
      EZ segment of the outer retina of STGD patients lacked the typical normal
      trilaminar pattern. CONCLUSION: Subtle changes are present within the BrM-EZ
      segment of the outer retina of STGD patients in areas that are devoid of atrophy
      and flecks. These findings suggest that pathologic changes in STGD are more
      widespread than that seen by clinical examination.

PMID- 28099318
TI  - LOW ENDOPHTHALMITIS RATES AFTER INTRAVITREAL ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH
      FACTOR INJECTIONS IN AN OPERATION ROOM: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of presumed endophthalmitis (EO) after intravitreal
      anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections in three European
      hospitals performed in an operation room (OR) under sterile conditions. METHODS:
      A retrospective multicenter study between 2003 and 2016 at three European sites,
      City Hospital Triemli Zurich, Switzerland (CHT), Zealand University Hospital
      Roskilde, Denmark (ZUH) and University Clinic Bern, Switzerland (UCB).
      Intravitreal injection (IVI) database of each department was reviewed. All anti
      vascular endothelial growth factor injections were performed using a standardized
      sterile technique in an operation room. Injection protocols were similar between
      the three sites. No preinjection antibiotics were given. Postoperative
      antibiotics varied among sites. RESULTS: A total of 134,701 intravitreal
      injections were performed at the 3 sites between 2003 and 2016. Ten cases of
      presumed endophthalmitis were documented: 4 in 50,721 at CHT (95% CI: 0.0071
      0.0087%), 2 in 44,666 at ZUH (95% CI: 0.0039-0.0051%), and 4 in 39,314 at UCB
      (95% CI: 0.0092-0.011%). This results in one case in 13,470 intravitreal
      injections and a combined incidence of 0.0074% per injection (95% CI: 0.0070
      0.0078%). Positive cultures were found in 4 out of 10 presumed endophthalmitis
      cases. CONCLUSION: The standardized sterile technique in an operation room with
      laminar airflow showed very low rates of endophthalmitis at three European sites.

PMID- 28099319
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28099320
TI  - Closed-Loop Delivery Systems Versus Manually Controlled Administration of Total
      IV Anesthesia: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
AB  - Bispectral Index Scale (BIS)-guided closed-loop delivery of anesthetics has been
      extensively studied. We performed a meta-analysis of all the randomized clinical
      trials comparing efficacy and performance between BIS-guided closed-loop delivery
      and manually controlled administration of total IV anesthesia. Scopus, PubMed,
      EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of clinical trials were searched for
      pertinent studies. Inclusion criteria were random allocation to treatment and
      closed-loop delivery systems versus manually controlled administration of total
      IV anesthesia in any surgical setting. Exclusion criteria were duplicate
      publications and nonadult studies. Twelve studies were included, randomly
      allocating 1284 patients. Use of closed-loop anesthetic delivery systems was
      associated with a significant reduction in the dose of propofol administered for
      induction of anesthesia (mean difference [MD] = 0.37 [0.17-0.57], P for effect
      <0.00001, P for heterogeneity = 0.001, I = 74%) and a significant reduction in
      recovery time (MD = 1.62 [0.60-2.64], P for effect <0.0001, P for heterogeneity =
      0.06, I = 47%). The target depth of anesthesia was preserved more frequently with
      closed-loop anesthetic delivery than with manual control (MD = -15.17 [-23.11 to 
      7.24], P for effect <0.00001, P for heterogeneity <0.00001, I = 83%). There were
      no differences in the time required to induce anesthesia and the total propofol
      dose. Closed-loop anesthetic delivery performed better than manual-control
      delivery. Both median absolute performance error and wobble index were
      significantly lower in closed-loop anesthetic delivery systems group (MD = 5.82
      [3.17-8.46], P for effect <0.00001, P for heterogeneity <0.00001, I = 90% and MD
      = 0.92 [0.13-1.72], P for effect = 0.003, P for heterogeneity = 0.07, I = 45%).
      When compared with manual control, BIS-guided anesthetic delivery of total IV
      anesthesia reduces propofol requirements during induction, better maintains a
      target depth of anesthesia, and reduces recovery time.

PMID- 28099321
TI  - Preoxygenation: Physiologic Basis, Benefits, and Potential Risks.
AB  - Preoxygenation before anesthetic induction and tracheal intubation is a widely
      accepted maneuver, designed to increase the body oxygen stores and thereby delay
      the onset of arterial hemoglobin desaturation during apnea. Because difficulties
      with ventilation and intubation are unpredictable, the need for preoxygenation is
      desirable in all patients. During emergence from anesthesia, residual effects of
      anesthetics and inadequate reversal of neuromuscular blockade can lead to
      hypoventilation, hypoxemia, and loss of airway patency. In accordance, routine
      preoxygenation before the tracheal extubation has also been recommended. The
      objective of this article is to discuss the physiologic basis, clinical benefits,
      and potential concerns about the use of preoxygenation. The effectiveness of
      preoxygenation is assessed by its efficacy and efficiency. Indices of efficacy
      include increases in the fraction of alveolar oxygen, increases in arterial
      oxygen tension, and decreases in the fraction of alveolar nitrogen. End points of
      maximal preoxygenation (efficacy) are an end-tidal oxygen concentration of 90% or
      an end-tidal nitrogen concentration of 5%. Efficiency of preoxygenation is
      reflected in the rate of decline in oxyhemoglobin desaturation during apnea. All
      investigations have demonstrated that maximal preoxygenation markedly delays
      arterial hemoglobin desaturation during apnea. This advantage may be blunted in
      high-risk patients. Various maneuvers have been introduced to extend the effect
      of preoxygenation. These include elevation of the head, apneic diffusion
      oxygenation, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and/or positive end
      expiratory pressure (PEEP), bilevel positive airway pressure, and transnasal
      humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange. The benefit of apneic
      diffusion oxygenation is dependent on achieving maximal preoxygenation,
      maintaining airway patency, and the existence of a high functional residual
      capacity to body weight ratio. Potential risks of preoxygenation include delayed
      detection of esophageal intubation, absorption atelectasis, production of
      reactive oxygen species, and undesirable hemodynamic effects. Because the
      duration of preoxygenation is short, the hemodynamic effects and the accumulation
      of reactive oxygen species are insufficient to negate its benefits. Absorption
      atelectasis is a consequence of preoxygenation. Two approaches have been proposed
      to reduce the absorption atelectasis during preoxygenation: a modest decrease in
      the fraction of inspired oxygen to 0.8, and the use of recruitment maneuvers,
      such as CPAP, PEEP, and/or a vital capacity maneuver (all of which are commonly
      performed during the administration of anesthesia). Although a slight decrease in
      the fraction of inspired oxygen reduces atelectasis, it does so at the expense of
      a reduction in the protection afforded during apnea.

PMID- 28099322
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA and TLR9 Signaling Is Not Involved in Mechanical Ventilation
      Induced Inflammation.
AB  - Exogenous administration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) causes inflammatory lung
      injury in a toll-like receptor (TLR) 9-dependent manner. We investigated whether
      mechanical ventilation results in endogenous release of mtDNA and whether TLR9
      plays a role in the pulmonary inflammatory response induced by mechanical
      ventilation.Wild-type and TLR9/ C57bl/6 mice were ventilated with low (8 mL/kg)
      and high (32 mL/kg) tidal volumes for 4 hours. Levels of nuclear DNA and mtDNA in
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as well as pulmonary concentrations of keratinocyte
      derived chemokine, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6, were determined.Cytokine
      and nuclear DNA, but not mtDNA, levels were increased after mechanical
      ventilation with both tidal volumes. Cytokine concentrations were similar between
      wild-type and TLR9/ mice. Mechanical ventilation does not result in the release
      of mtDNA, and TLR9 is not involved in mechanical ventilation-induced
      inflammation.

PMID- 28099323
TI  - Anesthesia and Databases: Pediatric Cardiac Disease as a Role Model.
AB  - Large data sets have now become ubiquitous in clinical medicine; they are
      particularly useful in high-acuity, low-volume conditions such as congenital
      heart disease where data must be collected from many centers. These data fall
      into 2 categories: administrative data arising from hospital admissions and
      charges and clinical data relating to specific diseases or procedures. In
      congenital cardiac diseases, there are now over a dozen of these data sets or
      registries focusing on various elements of patient care. Using probabilistic
      statistic matching, it is possible to marry administrative and clinical data post
      hoc using common elements to determine valuable information about care patterns,
      outcomes, and costs. These data sets can also be used in a collaborative fashion
      between institutions to drive quality improvement (QI). Because these data may
      include protected health information (PHI), care must be taken to adhere to
      federal guidelines on their use. A fundamental principle of large data management
      is the use of a common language and definition (nomenclature) to be effective. In
      addition, research derived from these information sources must be appropriately
      balanced to ensure that risk adjustments for preoperative and surgical factors
      are taken into consideration during the analysis. Care of patients with cardiac
      disease both in the United States and abroad consistently shows wide variability
      in mortality, morbidity, and costs, and there has been a tremendous amount of
      discussion about the benefits of regionalization of care based on center volume
      and outcome measurements. In the absence of regionalization, collaborative
      learning techniques have consistently been shown to minimize this variability and
      improve care at all centers, but before changes can be made it is necessary to
      accurately measure accurately current patient outcomes. Outcomes measurement
      generally falls under hospital-based QI initiatives, but more detailed analysis
      and research require Institutional Review Board and administrative oversight.
      Cardiac anesthesia providers for these patients have partnered with the Society
      of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart surgeons to include anesthesia elements to
      help in this process.

PMID- 28099325
TI  - Intraoperative Clinical Decision Support for Anesthesia: A Narrative Review of
      Available Systems.
AB  - With increasing adoption of anesthesia information management systems (AIMS),
      there is growing interest in utilizing AIMS data for intraoperative clinical
      decision support (CDS). CDS for anesthesia has the potential for improving
      quality of care, patient safety, billing, and compliance. Intraoperative CDS can
      range from passive and post hoc systems to active real-time systems that can
      detect ongoing clinical issues and deviations from best practice care. Real-time
      CDS holds the most promise because real-time alerts and guidance can drive
      provider behavior toward evidence-based standardized care during the ongoing
      case. In this review, we describe the different types of intraoperative CDS
      systems with specific emphasis on real-time systems. The technical considerations
      in developing and implementing real-time CDS are systematically covered. This
      includes the functional modules of a CDS system, development and execution of
      decision rules, and modalities to alert anesthesia providers concerning clinical
      issues. We also describe the regulatory aspects that affect development,
      implementation, and use of intraoperative CDS. Methods and measures to assess the
      effectiveness of intraoperative CDS are discussed. Last, we outline areas of
      future development of intraoperative CDS, particularly the possibility of
      providing predictive and prescriptive decision support.

PMID- 28099324
TI  - Interaction of Isoflurane, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha and beta-Amyloid on Long
      term Potentiation in Rat Hippocampal Slices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between inhalational anesthetics such as isoflurane
      and cognitive impairment in the elderly is controversial. Both beta-amyloid
      peptide (Abeta), associated with Alzheimer disease, and tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha), a proinflammatory stress-related peptide, impair the synaptic
      function. We hypothesized that transient exposure to isoflurane and these
      peptides would impair synaptic function, manifest as a depression of long-term
      potentiation (LTP) and paired pulse facilitation (PPF), in the rat hippocampus.
      METHODS: Hippocampal slices were prepared from 3- to 4-week-old male Wistar rats.
      Preliminary experiments identified minimal concentrations of Abeta1-42 peptide
      and TNF-alpha that produced statistically detectable suppressing effects on LTP
      (600 nM Abeta1-42 and 5 ng/mL TNF-alpha). These concentrations of peptides were
      applied to slices alone, with 1.5% isoflurane, or in combination for 1 hour and
      then washed out. Measurements of LTP (field excitatory postsynaptic potentials
      [fEPSPs]) from neurons in the CA1 area by stimulation of the Schaffer-Collateral
      pathway were made after high-frequency stimulation (100 Hz, 1 second). Analysis
      of variance with correction for multiple comparisons was used to compare LTP
      under steady-state conditions and averaged for the 40- to 60-minute period after
      LTP induction. RESULTS: EPSP amplitude after LTP induction was 155% +/- 9% of
      baseline and was not affected by isoflurane exposure and washout (150% +/- 4% of
      baseline, P = .47). Both Abeta1-42 and TNF-alpha reduced LTP by approximately 15%
      compared with control (129% +/- 7% and 131% +/- 11% of baseline respectively,
      means +/- SD, both P < .001). When Abeta1-42 was combined with isoflurane, LTP
      was not impaired (151% +/- 9% of control, P = .85), but isoflurane had no effect
      on LTP depression caused by TNF-alpha or a combination of Abeta and TNF-alpha.
      CONCLUSIONS: Brief exposure to isoflurane prevents rather than impairs the
      decrease in LTP caused by Abeta1-42 in rat hippocampus. In contrast, isoflurane
      had no effect on synaptic impairment caused by TNF-alpha or a combination of TNF
      alpha and Abeta. Although this is an in vitro study and translation to clinical
      medicine requires additional work, the interactions of isoflurane, Abeta, and TNF
      alpha revealed here could have implications for patients with Alzheimer disease
      or perioperative neuroinflammation.

PMID- 28099326
TI  - Implementation of a Needs-Based, Online Feedback Tool for Anesthesia Residents
      With Subsequent Mapping of the Feedback to the ACGME Milestones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimizing feedback that residents receive from faculty is important
      for learning. The goals of this study were to (1) conduct focus groups of
      anesthesia residents to define what constitutes optimal feedback; (2) develop,
      test, and implement a web-based feedback tool; and (3) then map the contents of
      the written comments collected on the feedback tool to the Accreditation Council
      for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) anesthesiology milestones. METHODS: All 72
      anesthesia residents in the program were invited to participate in 1 of 5 focus
      groups scheduled over a 2-month period. Thirty-seven (51%) participated in the
      focus groups and completed a written survey on previous feedback experiences. On
      the basis of the focus group input, an initial online feedback tool was pilot
      tested with 20 residents and 62 feedback sessions, and then a final feedback tool
      was deployed to the entire residency to facilitate the feedback process. The
      completed feedback written entries were mapped onto the 25 ACGME anesthesiology
      milestones. RESULTS: Focus groups revealed 3 major barriers to good feedback: (1)
      too late such as, for example, at the end of month-long clinical rotations, which
      was not useful because the feedback was delayed; (2) too general and not specific
      enough to immediately remedy behavior; and (3) too many in that the large number
      of evaluations that existed that were unhelpful such as those with unclear
      behavioral anchors compromised the overall feedback culture. Thirty residents
      (42% of 72 residents in the program) used the final online feedback tool with 121
      feedback sessions with 61 attendings on 15 rotations at 3 hospital sites. The
      number of feedback tool uses per resident averaged 4.03 (standard deviation 5.08,
      median 2, range 1-21, 25th-75th % quartile 1-4). Feedback tool uses per faculty
      averaged 1.98 (standard deviation 3.2, median 1, range 1-25, 25th-75th % quartile
      1-2). For the feedback question item "specific learning objective demonstrated
      well by the resident," this yielded 296 milestone-specific responses. The
      majority (71.3%) were related to the patient care competency, most commonly the
      anesthetic plan and conduct (35.8%) and airway management (11.1%) milestones;
      10.5% were related to the interpersonal and communication skills competency, most
      commonly the milestones communication with other professionals (4.4%) or with
      patients and families (4.4%); and 8.4% were related to the practice-based
      learning and improvement competency, most commonly self-directed learning (6.1%).
      For the feedback tool item "specific learning objective that resident may
      improve," 67.0% were related to patient care, most commonly anesthetic plan and
      conduct (33.5%) followed by use/interpretation of monitoring and equipment (8.5%)
      and airway management (8.5%); 10.2% were related to practice-based learning and
      improvement, most commonly self-directed learning (6.8%); and 9.7% were related
      to the systems-based practice competency. CONCLUSIONS: Resident focus groups
      recommended that feedback be timely and specific and be structured around a tool.
      A customized online feedback tool was developed and implemented. Mapping of the
      free-text feedback comments may assist in assessing milestones. Use of the
      feedback tool was lower than expected, which may indicate that it is just 1 of
      many implementation steps required for behavioral and culture change to support a
      learning environment with frequent and useful feedback.

PMID- 28099327
TI  - A meta-analysis and systematic review: Success of endoscopic ultrasound guided
      biliary stenting in patients with inoperable malignant biliary strictures and a
      failed ERCP.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with inoperable malignant biliary strictures, endoscopic
      retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) guided biliary stenting fails in 5% to
      10% patients due to difficult anatomy/inability to cannulate the papilla.
      Recently, endoscopic ultrasound guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been
      described.Primary outcomes were to evaluate the biliary drainage success rates
      with EUS and compare it to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).
      Secondary outcomes were to evaluate overall procedure related complications.
      METHODS: STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA:: Studies evaluating the efficacy of EUS-BD and
      comparing EUS-BD versus PTBD in inoperable malignant biliary stricture patients
      with a failed ERCP were included in this analysis. DATA COLLECTION AND
      EXTRACTION: Articles were searched in Medline, PubMed, and Ovid journals. Two
      authors independently searched and extracted data. The study design was written
      in accordance to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and
      Meta-Analyses) statement. Subgroup analyses of prospective studies and EUS-BD
      versus PTBD were performed. STATISTICAL METHOD: Pooled proportions were
      calculated using fixed and random effects model. I statistic was used to assess
      heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS: Initial search identified 846 reference
      articles, of which 124 were selected and reviewed. Sixteen studies (N = 528) that
      met the inclusion criteria were included in this analysis. In the pooled patient
      population, the percentage of patients that had a successful biliary drainage
      with EUS was 90.91% (95% CI = 88.10-93.38). The proportion of patients that had
      overall procedure related complications with EUS-PD was 16.46% (95% CI = 13.20
      20.01). The pooled odds ratio for successful biliary drainage in EUS-PD versus
      PTBD group was 3.06 (95% CI = 1.11-8.43). The risk difference for overall
      procedure related complications in EUS-PD versus PTBD group was -0.21 (95% CI = 
      0.35 to -0.06). Relative risk for infectious complications and bile leak in EUS
      BD versus PTBD was 0.25 (95% CI = 0.07-0.94) and 0.33 (95% CI = 0.12-0.87),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with inoperable malignant biliary
      strictures who failed an ERCP guided biliary stenting, EUS-BD seems to be an
      excellent management option and superior to PTBD with higher successful biliary
      drainage rates and relatively fewer complications.

PMID- 28099328
TI  - Clinical and prognostic significance of Merkel cell polyomavirus in nonsmall cell
      lung cancer.
AB  - Recently, an association between Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was
      reported. However, the underlying carcinogenic effects and the prognosis related
      to MCPyV are still unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the incidence
      and prognosis related to MCPyV infections in NSCLC.Tissue samples from 167 NSCLC
      patients (92 with squamous cell carcinomas [SCCs] and 75 with adenocarcinomas)
      were analyzed for the presence of MCPyV and EGFR mutations. Clinicopathological
      characteristics, disease-free survival rate, and overall survival rate were
      assessed with respect to MCPyV.MCPyV DNA was detected in 30 patients (18.0%) out
      of 167 patients, and EGFR mutations were found in 31 out of 127 patients (24.4%).
      EGFR mutations were more frequently detected in MCPyV-positive patients than in
      MCPyV-negative patients; however, this did not reach statistical significance (P
      = 0.075). There was no difference in overall survival between patients with and
      without MCPyV infections. The disease-free survival rate of patients with pN0
      stage, SCC, or EGFR mutations was lower for patients with MCPyV than without
      MCPyV (P = 0.036, 0.042, and 0.050, respectively).Although the prevalence of
      MCPyV infection was relatively low, the presence of MCPyV DNA was significantly
      correlated with cancer prognosis in subgroups of NSCLC patients. These results
      suggest that MCPyV may be partly associated with pathogenesis and prognosis in
      some cases of NSCLC.

PMID- 28099329
TI  - Evaluation of efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with
      computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma
      using magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging and computed tomography
      perfusion imaging: A prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of
      transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with computed tomography
      guided radiofrequency ablation (CT-RFA) in the treatment of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) using magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (MR-DWI) and
      CT perfusion imaging (CT-PI). METHODS: From January 2008 to January 2014, a total
      of 522 HCC patients receiving TACE combined with CT-RFA were included in this
      study. All patients underwent TACE followed by CT-RFA, and 1 day before treatment
      and 1 month after treatment they received MR-DWI and CT-PI. Enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the concentration of alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP). Tumor response was evaluated using the revised RECIST
      criteria. One-year follow-up was conducted on all patients. Receiver-operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the efficacy of TACE combined
      with CT-RFA for HCC using MR-DWI and CT-PI. RESULTS: Total effective rate
      (complete remission [CR] + partial remission [PR]) of TACE combined with CT-RFA
      for HCC was 82.95%. HCC patients of CR + PR had lower hepatic blood flow (HBF),
      hepatic blood volume (HBV), permeability surface (PS), hepatic arterial perfusion
      (HAP), and hepatic perfusion index (HPI) levels than those of SD + PD, but HCC
      patients of CR + PR had higher mean transit time (MTT) level than those of SD +
      PD. The patients of PR + CR had higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)
      values than those of SD + PD. The patients of PR + CR showed lower AFP
      concentration than those of SD + PD. ROC curve analysis indicated that the area
      under the curve (AUC) of AFP, HBV, PS, HAP, HPI, and ADC was more than 0.7, but
      the AUC of HBF, MTT, and PVP were less than 0.7. After treatment, the AFP, HBF,
      HBV, PS, HAP, and HPI in the HCC patients with recurrence were higher than those
      in the HCC patients without, but MTT and ADC in the HCC patients with recurrence
      were lower than those in the HCC patients without. CONCLUSION: These findings
      indicate that MR-DWI and CT-PI can effectively evaluate the efficacy of TACE
      combined with CT-RFA and postoperative recurrence of HCC.

PMID- 28099330
TI  - Clarifying the debate on population-based screening for breast cancer with
      mammography: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials on mammography
      with Bayesian meta-analysis and causal model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recent controversy about using mammography to screen for breast
      cancer based on randomized controlled trials over 3 decades in Western countries
      has not only eclipsed the paradigm of evidence-based medicine, but also puts
      health decision-makers in countries where breast cancer screening is still being
      considered in a dilemma to adopt or abandon such a well-established screening
      modality. METHODS: We reanalyzed the empirical data from the Health Insurance
      Plan trial in 1963 to the UK age trial in 1991 and their follow-up data published
      until 2015. We first performed Bayesian conjugated meta-analyses on the
      heterogeneity of attendance rate, sensitivity, and over-detection and their
      impacts on advanced stage breast cancer and death from breast cancer across
      trials using Bayesian Poisson fixed- and random-effect regression model. Bayesian
      meta-analysis of causal model was then developed to assess a cascade of causal
      relationships regarding the impact of both attendance and sensitivity on 2 main
      outcomes. RESULTS: The causes of heterogeneity responsible for the disparities
      across the trials were clearly manifested in 3 components. The attendance rate
      ranged from 61.3% to 90.4%. The sensitivity estimates show substantial variation
      from 57.26% to 87.97% but improved with time from 64% in 1963 to 82% in 1980 when
      Bayesian conjugated meta-analysis was conducted in chronological order. The
      percentage of over-detection shows a wide range from 0% to 28%, adjusting for
      long lead-time. The impacts of the attendance rate and sensitivity on the 2 main
      outcomes were statistically significant. Causal inference made by linking these
      causal relationships with emphasis on the heterogeneity of the attendance rate
      and sensitivity accounted for the variation in the reduction of advanced breast
      cancer (none-30%) and of mortality (none-31%). We estimated a 33% (95% CI: 24
      42%) and 13% (95% CI: 6-20%) breast cancer mortality reduction for the best
      scenario (90% attendance rate and 95% sensitivity) and the poor scenario (30%
      attendance rate and 55% sensitivity), respectively. CONCLUSION: Elucidating the
      scenarios from high to low performance and learning from the experiences of these
      trials helps screening policy-makers contemplate on how to avoid errors made in
      ineffective studies and emulate the effective studies to save women lives.

PMID- 28099331
TI  - Atorvastatin-induced necrotizing autoimmune myositis: An emerging dominant entity
      in patients with autoimmune myositis presenting with a pure polymyositis
      phenotype.
AB  - The general aim of this study was to evaluate the disease spectrum in patients
      presenting with a pure polymyositis (pPM) phenotype. Specific objectives were to
      characterize clinical features, autoantibodies (aAbs), and membrane attack
      complex (MAC) in muscle biopsies of patients with treatment-responsive, statin
      exposed necrotizing autoimmune myositis (NAM). Patients from the Centre
      hospitalier de l'Universite de Montreal autoimmune myositis (AIM) Cohort with a
      pPM phenotype, response to immunosuppression, and follow-up >=3 years were
      included. Of 17 consecutive patients with pPM, 14 patients had a NAM, of whom 12
      were previously exposed to atorvastatin (mean 38.8 months). These 12 patients
      were therefore suspected of atorvastatin-induced AIM (atorAIM) and selected for
      study. All had aAbs to 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, and none
      had overlap aAbs, aAbs to signal recognition particle, or cancer. Three stages of
      myopathy were recognized: stage 1 (isolated serum creatine kinase [CK]
      elevation), stage 2 (CK elevation, normal strength, and abnormal electromyogram
      [EMG]), and stage 3 (CK elevation, proximal weakness, and abnormal EMG). At
      diagnosis, 10/12 (83%) patients had stage 3 myopathy (mean CK elevation: 7247
      U/L). The presenting mode was stage 1 in 6 patients (50%) (mean CK elevation:
      1540 U/L), all of whom progressed to stage 3 (mean delay: 37 months) despite
      atorvastatin discontinuation. MAC deposition was observed in all muscle biopsies
      (isolated sarcolemmal deposition on non-necrotic fibers, isolated granular
      deposition on endomysial capillaries, or mixed pattern). Oral corticosteroids
      alone failed to normalize CKs and induce remission. Ten patients (83%) received
      intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) as part of an induction regimen. Of 10
      patients with >=1 year remission on stable maintenance therapy, IVIG was needed
      in 50%, either with methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy or combination
      immunosuppression. In the remaining patients, MTX monotherapy or combination
      therapy maintained remission without IVIG. AtorAIM emerged as the dominant entity
      in patients with a pPM phenotype and treatment-responsive myopathy. Isolated CK
      elevation was the mode of presentation of atorAIM. The new onset of isolated CK
      elevation on atorvastatin and persistent CK elevation on statin discontinuation
      should raise early suspicion for atorAIM. Statin-induced AIM should be included
      in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic hyperCKemia. Three patterns of MAC
      deposition, while nonpathognomonic, were pathological clues to atorAIM. AtorAIM
      was uniformly corticosteroid resistant but responsive to IVIG as induction and
      maintenance therapy.

PMID- 28099332
TI  - Lung ultrasound for the diagnosis of pneumonia in adults: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a common and serious infectious disease that can cause
      high mortality. The role of lung ultrasound (LUS) in the diagnosis of pneumonia
      is becoming more and more important. METHODS: In the present study, we collected
      existing evidence regarding the use of LUS to diagnose pneumonia in adults and
      conducted a systematic review to summarize the technique's diagnostic accuracy.
      We specifically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL), PubMed, and Embase databases and retrieved outcome data to evaluate
      the efficacy of LUS for the diagnosis of pneumonia compared with chest
      radiography or chest computed tomography. The pooled sensitivity (SEN) and
      specificity (SPE) were determined using the Mantel-Haenszel method, and the
      pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was determined using the DerSimonian-Laird
      method. We also assessed heterogeneity of sensitivity, specificity, and
      diagnostic odds ratio using the Q and I statistics. RESULTS: Twelve studies
      containing 1515 subjects were included in our meta-analysis. The SEN and SPE were
      0.88 (95% CI: 0.86-0.90) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83-0.88), respectively. The pooled
      negative likelihood ratio (LR) was 0.13 (95% CI: 0.08-0.23), the positive LR was
      5.37 (95% CI: 2.76-10.43), and the DOR was 65.46 (95% CI: 29.24-146.56). The
      summary receiver operating characteristic curve indicated a relationship between
      sensitivity and specificity. The area under the curve for LUS was 0.95.
      CONCLUSION: LUS can help to diagnose adult pneumonia with high accuracy.

PMID- 28099333
TI  - Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the common bile duct: A case report.
AB  - RATIONALE: Sarcomatoid carcinoma is an extremely rare lesion in the common bile
      duct (CBD). PATIENT CONCERNS: We present a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the
      distal CBD in a 51-year-old woman who presented with jaundice and abdominal pain.
      Whipple's operation was performed successfully. Microscopically, the tumor was a
      poorly differentiated carcinoma containing a component of sarcoma-like
      differentiation. The tumor cells displayed spindle-shaped nuclei with occasional
      mitotic figures. Cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK19, CK18, and pan-CK (AE1/AE3) staining
      was positive on immunohistochemistry. Vimentin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
      staining were also positive. DIAGNOSES: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the distal CBD.
      INTERVENTIONS: The patient received three cycles of chemotherapy after surgery.
      OUTCOMES: The patient has experienced no adverse events in the 3 years post
      surgery. LESSONS: We present here a case report of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the
      distal CBD. The patient received chemotherapy after surgery, and was event-free
      for 3 years post-surgery, suggesting a relatively better prognosis, despite the
      infiltrative pattern of the tumor.

PMID- 28099334
TI  - Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication with duodenojejunostomy for the management of
      superior mesenteric artery syndrome with reflux symptoms.
AB  - RATIONALE: The patient had symptoms of GERD and the reflux even caused the
      symptom of cough. Gaining weight is a risk factor for the treatment of reflux as
      it could exacerbated symptoms of reflux and the drug treatment is not effective.
      Surgical intervention becomes necessary when there is failure following
      conservative medical therapy or the patient. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was
      not satisfied with the drug treatment. DIAGNOSES: Superior mesenteric artery
      syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic Toupet
      fundoplication with duodenojejunostomy. OUTCOMES: The patient discharged from
      hospital 10 days after surgery without any postoperative complication. The
      patient achieved complete relief of symptoms and discontinuation of drug. LESSONS
      SUBSECTIONS: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome may manifest the symptoms
      of GERD such as heartburn, acid reflux and cough. It is necessary to complete
      examination to exclude superior mesenteric artery syndrome for these patients.
      Laparoscopic fundoplication with duodenojejunostomy provided an effective
      treatment for patients who failed drug treatment.

PMID- 28099335
TI  - Micronodular pattern of organizing pneumonia: Case report and systematic
      literature review.
AB  - RATIONALE: Organizing pneumonia (OP) is a clinicopathological entity
      characterized by granulation tissue plugs in the lumen of small airways, alveolar
      ducts, and alveoli. OP can be cryptogenic (primary) (COP) or secondary to various
      lung injuries. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report the case of a 38-year-old male smoker
      with COP presenting in the form of diffuse micronodules on computed tomography
      (CT) scan and describe the clinical, radiological, and functional characteristics
      of micronodular pattern of organizing pneumonia (MNOP) based on a review of the
      literature including 14 cases.Patients were younger (36.3 +/- 15.5 years) than
      those with the classical form of OP. The clinical presentation was subacute in
      all cases with a mean duration of symptoms before admission of 14.5 +/- 13.2
      days. The radiological pattern was characterized by centrilobular nodules and
      "bud-in-tree" sign in 86.7% of patients. The diagnosis was based on histological
      examination of transbronchial (28.6%) or surgical biopsies (71.4%). DIAGNOSIS: An
      associated condition was identified in 65% of cases and included illicit
      substance abuse (44.5%), myeloproliferative disease (33.5%), and infections
      (22%). OUTCOMES: Steroid therapy was effective in all patients with improvement
      of symptoms and documented radiologic resolution. No relapse was recorded.
      LESSONS: MNOP should be recognized and distinguished from other diagnoses, mainly
      infectious bronchiolitis and disseminated tumor, as it requires early specific
      steroid therapy.

PMID- 28099336
TI  - Prognostic significance of nonprotein respiratory quotient in patients with liver
      cirrhosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nonprotein respiratory
      quotient (npRQ), as assessed using indirect calorimetry, on clinical outcomes in
      patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). A total of 244 LC patients were evaluated in
      this study. For the univariate analysis, for each continuous variable, the
      optimal cutoff value that maximized the sum of sensitivity and specificity was
      selected using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis for survival. There were
      137 men and 107 women with the median (range) age of 67 (25-90) years. Indirect
      calorimetry indicated that 54 patients (22.1%) had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      on radiological findings and 59 patients (24.2%) had protein energy malnutrition,
      as defined by npRQ <0.85 and serum albumin level <3.5 g/dL. In ROC analysis of
      npRQ for survival, the optimal cutoff point of npRQ was 0.849 for all cases (area
      under the ROC = 0.61272; sensitivity, 66.22%; and specificity, 57.06%). The
      median follow-up periods after indirect calorimetry were 4.35 years (range, 1.01
      9.66 years) in patients with npRQ >=0.85 (n = 122) and 3.71 years (range, 0.19
      9.51 years) in patients with npRQ <0.85 (n = 122). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year
      cumulative OS rates in patients with npRQ >=0.85 were 100%, 87.79%, and 77.24%,
      respectively, whereas those in patients with npRQ <0.85 were 94.26%, 73.65% and
      57.78%, respectively (P = 0.0004). In the multivariate analysis, presence of HCC
      (P = 0.0045), body mass index (P < 0.0001), serum albumin (P = 0.0441),
      prothrombin time (P = 0.0463), npRQ (P = 0.0024), estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (P = 0.0086), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (P = 0.0268) were found to
      be significant predictors associated with OS. For all cases, risk stratification
      for survival was well performed using these significant variables. In conclusion,
      npRQ value, as assessed by indirect calorimetry, can be helpful for predicting
      clinical outcomes for LC patients.

PMID- 28099337
TI  - Phototoxic maculopathy induced by quartz infrared heat lamp: A clinical case
      report.
AB  - RATIONALE: A large proportion of the output of quartz infrared heat lamps is
      emitted as infrared radiation (IR). Retinal damage induced by IR-A and visible
      light on arc welders has been reported. However, case reports of retinal damage
      caused by quartz infrared heat lamps are rare. To the best of our knowledge, this
      is the first reported case of phototoxic maculopathy induced by quartz infrared
      heat lamps. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a female with a 1-month history of
      progressive blurred vision and dysmorphopsia in her right eye after improper
      staring at the tubes of a quartz infrared heater. Her best corrected visual
      acuity of the right eye was 20/32. Optical coherence tomography revealed a defect
      from the ellipsoid zone to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/Bruch's complex layer
      with a diameter of 360mmat its widest. P1 amplitudes in the two central
      concentric rings were reduced as assessed by multifocal electroretinography.
      DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with phototoxic maculopathy. INTERVENTIONS:
      The patient was advised to cease all exposure to the infrared heater and was
      treated with peribulbar injections of methylprednisolone, oral Pancreatic
      Kininogenase, and oral Mecobalamin. OUTCOMES: Ten months later, her BCVA improved
      to 20/20. All examination results returned to normal except for a small residual
      defect in the interdigitation zone and RPE/Bruch's complex layer in her optical
      coherence tomography. LESSONS: Light emitted by quartz infrared heat lamps may
      cause damage to the retina through photothermal and photochemical means. The
      public is insufficiently aware of the hazard potential of infrared heat lamps and
      other IR-A sources on human retina.

PMID- 28099338
TI  - Liver steatosis in children with chronic hepatitis B and C: Prevalence,
      predictors, and impact on disease progression.
AB  - Only scarce data on liver steatosis in children with chronic hepatitis B and C
      (CHB and CHC) are available. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      prevalence, predictors, and impact of hepatic steatosis on children with CHB and
      CHC. A total of 78 patients aged 11.5 +/- 3.4 years were included: 30 (38%) had
      CHB, and 48 (62%) had CHC. Steatosis was scored on a 5-point scale, as follows:
      absent; minimal (<=5% hepatocytes affected), mild (6-33%), moderate (34-66%), and
      severe (>66%). Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the factors
      associated with steatosis and moderate-to-severe steatosis. Steatosis was
      observed in 4/30 (13%) patients with CHB and 13/48 (27%) patients with CHC (P =
      0.17). Moderate-to-severe steatosis was observed in 6/78 (8%) patients: 1/30 (3%)
      had CHB and 5/48 (10%) had CHC (P = 0.40). The body mass index (BMI) z-score was
      positively associated with the presence of steatosis in children with CHB (odds
      ratio [OR] = 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-10.64). In CHC, steatosis
      occurred more frequently in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3 compared
      with other genotypes (P = 0.002). In patients with non-3 genotype hepatitis C
      virus, steatosis was associated with the stage of fibrosis (OR = 3.35, 95% CI:
      1.01-11.07) and inversely associated with the duration of infection (OR = 0.74,
      95% CI: 0.55-0.97). Moderate-to-severe steatosis was positively associated with
      the BMI z-score (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.22-10.75) and stage of fibrosis (OR = 3.89,
      95% CI: 1.05-14.47). Steatosis is a common finding in children with chronic viral
      hepatitis. It is associated with metabolic factors in CHB, whereas in patients
      with CHC, metabolic and viral factors may have a combined effect, leading to more
      advanced grades of steatosis in children with higher BMI z-scores. Moderate-to
      severe steatosis is a predictor of advanced fibrosis in children with CHC.

PMID- 28099339
TI  - Pedicle screw placement accuracy of bone-mounted miniature robot system.
AB  - This article describes factors affecting the accuracy of transpedicle screw
      placements performed with the Renaissance robot-guided system and reviews the
      relevant literature. Between January 2013 and January 2015, Renaissance robot
      guided spinal surgery was performed in 125 patients at Kaohsiung Medical
      University Hospital in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The surgeries included 662 transpedicle
      screw implants and 49 Kirschner wire (K-wire) reimplants performed by
      intraoperative repositioning. The lead author evaluated the accuracy of all K
      wire insertions and classified their accuracy into 3 categories relative to the
      preoperative plan for transpedicle screw placement. For cases in which screws
      required repositioning after the registration step, factors affecting pedicle
      screw placement were determined according to the consensus of 3 experienced
      spinal surgeons. According to the scheme developed by Kuo et al (PLoS One
      2016;11:e0153235), the K-wire placement accuracies before and after repositioning
      were respectively classified as follows: 76.1% and 77.6% in type I; 12.2% and
      17.7% in type IIa; 4.3% and 4.5% in type IIb; 6.4% and 0% in type IIIa; and 1%
      and 1% in type IIIb. The percentage of screws requiring repositioning due to
      drilling error was 85.7% (42/49). Comparisons of preoperative and postoperative
      function showed significantly improved accuracy. This study showed that
      inaccurate pedicle screw placement mainly results from errors in preoperative
      planning, mounting, registration, drilling, and robot assembly. Pedicle screw
      placement using a bone-mounted miniature robot system requires meticulous
      preoperative planning to minimize these errors.

PMID- 28099340
TI  - Clinical effectiveness of acupuncture on Parkinson disease: A PRISMA-compliant
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most-common chronic and
      progressive neurodegenerative disease. The long-term use of levodopa leads to a
      loss of efficacy and to complications. Therefore, many patients with PD have
      turned to complementary therapies to help relieve their symptoms. Acupuncture is
      most commonly used as a complementary therapy in patients with PD. This paper
      presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of acupuncture for
      patients with PD. This study was performed to summarize and evaluate evidence
      regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture in the relief of PD symptoms. METHODS:
      Seven databases, namely, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the China
      National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], and three Korean medical databases,
      were searched from their inception through August 2015 without language
      restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they contained
      reports of acupuncture compared with no treatment and conventional treatment
      alone or acupuncture plus conventional treatment compared with conventional
      treatment alone for PD symptoms. Assessments were performed with the unified PD
      rating scales (UPDRS) I, II, III, and IV and the total score, the Webster scale,
      and effectiveness rating. Methodological quality was assessed using the
      Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and the Cochrane risk of bias
      (ROB). RESULTS: In all, 982 potentially relevant articles were identified; 25
      RCTs met our inclusion criterion, 19 of 25 RCTs were high-quality studies (i.e.,
      a score of 6 or higher). The included RCTs showed favorable results for
      acupuncture plus conventional treatment compared with conventional treatment
      alone in the UPDRS II, III, and IV and the total score. Acupuncture was effective
      in relieving PD symptoms compared with no treatment and conventional treatment
      alone, and acupuncture plus conventional treatment had a more significant effect
      than conventional treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS: We performed a systematic review
      and meta-analysis to evaluate the use of acupuncture for relief of PD symptoms
      and found that acupuncture has significant positive effects. Acupuncture can be
      considered as a combination treatment with conventional treatment for patients
      with PD. Further studies on this topic should be carried out according to
      rigorous methodological designs in both the East and the West.

PMID- 28099341
TI  - Laparoscopic distal splenoadrenal shunt for the treatment of portal hypertension
      in children with congenital hepatic fibrosis: A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The distal splenorenal shunt is an effective procedure for the
      treatment of portal hypertension in children. However, there has been no report
      about laparoscopic distal splenorenal shunt in the treatment of portal
      hypertension in children. METHODS: From December 2015 to August 2016, 4 children
      with upper gastrointestinal bleeding underwent laparoscopic distal splenoadrenal
      shunt. Portal hypertension and splenomegaly were demonstrated on the preoperative
      computed tomography (CT) and sonography. The distal splenic vein was mobilized
      and anastomosed to the left adrenal vein laparoscopically. All patients were
      followed-up postoperatively. RESULTS: The laparoscopic distal splenoadrenal shunt
      was successfully performed in all patients. The liver fibrosis was diagnosed by
      postoperative liver pathology. The operative time ranged from 180 to 360 minutes.
      The blood loss was minimal. The length of hospital stay was 6 to 13 days. The
      duration of following-up was 1 to 9 months (median: 3 months). The portal
      pressure and splenic size were decreased postoperatively. The complete blood
      count normalized and the biochemistry tests were within normal range after
      surgery. Postoperative ultrasound and CT confirmed shunt patency and satisfactory
      flow in the splenoadrenal shunt in all patients. No patient developed recurrence
      of variceal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic splenoadrenal shunt is a
      feasible treatment of portal hypertension in children.

PMID- 28099342
TI  - Successful surgical treatment for squamous cell carcinoma arising from
      hidradenitis suppurativa: A case report and literature review.
AB  - RATIONALE: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a disabling inflammatory disease
      mainly affecting apocrine glands. Marjolin ulcer (MU) is a term used to describe
      a rare type of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising within sites of chronic
      wounds or preexisting scars. Chronic HS may result in a rare type of SCC, MU,
      which has a poor prognosis due to its high metastatic rate. CONCERNS OF THE
      PATIENT: Here we reported a 60-year-old male who developed SCC on the right
      buttock after suffering from HS for 15 years. INTERVENTIONS: Radical resection
      with clear margin was performed, after which topical negative pressure (TNP) was
      applied followed by split-thickness skin grafting. OUTCOMES: In a 1-year follow
      up, there was no recurrence of malignancy. LESSONS: Cases reported in English
      literature since 1991 were reviewed to get a general grasp of status quo. The
      authors conclude that chronic HS lesion especially in the gluteal region should
      be cautiously observed. Once tumor arisen from HS lesion, immediate radical
      excision should be performed. With assured clear margin, TNP could be chosen to
      offer a favorable environment for the survival of skin grafting.

PMID- 28099343
TI  - Efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates in management of low bone density in
      inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis.
AB  - This study aims to determine whether bisphosphonates are safe, as well as
      effective against bone mineral loss in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A
      computerized search of electronic databases from 1966 to 2016 was performed.
      Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this review to evaluate the
      role of bisphosphonates in the management of osteoporosis in IBD patients. A
      revised 7-point Jadad scale was used to evaluate the quality of each study.
      Overall, 13 RCTs and 923 patients met the inclusion criteria of this meta
      analysis. The result showed that bisphosphonates decreased bone mass density
      (BMD) loss at the lumbar spine (P = 0.0002), reduced the risk of new fractures (P
      = 0.01), and retained the similar adverse events (P = 0.86). Bisphosphonates may
      provide protection and safety against bone mineral loss in IBD patients.

PMID- 28099344
TI  - Laparoscopic total pancreatectomy: Case report and literature review.
AB  - RATIONALE: Laparoscopic total pancreatectomy is a complicated surgical procedure
      and rarely been reported. This study was conducted to investigate the safety and
      feasibility of laparoscopic total pancreatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three
      patients underwent laparoscopic total pancreatectomy between May 2014 and August
      2015. We reviewed their general demographic data, perioperative details, and
      short-term outcomes. General morbidity was assessed using Clavien-Dindo
      classification and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was evaluated by International
      Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition. DIAGNOSIS AND OUTCOMES: The
      indications for laparoscopic total pancreatectomy were intraductal papillary
      mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) (n = 2) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) (n =
      1). All patients underwent laparoscopic pylorus and spleen-preserving total
      pancreatectomy, the mean operative time was 490 minutes (range 450-540 minutes),
      the mean estimated blood loss was 266 mL (range 100-400 minutes); 2 patients
      suffered from postoperative complication. All the patients recovered uneventfully
      with conservative treatment and discharged with a mean hospital stay 18 days
      (range 8-24 days). The short-term (from 108 to 600 days) follow up demonstrated 3
      patients had normal and consistent glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level with
      acceptable quality of life. LESSONS: Laparoscopic total pancreatectomy is
      feasible and safe in selected patients and pylorus and spleen preserving
      technique should be considered. Further prospective randomized studies are needed
      to obtain a comprehensive understanding the role of laparoscopic technique in
      total pancreatectomy.

PMID- 28099345
TI  - Trigeminal somatosensory-evoked potential: A neurophysiological tool to monitor
      the extent of lesion of ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation in idiopathic
      trigeminal neuralgia: A case-control study.
AB  - To reflect the extent of thermolesion of ganglion by testing the change of
      trigeminal somatosensory-evoked potential (TSEP) before and after ganglion
      radiofrequency thermocoagulation surgery (GRT), and evaluate long-term clinic
      effect by follow-up visiting of 1 year.Patients with idiopathic trigeminal
      neuralgia (TN) in the second division were enrolled between October 2014 and
      October 2015. They were treated with computed tomography-guided GRT and a follow
      up visiting of 1 year. Bilateral TSEP measurements were performed 1 day before
      and 2 days after the GRT surgery. The latency and peak-to-peak amplitude of W2
      and W3 were recorded.Immediate postprocedure pain relief (grades I-III) was 100%
      and 92.5% 1 year later. Facial numbness rate of grades III and IV was 70%, 40%,
      and 12.5%, respectively, at immediate, 2 days, and 1 year after GRT. No sever
      complications happened. The latency of W2 and W3 of patients who had no pain no
      numbness after 1 year of GRT was 1.74 +/- 0.24 and 3.84 +/- 0.66 ms,
      respectively, of TN side, and 1.71 +/- 0.39 and 3.63 +/- 0.85 ms of the healthy
      side before GRT. The amplitude of W2 and W3 was 1.13 +/- 0.50 and 1.99 +/- 1.09
      uv, respectively, of TN side and 1.24 +/- 0.40 and 1.89 +/- 0.81 uv of the
      healthy side before GRT. There was no statistical difference of the latency and
      amplitude between 2 sides of W2 and W3 before surgery (P > 0.05). The latency of
      W2 and W3 delayed and the amplitude reduced especially in TN side after surgery
      comparing before (P < 0.001). And, comparisons of the latency and amplitude of W2
      and W3 between TN side and the healthy side after surgery showed the latency of
      W2 and W3 delayed (W2: P = 0.02; W3: P = 0.01) and the amplitude of W2 reduced (P
      = 0.003), but the amplitude of W3 had no statistical difference (P = 0.22). The
      mean delayed latency and 95% confident interval of W2 and W3 were 0.22 +/- 0.35
      (0.1-0.34) ms and 0.35 +/- 0.64 (0.14-0.57) ms, respectively. The mean decreased
      amplitude and 95% confident interval of W2 and W3 were 22 +/- 24 (14-30)% and 23
      +/- 32 (12-34)%, respectively.GRT can make the latency delay and the amplitude
      decrease of TSEP. And the latency and amplitude of W2 and W3 can be considered
      reliable and safe reference for monitoring the extent of thermolesion.

PMID- 28099346
TI  - Liuwei Dihuang pill treats diabetic nephropathy in rats by inhibiting of TGF
      beta/SMADS, MAPK, and NF-kB and upregulating expression of cytoglobin in renal
      tissues.
AB  - Liuwei Dihuang pill (LDP) was assessed for its effects on renal deficiency.90 STZ
      induced DN rats were divided into groups (n = 22) without treatment (STZ) and LDP
      treated (STZ-L) (n = 23), Zhenwu decoction treated (STZ-Z) (n = 22), and
      valsartan treated (STZ-V) (n = 23) groups, with 16 normal control rats. Total
      urine protein (TP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (Cr) were
      measured. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and
      malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as expression/phosphorylation of
      SMAD3, SMAD2, and alpha-SMA, TGF-beta, RI /II, P38, ERK, and NF-kB in renal
      tissues were determined. In vitro experiments analyzed the effect of enhanced TGF
      beta containing rat serums of the STZ groups on mesangial cells with and without
      transient transfection with a cytoglobin-containing plasmid.LDP treatment reduced
      the kidney coefficient, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine protein
      and prevented pathological changes. Expression of SOD and NOS in kidney tissue
      was increased but MDA expression reduced. LDP modulated multiple pathways, and
      its administration inhibited the phosphorylation of SMADS, ERK, p38, and the
      expression of NF-kB, alpha-SMA, and TGF-beta RI/II, and upregulated the
      expression of cytoglobin. In vitro studies revealed that overexpression of
      cytoglobin suppressed phosphorylation of Smad2, ERK, and p38 induced by TGF-beta
      and expression of NF-kB, alpha-SMA, and TGF-beta RI.LDP prevented renal fibrosis
      and protected glomerular mesangial cells by upregulation of cytoglobin and
      suppression of multiple pathways involving TGF-beta/SMADS, MAPK, NF-kB signaling.

PMID- 28099347
TI  - Prediction of risk of diabetic retinopathy for all-cause mortality, stroke and
      heart failure: Evidence from epidemiological observational studies.
AB  - To examine and quantify the potential relation between diabetic retinopathy (DR)
      and risk of all-cause mortality, stroke and heart failure (HF).The resources of
      meta-analysis of epidemiological observational studies were from Pub-med, EMBASE,
      CINAHL, Cochrane Library, conference, and proceedings.Random/fixed effects models
      were used to calculate pooled subgroup analysis stratified by different grades of
      DR was performed to explore the potential source of heterogeneity. Statistical
      manipulations were undertaken using program STATA.Of the included 25 studies,
      comprising 142,625 participants, 19 studies were concluded to find the relation
      of DR to all-cause mortality, 5 for stroke, and 3 for HF. Risk ratio (RR) for all
      cause mortality with the presence of DR was 2.33 (95% CI 1.92-2.81) compared with
      diabetic individuals without DR. Evidences showed a higher risk of all-cause
      mortality associated with DR in patients with T2D or T1D (RR 2.25, 95% CI 1.91
      2.65. RR 2.68, 95% CI 1.34-5.36). According to different grades of DR in patients
      with T2D, RR for all-cause mortality varied, the risk of nonproliferative
      diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) was 1.38 (1.11-1.70), while the risk of proliferative
      diabetic retinopathy (PDR) was 2.32 (1.75-3.06). There was no evidence of
      significant heterogeneity (Cochran Q test P = 0.29 vs 0.26, I = 19.6% vs 22.6%,
      respectively). Data from 5 studies in relation to DR and the risk of stroke
      showed that DR was significantly associated with increased risk of stroke (RR =
      1.74, 95%CI: 1.35-2.24), compared with patients without DR. Furthermore, DR (as
      compared with individuals without DR) was associated with a marginal increased
      risk of HF in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 3 studies; RR 2.24, 95%
      CI 0.98-5.14, P = 0.056).Our results showed that DR increased the risk of all
      cause mortality, regardless of the different stages, compared with the diabetic
      individuals without DR. DR predicted increased risk of stroke and HF. Although
      only 3 studies about HF were available, the association between DR and HF should
      be careful.

PMID- 28099348
TI  - Prognostic value of inflammation-based markers in patients with recurrent
      malignant obstructive jaundice treated by reimplantation of biliary metal stents:
      A retrospective observational study.
AB  - We aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of reimplantation of biliary metal
      stents by percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) in patients with
      recurrent malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Furthermore, we explored the
      prognostic value of inflammation-based markers in these patients.We reviewed 33
      cases of recurrent MOJ after implantation of biliary metal stents by PTCD, all of
      which underwent reimplantation of stents under digital subtraction angiography
      guidance. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST), and bilirubin were compared between before and after reimplantation (1
      week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively). Preoperative clinical data were
      collected to calculate the inflammation-based markers, including systemic immune
      inflammation index (SII, neutrophil * platelets/ lymphocyte), platelets-to
      lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte-to
      lymphocyte ratio (MLR). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), which was
      estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis.The levels of
      ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin significantly reduced after the
      reimplantation operation. During a median follow-up time of 10 months, 18 (54.5%)
      patients died. Gender, albumin, SII, PLR, NLR, and MLR were found to be
      associated with OS by the log-rank test and univariate analysis. Multivariate Cox
      analysis identified elevated levels of SII and PLR as significant factors for
      predicting poor OS.Reimplantation is clinically feasible in patients with
      recurrent MOJ after implantation of biliary metal stents. SII and PLR are
      independent, useful inflammation-based prognostic models for predicting outcomes
      in these patients.

PMID- 28099349
TI  - Development of diabetes mellitus associated with quetiapine: A case series.
AB  - We aimed to describe the characteristics and clinical course of patients who
      developed diabetes associated with the use of quetiapine.This study included
      patients who received quetiapine for over a month between April 2008 and November
      2013, and were diagnosed as having new-onset diabetes after initiation of
      quetiapine. We excluded patients who developed diabetes more than 1 year after
      discontinuation of quetiapine. We identified new-onset diabetes by hemoglobin A1c
      or prescriptions of antidiabetic drugs.Among 1688 patients who received
      quetiapine, hemoglobin A1c had been measured in 595 (35.2%) patients at least
      once during the observation period, and 33 (2.0%) patients had received
      hypoglycemic drugs. Eighteen (1.1%) patients were considered to have developed
      new-onset diabetes associated with quetiapine after a median of 1.6 years
      following initiation of quetiapine. Median (interquartile range) age was 54.5
      (29.8) years, 8 patients were male, and median (interquartile range) duration of
      mental illness was 15.3 (13.8) years. Median hemoglobin A1c and body mass index
      (BMI) were 7.1 (1.4) % and 28.4 (7.0) kg/m, respectively. Seventeen patients had
      dyslipidemia when diabetes was discovered. All of these discontinued quetiapine
      within 3 months after the diagnosis of diabetes, and the diabetes in 4 patients
      had ameliorated without hypoglycemic drugs. Of 13 patients who had received
      either oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, 2 patients achieved well-controlled
      hemoglobin A1c without hypoglycemic drugs, and 10 patients had hemoglobin A1c
      5.0% to 7.7% with the continued use of hypoglycemic drugs.We demonstrated that
      almost all patients who developed quetiapine-associated diabetes had dyslipidemia
      and increased BMI. There was no life-threatening hyperglycemia and diabetes was
      ameliorated just by discontinuation of quetiapine in several patients. The
      monitoring of metabolic parameters during antipsychotic treatment is important to
      diagnose and treat diabetes earlier.

PMID- 28099350
TI  - Retrospective observational study comparing the international hip dysplasia
      institute classification with the Tonnis classification of developmental
      dysplasia of the hip.
AB  - The Tonnis radiographic classification of developmental dysplasia of the hip
      (DDH) has been widely used. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI)
      classification, a new classification system recently developed by the IHDI, is
      beginning to be applied to evaluate DDH with the absence of an ossification
      center. This study aimed to validate its reliability in evaluating DDH with an
      ossification center and compared the 2 classifications in evaluating all DDH
      hips. In addition, the prediction values of the 2 classifications on clinical
      management selection were compared.In total, the pelvic radiographs of 212 DDH
      patients (318 hips) between the ages of 6 and 48 months admitted to Shanghai
      Children's Medical Center between 2007 and 2014 were assessed by 3 observers
      retrospectively using the 2 classifications. Intraobserver and interobserver
      agreements were evaluated using the kappa method. We also assessed the
      correlation of the 2 radiographic classifications in terms of treatment
      selection.In total, 216 hips received closed reduction, 61 hips received open
      reduction, and 41 hips received pelvic osteotomy. Both classifications showed
      excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability. However, the IHDI
      demonstrated more interobserver reliability, especially for evaluating DDH
      without an ossification center. Both classifications were found to be relevant in
      detecting the DDH treatment type (P < 0.01). The Tonnis classification was also
      relevant, especially for evaluating DDH with an ossification center.The IHDI
      classification exhibited good practicability in classifying the radiographic
      severity of DDH compared to the Tonnis classification, particularly in hips
      without an ossification center. Like the Tonnis classification, the IHDI
      classification can predict treatment plans. Therefore, the IHDI classification
      seems to be the upgraded version of the Tonnis classification.

PMID- 28099351
TI  - Effectiveness of a radiation reduction campaign targeting children with
      gastrointestinal symptoms in a pediatric emergency department.
AB  - Children feature more active cellular division and a smaller body area, which
      leads to a greater radiation dosage accumulation. We tried to reduce radiation
      hazards by reducing unnecessary radiological studies in a pediatric emergency
      department (PED) through the radiation reduction campaign.Our campaign involved a
      reduction from 2 (erect and supine) to 1 ordered abdominal plain radiograph
      (erect). This quasi-experimental, uncontrolled before-and-after study aimed to
      evaluate the campaign effect. We compared simple radiograph orders, length of
      stay (LOS) in PED, and return visit (RV) to PED between the before period (June
      1, 2011-May 30, 2014) and the after period (June 1, 2014-May 30, 2015). Piecewise
      regression was used to assess rate differences between the periods.A total of
      10,729 and 3515 patients were included before and after the campaign,
      respectively. During study periods, 9647 (90%) and 2710 (77%) total abdominal
      radiographs were ordered, respectively (rate difference = 13%; P < 0.001), and
      the slopes of rate changes were 0.03 and -0.71, respectively (P = 0.056). The
      total abdominal erect and supine film rate slope decreased from -0.19 to -2.86 (P
      = 0.004). The RV rate did not change (220 [2%] vs 56 [2%], respectively; P =
      0.104). The slope of total RV rate changed from -0.01 to -0.05 (P = 0.132), and
      the slope of LOS changed from 0.001 to -0.352 (P = 0.243).The campaign to reduce
      abdominal radiograph orders in pediatric patients successfully reduced the
      abdominal plain film X-ray rate without on the RV rate and the LOS.

PMID- 28099352
TI  - Acute pancreatitis in patients with pancreatic cancer: Timing of surgery and
      survival duration.
AB  - Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare manifestation of pancreatic cancer (PC). The
      relationship between AP and PC remains less distinct.From January 2009 to
      November 2015, 47consecutive patients with PC who presented with AP were reviewed
      for this study. Clinical features, clinicopathologic variables, postoperative
      complications, and follow-up evaluations of patients were documented in detail
      from our database. In order to identify cutoff threshold time for surgery,
      receiver operating curve (ROC) was built according to patients with or without
      postoperative complications. Cumulative rate of survival was calculated by using
      the Kaplan-Meier method. The study was conducted in accordance with the
      principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the guidelines of West China
      Hospital.This study included 35 men (74.5%) and 12 women (25.5%) (mean age: 52
      years), with a median follow-up of 40 months. AP was clinically mild in 45
      (95.7%) and severe in 2 (4.3%). The diagnosis of PC was delayed by 2 to 660 days
      (median 101 days). Thirty-nine (83.0%) cases underwent surgery. Eight (17.0%)
      cases performed biopsies only. Of 39 patients, radical surgery was performed in
      32 (82.1%) cases and palliative in 7 (19.9%) cases. Two (8.0%) patients were
      needed for vascular resection and reconstruction. Postoperative complications
      occurred in 12 (30.8%) patients. About 24.5 days was the best cutoff point, with
      an area under curve (AUC) of 0.727 (P = 0.025, 95% confidence interval: 0.555
      0.8999). The survival rate of patients at 1 year was 23.4%. The median survival
      in patients with vascular resection and reconstruction was 18 months, compared
      with 10 months in patients without vascular resection (P = 0.042). For the
      primary stage (T), Tix was identified in 3 patients, the survival of whom were 5,
      28, 50 months, respectively. And 2 of them were still alive at the follow-up
      period.The severity of AP was mainly mild. Surgical intervention after 24.5 days
      may benefit for reducing postoperative complications. Patients with vascular
      resection and reconstruction, thus achieving tumor-free margins, had a long-time
      survival.

PMID- 28099353
TI  - A predictive model to estimate the pretest probability of metastasis in patients
      with osteosarcoma.
AB  - Osteosarcomas (OSs) represent a huge challenge to improve the overall survival,
      especially in metastatic patients. Increasing evidence indicates that both tumor
      associated elements but also on host-associated elements are under a remarkable
      effect on the prognosis of cancer patients, especially systemic inflammatory
      response. By analyzing a series prognosis of factors, including age, gender,
      primary tumor size, tumor location, tumor grade, and histological classification,
      monocyte ratio, and NLR ratio, a clinical predictive model was established by
      using stepwise logistic regression involved circulating leukocyte to compute the
      estimated probabilities of metastases for OS patients. The clinical predictive
      model was described by the following equations: probability of developing
      metastases = ex/(1 + ex), x = -2.150 +  (1.680 * monocyte ratio) + (1.533 * NLR
      ratio), where is the base of the natural logarithm, the assignment to each of the
      2 variables is 1 if the ratio >1 (otherwise 0). The calculated AUC of the
      receiver-operating characteristic curve as 0.793 revealed well accuracy of this
      model (95% CI, 0.740-0.845). The predicted probabilities that we generated with
      the cross-validation procedure had a similar AUC (0.743; 95% CI, 0.684-0.803).
      The present model could be used to improve the outcomes of the metastases by
      developing a predictive model considering circulating leukocyte influence to
      estimate the pretest probability of developing metastases in patients with OS.

PMID- 28099354
TI  - Apparent diffusion coefficient normalization of normal liver: Will it improve the
      reproducibility of diffusion-weighted imaging at different MR scanners as a new
      biomarker?
AB  - Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement in diffusion-weighted imaging
      (DWI) has been reported to be a helpful biomarker for detection and
      characterization of lesion. In view of the importance of ADC measurement
      reproducibility, the aim of this study was to probe the variability of the
      healthy hepatic ADC values measured at 3 MR scanners from different vendors and
      with different field strengths, and to investigate the reproducibility of
      normalized ADC (nADC) value with the spleen as the reference organ. Thirty
      enrolled healthy volunteers received DWI with GE 1.5T, Siemens 1.5T, and Philips
      3.0T magnetic resonance (MR) systems on liver and spleen (session 1) and were
      imaged again after 10 to 14 days using only GE 1.5T MR and Philips 3.0T MR
      systems (session 2). Interscan agreement and reproducibility of ADC measurements
      of liver and the calculated nADC values (ADCliver/ADCspleen) were statistically
      evaluated between 2 sessions. In session 1, ADC and nADC values of liver were
      evaluated for the scanner-related variability by 2-way analysis of variance and
      intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Coefficients of variation (CVs) of
      ADCs and nADCs of liver were calculated for both 1.5 and 3.0-T MR system.
      Interscan agreement and reproducibility of ADC measurements of liver and related
      nADCs between 2 sessions were found to be satisfactory with ICC values of 0.773
      to 0.905. In session 1, the liver nADCs obtained from different scanners were
      consistent (P = 0.112) without any significant difference in multiple comparison
      (P = 0.117 to >0.99) by using 2-way analysis of variance with post-hoc analysis
      of Bonferroni method, although the liver ADCs varied significantly (P < 0.001).
      nADCs measured by 3 scanners were in good interscanner agreements with ICCs of
      0.685 to 0.776. The mean CV of nADCs of both 1.5T MR scanners (9.6%) was similar
      to that of 3.0T MR scanner (8.9%). ADCs measured at 3 MR scanners with different
      field strengths and vendors could not be compared directly. Normalization of
      ADCs, however, may provide better reproducibility by overcoming these potential
      issues.

PMID- 28099355
TI  - Hereditary spastic paraplegia due to a novel mutation of the REEP1 gene: Case
      report and literature review.
AB  - RATIONALE: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a heterogeneous group of
      diseases little known in clinical practice due to its low prevalence, slow
      progression, and difficult diagnosis. This results in an underestimation of HSP
      leading to belated diagnosis and management. In depth diagnosis is based on
      clinical presentation and identification of genomic mutations. We describe the
      clinical presentation and pathogeny of HSP through a report of a case due to a
      novel mutation of the REEP1 gene (SPG31). PATIENT CONCERNS: A 64-year-old woman
      presented gait disturbances due to spasticity of the lower limbs progressing
      since her third decade. Previous investigations failed to find any cause.
      INTERVENTIONS: DNA analysis was performed to search for HSP causing mutations.
      DIAGNOSES: A novel heterozygote mutation (c.595 + 1G>A) of the REEP1 gene, within
      the splice site of intron 6, was discovered. This nucleotide change causes exon 6
      skipping leading to frame shift and a truncated transcript identified by
      complementary DNA sequencing of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
      products. OUTCOMES: REEP1 is a known protein predominantly located in the upper
      motor neurons. Mutation of REEP1 primary affects the longest axons explaining
      predominance of pyramidal syndrome on lower limbs. LESSONS: Slow progressive
      pyramidal syndrome of the lower limbs should elicit a diagnosis of HSP. We
      describe a novel mutation of the REEP1 gene causing HSP. Pathogeny is based on
      resulting abnormal REEP1 protein which is involved in the development of longest
      axons constituting the corticospinal tracts.

PMID- 28099356
TI  - Increased risk of Parkinson disease with diabetes mellitus in a population-based
      study.
AB  - This nationwide population-based study investigated the risk of Parkinson disease
      (PD) in relation to diabetes mellitus (DM) through the National Health Insurance
      Research Database in Taiwan.A retrospective study was conducted, consisting of
      36,294 patients who were newly diagnosed with DM between January 1, 2000 and
      December 31, 2006 and 108,882 individuals without DM as healthy controls from
      insurance claims data from Taiwan's National Health Research Institutes Dataset.
      The subjects were followed up until December 31, 2011 or until the first
      manifestation of PD. The hazard ratio (HR) of DM for PD incidence was estimated
      by Cox proportional hazard regression model.Compared with the non-DM cohort, the
      incidence density rate of PD was 1.36-fold higher in the DM cohort (1.53 vs 2.08
      per 1000 person-years) with an adjusted HR of 1.19 (95% confidence interval =
      1.08-1.32) after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and medication use. The
      adjusted HR of PD for DM with a larger magnitude was observed in females (1.29,
      1.12-1.49); individuals age 65 years and older (1.20, 1.06-1.35); those without
      schizophrenia (1.20, 1.08-1.33), bipolar disorder (1.20, 1.08-1.33), hypertension
      (1.18, 1.06-1.32), hyperlipidemia (1.21, 1.09-1.34), chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (1.19, 1.06-1.32), coronary artery disease (1.22, 1.09-1.36),
      stroke (1.23, 1.10-1.37), asthma (1.20, 1.08-1.34), flunarizine use (1.21, 1.08
      1.35), zolpidem use (1.16, 1.04-1.30), Charlson comorbidity index score of 0
      (1.23, 1.08-1.40), and those using metoclopramide (1.35, 1.14-1.60) and zolpidem
      (1.46, 1.12-1.90).DM increased the risk of PD during a mean follow-up of 7.3
      years. Further mechanistic research on the effect of DM on PD is needed.

PMID- 28099357
TI  - Bilayered negative-pressure wound therapy preventing leg incision morbidity in
      coronary artery bypass graft patients: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: The harvesting of great saphenous veins for coronary artery bypass
      graft (CABG) patients may result in significant complications, including
      lymphorrhagia, lymphoedema, incision infection, wound dehiscence, and skin flap
      necrosis. We investigated the function of a self-designed bilayered negative
      pressure wound therapy (b-NPWT) for reducing the above-mentioned complications
      using a clinical randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A single-center, pilot
      randomized controlled trial was conducted. From December 2013 to March 2014, a
      total of 72 coronary heart disease patients (48 men and 24 women) received CABG
      therapy, with great saphenous veins were selected as grafts. Patients were
      equally randomized into a treatment and a control group. After the harvesting of
      the great saphenous veins and direct closure of the wound with sutures, b-NPWT
      was used for the thigh incision in the treatment group for 5 days (treatment
      thigh). Traditional surgical pads were applied to both the shank incisions of the
      treatment group patients (treatment shank) and the entire incisions of the
      control group (control thigh, control shank). Postoperative complications were
      recorded and statistically analyzed based on outcomes of thigh treatment, shank
      treatment, thigh control, and shank control groups. RESULTS: The incidence rates
      of early complications, such as lymphorrhagia, lymphoedema, infection, wound
      dehiscence, and skin flap necrosis, of the vascular donor site in the thigh
      treatment group was significantly lower than those in the 3 other groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The self-designed b-NPWT can effectively reduce postoperative
      complications, such as lymphedema, incision infection, wound dehiscence, and skin
      flap necrosis, in CABG patients who underwent great saphenous veins harvesting.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov. The unique registration number is
      NCT02010996.

PMID- 28099358
TI  - The gender-specific association of rs334558 in GSK3beta with major depressive
      disorder.
AB  - Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric
      illnesses with a heritability ranging from 40% to 50%. The single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) rs334558 on the glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) gene
      has been identified as a genetic risk loci associated with schizophrenia and
      bipolar disorder. However, results from replication studies examining the
      association between rs334558 and MDD remain inconsistent.In the present study,
      first, we conducted a meta-analysis of the association between rs334558 and MDD
      by combining 5 available case-control samples totaling 2311 cases and 2535
      controls. Second, genotyping data from patients with MDD at our institution,
      after further stratification by gender, were analyzed to determine the
      association between rs334558 and MDD.All studies retrieved and included in the
      meta-analysis were from Korea and China. The meta-analysis suggested that the
      functional polymorphism rs334558 within the GSK3beta promoter region was
      associated with MDD risk (P < 0.05). The associations were observed both in the
      allelic and genetic models. Analysis of the genotyping data extracted from our
      hospital database revealed that rs334558 exhibited exclusive association with MDD
      in female patients (P=0.015).Our findings suggest that GSK3beta rs334558
      polymorphisms might be a potential risk for MDD, and females with GSK3beta
      rs334558 polymorphisms might have higher penetrance of MDD. If validated in
      larger scale samples and in different ethnic populations, these findings might be
      of value as diagnostic references for MDD.

PMID- 28099359
TI  - Evaluation of pulmonary function using single-breath-hold dual-energy computed
      tomography with xenon: Results of a preliminary study.
AB  - Xenon-enhanced dual-energy computed tomography (xenon-enhanced CT) can provide
      lung ventilation maps that may be useful for assessing structural and functional
      abnormalities of the lung. Xenon-enhanced CT has been performed using a multiple
      breath-hold technique during xenon washout. We recently developed xenon-enhanced
      CT using a single-breath-hold technique to assess ventilation. We sought to
      evaluate whether xenon-enhanced CT using a single-breath-hold technique
      correlates with pulmonary function testing (PFT) results.Twenty-six patients,
      including 11 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, underwent
      xenon-enhanced CT and PFT. Three of the COPD patients underwent xenon-enhanced CT
      before and after bronchodilator treatment. Images from xenon-CT were obtained by
      dual-source CT during a breath-hold after a single vital-capacity inspiration of
      a xenon-oxygen gas mixture. Image postprocessing by 3-material decomposition
      generated conventional CT and xenon-enhanced images.Low-attenuation areas on
      xenon images matched low-attenuation areas on conventional CT in 21 cases but
      matched normal-attenuation areas in 5 cases. Volumes of Hounsfield unit (HU)
      histograms of xenon images correlated moderately and highly with vital capacity
      (VC) and total lung capacity (TLC), respectively (r = 0.68 and 0.85). Means and
      modes of histograms weakly correlated with VC (r = 0.39 and 0.38), moderately
      with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (r = 0.59 and 0.56), weakly with
      the ratio of FEV1 to FVC (r = 0.46 and 0.42), and moderately with the ratio of
      FEV1 to its predicted value (r = 0.64 and 0.60). Mode and volume of histograms
      increased in 2 COPD patients after the improvement of FEV1 with bronchodilators.
      Inhalation of xenon gas caused no adverse effects.Xenon-enhanced CT using a
      single-breath-hold technique depicted functional abnormalities not detectable on
      thin-slice CT. Mode, mean, and volume of HU histograms of xenon images reflected
      pulmonary function. Xenon images obtained with xenon-enhanced CT using a single
      breath-hold technique can qualitatively depict pulmonary ventilation. A larger
      study comprising only COPD patients should be conducted, as xenon-enhanced CT is
      expected to be a promising technique for the management of COPD.

PMID- 28099360
TI  - Aggressive intramuscular hemangiomas in the upper extremity: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intramuscular hemangioma (IMH) is a rare congenital soft tissue
      tumor. Here, we report a case of IMH patient who had undergone several surgeries
      and other treatments that were all ineffective before he visited us. CLINICAL
      FINDINGS: This IMH patient was a 16-yearold male who was born with a tumor of
      unknown size in his right hand and forearm. On physical examination, the tumor
      and skin flap complex was seen with a size of 14 cm_12 cm in his right hand, and
      the multiple postoperative scars were shown on his right hand and forearm. The
      patient was not able to raise his right shoulder, and the ranges of motion of his
      right elbow, wrist, and finger were almost zero degrees. INTERVENTIONS:
      Considering that the tumor had been surgically excised for several times and the
      multiple recurrences had affected adversely his daily life, an amputation of his
      right hand, forearm, and the part of his right arm was performed. DIAGNOSES: The
      pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of IMH. OUTCOMES: After the
      amputation surgery, the patient gained a functional recovery and the tumor did
      not recur during the 2 years after the surgery. CONCLUSION: A treatment of choice
      should be personalized according to an IMH patient's overall situation. For an
      IMH patient like our case with a history of multiple tumor recurrences, we
      suggest that an amputation surgery should be performed as early as possible to
      avoid the repeated, but ineffective surgical excisions and the unnecessary
      sufferings.

PMID- 28099361
TI  - The cardiotoxicity of cetuximab as single therapy in Chinese chemotherapy
      refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - The cardiac safety of cetuximab, particularly as single approach, has not been
      investigated extensively. This trial was designed to evaluate the cardiac safety
      of cetuximab as salvage monotherapy in Chinese chemotherapy-refractory metastatic
      colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients.Cetuximab was administrated at an initial dose
      of 400 mg/mon day 1 (week 1), followed by a maintenance dose of 250 mg/m on day 1
      of each 7-day cycle. Electrocardiograph (ECG), routine laboratory tests, and
      troponin I (TNI) Ultra were performed at baseline, during, and after the
      cetuximab therapy. The incidence of abnormal ECGs, elevated TNI Ultra, cardiac
      events, and noncardiac events were recorded and analyzed.TNI Ultra+ was found in
      20 patients (32.3%) during the cetuximab therapy.TNI Ultra+ occurred more
      frequently in patients with more than 3 organs affected and accepted fourth or
      above lines of chemotherapy. The most frequent abnormal ECG was ST depression in
      24 (38.7%) patients. The elevated TNI Ultra and abnormal ECGs could recover after
      the cetuximab therapy. The most of cardiac adverse events were mild and transient
      and the noncardiac adverse events were also consistent with the known safety
      profile for cetuximab.Cetuximab showed its cardiac safety as a single agent for
      chemotherapy-refractory mCRC patients. And TNI Ultra and ECG could be sensitive
      and convenient approaches for the surveillance of adverse events.

PMID- 28099362
TI  - Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in A-92-older Chinese patient for cancer of
      head of the pancreas: A Case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is one of the most
      complex gastrointestinal procedures performed in laparoscopic abdominal surgery.
      However, the concern for elderly undergoing LPD remains. To the best of our
      knowledge, there are no reports describing LPD for A-92-older patient. This study
      aimed to share the experience of a tertiary pancreatic center and confirm the
      safety, feasibility of LPD for the elderly. METHOD: The patient had complained of
      6-months history of abdominal discomfort and progressive jaundice. Abdominal
      computed tomography CT/MR imaging revealed a 3 * 3 cm solid hypovascular mass in
      the head of the pancreas. LPD was successfully performed after multidisciplinary
      team (MDT). Operation time was 450 minutes, and blood loss was 120 mL.
      Histological examination of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnosis of
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged on
      POD13 following an uneventful postoperative period. She was followed up 4 months
      without any sign of recurrence. CONCLUSION: LPD can be performed safely in
      patients of any age who are fit for surgery in specialist centers.

PMID- 28099363
TI  - Different RET gene mutation-induced multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A in 3
      Chinese families.
AB  - BACKGROUD: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is a condition with
      inherited autosomal dominant mutations in RET (rearranged during transfection)
      gene that predisposes the carrier to extremely high risk of medullary thyroid
      cancer (MTC) and other MEN2A-associated tumors such as parathyroid cancer and/or
      pheochromocytoma. Little is reported about MEN2A syndrome in the Chinese
      population. METHODS: All members of the 3 families along with specific probands
      of MEN2A were analyzed for their clinical, laboratory, and genetic
      characteristics. Exome sequencing was performed on the 3 probands, and specific
      mutation in RET was further screened on each of the family members. RESULTS:
      Different mutations in the RET gene were identified: C634S in Family 1, C611Y in
      Family 2, and C634Y in Family 3. Proband 1 mainly showed pheochromocytoma with
      MTC, both medullary thyroid carcinoma and pheochromocytoma were seen in proband
      2, and proband 3 showed medullary thyroid carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The genetic
      evaluation is strongly recommended for patients with a positive family history,
      early onset of age, or multiple sites of masses. If the results verified the
      mutations of RET gene, thyroidectomy should be undertaken as the guide for better
      prognosis.

PMID- 28099364
TI  - Endoscopic retrieval of gastric trichophytobezoar: Case report of a 12-year-old
      girl with trichophagia.
AB  - RATIONALE: Trichophytobezoars, which are composed of hair and plant fibers, are
      usually located in the stomach. They are often associated with trichophagia and
      trichotillomania. The most commonly reported methods of trichophytobezoar
      treatment are open surgery and laparoscopic retrieval; there are few reports of
      endoscopic removal of trichophytobezoars. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES: Twelve
      year-old girl presented with a 3-day history of increasing upper abdominal pain,
      anorexia, and postprandial emesis. She had a 3-year history of pulling out and
      eating her own hair. Endoscopic examination showed a large intragastric
      trichophytobezoar measuring 10.5 cm * 3.5 cm in size, with extension of a few
      hairs through the pylorus. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The trichophytobezoar was
      packed with hair fibers and contained a hard core of mixed hair and vegetable
      fibers. After the core was cut, the trichophytobezoar was fragmented into pieces
      with the alternating use of a polypectomy snare and argon plasma coagulation. A
      small amount of hair and nondigestible food fibers was removed with grasping
      forceps during the initial procedure. The remaining hairball was loosened with
      biopsy forceps and was injected with sodium bicarbonate solution. The
      trichophytobezoar was removed completely at repeat endoscopy 5 days later. After
      6 months of psychological intervention, the patient had no recurrence of
      trichophagia or trichophytobezoar. LESSONS: Endoscopy with sodium bicarbonate
      injection is an effective and minimally invasive method of retrieving a gastric
      trichophytobezoar.

PMID- 28099365
TI  - Melanoma during pregnancy: a report of 60 pregnancies complicated by melanoma.
AB  - The management of melanoma during pregnancy is challenging as maternal benefits
      and fetal risks need to be balanced. Here, we present an overview of the
      incidence, the demographic and clinical characteristics and the treatment
      modalities used. After analysis of obstetric, fetal and maternal outcome,
      recommendations for clinical practice are provided. From the 'International
      Network on Cancer, Infertility and Pregnancy' database, pregnant patients with
      melanoma were identified and analysed. Sixty pregnancies were eligible for
      analysis. Fifty percent of the patients presented with advanced melanoma during
      pregnancy (14 stage III and 16 stage IV), and 27% were diagnosed with recurrent
      melanoma. Surgery was the main therapeutic strategy during pregnancy. Only four
      patients with advanced melanoma were treated during pregnancy with systemic
      therapy (n=1) or radiotherapy (n=3). Premature delivery was observed in 18% of
      the ongoing pregnancies, all which were induced and 78% of which involved
      patients with advanced melanoma. Thirty-nine percent of the patients died within
      5 years; all had been diagnosed with stage III or IV disease during pregnancy.
      Melanoma can present in a more advanced stage during pregnancy. New systemic
      therapies may be beneficial for patients with metastatic melanoma but may not be
      pregnancy compatible. In these patients, preterm induction of labour need to be
      discussed, despite the short-term and long-term negative effects on the child.

PMID- 28099366
TI  - Does the distribution pattern of brain metastases during BRAF inhibitor therapy
      reflect phenotype switching?
AB  - Brain metastases (brain mets) are frequent in metastatic melanoma patients. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the morphology and progression pattern of
      brain mets in melanoma patients treated with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) compared
      with patients who did not receive targeted therapy (BRAFi group and control
      group). The number and size of brain mets were compared between a baseline and a
      comparative MRI at progression. The number of brain mets was grouped into seven
      number classes (N=1-4, N=5-10, N=11-20, N=21-30, N=31-40, N=41-50, and N>50) and
      its difference was reported as the change of class that occurred. The mean size
      of the newly developed lesions was determined by representative measurements and
      the evolution of three persisting target lesions was assessed on the basis of
      modified RECIST criteria. Of 96 patients studied, 42 were in the BRAFi group and
      54 were in the control group. Patients under BRAFi treatment had a significantly
      greater increase in the number of brain mets, where the median change of class
      for the BRAFi compared with the control group was 2 versus 0 (P<0.01). The mean
      size of the new lesions was smaller in the BRAFi group. Pre-existing target
      lesions did not show any prominent or different patterns of how they evolved in
      either group. Brain mets in patients treated with BRAFi showed a progression
      pattern characterized by a high propensity to disseminate, which might reflect an
      in-vivo manifestation of phenotype switching in response to targeted therapy,
      with a predominance of the invasive/migratory tumor cell phenotype. Drivers of
      invasiveness may present promising targets for therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 28099367
TI  - Antiphospholipid syndrome associated with combined immune checkpoint inhibitor
      therapy.

PMID- 28099368
TI  - Recurrence behavior in early-stage cutaneous melanoma: pattern, timing, survival,
      and influencing factors.
AB  - Nearly one-third of all melanoma patients will experience disease recurrence and
      the majority of the relapses eventually develop metastatic disease as a
      consequence of disease progression in the early-stage melanoma patients. As very
      few number of studies have investigated the natural recurrence history of early
      stage cutaneous melanoma at the first relapse, we analyzed the time until
      recurrence along with the patterns and outcomes of the relapses in this
      retrospective study. A total of 332 patients who were initially diagnosed with
      nonmetastatic melanoma and developed recurrence during the disease course and/or
      follow-up were included in the analysis. Locoregional relapse alone defined
      regional lymph node metastases, distant skin, subcutaneous, and satellite/in
      transit metastases. Nearly half of the primary recurrences were locoregional
      metastasis alone (50.6%), followed by mixed locoregional and distant metastases
      (25.9%), and distant metastases alone (23.5%). In terms of distant metastasis,
      the lung was the most frequently affected site (30.7%), followed by bone (15.7%),
      liver (13.9%), and brain (10.8%). The time intervals for each of the recurrence
      patterns and distant metastasis sites were identical and nearly 16 months. Nearly
      two-thirds of the relapses occurred within the first 2 years of diagnosis. A
      significant survival advantage was observed in locoregional relapse alone
      compared with other relapse patterns (P<0.0001). In conclusion, about half of the
      melanoma patients developed locoregional relapse alone and it was found to be
      associated with a favorable prognosis for outcome. Because nearly two-thirds of
      the relapses occurred within the first 2 years of diagnosis, we suggest that all
      early-stage melanoma patients should be kept under a strict, thorough, and close
      follow-up program for at least 2 years following the diagnosis.

PMID- 28099369
TI  - The cessation of anti-PD-1 antibodies of complete responders in metastatic
      melanoma.
AB  - The optimal duration of PD-1 antibodies for metastatic melanoma is unknown. In
      previous trials, there has been the potential to cease therapy if the patient
      achieves a complete response (CR). We aimed to assess the outcomes of patients
      who had ceased anti-PD-1 antibodies in this setting. A retrospective review was
      carried out of CR to PD-1-based therapy across two institutions. Patients were
      from the Pembrolizumab Named Patient Program (PEM NPP), Nivolumab monotherapy
      (NIVO), and reimbursed Pembrolizumab (r PEM). Patients had to have experienced a
      CR to PD-1-based therapy and ceased therapy because of this. Disease recurrence
      was the primary outcome measured. Twenty-nine patients (PEM NPP, N=20; Nivo, N=3;
      r PEM, N=6) ceased anti-PD-1 therapy after CR for observation. The median age was
      64 (27-83) years. All patients had treatment discontinued for observation. The
      median time to CR was 10.5 months in the PEM NPP, 7.5 months on r PEM groups, and
      17 months in the NIVO group. The median time off therapy in PEM NPP was 10
      months, NIVO was 9 months, and r PEM was 4.5 months. To date, three patients have
      shown a relapse at a median follow-up off treatment of 8 months. This is the
      first report of patients who have intentionally ceased PD-1-based therapy because
      of CR. With a follow-up of 8 months off treatment, the risk of relapse was low.
      Data such as these are clinically relevant as we need to be able to discuss
      cessation of therapy and relevant from a pharmacoeconomic perspective, given the
      cost of PD-1 antibodies to society.

PMID- 28099370
TI  - A Course-Based Approach to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Project: Supporting
      Student Growth From Concept to Completion.
AB  - We describe a course-based approach to the doctor of nursing practice project in
      which students work in groups of 8 to 12 with a faculty member to complete
      individual final projects that require a minimum of 360 practicum hours in 3
      semester-long courses. Project teams include agency or community-based mentors.
      Project findings are disseminated through written and oral reports. This approach
      preserves faculty resources and provides students with mentoring, opportunities
      for reflection, and time for project development.

PMID- 28099371
TI  - Examining the Relationships Between Clinical Judgment, Simulation Performance,
      and Clinical Performance.
AB  - Simulation-based learning experiences are designed to prepare the student for
      clinical practice; however, there is little documentation of a relationship
      between simulation performance and performance in the clinical setting. When
      essential aspects of a clinical situation are replicated in simulation, students
      should readily understand and manage similar situations in clinical practice.
      This study examined the relationships between clinical nursing judgment
      development, simulation performance, and clinical performance.

PMID- 28099372
TI  - Effect of Sequence of Simulated and Clinical Practicum Learning Experiences on
      Clinical Competency of Nursing Students.
AB  - Two different sequences of blocks of simulated and clinical practicum learning
      experiences compared the clinical competency development of nursing students
      using a randomized crossover design. Competency was measured 3 times: after each
      block of simulated and clinical experiences and after a final simulated
      experience. No significant differences in competency scores between the 2 groups
      across the 3 time points were found. Using alternative models of clinical and
      simulation learning may help address barriers to the delivery of clinical
      education faced by schools of nursing.

PMID- 28099373
TI  - Deconstructing Clinical Workflow: Identifying Teaching-Learning Principles for
      Barcode Electronic Medication Administration With Nursing Students.
AB  - The purpose of this quality improvement project was to better understand how to
      teach medication administration underpinned by an electronic medication
      administration record (eMAR) system used in simulated, prelicensure nursing
      education. Methods included a workflow and integration analysis and a detailed
      process mapping of both an oral and a sublingual medication administration.
      Procedural and curriculum development considerations related to medication
      administration using eMAR technology are presented for nurse educators.

PMID- 28099374
TI  - The origins and current applications of classic eponymous terms for pelvic and
      acetabular fractures: A historic review.
AB  - We present the historical background of 5 eponymous terms in pelvic and
      acetabular injury treatment. The eponymous terms Duverney fracture, Malgaigne
      fracture, Judet-Letournel classification, Kocher-Langenbeck approach and Stoppa
      approach are discussed. After presenting the original description by the coining
      author, a short biography of the author is given. For each eponymous term the
      current clinical implication is given and discussed afterwards.

PMID- 28099375
TI  - Routine neurosurgical consultation is not necessary in mild blunt traumatic brain
      injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines provide indications for
      neurosurgical intervention in traumatic brain injury (TBI) with moderate or
      severe intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). In TBI patients with less severe ICH, the
      utility of neurosurgical consultation remains unclear. We sought to determine if
      routine neurosurgical consultation is necessary for mild blunt TBI patients with
      ICH. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 500 consecutive blunt
      TBI patients aged 15 years or older with Glasgow Coma Scale score of >=13 and ICH
      on initial head computed tomography admitted to a Level I trauma center over 28
      months. Outcomes were neurosurgical intervention (craniotomy, craniectomy,
      ventriculostomy, or intracranial pressure monitor placement) and in-hospital
      mortality. Statistical significance was assessed at a p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of 500
      patients, 49 (9.8%) underwent neurosurgical intervention. Neurosurgical
      intervention was more frequent in male patients (75.5% vs. 61.2%, p = 0.049),
      patients with higher head Abbreviated Injury Scale score (4.7 vs. 3.8, p <
      0.0001), patients with an abnormal initial neurological examination (30.6% vs.
      12.6%, p = 0.001), or patients with skull fracture (28.6% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.026)
      and was associated with higher mortality (8.2% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.010).
      Neurosurgical intervention was not associated with intoxication, preinjury
      antiplatelet/anticoagulation agents, or progression of ICH on second head
      computed tomography. Neurosurgical consultation was documented in 466 patients
      (93.2%). For patients without neurosurgical intervention, consultation did not
      change management. CONCLUSION: Routine neurosurgical consultation for blunt TBI
      with ICH seems unnecessary, regardless of intoxication or preinjury antiplatelet
      or anticoagulation therapy. A more selective approach is warranted to decrease
      hospital charges and optimize use of neurosurgical consultation. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Care management study, level IV.

PMID- 28099376
TI  - ECMO in trauma: What are the outcomes?

PMID- 28099377
TI  - What is the current role of laparoscopic lavage in perforated diverticulitis?

PMID- 28099378
TI  - American College of Surgeons Level I trauma centers outcomes do not correlate
      with patients' perception of hospital experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems
      (HCAHPS) survey is a data collection methodology for measuring a patient's
      perception of his/her hospital experience, and it has been selected by the
      Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services as the validated and transparent
      national survey tool with publicly available results. Since 2012, hospital
      reimbursements rates have been linked to HCAHPS data based on patient
      satisfaction scores. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess whether
      HCAHPS scores of Level I trauma centers correlate with actual hospital
      performance. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the latest publicly available
      HCAHPS data (2014-2015) was performed. American College of Surgeons (ACS)
      verified Level I trauma centers for each state were identified from the ACS
      registry and then the following data points were collected for each hospital:
      HCAHPS linear mean scores regarding cleanliness of the hospital, doctor and nurse
      communication with the patient, staff responsiveness, pain management, overall
      hospital rating, and patient willingness to recommend the hospital. Our outcome
      measure were serious complication scores, failure-to-rescue (FTR) scores and
      readmission-after-discharge scores. Spearman correlation analysis was performed.
      RESULTS: A total of 119 ACS verified Level I trauma centers across 46 states were
      included. The median [IQR] overall hospital rating score for Level I trauma
      centers was 89 (87-90). The mean +/- SD score for serious complication was 0.96
      +/- 0.266, FTR was 123.06 +/- 22.5, and readmission after discharge was 15.71 +/-
      1.07. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that overall HCAHP-based hospital
      rating scores did not correlate with serious complications (correlation
      coefficient = 0.14 p = 0.125), FTR (correlation coefficient = -0.15 p = 0.073),
      or readmission after discharge (correlation coefficient = -0.18 p = 0.053).
      CONCLUSION: The findings of our study suggest that no correlation exists between
      HCAHPS patient satisfaction scores and hospital performance for Level I trauma
      centers. Consequently, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services should
      reconsider hospital reimbursement decisions based on HCAHP patient satisfaction
      scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic/epidemiologic study, level III; therapeutic
      study, level IV.

PMID- 28099379
TI  - Systemic intraoperative anticoagulation during arterial injury repair:
      Implications for patency and bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of systemic intraoperative anticoagulation (SIAC) during
      surgical repair of major arterial injuries is controversial. Any potential
      improvement in arterial patency must be weighed against the risk of hemorrhage in
      these critically injured patients. We hypothesized that SIAC would increase
      arterial patency without increasing bleeding complications. METHODS: We conducted
      a multi-institution, retrospective cohort study of trauma patients with major
      vascular injury from 2005 to 2013 in three Level I centers. Arterial injuries of
      the neck, torso, and proximal extremities requiring operative management were
      included. Our primary endpoint was maintenance of arterial patency during index
      hospitalization. Complications related to bleeding were assessed. The association
      between SIAC and arterial patency was evaluated using chi-square, t test, and
      multiple logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: Of 323 study patients, most were
      male (88%) and injured by gunshot wounds (69%). Patients repaired with SIAC (n =
      154) were compared to those repaired without SIAC (n = 169). No difference in
      age, gender, mechanism, admission heart rate, or concomitant injury was detected
      between the groups (all p > 0.05). SIAC use was associated with greater arterial
      patency rates (93% vs. 85%, p = 0.02) without increasing return to OR for
      bleeding (4% vs. 6%, p = 0.29). After controlling for gender, admission
      hemodynamics, ISS, injury location, and postoperative anticoagulation,
      multivariable regression determined that SIAC patients were 2.6 times more likely
      (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.2, p = 0.03) to maintain patency. Patients who maintained
      arterial patency were then less likely to return to the OR (9% vs. 78%, p <
      0.001) with shorter intensive care unit (median 3 vs. 9 days, p < 0.01) and
      hospital length of stay (median 13 vs. 21 days, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients
      who underwent operative repair of arterial injuries utilizing SIAC experienced
      better arterial patency without additional bleeding complications as compared to
      those repaired without SIAC. Our data suggest that SIAC may improve arterial
      patency rates after repair and the attributable bleeding risk of SIAC may be
      overstated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management, level IV.

PMID- 28099380
TI  - Predicting appendiceal tumors among patients with appendicitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As nonoperative management of appendicitis gains popularity,
      vigilance for appendiceal tumors becomes increasingly important. We hypothesized
      that, among patients presenting with acute appendicitis, those with advanced age,
      multiple comorbidities, atypical presentation, and complicated appendicitis would
      be more likely to have underlying appendiceal tumors. METHODS: We performed a 4
      year retrospective cohort analysis of 677 consecutive adult patients who
      underwent appendectomy for appendicitis at our tertiary care center. Patients
      with an appendiceal tumor on their final pathology report were compared to
      patients with no tumor. Conditions present on admission were used to create a
      multivariate logistic regression model to predict appendiceal tumor. Risk factors
      were reported as odds ratio (OR) [95% CI]. Model strength was assessed by area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Seventeen patients
      (2.5%) had an appendiceal tumor. Within this group. 14 underwent immediate
      appendectomy, two initially had nonoperative management but failed to improve on
      antibiotics and underwent appendectomy during the initial admission, and one had
      successful nonoperative management and elective appendectomy 19 days after
      discharge. Four variables contributed to the multivariate model to predict the
      presence appendiceal tumor: age >= 50 (OR 3.6 [1.1-11.4]), outpatient
      steroid/immunosuppressant use (OR 12.1 [2.0-72.5]), the absence of migratory
      right lower quadrant pain (OR 4.7 [1.2-18.1]), and the appearance of a phlegmon
      on CT scan (OR 7.0 [1.6-30.2]); model area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve: 0.860 [0.705-0.969]. CONCLUSION: For patients presenting
      with acute appendicitis, conditions present on admission may predict underlying
      appendiceal tumor. Patients with advanced age, multiple comorbidities, atypical
      presentation, and complicated appendicitis should be considered for appendectomy
      during the index admission or at earliest convenience if nonoperative management
      is necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, level III.

PMID- 28099382
TI  - Failure of nonoperative management of pediatric blunt liver and spleen injuries:
      A prospective Arizona-Texas-Oklahoma-Memphis-Arkansas Consortium study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonoperative management (NOM) is standard of care for most pediatric
      blunt liver and spleen injuries (BLSI); only 5% of patients fail NOM in
      retrospective reports. No prospective studies examine failure of NOM of BLSI in
      children. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical
      characteristics of failure of NOM in pediatric BLSI patients. METHODS: A
      prospective observational study was conducted on patients 18 years or younger
      presenting to any of 10 Level I pediatric trauma centers April 2013 and January
      2016 with BLSI on computed tomography. Management of BLSI was based on the
      Arizona-Texas-Oklahoma-Memphis-Arkansas Consortium pediatric guideline. Failure
      of NOM was defined as needing laparoscopy or laparotomy. RESULTS: A total of 1008
      patients met inclusion; 499 (50%) had liver injury, 410 (41%) spleen injury, and
      99 (10%) had both. Most patients were male (n = 624; 62%) with a median age of
      10.3 years (interquartile range, 5.9, 14.2). A total of 69 (7%) underwent
      laparotomy or laparoscopy, but only 34 (3%) underwent surgery for spleen or liver
      bleeding. Other (nonexclusive) operations were for 21 intestinal injuries; 15
      hematoma evacuations, washouts, or drain placements; 9 pancreatic injuries; 5
      mesenteric injuries; 3 diaphragm injuries; and 2 bladder injuries. Patients who
      failed were more likely to receive blood (52 of 69 vs. 162 of 939; p < 0.001) and
      median time from injury to first blood transfusion was 2.3 hours for those who
      failed versus 5.9 hours for those who did not (p = 0.002). Overall mortality rate
      was 24% (8 of 34) in those who failed NOM due to bleeding. CONCLUSION: NOM fails
      in 7% of children with BLSI, but only 3% of patients failed for bleeding due to
      liver or spleen injury. For children failing NOM due to bleeding, the mortality
      was 24%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level II.

PMID- 28099381
TI  - Daily propranolol administration reduces persistent injury-associated anemia
      after severe trauma and chronic stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After severe trauma, patients develop a norepinephrine-mediated
      persistent, injury-associated anemia. This anemia is associated with suppression
      of bone marrow (BM) erythroid colony growth, along with decreased iron levels,
      and elevated erythropoietin (EPO) levels, which are insufficient to promote
      effective erythropoiesis. The impact of norepinephrine on iron regulators, such
      as ferroportin, transferrin, and transferrin receptor-1 (TFR-1), is unknown.
      Using a clinically relevant rodent model of lung contusion (LC), hemorrhagic
      shock (HS), and chronic stress (CS), we hypothesize that daily propranolol (BB),
      a nonselective beta blocker, restores BM function and improves iron homeostasis.
      METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to LCHS +/- BB and LCHS/CS +/-
      BB. BB was achieved with propranolol (10 mg/kg) daily until the day of sacrifice.
      Hemoglobin, plasma EPO, plasma hepcidin, BM cellularity and BM erythroid colony
      growth were assessed. RNA was isolated to measure transferrin, TFR-1 and
      ferroportin expression. Data are presented as mean +/- SD; *p < 0.05 versus
      untreated counterpart by t test. RESULTS: The addition of CS to LCHS leads to
      persistent anemia on posttrauma day 7, while the addition of BB improved
      hemoglobin levels (LCHS/CS: 10.6 +/- 0.8 vs. LCHS/CS + BB: 13.9 +/- 0.4* g/dL).
      Daily BB use after LCHS/CS improved BM cellularity, colony-forming units
      granulocyte, erythrocyte, monocyte megakaryocyte, burst-forming unit erythroid
      and colony-forming unit erythroid cell colony growth. LCHS/CS + BB significantly
      reduced plasma EPO levels and increased plasma hepcidin levels on day 7. The
      addition of CS to LCHS resulted in decreased liver ferroportin expression as well
      as decreased BM transferrin and TFR-1 expression, thus, blocking iron supply to
      erythroid cells. However, daily BB after LCHS/CS improved expression of all iron
      regulators. CONCLUSION: Daily propranolol administration after LCHS/CS restored
      BM function and improved anemia after severe trauma. In addition, iron regulators
      are significantly reduced after LCHS/CS, which may contribute to iron restriction
      after injury. However, daily propranolol administration after LCHS/CS improved
      iron homeostasis.

PMID- 28099383
TI  - A case of a gunshot wound to the fetus in utero.

PMID- 28099384
TI  - Towards a broader view of police prehospital transport.

PMID- 28099385
TI  - Re: ECMO in trauma: What are the outcomes?

PMID- 28099386
TI  - Re: Towards a broader view of police prehospital transport.

PMID- 28099387
TI  - Use of an evidence-based algorithm for patients with traumatic hemothorax reduces
      need for additional interventions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concerted management of the traumatic hemothorax is ill-defined.
      Surgical management of specific hemothoraces may be beneficial. A comprehensive
      strategy to delineate appropriate patients for additional procedures does not
      exist. We developed an evidence-based algorithm for hemothorax management. We
      hypothesize that the use of this algorithm will decrease additional
      interventions. METHODS: A pre-/post-study was performed on all patients admitted
      to our trauma service with traumatic hemothorax from August 2010 to September
      2013. An evidence-based management algorithm was initiated for the management of
      retained hemothoraces. Patients with length of stay (LOS) less than 24 hours or
      admitted during an implementation phase were excluded. Study data included age,
      Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale chest, mechanism of injury,
      ventilator days, intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, total hospital LOS, and
      interventions required. Our primary outcome was number of patients requiring more
      than 1 intervention. Secondary outcomes were empyema rate, number of patients
      requiring specific additional interventions, 28-day ventilator-free days, 28-day
      ICU-free days, hospital LOS, all-cause 6-month readmission rate. Standard
      statistical analysis was performed for all data. RESULTS: Six hundred forty-two
      patients (326 pre and 316 post) met the study criteria. There were no demographic
      differences in either group. The number of patients requiring more than 1
      intervention was significantly reduced (49 pre vs. 28 post, p = 0.02). Number of
      patients requiring VATS decreased (27 pre vs. 10 post, p < 0.01). Number of
      catheters placed by interventional radiology increased (2 pre vs. 10 post, p =
      0.02). Intrapleural thrombolytic use, open thoracotomy, empyema, and 6-month
      readmission rates were unchanged. The "post" group more ventilator-free days
      (median, 23.9 vs. 22.5, p = 0.04), but ICU and hospital LOS were unchanged.
      CONCLUSION: Using an evidence-based hemothorax algorithm reduced the number of
      patients requiring additional interventions without increasing complication
      rates. Defined criteria for surgical intervention allows for more appropriate
      utilization of resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

PMID- 28099389
TI  - Monitoring of vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptor levels
      in early trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This clinical observation study aimed to investigate the relationship
      between the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its
      soluble receptors with the severity and the occurrence of late acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (ARDS) in early trauma. METHODS: Sixty patients with multiple
      injuries were divided into three groups according to the Injury Severity Score
      (ISS) and the serum levels of VEGF, soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sVEGFR1), and
      sVEGFR2, were measured. Ten healthy people were recruited as controls. The
      incidence of late ARDS was also monitored, and its relationship to the above
      measures analyzed. RESULTS: VEGF was not associated with ISS (p > 0.05); sVEGFR1
      was positively associated with ISS (r = 0.459, p < 0.0001); however, sVEGFR2 was
      negatively associated with ISS (r = 0.510, p < 0.0001). The serum VEGF levels
      between the ARDS group and the non-ARDS group showed no significant difference (p
      > 0.05). sVEGFR1 in the ARDS group was significantly higher than that in the non
      ARDS group (p < 0.0001), and sVEGFR2 in the ARDS group was significantly lower
      than that in the non-ARDS group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the
      increasing of sVEGFR1 and the decreasing of sVEGFR2 in early trauma might be
      closely related to the occurrence of late ARDS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic
      study, level III.

PMID- 28099388
TI  - Valproic acid mitigates the inflammatory response and prevents acute respiratory
      distress syndrome in a murine model of Escherichia coli pneumonia at the expense
      of bacterial clearance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACI) are members of a family of
      epigenetic modifying agents with broad anti-inflammatory properties. These anti
      inflammatory properties may have important therapeutic implications in acute
      respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, administration of HDACI may create
      an immunosuppressive environment conducive to bacterial growth. Accordingly, the
      aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of HDACI valproic acid
      (VPA) on host inflammatory response and bacterial burden in a murine model of
      Escherichia coli pneumonia-induced ARDS. METHODS: ARDS was induced in male C57BL6
      mice (n = 24) by endotracheal instillation of 3 * 10 E. coli. VPA (250 mg/kg) was
      administered 30 minutes after E. coli instillation in the intervention group.
      Blood samples were collected at 3 and 6 hours, and animals were sacrificed at 6
      hours. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, and tissue specimens were
      harvested. Cytokine levels were measured in blood and BAL, and so was
      transalveolar protein transit. Cell counts and colony forming units were
      quantified in BAL fluid. RESULTS: VPA reduced neutrophil influx into the lungs
      and local tissue destruction through decreased myeloperoxidase activity. It also
      ameliorated the pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response. This led to greater
      bacterial proliferation in the pulmonary parenchyma. CONCLUSION: Administration
      of VPA in a clinically relevant bacterial model of murine ARDS mitigates the host
      inflammatory response, essentially preventing ARDS, but creates an
      immunosuppressive environment that favors bacterial overgrowth.

PMID- 28099390
TI  - To nearly come full circle: Nonoperative management of high-grade IV-V blunt
      splenic trauma is safe using a protocol with routine angioembolization.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nonoperative management (NOM) of hemodynamically stable high-grade
      (IV-V) blunt splenic trauma remains controversial given the high failure rates
      (19%) that persist despite angioembolization (AE) protocols. The NOM protocol was
      modified in 2011 to include mandatory AE of all grade (IV-V) injuries without
      contrast blush (CB) along with selective AE of grade (I-V) with CB. The purpose
      of this study was to determine if this new AE (NAE) protocol significantly
      lowered the failure rates for grade (IV-V) injuries allowing for safe observation
      without surgery and if the exclusion of grade III injuries allowed for the
      prevention of unnecessary angiograms without affecting the overall failure rates.
      METHODS: The records of patients with blunt splenic trauma from January 2000 to
      October 2014 at a Level I trauma center were retrospectively reviewed. Patients
      were divided into two groups and failure of NOM (FNOM) rates compared: NAE
      protocol (2011-2014) with mandatory AE for all grade (IV-V) injuries without CB
      and selective AE for grade (I-V) with CB versus old AE (OAE) protocol (2000-2010)
      with selective AE for grade (I-V) with CB. RESULTS: Seven hundred twelve patients
      underwent NOM with 522 (73%) in the OAE group and 190 (27%) in the NAE group.
      Evolving from the OAE to the NAE strategy resulted in a significantly lower FNOM
      rate for the overall group (grade I-V) (OAE vs. NAE, 4% to 1%, p = 0.04) and the
      grade (IV-V) group (OAE vs. NAE, 19% vs. 3%, p = 0.01). Angiograms were avoided
      in 113 grade (I-III) injuries with no CB; these patients had NOM with observation
      alone and none failed. CONCLUSIONS: A protocol using mandatory AE of all high
      grade (IV-V) injuries without CB and selective AE of grade (I-V) with CB may
      provide for optimum salvage with safe NOM of the high-grade injuries (IV-V) and
      limited unnecessary angiograms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

PMID- 28099392
TI  - Re: The role of timely emergency care for hypotensive trauma patients-the three
      Rs.

PMID- 28099391
TI  - The role of timely emergency care for hypotensive trauma patients.

PMID- 28099393
TI  - The need for a National Trauma Institute within the National Institutes of
      Health.

PMID- 28099394
TI  - Comparison of open and closed chest compressions after traumatic arrest.

PMID- 28099395
TI  - Re: Comparison of open and closed chest compressions after traumatic arrest.

PMID- 28099396
TI  - Successful Treatment of Refractory Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Choroid
      Plexus in a Child With Pulse Dexamethasone and Lenalidomide.
AB  - Refractory/relapsed Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has a difficult course
      with a guarded prognosis. Salvage treatments available are both expensive and
      highly toxic. On the basis of the pathophysiology of LCH, we used a novel
      protocol including pulse dexamethasone and lenalidomide in a child with
      refractory LCH involving the choroid plexus, which resulted in durable remission
      with minimal toxicity. The protocol was extrapolated from the FIRST trial for
      patients with multiple myeloma. We present the clinical course, treatment
      protocol, and outcome in this child, who is at present disease free and in
      remission 18 months posttreatment.

PMID- 28099397
TI  - The Effects of Attention Problems on Psychosocial Functioning in Childhood Brain
      Tumor Survivors: A 2-Year Postcraniospinal Irradiation Follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the psychosocial outcomes and impact of attention problems
      in survivors of pediatric brain tumor. STUDY DESIGN: The survivors' cognitive
      functioning was measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. The
      Child Behavior Checklist-Attention Problems scale was used to screen for
      attention problems, and participants were classified as having attention problems
      (n=15) or normal attention (n=36). Psychosocial functioning was examined with the
      Korean Personality Rating scale for Children (K-PRC) at precraniospinal radiation
      and at 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: The attention problem group showed
      significantly higher depression and externalizing symptoms (delinquency,
      hyperactivity) and more significant impairment in family relationships than did
      the normal attention group at baseline. At follow-up, the attention problem group
      demonstrated significantly more delinquency and impaired family and social
      relationships. With the K-PRC scores, except for the somatization, social
      relationship subscale, there were significant differences between groups, but not
      in terms of treatment by time interaction or within time. At follow-up, multiple
      linear regressions showed that age at diagnosis significantly predicted K-PRC
      somatization (B=-1.7, P=0.004) and social relationships (B=-1.7, P=0.004),
      baseline full-scale intelligence quotient predicted K-PRC depression (B=-0.4,
      P=0.032) and somatization (B=-0.3, P=0.015), and attention problems at baseline
      predicted K-PRC depression (B=-15.2, P=0.036) and social relationships (B=-11.6,
      P=0.016). CONCLUSION: Pediatric brain tumor survivors, in particular, patients
      with attention problems, had worse psychosocial functioning at baseline and
      follow-up. Attention problems at baseline need to be carefully evaluated in
      assessing psychosocial functioning of pediatric brain tumor survivors.

PMID- 28099398
TI  - Utilizing a Novel Mobile Health "Selfie" Application to Improve Compliance to
      Iron Chelation in Pediatric Patients Receiving Chronic Transfusions.
AB  - Iron chelation therapy can prevent iron overload for pediatric patients with
      sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia major; however, adherence is suboptimal.
      Therefore, we developed an intensive training program (ITP), to improve
      medication management and disease knowledge. The objectives were to determine
      feasibility of the ITP and its preliminary impact on adherence, disease
      knowledge, and health outcomes. Pediatric patients were recruited to participate
      in the ITP over a 90-day period and were followed for 6 months. The ITP consisted
      of 3 components: (1) provider-led education modules; (2) patient recording daily
      videos of at-home medication administration; and (3) provider feedback through
      video messages through the ITP app. Eleven patients participated (mean=12.4 y).
      Initially, patients endorsed high satisfaction and ease of use and tracked their
      medication usage 81% (24 out of 30) of days. At 90 days, adherence rates remained
      consistent (80%) and disease knowledge retention was high (96%). At 6 months,
      participants exhibited a clinically relevant decrease in serum ferritin, which
      trended toward statistical significance (P=0.068). Medication possession ratio
      did not significantly increase (0.65 to 0.72; not significant). The mobile ITP
      was feasibly implemented in a clinical setting; in addition, high levels of
      compliance, disease knowledge retention, and acceptance encourage larger studies
      evaluating mobile health technology to improve child health parameters.

PMID- 28099399
TI  - The Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D With Biomarkers of Hemolysis in
      Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease.
AB  - Although vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been linked to anemia among sickle cell
      disease (SCD), its relationship with hemolysis is unclear. Serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin D and biomarkers of hemolysis (hemoglobin [Hb]/hematocrit,
      reticulocyte percentage, absolute reticulocyte, and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]
      levels) in 36 hydroxyurea-naive SCD children were quantified. Correlations were
      significantly positive with Hb/hematocrit (r=0.40, P=0.017; r=0.45, P=0.006,
      respectively); inverse with reticulocyte percentage, absolute reticulocyte, and
      LDH (r=-0.44, P=0.008; r=-0.47, P=0.007; r=-0.45, P=0.007, respectively). In VDD
      groups, Hb was lower (P=0.014), reticulocyte counts and LDH were higher (P=0.047
      and 0.003, respectively). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D correlated with biomarkers of
      hemolysis in SCD and VDD may play a role in SCD pathogenesis.

PMID- 28099400
TI  - CNS-directed Prophylactic Approach to Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis.

PMID- 28099401
TI  - Vocal Cord Palsy in Children With Cancer: A 10-Year Analysis of UK Pediatric
      Intensive Care Admissions.
AB  - Vocal cord palsy (VCP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication in
      children with cancer. This study reviews UK Intensive Care admissions for
      children with cancer and VCP using data obtained from the Pediatric Intensive
      Care Audit Network (PICANet) database. 26 children with cancer and VCP were
      admitted to intensive care from 2002 to 2012. The majority of admissions (23/26)
      required respiratory intervention (17 invasive ventilation, 8 noninvasive
      ventilation, and 5 tracheostomy). VCP should be considered early in children with
      cancer who present with signs of upper airway obstruction, especially in those
      receiving vinca-alkaloids as VCP is likely to be reversible.

PMID- 28099402
TI  - Transplant Center Volume and the Risk of Pancreas Allograft Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Successful pancreas transplantation requires surgical expertise and
      multidisciplinary medical management. The impact of transplant center volume on
      pancreas allograft survival remains unclear. METHODS: We examined Organ
      Procurement and Transplantation Network data on 11 568 simultaneous pancreas
      kidney (SPK) and 4308 solitary pancreas (pancreas transplant alone and pancreas
      after kidney) transplants between 2000 and 2013. RESULTS: Average annual
      transplant center volume was categorized by tertiles into low, medium, and high
      volume, respectively, as follows: 1 to 6 (n = 3861), 7 to 13 (n = 3891), and 14
      to 34 (n = 3888) for SPK, and 1 to 3 (n = 1417), 4 to 10 (n = 1518), and 11 to 33
      (n = 1377) for solitary pancreas transplants. Favorable donor characteristics
      were seen in low-volume centers. For SPK transplantation, low (adjusted hazard
      ration [aHR], 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-1.8) and medium (aHR,
      1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.44) center volumes were associated with a higher risk of
      early pancreas graft failure at 3 months. The increased risk associated with low
      center volume extended to 1, 5, and 10 years. For solitary pancreas transplants,
      low, but not medium, center volume was associated with a higher risk of early
      pancreas graft failure at 3 months (aHR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.232-1.976), and this
      risk persisted over 10 years. Patients transplanted at high-volume centers had
      better pancreas survival rates across all categories of the Pancreas Donor Risk
      Index. CONCLUSION: On average, low center volume were associated with higher risk
      for pancreas failure. Future studies should seek to identify care processes that
      support optimal outcomes after pancreas transplantation irrespective of center
      volume.

PMID- 28099403
TI  - Outcome of Liver Transplant Recipients With Revascularized Coronary Artery
      Disease: A Comparative Analysis With and Without Cardiovascular Risk Factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant problem during
      evaluation for liver transplantation (LT). We aim to assess survival in LT
      recipients based on presence, severity, extent of CAD, and cardiac events within
      90 days of LT. METHODS: Eighty-seven LT recipients with history of pre-LT
      angiogram (December 2005 to December 2012) were compared with 2 control groups
      without prior angiogram, 72 LT recipients matched for cardiovascular risk factors
      (control group I), and 119 consecutive LT recipients without any CV risk factors
      (control group II). CAD was assessed by (1) vessel score (>=50% reduction in
      luminal diameter), and (2) Extent score (Reardon scoring system). RESULTS: Of the
      87 LT recipients (study group), 58 (66.7%) had none or less than 50% stenosis, 29
      (33.3%) had obstructive CAD (>=50% stenosis), 7 (8%) with single-vessel disease,
      and 22 (25.3%) with multivessel disease. In the study group, irrespective of
      prerevascularization severity of CAD (P = 0.357), number of segments involved (0,
      1-2, > 2 segments, P = 0.304) and extent of CAD based on Reardon score (0, 1-9,
      >10, P = 0.224), comparable posttransplant survival was noted. Overall, patient
      survival in the revascularized CAD group was comparable to angiogram group
      without obstructive CAD, and both control group I and control group II (P =
      0.184, Log Rank). Postoperative cardiac events within 90 days of LT predicted
      poor survival in study group as well as control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Severity or
      extent of CAD does not impact post-LT survival, if appropriately revascularized.
      Early postoperative cardiac events are associated with inferior survival in LT
      recipients, irrespective of underlying CAD.

PMID- 28099404
TI  - Risk of Aggressive Skin Cancers After Kidney Retransplantation in Patients With
      Previous Posttransplant Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Retrospective Study
      of 53 Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The course of skin cancer after retransplantation in organ-transplant
      recipients who have already developed posttransplant skin cancer has not been
      assessed. METHODS: This retrospective multicentric study included 53 patients
      with a history of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after a first kidney
      transplantation who received a second kidney transplantation. The primary
      endpoint was the occurrence of aggressive cutaneous SCC after the second
      transplantation. Secondary endpoints included the course of skin cancers over 3
      periods (first transplantation, return to dialysis, second transplantation), the
      time to occurrence, and risk factors for aggressive SCC after retransplantation.
      RESULTS: The first SCC developed in 47 patients with a functional graft and in 6
      after return to dialysis. After the first transplantation, 17 (33.3%) patients
      developed SCC in dialysis and 39 (73.6%) after the second transplantation,
      respectively. Twenty aggressive SCC developed over the study period. They
      occurred in 14 (26.4%) patients after retransplantation vs 5 (9.4%) after the
      first transplantation with a median delay of 50 months and were responsible for 5
      deaths. Fair skin type, multiple tumors before retransplantation, treatment with
      azathioprine, T cell-depleting antibodies, and delayed revision of
      immunosuppression were associated with an increased risk of aggressive cutaneous
      SCC after retransplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Candidates to retransplantation with a
      history of posttransplant SCC have a high risk of aggressive SCC. Our data
      suggest that the risk could be reduced by a tailored immunosuppression. A wait
      period may be required depending on the clinicopathological characteristics of
      the previous SCC and discussed on an individual patient basis.

PMID- 28099405
TI  - Insights in Transplanting Complex Pediatric Renal Recipients With Vascular
      Anomalies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with end-stage kidney disease may have coexisting iatrogenic
      or congenital vascular anomalies making transplantation difficult. We describe
      our approach in 5 recipients with vascular anomalies and significant
      comorbidities, including one case of blood group incompatibility. METHODS: Five
      children aged 3 to 17 years (median, 7 years), weighing 14 to 34 kg (median, 18
      kg) kg of whom 4 had occluded inferior vena cava or iliac veins and 2 had
      previous complex vascular reconstructions before transplantation for midaortic
      syndrome and multiple aortic aneurysms, respectively underwent renal
      transplantation. To establish implant feasibility surgery was commenced in 2
      recipients before the donor surgery. RESULTS: There was 4 (80%) of 5 patient
      survival after 1 death from sepsis (with a functioning graft) and 2 cases of
      delayed graft function. At the latest median follow-up of 19 months, there was
      100% (death-censored) renal allograft survival with estimated glomerular
      filtration rates (mL/min per 1.73 m) of 43 to 72 (median, 55). CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that major vascular anomalies do not necessarily preclude
      transplantation in complex pediatric patients and that surgical exploration of
      the recipient before commencing the donor surgery is valuable where feasibility
      and safety are uncertain. In addition, we have developed a novel classification
      system of congenital vascular abnormalities and propose its use in complex
      pediatric transplantation.

PMID- 28099406
TI  - Reducing the Threshold for Clinical Renal Xenotransplantation.

PMID- 28099407
TI  - Effects of functional CYP2C8,CYP2C9,CYP3A5,and ABCB1 genetic variants on the
      pharmacokinetics of insulin sensitizer pioglitazone in Chinese Han individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione antihyperglycemic
      drug with insulin-sensitizing properties. We investigated whether the variant
      genotypes of cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8), CYP2C9, CYP3A5 and transporter ABCB1
      influence the pharmacokinetic phenotype of the substrate pioglitazone in Chinese
      individuals. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were
      determined by the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 244
      (CYP2C8 and CYP2C9) healthy Chinese Han individuals. After a single oral dose of
      30 mg pioglitazone, the plasma concentrations of the parent drug and of two major
      active metabolites M-III and M-IV were measured using a validated LC-MS/MS in 21
      (genotyping CYP3A5 and ABCB1) of these 244 volunteers. RESULTS: The results
      confirmed that the unique frequencies of CYP2C8*2 (0.0%), CYP2C8*3 (0.0%), and
      CYP2C9*2 (0.0%) alleles were significantly different from those reported in
      Whites and Africans, and there were only 10 variant CYP2C9*1/*3 heterozygous
      (CYP2C9*3 carriers) among 244 Chinese individuals. These results were similar to
      those reported in Asian ethnic populations, including the Chinese. Unexpectedly,
      the pioglitazone AUC0-48 in CYP2C9*3 carriers was lower (50.8%), whereas the AUC0
      48 ratios of metabolites M-III/pioglitazone and M-IV/pioglitazone increased to
      134.3 and 155.8%, respectively, compared with the wild-type CYP2C9*1/*1
      homozygous. Moreover, this phenomenon was not observed in individuals with
      genetic variants of CYP3A5*3 and ABCB1 (C1236T). CONCLUSION: The present research
      suggests that the CYP2C8, CYP3A5, and ABCB1 genes play no significant role in the
      interindividual variation of pioglitazone pharmacokinetics, whereas CYP2C9*3
      carriers are likely to accelerate the metabolism of this antidiabetic drug in the
      Chinese Han ethnic population.

PMID- 28099409
TI  - Up-Regulated Expression of SPRY4-IT1 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Colorectal
      Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNA SPRY4 intronic transcript 1 (lncRNA SPRY4-IT1) has
      been reported to be associated with the progression of several cancers, but its
      expression level in colorectal cancer (CRC) has rarely been reported. The purpose
      of this study was to estimate the clinical significance of SPRY4-IT1 in CRC.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS The relative expression levels of SPRY4-IT1 were detected by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in diseased tissues
      and the adjacent normal tissues of 106 CRC patients. Chi-square method was used
      to evaluate the association between SPRY4-IT1 expression and the clinical
      features. Additionally, we assessed the overall survival at different expression
      levels of SPRY4-IT1 using Kaplan-Meier method. The prognostic significance of
      SPRY4-IT1 was estimated by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Up-regulated level of
      SPRY4-IT1 was detected in pathologic tissues of CRC patients compared with
      adjacent normal tissues (P=0.000). The relative expression of SPRY4-IT1 was
      associated with the tumor size, the depth of invasion, lymph node invasion,
      distant invasion, and tumor stage (P<0.05). Patients with high expression of
      SPRY4-IT1 had poor overall survival compared with those with high level (39.3 vs.
      49.3 months, log-rank test, P=0.016). Cox regression analysis showed that SPRY4
      IT1 could act as an independent prognostic factor in CRC (HR=2.341, 95% CI=1.136
      4.826, P=0.021). CONCLUSIONS SPRY4-IT1 might be associated with tumorigenesis and
      progression of CRC, and it may be a promising biomarker for prognosis in patients
      with CRC.

PMID- 28099410
TI  - Cancer: Double trouble for tumours.

PMID- 28099408
TI  - Multiphenotype association study of patients randomized to initiate
      antiretroviral regimens in AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol A5202.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-throughput approaches are increasingly being used to identify
      genetic associations across multiple phenotypes simultaneously. Here, we describe
      a pilot analysis that considered multiple on-treatment laboratory phenotypes from
      antiretroviral therapy-naive patients who were randomized to initiate
      antiretroviral regimens in a prospective clinical trial, AIDS Clinical Trials
      Group protocol A5202. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: From among 5 9545 294
      polymorphisms imputed genome-wide, we analyzed 2544, including 2124 annotated in
      the PharmGKB, and 420 previously associated with traits in the GWAS Catalog. We
      derived 774 phenotypes on the basis of context from six variables: plasma
      atazanavir (ATV) pharmacokinetics, plasma efavirenz (EFV) pharmacokinetics,
      change in the CD4+ T-cell count, HIV-1 RNA suppression, fasting low-density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol, and fasting triglycerides. Permutation testing assessed
      the likelihood of associations being by chance alone. Pleiotropy was assessed for
      polymorphisms with the lowest P-values. RESULTS: This analysis included 1181
      patients. At P less than 1.5*10, most associations were not by chance alone.
      Polymorphisms with the lowest P-values for EFV pharmacokinetics (CYPB26
      rs3745274), low-density lipoprotein -cholesterol (APOE rs7412), and triglyceride
      (APOA5 rs651821) phenotypes had been associated previously with those traits in
      previous studies. The association between triglycerides and rs651821 was present
      with ATV-containing regimens, but not with EFV-containing regimens. Polymorphisms
      with the lowest P-values for ATV pharmacokinetics, CD4 T-cell count, and HIV-1
      RNA phenotypes had not been reported previously to be associated with that trait.
      CONCLUSION: Using data from a prospective HIV clinical trial, we identified
      expected genetic associations, potentially novel associations, and at least one
      context-dependent association. This study supports high-throughput strategies
      that simultaneously explore multiple phenotypes from clinical trials' datasets
      for genetic associations.

PMID- 28099411
TI  - Corrigendum: Structural basis of N6-adenosine methylation by the METTL3-METTL14
      complex.

PMID- 28099412
TI  - Ultrafast nonthermal photo-magnetic recording in a transparent medium.
AB  - Discovering ways to control the magnetic state of media with the lowest possible
      production of heat and at the fastest possible speeds is important in the study
      of fundamental magnetism, with clear practical potential. In metals, it is
      possible to switch the magnetization between two stable states (and thus to
      record magnetic bits) using femtosecond circularly polarized laser pulses.
      However, the switching mechanisms in these materials are directly related to
      laser-induced heating close to the Curie temperature. Although several possible
      routes for achieving all-optical switching in magnetic dielectrics have been
      discussed, no recording has hitherto been demonstrated. Here we describe
      ultrafast all-optical photo-magnetic recording in transparent films of the
      dielectric cobalt-substituted garnet. A single linearly polarized femtosecond
      laser pulse resonantly pumps specific d-d transitions in the cobalt ions,
      breaking the degeneracy between metastable magnetic states. By changing the
      polarization of the laser pulse, we deterministically steer the net magnetization
      in the garnet, thus writing '0' and '1' magnetic bits at will. This mechanism
      outperforms existing alternatives in terms of the speed of the write-read
      magnetic recording event (less than 20 picoseconds) and the unprecedentedly low
      heat load (less than 6 joules per cubic centimetre).

PMID- 28099413
TI  - Communication between viruses guides lysis-lysogeny decisions.
AB  - Temperate viruses can become dormant in their host cells, a process called
      lysogeny. In every infection, such viruses decide between the lytic and the
      lysogenic cycles, that is, whether to replicate and lyse their host or to
      lysogenize and keep the host viable. Here we show that viruses (phages) of the
      SPbeta group use a small-molecule communication system to coordinate lysis
      lysogeny decisions. During infection of its Bacillus host cell, the phage
      produces a six amino-acids-long communication peptide that is released into the
      medium. In subsequent infections, progeny phages measure the concentration of
      this peptide and lysogenize if the concentration is sufficiently high. We found
      that different phages encode different versions of the communication peptide,
      demonstrating a phage-specific peptide communication code for lysogeny decisions.
      We term this communication system the 'arbitrium' system, and further show that
      it is encoded by three phage genes: aimP, which produces the peptide; aimR, the
      intracellular peptide receptor; and aimX, a negative regulator of lysogeny. The
      arbitrium system enables a descendant phage to 'communicate' with its
      predecessors, that is, to estimate the amount of recent previous infections and
      hence decide whether to employ the lytic or lysogenic cycle.

PMID- 28099414
TI  - Neurotoxic reactive astrocytes are induced by activated microglia.
AB  - Reactive astrocytes are strongly induced by central nervous system (CNS) injury
      and disease, but their role is poorly understood. Here we show that a subtype of
      reactive astrocytes, which we termed A1, is induced by classically activated
      neuroinflammatory microglia. We show that activated microglia induce A1
      astrocytes by secreting Il-1alpha, TNF and C1q, and that these cytokines together
      are necessary and sufficient to induce A1 astrocytes. A1 astrocytes lose the
      ability to promote neuronal survival, outgrowth, synaptogenesis and phagocytosis,
      and induce the death of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Death of axotomized CNS
      neurons in vivo is prevented when the formation of A1 astrocytes is blocked.
      Finally, we show that A1 astrocytes are abundant in various human
      neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's
      disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Taken together
      these findings help to explain why CNS neurons die after axotomy, strongly
      suggest that A1 astrocytes contribute to the death of neurons and
      oligodendrocytes in neurodegenerative disorders, and provide opportunities for
      the development of new treatments for these diseases.

PMID- 28099416
TI  - Materials science: Versatile gel assembly on a chip.

PMID- 28099415
TI  - Structure of a eukaryotic cyclic-nucleotide-gated channel.
AB  - Cyclic-nucleotide-gated channels are essential for vision and olfaction. They
      belong to the voltage-gated ion channel superfamily but their activities are
      controlled by intracellular cyclic nucleotides instead of transmembrane voltage.
      Here we report a 3.5-A-resolution single-particle electron cryo-microscopy
      structure of a cyclic-nucleotide-gated channel from Caenorhabditis elegans in the
      cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-bound open state. The channel has an
      unusual voltage-sensor-like domain, accounting for its deficient voltage
      dependence. A carboxy-terminal linker connecting S6 and the cyclic-nucleotide
      binding domain interacts directly with both the voltage-sensor-like domain and
      the pore domain, forming a gating ring that couples conformational changes
      triggered by cyclic nucleotide binding to the gate. The selectivity filter is
      lined by the carboxylate side chains of a functionally important glutamate and
      three rings of backbone carbonyls. This structure provides a new framework for
      understanding mechanisms of ion permeation, gating and channelopathy of cyclic
      nucleotide-gated channels and cyclic nucleotide modulation of related channels.

PMID- 28099417
TI  - Virology: Phages make a group decision.

PMID- 28099418
TI  - IL-17 is a neuromodulator of Caenorhabditis elegans sensory responses.
AB  - Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine: it mediates
      responses to pathogens or tissue damage, and drives autoimmune diseases. Little
      is known about its role in the nervous system. Here we show that IL-17 has
      neuromodulator-like properties in Caenorhabditis elegans. IL-17 can act directly
      on neurons to alter their response properties and contribution to behaviour.
      Using unbiased genetic screens, we delineate an IL-17 signalling pathway and show
      that it acts in the RMG hub interneurons. Disrupting IL-17 signalling reduces RMG
      responsiveness to input from oxygen sensors, and renders sustained escape from
      21% oxygen transient and contingent on additional stimuli. Over-activating IL-17
      receptors abnormally heightens responses to 21% oxygen in RMG neurons and whole
      animals. IL-17 deficiency can be bypassed by optogenetic stimulation of RMG.
      Inducing IL-17 expression in adults can rescue mutant defects within 6 h. These
      findings reveal a non-immunological role of IL-17 modulating circuit function and
      behaviour.

PMID- 28099420
TI  - Addendum: The rewards of restraint in the collective regulation of foraging by
      harvester ant colonies.

PMID- 28099419
TI  - Genomic deletion of malic enzyme 2 confers collateral lethality in pancreatic
      cancer.
AB  - The genome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) frequently contains
      deletions of tumour suppressor gene loci, most notably SMAD4, which is
      homozygously deleted in nearly one-third of cases. As loss of neighbouring
      housekeeping genes can confer collateral lethality, we sought to determine
      whether loss of the metabolic gene malic enzyme 2 (ME2) in the SMAD4 locus would
      create cancer-specific metabolic vulnerability upon targeting of its paralogous
      isoform ME3. The mitochondrial malic enzymes (ME2 and ME3) are oxidative
      decarboxylases that catalyse the conversion of malate to pyruvate and are
      essential for NADPH regeneration and reactive oxygen species homeostasis. Here we
      show that ME3 depletion selectively kills ME2-null PDAC cells in a manner
      consistent with an essential function for ME3 in ME2-null cancer cells.
      Mechanistically, integrated metabolomic and molecular investigation of cells
      deficient in mitochondrial malic enzymes revealed diminished NADPH production and
      consequent high levels of reactive oxygen species. These changes activate AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK), which in turn directly suppresses sterol
      regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1)-directed transcription of its
      direct targets including the BCAT2 branched-chain amino acid transaminase 2)
      gene. BCAT2 catalyses the transfer of the amino group from branched-chain amino
      acids to alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) thereby regenerating glutamate, which
      functions in part to support de novo nucleotide synthesis. Thus, mitochondrial
      malic enzyme deficiency, which results in impaired NADPH production, provides a
      prime 'collateral lethality' therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a
      substantial fraction of patients diagnosed with this intractable disease.

PMID- 28099421
TI  - Estimation of adult and neonatal RBC lifespans in anemic neonates using RBCs
      labeled at several discrete biotin densities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior conclusions that autologous neonatal red blood cells (RBC) have
      substantially shorter lifespans than allogeneic adult RBCs were not based on
      direct comparison of autologous neonatal vs. allogeneic adult RBCs performed
      concurrently in the same infant. Biotin labeling of autologous neonatal RBCs and
      allogeneic adult donor RBCs permits concurrent direct comparison of autologous
      vs. allogeneic RBC lifespan. METHODS: RBCs from 15 allogeneic adult donors and
      from 15 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates were labeled at separate biotin
      densities and transfused simultaneously into the 15 neonates. Two mathematical
      models that account for the RBC differences were employed to estimate lifespans
      for the two RBC populations. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD lifespan for adult allogeneic
      RBC was 70.1 +/- 19.1 d, which is substantially shorter than the 120 d lifespan
      of both autologous and adult allogeneic RBC in healthy adults. Mean +/- SD
      lifespan for neonatal RBC was 54.2 +/- 11.3 d, which is only about 30% shorter
      than that of the adult allogeneic RBCs. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence
      that extrinsic environmental factors primarily determine RBC survival (e.g.,
      small bore of the capillaries of neonates, rate of oxygenation/deoxygenation
      cycles) rather than factors intrinsic to RBC.

PMID- 28099422
TI  - Relationship between perfusion index and patent ductus arteriosus in preterm
      infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perfusion index (PI) is a noninvasive measure of perfusion. DeltaPI
      (difference between pre- and postductal PI) may identify hemodynamically
      significant PDA. However, studies are limited to brief and intermittent DeltaPI
      sampling. Our objective is to assess the value of continuous high resolution
      DeltaPI monitoring in the diagnosis of PDA. METHODS: Continuous DeltaPI
      monitoring in preterm infants was prospectively performed using two high
      resolution pulse oximeters. Perfusion Index measures (DeltaPI mean and
      variability, pre- and postductal PI) were analyzed over a 4-h period prior to
      echocardiography. A cardiologist blinded to the results evaluated for PDA on
      echocardiography. Linear mixed regression models were utilized for analyses.
      RESULTS: We obtained 31 echocardiography observations. Mean DeltaPI (-0.23 vs.
      0.16; P < 0.05), mean pre-PI (0.86 vs. 1.26; P < 0.05), and DeltaPI variability
      (0.39 vs. 0.61; P = 0.05) were lower in infants with PDA compared to infants
      without PDA at the time of echocardiography. CONCLUSION: Mean DeltaPI, DeltaPI
      variability, and mean pre-PI measured 4 h prior to echocardiography detect PDA in
      preterm infants. PI is dynamic and should be assessed continuously. Perfusion
      index is a promising bedside measurement to identify PDA in preterm infants.

PMID- 28099423
TI  - High-dose erythropoietin population pharmacokinetics in neonates with hypoxic
      ischemic encephalopathy receiving hypothermia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-dose erythropoietin (Epo) is a promising neuroprotective
      treatment in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) receiving
      hypothermia. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics and dose-exposure relationships of
      high-dose Epo in this population to inform future dosing strategies. METHODS: We
      performed a population pharmacokinetic analysis of 47 neonates with HIE treated
      with hypothermia who received up to six doses of Epo in two previous clinical
      trials. We compared the ability of different dosing regimens to achieve the
      target neuroprotective Epo exposure levels determined from animal models of
      hypoxic-ischemia (i.e., area under the curve during the first 48 h of treatment
      (AUC48 h) 140,000 mU*h/ml). RESULTS: Birth weight scaled via allometry was a
      significant predictor of Epo clearance and volume of distribution (P < 0.001).
      After accounting for birth weight, variation in Epo pharmacokinetics between
      neonates was low (CV% 20%). All 23 neonates who received 1,000 U/kg every 24 h
      for the first 2 d of therapy achieved the target AUC48 h 140,000 mU*h/ml. No
      neonate who received a lower dosing regimen achieved this target. CONCLUSION: In
      neonates with HIE receiving hypothermia, Epo 1,000 U/kg every 24 h for the first
      2 d of therapy resulted in consistent achievement of target exposures associated
      with neuroprotection in animal models.

PMID- 28099424
TI  - The establishment of cow's milk protein allergy in infants is related with a
      deficit of regulatory T cells (Treg) and vitamin D.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy in
      infants. However, little is known about which specific immune mechanisms are
      related with the CMPA onset. The objective was to investigate which immune
      alterations constitute differential factors between allergy and tolerance, and
      hence could be implicated in the CMPA establishment in infants. METHODS: An
      extensive analysis of immune subsets, including Treg and cytokine-secreting cells
      was performed in blood samples from 28 infants younger than 9 mo obtained 1-4 d
      after the first adverse reaction to milk. RESULTS: Less than 4 d after first
      allergic reaction, infants who developed CMPA had decreased Treg counts and
      increased frequency of IL4-secreting CD4 T cells compared to controls. The
      deficit of Tregs was correlated with decreased serum levels of vitamin D. Values
      of Tregs, IL4-secreting cells and vitamin D were good predictors of CMPA
      diagnosis. Basal vitamin D levels in CMPA infants also predicted those CMPA
      patients developing spontaneous tolerance in the first year. CONCLUSION:
      Establishment of CMPA in infants was related with lower Treg and vitamin D
      levels. These immune alterations would be crucial factors behind the CMPA
      establishment and they could constitute a therapeutic target for treatment of
      CMPA.

PMID- 28099425
TI  - Genetic ablation of Bach1 gene enhances recovery from hyperoxic lung injury in
      newborn mice via transient upregulation of inflammatory genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: BTB and CNC homology 1 (Bach1) is a transcriptional repressor of heme
      oxygenase (HO)-1. The effects of Bach1 disruption on hyperoxic lung injury in
      newborn mice have not been determined. We aimed to investigate the role of Bach1
      in the newborns exposed to hyperoxia. METHODS: Bach1-/- and WT newborn mice were
      exposed to 21% or 95% oxygen for 4 d and were then allowed to recover in room
      air. Lung histology was assessed and lung Bach1, HO-1, interleukin (IL)-6, and
      monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 mRNA levels were evaluated using RT-PCR.
      Lung inflammatory cytokine levels were determined using cytometric bead arrays.
      RESULTS: After 10 d recovery from neonatal hyperoxia, Bach1-/- mice showed
      improved lung alveolarization compared with WT. HO-1, IL-6, and MCP-1 mRNA levels
      and IL-6 and MCP-1 protein levels were significantly increased in the Bach1-/-
      lungs exposed to neonatal hyperoxia. Although an increase in apoptosis was
      observed in the Bach1-/- and WT lungs after neonatal hyperoxia, there were no
      differences in apoptosis between these groups. CONCLUSION: Bach1-/- newborn mice
      were well-recovered from hyperoxia-induced lung injury. This effect is likely
      achieved by the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity of HO-1 or by the
      transient overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines.

PMID- 28099426
TI  - Fetal origins of adult cardiac disease: a novel approach to prevent fetal growth
      restriction induced cardiac dysfunction using insulin like growth factor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a risk factor for adult
      cardiovascular disease. Intraplacental gene transfer of human insulin-like growth
      factor-1 (IGF-1) corrects birth weight in our mouse model of FGR. This study
      addresses long term effects of FGR on cardiac function and the potential
      preventive effect of IGF-1. STUDY DESIGN: Laparotomy was performed on pregnant
      C57BL/6J mice at embryonic day 18 and pups were divided into three groups: Sham
      operated; FGR (induced by mesenteric uterine artery ligation); treatment
      (intraplacental injection of IGF-1 after uterine artery ligation). Pups were
      followed until 32 wk of life. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed
      starting at 12 wk. RESULTS: Systolic cardiac function was significantly impaired
      in the FGR group with reduced fractional shortening compared with sham and
      treatment group starting at week 12 of life (20 +/- 4 vs. 31 +/- 5 vs. 32 +/- 5,
      respectively, n = 12 for each group; P < 0.001) with no difference between the
      sham and treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Intraplacental gene transfer of IGF-1
      prevents FGR induced cardiac dysfunction. This suggests that in utero therapy may
      positively impact cardiac remodeling and prevent adult cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 28099428
TI  - Biomarkers of adiposity are elevated in preterm very-low-birth-weight infants at
      1, 2, and 3 y of age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm, very-low-birth-weight (PT-VLBW) neonates are at-risk for
      metabolic syndrome later in life. At 1-3 y, they exhibit excessive weight-for
      length z-scores (Wt-LZ) and elevated systolic blood pressures (SBP). Serum
      adipokines are biomarkers of adiposity, but expression in PT-VLBW infants is
      unclear. We examined the correlation between serum adipokine levels,
      anthropometric measures and SBP in PT-VLBW neonates at follow-up. METHODS: This
      was a cross-sectional cohort study of PT-VLBW infants at 1, 2, and 3 y of age
      (40/cohort). We measured SBP, abdominal circumference (AC) and anthropometrics;
      calculated age/gender-specific z-scores for Wt, L, Wt-L and subscapular skin fold
      (SSZ), and measured serum adipokines. RESULTS: Serum leptin was unaffected by
      chronologic age and gender, but was positively correlated with weight, Wt-LZ, AC,
      and SSZ at 1 and 3 y (P < 0.01). Female infants at 1 and 3 y had a more
      significant relationship than males between serum leptin and SSZ (P < 0.001, R =
      0.75 and P < 0.001, R = 0.70, respectively). Adiponectin levels were 16-20% lower
      at 3 vs. 1-2 y (P = 0.02, ANOVA) and negatively correlated with SBP. CONCLUSION:
      Although serum leptin was unrelated to advancing age, gender, and SBP in PT-VLBW
      infants, levels correlated with measures of adiposity at 1 and 3 y, females >
      males, suggesting leptin resistance may occur in early infancy.

PMID- 28099427
TI  - Exposure to bisphenols and phthalates and association with oxidant stress,
      insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The health effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and di-(2-ethylhexyl)
      phthalate (DEHP) have been studied extensively in children. The impact of other
      chemicals in these two classes has not been investigated as fully. METHODS: We
      conducted a cross-sectional pilot study of 10-13 y old healthy children. We
      assessed descriptive, univariable, and multivariable associations of urinary
      metabolites of bisphenols and phthalates with oxidant stress, insulin resistance,
      body mass, and endothelial dysfunction. Possible associations with brachial
      artery distensibility, pulse wave velocity (markers of vascular stiffness), and
      serum endothelial cell-derived microparticle levels were also assessed. RESULTS:
      We enrolled 41 participants, 12.1 +/- 1.0 y, most of whom were Mexican Americans
      (42%) or other Hispanics (34%). Increased BPA levels were associated with
      increased levels of F2-isoprostane (ng/ml) (P = 0.02), with a similar trend for
      DEHP metabolites. Each log unit increase of high molecular weight (HMW) phthalate
      metabolites was associated with a 0.550 increase in Homeostatic Model Assessment
      of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) units (P = 0.019) and altered circulating levels
      of activated endothelial cell-derived microparticles (% per ml) (P = 0.026).
      Bisphenol S (BPS), a replacement for BPA, was associated with increased albumin
      (mg):creatinine (g) ratio (P = 0.04). Metabolites of HMW phthalates were also
      associated with decreased brachial artery distensibility (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION:
      Exposure to bisphenols and phthalates, including a BPA replacement, is associated
      with increased oxidant stress, insulin resistance, albuminuria, as well as
      disturbances in vascular function in healthy children.

PMID- 28099429
TI  - Vitamin D insufficiency in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties, and
      deficiency is associated with worse stroke outcomes. Little is known about
      effects of hypoxia-ischemia or hypothermia treatment on vitamin D status in
      neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). We hypothesized vitamin D
      metabolism would be dysregulated in neonatal HIE altering specific cytokines
      involved in Th17 activation, which might be mitigated by hypothermia. METHODS: We
      analyzed short-term relationships between 25(OH) and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, vitamin
      D binding protein, and cytokines related to Th17 function in serum samples from a
      multicenter randomized controlled trial of hypothermia 33  degrees C for 48 h
      after HIE birth vs. normothermia in 50 infants with moderate to severe HIE.
      RESULTS: Insufficiency of 25(OH) vitamin D was observed after birth in 70% of
      infants, with further decline over the first 72 h, regardless of treatment.
      25(OH) vitamin D positively correlated with anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-17E in
      all HIE infants. However, Th17 cytokine suppressor IL-27 was significantly
      increased by hypothermia, negating the IL-27 correlation with vitamin D observed
      in normothermic HIE infants. CONCLUSION: Serum 25(OH) vitamin D insufficiency is
      present in the majority of term HIE neonates and is related to lower circulating
      anti-inflammatory IL-17E. Hypothermia does not mitigate vitamin D deficiency in
      HIE.

PMID- 28099430
TI  - Pooled CRISPR screening with single-cell transcriptome readout.
AB  - CRISPR-based genetic screens are accelerating biological discovery, but current
      methods have inherent limitations. Widely used pooled screens are restricted to
      simple readouts including cell proliferation and sortable marker proteins.
      Arrayed screens allow for comprehensive molecular readouts such as transcriptome
      profiling, but at much lower throughput. Here we combine pooled CRISPR screening
      with single-cell RNA sequencing into a broadly applicable workflow, directly
      linking guide RNA expression to transcriptome responses in thousands of
      individual cells. Our method for CRISPR droplet sequencing (CROP-seq) enables
      pooled CRISPR screens with single-cell transcriptome resolution, which will
      facilitate high-throughput functional dissection of complex regulatory mechanisms
      and heterogeneous cell populations.

PMID- 28099431
TI  - Exacerbated Leishmaniasis Caused by a Viral Endosymbiont can be Prevented by
      Immunization with Its Viral Capsid.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that a cytoplasmic virus called Leishmaniavirus (LRV)
      is present in some Leishmania species and acts as a potent innate immunogen,
      aggravating lesional inflammation and development in mice. In humans, the
      presence of LRV in Leishmania guyanensis and in L. braziliensis was significantly
      correlated with poor treatment response and symptomatic relapse. So far, no
      clinical effort has used LRV for prophylactic purposes. In this context, we
      designed an original vaccine strategy that targeted LRV nested in Leishmania
      parasites to prevent virus-related complications. To this end, C57BL/6 mice were
      immunized with a recombinant LRV1 Leishmania guyanensis viral capsid polypeptide
      formulated with a T helper 1-polarizing adjuvant. LRV1-vaccinated mice had
      significant reduction in lesion size and parasite load when subsequently
      challenged with LRV1+ Leishmania guyanensis parasites. The protection conferred
      by this immunization could be reproduced in naive mice via T-cell transfer from
      vaccinated mice but not by serum transfer. The induction of LRV1 specific T cells
      secreting IFN-gamma was confirmed in vaccinated mice and provided strong evidence
      that LRV1-specific protection arose via a cell mediated immune response against
      the LRV1 capsid. Our studies suggest that immunization with LRV1 capsid could be
      of a preventive benefit in mitigating the elevated pathology associated with LRV1
      bearing Leishmania infections and possibly avoiding symptomatic relapses after an
      initial treatment. This novel anti-endosymbiotic vaccine strategy could be
      exploited to control other infectious diseases, as similar viral infections are
      largely prevalent across pathogenic pathogens and could consequently open new
      vaccine opportunities.

PMID- 28099432
TI  - An Analysis of the Last Clinical Encounter before Outpatient Mortality among
      Children with HIV Infection and Exposure in Lilongwe, Malawi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) contributes to nearly 20% of all
      deaths in children under five years of age in Malawi. Expanded coverage of
      antiretroviral therapy has allowed children to access treatment on an outpatient
      basis. Little is known about characteristics of the final outpatient encounter
      prior to mortality in the outpatient setting. METHODS: This retrospective cohort
      study assessed clinical factors associated with mortality among HIV-exposed
      infants and HIV-infected children less than 18 years of age at the Baylor College
      of Medicine Abbott Fund Children's Center of Excellence in Lilongwe, Malawi. We
      compared clinical indicators documented from the final outpatient encounter for
      patients who died in the outpatient setting versus those who were alive after
      their penultimate clinical encounter. RESULTS: Of the 8,546 patients who were
      attended to over a 10-year period at the Baylor Center of Excellence, 851 had
      died (10%). Of children who died, 392 (46%) were directly admitted to the
      hospital after their last clinical encounter and died as inpatients. Of the
      remaining 459 who died as outpatients after their last visit, 53.5% had a World
      Health Organization (WHO) stage IV condition at their last visit, and 25% had a
      WHO stage III condition. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that poor
      nutritional status, female gender, shorter time as a patient, more clinical
      encounters in the prior month, if last visit was an unscheduled sick visit, and
      if the patient had lost weight since their prior visit independently predicted
      increased mortality in the outpatient setting after the final clinical encounter.
      CONCLUSION: Clinical indicators may assist in identifying children with HIV who
      have increased risk of mortality in the outpatient setting. Recognizing these
      indicators may aid in identifying HIV-infected children who require a higher
      level of care or closer follow-up.

PMID- 28099433
TI  - Defining Seropositivity Thresholds for Use in Trachoma Elimination Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Efforts are underway to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem
      by 2020. Programmatic guidelines are based on clinical signs that correlate
      poorly with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection in post-treatment and low
      endemicity settings. Age-specific seroprevalence of anti Ct Pgp3 antibodies has
      been proposed as an alternative indicator of the need for intervention. To
      standardise the use of these tools, it is necessary to develop an analytical
      approach that performs reproducibly both within and between studies. METHODOLOGY:
      Dried blood spots were collected in 2014 from children aged 1-9 years in Laos (n
      = 952) and Uganda (n = 2700) and from people aged 1-90 years in The Gambia (n =
      1868). Anti-Pgp3 antibodies were detected by ELISA. A number of visual and
      statistical analytical approaches for defining serological status were compared.
      PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Seroprevalence was estimated at 11.3% (Laos), 13.4% (Uganda)
      and 29.3% (The Gambia) by visual inspection of the inflection point. The
      expectation-maximisation algorithm estimated seroprevalence at 10.4% (Laos),
      24.3% (Uganda) and 29.3% (The Gambia). Finite mixture model estimates were 15.6%
      (Laos), 17.1% (Uganda) and 26.2% (The Gambia). Receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) curve analysis using a threshold calibrated against external reference
      specimens estimated the seroprevalence at 6.7% (Laos), 6.8% (Uganda) and 20.9%
      (The Gambia) when the threshold was set to optimise Youden's J index. The ROC
      curve analysis was found to estimate seroprevalence at lower levels than
      estimates based on thresholds established using internal reference data.
      Thresholds defined using internal reference threshold methods did not vary
      substantially between population samples. CONCLUSIONS: Internally calibrated
      approaches to threshold specification are reproducible and consistent and thus
      have advantages over methods that require external calibrators. We propose that
      future serological analyses in trachoma use a finite mixture model or expectation
      maximisation algorithm as a means of setting the threshold for ELISA data. This
      will facilitate standardisation and harmonisation between studies and eliminate
      the need to establish and maintain a global calibration standard.

PMID- 28099435
TI  - Insensitivity of Tree-Ring Growth to Temperature and Precipitation Sharpens the
      Puzzle of Enhanced Pre-Eruption NDVI on Mt. Etna (Italy).
AB  - On Mt. Etna (Italy), an enhanced Normalized Difference in Vegetation Index (NDVI)
      signature was detected in the summers of 2001 and 2002 along a distinct line
      where, in November 2002, a flank eruption subsequently occurred. These
      observations suggest that pre-eruptive volcanic activity may have enhanced
      photosynthesis along the future eruptive fissure. If a direct relation between
      NDVI and future volcanic eruptions could be established, it would provide a
      straightforward and low-cost method for early detection of upcoming eruptions.
      However, it is unclear if, or to what extent, the observed enhancement of NDVI
      can be attributed to volcanic activity prior to the subsequent eruption. We
      consequently aimed at determining whether an increase in ambient temperature or
      additional water availability owing to the rise of magma and degassing of water
      vapour prior to the eruption could have increased photosynthesis of Mt. Etna's
      trees. Using dendro-climatic analyses we quantified the sensitivity of tree ring
      widths to temperature and precipitation at high elevation stands on Mt. Etna. Our
      findings suggest that tree growth at high elevation on Mt. Etna is weakly
      influenced by climate, and that neither an increase in water availability nor an
      increase in temperature induced by pre-eruptive activity is a plausible mechanism
      for enhanced photosynthesis before the 2002/2003 flank eruption. Our findings
      thus imply that other, yet unknown, factors must be sought as causes of the pre
      eruption enhancement of NDVI on Mt. Etna.

PMID- 28099434
TI  - MLST-Based Population Genetic Analysis in a Global Context Reveals Clonality
      amongst Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii VNI Isolates from HIV Patients in
      Southeastern Brazil.
AB  - Cryptococcosis is an important fungal infection in immunocompromised individuals,
      especially those infected with HIV. In Brazil, despite the free availability of
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the public health system, the mortality rate due
      to Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis is still high. To obtain a more detailed
      picture of the population genetic structure of this species in southeast Brazil,
      we studied 108 clinical isolates from 101 patients and 35 environmental isolates.
      Among the patients, 59% had a fatal outcome mainly in HIV-positive male patients.
      All the isolates were found to be C. neoformans var. grubii major molecular type
      VNI and mating type locus alpha. Twelve were identified as diploid by flow
      cytometry, being homozygous (AalphaAalpha) for the mating type and by PCR
      screening of the STE20, GPA1, and PAK1 genes. Using the ISHAM consensus
      multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme, 13 sequence types (ST) were identified,
      with one being newly described. ST93 was identified from 81 (75%) of the clinical
      isolates, while ST77 and ST93 were identified from 19 (54%) and 10 (29%)
      environmental isolates, respectively. The southeastern Brazilian isolates had an
      overwhelming clonal population structure. When compared with populations from
      different continents based on data extracted from the ISHAM-MLST database
      (mlst.mycologylab.org) they showed less genetic variability. Two main clusters
      within C. neoformans var. grubii VNI were identified that diverged from VNB
      around 0.58 to 4.8 million years ago.

PMID- 28099436
TI  - A New Approach to Model Pitch Perception Using Sparse Coding.
AB  - Our acoustical environment abounds with repetitive sounds, some of which are
      related to pitch perception. It is still unknown how the auditory system, in
      processing these sounds, relates a physical stimulus and its percept. Since, in
      mammals, all auditory stimuli are conveyed into the nervous system through the
      auditory nerve (AN) fibers, a model should explain the perception of pitch as a
      function of this particular input. However, pitch perception is invariant to
      certain features of the physical stimulus. For example, a missing fundamental
      stimulus with resolved or unresolved harmonics, or a low and high-level amplitude
      stimulus with the same spectral content-these all give rise to the same percept
      of pitch. In contrast, the AN representations for these different stimuli are not
      invariant to these effects. In fact, due to saturation and non-linearity of both
      cochlear and inner hair cells responses, these differences are enhanced by the AN
      fibers. Thus there is a difficulty in explaining how pitch percept arises from
      the activity of the AN fibers. We introduce a novel approach for extracting pitch
      cues from the AN population activity for a given arbitrary stimulus. The method
      is based on a technique known as sparse coding (SC). It is the representation of
      pitch cues by a few spatiotemporal atoms (templates) from among a large set of
      possible ones (a dictionary). The amount of activity of each atom is represented
      by a non-zero coefficient, analogous to an active neuron. Such a technique has
      been successfully applied to other modalities, particularly vision. The model is
      composed of a cochlear model, an SC processing unit, and a harmonic sieve. We
      show that the model copes with different pitch phenomena: extracting resolved and
      non-resolved harmonics, missing fundamental pitches, stimuli with both high and
      low amplitudes, iterated rippled noises, and recorded musical instruments.

PMID- 28099437
TI  - Overexpression of Rad51 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer: Our
      Experience with 54 Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aberrant Rad51 expression is implicated in the progression of human
      malignancies. However, the role of Rad51 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains
      undefined. This study aimed to establish a relationship between Rad51 and
      clinicopathologic features of CRC. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the
      paraffin-embedded tissue samples obtained from 54 patients with CRC who had
      received surgical therapies at our institution during 2006-2008. Rad51 expression
      in adenocarcinoma, paracancerous tissue, and normal colonic tissue was determined
      by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between Rad51 immunoreactivity and
      clinicopathologic features of these patients was evaluated. RESULTS: Rad51
      immunoreactivity was detected in 67% of adenocarcinoma, 48% of paracancerous
      tissue, and 27% of normal colonic mucosa. Rad51 expression in adenocarcinoma was
      significantly higher than normal colonic tissue (p < 0.05). Rad51 was also
      overexpressed in poorly differentiated tumors and tumor samples from patients
      with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). Patients with Rad51 overexpression had a
      69% two-year survival, 49% three-year survival, and 16% five-year survival,
      considerably worse than patients with negative Rad51 expression (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that Rad51 overexpression is correlated with
      malignant phenotypes of CRC and may predict poor prognosis for these patients.

PMID- 28099438
TI  - Age Related Patterns of Disease and Mortality in Hospitalised Adults in Malawi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low and middle
      income countries (LMICs) is widely recognised as the next major challenge to
      global health. However, in many LMICs, infectious diseases are still prevalent
      resulting in a "double burden" of disease. With increased life expectancy and
      longevity with HIV, older adults may particularly be at risk of this double
      burden. Here we describe the relative contributions of infections and NCDs to
      hospital admissions and mortality, according to age, in Malawi's largest
      hospital. METHODS: Primary diagnosis on discharge/death, mortality rates, and HIV
      status were recorded prospectively on consecutive adult medical in-patients over
      2 years using an electronic medical records system. Diagnoses were classified as
      infections or NCDs and analysed according to age and gender. FINDINGS: 10,191
      records were analysed. Overall, infectious diseases, particularly those
      associated with HIV, were the leading cause of admission. However, in adults >=55
      years, NCDs were the commonest diagnoses. In adults <55 years 71% of deaths were
      due to infections whereas in adults >=55 years 56% of deaths were due to NCDs.
      INTERPRETATION: Infectious diseases are still the leading cause of adult
      admission to a central hospital in Malawi but in adults aged >=55 years NCDs are
      the most frequent diagnoses. HIV was an underlying factor in the majority of
      adults with infections and was also present in 53% of those with NCDs. These
      findings highlight the need for further health sector shifts to address the
      double burden of infectious and NCDs, particularly in the ageing population.

PMID- 28099439
TI  - Single versus Serial Measurements of Neuron-Specific Enolase and Prediction of
      Poor Neurological Outcome in Persistently Unconscious Patients after Out-Of
      Hospital Cardiac Arrest - A TTM-Trial Substudy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prediction of neurological outcome is a crucial part of post cardiac
      arrest care and prediction in patients remaining unconscious and/or sedated after
      rewarming from targeted temperature management (TTM) remains difficult. Current
      guidelines suggest the use of serial measurements of the biomarker neuron
      specific enolase (NSE) in combination with other predictors of outcome in
      patients admitted after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This study sought
      to investigate the ability of NSE to predict poor outcome in patients remaining
      unconscious at day three after OHCA. In addition, this study sought to
      investigate if serial NSE measurements add incremental prognostic information
      compared to a single NSE measurement at 48 hours in this population. METHODS:
      This study is a post-hoc sub-study of the TTM trial, randomizing OHCA patients to
      a course of TTM at either 33 degrees C or 36 degrees C. Patients were included
      from sites participating in the TTM-trial biobank sub study. NSE was measured at
      24, 48 and 72 hours after ROSC and follow-up was concluded after 180 days. The
      primary end point was poor neurological function or death defined by a cerebral
      performance category score (CPC-score) of 3 to 5. RESULTS: A total of 685 (73%)
      patients participated in the study. At day three after OHCA 63 (9%) patients had
      died and 473 (69%) patients were not awake. In these patients, a single NSE
      measurement at 48 hours predicted poor outcome with an area under the receiver
      operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.83. A combination of all three NSE
      measurements yielded the highest discovered AUC (0.88, p = .0002). Easily
      applicable combinations of serial NSE measurements did not significantly improve
      prediction over a single measurement at 48 hours (AUC 0.58-0.84 versus 0.83).
      CONCLUSION: NSE is a strong predictor of poor outcome after OHCA in persistently
      unconscious patients undergoing TTM, and NSE is a promising surrogate marker of
      outcome in clinical trials. While combinations of serial NSE measurements may
      provide an increase in overall prognostic information, it is unclear whether
      actual clinical prognostication with low false-positive rates is improved by
      application of serial measurements in persistently unconscious patients. The
      findings of this study should be confirmed in another prospective cohort. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: NCT01020916.

PMID- 28099440
TI  - Engagement of Components of DNA-Break Repair Complex and NFkappaB in Hsp70A1A
      Transcription Upregulation by Heat Shock.
AB  - An involvement of components of DNA-break repair (DBR) complex including DNA
      dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP-1) in
      transcription regulation in response to distinct cellular signalling has been
      revealed by different laboratories. Here, we explored the involvement of DNA-PK
      and PARP-1 in the heat shock induced transcription of Hsp70A1A. We find that
      inhibition of both the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK (DNA-PKc), and Ku70, a
      regulatory subunit of DNA-PK holo-enzyme compromises transcription of Hsp70A1A
      under heat shock treatment. In immunoprecipitation based experiments we find that
      Ku70 or DNA-PK holoenzyme associates with NFkappaB. This NFkappaB associated
      complex also carries PARP-1. Downregulation of both NFkappaB and PARP-1
      compromises Hsp70A1A transcription induced by heat shock treatment. Alteration of
      three bases by site directed mutagenesis within the consensus kappaB sequence
      motif identified on the promoter affected inducibility of Hsp70A1A transcription
      by heat shock treatment. These results suggest that NFkappaB engaged with the
      kappaB motif on the promoter cooperates in Hsp70A1A activation under heat shock
      in human cells as part of a DBR complex including DNA-PK and PARP-1.

PMID- 28099441
TI  - PUMA and NF-kB Are Cell Signaling Predictors of Reovirus Oncolysis of Breast
      Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reovirus is a ubiquitous RNA virus that exploits aberrant
      signaling pathways for its replication. The oncolytic potential of reovirus
      against numerous cancers under pre-clinical/clinical conditions has been
      documented by us and others. Despite its proven clinical activity, the underlying
      mechanisms of reovirus oncolysis is still not well elucidated. If reovirus
      therapy is to be optimized for cancer, including breast cancer patients, it is
      imperative to understand the mechanisms of reovirus oncolysis, especially in
      treatment of resistant tumour. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH AND RESULTS: In the present
      study global gene expression profiling was utilized as a preliminary roadmap to
      tease-out pivotal molecules involved in reovirus induced apoptosis in breast
      cancer. Reovirus treated HTB133 and MCF7 breast cancer cells revealed
      transcriptional alteration of a defined subset of apoptotic genes and members of
      the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) family and p53 upregulated modulator of
      apoptosis (PUMA) were prominent. Since NF-kB can paradoxically suppress or
      promote apoptosis in cancer, the significance of NF-kB in reovirus oncolysis of
      breast cancer was investigated. Real time PCR analysis indicated a 2.9-4.3 fold
      increase in NF-kB p65 message levels following reovirus infection of MCF7 and
      HTB133, respectively. Nuclear translocation of NF-kB p65 protein was also
      dramatically augmented post reovirus treatment and correlated with enhanced DNA
      binding. Pharmacologic inhibition of NF-kB lead to oncolytic protection and
      significant down regulation of PUMA message levels. PUMA down regulation using
      siRNA suppressed reovirus oncolysis via significantly repressed apoptosis in p53
      mutant HTB133 cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time that
      a prominent pathway of reovirus oncolysis of breast cancer is mediated through NF
      kB and that PUMA upregulation is dependent on NF-kB activation. These findings
      represent potential therapeutic indicators of reovirus treatment in future
      clinical trials.

PMID- 28099442
TI  - A Whole Genome DArTseq and SNP Analysis for Genetic Diversity Assessment in Durum
      Wheat from Central Fertile Crescent.
AB  - Until now, little attention has been paid to the geographic distribution and
      evaluation of genetic diversity of durum wheat from the Central Fertile Crescent
      (modern-day Turkey and Syria). Turkey and Syria are considered as primary centers
      of wheat diversity, and thousands of locally adapted wheat landraces are still
      present in the farmers' small fields. We planned this study to evaluate the
      genetic diversity of durum wheat landraces from the Central Fertile Crescent by
      genotyping based on DArTseq and SNP analysis. A total of 39,568 DArTseq and
      20,661 SNP markers were used to characterize the genetic characteristic of 91
      durum wheat land races. Clustering based on Neighbor joining analysis, principal
      coordinate as well as Bayesian model implemented in structure, clearly showed
      that the grouping pattern is not associated with the geographical distribution of
      the durum wheat due to the mixing of the Turkish and Syrian landraces.
      Significant correlation between DArTseq and SNP markers was observed in the
      Mantel test. However, we detected a non-significant relationship between
      geographical coordinates and DArTseq (r = -0.085) and SNP (r = -0.039) loci.
      These results showed that unconscious farmer selection and lack of the commercial
      varieties might have resulted in the exchange of genetic material and this was
      apparent in the genetic structure of durum wheat in Turkey and Syria. The genomic
      characterization presented here is an essential step towards a future
      exploitation of the available durum wheat genetic resources in genomic and
      breeding programs. The results of this study have also depicted a clear insight
      about the genetic diversity of wheat accessions from the Central Fertile
      Crescent.

PMID- 28099444
TI  - The Functional Significance of Affect Recognition, Neurocognition, and Clinical
      Symptoms in Schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The complex relationship and exact extent of the contribution of
      plausible indictors to social functional outcome in schizophrenia remain unclear.
      The present study aimed to explore the functional significance of clinical
      symptoms, neurocognition, and affect recognition simultaneously in schizophrenia.
      METHODS: The clinical symptoms, basic neurocognition, facial emotion recognition,
      and social functioning of 154 subjects, including 74 with schizophrenia and 80
      nonclinical comparisons, were assessed. RESULTS: We observed that various
      subdomains of social functioning were extensively related to general
      intelligence, basic neurocognition, facial emotion recognition, and clinical
      symptoms, with different association patterns. Multivariate regression analyses
      revealed that years of education, age, sustained attention, working memory, and
      facial emotion recognition were significantly associated with global social
      functioning in schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that affect
      recognition combined with nonsocial neurocognition demonstrated a crucial role in
      predicting global social function in schizophrenia.

PMID- 28099443
TI  - Inhibition of Human Drug Transporter Activities by the Pyrethroid Pesticides
      Allethrin and Tetramethrin.
AB  - Pyrethroids are widely-used chemical insecticides, to which humans are commonly
      exposed, and known to alter functional expression of drug metabolizing enzymes.
      Limited data have additionally suggested that drug transporters, that constitute
      key-actors of the drug detoxification system, may also be targeted by
      pyrethroids. The present study was therefore designed to analyze the potential
      regulatory effects of these pesticides towards activities of main ATP-binding
      cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) drug transporters, using transporter
      overexpressing cells. The pyrethroids allethrin and tetramethrin were found to
      inhibit various ABC and SLC drug transporters, including multidrug resistance
      associated protein (MRP) 2, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), organic
      anion transporter polypeptide (OATP) 1B1, organic anion transporter (OAT) 3,
      multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter (MATE) 1, organic cation transporter
      (OCT) 1 and OCT2, with IC50 values however ranging from 2.6 MUM (OCT1 inhibition
      by allethrin) to 77.6 MUM (OAT3 inhibition by tetramethrin) and thus much higher
      than pyrethroid concentrations (in the nM range) reached in environmentally
      pyrethroid-exposed humans. By contrast, allethrin and tetramethrin cis-stimulated
      OATP2B1 activity and failed to alter activities of OATP1B3, OAT1 and MATE2-K,
      whereas P-glycoprotein activity was additionally moderately inhibited. Twelve
      other pyrethoids used at 100 MUM did not block activities of the various
      investigated transporters, or only moderately inhibited some of them (inhibition
      by less than 50%). In silico analysis of structure-activity relationships next
      revealed that molecular parameters, including molecular weight and lipophilicity,
      are associated with transporter inhibition by allethrin/tetramethrin and
      successfully predicted transporter inhibition by the pyrethroids imiprothrin and
      prallethrin. Taken together, these data fully demonstrated that two pyrethoids,
      i.e., allethrin and tetramethrin, can act as regulators of the activity of
      various ABC and SLC drug transporters, but only when used at high and non
      relevant concentrations, making unlikely any contribution of these transporter
      activity alterations to pyrethroid toxicity in environmentally exposed humans.

PMID- 28099445
TI  - Prevalence of Diabetes among Migrant Women and Duration of Residence in the
      United Arab Emirates: A Cross Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the
      highest in United Arab Emirates (UAE), however data for the expatriate population
      is limited. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of T2DM amongst migrant
      women and test the hypothesis that acculturation (measured by years of residency)
      is associated with an increased risk of T2DM. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional
      study and we recruited a representative sample (n = 599, 75% participation rate)
      of migrant women aged 18 years and over in Al Ain, UAE. The American Diabetes
      Association criteria were used to diagnose T2DM. An adapted WHO STEPS
      questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, lifestyle and clinical data.
      Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify correlates of T2DM
      including length of UAE residence. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 34.1
      (+/- 9.5) years. Of the study participants, based on HbA1C levels, 18.6% (95% CI:
      13.9-24.4) had prediabetes and 10.7% (95% CI: 7.2-15.6) had T2DM. Prevalence of
      prediabetes was 8.5% for Filipinos, 16.7% for Arabs and 30.3% for South Asians.
      Similarly the prevalence of T2DM was 1.7% for Filipinos, 12.2% for Arabs and
      16.7% for South Asians. Significant correlates of overall T2DM (measured and
      known diabetes) included length of UAE residence for more than 10 years (Adjusted
      Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.74, 95% CI: 1.21-6.20), age >=40 years (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI:
      1.53-7.87) and South Asian nationality (AOR 2.10, 95% CI: 0.94-4.70). CONCLUSION:
      Diabetes is a significant public health problem among migrant women in the UAE,
      particularly for South Asians. Longer length of residence in the UAE is
      associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes.

PMID- 28099446
TI  - Reconstruction of the Cortical Maps of the Tasmanian Tiger and Comparison to the
      Tasmanian Devil.
AB  - The last known Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus)-aka the thylacine-died
      in 1936. Because its natural behavior was never scientifically documented, we are
      left to infer aspects of its behavior from museum specimens and historical
      recollections of bushmen. Recent advances in brain imaging have made it possible
      to scan postmortem specimens of a wide range of animals, even more than a decade
      old. Any thylacine brain, however, would be more than 100 years old. Here, we
      show that it is possible to reconstruct white matter tracts in two thylacine
      brains. For functional interpretation, we compare to the white matter
      reconstructions of the brains of two Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii). We
      reconstructed the cortical projection zones of the basal ganglia and major
      thalamic nuclei. The basal ganglia reconstruction showed a more modularized
      pattern in the cortex of the thylacine, while the devil cortex was dominated by
      the putamen. Similarly, the thalamic projections had a more orderly topography in
      the thylacine than the devil. These results are consistent with theories of brain
      evolution suggesting that larger brains are more modularized. Functionally, the
      thylacine's brain may have had relatively more cortex devoted to planning and
      decision-making, which would be consistent with a predatory ecological niche
      versus the scavenging niche of the devil.

PMID- 28099447
TI  - Genome-Wide Immune Modulation of TLR3-Mediated Inflammation in Intestinal
      Epithelial Cells Differs between Single and Multi-Strain Probiotic Combination.
AB  - Genome-wide transcriptional analysis in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) can aid
      in elucidating the impact of single versus multi-strain probiotic combinations on
      immunological and cellular mechanisms of action. In this study we used human
      expression microarray chips in an in vitro intestinal epithelial cell model to
      investigate the impact of three probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus helveticus
      R0052 (Lh-R0052), Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis R0033 (Bl-R0033) and
      Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 (Bb-R0071) individually and in combination, and of
      a surface-layer protein (SLP) purified from Lh-R0052, on HT-29 cells'
      transcriptional profile to poly(I:C)-induced inflammation. Hierarchical heat map
      clustering, Set Distiller and String analyses revealed that the effects of Lh
      R0052 and Bb-R0071 diverged from those of Bl-R0033 and Lh-R0052-SLP. It was
      evident from the global analyses with respect to the immune, cellular and
      homeostasis related pathways that the co-challenge with probiotic combination
      (PC) vastly differed in its effect from the single strains and Lh-R0052-SLP
      treatments. The multi-strain PC resulted in a greater reduction of modulated
      genes, found through functional connections between immune and cellular pathways.
      Cytokine and chemokine analyses based on specific outcomes from the TNF-alpha and
      NF-kappaB signaling pathways revealed single, multi-strain and Lh-R0052-SLP
      specific attenuation of the majority of proteins measured (TNF-alpha, IL-8,
      CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL10), indicating potentially different mechanisms. These
      findings indicate a synergistic effect of the bacterial combinations relative to
      the single strain and Lh-R0052-SLP treatments in resolving toll-like receptor 3
      (TLR3)-induced inflammation in IEC and maintaining cellular homeostasis,
      reinforcing the rationale for using multi-strain formulations as a probiotic.

PMID- 28099448
TI  - The Effects of Low-Power Laser Irradiation on Inflammation and Apoptosis in
      Submandibular Glands of Diabetes-Induced Rats.
AB  - Diabetes can lead to dysfunction of the secretory capacity in salivary glands.
      Activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its
      ligands has been suggested to participate in chronic disorders such as diabetes
      and its complications. In this study, the expression of RAGE, high mobility group
      box 1 (HMGB1) and advanced glycation end products (AGE), as well as the effects
      of low-power laser irradiation (LPLI) in salivary glands of diabetic rats were
      evaluated, and the mechanisms involved were characterized. The expression of RAGE
      and HMGB1 at the protein and mRNA levels was observed in submandibular glands
      (SMGs) of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A diode laser was applied at 660
      nm, 70 mW, 20 J/cm2, 0.56 J/point, with a spot area of 0.028 cm2 and its in vivo
      effects and the pathways involved were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and
      western blotting analysis were performed for inflammatory and apoptosis markers.
      Diabetes up-regulates HMGB1/AGE/RAGE axis gene expression in SMGs that is
      associated with activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) pathway.
      Interestingly, LPLI suppresses NF-kappaB activation induced by inflammation. LPLI
      also reduces diabetes-induced apoptosis. That effect was accompanied by decreased
      levels of Bax, and cleaved caspase 3, which were up-regulated in diabetes. Taken
      together, our data suggest that LPLI reduces diabetes-induced inflammation by
      reducing the induction of HMGB1, ultimately leading to inhibition of apoptosis in
      submandibular glands of diabetic rats.

PMID- 28099449
TI  - The Use of Functional Data Analysis to Evaluate Activity in a Spontaneous Model
      of Degenerative Joint Disease Associated Pain in Cats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Accelerometry is used as an objective measure of
      physical activity in humans and veterinary species. In cats, one important use of
      accelerometry is in the study of therapeutics designed to treat degenerative
      joint disease (DJD) associated pain, where it serves as the most widely applied
      objective outcome measure. These analyses have commonly used summary measures,
      calculating the mean activity per-minute over days and comparing between
      treatment periods. While this technique has been effective, information about the
      pattern of activity in cats is lost. In this study, functional data analysis was
      applied to activity data from client-owned cats with (n = 83) and without (n =
      15) DJD. Functional data analysis retains information about the pattern of
      activity over the 24-hour day, providing insight into activity over time. We
      hypothesized that 1) cats without DJD would have higher activity counts and
      intensity of activity than cats with DJD; 2) that activity counts and intensity
      of activity in cats with DJD would be inversely correlated with total
      radiographic DJD burden and total orthopedic pain score; and 3) that activity
      counts and intensity would have a different pattern on weekends versus weekdays.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Results showed marked inter-cat variability in activity.
      Cats exhibited a bimodal pattern of activity with a sharp peak in the morning and
      broader peak in the evening. Results further showed that this pattern was
      different on weekends than weekdays, with the morning peak being shifted to the
      right (later). Cats with DJD showed different patterns of activity from cats
      without DJD, though activity and intensity were not always lower; instead both
      the peaks and troughs of activity were less extreme than those of the cats
      without DJD. Functional data analysis provides insight into the pattern of
      activity in cats, and an alternative method for analyzing accelerometry data that
      incorporates fluctuations in activity across the day.

PMID- 28099450
TI  - Advanced Neonatal Medicine in China: A National Baseline Database.
AB  - Previous surveys of neonatal medicine in China have not collected comprehensive
      information on workforce, investment, health care practice, and disease
      expenditure. The goal of the present study was to develop a national database of
      neonatal care units and compare present outcomes data in conjunction with health
      care practices and costs. We summarized the above components by extracting data
      from the databases of the national key clinical subspecialty proposals issued by
      national health authority in China, as well as publicly accessible databases.
      Sixty-one newborn clinical units from provincial or ministerial hospitals at the
      highest level within local areas in mainland China, were included for the study.
      Data were gathered for three consecutive years (2008-2010) in 28 of 31 provincial
      districts in mainland China. Of the 61 newborn units in 2010, there were 4,948
      beds (median = 62 [IQR 43-110]), 1,369 physicians (median = 22 [IQR 15-29]),
      3,443 nurses (median = 52 [IQR 33-81]), and 170,159 inpatient discharges (median
      = 2,612 [IQR 1,436-3,804]). During 2008-2010, the median yearly investment for a
      single newborn unit was US$344,700 (IQR 166,100-585,800), median length of
      hospital stay for overall inpatient newborns 9.5 (IQR 8.2-10.8) days, median
      inpatient antimicrobial drug use rate 68.7% (IQR 49.8-87.0), and median
      nosocomial infection rate 3.2% (IQR1.7-5.4). For the common newborn diseases of
      pneumonia, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, and very low birth weight
      (<1,500 grams) infants, their lengths of hospital stay, daily costs, hospital
      costs, ratios of hospital cost to per-capita disposable income, and ratios of
      hospital cost to per-capita health expenditure, were all significantly different
      across regions (North China, Northeast China, East China, South Central China,
      Southwest China, and Northwest China). The survival rate of extremely low birth
      weight (ELBW) infants (Birth weight <1,000 grams) was 76.0% during 2008-2010 in
      the five hospitals where each unit had more than 20 admissions of ELBW infants in
      2010; and the median hospital cost for a single hospital stay in ELBW infants was
      US$8,613 (IQR 8,153-9,216), which was 3.0 times (IQR 2.0-3.2) the average per
      capita disposable income, or 63 times (IQR 40.3-72.1) the average per-capita
      health expenditure of local urban residents in 2011. Our national database
      provides baseline data on the status of advanced neonatal medicine in China,
      gathering valuable information for quality improvement, decision making,
      longitudinal studies and horizontal comparisons.

PMID- 28099451
TI  - Drawbacks of Dialysis Procedures for Removal of EDTA.
AB  - Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a chelating agent commonly used in
      protein purification, both to eliminate contaminating divalent cations and to
      inhibit protease activity. For a number of subsequent applications EDTA needs to
      be exhaustively removed. Most purification methods rely in extensive dialysis
      and/or gel filtration in order to exchange or remove protein buffer components,
      including metal chelators. We report here that dialysis protocols, even as
      extensive as those typically employed for protein refolding, may not effectively
      remove EDTA, which is reduced only by approximately two-fold and it also persists
      after spin-column gel filtration, as determined by NMR and by colorimetric
      methods. Remarkably, the most efficient removal was achieved by ultrafiltration,
      after which EDTA became virtually undetectable. These results highlight a
      potentially widespread source of experimental variability affecting free divalent
      cation concentrations in protein applications.

PMID- 28099452
TI  - How Does the Concentration of Determinants Affect Industrial Innovation
      Performance? - An Empirical Analysis of 23 Chinese Industrial Sectors.
AB  - The agglomeration of innovation determinants has a significant influence on the
      innovation performance of industries and enterprises. Such an effect has received
      less attention in empirical research studies. This study involves a survey of the
      agglomeration effect of two important innovation determinants, R&D investment and
      R&D personnel, and its influence on innovation performance from the perspective
      of the industrial level. We analysed the agglomeration features based on the
      panel data of 23 Chinese industrial sectors from 2001~2013. An interpretation
      model is proposed to examine the agglomeration effect on innovation performance
      for 4 industrial groups: state-owned enterprises, individual enterprises, foreign
      owned enterprises and enterprises as a whole. We found two main results. First,
      the agglomeration of determinants has a clear positive effect on the innovation
      performance of all 4 groups but affects individual enterprises more
      significantly, followed by state-owned and foreign-owned enterprises. Second, the
      state-owned enterprises show a much higher concentration of R&D investment and
      R&D personnel than other groups. However, the induced innovation efficiency in
      the state-owned enterprises is worse than in the individual enterprises. The
      advantage of resources and capital does not translate into corresponding
      innovation output. The privately owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
      show a high capability of technological innovation and mercerization but have
      limited innovation resources.

PMID- 28099453
TI  - Elimination of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in an Animal Feed Manufacturing
      Facility.
AB  - Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) was the first virus of wide scale concern
      to be linked to possible transmission by livestock feed or ingredients. Measures
      to exclude pathogens, prevent cross-contamination, and actively reduce the
      pathogenic load of feed and ingredients are being developed. However, research
      thus far has focused on the role of chemicals or thermal treatment to reduce the
      RNA in the actual feedstuffs, and has not addressed potential residual
      contamination within the manufacturing facility that may lead to continuous
      contamination of finished feeds. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate
      the use of a standardized protocol to sanitize an animal feed manufacturing
      facility contaminated with PEDV. Environmental swabs were collected throughout
      the facility during the manufacturing of a swine diet inoculated with PEDV. To
      monitor facility contamination of the virus, swabs were collected at: 1) baseline
      prior to inoculation, 2) after production of the inoculated feed, 3) after
      application of a quaternary ammonium-glutaraldehyde blend cleaner, 4) after
      application of a sodium hypochlorite sanitizing solution, and 5) after facility
      heat-up to 60 degrees C for 48 hours. Decontamination step, surface, type, zone
      and their interactions were all found to impact the quantity of detectable PEDV
      RNA (P < 0.05). As expected, all samples collected from equipment surfaces
      contained PEDV RNA after production of the contaminated feed. Additionally, the
      majority of samples collected from non-direct feed contact surfaces were also
      positive for PEDV RNA after the production of the contaminated feed, emphasizing
      the potential role dust plays in cross-contamination of pathogen throughout a
      manufacturing facility. Application of the cleaner, sanitizer, and heat were
      effective at reducing PEDV genomic material (P < 0.05), but did not completely
      eliminate it.

PMID- 28099454
TI  - High Cable Forces Deteriorate Pinch Force Control in Voluntary-Closing Body
      Powered Prostheses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is generally asserted that reliable and intuitive control of upper
      limb prostheses requires adequate feedback of prosthetic finger positions and
      pinch forces applied to objects. Body-powered prostheses (BPPs) provide the user
      with direct proprioceptive feedback. Currently available BPPs often require high
      cable operation forces, which complicates control of the forces at the terminal
      device. The aim of this study is to quantify the influence of high cable forces
      on object manipulation with voluntary-closing prostheses. METHOD: Able-bodied
      male subjects were fitted with a bypass-prosthesis with low and high cable force
      settings for the prehensor. Subjects were requested to grasp and transfer a
      collapsible object as fast as they could without dropping or breaking it. The
      object had a low and a high breaking force setting. RESULTS: Subjects conducted
      significantly more successful manipulations with the low cable force setting,
      both for the low (33% more) and high (50%) object's breaking force. The time to
      complete the task was not different between settings during successful
      manipulation trials. CONCLUSION: High cable forces lead to reduced pinch force
      control during object manipulation. This implies that low cable operation forces
      should be a key design requirement for voluntary-closing BPPs.

PMID- 28099455
TI  - Evaluating the Impact of DNA Extraction Method on the Representation of Human
      Oral Bacterial and Fungal Communities.
AB  - The application of high-throughput, next-generation sequencing technologies has
      greatly improved our understanding of the human oral microbiome. While
      deciphering this diverse microbial community using such approaches is more
      accurate than traditional culture-based methods, experimental bias introduced
      during critical steps such as DNA extraction may compromise the results obtained.
      Here, we systematically evaluate four commonly used microbial DNA extraction
      methods (MoBio PowerSoil(r) DNA Isolation Kit, QIAamp(r) DNA Mini Kit, Zymo
      Bacterial/Fungal DNA Mini PrepTM, phenol:chloroform-based DNA isolation) based on
      the following criteria: DNA quality and yield, and microbial community structure
      based on Illumina amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of
      bacteria and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 region of fungi. Our results
      indicate that DNA quality and yield varied significantly with DNA extraction
      method. Representation of bacterial genera in plaque and saliva samples did not
      significantly differ across DNA extraction methods and DNA extraction method
      showed no effect on the recovery of fungal genera from plaque. By contrast,
      fungal diversity from saliva was affected by DNA extraction method, suggesting
      that not all protocols are suitable to study the salivary mycobiome.

PMID- 28099456
TI  - Burden of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Progression: A 5-Year Longitudinal Follow
      Up Study.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease with an unpredictable
      course. An observational study was set up using the French hospital discharge
      database to describe the reasons, outcomes and costs of hospitalisations related
      to this disease. Patients newly hospitalised for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
      (ICD-10 code: J84.1) in 2008 were identified and followed for 5 years. As J84.1
      includes other fibrotic pulmonary diseases, an algorithm excluding age<50 years
      and presence of a differential diagnosis in the following year was defined.
      Overall, 6,476 patients were identified; of whom 30% were admitted through the
      emergency unit and 12% died during their first hospitalisation. Most of patients
      were hospitalised at least once for one or several acute events (n = 5,635; 87.0%
      of patients), of whom 36.5% of patients with an acute respiratory worsening (in
      hospital mortality of 17.0% and median cost of ?3,224; interquartile range (IQR
      ?889-6,092)), 43.7% of patients with a respiratory infection (in-hospital
      mortality of 29.5% and median cost of ?5,432 (IQR, ?3,620-9,115)) and 51.7% of
      patients with a cardiac event (in-hospital mortality of 35.7% and median cost of
      ?4,584 (IQR, ?2,803-6,399)); 30.2% of these events occurred during the first
      hospitalisation. Finally, the 3-year in-hospital mortality crude rate was 36.8%.
      This study is the first providing extensive data on hospitalisations in patients
      with pulmonary fibrosis, mostly idiopathic, in France, demonstrating high burden
      and hospital cost.

PMID- 28099457
TI  - Comparing and Evaluating Metagenome Assembly Tools from a Microbiologist's
      Perspective - Not Only Size Matters!
AB  - With the constant improvement in cost-efficiency and quality of Next Generation
      Sequencing technologies, shotgun-sequencing approaches -such as metagenomics-
      have nowadays become the methods of choice for studying and classifying
      microorganisms from various habitats. The production of data has dramatically
      increased over the past years and processing and analysis steps are becoming more
      and more of a bottleneck. Limiting factors are partly the availability of
      computational resources, but mainly the bioinformatics expertise in establishing
      and applying appropriate processing and analysis pipelines. Fortunately, a large
      diversity of specialized software tools is nowadays available. Nevertheless,
      choosing the most appropriate methods for answering specific biological questions
      can be rather challenging, especially for non-bioinformaticians. In order to
      provide a comprehensive overview and guide for the microbiological scientific
      community, we assessed the most common and freely available metagenome assembly
      tools with respect to their output statistics, their sensitivity for low abundant
      community members and variability in resulting community profiles as well as
      their ease-of-use. In contrast to the highly anticipated "Critical Assessment of
      Metagenomic Interpretation" (CAMI) challenge, which uses general mock community
      based assembler comparison we here tested assemblers on real Illumina metagenome
      sequencing data from natural communities of varying complexity sampled from
      forest soil and algal biofilms. Our observations clearly demonstrate that
      different assembly tools can prove optimal, depending on the sample type,
      available computational resources and, most importantly, the specific research
      goal. In addition, we present detailed descriptions of the underlying principles
      and pitfalls of publically available assembly tools from a microbiologist's
      perspective, and provide guidance regarding the user-friendliness, sensitivity
      and reliability of the resulting phylogenetic profiles.

PMID- 28099458
TI  - Gender Differences in Factors Related to HIV Risk Behaviors among People Who
      Inject Drugs in North-East India.
AB  - People who inject drugs (PWID) in India are at high risk for HIV, with women
      being at elevated risk. Using a socio-ecological framework, this study assessed
      whether factors associated with HIV transmission risk behaviors differed across
      men and women PWID. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from 6449
      PWID in 7 cities in Northeast India. Men (n = 5653) and women (n = 796) PWID were
      recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). We assessed sex differences in
      two recent HIV transmission risk behaviors: multiple sex partners and
      needle/syringe sharing. We used multi-level logistic regression models, which
      incorporated sampling weights and random intercepts for city, to assess factors
      associated with these HIV risks, separately among men and women. The prevalence
      of HIV was significantly higher among women than men (53% vs 18.4%, p<0.01).
      Nearly 13% of men and 8% of women (p = .30) had multiple partners. Employment in
      men and relationship status and stigma in women were significantly associated
      with multiple partners. Approximately 25% of men and 19% of women engaged in
      needle sharing (p = .16). Younger age in women and depression symptoms in men
      were significantly associated with increased risk for sharing needles. We found
      that sexual and drug related risk behaviors were common among PWID in Northeast
      India, and there were differences between men and women in the socio-ecologic
      correlates of these behaviors. Contextually-integrated and gender-specific HIV
      prevention and intervention efforts are needed that consider factors at
      individual, interpersonal- and community-levels that uniquely impact HIV risks
      among PWID.

PMID- 28099459
TI  - Correction: The Burden of Leprosy in Cameroon: Fifteen Years into the Post
      elimination Era.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005012.].

PMID- 28099460
TI  - Impact of Radiofrequency Ablation-Induced Glisson's Capsule-Associated
      Complications in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is commonly used to locally treat
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, when tumors are close to the Glisson's
      capsule, RFA may induce injury in this region, complicating therapeutic efforts.
      We investigated the impact of RFA-induced Glisson's capsule-associated
      complications on liver function and prognosis of HCC patients. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed our patient database and found 170 early-stage HCC
      patients treated via RFA from April 2004 to December 2012. We defined RFA-induced
      Glisson's capsule-associated complication as lasting hepatic arterioportal (AP)
      fistula, major intrahepatic bile-duct dilatation (affecting two or more
      subsegments), or hepatic infarction. We also defined liver failure as initial
      occurrence of either total bilirubin increase (>3.0 mg/dL), uncontrolled ascites,
      or encephalopathy. RESULTS: In our cohort, 15 patients had RFA-induced Glisson's
      capsule-associated complications (incidence of related complications, with some
      overlap: lasting AP fistula, n = 9; major intrahepatic bile-duct dilatation, n =
      7; and hepatic infarction, n = 2). The cumulative incidence of liver failure
      before stage progression was significantly higher and the median overall survival
      (OS) was significantly lower (52.3 months) in HCC patients with Glisson's capsule
      associated complications than in those without Glisson's capsule-associated
      complications (95.0 months). In addition, multivariate analysis demonstrated that
      Glisson's capsule-associated complication was a significant independent factor
      associated with OS. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have shown that early-stage
      HCC patients with RFA-induced Glisson's capsule-associated complications may have
      higher risks in poor prognosis.

PMID- 28099461
TI  - Whole Exome Sequencing of Growing and Non-Growing Cutaneous Neurofibromas from a
      Single Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.
AB  - The growth behaviors of cutaneous neurofibromas in patients with
      Neurofibromatosis type 1 are highly variable. The role of the germline NF1
      mutation, somatic NF1 mutation and mutations at modifying loci, are poorly
      understood. We performed whole exome sequencing of three growing and three non
      growing neurofibromas from a single individual to assess the role of acquired
      somatic mutations in neurofibroma growth behavior. 1-11 mutations were identified
      in each sample, including two deleterious NF1 mutations. No trends were present
      between the types of somatic mutations identified and growth behavior. Mutations
      in the HIPPO signaling pathway appeared to be overrepresented.

PMID- 28099462
TI  - Acute and Chronic Sustained Hypoxia Do Not Substantially Regulate Amyloid-beta
      Peptide Generation In Vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiological evidence has linked hypoxia with the
      development of Alzheimer disease (AD). A number of in vitro and in vivo studies
      have reported that hypoxia can induce amyloid-beta peptide accumulation through
      various molecular mechanisms including the up-regulation of the amyloid-beta
      precursor protein, the beta-secretase Bace1, or the gammagamma-secretase complex
      components, as well as the down-regulation of Abeta-degrading enzymes.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of acute and chronic sustained hypoxia in
      Abeta generation in vivo. METHODS: 2-3 month-old C57/Bl6J wild-type mice were
      exposed to either normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (9% O2) for either 4 to 72 h
      (acute) or 21-30 days (chronic sustained) in a hermetic chamber. Brain mRNA
      levels of Abeta-related genes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR,
      whereas levels of Bace1 protein, full length AbetaPP, and its C-terminal
      fragments (C99/C88 ratio) were measured by Western blot. In addition, 8 and 14
      month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice were subjected to 9% O2 for 21 days and levels
      of Abeta40, Abeta42, full length AbetaPP, and soluble AbetaPPalpha
      (sAbetaPPalpha) were measured by ELISA or WB. RESULTS: Hypoxia (either acute or
      chronic sustained) did not impact the transcription of any of the Abeta-related
      genes in young wild-type mice. A significant reduction of Bace1 protein level was
      noted with acute hypoxia for 16 h but did not correlate with an increased level
      of full length AbetaPP or a decreased C99/C83 ratio. Chronic sustained hypoxia
      did not significantly alter the levels of Bace1, full length AbetaPP or the
      C99/C83 ratio. Last, chronic sustained hypoxia did not significantly change the
      levels of Abeta40, Abeta42, full length AbetaPP, or sAbetaPPalpha in either young
      or aged APP/PS1 mice. DISCUSSION: Our results argue against a hypoxia-induced
      shift of AbetaPP proteolysis from the non-amyloidogenic to the amyloidogenic
      pathways. We discuss the possible methodological caveats of previous in vivo
      studies.

PMID- 28099463
TI  - The Differential Effects of Anesthetics on Bacterial Behaviors.
AB  - Volatile anesthetics have been in clinical use for a long period of time and are
      considered to be promiscuous by presumably interacting with several ion channels
      in the central nervous system to produce anesthesia. Because ion channels and
      their existing evolutionary analogues, ion transporters, are very important in
      various organisms, it is possible that volatile anesthetics may affect some
      bacteria. In this study, we hypothesized that volatile anesthetics could affect
      bacterial behaviors. We evaluated the impact of anesthetics on bacterial growth,
      motility (swimming and gliding) and biofilm formation of four common bacterial
      pathogens in vitro. We found that commonly used volatile anesthetics isoflurane
      and sevoflurane affected bacterial motility and biofilm formation without any
      effect on growth of the common bacterial pathogens studied here. Using available
      Escherichia coli gene deletion mutants of ion transporters and in silico
      molecular docking, we suggested that these altered behaviors might be at least
      partly via the interaction of volatile anesthetics with ion transporters.

PMID- 28099464
TI  - Laparoscopically Assisted Anorectal Pull-Through versus Posterior Sagittal
      Anorectoplasty for High and Intermediate Anorectal Malformations: A Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are one of the commonest anomalies in
      neonates. Both laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) and
      posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) can be used for the treatment of ARMs.
      The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare these two
      approaches in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. METHODS:
      MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched from 2000
      to August 2016. Both randomized and non-randomized studies, assessing LAARP and
      PSARP in pediatric patients with high/intermediate ARMs, were included. The
      primary outcome measures were operative time, length of hospital stay and total
      postoperative complications. The second outcome measures were rectal prolapse,
      anal stenosis, wound infection/dehiscence, anorectal manometry, Kelly's clinical
      score, and Krickenbeck classification. The quality of the randomized and non
      randomized studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias
      tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) respectively. The quality of evidence was
      assessed by GRADEpro. RESULTS: From 332 retrieved articles, 1, 1, and 8 of
      randomized control, prospective and retrospective studies, respectively, met the
      inclusion criteria. The randomized clinical trial was judged to be of low risk of
      bias, and the nine cohort studies were of moderate to high quality. 191 and 169
      pediatric participants had undergone LAARP and PSARP, respectively. Shorter
      hospital stays, less wound infection/dehiscence, higher anal canal resting
      pressure, and a lower incidence of grade 2 or 3 constipation were obtained after
      LAARP compared with PSARP group values. Besides, the LAARP group had marginally
      less total postoperative complications. However, the result of operative time was
      inconclusive; meanwhile, there was no significant difference in rectal prolapse,
      anal stenosis, anorectal manometry, Kelly's clinical score and Krickenbeck
      classification. CONCLUSION: For pediatric patients with high/intermediate
      anorectal malformations, LAARP is a better option compared with PSARP. However,
      the quality of evidence was very low to moderate.

PMID- 28099465
TI  - Impact of a Multi-Strategy Community Intervention to Reduce Maternal and Child
      Health Inequalities in India: A Qualitative Study in Haryana.
AB  - A multi-strategy community intervention, known as National Rural Health Mission
      (NRHM), was implemented in India from 2005 to 2012. By improving the availability
      of and access to better-quality healthcare, the aim was to reduce maternal and
      child health (MCH) inequalities. This study was planned to explore the
      perceptions and beliefs of stakeholders about extent of implementation and
      effectiveness of NRHM's health sector plans in improving MCH status and reducing
      inequalities. A total of 33 in-depth interviews (n = 33) with program managers,
      community representatives, mothers and 8 focus group discussions (n = 42) with
      health service providers were conducted from September to December 2013, in
      Haryana, post NRHM. Using NVivo software (version 9), an inductive applied
      thematic analysis was done based upon grounded theory, program theory of change
      and a framework approach. Almost all the participants reported that there was an
      improvement in overall health infrastructure through an increased availability of
      accredited social health activists, free ambulance services, and free treatment
      facilities in rural areas. This had increased the demand and utilization of MCH
      services, especially for those related to institutional delivery, even by the
      poor families. Service providers felt that acute shortage of human resources was
      a major health system level barrier. District-specific individual, community, and
      socio-political level barriers were also observed. Overall program managers,
      service providers and community representatives believed that NRHM had a role in
      improving MCH outcomes and in reduction of geographical and socioeconomic
      inequalities, through improvement in accessibility, availability and
      affordability of the MCH services in the rural areas and for the poor. Any
      reduction in gender-based inequalities, however, was linked to the adoption of
      small family sizes and an increase in educational levels.

PMID- 28099466
TI  - Biogeography in Cellana (Patellogastropoda, Nacellidae) with Special Emphasis on
      the Relationships of Southern Hemisphere Oceanic Island Species.
AB  - Oceanic islands lacking connections to other land are extremely isolated from
      sources of potential colonists and have acquired their biota mainly through
      dispersal from geographically distant areas. Hence, isolated island biota
      constitutes interesting models to infer biogeographical mechanisms of dispersal,
      colonization, differentiation, and speciation. Limpets of the genus Cellana
      (Nacellidae: Patellogastropoda) show limited dispersal capacity but are broadly
      distributed across the Indo-Pacific including many endemic species in isolated
      oceanic islands. Here, we examined main distributional patterns and geographic
      boundaries among Cellana lineages with special emphasis in the relationships of
      Southern Hemisphere oceanic islands species. Phylogenetic reconstructions based
      on mtDNA (COI) recognized three main clades in Cellana including taxa from
      different provinces of the Indo-Pacific. Clear genetic discontinuities
      characterize the biogeography of Cellana and several lineages are associated to
      particular areas of the Indo-Pacific supporting the low dispersal capacity of the
      genus across recognized biogeographical barriers in the region. However,
      evolutionary relationships within Cellana suggest that long-distance dispersal
      processes have been common in the history of the genus and probably associated to
      the origin of the species in Hawaii and Juan Fernandez Archipelago. Therefore,
      the presence of Cellana species in geographically distant Southern Hemisphere
      oceanic islands, such as the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, suggests that long
      distance dispersal mediated by rafting may have played an important role in the
      biogeography of the genus.

PMID- 28099467
TI  - Senescent Atrophic Epidermis Retains Lrig1+ Stem Cells and Loses Wnt Signaling, a
      Phenotype Shared with CD44KO Mice.
AB  - Lrig1 is known to repress the epidermal growth through its inhibitory activity on
      EGFR, while CD44 promotes it. We analyzed the expression of these molecules in
      senescent atrophic human epidermis and in the epidermis of CD44KO mice. In normal
      human epidermis, Lrig1+ cells form clusters located in the basal layer in which
      CD44 expression is downregulated and Lef1 expression reflects an active Wnt
      signaling. In senescent atrophic human epidermis, we found retention of
      Lrig1high+ cells all along the basal layer, forming no clusters, with decrease of
      CD44 and lef1 expression. In vitro silencing of CD44 indicated that CD44 may be
      required for Wnt signaling. However, if looking at the ear epidermis of CD44KO
      mice, we only found a limited interfollicular epidermal atrophy and unchanged
      Lrig1high+ cells in the hair follicle. Cell lineage tracing further revealed that
      interfollicular epidermis did lost its self-renewing capacity but that its
      homeostasis relied on Lrig1-derived keratinocytes migrating from the hair
      follicle. Therefore, we conclude that CD44 downregulation is part of the
      phenotype of senescent atrophic human epidermis, and contributes to reduce Wnt
      signaling and to alter Lrig1high+ stem cell distribution.

PMID- 28099468
TI  - miR 1296-5p Inhibits the Migration and Invasion of Gastric Cancer Cells by
      Repressing ERBB2 Expression.
AB  - The metastasis of gastric cancer, one of the most common tumors, has a molecular
      mechanism that is still largely unclear. Here we investigated the role of
      possible tumor-suppressor miR-1296-5p in the cell migration and invasion of ERBB2
      positive gastric cancer. It found that miR-1296-5p was significantly down
      regulated in gastric cancer tissues. Moreover, it was down-regulated in lymph
      node metastatic gastric cancer tissues compared with non-metastatic gastric
      cancer tissues. The luciferase activity of ERBB2 3'-untranslated region-based
      reporters constructed in SNU-216 and NUGC-4 gastric cancer cells suggested that
      ERBB2 was the target gene of miR-1296-5p. Overexpressed miR-1296-5p reduced its
      target protein level and Rac1 activation, and inhibited the migration and
      invasion of SNU-216 and NUGC-4 gastric cancer cells. MiR-1296-5p was down
      regulated in ERBB2-positive gastric cancer tissues compared with ERBB2-negative
      gastric cancer tissues. In ERBB2-positive gastric cancers, the miR-1296-5p
      expression was suppressed in a majority of metastatic lymph node tissues compared
      to non-metastatic gastric cancer samples. The migration and invasion of gastric
      cancer cells was inhibited by miR-1296-5p overexpression or herceptin treatment,
      and rescued by the overexpression of constitutively active Rac1-Q61L or ERBB2.
      Taken together, our findings first suggest that miR-1296-5p might be involved in
      the regulation on the migration and invasion of human gastric cancer cells at
      least in part via targeting ERBB2/Rac1 signaling pathway.

PMID- 28099469
TI  - The Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Related Metabolic
      Comorbidities Was Associated with Age at Onset of Moderate to Severe Plaque
      Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been found to be highly prevalent in
      psoriatic patients. Adult onset psoriasis could be divided into either early or
      late onset psoriasis. The associations between NAFLD and related metabolic
      comorbidities and age at onset of psoriasis have not yet been investigated. Our
      study was to evaluate the associations between prevalence of NAFLD and related
      metabolic conditions and early, late, and childhood onset psoriasis. A cross
      sectional observational study was conducted on patients with moderate to severe
      plaque psoriasis. Data on clinical characteristics of NAFLD and related metabolic
      diseases (diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and metabolic syndrome)
      were collected. The prevalence of NAFLD in 439 patients (mean: 51+/-14 years,
      range: 18-85 years) was 55.8%. NAFLD was frequently identified in early onset
      patients (74.2%), and this diagnosis was particularly common in patients
      currently younger than 40 (85.3%). Diabetes was the least prevalent component of
      metabolic syndrome in early onset patients with metabolic syndrome but the most
      often found component in late onset ones. Patients with childhood onset psoriasis
      had the lowest frequencies of all metabolic comorbidities except hyperuricemia
      among the three groups. In the multivariate analyses, early onset was
      independently and positively associated with NAFLD, hypertriglyceridemia and
      hyperuricemia and independently and negatively associated with diabetes among
      early and late onset patients. The results suggested prevalence of NAFLD and
      related metabolic comorbidities was associated with age at onset of moderate to
      severe plaque psoriasis. Early onset of psoriasis was independently associated
      with greater odds of NAFLD, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia and smaller odds
      of diabetes compared to late onset. Early onset patients have metabolic syndrome
      mainly related to lipid disorders and abnormal glucose metabolism was not often
      involved.

PMID- 28099470
TI  - A Gene-Oriented Haplotype Comparison Reveals Recently Selected Genomic Regions in
      Temperate and Tropical Maize Germplasm.
AB  - The extensive genetic variation present in maize (Zea mays) germplasm makes it
      possible to detect signatures of positive artificial selection that occurred
      during temperate and tropical maize improvement. Here we report an analysis of
      532,815 polymorphisms from a maize association panel consisting of 368 diverse
      temperate and tropical inbred lines. We developed a gene-oriented approach
      adapting exonic polymorphisms to identify recently selected alleles by comparing
      haplotypes across the maize genome. This analysis revealed evidence of selection
      for more than 1100 genomic regions during recent improvement, and included
      regulatory genes and key genes with visible mutant phenotypes. We find that
      selected candidate target genes in temperate maize are enriched in biosynthetic
      processes, and further examination of these candidates highlights two cases,
      sucrose flux and oil storage, in which multiple genes in a common pathway can be
      cooperatively selected. Finally, based on available parallel gene expression
      data, we hypothesize that some genes were selected for regulatory variations,
      resulting in altered gene expression.

PMID- 28099471
TI  - Molybdate in Rhizobial Seed-Coat Formulations Improves the Production and
      Nodulation of Alfalfa.
AB  - Rhizobia-legume symbiosis is the most well researched biological nitrogen
      fixation system. Coating legume seeds with rhizobia is now a recognized practical
      measure for improving the production of legume corp. However, the efficacy of
      some commercial rhizobia inoculants cannot be guaranteed in China due to the low
      rate of live rhizobia in these products. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to
      assess the effects of different rhizobial inoculant formulations on alfalfa
      productivity and nitrogen fixation. Two rhizobia strains, (ACCC17631 and
      ACCC17676), that are effective partners with alfalfa variety Zhongmu No. 1 were
      assessed with different concentrations of ammonium molybdate in seed-coat
      formulations with two different coating adhesives. Our study showed that the
      growth, nodulation, and nitrogen fixation ability of the plants inoculated with
      the ACCC17631 rhizobial strain were greatest when the ammonium molybdate
      application was0.2% of the formulation. An ammonium molybdate concentration of
      0.1% was most beneficial to the growth of the plants inoculated with the
      ACCC17676 rhizobial strain. The sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium
      alginate, used as coating adhesives, did not have a significant effect on alfalfa
      biomass and nitrogen fixation. However, the addition of skimmed milk to the
      adhesive improved nitrogenase activity. These results demonstrate that a new
      rhizobial seed-coat formulation benefitted alfalfa nodulation and yield.

PMID- 28099472
TI  - Elastic Tape Improved Shoulder Joint Position Sense in Chronic Hemiparetic
      Subjects: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Crossover Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elastic tape has been widely used in clinical practice in order to
      improve upper limb (UL) sensibility. However, there is little evidence that
      supports this type of intervention in stroke patients. OBJECTIVE: To verify the
      effect of elastic tape, applied to the paretic shoulder, on joint position sense
      (JPS) during abduction and flexion in subjects with chronic hemiparesis compared
      to sham tape (non-elastic tape). Furthermore, to verify if this potential effect
      is correlated to shoulder subluxation measurements and sensorimotor impairment.
      METHODS: A crossover and sham-controlled study was conducted with post-stroke
      patients who were randomly allocated into two groups: 1) those who received Sham
      Tape (ST) first and after one month they received Elastic Tape (ET); 2) those who
      received Elastic Tape (ET) first and after one month they received Sham Tape
      (ST). The JPS was evaluated using a dynamometer. The absolute error for shoulder
      abduction and flexion at 30 degrees  and 60 degrees  was calculated. Sensorimotor
      impairment was determined by Fugl-Meyer, and shoulder subluxation was measured
      using a caliper. RESULTS: Thirteen hemiparetic subjects (average time since
      stroke 75.23 months) participated in the study. At baseline (before
      interventions), the groups were not different for abduction at 30 degrees  (p =
      0.805; p = 0.951), and 60 degrees  (p = 0.509; p = 0.799), or flexion at 30
      degrees  (p = 0.872; p = 0.897) and 60 degrees  (p = 0.853; p = 0.970). For the
      ET group, differences between pre and post-elastic tape for abduction at 30
      degrees  (p<0.010) and 60 degrees  (p<0.010), and flexion at 30 degrees  p<0.010)
      and 60 degrees  (p<0.010) were observed. For the ST group, differences were also
      observed between pre and post-elastic tape for abduction at 30 degrees  (p<0.010)
      and 60 degrees  (p<0.010), and flexion at 30 degrees  (p<0.010,) and 60 degrees 
      (p<0.010). Potential effects were only correlated with shoulder subluxation
      during abduction at 30 degrees  (p = 0.001, r = -0.92) and 60 degrees  (p =
      0.020, r = -0.75). CONCLUSION: Elastic tape improved shoulder JPS of subjects
      with chronic hemiparesis regardless of the level of UL sensorimotor impairment.
      However, this improvement was influenced by the subluxation degree at abduction.

PMID- 28099473
TI  - The Staphylococcus aureus SrrAB Regulatory System Modulates Hydrogen Peroxide
      Resistance Factors, Which Imparts Protection to Aconitase during Aerobic Growth.
AB  - The SrrAB two-component regulatory system (TCRS) positively influences the
      transcription of genes involved in aerobic respiration in response to changes in
      respiratory flux. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can arise as a byproduct of
      spontaneous interactions between dioxygen and components of respiratory pathways.
      H2O2 damages cellular factors including protein associated iron-sulfur cluster
      prosthetic groups. We found that a Staphylococcus aureus strain lacking the SrrAB
      two-component regulatory system (TCRS) is sensitive to H2O2 intoxication. We
      tested the hypothesis that SrrAB manages the mutually inclusive expression of
      genes required for aerobic respiration and H2O2 resistance. Consistent with our
      hypothesis, a DeltasrrAB strain had decreased transcription of genes encoding for
      H2O2 resistance factors (kat, ahpC, dps). SrrAB was not required for the inducing
      the transcription of these genes in cells challenged with H2O2. Purified SrrA
      bound to the promoter region for dps suggesting that SrrA directly influences dps
      transcription. The H2O2 sensitivity of the DeltasrrAB strain was alleviated by
      iron chelation or deletion of the gene encoding for the peroxide regulon
      repressor (PerR). The positive influence of SrrAB upon H2O2 metabolism bestowed
      protection upon the solvent accessible iron-sulfur (FeS) cluster of aconitase
      from H2O2 poisoning. SrrAB also positively influenced transcription of scdA
      (ytfE), which encodes for a FeS cluster repair protein. Finally, we found that
      SrrAB positively influences H2O2 resistance only during periods of high dioxygen
      dependent respiratory activity. SrrAB did not influence H2O2 resistance when
      cellular respiration was diminished as a result of decreased dioxygen
      availability, and negatively influenced it in the absence of respiration
      (fermentative growth). We propose a model whereby SrrAB-dependent regulatory
      patterns facilitate the adaptation of cells to changes in dioxygen
      concentrations, and thereby aids in the prevention of H2O2 intoxication during
      respiratory growth upon dixoygen.

PMID- 28099474
TI  - DNA Double-Strand Breaks Induce the Nuclear Actin Filaments Formation in Cumulus
      Enclosed Oocytes but Not in Denuded Oocytes.
AB  - As a gamete, oocyte needs to maintain its genomic integrity and passes this
      haploid genome to the next generation. However, fully-grown mouse oocyte cannot
      respond to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) effectively and it is also unable to
      repair them before the meiosis resumption. To compensate for this disadvantage
      and control the DNA repair events, oocyte needs the cooperation with its
      surrounding cumulus cells. Recently, evidences have shown that nuclear actin
      filament formation plays roles in cellular DNA DSB repair. To explore whether
      these nuclear actin filaments are formed in the DNA-damaged oocytes, here, we
      labeled the filament actins in denuded oocytes (DOs) and cumulus-enclosed oocytes
      (CEOs). We observed that the nuclear actin filaments were formed only in the DNA
      damaged CEOs, but not in DOs. Formation of actin filaments in the nucleus was an
      event downstream to the DNA damage response. Our data also showed that the
      removal of cumulus cells led to a reduction in the nuclear actin filaments in
      oocytes. Knocking down of the Adcy1 gene in cumulus cells did not affect the
      formation of nuclear actin filaments in oocytes. Notably, we also observed that
      the nuclear actin filaments in CEOs could be induced by inhibition of gap
      junctions. From our results, it was confirmed that DNA DSBs induce the nuclear
      actin filament formation in oocyte and which is controlled by the cumulus cells.

PMID- 28099475
TI  - Development of a Patient-Centred, Psychosocial Support Intervention for Multi
      Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Care in Nepal.
AB  - Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a major threat to public health
      worldwide, particularly in low-income countries. The current long (20 month) and
      arduous treatment regime uses powerful drugs with side-effects that include
      mental ill-health. It has a high loss-to-follow-up (25%) and higher case fatality
      and lower cure-rates than those with drug sensitive tuberculosis (TB). While some
      national TB programmes provide small financial allowances to patients, other
      aspects of psychosocial ill-health, including iatrogenic ones, are not routinely
      assessed or addressed. We aimed to develop an intervention to improve psycho
      social well-being for MDR-TB patients in Nepal. To do this we conducted
      qualitative work with MDR-TB patients, health professionals and the National TB
      programme (NTP) in Nepal. We conducted semi-structured interviews (SSIs) with 15
      patients (10 men and 5 women, aged 21 to 68), four family members and three
      frontline health workers. In addition, three focus groups were held with MDR-TB
      patients and three with their family members. We conducted a series of meetings
      and workshops with key stakeholders to design the intervention, working closely
      with the NTP to enable government ownership. Our findings highlight the negative
      impacts of MDR-TB treatment on mental health, with greater impacts felt among
      those with limited social and financial support, predominantly married women.
      Michie et al's (2011) framework for behaviour change proved helpful in
      identifying corresponding practice- and policy-level changes. The findings from
      this study emphasise the need for tailored psycho-social support. Recent work on
      simple psychological support packages for the general population can usefully be
      adapted for use with people with MDR-TB.

PMID- 28099476
TI  - Whole-Body Counter Evaluation of Internal Radioactive Cesium in Dogs and Cats
      Exposed to the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster.
AB  - As a result of the 2011 nuclear incident that occurred at the Fukushima Nuclear
      Power Plant, a large number of abandoned dogs and cats were left within the
      disaster zone. A small number of these animals were rescued and cared for at
      shelters. Prior to the dispersal of these animals to their owners or fosterers,
      we evaluated the degree of internal radiocesium contamination using a specially
      designed whole-body counter. We conducted 863 non-invasive measurements of gamma
      rays due to internal radioactive cesium for 68 dogs and 120 cats at one shelter.
      After plotting graphs of 137Cs density we generated exponential functions of
      decay from seven dogs and six cats. From the regression formulae, we were able to
      determine the biological half-lives as 38.2 days for dogs and 30.8 days for cats.
      We found that in dogs there was a correlation between the biological half-life of
      radioactive cesium and age. Using our data, we estimated whole-body densities for
      each cat and dog at the time when they were rescued. We found that there were
      deviations in the data distributions among the different species, likely due to
      the timing of rescue, or living habits prior to rescue. A significant correlation
      was found when extracted feline reproductive organs were analyzed; the
      coefficients for the estimation of whole-body densities were approximately 7-fold
      higher than those based on the extracted feline reproductive organs. This may be
      due to the fact that majority of the radioactive cesium accumulates within
      muscular tissue with less distribution in other organs. It is possible to plan
      the appropriate management period in an animal shelter based on the use of the
      biological half-life of radioactive cesium calculated in this study. We believe
      that the correlations we uncovered in this work would be of great use for the
      management of companion animals in the event of a future nuclear accident.

PMID- 28099478
TI  - Small Is Big: Interactive Trumps Passive Information in Breaking Information
      Barriers and Impacting Behavioral Antecedents.
AB  - The wealth of information available on seemingly every topic creates a
      considerable challenge both for information providers trying to rise above the
      noise and discerning individuals trying to find relevant, trustworthy
      information. We approach this information problem by investigating how passive
      versus interactive information interventions can impact the antecedents of
      behavior change using the context of solar energy adoption, where persistent
      information gaps are known to reduce market potential. We use two experiments to
      investigate the impact of both passive and interactive approaches to information
      delivery on the antecedents (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived
      behavioral control in the Theory of Planned Behavior) of intentions and behavior,
      as well as their effect on intentions and behavior directly. The passive
      information randomized control trial delivered via Amazon Mechanical Turk tests
      the effectiveness of delivering the same content in a single message versus
      multiple shorter messages. The interactive information delivery uses an online
      (mobile and PC) trivia-style gamification platform. Both experiments use the same
      content and are carried out over a two-week time period. Our findings suggest
      that interactive, gamified information has greater impact than passive
      information, and that shorter multiple messages of passive information are more
      effective than a single passive message.

PMID- 28099477
TI  - Chronic Maternal Low-Protein Diet in Mice Affects Anxiety, Night-Time Energy
      Expenditure and Sleep Patterns, but Not Circadian Rhythm in Male Offspring.
AB  - Offspring of murine dams chronically fed a protein-restricted diet have an
      increased risk for metabolic and neurobehavioral disorders. Previously we showed
      that adult offspring, developmentally exposed to a chronic maternal low-protein
      (MLP) diet, had lower body and hind-leg muscle weights and decreased liver enzyme
      serum levels. We conducted energy expenditure, neurobehavioral and circadian
      rhythm assays in male offspring to examine mechanisms for the body-weight
      phenotype and assess neurodevelopmental implications of MLP exposure. C57BL/6J
      dams were fed a protein restricted (8%protein, MLP) or a control protein (20%
      protein, C) diet from four weeks before mating until weaning of offspring. Male
      offspring were weaned to standard rodent diet (20% protein) and single-housed
      until 8-12 weeks of age. We examined body composition, food intake, energy
      expenditure, spontaneous rearing activity and sleep patterns and performed
      behavioral assays for anxiety (open field activity, elevated plus maze [EPM],
      light/dark exploration), depression (tail suspension and forced swim test),
      sociability (three-chamber), repetitive (marble burying), learning and memory
      (fear conditioning), and circadian behavior (wheel-running activity during light
      dark and constant dark cycles). We also measured circadian gene expression in
      hypothalamus and liver at different Zeitgeber times (ZT). Male offspring from
      separate MLP exposed dams had significantly greater body fat (P = 0.03), less
      energy expenditure (P = 0.004), less rearing activity (P = 0.04) and a greater
      number of night-time rest/sleep bouts (P = 0.03) compared to control. MLP
      offspring displayed greater anxiety-like behavior in the EPM (P<0.01) but had no
      learning and memory deficit in fear-conditioning assay (P = 0.02). There was an
      effect of time on Per1, Per 2 and Clock circadian gene expression in the
      hypothalamus but not on circadian behavior. Thus, transplacental and early
      developmental exposure of dams to chronic MLP reduces food intake and energy
      expenditure, increases anxiety like behavior and disturbs sleep patterns but not
      circadian rhythm in adult male offspring.

PMID- 28099479
TI  - Social Contact Structures and Time Use Patterns in the Manicaland Province of
      Zimbabwe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patterns of person-to-person contacts relevant for infectious
      diseases transmission are still poorly quantified in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),
      where socio-demographic structures and behavioral attitudes are expected to be
      different from those of more developed countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We
      conducted a diary-based survey on daily contacts and time-use of individuals of
      different ages in one rural and one peri-urban site of Manicaland, Zimbabwe. A
      total of 2,490 diaries were collected and used to derive age-structured contact
      matrices, to analyze time spent by individuals in different settings, and to
      identify the key determinants of individuals' mixing patterns. Overall 10.8
      contacts per person/day were reported, with a significant difference between the
      peri-urban and the rural site (11.6 versus 10.2). A strong age-assortativeness
      characterized contacts of school-aged children, whereas the high proportion of
      extended families and the young population age-structure led to a significant
      intergenerational mixing at older ages. Individuals spent on average 67% of
      daytime at home, 2% at work, and 9% at school. Active participation in school and
      work resulted the key drivers of the number of contacts and, similarly, household
      size, class size, and time spent at work influenced the number of home, school,
      and work contacts, respectively. We found that the heterogeneous nature of home
      contacts is critical for an epidemic transmission chain. In particular, our
      results suggest that, during the initial phase of an epidemic, about 50% of
      infections are expected to occur among individuals younger than 12 years and less
      than 20% among individuals older than 35 years. CONCLUSIONS: With the current
      work, we have gathered data and information on the ways through which individuals
      in SSA interact, and on the factors that mostly facilitate this interaction.
      Monitoring these processes is critical to realistically predict the effects of
      interventions on infectious diseases dynamics.

PMID- 28099480
TI  - Controlled Aggregation and Increased Stability of beta-Glucuronidase by Cellulose
      Binding Domain Fusion.
AB  - Cellulose-binding domains (CBDs) are protein domains with cellulose-binding
      activity, and some act as leaders in the localization of cellulosomal scaffoldin
      proteins to the hydrophobic surface of crystalline cellulose. In this study, we
      found that a CBD fusion enhanced and improved soluble beta-glucuronidase (GusA)
      enzyme properties through the formation of an artificially oligomeric state.
      First, a soluble CBD fused to the C-terminus of GusA (GusA-CBD) was obtained and
      characterized. Interestingly, the soluble GusA-CBD showed maximum activity at
      higher temperatures (65 degrees C) and more acidic pH values (pH 6.0) than free
      GusA did (60 degrees C and pH 7.5). Moreover, the GusA-CBD enzyme showed higher
      thermal and pH stabilities than the free GusA enzyme did. Additionally, GusA-CBD
      showed higher enzymatic activity in the presence of methanol than free GusA did.
      Evaluation of the protease accessibility of both enzymes revealed that GusA-CBD
      retained 100% of its activity after 1 h incubation in 0.5 mg/ml protease K, while
      free GusA completely lost its activity. Simple fusion of CBD as a single domain
      may be useful for tunable enzyme states to improve enzyme stability in industrial
      applications.

PMID- 28099481
TI  - Correction: Comparing Maternal Services Utilization and Expense Reimbursement
      Before and After the Adjustment of the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme
      Policy in Rural China.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158473.].

PMID- 28099482
TI  - A New Statistical Approach to Characterize Chemical-Elicited Behavioral Effects
      in High-Throughput Studies Using Zebrafish.
AB  - Zebrafish have become an important alternative model for characterizing chemical
      bioactivity, partly due to the efficiency at which systematic, high-dimensional
      data can be generated. However, these new data present analytical challenges
      associated with scale and diversity. We developed a novel, robust statistical
      approach to characterize chemical-elicited effects in behavioral data from high
      throughput screening (HTS) of all 1,060 Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCastTM) chemicals
      across 5 concentrations at 120 hours post-fertilization (hpf). Taking advantage
      of the immense scale of data for a global view, we show that this new approach
      reduces bias introduced by extreme values yet allows for diverse response
      patterns that confound the application of traditional statistics. We have also
      shown that, as a summary measure of response for local tests of chemical
      associated behavioral effects, it achieves a significant reduction in coefficient
      of variation compared to many traditional statistical modeling methods. This
      effective increase in signal-to-noise ratio augments statistical power and is
      observed across experimental periods (light/dark conditions) that display varied
      distributional response patterns. Finally, we integrated results with data from
      concomitant developmental endpoint measurements to show that appropriate
      statistical handling of HTS behavioral data can add important biological context
      that informs mechanistic hypotheses.

PMID- 28099483
TI  - Reading the Leaves' Palm: Leaf Traits and Herbivory along the Microclimatic
      Gradient of Forest Layers.
AB  - Microclimate in different positions on a host plant has strong direct effects on
      herbivores. But little is known about indirect effects due to changes of leaf
      traits. We hypothesized that herbivory increases from upper canopy to lower
      canopy and understory due to a combination of direct and indirect pathways.
      Furthermore, we hypothesized that herbivory in the understory differs between
      tree species in accordance with their leaf traits. We investigated herbivory by
      leaf chewing insects along the vertical gradient of mixed deciduous forest stands
      on the broad-leaved tree species Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech) with study
      sites located along a 140 km long transect. Additionally, we studied juvenile
      Acer pseudoplatanus L. (sycamore maple) and Carpinus betulus L. (hornbeam)
      individuals within the understory as a reference of leaf traits in the same
      microclimate. Lowest levels of herbivory were observed in upper canopies, where
      temperatures were highest. Temperature was the best predictor for insect
      herbivory across forest layers in our study. However, the direction was opposite
      to the generally known positive relationship. Herbivory also varied between the
      three tree species with lowest levels for F. sylvatica. Leaf carbon content was
      highest for F. sylvatica and probably indicates higher amounts of phenolic
      defense compounds. We conclude that the effect of temperature must have been
      indirect, whereby the expected higher herbivory was suppressed due to unfavorable
      leaf traits (lower nitrogen content, higher toughness and carbon content) of
      upper canopy leaves compared to the understory.

PMID- 28099484
TI  - Increased Anterior Pelvic Angle Characterizes the Gait of Children with Attention
      Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
      frequently have motor problems. Previous studies have reported that the
      characteristic gait in children with ADHD is immature and that subjects
      demonstrate higher levels of variability in gait characteristics for the lower
      extremities than healthy controls. However, little is known about body movement
      during gait in children with ADHD. The purpose of this study was to identify the
      characteristic body movements associated with ADHD symptoms in children with
      ADHD. METHODS: Using a three-dimensional motion analysis system, we compared gait
      variables in boys with ADHD (n = 19; mean age, 9.58 years) and boys with typical
      development (TD) (n = 21; mean age, 10.71 years) to determine the specific gait
      characteristics related to ADHD symptoms. We assessed spatiotemporal gait
      variables (i.e. speed, stride length, and cadence), and kinematic gait variables
      (i.e. angle of pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle) to measure body movement when
      walking at a self-selected pace. RESULTS: In comparison with the TD group, the
      ADHD group demonstrated significantly higher values in cadence (t = 3.33, p =
      0.002) and anterior pelvic angle (t = 3.08, p = 0.004). In multiple regression
      analysis, anterior pelvic angle was associated with the ADHD rating scale
      hyperactive/impulsive scores (beta = 0.62, t = 2.58, p = 0.025), but not other
      psychiatric symptoms in the ADHD group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      anterior pelvic angle represents a specific gait variable related to ADHD
      symptoms. Our kinematic findings could have potential implications for evaluating
      the body movement in boys with ADHD.

PMID- 28099486
TI  - Do Thai Physicians Recommend Seasonal Influenza Vaccines to Pregnant Women? A
      Cross-Sectional Survey of Physicians' Perspectives and Practices in Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physicians play a major role in influencing acceptance and uptake of
      vaccines. However, little is known about physicians' perspectives on influenza
      vaccination of pregnant women in Thailand, for whom vaccine coverage is estimated
      at <1%. METHOD: In 2013, a self-administered questionnaire on physicians'
      perceptions, attitudes and practices related to influenza vaccination for
      pregnant women was distributed to 1,134 hospitals with an antenatal care clinic
      (ANC) in Thailand. At each hospital, one physician working at the ANC completed
      the survey. Predictors of routine recommendation of influenza vaccine were
      analyzed utilizing log-binomial regression. RESULTS: A total of 580 (51%)
      complete responses were received from physicians practicing at ANCs. A favorable
      attitude towards vaccination was expressed by 436 (75%) physicians, however only
      142 (25%) reported routinely recommending influenza vaccine to pregnant women in
      their current practice. Physicians were more likely to recommend influenza
      vaccine routinely when they had more than three years of practice (prevalence
      ratio [PR] 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-2.3), had treated pregnant women for influenza (PR
      1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.7), perceived the influenza vaccine to be effective (moderate
      level: PR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4; high level: PR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.9) and were aware
      of the Ministry of Public Health's (MOPH) recommendation of influenza vaccination
      in pregnancy (PR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.7). Vaccine not being available, perception
      that policy was ambiguous and lack of awareness of MOPH recommendations were the
      most commonly cited barriers to routine recommendation of influenza vaccine.
      CONCLUSION: Despite a national policy to vaccinate pregnant women for influenza,
      only 25% of Thai physicians working in ANCs routinely recommend vaccination.
      Strategies are needed to increase vaccine availability and free vaccine services,
      address clinician concerns over vaccine effectiveness and expand healthcare
      provider awareness of MOPH recommendations.

PMID- 28099485
TI  - Cell-Based Systems Biology Analysis of Human AS03-Adjuvanted H5N1 Avian Influenza
      Vaccine Responses: A Phase I Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaccine development for influenza A/H5N1 is an important public
      health priority, but H5N1 vaccines are less immunogenic than seasonal influenza
      vaccines. Adjuvant System 03 (AS03) markedly enhances immune responses to H5N1
      vaccine antigens, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely
      understood. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: We compared the safety (primary endpoint),
      immunogenicity (secondary), gene expression (tertiary) and cytokine responses
      (exploratory) between AS03-adjuvanted and unadjuvanted inactivated split-virus
      H5N1 influenza vaccines. In a double-blinded clinical trial, we randomized twenty
      adults aged 18-49 to receive two doses of either AS03-adjuvanted (n = 10) or
      unadjuvanted (n = 10) H5N1 vaccine 28 days apart. We used a systems biology
      approach to characterize and correlate changes in serum cytokines, antibody
      titers, and gene expression levels in six immune cell types at 1, 3, 7, and 28
      days after the first vaccination. RESULTS: Both vaccines were well-tolerated.
      Nine of 10 subjects in the adjuvanted group and 0/10 in the unadjuvanted group
      exhibited seroprotection (hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer > 1:40) at
      day 56. Within 24 hours of AS03-adjuvanted vaccination, increased serum levels of
      IL-6 and IP-10 were noted. Interferon signaling and antigen processing and
      presentation-related gene responses were induced in dendritic cells, monocytes,
      and neutrophils. Upregulation of MHC class II antigen presentation-related genes
      was seen in neutrophils. Three days after AS03-adjuvanted vaccine, upregulation
      of genes involved in cell cycle and division was detected in NK cells and
      correlated with serum levels of IP-10. Early upregulation of interferon signaling
      related genes was also found to predict seroprotection 56 days after first
      vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Using this cell-based systems approach, novel
      mechanisms of action for AS03-adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccination were
      observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01573312.

PMID- 28099487
TI  - Metabolic Imaging of Head and Neck Cancer Organoids.
AB  - Head and neck cancer patients suffer from toxicities, morbidities, and
      mortalities, and these ailments could be minimized through improved therapies.
      Drug discovery is a long, expensive, and complex process, so optimized assays can
      improve the success rate of drug candidates. This study applies optical imaging
      of cell metabolism to three-dimensional in vitro cultures of head and neck cancer
      grown from primary tumor tissue (organoids). This technique is advantageous
      because it measures cell metabolism using intrinsic fluorescence from NAD(P)H and
      FAD on a single cell level for a three-dimensional in vitro model. Head and neck
      cancer organoids are characterized alone and after treatment with standard
      therapies, including an antibody therapy, a chemotherapy, and combination
      therapy. Additionally, organoid cellular heterogeneity is analyzed quantitatively
      and qualitatively. Gold standard measures of treatment response, including cell
      proliferation, cell death, and in vivo tumor volume, validate therapeutic
      efficacy for each treatment group in a parallel study. Results indicate that
      optical metabolic imaging is sensitive to therapeutic response in organoids after
      1 day of treatment (p<0.05) and resolves cell subpopulations with distinct
      metabolic phenotypes. Ultimately, this platform could provide a sensitive high
      throughput assay to streamline the drug discovery process for head and neck
      cancer.

PMID- 28099488
TI  - "I Cannot Be Worried": Living with Chagas Disease in Tropical Bolivia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD) profoundly affects the social and emotional
      dimensions of patients' lives, and disproportionately impacts poor, marginalized
      populations in Latin America. Biomedical treatment for CD fails to reach up to
      99% of the people affected, and in any case seldom addresses the emotional health
      or socioeconomic conditions of patients. This study examines patient strategies
      for coping with CD in the department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. METHODOLOGY: In this
      ethnographic study, semistructured interviews took place from March-June 2013
      with 63 patients who had previously tested positive for CD. During the fieldwork
      period, participant observation was conducted and patient family members,
      providers, community members, and public health officials were consulted.
      PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Patients often experienced emotional distress when diagnosed
      with CD, yet were generally unable to find biomedical treatment. Respondents
      stressed the need to avoid powerful emotions which would worsen the impact of CD
      symptoms. To manage CD, patients embraced a calm state of mind, described in
      Spanish as tranquilidad, which partially empowered them to return to a normal
      existence. CONCLUSIONS: In the perceived absence of biomedical treatment options,
      patients seek their own means of coping with CD diagnosis. Rather than fatalism
      or resignation, patients' emphasis on maintaining calm and not worrying about CD
      represents a pragmatic strategy for restoring a sense of normalcy and control to
      their lives. Programs focused on treatment of CD should remain mindful of the
      emotional and social impact of the disease on patients.

PMID- 28099490
TI  - Correction: Rapid Classification and Identification of Microcystis aeruginosa
      Strains Using MALDI-TOF MS and Polygenetic Analysis.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156275.].

PMID- 28099489
TI  - Acute Inactivation of Primary Auditory Cortex Causes a Sound Localisation Deficit
      in Ferrets.
AB  - The objective of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of acute inactivation
      of brain areas by cooling in the behaving ferret and to demonstrate that cooling
      auditory cortex produced a localisation deficit that was specific to auditory
      stimuli. The effect of cooling on neural activity was measured in anesthetized
      ferret cortex. The behavioural effect of cooling was determined in a benchmark
      sound localisation task in which inactivation of primary auditory cortex (A1) is
      known to impair performance. Cooling strongly suppressed the spontaneous and
      stimulus-evoked firing rates of cortical neurons when the cooling loop was held
      at temperatures below 10 degrees C, and this suppression was reversed when the
      cortical temperature recovered. Cooling of ferret auditory cortex during
      behavioural testing impaired sound localisation performance, with unilateral
      cooling producing selective deficits in the hemifield contralateral to cooling,
      and bilateral cooling producing deficits on both sides of space. The deficit in
      sound localisation induced by inactivation of A1 was not caused by motivational
      or locomotor changes since inactivation of A1 did not affect localisation of
      visual stimuli in the same context.

PMID- 28099491
TI  - Death of Monocytes through Oxidative Burst of Macrophages and Neutrophils:
      Killing in Trans.
AB  - Monocytes and their descendants, macrophages, play a key role in the defence
      against pathogens. They also contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory
      diseases. Therefore, a mechanism maintaining a balance in the monocyte/macrophage
      population must be postulated. Our previous studies have shown that monocytes are
      impaired in DNA repair, rendering them vulnerable to genotoxic stress while
      monocyte-derived macrophages are DNA repair competent and genotoxic stress
      resistant. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that monocytes can be
      selectively killed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by activated
      macrophages. We also wished to know whether monocytes and macrophages are
      protected against their own ROS produced following activation. To this end, we
      studied the effect of the ROS burst on DNA integrity, cell death and
      differentiation potential of monocytes. We show that monocytes, but not
      macrophages, stimulated for ROS production by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate
      (PMA) undergo apoptosis, despite similar levels of initial DNA damage. Following
      co-cultivation with ROS producing macrophages, monocytes displayed oxidative DNA
      damage, accumulating DNA single-strand breaks and a high incidence of apoptosis,
      reducing their ability to give rise to new macrophages. Killing of monocytes by
      activated macrophages, termed killing in trans, was abolished by ROS scavenging
      and was also observed in monocytes co-cultivated with ROS producing activated
      granulocytes. The data revealed that monocytes, which are impaired in the repair
      of oxidised DNA lesions, are vulnerable to their own ROS and ROS produced by
      macrophages and granulocytes and support the hypothesis that this is a mechanism
      regulating the amount of monocytes and macrophages in a ROS-enriched inflammatory
      environment.

PMID- 28099492
TI  - Priming Cross-Protective Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus-Specific Immunity Using Live
      Vectored Mosaic Antigens.
AB  - Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) plays a key role in bovine respiratory disease
      complex, which can lead to pneumonia, diarrhea and death of calves. Current
      vaccines are not very effective due, in part, to immunosuppressive traits and
      failure to induce broad protection. There are diverse BVDV strains and thus,
      current vaccines contain representative genotype 1 and 2 viruses (BVDV-1 & 2) to
      broaden coverage. BVDV modified live virus (MLV) vaccines are superior to killed
      virus vaccines, but they are susceptible to neutralization and complement
      mediated destruction triggered by passively acquired antibodies, thus limiting
      their efficacy. We generated three novel mosaic polypeptide chimeras, designated
      NproE2123; NS231; and NS232, which incorporate protective determinants that are
      highly conserved among BVDV-1a, 1b, and BVDV-2 genotypes. In addition, strain
      specific protective antigens from disparate BVDV strains were included to broaden
      coverage. We confirmed that adenovirus constructs expressing these antigens were
      strongly recognized by monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal sera, and IFN-gamma
      secreting T cells generated against diverse BVDV strains. In a proof-of-concept
      efficacy study, the multi-antigen proto-type vaccine induced higher, but not
      significantly different, IFN-gamma spot forming cells and T-cell proliferation
      compared to a commercial MLV vaccine. In regards to the humoral response, the
      prototype vaccine induced higher BVDV-1 specific neutralizing antibody titers,
      whereas the MLV vaccine induced higher BVDV-2 specific neutralizing antibody
      titers. Following BVDV type 2a (1373) challenge, calves immunized with the proto
      type or the MLV vaccine had lower clinical scores compared to naive controls.
      These results support the hypothesis that a broadly protective subunit vaccine
      can be generated using mosaic polypeptides that incorporate rationally selected
      and validated protective determinants from diverse BVDV strains. Furthermore,
      regarding biosafety of using a live vector in cattle, we showed that recombinant
      human adenovirus-5 was cleared within one week following intradermal inoculation.

PMID- 28099493
TI  - Different Phenotypes of the Two Chinese Probands with the Same c.889G>A (p.C162Y)
      Mutation in COCH Gene Verify Different Mechanisms Underlying Autosomal Dominant
      Nonsyndromic Deafness 9.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: By analyzing the different phenotypes of two Chinese DFNA9 families
      with the same mutation located in the intervening region between the LCCL and
      vWFA domains of cochlin and testing the functional changes in the mutant cochlin,
      we investigated the different pathogeneses for mutations in LCCL and vWFA
      domains. METHODS: Targeted next-generation sequencing for deafness-related genes
      was used to identify the mutation in the proband in family #208. The probands of
      family #208 and family #32 with the same p.C162Y mutation were followed for more
      than 3 years to evaluate the progression of hearing loss and vestibular
      dysfunction using pure-tone audiometry, caloric testing, electrocochleogram,
      vestibular-evoked myogenic potential, and video head-impulse test. The disruption
      of normal cleavage to produce secreted LCCL domain fragments and the tendency to
      form aggregations of mutant cochlins were tested by in vitro cell experiments.
      RESULTS: The two families showed different clinical symptoms. Family #32 was
      identified as having early-onset, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, similar
      to the symptoms in DFNA9 patients with cochlin mutations in the vWFA domain. The
      proband of family #208 endured late-onset recurrent paroxysmal vertigo attacks
      and progressively deteriorating hearing, similar to symptoms in those with
      cochlin mutations in the LCCL domain. We therefore suggest that the disrupted
      cleavage of the LCCL domain fragment is likely to cause vestibular dysfunction,
      and aggregation of mutant cochlin caused by mutations in the vWFA domain is
      responsible for early-onset hearing loss. The p.C162Y mutation causes either
      disruption of LCCL domain fragment cleavage or aggregation of mutant cochlin,
      resulting in the different phenotypes in the two families. CONCLUSION: This study
      demonstrates that DFNA9 families with the same genotype may have significantly
      different phenotypes. The mutation site in cochlin is related to the pathological
      mechanism underlying the different phenotypes.

PMID- 28099494
TI  - A 3D Printed Toolbox for Opto-Mechanical Components.
AB  - In this article we present the development of a set of opto-mechanical components
      (a kinematic mount, a translation stage and an integrating sphere) that can be
      easily built using a 3D printer based on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and
      parts that can be found in any hardware store. Here we provide a brief
      description of the 3D models used and some details on the fabrication process.
      Moreover, with the help of three simple experimental setups, we evaluate the
      performance of the opto-mechanical components developed by doing a quantitative
      comparison with its commercial counterparts. Our results indicate that the
      components fabricated are highly customizable, low-cost, require a short time to
      be fabricated and surprisingly, offer a performance that compares favorably with
      respect to low-end commercial alternatives.

PMID- 28099495
TI  - Intestinal Bacteria Composition and Translocation of Bacteria in Inflammatory
      Bowel Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Live commensal intestinal bacteria are present in the peripheral
      blood where they can induce inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intestinal
      bacteria composition and translocation of bacteria in IBD. METHODS: Both blood
      and tissue biopsy samples were collected from adult patients with active/inactive
      Crohn's disease (CD), active/inactive ulcerative colitis (UC) and healthy
      individuals. Most of the patients were newly diagnosed and none of them received
      antibiotics. Using a reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR)
      method, we determined the composition of microbiota. NOD2/CARD15 genotyping was
      also studied. RESULTS: Total bacterial DNA concentration was increased in tissue
      and blood samples of IBD patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, the
      active IBD cases had higher total bacterial DNA concentration levels compared to
      the inactive cases. Three species characterized dysbiosis in IBD, namely an
      increase of Bacteroides spp in active and inactive IBD samples, and a decrease in
      Clostridium leptum group (IV), and Faecalibacterium prausnitzi in both active and
      inactive IBD patients. No significant association between bacterial translocation
      and NOD2/CARD15 mutations was found. CONCLUSIONS: The composition of the
      microbiota in IBD patients differs from that of healthy controls. The high rate
      of bacterial DNA in the blood samples indicates translocation in inflammatory
      bowel disease.

PMID- 28099496
TI  - Plasticity of Daily Behavioral Rhythms in Foragers and Nurses of the Ant
      Camponotus rufipes: Influence of Social Context and Feeding Times.
AB  - Daily activities within an ant colony need precise temporal organization, and an
      endogenous clock appears to be essential for such timing processes. A clock
      drives locomotor rhythms in isolated workers in a number of ant species, but its
      involvement in activities displayed in the social context is unknown. We compared
      locomotor rhythms in isolated individuals and behavioral rhythms in the social
      context of workers of the ant Camponotus rufipes. Both forager and nurse workers
      exhibited circadian rhythms in locomotor activity under constant conditions,
      indicating the involvement of an endogenous clock. Activity was mostly nocturnal
      and synchronized with the 12:12h light-dark-cycle. To evaluate whether
      rhythmicity was maintained in the social context and could be synchronized with
      non-photic zeitgebers such as feeding times, daily behavioral activities of
      single workers inside and outside the nest were quantified continuously over 24
      hours in 1656 hours of video recordings. Food availability was limited to a short
      time window either at day or at night, thus mimicking natural conditions of
      temporally restricted food access. Most foragers showed circadian foraging
      behavior synchronized with food availability, either at day or nighttime. When
      isolated thereafter in single locomotor activity monitors, foragers mainly
      displayed arrhythmicity. Here, high mortality suggested potential stressful
      effects of the former restriction of food availability. In contrast, nurse
      workers showed high overall activity levels in the social context and performed
      their tasks all around the clock with no circadian pattern, likely to meet the
      needs of the brood. In isolation, the same individuals exhibited in turn strong
      rhythmic activity and nocturnality. Thus, endogenous activity rhythms were
      inhibited in the social context, and timing of daily behaviors was flexibly
      adapted to cope with task demands. As a similar socially-mediated plasticity in
      circadian rhythms was already shown in honey bees, the temporal organization in
      C. rufipes and honey bees appear to share similar basic features.

PMID- 28099497
TI  - Assessing the Mental Health Impact of the 2011 Great Japan Earthquake, Tsunami,
      and Radiation Disaster on Elementary and Middle School Children in the Fukushima
      Prefecture of Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred off of Japan's
      Pacific coast, which was followed by huge tsunamis that destroyed many coastal
      cities in the area. Due to the earthquake and subsequent tsunami, malfunctions
      occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi (Fukushima I) nuclear power plant, resulting in
      the release of radioactive material in the region. While recent studies have
      investigated the effects of these events on the mental health of adults in the
      region, no studies have yet been performed investigating similar effects among
      children. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This study aims to fill that gap by: 1) assessing
      the mental health of elementary and middle school children living within the
      Fukushima prefecture of Japan, and 2) identifying risk and protective factors
      that are associated with the children's mental health scores. These factors were
      quantified using an original demographics survey, the Strengths and Difficulties
      Questionnaire (SDQ), and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the latter
      two of which have been previously validated in a Japanese setting. The surveys
      were distributed to approximately 3,650 elementary and middle school students
      during the months of February and March, 2012. The data suggests that those
      children who had been relocated to the city of Koriyama had significantly higher
      SDQ scores than those children who were native to Koriyama (p < .05) as well as a
      control group that lived outside of the Fukushima prefecture (p < .01). Using a
      multivariate regression, we also found that younger age and parental trauma were
      significantly correlated with higher SDQ scores (p < .001), while gender,
      displacement from one's home, and exposure to violence were not. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results suggest that, among children affected by natural disasters, younger
      children and those with parents suffering from trauma-related distress are
      particularly vulnerable to the onset of pediatric mental disturbances.

PMID- 28099498
TI  - Oral Tolerance Induced by OVA Intake Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Literature data have shown that the consumption of dietary proteins
      may cause modulatory effects on the host immune system, process denominated oral
      tolerance by bystander suppression. It has been shown that the bystander
      suppression induced by dietary proteins can improve inflammatory diseases such as
      experimental arthritis. Here, we evaluated the effects of oral tolerance induced
      by ingestion of ovalbumin (OVA) on TNBS-induced colitis in mice, an experimental
      model for human Crohn's disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Colitis was induced in
      BALB/c mice by instilling a single dose of TNBS (100 mg/kg) in ethanol into the
      colon. Tolerized mice received OVA (4mg/mL) dissolved in the drinking water for
      seven consecutive days, prior to or concomitantly with the intrarectal
      instillation. Control groups received protein-free water and ethanol by
      intrarectal route. We observed that either the prior or concomitant induction of
      oral tolerance were able to reduce the severity of colitis as noted by recovery
      of body weight gain, improvement of clinical signs and reduction of histological
      abnormalities. The in vitro proliferation of spleen cells from tolerant colitic
      mice was lower than that of control mice, the same as the frequencies of CD4+ T
      cells secreting IL-17 and IFN-gamma. The frequencies of regulatory T cells and T
      cells secreting IL-10 have increased significantly in mice orally treated with
      OVA. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IFN-gamma)
      were lower in supernatants of cells from tolerant colitic mice, whereas IL-10
      levels were higher. CONCLUSION: Our data show that the modulation of immune
      response induced by oral tolerance reduces the severity of experimental colitis.
      Such modulation may be partially attributed to the increase of Treg cells and
      reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral lymphoid organs of tolerant
      mice by bystander suppression.

PMID- 28099499
TI  - Oral Microbiota in Infants Fed a Formula Supplemented with Bovine Milk Fat
      Globule Membranes - A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a recent study, supplementation of infant formula with milk fat
      globule membranes (MFGM) decreased the incidence of otitis media in infants <6
      months of age. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to characterize the
      oral microbiota in infants fed MFGM-supplemented formula and compare it to that
      of infants fed standard formula or breast milk. METHODS: In a prospective double
      blinded randomized controlled trial, exclusively formula-fed infants <2 months of
      age were randomized to be fed experimental formula (EF, n = 80) with reduced
      energy and protein and supplemented with a bovine MFGM concentrate, or standard
      formula (SF, n = 80) until 6 months of age. A breast-fed reference (BFR, n = 80)
      group was also recruited. The oral microbiota was analyzed at 4 (n = 124) and 12
      (n = 166) months of age using Illumina MiSeq multiplex sequencing and taxonomic
      resolution against the HOMD 16S rDNA database of oral bacteria. RESULTS: Species
      richness in the oral samples did not differ between the EF and SF groups, but
      partial least square modeling identified a few taxa that were significantly
      associated with being in either group, e.g. lower level of Moraxella catarrhalis
      in the EF group. Infants in the BFR group had significantly lower species
      richness at 4 months of age and their microbiota pattern differed markedly from
      the formula-fed groups. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of infant formula with MFGM
      yielded moderate effects on the oral microbiome. Moraxella catarrhalis was less
      prevalent in infants fed EF than in those fed SF and may be associated with the
      decrease in otitis media seen in the same group.

PMID- 28099500
TI  - Genetic Analysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus O3:K6 Strains That Have Been Isolated
      in Mexico Since 1998.
AB  - Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an important human pathogen that has been isolated
      worldwide from clinical cases, most of which have been associated with seafood
      consumption. Environmental and clinical toxigenic strains of V. parahaemolyticus
      that were isolated in Mexico from 1998 to 2012, including those from the only
      outbreak that has been reported in this country, were characterized genetically
      to assess the presence of the O3:K6 pandemic clone, and their genetic
      relationship to strains that are related to the pandemic clonal complex (CC3).
      Pathogenic tdh+ and tdh+/trh+ strains were analyzed by pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Also, the entire
      genome of a Mexican O3:K6 strain was sequenced. Most of the strains were tdh/ORF8
      positive and corresponded to the O3:K6 serotype. By PFGE and MLST, there was very
      close genetic relationship between ORF8/O3:K6 strains, and very high genetic
      diversities from non-pandemic strains. The genetic relationship is very close
      among O3:K6 strains that were isolated in Mexico and sequences that were
      available for strains in the CC3, based on the PubMLST database. The whole-genome
      sequence of CICESE-170 strain had high similarity with that of the reference RIMD
      2210633 strain, and harbored 7 pathogenicity islands, including the 4 that denote
      O3:K6 pandemic strains. These results indicate that pandemic strains that have
      been isolated in Mexico show very close genetic relationship among them and with
      those isolated worldwide.

PMID- 28099501
TI  - Environmental Persistence Influences Infection Dynamics for a Butterfly Pathogen.
AB  - Many pathogens, including those infecting insects, are transmitted via dormant
      stages shed into the environment, where they must persist until encountering a
      susceptible host. Understanding how abiotic conditions influence environmental
      persistence and how these factors influence pathogen spread are crucial for
      predicting patterns of infection risk. Here, we explored the consequences of
      environmental transmission for infection dynamics of a debilitating protozoan
      parasite (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha) that infects monarch butterflies (Danaus
      plexippus). We first conducted an experiment to observe the persistence of
      protozoan spores exposed to natural conditions. Experimental results showed that,
      contrary to our expectations, pathogen doses maintained high infectivity even
      after 16 days in the environment, although pathogens did yield infections with
      lower parasite loads after environmental exposure. Because pathogen longevity
      exceeded the time span of our experiment, we developed a mechanistic model to
      better explore environmental persistence for this host-pathogen system. Model
      analysis showed that, in general, longer spore persistence led to higher
      infection prevalence and slightly smaller monarch population sizes. The model
      indicated that typical parasite doses shed onto milkweed plants must remain
      viable for a minimum of 3 weeks for prevalence to increase during the summer
      breeding season, and for 11 weeks or longer to match levels of infection commonly
      reported from the wild, assuming moderate values for parasite shedding rate. Our
      findings showed that transmission stages of this butterfly pathogen are long
      lived and indicated that this is a necessary condition for the protozoan to
      persist in local monarch populations. This study provides a modeling framework
      for future work examining the dynamics of an ecologically important pathogen in
      an iconic insect.

PMID- 28099502
TI  - Clinical and Immune Effects of Lenalidomide in Combination with Gemcitabine in
      Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the immunomodulatory and clinical effects of lenalidomide with
      standard treatment of gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were treated in
      first line with lenalidomide orally for 21 days of a 28 days cycle and the
      standard regimen for gemcitabine. In Part I, which we previously have reported,
      the dose of lenalidomide was defined (n = 12). In Part II, every other
      consecutive patient was treated with either lenalidomide (Group A, n = 11) or
      gemcitabine (Group B, n = 10) during cycle 1. From cycle 2 on, all Part II
      patients received the combination. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the
      proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the frequency of
      DCs were noted in patients at baseline compared to healthy control donors while
      the frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, NK-cells and MDSCs were significantly
      higher in patients compared to controls. In Group A, a significant increase in
      the absolute numbers of activated (HLA-DR+) CD4 and CD8 T cells and CD8 effector
      memory T cells (p<0.01) was noted during treatment. A statistical increment in
      the absolute numbers of Tregs were seen after cycle 1 (p<0.05). The addition of
      gemcitabine, reduced most lymphocyte subsets (p<0.05). In Group B, the proportion
      of lymphocytes remained unchanged during the study period. There was no
      difference in overall survival, progression free survival and survival rate at
      one year comparing the two groups. DISCUSSION: Patients with advanced pancreatic
      carcinoma had impaired immune functions. Lenalidomide augmented T cell
      reactivities, which were abrogated by gemcitabine. However, addition of
      lenalidomide to gemcitabine seemed to have no therapeutic impact compared to
      gemcitabine alone in this non-randomized study. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01547260.

PMID- 28099503
TI  - 3D Functional Corneal Stromal Tissue Equivalent Based on Corneal Stromal Stem
      Cells and Multi-Layered Silk Film Architecture.
AB  - The worldwide need for human cornea equivalents continues to grow. Few clinical
      options are limited to allogenic and synthetic material replacements. We
      hypothesized that tissue engineered human cornea systems based on mechanically
      robust, patterned, porous, thin, optically clear silk protein films, in
      combination with human corneal stromal stem cells (hCSSCs), would generate 3D
      functional corneal stroma tissue equivalents, in comparison to previously
      developed 2D approaches. Silk film contact guidance was used to control the
      alignment and distribution of hCSSCs on RGD-treated single porous silk films,
      which were then stacked in an orthogonally, multi-layered architecture and
      cultured for 9 weeks. These systems were compared similar systems generated with
      human corneal fibroblasts (hCFs). Both cell types were viable and preferentially
      aligned along the biomaterial patterns for up to 9 weeks in culture. H&E
      histological sections showed that the systems seeded with the hCSSCs displayed
      ECM production throughout the entire thickness of the constructs. In addition,
      the ECM proteins tested positive for keratocyte-specific tissue markers,
      including keratan sulfate, lumican, and keratocan. The quantification of hCSSC
      gene expression of keratocyte-tissue markers, including keratocan, lumican, human
      aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1), prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTDGS), and
      pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 4 (PDK4), within the 3D tissue systems
      demonstrated upregulation when compared to 2D single silk films and to the
      systems generated with the hCFs. Furthermore, the production of ECM from the
      hCSSC seeded systems and subsequent remodeling of the initial matrix
      significantly improved cohesiveness and mechanical performance of the constructs,
      while maintaining transparency after 9 weeks.

PMID- 28099504
TI  - Direction-Specific Impairments in Cervical Range of Motion in Women with Chronic
      Neck Pain: Influence of Head Posture and Gravitationally Induced Torque.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical range of motion (ROM) is commonly assessed in clinical
      practice and research. In a previous study we decomposed active cervical sagittal
      ROM into contributions from lower and upper levels of the cervical spine and
      found level- and direction-specific impairments in women with chronic non
      specific neck pain. The present study aimed to validate these results and
      investigate if the specific impairments can be explained by the neutral posture
      (defining zero flexion/extension) or a movement strategy to avoid large
      gravitationally induced torques on the cervical spine. METHODS: Kinematics of the
      head and thorax was assessed in sitting during maximal sagittal cervical
      flexion/extension (high torque condition) and maximal protraction (low torque
      condition) in 120 women with chronic non-specific neck pain and 40 controls. We
      derived the lower and upper cervical angles, and the head centre of mass (HCM),
      from a 3-segment kinematic model. Neutral head posture was assessed using a
      standardized procedure. FINDINGS: Previous findings of level- and direction
      specific impairments in neck pain were confirmed. Neutral head posture was equal
      between groups and did not explain the direction-specific impairments. The
      relative magnitude of group difference in HCM migration did not differ between
      high and low torques conditions, lending no support for our hypothesis that
      impairments in sagittal ROM are due to torque avoidance behaviour.
      INTERPRETATION: The direction- and level-specific impairments in cervical
      sagittal ROM can be generalised to the population of women with non-specific neck
      pain. Further research is necessary to clarify if torque avoidance behaviour can
      explain the impairments.

PMID- 28099505
TI  - Evaluation of 6 and 10 Year-Old Child Human Body Models in Emergency Events.
AB  - Emergency events can influence a child's kinematics prior to a car-crash, and
      thus its interaction with the restraint system. Numerical Human Body Models
      (HBMs) can help understand the behaviour of children in emergency events. The
      kinematic responses of two child HBMs-MADYMO 6 and 10 year-old models-were
      evaluated and compared with child volunteers' data during emergency events
      braking and steering-with a focus on the forehead and sternum displacements. The
      response of the 6 year-old HBM was similar to the response of the 10 year-old
      HBM, however both models had a different response compared with the volunteers.
      The forward and lateral displacements were within the range of volunteer data up
      to approximately 0.3 s; but then, the HBMs head and sternum moved significantly
      downwards, while the volunteers experienced smaller displacement and tended to
      come back to their initial posture. Therefore, these HBMs, originally intended
      for crash simulations, are not too stiff and could be able to reproduce properly
      emergency events thanks, for instance, to postural control.

PMID- 28099506
TI  - Spatial and Host-Related Variation in Prevalence and Population Density of Wheat
      Curl Mite (Aceria tosichella) Cryptic Genotypes in Agricultural Landscapes.
AB  - The wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichella Keifer, is a major pest of cereals
      worldwide that also comprises a complex of at least 16 genetic lineages with
      divergent physiological traits, including host associations and specificity. The
      goal of this study was to test the extent to which host-plant species and
      landscape spatial variation influence WCM presence and population density across
      the entire area of Poland (>311,000 km2). Three important findings arose from the
      results of the study. (1) The majority of WCM lineages analyzed exhibited
      variation in patterns of prevalence and/or population density on both spatial and
      host-associated scales. (2) Areas of occurrence and local abundance were
      delineated for specific WCM lineages and it was determined that the most
      pestiferous lineages are much less widespread than was expected, suggesting
      relatively recent introductions into Poland and the potential for further spread.
      (3) The 16 WCM lineages under study assorted within four discrete host
      assemblages, within which similar host preferences and host infestation patterns
      were detected. Of these four groups, one consists of lineages associated with
      cereals. In addition to improving basic ecological knowledge of a widespread
      arthropod herbivore, the results of this research identify high-risk areas for
      the presence of the most pestiferous WCM lineages in the study area (viz. the
      entirety of Poland). They also provide insight into the evolution of pest species
      of domesticated crops and facilitate testing of fundamental hypotheses about the
      ecological factors that shape this pest community.

PMID- 28099508
TI  - Effects of Soil Salinity on the Expression of Bt Toxin (Cry1Ac) and the Control
      Efficiency of Helicoverpa armigera in Field-Grown Transgenic Bt Cotton.
AB  - An increasing area of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is being
      planted in saline-alkaline soil in China. The Bt protein level in transgenic
      cotton plants and its control efficiency can be affected by abiotic stress,
      including high temperature, water deficiency and other factors. However, how soil
      salinity affects the expression of Bt protein, thus influencing the control
      efficiency of Bt cotton against the cotton bollworm (CBW) Helicoverpa armigera
      (Hubner) in the field, is poorly understood. Our objective in the present study
      was to investigate the effects of soil salinity on the expression of Bt toxin
      (Cry1Ac) and the control efficiency of Helicoverpa armigera in field-grown
      transgenic Bt cotton using three natural saline levels (1.15 dS m-1 [low soil
      salinity], 6.00 dS m-1 [medium soil-salinity] and 11.46 dS m-1 [high soil
      salinity]). We found that the Bt protein content in the transgenic Bt cotton
      leaves and the insecticidal activity of Bt cotton against CBW decreased with the
      increasing soil salinity in laboratory experiments during the growing season. The
      Bt protein content of Bt cotton leaves in the laboratory were negatively
      correlated with the salinity level. The CBW populations were highest on the Bt
      cotton grown in medium-salinity soil instead of the high-salinity soil in field
      conditions. A possible mechanism may be that the relatively high-salinity soil
      changed the plant nutritional quality or other plant defensive traits. The
      results from this study may help to identify more appropriate practices to
      control CBW in Bt cotton fields with different soil salinity levels.

PMID- 28099507
TI  - Correlations of Behavioral Deficits with Brain Pathology Assessed through
      Longitudinal MRI and Histopathology in the HdhQ150/Q150 Mouse Model of
      Huntington's Disease.
AB  - A variety of mouse models have been developed that express mutant huntingtin
      (mHTT) leading to aggregates and inclusions that model the molecular pathology
      observed in Huntington's disease. Here we show that although homozygous HdhQ150
      knock-in mice developed motor impairments (rotarod, locomotor activity, grip
      strength) by 36 weeks of age, cognitive dysfunction (swimming T maze, fear
      conditioning, odor discrimination, social interaction) was not evident by 94
      weeks. Concomitant to behavioral assessments, T2-weighted MRI volume measurements
      indicated a slower striatal growth with a significant difference between wild
      type (WT) and HdhQ150 mice being present even at 15 weeks. Indeed, MRI indicated
      significant volumetric changes prior to the emergence of the "clinical horizon"
      of motor impairments at 36 weeks of age. A striatal decrease of 27% was observed
      over 94 weeks with cortex (12%) and hippocampus (21%) also indicating significant
      atrophy. A hypothesis-free analysis using tensor-based morphometry highlighted
      further regions undergoing atrophy by contrasting brain growth and regional
      neurodegeneration. Histology revealed the widespread presence of mHTT aggregates
      and cellular inclusions. However, there was little evidence of correlations
      between these outcome measures, potentially indicating that other factors are
      important in the causal cascade linking the molecular pathology to the emergence
      of behavioral impairments. In conclusion, the HdhQ150 mouse model replicates many
      aspects of the human condition, including an extended pre-manifest period prior
      to the emergence of motor impairments.

PMID- 28099510
TI  - Regulation of NUB1 Activity through Non-Proteolytic Mdm2-Mediated Ubiquitination.
AB  - NUB1 (Nedd8 ultimate buster 1) is an adaptor protein which negatively regulates
      the ubiquitin-like protein Nedd8 as well as neddylated proteins levels through
      proteasomal degradation. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this function
      are not completely understood. Here, we report that the oncogenic E3 ubiquitin
      ligase Mdm2 is a new NUB1 interacting protein which induces its ubiquitination.
      Interestingly, we found that Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination of NUB1 is not a
      proteolytic signal. Instead of promoting the conjugation of polyubiquitin chains
      and the subsequent proteasomal degradation of NUB1, Mdm2 rather induces its di
      ubiquitination on lysine 159. Importantly, mutation of lysine 159 into arginine
      inhibits NUB1 activity by impairing its negative regulation of Nedd8 and of
      neddylated proteins. We conclude that Mdm2 acts as a positive regulator of NUB1
      function, by modulating NUB1 ubiquitination on lysine 159.

PMID- 28099509
TI  - A Comparative Study on Antioxidant System in Fish Hepatopancreas and Intestine
      Affected by Choline Deficiency: Different Change Patterns of Varied Antioxidant
      Enzyme Genes and Nrf2 Signaling Factors.
AB  - The liver and intestine are susceptible to the oxidative damage which could
      result in several diseases. Choline deficiency induced oxidative damage in rat
      liver cells. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential molecular
      mechanisms responsible for choline deficiency-induced oxidative damage. Juvenile
      Jian carp were fed diets differing in choline content [165 (deficient group),
      310, 607, 896, 1167 and 1820 mg/kg diet] respectively for 65 days. Oxidative
      damage, antioxidant enzyme activities and related gene expressions in the
      hepatopancreas and intestine were measured. Choline deficiency decreased choline
      and phosphatidylcholine contents, and induced oxidative damage in both organs, as
      evidenced by increased levels of oxidative-stress markers (malondialdehyde,
      protein carbonyl and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine), coupled with decreased activities
      of antioxidant enzymes [Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese
      superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S
      transferase (GST)]. However, choline deficiency increased glutathione contents in
      the hepatopancreas and intestine. Furthermore, dietary choline deficiency
      downregulated mRNA levels of MnSOD, GPx1b, GST-rho, mGST3 and Kelch-like ECH
      associating protein 1 (Keap1b) in the hepatopancreas, MnSOD, GPx1b, GPx4a, GPx4b,
      GST-rho, GST-theta, GST-mu, GST-alpha, GST-pi and GST-kappa in the intestine, as
      well as intestinal Nrf2 protein levels. In contrast, choline deficiency
      upregulated the mRNA levels of GPx4a, GPx4b, mGST1, mGST2, GST-theta, GST-mu,
      Keap1a and PKC in the hepatopancreas, mGST3, nuclear factor erythoid 2-related
      factor 2 (Nrf2) and Keap1a in the intestine, as well as hepatopancreatic Nrf2
      protein levels. This study provides new evidence that choline deficiency-induced
      oxidative damage is associated with changes in the transcription of antioxidant
      enzyme and Nrf2/Keap1 signaling molecules in the hepatopancreas and intestine.
      Additionally, this study firstly indicated that choline deficiency induced varied
      change patterns of different GPx and GST isoforms. Meanwhile, the changes of some
      GPx and GST isoforms caused by choline deficiency in the intestine were contrary
      to those in the hepatopancreas.

PMID- 28099511
TI  - Extracellular Fluid/Intracellular Fluid Volume Ratio as a Novel Risk Indicator
      for All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease in Hemodialysis Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In hemodialysis patients, fluid overload and malnutrition are
      accompanied by extracellular fluid (ECF) expansion and intracellular fluid (ICF)
      depletion, respectively. We investigated the relationship between ECF/ICF ratio
      (as an integrated marker reflecting both fluid overload and malnutrition) and
      survival and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the context of malnutrition
      inflammation-arteriosclerosis (MIA) complex. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients from
      a single hemodialysis unit were prospectively enrolled. The ECF/ICF volume was
      measured by segmental multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis. MIA and volume
      status were measured by serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), pulse wave
      velocity (PWV) and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), respectively.
      RESULTS: The mean ECF/ICF ratio was 0.56+/-0.06 and the cut-off value for maximum
      discrimination of survival was 0.57. Compared with the low ECF/ICF group, the
      high ECF/ICF group (ratio>=0.57, 42%) had higher all-cause mortality, CVD, CRP,
      PWV, and BNP, but lower serum albumin. During the 5-year follow-up, 24 all-cause
      mortality and 38 CVD occurred (18 and 24, respectively, in the high ECF/ICF group
      versus 6 and 14 respectively in the low ECF/ICF group, P<0.001). In the adjusted
      Cox analysis, the ECF/ICF ratio nullifies the effects of the MIA and volume
      status on survival and CVD and was an independent predictor of all-cause
      mortality and CVD: hazard ratio (95% confidence interval); 1.12 (1.01-1.25) and
      1.09 (1.01-1.18) for a 0.01 increase in the ECF/ICF ratio. The degree of
      malnutrition (albumin), inflammation (CRP), arteriosclerosis (PWV), and fluid
      overload (BNP) were correlated well with the ECF/ICF ratio. CONCLUSIONS:
      Hemodialysis patients with high ECF/ICF ratio are not only fluid overloaded, but
      malnourished and have stiff artery with more inflammation. The ECF/ICF ratio is
      highly related to the MIA complex, and is a major risk indicator for all-cause
      mortality and CVD.

PMID- 28099512
TI  - Age-Dependent Oxidative DNA Damage Does Not Correlate with Reduced Proliferation
      of Cardiomyocytes in Humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postnatal human cardiomyocyte proliferation declines rapidly with
      age, which has been suggested to be correlated with increases in oxidative DNA
      damage in mice and plays an important role in regulating cardiomyocyte
      proliferation. However, the relationship between oxidative DNA damage and age in
      humans is unclear. METHODS: Sixty right ventricular outflow myocardial tissue
      specimens were obtained from ventricular septal defect infant patients during
      routine congenital cardiac surgery. These specimens were divided into three
      groups based on age: group A (age 0-6 months), group B (age, 7-12 months), and
      group C (>12 months). Each tissue specimen was subjected to DNA extraction, RNA
      extraction, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR
      analysis revealed that DNA damage markers-mitochondrial DNA copy number,
      oxoguanine 8, and phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated-were highest in
      Group B. However immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR demonstrated that two cell
      proliferation markers, Ki67 and cyclin D2, were decreased with age. In addition,
      wheat germ agglutinin-staining indicated that the average size of cardiomyocytes
      increased with age. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative DNA damage of cardiomyocytes was not
      correlated positively with age in human beings. Oxidative DNA damage is unable to
      fully explain the reduced proliferation of human cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 28099513
TI  - The Tetraspanin-Associated Uroplakins Family (UPK2/3) Is Evolutionarily Related
      to PTPRQ, a Phosphotyrosine Phosphatase Receptor.
AB  - Uroplakins are a widespread group of vertebrate integral membrane proteins that
      belong to two different families: UPK1a and UPK1b belong to the large tetraspanin
      (TSPAN) gene family, and UPK3a, UPK3b, UPK3c, UPK3d, UPK2a and UPK2b form a
      family of their own, the UPK2/3 tetraspanin-associated family. In a previous
      study, we reported that uroplakins first appeared in vertebrates, and that
      uroplakin tetraspanins (UPK1a and UPK1b) should have originated by duplication of
      an ancestor tetraspanin gene. However, the evolutionary origin of the UPK2/3
      family remains unclear. In this study, we provide evidence that the UPK2/3 family
      originated by gene duplication and domain loss from a protoPTPRQ-like basal
      deuterostome gene. PTPRQs are members of the subtype R3 tyrosine phosphatase
      receptor (R3 PTPR) family, which are characterized by having a unique modular
      composition of extracellular fibronectin (FN3) repeats, a transmembrane helix,
      and a single intra-cytoplasmic phosphotyrosine phophatase (PTP) domain. Our
      assumption of a deuterostome protoPTPRQ-like gene as an ancestor of the UPK2/3
      family by gene duplication and loss of its PTP and fibronectin (FN3) domains,
      excluding the one closest to the transmembrane helix, is based on the following:
      (i) phylogenetic analyses, (ii) the existence of an identical intron/exon gene
      pattern between UPK2/3 and the corresponding genetic region in R3 PTPRs, (iii)
      the conservation of cysteine patterns and protein motifs between UPK2/3 and PTPRQ
      proteins and, (iv) the existence in tunicates, the closest organisms to
      vertebrates, of two sequences related to PTPRQ; one with the full subtype R3
      modular characteristic and another without the PTP domain but with a short
      cytoplasmic tail with some sequence similarity to that of UPK3a. This finding
      will facilitate further studies on the structure and function of these important
      proteins with implications in human diseases.

PMID- 28099514
TI  - PET/CT Scanner and Bone Marrow Biopsy in Detection of Bone Marrow Involvement in
      Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
AB  - Evaluation of bone marrow involvement (BMI) is paramount in diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma (DLBCL) for prognostic and therapeutic reasons. PET/CT scanner (PET) is
      now a routine examination for the staging of DLBCL with prognostic and
      therapeutic implications. This study evaluates the role of PET for detecting
      marrow involvement compared to bone marrow biopsy (BMB). This monocentric study
      included 54 patients diagnosed with DLBCL between 2009 and 2013 and who had FDG
      PET/CT in a pre-treatment setting. A correlation analysis of the detection of BMI
      by PET and BMB was performed. A prognostic evaluation of BMI by BMB and/or PET/CT
      and correlation with an overall 2-year survival were analyzed. PET was more
      sensitive for the detection of BMI than BMB (92.3% vs. 38.5%). It can be
      considered a discriminatory Pre-BMB test with a negative predictive value of
      97.6%. In addition, BMI by PET had a prognostic value with strong correlation
      with progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 3.81; p = 0.013) and overall survival
      (OS) (HR = 4.12; p = 0.03) while the BMB had not. PET shows superior performance
      to the BMB for the detection of marrow involvement in DLBCL. It may be considered
      as the first line examination of bone marrow instead of the biopsy.

PMID- 28099515
TI  - Polymorphisms and Mutational Covariation Associated with Death in a Prospective
      Cohort of HIV/AIDS Patients Receiving Long-Term ART in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV drug resistance is associated with faster clinical progression of
      AIDS. However, the effect of significant polymorphisms and mutational covariation
      on mortality among HIV/AIDS patients receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy
      (ART), have rarely been studied. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study from
      December 2003 to December 2014, we present a new computational modelling approach
      based on bioinformatics-based models and several statistical methods to elucidate
      the molecular mechanisms involved in the acquisition of polymorphisms and
      mutations on death in HIV/AIDS patients receiving long-term ART in China.
      RESULTS: This study involved 654 ART-treated patients, who had been followed for
      5473.4 person-years, a median of 9.8 years, and 178 died (25.2%, 3.3/100 person
      years). The first regimens included AZT/d4T + NVP+ ddI (78.9%) or AZT/d4T + NVP+
      3TC (20.0%). We calculated an individual Ka/Ks value for each specific amino acid
      mutation. Result showed that 20 polymorphisms (E6D, Q18H, E35D, S37N, T39A, K43E,
      S68N, L74I, I93L, K103N, V106A, E169D, Y181C, G190A, Q197K, T200V, T200E, T215I,
      E224D and P225H) were strongly associated with AIDS related deaths. Among them, 7
      polymorphisms (L74I, K103N, V106A, Y181C, G190A, T215I and P225H) were known to
      be drug resistance mutations, 7 polymorphisms (E6D, E35D, S37N, I93L, E169D,
      T200V and T200E were considered to be potential drug resistance mutations, and 6
      polymorphisms (T39A, K43E, S68N, Q197K, T200V and E224D) were newly found to have
      an association with drug resistance mutations, which formed a complex network of
      relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Some polymorphisms and mutational covariation may be
      the important influencing factors in the failure of treatment. Understanding
      these mechanisms is essential for the development of new therapies, designing
      optimal drug combinations, and determining effective clinical management of
      individual patients.

PMID- 28099516
TI  - Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rare Diseases: The Orphanet Database.
AB  - Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for rare diseases (RDs) are scarce, may be
      difficult to identify through Internet searches and may vary in quality depending
      on the source and methodology used. In order to contribute to the improvement of
      the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients, Orphanet (www.orpha.net) has set
      up a procedure for the selection, quality evaluation and dissemination of CPGs,
      with the aim to provide easy access to relevant, accurate and specific
      recommendations for the management of RDs. This article provides an analysis of
      selected CPGs by medical domain coverage, prevalence of diseases, languages and
      type of producer, and addresses the variability in CPG quality and availability.
      CPGs are identified via bibliographic databases, websites of research networks,
      expert centres or medical societies. They are assessed according to quality
      criteria derived from the Appraisal of Guidelines, REsearch and Evaluation (AGREE
      II) Instrument. Only open access CPGs and documents for which permission from the
      copyright holders has been obtained are disseminated on the Orphanet website.
      From January 2012 to July 2015, 277 CPGs were disseminated, representing coverage
      of 1,122 groups of diseases, diseases or subtypes in the Orphanet database. No
      language restriction is applied, and so far 10 languages are represented, with a
      predominance of CPGs in English, French and German (92% of all CPGs). A large
      proportion of diseases with identified CPGs belong to rare oncologic, neurologic,
      hematologic diseases or developmental anomalies. The Orphanet project on CPG
      collection, evaluation and dissemination is a continuous process, with regular
      addition of new guidelines, and updates. CPGs meeting the quality criteria are
      integrated to the Orphanet database of rare diseases, together with other types
      of textual information and the appropriate services for patients, researchers and
      healthcare professionals in 40 countries.

PMID- 28099517
TI  - Walking on a Vertically Oscillating Treadmill: Phase Synchronization and Gait
      Kinematics.
AB  - Sensory motor synchronization can be used to alter gait behavior. This type of
      therapy may be useful in a rehabilitative setting, though several questions
      remain regarding the most effective way to promote and sustain synchronization.
      The purpose of this study was to describe a new technique for using
      synchronization to influence a person's gait and to compare walking behavior
      under this paradigm with that of side by side walking. Thirty one subjects walked
      on a motorized treadmill that was placed on a platform that oscillated vertically
      at various frequencies and amplitudes. Synchronization with the platform and
      stride kinematics were recorded during these walking trials and compared with
      previously reported data from side by side walking. The results indicated that
      vertical oscillation of the treadmill surface at frequencies that matched
      subjects preferred stride or step frequency resulted in greater unintentional
      synchronization when compared with side by side walking data (up to 78.6+/-8.3%
      of the trial vs 59.2+/-17.4%). While intermittent phase locking was observed in
      all cases, periods of synchronization occurred more frequently and lasted longer
      while walking on the oscillating treadmill (mean length of periods of phase
      locking 11.85 steps vs 5.18 steps). Further, stride length, height and duration
      were altered by changing the frequency of treadmill oscillation. These results
      suggest that synchronization to a haptic signal may hold implications for use in
      a clinical setting.

PMID- 28099518
TI  - Evaluation of Methods for the Concentration and Extraction of Viruses from Sewage
      in the Context of Metagenomic Sequencing.
AB  - Viral sewage metagenomics is a novel field of study used for surveillance,
      epidemiological studies, and evaluation of waste water treatment efficiency. In
      raw sewage human waste is mixed with household, industrial and drainage water,
      and virus particles are, therefore, only found in low concentrations. This
      necessitates a step of sample concentration to allow for sensitive virus
      detection. Additionally, viruses harbor a large diversity of both surface and
      genome structures, which makes universal viral genomic extraction difficult.
      Current studies have tackled these challenges in many different ways employing a
      wide range of viral concentration and extraction procedures. However, there is
      limited knowledge of the efficacy and inherent biases associated with these
      methods in respect to viral sewage metagenomics, hampering the development of
      this field. By the use of next generation sequencing this study aimed to evaluate
      the efficiency of four commonly applied viral concentrations techniques
      (precipitation with polyethylene glycol, organic flocculation with skim milk,
      monolithic adsorption filtration and glass wool filtration) and extraction
      methods (Nucleospin RNA XS, QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit, NucliSENS(r) miniMAG(r),
      or PowerViral(r) Environmental RNA/DNA Isolation Kit) to determine the viriome in
      a sewage sample. We found a significant influence of concentration and extraction
      protocols on the detected viriome. The viral richness was largest in samples
      extracted with QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit or PowerViral(r) Environmental RNA/DNA
      Isolation Kit. Highest viral specificity were found in samples concentrated by
      precipitation with polyethylene glycol or extracted with Nucleospin RNA XS.
      Detection of viral pathogens depended on the method used. These results
      contribute to the understanding of method associated biases, within the field of
      viral sewage metagenomics, making evaluation of the current literature easier and
      helping with the design of future studies.

PMID- 28099519
TI  - CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated NOX4 Knockout Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Invasion in
      HeLa Cells.
AB  - Increased expression of NOX4 protein is associated with cancer progression and
      metastasis but the role of NOX4 in cell proliferation and invasion is not fully
      understood. We generated NOX4 knockout HeLa cell lines using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene
      editing system to explore the cellular functions of NOX4. After transfection of
      CRISPR-Cas9 construct, we performed T7 endonuclease 1 assays and DNA sequencing
      to generate and identify insertion and deletion of the NOX4 locus. We confirmed
      the knockout of NOX4 by Western blotting. NOX4 knockout cell lines showed reduced
      cell proliferation with an increase of sub-G1 cell population and the decrease of
      S/G2/M population. Moreover, NOX4 deficiency resulted in a dramatic decrease in
      invadopodium formation and the invasive activity. In addition, NOX4 deficiency
      also caused a decrease in focal adhesions and cell migration in HeLa cells. These
      results suggest that NOX4 is required for both efficient proliferation and
      invasion of HeLa cells.

PMID- 28099520
TI  - Oral Medications Enhance Adherence to Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
      and Survival in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Regular surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is essential to detect HCC earlier and to
      improve prognosis. This study investigated whether prescription of oral
      medication contributes to adherence to surveillance, early tumor detection, and
      overall survival (OS). METHODS: A total of 401 CHB patients who were newly
      diagnosed with HCC were included: 134 patients received no medication (group 1),
      151 received hepatoprotective agents such as ursodeoxycholic acid and silymarin
      (group 2), and 116 received antiviral agents (group 3) at two years before HCC
      diagnosis. The primary endpoint was OS, and secondary endpoints were compliance
      to regular surveillance and HCC status at diagnosis. RESULTS: Compared to group
      1, both group 2 and 3 had higher rates of good compliance to regular surveillance
      (defined as participation in >80% of imaging intervals being <=6 months) (58.2%,
      90.1%, and 97.4%, respectively; P<0.001), more HCC diagnosed at a very early
      stage (20.9%, 32.5%, and 36.2%; P = 0.019) and smaller tumor size (2.8+/-2.4cm,
      1.9+/-1.1cm, and 1.8+/-0.9cm; P<0.001). Finally, compared to group 1, both group
      2 (hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.97; P = 0.035) and group 3
      (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.71; P = 0.002) had
      significantly longer OS. In mediation analysis, prolonged OS is resulted
      considerably from indirect effect mediated by shorter imaging interval (>100% in
      group 2 and 14.5% in group 3) rather than direct effect of medication itself.
      CONCLUSIONS: Prescription of oral medication improves compliance to surveillance
      and enables early detection of HCC, which is associated with enhanced survival.

PMID- 28099521
TI  - Nuclear Localization and Cleavage of STAT6 Is Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma
      Associated Herpesvirus for Viral Latency.
AB  - Emerging evidence implies that STAT6 plays an important role in both the adaptive
      and innate immune responses to virus infection. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated
      herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic gamma-herpesvirus agent associated with
      several human malignancies, including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion
      lymphomas (PELs). Previously, we demonstrated that KSHV blocks IL-4-induced STAT6
      phosphorylation and retains a basal IL-13/STAT6 constitutive activation for cell
      survival and proliferation. However, the mechanism by which KSHV regulates STAT6
      remains largely unknown. Here, we found that KSHV-encoded LANA interacts with
      STAT6 and promotes nuclear localization of STAT6 independent of the tyrosine 641
      phosphorylation state. Moreover, nuclear localization of STAT6 is also
      dramatically increased in KS tissue. The latent antigen LANA induces serine
      protease-mediated cleavage of STAT6 in the nucleus, where the cleaved STAT6
      lacking transactivation domain functions as a dominant-negative regulator to
      repress transcription of Replication and Transcription Activator (RTA) and in
      turn shut off viral lytic replication. Blockade of STAT6 by small interference
      RNA dramatically enhances expression of RTA, and in turn reduces KSHV-infected
      endothelial cell growth and colony formation. Taken together, these results
      suggest that nuclear localization and cleavage of STAT6 is important for
      modulating the viral latency and pathogenesis of KSHV.

PMID- 28099522
TI  - Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Shows Minimal, Measure-Specific
      Effects on Dynamic Postural Control in Young and Older Adults: A Double Blind,
      Sham-Controlled Study.
AB  - We investigated whether stimulating the cerebellum and primary motor cortex (M1)
      using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could affect postural
      control in young and older adults. tDCS was employed using a double-blind, sham
      controlled design, in which young (aged 18-35) and older adults (aged 65+) were
      assessed over three sessions, one for each stimulatory condition-M1, cerebellar
      and sham. The effect of tDCS on postural control was assessed using a sway
      referencing paradigm, which induced platform rotations in proportion to the
      participant's body sway, thus assessing sensory reweighting processes. Task
      difficulty was manipulated so that young adults experienced a support surface
      that was twice as compliant as that of older adults, in order to minimise
      baseline age differences in postural sway. Effects of tDCS on postural control
      were assessed during, immediately after and 30 minutes after tDCS. Additionally,
      the effect of tDCS on corticospinal excitability was measured by evaluating motor
      evoked potentials using transcranial magnetic stimulation immediately after and
      30 minutes after tDCS. Minimal effects of tDCS on postural control were found in
      the eyes open condition only, and this was dependent on the measure assessed and
      age group. For young adults, stimulation had only offline effects, as cerebellar
      stimulation showed higher mean power frequency (MPF) of sway 30 minutes after
      stimulation. For older adults, both stimulation conditions delayed the increase
      in sway amplitude witnessed between blocks one and two until stimulation was no
      longer active. In conclusion, despite tDCS' growing popularity, we would caution
      researchers to consider carefully the type of measures assessed and the groups
      targeted in tDCS studies of postural control.

PMID- 28099523
TI  - The Role of Liquid Based Cytology and Ancillary Techniques in the Peritoneal
      Washing Analysis: Our Institutional Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cytological analysis of peritoneal effusions serves as a
      diagnostic and prognostic aid for either primary or metastatic diseases. Among
      the different cytological preparations, liquid based cytology (LBC) represents a
      feasible and reliable method ensuring also the application of ancillary
      techniques (i.e immunocytochemistry-ICC and molecular testing). METHODS: We
      recorded 10348 LBC peritoneal effusions between January 2000 and December 2014.
      They were classified as non-diagnostic (ND), negative for malignancy-NM, atypical
      suspicious for malignancy-SM and positive for malignancy-PM. RESULTS: The
      cytological diagnosis included 218 ND, 9.035 NM, 213 SM and 882 PM. A total of
      8048 (7228 NM, 115SM, 705 PM) cases with histological follow-up were included.
      Our NM included 21 malignant and 7207 benign histological diagnoses. Our 820
      SMs+PMs were diagnosed as 107 unknown malignancies (30SM and 77PM), 691
      metastatic lesions (81SM and 610PM), 9 lymphomas (2SM and 7PM), 9 mesotheliomas
      (1SM and 8SM), 4 sarcomas (1SM and 3PM). Primary gynecological cancers
      contributed with 64% of the cases. We documented 97.4% sensitivity, 99.9%
      specificity, 98% diagnostic accuracy, 99.7% negative predictive value (NPV) and
      99.7% positive predictive value (PPV). Furthermore, the morphological diagnoses
      were supported by either 173 conclusive ICC results or 50 molecular analyses.
      Specifically the molecular testing was performed for the EGFR and KRAS mutational
      analysis based on the previous or contemporary diagnoses of Non Small Cell Lung
      Cancer (NSCLC) and colon carcinomas. We identified 10 EGFR in NSCCL and 7 KRAS
      mutations on LBC stored material. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal cytology is an
      adjunctive tool in the surgical management of tumors mostly gynecological
      cancers. LBC maximizes the application of ancillary techniques such as ICC and
      molecular analysis with feasible diagnostic and predictive yields also in
      controversial cases.

PMID- 28099524
TI  - Role of Myo/Nog Cells in Neuroprotection: Evidence from the Light Damaged Retina.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify Myo/Nog cells in the adult retina and test their role in
      protecting retinal photoreceptors from light damage. METHODS: Light damage was
      induced by exposing albino rats raised in dim cyclic light to 1000 lux light for
      24 hours. In one group of rats, Myo/Nog cells were purified from rat brain tissue
      by magnetic cell sorting following binding of the G8 monoclonal antibody (mAb).
      These cells were injected into the vitreous humour of the eye within 2 hours
      following bright light exposure. Retinal function was assessed using full-field,
      flash electroretinogram (ERG) before and after treatment. The numbers of Myo/Nog
      cells, apoptotic photoreceptors, and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic
      protein (GFAP) in Muller cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:
      Myo/Nog cells were present in the undamaged retina in low numbers. Light induced
      damage increased their numbers, particularly in the choroid, ganglion cell layer
      and outer plexiform layer. Intravitreal injection of G8-positive (G8+) cells
      harvested from brain mitigated all the effects of light damage examined, i.e.
      loss of retinal function (ERG), death of photoreceptors and the stress-induced
      expression of GFAP in Muller cells. Some of the transplanted G8+ cells were
      integrated into the retina from the vitreous. CONCLUSIONS: Myo/Nog cells are a
      subpopulation of cells that are present in the adult retina. They increase in
      number in response to light induced stress. Intravitreal injection of Myo/Nog
      cells was protective to the retina, in part, by reducing retinal stress as
      measured by the Muller cell response. These results suggest that Myo/Nog cells,
      or the factors they produce, are neuroprotective and may be therapeutic in
      neurodegenerative retinal diseases.

PMID- 28099525
TI  - Polyethylene Glycol Camouflaged Earthworm Hemoglobin.
AB  - Nearly 21 million components of blood and whole blood and transfused annually in
      the United States, while on average only 13.6 million units of blood are donated.
      As the demand for Red Blood Cells (RBCs) continues to increase due to the aging
      population, this deficit will be more significant. Despite decades of research to
      develop hemoglobin (Hb) based oxygen (O2) carriers (HBOCs) as RBC substitutes,
      there are no products approved for clinical use. Lumbricus terrestris
      erythrocruorin (LtEc) is the large acellular O2 carrying protein complex found in
      the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. LtEc is an extremely stable protein complex,
      resistant to autoxidation, and capable of transporting O2 to tissue when
      transfused into mammals. These characteristics render LtEc a promising candidate
      for the development of the next generation HBOCs. LtEc has a short half-life in
      circulation, limiting its application as a bridge over days, until blood became
      available. Conjugation with polyethylene glycol (PEG-LtEc) can extend LtEc
      circulation time. This study explores PEG-LtEc pharmacokinetics and
      pharmacodynamics. To study PEG-LtEc pharmacokinetics, hamsters instrumented with
      the dorsal window chamber were subjected to a 40% exchange transfusion with 10
      g/dL PEG-LtEc or LtEc and followed for 48 hours. To study the vascular response
      of PEG-LtEc, hamsters instrumented with the dorsal window chamber received
      multiple infusions of 10 g/dL PEG-LtEc or LtEc solution to increase plasma LtEc
      concentration to 0.5, then 1.0, and 1.5 g/dL, while monitoring the animals'
      systemic and microcirculatory parameters. Results confirm that PEGylation of LtEc
      increases its circulation time, extending the half-life to 70 hours, 4 times
      longer than that of unPEGylated LtEc. However, PEGylation increased the rate of
      LtEc oxidation in vivo. Vascular analysis verified that PEG-LtEc showed the
      absence of microvascular vasoconstriction or systemic hypertension. The molecular
      size of PEG-LtEc did not change the colloid osmotic pressure or blood volume
      expansion capacity compared to LtEc, due to LtEc's already large molecular size.
      Taken together, these results further encourage the development of PEG-LtEc as an
      O2 carrying therapeutic.

PMID- 28099526
TI  - Executive Functioning in Men with Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorders.
      Influence of Lifetime Suicide Attempts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lifetime suicide attempts in patients with comorbidity between
      psychotic disorders and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), known as dual diagnosis,
      was associated with a worse clinical and cognitive state, poor prognosis and
      premature death. However, to date no previous study has examined the cognitive
      performance of these patients considering as independent the presence or absence
      of lifetime suicide attempts. METHODS: We explore executive functioning
      differences between suicide attempters and non-attempters in dual schizophrenia
      (DS) patients and the possible related factors for both executive performance and
      current suicide risk. Fifty DS male patients in remission of SUD and clinically
      stables, 24 with and 26 without lifetime suicide attempts, were evaluated. We
      considered Z scores for all neuropsychological tests and a composite summary
      score for both premorbid IQ and executive functioning. RESULTS: DS patients
      showed low performance in set-shifting, planning and problem solving tasks. Those
      with suicide attempts presented lower composite summary scores, together with
      worse problem solving skills and decision-making, compared with non-attempters.
      However, after controlling for alcohol dependence, only differences in decision
      making remained. Executive functioning was related to the premorbid intelligence
      quotient, and several clinical variables (duration, severity, months of
      abstinence and relapses of SUD, global functioning and negative symptoms). A
      relationship between current suicide risk, and first-degree relatives with SUD,
      insight and positive symptoms was also found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest
      that problem solving and, especially, decision-making tasks might be sensitive to
      cognitive impairment of DS patients related to presence of lifetime suicide
      attempts. The assessment of these executive functions and cognitive remediation
      therapy when necessary could be beneficial for the effectiveness of treatment in
      patients with DS. However, further research is needed to expand our findings and
      overcome some limitations of this study.

PMID- 28099527
TI  - The Association between Osteoarthritis and Occupational Clusters in the Korean
      Population: A Nationwide Study.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a considerable health problem worldwide. It is known to be
      associated with certain occupational risk factors. We examined the prevalence
      rate of OA by occupational cluster. Data were collected from the Korea National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2010-2013). The total number of
      unweighted sample size was 9,905 participants: 4,460 men and 5,445 women, and OA
      prevalence was 5.3% and 18.4% respectively. OA patients were defined as
      participants with knee/hip joint pain and radiographic change of knee/hip joint.
      Occupational type was classified as either white, pink, blue, or green collar
      based on the occupational characteristics following physical demand: white for
      manager and professionals; pink for clerks and service/sales workers; blue for
      craft/trade workers, machine operators and assemblers, and elementary manual
      workers; and green for agricultural/fishery workers. We calculated the odds
      ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the odds of a
      participant's having OA according to the occupational cluster, with gender
      stratification. The multiple logistic regression model showed that, compared to
      the white collar group, the ORs of the pink, blue, and green collar workers were
      1.23 (95% CI 0.64-2.36), 1.85 (95% CI 1.18-2.88), and 2.91 (95% CI 1.86-4.54),
      respectively, in males, and 2.53 (95% CI 1.71-3.73), 2.86 (95% CI 1.94-4.21), and
      3.90 (95% CI 2.60-5.83), respectively in females. The prevalence rate of OA was
      associated with the occupational cluster, in order from highest to lowest: green,
      blue, pink, and white collar.

PMID- 28099528
TI  - iNOS as a Driver of Inflammation and Apoptosis in Mouse Skeletal Muscle after
      Burn Injury: Possible Involvement of Sirt1 S-Nitrosylation-Mediated Acetylation
      of p65 NF-kappaB and p53.
AB  - Inflammation and apoptosis develop in skeletal muscle after major trauma,
      including burn injury, and play a pivotal role in insulin resistance and muscle
      wasting. We and others have shown that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a
      major mediator of inflammation, plays an important role in stress (e.g., burn)
      induced insulin resistance. However, it remains to be determined how iNOS induces
      insulin resistance. Moreover, the interrelation between inflammatory response and
      apoptosis is poorly understood, although they often develop simultaneously.
      Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and p53 are key regulators of inflammation and
      apoptosis, respectively. Sirt1 inhibits p65 NF-kappaB and p53 by deacetylating
      these transcription factors. Recently, we have shown that iNOS induces S
      nitrosylation of Sirt1, which inactivates Sirt1 and thereby increases acetylation
      and activity of p65 NF-kappaB and p53 in various cell types, including skeletal
      muscle cells. Here, we show that iNOS enhances burn-induced inflammatory response
      and apoptotic change in mouse skeletal muscle along with S-nitrosylation of
      Sirt1. Burn injury induced robust expression of iNOS in skeletal muscle and gene
      disruption of iNOS significantly inhibited burn-induced increases in inflammatory
      gene expression and apoptotic change. In parallel, burn increased Sirt1 S
      nitrosylation and acetylation and DNA-binding capacity of p65 NF-kappaB and p53,
      all of which were reversed or ameliorated by iNOS deficiency. These results
      indicate that iNOS functions not only as a downstream effector but also as an
      upstream enhancer of burn-induced inflammatory response, at least in part, by
      Sirt1 S-nitrosylation-dependent activation (acetylation) of p65 NF-kappaB. Our
      data suggest that Sirt1 S-nitrosylation may play a role in iNOS-mediated enhanced
      inflammatory response and apoptotic change, which, in turn, contribute to muscle
      wasting and supposedly to insulin resistance after burn injury.

PMID- 28099530
TI  - Nationwide Seropositivity of Hepatitis A in Republic of Korea from 2005 to 2014,
      before and after the Outbreak Peak in 2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The epidemiologic shift of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in
      the South Korean population resulted in a peak outbreak of hepatitis in 2009. The
      aim of this study was to clarify the seropositivity of anti-HAV antibody (anti
      HAV) and its demographic characteristics before and after the peak outbreak from
      2005 to 2014. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the anti-HAV data of all
      individuals from 1,795 medical institutions referred to a major central
      laboratory from January 2005 through December 2014, as a sentineal tool for
      monitoring annual variation of anti-HAV positivity. The prevalence of anti-HAV
      was adjusted for age and area with the standard population based on the 2010
      Census data. RESULTS: A total of 424,245 individuals were included in this study.
      The overall age-adjusted anti-HAV prevalence decreased from 65.6% in 2005 to
      62.2% in 2014. During the 10-year period, the seroprevalence continuously
      decreased in persons aged 30 to 39 years (69.6% to 32.4%) and those aged 40 to 49
      years (97.9% to 79.3%) due to the cohort effect. In contrast, it increased in
      persons aged 10 to 19 years (15.4% to 35.2%), while it was the lowest (8.7%) in
      2010 before rebounding to 20.2% in 2014 in persons aged 20 to 29 years due to a
      vaccination effect. CONCLUSION: Although the HAV vaccination rate increased, the
      anti-HAV seropositivity in South Korea decreased from 65.6% to 62.2% in this
      study population. In particular, the immunity of young adults was still low, and
      an outbreak of HAV is possible in the near future. Therefore, continuous
      monitoring and optimal preventive measures to prevent future outbreaks should be
      considered.

PMID- 28099532
TI  - Vitiligo patients experience barriers in accessing care.
AB  - Vitiligo is a loss of pigment occurring in approximately 0.4% to 2% of the
      worldwide population. The aim of this study was to determine and characterize
      barriers to access of care in US patients with vitiligo. An Internet-based,
      deidentified survey consisting of 82 questions about topics including
      demographics, recommendations for care, and/or barriers to receiving recommended
      care was designed and distributed to member participants in an online vitiligo
      support community consisting of patients (and parents/guardians of adolescents).
      Results indicated that treatment cost, relationships, work schedule, school
      schedule, number of sites affected, and female sex may be barriers to receiving
      prescribed care in some patients with vitiligo. Exploration of mechanisms by
      which these barriers can be reduced in the medical care of vitiligo may allow
      more patients to successfully receive treatment.

PMID- 28099533
TI  - Tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton rubrum mimicking favus.
AB  - Favus is an uncommon form of tinea capitis (TC) currently seen in geographic
      areas with poor sanitation and limited access to health care such as emerging
      nations. Several variants of this condition have been described including one
      exhibiting a plaque composed of parchmentlike material. The makeup of this plaque
      has not been described. Tinea capitis is rare in adults, particularly when the
      infectious agent is Trichophyton rubrum, and affected patients often exhibit
      comorbidities associated with diminished immune surveillance. This case report
      describes an elderly woman with TC due to T rubrum mimicking a rare form of
      favus.

PMID- 28099531
TI  - Sarcoidosis and squamous cell carcinoma: a connection documented in a case series
      of 3 patients.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystem disease characterized by the formation of
      noncaseating granulomas in multiple organs, including the skin. An association
      between multisystem sarcoidosis and an increased risk for malignancy has been
      established. Dermatologists should be aware of the increased risk for nonmelanoma
      skin cancers in patients with sarcoidosis. We report a series of 3 patients with
      primarily cutaneous sarcoidosis who presented with new-onset cutaneous squamous
      cell carcinoma (SCC). Two patients were black women and 1 patient presented with
      lesions of cutaneous sarcoidosis arising concurrently with SCCs in the same
      location, distinguishable only by biopsy. These cases highlight the association
      between sarcoidosis and an increased risk for SCC. Because dermatologists may be
      the primary clinicians caring for these patients, it is important that they
      remain aware of the increased risk for cutaneous malignancies and that they have
      a low threshold for biopsy of new and unusual skin lesions. Furthermore, 2
      patients were black women, a population not commonly affected by skin cancer,
      which further exemplifies the need for comprehensive skin examinations in black
      patients. Although the precise mechanism for an increased risk for malignancy in
      these patients requires further investigation, chronic inflammation and immune
      dysregulation may play a role.

PMID- 28099534
TI  - A noninvasive mechanical treatment to reduce the visible appearance of cellulite.
AB  - Cellulite is a cosmetic condition of subcutaneous fat herniation through fibrous
      connective tissue that results in a dimpled appearance of the skin. Occurring in
      approximately 85% to 90% of all women worldwide, cellulite has been well studied.
      The result has been the development of a plethora of treatment protocols yielding
      little to no success. We describe a noninvasive mechanical treatment for women
      with cellulite, evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a technique that
      utilizes a unique patented device for the reduction of the visible appearance of
      cellulite.

PMID- 28099529
TI  - A Possible Role of the Full-Length Nascent Protein in Post-Translational Ribosome
      Recycling.
AB  - Each cycle of translation initiation in bacterial cell requires free 50S and 30S
      ribosomal subunits originating from the post-translational dissociation of 70S
      ribosome from the previous cycle. Literature shows stable dissociation of 70S
      from model post-termination complexes by the concerted action of Ribosome
      Recycling Factor (RRF) and Elongation Factor G (EF-G) that interact with the rRNA
      bridge B2a/B2b joining 50S to 30S. In such experimental models, the role of full
      length nascent protein was never considered seriously. We observed relatively
      slow release of full-length nascent protein from 50Sof post translation ribosome,
      and in that process, its toe prints on the rRNA in vivo and in in vitro
      translation with E.coli S30 extract. We reported earlier that a number of
      chemically unfolded proteins like bovine carbonic anhydrase (BCA), lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), lysozyme, ovalbumin etc., when
      added to free 70Sin lieu of the full length nascent proteins, also interact with
      identical RNA regions of the 23S rRNA. Interestingly the rRNA nucleotides that
      slow down release of the C-terminus of full-length unfolded protein were found in
      close proximity to the B2a/B2b bridge. It indicated a potentially important
      chemical reaction conserved throughout the evolution. Here we set out to probe
      that conserved role of unfolded protein conformation in splitting the free or
      post-termination 70S. How both the RRF-EFG dependent and the plausible nascent
      protein-EFG dependent ribosome recycling pathways might be relevant in bacteria
      is discussed here.

PMID- 28099536
TI  - A potpourri of things to do correctly.

PMID- 28099535
TI  - Physicians must encourage HPV vaccine.

PMID- 28099537
TI  - Flesh-colored papular eruption.

PMID- 28099538
TI  - Psoriasis treatment considerations in military patients: unique patients, unique
      drugs.
AB  - Psoriasis is a common dermatologic problem with a chronic and sometimes
      debilitating course. Psoriasis can impair a service member's ability to perform
      job-related activities and should certainly be treated; however, use of
      immunosuppressive treatments can prevent deployment to strategic locations around
      the world for numerous reasons, such as the need for laboratory monitoring,
      minimal access to climate-controlled storage, and potential increased risk of
      exposure to virulent pathogens while on these medications. Similar obstacles can
      exist for nonmilitary patients who are placed in austere conditions or
      participate in worldwide travel. Although treatment efficacy, cost, and side
      effect profiles are always paramount considerations in deciding on treatment
      regimens with patients, herein we focus our discussion on a consideration that
      might be easily overlooked when treating patients in modern society, that being
      the "logistics" of treatment.

PMID- 28099539
TI  - Firm pink nodule on the scalp.

PMID- 28099540
TI  - Using the blanch sign to differentiate weathering nodules from auricular
      tophaceous gout.

PMID- 28099541
TI  - Purple curvilinear papules on the back.

PMID- 28099542
TI  - Pruritic and painful nodules on the tongue.

PMID- 28099544
TI  - Oral fixed drug eruption due to tinidazole.

PMID- 28099543
TI  - A rare association in Down syndrome: milialike idiopathic calcinosis cutis and
      palpebral syringoma.

PMID- 28099545
TI  - Cutaneous adnexal carcinoma with apocrine differentiation.
AB  - Primary cutaneous apocrine carcinomas are uncommon malignant neoplasms that can
      be difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish histologically from metastatic
      breast carcinomas. We present the case of a 71-year-old man with a 5-year history
      of extensive ulcerated plaques on the posterior neck and posterior scalp. Biopsy
      revealed a poorly differentiated infiltrating adenocarcinoma consistent with
      either primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma or occult metastatic breast
      carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated positive staining for
      cytokeratin (CK) 7, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor, and negative
      staining for p63, podoplanin, CK20, and thyroid transcription factor 1. Extensive
      radiologic imaging studies showed no evidence of occult breast or other internal
      malignancies. Based on the indolent clinical course, lack of evidence for an
      internal primary site, and immunohistochemical staining, the lesion was
      determined to be consistent with a cutaneous neoplasm with features of apocrine
      differentiation. This case highlights the distinction between apocrine carcinoma
      and other primary adnexal carcinomas for which p63 and D2-40 have been reported
      to be sensitive and specific markers but are negative in apocrine carcinomas.

PMID- 28099546
TI  - Multiple keratoacanthomas occurring in surgical margins and de novo treated with
      intralesional methotrexate.
AB  - Keratoacanthomas (KAs) are common skin lesions known for their rapid growth and
      spontaneous regression. Keratoacanthomas also can occur in sites of prior trauma,
      such as surgical scars. We report a case of multiple KAs occurring in the site of
      trauma from a prior surgery and de novo as well as the response to treatment with
      intralesional methotrexate (MTX).

PMID- 28099547
TI  - Primary cutaneous Mycobacterium avium complex infection following squamous cell
      carcinoma excision.
AB  - Primary cutaneous Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is rare,
      particularly among immunocompetent patients. We present the case of a purportedly
      healthy patient with primary cutaneous MAC infection arising within the excision
      margins of multiple infiltrating squamous cell carcinomas.

PMID- 28099548
TI  - Teledermatology in Tijuana, Mexico.
AB  - The Health Frontiers in Tijuana (HFiT) clinic is a binational partnership between
      the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine (San Diego,
      California); the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California School of Medicine
      (Tijuana, Mexico); and Desayunador Salesiano Padre Chava, a community grassroots
      organization in Tijuana, Mexico. Health Frontiers in Tijuana provides accessible
      quality health care for the underserved in Tijuana's Zona Norte. This article is
      a narrative meant to share my clinical experience as a dermatology resident who
      worked with HFiT to establish teledermatology services at this clinic.

PMID- 28099549
TI  - Warming up for mechanosynthesis - temperature development in ball mills during
      synthesis.
AB  - We present a first direct measurement of the temperature during milling combined
      with in situ Raman spectroscopy monitoring. The data reveal a low temperature
      increase due to the mechanical impact and clear temperature increases as a
      consequence of the reaction heat. Based on the data, temperature rises as
      postulated in the magma plasma and hot spot theory can be excluded for soft
      matter milling syntheses.

PMID- 28099550
TI  - Factors associated with the contraindicated use of oral contraceptives in Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of the contraindicated use of oral
      contraceptives and the associated factors in Brazilian women. METHODS: 20,454
      women who answered the VIGITEL survey in 2008 also participated in this study, of
      which 3,985 reported using oral contraceptives. We defined the following
      conditions for the contraindicated use of contraceptives: hypertension;
      cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke/cerebrovascular accident;
      diabetes mellitus; being smoker and 35 years old or older. We estimated the
      prevalence and 95% confidence intervals of contraindicated use in users of oral
      contraceptives and the factors associated with contraindication by prevalence
      ratio and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: In the total population, 21% (95%CI
      19.7-21.9) of women showed some contraindication to the use of oral
      contraceptives, of which 11.7% (95%CI 10.6-13.7) belonged to the group of users
      of oral contraceptives. The most frequent contraindication in users of oral
      contraceptives was hypertension (9.1%). The largest proportion of women with at
      least one contraindication was aged between 45 and 49 years (45.8%) and with
      education level between zero and eight years (23.8%). The prevalence of
      contraindication to oral contraceptives was higher in women less educated (zero
      to eight years of study) (PR = 2.46; 95%CI 1.57-3.86; p < 0.05) and with age
      between 35-44 years (PR = 4.00; 95%CI 2.34-6.83) and 45-49 years (PR = 5.59;
      95%CI 2.90-10.75). CONCLUSIONS: Age greater than or equal to 35 and low education
      level were demographic and iniquity factors, respectively, in the contraindicated
      use of oral contraceptives. OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalencia de contraindicacao ao
      uso de anticoncepcionais orais e os fatores associados em mulheres brasileiras.
      METODOS: Participaram 20.454 mulheres que responderam ao inquerito Vigitel em
      2008, das quais 3.985 reportaram uso de contraceptivos orais. Definiu-se como uso
      contraindicado de anticoncepcionais quando presente pelo menos uma condicao:
      hipertensao; doencas cardiovasculares como infarto, derrame/acidente vascular
      encefalico; diabetes mellitus; ser tabagista e ter idade igual ou maior de 35
      anos. Foram estimadas as prevalencias e intervalos de 95% de confianca de uso
      contraindicado em usuarias de anticoncepcionais orais e fatores associados a
      contraindicacao por meio de razoes de prevalencia e intervalos de 95% de
      confianca. RESULTADOS: Na populacao total, 21,0% (IC95% 19,7-21,9) das mulheres
      apresentaram alguma contraindicacao ao uso de anticoncepcionais orais, das quais
      11,7% (IC95% 10,6-13,7) pertenciam ao grupo de usuarias de anticoncepcionais
      orais. A contraindicacao mais frequente entre as usuarias de anticoncepcionais
      orais foi hipertensao (9,1%). A maior proporcao de mulheres com pelo menos uma
      contraindicacao tinha entre 45 a 49 anos (45,8%) e escolaridade entre zero e oito
      (23,8%). A prevalencia de contraindicacao de anticoncepcionais orais foi maior
      nas mulheres menos escolarizadas (zero a oito anos de estudos) (RP = 2,46; IC95%
      1,57-3,86; p < 0,05) e idade entre 35-44 anos (RP = 4,00; IC95% 2,34-6,83) e 45
      49 anos (RP = 5,59; IC95% 2,90-10,75). CONCLUSOES: Idade maior ou igual a 35 e
      escolaridade baixa foram fatores demograficos e de iniquidade, respectivamente,
      no uso contraindicado de contraceptivos orais.

PMID- 28099551
TI  - Cholesterol and prevention of atherosclerotic events: limits of a new frontier.
AB  - Control of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease - a highly prevalent condition
      and one of the main causes of mortality in Brazil and worldwide - is a recurrent
      subject of great interest for public health. Recently, three new guidelines on
      dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis prevention have been published. The close
      release of these important publications is a good opportunity for comparison: the
      Brazilian model has greater sensitivity, the English model does not work with
      risk stratification, and the American model may be overestimating the risk. This
      will allow reflection on current progress and identification of controversial
      aspects which still require further research and debate. It is also an
      opportunity to discuss issues related to early diagnosis and its efficiency as a
      preventive strategy for atherosclerotic disease: the transformation of risk into
      disease, the gradual reduction of cut-off points, the limitations of the
      screening strategy, and the problem of overdiagnosis. RESUMO O controle da doenca
      cardiovascular aterosclerotica - morbidade de alta prevalencia e uma das
      principais causas de mortalidade no Brasil e no mundo - continua sendo tema de
      grande interesse para a Saude Publica. Recentemente, tres novas diretrizes sobre
      dislipidemia e prevencao da aterosclerose foram divulgadas. A convergencia no
      tempo dessas importantes publicacoes constitui boa oportunidade para sua
      comparacao: o modelo brasileiro tem maior sensibilidade, o ingles nao trabalha
      com risco estratificado e o norte-americano parece estar superestimando o
      risco.Isso permitira reflexoes acerca dos avancos que ja foram alcancados e
      identificacao de aspectos ainda controversos, que seguem exigindo novas pesquisas
      e debates. E tambem uma oportunidade para discutir questoes relacionadas ao
      diagnostico precoce e sua eficiencia como estrategia preventiva da doenca
      aterosclerotica: as transformacoes do risco em doenca, a diminuicao progressiva
      de pontos de corte, as insuficiencias da estrategia de rastreamento e o problema
      do sobrediagnostico.

PMID- 28099552
TI  - Association between the concentration of fine particles in the atmosphere and
      acute respiratory diseases in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between fine particulate matter
      concentration in the atmosphere and hospital care by acute respiratory diseases
      in children. METHODS: Ecological study, carried out in the region of Grande
      Vitoria, Espirito Santo, in the winter (June 21 to September 21, 2013) and summer
      (December 21, 2013 to March 19, 2014). We assessed data of daily count for
      outpatient care and hospitalization by respiratory diseases (ICD-10) in children
      from zero to 12 years in three hospitals in the Region of Grande Vitoria. For
      collecting fine particulate matter, we used portable samplers of particles
      installed in six locations in the studied region. The Generalized Additive Model
      with Poisson distribution, fitted for the effects of predictor covariates, was
      used to evaluate the relationship between respiratory outcomes and concentration
      of fine particulate matter. RESULTS: The increase of 4.2 ug/m3 (interquartile
      range) in the concentration of fine particulate matter increased in 3.8% and 5.6%
      the risk of medical care or hospitalization, respectively, on the same day and
      with six-day lag from the exposure. CONCLUSIONS: We identified positive
      association between outpatient care and hospitalizations of children under 12
      years due to acute respiratory diseases and the concentration of fine particulate
      matter in the atmosphere. OBJETIVO: Analisar a associacao entre a concentracao de
      material particulado fino na atmosfera e atendimento hospitalar por doencas
      respiratorias agudas em criancas. METODOS: Estudo ecologico, realizado na Regiao
      da Grande Vitoria, ES, no inverno (21 de junho a 21 de setembro de 2013) e no
      verao (21 de dezembro de 2013 a 19 de marco de 2014). Foram avaliados dados de
      contagem diaria de atendimentos ambulatoriais e hospitalizacoes por doencas
      respiratorias (CID-10) em criancas de zero a 12 anos em tres hospitais da Regiao
      da Grande Vitoria. Para a coleta de material particulado fino foram utilizados
      amostradores portateis de particulas instalados em seis locais na regiao
      estudada. O Modelo Aditivo Generalizado com distribuicao de Poisson, ajustado
      para efeitos das covariaveis preditoras, foi utilizado para avaliar a relacao
      entre os desfechos respiratorios e a concentracao de material particulado fino.
      RESULTADOS: O incremento de 4,2 ug/m3 (intervalo interquartilico) na concentracao
      de material particulado fino aumentou em 3,8% e 5,6% o risco de atendimento ou
      internacao, respectivamente, no mesmo dia e com seis dias de defasagem da
      exposicao. CONCLUSOES: Foi identificada associacao positiva entre atendimentos
      ambulatoriais e hospitalizacoes de criancas com ate 12 anos devido a doencas
      respiratorias agudas e a concentracao de material particulado fino na atmosfera.

PMID- 28099553
TI  - The new era and paradigms for patient consent.

PMID- 28099554
TI  - No correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and disability of patients
      with multiple sclerosis between latitudes 18 degrees  and 30 degrees  South.
AB  - Objective: Vitamin D has taken center stage in research and treatment of multiple
      sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum
      vitamin D levels of a large population of patients with MS and controls living in
      a restricted tropical area. Methods: Data from 535 patients with MS and 350
      control subjects were obtained from 14 cities around the Tropic of Capricorn.
      Results: The mean serum 25-OH vitamin D level was 26.07 +/- 10.27 ng/mL for the
      control subjects, and 28.03 +/- 12.19 ng/mL for patients with MS. No correlation
      was observed between vitamin D levels and the disability of patients over the
      disease duration. Conclusion: At least for the region around the Tropic of
      Capricorn, serum levels of vitamin D typically are within the range of 20 to 30
      ng/mL for controls and patients with MS.

PMID- 28099555
TI  - Modulation of the ultradian human nasal cycle by sleep stage and body position.
AB  - Objective:: The nasal cycle, which is present in a significant number of people,
      is an ultradian side-to-side rhythm of nasal engorgement associated with cyclic
      autonomic activity. We studied the nasal cycle during REM/non-REM sleep stages
      and examined the potentially confounding influence of body position on
      lateralized nasal airflow. Methods:: Left- and right-side nasal airflow was
      measured in six subjects during an eight-hour sleep period using nasal
      thermistors. Polysomnography was performed. Simultaneously, body positions were
      monitored using a video camera in conjunction with infrared lighting. Results::
      Significantly greater airflow occurred through the right nasal chamber (relative
      to the left) during periods of REM sleep than during periods of non-REM sleep
      (p<0.001). Both body position (p < 0.001) and sleep stage (p < 0.001) influenced
      nasal airflow lateralization. Conclusions:: This study demonstrates that the
      lateralization of nasal airflow and sleep stage are related. Some types of
      asymmetrical somatosensory stimulation can alter this relationship.

PMID- 28099556
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - [This corrects the article doi: 10.1590/0004-282X20160065].

PMID- 28099557
TI  - Patients with sickle cell disease are frequently excluded from the benefits of
      transcranial doppler screening for the risk of stroke despite extensive and
      compelling evidence.
AB  - Methods:: Transcranial doppler was performed in accordance with the Stroke
      Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia Protocol. Results:: Of the 396 patients,
      69.5% had homozygous SS hemoglobin. The TCD result was abnormal in 4.8%,
      conditional in 12.6%, inadequate in 4.3% and abnormally low in 1% of patients.
      The highest mean flow velocities were 121+/-23.83cm/s and 124+/-27.21cm/s in the
      left and right middle cerebral artery respectively. A total of 28.8% patients
      (mean age 9.19+/-5.92 years) were evaluated with TCD for the first time.
      Conclusions:: The SCD patients were evaluated with TCD at an older age,
      representing an important missed opportunity for stroke prevention. Since TCD
      screening in patients with SCD is important to detect those at high risk for
      stroke, it is recommended that this screening should be made more readily
      available.

PMID- 28099558
TI  - The mortality rate after hospital discharge in patients with myelomeningocele
      decreased after implementation of mandatory flour fortification with folic acid.
AB  - Objective:: To evaluate the mandatory folic acid fortification of flour on
      mortality rates after the hospital discharge of children born with
      myelomeningocele, the most affected age group and the most frequent cause of
      death. Methods:: A retrospective study of 383 children born with myelomeningocele
      from January 1990 to December 2013 in a high-fetal-risk reference hospital.
      Results:: A total of 39 patients died (10.1%),of which 23 (6%) died after
      discharge. Most children who died were younger than 12 months of age. The most
      frequent cause of death was infection of the central nervous system, followed by
      urinary tract sepsis and infections of the respiratory system. Symptomatic Chiari
      II malformation was the most frequent comorbidity factor. Conclusion:: Although
      there was no significant difference in infant mortality before and after folic
      acid fortification, there was a significant reduction in deaths after hospital
      discharge in babies born after implementation of mandatory folic acid
      fortification.

PMID- 28099559
TI  - Pain-induced depression is related to overestimation of sleep quality in a very
      elderly population with pain.
AB  - Objective:: To study the quality of sleep in very elderly people with chronic
      pain. Methods:: We investigated 51 very elderly people without dementia and with
      chronic pain according to the Geriatric Pain Measure. Katz and Lawton
      questionnaires were used to evaluate functionality. The Geriatric Depression
      Scale and Geriatric Psychosocial Assessment of Pain-induced Depression were also
      used. Self-perceptions of sleep and quality of sleep were checked using the
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results:: Moderate pain was seen in 64.7%
      participants. The tracking of depression was positive for 41.2%. Poor quality of
      sleep was noted in 49% of them, but 82.3% perceived that they had a very good, or
      a good, sleep. The main factors associated with poor sleep quality were
      measurement of pain, self-perception of sleep, and pain-induced depression.
      Conclusion:: Very elderly people with chronic pain, and without dementia, had a
      higher prevalence of poor sleep; however, they overestimated their sleep quality.
      Poor quality of sleep was associated with a poor self-perception of sleep and
      pain-induced depression.

PMID- 28099560
TI  - Expression of NMDA receptor and microRNA-219 in rats submitted to cerebral
      ischemia associated with alcoholism.
AB  - Objective:: To evaluate the microRNA-219 and NMDA expression in brain tissue and
      blood of animals subjected to cerebral ischemia associated with alcoholism.
      Methods:: Fifty Wistar rats were divided into groups: control, sham, ischemic,
      alcoholic, and ischemic plus alcoholic. The expression of microRNA-219 and NMDA
      were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results:: When compared to the control group, the
      microRNA-219 in brain tissue was less expressed in the ischemic, alcoholic, and
      ischemic plus alcoholic groups. In the blood, this microRNA had lower expression
      in alcoholic and ischemic plus alcoholic groups. In the brain tissue the NMDA
      gene expression was greater in the ischemic, alcoholic, and ischemic plus
      alcoholic groups. Conclusion:: A possible modulation of NMDA by microRNA-219 was
      observed with an inverse correlation between them.

PMID- 28099561
TI  - MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment in Alzheimer disease: cross
      cultural adaptation.
AB  - Objective:: We adapted the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment
      (MacCAT-T) to Brazilian Portuguese, pilot testing it on mild and moderate
      patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods:: The cross-cultural process
      required six steps. Sixty-six patients with AD were assessed for competence to
      consent to treatment, global cognition, working memory, awareness of disease,
      functionality, depressive symptoms and dementia severity. Results:: The items had
      semantic, idiomatic, conceptual and experiential equivalence. We found no
      difference between mild and moderate patients with AD on the MacCAT-T domains.
      The linear regressions showed that reasoning (p = 0.000) and functional status (p
      = 0.003) were related to understanding. Understanding (p = 0.000) was related to
      appreciation and reasoning. Awareness of disease (p = 0.001) was related to
      expressing a choice. Conclusions:: The MacCAT-T adaptation was well-understood
      and the constructs of the original version were maintained. The results of the
      pilot study demonstrated an available Brazilian tool focused on decision-making
      capacity in AD.

PMID- 28099562
TI  - Development and validation of the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale - Brazilian
      version.
AB  - Objective:: This article aims to describe the adaptation and translation process
      of the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) and its reduced version, the
      Bush-Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument (BFCSI) for Brazilian Portuguese, as
      well as its validation. Methods:: Semantic equivalence processes included four
      steps: translation, back translation, evaluation of semantic equivalence and a
      pilot-study. Validation consisted of simultaneous applications of the instrument
      in Portuguese by two examiners in 30 catatonic and 30 non-catatonic patients.
      Results:: Total scores averaged 20.07 for the complete scale and 7.80 for its
      reduced version among catatonic patients, compared with 0.47 and 0.20 among non
      catatonic patients, respectively. Overall values of inter-rater reliability of
      the instruments were 0.97 for the BFCSI and 0.96 for the BFCRS. Conclusion:: The
      scale's version in Portuguese proved to be valid and was able to distinguish
      between catatonic and non-catatonic patients. It was also reliable, with inter
      evaluator reliability indexes as high as those of the original instrument.

PMID- 28099563
TI  - Brazilian guidelines for endovascular treatment of patients with acute ischemic
      stroke.
AB  - These guidelines are the result of a joint effort from writing groups of the
      Brazilian Stroke Society, the Scientific Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases
      of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, the Brazilian Stroke Network and the
      Brazilian Society of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Neuroradiology. Members from
      these groups participated in web-based discussion forums with predefined themes,
      followed by videoconference meetings in which controversies and position
      statements were discussed, leading to a consensus. This guidelines focuses on the
      implications of the recent clinical trials on endovascular therapy for acute
      ischemic stroke due to proximal arterial occlusions, and the final text aims to
      guide health care providers, health care managers and public health authorities
      in managing patients with this condition in Brazil.

PMID- 28099565
TI  - Scott Fitzgerald: famous writer, alcoholism and probable epilepsy.
AB  - Scott Fitzgerald, a world-renowned American writer, suffered from various health
      problems, particularly alcohol dependence, and died suddenly at the age of 44.
      According to descriptions in A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway, Fitzgerald
      had episodes resembling complex partial seizures, raising the possibility of
      temporal lobe epilepsy.

PMID- 28099564
TI  - Guideline for multiple sclerosis treatment in Brazil: Consensus from the
      Neuroimmunology Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis has become an ever-increasing challenge to neurologists. With
      the release of the latest medications on the market, Brazilian neurologists feel
      divided between following their patients' evolution in accordance with the strict
      rules established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health regarding drug
      distribution, or following disease progression and worsening in accordance with
      the evidence in the literature. Therefore, a systematic review of the main
      published treatment guidelines was conducted and an escalating therapy proposed
      for guiding multiple sclerosis patient treatment in Brazil.

PMID- 28099566
TI  - Wilson's disease: the 60th anniversary of Walshe's article on treatment with
      penicillamine.
AB  - This historical review describes Professor Walshe's seminal contribution to the
      treatment of Wilson's disease on the 60th anniversary of his pioneering article
      on penicillamine, the first effective treatment for the condition.

PMID- 28099567
TI  - Muscle biopsy with dystrophic pattern and rimmed vacuoles: GNE myopathy in a
      Brazilian patient.

PMID- 28099568
TI  - Progressive hearing loss and cerebellar ataxia in anti-Ma2-associated autoimmune
      encephalitis.

PMID- 28099569
TI  - Sudden back pain as clinical presentation of spontaneous spinal epidural
      hematoma.

PMID- 28099570
TI  - Variation of the interphase heterochromatin in Artemia (Crustacea, Anostraca) of
      the Americas is related to changes in nuclear size and ionic composition of
      hipersaline habitats.
AB  - The populations of Artemia (or brine shrimp) from the Americas exhibit a wide
      variation in the amount of interphase heterochromatin. There is interest in
      understanding how this variation affects different parameters, from the cellular
      to the organismal levels. This should help to clarify the ability of this
      organism to tolerate brine habitats regularly subject to strong abiotic changes.
      In this study, we assessed the amount of interphase heterochromatin per nucleus
      based on chromocenter number (N-CHR) and relative area of chromocenter (R-CHR) in
      two species of Artemia, A. franciscana (Kellog, 1906) (n=9 populations) and A.
      persimilis (Piccinelli and Prosdocimi, 1968) (n=3 populations), to investigate
      the effect on nuclear size (S-NUC). The relationship of the R-CHR parameter with
      the ionic composition (IC) of brine habitats was also analysed. Our results
      indicate a significant variation in the amount of heterochromatin both within and
      between species (ANOVA, p<0.001). The heterochromatin varied from 0.81 +/- 1.17
      to 12.58 +/- 3.78 and from 0.19 +/- 0.34% to 11.78 +/- 3.71% across all
      populations, for N-CHR and R-CHR parameters, respectively. N-CHR showed less
      variation than R-CHR (variation index 15.5-fold vs. 62-fold). At least five
      populations showed a significant association (p<0.05) between R-CHR and S-NUC,
      either with negative (four populations, r= from -0.643 to -0.443), or positive
      (one population, r= 0.367) values.Within each species, there were no significant
      associations between both parameters (p>0.05). The R-CHR and IC parameters were
      associated significantly for the magnesium ion (r= 0.496, p<0.05) and also for
      the chloride, sodium and calcium ions (r = from -0.705 to -0.478, p<0.05). At
      species level, a significant association between both parameters was also found
      in A. franciscana populations, for the sulphate and calcium ions, in contrast to
      A. persimilis. These findings suggest that the amount of interphase
      heterochromatin modifies the nuclear size in Artemia. Our data also indicate that
      change in the amount of interphase heterochromatin is in line with the ionic
      composition of brines. This would be a species-specific phenomenon, whose
      occurrence may be involved in the ability of this organism to survive in these
      environments.

PMID- 28099571
TI  - First report of the parasitoid Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875)
      (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) parasitizing Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Van der Wulp,
      1883) (Diptera: Muscidae).

PMID- 28099572
TI  - Occurrence of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Banisteriopsis laevifolia
      (A.Juss.) B.Gates (Malpighiaceae) in Sao Paulo State, Brazil.

PMID- 28099573
TI  - Hematological and morphometric differences of blood cells from rheas, Rhea
      americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae) on two conservation farms.
AB  - Today, blood tests are an indispensable tool in avian medicine. This study aimed
      to describe and compare hematological and morphometric data of erythrocytes,
      leukocytes and thrombocytes of rhea, Rhea americana. To do so, 58 rheas of both
      sexes on two farms, one in Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Espirito Santo (ES), and the
      other in Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo (SP), were selected. Blood samples were taken and
      their RBC counts, PCV and Hb levels were determined and used in hematimetric
      index calculations. The total and differentiated leukocyte counts and the TPP and
      fibrinogen serum levels were also obtained. The results from the two farms
      analyzed were compared by means of the t test. There were differences in the
      parameters of the erythrocyte series between the two flocks because of a process
      of hypochromic macrocytic anemia observed among the rheas in ES. The values for
      the erythrocyte series and indexes were: RBC, 2.81 +/- 0.15 x106/MUl; PCV, 44.20
      +/- 2.86%; Hb, 12.12 +/- 0.74 g/dL; MCV, 15.75 +/- 0.89 fL; MCH, 43.18 +/- 1.82
      pg; and MCHC, 27.44 +/- 0.80 g/dL. The values for the leukocyte series were: WBC,
      12,072 +/- 4116 /MUL; heterophils, 64.10 +/- 9.90%; eosinophils, 2.05 +/- 2.06%;
      monocytes, 6.40 +/- 2.99%; lymphocytes, 26.93 +/- 9.62%; and basophils, 0.52 +/-
      1.27%. These can all be suggested as references for rheas reared in Brazil.
      Statistical differences were observed in erythrocyte length measurements, which
      were higher in the rheas in SP than in those in ES. Regarding width, the
      heterophils, lymphocytes and monocytes of the birds in ES were statistically
      greater than those of the birds in SP. It was concluded that rheas may exhibit
      morphometric alterations to blood cells and differences in blood elements
      according to the type of management to which they are subjected.

PMID- 28099574
TI  - Anatomy and micromorphometric analysis of leaf Catasetum x apolloi Benelli &
      Grade with addition of potassium silicate under different light sources.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare vitroplants Catasetum x apolloi grown under
      natural light and artificial light and different concentrations of potassium
      silicate, providing data on the anatomical differentiation that aids the
      acclimatization process of this species. Plants from in vitro seeding were used;
      5 protocorms of approximately 0.5 cm were inoculated into vials with a capacity
      of 500 mL containing 100 mL of alternative culture medium plus potassium silicate
      (0.0, 0.5; 1.0 mL L-1), pH adjusted to 5.5 +/- 0.5 and gelated with 4GL-1 agar
      before the autoclaving process. Cultures were maintained under natural light
      (TNE) and artificial light (TAE) for 90 days, and micromorphometric analysis was
      performed for polar and equatorial diameter, density and stomatal index, blade
      thickness in the central rib, and secondary veins. Applications in K2SiO4
      alternative medium provided the following: elongation of the hypodermis, thicker
      mesophyll, and more prominent midrib; elipptical guard cells; formation of
      epistomatal chamber; and lower stomatal density and stomatal with lower
      equatorial and polar diameters. The conditions that favored the acclimatization
      were lower light intensities and lower potassium silicate doses.

PMID- 28099575
TI  - Evaluation of sperm quality of Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope,
      1860) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae).
AB  - Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860), is a species widely
      distributed in the Pampa Domain, occurring in Rio Grande do Sul, Argentina and
      Uruguay, mainlyin the pampa region. In the coastal region of southern Brazil this
      is serpent is considered one of the most abundant. The purpose of the present
      study is to describe the techniques of sperm evaluation in vitro for E.
      poecilogyrus sublineatus in the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. After
      laparatomy the efferent vases were collected and the semen was diluted in 1ml
      Beltsville Thawing Solution. The characteristics of motility, membrane integrity,
      mitochondria, acrosome, DNA, cell viability and cellular functionality were
      evaluated. Fluorescent probes were used for the evaluation of sperm structure in
      epifluorescence microscope. With the techniques described, it was possible to
      identify intact and injured cells, enabling the determination of cell
      characteristics for the spring season (October and November). It was observed in
      the analyses that 80% of sperm cells were mobile and that 84.1 +/- 8.0% of sperm
      membranes were intact. The standards found were of 48 +/- 13.8% of intact
      acrosome, 73.6 +/- 6.0 of perfect DNA and of 91.8 +/- 4.0 of functional
      mitochondria. Thus, these values from the sperm analysis can be used as standards
      for the species Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus.

PMID- 28099576
TI  - BPI-fold (BPIF) containing/plunc protein expression in human fetal major and
      minor salivary glands.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine expression, not previously described, of
      PLUNC (palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone) (BPI-fold containing) proteins
      in major and minor salivary glands from very early fetal tissue to the end of the
      second trimester and thus gain further insight into the function of these
      proteins. Early fetal heads, and major and minor salivary glands were collected
      retrospectively and glands were classified according to morphodifferentiation
      stage. Expression of BPI-fold containing proteins was localized through
      immunohistochemistry. BPIFA2, the major BPI-fold containing protein in adult
      salivary glands, was detected only in the laryngeal pharynx; the lack of staining
      in salivary glands suggested salivary expression is either very late in
      development or is only in adult tissues. Early expression of BPIFA1 was seen in
      the trachea and nasal cavity with salivary gland expression only seen in late
      morphodifferentiation stages. BPIFB1 was seen in early neural tissue and at later
      stages in submandibular and sublingual glands. BPIFA1 is significantly expressed
      in early fetal oral tissue but BPIFB1 has extremely limited expression and the
      major salivary BPIF protein (BPIFA2) is not produced in fetal development.
      Further studies, with more sensitive techniques, will confirm the expression
      pattern and enable a better understanding of embryonic BPIF protein function.

PMID- 28099577
TI  - Effects of periodontal treatment on primary sjogren's syndrome symptoms.
AB  - The aim of this longitudinal prospective study was to evaluate the effects of
      periodontal treatment on the clinical, microbiological and immunological
      periodontal parameters, and on the systemic activity (ESSDAI) and subjective
      (ESSPRI) indexes in patients with primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS). Twenty-eight
      female patients were divided into four groups: pSS patients with or without
      chronic periodontitis (SCP, SC, respectively), and systemically healthy patients
      with or without chronic periodontitis (CP, C, respectively). Periodontal clinical
      examination and immunological and microbiological sample collection were
      performed at baseline, 30 and 90 days after nonsurgical periodontal treatment
      (NSPT). Levels of interleukin IL-1beta, IL-8 and IL-10 in saliva and gingival
      crevicular fluid (GCF) were evaluated by ELISA, as well as the expression of
      Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, (Aa)
      Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Treponema denticola (Td), by qPCR. Systemic
      activity and pSS symptoms were evaluated by ESSDAI and ESSPRI. NSPT resulted in
      improved periodontal clinical parameters in both SCP and CP groups (p>0.05). Pg,
      Aa, and Tf levels decreased after NSPT only in CP patients (p<0.05).
      Significantly greater levels of IL-10 in GCF were verified in both SCP and CP
      groups (p<0.05). SCP patients showed increased salivary flow rates and decreased
      ESSPRI scores after NSPT. In conclusion, NSPT in pSS patients resulted in
      improved clinical and immunological parameters, with no significant effects on
      microbiological status. pSS patients also showed increased salivary flow and
      lower ESSPRI scores after therapy. Therefore, it can be suggested that NSPT may
      improve the quality of life of pSS patients.

PMID- 28099578
TI  - IL-6 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms in patients with aggressive periodontitis:
      effects on GCF, serum and clinic parameters.
AB  - Genetic variations observed in cytokines affect periodontitis susceptibility. The
      aim of this study was to investigate interleukin(IL)-6(-174) and IL-10(-597) gene
      polymorphisms in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) patients. Also, we
      aimed to evaluate the effects of IL-6 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms on the
      clinical outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy and cytokine levels in
      gingival crevicular fluid(GCF) and serum. Fifty-three patients with GAgP and 50
      periodontally healthy individuals were included in this study. Clinical
      parameters, GCF and blood samples were collected at baseline and at 6-week. Non
      surgical periodontal therapy was performed in patients with GAgP. Gene analysis
      were determined by PCR-RFLP(polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length
      polymorphism) and cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay(ELISA).GAgP patients showed significant improvement on clinical parameters
      after periodontal therapy(p<0.05). In the GAgP group, IL-6 GG genotype and G
      allele frequency were higher than in the control group. GCF IL-6 level was also
      significantly lower at 6-week in the GAgP group. Higher GCF IL-10 levelswere
      observed in patients carrying the IL-6 GG genotype than in those carrying the
      GC+CC genotype at baseline. In conclusion, IL-6(-174) and IL-10(-597) gene
      polymorphisms were found to be associated with GAgP and genotype distribution did
      not affect the outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy, while patients with
      IL-6(-174) GG genotype had higher levels of GCF IL-10 levels.

PMID- 28099579
TI  - Factors for determining dental anxiety in preschool children with severe dental
      caries.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and socioeconomic indicators
      associated with dental anxiety in preschool children with severe dental caries. A
      total of 100 children between 3 and 5 years of age were selected during a dental
      screening procedure. The selection criteria were having at least one tooth with
      dental caries and a visible pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula, and abscess
      (PUFA) index of >=1 in primary teeth. Before the clinical examination or any
      treatment procedure was performed, we evaluated the children's dental anxiety
      using the Facial Image Scale (FIS). Parents completed a questionnaire on
      socioeconomic conditions, which included the family structure, number of
      siblings, parental level of education, and family income. A dentist blinded to
      FIS and socioeconomic data performed the clinical examination. Poisson
      regressions associate clinical and socioeconomic conditions with the outcome.
      Most of the children (53%) experienced extensive dental caries (dmf-t >= 6), and
      all children had severe caries lesions, with a PUFA index of >=1 in 41% and that
      of >=2 in 59%. The multivariate adjusted model showed that older children (4-5
      year old) experienced lower dental anxiety levels compared with younger children
      (3-year old) (RR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.17-0.72 and RR = 0.18; 95%CI: 0.04-0.76,
      respectively), and children with three or more siblings were associated with
      higher levels of dental anxiety (RR = 2.27; 95%CI: 1.06-4.87). Older age is
      associated with low dental anxiety, and more number of siblings is associated
      with high dental anxiety in preschool children, whereas the severity or extent of
      dental caries is not associated with dental anxiety.

PMID- 28099580
TI  - Risk factors, hyposalivation and impact of xerostomia on oral health-related
      quality of life.
AB  - To determine xerostomia-related frequency, factors, salivary flow rates and Oral
      Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of patients attending the Universidad
      Andres Bello Dental School Clinic, in the city of Vina del Mar, Chile. The study
      involved 566 patients assessed with xerostomia, based on a single standardized
      questionnaire. The severity and impact of xerostomia on OHRQoL was assessed using
      a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the short version of the Oral Health Impact
      Profile Questionnaire (OHIP-14sp), respectively. Stimulated and non-stimulated
      salivary flow rates were obtained from a sample of patients. Xerostomia was
      reported in 61 patients (10.8%), comprising 50 women (83.3%) and 11 men (16.7%)
      (p < 0.013). The prevalence was 13% among the women and 6.1% among the men.
      Gender, age and medication were found to be independent risk factors for the
      development of xerostomia. Hyposalivation was found in 10 of the 35 patients with
      xerostomia (28.6%) and in 2 patients without it (p < 0.011). Patients with
      xerostomia had a reduced OHRQoL, compared with patients without xerostomia, as
      shown by the total OHIP-14sp score (p < 0.001). Xerostomia was a common,
      potentially debilitating condition with a major impact on the OHRQoL of a patient
      population attending a university-based dental clinic. Hyposalivation was present
      in almost 30% of the patients who complained of xerostomia. It is important that
      general dentists be aware of this condition, so that they can provide patients
      with a good diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

PMID- 28099581
TI  - Minimal residual disease detection in Tunisian B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      based on immunoglobulin gene rearrangements.
AB  - IGH gene rearrangement and IGK-Kde gene deletion can be used as molecular markers
      for the assessment of B lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Minimal
      residual disease detected based on those markers is currently the most reliable
      prognosis factor in B-ALL. The aim of this study was to use clonal IGH/IGK-Kde
      gene rearrangements to confirm B-ALL diagnosis and to evaluate the treatment
      outcome of Tunisian leukemic patients by monitoring the minimal residual disease
      (MRD) after induction chemotherapy. Seventeen consecutive newly diagnosed B-ALL
      patients were investigated by multiplex PCR assay and real time quantitative PCR
      according to BIOMED 2 conditions. The vast majority of clonal VH-JH
      rearrangements included VH3 gene. For IGK deletion, clonal VK1f/6-Kde
      recombinations were mainly identified. These rearrangements were quantified to
      follow-up seven B-ALL after induction using patient-specific ASO. Four patients
      had an undetectable level of MRD with a sensitivity of up to 10-5. This molecular
      approach allowed identification of prognosis risk group and adequate therapeutic
      decision. The IGK-Kde and IGH gene rearrangements might be used for diagnosis and
      MRD monitoring of B-ALL, introduced for the first time in Tunisian laboratories.

PMID- 28099582
TI  - A simple and efficient method for poly-3-hydroxybutyrate quantification in
      diazotrophic bacteria within 5 minutes using flow cytometry.
AB  - The conventional method for quantification of polyhydroxyalkanoates based on
      whole-cell methanolysis and gas chromatography (GC) is laborious and time
      consuming. In this work, a method based on flow cytometry of Nile red stained
      bacterial cells was established to quantify poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)
      production by the diazotrophic and plant-associated bacteria, Herbaspirillum
      seropedicae and Azospirillum brasilense. The method consists of three steps: i)
      cell permeabilization, ii) Nile red staining, and iii) analysis by flow
      cytometry. The method was optimized step-by-step and can be carried out in less
      than 5 min. The final results indicated a high correlation coefficient (R2=0.99)
      compared to a standard method based on methanolysis and GC. This method was
      successfully applied to the quantification of PHB in epiphytic bacteria isolated
      from rice roots.

PMID- 28099584
TI  - Iodine-131 treatment of thyroid cancer cells leads to suppression of cell
      proliferation followed by induction of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by
      regulation of B-cell translocation gene 2-mediated JNK/NF-kappaB pathways.
AB  - Iodine-131 (131I) is widely used for the treatment of thyroid-related diseases.
      This study aimed to investigate the expression of p53 and BTG2 genes following
      131I therapy in thyroid cancer cell line SW579 and the possible underlying
      mechanism. SW579 human thyroid squamous carcinoma cells were cultured and treated
      with 131I. They were then assessed for 131I uptake, cell viability, apoptosis,
      cell cycle arrest, p53 expression, and BTG2 gene expression. SW579 cells were
      transfected with BTG2 siRNA, p53 siRNA and siNC and were then examined for the
      same aforementioned parameters. When treated with a JNK inhibitor of SP600125 and
      131I or with a NF-kappaB inhibitor of BMS-345541 and 131I, non-transfected SW579
      cells were assessed in JNK/NFkappaB pathways. It was observed that 131I
      significantly inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis and cell
      cycle arrest. Both BTG2 and p53 expression were enhanced in a dose-dependent
      manner. An increase in cell viability by up-regulation in Bcl2 gene, a decrease
      in apoptosis by enhanced CDK2 gene expression and a decrease in cell cycle arrest
      at G0/G1 phase were also observed in SW579 cell lines transfected with silenced
      BTG2 gene. When treated with SP600125 and 131I, the non-transfected SW579 cell
      lines significantly inhibited JNK pathway, NF-kappaB pathway and the expression
      of BTG2. However, when treated with BMS-345541 and 131I, only the NF-kappaB
      pathway was suppressed. 131I suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell
      apoptosis, and promoted cell cycle arrest of thyroid cancer cells by up
      regulating B-cell translocation gene 2-mediated activation of JNK/NF-kappaB
      pathways.

PMID- 28099583
TI  - Swimming training prevents coronary endothelial dysfunction in ovariectomized
      spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - Estrogen deficiency and hypertension are considered major risk factors for the
      development of coronary heart disease. On the other hand, exercise training is
      considered an effective form to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.
      However, the effects of swimming training (SW) on coronary vascular reactivity in
      female ovariectomized hypertensive rats are not known. We aimed to evaluate the
      effects of SW on endothelium-dependent coronary vasodilation in ovariectomized
      hypertensive rats. Three-month old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, n=50)
      were divided into four groups: sham (SH), sham plus swimming training (SSW),
      ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized plus swimming training (OSW). The SW
      protocol (5 times/week, 60 min/day) was conducted for 8 weeks. The vasodilatory
      response was measured in isolated hearts in the absence and presence of a nitric
      oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME, 100 uM). Cardiac oxidative stress was evaluated
      in situ by dihydroethidium fluorescence, while the expression of antioxidant
      enzymes (SOD-2 and catalase) and their activities were assessed by western
      blotting and spectrophotometry, respectively. Vasodilation in SHR was
      significantly reduced by OVX, even in the presence of L-NAME, in conjunction with
      an increased oxidative stress. These effects were prevented by SW, and were
      associated with a decrease in oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD-2)
      and catalase expression increased only in the OSW group. However, no significant
      difference was found in the activity of these enzymes. In conclusion, SW
      prevented the endothelial dysfunction in the coronary bed of ovariectomized SHR
      associated with an increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes, and
      therefore may prevent coronary heart disease in hypertensive postmenopausal
      women.

PMID- 28099585
TI  - Impact of Different Normality Thresholds for 24-hour ABPM at the Primary Health
      Care Level.
AB  - Background:: Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular
      outcomes. Primary health care (PHC) physicians should be prepared to act
      appropriately in the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors. However, the
      rates of patients with control of blood pressure (BP) remain low. The impact of
      the reclassification of high BP by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) can
      lead to different medical decisions in PHC. Objective:: To evaluate the agreement
      between the BP measured by a conventional method by PHC physicians and by 24-hour
      ABPM, considering different BP normal thresholds for the 24-hour ABPM according
      to the V Brazilian ABPM Guidelines and the European Society of Hypertension
      Guidelines. Methods:: A cross-sectional study including 569 hypertensive
      patients. The BP was initially measured by the PHC physicians and, later, by 24
      hour ABPM. The BP measurements were obtained independently between the two
      methods. The therapeutic targets for the conventional BP followed the guidelines
      by the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8), the V ABPM Brazilian Guidelines,
      and the 2013 European Hypertension Guidelines. Results:: There was an accuracy of
      54.8% (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.51 - 0.58%) for the BP measured with the
      conventional method when compared with the 24-hour ABPM, with a sensitivity of
      85% (95%CI 80.8 - 88.6%), specificity of 31.9% (95%CI 28.7 - 34.7%), and kappa
      value of 0.155, when considering the European Hypertension Guidelines. When using
      more stringent thresholds to characterize the BP as "normal" by ABPM, the
      accuracy was 45% (95%CI 0.41 - 0.47%) for conventional measurement when compared
      with 24-hour ABPM, with a sensitivity of 86.7% (95%CI 0.81 - 0.91%), specificity
      of 29% (95%CI 0.26 - 0.30%), and kappa value of 0.103. Conclusion:: The BP
      measurements obtained by PHC physicians showed low accuracy when compared with
      those obtained by 24-hour ABPM, regardless of the threshold set by the different
      guidelines. Fundamentos:: A hipertensao arterial sistemica e um fator de risco
      importante para desfechos cardiovasculares. Medicos da atencao primaria a saude
      (APS) devem estar preparados para atuar adequadamente na prevencao de fatores de
      risco cardiovascular. No entanto, as taxas de pacientes com pressao arterial (PA)
      controlada continuam baixas. O impacto da reclassificacao do diagnostico de
      hipertensao pela utilizacao da monitorizacao ambulatorial da PA (MAPA) de 24
      horas pode levar a diferentes decisoes medicas na APS. Objetivo:: Avaliar a
      concordancia entre as PAs medidas por metodo convencional por medicos da APS e
      por MAPA de 24 horas, considerando diferentes limiares de normalidade para a MAPA
      de 24 horas de acordo com as recomendacoes da V Diretriz Brasileira de MAPA e da
      Diretriz da Sociedade Europeia de Hipertensao. Metodos:: Estudo transversal com
      569 pacientes hipertensos. A PA foi medida inicialmente por medicos da APS e,
      posteriormente, pela MAPA de 24 horas. As medidas foram obtidas de forma
      independente entre os dois metodos. Os alvos terapeuticos para a PA convencional
      seguiram as orientacoes do Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8), das V
      Diretrizes Brasileiras de MAPA e das Diretrizes Europeias de Hipertensao de 2013.
      Resultados:: Foi observada uma acuracia de 54,8% (intervalo de confianca de 95%
      [IC95%] 0,51 - 0,58%) para a PA aferida de forma convencional quando comparada a
      obtida com a MAPA de 24 horas, alem de uma sensibilidade de 85% (IC95% 80,8 -
      88,6%), especificidade de 31,9% (IC95% 28,7 - 34,7%) e kappa de 0,155, quando
      consideradas as Diretrizes Europeias de Hipertensao. Quando utilizados limiares
      mais rigidos para caracterizar a PA como "normal" pela MAPA, foi identificada uma
      acuracia de 45% (IC95% 0,41 - 0,47%) pela medida convencional quando comparada a
      obtida pela MAPA de 24 horas, alem de uma sensibilidade de 86,7% (IC95% 0,81 -
      0,91%), especificidade de 29% (IC95% 0,26 - 0,30%) e kappa de 0,103. Conclusao::
      As medidas de PA avaliadas pelos medicos da APS apresentaram baixa acuracia
      quando comparadas as medidas pela MAPA de 24 horas, independente do limiar
      utilizado pelas diferentes diretrizes.

PMID- 28099586
TI  - Serotoninergic Modulation of Basal Cardiovascular Responses and Responses Induced
      by Isotonic Extracellular Volume Expansion in Rats.
AB  - Background:: Isotonic blood volume expansion (BVE) induced alterations of
      sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in the heart and blood vessels, which
      can be modulated by serotonergic pathways. Objective:: To evaluate the effect of
      saline or serotonergic agonist (DOI) administration in the hypothalamic
      paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on cardiovascular responses after BVE. Methods:: We
      recorded pulsatile blood pressure through the femoral artery to obtain the mean
      arterial pressure (MAP), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart
      rate (HR) and the sympathetic-vagal ratio (LF/HF) of Wistar rats before and after
      they received bilateral microinjections of saline or DOI into the PVN, followed
      by BVE. Results:: No significant differences were observed in the values of the
      studied variables in the different treatments from the control group. However,
      when animals are treated with DOI followed by BVE there is a significant increase
      in relation to the BE control group in all the studied variables: MBP (114.42+/
      7.85 vs 101.34+/-9.17); SBP (147.23+/-14.31 vs 129.39+/-10.70); DBP (98.01 +/
      4.91 vs 87.31+/-8.61); HR (421.02+/-43.32 vs 356.35+/-41.99); and LF/HF ratio
      (2.32+/-0.80 vs 0.27+/-0.32). Discussion:: The present study showed that the
      induction of isotonic BVE did not promote alterations in MAP, HR and LF/HF ratio.
      On the other hand, the injection of DOI into PVN of the hypothalamus followed by
      isotonic BVE resulted in a significant increase of all variables. Conclusion::
      These results suggest that serotonin induced a neuromodulation in the PVN level,
      which promotes an inhibition of the baroreflex response to BVE. Therefore, the
      present study suggests the involvement of the serotonergic system in the
      modulation of vagal reflex response at PVN in the normotensive rats. Fundamento::
      Expansao de volume extracelular (EVEC) promove alteracoes da atividade simpatica
      e parassimpatica no coracao e vasos sanguineos, os quais podem ser moduladas por
      vias serotoninergicas. Objetivo:: Avaliar o efeito da administracao de salina ou
      agonista serotoninergico (DOI) nos nucleos paraventriculares hipotalamico (NPV)
      sobre respostas cardiovasculares apos EVEC. Metodos:: Foram obtidos registros da
      pressao arterial pulsatil, por meio da arteria femoral, para obtencao dos valores
      da pressao arterial media (PAM), sistolica (PAS), diastolica (PAD), frequencia
      cardiaca (FC) e razao simpatico-vagal (LF/HF) de ratos Wistar antes e apos
      receberem microinjecoes bilaterais no NPV de salina ou DOI seguida de EVEC.
      Resultados:: Nao foram observadas diferencas significativas dos valores das
      variaveis estudadas nos diferentes tratamentos do grupo controle. Entretanto,
      quando os animais sao tratados com DOI seguida de EVEC ocorre aumento
      significativo em relacao ao grupo controle com EVEC em todas as variaveis
      estudadas: PAM (114,42+/-7,85 vs 101,34+/-9,17), PAS (147,23+/-14,31 vs 129,39+/
      10,70), PAD (98,01 +/-4,91 vs 87,31+/-8,61), FC (421,02+/-43,32 vs 356,35+/
      41,99) e LF/HF (2,32+/-0,80 vs 0,27+/-0,32). Discussao:: O presente estudo
      mostrou que a inducao de EVEC isotonica nao promoveu alteracoes na PAM, PAD, PAS,
      FC e LF/HF. Por outro lado, os animais que receberam microinjecao de DOI no NPV
      seguida de EVEC apresentaram aumento significativo de todas as variaveis.
      Conclusao:: Esses resultados sugerem que a serotonina exerce uma neuromodulacao
      em nivel do NPV, e essa promove uma inibicao da resposta barorreflexa frente a
      EVEC. Assim, o presente trabalho sugere o envolvimento serotoninergico na
      neuromodulacao no nivel do NPV na resposta reflexa vagal em ratos normotensos.

PMID- 28099587
TI  - Non-Invasive Ventilation in Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may perfect respiratory and cardiac performance in
      patients with heart failure (HF). The objective of the study to establish,
      through systematic review and meta-analysis, NIV influence on functional capacity
      of HF patients. A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized studies was
      carried out through research of databases of Cochrane Library, SciELO, Pubmed and
      PEDro, using the key-words: heart failure, non-invasive ventilation, exercise
      tolerance; and the free terms: bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP),
      continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and functional capacity (terms were
      searched for in English and Portuguese) using the Boolean operators AND and OR.
      Methodological quality was ensured through PEDro scale. Weighted averages and a
      95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The meta-analysis was done thorugh
      the software Review Manager, version 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration). Four
      randomized clinical trials were included. Individual studies suggest NIV improved
      functional capacity. NIV resulted in improvement in the distance of the six
      minute walk test (6MWT) (68.7m 95%CI: 52.6 to 84.9) in comparison to the control
      group. We conclude that the NIV is an intervention that promotes important
      effects in the improvement of functional capacity of HF patients. However, there
      is a gap in literature on which are the most adequate parameters for the
      application of this technique. Resumo A ventilacao nao invasiva (VNI) pode
      aperfeicoar o desempenho cardiaco e respiratorio dos pacientes com insuficiencia
      cardiaca (IC). O objetivo do estudo e estabelecer, por meio de revisao
      sistematica e meta-analise, a influencia da VNI na capacidade funcional (CF) de
      individuos com IC. Foi realizada uma revisao sistematica com meta-analise de
      estudos randomizados atraves da pesquisa nas bases de dados Biblioteca Cochrane,
      SciELO, Pubmed e PEDro, utilizando-se as palavras-chave: insuficiencia cardiaca,
      ventilacao nao invasiva, tolerancia ao exercicio; e os termos livres: pressao
      positiva em dois niveis nas vias aereas (BIPAP), pressao positiva continua em
      vias aereas (CPAP), CF e seus correlatos na lingua inglesa, com a combinacao dos
      operadores booleanos (AND e OR). A avaliacao da qualidade metodologica se deu via
      escala de PEDro. Foram calculadas as medias ponderadas e o intervalo de confianca
      (IC) de 95%. Meta-analise foi realizada com software Review Manager versao 5.3
      (Colaboracao Cochrane). Foram incluidos quatro ensaios clinicos randomizados.
      Estudos individuais sugerem que a VNI contribuiu para melhora da CF. VNI resultou
      em melhora na distancia do teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6) (68,7m 95%
      IC: 52,6 a 84,9) comparado ao grupo controle. Concluimos que a VNI e uma
      intervencao que promove efeitos importantes na melhora da CF de pacientes com IC.
      No entanto, ha uma lacuna na literatura de quais sao os parametros mais adequados
      para aplicacao dessa tecnica.

PMID- 28099588
TI  - Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography Safety in Chagas Disease Patients.
AB  - Background:: A few decades ago, patients with Chagas disease were predominantly
      rural workers, with a low risk profile for obstructive coronary artery disease
      (CAD). As urbanization has increased, they became exposed to the same risk
      factors for CAD of uninfected individuals. Dobutamine stress echocardiography
      (DSE) has proven to be an important tool in CAD diagnosis. Despite being a
      potentially arrhythmogenic method, it is safe for coronary patients without
      Chagas disease. For Chagas disease patients, however, the indication of DSE in
      clinical practice is uncertain, because of the arrhythmogenic potential of that
      heart disease. Objectives:: To assess DSE safety in Chagas disease patients with
      clinical suspicion of CAD, as well as the incidence of arrhythmias and adverse
      events during the exam. Methods:: Retrospective analysis of a database of
      patients referred for DSE from May/2012 to February/2015. This study assessed 205
      consecutive patients with Chagas disease suspected of having CAD. All of them had
      their serology for Chagas disease confirmed. Results:: Their mean age was 64+/-10
      years and most patients were females (65.4%). No patient had significant adverse
      events, such as acute myocardial infarction, ventricular fibrillation, asystole,
      stroke, cardiac rupture and death. Regarding arrhythmias, ventricular
      extrasystoles occurred in 48% of patients, and non-sustained ventricular
      tachycardia in 7.3%. Conclusion:: DSE proved to be safe in this population of
      Chagas disease patients, in which no potentially life-threatening outcome was
      found. Fundamento:: Ate poucas decadas atras, os pacientes chagasicos eram
      predominantemente trabalhadores rurais, com baixo perfil de risco para doenca
      obstrutiva coronaria. Com a crescente urbanizacao, passaram a ter os mesmos
      fatores de risco para doenca aterosclerotica que individuos nao infectados. O
      ecocardiograma sob estresse com dobutamina (EED) e uma importante ferramenta no
      diagnostico de coronariopatia. E referido, porem, como um metodo potencialmente
      arritmogenico, mas seguro, em pacientes coronarianos nao chagasicos. Entretanto,
      ha inseguranca na pratica clinica de indica-lo no paciente chagasico, devido ao
      potencial arritmogenico ja intrinseco nesta cardiopatia. Objetivos:: Analisar a
      seguranca do EED em uma populacao de chagasicos com suspeita clinica de
      coronariopatia. Metodos:: Analise retrospectiva de um banco de dados de pacientes
      encaminhados para a realizacao do EED entre maio/2012 e fevereiro/2015. Avaliou
      se pacientes consecutivos portadores de doenca de Chagas e com suspeita de
      coronariopatia. Confirmou-se a sorologia para doenca de Chagas em todos os
      pacientes. Resultados:: A media etaria dos 205 pacientes analisados foi de 64 +/-
      10 anos, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (65,4%). Nenhum paciente apresentou
      eventos adversos significativos, como infarto agudo do miocardio, fibrilacao
      ventricular, assistolia, acidente vascular encefalico, ruptura cardiaca ou morte.
      Quanto as arritmias, extrassistoles ventriculares frequentes ocorreram em 48% dos
      pacientes, taquicardia ventricular nao sustentada em 7,3%, bigeminismo em 4,4%,
      taquicardia supraventricular e taquicardia ventricular sustentada em 1% e
      fibrilacao atrial em 0,5%. Conclusao:: O EED mostrou ser um exame seguro nessa
      populacao de pacientes chagasicos, onde nenhum desfecho grave foi encontrado.

PMID- 28099589
TI  - Which Coronary Lesions Are More Prone to Cause Acute Myocardial Infarction?
AB  - Background:: According to common belief, most myocardial infarctions (MIs) are
      due to the rupture of nonsevere, vulnerable plaques with < 70% obstruction. Data
      from recent trials challenge this belief, suggesting that the risk of coronary
      occlusion is, in fact, much higher after severe stenosis. The aim of this study
      was to investigate whether or not acute ST-elevation MIs result from high-grade
      stenoses by evaluating the presence of coronary collateral circulation (CCC).
      Methods:: We retrospectively included 207 consecutive patients who had undergone
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-elevation MI. Collateral
      blood flow distal to the culprit lesion was assessed by two investigators using
      the Rentrop scoring system. Results:: Out of the 207 patients included in the
      study, 153 (73.9%) had coronary collateral vessels (Rentrop 1-3). The Rentrop
      scores were 0, 1, 2, and 3 in 54 (26.1%), 50 (24.2%), 51 (24.6%), and 52 (25.1%)
      patients, respectively. Triglycerides, mean platelet volume (MPV), white cell
      (WBC) count, and neutrophil count were significantly lower in the group with good
      collateral vessels (p = 0.013, p = 0.002, p = 0.003, and p = 0.021,
      respectively). Conclusion:: More than 70% of the patients with acute MI had CCC
      with Rentrop scores of 1-3 during primary coronary angiography. This shows that
      most cases of acute MI in our study originated from underlying high-grade
      stenoses, challenging the common believe. Higher serum triglycerides levels,
      greater MPV, and increased WBC and neutrophil counts were independently
      associated with impaired development of collateral vessels. Fundamento:: Ha uma
      crenca geral de que a maioria dos infartos agudos do miocardio (IAM) ocorrem
      devido a ruptura de placas vulneraveis, nao graves, com obstrucao < 70%. Dados de
      ensaios recentes desafiam esta crenca, sugerindo que o risco de oclusao
      coronariana e, na realidade, muito maior apos estenose grave. O objetivo deste
      estudo foi investigar se a presenca ou nao de IAM com supradesnivel do segmento
      ST resulta de estenoses de alto grau atraves da avaliacao da presenca de
      circulacao colateral coronariana (CCC). Metodos:: Nos incluimos
      retrospectivamente 207 pacientes consecutivos submetidos a intervencao
      coronariana percutanea primaria devido a ocorrencia de IAM com supradesnivel do
      segmento ST. O fluxo sanguineo colateral distal a lesao culpada foi avaliado por
      dois investigadores com utilizacao do sistema de escores de Rentrop. Resultados::
      Dos 207 pacientes incluidos no estudo, 153 (73,9%) apresentavam vasos
      coronarianos colaterais (Rentrop 1-3). Os escores Rentrop foram de 0, 1, 2 e 3 em
      54 (26,1%), 50 (24,2%), 51 (24,6%) e 52 (25,1%) pacientes, respectivamente.
      Triglicerides, volume plaquetario medio (VPM), contagem de celulas brancas (CCB)
      e contagem de neutrofilos estiveram significativamente mais baixos no grupo com
      bons vasos colaterais (p = 0,013, p = 0,002, p = 0,003 e p = 0,021,
      respectivamente). Conclusao:: Mais de 70% dos pacientes com IAM apresentaram CCC
      com escores de Rentrop de 1-3 durante angiografia coronariana primaria. Isto
      demonstra que a maioria dos casos de IAM em nosso estudo originou a partir de
      estenoses subjacentes de alto grau, contrariamente a sabedoria comum. Niveis
      sericos mais elevados de triglicerides, maior VPM e elevacao na CCB e na contagem
      de neutrofilos estiveram independentemente associados com comprometimento no
      desenvolvimento de vasos colaterais.

PMID- 28099590
TI  - Palmar hyperhidrosis: clinical, pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic
      aspects.
AB  - Palmar hyperhidrosis affects up to 3% of the population and inflict significant
      impact on quality of life. It is characterized by chronic excessive sweating, not
      related to the necessity of heat loss. It evolves from a localized hyperactivity
      of the sympathetic autonomic system and can be triggered by stressful events. In
      this study, the authors discuss clinical findings, pathophysiological, diagnostic
      and therapeutic issues (clinical and surgical) related to palmar hyperhidrosis.

PMID- 28099591
TI  - Analysis of effectiveness of a surgical treatment algorithm for basal cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for basal cell
      carcinoma and micrographic surgery considered the gold standard, however not yet
      used routinely worldwide available, as in Brazil. Considering this, a previously
      developed treatment guideline, which the majority of tumors were treated by
      conventional technique (not micrographic) was tested. OBJECTIVE:: To establish
      the recurrence rate of basal cell carcinomas treated according to this guideline.
      METHOD:: Between May 2001 and July 2012, 919 basal cell carcinoma lesions in 410
      patients were treated according to the proposed guideline. Patients were followed
      up and reviewed between September 2013 and February 2014 for clinical,
      dermatoscopic and histopathologic detection of possible recurrences. RESULTS::
      After application of exclusion criteria, 520 lesions were studied, with 88.3%
      primary and 11.7% recurrent tumors. Histological pattern was indolent in 85.5%,
      48.6% were located in high risk areas and 70% small tumors. Only 7.3% were
      treated by Mohs micrographic surgery. The recurrence rate, in an average follow
      up period of 4.37 years, was 1.3% for primary and 1.63% for recurrent tumors.
      Study limitations: unicenter study, with all patients operated on by the same
      surgeon. CONCLUSION:: The treatment guideline utilized seems a helpful guide for
      surgical treatment of basal cell carcinoma, especially if micrographic surgery is
      not available.

PMID- 28099592
TI  - Epidemiological analysis of occupational dermatitis notified in Brazil in the
      period 2007 to 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Occupational dermatitis affects the quality of life and productivity
      of workers. Studies on the subject are scarce in Brazil. It is estimated that the
      disease is underreported and that many affected patients do not seek health care.
      OBJECTIVES:: To conduct an epidemiological analysis of occupational dermatitis
      notified via SINAN in Brazil from January 2007 to December 2012; evaluate the
      profile of patients assisted; and check the main etiological agents involved.
      METHODS:: We analyzed the compulsory notification forms of cases of occupational
      dermatitis filled nationwide during January 2007 to December 2012. RESULTS::
      During the study period 3027 cases of occupational dermatitis were notified in
      Brazil. In 61.4% of cases patients were men aged between 35-49 years (39.6%). The
      most described etiological agent was chromium (13.9%). The location of the body
      most affected was the hands, with 28.4% of cases. The construction sector is
      implicated in 28.7% of cases and domestic services by 18%. Allergic contact
      dermatitis is the most prevalent occupational dermatitis (20.6%) and the region
      with the highest number of notifications was the Midwest, with 376.4 cases per
      million inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS:: The profile of patients most affected by
      occupational dermatitis in Brazil during the study period was: men with
      elementary school, aged between 20 and 49 years old and working in the
      construction industry. The most common occupational dermatitis were allergic
      contact dermatitis caused by chromium after years of exposure, being the hands
      and head the parts of the body most affected.

PMID- 28099593
TI  - Angiosarcoma in HIV-negative patients is not associated with HHV-8.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Angiosarcoma is an aggressive, malignant neoplasm of vascular or
      lymphatic origin. Herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) is a member of the herpes family with a
      tropism for endothelial cells and it has been proven to induce vascular
      neoplasms, such as Kaposi's sarcoma. The role of HHV-8 in the pathogenesis of
      angiosarcoma has not been well defined. OBJECTIVE:: To investigate the
      relationship between the presence of HHV-8 and angiosarcoma. METHODS:: In this
      study, the team investigated the relationship between the presence of HHV-8, as
      determined by polymerase chain reaction, and angiosarcoma, using samples from
      patients with epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma as controls. RESULTS:: While all control
      cases with epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma were positive for HHV-8, none of the
      angiosarcoma cases was. CONCLUSION:: These findings support most previous studies
      that found no association between HHV-8 and angiosarcoma.

PMID- 28099594
TI  - Diagnosis and underdiagnosis of comorbidities in psoriasis patients - need for a
      multidisciplinary approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that manifests predominantly
      in the skin, although systemic involvement may also occur. Although associated
      comorbidities have long been recognized and despite several studies indicating
      psoriasis as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, little has
      been done in general medical practice regardind screening. In the United States,
      less than 50% of clinicians are aware of these recommendations. OBJECTIVE:: To
      identify the prevalence of these comorbidities in 296 patients followed up at a
      university dermatology clinic. METHODS:: Systematically investigated comorbidity
      frequencies were compared with general practitioners' registry frequencies.
      Clinical features correlated with comorbidities were also investigated. RESULTS::
      High prevalences of systematically investigated comorbidities such as
      hypertension (30%) and dyslipidemia (26.5%) were documented. Conversely, data
      from general practitioners' records showed that 33% of dyslipidemia cases were
      undiagnosed and indicated possible underdiagnosis of some comorbidities.
      Furthermore, an association was found between: the number of comorbidities and
      psoriasis duration, age and high body mass index an association was found between
      the number of comorbidities and psoriasis duration, age, high body mass index,
      waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio. (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:: Disease
      duration, age and high body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio
      are possible criteria for choosing which patients should be screened for
      comorbidities. Underdiagnosis of comorbidities by general practitioners
      highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach in psoriasis management.

PMID- 28099595
TI  - Exome sequence analysis of Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: identification of
      putative driver mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is a rare, intermediate, malignant
      tumor. The tumor's etiology remains unknown and there are no specific treatments.
      OBJECTIVE:: In this study, we performed exome sequencing using DNA from a
      Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma patient, and found putative candidates for the
      responsible mutations. METHOD:: The genomic DNA for exome sequencing was obtained
      from the tumor tissue and matched normal tissue from the same individual. Exome
      sequencing was performed on HiSeq2000 sequencer platform. RESULTS:: Among
      oncogenes, germline missense single nucleotide variants were observed in the TP53
      and APC genes in both the tumor and normal tissue. As tumor-specific somatic
      mutations, we identified 81 candidate genes, including 4 nonsense changes, 68
      missense changes and 9 insertions/deletions. The mutations in ITGB2, IL-32 and
      DIDO1 were included in them. CONCLUSION:: This is a pilot study, and future
      analysis with more patients is needed to clarify: the detailed pathogenesis of
      this tumor, the novel diagnostic methods by detecting specific mutations, and the
      new therapeutic strategies targeting the mutation.

PMID- 28099596
TI  - Impact of chronic urticaria on the quality of life of patients followed up at a
      university hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Chronic urticaria is a debilitating disease that considerably
      affects health-related quality of life, and the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life
      Questionnaire is the only questionnaire specifically designed for its evaluation.
      OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with chronic urticaria,
      using the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life
      Questionnaire. METHODS:: The Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire was
      self-administered in 112 chronic urticaria patients and disease activity was
      assessed through the Urticaria Activity Score. Clinical and socio-demographic
      characteristics of patients were studied, such as: age, sex, etiologic diagnosis
      of chronic urticaria, duration of disease and Urticaria Activity Score. RESULTS::
      The population studied was composed 85.72% of women with a mean age of 46 years
      (18-90), while the median disease duration period was 10 years (3 months-60
      years). Regarding the etiologic diagnosis, 48.22% had chronic spontaneous
      urticaria; 22.32% associated with inducible urticaria, 28.57% with chronic
      autoimmune urticaria, and 23.21% had physical urticaria alone. Disease activity
      evaluated using the Urticaria Activity Score was 1.04 +/- 1.61 (0-6). The total
      score for the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire was 36 (0-100) and
      dimension I (sleep/mental status/eating) had a greater impact on quality of life.
      The items with the highest mean scores were nervousness and shame over lesions,
      while the items with the lowest scores were lip swelling and limitations on
      sporting activities. CONCLUSIONS:: Chronic urticaria compromises patients'
      quality of life, mainly those with more severe disease or who are diagnosed with
      chronic autoimmune urticaria.

PMID- 28099597
TI  - Correlation between the histopathology of chronic urticaria and its clinical
      picture.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Chronic urticaria is characterized by transient, pruritic lesions of
      varying sizes, with central pallor and well-defined edges, with disease duration
      longer than six weeks. Its cellular infiltrate consists of neutrophils,
      lymphocytes and eosinophils. There is a subgroup of patients with eosinophilic or
      neutrophilic urticaria, resistant to the treatment with antihistamines, but that
      respond to a combination of antihistamine with other drugs. OBJECTIVE:: To
      evaluate the present infiltration in chronic urticaria biopsies and correlate it
      with the clinical disease activity and response to treatment. METHODS:: Forty-one
      patients with chronic urticaria were classified according to the score of
      severity of the disease, response to treatment and type of perivascular
      infiltrate. Inflammatory infiltrates were divided in eosinophilic (46.30%),
      neutrophilic and mixed. RESULTS:: An association was found between the
      eosinophilic infiltrate and clinical scores of greater severity (p = 0.002).
      CONCLUSION:: This association shows that the eosinophilic inflammatory
      infiltrates denote high clinical activity, which means more severe and exuberant
      clinical pictures of the disease.

PMID- 28099598
TI  - Dermatoscopy-guided therapy of pigmented basal cell carcinoma with imiquimod.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to examine skin
      lesions with an optical magnification. It has been suggested as a useful tool for
      monitoring therapeutic response in lentigo maligna patients treated with
      imiquimod. OBJECTIVE:: To examine the accuracy of dermatoscopy as a tool to
      monitor the therapeutic response of pigmented basal cell carcinoma treated with
      imiquimod. METHOD:: The authors designed a prospective study. Patients with
      pigmented basal cell carcinoma were included and data regarding the dermatoscopy
      features were collected following the Menzies criteria, prior to initiating the
      imiquimod treatment. Subsequent dermatoscopic evaluations were performed at weeks
      4 and 8, following imiquimod discontinuation. RESULTS:: Twenty lesions were
      included. The most common pigmented dermatoscopy features were large blue-grey
      ovoid nests (80%), followed by blue-grey globules (50%) and leaf-like areas
      (30%). No spoke wheel areas were observed. In 17 out of 20 patients, a response
      was noted during the first evaluation at 4 weeks, while the clearance was noted
      at the second check-up after 8 weeks. In two patients, the clearance was found at
      the initial evaluation at 4 weeks, while in one patient, the response remained
      unchanged. Blue-grey globules were the fastest to exhibit clearance (50% at week
      4), followed by leaf-like areas (15%) and large blue-grey ovoid nests (6.25%).
      CONCLUSION:: According to our results, dermatoscopic evaluation enhances the
      accuracy in the assessment of the clinical response to imiquimod in pigmented
      basal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 28099599
TI  - Knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of Turkish vitiligo patients regarding their
      condition.
AB  - BACKGROUND:: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary skin disorder that affects 0.5%
      to 2.0% of the population. OBJECTIVE:: Patients' knowledge, opinions, and
      attitudes about vitiligo were evaluated. METHODS:: The team conducted a cross
      sectional, descriptive, prospective study between June 2014 and May 2015. The
      study included 100 patients aged over 12 years who were diagnosed with vitiligo.
      A questionnaire including items on knowledge, opinions, and beliefs about
      vitiligo and the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ) were filled out by the
      patients, and the results were analyzed. RESULTS:: In total, 100 (58 female, 42
      male) patients were included in the study. Of them, 74% knew the name of their
      disease, 90% thought that vitiligo was not contagious, 48% reported that they
      obtained information on the disease from a doctor, and 69% believed they had
      adequate information on vitiligo. Eighty percent reported no negative effects
      from vitiligo on relationships with friends or family. It was believed that
      stress, excessive sun exposure, and heredity were causes of vitiligo, according
      to 84%, 37%, and 22% of the patients, respectively. Thirty-six patients (36%)
      believed that their illness was a serious disease and 35% deemed that it did not
      have a major impact on their lives. CONCLUSIONS:: Our results show that vitiligo
      patients were generally highly aware of their condition. The disease did not
      negatively affect patient opinions or attitudes about vitiligo. The authors
      believe that improving patient-physician communication will impact positively on
      the course of the disease.

PMID- 28099600
TI  - DHEA and frontal fibrosing alopecia: molecular and physiopathological mechanisms.
AB  - The transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFbeta1) promotes fibrosis,
      differentiating epithelial cells and quiescent fibroblasts into myofibroblasts
      and increasing expression of extracellular matrix. Recent investigations have
      shown that PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor*) is a negative
      regulator of fibrotic events induced by TGFbeta1. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
      is an immunomodulatory hormone essential for PPAR functions, and is reduced in
      some processes characterized by fibrosis. Although scarring alopecia
      characteristically develops in the female biological period in which occurs
      decreased production of DHEA, there are no data in the literature relating its
      reduction to fibrogenic process of this condition. This article aims to review
      the fibrogenic activity of TGFbeta1, its control by PPAR and its relation with
      DHEA in the frontal fibrosing alopecia.

PMID- 28099602
TI  - Psychotropics in different causes of itch: systematic review with controlled
      studies.
AB  - Among the wide range of symptoms neglected or resistant to conventional
      treatments in clinical practice, itch is emerging gradually as a theme to be
      studied. Itch complaints and the negative effects in the quality of life are
      observed in several medical fields. Although the partially obscure
      pathophysiology, some researchers decided to check and test the use of
      psychotropic drugs in resistant itch to conventional topical treatments and
      antihistamines. The objective of this study was to evaluate scientific evidence
      in psychotropic use in the treatment of itch of various causes. This is a
      systematic review of scientific literature. The following databases were used:
      PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Scielo. Randomized controlled trials that
      should focus on treatment with psychotropic drugs of pruritus of various causes
      were the inclusion criteria. All articles were analyzed by the authors, and the
      consensus was reached in cases of disagreement. Fifteen articles were included
      after analysis and selection in databases, with the majority of clinical trials
      focusing on psychopharmacological treatment of itch on account of chronic kidney
      disease. Clinical trials with psychotropic drugs mostly indicated significant
      improvement in the itching. In most trials of chronic kidney disease as basal
      disease for itch, greater effectiveness was observed with the use of psychotropic
      drugs compared with placebo or other antipruritic. However, the small amount of
      controlled trials conducted precludes the generalization that psychiatric drugs
      are effective for itch of various causes.

PMID- 28099603
TI  - Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma.
AB  - Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma is an eccrine carcinoma subtype, and only
      twelve cases have been reported until now. It is a rare tumor and its
      histopathological diagnosis is difficult. Almost half of patients are
      misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma by the incisional biopsy. We report the
      thirteenth case of squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma. Female patient, 72 years
      old, in the last 6 months presenting erythematous, keratotic and ulcerated
      papules on the nose. The incisional biopsy diagnosed squamoid eccrine ductal
      carcinoma. After excision, histopathology revealed positive margins. A
      wideningmargins surgery and grafting were performed, which again resulted in
      positive margins. The patient was then referred for radiotherapy. After 25
      sessions, the injury reappeared. After another surgery, although the
      intraoperative biopsy showed free surgical margins, the product of resection
      revealed persistent lesion. Distinction between squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma
      and squamous cell carcinoma is important because of the more aggressive nature of
      the first, which requires wider margins surgery to avoid recurrence.

PMID- 28099601
TI  - Psoriasis comorbidities: complications and benefits of immunobiological
      treatment.
AB  - During the last decade, different studies have converged to evidence the high
      prevalence of comorbidities in subjects with psoriasis. Although a causal
      relation has not been fully elucidated, genetic relation, inflammatory pathways
      and/or common environmental factors appear to be underlying the development of
      psoriasis and the metabolic comorbidities. The concept of psoriasis as a systemic
      disease directed the attention of the scientific community in order to
      investigate the extent to which therapeutic interventions influence the onset and
      evolution of the most prevalent comorbidities in patients with psoriasis. This
      study presents scientific evidence of the influence of immunobiological
      treatments for psoriasis available in Brazil (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept
      and ustekinumab) on the main comorbidities related to psoriasis. It highlights
      the importance of the inflammatory burden on the clinical outcome of patients,
      not only on disease activity, but also on the comorbidities. In this sense,
      systemic treatments, whether immunobiologicals or classic, can play a critical
      role to effectively control the inflammatory burden in psoriatic patients.

PMID- 28099604
TI  - Granuloma faciale: clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical aspects in a
      series of 10 patients.
AB  - Granuloma faciale is a chronic, benign, cutaneous vasculitis with well
      established clinical and morphological patterns, but with an unknown etiology.
      This study describes clinical and pathologic aspects of patients diagnosed with
      granuloma faciale. The authors analyzed demographic, clinical, morphological and
      immunohistochemical data from patients with a final diagnosis of granuloma
      faciale, confirmed between 1998 and 2012. There was a proportional and mixed
      inflammatory infiltrate, Grenz zones were present in almost all the samples.
      Immunophenotyping confirmed a higher intensity of T lymphocytes than B
      lymphocytes in thirteen samples, with a predominance of T CD8 lymphocytes in 64%
      of cases, in contrast to the literature, which indicates that the major component
      is T CD4 lymphocytes. All cases were positive for IgG4 but the majority (12/14)
      had less than 25% of stained cells. The pathogenesis of granuloma faciale remains
      poorly understood, making studies of morphological and immunohistochemical
      characterization important to better understand it.

PMID- 28099605
TI  - Acute localized exanthematous pustulosis caused by cefoperazone and sodium
      sulbactam.
AB  - Acute localized exanthematous pustulosis is a localized variant of acute
      generalized exanthematous pustulosis, which is characterized by the eruption of
      multiple scattered pustules following drug administration. A 72-year-old woman
      presented with multiple erythematous pustules on her face, which had appeared two
      days after using cefoperazone and sodium sulbactam. Histopathological findings
      showed subcorneal pustules and mixed inflammatory cell infiltration in the
      dermis. The pustules resolved within about two weeks after the patient
      discontinued the antibiotics. This report discusses the case of a woman with a
      cutaneous drug reaction consistent with acute localized exanthematous pustulosis
      that occurred after cefoperazone and sodium sulbactam were administered.

PMID- 28099606
TI  - Bacillary angiomatosis with bone invasion.
AB  - Bacillary angiomatosis is an infection determined by Bartonella henselae and B.
      quintana, rare and prevalent in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
      We describe a case of a patient with AIDS and TCD4+ cells equal to 9/mm3, showing
      reddish-violet papular and nodular lesions, disseminated over the skin, most on
      the back of the right hand and third finger, with osteolysis of the distal
      phalanx observed by radiography. The findings of vascular proliferation with
      presence of bacilli, on the histopathological examination of the skin and bone
      lesions, led to the diagnosis of bacillary angiomatosis. Corroborating the
      literature, in the present case the infection affected a young man (29 years old)
      with advanced immunosuppression and clinical and histological lesions compatible
      with the diagnosis.

PMID- 28099607
TI  - A single black ulcer in a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Ecthyma gangrenosum is an uncommon dermatological manifestation characterized by
      round, indurated ulcers with a central necrotic black eschar and surrounding
      erythema. This report describes the case of a 5-year-old girl, affected by acute
      lymphocytic leukemia, presenting with a black eschar on her right thigh. Such
      lesions should always be correctly identified to avoid potentially fatal
      bacteraemia. Furthermore, because of its similar clinical presentation, cutaneous
      anthrax must be ruled out.

PMID- 28099608
TI  - Subungual squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Although subungual squamous cell carcinoma is rare, it is the most common primary
      malignant neoplasms in this location. The higher incidence occurs in the
      fingernails, but involvement of the toenails is also possible. Subungual squamous
      cell carcinoma often looks like other more common benign lesions, such as fungal
      infection, onychomycosis, or viral wart. These factors, together with a general
      lack of awareness of this disease among physicians, often result in delayed
      diagnosis. Therefore, it is underdiagnosed, with few reports in the literature.
      The authors present a case of a man with a diagnosis of subungual squamous cell
      carcinoma in the hallux, without bone involvement, which was submitted to the
      appropriate surgical treatment.

PMID- 28099609
TI  - Premature ventricular contractions associated with isotretinoin use.
AB  - Isotretinoin has been considered a unique drug for acne treatment. However, it is
      associated with numerous adverse effects. Isotretinoin can trigger premature
      ventricular contractions. This report describes a 33-year-old-woman who presented
      with palpitations for 1 week while undergoing 1-month isotretinoin treatment for
      mild-moderate facial acne. An electrocardiogram and Holter monitoring showed
      premature ventricular contractions during isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Roche)
      treatment. Isotretinoin-related premature ventricular contractions were strongly
      suggested in this case due to the existence of documented premature ventricular
      contractions on electrocardiograms and the disappearance of these premature
      ventricular contractions two weeks after termination of the treatment To the
      authors' knowledge, there has been 1 reported case of premature ventricular
      contractions linked to isotretinoin use; this report describes a second such
      case.

PMID- 28099610
TI  - Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum gypseum in infants: report of four cases
      and review of the literature.
AB  - Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum gypseum is rare, especially in infants,
      with few published cases. Diagnosis in this age group is frequently delayed. We
      review the literature and report 4 new cases of tinea of glabrous skin caused by
      M. gypseum mimicking eczema in infants. Considering new and previously reported
      cases, half of patients were exposed to sand, emphasizing the importance of this
      transmission vehicle in this age group. In conclusion, although rare,
      dermatophytosis by M. gypseum should be part of the differential diagnosis of
      inflammatory dermatosis in infants. A clinical suspicion and the availability of
      culture are keys to the diagnosis.

PMID- 28099611
TI  - Norwegian scabies - rare case of atypical manifestation.
AB  - Human scabies affects all social classes and different races around the world. It
      is highly contagious, but the exact figures on its prevalence are unknown. A 19
      year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency room reporting fever (38
      degrees C) and multiple lesions throughout the body, except face, soles, and
      palms. Lesions were non-pruritic, which hampered the initial diagnostic
      suspicion. Skin biopsy was performed, and the final diagnosis was crusted scabies
      (Norwegian). It was concluded that human scabies is a significant epidemic
      disease, due to its different clinical manifestations, and because it is
      extremely contagious.

PMID- 28099612
TI  - Tinea faciei on the right eyebrow caused by Trichophyton interdigitale.
AB  - Tinea faciei is a relatively uncommon dermatophyte infection entailing atypical
      clinical symptoms, usually misdiagnosed and treated with corticosteroids. The
      authors describe a case of tinea faciei on the right eyebrow caused by
      Trichophyton interdigitale. The patient was an 18-year-old girl, who had an
      inflammatory plaque with a scaly, pustular surface on the right eyebrow and upper
      eyelid, which had persisted for over 1 month. She was once misdiagnosed as having
      eczema and was treated using corticosteroid cream. A diagnosis of tinea faciei
      was made based on direct microscopy and culture. The sequencing of the nuclear
      ribosomal ITS region and beta-tubulin gene of the isolate established its T.
      interdigitale lineage. The patient was cured by treatment with systemic
      terbinafine in combination with topical application of 1% naftifine-0.25%
      ketaconazole cream for 2 weeks.

PMID- 28099613
TI  - Disseminated cryptococcosis with cutaneous involvement in an immunocompetent
      patient.
AB  - Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection of opportunistic behavior that is unusual in
      immunocompetent patients. We report a rare case of disseminated cryptococcosis
      with cutaneous involvement in an immunocompetent individual. During
      hospitalization, Cryptococcus gattii was isolated from skin lesions, lung and
      spinal fluid. The diagnosis of disseminated cryptococcosis was confirmed and
      treatment was established. The patient showed improvement. Due to the probable
      clinical severity of the disease and the possibility that skin lesions may be the
      first manifestation of this illness, prompt diagnosis must be established and
      treatment provided.

PMID- 28099614
TI  - Dermoscopy: a useful tool for assisting the diagnosis of Pseudomonas
      folliculitis.
AB  - This report describes the usefulness of dermoscopy as a supportive diagnostic
      tool in a pseudomonas folliculitis case.

PMID- 28099615
TI  - Do you know this syndrome? Dyspigmentation along the Blaschko lines caused by
      trisomy 7 mosaicism.
AB  - Dyspigmentation along the Blaschko lines is strongly suggestive of a mosaic skin
      disorder. We report a 9-year-old male patient who presented with swirls and
      streaks of both hypo and hyperpigmentation involving the entire body.
      Additionally, he had hypertrichosis, musculoskeletal and minor neurodevelopment
      abnormalities but no intellectual disability. Cultured fibroblast displayed
      trisomy 7 mosaicism, which can explain this pigmentary phenotype. Widespread
      dyspigmentation associated with involvement of other organs should prompt
      systemic examination to detect additional anomalies and genetic evaluation should
      be considered, even with normal fetal karyotype.

PMID- 28099617
TI  - Case for diagnosis. Lichen myxedematosus.
AB  - Scleromyxedema or lichen myxedematosus is a rare papular mucinosis of chronic and
      progressive course and unknown etiology. It is commonly associated with
      monoclonal gammopathy and may show extracutaneous manifestations, affecting the
      heart, lung, kidney, and nerves. The diagnosis is based on four criteria:
      generalized papular and sclerodermoid lesions; mucin deposition, fibroblast
      proliferation, and fibrosis in the histopathology; monoclonal gammopathy; and no
      thyroid disorders. This article reports the case of a scleromyxedema patient with
      a recent history of acute myocardial infarction and monoclonal gammopathy.

PMID- 28099616
TI  - Do you know this syndrome? Type 2 benign symmetric lipomatosis (Launois
      Bensaude).
AB  - A 57-year-old female showed bulky, loose tumors, which progressively spread to
      her arms, anterior chest, and back. She reported dysphagia and dyspnea after mild
      exertion. She denied alcohol consumption. CT scan of her chest showed no internal
      lesions. Benign symmetric lipomatosis is a rare syndrome, clinically described as
      multiple nonencapsulated lipomas of various sizes and symmetrical distribution.
      This syndrome has three known phenotypes; in type 2 (Launois-Bensaude syndrome),
      lesions occur primarily on the shoulders, upper arms, and chest, and is unrelated
      to alcoholism. It causes aesthetic deformities and might block the upper airways.
      Mediastinal invasion might occur as well.

PMID- 28099618
TI  - Late-onset alopecia areata: descriptive analysis of 30 cases.
AB  - Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by non-scaring hair loss.
      The onset in over 50-year-old patients is rare and has barely been studied. Cases
      of this disease have been retrospectively analyzed - according to clinical forms,
      extension, and associated diseases - to assess alopecia areata characteristics in
      a group of patients whose disease onset was after the age of 50. 30 patients were
      studied; a few of them presented with autoimmune-related diseases or family
      history. The disease onset after the age of 50 seems to have different
      characteristics from those found in young people.

PMID- 28099619
TI  - Conservative surgical management of in situ subungual melanoma: long-term follow
      up.
AB  - Subungual melanoma represents 20% of all melanomas in Hispanic population. Here,
      we report the outcome of 15 patients with in situ subungual melanoma treated with
      resection of the nail unit with a 5-mm margin without amputation, followed up for
      55.93 +/- 43.08 months. The most common complications included inclusion cysts
      and nail spicules. We found no evidence of local or distant recurrences at the
      last visit of our follow up. Functional outcome was good, with only one patient
      reporting persistent mild pain. These results support functional, non-amputative
      surgical management of in situ subungual melanomas.

PMID- 28099620
TI  - Oral mucosal diseases in children - casuistics from the Department of Dermatology
      - University of Sao Paulo - Brazil.
AB  - There are no studies about pediatric oral mucosal diseases performed by
      dermatologists in Brazil. This study presents the casuistics of oral mucosal
      diseases in children examined at the Oral Diseases Clinic at the Department of
      Dermatology - University of Sao Paulo - Brazil. Cases were retrospectively
      studied from the hospital records from 2003 to 2015. A hundredsix children have
      been examined. Commoner lesions examined included mucoceles and aphthae. Rare and
      difficult cases were also seen and have been published; this clinic is based in a
      tertiary hospital center that deals mostly with complex cases.

PMID- 28099621
TI  - Scientific production of Brazilian dermatology: analysis of abstracts submitted
      at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (2005 to 2013) and
      those eventually published.
AB  - In the last decade the presence of Brazilian physicians in International Meetings
      of Dermatology has been expressive. In parallel it has also been expressive the
      submission of poster abstracts in those Meetings. Considering the meetings from
      2005 to 2013, 379 posters were presented in meetings of the American Academy of
      Dermatology. Brazilian universities were the origin of 59.9%. The Brazilian
      Society of Dermatology's recognized residency programs were the origin of 69.9%
      of the presented posters. Considering the period from 2005 to 2010 (n = 165
      posters) the papers effectively published were 19 (11.5%).

PMID- 28099622
TI  - Finger pad tophi in gout: a rare presentation.

PMID- 28099623
TI  - Heparin induced bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis at a site distant from the
      injection. A report of five cases.

PMID- 28099624
TI  - Hyperpigmentation and chikungunya fever.

PMID- 28099625
TI  - Changes in melanocytic nevi after treatment with intense pulsed light observed in
      total body mapping.

PMID- 28099626
TI  - Vitiligo-specific instrument on quality of life - Brazilian Portuguese version.

PMID- 28099627
TI  - Iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma caused by corticosteroids.

PMID- 28099628
TI  - Elevated plasma concentrations of S100 calcium-binding protein B and tumor
      necrosis factor alpha in children with autism spectrum disorders.
AB  - Objective:: To investigate plasma concentrations of S100B (a calcium-binding
      protein derived primarily from the glia) and inflammatory cytokines in children
      with autism and the relationship between S100B and cytokine concentrations.
      Methods:: Plasma levels of S100B, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha),
      interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A were
      measured in 40 unmedicated children with autism and 35 normally developing
      healthy children. The severity of autism was assessed using the Childhood Autism
      Rating Scale (CARS). Results:: Concentrations of both S100B and TNF-alpha were
      higher in children with autism before and after adjusting for a priori-selected
      confounders (age, sex, and body mass index). S100B concentrations were higher in
      children with severe autism compared to children with mild-moderate autism.
      However, this association remained as a trend after adjusting for confounders.
      S100B concentrations correlated positively with TNF-alpha concentrations.
      Conclusion:: Our findings showing an increase in peripheral concentrations of
      S100B and TNF-alpha provide limited support to the hypothesis about the roles of
      altered immune function and S100B in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies of
      larger numbers of well-characterized individuals with ASD are needed to clarify
      the potential role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of this disorder.

PMID- 28099629
TI  - The role of the CNR1 gene in schizophrenia: a systematic review including
      unpublished data.
AB  - Objective:: Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disorder. It is known that a
      combination of extensive multiple common alleles may be involved in its etiology,
      each contributing with a small to moderate effect, and, possibly, some rare
      alleles with a much larger effect size. We aimed to perform a systematic review
      of association studies between schizophrenia (and its subphenotypes) and
      polymorphisms in the CNR1 gene, which encodes cannabinoid receptors classically
      implicated in schizophrenia pathophysiology, as well as to present unpublished
      results of an association study in a Brazilian population. Methods:: Two
      reviewers independently searched for eligible studies and extracted outcome data
      using a structured form. Papers were retrieved from PubMed and ISI Web of
      Knowledge using the search term schizophrenia in combination with CNR1 or CB1 or
      cannabinoid receptor. Twenty-four articles met our inclusion criteria. We
      additionally present data from a study of our own comparing 182 patients with
      schizophrenia and 244 healthy controls. Results:: No consistent evidence is
      demonstrated. Conclusion:: Some seemingly positive association studies stress the
      need for further investigations of the possible role of endocannabinoid genetics
      in schizophrenia.

PMID- 28099630
TI  - The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene Val66Met polymorphism affects
      memory performance in older adults.
AB  - Objective:: Memory impairment is an important contributor to the reduction in
      quality of life experienced by older adults, and genetic risk factors seem to
      contribute to variance in age-related cognitive decline. Brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important nerve growth factor linked with
      development and neural plasticity. The Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene has
      been associated with impaired episodic memory in adults, but whether this
      functional variant plays a role in cognitive aging remains unclear. The purpose
      of this study was to investigate the effects of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on
      memory performance in a sample of elderly adults. Methods:: Eighty-seven subjects
      aged > 55 years were recruited using a community-based convenience sampling
      strategy in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The logical memory subset of the Wechsler
      Memory Scale-Revised was used to assess immediate verbal recall (IVR), delayed
      verbal recall (DVR), and memory retention rate. Results:: BDNF Met allele
      carriers had lower DVR scores (p = 0.004) and a decline in memory retention (p =
      0.017) when compared to Val/Val homozygotes. However, we found no significant
      differences in IVR between the two groups (p = 0.088). Conclusion:: These results
      support the hypothesis of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism as a risk factor
      associated with cognitive impairment, corroborating previous findings in young
      and older adults.

PMID- 28099631
TI  - Associations of cerebrovascular metabolism genotypes with neuropsychiatric
      symptoms and age at onset of Alzheimer's disease dementia.
AB  - Objective:: To study associations of cerebrovascular metabolism genotypes and
      haplotypes with age at Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD) onset and with
      neuropsychiatric symptoms according to each dementia stage. Methods:: Consecutive
      outpatients with late-onset AD were assessed for age at dementia onset and
      Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores according to Clinical Dementia Rating scores,
      apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) haplotypes, angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE)
      variants rs1800764 and rs4291, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor gene
      (LDLR) variants rs11669576 and rs5930, cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene
      (CETP) variants I422V and TaqIB, and liver X receptor beta gene (NR1H2)
      polymorphism rs2695121. Results:: Considering 201 patients, only APOE-E4 carriers
      had earlier dementia onset in multiple correlations, as well as less apathy, more
      delusions, and more aberrant motor behavior. Both ACE polymorphisms were
      associated with less intense frontally mediated behaviors. Regarding LDLR
      variants, carriers of the A allele of rs11669576 had less anxiety and more
      aberrant motor behavior, whereas carriers of the A allele of rs5930 had less
      delusions, less anxiety, more apathy, and more irritability. CETP variants that
      included G alleles of I422V and TaqIB were mostly associated with less intense
      frontally mediated behaviors, while severely impaired carriers of the T allele of
      rs2695121 had more anxiety and more aberrant motor behavior. Conclusion:: Though
      only APOE haplotypes affected AD onset, cerebrovascular metabolism genotypes were
      associated with differences in several neuropsychiatric manifestations of AD.

PMID- 28099632
TI  - Getting a consensus: advantages and disadvantages of Sepsis 3 in the context of
      middle-income settings.

PMID- 28099633
TI  - The implications of intensive care unit capacity strain for the care of
      critically ill patients.

PMID- 28099634
TI  - How could we make nutrition in the intensive care unit simple?

PMID- 28099635
TI  - Currently used dosage regimens of vancomycin fail to achieve therapeutic levels
      in approximately 40% of intensive care unit patients.
AB  - Objective:: This study aimed to assess whether currently used dosages of
      vancomycin for treatment of serious gram-positive bacterial infections in
      intensive care unit patients provided initial therapeutic vancomycin trough
      levels and to examine possible factors associated with the presence of adequate
      initial vancomycin trough levels in these patients. Methods:: A prospective
      descriptive study with convenience sampling was performed. Nursing note and
      medical record data were collected from September 2013 to July 2014 for patients
      who met inclusion criteria. Eighty-three patients were included. Initial
      vancomycin trough levels were obtained immediately before vancomycin fourth dose.
      Acute kidney injury was defined as an increase of at least 0.3mg/dL in serum
      creatinine within 48 hours. Results:: Considering vancomycin trough levels
      recommended for serious gram-positive infection treatment (15 - 20ug/mL),
      patients were categorized as presenting with low, adequate, and high vancomycin
      trough levels (35 [42.2%], 18 [21.7%], and 30 [36.1%] patients, respectively).
      Acute kidney injury patients had significantly greater vancomycin trough levels
      (p = 0.0055, with significance for a trend, p = 0.0023). Conclusion::
      Surprisingly, more than 40% of the patients did not reach an effective initial
      vancomycin trough level. Studies on pharmacokinetic and dosage regimens of
      vancomycin in intensive care unit patients are necessary to circumvent this high
      proportion of failures to obtain adequate initial vancomycin trough levels.
      Vancomycin use without trough serum level monitoring in critically ill patients
      should be discouraged.

PMID- 28099636
TI  - Use of reactive hyperemia - peripheral arterial tonometry and circulating
      biological markers to predict outcomes in sepsis.
AB  - Objective:: To evaluate the usefulness and prognostic value of reactive hyperemia
      - peripheral arterial tonometry in patients with sepsis. Moreover, we
      investigated the association of reactive hyperemia - peripheral arterial
      tonometry results with serum levels of certain inflammatory molecules. Methods::
      Prospective study, conducted in an 18-bed mixed intensive care unit for adults.
      The exclusion criteria included severe immunosuppression or antibiotic therapy
      initiated more than 48 hours before assessment. We measured the reactive
      hyperemia - peripheral arterial tonometry on inclusion (day 1) and on day 3.
      Interleukin-6, interleukin-10, high-mobility group box 1 protein and soluble ST2
      levels were measured in the blood obtained upon inclusion. Results:: Seventeen of
      the 79 patients (21.6%) enrolled were determined to have reactive hyperemia -
      peripheral arterial tonometry signals considered technically unreliable and were
      excluded from the study. Thus, 62 patients were included in the final analysis,
      and they underwent a total of 95 reactive hyperemia - peripheral arterial
      tonometry exams within the first 48 hours after inclusion. The mean age was 51.5
      (SD: 18.9), and 49 (62%) of the patients were male. Reactive hyperemia indexes
      from days 1 and 3 were not associated with vasopressor need, Sequential Organ
      Failure Assessment score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II
      score, or 28-day mortality. Among the patients who died, compared with survivors,
      there was a significant increase in the day 3 reactive hyperemia index compared
      with day 1 (p = 0.045). There was a weak negative correlation between the day 1
      reactive hyperemia - peripheral arterial tonometry index and the levels of high
      mobility group box 1 protein (r = -0.287). Conclusion:: Technical difficulties
      and the lack of clear associations between the exam results and clinical severity
      or outcomes strongly limits the utility of reactive hyperemia - peripheral
      arterial tonometry in septic patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

PMID- 28099637
TI  - Factors associated with maternal death in an intensive care unit.
AB  - Objective:: To identify factors associated with maternal death in patients
      admitted to an intensive care unit. Methods:: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted in a maternal intensive care unit. All medical records of patients
      admitted from January 2012 to December 2014 were reviewed. Pregnant and puerperal
      women were included; those with diagnoses of hydatidiform mole, ectopic
      pregnancy, or anembryonic pregnancy were excluded, as were patients admitted for
      non-obstetrical reasons. Death and hospital discharge were the outcomes subjected
      to comparative analysis. Results:: A total of 373 patients aged 13 to 45 years
      were included. The causes for admission to the intensive care unit were
      hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, followed by heart disease, respiratory
      failure, and sepsis; complications included acute kidney injury (24.1%),
      hypotension (15.5%), bleeding (10.2%), and sepsis (6.7%). A total of 28 patients
      died (7.5%). Causes of death were hemorrhagic shock, multiple organ failure,
      respiratory failure, and sepsis. The independent risk factors associated with
      death were acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] = 6.77), hypotension (OR =
      15.08), and respiratory failure (OR = 3.65). Conclusion:: The frequency of deaths
      was low. Acute kidney injury, hypotension, and respiratory insufficiency were
      independent risk factors for maternal death.

PMID- 28099638
TI  - Risk factors for agitation in critically ill patients.
AB  - Objective:: To evaluate the incidence of agitation in the first 7 days after
      intensive care unit admission, its risk factors and its associations with
      clinical outcomes. Methods:: This single-center prospective cohort study included
      all patients older than 18 years with a predicted stay > 48 hours within the
      first 24 hours of intensive care unit admission. Agitation was defined as a
      Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score >= +2, an episode of agitation or the use
      of a specific medication recorded in patient charts. Results:: Agitation occurred
      in 31.8% of the 113 patients. Multivariate analysis showed that delirium [OR =
      24.14; CI95% 5.15 - 113.14; p < 0.001], moderate or severe pain [OR = 5.74; CI95%
      1.73 - 19.10; p = 0.004], mechanical ventilation [OR = 10.14; CI95% 2.93 - 35.10;
      p < 0.001], and smoking habits [OR = 4.49; CI95% 1.33 - 15.17; p = 0.015] were
      independent factors for agitation, while hyperlactatemia was associated with a
      lower risk [OR = 0.169; CI95% 0.04 - 0.77; p = 0.021]. Agitated patients had
      fewer mechanical ventilation-free days at day 7 (p = 0.003). Conclusion:: The
      incidence of agitation in the first 7 days after admission to the intensive care
      unit was high. Delirium, moderate/severe pain, mechanical ventilation, and
      smoking habits were independent risk factors. Agitated patients had fewer
      ventilator-free days in the first 7 days.

PMID- 28099639
TI  - Failure to activate the in-hospital emergency team: causes and outcomes.
AB  - Objective:: To determine the incidence of afferent limb failure of the in
      hospital Medical Emergency Team, characterizing it and comparing the mortality
      between the population experiencing afferent limb failure and the population not
      experiencing afferent limb failure. Methods:: A total of 478 activations of the
      Medical Emergency Team of Hospital Pedro Hispano occurred from January 2013 to
      July 2015. A sample of 285 activations was obtained after excluding incomplete
      records and activations for patients with less than 6 hours of hospitalization.
      The sample was divided into two groups: the group experiencing afferent limb
      failure and the group not experiencing afferent limb failure of the Medical
      Emergency Team. Both populations were characterized and compared. Statistical
      significance was set at p <= 0.05. Result:: Afferent limb failure was observed in
      22.1% of activations. The causal analysis revealed significant differences in
      Medical Emergency Team activation criteria (p = 0.003) in the group experiencing
      afferent limb failure, with higher rates of Medical Emergency Team activation for
      cardiac arrest and cardiovascular dysfunction. Regarding patient outcomes, the
      group experiencing afferent limb failure had higher immediate mortality rates and
      higher mortality rates at hospital discharge, with no significant differences. No
      significant differences were found for the other parameters. Conclusion:: The
      incidence of cardiac arrest and the mortality rate were higher in patients
      experiencing failure of the afferent limb of the Medical Emergency Team. This
      study highlights the need for health units to invest in the training of all
      healthcare professionals regarding the Medical Emergency Team activation criteria
      and emergency medical response system operations.

PMID- 28099640
TI  - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation of adults with in-hospital cardiac arrest using the
      Utstein style.
AB  - Objective:: The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical profile of
      patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest using the Utstein style. Methods:: This
      study is an observational, prospective, longitudinal study of patients with
      cardiac arrest treated in intensive care units over a period of 1 year. Results::
      The study included 89 patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      maneuvers. The cohort was 51.6% male with a mean age 59.0 years. The episodes
      occurred during the daytime in 64.6% of cases. Asystole/bradyarrhythmia was the
      most frequent initial rhythm (42.7%). Most patients who exhibited a spontaneous
      return of circulation experienced recurrent cardiac arrest, especially within the
      first 24 hours (61.4%). The mean time elapsed between hospital admission and the
      occurrence of cardiac arrest was 10.3 days, the mean time between cardiac arrest
      and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 0.68 min, the mean time between cardiac
      arrest and defibrillation was 7.1 min, and the mean duration of cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation was 16.3 min. Associations between gender and the duration of
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (19.2 min in women versus 13.5 min in men, p =
      0.02), the duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the return of
      spontaneous circulation (10.8 min versus 30.7 min, p < 0.001) and heart disease
      and age (60.6 years versus 53.6, p < 0.001) were identified. The immediate
      survival rates after cardiac arrest, until hospital discharge and 6 months after
      discharge were 71%, 9% and 6%, respectively. Conclusions:: The main initial
      rhythm detected was asystole/bradyarrhythmia; the interval between cardiac arrest
      and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was short, but defibrillation was delayed.
      Women received cardiopulmonary resuscitation for longer periods than men. The in
      hospital survival rate was low.

PMID- 28099641
TI  - Sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome in children with cancer: the
      respiratory dynamics of a devastating condition.
AB  - Objective:: To evaluate the clinical course and respiratory parameters of
      mechanically ventilated children with cancer suffering from sepsis-related acute
      respiratory distress syndrome. Methods:: This 2-year prospective, longitudinal,
      observational cohort study enrolled 29 children and adolescents. Clinical data,
      measurements of blood gases and ventilation parameters were collected at four
      different time points. Fluctuations between measurements as well as differences
      in estimated means were analyzed by linear mixed models in which death within 28
      days from the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome was the primary
      endpoint. Results:: There were 17 deaths within 28 days of acute respiratory
      distress syndrome onset and another 7 between 29 - 60 days. Only 5 patients
      survived for more than 60 days. Nine (31%) patients died as a direct consequence
      of refractory hypoxemia, and the others died of multiple organ failure and
      catecholamine-refractory shock. In 66% of the measurements, the tidal volume
      required to obtain oxygen saturation equal to or above 90% was greater than
      7mL/kg. The estimated means of dynamic compliance were low and were similar for
      survivors and non-survivors but with a negative slope between the first and final
      measurements, accompanied by a negative slope of the tidal volume for non
      survivors. Non-survivors were significantly more hypoxemic, with PaO2/FiO2 ratios
      showing lower estimated means and a negative slope along the four measurements.
      Peak, expiratory and mean airway pressures showed positive slopes in the non
      survivors, who also had more metabolic acidosis. Conclusions:: In most of our
      children with cancer, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome progressed
      with deteriorating ventilation indexes and escalating organic dysfunction, making
      this triad nearly fatal in children.

PMID- 28099642
TI  - Sedation protocols versus daily sedation interruption: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Objective:: The aim of this study was to systematically review studies that
      compared a mild target sedation protocol with daily sedation interruption and to
      perform a meta-analysis with the data presented in these studies. Methods:: We
      searched Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify randomized
      clinical trials comparing sedation protocols with daily sedation interruption in
      critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was
      mortality in the intensive care unit. Results:: Seven studies were included, with
      a total of 892 patients. Mortality in the intensive care unit did not differ
      between the sedation protocol and daily sedation interruption groups (odds ratio
      [OR] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60 - 1.10; I2 = 0%). Hospital
      mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital
      length of stay did not differ between the groups either. Sedation protocols were
      associated with an increase in the number of days free of mechanical ventilation
      (mean difference = 6.70 days; 95%CI 1.09 - 12.31 days; I2 = 87.2%) and a shorter
      duration of hospital length of stay (mean difference = -5.05 days, 95%CI -9.98 - 
      0.11 days; I2 = 69%). There were no differences in regard to accidental
      extubation, extubation failure and the occurrence of delirium. Conclusion::
      Sedation protocols and daily sedation interruption do not appear to differ in
      regard to the majority of analyzed outcomes. The only differences found were
      small and had a high degree of heterogeneity.

PMID- 28099643
TI  - Balanced crystalloids for septic shock resuscitation.
AB  - Timely fluid administration is crucial to maintain tissue perfusion in septic
      shock patients. However, the question concerning which fluid should be used for
      septic shock resuscitation remains a matter of debate. A growing body of evidence
      suggests that the type, amount and timing of fluid administration during the
      course of sepsis may affect patient outcomes. Crystalloids have been recommended
      as the first-line fluids for septic shock resuscitation. Nevertheless, given the
      inconclusive nature of the available literature, no definitive recommendations
      about the most appropriate crystalloid solution can be made. Resuscitation of
      septic and non-septic critically ill patients with unbalanced crystalloids,
      mainly 0.9% saline, has been associated with a higher incidence of acid-base
      balance and electrolyte disorders and might be associated with a higher incidence
      of acute kidney injury. This can result in greater demand for renal replacement
      therapy and increased mortality. Balanced crystalloids have been proposed as an
      alternative to unbalanced solutions in order to mitigate their detrimental
      effects. Nevertheless, the safety and effectiveness of balanced crystalloids for
      septic shock resuscitation need to be further addressed in a well-designed,
      multicenter, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 28099645
TI  - Mechanical ventilation in Coffin-Lowry syndrome: a case report.
AB  - We describe a 27-year-old patient with Coffin-Lowry syndrome with severe
      community pneumonia, septic shock and respiratory failure. We summarize both the
      mechanical ventilatory assistance and the hospitalization period in the intensive
      care unit.

PMID- 28099644
TI  - Use of biomarkers in pediatric sepsis: literature review.
AB  - Despite advances in recent years, sepsis is still a leading cause of
      hospitalization and mortality in infants and children. The presence of biomarkers
      during the response to an infectious insult makes it possible to use such
      biomarkers in screening, diagnosis, prognosis (risk stratification), monitoring
      of therapeutic response, and rational use of antibiotics (for example, the
      determination of adequate treatment length). Studies of biomarkers in sepsis in
      children are still relatively scarce. This review addresses the use of biomarkers
      in sepsis in pediatric patients with emphasis on C-reactive protein,
      procalcitonin, interleukins 6, 8, and 18, human neutrophil gelatinase, and
      proadrenomedullin. Assessment of these biomarkers may be useful in the management
      of pediatric sepsis.

PMID- 28099646
TI  - To: Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia in hemodialysis patients: a report of two
      cases.

PMID- 28099647
TI  - Reply to: Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia in hemodialysis patients: a report of
      two cases.

PMID- 28099648
TI  - ERRATUM: ERICA: prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adolescents.
AB  - [This corrects the article doi: 10.1590/S01518-8787.2016050006701].

PMID- 28099650
TI  - Sexual aggression in the Sao Paulo nightlife scenarios: a public health concern.

PMID- 28099649
TI  - Revista de Saude Publica: 50 years disseminating the knowledge in nutrition.
AB  - This work describes and comments on articles in the area of Public Health
      Nutrition published in Revista de Saude Publica (RSP - Public Health Journal)
      from 1967 to 2016. We searched in the PubMed database restricted to the
      periodical "Revista de Saude Publica" and using terms related to key topics in
      the area of Public Health Nutrition. We retrieved 742 articles and, after
      exclusion of duplicates and articles unrelated to the subject, we analyzed 441
      articles, grouped according to subject: dental caries, anemia, hypovitaminosis A,
      macro/micronutrients, malnutrition, nutritional assessment, overweight/obesity,
      food consumption, low birthweight, and breastfeeding. We observed significant
      increase in the number of articles published and diversification of subjects
      addressed over the 50 years, representing the consistent development of the
      scientific field of Nutrition in Brazil. Since its inception, RSP has played an
      important role in the dissemination of knowledge about the main nutritional
      issues in Brazil. RESUMO Este trabalho descreve e comenta os artigos na area de
      Nutricao em Saude Publica, publicados na Revista de Saude Publica (RSP) de 1967 a
      2016. Foi realizada busca na base de dados PubMed restrita ao periodico "Revista
      de Saude Publica" e utilizando termos relacionados com tematicas chaves da area
      de Nutricao em Saude Publica. Foram recuperados 742 artigos e, apos as exclusoes
      dos artigos repetidos e daqueles nao relacionados com a tematica, foram
      analisados 441 artigos, agrupados segundo o tema: carie dental, anemia,
      hipovitaminose A, macro/micronutrientes, desnutricao, avaliacao do estado
      nutricional, sobrepeso/obesidade, consumo de alimentos, baixo peso ao nascer, e
      aleitamento materno. Observou-se incremento significativo no numero de artigos
      publicados e a diversificacao dos temas tratados ao longo destes 50 anos,
      retratando o consistente desenvolvimento do campo cientifico da Nutricao no
      Brasil. Desde seu inicio, a RSP desempenhou importante papel na divulgacao do
      conhecimento sobre os principais agravos nutricionais no Brasil.

PMID- 28099651
TI  - Contribution of Oswaldo Paulo Forattini to public health: analysis of scientific
      production.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the main characteristics of the scientific production of
      Oswaldo Paulo Forattini, researcher and, for 40 years, editor of Revista de Saude
      Publica. METHODS: Descriptive study with bibliometric approach conducted in three
      steps. (1) identification of bibliographic records using the following search
      strategy: "Oswaldo Paulo Forattini" OR "Forattini OP" OR "Forattini" up
      information sources Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed, in July 2016,
      which retrieved 867 records. (2) composition of research corpus, in which we
      included 351 bibliographic records of articles, books, book chapters, editorials,
      book reviews, informative notes and annual reports of the RSP and excluded 516
      duplicates and acknowledgement notes, obituary notes, and nonretrievable
      citations. (3) data organization and analysis, in which we built databases for
      descriptive analysis and development of the MeSH coauthors and terms networks in
      VOSviewer software. For analysis of editorials, three reviewers read the full
      text of each editorial and categorized them according to subject, historical
      context and perspectives, relating them with historical milestones. RESULTS:
      Forattini's scientific production occurred from 1946 to 2009, most consisting of
      articles (n = 218; 62.1%), editorials (n = 43; 12.3%), and books (n = 13; 3.7%).
      The main subjects were Culicidae (36.8%), Triatominae (12.5%), and Epidemiology
      (10.0%). The coauthors of articles were his professors, colleagues of his
      generation, and graduate students. His editorials addressed critical reflections
      on the production of knowledge, research priorities, and factors that contributed
      to or hindered progress. The scope of subjects is broad, referring to
      socioeconomic and scientific development, public health issues in developed
      countries, or global health. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis shows Forattini's
      commitment with public health, research with vectors, training of researchers,
      and scientific communication. OBJETIVO: Analisar as principais caracteristicas da
      producao cientifica de Oswaldo Paulo Forattini, pesquisador e, por 40 anos,
      editor da Revista de Saude Publica. METODOS: Estudo descritivo com abordagem
      bibliometrica realizado em tres etapas. (1) Identificacao dos registros
      bibliograficos, utilizando a seguinte estrategia de busca: "Oswaldo Paulo
      Forattini" OR "Forattini OP" OR "Forattini O" nas fontes de informacao Google
      Scholar, Web of Science e PubMed, em julho de 2016, o que recuperou 867
      registros. (2) Composicao do corpus da pesquisa, na qual foram incluidos 351
      registros bibliograficos de artigos, livros, capitulos de livros, editoriais,
      resenhas de livros, notas informativas e relatorios anuais da RSP e excluidos 516
      duplicatas e notas de agradecimento, notas de obituarios e citacoes nao
      recuperaveis. (3) Organizacao e analise dos dados, na qual foram construidos
      bancos de dados para analise descritiva e elaboracao das redes de coautores e de
      termos do MeSH no software VOSviewer. Para analise dos editoriais, tres revisores
      leram o texto completo de cada editorial e os categorizaram segundo assunto,
      contexto historico e perspectivas, relacionando-o com marcos historicos.
      RESULTADOS: A producao cientifica de Forattini ocorreu de 1946 a 2009, a maioria
      composta por artigos (n = 218; 62,1%), editoriais (n = 43; 12,3%) e livros (n =
      13; 3,7%). Os principais assuntos foram Culicidae (36,8%), Triatominae (12,5%) e
      Epidemiologia (10,0%). Os coautores dos artigos foram seus mestres, colegas de
      sua geracao e alunos de pos-graduacao. Seus editoriais abordaram reflexoes
      criticas sobre a producao de conhecimento, prioridades em pesquisa e fatores que
      contribuiam ou desfavoreciam o progresso. O escopo dos assuntos e amplo,
      remetendo ao desenvolvimento cientifico e socioeconomico, questoes de saude
      publica em paises desenvolvidos ou saude global. CONCLUSOES: A analise mostra o
      comprometimento de Forattini com a saude publica, na pesquisa com vetores, na
      formacao de pesquisadores e na comunicacao cientifica.

PMID- 28099653
TI  - ERRATUM: The genesis of the AIDS policy and AIDS Space in Brazil (1981-1989).
AB  - [This corrects the article doi: 10.1590/S1518-8787.2016050005801].

PMID- 28099654
TI  - Meanings and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among long-distance truck drivers in
      Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the meanings assigned by long-distance truck drivers to
      HIV/AIDS and its transmission and prevention, bearing in mind different contexts
      of vulnerability. METHODS: Qualitative research with 22 truck drivers. Semi
      structured interviews and participant observation were conducted in highways of
      the state of Bahia in 2013. We selected male truck drivers, with one year or more
      of work experience in long-distance routes. We carried out the thematic analysis
      of the interviews, to identify different contexts of vulnerability. RESULTS: The
      results showed that the insertion of truck drivers in contexts of high social
      vulnerability (poor working conditions, violence on the roads, and use of alcohol
      and other drugs) along with the advances in access and effectiveness of treatment
      for AIDS promote a reduced perception of the risk and severity of this disease.
      In addition, the notion of "risk group" and the symbolic division between "home
      space" (protected) and "street space" (unprotected) intensified a restricted and
      specific use of condoms, guided by the opposition between "woman of the street"
      (unknown women, prostitutes, among others) and "woman of the house" (wives,
      girlfriends). CONCLUSIONS: The meanings assigned by truckers to AIDS incorporated
      elements of recent transformations of the expanded social context, such as the
      development of health technologies (especially anti-retroviral drugs) and the
      guarantee of free access to treatment in the Brazilian public health system; but
      also incorporated old elements of social vulnerability context - such as the poor
      working conditions on Brazilian highways. OBJETIVO: Compreender os significados
      atribuidos pelos caminhoneiros de rota longa ao HIV/aids e a sua transmissao e
      prevencao, tendo em vista diferentes contextos de vulnerabilidade. METODOS:
      Pesquisa qualitativa com 22 caminhoneiros. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi
      estruturadas e observacao participante em rodovias do estado da Bahia em 2013.
      Foram selecionados caminhoneiros do sexo masculino, com um ano ou mais de
      experiencia de trabalho em rotas de longa distancia. Realizou-se analise tematica
      das entrevistas, orientada para identificacao de diferentes contextos de
      vulnerabilidade. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que a insercao dos
      caminhoneiros em contextos de alta vulnerabilidade social (mas condicoes de
      trabalho, violencia nas estradas e uso de alcool e outras drogas) e os avancos no
      acesso e efetividade do tratamento para aids favorecem a minimizacao da percepcao
      de risco e gravidade dessa doenca. Alem disso, a nocao de "grupo de risco" e a
      divisao simbolica entre "espaco da casa" (protegido) e "espaco da rua"
      (desprotegido) intensificaram um uso restrito e especifico do preservativo,
      orientado pela oposicao entre "mulher do mundo" (desconhecidas, prostitutas,
      entre outros) e "mulher de casa" (esposas, namoradas). CONCLUSOES: Os
      significados atribuidos pelos caminhoneiros a aids incorporaram elementos de
      transformacoes recentes do contexto social ampliado, como o desenvolvimento de
      tecnologias em saude (com destaque para os antirretrovirais) e a garantia de
      acesso gratuito ao tratamento no sistema publico de saude no Brasil; mas tambem
      incorporaram antigos elementos do contexto de vulnerabilidade social - a exemplo
      das mas condicoes de trabalho nas estradas brasileiras.

PMID- 28099652
TI  - Path of infectious diseases in Brazil in the last 50 years: an ongoing challenge.
AB  - In this article, we comment on the main features of infectious diseases in Brazil
      in the last 50 years, highlighting how much of this path Revista de Saude Publica
      could portray. From 1967 to 2016, 1,335 articles focusing on infectious diseases
      were published in Revista de Saude Publica. Although the proportion of articles
      on the topic have decreased from about 50.0% to 15.0%, its notability remained
      and reflected the growing complexity of the research required for its control. It
      is noteworthy that studies design and analysis strategies progressively became
      more sophisticated, following the great development of epidemiology in Brazil in
      the recent decades. Thus, the journal has followed the success of public health
      interventions that permitted to control or eliminate numerous infectious diseases
      - which were responsible, in the past, for high rates of morbidity and mortality 
      , and also followed the reemergence of diseases already controlled and the
      emergence of until then unknown diseases, with a strong impact on the Brazilian
      population, establishing a little predictable and very challenging path. RESUMO
      Neste artigo, comentamos as principais caracteristicas das doencas infecciosas no
      Brasil, nos ultimos 50 anos, destacando o quanto a Revista de Saude Publica
      conseguiu capturar essa trajetoria. De 1967 a 2016, foram publicados 1.335
      artigos na Revista de Saude Publica com foco em doencas infecciosas. Ainda que a
      proporcao de artigos sobre esse tema tenha declinado de cerca de 50,0% para
      15,0%, seu destaque se manteve e refletiu a crescente complexidade das pesquisas
      necessarias para o seu controle. Nota-se que os desenhos dos estudos e as
      estrategias de analise ganharam progressivamente maior sofisticacao, acompanhando
      o grande desenvolvimento da epidemiologia no Brasil, nas ultimas decadas. Assim,
      foi registrado nao apenas o sucesso de intervencoes de saude publica que
      permitiram o controle ou a eliminacao de inumeras doencas infecciosas
      responsaveis, no passado, por elevadas taxas de morbimortalidade, como tambem a
      reemergencia de males ja controlados e o surgimento de doencas ate entao
      desconhecidas, com forte impacto na populacao brasileira, desenhando uma
      trajetoria pouco previsivel e muito desafiadora.

PMID- 28099655
TI  - Assessment on the ownership and use of mosquito nets in Mozambique.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the ownership and use of mosquito nets in 2014, in
      Mozambique. METHODS: This observational and cross-sectional study assessed, in
      February and March 2015, 69 districts (nine of 11 provinces of Mozambique) that
      have benefited from the mass distribution of mosquito nets. The Lot Quality
      Assurance Sampling methodology was used. Each locality was denominated
      supervision area. The Lot Quality Assurance Sampling opts for a minimum of 19
      households (in this case, we decided for a minimum of 100 households per
      district) from each supervision area to assess an indicator (in this case, two
      indicators were assessed: ownership and use of mosquito nets). Two questions
      guided the research: a) received a mosquito net; b) used a mosquito net the night
      before. RESULTS: A total of 6,725 households were assessed. Eighty three percent
      of them had received mosquito nets in the campaign. Of the 6,232 respondents,
      82.0% said they used mosquito nets the night before. The districts of the
      provinces with low coverage of ownership and use were Tete (69.5% and 60.0%,
      respectively), Zambezia (79.0% and 60.0%, respectively), and Gaza (81.6% and
      70.7%, respectively). The largest coverage of ownership and use were observed in
      the districts of Nampula (96.7% and 93.8%, respectively) and Niassa (86.0% and
      85.4% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the districts assessed, the progression of
      ownership and use of mosquito nets is satisfactory. Nampula and Niassa are the
      only provinces where ownership and use are at desired levels. OBJECTIVO: Avaliar
      a posse e o uso das redes mosquiteiras no ano de 2014 em Mocambique. METODOS:
      Este estudo observacional transversal avaliou, em fevereiro e marco de 2015, 68
      distritos (nove das 11 provincias de Mocambique) que se beneficiaram da
      distribuicao de redes em massa. Usou-se a metodologia Lot Quality Assurance
      Sampling. Cada localidade foi designada de area de supervisao. O Lot Quality
      Assurance Sampling opta por um minimo de 19 agregados familiares (neste caso
      decidiu-se um minimo de 100 agregados familiares por distrito) de cada area de
      supervisao, a fim de avaliar um indicador (neste caso dois indicadores foram
      avaliados: posse e uso de redes mosquiteiras). Duas perguntas nortearam a
      pesquisa: a) recebeu rede; b) usou rede na noite anterior. RESULTADOS: Foram
      avaliados 6.725 agregados familiares . Desses, 83,0% tinham recebido redes na
      campanha. Dos 6.232 inqueridos, 82,0% disseram que usaram na noite anterior. As
      provincias com distritos com menores coberturas de posse e uso foram Tete (69,5%
      e 60,0%, respectivamente), Zambezia (79,0% e 60,0%, respectivamente) e Gaza
      (81,6% e 70,7%, respectivamente). As maiores coberturas de posse e uso foram
      observadas nos distritos de Nampula (96,7% e 93,8%, respectivamente) e Niassa
      (86,0% e 85,4%, respectivamente). CONCLUSOES: Nos distritos avaliados, a
      progressao para a posse e uso de redes mosquiteiras e satisfatoria. Nampula e
      Niassa sao as unicas provincias onde a posse e o uso estao em niveis desejados.

PMID- 28099656
TI  - Association between diabetes and tuberculosis: case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the association between diabetes and tuberculosis. METHODS: It
      is a case-control study, matched by age and sex. We included 323 new cases of
      tuberculosis with positive results for bacilloscopy. The controls were 323
      respiratory symptomatic patients with negative bacilloscopy, from the same health
      services, such as: ambulatory cases from three referral hospitals and six basic
      health units responsible for the notifications of new cases of tuberculosis in
      Salvador, Bahia. Data collection occurred between 2008 and 2010. The instruments
      used were structured interview, including clinical data, capillary blood glucose
      (during fasting or postprandial), and the CAGE questionnaire for screening of
      abusive consumption of alcohol. Descriptive, exploratory, and multivariate
      analysis was performed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The
      average age of the cases was 38.5 (SD = 14.2) years and of the controls, 38.5 (SD
      = 14.3) years. Among cases and controls, most subjects (61%) were male. In
      univariate analysis we found association between the occurrence of diabetes and
      tuberculosis (OR = 2.37; 95%CI 1.04-5.42), which remained statistically
      significant after adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 3.12; 95%CI 1.12
      7.94). CONCLUSIONS: The association between diabetes and tuberculosis can hinder
      the control of tuberculosis, contributing to the maintainance of the disease
      burden. The situation demands increasing early detection of diabetes among people
      with tuberculosis, in an attempt to improve disease control strategies. OBJETIVO:
      Testar a associacao entre diabetes e tuberculose. METODOS: Trata-se de estudo
      caso-controle, pareado por idade e sexo. Foram incluidos 323 casos novos de
      tuberculose com resultados positivos a baciloscopia. Os controles foram 323
      sintomaticos respiratorios com baciloscopia negativa, oriundos dos mesmos
      servicos de saude dos casos: ambulatorios de tres hospitais de referencia e seis
      unidades basicas de saude responsaveis pelas notificacoes dos casos novos de
      tuberculose em Salvador, Bahia. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre 2008 e 2010. Os
      instrumentos utilizados foram entrevista estruturada, incluindo dados clinicos,
      glicemia capilar (em jejum ou pos-prandial) e o questionario CAGE para triagem de
      consumo abusivo de alcool. Foi realizada analise descritiva, exploratoria e
      multivariada utilizando-se de regressao logistica condicional. RESULTADOS: A
      media de idade dos casos foi 38,5 (DP = 14,2) anos e dos controles, 38,5 (DP =
      14,3) anos. Tanto entre os casos quanto entre os controles, a maioria (61%) dos
      individuos era do sexo masculino. Na analise univariada, houve associacao entre
      ocorrencia de diabetes e de tuberculose (OR = 2,37; IC95% 1,04-5,42), que
      permaneceu estatisticamente significante apos ajuste pelos potenciais
      confundidores (OR = 3,12; IC95% 1,12-7,94). CONCLUSOES: A associacao entre
      diabetes e tuberculose pode dificultar o controle da tuberculose, contribuindo
      para manutencao da elevada carga da doenca. A situacao demanda intensificacao da
      deteccao precoce de diabetes entre pessoas com tuberculose, na tentativa de maior
      efetividade das estrategias de controle da doenca.

PMID- 28099657
TI  - Quality of life and treatment adherence in hypertensive patients: systematic
      review with meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of antihypertensive treatment (pharmacological
      and non-pharmacological) on the health-related quality of life of individuals
      with hypertension. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis
      using the following databases: IBECS, LILACS, SciELO, Medline, Cochrane, Science
      Direct, Scopus and the Brazilian Capes Theses and Dissertations Database. The
      statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager, version 5.2. The average
      difference was used for the summarization of meta-analytic effect by the fixed
      effect model. Twenty studies were included. RESULTS: The summarization of the
      effect showed an average increase of 2.45 points (95%CI 1.02-3.87; p < 0.0008) in
      the quality of life of individuals adhering to non-pharmacological treatment for
      arterial hypertension. Adherence to pharmacological treatment indicated an
      average increase of 9.24 points (95%CI 8.16-10.33; p < 0.00001) in the quality of
      life of individuals with arterial hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Non-pharmacological
      treatment improves the overall quality of life and physical domain of people with
      arterial hypertension. Adherence to pharmacological treatment has a positive
      impact on the mental and physical domains of patients, as it did on the overall
      quality of life score. OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos do tratamento anti
      hipertensivo (farmacologico e nao-farmacologico) na qualidade de vida relacionada
      a saude de pessoas com hipertensao arterial. METODOS: Foi conduzida revisao
      sistematica com metanalise utilizando as bases de dados IBECS, Lilacs, SciELO,
      Medline, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus e o banco de teses da Capes. A analise
      estatistica foi realizada pelo Review Manager versao 5.2. Foi utilizada a
      diferenca da media na sumarizacao do efeito metanalitico pelo modelo de efeito
      fixo. Vinte estudos foram incluidos. RESULTADOS: A sumarizacao do efeito mostrou
      incremento de 2,45 pontos na media (IC95% 1,02-3,87; p < 0,0008) da qualidade de
      vida em pessoas com adesao ao tratamento nao farmacologico para hipertensao
      arterial. A adesao ao tratamento farmacologico indicou aumento de 9,24 pontos na
      media (IC95% 8,16-10,33; p < 0,00001) da qualidade de vida em pessoas com
      hipertensao arterial. CONCLUSOES: O tratamento nao-farmacologico melhora a
      qualidade de vida global e o dominio fisico de pessoas com hipertensao arterial.
      A adesao ao tratamento farmacologico impacta positivamente nos dominios mental,
      fisico e escore total da qualidade de vida.

PMID- 28099658
TI  - Background noise analysis in urban airport surroundings of Brazilian cities,
      Congonhas Airport, Sao Paulo.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a quantitative analysis of the background noise at
      Congonhas Airport surroundings based on large sampling and measurements with no
      interruption. METHODS: Measuring sites were chosen from 62 and 72 DNL (day-night
      level) noise contours, in urban sites compatible with residential use. Fifteen
      sites were monitored for at least 168 hours without interruption or seven
      consecutive days. Data compilation was based on cross-reference between noise
      measurements and air traffic control records, and results were validated by
      airport meteorological reports. Preliminary diagnoses were established using the
      standard NBR-13368. Background noise values were calculated based on the Sound
      Exposure Level (SEL). Statistic parameters were calculated in one-hour intervals.
      RESULTS: Only four of the fifteen sites assessed presented aircraft operations as
      a clear cause for the noise annoyance. Even so, it is possible to detect
      background noise levels above regulation limits during periods of low airport
      activity or when it closes at night. CONCLUSIONS: All the sites monitored showed
      background noise levels above regulation limits between 7:00 and 21:00. In the
      intervals between 6:00-6:59 and 21:00-22:59 the noise data, when analyzed with
      the current airport operational characteristics, still allow the development of
      additional mitigating measures. OBJETIVO: Avaliar quantitativamente o ruido de
      fundo no entorno do aeroporto de Congonhas, com base em ampla amostragem e
      medicoes sem interrupcao. METODOS: Locais de medicao escolhidos a partir de
      curvas de ruido de 62 e 72 LDN (day-night level), em equipamentos urbanos de uso
      compativel com o residencial. Quinze locais foram avaliados por mais de 168 horas
      consecutivas cada um (sete dias). A compilacao baseou-se em cruzamentos de dados
      do controle de trafego aereo e os resultados foram validados por meio de
      relatorios meteorologicos do aeroporto. Diagnosticos preliminares foram
      estabelecidos utilizando a NBR-13368. O ruido de fundo foi calculado com base no
      Sound Exposure Level (SEL). Os parametros estatisticos foram calculados em
      intervalos de uma hora. RESULTADOS: Apenas quatro dos 15 locais avaliados
      apresentaram clara contribuicao da operacao de aeronaves no incomodo. Mesmo
      assim, e possivel identificar ruido de fundo acima do regulamentar durante os
      periodos de baixa atividade ou de fechamento do aeroporto durante a noite.
      CONCLUSOES: Todos os locais avaliados apresentaram ruido de fundo acima do
      regulamentar entre 7:00h e 21:00h. Nos intervalos entre 6:00h-6:59h e 21:00h
      22:59h, os dados de monitoramento, quando analisados em conjunto com as atuais
      caracteristicas operacionais do aeroporto, ainda possibilitam a elaboracao de
      medidas mitigadoras adicionais.

PMID- 28099659
TI  - Factors associated with the use of antihypertensives among seniors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Analyze the use of antihypertensives among seniors and the association
      with socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics. METHODS: In this seriate cross
      sectional study, we used data from the Saude, Bem Estar e Envelhecimento study
      (SABE - Health, Well-being, and Aging), conducted in 2000, 2006, and 2010 in the
      city of Sao Paulo. Association between the use of antihypertensives and the
      demographic, behavioral, and socioeconomic characteristics and risk factors was
      analyzed by using multilevel logistic regression models. RESULTS: We observed
      increased proportion of use of antihypertensive, from 48.7% in 2000 to 61.3% in
      2006, reaching 65.7% in 2010. Among the seniors who made use of this type of
      medicine, we also observed increased adoption of combined therapy in the period,
      from 69.9% to 82.6% from 2000 to 2006 and reaching 91.6% in 2010. Multilevel
      analysis indicated statistically significant increase in use of
      antihypertensives, even after control by socioeconomic and behavioral
      characteristics, both in 2006 and in 2010 (OR = 1.90; 95%CI 1.60-2.24 and OR =
      1.94; 95%CI 1.62-2.33, respectively). Use of antihypertensives showed positive
      association with females, higher age group, black skin color, overweight, and
      smoking history. CONCLUSIONS: High use of antihypertensives and its association
      with sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics can help guide the
      discussion of strategies to improve the epidemiological situation, the quality of
      life, and the distribution of medicines to the elderly population. OBJETIVO:
      Analisar o uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos em idosos e a associacao com
      caracteristicas socioeconomicas e comportamentais. METODOS: Neste estudo
      transversal seriado, foram utilizados dados do estudo SABE (Saude, Bem Estar e
      Envelhecimento), realizado em 2000, 2006 e 2010 no municipio de Sao Paulo. A
      associacao entre o uso de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos e as caracteristicas
      demograficas, socioeconomicas comportamentais e fatores de risco foi analisada
      por meio de modelos de regressao logisticos multinivel. RESULTADOS: Foi observado
      aumento da proporcao do uso de anti-hipertensivo, de 48,7% em 2000 para 61,3% em
      2006, chegando a 65,7% em 2010. Entre os idosos que faziam uso desse tipo de
      medicamento, tambem foi observado aumento da adocao da terapia combinada no
      periodo, passando de 69,9% para 82,6% de 2000 a 2006 e alcancando 91,6% em 2010.
      A analise multinivel indicou aumento estatisticamente significativo do uso de
      anti-hipertensivos, mesmo apos controle pelas caracteristicas socioeconomicas e
      comportamentais, tanto em 2006 como em 2010 (OR = 1,90; IC95% 1,60-2,24 e OR =
      1,94; IC95% 1,62-2,33, respectivamente). O uso de anti-hipertensivos apresentou
      associacao positiva com sexo feminino, maior faixa etaria, cor da pele preta,
      sobrepeso e historico de tabagismo. CONCLUSOES: O uso elevado de anti
      hipertensivos e sua associacao com as caracteristicas sociodemograficas e
      comportamentais podem ajudar a orientar a discussao de estrategias para a
      melhoria do quadro epidemiologico, da qualidade de vida, e da distribuicao de
      medicamentos para a populacao idosa.

PMID- 28099660
TI  - Socioeconomic, hygienic, and sanitation factors in reducing diarrhea in the
      Amazon.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contributions of the socioeconomic, hygienic, and
      sanitation improvements in reducing the prevalence of diarrhea in a city of the
      Amazon. METHODS: In this population-based cross-sectional study, we analyzed data
      from surveys conducted in the city of Jordao, Acre. In 2005 and 2012, these
      surveys evaluated, respectively, 466 and 826 children under five years old.
      Questionnaires were applied on the socioeconomic conditions, construction of
      houses, food and hygienic habits, and environmental sanitation. We applied
      Pearson's Chi-squared test and Poisson regression to verify the relationship
      between origin of water, construction of homes, age of introduction of cow's milk
      in the diet, place of birth and the prevalence of diarrhea. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of diarrhea was reduced from 45.1% to 35.4%. We identified higher
      probability of diarrhea in children who did not use water from the public
      network, in those receiving cow's milk in the first month after birth, and in
      those living in houses made of paxiuba. Children born at home presented lower
      risk of diarrhea when compared to those who were born in hospital, with this
      difference reversing for the 2012 survey. CONCLUSIONS: Sanitation conditions
      improved with the increase of bathrooms with toilets, implementation of the
      Programa de Saude da Familia (PSF - Family Health Program), and water treatment
      in the city. The multivariate regression model identified a statistically
      significant association between use of water from the public network,
      construction of houses, late introduction of cow's milk, and access to health
      service with occurrence of diarrhea. OBJETIVO: Analisar as contribuicoes das
      melhorias socioeconomicas, higienicas e de saneamento na reducao da prevalencia
      de diarreia em uma cidade na Amazonia. METODOS: Neste estudo transversal de base
      populacional, foram analisados dados dos inqueritos realizados no municipio de
      Jordao, Acre. Em 2005 e 2012, foram avaliadas, respectivamente, 466 e 826
      criancas menores de cinco anos. Foram aplicados questionarios sobre as condicoes
      socioeconomicas, construcao dos domicilios, habitos higienicos e alimentares e
      saneamento ambiental. Foi aplicado o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson e a Regressao
      de Poisson para verificar a relacao existente entre procedencia da agua, tipo de
      construcao do domicilio, idade de introducao de leite de vaca na dieta e local de
      nascimento e a prevalencia de diarreia. RESULTADOS: A prevalencia de diarreia foi
      reduzida de 45,1% para 35,4%. Foi identificada maior probabilidade de
      desenvolvimento de diarreia em criancas que nao utilizaram agua da rede publica,
      as que receberam leite de vaca no primeiro mes apos o nascimento e as residentes
      em domicilios de paxiuba. As criancas que nasceram no domicilio apresentaram
      menor risco de diarreia quando comparadas as que nasceram em hospital, com essa
      diferenca se invertendo para o inquerito de 2012. CONCLUSOES: Ocorreu melhora nas
      condicoes de saneamento com aumento no numero de banheiro com vasos sanitarios,
      implantacao do Programa de Saude da Familia e tratamento de agua na sede do
      municipio. O modelo de regressao multivariada identificou associacao
      estatisticamente significativa entre utilizacao de agua da rede publica,
      construcao da moradia, introducao tardia de leite de vaca e acesso a servico de
      saude com ocorrencia de diarreia.

PMID- 28099661
TI  - Pharmaceutical lobbying in Brazil: a missing topic in the public health research
      agenda.
AB  - In the US, where registration of lobbyists is mandatory, the pharmaceutical
      industry and private health-care providers spend huge amounts of money seeking to
      influence health policies and government decisions. In Brazil, where lobbying
      lacks transparency, there is virtually no data on drug industry expenditure to
      persuade legislators and government officials of their viewpoints and to
      influence decision-making according to commercial interests. Since 1990, however,
      the Associacao da Industria Farmaceutica de Pesquisa (Interfarma - Pharmaceutical
      Research Industry Association), Brazilian counterpart of the Pharmaceutical
      Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), main lobbying organization of the
      US pharmaceutical industry, has played a major role in the advocacy of interests
      of major drug companies. The main goals of Interfarma lobbying activities are:
      shortening the average time taken by the Brazilian regulatory agency (ANVISA) to
      approve marketing authorization for a new drug; making the criteria for
      incorporation of new drugs into SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System) more
      flexible and speeding up technology incorporation; changing the Country's ethical
      clearance system and the ethical requirements for clinical trials to meet the
      need of the innovative drug industry, and establishing a National Policy for Rare
      Diseases that allows a prompt incorporation of orphan drugs into SUS. Although
      lobbying affects community health and well-being, this topic is not in the public
      health research agenda. The impacts of pharmaceutical lobbying on health policies
      and health-care costs are of great importance for SUS and deserve to be
      investigated.

PMID- 28099662
TI  - Effects of neighborhood socioeconomic status on blood pressure in older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test if the neighborhood socioeconomic status is associated with
      systolic blood pressure and hypertension in older adults. METHODS: A cross
      sectional population-based study with a sample of 1,705 older adults from
      Florianopolis, SC, Southern Brazil. The contextual variable used was the average
      years of schooling of the head of the household in census tracts. Participants
      were considered hypertensive when the systolic blood pressure was >= 140 mmHg,
      diastolic >= 90 mmHg, or both. Additionally, the use of antihypertensive
      medication was also considered. Data were analyzed by using multilevel models of
      logistic and linear regression. RESULTS: The average age of the sample was 70.7
      years and the average of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 133.5 mmHg (SD
      = 20.5 mmHg) and 81.9 mmHg (SD = 12.5 mmHg), respectively. The systolic blood
      pressure was 4.46 mmHg (95%CI 1.00-7.92) higher and the chance of hypertension
      was 1.80 (95%CI 1.26-2.57) among those who lived in census tracts with lower
      level of schooling. When the use of antihypertensive medication was combined with
      blood pressure levels, none association was found between the outcome and the
      level of schooling of the census tract. CONCLUSIONS: Analytical models more
      robust (such as multilevel analysis) in Brazil are still little used, with a
      small number of articles published. Neighborhood socioeconomic status is
      associated with systolic blood pressure and the chance of hypertension,
      regardless of individual characteristics.

PMID- 28099663
TI  - Primary Health Care: care coordinator in regionalized networks?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the breadth of care coordination by Primary Health Care in
      three health regions. METHODS: This is a quantitative and qualitative case study.
      Thirty-one semi-structured interviews with municipal, regional and state managers
      were carried out, besides a cross-sectional survey with the administration of
      questionnaires to physicians (74), nurses (127), and a representative sample of
      users (1,590) of Estrategia Saude da Familia (Family Health Strategy) in three
      municipal centers of health regions in the state of Bahia. RESULTS: Primary
      Health Care as first contact of preference faced strong competition from hospital
      outpatient and emergency services outside the network. Issues related to access
      to and provision of specialized care were aggravated by dependence on the private
      sector in the regions, despite progress observed in institutionalizing flows
      starting out from Primary Health Care. The counter-referral system was deficient
      and interprofessional communication was scarce, especially concerning services
      provided by the contracted network. CONCLUSIONS: Coordination capacity is
      affected both by the fragmentation of the regional network and intrinsic problems
      in Primary Health Care, which poorly supported in its essential attributes.
      Although the health regions have common problems, Primary Health Care remains a
      subject confined to municipal boundaries. OBJETIVO: Analisar o alcance da
      coordenacao do cuidado pela Atencao Primaria a Saude em tres regioes de saude.
      METODOS: Trata-se de estudo de caso, com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa.
      Foram realizadas 31 entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores municipais,
      regionais e estaduais e estudo transversal com aplicacao de questionarios para
      medicos (74), enfermeiros (127) e amostra representativa de usuarios (1.590) da
      Estrategia Saude da Familia em tres municipios-sede de regioes de saude do estado
      da Bahia. RESULTADOS: A funcao de porta de entrada preferencial pela Atencao
      Primaria a Saude deparava-se com forte concorrencia de servicos ambulatoriais
      hospitalares e de pronto-atendimento, desarticulados da rede. Problemas de acesso
      e oferta de atencao especializada eram agravados pela dependencia do setor
      privado nas regioes, ainda que tenham sido observados avancos na
      institucionalizacao de fluxos desde a Atencao Primaria a Saude. A
      contrarreferencia era deficiente e a comunicacao interprofissional escassa,
      principalmente quando o usuario era atendido na rede contratada ou conveniada.
      CONCLUSOES: A capacidade de coordenacao mostra-se afetada tanto pela fragmentacao
      da rede regional, quanto por problemas intrinsecos a Atencao Primaria a Saude,
      pouco fortalecida em seus atributos essenciais. Apesar de as regioes de saude
      apresentarem problemas em comum, a Atencao Primaria a Saude continua sendo um
      tema circunscrito aos limites municipais.

PMID- 28099664
TI  - Costs of Public Pharmaceutical Services in Rio de Janeiro Compared to Farmacia
      Popular Program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the costs of public pharmaceutical services compared to
      Farmacia Popular Program (Popular Pharmacy Program). METHODS: Comparison between
      prices paid by Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular Program (Farmacia Popular is available
      here) with the full costs of medicine provision by the Municipal Health
      Department of Rio de Janeiro. The comparison comprised 25 medicines supplied by
      both the municipal pharmaceutical service and Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular Program.
      Calculating the cost per pharmaceutical unit of each medicine included
      expenditure by Municipal Health Department of Rio de Janeiro with procurement
      (price), logistics, and local dispensation. The reference price of medicines paid
      by Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular was taken from the Brazilian Ministry of Health
      standard in force in 2012. Comparisons included full reference price; reference
      price minus 10.0% copayment by users; and maximum reference paid by the Ministry
      of Health (minus copayment and taxes). Simulations were carried out of the
      differences between the costs of Municipal Health Department of Rio de Janeiro
      with the common medicines and those potentially incurred based on the reference
      price of Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular. RESULTS: The Municipal Health Department of
      Rio de Janeiro spent R$28,526,526.57 with 25 medicines of the common list in
      2012; 58.7% accounted for direct procurement costs. The estimated costs of the
      Health Department were generally lower than the reference prices of the Aqui Tem
      Farmacia Popular Program for 20 medicines, regardless of reference prices. The
      potential costs incurred by Health Department if expenditure of its consumption
      pattern were based on the reference prices of Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular would be
      R$124,170,777.76, considering the best scenario of payment by the Brazilian
      Ministry of Health (90.0% of the reference price, minus taxes). CONCLUSIONS: The
      difference in costs between public provision by Municipal Health Department of
      Rio de Janeiro and Farmacia Popular Program indicates that some reference prices
      could be reviewed aiming at their reduction. OBJETIVO: Analisar custos da
      assistencia farmaceutica publica frente ao Programa Farmacia Popular. METODOS:
      Comparacao entre os valores pagos pelo Programa Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular com os
      custos integrais relativos a provisao de medicamentos pela Secretaria Municipal
      de Saude do Rio de Janeiro. A comparacao compreendeu 25 medicamentos, comuns
      tanto a provisao pela assistencia farmaceutica publica municipal quanto pelo
      Programa Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular. O calculo do custo unitario por unidade
      farmacotecnica de cada medicamento envolveu os gastos da Secretaria Municipal de
      Saude com custos de aquisicao (preco), logisticos e com a dispensacao em nivel
      local. O valor de referencia dos medicamentos pago pelo Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular
      foi extraido da norma ministerial em vigor em 2012. As comparacoes envolveram o
      valor de referencia pleno; valor de referencia com desconto dos 10,0% pagos de
      contrapartida pelos usuarios; e valor de referencia maximo pago pelo Ministerio
      da Saude (descontados contrapartida e sem impostos).Foram realizadas simulacoes
      das diferencas entre os gastos da Secretaria Municipal de Saude do Rio de Janeiro
      com os medicamentos do elenco comum e os que seriam incorridos se esses tivessem
      sido executados com base no valor de referencia do Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular.
      RESULTADOS: A Secretaria Municipal de Saude do Rio de Janeiro gastou
      R$28.526.526,57 com 25 medicamentos do rol comum em 2012; 58,7% corresponderam a
      custos diretos com a aquisicao dos produtos. Os custos estimados da Secretaria
      Municipal de Saude do Rio de Janeiro foram, em geral, menores que os valores de
      referencia do Programa Aqui Tem Farmacia Popular em 20 medicamentos,
      independentemente dos valores de referencia. Os custos que seriam incorridos pela
      Secretaria Municipal de Saude do Rio de Janeiro, caso seu padrao de consumo
      tivesse como valor de pagamento os valores de referencia do Aqui Tem Farmacia
      Popular seriam de R$124.170.777,76 considerando a melhor situacao de pagamento
      pelo Ministerio da Saude (90,0% do valor de referencia, com impostos
      descontados). CONCLUSOES: A diferenca de custos entre a provisao publica pela
      Secretaria Municipal de Saude do Rio de Janeiro e o Programa Aqui Tem Farmacia
      Popular sinaliza que alguns valores de referencia poderiam ser objetos de exame
      para sua reducao.

PMID- 28099665
TI  - Adherence to dietary recommendations for preschoolers: clinical trial with
      teenage mothers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of educational dietary intervention offered in
      the child's first year of life, as well as teenage mothers and grandmothers in
      carrying out the dietary recommendations at four to seven years. METHODS:
      Randomized clinical trial initiated in 2006, in Porto Alegre, RS, involving 323
      teenage mothers and grandmothers who cohabited. The intervention consisted of six
      counseling sessions on breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding. The first
      session occurred in the maternity ward and the other ones in the households of
      mothers at seven, 15, 30, 60, and 120 days of the child's life. The information
      about the child's diet were obtained on a monthly basis in the first six months,
      every two months in the second half-year, and at four to seven years, using a
      food frequency questionnaire. To assess the adequacy of food consumption to the
      recommendations from the Ministry of Health, we elaborated a score system that
      would reflect the compliance with the Ten Steps for Healthy Toddlers from 2 to 10
      Years. The average scores of intervention and control groups were compared using
      the t-test. RESULTS: Low adherence to recommendations on child nutrition was
      found in the study population, with no difference in implementation the steps
      between the groups. The score on the compliance with the steps was similar in
      both groups (9.6 [SD = 1.63] and 9.3 [SD = 1.60] in the intervention and control
      groups, respectively) and no influence of the cohabitation with the grandmother
      was found. CONCLUSIONS: Educational dietary intervention in the first four months
      of the child's life for teenage mothers and grandmothers had no effect on the
      compliance with the recommendations at four to seven years of the child's life.
      OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de intervencao alimentar educativa oferecida, no
      primeiro ano de vida da crianca, a maes adolescentes e avos maternas, no
      cumprimento das recomendacoes alimentares aos quatro a sete anos. METODOS: Ensaio
      clinico randomizado iniciado em 2006, em Porto Alegre, RS, envolvendo 323 maes
      adolescentes e avos maternas, quando em coabitacao. A intervencao consistiu em
      seis sessoes de aconselhamento sobre aleitamento materno e alimentacao
      complementar saudavel. A primeira sessao ocorreu na maternidade e as demais, nos
      domicilios das maes aos sete, 15, 30, 60 e 120 dias de vida da crianca. As
      informacoes sobre alimentacao da crianca foram obtidas mensalmente nos primeiros
      seis meses de vida, a cada dois meses no segundo semestre, e aos quatro a sete
      anos, por meio de questionario de frequencia alimentar. Para avaliar a adequacao
      do consumo alimentar as recomendacoes do Ministerio da Saude, elaborou-se um
      sistema de escore que refletisse o cumprimento dos Dez Passos Para Uma
      Alimentacao Saudavel Para Criancas de 2 a 10 Anos. As medias dos escores dos
      grupos intervencao e controle foram comparadas por meio do teste t. RESULTADOS:
      Houve baixa adesao as recomendacoes sobre alimentacao infantil na populacao
      estudada, sem diferenca no cumprimento dos passos entre os grupos. O escore
      relativo ao cumprimento dos passos foi semelhante nos dois grupos (9,6 [DP =
      1,63] e 9,3 [DP = 1,60] nos grupos intervencao e controle, respectivamente) e nao
      houve influencia da coabitacao com a avo materna. CONCLUSOES: Intervencao
      alimentar educativa nos primeiros quatro meses de vida da crianca para maes
      adolescentes e avos maternas nao teve efeito no cumprimento das recomendacoes
      alimentares aos quatro a sete anos de vida.

PMID- 28099666
TI  - Access to medicines in Brazil based on monetary and non-monetary acquisition data
      obtained from the 2008/2009 Household Budget Survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the access to medicines by Brazilian families by
      monetary and non-monetary acquisition data. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional
      study based on data obtained from the 2008/2009 Brazilian Household Budget
      Survey. The units of assessment were households that participated in the survey
      and the data on the acquisition of medicines over the 30 days prior to the
      interviews. The medicines were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic
      Chemical classification system. RESULTS: Acquisition of medicines was reported by
      82.9% of Brazilian households, with 2.38 medicines/household, and 0.72
      medicine/individual. In the South and Southeast regions, the average acquisition
      was slightly greater than the national average (2.53 and 2.49, respectively). In
      22.3% of Brazilian households, it was reported that a medicine was not acquired
      due to lack of financial resources, mainly in the North and Northeastern regions,
      and in rural areas. Approximately 15.0% of medicines were obtained with no costs,
      90.1% of them by the Brazilian Unified Health System. The medicines most acquired
      were those acting on the nervous system (28.8% of Brazilian households), on the
      cardiovascular system (15.7%), on the digestive tract and metabolism (14.3%), and
      on the respiratory system (12.1%). Overall, the quantity of medicines acquired
      was greater in higher socioeconomic classes of the population, with the exception
      of antiparasitic products, most likely because of the precarious sanitary
      conditions faced by less privileged social classes. CONCLUSIONS: The acquisition
      of medicines is a common practice in Brazil, being reported by over 80.0% of the
      Brazilian households in 2008/2009. Although the data obtained from the Brazilian
      Household Budget Survey have some limitations, the information obtained in this
      study can help health authorities to design national and regional policies to
      guarantee access to these products while promoting their rational use.

PMID- 28099667
TI  - Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20): rapid recognition of frail
      older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adequacy of the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability
      Index-20, a rapid triage instrument to test vulnerability in Brazilian older
      adults, for the use in primary health care. METHODS: The study included
      convenience sample of 397 patients aged older than or equal to 60 years attended
      at Centro de Referencia para o Idoso (Reference Center for Older Adults) and of
      52 older adults the same age attended at the community. The results of the
      questionnaire, consisting of 20 questions, were compared with those of the
      Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, considered a reference for identifying frail
      older adults. Spearman's correlation was evaluated in the Clinical-Functional
      Vulnerability Index-20 with the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment; the validity
      was verified by the area under the ROC curve; reliability was estimated by the
      percentage of agreement among evaluators and by the kappa coefficient, both with
      quadratic weighted. The cut-off point was obtained based on the higher accuracy
      criterion. Cronbach's alpha, a measure of internal consistency, was estimated.
      RESULTS: The Spearman's correlation coefficient was high and positive for both
      groups (0.792 for older adults attended at the Reference Center and 0.305 for
      older adults from the community [p < 0.001]). The area under the ROC curve for
      older adults attended at the Reference Center was substantial (0.903). The cut
      off point obtained was six, and older adults with scores in Clinical-Functional
      Vulnerability Index-20 above that value had strong possibility of being frail.
      For older adults from the community, the quadratic weighted agreement among
      evaluators was 99.5%, and the global quadratic weighted kappa coefficient was
      0.94. Cronbach's alpha was high for older adults attended at the Reference Center
      (0.861) and those attended at the community (0.740). CONCLUSIONS: The Clinical
      Functional Vulnerability Index-20 questionnaire, in the sample examined, turned
      out to be positively correlated with the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, in
      addition to the results indicating a high degree of validity and reliability.
      Thus, the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 proves to be viable as a
      triage instrument in the primary health care that identifies frail older adults
      (older adults at risk of weakening and frail older adults). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a
      adequacao do Indice de Vulnerabilidade Clinico-Funcional-20 , instrumento de
      triagem rapida de vulnerabilidade em idosos brasileiros, para utilizacao pela
      atencao basica. O estudo incluiu amostra de conveniencia de 397 pacientes com
      idade maior ou igual a 60 anos atendidos em um Centro de Referencia para o Idoso
      e de 52 idosos da mesma idade atendidos na comunidade. Os resultados do
      questionario, constituido por 20 perguntas, foram comparados com aqueles da
      Avaliacao Geriatrica Ampla, considerada referencia para identificacao do idoso
      fragil. Foi avaliada a correlacao de Spearman do Indice de Vulnerabilidade
      Clinico-Funcional-20 com a Avaliacao Geriatrica Ampla; a validade foi verificada
      pela area sob a curva ROC; a confiabilidade foi estimada pelo percentual de
      concordancia entre avaliadores e coeficiente kappa, ambos com ponderacao
      quadratica. Obteve-se ponto de corte com base no criterio de maior acuracia. O
      alfa de Cronbach, medida de consistencia interna, foi calculado. O coeficiente de
      correlacao de Spearman foi elevado e positivo em ambos os grupos (0,792 para
      idosos atendidos no Centro de Referencia para o Idoso e 0,305 para idosos da
      comunidade [p < 0,001]). A area sob a curva ROC para idosos atendidos no Centro
      de Referencia para o Idoso foi substancial (0,903). O ponto de corte obtido foi
      seis e idosos com pontuacao no Indice de Vulnerabilidade Clinico-Funcional-20
      acima desse valor tinham forte possibilidade de serem frageis. Para idosos da
      comunidade, a concordancia ponderada quadratica entre avaliadores foi 99,5% e o
      coeficiente kappa ponderado quadratico global, 0,94. O alfa de Cronbach foi
      elevado para idosos atendidos no Centro de Referencia para o Idoso (0,861) e da
      comunidade (0,740). CONCLUSOES: O questionario do Indice de Vulnerabilidade
      Clinico-Funcional-20, na amostra analisada, mostrou ser positivamente
      correlacionado com a Avaliacao Geriatrica Ampla, alem de os resultados indicarem
      alto grau de validade e confiabilidade. Assim, o Indice de Vulnerabilidade
      Clinico-Funcional-20 se mostra viavel como instrumento de rastreio na atencao
      basica que identifica o idoso com fragilidade (idoso em risco de fragilizacao e
      idoso fragil).

PMID- 28099668
TI  - Developing Better Pneumococcal Vaccines for Adults.

PMID- 28099669
TI  - Predatory Publication: The Conference Version.

PMID- 28099670
TI  - The Updated Nursing Professional Development Scope and Standards of Practice.
AB  - The third edition of Nursing Professional Development: Scope and Standards of
      Practice was released in July 2016. This article summarizes the changes to the
      foundational document that describes the nursing professional development
      specialty. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(1):5-7.

PMID- 28099671
TI  - Critical Thinking as a Leadership Attribute.
AB  - Leaders are tasked with making decisions that have substantial impact on an
      organization's well-being. Decision making requires critical thinking and
      requisite action taking. The nature of critical thinking and how professional
      development educators can strengthen this attribute are presented. J Contin Educ
      Nurs. 2017;48(1):9-11.

PMID- 28099672
TI  - If You Give a Nurse a Cookie: Sharing Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educator
      Development.
AB  - Nurse educators often do not have time or a space to discuss ideas about
      effective teaching. To address this issue, an instructor at one school of nursing
      initiated Cookie Swap, a bimonthly, school-wide e-mail featuring stories about
      teaching strategies and tools used in face-to-face, online, and clinical courses.
      J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(1):12-13.

PMID- 28099673
TI  - Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Graduates' Transition to
      Professional Practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated accelerated second baccalaureate degree
      nursing program (ASBSN) graduates' transition to practice. METHOD: ASBSN
      graduates (N = 7) were interviewed within 12 to 15 months of graduation about
      their transition to practice. Using interpretive description, data were analyzed
      to identify common themes. RESULTS: Eleven themes emerged, including (a) Intense
      Situations Evoked Strong Emotions, (b) Patient Safety Was Paramount as I Built
      Confidence, (c) Being on My Own Was Frightening, and (d) The ASBSN Program
      Mirrored the Intensity of Real-Life Nursing and Helped Me Transition to Practice.
      CONCLUSION: ASBSN graduates' transition shared similarities with traditional
      baccalaureate nursing program graduates. They experienced stress, needed support,
      and contributed to the health care team as they gained confidence. The intensity
      of the interviewees' ASBSN program prepared them for real-life nursing practice.
      Graduates' accounts of their transition should persuade staff development
      professionals to plan postorientation development that considers previous
      education, work experience, and potential for organizational leadership. J Contin
      Educ Nurs. 2017;48(1):14-19.

PMID- 28099675
TI  - A Newly Licensed Nurse Orientation Program Evaluation: Focus on Outcomes.
AB  - The aim of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of a
      redesigned newly licensed nurse orientation program. A unique aspect of this
      program was an end-of-orientation simulated four-patient assignment that was
      designed to assess five categories of critical thinking: prioritization and
      delegation, problem recognition, clinical decision making, clinical
      implementation, and reflection. Newly licensed nurses' critical thinking was
      measured by the Advisory Board's Critical Thinking Diagnostic tool at 10 weeks, 6
      months, and 12 months. Findings showed that in all five categories of critical
      thinking, a significant increase was found between the 10-week and 6-month
      evaluation. Two of the categories-prioritization and delegation, and problem
      recognition-were found to have a significant increase from the 6-month evaluation
      to the 12-month evaluation. In addition, newly licensed nurses reported
      improvement in their confidence and in their preparation to work independently. J
      Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(1):22-28.

PMID- 28099676
TI  - Development of Nurses' Professional Competence Early in Their Career: A
      Longitudinal Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on newly graduated nurses' competence development and
      associated factors is relatively scarce. METHOD: Data for this longitudinal,
      descriptive, correlation study were collected during 2012-2014 from 318 Finnish
      nurses to explore their competence development during the first 3 years after
      graduation and to estimate the extent to which given work-related factors
      predicted change in competence. Data were analyzed using NCSS 10 statistical
      software. RESULTS: Nurses' initially fairly high level of competence showed an
      increase in the third year, as measured by the Nurse Competence Scale.
      Empowerment increased minimally, whereas perceptions of practice environment,
      ethical climate, and occupational commitment decreased. Willingness to leave the
      profession and dissatisfaction with current job and nursing profession increased.
      Empowerment, satisfaction with current job and quality of care, time from
      graduation, and work experience explained 25.6% of the change in competence.
      CONCLUSION: Competence development was modest but increasing. Willingness to
      leave the profession was concerning. Factors enhancing or preventing competence
      development need further studying and developing proactive interventions. J
      Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(1):29-39.

PMID- 28099677
TI  - Enhancement of Professional Development of Front-Line Nurse Preceptors in a
      Dedicated Education Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dedicated education units (DEUs) have been well established
      throughout the country as a means of developing clinical skills in nursing
      students. In a DEU, maintaining an adequate number of well-prepared clinical
      nurse preceptors is essential for unit sustainability and effective student
      perception. METHOD: This study was a quasi-experimental design using self
      reported survey data. A comparison analysis was conducted using the initial
      results of the Revised Professional Practice Environment (RPPE) survey (i.e., pre
      participation and no orientation) after completion of an orientation program and
      participation as preceptor in a DEU. RESULTS: Front-line nurses who participated
      as preceptors for one semester in a DEU demonstrated statistically significant
      improvement in two of the eight components of professional practice measured by
      the RPPE. CONCLUSION: This study lends support to the notion that preceptors do
      experience improvement in professional practice as a result of participation in a
      DEU. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(1):40-46.

PMID- 28099678
TI  - Using the Teach-Back Method in Patient Education to Improve Patient Satisfaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This quasi-experimental research study used two similar nursing units
      to test the effects of teach back on Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare
      Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores. METHOD: A pretest-posttest design tested
      24 nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about teach back. Education
      specialists provided a 1-hour teaching session on teach back to all nurses in the
      intervention unit. RESULTS: A significant improvement in knowledge scores in the
      pretest-posttest was found using paired t tests (p = .002). Qualitative analysis
      of nurses' comments demonstrated strong support for teach back in the post-test.
      The HCAHPS scores were not significantly improved in the intervention unit when
      compared with the control unit. CONCLUSION: More research needs to be conducted
      to determine the effectiveness of teach back on HCAHPS scores. J Contin Educ
      Nurs. 2017;48(1):47-52.

PMID- 28099679
TI  - Clinical outcomes for couples containing a reciprocal chromosome translocation
      carrier without preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of couples containing a carrier of
      a reciprocal chromosome translocation (RCT) after assisted reproductive
      technology without preimplantation genetic diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective
      study was performed using data for couples with an RCT carrier and control
      couples with a normal karyotype (1:4 ratio) who underwent assisted reproductive
      technology cycles at a Chinese fertility center in 2010-2011. The embryos were
      fertilized via in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection
      (ICSI). Only the first pick-up cycles were used for analysis. Clinical variables
      were compared. RESULTS: Compared with the control group (n=164), the RCT group
      (n=41) had a marginally lower clinical pregnancy rate (46.3% [19/41] vs 54.3%
      [89/164]), implantation rate (21.7% [23/106] vs 26.9% [118/438]), multiple
      gestation pregnancy rate (21.1% [4/19] vs 32.6% [29/89]), and delivery rate
      (36.6% [15/41] vs 47.6% [78/164]), whereas the spontaneous abortion rate was
      slightly higher (21.1% [4/19] vs 12.4% [11/89]). However, none of these
      differences were significant. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes for RCT carriers
      were acceptable after IVF/ICSI without performing preimplantation genetic
      diagnosis, indicating that this approach might comprise a feasible alternative
      fertility treatment for RCT carriers.

PMID- 28099681
TI  - Uptake of cervical cancer screening among the migrant population of Prato
      Province, Italy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of participation in cervical cancer screening
      among the migrant population of Prato Province, Italy. METHODS: A retrospective
      cross-sectional study was conducted using data for women aged 25-64 years who
      were resident in one of the municipalities of Prato Province and had received at
      least one invitation to undergo a cervical cancer screening test. Data were
      extracted from both the Local Health Unit Serviceable Registry and cervical
      cancer screening archives for the period July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2007. RESULTS:
      Of the 69 459 residents eligible for cervical cancer screening, 7339 (10.6%) did
      not have Italian citizenship. Adherence with cervical cancer screening among the
      migrant population was lower than that of the Italian resident population: uptake
      increased from 52.4% in 2004 to 57.3% in 2007 among the Italian resident
      population, but decreased from 31.4% to 28.2% among migrants. CONCLUSION: The
      migrant population of Prato Province has decreased adherence with cervical cancer
      screening.

PMID- 28099680
TI  - Novel putative pharmacological therapies to protect the right ventricle in
      pulmonary hypertension: a review of current literature.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined by elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure
      following the pathological remodelling of small pulmonary arteries. An increase
      in right ventricular (RV) afterload results in RV hypertrophy and RV failure. The
      pathophysiology of PH, and RV remodelling in particular, is not well understood,
      thus explaining, at least in part, why current PH therapies have a limited
      effect. Existing therapies mostly target the pulmonary circulation. Because the
      remodelled RV fails to support normal cardiac function, patients eventually
      succumb from RV failure. Developing novel therapies that directly target the
      function of the RV may therefore benefit patients with PH. In the past decade,
      several promising studies have investigated novel cardioprotective strategies in
      experimental models of PH. This review aims to comprehensively discuss and
      highlight these novel experimental approaches to confer, in the long-term,
      greater health benefit in patients with PH.

PMID- 28099682
TI  - Feasibility of using pessaries for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in rural
      Nepal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and outcomes of pessary
      fitting in rural Nepali communities. METHODS: A 1-year prospective cohort study
      was conducted in the Ramechhap district of Nepal in January 2013-January 2014
      among women attending a free gynecology health camp. All women with symptomatic
      pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were offered ring pessaries. Demographic information
      was collected and questionnaires on POP were completed. A urogynecologic
      examination was performed. At the 1-year follow-up, women were questioned on
      pessary use and underwent an examination. Logistic regression was used to
      identify associations. RESULTS: In total, 411 women attended the health camps, of
      whom 142 presented with symptomatic POP. Initial fitting was accomplished for 134
      (94.4%) of the women. At the 1-year follow-up, 130 (97.0%) women in the cohort
      were evaluated, and 72 (55.4%) were still using the pessary. The primary reason
      for discontinuation was the pessary falling out (35/58, 60.3%). The most common
      complication was vaginal erosion (18/130, 13.8%), observed exclusively among
      postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal status was a predictor of continued use
      (odds ratio 3.12, 95% confidence interval 1.45-6.72; P=0.004). CONCLUSION:
      Pessaries were found to be an acceptable and feasible option with minimal
      complications for treating POP in rural Nepal.

PMID- 28099683
TI  - Angiogenesis mediators in women with idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF
      1) and mature endothelial cells in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).
      METHODS: In a prospective observational study, women with idiopathic HMB and
      control individuals attending Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt, between August
      2015 and January 2016 were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were a regular
      menstrual cycle, a normal coagulation study, and no anomalous ultrasonographic or
      hysteroscopic findings. Blood samples were collected during different phases of
      the menstrual cycle (day 5, ovulation, day 24) for measurement of the SDF-1
      plasma level (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and for quantification of
      mature endothelial cells (by flow cytometry). RESULTS: Overall, 20 women with HMB
      and 10 control individuals were enrolled. The SDF-1 level was significantly lower
      in the HMB group than in the control group during all phases of the menstrual
      cycle (P<=0.05 for all). The percentage of mature endothelial cells was
      significantly higher in the HMB group than among controls (P<0.001 for all). The
      SDF-1 level and the percentage of endothelial cells were negatively correlated
      throughout the cycle (P<0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: Some mediators of
      angiogenesis, such as SDF-1 and endothelial cells, are disturbed in women with
      idiopathic HMB.

PMID- 28099684
TI  - A multistate population-based analysis of linked maternal and neonatal discharge
      records to identify risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the interaction and contribution of maternal and fetal
      risk factors associated with neonatal brachial plexus injury (BPI). METHODS: In a
      case-control study, matched maternal and neonatal discharge records were accessed
      from US State Inpatient Databases for New Jersey (2010-2012), Michigan (2010
      2011), and Hawaii (2010-2011). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions
      were used to evaluate associations between risk factors and BPI. Area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve was used to build predictive models,
      including two stratified models evaluating deliveries among obese and diabetic
      cohorts. RESULTS: Among 376 325 deliveries, BPI was diagnosed in 274 (0.1%).
      Significant BPI risk factors included maternal obesity (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.7-4.4), maternal diabetes (OR 4.6, 95% CI 3.0-7.0),
      use of forceps (OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.3-9.0), and vacuum assistance (OR 2.3, 95% CI
      1.7-3.3). After adjusting for shoulder dystocia and other predictive factors,
      cesarean reduced the risk of BPI by 88% (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.07-0.2). When
      stratified by obesity and diabetes, the ORs for BPI increased significantly for
      macrosomia, forceps, and vacuum assistance. CONCLUSION: The analysis confirms and
      quantifies more precisely the impact of risk factors for neonatal BPI, and
      provides a reliable basis for evidence-based clinical decision-making models.

PMID- 28099685
TI  - Meta-analysis comparing the safety of laparoscopic and open surgical approaches
      for suspected adnexal mass during the second trimester.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The safety of laparoscopic surgery during the second trimester of
      pregnancy remains a controversial subject. OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety of
      laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy for suspected adnexal mass during the second
      trimester. SEARCH STRATEGY: Articles published in any language prior to April 31,
      2016, were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, EMBSCO, and the Cochrane Library using
      keywords including pregnant, adnexal mass, laparoscopy, laparotomy, pregnancy
      outcomes, and surgical outcomes. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized and non
      randomized controlled trials reporting at least one obstetric or surgical outcome
      were included if they compared laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy for adnexal
      masses during the second trimester. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were
      independently extracted by two reviewers. Homogeneous data were pooled using a
      fixed effects model and heterogeneous data were qualitatively analyzed. MAIN
      RESULTS: Four comparative effectiveness studies including a total of 240 patients
      were identified. Laparoscopic surgery was associated with a reduced risk of post
      operative adverse events (relative risk 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.72);
      no difference was recorded in the risk of post-operative spontaneous abortion
      (P=0.26) or threatened spontaneous abortion (P=0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic
      surgery could be preferable to laparotomy for suspected adnexal mass during the
      second trimester of pregnancy.

PMID- 28099686
TI  - The clinical implementation of primary HPV screening.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, from a gynecology perspective, the transition from
      cytology-based HPV screening to primary HPV screening. METHODS: Studies examining
      switching from cytology-based screening to primary HPV-DNA testing with triaging
      of patients with positive test results were retrieved and reviewed, with a
      particular focus on screening in an Italian setting. RESULTS: The increased
      complexity of patient-management decisions when implementing HPV-based screening
      was a critical issue discussed in the literature. The change in strategy
      represents a paradigm shift in moving from a medical perspective of identifying
      the disease in individual patients, to a public-healthcare perspective of
      excluding HPV from the healthy population and identifying a small sub-group of
      individuals at increased risk of HPV. CONCLUSION: With knowledge about HPV
      screening evolving rapidly, new programs and related algorithms need to be
      sufficiently flexible to be adjusted according to ongoing research and the
      validation of new assays. The establishment of a national working group
      (including epidemiologists, gynecologists, pathologists, and healthcare
      providers) will be necessary to properly implement and govern this important
      technical and cultural transition.

PMID- 28099687
TI  - Comparison of the effect of sperm collection by condom or masturbation on the
      outcome of in vitro fertilization.

PMID- 28099688
TI  - Discerning the survival advantage among patients with prostate cancer who undergo
      radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy: The limitations of cancer registry data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the overall survival of
      patients who undergo radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy versus noncancer
      controls to discern whether there is a survival advantage according to prostate
      cancer treatment and the impact of selection bias on these results. METHODS: A
      matched cohort study was performed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End
      Results (SEER)-Medicare-linked database. In total, 34,473 patients ages 66 to 75
      years were identified who were without significant comorbidity, were diagnosed
      with localized prostate cancer, and received treatment treated with surgery or
      radiotherapy between 2004 and 2011. These patients were matched to a noncancer
      control cohort. The rates of all-cause mortality that occurred within the study
      period were compared. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to
      identify determinants associated with overall survival. RESULTS: Of 34,473
      patients who were included in the analysis, 21,740 (63%) received radiation
      therapy, and 12,733 (37%) underwent surgery. There was improved survival in
      patients who underwent surgery (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.32
      0.38) and in those who received radiotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.68-0.75) compared with noncancer controls. Overall survival improved
      significantly in both treatment groups, with the greatest benefit observed among
      patients who underwent surgery (log rank P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Population-based
      data indicated that patients with prostate cancer who received treatment with
      either surgery or radiotherapy had improved overall survival compared with a
      cohort of matched noncancer controls. Surgery produce longer survival compared
      with radiation therapy. These results suggest an inherent selection-bias because
      of unmeasured confounding variables. Cancer 2017;123:1617-1624. (c) 2017 American
      Cancer Society.

PMID- 28099689
TI  - Effectiveness and safety of procalcitonin evaluation for reducing mortality in
      adults with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum procalcitonin (PCT) evaluation has been proposed for early
      diagnosis and accurate staging and to guide decisions regarding patients with
      sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock, with possible reduction in mortality.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of serum PCT evaluation for
      reducing mortality and duration of antimicrobial therapy in adults with sepsis,
      severe sepsis or septic shock. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Central Register
      of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 7); MEDLINE (1950 to July 2015);
      Embase (Ovid SP, 1980 to July 2015); Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences
      Literature (LILACS via BIREME, 1982 to July 2015); and the Cumulative Index to
      Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; EBSCO host, 1982 to July 2015), and
      trial registers (ISRCTN registry, ClinicalTrials.gov and CenterWatch, to July
      2015). We reran the search in October 2016. We added three studies of interest to
      a list of 'Studies awaiting classification' and will incorporate these into
      formal review findings during the review update. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included
      only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing PCT-guided decisions in at least
      one of the comparison arms for adults (>= 18 years old) with sepsis, severe
      sepsis or septic shock, according to international definitions and irrespective
      of the setting. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors extracted study
      data and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. We conducted
      meta-analysis with random-effects models for the following primary outcomes:
      mortality and time spent receiving antimicrobial therapy in hospital and in the
      intensive care unit (ICU), as well as time spent on mechanical ventilation and
      change in antimicrobial regimen from a broad to a narrower spectrum. MAIN
      RESULTS: We included 10 trials with 1215 participants. Low-quality evidence
      showed no significant differences in mortality at longest follow-up (risk ratio
      (RR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 1.01; I2 = 10%; 10 trials; N =
      1156), at 28 days (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.31; I2 = 0%; four trials; N = 316),
      at ICU discharge (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.11; I2 = 49%; three trials; N = 506)
      and at hospital discharge (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.27; I2 = 0%; seven trials; N
      = 805; moderate-quality evidence). However, mean time receiving antimicrobial
      therapy in the intervention groups was -1.28 days (95% CI to -1.95 to -0.61; I2 =
      86%; four trials; N = 313; very low-quality evidence). No primary study has
      analysed the change in antimicrobial regimen from a broad to a narrower spectrum.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Up-to-date evidence of very low to moderate quality, with
      insufficient sample power per outcome, does not clearly support the use of
      procalcitonin-guided antimicrobial therapy to minimize mortality, mechanical
      ventilation, clinical severity, reinfection or duration of antimicrobial therapy
      of patients with septic conditions.

PMID- 28099690
TI  - Intimate partner violence and constraints to reproductive autonomy and
      reproductive health among women seeking abortion services in Bangladesh.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand intersections between intimate partner violence (IPV)
      and other constraints to women's reproductive autonomy, and the influence of IPV
      on reproductive health. METHODS: A secondary analysis examined cross-sectional
      data from a facility-based sample of women seeking abortion care (for spontaneous
      or induced abortion) between March 1 and October 31, 2013. Women aged 18-49
      years, who received abortion services and selected a short-acting contraceptive
      method or no contraception completed an interviewer-administered survey after
      treatment. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were calculated for associations
      between IPV experience and potential constraints to reproductive autonomy and
      health outcomes. RESULTS: There were 457 participants included in the present
      analysis and 118 (25.8%) had experienced IPV in the preceding year. IPV was
      associated with discordance in fertility intentions with husbands/partners and in
      laws, with in-law opposition to contraception, with perceived religious
      prohibition of contraception, and with presenting unaccompanied (all P<0.05). IPV
      was also associated with receiving post-abortion care after an induced abortion
      compared with accessing legal menstrual regulation, and with the use of
      medication abortion compared with manual vacuum aspiration (both P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Intimate partner violence was associated with additional constraints
      on reproductive autonomy from husbands/partners, in-laws, and religious
      communities. Seeking induced abortion unaccompanied and using medication abortion
      could be strategies to access abortion covertly among women experiencing IPV.
      Ensuring women's reproductive freedom requires addressing IPV and related
      constraints.

PMID- 28099691
TI  - Prospective observational study comparing traditional laparoscopy and three
      dimensional laparoscopy in gynecologic surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative details among patients who underwent
      gynecologic surgery between traditional laparoscopy and three-dimensional
      laparoscopy. METHODS: The present prospective non-randomized study enrolled all
      consecutive patients diagnosed with gynecologic pathology who underwent
      laparoscopic surgery at Reina Sofia Hospital, Cordoba, Spain between January 1
      and April 30, 2014. Perioperative data, adverse events, and patient satisfaction
      were compared between patients who underwent treatment with two-dimensional and
      three-dimensional laparoscopic surgery techniques. RESULTS: The study enrolled 60
      consecutive patients; 31 (52%) patients who underwent three-dimensional surgery
      and 29 (48%) who underwent traditional two-dimensional surgery. No significant
      differences were observed in the adverse-event rate, operating time, or
      perioperative parameters. A higher use of sealing devices was recorded among
      patients who underwent three-dimensional laparoscopy (P=0.021). No difference was
      recorded in patient satisfaction between the two patient groups. CONCLUSION:
      Although there was no impact on surgical outcomes, three-dimensional surgery
      could give a more accurate view of the surgical field. Performing three
      dimensional surgery could be beneficial for more complex procedures although
      further comparative studies are required to investigate this hypothesis.

PMID- 28099692
TI  - A hospital-based study of intimate partner violence during pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and types of intimate partner violence
      (IPV) during pregnancy, factors linked with IPV, and effects of IPV on maternal
      fetal outcomes. METHODS: In a prospective observational study at a tertiary care
      hospital in Delhi, India, 400 women at 20-28 weeks of pregnancy were screened for
      IPV between December 2013 and April 2015. The women completed a detailed
      questionnaire and were followed up until delivery. RESULTS: Overall, 49 (12.3%)
      women experienced IPV during pregnancy. The most prevalent type of IPV was
      emotional (43/400 [10.7%]), followed by physical (40/400 [10.0%]) and sexual
      (7/400 [1.8%]). The most prevalent factor triggering IPV was intimate partner's
      desire for a son (17/49 [34.7%]). Women and their intimate partners were older in
      the IPV group than in the control group, and duration of marriage was longer
      (P<0.05 for all). Multigravidity, lower socioeconomic status, low education level
      of intimate partner, and partners' addiction were more common in the IPV group
      (P<0.05 for all). Obstetric outcomes were similar in both groups. Depression was
      diagnosed in 19 (46.3%) women affected by IPV. CONCLUSION: IPV was documented in
      approximately 12% of participants. Population-based surveys need to be done to
      investigate further.

PMID- 28099693
TI  - Factors associated with maternal mortality among patients meeting criteria of
      severe maternal morbidity and near miss.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with maternal death among women
      experiencing life-threatening conditions during pregnancy, childbirth, or within
      42 days of termination of pregnancy. METHODS: A secondary analysis of data
      prospectively collected in a Brazilian multicenter cross-sectional study between
      July 2009 and June 2010 was conducted. Women were identified who delivered at a
      hospital in Ceara and who had potentially life-threatening conditions. Stepwise
      logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with maternal death.
      RESULTS: Overall, 941 women were identified and 11 died. Among criteria for
      severe maternal morbidity, eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 203.70, 95% CI
      5.03 to 8254.20; P=0.005) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (aOR 69.30, 95%
      CI 6.63-724.26; P<0.001) were risk factors for progression to death, whereas use
      of magnesium sulfate (aOR 0.002, 95% CI <0.01-0.11; P=0.002) was a protective
      factor. Meeting near-miss criteria other than survival (aOR 5.96, 95% CI 1.69
      20.98; P=0.005) was associated with maternal death. Of criteria for near miss,
      management criteria were most strongly associated with maternal death: all 11
      women who died met some management criteria. CONCLUSION: Among WHO's criteria for
      severe maternal morbidity and near miss, eclampsia, low oxygen saturation, ICU
      admission, intubation, mechanical ventilation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      were most associated with maternal death. Use of magnesium sulfate was a
      protective factor.

PMID- 28099694
TI  - Evaluation of sonographic endometrial patterns and endometrial thickness as
      predictors of ectopic pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether endometrial patterns and thickness could be used
      for the prediction of ectopic pregnancy (EP). METHODS: A prospective study was
      conducted in a center in India between October 2007 and December 2008. It
      included 100 women with an early pregnancy confirmed by urine pregnancy testing
      but for whom an intrauterine gestational sac was not visualized on transvaginal
      ultrasonography (TVS). The women were divided into an EP group and an
      intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) group depending on the final diagnosis. The
      endometrial pattern and endometrial thickness were determined by TVS. Sensitivity
      and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine
      the predictive value. RESULTS: A heterogenous hyperechoic or trilaminar
      endometrial pattern was noted in 53 (77%) of 69 women in the EP group and 12
      (39%) of 31 in the IUP group, and a homogenous hyperechoic pattern in 3 (4%)
      women in the EP group and 13 (42%) in the IUP group. An endometrial thickness of
      less than 9.8 mm was predictive of EP (P<0.001), and an endometrial pattern other
      than homogenous hyperechoic had a sensitivity and a negative predictive value of
      81.3% for the diagnosis of EP. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of endometrial thickness
      and pattern by TVS helps to identify women with a pregnancy of unknown location
      for close supervision.

PMID- 28099695
TI  - Low maternal pregnancy-associated plasma protein A during the first trimester of
      pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between pregnancy-associated placental
      protein A (PAPP-A) levels in the first trimester of pregnancy and adverse
      pregnancy outcomes. METHOD: A retrospective study included data from a group of
      patients in the first trimester of pregnancy with PAPP-A levels below 0.3
      multiples of median who attended the Helsinki University Hospital, Finland,
      between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2012; an age-matched control group of
      patients with PAPP-A levels 0.9-1.1 multiples of median was also enrolled. The
      incidences of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the two groups were compared.
      RESULTS: There were 961 patients included in each of the groups. Significantly
      increased risks of aneuploidies (odds ratio [OR] 116.0; 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 16.2-836.6) and spontaneous abortion (OR 7.7; 95% CI 2.7-22.0) were observed
      among patients with low PAPP-A (both P<0.001). Preterm delivery (OR 2.5, 95% CI
      1.8-3.5), pre-eclampsia (OR 10.9, 95% CI 4.3-27.6), and small for gestational age
      neonates (OR 4.9, 95% CI 3.2-7.5) were also observed more frequently among
      patients with low PAPP-A (all P<0.001). There were 9 (0.9%) stillbirths recorded
      among patients with low PAPP-A and none recorded in the control group.
      CONCLUSION: Low PAPP-A was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and
      aneuploidy. These risks should be considered when planning follow-up for patients
      with low PAPP-A pregnancies.

PMID- 28099696
TI  - Reaching vulnerable women through maternity waiting homes in Malawi.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether two maternity waiting homes (MWHs) supported by
      the Safe Motherhood Initiative are reaching vulnerable women during the early
      phase of their implementation. METHODS: A cross-sectional interview-based study
      was conducted among women who attended two centers in Malawi with attached MWHs
      (Area 25 Health Centre, Lilongwe; and Kasungu District Hospital, Kasungu).
      Between April and June 2015, exit interviews were conducted among MWH users and
      non-users. RESULTS: Compared with non-users, MWH users at Area 25 were
      significantly more likely to report a prior spontaneous abortion (10/46 [21.7%]
      vs 5/95 [5.3%]; P=0.006) and to be in the lowest wealth quintile (4/87 [4.6%] vs
      0/150; P=0.029). Although not significant, a greater percentage of MWH users at
      Kasungu District Hospital than non-users had a prior stillbirth (6/84 [7.1%] vs
      0/77) or spontaneous abortion (3/84 [3.6%] vs 2/77 [2.6%]), and were in the
      lowest wealth quintile (15/175 [8.6%] vs 5/141 [3.5%]). MWH users at Kasungu
      lived further from the hospital than did non-MWH users, although the difference
      was not significant (mean 6.81+/-9.1 km vs 4.05+/-7.42 km; P=0.067). CONCLUSION:
      MWHs offer a promising strategy to reduce maternal mortality in Malawi and other
      low-income countries.

PMID- 28099697
TI  - Applicability of the modified ACOG/SGO referral criteria for adnexal mass within
      a limited-resource setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the modified American Congress of
      Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)/Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)
      referral guidelines in a high-risk limited-resource setting. METHODS: In a
      retrospective study, data were assessed for all women who underwent surgery for
      an adnexal mass at John H. Stroger Jr Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA, between July
      2006 and July 2011. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative
      predictive values were calculated both for actual practice referral patterns and
      for the modified ACOG/SGO guidelines. RESULTS: Among 542 study women, 176 (32.5%)
      were diagnosed with ovarian malignancy. The ACOG/SGO guidelines showed 81.3%
      sensitivity and 71.9% specificity for the prediction of malignancy at time of
      surgery, with positive and negative predictive values of 58.1% and 88.9%,
      respectively. Actual practice patterns demonstrated lower sensitivity (68.2%;
      P<0.001) but higher specificity (84.2%; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: As compared with
      practice patterns, the modified ACOG/SGO guidelines lacked sufficient specificity
      for referral and might not be applicable in high-risk, low-resource settings. For
      this population, screening should be based on stratifying patients into low-,
      intermediate-, and high-risk categories to allow limited resources to be focused
      on women at highest risk.

PMID- 28099698
TI  - Safety of vaginal delivery among dichorionic diamniotic twins over 10 years in a
      UK teaching hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether vaginal delivery among dichorionic diamniotic
      twins remains a safe option following full implementation of the European Working
      Time Directive in the UK. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using data
      for women with dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies who attended a teaching
      hospital in London, UK, for delivery between January 4, 2000, and December 23,
      2010. RESULTS: Among 892 women, 474 (53.1%) attempted vaginal delivery, 220
      (46.4%) of whom achieved spontaneous vaginal delivery of both twins. Instrumental
      vaginal delivery was performed among 89 women (18.8%), and 165 (34.8%) women
      underwent emergency cesarean delivery. Delivery of the second twin by emergency
      cesarean (n=31) was predominantly for fetal distress (13 [41.9%]) or abnormal lie
      (10 [32.3%]). A 5-minute Apgar score of 9 or 10 was recorded for 384 (83.7%) of
      459 first twins and 369 (82.9%) of 445 second twins, irrespective of the mode of
      delivery. CONCLUSION: Vaginal delivery among dichorionic diamniotic twins had a
      good success rate and a low intrapartum emergency cesarean delivery rate.
      Training in cardiotocography and intrapartum procedures might further reduce the
      need for emergency cesarean delivery.

PMID- 28099700
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing
      hysteroscopic morcellation with resectoscopy for patients with endometrial
      lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Results on the efficacy of hysteroscopic morcellation for patients
      with endometrial lesions remain conflicting. OBJECTIVES: To compare hysteroscopic
      morcellation with conventional resectoscopy for removal of endometrial lesions.
      SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic databases were searched for reports published up to
      February 1, 2016, using terms such as "morcellator," "morcellators,"
      "morcellate," "morcellation," "morcellated," "hysteroscopy," "hysteroscopy,"
      "uteroscope," and "transcervical." SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled
      trials were included if they assessed success rate, procedure speed,
      complications, tolerability, and/or learning curve. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and a meta-analysis was
      performed. MAIN RESULTS: Four trials including 392 patients were analyzed.
      Successful removal of all endometrial lesions was more frequent with
      hysteroscopic morcellation than conventional resectoscopy (odds ratio 4.49, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.94-10.41; P<0.001). Total operative time was also
      shorter with hysteroscopic morcellation (mean difference -4.94 minutes, 95% CI 
      7.20 to -2.68; P<0.001). No significant differences in complications were found.
      Meta-analyses were not possible for tolerability and learning curve. In one
      study, hysteroscopic morcellation was acceptable to more patients (P=0.009).
      CONCLUSIONS: Hysteroscopic morcellation is associated with a higher operative
      success rate and a shorter operative time among patients with endometrial lesions
      than is resectoscopy. More high-quality trials are required to validate these
      results.

PMID- 28099699
TI  - Randomized controlled trial comparing operative times between standard and robot
      assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the operative time between robot-assisted laparoscopic
      hysterectomies and standard laparoscopic hysterectomies. METHODS: A prospective,
      randomized controlled trial enrolled women aged 18-80 years attending Penn State
      Hershey Medical Center between April 23 and October 20, 2014 to undergo
      hysterectomy. Participants were randomized using a random number generator to
      undergo either robot-assisted or standard laparoscopic hysterectomy. The primary
      outcome was the total operative time (surgeon incision to surgeon stop, including
      robot docking time, if applicable). Intention-to-treat analyses were performed
      and the operative time was compared between the two treatments for non
      inferiority, defined as a difference in operative time of no longer than 15
      minutes. RESULTS: There were 72 patients randomized to each treatment arm. The
      mean operative time was 73.9 minutes (median 67.0 minutes; interquartile range
      59.0-83.0 minutes) in the robot-assisted hysterectomy group and 74.9 minutes
      (median 65.5 minutes; interquartile range 57.0-90.5 minutes) in the standard
      laparoscopic hysterectomy group. The upper bound of the 95% confidence interval
      of the difference in operative time was 6.6 minutes, below the 15-minute measure
      of non-inferiority. CONCLUSION: When performed by a surgeon experienced in both
      techniques, the operative time for robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy was
      non-inferior to that achieved with standard laparoscopic hysterectomy.
      CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT02118974.

PMID- 28099701
TI  - A systematic review of implementation strategies to deliver guidelines on
      obstetric care practice in low- and middle-income countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare measures to prevent maternal deaths are well known.
      However, effective implementation of this knowledge to change practice remains a
      challenge. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether strategies to promote the use of
      guidelines can improve obstetric practices in low- and middle-income countries
      (LMICs). SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic databases were searched up to February 7,
      2014, using relevant terms for implementation strategies (e.g. "audit,"
      "education," "reminder"), and maternal mortality. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized
      and non-randomized studies of implementation strategies targeting healthcare
      professionals within the formal health services in LMICs were included. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Cochrane methodological guidance was followed. Because
      of heterogeneity in the interventions, a narrative synthesis was completed. MAIN
      RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Moderate-to-low-quality
      evidence was found to show improvement in the areas of doctor-patient
      communication (one study), analgesic provision (one study), the management of
      emergencies (two studies) and maternal and late neonatal mortality (one study
      each). Intervention effects were not consistent across studies. CONCLUSIONS:
      Implementation strategies targeting health professionals could lead to
      improvement in obstetric care in LMICs. Future research should explore what
      feature of an intervention is effective in one context and how this could be
      translated into another context. PROSPERO: CRD42014010310.

PMID- 28099702
TI  - Organizing an international-standard obstetric ultrasonography training program
      in a low-resource setting.

PMID- 28099704
TI  - High-risk human papillomavirus infection clearance following conization among
      patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasm grade 3 aged at least 45 years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
      clearance rates following successful cold knife conization and factors predictive
      of HPV clearance among patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasm grade 3.
      METHOD: The present retrospective study analyzed clinical data from patients aged
      at least 45 years with cervical intraepithelial neoplasm grade 3 who had
      undergone successful cold knife conization and attended regular follow-up at
      Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China, between January 1, 2002 and
      December 31, 2012. HPV clearance rates and potential indicators for HPV clearance
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Data from 156 patients were included; persistent high
      risk HPV infection was recorded in 78 (50.0%), 45 (28.8%), 35 (22.4%), 24
      (15.4%), and 21 (13.5%) patients at 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months after conization,
      respectively. Clearance rates were significantly lower among patients aged at
      least 55 years compared with younger patients, with increased odds of persistent
      HPV infection at 8 months (odds ratio [OR] 4.038; 95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.766-10.839), 12 months (OR 5.923; 95% CI 2.450-16.604), 18 months (OR 5.957;
      95% CI 2.031-17.469), and 24 months (OR 5.327; 95% CI 1.909-17.971) compared with
      patients aged 45-49 years. CONCLUSION: Age was a prognostic factor for post
      operative high-risk HPV infection clearance. Lower clearance rates were observed
      among patients aged at least 55 years.

PMID- 28099703
TI  - Prevalence and 3-year persistence of human papillomavirus serotypes in
      asymptomatic patients in Northern Mexico.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical outcomes and 3-year persistence of human
      papillomavirus (HPV) infections among women in Mexico. METHODS: A prospective
      study enrolled sexually active women attending primary healthcare clinics in
      metropolitan Monterrey, Mexico, between June 3 and August 30, 2002. Baseline data
      were collected and participants underwent HPV screening. Patients with HPV
      infections were asked to attend a repeat screening appointment after 3 years,
      when the same screening data were gathered. Descriptive analyses were performed
      and the prevalence of cervical lesions and viral infections were examined.
      RESULTS: In total, 1188 patients who underwent initial HPV screening were
      included. Cervical lesions were detected in 5 (0.4%) patients and 239 (20.1%)
      patients had HPV infections; 129 (54.0%) of these patients attended 3-year follow
      up. Among the 357 HPV serotypes identified, the most prevalent serotypes were HPV
      59, HPV-52, HPV-16, and HPV-56, detected 62 (17.4%), 38 (10.6%), 27 (7.6%), and
      18 (5.0%) times, respectively. Of the 129 patients attending 3-year follow-up,
      104 (80.6%) were clear from HPV infections, 13 (10.1%) patients had persistent
      HPV infections, and 12 (9.3%) had HPV infections with different HPV types.
      CONCLUSIONS: The HPV prevalence was 20.1% in the present study; the most
      prevalent infections were HPV-59, HPV-52, HPV-16, and HPV-56. At 3-year follow
      up, 25 (19.4%) patients had HPV infections.

PMID- 28099705
TI  - Prevalence of induced abortions and contraceptive use among married women in an
      urban slum of Delhi, India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To document abortion practices and contraceptive use among women of
      reproductive age in an urban slum of Delhi. METHODS: Data were collected as part
      of a cross-sectional study conducted in an urban resettlement colony in the North
      East District of Delhi between November 2010 and December 2011. Systematic random
      sampling was used to enroll 200 married women aged 15-49 years from each of the
      four blocks of the colony. Participants were interviewed and data were entered
      into a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 802 participants,
      284 (35.4%) reported at least one spontaneous or induced abortion, and 196
      (24.4%) reported induced abortions. Unsupervised medical termination was reported
      by 78 (27.5%) of the 284 women. Overall, only 207 (25.8%) women practiced any
      type of contraception. The predominant decision maker regarding contraception was
      the husband for 95 (45.9%) women and the mother-in-law for 78 (37.7%).
      CONCLUSION: There is a need for focused community-based education to address
      specific issues, particularly regarding the dangers of unsafe abortion and
      choosing a method of contraception in consultation with a healthcare
      practitioner.

PMID- 28099706
TI  - Factors influencing HPV vaccine delivery by healthcare professionals at public
      health posts in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between Brazilian healthcare providers'
      characteristics and their knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding the HPV
      vaccine. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at five
      public health posts in Sao Paulo between July 28 and August 8, 2014. Healthcare
      professionals directly involved in patient care were asked to complete a written
      survey. Factors associated with routine verification of HPV vaccination status
      were evaluated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Among 200 participants
      included, 74 (38.5%) reported never and 70 (36.5%) reported always asking about
      HPV immunization status. Doctors were significantly less likely to report always
      asking than were community health agents (5/39 [12.8%] vs 32/60 [53.3%]; adjusted
      prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.91]). Knowledge
      about the correct dosing schedule was associated with always rather than never
      verifying vaccination status (aPR 2.46 [95% CI 1.06-5.70]). CONCLUSION: Knowledge
      and attitude played secondary roles in influencing HPV vaccine verification.
      Community health agents were crucial for vaccine promotion; continued education
      and support of this group is essential for the sustained success of HPV
      immunization efforts in Brazil.

PMID- 28099707
TI  - IJGO serving you better in 2017.

PMID- 28099709
TI  - Preliminary study of the effects of furosemide on blood pressure during late
      onset pre-eclampsia in patients with high cardiac output.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of furosemide on hypertension and edema in
      patients with pre-eclampsia experiencing high cardiac output. METHODS: The
      present cohort study enrolled patients with pre-eclampsia who were admitted to
      the pregnancy pathology unit of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
      University of Pecs, Hungary, between January 1 and December 31, 2015. Eligible
      patients had singleton pregnancies with no fetal anomalies, high blood volume,
      visible edema, and a hematocrit concentration below 37 L/L. Blood pressure was
      measured and impedance cardiography was used to determine cardiac output for all
      patients before they received a 40-mg dose of furosemide; after 60 minutes blood
      pressure and cardiac output were measured again. RESULTS: The study enrolled 14
      patients. Lower cardiac output (P=0.002), systolic blood pressure (P=0.002), and
      diastolic blood pressure (P=0.002) were recorded after furosemide administration,
      with patient heart rates remaining stable. CONCLUSION: The heart-rate stability
      suggests that the change of cardiac output was due to a decrease in blood volume.
      These data suggest that diuretics could be useful in the management of late-onset
      pre-eclampsia, indicating that an increase in water retention could play a role
      in the development of late-onset pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 28099708
TI  - Association between previous spontaneous abortion and pre-eclampsia during a
      subsequent pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a history of spontaneous abortion on pre
      eclampsia during a subsequent pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study
      enrolled pregnant women admitted to obstetrics and gynecology wards at 103
      hospitals in Tehran, Iran for delivery between July 6 and July 21, 2015.
      Consenting participants were interviewed by midwives; data were collected using a
      five-part questionnaire and patients' medical records were retrieved. Patient
      data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression to identify variables
      associated with increased odds of pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: In total, 5170 patients
      were interviewed and 252 had experienced pre-eclampsia. The number of previous
      spontaneous abortions was found to be associated with pre-eclampsia, and a higher
      number of previous spontaneous abortions was associated with increased odds of
      patients having experienced pre-eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio 1.28, 95%
      confidence interval 1.03-1.59; P=0.025). CONCLUSION: A history of spontaneous
      abortion was associated with increased odds of pre-eclampsia during a subsequent
      pregnancy.

PMID- 28099710
TI  - Predictive value of serum HE4 and CA125 concentrations for lymphatic metastasis
      of endometrial cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of serum HE4 and CA125 concentrations
      in the preoperative prediction of risk of lymph node metastasis in endometrial
      cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken of data for patients with
      endometrial carcinoma treated surgically at a university hospital in China
      between August 2011 and December 2015. The preoperative serum levels of HE4 and
      CA125 were measured and analyzed by clinicopathologic characteristics. RESULTS:
      Overall, 258 patients were included. The HE4 and CA125 concentrations were
      significantly elevated in patients with large lesions (>=2 cm), deep myometrial
      invasion (>=50%), an advanced disease stage, or lymph node metastasis (P<0.05 for
      all). HE4 concentrations also rose with age and histologic grade (P<0.01 for
      both). For lymph node metastasis, HE4 had higher sensitivity and negative
      predictive value than did CA125. The diagnostic performance of HE4 and CA125 in
      combination was superior to that of either marker alone. CONCLUSION: The combined
      evaluation of serum HE4 and CA125 could provide gynecologic oncologists with
      improved information to guide the decision of whether to perform lymphadenectomy.

PMID- 28099711
TI  - Introducing the World Health Organization Postpartum Family Planning Compendium.
AB  - The postpartum period offers multiple opportunities for healthcare providers to
      assist with family planning decision making. However, there are also many
      changing factors during the first year after delivery that can affect family
      planning choices. Given that several different documents have addressed WHO
      guidance on postpartum family planning, the electronic WHO Postpartum Family
      Planning Compendium (http://srhr.org/postpartumfp) has been introduced. This
      resource integrates essential guidance on postpartum family planning for
      clinicians, program managers, and policy makers. The development of the
      Compendium included consultations with family planning experts, key international
      stakeholders, and web developers. Once the website had been created, user testing
      by family planning experts allowed for improvements to be made before the
      official launch. Future directions are adaptation of the website into a mobile
      application that can be more easily integrated to low-resource settings, and
      translation of the content into French and Spanish.

PMID- 28099712
TI  - Comparison of selective and non-selective internal iliac artery embolization for
      abnormal placentation with major postpartum hemorrhage.

PMID- 28099713
TI  - Systematic review of obstetric care from a women-centered perspective in Nigeria
      since 2000.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A women-centered approach can improve the quality of patient care.
      OBJECTIVE: To review issues in the provision of obstetric care from a patient
      centered care perspective in Nigeria. SEARCH STRATEGY: Using terms related to
      maternal and perinatal mortality, in combination with "Nigeria", MEDLINE, Embase,
      CINAHL, Web of Knowledge, and African Journal Online were searched, between
      December 1, 2013 and January 31, 2014, for articles in any language. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Articles published in a Nigerian setting after 2000 that investigated
      causes of and circumstance surrounding maternal deaths and complications, or
      clinical practice related to maternal care were included. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Data were extracted by two reviewers using a standardized abstraction
      form and were analyzed from a patient-centered perspective. MAIN RESULTS: The
      analysis included 57 studies. Clandestine induced abortions, lack of prenatal
      care, delays in seeking care, and the use of spiritual churches for delivery were
      found to contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare
      systems respond inadequately to patients' needs in terms of abortion care,
      information sharing, transitioning between prenatal and obstetric care, and
      patients' non-medical needs. Data from clinician-led maternal death audits
      provided insights into how women-centered care can be provided; nonetheless, more
      focused studies from a primarily patient-centered perspective are warranted.

PMID- 28099714
TI  - Zika virus infection in Brazil and human rights obligations.
AB  - The February 2016 WHO declaration that congenital Zika virus syndrome constitutes
      a Public Health Emergency of International Concern reacted to the outbreak of the
      syndrome in Brazil. Public health emergencies can justify a spectrum of human
      rights responses, but in Brazil, the emergency exposed prevailing inequities in
      the national healthcare system. The government's urging to contain the syndrome,
      which is associated with microcephaly among newborns, is confounded by lack of
      reproductive health services. Women with low incomes in particular have little
      access to such health services. The emergency also illuminates the harm of
      restrictive abortion legislation, and the potential violation of human rights
      regarding women's health and under the UN Conventions on the Rights of the Child
      and on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Suggestions have been proposed by
      which the government can remedy the widespread healthcare inequities among the
      national population that are instructive for other countries where congenital
      Zika virus syndrome is prevalent.

PMID- 28099715
TI  - Assessment of the body composition of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
      using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the body composition among patients with polycystic ovary
      syndrome (PCOS) and patients without PCOS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study
      enrolled patients aged 12-39 years, with body mass index (BMI, calculated as
      weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) at least 18.5 but
      below 25, who attended the Endocrine Gynecology Clinic of Santa Casa de Sao Paulo
      School of Medical Sciences, Brazil, between January 1, 2014, and July 31, 2015.
      Anthropometric measurements, metabolic and androgenic profiles, and dual-energy X
      ray absorptiometry measurements were compared between patients with PCOS and
      those without PCOS. RESULTS: In total, 102 eligible patients attended the study
      clinical during the study period; 43 were excluded owing to not meeting the
      inclusion criteria or declining to undergo complete study testing, and 15
      withdrew from the study. Of the 44 participants, 28 had PCOS and 16 were included
      in the control group. Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentration (P=0.046), leg
      fat (P=0.031), and truncal-fat (P=0.001) were all higher among patients with
      PCOS. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated increased truncal and leg fat
      among women with PCOS. The study did not detect any difference in insulin
      parameters but larger studies could be more suitably powered to investigate this.
      CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT02467751.

PMID- 28099716
TI  - Long hospitalization for severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with persistent
      right hydrothorax and two occurrences of pneumonia.

PMID- 28099717
TI  - Maternal serum amyloid A level as a novel marker of primary unexplained recurrent
      early pregnancy loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess maternal serum amyloid A (SAA) levels among women with
      primary unexplained recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL). METHODS: A prospective
      study was conducted among women with missed spontaneous abortion in the first
      trimester at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, between
      January 21 and December 25, 2014. Women with at least two consecutive primary
      unexplained REPLs and no previous live births were enrolled. A control group was
      formed of women with no history of REPL who had at least one previous uneventful
      pregnancy with no adverse outcomes. Serum samples were collected to measure SAA
      levels. The main outcome was the association between SAA and primary unexplained
      REPL. RESULTS: Each group contained 96 participants. Median SAA level was
      significantly higher among women with REPL (50.0 MUg/mL, interquartile range 26.0
      69.0) than among women in the control group (11.6 MUg/mL, interquartile range 6.2
      15.5; P<0.001). The SAA level was an independent indicator of primary unexplained
      REPL, after adjusting for maternal age and gestational age (odds ratio 1.12, 95%
      confidence interval 1.06-1.19; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Elevated SAA levels found
      among women with primary unexplained REPL could represent a novel biomarker for
      this complication of pregnancy.

PMID- 28099718
TI  - Vaginal delivery with prior cesarean delivery following appendix rupture and
      diffuse purulent peritonitis in a patient with complete wound dehiscence.

PMID- 28099719
TI  - Evaluating vaginal-delivery rates after previous cesarean delivery using the
      Robson 10-group classification system at a tertiary center in Brazil.

PMID- 28099720
TI  - Birth characteristics of Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens in Turkey in 2015.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the birth characteristics of Syrian refugees with those of
      Turkish citizens. METHODS: In a retrospective study, data were obtained for
      singleton live births that occurred at a hospital in Bursa, Turkey, between June
      1 and December 31, 2015. All Syrian refugees were eligible for inclusion; one
      Turkish citizen was included for each refugee. RESULTS: Overall, 545 Syrian
      refugees and 545 Turkish citizens were included. Cesarean delivery was undertaken
      for 176 (32.3%) Syrians and 235 (43.1%) Turks (P<0.001). Median neonatal birth
      weight was higher among Turkish citizens (3300 g, range 970-4720) than among
      Syrian refugees (3110 g, range 540-4790; P<0.001). Gestational diabetes was
      recorded for 42 (7.7%) Turkish citizens and 9 (1.7%) Syrian refugees (P<0.001).
      Pre-eclampsia affected 21 (3.9%) Turkish citizens and 8 (1.5%) Syrians (P=0.014).
      CONCLUSION: Cesarean delivery is more common among pregnant Turkish citizens than
      among Syrian refugees. Other notable differences between the groups were
      recorded.

PMID- 28099721
TI  - The impact of thermal stability of oxytocin on access, and the importance of
      setting proper product specifications.

PMID- 28099722
TI  - Risk of cesarean delivery among pregnant women with class III obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with cesarean delivery among women with
      class III obesity attempting vaginal delivery. METHODS: In a retrospective study,
      medical charts were reviewed for women aged 18 years or older with a singleton
      pregnancy of at least 37 weeks and a body mass index (calculated as weight in
      kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) of 40 or higher who were
      eligible to attempt vaginal delivery at a maternity hospital in Lille, France,
      between 1999 and 2012. RESULTS: Among 345 eligible women, 301 (87.2%) attempted
      vaginal delivery; 211 (70.1%) were successful and 90 (29.9%) delivered by
      cesarean. The frequency of nulliparity was higher among those undergoing cesarean
      after a trial of labor (64 [71.1%]) than among those who delivered vaginally (57
      [27.0%]; P<0.001). Induction of labor was also more frequent among those who
      ultimately delivered by cesarean (61 [67.8%] vs 96 [45.5%]; P<0.001). In
      multivariate analysis, induction of labor was an independent predictor of
      cesarean among women attempting vaginal delivery (odds ratio [OR] 2.30, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.25-4.22), whereas history of vaginal delivery was
      protective (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.04-0.17). CONCLUSION: Nulliparous women with class
      III obesity attempting a vaginal delivery should be warned of the high risk of
      cesarean delivery, especially if they require induction.

PMID- 28099723
TI  - Rape-myth acceptance among students at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

PMID- 28099724
TI  - Costs of integrating cervical cancer screening at an HIV clinic in Kenya.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the societal-level costs of integrating cervical cancer
      screening into HIV clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. METHODS: A cross-sectional micro
      costing study was performed at Coptic Hope Center for Infectious Diseases and
      Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya, between July 1 and October 31, 2014. To
      estimate direct medical, non-medical, and indirect costs associated with
      screening, a time-and-motion study was performed, and semi-structured interviews
      were conducted with women aged at least 18 years attending the clinic for
      screening during the study period and with clinic staff who had experience
      relevant to cervical cancer screening. RESULTS: There were 148 patients and 23
      clinic staff who participated in interviews. Visual inspection with acetic acid
      was associated with the lowest estimated marginal per-screening costs ($3.30),
      followed by careHPV ($18.28), Papanicolaou ($24.59), and Hybrid Capture 2
      screening ($31.15). Laboratory expenses were the main cost drivers for
      Papanicolaou and Hybrid Capture 2 testing ($11.61 and $16.41, respectively).
      Overhead and patient transportation affected the costs of all methods. Indirect
      costs were cheaper for single-visit screening methods ($0.43 per screening) than
      two-visit screening methods ($2.88 per screening). CONCLUSIONS: Integrating
      cervical cancer screening into HIV clinics would be cost-saving from a societal
      perspective compared with non-integrated screening. These findings could be used
      in cost-effectiveness analyses to assess incremental costs per clinical outcome
      in an integrated setting.

PMID- 28099725
TI  - Maternal and newborn outcomes at a tertiary care hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, 2008
      2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure key obstetric and neonatal outcomes recorded at a tertiary
      hospital in Zambia over a 5-year period. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was
      conducted among women who had delivered at the University Teaching Hospital in
      Lusaka, between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012. Data were extracted from
      electronic medical records. The main outcomes were maternal mortality, cesarean
      delivery, prenatal or intrapartum hemorrhage, stillbirth, a 5-minute Apgar score
      of less than 7, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. RESULTS: A
      total of 62 470 deliveries were recorded. Rates of maternal mortality, cesarean
      delivery, and hemorrhage during pregnancy all declined over time. Decreased
      admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit were observed; however, the rate
      spiked temporarily in late 2011 and early 2012 before returning to previous
      levels. The proportion of stillbirths remained stable over time but reports of a
      5-minute Apgar score of less than 7 rose. CONCLUSION: Routinely collected
      obstetric and neonatal data could aid ongoing program monitoring and should be
      used to guide quality improvement activities.

PMID- 28099727
TI  - Association of biochemical markers with the severity of pre-eclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between pre-eclampsia severity and
      biochemical and ultrasonography markers. METHODS: A retrospective study was
      undertaken of women with severe pre-eclampsia (group 1, n=90), mild pre-eclampsia
      (group 2, n=90), or a normal pregnancy (group 3, n=90) who attended a hospital in
      Egypt in October 2013-April 2015. Associations between pre-eclampsia and
      biochemical, cardiotocography, and ultrasonography markers were investigated.
      RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups in C-reactive
      protein (331.44+/-112.38, 251.43+/-59.05, and 23.81+/-16.19 nmol/L; P<=0.05 for
      all), platelet count (113.40+/-36.72, 172.93+/-57.60, and 212.68+/-70.00*109 /L;
      P<=0.05 for group 1 comparisons), alanine transaminase (52.24+/-14.83, 38.34+/
      13.12, and 23.11+/-6.92 U/L; P<=0.05 for group 1 comparisons), and serum uric
      acid (600.80+/-117.19, 481.83+/-118.97, and 243.89+/-53.54 MUmol/L; P=0.050 for
      group 3 comparisons). Cardiotocography score was worse among women with severe
      pre-eclampsia than among those in the other two groups (P=0.039 for both
      comparisons). Biophysical profile score and umbilical artery resistance index
      differed by group (P<=0.05 for all). Middle cerebral artery resistance index was
      lower among women with severe pre-eclampsia (P<=0.05). CONCLUSION: The levels of
      C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen, serum uric acid, and alanine
      transaminase, and the platelet count were linked with the presence and severity
      of pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 28099726
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of prophylactic tranexamic
      acid treatment in major benign uterine surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of tranexamic acid (TA) treatment as bleeding prophylaxis
      in major uterine surgery is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antihemorrhagic
      effect of prophylactic TA treatment in major benign uterine surgery. SEARCH
      STRATEGY: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from
      1980 to 2015 without language restriction using search terms related to major
      uterine surgery combined with TA. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled
      trials comparing prophylactic TA with placebo or no intervention in women
      undergoing elective major benign uterine surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      Basic information and outcomes were collected and meta-analyses performed. MAIN
      RESULTS: Sixteen trials were included, with five trials considered to have an
      overall low risk of bias. In cesarean delivery, TA significantly reduced
      intraoperative bleeding (mean -136 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] -189 to -83),
      blood loss of more than 1000 mL (relative risk 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.81), and blood
      transfusion (relative risk 0.32, 95% CI 0.17-0.59). In abdominal myomectomy, TA
      also significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding (mean -251 mL, 95% CI -391 to 
      110). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic TA treatment significantly reduced operative
      bleeding in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery or abdominal myomectomy.
      Additional randomized trials with low risk of bias are needed.

PMID- 28099728
TI  - Effects of an intervention initiated by a national society to improve
      postabortion care in rural facilities in Burkina Faso.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of an intervention by the Societe de
      Gynecologues et Obstetriciens du Burkina (SOGOB) to improve postabortion care
      (PAC) in rural areas of Burkina Faso. METHODS: From June 1, 2012, to May 31,
      2013, SOGOB increased capacity for PAC by providing training in health care and
      equipment to 45 rural health facilities. Performance in PAC in the year before
      intervention (June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012) was compared with that in the year
      following intervention (June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014). RESULTS: The number of
      cases of incomplete abortion managed within a year increased from 1812 before the
      intervention to 2738 afterwards. Before capacity building, none of the health
      facilities was using misoprostol for management of incomplete abortion. After
      capacity building, misoprostol was used in 805 (29.4%) cases. The use of
      inappropriate methods to empty the uterus decreased (27.5% [498/1812] vs 1.4%
      [38/2738]; P<0.001). The frequencies of uterine perforation and pelvic infection
      also decreased (P<=0.01 for both). In the year after implementation, 2035 (78.3%)
      of 2600 women had taken up a family planning method before leaving the facility.
      CONCLUSION: SOGOB's intervention has improved the quality of PAC in rural health
      facilities in Burkina Faso.

PMID- 28099729
TI  - Maternal c-reactive protein and oxidative stress markers as predictors of
      delivery latency in patients experiencing preterm premature rupture of membranes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of maternal serum c-reactive protein (CRP),
      lipid peroxide, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), to predict the
      interval between membrane rupture and delivery in patients with preterm premature
      rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: The present prospective study included
      patients with singleton pregnancies experiencing PPROM at earlier than 34 weeks
      of pregnancy who underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery between August 1, 2010
      and July 31, 2013 at Chonnam National University Hospital, Republic of Korea.
      Patients were categorized based on whether delivery occurred within 3 days of
      PPROM or after. CRP levels, lipid peroxide (using malondialdehyde levels), ORAC,
      protein carbonyl, and other potential risk factors were compared between the
      groups. RESULTS: There were 72 patients included. Maternal serum CRP levels,
      malondialdehyde levels, and Bishop Score were higher in patients who underwent
      delivery within 3 days (all P<0.05); ORAC levels were lower among these patients
      (P=0.002). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that CRP,
      malondialdehyde, and ORAC levels were predictive of delivery within 3 days after
      PPROM. CONCLUSION: Maternal serum CRP, malondialdehyde, and ORAC levels at
      admission were useful in predicting the latent period in patients with PPROM.

PMID- 28099730
TI  - Development, updates, and future directions of the World Health Organization
      Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use.

PMID- 28099731
TI  - Provision of harm-reduction services to limit unsafe abortion in Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of providing harm-reduction services to
      reduce unsafe abortion in Tanzania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted among 110 women who received harm-reduction counseling at a public
      health center in Dar es Salaam between February 10 and October 10, 2014.
      Background and clinical information was collected for all women; a subgroup
      (n=50) undertook a semi-structured survey that measured the type of services
      women received, women's perception of the services, and pregnancy outcome. The
      main study outcomes were attendance at the follow-up visit, type and quality of
      information women received on both visits, and misoprostol use for pregnancy
      termination. RESULTS: Overall, 55 (50.0%) women attended follow-up services.
      Misoprostol was used for induced abortion among 54 (98.2%); 38 (70.4%) of these
      women had obtained contraception at the follow-up visit. Likelihood of attendance
      for follow-up was increased among women who were older than 34 years (odds ratio
      [OR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-35.8), were married (OR 2.1, 95% CI
      0.8-5.7), and had a post-primary education level (OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.8-5.3). On
      average, 44 (87.0%) women received all required information at the initial
      counseling session and none reported major complications that required
      hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Harm-reduction services for unsafe abortion are
      feasible and acceptable, and could provide an excellent opportunity to fight
      abortion-related morbidity and mortality in Tanzania.

PMID- 28099732
TI  - The impact of laparoscopic cystectomy on ovarian reserve in patients with
      unilateral and bilateral endometrioma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of laparoscopic cystectomy on serum anti
      Mullerian hormone (AMH) level as a marker of ovarian reserve in patients with
      endometrioma. METHODS: A prospective observational study enrolled patients aged
      younger than 40 years who were referred to a tertiary center in Tehran, Iran,
      between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014 to undergo laparoscopic cystectomy
      for ovarian endometriomas at least 30 mm in diameter, or regardless of size for
      patients with infertility, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, or dyschezia. Baseline and
      6-month post-operative AMH levels were compared. RESULTS: Data from 70 patients
      were included in the analyses. Among patients with unilateral endometriomas,
      lower pre-operative AMH levels were observed in patients with endometriomas at
      least 50 mm in diameter (P=0.027), whereas cyst size was not associated with
      differences in pre-operative AMH level in patients with bilateral endometriomas
      (P=0.227). Across the entire study population, post-operative AMH levels were
      lower than the baseline (P=0.008). Greater post-operative decreases in AMH were
      associated with bilateral cysts compared with unilateral cysts (P=0.046), cysts
      being at least 50 mm in diameter among patients with unilateral cysts (P=0.028),
      and both cysts being at least 50 mm in diameter among patients with bilateral
      cysts (P=0.025). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cystectomy was associated with post
      operative decreases in serum AMH, particularly with bilateral involvement and
      endometriomas at least 50 mm in diameter.

PMID- 28099733
TI  - Implementation of a modified obstetric early warning system to improve the
      quality of obstetric care in Zimbabwe.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To implement a modified obstetric early warning system (MOEWS) to
      promote identification and stabilization of unwell women. METHODS: A before-and
      after study of MOEWS implementation took place between April 2013 and January
      2014 in a government referral hospital in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. After piloting
      MOEWS, cesarean case files were retrospectively assessed to compare preoperative
      stabilization. A longitudinal "spot-check" study measured use of MOEWS and action
      taken on abnormal results. A quality indicator was introduced to assess ongoing
      implementation. RESULTS: Analysis of women undergoing cesarean before (n=79) and
      after (n=85) MOEWS implementation showed that preoperative stabilization improved
      significantly post-intervention (odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.39
      5.54). The longitudinal analysis of women at baseline (n=43) and after (n=85)
      MOEWS implementation also showed a significant improvement in action taken (1/24
      [4%] vs 28/45 [62%]; P=0.001). The 6-month aggregated quality indicator revealed
      that 78 (62%) of 125 patients had a completed MOEWS chart, with appropriate
      stabilization of 65 (93%) of 70 women. CONCLUSION: Implementation of MOEWS
      improved women's care through action being taken on abnormal observations. Before
      whole-scale adoption of MOEWS in low-resource settings, the study should be
      scaled up and repeated to ensure replicable findings.

PMID- 28099734
TI  - Tertiary-level study of the implementation of a technique checklist for cesarean
      deliveries at a university hospital in Uruguay.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the adherence of healthcare providers to cesarean-delivery
      techniques before and after the introduction of a technique checklist at a
      university hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional cohort study
      included data from all cesarean deliveries at Gynecology Clinic B of the
      University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay, between January 1 and December
      31, 2011. The data were grouped based on whether delivery occurred before or
      after the implementation of the checklist and were compared across a range of
      cesarean-delivery techniques. RESULTS: Data from 296 cesarean deliveries were
      included; 130 from before implementation and 166 from after. After the
      implementation of the checklist, complete adherence to all techniques was
      observed in 28 (16.9%) deliveries. Following the introduction of the checklist,
      the odds of prophylactic cefazolin (OR 8.35, 95% CI 3.74-20.9), chlorhexidine (OR
      8.98, 95% CI 3.72-23.7), cord traction for the third stage of labor (OR 2.26, 95%
      CI 1.33-3.85), and double-layer hysterorrhaphy (OR 3.65, 95% CI 2.09-6.55) being
      properly applied increased compared with before the implementation of the
      checklist. CONCLUSIONS: Overall adherence to the prescribed techniques was low.
      The implementation of this checklist improved the odds of several techniques
      being applied by between two- and eight-fold.

PMID- 28099735
TI  - Negative HPV testing among patients with biopsy-proven cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia grade 2/3 or cervical cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer
      or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN 2/3) despite testing
      negative for HPV. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at a university
      hospital in Barcelona, Spain, between March 2003 and January 2015 among women
      with abnormal cytology results according to the Bethesda classification system.
      All participants underwent HPV testing, cytology, and colposcopy. RESULTS: Among
      1376 participants, 609 (44.3%) were diagnosed with CIN 2/3. Of these women, 74
      (12.2%) tested negative for HPV. Among 479 women with colposcopy-guided biopsy
      sampling showing CIN 2/3, cone biopsy results that were negative for CIN 2/3 were
      more frequent among patients with negative HPV testing (13/61 [21.3%]) than among
      those with positive HPV tests (58/418 [13.9%]; P=0.03). Additionally, among 59
      patients diagnosed with cervical cancer, 9 (15.3%) tested negative for HPV.
      CONCLUSION: The HPV test was negative for 12% and 15% of patients diagnosed with
      biopsy-proven CIN 2/3 and cervical cancer, respectively.

PMID- 28099736
TI  - Systematic review of same-day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Same-day discharge has been suggested to safe and acceptable
      following minimally invasive hysterectomy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the
      feasibility of same-day discharge following minimally invasive hysterectomy and
      to identify associated factors. SEARCH STRATEGY: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched using the
      terms "same day discharge", "minimally invasive surgery", and "hysterectomy"
      between October 1 and October 31, 2015. No language or publication date
      restrictions were included. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials and
      observational studies evaluating same-day discharge before midnight on the day of
      minimally invasive hysterectomy were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      Study characteristics, pre-operative selection criteria, and predictive factors
      for same-day discharge were analyzed. MAIN RESULTS: There were 15 observational
      studies with 11 992 patients included. Significant heterogeneity was observed in
      the studies, and publication and selection bias could have potentially affected
      the results. All the studies concluded that same-day discharge was feasible.
      However, some factors were associated with a decreased possibility of same-day
      discharge; these were older age, beginning surgery later than 1:00 pm and
      completing surgery later than 6:00 pm, longer duration of operation, and high
      estimated blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: Same-day discharge appears feasible for a
      majority of patients who undergo minimally invasive hysterectomies if adequate
      emphasis is placed on pre-surgical planning and careful patient selection.

PMID- 28099738
TI  - Professionalism in obstetric and gynecologic practice.

PMID- 28099737
TI  - Decreased rates of shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury via an evidence
      based practice bundle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a standardized approach to identify pregnant women
      at risk for shoulder dystocia (SD) is associated with reduced incidence of SD and
      brachial plexus injury (BPI). METHODS: Between 2011 and 2015, prospective data
      were collected from 29 community-based hospitals in the USA during implementation
      of an evidence-based practice bundle, including an admission risk assessment,
      required "timeout" before operative vaginal delivery (OVD), and low-fidelity SD
      drills. All women with singleton vertex pregnancies admitted for vaginal delivery
      were included. Rates of SD, BPI, OVD, and cesarean delivery were compared between
      a baseline period (January 2011-September 2013) and an intervention period
      (October 2013-June 2015), during which there was a system-wide average bundle
      compliance of 90%. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the incidence of
      SD (17.6%; P=0.028), BPI (28.6%; P=0.018), and OVD (18.0%; P<0.001) after
      implementation of the evidence-based practice bundle. There was a nonsignificant
      reduction in primary (P=0.823) and total (P=0.396) cesarean rates, but no
      association between SD drills and incidence of BPI. CONCLUSION: Implementation of
      a standard evidence-based practice bundle was found to be associated with a
      significant reduction in the incidence of SD and BPI. Utilization of low-fidelity
      drills was not associated with a reduction in BPI.

PMID- 28099739
TI  - Associations between HIV, highly active anti-retroviral therapy, and hypertensive
      disorders of pregnancy among maternal deaths in South Africa 2011-2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore potential relationships between HIV and highly active anti
      retroviral therapy (HAART), and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).
      METHODS: A retrospective secondary analysis of maternal-deaths data from the 2011
      2013 Saving Mothers Report from South Africa. The incidence of HIV infection
      amongst individuals who died owing to HDP was determined and comparisons were
      made based on HIV status and the use of HAART. RESULTS: Among 4452 maternal
      deaths recorded in the Saving Mothers report, a lower risk of a maternal deaths
      being due to HDP was observed among women who had HIV infections compared with
      women who did not have HIV (relative risk [RR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      0.51-0.64). Further, reduced odds of death being due to HDP were recorded among
      women with AIDS not undergoing HAART compared with women with HIV who did not
      require treatment (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.3-0.58). Notably, among all women with AIDS,
      a greater risk of death due to HDP was demonstrated among those who received
      HAART compared with those who did not (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.29). CONCLUSION:
      HIV and AIDS were associated with a decreased risk of HDP being the primary cause
      of death; the use of HAART increased this risk.

PMID- 28099740
TI  - Association of previous severe low birth weight with adverse perinatal outcomes
      in a subsequent pregnancy among HIV-prevalent urban African women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between severity of prior low birth weight
      (LBW) delivery and adverse perinatal outcomes in the subsequent delivery among an
      HIV-prevalent urban African population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was
      conducted among 41 109 women who had undergone two deliveries in Lusaka, Zambia,
      between February 1, 2006, and May 31, 2013. The relationship between prior LBW
      delivery (<2500 g) and a composite measure of adverse perinatal outcome in the
      second pregnancy was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS:
      Women with prior LBW delivery (n=4259) had an increased risk of LBW in the second
      delivery versus those without prior LBW delivery (n=37 642). Such risk correlated
      with the severity of first delivery LBW. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was 2.89
      (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05-4.09) for a birth weight of 1000-1499 g, 3.05
      (95% CI 2.42-3.86) for a birth weight of 1500-1999 g, and 2.02 (95% CI 1.81-2.27)
      for a birth weight of 2000-2499 g. Previous LBW delivery also increased the risk
      of adverse perinatal outcome, with an AOR of 1.4 (95% CI 1.2-1.7). CONCLUSION:
      Severe prior LBW delivery conferred substantial risk for adverse perinatal
      outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy.

PMID- 28099741
TI  - Abortion choices among women in Cambodia after introduction of a socially
      marketed medicated abortion product.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a social marketing initiative focusing on medicated
      abortion via a mifepristone/misoprostol "combipack" has contributed to reducing
      unsafe abortion in Cambodia. METHODS: In a questionnaire-based cross-sectional
      study, annual household surveys were conducted across 13 Cambodian provinces in
      2010, 2011, and 2012. One married woman of reproductive age who was not pregnant
      and did not wish to be within the next 2 years in each randomly selected
      household was approached for inclusion. Participants were interviewed using a
      structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 1843 women
      in 2010, 2068 in 2011, and 2059 in 2012. Manual vacuum aspiration was reported by
      61 (72.6%) of 84 women surveyed in 2010 who reported an abortion in the previous
      12 months, compared with only 28 (52.8%) of 53 in 2012 (P=0.001). The numbers of
      women undergoing medicated abortion increased from 22 (26.2%) of 84 in 2010 to 27
      (49.1%) of 53 in 2012 (P=0.003), whereas the numbers undergoing unsafe abortion
      decreased from 4 (4.8%) in 2010 to 0 in 2012 (P=0.051). CONCLUSION: Social
      marketing of medication abortion coupled with provider training in clinical and
      behavioral change could have contributed to a reduction in the prevalence of
      unsafe abortion and shifted the types of abortion performed in Cambodia, while
      not increasing the overall number of abortions.

PMID- 28099742
TI  - Does breech delivery in an upright position instead of on the back improve
      outcomes and avoid cesareans?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare breech outcomes when mothers delivering vaginally are
      upright, on their back, or planning cesareans. METHODS: A retrospective cohort
      study was undertaken of all women who presented for singleton breech delivery at
      a center in Frankfurt, Germany, between January 2004 and June 2011. RESULTS: Of
      750 women with term breech delivery, 315 (42.0%) planned and received a cesarean.
      Of 269 successful vaginal deliveries of neonates, 229 in the upright position
      were compared with 40 in the dorsal position. Upright deliveries were associated
      with significantly fewer delivery maneuvers (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.31-0.68) and
      neonatal birth injuries (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.58), second stages that were 42%
      shorter on average (1.02 vs 1.77 hours), and nonsignificantly decreased serious
      perineal lacerations (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.05-3.99). When upright position was used
      almost exclusively, the cesarean rate decreased. Serious fetal and neonatal
      morbidity potentially related to birth mode was low, and similar for upright
      vaginal deliveries compared with planned cesareans (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.10-19.11).
      Three neonates died; all had lethal birth defects. Forceps were never required.
      CONCLUSION: Upright vaginal breech delivery was associated with reductions in
      duration of the second stage of labor, maneuvers required, maternal/neonatal
      injuries, and cesarean rate when compared with vaginal delivery in the dorsal
      position.

PMID- 28099743
TI  - Professionally responsible advocacy for professional liability law.

PMID- 28099744
TI  - A retrospective cohort study of hemostatic agent use during hysterectomy and risk
      of post-operative complications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if the use of intraoperative hemostatic agents was a risk
      factor for post-operative adverse events within 30 days of patients undergoing
      hysterectomy. METHOD: A population-based retrospective cohort study included data
      from patients undergoing hysterectomy for any indication between January 1, 2013,
      and December 31, 2014, at 52 hospitals in Michigan, USA. Any individuals with
      missing covariate data were excluded, and multivariable logistic regression and
      propensity score-matching were used to estimate the rate of post-operative
      adverse events associated with intra-operative hemostatic agents independent of
      demographic and surgical factors. RESULTS: There were 17 960 surgical procedures
      included in the analysis, with 4659 (25.9%) that included the use of hemostatic
      agents. Hemostatic agent use was associated with an increase in predicted
      hospital re-admissions (P=0.007). Among all hysterectomy approaches, and after
      adjusting for demographic and surgical factors, hemostatic agent use during
      robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy was associated with an increased
      predicted rate of blood transfusions (P=0.019), an increased predicted rate of
      pelvic abscess diagnoses (P=0.001), an increased predicted rate of hospital re
      admission (P=0.001), and an increased predicted rate of re-operation (P=0.021).
      CONCLUSION: Hemostatic agents should be used carefully owing to associations with
      increased post-operative re-admissions and re-operations when used during
      hysterectomy.

PMID- 28099745
TI  - Cross-sectional study of the ultrasonographic and hormonal characteristics of
      obstetric fistula patients with and without secondary amenorrhea.

PMID- 28099746
TI  - Contemporary Issues in Women's Health.

PMID- 28099748
TI  - Medium-term outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy or sacrohysteropexy versus
      vaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation for middle compartment prolapse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) or sacrohysteropexy (LSH)
      with vaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation (VSSLF) for middle compartment pelvic
      organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: Data were retrospectively reviewed from patients
      with POP (stage 3 or worse) who underwent LSC, LSH, or VSSLF at a center in
      Shanghai between January 2009 and March 2014. POP quantification (POP-Q) and
      Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory scores were compared at the 2-year follow-up.
      RESULTS: Data were available for the 2-year follow-up for 102 LSC, 11 LSH, and 94
      VSSLF procedures. Compared with patients who had undergone VSSLF, those who had
      undergone LSC/LSH had better POP-Q C values (P<0.001), longer total vaginal
      length (TVL) (P<0.001), and lower Aa and Ba scores (P=0.003 and P=0.002,
      respectively). Apical compartment and overall success rates of LSC/LSH and VSSLF
      did not differ significantly. Quality of life was improved in both groups
      (P<0.001). Both groups achieved symptomatic relief, although bowel and urinary
      functions were significantly improved only in the VSSLF group (P<0.001 for both).
      More patients in the LSC/LSH group were sexually active at 2 years (P<0.001);
      improvement in sex life was similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Although
      LSC/LSH achieved longer TVL, both groups achieved the same success rate and
      improvement in quality of life. Specifically, VSSLF yielded a significant
      improvement in bowel and urinary function.

PMID- 28099747
TI  - Observational study comparing the performance of first-trimester screening
      protocols for detecting trisomy 21 in a North Indian population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate first-trimester screening protocols for detecting trisomy
      21 in an Indian population. METHODS: The present prospective study collected data
      from women with singleton pregnancies and a crown-to-rump length of 45-84 mm who
      presented at the fetal medicine unit of a tertiary care center in North India
      between June 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015, for combined first-trimester
      screening. Maternal age, nuchal translucency, nasal bone, and maternal serum
      levels of free beta human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma
      protein A were assessed for calculating the risk of trisomy 21. Tricuspid
      regurgitation and qualitative analysis of ductus venosus data were available from
      June 2010, and were included where available. Trisomy-21 detection rates were
      calculated for various screening protocols and were compared. RESULTS: There were
      4523 women screened and 24 records of trisomy 21. Combined screening with
      maternal age, nuchal translucency, nasal bone, tricuspid regurgitation, and
      ductus venosus demonstrated optimal detection and false-positive rates of 93.8%
      and 1.9%, respectively. Screening using only maternal age yielded a detection
      rate of 37.5%; using fixed nuchal translucency cut-off values of 2.5 and 3 mm
      resulted in detection rates of 66.7% and 37.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Combined first-trimester screening performed well in an Indian population;
      combining maternal age, nuchal translucency, nasal bone, ductus venosus, and
      tricuspid regurgitation yielded the most accurate screening.

PMID- 28099749
TI  - A systematic review of maternal near miss and mortality due to postpartum
      hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the principal direct cause of maternal
      mortality worldwide. Analysis of maternal near miss could increase understanding
      of survival among women with life-threatening PPH. OBJECTIVES: To determine the
      near-miss ratio and maternal mortality index for PPH globally. SEARCH STRATEGY: A
      prevalence systematic review was conducted of English-language articles published
      from 1995 to 2014. Suitable articles were identified from the Scopus, PubMed,
      Embase, and Grey Literature databases. The main search terms used were "maternal
      near-miss" and "severe acute maternal morbidity." SELECTION CRITERIA: Near-miss
      studies and audits describing the severe maternal outcome rate for PPH were
      included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted from eligible
      publications. Quantitative analysis and narrative synthesis were used. MAIN
      RESULTS: For 26 included studies, the median near-miss ratio for PPH was 3 per
      1000 live births. The mortality index for PPH was 6.6% (range 0.0%-40.7%). The
      mortality index was highest in low-income countries and lower middle-income
      countries. Overall, PPH was the most frequent contributor to obstetric
      hemorrhage, with atonic uterus identified as the main cause. CONCLUSIONS: Women
      in low-income countries and lower middle-income countries have an increased
      likelihood of severe PPH and of dying from PPH-related consequences.

PMID- 28099750
TI  - Intrapartum fetal head circumference and estimated fetal weight as predictors of
      operative delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess intrapartum sonographic measurements of fetal head
      circumference (HC) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) to predict operative
      delivery. METHODS: In a prospective study, 200 spontaneously parturient
      primiparous women aged 20-30 years were enrolled at a teaching hospital in Cairo,
      Egypt, between October 2, 2015, and January 28, 2016. HC and EFW were measured by
      transabdominal ultrasonography. After delivery, the association between type of
      delivery and ultrasonography findings was assessed. RESULTS: Intrapartum HC and
      EFW were significantly higher among women with operative delivery (n=76) than
      among those with normal vaginal delivery (n=124; P<0.001 for both). Intrapartum
      HC of 36.8 cm or more was associated with an increased risk of operative delivery
      (relative risk [RR] 2.87, 95% CI 1.87-4.41), as was EFW of 3920 g or more (RR
      3.69, 95% CI 2.13-6.40). The area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curve was 0.807 and 0.748 for HC and EFW, respectively (P<0.001 for both). At
      36.8-cm cutoff, HC had 44.7% sensitivity, 91.9% specificity, 77.3% positive
      predictive value (PPV), and 73.1% negative predictive value (NPV). At 3920-g
      cutoff, EFW had 68.4% sensitivity, 82.3% specificity, 70.3% PPV, and 81.0% NPV.
      Intrapartum HC and EFW were directly correlated with second-stage duration
      (P=0.005 and 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Intrapartum HC and EFW seem to be
      good predictors of operative delivery.

PMID- 28099751
TI  - Postoperative anatomic and quality-of-life outcomes after vaginal
      sacrocolporectopexy for vaginal vault prolapse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess anatomic outcome and quality of life (QOL) after vaginal
      sacrocolporectopexy among patients with pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: A
      noncomparative observational study was conducted at Hanover Medical School,
      Germany, among patients who underwent vaginal sacrocolporectopexy for uterine or
      vaginal vault prolapse between May 1, 2006, and October 31, 2012. A validated
      German version of the Prolapse QOL (P-QOL) questionnaire was sent to eligible
      patients; respondents were invited for follow-up examination. RESULTS: Overall,
      128 patients were enrolled. Concomitant hysterectomy was performed among 82
      (64.1%) patients, anterior colporrhaphy among 105 (82.0%), and posterior
      colporrhaphy among 58 (45.3%). After a mean interval of 26.5 months (range 1.0
      81.3 months), seven patients exhibited recurrent vaginal vault prolapse of at
      least stage 2, giving a success rate of 92.3% (95% confidence interval 85.9%
      96.5%). The P-QOL scores were either low (<40) or very low (<20), indicating high
      QOL. Regarding symptoms related to pelvic organ prolapse, patients reported
      little or no impact on QOL after vaginal sacrocolporectopexy. CONCLUSION: Vaginal
      sacrocolporectopexy seemed safe and feasible, leading to anatomically correct
      fixation of the vaginal apex, high anatomic success rates, and good QOL. This
      procedure might be considered as an alternative to laparoscopic or abdominal
      sacrocolpopexy.

PMID- 28099752
TI  - Association between timing of elective cesarean delivery and adverse outcomes
      among women with at least two previous cesareans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of delivery at 37 weeks of pregnancy versus 38
      weeks or later on maternal and neonatal outcomes among women with multiple
      previous cesareans. METHODS: In a retrospective study, data were assessed from
      women with at least two previous cesareans who delivered by cesarean at 37 weeks
      of pregnancy or later at a tertiary referral hospital in Jordan between January
      2013 and November 2015. RESULTS: Among 886 eligible women, 505 (57.0%) delivered
      at 37 weeks (group 1) and 381 (43.0%) delivered at 38 weeks or later (group 2).
      There was no difference in intraoperative or postoperative complications between
      the two groups. In multivariate analysis, women in group 2 had lower odds of
      delivering neonates with respiratory distress syndrome than did those in group 1
      (adjusted odds ratio 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.5; P=0.046). However,
      neonatal jaundice was more common in group 2 (adjusted odds ratio 2.1, 95%
      confidence interval 1.7-2.7; P=0.035). CONCLUSION: Among women with multiple
      cesareans, delivery at 37 weeks was associated with increased risk of neonatal
      respiratory morbidity and decreased risk of neonatal jaundice, but not with a
      reduction in maternal complications, as compared with delivery at 38 weeks or
      later.

PMID- 28099753
TI  - Correlation between rapid HIV testing and fourth-generation ELISA results for HIV
      detection among pregnant patients in the delivery room.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the usefulness of rapid HIV testing in pregnant patients in
      the delivery room. METHODS: This prospective study compared a rapid test and a
      fourth-generation enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for HIV screening among
      pregnant patients admitted in labor with an unknown HIV status at a university
      hospital in Mexico between July 2015 and February 2016. Pearson correlation
      analysis was performed, and the diagnostic accuracy of the two tests was assessed
      with HIV RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference method. RESULTS:
      Overall, 534 patients were included. With a signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) value of 1.0
      or more as a diagnostic criterion, 6 (1.1%) patients had a positive ELISA result.
      Three had a negative rapid test and three had a positive test (r=0.705). With an
      S/CO value of 2.0 or more as cutoff, 4 (0.7%) patients had a positive ELISA
      result. Three had a positive rapid test and one had a negative test (r=0.865).
      Only three of six patients with an S/CO of 1.0 or more were confirmed to have HIV
      by RNA PCR. CONCLUSION: The rapid test showed a strong correlation with the
      fourth-generation ELISA. Therefore, rapid testing is a useful tool in the
      delivery room for patients with unknown HIV status.

PMID- 28099754
TI  - Addressing the Crisis in the Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Path Forward.
AB  - Considerable data and media attention have highlighted a potential "crisis" in
      the treatment of osteoporosis. Specifically, despite the availability of several
      effective drugs to prevent fractures, many patients who need pharmacological
      therapy are either not being prescribed these medications or if prescribed a
      medication, are simply not taking it. Although there are many reasons for this
      "gap" in the treatment of osteoporosis, a major factor is physician and patient
      concerns over the risk of side effects, especially atypical femur fractures
      (AFFs) related to bisphosphonate (and perhaps other antiresorptive) drug therapy.
      In this perspective, we review the current state of undertreatment of patients at
      increased fracture risk and suggest possible short-, intermediate-, and long-term
      approaches to address patient concerns, specifically those related to AFF risk.
      We suggest improved patient and physician education on prodromal symptoms,
      extended femur scans using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to monitor
      patients on antiresorptive treatment, better identification of high-risk patients
      perhaps using geometrical parameters from DXA and other risk factors, and more
      research on pharmacogenomics to identify risk markers. Although not the only
      impediment to appropriate treatment of osteoporosis, concern over AFFs remains a
      major issue and one that needs to be resolved for effective dissemination of
      existing treatments to reduce fracture risk. (c) 2017 American Society for Bone
      and Mineral Research.

PMID- 28099755
TI  - Comparing effects of insulin analogues and human insulin on nocturnal glycaemia
      in hypoglycaemia-prone people with Type 1 diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the difference between analogue and human insulin with regard to
      nocturnal glucose profiles and risk of hypoglycaemia in people with recurrent
      severe hypoglycaemia. METHODS: A total of 72 people [46 men, mean +/- sd age 54
      +/- 12 years, mean +/- sd HbA1c 65 +/- 12 mmol/mol (8.1 +/- 1.1%), mean +/- sd
      duration of diabetes 30 +/- 14 years], who participated in a 2-year randomized,
      crossover trial of basal-bolus therapy with insulin detemir/insulin aspart or
      human NPH insulin/human regular insulin (the HypoAna trial) were studied for 2
      nights during each treatment. Venous blood was drawn hourly during sleep. Primary
      endpoints were nocturnal glucose profiles and occurrence of hypoglycaemia (blood
      glucose <= 3.9 mmol/l). RESULTS: During insulin analogue treatment, the mean
      nocturnal plasma glucose level was significantly higher than during treatment
      with human insulin (10.6 vs 8.1 mmol/l). The fasting plasma glucose level was
      similar between the treatments. Nocturnal hypoglycaemia was registered during
      41/101 nights (41%) in the human insulin arm and 19/117 nights (16%) in the
      insulin analogue arm, corresponding to a hazard ratio of 0.26 (95% CI 0.14 to
      0.45; P < 0.0001) with insulin analogue. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with insulin
      analogue reduces the occurrence of nocturnal hypoglycaemia assessed by nocturnal
      glucose profiles in people with Type 1 diabetes prone to severe hypoglycaemia.
      Nocturnal glucose profiles provide a more comprehensive assessment of clinical
      benefit of insulin regimens as compared to conventional recording of
      hypoglycaemia.

PMID- 28099756
TI  - Levofloxacin effect on erlotinib absorption. Evaluation of the interaction in
      undernutrition situations through population pharmacokinetic analysis in rats.
AB  - The main objective of this study was to develop a pharmacokinetic model in order
      to describe the intestinal absorption of erlotinib in rat and to quantify the
      interaction of levofloxacin on this process in well- and under-nourished rats.
      Absorption studies were performed in male Wistar rats. Concentration-time
      profiles in proximal and distal intestine were analysed through non-linear mixed
      effect modelling using the NONMEM software version 7.3. Simulations were
      performed in order to explore the influence of covariates on the apparent
      absorption rate constant. A passive absorption and an active secretion process
      best-described erlotinib absorption from lumen to enterocyte. The developed model
      indicates that levofloxacin exerts an inhibition on erlotinib efflux transporters
      of the gut epithelium. Undernourishment proved to significantly decrease the
      maximum capacity of the secretion process. Simulations evidenced that erlotinib
      absorption only takes place at high enough drug concentrations to overcome the
      effect of efflux transporters. On the other hand, when levofloxacin is present in
      the intestinal lumen of undernourished rats, erlotinib drug absorption takes
      place even at low erlotinib concentrations. In the clinical setting, this
      interaction may result in increased exposure to erlotinib, especially in
      undernourished cancer patients. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28099757
TI  - Quality of Memories in Women Abused by Their Intimate Partner: Analysis of
      Traumatic and Nontraumatic Narratives.
AB  - Traditional models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) claim that the high
      emotional intensity of traumatic events leads to deficits in the voluntary access
      of traumatic memories. This may result in disorganized narratives, with a high
      sense of emotional and sensory reliving. Alternatively, the basic mechanisms view
      suggests that high arousal leads to more available involuntary and voluntary
      memories. Traumatic narratives would not be impaired; indeed, they would be
      immersive and rich in detail. To test this perspective, this study compared the
      trauma narratives of 50 battered women (trauma-exposed group) with narratives
      about positive experiences and narratives of 50 nonexposed women (controls), and
      analyzed the relationship between trauma narrative aspects and the severity of
      PTSD. Results showed that trauma narratives were detailed, oriented, and
      coherent. Affective process words and emotional tone were related to trauma
      centrality and anxiety during disclosure, and predicted the severity of PTSD (R2
      = .26). These variables, together with the use of present tense verbs, accounted
      for a significant variance in intrusions (R2 = .34). As hypothesized, narrative
      aspects related to a sense of reliving and narrative immersion were better
      predictors of PTSD than aspects reflecting impaired access to voluntary traumatic
      memories.

PMID- 28099758
TI  - Melatonin alleviates cadmium-induced liver injury by inhibiting the TXNIP-NLRP3
      inflammasome.
AB  - Cadmium (Cd) is a persistent environmental and occupational contaminant that
      accumulates in the liver and induces oxidative stress and inflammation. Melatonin
      possesses potent hepatoprotective properties against the development and
      progression of acute and chronic liver injury. Nevertheless, the molecular
      mechanism underlying the protective effects of melatonin against Cd-induced
      hepatotoxicity remains obscure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the
      effects of melatonin on Cd-induced liver inflammation and hepatocyte death. Male
      C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with melatonin (10 mg/kg) once a day
      for 3 days before exposure to CdCl2 (2.0 mg/kg). We found that Cd induced
      hepatocellular damage and inflammatory infiltration as well as increased serum
      ALT/AST enzymes. In addition, we showed that Cd triggered an inflammatory cell
      death, which is mediated by the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3
      (NLRP3) inflammasome. Moreover, melatonin treatment significantly alleviated Cd
      induced liver injury by decreasing serum ALT/AST levels, suppressing pro
      inflammatory cytokine production, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation,
      ameliorating oxidative stress, and attenuating hepatocyte death. Most
      importantly, melatonin markedly abrogated Cd-induced TXNIP overexpression and
      decreased the interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 in vivo and in vitro. However,
      treatment with siRNA targeting TXNIP blocked the protective effects of melatonin
      in Cd-treated primary hepatocytes. Collectively, our results suggest that
      melatonin confers protection against Cd-induced liver inflammation and hepatocyte
      death via inhibition of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

PMID- 28099759
TI  - Usefulness of the WHO C-Model to optimize the cesarean delivery rate in a
      tertiary hospital setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess use of the C-Model in a tertiary hospital setting in terms
      of its validity and utility for optimizing the cesarean delivery (CD) rate.
      METHODS: A prospective observational study included women admitted for delivery
      at a university teaching hospital in Assiut, Egypt, in 2015. The women were asked
      about the demographic and obstetric information needed to calculate the
      probability of CD using the WHO C-Model. A receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) curve comparing the predicted and observed CD rates was constructed. In
      addition, the mean predicted CD rates were compared with the mean observed CD
      rates in the 10 groups of the Robson classification. RESULTS: In total, 1000
      women were recruited; 38.6% had a previous CD and 13.5% had complications during
      the current pregnancy. The final mode of delivery was vaginal delivery in 38.7%
      and CD in 61.3%; the predicted CD rate for this cohort was 45.0%. The area under
      the ROC curve was 0.928 (95% confidence interval 0.912-0.945). Comparison of the
      predicted and observed CD rates in the 10 Robson groups showed an overuse of CD
      ranging from 2% to 50%. CONCLUSION: The WHO C-Model is valid and can be used in
      hospital settings to optimize CD rates.

PMID- 28099760
TI  - Clinical, behavioural and social indicators for poor glycaemic control around the
      time of transfer to adult care: a longitudinal study of 126 young people with
      diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: To describe and compare changes in glycaemic control in young people with
      Type 1 diabetes over time between the last 2 years in paediatric care and the
      first 2 years in adult care and to identify risk factors for poor glycaemic
      control. METHODS: Our retrospective cohort study followed participants aged 14-22
      years from 2 years before to 2 years after transfer from paediatric to adult
      care. Changes in glycaemic control were calculated using repeated measurements.
      We adjusted for gender, age at diabetes onset, age at transfer, duration of
      diabetes at transfer, gap (amount of time) between last paediatric and first
      adult visit, comorbidity, learning disability and/or mental health conditions and
      family structure. We examined associations between acute hospital admissions, low
      visit attendance rate, loss to follow-up and baseline HbA1c level. RESULTS: Among
      126 participants, the mean HbA1c level was 80 mmol/mol (9.4%) pre-transfer but
      decreased by an average of 3 mmol/mol (0.3%) each year post-transfer (P = 0.005).
      Young people with a learning disability and/or a mental health condition had
      worse glycaemic control (P = 0.041) and the mean HbA1c of those with divorced
      parents was 14 mmol/mol (1.2%) higher (P = 0.014). Almost one-third of
      participants were admitted to the hospital for acute diabetes care. Low visit
      attendance rate, high baseline HbA1c level, learning disability and/or mental
      health conditions and divorced parents predicted acute hospital admissions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Glycaemic control improved significantly after transfer to adult
      care, but the mean HbA1c level remained high. Future interventions should focus
      on young people with divorced parents, those with a learning disability and/or
      mental health condition and those who do not attend clinical visits to improve
      HbA1c levels and thereby reduce hospitalization rates.

PMID- 28099761
TI  - Size structuring and allometric scaling relationships in coral reef fishes.
AB  - Temperate marine fish communities are often size-structured, with predators
      consuming increasingly larger prey and feeding at higher trophic levels as they
      grow. Gape limitation and ontogenetic diet shifts are key mechanisms by which
      size structuring arises in these communities. Little is known, however, about
      size structuring in coral reef fishes. Here, we aimed to advance understanding of
      size structuring in coral reef food webs by examining the evidence for these
      mechanisms in two groups of reef predators. Given the diversity of feeding modes
      amongst coral reef fishes, we also compared gape size-body size allometric
      relationships across functional groups to determine whether they are reliable
      indicators of size structuring. We used gut content analysis and quantile
      regressions of predator size-prey size relationships to test for evidence of gape
      limitation and ontogenetic niche shifts in reef piscivores (n = 13 species) and
      benthic invertivores (n = 3 species). We then estimated gape size-body size
      allometric scaling coefficients for 21 different species from four functional
      groups, including herbivores/detritivores, which are not expected to be gape
      limited. We found evidence of both mechanisms for size structuring in coral reef
      piscivores, with maximum prey size scaling positively with predator body size,
      and ontogenetic diet shifts including prey type and expansion of prey size. There
      was, however, little evidence of size structuring in benthic invertivores. Across
      species and functional groups, absolute and relative gape sizes were largest in
      piscivores as expected, but gape size-body size scaling relationships were not
      indicative of size structuring. Instead, relative gape sizes and mouth
      morphologies may be better indicators. Our results provide evidence that coral
      reef piscivores are size-structured and that gape limitation and ontogenetic
      niche shifts are the mechanisms from which this structure arises. Although gape
      allometry was not indicative of size structuring, it may have implications for
      ecosystem function: positively allometric gape size-body size scaling
      relationships in herbivores/detritivores suggests that loss of large-bodied
      individuals of these species will have a disproportionately negative impact on
      reef grazing pressure.

PMID- 28099762
TI  - Human transporters, PEPT1/2, facilitate melatonin transportation into
      mitochondria of cancer cells: An implication of the therapeutic potential.
AB  - Melatonin is present in virtually all organisms from bacteria to mammals, and it
      exhibits a broad spectrum of biological functions, including synchronization of
      circadian rhythms and oncostatic activity. Several functions of melatonin are
      mediated by its membrane receptors, but others are receptor-independent. For the
      latter, melatonin is required to penetrate membrane and enters intracellular
      compartments. However, the mechanism by which melatonin enters cells remains
      debatable. In this study, it was identified that melatonin and its sulfation
      metabolites were the substrates of oligopeptide transporter (PEPT) 1/2 and
      organic anion transporter (OAT) 3, respectively. The docking analysis showed that
      the binding of melatonin to PEPT1/2 was attributed to their low binding energy
      and suitable binding conformation in which melatonin was embedded in the active
      site of PEPT1/2 and fitted well with the cavity in three-dimensional space.
      PEPT1/2 transporters play a pivotal role in melatonin uptake in cells.
      Melatonin's membrane transportation via PEPT1/2 renders its oncostatic effect in
      malignant cells. For the first time, PEPT1/2 were identified to localize in the
      mitochondrial membrane of human cancer cell lines of PC3 and U118. PEPT1/2
      facilitated the transportation of melatonin into mitochondria. Melatonin
      accumulation in mitochondria induced apoptosis of PC3 and U118 cells. Thus,
      PEPT1/2 can potentially be used as a cancer cell-targeted melatonin delivery
      system to improve the therapeutic effects of melatonin in cancer treatment.

PMID- 28099763
TI  - The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, team-based approach to cesarean
      hysterectomy in modern obstetric practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, team-based
      approach to management of cesarean hysterectomy. METHODS: In a retrospective
      chart review, data were analyzed from a quality assurance database of
      hysterectomies performed after cesarean delivery at one institution in the USA.
      Patients were identified through billing codes for cesarean delivery, cross
      referenced to codes for hysterectomy. Demographic, reproductive, and outcome data
      were compared before (2000-2005) and after (2011-2013) implementation of a
      multidisciplinary team-based protocol. RESULTS: Across the two study periods, 107
      cesarean hysterectomies were identified (69 pre-implementation, 38 post
      implementation). In univariate analysis, the post-implementation group had fewer
      days in surgical intensive care than did the pre-implementation group (0.21 +/-
      0.41 vs 1.04 +/- 2.44 days; P=0.011), and a lower frequency of febrile morbidity
      (4 [11%] vs 22 [32%]; P=0.033]. In multivariate analysis with adjustment for
      potential confounders, the likelihood of postoperative febrile morbidity was
      higher during the pre-implementation than the post-implementation period
      (adjusted odds ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.09-13.65; P=0.048).
      CONCLUSION: Outcomes were improved after the multidisciplinary team-based
      approach to cesarean hysterectomy was implemented. Team-based approaches to care
      of women undergoing cesarean hysterectomy are important to improve outcomes.

PMID- 28099764
TI  - The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: A Revision Integrating Existential and
      Spiritual Change.
AB  - Spiritual Change (SC) is one of 5 domains of posttraumatic growth (PTG). The
      current Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) assesses this area of growth with
      only 2 items, one focusing on religiosity and the other focusing on spiritual
      understanding. The addition of 4 newly developed spiritual-existential change
      (SEC) items, creating an expanded PTGI (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-X),
      reflects a diversity of perspectives on spiritual-existential experiences that
      are represented in different cultures. Samples were obtained from 3 countries:
      the United States (n = 250), Turkey (n = 502), and Japan (n = 314). Analyses
      indicated that the newly added items capture additional experiences of growth
      outside traditional religious concepts, yet still are correlated with the
      original SC items, especially in the U.S. and Turkish samples. Relationships of
      the PTGI-X to established predictors of PTG, event-related rumination, and core
      beliefs, were as predicted in all 3 countries. The new 6-item SEC factor
      demonstrated high internal reliability, and the 5-factor structure of the
      expanded scale was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The resulting 25
      item PTGI-X can be used as a validated instrument in a wide range of samples in
      which traditional religious beliefs are less dominant.

PMID- 28099765
TI  - When and why does sex chromosome dosage compensation evolve?
AB  - In many species, sex is determined by sex chromosomes, and the sex-specific
      chromosome (Y or W) stops recombining until it degenerates and carries fewer
      genes than its recombining counterpart (X or Z). This creates an imbalance in the
      dosage of most sex-linked genes between males and females. Early work in model
      organisms demonstrated that X chromosomes in multiple groups independently
      evolved regulatory mechanisms maintaining balanced expression of X-linked genes.
      However, recent studies have shown that these dosage compensation mechanisms are
      far from universal. It remains unclear why dosage compensation mechanisms evolved
      in some groups of organisms and not others. Two factors have led to confusion in
      this area: first, different authors sometimes define dosage compensation in
      different ways; second, dosage compensation is sometimes viewed as an all-or
      nothing phenomenon, even though it may vary across cell types, developmental
      stages, and different classes of genes. Here, I discuss current approaches to
      testing for sex chromosome dosage compensation and highlight patterns in the
      phylogenetic distribution of dosage compensation mechanisms and possible
      explanations for those patterns. I conclude by outlining how the presence of
      dosage compensation can be tested in nearly any nonmodel organism and provide
      some recommendations for future studies.

PMID- 28099766
TI  - High Salinity Relaying to Reduce Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in
      Chesapeake Bay Oysters (Crassostrea virginica).
AB  - Cases of Vibrio infections in the United States have tripled from 1996 to 2009
      and these infections are most often associated with the consumption of seafood,
      particularly oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Information is needed on how to
      reduce numbers of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in bi-valve
      molluscan shellfish (for example, oysters). The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the effectiveness of high salinity relaying or treatment in
      recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) as methods to reduce the abundance of V.
      parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus in oysters. For relaying field trials, oysters
      were collected from approved harvest waters, temperature abused outside under a
      tarp for 4 h, and then transferred to high (29 to 33 ppt.) and moderate (12 to 19
      ppt.) salinities. For RAS treatment trial, oysters were transferred to 32 to 34
      ppt. salinity at 15  degrees C. After 7, 14, 21, and in some instances 28 d,
      oysters were collected and analyzed for V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus
      levels using multiplex real-time PCR. Initial levels of V. parahaemolyticus and
      V. vulnificus ranged from 3.70 to 5.64 log10 MPN/g, and were reduced by 2 to 5
      logs after 21 to 28 d in high salinity water (29 to 34 ppt.). Oyster mortalities
      averaged 4% or less, and did not exceed 7%. Relaying of oysters to high salinity
      field sites or transfer to high salinity RAS tanks was more effective in reducing
      V. vulnificus compared with V. parahaemolyticus. These results suggest that high
      salinity relaying of oysters is more effective in reducing V. vulnificus than V.
      parahaemolyticus in the oyster species used in this study.

PMID- 28099767
TI  - A Comparative Study of Phenolic Antioxidant Activity and Flavonoid Biosynthesis
      Related Gene Expression Between Summer and Winter Strawberry Cultivars.
AB  - Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) possesses good antioxidant properties.
      Phenolic compounds in strawberries, such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, mainly
      act as antioxidants. This study aimed to compare the phenolic content and
      expression patterns of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis between summer
      and winter strawberry cultivars affected by seasonal variation, degree of
      ripeness, and genotype. Antioxidant activity and the total content of phenols and
      flavonoids decreased with fruit ripening. Most notably, summer strawberry
      cultivars showed higher antioxidant activity than winter cultivars. The
      expression patterns of flavonoid biosynthetic genes tested were cultivar
      dependent and were also affected by ripening. These results help us understand
      the nutritional and physiological characteristics of selected cultivars and
      provide a range of information for strawberry consumption.

PMID- 28099768
TI  - Effects of Metmyoglobin Reducing Activity and Thermal Stability of NADH-Dependent
      Reductase and Lactate Dehydrogenase on Premature Browning in Ground Beef.
AB  - Premature browning is a condition wherein ground beef exhibits a well-done
      appearance before reaching the USDA recommended internal cooked meat temperature
      of 71.1  degrees C; however, the mechanism is unclear. The objectives of this
      study were: (1) to determine the effects of packaging and temperature on
      metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA) of cooked ground beef patties and (2) to
      assess the effects of temperature and pH on thermal stability of NADH-dependent
      reductase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) in-vitro. Beef
      patties (lean: fat = 85:15) were packaged in high-oxygen modified atmosphere
      (HiOX-MAP) or vacuum (VP) and cooked to either 65 or 71  degrees C. Internal meat
      color and MRA of both raw and cooked patties were determined. Purified NADH
      dependent reductase and LDH were used to determine the effects of pH and
      temperature on enzyme activity. MRA of cooked patties was temperature and
      packaging dependent (P < 0.05). Vacuum packaged patties cooked to 71  degrees C
      had greater (P < 0.05) MRA than HiOX-MAP counterparts. Thermal stability of
      OxyMb, NADH-dependent reductase, and LDH were different and pH-dependent. LDH was
      able to generate NADH at 84  degrees C; whereas NADH-dependent reductase was
      least stable to heat. The results suggest that patties have MRA at cooking
      temperatures, which can influence cooked meat color.

PMID- 28099769
TI  - Persistent Serious Mental Illness Among Former Applicants for VA PTSD Disability
      Benefits and Long-Term Outcomes: Symptoms, Functioning, and Employment.
AB  - : Millions of U.S. veterans have returned from military service with
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for which a substantial number receive U.S.
      Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits. Although PTSD is
      treatable, comorbid serious mental illness (defined here as schizophrenia,
      schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar spectrum disorders) could complicate these
      veterans' recovery. Using VA administrative data, we examined the burden of
      persistent serious mental illness in a nationally representative cohort of 1,067
      men and 1,513 women who applied for VA PTSD disability benefits between 1994 and
      1998 and served during or after the Vietnam conflict. Self-reported outcomes were
      restricted to the 713 men and 1,015 women who returned surveys at each of 3
      collection points. More than 10.0% of men and 20.0% of women had persistent
      serious mental illness; of these, more than 80.0% also had persistent PTSD. On
      repeated measures modeling, those with persistent serious mental illness
      consistently reported more severe PTSD symptoms and poorer functioning in
      comparison to other participants (ps < .001); their employment rate did not
      exceed 21.0%. Interactions between persistent serious mental illness and PTSD
      were significant only for employment (p = .002). Persistent serious mental
      illness in this population was almost 2 to 19 times higher than in the general
      U.S. POPULATION: The implications of these findings are discussed.

PMID- 28099770
TI  - Cryptic lineages of a common alpine mayfly show strong life-history divergence.
AB  - Understanding ecological divergence of morphologically similar but genetically
      distinct species - previously considered as a single morphospecies - is of key
      importance in evolutionary ecology and conservation biology. Despite their
      morphological similarity, cryptic species may have evolved distinct adaptations.
      If such ecological divergence is unaccounted for, any predictions about their
      responses to environmental change and biodiversity loss may be biased. We used
      spatio-temporally replicated field surveys of larval cohort structure and
      population genetic analyses (using nuclear microsatellite markers) to test for
      life-history divergence between two cryptic lineages of the alpine mayfly Baetis
      alpinus in the Swiss Alps. We found that the more widespread and abundant cryptic
      lineage represents a 'generalist' with at least two cohorts per year, whereas the
      less abundant lineage is restricted to higher elevations and represents a
      'specialist' with a single cohort per year. Importantly, our results indicate
      partial temporal segregation in reproductive periods between these lineages,
      potentially facilitating local coexistence and reproductive isolation. Taken
      together, our findings emphasize the need for a taxonomic revision: widespread
      and apparently generalist morphospecies can hide cryptic lineages with much
      narrower ecological niches and distribution ranges.

PMID- 28099771
TI  - Purging putative siblings from population genetic data sets: a cautionary view.
AB  - : Interest has surged recently in removing siblings from population genetic data
      sets before conducting downstream analyses. However, even if the pedigree is
      inferred correctly, this has the potential to do more harm than good. We used
      computer simulations and empirical samples of coho salmon to evaluate strategies
      for adjusting samples to account for family structure. We compared performance in
      full samples and sibling-reduced samples of estimators of allele frequency (P^),
      population differentiation (F^ST) and effective population size (N^e). RESULTS:
      (i) unless simulated samples included large family groups together with a
      component of unrelated individuals, removing siblings generally reduced precision
      of P^ and F^ST; (ii) N^e based on the linkage disequilibrium method was largely
      unbiased using full random samples but became increasingly upwardly biased under
      aggressive purging of siblings. Under nonrandom sampling (some families over
      represented), N^e using full samples was downwardly biased; removing just the
      right 'Goldilocks' fraction of siblings could produce an unbiased estimate, but
      this sweet spot varied widely among scenarios; (iii) weighting individuals based
      on the inferred pedigree (to produce a best linear unbiased estimator, BLUE)
      maximized precision of P^ when the inferred pedigree was correct but performed
      poorly when the pedigree was wrong; (iv) a variant of sibling removal that leaves
      intact small sibling groups appears to be more robust to errors in inferences
      about family structure. Our results illustrate the complex challenges posed by
      presence of family structure, suggest that no single optimal solution exists and
      argue for caution in adjusting population genetic data sets for the presence of
      putative siblings without fully understanding the consequences.

PMID- 28099772
TI  - Exploring the symbiont diversity of ancient western redcedars: arbuscular
      mycorrhizal fungi of long-lived hosts.
AB  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are globally distributed, monophyletic root
      symbionts with ancient origins. Their contribution to carbon cycling and nutrient
      dynamics is ecologically important, given their obligate association with over
      70% of vascular plant species. Current understanding of AMF species richness and
      community structure is based primarily on studies of grasses, herbs and
      agricultural crops, typically in disturbed environments. Few studies have
      considered AMF interactions with long-lived woody perennial species in
      undisturbed ecosystems. Here we examined AMF communities associated with roots
      and soils of young, mature and old western redcedar (Thuja plicata) at two sites
      in the old-growth temperate rainforests of British Columbia. Due to the unique
      biology of AMF, community richness and structure were assessed using a
      conservative, clade-based approach. We found 91 AMF OTUs across all samples, with
      significantly greater AMF richness in the southern site, but no differences in
      richness along the host chronosequence at either site. All host age classes
      harboured AMF communities that were overdispersed (more different to each other
      than expected by chance), with young tree communities most resembling old tree
      communities. A comparison with similar clade richness data obtained from the
      literature indicates that western redcedar AMF communities are as rich as those
      of grasses, tropical trees and palms. Our examination of undisturbed temperate
      old-growth rainforests suggests that priority effects, rather than succession,
      are an important aspect of AMF community assembly in this ecosystem.

PMID- 28099773
TI  - Comparison of green and albino individuals of the partially mycoheterotrophic
      orchid Epipactis helleborine on molecular identities of mycorrhizal fungi,
      nutritional modes and gene expression in mycorrhizal roots.
AB  - Some green orchids obtain carbon from their mycorrhizal fungi, as well as from
      photosynthesis. These partially mycoheterotrophic orchids sometimes produce fully
      achlorophyllous, leaf-bearing (albino) variants. Comparing green and albino
      individuals of these orchids will help to uncover the molecular mechanisms
      associated with mycoheterotrophy. We compared green and albino Epipactis
      helleborine by molecular barcoding of mycorrhizal fungi, nutrient sources based
      on 15 N and 13 C abundances and gene expression in their mycorrhizae by RNA-seq
      and cDNA de novo assembly. Molecular identification of mycorrhizal fungi showed
      that green and albino E. helleborine harboured similar mycobionts, mainly
      Wilcoxina. Stable isotope analyses indicated that albino E. helleborine plants
      were fully mycoheterotrophic, whereas green individuals were partially
      mycoheterotrophic. Gene expression analyses showed that genes involved in
      antioxidant metabolism were upregulated in the albino variants, which indicates
      that these plants experience greater oxidative stress than the green variants,
      possibly due to a more frequent lysis of intracellular pelotons. It was also
      found that some genes involved in the transport of some metabolites, including
      carbon sources from plant to fungus, are higher in albino than in green variants.
      This result may indicate a bidirectional carbon flow even in the
      mycoheterotrophic symbiosis. The genes related to mycorrhizal symbiosis in
      autotrophic orchids and arbuscular mycorrhizal plants were also upregulated in
      the albino variants, indicating the existence of common molecular mechanisms
      among the different mycorrhizal types.

PMID- 28099774
TI  - Drivers of soil and tree carbon dynamics in urban residential lawns: a modeling
      approach.
AB  - Soils constitute the largest sink of terrestrial carbon (C), and urban soils have
      the potential to provide significant soil C storage. Soils in urbanized
      landscapes experience a multitude of human alterations, such as compaction and
      management subsidies, that impact soil C dynamics. While field studies may
      provide data on urban soil C storage, modeling soil C dynamics under various
      human impact scenarios will provide a basis for identifying drivers of urban soil
      C dynamics and for predicting the potential for these highly altered soils to
      store C over time intervals not typically amenable to empirical validation. The
      goal of this study was to model soil C dynamics in residential lawns using
      CENTURY, a dynamic mechanistic model, to determine whether drivers of soil C
      dynamics in natural systems (e.g., soil texture) were equally useful for
      estimating soil C content of highly modified soils in urban residential areas.
      Without incorporating human impacts, we found no relationship between initial
      CENTURY model simulations and observed soil C (P > 0.05). Factors that best
      explained soil C accumulation for the observed soil C (bulk density, r2  = 0.30;
      home age, r2  = 0.37; P < 0.01) differed from those found important for the
      CENTURY model simulations (percent sand, r2  = 0.72, P < 0.001). Therefore, we
      conducted a modeling exercise to test whether simulating potential construction
      disturbance and lawn management practices would improve modeled soil and tree C.
      We found that incorporating these factors did improve CENTURY's ability to model
      soil and tree C (P < 0.001). The results from this analysis suggest that
      incorporating various human disturbances and management practices that occur in
      urban landscapes into CENTURY model runs will improve its ability to predict
      urban soil C dynamics, at least within a 100-yr time frame. Thus, enhancing our
      ability to provide recommendations for management and development practices that
      result in increasing urban soil C storage.

PMID- 28099775
TI  - The population genomic signature of environmental association and gene flow in an
      ecologically divergent tree species Metrosideros polymorpha (Myrtaceae).
AB  - Genomewide markers enable us to study genetic differentiation within a species
      and the factors underlying it at a much higher resolution than before, which
      advances our understanding of adaptation in organisms. We investigated genomic
      divergence in Metrosideros polymorpha, a woody species that occupies a wide range
      of ecological habitats across the Hawaiian Islands and shows remarkable
      phenotypic variation. Using 1659 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers
      annotated with the genome assembly, we examined the population genetic structure
      and demographic history of nine populations across five elevations and two ages
      of substrates on Mauna Loa, the island of Hawaii. The nine populations were
      differentiated into two genetic clusters distributed on the lower and higher
      elevations and were largely admixed on the middle elevation. Demographic
      modelling revealed that the two genetic clusters have been maintained in the face
      of gene flow, and the effective population size of the high-altitude cluster was
      much smaller. A FST -based outlier search among the 1659 SNPs revealed that 34
      SNPs (2.05%) were likely to be under divergent selection and the allele
      frequencies of 21 of them were associated with environmental changes along
      elevations, such as temperature and precipitation. This study shows a genomic
      mosaic of M. polymorpha, in which contrasting divergence patterns were found.
      While most genomic polymorphisms were shared among populations, a small fraction
      of the genome was significantly differentiated between populations in diverse
      environments and could be responsible for the dramatic adaptation to a wide range
      of environments.

PMID- 28099776
TI  - Understanding the Connection Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and
      Respiratory Problems: Contributions of Anxiety Sensitivity.
AB  - Respiratory problems and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the signature
      health consequences associated with the September 11, 2001 (9/11), World Trade
      Center disaster and frequently co-occur. The reasons for this comorbidity,
      however, remain unknown. Anxiety sensitivity is a transdiagnostic trait that is
      associated with both PTSD and respiratory symptoms. The present study explored
      whether anxiety sensitivity could explain the experience of respiratory symptoms
      in trauma-exposed smokers with PTSD symptoms. Participants (N = 135; Mage = 49.18
      years, SD = 10.01) were 9/11-exposed daily smokers. Cross-sectional self-report
      measures were used to assess PTSD symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, and respiratory
      symptoms. After controlling for covariates and PTSD symptoms, anxiety sensitivity
      accounted for significant additional variance in respiratory symptoms (DeltaR2 =
      .04 to .08). This effect was specific to the somatic concerns dimension (beta =
      .29, p = .020); somatic concerns contributed significantly to accounting for the
      overlap between PTSD and respiratory symptoms, b = 0.03, 95% CI [0.01, 0.07].
      These findings suggest that the somatic dimension of anxiety sensitivity is
      important in understanding respiratory symptoms in individuals with PTSD
      symptoms. These findings also suggest that it may be critical to address anxiety
      sensitivity when treating patients with comorbid respiratory problems and PTSD.

PMID- 28099777
TI  - Positive selection on sperm ion channels in a brooding brittle star: consequence
      of life-history traits evolution.
AB  - Closely related species are key models to investigate mechanisms leading to
      reproductive isolation and early stages of diversification, also at the genomic
      level. The brittle star cryptic species complex Ophioderma longicauda encompasses
      the sympatric broadcast-spawning species C3 and the internal brooding species C5.
      Here, we used de novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly in two closely
      related species displaying contrasting reproductive modes to compare their
      genetic diversity and to investigate the role of natural selection in
      reproductive isolation. We reconstructed 20 146 and 22 123 genes for C3 and C5,
      respectively, and characterized a set of 12 229 orthologs. Genetic diversity was
      1.5-2 times higher in C3 compared to C5, confirming that species with low
      parental investment display higher levels of genetic diversity. Forty-eight genes
      were the targets of positive diversifying selection during the evolution of the
      two species. Notably, two genes (NHE and TetraKCNG) are sperm-specific ion
      channels involved in sperm motility. Ancestral sequence reconstructions show that
      natural selection targeted the two genes in the brooding species. This may result
      from an adaptation to the novel environmental conditions surrounding sperm in the
      brooding species, either directly affecting sperm or via an increase in
      male/female conflict. This phenomenon could have promoted prezygotic reproductive
      isolation between C3 and C5. Finally, the sperm receptors to egg chemoattractants
      differed between C3 and C5 in the ligand-binding region. We propose that
      mechanisms of species-specific gamete recognition in brittle stars occur during
      sperm chemotaxis (sperm attraction towards the eggs), contrary to other marine
      invertebrates where prezygotic barriers to interspecific hybridization typically
      occur before sperm-egg fusion.

PMID- 28099779
TI  - Trapped within the city: integrating demography, time since isolation and
      population-specific traits to assess the genetic effects of urbanization.
AB  - Urbanization is a severe form of habitat fragmentation that can cause many
      species to be locally extirpated and many others to become trapped and isolated
      within an urban matrix. The role of drift in reducing genetic diversity and
      increasing genetic differentiation is well recognized in urban populations.
      However, explicit incorporation and analysis of the demographic and temporal
      factors promoting drift in urban environments are poorly studied. Here, we
      genotyped 15 microsatellites in 320 fire salamanders from the historical city of
      Oviedo (Est. 8th century) to assess the effects of time since isolation,
      demographic history (historical effective population size; Ne ) and patch size on
      genetic diversity, population structure and contemporary Ne . Our results
      indicate that urban populations of fire salamanders are highly differentiated,
      most likely due to the recent Ne declines, as calculated in coalescence analyses,
      concomitant with the urban development of Oviedo. However, urbanization only
      caused a small loss of genetic diversity. Regression modelling showed that patch
      size was positively associated with contemporary Ne , while we found only
      moderate support for the effects of demographic history when excluding
      populations with unresolved history. This highlights the interplay between
      different factors in determining current genetic diversity and structure.
      Overall, the results of our study on urban populations of fire salamanders
      provide some of the very first insights into the mechanisms affecting changes in
      genetic diversity and population differentiation via drift in urban environments,
      a crucial subject in a world where increasing urbanization is forecasted.

PMID- 28099778
TI  - Pseudozyma and other non-Candida opportunistic yeast bloodstream infections in a
      large stem cell transplant center.
AB  - Non-Candida opportunistic yeasts are emerging causes of bloodstream infection
      (BSI) in immunocompromised hosts. However, their clinical presentation,
      management, and outcomes in stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients are not well
      described. We report the first case to our knowledge of Pseudozyma BSI in a SCT
      recipient. He had evidence of cutaneous involvement, which has not been
      previously described in the literature. He became infected while neutropenic and
      receiving empiric micafungin, which is notable because Pseudozyma is reported to
      be resistant to echinocandins. He was successfully treated with the sequential
      use of liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole. A review of the literature
      revealed nine reported instances of Pseudozyma fungemia. We performed a
      retrospective review of 3557 SCT recipients at our institution from January 2000
      to June 2015 and identified four additional cases of non-Candida yeast BSIs.
      These include two with Cryptococcus, one with Trichosporon, and one with
      Saccharomyces. Pseudozyma and other non-Candida yeasts are emerging pathogens
      that can cause severe and disseminated infections in SCT recipients and other
      immunocompromised hosts. Clinicians should have a high degree of suspicion for
      echinocandin-resistant yeasts, if patients develop breakthrough yeast BSIs while
      receiving echinocandin therapy.

PMID- 28099780
TI  - The genetic architecture of defence as resistance to and tolerance of bacterial
      infection in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Defence against pathogenic infection can take two forms: resistance and
      tolerance. Resistance is the ability of the host to limit a pathogen burden,
      whereas tolerance is the ability to limit the negative consequences of infection
      at a given level of infection intensity. Evolutionarily, a tolerance strategy
      that is independent of resistance could allow the host to avoid mounting a costly
      immune response and, theoretically, to avoid a co-evolutionary arms race between
      pathogen virulence and host resistance. Biomedically, understanding the
      mechanisms of tolerance and how they relate to resistance could potentially yield
      treatment strategies that focus on health improvement instead of pathogen
      elimination. To understand the impact of tolerance on host defence and identify
      genetic variants that determine host tolerance, we defined genetic variation in
      tolerance as the residual deviation from a binomial regression of fitness under
      infection against infection intensity. We then performed a genomewide association
      study to map the genetic basis of variation in resistance to and tolerance of
      infection by the bacterium Providencia rettgeri. We found a positive genetic
      correlation between resistance and tolerance, and we demonstrated that the level
      of resistance is highly predictive of tolerance. We identified 30 loci that
      predict tolerance, many of which are in genes involved in the regulation of
      immunity and metabolism. We used RNAi to confirm that a subset of mapped genes
      have a role in defence, including putative wound repair genes grainy head and
      debris buster. Our results indicate that tolerance is not an independent strategy
      from resistance, but that defence arises from a collection of physiological
      processes intertwined with canonical immunity and resistance.

PMID- 28099781
TI  - Old Drug Scaffold, New Activity: Thalidomide-Correlated Compounds Exert Different
      Effects on Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Progression.
AB  - Thalidomide was first used for relief of morning sickness in pregnant women and
      then withdrawn from the market because of its dramatic effects on normal fetal
      development. Over the last decades, it has been used successfully for the
      treatment of several pathologies, including cancer. Many analogues with improved
      activity have been synthesized and tested. Herein we report some effects on the
      growth and progression of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by a small
      series of thalidomide-correlated compounds, which are very effective at inducing
      cancer cell death by triggering TNFalpha-mediated apoptosis. The most active
      compounds are able to drastically reduce the migration of breast cancer cells by
      regulation of the two major proteins involved in epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT): vimentin and E-cadherin. Moreover, these compounds diminish the
      intracellular biosynthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is
      primarily involved in the promotion of angiogenesis, sustaining tumor
      progression. The multiple features of these compounds that act on various key
      points of the tumorigenesis process make them good candidates for preclinical
      studies.

PMID- 28099782
TI  - Back to basics: using colour polymorphisms to study evolutionary processes.
AB  - Here, I suggest that colour polymorphic study systems have been underutilized to
      answer general questions about evolutionary processes, such as morph frequency
      dynamics between generations and population divergence in morph frequencies.
      Colour polymorphisms can be used to study fundamental evolutionary processes like
      frequency-dependent selection, gene flow, recombination and correlational
      selection for adaptive character combinations. However, many previous studies of
      colour polymorphism often suffer from weak connections to population genetic
      theory. I argue that too much focus has been directed towards noticeable visual
      traits (colour) at the expense of understanding the evolutionary processes
      shaping genetic variation and covariation associated with polymorphisms in
      general. There is thus no need for a specific evolutionary theory for colour
      polymorphisms beyond the general theory of the maintenance of polymorphisms in
      spatially or temporally variable environments or through positive or negative
      frequency-dependent selection. I outline an integrative research programme
      incorporating these processes and suggest some fruitful avenues in future
      investigations of colour polymorphisms.

PMID- 28099783
TI  - Ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis in response to SGLT2 inhibitors: Basic
      mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives.
AB  - Inhibitors of the sodium-glucose cotransporter SGLT2 are a new class of
      antihyperglycemic drugs that have been approved for the treatment of type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These drugs inhibit glucose reabsorption in the
      proximal tubules of the kidney thereby enhancing glucosuria and lowering blood
      glucose levels. Additional consequences and benefits include a reduction in body
      weight, uric acid levels, and blood pressure. Moreover, SGLT2 inhibition can have
      protective effects on the kidney and cardiovascular system in patients with T2DM
      and high cardiovascular risk. However, a potential side effect that has been
      reported with SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2DM and particularly during off
      label use in patients with type 1 diabetes is diabetic ketoacidosis. The US Food
      and Drug Administration recently warned that SGLT2 inhibitors may result in
      euglycemic ketoacidosis. Here, we review the basic metabolism of ketone bodies,
      the triggers of diabetic ketoacidosis, and potential mechanisms by which SGLT2
      inhibitors may facilitate the development of ketosis or ketoacidosis. This
      provides the rationale for measures to lower the risk. We discuss the role of the
      kidney and potential links to renal gluconeogenesis and uric acid handling.
      Moreover, we outline potential beneficial effects of modestly elevated ketone
      body levels on organ function that may have therapeutic relevance for the
      observed beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on the kidney and cardiovascular
      system.

PMID- 28099784
TI  - Investigating the extent of parallelism in morphological and genomic divergence
      among lake trout ecotypes in Lake Superior.
AB  - Understanding the emergence of species through the process of ecological
      speciation is a central question in evolutionary biology which also has
      implications for conservation and management. Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)
      is renowned for the occurrence of different ecotypes linked to resource and
      habitat use throughout North America. We aimed to unravel the fine genetic
      structure of the four lake trout ecotypes in Lake Superior. A total of 486
      individuals from four sites were genotyped at 6822 filtered SNPs using RADseq
      technology. Our results revealed different extent of morphological and genetic
      differentiation within the different sites. Overall, genetic differentiation was
      weak but significant and was on average three times higher between sites (mean
      FST  = 0.016) than between ecotypes within sites (mean FST  = 0.005) indicating
      higher level of gene flow or a more recent shared ancestor between ecotypes
      within each site than between populations of the same ecotype. Evidence of
      divergent selection was also found between ecotypes and/or in association with
      morphological variation. Outlier loci found in genes related to lipid metabolism
      and visual acuity were of particular interest in this context of ecotypic
      divergence. However, we did not find clear indication of parallelism at the
      genomic level, despite the presence of phenotypic parallelism among some ecotypes
      from different sampling sites. Overall, the occurrence of different levels of
      both genomic and phenotypic differentiation between ecotypes within each site
      with several differentiated loci linked to relevant biological functions supports
      the presence of a continuum of divergence in lake trout.

PMID- 28099785
TI  - A Dual Topoisomerase Inhibitor of Intense Pro-Apoptotic and Antileukemic Nature
      for Cancer Treatment.
AB  - Classic cytotoxic drugs remain indispensable instruments in antitumor therapy due
      to their effectiveness and a more prevalent insensitivity toward tumor resistance
      mechanisms. Herein we describe the favorable properties of 6-(N,N-dimethyl-2
      aminoethoxy)-11-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)pyrido[3,4-c][1,9]phenanthroline (P8-D6),
      a powerful inducer of apoptosis caused by an equipotent inhibition of human
      topoisomerase I and II activities. A broad-spectrum effect against human tumor
      cell lines at nanomolar concentrations, as well as strong antileukemic effects,
      were shown to be superior to those of marketed topoisomerase-targeting drugs and
      dual topoisomerase inhibitors in clinical trials. The facile four-step synthesis,
      advantageous drugability properties, and initial in vivo data encourage the
      application of P8-D6 in appropriate animal tumor models and further drug
      development.

PMID- 28099786
TI  - Labor Intervention and Outcomes in Women Who Are Nulliparous and Obese:
      Comparison of Nurse-Midwife to Obstetrician Intrapartum Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women who are obese have slower labors than women of normal weight,
      and show reduced response to interventions designed to speed labor progress like
      oxytocin augmentation and artificial rupture of membranes. The optimal labor
      management for these women has not been described. METHODS: This retrospective
      cohort study compared 2 propensity score-matched groups of women (N = 360) who
      were healthy, nulliparous, spontaneously laboring, and obese (body mass index >=
      30 kg/m2 ). Labors were managed by either a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) or an
      obstetrician at one hospital from 2005 through 2012. Comparisons were made on a
      range of labor processes and outcomes. RESULTS: Women who were obese and cared
      for in labor by CNMs were 87.0% less likely to have operative vaginal birth
      (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.41) and
      76.3% less likely to have third- or fourth-degree perineal lacerations (aOR,
      0.31; 95% CI, 0.13-0.79) compared to a matched group of women who were obese and
      had similarly sized neonates but who were cared for by obstetricians. The rates
      of unplanned cesarean birth, postpartum hemorrhage, maternal intrapartum fever,
      and neonatal intensive care unit admission were similar between groups. CNM
      patients were significantly less likely than patients of obstetricians to have
      labor anesthesia, synthetic oxytocin augmentation, or intrauterine pressure
      catheters. By contrast, CNM patients were significantly more likely than patients
      of obstetricians to use physiologic labor interventions, including intermittent
      fetal monitoring, ambulation, and hydrotherapy. DISCUSSION: In women with
      spontaneous labor onset who were healthy, obese, and nulliparous, watchful
      waiting and use of physiologic labor interventions, characterizing CNM
      intrapartum care, were associated with outcomes that were similar to, or better
      than, those of women who were obese and exposed to more high-technology
      interventions characterizing intrapartum care by obstetricians. In women who were
      obese, physiologic labor interventions were safe for both mothers and neonates.

PMID- 28099787
TI  - Cultural Sensitivity Among Clinical Nurses: A Descriptive Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the cultural sensitivity of
      nurses working in rural and urban hospitals in Turkey. DESIGN AND METHODS: The
      sampling of this descriptive and correlational study was composed of only 516
      clinical nurses working in inpatient clinics. The data collection tools were the
      Socio-Demographic Questionnaire and the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale.
      FINDINGS: A majority of the participating nurses experienced culture-related
      problems. Intercultural Sensitivity Scale results were partially high. The nurses
      had more problems in areas related to language barriers, patients' education
      level, and health perception about disease and religious beliefs when providing
      health care. Participants who were female, had an undergraduate or graduate
      education, had received in-service education on cultural care, or had taken
      transcultural nursing coursework obtained higher scores on the Intercultural
      Sensitivity Scale and its Interaction Engagement subscale. The cultural
      sensitivity level was 84.01 +/- 9.1 (range = 43-107). The proportion of nurses
      who had received no in-service education was very high. They wanted to
      participate in an education program to gain better understanding of the culture
      of the society in which they lived. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study
      demonstrated that nurses should be prepared in cultural sensitivity and cultural
      competence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Continuing education and formal courses on
      cultural sensitivity for nursing professionals are essential for optimal health
      outcomes. Thus, inequalities in health could be prevented and the quality of
      health care could be improved.

PMID- 28099788
TI  - Deploying and measuring a risk and patient safety program.
AB  - Health care continues to evolve at a rapid rate. Over just the past decade, the
      industry has seen the introduction and widespread implementation of an electronic
      health record, increase in presence of nurse practitioners and physician
      assistants to help manage the shortage of physicians, and the introduction of
      accountable care organizations. It is with these changes that new challenges and
      opportunities emerge. One such challenge is the increase in the severity of
      medical malpractice claims throughout the nation. Another emerging challenge is
      the introduction of outcome-based reimbursements, with providers potentially
      losing a portion of their payment should the patient experience result in a
      preventable adverse event. These trends are resulting in providers continuously
      seeking innovative approaches to reducing risk and improving patient safety.

PMID- 28099789
TI  - EHR-related medication errors in two ICUs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to describe the frequency, potential harm, and
      nature of electronic health record (EHR)-related medication errors in intensive
      care units (ICUs). Using a secondary data analysis of a large database of
      medication safety events collected in a study on EHR technology in ICUs, we
      assessed the EHR relatedness of a total of 1622 potential preventable adverse
      drug events (ADEs) identified in a sample of 624 patients in 2 ICUs of a medical
      center. Thirty-four percent of the medication events were found to be EHR
      related. The EHR-related medication events had greater potential for more serious
      patient harm and occurred more frequently at the ordering stage as compared to
      non-EHR-related events. Examples of EHR-related events included orders with
      omitted information and duplicate orders. The list of EHR-related medication
      errors can be used by health care delivery organizations to monitor
      implementation and use of the technology and its impact on patient safety. Health
      information technology (IT) vendors can use the list to examine whether their
      technology can mitigate or reduce EHR-related medication errors.

PMID- 28099790
TI  - Case law update.

PMID- 28099791
TI  - Mitigating the prescription drug abuse epidemic.
AB  - Focused attention on the prescription drug abuse epidemic needs to include
      evidence-based training for clinicians who manage patients with pain to
      facilitate accurate screening with consideration of comorbid conditions,
      diagnosis, selection of the appropriate treatment regimen, and focused monitoring
      of adherence to the established course of therapy. DEA licensure requirements
      need to be amended to mandate targeted training focused on pain medication upon
      initial application and renewal of license. A nationwide mandated real-time
      dispenser database that requires verification every time a clinician prescribes
      opioids and other key controlled substances should be a top priority.

PMID- 28099792
TI  - Implementing an error disclosure coaching model: A multicenter case study.
AB  - National guidelines call for health care organizations to provide around-the
      clock coaching for medical error disclosure. However, frontline clinicians may
      not always seek risk managers for coaching. As part of a demonstration project
      designed to improve patient safety and reduce malpractice liability, we trained
      multidisciplinary disclosure coaches at 8 health care organizations in Washington
      State. The training was highly rated by participants, although not all emerged
      confident in their coaching skill. This multisite intervention can serve as a
      model for other organizations looking to enhance existing disclosure
      capabilities. Success likely requires cultural change and repeated practice
      opportunities for coaches.

PMID- 28099793
TI  - Risks without walls.

PMID- 28099794
TI  - The formula for being a successful risk manager.

PMID- 28099795
TI  - Failures of foreseeability: Risk management considerations in reducing
      allegations of sexual violence in psychiatric units.
AB  - This article begins with a brief discussion of findings on causal factors leading
      to allegations of sexual violence in health care facilities and then offers the
      author's account of 4 such cases that he reviewed, 3 of which occurred in
      psychiatric units. These cases show remarkably similar variables, especially
      involving decisions to allow male and female patients to commingle, the
      inadequate physical layout of the units, poor or absent video surveillance, and
      staff unacquainted with institutional policies on patient safety or refusing to
      enforce relevant rules. These variables arguably amount to "failures of
      foreseeability" that reasonably cautious health care personnel should recognize
      as facilitating or enabling sexual violence. As such, the proactive message of
      this article for health care risk management urges critical and robust attention
      paid to a unit's environmental/physical design as well as to performance factors
      among personnel so as to prevent sexual attacks and diminish the probability of
      malpractice actions.

PMID- 28099796
TI  - A Fixed-Dose Combination of Bisoprolol and Amlodipine for Hypertension: A
      Potential Benefit to Selected Patients.

PMID- 28099797
TI  - Epitaxy-Induced Assembly and Enantiomeric Switching of an On-Surface Formed
      Dinuclear Organocobalt Complex.
AB  - We report on the surface-guided synthesis of a dinuclear organocobalt complex,
      its self-assembly into a complex nanoarchitecture, and a single-molecule level
      investigation of its switching behavior. Initially, an organic layer is prepared
      by depositing hexakis((trimethylsilyl)ethynyl)-benzene under ultrahigh-vacuum
      conditions onto Ag(111). After Co dosage at 200 K, low-temperature scanning
      tunneling microscopy (STM) reveals an epitaxy-mediated organization mechanism of
      molecules and on-surface formed organometallic complexes. The dinuclear complexes
      contain two bis(eta2-alkynyl) pi-tweezer motifs, each stabilizing a single Co
      atom and express two enantiomers due to a conformation twist. The chirality is
      transferred to the two-dimensional architecture, whereby its Co adatoms are
      located at the corners of a 3.4.6.4 rhombitrihexagonal tessellation due to the
      systematic arrangement and anchoring of the complexes. Extensive density
      functional theory simulations support our interpretation of an epitaxy-guided
      surface tessellation and its chiral character. Additionally, STM tip-assisted
      manipulation experiments on isolated dinuclear complexes reveal controlled and
      reversible switching between the enantiomeric states via inelastic electron
      processes. After activation by bias pulses, structurally modified complexes
      display a distinctive Kondo feature attributed to metastable Co configurations.

PMID- 28099798
TI  - Development of a QuEChERS-Based Method for the Simultaneous Determination of
      Acidic Pesticides, Their Esters, and Conjugates Following Alkaline Hydrolysis.
AB  - An analytical procedure was developed allowing the simultaneous determination of
      acidic pesticides and their conjugates by addition of an alkaline hydrolysis step
      into the European Union (EU) version of the QuEChERS method. The procedure
      resulted additionally in hydrolysis of most esters of phenoxy acids. On the basis
      of information from metabolism studies and the hydrolytic conditions employed in
      supervised field trials as well as results on the influence of physical and
      chemical parameters (temperature, time, type of solvent, type of matrix),
      alkaline hydrolysis for 30 min at 40  degrees C was deemed a good compromise for
      the determination of residues of 2,4-D, dichlorprop, fluazifop, haloxyfop, MCPA,
      and MCPB. The applicability of the proposed method was tested by analyzing food
      samples with incurred residues in six German laboratories not involved in method
      development. Up to 6 times higher residues are measured by using the QuEChERS
      extraction procedure with the newly developed alkaline hydrolysis step.

PMID- 28099799
TI  - Hierarchically Porous Electrocatalyst with Vertically Aligned Defect-Rich CoMoS
      Nanosheets for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in an Alkaline Medium.
AB  - Effective electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline
      electrolytes can be developed via a simple solvothermal process. In this work,
      first, the prepared CoMoS nanomaterials through solvothermal treatment have a
      porous, defect-rich, and vertically aligned nanostructure, which is beneficial
      for the HER in an alkaline medium. Second, electron transfer from cobalt to MoS2
      that reduces the unoccupied d orbitals of molybdenum can also enhance the HER
      kinetics in an alkaline medium. This has been demonstrated via a comparison of
      the catalytic performances of CoMoS, CoS, and MoS2. Third, the solvothermal
      treatment time evidently impacts the electrocatalytic activity. As a result,
      after 24 h of solvothermal treatment, the prepared CoMoS nanomaterials exhibit
      the lowest onset potential (42 mV) and overpotential (98 mV) for delivering a
      current density of 10 mA cm-2 in a 1 M KOH solution. Thus, this study provides a
      simple method to prepare efficient electrocatalysts for the HER in an alkaline
      medium.

PMID- 28099800
TI  - Interfacial Structures of Trihexyltetradecylphosphonium-bis(mandelato)borate
      Ionic Liquid Confined between Gold Electrodes.
AB  - Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to study microscopic
      the interfacial ionic structures, molecular arrangements, and orientational
      preferences of trihexyltetradecylphosphonium-bis(mandelato)borate
      ([P6,6,6,14][BMB]) ionic liquid confined between neutral and charged gold
      electrodes. It was found that both [P6,6,6,14] cations and [BMB] anions are
      coabsorbed onto neutral electrodes at different temperatures. The hexyl and
      tetradecyl chains in [P6,6,6,14] cations lie preferentially flat on neutral
      electrodes. The oxalato and phenyl rings in [BMB] anions are characterized by
      alternative parallel-perpendicular orientations in the mixed innermost ionic
      layer adjacent to neutral electrodes. An increase in temperature has a marginal
      effect on the interfacial ionic structures and molecular orientations of
      [P6,6,6,14][BMB] ionic species in a confined environment. Electrifying gold
      electrodes leads to peculiar changes in the interfacial ionic structures and
      molecular orientational arrangements of [P6,6,6,14] cations and [BMB] anions in
      negatively and positively charged gold electrodes, respectively. As surface
      charge density increases (but lower than 20 MUC/cm2), the layer thickness of the
      mixed innermost interfacial layer gradually increases due to a consecutive
      accumulation of [P6,6,6,14] cations and [BMB] anions at negatively and positively
      charged electrodes, respectively, before the formation of distinct cationic and
      anionic innermost layers. Meanwhile, the molecular orientations of two oxalato
      rings in the same [BMB] anions change gradually from a parallel-perpendicular
      feature to being partially characterized by a tilted arrangement at an angle of
      45 degrees  from the electrodes and finally to a dominant parallel coordination
      pattern along positively charged electrodes. Distinctive interfacial distribution
      patterns are also observed accordingly for phenyl rings that are directly
      connected to neighboring oxalato rings in [BMB] anions.

PMID- 28099801
TI  - Highly Specific and Sensitive Fluorescent Nanoprobes for Image-Guided Resection
      of Sub-Millimeter Peritoneal Tumors.
AB  - A current challenge in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis is the
      inability to detect, visualize, and resect small or microscopic tumors of
      pancreatic, ovarian, or mesothelial origin. In these diseases, the completeness
      of primary tumor resection is directly correlated with patient survival, and
      hence, identifying small sub-millimeter tumors (i.e., disseminated disease) is
      critical. Thus, new imaging techniques and probes are needed to improve
      cytoreductive surgery and patient outcomes. Highly fluorescent rhodamine-labeled
      expansile nanoparticles (HFR-eNPs) are described for use as a visual aid during
      cytoreductive surgery of pancreatic carcinomatosis. The covalent incorporation of
      rhodamine into ~30 nm eNPs increases the fluorescent signal compared to free
      rhodamine, thereby affording a brighter and more effective probe than would be
      achieved by a single rhodamine molecule. Using the intraperitoneal route of
      administration, HFR-eNPs localize to regions of large (~1 cm), sub-centimeter,
      and sub-millimeter intraperitoneal tumor in three different animal models,
      including pancreatic, mesothelioma, and ovarian carcinoma. Tumoral localization
      of the HFR-eNPs depends on both the material property (i.e., eNP polymer) as well
      as the surface chemistry (anionic surfactant vs PEGylated noncharged surfactant).
      In a rat model of pancreatic carcinomatosis, HFR-eNP identification of tumor is
      validated against gold-standard histopathological analysis to reveal that HFR
      eNPs possess high specificity (99%) and sensitivity (92%) for tumors, in
      particular, sub-centimeter and microscopic sub-millimeter tumors, with an overall
      accuracy of 95%. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, HFR-eNPs are used to guide the
      resection of pancreatic tumors in a rat model of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

PMID- 28099802
TI  - Stabilization of Giant Fullerenes C2(41)-C90, D3(85)-C92, C1(132)-C94, C2(157)
      C96, and C1(175)-C98 by Encapsulation of a Large La2C2 Cluster: The Importance of
      Cluster-Cage Matching.
AB  - Successful isolation and unambiguous crystallographic assignment of a series of
      higher carbide cluster metallofullerenes present new insights into the molecular
      structures and cluster-cage interactions of endohedral metallofullerenes. These
      new species are identified as La2C2@C2(41)-C90, La2C2@D3(85)-C92, La2C2@C1(132)
      C94, La2C2@C2(157)-C96, and La2C2@C1(175)-C98. This is the first report for these
      new cage structures except for D3(85)-C92. Our experimental and theoretical
      results demonstrate that La2C92-106 are more inclined to exist stably in the
      carbide form La2C2@C90-104 rather than as the dimetallofullerenes La2@C92-106,
      which are rationalized by considering a synergistic effect of inserting a C2 unit
      into the cage, which ensures strong metal-cage interactions by partially
      neutralizing the charges from the metal ions and by fulfilling the coordination
      requirement of the La3+ ions as much as possible.

PMID- 28099804
TI  - Diastereoselective Borocyclopropanation of Allylic Ethers Using a Boromethylzinc
      Carbenoid.
AB  - A borocyclopropanation of (E)- and (Z)-allylic ethers and styrene derivatives via
      the Simmons-Smith reaction using a novel boromethylzinc carbenoid is described.
      The carbenoid precursor is prepared via a 3-step sequence from inexpensive and
      commercially available starting materials. This methodology allows for the
      preparation of 1,2,3-substituted borocyclopropanes in high yields and
      diastereoselectivities. Several postfunctionalization reactions were also
      performed to illustrate the versatility of these building blocks.

PMID- 28099805
TI  - The Importance of Cannizzaro-Type Reactions during Electrocatalytic Reduction of
      Carbon Dioxide.
AB  - A seemingly catalytically inactive electrode, boron-doped diamond (BDD), is found
      to be active for CO2 and CO reduction to formaldehyde and even methane. At very
      cathodic potentials, formic acid and methanol are formed as well. However, these
      products are the result of base-catalyzed Cannizzaro-type disproportionation
      reactions. A local alkaline environment near the electrode surface, caused by the
      hydrogen evolution reaction, initiates aldehyde disproportionation promoted by
      hydroxide ions, which leads to the formation of the corresponding carboxylic acid
      and alcohol. This phenomenon is strongly influenced by the electrolyte pH and
      buffer capacity and not limited to BDD or formaldehyde, but can be generalized to
      different electrode materials and to C2 and C3 aldehydes as well. The importance
      of these reactions is emphasized as the formation of acids and alcohols is often
      ascribed to direct CO2 reduction products. The results obtained here may explain
      the concomitant formation of acids and alcohols often observed during CO2
      reduction.

PMID- 28099803
TI  - Deep Learning to Predict the Formation of Quinone Species in Drug Metabolism.
AB  - Many adverse drug reactions are thought to be caused by electrophilically
      reactive drug metabolites that conjugate to nucleophilic sites within DNA and
      proteins, causing cancer or toxic immune responses. Quinone species, including
      quinone-imines, quinone-methides, and imine-methides, are electrophilic Michael
      acceptors that are often highly reactive and comprise over 40% of all known
      reactive metabolites. Quinone metabolites are created by cytochromes P450 and
      peroxidases. For example, cytochromes P450 oxidize acetaminophen to N-acetyl-p
      benzoquinone imine, which is electrophilically reactive and covalently binds to
      nucleophilic sites within proteins. This reactive quinone metabolite elicits a
      toxic immune response when acetaminophen exceeds a safe dose. Using a deep
      learning approach, this study reports the first published method for predicting
      quinone formation: the formation of a quinone species by metabolic oxidation. We
      model both one- and two-step quinone formation, enabling accurate quinone
      formation predictions in nonobvious cases. We predict atom pairs that form
      quinones with an AUC accuracy of 97.6%, and we identify molecules that form
      quinones with 88.2% AUC. By modeling the formation of quinones, one of the most
      common types of reactive metabolites, our method provides a rapid screening tool
      for a key drug toxicity risk. The XenoSite quinone formation model is available
      at http://swami.wustl.edu/xenosite/p/quinone .

PMID- 28099806
TI  - Melting Behavior of Zipper-Structured Lipopeptides in Lipid Bilayer.
AB  - A zipper-structured lipopeptide is expected to play a role of "intelligent valve"
      in the lipid bilayer. In this paper, a series of zipper-structured lipopeptides
      have been designed for preparing thermocontrollable hybrid liposomes. Their
      conformational transition as a function of temperature in lipid bilayer has been
      investigated for understanding the influences of molecular structure and bilayer
      property on biofunction. The melting temperatures Tm of the lipopeptides have
      been found to depend on their molecular structures. When the lipopeptides have
      been doped in bilayer, an increase of size of alkyl chain increases the stability
      of the alpha-helix resulting in a decrease in fluidity of lipid bilayer. However,
      an increase of amino groups at N-terminal is found to decrease the stability of
      the spatial structure. The thermocontrollability of the "valve" in lipid bilayer
      is confirmed by drug release experiments under different temperatures. Meanwhile,
      effects of bilayer properties on the thermosensitivity of lipopeptides have also
      been investigated. Results show the Tm of lipopeptide doped in bilayer decreases
      with the increase of membrane fluidity. Furthermore, the reversibility of the
      thermocontrolled "valve" is also proven by release drug under intermittent
      temperatures. It could be concluded that the molecular structure of the
      lipopeptide, as well as the property of bilayer, give great influence on the
      biofunction of the hybrid liposomes.

PMID- 28099807
TI  - Investigation of Donor-Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts as New Visible Wavelength
      Responsive Switching Elements for Lipid-Based Liquid Crystalline Systems.
AB  - The ability of donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) to function as a green
      light responsive switch for lipid-based liquid crystalline drug delivery systems
      was investigated. The host matrix comprising phytantriol cubic phase was selected
      due to its high sensitivity toward changes in lipid packing. Small-angle X-ray
      scattering demonstrated that the matrix undergoes rapid and fully reversible
      order-order phase transitions upon irradiation with 532 nm light, converting
      between the bicontinuous cubic phase and reversed hexagonal phases. This approach
      shows promise for use as an actuator for the development of visible wavelength
      light-activated, "on-demand" drug delivery systems.

PMID- 28099808
TI  - Dynamics in a Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid from the Cation Perspective: 2D IR
      Vibrational Echo Spectroscopy.
AB  - The dynamics of the room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) 1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BmimNTf2) were investigated
      with two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) vibrational echo spectroscopy and
      polarization selective pump-probe (PSPP) experiments. The CN stretch frequency of
      a modified Bmim+ cation (2-SeCN-Bmim+), in which a SeCN moiety was substituted
      onto the C-2 position of the imidazolium ring, was used as a vibrational probe. A
      major result of the 2D IR experiments is the observation of a long time scale
      structural spectral diffusion component of 600 ps in addition to short and
      intermediate time scales similar to those measured for selenocyanate anion (SeCN
      ) dissolved in BmimNTf2. In contrast to 2-SeCN-Bmim+, SeCN- samples its
      inhomogeneous line width nearly an order of magnitude faster than the complete
      structural randomization time of neat BmimNTf2 liquid (870 +/- 20 ps) measured
      with optical heterodyne-detected optical Kerr effect (OHD-OKE) experiments. The
      orientational correlation function obtained from PSPP experiments on 2-SeCN-Bmim+
      exhibits two periods of restricted angular diffusion (wobbling-in-a-cone)
      followed by complete orientational randomization on a time scale of 900 +/- 20
      ps, significantly slower than observed for SeCN- but identical within
      experimental error to the complete structural randomization time of BmimNTf2. The
      experiments indicate that 2-SeCN-Bmim+ is sensitive to local motions of the ionic
      region that influence the spectral diffusion and reorientation of small, anionic,
      and neutral molecules as well as significantly slower, longer-range fluctuations
      that are responsible for complete randomization of the liquid structure.

PMID- 28099809
TI  - Gemcitabine Based Peptide Conjugate with Improved Metabolic Properties and Dual
      Mode of Efficacy.
AB  - Gemcitabine is a clinically established anticancer agent potent in various solid
      tumors but limited by its rapid metabolic inactivation and off-target toxicity.
      We have previously generated a metabolically superior to gemcitabine molecule
      (GSG) by conjugating gemcitabine to a gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor
      (GnRH-R) ligand peptide and showed that GSG was efficacious in a castration
      resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) animal model. The current article provides an in
      depth metabolic and mechanistic study of GSG, coupled with toxicity assays that
      strengthen the potential role of GSG in the clinic. LC-MS/MS based approaches
      were employed to delineate the metabolism of GSG, its mechanistic cellular
      uptake, and release of gemcitabine and to quantitate the intracellular levels of
      gemcitabine and its metabolites (active dFdCTP and inactive dFdU) resulting from
      GSG. The GnRH-R agonistic potential of GSG was investigated by quantifying the
      testosterone levels in animals dosed daily with GSG, while an in vitro colony
      forming assay together with in vivo whole blood measurements were performed to
      elucidate the hematotoxicity profile of GSG. Stability showed that the major
      metabolite of GSG is a more stable nonapeptide that could prolong gemcitabine's
      bioavailability. GSG acted as a prodrug and offered a metabolic advantage
      compared to gemcitabine by generating higher and steadier levels of dFdCTP/dFdU
      ratio, while intracellular release of gemcitabine from GSG in DU145 CRPC cells
      depended on nucleoside transporters. Daily administrations in mice showed that
      GSG is a potent GnRH-R agonist that can also cause testosterone ablation without
      any observed hematotoxicity. In summary, GSG could offer a powerful and unique
      pharmacological approach to prostate cancer treatment: a single nontoxic molecule
      that can be used to reach the tumor site selectively with superior to gemcitabine
      metabolism, biodistribution, and safety while also agonistically ablating
      testosterone levels.

PMID- 28099810
TI  - Anisotropic Self-Assembly of Supramolecular Polymers and Plasmonic Nanoparticles
      at the Liquid-Liquid Interface.
AB  - The study of supramolecular polymers in the bulk, in diluted solution, and at the
      solid-liquid interface has recently become a major topic of interest, going from
      fundamental aspects to applications in materials science. However, examples of
      supramolecular polymers at the liquid-liquid interface are mostly unexplored.
      Here, we describe the supramolecular polymerization of triarylamine molecules and
      their light-triggered organization at a chloroform-water interface. The resulting
      interfacial nematic layer of these 1D supramolecular polymers is further used as
      a template for the precise alignment of spherical gold nanoparticles coming from
      the water phase. These hybrid thin films are spontaneously formed in a single
      process, without chemical prefunctionalization of the metallic nanoparticles, and
      their ordering is improved by centrifugation. The resulting polymer chains and
      strings of nanoparticles can be co-aligned with high anisotropy over very large
      distances. By using a combination of experimental and theoretical investigations,
      we decipher the full sequence of this oriented self-assembly process. In such a
      highly anisotropic configuration, electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals that
      the self-assembled nanoparticles behave as plasmonic waveguides.

PMID- 28099812
TI  - Method for Determining the Polymer Content in Nonsoluble Polydiacetylene Films:
      Application to Pentacosadiynoic Acid.
AB  - The absorptivities of polydiacetylenes (PDAs) used in Langmuir films or vesicles
      for the development of PDA sensor films or other applications such as nonlinear
      optics and field-effect transistors are not known, so the polymer contents cannot
      be deduced from experimental spectra. Here we introduce a novel method, using
      nuclear reaction analysis (NRA), that allows a quantitative determination of the
      polymer content X proportion of monomers that have been incorporated into PDA
      chains. We apply it to pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) evaporated microcrystalline
      films. A calibration curve giving X as a function of the area under an absorption
      spectrum normalized to the monomer areal density is obtained for blue and red
      PCDA. The method is applicable to all kinds of films and to other PDAs, provided
      films with known molecular areal density are available. An example of the
      application to a PCDA Langmuir film is given.

PMID- 28099813
TI  - Photoactive Donor-Acceptor Composite Nanoparticles Dispersed in Water.
AB  - A major issue that inhibits the large-scale fabrication of organic solar modules
      is the use of chlorinated solvents considered to be toxic and hazardous. In this
      work, composite particles of poly[N-9'-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4,7-di
      2-thienyl-2',1',3'-benzothiadiazole] (PCDTBT) and [6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid
      methyl ester (PC71BM) were obtained in water from a versatile and a ready-to
      market methodology based on postpolymerization miniemulsification. Depending on
      the experimental conditions, size-controlled particles comprising both the
      electron donor and the electron acceptor were obtained and characterized using
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), small
      angle neutron scattering (SANS), UV-visible absorption, and fluorescence
      spectroscopy. Intimate mixing of the two components was definitely asserted
      through PCDTBT fluorescence quenching in the composite nanoparticles. The water
      based inks were used for the preparation of photovoltaic active layers that were
      subsequently integrated into organic solar cells.

PMID- 28099811
TI  - Nanomolar-Potency Aminophenyl-1,3,5-triazine Activators of the Cystic Fibrosis
      Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Chloride Channel for Prosecretory
      Therapy of Dry Eye Diseases.
AB  - Dry eye disorders are a significant health problem for which limited therapeutic
      options are available. CFTR is a major prosecretory chloride channel at the
      ocular surface. We previously identified, by high-throughput screening,
      aminophenyl-1,3,5-triazine CFTRact-K089 (1) that activated CFTR with EC50 ~ 250
      nM, which when delivered topically increased tear fluid secretion in mice and
      showed efficacy in an experimental dry eye model. Here, functional analysis of
      aminophenyl-1,3,5-triazine analogs elucidated structure-activity relationships
      for CFTR activation and identified substantially more potent analogs than 1. The
      most potent compound, 12, fully activated CFTR chloride conductance with EC50 ~
      30 nM, without causing cAMP or calcium elevation. 12 was rapidly metabolized by
      hepatic microsomes, which supports its topical use. Single topical administration
      of 25 pmol of 12 increased tear volume in wild-type mice with sustained action
      for 8 h and was without effect in CFTR-deficient mice. Topically delivered 12 may
      be efficacious in human dry eye diseases.

PMID- 28099814
TI  - Geometric and Electronic Structures of Dibenzo-15-Crown-5 Complexes with Alkali
      Metal Ions Studied by UV Photodissociation and UV-UV Hole-Burning Spectroscopy.
AB  - We measure UV photodissociation (UVPD) and UV-UV hole-burning (HB) spectra of
      dibenzo-15-crown-5 (DB15C5) complexes with alkali metal ions, M+.DB15C5 (M = Li,
      Na, K, Rb, and Cs), under cold (~10 K) conditions in the gas phase. The UV-UV HB
      spectra of the M+.DB15C5 (M = K, Rb, and Cs) complexes indicate that there is one
      dominant conformation for each complex except the Na+.DB15C5 complex, which has
      two conformers with a comparable abundance ratio. It was previously reported that
      the M+.(benzo-15-crown-5) (M+.B15C5, M = K, Rb, and Cs) complexes each have three
      conformers. Thus, the attachment of one additional benzene ring to the crown
      cavity of benzo-15-crown-5 reduces conformational flexibility, giving one
      dominant conformation for the M+.DB15C5 (M = K, Rb, and Cs) complexes. In the
      UVPD spectra of the K+.DB15C5, Rb+.DB15C5, and Cs+.DB15C5 complexes, the S1-S0
      and S2-S0 transitions are observed independently at different positions with
      different vibronic structures. The spectral features are substantially different
      from those of the K+.(dibenzo-18-crown-6) (K+.DB18C6) complex, which belongs to
      the C2v point group and exhibits exciton splitting with an interval of 2.7 cm-1.
      The experimental and theoretical results suggest that in the M+.DB15C5 complexes
      the two benzene rings are not symmetrically equivalent with each other and the S1
      S0 and S2-S0 electronic excitations are almost localized in one of the benzene
      rings. The electronic interaction energy between the two benzene chromophores is
      compared between the K+.DB15C5 and K+.DB18C6 complexes by quantum chemical
      calculations. The interaction energy of the K+.DB15C5 complex is estimated to be
      less than half of that of the K+.DB18C6 complex (~30 cm-1) due to less suitable
      relative angles between the transition dipole moments of the two benzene
      chromophores in K+.DB15C5.

PMID- 28099815
TI  - Stocks, Flows, and Distribution of Critical Metals in Embedded Electronics in
      Passenger Vehicles.
AB  - One of the major applications of critical metals (CMs) is in electrical and
      electronic equipment (EEE), which is increasingly embedded in other products,
      notably passenger vehicles. However, recycling strategies for future CM
      quantities in end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are poorly understood, mainly due to a
      limited understating of the complexity of automotive embedded EEE. We introduce a
      harmonization of the network structure of automotive electronics that enables a
      comprehensive quantification of CMs in all embedded EEE in a vehicle. This
      network is combined with a material flow analysis along the vehicle lifecycle in
      Switzerland to quantify the stocks and flows of Ag, Au, Pd, Ru, Dy, La, Nd, and
      Co in automotive embedded EEE. In vehicles in use, we calculated 5-2+3 t precious
      metals in controllers embedded in all vehicle types and 220-60+90 t rare earth
      elements (REE); found mainly in five electric motors: alternator, starter,
      radiator-fan and electronic power steering motor embedded in conventional
      passenger vehicles and drive motor/generator embedded in hybrid and electric
      vehicles. Dismantling these devices before ELV shredding, as well as postshredder
      treatment of automobile shredder residue may increase the recovery of CMs from
      ELVs. Environmental and economic implications of such recycling strategies must
      be considered.

PMID- 28099816
TI  - New treatment options and emerging drugs for axial spondyloarthritis: biological
      and targeted synthetic agents.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axial spondyloarthritis (ax SpA)
      are chronic inflammatory diseases mainly involving the axial skeleton.
      Pharmacological treatments for AS and ax SpA usually include local glucocorticoid
      injections, NSAIDs and anti-TNFalpha agents. Since around 30% to 40% of patients
      are non responders or intolerant to anti-TNFalpha agents, we need new therapeutic
      options for AS and ax SpA. Areas covered: This review describes the new
      biological agents that can be used or are in development for AS or ax SpA as well
      as emerging synthetic targeted drugs. Expert opinion: Based on the rationale of
      the involvement of the IL-23/Th17 axis in AS, novel biological agents have been
      developed and include secukinumab, an anti-IL-17A agent and ustekinumab, an anti
      IL-23 antibody. New compounds in the class of synthetic drugs are apremilast, a
      PDE4 inhibitor, and inhibitors of kinase pathways. Secukinumab gave positive
      results in the treatment of AS. Ustekinumab yielded promising results in AS in an
      open labeled study. Apremilast is not effective in AS while results with kinase
      inhibitors are preliminary. Future studies will clarify the place of secukinumab
      in the therapeutic management of AS, its influence on radiographic progression
      and its effects on the non radiographic form of the disease.

PMID- 28099817
TI  - Applying proteomics to tick vaccine development: where are we?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ticks are second to mosquitoes as a vector of human diseases and
      are the first vector of animal diseases with a great impact on livestock farming.
      Tick vaccines represent a sustainable and effective alternative to chemical
      acaricides for the control of tick infestations and transmitted pathogens. The
      application of proteomics to tick vaccine development is a fairly recent area,
      which has resulted in the characterization of some tick-host-pathogen
      interactions and the identification of candidate protective antigens. Areas
      covered: In this article, we review the application and possibilities of various
      proteomic approaches for the discovery of tick and pathogen derived protective
      antigens, and the design of effective vaccines for the control of tick
      infestations and pathogen infection and transmission. Expert commentary: In the
      near future, the application of reverse proteomics, immunoproteomics, structural
      proteomics, and interactomics among other proteomics approaches will likely
      contribute to improve vaccine design to control multiple tick species with the
      ultimate goal of controlling tick-borne diseases.

PMID- 28099818
TI  - Intraperitoneal chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal metastases
      coupled with curative treatment of colorectal liver metastases: an updated
      systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of delivering
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal metastases
      coupled with curative treatment of colorectal liver metastases. Areas covered: A
      comprehensive literature search using PubMed was conducted to screen for eligible
      records. Studies evaluating colorectal surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy
      combined with curative treatment of liver metastases were included. We excluded
      duplicate publications. Sixty-seven full-text papers were assessed and six papers
      were finally included. The overall survival in the included studies ranged from 6
      49 months. Five-year survival ranged from 18%-28%, three-year survival ranged
      from 22%-42% and two-year survival ranged from 34%-78%. Survival was lower in
      patients with liver metastases and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) than those with
      PC alone in the majority of studies. Expert commentary: This review poses
      questions rather than presenting answers. The heterogeneity of survival data
      suggests the possible benefit of this aggressive treatment approach in selected
      patients. Standardization of the technique used for intraperitoneal chemotherapy
      instillation, agent used as well as the systemic chemotherapy and targeted
      therapy type and duration through prospective controlled trials is required to
      provide an evidence of a higher strength to support or prohibit this treatment
      strategy.

PMID- 28099819
TI  - Powerful Ideas for Global Access to Medicines.

PMID- 28099820
TI  - New and developing non-adrenoreceptor small molecule drugs for the treatment of
      asthma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone or in combination with an
      inhaled long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) are the preferred long-term treatment
      for adults and adolescents with symptomatic asthma. Additional drugs include
      leukotriene-receptor antagonists, slow-release theophylline and the long-acting
      muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) tiotropium (approved in 2015). There is a need for
      more effective therapies, as many patients continue to have poorly controlled
      asthma. Areas covered: New and developing long-acting non-adrenoreceptor
      synthetic drugs for the treatment of symptomatic chronic asthma despite treatment
      with an ICS alone or combined with a LABA. Data was reviewed from studies
      published up until November 2016. Expert opinion: Tiotropium improves lung
      function and has a modest effect in reducing exacerbations when added to ICS
      alone or ICS and LABA. The LAMAs umeclidinium and glycopyrronium are under
      development in fixed dose combination with ICS and LABA. Novel small molecule
      drugs, such as CRTH2 receptor antagonists, PDE4 inhibitors, protein kinase
      inhibitors and nonsteroidal glucocorticoid receptor agonists and 'off-label' use
      of licensed drugs, such as macrolides and statins are under investigation for
      asthma, although their effectiveness in clinical practice is not established. To
      better achieve the goal of developing effective novel small molecule drugs for
      asthma will require greater understanding of mechanisms of disease and the
      different phenotypes and endotypes of asthma.

PMID- 28099822
TI  - Psychocatalytic Benefits of the Unexpected.

PMID- 28099821
TI  - Medication non-adherence in adult patients affected by inflammatory bowel
      disease: a critical review and update of the determining factors, consequences
      and possible interventions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Achieving adherence to medications can be a serious challenge for
      patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Medical treatment is
      fundamental for inducing and maintaining remission, preventing flares and
      reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Non-adherence may affect patients'
      quality of life resulting in unfavourable treatment outcomes, more
      hospitalizations and higher healthcare-related costs. Recognising and improving
      adherence is therefore a primary aim for the treatment of IBD. Areas covered: We
      critically discuss the current knowledge on medication non-adherence in adult
      patients affected by IBD, also mentioning a few issues concerning the paediatric
      and adolescent populations. In particular, we reviewed the literature focusing on
      the definition and detection of non-adherence, on its extent and on the possible
      non-modifiable and modifiable factors involved (patient-centred, therapy-related,
      disease-related and physician-related). Furthermore, we analysed the
      interventional studies performed so far. The literature review was conducted
      through PubMed addressing medication non-adherence in IBD, using the keywords
      'adherence' and related terms and 'IBD, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease'.
      Expert commentary: Adherence to therapy for IBD is a complex yet fundamental
      issue that cannot be solved by addressing a single aspect only. Future studies
      should focus on patient-tailored and multidimensional interventions.

PMID- 28099823
TI  - Transparency and Trust - Online Patient Reviews of Physicians.

PMID- 28099824
TI  - Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Management of Obesity.

PMID- 28099826
TI  - Serrated Marine Nose.

PMID- 28099825
TI  - Transmission of Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant tuberculosis threatens recent gains in the treatment
      of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection worldwide. A
      widespread epidemic of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis is occurring
      in South Africa, where cases have increased substantially since 2002. The factors
      driving this rapid increase have not been fully elucidated, but such knowledge is
      needed to guide public health interventions. METHODS: We conducted a prospective
      study involving 404 participants in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, with a
      diagnosis of XDR tuberculosis between 2011 and 2014. Interviews and medical
      record reviews were used to elicit information on the participants' history of
      tuberculosis and HIV infection, hospitalizations, and social networks.
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates underwent insertion sequence (IS)6110
      restriction-fragment-length polymorphism analysis, targeted gene sequencing, and
      whole-genome sequencing. We used clinical and genotypic case definitions to
      calculate the proportion of cases of XDR tuberculosis that were due to inadequate
      treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (i.e., acquired resistance)
      versus those that were due to transmission (i.e., transmitted resistance). We
      used social-network analysis to identify community and hospital locations of
      transmission. RESULTS: Of the 404 participants, 311 (77%) had HIV infection; the
      median CD4+ count was 340 cells per cubic millimeter (interquartile range, 117 to
      431). A total of 280 participants (69%) had never received treatment for MDR
      tuberculosis. Genotypic analysis in 386 participants revealed that 323 (84%)
      belonged to 1 of 31 clusters. Clusters ranged from 2 to 14 participants, except
      for 1 large cluster of 212 participants (55%) with a LAM4/KZN strain. Person-to
      person or hospital-based epidemiologic links were identified in 123 of 404
      participants (30%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of cases of XDR tuberculosis in
      KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, an area with a high tuberculosis burden, were
      probably due to transmission rather than to inadequate treatment of MDR
      tuberculosis. These data suggest that control of the epidemic of drug-resistant
      tuberculosis requires an increased focus on interrupting transmission. (Funded by
      the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and others.).

PMID- 28099827
TI  - Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in a Patient with Heterozygosity at PRNP Codon
      129.

PMID- 28099828
TI  - Swirl Sign - Intestinal Volvulus after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

PMID- 28099829
TI  - Case 2-2017. An 18-Year-Old Woman with Acute Liver Failure.

PMID- 28099830
TI  - Ribociclib for HR-Positive, Advanced Breast Cancer.

PMID- 28099831
TI  - Clinical Trials Involving Hypertension.

PMID- 28099832
TI  - Myocarditis with Immune Checkpoint Blockade.

PMID- 28099833
TI  - Myocarditis with Immune Checkpoint Blockade.

PMID- 28099834
TI  - Long-Term Oxygen for COPD.

PMID- 28099835
TI  - Long-Term Oxygen for COPD.

PMID- 28099836
TI  - Antibodies to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

PMID- 28099837
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness Analysis 2.0.

PMID- 28099838
TI  - Osteoarthritis Year in Review 2016: biomarkers (biochemical markers).
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this "Year in Review" article is to summarize and discuss the
      implications of biochemical marker related articles published between the
      Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) 2015 Congress in Seattle
      and the OARSI 2016 Congress in Amsterdam. METHODS: The PubMed/MEDLINE
      bibliographic database was searched using the combined keywords: 'biomarker' and
      'osteoarthritis'. The PubMed/MEDLINE literature search was conducted using the
      Advanced Search Builder function (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/advanced).
      RESULTS: Over two hundred new biomarker-related papers were published during the
      literature search period. Some papers identified new biomarkers whereas others
      explored the biological properties and clinical utility of existing markers.
      There were specific references to several adipocytokines including leptin and
      adiponectin. ADAM Metallopeptidase with Thrombospondin Type 1 motif 4 (ADAMTS-4)
      and aggrecan ARGS neo-epitope fragment (ARGS) in synovial fluid (SF) and plasma
      chemokine (CeC motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) were reported as potential new knee
      biomarkers. New and refined proteomic technologies and novel assays including a
      fluoro-microbead guiding chip (FMGC) for measuring C-telopeptide of type II
      collagen (CTX-II) in serum and urine and a novel magnetic nanoparticle-based
      technology (termed magnetic capture) for collecting and concentrating CTX-II,
      were described this past year. CONCLUSION: There has been steady progress in
      osteoarthritis (OA) biomarker research in 2016. Several novel biomarkers were
      identified and new technologies have been developed for measuring existing
      biomarkers. However, there has been no "quantum leap" this past year and
      identification of novel early OA biomarkers remains challenging. During the past
      year, OARSI published a set of recommendations for the use of soluble biomarkers
      in clinical trials, which is a major step forward in the clinical use of OA
      biomarkers and bodes well for future OA biomarker development.

PMID- 28099839
TI  - TrpC5 Mediates Acute Leptin and Serotonin Effects via Pomc Neurons.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms underlying acute leptin and serotonin 2C receptor
      induced hypophagia remain unclear. Here, we show that neuronal and pro
      opiomelanocortin (Pomc)-specific loss of transient receptor potential cation 5
      (TrpC5) subunits is sufficient to decrease energy expenditure and increase food
      intake resulting in elevated body weight. Deficiency of Trpc5 subunits in Pomc
      neurons is also sufficient to block the anorexigenic effects of leptin and
      serotonin 2C receptor (Ht2Cr) agonists. The loss of acute anorexigenic effects of
      these receptors is concomitant with a blunted electrophysiological response to
      both leptin and Ht2Cr agonists in arcuate Pomc neurons. We also demonstrate that
      the Ht2Cr agonist lorcaserin-induced improvements in glucose and insulin
      tolerance are blocked by TrpC5 deficiency in Pomc neurons. Together, our results
      link TrpC5 subunits in the brain with leptin- and serotonin 2C receptor-dependent
      changes in neuronal activity, as well as energy balance, feeding behavior, and
      glucose metabolism.

PMID- 28099840
TI  - Testis-Specific Histone Variant H3t Gene Is Essential for Entry into
      Spermatogenesis.
AB  - Cellular differentiation is associated with dynamic chromatin remodeling in
      establishing a cell-type-specific epigenomic landscape. Here, we find that mouse
      testis-specific and replication-dependent histone H3 variant H3t is essential for
      very early stages of spermatogenesis. H3t gene deficiency leads to azoospermia
      because of the loss of haploid germ cells. When differentiating spermatogonia
      emerge in normal spermatogenesis, H3t appears and replaces the canonical H3
      proteins. Structural and biochemical analyses reveal that H3t-containing
      nucleosomes are more flexible than the canonical nucleosomes. Thus, by
      incorporating H3t into the genome during spermatogonial differentiation, male
      germ cells are able to enter meiosis and beyond.

PMID- 28099841
TI  - Targeted Inhibition of EGFR and Glutaminase Induces Metabolic Crisis in EGFR
      Mutant Lung Cancer.
AB  - Cancer cells exhibit increased use of nutrients, including glucose and glutamine,
      to support the bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands of proliferation. We tested
      the small-molecule inhibitor of glutaminase CB-839 in combination with erlotinib
      on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) as a therapeutic strategy to simultaneously impair cancer glucose and
      glutamine utilization and thereby suppress tumor growth. Here, we show that CB
      839 cooperates with erlotinib to drive energetic stress and activate the AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in EGFR (del19) lung tumors. Tumor cells
      undergo metabolic crisis and cell death, resulting in rapid tumor regression in
      vivo in mouse NSCLC xenografts. Consistently, positron emission tomography (PET)
      imaging with 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and 11C-glutamine (11C-Gln) of
      xenografts indicated reduced glucose and glutamine uptake in tumors following
      treatment with CB-839 + erlotinib. Therefore, PET imaging with 18F-FDG and 11C
      Gln tracers can be used to non-invasively measure metabolic response to CB-839
      and erlotinib combination therapy.

PMID- 28099842
TI  - Brown Adipogenic Reprogramming Induced by a Small Molecule.
AB  - Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has attracted considerable research interest because
      of its therapeutic potential to treat obesity and associated metabolic diseases.
      Augmentation of brown fat mass and/or its function may represent an attractive
      strategy to enhance energy expenditure. Using high-throughput phenotypic
      screening to induce brown adipocyte reprogramming in committed myoblasts, we
      identified a retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist, bexarotene (Bex), that
      efficiently converted myoblasts into brown adipocyte-like cells. Bex-treated mice
      exhibited enlarged BAT mass, enhanced BAT function, and a modest browning effect
      in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT). Expression analysis showed that Bex
      initiated several "browning" pathways at an early stage during brown adipocyte
      reprogramming. Our findings suggest RXRs as new master regulators that control
      brown and beige fat development and activation, unlike the common adipogenic
      regulator PPARgamma. Moreover, we demonstrated that selective RXR activation may
      potentially offer a therapeutic approach to manipulate brown/beige fat function
      in vivo.

PMID- 28099844
TI  - Acetate Recapturing by Nuclear Acetyl-CoA Synthetase 2 Prevents Loss of Histone
      Acetylation during Oxygen and Serum Limitation.
AB  - Acetyl-CoA is a key metabolic intermediate with an important role in
      transcriptional regulation. The nuclear-cytosolic acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2)
      was found to sustain the growth of hypoxic tumor cells. It generates acetyl-CoA
      from acetate, but exactly which pathways it supports is not fully understood.
      Here, quantitative analysis of acetate metabolism reveals that ACSS2 fulfills
      distinct functions depending on its cellular location. Exogenous acetate uptake
      is controlled by expression of both ACSS2 and the mitochondrial ACSS1, and ACSS2
      supports lipogenesis. The mitochondrial and lipogenic demand for two-carbon
      acetyl units considerably exceeds the uptake of exogenous acetate, leaving it to
      only sparingly contribute to histone acetylation. Surprisingly, oxygen and serum
      limitation increase nuclear localization of ACSS2. We find that nuclear ACSS2
      recaptures acetate released from histone deacetylation for recycling by histone
      acetyltransferases. Our work provides evidence for limited equilibration between
      nuclear and cytosolic acetyl-CoA and demonstrates that ACSS2 retains acetate to
      maintain histone acetylation.

PMID- 28099843
TI  - Human Carboxylesterase 2 Reverses Obesity-Induced Diacylglycerol Accumulation and
      Glucose Intolerance.
AB  - Serine hydrolases are a large family of multifunctional enzymes known to
      influence obesity. Here, we performed activity-based protein profiling to assess
      the functional level of serine hydrolases in liver biopsies from lean and obese
      humans in order to gain mechanistic insight into the pathophysiology of metabolic
      disease. We identified reduced hepatic activity of carboxylesterase 2 (CES2) and
      arylacetamide deacetylase (AADAC) in human obesity. In primary human hepatocytes,
      CES2 knockdown impaired glucose storage and lipid oxidation. In mice, obesity
      reduced CES2, whereas adenoviral delivery of human CES2 reversed hepatic
      steatosis, improved glucose tolerance, and decreased inflammation. Lipidomic
      analysis identified a network of CES2-regulated lipids altered in human and mouse
      obesity. CES2 possesses triglyceride and diacylglycerol lipase activities and
      displayed an inverse correlation with HOMA-IR and hepatic diacylglycerol
      concentrations in humans. Thus, decreased CES2 is a conserved feature of obesity
      and plays a causative role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic
      disturbances.

PMID- 28099846
TI  - Cell of Origin Links Histotype Spectrum to Immune Microenvironment Diversity in
      Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer Driven by Mutant Kras and Loss of Lkb1.
AB  - Lung cancers exhibit pronounced functional heterogeneity, confounding precision
      medicine. We studied how the cell of origin contributes to phenotypic
      heterogeneity following conditional expression of KrasG12D and loss of Lkb1
      (Kras;Lkb1). Using progenitor cell-type-restricted adenoviral Cre to target cells
      expressing surfactant protein C (SPC) or club cell antigen 10 (CC10), we show
      that Ad5-CC10-Cre-infected mice exhibit a shorter latency compared with Ad5-SPC
      Cre cohorts. We further demonstrate that CC10+ cells are the predominant
      progenitors of adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) tumors and give rise to a wider
      spectrum of histotypes that includes mucinous and acinar adenocarcinomas.
      Transcriptome analysis shows ASC histotype-specific upregulation of pro
      inflammatory and immunomodulatory genes. This is accompanied by an ASC-specific
      immunosuppressive environment, consisting of downregulated MHC genes, recruitment
      of CD11b+ Gr-1+ tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), and decreased T cell
      numbers. We conclude that progenitor cell-specific etiology influences the
      Kras;Lkb1-driven tumor histopathology spectrum and histotype-specific immune
      microenvironment.

PMID- 28099845
TI  - Absence of Neurofibromin Induces an Oncogenic Metabolic Switch via Mitochondrial
      ERK-Mediated Phosphorylation of the Chaperone TRAP1.
AB  - Mutations in neurofibromin, a Ras GTPase-activating protein, lead to the tumor
      predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1. Here, we report that cells
      lacking neurofibromin exhibit enhanced glycolysis and decreased respiration in a
      Ras/ERK-dependent way. In the mitochondrial matrix of neurofibromin-deficient
      cells, a fraction of active ERK1/2 associates with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)
      and TRAP1, a chaperone that promotes the accumulation of the oncometabolite
      succinate by inhibiting SDH. ERK1/2 enhances both formation of this multimeric
      complex and SDH inhibition. ERK1/2 kinase activity is favored by the interaction
      with TRAP1, and TRAP1 is, in turn, phosphorylated in an ERK1/2-dependent way.
      TRAP1 silencing or mutagenesis at the serine residues targeted by ERK1/2
      abrogates tumorigenicity, a phenotype that is reverted by addition of a cell
      permeable succinate analog. Our findings reveal that Ras/ERK signaling controls
      the metabolic changes orchestrated by TRAP1 that have a key role in tumor growth
      and are a promising target for anti-neoplastic strategies.

PMID- 28099847
TI  - Leukocytes Breach Endothelial Barriers by Insertion of Nuclear Lobes and
      Disassembly of Endothelial Actin Filaments.
AB  - The endothelial cytoskeleton is a barrier for leukocyte transendothelial
      migration (TEM). Mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes generate gaps of
      similar micron-scale size when squeezing through inflamed endothelial barriers in
      vitro and in vivo. To elucidate how leukocytes squeeze through these barriers, we
      co-tracked the endothelial actin filaments and leukocyte nuclei in real time.
      Nuclear squeezing involved either preexistent or de novo-generated lobes inserted
      into the leukocyte lamellipodia. Leukocyte nuclei reversibly bent the endothelial
      actin stress fibers. Surprisingly, formation of both paracellular gaps and
      transcellular pores by squeezing leukocytes did not require Rho kinase or myosin
      II-mediated endothelial contractility. Electron-microscopic analysis suggested
      that nuclear squeezing displaced without condensing the endothelial actin
      filaments. Blocking endothelial actin turnover abolished leukocyte nuclear
      squeezing, whereas increasing actin filament density did not. We propose that
      leukocyte nuclei must disassemble the thin endothelial actin filaments interlaced
      between endothelial stress fibers in order to complete TEM.

PMID- 28099848
TI  - Biophysical Attributes of CpG Presentation Control TLR9 Signaling to
      Differentially Polarize Systemic Immune Responses.
AB  - It is currently unknown whether and how mammalian pathogen recognition receptors
      (PRRs) respond to biophysical patterns of pathogen-associated molecular danger
      signals. Using synthetic pathogen-like particles (PLPs) that mimic physical
      properties of bacteria or large viruses, we have discovered that the quality and
      quantity of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling by CpG in mouse dendritic cells
      (mDCs) are uniquely dependent on biophysical attributes; specifically, the
      surface density of CpG and size of the presenting PLP. These physical patterns
      control DC programming by regulating the kinetics and magnitude of MyD88-IRAK4
      signaling, NF-kappaB-driven responses, and STAT3 phosphorylation, which, in turn,
      controls differential T cell responses and in vivo immune polarization,
      especially T helper 1 (Th1) versus T helper 2 (Th2) antibody responses. Our
      findings suggest that innate immune cells can sense and respond not only to
      molecular but also pathogen-associated physical patterns (PAPPs), broadening the
      tools for modulating immunity and helping to better understand innate response
      mechanisms to pathogens and develop improved vaccines.

PMID- 28099849
TI  - Cyclic AMP Recruits a Discrete Intracellular Ca2+ Store by Unmasking
      Hypersensitive IP3 Receptors.
AB  - Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) stimulates Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER), and the response is potentiated by 3',5'-cyclic AMP (cAMP). We
      investigated this interaction in HEK293 cells using carbachol and parathyroid
      hormone (PTH) to stimulate formation of IP3 and cAMP, respectively. PTH alone had
      no effect on the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, but it potentiated the Ca2+
      signals evoked by carbachol. Surprisingly, however, the intracellular Ca2+ stores
      that respond to carbachol alone could be both emptied and refilled without
      affecting the subsequent response to PTH. We provide evidence that PTH unmasks
      high-affinity IP3 receptors within a discrete Ca2+ store. We conclude that Ca2+
      stores within the ER that dynamically exchange Ca2+ with the cytosol maintain a
      functional independence that allows one store to be released by carbachol and
      another to be released by carbachol with PTH. Compartmentalization of ER Ca2+
      stores adds versatility to IP3-evoked Ca2+ signals.

PMID- 28099850
TI  - Synaptotagmin 2 Is the Fast Ca2+ Sensor at a Central Inhibitory Synapse.
AB  - GABAergic synapses in brain circuits generate inhibitory output signals with
      submillisecond latency and temporal precision. Whether the molecular identity of
      the release sensor contributes to these signaling properties remains unclear.
      Here, we examined the Ca2+ sensor of exocytosis at GABAergic basket cell (BC) to
      Purkinje cell (PC) synapses in cerebellum. Immunolabeling suggested that BC
      terminals selectively expressed synaptotagmin 2 (Syt2), whereas synaptotagmin 1
      (Syt1) was enriched in excitatory terminals. Genetic elimination of Syt2 reduced
      action potential-evoked release to ~10%, identifying Syt2 as the major Ca2+
      sensor at BC-PC synapses. Differential adenovirus-mediated rescue revealed that
      Syt2 triggered release with shorter latency and higher temporal precision and
      mediated faster vesicle pool replenishment than Syt1. Furthermore, deletion of
      Syt2 severely reduced and delayed disynaptic inhibition following parallel fiber
      stimulation. Thus, the selective use of Syt2 as release sensor at BC-PC synapses
      ensures fast and efficient feedforward inhibition in cerebellar microcircuits.

PMID- 28099851
TI  - A Molecular and Cellular Context-Dependent Role for Ir76b in Detection of Amino
      Acid Taste.
AB  - Amino acid taste is expected to be a universal property among animals. Although
      sweet, bitter, salt, and water tastes have been well characterized in insects,
      the mechanisms underlying amino acid taste remain elusive. From a Drosophila RNAi
      screen, we identify an ionotropic receptor, Ir76b, as necessary for yeast
      preference. Using calcium imaging, we identify Ir76b+ amino acid taste neurons in
      legs, overlapping partially with sweet neurons but not those that sense other
      tastants. Ir76b mutants have reduced responses to amino acids, which are rescued
      by transgenic expression of Ir76b and a mosquito ortholog AgIr76b. Co-expression
      of Ir20a with Ir76b is sufficient for conferring amino acid responses in sweet
      taste neurons. Notably, Ir20a also serves to block salt response of Ir76b. Our
      study establishes the role of a highly conserved receptor in amino acid taste and
      suggests a mechanism for mutually exclusive roles of Ir76b in salt- and amino
      acid-sensing neurons.

PMID- 28099852
TI  - Yeast Short-Lived Actin-Associated Protein Forms a Metastable Prion in Response
      to Thermal Stress.
AB  - Self-perpetuating ordered protein aggregates (amyloids and prions) are associated
      with a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Although environmental agents have
      been linked to certain amyloid diseases, the molecular basis of their action
      remains unclear. We have employed endogenous yeast prions as a model system to
      study environmental control of amyloid formation. A short-lived actin-associated
      yeast protein Lsb2 can trigger prion formation by other proteins in a mode
      regulated by the cytoskeleton and ubiquitin-dependent processes. Here, we show
      that such a heterologous prion induction is due to the ability of Lsb2 to form a
      transient prion state, generated in response to thermal stress. Evolutionary
      acquisition of prion-inducing activity by Lsb2 is traced to a single amino acid
      change, coinciding with the acquisition of thermotolerance in the Saccharomyces
      yeast lineage. This raises the intriguing possibility that the transient prion
      formation could aid in functioning of Lsb2 at higher temperatures.

PMID- 28099854
TI  - Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Defines Heterogeneity and Transcriptional
      Dynamics in the Adult Neural Stem Cell Lineage.
AB  - Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult mammalian brain serve as a reservoir for
      the generation of new neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Here, we use
      single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize adult NSC populations and examine the
      molecular identities and heterogeneity of in vivo NSC populations. We find that
      cells in the NSC lineage exist on a continuum through the processes of activation
      and differentiation. Interestingly, rare intermediate states with distinct
      molecular profiles can be identified and experimentally validated, and our
      analysis identifies putative surface markers and key intracellular regulators for
      these subpopulations of NSCs. Finally, using the power of single-cell profiling,
      we conduct a meta-analysis to compare in vivo NSCs and in vitro cultures,
      distinct fluorescence-activated cell sorting strategies, and different neurogenic
      niches. These data provide a resource for the field and contribute to an
      integrative understanding of the adult NSC lineage.

PMID- 28099853
TI  - A Tissue-Mapped Axolotl De Novo Transcriptome Enables Identification of Limb
      Regeneration Factors.
AB  - Mammals have extremely limited regenerative capabilities; however, axolotls are
      profoundly regenerative and can replace entire limbs. The mechanisms underlying
      limb regeneration remain poorly understood, partly because the enormous and
      incompletely sequenced genomes of axolotls have hindered the study of genes
      facilitating regeneration. We assembled and annotated a de novo transcriptome
      using RNA-sequencing profiles for a broad spectrum of tissues that is estimated
      to have near-complete sequence information for 88% of axolotl genes. We devised
      expression analyses that identified the axolotl orthologs of cirbp and kazald1 as
      highly expressed and enriched in blastemas. Using morpholino anti-sense
      oligonucleotides, we find evidence that cirbp plays a cytoprotective role during
      limb regeneration whereas manipulation of kazald1 expression disrupts
      regeneration. Our transcriptome and annotation resources greatly complement
      previous transcriptomic studies and will be a valuable resource for future
      research in regenerative biology.

PMID- 28099855
TI  - Primary Cell Culture of Live Neurosurgically Resected Aged Adult Human Brain
      Cells and Single Cell Transcriptomics.
AB  - Investigation of human CNS disease and drug effects has been hampered by the lack
      of a system that enables single-cell analysis of live adult patient brain cells.
      We developed a culturing system, based on a papain-aided procedure, for resected
      adult human brain tissue removed during neurosurgery. We performed single-cell
      transcriptomics on over 300 cells, permitting identification of oligodendrocytes,
      microglia, neurons, endothelial cells, and astrocytes after 3 weeks in culture.
      Using deep sequencing, we detected over 12,000 expressed genes, including
      hundreds of cell-type-enriched mRNAs, lncRNAs and pri-miRNAs. We describe cell
      type- and patient-specific transcriptional hierarchies. Single-cell
      transcriptomics on cultured live adult patient derived cells is a prime example
      of the promise of personalized precision medicine. Because these cells derive
      from subjects ranging in age into their sixties, this system permits human aging
      studies previously possible only in rodent systems.

PMID- 28099856
TI  - Screening Bioactives Reveals Nanchangmycin as a Broad Spectrum Antiviral Active
      against Zika Virus.
AB  - Zika virus is an emerging arthropod-borne flavivirus for which there are no
      vaccines or specific therapeutics. We screened a library of 2,000 bioactive
      compounds for their ability to block Zika virus infection in three distinct cell
      types with two different strains of Zika virus. Using a microscopy-based assay,
      we validated 38 drugs that inhibited Zika virus infection, including FDA-approved
      nucleoside analogs. Cells expressing high levels of the attachment factor AXL can
      be protected from infection with receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, while
      placental-derived cells that lack AXL expression are insensitive to this
      inhibition. Importantly, we identified nanchangmycin as a potent inhibitor of
      Zika virus entry across all cell types tested, including physiologically relevant
      primary cells. Nanchangmycin also was active against other medically relevant
      viruses, including West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya viruses that use a similar
      route of entry. This study provides a resource of small molecules to study Zika
      virus pathogenesis.

PMID- 28099858
TI  - Mucosal Microbes Mitigate Maladies.
AB  - Understanding the factors that promote or prevent HIV transmission remains a
      critical component of the global battle against HIV/AIDS. Gosmann et al. (2017)
      reveal a putative role for the vaginal microbiome in modulating heterosexual
      transmission of HIV, uncovering a potential strategy for protecting women from
      acquisition of the virus.

PMID- 28099857
TI  - A Systems Approach Reveals MAVS Signaling in Myeloid Cells as Critical for
      Resistance to Ebola Virus in Murine Models of Infection.
AB  - The unprecedented 2013-2016 outbreak of Ebola virus (EBOV) resulted in over
      11,300 human deaths. Host resistance to RNA viruses requires RIG-I-like receptor
      (RLR) signaling through the adaptor protein, mitochondrial antiviral signaling
      protein (MAVS), but the role of RLR-MAVS in orchestrating anti-EBOV responses in
      vivo is not known. Here we apply a systems approach to MAVS-/- mice infected with
      either wild-type or mouse-adapted EBOV. MAVS controlled EBOV replication through
      the expression of IFNalpha, regulation of inflammatory responses in the spleen,
      and prevention of cell death in the liver, with macrophages implicated as a major
      cell type influencing host resistance. A dominant role for RLR signaling in
      macrophages was confirmed following conditional MAVS deletion in LysM+ myeloid
      cells. These findings reveal tissue-specific MAVS-dependent transcriptional
      pathways associated with resistance to EBOV, and they demonstrate that EBOV
      adaptation to cause disease in mice involves changes in two distinct events, RLR
      MAVS antagonism and suppression of RLR-independent IFN-I responses.

PMID- 28099859
TI  - How Many Subsets of Innate Lymphoid Cells Do We Need?
AB  - Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are composed of three main subsets. In this issue of
      Immunity, Simoni et al. (2017) show using mass-cytometry that human ILCs are
      highly heterogeneous between individuals and tissues and lack a previously
      proposed helper-type ILC1 population.

PMID- 28099860
TI  - Follicular Dendritic Cell Activation by TLR Ligands Promotes Autoreactive B Cell
      Responses.
AB  - A hallmark of autoimmunity in murine models of lupus is the formation of germinal
      centers (GCs) in lymphoid tissues where self-reactive B cells expand and
      differentiate. In the host response to foreign antigens, follicular dendritic
      cells (FDCs) maintain GCs through the uptake and cycling of complement-opsonized
      immune complexes. Here, we examined whether FDCs retain self-antigens and the
      impact of this process in autoantibody secretion in lupus. We found that FDCs
      took up and retained self-immune complexes composed of ribonucleotide proteins,
      autoantibody, and complement. This uptake, mediated through CD21, triggered
      endosomal TLR7 and led to the secretion of interferon (IFN) alpha via an IRF5
      dependent pathway. Blocking of FDC secretion of IFN-alpha restored B cell
      tolerance and reduced the amount of GCs and pathogenic autoantibody. Thus, FDCs
      are a critical source of the IFN-alpha driving autoimmunity in this lupus model.
      This pathway is conserved in humans, suggesting that it may be a viable
      therapeutic target in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 28099861
TI  - T Cells Take on Zika Virus.
AB  - Although CD8+ T cells provide protection against many viral infections, their
      role in Zika virus (ZIKV) immunity has not been extensively examined. In a recent
      issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Elong Ngono et al. (2017) define antigenic epitopes
      determining CD8+ T cell immunity in murine models of ZIKV infection.

PMID- 28099862
TI  - Neutrophils in Homeostasis, Immunity, and Cancer.
AB  - Neutrophils were among the first leukocytes described and visualized by early
      immunologists. Prominent effector functions during infection and sterile
      inflammation classically placed them low in the immune tree as rapid, mindless
      aggressors with poor regulatory functions. This view is currently under
      reassessment as we uncover new aspects of their life cycle and identify
      transcriptional and phenotypic diversity that endows them with regulatory
      properties that extend beyond their lifetime in the circulation. These properties
      are revealing unanticipated roles for neutrophils in supporting homeostasis, as
      well as complex disease states such as cancer. We focus this review on these
      emerging functions in order to define the true roles of neutrophils in
      homeostasis, immunity, and disease.

PMID- 28099863
TI  - Satb1: Restraining PD1 and T Cell Exhaustion.
AB  - Mechanisms that govern PD1 expression and exhaustion in T cells are not fully
      understood. In this issue of Immunity, Stephen et al. (2017) uncover a key role
      for the genome organizer Satb1 in restraining PD1 expression and promoting tumor
      immunity.

PMID- 28099865
TI  - Fugue G Minor: Getting the Lymph Node Ensemble Together with Circadian Rhythm.
AB  - A fugue is characterized by the systematic repetition of a principal theme in
      simultaneous melodic lines. In this issue of Immunity, Druzd et al. (2017) show
      that a similar phenomenon occurs in lymph nodes (LNs), in which lymphocyte entry
      and exit is governed by repetitive circadian rhythms.

PMID- 28099864
TI  - SATB1 Expression Governs Epigenetic Repression of PD-1 in Tumor-Reactive T Cells.
AB  - Despite the importance of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) in inhibiting T cell
      effector activity, the mechanisms regulating its expression remain poorly
      defined. We found that the chromatin organizer special AT-rich sequence-binding
      protein-1 (Satb1) restrains PD-1 expression induced upon T cell activation by
      recruiting a nucleosome remodeling deacetylase (NuRD) complex to Pdcd1 regulatory
      regions. Satb1 deficienct T cells exhibited a 40-fold increase in PD-1
      expression. Tumor-derived transforming growth factor beta (Tgf-beta) decreased
      Satb1 expression through binding of Smad proteins to the Satb1 promoter. Smad
      proteins also competed with the Satb1-NuRD complex for binding to Pdcd1
      enhancers, releasing Pdcd1 expression from Satb1-mediated repression, Satb1
      deficient tumor-reactive T cells lost effector activity more rapidly than wild
      type lymphocytes at tumor beds expressing PD-1 ligand (CD274), and these
      differences were abrogated by sustained CD274 blockade. Our findings suggest that
      Satb1 functions to prevent premature T cell exhaustion by regulating Pdcd1
      expression upon T cell activation. Dysregulation of this pathway in tumor
      infiltrating T cells results in diminished anti-tumor immunity.

PMID- 28099866
TI  - Effector Regulatory T Cell Differentiation and Immune Homeostasis Depend on the
      Transcription Factor Myb.
AB  - FoxP3-expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential for maintaining immune
      homeostasis. Activated Treg cells undergo further differentiation into an
      effector state that highly expresses genes critical for Treg cell function,
      although how this process is coordinated on a transcriptional level is poorly
      understood. Here, we demonstrate that mice lacking the transcription factor Myb
      in Treg cells succumbed to a multi-organ inflammatory disease. Myb was
      specifically expressed in, and required for the differentiation of, thymus
      derived effector Treg cells. The combination of transcriptome and genomic
      footprint analyses revealed that Myb directly regulated a large proportion of the
      gene expression specific to effector Treg cells, identifying Myb as a critical
      component of the gene regulatory network controlling effector Treg cell
      differentiation and function.

PMID- 28099867
TI  - Th17 Cells Require You to Chew before You Swallow.
AB  - How immunity is regulated at distinct epithelial tissues that vary in microbial
      occupancy and environmental and tissue specific cues isn't clear. Dutzan et al.
      (2017) report that mechanical-derived signals, not those from micro-organisms,
      are key to maintaining interleukin-17-expressing T helper (Th17) cells at the
      oral epithelia.

PMID- 28099868
TI  - PDC-SGB: Prediction of effective drug combinations using a stochastic gradient
      boosting algorithm.
AB  - Combinatorial therapy is a promising strategy for combating complex diseases by
      improving the efficacy and reducing the side effects. To facilitate the
      identification of drug combinations in pharmacology, we proposed a new
      computational model, termed PDC-SGB, to predict effective drug combinations by
      integrating biological, chemical and pharmacological information based on a
      stochastic gradient boosting algorithm. To begin with, a set of 352 golden
      positive samples were collected from the public drug combination database. Then,
      a set of 732 dimensional feature vector involving biological, chemical and
      pharmaceutical information was constructed for each drug combination to describe
      its properties. To avoid overfitting, the maximum relevance & minimum redundancy
      (mRMR) method was performed to extract useful ones by removing redundant subsets.
      Based on the selected features, the three different type of classification
      algorithms were employed to build the drug combination prediction models. Our
      results demonstrated that the model based on the stochastic gradient boosting
      algorithm yield out the best performance. Furthermore, it is indicated that the
      feature patterns of therapy had powerful ability to discriminate effective drug
      combinations from non-effective ones. By analyzing various features, it is shown
      that the enriched features occurred frequently in golden positive samples can
      help predict novel drug combinations.

PMID- 28099869
TI  - Amitriptyline down-regulates coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis in lung cancer cells.
AB  - Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, has been proposed as an antitumoral
      drug in oxidative therapy. Its pro-apoptotic effects, mediated by high reactive
      oxygen species generation, have been already described. In this study we analysed
      the effect of amitriptyline on the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), an
      essential component for electron transport and a potent membrane antioxidant
      involved in redox signaling. We treated H460 cells, a non-small-cell lung cancer
      cell line, with amitriptyline and we analysed CoQ levels by HPLC and CoQ
      biosynthesis rate, as well as the enzymes involved in CoQ biosynthesis by real
      time PCR and Western blot. Amitriptyline treatment induced a dose-dependent
      decrease in CoQ levels in tumor cells. CoQ decreased levels were associated with
      down-regulation of the expression of COQ4 gene, as well as decreased Coq4 and
      Coq6 protein levels. Our findings suggest that the effect of amitriptyline on CoQ
      biosynthesis highlights the potential of this drug for antitumoral oxidative
      therapy.

PMID- 28099870
TI  - Single embryo-resolution quantitative analysis of reporters permits multiplex
      spatial cis-regulatory analysis.
AB  - Cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) control spatiotemporal gene expression patterns in
      embryos. While measurement of quantitative CRM activities has become efficient,
      measurement of spatial CRM activities still relies on slow, one-by-one methods.
      To overcome this bottleneck, we have developed a high-throughput method that can
      simultaneously measure quantitative and spatial CRM activities. The new method
      builds profiles of quantitative CRM activities measured at single-embryo
      resolution in many mosaic embryos and uses these profiles as a 'fingerprint' of
      spatial patterns. We show in sea urchin embryos that the new method, Multiplex
      and Mosaic Observation of Spatial Information encoded in Cis-regulatory modules
      (MMOSAIC), can efficiently predict spatial activities of new CRMs and can detect
      spatial responses of CRMs to gene perturbations. We anticipate that MMOSAIC will
      facilitate systems-wide functional analyses of CRMs in embryos.

PMID- 28099871
TI  - Fluoride and arsenic exposure affects spatial memory and activates the ERK/CREB
      signaling pathway in offspring rats.
AB  - Fluoride and arsenic are inorganic contaminants that occur in the natural
      environment. Chronic fluoride and/or arsenic exposure can induce developmental
      neurotoxicity and negatively influence intelligence in children, although the
      underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. This study explored the
      effects of fluoride and arsenic exposure in drinking water on spatial learning,
      memory and key protein expression in the ERK/CREB signaling pathway in
      hippocampal and cerebral cortex tissue in rat offspring. Pregnant rats were
      divided into four groups. Control rats drank tap water, while rats in the three
      exposure groups drank water with sodium fluoride (100mg/L), sodium arsenite
      (75mg/L), and a sodium fluoride (100mg/L) and sodium arsenite (75mg/L)
      combination during gestation and lactation. After weaning, rat pups drank the
      same solution as their mothers. Spatial learning and memory ability of pups at
      postnatal day 21 (PND21) and postnatal day 42 (PND42) were measured using a
      Morris water maze. ERK, phospho-ERK (p-ERK), CREB and phospho-CREB (p-CREB)
      protein expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex was detected using
      Western blot. Compared with the control pups, escape latencies increased in PND42
      pups exposed to arsenic and co-exposed to fluoride and arsenic, and the short
      term and long-term spatial memory ability declined in pups exposed to fluoride
      and arsenic, both alone and in combination. Compared with controls, ERK and p-ERK
      levels decreased in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in pups exposed to
      combined fluoride and arsenic. CREB protein expression in the cerebral cortex
      decreased in pups exposed to fluoride, arsenic, and the fluoride and arsenic
      combination. p-CREB protein expression in both the hippocampus and cerebral
      cortex was decreased in pups exposed to fluoride and arsenic in combination
      compared to the control group. There were negative correlation between the
      proteins expression and escape latency periods in pups. These data indicate that
      exposure to fluoride and arsenic in early life stage changes ERK, p-ERK, CREB and
      p-CREB protein expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rat offspring
      at PND21 and PND 42, which may contribute to impaired neurodevelopment following
      exposure.

PMID- 28099872
TI  - Assessment of gait and sensorimotor deficits in the D1CT-7 mouse model of
      Tourette syndrome.
AB  - Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple
      motor and phonic tics. While TS patients have been also shown to exhibit subtle
      abnormalities of sensorimotor integration and gait, animal models of this
      disorder are seldom tested for these functions. To fill this gap, we assessed
      gait and sensorimotor integration in the D1CT-7 mouse, one of the best-validated
      animal models of TS. D1CT-7 mice exhibit spontaneous tic-like manifestations,
      which, in line with the clinical phenomenology of TS, are markedly exacerbated by
      environmental stress. Thus, to verify whether stress may affect sensorimotor
      integration and gait functions in D1CT-7 mice, we subjected these animals to a 20
      min session of spatial confinement, an environmental stressor that was recently
      shown to worsen tic-like manifestations. Immediately following this manipulation
      (or no confinement, for controls), animals were subjected to either the sticky
      tape task, to test for sensorimotor integration; or a 60-min session in an open
      field (42*42cm) force-plate actometer for gait analysis. Gait analyses included
      spatial, temporal, and dynamic (force) parameters. D1CT-7 mice displayed a longer
      latency to remove a sticky tape, indicating marked impairments in sensorimotor
      integration; furthermore, these mutants exhibited shortened stride length,
      increased stride rate, nearly equal early-phase velocity, and higher late-phase
      velocity. D1CT-7 mice also ran with greater force amplitude than wild-type (WT)
      littermates. None of these phenotypes was worsened by spatial confinement. These
      results highlight the potential importance of testing sensorimotor integration
      and gait functions as a phenotypic correlate of cortical connectivity deficits in
      animal models of TS.

PMID- 28099873
TI  - Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjunct for treatment of deep carious
      lesions-A systematic review.
AB  - For deep carious lesions, a more conservative treatment modality ("selective
      caries removal") has been proposed, where only the heavily contaminated dentine
      is removed. In this regard, effective adjuncts for cavity disinfection such as
      the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) can be valuable clinically prior to
      definitive restoration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically
      assess clinical studies on the effectiveness of aPDT as a supplementary tool in
      the treatment of deep caries lesions. Searches were performed in four databases
      (PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov) from 1st January, 2011
      until 21st June, 2016 for search terms relevant to the observed parameters,
      pathological condition, intervention and anatomic entity. The pooled information
      was evaluated according to PRISMA guidelines. At first, 1651 articles were
      recovered, of which 1249 full-text articles were evaluated, 270 articles thereof
      were reviewed for eligibility and finally 6 articles met all inclusion criteria.
      The aPDT protocols involved Methylene Blue, Toluidine Blue and aluminium-chloride
      phthalocyanine as photosensitizers and diode lasers, light-emitting diodes and
      halogen light-sources. The data from five reports, utilizing both culture
      dependent and -independent methods, disclosed significant reduction of cariogenic
      bacterial load after mechanical caries removal with adjunct aPDT. As these
      studies exhibit some methodological limitations, e.g. lack of positive controls,
      this systematic review can support the application of aPDT to a limited extent
      only in terms of reducing the microbial load in deep carious lesions before
      restorative treatment.

PMID- 28099874
TI  - IgM, lgG and IL-6 profiles in the Trypanosoma brucei brucei monkey model of human
      African trypanosomiasis.
AB  - Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) patients manifest immunological profiles,
      whose variations over time can be used to indicate disease progression. However,
      monitoring of these biomarkers in human patients is beset by several limitations
      which can be offset by using chronic animal models. A recent improved monkey
      model of HAT using a Trypanosoma brucei brucei isolate has been developed but the
      immunological profile has not been elucidated. The objectives of the current
      study was to determine the IgM, IgG and IL-6 profiles in blood and cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) in vervet monkeys infected with T. b. brucei. Three vervet monkeys
      were infected intravenously with 105T. b. brucei, monitored for disease
      development and subsequently treated 28days post infection (dpi) sub-curatively
      using diminazene aceturate (DA) to induce late stage disease and curatively
      treated with melarsoprol (Mel B) at 119 dpi, respectively. Matched serum and
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were obtained at regular intervals and
      immunospecific IgM, immunoglobulin G (IgG) were quantified by ELISA while IL-6
      was assayed using a cytometric bead array (CBA) kit. Results showed that
      following infection, CSF IgM, IgG, IL-6 and serum IL-6 were significantly
      (p<0.05) elevated with peak levels coinciding with relapse parasitaemia. The IgG
      levels increased to reach OD peak levels of 0.442+/-0.5 at 126 dpi. After
      curative treatment with MelB, the serum IgM and Ig G levels fell rapidly to
      attain pre-infection levels within 35 and 49days, respectively. This shows that
      the profile of these immunoglobulins can be used as an indicator of curative
      treatment. CSF IL-6 concentrations of infected vervet monkeys showed no
      significant change (P>0.05) between infection and 35 dpi but levels increased
      significantly (P<0.05) with the highest level of 55.53pg/ml recorded at112 dpi.
      IL-6 elevation from 35 dpi may be indicative of parasite neuroinvasion hence can
      be used as possible candidate marker for late stage disease in the monkey model.
      Further, the marker can also be used in conjunction with IgG and IgM as markers
      for development of test of cure for HAT.

PMID- 28099875
TI  - Sustained attention and heart rate variability in children and adolescents with
      ADHD.
AB  - The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in attention and self
      regulation by modulating physiological arousal to meet environmental demands.
      Core symptoms of ADHD such as inattention and behavioral disinhibition may be
      related to dysregulation of the ANS, however previous findings have been
      equivocal. We examined autonomic activity and reactivity by assessing heart rate
      variability (HRV) in a large sample of un-medicated children and adolescents (6
      19 years) with ADHD (n=229) compared to typically-developing controls (n=244)
      during rest and sustained attention. Four heart rate variability measures were
      extracted: Root mean square of successive differences between inter-beat
      intervals (rMSSD), absolute high frequency (HFA) power, absolute low frequency
      (LFA) power and ratio of low frequency power to high frequency power (LF/HF).
      There were no group differences in HFA or rMSSD, even when assessing across child
      and adolescent groups separately, by gender or ADHD subtype. LF/HF however was
      higher in ADHD during both rest and sustained attention conditions, particularly
      in male children. Sustained attention was impaired in ADHD relative to controls,
      and a higher LF/HF ratio during sustained attention was associated with poorer
      performance in both groups. Lower rMSSD and HFA were associated with higher
      anxiety, oppositional behaviors and social problems, supporting prevailing
      theories that these measures index emotion regulation and adaptive social
      behavior. Different measures of heart rate variability provide important insights
      into the sustained attention and emotional and behavioral regulation impairments
      observed in ADHD and may aid in delineating ADHD pathophysiology.

PMID- 28099876
TI  - Antitumoral activity of sesquiterpene lactone diacethylpiptocarphol in mice.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sesquiterpene lactones are organic compounds
      derived from plants that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities being
      one of the locking mechanisms of action of NF-kB pathway and synthesis of
      cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF- alpha. AIM OF THE STUDY: The overall objective of
      the present study was to evaluate the antitumor activity of the sesquiterpene
      lactone diacethylpiptocarphol (DPC) from Vernonia scorpioides (Lam.) Pers. in
      animal models Ehrlich tumors that has shown antitumor activity. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The antitumor effects of Intraperitonial administration of DPC
      (5mg/kg/day) were evaluated in Balb/c mice on Ehrlich tumors, and further the
      body weight, the ascitic cells volume measurement, solid tumor measured and TNF
      alpha level was determinate. RESULTS: Balb/c mice bearing Ehrlich tumors were
      treated daily with 5mg/kg/day of the DPC for one week and showed no tumor in the
      peritoneum after treatment, besides presenting a reduction of TNF-alpha cytokine.
      Also the solid tumor reduced size after one week of treatment with DPC.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sesquiterpene lactone DPC, isolated from Vernonia scorpioides showed
      antitumor activity because it decreased the size of the solid tumor and abolished
      the ascitic tumor development, and also did not affect the mice body weight,
      however the treatment reduced the TNF-alpha level in mice.

PMID- 28099877
TI  - Use of the channel fill level in defining a design space for twin screw wet
      granulation.
AB  - Twin screw wet granulation is a key process in the continuous manufacture of oral
      solid dosage forms. Previous research has qualitatively suggested that the
      channel fill level influences the granules produced. In this paper a quantitative
      measure of the total volumetric fraction of the conveying element channels of the
      screw filled with powder (phi) was used. Experimental results are shown which
      demonstrate that very similar particle size distributions can be obtained at the
      same phi with the same material and screw configuration but radically different
      solids feed rates and screw speeds. Morphology of the granules also correlates
      with phi. This is consistent with previous observations in the literature
      correlating granule attributes with powder feed rate and screw speed but also
      considers the two parameters in combination. A process design space approach
      based on phi is proposed. This can be determined empirically, and potentially has
      value in setting process control strategies, assuring process robustness and
      allowing process flexibility during the product lifecycle.

PMID- 28099879
TI  - High-dose BAFF receptor specific mAb-siRNA conjugate generates Fas-expressing B
      cells in lymph nodes and high-affinity serum autoantibody in a myasthenia mouse
      model.
AB  - We investigated potential therapeutic effects of a conjugate of BAFF receptor
      specific-monoclonal antibody and short interference RNA in a mouse model of
      myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Whereas high-dose siRNA conjugate resulted in
      significant accumulation of Fas expressing CD19+/B220+ cells and concurrent
      expression of type 1 interferon in lymph nodes, low-dose conjugate did not induce
      FAS expression but caused marked BAFF receptor deficiency in lymph nodes that was
      further associated with improved MG symptoms. Unexpectedly, despite inhibiting
      BAFF receptor significantly in PBMCs and secondary lymphoid organs, conjugate
      treatment did not reduce the levels of autoantibody. Rather, at high dose, it
      caused robust increase in high affinity anti-AChR antibody and increased levels
      of serum IL10 and IL-4 cytokines. Our findings reveal a previously undocumented,
      dose dependent, immunomodulatory distant effect resulting from BAFF receptor
      specific mAb-siRNA conjugate treatment in an in vivo model of autoimmune disease.

PMID- 28099878
TI  - Screening, verification, and analysis of biomarkers for drug-induced cardiac
      toxicity in vitro based on RTCA coupled with PCR Array technology.
AB  - Cardiotoxicity is one of the most serious side effects of new drugs. Early
      detection of the drug induced cardiotoxicity based on the biomarkers provides an
      important preventative strategy for detecting potential cardiotoxicity of
      candidate drugs. In this study, we aim to identify the predictive genomics
      biomarkers for drug-induced cardiac toxicity based on the RTCA coupled with PCR
      Array technology in primary cells. Three prototypical cardiotoxic compounds
      (doxorubicin, isoproterenol, ouabain) with different mechanisms were firstly real
      time monitored to diagnose the cytotoxicity by using the RTCA, while the
      functional alterations of cardiomyocytes were also monitored by analyzing the
      beating frequency of cardiomyocytes. Then cardiac specific toxicity gene
      expression changes were studied by using the technology of PCR Array, which can
      detect the changes of 84 cardiac functions related genes. Rps6kb1 was identified
      to be the common cardiac biomarkers by using multivariate statistical and
      integration analyses. The biomarker was further verified by selecting other drugs
      with or without cardiotoxicity, and the results showed that the gene exhibited
      specific changes in cardiac toxicity. Moreover, IPA was applied to combine
      relevant pathways of Rps6kb1, and identify the main types of cardiac toxicity.
      These results would further enrich the evaluating strategy of drug-induced
      cardiotoxicity in vitro, and Rps6kb1 could be used as the specific biomarker of
      cardiotoxcity during safety assessment of the novel drug candidates.

PMID- 28099880
TI  - Modifications of inhibitory transmission onto pyramidal neurons by postnatal
      exposure to MK-801: Effects of enriched environment.
AB  - Early enriched environment (EE) prevents several deficits associated with
      postnatal MK-801 [N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist] treatment such
      as cognitive and locomotor deficits. We sought physiological correlates to such
      changes by looking at inhibitory synaptic inputs onto pyramidal cells in a
      prefrontal cortex slice preparation. Pharmacologically isolated gamma-amino
      butyric acid A (GABAA) receptor-mediated currents were measured using whole-cell
      patch clamp recordings. Wistar rats were raised in standard or EE from birth up
      to the time of experiments and were injected with saline or MK-801 (1mg/kg) on
      postnatal days (P) 6-10. We recorded miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents
      (mIPSCs) of pyramidal cells in layer II/III of prefrontal cortex and measured
      their frequency, amplitude and kinetics. In control animals, the amplitude and
      frequency of mIPSCs increased strikingly during development from P21 to P28. MK
      801 accelerated the development of mIPSCs frequency but caused a significant
      decrease in the amplitude of mIPSCs on P28 suggesting a significant reduction of
      inhibition onto pyramidal cells. EE per se led to a significant increase in both
      frequency and amplitude of mIPSCs, but its application to MK-801-treated rats
      resulted in moderate rescue of GABAergic transmission on P28. We conclude that
      postnatal MK-801 leads to reduced inhibitory transmission onto pyramidal cells of
      prefrontal cortex at adolescence which may underlie behavioural and morphological
      differences detected in vivo in rats. EE presentation from birth rather prevents
      GABAergic alterations associated with postnatal MK-801 treatment at adolescence.

PMID- 28099881
TI  - Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor alleviated 6-OHDA-induced
      cell damage via ROS-AMPK/mTOR mediated autophagic inhibition.
AB  - Autophagy and apoptosis are commonly involved in the dopaminergic neuron damage
      in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Recently, the autophagy pathway is
      thought to be critical to the process of PD. Therefore, the regulation of
      autophagy may be a potential strategy for PD treatment. Mesencephalic astrocyte
      derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) has been reported to have neuroprotective
      effects through anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms
      in PD. In this study, we investigated the role of autophagy system in MANF
      mediated neuroprotection against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced
      neurotoxicity. Our results showed that MANF protected SH-SY5Y cells against 6
      OHDA-induced cell viability decrease and apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy.
      Mitochondrion damage and energetic dysfunction triggered by reactive oxidative
      stress (ROS) accumulation were also alleviated by MANF treatment. Furthermore,
      MANF downregulated phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a
      cellular energy sensor and regulator, but upregulated phosphorylation of
      Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) under energy depletion conditions,
      indicating AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway is involved in the autophagic inhibition
      of MANF. These results suggest that autophagic inhibition provides protective
      mechanism of MANF in 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cell death and this inhibition is
      associated with AMPK/mTOR pathway.

PMID- 28099882
TI  - The 35-year odyssey of beta blockers in cirrhosis: any gender difference in
      sight?
AB  - Cirrhosis is the end-stage of chronic liver disease and leads to the development
      of portal hypertension and its complications such as esophagogastric varices. Non
      selective beta blockers (NSBB) are the keystone for the treatment of portal
      hypertension since the 1980s and, over the decades, several studies have
      confirmed their beneficial effect on the prevention of variceal (re)bleeding.
      Pharmacological studies showed effects of gender, sex hormones, oral
      contraceptives, and pregnancy on cytochrome P450 (CYPs) enzymes that metabolise
      NSBB, suggesting that gender differences might exist in the effect of NSBB. In
      this review, we focused on the 35-year knowledge about the use of beta blockers
      in cirrhosis and potential gender differences. We specifically examined the role
      of NSBB in pre-primary, primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding,
      compared two commonly used NSBB (i.e., Propranolol and Carvedilol), and present
      the current controversies about the window of treatment in advanced cirrhosis
      with a specific focus on gender differences in NSBB effects. NSBB are not
      currently recommended in pre-primary prophylaxis of varices mainly because of
      lack of proven efficacy. On the other hand, NSBB are strongly recommended in
      patient with cirrhosis as primary (as alternative to endoscopic band ligation,
      EBL) and secondary prophylaxis (in addition to EBL) of variceal bleeding. To
      date, no studies have focused specifically on the effect of gender on NSBB
      treatment. Data extrapolated from clinical studies show that gender was neither a
      risk factor for the development of varices nor associated with a different
      response to treatment in primary or secondary prophylaxis. According to the
      available guidelines, no different, gender-based treatment for portal
      hypertension is recommended.

PMID- 28099883
TI  - Beta2-adrenergic signaling affects the phenotype of human cardiac progenitor
      cells through EMT modulation.
AB  - Human cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) offer great promises to cardiac cell
      therapy for heart failure. Many in vivo studies have shown their therapeutic
      benefits, paving the way for clinical translation. The 3D model of cardiospheres
      (CSs) represents a unique niche-like in vitro microenvironment, which includes
      CPCs and supporting cells. CSs have been shown to form through a process mediated
      by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). beta2-Adrenergic signaling
      significantly affects stem/progenitor cells activation and mobilization in
      multiple tissues, and crosstalk between beta2-adrenergic signaling and EMT
      processes has been reported. In the present study, we aimed at investigating the
      biological response of CSs to beta2-adrenergic stimuli, focusing on EMT
      modulation in the 3D culture system of CSs. We treated human CSs and CS-derived
      cells (CDCs) with the beta2-blocker butoxamine (BUT), using either untreated or
      beta2 agonist (clenbuterol) treated CDCs as control. BUT-treated CS-forming cells
      displayed increased migration capacity and a significant increase in their CS
      forming ability, consistently associated with increased expression of EMT-related
      genes, such as Snai1. Moreover, long-term BUT-treated CDCs contained a lower
      percentage of CD90+ cells, and this feature has been previously correlated with
      higher cardiogenic and therapeutic potential of the CDCs population. In addition,
      long-term BUT-treated CDCs had an increased ratio of collagen-III/collagen-I gene
      expression levels, and showed decreased release of inflammatory cytokines,
      overall supporting a less fibrosis-prone phenotype. In conclusion, beta2
      adrenergic receptor block positively affected the stemness vs commitment balance
      within CSs through the modulation of type1-EMT (so called "developmental"). These
      results further highlight type-1 EMT to be a key process affecting the features
      of resident cardiac progenitor cells, and mediating their response to the
      microenvironment.

PMID- 28099884
TI  - Characterization of human and Staphylococcus aureus proteins in respiratory
      mucosa by in vivo- and immunoproteomics.
AB  - : Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive opportunistic bacterium which can be
      found as a commensal in the nares of about 50% of the human population. Besides
      asymptomatic carriage, S. aureus has also been found to colonize nasal polyps, a
      subform of chronic rhinosinusitis, in 60 to 100% of cases, and even reside
      intracellularly in nasal polyp tissue. The aim of this study was to shed light on
      the behavior of S. aureus in the human airways by analyzing S. aureus-specific
      proteins in nasal polyp tissue from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and to
      characterize the immunogenic potential of the identified (mainly secreted)
      proteins. As a result, in total >600 S. aureus proteins were identified by high
      resolution mass spectrometry or multiple reaction monitoring. Of those roughly
      180 are typically localized in the membrane, surface exposed or secreted. For 115
      S. aureus proteins, partially also detected in vivo by mass spectrometry, IgA-
      and IgG-specific antibody signals were profiled. Strong antibody signals were
      predominantly found for surface expose or secreted proteins. SIGNIFICANCE: In
      this study, we used high resolution mass spectrometry to identify S. aureus
      proteins directly in infected nasal polyp tissue. We discovered bacterial
      proteins involved in invasion of tissue, virulence, bacterial signal transduction
      or acquisition of nutrients. Some of the detected superantigens and Spls are
      known to provoke secretion of a broad spectrum of cytokines. Therefore, our
      manuscript contains new information about the invasion of S. aureus in nasal
      polyp tissue and its protein-specific immunogenicity.

PMID- 28099885
TI  - Oestrus synchronisation and superovulation alter the cervicovaginal mucus
      proteome of the ewe.
AB  - : Although essential for artificial insemination (AI) and MOET (multiple
      ovulation and embryo transfer), oestrus synchronisation and superovulation are
      associated with increased female reproductive tract mucus production and altered
      sperm transport. The effects of such breeding practices on the ovine
      cervicovaginal (CV) mucus proteome have not been detailed. The aim of this study
      was to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the Merino CV mucus proteome
      in naturally cycling (NAT) ewes at oestrus and mid-luteal phase, and
      quantitatively compare CV oestrus mucus proteomes of NAT, progesterone
      synchronised (P4) and superovulated (SOV) ewes. Quantitative analysis revealed 60
      proteins were more abundant during oestrus and 127 were more abundant during the
      luteal phase, with 27 oestrus specific and 40 luteal specific proteins
      identified. The oestrus proteins most disparate in abundance compared to mid
      luteal phase were ceruloplasmin (CP), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1),
      clusterin (CLU), alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) and mucin-16 (MUC16). Exogenous
      hormones greatly altered the proteome with 51 and 32 proteins more abundant and
      98 and 53 proteins less abundant, in P4 and SOV mucus, respectively when compared
      to NAT mucus. Investigation of the impact of these proteomic changes on sperm
      motility and longevity within mucus may help improve sperm transport and
      fertility following cervical AI. SIGNIFICANCE: This manuscript is the first to
      detail the proteome of ovine cervicovaginal mucus using qualitative and
      quantitative proteomic methods over the oestrous cycle in naturally cycling ewes,
      and also after application of common oestrus synchronisation and superovulation
      practices. The investigation of the mucus proteome throughout both the follicular
      and luteal periods of the oestrous cycle, and also after oestrous synchronisation
      and superovulation provides information about the endocrine control and the
      effects that exogenous hormones have on protein expression in the female
      reproductive tract. This information contributes to the field by providing
      important information on the changes that occur to the cervicovaginal mucus
      proteome after use of exogenous hormones in controlled breeding programs, which
      are commonly used on farm and also in a research setting.

PMID- 28099886
TI  - iTRAQ-based quantitative proteome revealed metabolic changes of Flammulina
      velutipes mycelia in response to cold stress.
AB  - : Temperature is one of the pivotal factors influencing mycelium growth and fruit
      body formation of Flammulina velutipes. To gain insights into hyphae growth and
      fruit-body formation events and facilitate the identification of potential stage
      specific biomarker candidates, we investigated the proteome response of F.
      velutipes mycelia to cold stresses using iTRAQ-coupled two-dimensional liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (2D LC-MS/MS) technique. Among 1198
      proteins identified with high confidence, a total of 63 displayed altered
      expression level after cold stress treatments. In-depth data analysis reveals
      that differentially expressed proteins were involved in a variety of cellular
      processes, particularly metabolic processes. Among the 31 up-regulated proteins,
      24 (77.42%) were associated with 22 specific KEGG pathways. These up-regulated
      proteins could possibly serve as potential biomarkers to study the molecular
      mechanisms of F. velutipes mycelia response to cold stresses. These data of the
      proteins might provide valuable evidences to better understand the molecular
      mechanisms of mycelium resistance to cold stress and fruit-body formation in
      fungi. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Low-temperature is one of the pivotal factors in
      some Flammulina velutipes industrial processes influencing mycelium growth,
      inducing primordia and controlling fruit-body development. Preliminary study has
      indicated that effectively regulating cultivation could augment the yield by
      controlling optimal cold stress level on mycelia. However, we are still far from
      understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms of adaptation of these
      fungi at cold stress. In the present study, the experiments reported above were
      undertaken to investigate chronological changes of protein expression during F.
      velutipes mycelia in response to cold stress by using iTRAQ-coupled 2D LC-MS/MS
      technique. This result would provide new insights to the underlying mycelium
      growth and fruit-body formation mechanisms of basidiomycetes under cold stress.

PMID- 28099888
TI  - The non-canonical NOTCH1 ligand Delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) self interacts in
      mammals.
AB  - Delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) is an imprinted gene, which is widely expressed
      during mammalian development and plays a pivotal role in differentiation of
      various tissue types. Most recently, we have shown that DLK1 interacts with
      NOTCH1, yet several Notch independent mechanisms have previously been suggested
      as well, but only poorly confirmed in a mammalian context. In the present study,
      we employed the mammalian two-hybrid (MTH) system, a genetic in vivo protein
      protein interaction system, to show robust DLK1-DLK1, DLK1-FnI (Fibronectin) and
      DLK1-CFR (cysteine-rich FGF receptor) interactions, whereas the proposed DLK1
      IGFBP1 interaction was not supported by MTH. Very little has previously been
      described on the DLK1 self-interaction. Herein, we showed by immunoprecipitation
      as well as Sulfo-SBED label transfer that the DLK1-DLK1 interaction likely is
      part of Dlk1's function in preadipocytes. Furthermore our data suggest that DLK1
      interacts with itself through EGF domain 4 and 5, which is distinct from the
      recently described NOTCH1-DLK1 interaction, which occurs between EGF domain 5 and
      6. This opens up the possibility that Notch independent mechanisms like the DLK1
      DLK1 interaction may modulate the non-canonical NOTCH1-DLK1 interaction further
      complexing this system.

PMID- 28099887
TI  - Comparative proteomics of paired vocal fold and oral mucosa fibroblasts.
AB  - : Injuries of the vocal folds frequently heal with scar formation, which can have
      lifelong detrimental impact on voice quality. Current treatments to prevent or
      resolve scars of the vocal fold mucosa are highly unsatisfactory. In contrast,
      the adjacent oral mucosa is mostly resistant to scarring. These differences in
      healing tendency might relate to distinct properties of the fibroblasts
      populating oral and vocal fold mucosae. We thus established the in vitro
      cultivation of paired, near-primary vocal fold fibroblasts (VFF) and oral mucosa
      fibroblasts (OMF) to perform a basic cellular characterization and comparative
      cellular proteomics. VFF were significantly larger than OMF, proliferated more
      slowly, and exhibited a sustained TGF-beta1-induced elevation of pro-fibrotic
      interleukin 6. Cluster analysis of the proteomic data revealed distinct protein
      repertoires specific for VFF and OMF. Further, VFF displayed a broader protein
      spectrum, particularly a more sophisticated array of factors constituting and
      modifying the extracellular matrix. Conversely, subsets of OMF-enriched proteins
      were linked to cellular proliferation, nuclear events, and protection against
      oxidative stress. Altogether, this study supports the notion that fibroblasts
      sensitively adapt to the functional peculiarities of their respective anatomical
      location and presents several molecular targets for further investigation in the
      context of vocal fold wound healing. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mammalian vocal
      folds are a unique but delicate tissue. A considerable fraction of people is
      affected by voice problems, yet many of the underlying vocal fold pathologies are
      sparsely understood at the molecular level. One such pathology is vocal fold
      scarring - the tendency of vocal fold injuries to heal with scar formation -,
      which represents a clinical problem with highly suboptimal treatment modalities.
      This study employed proteomics to obtain comprehensive insight into the protein
      repertoire of vocal fold fibroblasts, which are the cells that predominantly
      synthesize the extracellular matrix in both physiological and pathophysiological
      conditions. Protein profiles were compared to paired fibroblasts from the oral
      mucosa, a neighboring tissue that is remarkably resistant to scarring.
      Bioinformatic analyses of the data revealed a number of pathways as well as
      single proteins (e.g. ECM-remodeling factors, transcription factors, enzymes)
      that were significantly different between the two fibroblast types. Thereby, this
      study has revealed novel interesting molecular targets which can be analyzed in
      the future for their impact on vocal fold wound healing.

PMID- 28099889
TI  - Evaluation of organosolv pretreatment on the structural characteristics of lignin
      polymers and follow-up enzymatic hydrolysis of the substrates from Eucalyptus
      wood.
AB  - In the present study, Eucalyptus was subjected to organosolv pretreatment
      processes with aqueous 2-propanol at 200-220 degrees C to obtain lignin with
      benign characters for its valorization and digestible substrates for bioethanol
      production. Results showed that different delignification ratios (64.00%-81.26%)
      and molecular weights (Mw=610-2680g/mol) of lignin fractions were dissociated
      from various pretreatment conditions, and the glucose yields of all the
      pretreated substrates significantly increased to 54.65-88.59% as compared to that
      of raw material (9.20%). Additionally, the amounts of beta-O-4, beta-beta, and
      beta-5 substructures were regularly decreased with the increased temperature and
      time. By contrast, the structural characteristics of the lignin fractions
      obtained with 70% 2-PrOH/water were less-altered than those with 50% 2-PrOH/water
      pretreatment. Remarkably, lignin with the lowest molecular weight (Mw=610g/mol)
      and less-altered chemical structure was achieved at 200 degrees C for 120min,
      which is beneficial to subsequent catalytic degradation of lignin.

PMID- 28099890
TI  - An investigation on biosorption of nitrate from water by chitosan based organic
      inorganic hybrid biocomposites.
AB  - In this study, three types of crosslinked organic-inorganic hybrid biocomposites,
      such as chitosan/bentonite, chitosan/titanium oxide, and chitosan/alumina (ChBT,
      ChTi, and ChAl respectively) were prepared and utilized for the removal of
      nitrate from water by batch biosorption experiments. Effects of crosslinker dose,
      initial nitrate concentration, contact time, initial pH of the nitrate solution,
      biosorbent dose, temperature, and the presence of competitive ions on adsorption
      capacities were investigated. Actual adsorption capacities of ChBT, ChTi, and
      ChAl at a crosslinker to chitosan solution ratio of 1:40 were 35.68 and 43.62,
      and 45.38mg/g as nitrate respectively. The actual adsorption capacities decreased
      with increase in crosslinker dose. Adsorption equilibrium isotherm models data
      were well fitted to the linear Freundlich isotherm model. Thermodynamic
      parameters indicate that adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The
      adsorption process was better described by a pseudo-second-order equation. The
      results show that chitosan based organic-inorganic biocomposites were effective,
      low cost, and reusable for the removal of nitrate from water.

PMID- 28099891
TI  - Dihedral angle preferences of DNA and RNA binding amino acid residues in
      proteins.
AB  - A protein can interact with DNA or RNA molecules to perform various cellular
      processes. Identifying or analyzing DNA/RNA binding site amino acid residues is
      important to understand molecular recognition process. It is quite possible to
      accurately model DNA/RNA binding amino acid residues in experimental protein
      DNA/RNA complex by using the electron density map whereas, locating/modeling the
      binding site amino acid residues in the predicted three dimensional structures of
      DNA/RNA binding proteins is still a difficult task. Considering the above facts,
      in the present work, we have carried out a comprehensive analysis of dihedral
      angle preferences of DNA and RNA binding site amino acid residues by using a
      classical Ramachandran map. We have computed backbone dihedral angles of non
      DNA/RNA binding residues and used as control dataset to make a comparative study.
      The dihedral angle preference of DNA and RNA binding site residues of twenty
      amino acid type is presented. Our analysis clearly revealed that the dihedral
      angles (phi, psi) of DNA/RNA binding amino acid residues prefer to occupy (-89
      degrees  to -60 degrees , -59 degrees  to -30 degrees ) bins. The results
      presented in this paper will help to model/locate DNA/RNA binding amino acid
      residues with better accuracy.

PMID- 28099892
TI  - A novel starch-based stimuli-responsive nanosystem for theranostic applications.
AB  - The aim of this study was to synthesis and characterization of a novel stimuli
      responsive polymeric nanosystem for theranostic applications. For this purpose,
      starch was modified by itaconic anhydride to afford an itaconat-functionalized
      starch macromonomer (starch-IA). This macromonomer with carboxylic functional
      groups was subsequently adsorbed onto the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles
      (Fe3O4 NPs), and then copolymerized with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomer
      via a 'free' radical initiated polymerization technique to produce a temperature
      responsive magnetic nanohydrogel (MNHG). The chemical structures of all samples
      as representatives were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared
      (FTIR) spectroscopy. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST), thermal
      responsibility, morphology, elemental composition, thermal stability, and
      magnetic properties of the synthesized MNHG were investigated. In addition, the
      methotrexate (MTX)-loading capacity (~74%) and stimuli-responsive drug release
      ability of the synthesized MNHG were also evaluated. As results, we envision that
      the synthesized starch-g-PNIPAAm/Fe3O4 MNHG may be find theranostic applications,
      in part due to its smart physicochemical properties.

PMID- 28099893
TI  - Lead-binding capacity of calcium pectates with different molecular weight.
AB  - Nowadays, heavy metal contamination of environment is considered as a serious
      threat to public health because of toxicity of these pollutants and the lack of
      effective materials with metal-binding properties. Some biopolymers such as
      pectins were proposed for removal of metal ions from industrial water disposals.
      Chemical structure of pectins is quite variable and substantially affects their
      metal binding properties. In this work, relationship between molecular weight and
      Pb(II)-binding capacity of calcium pectates was investigated in a batch sorption
      system. The results showed that all pectate samples are able to form complexes
      with Pb(II) ions. The effects of contact time, pH of the media and equilibrium
      metal concentration on metal-binding process were tested in experiments. The
      equilibrium time min required for uptake of Pb(II) by pectate compounds was found
      to be 60min. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied for description of
      interactions between pectates and metal ions. Binding capacity of low molecular
      pectate was highest among all the samples tested. Langmuir model was figured out
      to be the best fit within the whole range of pH values. These results demonstrate
      that calcium pectate with low molecular weight is more promising agent for
      elimination of Pb(II) ions from contaminated wastewaters.

PMID- 28099894
TI  - Handheld new technology Raman and portable FT-IR spectrometers as complementary
      tools for the in situ identification of organic materials in modern art.
AB  - A non-invasive approach has been carried out to characterize painting materials
      used in modern artworks conserved in the art collection of Carandente's museum at
      Palazzo Collicola in Spoleto (Italy). This work is focused on the cross
      validation of the handheld BRAVO Raman spectrometer, that uses a sequentially
      Shifted Excitation (SSE) to mitigate fluorescence, for the characterization
      specifically of organic materials. The analytical procedure, combining XRF, Raman
      and reflection infrared spectroscopy, allowed a complete characterization of the
      artists' palettes; particularly eight different synthetic dyes belonging to the
      class of pigment red (PR) and pigment yellow (PY.), synthetic and traditional
      binders, such as alkyd resin and lipids have been easily identified.

PMID- 28099895
TI  - Imaging of MSC transplantation in neuroscience.

PMID- 28099896
TI  - Hypothalamic microRNAs flip the switch for fertility.

PMID- 28099897
TI  - Oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disease: causation or association?

PMID- 28099898
TI  - The best strategy for HCC patients at each BCLC stage: a network meta-analysis of
      observational studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Currently, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system
      remains huge controversies in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. To
      determine the best therapeutic strategy for patients at each stage, we conducted
      a network meta-analysis and aimed to provide a new treatment concept. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library database were searched for
      observational studies up to August 31, 2016. We extracted data on overall
      survival rate from studies that compared various strategies for use with patients
      at different stages. Network meta-analysis was conducted by evaluating the
      different overall survival rate of each stage. Cumulative probability value was
      utilized to rank the strategies under examination. A node-splitting model was
      employed to assess consistency and inconsistency. RESULTS: A total of 198
      observational studies were included in the network meta-analysis with a focus on
      Stages 0-D. By comparing the overall survival rate of each stage, the results
      revealed that liver transplantation and liver transplantation plus transcatheter
      arterial chemoembolization were the best options for patients with Stages 0 and
      A. The applications of surgical resection plus transcatheter arterial
      chemoembolization and surgical resection plus sorafenib were the best strategies
      for Stages B and C. For Stage D, whole net connection could not be established,
      but intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy and liver transplantation could be
      potential primary options. CONCLUSIONS: The existing therapeutic flowchart needs
      to be updated. Potential best strategies relating to all stages were identified
      and should be used as references for clinical treatments.

PMID- 28099899
TI  - Concurrent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy could improve survival outcomes for
      patients with esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis based on random clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The long-term survival benefit of concurrent neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy in patients with resectable esophageal cancer remains
      controversial. In the present study, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess these
      effectiveness. METHODS: We searched for most relevant studies published up to the
      end of August 2016, using Pubmed and web of knowledge. And additional articles
      were identified from previous meta-analysis. The hazard ratio (HR, for overall
      survival and progression free survival) or risk ratio (RR, for R0 resection) with
      its corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the pooled
      effect. RESULTS: Twelve articles including 1756 patients were included in the
      meta-analysis. Concurrent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery was
      associated with significantly improved overall survival (HR=0.76 , 95% CI= 0.68
      0.86), progression survival (HR =0.69, 95% CI= 0.59-0.81), and R0 resection
      rate(RR =1.17, 95% CI= 1.03-1.33). Subgroup analysis suggested that concurrent
      neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy could improve overall survival outcome for squamous
      cell carcinoma (HR=0.73, 95%CI=0.61-0.88) but not those for adenocarcinoma
      (HR=0.72, 95%CI=0.48-1.04). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that concurrent
      neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was associated with a significant survival benefit
      in patients with esophageal cancer.

PMID- 28099901
TI  - Efficacy of sequential therapies with sorafenib-sunitinib versus sunitinib
      sorafenib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - The most efficient sequence of targeted agents for metastatic renal cell
      carcinoma patients has yet to be identified. Whether the sequence of sorafenib
      and sunitinib really matters is controversial and not answered clearly until now.
      This meta-analysis aims to estimate the efficacy of receptor tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors sorafenib-sunitinib and sunitinib-sorafenib for metastatic renal cell
      carcinoma, on the outcome of first-line progression-free survival, second-line
      progression-free survival, total progression-free survival and overall
      survival.We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrails.gov for
      eligible studies. Data were analyzed using random or fixed effects model
      depending on the heterogeneity of the eligible studies. Heterogeneity across
      studies were analyzed using Q and I2 statistics.Of 902 identified studies, ten
      were qualified in our analysis (N = 1732 patients). Sorafenib-sunitinib yielded
      no statistically significant benefit in first-line progression-free survival
      (fixed effects; HR = 0.95; 95%CI 0.75-1.21; p = 0.702), total progression-free
      survival (random effects; HR = 0.92; 95%CI 0.71-1.19; p = 0.531) and overall
      survival (fixed effects; HR = 0.89; 95%CI 0.72-1.09; p = 0.257), compared with
      sunitinib-sorafenib. Second-line progression-free survival was longer for
      sorafenib-sunitinib than sunitinib-sorafenib (fixed effects; HR = 0.55; 95%CI
      0.44-0.68; p = 0.000).Sequential therapies with sorafenib and sunitinib is well
      tolerated and efficient in mRCC. However, there are no evidence supported that
      sorafenib-sunitinib has the superiority to sunitinib-sorafenib in sequence. The
      ideal sequence of targeted agents requires further elucidation.

PMID- 28099900
TI  - Skeletal muscle aging: influence of oxidative stress and physical exercise.
AB  - Skeletal muscle abnormalities are responsible for significant disability in the
      elderly. Sarcopenia is the main alteration occurring during senescence and a key
      public health issue as it predicts frailty, poor quality of life, and mortality.
      Several factors such as reduced physical activity, hormonal changes, insulin
      resistance, genetic susceptibility, appetite loss, and nutritional deficiencies
      are involved in the physiopathology of muscle changes. Sarcopenia is
      characterized by structural, biochemical, molecular and functional muscle
      changes. An imbalance between anabolic and catabolic intracellular signaling
      pathways and an increase in oxidative stress both play important roles in muscle
      abnormalities. Currently, despite the discovery of new targets and development of
      new drugs, nonpharmacological therapies such as physical exercise and nutritional
      support are considered the basis for prevention and treatment of age-associated
      muscle abnormalities. There has been an increase in information on signaling
      pathways beneficially modulated by exercise; nonetheless, studies are needed to
      establish the best type, intensity, and frequency of exercise to prevent or treat
      age-induced skeletal muscle alterations.

PMID- 28099903
TI  - Talin-1 interaction network promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression.
AB  - Talin-1 is a known oncogene-associated protein. In this study, we set out to
      determine its role and mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression.
      We found Talin-1 to be highly expressed in HCC cells relative to non-cancer liver
      epithelial cells and to promote tumor growth and metastasis. We used Whole Human
      Genome Oligo Microarray analysis with HCC cells and HCC cells in which Talin-1
      was knocked down using shRNA to identify transcripts regulated by Talin-1. Of the
      40,000 tested genes, 3099 were differentially expressed after Talin-1 knockdown;
      expression of 1924 genes was increased, while expression of 2175 was decreased.
      Gene ontology (GO) profiling indicated that Talin-1 promotes many HCC progression
      related activities, including ion transport and membrane depolarization, cell
      growth, and cell adhesion. We also characterized the network of gene transcripts
      regulated by Talin-1 and their role in promoting HCC progression. Our findings
      confirm the role of Talin-1 in carcinogenesis and provided a set of novel
      therapeutic targets for the treatment of HCC.

PMID- 28099902
TI  - Anthelmintic mebendazole enhances cisplatin's effect on suppressing cell
      proliferation and promotes differentiation of head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma (HNSCC).
AB  - Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common and
      aggressive types of human cancers worldwide. Nearly a half of HNSCC patients
      experience recurrence within five years of treatment and develop resistance to
      chemotherapy. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to develop safe and novel
      anticancer therapies for HNSCC. Here, we investigate the possibility of
      repurposing the anthelmintic drug mebendazole (MBZ) as an anti-HNSCC agent. Using
      the two commonly-used human HNSCC lines CAL27 and SCC15, we demonstrate MBZ
      exerts more potent anti-proliferation activity than cisplatin in human HNSCC
      cells. MBZ effectively inhibits cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and
      cell migration, and induces apoptosis of HNSCC cells. Mechanistically, MBZ can
      modulate the cancer-associated pathways including ELK1/SRF, AP1, STAT1/2,
      MYC/MAX, although the regulatory outcomes are context-dependent. MBZ also
      synergizes with cisplatin in suppressing cell proliferation and inducing
      apoptosis of human HNSCC cells. Furthermore, MBZ is shown to promote the terminal
      differentiation of CAL27 cells and keratinization of CAL27-derived xenograft
      tumors. Our results are the first to demonstrate that MBZ may exert its
      anticancer activity by inhibiting proliferation while promoting differentiation
      of certain HNSCC cancer cells. It's conceivable the anthelmintic drug MBZ can be
      repurposed as a safe and effective agent used in combination with other frontline
      chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin in HNSCC treatment.

PMID- 28099904
TI  - Tianfoshen oral liquid: a CFDA approved clinical traditional Chinese medicine,
      normalizes major cellular pathways disordered during colorectal carcinogenesis.
AB  - Colorectal cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide,
      suggesting exploration of novel therapeutic avenues may be useful. In this study,
      therefore, we determined whether Tianfoshen oral liquid, a Chinese traditional
      medicine that has been used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, would be
      therapeutically beneficial for colorectal cancer patients. Our data show that
      Tianfoshen oral liquid effectively inhibits growth of colorectal cancer cells
      both in vitro and in vivo. We further employed a comprehensive strategy that
      included chemoinformatics, bioinformatics and network biology methods to unravel
      novel insights into the active compounds of Tianfoshen oral liquid and to
      identify the common therapeutic targets and processes for colorectal cancer
      treatment. We identified 276 major candidate targets for Tianfoshen oral liquid
      that are central to colorectal cancer progression. Gene enrichment analysis
      showed that these targets were associated with cell cycle, apoptosis, cancer
      related angiogenesis, and chronic inflammation and related signaling pathways. We
      also validated experimentally the inhibitory effects of Tianfoshen oral liquid on
      these pathological processes, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we
      demonstrated that Tianfoshen oral liquid suppressed multiple relevant key players
      that sustain and promote colorectal cancer, which is suggests the potential
      therapeutic efficacy of Tianfoshen oral liquid in future colorectal cancer
      treatments.

PMID- 28099905
TI  - Prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 3 and asparaginyl hydroxylase factor inhibiting
      HIF-1 levels are predictive of tumoral behavior and prognosis in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are key regulators in oxygen homeostasis. Their
      stabilization and activity are regulated by prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)-1, 
      2, -3 and factor inhibiting HIF (FIH). This study investigated the relation
      between these oxygen sensors and the clinical behaviors and prognosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tissue microarray and RT-PCR analysis of tumor
      tissues and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues revealed that mRNA and protein
      levels of both PHD3 and FIH were lower within tumors. The lower expression of
      PHD3 in tumor was associated with larger tumor size, incomplete tumor
      encapsulation, vascular invasion and higher Ki-67 LI (p < 0.05). The lower
      expression of FIH in tumor was associated with incomplete tumor encapsulation,
      vascular invasion, as well as higher TNM stage, BCLC stage, microvascular density
      and Ki-67 LI (p < 0.05). Patients with reduced expression of PHD3 or FIH had
      markedly shorter disease-free survival (DFS), lower overall survival (OS), or
      higher recurrence (p < 0.05), especially early recurrence. Patients with
      simultaneously reduced expression of PHD3 and FIH exhibited the least chance of
      forming tumor encapsulation, highest TNM stage (p < 0.0083), lowest OS and
      highest recurrence rate (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that a lower
      expression of FIH independently predicted a poor prognosis in HCC. These findings
      indicate that downregulation of PHD3 and FIH in HCC is associated with more
      aggressive tumor behavior and a poor prognosis. PHD3 and FIH may be potential
      therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.

PMID- 28099906
TI  - Genomic characteristics of pancreatic squamous cell carcinoma, an investigation
      by using high throughput sequencing after in-solution hybrid capture.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of pancreas is a rare histotype of pancreatic
      ductal carcinoma which is distinct from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (AC). Although
      there are standard treatments for pancreatic AC, no precise therapies exist for
      pancreatic SCC. Here, we screened 1033 cases of pancreatic cancer and identified
      2 cases of pure SCC, which were pathologically diagnosed on the basis of finding
      definite intercellular bridges and/or focal keratin peal formation in the tumor
      cells. Immunohistochemistry assay confirmed the positive expression of CK5/6 and
      p63 in pancreatic SCC. To verify the genomic characteristics of pancreatic SCC,
      we employed in-solution hybrid capture targeting 137 cancer-related genes
      accompanied by high throughput sequencing (HTS) to compare the different genetic
      variants in SCC and AC of pancreas. We compared the genetic alterations of known
      biomarkers of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in different pancreatic cancer tissues,
      and identified nine mutated genes in SCC of pancreas: C7orf70, DNHD1, KPRP, MDM4,
      MUC6, OR51Q1, PTPRD, TCF4, TET2, and nine genes (ABCB1, CSF1R, CYP2C18, FBXW7,
      ITPA, KIAA0748, SOD2, SULT1A2, ZNF142) that are mutated in pancreatic AC. This
      study may have taken one step forward on the discovery of potential biomarkers
      for the targeted treatment of SCC of the pancreas.

PMID- 28099907
TI  - Increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization in women
      with decreased ovarian reserve.
AB  - The incidence of ectopic pregnancy after assisted reproductive technology is
      increased approximately 2.5-5-fold compared with natural conceptions.Strategies
      were used to decrease the incidence of ectopic pregnancy, but ectopic pregnancy
      still occurs. In the present study, women were selected with decreased ovarian
      reserve (defined as FSH > 10 IU/L) aged 20 to 38 years who underwent IVF-ET
      between 2009 and 2014. These 2,061 women were age-matched with an equal number of
      women with normal ovarian reserve (defined as FSH <= 10 IU/L). During cycles
      following fresh embryo transfer, 93 patients were diagnosed with ectopic
      pregnancy. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy in clinical pregnancies was
      significantly higher in the decreased ovarian reserve than in the normal ovarian
      reserve group (5.51% vs. 2.99%). After adjusting for confounding factors, the
      incidence of ectopic pregnancy was significantly associated with decreased
      ovarian reserve. Our results showed that decreased ovarian reserve is an
      independent risk factor for ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo
      transfer.

PMID- 28099908
TI  - The association of two polymorphisms in adiponectin-encoding gene with
      hypertension risk and the changes of circulating adiponectin and blood pressure:
      A meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis was prepared to synthesize published data on the
      association of two polymorphisms (T45G and G276T) in adiponectin-encoding gene
      (ADIPOQ) with hypertension risk and the changes of circulating adiponectin and
      blood pressure. Methodology and Major Findings: Data were collected and corrected
      by two authors, and were managed with Stata software. In total, 12 articles were
      synthesized, including 12 studies (3358 cases and 5121 controls) for the
      association of two study polymorphisms with hypertension risk and 11 studies
      (3053 subjects) for the between-genotype changes of adiponectin and/or blood
      pressure. Based on all qualified studies, the risk prediction for hypertension
      was nonsignificant for both polymorphisms, with significant heterogeneity for
      G276T polymorphism (I2 = 53.8%). Overall changes in adiponectin and blood
      pressure were also nonsignificant for T45G, while contrastingly 276GT genotype
      was associated with significantly higher levels of adiponectin (weighted mean
      difference [WMD] = 0.72 MUg/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04 to 1.41, P =
      0.038), systolic (WMD = 5.15 mm Hg, 95% CI: 0.98 to 9.32, P = 0.016) and
      diastolic (WMD = 3.45 mm Hg, 95% CI: 0.37 to 6.53, P = 0.028) blood pressure with
      evident heterogeneity (I2 = 72.0%, 78.3% and 80.0%, respectively), and these
      associations were more obvious in hypertensive patients. Publication bias was a
      low probability event for overall comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      suggested that in spite of the nonsignificant association between ADIPOQ T45G or
      G276T polymorphism and hypertension, the heterozygous mutation of G276T was
      observed to account for increased levels of circulating adiponectin and blood
      pressure, especially in hypertensive patients.

PMID- 28099909
TI  - Pathway of peritoneal carcinomatosis maybe hematogenous metastasis rather than
      peritoneal seeding.
AB  - GOALS: This study aimed to summarize the clinicopathological data of the cases of
      gastric cancer or colon cancer with regular metastasis in the mesentery of small
      intestine and explore the pathway of peritoneal carcinomatosis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 5 cases of gastric cancer and 3 cases of
      colon cancer with regular metastasis in the mesentery of the small intestine from
      January 2014 to June 2016, including clinical information, gross manifestations
      during operation, treatment, and pathology. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics
      of all 8 cases were fully collected. The symptoms were various without
      specificity. All patients were found to present with metastasis in peritoneum
      during operation and the metastatic lesions arranged along the blood vessels
      orderly. The metastatic lesions of all studied patients were proved to be
      malignant carcinoma histopathologically, the same as the original tumor. Tumor
      emboli were seen in the vessel and invasive neoplastic foci was also seen in the
      vascular wall. CONCLUSIONS: The traditional view that peritoneal carcinomatosis
      is due to seeding has no sufficient basis. Hematogenous metastasis maybe the real
      way of peritoneal carcinomatosis combined with clinical presentation.

PMID- 28099910
TI  - Multiple biological functions of Twist1 in various cancers.
AB  - Twist1 is a well-known regulator of transcription during embryonic organogenesis
      in many species. In humans, Twist1 malfunction was first linked to Saethre
      Chotzen syndrome and later identified to play an essential role in tumor
      initiation, stemness, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and chemo-resistance in
      a variety of carcinomas, sarcomas, and hematological malignances. In this review,
      we will first focus on systematically elaborating the diverse pathological
      functions of Twist1 in various cancers, then delineating the intricate underlying
      network of molecular mechanisms, based on which we will summarize current
      therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment that target and modulate Twist1
      involved signaling pathways. Most importantly, we will put special emphasis on
      revealing the independence and interdependency of these multiple biological
      functions of Twist1, piecing together the whole delicate picture of Twist1's
      diversified pathological roles in different cancers and providing new
      perspectives to guide future research.

PMID- 28099911
TI  - Bradykinin regulates cell growth and migration in cultured human cardiac c-Kit+
      progenitor cells.
AB  - Bradykinin is a well-known endogenous vasoactive peptide. The present study
      investigated the bradykinin receptor expression in human cardiac c-Kit+
      progenitor cells and the potential role of bradykinin in regulating cell cycling
      progression and mobility. It was found that mRNA and protein of bradykinin type 2
      receptors, but not bradykinin type 1 receptors, were abundant in cultured human
      cardiac c-Kit+ progenitor cells. Bradykinin (1-10 nM) stimulated cell growth and
      migration in a concentration-dependent manner. The increase of cell proliferation
      was related to promoting G0/G1 transition into G2/M and S phase. Western blots
      revealed that bradykinin significantly increased pAkt and pERK1/2 as well as
      cyclin D1, which were countered by HOE140 (an antagonist of bradykinin type 2
      receptors) or by silencing bradykinin type 2 receptors. The increase of pAkt,
      pERK1/2 and cyclin D1 by bradykinin was prevented by the PI3K inhibitor Ly294002,
      the PLC inhibitors U73122 and neomycin, and/or the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine
      and the MAPK inhibitor PD98059. Our results demonstrate the novel information
      that bradykinin promotes cell cycling progression and migration in human cardiac
      c-Kit+ progenitor cells via activating PI3K, PLC, PKC, cyclin D1, pERK1/2, and
      pAkt.

PMID- 28099913
TI  - ZiBuPiYin recipe improves cognitive decline by regulating gut microbiota in
      Zucker diabetic fatty rats.
AB  - Numerous researches supported that microbiota can influence behavior and modulate
      cognitive function through "microbiota-gut-brain" axis. Our previous study has
      demonstrated that ZiBuPiYin recipe (ZBPYR) possesses excellent pharmacological
      effects against diabetes-associated cognitive decline. To elucidate the role of
      ZBPYR in regulating the balance of gut microbiota to improve psychological-stress
      induced diabetes-associated cognitive decline (PSDACD), we compared blood
      glucose, behavioral and cognitive functions and diversity of the bacterial
      community among experimental groups. The Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats with
      PSDACD exhibited behavioral and cognitive anomalies showing as increased anxiety-
      and depression-like behaviors and decreased learning and memory abilities. High
      throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed that Roseburia and
      Coprococcus were decreased in ZDF rats with PSDACD compared with control group.
      Notably, these changes were reversed by ZBPYR treatment. Our findings indicate
      that ZBPYR might prevent PSDACD by maintaining the compositions of gut
      microbiota, which could be developed as a new therapy for T2D with PSDACD.

PMID- 28099912
TI  - Bone marrow micro-environment is a crucial player for myelomagenesis and disease
      progression.
AB  - Despite the advent of many therapeutic agents, such as bortezomib and
      lenalidomide that have significantly improved the overall survival, multiple
      myeloma remains an incurable disease. Failure to cure is multifactorial and can
      be attributed to the underlying genetic heterogeneity of the cancer and to the
      surrounding micro-environment. Understanding the mutual interaction between
      myeloma cells and micro-environment may lead to the development of novel
      treatment strategies able to eradicate this disease. In this review we discuss
      the principal molecules involved in the micro-environment network in multiple
      myeloma and the currently available therapies targeting them.

PMID- 28099914
TI  - Advances in epigenetic glioblastoma therapy.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor in adults
      despite contemporary gold-standard first-line treatment strategies. This type of
      tumor recurs in virtually all patients and no commonly accepted standard
      treatment exists for the recurrent disease. Therefore, advances in all scientific
      and clinical aspects of GBM are urgently needed. Epigenetic mechanisms are one of
      the major factors contributing to the pathogenesis of cancers, including
      glioblastoma. Epigenetic modulators that regulate gene expression by altering the
      epigenome and non-histone proteins are being exploited as therapeutic drug
      targets. Over the last decade, numerous preclinical and clinical studies on
      histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have shown promising results in various
      cancers. This article provides an overview of the anticancer mechanisms of HDAC
      inhibitors and the role of HDAC isoforms in GBM. We also summarize current
      knowledge on HDAC inhibitors on the basis of preclinical studies and emerging
      clinical data.

PMID- 28099915
TI  - Liquid biopsy genotyping in lung cancer: ready for clinical utility?
AB  - Liquid biopsy is a blood test that detects evidence of cancer cells or tumor DNA
      in the circulation. Despite complicated collection methods and the requirement
      for technique-dependent platforms, it has generated substantial interest due, in
      part, to its potential to detect driver oncogenes such as epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) mutants in lung cancer. This technology is advancing rapidly and
      is being incorporated into numerous EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI)
      development programs. It appears ready for integration into clinical care. Recent
      studies have demonstrated that biological fluids such as saliva and urine can
      also be used for detecting EGFR mutant DNA through application other user
      friendly techniques. This review focuses on the clinical application of liquid
      biopsies to lung cancer genotyping, including EGFR and other targets of genotype
      directed therapy and compares multiple platforms used for liquid biopsy.

PMID- 28099916
TI  - Involvement of NF-kappaBIZ and related cytokines in age-associated renal
      fibrosis.
AB  - Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to age-related nephropathic changes,
      including renal fibrosis. In this study, various experimental paradigms were
      designed to delineate the role played by NF-kappaBIZ (also known as IkappaBzeta)
      in age-associated renal fibrosis. Analyses based on RNA-sequencing findings
      obtained by next generation sequencing (NGS) revealed the upregulations of NF
      kappaBIZ and of IL-6 and MCP-1 (both known to be regulated by NF-kappaBIZ) during
      aging. The up-regulation of NF-kappaBIZ in aged rat kidneys coincided with
      increased macrophage infiltration. In LPS-treated macrophages, oxidative stress
      was found to play a pivotal role in NF-kappaBIZ expression, suggesting age
      related oxidative stress is associated with NF-kappaBIZ activation. Furthermore,
      these in vitro findings were confirmed in LPS-treated old rats, which showed
      higher levels of oxidative stress and NF-kappaBIZ in kidneys than LPS-treated
      young rats. Additional in vitro experiments using macrophages and kidney
      fibroblasts demonstrated NF-kappaBIZ and related cytokines participate in
      fibrosis. In particular, increased levels of NF-kappaBIZ-associated cytokines in
      macrophages significantly up-regulated TGF-beta induced kidney fibroblast
      activation. Moreover, experiments with NF-kappaBIZ knocked down macrophages
      showed reduced TGF-beta-induced kidney fibroblast activation. The findings of the
      present study provide evidence regarding an involvement of NF-kappaBIZ in age
      associated progressive renal fibrosis and provides potential targets for its
      prevention.

PMID- 28099918
TI  - Association of T-cadherin levels with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in
      locally advanced breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the association of T-cadherin with pathologic complete
      response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer.
      RESULTS: T-cadherin expression before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was
      similar (P = 0.162). The multivariable analysis indicated that negative T
      cadherin expression was independently associated with pCR after neoadjuvant TAC
      chemotherapy (P = 0.001). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 136 patients with
      locally advanced breast cancer received four cycles of neoadjuvant TAC
      chemotherapy (docetaxel + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide), followed by surgery. T
      cadherin, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER-2, and Ki-67
      were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The association between T-cadherin
      expression and pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was analyzed using
      multivariable logistic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Negative T-cadherin expression
      before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer was
      similar. T-cadherin could be considered an independent factor associated with the
      efficacy of such therapy.

PMID- 28099917
TI  - Cleavage of Fibulin-2 by the aggrecanases ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 contributes to
      the tumorigenic potential of breast cancer cells.
AB  - Fibulin-2 participates in the assembly of extracellular matrix components through
      interactions with multiple ligands and promotes contacts between cells and their
      surrounding environment. Consequently, identification of processes that could
      lead to an altered Fibulin-2 could have a major impact not only in the
      maintenance of tissue architecture and morphogenesis but also in pathological
      situations including cancer. Herein, we have investigated the ability of the
      secreted metalloproteases ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 to digest Fibulin-2. Using in
      vitro approaches and cultured breast cancer cell lines we demonstrate that
      Fibulin-2 is a better substrate for ADAMTS-5 than it is for ADAMTS-4. Moreover,
      Fibulin-2 degradation is associated to an enhancement of the invasive potential
      of T47D, MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells. We have also found that conditioned medium from
      MCF-7 cells that simultaneously overexpress Fibulin-2 and ADAMTS-5 significantly
      induced the migratory and invasive ability of normal breast fibroblasts using 3D
      collagen matrices. Immunohistochemical analysis highlights the close proximity or
      partial overlap of both Fibulin-2 and ADAMTS-5 in breast tumor samples.
      Additionally, proteolytic products derived from a potential degradation of
      Fibulin-2 by ADAMTS-5 were also identified in these samples. Finally, we also
      show that the cleavage of Fibulin-2 by ADAMTS-5 is counteracted by ADAMTS-12, a
      metalloprotease that interacts with Fibulin-2. Overall, our results provide
      direct evidence indicating that Fibulin-2 is a novel substrate of ADAMTS-5 and
      that this proteolysis could alter the cellular microenvironment affecting the
      balance between protumor and antitumor effects associated to both Fibulin-2 and
      the ADAMTSs metalloproteases.

PMID- 28099919
TI  - Autophagy-related gene LRRK2 is likely a susceptibility gene for systemic lupus
      erythematosus in northern Han Chinese.
AB  - Autophagy is associated with various immune diseases, including systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE). Seven variants within autophagy-related genes previously
      reported to show top association signals by genome-wide association studies in
      immune diseases were selected for analysis. Initially, 510 SLE patients (631
      controls) were enrolled in the study. An additional independent cohort of 511 SLE
      patients (687 controls) was included for replication. Polymorphism rs2638272 in
      LRRK2 gene showed significant association with susceptibility to SLE (P = 1.14 *
      10-2) within the initial patient population. This was independently replicated
      (second patient cohort), and was reinforced with combination (P = 2.82 * 10-3).
      By combining multiple layers of regulatory effects, rs1491941 in high linkage
      disequilibrium with rs2638272 (r2 = 0.99) was regarded to have the strongest
      function in LRRK2. The rs1491941 protective A-allele exhibited an increase of
      nuclear protein binding, and an increase in LRRK2 transcription compared with G
      allele. Furthermore, we observed increased transcription levels of LRRK2 in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SLE patients compared with controls. In
      conclusion, we have identified a novel genetic association between the autophagy
      related LRRK2 gene and susceptibility to SLE. By integrating layers of functional
      data, we derived the beneficial effect of autophagy on the pathogenesis of SLE.

PMID- 28099920
TI  - Prognostic implications of intratumoral CD103+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in
      pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - CD103 is the alphaE subunit of alphaEbeta7 integrin that is expressed in tissue
      resident memory T cells, where it promotes cytotoxic T cell responses against
      tumors. However, little is known about its expression or clinicopathological
      implications in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study investigated the
      prognostic implications of CD103+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in NSCLC.
      We established two cohorts: patients with resected NSCLC (n = 132) and patients
      with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC), a subset of NSCLC (n = 378), to
      estimate the prognostic significance of CD103+ TILs. The numbers of CD103+ TILs
      in the intratumoral (i.e., intraepithelial) and stromal regions of NSCLC were
      estimated using immunohistochemistry and automated image analysis. In the NSCLC
      cohort, high numbers of intratumoral CD103+ TILs were significantly associated
      with prolonged disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients
      with pSCC but not in those with pulmonary adenocarcinoma. In the pSCC cohort, a
      positive correlation was observed between the numbers of intratumoral CD103+ and
      CD8+ TILs (correlation coefficient = 0.736, P < 0.001). The ratio of
      intratumoral/stromal CD103+ TILs was higher in pSCC with high compared to low E
      cadherin expression (P = 0.021). According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, high
      intratumoral but not stromal CD103+ TILs were associated with prolonged DFS and
      OS in patients with resected pSCC (P = 0.021 and 0.002, respectively).
      Multivariate analysis revealed that a high number of intratumoral CD103+ TILs is
      an independent predictor of a more favorable DFS (P = 0.021). Thus, a high number
      of intratumoral CD103+ TILs is a favorable prognostic indicator in patients with
      pSCC.

PMID- 28099922
TI  - PAFR selectively mediates radioresistance and irradiation-induced autophagy
      suppression in prostate cancer cells.
AB  - Platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) promotes tumorigenesis, angiogenesis
      and metastasis. Here, we defined the PAFR as a yielding new inhibiting target to
      selectively enhance the sensitivity of prostate cancer (PCa) cells to radiation.
      The selective responding to PAFR inhibiter may be caused by the differential
      expression pattern of PAFR in PCa cells. In this study, we also determined PAFR
      as a molecular basis by which the radiation induces autophagy suppression
      independent of activating mTOR pathway. PAFR can bind to the autophagy
      indispensable protein Beclin 1, leading to the disability in its serine
      phosphorylation. The PAFR antagonist Ginkgolide B (GB) can sensitize radiotherapy
      by disrupting the formation of PAFR/Beclin 1 complex in PC3 and LNCaP cells,
      which have elevated PAFR expression after radiation exposure. Most importantly,
      GB efficiently radiosensitized PC3 and LNCaP tumor xenografts in vivo, and
      significantly reduced tumor burden. Overall, our results elucidated a significant
      role of GB in selectively improving the outcomes of PCa receiving radiation
      therapy.

PMID- 28099921
TI  - Stiehopus japonieus acidic mucopolysaccharide inhibits the proliferation of
      pancreatic cancer SW1990 cells through Hippo-YAP pathway.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated that stiehopus japonieus acidic
      mucopolysaccharide (SJAMP) could inhibit the proliferation of pancreatic cancer
      cell SW1990. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In our study, YAP expression
      was identified by immunohistochemistry and quantitative Real-time PCR from 45
      pairs of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues and their adjacent
      non-tumor samples. We found that the YAP expression was associated with the
      histological differentiation degree, and negatively correlated with pancreatic
      cancer patients' survival. More YAP localization in nuclear and enhanced
      expression of YAP mRNA in pancreatic cancer tissue was found in comparison with
      in the normal tissue. These results identify YAP acts as an amazing regulator in
      the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. After affected by SJAMP, YAP and TEAD1
      were down regulated, while MST1 and pYAP were upregulated gradually with the
      prolong of effect time. SJAMP also improved YAP phosphorylation, nuclear-to
      cytoplasmic translocation and inactivation. After successfully knocked-down by
      YAP siRNA, the inhibition of proliferation of SJAMP to cancer cells was
      attenuated. Interestingly, we indicated a down-regulation of that TEAD with SJAMP
      4 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml for 24 h and with 8 mg/ml SJAMP for 24 h, 48 h even after YAP
      silencing. That might mean that the SJAMP has other targets, not only YAP, to
      downregulate TEAD. We proposed a hypothesis that Hippo-YAP pathway involved in
      carcinogenesis of pancreatic cancer and in the inhibition effect of SJAMP to the
      proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell, although maybe not the sole signaling
      pathway.

PMID- 28099923
TI  - Significant association between Let-7-KRAS rs712 G > T polymorphism and cancer
      risk in the Chinese population: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Association between let-7-KRAS rs712 polymorphism and cancer risk was
      inconsistent. We therefore conducted this meta-analysis to clarify the
      association between let-7-KRAS rs712 polymorphism and cancer risk with STATA 14.0
      software. A systemic literature search in online databases (PubMed, Embase, CNKI
      and Wanfang database) was preformed to obtain relevant articles. A total of 13
      case-control studies involving 3,453 patients and 4,470 controls were identified
      up to May 16, 2015. The pooled results indicated that significantly increased
      risk were observed in Chinese population in T vs. G (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.03
      1.42) and TT vs. GG + GT genetic models (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.17-2.42).
      Sensitivity analysis was conducted and the result without heterogeneity showed
      significant associations in all five genetic models. Subgroup analyses of cancer
      type indicated a similar result in digestive cancer (for T vs. G: OR = 1.41, 95%
      CI = 1.26-1.57; GT vs. GG: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.07-1.43; TT vs. GG: OR = 2.53,
      95% CI = 1.86-3.44; GT + TT vs. GG: OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.19-1.56; TT vs. GG +
      GT: OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.73-3.19). In summary, these evidences demonstrate that
      let-7-KRAS rs712 G > T polymorphism might be associated with digestive system
      cancer risk in the Chinese population.

PMID- 28099925
TI  - Role of VEGF-A in chronic pain.

PMID- 28099924
TI  - MicroRNA-140 mediates RB tumor suppressor function to control stem cell-like
      activity through interleukin-6.
AB  - We established an in vitro cell culture system to determine novel activities of
      the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein during tumor progression. Rb depletion in p53
      null mouse-derived soft tissue sarcoma cells induced a spherogenic phenotype.
      Cells retrieved from Rb-depleted spheres exhibited slower proliferation and less
      efficient BrdU incorporation, however, much higher spherogenic activity and
      aggressive behavior. We discovered six miRNAs, including mmu-miR-18a, -25, -29b, 
      140, -337, and -1839, whose expression levels correlated tightly with the Rb
      status and spherogenic activity. Among these, mmu-miR-140 appeared to be
      positively controlled by Rb and to antagonize the effect of Rb depletion on
      spherogenesis and tumorigenesis. Furthermore, among genes potentially targeted by
      mmu-miR-140, Il-6 was upregulated by Rb depletion and downregulated by mmu-mir
      140 overexpression. Altogether, we demonstrate the possibility that mmu-mir-140
      mediates the Rb function to downregulate Il-6 by targeting its 3'-untranslated
      region. Finally, we detected the same relationship among RB, hsa-miR-140 and IL-6
      in a human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Because IL-6 is a critical modulator of
      malignant features of cancer cells and the RB pathway is impaired in the majority
      of cancers, hsa-miR-140 might be a promising therapeutic tool that disrupts
      linkage between tumor suppressor inactivation and pro-inflammatory cytokine
      response.

PMID- 28099926
TI  - Functional sites for anesthetics in GABAA receptors.

PMID- 28099927
TI  - Approaching Alzheimer's disease from a network level.

PMID- 28099928
TI  - The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis promotes recovery after spinal cord injury by mediating bone
      marrow-derived from mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - This study aims to explore the role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in mediating BMSCs
      and SCI recovery. BMSCs were collected and SCI rat models were established.
      Wistar rats were assigned into the blank control, sham, SCI, SCI + BMSCs, SCI +
      BMSCs + SDF-1, SCI + BMSCs + AMD3100 (an inhibitor of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis) and SCI +
      BMSCs + SDF-1 + AMD3100 groups. Hind limb motor function was measured 7, 14, 21
      and 28 days after operation. qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA was performed to
      determine the expressions of SDF-1, CXCR4, NGF, BDNF, GFAP and GAP-43, TNF-alpha,
      IL-1beta, L-6 and IFN-gamma. Hind limb motor function scores 7 days after the
      operation were reduced in the SCI rats of the blank control and sham groups. Hind
      limb function was found to be better in the SCI + BMSCs and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1
      groups than in the SCI, SCI + BMSCs + AMD3100 and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 + AMD3100
      groups 14, 21 and 28 days after operation. Furthermore, the SCI group had lower
      SDF-1, CXCR4, NGF, BDNF and GAP-43 expressions but higher GFAP, TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta, IL-6 and IFN-gamma than the blank control and sham groups 28 days after
      operation. While, the SCI + BMSCs, SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 and SCI + BMSCs + SDF-1 +
      AMD3100 groups displayed opposite trends to the SCI and SCI + BMSCs + AMD3100
      groups. In conclusion, SDF-1/CXCR4 axis promotes recovery after SCI by mediating
      BMSCs.

PMID- 28099929
TI  - Modeling the phenotype of spinal muscular atrophy by the direct conversion of
      human fibroblasts to motor neurons.
AB  - Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a lethal autosomal recessive neurological
      disease characterized by selective degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal
      cord. In recent years, the development of cellular reprogramming technology has
      provided an alternative and effective method for obtaining patient-specific
      neurons in vitro. In the present study, we applied this technology to the field
      of SMA to acquire patient-specific induced motor neurons that were directly
      converted from fibroblasts via the forced expression of 8 defined transcription
      factors. The infected fibroblasts began to grow in a dipolar manner, and the
      nuclei gradually enlarged. Typical Tuj1-positive neurons were generated at day
      23. After day 35, induced neurons with multiple neurites were observed, and these
      neurons also expressed the hallmarks of Tuj1, HB9, ISL1 and CHAT. The conversion
      efficiencies were approximately 5.8% and 5.5% in the SMA and control groups,
      respectively. Additionally, the SMA-induced neurons exhibited a significantly
      reduced neurite outgrowth rate compared with the control neurons. After day 60,
      the SMA-induced neurons also exhibited a liability of neuronal degeneration and
      remarkable fracturing of the neurites was observed. By directly reprogramming
      fibroblasts, we established a feeder-free conversion system to acquire SMA
      patient-specific induced motor neurons that partially modeled the phenotype of
      SMA in vitro.

PMID- 28099930
TI  - Efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for liver metastases arising
      from pancreatic cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter
      arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in treating patients with liver metastases from
      pancreatic cancer, and explore the prognostic risk factors. RESULTS: Three of the
      27 patients were totally recovered, and 12 were partially alleviated. The total
      efficacy rate was 55.6% (15/27). The median survival time was 13.6 months, and
      the 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 70.4% (19/27), 48.1%
      (13/27), 22.2% (6/27), 14.8 (4/27), 11.1% (3/27), respectively. None of the
      groups showed any severe complications. Univariate analysis showed that
      pathological type, concomitant therapies for liver metastasis, vascular supply,
      CA199 levels and extrahepatic metastasis were related to prognosis (P < 0.05).
      Multivariate analysis indicated that pancreatic cancer pathology and extrahepatic
      metastasis were independent risk factors influencing patients' prognosis (chi2 =
      13.182, 17.989, P < 0.05). METHODS: The clinical records of 27 patients with
      lliver metastases from pancreatic cancer diagnosed at the First Affiliated
      Hospital of Zhejiang University between May 2009 and May 2015 were
      retrospectively analyzed. The short-term and long-term efficacy and toxic side
      effects of TACE were observed. The prognostic risk factors were analyzed using
      Cox (proportional hazards) regression model. CONCLUSION: TACE is an effective
      therapy for treating liver metastases from pancreatic malignancy. Pathological
      type and extrahepatic metastasis of pancreatic tumor are independent risk factors
      for patients' prognosis. The prognosis of patients with liver metastasis from
      pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm is superior to that of extrahepatic
      metastasis.

PMID- 28099932
TI  - Allelic imbalance in human breast cancer.

PMID- 28099931
TI  - A new semisynthetic cardenolide analog 3beta-[2-(1-amantadine)- 1-on-ethylamine]
      digitoxigenin (AMANTADIG) affects G2/M cell cycle arrest and miRNA expression
      profiles and enhances proapoptotic survivin-2B expression in renal cell carcinoma
      cell lines.
AB  - Cardiac glycosides are well known in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases;
      however, their application as treatment option for cancer patients is under
      discussion. We showed that the cardiac glycoside digitoxin and its analog
      AMANTADIG can inhibit the growth of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines and
      increase G2/M cell cycle arrest. To identify the signaling pathways and molecular
      basis of this G2/M arrest, microRNAs were profiled using microRNA arrays. Cardiac
      glycoside treatment significantly deregulated two microRNAs, miR-2278 and miR-670
      5p. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that all cardiac glycoside treatments
      affected the MAPK and the axon guidance pathway. Within these pathways, three
      genes, MAPK1, NRAS and RAC2, were identified as in silico targets of the
      deregulated miRNAs. MAPK1 and NRAS are known regulators of G2/M cell cycle
      arrest. AMANTADIG treatment enhanced the expression of phosphorylated MAPK1 in
      786-O cells. Secondly, we studied the expression of survivin known to be affected
      by cardiac glycosides and to regulate the G2/M cell phase. AMANTADIG treatment
      upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic survivin-2B variant in Caki-1 and
      786-O cells. Moreover, treatment with AMANTADIG resulted in significantly lower
      survivin protein expression compared to 786-O control cells. Summarizing,
      treatment with all cardiac glycosides induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and
      downregulated the miR-2278 and miR-670-5p in microarray analysis. All cardiac
      glycosides affected the MAPK-pathway and survivin expression, both associated
      with the G2/M phase. Because cells in the G2/M phase are radio- and chemotherapy
      sensitive, cardiac glycosides like AMANTADIG could potentially improve the
      efficacy of radio- and/or chemotherapy in RCCs.

PMID- 28099933
TI  - Loss of maternal chromosome 11 is a signature event in SDHAF2, SDHD, and VHL
      related paragangliomas, but less significant in SDHB-related paragangliomas.
AB  - Germline mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD,
      SDHAF2) or Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) genes cause hereditary
      paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma. While SDHB (1p36) and VHL (3p25) are associated
      with autosomal dominant disease, SDHD (11q23) and SDHAF2 (11q13) show a
      remarkable parent-of-origin effect whereby tumor formation is almost completely
      dependent on paternal transmission of the mutant allele. Loss of the entire
      maternal copy of chromosome 11 occurs frequently in SDHD-linked tumors, and has
      been suggested to be the basis for this typical inheritance pattern.Using
      fluorescent in situ hybridization, microsatellite marker and SNP array analysis,
      we demonstrate that loss of the entire copy of chromosome 11 is also frequent in
      SDHAF2-related PGLs, occurring in 89% of tumors. Analysis of two imprinted
      differentially methylated regions (DMR) in 11p15, H19-DMR and KvDMR, showed that
      this loss always affected the maternal copy of chromosome 11. Likewise, loss of
      maternal chromosome 11p15 was demonstrated in 85% of SDHD and 75% of VHL-related
      PGLs/PCCs. By contrast, both copies of chromosome 11 were found to be retained in
      62% of SDHB-mutated PGLs/PCCs, while only 31% showed loss of maternal chromosome
      11p15. Genome-wide copy number analysis revealed frequent loss of 1p in SDHB
      mutant tumors and show greater genomic instability compared to SDHD and
      SDHAF2.These results show that loss of the entire copy of maternal chromosome 11
      is a highly specific and statistically significant event in SDHAF2, SDHD and VHL
      related PGLs/PCCs, but is less significant in SDHB-mutated tumors, suggesting
      that these tumors have a distinct genetic etiology.

PMID- 28099934
TI  - Tolfenamic acid-induced alterations in genes and pathways in pancreatic cancer
      cells.
AB  - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are being tested extensively for
      their role in the treatment and prevention of several cancers. Typically NSAIDs
      exhibit anti-tumor activities via modulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)-dependent
      mechanisms, however, an anti-cancer NSAID tolfenamic acid (TA) is believed to
      work through COX-independent pathways. Results from our laboratory and others
      have demonstrated the anti-cancer activity of TA in various cancer models
      including pancreatic cancer. TA has been shown to modulate certain cellular
      processes including, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species and signaling. In this
      study, molecular profiling was performed to precisely understand the mode of
      action of TA. Three pancreatic cancer cell lines, L3.6pl, MIA PaCa-2, and Panc1
      were treated with TA (50 MUM for 48 h) and the changes in gene expression was
      evaluated using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Gene ST Array platform. Microarray
      results were further validated using quantitative PCR for seven genes altered by
      TA treatment in all three cell lines. Functional analysis of differentially
      expressed genes (2 fold increase or decrease, p < 0.05) using Ingenuity Pathway
      Analysis software, revealed that TA treatment predominantly affected the genes
      involved in cell cycle, cell growth and proliferation, and cell death and
      survival. Promoter analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed that
      they are enriched for Sp1 binding sites, suggesting that Sp1 could be a major
      contributor in mediating the effect of TA. The gene expression studies identified
      new targets involved in TA's mode of action, while supporting the hypothesis
      about the association of Sp1 in TA mediated effects in pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 28099935
TI  - Frequent amplification of receptor tyrosine kinase genes in welldifferentiated/
      dedifferentiated liposarcoma.
AB  - Well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS)
      are closely related tumors commonly characterized by MDM2/CDK4 gene
      amplification, and lack clinically effective treatment options when inoperable.
      To identify novel therapeutic targets, we performed targeted genomic sequencing
      analysis of 19 WDLPS and 37 DDLPS tumor samples using a panel of 104 cancer
      related genes (NCC oncopanel v3) developed specifically for genomic testing to
      select suitable molecular targeted therapies. The results of this analysis
      indicated that these sarcomas had very few gene mutations and a high frequency of
      amplifications of not only MDM2 and CDK4 but also other genes. Potential driver
      mutations were found in only six (11%) samples; however, gene amplification
      events (other than MDM2 and CDK4 amplification) were identified in 30 (54%)
      samples. Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) genes in particular were amplified in 18
      (32%) samples. In addition, growth of a WDLPS cell line with IGF1R amplification
      was suppressed by simultaneous inhibition of CDK4 and IGF1R, using palbociclib
      and NVP-AEW541, respectively. Combination therapy with CDK4 and RTK inhibitors
      may be an effective therapeutic option for WDLPS/DDLPS patients with RTK gene
      amplification.

PMID- 28099936
TI  - Transcription factor HBP1 is a direct anti-cancer target of transcription factor
      FOXO1 in invasive oral cancer.
AB  - Either FOXO1 or HBP1 transcription factor is a downstream effector of the
      PI3K/Akt pathway and associated with tumorigenesis. However, the relationship
      between FOXO1 and HBP1 in oral cancer remains unclear. Analysis of 30 oral tumor
      specimens revealed that mean mRNA levels of both FOXO1 and HBP1 in non-invasive
      and invasive oral tumors were found to be significantly lower than that of the
      control tissues, and the status of low FOXO1 and HBP1 (< 0.3 fold of the control)
      was associated with invasiveness of oral tumors. To investigate if HBP1 is a
      direct transcription target of FOXO1, we searched potential FOXO1 binding sites
      in the HBP1 promoter using the MAPPER Search Engine, and two putative FOXO1
      binding sites located in the HBP1 promoter -132 to -125 bp and -343 to -336 bp
      were predicted. These binding sites were then confirmed by both reporter gene
      assays and the in cellulo ChIP assay. In addition, Akt activity manipulated by
      PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or Akt mutants was shown to negatively affect FOXO1
      mediated HBP1 promoter activation and gene expression. Last, the biological
      significance of the FOXO1-HBP1 axis in oral cancer malignancy was evaluated in
      cell growth, colony formation, and invasiveness. The results indicated that HBP1
      knockdown potently promoted malignant phenotypes of oral cancer and the
      suppressive effect of FOXO1 on cell growth, colony formation, and invasion was
      alleviated upon HBP1 knockdown in invasive oral cancer cells. Taken together, our
      data provide evidence for HBP1 as a direct downstream target of FOXO1 in oral
      cancer malignancy.

PMID- 28099937
TI  - Inactivation of CK1alpha in multiple myeloma empowers drug cytotoxicity by
      affecting AKT and beta-catenin survival signaling pathways.
AB  - Recent evidence indicates that protein kinase CK1alpha may support the growth of
      multiple myeloma (MM) plasma cells. Here, by analyzing a large cohort of MM
      cases, we found that high CK1alpha mRNA levels are virtually associated with all
      MM patients. Moreover, we provided functional evidence that CK1alpha activity is
      essential for malignant plasma cell survival even in the protective niche
      generated by co-cultures with bone marrow stromal cells. We demonstrated that
      CK1alpha inactivation, while toxic for myeloma cells, is dispensable for the
      survival of healthy B lymphocytes and stromal cells. Disruption of CK1alpha
      function in myeloma cells resulted in decreased Mdm2, increased p53 and p21 and
      reduced expression of beta-catenin and AKT. These effects were mediated partially
      by p53 and caspase activity. Finally, we discovered that CK1alpha inactivation
      enhanced the cytotoxic effect of both bortezomib and lenalidomide. Overall, our
      study supports a role for CK1alpha as a potential therapeutic target in MM in
      combination with proteasome inhibitors and/or immunomodulatory drugs.

PMID- 28099938
TI  - BI-RADS 3-5 microcalcifications can preoperatively predict breast cancer HER2 and
      Luminal a molecular subtype.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate associations between breast cancer molecular subtype and
      the patterns of mammographically detected calcifications. RESULTS: Identified
      were 93 (19.1%) Luminal A, 242 (49.9%) Luminal B, 108 (22.2%) HER2 and 42 (8.7%)
      basal subtypes. In univariate analysis, the clinicopathological parameters and BI
      RADS 3-5 microcalcifications, which consisted 9 selected features was
      significantly associated with breast cancer molecular subtype (all P < 0.05).
      Among subtypes, multivariate analysis showed that calcification >2 cm in range
      (OR: 1.878, 95% CI: 1.150 to 3.067) and calcification > 0.5 mm in diameter
      (OR:2.206, 95% CI: 1.235 to 3.323) was independently predictive of HER2 subtype.
      The model showed good discrimination for predicting HER2 subtype, with a C-index
      of 0.704. In addition, multivariate analysis showed that calcification morphology
      (amorphour or coarse heterogenous calcifications OR: 2.847, 95% CI: 1.526 to
      5.312) was independently predictive of Luminal A subtype. The model showed good
      discrimination for predicting Luminal A subtype, with a C-index of 0.74. And we
      demonstrated that amorphour or coarse heterogenous calcifications were associated
      with a higher incidence of Luminal A subtype than pleomorphic or fine linear or
      branching calcifications. There was no significant difference between breast
      cancer subtypes (Luminal B vs. other; Basal vs. other) and the patterns of
      mammographically detected calcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mammographic
      images of 485 female patients were included. The correlation between mammographic
      imaging features and breast cancer subtype was analyzed using Chi-square test,
      univariate and binary logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows
      that BI-RADS 3-5 microcalcifications can be conveniently used to facilitate the
      preoperative prediction of HER2 and Luminal A molecular subtype in patients with
      infiltrating ductal carcinoma.

PMID- 28099939
TI  - Type 5 phosphodiesterase regulates glioblastoma multiforme aggressiveness and
      clinical outcome.
AB  - Expression of type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5), a cGMP-specific hydrolytic enzyme,
      is frequently altered in human cancer, but its specific role in tumorigenesis
      remains controversial. Herein, by analyzing a cohort of 69 patients affected by
      glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) who underwent chemo- and radiotherapy after
      surgical resection of the tumor, we found that PDE5 was strongly expressed in
      cancer cells in about 50% of the patients. Retrospective analysis indicated that
      high PDE5 expression in GBM cells significantly correlated with longer overall
      survival of patients. Furthermore, silencing of endogenous PDE5 by short hairpin
      lentiviral transduction (sh-PDE5) in the T98G GBM cell line induced activation of
      an invasive phenotype. Similarly, pharmacological inhibition of PDE5 activity
      strongly enhanced cell motility and invasiveness in T98G cells. This invasive
      phenotype was accompanied by increased secretion of metallo-proteinase 2 (MMP-2)
      and activation of protein kinase G (PKG). Moreover, PDE5 silencing markedly
      enhanced DNA damage repair and cell survival following irradiation. The enhanced
      radio-resistance of sh-PDE5 GBM cells was mediated by an increase of poly(ADP
      ribosyl)ation (PARylation) of cellular proteins and could be counteracted by
      poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Conversely, PDE5 overexpression in
      PDE5-negative U87G cells significantly reduced MMP-2 secretion, inhibited their
      invasive potential and interfered with DNA damage repair and cell survival
      following irradiation. These studies identify PDE5 as a favorable prognostic
      marker for GBM, which negatively affects cell invasiveness and survival to
      ionizing radiation. Moreover, our work highlights the therapeutic potential of
      targeting PKG and/or PARP activity in this currently incurable subset of brain
      cancers.

PMID- 28099940
TI  - Characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine usage in ischemic heart disease
      patients among type 2 diabetes and their protection against hydrogen peroxide
      mediated apoptosis in H9C2 cardiomyoblasts.
AB  - Evidence for long-term use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as an adjuvant
      treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains limited. This study
      aimed to assess the frequency of use, utilization patterns, and therapeutic
      effects of adjuvant CHM for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in patients with T2D in
      Taiwan. We identified 4620 IHD patients with T2D. After matching for age, gender,
      and insulin use, 988 subjects each were allocated to a CHM group and a non-CHM
      group. There were no differences in baseline characteristics except for
      comorbidities. The CHM group contained more cases with chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease, hepatitis, ulcer disease, and hyperlipidemia. The cumulative
      survival probability was higher in CHM users than in matched non-CHM users aged
      60 years or older (P < .0001, log rank test) regardless of gender (P = .0046 for
      men, P = .0010 for women, log rank test). Among the top 12 CHM combinations, Shu
      Jing-Huo-Xue-Tang and Shao-Yao-Gan-Cao-Tang (13.6%) were the most common. This
      dual combination improved antiapoptotic activity in H2O2-exposed H9C2 cells by
      enhancing phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta and p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase and could increase the survival of myocardial cells. Our
      study suggests that adjuvant CHM therapy may increase the survival probability
      and provides a comprehensive list for future investigations of the safety and
      efficacy of CHM for IHD patients with T2D.

PMID- 28099941
TI  - The roles of RRP15 in nucleolar formation, ribosome biogenesis and checkpoint
      control in human cells.
AB  - The nucleolus controls ribosome biogenesis and its perturbation induces nucleolar
      stress that inhibits cell cycle progression and activates checkpoint responses.
      Here, we investigate the roles of ribosomal RNA processing protein, RRP15, in
      nucleolar formation, ribosome biogenesis, cell cycle progression and checkpoint
      control in human cells. RRP15 is localized in the nucleolus and required for
      nucleolar formation. In contrast to the budding yeast Rrp15p that was reported as
      a component of pre-60S subunits, RRP15 is found in both pre-40S and pre-60S
      subunits and involved in regulating rRNA transcription and ribosome biogenesis.
      Perturbation of RRP15 induces nucleolar stress that activates RPL5/RPL11/5S rRNA
      (RP)-Mdm2-p53 axis checkpoint response and arrests cells at G1-G1/S in p53
      proficient non-transformed RPE1 cells but not in p53-deficient HeLa and MCF7
      tumor cells. Instead, p53-deficient HeLa and MCF7 cells with RRP15-dependent
      nucleolar stress enter S-phase with S-phase perturbation that activates ATR-Chk1-
      gammaH2AX axis DNA replication/damage checkpoint response, delaying S-G2/M
      progression and, ultimately, causing cell death. The selective checkpoint
      response, cell cycle inhibition and/or cytotoxicity induced by RRP15-dependent
      nucleolar stress in p53-proficient non-transformed cells and p53-deficient tumor
      cells suggest that RRP15 might be a potential target for cancer therapy.

PMID- 28099942
TI  - Bigh3 silencing increases retinoblastoma tumor growth in the murine SV40-TAg-Rb
      model.
AB  - BIGH3, a secreted protein of the extracellular matrix interacts with collagen and
      integrins on the cell surface. BIGH3 can have opposing functions in cancer,
      acting either as tumor suppressor or promoter by enhancing tumor progression and
      angiogenesis. In the eye, BIGH3 is expressed in the cornea and the retinal
      pigment epithelium and could impact on the development of retinoblastoma, the
      most common paediatric intraocular neoplasm. Retinoblastoma initiation requires
      the inactivation of both alleles of the RB1 tumor suppressor gene in the
      developing retina and tumor progression involves additional genomic changes. To
      determine whether BIGH3 affects retinoblastoma development, we generated a
      retinoblastoma mouse model with disruption of the Bigh3 genomic locus. Bigh3
      silencing in these mice resulted in enhanced tumor development in the retina. A
      decrease in apoptosis is involved in the initial events of tumorigenesis,
      followed by an increased activity of the pro-survival ERK pathway as well as an
      upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Taken together, these data
      suggest that BIGH3 acts as a tumor suppressor in the retina.

PMID- 28099943
TI  - A nomogram to predict lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymph node status is crucial to determining treatment for early
      gastric cancer (EGC). We aim to establish a nomogram to predict the possibility
      of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in EGC patients. METHODS: Medical records of 952
      EGC patients with curative resection, from 2002 to 2014, were retrospectively
      retrieved. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to examine risk
      factors associated with LNM. A nomogram for predicting LNM was established and
      internally validated. RESULTS: Five variables significantly associated with LNM
      were included in our model, these are sex (Odd ratio [OR] = 1.961, 95% confidence
      index [CI], 1.334 to 2.883; P = 0.001), depth of tumor (OR = 2.875, 95% CI, 1.872
      to 4.414; P = 0.000), tumor size (OR = 1.986, 95% CI, 1.265 to 3.118; P = 0.003),
      histology type (OR = 2.926, 95% CI, 1.854 to 4.617; P = 0.000) and lymphovascular
      invasion (OR = 4.967, 95% CI, 2.996 to 8.235; P = 0.000). The discrimination of
      the prediction model was 0.786. CONCLUSIONS: A nomogram for predicting lymph node
      metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer was successfully established,
      which was superior to the absolute endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
      indication in terms of the clinical performance.

PMID- 28099944
TI  - Cordycepin induces apoptosis by caveolin-1-mediated JNK regulation of Foxo3a in
      human lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Forkhead transcription factor (Foxo3a) is a downstream effector of JNK-induced
      tumor suppression. However, it is not clear whether the caveolin-1 (CAV1)
      mediated JNK/Foxo3a pathway is involved in cancer cell apoptosis. We found that
      cordycepin upregulates CAV1 expression, which was accompanied by JNK
      phosphorylation (p-JNK) and subsequent Foxo3a translocation into the nucleus,
      resulting in the upregulation of Bax protein expression. Furthermore, we found
      that CAV1 overexpression upregulated p-JNK, whereas CAV1 siRNA downregulated p
      JNK. Additionally, SP600125, a specific JNK inhibitor, significantly increased
      Foxo3a phosphorylation, which downregulated Foxo3a translocation into the
      nucleus, indicating that CAV1 mediates JNK regulation of Foxo3a. Foxo3a siRNA
      downregulated Bax protein and attenuated A549 apoptosis, indicating that the CAV1
      mediated JNK/Foxo3a pathway induces the apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells.
      Cordycepin significantly decreased tumor volume in nude mice. Taken together,
      these results indicate that cordycepin promotes CAV1 upregulation to enhance
      JNK/Foxo3a signaling pathway activation, inducing apoptosis in lung cancer cells,
      and support its potential as a therapeutic agent for lung cancer.

PMID- 28099945
TI  - In vivo and in vitro effects of microRNA-27a on proliferation, migration and
      invasion of breast cancer cells through targeting of SFRP1 gene via Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling pathway.
AB  - This study aims to explore the effects of microRNA-27a (miR-27a) targeting of
      SFRP1 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer (BC) cells
      through the regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. BC and normal
      breast tissues were obtained from 396 female BC patients and 308 female patients
      with benign breast lesions respectively. Human normal mammary epithelial (MCF
      10A) and BC cell lines (BT-20, MCF-7, T-47D and MDA-MB-231) were cultured. After
      cell transfection, BC cells were assigned to six groups: control, miR-27a mimics,
      miR-27a inhibitors, negative control (NC), si-SFRP1 and si-SFRP1 + miR-27a
      inhibitors groups. qRT-PCR assay and Western blot were employed to detect the
      expressions of miR-27a, SFRP1, Wnt, beta-catenin and GSK3beta. MTT assay, wound
      healing test and Transwell assay were used to test cell proliferation, migration
      and invasion. BC tissues were found to have higher miR-27a expression and lower
      SFRP1 mRNA and protein expressions than MCF-10A cells and normal breast tissues.
      Compared with the control and NC groups, the miR-27a mimics and si-SFRP1 groups
      exhibited down-regulation of SFRP1, up-regulation of Wnt, beta-catenin and
      GSK3beta, and promotion of cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The miR
      27a inhibitor group showed up-regulation of SFRP1 and inhibition of cell
      proliferation, migration and invasion in comparison to the miR-27a mimic group.
      The si-SFRP1 + miR-27a inhibitors group also exhibited up-regulation of SFRP1 and
      inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion in comparison to the si
      SFRP1 group. miR-27a may activate the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway by
      negatively regulating SFRP1 to promote the proliferation, migration and invasion
      of BC cells.

PMID- 28099946
TI  - Long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 interacts with miR-150-5p to regulate Sp1 expression
      and ovarian cancer cell malignancy.
AB  - We reported that long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 was upregulated in epithelial ovarian
      cancer tissues, and was negatively correlated to the overall survival rate of
      patients with epithelial ovarian cancer in this study. While depletion of ZFAS1
      inhibited proliferation, migration, and development of chemoresistance,
      overexpression of ZFAS1 exhibited an even higher proliferation rate, migration
      activity, and chemoresistance in epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines. We further
      found miR-150-5p was a potential target of ZFAS1, which was downregulated in
      epithelial ovarian cancer tissue. MiR-150-5p subsequently inhibited expression of
      transcription factor Sp1, as evidence by luciferase assays. Inhibition of miR-150
      5p rescued the suppressed proliferation and migration induced by depletion of
      ZFAS1 in epithelial ovarian cancer cells, at least in part. Taken together, our
      findings revealed a critical role of ZFAS1/miR-150-5p/Sp1 axis in promoting
      proliferation rate, migration activity, and development of chemoresistance in
      epithelial ovarian cancer. And ZFAS1/miR-150-5p may serve as novel markers and
      therapeutic targets of epithelial ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28099947
TI  - Short-term efficacy of different chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of
      advanced gastric cancer: a network meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A network meta-analysis was performed to compare the short-term
      efficacy of different chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of advanced gastric
      cancer. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials of different chemotherapy regimens
      for advanced gastric cancer were included in this study. Network meta-analysis
      combined direct evidence and indirect evidence to evaluate the odds ratio and
      draw surface under the cumulative ranking curves of different chemotherapy
      regimens in advanced gastric cancer. RESULTS: The results of surface under the
      cumulative ranking curves showed that S-1 and capecitabine regimens were better
      than fluorouracil. As for multi-drug combination regimens, the disease control
      rate of cisplatin + capecitabine, docetaxel + cisplatin + fluorouracil and
      etoposide + cisplatin + capecitabine regimens were relatively better, while
      fluorouracil + adriamycin + mitomycin regimen was relatively poorer when compared
      with cisplatin + fluorouracil regimen. Additionally, the overall response ratio
      of cisplatin + capecitabine, paclitaxel + fluorouracil, docetaxel + cisplatin +
      fluorouracil and etoposide + cisplatin + fluorouracil regimens were relatively
      better, while the disease control rate of fluorouracil + adriamycin + mitomycin
      regimen was relatively poorer when compared with cisplatin + fluorouracil
      regimen. Furthermore, the results of cluster analysis demonstrated that cisplatin
      + capecitabine, etoposide + cisplatin + capecitabine, S-1 + paclitaxel and S-1 +
      irinotecan chemotherapy regimens had better disease control rate and overall
      response ratio for advanced gastric cancer patients. CONCLUSION: This network
      meta-analysis clearly showed that multi-drug combination chemotherapy regimens
      based on capecitabine and S-1 might be the best chemotherapy regimen for advanced
      gastric cancer.

PMID- 28099949
TI  - Synthetic microneurotrophins in therapeutics of neurodegeneration.

PMID- 28099948
TI  - MDM4 genetic variants and risk of gastric cancer in an Eastern Chinese
      population.
AB  - MDM4 is a p53-interacting protein and plays an important role in carcinogenesis.
      In this study of 1,077 gastric cancer (GCa) cases and 1,173 matched cancer-free
      controls, we investigated associations between three tagging single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs11801299 G>A, rs1380576 C>G and rs10900598 G>T) in MDM4
      and gastric cancer risk in an Eastern Chinese Population. In logistic regression
      analysis, a significantly decreased GCa risk was associated with the rs1380576 GG
      variant genotype (adjusted odds ratio [OR] =0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      =0.56-0.98) under a recessive model, which remained significant after correction
      by the false-positive reporting probability. This risk was more evident in
      subgroups of older subjects, males, never smokers, never drinkers and cancers of
      non-cardia. We then performed SNP-mRNA expression correlation analysis and found
      that the GG variant genotype was associated with significantly decreased
      expression of MDM4 mRNA in normal cell lines for 44 Chinese (P=0.032 for GG vs.
      CC) as well as for 269 multi-ethnic subjects (P<0.0001 for GG vs. CC). Our
      results suggest that the MDM4 rs1380576 G variant may be markers for GCa
      susceptibility. Larger, independent studies are warranted to validate our
      findings.

PMID- 28099950
TI  - Nano-particle assembled porous core-shell ZnMn2O4 microspheres with superb
      performance for lithium batteries.
AB  - Porous ZnMn2O4 microspheres were prepared via a facile co-precipitation method
      followed by calcination at various temperatures and evaluated as anode materials
      for lithium ion batteries. The sample prepared at 600  degrees C outperformed the
      other samples in terms of electrochemical performance with high reversible
      capacity, high-rate capability, and excellent cycling performance. The capacity
      of the sample remained as high as 999 mAh g-1 at a current rate of 100 mA g-1
      after 50 cycles-one of the best ever reported for ZnMn2O4-based materials. A high
      reversible capacity of 400 mAh g-1 was retainable at a current density of 2000 mA
      g-1 after 2500 cycles. A novel electrochemical reaction mechanism of ZnMn2O4
      anodes was established and investigated at length. The Mn3O4 observed during the
      charge process was largely responsible for the enhanced performance, as confirmed
      by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and
      transmission electron microscopy. The relatively large surface area, abundant
      porosity, large ion exchange space, and strong mechanical stability of the porous
      connected 3D framework were responsible for the unique oxidation/reduction Mn2+ <
      > Mn3+ process we observed.

PMID- 28099951
TI  - Complex X-Chromosomal Rearrangements in Two Women with Ovarian Dysfunction:
      Implications of Chromothripsis/Chromoanasynthesis-Dependent and -Independent
      Origins of Complex Genomic Alterations.
AB  - Our current understanding of the phenotypic consequences and the molecular basis
      of germline complex chromosomal rearrangements remains fragmentary. Here, we
      report the clinical and molecular characteristics of 2 women with germline
      complex X-chromosomal rearrangements. Patient 1 presented with nonsyndromic
      ovarian dysfunction and hyperthyroidism; patient 2 exhibited various Turner
      syndrome- associated symptoms including ovarian dysfunction, short stature, and
      autoimmune hypothyroidism. The genomic abnormalities of the patients were
      characterized by array-based comparative genomic hybridization, high-resolution
      karyotyping, microsatellite genotyping, X-inactivation analysis, and bisulfite
      sequencing. Patient 1 carried a rearrangement of unknown parental origin with a
      46,X,der(X)(pter-> p22.1::p11.23->q24::q21.3->q24::p11.4->pter) karyotype,
      indicative of a catastrophic chromosomal reconstruction due to
      chromothripsis/chromoanasynthesis. Patient 2 had a paternally derived
      isochromosome with a 46,X,der(X)(pter-> p22.31::q22.1->q10::q10->q22.1::p22.31
      >pter) karyotype, which likely resulted from 2 independent, sequential events.
      Both patients showed completely skewed X inactivation. CpG sites at Xp22.3 were
      hypermethylated in patient 2. The results indicate that germline complex X
      chromosomal rearrangements underlie nonsyndromic ovarian dysfunction and Turner
      syndrome. Disease-causative mechanisms of these rearrangements likely include
      aberrant DNA methylation, in addition to X-chromosomal mispairing and
      haploinsufficiency of genes escaping X inactivation. Notably, our data imply that
      germline complex X-chromosomal rearrangements are created through both
      chromothripsis/chromoanasynthesis-dependent and -independent processes.

PMID- 28099953
TI  - Social Networks among the Older Chinese Population in the USA: Findings from the
      PINE Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social network research has become central to studies of health and
      aging. Its results may yield public health insights that are actionable and
      improve the quality of life of older adults. However, little is known about the
      social networks of older immigrant adults, whose social relationships often
      develop in the context of migration, compounded by cultural and linguistic
      barriers. OBJECTIVES: This report aims to describe the structure, composition,
      and emotional components of social networks in the Chinese aging population of
      the USA, and to explore ways in which their social networks may be critical to
      their health decision-making. METHODS: Our data come from the PINE study, a
      population-based epidemiological study of community-dwelling older Chinese
      American adults, aged 60 years and above, in the greater Chicago area. We
      conducted individual interviews in participants' homes from 2011 until 2013.
      Based on sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, this study computed
      descriptive statistics and trend tests for the social network measures adapted
      from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project study. RESULTS: The
      findings show that older Chinese adults have a relatively small social network in
      comparison with their counterparts from other ethnic and racial backgrounds. Only
      29.6% of the participants could name 5 close network members, and 2.2% could name
      0 members. Their network composition was more heavily kin oriented (95.0%).
      Relationships with network members differed according to the older adults'
      sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Subgroup variations included
      the likelihood of discussing health-related issues with network members.
      CONCLUSION: This study highlights the dynamic nature of social networks in later
      life Chinese immigrants. For healthcare practitioners, developing cost-effective
      strategies that can mobilize social network support remains a critical
      undertaking in health intervention. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine
      the causal impact of social networks on various domains of health.

PMID- 28099952
TI  - Zebrin II Is Expressed in Sagittal Stripes in the Cerebellum of Dragon Lizards
      (Ctenophorus sp.).
AB  - Aldolase C, also known as zebrin II (ZII), is a glycolytic enzyme that is
      expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells of the vertebrate cerebellum. In both
      mammals and birds, ZII is expressed heterogeneously, such that there are sagittal
      stripes of Purkinje cells with high ZII expression (ZII+) alternating with
      stripes of Purkinje cells with little or no expression (ZII-). In contrast, in
      snakes and turtles, ZII is not expressed heterogeneously; rather all Purkinje
      cells are ZII+. Here, we examined the expression of ZII in the cerebellum of
      lizards to elucidate the evolutionary origins of ZII stripes in Sauropsida. We
      focused on the central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) but also examined
      cerebellar ZII expression in 5 other dragon species (Ctenophorus spp.). In
      contrast to what has been observed in snakes and turtles, we found that in these
      lizards, ZII is heterogeneously expressed. In the posterior part of the
      cerebellum, on each side of the midline, there were 3 sagittal stripes consisting
      of Purkinje cells with high ZII expression (ZII+) alternating with 2 sagittal
      stripes with weaker ZII expression (ZIIw). More anteriorly, most of the Purkinje
      cells were ZII+, except laterally, where the Purkinje cells did not express ZII
      (ZII-). Finally, all Purkinje cells in the auricle (flocculus) were ZII-.
      Overall, the parasagittal heterogeneous expression of ZII in the cerebellum of
      lizards is similar to that in mammals and birds, and contrasts with the
      homogenous ZII+ expression seen in snakes and turtles. We suggest that a sagittal
      heterogeneous expression of ZII represents the ancestral condition in stem
      reptiles which was lost in snakes and turtles.

PMID- 28099954
TI  - An Evolution of Management in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Myectomy, Alcohol
      Septal Ablation, Mitral Valve Replacement, MitraClip.

PMID- 28099955
TI  - Dermoscopy of Granuloma Annulare: A Clinical and Histological Correlation Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dermoscopy of granuloma annulare has been investigated by several
      studies, but none of them took into account the variability of dermoscopic
      findings according to clinical characteristics and/or histological subtype.
      OBJECTIVE: To describe the dermoscopic features of classic granuloma annulare and
      seek possible dermoscopic clues related to specific clinical
      findings/histological subpatterns. METHODS: A representative dermoscopic image of
      a target lesion (the most active lesion underwent histological examination) was
      retrospectively assessed for the presence of specific morphological findings,
      correlating them with clinical variables, i.e. disease duration and extension
      (localized or generalized) and clinical aspect (annular or non-annular) and
      localization (trunk or extremities) of the biopsied lesion, and with histological
      subtype. RESULTS: A total of 25 lesions from 25 subjects were analysed; an
      "interstitial" histological variant was detected in 11 cases, while a "palisading
      granuloma" histological pattern was found in 14 instances. The most common
      dermoscopic findings included blurry vessels having variable appearance (dotted,
      linear-irregular, and branching) over a more or less evident pinkish-reddish
      background, followed by whitish and/or yellowish-orange areas. Additional
      findings were rosettes, crystalline structures, and whitish scaling. No
      difference (p > 0.05) in the frequency of dermoscopic features according to
      clinical findings was found, while we observed a strict association (p < 0.001)
      between the presence of yellowish-orange structureless areas on dermoscopy and
      "palisading granuloma" histology. CONCLUSION: The dermoscopic aspect of granuloma
      annulare is independent from clinical features but varies according to
      histological subtype, with the detection of yellowish-orange colour being
      indicative of the "palisading granuloma" variant.

PMID- 28099957
TI  - Results of Surgical Salvage Treatment for Anal Canal Cancer: A Retrospective
      Analysis with Overview of the Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the gold standard treatment for
      anal cancer, which permits the maintenance of the anal function. However, about
      30-40% of patients develop local disease progression, for which surgery
      represents a good salvage therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate survival
      and morbidity rate in patients who undergo salvage surgery in our single
      institution, with an overview of the literature. METHODS: A retrospective study
      was carried out on patients who underwent surgical treatment of anal canal cancer
      after failure of CRT. We evaluated overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years and
      postoperative morbidity rate. RESULTS: Twenty patients who underwent radical
      surgery with abdominoperineal resection were included in the study. The survival
      rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 75, 60, and 37.4%; with a disease-free survival
      of 67, 53, and 35%, respectively. There was no postoperative mortality. The
      morbidity rate was 35%. CONCLUSION: Surgery represents the recommended therapy
      for persistent or recurrent anal canal cancer after CRT, with a good survival
      rate and an acceptable morbidity.

PMID- 28099956
TI  - High Body Mass Index Worsens Survival in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell
      Carcinoma after Esophagectomy.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the prognostic significance of body mass index (BMI) on the
      survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after
      esophagectomy. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2008, 291 patients with ESCC who met the
      inclusion criteria were included in the study. The BMI cut-off values were as
      follows: 18.5-23 kg/m2 for normal weight; 23-27.5 kg/m2 for overweight; and
      >=27.5 kg/m2 for those with obesity. Univariate and multivariate analyses were
      performed to identify prognostic factors for long-term survival. RESULTS:
      Patients were divided into 3 groups: normal weight (n = 138), overweight (n =
      103), and obese (n = 50). The median survival time was 56 months. The 5-year
      overall survival (OS) rates were 40.8, 44.7, and 20.8% for normal weight,
      overweight, and obese patients respectively (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis
      identified BMI as an independent prognostic factor for OS (p < 0.05). For 179
      patients without lymph node metastasis, the 5-year OS rates were 46.5, 50.7, and
      27.0% for normal weight, overweight, and obese patients respectively (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: A BMI >=27.5 kg/m2 has a distinctly adverse impact on the long-term
      survival of ESCC patients after esophagectomy. High BMI is a potential predictor
      of worse prognosis in ESCC patients, particularly in patients without lymph node
      metastasis.

PMID- 28099958
TI  - Distance from Left Renal Vein to Inferior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery: A Landmark
      for Identifying Inferior Pancreaticoduodenal Artery in Pancreatoduodenectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: During pancreatoduodenectomy, early ligation of major afferent
      arteries to pancreatic head prior to dissection of the corresponding veins may
      reduce intraoperative bleeding. Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA), one
      of the major afferent arteries, is difficult to identify. We measured the
      distance from left renal vein to IPDA based on preoperative multi-detector row
      computed tomography (MDCT) images for use as a new landmark for IPDA. METHODS:
      The distance between left renal vein and IPDA was measured in 417 patients using
      MDCT images. RESULTS: IPDA was identified on MDCT images in 415 out of the 417
      patients (99.5%). The root of IPDA was located on cranial side of the root of
      left renal vein in 88 among the 415 patients (21.2%), and the distance was
      expressed as negative in these cases. The distance was 6.09 +/- 7.46 mm. The
      distance when IPDA formed a common vessel with first jejunal artery (8.03 +/-
      6.74 mm; 323 cases, 77.8%) was significantly longer than when IPDA branched
      directly from superior mesenteric artery (SMA; -0.81 +/- 5.74 mm; 62 cases,
      15.0%) or posterior and anterior IPDAs branched separately from SMA (-2.04 +/-
      5.36 mm; 30 cases, 7.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The distance between left renal vein and
      IPDA can serve as a landmark for IPDA identification.

PMID- 28099959
TI  - Fecal Volume after Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection Predicts Anastomotic
      Leakage.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a major complication after
      laparoscopic low anterior resection (Lap-LAR). Many surgeons encounter AL
      following severe postoperative diarrhea. However, little is known about the
      relationship between postoperative fecal volume and AL. This study determined
      whether postoperative fecal volume can predict AL. METHODS: A retrospective
      assessment was performed with data from 176 patients with rectal cancers who
      underwent Lap-LAR between April 2011 and August 2015. A transanal tube was
      routinely placed in all cases. The fecal volume from the transanal tube was
      measured daily. The total fecal volume for 3 days after surgery was compared
      between the AL and non-AL groups. RESULTS: AL occurred in 11 patients. There were
      3 patients with a fecal volume >=1,000 mL for 3 days after surgery. AL occurred
      in these 3 patients. In patients with a fecal volume <1,000 mL, the total fecal
      volume was significantly greater in the AL group than that in the non-AL group (p
      = 0.0003). The cut-off value of the total fecal volume in AL was 118 mL.
      CONCLUSIONS: The volume of fecal discharge for 3 days after surgery is associated
      with the incidence of AL, and a fecal volume >=118 mL may be a reliable predictor
      for AL.

PMID- 28099960
TI  - Prognostic Factors after Curative Resection for Single-Lesion Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma in Patients with Normal Liver Function: A Historical Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is now
      established as the treatment most likely to yield the best outcome. We aimed to
      clarify the risk factors for HCC recurrence after curative resection of single
      HCC in patients with normal liver function (NLF). METHODS: The clinical records
      of 105 patients with NFL and a single HCC less than 5 cm in diameter who had
      undergone curative liver resection between April 2000 and January 2013 were
      investigated. We analyzed risk factors for recurrence of HCC. RESULTS: Forty of
      the 105 patients suffered recurrence of HCC, and median recurrence-free survival
      (RFS) was 22.0 (5.1-148.5) months after surgery, and the liver was the most
      frequent site of recurrence. Univariate analysis showed that limited resection
      (LR; p = 0.002), the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (p = 0.023), C
      reactive protein value (p = 0.001), bilirubin value (p = 0.042), neutrophil to
      lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.042), operation time (p = 0.018), and amount of bleeding
      (p = 0.011) were associated with RFS. Multivariate analysis showed that LR (p =
      0.007) was a significant risk factor associated with RFS. CONCLUSION: LR is a
      risk factor for HCC recurrence in patients with single-lesion HCC and NLF.

PMID- 28099961
TI  - Perineural Invasion Is Associated with Poor Survival after Preoperative
      Chemoradiation Therapy for Advanced Lower Rectal Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preoperative chemoradiation therapy (pCRT) is a standard procedure
      for patients with advanced lower rectal cancer. It has been reported that pCRT
      cannot prolong the survival of patients with advanced lower rectal cancer. The
      aim of this study is to address the controllable and uncontrollable pathological
      factors of pCRT in predicting local and distant recurrences. METHODS: One hundred
      two patients with stages 2 and 3 cancer were consecutively enrolled to the study.
      The first 51 patients (October 2008-August 2010) underwent curative resection
      without pCRT. The latter 51 patients (September 2010-May 2015) underwent curative
      resection after pCRT. Pathological factors of patients were evaluated to assess
      the association between local and distant recurrences. RESULTS: Multivariate
      analyses for local and distant recurrences of patients without pCRT revealed that
      the independent risk factors were tumor deposit and perineural invasion
      respectively. pCRT was able to diminish circumferential resection margin, tumor
      deposit, venous invasion, and lymphatic permeation but not neural invasion and
      lymph node involvement. Kaplan-Meier curve of local and distant recurrence-free
      survival of patients with pCRT illustrated that tumor deposit is controllable,
      whereas perineural invasion is uncontrollable by pCRT. CONCLUSION: pCRT
      uncontrollable perineural invasion may be a factor for distant recurrence of
      advanced rectal cancer patients, leading to poor survival.

PMID- 28099962
TI  - Quality of Life after Intestinal Resection in Patients with Crohn Disease: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Most patients with Crohn disease (CD) require surgery within 10
      years of diagnosis. Intestinal resection is the most commonly performed operation
      although the effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), particularly long
      term, are contentious. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review evaluating the
      impact of intestinal resection on the HRQOL of CD patients, predictors of
      postoperative HRQOL, and patient satisfaction with surgery. RESULTS: Nine studies
      including 1,108 CD patients undergoing intestinal resection were identified as
      eligible for inclusion. The median age at surgery was 29-41 years with varying
      follow-up period (range 30 days-5 years). Ileocolic resection was the most
      commonly performed operation on an elective basis (range 95-100%). HRQOL improved
      as early as 2 weeks postoperatively and lasted up to 5 years across both generic
      and gastrointestinal domains. Gender, smoking, and disease recurrence were
      potential predictors of postoperative HRQOL. Patient satisfaction is high with
      regard to surgery, with preference for a laparoscopic approach. CONCLUSION:
      Intestinal resection in CD patients improved HRQOL in the short- and long-term
      and patients describe high satisfaction about their surgery. Further studies are
      needed to validate potential predictors of postoperative HRQOL in this cohort.

PMID- 28099963
TI  - Low-Molecular-Weight Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Antioxidants in Nonmelanoma Skin
      Carcinomas and Adjacent Normal-Looking Skin.
AB  - Low-molecular-weight antioxidants are some of the most efficient agents of the
      skin defense mechanism against environmental factors, such as cosmic rays, smoke,
      and pollutants. The total skin concentrations of hydrophilic ascorbic and uric
      acids, as well as lipophilic alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and ubiquinol-10
      antioxidants were determined by an HPLC-EC detector from 18 biopsies of human
      nonmelanoma skin carcinomas and 18 biopsies from skin areas adjacent to
      carcinomas. No significant differences in the concentrations of lipophilic
      antioxidants in both carcinomas and normal-looking skin areas adjacent to
      carcinomas were observed. On the contrary, ascorbic and uric acid concentrations
      were found to be 18 and 36% lower in carcinomas than in normal-looking skin
      areas, respectively. No statistical significance was observed between antioxidant
      concentrations and age, sex, phototype, profession, site of tumor, frequency, and
      time of UV light exposure either. Accordingly the antioxidant concentrations in
      both cancerous skin and adjacent normal-looking areas were found to be much
      higher than in normal skin, in contrast to literature data.

PMID- 28099965
TI  - Pilot Test of a New Personal Health System Integrating Environmental and Wearable
      Sensors for Telemonitoring and Care of Elderly People at Home (SMARTA Project).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increase in life expectancy is accompanied by a growing number of
      elderly subjects affected by chronic comorbidities, a health issue which also
      implies important socioeconomic consequences. Shifting from hospital or community
      dwelling care towards a home personalized healthcare paradigm would promote
      active aging with a better quality of life, along with a reduction in healthcare
      related costs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the SMARTA project was to develop and test
      an innovative personal health system integrating standard sensors as well as
      innovative wearable and environmental sensors to allow home telemonitoring of
      vital parameters and detection of anomalies in daily activities, thus supporting
      active aging through remote healthcare. METHODS: A first phase of the project
      consisted in the definition of the health and environmental parameters to be
      monitored (electrocardiography and actigraphy, blood pressure and oxygen
      saturation, weight, ear temperature, glycemia, home interaction monitoring -
      water tap, refrigerator, and dishwasher), the feedbacks for the clinicians, and
      the reminders for the patients. It was followed by a technical feasibility
      analysis leading to an iterative process of prototype development, sensor
      integration, and testing. Once the prototype had reached an advanced stage of
      development, a group of 32 volunteers - including 15 healthy adult subjects, 13
      elderly people with cardiac diseases, and 4 clinical operators - was recruited to
      test the system in a real home setting, in order to evaluate both technical
      reliability and user perception of the system in terms of effectiveness,
      usability, acceptance, and attractiveness. RESULTS: The testing in a real home
      setting showed a good perception of the SMARTA system and its functionalities
      both by the patients and by the clinicians, who appreciated the user interface
      and the clinical governance system. The moderate system reliability of 65-70%
      evidenced some technical issues, mainly related to sensor integration, while the
      patient's user interface showed excellent reliability (100%). CONCLUSIONS: Both
      elderly people and clinical operators considered the SMARTA system a promising
      and attractive tool for improving patients' healthcare while reducing related
      costs and preserving quality of life. However, the moderate reliability of the
      system should prompt further technical developments in terms of sensor
      integration and usability of the clinical operator's user interface.

PMID- 28099964
TI  - Advancing Age Decreases Pressure-Sensitive Modulation of Calcium Signaling in the
      Endothelium of Intact and Pressurized Arteries.
AB  - Aging is the summation of many subtle changes which result in altered
      cardiovascular function. Impaired endothelial function underlies several of these
      changes and precipitates plaque development in larger arteries. The endothelium
      transduces chemical and mechanical signals into changes in the cytoplasmic
      calcium concentration to control vascular function. However, studying endothelial
      calcium signaling in larger arteries in a physiological configuration is
      challenging because of the requirement to focus through the artery wall. Here,
      pressure- and agonist-sensitive endothelial calcium signaling was studied in
      pressurized carotid arteries from young (3-month-old) and aged (18-month-old)
      rats by imaging from within the artery using gradient index fluorescence
      microendoscopy. Endothelial sensitivity to acetylcholine increased with age. The
      number of cells exhibiting oscillatory calcium signals and the frequency of
      oscillations were unchanged with age. However, the latency of calcium responses
      was significantly increased with age. Acetylcholine-evoked endothelial calcium
      signals were suppressed by increased intraluminal pressure. However, pressure
      dependent inhibition of calcium signaling was substantially reduced with age.
      While each of these changes will increase endothelial calcium signaling with
      increasing age, decreases in endothelial pressure sensitivity may manifest as a
      loss of functionality and responsiveness in aging.

PMID- 28099966
TI  - Involvement of XBP1s in Blue Light-Induced A2E-Containing Retinal Pigment
      Epithelium Cell Death.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell dysfunction is essential to the
      development of retinal degenerative disease. This study was designed to
      investigate how spliced X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1s) regulates different modes
      of RPE cell death in vitro. METHODS: Human ARPE19 cells were incubated with 25
      MUM N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) and irradiated with blue light.
      Expressions of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and XBP1s were detected by
      real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. STF-083010 was used to suppress
      XBP1s expression. ARPE19 cell apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl
      transferase dUTP nick end labeling and flow cytometry. Receptor-interacting
      protein kinase-3 (RIP3) was detected by Western blot. Changes in the morphology
      of ARPE19 cells were identified by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS:
      Blue light-induced A2E-containing ARPE19 cell damage caused a transient elevation
      of GRP78 and XBP1s, while RIP3 rose in the late stage. STF-083010 effectively
      inhibited XBP1s expression and brought about the aggravation of apoptosis
      together with an alleviation of RIP3 expression. Most of the dying cells
      exhibited apoptotic morphology. CONCLUSION: A2E, along with blue light, brought
      about apoptosis and necroptosis of ARPE19 cells, and XBP1s was transiently
      elevated. The suppression of XBP1s induced ARPE19 cell death by promoting
      apoptosis rather than necroptosis. XBP1s might play a role in the pathogenesis of
      retinal degenerative diseases.

PMID- 28099967
TI  - Somatosensory Tinnitus: Correlation between Cranio-Cervico-Mandibular Disorder
      History and Somatic Modulation.
AB  - In a subpopulation of patients, tinnitus can be modulated by movements of the jaw
      or head and neck due to complex somatosensory-auditory interactions. In some of
      these subjects, tinnitus could be related to an underlying temporomandibular
      (TMJ) or craniocervical (NECK) dysfunction that, if correctly identified, could
      streamline treatment and increase chances of tinnitus improvement. However, it is
      still unclear whether somatic modulation of tinnitus could be used as a screening
      tool for identifying such patients. In this study, we included 310 tinnitus
      patients with normal hearing, no psychiatric comorbidities, and a positive
      history of TMJ and/or NECK dysfunction and/or a positive modulation of tinnitus
      to evaluate the characteristics of somatic modulation, investigate the
      relationship between positive history and positive modulation, and identify
      factors most strongly associated with somatic modulation. Tinnitus modulation was
      present in 79.67% of the patients. We found a significant association within the
      same subjects between a positive history and a positive tinnitus modulation for
      the same region, mainly for TMJ in unilateral tinnitus patients and for TMJ +
      NECK in bilateral tinnitus patients. A strong correlation between history and
      modulation in the same somatic region within the same subgroups of subjects was
      also identified. Most TMJ maneuvers resulted in an increased loudness, while NECK
      maneuvers showed an increase in tinnitus loudness in about 59% of cases. High
      pitched tinnitus and male gender were associated with a higher prevalence of
      modulation; no differences were found for tinnitus onset, Tinnitus Handicap
      Inventory score, and age. In this paper, we report a strong association between
      history and modulation for the same regions within the same patients; such an
      association should always be investigated to improve chances of a correct
      diagnosis of somatosensory tinnitus.

PMID- 28099968
TI  - Musculoskeletal ultrasound and ESPER.

PMID- 28099969
TI  - Digital Ischemia as a paraneoplastic phenomenon.
AB  - Digital ischemia is a rare paraneoplastic phenomenon associated with several
      malignant tumours, particularly adenocarcinomas. The underlying pathogenic
      mechanisms remain unknown and it can be the first manifestation, occur after the
      diagnosis or during treatment. We report a case of a 50 year old woman presenting
      with digital ischemia, whose diagnostic workup led to an invasive breast cancer,
      with significant improvement of digital ischemia after a successful treatment of
      the neoplasm.

PMID- 28099970
TI  - Keeping the Name of Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy.

PMID- 28099971
TI  - Warfarin-Associated Nonuremic Calciphylaxis.
AB  - Importance: Classic calciphylaxis associated with renal failure is a life
      threatening disease. Warfarin-associated calciphylaxis without renal injury has
      been described, but whether it is a subset of classic calciphylaxis or a
      different entity remains unknown. We describe 1 case of warfarin-associated
      calciphylaxis, present data from 2 others from our institution, and review all
      cases of warfarin-associated calciphylaxis available in the literature. Our
      review indicates that warfarin-associated calciphylaxis is clinically and
      pathophysiologically distinct from classic calciphylaxis. Objective: To review
      warfarin-associated calciphylaxis and determine its relationship to classic
      calciphylaxis. Design, Setting, and Participants: We searched MEDLINE and Ovid
      without language or date restrictions for case reports of calciphylaxis from the
      inpatient setting using the terms "calciphylaxis and warfarin," "non-uremic
      calciphylaxis," and "nonuremic calciphylaxis." We defined nonuremic calciphylaxis
      as a histopathologic diagnosis of calciphylaxis without severe kidney disease
      (serum creatinine level >3 mg/dL; glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min; acute
      kidney injury requiring dialysis; and renal transplantation). Exposures: Each
      patient had been exposed to warfarin before the onset of calciphylaxis. Main
      Outcomes and Measures: Patient data were abstracted from published reports.
      Original patient medical records were requested and reviewed when possible.
      Results: We identified 18 patients with nonuremic calciphylaxis, 15 from the
      literature, and 3 from our institution. Patients were predominantly female (15 of
      18 [83%]) with ages ranging from 19 to 86 years. Duration of warfarin therapy
      prior to calciphylaxis onset averaged 32 months. Lesions were usually located
      below the knees (in 12 of 18 [67%]). No cases reported elevated calcium-phosphate
      products (0 of 17 [0%]). Calcifications were most often noted in the tunica media
      (n = 8 [44%]) or in the vessel lumen and tunica intima (n = 7 [39%]). The most
      common treatments included substitution of heparin or low-molecular weight
      heparin for warfarin (n = 13 [72%]), intravenous sodium thiosulfate (n = 9
      [50%]), and hyperbaric oxygen (n = 3 [17%]). The survival rate on hospital
      discharge was remarkably high, with 15 cases (83%) reporting full recovery and 3
      cases ending in death. Conclusions and Relevance: Warfarin-associated
      calciphylaxis is distinct from classic calciphylaxis in pathogenesis, course,
      and, particularly, outcome. This finding should influence clinical management of
      the disease and informs targeted treatment of the disease.

PMID- 28099972
TI  - Prurigo Pigmentosa in White Monozygotic Twins.

PMID- 28099973
TI  - Effect Size Estimation in Neuroimaging.

PMID- 28099974
TI  - Temporary Vacuum-Assisted Closure of the Open Abdomen in Neonates.
AB  - Introduction The need for open abdomen in the treatment of severely ill neonates
      will increase in time as more complex abdominal procedures are undertaken.
      However, the experience of temporary closure of an open abdomen using vacuum
      assisted closure (VAC) system is still relatively limited in premature and term
      neonates. The aim of this study is to describe and review our experience in the
      use of temporary VAC of the open abdomen for neonates with varying pathological
      processes. Materials and Methods A retrospective folder review of all neonates
      treated with VAC for open abdomen over the study period of 2010 to 2014 at our
      institution was performed. Results A total of 15 neonates were included in this
      study. Mean gestational age and postbirth age at VAC application were 33.6 +/-
      4.1 (28-40) weeks and 14 +/- 10.2 (2-30) days, respectively. Mean weight at VAC
      application was 1,797.7 +/- 730.8 (960-3,200) g. Initial diagnoses were
      necrotizing enterocolitis (seven), intestinal perforation (three), gastroschisis
      (two), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (two), and primary abdominal compartment
      syndrome (ACS) (one). Reasons for VAC application included confirmed ACS (2) and
      application to prevent ACS (13). Duration of VAC use was 4 +/- 3.4 (0-13) days
      during which 2 +/- 1.2 (1-5) applications were performed. Overall survival rate
      was 80% (12 of 15 patients). One patient with primary ACS died from sepsis with
      an open abdomen. The only potential VAC-related complication was an
      enterocutaneous fistula. Conclusion Temporary VAC of the open abdomen is a safe
      method of temporary abdominal closure to prevent ACS in high-risk postoperative
      conditions in neonates of any gestational age and birth weight.

PMID- 28099975
TI  - Functional Outcome of CAD/CAM-Assisted versus Conventional Microvascular, Fibular
      Free Flap Reconstruction of the Mandible: A Retrospective Study of 30 Cases.
AB  - Background Different advantages of virtually planned and guided mandibular
      reconstructions have been described. Functional analyses and comparisons with
      conventionally reconstructed patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 30
      cases of mandibular reconstructions that involved virtually planned or
      conventional microvascular, fibular free flaps that occurred between April 2011
      and December 2014 at a single center. The results were also compared with a
      healthy cohort of 30 participants. Axiographic measurements were performed
      postoperatively, and uni- and multivariate regressions analyses were performed to
      determine the association between possible predictor variables on functional
      outcome. Results Operation time, hospital stay, number of osteotomies, incidence
      of postoperative temporomandibular joint pain, noise, and tension did not differ
      significantly between the conventional and computer-aided design/computer-aided
      manufacturing (CAD/CAM) groups (each p > 0.05). Mouth opening and protrusion and
      laterotrusion also did not differ significantly (each p > 0.05) but were
      significantly reduced compared with the healthy group. Univariate analysis showed
      a significant influence of postoperative irradiation on mouth opening and
      laterotrusion in the conventional group (p = 0.047 and p = 0.028). In addition,
      multivariate analysis showed a significant influence of indication and number of
      osteotomies on laterotrusion (p = 0.005 and p = 0.043). Uni and multivariate
      analyses revealed a significant influence of indication, preoperative
      irradiation, and number of osteotomies on protrusion and mouth opening in the
      CAD/CAM group (p = 0.016, p = 0.044, and p = 0.028). Conclusion CAD/CAM-assisted
      reconstructions of the mandible give comparable functional results with those of
      the conventional technique, but no functional superiority has been established.
      Nevertheless, the integration of virtual planning and guided surgery is
      definitely of significant value but should be indicated individually case by
      case.

PMID- 28099976
TI  - Vasculature Characterization of a Multiterritory Perforator Flap: An Experimental
      Study.
AB  - Background Tip necrosis in the perforator flap is a significant problem in
      clinical practice. This study aimed to characterize the vasculature of a
      multiterritory perforator flap using a rat model and to investigate the impact of
      the vasculature on flap survival. Methods In total, 105 Sprague Dawley rats were
      divided into seven groups, including the control, 3 hours postoperative (PO), 12
      hours PO, 1 day PO, 3 days PO, 5 days PO, and 7 days PO. A perforator flap with
      three territories based on the deep iliac circumflex artery was performed. Flaps
      with only skin incisions and vessel exposure were performed in the control group.
      The first choke zone (FCZ) was located between the anatomical and dynamic
      territories, and the second choke zone (SCZ) was located between the dynamic and
      potential territories. Sodium fluorescein and lead oxide-gelatin angiography and
      histological examination were performed in each group. Results Sodium fluorescein
      angiography revealed delayed staining in the perforator flap PO, particularly in
      the FCZ and SCZ. The delay phenomenon disappeared after 12 hours PO in the FCZ
      and after 1 day PO in the SCZ. Nonfluorescein-stained areas were found distal to
      the potential territory. In the FCZ PO, the choke vessels were dilated, while the
      number of microvessels was increased in the SCZ without choke vessel dilation.
      Conclusions The remodeling of choke vessels and increase in microvessel number
      represent arteriogenesis and angiogenesis, respectively. This neovascularization
      was responsible for flap survival in the entire dynamic territory and part of the
      potential territory.

PMID- 28099977
TI  - A Step-by-Step Clinical Approach for the Management of Neuroendocrine Tumours.
AB  - Neuroendocrine tumours (NET) are rare neoplasms, but the incidence is permanently
      increasing. Most of the NETs are slow proliferating and clinically silent, and
      for that reason, they are often diagnosed at a stage with advanced disease. The
      complexity and diversity of the NET-biology require the treatment of patients in
      specialised centres to guarantee a qualified, multidisciplinary treatment
      planning. At our institution, we developed an interdisciplinary model for the
      assessment and treatment of NET. The aim was to adapt the guidelines to the
      clinical practice, exchange of current knowledge, and a tailored approach to the
      individual patient. In our team are included medical professionals from
      pathology, radiology, oncology, gastroenterology, oncological surgery, and
      nuclear medicine. In this paper, we describe step-by-step a procedural algorithm
      for the management of patients with neuroendocrine tumours, focusing on midgut
      NETs in terms of therapy.

PMID- 28099978
TI  - Association of Perinatal Risk Factors with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Objective To examine the association between exposures to perinatal factors and
      autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Study Design A retrospective cohort study of ASD
      among children born in Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals between
      1991 and 2009 (n = 594,638). Medical records were used to determine exposure to
      perinatal (antepartum and intrapartum) complications. ASD was diagnosed using DSM
      IV criteria. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios
      (HRs). Result Children with ASD were more likely to be exposed to perinatal
      complications (HR = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.21) than
      neurotypical children. Children exposed to antepartum (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10
      1.36) and intrapartum (HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.17) complications were at
      increased risk of ASD. The risk was even greater when both antepartum and
      intrapartum conditions were present (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.26-1.63). Conclusion
      Exposure to antepartum or intrapartum complications increases the risk of ASD in
      the offspring. Therefore, pregnancy complications may help identify children who
      could benefit from early screening and intervention for this common
      neurodevelopmental condition.

PMID- 28099979
TI  - Milrinone Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Neonates with Persistent
      Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn.
AB  - Objective To describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of milrinone in
      infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and to
      explore the impact of age on milrinone disposition. Design Randomized, open label
      pilot study. Setting Multicenter; level 3 and level 4 neonatal intensive care
      units. Patients Six infants >=34 weeks' gestational age and <10 days of life with
      persistent hypoxemia receiving inhaled nitric oxide. Intervention Intravenous
      milrinone lactate in one of two dosing regimens: (1) low dose, 20 mcg/kg bolus
      followed by 0.2 mcg/kg/minute, and (2) standard dose, 50 mcg/kg bolus followed by
      0.5 mcg/kg/minute. Measurements and Main Results The final structural model was a
      two-compartment disposition model with interindividual variability estimated on
      clearance (CL). The estimated value of CL is 7.65 mL/minute/3.4 kg (3.05
      mL/minute/kg). The addition of age improved the precision of the CL estimate, and
      CL increased with chronological age in days. The oxygenation index was highly
      variable within each participant and improved with time. There were no observed
      safety concerns in either dosing group. Conclusion The CL of milrinone in
      newborns with PPHN is reduced and increases with age. In this pilot study, we did
      not see significant pharmacodynamic or safety effects associated with drug
      exposure.

PMID- 28099980
TI  - Challenges Faced in Translating the Benefits of Surfactant Replacement Therapy to
      a Resource-Limited Setting.
AB  - Aim To determine the challenges, if any, in translating the benefits of
      surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) to a resource-limited setting. Method This
      was a retrospective descriptive study comparing the outcome of 75 cases who
      received surfactant and 69 controls who did not at the University Hospital of the
      West Indies during the period 2001 to 2011. Descriptive analyses were performed.
      Statistical significance was taken at the level p < 0.05. Results Only 13% of
      neonates with respiratory distress syndrome received surfactant therapy. The
      median time of surfactant administration was 16.5 hours (interquartile range: 6
      37 hours). The mean +/- standard deviation time between repeat doses was 19.1 +/-
      14 hours. There was no difference in mortality between cases (67%) and controls
      (59%) (p = 0.32). However, the cases who survived were less mature (28.3 +/- 2
      weeks) and less clinically stable (CRIB II [Clinical Risk Index for Babies]
      score: 8.2 +/- 3) than their controls who survived (30.0 +/- 2 weeks; CRIB II
      score: 6.0 +/- 3) (p = 0.01). There was no difference in mean gestational age or
      CRIB II scores between nonsurviving cases and controls. A high incidence of
      sepsis, pneumothoraces, and pulmonary hemorrhage was noted in both cases and
      controls. Conclusion SRT did not improve the overall outcome in preterm neonates
      treated with RDS. Challenges encountered in optimizing SRT included affordability
      and accessibility of surfactant, supportive equipment, and supportive therapies,
      as well as a high incidence of complications related to prematurity.

PMID- 28099981
TI  - Use of Esophageal Hemoximetry to Assess the Effect of Packed Red Blood Cell
      Transfusion on Gastrointestinal Oxygenation in Newborn Infants.
AB  - Objectives There are no widely accepted methods of continuously monitoring gut
      oxygenation in the newborn during packed red blood cell transfusion. We
      investigated the use of an orally inserted light spectroscopy probe to measure
      lower esophageal oxyhemoglobin saturations (eStO2) before, during, and after
      transfusion and made comparisons with abdominal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
      and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow. Study Design Thirteen neonates with
      corrected gestational ages ranging from 22 weeks, 0 day to 37 weeks, 5 days were
      enrolled. eStO2 and NIRS measurements were recorded continuously for a 25-hour
      period starting 1 hour prior to starting the 4-hour transfusion. Transabdominal
      ultrasound was used to measure SMA flow prior to, upon completion, and 20 hours
      after the transfusion. Results Twelve infants completed the study. eStO2 was well
      tolerated and was weakly (r = 0.06) correlated (p < 0.001) with NIRS. Compared
      with NIRS, eStO2 demonstrated a markedly greater variation in oxyhemoglobin
      values. NIRS and SMA flow measurements did not change, while eStO2 increased from
      48 +/- 5% and 45 +/- 5% in the pre- and intratransfusion periods to 57 +/- 4% in
      the posttransfusion period (p = 0.03). Conclusion Measurement of eStO2 is
      feasible in neonates and may provide a continuous and sensitive index of rapid
      changes in mesenteric oxygenation in this patient population.

PMID- 28099982
TI  - [E-learning in ENT: Usage in University Medical Centers in Germany].
AB  - E-learning is an essential part of innovative medical teaching concepts. The
      challenging anatomy and physiology in ENT is considered particularly suitable for
      self-assessed and adaptive e-learning. Usage and data on daily experience with e
      learning in German ENT-university hospitals are currently unavailable and the
      degree of implementation of blended learning including feed-back from medical
      students are currently not known. We investigated the current need and usage of e
      learning in academic ENT medical centers in Germany. We surveyed students and
      chairs for Otorhinolaryngology electronically and paperbased during the summer
      semester 2015. Our investigation revealed an overall heterogenous picture on
      quality and quantity of offered e-learning applications. While the overall amount
      of e-learning in academic ENT in Germany is rather low, at least half of the ENT
      hospitals in medical faculties reported that e-learning had improved their own
      teaching activities. More collaboration among medical faculties and academic ENT
      centers may help to explore new potentials, overcome technical difficulties and
      help to realize more ambitious projects.

PMID- 28099983
TI  - [The Relevance of Abducent Nerve Palsy in ENT].
AB  - Patients suffering from abducent nerve palsy are usually primary seen by a
      conservative medical Specialist. In most cases the ENT specialist is secondary
      involved for treatment. In the majority of cases abducent nerve palsy is a
      temporary symptom associated with neurologic or vascular diseases. Rarely
      inflammation, neoplasm or fracture of the skull base cause this symptom and lead
      to an intervention done by the ENT surgeon. This case series describes
      retrospectively the abducent palsy seen through the eyes of an ENT surgeon. From
      2008 to 2011 15 patients suffering from abducent nerve palsy. One patient
      suffering from a temporal bone fracture has been treated conservatively while 14
      patients needed surgery. 6 patients had a complicated inflammation of the skull
      base. In 7 patients skull base neoplasms were found in endoscopic surgery. In one
      case the underlying pathology remained unclear. 2 third of the patients that
      suffered from complications of inflammatory diseases completely recovered after a
      combined operative and conservative therapy. The patients who suffered from
      neoplasms of the skull base partially recovered in only one third, none, achieved
      full recovery. The patient with the temporal bone fracture achieved a partial
      recovery after 3 months. If the leading symptom of abducent palsy is caused by a
      severe extracranial inflammation, neoplasm or trauma an experienced skull base
      surgeon is mandatory. The recovery rate of abducent palsy in our case series was
      60 %. The prognosis of abducent palsy in skull base inflammation is much better
      compared to patients with skull base neoplasm.

PMID- 28099984
TI  - [Longterm Results of a Screening Procedure for Adult Cochlear Implant
      Candidates].
AB  - This study gives an estimation of the long term outcome of a screening procedure
      for cochlear implant candidacy in hearing aid users.In a recent retrospective
      study, hearing aid performance and audiometric measures in 185 subjects (318
      ears) were analyzed. In the context of 2 years follow-up, the outcome of the
      ipsilateral screening procedure was analyzed. For patients who did receive a
      cochlear implant, their audiometric outcome measures were viewed into relation to
      their preoperative results.From the 96 ears identified as cochlear implant
      candidates, 34 were provided with a cochlear implant. 222 ears were identified as
      hearing aid users. Only 4 of these 222 ears were provided with a cochlear
      implant. Cochlear implant recipients with a preoperative speech recognition score
      with hearing aids above zero showed a mean improvement of 65% points in Freiburg
      monosyllabics.The audiometry-based screening procedure enables an effective
      management of the referral process of cochlear implant candidates.

PMID- 28099986
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 28099985
TI  - [Prospective Evaluation of the Quality of the Results of Thyroid Surgery in an
      ENT-Department].
AB  - Although the thyroid gland is located in the neck it is not a matter of fact that
      it is a clinical issue for the otorhinolaryngologist in Germany. Probably due to
      historic reasons general surgeons usually perform operations on the thyroid. As
      at our department this kind of treatment is an established procedure we
      prospectively evaluated our thyroid cases in order to present our results.The
      prospective study started in the year of 2014. So far 231 patients were enrolled
      with an average age of 53,5 years (16-89). The sex ratio showed a preponderance
      of the female patients with 187 and 64 males. In 155 cases we didn't insert a
      Redon-drainage. The mean operation time was 133 min. The preoperative
      concentration of calcium was 2.44 mg/ml with a postoperative decrease to 2.21
      mg/ml. In cases of malignancies revealed in histology a second procedure with
      complete thyroidectomy and neck dissection took place immediately afterwards.Many
      symptoms of disorders of the thyroid become manifest in a genuine region of our
      speciality. Therefore we cannot detect any convincing reason why head and neck
      surgeons should not perform thyroidectomies. Skills like the specific clinical
      examination, the preoperative diagnostic work flow including sonography, the
      precise surgical management of soft tissue and neural structures and the
      postoperative care are typical features of our discipline. However, besides the
      surgeon's expertise a close collaboration with the colleagues of nuclear medicine
      and the general practitioner respectively the endocrinologist is mandatory in
      order to achieve a high quality of treatment.

PMID- 28099988
TI  - Exercise-based rehabilitation programmes for pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have reduced exercise
      capacity and quality of life. Despite initial concerns that exercise training may
      worsen symptoms in this group, several studies have reported improvements in
      functional capacity and well-being following exercise-based rehabilitation in PH.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of exercise-based rehabilitation
      for people with PH. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity, adverse events
      during the intervention period and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
      Secondary outcomes included cardiopulmonary haemodynamics, functional class,
      clinical worsening during follow-up, mortality and changes in B-type natriuretic
      peptide. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Airways Specialised Register of
      Trials up to August 2016, which is based on regular searches of CINAHL, AMED,
      Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and registries of clinical trials. In addition
      we searched CENTRAL and the PEDro database up to August 2016 and handsearched
      relevant journals. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
      focusing on exercise-based rehabilitation programmes for PH. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two reviewers extracted data independently. For binary outcomes, we
      calculated odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval (CI), on an intention-to
      treat basis. For continuous data, we estimated the mean difference (MD) between
      groups and its 95% CI. We employed a random-effects model for analyses. We
      assessed risk of bias for included studies and created 'Summary of findings'
      tables using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included six RCTs and were able to extract
      data from five studies. The majority of participants were Group I pulmonary
      artery hypertension (PAH). Study duration ranged from three to 15 weeks. Exercise
      programmes included both inpatient- and outpatient-based rehabilitation that
      incorporated both upper and lower limb exercise. The mean six-minute walk
      distance following exercise training was 60.12 metres higher than control (30.17
      to 90.07 metres, n = 165, 5 RCTs, low-quality evidence; minimal important
      difference was 30 metres), the mean peak oxygen uptake was 2.4 ml/kg/minute
      higher (1.4 to 3.4 ml/kg/min, n = 145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence) and the mean
      peak power in the intervention groups was 16.4 W higher (10.9 to 22.0 higher, n =
      145, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence). The mean change in HRQoL for the SF-36
      physical component score was 4.63 points higher (0.80 to 8.47 points, n = 33, 2
      RCTs, low-quality evidence) and for the SF-36 mental component score was 4.17
      points higher (0.01 to 8.34 points; n = 33; 2 RCTs, low-quality evidence). One
      study reported a single adverse event, where a participant stopped exercise
      training due to lightheadedness. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In people with PH,
      exercise-based rehabilitation results in clinically relevant improvements in
      exercise capacity. Exercise training was not associated with any serious adverse
      events. Whilst most studies reported improvements in HRQoL, these may not be
      clinically important. Overall, we assessed the quality of the evidence to be low.
      The small number of studies and lack of information on participant selection
      makes it difficult to generalise these results across the spectrum of people with
      PH.

PMID- 28099989
TI  - Effects of a dietary ketone ester on hippocampal glycolytic and tricarboxylic
      acid cycle intermediates and amino acids in a 3xTgAD mouse model of Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - In patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in a triple transgenic (3xTgAD)
      mouse model of AD low glucose metabolism in the brain precedes loss of memory and
      cognitive decline. The metabolism of ketones in the brain by-passes glycolysis
      and therefore may correct several deficiencies that are associated with glucose
      hypometabolism. A dietary supplement composed of an ester of D-beta
      hydroxybutyrate and R-1,3 butane diol referred to as ketone ester (KE) was
      incorporated into a rodent diet and fed to 3xTgAD mice for 8 months. At 16.5
      months of age animals were killed and brains dissected. Analyses were carried out
      on the hippocampus and frontal cortex for glycolytic and TCA (Tricarboxylic Acid)
      cycle intermediates, amino acids, oxidized lipids and proteins, and enzymes.
      There were higher concentrations of d-beta-hydroxybutyrate in the hippocampus of
      KE-fed mice where there were also higher concentrations of TCA cycle and
      glycolytic intermediates and the energy-linked biomarker, N-acetyl aspartate
      compared to controls. In the hippocampi of control-fed animals the free
      mitochondrial [NAD+ ]/[NADH] ratio were highly oxidized, whereas, in KE-fed
      animals the mitochondria were reduced. Also, the levels of oxidized protein and
      lipids were lower and the energy of ATP hydrolysis was greater compared to
      controls. 3xTgAD mice maintained on a KE-supplemented diet had higher
      concentrations of glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolites, a more reduced
      mitochondrial redox potential, and lower amounts of oxidized lipids and proteins
      in their hippocampi compared to controls. The KE offers a potential therapy to
      counter fundamental metabolic deficits common to patients and transgenic models.
      Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 162.

PMID- 28099990
TI  - Statistical significance for hierarchical clustering.
AB  - Cluster analysis has proved to be an invaluable tool for the exploratory and
      unsupervised analysis of high-dimensional datasets. Among methods for clustering,
      hierarchical approaches have enjoyed substantial popularity in genomics and other
      fields for their ability to simultaneously uncover multiple layers of clustering
      structure. A critical and challenging question in cluster analysis is whether the
      identified clusters represent important underlying structure or are artifacts of
      natural sampling variation. Few approaches have been proposed for addressing this
      problem in the context of hierarchical clustering, for which the problem is
      further complicated by the natural tree structure of the partition, and the
      multiplicity of tests required to parse the layers of nested clusters. In this
      article, we propose a Monte Carlo based approach for testing statistical
      significance in hierarchical clustering which addresses these issues. The
      approach is implemented as a sequential testing procedure guaranteeing control of
      the family-wise error rate. Theoretical justification is provided for our
      approach, and its power to detect true clustering structure is illustrated
      through several simulation studies and applications to two cancer gene expression
      datasets.

PMID- 28099991
TI  - BayesCAT: Bayesian co-estimation of alignment and tree.
AB  - Traditionally, phylogeny and sequence alignment are estimated separately: first
      estimate a multiple sequence alignment and then infer a phylogeny based on the
      sequence alignment estimated in the previous step. However, uncertainty in the
      alignment is ignored, resulting, possibly, in overstated certainty in phylogeny
      estimates. We develop a joint model for co-estimating phylogeny and sequence
      alignment which improves estimates from the traditional approach by accounting
      for uncertainty in the alignment in phylogenetic inferences. Our insertion and
      deletion (indel) model allows arbitrary-length overlapping indel events and a
      general distribution for indel fragment size. We employ a Bayesian approach using
      MCMC to estimate the joint posterior distribution of a phylogenetic tree and a
      multiple sequence alignment. Our approach has a tree and a complete history of
      indel events mapped onto the tree as the state space of the Markov Chain while
      alternative previous approaches have a tree and an alignment. A large state space
      containing a complete history of indel events makes our MCMC approach more
      challenging, but it enables us to infer more information about the indel process.
      The performances of this joint method and traditional sequential methods are
      compared using simulated data as well as real data. Software named BayesCAT
      (Bayesian Co-estimation of Alignment and Tree) is available at
      https://github.com/heejungshim/BayesCAT.

PMID- 28099992
TI  - On estimation of time-dependent attributable fraction from population-based case
      control studies.
AB  - Population attributable fraction (PAF) is widely used to quantify the disease
      burden associated with a modifiable exposure in a population. It has been
      extended to a time-varying measure that provides additional information on when
      and how the exposure's impact varies over time for cohort studies. However, there
      is no estimation procedure for PAF using data that are collected from population
      based case-control studies, which, because of time and cost efficiency, are
      commonly used for studying genetic and environmental risk factors of disease
      incidences. In this article, we show that time-varying PAF is identifiable from a
      case-control study and develop a novel estimator of PAF. Our estimator combines
      odds ratio estimates from logistic regression models and density estimates of the
      risk factor distribution conditional on failure times in cases from a kernel
      smoother. The proposed estimator is shown to be consistent and asymptotically
      normal with asymptotic variance that can be estimated empirically from the data.
      Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed estimator performs well in
      finite sample sizes. Finally, the method is illustrated by a population-based
      case-control study of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 28099993
TI  - Conditional estimation in two-stage adaptive designs.
AB  - We consider conditional estimation in two-stage sample size adjustable designs
      and the consequent bias. More specifically, we consider a design which permits
      raising the sample size when interim results look rather promising, and which
      retains the originally planned sample size when results look very promising. The
      estimation procedures reported comprise the unconditional maximum likelihood, the
      conditionally unbiased Rao-Blackwell estimator, the conditional median unbiased
      estimator, and the conditional maximum likelihood with and without bias
      correction. We compare these estimators based on analytical results and a
      simulation study. We show how they can be applied in a real clinical trial
      setting.

PMID- 28099994
TI  - The impact of primer sets on detection of the gene encoding biofilm-associated
      protein (Bap) in Acinetobacter baumannii: in silico and in vitro analysis.
AB  - : The Acinetobacter baumannii virulence protein Bap is encoded by a large gene
      and contains both variable sequence and repetitive modules. To date, four primer
      sets targeting different regions of bap have been designed, but no study has
      evaluated all these primers simultaneously for detection of bap. Here, we
      assessed the effect of primer sets Bap I-IV, on detection of bap both in silico
      and in vitro. Using the primer set Bap II, all 143 tested strains yielded an
      amplicon corresponding to the bap gene. This primer set showed the highest
      sensitivity (100, 95% CI: 97.9-100%) compared to the other primer sets. This
      study demonstrates that primer set Bap II performs with optimal efficiency for
      detection of the bap gene among different strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE
      STUDY: This study investigated the effect of nucleotide variation on PCR
      detection of the bap gene in various Acinetobacter baumannii strains. Since bap
      is the target gene for many detection assays, this variation can affect the
      detection efficiency. Here we present a primer set Bap II with optimal detection
      efficiency amongst 143 different strains, as shown by in silico and in vitro
      evidence.

PMID- 28099995
TI  - Technical Note: Fast respiratory motion estimation using sorted singles without
      unlist processing: A feasibility study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fast respiratory motion
      estimation using singles data available as a sorted format in list-mode files
      acquired in an integrated positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging
      (PET/MRI) system for a proof-of-concept. METHODS: The derivation of singles
      driven respiratory motion (SDRM) is enabled by singles recorded and binned by
      second for each detector crystal in PET list-mode data acquired in a SIGNA
      PET/MR. The proposed method is to derive a SDRM trace by summing up all singles
      from all detectors through the PET data acquisition. To assess the feasibility of
      SDRM for data-driven gating (DDG), SDRM traces were derived from the list-mode
      data acquired in five liver-focused 68 Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/MRI scans, and compared
      with the traces derived from bellows (pressure belt). Pearson's correlation
      coefficients and trigger time differences at peak-inhalation phases between SDRM
      and bellows traces were measured for quantitative evaluation. RESULTS: The method
      presented the average processing time of 4.2 +/- 0.42 s (range: 3.9 ~ 4.7 s) for
      the derivation of SDRM traces. The majority of the time was spent for reading
      singles data from a list-mode file (3.1 +/- 0.40 s, range: 2.7 ~ 3.7s). On
      average, the correlation coefficient of SDRM and bellows traces was 0.69 +/- 0.16
      (range: 0.41 ~ 0.80) and the time offset of SDRM-driven triggers from bellows
      driven triggers was 0.25 +/- 0.39 s (range: -0.85 ~ 2.69 s later than bellows
      triggers), demonstrating the similar patterns and phases of SDRM and bellows
      traces. CONCLUSIONS: We introduced PET singles-driven respiratory motion (SDRM)
      estimation as a proof-of-principle, using sorted singles ready for immediate
      processing in list-mode data. The results demonstrated the feasibility of SDRM
      and its potential use for gated PET with fast processing time.

PMID- 28099996
TI  - Estimation and testing problems in auditory neuroscience via clustering.
AB  - The processing of auditory information in neurons is an important area in
      neuroscience. We consider statistical analysis for an electrophysiological
      experiment related to this area. The recorded synaptic current responses from the
      experiment are observed as clusters, where the number of clusters is related to
      an important characteristic of the auditory system. This number is difficult to
      estimate visually because the clusters are blurred by biological variability.
      Using singular value decomposition and a Gaussian mixture model, we develop an
      estimator for the number of clusters. Additionally, we provide a method for
      hypothesis testing and sample size determination in the two-sample problem. We
      illustrate our approach with both simulated and experimental data.

PMID- 28099997
TI  - On joint estimation of Gaussian graphical models for spatial and temporal data.
AB  - In this article, we first propose a Bayesian neighborhood selection method to
      estimate Gaussian Graphical Models (GGMs). We show the graph selection
      consistency of this method in the sense that the posterior probability of the
      true model converges to one. When there are multiple groups of data available,
      instead of estimating the networks independently for each group, joint estimation
      of the networks may utilize the shared information among groups and lead to
      improved estimation for each individual network. Our method is extended to
      jointly estimate GGMs in multiple groups of data with complex structures,
      including spatial data, temporal data, and data with both spatial and temporal
      structures. Markov random field (MRF) models are used to efficiently incorporate
      the complex data structures. We develop and implement an efficient algorithm for
      statistical inference that enables parallel computing. Simulation studies suggest
      that our approach achieves better accuracy in network estimation compared with
      methods not incorporating spatial and temporal dependencies when there are shared
      structures among the networks, and that it performs comparably well otherwise.
      Finally, we illustrate our method using the human brain gene expression
      microarray dataset, where the expression levels of genes are measured in
      different brain regions across multiple time periods.

PMID- 28099998
TI  - A generalized Levene's scale test for variance heterogeneity in the presence of
      sample correlation and group uncertainty.
AB  - We generalize Levene's test for variance (scale) heterogeneity between k groups
      for more complex data, when there are sample correlation and group membership
      uncertainty. Following a two-stage regression framework, we show that least
      absolute deviation regression must be used in the stage 1 analysis to ensure a
      correct asymptotic chik-12/(k-1) distribution of the generalized scale (gS) test
      statistic. We then show that the proposed gS test is independent of the
      generalized location test, under the joint null hypothesis of no mean and no
      variance heterogeneity. Consequently, we generalize the recently proposed joint
      location-scale (gJLS) test, valuable in settings where there is an interaction
      effect but one interacting variable is not available. We evaluate the proposed
      method via an extensive simulation study and two genetic association application
      studies.

PMID- 28100000
TI  - Interdisciplinary management of an adult patient with significant restorative
      treatment needs and a complex malocclusion.
AB  - Transverse maxillary deficiency may be associated with dental crowding,
      compromised aesthetics and impaired function. Non-surgical correction of
      maxillary transverse deficiency through rapid maxillary expansion is routinely
      performed for young patients; however, surgical intervention is generally
      required for adults. An interdisciplinary treatment approach is necessary to
      achieve the desired treatment objectives for challenging cases. This case report
      demonstrates a pleasing treatment outcome for a patient with a severe maxillary
      transverse deficiency, significant crowding and extensive active caries.

PMID- 28099999
TI  - High-level intrathymic thyrotrophin receptor expression in thyroiditis-prone mice
      protects against the spontaneous generation of pathogenic thyrotrophin receptor
      autoantibodies.
AB  - The thyrotrophin receptor (TSHR) A-subunit is the autoantigen targeted by
      pathogenic autoantibodies that cause Graves' hyperthyroidism, a common autoimmune
      disease in humans. Previously, we reported that pathogenic TSHR antibodies
      develop spontaneously in thyroiditis-susceptible non-obese diabetic (NOD).H2h4
      mice bearing a human TSHR A-subunit transgene, which is expressed at low levels
      in both the thyroid and thymus (Lo-expressor transgene). The present study tested
      recent evidence that high intrathymic TSHR expression protects against the
      development of pathogenic TSHR antibodies in humans. By successive back-crossing,
      we transferred to the NOD.H2h4 background a human TSHR A-subunit transgene
      expressed at high levels in the thyroid and thymus (Hi-expressor transgene). In
      the sixth back-cross generation (> 98% NOD.H2h4 genome), only transgenic
      offspring produced spontaneously immunoglobulin (Ig)G class non-pathogenic human
      TSHR A-subunit antibodies. In contrast, both transgenic and non-transgenic
      offspring developed antibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase. However,
      non-pathogenic human TSHR antibody levels in Hi-expressor offspring were lower
      than in Lo-expressor transgenic mice. Moreover, pathogenic TSHR antibodies,
      detected by inhibition of TSH binding to the TSHR, only developed in back-cross
      offspring bearing the Lo-expressor, but not the Hi-expressor, transgene. High
      versus low expression human TSHR A-subunit in the NOD.H2h4 thymus was not
      explained by the transgene locations, namely chromosome 2 (127-147 Mb; Hi
      expressor) and chromosome 1 (22.9-39.3 Mb; low expressor). Nevertheless, using
      thyroiditis-prone NOD.H2h4 mice and two transgenic lines, our data support the
      association from human studies that low intrathymic TSHR expression is associated
      with susceptibility to developing pathogenic TSHR antibodies, while high
      intrathymic TSHR expression is protective.

PMID- 28100002
TI  - Targeting IkappaBNS in allergic asthma: where it resides, matters.

PMID- 28100001
TI  - Transplantation tolerance: don't forget about the B cells.
AB  - Establishing a state of transplantation tolerance that leads to indefinite graft
      survival without the need for lifelong immunosuppression has been achieved
      successfully in limited numbers of transplant recipients in the clinic. These
      successes led to studies aimed at identifying potential biomarkers that diagnose
      allograft tolerance and identify the patients most amenable to drug minimization,
      and implicated an enriched B cell signature of tolerance. The emergence of a
      specialized subset of regulatory B cell (Bregs ), that possess immune-modulatory
      function in inflammation and autoimmune disease, raised the possibility that
      Bregs play critical roles in the promotion of transplantation tolerance and that
      Bregs are the underlying explanation for the B cell signature of tolerance.
      However, B cells are best known to play a key role in humoral immunity, and
      excessive production of donor specific antibodies has clear deleterious effects
      in transplantation. Thus, for tolerance to be persistent, alloantibody responses
      must also be curtailed, either through the suppression of T cell help or the
      induction of B cell-intrinsic dysfunction. Recent findings indicate a unique
      subset of follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) that can suppress B cell function
      and induce epigenetic modifications that result in sustained defects in B cell
      differentiation and function. In this review, we summarize studies in animals and
      humans that suggest roles for Bregs and dysfunctional B cells in transplantation
      tolerance, and discuss how these insights may provide a roadmap for new
      approaches to diagnose, and new therapies to induce allograft tolerance.

PMID- 28100003
TI  - Neonatal morbidity after spontaneous labor onset prior to intended cesarean
      delivery at term: a cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate if labor onset before planned cesarean
      delivery (CD) affects the risk of neonatal admission, respiratory distress, or
      neonatal infectious morbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our cohort included
      singleton term pregnant women with intended CD who delivered at Aarhus University
      Hospital from 1990 to 2012. Two groups of women were identified: women with
      intended CD performed before labor (nonlabor CD) and women with intended CD
      performed after spontaneous labor onset (labor-onset CD); in both groups there
      was no other maternal or fetal medical indication for an immediate CD or for
      early-term CD scheduling. Data were stratified in early-term (37-38 weeks) and
      full-term (39-40 weeks) deliveries. The main outcome measures were neonatal
      admission, respiratory distress and neonatal infectious morbidity. RESULTS: Among
      103 919 live births, 5071 deliveries were nonlabor CDs and 731 were labor-onset
      CDs. Compared to nonlabor CD, labor-onset CD was associated with similar risks of
      neonatal admission and respiratory distress, both at early and full term, but
      with a two- to three-fold increased risk of newborn septicemia or antibiotic
      treatment at early term. Labor onset at early term was associated with a lower
      risk of maternal blood loss of more than 500 mL, but with a higher risk of
      postoperative antibiotic treatment and endometritis. CONCLUSIONS: Labor onset
      before planned CD was not associated with a decrease in neonatal respiratory
      morbidity, but may be associated with increased risks of neonatal infection.

PMID- 28100004
TI  - Technical Note: Measurement of common carotid artery lumen dynamics using black
      blood MR cine imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of measuring the common carotid artery
      (CCA) lumen dynamics using a black-blood cine (BB-cine) imaging method. METHODS:
      Motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium (MSDE) prepared spoiled gradient sequence
      was used for the BB-cine imaging. CCAs of eleven healthy volunteers were studied
      using this method. Lumen dynamics, including lumen area evolution waveforms and
      distension values, were measured and evaluated by comparing this method with
      bright-blood cine (BrB-cine) imaging. RESULTS: Compared with the BrB-cine images,
      flow artifacts were effectively suppressed in the BB-cine images. BrB-cine images
      generally show larger lumen areas than BB-cine images. The lumen area waveforms
      and distension measurements from BB-cine imaging showed smaller variances among
      different subjects than BrB-cine imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed BB-cine
      imaging technique can suppress the flow artifacts effectively and reduce the
      partial volume effects from the vessel wall. This might allow more accurate lumen
      dynamics measurements than traditional BrB-cine imaging, which may further be
      valuable for investigating biomechanical and functional properties of the
      cardiovascular system.

PMID- 28100005
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28100007
TI  - Race or genetic makeup for hepatitis C virus treatment decisions?

PMID- 28100009
TI  - What is the benefit of early follow-up after hospitalization for patients with
      cirrhosis?

PMID- 28100006
TI  - The fingerprint of antimitochondrial antibodies and the etiology of primary
      biliary cholangitis.
AB  - : The identification of environmental factors that lead to loss of tolerance has
      been coined the holy grail of autoimmunity. Our work has focused on the
      reactivity of antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA) to chemical xenobiotics and
      has hypothesized that a modified peptide within PDC-E2, the major mitochondrial
      autoantigen, will have been immunologically recognized at the time of loss of
      tolerance. Herein, we successfully applied intein technology to construct a PDC
      E2 protein fragment containing amino acid residues 177-314 of PDC-E2 by joining a
      recombinant peptide spanning residues 177-252 (PDC-228) with a 62-residue
      synthetic peptide from 253 to 314 (PP), which encompasses PDC-E2 inner lipoyl
      domain (ILD). We named this intein-constructed fragment PPL. Importantly, PPL, as
      well as lipoic acid conjugated PPL (LA-PPL) and xenobiotic 2-octynoic acid
      conjugated PPL (2OA-PPL), are recognized by AMA. Of great importance, AMA has
      specificity for the 2OA-modified PDC-E2 ILD peptide backbone distinct from
      antibodies that react with native lipoylated PDC-E2 peptide. Interestingly, this
      unique AMA subfraction is of the immunoglobulin M isotype and more dominant in
      early-stage primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), suggesting that exposure to 2OA
      PPL-like compounds occurs early in the generation of AMA. To understand the
      structural basis of this differential recognition, we analyzed PPL, LA-PPL, and
      2OA-PPL using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, with confirmations by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblotting, and affinity antibody
      analysis. We demonstrate that the conformation of PDC-E2 ILD is altered when
      conjugated with 2OA, compared to conjugation with lipoic acid. CONCLUSION: A
      molecular understanding of the conformation of xenobiotic-modified PDC-E2 is
      critical for understanding xenobiotic modification and loss of tolerance in PBC
      with widespread implications for a role of environmental chemicals in the
      induction of autoimmunity. (Hepatology 2017;65:1670-1682).

PMID- 28100010
TI  - Fine-scale genetic structure analyses reveal dispersal patterns in a critically
      endangered primate, Trachypithecus leucocephalus.
AB  - Dispersal is a critically important life history trait of social organisms that
      has a major impact on the population genetic structure and social relationships
      within groups. Primates exhibit highly diversified dispersal and philopatry
      patterns, but knowledge of these patterns is difficult to obtain and usually
      limited to observations of a small number of focal social groups or individuals.
      Here, we investigated the dispersal pattern of a critically endangered colobine
      monkey, the white-headed langur (Trachypithecus leucocephalus), using molecular
      approaches, and sex-specific population genetic structure analyses at fine
      geographical scales. We non-invasively collected 403 fecal samples from 41 social
      groups across 90% of the langur's range in Fusui (FS) and Chongzuo (CZ) in
      southwestern Guangxi Province, China. We identified 214 unique individuals from
      the samples by genotyping 15 polymorphic autosomal microsatellite loci, a sex
      specific marker, and sequencing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) hypervariable
      region I (HVRI). We found higher intragroup than intergroup genetic relatedness
      in males and females in both populations. A significant positive correlation
      between genetic distance and geographical distance, that is a pattern of
      isolation-by-distance, was detected in females from the FS population, but not in
      males. Spatial autocorrelation analyses revealed high within-group relatedness in
      both sexes and populations, as well as an additional positive correlation at the
      0.5-km distance class in females from the FS population. Furthermore, we inferred
      first-generation migrants using genetic assignment tests. Our results suggest
      that male T. leucocephalus disperse at random distances within habitat areas,
      whereas dispersal of females may mainly occur among adjacent groups near their
      home site. Our study provides the first genetic evidence for sex-biased dispersal
      in T. leucocephalus, which has important management and conservation implications
      for the species.

PMID- 28100008
TI  - Is moderate alcohol use in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease good or bad? A
      critical review.
AB  - Moderate alcohol consumption in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD) is common, yet the effects on cardiovascular and liver health are
      unclear. Moderate alcohol use is associated with improved insulin sensitivity and
      decreased cardiovascular mortality in the general population, but whether similar
      benefits would be observed in persons with NAFLD remains largely unstudied. There
      is significant overlap in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and
      NAFLD, although studies of ALD have focused on pathological alcohol intake and
      few mechanistic studies of moderate alcohol use in NAFLD exist. We undertook a
      critical review of the effect of moderate alcohol use on cardiovascular and liver
      disease in patients with NAFLD. A total of seven observational studies met the
      criteria for inclusion (one for cardiovascular endpoints and six for liver
      endpoints). Insufficient studies have assessed the association of moderate
      alcohol use with cardiovascular outcomes. There was a positive association
      between moderate alcohol use and decreased NASH and fibrosis; however, heavy
      episodic drinking may accelerate fibrosis progression and moderate alcohol use
      may increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with advanced
      fibrosis. Significant methodological limitations were present, including
      incomplete adjustment for confounding factors and failure to measure lifetime use
      or the pattern of alcohol intake. Thus, a strong recommendation of benefit of
      moderate alcohol use in NAFLD cannot be made. There remains a need for additional
      high-quality longitudinal studies that evaluate both cardiovascular and liver
      outcomes among NAFLD patients with moderate or lesser degrees of alcohol use.
      (Hepatology 2017;65:2090-2099).

PMID- 28100011
TI  - Association mapping of morphological traits in wild and captive zebra finches:
      reliable within, but not between populations.
AB  - Identifying causal genetic variants underlying heritable phenotypic variation is
      a long-standing goal in evolutionary genetics. We previously identified several
      quantitative trait loci (QTL) for five morphological traits in a captive
      population of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) by whole-genome linkage
      mapping. We here follow up on these studies with the aim to narrow down on the
      quantitative trait variants (QTN) in one wild and three captive populations.
      First, we performed an association study using 672 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) within candidate genes located in the previously identified
      QTL regions in a sample of 939 wild-caught zebra finches. Then, we validated the
      most promising SNP-phenotype associations (n = 25 SNPs) in 5228 birds from four
      populations. Genotype-phenotype associations were generally weak in the wild
      population, where linkage disequilibrium (LD) spans only short genomic distances.
      In contrast, in captive populations, where LD blocks are large, apparent SNP
      effects on morphological traits (i.e. associations) were highly repeatable with
      independent data from the same population. Most of those SNPs also showed
      significant associations with the same trait in other captive populations, but
      the direction and magnitude of these effects varied among populations. This
      suggests that the tested SNPs are not the causal QTN but rather physically linked
      to them, and that LD between SNPs and causal variants differs between populations
      due to founder effects. While the identification of QTN remains challenging in
      nonmodel organisms, we illustrate that it is indeed possible to confirm the
      location and magnitude of QTL in a population with stable linkage between markers
      and causal variants.

PMID- 28100012
TI  - Characterization and Management of Patients with Heroin versus Nonheroin Opioid
      Overdoses: Experience at an Academic Medical Center.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To characterize the differences between patients who had heroin
      and nonheroin opioid overdoses and to determine whether there were any
      significant differences in their management with regard to the naloxone use.
      DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Large academic medical center.
      PATIENTS: A total of 923 patients admitted to the medical center who were
      identified for overdose by heroin or other opiate-related narcotics between
      January 2010 and September 2015; 480 patients experienced a nonheroin opioid
      overdose event, and 443 patients experienced a heroin overdose event.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients presenting with heroin overdose tended to
      be younger and male, with higher rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
      compared with those presenting with nonheroin opioid overdose (p<0.05). Patients
      in the heroin group were also more likely to have a previous overdose event,
      history of injection drug use, and history of prescription opioid abuse compared
      with the nonheroin group (p<0.05). Those presenting with heroin overdose were
      more likely to receive naloxone in the prehospital setting (p<0.05) but were less
      likely to receive naloxone once admitted (p<0.05). Patients with nonheroin opioid
      overdoses required more continuous infusions of naloxone (p<0.05) and admission
      to the intensive care unit (p<0.05). Of all 923 patients, 178 (19.3%) had a
      repeat admission for any reason, and 70 (7.6%) were readmitted over the course of
      the study period for another overdose event with the same drug. The proportion of
      patients presenting with a heroin overdose steadily increased from 2010-2015; the
      number of patients presenting to the emergency department with nonheroin opioid
      overdoses steadily decreased. As rates of heroin overdose increased each year,
      the incidence of HCV infection increased dramatically. CONCLUSION: This study
      indicates that the incidence of heroin overdoses has significantly increased over
      the last several years, and the rates of HCV infection 4-fold since the start of
      the study period. Patients admitted for nonheroin opioid overdose were more
      likely to be admitted to the hospital and intensive care unit compared with those
      admitted for heroin overdose. The rise in overdose events only further
      illustrates a gap in our understanding of the cycle of addiction, drug abuse, and
      overdose events.

PMID- 28100015
TI  - The (R)Evolution is here!

PMID- 28100014
TI  - Mg2+ improves the thermotolerance of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG,
      Lactobacillus casei Zhang and Lactobacillus plantarum P-8.
AB  - : Food-related carbohydrates and proteins are often used as thermoprotectants for
      probiotic lactobacilli during industrial production and processing. However, the
      effect of inorganic salts is rarely reported. Magnesium is the second-most
      abundant cation in bacteria, and commonly found in various foods. Mg2+
      homeostasis is important in Salmonella and has been reported to play a critical
      role in their thermotolerance. However, the role of Mg2+ in thermotolerance of
      other bacteria, in particular probiotic bacteria, still remains a hypothesis. In
      this study, the effect of Mg2+ on thermotolerance of probiotic lactobacilli was
      investigated in three well-documented probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus
      GG, Lactobacillus casei Zhang and Lactobacillus plantarum P-8, in comparison with
      Zn2+ and Na+ . Concentrations of Mg2+ between 10 and 50 mmol l-1 were found to
      increase the bacterial survival upon heat challenge. Remarkably, Mg2+ addition at
      20 mmol l-1 led to a 100-fold higher survival of L. rhamnosus GG upon heat
      challenge. This preliminary study also showed that Mg2+ shortened the heat
      induced extended lag time of bacteria, which indicated the improvement in
      bacterial recovery from thermal injury. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In
      order to improve the productivity and stability of live probiotics, extensive
      investigations have been carried out to improve thermotolerance of probiotics.
      However, most of these studies focused on the effects of carbohydrates, proteins
      or amino acids. The roles of inorganic salts in various food materials, which
      have rarely been reported, should be considered when incorporating probiotics
      into these foods. In this study, Mg2+ was found to play a significant role in the
      thermotolerance of probiotic lactobacilli. A novel strategy may be available in
      the near future by employing magnesium salts as protective agents of probiotics
      during manufacturing process.

PMID- 28100013
TI  - Cushing's syndrome mutant PKAL205R exhibits altered substrate specificity.
AB  - The PKAL205R hotspot mutation has been implicated in Cushing's syndrome through
      hyperactive gain-of-function PKA signaling; however, its influence on substrate
      specificity has not been investigated. Here, we employ the Proteomic Peptide
      Library (ProPeL) approach to create high-resolution models for PKAWT and PKAL205R
      substrate specificity. We reveal that the L205R mutation reduces canonical
      hydrophobic preference at the substrate P + 1 position, and increases acidic
      preference in downstream positions. Using these models, we designed peptide
      substrates that exhibit altered selectivity for specific PKA variants, and
      demonstrate the feasibility of selective PKAL205R loss-of-function signaling.
      Through these results, we suggest that substrate rewiring may contribute to
      Cushing's syndrome disease etiology, and introduce a powerful new paradigm for
      investigating mutation-induced kinase substrate rewiring in human disease.

PMID- 28100016
TI  - Validation of an enzyme immunoassay and comparison of fecal cortisol metabolite
      levels in black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) inhabiting fragmented
      and continuous areas of the humid Chaco region, Argentina.
AB  - : In the last years, the study of how environmental stimuli influence the
      physiology and specifically the endocrinology of an organism became increasingly
      important, relying mainly on the quantification of glucocorticoids to monitor
      animal welfare. Most studies investigating cortisol levels in primates were
      focused on the impact of social stressors; however, a major concern for the
      conservation of howler monkeys is the increased habitat fragmentation led by the
      advancement of the agricultural frontier. We compared fecal cortisol metabolite
      levels (FGCM) in howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) living in fragmented and
      continuous forests of the Argentine humid Chaco region, throughout the warm
      season (spring-summer). Fecal samples (n = 114) were collected from adult
      individuals, and steroid extracts analyzed with an enzyme immunoassay also
      validated in this work. Parallel displacement curves were obtained between
      dilutions of pooled fecal extracts and the cortisol standard curve (r2  = 0.99; P
      = 0.23). Efficiency of the fecal extraction procedure was 79.4% +/- 38%; recovery
      of exogenous hormone added to fecal extracts indicated a low interference of
      components in the feces with antibody binding. The exogenous administration of
      ACTH in captive-bred animals demonstrated a "cause-and-effect" relationship
      between the adrenal gland activation and increased FGCM levels. Contrary to our
      initial prediction, we were not able to demonstrate a significant difference in
      FGCM levels of caraya monkeys inhabiting the continuous versus fragmented
      habitats in our study site (83.2 +/- 4.9 ng/g [n = 10 individuals] vs. 71.5 +/-
      4.9 ng/g [n = 7 individuals]; P = 0.29); this could be the result of low levels
      of disturbance imposed by a moderate and selective logging, which has proved to
      be beneficial for this species with high resilience by adjusting their diet to
      cope with feeding in degraded habitats but with new leaves and buds. Regardless
      of the habitat, cortisol metabolites were significantly higher in females than in
      males (86.4 +/- 4.2 ng/g [n = 12 individuals] vs. 60.7 +/- 5.0 ng/g [n = 5
      individuals] respectively; P = 0.007). RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Validation of an
      enzyme immunoassay and comparison of fecal cortisol metabolite levels in black
      and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) inhabiting fragmented and continuous
      areas of the humid Chaco region, Argentina. Contrary to our initial prediction,
      no significant differences in Alouatta caraya fecal cortisol metabolite levels
      were detected; cortisol metabolites were significantly higher in females.
      Probably, animals adjusted their diet to cope with feeding in degraded habitats,
      but with new leaves and buds.

PMID- 28100017
TI  - Subspecies delineation amid phenotypic, geographic and genetic discordance in a
      songbird.
AB  - Understanding the processes that drive divergence within and among species is a
      long-standing goal in evolutionary biology. Traditional approaches to assessing
      differentiation rely on phenotypes to identify intra- and interspecific
      variation, but many species express subtle morphological gradients in which
      boundaries among forms are unclear. This intraspecific variation may be driven by
      differential adaptation to local conditions and may thereby reflect the
      evolutionary potential within a species. Here, we combine genetic and
      morphological data to evaluate intraspecific variation within the Nelson's
      (Ammodramus nelsoni) and salt marsh (Ammodramus caudacutus) sparrow complex, a
      group with populations that span considerable geographic distributions and a
      habitat gradient. We evaluated genetic structure among and within five putative
      subspecies of A. nelsoni and A. caudacutus using a reduced-representation
      sequencing approach to generate a panel of 1929 SNPs among 69 individuals.
      Although we detected morphological differences among some groups, individuals
      sorted along a continuous phenotypic gradient. In contrast, the genetic data
      identified three distinct clusters corresponding to populations that inhabit
      coastal salt marsh, interior freshwater marsh and coastal brackish-water marsh
      habitats. These patterns support the current species-level recognition but do not
      match the subspecies-level taxonomy within each species-a finding which may have
      important conservation implications. We identified loci exhibiting patterns of
      elevated divergence among and within these species, indicating a role for local
      selective pressures in driving patterns of differentiation across the complex. We
      conclude that this evidence for adaptive variation among subspecies warrants the
      consideration of evolutionary potential and genetic novelty when identifying
      conservation units for this group.

PMID- 28100018
TI  - Conversion of Amazon rainforest to agriculture alters community traits of methane
      cycling organisms.
AB  - Land use change is one of the greatest environmental impacts worldwide,
      especially to tropical forests. The Amazon rainforest has been subject to
      particularly high rates of land use change, primarily to cattle pasture. A
      commonly observed response to cattle pasture establishment in the Amazon is the
      conversion of soil from a methane sink in rainforest, to a methane source in
      pasture. However, it is not known how the microorganisms that mediate methane
      flux are altered by land use change. Here, we use the deepest metagenomic
      sequencing of Amazonian soil to date to investigate differences in methane
      cycling microorganisms and their traits across rainforest and cattle pasture
      soils. We found that methane-cycling microorganisms responded to land use change,
      with the strongest responses exhibited by methane-consuming, rather than methane
      producing, microorganisms. These responses included a reduction in the relative
      abundance of methanotrophs and a significant decrease in the abundance of genes
      encoding particulate methane monooxygenase. We also observed compositional
      changes to methanotroph and methanogen communities as well as changes to
      methanotroph life history strategies. Our observations suggest that methane
      cycling microorganisms are vulnerable to land use change, and this vulnerability
      may underlie the response of methane flux to land use change in Amazon soils.

PMID- 28100020
TI  - Independent evolution of sexual dimorphism and female-limited mimicry in
      swallowtail butterflies (Papilio dardanus and Papilio phorcas).
AB  - Several species of swallowtail butterflies (genus Papilio) are Batesian mimics
      that express multiple mimetic female forms, while the males are monomorphic and
      nonmimetic. The evolution of such sex-limited mimicry may involve sexual
      dimorphism arising first and mimicry subsequently. Such a stepwise scenario
      through a nonmimetic, sexually dimorphic stage has been proposed for two closely
      related sexually dimorphic species: Papilio phorcas, a nonmimetic species with
      two female forms, and Papilio dardanus, a female-limited polymorphic mimetic
      species. Their close relationship indicates that female-limited polymorphism
      could be a shared derived character of the two species. Here, we present a
      phylogenomic analysis of the dardanus group using 3964 nuclear loci and whole
      mitochondrial genomes, showing that they are not sister species and thus that the
      sexually dimorphic state has arisen independently in the two species. Nonhomology
      of the female polymorphism in both species is supported by population genetic
      analysis of engrailed, the presumed mimicry switch locus in P. dardanus. McDonald
      Kreitman tests performed on SNPs in engrailed showed the signature of balancing
      selection in a polymorphic population of P. dardanus, but not in monomorphic
      populations, nor in the nonmimetic P. phorcas. Hence, the wing polymorphism does
      not balance polymorphisms in engrailed in P. phorcas. Equally, unlike in P.
      dardanus, none of the SNPs in P. phorcas engrailed were associated with either
      female morph. We conclude that sexual dimorphism due to female polymorphism
      evolved independently in both species from monomorphic, nonmimetic states. While
      sexual selection may drive male-female dimorphism in nonmimetic species, in
      mimetic Papilios, natural selection for protection from predators in females is
      an alternative route to sexual dimorphism.

PMID- 28100021
TI  - Identifying the Biphasic Role of Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling Enables Replacement
      of Sox2 in Somatic Cell Reprogramming.
AB  - Induction of pluripotency with defined factors (octamer-binding transcription
      factor 4 [Oct4], SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 [Sox2], Kruppel-like factor
      4 [Klf4], c-Myc) raises hopes for successful clinical trials. Despite
      considerable efforts, the molecular mechanism of reprogramming remains poorly
      understood. The aim of the present study was to identify the role of
      calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) in reprogramming. Our
      results demonstrated a biphasic role for calcineurin/NFAT signaling during
      reprogramming. In the early phase of reprogramming, calcineurin activity is
      required to maintain proper cell cycle division and for mesenchymal-epithelial
      transition. In the late phase, calcineurin exerts a negative effect that is
      mediated by NFATc2. NFATc2 interacts with Hdac3, Ezh2, and Suv39h1 to increase
      H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 over the Sox2 enhancer and Klf2 promoter, respectively,
      resulting in the downregulation of their expression. Moreover, Galphaq was
      identified as a positive upstream regulator for calcineurin. The
      Galphaq/calcineurin/NFATc2 axis negatively regulates the late step of
      reprogramming. By inhibiting NFATc2 or calcineurin, induced pluripotent stem
      cells could be established without exogenous Sox2. Thus, the present study
      revealed another regulatory level of reprogramming, and proposes a biological
      axis that could be useful for cancer therapy. Stem Cells 2017;35:1162-1175.

PMID- 28100019
TI  - A randomized trial to assess whether portal pressure guided therapy to prevent
      variceal rebleeding improves survival in cirrhosis.
AB  - : Monitoring the hemodynamic response of portal pressure (PP) to drug therapy
      accurately stratifies the risk of variceal rebleeding (VRB). We assessed whether
      guiding therapy with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) monitoring may
      improve survival by preventing VRB. Patients with cirrhosis with controlled
      variceal bleeding were randomized to an HVPG-guided therapy group (N = 84) or to
      a control group (N = 86). In both groups, HVPG and acute beta-blocker response
      were evaluated at baseline and HVPG measurements were repeated at 2-4 weeks to
      determine chronic response. In the HVPG-guided group, acute responders were
      treated with nadolol and acute nonresponders with nadolol+nitrates. Chronic
      nonresponders received nadolol+prazosin and had a third HVPG study. Ligation
      sessions were repeated until response was achieved. The control group was treated
      with nadolol+nitrates+ligation. Between-group baseline characteristics were
      similar. During long-term follow-up (median of 24 months), mortality was lower in
      the HVPG-guided therapy group than in the control group (29% vs. 43%; hazard
      ratio [HR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35-0.99). Rebleeding occurred
      in 19% versus 31% of patients, respectively (HR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.29-0.98), and
      further decompensation of cirrhosis occurred in 52% versus 72% (HR = 0.68; 95% CI
      = 0.46-0.99). The survival probability was higher with HVPG-guided therapy than
      in controls, both in acute (HR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.32-1.08) and chronic
      nonresponders (HR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.23-0.99). HVPG-guided patients had a greater
      reduction of HVPG and a lower final value than controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      HVPG monitoring, by stratifying risk and targeting therapy, improves the survival
      achieved with currently recommended treatment to prevent VRB using beta-blockers
      and ligation. HVPG-guided therapy achieved a greater reduction in PP, which may
      have contributed to reduce the risk of rebleeding and of further decompensation
      of cirrhosis, thus contributing to a better survival. (Hepatology 2017;65:1693
      1707).

PMID- 28100022
TI  - Mycorrhizal specificity does not limit the distribution of an endangered orchid
      species.
AB  - What factors determine the distribution of a species is a central question in
      ecology and conservation biology. In general, the distribution of plant species
      is assumed to be controlled by dispersal or environmentally controlled
      recruitment. For plant species which are critically dependent on mycorrhizal
      symbionts for germination and seedling establishment, specificity in mycorrhizal
      associations and availability of suitable mycorrhizal fungi can be expected to
      have a major impact on successful colonization and establishment and thus
      ultimately on a species distribution. We combined seed germination experiments
      with soil analyses and fungal assessments using 454 amplicon pyrosequencing to
      test the relative importance of dispersal limitation, mycorrhizal availability
      and local growth conditions on the distribution of the orchid species Liparis
      loeselii, which, despite being widely distributed, is rare and endangered in
      Europe. We compared local soil conditions, seed germination and mycorrhizal
      availability in the soil between locations in northern Belgium and France where
      L. loeselii occurs naturally and locations where conditions appear suitable, but
      where adults of the species are absent. Our results indicated that mycorrhizal
      communities associating with L. loeselii varied among sites and plant life cycle
      stages, but the observed variations did not affect seed germination, which
      occurred regardless of current L. loeselii presence and was significantly
      affected by soil moisture content. These results indicate that L. loeselii is a
      mycorrhizal generalist capable of opportunistically associating with a variety of
      fungal partners to induce seed germination. They also indicate that availability
      of fungal associates is not necessarily the determining factor driving the
      distribution of mycorrhizal plant species.

PMID- 28100023
TI  - Frontotemporal lobar degeneration: Pathogenesis, pathology and pathways to
      phenotype.
AB  - Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) is a clinically, pathologically and
      genetically heterogeneous group of disorders that affect principally the frontal
      and temporal lobes of the brain. There are three major associated clinical
      syndromes, behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), semantic dementia
      (SD) and progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA); three principal histologies,
      involving tau, TDP-43 and FUS proteins; and mutations in three major genes, MAPT,
      GRN and C9orf72, along with several other less common gene mutations. All three
      clinical syndromes can exist separately or in combination with Amyotrophic
      Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). SD is exclusively a TDP-43 proteinopathy, and PNFA may
      be so, with both showing tight clinical, histological and genetic inter
      relationships. bvFTD is more of a challenge with overlapping histological and
      genetic features, involvement of any of the three aggregating proteins, and
      changes in any of the three major genes. However, when ALS is present, all cases
      show a clear histological phenotype with TDP-43 aggregated proteins, and familial
      forms are associated with expansions in C9orf72. TDP-43 and FUS are nuclear
      carrier proteins involved in the regulation of RNA metabolism, whereas tau
      protein - the product of MAPT - is responsible for the assembly/disassembly of
      microtubules, which are vital for intracellular transport. Mutations in TDP-43
      and FUS genes are linked to clinical ALS rather than FTLD (with or without ALS),
      suggesting that clinical ALS may be a disorder of RNA metabolism. Conversely, the
      protein products of GRN and C9orf72, along with those of the other minor genes,
      appear to form part of the cellular protein degradation machinery. It is possible
      therefore that FTLD is a reflection of dysfunction within lysosomal/proteasomal
      systems resulting in failure to remove potentially neurotoxic (TDP-43 and tau)
      aggregates, which ultimately overwhelm capacity to function. Spread of aggregates
      along distinct pathways may account for the different clinical phenotypes, and
      patterns of progression of disease.

PMID- 28100024
TI  - Evaluation of Cast Re-Orientation on a Dental Surveyor Using Three Tripod
      Techniques: A Survey and In Vitro Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To survey different educational levels (i.e., students, interns,
      technicians, and prosthodontic faculty) with regard to their opinions, attitudes,
      and adoption of three selected tripod techniques. The study will also investigate
      the accuracy of these techniques to reposition casts on the dental surveyor in
      anterio-posterior (AP) and lateral directions at both technique and educational
      levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tripod points, scored lines, and cemented post
      tripod techniques were used in this study. Three Kennedy class II modification I
      stone casts, duplicated from a standard cast, were assigned to each of the tripod
      techniques. The tilt angles of all casts were set on the dental surveyor to 10
      degrees  (control angle) in AP and lateral directions using a digital angle gauge
      with an accuracy of 0.2 degrees . The casts were tripoded accordingly. A total of
      243 participants were involved in this study. Participants were first asked to
      remount the three casts on three different dental surveyors using the tripod
      technique noted on each cast. Questionnaires were then given to each participant
      in an individual interview setting; this assured a 100% response rate. The angle
      differences were calculated. All data were coded and entered into an Excel
      Spreadsheet file. Statistical analyses were performed using a paired Chi-square,
      Wilcoxon Matched-pairs, ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc tests at 5% level of
      significance. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the
      educational levels relative to the responses to technique demands, sensitivity,
      and time required for reorientation (p = 0.08202, 0.8108, 0.6874, respectively);
      however, the majority of respondents reported low technique demands, low
      sensitivity, and time saving for technique C in comparison to techniques A and B.
      Significant differences were noted among the educational levels in response to
      preference and adoption questions (p = 0.0035 and 0.0015, respectively). The
      highest percentage of faculty chose technique A for inclusion into the academic
      curriculum. Wilcoxon Matched-pairs test revealed that technique C was the least
      difficult and most practical (p = 0.0001, 0.0427, respectively). One-way ANOVA
      revealed significance in angle differences from the set position for technique A
      in lateral tilt and techniques A and B in AP tilt (p = 0.0466, 0.0194, 0.0424,
      respectively). A comparison of positivity (overtilt) and negativity (undertilt)
      between the three techniques in lateral and AP tilts using Chi-square test
      resulted in significant differences in both directions of tilt (p < 0.0001).
      Technique C resulted in remounting the casts at the control position in 15.64% in
      both directions; this was a higher percentage than the other two techniques (A
      and B). Wilcoxon Matched-pairs test was used to compare between the techniques
      relative to angle differences from the standard position. No differences were
      found between technique A and B in lateral tilt position (p = 0.9271), while
      significance was detected in AP tilt (p < 0.0001). Significant differences were
      detected between technique C in comparison to A (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0303) and B (p
      < 0.0001) in lateral and AP tilt directions. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations
      of this study, it can be concluded that technique C (cemented post technique) was
      more favored among the respondents across all educational levels. This technique
      presented high potential in accurately reorienting casts on the dental surveyor
      in comparison to the tripod points and scoring techniques (p < 0.0001).

PMID- 28100025
TI  - Sex-biased transcriptome divergence along a latitudinal gradient.
AB  - Sex-dependent gene expression is likely an important genomic mechanism that
      allows sex-specific adaptation to environmental changes. Among Drosophila
      species, sex-biased genes display remarkably consistent evolutionary patterns;
      male-biased genes evolve faster than unbiased genes in both coding sequence and
      expression level, suggesting sex differences in selection through time. However,
      comparatively little is known of the evolutionary process shaping sex-biased
      expression within species. Latitudinal clines offer an opportunity to examine how
      changes in key ecological parameters also influence sex-specific selection and
      the evolution of sex-biased gene expression. We assayed male and female gene
      expression in Drosophila serrata along a latitudinal gradient in eastern
      Australia spanning most of its endemic distribution. Analysis of 11 631 genes
      across eight populations revealed strong sex differences in the frequency, mode
      and strength of divergence. Divergence was far stronger in males than females and
      while latitudinal clines were evident in both sexes, male divergence was often
      population specific, suggesting responses to localized selection pressures that
      do not covary predictably with latitude. While divergence was enriched for male
      biased genes, there was no overrepresentation of X-linked genes in males. By
      contrast, X-linked divergence was elevated in females, especially for female
      biased genes. Many genes that diverged in D. serrata have homologs also showing
      latitudinal divergence in Drosophila simulans and Drosophila melanogaster on
      other continents, likely indicating parallel adaptation in these distantly
      related species. Our results suggest that sex differences in selection play an
      important role in shaping the evolution of gene expression over macro- and micro
      ecological spatial scales.

PMID- 28100027
TI  - Moving beyond presence and absence when examining changes in species
      distributions.
AB  - Species distributions are often simplified to binary representations of the
      ranges where they are present and absent. It is then common to look for changes
      in these ranges as indicators of the effects of climate change, the expansion or
      control of invasive species or the impact of human land-use changes. We argue
      that there are inherent problems with this approach, and more emphasis should be
      placed on species relative abundance rather than just presence. The sampling
      effort required to be confident of absence is often impractical to achieve, and
      estimates of species range changes based on survey data are therefore inherently
      sensitive to sampling intensity. Species niches estimated using presence-absence
      or presence-only models are broader than those for abundance and may exaggerate
      the viability of small marginal sink populations. We demonstrate that it is
      possible to transform models of predicted probability of presence to expected
      abundance if the sampling intensity is known. Using case studies of Antarctic
      mosses and temperate rain forest trees, we demonstrate additional insights into
      biotic change that can be gained using this method. While species becoming
      locally extinct or colonising new areas are extreme and obviously important
      impacts of global environmental change, changes in abundance could still signal
      important changes in biological systems and be an early warning indicator of
      larger future changes.

PMID- 28100026
TI  - miR-203 inhibits augmented proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular
      carcinoma residual in the promoted regenerating liver.
AB  - Liver resection is still the most commonly used therapeutic treatment for
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver regeneration promotes HCC growth in the
      regenerating liver. The high recurrence/metastasis of HCC is the main cause of
      death for HCC patients after liver resection. However, how the augmented growth
      and metastasis of residual HCC induced by the promoted liver regeneration
      following liver resection can be abolished remains unclear. In this study, a rat
      model with liver cirrhosis and diffused HCC was established by administration of
      diethylnitrosamine. Recombinant miR-203 adenovirus was administered to induce
      hepatic miR-203 overexpression and 30% partial hepatectomy (PH) followed. The
      effect of miR-203 on the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of the residual
      HCC in the remnant cirrhotic liver with promoted regeneration was investigated.
      We found that the basic spontaneous regeneration of the non-tumorous liver by 30%
      PH promoted proliferation, invasion and lung metastasis of the hepatic residual
      HCC. miR-203 overexpression further promoted the regeneration of the non-tumorous
      liver by upregulating Ki67 expression and enhancing IL-6/SOCS3/STAT3 pro
      proliferative signals. Importantly, miR-203 overexpression markedly inhibited the
      proliferation, invasion and metastasis of hepatic residual HCC through
      suppressing expression of Ki67, CAPNS1 and lung metastasis. Moreover, it was
      found that miR-203 overexpression reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      induced by hepatectomy through targeting IL-1beta, Snail1 and Twist1. In
      conclusion, our results suggested that miR-203 overexpression inhibited the
      augmented proliferation and lung metastasis of the residual HCC induced by the
      promoted liver regeneration following PH partly by regulating epithelial
      mesenchymal transition.

PMID- 28100028
TI  - Perirhinal cortex involvement in allocentric spatial learning in the rat:
      Evidence from doubly marked tasks.
AB  - It has recently been suggested that the different cortices of the medial temporal
      lobe support a mixture of object and spatial processing functions, challenging
      the anterior model that emphasized a strict functional differentiation between
      regions. However, for some structures, the perirhinal cortex (Prh) for example, a
      number of studies using lesion methods have shown a profound deficit exclusively
      in tasks involving object learning but not allocentric spatial learning. It may
      be that the learning paradigms used in previous studies have not been sensitive
      enough to detect a possible allocentric deficit in Prh-lesioned animals. To
      examine whether Prh lesions critically affect allocentric spatial learning,
      experimental and control rats were trained in two doubly marked navigation tasks.
      In experiment 1, the use of either one of two different memory systems,
      allocentric versus egocentric, made it possible to locate the goal arm in a four
      arm radial maze. In experiment 2, rats had to choose between an allocentric
      versus a S-R/habit strategy, both of which predicted the location of the goal
      arm. Results showed that both experimental and control animals learned both
      navigation tasks well, reaching the same level of performance at the end of
      training. However, a probe test performed 1 day after the learning ended revealed
      that Prh-damaged animals learned both tasks predominantly using a non-allocentric
      strategy. Specifically, in lesioned subjects the percentage of egocentric correct
      responses (experiment 1) and the percentage of habit-based correct responses
      (experiment 2) was significantly higher than in the control rats. On the other
      hand, in both experiments, control rats in the probe test presented a
      significantly higher number of allocentric correct responses than the lesioned
      subjects. These results clearly suggest that Prh is normally needed for using
      allocentric strategies in order to solve a navigation problem. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28100029
TI  - Isolation with asymmetric gene flow during the nonsynchronous divergence of dry
      forest birds.
AB  - Dry forest bird communities in South America are often fragmented by intervening
      mountains and rainforests, generating high local endemism. The historical
      assembly of dry forest communities likely results from dynamic processes linked
      to numerous population histories among codistributed species. Nevertheless,
      species may diversify in the same way through time if landscape and environmental
      features, or species ecologies, similarly structure populations. Here we tested
      whether six co-distributed taxon pairs that occur in the dry forests of the
      Tumbes and Maranon Valley of northwestern South America show concordant patterns
      and modes of diversification. We employed a genome reduction technique, double
      digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, and obtained 4407-7186
      genomewide SNPs. We estimated demographic history in each taxon pair and inferred
      that all pairs had the same best-fit demographic model: isolation with asymmetric
      gene flow from the Tumbes into the Maranon Valley, suggesting a common
      diversification mode. Overall, we also observed congruence in effective
      population size (Ne ) patterns where ancestral Ne were 2.9-11.0* larger than
      present-day Maranon Valley populations and 0.3-2.0* larger than Tumbesian
      populations. Present-day Maranon Valley Ne was smaller than Tumbes. In contrast,
      we found simultaneous population isolation due to a single event to be unlikely
      as taxon pairs diverged over an extended period of time (0.1-2.9 Ma) with
      multiple nonoverlapping divergence periods. Our results show that even when
      populations of codistributed species asynchronously diverge, the mode of their
      differentiation can remain conserved over millions of years. Divergence by
      allopatric isolation due to barrier formation does not explain the mode of
      differentiation between these two bird assemblages; rather, migration of
      individuals occurred before and after geographic isolation.

PMID- 28100031
TI  - Impact of melatonin receptor-signaling on Zeitgeber time-dependent changes in
      cell proliferation and apoptosis in the adult murine hippocampus.
AB  - The hippocampus is subjected to diurnal/circadian rhythms on both the
      morphological and molecular levels. Certain aspects of cell proliferation in the
      adult hippocampus are regulated by melatonin and accompanied by apoptosis to
      ensure proper tissue maintenance and function. The present study investigated
      Zeitgeber time (ZT)-dependent changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis in the
      adult murine hippocampus and their regulation by melatonin receptor type1 and
      type2 (MT1/2)-mediated signaling. Adult melatonin-proficient C3H/HeN mice and
      melatonin-proficient (C3H/HeN) mice with targeted deletion of MT1/2 were adapted
      to a 12-h light, 12-h dark photoperiod and were sacrificed at ZT00, ZT06, ZT12,
      and ZT18. Immunohistochemistry for Ki67 and activated caspase-3 in combination
      with different markers for the diverse cell types residing in the hippocampus
      served to identify and quantify proliferating and apoptotic cells in the
      hippocampal subregions. ZT-dependent changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis
      were found exclusively in the subgranular zone (SGZ) and granule cell layer (GCL)
      of melatonin-proficient mice with functional MT1/2. Cell proliferation in the SGZ
      showed ZT-dependent changes indicated by an increase of proliferating immature
      neurons during the dark phase of the 24-h light-dark cycle. Apoptosis showed ZT
      dependent changes in the SGZ and GCL indicated by an increase of apoptotic
      immature neurons at ZT06 (SGZ) and a decrease of immature and mature neurons at
      ZT18 (GCL). Our results indicate that ZT-dependent changes in proliferation of
      immature neurons in the SGZ are counterbalanced by ZT-dependent changes in
      apoptosis of immature and mature neurons in the SGZ and GCL exclusively in mice
      with functional MT1/2. Therefore, MT1/2-mediated signaling appears to be crucial
      for generation and timing of ZT-dependent changes in cell proliferation and
      apoptosis and for differentiation of proliferating cells into neurons in the SGZ.
      (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28100030
TI  - Epigenetics in normal and malignant hematopoiesis: An overview and update 2017.
AB  - Epigenetic regulation in hematopoiesis has been a field of rapid expansion.
      Genome-wide analyses have revealed, and will continue to identify genetic
      alterations in epigenetic genes that are present in various types of
      hematopoietic neoplasms. Development of new mouse models for individual
      epigenetic modifiers has revealed their novel, sometimes unexpected, functions.
      In this review, we provide an overview of genetic alterations within epigenetic
      genes in various types of hematopoietic neoplasms. We then summarize the
      physiologic roles of these epigenetic modifiers during hematopoiesis, and
      describe therapeutic approaches targeting the epigenetic modifications.
      Interestingly, the mutational spectrum of epigenetic genes indicates that myeloid
      neoplasms are similar to T-cell neoplasms, whereas B-cell lymphomas have distinct
      features. Furthermore, it appears that the epigenetic mutations related to active
      transcription are more associated with myeloid/T-cell neoplasms, whereas those
      that repress transcription are associated with B-cell lymphomas. These
      observations may imply that the global low-level or high-level transcriptional
      activity underlies the development of myeloid/T-cell tumors or B-cell tumors,
      respectively.

PMID- 28100032
TI  - Sequential learning during contextual fear conditioning guides the rate of
      systems consolidation: Implications for consolidation of multiple memory traces.
AB  - Systems consolidation has been described as a time-dependent reorganization
      process involving the neocortical and hippocampal networks underlying memory
      storage and retrieval. Previous studies of our lab were able to demonstrate that
      systems consolidation is a dynamic process, rather than a merely passive, time
      dependent phenomenon. Here, we studied the influence of sequential learning in
      contextual fear conditioning (CFC) with different training intensities in the
      time-course of hippocampal dependency and contextual specificity. We found that
      sequential learning with high-intensity shocks during CFC induces generalization
      of the first learning (context A) and maintains contextual specificity of the
      second learning (context B) 15 days after acquisition. Moreover, subsequent
      experiences reorganize brain structures involved in retrieval, accelerating the
      involvement of cortical structures and diminishing the hippocampal participation.
      Exposure to original context before novelty seems to only induce context
      specificity in hippocampal-dependent memories. We propose that systems
      consolidation could be considered a potential biological mechanism for reducing
      possible interferences between similar memory traces. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 28100033
TI  - Relaxin-3 inputs target hippocampal interneurons and deletion of hilar relaxin-3
      receptors in "floxed-RXFP3" mice impairs spatial memory.
AB  - Hippocampus is innervated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) "projection" neurons
      of the nucleus incertus (NI), including a population expressing the neuropeptide,
      relaxin-3 (RLN3). In studies aimed at gaining an understanding of the role of
      RLN3 signaling in hippocampus via its Gi/o -protein-coupled receptor, RXFP3, we
      examined the distribution of RLN3-immunoreactive nerve fibres and RXFP3 mRNA
      positive neurons in relation to hippocampal GABA neuron populations. RLN3
      positive elements were detected in close-apposition with a substantial population
      of somatostatin (SST)- and GABA-immunoreactive neurons, and a smaller population
      of parvalbumin- and calretinin-immunoreactive neurons in different hippocampal
      areas, consistent with the relative distribution patterns of RXFP3 mRNA and these
      marker transcripts. In light of the functional importance of the dentate gyrus
      (DG) hilus in learning and memory, and our anatomical data, we examined the
      possible influence of RLN3/RXFP3 signaling in this region on spatial memory.
      Using viral-based Cre/LoxP recombination methods and adult mice with a floxed
      Rxfp3 gene, we deleted Rxfp3 from DG hilar neurons and assessed spatial memory
      performance and affective behaviors. Following infusions of an AAV(1/2) -Cre-IRES
      eGFP vector, Cre expression was observed in DG hilar neurons, including SST
      positive cells, and in situ hybridization histochemistry for RXFP3 mRNA confirmed
      receptor depletion relative to levels in floxed-RXFP3 mice infused with an
      AAV(1/2) -eGFP (control) vector. RXFP3 depletion within the DG hilus impaired
      spatial reference memory in an appetitive T-maze task reflected by a reduced
      percentage of correct choices and increased time to meet criteria, relative to
      control. In a continuous spontaneous alternation Y-maze task, RXFP3-depleted mice
      made fewer alternations in the first minute, suggesting impairment of spatial
      working memory. However, RXFP3-depleted and control mice displayed similar
      locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior in light/dark box and elevated-plus
      maze tests, and learning and long-term memory retention in the Morris water maze.
      These data indicate endogenous RLN3/RXFP3 signaling can modulate hippocampal
      dependent spatial reference and working memory via effects on SST interneurons,
      and further our knowledge of hippocampal cognitive processing. (c) 2017 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28100034
TI  - Murine Rankl-/- Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Display an Osteogenic Differentiation
      Defect Improved by a RANKL-Expressing Lentiviral Vector.
AB  - Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO) is a severe bone disease characterized by
      increased bone density due to impairment in osteoclast resorptive function or
      differentiation. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only available
      treatment; however, this therapy is not effective in RANKL-dependent ARO, since
      in bone this gene is mainly expressed by cells of mesenchymal origin. Of note,
      whether lack of RANKL production might cause a defect also in the bone marrow
      (BM) stromal compartment, possibly contributing to the pathology, is unknown. To
      verify this possibility, we generated and characterized BM mesenchymal stromal
      cell (BM-MSC) lines from wild type and Rankl-/- mice, and found that Rankl-/- BM
      MSCs displayed reduced clonogenicity and osteogenic capacity. The differentiation
      defect was significantly improved by lentiviral transduction of Rankl-/- BM-MSCs
      with a vector stably expressing human soluble RANKL (hsRANKL). Expression of
      Rankl receptor, Rank, on the cytoplasmic membrane of BM-MSCs pointed to the
      existence of an autocrine loop possibly activated by the secreted cytokine. Based
      on the close resemblance of RANKL-defective osteopetrosis in humans and mice, we
      expect that our results are also relevant for RANKL-dependent ARO patients. Data
      obtained in vitro after transduction with a lentiviral vector expressing hsRANKL
      would suggest that restoration of RANKL production might not only rescue the
      defective osteoclastogenesis of this ARO form, but also improve a less obvious
      defect in the osteoblast lineage, thus possibly achieving higher benefit for the
      patients, when the approach is translated to clinics. Stem Cells 2017;35:1365
      1377.

PMID- 28100035
TI  - Stromal Cells Act as Guardians for Endothelial Progenitors by Reducing Their
      Immunogenicity After Co-Transplantation.
AB  - Regeneration of injured tissues requires effective therapeutic strategies
      supporting vasculogenesis. The lack of instantly available autologous cell
      sources and immunogenicity of allogeneic endothelial (progenitor) cells limits
      clinical progress. Based on the immunosuppressive potency of mesenchymal
      stem/progenitor cells (MSCs), we investigated whether crosstalk between
      endothelial colony-forming progenitor cells (ECFCs) and MSCs during
      vasculogenesis could lower allogeneic T cell responses against ECFCs allowing
      long-term engraftment in vivo. Immunodeficient mice received subcutaneous grafts
      containing human ECFCs alone, or pairs of human ECFCs/MSCs from the same
      umbilical cord (UC) to study vasculogenesis in the presence of human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA)-mismatched human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In
      vitro, cell surface marker changes due to interferon gamma (IFNgamma) stimulation
      during ECFC/MSC coculture were determined and further effects on allostimulated T
      cell proliferation and cytotoxic lysis were measured. IFNgamma-induced HLA-DR
      expression on ECFCs and MSCs, but both cell types had significantly less HLA-DR
      in cocultures. ECFC-induced T cell proliferation was abolished after MSC
      coculture as a result of HLA-DR downregulation and indolamin-2,3-dioxygenase
      activation. Additionally, allospecific CD8+ T cell-mediated lysis of ECFCs was
      reduced in cocultures. ECFC/MSC coapplication in immunodeficient mice not only
      promoted the generation of improved blood vessel architecture after 6 weeks, but
      also reduced intragraft immune cell infiltration and endothelial HLA-DR
      expression following PBMC reconstitution. Crosstalk between UC-derived ECFCs and
      MSCs after combined transplantation can lower the risk of ECFC rejection, thus
      enabling their coapplication for therapeutic vasculogenesis. Stem Cells
      2017;35:1233-1245.

PMID- 28100036
TI  - HPV type 45-positive condyloma acuminata of the bladder in a renal transplant
      recipient.
AB  - Condyloma acuminata (CA) are warty lesions caused by human papilloma virus (HPV)
      that generally affect the external genitalia and mucocutaneous junctions.
      Involvement of the urinary tract is rare, and involvement of the urinary bladder
      is thought to be due to immunosuppression. A 30-year-old woman was diagnosed with
      urethral CA 12 months after renal transplantation. She underwent transurethral
      resection (TUR) of the urethral lesions. During the operation, multiple sessile
      warty lesions were found incidentally inside the bladder and were also removed by
      TUR. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Pathological examination
      confirmed that the lesions were CA. Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction
      was performed to confirm the HPV genotype and revealed type 45 HPV DNA. CA of the
      urethra are uncommon, and bladder involvement is extremely rare. This case is the
      first reported, to our knowledge, to involve HPV type 45 in bladder condyloma.
      TUR may be the preferred option for the management of CA in the urinary bladder.

PMID- 28100037
TI  - Donor-derived infections in solid organ transplant recipients: Challenging the 30
      day paradigm.

PMID- 28100039
TI  - Low Dose Radiation Causes Skin Cancer in Mice and Has a Differential Effect on
      Distinct Epidermal Stem Cells.
AB  - The carcinogenic effect of ionizing radiation has been evaluated based on limited
      populations accidently exposed to high dose radiation. In contrast, insufficient
      data are available on the effect of low dose radiation (LDR), such as radiation
      deriving from medical investigations and interventions, as well as occupational
      exposure that concern a large fraction of western populations. Using mouse skin
      epidermis as a model, we showed that LDR results in DNA damage in sebaceous gland
      (SG) and bulge epidermal stem cells (SCs). While the first commit apoptosis upon
      low dose irradiation, the latter survive. Bulge SC survival coincides with higher
      HIF-1alpha expression and a metabolic switch upon LDR. Knocking down HIF-1alpha
      sensitizes bulge SCs to LDR-induced apoptosis, while upregulation of HIF-1alpha
      in the epidermis, including SG SCs, rescues cell death. Most importantly, we show
      that LDR results in cancer formation with full penetrance in the radiation
      sensitive Patched1 heterozygous mice. Overall, our results demonstrate for the
      first time that LDR can be a potent carcinogen in individuals predisposed to
      cancer. Stem Cells 2017;35:1355-1364.

PMID- 28100038
TI  - TRIM8 regulates stemness in glioblastoma through PIAS3-STAT3.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of primary brain tumor, and GBM
      stem-like cells (GSCs) contribute to the rapid growth, therapeutic resistance,
      and clinical recurrence of these fatal tumors. STAT3 signaling supports the
      maintenance and proliferation of GSCs, yet regulatory mechanisms are not
      completely understood. Here, we report that tri-partite motif-containing protein
      8 (TRIM8) activates STAT3 signaling to maintain stemness and self-renewing
      capabilities of GSCs. TRIM8 (also known as 'glioblastoma-expressed ring finger
      protein') is expressed equally in GBM and normal brain tissues, despite its
      hemizygous deletion in the large majority of GBMs, and its expression is highly
      correlated with stem cell markers. Experimental knockdown of TRIM8 reduced GSC
      self-renewal and expression of SOX2, NESTIN, and p-STAT3, and promoted glial
      differentiation. Overexpression of TRIM8 led to higher expression of p-STAT3, c
      MYC, SOX2, NESTIN, and CD133, and enhanced GSC self-renewal. We found that TRIM8
      activates STAT3 by suppressing the expression of PIAS3, an inhibitor of STAT3,
      most likely through E3-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation.
      Interestingly, we also found that STAT3 activation upregulates TRIM8, providing a
      mechanism for normalized TRIM8 expression in the setting of hemizygous gene
      deletion. These data demonstrate that bidirectional TRIM8-STAT3 signaling
      regulates stemness in GSC.

PMID- 28100041
TI  - Contrasting growth forecasts across the geographical range of Scots pine due to
      altitudinal and latitudinal differences in climatic sensitivity.
AB  - Ongoing changes in global climate are altering ecological conditions for many
      species. The consequences of such changes are typically most evident at the edge
      of a species' geographical distribution, where differences in growth or
      population dynamics may result in range expansions or contractions. Understanding
      population responses to different climatic drivers along wide latitudinal and
      altitudinal gradients is necessary in order to gain a better understanding of
      plant responses to ongoing increases in global temperature and drought severity.
      We selected Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) as a model species to explore growth
      responses to climatic variability (seasonal temperature and precipitation) over
      the last century through dendrochronological methods. We developed linear models
      based on age, climate and previous growth to forecast growth trends up to year
      2100 using climatic predictions. Populations were located at the treeline across
      a latitudinal gradient covering the northern, central and southernmost
      populations and across an altitudinal gradient at the southern edge of the
      distribution (treeline, medium and lower elevations). Radial growth was maximal
      at medium altitude and treeline of the southernmost populations. Temperature was
      the main factor controlling growth variability along the gradients, although the
      timing and strength of climatic variables affecting growth shifted with latitude
      and altitude. Predictive models forecast a general increase in Scots pine growth
      at treeline across the latitudinal distribution, with southern populations
      increasing growth up to year 2050, when it stabilizes. The highest responsiveness
      appeared at central latitude, and moderate growth increase is projected at the
      northern limit. Contrastingly, the model forecasted growth declines at lowland
      southern populations, suggesting an upslope range displacement over the coming
      decades. Our results give insight into the geographical responses of tree species
      to climate change and demonstrate the importance of incorporating biogeographical
      variability into predictive models for an accurate prediction of species dynamics
      as climate changes.

PMID- 28100042
TI  - Diagnostic open brain biopsy following initial negative results of cerebrospinal
      fluid assessment for Toxoplasma.

PMID- 28100043
TI  - Communication skills training in other languages.

PMID- 28100040
TI  - Concise Review: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Research in the Era of Precision
      Medicine.
AB  - Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies are revealing how human genetic
      variations associate with differential health risks, disease susceptibilities,
      and drug responses. Such information is now expected to help evaluate individual
      health risks, design personalized health plans and treat patients with precision.
      It is still challenging, however, to understand how such genetic variations cause
      the phenotypic alterations in pathobiologies and treatment response. Human
      induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies are emerging as a promising
      strategy to fill the knowledge gaps between genetic association studies and
      underlying molecular mechanisms. Breakthroughs in genome editing technologies and
      continuous improvement in iPSC differentiation techniques are particularly making
      this research direction more realistic and practical. Pioneering studies have
      shown that iPSCs derived from a variety of monogenic diseases can faithfully
      recapitulate disease phenotypes in vitro when differentiated into disease
      relevant cell types. It has been shown possible to partially recapitulate disease
      phenotypes, even with late onset and polygenic diseases. More recently, iPSCs
      have been shown to validate effects of disease and treatment-related single
      nucleotide polymorphisms identified through genome wide association analysis. In
      this review, we will discuss how iPSC research will further contribute to human
      health in the coming era of precision medicine. Stem Cells 2017;35:545-550.

PMID- 28100044
TI  - Conceptions of teaching: an illustrated review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asking teachers what the term 'teaching' means to them can be a
      useful first activity in a faculty development session, as it typically leads to
      an engaging and enlightening discussion for participants and facilitators.
      Mapping their responses to 'conceptions of teaching' (sets of assumptions,
      knowledge and beliefs about teaching) in the literature seems particularly
      helpful in illuminating the inconsistencies, gaps and additional ways of thinking
      about teaching that participants may wish to consider. LITERATURE REVIEW: At
      least 25 conceptions of teaching can be identified in the literature. Each of
      these are briefly described and illustrated in this article, along with detailed
      examples and suggestions of how conceptions of teaching can be explored in
      faculty development. There is evidence that a teacher's conceptions of teaching
      affect the way that they approach their teaching, which in turn can affect
      learner learning. There is also some evidence that helping teachers examine and
      develop their conceptions of teaching may be more effective and have more impact
      on learner learning than other forms of faculty development. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES:
      Different conceptions of teaching seem to be more or less appropriate in
      different teaching situations and contexts. It is likely that the more ways in
      which teachers can conceptualise and reflect on what they are doing, and why, the
      more adaptable, responsive and effective their teaching will be. Teachers have
      much to gain from learning more about themselves, their values and assumptions,
      and how these can influence their practice. This article offers a practical
      approach aimed at helping them to achieve this. A teacher's conceptions of
      teaching affect the way that they approach their teaching.

PMID- 28100046
TI  - Using drawing in clinical teaching.

PMID- 28100045
TI  - iPads in clinical rotations: a student perspective.

PMID- 28100047
TI  - Being centred in education and health care.

PMID- 28100048
TI  - Unanticipated Stickiness of alpha-Pinene.
AB  - The adsorption of alpha-pinene to solid surfaces is an important primary step
      during the chemical conversion of this common terpene over mesoporous materials,
      as well as during the formation of atmospheric aerosols. We provide evidence of
      tight and loose physisorbed states of alpha-pinene bound on amorphous SiO2 as
      determined by their adsorption entropy, enthalpy, and binding free energies
      characterized by computational modeling and vibrational sum frequency generation
      (SFG) spectroscopy. We find that adsorption is partially (40-60%) irreversible
      over days at 294-342 K and 1 ATM total pressure of helium, which is supported by
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The distribution of alpha-pinene orientation
      remains invariant with temperature and partial pressure of alpha-pinene. Using
      the Redlich-Peterson adsorption model in conjunction with a van't Hoff analysis
      of adsorption isotherms recorded for up to 2.6 Torr alpha-pinene in 1 ATM total
      pressure of helium, we obtain DeltaS degrees ads, DeltaH degrees ads, and DeltaG
      degrees ads values of -57 (+/-7) J mol-1 K-1, -39 (+/-2) kJ mol-1, and -22 (+/-5)
      kJ mol-1, respectively, associated with the reversibly bound population of alpha
      pinene. These values are in good agreement with density functional theory (DFT)
      corrected force field calculations based on configurational sampling from MD
      simulations. Our findings are expected to have direct implications on the
      conversion of terpenes by silica-based catalysts and for the synthesis of
      secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in atmospheric chambers and flow tubes.

PMID- 28100049
TI  - Cell-Free Translation Is More Variable than Transcription.
AB  - Although RNA synthesis can be reliably controlled with different T7
      transcriptional promoters during cell-free gene expression with the PURE system,
      protein synthesis remains largely unaffected. To better control protein levels,
      we investigated a series of ribosome binding sites (RBSs). Although RBS strength
      did strongly affect protein synthesis, the RBS sequence could explain less than
      half of the variability of the data. Protein expression was found to depend on
      other factors besides the strength of the RBS, including the GC content of the
      coding sequence. The complexity of protein synthesis in comparison to RNA
      synthesis was observed by the higher degree of variability associated with
      protein expression. This variability was also observed in an E. coli cell extract
      based system. However, the coefficient of variation was larger with E. coli RNA
      polymerase than with T7 RNA polymerase, consistent with the increased complexity
      of E. coli RNA polymerase.

PMID- 28100050
TI  - Charge Carrier Hopping Dynamics in Homogeneously Broadened PbS Quantum Dot
      Solids.
AB  - Energetic disorder in quantum dot solids adversely impacts charge carrier
      transport in quantum dot solar cells and electronic devices. Here, we use
      ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy to show that homogeneously broadened
      PbS quantum dot arrays (sigmahom2:sigmainh2 > 19:1, sigmainh/kBT < 0.4) can be
      realized if quantum dot batches are sufficiently monodisperse (delta ? 3.3%). The
      homogeneous line width is found to be an inverse function of quantum dot size,
      monotonically increasing from ~25 meV for the largest quantum dots (5.8 nm
      diameter/0.92 eV energy) to ~55 meV for the smallest (4.1 nm/1.3 eV energy).
      Furthermore, we show that intrinsic charge carrier hopping rates are faster for
      smaller quantum dots. This finding is the opposite of the mobility trend commonly
      observed in device measurements but is consistent with theoretical predictions.
      Fitting our data to a kinetic Monte Carlo model, we extract charge carrier
      hopping times ranging from 80 ps for the smallest quantum dots to over 1 ns for
      the largest, with the same ethanethiol ligand treatment. Additionally, we make
      the surprising observation that, in slightly polydisperse (delta ? 4%) quantum
      dot solids, structural disorder has a greater impact than energetic disorder in
      inhibiting charge carrier transport. These findings emphasize how small
      improvements in batch size dispersity can have a dramatic impact on intrinsic
      charge carrier hopping behavior and will stimulate further improvements in
      quantum dot device performance.

PMID- 28100051
TI  - Basement Membrane Mimics of Biofunctionalized Nanofibers for a Bipolar-Cultured
      Human Primary Alveolar-Capillary Barrier Model.
AB  - In vitro reconstruction of an alveolar barrier for modeling normal lung functions
      and pathological events serve as reproducible, high-throughput pharmaceutical
      platforms for drug discovery, diagnosis, and regenerative medicine. Despite much
      effort, the reconstruction of organ-level alveolar barrier functions has failed
      due to the lack of structural similarity to the natural basement membrane,
      functionalization with specific ligands for alveolar cell function, the use of
      primary cells and biodegradability. Here we report a bipolar cultured alveolar
      capillary barrier model of human primary cells supported by a basement membrane
      mimics of fully synthetic bifunctional nanofibers. One-step electrospinning
      process using a bioresorbable polyester and multifunctional star-shaped
      polyethylene glycols (sPEG) enables the fabrication of an ultrathin nanofiber
      mesh with interconnected pores. The nanofiber mesh possessed mechanical stability
      against cyclic expansion as seen in the lung in vivo. The sPEGs as an additive
      provide biofunctionality to fibers through the conjugation of peptide to the
      nanofibers and hydrophilization to prevent unspecific protein adsorption.
      Biofunctionalized nanofiber meshes facilitated bipolar cultivation of endothelial
      and epithelial cells with fundamental alveolar functionality and showed higher
      permeability for molecules compared to microporous films. This nanofiber mesh for
      a bipolar cultured barrier have the potential to promote growth of an organ-level
      barrier model for modeling pathological conditions and evaluating drug efficacy,
      environmental pollutants, and nanotoxicology.

PMID- 28100052
TI  - Spotlights: Volume 8, Issue 2.

PMID- 28100053
TI  - The Grateful Infrared: Sequential Protein Structural Changes Resolved by Infrared
      Difference Spectroscopy.
AB  - The catalytic activity of proteins is a function of structural changes. Very
      often these are as minute as protonation changes, hydrogen bonding changes, and
      amino acid side chain reorientations. To resolve these, a methodology is afforded
      that not only provides the molecular sensitivity but allows for tracing the
      sequence of these hierarchical reactions at the same time. This feature article
      showcases results from time-resolved IR spectroscopy on channelrhodopsin (ChR),
      light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) domain protein, and cryptochrome (CRY). All three
      proteins are activated by blue light, but their biological role is drastically
      different. Channelrhodopsin is a transmembrane retinylidene protein which
      represents the first light-activated ion channel of its kind and which is
      involved in primitive vision (phototaxis) of algae. LOV and CRY are flavin
      binding proteins acting as photoreceptors in a variety of signal transduction
      mechanisms in all kingdoms of life. Beyond their biological relevance, these
      proteins are employed in exciting optogenetic applications. We show here how IR
      difference absorption resolves crucial structural changes of the protein after
      photonic activation of the chromophore. Time-resolved techniques are introduced
      that cover the time range from nanoseconds to minutes along with some technical
      considerations. Finally, we provide an outlook toward novel experimental
      approaches that are currently developed in our laboratories or are just in our
      minds ("Gedankenexperimente"). We believe that some of them have the potential to
      provide new science.

PMID- 28100054
TI  - Efficacy of silver/hydrophilic poly(p-xylylene) on preventing bacterial growth
      and biofilm formation in urinary catheters.
AB  - Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), caused by several strains
      of bacteria, are a common complication for catheterized patients. This may
      eventually lead to a blockage of the catheter due to the formation of a
      crystalline or amorphous biofilm. Inhibiting bacteria should result in a longer
      application time free of complaints. This issue has been investigated using an
      innovative type of silver-coated catheter with a semipermeable cap layer to
      prevent CAUTI. In this work, two different types of silver catheters were
      investigated, both of which were capped with poly(p-xylylene) (PPX-N) and
      exhibited different surface properties that completely changed their wetting
      conduct with water. The contact angle of conventionally deposited PPX-N is
      approximately 80 degrees . After O2 plasma treatment, the contact angle drops to
      approximately 30 degrees . These two systems, Ag/PPX-N and Ag/PPX-N-O2, were
      tested in synthetic urine at a body temperature of 37  degrees C. First, the
      optical density and the inhibition zones of both bacteria strains (Escherichia
      coli and Staphylococcus cohnii) were examined to confirm the antibacterial effect
      of these silver-coated catheters. Afterward, the efficacy of silver catheters
      with different treatments of biofilm formed by E. coli and S. cohnii were tested
      with crystal violet staining assays. To estimate the life cycles of silver/PPX
      catheters, the eluted amount of silver was assessed at several time intervals by
      anodic stripping voltammetry. The silver catheter with hydrophilic PPX-N coating
      limited bacterial growth in synthetic urine and prevented biofilm formation. The
      authors attribute the enhanced bacteriostatic effect to increased silver ion
      release detected under these conditions. With this extensive preparatory analytic
      work, the authors studied the ability of the two different cap layers (without
      silver), PPX-N and oxygen plasma treated PPX-N, to control the growth of a
      crystalline biofilm by measuring the concentrations of the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions
      after exposure of the catheters to saturated urine for 24 h. The higher
      concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the precipitates on the PPX-N catheters
      indicates that the hydrophilic PPX-N coating is superior to the simple PPX-N
      coating, with regard to the formation of a crystalline biofilm. Moreover,
      hydrophilic PPX-N as a cap layer may promote wettability and increase silver ion
      release rate and thus reduce the adhesion of suspended crystals to the catheter.
      Reduced bacterial growth and reduced adhesion may help to prevent CAUTI.

PMID- 28100055
TI  - Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction.
AB  - Superior mesenteric artery syndrome, also Wilkie's syndrome, is an uncommon cause
      of upper intestinal obstruction. It includes compression of the third duodenal
      portion by the aorta and the overlying superior mesenteric artery when the angle
      formed by these two structures becomes smaller. It may result from significant
      weight loss or abdominal trauma, or may have a congenital origin. Treatment for
      most cases is conservative.

PMID- 28100056
TI  - Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis.
AB  - A 54-year-old woman underwent colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. Colonoscopy
      showed multiple cysts in the sigmoid colon, with the largest being 4 cm in
      diameter. One of the cysts was biopsied. Cyst walls were observed; during biopsy,
      the gas was released and the cyst collapsed. Computed tomography of the abdomen
      confirmed a diagnosis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Pneumatosis
      cystoides intestinalis is a rare disease characterized by the presence in the
      intestinal submucosa or subserosa of multiple cysts filled with gas (nitrogen,
      oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen). This condition occurs more often in males
      than in females, with cysts most frequently located in the colon. Causes may
      include elevated intraluminal pressure, pulmonary diseases, bacterial gas
      production, malnutrition, chemotherapy, connective tissue diseases, among others.
      Symptoms of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis include abdominal pain, diarrhea,
      bloating and gastrointestinal bleeding. This condition is diagnosed by endoscopy
      or computed tomography of the abdomen. Conservative treatment is successful in
      93% of patients. However, 3% of patients develop complications such as intestinal
      obstruction or perforation.

PMID- 28100058
TI  - Endoscopic retrieval of toothbrushes in a schizophrenic patient.
AB  - Foreign bodies are a common problem in the daily endoscopic practice.
      Nevertheless, long objects as toothbrushes, sometimes pose a special problem when
      trying to remove them from the stomach, due to the difficulty of passing through
      the hiatus. Endoscopic retrieval of toothbrushes has seldom be reported.

PMID- 28100057
TI  - Wilkie's syndrome.
AB  - We report the case of a 14 year-old woman, who presents epigastric abdominal
      pain, abundant vomits and an important abdominal distension. Previously, she
      presented similar episodes. She has not any significant prior medical history. CT
      is performed and the imaging findings are consistent with Wilkie's syndrome.
      Wilkie's syndrome is a rare condition, that results from a intestinal obstruction
      caused by third portion duodenal compression between the abdominal aorta and the
      superior mesenteric artery. When the angle between both structures diminishes and
      the distance between the SMA and the aorta decreases (the most diagnostic value),
      duodenal obstruction occurs. Initially conservative management is adopted, but in
      some cases surgical treatment is necessary. Multislice CT has demonstrated an
      excellent diagnostic value when this entity is suspected. It provides multiplanar
      reconstructions, which are useful to measure the distance and the aortomesenteric
      angle and to rule out other possible etiologies.

PMID- 28100059
TI  - All that glitters is not gold. A different cause for an "ulcerative colitis".
AB  - The authors present the case of a 32-year-old Caucasian male, engineer, who was
      submitted to a colonoscopy after a presumptive diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.
      The patient referred an acute bloody and mucous diarrhea, lasting for three
      weeks, with no fever or rectal tenesmus. Stool studies were negative. During the
      procedure, colonic segments with continuous hyperemic and exudative mucosa, with
      small papules with apical ulcers and erosions, were observed.

PMID- 28100060
TI  - Boerhaave's syndrome: diagnostic gastroscopy.
AB  - A 47-year-old man was attended at the emergency room for severe chest pain after
      eating sausage with subsequent vomiting and mild upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
      In the chest radiography we could not see abnormalities. He referred previous
      episodes of choking without consulting. The urgent gastroscopy detected tertiary
      contractile activity (nutcracker esophagus) and a foreign body in the lower third
      of the esophagus. After removing the food bolus, we observed a 4 cm longitudinal
      tear compatible with esophageal rupture or Boerhaave's syndrome in the right
      posterior wall of the lower esophagus, proximal to the gastroesophageal junction.
      Thoracic-abdominal computed tomography (TC) confirmed a perforation of the lower
      esophagus, with pneumothorax and cervical and chest emphysema. Surgical treatment
      was indicated: esophageal suture, myotomy and gastric fundoplication. The patient
      presented good evolution. Boerhaave's syndrome is a rare syndrome, but with high
      mortality (35%). Mackler triad is very characteristic: vomiting, retrosternal
      pain and cervical subcutaneous emphysema; but it occurs rarely. Chest radiography
      is useful, showing abnormalities in up to 90% of patients. The differential
      diagnosis includes cardiorespiratory disorders: acute myocardial infarction,
      spontaneous pneumothorax, pericarditis or pneumonia. The role of endoscopy is
      small, mainly limited to prosthesis placement in high-risk surgical patients. In
      our case the chest radiograph was initially normal, probably related to bolus
      impaction and, in presence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, gastroscopy was
      performed which allowed us to early diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 28100062
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress of middle-aged and older
      women living with HIV.
AB  - The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence and correlates of
      psychological distress among older women living with HIV in comparison to their
      male counterparts and younger women and to identify the sociodemographic and
      disease-related factors associated with psychological distress. The sample
      consisted of 508 HIV-infected patients (65 older women, 323 women aged below 50
      years, and 120 older men) recruited from 10 Portuguese hospitals. Data regarding
      psychological distress were collected using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI).
      Seven older women (10.8%), eight older men (6.7%), and 61 younger women (18.9%)
      reported a T-score >= 63 for global severity index (GSI), indicative of a need
      for further psychological evaluation. Overall, younger women reported
      significantly higher psychological distress than older men. The odds of having
      clinically significant psychological distress score were significantly lower for
      older women reporting sexual transmission, while for younger women, having other
      co-infections was a significant correlate of higher psychological distress.
      Younger women were 2.67 (95% CI: 1.22-5.84) times more likely to report
      psychological distress than were older men. The odds were not significantly
      different from older women. This study shows that older women do not differ
      substantially from younger women and older men in terms of psychological
      distress. The results reinforce, however, that mental health interventions should
      be tailored to reflect individuals' circumstances as well as developmental
      contexts. Moreover, they draw attention to the importance of examining resilience
      characteristics in older adults to understand the mechanisms behind 'successful
      ageing' while living with HIV.

PMID- 28100063
TI  - Evaluation of a Potential Interaction Between New Regimens to Treat Hepatitis C
      and Warfarin: Twelve-Week Post-treatment Follow-up.

PMID- 28100061
TI  - Outpatient Palliative Care and Aggressiveness of End-of-Life Care in Patients
      with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Palliative care in outpatient setting has been shown to promote
      better symptom management and transition to hospice care among patients with
      advanced cancer. Nevertheless, specialized palliative care is rarely provided at
      cancer centers in Korea. Herein, we aimed to assess aggressiveness of end-of-life
      care for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer according to the use of
      outpatient palliative care (OPC) at a single cancer center in Korea. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective medical record review for 132 patients with metastatic
      colorectal cancer who died between 2011 and 2014. Fifty patients used OPC (OPC
      group), while 82 patients did not (non-OPC group). Indicators of aggressiveness
      of end-of-life care including chemotherapy use, emergency department visits,
      hospitalization, and utilization of hospice care were analyzed according to the
      use of OPC. RESULTS: More patients in the OPC group were admitted to hospice than
      those in the non-OPC group (32% vs 17%, P = .047). The mean of inpatient days
      within 30 days of death was shorter for the OPC group than the non-OPC group
      (4.02 days vs 7.77 days, respectively, P = .032). There were no differences in
      the proportions of patients who received chemotherapy and visited the emergency
      department within 30 days from death. CONCLUSION: Among patients with metastatic
      colorectal cancer, OPC was associated with shorter inpatient days near death and
      greater hospice utilization. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate
      the impact of OPC on end-of-life care in Korea.

PMID- 28100064
TI  - A risk stratifying tool to facilitate safe late-stage percutaneous endoscopic
      gastrostomy in ALS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion in
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with significant respiratory
      compromise has been questioned. OBJECTIVES: To review the characteristics of an
      ALS clinic patient cohort undergoing PEG, and the introduction of a risk
      stratification tool with procedural adaptations for higher-risk individuals.
      METHODS: Patients undergoing PEG insertion were analysed (n = 107). Cases
      stratified as higher-risk underwent insertion in a semi-recumbent position,
      minimising sedation, with the option of nasal non-invasive ventilation. RESULTS:
      All underwent successful PEG. One-third had pre-procedure FVC <=50% (mean, 64 +/-
      22%). Of those who underwent PEG insertion after introduction of risk
      stratification (n = 58), 39 (67%) met criteria for being higher risk, 16 (41%) of
      whom had FVC <=50% (p = 0.005). High-risk patients received lower sedative doses
      vs. the low-risk group (midazolam 2.1 +/- 1.1 vs.2.8 +/- 0.95mg, p = 0.021;
      fentanyl 42 +/- 16 vs. 60 +/- 21MUg, p = 0.015). Four deaths occurred within one
      month of insertion (attributable to the natural disease course). CONCLUSIONS:
      Risk stratification identified a greater number of patients with evidence of
      respiratory compromise than using the sole criterion of FVC <=50%. A modified PEG
      procedure enabled safe insertion despite respiratory compromise, in those who
      might not have tolerated attempted insertion by alternative means such as
      radiologically-inserted gastrostomy.

PMID- 28100065
TI  - Evaluation of sulphur amino acid requirement of male Korean native ducklings from
      hatch to 21 day of age.
AB  - 1. A dose-response experiment was conducted with male Korean native ducklings
      (KND) to evaluate the total sulphur amino acid (TSAA) requirement from hatch to
      21 d of age. 2. A completely randomised design with 7 dietary TSAA concentrations
      (0.62%, 0.65%, 0.68%, 0.71%, 0.74%, 0.77% and 0.80%) were used with 6
      replications per treatment. 3. Body weight (BW) and feed intake were measured
      weekly to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI)
      and feed conversion ratio (FCR). One duckling per pen (n = 6) was killed by
      cervical dislocation to weigh empty body and drumsticks at the conclusion of
      experiment. 4. BW was improved significantly with increasing TSAA content, in a
      non-linear manner. A significant decrease of FCR was shown with increasing TSAA
      contents. TSAA requirement was determined by taking a mean value after fitting
      the data to both a linear-plateau and a quadratic-plateau model. Estimated TSAA
      requirements were 0.70%, 0.70%, 0.66% and 0.70% for the maximum BW, ADG and ADFI
      and for the minimum FCR, respectively. Increasing TSAA content improved quantity
      of full body weight (FBW), empty body weight (EBW) and drumstick weight (DSW),
      but there was no effect on proportion of DSW in relation to EBW and proportion of
      EBW to FBW. 5. In conclusion, the growth of male KND during 1 to 21 d of age was
      improved with increasing TSAA content, suggesting optimal TSAA requirements
      estimated by two analysis models.

PMID- 28100066
TI  - Identification of eggs from different production systems based on hyperspectra
      and CS-SVM.
AB  - 1. To identify the origin of table eggs more accurately, a method based on
      hyperspectral imaging technology was studied. 2. The hyperspectral data of 200
      samples of intensive and extensive eggs were collected. Standard normalised
      variables combined with a Savitzky-Golay were used to eliminate noise, then
      stepwise regression (SWR) was used for feature selection. Grid search algorithm
      (GS), genetic search algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimisation algorithm (PSO)
      and cuckoo search algorithm (CS) were applied by support vector machine (SVM)
      methods to establish an SVM identification model with the optimal parameters. The
      full spectrum data and the data after feature selection were the input of the
      model, while egg category was the output. 3. The SWR-CS-SVM model performed
      better than the other models, including SWR-GS-SVM, SWR-GA-SVM, SWR-PSO-SVM and
      others based on full spectral data. The training and test classification accuracy
      of the SWR-CS-SVM model were respectively 99.3% and 96%. 4. SWR-CS-SVM proved
      effective for identifying egg varieties and could also be useful for the non
      destructive identification of other types of egg.

PMID- 28100067
TI  - Race-based experiences of ethnic minority health professionals: Arab physicians
      and nurses in Israeli public healthcare organizations.
AB  - : Increasing workforce diversity was found to contribute to the narrowing of
      disparities in health. However, racism toward ethnic minority health
      professionals has not been adequately researched. In Israel, public healthcare
      organizations that serve a mixed Jewish-Arab population employ Arab minority
      healthcare professionals. Instances of prejudice and manifestations of racism
      toward them, which frequently surface in public discussion and the media, have
      unfortunately gained little scholarly attention. We used the intergroup contact
      approach and the theory of the social process of everyday racism as a theoretical
      framework. The objective of the research was to study race-based experiences of
      Israeli Arab healthcare professionals. METHODOLOGY: We used a qualitative
      research method that allows respondents to describe their views, experiences,
      beliefs and behavior in the way they think about them. During 2013 and 2014 we
      conducted in-depth interviews with a snowball sample of 10 Arab physicians and 13
      Arab nurses who work in Israeli public hospitals. The study protocol was
      ethically approved. FINDINGS: Interviewees noted institutional efforts to
      maintain egalitarianism and equality. However, at the micro-level, interviewees,
      mostly nurses, reported instances that ranged from refusal to accept treatment
      from an Arab nurse, through verbal abuse, to the use of physical violence against
      them. At the meso-level, interviewees, mostly physicians, reported experiences of
      institutional discrimination. At the macro-level, one physician reported policy
      related discrimination in the context of the immigration of Russian Jewish
      physicians to Israel. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend combining the intergroup contact
      approach with the social process theory of racism to examine minorities'
      subjective perceptions, especially in conflictual and violent contexts;
      conducting broad-based quantitative research in Israeli healthcare organizations,
      which may have important implications for the specific strategies to be used; and
      emphasizing the importance of institutional support. By reconstructing race-based
      experiences of ethnic minority health professionals, health organizations can
      better manage racial situations and reduce their frequency.

PMID- 28100068
TI  - Prevalence, patterns, and correlates of HIV disclosure among TB-HIV patients
      initiating antiretroviral therapy in Lesotho.
AB  - Disclosure of HIV-positive status has important implications for patient outcomes
      and preventing HIV transmission, but has been understudied in TB-HIV patients. We
      assessed disclosure patterns and correlates of non-disclosure among adult TB-HIV
      patients initiating ART enrolled in the START Study, a mixed-methods cluster
      randomized trial conducted in Lesotho, which evaluated a combination intervention
      package (CIP) versus standard of care. Interviewer-administered questionnaire
      data were analyzed to describe patterns of disclosure. Patient-related factors
      were assessed for association with non-disclosure to anyone other than a health
      care provider and primary partners using generalized linear mixed models. Among
      371 participants, 95% had disclosed their HIV diagnosis to someone other than a
      health-care provider, most commonly a spouse/primary partner (76%). Age, TB
      knowledge, not planning to disclose TB status, greater perceived TB stigma, and
      CIP were associated with non-disclosure in unadjusted models (p < .1). In
      adjusted models, all point estimates were similar and greater TB knowledge
      (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.90) and CIP
      (aOR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05-0.79) remained statistically significant. Among 220
      participants with a primary partner, 76% had disclosed to that partner.
      Significant correlates of partner non-disclosure (p < .1) in unadjusted analyses
      included being female, married/cohabitating, electricity at home, not knowing if
      partner was HIV-positive, and TB knowledge. Adjusted point estimates were largely
      similar, and being married/cohabitating (aOR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.12), having
      electricity at home (aOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.85) and greater TB knowledge (aOR
      0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.98) remained significant. In conclusion, although nearly all
      participants reported disclosing their HIV status to someone other than a health
      care provider at ART initiation, nearly a quarter of participants with a primary
      partner had not disclosed to their partner. Additional efforts to support HIV
      disclosure (e.g., counseling) may be needed for TB-HIV patients, particularly for
      women and those unaware of their partners' status.

PMID- 28100069
TI  - The effect of N-acetylcysteine supplementation on serum homocysteine levels and
      hepatic and renal oxidative stress in homocysteine thiolactone-treated rats.
AB  - The effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (1 g/kg body weight/day) on serum
      homocysteine (Hcy) levels, insulin resistance (IR), and hepatic and renal
      prooxidant-antioxidant balance was evaluated in rats treated with homocysteine
      thiolactone (HcyT) (500 mg/kg body weight/day for 6 weeks). Reactive oxygen
      species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione, ferric reducing antioxidant
      power, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)
      activities were determined in the liver and kidney. HcyT elevated serum Hcy
      levels and caused IR, but liver and kidney function tests remained unchanged.
      HcyT increased ROS and MDA without any change in hepatic antioxidants, but it
      elevated renal SOD and GSH-Px activities. NAC decreased serum Hcy, hepatic and
      renal ROS and MDA levels, and renal SOD and GSH-Px activities in rats with high
      Hcy levels. However, it did not ameliorate IR. Our results indicate that NAC
      supplementation may be effective in decreasing Hcy levels and Hcy-induced hepatic
      and renal oxidative stress.

PMID- 28100070
TI  - Exploring relationships among social integration, social isolation, self-rated
      health, and demographics among Latino day laborers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Research indicates social integration and social isolation are
      related to health, and Latino day laborers (LDLs) tend to be socially isolated
      and, thus, at high risk for adverse health consequences. relationships among
      social isolation, social integration, self-rated health (SRH), and demographics
      were examined in a sample of LDLs to contribute to the literature on social
      networks and health in this and other migrant populations. DESIGN: We analyzed
      data from 324 LDLs who participated in Proyecto SHILOS (Salud del Hombre
      Inmigrante Latino), a Houston-based survey of Latino immigrant men's health.
      Based on the literature, we hypothesized SRH would be (1) positively associated
      with social integration and (2) negatively associated with social isolation. All
      proposed measures were first entered into a correlation matrix to identify
      significant bivariate relationships (p <= .05, two-tailed). Associations between
      variables that were directly correlated with SRH and variables that were, in
      turn, proximally associated with these variables were then used to develop a
      structural equation path model of SRH. Individual paths in the model were
      measured for significance, and goodness of fit was assessed by the model chi
      square, the Comparative Fit Index, and the Root Mean Square Error of
      Approximation. RESULTS: Inconsistent with the first hypothesis, SRH was
      negatively associated with social integration, as measured by the number of
      trusted friends. Consistent with the second hypothesis, SRH was negatively
      associated with social isolation, as measured by needing someone to talk to. More
      frequent contact with family was also negatively associated with social
      isolation. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest social integration may not always
      protect and promote health. Therefore, assessing the quality of LDLs' different
      relationships, not just the quantity, is vital. Future studies should further
      analyze the effects that social resources have on perceptions of social isolation
      and health in LDLs and other migrant populations.

PMID- 28100071
TI  - Neck-Tongue syndrome: A systematic review.
AB  - Objective Neck-Tongue syndrome (NTS) is characterized by brief attacks of neck or
      occipital pain, or both, brought out by abrupt head turning and accompanied by
      ipsilateral tongue symptoms. As the disorder is rare, we undertook a systematic
      review of the literature to identify all reported cases in order to phenotype
      clinically the disorder and subsequently inform clinical diagnostic criteria.
      Methods Two electronic databases were searched using the search term "neck tongue
      syndrome". All English language references were reviewed in full. Cases were
      abstracted using a standardized abstraction form and the references of the
      retrieved articles were reviewed by hand to identify additional references and
      cases. Conference proceedings from recent headache meetings were searched. We
      also report six new cases from our centers. Results There were 39 primary cases,
      56% of which were female. Mean age (SD) at onset was 16 (12) years. Twenty (53%)
      experienced neck pain, seven (18%) occipital pain, and 11 (29%) both. Pain was
      most often sharp or stabbing and severe, lasting several seconds to several
      minutes. Eleven experienced numbness and/or tingling in the neck/occiput
      following the pain. Thirty-six had an accompanying tongue sensory disturbance and
      three a motor/posture disturbance; five had both. Thirteen had other headaches,
      and four a family history of Neck-Tongue syndrome. Conclusions Neck-Tongue
      syndrome typically has pediatric or adolescent onset, suggesting that ligamentous
      laxity during growth and development may facilitate transient subluxation of the
      lateral atlantoaxial joint with sudden head turning. Familial cases suggest a
      genetic predisposition in some individuals. Neck-Tongue syndrome should be re
      instated in the International Classification of Headache Disorders.

PMID- 28100072
TI  - Trial Vocal Fold Injection Predicts Thyroplasty Outcomes in Nonparalytic Glottic
      Incompetence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Trial vocal fold injection (TVFI) may be used prior to permanent
      medialization when voice outcome is uncertain. We aimed to determine whether
      voice outcomes of TVFI are predictive of, or correlate with outcomes after type I
      Gore-Tex medialization thyroplasty (GMT) in patients with nonparalytic glottic
      incompetence (GI). METHODS: Thirty-five patients with nonparalytic GI who
      underwent TVFI followed by GMT were retrospectively reviewed. Change in voice
      related quality of life (VRQOL) after TVFI was compared to change in VRQOL 3 to 9
      months after GMT. Similar comparisons were made for change in glottal function
      index (GFI) and change in grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain
      (GRBAS). Sample correlation coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: Change in
      VRQOL after TVFI showed good correlation with change in VRQOL after GMT, r =
      0.55. Change in GFI after TVFI showed strong correlation with change in GFI after
      GMT, r = 0.74. Change in GRBAS after TVFI showed excellent correlation with
      change in GRBAS after GMT, r = 0.90. CONCLUSION: The TVFI is a useful tool in
      nonparalytic GI when outcomes from glottic closure procedures are not clear.
      Voice outcome measures after TVFI strongly correlate with outcomes from GMT.
      These data may be used to more confidently counsel patients regarding their
      predicted outcomes of permanent medialization.

PMID- 28100073
TI  - Depression in HIV and HCV co-infected patients: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of
      the differences in the prevalence of depression and presence of depressive
      symptoms between HIV/HCV co-infection, HIV mono-infection, and hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) mono-infection. A systematic electronic search of bibliographic databases
      was performed to locate articles published from the earliest available online
      until December 2014. Outcomes of depression were based on clinical interviews and
      validated self-reported measures of depression/depressive symptoms. Of the 188
      records initially screened, 29 articles were included in the descriptive
      systematic review and six were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analytic
      results indicated that, as measured by self-reported measures of depression,
      HIV/HCV co-infected patients were significantly more likely to report depressive
      symptoms than either HIV (SMD = .24, 95% CI: .03-.46, p = .02) or HCV mono
      infected (SMD = .55, 95% CI: .17-.94, p = .005) patients. The variability of the
      results of the reviewed studies, largely dependent on the samples'
      characteristics and the methods of assessment of depression, suggests that a
      clear interpretation of how depression outcomes are affected by the presence of
      HIV/HCV co-infection is still needed. Failing to diagnose depression or to early
      screen depressive symptoms may have a significant impact on patients' overall
      functioning and compromise treatments' outcomes.

PMID- 28100074
TI  - Antioxidant capacity and identification of the constituents of ethyl acetate
      fraction from Rhus verniciflua Stokes by HPLC-MS.
AB  - Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from Rhus verniciflua Stokes is an important source
      of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was the tentative identification
      and quantification of phenolic compounds, comparison of the phenolic structure
      antioxidant activity relationships. Twelve compounds of EAF belonging to
      polyphenol types were detected by high performance liquid chromatography and
      analysed on line with negative ion electrospray ionisation tandem mass
      spectrometry, which were ethoxy 3-hydroxy benzoic acid, gallic acid (GA), 3,4
      dihydroxy amygdalic acid, gallic acid cetyl ester, protocatechuic acid (PA),
      fustin, ethyl gallate (EG), garbanzol, fisetin, sulfuretin, butin and 3,7
      dihydroxyflavanone-4'-rhamnoside. The antioxidant activity were evaluated based
      on the different types of radical scavenging capacities, i.e. DPPH., ABTS.+ and
      OH. The antioxidant capacity of EAF mainly depended on the GA, EG, PA, fisetin,
      sulfuretin and butin. The phenolics exhibited a dose-dependent behaviour and high
      antioxidant ability.

PMID- 28100076
TI  - Precuneus Structure Changes in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - Patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are at risk for
      developing Alzheimer's disease. Due to their prominent memory impairment,
      structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often focuses on the hippocampal
      region. However, recent positron-emission tomography data suggest that within a
      network of frontal and temporal changes, patients with aMCI show metabolic
      alterations in the precuneus, a key region for higher cognitive functions. Using
      high-resolution MRI and whole-brain cortical thickness analyses in 28 patients
      with aMCI and 25 healthy individuals, we wanted to investigate whether structural
      changes in the precuneus would be associated with cortical thickness reductions
      in frontal and temporal brain regions in patients with aMCI. In contrast to
      healthy people, patients with aMCI showed an association of cortical thinning in
      the precuneus with predominantly left-hemispheric thickness reductions in medial
      temporal and frontal cortices. Our data highlight structural neuronal network
      characteristics among patients with aMCI.

PMID- 28100077
TI  - Effects of M2000 (D-Mannuronic Acid) on Learning, Memory Retrieval, and
      Associated Determinants in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - The d-mannuronic acid (M2000) is a novel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that
      has immunosuppressive effects together with antioxidant property. M2000 has shown
      a notable efficacy in experimental models of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid
      arthritis, and nephrotic syndrome. In this work, the effect of M2000 on the
      treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was performed by Morris water maze
      experiment, and the immunological assessments were carried out by Western blot,
      apoptosis (procaspase-3, Bax/Bcl2, P53), enzymatic (superoxide dismutase [SOD]),
      and nonenzymatic oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA]) tests. We found that
      pretreatment of AD in the rat model by M2000 had a potent efficacy on rat
      behavior and also it led to a significant inhibition of amyloid plaque
      production. Moreover, our data showed that M2000 can reduce the amount of
      Bax/Bcl2, P53, MDA, and SOD, as well as it normalized the level of procaspase-3.
      Our results suggest M2000 is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of
      AD.

PMID- 28100075
TI  - Urinary Incontinence in Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Urinary incontinence (UI) is more prevalent in the elderly
      populations with dementia than without dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is
      the most common cause of dementia. Urinary incontinence may complicate AD
      morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence
      and annual incidence and determine the risk possibility of UI, which is the main
      type of incontinence in patients with AD in Taiwan. METHODS: A total of 933
      patients with AD were included in the study cohort, and a total of 2799 patients
      without AD by 1:3 proportion compared to the study cohort were used as a matched
      cohort. All participants were selected from the National Health Insurance
      Research Database in 2000 sample population. We utilize Cox proportional hazard
      regression to evaluate the risk of UI and cumulative incidence ratio curve to
      analyze the cumulative incidence function. Prevalence and annual incidence rate
      are calculated in individual medication including rivastigmine, donepezil,
      galantamine, and memantine only being initiated in patients with AD. RESULTS: The
      risk of UI is higher in AD cohort (hazard ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval:
      1.13-2.09). The cumulative incidence ratio of UI event between AD cohort and
      matched cohort presents statistical significance ( P < .001). Annual incidence
      and prevalence of UI in patients with AD are 6.2% and 4.2%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that the risk of UI is higher in patients
      with AD than in the general population.

PMID- 28100078
TI  - Percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) increased the serum levels of VEGF and MMP
      9 in Stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death around the world.
      Percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) is an emerging treatment strategy for
      medically inoperable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this
      study, we investigated the association of MWA and serum angiogensis promoters
      VEGF and MMP-9 in these patients subgroup. METHODS: We enrolled 52 patients with
      Stage I NSCLC patients in this study. For each patient, blood samples were drawn
      by venous puncture, one immediately prior to MWA and the others on Post-Procedure
      Days (PPD) 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14. Serum samples were analysed for VEGF and MMP-9
      levels with use of commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Also, blood samples of 28 healthy volunteers were set as the healthy controls.
      RESULTS: We did not observe a significant difference of serum VEGF and MMP-9
      between NSCLC patients and healthy controls. The VEGF levels increased on the
      first day (256.0 +/- 6.16 pg/ml, p < 0.05) after MWA and peaked on the PPD3
      (418.0 +/- 14.54 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Although it gradually reduced afterwards, its
      levels on PPD14 (141.2 +/- 4.41 pg/ml, p < 0.05) was still higher than pre
      procedure level. The serum MMP-9 level was significantly elevated from PPD1
      (231.3 +/- 7.93 ng/ml, p < 0.05) until PPD10 (155.3 +/- 5.62 ng/ml, p < 0.05),
      while it normalised to pre-procedure level on PPD14 (90.78 +/- 3.36 ng/ml, p >
      0.05). The highest MMP-9 level was observed on PPD5 (399.7 +/- 17.70 ng/ml, p <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results indicated that percutaneous MWA
      resulted in increased serum levels of VEGF and MMP-9 in Stage I NSCLC patients.
      Antiangiogenesis approaches may be helpful for patients defending against
      metastases during the immediate post-ablation time window.

PMID- 28100079
TI  - A novel proton transfer salt of 2-amino-6-sulfamoylbenzothiazole and its metal
      complexes: the evaluation of their inhibition effects on human cytosolic carbonic
      anhydrases.
AB  - A novel proton transfer compound (SMHABT)+(HDPC)- (1) obtained from 2-amino-6
      sulfamoylbenzothiazole (SMABT) and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (H2DPC) and its
      Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II) complexes (2-4), and Fe(II) complex of SMABT (5) have
      been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, single
      crystal X-ray diffraction techniques were applied to complexes (2-4). All
      complexes (2-4) have distorted octahedral conformations and the structure of 5
      might be proposed as octahedral according to spectral and analytical results. All
      compounds, including acetazolamide (AAZ) as the control compound, were also
      evaluated for their in vitro inhibition effects on human hCA I and hCA II for
      their hydratase and esterase activities. The synthesized compounds have
      remarkable inhibitory activities on hCA I and hCA II. Especially, the inhibition
      potentials of the salt and the metal complexes (1-5) are comparable with AAZ.
      Inhibition data have been analyzed by using a one-way analysis of variance for
      multiple comparisons (p < .0001).

PMID- 28100080
TI  - The commercialization of genome-editing technologies.
AB  - The emergence of new gene-editing technologies is profoundly transforming human
      therapeutics, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. Advances in clustered
      regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) have created a fertile
      environment for mass-scale manufacturing of cost-effective products ranging from
      basic research to translational medicine. In our analyses, we evaluated the
      patent landscape of gene-editing technologies and found that in comparison to
      earlier gene-editing techniques, CRISPR has gained significant traction and this
      has established dominance. Although most of the gene-editing technologies
      originated from the industry, CRISPR has been pioneered by academic research
      institutions. The spinout of CRISPR biotechnology companies from academic
      institutions demonstrates a shift in entrepreneurship strategies that were
      previously led by the industry. These academic institutions, and their subsequent
      companies, are competing to generate comprehensive intellectual property
      portfolios to rapidly commercialize CRISPR products. Our analysis shows that the
      emergence of CRISPR has resulted in a fivefold increase in genome-editing
      bioenterprise investment over the last year. This entrepreneurial movement has
      spurred a global biotechnology revolution in the realization of novel gene
      editing technologies. This global shift in bioenterprise will continue to grow as
      the demand for personalized medicine, genetically modified crops and
      environmentally sustainable biofuels increases. However, the monopolization of
      intellectual property, negative public perception of genetic engineering and
      ambiguous regulatory policies may limit the growth of these market segments.

PMID- 28100081
TI  - Brexit and rare diseases: big risk, bigger opportunity?
AB  - The UK's planned exit from the EU will leave its national health sector in a very
      dangerous position. It will also have profound consequences for domestic UK law.
      The impact may be particularly drastic for patients for whom EU law protects the
      right to treatment. At a particular risk are patients with rare, 'orphan',
      diseases whose treatments are uniquely enabled at the EU level. We examine the
      potential effects of Brexit on the orphan sector and identify an opportunity to
      solve long-standing and intensifying difficulties, especially the pricing of
      orphan drugs.

PMID- 28100084
TI  - Obituary.

PMID- 28100082
TI  - Synthesis and bioactivity of several new hetaryl sulfonamides.
AB  - 1-(4-Methylsulfonyl)-2-thione-4-aryl-5-Z-6-methyl and oxyalkyl-imidazoles were
      synthesized from different tetrahydropyrimidinethiones and aryl sulfonyl
      chloride. These compunds were tested for metal chelating effects and to determine
      the phrase in which inhibition occured between two physiologically pertinent
      compunds and carbonic anhydrase (CA) isozymes I and II (hCA I and II),
      butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE was detected
      in high concentrations in the brain and red blood cells. BChE is another enzymes
      that is abundant available in the liver and released into the blood in a soluble
      form. Newly synthesized hetaryl sulfonamides exhibited impressive inhibition
      profiles with Ki values in the range of 1.42-6.58 nM against hCA I, 1.72-7.41 nM
      against hCA II, 0.20-1.14 nM against AChE and 1.55-5.92 nM against BChE.
      Moreover, acetazolamide showed Ki values of 43.69 +/- 6.44 nM against hCA I and
      31.67 +/- 8.39 nM against hCA II. Additionally, tacrine showed Ki values of 25.75
      +/- 3.39 nM and 37.82 +/- 2.08 against AChE and BChE, respectively.

PMID- 28100083
TI  - alpha-Glucosidase inhibitory activity and cytotoxic effects of some cyclic urea
      and carbamate derivatives.
AB  - The inhibitory activities of selected cyclic urea and carbamate derivatives (1
      13) toward alpha-glucosidase (alpha-Gls) in in vitro assay were examined in this
      study. All examined compounds showed higher inhibitory activity (IC50) against
      alpha-Gls compared to standard antidiabetic drug acarbose. The most potent was
      benzyl (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)carbamate (12) with IC50 = 49.85 +/- 0.10 uM. In
      vitro cytotoxicity of the investigated compounds was tested on three human cancer
      cell lines HeLa, A549 and MDA-MB-453 using MTT assay. The best antitumour
      activity was achieved with compound 2 (trans-5-phenethyl-1-phenylhexahydro-1H
      imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2(3H)-one) against MDA-MB-453 human breast cancer cell line
      (IC50 = 83.41 +/- 1.60 uM). Cyclic ureas and carbamates showed promising anti
      alpha-glucosidase activity and should be further tested as potential antidiabetic
      drugs. The PLS model of preliminary QSAR study indicated that, in planing the
      future synthesis of more potent compounds, the newly designed should have the
      substituents capable of polar interactions with receptor sites in various
      positions, while avoiding the increase of their lipophilicity.

PMID- 28100086
TI  - Tracking down a solution: exploring the acceptability and value of wearable GPS
      devices for older persons, individuals with a disability and their support
      persons.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the acceptability and value of three wearable GPS devices for
      older persons and individuals with a disability and safety concerns when
      accessing the community. METHODS: This pilot study explored six wearers' and
      their support persons' experience of using three different wearable GPS devices
      (a pendant, watch, and mini GPS phone), each for a two-week period. RESULTS:
      Participants identified safety as the main value of using a wearable GPS device.
      The acceptability and value of these devices was strongly influenced by device
      features, ease of use, cost, appearance, the reliability of the GPS coordinates,
      the wearer's health condition and the users familiarity with technology. Overall,
      participants indicated that they preferred the pendant. CONCLUSIONS: Wearable GPS
      devices are potentially useful in providing individuals who have safety concerns
      with reassurance and access to assistance as required. To ensure successful
      utilization, future device design and device selection should consider the user's
      familiarity with technology and their health condition. This study also revealed
      that not all wearable GPS devices provide continuous location tracking. It is
      therefore critical to ensure that the device's location tracking functions
      address the wearer's requirements and reason for using the device. Implications
      for Rehabilitation The acceptability and usability of wearable GPS devices is
      strongly influenced by the device features, ease of use, cost, appearance, the
      reliability of the device to provide accurate and timely GPS coordinates, as well
      as the health condition of the wearer and their familiarity with technology.
      Wearable GPS devices need to be simple to use and support and training is
      essential to ensure they are successfully utilized. Not all wearable GPS devices
      provide continuous location tracking and accuracy of location is impacted by line
      of sight to satellites. Therefore, care needs to be taken when choosing a
      suitable device, to ensure that the device's location tracking features are based
      on the wearer's requirements and value behind using the device.

PMID- 28100085
TI  - Heterogeneity of macrophages in canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis.
AB  - Histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC) is a chronic enteropathy which most notably
      occurs in Boxer dogs and French bulldogs. The inflamed mucosa is hallmarked by
      large, foamy, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive macrophages infiltrating the
      colonic mucosa. As little is known about their origin and phenotype, an
      immunohistochemical study was performed using different macrophage markers.
      Generally, canine colonic macrophages showed high expression of ionised calcium
      binding adaptor molecule 1 and MHC class II. In canine HUC, macrophages revealed
      up-regulation of lysozyme and L1 Ag but decreased CD163 expression compared with
      controls, suggesting them to be pro-inflammatory cells, whereas the healthy
      colonic mucosa was characterised by an anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype. In
      addition, PAS reaction was used to discriminate macrophage subpopulations. PAS-
      macrophages displayed higher expression of L1 Ag and CD64, whereas PAS+ cells,
      which were only present in HUC patients, were characterised by increased
      expression of lysozyme, inducible nitric oxide synthase and CD204. This indicates
      PAS+ cells to be mature macrophages contributing to the inflammatory process,
      which are most likely maintained by differentiation of immature PAS- macrophages
      continuously recruited from blood monocytes. In summary, macrophage heterogeneity
      in canine HUC probably illustrates their different maturation states and
      functions compared with the healthy animals.

PMID- 28100087
TI  - A UHF RFID positioning system for use in warehouse navigation by employees with
      cognitive disability.
AB  - Unemployment among the almost 5 million working-age adults with cognitive
      disabilities in the USA is a costly problem in both tax dollars and quality of
      life. Job coaching is an effective tool to overcome this, but the cost of job
      coaching services sums with every new employee or change of employment roles.
      There is a need for a cost-effective, automated alternative to job coaching that
      incurs a one-time cost and can be reused for multiple employees or roles. An
      effective automated job coach must be aware of its location and the location of
      destinations within the job site. This project presents a design and prototype of
      a cart-mounted indoor positioning and navigation system with necessary original
      software using Ultra High Frequency Radio Frequency Identification (UHF RFID).
      The system presented in this project for use within a warehouse setting is one
      component of an automated job coach to assist in the job of order filler. The
      system demonstrated accuracy to within 0.3 m under the correct conditions with
      strong potential to serve as the basis for an effective indoor navigation system
      to assist warehouse workers with disabilities. Implications for rehabilitation An
      automated job coach could improve employability of and job retention for people
      with cognitive disabilities. An indoor navigation system using ultra high
      frequency radio frequency identification was proposed with an average positioning
      accuracy of 0.3 m. The proposed system, in combination with a non-linear context
      aware prompting system, could be used as an automated job coach for warehouse
      order fillers with cognitive disabilities.

PMID- 28100088
TI  - Comparability of a short food frequency questionnaire to assess diet quality: the
      DISCOVER study.
AB  - This study aims to assess comparability of a short food frequency questionnaire
      (SFFQ) used in the Determinants of Suicide: Conventional and Emergent Risk Study
      (DISCOVER Study) with a validated comprehensive FFQ (CFFQ). A total of 127
      individuals completed SFFQ and CFFQ. Healthy eating was measured using Healthy
      Eating Score (HES). Estimated food intake and healthy eating assessed by SFFQ was
      compared with the CFFQ. For most food groups and HES, the highest Spearman's rank
      correlation coefficients between the two FFQs were r > .60. For macro-nutrients,
      the correlations exceeded 0.4. Cross-classification of quantile analysis showed
      that participants were classified between 46% and 81% into the exact same
      quantiles, while 10% or less were misclassified into opposite quantiles. The
      Bland-Altman plots showed an acceptable level of agreement between the two
      dietary measurement methods. The SFFQ can be used for Canadian with psychiatric
      disorders to rank them based on their dietary intake.

PMID- 28100089
TI  - Assistive technology outcomes in post-secondary students with disabilities: the
      influence of diagnosis, gender, and class-level.
AB  - This study investigated how outcomes of assistive technology (AT) services for
      college students with disabilities are influenced by diagnosis, gender and class
      level (e.g., Freshman). Students' pre- and post-intervention ratings of their
      performance and satisfaction of common academic tasks (using the Canadian
      Occupational Performance Measure, COPM) were analyzed, as well as students'
      responses on a survey about AT service provision, use, and preferences. Data from
      455 students revealed "learning disability" to be the most prevalent diagnosis
      (38%), similar numbers of females and males served, and Freshmen (23.1%) as the
      largest class-level seeking AT services. For COPM data, each two-way analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) (grouping variable = diagnosis) revealed that pre-post change
      scores significantly improved for the entire sample, and that students with a
      mood disorder experienced the greatest changes compared to other diagnoses. COPM
      scores significantly and similarly improved for females and males, and across
      class levels. AT Survey ratings about timeliness of services and independent AT
      use were significantly lower for students with mobility deficits/pain and
      neurological damage, respectively. Gender and class-level variables did not
      significantly impact AT Survey ratings. The study results reveal that features of
      a college student's diagnosis may influence AT service outcomes, and student
      perceptions of AT services ability to use AT. Implications for Rehabilitation
      College students who are Freshman and/or who have a learning disability are the
      most prevalent students referred for campus-based assistive technology services.
      While student ratings of academic task performance significantly increase across
      diagnostic groupings, these improvements were greatest for those with a mood
      disorder compared to other diagnostic groups. Service-providers should consider
      that features of certain diagnoses or disabilities may influence the student?s
      perception of AT service provision and their ability to use AT. A student's
      gender and class-level (e.g., Freshman) do not appear to influence the outcomes
      of AT services for college students with disabilities.

PMID- 28100090
TI  - Patterns of use of systemic therapies among patients with metastatic melanoma: a
      retrospective claims database analysis in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This retrospective analysis of the IMS PharMetrics Plus claims
      database aimed to describe the current real-world treatment patterns for
      metastatic melanoma in the USA. METHODS: Included patients (aged >=18 years) had
      >=1 prescription for ipilimumab, vemurafenib, temozolomide or dacarbazine between
      1 January 2011 and 31 August 2013; diagnosis of melanoma and metastasis before
      first use (index date); no index drug use prior to the index date; continuous
      health plan enrollment for >=6 months before and >=3 months after index date.
      Proportion of days covered (PDC) was defined as days exposed to index therapy
      divided by continuously enrolled days between index date and last prescription
      date. RESULTS: Overall, 1043 patients were included (median age 57 years, 63%
      male), of whom 39% received the index drug ipilimumab, 35% vemurafenib, 19%
      temozolomide and 7% dacarbazine. Mean treatment duration (days) was 174
      (vemurafenib), 100 (temozolomide) and 64 (dacarbazine). Mean PDC was 81%
      (vemurafenib), 67% (temozolomide) and 51% (dacarbazine). For patients receiving
      ipilimumab, 58% had the full 4 doses, 20% 3 doses, 14% 2 doses and 9% 1 dose only
      for the first induction course; 4% received re-induction, and none had a second
      re-induction. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights into the treatment
      patterns for metastatic melanoma, including newer agents, in real-world clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28100091
TI  - The effects of polyethylenimine/DNA nanoparticle on transcript levels of
      apoptosis-related genes.
AB  - CONTEXT: Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer commonly used in gene
      transfer. Although numerous investigations have indicated that PEI can induce
      apoptosis/necrosis but the mechanism of its cytotoxicity is still poorly
      understood. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects
      of PEI/DNA complexes on the expression of apoptotic genes in human colon
      adenocarcinoma cells (HT29). METHODS: HT29 cells were exposed to PEI/DNA complex
      (C/P = 0.8) for 24 h. Then, qRT PCR was used to assess the expression of 26
      apoptotic-related genes. RESULT: Analysis of the transcript level of genes
      revealed that while the expression of anti-apoptotic genes such as Bclx, Bcl2,
      NFkB, and AIF was not significantly reduced but the expression of pro-apoptotic
      genes such as Fasl, Bax, TNFR1, DR4, Casp8, and cytochrome C was considerably
      increased in transfected HT29 cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that
      PEI could increase the level of pro-apoptotic genes and decrease antiapoptotic
      genes as a possible mechanism involved in PEI cytotoxicity.

PMID- 28100092
TI  - Sample size requirements for one-year treatment effects using deep gray matter
      volume from 3T MRI in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The subcortical deep gray matter (DGM) develops selective,
      progressive, and clinically relevant atrophy in progressive forms of multiple
      sclerosis (PMS). This patient population is the target of active neurotherapeutic
      development, requiring the availability of outcome measures. We tested a fully
      automated MRI analysis pipeline to assess DGM atrophy in PMS. DESIGN/METHODS:
      Consistent 3D T1-weighted high-resolution 3T brain MRI was obtained over one year
      in 19 consecutive patients with PMS [15 secondary progressive, 4 primary
      progressive, 53% women, age (mean+/-SD) 50.8+/-8.0 years, Expanded Disability
      Status Scale (median, range) 5.0, 2.0-6.5)]. DGM segmentation applied the fully
      automated FSL-FIRST pipeline ( http://fsl.fmrib.ox.ac.uk ). Total DGM volume was
      the sum of the caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and thalamus. On-study change
      was calculated using a random-effects linear regression model. RESULTS: We
      detected one-year decreases in raw [mean (95% confidence interval): -0.749 ml (
      1.455, -0.043), p = 0.039] and annualized [-0.754 ml/year (-1.492, -0.016), p =
      0.046] total DGM volumes. A treatment trial for an intervention that would show a
      50% reduction in DGM brain atrophy would require a sample size of 123 patients
      for a single-arm study (one-year run-in followed by one-year on-treatment). For a
      two-arm placebo-controlled one-year study, 242 patients would be required per
      arm. The use of DGM fraction required more patients. The thalamus, putamen, and
      globus pallidus, showed smaller effect sizes in their on-study changes than the
      total DGM; however, for the caudate, the effect sizes were somewhat larger.
      CONCLUSIONS: DGM atrophy may prove efficient as a short-term outcome for proof-of
      concept neurotherapeutic trials in PMS.

PMID- 28100093
TI  - p19-targeted ABD-derived protein variants inhibit IL-23 binding and exert
      suppressive control over IL-23-stimulated expansion of primary human IL-17+ T
      cells.
AB  - Interleukin-23 (IL-23), a heterodimeric cytokine of covalently bound p19 and p40
      proteins, has recently been closely associated with development of several
      chronic autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis or
      inflammatory bowel disease. Released by activated dendritic cells, IL-23
      interacts with IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) on Th17 cells, thus promoting
      intracellular signaling, a pivotal step in Th17-driven pro-inflammatory axis.
      Here, we aimed to block the binding of IL-23 cytokine to its cell-surface
      receptor by novel inhibitory protein binders targeted to the p19 subunit of human
      IL-23. To this goal, we used a combinatorial library derived from a scaffold of
      albumin-binding domain (ABD) of streptococcal protein G, and ribosome display
      selection, to yield a collection of ABD-derived p19-targeted variants, called ILP
      binders. From 214 clones analyzed by ELISA, Western blot and DNA sequencing, 53
      provided 35 different sequence variants that were further characterized. Using in
      silico docking in combination with cell-surface competition binding assay, we
      identified a group of inhibitory candidates that substantially diminished binding
      of recombinant p19 to the IL-23R on human monocytic THP-1 cells. Of these best
      p19-blockers, ILP030, ILP317 and ILP323 inhibited IL-23-driven expansion of IL-17
      producing primary human CD4+ T-cells. Thus, these novel binders represent unique
      IL-23-targeted probes useful for IL-23/IL-23R epitope mapping studies and could
      be used for designing novel p19/IL-23-targeted anti-inflammatory biologics.

PMID- 28100094
TI  - Preliminary reliability and internal consistency of the Wheelchair Components
      Questionnaire for Condition.
AB  - Wheelchair durability and maintenance condition are key factors of wheelchair
      function. Durability studies done with double drum and drop testers, although
      valuable, do not perfectly imitate conditions of use. Durability may be harvested
      from clinical records; however, these may be inconsistent because protocols for
      recording information differ from place to place. Wheelchair professionals with
      several years of experience often develop a good eye for wheelchair maintenance
      condition. The Wheelchair Components Questionnaire for Condition (WCQc) was
      developed as a professional report questionnaire to provide data specifically on
      the maintenance condition of a wheelchair. The goal of this study was to obtain
      preliminary test-retest reliability and internal consistency for the WCQc.
      Participants were a convenience sample of wheelchair professionals who self
      reported more than two years' of wheelchair experience, and completed the WCQc on
      the same wheelchair twice. Results indicated preliminary reliability and internal
      consistency for domain related questions and the entire questionnaire.
      Implications for rehabilitation The WCQc, if administered routinely at regular
      intervals, can be used to monitor wheelchair condition and alert users and health
      professionals about the need for repair or replacement. The WCQc is not difficult
      to use, making early monitoring for wear or damage more feasible. The earlier a
      tool can detect need for maintenance, the higher likelihood that appropriate
      measures may be employed in a timely fashion to maximize the overall durability
      of wheelchairs and minimize clinical complications. Keeping wheelchairs
      appropriately maintained allows users to minimize effort expended when using
      them, and maximize their function. It also lowers the risk of injury due to
      component failure. When assessing groups of similar wheelchairs, organizations
      involved in funding wheelchairs can use data from the WCQc to make purchase
      decisions based on durability, and manufacturers can use WCQc data for responsive
      design change.

PMID- 28100096
TI  - Targeting therapy-resistant cancer stem cells by hyperthermia.
AB  - Eradication of all malignant cells is the ultimate but challenging goal of anti
      cancer treatment; most traditional clinically-available approaches fail because
      there are cells in a tumour that either escape therapy or become therapy
      resistant. A subpopulation of cancer cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs), is
      considered to be of particular significance for tumour initiation, progression
      and metastasis. CSCs are considered in particular to be therapy-resistant and may
      drive disease recurrence, which positions CSCs in the focus of anti-cancer
      research, but successful CSC-targeting therapies are limited. Here, we argue that
      hyperthermia - a therapeutic approach based on local heating of a tumour - is
      potentially beneficial for targeting CSCs in solid tumours. First, hyperthermia
      has been described to target cells in hypoxic and nutrient-deprived tumour areas
      where CSCs reside and ionising radiation and chemotherapy are least effective.
      Second, hyperthermia can modify factors that are essential for tumour survival
      and growth, such as the microenvironment, immune responses, vascularisation and
      oxygen supply. Third, hyperthermia targets multiple DNA repair pathways, which
      are generally upregulated in CSCs and protect them from DNA-damaging agents.
      Addition of hyperthermia to the therapeutic armamentarium of oncologists may thus
      be a promising strategy to eliminate therapy-escaping and -resistant CSCs.

PMID- 28100095
TI  - Shoulder kinetics during start-up and propulsion with a manual wheelchair within
      the initial phase of uninstructed training.
AB  - PURPOSE: Wheelchair locomotion is constraining for the upper limbs and involves a
      set of motor tasks that need to be learnt by a novice user. To understand this
      integration process, we investigated the evolution of shoulder kinetics during
      start-up and propulsion within the initial phase of low-intensity uninstructed
      training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen novice able-bodied subjects performed
      a 120-min uninstructed practice distributed over 4 weeks. During the initial and
      final sessions, upper limbs kinematics and hand-rim kinetics were continuously
      collected. Inverse kinematics and dynamics coupled to a three-dimensional linked
      segment model were used to compute shoulder net moments. RESULTS: Participants
      increased the speed of the wheelchair with practice. In average, an increase of
      shoulder net moments and mechanical work during the push phase was observed.
      Conversely, during the recovery phase, participants slightly increased shoulder
      power but maintained a similar level of shoulder loading. However, individual
      evolutions allowed the definition of two groups defined as: "increasers", who
      increased shoulder loading and mechanical work versus "decreasers", who managed
      to limit shoulder loading while improving the wheelchair speed. CONCLUSION: These
      findings underline that individual adaptation strategies are essential to take
      into account when designing a rehabilitation protocol for wheelchair users.
      Implications for Rehabilitation The learning process of manual wheelchair
      locomotion is essential for the assimilation of motor tasks leading individuals
      to select their propulsion technique. Novice users display different learning
      strategies: some people increase shoulder loading very early but others
      spontaneously manage to increase the wheelchair speed while maintaining a
      constant level of shoulder loading. Wheelchair rehabilitation programs should be
      individualized to take into account the subject-specific learning strategy.

PMID- 28100097
TI  - Spina bifida and lower limb amputation in Northern Ireland: A retrospective study
      of demographics and outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spina bifida is an uncommon cause for lower limb amputation. The
      causes and level of amputation and mobility outcome for these patients have not
      been reported previously. CASE DESCRIPTION: To identify the causes and level of
      amputation and the mobility outcome for amputee patients with spina bifida. STUDY
      DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Chart review of patients identified
      by computer as having an amputation secondary to neurological or congenital
      cause. Additional patients identified from the Regional Spina Bifida Medical
      Clinic. Demographics, cause and level of mobility pre- and post-amputation
      recorded from the prosthetic notes. FINDINGS: In total, 16 patients were
      identified who had a diagnosis of spina bifida and a lower limb amputation. Mean
      age at the time of amputation was 28.5 years. In total, 15 patients had a
      transtibial amputation. In total, 14 patients post-amputation were able to
      maintain their mobility, wheelchair or walking, without any change in type of aid
      needed. CONCLUSION: Patients with spina bifida appear to require lower limb
      amputation at a younger age than patients with peripheral vascular disease.
      Almost all patients had prior chronic skin infection/osteomyelitis as precursors
      for amputation. The most common level for amputation was transtibial. Mobility
      was maintained for all patients, albeit for two in a more supported way. Clinical
      relevance Spina bifida is an uncommon reason for amputation. Patients, are often
      younger and medically complicated. Chronic skin ulceration, was the most common
      indication for amputation. Wheelchair or walking ambulance was maintained at the
      same level for most patients.

PMID- 28100098
TI  - Analyzing Further Predictors of Correctional Officer Professional Orientations:
      The Role of Turnover Intentions.
AB  - Four professional orientations to which correctional officers can ascribe have
      been identified in extant literature, and they include the counseling roles,
      concern for corruption of authority, social distance, and punitive ideologies.
      Studies have generally found officer demographics and correctional working
      conditions to be significant predictors of these orientations. No study to date,
      however, has examined the predictive influence of officer voluntary resignation
      intentions. Linear regression equations using questionnaire data from a statewide
      population of maximum security correctional officers ( N = 649) were therefore
      estimated to explore whether officer desires to terminate their employment
      accounted for variance in their self-reported orientations. Stronger turnover
      intentions shared statistically significant associations with three orientations,
      including negatively predicting the counseling roles and positively predicting
      the punitive ideology. Implications for correctional policy are addressed.

PMID- 28100099
TI  - A user-centered qualitative study on experiences with ankle-foot orthoses and
      suggestions for improved design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improving ankle-foot orthosis design can best be done by implementing
      a user-centered approach. OBJECTIVE: To provide insight into the ideas of ankle
      foot orthosis users with flaccid ankle muscle paresis on the importance of
      activities and suggestions for an improved ankle-foot orthosis design. STUDY
      DESIGN: A focus-group discussion with eight ankle-foot orthosis users (57 +/- 5
      years, 50% female). METHODS: Main inclusion criteria were as follows: ?18 years,
      unable to stand on tip-toe and unable to lift toes. Main exclusion criterion was
      spasticity of lower extremity muscles. Transcribed data were coded according to
      the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Thematic
      analysis with inductive approach was chosen to order and interpret codes.
      RESULTS: Ankle-foot orthosis users ranked walking the most important activity
      followed by sitting down/standing up from a chair. Their opinion was that ankle
      foot orthoses facilitate walking and standing. Ankle-foot orthosis users
      suggested that an improved ankle-foot orthosis design should balance between
      stability and flexibility. CONCLUSION: Current ankle-foot orthoses facilitate
      walking which was the most important activity according to ankle-foot orthosis
      users. An improved ankle-foot orthosis design should enable walking and should
      optimize between stability and flexibility dependent on the activity and the
      paresis severity. Clinical relevance Experienced users of ankle-foot orthosis
      agreed that matching ankle-foot orthosis functions to daily-life activities is a
      trade-off between stability and flexibility. An improved ankle-foot orthosis
      design should at least enable level walking.

PMID- 28100101
TI  - Espresso coffee foam delays cooling of the liquid phase.
AB  - Espresso coffee foam, called crema, is known to be a marker of the quality of
      espresso coffee extraction. However, the role of foam in coffee temperature has
      not been quantitatively clarified. In this study, we used an automatic machine
      for espresso coffee extraction. We evaluated whether the foam prepared using the
      machine was suitable for foam analysis. After extraction, the percentage and
      consistency of the foam were measured using various techniques, and changes in
      the foam volume were tracked over time. Our extraction method, therefore, allowed
      consistent preparation of high-quality foam. We also quantitatively determined
      that the foam phase slowed cooling of the liquid phase after extraction. High
      quality foam plays an important role in delaying the cooling of espresso coffee.

PMID- 28100100
TI  - A new update for radiocontrast-induced nephropathy aggravated with glycerol in
      rats: the protective potential of epigallocatechin-3-gallate.
AB  - Contrast media (CM) is known to have nephrotoxic adverse effects.
      Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and active catechin in
      green tea, and has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This
      study investigated whether EGCG can reduce contrast-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN),
      alone or with glycerol (GLY)-induced renal damage, and to understand its
      mechanisms of protection against toxicity, using models of GLY and CIN in rats.
      The rats were separated into eight groups (n = 6 in each), as follows: Healthy,
      GLY, CM, GLY + CM, CM + EGCG 50 mg/kg (po), GLY + CM + EGCG 50 mg/kg (po), CM +
      EGCG 100 mg/kg (po), and GLY + CM + EGCG 100 mg/kg (po). Both doses of EGCG
      protected against CM-induced renal dysfunction, as measured by serum creatinine
      and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In addition, EGCG treatment markedly improved CIN
      induced oxidative stress, and resulted in a significant down-regulatory effect on
      tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB mRNA expression.
      Moreover, histopathological analysis showed that EGCG also attenuated CM-induced
      kidney damage. Considering the potential clinical use of CM and the numerous
      health benefits of EGCG, this study showed the protective role of multi-dose EGCG
      treatment on CIN and GLY-aggravated CIN through different mechanisms.

PMID- 28100102
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of crotonoside.
AB  - 1. Crotonoside is a bioactive ingredient from Croton Herba with a strong
      antitumour activity. This study aimed to develop a highly sensitive and selective
      high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to quantify crotonoside in
      biological samples for pharmacokinetics and distribution studies. 2. Protein
      precipitation by perchloric acid was used to separate crotonoside from the
      biological samples, and the recovery rates for crotonoside and the internal
      standard (luteoloside) were  >80%. All calibration curves examining the
      crotonoside levels in plasma and tissues were linear (all correlation
      coefficients > 0.99). 3. The response to crotonoside appeared to be dose
      disproportional to the maximum plasma concentration and the area under the time
      concentration curve in plasma over the range of 12.5-50.0 mg/kg, and crotonoside
      was highly distributed in tissues after intravenous administration. The highest
      crotonoside level was detected in the liver (28.79 +/- 14.96 MUg/g), whereas
      crotonoside was undetected in the brain.

PMID- 28100103
TI  - Systematic Review of Genetic Risk Factors for Sustaining a Mild Traumatic Brain
      Injury.
AB  - This systematic review examined the association between genetics and risk for
      sustaining a traumatic brain injury. We retrieved articles published in English
      from 1980 to July 2016 obtained from the online databases PubMed, PsycINFO(r),
      MEDLINE(r), Embase, and Web of Science. In total 5903 articles were identified,
      77 underwent full-text screening, and 6 were included in this review. Five
      studies examined the risk of concussion associated with apolipoprotein E alleles
      (APOE-E2, E3,E4), and polymorphisms of the APOE promoter (rs405509), brain
      derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, rs6265), and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2,
      rs1800497) were each considered in two studies. Microtubule associated protein
      tau (TAU exon 6 polymorphisms His47Tyr [rs2258689] and Ser53Pro [rs10445337]),
      and neurofilament heavy (NEHF, rs165602) genotypic variants, were the focus of
      single studies. No study showed an increased risk associated solely with the
      presence of the APOE-E4 allele, nor were there any significant findings for the
      NEFH, TAU, or DRD2 genotypic variants. Two studies examined the APOE promoter 
      219G/T polymorphism in athletes, and both found an association with concussion.
      Both BDNF studies also found a significant association with concussion incidence;
      United States soldiers with the Met/Met genotype were more likely to report a
      history of concussion prior to deployment and to sustain a concussion during
      deployment. We conclude that the APOE promoter -219G/T polymorphism and the BDNF
      Met/Met genotype might confer risk for sustaining a TBI. Based on research to
      date, the APOE-E4 allele does not appear to influence risk. More research is
      needed to determine if these findings replicate.

PMID- 28100104
TI  - Theoretical predication of temperature effects on accommodative processes in
      simulated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis during hypothermia and hyperthermia.
AB  - Electrotonic potentials allow the accommodative processes to long-lasting
      subthreshold polarizing stimuli to be assessed. The present study investigates
      such potentials in previously simulated cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
      termed as ALS1, ALS2 and ALS3, respectively, when the temperature is changed
      during hypothermia ([Formula: see text]C) and hyperthermia ([Formula: see
      text]C). The ALS cases are modeled as three progressively severe uniform axonal
      dysfunctions along the human motor nerve fiber which is simulated by our
      temperature-dependent multi-layered numerical model. The results show that the
      polarizing electrotonic potentials in the ALS1 case are quite similar to those in
      the normal case during hypothermia. Their defining currents are caused by the
      activation of potassium fast (K[Formula: see text]) and slow (K[Formula: see
      text]) channels in the nodal and internodal axolemma beneath the myelin sheath.
      Except in the ALS3 case at 20[Formula: see text]C, where the accommodative
      processes are blocked by depolarizing stimuli, in the ALS2 and ALS3 cases during
      hypothermia these stimuli activate the classical "transient" Na[Formula: see
      text] channels in the nodal and internodal axolemma beneath the myelin sheath.
      And this leads to action potential generations during the early parts of
      electrotonic responses in all compartments along the fiber length. Only in the
      ALS3 case after the termination of long-lasting subthreshold hyperpolarizing
      stimuli, action potential generations are obtained in the late parts of
      electrotonic potentials along the fiber length. In comparison to the normal case,
      in the gradually severe ALS cases, the depolarizing electrotonic potentials
      gradually increase, while the hyperpolarizing electrotonic potentials gradually
      decrease during hyperthermia. However, the repetitive firings are not obtained in
      these polarizing electrotonic potentials. The results show that the accommodative
      processes to depolarizing stimuli in the ALS3 case are more likely to be blocked
      during hypothermia than hyperthermia. The results also show that the polarizing
      electrotonic potentials in the three simulated ALS cases are specific indicators
      for the motor nerve disease ALS during hypothermia and hyperthermia.

PMID- 28100105
TI  - Inventing a co-axial atomic resolution patch clamp to study a single resonating
      protein complex and ultra-low power communication deep inside a living neuron
      cell.
AB  - To read the signals of single molecules in vitro on a surface, or inside a living
      cell or organ, we introduce a coaxial atom tip (coat) and a coaxial atomic patch
      clamp (COAPAP). The metal-insulator-metal cavity of these probes extends to the
      atomic scale (0.1[Formula: see text]nm), it eliminates the cellular or
      environmental noise with a S/N ratio 105. Five ac signals are simultaneously
      applied during a measurement by COAT and COAPAP to shield a true signal under
      environmental noise in five unique ways. The electromagnetic drive in the
      triaxial atomic tips is specifically designed to sense anharmonic vibrational and
      transmission signals for any system between 0.1[Formula: see text]nm and
      50[Formula: see text]nm where the smallest nanopatch clamp cannot reach. COAT and
      COAPAP reliably pick up the atomic scale vibrations under the extreme noise of a
      living cell. Each protein's distinct electromagnetic, mechanical, electrical and
      ionic vibrational signature studied in vitro in a protected environment is found
      to match with the ones studied inside a live neuron. Thus, we could confirm that
      by using our probe blindly we could hold on to a single molecule or its complex
      in the invisible domain of a living cell. Our decade long investigations on
      perfecting the tools to measure bio-resonance of all forms and simultaneously in
      all frequency domains are summarized. It shows that the ratio of emission to
      absorption resonance frequencies of a biomaterial is around [Formula: see text],
      only a few in the entire em spectrum are active that regulates all other
      resonances, like mechanical, ionic, etc.

PMID- 28100107
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28100106
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus in the light of the regulatory effects of galectin-1
      on T-cell function.
AB  - Galectin-1 is an endogenous immunoregulatory lectin-type protein. Its most
      important effects are the inhibition of the differentiation and cytokine
      production of Th1 and Th17 cells, and the induction of apoptosis of activated T
      cells. Galectin-1 has been identified as a key molecule in antitumor immune
      surveillance, and data are accumulating about the pathogenic role of its
      deficiency, and the beneficial effects of its administration in various
      autoimmune disease models. Initial animal and human studies strongly suggest
      deficiencies in both galectin-1 production and responsiveness in systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE) T-cells. Since lupus features widespread abnormalities in T
      cell activation, differentiation and viability, in this review the authors wished
      to highlight potential points in T-cell signalling processes that may be
      influenced by galectin-1. These points include GM-1 ganglioside-mediated lipid
      raft aggregation, early activation signalling steps involving p56Lck, the
      exchange of the CD3 zeta-ZAP-70 to the FcRgamma-Syk pathway, defective mitogen
      activated protein kinase pathway activation, impaired regulatory T-cell function,
      the failure to suppress the activity of interleukin 17 (IL-17) producing T-cells,
      and decreased suppression of the PI3K-mTOR pathway by phosphatase and tensin
      homolog (PTEN). These findings place galectin-1 into the group of potential
      pathogenic molecules in SLE.

PMID- 28100108
TI  - The common-sense model of self-regulation and its role in predicting and
      facilitating health outcomes.

PMID- 28100110
TI  - Mortality in Patients With Septic Shock by Multidrug Resistant Bacteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with septic shock by multidrug resistant (MDR) microorganism
      maybe considered a specific population of critical patients at very high risk of
      death in whom the effects of standard sepsis treatment has never been assessed.
      The objective of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the risk factors for
      30-day mortality and the impact of sepsis management in patients with septic
      shock caused by MDR bacteria. METHODS: Patients with septic shock by MDR bacteria
      admitted to the mixed intensive care unit (ICU) of Modena University Hospital
      during a 6-year period were studied. The clinical and microbiological
      characteristics and sepsis treatments provided were analyzed and compared between
      survivors (S) and nonsurvivors (NS) at 30 days after septic shock appearance.
      RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were studied. All therapeutic interventions applied
      to patients during their ICU stay did not show statistical significance between S
      and NS groups, except for administration of immunoglobulin M (IgM) preparation
      which were provided more frequently in S group ( P < .05). At the multivariate
      adjusted analysis, preexisting cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 2.965) and Acinetobacter
      baumannii infections (OR = 3.197) were independently correlated with an increased
      risk of 30-day mortality, whereas treatment with IgM preparation was protective
      (OR = 0.283). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study showed that in patients with
      septic shock caused by MDR bacteria, history of cancer and infection sustained by
      A baumannii increase the risk of mortality and that standard sepsis treatments do
      not seem to provide any protective effect. Adjunctive therapy with IgM
      preparation seems to be beneficial, but further appropriate studies are needed to
      confirm the results observed.

PMID- 28100109
TI  - Stem Cell Trafficking During Endometriosis: May Epigenetics Play a Pivotal Role?

PMID- 28100111
TI  - Noteworthy Literature Published in 2016 for Abdominal Organ Transplantation
      Anesthesiologists.
AB  - More than 3000 peer-reviewed publications on the topic of liver transplantation
      were published in 2016. The goal of this article is to provide a concise review
      of pertinent literature for anesthesiologists who participate in liver
      transplantation. The authors selected and presented 33 articles published in 2016
      on the topics of MELD policy; cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal issues;
      coagulation and transfusion; anesthetic agents; hemodynamic monitors; acute liver
      failure; and donor issues.

PMID- 28100112
TI  - Abortion attitudes among South Africans: findings from the 2013 social attitudes
      survey.
AB  - Abortion is legal in South Africa, but over half of abortions remain unsafe
      there. Evidence suggests women who are (Black) African, of lower socioeconomic
      status, living with HIV, or residents of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, or Limpopo
      provinces are disproportionately vulnerable to morbidity or mortality from unsafe
      abortion. Negative attitudes toward abortion have been documented in purposively
      sampled studies, yet it remains unclear what attitudes exist nationally or
      whether they differ across sociodemographic groups, with implications for
      inequities in service accessibility and health. In the current study, we analysed
      nationally representative data from 2013 to estimate the prevalence of negative
      abortion attitudes in South Africa and to identify racial, socioeconomic and
      geographic differences. More respondents felt abortion was 'always wrong' in the
      case of family poverty (75.4%) as compared to foetal anomaly (55%), and over half
      of respondents felt abortion was 'always wrong' in both cases (52.5%). Using
      binary logistic regression models, we found significantly higher odds of negative
      abortion attitudes among non-Xhosa African and Coloured respondents (compared to
      Xhosa respondents), those with primary education or less, and residents of
      Gauteng and Limpopo (compared to Western Cape). We contextualise and discuss
      these findings using a human rights-based approach to health.

PMID- 28100113
TI  - Characterization and production of multifunctional cationic peptides derived from
      rice proteins.
AB  - Food proteins have been identified as a source of bioactive peptides. These
      peptides are inactive within the sequence of the parent protein and must be
      released during gastrointestinal digestion, fermentation, or food processing. Of
      bioactive peptides, multifunctional cationic peptides are more useful than other
      peptides that have specific activity in promotion of health and/or the treatment
      of diseases. We have identified and characterized cationic peptides from rice
      enzymes and proteins that possess multiple functions, including antimicrobial,
      endotoxin-neutralizing, arginine gingipain-inhibitory, and/or angiogenic
      activities. In particular, we have elucidated the contribution of cationic amino
      acids (arginine and lysine) in the peptides to their bioactivities. Further, we
      have discussed the critical parameters, particularly proteinase preparations and
      fractionation or purification, in the enzymatic hydrolysis process for producing
      bioactive peptides from food proteins. Using an ampholyte-free isoelectric
      focusing (autofocusing) technique as a tool for fractionation, we successfully
      prepared fractions containing cationic peptides with multiple functions.

PMID- 28100114
TI  - Borderline personality disorder and the ethics of risk management: The
      action/consequence model.
AB  - Patients with borderline personality disorder are frequent users of inpatient
      mental health units, with inpatient crisis intervention often used based on the
      risk of suicide. However, this can present an ethical dilemma for nursing and
      medical staff, with these clinician responses shifting between the moral
      principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, dependent on the outcomes of the
      actions of containing or tolerating risk. This article examines the use of crisis
      intervention through moral duties, intentions and consequences, culminating in an
      action/consequence model of risk management, used to explore potential outcomes.
      This model may be useful in measuring adherence and violation of the principles
      of beneficence and non-maleficence and therefore an aid to clinical decision
      making.

PMID- 28100115
TI  - Paternal Age Is Not Associated With Pregnancy Outcomes After Single Thawed
      Euploid Blastocyst Transfer.
AB  - Although controversial, increasing paternal age has been shown to negatively
      affect assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes and success rates. Most
      studies investigating the effect of paternal age on ART outcomes use a donor
      oocyte model to minimize maternal aneuploidy contribution. This study sought to
      determine whether increasing paternal age is associated with adverse in vitro
      fertilization (IVF) outcomes when aneuploidy is minimized using preimplantation
      genetic screening. There were 573 single thawed euploid embryo transfers from 473
      patients undergoing oocyte donor and autologous IVF cycles. Cycles were
      categorized according to paternal age at oocyte retrieval, and an age adjustment
      was performed for maternal age in order to evaluate for an isolated paternal age
      effect. Fertilization rate was found to decrease significantly with increasing
      paternal age ( P = .04). After controlling for oocyte age, there was no
      significant difference in pregnancy outcomes across all paternal age categories
      after euploid embryo transfer, including implantation rate ( P = .23), clinical
      pregnancy rate ( P = .51), and spontaneous abortion rate ( P = .55). Therefore,
      if a couple is able to produce and transfer a single thawed euploid embryo, no
      difference in IVF pregnancy outcomes is identified with increasing paternal age.

PMID- 28100116
TI  - Physician opinions concerning legal abortion in Bogota, Colombia.
AB  - Since the decriminalisation of abortion in 2006, women in Colombia have continued
      to seek clandestine abortions, endangering their health and contributing to
      maternal mortality and morbidity. The goal of this study was to explore
      physicians' opinions towards and knowledge about legal abortion in Bogota,
      Colombia, and key barriers to the legal abortion access. We conducted 13 key
      informant interviews followed by a survey with a probability sample of 49 doctors
      working in public hospitals in Bogota. Interview and survey data showed lack of
      technical experience in the provision of abortion and nuanced opinions towards
      its practice. Key informants described ignorance and lack of abortion training in
      medical schools as key barriers to provision. In the survey, 16/49 respondents
      had performed an abortion, 24/49 had referred a woman for an abortion and only
      33/49 showed correct knowledge of the law.

PMID- 28100117
TI  - Evaluating the usability of a commercial cooling vest in the Hong Kong
      industries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The provision of appropriate personal cooling vests is recognized as
      an effective measure to combat heat stress. However, personal cooling vests are
      not widely implemented in the Hong Kong industries. The current study aims to
      evaluate the usability of a hybrid cooling vest that is associated with the
      success of its application in industrial settings. METHODS: A self-administrated
      questionnaire focusing on 10 subjective attributes of cooling effect, ergonomic
      design and usability of a hybrid cooling vest was administered with 232
      occupational workers in the construction, horticultural and cleaning, airport
      apron services and kitchen and catering industries. RESULTS: A structural
      equation model estimated by analysis of moment structures was constructed to
      evaluate the usability of the cooling vest, as influenced by cooling effect and
      ergonomic design. Results showed that cooling effect (path coefficient = 0.69, p
      < 0.001) and ergonomic design (path coefficient = 0.55, p < 0.001) significantly
      affect the usability of the cooling vest. CONCLUSIONS: The structural equation
      model is feasible to examine the complex nature of the structural relationships
      among the subjective perceptions of personal cooling vests. The empirical
      findings furnish sound evidence for further optimization of the hybrid cooling
      vest in terms of cooling effect and ergonomic design for occupational workers.

PMID- 28100118
TI  - Assessing Sexual Interest in Children Using the Go/No-Go Association Test.
AB  - The present study investigated whether a latency-based Go/No-Go Association Task
      (GNAT) could be used as an indirect measure of sexual interest in children. A
      sample of 29 individuals with a history of exclusive extrafamilial offenses
      against a child and 15 individuals with either a history of exclusive
      intrafamilial or mixed offenses (i.e., against both adults and children) were
      recruited from a treatment center in the United States. Also, a sample of 26
      nonoffenders was recruited from a university in the United Kingdom. All
      participants completed the Sexual Fantasy-GNAT, a Control-GNAT, and two self
      report measures of sexual fantasy. It was hypothesized that, relative to the two
      comparison groups, the extrafamilial group would respond faster on the block that
      paired "sexual fantasy" and "children." Also, GNAT scores were expected to
      correlate with child-related sexual fantasies. Support was found for both
      hypotheses. Response-latency indices were also found to effectively distinguish
      the extrafamilial group, as well as those who self-reported using child-related
      sexual fantasies. The implications of these findings, along with the study's
      limitations and suggestions for future research, are discussed.

PMID- 28100119
TI  - Distribution of saccharides and salts on amphoteric ion-exchange resin.
AB  - An amphoteric ion-exchange resin hardly shrank in 550 and 300 g/L glucose and
      sodium chloride solutions, respectively; however, the bed packed with a cation
      exchange resin shrank considerably. From the distribution coefficients of some
      saccharides, the swelling pressure of the amphoteric ion-exchange resin was
      estimated to be 2.0 MPa at 25  degrees C. The distribution coefficients of
      glucose, galactose, fructose, and mannose were independent of their concentration
      and were about 0.621. On the other hand, the apparent distribution coefficients
      of NaF, NaCl, NaBr, NaI, LiCl, KCl, and CsCl largely depended on concentration. A
      model for the distribution of salts on the amphoteric resin was proposed,
      assuming an interaction between the anion of the salt and the positively charged
      fixed ions with binding constant B. The B values of the chloride salts were
      nearly the same (1.69-2.94 L/mol), while the values of the sodium salts were
      largely different depending on the anion.

PMID- 28100120
TI  - Hybrid Stage I Procedure as Initial Palliation for Neonate With Hypoplastic Left
      Heart Syndrome and Right Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.
AB  - During the past decade, a hybrid procedure has emerged and dramatically evolved
      as an alternative stage I palliation to the conventional Norwood procedure in
      neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The hybrid approach avoids
      the need for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) utilizing stenting of the arterial duct
      and bilateral pulmonary artery banding. Cerebral and coronary perfusion pressure
      is maintained, and the pulmonary vasculature is protected from higher systemic
      pressure. Elimination of risks associated with CPB gains vital time to stabilize
      the patient and correct coexisting noncardiac anomalies and allows growth in
      preparation for the later stages of the Fontan pathway. The association of HLHS
      with right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is rare. We report performing a
      successful hybrid stage I palliation on a neonate with HLHS and severe right CDH.

PMID- 28100121
TI  - Effects of bovine pregnancy on the fatty acid composition of milk: the
      significance for humans needs.
AB  - Milk from 40 Holstein dairy cows was collected from two different farms in
      Galicia (Spain). The differences in the fatty acid composition of two groups of
      cows, 20 pregnant and 20 non-pregnant, was studied to determine whether pregnancy
      status is a determinant factor that can alter the fatty acid profile of milk. Gas
      chromatography (GC) coupled to flame ionisation detection (FID) was used for the
      determination of the fatty acids. Differences in the milk fatty acids between
      pregnant and non-pregnant cows were pronounced showing statistically significant
      differences for some fatty acids and the total saturated and monounsaturated
      fatty acids. Milk from non-pregnant cows was lower in saturated fatty acids and
      higher in monounsaturated fatty acids (unlike milk from pregnant cows). The
      effects of the consumption of bovine milk, particularly milk fat, on human health
      have been studied in depth and sometimes are associated with negative effects,
      but milk has also several beneficial characteristics linked to some fatty acids.

PMID- 28100122
TI  - Using the self-determination theory to understand Chinese adolescent leisure-time
      physical activity.
AB  - PURPOSES: This study applies the self-determination theory (SDT) to test the
      hypothesized relationships among perceived autonomy support from parents,
      physical education (PE) teachers, and peers, the fulfilment of psychological
      needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), autonomous motivation, and
      leisure-time physical activity of Chinese adolescents. METHOD: There are 255
      grade six to eight student participants from four middle schools around Shanghai,
      China included in this study. An accelerometer was used to measure the moderate
      to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The participants completed the
      questionnaires regarding SDT variables. The structural equation modelling was
      applied to examine the hypothesized relationships among the study variables.
      RESULTS: The model of hypothesized relationships demonstrated a good fit with the
      data [X2 = 20.84, df = 9, P = .01; CFI = 0.98; IFI = 0.98; SRMR = 0.04; RMSEA =
      0.05]. The findings revealed that autonomy support from parents, PE teachers, and
      peers foster social conditions in which the three basic psychological needs can
      be met. In turn, autonomy, competence, and relatedness are positively associated
      with autonomous motivation for MVPA. The autonomous motivation positively relates
      to the MVPA time of adolescents. The three psychological needs partially mediate
      the influence of autonomy support from parents (beta = 0.18, P < .01; Bootstrap
      95% CI = 0.06-0.33) and teachers (beta = 0.17, P < .01; Bootstrap 95% CI = 0.03
      0.26) in the autonomous motivation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these findings
      support the applicability of SDT in understanding and promoting physical activity
      of Chinese adolescents.

PMID- 28100123
TI  - Relay exchanges in elite short track speed skating.
AB  - In short track speed skating, the relay exchange provides an additional strategic
      component to races by allowing a team to change the skater involved in the pack
      race. Typically executed every 11/2 laps, it is the belief of skaters and coaches
      that during this period of the race, time can be gained or lost due to the
      execution of the relay exchange. As such, the aim of this study was to examine
      the influence of the relay exchange on a team's progression through a 5000 m
      relay race. Using data collected from three World Cup relay events during the
      2012-2013 season, the time taken to complete the straight for the scenarios with
      and without the relay exchange were compared at different skating speeds for the
      corner exit prior to the straight. Overall, the influence of the relay exchange
      was found to be dependent on this corner exit speed. At slower corner exit speeds
      (12.01-13.5 m/s), relay exchange straight times were significantly faster than
      the free skating scenario (P < 0.01). While at faster corner exit speeds (14.01
      15 m/s), straight times were significantly slower (P < 0.001). The findings of
      this study suggest that the current norm of executing relay exchanges every 11/2
      laps may not be optimal. Instead, varying the frequency of relay exchange
      execution throughout the race could allow: (1) time to be gained relative to
      other teams; and (2) facilitate other race strategies by providing an improved
      opportunity to overtake.

PMID- 28100124
TI  - Compelling overuse injury incidence in youth multisport athletes.
AB  - The present investigation was carried out to examine the incidence and pattern of
      injuries in adolescent multisport athletes from youth sports academy. Injury data
      were prospectively collected from 166 athletes during the seasons from 2009 to
      2014. A total of 643 injuries were identified, 559 (87.0%) were time-loss
      injuries. The overall injury incidence was 5.5 (95% confidence interval CI: 5.1
      6.0), the incidence of time-loss injuries was 4.8 (95% CI: 4.4-5.2), the
      incidence of growth conditions was 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0-1.4) and incidence of serious
      injuries was 0.6 (95% CI: 0.5-0.8) per 1000 h of exposure. The prevalence of
      overuse injuries was 50.3%. Growth conditions represented 20.0%. Most of the
      injuries (67.0%) involved the lower extremities, and both foot and ankle were the
      most predominant injured body parts (22.0%). Knee injuries were mostly from
      overuse (50 vs. 23, p = .02), whereas foot and ankle injuries resulted from an
      acute mechanism (94 vs. 31, p < .0001). Minor and moderate injuries accounted for
      87.0%. Muscle, tendon and osteochondrosis injuries accounted for 52.0% of all
      injuries. Comparing groups, squash sport was having the highest injury incidence
      (8.5 injuries per athlete). Higher exposure was associated with greater overuse
      relative risk (RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.014, p < .001). In conclusion, the
      results of this study identified a high incidence of injuries in this youth
      sports population. Striking was the prevalence of overuse injuries of 50%, which
      suggests the need for injury prevention protocols for adolescent highly trained
      athletes.

PMID- 28100125
TI  - Sulphur dioxide in meat products: 3-year control results of an accredited Italian
      laboratory.
AB  - Sulphiting agents are well-known food preservatives. The European legislation
      does not allow their addition in fresh meat preparations. Therefore this type of
      food products has often been verified. To high sulphite levels in food is a
      health safety risk, due to toxic effects that these compounds may exercise on
      humans. In this study the control activity as performed by an Italian accredited
      laboratory from 2013 to 2015, relating to determination of sulphites in meat
      products, is described. Six hundred and sixty-nine meat product samples were
      analysed. Both applied techniques, a screening method (malachite green test) and
      a confirmatory method (ion chromatography), were accredited. Forty-three samples
      resulted positive at screening test and nineteen of these samples showed high
      sulphite concentrations, in the range 67.6-1437 mg kg-1. The non-negligible
      percentage of positives (6.4%) and the high concentrations verified confirmed
      that the control of sulphuring treatment of fresh meat preparations is an
      important task for organisations in charge of food inspections and control.

PMID- 28100126
TI  - Everolimus-Eluting Stent for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia and
      Infrapopliteal Arterial Occlusive Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critical limb ischemia (CLI), despite revascularization, may result
      in minor or major amputations with devastating psychological effects and a
      negative impact on patient survival. Randomized clinical trials demonstrated that
      drug-eluting stents improve 1-year primary patency and decrease target lesion
      revascularization, compared to standard angioplasty and bare-metal stents, in
      patients with short occlusive below-the-knee lesions. OBJECTIVES: This
      prospective clinical study was designed to evaluate if one straight-line flow
      revascularization to the foot, using Xience-Prime Everolimus-Eluting Stent (EES),
      is an effective treatment of patients in Rutherford-Becker category 4 to 5 with
      distal popliteal and proximal tibial arteries long occlusive lesions up to 10 cm.
      METHODS: All patients with angiographic documented segment P3 of popliteal artery
      and proximal tibial arteries stenosis >70%, and lesion length between 20 mm and
      100 mm, meeting the inclusion criteria, were included in the Etna Registry. The
      end points assessed were 1- and 3-year primary patency, major amputation-free
      survival, target lesion revascularization, and wound healing rates. RESULTS:
      Between June 2011 and April 2014, 122 patients were included in the study, with
      mean lesion length of 52.7 mm (range: 20-100 mm). The 1- and 3-year primary
      patency rates were 88.9% and 80.1%, respectively. The survival, major amputation
      free survival, and target lesion revascularization rates were 88.1%, 93%, and
      91.5% at 1-year and 70.4%, 89.3%, and 85.1% at 3-year follow-up, respectively.
      Primary patency influenced major amputation rate, which was 60% in patients with
      no target artery patency versus 5.4% in patients with patency ( P = .022). At 1
      year follow-up, 78 (88.6%) of 88 patients improved 1 or more of their Rutherford
      Becker category, and 48 (80%) of 69 patients had wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of our study suggest that a conservative approach, with EES, seems
      feasible in selected patients with CLI and infrapopliteal artery occlusive
      disease.

PMID- 28100127
TI  - Response to "Management of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: A Critical Review and
      Treatment Algorithm".

PMID- 28100128
TI  - Multidisciplinary sleep clinic: A patient-centered approach.

PMID- 28100129
TI  - Red spots.

PMID- 28100130
TI  - Influence of cold-water immersion on limb blood flow after resistance exercise.
AB  - This study determined the influence of cold (8 degrees C) and cool (22 degrees C)
      water immersion on lower limb and cutaneous blood flow following resistance
      exercise. Twelve males completed 4 sets of 10-repetition maximum squat exercise
      and were then immersed, semi-reclined, into 8 degrees C or 22 degrees C water for
      10-min, or rested in a seated position (control) in a randomized order on
      different days. Rectal and thigh skin temperature, muscle temperature, thigh and
      calf skin blood flow and superficial femoral artery blood flow were measured
      before and after immersion. Indices of vascular conductance were calculated (flux
      and blood flow/mean arterial pressure). The colder water reduced thigh skin
      temperature and deep muscle temperature to the greatest extent (P < .001).
      Reductions in rectal temperature were similar (0.2-0.4 degrees C) in all three
      trials (P = .69). Femoral artery conductance was similar after immersion in both
      cooling conditions, with both conditions significantly lower (55%) than the
      control post-immersion (P < .01). Similarly, there was greater thigh and calf
      cutaneous vasoconstriction (40-50%) after immersion in both cooling conditions,
      relative to the control (P < .01), with no difference between cooling conditions.
      These findings suggest that cold and cool water similarly reduce femoral artery
      and cutaneous blood flow responses but not muscle temperature following
      resistance exercise.

PMID- 28100131
TI  - Influence of activated sewage sludge amendment on PAH removal efficiency from a
      naturally contaminated soil: application of the landfarming treatment.
AB  - The removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from a naturally co
      contaminated soil by PAHs and heavy metals with an initial concentration of 620
      mg of total PAHs kg-1 dry soil was investigated. The efficiency of landfarming in
      removing phenanthrene, pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene and the group of total 16 US EPA
      PAHs was evaluated. The process was biostimulated by adding centrifuged activated
      sewage sludge (SS) as an organic amendment. The tested ratios of contaminated
      soil to SS were 1:2, 1:1, 1:0.5 and 1:0 as wet weight basis. The process
      performance was monitored through chemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological
      analyses during 105 days of incubation. The results of analyses demonstrated that
      the treatment without centrifuged SS achieved a significantly higher total 16 US
      EPA PAH removal efficiency (i.e. 32%) compared to treatments with amendment. In
      the same treatment, the removal efficiency of the PAH bioavailable fraction was
      100% for phenanthrene, benzo(a)pyrene and the group of total 16 US EPA PAHs,
      whereas 76% for pyrene. Ecotoxicity test performed with bioluminescent bacteria
      Vibrio fischeri confirmed the effectiveness of landfarming. Finally, the results
      showed that indigenous microorganisms under certain and controlled operating
      conditions have greater potential for PAH biodegradation compared to
      allochthonous microorganisms.

PMID- 28100132
TI  - The Dogma of occlusal paradigms: What do we really have figured out?

PMID- 28100133
TI  - Development of the clinically adaptive multidimensional outcome survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) has been strongly endorsed by
      psychotherapy researchers, but has yet to achieve widespread implementation in
      clinical settings. This article describes the development of the Clinically
      Adaptive Multidimensional Outcome Survey (CAMOS), an innovative ROM system that
      allows for local adaptation while providing high quality data. METHOD: Three
      hundred and four clients at a university counseling center and 211 female
      patients at an eating disorder treatment facility were administered the CAMOS at
      intake, and 118 took the CAMOS at both intake and discharge. Two models were
      developed and compared. Both models were developed using exploratory and
      confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: A five-factor model was found to have the
      best model fit, internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant
      validity. CONCLUSIONS: The CAMOS has evidence to support its reliability and
      validity as a measure of various dimensions of distress. Distinctive tailoring
      features of the CAMOS compared to other ROM measures are described.

PMID- 28100134
TI  - AVA/SVG Meeting Peebles, Scotland 8-10 April 2016.

PMID- 28100135
TI  - Whitman Richards (1932-2016).

PMID- 28100136
TI  - Barriers to access and uptake of antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive men
      who have sex with men in Hanoi, Vietnam: from HIV testing to treatment.
AB  - Little is known about the experiences of Vietnamese men who have sex with men in
      accessing HIV testing and treatment. We aimed to explore barriers to access and
      uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV-positive men who have sex with
      men in Hanoi. During 2015, we conducted qualitative interviews with 35
      participants recruited using snowball sampling based on previous research and
      social networks. Key individual impediments to ART uptake included inadequate
      preparation for a positive diagnosis and the dual stigmatisation of homosexuality
      and HIV and its consequences, leading to fear of disclosure of HIV status. Health
      system barriers included lack of clarity and consistency about how to register
      for and access ART, failure to protect patient confidentiality and a reticence by
      providers to discuss sexual identity and same-sex issues. Results suggest
      fundamental problems in the way HIV testing is currently delivered in Hanoi,
      including a lack of client-centred counselling, peer support and clear referral
      pathways. Overcoming these barriers will require educating men who have sex with
      men about the benefits of routine testing, improving access to quality diagnostic
      services and building a safe, confidential treatment environment for HIV-positive
      men to access, receive and remain in care.

PMID- 28100137
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 28100138
TI  - Perceptions of Interdisciplinary Communication Among Correctional Health Care
      Providers.
AB  - Collaborative practice is a health care standard that improves patient outcomes
      through maximizing the use of resources and mutual work of all health care
      providers. Since collaborative practice depends on interdisciplinary
      communication, effective communication training for health care participants is
      imperative for success. This article presents the results of research that
      studied perceptions of interdisciplinary communication and collaborative practice
      among 24 health care personnel in three correctional facilities in Orange County,
      California. The research explored different approaches in terms of team
      structure, mutual support, situation monitoring, leadership, and communication
      practices. The study used questionnaires to examine the perceptions of teamwork
      and interdisciplinary communication and how they can be impacted by one
      educational session. The study results are discussed in terms of modern
      approaches to health care, including evidence-based practice, along with
      nationwide initiatives for improving the health of inmates with psychiatric
      issues.

PMID- 28100139
TI  - The Collision of Inmate and Patient.
AB  - Every year in France 100 inmates die in prison from illness, but their
      experiences with end of life (EOL) have not been investigated to date. The
      purpose of this article is to highlight the realities regarding inmates at the
      end of life, putting into perspective the viewpoints of the sick prisoners with
      those of the health and correctional professionals accompanying them. Based on
      qualitative research, the challenge is to identify potential barriers to
      palliative care for inmates in order to consider possible improvements. The study
      results reveal that EOL inmates were not fully considered as patients and did not
      benefit from a comprehensive palliative care approach. For most dying inmates,
      and according to many health professionals, compassionate release on medical
      grounds remains the best approach to deal with EOL issues.

PMID- 28100140
TI  - Human Rights and Dignity Behind Bars.
AB  - Death and dying in prisons constitute a topic of growing importance across the
      globe. Based on the contributions made in this special issue, we reflect on
      current debates and outline recommendations for dialogue and practice. Scientific
      dialogue across the Atlantic, and across the globe, provides insights into
      different national carceral systems and their ways of dealing with end of life
      behind bars. At the same time, the comparison also helps to identify basic needs
      and practices that can work in various settings. We identify several issues where
      further efforts need to be taken to deepen the dialogue. A common ground for all
      advancement of legislation and practice constitute the minimal level of rights to
      which every human being is entitled.

PMID- 28100141
TI  - Caring to Learn and Learning to Care.
AB  - The increasing numbers of aging and chronically ill prisoners incarcerated in
      Western nations is well-documented, as is the growing need for prison-based
      palliative and end-of-life care. Less often discussed is specifically how end-of
      life care can and should be provided, by whom, and with what resources. One
      strategy incorporates prisoner volunteers into end-of-life services within a peer
      care program. This article reports on one such program based on focused
      ethnographic study including in-depth interviews with inmate hospice volunteers,
      nursing staff, and corrections officers working in the hospice program. We
      describe how inmate volunteers learn hospice care through formal education and
      training, supervised practice, guidance from more experienced inmates, and
      support from correctional staff. We discuss how emergent values of mentorship and
      stewardship are seen by volunteers and staff as integral to prison hospice
      sustainability and discuss implications of this volunteer-centric model for
      response-ability for the end-of-life care of prisoners.

PMID- 28100142
TI  - Reduction in Jail Emergency Department Visits and Closure After Implementation of
      On-Site Urgent Care.
AB  - This descriptive study evaluates the impact of implementation of full service on
      site urgent care services at the Los Angeles County Jail (LACJ) by examining the
      number of patients seen at the referral hospital, Los Angeles County + University
      of Southern California Medical Center (LAC+USC), and the number of hours that the
      referral hospital was closed to transfers in the periods before and after the
      development of the LACJ Urgent Care. The appropriate utilization of public
      resources is a critical priority for an overburdened county medical health care
      system. Implementing on-site urgent care staffed by emergency physicians led to
      reductions in the average number of patients transferred to LAC+USC, the average
      number of monthly closure hours, and the average days per month when closure to
      transfer occurred, and a cost savings of some $2 million, primarily in personnel
      costs.

PMID- 28100144
TI  - Journal of Correctional Health Care.

PMID- 28100143
TI  - End of Life in High-Security Prisons in Switzerland.
AB  - Similar to other institutions, the Swiss prison system faces a growing number of
      elderly prisoners, trends toward securitization, and, in consequence, more
      prisoners who will spend the end-of-life (EOL) period of time in prison. By law,
      prisoners should have the same access to care as the rest of the population.
      However, custody makes meeting the demands of medical and palliative care
      difficult. This article focuses on the organizational challenges related to EOL
      care. Based on ethnographic and documentary research, it examines the
      institutional logic of the prison and the competing "new" logic emerging with EOL
      care. It illustrates the ambivalences within these logics and the blurred
      distinction between "care" and "custody" and evaluates how prison staff interpret
      this overlap and the effects in shaping everyday practices.

PMID- 28100145
TI  - Chronic Health Conditions Among Incoming Canadian Federally Sentenced Women.
AB  - Over a 13-month period, health data on all consecutive incoming Canadian
      federally sentenced women offenders were collected and analyzed ( N = 280). The
      most common health conditions cited were back pain, head injury, hepatitis C
      virus (HCV), and asthma. Rates of chronic health problems were generally similar
      to those of their male offender counterparts, with the notable exception of HCV,
      which was higher for women. Aboriginal women offenders had particularly high
      rates of HCV. The study provides valuable information on the self-reported
      physical health status of federally sentenced women offenders that can be used as
      a benchmark to examine health trends over time.

PMID- 28100146
TI  - Examining the Relationship Between Childhood Victimization, High-Risk Behaviors,
      and Health Among Criminal Justice-Involved Women.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop and test a conceptual model of the
      pathways through which childhood victimization influences adult health outcomes.
      Specifically, measures of high-risk behaviors, tobacco use, alcohol use, illegal
      substance use, and HIV risk behaviors were hypothesized to mediate the
      relationship between childhood victimization and adult physical health. The
      sample consisted of 406 women on probation and parole with a history of childhood
      victimization in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Structural equation modeling was
      used to examine the relationship between childhood victimization, high-risk
      behaviors, and physical health outcomes. The findings indicate partial mediation,
      with health risk behaviors accounting for 12.5% of the variance in the
      relationship between childhood victimization and health outcomes. Implications
      for policy and treatment practice in the health and criminal justice arena are
      discussed.

PMID- 28100147
TI  - Editor's Letter.

PMID- 28100148
TI  - Palliative Care in UK Prisons.
AB  - Despite falling crime rates in England and Wales over the past 20 years, the
      number of prisoners has doubled. People over the age of 50 constitute the fastest
      growing section of the prison population, and increasing numbers of older
      prisoners are dying in custody. This article discusses some of the issues raised
      by these changing demographics and draws on preliminary findings from a study
      underway in North West England. It describes the context behind the rise in the
      numbers of older prisoners; explores the particular needs of this growing
      population; and discusses some of the practical and emotional challenges for
      prison officers, health care staff, and fellow prisoners who are involved in
      caring for dying prisoners in a custodial environment.

PMID- 28100149
TI  - The Meaning of Ending Life in Prison.
AB  - There are many ways that life can end in prison. This article takes suicides,
      murder, and the whole life sentence as three forms of unnatural death that
      illustrate important features of the prison experience and that take on a special
      meaning in this environment. These forms of death in custody challenge the
      "legitimate penological purposes of imprisonment." Reflections on the importance
      of hope and dignity in prison are informed by this account.

PMID- 28100150
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels and risk assessment for food from service
      facilities in Korea.
AB  - In this study, levels of benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene,
      benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), dibenzo[a,h]anthracene,
      benzo[g,h,i]perylene and indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene in 412 food items collected from
      food service facilities in Korea were analysed. The concentrations of the eight
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) ranged 0.13-0.48 MUg/kg. The
      concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene in all food samples were <1 MUg/kg, which is the
      lowest maximum limit in foods regulated by European Union legislation. PAH
      contents were employed to conduct exposure and risk assessment. The chronic daily
      intake of PAHs from 412 food samples was 5.48 * 10-6-4.70 *x 10-4 ug
      TEQBaP/kg/day with margins of exposure of 1.04 * 109-1.16 * 1011.

PMID- 28100151
TI  - Renin inhibition by soyasaponin I: a potent native anti-hypertensive compound.
AB  - One way to control hypertension is inactivation of the Renin- Angiotensin-
      Aldosterone System (RAAS). Inhibition of renin as a rate-limiting step of this
      system is an effective way to stop up RAAS. It has been proved that soyasaponin
      I, an herbal compound obtained from soybeans, has anti-hypertensive effect via
      renin inhibition, so it has the potential of being an anti-hypertensive drug.
      Herein, some theoretical approaches such as Docking Simulation, Molecular
      Dynamics (MD) Simulation and MMPBSA analysis have been used to study how
      soyasaponin I inhibits renin at the structural level. The results of docking
      simulation and hydrogen bond pattern show that this ligand is able to bind to the
      active site of renin and a region near the active site. Results of MD simulation
      for renin - soyasaponin I complexes confirm that soyasaponin I binds to the
      active site of renin and has inhibition effect on it via competing with the
      substrate. Besides, according to MMPBSA analysis, the binding free energy for
      renin - soyasaponin I complex is -42.61 kcal/mol when it binds to the active
      site. Comparing to the peptide obtained from angiotensinogen, DeltaG = -74.96
      kcal/mol, it may inferred that although binding of soyasaponin I to the active
      site of renin does not have a complete competition with the substrate, it might
      attenuate the formation of renin - angiotensinogen complex and have partial non
      competitive effect. The results of this survey might be helpful to design partial
      non - competitive renin inhibitors with pharmaceutical capability.

PMID- 28100152
TI  - Rare Iatrogenic Cardiovascular Embolization Following Dialysis.
AB  - Intracardiac or intrapulmonary dislodgement of dialysis catheter or guidewire
      coating is extremely rare. When present, it can be potentially lethal as it may
      get complicated by arrhythmias, myocardial or pulmonary artery rupture, valvular
      perforation, pulmonary thromboembolism, infarction, and infective endocarditis.
      Percutaneous removal should be attempted as an initial measure and is usually
      effective in most of the cases. We report 2 such cases, where in first patient it
      was the hemodialysis catheter which broke, with a large part migrating into the
      heart, while in second patient, it was the hydrophilic coating of the guidewire
      that migrated into the pulmonary arteries. Percutaneous retrieval of these
      foreign bodies was done successfully in both the cases.

PMID- 28100153
TI  - Long-Term Survival After Coverage With Prevertebral Fascia for Abdominal Aortic
      Stump Closure.
AB  - Abdominal aortic graft-enteric fistula is an uncommon but grave complication.
      Acceptable early results of its management have been reported in recent years,
      but aortic stump disruption remains a dreaded problem in the remote period. This
      report describes a case of a 71-year-old male with graft-enteric fistula
      following after a distant abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The patient underwent
      1-stage operation with extra-anatomic bypass preceding the complete removal of
      the infected aortic graft and intestinal repair. For coverage of the aortic stump
      closure, the prevertebral fascia was harvested as a flap and was successfully
      used to buttress the closure. Additionally, omental wrap was secured around the
      stump and around the area after complete graft removal. Postoperative intravenous
      antibiotic with meropenem was administered for 8 weeks, followed by suppression
      with ongoing oral antibiotic with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 6 months.
      Although sigmoidectomy and the left ureteral reconstruction were required, the
      patient is doing well without recurrent infection and without stump disruption
      after 8 years of follow-up.

PMID- 28100154
TI  - One-Year Follow-Up After Hybrid Thoracoabdominal Aortic Repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Compared to open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair,
      hybrid repair is thought to be less invasive with better perioperative outcomes.
      Due to the extent of the operation and long recovery period, studying
      perioperative results may not be sufficient for evaluation of the true treatment
      effect. The aim of this study is to evaluate 1-year mortality and morbidity in
      patients with TAAA undergoing hybrid repair. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort
      study, all medical records of patients undergoing hybrid repair for TAAA at the
      Erasmus University Medical Center between January 2007 and January 2015 were
      studied. Primary outcome measures were 30-day and 1-year mortality. Secondary
      outcome measures included major in-hospital postoperative complications. RESULTS:
      A total of 15 patients were included. All-cause mortality was 33% (5 of the 15)
      at 30 days and 60% (9 of the 15) at 1 year. Aneurysm-related mortality was 33% (5
      of the 15) and 53% (8 of the 15) at 30-day and 1-year follow-up, respectively,
      with colon ischemia being the most common cause of death. Major complication rate
      was high: myocardial infarction in 2 (13%) cases, acute kidney failure in 5 (33%)
      cases, bowel ischemia in 3 (20%) cases, and spinal cord ischemia in 1 (7%) case.
      CONCLUSION: The presumed less invasive nature of hybrid TAAA repair does not seem
      to result in lower complication rates. The high mortality rate at 30 days
      continues to rise dramatically thereafter, suggesting that 1-year mortality is a
      more useful clinical parameter to use in preoperative decision-making for this
      kind of repair.

PMID- 28100155
TI  - Management of Type II Endoleak From Internal Iliac Artery Immediately After
      Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.
AB  - Inadvertent coverage of origin of internal iliac artery (IIA) during endovascular
      aneurysm repair may lead to type II endoleak. Except for open surgery, the
      endovascular solution is limited. We report a case with such complication that
      was successfully treated with coil embolization using retrograde extrastent
      approach. This is a new technique that has not been reported before, and as such,
      had been useful in the treatment of type II endoleak from IIA as an alternative
      to open ligation of IIA origin.

PMID- 28100156
TI  - Transcatheter Embolization of Type I Endoleaks Associated With Endovascular
      Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and outcome of transcatheter
      embolization using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) of type I endoleaks
      associated with endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. PATIENT POPULATION
      AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed to identify 8 consecutive
      patients who had undergone EVOH embolization for type I endoleaks between 2012
      and 2015. The primary approach used to access the endoleak was the perigraft
      technique, where the endoleak itself is catheterized at the anastomotic site.
      RESULTS: Six type Ia and 2 type Ib endoleaks were treated. In 2 patients, a
      direct transabdominal approach was used to access the endoleak because it was
      inaccessible via the perigraft approach. Coils were used in addition to EVOH in 5
      cases. Residual endoleak was noted in 1 case, whereas 2 patients developed a
      recurrent type I endoleak during follow-up. No EVOH complications were observed.
      The 5 remaining patients demonstrated freedom from endoleak and reintervention at
      a mean follow-up of 6.9 months. CONCLUSION: Type I endoleaks can be safely and
      effectively treated by embolotherapy with EVOH. Larger endoleaks resulting from
      grossly undersized endografts appear to be unsuitable for EVOH embolization.

PMID- 28100157
TI  - Characterization of Planned and Unplanned 30-Day Readmissions Following Vascular
      Surgical Procedures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thirty-day readmission is increasingly used as a quality of care
      indicator. Patients undergoing vascular surgery have historically been at high
      risk for readmission. We analyzed hospital readmission details to identify
      patients at high risk for readmission in order to better understand these
      readmissions and improve resource utilization in this patient population.
      METHODS: A retrospective review and analysis of our medical center's admission
      and discharge data were conducted from October 2012 to March 2015. All patients
      who were discharged from the vascular surgery service and subsequently readmitted
      as an inpatient within 30 days were included. RESULTS: We identified 649 vascular
      surgery discharges with 135 (21%) readmissions. Common comorbidities were
      diabetes (56%), coronary artery disease (40%), congestive heart failure (CHF;
      24%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19%). Index vascular operations
      included open lower extremity procedures (39%), diagnostic angiograms (35%),
      endovascular lower extremity procedures (16%), dialysis access procedures (7%),
      carotid/cerebrovascular procedures (7%), amputations (6%), and abdominal aortic
      procedures (5%). Average index length of stay (LOS) was 7.48 days (+/-6.73 days).
      Reasons for readmissions were for medical causes (43%), surgical complications
      (35.5%), and planned procedures (21.5%). Reasons for medical readmissions most
      commonly included malaise or failure to thrive (28%), unrelated infection (24%),
      and hypoxia/CHF complications (21%). Common surgical causes for readmission were
      surgical site infections (69%), graft failure (19%), and bleeding complications
      (8%). Of the planned readmissions, procedures were at the same site (79%), a
      different site (14%), and planned podiatry procedures (7%). Readmission LOS was
      on average 7.43 days (+/-7.22 days). CONCLUSION: Causes for readmission of
      vascular surgery patients are multifactorial. Infections, both related and
      unrelated to the surgical site, remain common reasons for readmission and
      represent an opportunity for improvement strategies. Improved understanding of
      readmissions following vascular surgery could help adjust policy benchmarks for
      targeted readmission rates and help reduce resource utilization.

PMID- 28100158
TI  - Double Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) With Intrahepatic Interruption, Hemiazygos Vein
      Continuation, and Intrahepatic Venous Shunt.
AB  - The duplication of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare congenital anomaly,
      which also has some variations regarding the complex embryological development of
      the IVC. In the typical form, infrarenal IVC segments are duplicated and the left
      IVC joins the left renal vein, which crosses anterior to the aorta in the normal
      fashion to join the right IVC. In variant forms, the interruption of the
      intrahepatic segment of the IVC, azygos or hemiazygos continuation, or
      retroaortic course of the renal vein may be seen. An intrahepatic venous shunt
      accompanying a double IVC variant is an extremely rare anomaly. We report a case
      of 40-year-old female patient with double IVC, hemiazygos continuation,
      intrahepatic IVC interruption, and a transhepatic venous shunt.

PMID- 28100159
TI  - Interventional Therapy for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis Is Safe and Effective
      in Preserving Allograft Function and Improving Hypertension.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous intervention (PI) for
      transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Doppler
      ultrasonography was used as the screening tool, and angiography was the
      diagnostic method for TRAS. The indications for PI were (1) a reduction in lumen
      diameter of >50% or (2) a mean pressure gradient of >15 mm Hg. Technical success
      was assessed immediately after the procedure. The short-term results of stenosis
      were evaluated by serum creatinine (Scr) levels and blood pressure (BP). The long
      term results were assessed by graft survival and renal function. RESULTS: From
      October 2009 to July 2015, a total of 660 patients had kidney transplantation and
      22 cases underwent PI. The technical success was 100%. The mean Scr level
      preintervention was 321.6 +/- 167.2 (range, 171.3-862.0) MUmol/L, and it
      decreased to 145.3 +/- 44.7 (range, 74.3-260.8) MUmol/L 1 month postintervention
      ( P < .001). Blood pressure was also improved at 1 month postintervention, as
      assessed by systolic (157.0 +/- 13.0 vs 131.0 +/- 11.0 mm Hg, P < .001),
      diastolic (95.0 +/- 5.0 vs 77.0 +/- 9.0 mm Hg, P < .001), and mean arterial
      pressure (116.0 +/- 7.0 vs 95.0 +/- 9.0 mm Hg, P < .001). The patency rate was
      100%, 91.7%, and 85.7% at 1, 3, and 12 months, respectively. The secondary
      patency rate was 100%. Graft survival was 100% during follow-up. There was no
      significant deterioration in graft function or BP ( P > .05) postintervention
      when compared to posttransplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous intervention for
      TRAS is safe and results in significant improvement both in allograft function
      and in BP.

PMID- 28100161
TI  - Retraction Notice - 3.

PMID- 28100160
TI  - Determining the potential benefits of yoga in chronic stroke care: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Survivors of stroke have long-term physical and psychological
      consequences that impact their quality of life. Few interventions are available
      in the community to address these problems. Yoga, a type of mindfulness-based
      intervention, is shown to be effective in people with other chronic illnesses and
      may have the potential to address many of the problems reported by survivors of
      stroke. OBJECTIVES: To date only narrative reviews have been published. We sought
      to perform, the first systematic review with meta-analyses of randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated yoga for its potential benefit for
      chronic survivors of stroke. METHODS: Ovid Medline, CINHAL plus, AMED, PubMed,
      PsychINFO, PeDro, Cochrane database, Sport Discuss, and Google Scholar were
      searched for papers published between January 1950 and August 2016. Reference
      lists of included papers, review articles and OpenGrey for Grey literature were
      also searched. We used a modified Cochrane tool to evaluate risk of bias. The
      methodological quality of RCTs was assessed using the GRADE approach, results
      were collated, and random effects meta-analyses performed where appropriate.
      RESULTS: The search yielded five eligible papers from four RCTs with small sample
      sizes (n = 17-47). Quality of RCTs was rated as low to moderate. Yoga is
      beneficial in reducing state anxiety symptoms and depression in the intervention
      group compared to the control group (mean differences for state anxiety 6.05, 95%
      CI:-0.02 to 12.12; p = 0.05 and standardized mean differences for depression:
      0.50, 95% CI:-0.01 to 1.02; p = 0.05). Consistent but nonsignificant improvements
      were demonstrated for balance, trait anxiety, and overall quality of life.
      CONCLUSIONS: Yoga may be effective for ameliorating some of the long-term
      consequences of stroke. Large well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm these
      findings.

PMID- 28100162
TI  - Retraction Notice - 2.

PMID- 28100163
TI  - A Vector-Based Short Hairpin RNA Targeting Aurora B Suppresses Human Prostatic
      Carcinoma Growth.
AB  - Aurora kinase B, playing a vital, important role in mitosis, is frequently
      detected to be overexpressed in many cancer cell lines and various tumor tissues,
      including prostatic carcinoma. Given the essential function of Aurora kinase B in
      mitosis and its association with tumorigenesis, it might be a drug target for
      prostatic carcinoma treatment. In our study, short hairpin RNA targeting Aurora
      kinase B was cloned into a pGPU6 plasmid vector and then transfected into human
      prostatic carcinoma cells. The expression level of Aurora kinase B was verified
      by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. At the same
      time, cell apoptosis was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H
      tetrazolium bromide, fluorescent staining, and flow cytometric analysis.
      Furthermore, prostate carcinoma cells were injected into mice to establish a
      tumor xenograft model. Previous studies have shown the effect of pGPU6-shAURKB
      plasmid on tumor growth in a prostate carcinoma xenogenic implantation model.
      From the study, we knew that the Aurora kinase B was significantly downregulated
      in prostate carcinoma cells, and cell apoptosis was also detected higher in
      treated groups than that in control groups. Moreover, in the prostate carcinoma
      xenogenic implantation model, compared with the control groups, the tumor growth
      was inhibited about 78.7% in the pGPU6-shAURKB plasmid-treated group, and cell
      apoptosis in the experimental group was notably higher than that in control
      groups. The average duration of tumor-bearing mice was prolonged to about 35
      days. The results of experiment indicated that specific knockdown of Aurora
      kinase B led to prostate carcinoma cells apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth.
      Our data clearly confirmed that specific knockdown of Aurora kinase B expression
      by vector-based short hairpin RNA/liposome may be a potential new approach to
      treat human prostatic carcinoma.

PMID- 28100164
TI  - Relation between arterial stiffness and aerobic capacity: Importance of proximal
      aortic stiffness.
AB  - Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has become a popular modality of
      arterial stiffness measurement. However, its projected arterial segment does not
      include the proximal aorta which plays important roles for attenuating cardiac
      pulsation and reducing afterload. We hypothesised that aerobic capacity would be
      more strongly associated with PWV including the proximal aorta than that omitting
      the proximal aorta. To test our hypothesis, we compared the association between
      aerobic capacity and arterial stiffness parameters omitting vs. including the
      proximal aorta (i.e. baPWV vs. heart-ankle PWV [haPWV]) in 82 apparently healthy
      men (18-64 years). Estimated VO2max significantly correlated with baPWV (r = 
      0.394, P < .001), and more strongly with haPWV (r = -0.546, P < .001). The
      forward stepwise multi-regression analysis revealed that haPWV (beta = -0.335),
      as well as age, heart rate, and body mass index (beta = -0.280 to -0.297), was a
      significant independent determinant explaining variance of estimated VO2max.
      These results suggest that aerobic capacity is influenced more strongly by the
      proximal aortic stiffness than distal aortic stiffness.

PMID- 28100165
TI  - Genomic predictions for economically important traits in Brazilian Braford and
      Hereford beef cattle using true and imputed genotypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genomic selection (GS) has played an important role in cattle
      breeding programs. However, genotyping prices are still a challenge for
      implementation of GS in beef cattle and there is still a lack of information
      about the use of low-density Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) chip panels
      for genomic predictions in breeds such as Brazilian Braford and Hereford.
      Therefore, this study investigated the effect of using imputed genotypes in the
      accuracy of genomic predictions for twenty economically important traits in
      Brazilian Braford and Hereford beef cattle. Various scenarios composed by
      different percentages of animals with imputed genotypes and different sizes of
      the training population were compared. De-regressed EBVs (estimated breeding
      values) were used as pseudo-phenotypes in a Genomic Best Linear Unbiased
      Prediction (GBLUP) model using two different mimicked panels derived from the 50
      K (8 K and 15 K SNP panels), which were subsequently imputed to the 50 K panel.
      In addition, genomic prediction accuracies generated from a 777 K SNP (imputed
      from the 50 K SNP) were presented as another alternate scenario. RESULTS: The
      accuracy of genomic breeding values averaged over the twenty traits ranged from
      0.38 to 0.40 across the different scenarios. The average losses in expected
      genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) accuracy (accuracy obtained from the
      inverse of the mixed model equations) relative to the true 50 K genotypes ranged
      from -0.0007 to -0.0012 and from -0.0002 to -0.0005 when using the 50 K imputed
      from the 8 K or 15 K, respectively. When using the imputed 777 K panel the
      average losses in expected GEBV accuracy was -0.0021. The average gain in
      expected EBVs accuracy by including genomic information when compared to simple
      BLUP was between 0.02 and 0.03 across scenarios and traits. CONCLUSIONS: The
      percentage of animals with imputed genotypes in the training population did not
      significantly influence the validation accuracy. However, the size of the
      training population played a major role in the accuracies of genomic predictions
      in this population. The losses in the expected accuracies of GEBV due to
      imputation of genotypes were lower when using the 50 K SNP chip panel imputed
      from the 15 K compared to the one imputed from the 8 K SNP chip panel.

PMID- 28100166
TI  - SMITE: an R/Bioconductor package that identifies network modules by integrating
      genomic and epigenomic information.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The molecular assays that test gene expression, transcriptional, and
      epigenetic regulation are increasingly diverse and numerous. The information
      generated by each type of assay individually gives an insight into the state of
      the cells tested. What should be possible is to add the information derived from
      separate, complementary assays to gain higher-confidence insights into cellular
      states. At present, the analysis of multi-dimensional, massive genome-wide data
      requires an initial pruning step to create manageable subsets of observations
      that are then used for integration, which decreases the sizes of the intersecting
      data sets and the potential for biological insights. Our Significance-based
      Modules Integrating the Transcriptome and Epigenome (SMITE) approach was
      developed to integrate transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory data without a
      loss of resolution. RESULTS: SMITE combines p-values by accounting for the
      correlation between non-independent values within data sets, allowing genes and
      gene modules in an interaction network to be assigned significance values. The
      contribution of each type of genomic data can be weighted, permitting integration
      of individually under-powered data sets, increasing the overall ability to detect
      effects within modules of genes. We apply SMITE to a complex genomic data set
      including the epigenomic and transcriptomic effects of Toxoplasma gondii
      infection on human host cells and demonstrate that SMITE is able to identify
      novel subnetworks of dysregulated genes. Additionally, we show that SMITE
      outperforms Functional Epigenetic Modules (FEM), the current paradigm of using
      the spin-glass algorithm to integrate gene expression and epigenetic data.
      CONCLUSIONS: SMITE represents a flexible, scalable tool that allows integration
      of transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory data from genome-wide assays to
      boost confidence in finding gene modules reflecting altered cellular states.

PMID- 28100167
TI  - Conserved gene expression in sperm reservoirs between birds and mammals in
      response to mating.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spermatozoa are stored in the oviductal functional sperm reservoir in
      animals with internal fertilization, including zoologically distant classes such
      as pigs or poultry. They are held fertile in the reservoir for times ranging from
      a couple of days (in pigs), to several weeks (in chickens), before they are
      gradually released to fertilize the newly ovulated eggs. It is currently unknown
      whether females from these species share conserved mechanisms to tolerate such a
      lengthy presence of immunologically-foreign spermatozoa. Therefore, global gene
      expression was assessed using cDNA microarrays on tissue collected from the avian
      utero-vaginal junction (UVJ), and the porcine utero-tubal junction (UTJ) to
      determine expression changes after mating (entire semen deposition) or in vivo
      cloacal/cervical infusion of sperm-free seminal fluid (SF)/seminal plasma (SP).
      RESULTS: In chickens, mating changed the expression of 303 genes and SF-infusion
      changed the expression of 931 genes, as compared to controls, with 68 genes being
      common to both treatments. In pigs, mating or SP-infusion changed the expressions
      of 1,722 and 1,148 genes, respectively, as compared to controls, while 592 genes
      were common to both treatments. The differentially expressed genes were
      significantly enriched for GO categories related to immune system functions
      (35.72-fold enrichment). The top 200 differentially expressed genes of each
      treatment in each animal class were analysed for gene ontology. In both pig and
      chicken, an excess of genes affecting local immune defence were activated, though
      frequently these were down-regulated. Similar genes were found in both the
      chicken and pig, either involved in pH-regulation (SLC16A2, SLC4A9, SLC13A1,
      SLC35F1, ATP8B3, ATP13A3) or immune-modulation (IFIT5, IFI16, MMP27, ADAMTS3,
      MMP3, MMP12). CONCLUSION: Despite being phylogenetically distant, chicken and pig
      appear to share some gene functions for the preservation of viable spermatozoa in
      the female reservoirs.

PMID- 28100168
TI  - Effects of Pleistocene sea-level fluctuations on mangrove population dynamics: a
      lesson from Sonneratia alba.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large-scale systematical investigation of the influence of
      Pleistocene climate oscillation on mangrove population dynamics could enrich our
      knowledge about the evolutionary history during times of historical climate
      change, which in turn may provide important information for their conservation.
      RESULTS: In this study, phylogeography of a mangrove tree Sonneratia alba was
      studied by sequencing three chloroplast fragments and seven nuclear genes. A low
      level of genetic diversity at the population level was detected across its range,
      especially at the range margins, which was mainly attributed to the steep sea
      level drop and associated climate fluctuations during the Pleistocene glacial
      periods. Extremely small effective population size (Ne) was inferred in
      populations from both eastern and western Malay Peninsula (44 and 396,
      respectively), mirroring the fragility of mangrove plants and their paucity of
      robustness against future climate perturbations and human activity. Two major
      genetic lineages of high divergence were identified in the two mangrove
      biodiversity centres: the Indo-Malesia and Australasia regions. The estimated
      splitting time between these two lineages was 3.153 million year ago (MYA),
      suggesting a role for pre-Pleistocene events in shaping the major diversity
      patterns of mangrove species. Within the Indo-Malesia region, a subdivision was
      implicated between the South China Sea (SCS) and the remaining area with a
      divergence time of 1.874 MYA, corresponding to glacial vicariance when the
      emerged Sunda Shelf halted genetic exchange between the western and eastern
      coasts of the Malay Peninsula during Pleistocene sea-level drops. Notably,
      genetic admixture was observed in populations at the boundary regions, especially
      in the two populations near the Malacca Strait, indicating secondary contact
      between divergent lineages during interglacial periods. These interregional
      genetic exchanges provided ample opportunity for the re-use of standing genetic
      variation, which could facilitate mangrove establishment and adaptation in new
      habitats, especially in the context of global climate changes. CONCLUSION:
      Phylogeogrpahic analysis in this study reveal that Pleistocene sea-level
      fluctuations had profound influence on population differentiation of the mangrove
      tree S. alba. Our study highlights the fragility of mangrove plants and offers a
      guide for the conservation of coastal mangrove communities experiencing ongoing
      changes in sea-level.

PMID- 28100169
TI  - Medium throughput bisulfite sequencing for accurate detection of 5-methylcytosine
      and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epigenetic modifications of DNA, such as 5-methylcytosine and 5
      hydroxymethycytosine, play important roles in development and disease. Here, we
      present a cost-effective and versatile methodology for the analysis of DNA
      methylation in targeted genomic regions, which comprises multiplexed, PCR-based
      preparation of bisulfite DNA libraries followed by customized MiSeq sequencing.
      RESULTS: Using bisulfite and oxidative bisulfite conversion of DNA, we have
      performed multiplexed targeted sequencing to analyse several kilobases of genomic
      DNA in up to 478 samples, and achieved high coverage data of 5-methylcytosine and
      5-hydroxymethycytosine at single-base resolution. Our results demonstrate the
      ability of this methodology to detect all levels of cytosine modifications at
      greater than 100* coverage in large sample sets at low cost compared to other
      targeted methods. CONCLUSIONS: This approach can be applied to multiple settings,
      from candidate gene to clinical studies, and is especially useful for validation
      of differentially methylated or hydroxymethylated regions following whole-genome
      analyses.

PMID- 28100170
TI  - Interaction between acyl-ghrelin and BMI predicts clinical outcomes in
      hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ghrelin, a gastric orexigenic peptide, and body mass index (BMI) are
      known as inversely associated to each other and are both linked to cardiovascular
      (CV) risk and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, it
      is unclear whether the interaction between ghrelin and BMI is associated with a
      risk of all-cause and CV death in this population. METHODS: A prospective
      observational study was performed on 261 MHD outpatients (39% women, mean age
      68.6 +/- 13.6 years) recruited from October 2010 through April 2012, and were
      followed until November 2014 (median follow-up-28 months, interquartile range-19
      34 months). We measured acyl-ghrelin (AG) levels, appetite, nutritional and
      inflammatory markers, prospective all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality.
      RESULTS: During follow-up, 109 patients died, 51 due to CV causes. A significant
      interaction effect of high BMI and high AG (defined as levels higher than median)
      on all-cause mortality was found. Crude Cox HR for the product termed BMI x AG
      was 0.52, with a 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29 to 0.95 (P = 0.03).
      Evaluating the interaction on an additive scale revealed that the combined
      predictive value of BMI and AG is larger than the sum of their individual
      predictive values (synergy index was 1.1). Across the four BMI-AG categories, the
      group with high BMI and high AG exhibited better all-cause and cardiovascular
      mortality irrespective of appetite and nutritional status (multivariable adjusted
      hazard ratios were 0.31, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.62, P = 0.001, and 0.35, 95% CI 0.13 to
      0.91, P = 0.03, respectively). Data analyses made by dividing patients according
      to fat mass-AG, but not to lean body mass-AG categories, provided similar
      results. CONCLUSIONS: Higher AG levels enhance the favourable association between
      high BMI and survival in MHD patients irrespective of appetite, nutritional
      status and inflammation.

PMID- 28100171
TI  - Genome-wide standing variation facilitates long-term response to bidirectional
      selection for antibody response in chickens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term selection experiments provide a powerful approach to gain
      empirical insights into adaptation, allowing researchers to uncover the targets
      of selection and infer their contributions to the mode and tempo of adaptation.
      Here we implement a pooled genome re-sequencing approach to investigate the
      consequences of 39 generations of bidirectional selection in White Leghorn
      chickens on a humoral immune trait: antibody response to sheep red blood cells.
      RESULTS: We observed wide genome involvement in response to this selection
      regime. Many genomic regions were highly differentiated resulting from this
      experimental selection regime, an involvement of up to 20% of the chicken genome
      (208.8 Mb). While genetic drift has certainly contributed to this, we implement
      gene ontology, association analysis and population simulations to increase our
      confidence in candidate selective sweeps. Three strong candidate genes, MHC,
      SEMA5A and TGFBR2, are also presented. CONCLUSIONS: The extensive genomic changes
      highlight the polygenic genetic architecture of antibody response in these
      chicken populations, which are derived from a common founder population,
      demonstrating the extent of standing immunogenetic variation available at the
      onset of selection.

PMID- 28100172
TI  - Integrated genomics-based mapping reveals the genetics underlying maize flavonoid
      biosynthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Flavonoids constitute a diverse class of secondary metabolites which
      exhibit potent bioactivities for human health and have been indicated to play an
      important role in plant development and defense. However, accumulation and
      variation of flavonoid content in diverse maize lines and the genes responsible
      for their biosynthesis in this important crop remain largely unknown. In this
      study, we combine genetic mapping, metabolite profiling and gene regulatory
      network analysis to further enhance understanding of the maize flavonoid pathway.
      RESULTS: We repeatedly detected 25 QTL corresponding to 23 distinct flavonoids
      across different environments or populations. In addition, a total of 39 genes
      were revealed both by an expression based network analysis and genetic mapping.
      Finally, the function of three candidate genes, including two UDP
      glycosyltransferases (UGT) and an oxygenase which belongs to the flavone synthase
      super family, was revealed via preliminary molecular functional characterization.
      CONCLUSION: We explored the genetic influences on the flavonoid biosynthesis
      based on integrating the genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic information
      which provided a rich source of potential candidate genes. The integrated
      genomics based genetic mapping strategy is highly efficient for defining the
      complexity of functional genetic variants and their respective regulatory
      networks as well as in helping to select candidate genes and allelic variance
      before embarking on laborious transgenic validations.

PMID- 28100173
TI  - Whole genome-wide transcript profiling to identify differentially expressed genes
      associated with seed field emergence in two soybean low phytate mutants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Seed germination is important to soybean (Glycine max) growth and
      development, ultimately affecting soybean yield. A lower seed field emergence has
      been the main hindrance for breeding soybeans low in phytate. Although this
      reduction could be overcome by additional breeding and selection, the mechanisms
      of seed germination in different low phytate mutants remain unknown. In this
      study, we performed a comparative transcript analysis of two low phytate soybean
      mutants (TW-1 and TW-1-M), which have the same mutation, a 2 bp deletion in
      GmMIPS1, but show a significant difference in seed field emergence, TW-1-M was
      higher than that of TW-1 . RESULTS: Numerous genes analyzed by RNA-Seq showed
      markedly different expression levels between TW-1-M and TW-1 mutants.
      Approximately 30,000-35,000 read-mapped genes and ~21000-25000 expressed genes
      were identified for each library. There were ~3900-9200 differentially expressed
      genes (DEGs) in each contrast library, the number of up-regulated genes was
      similar with down-regulated genes in the mutant TW-1and TW-1-M. Gene ontology
      functional categories of DEGs indicated that the ethylene-mediated signaling
      pathway, the abscisic acid-mediated signaling pathway, response to hormone,
      ethylene biosynthetic process, ethylene metabolic process, regulation of hormone
      levels, and oxidation-reduction process, regulation of flavonoid biosynthetic
      process and regulation of abscisic acid-activated signaling pathway had high
      correlations with seed germination. In total, 2457 DEGs involved in the above
      functional categories were identified. Twenty-two genes with 20 biological
      functions were the most highly up/down- regulated (absolute value Log2FC >5) in
      the high field emergence mutant TW-1-M and were related to metabolic or signaling
      pathways. Fifty-seven genes with 36 biological functions had the greatest
      expression abundance (FRPM >100) in germination-related pathways. CONCLUSIONS:
      Seed germination in the soybean low phytate mutants is a very complex process,
      which involves a series of physiological, morphological and transcriptional
      changes. Compared with TW-1, TW-1-M had a very different gene expression profile,
      which included genes related to plant hormones, antioxidation, anti-stress and
      energy metabolism processes. Our research provides a molecular basis for
      understanding germination mechanisms, and is also an important resource for the
      genetic analysis of germination in low phytate crops. Plant hormone- and
      antioxidation-related genes might strongly contribute to the high germination
      rate in the TW-1-M mutant.

PMID- 28100175
TI  - Do experiences with pregnancy, birth and postnatal care in Norway vary by the
      women's geographic origin? a comparison of cross-sectional survey results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A national survey was conducted to measure and benchmark women's
      experiences with pregnancy, birth and postnatal care in Norway. The purpose of
      this secondary analysis is to explore potential variation in these experiences
      with regard to the survey respondents' geographic origin. METHODS: Data were
      collected in a national observational cross-sectional study, by a self
      administered questionnaire and from registries. The questionnaire collects
      patient reported experience measures (PREMS) of mainly nontechnical aspects of
      the health-care services. While taking the clustered characteristics of the
      respondents into consideration, we compared the mean scores on 16 indexes between
      women of four different geographic origins using linear regression models.
      RESULTS: The origin of the 4904 respondents were classified as Norway (n = 4028,
      82%), Western Europe, North-America, Oceania (n = 233, 5%), Eastern Europe (n =
      290, 6%), and Asia, Turkey, Africa, and South-America) (n = 353, 7%). The
      observed differences were moderate, and no consistency was present in the results
      in respect of direction or magnitude of the differences between the groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: With some important cautions, we conclude that this study did not
      detect systematic differences between groups of different geographic origin, in
      their experiences with pregnancy and maternity care in Norway.

PMID- 28100176
TI  - Effect of training and structured medication review on medication appropriateness
      in nursing home residents and on cooperation between health care professionals:
      the InTherAKT study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacotherapy in residents of nursing homes is critical due to the
      special vulnerability of this population. Medical care and interprofessional
      communication in nursing homes are often uncoordinated. As a consequence,
      polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use are common and may lead to
      hospitalizations and health hazards. The aim of this study is to optimize
      communication between the involved professional groups by specific training and
      by establishing a structured medication review process, and to improve medication
      appropriateness and patient-relevant health outcomes for residents of nursing
      homes. METHODS/DESIGN: The trial is designed as single-arm study. It involves 300
      nursing home residents aged >= 65 years and the members of the different
      professional groups practising in nursing home care (15-20 general practitioners,
      nurses, pharmacists). The intervention consists of interprofessional education on
      safe medication use in geriatric patients, and a systematic interprofessional
      therapy check (recording, reviewing and adapting the medication of the
      participating residents by means of a specific online platform). The intervention
      period is divided into two phases; total project period is 3 years. Primary
      outcome measure is the change in medication appropriateness according to the
      Medication Appropriateness Index. Secondary outcomes are cognitive performance,
      occurrence of delirium, agitation, tendency of falls, total number of drugs,
      number of potentially dangerous drug-drug interactions and appropriateness of
      recorded analgesic therapy regimens according to the Medication Appropriateness
      Index. Data are collected at t0 (before the start of the intervention), t1 (after
      the first intervention period) and t2 (after the second intervention period).
      Cooperation and communication between the professional groups are investigated
      twice by qualitative interviews. DISCUSSION: The project aims to establish a
      structured system for monitoring of drug therapy in nursing home residents. The
      newly developed online platform is designed to systematize and to improve the
      communication between the professional groups and, thus, to enhance quality and
      safety of drug therapy. Limitations of the study are the lack of a control group
      and the non-randomly recruited study sample. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS Data
      Management, DRKS-ID: DRKS00007900.

PMID- 28100174
TI  - Prediction of ineffective elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a
      retrospective multi-center patient cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elective cardioversion (ECV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a
      standard procedure to restore sinus rhythm. However, predictors for ineffective
      ECV (failure of ECV or recurrence of AF within 30 days) are unknown. METHODS: We
      investigated 1998 ECVs performed for AF lasting >48 h in 1,342 patients in a
      retrospective multi-center study. Follow-up data were collected from 30 days
      after ECV. RESULTS: Median number of cardioversions was one per patient with a
      range of 1-10. Altogether 303/1998 (15.2%) ECVs failed. Long (>5 years) AF
      history and over 30 days duration of the index AF episode were independent
      predictors for ECV failure and low (<60/min) ventricular rate of AF predicted
      success of ECV. In patients with successful ECVs an early recurrence of AF was
      detected in 549 (32.4%) cases. Female gender, high (>60/min) ventricular rate,
      renal failure and antiarrhythmic agents at discharge were the independent
      predictors for recurrence. In total ECV was ineffective in 852 (42.6%) cases.
      Female gender (OR 1.44, CI95% 1.15-1.80, p < 0.01), young (<65 years) age (OR
      1.31, CI95% 1.07-1.62, p = 0.01), ventricular rate >60/min (OR 1.92, CI95% 1.08
      3.41, p = 0.03), antiarrhythmic medication at discharge (OR 1.48, CI95% 1.14
      1.93, p < 0.01) and low (<60/ml/min) estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR
      1.59, CI95% 1.08-2.33, p = 0.02) were predictors of ineffective ECV. CONCLUSIONS:
      Female gender, use of antiarrhythmic drug therapy and renal failure predicted
      both recurrence of AF and the composite end point. For the first time in a large
      real-life study several clinical predictors for clinically ineffective ECV were
      identified.

PMID- 28100177
TI  - Effect of desflurane-remifentanil vs. Propofol-remifentanil anesthesia on
      arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation for thoracoscopic surgery: a
      prospective randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery frequently disturbs
      normal systemic oxygenation. However, the effect of anesthetics on arterial
      oxygenation during one-lung ventilation has not been well established in human
      study. In this clinical trial, we investigated whether a difference between
      desflurane-remifentanil and propofol-remifentanil anesthesia can be observed with
      regard to oxygenation during one-lung ventilation for thoracoscopic surgery.
      METHODS: Adult patients with lung cancer, scheduled for video-assisted
      thoracoscopic lobectomy without preoperative oxygen support, were screened and
      randomized to receive desflurane or propofol, with remifentanil continuous
      infusion in both groups. Mechanical ventilation was performed with tidal volume
      of 8 ml/kg and FIO2 0.5 during two-lung ventilation, and 6 ml/kg and 1.0 during
      one-lung ventilation, both with positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH2O.
      Arterial blood gas analysis was performed preoperatively, during two-lung
      ventilation, and after 15, 30, 45, and 60 min of one-lung ventilation. The
      primary endpoint was PaO2 at 30 min after initiating one-lung ventilation.
      Statistical analyses included the independent t-test for the primary endpoint and
      a mixed model with a post-hoc analysis to evaluate the serial changes in values.
      RESULTS: Patients were recruited between July 9 and December 2, 2014. In total,
      103 patients were analyzed (n = 52 in desflurane group and n = 51 in propofol
      group). The primary endpoint, PaO2 at 30 min of one-lung ventilation was lower in
      the desflurane group than the propofol group (170 +/- 72 vs. 202 +/- 82 mmHg; p =
      0.039). Serial changes in PaO2 during one-lung ventilation showed lower levels
      during desflurane anesthesia compared with propofol anesthesia (mean difference,
      45 mmHg; 95% confidence interval, 16-75 mmHg; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, desflurane-remifentanil anesthesia resulted in decreased arterial
      oxygenation compared with that of propofol-remifentanil anesthesia during one
      lung ventilation for thoracoscopic surgery in patients with lung cancer. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02191371 , registered on July 7,
      2014.

PMID- 28100179
TI  - Exploring surface cleaning strategies in hospital to prevent contact transmission
      of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cleaning of environmental surfaces in hospitals is important for the
      control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other hospital
      acquired infections transmitted by the contact route. Guidance regarding the best
      approaches for cleaning, however, is limited. METHODS: In this study, a
      mathematical model based on ordinary differential equations was constructed to
      study MRSA concentration dynamics on high-touch and low-touch surfaces, and on
      the hands and noses of two patients (in two hospitals rooms) and a health care
      worker in a hypothetical hospital environment. Two cleaning interventions - whole
      room cleaning and wipe cleaning of touched surfaces - were considered. The
      performance of the cleaning interventions was indicated by a reduction in MRSA on
      the nose of a susceptible patient, relative to no intervention. RESULTS: Whole
      room cleaning just before first patient care activities of the day was more
      effective than whole room cleaning at other times, but even with 100% efficiency,
      whole room cleaning only reduced the number of MRSA transmitted to the
      susceptible patient by 54%. Frequent wipe cleaning of touched surfaces was shown
      to be more effective that whole room cleaning because surfaces are rapidly re
      contaminated with MRSA after cleaning. Wipe cleaning high-touch surfaces was more
      effective than wipe cleaning low-touch surfaces for the same frequency of
      cleaning. For low wipe cleaning frequency (<=3 times per hour), high-touch
      surfaces should be targeted, but for high wipe cleaning frequency (>3 times per
      hour), cleaning should target high- and low-touch surfaces in proportion to the
      surface touch frequency. This study reproduces the observations from a field
      study of room cleaning, which provides support for the validity of our findings.
      CONCLUSIONS: Daily whole room cleaning, even with 100% cleaning efficiency,
      provides limited reduction in the number of MRSA transmitted to susceptible
      patients via the contact route; and should be supplemented with frequent targeted
      cleaning of high-touch surfaces, such as by a wipe or cloth containing
      disinfectant.

PMID- 28100178
TI  - A retinopathy in young patient with co-inheritance of heterozygous alpha + 
      thalassemia and sickle trait: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The retinopathy is an uncommon complication in individuals with
      sickle cell trait except for the cases of sickle cell trait associated with
      systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, syphilis, tuberculosis and
      sarcoidosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A retinopathy in a 16 year-old child with no
      history of consanguinity in the parents revealed a sickle S trait associated to
      heterozygous alpha thalassemia. His mother has Sickle cell anaemia (Hb SS) and
      his father is a carrier of heterozygous alpha-thalassemia status that it was
      unknown before. CONCLUSION: This case report describes a proliferative
      retinopathy in a 16 year-old patient with co-inheritance of heterozygous alpha + 
      thalassemia and sickle trait.

PMID- 28100180
TI  - Extensive bilateral corneal edema 6 weeks after cataract surgery: Keratopathy due
      to Asclepias physocarpa: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgeons may be unaware of the ability of plant toxins to cause
      corneal damage. Therefore, corneal damage following intraocular surgery due to
      plant toxins may be misdiagnosed as postoperative infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A
      74-year-old man presented with hyperemia and reduced visual acuity in both eyes 6
      weeks after uneventful cataract surgery. We observed extensive hyperemia and
      corneal stromal edema with Descemet's folds in both eyes. After obtaining a
      detailed patient history, we diagnosed plant toxin-induced corneal edema due to
      Asclepias physocarpa, which can induce corneal edema by inhibiting the Na+/K+
      ATPase activity of the corneal endothelium. Antimicrobial and steroid eye drops
      and an oral steroid were prescribed accordingly. Symptons began to improve on day
      3 and had almost completely resolved by day 6. At 1 month, the patient had fully
      recovered without any sequelae. CONCLUSION: The correct diagnosis was possible in
      the present case as symptoms were bilateral and the patient was able to report
      his potential exposure to plant toxins. However, if the symptoms had been
      unilateral and the patient had been unaware of these toxins, he may have
      undergone unnecessary surgical interventions to treat non-existent postoperative
      endophthalmitis.

PMID- 28100181
TI  - Gestational diabetes mellitus and retinal microvasculature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small-vessel dysfunction may be an important consequence of chronic
      hyperglycemia. We examined the association between gestational diabetes mellitus
      (GDM), a state of transient hyperglycemia during pregnancy, and retinal
      microvascular changes in pregnant women at 26-28 weeks of pregnancy. METHODS: A
      total of 1136 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies were recruited during
      their first trimester at two major Singapore maternity hospitals in an on-going
      birth cohort study. Participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and
      retinal imaging at 26-28 weeks gestation (n = 542). We used the 1999 World Health
      Organization (WHO) criteria to define GDM: >=7.0 mmol/L for fasting glucose
      and/or >=7.8 mmol/L for 2-h post-glucose. Retinal microvasculature was measured
      using computer software (Singapore I Vessel Analyzer, SIVA version 3.0, Singapore
      Eye Research Institute, Singapore) from the retinal photographs. RESULTS: In a
      multiple linear regression model adjusting for age, ethnicity and maternal
      education, mothers with GDM had narrower arteriolar caliber (-1.6 MUm; 95%
      Confidence Interval [CI]: -3.1 MUm, -0.2 MUm), reduced arteriolar fractal
      dimension (-0.01 Df; 95% CI: -0.02 Df, -0.001 Df;), and larger arteriolar
      branching angle (1.8 degrees ; 95% CI: 0.3 degrees , 3.3 degrees ) than mothers
      without GDM. After further adjusting for traditional risks of GDM, arteriolar
      branching angle remained significantly larger in mothers with GDM than those
      without GDM (2.0 degrees ; 95% CI: 0.5 degrees , 3.6 degrees ). CONCLUSIONS: GDM
      was associated with a series of retinal arteriolar abnormalities, including
      narrower caliber, reduced fractal dimension and larger branching angle,
      suggesting that transient hyperglycemia during pregnancy may cause small-vessel
      dysfunction.

PMID- 28100182
TI  - Electrocardiographic assessments and cardiac events after fingolimod first dose -
      a comprehensive monitoring study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: First dose observation for cardiac effects is required for
      fingolimod, but recommendations on the extent vary. This study aims to assess
      cardiac safety of fingolimod first dose. Individual bradyarrhythmic episodes were
      evaluated to assess the relevance of continuous electrocardiogram (ECG)
      monitoring. METHODS: START is an ongoing open-label, multi-center study. At the
      time of analysis 3951 patients were enrolled. The primary endpoints are the
      incidence of bradycardia (heart rate < 45 bpm) and second-/third-degree AV blocks
      during treatment initiation. The relevance of Holter was assessed by matching ECG
      findings with the occurrence of clinical symptoms as well as by rigorous analysis
      of AV blocks with regard to the duration of pauses and the minimal heart rate
      recorded during AV block. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (0.8%) developed
      bradycardia (<45 bpm), 62 patients (1.6%) had second-degree Mobitz I and/or 2:1
      AV blocks with a lowest reading (i.e. mean of ten consecutive beats) of 35 bpm
      and the longest pause lasting for 2.6 s. No Mobitz II or third-degree AV blocks
      were observed. Only one patient complained about mild chest discomfort and
      fatigue. After 1 week, there was no second-/third-degree AV block. CONCLUSIONS:
      Continuous Holter ECG monitoring in this large real-life cohort revealed that
      bradycardia and AV conduction abnormalities were rare, transient and benign. No
      further unexpected abnormalities were detected. The data presented here give an
      indication that continuous Holter ECG monitoring does not add clinically relevant
      value to patients' safety. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01585298 ; registered April 23,
      2012.

PMID- 28100183
TI  - Short-term blood pressure variability - variation between arm side, body position
      and successive measurements: a population-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Precise blood pressure (BP) measurements are central for the
      diagnosis of hypertension in clinical and epidemiological studies. The purpose of
      this study was to quantify the variability in BP associated with arm side, body
      position, and successive measurements in the setting of a population-based
      observational study. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the influence of
      different measurement conditions on prevalence of hypertension. METHODS: The
      sample included 967 men and 812 women aged 45 to 83 years at baseline. BP was
      measured according to a standardized protocol with oscillometric devices
      including three sitting measurements at left arm, one simultaneous supine
      measurement at both arms, and four supine measurements at the arm with the higher
      BP. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP (SBP) >=140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP
      (DBP) >=90 mmHg. Variability in SBP and DBP were analysed with sex-stratified
      linear covariance pattern models. RESULTS: We found that overall, no mean BP
      differences were measured according to arm-side, but substantial higher DBP and
      for men also higher SBP was observed in sitting than in supine position and there
      was a clear BP decline by consecutive measurement. Accordingly, the prevalence of
      hypertension depends strongly on the number and scheme of BP measurements taken
      to calculate the index values. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, BP measurements should only be
      compared between studies applying equal measurement conditions and index
      calculation. Moreover, the first BP measurement should not be used to define
      hypertension since it overestimates BP. The mean of second and third measurement
      offers the advantage of better reproducibility over single measurements.

PMID- 28100184
TI  - CNVs into the wild: screening the genomes of conifer trees (Picea spp.) reveals
      fewer gene copy number variations in hybrids and links to adaptation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Copy number variations (CNVs) have been linked to different
      phenotypes in human, including many diseases. A genome-scale understanding of
      CNVs is available in a few plants but none are wild species, leaving a knowledge
      gap regarding their genome biology and evolutionary role. We developed a reliable
      CNV detection method for species lacking contiguous reference genome. We selected
      multiple probes within 14,078 gene sequences and developed comparative genome
      hybridization on arrays. Gene CNVs were assessed in three full-sib families from
      species with 20 Gb genomes, i.e., white and black spruce, and interior spruce - a
      natural hybrid. RESULTS: We discovered hundreds of gene CNVs in each species,
      3612 in total, which were enriched in functions related to stress and defense
      responses and narrow expression profiles, indicating a potential role in
      adaptation. The number of shared CNVs was in accordance with the degree of
      relatedness between individuals and species. The genetically mapped subset of
      these genes showed a wide distribution across the genome, implying numerous
      structural variations. The hybrid family presented significantly fewer CNVs,
      suggesting that the admixture of two species within one genome reduces the
      occurrence of CNVs. CONCLUSIONS: The approach we developed is of particular
      interest in non-model species lacking a reference genome. Our findings point to a
      role for CNVs in adaptation. Their reduced abundance in the hybrid may limit
      genetic variability and evolvability of hybrids. We propose that CNVs make a
      qualitatively distinct contribution to adaptation which could be important for
      short term change.

PMID- 28100186
TI  - Influenza epidemic surveillance and prediction based on electronic health record
      data from an out-of-hours general practitioner cooperative: model development and
      validation on 2003-2015 data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Annual influenza epidemics significantly burden health care.
      Anticipating them allows for timely preparation. The Scientific Institute of
      Public Health in Belgium (WIV-ISP) monitors the incidence of influenza and
      influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) and reports on a weekly basis. General
      practitioners working in out-of-hour cooperatives (OOH GPCs) register diagnoses
      of ILIs in an instantly accessible electronic health record (EHR) system. This
      article has two objectives: to explore the possibility of modelling seasonal
      influenza epidemics using EHR ILI data from the OOH GPC Deurne-Borgerhout,
      Belgium, and to attempt to develop a model accurately predicting new epidemics to
      complement the national influenza surveillance by WIV-ISP. METHOD: Validity of
      the OOH GPC data was assessed by comparing OOH GPC ILI data with WIV-ISP ILI data
      for the period 2003-2012 and using Pearson's correlation. The best fitting
      prediction model based on OOH GPC data was developed on 2003-2012 data and
      validated on 2012-2015 data. A comparison of this model with other well
      established surveillance methods was performed. A 1-week and one-season ahead
      prediction was formulated. RESULTS: In the OOH GPC, 72,792 contacts were recorded
      from 2003 to 2012 and 31,844 from 2012 to 2015. The mean ILI diagnosis/week was
      4.77 (IQR 3.00) and 3.44 (IQR 3.00) for the two periods respectively. Correlation
      between OOHs and WIV-ISP ILI incidence is high ranging from 0.83 up to 0.97.
      Adding a secular trend (5 year cycle) and using a first-order autoregressive
      modelling for the epidemic component together with the use of Poisson likelihood
      produced the best prediction results. The selected model had the best 1-week
      ahead prediction performance compared to existing surveillance methods. The
      prediction of the starting week was less accurate (+/-3 weeks) than the predicted
      duration of the next season. CONCLUSION: OOH GPC data can be used to predict
      influenza epidemics both accurately and fast 1-week and one-season ahead. It can
      also be used to complement the national influenza surveillance to anticipate
      optimal preparation.

PMID- 28100185
TI  - An improved genome assembly uncovers prolific tandem repeats in Atlantic cod.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) genome assembly published in
      2011 was one of the early genome assemblies exclusively based on high-throughput
      454 pyrosequencing. Since then, rapid advances in sequencing technologies have
      led to a multitude of assemblies generated for complex genomes, although many of
      these are of a fragmented nature with a significant fraction of bases in gaps.
      The development of long-read sequencing and improved software now enable the
      generation of more contiguous genome assemblies. RESULTS: By combining data from
      Illumina, 454 and the longer PacBio sequencing technologies, as well as
      integrating the results of multiple assembly programs, we have created a
      substantially improved version of the Atlantic cod genome assembly. The sequence
      contiguity of this assembly is increased fifty-fold and the proportion of gap
      bases has been reduced fifteen-fold. Compared to other vertebrates, the assembly
      contains an unusual high density of tandem repeats (TRs). Indeed, retrospective
      analyses reveal that gaps in the first genome assembly were largely associated
      with these TRs. We show that 21% of the TRs across the assembly, 19% in the
      promoter regions and 12% in the coding sequences are heterozygous in the
      sequenced individual. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of PacBio reads combined with
      the use of multiple assembly programs drastically improved the Atlantic cod
      genome assembly by successfully resolving long TRs. The high frequency of
      heterozygous TRs within or in the vicinity of genes in the genome indicate a
      considerable standing genomic variation in Atlantic cod populations, which is
      likely of evolutionary importance.

PMID- 28100188
TI  - High expression of micro RNA-135A in hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with
      recurrence within 12 months after resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma has a dismal prognosis due to recurrence
      rates of up to 70% after curative resection. Early recurrence is driven by
      synchronous microscopic intrahepatic metastases. The predictive value of
      histological parameters is discussed controversially and adjuvant therapy is not
      established. The aim of this study was to identify patients at high risk for
      early intrahepatic recurrence by expression profiling of selected micro RNAs.
      METHODS: In 52 patients undergoing HCC resection between 2011 and 2014, liver and
      tumor tissue was collected during surgery. Twelve patients with incomplete data
      regarding HCC recurrence, secondary liver transplantation, or perioperative death
      were excluded, leaving 40 patients with early recurrence <12 months (R+) or
      without recurrence for >24 months (R-) to compare grading, T, L, V, and R status.
      If tissue quality permitted, micro RNAs were measured in HCC and liver tissue.
      RESULTS: Ten women and 30 men (64.0 +/- 10.2 years) were analyzed. R+ occurred in
      29 patients 6.2 +/- 4.5 months after resection. Surveillance of R- was 26.2 +/-
      5.2 months. High intratumoral expression of miR-135a was associated with high
      risk of recurrence (HR = 4.2, p = 0.024, time to recurrence 8.8 +/- 2.0 vs. 24.8
      +/- 4.4 months in patients with low miR-135a expression). As expected, T3 status
      was correlated with early recurrence, while other histological parameters and
      expression of miR-21, miR-122, and miR-125a did not. CONCLUSIONS: We show a
      significant association between high expression of miR-135a and early HCC
      recurrence. Therefore, high intratumoral miR-135a expression might serve as a
      novel biomarker to identify patients urgently requiring adjuvant therapy post
      resection.

PMID- 28100187
TI  - Prevalence of HIV and syphilis co-infection and associated factors among non
      commercial men who have sex with men attending a sexually transmitted disease
      clinic in Shenzhen, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although HIV and syphilis co-infection has been frequently observed
      in men who have sex with men (MSM), only few studies have focused on it.
      Different subgroups of MSM might exhibit heterogeneous HIV and syphilis risk
      profiles, indicating that interventions for HIV and HIV-related co-infections may
      vary with different subgroups of MSM. However, no previous study has investigated
      HIV and syphilis co-infection among non-commercial MSM (ncMSM) attending a
      sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. Therefore, this study aimed to explore
      the prevalence of HIV and syphilis co-infection and associated factors among
      ncMSM attending an STD clinic in Shenzhen, China. METHODS: NcMSM attending the
      STD clinic of Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control were recruited in this
      cross-sectional study every Monday between March 2013 and August 2015 using a
      site based convenience sampling method. An anonymous questionnaire was used to
      collect data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, risky sexual behaviors
      and HIV-related knowledge. Blood samples were collected to perform HIV and
      syphilis tests. RESULTS: Totally 533 participants were enrolled in this study and
      the prevalence of HIV and syphilis co-infection among them was 13.13%.
      Multivariable analyses indicated that having lived in Shenzhen for less than one
      year (aOR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.30-6.05), having first anal sexual intercourse
      before the age of 18 (aOR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.29-5.89), having 3 to 5 anal sexual
      partners in the past six months (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.19-5.40), playing
      exclusively receptive (aOR = 6.87, 95% CI = 3.02-15.61) or both insertive and
      receptive (aOR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.64-8.09) roles in anal sexual intercourse and
      not always using condom in anal sexual intercourse (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.08
      4.19) were associated risk factors for HIV and syphilis co-infection, relative to
      the non-infected ncMSM. Compared with the mono-infected ncMSM, associated risk
      factors for the co-infection were being unmarried (aOR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.03
      5.89) and playing exclusively receptive role (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.04-5.73) in
      anal sexual intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: HIV and syphilis co-infection is quite
      prevalent among the study participants in Shenzhen. Integrated and intensified
      intervention strategies, specifically targeting at the non-infected and mono
      infected ncMSM attending the STD clinic, are needed to reduce HIV and syphilis co
      infection. Most importantly, non-infected and mono-infected ncMSM attending the
      STD clinic with the aforementioned associated risk factors should be given
      special concern.

PMID- 28100190
TI  - Translation of a tailored nutrition and resistance exercise intervention for
      elderly people to a real-life setting: adaptation process and pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combining increased dietary protein intake and resistance exercise
      training for elderly people is a promising strategy to prevent or counteract the
      loss of muscle mass and decrease the risk of disabilities. Using findings from
      controlled interventions in a real-life setting requires adaptations to the
      intervention and working procedures of healthcare professionals (HCPs). The aim
      of this study is to adapt an efficacious intervention for elderly people to a
      real-life setting (phase one) and test the feasibility and potential impact of
      this prototype intervention in practice in a pilot study (phase two). METHODS:
      The Intervention Mapping approach was used to guide the adaptation in phase one.
      Qualitative data were collected from the original researchers, target group, and
      HCPs, and information was used to decide whether and how specified intervention
      elements needed to be adapted. In phase two, a one-group pre-test post-test pilot
      study was conducted (n = 25 community-dwelling elderly), to elicit further
      improvements to the prototype intervention. The evaluation included participant
      questionnaires and measurements at baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1), registration
      forms, interviews, and focus group discussions (T1). Qualitative data for both
      phases were analysed using an inductive approach. Outcome measures included
      physical functioning, strength, body composition, and dietary intake. Change in
      outcomes was assessed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: The most
      important adaptations to the original intervention were the design of HCP
      training and extending the original protein supplementation with a broader
      nutrition programme aimed at increasing protein intake, facilitated by a
      dietician. Although the prototype intervention was appreciated by participants
      and professionals, and perceived applicable for implementation, the pilot study
      process evaluation resulted in further adaptations, mostly concerning
      recruitment, training session guidance, and the nutrition programme. Pilot study
      outcome measures showed significant improvements in muscle strength and
      functioning, but no change in lean body mass. CONCLUSION: The combined nutrition
      and exercise intervention was successfully adapted to the real-life setting and
      seems to have included the most important effective intervention elements. After
      adaptation of the intervention using insights from the pilot study, a larger,
      controlled trial should be conducted to assess cost-effectiveness. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NL51834.081.14 (April
      22, 2015).

PMID- 28100189
TI  - An SNP-based saturated genetic map and QTL analysis of fruit-related traits in
      Zucchini using Genotyping-by-sequencing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cucurbita pepo is a cucurbit with growing economic importance
      worldwide. Zucchini morphotype is the most important within this highly variable
      species. Recently, transcriptome and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR)- and Single
      Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)-based medium density maps have been reported,
      however further genomic tools are needed for efficient molecular breeding in the
      species. Our objective is to combine currently available complete transcriptomes
      and the Zucchini genome sequence with high throughput genotyping methods, mapping
      population development and extensive phenotyping to facilitate the advance of
      genomic research in this species. RESULTS: We report the Genotyping-by-sequencing
      analysis of a RIL population developed from the inter subspecific cross Zucchini
      x Scallop (ssp. pepo x ssp. ovifera). Several thousands of SNP markers were
      identified and genotyped, followed by the construction of a high-density linkage
      map based on 7,718 SNPs (average of 386 markers/linkage group) covering 2,817.6
      cM of the whole genome, which is a great improvement with respect to previous
      maps. A QTL analysis was performed using phenotypic data obtained from the RIL
      population from three environments. In total, 48 consistent QTLs for vine,
      flowering and fruit quality traits were detected on the basis of a multiple
      environment analysis, distributed in 33 independent positions in 15 LGs, and each
      QTL explained 1.5-62.9% of the phenotypic variance. Eight major QTLs, which could
      explain greater than 20% of the phenotypic variation were detected and the
      underlying candidate genes identified. CONCLUSIONS: Here we report the first SNP
      saturated map in the species, anchored to the physical map. Additionally, several
      consistent QTLs related to early flowering, fruit shape and length, and rind and
      flesh color are reported as well as candidate genes for them. This information
      will enhance molecular breeding in C. pepo and will assist the gene cloning
      underlying the studied QTLs, helping to reveal the genetic basis of the studied
      processes in squash.

PMID- 28100191
TI  - Diagnostic dilemma of pulmonary tuberculosis among adults with severe mental
      illness in Beijing, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of tuberculosis has decreased significantly
      over the past decades, the certain populations with mental illness are at
      increased risk for tuberculosis infection and transmission. However, no studies
      have examined the performance of different laboratory examination methods among
      people with severe mental illness in China. METHODS: In this study, we firstly
      performed a retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility of three routine
      laboratory methods, including sputum microscopy, solid culture and GeneXpert, to
      diagnose tuberculosis patients with mental illness. RESULTS: During August 2010
      and March 2013, a total of 251 TB patients based on clinical and radiographic
      criteria with severe mental illness were enrolled in this study. The majority of
      patients was homeless (97/251, 38.6%), and the other 62 (24.7%) and 92 (36.7%)
      were from urban and rural region, respectively. The most frequently diagnosed
      mental illness was schizophrenia, accounting for 84.1% (211/251) of patients
      available for analysis. In addition, the laboratory received 753 sputum samples
      collected from these 251 TB patients, of which 76.0% (572/753) of samples were
      classified as salivary sputum, which were unqualified for microscopy and culture.
      When the test results were analyzed by patients, the positive numbers of TB
      patients detected by sputum microscopy, solid culture and GeneXpert were 3
      (1.2%), 5 (2.0%) and 5 (2.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our
      findings reveal that the current laboratory examinations based on sputum samples
      seem not to be suitable for the diagnosis of active TB in the persons with severe
      mental illness. The products using a non-invasive specimen such as urine deserve
      further evaluation, which may generate benefit for the early diagnosis of TB in
      this special population.

PMID- 28100192
TI  - Design and rationale of a large, international, prospective cohort study to
      evaluate the occurrence of malformations and perinatal/neonatal death using
      insulin detemir in pregnant women with diabetes in comparison with other long
      acting insulins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are a lack of data regarding the effect of basal insulin
      analogues on rates of events like congenital malformation and perinatal mortality
      in diabetic pregnancy. METHODS: The present study is a prospective, non
      interventional, multicentre cohort study conducted in seven countries, designed
      to assess the safety of insulin detemir during pregnancy, and to monitor the
      health status of resulting infants (exposed in utero) up to 1 year of age. The
      study population includes women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, who are pregnant
      and being treated with insulin. Data will be collected in the context of routine
      practice. The primary endpoint is the proportion of pregnancies in women treated
      with insulin detemir, compared with other basal insulin regimens, which do not
      result in any of the following events: major congenital malformations, perinatal
      death or neonatal death. A sample size of 3075 pregnancies was calculated to
      provide an 80% power to detect a difference of 3.5% between groups in the primary
      endpoint at a 5% level. DISCUSSION: The study will also examine other important
      maternal endpoints (e.g., incidences of severe hypoglycaemia and pre-eclampsia)
      and perinatal outcomes such as overweight neonates, as well as infant outcomes at
      1 year of age. It has a fixed recruitment period from 2013 to 2018, enrolling all
      eligible patients, and is expected to inform future prescribing with basal
      insulins in diabetic pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT01892319 (date registered: 27.06.2013).

PMID- 28100193
TI  - Long-time sickness absence among parents of pre-school children with cerebral
      palsy, spina bifida and down syndrome: a longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Taking care of a child with special needs can be draining and
      difficult and require a lot of parental time and resources. The present study
      investigated the long-term sickness absence of parents who have children with
      spina bifida, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome compared to that of parents
      without a child with special needs. METHODS: The sample consisted of primiparae
      women who gave birth between 2001 and 2005 and the fathers of the children (N =
      202,593). Data were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN),
      which is linked to the Central Population Register, education and income
      registries and Historical Event Database (FD-Trygd) of Statistics Norway (SSB).
      The linkage data provide longitudinal data, together with annual updates on
      children and their parents. Statistical analyses were performed using difference
      in-difference (DD) study design. RESULTS: Caring for a child with special needs
      affected maternal sickness absence, particularly in the first year after the
      birth. The level of sickness absence of mothers caring for a child with spina
      bifida and cerebral palsy was greater than that of mothers caring for a child
      with Down syndrome. In contrast, the sickness absence of fathers caring for a
      child with special needs was, on average, comparable to that of fathers without a
      special-needs child in the post-birth period. CONCLUSIONS: Caring for a child
      with special needs affected the long-term sickness absence of mothers but not
      fathers. The findings indicate that the burden of care in the case of children
      with special needs falls especially on the mother.

PMID- 28100194
TI  - Interspecies transfer of vancomycin, erythromycin and tetracycline resistance
      among Enterococcus species recovered from agrarian sources.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enterococci are now well recognised for their ability to transfer
      antibiotic resistance and for their association with nosocomial infections, but
      less is known regarding their relevance in the wider environment. Enterococcus
      faecalis and Enterococcus faecium were isolated from a range of agrarian
      associated sources (low-flow water, septic tank, poultry litter, high flow water,
      slurry/soil) and were assessed for latent ability to transfer antimicrobial
      resistance. RESULTS: The isolates were tested for phenotypic clumping in the
      presence of cell-free supernatant from other isolates. Some isolates were
      identified which demonstrated clumping, indicating that they possessed peptide
      sex pheromone conjugal machinery. All isolates were also tested for antibiotic
      resistance phenotypes using both disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) assays. These tests revealed that the enterococci
      demonstrated both phenotypic clumping and antibiotic resistance phenotypes. Based
      on these selection criteria, the isolates were identified as having the potential
      for horizontal gene transfer and were used to investigate the transfer of
      multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes. Conjugal transfer of antibiotic
      resistance phenotypes was determined using a solid agar mating method followed by
      a standard antibiotic selection test resulting in different transfer patterns. An
      interspecies conjugal transfer of vancomycin resistance from E. faecalis to E.
      faecium was identified while the remaining reactions were within the same
      species. Transfer efficiencies ranging from 2 * 10-1 to 2.3 * 10-5 were
      determined based on the reactions of three donor isolates (MF06036, MF0410 and
      MF06035) and two recipient isolates (MW01105Rif and ST01109Rif), with the
      transfer of vancomycin, erythromycin and tetracycline resistance genes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The conjugation reactions and selection conditions used in this
      study resulted in a variety of co-transferred resistance phenotypes suggesting
      the presence of different mobile elements in the set of natural isolates. This
      study highlights the potential for extensive horizontal gene transfer in a
      previously neglected reservoir for enterococci.

PMID- 28100195
TI  - Assessment of the length of sick leave in patients with ischemic heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of ischemic heart disease is high. Few recent studies
      have investigated the periods of sick leave of these patients. Our aim is to
      determine the length of sick leave after an acute coronary syndrome, its costs,
      associated factors and to assess the use of antidepressants and/or anxiolytics.
      METHODS: An observational study of a retrospective cohort of patients on sick
      leave due to ischemic heart disease in a health region between 2008-2011, with
      follow-up until the first return to work, death, or end of the study
      (31/12/2012). MEASUREMENTS: length of sick leave, sociodemographic variables and
      medical prescriptions. RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-seven patients (mean age
      53 years, 90.7% male), diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (60%), angina
      pectoris (20.7%) or chronic form of ischemic heart disease (19.1%). Thirty-seven
      per cent of patients took anxiolytics the year after diagnosis and 15% took
      antidepressants. The average duration of sick leave was 177 days (95% CI: 163-191
      days). Patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction returned to work after
      a mean of 192 days, compared to 128 days in cases with angina pectoris. Patients
      who took antidepressants during the year after diagnosis returned to work after a
      mean of 240 days. The mean work productivity loss was estimated to be 9,673
      euros/person. CONCLUSIONS: The mean duration of sick leave due to ischemic heart
      disease was almost six months. Consumption of psychotropic medication doubled
      after the event. Older age, suffering an acute myocardial infarction and taking
      antidepressants were associated with a longer sick leave period.

PMID- 28100196
TI  - Exposure to hepatitis C virus in homeless men in Central Brazil: a cross
      sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Homeless men are highly vulnerable to acquisition of the hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) compared to the general population. In Brazil, a country of
      continental dimensions, the extent of HCV infection in this population remains
      unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the epidemiological
      profile of exposure to HCV in homeless men in Central Brazil. METHODS: A Cross
      sectional study was conducted in 481 men aged over 18 years attending therapeutic
      communities specialized in the recovery and reintegration of homeless people.
      Participants were tested for anti-HCV markers using rapid tests. Poisson
      regression analysis was used to verify the risk factors associated with exposure
      to HCV. RESULTS: The prevalence of HCV exposure was 2.5% (95.0% CI: 1.4 to 4.3%)
      and was associated with age, absence of family life, injection drug use, number
      of sexual partners, and history of sexually transmitted infections (STI).
      Participants reported multiple risk behaviors, such as alcohol (78.9%), cocaine
      (37.1%) and/or crack use (53.1%), and inconsistent condom use (82.6%). Injection
      drug use was reported by 8.7% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HCV
      infection among homeless men was relatively high. Several risk behaviors were
      commonly reported, which shows the high vulnerability of this population. These
      findings emphasize the need for the development of specific strategies to reduce
      the risk of HCV among homeless men.

PMID- 28100198
TI  - MR imaging for detection of trampoline injuries in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recreational use of trampolines is an increasingly popular
      activity among children and adolescents. Several studies reported about
      radiological findings in trampoline related injuries in children. The following
      publication presents our experience with MRI for detection of trampoline injuries
      in children. METHODS: 20 children (mean 9.2 years, range: 4-15 years) who had
      undergone an MRI study for detection of suspected trampoline injuries within one
      year were included. 9/20 (45%) children had a radiograph as the first imaging
      modality in conjunction with primary care. In 11/20 (55%) children MR imaging was
      performed as the first modality. MR imaging was performed on two 1.5 T scanners
      with 60 and 70 cm bore design respectively without sedation. In 9/20 (45%)
      children the injury mechanism was a collision with another child. 7/20 (35%)
      children experienced leg pain several hours to one day after using the trampoline
      without acute accident and 4/20 (20%) children described a fall from the
      trampoline to the ground. RESULTS: All plain radiographs were performed in
      facilities outside the study centre and all were classified as having no
      pathological findings. In contrast, MR imaging detected injuries in 15/20 (75%)
      children. Lower extremity injuries were the most common findings, observed in
      12/15 (80%) children. Amongst these, injuries of the ankle and foot were
      diagnosed in 7/15 (47%) patients. Fractures of the proximal tibial metaphysis
      were observed in 3/15 children. One child had developed a thoracic vertebral
      fracture. The two remaining children experienced injuries to the sacrum and a
      soft tissue injury of the thumb respectively. Seven children described clinical
      symptoms without an overt accident. Here, fractures of the proximal tibia were
      observed in 2 children, a hip joint effusion in another 2, and an injury of the
      ankle and foot in 1 child. There were no associated spinal cord injuries, no
      fracture dislocations, no vascular injuries and no head and neck injuries.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of children referred for MR imaging with pain after
      trampoline MR imaging detects injuries. These injuries are often not visible on
      plain radiographs. Therefore we recommend a generous use of MR imaging in these
      children after initial negative plain radiography.

PMID- 28100197
TI  - A two-phase approach for the identification of refugees with priority need for
      mental health care in Lebanon: a validation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Time and resource efficient mental disorder screening mechanisms are
      not available to identify the growing number of refugees and other forcibly
      displaced persons in priority need for mental health care. The aim of this study
      was to identify efficient screening instruments and mechanisms for the detection
      of moderate and severe mental disorders in a refugee setting. METHODS: Lay
      interviewers applied a screening algorithm to detect individuals with severe
      distress or mental disorders in randomly selected households in a Palestinian
      refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon. The method included household informant and
      individual level interviews using a Vignettes of Local Terms and Concepts for
      mental disorders (VOLTAC), individual and household informant portions of the
      field-test version of the WHO-UNHCR Assessment Schedule of Serious Symptoms in
      Humanitarian Settings (WASSS) and the WHO Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20).
      A subset of participants were then reappraised utilizing the Mini International
      Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II, and the
      Global Assessment of Functioning. The study constitutes a secondary analysis of
      interview data from 283 randomly selected households (n = 748 adult residents)
      who participated in a mental health disorders prevalence study in 2010. RESULTS:
      The 5-item household informant portion of WASSS was the most efficient instrument
      among those tested. It detected adults with severe mental disorders with 95%
      sensitivity and 71% specificity (Area Under Curve (AUC) = 0.85) and adults with
      moderate or severe mental disorder with 85.1% sensitivity and 74.8% specificity
      (AUC = 0.82). The complete screening algorithm demonstrated 100% sensitivity and
      58% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a two phase, screen
      confirm approach is likely a useful strategy to detect incapacitating mental
      disorders in humanitarian contexts where mental health specialists are scarce,
      and that in the context of a multi-step screen confirm mechanism, the household
      informant portion of field-test version of the WASSS may be an efficient
      screening tool to identify adults in greatest need for mental health care in
      humanitarian settings.

PMID- 28100199
TI  - Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves against
      2-acetylaminofluorene induced hepatic damage in male Wistar rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lawsonia inermis (Lythraceae) is an ethnomedicinal plant,
      traditionally known for curing several ailments such as skin diseases, bacterial
      infections, jaundice, renal lithiases and inflammation etc. The present work
      deals with assessment of in vitro antioxidant and in vivo hepatoprotective
      potential of butanolic fraction (But-LI) of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves. METHODS:
      Antioxidant activity was evaluated using deoxyribose degradation, lipid
      peroxidation inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. In
      vivo protective potential of But-LI was assessed at 3 doses [100, 200 & 400 mg/kg
      body weight (bw)] against 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) induced hepatic damage in
      male Wistar rats. RESULTS: But-LI effectively scavenged hydroxyl radicals in
      deoxyribose degradation assay (IC50 149.12 MUg/ml). Fraction also inhibited lipid
      peroxidation and demonstrated appreciable reducing potential in FRAP assay.
      Treatment of animals with 2-AAF resulted in increased hepatic parameters such as
      SGOT (2.22 fold), SGPT (1.72 fold), ALP (5.68 fold) and lipid peroxidation (2.94
      fold). Different concentration of But-LI demonstrated pronounced protective
      effects via decreasing levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP and lipid peroxidation altered
      by 2-AAF treatment. But-LI administration also restored the normal liver
      architecture as evident from histopathological studies. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      experimental findings revealed that phytoconstituents of Lawsonia inermis L.
      possess potential to effectively protect rats from the 2-AAF induced hepatic
      damage in vivo possibly by inhibition of reactive oxygen species and lipid
      peroxidation.

PMID- 28100200
TI  - Prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among children aged 6 to 59 months
      in Namutumba district, Uganda: a cross- sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaemia is one of the major causes of death among children under five
      years in Africa, with a prevalence of 64.6% among pre-school children. In 2014,
      we conducted a cross-sectional study in Namutumba district in East-central Uganda
      to determine the prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among children
      aged 6 to 59 months. METHODS: We conducted a household survey in 376 randomly
      selected households. One child aged 6 to 59 months was randomly sampled from each
      selected household. A structured questionnaire administered to an adult caregiver
      was used to collect household data. Blood was collected by finger or heel prick
      to estimate the haemoglobin level using a portable haemocue analyser.
      Anthropometric data including age, weight and height was collected for each
      child. A modified poisson regression model was used to determine the correlates
      of anaemia, prevalence ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS:
      The prevalence of anaemia was high (58.8%) and was highest among children aged 12
      to 23 months (68.5%) and males (61.3%). About 27.7% children were stunted.
      Children aged 6-11 and 12-23 months were more likely to be anaemic (APR = 1.12;
      95% CI: 1.05-1.19 and APR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.00-1.24 respectively), Resident of
      Magada and Namutumba (urban areas) were less likely to be anaemic (APR = 0.89;
      95% CI: 0.87-0.91and APR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0. 85-0.88 respectively). Children of
      caretakers of a big family size (seven or more children) and with any formal
      education were less likely to be anaemic (APR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89-0.99 and APR =
      0.93; 95% CI: 0.87-0.99). Stunting (HAZ scores) was a predictor of anaemia (APR =
      1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.12). CONCLUSION: Anaemia is highly prevalent among children
      and there is need to invest in measures to prevent anaemia, especially among
      children in the rural areas.

PMID- 28100201
TI  - Developing a practice guideline for the occupational health services by using a
      community of practice approach: a process evaluation of the development process.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One way to facilitate the translation of research into the
      occupational health service practice is through clinical practice guidelines. To
      increase the implementability of guidelines it is important to include the end
      users in the development, for example by a community of practice approach. This
      paper describes the development of an occupational health practice guideline
      aimed at the management of non-specific low back pain (LBP) by using a community
      of practice approach. The paper also includes a process evaluation of the
      development providing insight into the feasibility of the process. METHODS: A
      multidisciplinary community of practice group (n = 16) consisting of occupational
      nurses, occupational physicians, ergonomists/physical therapists, health and
      safety engineers, health educators, psychologists and researchers from different
      types of occupational health services and geographical regions within Sweden met
      eleven times (June 2012-December 2013) to develop the practice guideline
      following recommendations of guideline development handbooks. Process-outcomes
      recruitment, reach, context, satisfaction, feasibility and fidelity were assessed
      by questionnaire, observations and administrative data. RESULTS: Group members
      attended on average 7.5 out of 11 meetings. Half experienced support from their
      workplace for their involvement. Feasibility was rated as good, except for time
      scheduling. Most group members were satisfied with the structure of the process
      (e.g. presentations, multidisciplinary group). Fidelity was rated as fairly high.
      CONCLUSIONS: The described development process is a feasible process for
      guideline development. For future guideline development expectations of the work
      involved should be more clearly communicated, as well as the purpose and tasks of
      the CoP-group. Moreover, possibilities to improve support from managers and
      colleagues should be explored. This paper has important implications for future
      guideline development; it provides valuable information on how practitioners can
      be included in the development process, with the aim of increasing the
      implementability of the developed guidelines.

PMID- 28100202
TI  - A novel reflex cough testing device.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reflex cough test is useful for detecting silent aspiration, a
      risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. However, assessing the risk of aspiration
      pneumonia requires measuring not only the cough reflex but also cough strength.
      Currently, no reflex cough testing device is available that can directly measure
      reflex cough strength. We therefore developed a new testing device that can
      easily and simultaneously measure cough strength and the time until the cough
      reflex, and verified whether screening with this new instrument is feasible for
      evaluating the risk of aspiration pneumonia. METHODS: This device consists of a
      special pipe with a double lumen, a nebulizer, and an electronic spirometer. We
      used a solution of prescription-grade L-tartaric acid to initiate the cough
      reflex. The solution was inhaled through a mouthpiece as a microaerosol produced
      by an ultrasonic nebulizer. The peak cough flow (PCF) of the induced cough was
      measured with the spirometer. The 70 patients who participated in this study
      comprised 49 patients without a history of pneumonia (group A), 21 patients with
      a history of pneumonia (group B), and 10 healthy volunteers (control group).
      RESULTS: With the novel device, PCF and time until cough reflex could be measured
      without adverse effects. The PCF values were 118.3 +/- 64.0 L/min, 47.7 +/- 38.5
      L/min, and 254.9 +/- 83.8 L/min in group A, group B, and the control group,
      respectively. The PCF of group B was significantly lower than that of group A and
      the control group (p < 0.0001), while that of group B was significantly lower
      than that of the control group (p < 0.0001). The time until the cough reflex was
      4.2 +/- 5.9 s, 7.0 +/- 7.0 s, and 1 s in group A, group B, and the control group,
      respectively. This duration was significantly longer for groups A and B than for
      the control group (A: p < 0.001, B: p < 0.001), but there was no significant
      difference between groups A and B (p = 0.0907). CONCLUSION: Our newly developed
      device can easily and simultaneously measure the time until the cough reflex and
      the strength of involuntary coughs for assessment of patients at risk of
      aspiration pneumonia.

PMID- 28100203
TI  - Diaphragmatic breathing during virtual reality exposure therapy for aviophobia:
      functional coping strategy or avoidance behavior? a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there is solid evidence for the efficacy of in vivo and
      virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy for a specific phobia, there is a
      significant debate over whether techniques promoting distraction or relaxation
      have impairing or enhancing effects on treatment outcome. In the present pilot
      study, we investigated the effect of diaphragmatic breathing (DB) as a relaxation
      technique during VR exposure treatment. METHOD: Twenty-nine patients with
      aviophobia were randomly assigned to VR exposure treatment either with or without
      diaphragmatic breathing (six cycles per minute). Subjective fear ratings, heart
      rate and skin conductance were assessed as indicators of fear during both the
      exposure and the test session one week later. RESULTS: The group that experienced
      VR exposure combined with diaphragmatic breathing showed a higher tendency to
      effectively overcome the fear of flying. Psychophysiological measures of fear
      decreased and self-efficacy increased in both groups with no significant
      difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that
      diaphragmatic breathing during VR exposure does not interfere with the treatment
      outcome and may even enhance treatment effects of VR exposure therapy for
      aviophobic patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02990208 . Registered 07 December 2016.

PMID- 28100204
TI  - Acceptance and attitudes of healthcare staff towards the introduction of clinical
      pharmacy service: a descriptive cross-sectional study from a tertiary care
      hospital in Sri Lanka.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary patient management including a clinical pharmacist
      shows an improvement in patient quality use of medicine. Implementation of a
      clinical pharmacy service represents a significant novel change in practice in
      Sri Lanka. Although attitudes of doctors and nurses are an important determinant
      of successful implementation, there is no Sri Lankan data about staff attitudes
      to such changes in clinical practice. This study determines the level of
      acceptance and attitudes of doctors and nurses towards the introduction of a ward
      based clinical pharmacy service in Sri Lanka. METHODS: This is a descriptive
      cross-sectional sub-study which determines the acceptance and attitudes of
      healthcare staff about the introduction of a clinical pharmacy service to a
      tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. The level of acceptance of pharmacist's
      recommendations regarding drug-related problems (DRPs) was measured. Data
      regarding attitudes were collected through a pre-tested self-administered
      questionnaires distributed to doctors (baseline, N =13, post-intervention period,
      N = 12) and nurses (12) worked in professorial medical unit at baseline and post
      intervention period. RESULTS: A total of 274 (272 to doctors and 2 to nurses)
      recommendations regarding DRPs were made. Eighty three percent (225/272) and 100%
      (2/2) of the recommendations were accepted by doctors and nurses, respectively.
      The rate of implementation of pharmacist's recommendations by doctors was 73.5%
      (200/272) (95% CI 67.9 - 78.7%; P < 0.001). The response rate of doctors was
      higher at the post-intervention period (92.3%; 12/13) compared to the baseline
      (66.7%; 8/12). At the post-intervention survey 91.6% of doctors were happy to
      work with competent clinical pharmacists and accepted the necessity of this
      service to improve standards of care. The nurses' rate of response at baseline
      and post-intervention surveys were 80.0 and 0.0% respectively. Their perceptions
      on the role of clinical pharmacist were negative at baseline survey. CONCLUSIONS:
      There was high acceptance and implementation of clinical pharmacist's
      recommendations regarding DRPs by the healthcare team. The doctors' views and
      attitudes were positive regarding the inclusion of a ward-based pharmacist to the
      healthcare team. However there is a need to improve liaison between clinical
      pharmacist and nursing staff. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Sri Lanka Clinical Trials
      Registry SLCTR/2013/029 Date: 13 September 2013; retrospectively registered.

PMID- 28100207
TI  - Rate and associated factors of non-retention of mother-baby pairs in HIV care in
      the elimination of mother-to-child transmission programme, Gulu-Uganda: a cohort
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor retention in HIV care of mother-baby pairs remains a public
      health challenge in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of
      HIV. We determined the rate of non-retention and time to non-retention of mother
      baby pairs and associated factors in Gulu district, Northern Uganda. METHODS:
      Mother-baby pairs enrolled into the eMTCT programme at Gulu Regional Referral
      Hospital (GRRH) and Lacor Hospital (LH) were retrospectively followed for 18
      months. The primary outcomes were the rate of non-retention and time to non
      retention of mother-baby pairs in HIV care. Data were abstracted from the
      antiretroviral treatment and early infant diagnosis (EID) registers, and
      mother/baby appointment books at the health facilities. Additional data on
      possible reasons for non-retention were obtained from cross-sectional interviews
      of mothers. Time to non-retention was calculated as the duration between
      enrolment of mother-baby pair into care and the date when the mother and/or baby
      missed a scheduled visit and did not return within 30 days. Factors associated
      with time to non-retention were assessed using Cox proportional hazards
      regression analysis. The measures of association were expressed as hazards ratio
      (HR) with 95% confidence intervals. Alpha was set at 0.05. The adjusted analysis
      includes variables with p <0.2 in the bivariable analysis or considered potential
      confounders. The Analysis used Stata version 12. RESULTS: A total of 410 mother
      baby pairs were enrolled in this study. Overall, non-retention by 18 month was
      30.5%; higher at GRRH (34.7%) than LH (25.8%), p = 0.049. Non-retention was
      higher among pairs where the infant had no EID, adjusted (adj) HR = 5.81; 95% CI
      (2.55, 13.24), non-disclosure of mother's HIV status, adj.HR = 1.86; 95% CI
      (1.22, 2.85), and lack of privacy during counselling session, adj.HR = 1.86; 95%
      CI (1.26, 2.85). Non-retention was about 60% lower [adj.HR = 0.43; 95% CI (0.20,
      0.92)] among pairs where the mothers understood and appreciated the importance of
      adhering to all clinic appointments together with the baby. CONCLUSION: Nearly a
      third of mother-baby pairs are not retained in HIV care. Lack of EID services,
      poor quality service, non-disclosure of mother's HIV status, and understanding
      the importance of adhering to all appointments together with the baby, were
      associated with time to non-retention.

PMID- 28100205
TI  - A fast and effective determination of the biodistribution and subcellular
      localization of fluorescent immunoliposomes in freshly excised animal organs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preclinical research implementing fluorescence-based approaches is
      inevitable for drug discovery and technology. For example, a variety of contrast
      agents developed for biomedical imaging are usually evaluated in cell systems and
      animal models based on their conjugation to fluorescent dyes. Biodistribution
      studies of excised organs are often performed by macroscopic imaging, whereas the
      subcellular localization though vital, is often neglected or further validated by
      histological procedures. Available systems used to define the subcellular
      biodistribution of contrast agents such as intravital microscopes or ex vivo
      histological analysis are expensive and not affordable by the majority of
      researchers, or encompass tedious and time consuming steps that may modify the
      contrast agents and falsify the results. Thus, affordable and more reliable
      approaches to study the biodistribution of contrast agents are required. We
      developed fluorescent immunoliposomes specific for human fibroblast activation
      protein and murine endoglin, and used macroscopic fluorescence imaging and
      confocal microscopy to determine their biodistribution and subcellular
      localization in freshly excised mice organs at different time points post
      intravenous injection. RESULTS: Near infrared fluorescence macroscopic imaging
      revealed key differences in the biodistribution of the respective immunoliposomes
      at different time points post injection, which correlated to the first-pass
      effect as well as the binding of the probes to molecular targets within the mice
      organs. Thus, a higher accumulation and longer retention of the murine endoglin
      immunoliposomes was seen in the lungs, liver and kidneys than the FAP specific
      immunoliposomes. Confocal microscopy showed that tissue autofluorescence enables
      detection of organ morphology and cellular components within freshly excised, non
      processed organs, and that fluorescent probes with absorption and emission maxima
      beyond the tissue autofluorescence range can be easily distinguished. Hence, the
      endoglin targeting immunoliposomes retained in some organs could be detected in
      the vascular endothelia cells of the organs. CONCLUSIONS: The underlying work
      represents a quick, effective and more reliable setup to validate the macroscopic
      and subcellular biodistribution of contrast agents in freshly excised animal
      organs. The approach will be highly beneficial to many researchers involved in
      nanodrug design or in fluorescence-based studies on disease pathogenesis.

PMID- 28100206
TI  - Hypoglycemic effects of Trichosanthes kirilowii and its protein constituent in
      diabetic mice: the involvement of insulin receptor pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a serious chronic metabolic disorder. Trichosanthes
      kirilowii Maxim. (TK) is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes in
      traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the clinical application of TK on
      diabetic patients and the hypoglycemic efficacies of TK are still unclear.
      METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the usage of
      Chinese herbs in patients with type 2 diabetes in Taiwan. Glucose tolerance test
      was performed to analyze the hypoglycemic effect of TK. Proteomic approach was
      performed to identify the protein constituents of TK. Insulin receptor (IR)
      kinase activity assay and glucose tolerance tests in diabetic mice were further
      used to elucidate the hypoglycemic mechanisms and efficacies of TK. RESULTS: By a
      retrospective cohort study, we found that TK was the most frequently used Chinese
      medicinal herb in type 2 diabetic patients in Taiwan. Oral administration of
      aqueous extract of TK displayed hypoglycemic effects in a dose-dependent manner
      in mice. An abundant novel TK protein (TKP) was further identified by proteomic
      approach. TKP interacted with IR by docking analysis and activated the kinase
      activity of IR. In addition, TKP enhanced the clearance of glucose in diabetic
      mice in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study applied a
      bed-to-bench approach to elucidate the hypoglycemic efficacies and mechanisms of
      TK on clinical usage. In addition, we newly identified a hypoglycemic protein TKP
      from TK. Our findings might provide a reasonable explanation of TK on the
      treatment of diabetes in TCM.

PMID- 28100208
TI  - Access to primary health care for acute vascular events in rural low income
      settings: a mixed methods study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global
      mortality. Among the CVDs, acute vascular events (AVE) mainly ischemic heart
      diseases and stroke are the largest contributors. To achieve 25% reduction in
      preventable deaths from CVDs by 2025, health systems need to be equipped with
      extended service coverage in order to provide person-centered care. The overall
      goal of this proposed study is to assess access to health care in-terms of
      service availability, care seeking patterns and barriers to access care after AVE
      in rural Bangladesh. We will consider myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke as
      acute vascular events. METHODS/DESIGN: We will conduct a mixed methods study in
      rural Matlab, Bangladesh. This study will comprise of a) health facility survey,
      b) structured questionnaire interview and c) qualitative study. We will assess
      service availabilities by creating an inventory of public and private health
      facilities. Readiness of the facilities to deliver services for AVE will be
      assessed through a health facility survey using 'service availability and
      readiness assessment' (SARA) tools of the World Health Organization (WHO). We
      will interview survivors of AVE and caregivers (present and accompanied the
      person during the event) of person who died from AVE for exploring patterns of
      care seeking during an AVE. For exploring barriers to access care for AVE, we
      will conduct in-depth interview with survivors of AVE and caregivers of the
      person who died from AVE. We will also conduct key informant interviews with the
      service providers at primary health care (PHC) facilities and government high
      level officials at central health administration of Bangladesh. DISCUSSION: This
      study will provide a comprehensive picture of access to primary health care
      services during acute cardiovascular events as stroke & MI in rural context of
      Bangladesh. It will explore available service facilities in rural area for
      management, utilization of services and barriers to access care during an acute
      emergency. This study will help to generate hypothesis, develop programs and
      policies for better access to care for AVE in similar rural settings considering
      barriers of access and improving utilization.

PMID- 28100210
TI  - PREVALENCE of psychiatric morbidity in a community sample in Western Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 25% of the worldwide population suffers from mental,
      neurological and substance use disorders but unfortunately, up to 75% of affected
      persons do not have access to the treatment they need. Data on the magnitude of
      the mental health problem in Kenya is scarce. The objectives of this study were
      to establish the prevalence and the socio-demographic factors associated with
      mental and substance use disorders in Kosirai division, Nandi County, Western
      Kenya. METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive study in which
      participants were selected by simple random sampling. The sampling frame was
      obtained from a data base of the population in the study area developed during
      door-to-door testing and counseling exercises for HIV/AIDS. Four hundred and
      twenty consenting adults were interviewed by psychologists using the Mini
      International Neuropsychiatric Interview Version 7 for Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual 5th Edition and a researcher-designed social demographic questionnaire.
      RESULTS: One hundred and ninety one (45%) of the participants had a lifetime
      diagnosis of at least one of the mental disorders. Of these, 66 (15.7%) had
      anxiety disorder, 53 (12.3%) had major depressive disorder; 49 (11.7%) had
      alcohol and substance use disorder. 32 (7.6%) had experienced a psychotic episode
      and 69 (16.4%) had a life-time suicidal attempt. Only 7 (1.7%) had ever been
      diagnosed with a mental illness. Having a mental condition was associated with
      age less than 60 years and having a medical condition. CONCLUSION: A large
      proportion of the community has had a mental disorder in their lifetime and most
      of these conditions are undiagnosed and therefore not treated. These findings
      indicate a need for strategies that will promote diagnosis and treatment of
      community members with psychiatric disorders. In order to screen more people for
      mental illness, we recommend further research to evaluate a strategy similar to
      the home based counseling and testing for HIV and the use of simple screening
      tools.

PMID- 28100209
TI  - Lifelong vegetarianism and breast cancer risk: a large multicentre case control
      study in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lower incidence of breast cancer in Asian populations where the
      intake of animal products is lower than that of Western populations has led some
      to suggest that a vegetarian diet might reduce breast cancer risk. METHODS:
      Between 2011 and 2014 we conducted a multicentre hospital based case-control
      study in eight cancer centres in India. Eligible cases were women aged 30-70
      years, with newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer (ICD10 C50). Controls were
      frequency matched to the cases by age and region of residence and chosen from the
      accompanying attendants of the patients with cancer or those patients in the
      general hospital without cancer. Information about dietary, lifestyle,
      reproductive and socio-demographic factors were collected using an interviewer
      administered structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models
      were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for the
      risk of breast cancer in relation to lifelong vegetarianism, adjusting for known
      risk factors for the disease. RESULTS: The study included 2101 cases and 2255
      controls. The mean age at recruitment was similar in cases (49.7 years (SE 9.7))
      and controls (49.8 years (SE 9.1)). About a quarter of the population were
      lifelong vegetarians and the rates varied significantly by region. On
      multivariate analysis, with adjustment for known risk factors for the disease,
      the risk of breast cancer was not decreased in lifelong vegetarians (OR 1.09 (95%
      CI 0.93-1.29)). CONCLUSIONS: Lifelong exposure to a vegetarian diet appears to
      have little, if any effect on the risk of breast cancer.

PMID- 28100211
TI  - Waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio are associated with periodontal
      pocketing-results of the Health 2000 Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) has been found to associate with different
      parameters of chronic periodontal disease in previous studies. It is reasonable
      to expect that central adiposity measures, such as waist circumference and waist
      to-height ratio, which indirectly takes into account visceral fat, are more
      accurate measures of obesity-related oral health risks than BMI. The aim of this
      study was to examine whether central obesity is associated with periodontal
      pocketing, an indication of infectious chronic periodontal disease. METHODS: The
      study was based on a subpopulation from the national Health 2000 Survey in
      Finland. It included dentate, non-diabetic, never-smoking subjects aged 30-49 (n
      = 1287). The outcome variable was the number of teeth with deepened periodontal
      pockets (4 mm or more) and the number of teeth with deep periodontal pockets (6
      mm or more). Central obesity was measured by means of waist circumference (WC)
      and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Poisson regression models were used to estimate
      prevalence rate ratios (PRR) and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Our
      main finding was that both WC and WHtR were associated with the number of teeth
      with deeper (4 mm or more) periodontal pockets; the PRR for the fifth quintile in
      WC was 1.5, CI: 1.2-1.9 and in WHtR 1.4, CI: 1.1-1.7, when compared to the lowest
      quintile. Corresponding figures for deep (6 mm or more) periodontal pockets were
      2.3, CI: 0.9-6.1 for WC and 1.9, CI: 0.8-4.4 for WHtR. There were no essential
      differences in the strengths of the associations between WC and WHtR and the
      number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets. CONCLUSION: Both central
      adipose measures-WC and WHtR-seem to be associated with periodontal pocketing in
      non-diabetic, never-smoking subjects aged 30-49 years old.

PMID- 28100212
TI  - The effects of breakfast on short-term cognitive function among Chinese white
      collar workers: protocol for a three-phase crossover study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the first meal of the day, breakfast plays an important role in
      supplying energy and nutrients, which are critical to working and learning
      activities. A three-phase crossover study was designed to investigate the effects
      of breakfast on cognitive function among Chinese white-collar workers. The
      planned study protocol is presented. METHODS: A total of 264 participants aged 25
      45 years will be recruited from Shenyang and Chongqing. Self-administered
      questionnaires will be used to collect information on age, gender, marital
      status, education level, occupation, smoking habits, drinking habits, and
      breakfast behaviours. The participants will be randomly assigned to 3 equal-sized
      groups (Groups A, B, and C) and will be provided with a nutrition-adequate
      breakfast, a nutrition-inadequate breakfast, or no breakfast, respectively. Each
      participant will receive the breakfast treatment on the basis of assignment to
      one of three sequences (ABC/BCA/CAB). Each participant will complete a battery of
      cognitive tests assessing short-term memory, attention, and working memory 120
      minutes after breakfast. Mood will be measured through a self-administered
      questionnaire assessing the dimensions of positive and negative frames of mind.
      Additionally, fasting blood glucose and postprandial 2-hour blood glucose levels
      will be tested with a blood-glucose meter (Roche ACCU-CHEK(r)-Performa). All the
      participants will take all the tests in three successive weeks, and the order of
      presentation will be counter-balanced across groups. DISCUSSION: The present
      study will be the first investigation of the effect of breakfast food type and
      quality on cognitive function amongst white-collar workers in China. We predict
      that a nutrition-adequate breakfast, compared with a nutrition-inadequate
      breakfast and no breakfast, will significantly improve short-term cognitive
      function. The results of this study should provide scientific evidence of the
      effect of breakfast quality on cognitive function and provide scientific data to
      inform nutrition education strategies and promote a healthy lifestyle. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Chinese clinical trial registry (Primary registry in the WHO
      registry network) Registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-15007114 . Date of
      registration: August 25, 2015.

PMID- 28100213
TI  - Transcriptomic response of wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata, to transgenic
      rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab protein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacillum thuringiensis (Bt) toxin produced in Cry1-expressing
      genetically modified rice (Bt rice) is highly effective to control lepidopteran
      pests, which reduces the needs for synthetic insecticides. Non-target organisms
      can be exposed to Bt toxins through direct feeding or trophic interactions in the
      field. The wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata, one of the dominant predators in
      South China, plays a crucial role in the rice agroecosystem. In this study, we
      investigated transcriptome responses of the 5th instar spiders fed on preys
      maintained on Bt- and non-Bt rice. RESULTS: Comparative transcriptome analysis
      resulted in 136 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between spiderlings preying
      upon N. lugens fed on Bt- and non-Bt rice (Bt- and non-Bt spiderlings).
      Functional analysis indicated a potential impact of Bt toxin on the formation of
      new cuticles during molting. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggested that GO
      terms associated with chitin or cuticle, including "chitin binding", "chitin
      metabolic process", "chitin synthase activity", "cuticle chitin biosynthetic
      process", "cuticle hydrocarbon biosynthetic process", and "structural constituent
      of cuticle", and an array of amino acid metabolic pathways, including "alanine,
      asparatate and glutamate metabolism", "glycine, serine and theronine metabolism",
      "cysteine and methionine metabolism", "tyrosine metabolism", "phenylalanine
      metabolism and phenylalanine", and "tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis" were
      significantly influenced in response to Cry1Ab. CONCLUSIONS: The Cry1Ab may have
      a negative impact on the formation of new cuticles during molting, which is
      contributed to the delayed development of spiderlings. To validate these
      transcriptomic responses, further examination at the translational level will be
      warranted.

PMID- 28100215
TI  - A discrete event simulation model to evaluate the use of community services in
      the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease in the United Kingdom.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of people affected by Parkinson's disease (PD) is
      increasing in the United Kingdom driven by population ageing. The treatment of
      the disease is complex, resource intensive and currently there is no known cure
      to PD. The National Health Service (NHS), the public organisation delivering
      healthcare in the UK, is under financial pressures. There is a need to find
      innovative ways to improve the operational and financial performance of treating
      PD patients. The use of community services is a new and promising way of
      providing treatment and care to PD patients at reduced cost than hospital care.
      The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential operational and financial
      benefits, which could be achieved through increased integration of community
      services in the delivery of treatment and care to PD patients in the UK without
      compromising care quality. METHODS: A Discrete Event Simulation model was
      developed to represent the PD care structure including patients' pathways,
      treatment modes, and the mix of resources required to treat PD patients. The
      model was parametrised with data from a large NHS Trust in the UK and validated
      using information from the same trust. Four possible scenarios involving
      increased use of community services were simulated on the model. RESULTS:
      Shifting more patients with PD from hospital treatment to community services will
      reduce the number of visits of PD patients to hospitals by about 25% and the
      number of PD doctors and nurses required to treat these patients by around 32%.
      Hospital based treatment costs overall should decrease by 26% leading to overall
      savings of 10% in the total cost of treating PD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The
      simulation model was useful in predicting the effects of increased use of
      community services on the performance of PD care delivery. Treatment policies
      need to reflect upon and formalise the use of community services and integrate
      these better in PD care. The advantages of community services need to be
      effectively shared with PD patients and carers to help inform management choices
      and care plans.

PMID- 28100214
TI  - Preoperative lipiodol marking and its role on survival and complication rates of
      CT-guided cryoablation for small renal masses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Partial nephrectomy for small renal masses (SRM) may be useful for
      preserving renal function, but is technically more difficult than radical
      nephrectomy. Cryoablation may be performed under local anesthesia. The objective
      of the present study is to assess the safety and therapeutic efficacy of
      cryoablation with lipiodol marking for SRM. METHODS: Cryoablation therapy was
      performed on 42 patients under local anesthesia. Their median age was 74 years
      (31-91). The median tumor diameter was 21 mm (10-42). Responses to the treatment
      were evaluated using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors
      (mRECIST) by contrast-enhanced CT. In six patients (14.3%) for whom it was not
      possible to use contrast medium, plain CT findings were assessed according to
      Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). RESULTS: Twenty-nine (69%)
      and five (12%) patients achieved complete responses (CR) and partial responses
      (PR), respectively, while four (10%) and four (10%) patients each had stable
      disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) after the first course of therapy. A
      second course of cryoablation therapy with lipiodol marking was performed on
      three out of four patients with PD after the first course of therapy, and
      resulted in a total of 32 patients achieving CR (76%). Four (36.4%) out of 11
      patients for whom lipiodol marking was not conducted had PD, whereas none of the
      31 patients for whom lipiodol marking was conducted had PD. All grade
      complications were reported in 11 (24.4%) patients while grade 3 in two (4.4%)
      patients. 11 (24.4%) A significant difference was observed in postoperative
      hemorrhagic events in all grades (18% in patients undergoing cryoablation without
      lipiodol marking vs. 0% in patients undergoing cryoablation without lipiodol
      marking). CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies involving more patients are
      needed in order to evaluate long-term results, cryoablation therapy appears to be
      a useful treatment option for SRM. Preoperative marking with lipiodol was helpful
      for improving complication and survival rates with cryoablation.

PMID- 28100216
TI  - Antispasmodic, bronchodilator, vasorelaxant and cardiosuppressant effects of
      Buxus papillosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present research was carried out to investigate pharmacological
      properties of Buxus papillosa C.K. Schneid. (Buxaceae). METHODS: Buxus papillosa
      extracts of leaves (BpL), stem (BpS), roots (BpR) and BpL fractions: hexane (BpL
      H), aqueous (BpL-A) also plant constituent, cyclomicrobuxine effect were studied
      in jejunum, atria, aorta and tracheal preparations from rabbit and guine-peg.
      RESULTS: Ca++ antagonistic effect of BpS, BpR, BpL-H, BpL-A and cyclomicrobuxine
      were conclusively suggested, when spontaneous contractions of rabbit jejunal
      preparation was relaxed along with subsequent relaxation of potassium chloride
      (80 mM) induced contractions. Ca++ antagonistic effect was further confirmed,
      when a prominent right shift like that of verapamil was observed in Ca++
      concentration-response curves, drawn in a tissue pretreated with BpL (0.3-1.0
      mg/mL). In rabbit tracheal tissues BpL, BpS, BpR, BpL-H and BpL-A produced a
      prominent relaxation in contractions induced by potassium chloride (80 mM) and
      carbachol (1 MUm). When tested in rabbit aortic rings, BpL, BpS, BpR, BpL-H and
      BpL-A showed concentration-dependent (0.1-3.0 mg/mL) vasorelaxant effect against
      phenylephrine (1 MUM) and high K+-induced contractions. In isolated guinea-pig
      right atria, BpL, BpS, BpR, BpL-H and BpL-A suppressed atrial force of
      spontaneous contractions, with BpL-A being most potent. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      reveal that Buxus papillosa possesses gut, airways and cardiovascular inhibitory
      actions.

PMID- 28100217
TI  - Variation in branchial expression among insulin-like growth-factor binding
      proteins (igfbps) during Atlantic salmon smoltification and seawater exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In preparation for migration from freshwater to marine habitats,
      Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) undergo smoltification, a transformation that
      includes the acquisition of hyposmoregulatory capacity. The growth hormone
      (Gh)/insulin-like growth-factor (Igf) axis promotes the development of branchial
      ionoregulatory functions that underlie ion secretion. Igfs interact with a suite
      of Igf binding proteins (Igfbps) that modulate hormone activity. In Atlantic
      salmon smolts, igfbp4,-5a,-5b1,-5b2,-6b1 and-6b2 transcripts are highly expressed
      in gill. We measured mRNA levels of branchial and hepatic igfbps during
      smoltification (March, April, and May), desmoltification (July) and following
      seawater (SW) exposure in March and May. We also characterized parallel changes
      in a broad suite of osmoregulatory (branchial Na+/K+-ATPase (Nka) activity, Na +
      /K + /2Cl - cotransporter 1 (nkcc1) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator 1
      (cftr1) transcription) and endocrine (plasma Gh and Igf1) parameters. RESULTS:
      Indicative of smoltification, we observed increased branchial Nka activity, nkcc1
      and cftr1 transcription in May. Branchial igfbp6b1 and -6b2 expression increased
      coincidentally with smoltification. Following a SW challenge in March, igfbp6b1
      showed increased expression while igfbp6b2 exhibited diminished expression.
      igfbp5a,-5b1 and-5b2 mRNA levels did not change during smolting, but each had
      lower levels following a SW exposure in March. CONCLUSIONS: Salmonids express an
      especially large suite of igfbps. Our data suggest that dynamic expression of
      particular igfbps accompanies smoltification and SW challenges; thus,
      transcriptional control of igfbps may provide a mechanism for the local
      modulation of Igf activity in salmon gill.

PMID- 28100218
TI  - Antiviral effect of compounds derived from the seeds of Mammea americana and
      Tabernaemontana cymosa on Dengue and Chikungunya virus infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transmission of Dengue virus (DENV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)
      has increased worldwide, due in part to the lack of a specific antiviral
      treatment. For this reason, the search for compounds with antiviral potential,
      either as licensed drugs or in natural products, is a research priority. The
      objective of this study was to identify some of the compounds that are present in
      Mammea americana (M. americana) and Tabernaemontana cymosa (T. cymosa) plants
      and, subsequently, to evaluate their cytotoxicity in VERO cells and their
      potential antiviral effects on DENV and CHIKV infections in those same cells.
      METHODS: Dry ethanolic extracts of M. americana and T. cymosa seeds were
      subjected to open column chromatographic fractionation, leading to the
      identification of four compounds: two coumarins, derived from M. americana; and
      lupeol acetate and voacangine derived from T. cymosa.. The cytotoxicity of each
      compound was subsequently assessed by the MTT method (at concentrations from 400
      to 6.25 MUg/mL). Pre- and post-treatment antiviral assays were performed at non
      toxic concentrations; the resulting DENV inhibition was evaluated by Real-Time
      PCR, and the CHIKV inhibition was tested by the plating method. The results were
      analyzed by means of statistical analysis. RESULTS: The compounds showed low
      toxicity at concentrations <= 200 MUg/mL. The compounds coumarin A and coumarin
      B, which are derived from the M. americana plant, significantly inhibited
      infection with both viruses during the implementation of the two experimental
      strategies employed here (post-treatment with inhibition percentages greater than
      50%, p < 0.01; and pre-treatment with percentages of inhibition greater than 40%,
      p < 0.01). However, the lupeol acetate and voacangine compounds, which were
      derived from the T. cymosa plant, only significantly inhibited the DENV infection
      during the post-treatment strategy (at inhibition percentages greater than 70%, p
      < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In vitro, the coumarins are capable of inhibiting infection
      by DENV and CHIKV (with inhibition percentages above 50% in different
      experimental strategies), which could indicate that these two compounds are
      potential antivirals for treating Dengue and Chikungunya fever. Additionally,
      lupeol acetate and voacangine efficiently inhibit infection with DENV, also
      turning them into promising antivirals for Dengue fever.

PMID- 28100219
TI  - Increased amygdala reactivity following early life stress: a potential resilience
      enhancer role.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amygdala hyper-reactivity is sometimes assumed to be a vulnerability
      factor that predates depression; however, in healthy people, who experience early
      life stress but do not become depressed, it may represent a resilience mechanism.
      We aimed to test these hypothesis examining whether increased amygdala activity
      in association with a history of early life stress (ELS) was negatively or
      positively associated with depressive symptoms and impact of negative life event
      stress in never-depressed adults. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy participants
      completed an individually tailored negative mood induction task during functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) assessment along with evaluation of ELS.
      RESULTS: Mood change and amygdala reactivity were increased in never-depressed
      participants who reported ELS compared to participants who reported no ELS. Yet,
      increased amygdala reactivity lowered effects of ELS on depressive symptoms and
      negative life events stress. Amygdala reactivity also had positive functional
      connectivity with the bilateral DLPFC, motor cortex and striatum in people with
      ELS during sad memory recall. CONCLUSIONS: Increased amygdala activity in those
      with ELS was associated with decreased symptoms and increased neural features,
      consistent with emotion regulation, suggesting that preservation of robust
      amygdala reactions may reflect a stress buffering or resilience enhancing factor
      against depression and negative stressful events.

PMID- 28100220
TI  - Effect of patient's age on the profitability of inpatient cardiac
      catheterization: a contribution margin analysis of frequently performed
      procedures over a 5-year period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to a continuing age shift in the German society hospital
      providers are concerned about the additional costs associated with the treatment
      of elderly patients. It is not clear if cardiac catheterization in aged patients
      leads to higher resource utilization and if DRG-revenues do compensate for this
      factor. METHODS: Procedure-related and administrative data of all patients who
      underwent cardiac catheterization at a tertiary heart center between 2007 and
      2011 were collected and analyzed. Then a profitability analysis was performed by
      comparing the case related variable costs with the Diagnosis-related group (DRG)
      per case revenues. A particular emphasis was placed on a comparative analysis of
      identical clusters of procedures. RESULTS: The most frequently performed
      catheterization procedure (n = 1800) was associated with significantly higher
      material expenditure in very old patients (178 +/- 48 ?) than in old (171 +/- 28;
      p = 0.001) and young patients (172 +/- 39; p = 0.046). Furthermore, radiation
      time and the length of hospital stay were increased in very old patients (3.5 +/-
      3.8 min and 6.2 +/- 4.8 days) compared to old (2.7 +/- 2.8 min and 4.6 +/- 3.8
      days; p < 0.001) and young patients (2.5 +/- 2.5 min and 4.5 +/- 3.9 days; p <
      0.001). Due to higher DRG revenues very old patients achieved higher absolute
      contribution margins (2065 +/- 1033 ?) than old (1804 +/- 1902 ?; p < 0.001) and
      young patients (1771 +/- 902 ?; p < 0.001). However, the contribution margins per
      day were significantly smaller (440 +/- 226 ?) than those in old (488 +/- 234 ?;
      p = 0.001) and young patients (484 +/- 206 ?; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Catheterization of very old patients is related to lower contribution margins per
      day despite higher material and time expenditures. Since efforts to reduce the
      length of hospital stay of these patients are limited, this may result in a
      competitive disadvantage of hospitals which are more affected by the demographic
      change.

PMID- 28100221
TI  - Psychosocial work factors and social inequalities in psychological distress: a
      population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mental health problems (MHP) are the leading cause of disability
      worldwide. The inverse association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and MHP
      has been well documented. There is prospective evidence that factors from the
      work environment, including adverse psychosocial work factors, could contribute
      to the development of MHP including psychological distress. However, the
      contribution of psychosocial work factors to social inequalities in MHP remains
      unclear. This study evaluates the contribution of psychosocial work factors from
      two highly supported models, the Demand-Control-Support (DCS) and the Effort
      Reward Imbalance (ERI) models to SEP inequalities of psychological distress in
      men and women from a population-based sample of Quebec workers. METHODS: Data
      were collected during a survey on working conditions, health and safety at work.
      SEP was evaluated using education, occupation and household income. Psychosocial
      work factors and psychological distress were assessed using validated
      instruments. Mean differences (MD) in the score of psychological distress were
      estimated separately for men and women. RESULTS: Low education level and low
      household income were associated with psychological distress among men (MD, 0.56
      (95% CI 0.06; 1.05) and 1.26 (95% CI 0.79; 1.73) respectively). In men, the
      contribution of psychosocial work factors from the DCS and the ERI models to the
      association between household income and psychological distress ranged from 9% to
      24%. No clear inequalities were observed among women. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that psychosocial work factors from the DCS and the ERI models contribute
      to explain a part of social inequalities in psychological distress among men.
      Psychosocial factors at work are frequent and modifiable. The present study
      supports the relevance of targeting these factors for the primary prevention of
      MHP and for health policies aiming to reduce social inequalities in mental
      health.

PMID- 28100222
TI  - Gestational age and 1-year hospital admission or mortality: a nation-wide
      population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Describe the 1-year hospitalization and in-hospital mortality rates,
      in infants born after 31 weeks of gestational age (GA). METHODS: This nation-wide
      population-based study used the French medico-administrative database to assess
      the following outcomes in singleton live-born infants (32-43 weeks) without
      congenital anomalies (year 2011): neonatal hospitalization (day of life 1 - 28),
      post-neonatal hospitalization (day of life 29 - 365), and 1-year in-hospital
      mortality rates. Marginal models and negative binomial regressions were used.
      RESULTS: The study included 696,698 live-born babies. The neonatal
      hospitalization rate was 9.8%. Up to 40 weeks, the lower the GA, the higher the
      hospitalization rate and the greater the likelihood of requiring the highest
      level of neonatal care (both p < 0.001). The relative risk adjusted for sex and
      pregnancy-related diseases (aRR) reached 21.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.2
      23.3) at 32 weeks. The post-neonatal hospitalization rate was 12.1%. The raw
      rates for post-neonatal hospitalization fell significantly from 32 - 40 and
      increased at 43 weeks and this persisted after adjustment (aRR = 3.6 [95% CI: 3.3
      3.9] at 32 and 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1-1.9] at 43 compared to 40 weeks). The main causes
      of post-neonatal hospitalization were bronchiolitis (17.2%), gastroenteritis
      (10.4%) ENT diseases (5.4%) and accidents (6.2%). The in-hospital mortality rate
      was 0.850/00, with a significant decrease (p < 0.001) according to GA at birth
      (aRR = 3.8 [95% CI: 2.4-5.8] at 32 and 6.6 [95% CI: 2.1-20.9] at 43, compared to
      40 weeks. CONCLUSION: There's a continuous change in outcome in hospitalized
      infants born above 31 weeks. Birth at 40 weeks gestation is associated with the
      lowest 1-year morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 28100223
TI  - Surface attachment, promoted by the actomyosin system of Toxoplasma gondii is
      important for efficient gliding motility and invasion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apicomplexan parasites employ a unique form of movement, termed
      gliding motility, in order to invade the host cell. This movement depends on the
      parasite's actomyosin system, which is thought to generate the force during
      gliding. However, recent evidence questions the exact molecular role of this
      system, since mutants for core components of the gliding machinery, such as
      parasite actin or subunits of the MyoA-motor complex (the glideosome), remain
      motile and invasive, albeit at significantly reduced efficiencies. While
      compensatory mechanisms and unusual polymerisation kinetics of parasite actin
      have been evoked to explain these findings, the actomyosin system could also play
      a role distinct from force production during parasite movement. RESULTS: In this
      study, we compared the phenotypes of different mutants for core components of the
      actomyosin system in Toxoplasma gondii to decipher their exact role during
      gliding motility and invasion. We found that, while some phenotypes (apicoplast
      segregation, host cell egress, dense granule motility) appeared early after
      induction of the act1 knockout and went to completion, a small percentage of the
      parasites remained capable of motility and invasion well past the point at which
      actin levels were undetectable. Those act1 conditional knockout (cKO) and mlc1
      cKO that continue to move in 3D do so at speeds similar to wildtype parasites.
      However, these mutants are virtually unable to attach to a collagen-coated
      substrate under flow conditions, indicating an important role for the actomyosin
      system of T. gondii in the formation of attachment sites. CONCLUSION: We
      demonstrate that parasite actin is essential during the lytic cycle and cannot be
      compensated by other molecules. Our data suggest a conventional polymerisation
      mechanism in vivo that depends on a critical concentration of G-actin.
      Importantly, we demonstrate that the actomyosin system of the parasite functions
      in attachment to the surface substrate, and not necessarily as force generator.

PMID- 28100224
TI  - Radical Scavenging Activities of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. Petal Extracts
      and its hepato-protection in CCl4-intoxicated mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. has medicinal importance. Bioactive
      phytochemicals isolated from different parts of L. speciosa, have revealed
      hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepato protective
      properties. Despite one report from Philippines detailing the use of L. speciosa
      as curative for fever and as well as diuretic, there is no experimental evidence
      about the hepatoprotective activity of the flower extracts. METHODS: Several
      spectroscopic methods, including GC-MS, were used to characterize phytochemicals
      present in the petal extract of L. speciosa. Ethanol extract of petals was
      evaluated for anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging properties by using
      methods related to hydrogen atom transfer, single electron transfer, reducing
      power, and metal chelation. This study has also revealed the in vitro antioxidant
      and in vivo hepatoprotective properties of petal extract against carbon tetra
      chloride (CCl4)-induced liver toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Hepatoprotection in
      CCl4 -intoxicated mice was studied with the aid of histology and different
      enzymatic and non-enzymatic markers of liver damage. Cytotoxicity tests were done
      using murein spleenocytes and cancareous cell lines, MCF7 and HepG2. RESULT: GCMS
      of the extract has revealed the presence of several potential antioxidant
      compounds, of them gamma-Sitosterol and 1,2,3-Benzenetriol (Pyrogallol) were the
      predominant ones. The antioxidants activities of the flower-extract were
      significantly higher than curcumin (in terms of Nitric oxide scavenging activity;
      p = 0.0028) or ascorbic acid (in terms of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)
      assay; p = 0.0022). The damage control by the flower extract can be attributed to
      the reduction in lipid peroxidation and restoration of catalase activity. In
      vitro cytotoxicity tests have shown that the flower extract did not affect growth
      and survivability of the cell lines. It left beyond doubt that a flower of L.
      speciosa is a reservoir of antioxidant and hepatoprotective agents capable of
      reversing the damage inflicted by CCl4-intoxication. CONCLUSION: Results from the
      present study may be used in developing a potential hepato-protective health
      drink enriched with antioxidants from Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers.

PMID- 28100225
TI  - Percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus retrograde intrarenal surgery for the
      treatment of kidney stones up to 2 cm in patients with solitary kidney: a single
      centre experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare the treatment outcomes between percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the
      management of stones larger than 2 cm in patients with solitary kidney. METHODS:
      One hundred sixteen patients with a solitary kidney who underwent RIRS (n = 56)
      or PCNL (n = 60) for large renal stones (>2 cm) between Jan 2010 and Nov 2015
      have been considered. The patients' characteristics, stone characteristics,
      operative time, incidence of complications, hospital stay, and stone-free rates
      (SFR) have been evaluated. RESULTS: SFRs after one session were 19.6% and 35.7%
      for RIRS and PCNL respectively (p = 0.047), but the SFR at 3 months follow-up
      comparable in both groups (82.1% vs. 88.3%, p = 0.346). The calculated mean
      operative time for RIRS was longer (p < 0.001), but the mean postoperatively
      hospital stay was statistically significantly shorter (p < 0.001) and average
      drop in hemoglobin level was less (p = 0.040). PCNL showed a higher complication
      rate, although this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Satisfactory stone clearance can be achieved with multi-session RIRS in the
      treatment of renal stones larger than 2 cm in patients with solitary kidney. RIRS
      can be considered as an alternative to PCNL in selected cases.

PMID- 28100226
TI  - Multidimensional poverty and catastrophic health spending in the mountainous
      regions of Myanmar, Nepal and India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Economic burden to households due to out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE)
      is large in many Asian countries. Though studies suggest increasing household
      poverty due to high OOPE in developing countries, studies on association of
      multidimensional poverty and household health spending is limited. This paper
      tests the hypothesis that the multidimensionally poor are more likely to incur
      catastrophic health spending cutting across countries. DATA AND METHODS: Data
      from the Poverty and Vulnerability Assessment (PVA) Survey carried out by the
      International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has been used
      in the analyses. The PVA survey was a comprehensive household survey that covered
      the mountainous regions of India, Nepal and Myanmar. A total of 2647 households
      from India, 2310 households in Nepal and 4290 households in Myanmar covered under
      the PVA survey. Poverty is measured in a multidimensional framework by including
      the dimensions of education, income and energy, water and sanitation using the
      Alkire and Foster method. Health shock is measured using the frequency of
      illness, family sickness and death of any family member in a reference period of
      one year. Catastrophic health expenditure is defined as 40% above the household's
      capacity to pay. RESULTS: Results suggest that about three-fifths of the
      population in Myanmar, two-fifths of the population in Nepal and one-third of the
      population in India are multidimensionally poor. About 47% of the
      multidimensionally poor in India had incurred catastrophic health spending
      compared to 35% of the multidimensionally non-poor and the pattern was similar in
      both Nepal and Myanmar. The odds of incurring catastrophic health spending was
      56% more among the multidimensionally poor than among the multidimensionally non
      poor [95% CI: 1.35-1.76]. While health shocks to households are consistently
      significant predictors of catastrophic health spending cutting across country of
      residence, the educational attainment of the head of the household is not
      significant. CONCLUSION: The multidimensionally poor in the poorer regions are
      more likely to face health shocks and are less likely to afford professional
      health services. Increasing government spending on health and increasing
      households' access to health insurance can reduce catastrophic health spending
      and multidimensional poverty.

PMID- 28100227
TI  - Prenatal and postnatal mothering by diesel exhaust PM2.5-exposed dams
      differentially program mouse energy metabolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the leading threats to global public health. It is
      consequent to abnormal energy metabolism. Currently, it has been well established
      that maternal exposure to environmental stressors that cause inappropriate fetal
      development may have long-term adverse effects on offspring energy metabolism in
      an exposure timing-dependent manner, known as developmental programming of health
      and diseases paradigm. Rapidly increasing evidence has indicated that maternal
      exposure to ambient fine particles (PM2.5) correlates to abnormal fetal
      development. In the present study, we therefore assessed whether maternal
      exposure to diesel exhaust PM2.5 (DEP), the major component of ambient PM2.5 in
      urban areas, programs offspring energy metabolism, and further examined how the
      timing of exposure impacts this programming. RESULTS: The growth trajectory of
      offspring shows that although prenatal maternal exposure to DEP did not impact
      the birth weight of offspring, it significantly decreased offspring body weight
      from postnatal week 2 until the end of observation. This weight loss effect of
      prenatal maternal exposure to DEP coincided with decreased food intake but not
      alteration in brown adipose tissue (BAT) morphology. The hypophagic effect of
      prenatal maternal exposure to DEP was in concord with decreased hypothalamic
      expression of an orexigenic peptide NPY, suggesting that the prenatal maternal
      exposure to DEP impacts offspring energy balance primarily through programming of
      food intake. Paradoxically, the reduced body weight resulted from prenatal
      maternal exposure to DEP was accompanied by increased mass of epididymal adipose
      tissue, which was due to hyperplasia as morphological analysis did not observe
      any hypertrophy. In direct contrast, the postnatal mothering by DEP-exposed dams
      increased offspring body weight during lactation and adulthood, paralleled by
      markedly increased fat accumulation and decreased UCP1 expression in BAT but not
      alteration in food intake. The weight gain induced by postnatal mothering by DEP
      exposed dams was also expressed as an increased adiposity. But it concurred with
      a marked hypertrophy of adipocytes. CONCLUSION: Prenatal and postnatal mothering
      by DEP-exposed dams differentially program offspring energy metabolism,
      underscoring consideration of the exposure timing when examining the adverse
      effects of maternal exposure to ambient PM2.5.

PMID- 28100228
TI  - Association of stem cell factor gene expression with severity and atopic state in
      patients with bronchial asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory and remodeling disorder of
      the airways, in which many cells, cellular elements, and cytokines play important
      roles. Stem cell factor (SCF) may contribute to the inflammatory changes
      occurring in asthma. We aimed to show the expression of SCF gene in patients with
      asthma as a means of diagnosis and its association with severity and atopic state
      in these patients. METHODS: This study was carried out on 80 subjects, 50
      asthmatic patients and 30 age and gender matched healthy control persons. They
      were subjected to full history taking, general and local chest examination,
      spirometric measurements (pre and post broncodilators) using a spirometer, serum
      IgE, and real time PCR for assessment of SCF mRNA expression. RESULTS: This study
      showed significant difference between the studied groups regarding pulmonary
      function tests (P < 0.001). Asthmatic patients had significant higher SCF
      expression compared to control (P < 0.001), also atopic patients vs non atopic (P
      = 0.03) and severe asthmatic patients vs mild ones (P < 0.001). SCF expression at
      cut off point (0.528) is sufficient to discriminate asthmatic patients from
      control while at cut off point (1.84) for discrimination of atopic patients from
      non-atopic patients and at cut off point (1.395) for discrimination of severe
      asthmatic patients from mild ones. A significant negative correlation between SCF
      expression and inhaled steroid while significant positive correlation with serum
      IgE was found. CONCLUSION: Measuring SCF mRNA expression can be used as an
      efficient marker for evaluation of atopy and detection of severity of bronchial
      asthma.

PMID- 28100229
TI  - Surveillance of life-long antibiotics: a review of antibiotic prescribing
      practices in an Australian Healthcare Network.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rise of antimicrobial use in the twentieth century has
      significantly reduced morbidity due to infection, however it has also brought
      with it the rise of increasing resistance. Some patients are on prolonged, if not
      "life-long" course of antibiotics. The reasons for this are varied, and include
      non-infectious indications. We aimed to study the characteristics of this
      potential source of antibiotic resistance, by exploring the antibiotic dispensing
      practices and describing the population of patients on long-term antibiotic
      therapy. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study of antibiotic dispensing
      records was performed at a large university hospital-based healthcare network in
      Melbourne, Australia. Outpatient prescriptions were extracted from the hospital
      pharmacy database over a 6 month period in 2014. Medical records of these
      patients were reviewed to determine the indication for prescription, including
      microbiology, the intended duration, and the prescribing unit. A descriptive
      analysis was performed on this data. RESULTS: 66,127 dispensing episodes were
      reviewed. 202 patients were found to have been prescribed 1 or more antibiotics
      with an intended duration of 1 year or longer. 69/202 (34%) of these patients
      were prescribed prolonged antibiotics for primary prophylaxis in the setting of
      immunosuppression. 43/202 (21%) patients were prescribed long-term suppressive
      antibiotics for infections of thought incurable (e.g. vascular graft infections),
      and 34/43 (79%) were prescribed by Infectious Diseases doctors. 66/202 (33%)
      patients with cystic fibrosis were prescribed prolonged courses of macrolides or
      fluoroquinolones, by respiratory physicians. There was great heterogeneity noted
      in indications for prolonged antibiotic courses, as well as antibiotic agents
      utilised. CONCLUSION: Our study found that that continuous antibiotic therapy
      represented only a small proportion of overall antibiotic prescribing at our
      health network. Prolonged courses of antibiotics were used mainly to suppress
      infections thought incurable, but also as primary and secondary prophylaxis and
      as anti-inflammatory agents. More research is needed to understand the impact of
      long-term antibiotic consumption on both patients and microbial ecology.

PMID- 28100230
TI  - Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in feral cats in Qatar.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cats are essential in the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii as they can
      shed the environmentally resistant oocysts after acquiring infection. Human
      populations living in cities with high densities of feral cats are therefore
      likely to be at risk of infection. The current study is the first to estimate the
      seroprevalence of T. gondii in the feral cat population in Qatar. We investigated
      the seroprevalence of T. gondii among 495 adult cats from urban and suburban
      districts in Qatar. Using results from the Modified Agglutination Test, we fitted
      statistical models with host sex, area and season as explanatory factors and
      seropositivity as the outcome. RESULTS: The analysis revealed an overall
      seroprevalence of 82%. Seroprevalence was significantly higher in the summer
      season (P = 0.006). No significant difference was detected (P > 0.05) between
      seroprevalence in female and male cats and in cats from urban and suburban
      districts of Qatar. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the seasonal difference, the observed
      seroprevalence of T. gondii suggests high environmental contamination throughout
      the year, with some female cats generating more intense responses compared to
      males. Both findings merit further investigations.

PMID- 28100231
TI  - Can screening instruments accurately determine poor outcome risk in adults with
      recent onset low back pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delivering efficient and effective healthcare is crucial for a
      condition as burdensome as low back pain (LBP). Stratified care strategies may be
      worthwhile, but rely on early and accurate patient screening using a valid and
      reliable instrument. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of
      LBP screening instruments for determining risk of poor outcome in adults with LBP
      of less than 3 months duration. METHODS: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO,
      PEDro, Web of Science, SciVerse SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials were searched from June 2014 to March 2016. Prospective cohort
      studies involving patients with acute and subacute LBP were included. Studies
      administered a prognostic screening instrument at inception and reported outcomes
      at least 12 weeks after screening. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant
      data using a standardised spreadsheet. We defined poor outcome for pain to be >=
      3 on an 11-point numeric rating scale and poor outcome for disability to be
      scores of >= 30% disabled (on the study authors' chosen disability outcome
      measure). RESULTS: We identified 18 eligible studies investigating seven
      instruments. Five studies investigated the STarT Back Tool: performance for
      discriminating pain outcomes at follow-up was 'non-informative' (pooled AUC =
      0.59 (0.55-0.63), n = 1153) and 'acceptable' for discriminating disability
      outcomes (pooled AUC = 0.74 (0.66-0.82), n = 821). Seven studies investigated the
      Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire: performance was 'poor' for
      discriminating pain outcomes (pooled AUC = 0.69 (0.62-0.76), n = 360),
      'acceptable' for disability outcomes (pooled AUC = 0.75 (0.69-0.82), n = 512),
      and 'excellent' for absenteeism outcomes (pooled AUC = 0.83 (0.75-0.90), n =
      243). Two studies investigated the Vermont Disability Prediction Questionnaire
      and four further instruments were investigated in single studies only.
      CONCLUSIONS: LBP screening instruments administered in primary care perform
      poorly at assigning higher risk scores to individuals who develop chronic pain
      than to those who do not. Risks of a poor disability outcome and prolonged
      absenteeism are likely to be estimated with greater accuracy. It is important
      that clinicians who use screening tools to obtain prognostic information consider
      the potential for misclassification of patient risk and its consequences for care
      decisions based on screening. However, it needs to be acknowledged that the
      outcomes on which we evaluated these screening instruments in some cases had a
      different threshold, outcome, and time period than those they were designed to
      predict. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO international prospective
      register of systematic reviews registration number CRD42015015778 .

PMID- 28100232
TI  - Equitable health services for the young? A decomposition of income-related
      inequalities in young adults' utilization of health care in Northern Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the goal of the Swedish health system to offer health care
      according to the principle of horizontal equity, little is known about the
      equality in access to health care use among young people. To explore this issue,
      the present study aimed i) to assess horizontal inequity in health care
      utilization among young people in Northern Sweden; and ii) to explore the
      contribution of different factors to explain the observed inequalities. METHODS:
      Participants (N = 3016 youths aged 16-25 years) came from the "Health on Equal
      terms" survey conducted in 2014 in the four northernmost counties in Sweden.
      Concentration indices (C) and horizontal inequity indices (HI) were calculated to
      measure inequalities in the utilization of two health care services (general
      practitioners (GP) and youth clinics). The HI was calculated based on health care
      utilization and variables representing socioeconomic status (household income),
      health care needs factors and non-need factors affecting health care use. A
      decomposition analysis was carried out to explain the income-related
      inequalities. RESULTS: Results showed a significant positive income-related
      inequality for youth clinic utilization in women (C = 0.166) and total sample (C
      = 0.097), indicating that services were concentrated among the better-off. In
      contrast, general practitioner visits showed inequality pointing toward a higher
      utilization among less affluent individuals; significant in women (C = -0.079),
      men (C = -0.101) and pooled sample (C = -0.097). After taking health care needs
      into consideration, the utilization of youth clinics remained significantly pro
      rich in women (HI = 0.121) and total sample (HI = 0.099); and consistently pro
      poor for the GP visits in the pooled sample (HI = -0.058). The decomposition
      analyses suggest that socioeconomic inequalities explain a considerable portion
      of the pro-rich utilization of youth clinics services among young women. The
      corresponding analyses for GP visits showed that need factors and socioeconomic
      conditions accounted for the pro-poor concentration of GP visits. CONCLUSION: The
      distribution of GP visits among young people in Northern Sweden slightly favored
      the low-income group, and thus seems to meet the premises of horizontal equity.
      In contrast, the findings suggest substantial pro-rich horizontal inequity in the
      utilization of youth clinics among young women, which are largely rooted in
      socioeconomic inequalities.

PMID- 28100234
TI  - Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of coronoid fractures with an exchange rod-a
      new technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ulnar coronoid process plays a central role in maintaining elbow
      stability. Some of its fractures were often combined with injury of bone and
      ligament. Arthroscopy enables perfect visualization to allow anatomical repair.
      METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2013, six patients (four males, two
      females) with a mean age of 26.6 years were treated. The left and right ulnas
      were involved in two and four patients, respectively. All patients suffered from
      ipsilateral subluxation of the elbow without associated radial fracture.
      According to the Regan and Morrey fracture classification and O'Driscoll's
      classification, two and four patients were classified as type I and type II and
      as having tip fracture (O'Driscoll type I) and anteromedial fracture (O'Driscoll
      type II), respectively. Exchange rod technology via the elbow front center
      approach was used for reduction and fixation of fractures of the coronoid process
      of the ulna. RESULTS: Intra- and postoperative X-ray examination showed that the
      fractures were satisfactorily fixed and that the screw and fracture line were
      vertical to each other. Follow-ups showed that the fractures had healed well, and
      the average elbow extension was -2 degrees  while the average flexion was 140
      degrees . No problems related to pronation or supination, elbow instability, or
      complications of blood vessels or nerves were reported. The elbows showed
      excellent results according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. CONCLUSIONS:
      Arthroscopy using an exchange rod can provide excellent visual exposure of the
      fractured joints, without the need for a large incision during the anatomical
      repair. Moreover, it protects the surrounding soft tissue, shows good stability
      of the components, and allows early rehabilitation exercises.

PMID- 28100233
TI  - The role of the endothelium in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD).
AB  - COPD and asthma are important chronic inflammatory disorders with a high
      associated morbidity. Much research has concentrated on the role of inflammatory
      cells, such as the neutrophil, in these diseases, but relatively little focus has
      been given to the endothelial tissue, through which inflammatory cells must
      transmigrate to reach the lung parenchyma and cause damage. There is evidence
      that there is an abnormal amount of endothelial tissue in COPD and asthma and
      that this tissue and its' progenitor cells behave in a dysfunctional manner. This
      article reviews the evidence of the involvement of pulmonary endothelium in COPD
      and asthma and potential treatment options for this.

PMID- 28100235
TI  - Solitary fibrous tumour of the liver-report on metastasis and local recurrence of
      a malignant case and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Solitary fibrous tumours (SFT) are neoplasms of mesenchymal origin
      that predominantly arise from the pleura. SFT of the liver (SFTL) are a rare
      occurrence with little number of cases reported in English literature. Malignant
      cases of hepatic SFT are an even rarer occurrence. For this reason, the
      prognostic evaluation of SFTLs is unknown and difficult to measure. METHODS: A
      search on English literature on "Solitary Fibrous Tumour of the Liver" was
      conducted on common search engines (PubMed, Google). All published articles, case
      reports and literature reviews and their reference lists were reviewed. CASE
      REPORT: This paper presents a 61-year-old male who was referred to a tertiary
      hospital in April 2010 with marked hepatomegaly. USS, CT and MRI scans were
      suggestive of a neoplasm, and the patient underwent a subsegmental IVb resection
      in June 2010. The specimen demonstrated histological and immunohistochemical
      features of malignant SFTL with clear resection margins. The patient was followed
      up regularly for 3 years with imaging and no suggestion of recurrence. Six years
      after the initial surgery, the patient represented with worsening right upper
      quadrant pain and dyspnoea secondary to extensive tumour recurrence adjacent to
      the resection site and metastatic deposits in the pleura. The patient was managed
      symptomatically and discharged for community follow-up after palliative
      involvement. CONCLUSIONS: SFTL are rare with only 84 cases reported in the
      English Literature including the present case. The average age of patients is
      57.1 and occurs in females more than males (1.4:1). Most SFTLs follow a benign
      course, however, 17.9% of cases displayed malignant histological features. Only
      three cases including the current case are reported to have both local recurrence
      and metastasis. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment and appears
      to be curative of most cases. The rarity of this tumour makes it difficult to
      evaluate its prognosis and natural course.

PMID- 28100236
TI  - Human beta-defensin-2 production from S. cerevisiae using the repressible MET17
      promoter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a proven host for the
      commercial production of recombinant biopharmaceutical proteins. For the
      manufacture of heterologous proteins with activities deleterious to the host it
      can be desirable to minimise production during the growth phase and induce
      production late in the exponential phase. Protein expression by regulated
      promoter systems offers the possibility of improving productivity in this way by
      separating the recombinant protein production phase from the yeast growth phase.
      Commonly used inducible promoters do not always offer convenient solutions for
      industrial scale biopharmaceutical production with engineered yeast systems.
      RESULTS: Here we show improved secretion of the antimicrobial protein, human beta
      defensin-2, (hBD2), using the S. cerevisiae MET17 promoter by repressing
      expression during the growth phase. In shake flask culture, a higher final
      concentration of human beta-defensin-2 was obtained using the repressible MET17
      promoter system than when using the strong constitutive promoter from proteinase
      B (PRB1) in a yeast strain developed for high-level commercial production of
      recombinant proteins. Furthermore, this was achieved in under half the time using
      the MET17 promoter compared to the PRB1 promoter. Cell density, plasmid copy
      number, transcript level and protein concentration in the culture supernatant
      were used to study the effects of different initial methionine concentrations in
      the culture media for the production of human beta-defensin-2 secreted from S.
      cerevisiae. CONCLUSIONS: The repressible S. cerevisiae MET17 promoter was more
      efficient than a strong constitutive promoter for the production of human beta
      defensin-2 from S. cerevisiae in small-scale culture and offers advantages for
      the commercial production of this and other heterologous proteins which are
      deleterious to the host organism. Furthermore, the MET17 promoter activity can be
      modulated by methionine alone, which has a safety profile applicable to
      biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

PMID- 28100237
TI  - Surveillance and response for high-risk populations: what can malaria elimination
      programmes learn from the experience of HIV?
AB  - To eliminate malaria, malaria programmes need to develop new strategies for
      surveillance and response appropriate for the changing epidemiology that
      accompanies transmission decline, in which transmission is increasingly driven by
      population subgroups whose behaviours place them at increased exposure.
      Conventional tools of malaria surveillance and response are likely not sufficient
      in many elimination settings for accessing high-risk population subgroups, such
      as mobile and migrant populations (MMPs), given their greater likelihood of
      asymptomatic infections, illegal risk behaviours, limited access to public health
      facilities, and high mobility including extended periods travelling away from
      home. More adaptive, targeted strategies are needed to monitor transmission and
      intervention coverage effectively in these groups. Much can be learned from HIV
      programmes' experience with "second generation surveillance", including how to
      rapidly adapt surveillance and response strategies to changing transmission
      patterns, biological and behavioural surveys that utilize targeted sampling
      methods for specific behavioural subgroups, and methods for population size
      estimation. This paper reviews the strategies employed effectively for HIV
      programmes and offers considerations and recommendations for adapting them to the
      malaria elimination context.

PMID- 28100239
TI  - Elective breast radiotherapy including level I and II lymph nodes: A planning
      study with the humeral head as planning risk volume.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the dose to the humeral head
      planning risk volume with the currently used high tangential fields (HTF) and
      compare different planning techniques for breast radiotherapy including axillary
      level I and II lymph nodes (PTVn) while sparing the humeral head. METHODS: Ten
      patients with left-sided breast cancer were enrolled in a planning study with 16
      fractions of 2.66 Gy. Four planning techniques were compared: HTF, HTF with
      sparing of the humeral head, 6-field IMRT with sparing of the humeral head and
      VMAT with sparing of the humeral head. The humeral head + 10 mm was spared by
      restricting V40Gy < 1 cc. RESULTS: The dose to the humeral head was too high with
      HTF (V40Gy on average 20.7 cc). When sparing the humeral head in HTF, PTVn V90%
      decreased significantly from 97.9% to 89.4%. 6-field IMRT and VMAT had a PTVn
      V90% of 98.2% and 99.5% respectively. However, dose to the lungs, heart and
      especially the contralateral breast increased with VMAT. CONCLUSIONS: The humeral
      head is rarely spared when using HTF. When sparing the humeral head, the 6-field
      IMRT technique leads to adequate PTV coverage while not increasing the dose to
      the OARs.

PMID- 28100238
TI  - Chronic physical conditions, multimorbidity and physical activity across 46 low-
      and middle-income countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no nationally representative population-based studies
      investigating the relationship between physical activity, chronic conditions and
      multimorbidity (i.e., two or more chronic conditions) in low- and middle-income
      countries (LMICs), and studies on a multi-national level are lacking. This is an
      important research gap, given the rapid increase in the prevalence of chronic
      diseases associated with lifestyle changes in these countries. This cross
      sectional study aimed to assess the association between chronic conditions,
      multimorbidity and low physical activity (PA) among community-dwelling adults in
      46 LMICs, and explore the mediators of these relationships. METHODS: World Health
      Survey data included 228,024 adults aged >=18 years from 46 LMICs. PA was
      assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Nine
      chronic physical conditions (chronic back pain, angina, arthritis, asthma,
      diabetes, hearing problems, tuberculosis, visual impairment and edentulism) were
      assessed. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses were used to
      assess the association between chronic conditions or multimorbidity and low PA.
      RESULTS: Overall, in the multivariable analysis, arthritis (OR = 1.12), asthma
      (1.19), diabetes (OR = 1.33), edentulism (OR = 1.46), hearing problems (OR =
      1.90), tuberculosis (OR = 1.24), visual impairment (OR = 2.29), multimorbidity
      (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.21-1.42) were significantly associated with low PA. More
      significant associations were observed in individuals aged >=50 years. In older
      adults, depression mediated between 5.1% (visual impairment) to 23.5% (angina) of
      the association between a chronic condition and low PA. Mobility difficulties
      explained more than 25% of the association for seven of the eight chronic
      conditions. Pain was a strong mediator for angina (65.9%) and arthritis (64.9%),
      while sleep problems mediated up to 43.7% (angina) of the association.
      CONCLUSIONS: In LMICs, those with chronic conditions and multimorbidity are
      significantly less physically active (especially older adults). Research on the
      efficacy and effectiveness of PA in the management of chronic diseases in LMICs
      is urgently needed. Targeted promotion of physical activity to populations in
      LMICs experiencing chronic conditions may ameliorate associated depression,
      mobility difficulties and pain that are themselves important barriers for
      initiating or adopting an active lifestyle.

PMID- 28100241
TI  - Personalized life expectancy and treatment benefit index of antiretroviral
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The progression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) within host
      includes typical stages and the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is shown to be
      effective in slowing down this progression. There are great challenges in
      describing the entire HIV disease progression and evaluating comprehensive
      effects of ART on life expectancy for HIV infected individuals on ART. METHODS:
      We develop a novel summative treatment benefit index (TBI), based on an HIV viral
      dynamics model and linking the infection and viral production rates to the
      Weibull function. This index summarizes the integrated effect of ART on the life
      expectancy (LE) of a patient, and more importantly, can be reconstructed from the
      individual clinic data. RESULTS: The proposed model, faithfully mimicking the
      entire HIV disease progression, enables us to predict life expectancy and trace
      back the timing of infection. We fit the model to the longitudinal data in a
      cohort study in China to reconstruct the treatment benefit index, and we describe
      the dependence of individual life expectancy on key ART treatment specifics
      including the timing of ART initiation, timing of emergence of drug resistant
      virus variants and ART adherence. CONCLUSIONS: We show that combining model
      predictions with monitored CD4 counts and viral loads can provide critical
      information about the disease progression, to assist the design of ART regimen
      for maximizing the treatment benefits.

PMID- 28100242
TI  - Intraoperative radiotherapy in gynaecological and genito-urinary malignancies:
      focus on endometrial, cervical, renal, bladder and prostate cancers.
AB  - Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) refers to the delivery of a single radiation
      dose to a limited volume of tissue during a surgical procedure. A literature
      review was performed to analyze the role of IORT in gynaecological  and genito
      urinary cancer including endometrial, cervical, renal, bladder and prostate
      cancers.Literature search was performed by Pubmed and Scopus, using the words
      "intraoperative radiotherapy/IORT", "gynaecological cancer", "uterine/endometrial
      cancer", "cervical/cervix cancer", "renal/kidney cancer", "bladder cancer" and
      "prostate cancer". Forty-seven articles were selected from the search databases,
      analyzed and briefly described.Literature data show that IORT has been used to
      optimize local control rate in genito-urinary tumours mainly in retrospective
      studies. The results suggest that IORT could be advantageous in the setting of
      locally advanced and recurrent disease although further prospective trials are
      needed to confirm this findings.

PMID- 28100243
TI  - Combating substance misuse: competences and preparation of special education
      department students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examines Jordanian special education department students'
      competences and preparation relating to combating substance misuse (SM). METHOD:
      Thematic analysis was performed on data from interviews with 150 students.
      RESULTS: Some participants denied the possibility of addiction among students
      with disabilities, and presented negative attitudes toward their role in
      combating SM. In general, the participants displayed low levels of
      professionalism relating to combating SM, and the results revealed that they felt
      that their preparation programme had been inadequate and they desired more
      courses that related to combating SM. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that
      Jordanian Universities should emphasise the role of teachers in a preventive
      approach to SM.

PMID- 28100240
TI  - Reactivation of dormant anti-tumor immunity - a clinical perspective of
      therapeutic immune checkpoint modulation.
AB  - In favor of their outgrowth, cancer cells must resist immune surveillance and
      edit the immune response. Cancer immunoediting is characterized by fundamental
      changes in the cellular composition and the inflammatory cytokine profiles in the
      microenvironment of the primary tumor and metastatic niches, with an ever
      increasing complexity of interactions between tumor cells and the immune system.
      Recent data suggest that genetic instability and immunoediting are not
      necessarily disparate processes. Increasing mutational load may be associated
      with multiple neoepitopes expressed by the tumor cells and thus increased chances
      for the immune system to recognize and combat these cells. At the same time the
      immune system is more and more suppressed and exhausted by this process.
      Consequently, immune checkpoint modulation may have the potential to be most
      successful in genetically highly altered and usually extremely unfavorable types
      of cancer. Moreover, the fact that epitopes recognized by the immune system are
      preferentially encoded by passenger gene mutations opens windows of synergy in
      targeting cancer-specific signaling pathways by small molecules simultaneously
      with antibodies modifying T-cell activation or exhaustion.This review covers some
      aspects of the current understanding of the immunological basis necessary to
      understand the rapidly developing therapeutic endeavours in cancer treatment, the
      clinical achievements made, and raises some burning questions for translational
      research in this field.

PMID- 28100244
TI  - Is aclidinium alone or combined with a LABA a rational choice for symptomatic
      COPD patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: As emphasized by international recommendations and largely confirmed
      by clinical experience, long-acting bronchodilators play a central role in the
      maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to
      their proven efficacy in reducing airflow obstruction and improving symptoms.
      MAIN BODY: There are some important aspects to define with regard to inhalation
      therapy for COPD, particularly those concerning the selection criteria and the
      optimal use of long-acting bronchodilators. First of all, it needs to be
      determined in which patients and clinical situations monotherapy with one
      bronchodilator, such as a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), should be
      considered adequate, and in which cases the use of combination therapies, such as
      the "double bronchodilation" with a LAMA and a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA),
      should be preferred. Another critical issue concerns the effect of the frequency
      of daily administration of inhaled agents on the control of symptoms during the
      24 h. COPD symptoms are known to exhibit considerable circadian variability with
      worsening in the early morning, and a significant proportion of patients have
      disease-related sleep disorders which can adversely affect their quality of life.
      The worsening of symptoms in the early morning may be due, at least in part, to a
      reduction in airway caliber caused by an increased "cholinergic tone" at night.
      As such, the coverage of nighttime and early morning symptoms is a reasonable
      therapeutic goal, which can be achieved by many patients using LAMAs such as
      aclidinium bromide twice daily (BID). Therapeutic adherence is known to be a
      multifactorial phenomenon that is frequently affected by other aspects than
      dosing frequency, including the technical features and ease of use of the
      inhalers. To this end, it should be mentioned that certain new-generation
      inhalers such as Genuair(r) have been associated in clinical trials with higher
      patient preference. CONCLUSION: In this work, in addition to presenting an
      overview of the main evidence on the efficacy of COPD treatment with the LAMA
      aclidinium bromide BID, we suggest some selection criteria for the monotherapy
      with one long-acting bronchodilator or the combination therapy with LAMA and LABA
      in COPD patients, with particular reference to specific clinical scenarios.

PMID- 28100245
TI  - Meeting report: the 5th International expert symposium in Fukushima on radiation
      and health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The symposium entitled "Chernobyl +30, Fukushima +5: Lessons and
      Solutions for Fukushima's Thyroid Question" was held in September, 2016 in
      Fukushima. The aim of the Symposium was to revisit and recapitulate evidence from
      the studies in Chernobyl in order to share multidisciplinary opinions and views
      on the likely reason for the high rate of thyroid cancer detected by the Thyroid
      Ultrasound Examination program in Fukushima Prefecture. PARTICIPANTS AND MATTERS
      DISCUSSED: The high prevalence of thyroid cancer in young individuals causes
      concerns among Fukushima residents and the general public that it might be due to
      putative radiation exposure from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
      accident. Twenty-six experts from Japan and abroad, including participants
      affiliated with international organizations, reviewed the results of radiation
      epidemiology investigations in Chernobyl, presented clinical experience of
      diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with radiation-related thyroid
      cancer, and scrutinized the findings on thyroid cancer in Fukushima. CONCLUSION:
      Conclusions drawn at the symposium included understanding that in contrast to
      Chernobyl, doses to the public from the accident in Fukushima were too low to
      give rise to a discernible excess risk for thyroid cancer. The high detection
      rate of thyroid cancer and benign abnormalities resulted from the use of highly
      sensitive ultrasound equipment and sophisticated protocol of examination used in
      the Thyroid Ultrasound Examination, and therefore not attributable to radiation.
      Coordinated efforts will be necessary to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment,
      which may carry its own health disbenefits. Clear communication to the screening
      participants and their families is recommended in regard to why the examination
      is being conducted and to explain the likely outcomes and risks, including the
      means and options for treatment if a thyroid disorder is detected.

PMID- 28100247
TI  - The evolution of the medical workforce in Cape Verde since independence in 1975.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cape Verdean doctors have always graduated abroad. The first
      experience of pre-graduate medical education in Cape Verde begun in October 2015.
      Counting how many doctors Cape Verde has, knowing who they are, and knowing how
      they are distributed are very important to help fine-tune the medical training.
      The aim of this study is to analyze the evolution of the medical workforce in
      Cape Verde to support medical education implementation. METHODS: Secondary data
      on doctors, from July 1975 until December 2014, collected from the Ministry of
      Health, were entered into an SPSS 20 database and studied by a simple descriptive
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: The database included data on 401 medical doctors.
      There was a predominance of females (n = 218; 54.4%). The overwhelming majority
      (n = 378; 94.3%) graduated from 5 of the 17 countries that contributed to the
      training of Cape Verdean doctors. All the islands of this archipelago country
      contributed to the 324 (80.8%) doctors born in the country. Of the 272 doctors
      still active in December 2014, 119 (43.6%) were general practitioners and 153
      (56.4%) had specialized in one of the 31 specialties. The national ratio of
      doctors per 10 000 inhabitants was 5.25, but the reality varied significantly
      among islands. About one third of the doctors (n = 86; 32%) were at the primary
      care level, 38 (14%) at the secondary care level, and 144 (52%) in central
      hospitals. In 2053, all active physicians in 2014 will already be retired.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is a unique study of the evolution of the medical workforce of
      a country over 40 years, from the first day of independence. The study
      illustrates the importance of international collaborations, particularly of Cuba,
      in sustaining the medical workforce in Cape Verde. It is an example of how this
      collaboration was used to equip the country with doctors in an increasingly more
      equitable distribution across all islands. The study further illustrates the
      progressive feminization of the medical workforce. The study clarifies the effort
      required from the emerging medical faculty to supply the national health system
      with the needed number of doctors.

PMID- 28100248
TI  - Mediastinal lymph node dissection and distal esophagectomy is not essential in
      early esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal extent of surgery remains controversial in types 2 and 3
      adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG). We aimed to determine whether
      the extended procedure including mediastinal lymphadenectomy is essential in all
      patients with AEG by comparing prognosis and recurrence of proximal gastric
      adenocarcinoma based on total gastrectomy with intra-abdominal lymphadenectomy.
      METHODS: The clinicopathologic characteristics of 672 patients (type 2: 90, type
      3: 211, upper third of the stomach: 371 cases) who underwent curative total
      gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy between 2003 and 2009 were reviewed. RESULTS:
      Recurrence was observed in 36.7, 16.1, and 16.1% of cases of type 2 AEG, type 3
      AEG, and cancer of the upper third of the stomach, respectively. The 5-year
      disease-free survival rates were 62.6, 82.5, and 84.6%, respectively. Subgroup
      analysis revealed that in early cancers, there was no difference in survival
      between the groups (93.2 vs. 96.7 vs. 98.7%) but in advanced cancers, there was a
      difference (47.9 vs. 75.4 vs. 71.8%, P < 0.001). There was no survival difference
      in stage 1 (97.5 vs. 98.7 vs. 98.3%), but, in stage 2, type 2 AEG had a worse
      prognosis (41.9 vs. 92.1 vs. 83.0%). Types 2 and 3 advanced AEG had higher rates
      of locoregional recurrence, especially in the vicinity of the esophagojejunostomy
      and mediastinal lymph nodes compared to proximal gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS:
      Total gastrectomy without mediastinal lymphadenectomy might produce favorable
      outcomes in early AEG and acquisition of a greater length of proximal margin, and
      removal of mediastinal lymph nodes might be helpful in advanced cancers.

PMID- 28100246
TI  - Genetic effect of interleukin-1 beta (C-511T) polymorphism on the structural
      covariance network and white matter integrity in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory processes play a pivotal role in the degenerative
      process of Alzheimer's disease. In humans, a biallelic (C/T) polymorphism in the
      promoter region (position-511) (rs16944) of the interleukin-1 beta gene has been
      significantly associated with differences in the secretory capacity of
      interleukin-1 beta. In this study, we investigated whether this functional
      polymorphism mediates the brain networks in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
      METHODS: We enrolled a total of 135 patients with Alzheimer's disease (65 males,
      70 females), and investigated their gray matter structural covariance networks
      using 3D T1 magnetic resonance imaging and their white matter macro-structural
      integrities using fractional anisotropy. The patients were classified into two
      genotype groups: C-carriers (n = 108) and TT-carriers (n = 27), and the
      structural covariance networks were constructed using seed-based analysis
      focusing on the default mode network medial temporal or dorsal medial subsystem,
      salience network and executive control network. Neurobehavioral scores were used
      as the major outcome factors for clinical correlations. RESULTS: There were no
      differences between the two genotype groups in the cognitive test scores, seed,
      or peak cluster volumes and white matter fractional anisotropy. The covariance
      strength showing C-carriers > TT-carriers was the entorhinal-cingulum axis. There
      were two peak clusters (Brodmann 6 and 10) in the salience network and four peak
      clusters (superior prefrontal, precentral, fusiform, and temporal) in the
      executive control network that showed C-carriers < TT-carriers in covariance
      strength. The salience network and executive control network peak clusters in the
      TT group and the default mode network peak clusters in the C-carriers strongly
      predicted the cognitive test scores. CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin-1 beta C-511 T
      polymorphism modulates the structural covariance strength on the anterior brain
      network and entorhinal-interconnected network which were independent of the white
      matter tract integrity. Depending on the specific C-511 T genotype, different
      network clusters could predict the cognitive tests.

PMID- 28100249
TI  - Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in soft-tissue sarcoma.
AB  - Soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) represent a rare tumor entity, accounting for less than
      1% of adult malignancies. The cornerstone of curative intent treatment is surgery
      with free margins, although the extent of the surgical approach has been subject
      to change in the last decades. Multimodal approaches usually including radiation
      therapy have replaced extensive surgical procedures in order to preserve
      functionality while maintaining adequate local control. However, the possibility
      to apply adequate radiation doses by external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) can
      be limited in some situation especially in case of directly adjacent organs at
      risk with low radiation tolerance. Application of at least a part of the total
      dose via intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) with a single fraction during
      the surgical procedure may overcome those limitations, because radiosensitive
      structures can be moved out of the radiation field resulting in reduced toxicity
      while the enhanced biological effectivity of the high single dose improves local
      control. The current review summarizes rationale, techniques, oncological and
      functional outcomes including possible pitfalls and associated toxicities based
      on the published literature for IORT focusing on extremity and retroperitoneal
      STS. In extremity STS, combination of limb-sparing surgery, IORT and pre- or
      postoperative EBRT with moderate doses consistently achieved excellent local
      control rates at least comparable to approaches using EBRT alone but usually
      including patient cohorts with higher proportions of unfavourable prognostic
      factors. Further on, IORT containing approaches resulted in very high limb
      preservation rates and good functional outcome, probably related to the smaller
      high dose volume. In retroperitoneal STS, the combination of preoperative EBRT,
      surgery and IORT consistently achieved high local control rates which seem
      superior to surgery alone or surgery with EBRT at least with regard to local
      control and in some reports even to overall survival. Further on, preoperative
      EBRT in combination with IORT seems to be superior to the opposite combination
      with regard to local control and toxicity. No major differences in wound healing
      disturbances or postoperative complication rates can be observed with IORT
      compared to non-IORT containing approaches. Neuropathy of major nerves remains a
      dose limiting toxicity requiring dose restrictions or exclusion from target
      volume. Gastrointestinal structures and ureters should be excluded from the IORT
      area whenever possible and the IORT volume should be restricted to the available
      minimum. Nevertheless, IORT represents an ideal boosting method if combined with
      EBRT and properly executed by experiences users which should be further evaluated
      preferably in prospective randomized trials.

PMID- 28100250
TI  - 5'UTR point substitutions and N-terminal truncating mutations of ANKRD26 in acute
      myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Thrombocytopenia 2 (THC2) is an inherited disorder caused by monoallelic single
      nucleotide substitutions in the 5'UTR of the ANKRD26 gene. Patients have
      thrombocytopenia and increased risk of myeloid malignancies, in particular, acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML). Given the association of variants in the ANKRD26 5'UTR
      with myeloid neoplasms, we investigated whether, and to what extent, mutations in
      this region contribute to apparently sporadic AML. To this end, we studied 250
      consecutive, non-familial, adult AML patients and screened the first exon of
      ANKRD26 including the 5'UTR. We found variants in four patients. One patient had
      the c.-125T>G substitution in the 5'UTR, while three patients carried two
      different variants in the 5' end of the ANKRD26 coding region (c.3G>A or
      c.105C>G). Review of medical history showed that the patient carrying the c.
      125T>G was actually affected by typical but unrecognized THC2, highlighting that
      some apparently sporadic AML cases represent the evolution of a well
      characterized familial predisposition disorder. As regards the c.3G>A and the
      c.105C>G, we found that both variants result in the synthesis of N-terminal
      truncated ANKRD26 isoforms, which are stable and functional in cells, in
      particular, have a strong ability to activate the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
      Moreover, investigation of one patient with the c.3G>A showed that mutation was
      associated with strong ANKRD26 overexpression in vivo, which is the proposed
      mechanism for predisposition to AML in THC2 patients. These data provide evidence
      that N-terminal ANKRD26 truncating mutations play a potential pathogenetic role
      in AML. Recognition of AML patients with germline ANKRD26 pathogenetic variants
      is mandatory for selection of donors for bone marrow transplantation.

PMID- 28100252
TI  - A cognitive electrophysiological signature differentiates amnestic mild cognitive
      impairment from normal aging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Noninvasive and effective biomarkers for early detection of amnestic
      mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) before measurable changes in behavioral
      performance remain scarce. Cognitive event-related potentials (ERPs) measure
      synchronized synaptic neural activity associated with a cognitive event. Loss of
      synapses is a hallmark of the neuropathology of early Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ERP responses during working
      memory retrieval discriminate aMCI from cognitively normal controls (NC) matched
      in age and education. METHODS: Eighteen NC, 17 subjects with aMCI, and 13
      subjects with AD performed a delayed match-to-sample task specially designed not
      only to be easy enough for impaired participants to complete but also to generate
      comparable performance between subjects with NC and those with aMCI. Scalp
      electroencephalography, memory accuracy, and reaction times were measured.
      RESULTS: Whereas memory performance separated the AD group from the others, the
      performance of NC and subjects with aMCI was similar. In contrast, left frontal
      cognitive ERP patterns differentiated subjects with aMCI from NC. Enhanced P3
      responses at left frontal sites were associated with nonmatching relative to
      matching stimuli during working memory tasks in patients with aMCI and AD, but
      not in NC. The accuracy of discriminating aMCI from NC was 85% by using left
      frontal match/nonmatch effect combined with nonmatch reaction time. CONCLUSIONS:
      The left frontal cognitive ERP indicator holds promise as a sensitive, simple,
      affordable, and noninvasive biomarker for detection of early cognitive
      impairment.

PMID- 28100251
TI  - Consensus guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of aromatic l-amino acid
      decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency.
AB  - Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) is a rare, autosomal
      recessive neurometabolic disorder that leads to a severe combined deficiency of
      serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Onset is early in life, and
      key clinical symptoms are hypotonia, movement disorders (oculogyric crisis,
      dystonia, and hypokinesia), developmental delay, and autonomic symptoms.In this
      consensus guideline, representatives of the International Working Group on
      Neurotransmitter Related Disorders (iNTD) and patient representatives evaluated
      all available evidence for diagnosis and treatment of AADCD and made
      recommendations using SIGN and GRADE methodology. In the face of limited
      definitive evidence, we constructed practical recommendations on clinical
      diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, imaging and electroencephalograpy, medical
      treatments and non-medical treatments. Furthermore, we identified topics for
      further research. We believe this guideline will improve the care for AADCD
      patients around the world whilst promoting general awareness of this rare
      disease.

PMID- 28100253
TI  - Minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis versus ORIF for Sanders type II
      and III calcaneal fractures: a prospective, randomized intervention trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This randomized controlled trial compared the clinical outcomes and
      complications of a novel minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO)
      with those of conventional treatment via an extended L-shaped lateral approach
      for calcaneal fractures. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with displaced
      intraarticular calcaneal fractures were enrolled. The patients were randomly
      allocated to receive either MIPO (29 patients) or open reduction and internal
      fixation via an extended L-shaped lateral approach (35 patients). The same
      calcaneal plate (AO Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland) was used in both groups. The
      primary clinical outcomes included operative time, VAS postoperatively, and wound
      healing complications. Secondary clinical outcomes included time to operation,
      length of incision, postoperative drainage, length of hospital stay, medical
      expense, AOFAS score, and SF-36 score. Preoperative and postoperative calcaneal
      height, width, and length, Bohler's angle, and Gissane's angle were compared.
      RESULTS: The operative time in the MIPO group was 52.5 +/- 11.1 min, which was
      significantly shorter than 82.8 +/- 16.2 min in the conventional treatment group
      (P < 0.001). One week postoperatively, the VAS value was 3.2 +/- 1.4 in the MIPO
      group, which was lower than that in the conventional treatment group, 3.9 +/- 1.3
      (P = 0.038). In the conventional treatment group, 13 of 35 fractures (37.1%) had
      wound healing problems, whereas this issue occurred in only 2 of 29 fractures
      (6.7%) in the MIPO group (P = 0.004). In the MIPO group, deep and superficial
      infections occurred in none of the cases and 1 of 29 (3.4%) patients,
      respectively. Length of incision in the MIPO group was shorter than that in the
      conventional treatment group (4.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 10.9 +/- 1.5 cm; P < 0.001).
      Hospital stay was 9.7 +/- 2.8 days in the MIPO group and 11.7 +/- 2.6 days in the
      conventional treatment group (P = 0.004). At the last follow-up, the SF-36 scores
      and AOFAS scores in the two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). The postoperative
      radiographic data, the Bohler's angle, Gissane's angle, and calcaneal height,
      width, and length in the two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Compared with conventional ORIF, the advantages of MIPO are a considerably
      shortened operating time and hospital stay, decreased postoperative pain, and
      reduced risk of wound healing complications.

PMID- 28100254
TI  - Challenges in orphan drug development and regulatory policy in China.
AB  - While regulatory policy is well defined for orphan drug development in the United
      States and Europe, rare disease policy in China is still evolving. Many Chinese
      patients currently pay out of pocket for international treatments that are not
      yet approved in China. The lack of a clear definition and therefore regulatory
      approval process for rare diseases has, until now, de-incentivized pharmaceutical
      companies to pursue rare disease drug development in China. In turn, many
      grassroots movements have begun to support rare disease patients and facilitate
      drug discovery through research. Recently, the Chinese FDA set new regulatory
      guidelines for drugs being developed in China, including an expedited review
      process for life-saving treatments. In this review, we discuss the effects of
      these new policy changes on and suggest potential solutions to innovate orphan
      drug development in China.

PMID- 28100255
TI  - Early-life exposure to air pollution and greater use of academic support services
      in childhood: a population-based cohort study of urban children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing literature showing associations between prenatal
      and early-life exposure to air pollution and children's neurodevelopment.
      However, it is unclear if decrements in neurodevelopment observed in
      epidemiologic research translate into observable functional outcomes in the
      broader pediatric population. The objective of this study was to examine the
      association between early-life exposures to common urban air toxics and the use
      of academic support services, such as early intervention and special education
      within a population-based cohort of urban children. METHODS: Data for 201,559
      children born between 1994 and 1998 in New York City were obtained through
      administrative data linkages between birth, early intervention and educational
      records. Use of academic support services was ascertained from birth through
      attendance in 3rd grade. Census tract at birth was used to assign estimates of
      annual average ambient concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and
      xylenes (BTEX) using the 1996 National Air Toxics Assessment. Discrete-time
      hazard models were fit to the data and adjusted for confounders including
      maternal, childhood and neighborhood factors. RESULTS: Children with higher
      exposures to BTEX compounds were more likely to receive academic support services
      later in childhood. For example, the adjusted hazard ratio comparing children
      exposed to the highest decile of benzene to those with lower exposure was 1.09
      (95% confidence interval 1.05, 1.13). Results were consistent across individual
      BTEX compounds, for exposure metrics which summarized exposure to all four BTEX
      pollutants and for multiple sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest urban air pollution may affect children's neurodevelopment and
      educational trajectories. They also demonstrate the use of public health data
      systems to advance children's environmental health research.

PMID- 28100256
TI  - Transcriptomic signatures differentiate survival from fatal outcomes in humans
      infected with Ebola virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2014, Western Africa experienced an unanticipated explosion of
      Ebola virus infections. What distinguishes fatal from non-fatal outcomes remains
      largely unknown, yet is key to optimising personalised treatment strategies. We
      used transcriptome data for peripheral blood taken from infected and convalescent
      recovering patients to identify early stage host factors that are associated with
      acute illness and those that differentiate patient survival from fatality.
      RESULTS: The data demonstrate that individuals who succumbed to the disease show
      stronger upregulation of interferon signalling and acute phase responses compared
      to survivors during the acute phase of infection. Particularly notable is the
      strong upregulation of albumin and fibrinogen genes, which suggest significant
      liver pathology. Cell subtype prediction using messenger RNA expression patterns
      indicated that NK-cell populations increase in patients who survive infection. By
      selecting genes whose expression properties discriminated between fatal cases and
      survivors, we identify a small panel of responding genes that act as strong
      predictors of patient outcome, independent of viral load. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transcriptomic analysis of the host response to pathogen infection using blood
      samples taken during an outbreak situation can provide multiple levels of
      information on both disease state and mechanisms of pathogenesis. Host biomarkers
      were identified that provide high predictive value under conditions where other
      predictors, such as viral load, are poor prognostic indicators. The data
      suggested that rapid analysis of the host response to infection in an outbreak
      situation can provide valuable information to guide an understanding of disease
      outcome and mechanisms of disease.

PMID- 28100257
TI  - Food-specific sublingual immunotherapy is well tolerated and safe in healthy
      dogs: a blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food allergies are increasing in prevalence but no treatment
      strategies are currently available to cure dogs with food allergy. Over the past
      decade, experimental food allergen-specific sublingual immunotherapy (FA-SLIT)
      has emerged as a potential treatment for food allergies in human medicine.
      However, FA-SLIT has not been investigated in dogs. Therefore, the objective of
      this study was to prospectively evaluate the safety, tolerability and dispenser
      sterility of FA-SLIT in healthy dogs before testing it in food allergic dogs.
      Eight experimental healthy beagle dogs, never orally exposed to peanut, were
      randomized in two groups to receive SLIT with peanut or placebo for 4 months.
      Subjects were monitored daily for local and systemic adverse effects. Blood
      samples for complete blood count and serum biochemistry, and urine for urinalysis
      were collected and the dogs' body weight was recorded at day 0, 35 and 119 of the
      SLIT treatment. Sera for the determination of peanut-specific IgG and IgE were
      collected at day 0, 35, 49, 70, 91, 105 and 119. Intradermal tests were performed
      before (day 0) and after (day 119) the experiment. The content of each dispenser
      used to administer treatment or placebo was tested for sterility after usage. In
      order to assess the presence or absence of sensitization, dogs were challenged 6
      months after the end of the study with 2000 MUg of peanut extract daily for 7 to
      14 days. RESULTS: All dogs completed the study. The treatment did not provoke
      either local or systemic side-effects. Peanut-specific IgG significantly
      increased in treatment group. Even though a significant increase in peanut
      specific IgE was also seen, intradermal tests were negative in all dogs before
      and after the experiment, and the challenge test did not trigger any adverse
      reactions in the treated dogs, which shows the protocol did not cause
      sensitization to peanut, but nevertheless primed the immune system as indicated
      by the humoral immune response. All dispenser solutions were sterile.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the used peanut-SLIT protocol is well
      tolerated and safe in healthy dogs. Further studies should evaluate tolerability,
      safety and efficacy in dogs with food allergy.

PMID- 28100258
TI  - Association between work time loss and quality of life in patients with Herpes
      Zoster: a pooled analysis of the MASTER studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) has a significant negative effect on the
      productive work life of individuals, and has been shown to be responsible for
      cases of absenteeism, presenteeism and decreased work effectiveness. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate health utility scores and associated predictors in an
      actively employed population of Herpes Zoster (HZ) patients with and without work
      time loss (WTL). METHODS: This was a pooled analysis of the prospective,
      observational MASTER cohort studies, conducted in 8 countries across North
      America, Latin America and Asia. A total of 428 HZ patients engaged in full or
      part time work were included. WTL, defined as missing >= 1 partial or full work
      day, and work effectiveness, reported on a scale of 0-100%, were evaluated with
      the Work and Productivity Questionnaire (WPQ). The Pearson product-moment
      correlation was used to assess the correlation between work effectiveness and
      HRQoL. Mixed models with repeated measures assessed the relationship between HZ
      related WTL over a 6-month follow-up period, and HRQoL, as evaluated by the EQ
      5D. Additional predictors of HRQoL were also identified. RESULTS: Overall, 57.7%
      of respondents reported WTL. Mean (SD) percent work effectiveness of patients in
      the WTL group was significantly lower compared to non-WTL (NWTL) patients at
      baseline [50.3 (31.6) vs. 71.4 (27.8); p < 0.001]. Patients in the WTL group also
      reported lower health utility scores at baseline and overall than their NWTL
      counterparts, with WTL identified as an independent negative predictor of both
      the EQ-5D summary scores and the EQ-5D VAS (p < 0.001). Decrease in work
      effectiveness was negatively associated with HRQoL overall (p < 0.001).
      Predictors of lower HRQoL were worst Zoster Brief Pain Inventory (ZBPI) pain
      score, the presence of HZ complications and country income (predictor of EQ-5D
      VAS only). CONCLUSIONS: HZ adversely impacts the work and productive life of
      actively employed individuals. In turn, HZ-related reductions in work
      effectiveness and work time are associated with a negative effect on HRQoL.

PMID- 28100259
TI  - Antitumor activity of miR-34a in peritoneal mesothelioma relies on c-MET and AXL
      inhibition: persistent activation of ERK and AKT signaling as a possible
      cytoprotective mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel targets for cancer therapy
      is now widely recognized. However, no information is currently available on the
      expression/functional role of miRNAs in diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
      (DMPM), a rapidly lethal disease, poorly responsive to conventional treatments,
      for which the development of new therapeutic strategies is urgently needed. Here,
      we evaluated the expression and biological effects of miR-34a-one of the most
      widely deregulated miRNAs in cancer and for which a lipid-formulated mimic is
      already clinically available-in a large cohort of DMPM clinical samples and a
      unique collection of in house-developed preclinical models, with the aim to
      assess the potential of a miR-34a-based approach for disease treatment. METHODS:
      miR-34a expression was determined by qRT-PCR in 45 DMPM and 7 normal peritoneum
      specimens as well as in 5 DMPM cell lines. Following transfection with miR-34a
      mimic, the effects on DMPM cell phenotype, in terms of proliferative potential,
      apoptotic rate, invasion ability, and cell cycle distribution, were assessed. In
      addition, three subcutaneous and orthotopic DMPM xenograft models were used to
      examine the effect of miR-34a on tumorigenicity. The expression of miRNA targets
      and the activation status of relevant pathways were investigated by western blot.
      RESULTS: miR-34a was found to be down-regulated in DMPM clinical specimens and
      cell lines compared to normal peritoneal samples. miR-34a reconstitution in DMPM
      cells significantly inhibited proliferation and tumorigenicity, induced an
      apoptotic response, and declined invasion ability, mainly through the down
      regulation of c-MET and AXL and the interference with the activation of
      downstream signaling. Interestingly, a persistent activation of ERK1/2 and AKT in
      miR-34a-reconstituted cells was found to counteract the antiproliferative and
      proapoptotic effects of miRNA, yet not affecting its anti-invasive activity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our preclinical data showing impressive inhibitory effects induced
      by miR-34a on DMPM cell proliferation, invasion, and growth in immunodeficient
      mice strongly suggest the potential clinical utility of a miR-34a-replacement
      therapy for the treatment of such a still incurable disease. On the other hand,
      we provide the first evidence of a potential cytoprotective/resistance mechanism
      that may arise towards miRNA-based therapies through the persistent activation of
      RTK downstream signaling.

PMID- 28100261
TI  - Serotypes of Streptococcus suis isolated from healthy pigs in Phayao Province,
      Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important swine and human
      pathogen. There are 33 serotypes that have been described. Zoonotic cases are
      very common the Northern part of Thailand, especially in Phayao Province.
      However, the prevalence of S. suis and, more particularly the different
      serotypes, in pigs in this region is poorly known and needed to be addressed. THE
      CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Distribution of S. suis serotypes varies
      depending on the geographical area. Knowledge of the serotype distribution is
      important for epidemiological studies. Consequently, 180 tonsil samples from
      slaughterhouse pigs in Phayao Province had been collected for surveillance, from
      which 196 S. suis isolates were recovered. Each isolate was subcultured and its
      serotype identified using multiplex PCR. Slide agglutination combined with
      precipitation tests were used following multiplex PCR to differentiate the
      isolates showing similar sizes of amplified products specific to either serotype
      1 or 14 and 2 or 1/2. Non-typable isolates by multiplex PCR were serotyped by the
      coagglutination test. RESULTS: Of the 196 isolates, 123 (62.8%) were typable and
      73 (37.2%) were non-typable. This study revealed the presence of serotypes 1,
      1/2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, and 30. Serotype
      23 was the most prevalent (20/196, 10.2%), followed by serotype 9 (16/196, 8.2%),
      serotype 7 (16/196, 8.2%), and serotype 2 (11/196, 5.6%). The latter is the
      serotype responsible for most human cases. CONCLUSION: Almost all serotypes
      previously described are present in Northern Thailand. Therefore, this report
      provides useful data for future bacteriological studies.

PMID- 28100260
TI  - iRegNet3D: three-dimensional integrated regulatory network for the genomic
      analysis of coding and non-coding disease mutations.
AB  - The mechanistic details of most disease-causing mutations remain poorly explored
      within the context of regulatory networks. We present a high-resolution three
      dimensional integrated regulatory network (iRegNet3D) in the form of a web tool,
      where we resolve the interfaces of all known transcription factor (TF)-TF, TF-DNA
      and chromatin-chromatin interactions for the analysis of both coding and non
      coding disease-associated mutations to obtain mechanistic insights into their
      functional impact. Using iRegNet3D, we find that disease-associated mutations may
      perturb the regulatory network through diverse mechanisms including chromatin
      looping. iRegNet3D promises to be an indispensable tool in large-scale sequencing
      and disease association studies.

PMID- 28100262
TI  - Dental caries status of patients with schizophrenia in Seville, Spain: a case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the dental status (DMFT) in
      patients with schizophrenia compared with a control group. MATERIAL: In this case
      control study, 50 patients with schizophrenia attended in the Psychiatric Unit at
      the Virgen Macarena University Hospital of Seville were compared with 50 people
      (without systemic diseases and not taking psychotropic drugs) in a control group
      attended in the School of Dentistry of Seville. Decayed, missing and filled teeth
      (DMFT) were assessed according to the World Health Organization WHO criteria.
      RESULTS: Patients with schizophrenia showed a decayed teeth (DT) score of 7.26 +/
      5.69 compared with 6.50 +/- 4.37 for patients the control group. These
      differences were significant and suggest that dental caries are most prevalent in
      patients with schizophrenia. People who smoked showed significantly higher DT
      scores in both groups. Among patients with schizophrenia, smokers scored 9.34 +/-
      5.42 compared with 4.38 +/- 4.82 for non-smokers. Among the healthy controls,
      smokers scored 6.88 +/- 4.85 compared with 6.12 +/- 3.85 for non-smokers (p <
      0.05). Patients with schizophrenia showed a missing teeth (MT) score of 9.10 +/-
      8.56 compared with 5.38 +/- 5.14 in control patients. MT scores increased
      significantly with age and with smoking in both groups of patients (p < 0.05).
      Patients with schizophrenia showed a filled teeth (FT) score of 1.38 +/- 2.70
      compared with 2.34 +/- 3.48 in control patients. FT differences in gender and
      smoking habits between patients with schizophrenia and healthy control subjects
      were statistically significant (p < 0.05). This data, along with the DT scores,
      suggests that patients with schizophrenia have extensive untreated dental
      disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with schizophrenia constitute a high risk
      population for dental health. This group showed a greater prevalence of decayed
      and missing teeth and more extensive treatment needs.

PMID- 28100263
TI  - Benzene poisoning, clinical and blood abnormalities in two Brazilian female gas
      station attendants: two case reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brazilian gas station workers are chronically exposed to benzene,
      toluene, xylene (BTX) during their working time. Describe below two cases of
      latin female gas station workers with benzene poisoning symptoms and miscarriage
      history. CASE PRESENTATION: In both cases were identified complex chromosomal
      rearrangements (CCR) with fluorescence in situ hybridization, applied to whole
      chromosome paints by chromosomes 1, 2 and 4. The lower natural killer cell (NK)
      cells have also been observed in cases correspondents, especially the rare type
      of NK (NKbright) in their peripheral blood cells. CONCLUSIONS: It is known that
      acquired chromosomal aberrations are positively correlated with cancer and
      reproductive risk. In concordance, lower NK cytotoxicity increases the risk for
      cancer, as well. Thus, this is the first study providing hints on a possible
      causative relation of lower NK cytotoxicity and increase rates of chromosomal
      rearrangements including CCRs.

PMID- 28100264
TI  - Cross-sectional examination of musculoskeletal conditions and multimorbidity:
      influence of different thresholds and definitions on prevalence and association
      estimates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity and musculoskeletal conditions create substantial
      burden for people and health systems. Quantifying the extent of co-occurring
      conditions is hampered by conceptual heterogeneity, imprecision and/or indecision
      about how multimorbidity is defined. The purpose of this study is to examine the
      influence of different ways of operationalising multimorbidity on multimorbidity
      prevalence rates with a focus on working-age adults with musculoskeletal
      conditions. Weighted population prevalence rates of multimorbidity among working
      age Australians were estimated using data from the National Health Survey. Two
      nominal thresholds (2+ or 3+ co-occurring conditions) and three operational
      definitions of multimorbidity (survey-, policy- and research-based) were
      examined. Using logistic regression, we estimated the association between the
      prevalence of multimorbidity among persons with musculoskeletal conditions
      compared to persons with non-musculoskeletal conditions for each definition and
      threshold combination. RESULTS: As few as 7.9% of working-age Australians have 2+
      conditions using the research-based definition (95% CI 7.4-8.5%), compared to
      estimates of 15.3% (95% CI 14.3-16.2%) and 61.5% (95% CI 60.3-62.7%). with the
      policy- and survey-based definitions, respectively. Depending on definition, with
      the 3+ threshold multimorbidity prevalence ranged from 2.1% (research) to 41.9%
      (survey). Among the sub-sample with musculoskeletal conditions, multimorbidity
      with the 2+ threshold ranged from 20.2 to 92.2%; and with 3+ threshold from 5.9
      to 75.4%, again lowest with the research-definition and highest with the survey
      definition. When compared to any other condition (i.e. non-musculoskeletal
      conditions), all musculoskeletal conditions were positively associated with
      multimorbidity, regardless of definition or threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on
      definition and threshold, multimorbidity is either rare or endemic in working-age
      Australians. Irrespective of definition, musculoskeletal conditions are a near
      ubiquitous feature of multimorbidity.

PMID- 28100266
TI  - Arranging blood for elective thyroid surgeries: dilemma continues in the
      developing world.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cross matched blood is frequently ordered based on a subjective
      anticipation of blood loss for a procedure. Excessive blood arrangement and
      wastage overburdens the blood bank in terms of work load and storage of blood,
      increases cost of medical care and results in injudicious use of a limited
      resource. The aim of this short report is to assess the current practice for
      arranging cross matched blood in elective thyroid surgeries by comparing cross
      match to blood transfused ratio. FINDINGS: Medical records for all patients from
      January 2009 to December 2014 undergoing thyroid surgery were retrieved and
      reviewed through electronic health information management system (HIMS). A total
      of 91 patients were included in the study, out of which 18 (19.7%) were male and
      73 (80.2%) were female. A total of 107 units of blood were arranged and only 9
      were transfused. 47 patients underwent a total thyroidectomy, while 44 underwent
      a hemithyroidectomy. The cross match to transfusion ratio came out to be 11.88.
      CONCLUSIONS: Routine arrangement of cross matched blood is not required in
      elective thyroid surgeries. All institutions should have a maximum blood ordering
      schedule planned for elective procedures, and blood products should be arranged
      accordingly to avoid unnecessary cross matching.

PMID- 28100265
TI  - Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adult patients with acute myeloid
      leukaemia and 17p abnormalities in first complete remission: a study from the
      Acute Leukemia Working Party (ALWP) of the European Society for Blood and Marrow
      Transplantation (EBMT).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with 17p abnormalities (abn(17p))
      carries a very poor prognosis due to high refractoriness to conventional
      chemotherapy, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) appears as the
      only potential curative option. METHODS: To address outcomes after allo-SCT in
      patients with abn(17p), we retrospectively analysed de novo or secondary AML
      undergoing SCT between 2000 and 2013 from the EBMT registry. RESULTS: One hundred
      thirty-nine patients with confirmed abn(17p) have been selected. At the time of
      transplant, one hundred twenty-five were in first remission (CR1). Median age was
      54 years old. Abn(17p) was associated with a monosomal karyotype in 83% of
      patients, complex karyotype in 91%, monosomy 5 or 5q deletion (-5/5q-) in 55%,
      monosomy 7 (-7) in 39% and both -5/5q and -7 in 27%. Seventy-three patients (59%)
      had a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen. The 2-year overall survival (OS)
      and leukaemia-free survival (LFS) were 28 and 24%, respectively. The 2-year non
      relapse mortality (NRM) was 15%, and 2-year relapse incidence (RI) was 61%. The
      cumulative incidence of grade II to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) was
      24% and that of chronic GvHD was 21%. In multivariate analysis, the presence of a
      -5/5q- in addition to abn(17p) was significantly and independently associated
      with worse OS, LFS and higher RI. Age and donor types did not correlate with
      outcome. Conditioning intensity was not statistically associated with OS, LFS and
      NRM when adjusted for patients' age. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the dismal
      prognosis reported for AML patients harbouring abn(17p) undergoing conventional
      chemotherapy, allogeneic SCT provides responses in about 25% of those patients
      transplanted in CR1.

PMID- 28100267
TI  - A bibliometric analysis of two decades of aromatherapy research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative data are lacking on the profile of published research in
      aromatherapy. The objective of the study was to investigate the profile of
      original and review articles under the topic aromatherapy using bibliometric
      analysis. METHODS: Articles on aromatherapy, published between 1995 and 2014,
      were retrieved from the Science Citation Index-Expanded database from the Web of
      Science. The records extracted were analyzed for citation characteristics,
      including the distribution of publication years, languages, countries or regions,
      journals, articles, and authors using HistCite 12.03.17. VOSviewer v.1.61 was
      used to construct bibliometric diagrams. RESULTS: A total of 549 original and
      review articles, published in 287 different peer-reviewed journals by 1888
      authors, were identified. There was a steady increase in the number of published
      articles from 1995 to 2014. The majority of the articles was written in English
      (95.8%) and the United States was the leading country in the total number of
      published articles (n = 107, 19.5%) Journal of Alternative and Complementary
      Medicine published the greatest number of articles on the topic (n = 31, 5.6%).
      The article that received the greatest number of citations was published in
      Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Visualization analysis based on co
      occurrences of words in the title and abstract revealed three clusters of
      research topics, including essential oil, intervention, and complementary
      medicine. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a systematic overview of productivity
      and visibility of research work in aromatherapy and the findings could be used
      for organizing and prioritizing future research efforts in aromatherapy research.

PMID- 28100268
TI  - Upper lip metastasis of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung - an unusual site of
      disease: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lip metastases are rare clinical events that are frequently mistaken
      for other diagnoses. For sarcomatoid lung carcinoma, a rare histologic variant of
      non-small cell lung cancer, the incidence and pattern of cutaneous spread is
      poorly understood. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 79-year-old African
      American man with a rapidly progressive upper lip cutaneous lesion that provided
      the first evidence of distant metastatic spread of sarcomatoid lung carcinoma.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of lip metastasis in sarcomatoid
      lung carcinoma. It highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of
      suspicion for metastatic disease in the presence of new cutaneous findings as
      they may be the first evidence of advanced disease.

PMID- 28100269
TI  - A spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor attenuates the proliferation and migration of
      vascular smooth muscle cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathologic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and
      migration after vascular injury promotes the development of occlusive vascular
      disease. Therefore, an effective chemical agent to suppress aberrant
      proliferation and migration of VSMCs can be a potential therapeutic modality for
      occlusive vascular disease such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. To find an
      anti-proliferative chemical agent for VSMCs, we screened an in-house small
      molecule library, and the selected small molecule was further validated for its
      anti-proliferative effect on VSMCs using multiple approaches, such as cell
      proliferation assays, wound healing assays, transwell migration assays, and ex
      vivo aortic ring assay. RESULTS: Among 43 initially screened small molecule
      inhibitors of kinases that have no known anti-proliferative effect on VSMCs, a
      spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor (BAY61-3606) showed significant anti
      proliferative effect on VSMCs. Further experiments indicated that BAY61
      attenuated the VSMC proliferation in both concentration- and time-dependent
      manner, and it also significantly suppressed the migration of VSMCs as assessed
      by both wound healing assays and transwell assays. Additionally, BAY61 suppressed
      the sprouting of VSMCs from endothelium-removed aortic rings. CONCLUSION: The
      present study identified a Syk kinase inhibitor as a potent VSMC proliferation
      and migration inhibitor and warrants further studies to elucidate its underlying
      molecular mechanisms, such as its primary target, and to validate its in vivo
      efficacy as a therapeutic agent for restenosis and atherosclerosis.

PMID- 28100270
TI  - Pro-inflammation NF-kappaB signaling triggers a positive feedback via enhancing
      cholesterol accumulation in liver cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops in a complex microenvironment
      characterized by chronic inflammation. In recent years, cholesterol metabolic
      abnormalities have been implicated the importance in cancer cell physiology. This
      study was designed to investigate the relationship between inflammation and
      cholesterol accumulation in HCC cells. METHODS: Human HCC cells HepG2 and Huh7
      were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. The changes
      of HCC cells related to cholesterol metabolism including intracellular
      cholesterol concentrations, cholesterol uptake, and the expression of cholesterol
      related genes 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), LDL receptor
      (LDLR), sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 2 (SREBF2), and
      proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) were comparatively analyzed.
      Simultaneously, the effects of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) signaling
      pathway on cholesterol metabolism were clarified by knocking-down of nuclear
      factor kappa-B kinase subunit alpha (IKKalpha) and TGF-beta-activated kinase 1
      and MAP3K7-binding protein 3 (TAB3) via RNAi and microRNA (miR)-195.
      Subsequently, the roles of cholesterol accumulation in LPS induced pro
      inflammatory effects were further investigated. RESULTS: Pro-inflammatory factor
      LPS significantly increased intracellular cholesterol accumulation by
      upregulating the expression of HMGCR, LDLR, and SREBF2, while downregulating the
      expression of PCSK9. These effects were revealed to depend on NF-kappaB signaling
      pathway by knocking-down and overexpression of IKKalpha and TAB3. Additionally,
      miR-195, a regulator directly targeting IKKalpha and TAB3, blocked the effects of
      cholesterol accumulation, further supporting the critical role of pro
      inflammation NF-kappaB signaling in regulating cholesterol accumulation.
      Intriguingly, the accumulation of cholesterol conversely exerted an augmented pro
      inflammation effects by further activating NF-kappaB signaling pathway.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that pro-inflammation effects of NF-kappaB
      signaling could be augmented by a positive feedback via enhancing the cholesterol
      accumulation in liver cancer cells.

PMID- 28100271
TI  - Evaluation of three sample preparation methods for the direct identification of
      bacteria in positive blood cultures by MALDI-TOF.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient mortality is significantly reduced by rapid identification of
      bacteria from sterile sites. MALDI-TOF can identify bacteria directly from
      positive blood cultures and multiple sample preparation methods are available. We
      evaluated three sample preparation methods and two MALDI-TOF score cut-off
      values. Positive blood culture bottles with organisms present in Gram stains were
      prospectively analysed by MALDI-TOF. Three lysis reagents (Saponin, SDS, and
      SepsiTyper lysis bufer) were applied to each positive culture followed by
      centrifugation, washing and protein extraction steps. Methods were compared using
      the McNemar test and 16S rDNA sequencing was used to assess discordant results.
      RESULTS: In 144 monomicrobial cultures, using >=2.000 as the cut-off value,
      species level identifications were obtained from 69/144 (48%) samples using
      Saponin, 86/144 (60%) using SDS, and 91/144 (63%) using SepsiTyper. The
      difference between SDS and SepsiTyper was not statistically significant (P =
      0.228). Differences between Saponin and the other two reagents were significant
      (P < 0.01). Using >=1.700 plus top three results matching as the cut-off value,
      species level identifications were obtained from 100/144 (69%) samples using
      Saponin, 103/144 (72%) using SDS, and 106/144 (74%) using SepsiTyper and there
      was no statistical difference between the methods. No true discordances between
      culture and direct MALDI-TOF identification were observed in monomicrobial
      cultures. In 32 polymicrobial cultures, MALDI-TOF identified one organism in 34
      75% of samples depending on the method. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates two
      inexpensive in-house detergent lysis methods are non-inferior to a commercial kit
      for analysis of positive blood cultures by direct MALDI-TOF in a clinical
      diagnostic microbiology laboratory.

PMID- 28100273
TI  - Erratum to: Quartz-Seq: a highly reproducible and sensitive single-cell RNA
      sequencing method, reveals non-genetic gene-expression heterogeneity.

PMID- 28100272
TI  - Bibliometric analysis of literature on toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens
      Johnson syndrome: 1940 - 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
      are rare but fatal adverse skin reactions that affect all age groups. In order to
      better understand literature on this topic, we conducted a bibliometric study
      using Scopus database to shed light on number and growth of publications, most
      active countries, institutions, journals and authors involved in publishing
      articles in this field, citation analysis, top cited articles, international
      collaboration, role of medications and genetic association. Bibliometric analysis
      will enrich the literature on these rare conditions and will provide baseline
      data for future comparison. RESULTS: Three thousand eight hundred fifty-six
      journal articles were retrieved. The h-index of retrieved documents was 95.
      Growth rates of publications were highest from 1966 to 1975 and from 2006 to
      2015. The United States of America (n = 640; 16.57%) was the leading country in
      number of publications. However, French and Japanese researchers and institutions
      were most active in publishing articles on SJS and TEN. International
      collaboration among active countries was relatively low and ranges from 32.5% for
      Swiss researchers and 1.47% for Spanish researchers. The most frequently
      mentioned medication in retrieved articles was carbamazepine (n = 146) followed
      by phenytoin (n = 114) and allopurinol (n = 112). Mycoplasma infection was
      mentioned in 111 articles. Most documents on SJS and TEN were published in
      dermatology journals, specifically Archives of Dermatology. However, in the last
      decade, top cited articles appeared in dermatology and pharmacogenetic journals.
      Carbamazepine was frequently encountered with Han Chinese and HLA-B 1502 terms
      while allopurinol was frequently encountered with HLA-B 5801 and Japanese terms.
      CONCLUSION: Bibliometric analysis reveals that research publications on SJS and
      TEN have been increasing since the l940s, with relatively low international
      collaboration. Documents are being published, not only in dermatology journals,
      but also in genetic, public health and general medicine journals. Research on SJS
      and TEN can be helpful to clinicians and researchers not only to document
      complications and fatal outcomes, but also to identify potential causative agents
      and potential ethnic variations to note gaps in research.

PMID- 28100275
TI  - Cell-in-cell structures are more potent predictors of outcome than senescence or
      apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study sheds light on cell inactivating processes with focus on
      the phenomenon of cell-in-cell (CIC). Cell-in-cell describes a cell process where
      one cell is being engulfed by another non-professional phagocyte. We determined
      frequency and prognostic impact of CIC structures (CICs) as well as of senescent
      and apoptotic cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). METHODS:
      These different forms of cell inactivation as well as the proportion of
      proliferating and tumor cells were assessed in 169 pre-radiochemotherapy biopsies
      and 32 post-therapy tumor resections by immunohistochemistry of tissue
      microarrays. Four consecutive cancer sections were stained with antibodies
      specific for E-cadherin for CIC detection, cleaved caspase-3 for apoptosis,
      H3K9Me for senescence and Ki67 as a proliferation marker. Positive events were
      quantified in corresponding tumor areas. RESULTS: CICs were found in 55.5%,
      senescent cells in 67.1% and apoptotic cells in 93.3% of samples. While no
      prognostic impact of apoptotic and senescent cells was observed, CICs turned out
      to significantly influence overall-survival (p = 0.016) with a lack of CICs being
      prognostically beneficial. There was no correlation between CICs and apoptosis
      and 98.9% of CICs were negative for cleaved caspase-3. CONCLUSION: CIC formation
      is a frequent event in HNSCC and a superior predictive marker compared to
      senescence and apoptosis. Independence of CIC and apoptosis and the adverse
      prognosis associated with numerous CICs lead to the assumption that CICs might
      take up necrotic rather than apoptotic cells preventing an adequate antitumoral
      immune response that would otherwise be initiated by necrotic cells through
      damage-associated molecular pattern molecules.

PMID- 28100274
TI  - Using medical specialty and selection criteria clusters to study specialty
      selection by Israeli medical students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During their final year of medical school, Israeli students must
      consider which specialty to choose for residency. Based on the vocational
      counseling literature we presumed that choices are made by selecting from a
      cluster of related specialties while considering professional and socio-economic
      issues. METHODS: Questionnaires distributed to final-year medical students at two
      Israeli medical schools ascertained inclinations toward various medical
      specialties and the importance of various selection criteria. Analysis focused on
      seven specialties where >20% of students reported they had positive inclinations.
      For each such specialty, the specialty and selection criteria query were compared
      using unpaired two-tailed Student's t-tests to determine differences between
      students with positive inclinations toward the specialty with those not so
      inclined. These data were placed in tables, with the significant differences
      highlighted to facilitate visual recognition of cluster patterns. RESULTS:
      Completed questionnaires were obtained from 317 of 455 students. Students often
      had positive inclinations toward more than one specialty (specialty clusters)
      associated with a group of selection criteria (selection criteria clusters). For
      example, interest in internal medicine was clustered with interest in internal
      medicine subspecialties, cardiology and research. Furthermore, there was a
      "reciprocal" aspect to some specialty cluster patterns. For example, those
      interested in internal medicine had little interest in surgical specialties.
      Selection criteria clusters revealed occupational interests and socio
      environmental factors associated with the specialty clusters. For example, family
      medicine, which clustered with pediatrics and psychiatry, had a sub-cluster of:
      Bedside specialty with family orientation affording long-term patient care.
      Another sub-cluster was time for childrearing and family, only daytime work and
      outpatient care. Clusters also revealed students' perceptions that differed from
      expected: Cardiology is changing from a cognitive to a procedure-oriented
      subspecialty, clustering not only with internal medicine and its subspecialties
      but also with emergency medicine, surgical subspecialties and anesthesiology.
      CONCLUSIONS: The concept that career choice involves selecting from a cluster of
      related specialties provides information about the specialties students might be
      considering. Moreover, students are not only looking for individual aspects of a
      specialty, but for a package including clusters of socio-economic and
      occupational features. Practically, examining clusters can help in career
      counseling of medical students and assist residency program directors in
      marketing their specialties.

PMID- 28100276
TI  - Realising stratified psychiatry using multidimensional signatures and
      trajectories.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stratified or personalised medicine targets treatments for groups of
      individuals with a disorder based on individual heterogeneity and shared factors
      that influence the likelihood of response. Psychiatry has traditionally defined
      diagnoses by constellations of co-occurring signs and symptoms that are assigned
      a categorical label (e.g. schizophrenia). Trial methodology in psychiatry has
      evaluated interventions targeted at these categorical entities, with diagnoses
      being equated to disorders. Recent insights into both the nosology and
      neurobiology of psychiatric disorder reveal that traditional categorical
      diagnoses cannot be equated with disorders. We argue that current quantitative
      methodology (1) inherits these categorical assumptions, (2) allows only for the
      discovery of average treatment response, (3) relies on composite outcome measures
      and (4) sacrifices valuable predictive information for stratified and
      personalised treatment in psychiatry. METHODS AND FINDINGS: To achieve a truly
      'stratified psychiatry' we propose and then operationalise two necessary steps:
      first, a formal multi-dimensional representation of disorder definition and
      clinical state, and second, the similar redefinition of outcomes as
      multidimensional constructs that can expose within- and between-patient
      differences in response. We use the categorical diagnosis of schizophrenia
      conceptualised as a label for heterogeneous disorders-as a means of introducing
      operational definitions of stratified psychiatry using principles from
      multivariate analysis. We demonstrate this framework by application to the
      Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness dataset, showing
      heterogeneity in both patient clinical states and their trajectories after
      treatment that are lost in the traditional categorical approach with composite
      outcomes. We then systematically review a decade of registered clinical trials
      for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia highlighting existing assumptions of
      categorical diagnoses and aggregate outcomes while identifying a small number of
      trials that could be reanalysed using our proposal. CONCLUSION: We describe
      quantitative methods for the development of a multi-dimensional model of clinical
      state, disorders and trajectories which practically realises stratified
      psychiatry. We highlight the potential for recovering existing trial data, the
      implications for stratified psychiatry in trial design and clinical treatment and
      finally, describe different kinds of probabilistic reasoning tools necessary to
      implement stratification.

PMID- 28100279
TI  - Severe community-acquired adenovirus pneumonia treated with oral ribavirin: a
      case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adenovirus is a common pathogen of acute upper respiratory infection
      in children and is generally self-limiting. Severe adenovirus infections have
      been reported in immunocompromised hosts especially bone marrow transplantation
      recipients due to hematologic malignancy. Severe adenovirus pneumonia in
      immunocompetent hosts has rarely been reported and optimal treatment has not been
      established. We report a case of community-acquired severe adenovirus pneumonia
      which was successfully treated with early administration of oral ribavirin. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 39 year-old, previously healthy Korean male was admitted with
      symptoms of cough, myalgia, febrile sensation. Laboratory findings revealed that
      he had hypoxemia, thrombocytopenia and elevated transaminase. Chest imaging
      showed a consolidation with pleural effusion, which was rapidly progressed. All
      microbiological tests were negative except multiplex real-time reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction using respiratory specimen, which was
      positive for human adenovirus. Under the diagnosis of severe adenovirus
      pneumonia, we started oral ribavirin, which results in complete recovery without
      any complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that oral ribavirin,
      instead of other expensive antiviral treatment, could be a good therapeutic
      option for the severe adenovirus pneumonia at least occurred in immunocompetent
      hosts.

PMID- 28100277
TI  - Stress echo 2020: the international stress echo study in ischemic and non
      ischemic heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress echocardiography (SE) has an established role in evidence
      based guidelines, but recently its breadth and variety of applications have
      extended well beyond coronary artery disease (CAD). We lack a prospective
      research study of SE applications, in and beyond CAD, also considering a variety
      of signs in addition to regional wall motion abnormalities. METHODS: In a
      prospective, multicenter, international, observational study design, > 100
      certified high-volume SE labs (initially from Italy, Brazil, Hungary, and Serbia)
      will be networked with an organized system of clinical, laboratory and imaging
      data collection at the time of physical or pharmacological SE, with structured
      follow-up information. The study is endorsed by the Italian Society of
      Cardiovascular Echography and organized in 10 subprojects focusing on:
      contractile reserve for prediction of cardiac resynchronization or medical
      therapy response; stress B-lines in heart failure; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
      heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; mitral regurgitation after either
      transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement; outdoor SE in extreme
      physiology; right ventricular contractile reserve in repaired Tetralogy of
      Fallot; suspected or initial pulmonary arterial hypertension; coronary flow
      velocity, left ventricular elastance reserve and B-lines in known or suspected
      CAD; identification of subclinical familial disease in genotype-positive,
      phenotype- negative healthy relatives of inherited disease (such as hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy). RESULTS: We expect to recruit about 10,000 patients over a 5
      year period (2016-2020), with sample sizes ranging from 5,000 for coronary flow
      velocity/ left ventricular elastance/ B-lines in CAD to around 250 for
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. This data-base will
      allow to investigate technical questions such as feasibility and reproducibility
      of various SE parameters and to assess their prognostic value in different
      clinical scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: The study will create the cultural, informatic
      and scientific infrastructure connecting high-volume, accredited SE labs, sharing
      common criteria of indication, execution, reporting and image storage of SE to
      obtain original safety, feasibility, and outcome data in evidence-poor diagnostic
      fields, also outside the established core application of SE in CAD based on
      regional wall motion abnormalities. The study will standardize procedures,
      validate emerging signs, and integrate the new information with established
      knowledge, helping to build a next-generation SE lab without inner walls.

PMID- 28100278
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors of undernutrition among schoolchildren in the Plateau
      Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple factors determine children's nutritional status, including
      energy and nutrient intake, recurrent infectious diseases, access (or lack
      thereof) to clean water and improved sanitation, and hygiene practices, among
      others. The "Vegetables go to School: improving nutrition through agricultural
      diversification" (VgtS) project implements an integrated school garden programme
      in five countries, including Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to determine
      the prevalence of undernutrition and its risk factors among schoolchildren in
      Burkina Faso before the start of the project. METHODS: In February 2015, a cross
      sectional survey was carried out among 455 randomly selected children, aged 8-14
      years, in eight schools in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of
      Burkina Faso. Nutritional status was determined by anthropometric assessment.
      Helminth and intestinal protozoa infections were assessed using the Kato-Katz and
      a formalin-ether concentration method. A urine filtration technique was used to
      identify Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Prevalence of anaemia was determined by
      measuring haemoglobin levels in finger-prick blood samples. Questionnaires were
      administered to children to determine their knowledge of nutrition and health and
      their related attitudes and practices (KAP). Questionnaires were also
      administered to the children's caregivers to identify basic household socio
      demographic and economic characteristics, and water, sanitation and hygiene
      (WASH) conditions. To determine the factors associated with schoolchildren's
      nutritional status, mixed logistic regression models were used. Differences and
      associations were considered statistically significant if P-values were below
      0.05. RESULTS: Complete datasets were available for 385 children. The prevalence
      of undernutrition, stunting and thinness were 35.1%, 29.4% and 11.2%,
      respectively. The multivariable analysis revealed that undernutrition was
      associated with older age (i.e. 12-14 years compared to <12 years; adjusted odds
      ratio (aOR) = 3.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.12-5.62, P < 0.001), multiple
      pathogenic parasitic infections (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.02-3.43, P = 0.044) and
      with moderate and severe anaemia in children (aOR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.25-5.08, P =
      0.010). CONCLUSIONS: We found high prevalence of undernutrition among the
      children surveyed in the two study regions of Burkina Faso. We further observed
      that undernutrition, anaemia and parasitic infections were strongly associated.
      In view of these findings, concerted efforts are needed to address undernutrition
      and associated risk factors among school-aged children. As part of the VgtS
      project, WASH, health education and nutritional interventions will be implemented
      with the goal to improve children's health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN17968589
      (date assigned: 17 July 2015).

PMID- 28100281
TI  - Erratum to: Diet and exercise in uterine cancer survivors (DEUS pilot) - piloting
      a healthy eating and physical activity program: study protocol for a randomized
      controlled trial.

PMID- 28100280
TI  - Erratum to: The whole genome sequence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis
      capitata (Wiedemann), reveals insights into the biology and adaptive evolution of
      a highly invasive pest species.

PMID- 28100284
TI  - Role of flavonoids and nitrates in cardiovascular health.
AB  - CVD remain the leading cause of death globally. Effective dietary strategies for
      their reduction are of high priority. Increasing evidence suggests that
      phytochemicals, particularly dietary flavonoids and nitrates, are key modulators
      of CVD risk reduction through impact on multiple risk factors. The aim of this
      review is to explore the evidence for the impact of flavonoid- and nitrate-rich
      foods and supplements on CVD risk, with specific reference to their importance as
      mediators of vascular health and platelet function. There is accumulating
      evidence to support benefits of dietary flavonoids on cardiovascular health. Dose
      dependent recovery of endothelial function and lowering of blood pressure have
      been reported for the flavanol (-)-epicatechin, found in cocoa, apples and tea,
      through production and availability of endothelial nitric oxide (NO).
      Furthermore, flavonoids, including quercetin and its metabolites, reduce in vitro
      and ex vivo platelet function via inhibition of phosphorylation-dependent
      cellular signalling pathways, although further in vivo studies are required to
      substantiate these mechanistic effects. Hypotensive effects of dietary nitrates
      have been consistently reported in healthy subjects in acute and chronic
      settings, although there is less evidence for these effects in patient groups.
      Proposed mechanisms of actions include endothelial-independent NO availability,
      which is dependent on the entro-salivary circulation and microbial conversion of
      dietary nitrate to nitrite in the mouth. In conclusion, flavonoid- and nitrate
      rich foods show promising effects on vascular function, yet further randomly
      controlled studies are required to confirm these findings and to determine
      effective doses.

PMID- 28100283
TI  - Genetic influences on hormonal markers of chronic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
      function in human hair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cortisol is the primary output of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
      (HPA) axis and is central to the biological stress response, with wide-ranging
      effects on psychiatric health. Despite well-studied biological pathways of
      glucocorticoid function, little attention has been paid to the role of genetic
      variation. Conventional salivary, urinary and serum measures are strongly
      influenced by diurnal variation and transient reactivity. Recently developed
      technology can be used to measure cortisol accumulation over several months in
      hair, thus indexing chronic HPA function. METHOD: In a socio-economically diverse
      sample of 1070 twins/multiples (ages 7.80-19.47 years) from the Texas Twin
      Project, we estimated effects of sex, age and socio-economic status (SES) on hair
      concentrations of cortisol and its inactive metabolite, cortisone, along with
      their interactions with genetic and environmental factors. This is the first
      genetic study of hair neuroendocrine concentrations and the largest twin study of
      neuroendocrine concentrations in any tissue type. RESULTS: Glucocorticoid
      concentrations increased with age for females, but not males. Genetic factors
      accounted for approximately half of the variation in cortisol and cortisone.
      Shared environmental effects dissipated over adolescence. Higher SES was related
      to shallower increases in cortisol with age. SES was unrelated to cortisone, and
      did not significantly moderate genetic effects on either cortisol or cortisone.
      CONCLUSIONS: Genetic factors account for sizable proportions of glucocorticoid
      variation across the entire age range examined, whereas shared environmental
      influences are modest, and only apparent at earlier ages. Chronic glucocorticoid
      output appears to be more consistently related to biological sex, age and
      genotype than to experiential factors that cluster within nuclear families.

PMID- 28100285
TI  - Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Setaria digitata
      (Nematoda: Setariidae) from China.
AB  - Setaria digitata is a filarial parasite that causes fatal cerebrospinal
      nematodiasis in goats, horses and sheep, resulting in substantial economic losses
      to livestock farmers. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial (mt)
      genome of S. digitata from China was determined, characterized and compared with
      that of S. digitata from Sri Lanka. The identity of the mt genomes was 98.3%
      between S. digitata from China and Sri Lanka, and the complete mt genome sequence
      of S. digitata from China was slightly shorter (25 bp) than that from Sri Lanka.
      For the 12 protein genes, this comparison revealed sequence differences at both
      the nucleotide (1.4%) and amino acid (2.2%) levels. The present study determined
      the complete mt genome sequence of S. digitata from China, providing novel
      genetic markers for the study of the population genetics and molecular
      epidemiology of S. digitata in animals.

PMID- 28100282
TI  - Optimal regimens of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for chemoprophylaxis of
      Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases: results from
      a non-blinded, randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) is a standard drug for the
      prophylaxis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP) in immunosuppressed patients with
      systemic rheumatic diseases, but is sometimes discontinued due to adverse events
      (AEs). The objective of this non-blinded, randomized, 52-week non-inferiority
      trial was to quest an effective chemoprophylaxis regimen for PJP with a low drug
      discontinuation rate. Results at week 24 were reported. METHODS: Adult patients
      with systemic rheumatic diseases who started prednisolone >=0.6 mg/kg/day were
      randomized into three dosage groups: a single-strength group (SS, SMX/TMP of
      400/80 mg daily), half-strength group (HS, 200/40 mg daily), and escalation group
      (ES, started with 40/8 mg daily, increasing incrementally to 200/40 mg daily).
      The primary endpoint was non-incidence rates (non-IR) of PJP at week 24. RESULTS:
      Of 183 patients randomly allocated at a 1:1:1 ratio into the three groups, 58
      patients in SS, 59 in HS, and 55 in ES started SMX/TMP. A total of 172 patients
      were included in the analysis. No cases of PJP were reported up to week 24.
      Estimated non-IR of PJP in patients who received daily SMX/TMP of 200/40 mg,
      either starting at this dose or increasing incrementally, was 96.8-100% using the
      exact confidence interval as a post-hoc analysis. The overall discontinuation
      rate was significantly lower with HS compared to SS (p = 0.007). The
      discontinuation rates due to AEs were significantly lower with HS (p = 0.006) and
      ES (p = 0.004) compared to SS. The IR of AEs requiring reduction in the dose of
      SMX/TMP (p = 0.009) and AEs of special interest (p = 0.003) were different among
      the three groups with significantly higher IR in SS compared to HS and ES.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no PJP cases, the combined group of HS and ES
      had an excellent estimated non-IR of PJP and both were superior in safety to SS.
      From the perspective of feasibility and drug discontinuation rates, the daily
      half-strength regimen was suggested to be optimal for prophylaxis of PJP in
      patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The University
      Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry number is
      UMIN000007727 , registered 10 April 2012.

PMID- 28100287
TI  - Characterisation of fatty acid metabolism in different insulin-resistant
      phenotypes by means of stable isotopes.
AB  - The obese insulin resistant and/or prediabetic state is characterised by systemic
      lipid overflow, mainly driven by an impaired lipid buffering capacity of adipose
      tissue, and an impaired capacity of skeletal muscle to increase fat oxidation
      upon increased supply. This leads to the accumulation of bioactive lipid
      metabolites in skeletal muscle interfering with insulin sensitivity via various
      mechanisms. In this review, the contribution of dietary v. endogenous fatty acids
      to lipid overflow, their extraction or uptake by skeletal muscle as well as the
      fractional synthetic rate, content and composition of the muscle lipid pools is
      discussed in relation to the development or presence of insulin resistance and/or
      an impaired glucose metabolism. These parameters are studied in vivo in man by
      combining a dual stable isotope methodology with [2H2]- and [U-13C]-palmitate
      tracers with the arterio-venous balance technique across forearm muscle and
      biochemical analyses in muscle biopsies. The insulin-resistant state is
      characterised by an elevated muscle TAG extraction, despite similar supply, and a
      reduced skeletal muscle lipid turnover, in particular after intake of a high fat,
      SFA fat meal, but not after a high fat, PUFA meal. Data are placed in the context
      of current literature, and underlying mechanisms and implications for long-term
      nutritional interventions are discussed.

PMID- 28100286
TI  - Disease burden of hepatitis E in a rural population in China: a community-based
      survey.
AB  - This study aimed to estimate the disease burden of hepatitis E in a rural region
      in China. A total of 489 hepatitis E cases were reported according to a community
      based survey in an active hepatitis surveillance system between 2008 and 2015,
      the questionnaire and record-review methods were constructed to evaluate the
      economic and health burden of hepatitis E virus infections from societal
      perspectives. All costs were converted to US$ in 2015. The age-standardized
      cumulative incidence rate was 107.9/100 000, and the median age-standardized
      annual incidence rate was 16.5/100 000. The median direct, indirect, and
      intangible cost were $1046.0, $49.1, and $77.3/patient, respectively, and the
      median economic burden per patient was $1836.5, which accounted for 51.2% of per
      capita disposable income. Moreover, the median quality-adjusted life year and
      visual analogue scale score were 0.7 and 70.0/case, respectively. Both economic
      burden and health burden of inpatients was more serious than that of outpatients
      (P < 0.001). Disease burden of hepatitis E is heavy on patients, their families,
      and society. More studies on the disease burden of hepatitis E are necessary to
      increase social awareness of the disease and confirm reasonable disease-control
      measures.

PMID- 28100288
TI  - Childhood maltreatment and eating disorder pathology: a systematic review and
      dose-response meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses have established a high prevalence of childhood
      maltreatment (CM) in patients with eating disorders (EDs) relative to the general
      population. Whether the prevalence of CM in EDs is also high relative to that in
      other mental disorders has not yet been established through meta-analyses nor to
      what extent CM affects defining features of EDs, such as number of binge/purge
      episodes or age at onset. Our aim is to provide meta-analyses on the associations
      between exposure to CM (i.e. emotional, physical and sexual abuse) on the
      occurrence of all types of EDs and its defining features. METHOD: Systematic
      review and meta-analyses. Databases were searched until 4 June 2016. RESULTS: CM
      prevalence was high in each type of ED (total N = 13 059, prevalence rates 21
      59%) relative to healthy (N = 15 092, prevalence rates 1-35%) and psychiatric (N
      = 7736, prevalence rates 5-46%) control groups. ED patients reporting CM were
      more likely to be diagnosed with a co-morbid psychiatric disorder [odds ratios
      (ORs) range 1.41-2.46, p < 0.05] and to be suicidal (OR 2.07, p < 0.001) relative
      to ED subjects who were not exposed to CM. ED subjects exposed to CM also
      reported an earlier age at ED onset [effect size (Hedges' g) = -0.32, p < 0.05],
      to suffer a more severe form of the illness (g = 0.29, p < 0.05), and to binge
      purge (g = 0.31, p < 0.001) more often compared to ED patients who did not report
      any CM. CONCLUSION: CM, regardless of type, is associated with the presence of
      all types of ED and with severity parameters that characterize these illnesses in
      a dose dependent manner.

PMID- 28100289
TI  - Hepatitis B virus in drug users in France: prevalence and vaccination history,
      ANRS-Coquelicot Survey 2011-2013.
AB  - People who use drugs (PWUD) are a key population for hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      vaccination and screening. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of HBs antigen
      (HBsAg) and self-reported HBV vaccination history in French PWUD attending harm
      reduction centres using data from the ANRS-Coquelicot multicentre survey
      conducted in 2011-2013 in 1718 PWUD. Self-fingerprick blood samples were
      collected on dried blood spots to detect the presence of HBsAg. HBsAg
      seroprevalence was estimated at 1.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8-2.5]. It
      varied between PWUD born in high (7.6%, 95% CI 2.7-19.1), moderate (2.2%, 95% CI
      0.8-5.7) and low (0.7%, 95% CI 0.3-1.5) endemic zones. Factors independently
      associated with HBsAg carriage were being born in a moderate or high endemic zone
      or reporting precarious housing. Self-reported HBV vaccination history varied
      from 47.4% in high endemic zones, to 59.3% and 62.6% for moderate and low endemic
      zones, respectively. Our results suggest that drug use plays a small and
      substantial role, respectively, in HBsAg carriage in PWUD born in high/moderate
      and low endemic zones.

PMID- 28100290
TI  - Familial confounding of the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy
      and internalizing disorders in offspring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal smoking has consistently been associated with multiple
      adverse childhood outcomes including externalizing disorders. In contrast the
      association between maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) and internalizing
      (anxiety and depressive) disorders in offspring has received less investigation.
      METHOD: We conducted a nationwide cohort study including 957635 individuals born
      in Denmark between 1991 and 2007. Data on MSDP and diagnoses of depression or
      anxiety disorders were derived from national registers and patients were followed
      up from the age of 5 years to the end of 2012. Hazard rate ratios (HRRs) were
      estimated using stratified Cox regression models. Sibling data were used to
      disentangle individual- and familial-level effects of MSDP and to control for
      unmeasured familial confounding. RESULTS: At the population level, offspring
      exposed to MSDP were at increased risk for both severe depression [HRR 1.29, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.22-1.36] and severe anxiety disorders (HRR 1.26, 95%
      CI 1.20-1.32) even when controlling for maternal and paternal traits. However,
      there was no association between MSDP and internalizing disorders when
      controlling for the mother's propensity for MSDP (depression: HRR 1.11, 95% CI
      0.94-1.30; anxiety disorders: HRR 0.94, 95% CI 0.80-1.11) or comparing
      differentially exposed siblings (depression: HRR 1.18, 95% CI 0.75-1.89; anxiety
      disorders: HRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.55-1.36). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that
      familial background factors account for the association between MSDP and severe
      internalizing disorders not the specific exposure to MSDP.

PMID- 28100291
TI  - Systematic Review of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation for Prospective Memory
      Deficits as a Consequence of Acquired Brain Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Prospective memory (PM) impairments are common following acquired
      brain injury (ABI). PM is the ability to keep a goal in mind for future action
      and interventions have the potential to increase independence. This review aimed
      to evaluate studies examining PM rehabilitation approaches in adults and children
      with ABI. METHODS: Relevant literature was identified using PsycARTICLES (1894 to
      present), PsycINFO (1880 to present), the Cochrane Library (1972 to present),
      MEDLINE PubMed, reference lists from relevant journal articles, and searches of
      key journals. Literature searches were conducted using variants of the terms
      brain injury, stroke, encephalitis, meningitis, and tumor, combined with variants
      of the terms rehabilitation and prospective memory. RESULTS: Of the 435 papers
      identified, 11 were included in the review. Findings demonstrated a variety of
      interventions to alleviate PM deficits, including compensatory strategies (e.g.,
      external memory aids) that provide either content-specific or content-free
      cueing, and remediation strategies (e.g., meta-cognitive training programs) aimed
      at improving the self-monitoring of personal goals. Risk of bias for individual
      studies was considered and the strengths and limitations of each of the included
      studies and the review itself were discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions used
      with adults can be effective; PM abilities can be improved by using simple
      reminder systems and performance can be generalized to facilitate everyday PM
      functioning. There is, however, a lack of research of PM interventions conducted
      with children with ABI, and pediatric interventions need to consider on-going
      cognitive maturation. (JINS, 2017, 22, 1-12).

PMID- 28100292
TI  - Evidence, knowledge, implementation: glossary of terminology.

PMID- 28100293
TI  - Psychiatric rehabilitation in Europe.
AB  - To describe the core elements of modern psychiatric rehabilitation. Based on
      selected examples we describe the discussion about values in mental health care
      with focus on Europe. We present outcome data from studies, which have tried to
      implement care structures based on this value discussion. In the second half of
      the 20th century, mental health care in all European and other high-income
      countries changed conceptually and structurally. Deinstitutionalisation reduced
      the number of psychiatric beds and transferred priority to outpatient care and
      community-based services, but community mental health programs developed
      differently across and within these countries. High-income countries in Europe
      continued to invest in costly traditional services that were neither evidence
      based nor person-centered by emphasising inpatient services, sheltered group
      homes and sheltered workshops. We argue that evidence-based, person-centred,
      recovery-oriented psychiatric rehabilitation offers a parsimonious solution to
      developing a consensus plan for community-based care in Europe. The challenges to
      scaling up effective psychiatric rehabilitation services in high-income countries
      are not primarily a lack of resources, but rather a lack of political will and
      inefficient use and dysfunctional allocation of resources.

PMID- 28100296
TI  - Rouxiella badensis sp. nov. and Rouxiella silvae sp. nov. isolated from peat bog
      soil and emendation description of the genus Rouxiella.
AB  - Four bacterial strains isolated from peat bog soil or swampy meadow in Baden
      Wurttemberg (Germany) and found to have rrs sequences close to that of Rouxiella
      chamberiensis were compared to this species by using multi-locus sequence
      analysis and phenotypic tests. The four strains constituted two discrete groups
      (referred to as the Baden and the Silva groups) belonging to the genus Rouxiella.
      These groups differed in their ability to grow at 37  degrees C, reduce nitrate
      into nitrite, and to produce acid from several carbohydrates. Two novel species
      are, therefore, proposed: Rouxiella badensis sp. nov. for the Baden group (type
      strain, 323T=CIP 111153T=DSM 100043T) and Rouxiella silvae for the Silva group
      (type strain, 213T=CIP 111154T=DSM 103735T). The definition of the genus
      Rouxiellahas also been emended in order to take these two novel species into
      account.

PMID- 28100295
TI  - Physical state and copy numbers of HPV16 in oral asymptomatic infections that
      persisted or cleared during the 6-year follow-up.
AB  - Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a key event in HPV-induced
      carcinogenesis. As part of the prospective Finnish Family HPV Study, we analysed
      the physical state and viral copy numbers of HPV16 in asymptomatic oral
      infections that either persisted or cleared during the 6-year follow-up. The
      persister group comprised 14 women and 7 men with 51 and 21 HPV16-positive brush
      samples. The clearance group included 41 women and 13 men, with 64 and 24
      samples, respectively. Physical state and viral DNA load were assessed by using
      quantitative PCR for HPV16 E2 and E6 genes. E2/E6 ratio was calculated and HPV16
      was classified as episomal, mixed or integrated with values of 0.93-1.08, <0.93
      and 0, respectively. In both genders, the physical state of HPV16 was
      significantly different between the cases and controls (P<0.001). HPV16 was
      episomal in all men and 66 % (27/41) of women who cleared their infection. HPV16
      was mixed and/or integrated in71 % and 57 %of the women and men persisters,
      respectively. The mean HPV16 copy number per 50 ng genomic DNA was nearly 5.5
      fold higher in the women than in the men clearance group (P=0.011). Only in men,
      HPV16 copy numbers were higher in persisters than in the clearance group
      (P=0.039). To conclude, in both genders, persistent oral HPV16 infections were
      associated with the mixed or integrated form of HPV16, while in the clearance
      groups, episomal HPV16 predominated. This indicates that HPV16 integration is a
      common event even in asymptomatic oral infections, which might predispose the
      infected subjects to progressive disease.

PMID- 28100297
TI  - Transcriptional analysis of mating and pre-infection stages of the anther smut,
      Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae.
AB  - Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae is an obligate biotrophic parasite of the
      wildflower species, Silene latifolia. This dikaryotic fungus, commonly known as
      an anther smut, requires that haploid, yeast-like sporidia of opposite mating
      types fuse and differentiate into dikaryotic hyphae that penetrate host tissue as
      part of the fungal lifecycle. Mating occurs under conditions of cool temperatures
      and limited nutrients. Further development requires host cues or chemical mimics,
      including a variety of lipids, e.g., phytols. To identify global changes in
      transcription associated with developmental shifts, RNA-Seq was conducted at
      several in vitro stages of fungal propagation, i.e., haploid cells grown
      independently on rich and nutrient-limited media, mated cells on nutrient-limited
      media, as well as a time-course of such mated cells exposed to phytol. Comparison
      of haploid cells grown under rich and nutrient-limited conditions identified
      classes of genes likely associated with general nutrient availability, including
      components of the RNAi machinery. Some gene enrichment patterns comparing the
      nutrient-limited and mated transcriptomes suggested gene expression changes
      associated with the mating program (e.g., homeodomain binding proteins, secreted
      proteins, proteins unique to M. lychnidis-dioicae  multicopper oxidases, and
      RhoGEFs). Analysis for phytol treatment compared with mated cells alone allowed
      identification of genes likely involved in the dikaryotic switch (e.g.,
      oligopeptide transporters). Gene categories of particular note in all three
      conditions included those in the major facilitator superfamily, proteins
      containing PFAM domains of the secretory lipase family, as well as proteins
      predicted to be secreted, many of which have the hallmarks of fungal effectors
      with potential roles in pathogenicity.

PMID- 28100294
TI  - Why do we remember? The communicative function of episodic memory.
AB  - Episodic memory has been analyzed in a number of different ways in both
      philosophy and psychology, and most controversy has centered on its self
      referential, 'autonoetic' character. Here, we offer a comprehensive
      characterization of episodic memory in representational terms, and propose a
      novel functional account on this basis. We argue that episodic memory should be
      understood as a distinctive epistemic attitude taken towards an event simulation.
      On this view, episodic memory has a metarepresentational format and should not be
      equated with beliefs about the past. Instead, empirical findings suggest that the
      contents of human episodic memory are often constructed in the service of the
      explicit justification of such beliefs. Existing accounts of episodic memory
      function that have focused on explaining its constructive character through its
      role in 'future-oriented mental time travel' neither do justice to its capacity
      to ground veridical beliefs about the past nor to its representational format. We
      provide an account of the metarepresentational structure of episodic memory in
      terms of its role in communicative interaction. The generative nature of
      recollection allows us to represent and communicate the reasons for why we hold
      certain beliefs about the past. In this process, autonoesis corresponds to the
      capacity to determine when and how to assert epistemic authority in making claims
      about the past. A domain where such claims are indispensable are human social
      engagements. Such engagements commonly require the justification of entitlements
      and obligations, which is often possible only by explicit reference to specific
      past events.

PMID- 28100299
TI  - Pathogenicity of modified bat influenza virus with different M genes and its
      reassortment potential with swine influenza A virus.
AB  - In our previous studies, the reassortant virus containing only the PR8 H1N1
      matrix (M) gene in the background of the modified bat influenza Bat09 : mH1mN1
      virus could be generated. However, whether M genes from other origins can be
      rescued in the background of the Bat09 : mH1mN1 virus and whether the resulting
      novel reassortant virus is virulent remain unknown. Herein, two reassortant
      viruses were generated in the background of the Bat09 : mH1mN1 virus containing
      either a North American or a Eurasian swine influenza virus M gene. These two
      reassortant viruses and the reassortant virus with PR8 M as well as the control
      Bat09 : mH1mN1 virus replicated efficiently in cultured cells, while the
      reassortant virus with PR8 M grew to a higher titre than the other three viruses
      in tested cells. Mouse studies showed that reassortant viruses with either North
      American or Eurasian swine influenza virus M gene did not enhance virulence,
      whereas the reassortant virus with PR8 M gene displayed higher pathogenicity when
      compared to the Bat09 : mH1mN1 virus. This is most likely due to the fact that
      the PR8 H1N1 virus is a mouse-adapted virus. Furthermore, reassortment potential
      between the Bat09 : mH1mN1 virus and an H3N2 swine influenza virus
      (A/swine/Texas/4199-2/1998) was investigated using co-infection of Madin-Darby
      canine kidney cells, but no reassortant viruses were detected. Taken together,
      our results indicate that the modified bat influenza virus is most likely
      incapable of reassortment with influenza A viruses with in vitro co-infection
      experiments, although reassortant viruses with different M genes can be generated
      by reverse genetics.

PMID- 28100300
TI  - Molecular analysis and species diversity of Nocardia in the hospital environment
      in a developing country, a potential health hazard.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite hundreds of reports on the isolation of Nocardia from clinical
      samples, the presence and diversity of Nocardia species that are capable of
      survival in a harsh and adverse condition, such as a hospital environment, have
      not been comprehensively studied. The aim of this study was to assess Nocardia
      species diversity in a hospital environment to provide a better insight into
      their potential threat as a reservoir for the development of nosocomial
      infections. METHODOLOGY: A total of 90 samples of hospital water, dust and soil,
      collected from 30 hospitals, were analysed for the presence of Nocardia using
      standard protocols for isolation and characterization of the isolates.
      Conventional tests were used for preliminary identification, and PCR
      amplification of the 596 bp amplicon of the 16S rRNA and sequence analysis of 16S
      rRNA were performed for genus and species identification. RESULTS: A total of 25
      Nocardia isolates (27.7 %) from 10 species were recovered from 90 samples. The
      three most prevalent species were N. cyriacigeorgica, 24 %, N. asteroides, 16 %
      and N. kroppenstedtii, 12 %, followed by N. salmonicida-like, 8 % and single
      isolates of N.otitidiscaviarum, N. flavorozea-like, N. neocaledoniensis-like and
      N. sungurluensis-like. Thirteen out of twenty five isolates showed
      characteristics of six novel species. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the
      hospital environment is a potential reservoir of a diverse range of Nocardia
      species, due to the remarkable survival capability of these bacteria in an
      adverse hospital environment, which carries a threat to the health of patients.

PMID- 28100298
TI  - Description of two novel members of the family Erysipelotrichaceae: Ileibacterium
      valens gen. nov., sp. nov. and Dubosiella newyorkensis, gen. nov., sp. nov., from
      the murine intestine, and emendation to the description of Faecalibaculum
      rodentium.
AB  - To better characterize murine intestinal microbiota, a large number (187) of Gram
      positive-staining, rod- and coccoid-shaped, and facultatively or strictly
      anaerobic bacteria were isolated from small and large intestinal contents from
      mice. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a total 115 isolates formed three
      phylogenetically distinct clusters located within the family Erysipelotrichaceae.
      Group 1, as represented by strain NYU-BL-A3T, was most closely related to
      Allobaculum stercoricanis, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 87.7
      %. A second group, represented by NYU-BL-A4T, was most closely related to
      Faecalibaculum rodentium, with 86.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. A third
      group had a nearly identical 16S rRNA gene sequence (99.9 %) compared with the
      recently described Faecalibaculum rodentium, also recovered from a laboratory
      mouse; however, this strain had a few differences in biochemical characteristics,
      which are detailed in an emended description. The predominant (>10 %) cellular
      fatty acids of strain NYU-BL-A3T were C16 : 0 and C18 : 0, and those of strain
      NYU-BL-A4T were C10 : 0, C16 : 0, C18 : 0 and C18 : 1omega9c. The two groups
      could also be distinguished by multiple biochemical reactions, with the group
      represented by NYU-BL-A4T being considerably more active. Based on phylogenetic,
      biochemical and chemotaxonomic criteria, two novel genera are proposed,
      Ileibacterium valens gen. nov., sp. nov. with NYU-BL-A3T (=ATCC TSD-63T=DSM
      103668T) as the type strain and Dubosiella newyorkensis gen. nov., sp. nov. with
      NYU-BL-A4T (=ATCC TSD-64T=DSM 103457T) as the type strain.

PMID- 28100301
TI  - High-throughput screening of a GlaxoSmithKline protein kinase inhibitor set
      identifies an inhibitor of human cytomegalovirus replication that prevents CREB
      and histone H3 post-translational modification.
AB  - To identify new compounds with anti-human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) activity and new
      anti-HCMV targets, we developed a high-throughput strategy to screen a
      GlaxoSmithKline Published Kinase Inhibitor Set. This collection contains a range
      of extensively characterized compounds grouped into chemical families
      (chemotypes). From our screen, we identified compounds within chemotypes that
      impede HCMV protein production and identified kinase proteins associated with
      inhibition of HCMV protein production that are potential novel anti-HCMV targets.
      We focused our study on a top 'hit' in our screen, SB-734117, which we found
      inhibits productive replication of several HCMV strains. Kinase selectivity data
      indicated that SB-734117 exhibited polypharmacology and was an inhibitor of
      several proteins from the AGC and CMCG kinase groups. Using Western blotting, we
      found that SB-734711 inhibited accumulation of HCMV immediate-early proteins,
      phosphorylation of cellular proteins involved in immediate-early protein
      production (cAMP response element-binding protein and histone H3) and histone H3
      lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3). Therefore, we identified SB-734117 as a
      novel anti-HCMV compound and found that inhibition of AGC and CMCG kinase
      proteins during productive HCMV replication was associated with inhibition of
      viral protein production and prevented post-translational modification of
      cellular factors associated with viral protein production.

PMID- 28100302
TI  - Faecal virome of healthy chickens reveals a large diversity of the eukaryote
      viral community, including novel circular ssDNA viruses.
AB  - This study is focused on the identification of the faecal virome of healthy
      chickens raised in high-density, export-driven poultry farms in Brazil. Following
      high-throughput sequencing, a total of 7743 de novo-assembled contigs were
      constructed and compared with known nucleotide/amino acid sequences from the
      GenBank database. Analyses with blastx revealed that 279 contigs (4 %) were
      related to sequences of eukaryotic viruses. Viral genome sequences (total or
      partial) indicative of members of recognized viral families, including
      Adenoviridae, Caliciviridae, Circoviridae, Parvoviridae, Picobirnaviridae,
      Picornaviridae and Reoviridae, were identified, some of those representing novel
      genotypes. In addition, a range of circular replication-associated protein
      encoding DNA viruses were also identified. The characterization of the faecal
      virome of healthy chickens described here not only provides a description of the
      viruses encountered in such niche but should also represent a baseline for future
      studies comparing viral populations in healthy and diseased chicken flocks.
      Moreover, it may also be relevant for human health, since chickens represent a
      significant proportion of the animal protein consumed worldwide.

PMID- 28100303
TI  - Ethanol, glycogen and glucosylglycerol represent competing carbon pools in
      ethanol-producing cells of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under high-salt conditions.
AB  - Cyanobacteria are photoautotrophic micro-organisms, which are increasingly being
      used as microbial cell factories to produce, for example, ethanol directly from
      solar energy and CO2. Here, we analysed the effects of different salt
      concentrations on an ethanol-producing strain of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 that
      overexpresses the pyruvate decarboxylase (pdc) from Zymomonas mobilis and the
      native alcohol dehydrogenase (adhA). Moderate salinities of 2 % NaCl had no
      negative impact on ethanol production, whereas the addition of 4 % NaCl resulted
      in significantly decreased ethanol yields compared to low-salt conditions.
      Proteomic analysis identified a defined set of proteins with increased abundances
      in ethanol-producing cells. Among them, we found strong up-regulation of alpha
      1,4 glucan phosphorylase (GlgP, Slr1367) in the producer strain, which
      consistently resulted in a massive depletion of glycogen pools in these cells
      regardless of the salinity. The salt-induced accumulation of the compatible
      solute glucosylglycerol was not affected by the ethanol production. Glycogen and
      probably compatible solutes could present competing pools with respect to organic
      carbon, explaining the decreased ethanol production at the highest salinity.

PMID- 28100304
TI  - Iron responsive-like elements in the parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
AB  - In Entamoeba histolytica, iron modulates virulence and gene expression via
      unknown regulatory mechanisms. The existence of a posttranscriptional iron
      regulatory system parallel with the iron-responsive element (IRE)/iron regulatory
      protein (IRP) system in the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis has recently been
      reported. Due to their evolutionary closeness and the importance of iron for
      growth and virulence in these protozoa, we hypothesized the existence of an
      IRE/IRP-like mechanism in E. histolytica. To determine the presence of IRE-like
      elements in some mRNAs from this parasite, we performed in silico analyses of the
      5'- and 3'-UTRs of mRNAs encoding virulence factors and cytoskeleton, ribosomal
      and metabolism proteins. The Zuker mfold software predicted IRE-like secondary
      structures in 52 of the 135 mRNAs analysed. However, only nine structures shared
      sequence similarity with the apical loop sequence (CAGUGN) of the previously
      reported human IRE-ferritin, whereas the GUU/UUG protozoan-specific motif was
      detected in 23 stem-loop structures. A new motif, AUU/AUUU, was also observed in
      23 structures, suggesting the possible existence of an amoeba-specific motif.
      Additionally, cross-linking and RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed
      specific RNA-protein interactions, using as a model two amoebic IRE-like elements
      from iron-regulated mRNAs and HeLa, T. vaginalis and E. histolytica cytoplasmic
      proteins. Our data suggest the presence of a posttranscriptional iron regulatory
      IRE/IRP-like mechanism in E. histolytica.

PMID- 28100306
TI  - Diverse novel astroviruses identified in wild Himalayan marmots.
AB  - With advances in viral surveillance and next-generation sequencing, highly
      diverse novel astroviruses (AstVs) and different animal hosts had been discovered
      in recent years. However, the existence of AstVs in marmots had yet to be shown.
      Here, we identified two highly divergent strains of AstVs (tentatively named
      Qinghai Himalayanmarmot AstVs, HHMAstV1 and HHMAstV2), by viral metagenomic
      analysis in liver tissues isolated from wild Marmota himalayana in China.
      Overall, 12 of 99 (12.1 %) M. himalayana faecal samples were positive for the
      presence of genetically diverse AstVs, while only HHMAstV1 and HHMAstV2 were
      identified in 300 liver samples. The complete genomic sequences of HHMAstV1 and
      HHMAstV2 were 6681 and 6610 nt in length, respectively, with the typical genomic
      organization of AstVs. Analysis of the complete ORF 2 sequence showed that these
      novel AstVs are most closely related to the rabbit AstV, mamastrovirus 23 (with
      31.0 and 48.0 % shared amino acid identity, respectively). Phylogenetic analysis
      of the amino acid sequences of ORF1a, ORF1b and ORF2 indicated that HHMAstV1 and
      HHMAstV2 form two distinct clusters among the mamastroviruses, and may share a
      common ancestor with the rabbit-specific mamastrovirus 23. These results suggest
      that HHMAstV1 and HHMAstV2 are two novel species of the genus Mamastrovirus in
      the Astroviridae. The remarkable diversity of these novel AstVs will contribute
      to a greater understanding of the evolution and ecology of AstVs, although
      additional studies will be needed to understand the clinical significance of
      these novel AstVs in marmots, as well as in humans.

PMID- 28100308
TI  - Williamsia spongiae sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from the marine sponge
      Amphimedon viridis.
AB  - A novel actinobacterium, designated isolate B138T, was isolated from the marine
      sponge, Amphimedon viridis, which was collected from Praia Guaeca (Sao Paulo,
      Brazil), and its taxonomic position was established using data from a polyphasic
      study. The organism showed a combination of chemotaxonomic and morphological
      characteristics consistent with its classification in the genus Williamsia and it
      formed a distinct phyletic line in the Williamsia 16S rRNA gene tree. It was most
      closely related to Williamsia serinedens DSM 45037T and Williamsia deligens DSM
      44902T (99.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Williamsia maris DSM 44693T
      (97.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), but was distinguished readily from
      these strains by the low DNA-DNA relatedness values (62.3-64.4 %) and by the
      discriminatory phenotypic properties. Based on the data obtained, the isolate
      B138T (=CBMAI 1094T=DSM 46676T) should be classified as the type strain of a
      novel species of the genus Williamsia, for which the name Williamsia spongiae sp.
      nov. is proposed.

PMID- 28100309
TI  - Nioella sediminis sp. nov., isolated from surface sediment and emended
      description of the genus Nioella.
AB  - A bacterial strain, designated JS7-11T, was isolated from the surface sediment of
      the Jiulong River and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells
      of JS7-11T were Gram-staining-negative, non-motile and short-rod-shaped. Growth
      was observed at 10-40  degrees C (optimum 25-30  degrees C), at pH 6-8 (optimum
      7) and in 1-12 % NaCl (optimum 3-4 %, w/v). The results of phylogenetic analysis
      based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that JS7-11T and Nioella
      nitratireducens SSW136T formed an independent cluster, sharing 97.9 % similarity
      between the two strains, and less than 96.0 % similarities with other type
      strains of members of the family Rhodobacteraceae. The major fatty acids were
      summed feature 8 and C16 : 0. The quinone was identified as Q-10. The polar
      lipids comprised phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine,
      phosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was
      63.4 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity
      values between JS7-11T and N. nitratireducens SSW136T were 22.1 and 79.4 %,
      respectively. The results of phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analyses
      clearly indicated that JS7-11T represents a novel species within the genus
      Nioella, for which the name Nioellasediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type
      strain of the novel species is JS7-11T (=MCCC 1A00710T=KCTC 42144T).

PMID- 28100305
TI  - Environment-directed activation of the Escherichia coliflhDC operon by
      transposons.
AB  - The flagellar system in Escherichia coli K12 is expressed under the control of
      the flhDC-encoded master regulator FlhDC. Transposition of insertion sequence
      (IS) elements to the upstream flhDC promoter region up-regulates transcription of
      this operon, resulting in a more rapid motility. Wang and Wood (ISME J
      2011;5:1517-1525) provided evidence that insertion of IS5 into upstream
      activating sites occurs at higher rates in semi-solid agar media in which
      swarming behaviour is allowed as compared with liquid or solid media where
      swarming cannot occur. We confirm this conclusion and show that three IS
      elements, IS1, IS3 and IS5, transpose to multiple upstream sites within a 370 bp
      region of the flhDC operon control region. Hot spots for IS insertion correlate
      with positions of stress-induced DNA duplex destabilization (SIDD). We show that
      IS insertion occurs at maximal rates in 0.24 % agar, with rates decreasing
      dramatically with increasing or decreasing agar concentrations. In mixed
      cultures, we show that these mutations preferentially arise from the wild-type
      parent at frequencies of up to 3*10-3 cell-1 day-1 when the inoculated parental
      and co-existing IS-activated mutant cells are entering the stationary growth
      phase. We rigorously show that the apparent increased mutation frequencies cannot
      be accounted for by increased swimming or by increased growth under the selective
      conditions used. Thus, our data are consistent with the possibility that
      appropriate environmental conditions, namely those that permit but hinder
      flagellar rotation, result in the activation of a mutational pathway that
      involves IS element insertion upstream of the flhDC operon.

PMID- 28100310
TI  - Growth inhibition of fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus by anion channel inhibitors
      anthracene-9-carboxylic and niflumic acid attained through decrease in cellular
      respiration and energy metabolites.
AB  - Increasing resistance of fungal strains to known fungicides has prompted
      identification of new candidates for fungicides among substances previously used
      for other purposes. We have tested the effects of known anion channel inhibitors
      anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (A9C) and niflumic acid (NFA) on growth, energy
      metabolism and anionic current of mycelium of fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus.
      Both inhibitors significantly decreased growth and respiration of mycelium, but
      complete inhibition was only achieved by 100 and 500 uM NFA for growth and
      respiration, respectively. A9C had no effect on respiration of human NCI-H460
      cell line and very little effect on cucumber root sprout clippings, which
      nominates this inhibitor for further investigation as a potential new fungicide.
      Effects of A9C and NFA on respiration of isolated mitochondria of P.
      blakesleeanus were significantly smaller, which indicates that their inhibitory
      effect on respiration of mycelium is indirect. NMR spectroscopy showed that both
      A9C and NFA decrease the levels of ATP and polyphosphates in the mycelium of P.
      blakesleeanus, but only A9C caused intracellular acidification. Outwardly
      rectifying, fast inactivating instantaneous anionic current (ORIC) was also
      reduced to 33+/-5 and 21+/-3 % of its pre-treatment size by A9C and NFA,
      respectively, but only in the absence of ATP. It can be assumed from our results
      that the regulation of ORIC is tightly linked to cellular energy metabolism in P.
      blakesleeanus, and the decrease in ATP and polyphosphate levels could be a direct
      cause of growth inhibition.

PMID- 28100311
TI  - Evaluation of three different bottles in BACTEC 9240 automated blood culture
      system and direct identification of Candida species to shorten the turnaround
      time of blood culture.
AB  - PURPOSE: Candida spp. are the most common causes of fungemia. Rapid and accurate
      diagnostic methods are very important for appropriate management of candidemia.
      At present, blood culture is the essential diagnostic test despite having a long
      detection time and low sensitivity rate. We aimed to investigate the ways to
      shorten the turnaround time from blood culture collection to final identification
      in candidemia. METHODOLOGY: Sixty clinical bloodstream isolates of Candida were
      included, and Plus Aerobic/F, Peds Plus/F and Mycosis IC/Fbottles were used with
      a BACTEC 9240 blood culture instrument. Germ tube production, carbohydrate
      assimilation (API 20C AUX) and peptide nucleic acid fluorescent in situ
      hybridization yeast traffic light tests were performed directly from positive
      signalled bottles. RESULTS: Time to positivity of blood cultures was affected by
      species of Candida, fungal load and bottle type. Candidatropicalis had the
      shortest and Candidaglabrata had the longest time to positivity. Mycosis IC/F
      culture bottle had a significant superiority in the isolation of yeasts,
      especially for C. glabrata and if there was a low fungal load in the bottle.
      Direct germ tube test had 90 % sensitivity and 97.6 % specificity for
      Candidaalbicans in two hours after signalling. The compliance between direct and
      classical assimilation tests was 98.3 %. Sensitivity and specificity of peptide
      nucleic acid fluorescent in situ hybridization were 100 %. CONCLUSION: We think
      that it is possible to shorten the turnaround time for the identification of
      Candida in blood culture even with currently available methods.

PMID- 28100313
TI  - Rectinema cohabitans gen. nov., sp. nov., a rod-shaped spirochaete isolated from
      an anaerobic naphthalene-degrading enrichment culture.
AB  - The anaerobic, non-motile strain HMT was isolated from the naphthalene-degrading,
      sulfate-reducing enrichment culture N47. For 20 years, strain HMT has been a
      stable member of culture N47 although it is neither able to degrade naphthalene
      nor able to reduce sulfate in pure culture. The highest similarity of the 16S
      rRNA gene sequence of strain HMT (89 %) is with a cultivated member of the family
      Spirochaetaceae, Treponema caldariumstrain H1T (=DSM 7334T), an obligately
      anaerobic, thermophilic spirochaete isolated from cyanobacterial mat samples
      collected at a freshwater hot spring in Oregon, USA. In contrast to this strain
      and the majority of spirochaete species described, strain HMT showed a rod-shaped
      morphology. Growth occurred at temperatures between 12 and 50  degrees C (optimum
      37  degrees C) but the isolate was not able to grow at 60  degrees C. The strain
      fermented various sugars including d-glucose, d-fructose, lactose and sucrose.
      Addition of 0.1 % (w/v) yeast extract or 0.1 % (w/v) tryptone to the culture
      medium was essential for growth and could not be replaced by either the vitamin
      solutions tested or by 0.1 % (w/v) peptone or 0.1 % (w/v) casamino acids. The DNA
      G+C content of the isolate was 51.5 mol%. The major fatty acids were C14 : 0, C18
      : 1omega13c, C16 : 1omega9t, C16 : 1omega11c and C16 : 1omega9c. Based on the
      unique morphology and the phylogenetic distance from the closest cultivated
      relative, a novel genus and species, Rectinema cohabitans gen. nov., sp. nov., is
      proposed. The type strain is strain HMT (=DSM 100378T=JCM 30982T).

PMID- 28100312
TI  - Frankia coriariae sp. nov., an infective and effective microsymbiont isolated
      from Coriaria japonica.
AB  - The taxonomic description of a nitrogen-fixing actinobacterium, strain BMG5.1T,
      as a novel species within the genus Frankia was based on a polyphasic approach.
      The strain was isolated from the root nodules of Coriaria japonica, and it
      fulfilled Koch's postulates by inducing effective nodules on Coriaria spp. and
      Datisca spp. Based on phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, strain BMG5.1T is
      distinguishable from all other species of the genus Frankia. It is characterized
      by the presence of phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylglycerol and glycophospholipids in its polar lipids; galactose,
      glucose, mannose and a trace of ribose as cellular sugars; meso-diaminopimelic
      acid as cell-wall peptidoglycan; C18 : 1omega9c as major fatty acid (>30 %); and
      MK-9(H6) (44.7 %) as predominant isoprenolog (>30 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence
      similarities and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the described
      novel strain and strains of the other species of the genus Frankia correspond to
      a range of 97-98.4 % and 22.1-24 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content is 70.2 
      mol%. On the basis of these results, strain BMG5.1T (=CECT 9032T=DSM 100624T) is
      proposed as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Frankia, named
      Frankia coriariae sp. nov.

PMID- 28100314
TI  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for
      rapid identification of fungal rhinosinusitis pathogens.
AB  - PURPOSE: Filamentous fungi are among the most important pathogens, causing fungal
      rhinosinusitis (FRS). Current laboratory diagnosis of FRS pathogens mainly relies
      on phenotypic identification by culture and microscopic examination, which is
      time consuming and expertise dependent. Although matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS has been employed to identify
      various fungi, its efficacy in the identification of FRS fungi is less clear.
      METHODOLOGY: A total of 153 FRS isolates obtained from patients were analysed at
      the Clinical Laboratory at the Beijing Tongren Hospital affiliated to the Capital
      Medical University, between January 2014 and December 2015. They were identified
      by traditional phenotypic methods and Bruker MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker, Biotyper
      version 3.1), respectively. Discrepancies between the two methods were further
      validated by sequencing. RESULTS: Among the 153 isolates, 151 had correct species
      identification using MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker, Biot 3.1, score >=2.0 or 2.3). MALDI
      TOF MS enabled identification of some very closely related species that were
      indistinguishable by conventional phenotypic methods, including 1/10 Aspergillus
      versicolor, 3/20 Aspergillus flavus, 2/30 Aspergillus fumigatus and 1/20
      Aspergillus terreus, which were misidentified by conventional phenotypic methods
      as Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus japonicus and
      Aspergillus nidulans, respectively. In addition, 2/2 Rhizopus oryzae and 1/1
      Rhizopus stolonifer that were identified only to the genus level by the
      phenotypic method were correctly identified by MALDI-TOF MS. CONCLUSION: MALDI
      TOF MS is a rapid and accurate technique, and could replace the conventional
      phenotypic method for routine identification of FRS fungi in clinical
      microbiology laboratories.

PMID- 28100315
TI  - Flavobacterium arcticum sp. nov., isolated from Arctic seawater.
AB  - A Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated, rod-shaped and yellow
      pigmented bacterium, designated strain SM1502T, was isolated from Arctic
      seawater. The isolate grew at 10-40  degrees C and with 0-8.0 % (w/v) NaCl.
      Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate
      was affiliated with the genus Flavobacterium, with the highest sequence
      similarity (96.0 %) found with Flavobacterium suzhouense XIN-1T. The major fatty
      acids of strain SM1502T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 1omega9c, iso-C15 : 1 G, C15
      : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and unknown ECL 13.565. The major respiratory quinone of
      strain SM1502T was menaquinone-6 (MK-6). Polar lipids of strain SM1502T included
      phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified aminolipid and lipid. The genomic
      DNA G+C content of strain SM1502T was 37.0 mol%. Based on the polyphasic data
      obtained in this study, strain SM1502T is considered to represent a novel species
      of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium arcticum sp. nov.
      is proposed. The type strain is SM1502T (=KCTC 42668T=CCTCC AB 2015346T).

PMID- 28100316
TI  - Optimizing nutrition of the preterm infant.
AB  - The goal of nutrition of the preterm infant is to meet the growth rate of the
      healthy fetus of the same gestational age and to produce the same body
      composition of the healthy fetus in terms of organ growth, tissue components, and
      cell number and structure. Nutritional quantity and quality are fundamental for
      normal growth and development of preterm infants, including neurodevelopmental
      outcomes. Failure to provide the necessary amounts of all of the essential
      nutrients has produced not only growth failure, but also increased morbidity and
      less than optimal neurodevelopment. Growth velocities during the NICU
      hospitalization period for preterm infants exert a significant effect on
      neurodevelopmental and anthropometric outcomes. Despite the obvious need for
      optimal nutrition, growth failure is almost universal among preterm infants.
      There is every reason, therefore, to optimize nutrition of the preterm infant, in
      terms of total energy and protein, but also in terms of individual components
      such as amino acids, specific carbohydrates and lipids, and even oxygen. This
      review presents scientific rationale for nutrient requirements and practical
      guidelines and approaches to intravenous and enteral feeding for preterm infants.
      Intravenous feeding, including amino acids, should be started right after birth
      at rates that are appropriate for the gestational age of the infant. Enteral
      feeding should be started as soon as possible after birth, using mother's
      colostrum and milk as first choices. Enteral feeding should begin with trophic
      amounts and advanced as rapidly as tolerated, decreasing IV nutrition
      accordingly, while maintaining nutrient intakes at recommended rates. Feeding
      protocols are valuable for improving nutrition and related outcomes. Further
      research is needed to determine the optimal nutrition and rate of growth in
      preterm infants that will achieve optimal neurocognitive benefits while
      minimizing the longer-term risk of chronic diseases.

PMID- 28100317
TI  - [Suggestions for diagnosis of primary immunodifficiency disease in infants less
      than 3 months of age].

PMID- 28100318
TI  - [Clinical characteristics of clonal evolution after immunosuppressive therapy in
      children with severe/very severe aplastic anemia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of clonal
      evolution after immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in children with severe/very
      severe aplastic anemia (SAA/VSAA). METHODS: The clinical data of 231 children
      with newly-diagnosed SAA/VSAA who received IST were retrospectively studied. The
      incidence and risk factors of clonal evolution after IST were analyzed. RESULTS:
      The 5-year overall survival rate of the 231 patients was 82.7%. Except for 18
      cases of early deaths, 213 patients were evaluated for IST efficacy. Among the
      231 patients, cytogenetic abnormalities for at least two chromosome metaphase
      were detectable in 14 (7.4%) patients, and PNH clones were detectable in either
      peripheral red blood cells or neutrophils for 95 patients. Among the 213 patients
      evaluated for IST efficacy, 15 patients experienced clonal evolution after IST.
      Five patients had PNH and trisomy 8 which were defined as favorable progressions,
      and ten patients experienced monosomy 7 and MDS/AML as unfavorable progressions.
      The 5-year accumulative incidence of favorable and unfavorable progression were
      (2.2+/-2.2)% and (4.8+/-3.3)%, respectively. Until the last follow-up, 100% (5/5)
      of patients with favorable progressions and 50% (5/10) of patients with
      unfavorable progressions survived. WBC>3.5*109/L, CD3+T cell percentage>80%,
      dosage of antithymocyte globulin >3.0 mg/(kg.d) and no response to IST were
      related to unfavorable progressions by univariate analysis. Cox multivariate
      analysis revealed that an increased CD3+T cell percentage (>80%) and no response
      to IST were independent risk factors for unfavorable progressions. CONCLUSIONS:
      The children with SAA/VSAA who have an increased CD3+T cell percentage at
      diagnosis or have no response to IST are in high risks of unfavorable
      progressions.

PMID- 28100319
TI  - [Epidemiological analysis of 440 cases of respiratory adenovirus infections in
      children from the Suzhou area between 2006 and 2015].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory adenovirus
      (ADV) infections in children from the Suzhou area, China. METHODS: The clinical
      data of ADV-positive children out of 35 529 children with respiratory tract
      infections who were hospitalized in the Children's Hospital of Soochow University
      between January 2006 and December 2015 were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: Of
      the 35 529 children with respiratory tract infections, 440 (1.24%) were ADV
      positive. There was no significant difference in the rate of ADV infections
      between boys and girls (1.18% vs 1.34%). The ADV infection rates of children at
      the age of <1 year old, 1-3 years old, 3-7 years old and 7-14 years old were
      0.39% (71/18 002), 1.12% (103/9 191), 3.14% (201/6 398), and 3.35%( 65/1 938)
      respectively and the rate increased with age (P<0.01). The ADV infection rates in
      spring [1.85%(60/8 658)] and summer [2.20%(189/8 606)] were significantly higher
      than in autumn [0.30%(27/8 952)] and winter [0.69%(64/9 313)] (P<0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: The ADV infection rate is increased with age in the children from
      the Suzhou area, but it is not associated with gender. ADV infections are more
      common in spring and summer.

PMID- 28100320
TI  - [Association of TLR3-1377C/T gene polymorphisms and expression with
      susceptibility to enterovirus 71 encephalitis in children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of gene polymorphisms of Toll-like
      receptor 3 (TLR3)-1377C/T and expression of TLR3 with the susceptibility to
      enterovirus 71 (EV71) encephalitis in children. METHODS: A total of 187 children
      with EV71 infection (59 children in the encephalitis group and 128 in the non
      encephalitis group) and 232 children who underwent physical examination were
      enrolled in the case-control study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism was used to detect the TLR3-1377C/T gene
      polymorphisms. ELISA was used to measure the serum level of TLR3. RESULTS: There
      were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of TLR3
      1377C/T between the non-encephalitis group and the encephalitis group. Compared
      with the control group, the encephalitis group and the non-encephalitis group had
      significant increases in the serum level of TLR3 (P<0.05), and the non
      encephalitis group had the highest level (P<0.05). The encephalitis group had a
      significantly higher EV71 viral load than the non-encephalitis group (P<0.01).
      The children aged <1 year or >=1 year in the encephalitis group and the non
      encephalitis group had significant increases in the serum level of TLR3 compared
      with their counterparts in the control group (P<0.05), and the children aged <1
      year or >=1 year in the non-encephalitis group had a significantly higher serum
      level of TLR3 than those in the encephalitis group (P<0.05). In the encephalitis
      group, the children aged >=1 year had a significantly higher TLR3 concentration
      than those aged <1 year (P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in
      the TLR3 concentration between the children aged >=1 year and <1 year in the non
      encephalitis group and the control group. In the encephalitis group, the
      proportion of children aged <1 year was significantly higher than those aged >=1
      year (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The TLR3-1377C/T gene polymorphisms are not
      significantly associated with the development of EV71 encephalitis. Low
      expression of TLR3 might weaken the inhibitory effect on virus replication and
      promote the development of EV71 encephalitis. The deficiency in the expression of
      TLR3 in serum after EV71 infection might be an important factor for the
      development of encephalitis in infants.

PMID- 28100321
TI  - [Application of esmolol in severe hand, foot, and mouth disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effect and mechanism of action of esmolol in the
      treatment of severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). METHODS: A prospective
      randomized controlled trial was performed. A total of 102 children with severe
      HFMD were enrolled in the study and were randomly divided into conventional
      treatment and esmolol treatment groups (n=51 each). The children in the
      conventional treatment group were given conventional treatment according to the
      guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HFMD. Those in the esmolol
      treatment group were given esmolol in addition to the conventional treatment. The
      heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and respiratory rate (RR) were
      continuously monitored for all children. Blood samples were collected from all
      children before treatment and 1, 3, and 5 days after treatment to measure the
      levels of norepinephrine (NE), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) p65 in mononuclear
      cells. Serum levels of myocardial enzymes and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic
      peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured before treatment and after 5 days of treatment.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences in HR, SBP, RR, NE, TNF-alpha, IL
      6, NF-kappaB p65, serum myocardial enzymes, and NT-proBNP before treatment
      between the conventional treatment and esmolol treatment groups. Both groups had
      significant reductions in these parameters at each time point (P<0.05). Compared
      with the conventional treatment group, the esmolol treatment group had
      significant improvements in the above parameters after 1 and 3 days of treatment
      (P<0.05). After 5 days of treatment, the esmolol treatment group had significant
      improvements in serum levels of myocardial enzymes and NT-proBNP compared with
      the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Early application of
      esmolol can effectively stabilize the vital signs of the children with severe
      HFMD. Its mechanism of action may be related to reducing serum catecholamine
      concentration, alleviating myocardial damage, improving cardiac function, and
      reducing inflammatory response.

PMID- 28100322
TI  - [Association between risk factors during maternal pregnancy and the neonatal
      period and childhood bronchial asthma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the association of the risk factors during maternal pregnancy
      and the neonatal period with childhood bronchial asthma. METHODS: A total of 306
      children with asthma (asthma group) and 250 healthy children (control group) were
      enrolled. Their clinical data during the neonatal period and the maternal data
      during pregnancy were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: The univariate analysis
      showed that there were significant differences in the rates of maternal use of
      antibiotics during pregnancy, use of antibiotics and probiotics during the
      neonatal period, preterm birth, cesarean section, low birth weight, and breast
      feeding (>6 months) between the asthma and control groups (P<0.05). The
      multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that use of antibiotics during
      pregnancy (OR=3.908, 95%CI: 1.277-11.962), use of antibiotics during neonatal
      period (OR=24.154, 95%CI: 7.864-74.183), preterm birth (OR=8.535, 95%CI: 2.733
      26.652), and cesarean section (OR=4.588, 95%CI: 2.887-7.291) were independent
      risk factors for childhood asthma. The use of probiotics during the neonatal
      period (OR=0.014, 95%CI: 0.004-0.046) and breast feeding (>6 months) (OR=0.161,
      95%CI: 0.103-0.253) were protective factors for childhood asthma. CONCLUSIONS:
      The early prevention of childhood asthma can be improved by reducing the use of
      antibiotics during pregnancy, reducing cesarean section, avoiding abuse of
      antibiotics during the neonatal period, trying breast feeding and taking
      probiotics in early stage.

PMID- 28100323
TI  - [High-risk factors and clinical characteristics of massive pulmonary hemorrhage
      in infants with extremely low birth weight].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the high-risk factors and analyze the clinical
      characteristics of massive pulmonary hemorrhage (MPH) in infants with extremely
      low birth weight (ELBW). METHODS: Two hundred and eleven ELBW infants were
      included in this study. Thirty-five ELBW infants who were diagnosed with MPH were
      labelled as the MPH group, and 176 ELBW infants without pulmonary hemorrhage were
      labelled as the control group. The differences in clinical characteristics,
      mortality rate, and incidence of complications between the two groups were
      analysed. The high-risk factors for MPH were identified by multiple logistic
      regression analysis. RESULTS: The MPH group had significantly lower gestational
      age, birth weight, and 5-minute Apgar score than the control group (P<0.05). The
      MPH group had significantly higher rates of neonatal respiratory distress
      syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), early-onset sepsis (EOS), intracranial
      hemorrhage, pulmonary surfactant utilization, and death compared with the control
      group (P<0.01). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that 5-minute
      Apgar score was a protective factor for MPH (OR=0.666, P<0.05), and that PDA and
      EOS were risk factors for MPH (OR=3.717, 3.276 respectively; P<0.01). In the
      infants who were discharged normally, the MPH group had a longer duration of
      auxiliary ventilation and a higher incidence rate of ventilator-associated
      pneumonia (VAP) compared with the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A higher 5
      minute Apgar score is associated a decreased risk for MPH, and the prensence of
      PDA or EOS is associated an increased risk for MPH in ELBW infants. ELBW infants
      with MPH have a prolonged mechanical ventilation, a higher mortality, and higher
      incidence rates of VAP and intracranial hemorrhage compared with those without
      pulmonary hemorrhage.

PMID- 28100324
TI  - [Characteristics of DUOXA2 gene mutation in children with congenital
      hypothyroidism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of DUOXA2 gene mutation and the
      genotype-phenotype relationship in children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH)
      in Guangzhou, China. METHODS: A total of 20 CH patients with suspected thyroid
      dyshormonogenesis who had no DUOX2 gene mutation were enrolled. These patients
      who were born between 2011 and 2012 were screened and diagnosed with CH in the
      Guangzhou Newborn Screening Center. PCR and direct sequencing were used to
      analyze DUOXA2 gene mutation. RESULTS: Among the 20 patients, 2 had
      p.Y246X/p.Y246X homozygous mutation; 4 had monoallelic heterozygous mutation,
      among whom 2 carried the known pathogenic mutation c.413-414insA, 1 carried
      p.Y246X, and 1 carried a novel mutation, p.G79R. Reevaluation was performed at
      the age of 2-3 years, and the results showed that the two patients with
      p.Y246X/p.Y246X homozygous mutation were manifested as transient and mild
      permanent CH, respectively. Among the four patients with monoallelic heterozygous
      mutation, the one who carried p.Y246X mutation was manifested as typical
      permanent CH, and the other three were manifested as transient CH. CONCLUSIONS:
      DUOXA2 gene mutation is a common molecular pathogenic basis for CH children with
      suspected thyroid dyshormonogenesis in Guangzhou, and most of them are manifested
      as transient CH. There is no association between DUOXA2 genotypes and phenotypes.
      The novel mutation p.G79R is probably a pathogenic mutation.

PMID- 28100325
TI  - [An investigation of dietary nutrition in kindergartens of Chongqing, China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the status of dietary nutrition in kindergartens of
      Chongqing, China. METHODS: A total of 295 kindergartens (47 first-class ones, 88
      second-class ones, and 160 third-class ones) from the 11 districts or counties of
      Chongqing by stratified cluster random sampling were investigated. The dietary
      nutrition in each kindergarten was evaluated by weighing. The dietary
      qualification rates were compared between the three classes of kindergartens.
      RESULTS: The qualification rates of energy, proteins, most vitamins, minerals,
      and quality proteins supply were over 60% in all three classes of kindergartens,
      while the qualification rates of vitamin A, ascorbic acid, calcium, and zinc
      supply were less than 60%. The energy supply rates at breakfast, lunch, supper
      and snack met the standards in less than 40% in all kindergartens. There were
      significant differences in the qualification rates of some nutrient parameters
      between different classes of kindergartens, highest in the first-class
      kindergartens. CONCLUSIONS: The dietary nutrition is good in the first-, second-,
      and third-class kindergartens of Chongqing, but there is still nutrient
      imbalance. It is necessary to strengthen the dietary guidance in kindergartens,
      especially second-, and third-class kindergartens.

PMID- 28100326
TI  - [Feeding difficulty and developmental delay for 8 months and nystagmus for 4
      months in an infant].
AB  - Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare autosomal
      recessive hereditary disease and is a congenital metabolic disorder of
      neurotransmitter biosynthesis. It is mainly manifested as hypotonia, oculogyric
      crisis, autonomic dysfunction, and developmental delay. This article reports a
      boy manifested as delayed motor development, hypotonia, and oculogyric crisis.
      Gene screening for metabolic disorders revealed new compound heterozygous
      mutations, c.1063dupA (p.I355fs) and c.250A>C (p.S84R), in the exon of DDC gene.
      The boy had a significant increase in 3-O-methyldopa as measured by dried blood
      spot. Therefore, he was diagnosed with AADC deficiency. After treatment with the
      dopamine receptor agonist pramipexole dihydrochloride, the catechol-O
      methyltransferase inhibitor entacapone, and vitamin B6, the boy showed mild
      improvements in hypotonia, blepharoptosis, and oculogyric crisis. Clinical
      physicians should enhance their ability for identifying AADC deficiency, so as to
      facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. Genetic counseling for
      birth health and prenatal diagnosis should be performed for parents in need.

PMID- 28100327
TI  - [Intermittent convulsions for 1.5 years and psychomotor retardation in a girl].
AB  - The study reports a girl with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. The girl was
      admitted at the age of 2 years because of intermittent convulsions for 1.5 years
      and psychomotor retardation. She had a history of "hypoxia" in the neonatal
      period. At the age of 5 months recurrent epileptic seizures occurred. The child
      was resistant to antiepileptic drugs, and had many more seizures when she got
      cold or fever. She also had a lot of convulsive status epilepticus. No discharges
      were found during several video-EEG monitorings. Cerebral MRI examinations showed
      normal results. So Dravet syndrome was clinically suspected. ALDH7N1 gene
      mutation analysis revealed two heterozygote mutations, and pyridoxine-dependent
      epilepsy was thus confirmed. Seizures were generally controlled after pyridoxine
      supplementation.

PMID- 28100328
TI  - [Repeated yellowing of the skin and sclera for 2 years].
AB  - A two-year-old girl was admitted due to repeated yellowing of the skin and sclera
      for 2 years and had no other specific symptoms or signs. The use of phenobarbital
      could relieve the symptoms of jaundice. Multiple examinations showed increased
      indirect bilirubin levels, and the results of aminotransferases and liver imaging
      were normal. There was no evidence of hemolysis. The analysis of UGT1A1 gene in
      her family found that this child had double homozygous mutation of c.211G>A(G71R)
      and c.1456T>G(Y486D), which had been reported as the pathogenic mutation for
      Gilbert syndrome. Her parents carried double heterozygous mutation of G71R and
      Y486D and had no symptom of jaundice. The child was diagnosed as having Gilbert
      syndrome. It is concluded that as for patients with unconjugated
      hyperbilirubinemia which cannot be explained by liver damage and hemolysis, their
      family history should be investigated in detail and gene analysis should be
      performed as early as possible, in order to identify congenital bilirubin
      metabolic disorders.

PMID- 28100329
TI  - [Protective effect of histone acetylation against cortical injury in neonatal
      rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of histone acetylation against
      hypoxic-ischemic cortical injury in neonatal rats. METHODS: A total of 90
      neonatal rats aged 3 days were divided into three groups: sham-operation,
      cortical injury model, and sodium butyrate (a histone deacetylase inhibitor)
      treatment. The rats in the model and the sodium butyrate treatment groups were
      intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (0.05 mg/kg), and then right
      common carotid artery ligation was performed 2 hours later and the rats were put
      in a hypoxic chamber (oxygen concentration 6.5%) for 90 minutes. The rats in the
      sham-operation group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline and the
      right common carotid artery was only separated and exposed without ligation or
      hypoxic treatment. The rats in the sodium butyrate treatment group were
      intraperitoneally injected with sodium butyrate (300 mg/kg) immediately after
      establishment of the cortical injury model once a day for 7 days. Those in the
      sham-operation and the model groups were injected with the same volume of normal
      saline. At 7 days after establishment of the model, Western blot was used to
      measure the protein expression of histone H3 (HH3), acetylated histone H3 (AH3),
      B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), cleaved
      caspase-3 (CC3), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Immunofluorescence
      assay was used to measure the expression of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) as the
      cortex cell proliferation index. RESULTS: The sodium butyrate treatment group had
      a significantly lower HH3/AH3 ratio than the model group (P<0.05), which
      suggested that the sodium butyrate treatment group had increased acetylation of
      HH3. Compared with the model group, the sodium butyrate treatment group had a
      significant increase in Bcl-2/Bax ratio, a significant reduction in CC3
      expression, and a significant increase in BDNF expression (P<0.05). The sodium
      butyrate treatment group had a significant increase in the number of BrdU
      positive cells in the cortex compared with the model group (P<0.05), and BrdU was
      mainly expressed in the neurons. CONCLUSIONS: Increased histone acetylation may
      protect neonatal rats against cortical injury by reducing apoptosis and promoting
      regeneration of neurons. The mechanism may be associated with increased
      expression of BDNF.

PMID- 28100330
TI  - [Protective effects of heat shock protein 70 against hypoxic pulmonary
      hypertension in neonatal rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)
      against hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) in neonatal rats. METHODS: A total
      of 128 neonatal rats were randomly divided into blank control group, HPH model
      group, empty virus group, and HSP70 group, with 32 rats in each group. Before the
      establishment of an HPH model, the rats in the blank control group and HPH model
      group were given caudal vein injection of 5 MUL sterile saline, those in the
      empty virus group were given caudal vein injection of 5 MUL Ad-GFP (1 010
      PFU/mL), and those in the HSP70 group were given caudal vein injection of 5 MUL
      Ad-HSP70 (1 010 PFU/mL). HPH model was prepared in the HPH model, empty virus,
      and HSP70 groups after transfection. At 3, 7, 10, and 14 days after model
      establishment, a multi-channel physiological recorder was used to record mean
      pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), optical and electron microscopes were used to
      observe the structure and remodeling parameters of pulmonary vessels, and Western
      blot was used to measure the protein expression of HSP70, hypoxia-inducible
      factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS) in lung tissues. RESULTS: At 3, 7, 10, and 14 days after model
      establishment, the HPH model group and the empty virus group had a significantly
      higher mPAP than the blank control group (P<0.05). On days 7 and 10 of hypoxia,
      the blank control group and the HSP70 group had significantly lower MA% and MT%
      than the HPH model group and the empty virus group (P<0.01); on day 14 of
      hypoxia, the HPH model group, empty virus group, and HSP70 group had similar MA%
      and MT% (P>0.05), but had significantly higher MA% and MT% than the blank control
      group (P<0.01). On days 3, 7 and 10 of hypoxia, the HSP70 group had significantly
      higher protein expression of HSP70 than the HPH model group, empty virus group,
      and blank control group (P<0.01); the HSP70 group had significantly lower
      expression of HIF-1alpha, ET-1, and iNOS than the HPH model group and the empty
      virus group (P<0.05) and similar expression of HIF-1alpha, ET-1, and iNOS as the
      blank control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In neonatal rats with HPH, HSP70
      transfection can increase the expression of HSP70 in lung tissues, downregulate
      the expression of HIF-1alpha, ET-1, and iNOS, alleviate pulmonary vascular
      remodeling, and reduce pulmonary artery pressure; therefore, it may become a new
      strategy for the treatment of HPH in neonates.

PMID- 28100331
TI  - [HMGB1/TLR4/NF-kappaB signaling pathway and role of vitamin D in asthmatic mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in the mRNA and protein expression of high
      mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and nuclear factor
      kappa B (NF-kappaB) in lung tissues of asthmatic mice and the interventional
      effect of vitamin D. METHODS: A total of 48 BALB/c mice were randomly divided
      into control group, asthma group, and 1,25-(OH)2D3 intervention group, with 16
      mice in each group. An animal model of asthma was established, and lung tissue
      samples were taken in each group at weeks 1 and 2 of ovalbumin challenging.
      Conventional hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to measure airway wall
      thickness. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of
      HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-kappaB in lung tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR and
      Western blot were used to investigate the changes in the mRNA and protein
      expression of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-kappaB. RESULTS: At weeks 1 and 2 of ovalbumin
      challenging, compared with the control group, the asthma group had a significant
      increase in airway wall thickness and the intervention group had a significant
      reduction compared with the asthma group (P<0.05). The asthma group had
      significantly higher mRNA expression of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-kappaB in lung
      tissues than the control group, and the intervention group had significantly
      lower mRNA expression of TLR4 and NF-kappaB than the asthma group (P<0.05). At
      week 1 of ovalbumin challenging, there was no significant difference in the mRNA
      expression of HMGB1 between the intervention group and the asthma group (P>0.05).
      At week 2, the intervention group had a significant reduction in the mRNA
      expression of HMGB1 compared with the asthma group (P<0.05). At weeks 1 and 2 of
      ovalbumin challenging, the asthma group had significantly higher protein
      expression of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-kappaB in lung tissues than the control group,
      and the intervention group had significantly lower expression than the asthma
      group (P<0.05). Airway wall thickness was positively correlated with the mRNA
      expression of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-kappaB in lung tissues (r=0.804, 0.895, and
      0.834; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The HMGB1/TLR4/NF-kappaB signaling pathway plays an
      important role in the pathogenesis of asthma, and an appropriate amount of 1,25
      (OH)2D3 has a regulatory effect on this pathway and may prevent the progression
      of asthma. Therefore, 1,25-(OH)2D3 is expected to become a new choice for the
      treatment of asthma.

PMID- 28100332
TI  - [Expression and significance of mTOR/4EBP1/HIF-1alpha/VEGF signaling pathway in
      lung tissues of asthmatic mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the expression and significance of the mammalian target of
      rapamycin (mTOR)/eukaryote initiating factor 4E binding protein 1(4EBP1)/hypoxia
      inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      signaling pathway in asthmatic mice. METHODS: Forty SPF level 6-8 week-old female
      Balb/C mice were randomly divided into control, asthma, budesonide and mTOR
      inhibitor (rapamycin) intervention groups (n=10 each). The asthmatic mouse model
      was prepared via OVA induction and challenge test. The intervention groups were
      administered with rapamycin at the dosage of 3 mg/kg by an intraperitoneal
      injection or budesonide suspension at the dosage of l mg by aerosol inhalation
      respectively 30 minutes before the OVA challenge. The control and asthma groups
      were treated with normal saline instead. The concentrations of HIF-1alpha and
      VEGF in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined using ELISA 24 hours
      after the last challenge. The pathological changes of lung tissue were observed
      by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The p-mTOR and p-4EBP1 from the lung tissues
      were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Pearson analysis was used
      to study the correlation between p-mTOR, p-4EBP1, HIF-1alpha, and VEGF
      expression. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, inflammatory cell
      infiltration and secretions in the trachea increased in the asthma group. The
      levels of HIF-1alpha and VEGF in BALF and p-mTOR and p-4EBP1 expression in lung
      tissues also increased (P<0.01). Compared with the asthma group, inflammatory
      cell infiltration and secretions in the trachea were reduced in the two
      intervention groups, and the levels of HIF-1alpha and VEGF in BALF and p-mTOR and
      p-4EBP1 expression in lung tissues were also reduced (P<0.01). There were no
      significant differences in the above changes between the two intervention groups
      and control group (P>0.05). In the asthma group, there was a pairwise positive
      correlation between lung p-mTOR and p-4EBP1 expression and HIF-1alpha and VEGF
      levels in BALF (P<0.05). However, there were no correlations in the above indexes
      in the intervention groups and control group. CONCLUSIONS: p-mTOR, p-4EBP1, HIF
      1alpha and VEGF together are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Rapamycin
      treatment can block this signaling pathway, suggesting that this pathway can be
      used as a novel target for asthma treatment.

PMID- 28100333
TI  - [Streptococcus pneumoniae induces SPLUNC1 and the regulatory effects of
      resveratrol].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the host-defense role of short palate, lung, and nasal
      epithelium clone 1 (SPLUNC1) in Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) infection and the
      effect of resveratrol (Res) on SPLUNC1 expression, and to provide new thoughts
      for the treatment of diseases caused by SP infection. METHODS: According to the
      multiplicity of infection (MOI), BEAS-2B cells with SP infection were divided
      into control group, MOI20 SP group, and MOI50 SP group. According to the
      different concentrations of Res, the BEAS-2B cells with MOI20 SP infection
      pretreated by Res were divided into 12.5Res+SP group, 25Res+SP group, and
      50Res+SP group (the final concentrations of Res were 12.5, 25, and 50 MUmol/L,
      respectively). Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to measure cell activity and
      determine the optimal concentration and action time of SP and Res. In the formal
      experiment, the cells were divided into control group, Res group, SP group, and
      Res+SP group. Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to measure the mRNA and protein
      expression of SPLUNC1. RESULTS: Over the time of SP infection, cell activity
      tended to decrease. Compared with the control group and the MOI20 SP group, the
      MOI50 SP group had a reduction in cell activity. Compared with the MOI20 SP
      group, the 25Res+SP group had increased cell activity and the 50Res+SP group had
      reduced cell activity (P<0.05). MOI20 SP bacterial suspension and 25 MUmol/L Res
      were used for the formal experiment. Over the time of SP infection, the mRNA
      expression of SPLUNC1 in BEAS-2B cells firstly increased and then decreased in
      the SP group and the Res+SP group (P<0.05). Compared with the SP group, the
      Res+SP group had significant increases in the mRNA and protein expression of
      SPLUNC1 at all time points (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the Res
      group had no significant changes in the mRNA and protein expression of SPLUNC1
      (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SP infection can induce SPLUNC1 expression and the host
      defense role of SPLUNC1. Res can upregulate SPLUNC1 expression during the
      development of infection and enhance cell protection in a concentration- and time
      dependent manner.

PMID- 28100334
TI  - [A case report of childhood primary hemophagocytic syndrome].

PMID- 28100335
TI  - [Methods for establishing animal model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and their
      evaluation].
AB  - With the development of treatment, the survival rate of premature infants has
      significantly increased, especially extremely premature infants and very low
      birth weight infants. This has led to an increase in incidence of
      bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) year by year. BPD has been one of the most
      common respiratory system diseases in premature infants, especially the small
      premature infants. Arrested alveolar development is an important cause of BPD.
      Therefore, the mechanism of arrested alveolar development and the intervention
      measures for promoting alveolar development are the focuses of research on BPD.
      Selecting the appropriate animal model of BPD is the key to obtaining meaningful
      results in the basic research on BPD. Based on above, several common methods for
      establishing an animal model of BPD and the corresponding changes in
      pathophysiology are summarized and evaluated in order to provide a reference for
      selecting the appropriate animal model in studies on the pathogenesis,
      pathophysiology, and prevention and control strategies of BPD.

PMID- 28100336
TI  - [Research advances in circadian rhythm of epileptic seizures].
AB  - The time phase of epileptic seizures has attracted more and more attention.
      Epileptic seizures have their own circadian rhythm. The same type of epilepsy has
      different seizure frequencies in different time periods and states (such as
      sleeping/awakening state and natural day/night cycle). The circadian rhythm of
      epileptic seizures has complex molecular and endocrine mechanisms, and currently
      there are several hypotheses. Clarification of the circadian rhythm of epileptic
      seizures and prevention and administration according to such circadian rhythm can
      effectively control seizures and reduce the adverse effects of drugs. The
      research on the circadian rhythm of epileptic seizures provides a new idea for
      the treatment of epilepsy.

PMID- 28100337
TI  - [The new long march on the healthy Chinese dream].

PMID- 28100338
TI  - [Clinical considerations of statin therapy for hypertensive patients].

PMID- 28100339
TI  - [Expert recommendation on the clinical application of optical coherence
      tomography in percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with coronary
      artery disease].

PMID- 28100340
TI  - [Outcome comparison of different therapy procedures in surgical high-risk elderly
      patients with severe aortic stenosis].
AB  - Objective: To compare the outcome of surgical high-risk elderly patients with
      severe aortic stenosis(SAS) treated by different therapy procedures, including
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI), surgical aortic valve
      replacement(SAVR), and drug therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the
      clinical data of 242 surgical high-risk elderly (age >=65 years old) SAS patients
      hospitalized in Fuwai Hospital between September 2012 and June 2015. According to
      the treatment method, patients were divided into TAVI group (81 cases), SAVR
      group (59 cases) and drug therapy group (102 cases). The primary end point was
      all-cause mortality at 1 year post procedure, and secondary end point included
      cardiac function class(NYHA), vascular complication, valvular function, non-fatal
      myocardial infarction, new atrial fibrillation, stroke, bleeding, pacemaker
      implantation, acute renal failure, and readmission. We used the Kaplan-Meier
      method to estimate survival function based on follow up data and survival was
      compared between groups with the use of the log-rank test. Results: (1) In the
      baseline data, there were statistically significant difference among 3 groups for
      the age, left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac function class III and IV,
      rates of combined diabetes, chronic renal failure, mild and moderate mitral
      regurgitation (P<0.01 or 0.05). The risk score of the Society of Thoracic
      Surgeons(STS) was 7.28+/-4.98 in the TAVI group, and 5.67+/-3.49 in the SAVR
      group(P=0.036). (2) The perioperative rates of pacemaker implantation(11.3%(9/81)
      vs. 0, P=0.025) and mild paravalvular regurgitation(29.6%(24/81) vs.1.7%(1/59),
      P<0.001) were significantly higher in TAVI group than in SAVR group.(3)The rate
      of rehospitalization was significantly lower in TAVI group than in SAVR
      group(3.0%(2/67) vs. 22.7%(10/44) P=0.005) and the rate of pacemaker implantation
      was significantly higher in TAVI group than in SAVR group(17.5 (12/67) vs. 0,
      P=0.008) after 1 year. The rates of death from any cause in the TAVI (5.8%(4/67))
      and SAVR group (11.4%(5/44)) were significantly lower than that in the drug
      therapy group (54.9%(50/91), both P<0.05) after 1 year and was similar between
      TAVI group and SAVR group(P=0.622). (4) The rates of cardiac function classIandII
      increased and III and IV decreased in TAVI and SAVR group after 1 year when
      compared with base line(P<0.001). The rates of cardiac function class II, and III
      increased , class I and IV decreased in drug therapy group after 1 year compared
      with base line (P=0.020). (5)The survival rates after 1 year were significantly
      higher in the TAVI group and SAVR group than in the drug therapy group(log-rank
      test, P<0.001), and the difference was similar between TAVI group and SAVR group
      (log-rank test, P=0.062). Conclusion: In surgical high-risk elderly patients with
      SAS, the prognosis of drug therapy was poor, and TAVI and SAVR were associated
      with similarly improved rates of survival after 1 year, although there were
      significant differences in periprocedural complications between TAVI and SAVR
      groups.

PMID- 28100342
TI  - [The effect on myocardial perfusion and clinical outcome of intracoronary
      nicorandil injection prior to percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of intracoronary administration of
      nicorandil prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) on
      myocardial perfusion and short-term clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: A total of 158 patients with
      STEMI undergoing PPCI from January 2014 to December 2015 in Fuzhou General
      Hospital were enrolled consecutively in this prospective controlled randomized
      trial. Patients were assigned into three groups with random number table: the
      nicorandil group (patients received intracoronary administration of 6 mg
      nicorandil after guide wire or balloon successfully crossed the target lesion,
      n=53), the nitroglycerin group (patients received intracoronary administration of
      300 MUg nitroglycerin after after guide wire or balloon successfully crossed the
      target lesion, n=52) and the control group(patients received routine treatment,
      n=53). The primary outcomes were myocardial perfusion, including the levels of
      corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC), and the incidence of no reflow or slow flow
      after PPCI. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of major adverse
      cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization (all-cause death, reperfusion
      arrhythmia within 2 hours after PPCI, angina within 24 hours after PPCI, new
      heart failure or worsening cardiac function, and repeat revascularization) and
      within 3 months of follow-up (all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction,
      repeat revascularization, post-infarction angina, and re-hospitalization for
      congestive heart failure). Results: The age of enrolled patients was (62.9+/
      11.3) years old, and 130 cases (82.3%) of them were male. The median time of
      symptom-onset to balloon was 4.50 (3.20, 6.43) hours. There were significantly
      difference in cTFC immediately after PPCI((21.68+/-7.43)frames, (24.74+/
      8.66)frames, and(27.06+/-10.40)frames), incidence of no reflow or slow flow after
      PPCI(5.7%(3/53), 13.5%(7/52), and 22.6%(12/53)), ST-segment resolution at 2 hours
      after procedure(90.6%(48/53), 84.6%(44/52), and 74.5%(38/53)), and reperfusion
      arrhythmia at 2 hours after procedure(15.1%(8/53), 36.6%(19/52), and
      34.0%(18/53)) among the 3 groups(P<0.01 or 0.05). In the multivariate logistic
      regression models, intracoronary administration of nicorandil could lower the
      cTFC level (OR=0.17, 95%CI 0.10-0.41, P=0.001), acted as a protecting factor on
      lowering the incidence of no reflow or slow flow (OR=0.13, 95%CI 0.02-0.96,
      P=0.045) and reperfusion arrhythmia (OR=0.26, 95%CI 0.09-0.74, P=0.012), as well
      as facilitating the ST-segment resolution at 2 hours after procedure (OR=4.62,
      95%CI 1.14-18.82, P=0.033). However, observed parameters were similar between
      intracoronary administration of nitroglycerin group compared with control group
      (all P>0.05). MACE within 3 months of follow-up were similar among the 3
      groups(all P>0.05). Conclusion: Intracoronary administration of nicorandil prior
      to balloon dilation can significantly improve the myocardial perfusion and reduce
      the occurrence of reperfusion arrhythmia during PPCI for STEMI, but does not
      affect the short-term prognosis in STEMI patients.

PMID- 28100341
TI  - [Comparison on the long-term outcomes post percutaneous coronary intervention or
      coronary artery bypass grafting for bifurcation lesions in unprotected left main
      coronary artery].
AB  - Objective: To compare the long-term clinical outcomes of consecutive patients
      treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary
      intervention(PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) for bifurcation lesions in
      unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA). Methods: A total of 663
      consecutively patients with unprotected left main bifurcation disease (defined as
      stenosis>=50%) who received either drug-eluting stents (DES) implantation (n=316)
      or underwent CABG (n=347) between January 2003 and July 2009 in Beijing Anzhen
      Hospital were enrolled retrospectively in this study.The endpoints of the study
      were death, repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, the
      composite of cardiac death, MI or stroke and MACCE (major adverse cardiac and
      cerebrovascular events, the composite of cardiac death, MI, stroke or repeat
      revascularization). To reduce the bias between two compared groups , our study
      applid propensity score matching by logistic regression.Cumulative survival rate
      was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method.Multiple regression analyses, hazard
      ratio(HR) and 95%CI were tested by Cox proportional hazard models with the CABG
      group as the reference category. Results: The median follow-up was 7.2 years
      (interquartile range 5.1 to 8.3 years) in the overall patients.Unadjusted
      analysis showed that MACCE rate (PCI 44.5% vs. CABG 45.7%, P=0.036), the rate of
      repeat revascularization (PCI 33.7% vs. CABG 19.5%, P<0.001), the composite rate
      of serious outcomes (cardiac death, MI or stroke) (PCI 20.4% vs. CABG 34.3%,
      P=0.032), stroke rate (PCI 3.7% vs. CABG 23.5%, P<0.001) were significantly
      different for patients undergoing PCI or CABG. Death rate (PCI 13.0% vs. CABG
      18.9%, P=0.12) and MI rate (PCI 11.3% vs. CABG 6.1%, P=0.108) were similar
      between PCI and CABG group.After adjusting covariates with multivariate Cox
      hazard regression model, there was no significant difference in rates of death
      (P=0.286), MI(P=0.165) and the composite rate of serious outcomes (cardiac death,
      MI or stroke) (P=0.305) between the two groups. Patients in PCI group suffered
      significant higher rates of MACCE(P=0.011), mainly driven by the significant
      higher rates of repeat revascularization(HR=2.46, 95%CI 1.662-3.642, P<0.001).
      However, stroke rate was still significantly higher in CABG group than in PCI
      group(P=0.001)after multivariate adjusting. After propensity score matching
      (PSM), there was no more significant difference for all covariates in the matched
      cohorts (202 pairs). Further PSM analysis showed that overall findings were
      consistent with multivariate Cox hazard regression model except for MI (PCI 12.7%
      vs. CABG 3.8%, P=0.039). Conclusions: During a follow-up up to 8.3 years, the
      survival rate is similar between the PCI and the CABG group in patients with
      unprotected left main bifurcation disease.The rate of repeat revascularization is
      significantly higher whereas stroke rate is significantly lower in the PCI group
      compared to CABG group.After propensity score matching, PCI group not only had a
      significant higher rate of repeat revascularization, but also had significantly
      higher risk of MI in the matched cohorts; while they did not seem to translate
      into any disparity of mortality in ULMCA bifurcation disease
      patients.Accordingly, PCI for ULMCA disease can be used as a reasonable treatment
      option alternative to CABG.

PMID- 28100343
TI  - [Effect of stenting for the proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral
      artery stenosis].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the effect of stenting for proximal atherosclerotic
      extracranial vertebral artery stenosis. Methods: A total of 204 proximal
      atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis patients underwent stent
      implantation at Fuwai Hospital were enrolled consecutively between August 2007
      and June 2014 prospectively. Medical records were collected and the clinical
      results were obtained through outpatient and telephone follow up. Results: (1)
      The patients were (64.1+/-7.9) years old, and 179 were male (87.7%). (2) Stent
      implantation was performed on 210 proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral
      artery stenosis lesions with 210 stents (156 on the left, 54 on the right), and 6
      patients received both sides stent implantations. Technical success rate was
      100%(210/210). The stenosis of the lesions was decreased from (85.1+/-6.4) % to
      (6.5+/-3.2) % after the stent implantation (P<0.01). (3) Three (1.5%) patients
      experienced transient ischemic attack during the procedure, and two (1.0%)
      patients suffered from minor posterior circulation ischemic strokes on the 2nd
      and 10th day after the procedure, respectively. (4)The median follow-up was 1.5
      (0.8-2.5) years. Three(1.5%) patients died (two non-vacular deaths, and the other
      one due to sudden cardiac death). Three (1.5%) patients developed stroke (one
      case ipsilateral posterior circulation stroke, and two cases unrelated area
      stroke). Four (2.0%) patients experienced transient ischemic attack. One patient
      suffered nonfatal myocardial infraction. In-stent restenosis occurred in thirty
      nine (19.4%) patients, of which fourteen (35.9%) patients were totally occluded
      and four (10.3%) patients with symptomatic restenosis. Kaplan-Meier survival
      curve showed that the primary patency rate of the vertebral artery were 85.6%,
      78.6%, 72.2% and 64.4% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Conclusions:
      Stenting for proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis is
      safe and feasible, with a good middle to long-term patency rate. However, further
      trials are required to validate the effective results found in this patients
      cohort.

PMID- 28100344
TI  - [Recurrent syncope related to catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular
      tachycardia due to de novo RyR2-R2401H mutation].
AB  - Objective: To explore the clinical and molecular genetic features of a Chinese
      patient with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT).
      Methods: Clinical data including resting electrocardiography, echocardiography
      and treadmill exercise testing of a patient with CPVT admitted to our department
      in March 2013 were analyzed, and the peripheral venous blood samples of the
      patient and his family members and 400 ethnicity-matched healthy controls were
      obtained. All exons and exon-intron boundaries of the six CPVT-related genes
      including RYR2, CASQ2, TRDN, CALM1, KCNJ2 and ANKB were sequenced to detect the
      variants related to CPVT. The relationship between the genotypes and phenotypes
      was analyzed to direct the target therapy. Results: Recurrent syncope induced
      either by exercise or extreme frightened fear was observed in this patient. There
      was no positive family history of syncope or sudden death. The resting
      electrocardiography and echocardiography of the patient were normal, while the
      exercise testing revealed bidirectional and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
      A cardiac ryanodine receptor gene mutation (R2401H) was identified in this
      patient, while this mutation was absent in his parents and sister and 400
      controls. No variant was detected in the remaining five candidate genes.
      Treatment with high dose of metoprolol succinate (118.75 mg/d) was effective and
      patient was free of syncopal attack during the 2 years follow-up. Conclusion:
      This is the first report on RyR2-R2401H mutation in Chinese patient with CPVT,
      and high dose of metoptolol is the effective therapy option for CPVT related to
      RyR2 mutation.

PMID- 28100345
TI  - [Anti-beta(2)GPIantibodies accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis in high
      fat diet fed ApoE deficient mice].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-beta(2) glycoprotein I(beta(2)GPI)
      antibody on atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice. Methods: A total of 24 male
      ApoE deficient mice of specific pathogen free level(six to eight-week old)were
      divided into normal control group, high fat diet group, high fat diet with anti
      beta(2)GPI group, high fat diet with homologous control antibody group (n=6 each
      group). During the feeding period, mice were weighed every 2 weeks and were
      intraperitoneally injected with anti-beta(2)GPIIgG (100 MUg/per) and homologous
      control IgG (100 MUg/per) according to grouping once a week. At the 16th week,
      the carotid arterial lipid deposition was observed by small animal magnetic
      resonance imaging, and blood samples were collected from internal vein of eyeball
      and the concentrations of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in plasma were measured after
      EDTA anticoagulant treatment. AI was calculated. The mice were then sacrificed
      and carotid arteries were removed, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe
      the atherosclerotic lesions near the bifurcation of carotid artery and to
      calculate lesion size. Results: (1) The body weight of mice was significantly
      higher in the high fat diet group compared to other 3 groups(all P<0.05), which
      was similar among high fat diet+ anti-beta(2)GPIantibody group, high fat diet+
      homologous control IgG group and normal diet control group (P>0.05). (2) After 16
      weeks, plasma concentrations of TC and LDL-C in high fat diet group, high fat
      diet+ anti-beta(2)GPIantibody group and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG
      group were significantly higher than in normal diet group (all P<0.05), there was
      no significant difference among high fat diet groups. The level of HDL-C was
      significantly higher in high fat diet control group than in normal diet control
      group. The concentration of TG was similar among groups. However, the value of AI
      in high fat+ anti-beta(2)GPI antibody group was significantly higher than in
      other groups (all P<0.05). (3) After 16 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging
      revealed that mice in high fat diet+ anti-beta(2)GPI antibody group had more
      obviously lipid deposition in the carotid arteries, it was significantly higher
      than that in the other groups, and the cross sections of carotid arteries stained
      with HE also demonstrated obviously carotid lumen stenosis and the percentage of
      carotid plaque area to carotid artery was (37.545+/-1.351)% in the high fat diet+
      anti-beta(2)GPI antibody group, it was significantly higher than normal diet
      group ((1.235+/-0.460)%), high fat diet control group((11.635+/-2.751)%) and high
      fat diet+ homologous control IgG group ((11.815+/-2.623)%), all P<0.01. In high
      fat diet+ anti-beta(2)GPI antibody group, the area of carotid plaque was (3.121+/
      0.124)*10(4) MUm(2,) it was also significantly higher than normal diet group
      ((0.094+/-0.015)*10(4) MUm(2)), high fat diet control group ((1.309+/
      0.147)*10(4) MUm(2)) and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group ((1.027+/
      0.228)*10(4)MUm(2)), all P<0.01. Conclusion: Anti-beta(2)GPI antibody can promote
      atherosclerotic plaque formation in high fat diet fed ApoE deficient mice.

PMID- 28100346
TI  - [Impact of CD137-CD137L signaling mediated exocytosis of autophagosome within
      vascular smooth muscle cells on the formation of atherosclerotic calcification].
AB  - Objective: To explore whether CD137-CD137L signaling mediated exocytosis of
      autophagosome within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) could influence the
      formation of atherosclerotic calcification. Methods: Fifteen 8-week-old male
      ApoE(-/-)(C57BL/6J-KO) mice fed with high fat diet for 5 weeks were randomly
      divided into three groups by using stochastic indicator method as follows:
      control group, n=5; agonist-CD137 group: agonist-CD137 antibody 200 MUg/2 weeks
      for 4 weeks, ip, n=5; anti-CD137 group: 200 MUg anti-CD137 antibody+ 200 MUg
      agonist-CD137 antibody/2 weeks for 4 weeks, ip, n=5. Von Kossa staining was
      applied to observe the calcification of the thoracic aortic atherosclerotic
      plaque in each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of
      LC3 and Beclin1 which were the autophage markers of early-to-mid stage; Western
      blot was adopted to quantify protein level of microtubule-associated proteins 1
      light chain 3B(LC3B) and mammalian ortholog of the yeast autophagy-related gene 6
      (Beclin1). Transmission electron microscope (TME) was used to observe the
      formation of autophagosome in plaque. C57BL/6J mouse VSMCs were cultured by using
      tissue piece inoculation method. Groups of in vitro studies were the same as in
      vivo study: control group, agonist-CD137 group, anti-CD137 group, the agonist
      CD137 groups was treated with agonist-CD137 antibody (10 MUg/ml) and anti-CD137
      group was treated with anti-CD137 antibody (10 MUg/ml) for 30 minutes, followed
      by agonist-CD137 antibody (10 MUg/ml). Von Kossa staining and osteogenesis
      phenotypic alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity detection were adopted to observe
      calcification in VSMCs. Autophagosomes were separated from the supernatant of the
      agonist-CD137 group with density gradient centrifugation method. VSMCs were
      divided into two groups: positive group (containing complete medium with above
      autophagosomes to a final concentration 15 MUg/ml) and negative group (only
      complete medium) after being pretreated with mixed inflammatory cytokines (IL
      1beta,IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, final concentration was 25 ng/ml respectively) for
      24 hours and calcium deposition and osteogenesis phenotypic marker bone
      morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2) were then detected. Results: (1) Compared with the
      control group, activation of the CD137-CD137L signal significantly increased the
      formation of calcification area in thoracic aortic atherosclerotic plaque of
      ApoE(-/-) mice((1.82+/-0.15)*10(4) MUm(2) vs. (0.34+/-0.08)*10(4) MUm(2,)
      P<0.01), this effect was significantly attenuated by inhibiting this signal
      ((0.83+/-0.30)*10(4) MUm(2) vs. (1.82+/-0.15)*10(4) MUm(2,) P<0.05); positive
      autophagy makers LC3B and Beclin1 were detected in both agonist-CD137 group and
      anti-CD137 groups and the expression of LC3B and Beclin1 was substantially higher
      in anti-CD137 group. Western blot analysis indicated that the expression of LC3B
      and Beclin1 in agonist-CD137 group was significantly upregulated compared with
      the control group (0.17+/-0.01 vs. 0.03+/-0.08, P<0.05, and 0.12+/-0.02 vs.
      0.06+/-0.02, P<0.05), which could be significantly downregulated in anti-CD137
      group (0.28+/-0.09 vs. 0.17+/-0.01, P<0.05 and 0.17+/-0.02 vs. 0.12+/-0.02,
      P<0.05). TME showed that the number (QTY /HP) of autophagosome of agonist-CD137
      group and anti-CD137 group in plaque were both increased (14.67+/-2.52 vs. 3.67+/
      1.53, P<0.01, and 15.33+/-2.08 vs. 3.67+/-1.53, P<0.01), while in the agonist
      CD137 group, the number of extracellular autophagosome within thoracic aortic
      atherosclerotic plaque of ApoE(-/-) mice increased more substantially (5.33+/
      1.53 vs. 1.33+/-0.58, P<0.01). (2) In vitro study showed that activating CD137
      CD137L signal could promote calcium deposition in extracellular matrix and the
      activity of osteogenesis phenotypic ALP((6.73+/-0.02) MUmol/mg protein vs.
      (1.07+/-0.03) MUmol/mg protein, P<0.05), and ((563.20+/-0.72) U/mg protein vs.
      (117.50+/-0.64) U/mg protein, P<0.05), while these effects were significantly
      blunted in anti-CD137 group ((1.94+/-0.05) MUmol/mg protein vs. (6.73+/-0.02)
      MUmol/mg protein, P<0.05, and (236.10+/-0.14) U/mg protein vs. (563.20+/-0.72)
      U/mg protein, P<0.05). TME showed that the number of intracellular autophagosome
      in agonist-CD137 group and anti-CD137 group was both significantly higher than in
      control group ((21.65+/-1.34) MUg/ml vs. (8.32+/-1.58) MUg/ml, P<0.01, and
      (15.42+/-1.65) MUg/ml vs. (8.32+/-1.58) MUg/ml, P<0.05). After the density
      gradient centrifugation, exocytotic autophagosome in the medium of agonist-CD137
      group was markedly higher than in control group ((14.67+/-1.53) MUg/ml vs.
      (2.33+/-1.15) MUg/ml, P<0.01). (3) Compared with the control group,
      autophagosomes isolated from culture supernatant (final concentration: 15 MUg/ml)
      could significantly stimulate calcium deposition((2.30+/-0.10) MUmol/mg protein
      vs. (0.15+/-0.40) MUmol/mg protein, P<0.05) and enhance the expression of bone
      morphogenetic protein 2 (2.10+/-0.04 vs. 0.30+/-0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion: CD137
      CD137L signaling could mediate exocytosis of autophagosome within VSMCs, thus
      influence the formation of atherosclerotic calcification.

PMID- 28100348
TI  - [Right coronary artery spasm induced acute inferior wall myocardial infarction
      complicating electrical storm: a case report].

PMID- 28100347
TI  - [Salvianolate protects H9c2 cells from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury-induced
      apoptosis by attenuating mitochondrial DNA oxidative damage].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the possible mechanism related to the protective
      effects of salvianolate in H9c2 cells underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)
      injury. Methods: H9c2 cells were divided into four groups: control group,
      salvianolate group (S group), H/R group, and salvianolate+ H/R group(S+ H/R
      group), in which the H9c2 cells were pretreated with salvianolate before H/R
      treatment.Apoptotic cells were detected by Tunel assays and AnnexinV-FITC
      apoptosis detection kit.The intracellular ATP level, the change of mitochondrial
      membrane potential and the mitochondrial DNA oxidative damage were also
      determined in these groups. Results: (1) The apoptosis rate of H/R group(26.36+/
      5.14)% was significantly higher compared to control group(2.71+/-1.66)%(P=0.000
      4), which could be significantly reduced in S+ H/R group(17.28+/-4.75)%(P=0.012 8
      vs. H/R group , P=0.003 9 vs. control group). The ratio of AnnexinV and PI double
      positive cells in H/R group(28.23+/-6.73)% was significantly higher compared to
      control group(3.53+/-2.83)%(P=0.001 1), which was significantly reduced in S+ H/R
      group(18.10+/-4.56)%(P=0.037 2 vs. H/R group, P=0.038 3 vs. control group).
      (2)The ATP level of H9c2 cells in H/R group(49.05+/-10.12)% was significantly
      lower than in control group 100%(P=0.000 5), which was significantly increased in
      S+ H/R group(68.67+/-13.32)%(P=0.019 9 vs. H/R group). Confocal microscope showed
      that red fluorescence was dominant in the control group, red fluorescence was
      significantly reduced, while green fluorescence was significantly increased in
      H9c2 cells of H/R group and the fluorescence ratio of red to green in H/R
      group((37.13+/-8.47)%) was significantly decreased compared to control group
      (100%, P=0.000 1), fluorescence ratio of red to green was significantly increased
      in S+ H/R group((63.77+/-12.32)% vs. H/R group, P=0.007 3). (3)The mitochondrial
      DNA oxidative damage in different groups: there was only few 8-hydroxyguanine (8
      OHdG) expression, which marked as green, in control group, and 8-OHdG expression
      was significantly upregulated in H/R group, moreover, the 8-OHdG was co-localized
      with mitochondria.The expression of 8-OHdG was significantly lower in S+ H/R
      group compared to H/R group. Conclusion: Salvianolate can reduce mitochondrial
      DNA oxidative damage, and protect mitochondrial function, thus inhibit myocardial
      cell apoptosis and eventually reduce the myocardial H/R-injury in H9c2 cells.

PMID- 28100349
TI  - [A case of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicated with apical aneurysm].

PMID- 28100350
TI  - [Clinical applications and research advances of optical coherence tomography in
      guiding percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcation lesions].

PMID- 28100351
TI  - [Research progress on treatment of non-in-stent restenosis coronary artery
      lesions by drug-eluting balloon].

PMID- 28100352
TI  - [Update on the cardiotoxicity of noncardiovascular drugs].

PMID- 28100353
TI  - [Research advances of bone regulation in vascular calcification].

PMID- 28100354
TI  - [Bronchiectasis: more attention and research needed].

PMID- 28100355
TI  - [Present situation and challenges of bronchiectasis in China].

PMID- 28100356
TI  - [Review and prospect of tubercluosis prevention and control anually (2016)].

PMID- 28100357
TI  - [Hemoptysis in adults with bronchiectasis: correlation with disease severity and
      exacerbation risk].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the association between hemoptysis and disease severity
      and risks of acute exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis. Methods:
      Between September 2012 and January 2014, we recruited 148 patients (56 males, 92
      females, mean age: 44.6 years) with clinically stable bronchiectasis, who were
      classified into hemoptysis group (36 males, 70 females, mean age: 45.6 years) and
      non-hemoptysis group (20 males, 22 females, mean age: 41.8 years). We inquired
      the past history, and evaluated chest imaging characteristics, lung function,
      cough sensitivity assessed using capsaicin cough challenge tests, and airway
      inflammation. We also performed a 1-year follow-up to evaluate whether patients
      with hemoptysis would have greater risk of having acute exacerbations. Results:
      In the hemoptysis group, median 24-hour sputum volume was 20.0 ml, median
      Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) was 7.0, median bronchiectatic lobes was 4.0,
      median chest CT score was 7.0, the geometric mean for eliciting 5 coughs
      following capsaicin cough sensitivity (C5) was 77 MUmol/L, 67 cases (63%) had
      cystic bronchiectasis and 52 cases (49%) had pulmonary cavity shown on chest CT,
      and 35 cases (33%) had Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization. In the non-hemoptysis
      group, median 24-hour sputum volume was 5.0 ml, median BSI was 4.0, median
      bronchiectatic lobes was 3.0, median chest CT score was 5.0, 15 cases (36%) had
      cystic bronchiectasis and 10 cases (24%) had pulmonary cavity, the geometric mean
      for C5 was 212 MUmol/L, and 4 cases (10%) had Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      colonization. All the above parameters differed significantly between the
      hemoptysis and the non-hemoptysis group (P<0.05). In the hemoptysis group, 29
      patients with pulmonary cavity (27%) had reported the use of intravenous
      antibiotics, and 44 cases (42%) had at least one hospitalization within the
      previous 2 years. In the non-hemoptysis group, 8 cases (19.0%) had reported the
      use of intravenous antibiotics, and 8 cases (19.0%) reported hospitalization
      within 2 years. A prior history of hemoptysis was associated with a greater risk
      of experiencing bronchiectasis exacerbations during follow-up, after adjusting
      for age, sex, smoking status and BSI (62 cases in the hemoptysis group, 18 cases
      in the non-hemoptysis group, chi(2)=16.06, P=0.03). In a multivariate model,
      cystic bronchiectasis was the sole risk factor for hemoptysis; 67 cases which
      accounted for 63% of patients in the hemoptysis group and 15 cases which
      accounted for 36% of patients in the non-hemoptysis group, odds ratio: 2.84, 95%
      confidence interval: 1.00-8.14, P=0.05 . Conclusions: In this study, 72% of
      bronchiectasis patients had experienced hemoptysis, which was associated with the
      severity of bronchiectasis. Patients with a prior history of hemoptysis had a
      greater risk of acute exacerbations during follow-up than those without.

PMID- 28100358
TI  - [Study on the effect and predictive to bronchiectasis combined with rheumatoid
      arthritis].
AB  - Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of
      bronchiectasis(BR)coexisting in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods:
      One hundred and forty-eight bronchiectasis patients were retrospectively
      analyzed. These cases were all diagnosed in the Respiratory Department of
      Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital and Shanghai Gongli Hospital of Pudong New Area
      during Jan. 2012 to Dec.2015.The patients consisted of 74 males and 74 females,
      aging from 45 to 79 [mean(65+/-11)] years. In these patients, coexisting
      rheumatoid arthritis was found in 34 males and 36 females, aging from 45 to
      79[mean(68+/-12)] years(RA-BR group). Patients with bronchiectasis alone
      consisted of 40 males and 38 females, aging from 49 to 76 [mean(63+/-10)] years
      (BR alone group). Data between the 2 groups of patients were compared, including
      general clinical features, serum anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies
      (anti-CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF), chest high-resolution CT (HRCT), and lung
      function . FACED scores were used to assess the severity of bronchiectasis.
      Meanwhile, we analyzed the correlation between anti-CCP and FACED scores in the 2
      groups. Results: We observed an increase of serum anti-CCP in RA-BR patients
      compared with BR alone patients (196+/-68 versus 64+/-26, P<0.05). In addition,
      FACED scores in RA-BR patients were higher than those in BR patients (5.2+/-1.8
      versus 3.1+/-1.4 , P< 0.05). Positive correlations between serum anti-CCP levels
      and FACED scores (r=0.678, r=0.461, P<0.05) in both RA-BR and BR alone groups
      were observed in this study. Conclusions: The disease severity scores of RA-BR
      patients were higher than those of patients with BR alone. Levels of serum anti
      CCP may act as a predictor for the diagnosis and prognosis of bronchiectasis in
      patients with RA.

PMID- 28100359
TI  - [Holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho: YAG) laser lithotripsy in the treatment of
      broncholithiasis].
AB  - Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Ho: YAG Laser in the treatment of
      broncholithiasis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 6
      patients who underwent Ho: YAG Laser lithotripsy in Peking University First
      Hospital during May 2012 to October 2015. 4 females and 2 males, with a median
      age of 60 years, were enrolled. Among 6 patients, persistent cough(n=2),
      hemoptysis(n=2), recurrent pneumonia(n=2) were the main clinical symptoms.
      Broncholiths were found in the left side in 1 patient and right side in 5
      patients. 2 broncholiths were located in main bronchus and 4 in segmental
      bronchus. There were 2 patients with intraluminal broncholiths and 4 with
      transbranchial broncholiths. All 6 patients received Ho: YAG Laser(0.8-1.2 J
      pulse energies, 5-10 Hz frequencies, 365 MUm laser fibers) under rigid
      bronchoscopy in general anesthesia and experienced relief of symptoms. Results:
      Complete removal of broncholith was accomplished in intraluminal broncholith
      group and 1 patient in transbracnhial broncholith group, the other 3
      transbracnhial broncholiths were partly removed. Complications included
      perioperative massive hemolysis(n=1), bronchoesophageal fistula(n=1) and
      postoperative pneumonia (n=2), no long term complications were encounted.
      Conclusion: The Ho: YAG were associated with acute complications including
      fistula, perioperative massive hemolysis, infections and no long-term side
      effects. It represents a safe and effective therapy option for broncholithiasis.

PMID- 28100360
TI  - [End tidal PCO(2) for evaluation of severity of disease in idiopathic pulmonary
      arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension].
AB  - Objective: To explore the difference in end tidal PCO(2) (P(ET)CO(2)) between
      idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and chronic thromboembolic
      pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and to analyze the correlation between P(ET)CO(2)
      and the indexes of disease severity in IPAH and CTEPH patients. Methods: Data
      were retrieved from 68 IPAH patients and 52 CTEPH patients who all had received
      right-heart catheterization, pulmonary function test and cardiopulmonary exercise
      testing at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from October 2011 to October 2014. In
      addition, other clinical parameters were also collected. Results: The IPAH group
      had a significantly higher mPAP, PVR [(60+/-16) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), (13+/-6)
      Wood U ] than the CTEPH group [(46+/-12) mmHg, (9+/-4) Wood U, t=4.90, 4.83, all
      P<0.01]. Meanwhile, the IPAH group had a lower percentage of predicted peakVO(2),
      oxygen pulse [(45+/-15)%, (60+/-22)%] compared with the CTEPH group [(53+/-16)%,
      (68+/-21)%, t=-2.42, -1.96, all P<0.05]. The value of P(ET)CO(2) at rest, AT,
      peak in the IPAH patients [(27+/-5), (28+/-7), (25+/-7) mmHg] were higher than
      those in the CTEPH patients [(24+/-4) mmHg, (23+/-6) mmHg, (21+/-6) mmHg, t=3.22
      4.54, all P<0.01]. There was a significantly difference in P(ET)CO(2) at AT and
      peak between WHO-FC I-II and III-IV subgroups in IPAH (t=2.55, 2.60, all P<0.05)
      and CTEPH (t=2.39, P<0.05), except for P(ET)CO(2) at peak in the CTEPH patients
      (t=1.71, P>0.05). A moderately inverse correlation was found between P(ET)CO(2)
      at AT and NT-proBNP in the IPAH group (r=-0.58, P<0.01), meanwhile P(ET)CO(2) at
      AT in the CTEPH group was weakly correlated with NT-proBNP (r=-0.34, P<0.05).
      Conclusions: Compared with the CTEPH patients, the IPAH patients had
      significantly decreased exercise capacity and increased P(ET)CO(2). P(ET)CO(2)
      could reflect the disease severity in both IPAH and CTEPH patients, being
      superior in IPAH than in CTEPH. Furthermore, P(ET)CO(2) at AT might be better
      than P(ET)CO(2) at peak in reflecting the ventilatory efficiency.

PMID- 28100361
TI  - [The relationship between nutritional status and oxidative stress markers,
      pulmonary function in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the association between the nutritional status of
      patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the levels of
      serum oxidative stress markers protein carbonyls (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8
      hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and
      pulmonary function. Methods: 200 patients with stable COPD (the COPD group) and
      100 healthy individuals (the control group) who visited during June 2014 and
      August 2014 were enrolled in our study. The levels of PC, MDA, 8-OHdG and TAC in
      serum were detected. Pulmonary function was tested. Nutritional status was
      assessed by mini nutritional assessment (MNA) that classified the nutrition
      class. Results: The levels of PC, MDA, and 8-OHdG in serum increased
      significantly in the COPD group [3.82 (1.79, 6.83) MUg/L, 3.89(2.77, 5.40)
      MUmol/L and 359.18(259.25, 587.85) ng/L, respectively], and the levels of TAC in
      serum decreased significantly in COPD group [11.35(4.81, 20.20)U/ml], as compared
      with the control group [2.29(1.08, 3.26) MUg/L, 3.08(2.32, 4.03) MUmol/L,
      311.37(265.47, 374.08) ng/L and 18.81(15.21, 23.19) U/ml, respectively, all
      P<0.05]. All the nutrition assessment parameters were gradually decreased as
      nutritional status worsen (all P<0.05). In malnourished (risk) COPD subgroup, the
      levels of PC and TAC in serum increased significantly [6.10(3.02, 8.18) MUg/L and
      13.33(6.07, 23.96) U/ml, respectively] and the FEV(1)% and FEV(1)/FVC index
      decreased significantly [42.90(34.68, 71.23) and 46.96(38.96, 60.63),
      respectively] as compared the well-nourished COPD subgroup [3.25(1.61, 5.37)
      MUg/L, 9.99(4.41, 16.77) U/ml, 69.10(45.95, 89.23) and 53.32(42.13, 63.15), all
      P<0.05]. Furthermore, we had found that the upper arm muscle circumference, calf
      circumference and BMI were positively correlated with MNA (r=0.498, 0.587, 0.781,
      P<0.001), negatively correlated with PC (r=-0.209, -0.195, -0.231, P<0.05) and
      positively correlated with FEV(1)% (r=0.223, 0.274, 0.350, P<0.05). The upper arm
      muscle circumference and BMI were positively correlated with FEV(1)/FVC (r=0.166,
      0.224, P<0.05). In COPD group, the level of PC in serum and FEV(1)% were
      important factor in MNA score, and the impacts of FEV(1)% were greater than the
      level of PC(beta=0.367, -0.304, P<0.001). Conclusion: The protein carbonylation
      and airflow limitation might be closely related to malnutrition.

PMID- 28100362
TI  - [Severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome with dilated cardiomyopathy
      leading to pulmonary hypertension: case report and literature review].
AB  - Objective: To study the relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy and
      obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and to evaluate the curative
      effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in OSAHS complicated with
      dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods: We reported one case with the symptom of
      exertional dyspnea for 1 year and aggravating for 1 month. The patient finally
      was diagnosed with severe OSAHS complicated with dilated cardiomyopathy leading
      to pulmonary hypertension. A systematic literature review was performed for
      similar published cases in Pubmed, Wanfang and CNKI database, using the keywords
      (obstructive sleep apnea) OR(OSA) OR(OSAHS) AND(dilated cardiomyopathy OR
      DCM)from January 1990 to May 2016. Results: Our patient had no significant
      improvement after receiving initial treatments, including reducing cardiac
      preload, improving myocardial metabolism, increasing myocardial contractility,
      and anticoagulants. After the patient was diagnosed as having severe OSAHS by
      polysomnography(PSG) and treated with CPAP, his symptoms improved remarkably. The
      enlarged heart became smaller and the patient had no repeated dyspnea at follow
      up examination. By literature review, we found 4 English original articles and 6
      Chinese articles (1 review article, 1 expert note, 1 original article and 3 case
      reports) on OSAHS complicated by DCM.Four Chinese and 1 English articles reported
      that the symptoms and parameters of OSAHS with DCM was improved remarkably after
      treatment with CPAP. Conclusion: For patients with dilated cardiomyopathy which
      fails to conventional therapy, especially those accompanied by obesity, snoring,
      daytime sleepiness, morning dry mouth and other related symptoms, PSG should be
      carried out. Early CPAP therapy could improve symptoms and prognosis of OSAHS
      associated with DCM.

PMID- 28100364
TI  - [Assessment of bronchiectasis severity in adults].

PMID- 28100365
TI  - [Effectiveness and safety assessment of inhaled antibiotics therapy in adults
      with bronchiectasis].

PMID- 28100363
TI  - [Hyper-IgE syndrome in adulthood: a case report and literature review].
AB  - Objective: To describe the clinical features of hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES), with
      emphasis on refractory pulmonary cystic lesions as the initial presentation in
      adulthood. Methods: A case of HIES presenting with pulmonary cystic lesions in an
      adult patient was retrospectively analyzed. We used "hyper-IgE syndrome" as the
      Chinese keywords, "hyper-IgE syndrome, China" as the English keywords to retrieve
      the literature from Wanfang database/CNKI database and Pubmed database until
      April 2016. The clinical data were pooled and analyzed. Results: A 19 year old
      female patient was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent cough and
      expectoration as the chief complaint. Physical examination revealed broad nasal
      bridge and scoliosis, and chest CT showed gradually enlarged and increased cystic
      lesions. Laboratory studies demonstrated significantly increased blood
      eosinophils and serum level of total IgE, together with a definite chemotactic
      dysfunction of neutrophils. A further detection of STAT3 mutation was negative.
      The diagnosis of HIES was made and antibiotic treatment resulted in disease
      remission. Literature review found 45 reports including 37 in Chinese and 11 in
      English. Eight cases of adult HIES were reported, and all the patients were male,
      aging 18 to 31 years. Prolonged disease course, recurrent infection and formation
      of cystic lesions in the lungs were important features of HIES. Early diagnosis
      and treatment with specific antibiotics were important for improving outcome of
      the patients. Conclusion: Refractory pulmonary cystic lesions can be the initial
      presentation in adult HIES. Understanding of the clinical characteristics of HIES
      will be helpful to avoid misdiagnosis and improve prognosis.

PMID- 28100366
TI  - [Different phenotypes of alveolar macrophages and bronchial asthma].

PMID- 28100367
TI  - [Role of pulmonary vein in pulmonary hypertension].

PMID- 28100368
TI  - [Progress in precision medicine: a scientific perspective].
AB  - Precision medicine is a new strategy for disease prevention and treatment by
      taking into account differences in genetics, environment and lifestyles among
      individuals and making precise diseases classification and diagnosis, which can
      provide patients with personalized, targeted prevention and treatment. Large
      scale population cohort studies are fundamental for precision medicine research,
      and could produce best evidence for precision medicine practices. Current
      criticisms on precision medicine mainly focus on the very small proportion of
      benefited patients, the neglect of social determinants for health, and the
      possible waste of limited medical resources. In spite of this, precision medicine
      is still a most hopeful research area, and would become a health care practice
      model in the future.

PMID- 28100369
TI  - [Innovations on technology, management and concept are indispensible for
      scientific research, prevention and treatment of malignant tumor in China].
AB  - Malignant tumor has become the top cause of deaths before the average life
      expectancy in Chinese population. From the variations in the morbidity rate and
      mortality rate of malignant tumor in the mainland of China between 2000 and 2011,
      the primary prevention targeting the risk factors/etiological agents
      significantly reduced the morbidity rates of gastric cancer, esophageal cancer,
      and primary liver cancer, therefore reduced the mortality rates of these cancers.
      However, the contribution of clinical treatments to the mortality reduction was
      not obviously improved during this period. Importantly, it is necessary to
      conduct research to identify precancerous lesions and early tumors which are
      prone to progress to aggressive diseases for the active secondary prevention to
      avoid over-diagnosis and over-treatment. Multi-center, prospective randomized
      controlled clinical trials and prognosis evaluation independently carried out by
      third parts are needed to evaluate the longterm effectiveness of some clinical
      treatment efficiency for cancers with different histological types. On the basis
      of a series of population-based studies in China, the prevention and clinical
      treatments for malignant tumor need innovations on technology, management, and
      even concept; the mechanisms of "forward placement of strategic pass" for the
      prevention and control of malignant tumor should be established and improved to
      reduce the increasing disease burden due to malignant tumor in China.

PMID- 28100370
TI  - [Associations between airflow obstruction and total and cause-specific mortality
      in adults in China].
AB  - Objective: To examine the prospective associations between airflow obstruction
      and total and cause-specific mortality. Methods: The study was based on China
      Kadoorie Biobank, in which 199 099 men and 287 895 women aged 30-79 years at
      baseline survey were included after excluding those with heart disease, stroke
      and cancer. The Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guideline
      was used to classify airflow obstruction. Cox regression models were used to
      estimate adjusted HR and 95%CI. Results: During 3 494 079 person-years of follow
      up between 2004 and 2013 (median 7.2 years), a total of 21 649 people died.
      Absolute mortality rates were 5.5, 9.9, 13.1, 32.4 and 63.3 deaths per 1 000
      person-years for participants who had normal airflow, GOLD-1 to GOLD-4 airflow
      obstruction, respectively. After adjusting potential confounders, compared with
      participants with normal lung function, the HRs for death were 0.98 (95%CI: 0.88
      1.09), 1.03 (95%CI: 0.97-1.09), 1.62 (95% CI: 1.53-1.73) and 2.83 (95% CI: 2.59
      3.10) for those whose airflow obstruction were classified as GOLD-1 to GOLD-4,
      respectively. The airflow obstruction was also associated with increased risk for
      deaths due to ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease. Conclusion: Airflow obstruction is associated with
      total and certain cause-specific mortality, the higher the airflow obstruction
      degree is, the higher the death risk is.

PMID- 28100371
TI  - [Changes in genotype prevalence of human papillomavirus over 10-year follow-up of
      a cervical cancer screening cohort].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the dynamic variation of genotypes distribution of human
      papillomavirus (HPV) over 10-year follow-up in a cervical cancer screening
      cohort. Methods: Based on the Shanxi Province Cervical Cancer Screening Study I
      cohort, we detected HPV genotypes on the well-preserved exfoliated cervical cells
      from women who were tested HPV positive from year 2005 to year 2014 using reverse
      linear probe hybridization assay. The changes of prevalence of type-specific HPV
      over time among the overall population were estimated using linear mixed models.
      The association between the type-specific HPV and cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2 +) was calculated by linear Chi-square test.
      Finally, the trends of multiple infections of HPV with the increase of the age
      were analyzed. Results: During the cervical cancer screening of the overall
      population from 2005 to 2014, the most common genotypes among the population were
      HPV16 and 52. The prevalence of HPV16 decreased over time from 4.6% in 2005 to
      2.2% in 2010 and 2014 (F=8.125, P<0.001). The prevalence of HPV52 remained pretty
      stable and HPV33, 51 and 58 slightly decreased then apparently increased. Further
      stratification analysis by pathological lesions showed the same trend of the HPV
      prevalence for the histology normal women with the overall population. Of note,
      for those women with the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2 +), the
      detection rate of HPV16 decreased from 65.22% in 2005 to 41.03% in 2010 and
      finally to 31.58% in 2014 (chi(2)=4.420, P=0.036) and that of HPV33 substantially
      increased. No significant variation was found for other types of HPV. Multiple
      infection rate varied with the growing age of the women. Conclusions: The
      genotypes prevalence of HPV tended to vary over time during cervical cancer
      screening in the context of regular screening combining with immediate treatment
      for those CIN2 + women. HPV16 prevalence significantly decreased over time, which
      indicated that the variation of type-specific HPV prevalence should be considered
      when regular cervical cancer screening was organized using HPV technique.

PMID- 28100372
TI  - [Research on potential interaction between mitochondrial DNA copy number and
      related factors on risk of hypertension in coal miners].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effects of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in
      peripheral blood and related factors on the risk of hypertension in coal miners.
      Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 378 coal miners with hypertension
      and 325 healthy coal miners recruited from Datong Coal Mine Group. A standard
      questionnaire was used to collect their general information, such as demographic
      characteristics, habits and occupational history. Fluorescence quantitative PCR
      was performed to detect the copy number of mtDNA. Logistic regression model was
      applied for identifying the related risk factors of hypertension and analyzing
      the interaction between mtDNA copy number and risk factors. Results: The
      prevalence of hypertension of high mtDNA copy number was lower than mtDNA copy
      numberin 0-5.67 group, but the difference was not statistically significant
      (P=0.414). Alcohol drinking (OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.26-2.56), family history of
      hypertension (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.20- 2.50), work shifts (OR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.48
      0.99), education level (P=0.012) and family monthly income level (P=0.001) were
      related to the prevalence of hypertension. There were potential interactions
      between mtDNA copy number and alcohol drinking, family monthly income level,
      family history of hypertension, respectively. Alcohol drinking was a risk factor
      for hypertension [1.77 (1.25-2.50)]. Potential interactions between mtDNA copy
      number and alcohol drinking reduced the risk of hypertension (OR=1.20, 95% CI:
      1.07-1.35). Family history of hypertension was a risk factor for hypertension
      [1.81(1.26-2.59)]. Potential interactions between mtDNA copy number and family
      history of hypertension reduced the risk of hypertension (OR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.09
      1.41). Family monthly income level was a protect factor for hypertension
      [0.55(0.46-0.66)]. Potential interactions between mtDNA copy number and family
      monthly income level increased the protection role of hypertension (OR=0.90, 95%
      CI: 0.86-0.94). Conclusion: mtDNA copy number variation was not significantly
      associated with the prevalence of hypertension in coal miners, but mtDNA copy
      number showed multiplication interaction on the prevalence of hypertension with
      alcohol drinking, family monthly income level as well as family history of
      hypertension and made their influences weaken.

PMID- 28100373
TI  - [Epidemiological characteristics of children aged 1-4 years without timely birth
      dose of hepatitis B vaccine vaccination in China, 2014].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of the children aged 1
      4 years without timely birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB(1)) vaccination.
      Methods: Based on the data from 160 disease surveillance points in 31 provinces
      of China, two-stage cluster random sampling was used to select the target
      population aged 1-4 years. A standard questionnaire was used to collect the
      information about the birth date, gender, ethnic group, place of birth, HepB
      immunization history of the children selected. A blood sample (3 ml) was taken
      from each subject for HBsAg testing. SAS software (Version 9.4) was used in our
      study. We analyzed the age, gender, ethnic group, area specific distributions of
      the children aged 1-4 years without timely HepB(1) vaccination and the
      influencing factors, and the relationship between the HepB(1) vaccination time
      and HBsAg prevalence rate. Results: A total of 12 587 children aged 1-4 years
      were analyzed and the non-timely HepB(1) vaccination rate was 10.12%. The place
      of birth, ethnic group, urban/rural area, eastern/central/western area, age were
      the main influencing factor of the non-timely HepB(1) vaccination. The non-timely
      HepB(1) vaccination rate was higher in 3-4 years old children (11.13%) than in 1
      2 years old children (8.97%), in rural area (12.05%) than in urban area (8.19%),
      in western area (13.41%) than in central area (9.27%) and eastern area (7.72%),
      in minority ethnic group (18.06%) than in Han ethnic group (8.77%) and in
      children born outside hospital (57.66%) than in children born in hospital
      (9.27%). The HBsAg prevalence rate among 1-4 years children was 0.31%. The HBsAg
      prevalence rate of the children with timely HepB(1) vaccination (0.25%) was lower
      than that of the children without timely HepB(1) vaccination (0.89%).
      Conclusions: In China, the HBsAg prevalence rate among 1-4 years children with
      HepB vaccination decreased to <0.5% and the timely HepB(1) vaccination rate
      reached to 90%. We should strengthen the timely HepB(1) vaccination for the
      children in minority ethnic groups, in western area, in rural area as well as
      those born outside hospitals.

PMID- 28100374
TI  - [Study of disease burden of chronic hepatitis B and C patients in Shanghai based
      on Bronfenbrenner' s ecological systems theory: a community-based survey].
AB  - Objective: To systemically analyze family burden, quality of life of chronic
      hepatitis B and C patients in Shanghai and related influencing factors. Methods:
      A representative sample of chronic hepatitis patients (n=1 478) and their family
      members (n=1 478) was randomly selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling
      from 30 communities in 10 districts of Shanghai. One patient and one family
      member of each family were interviewed using different questionnaires to collect
      related information. Based on Bronfenbrenner' s ecological systems, psychological
      measurement, two-level random intercept model and multivariable structural
      equation model were applied to determine the effects and directions of the
      factors between life quality of chronic hepatitis patients and family burden.
      Results: The mean score of quality of life of chronic hepatitis patients in
      Shanghai was 78.70 +/- 13.25, the score of " specific module" was highest and the
      score of " social function" was lowest. Additionally, the mean score of burden
      reported by the family members was 12.62+/-10.74, the score of " financial
      burden" was highest, and the score of " effect on family member' s health" was
      lowest. Multivariable structural equation model indicated that eight factors were
      related with life quality and family burden of patients with chronic hepatitis.
      Among them, HCV infection, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase level, average
      monthly cost for patient >3 000 yuan (RMB) and poor health of family members were
      the direct risk factors for the life quality of the patients as well as family
      burden. The factor of drinking more than once a week influenced the patients'
      life quality directly and family burden indirectly. On the contrary, the factors
      of local household registration, hospitalization and family member's indifferent
      attitude to hepatitis B vaccination influenced the family burden of the chronic
      hepatitis patients directly and the life quality of the patients indirectly.
      Conclusion: The findings could be used in the development of community based
      management and intervention of chronic hepatitis patients in Shanghai.

PMID- 28100375
TI  - [Epidemiological characteristics of HBeAg reversion in chronic hepatitis B
      patients with HBeAg seroconversion in Jiangsu province, 2012-2014].
AB  - Objective: To understand characteristics and influencing factors of reversion of
      HBeAg in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg sero-conversion, and provide
      epidemiological evidence for the regular management of chronic hepatitis B
      patients. Methods: From 2012 to 2014, a cohort study was conducted among the
      chronic hepatitis B patients with sero-conversion of HBeAg in Jiangsu province.
      Association between participants' demographics, ALT, HBV DNA and incidence of
      HBeAg reversion was analyzed by Cox regression model. HBV DNA changing trend
      between patients with HBeAg reversion and patients with persistent HBeAg sero
      conversion was compared by repeated measure data variance analysis. Results: In
      2012, there were 5 068 HBeAg seroconverted chronic hepatitis B patients aged
      (51.9 +/- 12.8) years enrolled. By 2014, HBeAg had reversed in 121 cases with the
      rate of 1.3/100 person-years. The probability of HBeAg reversion decreased with
      the age of the patients. By Cox regression analysis, HBV DNA level was an
      important influencing factor for the progress of HBeAg reversion. The patients
      with HBV DNA>=200 000 IU/ml had a higher HBeAg reversion rate DNA (3.8/100 person
      years) than those with HBV DNA <2 000 IU/ml (1.1 person-years) (HR=3.44, 95% CI:
      1.91-6.20, P=0.000). Compared with the persistent HBeAg sero-conversion group,
      HBV DNA and ALT showed a more dramatic increase in the HBeAg reversion group
      (P=0.000). Conclusions: There was a certain HBeAg reversion rate in chronic
      hepatitis B patients with HBeAg sero-conversion. Younger chronic CHB patients
      with HBeAg sero-conversion and those with higher HBV DNA lever had higher HBeAg
      reversion rate. Following up and management of chronic CHB patients with HBeAg
      sero-conversion is important and helpful for the control of hepatitis B.

PMID- 28100376
TI  - [Related factors for severe liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients with
      remunerated blood donation history in Jurong of Jiangsu province].
AB  - Objective: The incidence of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C
      is high. Without effective treatment, it would lead to liver cirrhosis. This
      study is to identify the related factors for the incidence of liver fibrosis in
      patients with chronic hepatitis C in order to make early intervention treatment
      and reduce the case fatality rate. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was
      conducted in adults aged >=50 years with local residence for more than 5 years in
      Jurong of Jiangsu province from March to May in 2015, the patients infected with
      hepatitis C virus through remunerated blood donation were screened and included
      in the analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was done to compare the
      differences in the incidence of liver fibrosis among the patients with different
      age, sex and education level or co-infected with hepatitis B virus or not. The
      risk factors for severe liver fibrosis were identified with univariate and
      multivariate logistic regression analysis. Liver fibrosis was diagnosed by using
      FIB-4 index method. Results: A total of 719 patients with chronic hepatitis C
      were surveyed. Severe liver fibrosis developed in 285 of the 719 patients, in
      whom 21.84% was males. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the
      patients with higher education level (OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.47-0.90) and with access
      of antiviral therapy (OR=0.33, 95%CI: 0.22-0.49) had lower risk for severe liver
      fibrosis, the patients with high fasting blood glucose level (OR=1.80, 95% CI:
      1.19-2.77) and abnormal white blood cell count (OR=2.77, 95% CI: 1.95-3.90) had
      higher risk for severe liver fibrosis. Conclusions: The incidence of severe liver
      fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C was affected by many factors. Higher
      education level and antiviral therapy were the protective factors, but high
      fasting blood glucose level and abnormal white blood cell count were the risk
      factors.

PMID- 28100377
TI  - [Comparison of human papilloma virus infection status between men who have sex
      with men recruited from gay bathhouses and HIV voluntary counseling and testing
      clinics respectively in Urumqi].
AB  - Objective: To understand the human papilloma virus (HPV) infection status in men
      who have sex with men (MSM) recruited from gay bathhouses and HIV voluntary
      counseling and testing (VCT) clinics in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region,
      and identify the associated risk factors. Methods: A total of 200 MSM aged >=18
      years were recruited by using the " snowballing" sampling method from gay
      bathhouses and VCT clinics in Urumqi during March-May, 2016. The MSM recruited
      completed questionnaires after filling in the informed consent form. The
      information about their demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors were
      collected, and anal swabs were collected from them for HPV genotyping. Results:
      The overall HPV infection rate was 54.0%. The HPV infection rate was
      66.7%(74/111) in MSM from gay bathhouses and 38.2%(34/89) in MSM from VCT clinics
      and the high risk type HPV infection rate was 39.6% (44/111) in MSM from gay
      bathhouses and 14.6% (13/89) in MSM from VCT clinics, the differences were
      significant (chi(2)=16.112, P<0.05; chi(2)=15.190, P<0.05). Multiple logistic
      regression analysis indicated that the major risk factors for HPV infection
      included activity in gay bathhouse (OR=3.732, 95% CI: 1.950-7.141) and anal
      sexual behavior (OR=2.555, 95%CI: 1.329-4.912). Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV
      in MSM from gay bathhouses was higher than that in MSM from VCT clinics,
      indicating that close attention should be paid to the behavior intervention in
      MSM.

PMID- 28100378
TI  - [Analysis on mortality of cervical cancer and its temporal trend in women in
      China, 2006-2012].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the mortality of cervical cancer and its temporal trend in
      women in China between 2006 and 2012. Methods: The cause-of-death data about
      cervical cancer, which was abstracted from National Disease Surveillance Points
      and adjusted by special survey for underreporting, was used to analyze the age
      and area specific crude mortality rates of cervical cancer in China during 2006
      2012. The age-standardized mortality rate was calculated by using world
      standardized population (Segi's). The Joinpoint regression model was used to
      obtain annual percentage change and 95%CI for assessing the time trend of
      mortality rate of cervical cancer from 2006 to 2012. Results: In 2012, the crude
      mortality rate of cervical cancer was 3.15 per 100 000 in women in China. The
      mortality rate in rural area (3.45/100 000) was higher than that in urban area
      (2.76/100 000), while the central area had the highest mortality rate of cervical
      cancer (3.77/100 000) compared with western area (3.23/100 000) and eastern area
      (2.54/100 000). The Segi's age-standardized mortality rate in eastern area
      increased by 2.9% (95%CI: 0.8%-5.0%) annually, an increase of 6.0% was observed
      in age group 30-59 years (95%CI: 1.6%-10.5%). However, the Segi's age
      standardized mortality rate in central area declined by 4.6% (95%CI: -5.9% - 
      3.3%), where the declines of 3.2% and 5.7% were observed in age groups 30-59
      years and >=60 years (95%CI: - 5.0%-- 1.4% and 95% CI: - 9.3% --2.0%) and
      respectively. There was no significant change in cervical cancer mortality in
      western area. The similar trends were observed in the age-standardized mortality
      rate calculated according to the population of China. Conclusions: The decline of
      overall mortality rate of cervical cancer tended to stop in China and significant
      differences still exist among different areas. Our results suggest that the
      central/western areas and rural areas are still key areas for cervical cancer
      prevention and control and close attention should be paid to the increase of
      cervical cancer mortality in women aged 35-59 years in eastern area. It is
      essential to establish a systematic cervical cancer prevention network with
      larger population coverage to reduce the deaths caused by cervical cancer.

PMID- 28100379
TI  - [Cost-effectiveness analysis on colorectal cancer screening program].
AB  - Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening
      program in different age groups from the view of health economics. Methods: The
      screening compliance rates, detection rates in different age groups were
      calculated by using the data from colorectal cancer screening program in Jiashan
      county, Zhejiang province. The differences in indicator among age groups were
      analyzed with chi(2) test or trend chi(2) test. The ratios of cost to the number
      of case were calculated according to cost statistics. Results: The detection
      rates of immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) positivity, advanced
      adenoma and colorectal cancer and early stage cancer increased with age, while
      the early diagnosis rates were negatively associated with age. After exclusion
      the younger counterpart, the cost-effectiveness of individuals aged >50 years
      could be reduced by 15%-30%. Conclusion: From health economic perspective, it is
      beneficial to start colorectal cancer screening at age of 50 years to improve the
      efficiency of the screening.

PMID- 28100380
TI  - [Cigarette consumer price and affordability in China: results from 2015 China
      adult survey].
AB  - Objective: To analyze the change of cigarette consumption price, and understand
      the cigarette affordability in China. Methods: A total of 16 800 households were
      selected through multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. Then IPAQ was used to
      randomly select one family member to conduct the survey. Questionnaire from
      Global Tobacco Surveillance System with added country-specific questions was
      used. Results: Up to 50% of current smokers would buy 20 cigarettes with price of
      9.9 yuan (RMB) or less, and 25% of current smokers would not buy 20 cigarettes
      with price exceed 5.5 yuan (RMB). Only 10% would buy 20 cigarettes with price
      over 19.9 yuan (RMB). The calculated median monthly expenditure for cigarettes
      was 181.4 yuan (RMB). From 2010 to 2015, the proportion of annual expenditure for
      cigarettes in disposable income per capita declined from 10.5% to 8.8% in urban
      area and from 21.1% to 17.3% in rural area. Conclusion: During 2010-2015, the
      purchasing power of Chinese smokers increased in both urban area and rural area
      due to the decrease of cigarette consumption price.

PMID- 28100381
TI  - [Trend of mortality of congenital malformation in children aged <5 years in
      Beijing, 2006-2015].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the change in mortality of congenital malformation in
      children aged <5 years in Beijing from 2006 to 2015. Methods: Using the death
      surveillance data in children aged <5 years in Beijing from 2006 to 2015, which
      was collected from the real-time surveillance network, we calculated the area and
      age distributions of the mortality of congenital malformation in children aged <5
      years in Beijing. Meanwhile, the variations of age, time and space in the causes
      of deaths were discussed. Results: The mortality rate of congenital malformation
      in the children s decreased from 1.9090/00 in 2006 to 0.7030/00 in 2015, the
      decrease rate was 63.17%. The decrease rate was highest in neonates (71.50%)
      (chi(2)=57.993, P<0.01). Expect urban area (chi(2)=3.384, P>0.05), the mortality
      rates of congenital malformation in the children showed a downward trend in outer
      suburban area and suburban area (chi(2) =40.637 and 50.646, P<0.01). The
      proportion of the children died of congenital malformation decreased from 32.97%
      in 2006 to 23.24% in 2015, which mainly occurred in infancy and neonatal period
      (chi(2)=9.395 and 4.354, P<0.05). The constituent ratios of the children died of
      neural tube defects, respiratory system abnormalities and other abnormalities
      decreased significantly (chi(2)=13.478, 7.358, 7.912 and 10.074, P<0.01). The
      constituent ratios of children died of chromosomal abnormality, multiple
      malformations and digestive tract abnormality didn' t decreased significantly
      (P>0.05). In the leading causes of deaths from congenital malformation, the
      mortality of congenital heart disease, neural tube defects and digestive tract
      atresia decreased obviously (chi(2)=70.868, 18.431 and 9.225, P<0.01), except
      biliary atresia (chi(2)= 1.407, P>0.05). There was an obvious area specific
      difference between the deaths of congenital heart disease and the deaths of
      neural tube defects, the mortality was higher in outer suburbs than in suburban
      and urban area (chi(2)=45.783 and 6.649, P<0.05). Conclusion: Although the
      mortality rate of children with congenital malformation in Beijing has declined
      year by year, it is still the main cause of deaths in children under 5 years old,
      and the prevention and control of related diseases should be strengthened.

PMID- 28100382
TI  - [Epidemiological pattern of abnormal urinary fluoride rates in population with
      occupational fluoride exposure in Shanghai].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the epidemiological features of abnormal urinary
      fluoride rates in population with occupational exposure, and its relationships
      with age, work years and gender in Shanghai. Methods: A questionnaire survey was
      conducted respectively in 4 999 exposed workers and 283 non-exposed people during
      2012-2015. Their urine samples were collected in plastic bottles and the fluoride
      ion selective electrode method was used for urinary fluoride level analysis.
      Logistic regression model was used to estimate associations between the abnormal
      rates and demographic/socioeconomic status of the study subjects. Results: In the
      past 4 years, the abnormal urinary fluoride rates (>=1.6 mg/L) in the population
      with occupational exposure was about 14.38%, it was about 1.43% in the control
      groups without occupational exposure. Their geometric mean of urinary fluoride
      content was 0.95 mg/L and 0.46 mg/L, respectively. The incidences of the abnormal
      rates in those aged >=50 years and 34-39 years were 19.15% and 22.39%,
      respectively. The abnormal rate in males was 16.87%, much higher than that in
      females (6.85%). The abnormal rate had an upward trend along with the increased
      work years, especially in those with work years of >=20 years. The abnormal rate
      was 23.28% in those with work years of >=20 years and 13.29% in those with work
      years of <4 years. The relative risk for abnormal urinary fluoride rates was
      higher in male group, older age group and longer work year group, the odds ratio
      was 2.28, 1.10 and 1.13, respectively. Conclusions: Serious challenges exist in
      occupational health supervision. The relevant national standards should be
      updated as soon as possible. Males, those aged >50 years, and those with longer
      work years are the risk groups for intervention measures. More efforts are
      needed, such as strengthening the innovative application of health examination
      data and the equalization of basic public health service with comprehensive
      occupational health supervision programs among off-farm workers in the new
      medical reform.

PMID- 28100383
TI  - [HIV antibody detection results in patients seeking medical care in Peking Union
      Medical College Hospital, 2003-2014].
AB  - Objective: To better understand the infection status of HIV in the patients
      seeking medical care in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Methods: The HIV
      detection data of the patients in the hospital from 2003-2014 were collected for
      a statistical analysis with software SPSS 19.0. Results: A total of 715 421
      patients were screened, and 1 012 (0.14%) patients were HIV positive, and HIV
      infection were confirmed in 776 (0.11%) patients by Western Blot testing. The
      detection rate of HIV infection increased from 0.05% in 2003 to 0.17% in 2014
      (trend chi(2)=66.83 , P=0.000), and the increase during 2012-2014 was obvious. Of
      the 776 newly diagnosed HIV-infected individuals, 631 (81.31%) were men and 145
      (18.69%) were women. The percentage of the males infected with HIV increased from
      50.00% to 90.26% (trend chi(2)=58.41, P=0.000). The median age was 36 years
      (interquartile range: 27-43), and the age group 18-50 years were mostly affected.
      In the 776 patients infected with HIV, 634 (81.70% ) were infected through sexual
      contacts, and the proportion of sexual transmissions increased with year (trend
      chi(2)=126.38, P=0.000). The proportion of infected men who have sex with men
      (MSM) increased from 0% in 2003 to 53.90% in 2014 (trend chi(2)=11.96, P=0.001),
      similar to the trend in western countries. The proportion of infected patients
      who were not married increased from 18.75% to 42.21% (trend chi(2)=43.74,
      P=0.000). The top three source departments of HIV/AIDS cases were internal
      medicine (51.03%), emergency room (18.30%) and dermatology (13.53%). The
      proportion of the HIV/AIDS patients from department of gynecology and obstetrics
      declined from 18.75% in 2003 to 2.60% in 2014. No HIV/AIDS patients were detected
      in department of surgery, department of otorhinolaryngology, department of
      ophthalmology, department of stomatology and health examination center in 2003,
      but 14 cases (9.10%), 11 cases (7.14%) and 4 cases (2.60%) were detected in these
      departments respectively in 2014. Conclusion: The HIV detection rate increased
      with year in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, suggesting the necessity of
      strengthened HIV test in general hospitals. MSM are the population at high risk,
      to whom more attention should be paid.

PMID- 28100384
TI  - [Seasonality of clustering of fever and diarrhea in Beijing, 2009-2015].
AB  - Objective: To understand the seasonal distribution of the clustering of fever and
      diarrhea. Methods: Concentration degree and circular distribution methods were
      used to analyze the seasonal distribution of the clustering of fever and diarrhea
      in Beijing from 2009 to 2015. The information were collected from the Infectious
      Disease Surveillance Information System of Beijing. Results: The M values of the
      clustering of fever and diarrhea were 0.57 and 0.47. Circular distribution
      results showed that the clustering of fever and diarrhea angle dispersion index R
      values were 0.57 and 0.46 respectively, the sample average angle of Rayleigh' s
      test Z values were 414.14, 148.09 respectively (all P<0.01). The clustering of
      fever and diarrhea had seasonality. The incidence peak of fever was on October
      13, and the epidemic period was during August 13-December 14. The incidence peak
      of diarrhea was on July 31, and the epidemic period was during May 20-October 11.
      Conclusion: The clustering of fever had obvious seasonality in Beijing, which
      mainly occurred in autumn and winter. The cluster of diarrhea had certain
      seasonality, which mainly occurred in summer and autumn.

PMID- 28100385
TI  - [Phylogenetic analysis of envelope gene of dengue virus serotype 2 in Guangzhou,
      2001-2015].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the molecular characteristics of dengue virus serotype
      2 (DENV2) in Guangzhou during 2001-2015, and analyze the E gene of the strains
      isolated, the phylogenetic tree and molecular clock were constructed to know
      about the evolution of the strains. Methods: The serum samples of the patients
      were detected by real time PCR, and positive samples were used to isolate dengue
      virus by using C6/36 cells. The E gene of the isolated strains were sequenced.
      The phylogenetic tree was constructed by using software Mega 4.0, and the
      molecular clock was drawn by using software BEASTv1.8.2. Results: Twenty-six
      dengue virus strains were isolated between 2001 and 2015. They were all clustered
      into 2 genotypes, i.e. cosmopolitan genotype and Asian genotype I. The strains
      isolated in Guangzhou shared high homology with Southeast Asian strains. The
      cosmopolitan genotype was divided into 2 sub-genotype at about 46 and 35 years
      ago. The substitution rate of dengue virus serotype 2 in Guangzhou was 7.1 * 10(
      4) per year per site. Conclusions: There were close relationship between the
      Guangzhou strains and Southeast Asian strains. Guangzhou was at high risk of
      imported dengue fever, outbreak of dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock
      syndrome. There might be two ways of introduction of cosmopolitan genotype. The
      substitution rate of the strains in Guangzhou was similar to that in the neighbor
      countries.

PMID- 28100387
TI  - [Economic burden of esophageal cancer in China from 1996 to 2015: a systematic
      review].
AB  - Objective: To explore existing evidence of economic burden of esophageal cancer
      in China over the past 20 years. Methods: Based on PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang,
      literatures published from 1996 to 2015 were retrieved with the key words such as
      " economic burden" , "cost of illness" and so on. Then the information excerpted
      from those literatures were analyzed after several exclusionary procedures for
      non-esophageal cancer related literatures. The information about subjects and
      data source, methodology, main results were structurally abstracted and then
      analyzed. Quality assessments were conducted independently by two investigators
      using an 11-item instrument recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and
      Quality (AHRQ) for cross-sectional studies. All the expenditure data were
      calculated according to year-specific personal health care consumer price index
      (CPI) of China, the annual growth rate was calculated according to the average
      speed of growth. Results: A total of 23 studies (21 individual surveys and 2
      population-based surveys) were included in the analysis, in which 12 were
      published over the past 5 years. Among the 21 individual surveys, 17 were
      hospital-based and the data were obtained through medical record review, and most
      of which only considered the direct medical economic burden (including the
      average overall expenditure per patient, per time and per diem). The median
      expenditure per patient during 1996-2011 ranged from 7 463 to 37 647 yuan (RMB)
      and the average growth rate was 7.68%. The median medical expenditure per
      clinical visit during 1996-2013 ranged from 6 851 to 57 554 yuan (RMB) and the
      average growth rate was 11.89%. The median medical expenditure per diem during
      1996-2010 ranged from 225 to 1 319 yuan (RMB) and the average growth rate was
      12.53%. The direct medical expenditure per clinical visit varied greatly with
      area, which were much higher in Beijing, Shanxi and Hubei. In both individual
      survey and population-based survey, less data about the direct non-medical
      expenditure and the influence of indirect expenditure on the economic burden were
      reported. Conclusion: Less data are available on economic burden of esophageal
      cancer in China over the past 20 years and the data's comparability are poor,
      especially in terms of population level or indirect burden. Direct medical
      expenditure is on the rise, and regional differences.

PMID- 28100386
TI  - [Effect of extracellular signal-regulated kinas 1/2 expression and HPV16
      infection and their interaction in progression of cervical cancerization].
AB  - Objective: To investigate the effect of ERK1/2 protein expression and HPV16
      infection, as well as their interaction in the cervical carcinogenesis. Methods:
      A total of 176 patients, including 34 cases with normal cervix (NC), 26 cases
      with cervical intraepithelial neoplasm I (CIN I), 57 cases with cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasm II/III (CIN II/III) and 59 cases with cervical squamous
      cell carcinoma (SCC), were enrolled from Shanxi Tumor Hospital, Shanxi Maternal
      and Child Health Center, Jincheng Coal General Hospital from September 2013 to
      March 2014. The information about their demographic characteristics and risk
      factors associated with cervical cancer was collected with structural
      questionnaire, and cervical tissue samples were collected from each subject.
      HPV16 infection was detected by PCR, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2)
      protein expression levels were detected by immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile,
      cervical cancer cell lines Siha (HPV16 positive) and C33A (HPV negative) were
      treated with ERK inhibitor U0126 in vitro. Cell proliferation was determined by
      living cell count, cell cycle and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.
      Results: The HPV16 infection rate (trend chi(2)=17.99, P<0.001) and p-ERK1/2
      protein high expression (trend chi(2)=10.58, P=0.001) increased gradually along
      with the severity of cervix lesions. There was an additive interaction between
      HPV16 infection and p-ERK protein expression in the CIN I, CIN II/III and SCC
      groups. Cell experiments showed that after ERK inhibition, the proliferation of
      the two cells were reduced (Siha: t=6.863, P<0.001; C33A: t=7.092, P<0.001) and
      the apoptosis were increased (Siha: t=-5.201, P=0.006; C33A: t=-4.335, P=0.005).
      After ERK inhibition, the cell proliferation index of Siha (HPV16 positive) was
      higher than that of C33A (HPV16 negative) (t =7.066, P<0.001), but the apoptosis
      rate of Siha was lower than that of C33A (t=-2.431, P=0.057). Conclusions: HPV16
      infection and the high expression of p-ERK1/2 could increase the risk of cervical
      cancer. And there might be synergistic actions between the two factors in the
      progression of cervical cancer. The effect of ERK1/2 activation to HPV16
      infection cells might be more significant in the process of cervical cancer cell
      proliferation and apoptosis.

PMID- 28100388
TI  - [Reliability and validity of depression scales of Chinese version: a systematic
      review].
AB  - Objective: Through systematically reviewing the reliability and validity of
      depression scales of Chinese version in adults in China to evaluate the
      psychometric properties of depression scales for different groups. Methods:
      Eligible studies published before 6 May 2016 were retrieved from the following
      database: CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed and Embase. The HSROC model of the diagnostic
      test accuracy (DTA) for Meta-analysis was used to calculate the pooled
      sensitivity and specificity of the PHQ-9. Results: A total of 44 papers
      evaluating the performance of depression scales were included. Results showed
      that the reliability and validity of the common depression scales were eligible,
      including the Beck depression inventory (BDI), the Hamilton depression scale
      (HAMD), the center epidemiological studies depression scale (CES-D), the patient
      health questionnaire (PHQ) and the Geriatric depression scale (GDS). The
      Cronbach' s coefficient of most tools were larger than 0.8, while the test-retest
      reliability and split-half reliability were larger than 0.7, indicating good
      internal consistency and stability. The criterion validity, convergent validity,
      discrimination validity and screening validity were acceptable though different
      cut-off points were recommended by different studies. The pooled sensitivity of
      the 11 studies evaluating PHQ-9 was 0.88 (95%CI: 0.85-0.91) while the pooled
      specificity was 0.89 (95%CI: 0.82-0.94), which demonstrated the applicability of
      PHQ-9 in screening depression. Conclusion: The reliability and validity of
      different depression scales of Chinese version are acceptable. The
      characteristics of different tools and study population should be taken into
      consideration when choosing a specific scale.

PMID- 28100389
TI  - [Effect of combination model on fitting cancer mortality and prediction].
AB  - Objective: To reduce the cancer burden in the Jinchang cohort and provide
      evidence for developing cancer prevention strategies and performing effectiveness
      evaluation in the Jinchang cohort. We are fitting thirteen years of cancer
      mortality data from the Jinchang cohort by using six kinds of predicting methods
      to compare relative fitness and to select good predicting methods for the
      prediction of cancer mortality trends. Methods: The mortality data of cancer in
      Jinchnag cohort from 2001-2013 were fitted using six kinds of predicting methods:
      dynamic series, linear regression, exponential smoothing, autoregressive
      integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, grey model (GM), and Joinpoint
      regression. Weight coefficients of combination models were calculated by four
      methods: the arithmetic average method, the variance inverse method, the mean
      square error inverse method, and the simple weighted average method. Results: The
      cancer mortality was fitted and compared by using six kinds of forecasting
      methods; the fitting precision of the Joinpoint linear regression had the highest
      accuracy (87.64%), followed by linear regression (87.32%), the dynamic series
      (86.99%), GM (1, 1) (86.25%), exponential smoothing (85.72%) and ARIMA (1, 0, 0)
      (81.98%), respectively. Prediction accuracy of the combination model derived from
      GM (1, 1) and linear regression (>99%) was higher than that of the combination
      model derived from ARIMA (1, 0, 0) and GM (1, 1). The combination model derived
      from the GM (1, 1) and linear regression, with weight coefficients based on the
      arithmetic average method and the mean square error inverse method, had the best
      prediction effect of the four weight calculation methods. Conclusion: Prediction
      accuracy of the combination model, with accuracy >95%, was higher than that of
      the single prediction methods.

PMID- 28100390
TI  - [How to write high-quality epidemiological research paper VI. Strengthening the
      Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Nutritional Epidemiology
      (STROBE-nut)].
AB  - Concerns have been raised about the reporting quality in nutritional
      epidemiology. Therefore, strengthening the reporting of observational studies in
      epidemiology-nutritional epidemiology (STROBE-nut) has been proposed by extending
      the STROBE statement to include additional recommendations on issues related to
      nutritional epidemiology and dietary assessment, aiming to provide more specific
      guidelines on how to report observational research in the field. This paper
      presents a brief introduction to STROBE-nut and also an explanation of the key
      points in the additional items, with an example illustrating the application of
      the checklist.

PMID- 28100391
TI  - [A review of progress in research of effect of air pollutants on fetal growth].
AB  - Slow fetal growth is a global public health concern because it might be
      associated with many diseases later in life. With the progress of technology to
      measure long-term air pollution exposure. Many epidemiological studies have
      evaluated the effects of maternal air pollutant exposure on fetal growth. In this
      paper, we summarize the research progress in this field after the analysis on the
      related literatures retrieved from the databases of Medline and Web of Science.

PMID- 28100392
TI  - Replication Study: The CD47-signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPa) interaction
      is a therapeutic target for human solid tumors.
AB  - In 2015, as part of the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology, we published a
      Registered Report (Chroscinski et al., 2015) that described how we intended to
      replicate selected experiments from the paper "The CD47-signal regulatory protein
      alpha (SIRPa) interaction is a therapeutic target for human solid tumors
      "(Willingham et al., 2012). Here we report the results of those experiments. We
      found that treatment of immune competent mice bearing orthotopic breast tumors
      with anti-mouse CD47 antibodies resulted in short-term anemia compared to
      controls, consistent with the previously described function of CD47 in normal
      phagocytosis of aging red blood cells and results reported in the original study
      (Table S4; Willingham et al., 2012). The weight of tumors after 30 days
      administration of anti-CD47 antibodies or IgG isotype control were not found to
      be statistically different, whereas the original study reported inhibition of
      tumor growth with anti-CD47 treatment (Figure 6A,B; Willingham et al., 2012).
      However, our efforts to replicate this experiment were confounded because
      spontaneous regression of tumors occurred in several of the mice. Additionally,
      the excised tumors were scored for inflammatory cell infiltrates. We found IgG
      and anti-CD47 treated tumors resulted in minimal to moderate lymphocytic
      infiltrate, while the original study observed sparse lymphocytic infiltrate in
      IgG-treated tumors and increased inflammatory cell infiltrates in anti-CD47
      treated tumors (Figure 6C; Willingham et al., 2012). Furthermore, we observed
      neutrophilic infiltration was slightly increased in anti-CD47 treated tumors
      compared to IgG control. Finally, we report a meta-analysis of the result.

PMID- 28100393
TI  - Melanoma mystery.
AB  - Biological variability has confounded efforts to confirm the role of PREX2
      mutations in melanoma.

PMID- 28100394
TI  - Replication Study: Melanoma genome sequencing reveals frequent PREX2 mutations.
AB  - In 2015, as part of the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology, we published a
      Registered Report (Chroscinski et al., 2014) that described how we intended to
      replicate selected experiments from the paper "Melanoma genome sequencing reveals
      frequent PREX2 mutations" (Berger et al., 2012). Here we report the results of
      those experiments. We regenerated cells stably expressing ectopic wild-type and
      mutant phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Rac exchange factor 2
      (PREX2) using the same immortalized human NRASG12D melanocytes as the original
      study. Evaluation of PREX2 expression in these newly generated stable cells
      revealed varying levels of expression among the PREX2 isoforms, which was also
      observed in the stable cells made in the original study (Figure S6A; Berger et
      al., 2012). Additionally, ectopically expressed PREX2 was found to be at least 5
      times above endogenous PREX2 expression. The monitoring of tumor formation of
      these stable cells in vivo resulted in no statistically significant difference in
      tumor-free survival driven by PREX2 variants, whereas the original study reported
      that these PREX2 mutations increased the rate of tumor incidence compared to
      controls (Figure 3B and S6B; Berger et al., 2012). Surprisingly, the median tumor
      free survival was 1 week in this replication attempt, while 70% of the control
      mice were reported to be tumor-free after 9 weeks in the original study. The
      rapid tumor onset observed in this replication attempt, compared to the original
      study, makes the detection of accelerated tumor growth in PREX2 expressing
      NRASG12D melanocytes extremely difficult. Finally, we report meta-analyses for
      each result.

PMID- 28100395
TI  - Replication Study: Coadministration of a tumor-penetrating peptide enhances the
      efficacy of cancer drugs.
AB  - In 2015, as part of the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology, we published a
      Registered Report (Kandela et al., 2015) that described how we intended to
      replicate selected experiments from the paper "Coadministration of a tumor
      penetrating peptide enhances the efficacy of cancer drugs" (Sugahara et al.,
      2010). Here we report the results of those experiments. We found that
      coadministration with iRGD peptide did not have an impact on permeability of the
      chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) in a xenograft model of prostate cancer,
      whereas the original study reported that it increased the penetrance of this
      cancer drug (Figure 2B; Sugahara et al., 2010). Further, in mice bearing
      orthotopic 22Rv1 human prostate tumors, we did not find a statistically
      significant difference in tumor weight for mice treated with DOX and iRGD
      compared to DOX alone, whereas the original study reported a decrease in tumor
      weight when DOX was coadministered with iRGD (Figure 2C; Sugahara et al., 2010).
      In addition, we did not find a statistically significant difference in TUNEL
      staining in tumor tissue between mice treated with DOX and iRGD compared to DOX
      alone, while the original study reported an increase in TUNEL positive staining
      with iRGD coadministration (Figure 2D; Sugahara et al., 2010). Similar to the
      original study (Supplemental Figure 9A; Sugahara et al., 2010), we did not
      observe an impact on mouse body weight with DOX and iRGD treatment. Finally, we
      report meta-analyses for each result.

PMID- 28100396
TI  - Small molecules remain on target for c-Myc.
AB  - Targeting the transcription factor c-Myc via one of its coactivator proteins is a
      promising strategy for cancer therapy.

PMID- 28100397
TI  - Replication Study: Discovery and preclinical validation of drug indications using
      compendia of public gene expression data.
AB  - In 2015, as part of the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology, we published a
      Registered Report (Kandela et al., 2015) that described how we intended to
      replicate selected experiments from the paper "Discovery and Preclinical
      Validation of Drug Indications Using Compendia of Public Gene Expression Data"
      (Sirota et al., 2011). Here we report the results of those experiments. We found
      that cimetidine treatment in a xenograft model using A549 lung adenocarcinoma
      cells resulted in decreased tumor volume compared to vehicle control; however,
      while the effect was in the same direction as the original study (Figure 4C;
      Sirota et al., 2011), it was not statistically significant. Cimetidine treatment
      in a xenograft model using ACHN renal cell carcinoma cells did not differ from
      vehicle control treatment, similar to the original study (Supplemental Figure 1;
      Sirota et al., 2011). Doxorubicin treatment in a xenograft model using A549 lung
      adenocarcinoma cells did not result in a statistically significant difference
      compared to vehicle control despite tumor volume being reduced to levels similar
      to those reported in the original study (Figure 4C; Sirota et al., 2011).
      Finally, we report a random effects meta-analysis for each result. These meta
      analyses show that the inhibition of A549 derived tumors by cimetidine resulted
      in a statistically significant effect, as did the inhibition of A549 derived
      tumors by doxorubicin. The effect of cimetidine on ACHN derived tumors was not
      statistically significant, as predicted.

PMID- 28100398
TI  - Making sense of replications.
AB  - The first results from the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology suggest that
      there is scope for improving reproducibility in pre-clinical cancer research.

PMID- 28100399
TI  - Mixed outcomes for computational predictions.
AB  - Experimental efforts to validate the output of a computational model that
      predicts new uses for existing drugs highlights the inherently complex nature of
      cancer biology.

PMID- 28100400
TI  - Replication Study: BET bromodomain inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to target
      c-Myc.
AB  - In 2015, as part of the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology, we published a
      Registered Report (Kandela et al., 2015) that described how we intended to
      replicate selected experiments from the paper "BET bromodomain inhibition as a
      therapeutic strategy to target c-Myc" (Delmore et al., 2011). Here we report the
      results of those experiments. We found that treatment of human multiple myeloma
      (MM) cells with the small-molecular inhibitor of BET bromodomains, (+)-JQ1,
      selectively downregulated MYC transcription, which is similar to what was
      reported in the original study (Figure 3B; Delmore et al., 2011). Efficacy of (+)
      JQ1 was evaluated in an orthotopically xenografted model of MM. Overall survival
      was increased in (+)-JQ1 treated mice compared to vehicle control, similar to the
      original study (Figure 7E; Delmore et al., 2011). Tumor burden, as determined by
      bioluminescence, was decreased in (+)-JQ1 treated mice compared to vehicle
      control; however, while the effect was in the same direction as the original
      study (Figure 7C-D; Delmore et al., 2011), it was not statistically significant.
      The opportunity to detect a statistically significant difference was limited
      though, due to the higher rate of early death in the control group, and increased
      overall survival in (+)-JQ1 treated mice before the pre-specified tumor burden
      analysis endpoint. Additionally, we evaluated the (-)-JQ1 enantiomer that is
      structurally incapable of inhibiting BET bromodomains, which resulted in a
      minimal impact on MYC transcription, but did not result in a statistically
      significant difference in tumor burden or survival distributions compared to
      treatment with (+)-JQ1. Finally, we report meta-analyses for each result.

PMID- 28100401
TI  - Modelling the long-term evolution of worst-case Arctic oil spills.
AB  - We present worst-case assessments of contamination in sea ice and surface waters
      resulting from hypothetical well blowout oil spills at ten sites in the Arctic
      Ocean basin. Spill extents are estimated by considering Eulerian passive tracers
      in the surface ocean of the MITgcm (a hydrostatic, coupled ice-ocean model). Oil
      in sea ice, and contamination resulting from melting of oiled ice, is tracked
      using an offline Lagrangian scheme. Spills are initialized on November 1st 1980
      2010 and tracked for one year. An average spill was transported 1100km and
      potentially affected 1.1 million km2. The direction and magnitude of simulated
      oil trajectories are consistent with known large-scale current and sea ice
      circulation patterns, and trajectories frequently cross international boundaries.
      The simulated trajectories of oil in sea ice match observed ice drift
      trajectories well. During the winter oil transport by drifting sea ice is more
      significant than transport with surface currents.

PMID- 28100403
TI  - Concordance between Women's Self-Reported Reasons for Cesarean Delivery and
      Hospital Discharge Records.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women's self-reports of whether they had a cesarean delivery are
      nearly 100% accurate, but there is little extant research on how accurately women
      self-report reasons for cesarean delivery when asked to recall this information
      in the postpartum period. OBJECTIVE: We compared women's self-reported reasons
      for cesarean with their hospital discharge records and examined correlates of
      variability in agreement between sources. METHODS: Data are from the First Baby
      Study, a cohort of 3,006 women who gave birth to their first baby between 2009
      and 2011. Survey data were linked to hospital discharge records. Among women who
      delivered by cesarean (n = 846), we assessed the probability that women's self
      reported reasons for cesarean delivery were confirmed by hospital discharge
      records (positive predictive value [PPV]), and whether agreement differed by
      reason for cesarean or by women's characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 91% of women
      reported a reason for their cesarean that was present in the discharge data. PPV
      varied by reason for cesarean, with high PPV for dystocia, macrosomia, and
      cephalopelvic disproportion (91.1%), and lower PPV for malposition (81.7%). In
      multivariable models, women with more education and higher family income had
      higher odds of concordance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some variation in the
      probability that women's self-reported reason for cesarean is supported by the
      hospital discharge record, more than 90% of women reported a reason that was
      found in their discharge record. Accurate recall of reasons for prior cesarean
      may help women and clinicians to manage future pregnancies.

PMID- 28100404
TI  - Gallbladder adenomyomatosis: not always benign.

PMID- 28100405
TI  - Dynamic Hilbert warping, a new measure of RR-interval signals evaluated in the
      cognitive load estimation.
AB  - RR interval (RRI) signals represent the time intervals between successive heart R
      waves. These signals are influenced by many cognitive and psychological
      processes. In this study, a new technique based on the combination of empirical
      mode decomposition and dynamic Hilbert warping (DHW) was proposed to inference
      cognitive states from measured RRI signals. Moreover, a set of entropic and
      statistical measures was extracted to characterize the regularity and temporal
      distribution in the phase spectra and amplitude envelope of the analytic signals.
      The discriminating capability of the proposed method was studied in 45 healthy
      subjects. They performed an arithmetic task with five levels of difficulty. The
      study indicated the importance of phase information in cognitive load estimation
      (CLE). The new phase characteristics were able to extract hidden information from
      the RRI signals. The results revealed a striking decrease in DHW value with
      increasing load level. The entropic measures of analytic signal also showed an
      increasing trend as the mental load increased. Although, phase information had an
      ability to discriminate between more distinct levels as well as between more
      similar ones, amplitude information was effective only in discriminating between
      more distinct levels.

PMID- 28100406
TI  - Modeling of path planning and needle steering with path tracking in anatomical
      soft tissues for minimally invasive surgery.
AB  - Steerable needles can potentially improve the effectiveness of diagnostic and
      therapeutic procedures, such as biopsy and cancer treatment, by increasing the
      targeting accuracy and reaching previously inaccessible targets. A discrete
      potential field algorithm based on three dimensional (3D) anatomical structures
      is proposed in this paper to plan the needle path in minimally invasive surgery.
      A 3D kinematic model of needle steering is formulated using Lie group theory.
      Model parameters are fitted using experimental data acquired via a 2-degree of
      freedom robotic device and an ultrasound imaging device. To execute the paths
      with variable curvatures, the model is incorporated with duty cycled spinning.
      Empirical formula between needle curvature and duty cycled factor is obtained
      through insertion experiments. To improve the targeting accuracy, a path tracking
      algorithm is developed by correcting for the heading error and cross-track error
      of the needle tip. The targeting error of the simulation is 0.29 mm. We
      experimentally evaluate the path tracking model and it achieves an average
      targeting error of 1.15 +/- 0.56 mm in 3D environments with anatomical obstacles.
      The results of simulation are in agreement with steering experiments, showing
      that the discrete potential field algorithm and path tracking model have the
      potential to improve targeting accuracy and advance the therapeutic and
      diagnostic procedures.

PMID- 28100402
TI  - The Randomized, Controlled Trial of Late Surfactant: Effects on Respiratory
      Outcomes at 1-Year Corrected Age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of late surfactant on respiratory outcomes
      determined at 1-year corrected age in the Trial of Late Surfactant (TOLSURF),
      which randomized newborns of extremely low gestational age (<=28 weeks'
      gestational age) ventilated at 7-14 days to late surfactant and inhaled nitric
      oxide vs inhaled nitric oxide-alone (control). STUDY DESIGN: Caregivers were
      surveyed in a double-blinded manner at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months' corrected age to
      collect information on respiratory resource use (infant medication use, home
      support, and hospitalization). Infants were classified for composite outcomes of
      pulmonary morbidity (no PM, determined in infants with no reported respiratory
      resource use) and persistent PM (determined in infants with any resource use in
      >=3 surveys). RESULTS: Infants (n = 450, late surfactant n = 217, control n =
      233) were 25.3 +/- 1.2 weeks' gestation and 713 +/- 164 g at birth. In the late
      surfactant group, fewer infants received home respiratory support than in the
      control group (35.8% vs 52.9%, relative benefit [RB] 1.28 [95% CI 1.07-1.55]).
      There was no benefit of late surfactant for No PM vs PM (RB 1.27; 95% CI 0.89
      1.81) or no persistent PM vs persistent PM (RB 1.01; 95% CI 0.87-1.17). After
      adjustment for imbalances in baseline characteristics, relative benefit of late
      surfactant treatment increased: RB 1.40 (95% CI 0.89-1.80) for no PM and RB 1.24
      (95% CI 1.08-1.42) for no persistent PM. CONCLUSION: Treatment of newborns of
      extremely low gestational age with late surfactant in combination with inhaled
      nitric oxide decreased use of home respiratory support and may decrease
      persistent pulmonary morbidity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT01022580.

PMID- 28100407
TI  - Pressure ulcer reconstruction in patients with heterotopic ossification after
      spinal cord injury: A case series and review of literature.
AB  - Heterotopic ossification (HO) is widely recognized as a common occurrence among
      patients suffering from traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI). The exact etiology
      of HO formation remains unknown. Published medical and surgical management
      strategies are often plagued with questionable effectiveness and frequent
      complications. There are minimal publications regarding the management strategies
      of HO in SCI patients as it pertains to plastic surgery. We present a case series
      of patients treated at our institution who underwent treatment for pressure
      ulcers with underlying HO to highlight the vast spectrum of clinical phenotypes
      present in this population. The pathophysiology, diagnostic tools, methods of
      prevention, and surgical management of HO are discussed here. We believe that
      there are two clinically relevant patterns of HO in SCI patients. A neurogenic
      process that occurs early after injury is usually bilateral and involves
      uninjured hip joints. Pressure sores that occur are related to poor joint
      mobility and subsequent development of pressure points. An infection-driven
      process in which HO development is associated with either pressure sores or
      septic hip joints is generally unilateral and not always associated with hip
      contractures. They present different challenges and reconstructive options to
      plastic surgeons. Although complications such as infection and HO recurrence are
      common, the functional and psychological benefits of restoring hip flexion are
      usually worthwhile.

PMID- 28100408
TI  - Increased cerebrospinal fluid progranulin correlates with interleukin-6 in the
      acute phase of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
AB  - We examined progranulin (PGRN) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples during
      the acute phase in 15 patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
      (NMOSD) and compared the results with those from 17 patients with multiple
      sclerosis (MS), 30 patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases (OIND),
      and 20 non-inflammatory controls (NIC). CSF PGRN levels of NMOSD patients were
      significantly higher than those of MS patients and NICs. These levels correlated
      with CSF interleukin-6 levels, CSF cell counts, CSF protein levels, improvements
      in the Expanded Disability Status Scale score, and affected total spinal cord
      lesion length in the NMOSD patients.

PMID- 28100409
TI  - Effect of thymectomy for thymic atrophy in myasthenia gravis: A retrospective
      study on 93 patients.
AB  - To clarify the efficacy of thymectomy among myasthenia gravis (MG) patients with
      and without thymoma. We classified MG patients who underwent thymectomy into 3
      groups, such as thymic atrophy group, thymic follicular hyperplasia (TFH) group
      and thymoma group. We compared the data of clinical features and postoperative
      prognosis at very short-term, short-term, and medium-term. The clinical course of
      MG patients with atrophic thymus after thymectomy was even better than those of
      TFH or thymoma, in this retrospective study. However, we found no significant
      differences in the comparison of mean dose of prednisolone between the 3 groups
      at each time point.

PMID- 28100410
TI  - COMP serum levels: A new non-invasive biomarker of liver fibrosis in patients
      with chronic viral hepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recently we have shown that cartilage oligomeric matrix
      protein (COMP), a fibrillar collagen assembly regulator, is strongly associated
      with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Therefore, we assessed
      whether serum COMP levels can be used as a non-invasive fibrosis marker in
      patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) and compared this marker with
      standard methods for disease stage assessment [histology, transient elastography
      (TE), APRI, FIB-4]. METHODS: Sera from 116 CVH patients, 66 HBV [24 female;
      median age 53(22-76)] and 50 HCV [21 female; median age 48.5(25-69)] were
      investigated by COMP-ELISA. APRI and FIB-4 score was calculated in all along with
      TE. Liver biopsy was performed in 61. Patients were divided into two groups
      (F1/F2 and F3/F4) according to Metavir score. RESULTS: 55/116 (47%) CVH patients
      were classified in F3/F4-group according to TE [14.3(9.3-75)kPa]. APRI score was
      >1.5 in 21/116 and FIB-4>3.25 in 20/116. Liver histology revealed 24/61 (39%)
      patients with significant fibrosis (stage 3-4), while 12/61 (19.7%) had
      cirrhosis. COMP levels correlated with TE measurements (r=0.5; p<0.001) and APRI
      score (r=0.23; p<0.02). The diagnostic accuracy of COMP in detecting cirrhosis
      was as good as TE, APRI and FIB-4 index (AUC 0.884) with sensitivity and
      specificity of 83.3% and 83.7% (cut-off 11.5U/L). CONCLUSIONS: COMP serum levels
      performed as well as TE, APRI and FIB4 score in detecting cirrhosis in CVH
      patients, suggesting COMP as a sensitive non-invasive, easy to perform biomarker
      of liver fibrosis. Further studies are needed in order to validate our findings
      in CVH patients.

PMID- 28100411
TI  - Comparison of mid-term results between conversion total knee arthroplasties
      following closed wedge high tibial osteotomy and primary total knee
      arthroplasties: A matched pair study including patellar symptom and position.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare mid-term clinical and
      radiographic results of conversion total knee arthroplasties (TKA) following a
      closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and primary TKAs. METHODS: A total of 32
      conversion TKAs (29 patients) were compared with a matched control group of
      patients who had undergone primary TKA. The clinical results were evaluated using
      the Knee Society Knee and Function score, the Western Ontario and McMaster
      Universities score, patella score, and range of motion (ROM). The radiographic
      results were evaluated using femorotibial angle, mechanical axis (MA), the method
      employed by the American Knee Society, joint line height (JLH), the amount of
      tibial bone resection, and the Insall-Salvati ratio. The clinical and
      radiographic results of conversion TKAs were compared with primary TKAs. The
      thickness of the polyethylene insert was also compared. RESULTS: No significant
      differences were observed in the clinical scores or ROM between two groups. No
      significant differences were detected in femorotibial angle, MA, and position of
      the components between two groups. The amount of tibial bone resection and pre
      operative JLH both were significantly lower in the conversion group than those in
      the control group, although postoperative JLH and pre and postoperative Insall
      Salvati ratio did not differ between two groups. No significant difference in the
      thickness of the polyethylene insert was identified between two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The previous closed-wedge HTO itself had no detrimental effect on
      the mid-term outcome of the subsequent TKA, including patellar symptom and
      position. No significant differences in the postoperative joint line and patella
      height were detected between the conversion and primary TKA groups.

PMID- 28100414
TI  - Stephen Kuffler.

PMID- 28100413
TI  - Bipolar Disorder and Dementia: Weighing the Evidence.

PMID- 28100412
TI  - Virome of US bovine calf serum.
AB  - Using viral metagenomics we analyzed four bovine serum pools assembled from 715
      calves in the United States. Two parvoviruses, bovine parvovirus 2 (BPV2) and a
      previously uncharacterized parvovirus designated as bosavirus (BosaV), were
      detected in 3 and 4 pools respectively and their complete coding sequences
      generated. Based on NS1 protein identity, bosavirus qualifies as a member of a
      new species in the copiparvovirus genus. Also detected were low number of reads
      matching ungulate tetraparvovirus 2, bovine hepacivirus, and several
      papillomaviruses. This study further characterizes the diversity of viruses in
      calf serum with the potential to infect fetuses and through fetal bovine serum
      contaminate cell cultures.

PMID- 28100415
TI  - A 10-year trend of dental treatments under general anesthesia of children in
      Taipei Veterans General Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: General anesthesia (GA) as a pediatric dental procedure is a well
      established method of behavior management. However, studies of pediatric
      dentistry under GA have mostly focused on handicapped patients, and various
      retrospective studies in Taiwan have mainly reviewed only a limited number of
      years. The purpose of the present study was to report trends in pediatric dental
      treatment performed under GA over the past 10 years. METHODS: A retrospective
      review of the hospital records of patients receiving dental treatment under GA
      from 2006 until 2015 was performed. The patients were divided into three age
      groups: < 3 years, 3-6 years, and > 6 years. A range of information including
      basic patient characteristics and types of dental treatment was identified and
      then analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 791 cases (< 3 years old: 65 cases, 3-6 years
      old: 492, > 6 years old: 235; 549 male, 242 female) were treated under GA. The
      case number was found to have increased from 94 during 2006-2007 to 238 during
      2014-2015, with the increase being especially pronounced among those aged 3-6
      years (2006-2007: 49, 2014-2015: 165). The most common treatments (extraction,
      restoration, and pulp therapy) were associated with multiple dental caries (684,
      86.4%). The < 3-years-old group was characterized by the highest decayed,
      extracted, and filled surface and decayed, missing, and filled surface indices;
      the highest mean number of treated teeth; and the highest mean number of treated
      teeth by composite resin fillings. The 3-6-years-old group had the highest number
      of primary teeth extractions. The > 6-years-old group had the lowest mean number
      of treated teeth by stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) and fewest cases treated with
      pulp therapy. From 2011 onwards, the number of primary tooth extractions
      significantly increased, while in 2013, there was a crossover whereby the SSC
      count surpassed the composite resin filling count. CONCLUSION: Over the past 10
      years, there has been an increased use of GA for pediatric dental treatments, in
      particular, in cases with multiple dental caries. In addition, there has also
      been an increasing trend towards extraction of primary teeth and the use of SSCs.

PMID- 28100417
TI  - Long-range and regional transported size-resolved atmospheric aerosols during
      summertime in urban Shanghai.
AB  - In this study, the concentrations of water soluble ions (WSI), organic carbon
      (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) of size-resolved (0.056-18MUm) atmospheric
      aerosols were measured in July and August 2015 in Shanghai, China. Backward
      trajectory model and potential source contribution function (PSCF) model were
      used to identify the potential source distributions of size-resolved particles
      and PM1.8-associated atmospheric inorganic and carbonaceous aerosols. The results
      showed that the average mass concentrations of PM0.1, PM1, and PM1.8 were 21.21,
      82.90, and 100.1MUgm-3 in July and 7.00, 29.21, and 35.10MUgm-3 in August,
      respectively, indicating that the particulate matter pollution was more serious
      in July than in August in this study due to the strong dependence of the aerosol
      species on the air mass origins. The trajectory cluster analysis revealed that
      the air masses originated from heavily industrialized areas including the Pearl
      River Delta (PRD) region, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region and the Beijing
      Tianjin region were characterised with high OC and SO42- loadings. The results of
      PSCF showed that the pollution in July was mainly influenced by long-range
      transport while it was mainly associated to local and intra-regional transport in
      August. Besides the contributions of anthropogenic sources from YRD and PRD
      region, ship emissions from the East China Sea also made a great contribution to
      the high loadings of PM1.8 and PM1.8-associated NO3-, NH4+, and EC in July. SO42-
      in Shanghai was dominantly ascribed to anthropogenic sources and the high PSCF
      values for PM1.8-associated SO42- observed in August was mainly due to the ship
      emissions of Shanghai port, such as Wusong port and Yangshan deep-water port.
      These results indicated that the particulate pollutants from long-range
      transported air masses and shipping made a significant contribution to Shanghai's
      air pollution.

PMID- 28100416
TI  - A retrospective analysis of the clinical effects of neoadjuvant combination
      therapy with full-dose gemcitabine and radiation therapy in patients with biliary
      tract cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate survival and the objective response to
      neoadjuvant combination therapy with gemcitabine and radiation therapy in
      patients with biliary tract cancer. METHODS: The chemoradiation therapy regimen
      consisted of 3 cycles of full-dose gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 at days 1, 8, and 15,
      every 4 weeks) with 50-60 Gy radiation. We compared 27 patients who received
      neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and 79 patients who were treated without
      neoadjuvant therapy. Hemi-hepatectomy or pancreatoduodenectomy was planned for
      all of the patients in the study population. CT-based staging was used to adjust
      for the pre-treatment characteristics of the patients. RESULTS: After confirming
      the reproducibility of CT-based staging, we analyzed the survival of the
      patients. The multivariate analysis showed that the absence of arterial invasion
      on CT, the absence of lymph node swelling, and neoadjuvant therapy were
      independent prognostic factors. The three-year recurrence-free survival (RFS)
      rates in patients treated with and without neoadjuvant therapy were 78% and 58%,
      respectively (P = 0.0263). The adjusted overall survival (OS) (determined by the
      inverse probability of treatment weighting method using the inverse propensity
      score) was improved by neoadjuvant therapy (P = 0.00187); the hazard ratio was
      0.3505. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy might have the potential
      to improve RFS and OS. REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR UMIN000015450.

PMID- 28100418
TI  - Persistent organic pollutants in the Atlantic and southern oceans and oceanic
      atmosphere.
AB  - Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) continue to cycle through the atmosphere and
      hydrosphere despite banned or severely restricted usages. Global scale analyses
      of POPs are challenging, but knowledge of the current distribution of these
      compounds is needed to understand the movement and long-term consequences of
      their global use. In the current study, air and seawater samples were collected
      Oct. 2007-Jan. 2008 aboard the Icebreaker Oden en route from Goteborg, Sweden to
      McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Both air and surface seawater samples consistently
      contained alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH), gamma-HCH, hexachlorobenzene
      (HCB), alpha-Endosulfan, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Sample
      concentrations for most POPs in air were higher in the northern hemisphere with
      the exception of HCB, which had high gas phase concentrations in the northern and
      southern latitudes and low concentrations near the equator. South Atlantic and
      Southern Ocean seawater had a high ratio of alpha-HCH to gamma-HCH, indicating
      persisting levels from technical grade sources. The Atlantic and Southern Ocean
      continue to be net sinks for atmospheric alpha-, gamma-HCH, and Endosulfan
      despite declining usage.

PMID- 28100420
TI  - Osteoarthritis year in review 2016: mechanics.
AB  - Inappropriate biomechanics, namely wear-and-tear, has been long believed to be a
      main cause of osteoarthritis (OA). However, this view is now being re-evaluated,
      especially when examined alongside mechanobiology and new biomechanical studies.
      These are multiscale experimental and computational studies focussing on cell-
      and tissue-level mechanobiology through to organ- and whole-body-level
      biomechanics, which focuses on the biomechanical and biochemical environment of
      the joint tissues. This review examined papers from April 2015 to April 2016,
      with a focus on multiscale experimental and computational biomechanical studies
      of OA. Assessing the onset or progression of OA at organ- and whole-body-levels,
      gait analysis, medical imaging and neuromusculoskeletal modelling revealed the
      extent to which tissue damage changes the view of inappropriate biomechanics.
      Traditional gait analyses studies reported that conservative treatments can alter
      joint biomechanics, thereby improving pain and function experienced by those with
      OA. Results of animal models of OA were consistent with these human studies,
      showing interactions among bone, cartilage and meniscus biomechanics and the
      onset and/or progression OA. Going down size scales, experimental and
      computational studies probed the nanosize biomechanics of molecules, cells and
      extracellular matrix, and demonstrated how the interactions between biomechanics
      and morphology affect cartilage dynamic poroelastic behaviour and pathways to OA.
      Finally, integration of multiscale experimental data and computational models
      were proposed to predict cartilage extracellular matrix remodelling and the
      development of OA. Summarising, experimental and computational methods provided a
      nuanced biomechanical understanding of the sub-cellular, cellular, tissue, organ
      and whole-body mechanisms involved in OA.

PMID- 28100419
TI  - Redox dysregulation, immuno-inflammatory alterations and genetic variants of BDNF
      and MMP-9 in schizophrenia: Pathophysiological and phenotypic implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although a clear mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of
      schizophrenia (SZ) remains elusive, oxidative stress, inflammatory syndrome and
      immune activation have become an attractive hypothesis for explaining the
      pathophysiology of SZ. Data from prior studies on the role of matrix
      metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SZ are contradictory. We aimed to investigate
      whether oxidative stress, inflammatory and immune activation markers as well as
      MMP-9 levels may be implicated in SZ pathogenesis. The association of MMP-9 and
      BDNF SNPs with the clinical expression of SZ was examined. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      Ninety-four subjects were recruited, including 44 SZ patients and 50 healthy
      controls. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS),
      protein carbonyl content (PCC), nitrite, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6
      (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), Beta-2 microglobulin (Beta2M),
      complement component 3 (C3), C4 and MMP-9 were measured. The MMP-9 -1562C>T and
      BDNF196G>A SNPs were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism assay. Psychopathology was assessed using the
      positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS). RESULTS: SZ patients showed
      significantly higher TBARS, PCC, nitrite, CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, Beta2M, C3 and
      MMP-9 levels than controls. In distinguishing SZ patients from healthy controls,
      CRP and MMP-9 yielded similar discriminatory performance, and both perform better
      than IL-6, Beta2M, C3, nitrite, TBARS, PCC, TNF-alpha and C4. The MMP-9 -1562C>T
      SNP genotypes distribution didn't differ significantly between controls and SZ
      patients. As compared to controls, SZ patients harbor a significantly higher
      frequency of the BDNF196GG genotype and a lower frequency of the BDNF196GA/AA
      genotype. Patients carrying the MMP-9 -1562CC or BDNF196GG genotype revealed a
      significantly higher PANSS than those carrying MMP-9 -1562CT/TT or BDNF196GA/AA
      genotype. Male gender and the MMP-9 -1562CC genotype were identified as
      independent predictive factors for higher PANSS. CONCLUSIONS: Redox dysregulation
      and alterations in the immuno-inflammatory pathways are major culprits in the
      pathogenesis of SZ. MMP-9 and BDNF SNPs are associated with the clinical
      phenotype of SZ and, thus, may be a useful marker predicting the phenotypic
      expression and prognosis of SZ patients.

PMID- 28100421
TI  - Osteoarthritis year in review 2016: biology.
AB  - This review highlights a selection of literature in the area of osteoarthritis
      biology published between the 2015 and 2016 Osteoarthritis Research Society
      International (OARSI) World Congress. Highlights were selected from a pubmed
      search covering cartilage, bone, inflammation and pain. A personal selection was
      made based, amongst other things, on topics presented during the 2015 conference.
      This covers circadian rhythm, TGF-beta signaling, autophagy, SIRT6, exercise,
      lubricin, TLR's, pain and NGF. Furthermore, in this review we have made an effort
      to connect these seemingly distant topics into one scheme of connections between
      them, revealing a theoretical big picture underneath.

PMID- 28100422
TI  - Osteoarthritis year in review 2016: genetics, genomics and epigenetics.
AB  - The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview of last year's
      publications in the field of genetics, genomics and epigenetics in the
      osteoarthritis (OA) field. Major themes arising from a Pubmed search on
      (epi)genetics in OA were identified. In addition, general developments in the
      fast evolving field of (epi)genetics are reviewed and relevance for the OA field
      is summarized. In the last 5 years, a number of genome-wide association studies
      have identified a modest number of genetic loci associated to OA. Continued
      functional research into these DNA variants is showing putative biological
      mechanisms underlying these associations. Over the last year, no additional large
      genome-wide association studies were published, but there clearly remains much to
      be discovered in the OA genetic field. A lot of research has been done into the
      epigenetics of OA over the last year. Several genome-wide screens examining the
      methylome of osteoarthritic cartilage were done. Pathway analysis confirmed
      deregulation of developmental and extracellular pathways in OA cartilage. Over
      the last year many microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified that potentially play
      important roles in cartilage homeostasis and/or OA process. Continued research
      will learn whether these identified miRNAs are truly causal and can be used in
      clinical applications. Many of the epigenetic findings need further confirmation,
      but they highlight potential novel pathways involved in cartilage biology and OA.

PMID- 28100423
TI  - Osteoarthritis year in review 2016: clinical.
AB  - Both epidemiologic and clinical research continues to be performed in
      osteoarthritis (OA). While epidemiologic studies identify risk factors for
      incident and progressive disease, clinical studies explore the role of both non
      pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments, including oral and intra-articular
      therapies. We performed a systematic review of the literature using PubMed for
      the time period between April 1, 2015 to February 22, 2016. Selected publications
      in the areas of both epidemiology and treatment are reviewed in this article.

PMID- 28100424
TI  - Adjunctive antidepressants in bipolar depression.

PMID- 28100425
TI  - Safety and efficacy of adjunctive second-generation antidepressant therapy with a
      mood stabiliser or an atypical antipsychotic in acute bipolar depression: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although mania and hypomania define bipolar disorder, depressive
      episodes are more common and impairing, with few proven treatments. Adjunctive
      therapy with second-generation antidepressants is widely used to treat acute
      bipolar depression, but their efficacy and safety remain controversial. METHODS:
      In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov from
      inception to Jan 31, 2016, for randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      trials of second-generation antidepressants adjunctive to a mood stabiliser or an
      antipsychotic in patients with acute bipolar depression. We extracted data from
      published reports. The primary outcome was change in clinician-rated depressive
      symptom score; secondary outcomes were clinical response, clinical remission,
      treatment-emergent mania or hypomania, and tolerability (using dropout rates as a
      proxy). We used pooled random-effects models, subgroup comparisons, and meta
      regression for analyses. We made subgroup comparisons on the basis of mood
      stabiliser or antipsychotic treatment and did meta-regression examining trial
      duration. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD#42015016024.
      FINDINGS: We identified six trials representing 1383 patients with bipolar
      depression. Second-generation antidepressants were associated with a small but
      significant improvement in clinician-rated depressive symptom score (standardised
      mean differences 0.165 [95% CI 0.051-0.278], p=0.004). However, clinical response
      and remission rates did not differ significantly between patients receiving
      adjunctive antidepressants and those receiving placebo (1.158 [0.840-1.597],
      p=0.371 for clinical response; 1.220 [0.874-1.703], p=0.243 for remission). Acute
      treatment was not associated with an increased risk of treatment-emergent mania
      or hypomania (0.926 [0.576-1.491], p=0.753), but 52 week extension periods were
      associated with an increase in risk (1.774 [1.018-3.091], p=0.043).
      INTERPRETATION: Adjunctive second-generation antidepressants are associated with
      reduced symptoms of acute bipolar depression, but the magnitude of benefit is
      small because they do not increase clinical response or remission rates. However,
      these medications should be used only in the short term because prolonged use is
      associated with an increased risk of treatment-emergent mania or hypomania.
      FUNDING: None.

PMID- 28100426
TI  - Ferumoxytol MRA for transcatheter aortic valve replacement planning with renal
      insufficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the test of choice for pre
      procedure imaging of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) candidates.
      The iodinated contrast required, however, increases the risk of renal dysfunction
      in patients with pre-existing renal failure. Ferumoxytol is a magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) contrast agent that can be used with renal failure. Its long
      vascular resonance time allows gated MRA sequences that approach CTA in image
      quality. We present respiratory and cardiac gated MRA enabled by ferumoxytol that
      can be post-processed in an analogous fashion to CTA. METHODS: Seven patients
      with renal failure presenting for TAVR were imaged with respiratory and cardiac
      gated MRA at 3T using ferumoxtyol for contrast. Aortic annulus, root and
      peripheral access dimensions were calculated in a fashion identical to that used
      for CTA. Of these, 6 patients underwent a TAVR procedure and 5 had intraoperative
      valve assessment with transesophageal echocardiograph (TEE) using standard
      clinical protocols that employed both two- and three-dimensional techniques.
      RESULTS: Good correlation between MRA aortic annulus measurements and those from
      TEE were shown in 5 patients with mean annulus area of 392.4mm2 (290-470 range)
      versus 374.1mm2 (285-440 range), with a pairwise correlation coefficient of 0.92,
      p=0.029. All patients received Sapien valve implants (one 20mm, three 23mm, and
      two 26mm valves). Access decisions were guided by MRA with no complications.
      Annulus sizing resulted in no greater than trace/mild aortic regurgitation in all
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ferumoxytol MRA is a safe alternative to CTA in patients
      with renal failure for pre-TAVR analysis of the aortic root and peripheral
      access.

PMID- 28100427
TI  - The possible role of propofol in drug-induced torsades de pointes: A real-world
      single-center analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Torsades de pointes (TdP) is a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
      associated with QT prolongation. Propofol is a sedative-anesthetic with
      proarrhythmic effects on cardiac myocytes. We performed a retrospective study to
      determine the incidence of TdP following propofol exposure at Mayo Clinic
      (Rochester, MN) from 08/11/1998-11/20/2015. METHODS: We queried our database
      using key search terms to identify patients exposed to propofol who developed TdP
      perioperatively or during non-surgical sedation. QT intervals were obtained from
      electrocardiograms (ECGs) performed before propofol exposure and after documented
      TdP and were corrected using Fridericia and Framingham methods. T wave peak-to
      end (Tp-e)/QT ratios were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 628,784 patients
      received propofol over 17.3years. Of these patients, 21 developed TdP (12,
      postoperatively; 3, intraoperatively; 6, during sedation). There were 17 patients
      who were exposed to at least one factor associated with QT-prolongation,
      including QT-prolonging medications in 8 patients, heart rate <60 beats per
      minute in 8 patients, potassium <3.5mmol/L in 4 patients, magnesium <1.8mg/dL in
      2 patients, and subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2 patients. The number of patients
      with QTc>500ms using Fridericia correction was significantly higher from baseline
      following exposure to propofol (1 patient vs 6 patients, P=0.04); however no
      significant difference was observed with Framingham correction. CONCLUSION: In
      our study, TdP after propofol administration occurred with an annual incidence of
      1.93 per million and was often associated with other risk factors. Nevertheless,
      propofol should be administered with caution in patients at risk of developing
      TdP.

PMID- 28100428
TI  - Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction has a better long-term prognosis
      than heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in old patients in a 5-year
      follow-up retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The issue of whether prognosis is similar between heart failure with
      preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection
      fraction (HFrEF) remains unresolved. Because of the problem of inconsistency in
      the diagnostic criteria and because there is currently no lifesaving therapy
      available for HFpEF, it seems to be the right time to study the outcome of a
      clearly defined HFpEF compared with HFrEF in contemporary heart failure (HF)
      therapy. This study investigates 5-year-mortality and its prognostic factors in
      old patients with HFpEF compared with those with HFrEF. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective study. Patients hospitalized at Sahlgrenska University
      Hospital/Ostra for HF were consecutively included between May 2007 and April
      2008. Diagnosis were reviewed and re-evaluated for each patient. The outcome
      measure was all-cause mortality and collected from May 2007 and 2013. RESULTS:
      Mean age of the study population (n=289) was 79+/-7years. One third of the HF
      cohort had HFpEF. When adjusted for age HFrEF patients had a 42% higher 5-year
      mortality than HFpEF. By logistic regression analysis age, female sex, pulmonary
      disease, renal dysfunction, loop diuretics and aldosterone receptor antagonist
      were negatively associated with prognosis in HFpEF, whereas angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs) and
      Statins were positive prognostic factors. In HFrEF age, atrial fibrillation, NT
      proBNP and loop diuretics were negative predictive factors, while treated
      hypertension, percutaneous coronary intervention, ACEi/ARBs and beta-blockers
      were positive factors for survival. CONCLUSION: HFpEF proved to have a better
      long-term prognosis than HFrEF and a distinct prognostic risk profile.

PMID- 28100429
TI  - Right ventricular function measured by TAPSE in obese subjects at the time of
      acute myocardial infarction and 2year outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with significantly better outcome after acute
      myocardial infarction (AMI), a phenomenon known as 'obesity paradox'. Tricuspid
      annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is an echocardiographic measurement of
      right ventricular (RV) function and has prognostic implications at the time of
      AMI. METHODS: We examined the difference in RV function among patients admitted
      with AMI according to obesity status. In a single center cohort analysis of 105
      patients admitted between 2010 and 2011 with the diagnosis of AMI. Demographic,
      anthropometric data and cardiovascular risk factors were prospectively collected.
      All subjects had echocardiogram within 48h of AMI diagnosis for TAPSE
      calculations. Subjects were divided into two groups based on their obesity
      status. RESULTS: Obese subjects had better RV function compared to non-obese,
      TAPSE: 19+/-6.6 vs. 16+/-4.9mm; p 0.02 at the time of AMI. There was no
      significant difference in TAPSE between OSA and non-OSA subjects, 19+/-6.3 vs.
      17+/-6.2mm; p 0.21. After 2years of follow up, patients with obesity and better
      RV function were less likely to develop new onset heart failure (HF) with OR 0.30
      (95% CI 0.09-0.93; p 0.03) and OR 0.31 (95% CI 0.11-0.76; p 0.007) respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Obese patients had better RV function measured by TAPSE at the time
      AMI when compared non-obese patients. Patients with better RV function at the
      time of AMI were less likely to develop new-onset HF and there was a trend in the
      obese group to less likely develop new-onset HF after 2year follow up.

PMID- 28100430
TI  - Three decades later: The fate of the population of patients who underwent the
      Atriopulmonary Fontan procedure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review our experience of patients with an atrio-pulmonary Fontan
      circulation to determine their long-term outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      retrospective analysis of long-term follow-up data using the Australia and New
      Zealand Fontan Registry was performed. There were 215 patients surviving hospital
      discharge after an atrio-pulmonary Fontan completion. A total of 163 patients
      were alive at latest follow-up, with 52 deaths. Twelve patients had required
      heart transplantation and 95 had Fontan failure (death, transplantation, Fontan
      takedown, Fontan conversion, severe systemic ventricular dysfunction or NYHA>=3).
      Twenty-eight year freedom from death, death and transplantation and Fontan
      failure were 69% (95% CI 61-78%), 64% (95% CI 56-74%) and 45% (95% CI 36-55%)
      respectively. One hundred and thirty patients developed atrial arrhythmias.
      Freedom from arrhythmia at 28years post Fontan was 22.9% (95% CI: 15.1-30.8).
      Development of arrhythmia increased the likelihood of death (HR:2.97, 95%CI 1.50
      5.81; p=0.002), death and heart transplantation (HR:3.11, 95%CI 1.64-5.87;
      p<0.001) and Fontan failure (HR:4.78 95%CI 2.95-7.74; p<0.001). There were 42
      patients who had thromboembolic events, of which only 12 were therapeutically
      anti-coagulated. Two-thirds of the surviving patients (86/126) with an intact
      atrio-pulmonary Fontan were regularly reviewed. Patients receiving follow-up care
      with general cardiologists without specialised training were more likely to face
      Fontan failure than those managed by cardiologists with specialist training in
      congenital heart disease (HR: 1.94, 95% CI 1.16-3.24; p=0.02). The majority of
      the surviving patients (81/86) remained physically active and almost two-thirds
      (54/86) were currently employed. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of the patients who
      underwent a classical atrio-pulmonary Fontan are still alive 3 decades later. The
      majority are affected by the burden of arrhythmias but remain functionally active
      today. These challenging patients should only receive follow-up care from
      cardiologists with specialised training.

PMID- 28100431
TI  - 4CMenB vaccine effectiveness: reasons for optimism.

PMID- 28100432
TI  - Effectiveness and impact of a reduced infant schedule of 4CMenB vaccine against
      group B meningococcal disease in England: a national observational cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In September, 2015, the UK became the first country to introduce the
      multicomponent group B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine (4CMenB, Bexsero) into a
      publicly funded national immunisation programme. A reduced two-dose priming
      schedule was offered to infants at 2 months and 4 months, alongside an
      opportunistic catch-up for 3 month and 4 month olds. 4CMenB was predicted to
      protect against 73-88% of MenB strains. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and
      impact of 4CMenB in vaccine-eligible infants in England. METHODS: Public Health
      England (PHE) undertakes enhanced surveillance of meningococcal disease through a
      combination of clinical, public health, and laboratory reporting. Laboratory
      confirmed cases of meningococcal disease are followed up with PHE local health
      protection teams, general practitioners, and hospital clinicians to collect
      demographic data, vaccination history, clinical presentation, and outcome. For
      cases diagnosed between Sept 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016, vaccine effectiveness
      was assessed using the screening method. Impact was assessed by comparing numbers
      of cases of MenB in vaccine-eligible children to equivalent cohorts in the
      previous 4 years and to cases in vaccine-ineligible children. FINDINGS: Coverage
      of 4CMenB in infants eligible for routine vaccination was high, achieving 95.5%
      for one dose and 88.6% for two doses by 6 months of age. Two-dose vaccine
      effectiveness was 82.9% (95% CI 24.1-95.2) against all MenB cases, equivalent to
      a vaccine effectiveness of 94.2% against the highest predicted MenB strain
      coverage of 88%. Compared with the prevaccine period, there was a 50% incidence
      rate ratio (IRR) reduction in MenB cases in the vaccine-eligible cohort (37 cases
      vs average 74 cases; IRR 0.50 [95% CI 0.36-0.71]; p=0.0001), irrespective of the
      infants' vaccination status or predicted MenB strain coverage. Similar reductions
      were observed even after adjustment for disease trends in vaccine-eligible and
      vaccine-ineligible children. INTERPRETATION: The two-dose 4CMenB priming schedule
      was highly effective in preventing MenB disease in infants. Cases in vaccine
      eligible infants halved in the first 10 months of the programme. While ongoing
      national surveillance will continue to monitor the longer-term impact of the
      programme, these findings represent a step forward in the battle against
      meningococcal disease and will help reassure that the vaccine protects against
      this deadly infection. FUNDING: Public Health England.

PMID- 28100433
TI  - PR1 peptide vaccine in myeloid malignancies.

PMID- 28100434
TI  - MNX1: a novel prostate cancer oncogene.

PMID- 28100435
TI  - Suicide in survivors of childhood and young adult cancers.

PMID- 28100436
TI  - Incidence of breast cancer in women with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 28100437
TI  - Finding the right dose of rifampicin, and the right dose of optimism.

PMID- 28100439
TI  - Considerations for an Access-Centered Design of the Fever Thermometer in Low
      Resource Settings: A Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lack of adequate information about fever in low-resource
      settings, its unreliable self-assessment, and poor diagnostic practices may
      result in delayed care and under-or-overdiagnosis of diseases such as malaria.
      The mismatches of existing fever thermometers in the context of use imply that
      the diagnostic tools and connected services need to be studied further to address
      the challenges of fever-related illnesses and their diagnostics. OBJECTIVE: This
      study aims to inform a product-service system approach to design a reliable and
      accessible fever thermometer and connected services, as well as contribute to the
      identification of innovative opportunities to improve health care in low-resource
      settings. METHODS: To determine what factors impede febrile people seeking health
      care to access adequate fever diagnostics, a literature search was conducted in
      Google Scholar and PubMed with relevant keywords. Next, these factors were
      combined with a patient journey model to design a new product-service system for
      fever diagnostics in low-resource settings. RESULTS: In total, 37 articles were
      reviewed. The five As framework was used to categorize the identified barriers.
      The results indicate that there is a poor distribution of reliable fever
      diagnostic practices among remote communities. This paper speaks to the global
      public health and design communities. Three complementary considerations are
      discussed that support the idea of a more holistic approach to the design of
      fever diagnostics: (1) understanding of the fever diagnostics patient journey,
      (2) identifying user groups of the thermometers in a specific health care system,
      and (3) assessing different needs and interests of the different users.
      CONCLUSIONS: Access to basic, primary health care may be enhanced with better
      information and technology design made through the involvement of system users.

PMID- 28100440
TI  - It's About Me: Patients' Experiences of Patient Participation in the Web Behavior
      Change Program for Activity in Combination With Multimodal Pain Rehabilitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients' participation in their health care is recognized as a key
      component in high-quality health care. Persons with persistent pain are
      recommended treatments with a cognitive approach from a biopsychosocial
      explanation of pain, in which a patient's active participation in their
      rehabilitation is in focus. Web-based interventions for pain management have the
      potential to increase patient participation by enabling persons to play a more
      active role in rehabilitation. However, little is known about patients'
      experiences of patient participation in Web-based interventions in clinical
      practice. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to explore patients'
      experiences of patient participation in a Web Behavior Change Program for
      Activity (Web-BCPA) in combination with multimodal rehabilitation (MMR) among
      patients with persistent pain in primary health care. METHODS: Qualitative
      interviews were conducted with 15 women and 4 men, with a mean age of 45 years.
      Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: One theme, "It's
      about me," and 4 categories, "Take part in a flexible framework of own priority,"
      "Acquire knowledge and insights," "Ways toward change," and "Personal and
      environmental conditions influencing participation," were developed. Patient
      participation was depicted as being confirmed in an individualized and structured
      rehabilitation framework of one's own choice. Being confirmed was fundamental to
      patient participation in the interaction with the Web-BCPA and with the health
      care professionals in MMR. To acquire knowledge and insights about pain and their
      life situation, through self-reflection in the solitary work in the Web-BCPA and
      through feedback from the health care professionals in MMR, was experienced as
      patient participation by the participants. Patient participation was described as
      structured ways to reach their goals of behavior change, which included analyzing
      resources and restrictions, problem solving, and evaluation. The individual's
      emotional and cognitive resources and restrictions, as well as health care
      professionals and significant others' attitudes and behavior influenced patient
      participation in the rehabilitation. To some extent there were experiences of
      restrained patient participation through the great content of the Web-BCPA.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patient participation was satisfactory in the Web-BCPA in
      combination with MMR. The combined treatment was experienced to increase patient
      participation in the rehabilitation. Being confirmed through self-identification
      and finding the content of the Web-BCPA trustworthy was emphasized. Patient
      participation was experienced as a learning process leading to new knowledge and
      insights. Higher user control regarding the timing of the Web-BCPA and therapist
      guidance of the content may further increase patient participation in the
      combined treatment.

PMID- 28100438
TI  - High-dose rifampicin, moxifloxacin, and SQ109 for treating tuberculosis: a multi
      arm, multi-stage randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is the world's leading infectious disease killer. We
      aimed to identify shorter, safer drug regimens for the treatment of tuberculosis.
      METHODS: We did a randomised controlled, open-label trial with a multi-arm, multi
      stage design. The trial was done in seven sites in South Africa and Tanzania,
      including hospitals, health centres, and clinical trial centres. Patients with
      newly diagnosed, rifampicin-sensitive, previously untreated pulmonary
      tuberculosis were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1:2 ratio to receive (all orally)
      either 35 mg/kg rifampicin per day with 15-20 mg/kg ethambutol, 20 mg/kg
      rifampicin per day with 400 mg moxifloxacin, 20 mg/kg rifampicin per day with 300
      mg SQ109, 10 mg/kg rifampicin per day with 300 mg SQ109, or a daily standard
      control regimen (10 mg/kg rifampicin, 5 mg/kg isoniazid, 25 mg/kg pyrazinamide,
      and 15-20 mg/kg ethambutol). Experimental treatments were given with oral 5 mg/kg
      isoniazid and 25 mg/kg pyrazinamide per day for 12 weeks, followed by 14 weeks of
      5 mg/kg isoniazid and 10 mg/kg rifampicin per day. Because of the orange
      discoloration of body fluids with higher doses of rifampicin it was not possible
      to mask patients and clinicians to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was
      time to culture conversion in liquid media within 12 weeks. Patients without
      evidence of rifampicin resistance on phenotypic test who took at least one dose
      of study treatment and had one positive culture on liquid or solid media before
      or within the first 2 weeks of treatment were included in the primary analysis
      (modified intention to treat). Time-to-event data were analysed using a Cox
      proportional-hazards regression model and adjusted for minimisation variables.
      The proportional hazard assumption was tested using Schoelfeld residuals, with
      threshold p<0.05 for non-proportionality. The trial is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01785186). FINDINGS: Between May 7, 2013, and March 25,
      2014, we enrolled and randomly assigned 365 patients to different treatment arms
      (63 to rifampicin 35 mg/kg, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol; 59 to
      rifampicin 10 mg/kg, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, SQ109; 57 to rifampicin 20 mg/kg,
      isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and SQ109; 63 to rifampicin 10 mg/kg, isoniazid,
      pyrazinamide, and moxifloxacin; and 123 to the control arm). Recruitment was
      stopped early in the arms containing SQ109 since prespecified efficacy thresholds
      were not met at the planned interim analysis. Time to stable culture conversion
      in liquid media was faster in the 35 mg/kg rifampicin group than in the control
      group (median 48 days vs 62 days, adjusted hazard ratio 1.78; 95% CI 1.22-2.58,
      p=0.003), but not in other experimental arms. There was no difference in any of
      the groups in time to culture conversion on solid media. 11 patients had
      treatment failure or recurrent disease during post-treatment follow-up: one in
      the 35 mg/kg rifampicin arm and none in the moxifloxacin arm. 45 (12%) of 365
      patients reported grade 3-5 adverse events, with similar proportions in each arm.
      INTERPRETATION: A dose of 35 mg/kg rifampicin was safe, reduced the time to
      culture conversion in liquid media, and could be a promising component of future,
      shorter regimens. Our adaptive trial design was successfully implemented in a
      multi-centre, high tuberculosis burden setting, and could speed regimen
      development at reduced cost. FUNDING: The study was funded by the European and
      Developing Countries Clinical Trials partnership (EDCTP), the German Ministry for
      Education and Research (BmBF), and the Medical Research Council UK (MRC).

PMID- 28100441
TI  - Assessing the Efficacy of an App-Based Method of Family Planning: The Dot Study
      Protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some 222 million women worldwide have unmet needs for contraception;
      they want to avoid pregnancy, but are not using a contraceptive method, primarily
      because of concerns about side effects associated with most available methods.
      Expanding contraceptive options-particularly fertility awareness options that
      provide women with information about which days during their menstrual cycles
      they are likely to become pregnant if they have unprotected intercourse-has the
      potential to reduce unmet need. Making these methods available to women through
      their mobile phones can facilitate access. Indeed, many fertility awareness
      applications have been developed for smartphones, some of which are digital
      platforms for existing methods, requiring women to enter information about
      fertility signs such as basal body temperature and cervical secretions. Others
      are algorithms based on (unexplained) calculations of the fertile period of the
      menstrual cycle. Considering particularly this latter (largely untested) group,
      it is critical that these apps be subject to the same rigorous research as other
      contraceptive methods. Dynamic Optimal Timing, available via the Dot app as a
      free download for iPhone and Android devices, is one such method and the only one
      that has published the algorithm that forms its basis. It combines historical
      cycle data with a woman's own personal cycle history, continuing to accrue this
      information over time to identify her fertile period. While Dot has a theoretical
      failure rate of only 3 in 100 for preventing pregnancy with perfect use, its
      effectiveness in typical use has yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: The study
      objective is to assess both perfect and typical use to determine the efficacy of
      the Dot app for pregnancy prevention. METHODS: To determine actual use efficacy,
      the Institute for Reproductive Health is partnering with Cycle Technologies,
      which developed the Dot app, to conduct a prospective efficacy trial, following
      1200 women over the course of 13 menstrual cycles to assess pregnancy status over
      time. This paper outlines the protocol for this efficacy trial, following the
      Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Intervention Trials checklist, to
      provide an overview of the rationale, methodology, and analysis plan.
      Participants will be asked to provide daily sexual history data and periodically
      answer surveys administered through a call center or directly on their phone.
      RESULTS: Funding for the study was provided in 2013 under the United States
      Agency for International Development Fertility Awareness for Community
      Transformation project. Recruitment for the study will begin in January of 2017.
      The study is expected to last approximately 18 months, depending on recruitment.
      Findings on the study's primary outcomes are expected to be finalized by
      September 2018. CONCLUSIONS: Reproducibility and transparency, important aspects
      of all research, are particularly critical in developing new approaches to
      research design. This protocol outlines the first study to prospectively test
      both the efficacy (correct use) and effectiveness (actual use) of a pregnancy
      prevention app. This protocol and the processes it describes reflect the dynamic
      integration of mobile technologies, a call center, and Health Insurance
      Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study procedures. Future fertility
      app studies can build on our approaches to develop methodologies that can
      contribute to the evidence base around app-based methods of contraception.
      CLINICALTRIAL: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02833922;
      https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02833922 (Archived be WebCite at
      http://www.webcitation.org/6nDkr0e76).

PMID- 28100442
TI  - Rare Diseases on the Internet: An Assessment of the Quality of Online
      Information.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The importance of the Internet as a medium for publishing and sharing
      health and medical information has increased considerably during the last decade.
      Nonetheless, comprehensive knowledge and information are scarce and difficult to
      find, especially for rare diseases. Additionally, the quality of health or
      medical information about rare diseases is frequently difficult to assess for the
      patients and their family members. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess
      the quality of information on the Internet about rare diseases. Additionally, the
      study aims to evaluate if the quality of information on rare diseases varies
      between different information supplier categories. METHODS: A total of 13 quality
      criteria for websites providing medical information about rare diseases were
      transferred to a self-disclosure questionnaire. Identified providers of
      information on the Internet about rare diseases were invited to fill out the
      questionnaire. The questionnaire contained questions about the information
      provider in general (eg, supplier category, information category, language, use
      of quality certificates, and target group) and about quality aspects that reflect
      the 13 quality criteria. Differences in subgroup analyses were performed using t
      tests. RESULTS: We identified 693 websites containing information about rare
      diseases. A total of 123 questionnaires (17.7%) were completely filled out by the
      information suppliers. For the remaining identified suppliers (570/693, 82.3%),
      the questionnaires were filled out by the authors based on the information
      available on their website. In many cases, the quality of websites was
      proportionally low. Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed no statistically
      significant differences between the quality of information provided by support
      group/patient organization compared to medical institution (P=.19). The quality
      of information by individuals (patient/relative) was significantly lower compared
      to information provided by support group/patient organization (P=.001), medical
      institution (P=.009), and other associations and sponsoring bodies (P=.001) as
      well. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the quality of information on the Internet about rare
      diseases is low. Quality certificates are rarely used and important quality
      criteria are often not fulfilled completely. Additionally, some information
      categories are underrepresented (eg, information about psychosocial counseling,
      social-legal advice, and family planning). Nevertheless, due to the high amount
      of information provided by support groups, this study shows that these are
      extremely valuable sources of information for patients suffering from a rare
      disease and their relatives.

PMID- 28100443
TI  - Surveillance of antimicrobial use in Dutch long-term care facilities.
AB  - Objectives: : Residents living in a long-term care facility (LTCF) are more
      susceptible to infections. Treatment with antimicrobials is sometimes necessary;
      however, antibiotic use is considered one of the most important drivers of the
      development of antibiotic resistance. Surveillance data on antibiotic use in
      these LTCFs are necessary to get more insight into these patterns. The objective
      of this study was to describe antibiotic use in LTCFs in the Netherlands.
      Methods: : One hundred and seventy-seven LTCFs in the Netherlands were contacted
      and asked to participate in a study concerning antibiotic resistance and
      antibiotic use. Associated pharmacies were asked to provide data about systemic
      antibiotic use for each participating LTCF location over 1 year. Results on
      antibiotic use are reported here. Results: : Antibiotic use data from 96 LTCFs
      were collected from the pharmacies, and 68 of these LTCFs completed additional
      questionnaires on general characteristics of their location. Mean total use of
      systemic antimicrobials was 73 DDDs/1000 residents per day (range 2-197 DDDs/1000
      residents per day). Co-amoxiclav (23 DDDs/1000 residents/day, range 0-70) was
      used the most, followed by nitrofurantoin derivatives (12 DDDs/1000
      residents/day, range 0-38) and fluoroquinolones (12 DDDs/1000 residents/day,
      range 0-52). Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlations between
      the LTCF characteristics and the level of antibiotic use. Conclusions: There was
      a high use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, with a large variation in total
      antibiotic use between individual locations. Further analysis of more in-depth
      data and possible influencing factors is needed.

PMID- 28100444
TI  - Successful retreatment of a patient with chronic hepatitis C genotype 2k/1b virus
      with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus dasabuvir.

PMID- 28100445
TI  - APOL1 variants may induce HIV-associated nephropathy during HIV primary
      infection.

PMID- 28100446
TI  - Commentaries on Viewpoint: A time for exercise: the exercise window.

PMID- 28100447
TI  - Last Word on Viewpoint: A time for exercise: the exercise window.

PMID- 28100448
TI  - Commentaries on Viewpoint: "Tighter fit" theory-physiologists explain why "higher
      altitude" and jugular occlusion are unlikely to reduce risks for sports
      concussion and brain injuries.

PMID- 28100449
TI  - Last Word on Viewpoint: All is fair in altitude and concussions.

PMID- 28100450
TI  - A 2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase Mediates the Biosynthesis of
      Glucoraphasatin in Radish.
AB  - Glucosinolates (GSLs) are secondary metabolites whose degradation products confer
      intrinsic flavors and aromas to Brassicaceae vegetables. Several structures of
      GSLs are known in the Brassicaceae, and the biosynthetic pathway and regulatory
      networks have been elucidated in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). GSLs are
      precursors of chemical defense substances against herbivorous pests. Specific
      GSLs can act as feeding blockers or stimulants, depending on the pest species.
      Natural selection has led to diversity in the GSL composition even within
      individual species. However, in radish (Raphanus sativus), glucoraphasatin (4
      methylthio-3-butenyl glucosinolate) accounts for more than 90% of the total GSLs,
      and little compositional variation is observed. Because glucoraphasatin is not
      contained in other members of the Brassicaceae, like Arabidopsis and cabbage
      (Brassica oleracea), the biosynthetic pathways for glucoraphasatin remain
      unclear. In this report, we identified and characterized a gene encoding
      GLUCORAPHASATIN SYNTHASE 1 (GRS1) by genetic mapping using a mutant that
      genetically lacks glucoraphasatin. Transgenic Arabidopsis, which overexpressed
      GRS1 cDNA, accumulated glucoraphasatin in the leaves. GRS1 encodes a 2
      oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase, and it is abundantly expressed in the leaf.
      To further investigate the biosynthesis and transportation of GSLs in radish, we
      grafted a grs1 plant onto a wild-type plant. The grafting experiment revealed a
      leaf-to-root long-distance glucoraphasatin transport system in radish and showed
      that the composition of GSLs differed among the organs. Based on these
      observations, we propose a characteristic biosynthesis pathway for
      glucoraphasatin in radish. Our results should be useful in metabolite engineering
      for breeding of high-value vegetables.

PMID- 28100452
TI  - Development and validation of an electronic frailty index using routine primary
      care electronic health record data.

PMID- 28100451
TI  - An Aphid Effector Targets Trafficking Protein VPS52 in a Host-Specific Manner to
      Promote Virulence.
AB  - Plant- and animal-feeding insects secrete saliva inside their hosts, containing
      effectors, which may promote nutrient release and suppress immunity. Although for
      plant pathogenic microbes it is well established that effectors target host
      proteins to modulate host cell processes and promote disease, the host cell
      targets of herbivorous insects remain elusive. Here, we show that the existing
      plant pathogenic microbe effector paradigm can be extended to herbivorous insects
      in that effector-target interactions inside host cells modify critical host
      processes to promote plant susceptibility. We showed that the effector Mp1 from
      Myzus persicae associates with the host Vacuolar Protein Sorting Associated
      Protein52 (VPS52). Using natural variants, we provide a strong link between
      effector virulence activity and association with VPS52, and show that the
      association is highly specific to Mpersicae-host interactions. Also, coexpression
      of Mp1, but not Mp1-like variants, specifically with host VPS52s resulted in
      effector relocalization to vesicle-like structures that associate with
      prevacuolar compartments. We show that high VPS52 levels negatively impact
      virulence, and that aphids are able to reduce VPS52 levels during infestation,
      indicating that VPS52 is an important virulence target. Our work is an important
      step forward in understanding, at the molecular level, how a major agricultural
      pest promotes susceptibility during infestation of crop plants. We give evidence
      that an herbivorous insect employs effectors that interact with host proteins as
      part of an effective virulence strategy, and that these effectors likely function
      in a species-specific manner.

PMID- 28100455
TI  - Obamacare repeal could leave 32 million uninsured and double premiums, report
      finds.

PMID- 28100453
TI  - Mechanisms of Vasovagal Syncope in the Young: Reduced Systemic Vascular
      Resistance Versus Reduced Cardiac Output.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Syncope is a sudden transient loss of consciousness and postural tone
      caused by cerebral hypoperfusion. The most common form is vasovagal syncope
      (VVS). Presyncopal progressive early hypotension in older VVS patients is caused
      by reduced cardiac output (CO); younger patients have reduced systemic vascular
      resistance (SVR). Using a priori criteria for reduced CO (?CO) and SVR (?SVR), we
      studied 48 recurrent young fainters comparing subgroups of VVS with VVS-?CO, VVS
      ?SVR, and both VVS-?CO&?SVR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects were studied supine
      and during 70-degrere upright tilt with a Finometer to continuously measure blood
      pressure, CO, and SVR and impedance plethysmography to estimate thoracic,
      splanchnic, pelvic, and calf blood volumes, blood flows, and vascular resistances
      and electrocardiogram to measure heart rate and rhythm. Central blood volume was
      decreased in all VVS compared to control. VVS-?CO was associated with decreased
      splanchnic blood flow and increased splanchnic blood pooling compared to control.
      Seventy-five percent of VVS patients had reduced SVR, including 23% who also had
      reduced CO. Many VVS-?SVR increased CO during tilt, with no difference in
      splanchnic pooling, caused by significant increases in splanchnic blood flow and
      reduced splanchnic resistance. VVS-?CO&?SVR patients had splanchnic pooling
      comparable to VVS-?CO patients, but SVR comparable to VVS-?SVR. Splanchnic
      vasodilation was reduced, compared to VVS-?SVR, and venomotor properties were
      similar to control. Combined splanchnic pooling and reduced SVR produced the
      earliest faints among the VVS groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both ?CO and ?SVR occur in
      young VVS patients. ?SVR is predominant in VVS and is caused by impaired
      splanchnic vasoconstriction.

PMID- 28100456
TI  - Half of women experience "red flag" event during childbirth, warns report.

PMID- 28100454
TI  - Gene therapy targeting oligodendrocytes provides therapeutic benefit in a
      leukodystrophy model.
AB  - Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease or hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-2 is an
      autosomal recessively inherited leukodystrophy with childhood onset resulting
      from mutations in the gene encoding the gap junction protein connexin 47 (Cx47,
      encoded by GJC2). Cx47 is expressed specifically in oligodendrocytes and is
      crucial for gap junctional communication throughout the central nervous system.
      Previous studies confirmed that a cell autonomous loss-of-function mechanism
      underlies hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-2 and that transgenic oligodendrocyte
      specific expression of another connexin, Cx32 (GJB1), can restore gap junctions
      in oligodendrocytes to achieve correction of the pathology in a disease model. To
      develop an oligodendrocyte-targeted gene therapy, we cloned the GJC2/Cx47 gene
      under the myelin basic protein promoter and used an adeno-associated viral vector
      (AAV.MBP.Cx47myc) to deliver the gene to postnatal Day 10 mice via a single
      intracerebral injection in the internal capsule area. Lasting Cx47 expression
      specifically in oligodendrocytes was detected in Cx47 single knockout and
      Cx32/Cx47 double knockout mice up to 12 weeks post-injection, including the
      corpus callosum and the internal capsule but also in more distant areas of the
      cerebrum and in the spinal cord. Application of this oligodendrocyte-targeted
      somatic gene therapy at postnatal Day 10 in groups of double knockout mice, a
      well characterized model of hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-2, resulted in
      significant improvement in motor performance and coordination at 1 month of age
      in treated compared to mock-treated mice, as well as prolonged survival.
      Furthermore, immunofluorescence and morphological analysis revealed improvement
      in demyelination, oligodendrocyte apoptosis, inflammation, and astrogliosis, all
      typical features of this leukodystrophy model in both brain and spinal cord.
      Functional dye transfer analysis confirmed the re-establishment of
      oligodendrocyte gap junctional connectivity in treated as opposed to untreated
      mice. These results provide a significant advance in the development of
      oligodendrocyte-cell specific gene therapy. Adeno-associated viral vectors can be
      used to target therapeutic expression of a myelin gene to oligodendrocytes. We
      show evidence for the first somatic gene therapy approach to treat
      hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-2 preclinically, providing a potential treatment
      for this and similar forms of leukodystrophies.

PMID- 28100457
TI  - Winter pressure leaves surgeons short of training opportunities.

PMID- 28100458
TI  - James B Williams.

PMID- 28100460
TI  - Making a song and dance about trachoma.

PMID- 28100461
TI  - Why would I smile?

PMID- 28100459
TI  - Clinical and pathological characteristics of HIV- and HHV-8-negative Castleman
      disease.
AB  - Castleman disease (CD) comprises 3 poorly understood lymphoproliferative variants
      sharing several common histopathological features. Unicentric CD (UCD) is
      localized to a single region of lymph nodes. Multicentric CD (MCD) manifests with
      systemic inflammatory symptoms and organ dysfunction due to cytokine
      dysregulation and involves multiple lymph node regions. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV
      8) causes MCD (HHV-8-associated MCD) in immunocompromised individuals, such as
      HIV-infected patients. However, >50% of MCD cases are HIV and HHV-8 negative
      (defined as idiopathic [iMCD]). The clinical and biological behavior of CD
      remains poorly elucidated. Here, we analyzed the clinicopathologic features of 74
      patients (43 with UCD and 31 with iMCD) and therapeutic response of 96 patients
      (43 with UCD and 53 with iMCD) with HIV-/HHV-8-negative CD compared with 51 HIV
      /HHV-8-positive patients. Systemic inflammatory symptoms and elevated
      inflammatory factors were more common in iMCD patients than UCD patients.
      Abnormal bone marrow features were more frequent in iMCD (77.0%) than UCD (45%);
      the most frequent was plasmacytosis, which was seen in 3% to 30.4% of marrow
      cells. In the lymph nodes, higher numbers of CD3+ lymphocytes (median, 58.88 +/-
      20.57) and lower frequency of CD19+/CD5+ (median, 5.88 +/- 6.52) were observed in
      iMCD patients compared with UCD patients (median CD3+ cells, 43.19 +/- 17.37;
      median CD19+/CD5+ cells, 17.37 +/- 15.80). Complete surgical resection is a
      better option for patients with UCD. Siltuximab had a greater proportion of
      complete responses and longer progression-free survival (PFS) for iMCD than
      rituximab. Centricity, histopathological type, and anemia significantly impacted
      PFS. This study reveals that CD represents a heterogeneous group of diseases with
      differential immunophenotypic profiling and treatment response.

PMID- 28100462
TI  - Cervical lung herniation.

PMID- 28100463
TI  - No asthma is found in third of adults with previous diagnosis.

PMID- 28100464
TI  - Six-Month Market Exclusivity Extensions To Promote Research Offer Substantial
      Returns For Many Drug Makers.
AB  - To incentivize pharmaceutical manufacturers to invest in areas of unmet medical
      need, policy makers frequently propose extending the market exclusivity period of
      desired drugs. Some such proposals are modeled after the pediatric exclusivity
      patent extension program, which since 1997 has provided six additional months of
      market exclusivity for drugs studied in children. The most recent proposal would
      encourage rare disease research by providing six months of extended exclusivity
      for any existing drug that is granted subsequent FDA approval for a new rare
      disease indication. Yet the economic impact of such proposals is rarely
      addressed. We found that for the thirteen FDA-approved drugs that gained
      supplemental approval for a rare disease indication from 2005 through 2010, the
      median projected cost of clinical trials leading to approval was $29.8 million.
      If the exclusivity extension had been in place, the median discounted financial
      gain to manufacturers would have been $94.6 million. Median net returns would
      have been $82.4 million, with higher returns for drugs with higher annual sales.
      Extending market exclusivity would provide substantial compensation to many
      manufacturers, particularly for top-selling products, far in excess of the cost
      of conducting these trials. Alternative strategies to incentivize the study of
      approved drugs for rare diseases may offer similar benefits at a lower cost.

PMID- 28100465
TI  - Prevalence of Masked Hypertension Among US Adults With Nonelevated Clinic Blood
      Pressure.
AB  - Masked hypertension (MHT), defined as nonelevated blood pressure (BP) in the
      clinic setting and elevated BP assessed by ambulatory monitoring, is associated
      with increased risk of target organ damage, cardiovascular disease, and
      mortality. Currently, no estimate of MHT prevalence exists for the general US
      population. After pooling data from the Masked Hypertension Study (n = 811), a
      cross-sectional clinical investigation of systematic differences between clinic
      BP and ambulatory BP (ABP) in a community sample of employed adults in the New
      York City metropolitan area (2005-2012), and the National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey (NHANES; 2005-2010; n = 9,316), an ongoing nationally
      representative US survey, we used multiple imputation to impute ABP-defined
      hypertension status for NHANES participants and estimate MHT prevalence among the
      139 million US adults with nonelevated clinic BP, no history of overt
      cardiovascular disease, and no use of antihypertensive medication. The estimated
      US prevalence of MHT in 2005-2010 was 12.3% of the adult population (95%
      confidence interval: 10.0, 14.5)-approximately 17.1 million persons aged >=21
      years. Consistent with prior research, estimated MHT prevalence was higher among
      older persons, males, and those with prehypertension or diabetes. To our
      knowledge, this study provides the first estimate of US MHT prevalence-nearly 1
      in 8 adults with nonelevated clinic BP-and suggests that millions of US adults
      may be misclassified as not having hypertension.

PMID- 28100468
TI  - Feasibility of sample size calculation for RNA-seq studies.
AB  - Sample size calculation is a crucial step in study design but is not yet fully
      established for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses. To evaluate feasibility and
      provide guidance, we evaluated RNA-seq sample size tools identified from a
      systematic search. The focus was on whether real pilot data would be needed for
      reliable results and on identifying tools that would perform well in scenarios
      with different levels of biological heterogeneity and fold changes (FCs) between
      conditions. We used simulations based on real data for tool evaluation. In all
      settings, the six evaluated tools provided widely different answers, which were
      strongly affected by FC. Although all tools failed for small FCs, some tools can
      at least be recommended when closely matching pilot data are available and
      relatively large FCs are anticipated.

PMID- 28100466
TI  - Associations of Accelerometer-Measured and Self-Reported Sedentary Time With
      Leukocyte Telomere Length in Older Women.
AB  - Few studies have assessed the association of sedentary time with leukocyte
      telomere length (LTL). In a cross-sectional study conducted in 2012-2013, we
      examined associations of accelerometer-measured and self-reported sedentary time
      with LTL in a sample of 1,481 older white and African-American women from the
      Women's Health Initiative and determined whether associations varied by level of
      moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). The association between
      sedentary time and LTL was evaluated using multiple linear regression models.
      Women were aged 79.2 (standard deviation, 6.7) years, on average. Self-reported
      sedentary time was not associated with LTL. In a model adjusting for demographic
      characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and health-related factors, among women at
      or below the median level of accelerometer-measured MVPA, those in the highest
      quartile of accelerometer-measured sedentary time had significantly shorter LTL
      than those in the lowest quartile, with an average difference of 170 base pairs
      (95% confidence interval: 4, 340). Accelerometer-measured sedentary time was not
      associated with LTL in women above the median level of MVPA. Findings suggest
      that, on the basis of accelerometer measurements, higher sedentary time may be
      associated with shorter LTL among less physically active women.

PMID- 28100469
TI  - Immunohistochemical Phenotype of Breast Cancer during 25-Year Follow-up of the
      Royal Marsden Tamoxifen Prevention Trial.
AB  - The randomized, double-blinded Royal Marsden Tamoxifen Breast Cancer Prevention
      Trial in healthy high-risk women started in 1986 and is still blinded. Eligible
      participants (n = 2,471) were randomly assigned to tamoxifen (20 mg/d) or placebo
      for 8 years. Analysis in 2006 showed a 30% risk reduction of estrogen receptor
      (ER)-positive invasive breast cancer mostly in the posttreatment period.
      Biomarker analysis in this population may identify any subgroup-specific
      preventive effects tamoxifen. After a median follow-up of 18.4 years, 242
      patients had developed invasive cancer, 134 on placebo and 108 on tamoxifen. From
      these, 180 tissue blocks were available and ER, progesterone receptor (PgR),
      Ki67, HER2, and EGFR were immunohistochemically analyzed. A 32% reduction in ER+
      and PgR+ invasive cancers resulted after 8 years of treatment. Quantitative
      levels of ER and PgR were lower in the tamoxifen-treated group, significantly so
      for ER (P = 0.001). These lower ER levels were restricted to the posttreatment
      period (P = 0.018). Among the ER+ group, there was a similar proportional
      decrease in PgR+ and PgR- tumors by tamoxifen. The median levels of Ki67 were
      similar in both arms. The numbers of HER2-positive and EGFR-positive cancers were
      higher in the tamoxifen arm but not significantly so. In conclusion, the
      preventive effects of tamoxifen result in reduced ER-positive but not ER-negative
      tumors and reduced ER expression in the ER-positive cases largely confined to the
      posttreatment period. Overall reductions in PgR expression are explained by lower
      frequency of ER-positive cases. Impact on Ki67, HER2, and EGFR was modest. Cancer
      Prev Res; 10(3); 171-6. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28100467
TI  - An essential role of CBL and CBL-B ubiquitin ligases in mammary stem cell
      maintenance.
AB  - The ubiquitin ligases CBL and CBL-B are negative regulators of tyrosine kinase
      signaling with established roles in the immune system. However, their
      physiological roles in epithelial tissues are unknown. Here, we used MMTV-Cre
      mediated Cbl gene deletion on a Cbl-b null background, as well as a tamoxifen
      inducible mammary stem cell (MaSC)-specific Cbl and Cbl-b double knockout
      (Cbl/Cbl-b DKO) using Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-CreERT2, to demonstrate a mammary epithelial
      cell-autonomous requirement of CBL and CBL-B in the maintenance of MaSCs. Using a
      newly engineered tamoxifen-inducible Cbl and Cbl-b deletion model with a dual
      fluorescent reporter (Cblflox/flox; Cbl-bflox/flox; Rosa26-CreERT; mT/mG), we
      show that Cbl/Cbl-b DKO in mammary organoids leads to hyperactivation of AKT-mTOR
      signaling with depletion of MaSCs. Chemical inhibition of AKT or mTOR rescued
      MaSCs from Cbl/Cbl-b DKO-induced depletion. Our studies reveal a novel, cell
      autonomous requirement of CBL and CBL-B in epithelial stem cell maintenance
      during organ development and remodeling through modulation of mTOR signaling.

PMID- 28100470
TI  - Vacuum aspiration for induced abortion could be safely and legally performed by
      nurses and midwives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some 40% of abortions carried out in England and Wales are done by
      vacuum aspiration. It is widely assumed that, in order to be lawful, these
      procedures must be performed by doctors. AIM AND DESIGN: This study aimed to
      provide a detailed reassessment of the relevant law and the clinical evidence
      that supports this assumption. CONCLUSIONS: A close reading of relevant law
      reveals that this assumption is unfounded. On the contrary, it would be lawful
      for appropriately trained nurses or midwives, acting as part of a
      multidisciplinary team, to carry out vacuum aspiration procedures. This
      interpretation of the law offers the potential for developing more streamlined,
      cost-effective abortion services, which would be both safe and highly acceptable
      to patients.

PMID- 28100471
TI  - Valve thrombosis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: significance
      of blood stasis on the leaflets.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Leaflet thrombosis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement
      (TAVR) and valve-in-valve (ViV) procedures has been increasingly recognized.
      However, the factors affecting the post-TAVR/ViV thrombosis are not fully
      understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the geometric
      confinement of transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) on blood residence time (BRT) on
      the TAV leaflets and in turn on the post-TAVR valve thrombosis. METHODS: Two
      computational models, representing a surgical bioprosthesis and a TAV, were
      developed to study the effect of the geometric confinement on BRT on the leaflets
      in ViV setting/TAVR Intra-annular positioning. 3D flow fields were obtained via a
      one-way fluid-solid interaction modelling approach validated by experimental
      testing. BRT was compared between the two models by quantification and
      statistical analysis of the residence time of randomly distributed particles in
      close proximity of the leaflets. RESULTS: Significantly longer BRT on the
      leaflets was observed in the TAV compared to the surgical valve during different
      stages of the cardiac cycle. During forward flow, the mean value of BRT was found
      to be 39% higher in the TAV compared to the surgical bioprosthesis ( P < 
      0.0001). During diastole, specifically from end-systole to mid-diastole and from
      mid-diastole to the beginning of systole, the amount by which the mean BRT was
      higher for TAV compared to the surgical valve was 150% and 40%, respectively ( P
      <  0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: The geometric confinement of TAV by the failed
      bioprosthesis or the calcified native valve increases the BRT on the TAV
      leaflets. This may act as a permissive factor in valve thrombosis.

PMID- 28100472
TI  - Complex congenital fistula between coronary arteries, bronchial arteries, and
      pulmonary artery assessed with cardiac computed tomography.

PMID- 28100474
TI  - Regional diaphragm volume displacement is heterogeneous in dogs.
AB  - Muscle shortening and volume displacement (VD) are critical determinants of the
      pressure-generating capacity of the diaphragm. The present study was designed to
      test the hypothesis that diaphragm VD is heterogeneous and that distribution of
      VD is dependent on regional muscle shortening, posture, and the level of muscle
      activation. Radioopaque markers were sutured along muscle bundles of the
      peritoneal surface of the crural, dorsal costal, midcostal, and ventral costal
      regions of the left hemidiaphragm in four dogs. The markers were followed by
      biplanar video fluoroscopy during quiet spontaneous breathing, passive inflation
      to total lung capacity (TLC), and inspiratory efforts against an occluded airway
      at three lung volumes spanning the vital capacity [functional residual capacity,
      functional residual capacity + 1/2 inspiratory capacity, and TLC in both the
      prone and supine postures]. Our data show the ventral costal diaphragm had the
      largest VD and contributed nearly two times to the total diaphragm VD compared
      with the dorsal costal portion. In addition, the ventral costal diaphragm
      contributed nearly half of the total VD in the prone position, whereas it only
      contributed a quarter of the total VD in the supine postition. During efforts
      against an occluded airway and during passive inflation to TLC in the supine
      position, the crural diaphragm displaced volume equivalent to that of the
      midcostal portion. Regional muscle shortening closely matched regional VD. We
      conclude that the primary force generator of the diaphragm is primarily dominated
      by the contribution of the ventral costal region to its VD.

PMID- 28100475
TI  - Effects of obesity and exercise on testicular leptin signal transduction and
      testosterone biosynthesis in male mice.
AB  - To explore the role of the testicular leptin and JAK-STAT[leptin (LEP)-JAK-STAT]
      pathway in testosterone biosynthesis during juvenile stages and exercise for
      weight loss, male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal-diet and high
      fat diet groups. After 10 wk, mice in the high-fat diet-fed group were further
      divided randomly into obese control, obese moderate-volume exercise, and obese
      high-volume exercise groups. Mice in the obese moderate-volume exercise group
      were provided with 2 h/day, 6 days/wk swimming exercise for 8 wk, and mice in the
      obese high-volume exercise group underwent twice the amount of daily exercise
      intervention as the obese moderate-volume exercise group. The results showed that
      a high-fat diet causes obesity, leptin resistance, inhibition of the testicular
      LEP-JAK-STAT pathway, decreased mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic
      factor-1, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and the P-450 side-chain
      cleavage enzyme, a decrease in the serum testosterone-to-estradiol ratio, and
      declines in sperm quality parameters. Both moderate and high-volume exercise were
      able to reduce body fat and increase the mRNA and protein expression of LEP-JAK
      STAT, but only moderate exercise significantly increased the mRNA and protein
      expression of steroidogenic factor-1, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and
      P-450 side-chain cleavage enzyme and significantly reversed the serum
      testosterone-to-estradiol ratio and sperm quality parameters. These findings
      suggest that by impairing the testicular LEP-JAK-STAT pathway, early-stage
      obesity inhibits the biosynthesis of testosterone and sexual development and
      reduces male reproductive potential. Long-term moderate and high-volume exercise
      can effectively reduce body fat and improve obesity-induced abnormalities in
      testicular leptin signal transduction, whereas only moderate-volume exercise can
      reverse the negative impacts of obesity on male reproductive function.

PMID- 28100473
TI  - Delineating the phenotypic spectrum of Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome: 12 new
      patients with de novo, heterozygous, loss-of-function mutations in ASXL3 and
      review of published literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome (BRPS) is a recently described
      developmental disorder caused by de novo truncating mutations in the additional
      sex combs like 3 (ASXL3) gene. To date, there have been fewer than 10 reported
      patients. OBJECTIVES: Here, we delineate the BRPS phenotype further by describing
      a series of 12 previously unreported patients identified by the Deciphering
      Developmental Disorders study. METHODS: Trio-based exome sequencing was performed
      on all 12 patients included in this study, which found a de novo truncating
      mutation in ASXL3. Detailed phenotypic information and patient images were
      collected and summarised as part of this study. RESULTS: By obtaining
      genotype:phenotype data, we have been able to demonstrate a second mutation
      cluster region within ASXL3. This report expands the phenotype of older patients
      with BRPS; common emerging features include severe intellectual disability
      (11/12), poor/ absent speech (12/12), autistic traits (9/12), distinct face
      (arched eyebrows, prominent forehead, high-arched palate, hypertelorism and
      downslanting palpebral fissures), (9/12), hypotonia (11/12) and significant
      feeding difficulties (9/12) when young. DISCUSSION: Similarities in the patients
      reported previously in comparison with this cohort included their distinctive
      craniofacial features, feeding problems, absent/limited speech and intellectual
      disability. Shared behavioural phenotypes include autistic traits, hand-flapping,
      rocking, aggressive behaviour and sleep disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: This series
      expands the phenotypic spectrum of this severe disorder and highlights its
      surprisingly high frequency. With the advent of advanced genomic screening, we
      are likely to identify more variants in this gene presenting with a variable
      phenotype, which this study will explore.

PMID- 28100476
TI  - Chronic anemic hypoxemia attenuates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in fetal
      sheep.
AB  - Fetal insulin secretion is inhibited by acute hypoxemia. The relationship between
      prolonged hypoxemia and insulin secretion, however, is less well defined. To test
      the hypothesis that prolonged fetal hypoxemia impairs insulin secretion, studies
      were performed in sheep fetuses that were bled to anemic conditions for 9 +/- 0
      days (anemic, n = 19) and compared with control fetuses (n = 15). Arterial
      hematocrit and oxygen content were 34% and 52% lower, respectively, in anemic vs.
      control fetuses (P < 0.0001). Plasma glucose concentrations were 21% higher in
      the anemic group (P < 0.05). Plasma norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations
      increased 70% in the anemic group (P < 0.05). Glucose-, arginine-, and leucine
      stimulated insulin secretion all were lower (P < 0.05) in anemic fetuses. No
      differences in pancreatic islet size or beta-cell mass were found. In vitro,
      isolated islets from anemic fetuses secreted insulin in response to glucose and
      leucine as well as control fetal islets. These findings indicate a functional
      islet defect in anemic fetuses, which likely involves direct effects of low
      oxygen and/or increased norepinephrine on insulin release. In pregnancies
      complicated by chronic fetal hypoxemia, increasing fetal oxygen concentrations
      may improve insulin secretion.

PMID- 28100478
TI  - Adropin acts in the rat paraventricular nucleus to influence neuronal
      excitability.
AB  - Adropin is a peptide hormone with cardiovascular and metabolic roles in the
      periphery, including effects on glucose and lipid homeostasis. Central
      administration of adropin has been shown to inhibit water intake in rats;
      however, the site at which central adropin acts has yet to be elucidated. The
      hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a critical autonomic control center,
      plays essential roles in the control of fluid balance, energy homeostasis, and
      cardiovascular regulation, and is, therefore, a potential target for centrally
      acting adropin. In the present study, we used whole cell patch-clamp techniques
      to examine the effects of adropin on the excitability of neurons within the PVN.
      All three neuronal subpopulations (magnocellular, preautonomic, and
      neuroendocrine) in the PVN were found to be responsive to bath-application of 10
      nM adropin, which elicited responses in 68% of cells tested (n = 57/84). The
      majority of cells (58%) depolarized (5.2 +/- 0.3 mV; n = 49) in response to
      adropin, whereas the remaining responsive cells (10%) hyperpolarized (-3.4 +/-
      0.5 mV; n = 8), effects that were shown to be concentration-dependent.
      Additionally, responses were maintained in the presence of 1 MUM TTX in 75% of
      cells tested (n = 9/12), and voltage-clamp analysis revealed that adropin had no
      effect on the amplitude or frequency of excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic
      currents (EPSCs and IPSCs) in PVN neurons, suggesting the peptide exerts direct,
      postsynaptic actions on these neurons. Collectively, these findings suggest
      central adropin may exert its physiological effects through direct actions on
      neurons in the PVN.

PMID- 28100477
TI  - Inability to replete white adipose tissue during recovery phase of sepsis is
      associated with increased autophagy, apoptosis, and proteasome activity.
AB  - Adipose tissue is an important energy depot and endocrine organ, and the degree
      of adiposity impacts the host response to infection. However, little is known
      regarding the mechanisms by which white adipose tissue (WAT) is lost acutely and
      then restored after the resolution of sepsis. Therefore, the signaling pathways
      governing protein synthesis, autophagy, apoptosis, and the ubiquitin-proteasome
      were investigated to identify potential mechanisms mediating the acute (24 h)
      loss of WAT after cecal ligation and puncture as well as the failure to replenish
      WAT during recovery (day 10). While whole body fat mass was decreased equally in
      pair-fed control and septic mice at 5 days after cecal ligation and puncture, fat
      mass remained 35% lower in septic mice at day 10 During sepsis-recovery, protein
      synthesis in epididymal WAT was increased compared with control values, and this
      increase was associated with an elevation in eukaryotic translation initiation
      factor (eIF)2Bepsilon but no change in mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1
      activity (eIF4E-binding protein-1 or S6 kinase 1 phosphorylation). Protein
      breakdown was increased during sepsis-recovery, as evidenced by the elevation in
      ubiquitin-proteasome activity. Moreover, indexes of autophagy (light chain 3B-II,
      autophagy-related protein 5/12, and beclin) were increased during sepsis-recovery
      and associated with increased AMP-activated kinase-dependent Ser555
      phosphorylated Unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase-1. Apoptosis was
      increased, as suggested by the increased cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP
      ribose) polymerase. These changes were associated with increased inflammasome
      activity (increased NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3; TMS1; and caspase-1
      cleavage) and the endoplasmic reticulum stress response (increased eIF2alpha and
      activating transcription factor-4) and browning (uncoupling protein-1) in
      epididymal WAT. Our data suggest that WAT stores remain depleted during recovery
      from sepsis due to sustained inflammation and elevations in protein and cellular
      degradation, despite the increase in protein synthesis.

PMID- 28100479
TI  - Evidence of central sensitisation in those with dry eye symptoms and neuropathic
      like ocular pain complaints: incomplete response to topical anaesthesia and
      generalised heightened sensitivity to evoked pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how closely neuropathic-like ocular pain (NOP) symptoms
      align with a metric of central sensitisation (ie, the presence of persistent
      ocular pain after topical anaesthetic placement) in individuals with dry eye (DE)
      symptoms. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 224 individuals with DE symptoms seen
      in the Miami Veterans Affairs eye clinic. An evaluation was performed consisting
      of questionnaires regarding DE symptoms, NOP descriptors and evoked pain
      sensitivity testing on the forehead and forearm, followed by a comprehensive
      ocular surface examination including corneal mechanical sensitivity testing.
      Subsequent analyses were performed to examine for differences between those with
      and without ocular pain after topical anaesthetic placement. RESULTS: The mean
      age was 62 years with 91% being men. DE symptoms and NOP symptoms were higher in
      subjects with persistent ocular pain after anaesthesia. Most DE signs were not
      related to persistent pain, with the exception of meibum quality. Individuals
      with persistent ocular pain also demonstrated greater sensitivity to evoked pain
      at testing sites on the forehead and forearm. When examining receiver operator
      characteristic curves considering persistent pain as a gold standard for central
      sensitisation within the corneal pathway, intensity of ocular pain ratings,
      Ocular Surface Disease Index scores and sensitivity to light provided the most
      robust relationships, each with an area under the curve of 0.72. CONCLUSIONS:
      Individuals with DE symptoms and persistent ocular pain after topical
      proparacaine (a marker of central sensitisation to pain) more frequently report
      NOP-like symptoms and demonstrate increased sensitivity to evoked pain.

PMID- 28100480
TI  - Detection of posterior vortex veins in eyes with pathologic myopia by ultra
      widefield indocyanine green angiography.
AB  - AIMS: To analyse the characteristics of posterior vortex veins detected in highly
      myopic eyes by wide-field indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). METHODS: One
      hundred and fifty-eight consecutive patients (302 eyes) with high myopia (myopic
      refractive error >8.0 dioptres (D) or axial length >=26.5 mm) were studied. Wide
      field ICGA was performed with the Spectralis HRA module. RESULTS: Posterior
      vortex veins were found in 80 eyes (26%). The prevalence of posterior staphyloma
      was significantly higher in eyes in which posterior vortex vein was detected than
      in eyes without posterior vortex vein. The posterior vortex veins were classified
      into five types according to the site of exit from the eye; around the optic
      nerve in 28%, in the macular area in 17%, along the border of staphyloma in 6%,
      along the margin of macular atrophy or large peripapillary conus in 21%, and
      elsewhere in 28%. In one eye, two posterior vortex veins collected the choroidal
      venous blood from the entire fundus. CONCLUSIONS: Wide-field ICGA can analyse the
      characteristic features of choroidal blood outflow system through posterior
      vortex veins in highly myopic eyes. They may play an important role as routes of
      choroidal outflow in highly myopic eyes.

PMID- 28100481
TI  - Safety of anterior chamber paracentesis using a 30-gauge needle integrated with a
      specially designed disposable pipette.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the safety of anterior chamber (AC) paracentesis using a 30
      gauge needle integrated with a specially designed disposable pipette. METHODS: In
      this retrospective observational case-series study, AC paracentesis was performed
      on 301 eyes of 301 patients between September 2009 and August 2016 at the
      Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine and the
      Baptist Eye Institute, Kyoto, Japan. AC paracentesis was performed with the
      patient placed in the supine position using a 30-gauge needle integrated with a
      disposable pipette with one hand, and the safety post procedure was then
      evaluated. RESULTS: The indications for AC paracentesis were virus detection (ie,
      corneal endotheliitis, anterior infectious uveitis, cytomegalovirus retinitis and
      acute retinal necrosis) in 264 eyes, bacterial detection (ie, endophthalmitis) in
      8 eyes and malignancy (ie, primary intraocular lymphoma, leukaemia and
      retinoblastoma) in 29 eyes. No serious complications such as infection, hyphema,
      lens trauma or severe inflammation including hypopyon and AC fibrin formation
      were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that AC paracentesis with a
      disposable pipette is safe with no severe complications.

PMID- 28100482
TI  - Mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy: subtenon injection versus soaked sponges: a
      randomised clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of subtenon injection of
      mitomycin C (MMC) with that of conventional application of MMC-soaked sponges in
      trabeculectomy. METHODS: In this multicentre randomised clinical trial, 80
      consecutive open-angle glaucoma cases were randomised into two groups; group 1
      received a subtenon injection of 0.1 mL of 0.01% MMC, while group 2 received
      0.02% MMC-soaked sponges. Primary outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP),
      and secondary outcome measures were endothelial cell count (ECC) changes and bleb
      morphology according to the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale. Outcome
      measures were compared at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Complete and
      qualified success was defined as IOP within 6-15 mm Hg without and with
      medications at month 6, respectively. RESULTS: Mean preoperative IOP was 21.8+/
      5.1 in group 1, which reduced to 10.3+/-3.7 mm Hg at final visit (p<0.001).
      Corresponding values for group 2 were 21.8+/-5 and 10.8+/-3.5 mm Hg respectively
      (p<0.001). Complete success was 82.5% in both groups, and qualified success was 0
      and 2.5% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. (p=0.316) The blebs tended to be more
      diffuse, less vascularised and shallower in group 1, at month 6 (p=0.45,<0.001
      and <0.007 respectively). ECCs did not change significantly at final visit
      (p=0.813). CONCLUSIONS: Subtenon injection of MMC is a safe and effective
      alternative to the conventional soaked sponge method. This method produces more
      favourable bleb morphology after trabeculectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      NCT02385370, Post-results.

PMID- 28100483
TI  - Electrophysiological changes in 12-year-old children born MLP: reduced VEP
      amplitude in MLP children.
AB  - AIM: To study the electrophysiological changes in relation to fundus morphology
      in moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) children with no previous history of
      retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: Visual acuity (VA), refraction and fundus
      variables measured by optical coherence tomography, pattern reversal visual
      evoked potentials and full-field electroretinography (ff-ERG) were obtained from
      22 twelve-year-old MLP children (11 male, 11 female) and 21 full-term controls.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the MLP and control groups
      in VA, refraction or optic disc parameters. There was a trend for thinner
      papillary retinal nerve fibre layer in the MLP group. Visual evoked potential
      amplitudes (P100) were lower in the MLP group than in controls, that is, right
      eye p=0.0027, left eye p=0.0037. No differences in latencies were found. After
      Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing, no ff-ERG differences were noted
      between MLP and controls. Lower gestational age was correlated with smaller light
      adapted 3.0 b-wave amplitudes (p=0.0076, r=0.565). CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicate that moderate premature birth may affect visual evoked potential
      amplitudes without clear retinal structural changes in MLP children at 12 years
      of age.

PMID- 28100484
TI  - ATF6 knockdown decreases apoptosis, arrests the S phase of the cell cycle, and
      increases steroid hormone production in mouse granulosa cells.
AB  - Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), a sensor protein located in the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, is an important factor in the ER stress
      signaling pathway. ER stress is known to be involved in folliculogenesis,
      follicular growth, and ovulation; however, the physiological function of ATF6 in
      mouse granulosa cells remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to
      assess the role of ATF6 in mouse granulosa cells with respect to apoptosis, the
      cell cycle, and steroid hormone production, as well as several key genes related
      to follicular development, via RNA interference, immunohistochemical staining,
      real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, terminal
      deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated deoxy-UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay,
      and ELISA. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that ATF6 was extensively
      distributed in the granulosa cells of various ovarian follicles and oocytes in
      adult female mice. FSH or LH treatment significantly increased ATF6 protein
      levels in mouse granulosa cells. In the meantime, a recombinant plasmid was used
      to deplete ATF6 successfully using short hairpin RNA-mediated interference
      technology, which was verified at both the mRNA and protein levels. Flow
      cytometry and TUNEL assay analysis indicated that ATF6 depletion decreased
      apoptosis and arrested the S phase of the cell cycle in mouse granulosa cells.
      Consistent with these results, p53, caspase-3, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)
      associated X protein, CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein, cyclin
      A1, cyclin B1, and cyclin D2 mRNA expression decreased, whereas Bcl-2 and glucose
      regulated protein 78 kDa mRNA expression increased. Interestingly, ATF6 knockdown
      obviously increased progesterone and estradiol production in mouse granulosa
      cells. Cytochrome P450 1b1 (Cyp1b1) mRNA levels were downregulated, whereas
      Cyp11a1, steroidogenic acute regulatory, and Cyp19a1 mRNA levels were
      upregulated, in keeping with the changes in steroid hormones. Furthermore, ATF6
      disruption remarkably increased insulin-like growth factor binding protein4
      (Igfbp4) expression and decreased hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2), prostaglandin
      endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2), and prostaglandin F receptor (Ptgfr) expression
      in mouse granulosa cells, which are proteins crucial for follicular development.
      But, after treating with tunicamycin, the levels of Has2, Ptgs2, and Ptgfr
      increased relatively, whereas Igfbp4 expression decreased. Collectively, these
      results imply that ATF6, as a key player in ER stress signaling, may regulate
      apoptosis, the cell cycle, steroid hormone synthesis, and other modulators
      related to folliculogenesis in mouse granulosa cells, which may indirectly be
      involved in the development, ovulation, and atresia of ovarian follicles by
      affecting the physiological function of granulosa cells. The present study
      extends our understanding and provides new insights into the physiological
      significance of ATF6, a key signal transducer of ER stress, in ovarian granulosa
      cells.

PMID- 28100485
TI  - Quantification of growth factor signaling and pathway cross talk by live-cell
      imaging.
AB  - Peptide growth factors stimulate cellular responses through activation of their
      transmembrane receptors. Multiple intracellular signaling cascades are engaged
      following growth factor-receptor binding, leading to short- and long-term
      biological effects. Each receptor-activated signaling pathway does not act in
      isolation but rather interacts at different levels with other pathways to shape
      signaling networks that are distinctive for each growth factor. To gain insights
      into the specifics of growth factor-regulated interactions among different
      signaling cascades, we developed a HeLa cell line stably expressing fluorescent
      live-cell imaging reporters that are readouts for two major growth factor
      stimulated pathways, Ras-Raf-Mek-ERK and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase-Akt.
      Incubation of cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) resulted in rapid, robust,
      and sustained ERK signaling but shorter-term activation of Akt. In contrast,
      hepatocyte growth factor induced sustained Akt signaling but weak and short-lived
      ERK activity, and insulin-like growth factor-I stimulated strong long-term Akt
      responses but negligible ERK signaling. To address potential interactions between
      signaling pathways, we employed specific small-molecule inhibitors. In cells
      incubated with EGF or platelet-derived growth factor-AA, Raf activation and the
      subsequent stimulation of ERK reduced Akt signaling, whereas Mek inhibition,
      which blocked ERK activation, enhanced Akt and turned transient effects into
      sustained responses. Our results reveal that individual growth factors initiate
      signaling cascades that vary markedly in strength and duration and demonstrate in
      living cells the dramatic effects of cross talk from Raf and Mek to PI 3-kinase
      and Akt. Our data further indicate how specific growth factors can encode
      distinct cellular behaviors by promoting complex interactions among signaling
      pathways.

PMID- 28100487
TI  - Doxorubicin-induced nitrosative stress is mitigated by vitamin C via the
      modulation of nitric oxide synthases.
AB  - An increase in oxidative stress is suggested to be the main cause in Doxorubicin
      (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity. However, there is now evidence that activation of
      inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitrosative stress are also involved.
      The role of vitamin C (Vit C) in the regulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)
      and reduction of nitrosative stress in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity is unknown. The
      present study investigated the effects of Vit C in the mitigation of Dox-induced
      changes in the levels of nitric oxide (NO), NOS activity, protein expression of
      NOS isoforms, and nitrosative stress as well as cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-10 in
      isolated cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes isolated from adult Sprague-Dawley rats
      were segregated into four groups: 1) control, 2) Vit C (25 uM), 3) Dox (10 uM),
      and 4) Vit C + Dox. Dox caused a significant increase in the generation of
      superoxide radical (O2.-), peroxynitrite, and NO, and these effects of Dox were
      blunted by Vit C. Dox increased the expression of iNOS and altered protein
      expression as well as activation of endothelial NOS (eNOS). These changes were
      prevented by Vit C. Dox induced an increase in the ratio of monomeric/dimeric
      eNOS, promoting the production of O2.-, which was prevented by Vit C by
      increasing the stability of the dimeric form of eNOS. Vit C protected against the
      Dox-induced increase in TNFalpha as well as a reduction in IL-10. These results
      suggest that Vit C provides cardioprotection by reducing oxidative/nitrosative
      stress and inflammation via a modulation of Dox-induced increase in the NO levels
      and NOS activity.

PMID- 28100486
TI  - c-Jun enhances intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding by increasing
      phospholipase C-gamma1 transcription.
AB  - c-Jun is an activating protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor and implicated in
      many aspects of cellular functions, but its exact role in the regulation of early
      intestinal epithelial restitution after injury remains largely unknown.
      Phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLCgamma1) catalyzes hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol
      4,5 biphosphate into the second messenger diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5
      triphosphate, coordinates Ca2+ store mobilization, and regulates cell migration
      and proliferation in response to stress. Here we reported that c-Jun upregulates
      PLCgamma1 expression and enhances PLCgamma1-induced Ca2+ signaling, thus
      promoting intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding. Ectopically expressed
      c-Jun increased PLCgamma1 expression at the transcription level, and this
      stimulation is mediated by directly interacting with AP-1 and CCAAT-enhancer
      binding protein (C/EBP) binding sites that are located at the proximal region of
      the rat PLCgamma1 promoter. Increased levels of PLCgamma1 by c-Jun elevated
      cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration and stimulated intestinal epithelial cell
      migration over the denuded area after wounding. The c-Jun-mediated PLCgamma1/Ca2+
      signal also plays an important role in polyamine-induced cell migration after
      wounding because increased c-Jun rescued Ca2+ influx and cell migration in
      polyamine-deficient cells. These findings indicate that c-Jun induces PLCgamma1
      expression transcriptionally and enhances rapid epithelial restitution after
      injury by activating Ca2+ signal.

PMID- 28100488
TI  - Kinetic analyses of vasculogenesis inform mechanistic studies.
AB  - Vasculogenesis is a complex process by which endothelial stem and progenitor
      cells undergo de novo vessel formation. Quantitative assessment of vasculogenesis
      is a central readout of endothelial progenitor cell functionality. However,
      current assays lack kinetic measurements. To address this issue, new approaches
      were developed to quantitatively assess in vitro endothelial colony-forming cell
      (ECFC) network formation in real time. Eight parameters of network structure were
      quantified using novel Kinetic Analysis of Vasculogenesis (KAV) software. KAV
      assessment of structure complexity identified two phases of network formation.
      This observation guided the development of additional vasculogenic readouts. A
      tissue cytometry approach was established to quantify the frequency and
      localization of dividing ECFCs. Additionally, Fiji TrackMate was used to quantify
      ECFC displacement and speed at the single-cell level during network formation.
      These novel approaches were then implemented to identify how intrauterine
      exposure to maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) impairs fetal ECFC vasculogenesis.
      Fetal ECFCs exposed to maternal DM form fewer initial network structures, which
      are not stable over time. Correlation analyses demonstrated that ECFC samples
      with greater division in branches form fewer closed network structures.
      Additionally, reductions in average ECFC movement over time decrease structural
      connectivity. Identification of these novel phenotypes utilizing the newly
      established methodologies provides evidence for the cellular mechanisms
      contributing to aberrant ECFC vasculogenesis.

PMID- 28100489
TI  - TALE-induced bHLH transcription factors that activate a pectate lyase contribute
      to water soaking in bacterial spot of tomato.
AB  - AvrHah1 [avirulence (avr) gene homologous to avrBs3 and hax2, no. 1] is a
      transcription activator-like (TAL) effector (TALE) in Xanthomonas gardneri that
      induces water-soaked disease lesions on fruits and leaves during bacterial spot
      of tomato. We observe that water from outside the leaf is drawn into the apoplast
      in X. gardneri-infected, but not X. gardneriDeltaavrHah1 (XgDeltaavrHah1)
      infected, plants, conferring a dark, water-soaked appearance. The pull of water
      can facilitate entry of additional bacterial cells into the apoplast. Comparing
      the transcriptomes of tomato infected with X. gardneri vs. XgDeltaavrHah1
      revealed the differential up-regulation of two basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)
      transcription factors with predicted effector binding elements (EBEs) for
      AvrHah1. We mined our RNA-sequencing data for differentially up-regulated genes
      that could be direct targets of the bHLH transcription factors and therefore
      indirect targets of AvrHah1. We show that two pectin modification genes, a
      pectate lyase and pectinesterase, are targets of both bHLH transcription factors.
      Designer TALEs (dTALEs) for the bHLH transcription factors and the pectate lyase,
      but not for the pectinesterase, complement water soaking when delivered by
      XgDeltaavrHah1 By perturbing transcriptional networks and/or modifying the plant
      cell wall, AvrHah1 may promote water uptake to enhance tissue damage and eventual
      bacterial egression from the apoplast to the leaf surface. Understanding how
      disease symptoms develop may be a useful tool for improving the tolerance of
      crops from damaging disease lesions.

PMID- 28100490
TI  - Amino-terminal domains of kainate receptors determine the differential dependence
      on Neto auxiliary subunits for trafficking.
AB  - The kainate receptor (KAR), a subtype of glutamate receptor, mediates excitatory
      synaptic responses at a subset of glutamatergic synapses. However, the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the trafficking of its different subunits are poorly
      understood. Here we use the CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cell, which lacks KAR
      mediated synaptic currents, as a null background to determine the minimal
      requirements for the extrasynaptic and synaptic expression of the GluK2 subunit.
      We find that the GluK2 receptor itself, in contrast to GluK1, traffics to the
      neuronal surface and synapse efficiently and the auxiliary subunits Neto1 and
      Neto2 caused no further enhancement of these two trafficking processes. However,
      the regulation of GluK2 biophysical properties by Neto proteins is the same as
      that of GluK1. We further determine that it is the amino-terminal domains (ATDs)
      of GluK1 and GluK2 that control the strikingly different trafficking properties
      between these two receptors. Moreover, the ATDs are critical for synaptic
      expression of heteromeric receptors at mossy fiber-CA3 synapses and also mediate
      the differential dependence on Neto proteins for surface and synaptic trafficking
      of GluK1 and GluK2. These results highlight the fundamental differences between
      the two major KAR subunits and their interplay with Neto auxiliary proteins.

PMID- 28100491
TI  - Motor control by precisely timed spike patterns.
AB  - A fundamental problem in neuroscience is understanding how sequences of action
      potentials ("spikes") encode information about sensory signals and motor outputs.
      Although traditional theories assume that this information is conveyed by the
      total number of spikes fired within a specified time interval (spike rate),
      recent studies have shown that additional information is carried by the
      millisecond-scale timing patterns of action potentials (spike timing). However,
      it is unknown whether or how subtle differences in spike timing drive differences
      in perception or behavior, leaving it unclear whether the information in spike
      timing actually plays a role in brain function. By examining the activity of
      individual motor units (the muscle fibers innervated by a single motor neuron)
      and manipulating patterns of activation of these neurons, we provide both
      correlative and causal evidence that the nervous system uses millisecond-scale
      variations in the timing of spikes within multispike patterns to control a
      vertebrate behavior-namely, respiration in the Bengalese finch, a songbird. These
      findings suggest that a fundamental assumption of current theories of motor
      coding requires revision.

PMID- 28100492
TI  - Dynamic assembly of ultrasoft colloidal networks enables cell invasion within
      restrictive fibrillar polymers.
AB  - In regenerative medicine, natural protein-based polymers offer enhanced
      endogenous bioactivity and potential for seamless integration with tissue, yet
      form weak hydrogels that lack the physical robustness required for surgical
      manipulation, making them difficult to apply in practice. The use of higher
      concentrations of protein, exogenous cross-linkers, and blending synthetic
      polymers has all been applied to form more mechanically robust networks. Each
      relies on generating a smaller network mesh size, which increases the elastic
      modulus and robustness, but critically inhibits cell spreading and migration,
      hampering tissue regeneration. Here we report two unique observations; first,
      that colloidal suspensions, at sufficiently high volume fraction (phi),
      dynamically assemble into a fully percolated 3D network within high-concentration
      protein polymers. Second, cells appear capable of leveraging these unique domains
      for highly efficient cell migration throughout the composite construct. In
      contrast to porogens, the particles in our system remain embedded within the bulk
      polymer, creating a network of particle-filled tunnels. Whereas this would
      normally physically restrict cell motility, when the particulate network is
      created using ultralow cross-linked microgels, the colloidal suspension displays
      viscous behavior on the same timescale as cell spreading and migration and thus
      enables efficient cell infiltration of the construct through the colloidal-filled
      tunnels.

PMID- 28100493
TI  - Large 14C excursion in 5480 BC indicates an abnormal sun in the mid-Holocene.
AB  - Radiocarbon content in tree rings can be an excellent proxy of the past incoming
      cosmic ray intensities to Earth. Although such past cosmic ray variations have
      been studied by measurements of 14C contents in tree rings with >=10-y time
      resolution for the Holocene, there are few annual 14C data. There is a little
      understanding about annual 14C variations in the past, with the exception of a
      few periods including the AD 774-775 14C excursion where annual measurements have
      been performed. Here, we report the result of 14C measurements using the
      bristlecone pine tree rings for the period from 5490 BC to 5411 BC with 1- to 2-y
      resolution, and a finding of an extraordinarily large 14C increase (200/00) from
      5481 BC to 5471 BC (the 5480 BC event). The 14C increase rate of this event is
      much larger than that of the normal grand solar minima. We propose the possible
      causes of this event are an unknown phase of grand solar minimum, or a
      combination of successive solar proton events and a normal grand solar minimum.

PMID- 28100494
TI  - Quantification of BK Virus Standards by Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Droplet
      Digital PCR Is Confounded by Multiple Virus Populations in the WHO BKV
      International Standard.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The WHO recently released a BK virus (BKV) international standard.
      This study evaluated the WHO international standard and commercially available
      BKV standards by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR
      (ddPCR). METHODS: WHO, Exact Diagnostics, Acrometrix, and Zeptometrix BKV
      standards were tested by qPCR and ddPCR. Two preparations of NIST BKV clones were
      also tested. Nucleic acid was extracted with the Roche MP96 and MPLC, followed by
      quantification in duplicate. To resolve discrepancies, we sequenced the WHO and
      NIST materials. RESULTS: Manufacturers' expected copies/mL were close to WHO
      IU/mL: linear regression of qPCR data revealed 1.12 Exact copies/IU, 0.76
      Acrometrix copies/IU, and 0.70 Zeptometrix copies/IU. For ddPCR, similar
      concentrations were measured when either the VP1 region or the T region was
      targeted, and concentrations were almost 2-fold higher when both regions were
      targeted simultaneously. ddPCR results for the VP1 and T regions were similar for
      all commercial standards, but targeting the T region of the WHO standard led to a
      4-fold lower result than the VP1 region. Next-generation sequencing revealed no
      primer or probe mismatches. However, large differences in coverage across the WHO
      standard and junctional reads were observed, indicating subpopulations of the WHO
      standard with deletions in the T region. CONCLUSIONS: BKV standards showed
      concordance among providers, but the WHO standard contains subpopulations of
      viruses with various deletions in the T region. PCR results will vary depending
      on which region of the WHO standard is targeted.

PMID- 28100495
TI  - Probe-Free Digital PCR Quantitative Methodology to Measure Donor-Specific Cell
      Free DNA after Solid-Organ Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Donor-specific cell-free DNA (dscfDNA) is increasingly being
      considered as a noninvasive biomarker to monitor graft health and diagnose graft
      rejection after solid-organ transplantation. However, current approaches used to
      measure dscfDNA can be costly and/or laborious. A probe-free droplet digital PCR
      (ddPCR) methodology using small deletion/insertion polymorphisms (DIPs) was
      developed to circumvent these limitations without compromising the quantification
      of dscfDNA. This method was called PHABRE-PCR (Primer to Hybridize across an
      Allelic BREakpoint-PCR). The strategic placement of one primer to hybridize
      across an allelic breakpoint ensured highly specific PCR amplification, which
      then enabled the absolute quantification of donor-specific alleles by probe-free
      ddPCR. METHODS: dscfDNA was serially measured in 3 liver transplant recipients.
      Donor and recipient genomic DNA was first genotyped against a panel of DIPs to
      identify donor-specific alleles. Alleles that differentiated donor-specific from
      recipient-specific DNA were then selected to quantify dscfDNA in the recipient
      plasma. RESULTS: Lack of amplification of nontargeted alleles confirmed that
      PHABRE-PCR was highly specific. In recipients who underwent transplantation,
      dscfDNA was increased at day 3, but decreased and plateaued at a low
      concentration by 2 weeks in the 2 recipients who did not develop any
      complications. In the third transplant recipient, a marked increase of dscfDNA
      coincided with an episode of graft rejection. CONCLUSIONS: PHABRE-PCR was able to
      quantify dscfDNA with high analytical specificity and sensitivity. The
      implementation of a DIP-based approach permits surveillance of dscfDNA as a
      potential measure of graft health after solid-organ transplantation.

PMID- 28100496
TI  - Preexisting Immunity, Not Frailty Phenotype, Predicts Influenza Postvaccination
      Titers among Older Veterans.
AB  - Both preexisting immunity to influenza and age have been shown to be correlates
      of influenza vaccine responses. Frailty, an indicator of functional impairment in
      older adults, was also shown in one study to predict lower influenza vaccine
      responses among nonveterans. In the current study, we aimed to determine the
      associations between frailty, preexisting immunity, and immune responses to
      influenza vaccine among older veterans. We studied 117 subjects (age range, 62 to
      95 years [median age, 81 years]), divided into three cohorts based on the Fried
      frailty test, i.e., nonfrail (NF) (n = 23 [median age, 68 years]), prefrail (n =
      50 [median age, 80 years]), and frail (n = 44 [median age, 82 years]), during the
      2010-2011 and 2011-2012 influenza seasons. Subjects received the seasonal
      trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine, and baseline and postvaccination samples
      were obtained. Anti-influenza humoral immunity, as measured by hemagglutination
      inhibition (HI) and microneutralization assays, was measured for influenza B,
      A(H1N1)pdm09, and A(H3N2) viruses. Postvaccination titers were not different
      between frail and NF subjects overall in this older subset of veterans. However,
      preexisting HI titers were strongly correlated with postvaccination titers among
      all functional status groups. When microneutralization titers were compared, the
      association between preexisting immunity and vaccine responses varied by frailty
      status, with the strongest correlation being observed for the NF group. In
      conclusion, preexisting immunity rather than frailty appeared to predict
      postvaccination titers in this older veteran cohort.

PMID- 28100497
TI  - Avian and Human Seasonal Influenza Hemagglutinin Proteins Elicit CD4 T Cell
      Responses That Are Comparable in Epitope Abundance and Diversity.
AB  - Avian influenza viruses remain a significant concern due to their pandemic
      potential. Vaccine trials have suggested that humans respond poorly to avian
      influenza vaccines relative to seasonal vaccines. It is important to understand,
      first, if there is a general deficiency in the ability of avian hemagglutinin
      (HA) proteins to generate immune responses and, if so, what underlies this
      defect. This question is of particular interest because it has been suggested
      that in humans, the poor immunogenicity of H7 vaccines may be due to a paucity of
      CD4 T cell epitopes. Because of the generally high levels of cross-reactive CD4 T
      cells in humans, it is not possible to compare the inherent immunogenicities of
      avian and seasonal HA proteins in an unbiased manner. Here, we empirically
      examine the epitope diversity and abundance of CD4 T cells elicited by seasonal
      and avian HA proteins. HLA-DR1 and HLA-DR4 transgenic mice were vaccinated with
      purified HA proteins, and CD4 T cells to specific epitopes were identified and
      quantified. These studies revealed that the diversity and abundance of CD4 T
      cells specific for HA do not segregate on the basis of whether the HA was derived
      from human seasonal or avian influenza viruses. Therefore, we conclude that
      failure in responses to avian vaccines in humans is likely due to a lack of cross
      reactive CD4 T cell memory perhaps coupled with competition with or suppression
      of naive, HA-specific CD4 T cells by memory CD4 T cells specific for more highly
      conserved proteins.

PMID- 28100498
TI  - The Predominant CD4+ Th1 Cytokine Elicited to Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in
      Women Is Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Not Interferon Gamma.
AB  - Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most prevalent bacterial sexually
      transmitted infection and can cause significant reproductive morbidity in women.
      There is insufficient knowledge of C. trachomatis-specific immune responses in
      humans, which could be important in guiding vaccine development efforts. In
      contrast, murine models have clearly demonstrated the essential role of T helper
      type 1 (Th1) cells, especially interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)-producing CD4+ T
      cells, in protective immunity to chlamydia. To determine the frequency and
      magnitude of Th1 cytokine responses elicited to C. trachomatis infection in
      humans, we stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 90 chlamydia
      infected women with C. trachomatis elementary bodies, Pgp3, and major outer
      membrane protein and measured IFN-gamma-, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)
      , and interleukin-2 (IL-2)-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses using
      intracellular cytokine staining. The majority of chlamydia-infected women
      elicited CD4+ TNF-alpha responses, with frequency and magnitude varying
      significantly depending on the C. trachomatis antigen used. CD4+ IFN-gamma and IL
      2 responses occurred infrequently, as did production of any of the three
      cytokines by CD8+ T cells. About one-third of TNF-alpha-producing CD4+ T cells
      coproduced IFN-gamma or IL-2. In summary, the predominant Th1 cytokine response
      elicited to C. trachomatis infection in women was a CD4+ TNF-alpha response, not
      CD4+ IFN-gamma, and a subset of the CD4+ TNF-alpha-positive cells produced a
      second Th1 cytokine.

PMID- 28100499
TI  - Gremlin1 plays a key role in kidney development and renal fibrosis.
AB  - Gremlin1 (Grem1), an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins, plays a key role
      in embryogenesis. A highly specific temporospatial gradient of Grem1 and bone
      morphogenetic protein signaling is critical to normal lung, kidney, and limb
      development. Grem1 levels are increased in renal fibrotic conditions, including
      acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, chronic allograft nephropathy, and
      immune glomerulonephritis. We demonstrate that a small number of grem1-/- whole
      body knockout mice on a mixed genetic background (8%) are viable, with a single,
      enlarged left kidney and grossly normal histology. The grem1-/- mice displayed
      mild renal dysfunction at 4 wk, which recovered by 16 wk. Tubular epithelial cell
      specific targeted deletion of Grem1 (TEC-grem1-cKO) mice displayed a milder
      response in the acute injury and recovery phases of the folic acid model.
      Increases in indexes of kidney damage were smaller in TEC-grem1-cKO than wild
      type mice. In the recovery phase of the folic acid model, associated with renal
      fibrosis, TEC-grem1-cKO mice displayed reduced histological damage and an
      attenuated fibrotic gene response compared with wild-type controls. Together,
      these data demonstrate that Grem1 expression in the tubular epithelial
      compartment plays a significant role in the fibrotic response to renal injury in
      vivo.

PMID- 28100501
TI  - MDM2 mediates fibroblast activation and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis via a
      p53-independent pathway.
AB  - It is well recognized that murine double minute gene 2 (MDM2) plays a critical
      role in cell proliferation and inflammatory processes during tumorigenesis. It is
      also reported that MDM2 is expressed in glomeruli and involved in podocyte
      injury. However, whether MDM2 is implicated in renal fibrosis remains unclear.
      Here we investigated the role of MDM2 in tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF). By
      immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting we confirmed that MDM2 is
      upregulated in the tubulointerstitial compartment in patients with TIF and
      unilateral urethral obstruction (UUO) mice, which mainly originates from
      myofibroblasts. Consistently, in vitro MDM2 is increased in TGF-beta1-treated
      fibroblasts, one of the major sources of collagen-producing myofibroblasts during
      TIF, along with fibroblast activation. Importantly, genetic deletion of MDM2
      significantly attenuates fibroblast activation. We then analyzed the possible
      downstream signaling of MDM2 during fibroblast activation. p53-dependent pathway
      is the classic downstream signaling of MDM2, and Nutlin-3 is a small molecular
      inhibitor of MDM2-p53 interaction. To our surprise, Nutlin-3 could not ameliorate
      fibroblast activation in vitro and TIF in UUO mice. However, we found that Notch1
      signaling is attenuated during fibroblast activation, which could be markedly
      rescued by MDM2 knockdown. Overexpression of intracellular domain of Notch1
      (NICD) by plasmid could obviously minimize fibroblast activation induced by TGF
      beta1. In addition, the degradation of NICD is strikingly suppressed by PYR-41,
      an inhibitor of ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1, and proteasome inhibitor MG132.
      Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that MDM2 is involved in
      fibroblast activation and TIF, which associates with Notch1 ubiquitination and
      proteasome degradation.

PMID- 28100500
TI  - Mononuclear phagocyte subpopulations in the mouse kidney.
AB  - Mononuclear phagocytes are the most common cells in the kidney associated with
      immunity and inflammation. Although the presence of these cells in the kidney has
      been known for decades, the study of mononuclear phagocytes in the context of
      kidney function and dysfunction is still at an early stage. The purpose of this
      review is to summarize the present knowledge regarding classification of these
      cells in the mouse kidney and to identify relevant questions that would further
      advance the field and potentially lead to new opportunities for treatment of
      acute kidney injury and other kidney diseases.

PMID- 28100503
TI  - Chronic kidney disease promotes chronic inflammation in visceral white adipose
      tissue.
AB  - White adipose tissue plays an important role in the development of metabolic
      disturbance, which is a common feature in patients with chronic kidney disease
      (CKD). The effect of CKD on white adipose tissue remains poorly appreciated.
      Here, we evaluated the inflammatory potential of visceral white adipose tissue in
      a rat model of CKD. The results showed that production of proinflammatory
      cytokines and infiltration of macrophage in the tissue were increased
      significantly in CKD rats compared with sham rats. Moreover, the primary
      adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction under the condition of CKD could trigger
      the inflammatory response in each other. Free fatty acid induced robust
      inflammatory response in ex vivo peritoneal-derived macrophages from CKD rats,
      which was associated with reduced activity of silent information regulator T1
      (SIRT1). Improvement of SIRT1 activity by an activator could alleviate free fatty
      acid-induced inflammatory response in the macrophages and inflammation in the
      white adipose tissue. Moreover, oxidative stress occurred in the tissue and
      linked with the reduced activity of SIRT1 in macrophages and enhanced release of
      free fatty acid in the tissue. We thus identified CKD as a risk factor for
      chronic inflammation in white adipose tissue. These observations might open up
      new therapeutic strategies for metabolic disturbance in CKD via the modulation of
      adipose tissue-related pathways.

PMID- 28100502
TI  - RACK1 regulates angiotensin II-induced contractions of SHR preglomerular vascular
      smooth muscle cells.
AB  - The preglomerular microcirculation of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) is
      hypersensitive to angiotensin (ANG) II, and studies have shown that this is
      likely due to enhanced coincident signaling between G protein subunits alphaq
      (Galphaq; released by ANG II) and betagamma (Gbetagamma; released by Gi-coupled
      receptors) to active phospholipase C (PLC). Here we investigated the molecular
      basis for the enhanced coincident signaling between Gbetagamma and Galphaq in SHR
      preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells (PGVSMCs). Because receptor for
      activated C kinase 1 (RACK1; a scaffolding protein) organizes interactions
      between Gbetagamma, Galphaq, and PLC, we included RACK1 in this investigation.
      Cell fractionation studies demonstrated increased levels of membrane (but not
      cytosolic) Gbeta, Galphaq, PLCbeta3, and RACK1 in SHR PGVSMCs compared with
      Wistar-Kyoto rat PGVSMCs. In SHR PGVSMCs, coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated
      RACK1 binding to Gbeta and PLCbeta3, but only at cell membranes. Pertussis toxin
      (which blocks Gbetagamma) and U73122 (which blocks PLC) reduced membrane RACK1;
      however, RACK1 knockdown (shRNA) did not affect membrane levels of Gbeta,
      Galphaq, or PLCbeta3 In a novel gel contraction assay, RACK1 knockdown in SHR
      PGVSMCs attenuated contractions to ANG II and abrogated the ability of
      neuropeptide Y (which signals via Gbetagamma) to enhance ANG II-induced
      contractions. We conclude that in SHR PGVSMCs the enlarged pool of Gbetagamma and
      PLCbeta3 recruits RACK1 to membranes and RACK1 then organizes signaling.
      Consequently, knockdown of RACK1 prevents coincident signaling between ANG II and
      the Gi pathway. This is the first study to implicate RACK1 in vascular smooth
      muscle cell contraction and suggests that RACK1 inhibitors could be effective
      cardiovascular drugs.

PMID- 28100504
TI  - A new microscope for the kidney: mathematics.

PMID- 28100505
TI  - (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide ameliorates lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice by
      preventing infiltration of immune cells.
AB  - (5R)-5-hydroxytriptolide (LLDT-8), a triptolide derivative with low toxicity, was
      previously reported to have strong immunosuppressive effects both in vitro and in
      vivo, but it remains unknown whether LLDT-8 has a therapy effect on systemic
      lupus erythematosus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic
      effects of LLDT-8 on lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice, a model of systemic lupus
      erythematosus. Compared with the vehicle group, different clinical parameters
      were improved upon LLDT-8 treatment as follows: prolonged life span of mice,
      decreased proteinuria, downregulated blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine,
      reduced glomerular IgG deposits, and ameliorated histopathology. A decreased
      expression of the inflammatory cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-alpha
      was also observed in the kidney of LLDT-8 treated MRL/lpr mice. Moreover,
      infiltration of T cells in the kidney was mitigated after LLDT-8 treatment,
      corresponding with decreased expression of related chemokines IP-10, Mig, and
      RANTES in the kidney. The proportion of macrophage and neutrophil cells and
      related chemokines expression was also reduced in kidneys of LLDT-8-treated mice.
      In the human proximal tubule epithelial cell line and mouse mesangial cell line,
      consistent with our in vivo experimental results, LLDT-8 suppressed the
      expression of related chemokines and IL-6. In summary, LLDT-8 has a therapeutic
      benefit for lupus nephritis via suppressing chemokine expression and inhibiting
      immune cell infiltration in kidneys of MRL/lpr mice.

PMID- 28100506
TI  - Twittering on about mental health: is it worth the effort?
AB  - The medical community disseminates information increasingly using social media.
      Randomised controlled trials are being conducted in this area to evaluate
      effectiveness of social media with mixed results so far, but more trials are
      likely to be published in the coming years. One recent twitter randomised control
      trial using Cochrane Schizophrenia Group reviews suggests that tweets increase
      the hits to the target web page by about threefold and time spent on the web page
      is also increased threefold when referrals come in via twitter. These are early
      findings and need further replication. Twitter appeals to professionals,
      entertainers and politicians among others as a means of networking with peers and
      connecting with the wider public. Twitter, in particular, seems to be well placed
      for use by the medical community and is effective in promoting messages, updating
      information, interacting with each other locally and internationally and more so
      during conferences. Twitter is also increasingly used to disseminate evidence in
      addition to traditional media such as academic peer-reviewed journals. Caution is
      required using twitter as inadvertent tweets can lead to censure. Overall, the
      use of twitter responsibly by the medical community will increase visibility of
      research findings and ensure up to date evidence is readily accessible. This
      should open the door for further trials of different social media platforms to
      evaluate their effectiveness in disseminating accurate high-quality information
      instantaneously to a global audience.

PMID- 28100507
TI  - Efficacy of iron-supplement bars to reduce anemia in urban Indian women: a
      cluster-randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Background: India's high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia has largely been
      attributed to the local diet consisting of nonheme iron, which has lower
      absorption than that of heme iron.Objective: We assessed the efficacy of the
      consumption of iron-supplement bars in raising hemoglobin concentrations and
      hematocrit percentages in anemic (hemoglobin concentration <12 g/dL) Indian women
      of reproductive age.Design: The Let's be Well Red study was a 90-d, pair-matched,
      cluster-randomized controlled trial. A total of 361 nonpregnant women (age 18-35
      y) were recruited from 10 sites within Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, India. All
      participants received anemia education and a complete blood count (CBC). Random
      assignment of anemic participants to intervention and control arms occurred
      within 5 matched site-pairs. Intervention participants received 1 iron-supplement
      bar (containing 14 mg Fe)/d for 90 d, whereas control subjects received nothing.
      CBC tests were given at days 15, 45, and 90. Primary outcomes were 90-d changes
      from baseline in hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit percentages. Linear
      mixed models and generalized estimating equations were used to model continuous
      and binary outcomes, respectively.Results: Of 179 anemic participants, 136
      (76.0%) completed all follow-up assessments (65 intervention and 71 control
      participants). Baseline characteristics were comparable by arm. Mean hemoglobin
      and hematocrit increases after 90 d were greater for intervention than for
      control participants [1.4 g/dL (95% CI: 1.3, 1.6 g/dL) and 2.7% (95% CI: 2.2%,
      3.2%), respectively]. The anemia prevalence at 90 d was lower for intervention
      (29.2%) than for control participants (98.6%) (OR: 0.007; 95% CI: 0.001,
      0.04).Conclusions: The daily consumption of an iron-supplement bar leads to
      increased hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit percentages and to a lower
      anemia prevalence in the target population with no reported side effects. This
      intervention is an attractive option to combat anemia in India. This trial was
      registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02032615.

PMID- 28100508
TI  - Challenges in accurately modeling the complexity of human ingestive behavior: the
      influence of portion size and energy density of food on fMRI food-cue reactivity.

PMID- 28100509
TI  - Determining the protein needs of "older" persons one meal at a time.

PMID- 28100510
TI  - The nutritional metabolomics crossroads: how to ensure success for dietary
      biomarkers.

PMID- 28100511
TI  - Higher dietary flavonoid intakes are associated with lower objectively measured
      body composition in women: evidence from discordant monozygotic twins.
AB  - Background: Although dietary flavonoid intake has been associated with less
      weight gain, there are limited data on its impact on fat mass, and to our
      knowledge, the contribution of genetic factors to this relation has not
      previously been assessed.Objective: We examined the associations between
      flavonoid intakes and fat mass.Design: In a study of 2734 healthy, female twins
      aged 18-83 y from the TwinsUK registry, intakes of total flavonoids and 7
      subclasses (flavanones, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavones,
      polymers, and proanthocyanidins) were calculated with the use of food-frequency
      questionnaires. Measures of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived fat mass
      included the limb-to-trunk fat mass ratio (FMR), fat mass index, and central fat
      mass index.Results: In cross-sectional multivariable analyses, higher intake of
      anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins were associated with a lower FMR
      with mean +/- SE differences between extreme quintiles of -0.03 +/- 0.02 (P-trend
      = 0.02), -0.03 +/- 0.02 (P-trend = 0.03), and -0.05 +/- 0.02 (P-trend < 0.01),
      respectively. These associations were not markedly changed after further
      adjustment for fiber and total fruit and vegetable intakes. In monozygotic,
      intake-discordant twin pairs, twins with higher intakes of flavan-3-ols (n = 154,
      P = 0.03), flavonols (n = 173, P = 0.03), and proanthocyanidins (n = 172, P <
      0.01) had a significantly lower FMR than that of their co-twins with within-pair
      differences of 3-4%. Furthermore, in confirmatory food-based analyses, twins with
      higher intakes of flavonol-rich foods (onions, tea, and pears; P = 0.01) and
      proanthocyanidin-rich foods (apples and cocoa drinks; P = 0.04) and, in younger
      participants (aged <50 y) only, of anthocyanin-rich foods (berries, pears,
      grapes, and wine; P = 0.01) had a 3-9% lower FMR than that of their co
      twins.Conclusions: These data suggest that higher habitual intake of a number of
      flavonoids, including anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, and
      proanthocyanidins, are associated with lower fat mass independent of shared
      genetic and common environmental factors. Intervention trials are needed to
      further examine the effect of flavonoid-rich foods on body composition.

PMID- 28100514
TI  - Preoperative alpha-blockade in catecholamine-secreting tumours: fight for it or
      take flight?

PMID- 28100512
TI  - Postexercise repletion of muscle energy stores with fructose or glucose in mixed
      meals.
AB  - Background: Postexercise nutrition is paramount to the restoration of muscle
      energy stores by providing carbohydrate and fat as precursors of glycogen and
      intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) synthesis. Compared with glucose, fructose
      ingestion results in lower postprandial glucose and higher lactate and
      triglyceride concentrations. We hypothesized that these differences in substrate
      concentration would be associated with a different partition of energy stored as
      IMCLs or glycogen postexercise.Objective: The purpose of this study was to
      compare the effect of isocaloric liquid mixed meals containing fat, protein, and
      either fructose or glucose on the repletion of muscle energy stores over 24 h
      after a strenuous exercise session.Design: Eight male endurance athletes (mean +/
      SEM age: 29 +/- 2 y; peak oxygen consumption: 66.8 +/- 1.3 mL . kg-1 . min-1)
      were studied twice. On each occasion, muscle energy stores were first lowered by
      a combination of a 3-d controlled diet and prolonged exercise. After assessment
      of glycogen and IMCL concentrations in vastus muscles, subjects rested for 24 h
      and ingested mixed meals providing fat and protein together with 4.4 g/kg
      fructose (the fructose condition; FRU) or glucose (the glucose condition; GLU).
      Postprandial metabolism was assessed over 6 h, and glycogen and IMCL
      concentrations were measured again after 24 h. Finally, energy metabolism was
      evaluated during a subsequent exercise session.Results: FRU and GLU resulted in
      similar IMCL [+2.4 +/- 0.4 compared with +2.0 +/- 0.6 mmol . kg-1 wet weight . d
      1; time * condition (mixed-model analysis): P = 0.45] and muscle glycogen (+10.9
      +/- 0.9 compared with +12.3 +/- 1.9 mmol . kg-1 wet weight . d-1; time *
      condition: P = 0.45) repletion. Fructose consumption in FRU increased
      postprandial net carbohydrate oxidation and decreased net carbohydrate storage
      (estimating total, muscle, and liver glycogen synthesis) compared with GLU (+117
      +/- 9 compared with +135 +/- 9 g/6 h, respectively; P < 0.01). Compared with GLU,
      FRU also resulted in lower plasma glucose concentrations and decreased exercise
      performance the next day.Conclusions: Mixed meals containing fat, protein, and
      either fructose or glucose elicit similar repletion of IMCLs and muscle glycogen.
      Under such conditions, fructose lowers whole-body glycogen synthesis and impairs
      subsequent exercise performance, presumably because of lower hepatic glycogen
      stores. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01866215.

PMID- 28100515
TI  - Quest to determine the ideal position of the central venous catheter tip.

PMID- 28100513
TI  - Loss of Ranbp2 in motoneurons causes disruption of nucleocytoplasmic and
      chemokine signaling, proteostasis of hnRNPH3 and Mmp28, and development of
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-like syndromes.
AB  - The pathogenic drivers of sporadic and familial motor neuron disease (MND), such
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are unknown. MND impairs the Ran GTPase
      cycle, which controls nucleocytoplasmic transport, ribostasis and proteostasis;
      however, cause-effect mechanisms of Ran GTPase modulators in motoneuron
      pathobiology have remained elusive. The cytosolic and peripheral nucleoporin
      Ranbp2 is a crucial regulator of the Ran GTPase cycle and of the proteostasis of
      neurological disease-prone substrates, but the roles of Ranbp2 in motoneuron
      biology and disease remain unknown. This study shows that conditional ablation of
      Ranbp2 in mouse Thy1 motoneurons causes ALS syndromes with hypoactivity followed
      by hindlimb paralysis, respiratory distress and, ultimately, death. These
      phenotypes are accompanied by: a decline in the nerve conduction velocity, free
      fatty acids and phophatidylcholine of the sciatic nerve; a reduction in the g
      ratios of sciatic and phrenic nerves; and hypertrophy of motoneurons.
      Furthermore, Ranbp2 loss disrupts the nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of the
      import and export nuclear receptors importin beta and exportin 1, respectively,
      Ran GTPase and histone deacetylase 4. Whole-transcriptome, proteomic and cellular
      analyses uncovered that the chemokine receptor Cxcr4, its antagonizing ligands
      Cxcl12 and Cxcl14, and effector, latent and activated Stat3 all undergo early
      autocrine and proteostatic deregulation, and intracellular sequestration and
      aggregation as a result of Ranbp2 loss in motoneurons. These effects were
      accompanied by paracrine and autocrine neuroglial deregulation of hnRNPH3
      proteostasis in sciatic nerve and motoneurons, respectively, and post
      transcriptional downregulation of metalloproteinase 28 in the sciatic nerve.
      Mechanistically, our results demonstrate that Ranbp2 controls nucleocytoplasmic,
      chemokine and metalloproteinase 28 signaling, and proteostasis of substrates that
      are crucial to motoneuronal homeostasis and whose impairments by loss of Ranbp2
      drive ALS-like syndromes.

PMID- 28100516
TI  - Transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) in
      children: a step forward in apnoeic oxygenation, paradigm-shift in ventilation,
      or both?

PMID- 28100517
TI  - Indirect admission to intensive care after surgery: what should be considered?

PMID- 28100518
TI  - Stopping antithrombotics during regional anaesthesia and eye surgery: crying
      wolf?

PMID- 28100519
TI  - Paravertebral block in paediatric abdominal surgery-a systematic review and meta
      analysis of randomized trials.
AB  - The increased popularity of paravertebral block (PVB) can be attributed to its
      relative safety and comparable efficacy when compared with epidural analgesia. It
      has thus been recommended for open cholecystectomy and other less painful
      surgeries such as inguinal herniorraphy and appendectomy. We performed a
      systematic review of PVB in paediatric abdominal conditions to assess its
      clinical efficacy and side effects compared with other analgesic therapies.A
      search of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science and hand-searching references from
      inception date to May 2016 was done. Relevant studies were randomized clinical
      trials in patients 0-18 years old comparing PVB (single shot or continuous
      catheter) with any comparator and analgesic medication. Pain scores, rescue
      analgesia and adverse events were compared.The systematic reviews identified six
      trials enrolling 358 paediatric patients. PVB medications included bupivacaine,
      ropivacaine, lidocaine, and fentanyl. Surgical procedures included inguinal
      herniorraphy, cholecystectomy, and appendectomy. The standardized mean difference
      in early pain scores favoured PVB: 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12-1.58]
      at 4-6 h and 0.64 (95% CI 0.28-1.00) at 24 h. One study reported a reduced length
      of stay. Parental [odds ratio (OR) 5.12 (95% CI 2.59-10.1)] and surgeon [OR 6.05
      (95% CI 2.25-16.3)] satisfaction were higher in those receiving a PVB. No major
      complications occurred with a PVB.PVB resulted in minimally improved pain scores
      for up to 24 h after surgery, reduced rescue analgesia requirements, and
      increased surgeon and parental satisfaction. PVB is a good alternative to caudal
      and ilioinguinal block in paediatric abdominal surgery.

PMID- 28100520
TI  - Evidence basis for using perineural dexmedetomidine to enhance the quality of
      brachial plexus nerve blocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine has been proposed as a perineural local anaesthetic
      (LA) adjunct to prolong peripheral nerve block duration; however, results from
      our previous meta-analysis in the setting of brachial plexus block (BPB) did not
      support its use. Many additional randomized trials have since been published. We
      thus conducted an updated meta-analysis. METHODS: Randomized trials investigating
      the addition of dexmedetomidine to LA compared with LA alone (Control) in BPB for
      upper extremity surgery were sought. Sensory and motor block duration, onset
      times, duration of analgesia, analgesic consumption, pain severity, patient
      satisfaction, and dexmedetomidine-related side-effects were analysed using random
      effects modeling. We used ratio-of-means (lower confidence interval [point
      estimate]) for continuous outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 32 trials (2007
      patients), and found that dexmedetomidine prolonged sensory block (at least 57%,
      P < 0.0001), motor block (at least 58%, P < 0.0001), and analgesia (at least 63%,
      P < 0.0001) duration. Dexmedetomidine expedited onset for both sensory (at least
      40%, P < 0.0001) and motor (at least 39%, P < 0.0001) blocks. Dexmedetomidine
      also reduced postoperative oral morphine consumption by 10.2mg [-15.3, -5.2] (P <
      0.0001), improved pain control, and enhanced satisfaction. In contrast,
      dexmedetomidine increased odds of bradycardia (3.3 [0.8, 13.5](P = 0.0002)), and
      hypotension (5.4 [2.7, 11.0] (P < 0.0001)). A 50-60ug dexmedetomidine dose
      maximized sensory block duration while minimizing haemodynamic side-effects. No
      patients experienced any neurologic sequelae. Evidence quality for sensory block
      was high according to the GRADE system. CONCLUSIONS: New evidence now indicates
      that perineural dexmedetomidine improves BPB onset, quality, and analgesia.
      However, these benefits should be weighed against increased risks of motor block
      prolongation and transient bradycardia and hypotension.

PMID- 28100521
TI  - Perioperative alpha-receptor blockade in phaeochromocytoma surgery: an
      observational case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mortality associated with surgery for phaeochromocytoma has
      dramatically decreased over the last decades. Many factors contributed to the
      dramatic decline of the mortality rate, and the influence of an alpha-receptor
      blockade is unclear and has never been tested in a randomized trial. We evaluated
      intraoperative haemodynamic conditions and the incidence of complications in
      patients with and without alpha-receptor blockade undergoing surgery for
      catecholamine producing tumours. METHODS: Haemodynamic conditions and
      perioperative complications were assessed in 110 patients with (B) and 166
      without (N) alpha-receptor blockade. Data were analysed as a consecutive case
      series of 303 cases and subsequently via propensity score matching, and presented
      as mean and confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: No difference in maximal
      intraoperative systolic arterial pressures (B = 178 mm Hg (CI 169-187) vs N = 185
      mm Hg (CI 177-193; P = 0.2542) and hypertensive episodes above 250 mm Hg were
      found (P = 0.7474) for the closed case series. No major complications occurred.
      Propensity score matching (75 pairs) revealed a significant difference of 17 mm
      Hg in maximal intraoperative systolic bp for these selected pairs (P = 0.024).
      CONCLUSIONS: Only a slight difference in mean maximal systolic arterial pressure
      was detected between patients with or without an alpha-receptor blockade. There
      was no difference in the incidence of excessive hypertensive episodes between
      groups and no major complications occurred. The basis for the general
      recommendation of perioperative alpha- receptor blockade for phaeochromocytoma
      surgery demands further study.

PMID- 28100523
TI  - Endothelial dysfunction in the early postoperative period after major colon
      cancer surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that endothelial dysfunction in the early
      postoperative period promotes myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the impact of colon cancer surgery on
      endothelial function and the association with the l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway
      postoperatively. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective colon cancer surgery (n =
      31) were included in this prospective observational cohort study. Endothelial
      function, as measured using the reactive hyperaemia index (RHI), was assessed non
      invasively using digital pulse tonometry. RHI and plasma concentrations of L
      arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), dihydrobiopterin and biopterin
      metabolites, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and total biopterin were measured before
      surgery, at four h after surgery and at postoperative day one and two. Cardiac
      troponin I was measured before surgery and once daily on postoperative days one
      to four. RESULTS: Preoperative RHI was 1.86 (1.64 - 2.11) and decreased
      significantly during the observation period (linear mixed effects model of serial
      measurements, P = 0.015). Both L-arginine (P < 0.001) and ADMA (P = 0.024)
      decreased during the postoperative period. All biopterin metabolites were
      significantly decreased after surgery. A significant positive correlation was
      found between logAUC(l-arginine/ADMA) and logAUC(RHI) (P = 0.015) and between
      logAUC(L-arginine/ADMA) and logAUC(BH4) (P = 0.015). None of the patients had
      cardiac troponin I elevations. CONCLUSIONS: RHI was attenuated in the first days
      after colon cancer surgery indicating acute endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial
      dysfunction correlated with disturbances in the L-arginine - nitric oxide
      pathway. Our findings provide a rationale for investigating the hypothesized
      association between acute endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular
      complications after non-cardiac surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      NCT02344771.

PMID- 28100524
TI  - Making robust assessments of specialist trainees' workplace performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Workplace-based assessments should provide a reliable measure of
      trainee performance, but have met with mixed success. We proposed that using an
      entrustability scale, where supervisors scored trainees on the level of
      supervision required for the case would improve the utility of compulsory mini
      clinical evaluation exercise (CEX) assessments in a large anaesthesia training
      program. METHODS: We analysed mini-CEX scores from all Australian and New Zealand
      College of Anaesthetists trainees submitted to an online database over a 12-month
      period. Supervisors' scores were adjusted for the expected supervision
      requirement for the case for trainees at different stages of training. We used
      generalisability theory to determine score reliability. RESULTS: 7808 assessments
      were available for analysis. Supervision requirements decreased significantly (P
      < 0.05) with increased duration and level of training, supporting validity. We
      found moderate reliability (G > 0.7) with a feasible number of assessments.
      Adjusting scores against the expected supervision requirement considerably
      improved reliability, with G > 0.8 achieved with only nine assessments. Three per
      cent of trainees generated average mini-CEX scores below the expected standard.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using an entrustment scoring system, where supervisors score
      trainees on the level of supervision required, mini-CEX scores demonstrated
      moderate reliability within a feasible number of assessments, and evidence of
      validity. When scores were adjusted against an expected standard, underperforming
      trainees could be identified, and reliability much improved. Taken together with
      other evidence on trainee ability, the mini-CEX is of sufficient reliability for
      inclusion in high stakes decisions on trainee progression towards independent
      specialist practice.

PMID- 28100525
TI  - Transoesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of central venous catheter
      positioning using Peres' formula or a radiological landmark-based approach: a
      prospective randomized single-centre study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lower superior vena cava (SVC), near its junction with the right
      atrium (RA), is considered the ideal location for the central venous catheter tip
      to ensure proper function and prevent injuries. We determined catheter insertion
      depth with a new formula using the sternoclavicular joint and the carina as
      radiological landmarks, with a 1.5 cm safety margin. The accuracy of tip
      positioning with the radiological landmark-based technique (R) and Peres' formula
      (P) was compared using transoesophageal echocardiography. METHODS: Real-time
      ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion was done through the right
      internal jugular or subclavian vein. Patients were randomly assigned to either
      the P group (n=93) or the R group (n=95). Optimal catheter tip position was
      considered to be within 2 cm above and 1 cm below the RA-SVC junction. Catheter
      tip position, abutment, angle to the vascular wall, and flow stream were
      evaluated on a bicaval view. RESULTS: The distance from the skin insertion point
      to the RA-SVC junction and determined depth of catheter insertion were more
      strongly correlated in the R group [17.4 (1.2) and 16.7 (1.5) cm; r=0.821,
      P<0.001] than in the P group [17.3 (1.2) and 16.4 (1.1) cm; r=0.517, P<0.001],
      with z=3.96 (P<0.001). More tips were correctly positioned in the R group than in
      the P group (74 vs 93%, P=0.001). Abutment, tip angle to the lateral wall >40
      degrees , and disrupted flow stream were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter tip
      position was more accurate with a radiological landmark-based technique than with
      Peres' formula. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry of Korea:
      https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/index.jsp KCT0001937.

PMID- 28100522
TI  - Intraoperative dexamethasone does not increase the risk of postoperative wound
      infection: a propensity score-matched post hoc analysis of the ENIGMA-II trial
      (EnDEX).
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a post hoc analysis of the ENIGMA-II trial, we sought to determine
      whether intraoperative dexamethasone was associated with adverse safety outcomes.
      METHODS: Inverse probability weighting with estimated propensity scores was used
      to determine the association of dexamethasone administration with postoperative
      infection, quality of recovery, and adverse safety outcomes for 5499 of the 7112
      non-cardiac surgery subjects enrolled in ENIGMA-II. RESULTS: Dexamethasone was
      administered to 2178 (40%) of the 5499 subjects included in this analysis and was
      not associated with wound infection [189 (8.7%) vs 275 (8.3%); propensity score
      adjusted relative risk (RR) 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-1.34;
      P=0.38], severe postoperative nausea and vomiting on day 1 [242 (7.3%) vs 189
      (8.7%); propensity score-adjusted RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.86-1.30; P=0.59], quality of
      recovery score [median 14, interquartile range (IQR) 12-15, vs median 14, IQR 12
      16, P=0.10), length of stay in the postanaesthesia care unit [propensity score
      adjusted median (IQR) 2.0 (1.3, 2.9) vs 1.9 (1.3, 3.1), P=0.60], or the primary
      outcome of the main trial. Dexamethasone administration was associated with a
      decrease in fever on days 1-3 [182 (8.4%) vs 488 (14.7%); RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.5
      0.74; P<0.001] and shorter lengths of stay in hospital [propensity score-adjusted
      median (IQR) 5.0 (2.9, 8.2) vs 5.3 (3.1, 9.1), P<0.001]. Neither diabetes
      mellitus nor surgical wound contamination status altered these outcomes.
      CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone administration to high-risk non-cardiac surgical
      patients did not increase the risk of postoperative wound infection or other
      adverse events up to day 30, and appears to be safe in patients either with or
      without diabetes mellitus. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00430989.

PMID- 28100526
TI  - Comparison of different techniques of central venous pressure measurement in
      mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several techniques exist for measuring central venous pressure (CVP)
      but little information is available about the accuracy of each method. The aim of
      this study was to compare different methods of CVP measurements in mechanically
      ventilated patients. METHODS: CVP was measured in mechanically ventilated
      patients without spontaneous breathing using four different techniques: 1) end
      expiratory CVP measurement at the base of the" c" wave (CVPMEASURED), chosen as
      the reference method; 2) CVP measurement from the monitor averaging CVP over the
      cardiac and respiratory cycles (CVPMONITOR); 3) CVP measurement after a transient
      withdrawing of mechanical ventilation (CVPNADIR); 4) CVP measurement corrected
      for the transmitted respiratory pressure induced by intrinsic PEEP (calculated
      CVP: CVPCALCULATED). Bias, precision, limits of agreement, and proportions of
      outliers (difference > 2 mm Hg) were determined. RESULTS: Among 61 included
      patients, 103 CVP assessments were performed. CVPMONITOR bias [-0.87  (1.06) mm
      Hg] was significantly different from those of CVPCALCULATED [1.42  (1.07), P <
      0.001 and CVPNADIR (1.04  (1.29), P < 0.001]. The limits of agreement of
      CVPMONITOR [-2.96 to 1.21 mm Hg] were not significantly different to those of
      CVPNADIR (-1.49 to 3.57 mm Hg, P = 0.39) and CVPCALCULATED (-0.68 to 3.53 mm Hg,
      P = 0.31). The proportion of outliers was not significantly different between
      CVPMONITOR (n = 5, 5%) and CVPNADIR (n = 9, 9%, P = 0.27) but was greater with
      CVPCALCULATED (n = 16, 15%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In mechanically ventilated
      patients, CVPMONITOR is a reliable method for assessing CVPMEASURED Taking into
      account transmitted respiratory pressures, CVPCALCULATED had a higher proportion
      of outliers and precision than CVPNADIR.

PMID- 28100527
TI  - Transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) in
      children: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange
      (THRIVE) was introduced to adult anaesthesia to improve the safety of airway
      management during apnoea before intubation. The objective of our study was to
      determine whether THRIVE safely prolongs apnoeic oxygenation in children.
      METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial in 48 healthy children, with
      normal airways and cardiorespiratory function, in age groups 0-6 and 7-24 months,
      2-5 and 6-10 yr old, presenting for elective surgery or imaging under general
      anaesthesia. All children were induced with sevoflurane, O2, and N2O, followed by
      muscle relaxation with rocuronium, and standardized preoxygenation with bag-and
      mask ventilation. The control arm received jaw support during apnoea, whereas the
      THRIVE arm received jaw support during apnoea and age-specific flow rates. The
      primary outcome was to demonstrate that children allocated to THRIVE maintain
      transcutaneous haemoglobin saturation at least twice as long as the expected age
      dependent apnoea time in the control group. RESULTS: Both study arms (each n=24)
      were similar in age and weight. The apnoea time was significantly shorter in the
      control arm: average 109.2 (95% CI 28.8) s in the control arm and 192 s in the
      THRIVE arm (0-6 months), 147.3 (95% CI 18.9) and 237 s (7-24 months), 190.5 (95%
      CI 15.3) and 320 s (2-5 yr), and 260.8 (95% CI 37.5) and 430 s (6-10 yr),
      respectively. Average transcutaneous haemoglobin saturation remained at 99.6%
      (95% CI 0.2) during THRIVE. Transcutaneous CO2 increased to a similar extent in
      both arms, with 2.4 (95% CI 0.5) mm Hg min-1 for the control arm and 2.4 (95% CI
      0.4) mm Hg min-1 for the THRIVE arm. CONCLUSION: Transnasal humidified rapid
      insufflation ventilatory exchange prolongs the safe apnoea time in healthy
      children but has no effect to improve CO2 clearance. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ACTRN12615001319561.

PMID- 28100528
TI  - Higher risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression in children with
      neurodevelopmental disability: a retrospective cohort study of 12 904 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities may be at risk of
      opioid-induced respiratory depression. We aimed to quantify the risks and
      effectiveness of morphine nurse-controlled analgesia (morphine-NCA) for
      postoperative pain in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. METHODS: We
      carried out a retrospective cohort study of 12 904 children who received
      postoperative i.v. morphine-NCA. Subjects were divided into a neurodevelopmental
      disability group and a control group. Rates of clinical satisfaction, respiratory
      depression, and serious adverse events were obtained, and statistical analysis,
      including multilevel logistic regression using Bayesian inference, was performed.
      RESULTS: Of 12 904 patients, 2390 (19%) had neurodevelopmental disabilities.
      There were 88 instances of respiratory depression and 52 serious adverse events;
      there were no opioid-related deaths. The cumulative incidence of respiratory
      depression in the neurodevelopmental disability group was 1.09% vs 0.59% in the
      control group [odds ratio 1.8 (98% chance that the true odds ratio was >1)]. A
      significant interaction between postoperative morphine dose and
      neurodevelopmental disabilities was observed, with higher risk of respiratory
      depression with increasing dose. Satisfaction with morphine-NCA was very high
      overall, although children with neurodevelopmental disabilities were 1% more
      likely to have infusions rated as fair or poor (3.3 vs 2.1%, chi2P<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities were 1.8 times more
      likely to suffer respiratory depression, absolute risk difference 0.5%; opioid
      induced respiratory depression in this group may relate to increased sensitivity
      to dose-relate respiratory effects of morphine. Morphine-NCA as described was an
      acceptable technique for children with and without neurodevelopmental
      disabilities.

PMID- 28100529
TI  - Children and parental anxiolysis in paediatric ambulatory surgery: a randomized
      controlled study comparing 0.3 mg kg-1 midazolam to tablet computer based
      interactive distraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The operating theatre, anaesthesia induction and separation from
      parents create fear and anxiety in children. Anxiety leads to adverse behavioral
      changes appearing and sometimes persisting during the postoperative period. Our
      aim was to compare the effects of midazolam (0.3 mg kg-1: MDZ) for premedication
      with age-appropriate tablet game apps (TAB) on children anxiety during and after
      ambulatory surgery. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from May
      16th, 2013 to March 25th, 2014 at the Children Hospital of Lyon. The primary
      outcome of this study was the change in m-YPAS score at the time of anaesthetic
      mask induction. Anxiety was also assessed in the waiting surgical area, at the
      time of separation with parents and when back in the ambulatory surgery ward.
      RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen patients aged four-11 yr were recruited, 60 in
      the TAB Group and 58 in the MDZ Group. Main endpoint was missing for three
      patients from the MDZ Group. At the time of mask induction, there was no
      significant difference between MDZ and TAB Group for the m-YPAS score (40.5
      (18.6) vs 41.8 (20.7), P = 0.99). There was no significant correlation between m
      YPAS score and its evolution over the four period of time between subjects.
      CONCLUSIONS: We were not able to show whether TAB is superior to MDZ to blunt
      anxiety in children undergoing ambulatory surgery. TAB is a non-pharmacological
      tool which has the capacity in reducing perioperative stress without any sedative
      effect in this population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT 02192710.

PMID- 28100531
TI  - Efficacy of continuous intravenous glucose monitoring in perioperative glycaemic
      control: a randomized controlled study.

PMID- 28100530
TI  - Feasibility of measuring memory response to increasing dexmedetomidine sedation
      in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The memory effect of dexmedetomidine has not been prospectively
      evaluated in children. We evaluated the feasibility of measuring memory and
      sedation responses in children during dexmedetomidine sedation for non-painful
      radiological imaging studies. Secondarily, we quantified changes in memory in
      relation to the onset of sedation. METHODS: A 10 min bolus of dexmedetomidine (2
      mcg kg-1) was given to children as they named simple line drawings every five s.
      The absence of sedation was identified as any verbal response, regardless of
      correctness. After recovery, recognition memory was tested with correct Yes/No
      recognitions (50% novel pictures) and was matched to sedation responses during
      the bolus period (subsequent memory paradigm). RESULTS: Of 64 accruals, 30
      children (mean [SD]6.1 (1.2) yr, eight male) received dexmedetomidine and
      completed all study tasks. Individual responses were able to be modelled
      successfully in the 30 children completing all the study tasks, demonstrating
      feasibility of this approach. Children had 50% probability of verbal response at
      five min 40 s after infusion start, whereas 50% probability of subsequent
      recognition memory occurred sooner at four min five s. CONCLUSIONS: Quantifying
      memory and sedation effects during dexmedetomidine infusion in verbal children
      was possible and demonstrated that memory function was present until shortly
      before verbal unresponsiveness occurred. This is the first study to investigate
      the effect of dexmedetomidine on memory in children. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      NCT 02354378.

PMID- 28100532
TI  - Does benzodiazepine administration affect patient satisfaction: a secondary
      analysis of the ConCIOUS study.

PMID- 28100533
TI  - Ketamine inhalation.

PMID- 28100534
TI  - Direct laryngoscopy training is important for videolaryngoscopy skill
      acquisition.

PMID- 28100535
TI  - 'LIVES': a mnemonic for teaching advanced airway management.

PMID- 28100537
TI  - Preoperative supplementation with fibrinogen concentrate in cardiac surgery.

PMID- 28100536
TI  - Transparent acrylic protector use for patient positioning and monitoring in robot
      assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

PMID- 28100538
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28100539
TI  - Waist circumference is better than body mass index, but sagittal anterior
      diameter may be even better.

PMID- 28100540
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 28100544
TI  - Oscillatory whole-body vibration improves exercise capacity and physical
      performance in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a randomised clinical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), supportive
      therapies may be beneficial in addition to targeted medical treatment. Here, we
      evaluated the effectiveness and safety of oscillatory whole-body vibration (WBV)
      in patients on stable PAH therapy. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with PAH (mean
      PAP>=25 mm Hg and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP)<=15 mm Hg) who were in
      world health organization (WHO)-Functional Class II or III and on stable PAH
      therapy for>=3 months, were randomised to receive WBV (16 sessions of 1-hour
      duration within 4 weeks) or to a control group, that subsequently received WBV.
      Follow-up measures included the 6-min walking distance (6MWD), cardiopulmonary
      exercise testing (CPET), echocardiography, muscle-power, and health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL; SF-36 and LPH questionnaires). RESULTS: When compared to
      the control group, patients receiving WBV exhibited a significant improvement in
      the primary endpoint, the 6MWD (+35.4+/-10.9 vs -4.4+/-7.6 m), resulting in a net
      benefit of 39.7+/-7.8 m (p=0.004). WBV was also associated with substantial
      improvements in CPET variables, muscle power, and HRQoL. The combined analysis of
      all patients (n=22) indicated significant net improvements versus baseline in the
      6MWD (+38.6 m), peakVO2 (+65.7 mL/min), anaerobic threshold (+40.9 mL VO2/min),
      muscle power (+4.4%), and HRQoL (SF-36 +9.7, LPH -11.5 points) (all p<0.05). WBV
      was well tolerated in all patients, and no procedure-related severe adverse
      events (SAEs) occurred. CONCLUSIONS: WBV substantially improves exercise
      capacity, physical performance, and HRQoL in patients with PAH who are on stable
      targeted therapy. This methodology may be utilised in structured training
      programmes, and may be feasible for continuous long-term physical exercise in
      these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01763112; Results.

PMID- 28100545
TI  - Chronic effects of air pollution on lung function after lung transplantation in
      the Systems prediction of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction (SysCLAD) study.
AB  - An irreversible loss in lung function limits the long-term success in lung
      transplantation. We evaluated the role of chronic exposure to ambient air
      pollution on lung function levels in lung transplant recipients (LTRs).The lung
      function of 520 LTRs from the Cohort in Lung Transplantation (COLT) study was
      measured every 6 months. The levels of air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
      particulate matter with an aerodynamic cut-off diameter of x um (PMx) and ozone
      (O3)) at the patients' home address were averaged in the 12 months before each
      spirometry test. The effects of air pollutants on forced expiratory volume in 1 s
      (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in % predicted were estimated using mixed
      linear regressions. We assessed the effect modification of macrolide antibiotics
      in this relationship.Increased 12-month levels of pollutants were associated with
      lower levels of FVC % pred (-2.56%, 95% CI -3.86--1.25 for 5 ug.m-3 of PM10; 
      0.75%, 95% CI -1.38--0.12 for 2 ug.m-3 of PM2.5 and -2.58%, 95% CI -4.63--0.53
      for 10 ug.m-3 of NO2). In patients not taking macrolides, the deleterious
      association between PM and FVC tended to be stronger and PM10 was associated with
      lower FEV1Our study suggests a deleterious effect of chronic exposure to air
      pollutants on lung function levels in LTRs, which might be modified with
      macrolides.

PMID- 28100547
TI  - How much is too much alcohol in tuberculosis?

PMID- 28100548
TI  - MST1R mutation as a genetic cause of Lady Windermere syndrome.

PMID- 28100546
TI  - Accuracy of line probe assays for the diagnosis of pulmonary and multidrug
      resistant tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Only 25% of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases are currently
      diagnosed. Line probe assays (LPAs) enable rapid drug-susceptibility testing for
      rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistance and Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      detection. Genotype MTBDRplusV1 was WHO-endorsed in 2008 but newer LPAs have
      since been developed.This systematic review evaluated three LPAs: Hain Genotype
      MTBDRplusV1, MTBDRplusV2 and Nipro NTM+MDRTB. Study quality was assessed with
      QUADAS-2. Bivariate random-effects meta-analyses were performed for direct and
      indirect testing. Results for RIF and INH resistance were compared to phenotypic
      and composite (incorporating sequencing) reference standards. M. tuberculosis
      detection results were compared to culture.74 unique studies were included. For
      RIF resistance (21 225 samples), pooled sensitivity and specificity (with 95%
      confidence intervals) were 96.7% (95.6-97.5%) and 98.8% (98.2-99.2%). For INH
      resistance (20 954 samples), pooled sensitivity and specificity were 90.2% (88.2
      91.9%) and 99.2% (98.7-99.5%). Results were similar for direct and indirect
      testing and across LPAs. Using a composite reference standard, specificity
      increased marginally. For M. tuberculosis detection (3451 samples), pooled
      sensitivity was 94% (89.4-99.4%) for smear-positive specimens and 44% (20.2
      71.7%) for smear-negative specimens.In patients with pulmonary TB, LPAs have high
      sensitivity and specificity for RIF resistance and high specificity and good
      sensitivity for INH resistance. This meta-analysis provides evidence for policy
      and practice.

PMID- 28100549
TI  - Impact of CPAP therapy on health-related quality of life in elderly patients with
      apnoea-hypopnea syndrome: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials.

PMID- 28100550
TI  - Additional important research priorities for bronchiectasis in China.

PMID- 28100551
TI  - Psychometric properties of the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire in patients
      with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) has been used to measure health
      related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
      (IPF).This analysis evaluated the psychometric properties of the SGRQ using data
      from 428 patients with IPF who participated in a 12-month, randomised, placebo
      controlled phase II trial of nintedanib.Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha)
      was 0.91 for SGRQ total and >0.70 for domain scores. Test-retest reliability
      (intraclass correlation coefficients) was 0.77, 0.77, 0.69 and 0.66 for SGRQ
      total, activity, impact and symptoms scores, respectively. Construct validity of
      SGRQ total and domain scores was supported by weak to moderate cross-sectional
      correlations with the Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (0.32-0.55), 6-min
      walk test distance (-0.25- -0.34), percentage predicted forced vital capacity (
      0.11- -0.15) and measures of gas exchange (-0.26-0.03). There was some evidence
      that the SGRQ total score was sensitive to detecting change.The reliability,
      construct validity and responsiveness of the SGRQ in patients with IPF suggest
      that this is an acceptable measure of HRQoL in patients with IPF.

PMID- 28100552
TI  - Toward understanding patient experience in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 28100553
TI  - Additional important research priorities for bronchiectasis in China.

PMID- 28100554
TI  - Should we be concerned about air quality as a contributor to poor outcomes in
      lung transplant recipients?

PMID- 28100555
TI  - Environmental tobacco smoke exposure among infants, children and young people:
      now is no time to relax.

PMID- 28100556
TI  - Poverty, low birthweight and brain size.

PMID- 28100557
TI  - Dual sensory impairment in special schools in South-Eastern Nigeria.
AB  - In a cross-sectional study to determine the magnitude of dual sensory impairment
      (DSI-combined hearing and vision loss) in children in single-disability special
      education schools, children in schools for the blind and schools for the deaf in
      four states in South-East Nigeria were examined by an ophthalmologist and
      otorhinolaryngologist to determine the level of their disability and to identify
      other disabilities if any. Participants were all students with childhood
      blindness or childhood deafness. The magnitude and causes of DSI and the burden
      of undetected DSI were the main outcome measures. A total of 273 students were
      examined. About 7% of these students had DSI out of which over 60% (12/19) was
      previously undetected. There was more DSI in the blind schools than in the deaf
      schools (p=0.003). There is a large burden of undetected DSI in children in
      special schools in Nigeria. There is a need to create awareness of this problem
      and advocate appropriate screening, rehabilitative and educational strategies for
      children who have it.

PMID- 28100559
TI  - What is involved in medicines management across care boundaries? A qualitative
      study of healthcare practitioners' experiences in the case of acute kidney
      injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the role of individual and collective cognitive work in
      managing medicines for acute kidney injury (AKI), this being an example of a
      clinical scenario that crosses the boundaries of care organisations and
      specialties. DESIGN: Qualitative design, informed by a realist perspective and
      using semistructured interviews as the data source. The data were analysed using
      template analysis. SETTING: Primary, secondary and intermediate care in England.
      PARTICIPANTS: 12 General practitioners, 10 community pharmacists, 7 hospital
      doctors and 7 hospital pharmacists, all with experience of involvement in
      preventing or treating AKI. RESULTS: We identified three main themes concerning
      participants' experiences of managing medicines in AKI. In the first theme,
      challenges arising from the clinical context, AKI is identified as a technically
      complex condition to identify and treat, often requiring judgements to be made
      about renal functioning against the context of the patient's general well-being.
      In the second theme, challenges arising from the organisational context, the
      crossing of professional and organisational boundaries is seen to introduce
      problems for the coordination of clinical activities, for example by disrupting
      information flows. In the third theme, meeting the challenges, participants
      identify ways in which they overcome the challenges they face in order to ensure
      effective medicines management, for example by adapting their work practices and
      tools. CONCLUSIONS: These themes indicate the critical role of cognitive work on
      the part of healthcare practitioners, as individuals and as teams, in ensuring
      effective medicines management during AKI. Our findings suggest that the
      capabilities underlying this work, for example decision-making, communication and
      team coordination, should be the focus of training and work design interventions
      to improve medicines management for AKI or for other conditions.

PMID- 28100560
TI  - Prevalence, impact and cost of multimorbidity in a cohort of people with chronic
      pain in Ireland: a study protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multimorbidity (MM) refers to the coexistence of two or more
      chronic conditions within one person, where no one condition is considered
      primary. As populations age and healthcare provision improves, MM is becoming
      increasingly common and poses a challenge to the single morbidity approach to
      illness management, usually adopted by healthcare systems. Indeed, recent
      research has shown that 66.2% of the people in primary care in Ireland are living
      with MM. Healthcare usage and cost is significantly associated with MM, and
      additional chronic conditions lead to exponential increases in service usage and
      financial costs, and decreases in physical and mental well-being. Certain
      conditions, for example, chronic pain, are highly correlated with MM. This study
      aims to assess the extent, profile, impact and cost of MM among Irish adults with
      chronic pain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Using cluster sampling, participants aged 18
      years and over will be recruited from Irish pain clinics and provided an
      information package and questionnaire asking them to participate in our study at
      three time points, 1 year apart. The questionnaire will include our specially
      developed checklist to assess the prevalence and impact of MM, along with
      validated measures of quality of life, pain, depression and anxiety, and illness
      perception. Economic data will also be collected, including direct and indirect
      costs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by the
      Research Ethics Committee of the National University of Ireland, Galway.
      Dissemination of results will be via journal articles and conference
      presentations.

PMID- 28100561
TI  - Investigation of the degree of organisational influence on patient experience
      scores in acute medical admission units in all acute hospitals in England using
      multilevel hierarchical regression modelling.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies found that hospital and specialty have limited
      influence on patient experience scores, and patient level factors are more
      important. This could be due to heterogeneity of experience delivery across
      subunits within organisations. We aimed to determine whether organisation level
      factors have greater impact if scores for the same subspecialty microsystem are
      analysed in each hospital. SETTING: Acute medical admission units in all NHS
      Acute Trusts in England. PARTICIPANTS: We analysed patient experience data from
      the English Adult Inpatient Survey which is administered to 850 patients annually
      in each acute NHS Trusts in England. We selected all 8753 patients who returned
      the survey and who were emergency medical admissions and stayed in their
      admission unit for 1-2 nights, so as to isolate the experience delivered during
      the acute admission process. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We used
      multilevel logistic regression to determine the apportioned influence of host
      organisation and of organisation level factors (size and teaching status), and
      patient level factors (demographics, presence of long-term conditions and
      disabilities). We selected 'being treated with respect and dignity' and 'pain
      control' as primary outcome parameters. Other Picker Domain question scores were
      analysed as secondary parameters. RESULTS: The proportion of overall variance
      attributable at organisational level was small; 0.5% (NS) for respect and
      dignity, 0.4% (NS) for pain control. Long-standing conditions and consequent
      disabilities were associated with low scores. Other item scores also showed that
      most influence was from patient level factors. CONCLUSIONS: When a single
      microsystem, the acute medical admission process, is isolated, variance in
      experience scores is mainly explainable by patient level factors with limited
      organisational level influence. This has implications for the use of generic
      patient experience surveys for comparison between Trusts and should prompt
      further research to explore if more discriminant surveys can be developed.

PMID- 28100562
TI  - Healthcare organisation and delivery for people with dementia and comorbidity: a
      qualitative study exploring the views of patients, carers and professionals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: People living with dementia (PLWD) have a high prevalence of
      comorbidty. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of dementia on access
      to non-dementia services and identify ways of improving service delivery for this
      population. DESIGN: Qualitative study involving interviews and focus groups.
      Thematic content analysis was informed by theories of continuity of care and
      access to care. SETTING: Primary and secondary care in the South and North East
      of England. PARTICIPANTS: PLWD who had 1 of the following comorbidities-diabetes,
      stroke, vision impairment, their family carers and healthcare professionals
      (HCPs) in the 3 conditions. RESULTS: We recruited 28 community-dwelling PLWD, 33
      family carers and 56 HCPs. Analysis resulted in 3 overarching themes: (1) family
      carers facilitate access to care and continuity of care, (2) the impact of the
      severity and presentation of dementia on management of comorbid conditions, (3)
      communication and collaboration across specialities and services is not dementia
      aware. We found examples of good practice, but these tended to be about the
      behaviour of individual practitioners rather than system-based approaches;
      current systems may unintentionally block access to care for PLWD. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study suggests that, in order to improve access and continuity for PLWD and
      comorbidity, a significant change in the organisation of care is required which
      involves: coproduction of care where professionals, PLWD and family carers work
      in partnership; recognition of the way a patient's diagnosis of dementia affects
      the management of other long-term conditions; flexibility in services to ensure
      they are sensitive to the changing needs of PLWD and their family carers over
      time; and improved collaboration across specialities and organisations. Research
      is needed to develop interventions that support partnership working and tailoring
      of care for PLWD and comorbidity.

PMID- 28100563
TI  - Effect of socioeconomic disadvantage, remoteness and Indigenous status on
      hospital usage for Western Australian preterm infants under 12 months of age: a
      population-based data linkage study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to determine the incidence of hospital
      admission and emergency department presentation in Indigenous and non-Indigenous
      preterm infants aged postdischarge from birth admission to 11 months in Western
      Australia. Secondary objectives were to assess incidence in the poorest infants
      from remote areas and to determine the primary causes of hospital usage in
      preterm infants. DESIGN: Prospective population-based linked data set. SETTING
      AND PARTICIPANTS: All preterm babies born in Western Australia during 2010 and
      2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All-cause hospitalisations and emergency department
      presentations. RESULTS: There were 6.9% (4211/61 254) preterm infants, 13.1%
      (433/3311) Indigenous preterm infants and 6.5% (3778/57 943) non-Indigenous
      preterm infants born in Western Australia. Indigenous preterm infants had a
      higher incidence of hospital admission (adjusted incident rate ratio (aIRR) 1.24,
      95% CI 1.08 to 1.42) and emergency department presentation (aIRR 1.71, 95% CI
      1.44 to 2.02) compared with non-Indigenous preterm infants. The most
      disadvantaged preterm infants (7.8/1000 person days) had a greater incidence of
      emergency presentation compared with the most advantaged infants (3.1/1000 person
      days) (aIRR 1.61, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.00). The most remote preterm infants (7.8/1000
      person days) had a greater incidence of emergency presentation compared with the
      least remote preterm infants (3.0/1000 person days; aIRR 1.82, 95% CI 1.49 to
      2.22). CONCLUSIONS: In Western Australia, preterm infants have high hospital
      usage in their first year of life. Infants living in disadvantaged areas, remote
      area infants and Indigenous infants are at increased risk. Our data highlight the
      need for improved postdischarge care for preterm infants.

PMID- 28100564
TI  - Ageing and mental health: changes in self-reported health due to physical illness
      and mental health status with consecutive cross-sectional analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It is known that self-reported health (SRH) declines with increasing
      age and that comorbidity increases with age. We wished to examine how age
      transfers its effect to SRH through comorbid disease and mental illness and
      whether these processes remained stable from 1994 until 2008. The hypothesis is
      that ageing and/or the increased age-related burden of pathology explains the
      declining SRH. SETTING: The Tromso Study (TS) is a cohort study using a survey
      approach with repeated physical examinations. It was conducted in the
      municipality of Tromso, Norway, from 1974 to 2008. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 21
      199 women and 19 229 men participated. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES:
      SRH is the outcome of interest. We calculated and compared the effect sizes of
      age, comorbidity and mental health symptoms using multimediator analysis based on
      OLS regression. RESULTS: Ageing had a negative impact on SRH, but the total
      effect of age decreased from 1994 to 2007. We assessed the direct effect of age
      and then the proportion of indirect age-related effects through physical illness
      and mental health symptoms on the total effect. The direct effect of age
      represented 79.3% of the total effect in 1994 and decreased to 58.8% in 2007.
      Physical illness emerged as an increasingly important factor and increased its
      influence from 15.7% to 41.2% of the total effect. Age alone had a protective
      effect on mental health symptoms and this increased (2.5% to 17.3%), but we found
      a stronger association between mental health symptoms and physical disease in the
      later waves of the study (increasing from 3.7% to 14.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The
      results suggest that the effect on SRH of mental health symptoms caused by
      physical illness is an increasing public health problem. Treatment and care for
      specific medical conditions must therefore focus more strongly on how these
      conditions affect the patient's mental health and address these concerns
      accordingly.

PMID- 28100565
TI  - Prevalence and clinical impact of recreational drug consumption in people living
      with HIV on treatment: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Drug interactions, poor adherence to medication and high-risk sexual
      behaviour may occur in individuals with HIV using recreational drugs. Thus, we
      aimed to assess the prevalence of recreational drugs use and to explore its
      clinical impact in HIV patients on treatment. METHODS: Observational, cross
      sectional, study conducted in a 700 bed university hospital, Barcelona, Spain. A
      total of 208 adults living with HIV on treatment were included. A questionnaire
      was administered by clinical pharmacists, including evaluation of
      sociodemographic variables, past 12-month drug consumption, adherence to
      antiretrovirals (Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire) and high-risk
      sexual behaviour (condomless sex/multiple partners). Additional data were
      obtained from clinical records. Recreational drug-antiretroviral interactions
      were checked in reference databases. Prevalence was calculated for 5% precision
      and 95% CI. Crude and adjusted binary logistic regressions were performed to
      identify associations between recreational drug use and adherence problems, and
      between recreational drug use and high-risk sexual behaviour. RESULTS: From the
      overall sample, 92 participants (44.2%) consumed recreational drugs over the past
      1 year. Of these, 44 (48.8%) had used different types of recreational drugs in
      this period. We detected 11 recreational substances, including sildenafil and
      nitrites. The most consumed drugs were: cannabis (68.5%), cocaine (45.5%),
      nitrites (31.5%), sildenafil (28.3) and ecstasy (19.6%). Relevant interactions
      occurred in 46 (50%) of the individuals consuming drugs. Recreational drug
      consumption was found to be related to adherence problems with antiretrovirals
      (OR: 2.51 (95% CI 1.32 to 4.77) p=0.005) and high-risk sexual behaviour (OR: 2.81
      (95% CI 1.47 to 5.39) p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Recreational drugs are frequently
      used by HIV patients on treatment. Classical drugs and new substances consumed in
      sexual context are usual. Recreational drug consumption interferes with several
      clinical outcomes, including potentially relevant interactions between drugs and
      antiretrovirals, adherence problems and high-risk sexual behaviour. Thus, there
      is the urgent need of implementing patient-centred care involving recreational
      drug consumption.

PMID- 28100567
TI  - MeCP2 regulated glycogenes contribute to proliferation and apoptosis of gastric
      cancer cells.
AB  - Aberrant glycogene and glycan expression is intimately associated with
      carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC); however the
      regulatory mechanisms for glycogenes in GC cells remain unclear. Methyl-CpG
      binding protein 2 (MeCP2) regulates genes by binding to methylated promoters, and
      in our previous work we found that it is overexpressed in GC cell lines and
      tissues, functioning as an oncogene. In this study we detected the expression of
      212 glycogenes in MeCP2 silenced GC cells versus control using the Agilent Whole
      Human Genome Microarray and mining the data through bioinformatic analysis. A
      total of 10 glycogenes exhibited increased expression (FC >= 2, P < 0.05), while
      16 showed decreased expression (FC <= 2, P < 0.05) in the MeCP2 silenced cells,
      which corresponded to down-regulation of Lewis antigens (UEA-I), T/Tn antigens
      (PNA), and mature N-glycans (PHA-E and PHA-E+L) and up-regulation of
      lactosylceramide, a precursor oligosaccharide of N-glycans. Examination of the
      TCGA Gastric Cancer databases demonstrated that nine glycogenes (24.6%) were
      oppositely regulated by MeCP2 in MeCP2 knockdown BGC-823 cells relative to their
      expression level in GC tissues, and might be downstream genes of MeCP2.
      Individual gene analysis suggested that neutral alpha-glucosidase AB (GANAB)
      knockdown can rescue the effects of MeCP2 overexpression on GC cells. MeCP2
      promotes GANAB by binding to the second methylated CpG island (206 bp, -12916 to 
      13122) of the GANAB promoter. In conclusion, glycogenes can be either up- or down
      regulated by MeCP2 directly or indirectly to alter the glycopatterning and affect
      the proliferation and apoptosis of GC cells.

PMID- 28100566
TI  - Loss of AXIN1 drives acquired resistance to WNT pathway blockade in colorectal
      cancer cells carrying RSPO3 fusions.
AB  - In colorectal cancer (CRC), WNT pathway activation by genetic rearrangements of
      RSPO3 is emerging as a promising target. However, its low prevalence severely
      limits availability of preclinical models for in-depth characterization. Using a
      pipeline designed to suppress stroma-derived signal, we find that RSPO3 "outlier"
      expression in CRC samples highlights translocation and fusion transcript
      expression. Outlier search in 151 CRC cell lines identified VACO6 and SNU1411
      cells as carriers of, respectively, a canonical PTPRK(e1)-RSPO3(e2) fusion and a
      novel PTPRK(e13)-RSPO3(e2) fusion. Both lines displayed marked in vitro and in
      vivo sensitivity to WNT blockade by the porcupine inhibitor LGK974, associated
      with transcriptional and morphological evidence of WNT pathway suppression. Long
      term treatment of VACO6 cells with LGK974 led to the emergence of a resistant
      population carrying two frameshift deletions of the WNT pathway inhibitor AXIN1,
      with consequent protein loss. Suppression of AXIN1 in parental VACO6 cells by RNA
      interference conferred marked resistance to LGK974. These results provide the
      first mechanism of secondary resistance to WNT pathway inhibition.

PMID- 28100568
TI  - Stentriever thrombectomy with distal protection device for carotid free floating
      thrombus: a technical case report.
AB  - We report the clinical details, imaging findings and management of a 45-year-old
      man who presented with recurrent transient ischemic attacks due to carotid free
      floating thrombus. Free floating thrombus of the carotid artery is a very rare
      condition with a high risk of distal embolic shower. The optimal treatment
      options are debatable and include medical management, surgical thrombectomy and
      endovascular thrombectomy. We describe the use of a stentriever with filter
      protection in the management of carotid free floating thrombus as a novel
      treatment option.

PMID- 28100569
TI  - Multiple pregnancy in a primigravida with uncorrected Pentalogy of Fallot.
AB  - Pentalogy of Fallot is a cyanotic congenital heart disease that has guarded
      prognosis without surgical intervention in infancy. Women with uncorrected
      defects rarely survive into childbearing age and pregnancy in this group is
      associated with a high rate of perinatal loss. Physiological cardiovascular
      changes in pregnancy can lead to maternal haemodynamic instability with
      subsequent adverse cardiac sequelae with or without fetal decompensation. Optimum
      management and pregnancy outcomes in mother with uncorrected Pentalogy of Fallot
      and twin pregnancy have not been described in the literature. We describe a
      successful case of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy in an affected woman
      who has not undergone surgical repair. Her pregnancy progressed without any
      adverse cardiopulmonary complications. Her caesarean delivery and postpartum
      recovery were favourable, with successful birth of two healthy babies at 35.7
      weeks. This case emphasises the importance of a multidisciplinary team,
      especially of obstetricians with expertise in high-risk pregnancies, adult
      congenital heart disease cardiologists and anaesthesiologist.

PMID- 28100570
TI  - A rare cause of constrictive pericarditis.
AB  - A 67-year-old man presented with 3 months of exertional dyspnoea and 1 week of
      oedema. Examination revealed elevated neck veins, pulsus paradoxus, muffled heart
      sounds, decreased breath sounds and pedal oedema. Transthoracic echocardiogram
      (TTE) demonstrated cardiac tamponade, and chest X-ray showed pleural effusion.
      Pericardiocentesis, thoracocentesis, laboratory investigations and CT did not
      elucidate an underlying aetiology. Three weeks later, he presented with recurrent
      cardiac tamponade and pleural effusion. Pericardial window histology was benign.
      Pleural and pericardial fluids were again unrevealing. Three months later, he
      presented with worsening congestive heart failure. TTE, cardiac catheterisation
      and cardiac MRI were consistent with constrictive pericarditis. Preoperative
      workup did not identify an underlying cause. The patient underwent subtotal
      pericardiectomy. Intraoperative frozen section indicated malignancy. Pathology
      confirmed metastatic poorly differentiated signet ring adenocarcinoma of
      intestinal origin. He died 4 days postoperatively from multiorgan failure.

PMID- 28100571
TI  - Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid with complete response to radical
      radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
AB  - Chemoradiotherapy and/or surgery are both potentially radical treatments for
      squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas are considered chemosensitive
      tumours compared to adenocarcinomas or anaplastic thyroid malignancies. A 76-year
      old man was found to have T4bN0M0 primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid
      with encasement of the internal carotid artery. The disease was deemed
      unresectable. Therefore, he was treated with radical radiotherapy with concurrent
      cisplatin-based chemotherapy. We discuss herein the aetiology, diagnosis and
      management of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid. We demonstrate
      success of chemoradiotherapy in an unresectable case of a rare and aggressive
      disease.

PMID- 28100572
TI  - Pain in the neck.

PMID- 28100573
TI  - Mucormycosis pulmonary abscess, containment in a patient with uncontrolled
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - A 56-year-old Hispanic male with solo risk factor of uncontrolled diabetes
      mellitus presented with recurrent haemoptysis. Initial concern was for malignancy
      with postobstructive pneumonia; however, invasive testing and biopsy confirmed
      infectious mass of fungal aetiology requiring surgical resection followed by a
      prolonged course of anti-fungal therapy. Discussion centred on approach to,
      progression of and course of action in the management of pulmonary abscess due to
      mucormycosis.

PMID- 28100575
TI  - Atrophic pityriasis versicolor occurring in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - Pityriasis versicolor is one of the most frequent epidermal mycotic infections in
      the world, but its atrophic variant is rarely described. The aetiology of the
      atrophy is still unknown, and two main hypotheses have been formulated, one
      suggesting a correlation with long-term use of topical steroids and the other a
      delayed type hypersensitivity to epicutaneous antigens derived from components of
      the fungus. Atrophic pityriasis versicolor is a benign disease, but needs to be
      distinguished from other more severe skin diseases manifesting with cutaneous
      atrophy. The diagnosis can be easily confirmed by direct microscopic observation
      of the scales soaked in 15% potassium hydroxide, which reveals the typical
      'spaghetti and meatball' appearance, or by a skin biopsy in doubtful cases. Here,
      we describe a case of extensive atrophic pityriasis versicolor occurring in a
      woman affected by Sjogren's syndrome which completely resolved after topical
      antifungal treatment.

PMID- 28100574
TI  - Clostridium hastiforme bacteraemia secondary to pyometra in a 64-year-old woman.
AB  - The Gram-negative, rod-shaped, anaerobe bacteria Tissierella praeacuta was first
      described in 1908 by Tissier. However, during the past decade, Clostridium
      hastiforme has been recognised as a later synonym of T. praeacuta. C.
      hastiforme/T. praeacuta has only rarely been described in previous literature as
      a cause of human infection. We present here a case report of C. hastiforme/T.
      praeacuta bacteraemia secondary to pyometra in a 64-year-old woman with a history
      of multiple sclerosis and an intrauterine device inserted three decades earlier.
      C. hastiforme/T. praeacuta was isolated from blood as well as pus from the site
      of infection. The patient was cured with a combination of drainage and antibiotic
      therapy.

PMID- 28100576
TI  - Perioperative management of a large, late presenting phaeochromocytoma.
AB  - A 77-year-old man presenting to the emergency department with an acute coronary
      syndrome was later found to have a phaeochromocytoma. The lateness of this
      presentation was likely due to the protective alpha blocking effects of long-term
      terazosin therapy for his prostatism. alpha blockers such as terazosin are a well
      recognised medical therapy in the perioperative optimisation of phaeochromocytoma
      because they treat the adrenergic effects of catecholamine release from the
      tumour such as hypertension. This patient was diagnosed with an ST elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI). A cardiac angiogram showed no evidence of vessel
      occlusion. A right adrenal mass of 9*8*9 cm was incidentally found and confirmed
      as a phaeochromocytoma with raised plasma metanephrines and normetanephrines.
      Following preoperative optimisation and multidisciplinary team involvement, an
      open right adrenalectomy was performed successfully some months later.

PMID- 28100578
TI  - Ocular surface squamous neoplasia treated with topical interferon alpha 2b.

PMID- 28100577
TI  - Late spontaneous decapsulation of the kidney graft in a patient with hepatitis C
      and treated with sirolimus: possible pathophysiological association in a rare
      complication.
AB  - Late decapsulation with fluid collection is a rare complication of renal
      transplantation with deleterious effects on kidney function. Its physiopathology
      is unclear but there might be an association with mammalian target of rapamycin
      (m-TOR) inhibitors, especially in patients with chronic hepatitis C. We report a
      case of late spontaneous decapsulation 12 years after kidney transplant in a
      patient infected with hepatitis C under treatment with sirolimus. He underwent
      marsupialisation of the collection, sirolimus was converted to cyclosporine and
      hepatitis C treatment was performed with success. This is the first successful
      case report of late spontaneous decapsulation of the kidney graft in a patient
      with hepatitis C.

PMID- 28100579
TI  - Acute mania after levothyroxine replacement for hypothyroid-induced heart block.
AB  - Psychiatric disturbances can manifest after levothyroxine (LT4) treatment for
      severe hypothyroidism. We present the case of a young Filipino man with
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis and high-grade heart block, who was given a full
      replacement LT4 dose on admission. Twenty-four hours after this dose, he
      developed manic symptoms, which were addressed with sedatives and neuroleptics
      with gradual restoration of euthymia the following day. A comprehensive workup
      did not reveal any findings suggestive of another aetiology for either mania or
      heart block. We ultimately ascribed the mania as secondary to LT4, and the heart
      block to hypothyroidism. Although mania is more likely to be precipitated by high
      starting LT4 doses, reports have shown that symptoms can still arise even at
      lower doses and with more gradual titration, especially in long-standing
      hypothyroidism.

PMID- 28100581
TI  - Diabetes mellitus and the incidence of hearing loss: a cohort study.

PMID- 28100582
TI  - Bicycle injuries and helmet use: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 28100580
TI  - Venetoclax in Patients with Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
AB  - Venetoclax is the first BCL2 inhibitor to enter routine clinical practice. It is
      an orally bioavailable small molecule that binds BCL2 very specifically. Acting
      as a pharmacologic mimic of the proteins that initiate apoptosis (a so-called BH3
      mimetic), venetoclax rapidly induces apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      (CLL) cells, which express high levels of BCL2 and rely on it to maintain their
      survival. As a single agent, daily venetoclax treatment induced durable responses
      in 79% of patients with relapsed or refractory CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma
      in a phase I study, including complete remissions in 20% of patients. Its use was
      approved by the FDA in April 2016 for patients with previously treated del(17p)
      CLL on the basis of a single-arm phase II trial demonstrating a 79% response rate
      and an estimated 1-year progression-free survival of 72% with 400 mg/day
      continuous therapy. This review focuses on venetoclax, its mechanism of action,
      pharmacology, and clinical trial data and seeks to place it in the context of
      rapid advances in therapy for patients with relapsed CLL, especially those with
      del(17p) CLL. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4527-33. (c)2017 AACR.

PMID- 28100583
TI  - Every participant is a PI. Citizen science and participatory governance in
      population studies.

PMID- 28100584
TI  - UMI-tools: modeling sequencing errors in Unique Molecular Identifiers to improve
      quantification accuracy.
AB  - Unique Molecular Identifiers (UMIs) are random oligonucleotide barcodes that are
      increasingly used in high-throughput sequencing experiments. Through a UMI,
      identical copies arising from distinct molecules can be distinguished from those
      arising through PCR amplification of the same molecule. However, bioinformatic
      methods to leverage the information from UMIs have yet to be formalized. In
      particular, sequencing errors in the UMI sequence are often ignored or else
      resolved in an ad hoc manner. We show that errors in the UMI sequence are common
      and introduce network-based methods to account for these errors when identifying
      PCR duplicates. Using these methods, we demonstrate improved quantification
      accuracy both under simulated conditions and real iCLIP and single-cell RNA-seq
      data sets. Reproducibility between iCLIP replicates and single-cell RNA-seq
      clustering are both improved using our proposed network-based method,
      demonstrating the value of properly accounting for errors in UMIs. These methods
      are implemented in the open source UMI-tools software package.

PMID- 28100585
TI  - Fast and accurate de novo genome assembly from long uncorrected reads.
AB  - The assembly of long reads from Pacific Biosciences and Oxford Nanopore
      Technologies typically requires resource-intensive error-correction and consensus
      generation steps to obtain high-quality assemblies. We show that the error
      correction step can be omitted and that high-quality consensus sequences can be
      generated efficiently with a SIMD-accelerated, partial-order alignment-based,
      stand-alone consensus module called Racon. Based on tests with PacBio and Oxford
      Nanopore data sets, we show that Racon coupled with miniasm enables consensus
      genomes with similar or better quality than state-of-the-art methods while being
      an order of magnitude faster.

PMID- 28100586
TI  - Axon Termination, Pruning, and Synaptogenesis in the Giant Fiber System of
      Drosophila melanogaster Is Promoted by Highwire.
AB  - The ubiquitin ligase Highwire has a conserved role in synapse formation. Here, we
      show that Highwire coordinates several facets of central synapse formation in the
      Drosophila melanogaster giant fiber system, including axon termination, axon
      pruning, and synaptic function. Despite the similarities to the fly neuromuscular
      junction, the role of Highwire and the underlying signaling pathways are distinct
      in the fly's giant fiber system. During development, branching of the giant fiber
      presynaptic terminal occurs and, normally, the transient branches are pruned
      away. However, in highwire mutants these ectopic branches persist, indicating
      that Highwire promotes axon pruning. highwire mutants also exhibit defects in
      synaptic function. Highwire promotes axon pruning and synaptic function cell
      autonomously by attenuating a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway including
      Wallenda, c-Jun N-terminal kinase/Basket, and the transcription factor Jun. We
      also show a novel role for Highwire in non-cell autonomous promotion of synaptic
      function from the midline glia. Highwire also regulates axon termination in the
      giant fibers, as highwire mutant axons exhibit severe overgrowth beyond the
      pruning defect. This excessive axon growth is increased by manipulating Fos
      expression in the cells surrounding the giant fiber terminal, suggesting that Fos
      regulates a trans-synaptic signal that promotes giant fiber axon growth.

PMID- 28100587
TI  - Efficient Estimation of Realized Kinship from Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
      Genotypes.
AB  - Realized kinship is a key statistic in analyses of genetic data involving
      relatedness of individuals or structure of populations. There are several
      estimators of kinship that make use of dense SNP genotypes. We introduce a class
      of estimators, of which some existing estimators are special cases. Within this
      class, we derive properties of the estimators and determine an optimal estimator.
      Additionally, we introduce an alternative marker weighting that takes allelic
      associations [linkage disequilibrium (LD)] into account, and apply this weighting
      to several estimators. In a simulation study, we show that improved estimators
      are obtained (1) by optimal weighting of markers, (2) by taking physical
      contiguity of genome into account, and (3) by weighting on the basis of LD.

PMID- 28100588
TI  - Involvement of Conserved Amino Acids in the C-Terminal Region of LINE-1 ORF2p in
      Retrotransposition.
AB  - Long interspersed element 1 (L1) is the only currently active autonomous
      retroelement in the human genome. Along with the parasitic SVA and short
      interspersed element Alu, L1 is the source of DNA damage induced by
      retrotransposition: a copy-and-paste process that has the potential to disrupt
      gene function and cause human disease. The retrotransposition process is
      dependent upon the ORF2 protein (ORF2p). However, it is unknown whether most of
      the protein is important for retrotransposition. In particular, other than the
      Cys motif, the C terminus of the protein has not been intensely examined in the
      context of retrotransposition. Using evolutionary analysis and the Alu
      retrotransposition assay, we sought to identify additional amino acids in the C
      terminus important for retrotransposition. Here, we demonstrate that Gal4-tagged
      and untagged C-terminally truncated ORF2p fragments possess residual potential to
      drive Alu retrotransposition. Using sight-directed mutagenesis we identify that
      while the Y1180 amino acid is important for ORF2p- and L1-driven Alu
      retrotransposition, a mutation at this position improves L1 retrotransposition.
      Even though the mechanism of the contribution of Y1180 to Alu and L1 mobilization
      remains unknown, experimental evidence rules out its direct involvement in the
      ability of the ORF2p reverse transcriptase to generate complementary DNA.
      Additionally, our data support that ORF2p amino acids 1180 and 1250-1262 may be
      involved in the reported ORF1p-mediated increase in ORF2p-driven Alu
      retrotransposition.

PMID- 28100589
TI  - Meiotic Consequences of Genetic Divergence Across the Murine Pseudoautosomal
      Region.
AB  - The production of haploid gametes during meiosis is dependent on the homology
      driven processes of pairing, synapsis, and recombination. On the mammalian
      heterogametic sex chromosomes, these key meiotic activities are confined to the
      pseudoautosomal region (PAR), a short region of near-perfect sequence homology
      between the X and Y chromosomes. Despite its established importance for meiosis,
      the PAR is rapidly evolving, raising the question of how proper X/Y segregation
      is buffered against the accumulation of homology-disrupting mutations. Here, I
      investigate the interplay of PAR evolution and function in two interfertile house
      mouse subspecies characterized by structurally divergent PARs, Mus musculus
      domesticus and M. m. castaneus Using cytogenetic methods to visualize the sex
      chromosomes at meiosis, I show that intersubspecific F1 hybrids harbor an
      increased frequency of pachytene spermatocytes with unsynapsed sex chromosomes.
      This high rate of asynapsis is due, in part, to the premature release of synaptic
      associations prior to completion of prophase I. Further, I show that when sex
      chromosomes do synapse in intersubspecific hybrids, recombination is reduced
      across the paired region. Together, these meiotic defects afflict ~50% of
      spermatocytes from F1 hybrids and lead to increased apoptosis in meiotically
      dividing cells. Despite flagrant disruption of the meiotic program, a subset of
      spermatocytes complete meiosis and intersubspecific F1 males remain fertile.
      These findings cast light on the meiotic constraints that shape sex chromosome
      evolution and offer initial clues to resolve the paradox raised by the rapid
      evolution of this functionally significant locus.

PMID- 28100590
TI  - Inferring Individual Inbreeding and Demographic History from Segments of Identity
      by Descent in Ficedula Flycatcher Genome Sequences.
AB  - Individual inbreeding and historical demography can be estimated by analyzing
      runs of homozygosity (ROH), which are indicative of chromosomal segments of
      identity by descent (IBD). Such analyses have so far been rare in natural
      populations due to limited genomic resources. We analyzed ROH in whole genome
      sequences from 287 Ficedula flycatchers representing four species, with the
      objectives of evaluating the causes of genome-wide variation in the abundance of
      ROH and inferring historical demography. ROH were clearly more abundant in
      genomic regions with low recombination rate. However, this pattern was
      substantially weaker when ROH were mapped using genetic rather than physical
      single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) coordinates in the genome. Empirical results
      and simulations suggest that high ROH abundance in regions of low recombination
      was partly caused by increased power to detect the very long IBD segments typical
      of regions with a low recombination rate. Simulations also showed that hard
      selective sweeps (but not soft sweeps or background selection) likely contributed
      to variation in the abundance of ROH across the genome. Comparisons of the
      abundance of ROH among several study populations indicated that the Spanish pied
      flycatcher population had the smallest historical effective population size (Ne)
      for this species, and that a putatively recently founded island (Baltic)
      population had the smallest historical Ne among the collared flycatchers.
      Analysis of pairwise IBD in Baltic collared flycatchers indicated that this
      population was founded <60 generations ago. This study provides a rare genomic
      glimpse into demographic history and the mechanisms underlying the genome-wide
      distribution of ROH.

PMID- 28100591
TI  - Dynamics and Fate of Beneficial Mutations Under Lineage Contamination by Linked
      Deleterious Mutations.
AB  - Beneficial mutations drive adaptive evolution, yet their selective advantage does
      not ensure their fixation. Haldane's application of single-type branching process
      theory showed that genetic drift alone could cause the extinction of newly
      arising beneficial mutations with high probability. With linkage, deleterious
      mutations will affect the dynamics of beneficial mutations and might further
      increase their extinction probability. Here, we model the lineage dynamics of a
      newly arising beneficial mutation as a multitype branching process. Our approach
      accounts for the combined effects of drift and the stochastic accumulation of
      linked deleterious mutations, which we call lineage contamination We first study
      the lineage-contamination phenomenon in isolation, deriving dynamics and survival
      probabilities (the complement of extinction probabilities) of beneficial
      lineages. We find that survival probability is zero when [Formula: see text]
      where U is deleterious mutation rate and [Formula: see text] is the selective
      advantage of the beneficial mutation in question, and is otherwise depressed
      below classical predictions by a factor bounded from below by [Formula: see text]
      We then put the lineage contamination phenomenon into the context of an evolving
      population by incorporating the effects of background selection. We find that,
      under the combined effects of lineage contamination and background selection,
      ensemble survival probability is never zero but is depressed below classical
      predictions by a factor bounded from below by [Formula: see text] where [Formula:
      see text] is mean selective advantage of beneficial mutations, and [Formula: see
      text] This factor, and other bounds derived from it, are independent of the
      fitness effects of deleterious mutations. At high enough mutation rates, lineage
      contamination can depress fixation probabilities to values that approach zero.
      This fact suggests that high mutation rates can, perhaps paradoxically, (1)
      alleviate competition among beneficial mutations, or (2) potentially even shut
      down the adaptive process. We derive critical mutation rates above which these
      two events become likely.

PMID- 28100592
TI  - Detecting High-Order Epistasis in Nonlinear Genotype-Phenotype Maps.
AB  - High-order epistasis has been observed in many genotype-phenotype maps. These
      multi-way interactions between mutations may be useful for dissecting complex
      traits and could have profound implications for evolution. Alternatively, they
      could be a statistical artifact. High-order epistasis models assume the effects
      of mutations should add, when they could in fact multiply or combine in some
      other nonlinear way. A mismatch in the "scale" of the epistasis model and the
      scale of the underlying map would lead to spurious epistasis. In this article, we
      develop an approach to estimate the nonlinear scales of arbitrary genotype
      phenotype maps. We can then linearize these maps and extract high-order
      epistasis. We investigated seven experimental genotype-phenotype maps for which
      high-order epistasis had been reported previously. We find that five of the seven
      maps exhibited nonlinear scales. Interestingly, even after accounting for
      nonlinearity, we found statistically significant high-order epistasis in all
      seven maps. The contributions of high-order epistasis to the total variation
      ranged from 2.2 to 31.0%, with an average across maps of 12.7%. Our results
      provide strong evidence for extensive high-order epistasis, even after nonlinear
      scale is taken into account. Further, we describe a simple method to estimate and
      account for nonlinearity in genotype-phenotype maps.

PMID- 28100593
TI  - Clinical implications of DNMT3A mutations in a Southeast Asian cohort of acute
      myeloid leukaemia patients.
AB  - AIMS: In recent years, genomic technologies have enabled the identification of
      mutations in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). DNMT3A is a recurrently mutated
      epigenetic modifier gene in AML. To date, the prognostic significance of DNMT3A
      mutations has not been studied in a Southeast Asian AML population. We sought to
      investigate the clinical implications of DNMT3A mutations in a Southeast Asian
      cohort of AML patients. METHODS: DNMT3A mutations were identified using a
      targeted next-generation sequencing panel in 157 AML patients. We studied the
      molecular and clinical features of patients with DNMT3A mutations and assessed
      the prognostic impact of DNMT3A mutations. RESULTS: DNMT3A mutations were found
      in 33 of 157 (21.0%) AML patients. 114 patients were included for statistical
      analysis. Pretreatment data revealed that patients with DNMT3A mutations were
      older (>=60 years old), had a higher white blood cell count at diagnosis, had
      more adverse cytogenetic risk profiles and were more often associated with NPM1
      mutations compared with patients with wild-type DNMT3A. Survival analysis showed
      that DNMT3A mutations were associated with poorer clinical outcomes. This was
      especially when associated with NPM1 and FLT3-ITD mutations (AML NPM1/FLT3/DNMT3A
      ), which are common. The AML NPM1/FLT3/DNMT3A subtype was an independent
      predictor for poorer overall survival (OS). Other independent risk factors for
      poorer OS include advanced age at diagnosis and adverse cytogenetic risk
      stratification. CONCLUSIONS: DNMT3A mutations are associated with an unfavourable
      clinical outcome in our Southeast Asian AML patient cohort. In particular, AML
      NPM1/FLT3/DNMT3A patients had the poorest prognosis.

PMID- 28100594
TI  - Rapid Aminoglycoside NP Test for Rapid Detection of Multiple Aminoglycoside
      Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae.
AB  - The rapid aminoglycoside NP (Nordmann/Poirel) test was developed to rapidly
      identify multiple aminoglycoside (AG) resistance in Enterobacteriaceae It is
      based on the detection of the glucose metabolism related to enterobacterial
      growth in the presence of a defined concentration of amikacin plus gentamicin.
      Formation of acid metabolites was evidenced by a color change (orange to yellow)
      of the red phenol pH indicator. The rapid aminoglycoside NP test was evaluated by
      using bacterial colonies of 18 AG-resistant isolates producing 16S rRNA
      methylases, 20 AG-resistant isolates expressing AG-modifying enzymes (acetyl-,
      adenyl-, and phosphotransferases), and 10 isolates susceptible to AG. Its
      sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 97%, respectively, compared to the
      broth dilution method, which was taken as the gold standard for determining
      aminoglycoside resistance. The test is inexpensive, rapid (<2 h), and
      implementable worldwide.

PMID- 28100595
TI  - Determinants of Viral Oncogene E6-E7 mRNA Overexpression in a Population-Based
      Large Sample of Women Infected by High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Types.
AB  - Cervical cancer screening by human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing with cytology
      triage is more effective than cytology testing. Compared to cytology, the HPV DNA
      test's higher sensitivity, which allows better protection with longer intervals,
      makes it necessary to triage the women with a positive result to compensate its
      lower specificity. We are conducting a large randomized clinical trial (New
      Technologies for Cervical Cancer 2 [NTCC2]) within organized population-based
      screening programs in Italy using HPV DNA as the primary screening test to
      evaluate, by the Aptima HPV assay (Hologic), the use of HPV E6-E7 mRNA in a
      triage test in comparison to cytology. By the end of June 2016, data were
      available for 35,877 of 38,535 enrolled women, 2,651 (7.4%) of whom were HPV DNA
      positive. Among the samples obtained, 2,453 samples were tested also by Aptima,
      and 1,649 (67.2%) gave a positive result. The proportion of mRNA positivity was
      slightly higher among samples tested for HPV DNA by the Cobas 4800 HPV assay
      (Roche) than by the Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) assay (Qiagen). In our setting, the
      observed E6-E7 mRNA positivity rate, if used as a triage test, would bring a rate
      of immediate referral to colposcopy of about 4 to 5%. This value is higher than
      that observed with cytology triage for both immediate and delayed referrals to
      colposcopy. By showing only a very high sensitivity and thus allowing a longer
      interval for HPV DNA-positive/HPV mRNA-negative women, a triage by this test
      might be more efficient than by cytology.

PMID- 28100596
TI  - Genomic Epidemiology of Penicillin-Nonsusceptible Pneumococci with Nonvaccine
      Serotypes Causing Invasive Disease in the United States.
AB  - Conjugate vaccination against seven pneumococcal serotypes (PCV7) reduced disease
      prevalence due to antibiotic-resistant strains throughout the 2000s. However,
      diseases caused by resistant nonvaccine type (NVT) strains increased. Some of
      these emerging strains were derived from vaccine types (VT) that had changed
      their capsule by recombination. The introduction of a vaccine targeting 13
      serotypes (PCV13) in 2010 has led to concern that this scenario will repeat
      itself. We generated high-quality draft genomes from 265 isolates of NVT
      pneumococci not susceptible to penicillin (PNSP) in 2009 and compared them with
      the genomes of 581 isolates from 2012 to 2013 collected by the Active Bacterial
      Core surveillance (ABCs) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
      Of the seven sequence clusters (SCs) identified, three SCs fell into a single
      lineage associated with serogroup 23, which had an origin in 1908 as dated by
      coalescent analysis and included isolates with a divergent 23B capsule locus.
      Three other SCs represented relatively deep-branching lineages associated with
      serotypes 35B, 15A, and 15BC. In all cases, the resistant clones originated prior
      to 2010, indicating that PNSP are at present dominated by descendants of NVT
      clones present before vaccination. With one exception (15BC/ST3280), these SCs
      were related to clones identified by the Pneumococcal Molecular Epidemiology
      Network (PMEN). We conclude that postvaccine diversity in NVT PNSP between 2009
      and 2013 was driven mainly by the persistence of preexisting strains rather than
      through de novo adaptation, with few cases of serotype switching. Future
      surveillance is essential for documenting the long-term dynamics and resistance
      of NVT PNSP.

PMID- 28100597
TI  - Investigation of a Candida guilliermondii Pseudo-outbreak Reveals a Novel Source
      of Laboratory Contamination.
AB  - Candida guilliermondii was isolated from sterile specimens with increasing
      frequency over a several-month period despite a paucity of clinical evidence
      suggesting true Candida infections. However, a health care-associated outbreak
      was strongly considered due to growth patterns in the microbiology laboratory
      that were more consistent with true infection than environmental contamination.
      Therefore, an extensive investigation was performed to identify its cause. With
      the exception of one case, patient clinical courses were not consistent with true
      invasive fungal infections. Furthermore, no epidemiologic link between patients
      was identified. Rather, extensive environmental sampling revealed C.
      guilliermondii in an anaerobic holding jar in the clinical microbiology
      laboratory, where anaerobic plates were prereduced and held before inoculating
      specimens. C. guilliermondii grows poorly under anaerobic conditions. Thus, we
      postulate that anaerobic plates became intermittently contaminated. Passaging
      from intermittently contaminated anaerobic plates to primary quadrants of aerobic
      media during specimen planting yielded a colonial growth pattern typical for true
      specimen infection, thus obscuring laboratory contamination. A molecular
      evaluation of the C. guilliermondii isolates confirmed a common source for pseudo
      outbreak cases but not for the one true infection. In line with Reason's model of
      organizational accidents, active and latent errors coincided to contribute to the
      pseudo-outbreak. These included organism factors (lack of growth in anaerobic
      conditions obscuring plate contamination), human factors (lack of strict
      adherence to plating order, leading to only intermittent observation of aerobic
      plate positivity), and laboratory factors (novel equipment). All of these
      variables should be considered when evaluating possible laboratory-based pseudo
      outbreaks.

PMID- 28100599
TI  - Rapid and Specific Detection of the Escherichia coli Sequence Type 648 Complex
      within Phylogroup F.
AB  - The Escherichia coli sequence type 648 complex (STc648) is an emerging lineage
      within phylogroup F-formerly included within phylogroup D-that is associated with
      multidrug resistance. Here, we designed and validated a novel multiplex PCR-based
      assay for STc648 that took advantage of (i) four distinctive single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms in icd allele 96 and gyrB allele 87, two of the multilocus sequence
      typing alleles that define ST648; and (ii) the typical absence within STc648 of
      uidA, an E. coli-specific gene encoding beta-glucuronidase. Within a diverse 212
      strain validation set that included 109 STs other than STc648, from phylogroups
      A, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F, the assay exhibited 100% sensitivity (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 82% to 100%) and specificity (95% CI, 98% to 100%). It functioned
      similarly well in two distant laboratories that used boiled lysates or DNAzol
      purified DNA as the template DNA. Thus, this novel multiplex PCR-based assay
      should enable any laboratory equipped for diagnostic PCR to rapidly, accurately,
      and economically screen E. coli isolates for membership in STc648.

PMID- 28100598
TI  - Molecular and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass
      Spectrometry-Based Characterization of Clinically Significant Melanized Fungi in
      India.
AB  - Melanized or black fungi are a heterogeneous group of fungi causing cutaneous to
      systemic diseases with high mortality. These fungi are rarely reported as agents
      of human infections, primarily due to difficulties in their classical
      identification. In this study, we examined, using molecular methods and matrix
      assisted laser desorption ioniazation-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF
      MS), the diversity of melanized fungi (MF) isolated from patients in 19 medical
      centers in India. Overall, during a 4-year period, 718 (5.3%) clinical specimens
      yielded MF. Of these, 72 (10%) isolates had clinical significance and were
      identified primarily by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer and large
      subunit (LSU) regions. MF represented 21 genera comprising 29 species, the
      majority of them belonging to the orders Pleosporales (50%) and Chaetothyriales
      (22%). Among the 29 fungal species identified in this study, only 6 (20%) species
      were identified by the MALDI-TOF MS due to the limited commercial database of
      Bruker Daltonics for MF. However, a 100% identification rate of 20 additional
      species identified in this study was obtained by constructing an in-house
      database using 24- to 96-h-old liquid cultures. Further, the CLSI broth
      microdilution method revealed low MICs for posaconazole (<=1 MUg/ml) and
      voriconazole (<=2 MUg/ml) in 96% and 95% of isolates, respectively.
      Skin/subcutaneous and sino-nasal and pulmonary phaeohyphomycosis due to MF were
      diagnosed in 21.4% (n = 15) and 28.5% (n = 20) of cases. Also, 10% of patients
      had central nervous system involvement (n = 7), and 3 cases of fungal
      osteomyelitis due to Cladophialophora bantiana and Corynespora spp. were
      observed.

PMID- 28100600
TI  - Suitability of Carbapenem Inactivation Method (CIM) for Detection of IMP Metallo
      beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae.

PMID- 28100601
TI  - Use of Selective Fungal Culture Media Increases Rates of Detection of Fungi in
      the Respiratory Tract of Cystic Fibrosis Patients.
AB  - The prevalence of fungi in the respiratory tracts of cystic fibrosis (CF)
      patients has risen. However, fungal surveillance is not routinely performed in
      most clinical centers in the United States, which may lead to an underestimation
      of the true prevalence of the problem. We conducted a prospective study comparing
      the rates of detection for clinically important fungi (CIF), defined as
      Aspergillus, Scedosporium, and Trichosporon species and Exophiala dermatitidis,
      in CF sputa using standard bacterial and selective fungal culture media,
      including Sabouraud dextrose agar with gentamicin (SDA), inhibitory mold agar
      (IMA), and brain heart infusion (BHI) agar with chloramphenicol and gentamicin.
      We described the prevalence of these fungi in an adult CF population. A total of
      487 CF respiratory samples were collected from 211 unique participants. CIF were
      detected in 184 (37.8%) samples. Only 26.1% of CIF-positive samples were detected
      in bacterial culture medium, whereas greater rates of detection for fungi were
      found in IMA (65.8%; P < 0.001), in SDA (at 30 degrees C, 64.7%; P = 0.005), and
      in BHI agar (63.0%; P = 0.001). The prevalences of Aspergillus and Scedosporium
      species were 40.8% and 5.2%, respectively, which are greater than the nationally
      reported prevalence numbers of 20.4% and 1.9%. Selective fungal culture media and
      longer incubation periods yielded higher rates of detection for CIF in CF sputum
      samples compared with that detected in bacterial culture medium, resulting in an
      underdetection of fungi by bacterial culture alone. The prevalence of fungi in CF
      may be better estimated by using selective fungal culture media, and this may
      translate to important clinical decisions.

PMID- 28100602
TI  - FIND Tuberculosis Strain Bank: a Resource for Researchers and Developers Working
      on Tests To Detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Related Drug Resistance.
AB  - The spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) and extensively drug
      resistant (XDR) TB hampers global efforts in the fight against tuberculosis. To
      enhance the development and evaluation of diagnostic tests quickly and
      efficiently, well-characterized strains and samples from drug-resistant
      tuberculosis patients are necessary. In this project, the Foundation for
      Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) has focused on the collection,
      characterization, and storage of such well-characterized reference materials and
      making them available to researchers and developers. The collection is being
      conducted at multiple centers in Southeast Asia, South America, Eastern Europe,
      and soon the sub-Saharan Africa regions. Strains are characterized for their
      phenotypic resistances and MICs to first-line drugs (FLDs) and second-line drugs
      (SLDs) using the automated MGIT 960 system following validated procedures and WHO
      criteria. Analysis of resistance-associated mutations is done by whole-genome
      sequencing (WGS) using the Illumina NextSeq system. Mycobacterial interspersed
      repetitive-unit-variable-number tandem-repeat analysis and WGS are used to
      determine strain lineages. All strains are maintained frozen at -80 degrees C +/-
      10 degrees C as distinct mother and daughter lots. All strains are extensively
      quality assured. The data presented here represent an analysis of the initial
      part of the collection. Currently, the bank contains 118 unique strains with
      extracted genomic DNA and matched sputum, serum, and plasma samples and will be
      expanded to a minimum of 1,000 unique strains over the next 3 years. Analysis of
      the current strains by phenotypic resistance testing shows 102 (86.4%), 10
      (8.5%), and 6 (5.1%) MDR, XDR, and mono/poly resistant strains, respectively. Two
      of the strains are resistant to all 11 drugs that were phenotypically tested. WGS
      mutation analysis revealed FLD resistance-associated mutations in the rpoB, katG,
      inhA, embB, embA, and pncA genes; SLD resistance in the gyrA, gyrB, rrs, eis, and
      tlyA genes; and ethionamide resistance in the ethA genes. Most important lineages
      are represented in the bank, and further collections have been initiated to
      increase geographic and lineage diversity. The bank provides highly characterized
      and high-quality strains as a resource for researchers and developers in support
      of the development and evaluation of new diagnostics and drug resistance
      detection tools.

PMID- 28100603
TI  - Digestion-Resistant Dextrin Derivatives Are Moderately Digested in the Small
      Intestine and Contribute More to Energy Production Than Predicted from Large
      Bowel Fermentation in Rats.
AB  - Background: Digestion-resistant dextrin derivatives (DRDDs), including resistant
      maltodextrin (RM), polydextrose, and resistant glucan (RG), have been developed
      as low-energy foods. However, data on the resistance of DRDDs to small-intestinal
      digestion are scarce.Objective: We sought to determine the site and extent of
      DRDD breakdown in the rat intestine and to predict its energy
      contributions.Methods: In vitro small-intestinal resistance of DRDDs was
      evaluated by the AOAC method for dietary fiber measurement and by artificial
      digestion with the use of pancreatic alpha-amylase and brush-boarder membrane
      vesicles. In vivo small-intestinal resistance of DRDDs was determined from the
      feces of male ileorectostomized Sprague-Dawley rats fed a control diet or a diet
      containing one of the DRDDs at 50 g/kg for 9 d (period 1) and then for 10 d
      (period 2), during which they received 1 g neomycin/L in their drinking water.
      Separately, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed the same diets for 4 wk, and the
      whole-gut recoveries of DRDDs were determined from feces at days 8-10.Results:
      Small-intestinal resistances determined in vitro by artificial digestion (RM:
      70%; polydextrose: 67%; RG: 69%) were lower than those measured by the AOAC
      method (RM: 92%; polydextrose: 80%; RG: 82%). In the ileorectostomized rats,
      fecal dry-matter excretions were consistently greater in the DRDDs than in the
      control. The small-intestinal resistances of the DRDDs were 68%, 58%, and 62% in
      period 1 and 66%, 61%, and 67% during period 2 for RM, polydextrose, and RG,
      respectively. The resistances did not differ among the DRDDs at either time. In
      the normal rats, food intakes and body weight gains did not differ among the
      groups. The whole-gut recovery of RM (13%) was lower than that of polydextrose
      (33%) and RG (29%), which did not differ.Conclusions: DRDDs were more digestible
      in the rat small intestine than the AOAC method. The energy contribution from
      small-intestine digestibility, not just large-bowel fermentability, must be
      considered in determining the energy contribution of DRDDs. Whether humans
      respond similarly needs to be tested.

PMID- 28100604
TI  - Sufficient Protein Quality of Food Aid Varies with the Physiologic Status of
      Recipients.
AB  - Protein quality scores use the amino acid (AA) requirements of a healthy North
      American child. AA requirements vary with physiologic status. We estimated AA
      requirements for healthy North American children, children with environmental
      enteric dysfunction, children recovering from wasting, and children with an acute
      infection. The protein quality of food aid products was then calculated to
      determine whether it was sufficient in all these groups, and we found that it may
      not be adequate for all of them. Physiologic status is important when assessing
      the protein quality of food aid. Rates of weight gain from 8 published trials
      treating children with moderate acute malnutrition were abstracted, and protein
      quality scores from the corresponding food aid products were calculated with the
      use of the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS). Two DIAAS values
      were calculated, one in healthy children aged 1-3 y as a reference population and
      the other in malnourished children aged 1-3 y as a reference population. These
      data were used to calculate the best fit regression line between weight gain and
      protein quality. The slope of the regression line was greater when malnourished
      children were used as a reference population than when healthy children were used
      (0.128; 95% CI: 0.118, 0.138 compared with 0.097; 95% CI: 0.090, 0.105 measured
      in g . kg-1 . d-1 . DIASS U-1). These findings suggest that adjusting AA
      requirements for physiologic status may more accurately estimate the minimum
      protein quality of food aid products.

PMID- 28100605
TI  - Urine 24-Hour Sodium Excretion Decreased between 1953 and 2014 in Japan, but
      Estimated Intake Still Exceeds the WHO Recommendation.
AB  - Background: Accurate monitoring of sodium intake is necessary for evaluating
      strategies used to reduce sodium intake. However, no repeat survey has been
      conducted in representative populations in Japan to examine trends in sodium
      intake with the use of 24-h urinary sodium excretion, a standard evaluation
      method for sodium intake monitoring.Objective: The objective of this study was to
      examine potential trends in sodium intake by examining previous reports of 24-h
      urinary sodium excretion in healthy Japanese adult populations.Methods: We
      systematically searched for reports of 24-h urinary sodium excretion in healthy
      Japanese adult populations (mean age range: 18-69 y). We searched PubMed and Web
      of Science for English-language articles and hand-searched 7 Japanese scientific
      journals for Japanese-language articles. Trends in urinary sodium excretion were
      examined with the use of weighted linear regression and random-effects meta
      regression analyses, with adjustment or stratification to address study
      characteristics (population mean age, percentage of men, and sample size) and
      study assessment for completeness of urine collection.Results: We identified 68
      reports of urinary sodium excretion from 53 articles published from 1953 through
      2014 that showed high rates of urinary sodium excretion in healthy Japanese adult
      populations (weighted mean: 4900 mg/d). The rate of urinary sodium excretion
      significantly decreased between 1953 and 2014, by 4350 mg/d (P < 0.001); however,
      the rate of reduction in urinary sodium excretion was variable and decreased with
      time (P-linear trend <0.001 and P-quadratic trend <0.001). In the random-effects
      meta-regression analysis of studies that assessed completeness of urine
      collection with creatinine excretion, no significant relation between urinary
      sodium excretion and year was observed from 1978 to 2014 (beta = -16, P =
      0.40).Conclusion: Despite a decrease in urinary sodium excretion in healthy
      Japanese adult populations between 1953 and 2014, sodium intake still exceeds the
      WHO recommendation for adults. This review was registered at PROSPERO as
      CRD42016035452.

PMID- 28100607
TI  - Poor Adherence to Ketone Testing in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes.

PMID- 28100606
TI  - Predictive Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia Minimization: In-Home Evaluation of
      Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy in Overnight Glucose Control in Type 1
      Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility,
      and efficacy of a predictive hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia minimization (PHHM)
      system compared with predictive low-glucose insulin suspension (PLGS) alone in
      overnight glucose control. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A 42-night trial was
      conducted in 30 individuals with type 1 diabetes in the age range 15-45 years.
      Participants were randomly assigned each night to either PHHM or PLGS and were
      blinded to the assignment. The system suspended the insulin pump on both the PHHM
      and PLGS nights for predicted hypoglycemia but delivered correction boluses for
      predicted hyperglycemia on PHHM nights only. The primary outcome was the
      percentage of time spent in a sensor glucose range of 70-180 mg/dL during the
      overnight period. RESULTS: The addition of automated insulin delivery with PHHM
      increased the time spent in the target range (70-180 mg/dL) from 71 +/- 10%
      during PLGS nights to 78 +/- 10% during PHHM nights (P < 0.001). The average
      morning blood glucose concentration improved from 163 +/- 23 mg/dL after PLGS
      nights to 142 +/- 18 mg/dL after PHHM nights (P < 0.001). Various sensor-measured
      hypoglycemic outcomes were similar on PLGS and PHHM nights. All participants
      completed 42 nights with no episodes of severe hypoglycemia, diabetic
      ketoacidosis, or other study- or device-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The
      addition of a predictive hyperglycemia minimization component to our existing
      PLGS system was shown to be safe, feasible, and effective in overnight glucose
      control.

PMID- 28100608
TI  - Herpes Simplex Virus 1 UL24 Abrogates the DNA Sensing Signal Pathway by
      Inhibiting NF-kappaB Activation.
AB  - Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a newly identified DNA sensor that recognizes
      foreign DNA, including the genome of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Upon binding
      of viral DNA, cGAS produces cyclic GMP-AMP, which interacts with and activates
      stimulator of interferon genes (STING) to trigger the transcription of antiviral
      genes such as type I interferons (IFNs), and the production of inflammatory
      cytokines. HSV-1 UL24 is widely conserved among members of the herpesviruses
      family and is essential for efficient viral replication. In this study, we found
      that ectopically expressed UL24 could inhibit cGAS-STING-mediated promoter
      activation of IFN-beta and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and UL24 also inhibited
      interferon-stimulatory DNA-mediated IFN-beta and IL-6 production during HSV-1
      infection. Furthermore, UL24 selectively blocked nuclear factor kappaB (NF
      kappaB) but not IFN-regulatory factor 3 promoter activation.
      Coimmunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that UL24 bound to the endogenous NF
      kappaB subunits p65 and p50 in HSV-1-infected cells, and UL24 was also found to
      bind the Rel homology domains (RHDs) of these subunits. Furthermore, UL24 reduced
      the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-mediated nuclear translocation of p65
      and p50. Finally, mutational analysis revealed that the region spanning amino
      acids (aa) 74 to 134 of UL24 [UL24(74-134)] is responsible for inhibiting cGAS
      STING-mediated NF-kappaB promoter activity. For the first time, UL24 was shown to
      play an important role in immune evasion during HSV-1 infection.IMPORTANCE NF
      kappaB is a critical component of the innate immune response and is strongly
      induced downstream of most pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), leading to the
      production of IFN-beta as well as a number of inflammatory chemokines and
      interleukins. To establish persistent infection, viruses have evolved various
      mechanisms to counteract the host NF-kappaB pathway. In the present study, for
      the first time, HSV-1 UL24 was demonstrated to inhibit the activation of NF
      kappaB in the DNA sensing signal pathway via binding to the RHDs of the NF-kappaB
      subunits p65 and p50 and abolishing their nuclear translocation.

PMID- 28100609
TI  - Sterol Binding by the Tombusviral Replication Proteins Is Essential for
      Replication in Yeast and Plants.
AB  - Membranous structures derived from various organelles are important for
      replication of plus-stranded RNA viruses. Although the important roles of co
      opted host proteins in RNA virus replication have been appreciated for a decade,
      the equally important functions of cellular lipids in virus replication have been
      gaining full attention only recently. Previous work with Tomato bushy stunt
      tombusvirus (TBSV) in model host yeast has revealed essential roles for
      phosphatidylethanolamine and sterols in viral replication. To further our
      understanding of the role of sterols in tombusvirus replication, in this work we
      showed that the TBSV p33 and p92 replication proteins could bind to sterols in
      vitro The sterol binding by p33 is supported by cholesterol
      recognition/interaction amino acid consensus (CRAC) and CARC-like sequences
      within the two transmembrane domains of p33. Mutagenesis of the critical Y amino
      acids within the CRAC and CARC sequences blocked TBSV replication in yeast and
      plant cells. We also showed the enrichment of sterols in the detergent-resistant
      membrane (DRM) fractions obtained from yeast and plant cells replicating TBSV.
      The DRMs could support viral RNA synthesis on both the endogenous and exogenous
      templates. A lipidomic approach showed the lack of enhancement of sterol levels
      in yeast and plant cells replicating TBSV. The data support the notion that the
      TBSV replication proteins are associated with sterol-rich detergent-resistant
      membranes in yeast and plant cells. Together, the results obtained in this study
      and the previously published results support the local enrichment of sterols
      around the viral replication proteins that is critical for TBSV
      replication.IMPORTANCE One intriguing aspect of viral infections is their
      dependence on efficient subcellular assembly platforms serving replication,
      virion assembly, or virus egress via budding out of infected cells. These
      assembly platforms might involve sterol-rich membrane microdomains, which are
      heterogeneous and highly dynamic nanoscale structures usurped by various viruses.
      Here, we demonstrate that TBSV p33 and p92 replication proteins can bind to
      sterol in vitro Mutagenesis analysis of p33 within the CRAC and CARC sequences
      involved in sterol binding shows the important connection between the abilities
      of p33 to bind to sterol and to support TBSV replication in yeast and plant
      cells. Together, the results further strengthen the model that cellular sterols
      are essential as proviral lipids during viral replication.

PMID- 28100610
TI  - The Measles Virus Receptor SLAMF1 Can Mediate Particle Endocytosis.
AB  - The signaling lymphocyte activation molecule F1 (SLAMF1) is both a microbial
      sensor and entry receptor for measles virus (MeV). Herein, we describe a new role
      for SLAMF1 to mediate MeV endocytosis that is in contrast with the alternative,
      and generally accepted, model that MeV genome enters cells only after fusion at
      the cell surface. We demonstrated that MeV engagement of SLAMF1 induces dramatic
      but transient morphological changes, most prominently in the formation of
      membrane blebs, which were shown to colocalize with incoming viral particles, and
      rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton in infected cells. MeV infection was
      dependent on these dynamic cytoskeletal changes as well as fluid uptake through a
      macropinocytosis-like pathway as chemical inhibition of these processes inhibited
      entry. Moreover, we identified a role for the RhoA-ROCK-myosin II signaling axis
      in this MeV internalization process, highlighting a novel role for this recently
      characterized pathway in virus entry. Our study shows that MeV can hijack a
      microbial sensor normally involved in bacterial phagocytosis to drive endocytosis
      using a complex pathway that shares features with canonical viral
      macropinocytosis, phagocytosis, and mechanotransduction. This uptake pathway is
      specific to SLAMF1-positive cells and occurs within 60 min of viral attachment.
      Measles virus remains a significant cause of mortality in human populations, and
      this research sheds new light on the very first steps of infection of this
      important pathogen.IMPORTANCE Measles is a significant disease in humans and is
      estimated to have killed over 200 million people since records began. According
      to current World Health Organization statistics, it still kills over 100,000
      people a year, mostly children in the developing world. The causative agent,
      measles virus, is a small enveloped RNA virus that infects a broad range of cells
      during infection. In particular, immune cells are infected via interactions
      between glycoproteins found on the surface of the virus and SLAMF1, the immune
      cell receptor. In this study, we have investigated the steps governing entry of
      measles virus into SLAMF1-positive cells and identified endocytic uptake of viral
      particles. This research will impact our understanding of morbillivirus-related
      immunosuppression as well as the application of measles virus as an oncolytic
      therapeutic.

PMID- 28100611
TI  - The Envelope Gene of Transmitted HIV-1 Resists a Late Interferon Gamma-Induced
      Block.
AB  - Type I interferon (IFN) signaling engenders an antiviral state that likely plays
      an important role in constraining HIV-1 transmission and contributes to defining
      subsequent AIDS pathogenesis. Type II IFN (IFN-gamma) also induces an antiviral
      state but is often primarily considered to be an immunomodulatory cytokine. We
      report that IFN-gamma stimulation can induce an antiviral state that can be both
      distinct from that of type I interferon and can potently inhibit HIV-1 in primary
      CD4+ T cells and a number of human cell lines. Strikingly, we find that
      transmitted/founder (TF) HIV-1 viruses can resist a late block that is induced by
      type II IFN, and the use of chimeric IFN-gamma-sensitive/resistant viruses
      indicates that interferon resistance maps to the env gene. Simultaneously, in
      vitro evolution also revealed that just a single amino acid substitution in the
      envelope can confer substantial resistance to IFN-mediated inhibition. Thus, the
      env gene of transmitted HIV-1 confers resistance to a late block that is
      phenotypically distinct from blocks previously described to be resisted by env
      and is therefore mediated by unknown IFN-gamma-stimulated factor(s) in human CD4+
      T cells and cell lines. This important unidentified block could play a key role
      in constraining HIV-1 transmission.IMPORTANCE The human immune system can hinder
      invading pathogens through interferon (IFN) signaling. One consequence of this
      signaling is that cells enter an antiviral state, increasing the levels of
      hundreds of defenses that can inhibit the replication and spread of viruses. The
      majority of HIV-1 infections result from a single virus particle (the
      transmitted/founder) that makes it past these defenses and colonizes the host.
      Thus, the founder virus is hypothesized to be a relatively interferon-resistant
      entity. Here, we show that certain HIV-1 envelope genes have the unanticipated
      ability to resist specific human defenses mediated by different types of
      interferons. Strikingly, the envelope gene from a founder HIV-1 virus is far
      better at evading these defenses than the corresponding gene from a common HIV-1
      lab strain. Thus, these defenses could play a role in constraining the
      transmission of HIV-1 and may select for transmitted viruses that are resistant
      to this IFN-mediated inhibition.

PMID- 28100612
TI  - Sex-Dependent Intestinal Replication of an Enteric Virus.
AB  - Coxsackievirus is an enteric virus that initiates infection in the
      gastrointestinal tract before disseminating to peripheral tissues to cause
      disease, but intestinal factors that influence viral replication are
      understudied. Furthermore, a sex bias for severe sequelae from coxsackievirus
      infections has been observed in humans. While mouse models mimicking human
      pathogenesis have been well characterized, many of these experiments use
      intraperitoneal injection of coxsackievirus to infect mice, bypassing the
      intestine. In light of recent studies identifying intestinal factors, such as the
      microbiota, that alter enteric viral replication, we sought to investigate
      coxsackievirus replication within the intestine. Here, we orally infected mice
      with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) and found that CVB3 replication in the intestine is
      sex dependent. CVB3 replicated efficiently in the intestine of male mice but not
      female mice. Additionally, we found that the type I interferon response and sex
      hormones can alter both viral replication and lethality. Overall, these data
      suggest that sex and the immune response play a vital role in CVB3 replication in
      the intestine and should be considered in light of the sex bias observed in human
      disease.IMPORTANCE Sex bias in severe sequelae from enteric viral infections has
      been observed. Since viruses have evolved to achieve optimal levels of fitness in
      their environmental niches, it is imperative to study viruses at the site of
      initial replication. Here, we used an oral inoculation system for CVB3, which
      follows the natural route of infection in the gastrointestinal tract. We found
      that sex can influence the replication of CVB3 in the intestine. Additionally,
      the type I interferon response and sex hormones alter both CVB3 intestinal
      replication and lethality. Overall this work highlights the fact that sex should
      be considered in investigations of enteric viral replication and pathogenesis.

PMID- 28100613
TI  - Dynamic Modulation of Expression of Lentiviral Restriction Factors in Primary
      CD4+ T Cells following Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.
AB  - Although multiple restriction factors have been shown to inhibit HIV/SIV
      replication, little is known about their expression in vivo Expression of 45
      confirmed and putative HIV/SIV restriction factors was analyzed in CD4+ T cells
      from peripheral blood and the jejunum in rhesus macaques, revealing distinct
      expression patterns in naive and memory subsets. In both peripheral blood and the
      jejunum, memory CD4+ T cells expressed higher levels of multiple restriction
      factors compared to naive cells. However, relative to their expression in
      peripheral blood CD4+ T cells, jejunal CCR5+ CD4+ T cells exhibited significantly
      lower expression of multiple restriction factors, including APOBEC3G, MX2, and
      TRIM25, which may contribute to the exquisite susceptibility of these cells to
      SIV infection. In vitro stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies or type I
      interferon resulted in upregulation of distinct subsets of multiple restriction
      factors. After infection of rhesus macaques with SIVmac239, the expression of
      most confirmed and putative restriction factors substantially increased in all
      CD4+ T cell memory subsets at the peak of acute infection. Jejunal CCR5+ CD4+ T
      cells exhibited the highest levels of SIV RNA, corresponding to the lower
      restriction factor expression in this subset relative to peripheral blood prior
      to infection. These results illustrate the dynamic modulation of confirmed and
      putative restriction factor expression by memory differentiation, stimulation,
      tissue microenvironment and SIV infection and suggest that differential
      expression of restriction factors may play a key role in modulating the
      susceptibility of different populations of CD4+ T cells to lentiviral
      infection.IMPORTANCE Restriction factors are genes that have evolved to provide
      intrinsic defense against viruses. HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)
      target CD4+ T cells. The baseline level of expression in vivo and degree to which
      expression of restriction factors is modulated by conditions such as CD4+ T cell
      differentiation, stimulation, tissue location, or SIV infection are currently
      poorly understood. We measured the expression of 45 confirmed and putative
      restriction factors in primary CD4+ T cells from rhesus macaques under various
      conditions, finding dynamic changes in each state. Most dramatically, in acute
      SIV infection, the expression of almost all target genes analyzed increased.
      These are the first measurements of many of these confirmed and putative
      restriction factors in primary cells or during the early events after SIV
      infection and suggest that the level of expression of restriction factors may
      contribute to the differential susceptibility of CD4+ T cells to SIV infection.

PMID- 28100615
TI  - Rhinovirus C, Asthma, and Cell Surface Expression of Virus Receptor CDHR3.
AB  - Human rhinoviruses (RVs) of the A, B, and C species are defined agents of the
      common cold. But more than that, RV-A and RV-C are the dominant causes of
      hospitalization category infections in young children, especially those with
      asthma. The use of cadherin-related family member 3 (CDHR3) by RV-C as its
      cellular receptor creates a direct phenotypic link between human genetics (G
      versus A alleles cause Cys529 versus Tyr529 protein variants) and the efficiency
      with which RV-C can infect cells. With a lower cell surface display density, the
      human-specific Cys529 variant apparently confers partial protection from the
      severest virus-induced asthma episodes. Selective pressure favoring the Cys529
      codon may have coemerged with the evolution of RV-C and helped shape modern human
      genomes against the virus-susceptible, albeit ancestral Tyr529.

PMID- 28100614
TI  - Human Rhinovirus Diversity and Evolution: How Strange the Change from Major to
      Minor.
AB  - Rhinoviruses are the most common causes of the common cold. Their many distinct
      lineages fall into "major" and "minor" groups that use different cell surface
      receptors to enter host cells. Minor-group rhinoviruses are more immunogenic in
      laboratory studies, although their patterns of transmission and their cold
      symptoms are broadly similar to those of the major group. Here we present
      evolutionary evidence that minor-group viruses are also more immunogenic in
      humans. A key finding is that rates of amino acid substitutions at exposed sites
      in the capsid proteins VP2, VP3, and VP1 tend to be elevated in minor-group
      relative to major-group viruses, while rates at buried sites show no consistent
      differences. A reanalysis of historical virus watch data also indicates a higher
      immunogenicity of minor-group viruses, consistent with our findings about
      evolutionary rates at amino acid positions most directly exposed to immune
      surveillance. The increased immunogenicity and speed of evolution in minor-group
      lineages may contribute to the very large numbers of rhinovirus serotypes that
      coexist while differing in virulence.IMPORTANCE Most colds are caused by
      rhinoviruses (RVs). Those caused by a subset known as the minor-group members of
      rhinovirus species A (RV-A) are correlated with the inception and aggravation of
      asthma in at-risk populations. Genetically, minor-group viruses are similar to
      major-group RV-A, from which they were derived, although they tend to elicit
      stronger immune responses. Differences in their rates and patterns of molecular
      evolution should be highly relevant to their epidemiology. All RV-A strains show
      high rates of amino acid substitutions in the capsid proteins at exposed sites
      not previously identified as being immunogenic, and this increase is
      significantly greater in minor-group viruses. These findings will inform future
      studies of the recently discovered RV-C, which also appears to exacerbate asthma
      in adults and children. In addition, these findings draw attention to the
      difficult problem of explaining the long-term coexistence of many serotypes of
      major- and minor-group RVs.

PMID- 28100616
TI  - The V3 Loop of HIV-1 Env Determines Viral Susceptibility to IFITM3 Impairment of
      Viral Infectivity.
AB  - Interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) inhibit a broad spectrum of
      viruses, including HIV-1. IFITM proteins deter HIV-1 entry when expressed in
      target cells and also impair HIV-1 infectivity when expressed in virus producer
      cells. However, little is known about how viruses resist IFITM inhibition. In
      this study, we have investigated the susceptibilities of different primary
      isolates of HIV-1 to the inhibition of viral infectivity by IFITMs. Our results
      demonstrate that the infectivity of different HIV-1 primary isolates, including
      transmitted founder viruses, is diminished by IFITM3 to various levels, with
      strain AD8-1 exhibiting strong resistance. Further mutagenesis studies revealed
      that HIV-1 Env, and the V3 loop sequence in particular, determines the extent of
      inhibition of viral infectivity by IFITM3. IFITM3-sensitive Env proteins are also
      more susceptible to neutralization by soluble CD4 or the 17b antibody than are
      IFITM3-resistant Env proteins. Together, data from our study suggest that the
      propensity of HIV-1 Env to sample CD4-bound-like conformations modulates viral
      sensitivity to IFITM3 inhibition.IMPORTANCE Results of our study have revealed
      the key features of the HIV-1 envelope protein that are associated with viral
      resistance to the IFITM3 protein. IFITM proteins are important effectors in
      interferon-mediated antiviral defense. A variety of viruses are inhibited by
      IFITMs at the virus entry step. Although it is known that envelope proteins of
      several different viruses resist IFITM inhibition, the detailed mechanisms are
      not fully understood. Taking advantage of the fact that envelope proteins of
      different HIV-1 strains exhibit different degrees of resistance to IFITM3 and
      that these HIV-1 envelope proteins share the same domain structure and similar
      sequences, we performed mutagenesis studies and determined the key role of the V3
      loop in this viral resistance phenotype. We were also able to associate viral
      resistance to IFITM3 inhibition with the susceptibility of HIV-1 to inhibition by
      soluble CD4 and the 17b antibody that recognizes CD4-binding-induced epitopes.

PMID- 28100617
TI  - Differences in Glycoprotein Complex Receptor Binding Site Accessibility Prompt
      Poor Cross-Reactivity of Neutralizing Antibodies between Closely Related
      Arenaviruses.
AB  - The glycoprotein complex (GPC) of arenaviruses, composed of stable signal
      peptide, GP1, and GP2, is the only antigen correlated with antibody-mediated
      neutralization. However, despite strong cross-reactivity of convalescent antisera
      between related arenavirus species, weak or no cross-neutralization occurs. Two
      closely related clade B viruses, Machupo virus (MACV) and Junin virus (JUNV),
      have nearly identical overall GPC architecture and share a host receptor,
      transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1). Given structural and functional similarities of
      the GP1 receptor binding site (RBS) of these viruses and the recent demonstration
      that the RBS is an important target for neutralizing antibodies, it is not clear
      how these viruses avoid cross-neutralization. To address this, MACV/JUNV chimeric
      GPCs were assessed for interaction with a group of alpha-JUNV GPC monoclonal
      antibodies (MAbs) and mouse antisera against JUNV or MACV GPC. All six MAbs
      targeted GP1, with those that neutralized JUNV GPC-pseudovirions competing with
      each other for RBS binding. However, these MAbs were unable to bind to a chimeric
      GPC composed of JUNV GP1 containing a small disulfide bonded loop (loop 10)
      unique to MACV GPC, suggesting that this loop may block MAbs interaction with the
      GP1 RBS. Consistent with this loop causing interference, mouse anti-JUNV GPC
      antisera that solely neutralized pseudovirions bearing autologous GP1 provided
      enhanced neutralization of MACV GPC when this loop was removed. Our studies
      provide evidence that loop 10, which is unique to MACV GP1, is an important
      impediment to binding of neutralizing antibodies and contributes to the poor
      cross-neutralization of alpha-JUNV antisera against MACV.IMPORTANCE Multiple New
      World arenaviruses can cause severe disease in humans, and some geographic
      overlap exists among these viruses. A vaccine that protects against a broad range
      of New World arenaviruses is desirable for purposes of simplicity, cost, and
      broad protection against multiple National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
      Disease-assigned category A priority pathogens. In this study, we sought to
      better understand how closely related arenaviruses elude cross-species
      neutralization by investigating the structural bases of antibody binding and
      avoidance. In our studies, we found that neutralizing antibodies against two New
      World arenaviruses, Machupo virus (MACV) and Junin virus (JUNV), bound to the
      envelope glycoprotein 1 (GP1) with JUNV monoclonal antibodies targeting the
      receptor binding site (RBS). We further show that altered structures surrounding
      the RBS pocket in MACV GP1 impede access of JUNV-elicited antibodies.

PMID- 28100619
TI  - Functional Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Envelope Protein E1 Using a trans
      Complementation System Reveals a Dual Role of a Putative Fusion Peptide of E1 in
      both HCV Entry and Morphogenesis.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae
      family. It infects mainly human hepatocytes and causes chronic liver diseases,
      including cirrhosis and cancer. HCV encodes two envelope proteins, E1 and E2,
      that form a heterodimer and mediate virus entry. While E2 has been extensively
      studied, less has been done so for E1, and its role in the HCV life cycle still
      needs to be elucidated. Here we developed a new cell culture model for HCV
      infection based on the trans-complementation of E1. Virus production of the HCV
      genome lacking the E1-encoding sequence can be efficiently rescued by the ectopic
      expression of E1 in trans The resulting virus, designated HCVDeltaE1, can
      propagate in packaging cells expressing E1 but results in only single-cycle
      infection in naive cells. By using the HCVDeltaE1 system, we explored the role of
      a putative fusion peptide (FP) of E1 in HCV infection. Interestingly, we found
      that the FP not only contributes to HCV entry, as previously reported, but also
      may be involved in virus morphogenesis. Finally, we identified amino acid
      residues in FP that are critical for biological functions of E1. In summary, our
      work not only provides a new cell culture model for studying HCV but also
      provides some insights into understanding the role of E1 in the HCV life
      cycle.IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C virus (HCV), an enveloped RNA virus, encodes two
      envelope proteins, E1 and E2, that form a heterodimeric complex to mediate virus
      entry. Compared to E2, the biological functions of E1 in the virus life cycle are
      not adequately investigated. Here we developed a new cell culture model for
      single-cycle HCV infection based on the trans-complementation of E1. The HCV
      genome lacking the E1-encoding sequence can be efficiently rescued for virus
      production by the ectopic expression of E1 in trans This new model renders a
      unique system to dissect functional domains and motifs in E1. Using this system,
      we found that a putative fusion peptide in E1 is a multifunctional structural
      element contributing to both HCV entry and morphogenesis. Our work has provided a
      new cell culture model to study HCV and provides insights into understanding the
      biological roles of E1 in the HCV life cycle.

PMID- 28100618
TI  - Influence of the Envelope gp120 Phe 43 Cavity on HIV-1 Sensitivity to Antibody
      Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Responses.
AB  - HIV-1-infected cells presenting envelope glycoproteins (Env) in the CD4-bound
      conformation on their surface are preferentially targeted by antibody-dependent
      cellular-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). HIV-1 has evolved sophisticated mechanisms
      to avoid the exposure of Env ADCC epitopes by downregulating CD4 and by limiting
      the overall amount of Env on the cell surface. In HIV-1, substitution of large
      residues such as histidine or tryptophan for serine 375 (S375H/W) in the gp120
      Phe 43 cavity, where Phe 43 of CD4 contacts gp120, results in the spontaneous
      sampling of an Env conformation closer to the CD4-bound state. While residue S375
      is well conserved in the majority of group M HIV-1 isolates, CRF01_AE strains
      have a naturally occurring histidine at this position (H375). Interestingly,
      CRF01_AE is the predominant circulating strain in Thailand, where the RV144 trial
      took place. In this trial, which resulted in a modest degree of protection, ADCC
      responses were identified as being part of the correlate of protection. Here we
      investigate the influence of the Phe 43 cavity on ADCC responses. Filling this
      cavity with a histidine or tryptophan residue in Env with a natural serine
      residue at this position (S375H/W) increased the susceptibility of HIV-1-infected
      cells to ADCC. Conversely, the replacement of His 375 by a serine residue (H375S)
      within HIV-1 CRF01_AE decreased the efficiency of the ADCC response. Our results
      raise the intriguing possibility that the presence of His 375 in the circulating
      strain where the RV144 trial was held contributed to the observed vaccine
      efficacy.IMPORTANCE HIV-1-infected cells presenting Env in the CD4-bound
      conformation on their surface are preferentially targeted by ADCC mediated by HIV
      positive (HIV+) sera. Here we show that the gp120 Phe 43 cavity modulates the
      propensity of Env to sample this conformation and therefore affects the
      susceptibility of infected cells to ADCC. CRF01_AE HIV-1 strains have an unusual
      Phe 43 cavity-filling His 375 residue, which increases the propensity of Env to
      sample the CD4-bound conformation, thereby increasing susceptibility to ADCC.

PMID- 28100620
TI  - Overexpression of Interleukin-7 Extends the Humoral Immune Response Induced by
      Rabies Vaccination.
AB  - Rabies continues to present a public health threat in most countries of the
      world. The most efficient way to prevent and control rabies is to implement
      vaccination programs for domestic animals. However, traditional inactivated
      vaccines used in animals are costly and have relatively low efficiency, which
      impedes their extensive use in developing countries. There is, therefore, an
      urgent need to develop single-dose and long-lasting rabies vaccines. However,
      little information is available regarding the mechanisms underlying immunological
      memory, which can broaden humoral responses following rabies vaccination. In this
      study, a recombinant rabies virus (RABV) that expressed murine interleukin-7 (IL
      7), referred to here as rLBNSE-IL-7, was constructed, and its effectiveness was
      evaluated in a mouse model. rLBNSE-IL-7 induced higher rates of T follicular
      helper (Tfh) cells and germinal center (GC) B cells from draining lymph nodes
      (LNs) than the parent virus rLBNSE. Interestingly, rLBNSE-IL-7 improved the
      percentages of long-lived memory B cells (Bmem) in the draining LNs and plasma
      cells (PCs) in the bone marrow (BM) for up to 360 days postimmunization (dpi). As
      a result of the presence of the long-lived PCs, it also generated prolonged virus
      neutralizing antibodies (VNAs), resulting in better protection against a lethal
      challenge than that seen with rLBNSE. Moreover, consistent with the increased
      numbers of Bmem and PCs after a boost with rLBNSE, rLBNSE-IL-7-immunized mice
      promptly produced a more potent secondary anti-RABV neutralizing antibody
      response than rLBNSE-immunized mice. Overall, our data suggest that
      overexpressing IL-7 improved the induction of long-lasting primary and secondary
      antibody responses post-RABV immunization.IMPORTANCE Extending humoral immune
      responses using adjuvants is an important method to develop long-lasting and
      efficient vaccines against rabies. However, little information is currently
      available regarding prolonged immunological memory post-RABV vaccination. In this
      study, a novel rabies vaccine that expressed murine IL-7 was developed. This
      vaccine enhanced the numbers of Tfh cells and the GC responses, resulting in
      upregulated quantities of Bmem and PCs. Moreover, we found that the long-lived
      PCs that were elicited by the IL-7-expressing recombinant virus (rLBNSE-IL-7)
      were able to sustain VNA levels much longer than those elicited by the parent
      rLBNSE virus. Upon reexposure to the pathogen, the longevous Bmem, which
      maintained higher numbers for up to 360 dpi with rLBNSE-IL-7 compared to rLBNSE,
      could differentiate into antibody-secreting cells, resulting in rapid and potent
      secondary production of VNAs. These results suggest that the expression of IL-7
      is beneficial for induction of potent and long-lasting humoral immune responses.

PMID- 28100621
TI  - Recombinant Adenoviruses Displaying Matrix 2 Ectodomain Epitopes on Their Fiber
      Proteins as Universal Influenza Vaccines.
AB  - Influenza is a zoonotic disease that poses severe threats to public health and
      the global economy. Reemerging influenza pandemics highlight the demand for
      universal influenza vaccines. We developed a novel virus platform using
      extracellular domain IV of the matrix 2 protein (M2e), AdC68-F3M2e, by
      introducing three conserved M2e epitopes into the HI loop of the chimpanzee
      adenovirus (AdV) fiber protein. The M2e epitopes were expressed sufficiently on
      the AdV virion surface without affecting fiber trimerization. Additionally, one
      recombinant adenovirus, AdC68-F3M2e(H1-H5-H7), induced robust M2e-specific
      antibody responses in BALB/c mice after two sequential vaccinations and conferred
      efficient protection against homologous and heterologous influenza virus (IV)
      challenges. We found that the use of AdV with tandem M2e epitopes in fiber is a
      potential strategy for influenza prevention.IMPORTANCE Influenza epidemics and
      pandemics severely threaten public health. Universal influenza vaccines have
      increasingly attracted interest in recent years. Here, we describe a new strategy
      that incorporates triple M2e epitopes into the fiber protein of chimpanzee
      adenovirus 68. We optimized the process of inserting foreign genes into the AdC68
      structural protein by one-step isothermal assembly and demonstrated that this 225
      bp HI loop insertion could be well tolerated. Furthermore, two doses of adjuvant
      free fiber-modified AdC68 could confer sufficient protection against homologous
      and heterologous influenza virus infections in mice. Our results show that AdC68
      F3M2e could be pursued as a novel universal influenza vaccine.

PMID- 28100623
TI  - A Temperature-Sensitive Lesion in the N-Terminal Domain of the Rotavirus
      Polymerase Affects Its Intracellular Localization and Enzymatic Activity.
AB  - Temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of simian rotavirus (RV) strain SA11 have been
      previously created to investigate the functions of viral proteins during
      replication. One mutant, SA11-tsC, has a mutation that maps to the gene encoding
      the VP1 polymerase and shows diminished growth and RNA synthesis at 39 degrees C
      compared to that at 31 degrees C. In the present study, we sequenced all 11 genes
      of SA11-tsC, confirming the presence of an L138P mutation in the VP1 N-terminal
      domain and identifying 52 additional mutations in four other viral proteins (VP4,
      VP7, NSP1, and NSP2). To investigate whether the L138P mutation induces a ts
      phenotype in VP1 outside the SA11-tsC genetic context, we employed ectopic
      expression systems. Specifically, we tested whether the L138P mutation affects
      the ability of VP1 to localize to viroplasms, which are the sites of RV RNA
      synthesis, by expressing the mutant form as a green fluorescent protein (GFP)
      fusion protein (VP1L138P-GFP) (i) in wild-type SA11-infected cells or (ii) in
      uninfected cells along with viroplasm-forming proteins NSP2 and NSP5. We found
      that VP1L138P-GFP localized to viroplasms and interacted with NSP2 and/or NSP5 at
      31 degrees C but not at 39 degrees C. Next, we tested the enzymatic activity of a
      recombinant mutant polymerase (rVP1L138P) in vitro and found that it synthesized
      less RNA at 39 degrees C than at 31 degrees C, as well as less RNA than the
      control at all temperatures. Together, these results provide a mechanistic basis
      for the ts phenotype of SA11-tsC and raise important questions about the role of
      leucine 138 in supporting key protein interactions and the catalytic function of
      the VP1 polymerase.IMPORTANCE RVs cause diarrhea in the young of many animal
      species, including humans. Despite their medical and economic importance, gaps in
      knowledge exist about how these viruses replicate inside host cells. Previously,
      a mutant simian RV (SA11-tsC) that replicates worse at higher temperatures was
      identified. This virus has an amino acid mutation in VP1, which is the enzyme
      responsible for copying the viral RNA genome. The mutation is located in a poorly
      understood region of the polymerase called the N-terminal domain. In this study,
      we determined that the mutation reduces the ability of VP1 to properly localize
      within infected cells at high temperatures, as well as reduced the ability of the
      enzyme to copy viral RNA in a test tube. The results of this study explain the
      temperature sensitivity of SA11-tsC and shed new light on functional protein
      protein interaction sites of VP1.

PMID- 28100622
TI  - Glycosylation of the Hemagglutinin Protein of H5N1 Influenza Virus Increases Its
      Virulence in Mice by Exacerbating the Host Immune Response.
AB  - The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses continue to circulate
      in nature and threaten public health. Although several viral determinants and
      host factors that influence the virulence of HPAI H5N1 viruses in mammals have
      been identified, the detailed molecular mechanism remains poorly defined and
      requires further clarification. In our previous studies, we characterized two
      naturally isolated HPAI H5N1 viruses that had similar viral genomes but differed
      substantially in their lethality in mice. In this study, we explored the
      molecular determinants and potential mechanism for this difference in virulence.
      By using reverse genetics, we found that a single amino acid at position 158 of
      the hemagglutinin (HA) protein substantially affected the systemic replication
      and pathogenicity of these H5N1 influenza viruses in mice. We further found that
      the G158N mutation introduced an N-linked glycosylation at positions 158 to 160
      of the HA protein and that this N-linked glycosylation enhanced viral
      productivity in infected mammalian cells and induced stronger host immune and
      inflammatory responses to viral infection. These findings further our
      understanding of the determinants of pathogenicity of H5N1 viruses in
      mammals.IMPORTANCE Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses continue
      to evolve in nature and threaten human health. Key mutations in the virus
      hemagglutinin (HA) protein or reassortment with other pandemic viruses endow HPAI
      H5N1 viruses with the potential for aerosol transmissibility in mammals. A
      thorough understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of these viruses will help us
      to develop more effective control strategies; however, such mechanisms and
      virulent determinants for H5N1 influenza viruses have not been fully elucidated.
      In this study, we identified glycosylation at positions 158 to 160 of the HA
      protein of two naturally occurring H5N1 viruses as an important virulence
      determinant. This glycosylation event enhanced viral productivity, exacerbated
      the host response, and thereby contributed to the high pathogenicity of H5N1
      virus in mice.

PMID- 28100624
TI  - Azacytidine Treatment Inhibits the Progression of Herpes Stromal Keratitis by
      Enhancing Regulatory T Cell Function.
AB  - Ocular infection with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) sets off an inflammatory
      reaction in the cornea which leads to both virus clearance and chronic lesions
      that are orchestrated by CD4 T cells. Approaches that enhance the function of
      regulatory T cells (Treg) and dampen effector T cells can be effective to limit
      stromal keratitis (SK) lesion severity. In this report, we explore the novel
      approach of inhibiting DNA methyltransferase activity using 5-azacytidine (Aza; a
      cytosine analog) to limit HSV-1-induced ocular lesions. We show that therapy
      begun after infection when virus was no longer actively replicating resulted in a
      pronounced reduction in lesion severity, with markedly diminished numbers of T
      cells and nonlymphoid inflammatory cells, along with reduced cytokine mediators.
      The remaining inflammatory reactions had a change in the ratio of CD4 Foxp3+ Treg
      to effector Th1 CD4 T cells in ocular lesions and lymphoid tissues, with Treg
      becoming predominant over the effectors. In addition, compared to those from
      control mice, Treg from Aza-treated mice showed more suppressor activity in vitro
      and expressed higher levels of activation molecules. Additionally, cells induced
      in vitro in the presence of Aza showed epigenetic differences in the Treg
      specific demethylated region (TSDR) of Foxp3 and were more stable when exposed to
      inflammatory cytokines. Our results show that therapy with Aza is an effective
      means of controlling a virus-induced inflammatory reaction and may act mainly by
      the effects on Treg.IMPORTANCE HSV-1 infection has been shown to initiate an
      inflammatory reaction in the cornea that leads to tissue damage and loss of
      vision. The inflammatory reaction is orchestrated by gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)
      secreting Th1 cells, and regulatory T cells play a protective role. Hence, novel
      therapeutics that can rebalance the ratio of regulatory T cells to effectors are
      a relevant issue. This study opens up a new avenue in treating HSV-induced SK
      lesions by increasing the stability and function of regulatory T cells using the
      DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (Aza). Aza increased the function
      of regulatory T cells, leading to enhanced suppressive activity and diminished
      lesions. Hence, therapy with Aza, which acts mainly by its effects on Treg, can
      be an effective means to control virus-induced inflammatory lesions.

PMID- 28100626
TI  - Effect of Metformin on Metabolites and Relation With Myocardial Infarct Size and
      Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and infarct size (ISZ) are
      key predictors of long-term survival after myocardial infarction (MI). However,
      little is known about the biochemical pathways driving LV dysfunction after MI.
      To identify novel biomarkers predicting post-MI LVEF and ISZ, we performed
      metabolic profiling in the GIPS-III randomized clinical trial (Glycometabolic
      Intervention as Adjunct to Primary Percutaneous Intervention in ST Elevation
      Myocardial Infarction). We also investigated the metabolic footprint of
      metformin, a drug associated with improved post-MI LV function in experimental
      studies. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants were patients with ST-segment-elevated
      MI who were randomly assigned to receive metformin or placebo for 4 months. Blood
      samples were obtained on admission, 24 hours post-MI, and 4 months post-MI. A
      total of 233 metabolite measures were quantified using nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectrometry. LVEF and ISZ were assessed 4 months post-MI. Twenty-four hours post
      MI measurements of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) triglycerides (HDL-TG)
      predicted LVEF (beta=1.90 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82 to 2.98]; P=6.4*10
      4) and ISZ (beta=-0.41 [95% CI, -0.60 to -0.21]; P=3.2*10-5). In addition, 24
      hours post-MI measurements of medium HDL-TG (beta=-0.40 [95% CI, -0.60 to -0.20];
      P=6.4*2*10-5), small HDL-TG (beta=-0.34 [95% CI, -0.53 to -0.14]; P=7.3*10-4),
      and the triglyceride content of very large HDL (beta=-0.38 [95% CI, -0.58 to 
      0.18]; P=2.7*10-4) were associated with ISZ. After the 4-month treatment, the
      phospholipid content of very large HDL was lower in metformin than in placebo
      treated patients (28.89% versus 38.79%; P=7.5*10-5); alanine levels were higher
      in the metformin group (0.46 versus 0.44 mmol/L; P=2.4*10-4). CONCLUSIONS: HDL
      triglyceride concentrations predict post-MI LVEF and ISZ. Metformin increases
      alanine levels and reduces the phospholipid content in very large HDL particles.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01217307. Unique Identifier: NCT01217307.

PMID- 28100625
TI  - The PTPN14 Tumor Suppressor Is a Degradation Target of Human Papillomavirus E7.
AB  - Activation of signaling pathways ensuring cell growth is essential for the
      proliferative competence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected cells. Tyrosine
      kinases and phosphatases are key regulators of cellular growth control pathways.
      A recently identified potential cellular target of HPV E7 is the cytoplasmic
      protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN14, which is a potential tumor suppressor and is
      linked to the control of the Hippo and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways. In
      this study, we show that the E7 proteins of both high-risk and low-risk mucosal
      HPV types can interact with PTPN14. This interaction is independent of
      retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and involves residues in the carboxy-terminal region
      of E7. We also show that high-risk E7 induces proteasome-mediated degradation of
      PTPN14 in cells derived from cervical tumors. This degradation appears to be
      independent of cullin-1 or cullin-2 but most likely involves the UBR4/p600
      ubiquitin ligase. The degree to which E7 downregulates PTPN14 would suggest that
      this interaction is important for the viral life cycle and potentially also for
      the development of malignancy. In support of this we find that overexpression of
      PTPN14 decreases the ability of HPV-16 E7 to cooperate with activated EJ-ras in
      primary cell transformation assays.IMPORTANCE This study links HPV E7 to the
      deregulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase signaling pathways. PTPN14 is
      classified as a potential tumor suppressor protein, and here we show that it is
      very susceptible to HPV E7-induced proteasome-mediated degradation. Intriguingly,
      this appears to use a mechanism that is different from that employed by E7 to
      target pRb. Therefore, this study has important implications for our
      understanding of the molecular basis for E7 function and also sheds important
      light on the potential role of PTPN14 as a tumor suppressor.

PMID- 28100627
TI  - Inflammatory Biomarkers Predict Heart Failure Severity and Prognosis in Patients
      With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Holistic Proteomic
      Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Underlying mechanisms in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection
      fraction remain unknown. We investigated cardiovascular plasma biomarkers in HF
      with preserved ejection fraction and their correlation to diastolic dysfunction,
      functional class, pathophysiological processes, and prognosis. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: In 86 stable patients with HF and EF >=45% in the Karolinska Rennes
      (KaRen) biomarker substudy, biomarkers were quantified by a multiplex
      immunoassay. Orthogonal projection to latent structures by partial least square
      analysis was performed on 87 biomarkers and 240 clinical variables, ranking
      biomarkers associated with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional class and
      the composite outcome (all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization). Biomarkers
      significantly correlated with outcome were analyzed by multivariable Cox
      regression and correlations with echocardiographic measurements performed. The
      orthogonal partial least square outcome-predicting biomarker pattern was run
      against the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) database, containing annotated data
      from the public domain. The orthogonal partial least square analyses identified
      32 biomarkers correlated with NYHA class and 28 predicting outcomes. Among
      outcome-predicting biomarkers, growth/differentiation factor-15 was the strongest
      and an additional 7 were also significant in Cox regression analyses when
      adjusted for age, sex, and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide:
      adrenomedullin (hazard ratio per log increase 2.53), agouti-related protein;
      (1.48), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (1.35), C-C motif chemokine 20 (1.35), fatty
      acid-binding protein (1.33), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (2.29), and TNF
      related apoptosis-inducing ligand (0.34). Twenty-three of them correlated with
      diastolic dysfunction (E/e') and 5 with left atrial volume index. The IPA
      suggested that increased inflammation, immune activation with decreased necrosis
      and apoptosis preceded poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In HF with preserved ejection
      fraction, novel biomarkers of inflammation predict HF severity and prognosis that
      may complement or even outperform traditional markers, such as N-terminal
      probrain natriuretic peptide. These findings lend support to a hypothesis
      implicating global systemic inflammation in HF with preserved ejection fraction.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique
      identifier: NCT00774709.

PMID- 28100628
TI  - External validation of the GREAT score to predict relapse risk in Graves'
      disease: results from a multicenter, retrospective study with 741 patients.
AB  - CONTEXT: First-line treatment in Graves' disease is often done with antithyroid
      agents (ATD), but relapse rates remain high making definite treatment necessary.
      Predictors for relapse risk help guiding initial treatment decisions. OBJECTIVE:
      We aimed to externally validate the prognostic accuracy of the recently proposed
      Graves' Recurrent Events After Therapy (GREAT) score to predict relapse risk in
      Graves' disease. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively analyzed
      data (2004-2014) of patients with a first episode of Graves' hyperthyroidism from
      four Swiss endocrine outpatient clinics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relapse of
      hyperthyroidism analyzed by multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: Of the 741
      included patients, 371 experienced a relapse (50.1%) after a mean follow-up of
      25.6 months after ATD start. In univariate regression analysis, higher serum free
      T4, higher thyrotropin-binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII), younger age and
      larger goiter were associated with higher relapse risk. We found a strong
      increase in relapse risk with more points in the GREAT score from 33.8% in
      patients with GREAT class I (0-1 points), 59.4% in class II (2-3 points) with a
      hazard ratio of 1.79 (95% CI: 1.42-2.27, P < 0.001) and 73.6% in class III (4-6
      points) with a hazard ratio of 2.24 (95% CI: 1.64-3.06, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Based on this retrospective analysis within a large patient population from a
      multicenter study, the GREAT score shows good external validity and can be used
      for assessing the risk for relapse in Graves' disease, which influence the
      initial treatment decisions.

PMID- 28100629
TI  - Impact of food, alcohol and pH on modified-release hydrocortisone developed to
      treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We developed a modified-release hydrocortisone, Chronocort, to
      replace the cortisol rhythm in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
      Food, alcohol and pH affect drug absorption, and it is important to assess their
      impact when replicating a physiological rhythm. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In vitro
      dissolution to study impact of alcohol and pH on Chronocort. A phase 1, three
      period, cross over study in 18 volunteers to assess the impact of food on
      Chronocort and to compare bioavailability to immediate-release hydrocortisone.
      RESULTS: In vitro dissolution of Chronocort was not affected by gastrointestinal
      pH up to 6.0 nor by an alcohol content up to 20% v/v. Food delayed and reduced
      the rate of absorption of Chronocort as reflected by a longer Tmax (fed vs
      fasted: 6.75 h vs 4.5 h, P = 0005) and lower Cmax (549.49 nmol/L vs 708.46
      nmol/L, ratio 77% with CI 71-85). Cortisol exposure was similar in fed and fasted
      state: Geo LSmean ratio (CI) AUC0t for fed/fasted was 108.33% (102.30-114.72%).
      Cortisol exposure was higher for Chronocort compared to immediate-release
      hydrocortisone: Geo LSmean ratios (CI) 118.83% (111.58-126.54%); however, derived
      free cortisol showed cortisol exposure CIs were within 80.0-125.0%: Geo LSmean
      ratio (CI) for AUC0t 112.73% (105.33-120.65%). CONCLUSIONS: Gastric pH <=6.0 and
      alcohol do not affect hydrocortisone release from Chronocort. Food delays
      Chronocort absorption, but cortisol exposure is similar in the fasted and fed
      state and exposure as assessed by free cortisol is similar between Chronocort and
      immediate-release hydrocortisone.

PMID- 28100630
TI  - A multivariable prediction model for pegvisomant dosing: monotherapy and in
      combination with long-acting somatostatin analogues.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective treatment of acromegaly with pegvisomant (PEGV), a growth
      hormone receptor antagonist, requires an appropriate dose titration. PEGV doses
      vary widely among individual patients, and various covariates may affect its
      dosing and pharmacokinetics. OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of the PEGV dose
      required to normalize insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels during PEGV
      monotherapy and in combination with long-acting somatostatin analogues (LA-SSAs).
      DESIGN: Two retrospective cohorts (Rotterdam + Liege Acromegaly Survey (LAS),
      total n = 188) were meta-analyzed as a form of external replication to study the
      predictors of PEGV dosing in addition to LA-SSA, the LAS (n = 83) was used to
      study the predictors of PEGV monotherapy dosing. Multivariable regression models
      were used to identify predictors of the PEGV dose required to normalize IGF-I
      levels. RESULTS: For PEGV dosing in combination with LA-SSA, IGF-I levels,
      weight, height and age, were associated with the PEGV normalization dosage (P <=
      0.001, P <= 0.001, P = 0.028 and P = 0.047 respectively). Taken together, these
      characteristics predicted the PEGV normalization dose correctly in 63.3% of all
      patients within a range of +/-60 mg/week (21.3% within a range of +/-20 mg/week).
      For monotherapy, only weight was associated with the PEGV normalization dose (P
      <= 0.001) and predicted this dosage correctly in 77.1% of all patients within a
      range of +/-60 mg/week (31.3% within a range of +/-20 mg/week). CONCLUSION: In
      this study, we show that IGF-I levels, weight, height and age can contribute to
      define the optimal PEGV dose to normalize IGF-I levels in addition to LA-SSA. For
      PEGV monotherapy, only the patient's weight was associated with the IGF-I
      normalization PEGV dosage.

PMID- 28100631
TI  - Association of triiodothyronine levels with future development of metabolic
      syndrome in euthyroid middle-aged subjects: a 6-year retrospective longitudinal
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several cross-sectional studies have reported that thyroid hormone
      levels are associated with cardiovascular risk markers and metabolic syndrome
      (MetS) even in euthyroid subjects. However, the prognostic role of serum thyroid
      hormone levels in the risk of incident MetS has not been elucidated. AIM: We
      aimed to investigate the associations of baseline serum thyroid hormone levels
      with the development of MetS in healthy subjects. METHODS: This 6-year, cross
      sectional, longitudinal and follow-up study was conducted in 12 037 euthyroid
      middle-aged subjects without MetS subjected to comprehensive health examinations.
      Subjects were grouped according to total triiodothyronine (T3) quartiles. The
      hazard ratio (HR) for the development of MetS according to T3 quartiles was
      estimated using Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: During the 6-year
      period, 3544 incident cases of MetS (29%) were identified. The proportion of
      subjects with incident MetS increased across the T3 quartiles (P for trend
      <0.001). The HR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the development of MetS were
      significantly higher in the highest T3 quartile compared with the lowest T3
      quartile even after adjusting for confounding variables including gender, age and
      smoking (HR: 1.238, 95% CI: 1.128-1.358, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In euthyroid
      middle-aged subjects, serum T3 levels are associated with increased risk for
      future development of MetS.

PMID- 28100632
TI  - The role of hepatic trans-arterial chemoembolization in metastatic medullary
      thyroid carcinoma: a specialist center experience and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver metastases are relatively common in patients with metastatic
      medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), carrying a negative impact on disease
      prognosis. The options for selective therapy of liver metastases in MTC patients
      are limited to catheter-guided procedures such as trans-arterial
      chemoembolization (TACE). Data regarding the effectiveness and safety of this
      procedure in MTC are limited. AIM: To explore the clinical outcome, survival and
      safety profile of TACE for liver metastases in a group of MTC patients. METHODS:
      Retrospective case series of patients treated at a single tertiary University
      Medical Center from 2005 to 2015. RESULTS: Seven consecutive patients (mean age
      64.5 +/- 10.9 years, 5 females) with histologically confirmed MTC with liver
      metastases were included. Metastatic involvement of the liver was less than 50%
      of the liver volume in all patients. The median size of the largest liver lesion
      was 40 +/- 6.9 mm. The patients underwent in total 20 sessions of TACE. Clinical
      improvement as well as tumor response (PR) were observed in all patients. The
      median time to tumor progression was 38 months (range 8-126). Three patients were
      still alive at the end of the follow-up period (a median overall survival rate of
      57 +/- 44 months). CONCLUSION: TACE in MTC patients with hepatic metastases is
      usually well tolerated and induces both clinical improvement and tumor response
      for prolonged periods of time in the majority of patients. This therapeutic
      option should always be considered, irrespective of the presence of extrahepatic
      metastasis.

PMID- 28100633
TI  - Automated mitotic spindle tracking suggests a link between spindle dynamics,
      spindle orientation, and anaphase onset in epithelial cells.
AB  - Proper spindle positioning at anaphase onset is essential for normal tissue
      organization and function. Here we develop automated spindle-tracking software
      and apply it to characterize mitotic spindle dynamics in the Xenopus laevis
      embryonic epithelium. We find that metaphase spindles first undergo a sustained
      rotation that brings them on-axis with their final orientation. This sustained
      rotation is followed by a set of striking stereotyped rotational oscillations
      that bring the spindle into near contact with the cortex and then move it rapidly
      away from the cortex. These oscillations begin to subside soon before anaphase
      onset. Metrics extracted from the automatically tracked spindles indicate that
      final spindle position is determined largely by cell morphology and that spindles
      consistently center themselves in the XY-plane before anaphase onset. Finally,
      analysis of the relationship between spindle oscillations and spindle position
      relative to the cortex reveals an association between cortical contact and
      anaphase onset. We conclude that metaphase spindles in epithelia engage in a
      stereotyped "dance," that this dance culminates in proper spindle positioning and
      orientation, and that completion of the dance is linked to anaphase onset.

PMID- 28100634
TI  - Cryptochromes regulate IGF-1 production and signaling through control of JAK2
      dependent STAT5B phosphorylation.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling plays an important role in cell growth
      and proliferation and is implicated in regulation of cancer, metabolism, and
      aging. Here we report that IGF-1 level in blood and IGF-1 signaling demonstrates
      circadian rhythms. Circadian control occurs through cryptochromes (CRYs)
      transcriptional repressors and components of the circadian clock. IGF-1 rhythms
      are disrupted in Cry-deficient mice, and IGF-1 level is reduced by 80% in these
      mice, which leads to reduced IGF signaling. In agreement, Cry-deficient mice have
      reduced body (~30% reduction) and organ size. Down-regulation of IGF-1 upon Cry
      deficiency correlates with reduced Igf-1 mRNA expression in the liver and
      skeletal muscles. Igf-1 transcription is regulated through growth hormone
      induced, JAK2 kinase-mediated phosphorylation of transcriptional factor STAT5B.
      The phosphorylation of STAT5B on the JAK2-dependent Y699 site is significantly
      reduced in the liver and skeletal muscles of Cry-deficient mice. At the same
      time, phosphorylation of JAK2 kinase was not reduced upon Cry deficiency, which
      places CRY activity downstream from JAK2. Thus CRYs link the circadian clock and
      JAK-STAT signaling through control of STAT5B phosphorylation, which provides the
      mechanism for circadian rhythms in IGF signaling in vivo.

PMID- 28100635
TI  - Phospholipase Lpl1 links lipid droplet function with quality control protein
      degradation.
AB  - Protein misfolding is toxic to cells and is believed to underlie many human
      diseases, including many neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, cells have
      developed stress responses to deal with misfolded proteins. The transcription
      factor Rpn4 mediates one such response and is best known for regulating the
      abundance of the proteasome, the complex multisubunit protease that destroys
      proteins. Here we identify Lpl1 as an unexpected target of the Rpn4 response.
      Lpl1 is a phospholipase and a component of the lipid droplet. Lpl1 has dual
      functions: it is required for both efficient proteasome-mediated protein
      degradation and the dynamic regulation of lipid droplets. Lpl1 shows a synthetic
      genetic interaction with Hac1, the master regulator of a second proteotoxic
      stress response, the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR has long been known
      to regulate phospholipid metabolism, and Lpl1's relationship with Hac1 appears to
      reflect Hac1's role in stimulating phospholipid synthesis under stress. Thus two
      distinct proteotoxic stress responses control phospholipid metabolism.
      Furthermore, these results provide a direct link between the lipid droplet and
      proteasomal protein degradation and suggest that dynamic regulation of lipid
      droplets is a key aspect of some proteotoxic stress responses.

PMID- 28100636
TI  - Centriole splitting caused by loss of the centrosomal linker protein C-NAP1
      reduces centriolar satellite density and impedes centrosome amplification.
AB  - Duplication of the centrosomes is a tightly regulated process. Abnormal
      centrosome numbers can impair cell division and cause changes in how cells
      migrate. Duplicated centrosomes are held together by a proteinaceous linker made
      up of rootletin filaments anchored to the centrioles by C-NAP1. This linker is
      removed in a NEK2A kinase-dependent manner as mitosis begins. To explore C-NAP1
      activities in regulating centrosome activities, we used genome editing to ablate
      it. C-NAP1-null cells were viable and had an increased frequency of premature
      centriole separation, accompanied by reduced density of the centriolar
      satellites, with reexpression of C-NAP1 rescuing both phenotypes. We found that
      the primary cilium, a signaling structure that arises from the mother centriole
      docked to the cell membrane, was intact in the absence of C-NAP1, although
      components of the ciliary rootlet were aberrantly localized away from the base of
      the cilium. C-NAP1-deficient cells were capable of signaling through the cilium,
      as determined by gene expression analysis after fluid flow-induced shear stress
      and the relocalization of components of the Hedgehog pathway. Centrosome
      amplification induced by DNA damage or by PLK4 or CDK2 overexpression was
      markedly reduced in the absence of C-NAP1. We conclude that centriole splitting
      reduces the local density of key centriolar precursors to impede overduplication.

PMID- 28100640
TI  - Outpatient parents' views on shared-decision-making at an Italian children's
      hospital.
AB  - Information is lacking on what parents in southern European countries know and
      how they view clinical shared-decision-making (SDM) for their children. This
      survey assesses general parental views on SDM and patient-physician SDM
      relationships in an Italian paediatric outpatients' clinic. In a 3-month cross
      sectional survey, we enrolled 458 consecutive native and foreign Italian-speaking
      parents bringing their children to our public hospital for various reasons.
      Parents completed an anonymous questionnaire exploring their general views on
      SDM, including what doctor-patient relationship predominates today, and what
      approach reassures them most. Multivariate logistic regression analysed outcome
      data from parental questionnaire answers. Results are reported as percentages,
      odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Multivariate logistic
      regression showed that 440 parents (96.1%) appreciated SDM, 245 (53.5%) preferred
      SDM for choosing children's treatment, 126 (27.5%) answered that SDM is the
      predominant relationship today, and most parents 275 (60.0%) felt reassured by
      SDM. More native than foreign Italian-speaking parents preferred SDM (97.0 vs
      89.7%, OR = 3.8; 95% CI = 1.4-10.8). Highly-educated parents preferred SDM for
      choosing their child's therapy (57.9 vs 34.1%, OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.6-4.4) and
      this approach reassured them (64.3 vs 41.2%, OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.6-4.1). In
      conclusion, parents bringing children to an Italian outpatient clinic, especially
      highly-educated parents, wish to be offered SDM and find it reassuring. These
      findings should encourage paediatricians working in a challenging multicultural
      environment to change their physician-centred approach and engage parents in
      tailored SDM strategies.

PMID- 28100637
TI  - A Zip3-like protein plays a role in crossover formation in the SC-less meiosis of
      the protist Tetrahymena.
AB  - When programmed meiotic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) undergo recombinational
      repair, genetic crossovers (COs) may be formed. A certain level of this is
      required for the faithful segregation of chromosomes, but the majority of DSBs
      are processed toward a safer alternative, namely noncrossovers (NCOs), via
      nonreciprocal DNA exchange. At the crossroads between these two DSB fates is the
      Msh4-Msh5 (MutSgamma) complex, which stabilizes CO-destined recombination
      intermediates and members of the Zip3/RNF212 family of RING finger proteins,
      which in turn stabilize MutSgamma. These proteins function in the context of the
      synaptonemal complex (SC) and mainly act on SC-dependent COs. Here we show that
      in the SC-less ciliate Tetrahymena, Zhp3 (a protein distantly related to
      Zip3/RNF212), together with MutSgamma, is responsible for the majority of COs.
      This activity of Zhp3 suggests an evolutionarily conserved SC-independent
      strategy for balancing CO:NCO ratios. Moreover, we report a novel meiosis
      specific protein, Sa15, as an interacting partner of Zhp3. Sa15 forms linear
      structures in meiotic prophase nuclei to which Zhp3 localizes. Sa15 is required
      for a wild-type level of CO formation. Its linear organization suggests the
      existence of an underlying chromosomal axis that serves as a scaffold for Zhp3
      and other recombination proteins.

PMID- 28100641
TI  - New sources of value for health and care in a carbon-constrained world.
AB  - Background: Due to the climate crisis, it is increasingly evident that countries
      will have to decarbonize. Healthcare, which has a large carbon footprint and uses
      vast quantities of resources, will have to undergo significant transformation. In
      this research, we sought the ideas of leading thinkers in the field, to address
      the question of how health systems can provide high-quality care in a carbon
      constrained world. Methods: Semi-structured, qualitative in-depth interviews with
      15 healthcare thought leaders from Australia, the UK, the USA and New Zealand.
      The interviews were transcribed and analysed by matrix display and thematic
      analysis. Results: 'Green' initiatives such as improving energy efficiency and
      implementing travel plans will be insufficient to achieve the scale of
      decarbonization required. According to the thought leaders in our study, it is
      likely that greater carbon and resource savings will come from thinking much more
      broadly about innovative models of care and using 'new' sources of 'value' such
      as 'people' and 'relationships'. Conclusions: Using human resources and human
      interactions as low-carbon sources of value in healthcare are promising models.

PMID- 28100638
TI  - Retromer-driven membrane tubulation separates endosomal recycling from Rab7/Ypt7
      dependent fusion.
AB  - Endosomes are the major protein-sorting hubs of the endocytic pathway. They sort
      proteins destined for degradation into internal vesicles while in parallel
      recycling receptors via tubular carriers back to the Golgi. Tubule formation
      depends on the Rab7/Ypt7-interacting retromer complex, consisting of the sorting
      nexin dimer (SNX-BAR) and the trimeric cargo selection complex (CSC). Fusion of
      mature endosomes with the lysosome-like vacuole also requires Rab7/Ypt7. Here we
      solve a major problem in understanding this dual function of endosomal Rab7/Ypt7,
      using a fully reconstituted system, including purified, full-length yeast SNX-BAR
      and CSC, whose overall structure we present. We reveal that the membrane-active
      SNX-BAR complex displaces Ypt7 from cargo-bound CSC during formation of recycling
      tubules. This explains how a single Rab can coordinate recycling and fusion on
      endosomes.

PMID- 28100639
TI  - Munc13-4 functions as a Ca2+ sensor for homotypic secretory granule fusion to
      generate endosomal exocytic vacuoles.
AB  - Munc13-4 is a Ca2+-dependent SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor
      attachment protein receptor)- and phospholipid-binding protein that localizes to
      and primes secretory granules (SGs) for Ca2+-evoked secretion in various
      secretory cells. Studies in mast cell-like RBL-2H3 cells provide direct evidence
      that Munc13-4 with its two Ca2+-binding C2 domains functions as a Ca2+ sensor for
      SG exocytosis. Unexpectedly, Ca2+ stimulation also generated large (>2.4 MUm in
      diameter) Munc13-4+/Rab7+/Rab11+ endosomal vacuoles. Vacuole generation involved
      the homotypic fusion of Munc13-4+/Rab7+ SGs, followed by a merge with Rab11+
      endosomes, and depended on Ca2+ binding to Munc13-4. Munc13-4 promoted the Ca2+
      stimulated fusion of VAMP8-containing liposomes with liposomes containing
      exocytic or endosomal Q-SNAREs and directly interacted with late endosomal SNARE
      complexes. Thus Munc13-4 is a tethering/priming factor and Ca2+ sensor for both
      heterotypic SG-plasma membrane and homotypic SG-SG fusion. Total internal
      reflection fluorescence microscopy imaging revealed that vacuoles were exocytic
      and mediated secretion of beta-hexosaminidase and cytokines accompanied by Munc13
      4 diffusion onto the plasma membrane. The results provide new molecular insights
      into the mechanism of multigranular compound exocytosis commonly observed in
      various secretory cells.

PMID- 28100643
TI  - Fluid shear stress increases transepithelial transport of Ca2+ in ciliated distal
      convoluted and connecting tubule cells.
AB  - In kidney, transcellular transport of Ca2+ is mediated by transient receptor
      potential vanilloid 5 and Na+-Ca2+ exchanger 1 proteins in distal convoluted and
      connecting tubules (DCTs and CNTs, respectively). It is not yet understood how
      DCT/CNT cells can adapt to differences in tubular flow rate and, consequently,
      Ca2+ load. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which DCT/CNT
      cells sense fluid dynamics to control transepithelial Ca2+ reabsorption and
      whether their primary cilia play an active role in this process. Mouse primary
      DCT/CNT cultures were subjected to a physiologic fluid shear stress (FSS) of 0.12
      dyn/cm2 Transient receptor potential vanilloid 5 and Na+-Ca2+ exchanger 1 mRNA
      levels were significantly increased upon FSS exposure compared with static
      controls. Functional studies with 45Ca2+ demonstrated a significant stimulation
      of transepithelial Ca2+ transport under FSS compared with static conditions.
      Primary cilia removal decreased Ca2+ transport in both static and FSS conditions,
      a finding that correlated with decreased expression of genes involved in
      transepithelial Ca2+ transport; however, FSS-induced stimulation of Ca2+
      transport was still observed. These results indicate that nephron DCT and CNT
      segments translate FSS into a physiologic response that implicates an increased
      Ca2+ reabsorption. Moreover, primary cilia influence transepithelial Ca2+
      transport in DCTs/CNTs, yet this process is not distinctly coupled to FSS sensing
      by these organelles.-Mohammed, S. G., Arjona, F. J., Latta, F., Bindels, R. J.
      M., Roepman, R., Hoenderop, J. G. J. Fluid shear stress increases transepithelial
      transport of Ca2+ in ciliated distal convoluted and connecting tubule cells.

PMID- 28100644
TI  - Multicellular hypothesis for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Extensive abnormal interactions among microglia, astrocytes, and neurons of the
      CNS have been observed in proteinopathic neurodegenerative dementias of the
      elderly. These multicellular interactions are initiated by insoluble tangles of
      phosphorylated tau protein and plaques of amyloid peptides. Most research has
      focused on these neurotoxic proteins, but much less is known about the pathogenic
      roles of the responding resident and recruited neural cells. Principal
      interactions among the major 3 sets of CNS cells are herein considered at several
      levels in relation to cellular phenotypic alterations, mechanisms of cellular
      communication, and extent of involvement in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's
      disease and related proteinopathic dementias. It remains to be determined which
      of these abnormal neurocellular phenomena are primary events and sufficiently
      contributory to neurodegeneration to be useful targets for therapy of senile
      dementias.-Goetzl, E. J., Miller, B. L. Multicellular hypothesis for the
      pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 28100642
TI  - Isoform-specific mechanisms of alpha3beta4*-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
      modulation by the prototoxin lynx1.
AB  - This study investigates-for the first time to our knowledge-the existence and
      mechanisms of functional interactions between the endogenous mammalian
      prototoxin, lynx1, and alpha3- and beta4-subunit-containing human nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors (alpha3beta4*-nAChRs). Concatenated gene constructs were
      used to express precisely defined alpha3beta4*-nAChR isoforms (alpha3beta4)2beta4
      , (alpha3beta4)2alpha3-, (alpha3beta4)2alpha5(398D)-, and
      (alpha3beta4)2alpha5(398N)-nAChR in Xenopus oocytes. In the presence or absence
      of lynx1, alpha3beta4*-nAChR agonist responses were recorded by using 2-electrode
      voltage clamp and single-channel electrophysiology, whereas radioimmunolabeling
      measured cell-surface expression. Lynx1 reduced (alpha3beta4)2beta4-nAChR
      function principally by lowering cell-surface expression, whereas single-channel
      effects were primarily responsible for reducing (alpha3beta4)2alpha3-nAChR
      function [decreased unitary conductance (>=50%), altered burst proportions (3
      fold reduction in the proportion of long bursts), and enhanced closed dwell times
      (3- to 6-fold increase)]. Alterations in both cell-surface expression and single
      channel properties accounted for the reduction in (alpha3beta4)2alpha5-nAChR
      function that was mediated by lynx1. No effects were observed when alpha3beta4*
      nAChRs were coexpressed with mutated lynx1 (control). Lynx1 is expressed in the
      habenulopeduncular tract, where alpha3beta4*-alpha5*-nAChR subtypes are critical
      contributors to the balance between nicotine aversion and reward. This gives our
      findings a high likelihood of physiologic significance. The exquisite isoform
      selectivity of lynx1 interactions provides new insights into the mechanisms and
      allosteric sites [alpha(-)-interface containing] by which prototoxins can
      modulate nAChR function.-George, A. A., Bloy, A., Miwa, J. M., Lindstrom, J. M.,
      Lukas, R. J., Whiteaker, P. Isoform-specific mechanisms of alpha3beta4*-nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor modulation by the prototoxin lynx1.

PMID- 28100646
TI  - Targeting the correct target in HCC.

PMID- 28100645
TI  - Lipoxin A4 stimulates endothelial miR-126-5p expression and its transfer via
      microvesicles.
AB  - The proresolution lipid mediator lipoxin (LX)A4 bestows protective bioactions on
      endothelial cells. We examined the impact of LXA4 on transcellular endothelial
      signaling via microRNA (miR)-containing microvesicles. We report LXA4 inhibition
      of MV release by TNF-alpha-treated HUVECs, associated with the down-regulation of
      18 miR in endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) and the up-regulation of miR-126-5p,
      both in HUVECs and in EMVs. LXA4 up-regulated miR-126-5p by ~5-fold in HUVECs and
      promoted a release of microvesicles (LXA4-EMVs) that enhanced miR-126-5p by ~7
      fold in recipient HUVECs. In these cells, LXA4-EMVs abrogated the up-regulation
      of VCAM-1, induced in recipient HUVECs by EMVs released by untreated or TNF-alpha
      treated HUVECs. LXA4-EMVs also reduced by ~40% the expression of SPRED1, which we
      validated as an miR-126-5p target, whereas they stimulated monolayer repair in an
      in vitro wound assay. This effect was lost when the EMVs were depleted of miR-126
      5p. These results provide evidence that changes in miR expression and
      microvesicle packaging and transfer represent a mechanism of action of LXA4,
      which may be relevant in vascular biology and inflammation.-Codagnone, M.,
      Recchiuti, A., Lanuti, P., Pierdomenico, A. M., Cianci, E., Patruno, S., Mari, V.
      C., Simiele, F., Di Tomo, P., Pandolfi, A., Romano, M. Lipoxin A4 stimulates
      endothelial miR-126-5p expression and its transfer via microvesicles.

PMID- 28100647
TI  - MarpoDB: An Open Registry for Marchantia Polymorpha Genetic Parts.
AB  - Marchantia polymorpha is an extant relative of the earliest terrestrial plants
      and has attracted a substantial interest as a model organism for evolutionary and
      developmental studies. Given its relatively simple genome, compact gene families,
      simple morphology, ease of propagation and transformation, M. polymorpha is
      becoming a promising platform for plant synthetic biology. Modular genetic parts
      have been essential for development of synthetic biology approaches, so we sought
      to design an engineering oriented database for M. polymorpha genetic parts where
      each gene is a stand-alone functional unit. MarpoDB is a database of M.
      polymorpha genes and genetic parts, which is tailored to become an integral tool
      for a synthetic biology workflow. Among its features are precompiled cross
      database querying to InterPro, Pfam signatures and non-redundant Viridiplantae
      BLAST annotations; BLAST querying to M. polymorpha genes; sequence export in
      GenBank format; recoding of sequences to the common syntax for type IIS assembly
      and exchange of DNA parts; and a minimalistic, intuitive and interactive user
      interface for gene models and sequence exploration. Furthermore, we have
      implemented user input to encourage feedback, collaboration and exchange between
      the MarpoDB community. MarpoDB source-code is released on GitHub to promote
      development of computational tools for synthetic biology.

PMID- 28100648
TI  - Multiscale Structural Analysis of Plant ER-PM Contact Sites.
AB  - Membrane contact sites are recognized across eukaryotic systems as important
      nanostructures. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) contact sites
      (EPCS) are involved in excitation-contraction coupling, signaling, and plant
      responses to stress. In this report, we perform a multiscale structural analysis
      of Arabidopsis EPCS that combines live cell imaging, quantitative transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM) and electron tomography over a developmental gradient.
      To place EPCS in the context of the entire cortical ER, we examined green
      fluorescent protein (GFP)-HDEL in living cells over a developmental gradient,
      then Synaptotagmin1 (SYT1)-GFP was used as a specific marker of EPCS. In all
      tissues examined, young, rapidly elongating cells showed lamellar cortical ER and
      higher density of SYT1-GFP puncta, while in mature cells the cortical ER network
      was tubular, highly dynamic and had fewer SYT1-labeled puncta. The higher density
      of EPCS in young cells was verified by quantitative TEM of cryo-fixed tissues.
      For all cell types, the size of each EPCS had a consistent range in length along
      the PM from 50 to 300 nm, with microtubules and ribosomes excluded from the EPCS.
      The structural characterization of EPCS in different plant tissues, and the
      correlation of EPCS densities over developmental gradients illustrate how ER-PM
      communication evolves in response to cellular expansion.

PMID- 28100649
TI  - Incidence of delivery wire recapture failure with the Pipeline Flex device.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Pipeline Flex embolization device has several advantages over the
      first-generation Pipeline embolization device (Covidien, Dublin, Republic of
      Ireland). Despite these advantages, we have observed frequent difficulty in
      recapturing the device's delivery wire. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively document the
      incidence of failure to recapture the delivery wire. METHODS: We tracked our
      experience in patients undergoing endovascular treatment with a flow-diverting
      stent for cerebral aneurysms between 1 May and 30 September 2016. Patient and
      lesion characteristics, device dimensions, and technical outcomes of delivery
      wire recapture were prospectively recorded for each device. RESULTS: Eighteen
      devices were deployed in 15 patients by the senior author (FCA) during this
      period. Failure to recapture the delivery wire occurred in 10 of 18 (56%) cases.
      No adverse outcomes of delivery wire recapture failure were encountered in this
      series. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of delivery wire recapture failure with the
      Pipeline Flex device is high. Failure to recapture the delivery wire carries a
      theoretical risk of stent displacement when re-navigating across the device, and
      endovascular surgeons should be aware of this limitation. Authors are encouraged
      to report delivery wire recapture failure rates in future clinical series in
      which the Pipeline Flex device is used.

PMID- 28100651
TI  - Stabilization of Bacillus circulans xylanase by combinatorial insertional fusion
      to a thermophilic host protein.
AB  - High thermostability of an enzyme is critical for its industrial application.
      While many engineering approaches such as mutagenesis have enhanced enzyme
      thermostability, they often suffer from reduced enzymatic activity. A thermally
      stabilized enzyme with unchanged amino acids is preferable for subsequent
      functional evolution necessary to address other important industrial needs. In
      the research presented here, we applied insertional fusion to a thermophilic
      maltodextrin-binding protein from Pyrococcus furiosus (PfMBP) in order to improve
      the thermal stability of Bacillus circulans xylanase (BCX). Specifically, we used
      an engineered transposon to construct a combinatorial library of randomly
      inserted BCX into PfMBP. The library was then subjected to functional screening
      to identify successful PfMBP-BCX insertion complexes, PfMBP-BCX161 and PfMBP
      BCX165, displaying substantially improved kinetic stability at elevated
      temperatures compared to unfused BCX and other controls. Results from subsequent
      characterizations were consistent with the view that lowered aggregation of BCX
      and reduced conformational flexibility at the termini was responsible for
      increased thermal stability. Our stabilizing approach neither sacrificed xylanase
      activity nor required changes in the BCX amino acid sequence. Overall, the
      current study demonstrated the benefit of combinatorial insertional fusion to
      PfMBP as a systematic tool for the creation of enzymatically active and
      thermostable BCX variants.

PMID- 28100650
TI  - Transforming growth factor beta suppresses peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma expression via both SMAD binding and novel TGF-beta inhibitory
      elements.
AB  - Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) contributes to wound healing and, when
      dysregulated, to pathological fibrosis. TGF-beta and the anti-fibrotic nuclear
      hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma)
      repress each other's expression, and such PPARgamma down-regulation is prominent
      in fibrosis and mediated, via previously unknown SMAD-signaling mechanisms. Here,
      we show that TGF-beta induces the association of SMAD3 with both SMAD4, needed
      for translocation of the complex into the nucleus, and the essential context
      sensitive co-repressors E2F4 and p107. The complex mediates TGF-beta-induced
      repression by binding to regulatory elements in the target promoter. In the PPARG
      promoter, we found that the SMAD3-SMAD4 complex binds both to a previously
      unknown consensus TGF-beta inhibitory element (TIE) and also to canonical SMAD
      binding elements (SBEs). Furthermore, the TIE and SBEs independently mediated the
      partial repression of PPARG transcription, the first demonstration of a TIE and
      SBEs functioning within the same promoter. Also, TGF-beta-treated fibroblasts
      contained SMAD complexes that activated a SMAD target gene in addition to those
      repressing PPARG transcription, the first finding of such dual activity within
      the same cell. These findings describe in detail novel mechanisms by which TGF
      beta represses PPARG transcription, thereby facilitating its own pro-fibrotic
      activity.

PMID- 28100652
TI  - Correlation between discharge timings of pairs of motor units reveals the
      presence but not the proportion of common synaptic input to motor neurons.
AB  - We investigated whether correlation measures derived from pairs of motor unit
      (MU) spike trains are reliable indicators of the degree of common synaptic input
      to motor neurons. Several 50-s isometric contractions of the biceps brachii
      muscle were performed at different target forces ranging from 10 to 30% of the
      maximal voluntary contraction relying on force feedback. Forty-eight pairs of MUs
      were examined at various force levels. Motor unit synchrony was assessed by cross
      correlation analysis using three indexes: the output correlation as the peak of
      the cross-histogram (rho) and the number of synchronous spikes per second (CIS)
      and per trigger (E). Individual analysis of MU pairs revealed that rho, CIS, and
      E were most often positively associated with discharge rate (87, 85, and 76% of
      the MU pairs, respectively) and negatively with interspike interval variability
      (69, 65, and 62% of the MU pairs, respectively). Moreover, the behavior of
      synchronization indexes with discharge rate (and interspike interval variability)
      varied greatly among the MU pairs. These results were consistent with theoretical
      predictions, which showed that the output correlation between pairs of spike
      trains depends on the statistics of the input current and motor neuron intrinsic
      properties that differ for different motor neuron pairs. In conclusion, the
      synchronization between MU firing trains is necessarily caused by the
      (functional) common input to motor neurons, but it is not possible to infer the
      degree of shared common input to a pair of motor neurons on the basis of
      correlation measures of their output spike trains.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The strength
      of correlation between output spike trains is only poorly associated with the
      degree of common input to the population of motor neurons. The synchronization
      between motor unit firing trains is necessarily caused by the (functional) common
      input to motor neurons, but it is not possible to infer the degree of shared
      common input to a pair of motor neurons on the basis of correlation measures of
      their output spike trains.

PMID- 28100654
TI  - Dissociation between sustained single-neuron spiking and transient beta-LFP
      oscillations in primate motor cortex.
AB  - Determining the relationship between single-neuron spiking and transient (20 Hz)
      beta-local field potential (beta-LFP) oscillations is an important step for
      understanding the role of these oscillations in motor cortex. We show that
      whereas motor cortex firing rates and beta spiking rhythmicity remain sustained
      during steady-state movement preparation periods, beta-LFP oscillations emerge,
      in contrast, as short transient events. Single-neuron mean firing rates within
      and outside transient beta-LFP events showed no differences, and no consistent
      correlation was found between the beta oscillation amplitude and firing rates, as
      was the case for movement- and visual cue-related beta-LFP suppression.
      Importantly, well-isolated single units featuring beta-rhythmic spiking (43%,
      125/292) showed no apparent or only weak phase coupling with the transient beta
      LFP oscillations. Similar results were obtained for the population spiking. These
      findings were common in triple microelectrode array recordings from primary motor
      (M1), ventral (PMv), and dorsal premotor (PMd) cortices in nonhuman primates
      during movement preparation. Although beta spiking rhythmicity indicates strong
      membrane potential fluctuations in the beta band, it does not imply strong phase
      coupling with beta-LFP oscillations. The observed dissociation points to two
      different sources of variation in motor cortex beta-LFPs: one that impacts single
      neuron spiking dynamics and another related to the generation of mesoscopic beta
      LFP signals. Furthermore, our findings indicate that rhythmic spiking and diverse
      neuronal firing rates, which encode planned actions during movement preparation,
      may naturally limit the ability of different neuronal populations to strongly
      phase-couple to a single dominant oscillation frequency, leading to the observed
      spiking and beta-LFP dissociation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that whereas motor
      cortex spiking rates and beta (~20 Hz) spiking rhythmicity remain sustained
      during steady-state movement preparation periods, beta-local field potential
      (beta-LFP) oscillations emerge, in contrast, as transient events. Furthermore,
      the beta-LFP phase at which neurons spike drifts: phase coupling is typically
      weak or absent. This dissociation points to two sources of variation in the level
      of motor cortex beta: one that impacts single-neuron spiking and another related
      to the generation of measured mesoscopic beta-LFPs.

PMID- 28100653
TI  - Minocycline blocks glial cell activation and ventilatory acclimatization to
      hypoxia.
AB  - Ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia (VAH) is the time-dependent increase in
      ventilation, which persists upon return to normoxia and involves plasticity in
      both central nervous system respiratory centers and peripheral chemoreceptors. We
      investigated the role of glial cells in VAH in male Sprague-Dawley rats using
      minocycline, an antibiotic that inhibits microglia activation and has anti
      inflammatory properties, and barometric pressure plethysmography to measure
      ventilation. Rats received either minocycline (45mg/kg ip daily) or saline
      beginning 1 day before and during 7 days of chronic hypoxia (CH, PiO2  = 70
      Torr). Minocycline had no effect on normoxic control rats or the hypercapnic
      ventilatory response in CH rats, but minocycline significantly (P < 0.001)
      decreased ventilation during acute hypoxia in CH rats. However, minocycline
      administration during only the last 3 days of CH did not reverse VAH. Microglia
      and astrocyte activation in the nucleus tractus solitarius was quantified from 30
      min to 7 days of CH. Microglia showed an active morphology (shorter and fewer
      branches) after 1 h of hypoxia and returned to the control state (longer
      filaments and extensive branching) after 4 h of CH. Astrocytes increased glial
      fibrillary acidic protein antibody immunofluorescent intensity, indicating
      activation, at both 4 and 24 h of CH. Minocycline had no effect on glia in
      normoxia but significantly decreased microglia activation at 1 h of CH and
      astrocyte activation at 24 h of CH. These results support a role for glial cells,
      providing an early signal for the induction but not maintenance of neural
      plasticity underlying ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The
      signals for neural plasticity in medullary respiratory centers underlying
      ventilatory acclimatization to chronic hypoxia are unknown. We show that chronic
      hypoxia activates microglia and subsequently astrocytes. Minocycline, an
      antibiotic that blocks microglial activation and has anti-inflammatory
      properties, also blocks astrocyte activation in respiratory centers during
      chronic hypoxia and ventilatory acclimatization. However, minocycline cannot
      reverse ventilatory acclimatization after it is established. Hence, glial cells
      may provide signals that initiate but do not sustain ventilatory acclimatization.

PMID- 28100655
TI  - Furosemide depresses the presynaptic fiber volley and modifies frequency
      dependent axonal excitability in rat hippocampus.
AB  - The loop diuretic furosemide is known to have anticonvulsant effects, believed to
      be exerted through blockade of glial Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransport causing altered
      volume regulation in brain tissue. The possibility that direct effects of
      furosemide on neuronal properties could also be involved is supported by previous
      observations, but such effects have not been thoroughly investigated. In the
      present study we show that furosemide has two opposing effects on stimulus
      induced postsynaptic excitation in the nonepileptic rat hippocampal slice: 1) an
      enhancement of e-s coupling, which depended on intact GABAA transmission and was
      partially mimicked by selective blockade of K+-2Cl- cotransport, and 2) a
      decrement of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials. The balance between these
      effects varied, depending on the amount of synaptic drive. In addition, the
      compound action potential (fiber volley) recorded from the stimulated Schaffer
      collateral axons in stratum radiatum showed a progressive decrease during
      perfusion of furosemide. This effect was activity-independent, was mimicked by
      the stilbene derivative DIDS, and could be reproduced on fiber volleys in the
      alveus. Furosemide also reduced the initial enhancement of the fiber volley
      observed during trains of high-frequency stimulation (HFS). Results of
      hyperosmotic expansion of the extracellular volume, with 30 mM sucrose, indicated
      that both the induction and antagonism of the HFS-induced enhancement were
      independent of signaling via the extracellular space. Furosemide caused an
      increased decay of paired-pulse-induced supranormal axonal excitability, which
      was antagonized by ZD7288. We conclude that furosemide decreases axonal
      excitability and prevents HFS-induced hyperexcitability via mechanisms downstream
      of blockage of anion transport, which could include hyperpolarization of axonal
      membranes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that the anion transporter
      antagonists furosemide and DIDS cause a marked decrease of axonal excitability in
      rat hippocampal CA1 region and prevent the induction of activity-dependent
      hyperexcitability in Schaffer collateral axons. The data are consistent with
      direct effects on axonal membrane properties. We also find that activity
      dependent enhancement and depression of axonal excitability can be modified
      independently, suggesting that these events are governed by different underlying
      processes.

PMID- 28100656
TI  - Perceptual attraction in tool use: evidence for a reliability-based weighting
      mechanism.
AB  - Humans are well able to operate tools whereby their hand movement is linked, via
      a kinematic transformation, to a spatially distant object moving in a separate
      plane of motion. An everyday example is controlling a cursor on a computer
      monitor. Despite these separate reference frames, the perceived positions of the
      hand and the object were found to be biased toward each other. We propose that
      this perceptual attraction is based on the principles by which the brain
      integrates redundant sensory information of single objects or events, known as
      optimal multisensory integration. That is, 1) sensory information about the hand
      and the tool are weighted according to their relative reliability (i.e., inverse
      variances), and 2) the unisensory reliabilities sum up in the integrated
      estimate. We assessed whether perceptual attraction is consistent with optimal
      multisensory integration model predictions. We used a cursor-control tool-use
      task in which we manipulated the relative reliability of the unisensory hand and
      cursor position estimates. The perceptual biases shifted according to these
      relative reliabilities, with an additional bias due to contextual factors that
      were present in experiment 1 but not in experiment 2 The biased position
      judgments' variances were, however, systematically larger than the predicted
      optimal variances. Our findings suggest that the perceptual attraction in tool
      use results from a reliability-based weighting mechanism similar to optimal
      multisensory integration, but that certain boundary conditions for optimality
      might not be satisfied.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Kinematic tool use is associated with a
      perceptual attraction between the spatially separated hand and the effective part
      of the tool. We provide a formal account for this phenomenon, thereby showing
      that the process behind it is similar to optimal integration of sensory
      information relating to single objects.

PMID- 28100657
TI  - Frequency tuning of synaptic inhibition underlying duration-tuned neurons in the
      mammalian inferior colliculus.
AB  - Inhibition plays an important role in creating the temporal response properties
      of duration-tuned neurons (DTNs) in the mammalian inferior colliculus (IC).
      Neurophysiological and computational studies indicate that duration selectivity
      in the IC is created through the convergence of excitatory and inhibitory
      synaptic inputs offset in time. We used paired-tone stimulation and extracellular
      recording to measure the frequency tuning of the inhibition acting on DTNs in the
      IC of the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). We stimulated DTNs with pairs of
      tones differing in duration, onset time, and frequency. The onset time of a
      short, best-duration (BD), probe tone set to the best excitatory frequency (BEF)
      was varied relative to the onset of a longer-duration, nonexcitatory (NE) tone
      whose frequency was varied. When the NE tone frequency was near or within the
      cell's excitatory bandwidth (eBW), BD tone-evoked spikes were suppressed by an
      onset-evoked inhibition. The onset of the spike suppression was independent of
      stimulus frequency, but both the offset and duration of the suppression decreased
      as the NE tone frequency departed from the BEF. We measured the inhibitory
      frequency response area, best inhibitory frequency (BIF), and inhibitory
      bandwidth (iBW) of each cell. We found that the BIF closely matched the BEF, but
      the iBW was broader and usually overlapped the eBW measured from the same cell.
      These data suggest that temporal selectivity of midbrain DTNs is created and
      preserved by having cells receive an onset-evoked, constant-latency, broadband
      inhibition that largely overlaps the cell's excitatory receptive field. We
      conclude by discussing possible neural sources of the inhibition.NEW & NOTEWORTHY
      Duration-tuned neurons (DTNs) arise from temporally offset excitatory and
      inhibitory synaptic inputs. We used single-unit recording and paired-tone
      stimulation to measure the spectral tuning of the inhibitory inputs to DTNs. The
      onset of inhibition was independent of stimulus frequency; the offset and
      duration of inhibition systematically decreased as the stimulus departed from the
      cell's best excitatory frequency. Best inhibitory frequencies matched best
      excitatory frequencies; however, inhibitory bandwidths were more broadly tuned
      than excitatory bandwidths.

PMID- 28100658
TI  - Maps of cone opsin input to mouse V1 and higher visual areas.
AB  - Studies in the mouse retina have characterized the spatial distribution of an
      anisotropic ganglion cell and photoreceptor mosaic, which provides a solid
      foundation to study how the cortex pools from afferent parallel color channels.
      In particular, the mouse's retinal mosaic exhibits a gradient of wavelength
      sensitivity along its dorsoventral axis. Cones at the ventral extreme mainly
      express S opsin, which is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. Then, moving
      toward the retina's dorsal extreme, there is a transition to M-opsin dominance.
      Here, we tested the hypothesis that the retina's opsin gradient is recapitulated
      in cortical visual areas as a functional map of wavelength sensitivity. We first
      identified visual areas in each mouse by mapping retinotopy with intrinsic signal
      imaging (ISI). Next, we measured ISI responses to stimuli along different
      directions of the S- and M-color plane to quantify the magnitude of S and M input
      to each location of the retinotopic maps in five visual cortical areas (V1, AL,
      LM, PM, and RL). The results illustrate a significant change in the S:M-opsin
      input ratio along the axis of vertical retinotopy that is consistent with the
      gradient along the dorsoventral axis of the retina. In particular, V1 populations
      encoding the upper visual field responded to S-opsin contrast with 6.1-fold
      greater amplitude than to M-opsin contrast. V1 neurons encoding lower fields
      responded with 4.6-fold greater amplitude to M- than S-opsin contrast. The maps
      in V1 and higher visual areas (HVAs) underscore the significance of a wavelength
      sensitivity gradient for guiding the mouse's behavior.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Two
      elements of this study are particularly novel. For one, it is the first to
      quantify cone inputs to mouse visual cortex; we have measured cone input in five
      visual areas. Next, it is the first study to identify a feature map in the mouse
      visual cortex that is based on well-characterized anisotropy of cones in the
      retina; we have identified maps of opsin selectivity in five visual areas.

PMID- 28100660
TI  - Secondary electron effect on electron beam induced charging of SiO2 particle
      analyzed by electron holography.
AB  - Charging of a SiO2 particle induced by electron illumination was investigated by
      changing the illuminated area of the particle and its support film through
      control of the position of the mask plate inserted in a transmission electron
      microscope illumination system. The electric fields around the charged SiO2
      particle were analyzed using electron holography. The amount of charge was
      evaluated quantitatively by comparing the reconstructed phase images with the
      simulated phase images. When the support film was not covered against the
      incident electron beam, secondary electrons emitted from the conductive support
      film were attracted to the charged particle, resulting in particle discharge. In
      contrast, when the support film was completely covered, secondary electrons were
      not emitted from the film, so that the particle remained positively charged.

PMID- 28100661
TI  - Weak-beam scanning transmission electron microscopy for quantitative dislocation
      density measurement in steels.
AB  - To evaluate dislocations induced by neutron irradiation, we developed a weak-beam
      scanning transmission electron microscopy (WB-STEM) system by installing a novel
      beam selector, an annular detector, a high-speed CCD camera and an imaging filter
      in the camera chamber of a spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron
      microscope. The capabilities of the WB-STEM with respect to wide-view imaging,
      real-time diffraction monitoring and multi-contrast imaging are demonstrated
      using typical reactor pressure vessel steel that had been used in an European
      nuclear reactor for 30 years as a surveillance test piece with a fluence of 1.09
      * 1020 neutrons cm-2. The quantitatively measured size distribution (average loop
      size = 3.6 +/- 2.1 nm), number density of the dislocation loops (3.6 * 1022 m-3)
      and dislocation density (7.8 * 1013 m m-3) were carefully compared with the
      values obtained via conventional weak-beam transmission electron microscopy
      studies. In addition, cluster analysis using atom probe tomography (APT) further
      demonstrated the potential of the WB-STEM for correlative electron tomography/APT
      experiments.

PMID- 28100659
TI  - A neural locus for spatial-frequency specific saccadic suppression in visual
      motor neurons of the primate superior colliculus.
AB  - Saccades cause rapid retinal-image shifts that go perceptually unnoticed several
      times per second. The mechanisms for saccadic suppression have been
      controversial, in part because of sparse understanding of neural substrates. In
      this study we uncovered an unexpectedly specific neural locus for spatial
      frequency-specific saccadic suppression in the superior colliculus (SC). We first
      developed a sensitive behavioral measure of suppression in two macaque monkeys,
      demonstrating selectivity to low spatial frequencies similar to that observed in
      earlier behavioral studies. We then investigated visual responses in either
      purely visual SC neurons or anatomically deeper visual motor neurons, which are
      also involved in saccade generation commands. Surprisingly, visual motor neurons
      showed the strongest visual suppression, and the suppression was dependent on
      spatial frequency, as in behavior. Most importantly, suppression selectivity for
      spatial frequency in visual motor neurons was highly predictive of behavioral
      suppression effects in each individual animal, with our recorded population
      explaining up to ~74% of behavioral variance even on completely different
      experimental sessions. Visual SC neurons had mild suppression, which was
      unselective for spatial frequency and thus only explained up to ~48% of
      behavioral variance. In terms of spatial frequency-specific saccadic suppression,
      our results run contrary to predictions that may be associated with a
      hypothesized SC saccadic suppression mechanism, in which a motor command in the
      visual motor and motor neurons is first relayed to the more superficial purely
      visual neurons, to suppress them and to then potentially be fed back to cortex.
      Instead, an extraretinal modulatory signal mediating spatial-frequency-specific
      suppression may already be established in visual motor neurons.NEW & NOTEWORTHY
      Saccades, which repeatedly realign the line of sight, introduce spurious signals
      in retinal images that normally go unnoticed. In part, this happens because of
      perisaccadic suppression of visual sensitivity, which is known to depend on
      spatial frequency. We discovered that a specific subtype of superior colliculus
      (SC) neurons demonstrates spatial-frequency-dependent suppression. Curiously, it
      is the neurons that help mediate the saccadic command itself that exhibit such
      suppression, and not the purely visual ones.

PMID- 28100662
TI  - Zika virus causes supernumerary foci with centriolar proteins and impaired
      spindle positioning.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV) causes congenital microcephaly. Although ZIKV can impair cell
      cycle progression and provoke apoptosis, which probably contributes to disease
      aetiology through depletion of neural progenitor cells, additional cellular
      mechanisms may be important. Here, we investigated whether ZIKV infection alters
      centrosome number and spindle positioning, because such defects are thought to be
      at the root of inherited primary autosomal recessive microcephaly (MCPH). In
      addition to HeLa cells, in which centrosome number and spindle positioning can be
      well monitored, we analysed retinal epithelial cells (RPE-1), as well as brain
      derived microglial (CHME-5) and neural progenitor (ReN) cells, using
      immunofluorescence. We established that ZIKV infection leads to supernumerary
      foci containing centriolar proteins that in some cases drive multipolar spindle
      assembly, as well as spindle positioning defects in HeLa, RPE-1 and CHME-5 cells,
      but not in ReN cells. We uncovered similar phenotypes in HeLa cells upon
      infection with dengue virus (DENV-2), another flavivirus that does not target
      brain cells and does not cause microcephaly. We conclude that infection with
      Flaviviridae can increase centrosome numbers and impair spindle positioning, thus
      potentially contributing to microcephaly in the case of Zika.

PMID- 28100663
TI  - Leveraging genome-wide datasets to quantify the functional role of the anti-Shine
      Dalgarno sequence in regulating translation efficiency.
AB  - Studies dating back to the 1970s established that sequence complementarity
      between the anti-Shine-Dalgarno (aSD) sequence on prokaryotic ribosomes and the
      5' untranslated region of mRNAs helps to facilitate translation initiation. The
      optimal location of aSD sequence binding relative to the start codon, the full
      extents of the aSD sequence and the functional form of the relationship between
      aSD sequence complementarity and translation efficiency have not been fully
      resolved. Here, we investigate these relationships by leveraging the sequence
      diversity of endogenous genes and recently available genome-wide estimates of
      translation efficiency. We show that-after accounting for predicted mRNA
      structure-aSD sequence complementarity increases the translation of endogenous
      mRNAs by roughly 50%. Further, we observe that this relationship is nonlinear,
      with translation efficiency maximized for mRNAs with intermediate levels of aSD
      sequence complementarity. The mechanistic insights that we observe are highly
      robust: we find nearly identical results in multiple datasets spanning three
      distantly related bacteria. Further, we verify our main conclusions by re
      analysing a controlled experimental dataset.

PMID- 28100664
TI  - Rab1 interacts with GOLPH3 and controls Golgi structure and contractile ring
      constriction during cytokinesis in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Cytokinesis requires a tight coordination between actomyosin ring constriction
      and new membrane addition along the ingressing cleavage furrow. However, the
      molecular mechanisms underlying vesicle trafficking to the equatorial site and
      how this process is coupled with the dynamics of the contractile apparatus are
      poorly defined. Here we provide evidence for the requirement of Rab1 during
      cleavage furrow ingression in cytokinesis. We demonstrate that the gene omelette
      (omt) encodes the Drosophila orthologue of human Rab1 and is required for
      successful cytokinesis in both mitotic and meiotic dividing cells of Drosophila
      melanogaster We show that Rab1 protein colocalizes with the conserved oligomeric
      Golgi (COG) complex Cog7 subunit and the phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate
      effector GOLPH3 at the Golgi stacks. Analysis by transmission electron microscopy
      and 3D-SIM super-resolution microscopy reveals loss of normal Golgi architecture
      in omt mutant spermatocytes indicating a role for Rab1 in Golgi formation. In
      dividing cells, Rab1 enables stabilization and contraction of actomyosin rings.
      We further demonstrate that GTP-bound Rab1 directly interacts with GOLPH3 and
      controls its localization at the Golgi and at the cleavage site. We propose that
      Rab1, by associating with GOLPH3, controls membrane trafficking and contractile
      ring constriction during cytokinesis.

PMID- 28100665
TI  - Co-option of bacteriophage lysozyme genes by bivalve genomes.
AB  - Eukaryotes have occasionally acquired genetic material through horizontal gene
      transfer (HGT). However, little is known about the evolutionary and functional
      significance of such acquisitions. Lysozymes are ubiquitous enzymes that degrade
      bacterial cell walls. Here, we provide evidence that two subclasses of bivalves
      (Heterodonta and Palaeoheterodonta) acquired a lysozyme gene via HGT, building on
      earlier findings. Phylogenetic analyses place the bivalve lysozyme genes within
      the clade of bacteriophage lysozyme genes, indicating that the bivalves acquired
      the phage-type lysozyme genes from bacteriophages, either directly or through
      intermediate hosts. These bivalve lysozyme genes underwent dramatic structural
      changes after their co-option, including intron gain and fusion with other genes.
      Moreover, evidence suggests that recurrent gene duplication occurred in the
      bivalve lysozyme genes. Finally, we show the co-opted lysozymes exhibit a
      capacity for antibacterial action, potentially augmenting the immune function of
      related bivalves. This represents an intriguing evolutionary strategy in the
      eukaryote-microbe arms race, in which the genetic materials of bacteriophages are
      co-opted by eukaryotes, and then used by eukaryotes to combat bacteria, using a
      shared weapon against a common enemy.

PMID- 28100666
TI  - T-type Ca2+ channels are required for enhanced sympathetic axon growth by
      TNFalpha reverse signalling.
AB  - Tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1)-activated TNFalpha reverse signalling,
      in which membrane-integrated TNFalpha functions as a receptor for TNFR1, enhances
      axon growth from developing sympathetic neurons and plays a crucial role in
      establishing sympathetic innervation. Here, we have investigated the link between
      TNFalpha reverse signalling and axon growth in cultured sympathetic neurons.
      TNFR1-activated TNFalpha reverse signalling promotes Ca2+ influx, and highly
      selective T-type Ca2+ channel inhibitors, but not pharmacological inhibitors of L
      type, N-type and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels, prevented enhanced axon growth. T-type
      Ca2+ channel-specific inhibitors eliminated Ca2+ spikes promoted by TNFalpha
      reverse signalling in axons and prevented enhanced axon growth when applied
      locally to axons, but not when applied to cell somata. Blocking action potential
      generation did not affect the effect of TNFalpha reverse signalling on axon
      growth, suggesting that propagated action potentials are not required for
      enhanced axon growth. TNFalpha reverse signalling enhanced protein kinase C (PKC)
      activation, and pharmacological inhibition of PKC prevented the axon growth
      response. These results suggest that TNFalpha reverse signalling promotes opening
      of T-type Ca2+ channels along sympathetic axons, which is required for enhanced
      axon growth.

PMID- 28100668
TI  - Correction to 'NMJ-morph reveals principal components of synaptic morphology
      influencing structure-function relationships at the neuromuscular junction'.

PMID- 28100667
TI  - The control of translational accuracy is a determinant of healthy ageing in
      yeast.
AB  - Life requires the maintenance of molecular function in the face of stochastic
      processes that tend to adversely affect macromolecular integrity. This is
      particularly relevant during ageing, as many cellular functions decline with age,
      including growth, mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. Protein synthesis
      must deliver functional proteins at all times, implying that the effects of
      protein synthesis errors like amino acid misincorporation and stop-codon read
      through must be minimized during ageing. Here we show that loss of translational
      accuracy accelerates the loss of viability in stationary phase yeast. Since
      reduced translational accuracy also reduces the folding competence of at least
      some proteins, we hypothesize that negative interactions between translational
      errors and age-related protein damage together overwhelm the cellular chaperone
      network. We further show that multiple cellular signalling networks control basal
      error rates in yeast cells, including a ROS signal controlled by mitochondrial
      activity, and the Ras pathway. Together, our findings indicate that signalling
      pathways regulating growth, protein homeostasis and energy metabolism may jointly
      safeguard accurate protein synthesis during healthy ageing.

PMID- 28100669
TI  - The Preventive Value of Epidural Calcitonin in Patients with Lower Limb
      Amputation.
AB  - Background: Postamputation pain is highly prevalent after limb amputation with
      neuropathic nature; calcitonin may effectively relieve many neuropathic pain
      states. Design: Double-blind randomized multicenter study. Setting: Our study
      hypothesis is to evaluate the preventive value of epidural calcitonin on
      postoperative pain, grade of phantom pain, and the development of allodynia and
      hyperalgesia in patients undergoing lower limb amputation. Patients: A cohort of
      60 diabetic patients of both genders suffering from vascular insufficiency of one
      or both lower limbs underwent minor or major lower limb amputation. Patients were
      divided randomly into two equal groups: an epidural bupivacaine-calcitonin
      fentanyl (BCF) group and a bupivacaine-fentanyl (BF) group. Methods: Patients
      were instructed about the use of a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS). Phantom limb
      pain was graded using a four-grade scale. Pin-prick hyperalgesia and allodynia
      were evaluated at one week, one month, three months, and six months after
      surgery. Results: There were no significant differences between groups regarding
      patients' characteristics. There was no significant difference in the VAS scale
      between groups. There was statically significant improvement in the grade of
      phantom pain in the BCF group at six and 12 months after surgery ( P =  0.033 and
      0.001, respectively). A significantly higher number of patients developed
      allodynia in the BF group at six ( P  = 0.039) and 12 ( P = 0.013) months and
      hyperalgesia at 12 months ( P  = 0.025). Conclusion: The preventive use of
      epidural calcitonin improved the grade of phantom pain and reduced the incidence
      of allodynia and hyperalgesia in patients undergoing lower limb amputation under
      combined spinal-epidural anesthesia during one year of follow-up.

PMID- 28100671
TI  - Fast-Neutron Survey With Compact Plastic Scintillation Detectors.
AB  - With the rise of the Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM), it is now practical to build
      compact scintillation detectors well suited to portable use. A prototype survey
      meter for fast-neutrons and gamma-rays, based around an EJ-299-34 plastic
      scintillator with SiPM readout, has been developed and tested. A custom digital
      pulse processor was used to perform pulse shape discrimination on-the-fly.
      Ambient dose equivalent H*(10) was calculated by means of two energy-dependent 'G
      functions'. The sensitivity was calculated to be between 0.10 and 0.22
      cps/(uSv/hr) for fast-neutrons with energies above 2.5 MeV. The prototype was
      used to survey various laboratory radiation fields, with the readings compared
      with commercial survey meters. The high sensitivity and lightweight nature of
      this detector makes it promising for rapid survey of the mixed neutron/gamma-ray
      fields encountered in industry and homeland security.

PMID- 28100670
TI  - TWO NEW SINGLE-EXPOSURE, MULTI-DETECTOR NEUTRON SPECTROMETERS FOR RADIATION
      PROTECTION APPLICATIONS IN WORKPLACE MONITORING.
AB  - This communication describes two new instruments, based on multiple active
      thermal neutron detectors arranged within a single moderator, that permit to
      unfold the neutron spectrum (from thermal to hundreds of MeV) and to determine
      the corresponding integral quantities with only one exposure. This makes them
      especially advantageous for neutron field characterisation and workplace
      monitoring in neutron-producing facilities. One of the devices has spherical
      geometry and nearly isotropic response, the other one has cylindrical symmetry
      and it is only sensitive to neutrons incident along the cylinder axis. In both
      cases, active detectors have been specifically developed looking for the criteria
      of miniaturisation, high sensitivity, linear response and good photon rejection.
      The calculated response matrix has been validated by experimental irradiations in
      neutron reference fields with a global uncertainty of 3%. The measurements
      performed in realistic neutron fields permitted to determine the neutron spectra
      and the integral quantities, in particular H*(10).

PMID- 28100674
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 28100673
TI  - Setting up a clinic to assess children and young people for female genital
      mutilation.
AB  - It is now mandatory for health, social care professionals and teachers to report
      to the police all under-18s where female genital mutilation (FGM) has been
      disclosed by the child or where physical signs of FGM are seen. Such referrals
      are likely to result in a request for medical examination. New multiagency
      statutory guidance sets out instructions for physical examination but provides no
      details how services should be set-up. This review gives practical guidance
      learnt from the first year of the UK's only dedicated children's FGM service.

PMID- 28100675
TI  - Protein synthesis inhibition and GADD34 control IFN-beta heterogeneous expression
      in response to dsRNA.
AB  - In innate immune responses, induction of type-I interferons (IFNs) prevents virus
      spreading while viral replication is delayed by protein synthesis inhibition. We
      asked how cells perform these apparently contradictory activities. Using single
      fibroblast monitoring by flow cytometry and mathematical modeling, we demonstrate
      that type-I IFN production is linked to cell's ability to enter dsRNA-activated
      PKR-dependent translational arrest and then overcome this inhibition by
      decreasing eIF2alpha phosphorylation through phosphatase 1c cofactor GADD34
      (Ppp1r15a) expression. GADD34 expression, shown here to be dependent on the IRF3
      transcription factor, is responsible for a biochemical cycle permitting pulse of
      IFN synthesis to occur in cells undergoing protein synthesis inhibition.
      Translation arrest is further demonstrated to be key for anti-viral response by
      acting synergistically with MAVS activation to amplify TBK1 signaling and IFN
      beta mRNA transcription, while GADD34-dependent protein synthesis recovery
      contributes to the heterogeneous expression of IFN observed in dsRNA-activated
      cells.

PMID- 28100676
TI  - Gene-body chromatin modification dynamics mediate epigenome differentiation in
      Arabidopsis.
AB  - Heterochromatin is marked by methylation of lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9me). A
      puzzling feature of H3K9me is that this modification localizes not only in
      promoters but also in internal regions (bodies) of silent transcription units.
      Despite its prevalence, the biological significance of gene-body H3K9me remains
      enigmatic. Here we show that H3K9me-associated removal of H3K4 monomethylation
      (H3K4me1) in gene bodies mediates transcriptional silencing. Mutations in an
      Arabidopsis H3K9 demethylase gene IBM1 induce ectopic H3K9me2 accumulation in
      gene bodies, with accompanying severe developmental defects. Through suppressor
      screening of the ibm1-induced developmental defects, we identified the LDL2 gene,
      which encodes a homolog of conserved H3K4 demethylases. The ldl2 mutation
      suppressed the developmental defects, without suppressing the ibm1-induced
      ectopic H3K9me2. The ectopic H3K9me2 mark directed removal of gene-body H3K4me1
      and caused transcriptional repression in an LDL2-dependent manner. Furthermore,
      mutations of H3K9 methylases increased the level of H3K4me1 in the gene bodies of
      various transposable elements, and this H3K4me1 increase is a prerequisite for
      their transcriptional derepression. Our results uncover an unexpected role of
      gene-body H3K9me2/H3K4me1 dynamics as a mediator of heterochromatin silencing and
      epigenome differentiation.

PMID- 28100678
TI  - Modulation of Naive CD8 T Cell Response Features by Ligand Density, Affinity, and
      Continued Signaling via Internalized TCRs.
AB  - T cell response magnitudes increase with increasing antigenic dosage. However, it
      is unclear whether ligand density only modulates the proportions of responding
      ligand-specific T cells or also alters responses at the single cell level. Using
      brief (3 h) exposure of TCR-transgenic mouse CD8 T cells in vitro to varying
      densities of cognate peptide-MHC ligand followed by ligand-free culture in IL-2,
      we found that ligand density determined the frequencies of responding cells but
      not the expression levels of the early activation marker molecule, CD69. Cells
      with low glucose uptake capacity and low protein synthesis rates were less ligand
      sensitive, implicating metabolic competence in the response heterogeneity of CD8
      T cell populations. Although most responding cells proliferated, ligand density
      was associated with time of entry into proliferation and with the extent of cell
      surface TCR downmodulation. TCR internalization was associated, regardless of the
      ligand density, with rapidity of c-myc induction, loss of the cell cycle
      inhibitor p27kip1, metabolic reprogramming, and cell cycle entry. A low affinity
      peptide ligand behaved, regardless of ligand density, like a low density, high
      affinity ligand in all these parameters. Inhibition of signaling after ligand
      exposure selectively delayed proliferation in cells with internalized TCRs.
      Finally, internalized TCRs continued to signal and genetic modification of TCR
      internalization and trafficking altered the duration of signaling in a T cell
      hybridoma. Together, our findings indicate that heterogeneity among responding
      CD8 T cell populations in their ability to respond to TCR-mediated stimulation
      and internalize TCRs mediates detection of ligand density or affinity,
      contributing to graded response magnitudes.

PMID- 28100677
TI  - Paired Siglec receptors generate opposite inflammatory responses to a human
      specific pathogen.
AB  - Paired immune receptors display near-identical extracellular ligand-binding
      regions but have intracellular sequences with opposing signaling functions. While
      inhibitory receptors dampen cellular activation by recognizing self-associated
      molecules, the functions of activating counterparts are less clear. Here, we
      studied the inhibitory receptor Siglec-11 that shows uniquely human expression in
      brain microglia and engages endogenous polysialic acid to suppress inflammation.
      We demonstrated that the human-specific pathogen Escherichia coli K1 uses its
      polysialic acid capsule as a molecular mimic to engage Siglec-11 and escape
      killing. In contrast, engagement of the activating counterpart Siglec-16
      increases elimination of bacteria. Since mice do not have paired Siglec
      receptors, we generated a model by replacing the inhibitory domain of mouse
      Siglec-E with the activating module of Siglec-16. Siglec-E16 enhanced
      proinflammatory cytokine expression and bacterial killing in macrophages and
      boosted protection against intravenous bacterial challenge. These data elucidate
      uniquely human interactions of a pathogen with Siglecs and support the long
      standing hypothesis that activating counterparts of paired immune receptors
      evolved as a response to pathogen molecular mimicry of host ligands for
      inhibitory receptors.

PMID- 28100679
TI  - Etv5 Regulates IL-10 Production in Th Cells.
AB  - IL-10 is an immunoregulatory cytokine that has broad effects across the immune
      system. In Th cell subsets, Th2 cells produce considerable amounts of IL-10. The
      transcription factors that regulate IL-10 production in Th2 cells are still
      incompletely described. In this study, we demonstrate that the ETS family
      transcription factor ETS variant (Etv)5 regulates IL-10 production in Th2 cells.
      T cell-specific Etv5-deficient and littermate control mice demonstrated that IL
      10 production and gene expression were significantly decreased in the absence of
      Etv5. In an Aspergillus fumigatus extract-induced inflammation model, IL-10
      producing CD4+ T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage and lung were significantly
      decreased in mice that lacked Etv5 in T cells, compared with control mice. We
      showed that Etv5 directly binds to the Il10 locus conserved noncoding sequence 3
      site and that it activates gene expression in a luciferase reporter assay and
      following retroviral transduction. Etv5 deficiency did not affect the expression
      of other transcription factors known to be important for expression of IL-10,
      including Jun family members, GATA3, E4BP4, and IFN regulatory factor 4. However,
      in the absence of Etv5, binding of these transcription factors to the Il10 locus
      was dramatically reduced. Ectopic Etv5 expression in Th2 cells that lack Etv5
      restored IL-10 production and the binding of IL-10-inducing transcription factors
      including E4BP4, IFN regulatory factor 4, and GATA3. Taken together, we conclude
      that Etv5 plays a crucial role in regulating IL-10 production in Th2 cells by
      facilitating the binding of IL-10-inducing transcription factors at the Il10
      locus.

PMID- 28100680
TI  - Th22 Cells Form a Distinct Th Lineage from Th17 Cells In Vitro with Unique
      Transcriptional Properties and Tbet-Dependent Th1 Plasticity.
AB  - Th22 cells are a major source of IL-22 and have been found at sites of infection
      and in a range of inflammatory diseases. However, their molecular characteristics
      and functional roles remain largely unknown because of our inability to generate
      and isolate pure populations. We developed a novel Th22 differentiation assay and
      generated dual IL-22/IL-17A reporter mice to isolate and compare pure populations
      of cultured Th22 and Th17 cells. Il17a fate-mapping and transcriptional profiling
      provide evidence that these Th22 cells have never expressed IL-17A, suggesting
      that they are potentially a distinct cell lineage from Th17 cells under in vitro
      culture conditions. Interestingly, Th22 cells also expressed granzymes, IL-13,
      and increased levels of Tbet. Using transcription factor-deficient cells, we
      demonstrate that RORgammat and Tbet act as positive and negative regulators of
      Th22 differentiation, respectively. Furthermore, under Th1 culture conditions in
      vitro, as well as in an IFN-gamma-rich inflammatory environment in vivo, Th22
      cells displayed marked plasticity toward IFN-gamma production. Th22 cells also
      displayed plasticity under Th2 conditions in vitro by upregulating IL-13
      expression. Our work has identified conditions to generate and characterize Th22
      cells in vitro. Further, it provides evidence that Th22 cells develop
      independently of the Th17 lineage, while demonstrating plasticity toward both Th1
      and Th2-type cells.

PMID- 28100681
TI  - LFA-1 Activation in NK Cells and Their Subsets: Influence of Receptors,
      Maturation, and Cytokine Stimulation.
AB  - The integrin LFA-1 is essential for efficient activation and for cytotoxicity of
      NK cells because it initiates the assembly of the immunological synapse and
      mediates firm adhesion to the target. LFA-1 is also needed to polarize the
      cytotoxic machinery of the NK cell toward the target cell. The binding affinity
      and avidity of integrins can be regulated via inside-out signals from other
      receptors. In this article, we investigate the signals necessary to activate LFA
      1 in human NK cells. Our data show that LFA-1 has a low ligand-binding activity
      in resting human NK cells, but it can be stimulated by triggering activating
      receptors, such as 2B4 or CD16, or by coactivation of different receptor
      combinations. Short-term stimulation of freshly isolated NK cells with cytokines,
      such as IL-15, IL-12, or IL-18, does not activate LFA-1 but increases the
      responsiveness of the cells to subsequent receptor stimulation. Different NK cell
      subsets vary in their ability to induce LFA-1 binding activity after activating
      receptor stimulation. Interestingly, the NK cell subsets that are more mature and
      possess higher cytotoxic potential also show the highest activation of LFA-1,
      which correlated with the expression of the small calcium-binding protein S100A4.
      Our data suggest that regulation of LFA-1 is one reason for the different
      activity of NK cells during differentiation.

PMID- 28100682
TI  - Diet-Derived Short Chain Fatty Acids Stimulate Intestinal Epithelial Cells To
      Induce Mucosal Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells.
AB  - The gastrointestinal tract is continuously exposed to many environmental factors
      that influence intestinal epithelial cells and the underlying mucosal immune
      system. In this article, we demonstrate that dietary fiber and short chain fatty
      acids (SCFAs) induced the expression of the vitamin A-converting enzyme RALDH1 in
      intestinal epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Furthermore, our
      data showed that the expression levels of RALDH1 in small intestinal epithelial
      cells correlated with the activity of vitamin A-converting enzymes in mesenteric
      lymph node dendritic cells, along with increased numbers of intestinal regulatory
      T cells and a higher production of luminal IgA. Moreover, we show that the
      consumption of dietary fiber can alter the composition of SCFA-producing
      microbiota and SCFA production in the small intestines. In conclusion, our data
      illustrate that dietary adjustments affect small intestinal epithelial cells and
      can be used to modulate the mucosal immune system.

PMID- 28100683
TI  - Impact of microscopic orbital periosteum invasion in orbital preservation
      surgery.
AB  - Objective: The orbital periosteum is considered to be a barrier to tumor spread;
      however, it is difficult to evaluate microscopic tumor spread during surgery.
      This study aimed to assess the impact of pathological status in orbital
      preservation surgery. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the 3-year local
      control rate and treatment outcomes of patients with malignant tumors invading
      the orbit who were treated between 2006 and 2012. Results: In total, 27 patients
      were reviewed over a median follow-up period of 36 months. Pathologically, 19 had
      carcinomas and 8 had sarcomas. Treatment was by orbital exenteration in 6
      patients and orbital preservation surgery in 21 patients. After orbital
      preservation surgery, poorer 3-year local control rates were significantly
      associated with positive surgical margins (negative vs. positive: 91% vs. 41%, P
      = 0.040) and microscopic orbital periosteum invasion (negative vs. positive: 90%
      vs. 39%, P = 0.010). These factors were independent risk factors in multivariate
      analysis. The locations of the positive margin were most common at the horizontal
      and vertical margins of the orbital periosteum and the posterior margin of the
      orbital apex. Moreover, in 24% of patients, invasion evaluation by preoperative
      imaging study was underestimated compared with postoperative microscopic
      evaluation. Conclusions: The positive surgical margin and microscopic orbital
      periosteum invasion were the risk factors of orbital recurrence. It is difficult
      to determine the indications for orbital preservation surgery by preoperative
      imaging studies because of the unpredictable accurate pathological status before
      surgery and the limitations of preoperative imaging evaluation.

PMID- 28100684
TI  - Association between poorly differentiated clusters and efficacy of 5-fluorouracil
      based adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colorectal cancer.
AB  - Objective: Although poorly differentiated cluster has been reported to be a
      useful grading system for predicting prognosis in colorectal cancer, its
      relationship to chemotherapy efficacy has not been demonstrated. We aimed to
      investigate the association between poorly differentiated cluster and the
      efficacy of 5-fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colorectal
      cancer. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 131 patients with stage III
      colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection: 72 received 5-fluorouracil
      based adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy group) and 59 did not (surgery-alone
      group). Poorly differentiated cluster was defined as a cancer cluster of >=5
      cancer cells without gland-like structure, and was classified into poorly
      differentiated cluster G1, G2 and G3 according to the number of clusters. The
      benefit of 5-fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy was evaluated based on
      poorly differentiated cluster grade. Results: Thirty-nine, 40 and 52 patients
      were classified as poorly differentiated cluster G1, G2 and G3, respectively.
      Significant differences in the 5-year cumulative recurrence rate and relapse-free
      survival were observed between poorly differentiated cluster G1/G2 and G3 (26.7%
      vs. 47.5%, P = 0.010; 66.0% vs. 43.9%, P = 0.004). A comparison of cumulative
      recurrence rate and relapse-free survival between the chemotherapy and surgery
      alone groups showed a significant benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in poorly
      differentiated cluster G1/G2 patients (cumulative recurrence rate: 17.4% vs.
      37.3%, P = 0.035; relapse-free survival: 79.5% vs. 51.9%, P = 0.002), but not in
      poorly differentiated cluster G3 patients (cumulative recurrence rate: 48.6% vs.
      44.8%, P = 0.885; relapse-free survival: 51.4% vs. 32.7%, P = 0.068).
      Conclusions: In stage III colorectal cancer, poorly differentiated cluster G1/G2
      predicts a significant benefit from 5-fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy,
      whereas poorly differentiated cluster G3 predicts a poor response to it.

PMID- 28100685
TI  - Heat stress induces ferroptosis-like cell death in plants.
AB  - In plants, regulated cell death (RCD) plays critical roles during development and
      is essential for plant-specific responses to abiotic and biotic stresses.
      Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, oxidative, nonapoptotic form of cell death
      recently described in animal cells. In animal cells, this process can be
      triggered by depletion of glutathione (GSH) and accumulation of lipid reactive
      oxygen species (ROS). We investigated whether a similar process could be relevant
      to cell death in plants. Remarkably, heat shock (HS)-induced RCD, but not
      reproductive or vascular development, was found to involve a ferroptosis-like
      cell death process. In root cells, HS triggered an iron-dependent cell death
      pathway that was characterized by depletion of GSH and ascorbic acid and
      accumulation of cytosolic and lipid ROS. These results suggest a physiological
      role for this lethal pathway in response to heat stress in Arabidopsis thaliana
      The similarity of ferroptosis in animal cells and ferroptosis-like death in
      plants suggests that oxidative, iron-dependent cell death programs may be
      evolutionarily ancient.

PMID- 28100686
TI  - Noncanonical function of DGCR8 controls mESC exit from pluripotency.
AB  - Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) deficient for DGCR8, a key component of the
      microprocessor complex, present strong differentiation defects. However, the
      exact reasons impairing their commitment remain elusive. The analysis of newly
      generated mutant mESCs revealed that DGCR8 is essential for the exit from the
      pluripotency state. To dissociate canonical versus noncanonical functions of
      DGCR8, we complemented the mutant mESCs with a phosphomutant DGCR8, which
      restored microRNA levels but did not rescue the exit from pluripotency defect.
      Integration of omics data and RNA immunoprecipitation experiments established
      DGCR8 as a direct interactor of Tcf7l1 mRNA, a core component of the pluripotency
      network. Finally, we found that DGCR8 facilitated the splicing of Tcf7l1, an
      event necessary for the differentiation of mESCs. Our data reveal a new
      noncanonical function of DGCR8 in the modulation of the alternative splicing of
      Tcf7l1 mRNA in addition to its established function in microRNA biogenesis.

PMID- 28100690
TI  - Oxytocin Treatment May Improve Infant Feeding and Social Skills in Prader-Willi
      Syndrome.

PMID- 28100688
TI  - The Use of Oxytocin to Improve Feeding and Social Skills in Infants With Prader
      Willi Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) display poor
      feeding and social skills as infants and fewer hypothalamic oxytocin (OXT)
      producing neurons were documented in adults. Animal data demonstrated that early
      treatment with OXT restores sucking after birth. Our aim is to reproduce these
      data in infants with PWS. METHODS: We conducted a phase 2 escalating dose study
      of a short course (7 days) of intranasal OXT administration. We enrolled 18
      infants with PWS under 6 months old (6 infants in each step) who received 4 IU of
      OXT either every other day, daily, or twice daily. We investigated the tolerance
      and the effects on feeding and social skills and changes in circulating ghrelin
      and brain connectivity by functional MRI. RESULTS: No adverse events were
      reported. No dose effect was observed. Sucking assessed by the Neonatal Oral
      Motor Scale was abnormal in all infants at baseline and normalized in 88% after
      treatment. The scores of Neonatal Oral-Motor Scale and videofluoroscopy of
      swallowing significantly decreased from 16 to 9 (P < .001) and from 18 to 12.5 (P
      < .001), respectively. Significant improvements in Clinical Global Impression
      scale scores, social withdrawal behavior, and mother-infant interactions were
      observed. We documented a significant increase in acylated ghrelin and
      connectivity of the right superior orbitofrontal network that correlated with
      changes in sucking and behavior. CONCLUSIONS: OXT is well tolerated in infants
      with PWS and improves feeding and social skills. These results open perspectives
      for early treatment in neurodevelopment diseases with feeding problems.

PMID- 28100687
TI  - A STRIPAK complex mediates axonal transport of autophagosomes and dense core
      vesicles through PP2A regulation.
AB  - Autophagy plays an essential role in the cellular homeostasis of neurons,
      facilitating the clearance of cellular debris. This clearance process is
      orchestrated through the assembly, transport, and fusion of autophagosomes with
      lysosomes for degradation. The motor protein dynein drives autophagosome motility
      from distal sites of assembly to sites of lysosomal fusion. In this study, we
      identify the scaffold protein CKA (connector of kinase to AP-1) as essential for
      autophagosome transport in neurons. Together with other core components of the
      striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complex, we show that CKA
      associates with dynein and directly binds Atg8a, an autophagosomal protein. CKA
      is a regulatory subunit of PP2A, a component of the STRIPAK complex. We propose
      that the STRIPAK complex modulates dynein activity. Consistent with this
      hypothesis, we provide evidence that CKA facilitates axonal transport of dense
      core vesicles and autophagosomes in a PP2A-dependent fashion. In addition, CKA
      deficient flies exhibit PP2A-dependent motor coordination defects. CKA function
      within the STRIPAK complex is crucial to prevent transport defects that may
      contribute to neurodegeneration.

PMID- 28100691
TI  - Registry in a tube: multiplexed pools of retrievable parts for genetic design
      space exploration.

PMID- 28100689
TI  - Effectiveness and Duration of Protection of One Dose of a Meningococcal Conjugate
      Vaccine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meningococcal conjugate vaccines were licensed beginning in 2005 on
      the basis of serologic end points and recommended for use in adolescents. A
      single dose at age 11 to 12 years was expected to provide protection through late
      adolescence. We conducted a case-control evaluation of vaccine effectiveness (VE)
      and duration of protection of a meningococcal (groups A, C, W, and Y)
      polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-D). METHODS: Cases of
      culture- or polymerase chain reaction-confirmed serogroup A, C, W, and Y
      meningococcal disease among adolescents were identified through meningococcal
      disease surveillance sites in the United States from January 1, 2006, through
      August 31, 2013. Attempts were made to enroll 4 friend and school controls per
      case. VE was calculated using the generalized estimating equation, controlling
      for underlying medical conditions and smoking. RESULTS: Serogroup C accounted for
      88 (49%), serogroup Y 80 (44%), and serogroup W 13 (7%) of enrolled cases. Thirty
      six (20%) cases and 87 (44%) controls received MenACWY-D. The overall VE estimate
      0 to 8 years postvaccination was 69% (51% to 80%); VE was 79% (49% to 91%) at <1
      year, 69% (44% to 83%) at 1 to <3 years, and 61% (25% to 79%) at 3 to <8 years.
      VE was 77% (57% to 88%) against serogroup C and 51% (1% to 76%) against serogroup
      Y. CONCLUSIONS: MenACWY-D was effective in the first year after vaccination but
      effectiveness waned 3 to <8 years postvaccination. The estimates of VE from this
      evaluation informed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in its
      decision to add a booster dose of MenACWY.

PMID- 28100694
TI  - ADPriboDB: The database of ADP-ribosylated proteins.

PMID- 28100692
TI  - Insights into the RecQ helicase mechanism revealed by the structure of the
      helicase domain of human RECQL5.
AB  - RecQ helicases are important maintainers of genome integrity with distinct roles
      in almost every cellular process requiring access to DNA. RECQL5 is one of five
      human RecQ proteins and is particularly versatile in this regard, forming protein
      complexes with a diverse set of cellular partners in order to coordinate its
      helicase activity to various processes including replication, recombination and
      DNA repair. In this study, we have determined crystal structures of the core
      helicase domain of RECQL5 both with and without the nucleotide ADP in two
      distinctly different ('Open' and 'Closed') conformations. Small angle X-ray
      scattering studies show that the 'Open' form of the protein predominates in
      solution and we discuss implications of this with regards to the RECQL5 mechanism
      and conformational changes. We have measured the ATPase, helicase and DNA binding
      properties of various RECQL5 constructs and variants and discuss the role of
      these regions and residues in the various RECQL5 activities. Finally, we have
      performed a systematic comparison of the RECQL5 structures with other RecQ family
      structures and based on these comparisons we have constructed a model for the
      mechano-chemical cycle of the common catalytic core of these helicases.

PMID- 28100693
TI  - Viral genome packaging terminase cleaves DNA using the canonical RuvC-like two
      metal catalysis mechanism.
AB  - Bacteriophages and large dsDNA viruses encode sophisticated machinery to
      translocate their DNA into a preformed empty capsid. An essential part of this
      machine, the large terminase protein, processes viral DNA into constituent units
      utilizing its nuclease activity. Crystal structures of the large terminase
      nuclease from the thermophilic bacteriophage G20c show that it is most similar to
      the RuvC family of the RNase H-like endonucleases. Like RuvC proteins, the
      nuclease requires either Mn2+, Mg2+ or Co2+ ions for activity, but is inactive
      with Zn2+ and Ca2+. High resolution crystal structures of complexes with
      different metals reveal that in the absence of DNA, only one catalytic metal ion
      is accommodated in the active site. Binding of the second metal ion may be
      facilitated by conformational variability, which enables the two catalytic
      aspartic acids to be brought closer to each other. Structural comparison
      indicates that in common with the RuvC family, the location of the two catalytic
      metals differs from other members of the RNase H family. In contrast to a
      recently proposed mechanism, the available data do not support binding of the two
      metals at an ultra-short interatomic distance. Thus we postulate that viral
      terminases cleave DNA by the canonical RuvC-like mechanism.

PMID- 28100696
TI  - The 24th annual Nucleic Acids Research database issue: a look back and upcoming
      changes.

PMID- 28100695
TI  - Mapping the affinity landscape of Thrombin-binding aptamers on 2?F-ANA/DNA
      chimeric G-Quadruplex microarrays.
AB  - In situ fabricated nucleic acids microarrays are versatile and very high
      throughput platforms for aptamer optimization and discovery, but the chemical
      space that can be probed against a given target has largely been confined to DNA,
      while RNA and non-natural nucleic acid microarrays are still an essentially
      uncharted territory. 2?-Fluoroarabinonucleic acid (2?F-ANA) is a prime candidate
      for such use in microarrays. Indeed, 2?F-ANA chemistry is readily amenable to
      photolithographic microarray synthesis and its potential in high affinity
      aptamers has been recently discovered. We thus synthesized the first microarrays
      containing 2?F-ANA and 2?F-ANA/DNA chimeric sequences to fully map the binding
      affinity landscape of the TBA1 thrombin-binding G-quadruplex aptamer containing
      all 32 768 possible DNA-to-2?F-ANA mutations. The resulting microarray was
      screened against thrombin to identify a series of promising 2?F-ANA-modified
      aptamer candidates with Kds significantly lower than that of the unmodified
      control and which were found to adopt highly stable, antiparallel-folded G
      quadruplex structures. The solution structure of the TBA1 aptamer modified with
      2?F-ANA at position T3 shows that fluorine substitution preorganizes the
      dinucleotide loop into the proper conformation for interaction with thrombin.
      Overall, our work strengthens the potential of 2?F-ANA in aptamer research and
      further expands non-genomic applications of nucleic acids microarrays.

PMID- 28100697
TI  - The histone demethylase PHF8 is a molecular safeguard of the IFNgamma response.
AB  - A precise immune response is essential for cellular homeostasis and animal
      survival. The paramount importance of its control is reflected by the fact that
      its non-specific activation leads to inflammatory events that ultimately
      contribute to the appearance of many chronic diseases. However, the molecular
      mechanisms preventing non-specific activation and allowing a quick response upon
      signal activation are not yet fully understood. In this paper we uncover a new
      function of PHF8 blocking signal independent activation of immune gene promoters.
      Affinity purifications coupled with mass spectrometry analysis identified SIN3A
      and HDAC1 corepressors as new PHF8 interacting partners. Further molecular
      analysis demonstrated that prior to interferon gamma (IFNgamma) stimulation, PHF8
      is bound to a subset of IFNgamma-responsive promoters. Through the association
      with HDAC1 and SIN3A, PHF8 keeps the promoters in a silent state, maintaining low
      levels of H4K20me1. Upon IFNgamma treatment, PHF8 is phosphorylated by ERK2 and
      evicted from the promoters, correlating with an increase in H4K20me1 and
      transcriptional activation. Our data strongly indicate that in addition to its
      well-characterized function as a coactivator, PHF8 safeguards transcription to
      allow an accurate immune response.

PMID- 28100700
TI  - PBrowse: a web-based platform for real-time collaborative exploration of genomic
      data.
AB  - Genome browsers are widely used for individually exploring various types of
      genomic data. A handful of genome browsers offer limited tools for collaboration
      among multiple users. Here, we describe PBrowse, an integrated real-time
      collaborative genome browser that enables multiple users to simultaneously view
      and access genomic data, thereby harnessing the wisdom of the crowd. PBrowse is
      based on the Dalliance genome browser and has a re-designed user and data
      management system with novel collaborative functionalities, including real-time
      collaborative view, track comment and an integrated group chat feature. Through
      the Distributed Annotation Server protocol, PBrowse can easily access a wide
      range of publicly available genomic data, such as the ENCODE data sets. We argue
      that PBrowse represents a paradigm shift from using a genome browser as a static
      data visualization tool to a platform that enables real-time human-human
      interaction and knowledge exchange in a collaborative setting. PBrowse is
      available at http://pbrowse.victorchang.edu.au, and its source code is available
      via an open source BSD 3 license at http://github.com/VCCRI/PBrowse.

PMID- 28100698
TI  - Cdc45-induced loading of human RPA onto single-stranded DNA.
AB  - Cell division cycle protein 45 (Cdc45) is an essential component of the
      eukaryotic replicative DNA helicase. We found that human Cdc45 forms a complex
      with the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein RPA. Moreover, it actively
      loads RPA onto nascent ssDNA. Pull-down assays and surface plasmon resonance
      studies revealed that Cdc45-bound RPA complexed with ssDNA in the 8-10 nucleotide
      binding mode, but dissociated when RPA covered a 30-mer. Real-time analysis of
      RPA-ssDNA binding demonstrated that Cdc45 catalytically loaded RPA onto ssDNA.
      This placement reaction required physical contacts of Cdc45 with the RPA70A
      subdomain. Our results imply that Cdc45 controlled stabilization of the 8-nt RPA
      binding mode, the subsequent RPA transition into 30-mer mode and facilitated an
      ordered binding to ssDNA. We propose that a Cdc45-mediated loading guarantees a
      seamless deposition of RPA on newly emerging ssDNA at the nascent replication
      fork.

PMID- 28100699
TI  - Proteogenomics produces comprehensive and highly accurate protein-coding gene
      annotation in a complete genome assembly of Malassezia sympodialis.
AB  - Complete and accurate genome assembly and annotation is a crucial foundation for
      comparative and functional genomics. Despite this, few complete eukaryotic
      genomes are available, and genome annotation remains a major challenge. Here, we
      present a complete genome assembly of the skin commensal yeast Malassezia
      sympodialis and demonstrate how proteogenomics can substantially improve gene
      annotation. Through long-read DNA sequencing, we obtained a gap-free genome
      assembly for M. sympodialis (ATCC 42132), comprising eight nuclear and one
      mitochondrial chromosome. We also sequenced and assembled four M. sympodialis
      clinical isolates, and showed their value for understanding Malassezia
      reproduction by confirming four alternative allele combinations at the two mating
      type loci. Importantly, we demonstrated how proteomics data could be readily
      integrated with transcriptomics data in standard annotation tools. This increased
      the number of annotated protein-coding genes by 14% (from 3612 to 4113), compared
      to using transcriptomics evidence alone. Manual curation further increased the
      number of protein-coding genes by 9% (to 4493). All of these genes have RNA-seq
      evidence and 87% were confirmed by proteomics. The M. sympodialis genome assembly
      and annotation presented here is at a quality yet achieved only for a few
      eukaryotic organisms, and constitutes an important reference for future host
      microbe interaction studies.

PMID- 28100701
TI  - Self-cytoplasmic DNA upregulates the mutator enzyme APOBEC3A leading to
      chromosomal DNA damage.
AB  - Foreign and self-cytoplasmic DNA are recognized by numerous DNA sensor molecules
      leading to the production of type I interferons. Such DNA agonists should be
      degraded otherwise cells would be chronically stressed. Most human APOBEC3
      cytidine deaminases can initiate catabolism of cytoplasmic mitochondrial DNA.
      Using the human myeloid cell line THP-1 with an interferon inducible APOBEC3A
      gene, we show that cytoplasmic DNA triggers interferon alpha and beta production
      through the RNA polymerase III transcription/RIG-I pathway leading to massive
      upregulation of APOBEC3A. By catalyzing C->U editing in single stranded DNA
      fragments, the enzyme prevents them from re-annealing so attenuating the danger
      signal. The price to pay is chromosomal DNA damage in the form of CG->TA
      mutations and double stranded DNA breaks which, in the context of chronic
      inflammation, could drive cells down the path toward cancer.

PMID- 28100703
TI  - Paternal epigenetic programming: evolving metabolic disease risk.
AB  - Parental health or exposures can affect the lifetime health outcomes of
      offspring, independently of inherited genotypes. Such 'epigenetic' effects occur
      over a broad range of environmental stressors, including defects in parental
      metabolism. Although maternal metabolic effects are well documented, it has only
      recently been established that that there is also an independent paternal
      contribution to long-term metabolic health. Both paternal undernutrition and
      overnutrition can induce metabolic phenotypes in immediate offspring, and in some
      cases, the induced phenotype can affect multiple generations, implying
      inheritance of an acquired trait. The male lineage transmission of metabolic
      disease risk in these cases implicates a heritable factor carried by sperm. Sperm
      based transmission provides a tractable system to interrogate heritable
      epigenetic factors influencing metabolism, and as detailed here, animal models of
      paternal programming have already provided some significant insights. Here, we
      review the evidence for paternal programming of metabolism in humans and animal
      models, and the available evidence on potential underlying mechanisms.
      Programming by paternal metabolism can be observed in multiple species across
      animal phyla, suggesting that this phenomenon may have a unique evolutionary
      significance.

PMID- 28100702
TI  - Zanthoxylum alkylamides ameliorate protein metabolism disorder in STZ-induced
      diabetic rats.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the protein metabolism effect of Zanthoxylum
      alkylamides and to explore the potential mechanism in streptozotocin (STZ)
      induced diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were orally treated with 2, 4 and 8 mg per
      kg bw of alkylamides daily for 28 days. Alkylamides decreased the relative weight
      of the liver and food intake, significantly increased the relative skeletal
      muscle weight and significantly decreased the blood urea nitrogen levels.
      Insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB),
      globular proteins and ALB proteins/globulin protein levels in serum significantly
      increased. TP, RNA content and RNA/DNA ratio significantly increased in the
      skeletal muscle of diabetic rats. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction results indicated that alkylamides significantly increased the mRNA
      expression of insulin receptor (InR), IGF1 and insulin-like growth factor 1
      receptor (IGF1R) in the liver and skeletal muscle. Moreover, the mRNA and protein
      expression levels of PI3K, PKB and mTOR significantly increased, whereas those of
      atrogin-1, muscle ring finger 1 and FOXO in the skeletal muscle significantly
      decreased. Alkylamides may advance protein synthesis by the PI3K/PKB/mTOR
      signalling pathway and attenuate the catabolism of protein through the ubiquitin
      proteasome pathway. Therefore, it was possible that alkylamides ameliorate
      protein metabolism disorders in diabetic rats by activating the mTOR pathway.

PMID- 28100705
TI  - Fine-Tuning Plant Growth in the Face of Drought.

PMID- 28100704
TI  - Frequency of abnormal pulmonary computed tomography findings in asylum seeking
      refugees in Turkey.
AB  - Background: Lungs are particularly vulnerable to both acute infections, including
      TB, and chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well
      as to malignancies, all of which require particular attention during war times in
      which health conditions are far from optimal. Methods: This retrospective cross
      sectional study included 1149 refugees that underwent thoracic computed
      tomography (CT) for respiratory symptoms between March 2013 and February 2015 in
      Turkey. Results: At least one positive CT finding was seen in 231 (20.1%) of the
      patients. The most common findings were chronic pulmonary changes (n=197, 17.2%),
      followed by findings suggestive of infections (n=39, 3.4%), and mass/nodular
      lesions (n=16, 1.4%). The rates of the lesions suggestive of active TB and
      malignancy were 1.0% (n=11) and 0.7% (n=8), respectively. Age 55-64 years was an
      independent significant predictor for any CT lesion, chronic changes, mass
      lesions, and lesions suggestive of malignancy. Age>65 years was predictive of any
      CT lesion and chronic changes. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate
      the need for implementation of cost-effective screening strategies in refugees,
      particularly during war times. Screening for TB would improve disease control
      among both refugees and the host populations. Middle aged and older individuals,
      in particular, would benefit from more proactive screening tools and strategies
      for the early diagnosis of pulmonary malignancies and chronic lung diseases.

PMID- 28100707
TI  - The RLA1/SMOS1 Transcription Factor Functions with OsBZR1 to Regulate
      Brassinosteroid Signaling and Rice Architecture.
AB  - Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant-specific steroid hormones that control plant
      growth and development. Recent studies have identified key components of the BR
      signaling pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana and in rice (Oryza sativa); however,
      the mechanism of BR signaling in rice, especially downstream of GSK3/SHAGGY-like
      kinase (GSK2), remains unclear. Here, we identified a BR-insensitive rice mutant,
      reduced leaf angle1 (rla1), and cloned the corresponding gene. RLA1 was identical
      to the previously reported SMALL ORGAN SIZE1 (SMOS1), which was cloned from
      another allele. RLA1/SMOS1 encodes a transcription factor with an APETALA2 DNA
      binding domain. Genetic analysis indicated that RLA1/SMOS1 functions as a
      positive regulator in the BR signaling pathway and is required for the function
      of BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT1 (OsBZR1). In addition, RLA1/SMOS1 can interact with
      OsBZR1 to enhance its transcriptional activity. GSK2 can interact with and
      phosphorylate RLA1/SMOS1 to reduce its stability. These results demonstrate that
      RLA1/SMOS1 acts as an integrator of the transcriptional complex directly
      downstream of GSK2 and plays an essential role in BR signaling and plant
      development in rice.

PMID- 28100708
TI  - The Origin of Floral Organ Identity Quartets.
AB  - The origin of flowers has puzzled plant biologists ever since Darwin referred to
      their sudden appearance in the fossil record as an abominable mystery. Flowers
      are considered to be an assembly of protective, attractive, and reproductive male
      and female leaf-like organs. Their origin cannot be understood by a morphological
      comparison to gymnosperms, their closest relatives, which develop separate male
      or female cones. Despite these morphological differences, gymnosperms and
      angiosperms possess a similar genetic toolbox consisting of phylogenetically
      related MADS domain proteins. Using ancestral MADS domain protein reconstruction,
      we trace the evolution of organ identity quartets along the stem lineage of crown
      angiosperms. We provide evidence that current floral quartets specifying male
      organ identity, which consist of four types of subunits, evolved from ancestral
      complexes of two types of subunits through gene duplication and integration of
      SEPALLATA proteins just before the origin of flowering plants. Our results
      suggest that protein interaction changes underlying this compositional shift were
      the result of a gradual and reversible evolutionary trajectory. Modeling shows
      that such compositional changes may have facilitated the evolution of the
      perfect, bisexual flower.

PMID- 28100706
TI  - OsCUL3a Negatively Regulates Cell Death and Immunity by Degrading OsNPR1 in Rice.
AB  - Cullin3-based RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRL3), composed of Cullin3 (CUL3), RBX1,
      and BTB proteins, are involved in plant immunity, but the function of CUL3 in the
      process is largely unknown. Here, we show that rice (Oryza sativa) OsCUL3a is
      important for the regulation of cell death and immunity. The rice lesion mimic
      mutant oscul3a displays a significant increase in the accumulation of flg22- and
      chitin-induced reactive oxygen species, and in pathogenesis-related gene
      expression as well as resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae and Xanthomonas oryzae pv
      oryzae. We cloned the OsCUL3a gene via a map-based strategy and found that the
      lesion mimic phenotype of oscul3a is associated with the early termination of
      OsCUL3a protein. Interaction assays showed that OsCUL3a interacts with both
      OsRBX1a and OsRBX1b to form a multisubunit CRL in rice. Strikingly, OsCUL3a
      interacts with and degrades OsNPR1, which acts as a positive regulator of cell
      death in rice. Accumulation of OsNPR1 protein is greater in the oscul3a mutant
      than in the wild type. Furthermore, the oscul3a osnpr1 double mutant does not
      exhibit the lesion mimic phenotype of the oscul3a mutant. Our data demonstrate
      that OsCUL3a negatively regulates cell death and immunity by degrading OsNPR1 in
      rice.

PMID- 28100710
TI  - Tree diversity affects chlorophyll a fluorescence and other leaf traits of tree
      species in a boreal forest.
AB  - An assemblage of tree species with different crown properties creates
      heterogeneous environments at the canopy level. Changes of functional leaf traits
      are expected, especially those related to light interception and photosynthesis.
      Chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) properties in dark-adapted leaves, specific
      leaf area, leaf nitrogen content (N) and carbon isotope composition (delta13C)
      were measured on Picea abies (L.) H.Karst., Pinus sylvestris L. and Betula
      pendula Roth. in monospecific and mixed boreal forests in Europe, in order to
      test whether they were affected by stand species richness and composition.
      Photosynthetic efficiency, assessed by induced emission of leaf ChlF, was
      positively influenced in B. pendula by species richness, whereas P. abies showed
      higher photosynthetic efficiency in monospecific stands. Pinus sylvestris had
      different responses when it coexisted with P. abies or B. pendula. The presence
      of B. pendula, but not of P. abies, in the forest had a positive effect on the
      efficiency of photosynthetic electron transport and N in P. sylvestris needles,
      and the photosynthetic responses were positively correlated with an increase of
      leaf delta13C. These effects on P. sylvestris may be related to high light
      availability at the canopy level due to the less dense canopy of B. pendula. The
      different light requirements of coexisting species was the most important factor
      affecting the distribution of foliage in the canopy, driving the physiological
      responses of the mixed species. Future research directions claim to enhance the
      informative potential of the methods to analyse the responses of pure and mixed
      forests to environmental factors, including a broader set of plant species'
      functional traits and physiological responses.

PMID- 28100709
TI  - The Arabidopsis RING-Type E3 Ligase TEAR1 Controls Leaf Development by Targeting
      the TIE1 Transcriptional Repressor for Degradation.
AB  - The developmental plasticity of leaf size and shape is important for leaf
      function and plant survival. However, the mechanisms by which plants form diverse
      leaves in response to environmental conditions are not well understood. Here, we
      identified TIE1-ASSOCIATED RING-TYPE E3 LIGASE1 (TEAR1) and found that it
      regulates leaf development by promoting the degradation of TCP INTERACTOR
      CONTAINING EAR MOTIF PROTEIN1 (TIE1), an important repressor of CINCINNATA (CIN)
      like TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) transcription factors, which are key
      for leaf development. TEAR1 contains a typical C3H2C3-type RING domain and has E3
      ligase activity. We show that TEAR1 interacts with the TCP repressor TIE1, which
      is ubiquitinated in vivo and degraded by the 26S proteasome system. We
      demonstrate that TEAR1 is colocalized with TIE1 in nuclei and negatively
      regulates TIE1 protein levels. Overexpression of TEAR1 rescued leaf defects
      caused by TIE1 overexpression, whereas disruption of TEAR1 resulted in leaf
      phenotypes resembling those caused by TIE1 overexpression or TCP dysfunction.
      Deficiency in TEAR partially rescued the leaf defects of TCP4 overexpression line
      and enhanced the wavy leaf phenotypes of jaw-5D We propose that TEAR1 positively
      regulates CIN-like TCP activity to promote leaf development by mediating the
      degradation of the TCP repressor TIE1.

PMID- 28100711
TI  - Effects of structural complexity on within-canopy light environments and leaf
      traits in a northern mixed deciduous forest.
AB  - Canopy structure influences forest productivity through its effects on the
      distribution of radiation and the light-induced changes in leaf physiological
      traits. Due to the difficulty of accessing and measuring forest canopies, few
      field-based studies have quantitatively linked these divergent scales of canopy
      functioning. The objective of our study was to investigate how canopy structure
      affects light profiles within a forest canopy and whether leaves of mature trees
      adjust morphologically and biochemically to the light environments characteristic
      of canopies with different structural complexity. We used a combination of light
      detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and hemispherical photographs to quantify
      canopy structure and light environments, respectively, and a telescoping pole to
      sample leaves. Leaf mass per area (LMA), nitrogen on an area basis (Narea) and
      chlorophyll on a mass basis (Chlmass) were measured in red maple (Acer rubrum),
      american beech (Fagus grandifolia), white pine (Pinus strobus), and northern red
      oak (Quercus rubra) at different heights in plots with similar leaf area index
      but contrasting canopy complexity (rugosity). We found that more complex canopies
      had greater porosity and reduced light variability in the midcanopy while total
      light interception was unchanged relative to less complex canopies. Leaf
      phenotypes of F. grandifolia, Q. rubra and P. strobus were more sun-acclimated in
      the midstory of structurally complex canopies while leaf phenotypes of A. rubrum
      were more shade-acclimated (lower LMA) in the upper canopy of more complex
      stands, despite no differences in total light interception. Broadleaf species
      showed further differences in acclimation with increased Narea and reduced
      Chlmass in leaves with higher LMA, while P. strobus showed no change in Narea and
      Chlmass with higher LMA. Our results provide new insight on how light
      distribution and leaf acclimation in mature trees might be altered when natural
      and anthropogenic disturbances cause structural changes in the canopy.

PMID- 28100712
TI  - Salt management strategy defines the stem and leaf hydraulic characteristics of
      six mangrove tree species.
AB  - Mangroves in hypersaline coastal habitats are under constant high xylem tension
      and face great risk of hydraulic dysfunction. To investigate the relationships
      between functional traits and salt management, we measured 20 hydraulic and
      photosynthetic traits in four salt-adapted (SA) and two non-SA (NSA) mangrove
      tree species in south China. The SA species included two salt secretors (SSs),
      Avicennia marina (Forsskal) Vierhapper and Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco and
      two salt excluders (SEs), Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Savigny and Kandelia obovata
      (L.) Sheue et al. The two NSA species were Hibiscus tiliaceus (L.) and Pongamia
      pinnata (L.) Merr. Extremely high xylem cavitation resistance, indicated by water
      potential at 50% loss of xylem conductivity (Psi50; -7.85 MPa), was found in SEs.
      Lower cavitation resistance was observed in SSs, and may result from incomplete
      salt removal that reduces the magnitude of xylem tension required to maintain
      water uptake from the soil. Surprisingly, the NSA species, P. pinnata, had very
      low Psi50 (-5.44 MPa). Compared with NSAs, SAs had lower photosynthesis, vessel
      density, hydraulic conductivity and vessel diameter, but higher sapwood density.
      Eight traits were strongly associated with species' salt management strategies,
      with predawn water potential (PsiPD) and mean vessel diameter accounting for 95%
      flow (D95) having the most significant association; D95 separated SAs from NSAs
      and SEs had the lowest PsiPD. There was significant coupling between hydraulic
      traits and carbon assimilation traits. Instead of hydraulic safety being
      compromised by xylem efficiency, mangrove species with higher safety had higher
      efficiency and greater sapwood density (rhoSapwood), but there was no
      relationship between rhoSapwood and efficiency. Principal component analysis
      differentiated the species of the three salt management strategies by loading D,
      D95 and vessel density on the first axis and loading PsiPD, Psi50 and water
      potential at 12% loss of xylem conductivity (Psi12), rhoSapwood and quantum yield
      on the second axis. Our results provide the first comparative characterization of
      hydraulic and photosynthetic traits among mangroves with different salt
      management strategies.

PMID- 28100716
TI  - Carphology.

PMID- 28100717
TI  - A Country Doctor's Notebook-Mikhail Bulgakov.

PMID- 28100714
TI  - The dynamics of the pulmonary microbiome during mechanical ventilation in the
      intensive care unit and the association with occurrence of pneumonia.
AB  - RATIONALE: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial
      infections in patients admitted to the ICU. The adapted island model predicts
      several changes in the respiratory microbiome during intubation and mechanical
      ventilation. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesised that mechanical ventilation and
      antibiotic administration decrease the diversity of the respiratory microbiome
      and that these changes are more profound in patients who develop VAP. METHODS:
      Intubated and mechanically ventilated ICU-patients were included. Tracheal
      aspirates were obtained three times a week. 16S rRNA gene sequencing with the
      Roche 454 platform was used to measure the composition of the respiratory
      microbiome. Associations were tested with linear mixed model analysis and
      principal coordinate analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: 111 tracheal
      aspirates were obtained from 35 patients; 11 had VAP, 18 did not have VAP. Six
      additional patients developed pneumonia within the first 48 hours after
      intubation. Duration of mechanical ventilation was associated with a decrease in
      alpha diversity (Shannon index; fixed-effect regression coefficient (beta): -0.03
      (95% CI -0.05 to -0.005)), but the administration of antibiotic therapy was not
      (fixed-effect beta: 0.06; 95% CI -0.17 to 0.30). There was a significant
      difference in change of beta diversity between patients who developed VAP and
      control patients for Bray-Curtis distances (p=0.03) and for Manhattan distances
      (p=0.04). Burkholderia, Bacillales and, to a lesser extent, Pseudomonadales
      positively correlated with the change in beta diversity. CONCLUSION: Mechanical
      ventilation, but not antibiotic administration, was associated with changes in
      the respiratory microbiome. Dysbiosis of microbial communities in the respiratory
      tract was most profound in patients who developed VAP.

PMID- 28100713
TI  - AHRR (cg05575921) hypomethylation marks smoking behaviour, morbidity and
      mortality.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Self-reported smoking underestimates disease risk.
      Smoking affects DNA methylation, in particular the cg05575921 site in the aryl
      hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) gene. We tested the hypothesis that AHRR
      cg05575921 hypomethylation is associated with risk of smoking-related morbidity
      and mortality. METHODS: From the Copenhagen City Heart Study representing the
      Danish general population, we studied 9234 individuals. Using bisulphite treated
      leucocyte DNA, AHRR (cg05575921) methylation was measured. Rs1051730 (CHRN3A)
      genotype was used to evaluate smoking heaviness. Participants were followed for
      up to 22 years for exacerbations of COPD, event of lung cancer and all-cause
      mortality. Six-year lung cancer risk was calculated according to the Prostate,
      Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCOM2012). MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: AHRR (cg05575921) hypomethylation was associated with former and
      current smoking status, high daily and cumulative smoking, short time since
      smoking cessation (all p values <7*10-31), and the smoking-related CHRN3A
      genotype (-0.48% per T-allele, p=0.002). The multifactorially adjusted HRs for
      the lowest versus highest methylation quintiles were 4.58 (95% CI 2.83 to 7.42)
      for COPD exacerbations, 4.87 (2.31 to 10.3) for lung cancer and 1.67 (1.48 to
      1.88) for all-cause mortality. Finally, among 2576 high-risk smokers eligible for
      lung cancer screening by CT, observed cumulative incidences of lung cancer after
      6 years for individuals in the lowest and highest methylation quintiles were 3.7%
      and 0.0% (p=2*10-7), whereas predicted PLCOM2012 6-year risks were similar (4.3%
      and 4.4%, p=0.77). CONCLUSION: AHRR (cg05575921) hypomethylation, a marker of
      smoking behaviour, provides potentially clinical relevant predictions of future
      smoking-related morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 28100718
TI  - ABN News.

PMID- 28100719
TI  - Testing for departure from uniformity and estimating mean direction for circular
      data.
AB  - Although circular data are common in biological studies, the analysis of such
      data is often more rudimentary than it need be. One of the most common hypotheses
      tested is whether the data suggest that samples are clustered around a certain
      specified direction, rather than being uniformly spread across all possible
      directions. Here, I use data from a recent publication on the compass directions
      of epiphytes and mistletoes on tree trunks. This is used to demonstrate how with
      relatively little extra work researchers can improve the rigour of testing such
      hypotheses, and this improved rigour can lead to biological insights missed by
      simpler analyses. Specifically, I highlight that a much broader range of null
      hypotheses can be tested than current practice, and that a range of methods are
      available for estimating a confidence interval for mean direction. I offer advice
      on appropriate selection for both tests and parameter estimation methods, and
      highlight the need to correct for the fact that sample estimates are biased
      estimates of population parameters for circular data.

PMID- 28100720
TI  - Audience affects decision-making in a marmoset communication network.
AB  - An audience can have a profound effect on the dynamics of communicative
      interactions. As a result, non-human primates often adjust their social decision
      making strategies depending on the audience composition at a given time. Here we
      sought to test how the unique vocal behaviour of multiple audience members
      affected decisions to communicate. To address this issue, we developed a novel
      experimental paradigm in which common marmosets directly interacted with multiple
      'virtual monkeys' (VMs), each of whom represented an individual marmoset with
      distinct vocal behaviour. This active social signalling paradigm provided
      subjects an opportunity to interact with and learn about the behaviour of each VM
      in the network and apply this knowledge in subsequent communicative decisions. We
      found that subjects' propensity to interact with particular VMs was determined by
      the behaviour of each VM in the audience and suggests that marmoset social
      decision-making strategies are highly adaptive to nuances of the immediate
      communication network.

PMID- 28100721
TI  - Meta-analysis of timing of endovascular aneurysm treatment in subarachnoid
      haemorrhage: inconsistent results of early treatment within 1 day.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To systematically review and meta-analyse the data on
      impact of timing of endovascular treatment in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
      (SAH) to determine if earlier treatment is associated with improved clinical
      outcomes and reduced case fatality. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane
      database, EMBASE and Web of Science to identify studies for inclusion. The
      measures of effect utilised were unadjusted/adjusted ORs. Effect estimates were
      combined using random effects models for each outcome (poor outcome, case
      fatality); heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index. Subgroup and
      sensitivity analyses were performed to account for heterogeneity and risk of
      bias. RESULTS: 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Treatment <1 day was
      associated with a reduced odds of poor outcome compared with treatment >1 day
      (OR=0.40 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.56; I2=0%)) but not when compared with treatment at 1
      3 days (OR=1.16 (95% CI 0.47 to 2.90; I2=81%)). Treatment at <2 days and at <3
      days were associated with similar odds of poor outcome compared with later
      treatment (OR=1.20 (95% CI 0.70 to 2.05; I2=73%; OR=0.71 (95% CI 0.36 to 1.37;
      I2=71%)). Early treatment was associated with similar odds of case fatality
      compared with later treatment, regardless of how early/late treatment were
      defined (OR=1.80 (95% CI 0.88 to 3.67; I2=34%) for treatment <1 day vs days 1-3;
      OR=1.71 (95% CI 0.72 to 4.03; I2=54%) for treatment <2 days vs later; OR=0.90
      (95% CI 0.31 to 2.68; I2=48%) for treatment <3 days vs later). CONCLUSIONS: In
      only 1 of the analyses was there a statistically significant result, which
      favoured treatment <1 day. The inconsistent results and heterogeneity within most
      analyses highlight the lack of evidence for best timing of endovascular treatment
      in SAH patients.

PMID- 28100724
TI  - Transient smartphone blindness: Relevance to misdiagnosis in neurologic practice.

PMID- 28100723
TI  - A respiratory-gated micro-CT comparison of respiratory patterns in free-breathing
      and mechanically ventilated rats.
AB  - In this study, we aim to quantify the differences in lung metrics measured in
      free-breathing and mechanically ventilated rodents using respiratory-gated micro
      computed tomography. Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with
      ketamine/xylazine and scanned with a retrospective respiratory gating protocol on
      a GE Locus Ultra micro-CT scanner. Each animal was scanned while free-breathing,
      then intubated and mechanically ventilated (MV) and rescanned with a standard
      ventilation protocol (56 bpm, 8 mL/kg and PEEP of 5 cm H2O) and again with a
      ventilation protocol that approximates the free-breathing parameters (88 bpm,
      2.14 mL/kg and PEEP of 2.5 cm H2O). Images were reconstructed representing
      inspiration and end expiration with 0.15 mm voxel spacing. Image-based
      measurements of the lung lengths, airway diameters, lung volume, and air content
      were compared and used to calculate the functional residual capacity (FRC) and
      tidal volume. Images acquired during MV appeared darker in the airspaces and the
      airways appeared larger. Image-based measurements showed an increase in lung
      volume and air content during standard MV, for both respiratory phases, compared
      with matched MV and free-breathing. Comparisons of the functional metrics showed
      an increase in FRC for mechanically ventilated rats, but only the standard MV
      exhibited a significantly higher tidal volume than free-breathing or matched MV
      Although standard mechanical ventilation protocols may be useful in promoting
      consistent respiratory patterns, the amount of air in the lungs is higher than in
      free-breathing animals. Matching the respiratory patterns with the free-breathing
      case allowed similar lung morphology and physiology measurements while reducing
      the variability in the measurements.

PMID- 28100726
TI  - Decreased intestinal acetylcholinesterase in early Parkinson disease: An 11C
      donepezil PET study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate systemic levels of acetylcholinesterase in early
      Parkinson disease (PD) with 11C-donepezil PET, a potential marker of
      parasympathetic innervation. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 19
      patients with early-stage PD (disease duration 1.5 +/- 0.6 years) and 16 age
      matched controls who had clinical assessments, olfaction tests, and 11C-donepezil
      PET to measure acetylcholinesterase density in peripheral organs. RESULTS: The
      patients with PD showed significantly reduced 11C-donepezil uptake in the small
      intestine (-14%, p = 0.018), colon (-22%, p < 0.001), and kidneys (-14%, p =
      0.028). No difference in myocardial or pancreatic acetylcholinesterase levels was
      seen. CONCLUSION: We found significantly decreased 11C-donepezil signal in the
      intestine and kidneys of patients with early PD, suggesting that parasympathetic
      denervation is present early in the disease course.

PMID- 28100725
TI  - Genome-wide association study identifies MAPT locus influencing human plasma tau
      levels.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify genetic loci associated with plasma tau concentrations in
      healthy elders and individuals with Alzheimer disease. METHODS: Four hundred
      sixty-three non-Hispanic white individuals exceeding quality control criteria
      were included from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI-1)
      cohort. Association of plasma tau with genetic polymorphisms was performed with a
      linear regression model. Significant associations were validated in an
      independent replication cohort consisting of 431 healthy elders or individuals
      with mild cognitive impairment recruited from the University of California, San
      Francisco Memory and Aging Center. RESULTS: The minor allele (A) of rs242557 in
      the microtubule-associated protein tau gene (MAPT) was associated with higher
      plasma tau levels at genome-wide significance (p = 4.85 * 10-9, empiric family
      wise error corrected p = 0.0024) in a dose-dependent fashion. This association
      was also observed in the replication cohort (p = 1.0 * 10-5; joint analysis p =
      1.2 * 10-12). Single nucleotide polymorphisms near PARK2 (rs2187213) (p = 6.15 *
      10-6), IL2RA (rs7072793, rs7073236) (p = 7.89 * 10-6), and an intergenic locus on
      9p21.3 (rs7047280) (p = 8.13 * 10-6) were identified as suggestive loci
      associated with plasma tau levels. CONCLUSIONS: MAPT H1c haplotype (rs242557) has
      previously been identified as a genetic risk factor for progressive supranuclear
      palsy and corticobasal degeneration. The current findings suggest that plasma tau
      concentration could be an endophenotype for identifying risk for 4-repeat
      tauopathies in older individuals.

PMID- 28100729
TI  - Toward quantitative MRI analysis: A smart approach to characterize neonatal white
      matter injury.

PMID- 28100728
TI  - Direct cortical stimulation of human posteromedial cortex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The posteromedial cortex (PMC) is a collective term for an
      anatomically heterogeneous area of the brain constituting a core node of the
      human default mode network (DMN), which is engaged during internally focused
      subjective cognition such as autobiographical memory. METHODS: We explored the
      effects of causal perturbations of PMC with direct electric brain stimulation
      (EBS) during presurgical epilepsy monitoring with intracranial EEG electrodes.
      RESULTS: Data were collected from 885 stimulations in 25 patients implanted with
      intracranial electrodes across the PMC. While EBS of regions immediately dorsal
      or ventral to the PMC reliably produced somatomotor or visual effects,
      respectively, we found no observable behavioral or subjectively reported effects
      when sites within the boundaries of PMC were electrically perturbed. In each
      patient, null effects of PMC stimulation were observed for sites in which
      intracranial recordings had clearly demonstrated electrophysiologic responses
      during autobiographical recall. CONCLUSIONS: Direct electric modulation of the
      human PMC produced null effects when standard functional mapping methods were
      used. More sophisticated stimulation paradigms (e.g., EBS during experimental
      cognitive tests) will be required for testing the causal contribution of PMC to
      human cognition and subjective experience. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that
      some extant theories of PMC and DMN contribution to human awareness and
      subjective conscious states require cautious re-examination.

PMID- 28100727
TI  - Quantitative assessment of white matter injury in preterm neonates: Association
      with outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively assess white matter injury (WMI) volume and location
      in very preterm neonates, and to examine the association of lesion volume and
      location with 18-month neurodevelopmental outcomes. METHODS: Volume and location
      of WMI was quantified on MRI in 216 neonates (median gestational age 27.9 weeks)
      who had motor, cognitive, and language assessments at 18 months corrected age
      (CA). Neonates were scanned at 32.1 postmenstrual weeks (median) and 68 (31.5%)
      had WMI; of 66 survivors, 58 (87.9%) had MRI and 18-month outcomes. WMI was
      manually segmented and transformed into a common image space, accounting for
      intersubject anatomical variability. Probability maps describing the likelihood
      of a lesion predicting adverse 18-month outcomes were developed. RESULTS: WMI
      occurs in a characteristic topology, with most lesions occurring in the
      periventricular central region, followed by posterior and frontal regions.
      Irrespective of lesion location, greater WMI volumes predicted poor motor
      outcomes (p = 0.001). Lobar regional analysis revealed that greater WMI volumes
      in frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes have adverse motor outcomes (all, p <
      0.05), but only frontal WMI volumes predicted adverse cognitive outcomes (p =
      0.002). To account for lesion location and volume, voxel-wise odds ratio (OR)
      maps demonstrate that frontal lobe lesions predict adverse cognitive and language
      development, with maximum odds ratios (ORs) of 78.9 and 17.5, respectively, while
      adverse motor outcomes are predicted by widespread injury, with maximum OR of
      63.8. CONCLUSIONS: The predictive value of frontal lobe WMI volume highlights the
      importance of lesion location when considering the neurodevelopmental
      significance of WMI. Frontal lobe lesions are of particular concern.

PMID- 28100730
TI  - Sleep to Remember.
AB  - Scientific investigation into the possible role of sleep in memory consolidation
      began with the early studies of Jenkins and Dallenbach (1924). Despite nearly a
      century of investigation with a waxing and waning of interest, the role of sleep
      in memory processing remains controversial and elusive. This review provides the
      historical background for current views and considers the relative contribution
      of two sleep states, rapid eye movement sleep and slow-wave sleep, to offline
      memory processing. The sequential hypothesis, until now largely ignored, is
      discussed, and recent literature supporting this view is reviewed.

PMID- 28100732
TI  - Acute Stress Shapes Synaptic Inhibition within an Amygdala Microcircuit.

PMID- 28100733
TI  - Training Microglia to Resist Alzheimer's Disease.

PMID- 28100731
TI  - Sleep Is for Forgetting.
AB  - It is possible that one of the essential functions of sleep is to take out the
      garbage, as it were, erasing and "forgetting" information built up throughout the
      day that would clutter the synaptic network that defines us. It may also be that
      this cleanup function of sleep is a general principle of neuroscience, applicable
      to every creature with a nervous system.

PMID- 28100734
TI  - Does the Superior Colliculus Control Perceptual Sensitivity or Choice Bias during
      Attention? Evidence from a Multialternative Decision Framework.
AB  - : Distinct networks in the forebrain and the midbrain coordinate to control
      spatial attention. The critical involvement of the superior colliculus (SC)-the
      central structure in the midbrain network-in visuospatial attention has been
      shown by four seminal, published studies in monkeys (Macaca mulatta) performing
      multialternative tasks. However, due to the lack of a mechanistic framework for
      interpreting behavioral data in such tasks, the nature of the SC's contribution
      to attention remains unclear. Here we present and validate a novel decision
      framework for analyzing behavioral data in multialternative attention tasks. We
      apply this framework to re-examine the behavioral evidence from these published
      studies. Our model is a multidimensional extension to signal detection theory
      that distinguishes between two major classes of attentional mechanisms: those
      that alter the quality of sensory information or "sensitivity," and those that
      alter the selective gating of sensory information or "choice bias." Model-based
      simulations and model-based analyses of data from these published studies
      revealed a converging pattern of results that indicated that choice-bias changes,
      rather than sensitivity changes, were the primary outcome of SC manipulation. Our
      results suggest that the SC contributes to attentional performance predominantly
      by generating a spatial choice bias for stimuli at a selected location, and that
      this bias operates downstream of forebrain mechanisms that enhance sensitivity.
      The findings lead to a testable mechanistic framework of how the midbrain and
      forebrain networks interact to control spatial attention. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      Attention involves the selection of the most relevant information for
      differential sensory processing and decision making. While the mechanisms by
      which attention alters sensory encoding (sensitivity control) are well studied,
      the mechanisms by which attention alters decisional weighting of sensory evidence
      (choice-bias control) are poorly understood. Here, we introduce a model of
      multialternative decision making that distinguishes bias from sensitivity effects
      in attention tasks. With our model, we simulate experimental data from four
      seminal studies that microstimulated or inactivated a key attention-related
      midbrain structure, the superior colliculus (SC). We demonstrate that the
      experimental effects of SC manipulation are entirely consistent with the SC
      controlling attention by changing choice bias, thereby shedding new light on how
      the brain mediates attention.

PMID- 28100735
TI  - Neural Tuning to Numerosity Relates to Perceptual Tuning in 3-6-Year-Old
      Children.
AB  - : Neural representations of approximate numerical value, or numerosity, have been
      observed in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) in monkeys and humans, including
      children. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we show that children as
      young as 3-4 years old exhibit neural tuning to cardinal numerosities in the IPS
      and that their neural responses are accounted for by a model of numerosity coding
      that has been used to explain neural responses in the adult IPS. We also found
      that the sensitivity of children's neural tuning to number in the right IPS was
      comparable to their numerical discrimination sensitivity observed behaviorally,
      outside of the scanner. Children's neural tuning curves in the right IPS were
      significantly sharper than in the left IPS, indicating that numerical
      representations are more precise and mature more rapidly in the right hemisphere
      than in the left. Further, we show that children's perceptual sensitivity to
      numerosity can be predicted by the development of their neural sensitivity to
      numerosity. This research provides novel evidence of developmental continuity in
      the neural code underlying numerical representation and demonstrates that
      children's neural sensitivity to numerosity is related to their cognitive
      development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Here we test for the existence of neural
      tuning to numerosity in the developing brain in the youngest sample of children
      tested with fMRI to date. Although previous research shows evidence of numerical
      distance effects in the intraparietal sulcus of the developing brain, those
      effects could be explained by patterns of neural activity that do not represent
      neural tuning to numerosity. These data provide the first robust evidence that
      from as early as 3-4 years of age there is developmental continuity in how the
      intraparietal sulcus represents the values of numerosities. Moreover, the study
      goes beyond previous research by examining the relation between neural tuning and
      perceptual tuning in children.

PMID- 28100736
TI  - Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein MBD1 Regulates Neuronal Lineage Commitment through
      Maintaining Adult Neural Stem Cell Identity.
AB  - : Methyl-CpG-binding domain 1 (MBD1) belongs to a family of methyl-CpG-binding
      proteins that are epigenetic "readers" linking DNA methylation to transcriptional
      regulation. MBD1 is expressed in neural stem cells residing in the dentate gyrus
      of the adult hippocampus (aNSCs) and MBD1 deficiency leads to reduced neuronal
      differentiation, impaired neurogenesis, learning deficits, and autism-like
      behaviors in mice; however, the precise function of MBD1 in aNSCs remains
      unexplored. Here, we show that MBD1 is important for maintaining the integrity
      and stemness of NSCs, which is critical for their ability to generate neurons.
      MBD1 deficiency leads to the accumulation of undifferentiated NSCs and impaired
      transition into the neuronal lineage. Transcriptome analysis of neural stem and
      progenitor cells isolated directly from the dentate gyrus of MBD1 mutant (KO) and
      WT mice showed that gene sets related to cell differentiation, particularly
      astrocyte lineage genes, were upregulated in KO cells. We further demonstrated
      that, in NSCs, MBD1 binds and represses directly specific genes associated with
      differentiation. Our results suggest that MBD1 maintains the multipotency of NSCs
      by restraining the onset of differentiation genes and that untimely expression of
      these genes in MBD1-deficient stem cells may interfere with normal cell lineage
      commitment and cause the accumulation of undifferentiated cells. Our data reveal
      a novel role for MBD1 in stem cell maintenance and provide insight into how
      epigenetic regulation contributes to adult neurogenesis and the potential impact
      of its dysregulation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) in
      the hippocampus self-renew and generate neurons throughout life. We show that
      methyl-CpG-binding domain 1 (MBD1), a DNA methylation "reader," is important for
      maintaining the integrity of NSCs, which is critical for their neurogenic
      potency. Our data reveal a novel role for MBD1 in stem cell maintenance and
      provide insight into how epigenetic regulation preserves the multipotency of stem
      cells for subsequent differentiation.

PMID- 28100737
TI  - Selectivity in Postencoding Connectivity with High-Level Visual Cortex Is
      Associated with Reward-Motivated Memory.
AB  - : Reward motivation has been demonstrated to enhance declarative memory by
      facilitating systems-level consolidation. Although high-reward information is
      often intermixed with lower reward information during an experience, memory for
      high value information is prioritized. How is this selectivity achieved? One
      possibility is that postencoding consolidation processes bias memory
      strengthening to those representations associated with higher reward. To test
      this hypothesis, we investigated the influence of differential reward motivation
      on the selectivity of postencoding markers of systems-level memory consolidation.
      Human participants encoded intermixed, trial-unique memoranda that were
      associated with either high or low-value during fMRI acquisition. Encoding was
      interleaved with periods of rest, allowing us to investigate experience-dependent
      changes in connectivity as they related to later memory. Behaviorally, we found
      that reward motivation enhanced 24 h associative memory. Analysis of patterns of
      postencoding connectivity showed that, even though learning trials were
      intermixed, there was significantly greater connectivity with regions of high
      level, category-selective visual cortex associated with high-reward trials.
      Specifically, increased connectivity of category-selective visual cortex with
      both the VTA and the anterior hippocampus predicted associative memory for high-
      but not low-reward memories. Critically, these results were independent of
      encoding-related connectivity and univariate activity measures. Thus, these
      findings support a model by which the selective stabilization of memories for
      salient events is supported by postencoding interactions with sensory cortex
      associated with reward. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Reward motivation is thought to
      promote memory by supporting memory consolidation. Yet, little is known as to how
      brain selects relevant information for subsequent consolidation based on reward.
      We show that experience-dependent changes in connectivity of both the anterior
      hippocampus and the VTA with high-level visual cortex selectively predicts memory
      for high-reward memoranda at a 24 h delay. These findings provide evidence for a
      novel mechanism guiding the consolidation of memories for valuable events,
      namely, postencoding interactions between neural systems supporting mesolimbic
      dopamine activation, episodic memory, and perception.

PMID- 28100738
TI  - miR-142-3p Is a Key Regulator of IL-1beta-Dependent Synaptopathy in
      Neuroinflammation.
AB  - : MicroRNAs (miRNA) play an important role in post-transcriptional gene
      regulation of several physiological and pathological processes. In multiple
      sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory and degenerative disease of the CNS, and
      in its mouse model, the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), miRNA
      dysregulation has been mainly related to immune system dysfunction and white
      matter (WM) pathology. However, little is known about their role in gray matter
      pathology. Here, we explored miRNA involvement in the inflammation-driven
      alterations of synaptic structure and function, collectively known as
      synaptopathy, a neuropathological process contributing to excitotoxic
      neurodegeneration in MS/EAE. Particularly, we observed that miR-142-3p is
      increased in the CSF of patients with active MS and in EAE brains. We propose miR
      142-3p as a molecular mediator of the IL-1beta-dependent downregulation of the
      glial glutamate-aspartate transporter (GLAST), which causes an enhancement of the
      glutamatergic transmission in the EAE cerebellum. The synaptic abnormalities
      mediated by IL-1beta and the clinical and neuropathological manifestations of EAE
      disappeared in miR-142 knock-out mice. Furthermore, we observed that in vivo miR
      142-3p inhibition, either by a preventive and local treatment or by a therapeutic
      and systemic strategy, abolished IL-1beta- and GLAST-dependent synaptopathy in
      EAE wild-type mice. Consistently, miR-142-3p was responsible for the
      glutamatergic synaptic alterations caused by CSF of patients with MS, and CSF
      levels of miR-142-3p correlated with prospective MS disease progression. Our
      findings highlight miR-142-3p as key molecular player in IL-1beta-mediated
      synaptic dysfunction, possibly leading to excitotoxic damage in both EAE and MS
      diseases. Inhibition of miR-142-3p could be neuroprotective in MS. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: Current studies suggest the role of glutamate excitotoxicity in the
      development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) and of its mouse model
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The molecular mechanisms linking
      inflammation and synaptic alterations in MS/EAE are still unknown. Here, we
      identified miR-142-3p as a determinant molecular actor in inflammation-dependent
      synaptopathy typical of both MS and EAE. miR-142-3p was upregulated in the CSF of
      MS patients and in EAE cerebellum. Inhibition of miR-142-3p, locally in EAE brain
      and in a MS chimeric ex vivo model, recovered glutamatergic synaptic enhancement
      typical of EAE/MS. We proved that miR-142-3p promoted the IL-1beta-dependent
      glutamate dysfunction by targeting glutamate-aspartate transporter (GLAST), a
      crucial glial transporter involved in glutamate homeostasis. Finally, we suggest
      miR-142-3p as a negative prognostic factor in patients with relapsing-remitting
      multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 28100739
TI  - Action Categories in Lateral Occipitotemporal Cortex Are Organized Along
      Sociality and Transitivity.
AB  - : How neural specificity for distinct conceptual knowledge categories arises is
      central for understanding the organization of semantic memory in the human brain.
      Although there is a large body of research on the neural processing of distinct
      object categories, the organization of action categories remains largely unknown.
      In particular, it is unknown whether different action categories follow a
      specific topographical organization on the cortical surface analogously to the
      category-specific organization of object knowledge. Here, we tested whether the
      neural representation of action knowledge is organized in terms of nonsocial
      versus social and object-unrelated versus object-related actions (sociality and
      transitivity, respectively, hereafter). We hypothesized a major distinction of
      sociality and transitivity along dorsal and ventral lateral occipitotemporal
      cortex (LOTC), respectively. Using fMRI-based multivoxel pattern analysis, we
      identified neural representations of action information associated with sociality
      and transitivity in bilateral LOTC. Representational similarity analysis revealed
      a dissociation between dorsal and ventral LOTC. We found that action
      representations in dorsal LOTC are segregated along features of sociality,
      whereas action representations in ventral LOTC are segregated along features of
      transitivity. In addition, representations of sociality and transitivity features
      were found more anteriorly in LOTC than representations of specific subtypes of
      actions, suggesting a posterior-anterior gradient from concrete to abstract
      action features. These findings elucidate how the neural representations of
      perceptually and conceptually diverse actions are organized in distinct
      subsystems in the LOTC. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The lateral occipitotemporal
      cortex (LOTC) is critically involved in the recognition of objects and actions,
      but our knowledge about the underlying organizing principles is limited. Here, we
      discovered a dorsal-ventral distinction of actions in LOTC: dorsal LOTC
      represents actions based on sociality (how much an action is directed to another
      person) in proximity to person knowledge. In contrast, ventral LOTC represents
      actions based on transitivity (how much an action involves the interaction with
      inanimate objects) in proximity to tools/artifacts in ventral LOTC, suggesting a
      mutually dependent organization of actions and objects. In addition, we found a
      posterior-to-anterior organization of the LOTC for concrete and abstract
      representations, respectively. Our findings provide important insights about the
      organization of actions in LOTC.

PMID- 28100740
TI  - Epilepsy-Associated KCNQ2 Channels Regulate Multiple Intrinsic Properties of
      Layer 2/3 Pyramidal Neurons.
AB  - : KCNQ2 potassium channels are critical for normal brain function, as both loss
      of-function and gain-of-function KCNQ2 variants can lead to various forms of
      neonatal epilepsy. Despite recent progress, the full spectrum of consequences as
      a result of KCNQ2 dysfunction in neocortical pyramidal neurons is still unknown.
      Here, we report that conditional ablation of Kcnq2 from mouse neocortex leads to
      hyperexcitability of layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal neurons, exhibiting an increased
      input resistance and action potential frequency, as well as a reduced medium
      afterhyperpolarization (mAHP), a conductance partly mediated by KCNQ2 channels.
      Importantly, we show that introducing the KCNQ2 loss-of-function variant
      KCNQ2I205V into L2/3 pyramidal neurons using in utero electroporation also
      results in a hyperexcitable phenotype similar to the conditional knock-out.
      KCNQ2I205V has a right-shifted conductance-to-voltage relationship, suggesting
      loss of KCNQ2 channel activity at subthreshold membrane potentials is sufficient
      to drive large changes in L2/3 pyramidal neuronal excitability even in the
      presence of an intact mAHP. We also found that the changes in excitability
      following Kcnq2 ablation are accompanied by alterations at action potential
      properties, including action potential amplitude in Kcnq2-null neurons.
      Importantly, partial inhibition of Nav1.6 channels was sufficient to counteract
      the hyperexcitability of Kcnq2-null neurons. Therefore, our work shows that loss
      of KCNQ2 channels alters the intrinsic neuronal excitability and action potential
      properties of L2/3 pyramidal neurons, and identifies Nav1.6 as a new potential
      molecular target to reduce excitability in patients with KCNQ2 encephalopathy.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: KCNQ2 channels are critical for the development of normal
      brain function, as KCNQ2 variants could lead to epileptic encephalopathy.
      However, the role of KCNQ2 channels in regulating the properties of neocortical
      neurons is largely unexplored. Here, we find that Kcnq2 ablation or loss-of
      function at subthreshold membrane potentials leads to increased neuronal
      excitability of neocortical layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal neurons. We also
      demonstrate that Kcnq2 ablation unexpectedly leads to a larger action potential
      amplitude. Importantly, we propose the Nav1.6 channel as a new molecular target
      for patients with KCNQ2 encephalopathy, as partial inhibition of these channels
      counteracts the increased L2/3 pyramidal neuron hyperexcitability of Kcnq2-null
      neurons.

PMID- 28100741
TI  - Control of Spike Transfer at Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Synapses In Vivo by GABAA
      and GABAB Receptor-Mediated Inhibition.
AB  - : Despite extensive studies in hippocampal slices and incentive from
      computational theories, the synaptic mechanisms underlying information transfer
      at mossy fiber (mf) connections between the dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3 neurons in
      vivo are still elusive. Here we used an optogenetic approach in mice to
      selectively target and control the activity of DG granule cells (GCs) while
      performing whole-cell and juxtacellular recordings of CA3 neurons in vivo In CA3
      pyramidal cells (PCs), mf-CA3 synaptic responses consisted predominantly of an
      IPSP at low stimulation frequency (0.05 Hz). Upon increasing the frequency of
      stimulation, a biphasic response was observed consisting of a brief mf EPSP
      followed by an inhibitory response lasting on the order of 100 ms. Spike transfer
      at DG-CA3 interneurons recorded in the juxtacellular mode was efficient at low
      presynaptic stimulation frequency and appeared insensitive to an increased
      frequency of GC activity. Overall, this resulted in a robust and slow feedforward
      inhibition of spike transfer at mf-CA3 pyramidal cell synapses. Short-term
      plasticity of EPSPs with increasing frequency of presynaptic activity allowed
      inhibition to be overcome to reach spike discharge in CA3 PCs. Whereas the
      activation of GABAA receptors was responsible for the direct inhibition of light
      evoked spike responses, the slow inhibition of spiking activity required the
      activation of GABAB receptors in CA3 PCs. The slow inhibitory response defined an
      optimum frequency of presynaptic activity for spike transfer at ~10 Hz.
      Altogether these properties define the temporal rules for efficient information
      transfer at DG-CA3 synaptic connections in the intact circuit. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: Activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength constitute a basic
      mechanism for memory. Synapses from the dentate gyrus (DG) to the CA3 area of the
      hippocampus are distinctive for their prominent short-term plasticity, as studied
      in slices. Plasticity of DG-CA3 connections may assist in the encoding of precise
      memory in the CA3 network. Here we characterize DG-CA3 synaptic transmission in
      vivo using targeted optogenetic activation of DG granule cells while recording in
      whole-cell patch-clamp and juxtacellular configuration from CA3 pyramidal cells
      and interneurons. We show that, in vivo, short-term plasticity of excitatory
      inputs to CA3 pyramidal cells combines with robust feedforward inhibition
      mediated by both GABAA and GABAB receptors to control the efficacy and temporal
      rules for information transfer at DG-CA3 connections.

PMID- 28100742
TI  - Visual Sampling Predicts Hippocampal Activity.
AB  - : Eye movements serve to accumulate information from the visual world,
      contributing to the formation of coherent memory representations that support
      cognition and behavior. The hippocampus and the oculomotor network are well
      connected anatomically through an extensive set of polysynaptic pathways.
      However, the extent to which visual sampling behavior is related to functional
      responses in the hippocampus during encoding has not been studied directly in
      human neuroimaging. In the current study, participants engaged in a face
      processing task while brain responses were recorded with fMRI and eye movements
      were monitored simultaneously. The number of gaze fixations that a participant
      made on a given trial was correlated significantly with hippocampal activation
      such that more fixations were associated with stronger hippocampal activation.
      Similar results were also found in the fusiform face area, a face-selective
      perceptual processing region. Notably, the number of fixations was associated
      with stronger hippocampal activation when the presented faces were novel, but not
      when the faces were repeated. Increases in fixations during viewing of novel
      faces also led to larger repetition-related suppression in the hippocampus,
      indicating that this fixation-hippocampal relationship may reflect the ongoing
      development of lasting representations. Together, these results provide novel
      empirical support for the idea that visual exploration and hippocampal binding
      processes are inherently linked. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The hippocampal and
      oculomotor networks have each been studied extensively for their roles in the
      binding of information and gaze function, respectively. Despite the evidence that
      individuals with amnesia whose damage includes the hippocampus show alterations
      in their eye movement patterns and recent findings that the two systems are
      anatomically connected, it has not been demonstrated whether visual exploration
      is related to hippocampal activity in neurologically intact adults. In this
      combined fMRI-eye-tracking study, we show how hippocampal responses scale with
      the number of gaze fixations made during viewing of novel, but not repeated,
      faces. These findings provide new evidence suggesting that the hippocampus plays
      an important role in the binding of information, as sampled by gaze fixations,
      during visual exploration.

PMID- 28100743
TI  - Three Small-Receptive-Field Ganglion Cells in the Mouse Retina Are Distinctly
      Tuned to Size, Speed, and Object Motion.
AB  - : Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are frequently divided into functional types by
      their ability to extract and relay specific features from a visual scene, such as
      the capacity to discern local or global motion, direction of motion, stimulus
      orientation, contrast or uniformity, or the presence of large or small objects.
      Here we introduce three previously uncharacterized, nondirection-selective ON-OFF
      RGC types that represent a distinct set of feature detectors in the mouse retina.
      The three high-definition (HD) RGCs possess small receptive-field centers and
      strong surround suppression. They respond selectively to objects of specific
      sizes, speeds, and types of motion. We present comprehensive morphological
      characterization of the HD RGCs and physiological recordings of their light
      responses, receptive-field size and structure, and synaptic mechanisms of
      surround suppression. We also explore the similarities and differences between
      the HD RGCs and a well characterized RGC with a comparably small receptive field,
      the local edge detector, in response to moving objects and textures. We model
      populations of each RGC type to study how they differ in their performance
      tracking a moving object. These results, besides introducing three new RGC types
      that together constitute a substantial fraction of mouse RGCs, provide insights
      into the role of different circuits in shaping RGC receptive fields and establish
      a foundation for continued study of the mechanisms of surround suppression and
      the neural basis of motion detection. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The output cells of
      the retina, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), are a diverse group of ~40 distinct
      neuron types that are often assigned "feature detection" profiles based on the
      specific aspects of the visual scene to which they respond. Here we describe, for
      the first time, morphological and physiological characterization of three new RGC
      types in the mouse retina, substantially augmenting our understanding of feature
      selectivity. Experiments and modeling show that while these three "high
      definition" RGCs share certain receptive-field properties, they also have
      distinct tuning to the size, speed, and type of motion on the retina, enabling
      them to occupy different niches in stimulus space.

PMID- 28100744
TI  - Compensatory Activation of Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Inhibition of GABA Release in
      the Rostral Ventromedial Medulla in Inflammatory Pain.
AB  - : The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a relay in the descending pain
      modulatory system and an important site of endocannabinoid modulation of pain.
      Endocannabinoids inhibit GABA release in the RVM, but it is not known whether
      this effect persists in chronic pain states. In the present studies, persistent
      inflammation induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) increased GABAergic
      miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs). Endocannabinoid activation of cannabinoid (CB1)
      receptors known to inhibit presynaptic GABA release was significantly reduced in
      the RVM of CFA-treated rats compared with naive rats. The reduction in CFA
      treated rats correlated with decreased CB1 receptor protein expression and
      function in the RVM. Paradoxically, the nonselective CB1/CB2 receptor agonist
      WIN55212 inhibited GABAergic mIPSCs in both naive and CFA-treated rats. However,
      WIN55212 inhibition was reversed by the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant in
      naive rats but not in CFA-treated rats. WIN55212-mediated inhibition in CFA
      treated rats was blocked by the CB2 receptor-selective antagonist SR144528,
      indicating that CB2 receptor function in the RVM is increased during persistent
      inflammation. Consistent with these results, CB2 receptor agonists AM1241 and
      GW405833 inhibited GABAergic mIPSC frequency only in CFA-treated rats, and the
      inhibition was reversed with SR144528. When administered alone, SR144528 and
      another CB2 receptor-selective antagonist AM630 increased mIPSC frequency in the
      RVM of CFA-treated rats, indicating that CB2 receptors are tonically activated by
      endocannabinoids. Our data provide evidence that CB2 receptor function emerges in
      the RVM in persistent inflammation and that selective CB2 receptor agonists may
      be useful for treatment of persistent inflammatory pain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      These studies demonstrate that endocannabinoid signaling to CB1 and CB2 receptors
      in adult rostral ventromedial medulla is altered in persistent inflammation. The
      emergence of CB2 receptor function in the rostral ventromedial medulla provides
      additional rationale for the development of CB2 receptor-selective agonists as
      useful therapeutics for chronic inflammatory pain.

PMID- 28100745
TI  - Disease Progression-Dependent Effects of TREM2 Deficiency in a Mouse Model of
      Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - : Neuroinflammation is an important contributor to Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      pathogenesis, as underscored by the recent identification of immune-related
      genetic risk factors for AD, including coding variants in the gene TREM2
      (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2). Understanding TREM2 function
      promises to provide important insights into how neuroinflammation contributes to
      AD pathology. However, studies so far have produced seemingly conflicting
      results, with reports that amyloid pathology can be both decreased and increased
      in TREM2-deficient AD mouse models. In this study, we unify these previous
      findings by demonstrating that TREM2 deficiency ameliorates amyloid pathology
      early, but exacerbates it late in disease progression in the APPPS1-21 mouse
      model of AD. We also demonstrate that TREM2 deficiency decreases plaque
      associated myeloid cell accumulation by reducing cell proliferation, specifically
      late in pathology. In addition, TREM2 deficiency reduces myeloid cell
      internalization of amyloid throughout pathology, but decreases inflammation
      related gene transcript levels selectively late in disease progression. Together,
      these results suggest that TREM2 plays distinct functional roles at different
      stages in AD pathology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a
      devastating neurodegenerative disorder and there are currently no effective
      treatments that modify disease progression. However, the recent identification of
      genetic risk factors for AD promises to provide new insight into AD biology and
      possible new therapeutic targets. Among these risk factors, variants in the gene
      TREM2 (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2) confer greatly elevated
      risk for developing the disease. We demonstrate that TREM2 deficiency has
      opposing effects on AD-related pathologies at early and late stages of disease
      progression, unifying previous work in the field. In addition, we examine how
      TREM2 affects the function of the brain immune cell populations in which it is
      expressed throughout disease progression to understand possible mechanisms
      underlying its differential impacts on pathology.

PMID- 28100746
TI  - End-Stopping Predicts Curvature Tuning along the Ventral Stream.
AB  - : Neurons in primate inferotemporal cortex (IT) are clustered into patches of
      shared image preferences. Functional imaging has shown that these patches are
      activated by natural categories (e.g., faces, body parts, and places), artificial
      categories (numerals, words) and geometric features (curvature and real-world
      size). These domains develop in the same cortical locations across monkeys and
      humans, which raises the possibility of common innate mechanisms. Although these
      commonalities could be high-level template-based categories, it is alternatively
      possible that the domain locations are constrained by low-level properties such
      as end-stopping, eccentricity, and the shape of the preferred images. To explore
      this, we looked for correlations among curvature preference, receptive field (RF)
      end-stopping, and RF eccentricity in the ventral stream. We recorded from sites
      in V1, V4, and posterior IT (PIT) from six monkeys using microelectrode arrays.
      Across all visual areas, we found a tendency for end-stopped sites to prefer
      curved over straight contours. Further, we found a progression in population
      curvature preferences along the visual hierarchy, where, on average, V1 sites
      preferred straight Gabors, V4 sites preferred curved stimuli, and many PIT sites
      showed a preference for curvature that was concave relative to fixation. Our
      results provide evidence that high-level functional domains may be mapped
      according to early rudimentary properties of the visual system. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: The macaque occipitotemporal cortex contains clusters of neurons with
      preferences for categories such as faces, body parts, and places. One common
      question is how these clusters (or "domains") acquire their cortical position
      along the ventral stream. We and other investigators previously established an
      fMRI-level correlation among these category domains, retinotopy, and curvature
      preferences: for example, in inferotemporal cortex, face- and curvature
      preferring domains show a central visual field bias whereas place- and
      rectilinear-preferring domains show a more peripheral visual field bias. Here, we
      have found an electrophysiological-level explanation for the correlation among
      domain preference, curvature, and retinotopy based on neuronal preference for
      short over long contours, also called end-stopping.

PMID- 28100747
TI  - Selective Deletion of Sodium Salt Taste during Development Leads to Expanded
      Terminal Fields of Gustatory Nerves in the Adult Mouse Nucleus of the Solitary
      Tract.
AB  - : Neuronal activity plays a key role in the development of sensory circuits in
      the mammalian brain. In the gustatory system, experimental manipulations now
      exist, through genetic manipulations of specific taste transduction processes, to
      examine how specific taste qualities (i.e., basic tastes) impact the functional
      and structural development of gustatory circuits. Here, we used a mouse knock-out
      model in which the transduction component used to discriminate sodium salts from
      other taste stimuli was deleted in taste bud cells throughout development. We
      used this model to test the hypothesis that the lack of activity elicited by
      sodium salt taste impacts the terminal field organization of nerves that carry
      taste information from taste buds to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) in
      the medulla. The glossopharyngeal, chorda tympani, and greater superficial
      petrosal nerves were labeled to examine their terminal fields in adult control
      mice and in adult mice in which the alpha-subunit of the epithelial sodium
      channel was conditionally deleted in taste buds (alphaENaC knockout). The
      terminal fields of all three nerves in the NST were up to 2.7 times greater in
      alphaENaC knock-out mice compared with the respective field volumes in control
      mice. The shapes of the fields were similar between the two groups; however, the
      density and spread of labels were greater in alphaENaC knock-out mice. Overall,
      our results show that disruption of the afferent taste signal to sodium salts
      disrupts the normal age-dependent "pruning" of all terminal fields, which could
      lead to alterations in sensory coding and taste-related behaviors. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: Neural activity plays a major role in the development of sensory
      circuits in the mammalian brain. To date, there has been no direct test of
      whether taste-elicited neural activity has a role in shaping central gustatory
      circuits. However, recently developed genetic tools now allow an assessment of
      how specific taste stimuli, in this case sodium salt taste, play a role in the
      maturation of the terminal fields in the mouse brainstem. We found that the
      specific deletion of sodium salt taste during development produced terminal
      fields in adults that were dramatically larger than in control mice,
      demonstrating for the first time that sodium salt taste-elicited activity is
      necessary for the normal maturation of gustatory inputs into the brain.

PMID- 28100748
TI  - Independent Neural Computation of Value from Other People's Confidence.
AB  - : Expectation of reward can be shaped by the observation of actions and
      expressions of other people in one's environment. A person's apparent confidence
      in the likely reward of an action, for instance, makes qualities of their
      evidence, not observed directly, socially accessible. This strategy is
      computationally distinguished from associative learning methods that rely on
      direct observation, by its use of inference from indirect evidence. In twenty
      three healthy human subjects, we isolated effects of first-hand experience, other
      people's choices, and the mediating effect of their confidence, on decision
      making and neural correlates of value within ventromedial prefrontal cortex
      (vmPFC). Value derived from first-hand experience and other people's choices
      (regardless of confidence) were indiscriminately represented across vmPFC.
      However, value computed from agent choices weighted by their associated
      confidence was represented with specificity for ventromedial area 10. This
      pattern corresponds to shifts of connectivity and overlapping cognitive processes
      along a posterior-anterior vmPFC axis. Task behavior and self-reported self
      reliance for decision-making in other social contexts correlated. The tendency to
      conform in other social contexts corresponded to increased activation in cortical
      regions previously shown to respond to social conflict in proportion to
      subsequent conformity (Campbell-Meiklejohn et al., 2010). The tendency to self
      monitor predicted a selectively enhanced response to accordance with others in
      the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ). The findings anatomically decompose
      vmPFC value representations according to computational requirements and provide
      biological insight into the social transmission of preference and reassurance
      gained from the confidence of others. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Decades of research
      have provided evidence that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) signals
      the satisfaction we expect from imminent actions. However, we have a surprisingly
      modest understanding of the organization of value across this substantial and
      varied region. This study finds that using cues of the reliability of other
      peoples' knowledge to enhance expectation of personal success generates value
      correlates that are anatomically distinct from those concurrently computed from
      direct, personal experience. This suggests that representation of decision values
      in vmPFC is suborganized according to the underlying computation, consistent with
      what we know about the anatomical heterogeneity of the region. These results also
      provide insight into the observational learning process by which someone else's
      confidence can sway and reassure our choices.

PMID- 28100749
TI  - Promoted Interaction of C/EBPalpha with Demethylated Cxcr3 Gene Promoter
      Contributes to Neuropathic Pain in Mice.
AB  - : DNA methylation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic pain.
      However, the specific genes regulated by DNA methylation under neuropathic pain
      condition remain largely unknown. Here we investigated how chemokine receptor
      CXCR3 is regulated by DNA methylation and how it contributes to neuropathic pain
      induced by spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in mice. SNL increased Cxcr3 mRNA and
      protein expression in the neurons of the spinal cord. Meanwhile, the CpG (5'
      cytosine-phosphate-guanine-3') island in the Cxcr3 gene promoter region was
      demethylated, and the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3b) was
      decreased. SNL also increased the binding of CCAAT (cytidine-cytidine-adenosine
      adenosine-thymidine)/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) with Cxcr3
      promoter and decreased the binding of DNMT3b with Cxcr3 promoter in the spinal
      cord. C/EBPalpha expression was increased in spinal neurons after SNL, and
      inhibition of C/EBPalpha by intrathecal small interfering RNA attenuated SNL
      induced pain hypersensitivity and reduced Cxcr3 expression. Furthermore, SNL
      induced mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia were markedly reduced in Cxcr3
      /- mice. Spinal inhibition of Cxcr3 by shRNA or CXCR3 antagonist also attenuated
      established neuropathic pain. Moreover, CXCL10, the ligand of CXCR3, was
      increased in spinal neurons and astrocytes after SNL. Superfusing spinal cord
      slices with CXCL10 enhanced spontaneous EPSCs and potentiated NMDA-induced and
      AMPA-induced currents of lamina II neurons. Finally, intrathecal injection of
      CXCL10 induced CXCR3-dependent pain hypersensitivity in naive mice. Collectively,
      our results demonstrated that CXCR3, increased by DNA demethylation and the
      enhanced interaction with C/EBPalpha, can be activated by CXCL10 to facilitate
      excitatory synaptic transmission and contribute to the maintenance of neuropathic
      pain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Peripheral nerve injury induces changes of gene
      expression in the spinal cord that may contribute to the pathogenesis of
      neuropathic pain. CXCR3 is a chemokine receptor. Whether it is involved in
      neuropathic pain and how it is regulated after nerve injury remain largely
      unknown. Our study demonstrates that spinal nerve ligation downregulates the
      expression of DNMT3b, which may cause demethylation of Cxcr3 gene promoter and
      facilitate the binding of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha with Cxcr3
      promoter and further increase CXCR3 expression in spinal neurons. The upregulated
      CXCR3 may contribute to neuropathic pain by facilitating central sensitization.
      Our study reveals an epigenetic mechanism underlying CXCR3 expression and also
      suggests that targeting the expression or activation of CXCR3 signaling may offer
      new therapeutics for neuropathic pain.

PMID- 28100750
TI  - Target-Dependent Compartmentalization of the Corelease of Glutamate and GABA from
      the Mossy Fibers.
AB  - : The mossy fibers (MFs) corelease glutamate and GABA onto pyramidal cells of CA3
      during development, until the end of the third postnatal week. However, the major
      target cells of the MF are the interneurons of CA3. Therefore, it has been shown
      that the interneurons of the hilus and stratum lucidum receive this dual
      monosynaptic input on MF stimulation. Because the plasticity of glutamatergic
      transmission from the different terminals of the MF is target specific, we here
      asked whether the corelease of glutamate and GABA was also subjected to a target
      dependent compartmentalization. We analyzed the occurrence and plasticity of MF
      simultaneous glutamatergic-GABAergic signaling onto interneurons of the different
      strata of CA3 in rats during the third postnatal week. We show the coexistence of
      time-locked, glutamate receptor and GABA receptor-mediated mono synaptic
      responses evoked by MF stimulation in interneurons from stratum lucidum and
      stratum radiatum, but not in interneurons from stratum lacunosum-moleculare. As
      expected from the transmission of MF origin, MF GABAergic responses were
      depressed by the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Strikingly,
      while MF glutamatergic responses underwent LTD, the simultaneous MF GABAergic
      responses of stratum lucidum interneurons, but not of stratum radiatum
      interneurons, displayed a Hebbian form of LTP that was mimicked by PKC
      activation. PKA activation potentiated MF glutamatergic responses of stratum
      radiatum interneurons, whereas in stratum lucidum interneurons only GABAergic
      responses were potentiated. We here disclose that the corelease of glutamate and
      GABA, as well as their plasticity are compartmentalized in a target-dependent
      manner, showing counterbalanced compensatory plasticity of two neurotransmitters
      released by different terminals of the same pathway. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The
      mossy fibers transiently corelease glutamate and GABA onto pyramidal cells of
      CA3. We here describe that they can also corelease these amino acids onto
      interneurons, in a target-dependent manner. Many interneurons in stratum lucidum
      and stratum radiatum receive both signals, while those in stratum lacunosum
      moleculare exclusively receive a glutamatergic signal. It is noteworthy that
      glutamatergic LTD, which is known to exist on stratum lucidum interneurons,
      coexists in the same pathway with a presynaptic form of GABAergic LTP, while
      interneurons of stratum radiatum, despite receiving this dual signaling, do not
      display such plasticity. The GABAergic LTP is mimicked with PKA or PKC
      activation. We disclose compartmentalized corelease of glutamate and GABA and its
      differential plasticity from a single pathway onto different interneuron sets.

PMID- 28100755
TI  - Confidentiality of sexual health patients' information - what has history taught
      us and where do we stand?

PMID- 28100751
TI  - Decision-Related Activity in Macaque V2 for Fine Disparity Discrimination Is Not
      Compatible with Optimal Linear Readout.
AB  - : Fine judgments of stereoscopic depth rely mainly on relative judgments of depth
      (relative binocular disparity) between objects, rather than judgments of the
      distance to where the eyes are fixating (absolute disparity). In macaques, visual
      area V2 is the earliest site in the visual processing hierarchy for which neurons
      selective for relative disparity have been observed (Thomas et al., 2002). Here,
      we found that, in macaques trained to perform a fine disparity discrimination
      task, disparity-selective neurons in V2 were highly selective for the task, and
      their activity correlated with the animals' perceptual decisions (unexplained by
      the stimulus). This may partially explain similar correlations reported in
      downstream areas. Although compatible with a perceptual role of these neurons for
      the task, the interpretation of such decision-related activity is complicated by
      the effects of interneuronal "noise" correlations between sensory neurons. Recent
      work has developed simple predictions to differentiate decoding schemes (Pitkow
      et al., 2015) without needing measures of noise correlations, and found that data
      from early sensory areas were compatible with optimal linear readout of
      populations with information-limiting correlations. In contrast, our data here
      deviated significantly from these predictions. We additionally tested this
      prediction for previously reported results of decision-related activity in V2 for
      a related task, coarse disparity discrimination (Nienborg and Cumming, 2006),
      thought to rely on absolute disparity. Although these data followed the predicted
      pattern, they violated the prediction quantitatively. This suggests that optimal
      linear decoding of sensory signals is not generally a good predictor of behavior
      in simple perceptual tasks. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Activity in sensory neurons
      that correlates with an animal's decision is widely believed to provide insights
      into how the brain uses information from sensory neurons. Recent theoretical work
      developed simple predictions to differentiate decoding schemes, and found support
      for optimal linear readout of early sensory populations with information-limiting
      correlations. Here, we observed decision-related activity for neurons in visual
      area V2 of macaques performing fine disparity discrimination, as yet the earliest
      site for this task. These findings, and previously reported results from V2 in a
      different task, deviated from the predictions for optimal linear readout of a
      population with information-limiting correlations. Our results suggest that
      optimal linear decoding of early sensory information is not a general decoding
      strategy used by the brain.

PMID- 28100757
TI  - Pre-exposure prophylaxis: making history.

PMID- 28100752
TI  - Differential Vulnerability of CA1 versus CA3 Pyramidal Neurons After Ischemia:
      Possible Relationship to Sources of Zn2+ Accumulation and Its Entry into and
      Prolonged Effects on Mitochondria.
AB  - : Excitotoxic mechanisms contribute to the degeneration of hippocampal pyramidal
      neurons after recurrent seizures and brain ischemia. However, susceptibility
      differs, with CA1 neurons degenerating preferentially after global ischemia and
      CA3 neurons after limbic seizures. Whereas most studies address contributions of
      excitotoxic Ca2+ entry, it is apparent that Zn2+ also contributes, reflecting
      accumulation in neurons either after synaptic release and entry through
      postsynaptic channels or upon mobilization from intracellular Zn2+-binding
      proteins such as metallothionein-III (MT-III). Using mouse hippocampal slices to
      study acute oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-triggered neurodegeneration, we
      found evidence for early contributions of excitotoxic Ca2+ and Zn2+ accumulation
      in both CA1 and CA3, as indicated by the ability of Zn2+ chelators or Ca2+ entry
      blockers to delay pyramidal neuronal death in both regions. However, using knock
      out animals (of MT-III and vesicular Zn2+ transporter, ZnT3) and channel blockers
      revealed substantial differences in relevant Zn2+ sources, with critical
      contributions of presynaptic release and its permeation through Ca2+- (and Zn2+)
      permeable AMPA channels in CA3 and Zn2+ mobilization from MT-III predominating in
      CA1. To assess the consequences of the intracellular Zn2+ accumulation, we used
      OGD exposures slightly shorter than those causing acute neuronal death; under
      these conditions, cytosolic Zn2+ rises persisted for 10-30 min after OGD,
      followed by recovery over ~40-60 min. Furthermore, the recovery appeared to be
      accompanied by mitochondrial Zn2+ accumulation (via the mitochondrial Ca2+
      uniporter MCU) in CA1 but not in CA3 neurons and was markedly diminished in MT
      III knock-outs, suggesting that it depended upon Zn2+ mobilization from this
      protein. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The basis for the differential vulnerabilities
      of CA1 versus CA3 pyramidal neurons is unclear. The present study of events
      during and after acute oxygen glucose deprivation highlights a possible important
      difference, with rapid synaptic entry of Ca2+ and Zn2+ contributing more in CA3,
      but with delayed and long-lasting accumulation of Zn2+ within mitochondria
      occurring in CA1 but not CA3 pyramidal neurons. These data may be consistent with
      observations of prominent mitochondrial dysfunction as a critical early event in
      the delayed degeneration of CA1 neurons after ischemia and support a hypothesis
      that mitochondrial Zn2+ accumulation in the early reperfusion period may be a
      critical and targetable upstream event in the injury cascade.

PMID- 28100758
TI  - The discovery of Chlamydia trachomatis.

PMID- 28100759
TI  - Increasing rates of reported chemsex/sexualised recreational drug use in men who
      have sex with men attending for postexposure prophylaxis for sexual exposure.

PMID- 28100760
TI  - Street and labour children; special group for elimination of viral hepatitis in
      Iran.

PMID- 28100762
TI  - From testing to screening for STIs.

PMID- 28100761
TI  - The acceptability of self-sampled screening for HPV DNA: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine whether or not self-sampled cervical screening for human
      papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is acceptable and if women prefer self-sampling to
      clinician-based sampling. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA
      SOURCES: Thirty-seven primary studies obtained through a comprehensive search of
      six electronic bibliographic databases from 1986 to 2014 and other sources.
      Search keywords included HPV, screening, DNA testing, vaginal testing, self
      collected specimen, self-collected sample, self-sampling, self-screening,
      preferences and acceptability. REVIEW METHODS: Studies eligible for analysis
      included those that had participants perform self-sampling, evaluated participant
      acceptance of or preference for self-sampled vaginal HPV DNA and reported data to
      calculate an effect size. There were no exclusion criteria for publication status
      or geographical location. Meta-analytic methods were used to quantitatively
      synthesise effect sizes across studies. RESULTS: The 37 studies included 18 516
      female participants from 24 countries across five continents. Overall, there was
      a high level of acceptability of self-sampling among the participants.
      Participants reported preference for self-sampling over clinician sampling due to
      attractive characteristics such as ease and privacy. CONCLUSIONS: The overall
      acceptability of self-sampled cervical screening, coupled with economic and
      effective care, provides opportunities for expanding screening services.
      Importantly, this can provide a creative screening alternative for women who do
      not participate in traditional cytological screening, and may ultimately reduce
      health disparities and prevent cervical disease.

PMID- 28100763
TI  - Clinical round up.

PMID- 28100764
TI  - Drip 'n Ship Versus Mothership for Endovascular Treatment: Modeling the Best
      Transportation Options for Optimal Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is uncertainty regarding the best way for patients
      outside of endovascular-capable or Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSC) to access
      endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke. The role of the nonendovascular
      capable Primary Stroke Centers (PSC) that can offer thrombolysis with alteplase
      but not endovascular treatment is unclear. A key question is whether average
      benefit is greater with early thrombolysis at the closest PSC before
      transportation to the CSC (Drip 'n Ship) or with PSC bypass and direct transport
      to the CSC (Mothership). Ideal transportation options were mapped based on the
      location of their endovascular-capable CSCs and nonendovascular-capable PSCs.
      METHODS: Probability models for endovascular treatment were developed from the
      ESCAPE trial's (Endovascular Treatment for Small Core and Anterior Circulation
      Proximal Occlusion With Emphasis on Minimizing CT to Recanalization Times) decay
      curves and for alteplase treatment were extracted from the Get With The
      Guidelines decay curve. The time on-scene, needle-to-door-out time at the PSC,
      door-to-needle time at the CSC, and door-to-reperfusion time were assumed
      constant at 25, 20, 30, and 115 minutes, respectively. Emergency medical services
      transportation times were calculated using Google's Distance Matrix Application
      Programming Interface interfaced with MATLAB's Mapping Toolbox to create map
      visualizations. RESULTS: Maps were generated for multiple onset-to-first medical
      response times and door-to-needle times at the PSCs of 30, 60, and 90. These
      figures demonstrate the transportation option that yields the better modeled
      outcome in specific regions. The probability of good outcome is shown.
      CONCLUSIONS: Drip 'n Ship demonstrates that a PSC that is in close proximity to a
      CSC remains significant only when the PSC is able to achieve a door-to-needle
      time of <=30 minutes when the CSC is also efficient.

PMID- 28100765
TI  - Acute Transient Vestibular Syndrome: Prevalence of Stroke and Efficacy of Bedside
      Evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of
      stroke and efficacy of bedside evaluation in diagnosing stroke in acute transient
      vestibular syndrome (ATVS). METHODS: We performed a prospective, single-center,
      observational study that had consecutively recruited 86 patients presenting with
      ATVS to the emergency department of Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital
      from January to December 2014. All patients received a constructed evaluation,
      including HINTS plus (head impulse, nystagmus patterns, test of skew, and finger
      rubbing) and brain magnetic resonance imagings. Patients without an obvious cause
      further received perfusion-weighted imaging. Multivariable logistic regression
      was used to determine clinical parameters to identify stroke in ATVS. RESULTS:
      The prevalence of stroke was 27% in ATVS. HINTS plus could not be applied to the
      majority of patients because of the resolution of the vestibular symptoms, and
      magnetic resonance imagings were falsely negative in 43% of confirmed strokes.
      Ten patients (12%) showed unilateral cerebellar hypoperfusion on perfusion
      weighted imaging without an infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging, and 8 of
      them had a focal stenosis or hypoplasia of the corresponding vertebral artery.
      The higher risk of stroke in ATVS was found in association with craniocervical
      pain (odds ratio, 9.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-45.2) and focal neurological
      symptoms/signs (odds ratio, 15.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-93.8).
      CONCLUSIONS: Bedside examination and routine magnetic resonance imagings have a
      limitation in diagnosing strokes presenting with ATVS, and perfusion imaging may
      help to identify strokes in ATVS of unknown cause. Associated craniocervical pain
      and focal neurological symptoms/signs are the useful clues for strokes in ATVS.

PMID- 28100766
TI  - Comparison of a CHOP-LAsp-based protocol with and without maintenance for canine
      multicentric lymphoma.
AB  - The recommendation to treat canine lymphoma with a discontinuous protocol is
      based on small case numbers and mostly historic controls. This study compares
      duration of first remission (DFR) and overall survival time (ST) with a
      discontinuous protocol to the same protocol with maintenance phase. 408 dogs were
      treated with a CHOP-LAsp (C=cyclophosphamide; H=hydroxydaunorubicin; O=Oncovin;
      P=prednisolone; LAsp=l-asparaginase)-based 28-week induction protocol. In 75 dogs
      (cohort 1), this was followed by a maintenance phase consisting of vincristine,
      chlorambucil and actinomycin-D with a total treatment duration of two years. In
      the subsequent 333 dogs, therapy was discontinued after induction (cohort 2).
      Median DFR and ST in cohort 1 were 216 and 375 days and 184 and 304 days in
      cohort 2. 6-Month, 1-year and 2-year survival rates in cohort 1 were 73 per cent,
      50 per cent, 24 per cent and 67 per cent, 39 per cent, 21 per cent in cohort 2.
      There was no significant difference between the two protocols (P=0.291 for ST,
      P=0.071 for DFR). On multivariate analysis, corticosteroid pretreatment
      (P=0.005), thrombocytopenia at diagnosis (P=0.019), stage (P=0.009), substage b
      at relapse (P<0.001), age (P=0.002) and incomplete or unstable remission
      necessitating intensification of therapy (P=0.004) were negatively correlated
      with ST in both groups. This study supports the use of a discontinuous protocol
      for canine multicentric lymphoma.

PMID- 28100767
TI  - Effects of season on bull sperm quality in thawed samples in northern Spain.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible effects of climate
      factors on sperm quality of Holstein dairy bulls housed in northern Spain. Semen
      samples from 11 Holstein dairy bulls were collected and cryopreserved in winter,
      spring and summer. Sperm quality parameters such as motility, morphology, plasma
      membrane integrity, acrosome status, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA
      fragmentation index and reactive oxygen species were assessed. Samples collected
      in spring showed higher mean values of total and progressive motility compared
      with samples collected in winter. Mean values of average path velocity and
      straight-line velocity were higher in spring than in summer. The proportion of
      viable spermatozoa was higher in spring than in winter as was the proportion of
      viable spermatozoa with non-reacted acrosome. The proportion of live cells that
      were not producing superoxide or hydrogen peroxide was higher in samples
      collected in spring than in winter. No differences were found in sperm morphology
      or the DNA fragmentation index among seasons. In conclusion, results suggest that
      sperm quality of bulls housed in northern Spain is affected by season. Samples
      collected in spring appear to have better sperm quality than samples collected in
      other seasons.

PMID- 28100768
TI  - Control of bovine tuberculosis in a farmed red deer herd in England.
AB  - This report describes how Mycobacterium bovis infection was controlled and
      eventually eradicated in a farmed red deer herd in the north of England,
      following sustained tuberculin skin testing supplemented with serological
      (antibody) tests over a period of approximately two years. By taking advantage of
      the anamnestic antibody response produced by the skin test to detect skin test
      negative, antibody-positive infected individuals, a total of 35 additional
      animals were identified, including 2 with gross visible lesions typical of bovine
      tuberculosis (BTB). Without detection and removal, these animals would have posed
      a continued risk of BTB persistence within the herd and potentially contributed
      to the spread of infection from deer into wildlife and surrounding cattle farms
      in an area of low BTB incidence. This case supports the use of ancillary
      diagnostic serological tests to speed up the resolution of incidents of BTB
      caused by M bovis in captive deer herds.

PMID- 28100769
TI  - The Ubiquitin-like with PHD and Ring Finger Domains 1 (UHRF1)/DNA
      Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) Axis Is a Primary Regulator of Cell Senescence.
AB  - As senescence develops, cells sequentially acquire diverse senescent phenotypes
      along with simultaneous multistage gene reprogramming. It remains unclear what
      acts as the key regulator of the collective changes in gene expression at
      initiation of senescent reprogramming. Here we analyzed time series gene
      expression profiles obtained in two different senescence models in human diploid
      fibroblasts: replicative senescence and H2O2-induced senescence. Our results
      demonstrate that suppression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-mediated DNA
      methylation activity was an initial event prior to the display of senescent
      phenotypes. We identified seven DNMT1-interacting proteins, ubiquitin-like with
      PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1), EZH2, CHEK1, SUV39H1, CBX5, PARP1, and
      HELLS (also known as LSH (lymphoid-specific helicase) 1), as being commonly down
      regulated at the same time point as DNMT1 in both senescence models. Knockdown
      experiments revealed that, among the DNMT1-interacting proteins, only UHRF1
      knockdown suppressed DNMT1 transcription. However, UHRF1 overexpression alone did
      not induce DNMT1 expression, indicating that UHRF1 was essential but not
      sufficient for DNMT1 transcription. Although UHRF1 knockdown effectively induced
      senescence, this was significantly attenuated by DNMT1 overexpression, clearly
      implicating the UHRF1/DNMT1 axis in senescence. Bioinformatics analysis further
      identified WNT5A as a downstream effector of UHRF1/DNMT1-mediated senescence.
      Senescence-associated hypomethylation was found at base pairs -1569 to -1363 from
      the transcription start site of the WNT5A gene in senescent human diploid
      fibroblasts. As expected, WNT5A overexpression induced senescent phenotypes.
      Overall, our results indicate that decreased UHRF1 expression is a key initial
      event in the suppression of DNMT1-mediated DNA methylation and in the consequent
      induction of senescence via increasing WNT5A expression.

PMID- 28100770
TI  - Control of Amino Acid Homeostasis by a Ubiquitin Ligase-Coactivator Protein
      Complex.
AB  - Intercellular amino acid transport is essential for the growth of all
      multicellular organisms, and its dysregulation is implicated in developmental
      disorders. By an unknown mechanism, amino acid efflux is stimulated in plants by
      overexpression of a membrane-localized protein (GLUTAMINE DUMPER 1 (GDU1)) that
      requires a ubiquitin ligase (LOSS OF GDU 2 (LOG2). Here we further explore the
      physiological consequences of the interaction between these two proteins. LOG2
      ubiquitin ligase activity is necessary for GDU1-dependent tolerance to exogenous
      amino acids, and LOG2 self-ubiquitination was markedly stimulated by the GDU1
      cytosolic domain, suggesting that GDU1 functions as an adaptor or coactivator of
      amino acid exporter(s). However, other consequences more typical of a ligase
      substrate relationship are observed: disruption of the LOG2 gene increased the in
      vivo half-life of GDU1, mass spectrometry confirmed that LOG2 ubiquitinates GDU1
      at cytosolic lysines, and GDU1 protein levels decreased upon co-expression with
      active, but not enzymatically inactive LOG2. Altogether these data indicate LOG2
      negatively regulates GDU1 protein accumulation by a mechanism dependent upon
      cytosolic GDU1 lysines. Although GDU1-lysine substituted protein exhibited
      diminished in vivo ubiquitination, overexpression of GDU1 lysine mutants still
      conferred amino acid tolerance in a LOG2-dependent manner, consistent with GDU1
      being both a substrate and facilitator of LOG2 function. From these data, we
      offer a model in which GDU1 activates LOG2 to stimulate amino acid export, a
      process that could be negatively regulated by GDU1 ubiquitination and LOG2 self
      ubiquitination.

PMID- 28100771
TI  - Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) Dissociates Hepatosteatosis from Hepatocellular Carcinoma
      in Mice.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma is an end-stage complication of non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease (NAFLD). Inflammation plays a critical role in the progression of
      non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the development of hepatocellular
      carcinoma. However, whether steatosis per se promotes liver cancer, and the
      molecular mechanisms that control the progression in this disease spectrum remain
      largely elusive. The Janus kinase signal transducers and activators of
      transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway mediates signal transduction by numerous
      cytokines that regulate inflammation and may contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis.
      Mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of JAK2 (L-JAK2 KO) develop extensive
      fatty liver spontaneously. We show here that this simple steatosis was
      insufficient to drive carcinogenesis. In fact, L-JAK2 KO mice were markedly
      protected from chemically induced tumor formation. Using the methionine choline
      deficient dietary model to induce steatohepatitis, we found that steatohepatitis
      development was completely arrested in L-JAK2 KO mice despite the presence of
      steatosis, suggesting that JAK2 is the critical factor required for inflammatory
      progression in the liver. In line with this, L-JAK2 KO mice exhibited attenuated
      inflammation after chemical carcinogen challenge. This was associated with
      increased hepatocyte apoptosis without elevated compensatory proliferation, thus
      thwarting expansion of transformed hepatocytes. Taken together, our findings
      identify an indispensable role of JAK2 in hepatocarcinogenesis through regulating
      critical inflammatory pathways. Targeting the JAK-STAT pathway may provide a
      novel therapeutic option for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 28100772
TI  - De Novo Sphingolipid Biosynthesis Is Required for Adipocyte Survival and
      Metabolic Homeostasis.
AB  - Sphingolipids are a diverse class of essential cellular lipids that function as
      structural membrane components and as signaling molecules. Cells acquire
      sphingolipids by both de novo biosynthesis and recycling of exogenous
      sphingolipids. The individual importance of these pathways for the generation of
      essential sphingolipids in differentiated cells is not well understood. To
      investigate the requirement for de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis in adipocytes,
      a cell type with highly regulated lipid metabolism, we generated mice with an
      adipocyte-specific deletion of Sptlc1 Sptlc1 is an obligate subunit of serine
      palmitoyltransferase, the enzyme responsible for the first and rate-limiting step
      of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis. These mice, which initially developed
      adipose tissue, exhibited a striking age-dependent loss of adipose tissue
      accompanied by evidence of adipocyte death, increased macrophage infiltration,
      and tissue fibrosis. Adipocyte differentiation was not affected by the Sptlc1
      deletion. The mice also had elevated fasting blood glucose, fatty liver, and
      insulin resistance. Collectively, these data indicate that de novo sphingolipid
      biosynthesis is required for adipocyte cell viability and normal metabolic
      function and that reduced de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis within adipocytes is
      associated with adipocyte death, adipose tissue remodeling, and metabolic
      dysfunction.

PMID- 28100773
TI  - Targeted Fcgamma Receptor (FcgammaR)-mediated Clearance by a Biparatopic
      Bispecific Antibody.
AB  - Soluble ligands have commonly been targeted by antibody therapeutics for cancers
      and other diseases. Although monoclonal antibodies targeting such ligands can
      block their interactions with their cognate receptors, they can also
      significantly increase the half-life of their ligands by FcRn-mediated antibody
      recycling, thereby evading ligand renal clearance and requiring increasingly high
      antibody doses to neutralize the increasing pool of target. To overcome this
      issue, we generated a bispecific/biparatopic antibody (BiSAb) that targets two
      different epitopes on IL-6 to block IL-6-mediated signaling. The BiSAb formed
      large immune complexes with IL-6 that can bind Fcgamma receptors on phagocytic
      cells and are rapidly internalized. In addition, rapid clearance of the BiSAb.IL
      6 complex was observed in mice while the parental antibodies prolonged the serum
      half-life of IL-6. Intravital imaging of the liver in mice confirmed that the
      rapid clearance of these large immune complexes was associated with Fcgamma
      receptor-dependent binding to Kupffer cells in the liver. The approach described
      here provides a general strategy for therapeutic antibodies with the ability to
      not only neutralize but also actively drive clearance of their soluble antigens.

PMID- 28100775
TI  - Cool-associated Tyrosine-phosphorylated Protein 1 Is Required for the Anchorage
      independent Growth of Cervical Carcinoma Cells by Binding Paxillin and Promoting
      AKT Activation.
AB  - Cool-associated tyrosine-phosphorylated protein 1 (Cat-1) is a signaling scaffold
      as well as an ADP-ribosylation factor-GTPase-activating protein. Although best
      known for its role in cell migration, we recently showed that the ability of Cat
      1 to bind paxillin, a major constituent of focal complexes, is also essential for
      the anchorage-independent growth of HeLa cervical carcinoma cells. Here we set
      out to learn more about the underlying mechanism by which Cat-paxillin
      interactions mediate this effect. We show that knocking down paxillin expression
      in HeLa cells promotes their ability to form colonies in soft agar, whereas
      ectopically expressing paxillin in these cells inhibits this transformed growth
      phenotype. Although knocking down Cat-1 prevents HeLa cells from forming colonies
      in soft agar, when paxillin is knocked down together with Cat-1, the cells are
      again able to undergo anchorage-independent growth. These results suggest that
      the requirement of Cat-1 for this hallmark of cellular transformation is coupled
      to its ability to bind paxillin and abrogate its actions as a negative regulator
      of anchorage-independent growth. We further show that knocking down Cat-1
      expression in HeLa cells leads to a reduction in Akt activation, which can be
      reversed by knocking down paxillin. Moreover, expression of constitutively active
      forms of Akt1 and Akt2 restores the anchorage-independent growth capability of
      HeLa cells depleted of Cat-1 expression. Together, these findings highlight a
      novel mechanism whereby interactions between Cat-1 and its binding partner
      paxillin are necessary to ensure sufficient Akt activation so that cancer cells
      are able to grow under anchorage-independent conditions.

PMID- 28100774
TI  - Loss of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 2 in the Pancreas Links Primary beta-Cell
      Dysfunction to Progressive Depletion of beta-Cell Mass and Diabetes.
AB  - The failure of pancreatic islet beta-cells is a major contributor to the etiology
      of type 2 diabetes. beta-Cell dysfunction and declining beta-cell mass are two
      mechanisms that contribute to this failure, although it is unclear whether they
      are molecularly linked. Here, we show that the cell cycle regulator, cyclin
      dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), couples primary beta-cell dysfunction to the
      progressive deterioration of beta-cell mass in diabetes. Mice with pancreas
      specific deletion of Cdk2 are glucose-intolerant, primarily due to defects in
      glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Accompanying this loss of secretion are
      defects in beta-cell metabolism and perturbed mitochondrial structure. Persistent
      insulin secretion defects culminate in progressive deficits in beta-cell
      proliferation, reduced beta-cell mass, and diabetes. These outcomes may be
      mediated directly by the loss of CDK2, which binds to and phosphorylates the
      transcription factor FOXO1 in a glucose-dependent manner. Further, we identified
      a requirement for CDK2 in the compensatory increases in beta-cell mass that occur
      in response to age- and diet-induced stress. Thus, CDK2 serves as an important
      nexus linking primary beta-cell dysfunction to progressive beta-cell mass
      deterioration in diabetes.

PMID- 28100776
TI  - Crystallographic Snapshots of Class A beta-Lactamase Catalysis Reveal Structural
      Changes That Facilitate beta-Lactam Hydrolysis.
AB  - beta-Lactamases confer resistance to beta-lactam-based antibiotics. There is
      great interest in understanding their mechanisms to enable the development of
      beta-lactamase-specific inhibitors. The mechanism of class A beta-lactamases has
      been studied extensively, revealing Lys-73 and Glu-166 as general bases that
      assist the catalytic residue Ser-70. However, the specific roles of these two
      residues within the catalytic cycle remain not fully understood. To help resolve
      this, we first identified an E166H mutant that is functional but is kinetically
      slow. We then carried out time-resolved crystallographic study of a full cycle of
      the catalytic reaction. We obtained structures that represent apo, ES*-acylation,
      and ES*-deacylation states and analyzed the conformational changes of His-166.
      The "in" conformation in the apo structure allows His-166 to form a hydrogen bond
      with Lys-73. The unexpected "flipped-out" conformation of His-166 in the ES*
      acylation structure was further examined by molecular dynamics simulations, which
      suggested deprotonated Lys-73 serving as the general base for acylation. The
      "revert-in" conformation in the ES*-deacylation structure aligns His-166 toward
      the water molecule that hydrolyzes the acyl adduct. Finally, when the acyl adduct
      is fully hydrolyzed, His-166 rotates back to the "in" conformation of the apo
      state, restoring the Lys-73/His-166 interaction. Using His-166 as surrogate, our
      study identifies distinct conformational changes within the active site during
      catalysis. We suggest that the native Glu-166 executes similar changes in a less
      constricted way. Taken together, this structural series improves our
      understanding of beta-lactam hydrolysis in this important class of enzymes.

PMID- 28100778
TI  - Structure of the Z Ring-associated Protein, ZapD, Bound to the C-terminal Domain
      of the Tubulin-like Protein, FtsZ, Suggests Mechanism of Z Ring Stabilization
      through FtsZ Cross-linking.
AB  - Cell division in most bacteria is mediated by the tubulin-like FtsZ protein,
      which polymerizes in a GTP-dependent manner to form the cytokinetic Z ring. A
      diverse repertoire of FtsZ-binding proteins affects FtsZ localization and
      polymerization to ensure correct Z ring formation. Many of these proteins bind
      the C-terminal domain (CTD) of FtsZ, which serves as a hub for FtsZ regulation.
      FtsZ ring-associated proteins, ZapA-D (Zaps), are important FtsZ regulatory
      proteins that stabilize FtsZ assembly and enhance Z ring formation by increasing
      lateral assembly of FtsZ protofilaments, which then form the Z ring. There are no
      structures of a Zap protein bound to FtsZ; therefore, how these proteins affect
      FtsZ polymerization has been unclear. Recent data showed ZapD binds specifically
      to the FtsZ CTD. Thus, to obtain insight into the ZapD-CTD interaction and how it
      may mediate FtsZ protofilament assembly, we determined the Escherichia coli ZapD
      FtsZ CTD structure to 2.67 A resolution. The structure shows that the CTD docks
      within a hydrophobic cleft in the ZapD helical domain and adopts an unusual
      structure composed of two turns of helix separated by a proline kink. FtsZ CTD
      residue Phe-377 inserts into the ZapD pocket, anchoring the CTD in place and
      permitting hydrophobic contacts between FtsZ residues Ile-374, Pro-375, and Leu
      378 with ZapD residues Leu-74, Trp-77, Leu-91, and Leu-174. The structural
      findings were supported by mutagenesis coupled with biochemical and in vivo
      studies. The combined data suggest that ZapD acts as a molecular cross-linking
      reagent between FtsZ protofilaments to enhance FtsZ assembly.

PMID- 28100777
TI  - Structure-Activity Relationship of alpha Mating Pheromone from the Fungal
      Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum.
AB  - During sexual development ascomycete fungi produce two types of peptide
      pheromones termed a and alpha. The alpha pheromone from the budding yeast
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a 13-residue peptide that elicits cell cycle arrest and
      chemotropic growth, has served as paradigm for the interaction of small peptides
      with their cognate G protein-coupled receptors. However, no structural
      information is currently available for alpha pheromones from filamentous
      ascomycetes, which are significantly shorter and share almost no sequence
      similarity with the S. cerevisiae homolog. High resolution structure of synthetic
      alpha-pheromone from the plant pathogenic ascomycete Fusarium oxysporum revealed
      the presence of a central beta-turn resembling that of its yeast counterpart.
      Disruption of the-fold by d-alanine substitution of the conserved central Gly6
      Gln7 residues or by random sequence scrambling demonstrated a crucial role for
      this structural determinant in chemoattractant activity. Unexpectedly, the growth
      inhibitory effect of F. oxysporum alpha-pheromone was independent of the cognate
      G protein-coupled receptors Ste2 and of the central beta-turn but instead
      required two conserved Trp1-Cys2 residues at the N terminus. These results
      indicate that, despite their reduced size, fungal alpha-pheromones contain
      discrete functional regions with a defined secondary structure that regulate
      diverse biological processes such as polarity reorientation and cell division.

PMID- 28100779
TI  - Intramembrane Proteolysis of Astrotactins.
AB  - Astrotactins are vertebrate-specific membrane proteins implicated in neuron-glia
      interactions during central nervous system development and in hair follicle
      polarity during skin development. By studying epitope-tagged derivatives of mouse
      astrotactin-2 (Astn2) produced in transfected cells, we determined that the amino
      and carboxyl termini reside in the extracellular space and are initially linked
      by two transmembrane segments and a single cytoplasmic domain. We further show
      that Astn2 undergoes proteolytic cleavage in the second transmembrane domain
      (TM2) and that a disulfide bond holds the resulting two fragments together.
      Recombinant Astn1 also undergoes TM2 cleavage, as does Astn2 isolated from mouse
      cerebellum. Astn2 intramembrane proteolysis is insensitive to replacement of TM2
      by the transmembrane domain of CD74 or by 21 alanines. However, replacement of
      TM2 by the transmembrane domain of CD4, the asialoglycoprotein receptor, or the
      transferrin receptor eliminates intramembrane proteolysis, as does leucine
      substitution of residues that overlap or are immediately upstream of the cleavage
      site. Replacement of the transmembrane domain of CD74 or the asialoglycoprotein
      receptor with Astn2 TM2 leads to the appearance of a carboxyl-terminal fragment
      consistent with intramembrane proteolysis. These experiments define a highly
      unusual transmembrane topology for the astrotactins, reveal intramembrane
      proteolysis as a feature of astrotactin maturation, and constrain the substrate
      sequences that are permissive for cleavage of one type 2 transmembrane segment.

PMID- 28100780
TI  - A novel microRNA located in the TrkC gene regulates the Wnt signaling pathway and
      is differentially expressed in colorectal cancer specimens.
AB  - Tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC) is involved in cell survival, apoptosis,
      differentiation, and tumorigenesis. TrkC diverse functions might be attributed to
      the hypothetical non-coding RNAs embedded within the gene. Using bioinformatics
      approaches, a novel microRNA named TrkC-miR2 was predicted within the TrkC gene
      capable of regulating the Wnt pathway. For experimental verification of this
      microRNA, the predicted TrkC-premir2 sequence was overexpressed in SW480 cells,
      which led to the detection of two mature TrkC-miR2 isomiRs, and their endogenous
      forms were detected in human cell lines as well. Later, an independent promoter
      was deduced for TrkC-miR2 after the treatment of HCT116 cells with 5-azacytidine,
      which resulted in differential expression of TrkC-miR2 and TrkC host gene. RT
      quantitative PCR and luciferase assays indicated that the APC2 gene is targeted
      by TrkC-miR2, and Wnt signaling is up-regulated. Also, Wnt inhibition by using
      small molecules along with TrkC-miR2 overexpression and TOP/FOP flash assays
      confirmed the positive effect of TrkC-miR2 on the Wnt pathway. Consistently, TrkC
      miR2 overexpression promoted SW480 cell survival, which was detected by flow
      cytometry, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)
      assays, and crystal violate analysis. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that TrkC-miR2 is
      significantly up-regulated (~70 times) in colorectal tumor tissues compared with
      their normal pairs. Moreover, the TrkC-miR2 expression level discriminated grades
      of tumor malignancies, which was consistent with its endogenous levels in HCT116,
      HT29, and SW480 colorectal cancer cell lines. Finally, an opposite expression
      pattern was observed for TrkC-miR2 and the APC2 gene in colorectal cancer
      specimens. In conclusion, here we introduce TrkC-miR2 as a novel regulator of Wnt
      signaling, which might be a candidate oncogenic colorectal cancer biomarker.

PMID- 28100781
TI  - Biogenesis of a Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Protein in Trypanosoma brucei:
      TARGETING SIGNAL AND DEPENDENCE ON A UNIQUE BIOGENESIS FACTOR.
AB  - The mitochondrial outer membrane (OM) contains single and multiple membrane
      spanning proteins that need to contain signals that ensure correct targeting and
      insertion into the OM. The biogenesis of such proteins has so far essentially
      only been studied in yeast and related organisms. Here we show that POMP10, an OM
      protein of the early diverging protozoan Trypanosoma brucei, is signal-anchored.
      Transgenic cells expressing variants of POMP10 fused to GFP demonstrate that the
      N-terminal membrane-spanning domain flanked by a few positively charged or
      neutral residues is both necessary and sufficient for mitochondrial targeting.
      Carbonate extraction experiments indicate that although the presence of neutral
      instead of positively charged residues did not interfere with POMP10
      localization, it weakened its interaction with the OM. Expression of GFP-tagged
      POMP10 in inducible RNAi cell lines shows that its mitochondrial localization
      depends on pATOM36 but does not require Sam50 or ATOM40, the trypanosomal
      analogue of the Tom40 import pore. pATOM36 is a kinetoplastid-specific OM protein
      that has previously been implicated in the assembly of OM proteins and in
      mitochondrial DNA inheritance. In summary, our results show that although the
      features of the targeting signal in signal-anchored proteins are widely
      conserved, the protein machinery that mediates their biogenesis is not.

PMID- 28100782
TI  - Triphosphate Reorientation of the Incoming Nucleotide as a Fidelity Checkpoint in
      Viral RNA-dependent RNA Polymerases.
AB  - The nucleotide incorporation fidelity of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
      (RdRp) is important for maintaining functional genetic information but, at the
      same time, is also important for generating sufficient genetic diversity to
      escape the bottlenecks of the host's antiviral response. We have previously shown
      that the structural dynamics of the motif D loop are closely related to
      nucleotide discrimination. Previous studies have also suggested that there is a
      reorientation of the triphosphate of the incoming nucleotide, which is essential
      before nucleophilic attack from the primer RNA 3'-hydroxyl. Here, we have used
      31P NMR with poliovirus RdRp to show that the binding environment of the
      triphosphate is different when correct versus incorrect nucleotide binds. We also
      show that amino acid substitutions at residues known to interact with the
      triphosphate can alter the binding orientation/environment of the nucleotide,
      sometimes lead to protein conformational changes, and lead to substantial changes
      in RdRp fidelity. The analyses of other fidelity variants also show that changes
      in the triphosphate binding environment are not always accompanied by changes in
      the structural dynamics of the motif D loop or other regions known to be
      important for RdRp fidelity, including motif B. Altogether, our studies suggest
      that the conformational changes in motifs B and D, and the nucleoside
      triphosphate reorientation represent separable, "tunable" fidelity checkpoints.

PMID- 28100783
TI  - Dual Functional Roles of Molecular Beacon as a MicroRNA Detector and Inhibitor.
AB  - MicroRNAs are essential in many cellular processes. The ability to detect
      microRNAs is important for understanding its function and biogenesis. This study
      is aimed at using a molecular beacon to detect miR-430 in developing zebrafish
      embryos as a proof of principle. miR-430 is crucial for the clearance of maternal
      mRNA during maternal zygotic transition in embryonic development. Despite its
      known function, the temporal and spatial expression of miR-430 remains unclear.
      We used various imaging techniques, including laser scanning confocal microscopy,
      spinning disk, and lightsheet microscopy, to study the localization of miR-430
      and any developmental defects possibly caused by the molecular beacon. Our
      results show that miR-430 is expressed early in development and is localized in
      distinct cytoplasmic granules where its target mRNA can be detected. We also show
      that the designed molecular beacon can inhibit the function of miR-430 and cause
      developmental defect in the brain, notochord, heart, and kidney, depending on the
      delivery site within the embryo, suggesting that miR-430 plays a diverse role in
      embryonic morphogenesis. When compared with morpholino, molecular beacon is 2
      orders of magnitude more potent in inhibiting miR-430. Thus, our results reveal
      that in addition to being used as a valuable tool for the detection of microRNAs
      in vivo, molecular beacons can also be employed to inhibit microRNAs in a
      specific manner.

PMID- 28100784
TI  - Mitochondrial O-GlcNAc Transferase (mOGT) Regulates Mitochondrial Structure,
      Function, and Survival in HeLa Cells.
AB  - O-Linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) catalyzes O-GlcNAcylation of
      target proteins and regulates numerous biological processes. OGT is encoded by a
      single gene that yields nucleocytosolic and mitochondrial isoforms. To date, the
      role of the mitochondrial isoform of OGT (mOGT) remains largely unknown. Using
      high throughput proteomics, we identified 84 candidate mitochondrial
      glycoproteins, of which 44 are novel. Notably, two of the candidate glycoproteins
      identified (cytochrome oxidase 2 (COX2) and NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase core
      subunit 4 (MT-ND4)) are encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Using siRNA in HeLa cells,
      we found that reducing endogenous mOGT expression leads to alterations in
      mitochondrial structure and function, including Drp1-dependent mitochondrial
      fragmentation, reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, and a significant
      loss of mitochondrial content in the absence of mitochondrial ROS. These defects
      are associated with a compensatory increase in oxidative phosphorylation per
      mitochondrion. mOGT is also critical for cell survival; siRNA-mediated knockdown
      of endogenous mOGT protected cells against toxicity mediated by rotenone, a
      complex I inhibitor. Conversely, reduced expression of both nucleocytoplasmic
      (ncOGT) and mitochondrial (mOGT) OGT isoforms is associated with increased
      mitochondrial respiration and elevated glycolysis, suggesting that ncOGT is a
      negative regulator of cellular bioenergetics. Last, we determined that mOGT is
      probably involved in the glycosylation of a restricted set of mitochondrial
      targets. We identified four proteins implicated in mitochondrial biogenesis and
      metabolism regulation as candidate substrates of mOGT, including leucine-rich PPR
      containing protein and mitochondrial aconitate hydratase. Our findings suggest
      that mOGT is catalytically active in vivo and supports mitochondrial structure,
      health, and survival, whereas ncOGT predominantly regulates cellular
      bioenergetics.

PMID- 28100785
TI  - Protein Kinase C Controls Binding of Igo/ENSA Proteins to Protein Phosphatase 2A
      in Budding Yeast.
AB  - Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) plays important roles in controlling mitosis in all
      eukaryotic cells. The form of PP2A that controls mitosis is associated with a
      conserved regulatory subunit that is called B55 in vertebrates and Cdc55 in
      budding yeast. The activity of this form of PP2A can be inhibited by binding of
      conserved Igo/ENSA proteins. Although the mechanisms that activate Igo/ENSA to
      bind and inhibit PP2A are well understood, little is known about how Igo/Ensa are
      inactivated. Here, we have analyzed regulation of Igo/ENSA in the context of a
      checkpoint pathway that links mitotic entry to membrane growth in budding yeast.
      Protein kinase C (Pkc1) relays signals in the pathway by activating PP2ACdc55 We
      discovered that constitutively active Pkc1 can drive cells through a mitotic
      checkpoint arrest, which suggests that Pkc1-dependent activation of PP2ACdc55
      plays a critical role in checkpoint signaling. We therefore used mass
      spectrometry to determine how Pkc1 modifies the PP2ACdc55 complex. This revealed
      that Pkc1 induces changes in the phosphorylation of multiple subunits of the
      complex, as well as dissociation of Igo/ENSA. Pkc1 directly phosphorylates Cdc55
      and Igo/ENSA, and phosphorylation site mapping and mutagenesis indicate that
      phosphorylation of Cdc55 contributes to Igo/ENSA dissociation. Association of
      Igo2 with PP2ACdc55 is regulated during the cell cycle, yet mutation of Pkc1
      dependent phosphorylation sites on Cdc55 and Igo2 did not cause defects in
      mitotic progression. Together, the data suggest that Pkc1 controls PP2ACdc55 by
      multiple overlapping mechanisms.

PMID- 28100786
TI  - Inositol Depletion Induced by Acute Treatment of the Bipolar Disorder Drug
      Valproate Increases Levels of Phytosphingosine.
AB  - Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric illness affecting ~1% of the world
      population. Valproate (VPA) and lithium, widely used for the treatment of BD, are
      not universally effective. These drugs have been shown to cause inositol
      depletion, but translating this observation to a specific therapeutic mechanism
      has been difficult, hampering the development of more effective therapies. We
      have shown previously in yeast that chronic VPA treatment induces the unfolded
      protein response due to increasing ceramide levels. To gain insight into the
      mechanisms activated during acute VPA treatment, we performed a genome-wide
      expression study in yeast treated with VPA for 30 min. We observed increased mRNA
      and protein levels of RSB1, which encodes an exporter of long chain bases
      dihydrosphingosine (DHS) and phytosphingosine (PHS), and further saw that VPA
      increased sensitivity of an rsb1Delta mutant to PHS, suggesting that VPA
      increases long chain base levels. Consistent with this, PHS levels were elevated
      in wild type and, to a greater extent, in rsb1Delta cells. Expression of ORM
      genes (negative regulators of PHS synthesis) and of fatty acid elongase genes
      FEN1 and SUR4 were decreased, and expression of YOR1 (exporter of PHS-1P) and
      DPL1 (lyase that degrades DHS-1P and PHS-1P) was increased. These effects were
      more pronounced in medium lacking inositol, and were mirrored by inositol
      starvation of an ino1Delta mutant. These findings provide a metabolic explanation
      as to how VPA-mediated inositol depletion causes increased synthesis of PHS and
      further support the therapeutic relevance of inositol depletion as a bipolar
      disorder treatment.

PMID- 28100787
TI  - Polymorphic Variants of Human Protein l-Isoaspartyl Methyltransferase Affect
      Catalytic Activity, Aggregation, and Thermal Stability: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE
      ETIOLOGY OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND COGNITIVE AGING.
AB  - Protein l-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT/PCMT1), a product of the human
      pcmt1 gene, catalyzes repair of abnormal l-isoaspartyl linkages in age-damaged
      proteins. Pcmt1 knock-out mice exhibit a profound neuropathology and die 30-60
      days postnatal from an epileptic seizure. Here we express 15 reported variants of
      human PIMT and characterize them with regard to their enzymatic activity, thermal
      stability, and propensity to aggregation. One mutation, R36C, renders PIMT
      completely inactive, whereas two others, A7P and I58V, exhibit activity that is
      80-100% higher than wild type. G175R is highly prone to aggregation and has
      greatly reduced activity. R17S and R17H show markedly enhanced sensitivity to
      thermal denaturation. Based on previous studies of moderate PIMT variation in
      humans and mice, we predict that heterozygosity for R36C, G175R, R17S, and R17H
      will prove detrimental to cognitive function and successful aging, whereas
      homozygosity (if it ever occurs) will lead to severe neurological problems in the
      young.

PMID- 28100788
TI  - Genomic Infectious Disease Epidemiology in Partially Sampled and Ongoing
      Outbreaks.
AB  - Genomic data are increasingly being used to understand infectious disease
      epidemiology. Isolates from a given outbreak are sequenced, and the patterns of
      shared variation are used to infer which isolates within the outbreak are most
      closely related to each other. Unfortunately, the phylogenetic trees typically
      used to represent this variation are not directly informative about who infected
      whom-a phylogenetic tree is not a transmission tree. However, a transmission tree
      can be inferred from a phylogeny while accounting for within-host genetic
      diversity by coloring the branches of a phylogeny according to which host those
      branches were in. Here we extend this approach and show that it can be applied to
      partially sampled and ongoing outbreaks. This requires computing the correct
      probability of an observed transmission tree and we herein demonstrate how to do
      this for a large class of epidemiological models. We also demonstrate how the
      branch coloring approach can incorporate a variable number of unique colors to
      represent unsampled intermediates in transmission chains. The resulting algorithm
      is a reversible jump Monte-Carlo Markov Chain, which we apply to both simulated
      data and real data from an outbreak of tuberculosis. By accounting for unsampled
      cases and an outbreak which may not have reached its end, our method is uniquely
      suited to use in a public health environment during real-time outbreak
      investigations. We implemented this transmission tree inference methodology in an
      R package called TransPhylo, which is freely available from
      https://github.com/xavierdidelot/TransPhylo.

PMID- 28100789
TI  - Complex Evolutionary History of the Mammalian Histone H1.1-H1.5 Gene Family.
AB  - H1 is involved in chromatin higher-order structure and gene regulation. H1 has a
      tripartite structure. The central domain is stably folded in solution, while the
      N- and C-terminal domains are intrinsically disordered. The terminal domains are
      encoded by DNA of low sequence complexity, and are thus prone to short
      insertions/deletions (indels). We have examined the evolution of the H1.1-H1.5
      gene family from 27 mammalian species. Multiple sequence alignment has revealed a
      strong preferential conservation of the number and position of basic residues
      among paralogs, suggesting that overall H1 basicity is under a strong purifying
      selection. The presence of a conserved pattern of indels, ancestral to the
      splitting of mammalian orders, in the N- and C-terminal domains of the paralogs,
      suggests that slippage may have favored the rapid divergence of the subtypes and
      that purifying selection has maintained this pattern because it is associated
      with function. Evolutionary analyses have found evidences of positive selection
      events in H1.1, both before and after the radiation of mammalian orders. Positive
      selection ancestral to mammalian radiation involved changes at specific sites
      that may have contributed to the low relative affinity of H1.1 for chromatin.
      More recent episodes of positive selection were detected at codon positions
      encoding amino acids of the C-terminal domain of H1.1, which may modulate the
      folding of the CTD. The detection of putative recombination points in H1.1-H1.5
      subtypes suggests that this process may has been involved in the acquisition of
      the tripartite H1 structure.

PMID- 28100791
TI  - The Reliability and Stability of an Inferred Phylogenetic Tree from Empirical
      Data.
AB  - The reliability of a phylogenetic tree obtained from empirical data is usually
      measured by the bootstrap probability (Pb) of interior branches of the tree. If
      the bootstrap probability is high for most branches, the tree is considered to be
      reliable. If some interior branches show relatively low bootstrap probabilities,
      we are not sure that the inferred tree is really reliable. Here, we propose
      another quantity measuring the reliability of the tree called the stability of a
      subtree. This quantity refers to the probability of obtaining a subtree (Ps) of
      an inferred tree obtained. We then show that if the tree is to be reliable, both
      Pb and Ps must be high. We also show that Ps is given by a bootstrap probability
      of the subtree with the closest outgroup sequence, and computer program RESTA for
      computing the Pb and Ps values will be presented.

PMID- 28100792
TI  - Evolutionary History of the Asian Horned Frogs (Megophryinae): Integrative
      Approaches to Timetree Dating in the Absence of a Fossil Record.
AB  - Molecular dating studies typically need fossils to calibrate the analyses.
      Unfortunately, the fossil record is extremely poor or presently nonexistent for
      many species groups, rendering such dating analysis difficult. One such group is
      the Asian horned frogs (Megophryinae). Sampling all generic nomina, we combined a
      novel ~5 kb dataset composed of four nuclear and three mitochondrial gene
      fragments to produce a robust phylogeny, with an extensive external morphological
      study to produce a working taxonomy for the group. Expanding the molecular
      dataset to include out-groups of fossil-represented ancestral anuran families, we
      compared the priorless RelTime dating method with the widely used prior-based
      Bayesian timetree method, MCMCtree, utilizing a novel combination of fossil
      priors for anuran phylogenetic dating. The phylogeny was then subjected to
      ancestral phylogeographic analyses, and dating estimates were compared with
      likely biogeographic vicariant events. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that
      previously proposed systematic hypotheses were incorrect due to the paraphyly of
      genera. Molecular phylogenetic, morphological, and timetree results support the
      recognition of Megophryinae as a single genus, Megophrys, with a subgenus level
      classification. Timetree results using RelTime better corresponded with the known
      fossil record for the out-group anuran tree. For the priorless in-group, it also
      outperformed MCMCtree when node date estimates were compared with likely
      influential historical biogeographic events, providing novel insights into the
      evolutionary history of this pan-Asian anuran group. Given a relatively small
      molecular dataset, and limited prior knowledge, this study demonstrates that the
      computationally rapid RelTime dating tool may outperform more popular and complex
      prior reliant timetree methodologies.

PMID- 28100801
TI  - The fallacy of the average: on the ubiquity, utility and continuing novelty of
      Jensen's inequality.
AB  - Biologists often cope with variation in physiological, environmental and
      ecological processes by measuring how living systems perform under average
      conditions. However, performance at average conditions is seldom equal to average
      performance across a range of conditions. This basic property of nonlinear
      averaging - known as 'Jensen's inequality' or 'the fallacy of the average' - has
      important implications for all of biology. For instance, a burgeoning awareness
      of Jensen's inequality has improved our ability to predict how plants and animals
      will respond to a warmer and more variable future climate. But for many
      biologists, the fallacy of the average is still a novel concept. Here, I
      highlight the importance of Jensen's inequality, provide a simple graphical
      approach to understanding its effects, and explore its consequences at atomic,
      molecular, organismal and ecological levels.

PMID- 28100790
TI  - Genome-Wide Analysis in Brazilians Reveals Highly Differentiated Native American
      Genome Regions.
AB  - Despite its population, geographic size, and emerging economic importance,
      disproportionately little genome-scale research exists into genetic factors that
      predispose Brazilians to disease, or the population genetics of risk. After
      identification of suitable proxy populations and careful analysis of tri
      continental admixture in 1,538 North-Eastern Brazilians to estimate individual
      ancestry and ancestral allele frequencies, we computed 400,000 genome-wide locus
      specific branch length (LSBL) Fst statistics of Brazilian Amerindian ancestry
      compared to European and African; and a similar set of differentiation statistics
      for their Amerindian component compared with the closest Asian 1000 Genomes
      population (surprisingly, Bengalis in Bangladesh). After ranking SNPs by these
      statistics, we identified the top 10 highly differentiated SNPs in five genome
      regions in the LSBL tests of Brazilian Amerindian ancestry compared to European
      and African; and the top 10 SNPs in eight regions comparing their Amerindian
      component to the closest Asian 1000 Genomes population. We found SNPs within or
      proximal to the genes CIITA (rs6498115), SMC6 (rs1834619), and KLHL29 (rs2288697)
      were most differentiated in the Amerindian-specific branch, while SNPs in the
      genes ADAMTS9 (rs7631391), DOCK2 (rs77594147), SLC28A1 (rs28649017), ARHGAP5
      (rs7151991), and CIITA (rs45601437) were most highly differentiated in the Asian
      comparison. These genes are known to influence immune function, metabolic and
      anthropometry traits, and embryonic development. These analyses have identified
      candidate genes for selection within Amerindian ancestry, and by comparison of
      the two analyses, those for which the differentiation may have arisen during the
      migration from Asia to the Americas.

PMID- 28100802
TI  - Hydrodynamic detection and localization of artificial flatfish breathing currents
      by harbour seals (Phoca vitulina).
AB  - Harbour seals are known to be opportunistic feeders, whose diet consists mainly
      of pelagic and benthic fish, such as flatfish. As flatfish are often cryptic and
      do not produce noise, we hypothesized that harbour seals are able to detect and
      localize flatfish using their hydrodynamic sensory system (vibrissae), as fish
      emit water currents through their gill openings (breathing currents). To test
      this hypothesis, we created an experimental platform where an artificial
      breathing current was emitted through one of eight different openings. Three
      seals were trained to search for the active opening and station there for 5 s.
      Half of the trials were conducted with the seal blindfolded with an eye mask. In
      blindfolded and non-blindfolded trials, all seals performed significantly better
      than chance. The seals crossed the artificial breathing current (being emitted
      into the water column at an angle of 45 deg to the ground) from different
      directions. There was no difference in performance when the seals approached from
      in front, from behind or from the side. All seals responded to the artificial
      breathing currents by directly moving their snout towards the opening from which
      the hydrodynamic stimulus was emitted. Thus, they were also able to extract
      directional information from the hydrodynamic stimulus. Hydrodynamic background
      noise and the swimming speed of the seals were also considered in this study as
      these are aggravating factors that seals in the wild have to face during
      foraging. By creating near-natural conditions, we show that harbour seals have
      the ability to detect a so-far overlooked type of stimulus.

PMID- 28100803
TI  - A new cue for torpor induction: charcoal, ash and smoke.
AB  - Recent work has shown that the use of torpor for energy conservation increases
      after forest fires in heterothermic mammals, probably in response to the
      reduction of food. However, the specific environmental cues for this increased
      torpor expression remain unknown. It is possible that smoke and the novel
      substrate of charcoal and ash act as signals for an impending period of
      starvation requiring torpor. We therefore tested the hypothesis that the combined
      cues of smoke, a charcoal/ash substrate and food shortage will enhance torpor
      expression in a small forest-dwelling marsupial, the yellow-footed antechinus
      (Antechinus flavipes), because like other animals that live in fire-prone
      habitats they must effectively respond to fires to ensure survival. Activity and
      body temperature patterns of individuals in outdoor aviaries were measured under
      natural environmental conditions. All individuals were strictly nocturnal, but
      diurnal activity was observed shortly after smoke exposure. Overall, torpor in
      females was longer and deeper than that in males. Interestingly, while both males
      and females increased daily torpor duration during food restriction by >2-fold as
      anticipated, a combination of food restriction and smoke exposure on a
      charcoal/ash substrate further increased daily torpor duration by ~2-fold in both
      sexes. These data show that this combination of cues for torpor induction is
      stronger than food shortage on its own. Our study provides significant new
      information on how a small forest-dwelling mammal responds to fire cues during
      and immediately after a fire and identifies a new, not previously recognised,
      regulatory mechanism for thermal biology in mammals.

PMID- 28100804
TI  - Role of the different eyes in the visual odometry in the wolf spider Lycosa
      tarantula (Araneae, Lycosidae).
AB  - The wolf spider Lycosa tarantula returns home by means of path integration.
      Previous studies demonstrated: (i) that the angular component of the outbound run
      is measured using a polarized-light compass associated with the anterior median
      eyes; (ii) changes in direction of the substratum are detected by the anterior
      lateral eyes (ALEs); and (iii) in relation to the linear component of the
      outbound run, an increase of optic flow, in either the lateral or ventral fields
      of view, caused spiders to search for the burrow at a point nearer to the goal.
      However, the role of the secondary eyes [ALEs, posterior lateral eyes (PLEs) and
      posterior median eyes (PMEs)] in the perception of this optic flow and the
      importance of them for gauging the distance walked is still unknown. In this
      study, lateral or ventral gratings of wavelength lambda=1 cm were used, with two
      groups of spiders in each setup: (1) PLEs+PMEs covered and (2) ALEs covered. The
      largest reduction in the distance walked to return to the burrow was observed
      with the ventral grating/ALEs covered. These results show the importance of the
      previously neglected ALEs for the visual behavior of these spiders. The
      possibility of gathering information for locomotion from the three pairs of
      secondary eyes in the mushroom bodies is discussed.

PMID- 28100805
TI  - Differences in mobility at the range edge of an expanding invasive population of
      Xenopus laevis in the west of France.
AB  - Theoretical models predict that spatial sorting at the range edge of expanding
      populations should favor individuals with increased mobility relative to
      individuals at the center of the range. Despite the fact that empirical evidence
      for the evolution of locomotor performance at the range edge is rare, data on
      cane toads support this model. However, whether this can be generalized to other
      species remains largely unknown. Here, we provide data on locomotor stamina and
      limb morphology in individuals from two sites: one from the center and one from
      the periphery of an expanding population of the clawed frog Xenopus laevis in
      France where it was introduced about 30 years ago. Additionally, we provide data
      on the morphology of frogs from two additional sites to test whether the observed
      differences can be generalized across the range of this species in France. Given
      the known sexual size dimorphism in this species, we also test for differences
      between the sexes in locomotor performance and morphology. Our results show
      significant sexual dimorphism in stamina and morphology, with males having longer
      legs and greater stamina than females. Moreover, in accordance with the
      predictions from theoretical models, individuals from the range edge had a
      greater stamina. This difference in locomotor performance is likely to be driven
      by the significantly longer limb segments observed in animals in both sites
      sampled in different areas along the range edge. Our data have implications for
      conservation because spatial sorting on the range edge may lead to an accelerated
      increase in the spread of this invasive species in France.

PMID- 28100806
TI  - The lateral line confers evolutionarily derived sleep loss in the Mexican
      cavefish.
AB  - Sleep is an essential behavior exhibited by nearly all animals, and disruption of
      this process is associated with an array of physiological and behavioral
      deficits. Sleep is defined by changes in sensory gating that reduce sensory input
      to the brain, but little is known about the neural basis for interactions between
      sleep and sensory processing. Blind Mexican cavefish comprise an extant surface
      dwelling form and 29 cave morphs that have independently evolved increased
      numbers of mechanoreceptive lateral line neuromasts and convergent evolution of
      sleep loss. Ablation of the lateral line enhanced sleep in the Pachon cavefish
      population, suggesting that heightened sensory input underlies evolutionarily
      derived sleep loss. Targeted lateral line ablation and behavioral analysis
      localized the wake-promoting neuromasts in Pachon cavefish to superficial
      neuromasts of the trunk and cranial regions. Strikingly, lateral line ablation
      did not affect sleep in four other cavefish populations, suggesting that distinct
      neural mechanisms regulate the evolution of sleep loss in independently derived
      cavefish populations. Cavefish are subject to seasonal changes in food
      availability, raising the possibility that sensory modulation of sleep is
      influenced by metabolic state. We found that starvation promotes sleep in Pachon
      cavefish, and is not enhanced by lateral line ablation, suggesting that
      functional interactions occur between sensory and metabolic regulation of sleep.
      Taken together, these findings support a model where sensory processing
      contributes to evolutionarily derived changes in sleep that are modulated in
      accordance with food availability.

PMID- 28100807
TI  - Cost minimisation analysis of thermometry in two different hospital systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Temperature monitoring can be accomplished by various methods,
      including oral (OT), rectal (RT), axillary (AT), tympanic membrane (TMT) and
      temporal artery (TAT) thermometry, with varying amounts of cost incurred by
      healthcare systems. METHODS: The potential thermometry cost savings in two
      hospital systems-University Hospital Centre Zagreb (UHCZ), which uses TMT (device
      Covidien Genius 2) and University of Michigan Hospitals (UMH), which relies on
      OT, RT and AT (device Welch Allyn suretemp plus 692)-were analysed to evaluate
      institution-wide TAT (device Exergen TAT-5000) implementation. Two scenarios were
      developed: scenario 1, comparing costs for a period of 1, 3 and 5 years; scenario
      2, calculation of the number of measurements per device for TAT to be cost
      effective. RESULTS: At UHCZ, use of TAT would bring budget savings regardless of
      the number of devices per bed and the number of years observed. Savings would
      range from US$0.08 million (one device per bed, impact for 1 year) to US$1.8
      million (one device per 10 beds, impact for 5 years). At UMH, use of TAT would
      lead to budget savings if one device per 10 beds were acquired, but only over a
      period of 3 or 5 years. Other TAT scenarios were associated with budget costs at
      UMH even after a period of 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity analyses showed that
      the price of current consumables had the highest impact on the model in both
      hospital settings, with TAT up to 10 times cheaper in that regard over TMT at
      UHCZ, potentially leading to considerable budget savings within a year of
      hospital-wide implementation.

PMID- 28100808
TI  - Correction for Lund et al., HIV-1-Neutralizing IgA Detected in Genital Secretions
      of Highly HIV-1-Exposed Seronegative Women on Oral Preexposure Prophylaxis.

PMID- 28100809
TI  - Classic Spotlight, 1971 to 1973: Articles of Significant Interest Selected from
      the Journal of Virology Archives by the Editors.

PMID- 28100811
TI  - The molecular speciation of soil-transmitted helminth eggs collected from school
      children across six endemic countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs; Ascaris, Trichuris
      and hookworms) is traditionally based on the demonstration of eggs in stool using
      microscopic techniques. While molecular techniques are more appropriate to
      speciate STH species they are seldom applied. In this study we speciated STH eggs
      from stool using molecular techniques to gain insights into the distribution of
      both human and animal STH species in the human host. METHODS: We speciated 207
      STH egg isolates from stool collected during the baseline survey of six drug
      efficacy trials conducted in Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Tanzania and
      Vietnam applying a PCR - restriction fragment length polymorphisms based
      approach. RESULTS: DNA of Ascaris was detected in 71 (34.3%) samples, of which
      all were identified as the human roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. In 87 (42.0%)
      samples, DNA of Trichuris spp. was found and further speciation demonstrated the
      presence of the human Trichuris trichiura (100%) and the canine Trichuris vulpis
      (n=7; 8.0%; in Cameroon only). Hookworms were identified in 104 (50.2%) samples,
      with Necator americanus (n=73; 70.2%) being the predominant species followed by
      Ancylostoma duodenale (n=40; 38.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that STH
      infections in humans are predominantly caused by human STH species. They also
      suggest that zoonotic transmission occurs on a local scale.

PMID- 28100812
TI  - Problems with equating thermal preference with 'emotional fever' and sentience:
      comment on 'Fish can show emotional fever: stress-induced hyperthermia in
      zebrafish' by Rey et al. (2015).

PMID- 28100813
TI  - Coral calcifying fluid pH is modulated by seawater carbonate chemistry not solely
      seawater pH.
AB  - Reef coral calcification depends on regulation of pH in the internal calcifying
      fluid (CF) in which the coral skeleton forms. However, little is known about
      calcifying fluid pH (pHCF) regulation, despite its importance in determining the
      response of corals to ocean acidification. Here, we investigate pHCF in the coral
      Stylophora pistillata in seawater maintained at constant pH with manipulated
      carbonate chemistry to alter dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration, and
      therefore total alkalinity (AT). We also investigate the intracellular pH of
      calcifying cells, photosynthesis, respiration and calcification rates under the
      same conditions. Our results show that despite constant pH in the surrounding
      seawater, pHCF is sensitive to shifts in carbonate chemistry associated with
      changes in [DIC] and [AT], revealing that seawater pH is not the sole driver of
      pHCF Notably, when we synthesize our results with published data, we identify
      linear relationships of pHCF with the seawater [DIC]/[H+] ratio, [AT]/ [H+] ratio
      and [[Formula: see text]]. Our findings contribute new insights into the
      mechanisms determining the sensitivity of coral calcification to changes in
      seawater carbonate chemistry, which are needed for predicting effects of
      environmental change on coral reefs and for robust interpretations of isotopic
      palaeoenvironmental records in coral skeletons.

PMID- 28100815
TI  - Stress induced hyperthermia in zebrafish: a reply to Key et al.

PMID- 28100814
TI  - Predicting behavioural responses to novel organisms: state-dependent detection
      theory.
AB  - Human activity alters natural habitats for many species. Understanding variation
      in animals' behavioural responses to these changing environments is critical. We
      show how signal detection theory can be used within a wider framework of state
      dependent modelling to predict behavioural responses to a major environmental
      change: novel, exotic species. We allow thresholds for action to be a function of
      reserves, and demonstrate how optimal thresholds can be calculated. We term this
      framework 'state-dependent detection theory' (SDDT). We focus on behavioural and
      fitness outcomes when animals continue to use formerly adaptive thresholds
      following environmental change. In a simple example, we show that exposure to
      novel animals which appear dangerous-but are actually safe-(e.g. ecotourists) can
      have catastrophic consequences for 'prey' (organisms that respond as if the new
      organisms are predators), significantly increasing mortality even when the novel
      species is not predatory. SDDT also reveals that the effect on reproduction can
      be greater than the effect on lifespan. We investigate factors that influence the
      effect of novel organisms, and address the potential for behavioural adjustments
      (via evolution or learning) to recover otherwise reduced fitness. Although
      effects of environmental change are often difficult to predict, we suggest that
      SDDT provides a useful route ahead.

PMID- 28100816
TI  - Diets derived from maize monoculture cause maternal infanticides in the
      endangered European hamster due to a vitamin B3 deficiency.
AB  - From 1735 to 1940, maize-based diets led to the death of hundreds of thousands of
      people from pellagra, a complex disease caused by tryptophan and vitamin B3
      deficiencies. The current cereal monoculture trend restricts farmland animals to
      similarly monotonous diets. However, few studies have distinguished the effects
      of crop nutritional properties on the reproduction of these species from those of
      other detrimental factors such as pesticide toxicity or agricultural ploughing.
      This study shows that maize-based diets cause high rates of maternal infanticides
      in the European hamster, a farmland species on the verge of extinction in Western
      Europe. Vitamin B3 supplementation is shown to effectively restore reproductive
      success in maize-fed females. This study pinpoints how nutritional deficiencies
      caused by maize monoculture could affect farmland animal reproduction and hence
      their fitness.

PMID- 28100817
TI  - Mechanical sensitivity and the dynamics of evolutionary rate shifts in
      biomechanical systems.
AB  - The influence of biophysical relationships on rates of morphological evolution is
      a cornerstone of evolutionary theory. Mechanical sensitivity-the correlation
      strength between mechanical output and the system's underlying morphological
      components-is thought to impact the evolutionary dynamics of form-function
      relationships, yet has rarely been examined. Here, we compare the evolutionary
      rates of the mechanical components of the four-bar linkage system in the
      raptorial appendage of mantis shrimp (Order Stomatopoda). This system's
      mechanical output (kinematic transmission (KT)) is highly sensitive to variation
      in its output link, and less sensitive to its input and coupler links. We found
      that differential mechanical sensitivity is associated with variation in
      evolutionary rate: KT and the output link exhibit faster rates of evolution than
      the input and coupler links to which KT is less sensitive. Furthermore, for KT
      and, to a lesser extent, the output link, rates of evolution were faster in
      'spearing' stomatopods than 'smashers', indicating that mechanical sensitivity
      may influence trait-dependent diversification. Our results suggest that
      mechanical sensitivity can impact morphological evolution and guide the process
      of phenotypic diversification. The connection between mechanical sensitivity and
      evolutionary rates provides a window into the interaction between physical rules
      and the evolutionary dynamics of morphological diversification.

PMID- 28100818
TI  - Lowland biotic attrition revisited: body size and variation among climate change
      'winners' and 'losers'.
AB  - The responses of lowland tropical communities to climate change will critically
      influence global biodiversity but remain poorly understood. If species in these
      systems are unable to tolerate warming, the communities-currently the most
      diverse on Earth-may become depauperate ('biotic attrition'). In response to
      temperature changes, animals can adjust their distribution in space or their
      activity in time, but these two components of the niche are seldom considered
      together. We assessed the spatio-temporal niches of rainforest mammal species in
      Borneo across gradients in elevation and temperature. Most species are not
      predicted to experience changes in spatio-temporal niche availability, even under
      pessimistic warming scenarios. Responses to temperature are not predictable by
      phylogeny but do appear to be trait-based, being much more variable in smaller
      bodied taxa. General circulation models and weather station data suggest
      unprecedentedly high midday temperatures later in the century; predicted
      responses to this warming among small-bodied species range from 9% losses to 6%
      gains in spatio-temporal niche availability, while larger species have close to
      0% predicted change. Body mass may therefore be a key ecological trait
      influencing the identity of climate change winners and losers. Mammal species
      composition will probably change in some areas as temperatures rise, but full
      scale biotic attrition this century appears unlikely.

PMID- 28100819
TI  - Vertically transmitted rhabdoviruses are found across three insect families and
      have dynamic interactions with their hosts.
AB  - A small number of free-living viruses have been found to be obligately vertically
      transmitted, but it remains uncertain how widespread vertically transmitted
      viruses are and how quickly they can spread through host populations. Recent
      metagenomic studies have found several insects to be infected with sigma viruses
      (Rhabdoviridae). Here, we report that sigma viruses that infect Mediterranean
      fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata), Drosophila immigrans, and speckled wood
      butterflies (Pararge aegeria) are all vertically transmitted. We find patterns of
      vertical transmission that are consistent with those seen in Drosophila sigma
      viruses, with high rates of maternal transmission, and lower rates of paternal
      transmission. This mode of transmission allows them to spread rapidly in
      populations, and using viral sequence data we found the viruses in D. immigrans
      and C. capitata had both recently swept through host populations. The viruses
      were common in nature, with mean prevalences of 12% in C. capitata, 38% in D.
      immigrans and 74% in P. aegeria We conclude that vertically transmitted
      rhabdoviruses may be widespread in a broad range of insect taxa, and that these
      viruses can have dynamic interactions with their hosts.

PMID- 28100820
TI  - Support for the reproductive ground plan hypothesis in a solitary bee: links
      between sucrose response and reproductive status.
AB  - In social bees, foraging behaviour is correlated with reproductive status and
      sucrose sensitivity via endocrine pathways. This association led to the
      hypothesis that division of labour in social insect societies is derived from an
      ancestral ground plan that functions to synchronize dietary preferences with
      reproductive needs in solitary insects. However, the relationship between these
      traits is unknown for solitary bees, which represent the ancestral state of
      social bees. We used the proboscis extension response assay to measure sucrose
      response among reproductive females of the solitary alkali bee (Nomia melanderi)
      as a function of acute juvenile hormone (JH) treatments and reproductive
      physiology. We also tested long-term effects of JH on reproductive development in
      newly emerged females. JH did not have short-term effects on reproductive
      physiology or sucrose response, but did have significant long-term effects on
      ovary and Dufour's gland development. Dufour's gland size, not ovary development,
      was a significant predictor of sucrose response. This provides support for the
      reproductive ground plan hypothesis, because the Dufour's gland has conserved
      reproductive functions in bees. Differing results from this study and honeybees
      suggest independent origins of division of labour may have evolved via co-option
      of different components of a conserved ground plan.

PMID- 28100821
TI  - Tail regeneration after autotomy revives survival: a case from a long-term
      monitored lizard population under avian predation.
AB  - Caudal autotomy in lizards has intrigued scientists for more than 100 years.
      Because of the relative lack of literature under natural conditions, the
      complicated association among field autotomy rate, real predation pressure, the
      long-term cost of tail loss, and the benefit of regeneration remains equivocal.
      In this study, we conducted a 7-year capture-mark-recapture (CMR) programme with
      a wild population of a sexually dichromatic lizard, Takydromus viridipunctatus We
      used autotomy indexes and a contemporary bird census mega-dataset of four
      predatory birds as predictors to examine the association between tail loss and
      predation pressure. We further estimated the survival cost of tail loss and
      alleviation by regeneration under natural conditions through CMR modelling. We
      found that large and small avian predators affect lizard survival through the
      following two routes: the larger-sized cattle egret causes direct mortality while
      the smaller shrikes and kestrels are the major causes of autotomy. Following
      autotomy, the survival rate of tailless individuals over the next month was
      significantly lower than that of tailed individuals, especially males during the
      breeding season, which showed a decline of greater than 30%. This sex-related
      difference further demonstrated the importance of reproductive costs for males in
      this sexually dichromatic species. However, the risk of mortality returned to
      baseline after the tails were fully grown. This study indicates the benefit of
      tail regeneration under natural conditions, which increases our understanding of
      the cost-benefit dynamics of caudal autotomy and further explains the maintenance
      of this trait as an evolutionarily beneficial adaption to long-term predator-prey
      interactions.

PMID- 28100822
TI  - Conditional fetal and infant killing by male baboons.
AB  - Sexually selected feticide-the death of infants in utero as a result of male
      behaviour-has only rarely been described or analysed, although it is presumed to
      be favoured by the same selective pressures that favour sexually selected
      infanticide. To test this hypothesis, we measured the frequency of feticide and
      infanticide by male baboons of the Amboseli basin in Kenya, and examined which
      characteristics of a male and his environment made him more likely to commit
      feticide and/or infanticide. We found a dramatic increase in fetal and infant
      death rates, but no increase in death rates of 1- to 2-year-old individuals,
      following the immigration of males who stood to benefit from feticide and
      infanticide. Specifically, fetal and infant death rates were highest following
      immigrations in which: (i) the immigrant male rapidly attained high rank, (ii)
      that male remained consistently resident in the group for at least three months,
      (iii) food availability and social group range overlap was relatively low and
      (iv) relatively many pregnant females and/or dependent infants were present.
      Together, these results provide strong evidence for the existence of both
      sexually selected feticide and infanticide in our population, and they indicate
      that feticide and infanticide are conditional male behavioural strategies
      employed under particular circumstances.

PMID- 28100823
TI  - Conspicuous plumage colours are highly variable.
AB  - Elaborate ornamental traits are often under directional selection for greater
      elaboration, which in theory should deplete underlying genetic variation. Despite
      this, many ornamental traits appear to remain highly variable and how this
      essential variation is maintained is a key question in evolutionary biology. One
      way to address this question is to compare differences in intraspecific
      variability across different types of traits to determine whether high levels of
      variation are associated with specific trait characteristics. Here we assess
      intraspecific variation in more than 100 plumage colours across 55 bird species
      to test whether colour variability is linked to their level of elaboration
      (indicated by degree of sexual dichromatism and conspicuousness) or their
      condition dependence (indicated by mechanism of colour production). Conspicuous
      colours had the highest levels of variation and conspicuousness was the strongest
      predictor of variability, with high explanatory power. After accounting for this,
      there were no significant effects of sexual dichromatism or mechanisms of colour
      production. Conspicuous colours may entail higher production costs or may be more
      sensitive to disruptions during production. Alternatively, high variability could
      also be related to increased perceptual difficulties inherent to discriminating
      highly elaborate colours. Such psychophysical effects may constrain the
      exaggeration of animal colours.

PMID- 28100824
TI  - Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome showed more exacerbations however lower mortality
      than COPD.
AB  - Background: Asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome
      (ACOS) is a new determinate syndrome whose exact characteristics remain unclear.
      Aim: The objective of this study is to find more difference between ACOS and
      COPD. Design: A retrospective study of ACOS and COPD in Chinese. Methods: Data
      from 65 patients with ACOS and 65 patients with COPD were retrospectively
      collected and analyzed. The basis of this study was to compare the two groups
      while ruling out differences in age, sex and smoking history. Results: Patients
      with ACOS tended to have earlier ages of onset, longer durations of symptoms,
      better nutritional status, higher single-breath diffusing capacity of carbon
      monoxide (DLCO) %predicted and airway resistance %predicted, more exacerbations
      in the preceding 12 months and shorter lengths of hospitalization. DLCO
      %predicted, airway resistance %predicted, and length of hospitalization were the
      variables most significantly associated with the presence of ACOS in patients
      with COPD. ROC correlating airway resistance %predicted value and current ACOS
      showed an optimal cutoff of airway resistance %predicted of over 296.6. During
      follow-up (median: 45 months; interquartile range: 6-82 months), 16 patient
      deaths were recorded (3 patients with ACOS). The risk remained significantly
      higher in patients with COPD alone than in patients with ACOS (HR 3.932; 95% CI
      1.083-19.755; P  = 0.046). Conclusion: Patients with ACOS were more likely to
      have better prognoses and lower mortality than those with COPD alone, though with
      greater exacerbation frequency.

PMID- 28100825
TI  - Understanding the cognitive experience of death and the near-death experience.

PMID- 28100826
TI  - Biomechanical properties of wheat grains: the implications on milling.
AB  - Millennia of continuous innovation have driven ever increasing efficiency in the
      milling process. Mechanically characterizing wheat grains and discerning the
      structure and function of the wheat bran layers can contribute to continuing
      innovation. We present novel shear force and puncture force testing regimes to
      characterize different wheat grain cultivars. The forces endured by wheat grains
      during the milling process can be quantified, enabling us to measure the impact
      of commonly applied grain pretreatments, such as microwave heating, extended
      tempering, enzyme and hormone treatments on grains of different 'hardness'. Using
      these methods, we demonstrate the importance of short tempering phases prior to
      milling and identify ways in which our methods can detect differences in the
      maximum force, energy and breaking behaviours of hard and soft grain types. We
      also demonstrate for the first time, endosperm weakening in wheat, through
      hormone stratification on single bran layers. The modern milling process is
      highly refined, meaning that small, cultivar specific, adjustments can result in
      large increases in downstream profits. We believe that methods such as these,
      which enable rapid testing of milling pretreatments and material properties can
      help to drive an innovation process that has been core to our industrial efforts
      since prehistory.

PMID- 28100827
TI  - Insights into resource consumption, cross-feeding, system collapse, stability and
      biodiversity from an artificial ecosystem.
AB  - Community ecosystems at very different levels of biological organization often
      have similar properties. Coexistence of multiple species, cross-feeding,
      biodiversity and fluctuating population dynamics are just a few of the properties
      that arise in a range of ecological settings. Here we develop a bottom-up model
      of consumer-resource interactions, in the form of an artificial ecosystem 'number
      soup', which reflects basic properties of many bacterial and other community
      ecologies. We demonstrate four key properties of the number soup model: (i)
      communities self-organize so that all available resources are fully consumed;
      (ii) reciprocal cross-feeding is a common evolutionary outcome, which evolves in
      a number of stages, and many transitional species are involved; (iii) the evolved
      ecosystems are often 'robust yet fragile', with keystone species required to
      prevent the whole system from collapsing; (iv) non-equilibrium dynamics and
      chaotic patterns are general properties, readily generating rich biodiversity.
      These properties have been observed in empirical ecosystems, ranging from
      bacteria to rainforests. Establishing similar properties in an evolutionary model
      as simple as the number soup suggests that these four properties are ubiquitous
      features of all community ecosystems, and raises questions about how we interpret
      ecosystem structure in the context of natural selection.

PMID- 28100828
TI  - An integrated modelling framework for neural circuits with multiple
      neuromodulators.
AB  - Neuromodulators are endogenous neurochemicals that regulate biophysical and
      biochemical processes, which control brain function and behaviour, and are often
      the targets of neuropharmacological drugs. Neuromodulator effects are generally
      complex partly owing to the involvement of broad innervation, co-release of
      neuromodulators, complex intra- and extrasynaptic mechanism, existence of
      multiple receptor subtypes and high interconnectivity within the brain. In this
      work, we propose an efficient yet sufficiently realistic computational neural
      modelling framework to study some of these complex behaviours. Specifically, we
      propose a novel dynamical neural circuit model that integrates the effective
      neuromodulator-induced currents based on various experimental data (e.g.
      electrophysiology, neuropharmacology and voltammetry). The model can incorporate
      multiple interacting brain regions, including neuromodulator sources, simulate
      efficiently and easily extendable to large-scale brain models, e.g. for
      neuroimaging purposes. As an example, we model a network of mutually interacting
      neural populations in the lateral hypothalamus, dorsal raphe nucleus and locus
      coeruleus, which are major sources of neuromodulator orexin/hypocretin, serotonin
      and norepinephrine/noradrenaline, respectively, and which play significant roles
      in regulating many physiological functions. We demonstrate that such a model can
      provide predictions of systemic drug effects of the popular antidepressants (e.g.
      reuptake inhibitors), neuromodulator antagonists or their combinations. Finally,
      we developed user-friendly graphical user interface software for model simulation
      and visualization for both fundamental sciences and pharmacological studies.

PMID- 28100829
TI  - A mathematical model of tumour angiogenesis: growth, regression and regrowth.
AB  - Cancerous tumours have the ability to recruit new blood vessels through a process
      called angiogenesis. By stimulating vascular growth, tumours get connected to the
      circulatory system, receive nutrients and open a way to colonize distant organs.
      Tumour-induced vascular networks become unstable in the absence of tumour
      angiogenic factors (TAFs). They may undergo alternating stages of growth,
      regression and regrowth. Following a phase-field methodology, we propose a model
      of tumour angiogenesis that reproduces the aforementioned features and highlights
      the importance of vascular regression and regrowth. In contrast with previous
      theories which focus on vessel remodelling due to the absence of flow, we model
      an alternative regression mechanism based on the dependency of tumour-induced
      vascular networks on TAFs. The model captures capillaries at full scale, the
      plastic dynamics of tumour-induced vessel networks at long time scales, and shows
      the key role played by filopodia during angiogenesis. The predictions of our
      model are in agreement with in vivo experiments and may prove useful for the
      design of antiangiogenic therapies.

PMID- 28100830
TI  - Neural bases of recommendations differ according to social network structure.
AB  - Ideas spread across social networks, but not everyone is equally positioned to be
      a successful recommender. Do individuals with more opportunities to connect
      otherwise unconnected others-high information brokers-use their brains
      differently than low information brokers when making recommendations? We test the
      hypothesis that those with more opportunities for information brokerage may use
      brain systems implicated in considering the thoughts, perspectives, and mental
      states of others (i.e. 'mentalizing') more when spreading ideas. We used social
      network analysis to quantify individuals' opportunities for information
      brokerage. This served as a predictor of activity within meta-analytically
      defined neural regions associated with mentalizing (dorsomedial prefrontal
      cortex, temporal parietal junction, medial prefrontal cortex, /posterior
      cingulate cortex, middle temporal gyrus) as participants received feedback about
      peer opinions of mobile game apps. Higher information brokers exhibited more
      activity in this mentalizing network when receiving divergent peer feedback and
      updating their recommendation. These data support the idea that those in
      different network positions may use their brains differently to perform social
      tasks. Different social network positions might provide more opportunities to
      engage specific psychological processes. Or those who tend to engage such
      processes more may place themselves in systematically different network
      positions. These data highlight the value of integrating levels of analysis, from
      brain networks to social networks.

PMID- 28100835
TI  - Good to the last "emulsified" drop.
AB  - Nanoliter scale droplets sealed and encapsulated in solid PEFE polymer shells are
      combined with graphical coding to advance droplet microfluidics.

PMID- 28100832
TI  - Reporter gene imaging of targeted T cell immunotherapy in recurrent glioma.
AB  - High-grade gliomas are aggressive cancers that often become rapidly fatal.
      Immunotherapy using CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), engineered to express
      both herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK) and interleukin-13
      (IL-13) zetakine chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), is a treatment strategy with
      considerable potential. To optimize this and related immunotherapies, it would be
      helpful to monitor CTL viability and trafficking to glioma cells. We show that
      noninvasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 9-[4-[18F]fluoro-3
      (hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine ([18F]FHBG) can track HSV1-tk reporter gene
      expression present in CAR-engineered CTLs. [18F]FHBG imaging was safe and enabled
      the longitudinal imaging of T cells stably transfected with a PET reporter gene
      in patients. Further optimization of this imaging approach for monitoring in vivo
      cell trafficking should greatly benefit various cell-based therapies for cancer.

PMID- 28100836
TI  - A sterile animal model for neuroinflammation?
AB  - MRI-guided pulsed focused ultrasound combined with systemic infusion of contrast
      agent microbubbles induces local neuroinflammation in the rat.

PMID- 28100834
TI  - Soft robotic sleeve supports heart function.
AB  - There is much interest in form-fitting, low-modulus, implantable devices or soft
      robots that can mimic or assist in complex biological functions such as the
      contraction of heart muscle. We present a soft robotic sleeve that is implanted
      around the heart and actively compresses and twists to act as a cardiac
      ventricular assist device. The sleeve does not contact blood, obviating the need
      for anticoagulation therapy or blood thinners, and reduces complications with
      current ventricular assist devices, such as clotting and infection. Our approach
      used a biologically inspired design to orient individual contracting elements or
      actuators in a layered helical and circumferential fashion, mimicking the
      orientation of the outer two muscle layers of the mammalian heart. The resulting
      implantable soft robot mimicked the form and function of the native heart, with a
      stiffness value of the same order of magnitude as that of the heart tissue. We
      demonstrated feasibility of this soft sleeve device for supporting heart function
      in a porcine model of acute heart failure. The soft robotic sleeve can be
      customized to patient-specific needs and may have the potential to act as a
      bridge to transplant for patients with heart failure.

PMID- 28100831
TI  - Coexistence of potent HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies and antibody
      sensitive viruses in a viremic controller.
AB  - Some HIV-1-infected patients develop broad and potent HIV-1 neutralizing
      antibodies (bNAbs) that when passively transferred to mice or macaques can treat
      or prevent infection. However, bNAbs typically fail to neutralize coexisting
      autologous viruses due to antibody-mediated selection against sensitive viral
      strains. We describe an HIV-1 controller expressing HLA-B57*01 and HLA-B27*05 who
      maintained low viral loads for 30 years after infection and developed broad and
      potent serologic activity against HIV-1. Neutralization was attributed to three
      different bNAbs targeting nonoverlapping sites on the HIV-1 envelope trimer
      (Env). One of the three, BG18, an antibody directed against the glycan-V3 portion
      of Env, is the most potent member of this class reported to date and, as revealed
      by crystallography and electron microscopy, recognizes HIV-1 Env in a manner that
      is distinct from other bNAbs in this class. Single-genome sequencing of HIV-1
      from serum samples obtained over a period of 9 years showed a diverse group of
      circulating viruses, 88.5% (31 of 35) of which remained sensitive to at least one
      of the temporally coincident autologous bNAbs and the individual's serum. Thus,
      bNAb-sensitive strains of HIV-1 coexist with potent neutralizing antibodies that
      target the virus and may contribute to control in this individual. When
      administered as a mix, the three bNAbs controlled viremia in HIV-1YU2-infected
      humanized mice. Our finding suggests that combinations of bNAbs may contribute to
      control of HIV-1 infection.

PMID- 28100837
TI  - ERAD-icating mutant insulin promotes functional insulin secretion.
AB  - Overexpression of a chaperone protein liberates functional insulin from a
      misfolded mutant partner to improve insulin secretion.

PMID- 28100838
TI  - CAR T cells engage in anticancer martial arts.
AB  - A clever redesign of the chimeric antigen receptor T cell concept turns a cancer
      mediated immunosuppressive cytokine into a growth signal.

PMID- 28100840
TI  - Sialic acids in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
AB  - Altered glycosylation is a universal characteristic of cancer cells, and various
      types of glycan structures are well-known markers of tumor progression and
      invasion. The present article discusses this aspect of the role of sialic acid,
      biosynthesis of sialylglycoconjugates and the genetic basis of its disorder, as
      well as the effects and the correlation between altered sialylation and clinical
      prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Only a few studies
      concerning the level of sialic acid in head and neck tumors have been conducted
      so far. The conclusions of the published reports dedicated to that problem
      confirm the presence of elevated levels of total sialic acid in these tumors. The
      authors do not always agree with the level of free or associated form of sialic
      acid correlated with tumor size, severity of the condition, and lymph nodes.
      Comparing the progress that has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of other
      cancers thanks to extensive work on the role of sialic acids, we come to the
      conclusion that only further detailed studies of this subject in relation to
      HNSCC are able to answer the question whether the extent of glycoforms of sialic
      acid may act as a tumor marker or target of immunotherapy.

PMID- 28100833
TI  - Follicular CD8 T cells accumulate in HIV infection and can kill infected cells in
      vitro via bispecific antibodies.
AB  - Cytolytic CD8 T cells play a crucial role in the control and elimination of virus
      infected cells and are a major focus of HIV cure efforts. However, it has been
      shown that HIV-specific CD8 T cells are infrequently found within germinal
      centers (GCs), a predominant site of active and latent HIV infection. We
      demonstrate that HIV infection induces marked changes in the phenotype,
      frequency, and localization of CD8 T cells within the lymph node (LN).
      Significantly increased frequencies of CD8 T cells in the B cell follicles and
      GCs were found in LNs from treated and untreated HIV-infected individuals. This
      profile was associated with persistent local immune activation but did not appear
      to be directly related to local viral replication. Follicular CD8 (fCD8) T cells,
      despite compromised cytokine polyfunctionality, showed good cytolytic potential
      characterized by high ex vivo expression of granzyme B and perforin. We used an
      anti-HIV/anti-CD3 bispecific antibody in a redirected killing assay and found
      that fCD8 T cells had better killing activity than did non-fCD8 T cells. Our
      results indicate that CD8 T cells with potent cytolytic activity are recruited to
      GCs during HIV infection and, if appropriately redirected to kill HIV-infected
      cells, could be an effective component of an HIV cure strategy.

PMID- 28100842
TI  - Prognostic value of thymidine kinase activity in patients with chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Thymidine kinase (TK) activity is a marker of biological activity that allows the
      indolent and aggressive forms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to be
      distinguished. The aims of the study were to determine the relationship between
      TK activity and clinical status and prognosis, as well as to compare its activity
      with that of other prognostic and predictive factors. TK activity was measured in
      patient sera at the time of diagnosis using the DiviTum method, with the mean
      value being 439 Du/L. A correlation was found between TK activity and risk of
      disease progression (p=0.045). The optimal discriminative value of TK activity in
      the prediction of CLL progression was found to be 600 Du/L. TK activity
      significantly differed between the patients who achieved complete remission and
      those who only partially responded to therapy. In 93% of patients without any
      response to treatment and 18 out of 20 patients with progressive disease, TK
      activity over 600 Du/L was noted. In addition, all of the 10 patients with 17p13
      deletion displayed TK activity of over 600 Du/L (p=0.0004). High TK activity also
      correlated with elevated levels of LDH (p=0.001) and beta2-microglobulin (p=0.03)
      in the study group. The results of the study indicated the importance of TK
      activity as a prognostic factor in patients with CLL.

PMID- 28100841
TI  - Cannabinoids - a new weapon against cancer?
AB  - Cannabis has been cultivated by man since Neolithic times. It was used, among
      others for fiber and rope production, recreational purposes and as an excellent
      therapeutic agent. The isolation and characterization of the structure of one of
      the main active ingredients of cannabis - Delta9 - tetrahydrocannabinol as well
      the discovery of its cannabinoid binding receptors CB1 and CB2, has been a
      milestone in the study of the possibilities of the uses of Cannabis sativa and
      related products in modern medicine. Many scientific studies indicate the
      potential use of cannabinoids in the fight against cancer. Experiments carried
      out on cell lines in vitro and on animal models in vivo have shown that
      phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids and their analogues
      can lead to inhibition of the growth of many tumor types, exerting cytostatic and
      cytotoxic neoplastic effect on cells thereby negatively influencing neo
      angiogenesis and the ability of cells to metastasize. The main molecular
      mechanism leading to inhibition of proliferation of cancer cells by cannabinoids
      is apoptosis. Studies have shown, however, that the process of apoptosis in
      cells, treated with recannabinoids, is a consequence of induction of endoplasmic
      reticulum stress and autophagy. On the other hand, in the cellular context and
      dosage dependence, cannabinoids may enhance the proliferation of tumor cells by
      suppressing the immune system or by activating mitogenic factors. Leading from
      this there is a an obvious need to further explore cannabinoid associated
      molecular pathways making it possible to develop safe therapeutic drug agents for
      patients in the future.

PMID- 28100839
TI  - Tyrosine kinase blocking collagen IV-derived peptide suppresses ocular
      neovascularization and vascular leakage.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-neutralizing proteins provide benefit
      in several retinal and choroidal vascular diseases, but some patients still
      experience suboptimal outcomes, and the need for frequent intraocular injections
      is a barrier to good outcomes. A mimetic peptide derived from collagen IV,
      AXT107, suppressed subretinal neovascularization (NV) in two mouse models
      predictive of effects in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) and
      inhibited retinal NV in a model predictive of effects in ischemic retinopathies.
      A combination of AXT107 and the current treatment aflibercept suppressed
      subretinal NV better than either agent alone. Furthermore, AXT107 caused
      regression of choroidal NV. AXT107 reduced the VEGF-induced vascular leakage that
      underlies macular edema in ischemic retinopathies and NVAMD. In rabbit eyes,
      which are closer to the size of human eyes, intraocular injection of AXT107
      significantly reduced VEGF-induced vascular leakage by 86% at 1 month and 70% at
      2 months; aflibercept significantly reduced leakage by 69% at 1 month and did not
      reduce leakage at 2 months, demonstrating the longer effectiveness of AXT107.
      AXT107 reduced ligand-induced phosphorylation of multiple receptors: VEGFR2, c
      Met, and PDGFRbeta. Optimal signaling through these receptors requires complex
      formation with beta3 integrin, which was reduced by AXT107 binding to alphavbeta3
      AXT107 also reduced total VEGFR2 levels by increasing internalization,
      ubiquitination, and degradation. This biomimetic peptide is a sustained,
      multitargeted therapy that may provide advantages over intraocular injections of
      specific VEGF-neutralizing proteins.

PMID- 28100843
TI  - Pathophysiology and molecular basis of selected metabolic abnormalities in
      Huntington's disease.
AB  - Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable, devastating neurodegenerative disease
      with a known genetic background and autosomally dominant inheritance pattern. HTT
      gene mutation (mHTT) is associated with polymorphic fragment elongation above 35
      repeats of the CAG triplet. The mHTT product is an altered protein with a poly-Q
      elongated fragment, with the highest expression determined in the central nervous
      system (CNS) and with differentiated expression outside the CNS. A drastic loss
      of striatal and deeper layers of the cerebral cortex neurons was determined in
      the CNS, but muscle and body weight mass loss with dysfunction of many organs was
      also observed. HD symptoms include neurological disturbances, such as choreal
      movements with dystonia, speech and swallowing impairments, and additionally a
      variety of psychiatric and behavioral symptoms with cognitive decline have been
      described. They are the result of disturbances of several cellular pathways
      related to signal transmission, mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism
      impairment shown by gene and protein expression and alteration of their
      functions. Impairment of energy processes demonstrated by a decrease of ATP
      production and increase of oxidative stress markers was determined in- and
      outside of the CNS in glycolysis, the Krebs cycle and the electron transport
      chain. A correlation between the increase of energy metabolism impairment level
      and the increase in number of CAG repeats in HTT has often been described. The
      energy metabolism study is an initial stage of sensitive biomarkers and a new
      therapeutic investigative option for early application in order to inhibit
      pathological processes in HD. Identification of pathological changes outside the
      CNS requires a reevaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic rules in HD.

PMID- 28100844
TI  - Phospholipids and products of their hydrolysis as dietary preventive factors for
      civilization diseases.
AB  - The results of numerous epidemiological studies indicate that phospholipids play
      an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases faced by contemporary
      society. Firstly, these compounds are responsible for the proper functioning of
      cell membranes, by ensuring liquidity and permeability, which is pivotal for
      normal activity of membrane proteins, including receptors. These mechanisms are
      at the core of prevention of cancer, autoimmune or neurological disorders.
      Secondly, structure and properties of phospholipids cause that they are highly
      available source of biologically active fatty acids. Thirdly, also products of
      endogenous hydrolysis of phospholipids exhibit biological activity. These include
      lysophospholipids formed as a result of disconnecting free fatty acid from
      glycerophospholipids in the reaction catalyzed by phospholipase A, phosphatidic
      acid and hydrophilic subunits released by the activity of phospholipase D. The
      bioactive products of hydrolysis also include ceramides liberated from
      phosphosphingolipids after removal of a hydrophilic unit catalyzed by
      sphingomyelinase. Phospholipids are supplied to the human body with food. A high
      content of phospholipids is characteristic for egg yolk, liver, pork and poultry,
      as well as some soy products. Particularly beneficial are phospholipids derived
      from seafood because they are a rich source of essential fatty acids of the n-3
      family.

PMID- 28100846
TI  - Regulatory lymphocytes in thyroid orbitopathy and autoimmune thyroid diseases.
AB  - Thyroid orbitopathy (OT), as an organ-specific autoimmune disease, is a result of
      immune dysregulation leading to loss of control over inflammation directed
      against self-antigens. The source of the autoreactive lymphocytes is the
      impairment of central tolerance as well as their induction on the periphery by
      modified or sequestered by that time antigens. Active suppression by the various
      subpopulations of regulatory lymphocytes (Lreg) acts as a counterbalance to the
      proinflammatory factors and is aimed at dampening pathological reaction. Thereby,
      qualitative or quantitative shortfalls of Lreg play a critical role in the
      development of autoimmune diseases. Giving direction to Lreg-based therapy and
      restoring the dynamic balance seem to be of crucial importance, especially in
      diseases such as OT, where the causative self-antigen is not yet unequivocally
      elucidated. Technical difficulties with isolation and assessment of Lreg function
      in vitro as well as lack of unification of research protocols make the findings
      non-comparable, inconclusive and sometimes even conflicting. Lack of a Tregs'
      (regulatory T cells) specific set of surface markers makes the demethylation
      status analysis of TSDR (Treg specific demethylated region) FOXP3 (forkhead box
      P3) locus the most reliable method of their quantification. Despite numerous
      discrepancies between research findings, most of them point to Lreg's pivotal
      role in immune disturbances, which form the basis of OT and autoimmune thyroid
      diseases (AITD).

PMID- 28100845
TI  - Role of prometastatic factors in gastric cancer development.
AB  - The second half of the 20th century has seen a sharp worldwide decline in both
      the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer. Despite this, gastric cancer is
      the most common cause of mortality in the world. It is closely related to the
      commonly asymptomatic course at the beginning and delayed diagnosis.
      Approximately 90-97% of stomach cancers are adenocarcinomas, which may be
      subdivided histologically into two categories - intestinal type, and diffuse
      type. Cancer metastasis is a complex multi-step process that is closely
      associated with tumor phenotype. The most important steps in the metastasis
      process are proteolytic activity, migration, adhesion, proliferation, and
      neovascularization. In this review we focus on mechanisms regulating gastric
      cancer metastasis.

PMID- 28100847
TI  - Genetic background of aberrant thermogenin expression (UCP1) in obesity leading
      to metabolic syndrome.
AB  - Cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances individually and interdependently lead
      to chronic pathological conditions observed in cardio-metabolic diseases (CMDs).
      In Europe, the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease are the
      highest among all diseases. Therefore, it seems important to search for new and
      alternative therapies for obesity, which is the main cause of type 2 diabetes
      (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CD). Great attention has been paid to the role
      of brown adipose tissue in fat burning and the possibility of transformation of
      the white adipose tissue to cells with brown adipose tissue function as a
      potential form of treatment of obesity. The best-characterized marker of brown
      adipose tissue is uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which has the ability to dissipate
      energy as heat in the process called non-shivering thermogenesis. Numerous
      studies have shown that altered expression of this protein can lead to
      disturbances in fat metabolism. One possible reason for the aberrant expression
      of UCP1 may be inherited variations in the gene encoding that protein. Therefore,
      several studies investigating the role of polymorphisms in the gene encoding UCP1
      in susceptibility to obesity or metabolic syndrome have been performed. Here we
      summarize the results of studies describing the associations between the UCP1
      gene polymorphisms A-3826G, A-1766G, Met229Leu and Ala64Thr and polymorphism
      Trp64Arg in the beta3-AR gene, their correlations and their associations with the
      occurrence of metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 28100848
TI  - Influence of 28-O-propynoylbetulin on proliferation and apoptosis of melanotic
      and amelanotic human melanoma cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A relatively new approach in treatment of malignant melanoma is the
      use of betulin and its synthetic derivatives that have anticancer properties. The
      aim of the study was to determine the effect of an acetylenic derivative of
      betulin, 28-O-propynoylbetulin, on cell growth and apoptosis induction in human
      melanotic and amelanotic melanoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The A2058 and C32
      cell lines were incubated with 28-O-propynoylbetulin (working solutions from 0.1
      to 10 MUg/ml). To evaluate cell proliferation, a sulforhodamine B based assay was
      conducted. In order to elucidate the early stages of apoptosis in both melanoma
      cell lines, caspase-3 activity was evaluated. RESULTS: The administration of 28-O
      propynoylbetulin at a concentration equal to or less than 1 MUg/ml did not cause
      a statistically significant change in the cell proliferation in either melanoma
      cell line (compared to control, p>0.05). Higher concentrations of the compound (3
      and 10 MUg/ml) inhibited the cell growth (in comparison to control, p<0.05).
      These results corresponded with caspase-3 activity results that revealed an
      increase of enzyme activity after 24-hour incubation with 3 and 10 MUg/ml of the
      compound (compared to control, p<0.05). DISCUSSION: The study revealed that 28-O
      propynoylbetulin may have diverse effects on melanoma cells and could be a strong
      inhibitor of cell growth (C32 cells) or exert a more potent proapoptotic effect
      (A2058 cells). These findings support the possibility of the use of EB5 in
      different antimelanoma approaches.

PMID- 28100849
TI  - The role genes encoding of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and
      their ligands in susceptibility to and progression of HIV infection.
AB  - NK cells are a part of the innate antiviral response. Their activity is regulated
      by signals from the surface receptors. Some of them, known as killer cell
      immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), determine the quality and intensity of the
      immunological response, together with their ligands (HLA class I). KIR genes are
      very polymorphic, and this is reflected in the NK activity modulation. The
      stimulation of NK cells, especially in the early stages of the infection, can
      reduce the transmission of HIV or slow down the progression of infection. The
      varied KIR/HLA repertoire is a limiting factor for the risk of HIV infection and
      disease progression. Such diversity enables optimal regulation of NK cells and
      maintenance of the balance between activation to eliminate infected cells and
      inhibition. The control of NK cell activity via KIR3DL1/3DS1 and HLA-Bw4
      (especially Bw4-80I) seems to be very important in the HIV context. With a few
      exceptions, it leads to a reduction of susceptibility to HIV infection and better
      viremia control, and slows down depletion of CD4+ T cells. Incompatibility of
      sexual partners for KIRs and HLA may oblige NK cells from the exposed partner to
      reject incoming cells from the HIV-positive partner. The presence of the
      inhibitory KIR, in the absence of its ligand, results in a lower threshold of NK
      cell activation, which reduces the chance of infection. The presence of an
      inhibitory receptor with a low affinity to the ligand (KIR2DL3+HLA-C1) is
      associated with lower susceptibility, and the effective NK cell inhibition
      (KIR2DL2+HLA-C1) results in increased susceptibility to HIV infection. The
      advantage of activating KIRs, especially in the presence of their ligands, is
      associated with higher cytolytic abilities, and thus reduced risk of HIV
      infection. If the virus is not eliminated in an early stage of infection, massive
      activation of NK is unfavorable due to the excessive stimulation of the immune
      system.

PMID- 28100850
TI  - Molecular characteristic and physiological role of DOPA-decarboxylase.
AB  - The enzyme DOPA decarboxylase (aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase, DDC) plays an
      important role in the dopaminergic system and participates in the uptake and
      decarboxylation of amine precursors in the peripheral tissues. Apart from
      catecholamines, DDC catalyses the biosynthesis of serotonin and trace amines. It
      has been shown that the DDC amino acid sequence is highly evolutionarily
      conserved across many species. The activity of holoenzyme is regulated by
      stimulation/blockade of membrane receptors, phosphorylation of serine residues,
      and DDC interaction with regulatory proteins. A single gene codes for DDC both in
      neuronal and non-neuronal tissue, but synthesized isoforms of mRNA differ in the
      5' UTR and in the presence of alternative exons. Tissue-specific expression of
      the DDC gene is controlled by two spatially distinct promoters - neuronal and non
      neuronal. Several consensus sequences recognized by the HNF and POU family
      proteins have been mapped in the neuronal DDC promoter. Since DDC is located
      close to the imprinted gene cluster, its expression can be subjected to tightly
      controlled epigenetic regulation. Perturbations in DDC expression result in a
      range of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders and correlate with
      neoplasia. Apart from the above issues, the role of DDC in prostate cancer,
      bipolar affective disorder, Parkinson's disease and DDC deficiency is discussed
      in our review. Moreover, novel and prospective clinical treatments based on gene
      therapy and stem cells for the diseases mentioned above are described.

PMID- 28100851
TI  - Effects of Propofol on Oxidative Stress Parameters in Selected Parts of the Brain
      in a Rat Model of Parkinson Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Propofol is an intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent that is commonly
      used to induce and maintain general anaesthesia. This drug has antioxidant
      properties, which are partly caused by a phenolic structure similar to alpha
      tocopherol. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of propofol on the
      level of oxidative stress biomarkers in the frontal cortex, striatum, thalamus,
      hippocampus and cerebellum in rats with experimental Parkinson's disease (PD).
      MATERIAL/METHODS: The experiment was performed on 24 male Wistar rats assigned to
      the following groups: 1 - control; 2 - PD; 3 - PD with propofol. The dopaminergic
      systems were damaged with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) administered to each lateral
      ventricle (2x15 MUg/5 MUl). 60 mg/kg of propofol was later given to the 8-week
      old rats intraperitoneally. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its
      enzymes Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD, together with the malondialdehyde (MDA)
      concentration, total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC),
      were measured. RESULTS: In the 2nd group, a significant increase in MDA
      concentration in the striatum, hippocampus and thalamus, and an increase of TOS
      in the striatum, thalamus and cerebellum were noted, along with a TAC decrease in
      the cortex, striatum and thalamus. Propofol caused a significant decrease in MDA
      levels in the cortex, striatum, hippocampus and thalamus, and a decrease in TOS
      levels in the cortex, striatum and cerebellum, with increased TAC in all
      evaluated structures. CONCLUSIONS: A shortage of natural antioxidants is observed
      in PD, along with an increase in pro-oxidants in many brain areas. Propofol
      inhibits oxidative stress in the brain, which shows its neuroprotective
      properties against oxidative damage.

PMID- 28100852
TI  - Allergenicity of milk of different animal species in relation to human milk.
AB  - Protein content in cow milk (with over 20 proteins, and peptides may also occur
      as a result of enzymatic hydrolysis) ranges from 2.5% to 4.2% and is about 1.5-2
      times higher than in human milk. Its most important allergens are considered to
      be beta-lactoglobulin (absent in human milk) and alphas1-casein. The most similar
      in composition to human milk is horse and donkey milk. It contains considerably
      more whey proteins (35-50%) than cow milk (about 20%), and the concentration of
      the most allergenic casein fraction alphas1 is 1.5-2.5 g/l. In comparison, the
      content of alphas1-casein in cow milk is about 10 g/l. beta-lactoglobulin present
      in donkey milk is a monomer, while in milk of ruminants it is a dimer. Like human
      milk, it contains a substantial amount of lactose (about 7%), which determines
      its flavour and facilitates calcium absorption. The high lysozyme content (about
      1 g/l) gives it antibacterial properties (compared to trace amounts in
      ruminants). Camel milk is also more digestible and induces fewer allergic
      reactions, because it lacks beta-lactoglobulin, and its beta-casein has a
      different structure. It also contains (compared to cow milk) more antibacterial
      substances such as lysozyme, lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, and furthermore the
      number of immunoglobulins is compatible with human ones. Goat milk components
      have a higher degree of assimilability as compared to cow milk. Its main protein
      is beta-casein, with total protein content depending on the alphas1-casein
      genetic variant. Goats with the '0' variant do not synthesize this allergenic
      protein. Clinical and immunochemical studies indicate, however, that it cannot be
      a substitute for cow milk without the risk of an anaphylactic reaction.

PMID- 28100853
TI  - Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of bioactive phytochemicals from
      cranberry.
AB  - In the rational human diet, the important role of fruits and vegetables, which
      are a source of bioactive phytochemicals, is emphasized. Among fruits particular
      attention, due to a number of documented health-promoting properties, is focused
      on cranberry. This fruit is characterized by the high content of antioxidant
      phenolic compounds, which may support the natural antioxidant defense system of
      the body in the prevention of damage caused by oxidative stress induced by
      reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, cranberry is suggested for the
      prevention of civilization diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and
      cancer, whose etiology is associated directly with oxidative stress. The health
      promoting potential of cranberry is also associated with its antibacterial
      activity resulting from the presence of proanthocyanidins (PAC) type A with
      documented anti-adherence properties. The best-established medical applications
      of cranberry fruits are prevention and treatment of bacterial infections of the
      urinary tract (UTI), infections of gastric mucosa, and infections of the oral
      cavity. Due to the widespread use of cranberry and pharmaceutical preparations
      containing PACs in treating UTI, it is very important to evaluate the absorption,
      bioavailability and metabolism of these compounds in the human body.

PMID- 28100854
TI  - The role of cancer stem cells in pathogenesis of colorectal cancer.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, accounting
      for about 10% of total adult malignancies worldwide. The majority of CRC cases
      are diagnosed at the late stage; thus the investigation of the pathogenesis of
      early-stage disease and its detection could prevent formation of metastasis, a
      leading cause of death. This review highlights the recent progress in the
      understanding of the development of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the colon
      epithelium and mechanisms of their proliferation. Moreover, we describe the role
      of the CSCs in resistance to chemotherapy and formation of metastases. We present
      evidence for the importance of the interactions between CSCs and their
      environment in the propagation of the disease. It is hoped that further studies
      of colorectal cancer CSCs could be helpful in the early detection and improved
      therapy of this neoplasm.

PMID- 28100855
TI  - Trace elements as an activator of antioxidant enzymes.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a state of impaired balance between the formation of free
      radicals and antioxidant capacity of the body. It causes many defects of the
      body, e.g. lipid peroxidation, DNA and protein damage. In order to prevent the
      effects of oxidative stress, the organism has developed defence mechanisms. These
      mechanisms capture and inhibit the formation of free radicals and also chelate
      ion metals that catalyse free radical reactions. Trace elements are components of
      antioxidant enzymes involved in antioxidant mechanisms. Selenium, as a
      selenocysteine, is a component of the active site of glutathione peroxidase
      (GPx). The main function of GPx is neutralization of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and
      organic peroxide (LOOH). Furthermore, selenium is a structural part of a large
      group of selenoproteins that are necessary for proper functioning of the body.
      Manganese, copper and zinc are a part of the group of superoxide dismutase
      enzymes (MnSOD, Cu/ZnSOD), which catalyse the superoxide anion dismutation into
      hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. Formed hydrogen peroxide is decomposed into water
      and oxygen by catalase or glutathione peroxidase. An integral component of
      catalase (CAT) is iron ions. The concentration of these trace elements has a
      significant influence on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and thus on defence
      against oxidative stress. Even a small change in the level of trace elements in
      the tissue causes a disturbance in their metabolism, leading to the occurrence of
      many diseases.

PMID- 28100856
TI  - [Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson Disease:Mechanisms and New Technology].

PMID- 28100857
TI  - [Clinical Features and Findings in Patients with Unruptured Intracranial
      Aneurysms Aged >=80 Years].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It is difficult to decide whether to treat unruptured intracranial
      aneurysm(UIA)in elderly patients aged >=80 years because they have potentially
      shorter life expectancy and risks related to treatment. Here, we report the
      results of the treatment of patients aged >=80 years. METHODS: A retrospective
      review was performed in patients who underwent surgical or endovascular treatment
      between April 2012 and December 2015 at our institution. RESULTS: Between April
      2012 and December 2015 we treated 130 UIA patients who presented with 145
      aneurysms and 12 patients who presented with 14 aneurysms, who were aged >=80
      years. One patient was male and the others were female. Their mean age was 81.9
      years(range: 80-88 years). The aneurysms included ICA aneurysms(n=6), ACA
      aneurysms(n=1), MCA aneurysms(n=4), and BA aneurysms(n=3). The maximum sizes of
      the aneurysms were <=5mm(n=3), 5-10mm(n=8), and >=10mm(n=3). The reasons for
      treatment were as follows: symptomatic aneurysms(n=2), strong desire of the
      patient to treat their aneurysms(n=4), high risk of rupture because of the
      morphology of the aneurysm(n=4), concomitant presentation with a ruptured
      aneurysm(n=1), and recurrence after coil embolization(n=1). In the endovascular
      treatment we used dual anti-platelet drugs in all cases and a stent device in 3
      cases. In all cases, we used general anesthesia. There were no complications
      during the operations or ischemic or hemorrhagic events after surgery. We
      identified subcutaneous hematoma at the puncture site in 2 cases. The modified
      Rankin Scale(mRS)score of no patient worsened compared to their preoperative mRS
      score. The average length of hospital stay was 31 days. In comparison with
      patients aged <=79 years, there was no significant worsening of the mRS score. In
      patients aged >=80 years, the length of their hospital stay was longer than that
      of younger patients. CONCLUSION: While caution is warranted when treating UIA
      patients aged >=80 years, our findings for the treatment of aged patients were
      noteworthy. This treatment is meritorious if the indications are well considered
      and an experienced physician performs the operation. However, there are problems
      associated with using anti-platelet drugs in elderly patients.

PMID- 28100858
TI  - [Semi-quantitative Assessment of Tinnitus Before and After Endovascular Treatment
      for Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula:Usefulness of the Tinnitus Handicap
      Inventory(THI)Score].
AB  - Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas(dAVFs)cause pulsatile tinnitus that can
      easily impair the individual's quality of life. In this study, we aimed to assess
      the usefulness of the semi-quantitative Tinnitus Handicap Inventory(THI)score
      before and after endovascular treatment in patients with intracranial dAVF by
      determining the relationship between the severity of pulsatile tinnitus,
      radiographic findings, and the effect of treatment. This study included a total
      of 14 sides in 13 patients who underwent endovascular therapy for pulsatile
      tinnitus due to intracranial dAVFs between March 2014 and September 2015. Using
      THI scores, the severity of pulsatile tinnitus was semi-quantitatively evaluated
      before and within 7 days after transarterial or transvenous embolization. Pre
      treatment THI score was 37.9+/-24.0, ranging from 5 to 82. Transarterial or
      transvenous embolization significantly decreased THI score to 8.8+/-16.1(p<0.01).
      The average THI improvement(%)was 78.9+/-31.1% and significantly correlated with
      treatment results. Thus, THI improvement(%)was significantly lesser in patients
      with partial embolization than in those with near-total or complete embolization.
      These findings strongly suggest that THI score is quite useful in the semi
      quantitative evaluation of the effects of endovascular therapy in patients with
      intracranial dAVF.

PMID- 28100859
TI  - [Cotton-Dam Wash Cytology:A Technique for Diagnosis and Prevention of
      Dissemination during Resection of Metastatic Brain Tumors].
AB  - The management of brain metastases has been important in neurosurgical oncology.
      Resection of a brain metastasis carries an increased risk of leptomeningeal
      dissemination than other treatment modalities such as irradiation or
      pharmacotherapy. We have utilized intraoperative wash cytology of cotton patties
      covering the brain surface. The cytology information contributes to making a
      decision of postoperative whole brain radiation. We named the method as "cotton
      dam", that serves as a check and catch of neoplastic cells on the brain surface
      during resection surgery.

PMID- 28100860
TI  - [A Pediatric Case of Intractable Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage after Implantation
      of an Intrathecal Baclofen Pump].
AB  - Intrathecal baclofen(ITB)infusion can offer a useful treatment for severe
      spasticity;however, numerous complications have been reported. We report a
      pediatric case in which intractable cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leakage associated
      with several inconvenient symptoms arose after implantation of the ITB pump
      system. A 10-year-old girl with spastic quadriparesis and athetoid cerebral palsy
      underwent implantation of an ITB delivery system. After discharge, she presented
      with fluid collection surrounding the pump in the abdomen. The volume of fluid
      increased and was percutaneously aspirated every other week. However,
      conservative management failed to relieve fluid collection, which was suspected
      to be due to CSF leakage. She underwent additional purse-string suture of the
      point inserted catheter insertion in the back, epidural blood patch, and
      subfascial implantation of an anchor. However, none of these therapies proved
      effective. Progressive enlargement of the accumulated fluid was observed.
      Furthermore, symptoms of ITB withdrawal appeared. Lumbar-peritoneal shunting was
      performed, and the subcutaneous fluid collection was relieved postoperatively.
      The course after shunting was uneventful;hence, the dose of baclofen was
      stabilized. No recurrence of fluid collection was encountered for two years.
      Intractable CSF leakage was thought to be caused by wasting, occult
      hydrocephalus, and twisted movements. This case indicates that care is required
      in the management of CSF leakage after ITB pump implantation.

PMID- 28100861
TI  - [A Case of Intracranial Localized Castleman's Disease Mimicking Convexity
      Meningioma].
AB  - A 68-year-old man presented with abnormal behavior and Todd's paralysis on the
      right side after having taken a bath. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance
      imaging revealed a tumor mimicking convexity meningioma that had a perifocal
      edema, although its mass was not very large. The patient underwent surgery, and
      full recovery was achieved following a total removal of the lesion.
      Pathohistological examination demonstrated an intermediate type of Castleman's
      disease. The final diagnosis was intracranial localized Castleman's disease
      because the results of the full physical examination and laboratory analyses were
      normal. Castleman's disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown
      etiology. Moreover, intracranial involvement is very rare. In cases of
      intracranial meningeal tumors with perifocal edema, we should take this disease
      into consideration in the differential diagnosis.

PMID- 28100862
TI  - [Bone Flap Resorption after Cranioplasty in Pediatric Patients:Report of 2
      Cases].
AB  - Aseptic bone flap resorption, a rare complication after cranioplasty following
      decompressive craniectomy, is more likely to develop in children. We experienced
      two cases of aseptic bone flap resorption and identified potential
      pathophysiological mechanisms through histological findings. In the first case,
      an 11-year-old girl underwent decompressive craniectomy due to brain swelling
      with contusion. An autologous bone flap was cryopreserved for four months. Twenty
      five months after cranioplasty with autologous bone flap, aseptic bone flap
      resorption was observed, and cranioplasty was performed with ceramic bone. Most
      of the histological findings in this case showed mature osseous tissue, while
      some showed osteoclasts and new bone formation due to endochondral ossification.
      In the second case, a 10-year-old girl underwent frontal craniectomy and removal
      of contusional hematoma. Fourteen months after cranioplasty with autologous bone
      flap, aseptic bone flap resorption was observed, and cranioplasty was performed
      with ceramic bone paste. The progression of bone flap resorption was not
      recognized for 12 months. In these cases, new bone formation was not necessarily
      linked to pathological bone flap resorption. It is supposed that the balance
      between bone destruction and new bone formation was disrupted by unknown factors.

PMID- 28100863
TI  - [Utility of Intraoperative Catheter Myelography during Intrathecal Baclofen Pump
      Implantation:Report of 2 Cases].
AB  - We report two patients in whom the intrathecal baclofen(ITB)catheter was located
      in the subdural space, although we had confirmed good outflow of spinal fluid
      from the spinal catheter. Patient 1 was a woman in her 30s with spastic
      quadriplegia due to subarachnoid hemorrhage. An ITB pump was implanted, and a
      good outflow of spinal fluid from the spinal catheter was observed during the
      surgery. Postoperatively, her spasticity did not improve. Catheter myelography
      revealed that the spinal catheter was located in the subdural space. Using
      intraoperative catheter myelography, we corrected the position of the catheter.
      Patient 2 was a man in his 20s diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy. An ITB
      therapy was performed to improve his spastic gait. Intraoperative catheter
      myelography showed that the spinal catheter was located in the subdural space,
      although there was good outflow of spinal fluid from the catheter. Our experience
      suggests that the outflow of spinal fluid alone should not be used to determine
      the location of the spinal catheter. Intraoperative catheter myelography is
      useful for the correct placement of the spinal catheter in the subarachnoid
      space.

PMID- 28100864
TI  - [Pre- and Intra-Operative Supporting Technology for Brain Tumors(3)Surgical
      Approaches and Strategies for Third Ventricle Tumors].

PMID- 28100865
TI  - Investigation of the 5q33.3 longevity locus and age-related phenotypes.
AB  - A large meta-analysis recently found the 5q33.3 locus to be associated with
      survival to >= 90 years and lower all-cause mortality, thus suggesting it as a
      third human longevity locus alongside APOE and FOXO3A. The 5q33.3 locus has
      previously been associated with blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular
      diseases in middle-aged individuals. However, part of the influence on mortality
      appears to be independent of cardiovascular phenotypes, and the role of the
      5q33.3 locus in longevity and survival is therefore still partly unknown. We
      investigated the association between the longevity-associated variant rs2149954
      on chromosome 5q33.3 and age-related phenotypes in two cohorts of 1,588 and 1,271
      long-lived individuals (mean ages 93.1 and 95.9 years, respectively) as well as
      in 700 middle-aged and 677 elderly individuals (mean ages 52.5 and 78.7 years).
      Altogether, nominally significant associations between the rs2149954 minor allele
      and a decreased risk of heart attack and heart failure as well as increased
      physical functioning were found in the long-lived individuals. In the middle-aged
      and elderly individuals, rs2149954 minor allele carriers had a lower risk of
      hypertension. Our results thereby confirm a role of the 5q33.3 locus in
      cardiovascular health and, interestingly, they also suggest a role in physical
      functioning.

PMID- 28100866
TI  - Development of Intra-knee Joint Sustained-Release Gel Formulation and Evaluation
      of Its Pharmacological Efficiency in Rats.
AB  - In the development of a drug for intra-articular administration, a sustained
      release formulation is desirable since it is difficult to sustain the effects of
      conventional injections due to fast drug leakage from the joint cavity. In this
      study, we prepared sustained release gel formulations for intra-articular
      administration containing indocyanine green (ICG) as a model drug to follow its
      fate after intra-articular administration in rats with in-vivo imaging system
      (IVIS). ICG administered as an aqueous solution leaked from the joint cavity in a
      short time and was excreted out of the body within a day. On the other hand, ICG
      in the sustained-release formulations was retained and released in the joint
      cavity for a week. Next, we prepared a sustained-release formulation with
      hyaluronic acid (HA) as the gel base containing a pain-relief drug (Drug A). We
      had administered it and other formulations into the rat knee where we injected
      bradykinin to evaluate their walking distance after 1 and 3 d. The effect of an
      aqueous solution of Drug A disappeared on day 3. The HA gel formulation without
      Drug A was more effective than the aqueous solution. The HA gel formulation with
      Drug A was the most effective; the walking distance was about 85% of the baseline
      on day 3. This study showed that the gel formulations were effective to sustain
      the release of a drug in the knee joint, and that the combination of a pain
      relief drug with HA gel was effective to improve the mobility of the acute pain
      model rats.

PMID- 28100867
TI  - Effects of Pre- and Post-Administration of Vitamin A on the Growth of Refractory
      Cancers in Xenograft Mice.
AB  - Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that is obtained from the daily diet. The
      major forms of vitamin A in the body consist of retinol, retinal, retinoic acid
      (RA), and retinyl esters. Retinal is fundamental for vision and RA is used in
      clinical therapy of human acute promyelocytic leukemia. The actions of retinol
      and retinyl palmitate (RP) are not known well. Recently, we found that retinol is
      a potent anti-proliferative agent against human refractory cancers, including
      gallbladder cancer, being more effective than RA, while RP was inactive. In the
      current study, we determined serum retinol concentrations in xenograft mice
      bearing tumors derived from four refractory cancer cell lines. We also examined
      the effects of vitamin A on proliferation of human gallbladder cancer cells in
      vivo. Serum retinol concentrations were significantly lower in xenograft mice
      with tumors derived from various refractory cancer cell lines as compared with
      control mice. The growth of tumors was inhibited with increasing serum retinol
      concentrations obtained post-administration of RP. In addition, pre
      administration of RP increased serum retinol concentrations and suppressed tumor
      growth. These results indicate that administration of RP can maintain retinol
      concentrations in the body and that this might suppress cancer cell growth and
      attachment. The regulation of vitamin A concentration in the body, which is
      critical biomarker of health, could be beneficial for cancer prevention and
      therapy.

PMID- 28100869
TI  - Gonadotoropin actions on spermatogenesis and hormonal therapies for spermatogenic
      disorders [Review].
AB  - Microdissection testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection
      have made it possible for men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) to conceive
      a child. A majority of men cannot produce sperm because spermatogenesis per se is
      believed to be "irreversibly" disturbed. For these men, it has been thought that
      any hormonal therapy will be ineffective. Further understandings of
      endocrinological regulation of spermatogenesis are needed and LH or FSH receptor
      knock out (KO) mice have revealed the roles of gonadotropin separately.
      Spermatogenesis has been shown to shift during evolution from FSH to LH dominance
      because LH receptor KO causes infertility while FSH receptor KO does not. High
      concentrations of intratesticular testosterone secreted from Leydig cells,
      ranging from 100- to 1,000-fold higher than in the systemic circulation, has
      pivotal roles during spermatogenesis. This is especially important during
      spermiogenesis, a post-meiotic step for progression from round to elongating
      spermatids. Sertoli cells are the target of FSH and have numerous androgen
      receptors, indicating that Sertoli cells are regulated by FSH and the paracrine
      functions of testosterone. In combination with Leydig cell-derived growth
      factors, particularly epidermal growth factor-like growth factors, Sertoli cells
      support spermatogenesis, especially at proximal levels of spermatogenesis (e.g.,
      spermatogonial proliferation). Taken together, the current knowledge from human
      studies indicating that testosterone optimization by clomiphene, hCG and/or
      aromatase inhibitors and high dose hCG/FSH treatment can, at least in part,
      improve spermatogenesis in NOA. Accordingly hormonal therapy may open a
      therapeutic window for sperm production in selected patients.

PMID- 28100868
TI  - Growth Inhibition of Refractory Human Gallbladder Cancer Cells by Retinol, and
      Its Mechanism of Action.
AB  - Among the constituents of the essential nutrient vitamin A, retinol is a potent
      suppressor of refractory cancer cell growth linked to tumor progression, showing
      greater efficacy than retinoic acid (RA). However, the mechanisms of retinol
      action on human refractory cancer are not known well. In the current study, we
      examined the actions of retinol on proliferation of human gallbladder cancer NOZ
      C-1 cells. Retinol and RA inhibited the proliferation of human NOZ C-1 cells in
      dose-dependent manner, while RA was less potent than retinol. Cell incorporation
      of RA was approximately two-fold higher than retinol and was not correlated with
      anti-proliferative activity. Retinol did not affect caspase-3 activity or mRNA
      expression of Bax and Bcl-2, which are associated with apoptosis. In addition,
      protein expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p
      ERK)/ERK and p-Akt/Akt were not significantly changed by retinol treatment. In
      contrast, retinol treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression of
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress factors (heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1),
      CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), 78 kDa glucose
      regulated protein (GRP78), and DnaJ (Hsp40) homolog, subfamily B, member 9
      (DNAJB9)). Furthermore, the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase was increased,
      while the number of cells in the S phase were decreased by retinol treatment.
      Retinol increased expression of the autophagy-associated protein, LC3-II. These
      results indicate that retinol is a potent suppressor of gallbladder cancer cell
      growth by mechanisms that involve ER stress, which results in autophagy and cell
      cycle delay. This suggests that retinol might be useful for anticancer prevention
      and therapy in the clinic.

PMID- 28100870
TI  - Impact on Clinical Outcomes of Periodic Leg Movements During Sleep in
      Hospitalized Patients Following Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periodic leg movements during sleep (PLM) are characterized by
      regularly recurring movement of the legs during sleep. Although PLM is common and
      a predictor of death in patients with chronic heart failure, the clinical
      significance of PLM in hospitalized patients with a reduced left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF) following acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF)
      remains unknown.Methods and Results:After initial improvement of acute signs and
      symptoms of ADHF, 94 consecutive patients with reduced LVEF who underwent
      polysomnography were enrolled. They were divided into 2 groups based on the
      presence or absence of severe PLM defined as PLM index >=30. The risks for
      clinical events, composite of all-cause death and rehospitalization, were
      assessed using a stepwise multivariable Cox proportional model including
      variables showing P<0.10 in univariate analyses. Severe PLM was observed in 21
      patients (22%). At a median follow-up of 5.2 months, 30 patients experienced
      clinical events (32%). In the multivariable analysis, the presence of severe PLM
      was significantly associated with increasing clinical events (hazard ratio, 2.16;
      95% confidence interval, 1.03-4.54; P=0.042) independent of hemoglobin level and
      the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized patients
      with systolic dysfunction following ADHF, severe PLM was prevalent and
      significantly associated with increased risk of death and/or rehospitalization.

PMID- 28100871
TI  - In vivo direct reprogramming of liver cells to insulin producing cells by virus
      free overexpression of defined factors.
AB  - Direct reprogramming of autologous cells from diabetes patients to insulin
      producing cells is a new method for pancreatic cell replacement therapy. At
      present, transdifferentiation among mature cells is achieved mainly by
      introducing foreign genes into the starting tissue with viral vector, but there
      are potentical safety problems. In the present study, we delivered plasmids
      carrying Pdx1, Neurog3 and MafA genes (PNM) into mouse hepatocytes by
      hydrodynamics tail vein injection, investigated islet beta cells markers in
      transfected cells from protein and mRNA level, and then observed the long-term
      control of blood glucose in diabetic mice. We found that hepatocytes could be
      directly reprogrammed into insulin-producing cells after PNM gene transfection by
      non-viral hydrodynamics injection, and fasting blood glucose was reduced to
      normal, and lasted until 100 days after transfection. Intraperitoneal glucose
      tolerance test (IPGTT) showed that glucose regulation ability was improved
      gradually and the serum insulin level approached to the level of normal mice with
      time. Insulin-positive cells were found in the liver tissue, and the expression
      of various islet beta-cell-specific genes were detected at the mRNA level,
      including islet mature marker gene Ucn3. In conclusion, we provide a new approach
      for the treatment of diabetes by in vivo direct reprogramming of liver cells to
      insulin producing cells through non-viral methods.

PMID- 28100872
TI  - Serum Monokine Induced by Gamma Interferon Is Associated With Severity of
      Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - The immune system may play important roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular
      disease. T-cell mediated immune responses in human progression of atherosclerotic
      disease and hypertension have recently been revealed, but the significance of T
      cell specific chemokines in coronary artery heart disease has not been confirmed.
      In our study, we sought to examine the association between serum levels of the
      monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG)/CXCL9 and the severity of coronary
      artery disease. We studied 117 patients with coronary heart disease and 80
      patients with no coronary heart disease. The severity of coronary artery disease
      was assessed via coronary artery angiography and the Gensini score was
      calculated. Clinical and biochemical indices, including serum levels of MIG,
      CD40L, and IFN-gamma were analyzed in all subjects. Finally, we found there was a
      significant correlation between serum MIG levels and the severity of coronary
      artery disease, quantified by the Gensini score (r = 0.122, P = 0.009).
      Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis revealed that serum MIG levels were
      independently associated with the severity of coronary artery disease, quantified
      by the Gensini score (beta = 0.100, P = 0.021). Our findings could indicate the
      potential clinical implication of MIG with respect to early coronary artery
      atherosclerosis in humans.

PMID- 28100874
TI  - Efficacy of Multidetector Computed Tomography to Predict Periprocedural
      Myocardial Injury After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total
      Occlusion.
AB  - Specific signatures of culprit lesions detected on multidetector computed
      tomography (MDCT) were identified as predictors of periprocedural myocardial
      injury (PMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with
      stable angina; PMI has been shown to be associated with a worse prognosis. We
      investigated the association between preprocedural culprit lesion
      characteristics, assessed by MDCT, and PMI after PCI for chronic total occlusion
      (CTO). From three medical centers, 81 patients who underwent pre-PCI MDCT and CTO
      PCI, and systematic cardiac troponin (cTn) sampling before and after PCI, were
      included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or
      absence of post-PCI cTn elevation. Patient characteristics, MDCT findings, and
      procedural variables were compared between the two groups. Procedure success was
      observed in 65 patients (80.2%) and was not associated with PMI. The incidence of
      PMI was higher in patients treated with the retrograde versus the antegrade
      approach. On MDCT, lesion length and the presence of the napkin-ring sign were
      significantly associated with PMI. Multivariate analysis revealed that the lesion
      length (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.08; P <
      0.05), napkin-ring sign (OR: 5.41; 95% CI: 1.01-29.0; P < 0.05), and retrograde
      approach (OR: 4.78; 95% CI: 1.28-15.4; P < 0.05) were significant predictors of
      PMI. PMI is not uncommon in patients undergoing elective CTO PCI, regardless of
      procedure success or failure. Pre-PCI MDCT may help identify patients at high
      risk for PMI after CTO PCI.

PMID- 28100873
TI  - microRNA-10a Targets T-box 5 to Inhibit the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy.
AB  - The mechanism of cardiac hypertrophy involving microRNAs (miRNAs) is attracting
      increasing attention. Our study aimed to investigate the role of miR-10a in
      cardiac hypertrophy development and the underlying regulatory
      mechanism.Transverse abdominal aortic constriction (TAAC) surgery was performed
      to establish a cardiac hypertrophy rat model, and angiotensin II (AngII) was used
      to induce cardiac hypertrophy in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Expression
      of T-box 5 (TBX5) and miR-10a was altered by cell transfection of siRNA or miRNA
      mimic/inhibitor. Leucine incorporation assay, histological and cytological
      examination, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blot were
      performed to detect the effects of miR-10a and TBX5 on cardiac hypertrophy. Dual
      luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the regulation of TBX5 by miR
      10a.miR-10a was down-regulated, and TBX5 was up-regulated in the rat model and
      AngII-stimulated cardiomyocytes. miR-10a inhibited TBX5 expression by directly
      targeting the binding site in Tbx5 3'UTR. Overexpression of miR-10a in AngII
      treated cardiomyocytes decreased relative cell area, and significantly reduced
      the mRNA levels of natriuretic peptide A (Nppa), myosin heavy chain 7 cardiac
      muscle beta (Myh7), and leucine incorporation (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001). Knockdown
      of Tbx5 had similar effects on AngII-induced cardiomyocytes.Our findings indicate
      that miR-10a may inhibit cardiac hypertrophy via targeting Tbx5. Thus, miR-10a
      provides promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cardiac
      hypertrophy.

PMID- 28100875
TI  - The Role of Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis in Anthracycline Associated Cardiac
      Toxicity.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the baseline thiol/disulfide
      state can predict the occurrence of anthracycline induced cardiac toxicity. A
      total of 186 cancer patients receiving anthracycline (doxorubicin)-based
      chemotherapy were enrolled. All patients underwent 2-dimensional (2D) speckle
      tracking echocardiography (STE) to determine their left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF) and blood samples for measuring thiol forms were obtained before
      treatment and 4 weeks after completion of the chemotherapy. The mean dose of
      doxorubicin exposure was 255 +/- 39.2 mg/m2. Baseline native thiol was found to
      be lower whereas baseline disulfide and the disulfide/total thiol ratio were
      found to be higher in patients who had a decrease in LVEF after anthracycline
      therapy. Also, the amount of decrease in LVEF was well correlated with the delta
      value of the thiol forms. Logistic regression analysis revealed that changes in
      BNP and global longitudinal strain (GLS), baseline level of native thiol,
      disulfide, and the disulfide/total thiol ratio were strong predictors for a
      decrease in LVEF.The thiol/disulfide pathway may be a factor for predicting
      chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity as one of the oxidative stress mechanisms.

PMID- 28100876
TI  - Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Followed by Valve Surgery for Acute
      Coronary Syndrome at Left Main Trunk Complicated With Severe Aortic Stenosis.
AB  - An 89-year-old woman appeared to have acute coronary syndrome at the left main
      trunk (LMT) complicated with severe aortic stenosis, moderate-severe mitral
      regurgitation, depressed left ventricular (LV) function, and multivessel disease.
      Because of sustained hypotension even under intra-aortic balloon pumping support
      during emergency coronary angiograhy, we performed primary percutaneous coronary
      intervention solely for the LMT lesion using a bare metal stent, leading to
      recovery from the shock state. On the second hospital day, based on our heart
      team consensus, we performed aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass
      grafting surgery, and added edge-to-edge repair (Alfieri stitch) of the mitral
      valve, resulting in complete revascularization and dramatically improved LV
      function.

PMID- 28100877
TI  - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With Different Valve Designs for Severe
      Device Landing Zone Calcification.
AB  - Severe device landing zone calcification (DLZ-CA) predicted paravalvular leak
      (PVL) and post-dilatation (PD) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
      (TAVI). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of DLZ-CA on PVL or
      PD rates after SAPIEN XT (XT) versus CoreValve (CV).We analyzed patients
      undergoing TAVI who had severe DLZ-CA. Severe DLZ-CA defined the upper left
      ventricular outflow tract calcification; the cross-sectional region 2 mm inferior
      to the annular plane. PVL was evaluated at 30days using transthoracic
      echocardiography. Overall, 133 patients had XT-TAVI and the remaining 41 patients
      had CV-TAVI. Two patients had annulus injury in the XT group (oversizing 20.2%
      and 20.5% for two XT cases). PD was less frequently performed in the XT group
      (34.1% versus 12.8%; P = 0.002), but PVL rates were similar between both groups
      (42.1% versus 41.5% for the XT and CV groups, respectively; P = 0.94).
      Importantly, excessive oversizing or the degree of filling volume was not
      associated with decreased PVL after XT-TAVI (P = non-significant for all). On
      multivariate analysis, CV-TAVI was found to be one of the independent predictors
      of need for PD (Odds ratio 3.63, 95% confidence interval 1.55 to 8.53, P =
      0.003).In the setting of severe DLZ-CA, XT and CV have similar rates of PVL but
      XT had less need for PD. Excessive oversizing with XT carries a risk of root
      injury which could be further increased by DLZ-CA.

PMID- 28100878
TI  - Should Aortic Valve Calcification be Checked Before Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention?

PMID- 28100879
TI  - Association Between Prior Aspirin Use and Morphological Features of Culprit
      Lesions at First Presentation of Acute Coronary Syndrome Assessed by Optical
      Coherence Tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of prior use of aspirin (ASA) on the onset of acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been clarified. This study used optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) to investigate the morphological features of culprit lesions of
      ACS in patients with prior ASA use.Methods and Results:In total, 442 patients
      with their first ACS episode undergoing OCT for the culprit lesions were
      investigated. Clinical characteristics, OCT findings, and adverse events at 30
      days were compared between patients with prior ASA use and ASA-naive patients
      (non-ASA). 67 patients (15.2%) had received ASA at presentation. The ASA group
      was older, had higher frequency of dyslipidemia and hypertension, and lower renal
      function than the non-ASA group. Non-ST-elevation ACS was more prevalent in the
      ASA than in the non-ASA group (79.1 vs. 53.6%, P<0.001). Propensity score
      matching yielded 49 patients in both groups. OCT revealed less frequent thrombi
      in the ASA than in the non-ASA group in both the entire (37.3 vs. 75.2%, P<0.001)
      and score-matched cohorts (38.8 vs. 75.5%, P<0.001), whereas no significant
      difference was observed in plaque characteristics. Rate of adverse events did not
      differ between the ASA and the non-ASA groups in the matched cohort. CONCLUSIONS:
      With a first ACS presentation, patients with prior ASA use were more likely to
      present with non-ST-elevation ACS with less frequent intraluminal thrombi, but no
      significant difference in underlying plaque characteristics or clinical course.

PMID- 28100880
TI  - Significant Association of Serum Adiponectin and Creatine Kinase-MB Levels in ST
      Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - AIMS: Adiponectin, an adipocyte-specific secretory protein, abundantly exists in
      the blood stream while its concentration paradoxically decreases in obesity.
      Hypoadiponectinemia is one of risks of cardiovascular diseases. However, impact
      of serum adiponectin concentration on acute ischemic myocardial damages has not
      been fully clarified. The present study investigated the association of serum
      adiponectin and creatine kinase (CK)-MB levels in subjects with ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: This study is a physician
      initiated observational study and is also registered with the University Hospital
      Medical Information Network (Number: UMIN 000014418). Patients were admitted to
      Senri Critical Care Medical Center, given a diagnosis of STEMI, and treated by
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Finally, 49 patients were
      enrolled and the association of serum adiponectin, CK-MB, and clinical features
      were mainly analyzed. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin levels decreased rapidly and
      reached the bottom at 24 hours after recanalization. Such reduction of serum
      adiponectin was inversely correlated with the area under the curve (AUC) of serum
      CK-MB (p=0.013). Serum adiponectin concentrations were inversely correlated with
      AUC of serum CK-MB. In multivariate analysis, serum adiponectin concentration on
      admission (p=0.002) and collateral (p=0.037) were significantly and independently
      correlated with serum AUC of CK-MB. CONCLUSION: Serum AUC of CK-MB in STEMI
      subjects was significantly associated with serum adiponectin concentration on
      admission and reduction of serum adiponectin levels from baseline to bottom. The
      present study may provide a possibility that serum adiponectin levels at acute
      phase are useful in the prediction for prognosis after PCI-treated STEMI
      subjects.

PMID- 28100882
TI  - Efficient Fractionation and Analysis of Fatty Acids and their Salts in Fat, Oil
      and Grease (FOG) Deposits.
AB  - A fractionation methodology of fat, oil and grease (FOG) deposits was developed
      based on the insolubility of fatty acid salts in dichloromethane (DCM) and the
      relatively high solubility of fatty acids and triglycerides in DCM. Using this
      method, coupled with spectral analysis, it was shown that fatty acids rather than
      fatty acid salts were the predominant species in FOG deposits obtained from three
      metropolitan locations in the United States and that fatty acid triglycerides
      were either not detected or were present in very small concentrations. This
      solubility-based fractionation approach also revealed the presence of nitrogen
      containing compounds that had not been previously detected in FOG deposits
      including peptides and (or) proteins. The comparison of the ratios of stearic
      acid salts to stearic acid versus the ratio of palmitic acid salts to palmitic
      acid in FOG deposits may indicate that the initial step in FOG deposit formation
      is the preferential precipitation of stearic acid salts.

PMID- 28100883
TI  - Soy Protein Isolate Suppresses Lipodystrophy-induced Hepatic Lipid Accumulation
      in Model Mice.
AB  - Lipodystrophies are acquired and genetic disorders characterized by the complete
      or partial absence of body fat with a line of metabolic disorders, including
      hepatic steatosis. Because soy protein isolate (SPI) has been reported to reduce
      cholesterol and triglyceride levels in animals and humans, we explored the effect
      of SPI on the pathophysiology of hepatic lipid accumutaion in a diet-induced
      lipodystrophy model mice. Four weeks of the lipodystrophy model diet induced
      hepatic lipid accumulation concomitant with marked deficiencies of adipose tissue
      and serum adipocytokines in mice. However, supplementing the lipodystrophy model
      diet with SPI could alleviate the hepatic lipid acculation without affecting the
      lipoatrophic effect of the diet. Enhanced lipogenesis is the principal mechanism
      of hepatic steatosis in this model, but SPI supplementation significantly
      attenuated the increase in enzyme activity and/or mRNA expression. Additionally,
      SPI supplementation upregulated the hepatic mRNA expression of an enzyme involved
      in cholesterol catabolism. In conclusion, our results indicate the possibility of
      dietary SPI to attenuate lipodystorophy-induced hepatic steatosis through the
      direct reduction of hepatic lipogenesis without affecting adipocytokine
      production.

PMID- 28100881
TI  - Transporters for the Intestinal Absorption of Cholesterol, Vitamin E, and Vitamin
      K.
AB  - Humans cannot synthesize fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin K.
      For this reason, they must be obtained from the diet via intestinal absorption.
      As the deficiency or excess of these vitamins has been reported to cause several
      types of diseases and disorders in humans, the intestinal absorption of these
      nutrients must be properly regulated to ensure good health. However, the
      mechanism of their intestinal absorption remains poorly understood. Recent
      studies on cholesterol using genome-edited mice, genome-wide association
      approaches, gene mutation analyses, and the development of cholesterol absorption
      inhibitors have revealed that several membrane proteins play crucial roles in the
      intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Surprisingly, detailed analyses of these
      cholesterol transporters have revealed that they can also transport vitamin E and
      vitamin K, providing clues to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the
      intestinal absorption of these fat-soluble vitamins. In this review, we focus on
      the membrane proteins (Niemann-Pick C1 like 1, scavenger receptor class B type I,
      cluster of differentiation 36, and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1) that are
      (potentially) involved in the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, vitamin E,
      and vitamin K and discuss their physiological and pharmacological importance. We
      also discuss the related uncertainties that need to be explored in future
      studies.

PMID- 28100884
TI  - Stabilization of Neem Oil Biodiesel with Corn Silk Extract during Long-term
      Storage.
AB  - The current study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant efficiency of different
      extracts of corn silk. In addition, the impact of corn silk extract on oxidative
      stability of neem biodiesel during storage was studied. The highest phenolics,
      DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities were recorded for methanol
      water extract. The longest oxidation stability (10 h) was observed for biodiesel
      samples blended with 1000 ppm of corn silk extract (CSE). At the end of storage
      period the induction time of biodiesel samples mixed with 1000 ppm of CSE or
      butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were about 6.72 and 5.63 times as high as in
      biodiesel samples without antioxidants. Biodiesel samples blended with 1000 ppm
      of CSE had the lowest acidity at the end of storage period. Peroxide value of
      biodiesel samples containing 1000 ppm of CSE was about 4.28 times as low as in
      control sample without antioxidants.

PMID- 28100885
TI  - Quantitative Analysis of the Distribution of cis-Eicosenoic Acid Positional
      Isomers in Marine Fishes from the Indian Ocean.
AB  - This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of cis-eicosenoic acid (c
      20:1) positional isomers in fishes from the Indian Ocean and compared to those
      from the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Lipids were extracted from the edible part
      of the fish and then methylated. The eicosenoic acid methyl ester fraction was
      separated from total fatty acid methyl esters by reversed-phase HPLC and
      quantitatively analyzed using a GC-FID fitted with the SLB-IL111 highly polar GC
      column. c14-20:1 was used as an internal standard. The results indicated that the
      highest levels of c-20:1 positional isomers were found in fishes from the Pacific
      Ocean (saury, 166.95+/-12.4 mg/g of oil), followed by the Atlantic Ocean
      (capelin, 162.7+/-3.5 mg/g of oil), and lastly in fishes from the Indian Ocean
      (goatfish, 34.39 mg/g of oil). With only a few exceptions, the most abundant 20:1
      positional isomer found in fishes of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean was the c11
      20:1 isomer (>50%) followed by the c13-20:1 isomer (<25%). Unusually, the c7-20:1
      isomer was predominantly found in a few fishes such as the tooth ponyfish,
      longface emperor, and commerson's sole. The c9, c5, and c15-20:1 isomers were the
      least occurring in fishes from the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, the c9
      20:1 isomer was the principal isomer identified in fishes from the Pacific Ocean.
      The results revealed that the content and distribution of c-20:1 positional
      isomers varied among fishes in different oceans. The data presented in the
      current study are the first to report on the distribution of c-20:1 positional
      isomers in fishes from the Indian Ocean.

PMID- 28100886
TI  - Characterization of Volatile Compounds with HS-SPME from Oxidized n-3 PUFA Rich
      Oils via Rancimat Tests.
AB  - Algae oil and fish oil are n-3 PUFA mainstream commercial products. The various
      sources for the stability of n-3 PUFA oxidation are influenced by the fatty acid
      composition, extraction and refined processing. In this study, the oil stability
      index (OSI) occurs within 2.3 to 7.6 hours with three different n-3 PUFA rich
      oil. To set the OSI in the Rancimat test as the oil stability limit and observed
      various degrees of oxidation (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125%). The volatile
      oxidation compounds were analyzed via headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS
      SPME) and GC/MS. We detected 51 volatile compound variations during the
      oxidation, which were composed of aldehydes, hydrocarbons, cyclic compounds,
      alcohols, benzene compounds, ketones, furans, ester and pyrrolidine. The off
      flavor characteristics can be strongly influenced by the synergy effects of
      volatile oxidation compounds. Chemometric analysis (PCA and AHC) was applied to
      identify the sensitive oxidation marker compounds, which included a (E,E)-2,4
      heptadienal appropriate marker, via lipid oxidation in the n-3 PUFA rich oil.

PMID- 28100887
TI  - Production of a Health-Beneficial Food Emulsifier by Enzymatic Partial Hydrolysis
      of Phospholipids Obtained from the Head of Autumn Chum Salmon.
AB  - Phospholipids and their partial hydrolysates, namely lysophospholipids (LPLs),
      have been widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products as highly
      efficient emulsifiers. This study was conducted to produce docosahexaenoic acid
      (DHA)-esterified LPLs by enzymatic modification of phospholipids obtained from
      the head of autumn chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). The emulsifying properties of
      the obtained LPLs were also evaluated. Two different types of substrates of
      salmon head phospholipids were prepared via silica gel and cold acetone
      precipitation. Enzymatic partial hydrolysis was carried out using immobilized
      phospholipase A1 (PLA1) and Lipozyme RM IM. Results showed that the increase in
      DHA in the LPLs was much higher in the silica-separated phospholipids than in the
      acetone-precipitated phospholipids. When silica-separated phospholipids were used
      as the substrate, the DHA content of the LPLs increased from 23.1% to 40.6% and
      42.6% after 8 h of partial hydrolysis with Lipozyme RM IM and immobilized PLA1,
      respectively. The yield of the LPLs was comparatively higher in the Lipozyme RM
      IM than in the immobilized PLA1 hydrolysis reaction. The critical micelle
      concentration values of the LPLs and purified lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) were
      100 mg/L and 5 mg/L, respectively. The surface tension values of the LPLs and LPC
      were reduced to 30.0 mN/m and 30.5 mN/m, respectively. The hydrophilic-lipophilic
      balance of the LPLs and LPC were 6.0 and 9.4, respectively. Based on the
      emulsifying properties observed, we conclude that LPLs derived from the
      phospholipids of salmon head lipids could be used as a health-beneficial
      emulsifier in the food industry.

PMID- 28100888
TI  - beta hydroxybutyrate levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid under ketone body
      metabolism in rats.
AB  - A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (KD) or calorie restriction in the form of
      every-other-day fasting (EODF) results in ketone body metabolism with an
      increasing beta-hydroxybutyrate (betaOHB) level. Previous studies have supported
      that a KD and EODF have a neuroprotective effect. However, the betaOHB levels in
      the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) resulting from a KD and EODF remain unknown. The
      aim of this study was to detect betaOHB levels in rats fed a KD, EODF diet, and
      every-other-day ketogenic diet (EODKD) and to compare the serum betaOHB level
      with the CSF betaOHB level. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly
      divided into KD, EODF, EODKD, and standard diet (SD) groups. A customized food
      with a ratio of carbohydrates to fats of 1:4 was used in the KD and EODKD groups.
      The betaOHB level was measured using ELISA kits in 200 ul serum and 100 ul CSF
      samples for each rat after feeding for 2 weeks. The KD, EODF, and EODKD resulted
      in a significant increase in betaOHB levels in both the serum and CSF. The
      betaOHB levels in the EODKD group were the highest. The CSF betaOHB level was, on
      average, 69% of the serum betaOHB level. There was a positive correlation between
      the overall betaOHB levels in serum and that in cerebrospinal fluid. This study
      demonstrated that the KD, EODF, and EODKD resulted in ketone body metabolism, as
      the betaOHB levels increased significantly compared with those resulting from the
      standard diet. Our results suggested that the serum betaOHB level was an
      indicator of the CSF betaOHB level, and that the EODKD was an effective diet to
      enhance ketogenic metabolism.

PMID- 28100889
TI  - Cotransfer of regulatory T cells improve the therapeutic effectiveness of
      mesenchymal stem cells in treating a colitis mouse model.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a severe inflammatory condition in the colon.
      To date, clinical solutions for this disease have been limited. Mesenchymal stem
      cells (MSCs), multipotential cells with immune regulation and anti-inflammatory
      functions, have been applied to treatment of IBD. However, the therapeutic
      effectiveness of MSCs still needs to be improved. Here, we were interested in
      whether regulatory T cells (Tregs) could enhance the immune regulation function
      of MSCs in treatment of mouse colitis. We generated a dextran sulfate sodium
      (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model. Combined cell therapy with both MSCs and Tregs was
      able to help increase body weight and preserve a better colon morphology compared
      with single cell therapy with MSCs or Tregs alone. Further studies demonstrated
      that combined cell therapy could reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF
      alpha,IL-10, IFN-gamma, IL-17A, IL-1beta and at the same time promote CD3+ T
      cells apoptosis. In conclusion, our study indicates that combined cell therapy
      could prevent the development of colitis in a mouse model, which may lead to a
      new effective therapeutic approach for treatment of human IBD.

PMID- 28100890
TI  - Research progress on the direct antiviral drugs for hepatitis C virus.
AB  - Hepatitis C, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that attacks the liver and
      leads to inflammation, is a severe threat to human health. Pegylated interferon
      alpha (INF-alpha) and ribavirin based therapy was once the standard therapy for
      HCV infection. However, it is suboptimal in efficacy and poorly tolerated in some
      patients. In the last five years, four classes of direct antiviral drugs (NAAs)
      that target non-structural proteins (NS) of the virus including NS3/NS4A, NS5A,
      and NS5B have been developed and opened a new era in HCV treatment as they are
      more effective and tolerable than the INF-alpha and ribavirin combination
      regimen. Importantly, the newly introduced multiple NAAs combination therapy
      makes it possible to eradicate all genotypes of HCV. We review recent progress on
      the research and development of DAAs in the present article.

PMID- 28100891
TI  - Reverse Right Ventricular Remodeling After Lung Transplantation in Patients With
      Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Under Combination Therapy of Targeted Medical
      Drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are currently
      treated with combination therapy of PAH-targeted drugs. Reverse right ventricular
      (RV) remodeling after lung transplantation (LTx) in patients with end-stage PAH
      despite combination therapy of PAH-targeted drugs has not been fully
      elucidated.Methods and Results:A total of 136 patients, including 32 with PAH,
      underwent LTx from 1998 to 2014. We enrolled 12 consecutive patients with PAH
      treated with combination therapy of PAH-targeted drugs who underwent LTx and
      retrospectively analyzed the temporal and serial changes in hemodynamics and
      echocardiography before LTx and at 3 and 12 months after LTx. Before LTx, the RV
      was markedly dilated with substantially reduced RV fractional area change
      (RVFAC). At 3 months after LTx, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular
      resistance and RV stroke work index were significantly decreased, while left
      ventricular stroke work index was increased. RV size assessed by echocardiography
      also significantly decreased and RVFAC improved. At 12 months after LTx, RVFAC
      was further increased and RV wall thickness was decreased significantly.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although severe RV dysfunction and dilation were observed in
      patients with end-stage PAH despite combination therapy of PAH-targeted drugs, RV
      function and morphology were improved after reduction of RV pressure load by LTx.

PMID- 28100892
TI  - Association between participation in social activity and physical fitness in
      community-dwelling older Japanese adults.
AB  - Purpose This study aimed to examine the relationship between participation in
      social activity and both, composite and individual measures of physical fitness
      in community-dwelling older adults.Methods This study was conducted using
      baseline data from the Sasaguri Genkimon Study (SGS), a longitudinal cohort study
      conducted in 2011. Participants were 1,365 community-dwelling men and women aged
      65 years or above, who did not require certified nursing care and who resided in
      Sasaguri, a town located east of the Fukuoka metropolitan area. Participation in
      social activity was assessed by asking participants whether they engaged in any
      of eight social activities. Physical fitness tests assessed participants'
      handgrip strength and knee extension strength as measures of muscle strength, and
      their one-leg standing time, 5-m maximum gait speed, and 5-repetition sit-to
      stand rate as measures of their physical performance. Multiple linear regression
      and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship
      between participation in social activity and each measure of physical fitness,
      adjusting for sex; age; body mass index; socioeconomic status; solitary living;
      exercise, habitual drinking and smoking; accelerometer-measured, moderate-to
      vigorous physical activity; cognitive function; instrumental activities of daily
      living; distress; social network; and comorbidities.Results A total of 83.6% of
      the participants were engaged in at least one social activity. After adjusting
      for potential confounders, engagement in social activity was positively
      associated with a higher composite physical fitness score, faster gait speed and
      5-repetition sit-to-stand rate, and longer one-leg standing time (P=0.008,
      P=0.030, P=0.034, and P=0.009, respectively).Conclusion Participation in social
      activity was significantly associated with physical fitness, specifically those
      related to locomotive function. These associations were independent of various
      confounders including socioeconomic status, and comorbidities.

PMID- 28100894
TI  - Initiatives for community building in an urban semi-marginal village: Progress of
      the Ajinadai Lively Project and future challenges.
AB  - Objectives We launched and engaged in the "Ajinadai Lively Project" to examine
      the ideal state of community building in an urban semi-marginal village. In
      addition to discussing its progress and describing the activities, we examine
      future challenges.Methods (1) We gathered existing resources, conducted a
      district survey and focus group interview, and investigated the community's
      health issues. (2) We conducted a workshop with local residents and formulated an
      action plan. (3) We conducted a health volunteer training class to foster
      community leaders. (4) Local residents interacted with students through nursing
      school practice and student volunteer activities.Results The health issues in the
      community were as follows: (1) Few connections existed between residents across
      generations, and no framework for mutual assistance was established. (2) Many
      solitary elderly people and elderly households existed, and we found many
      instances of elderly-to-elderly care and social withdrawal of elderly people. (3)
      Many slopes and staircases existed, which made mobility difficult for elderly
      people. Based on these results, we encouraged the state to pursue quality of life
      as "A community where people connect and help one another across generations" as
      well as "A healthy community where people greet one another." We also established
      health, behavioral, and environmental goals. The health volunteer training class
      became an impetus for residents to realize the necessity of not only protecting
      their own health, but also encouraging others and the whole community to get
      involved.Conclusion While the health volunteer training class did not initiate
      autonomous activity, it increased the motivation of residents themselves for
      community building. Performing continuous evaluations and offering support for
      autonomous activity is important in the future.

PMID- 28100893
TI  - Nutritional status and dietary intake among pregnant women in relation to pre
      pregnancy body mass index in Japan.
AB  - Objective The present study examined nutritional status and dietary intake of
      pregnant women in Japan in relation to pre-pregnancy body mass index
      (BMI).Methods Participants included 141 Japanese women with singleton
      pregnancies, from the outpatient department of the S hospital, Gunma prefecture,
      Japan. Two-day food records, dietary assessment questionnaires, and clinical
      records were obtained at 20 weeks gestation. Nine patients were excluded from the
      study due to morning sickness. The remaining 132 participants were divided into 3
      groups according to pre-pregnancy BMI: underweight, normal weight, and
      overweight. Nutritional status and dietary intake were analyzed in relation to
      BMI using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, one-way
      analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance with adjustment for age,
      employment status, and total energy intake.Results Women who were underweight
      before pregnancy were more frequently working full-time than normal weight and
      overweight women. Underweight women were also more frequently anemic (P=0.038,
      underweight 39.3%, normal weight 24.7%, overweight 0%) and had lower mean
      hemoglobin (Hb) (P=0.021, underweight 11.3 g/dL, normal weight 11.6 g/dL,
      overweight 12.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (Hct) levels (P=0.025, underweight 33.7%,
      normal weight 34.3%, overweight 36.0%). Their dietary intake of protein, iron,
      magnesium, and folic acid was lower than that of normal weight and overweight
      women. Their meals tended to include fewer meat, fish, egg, and soybean dishes
      (underweight, mean of 4.7 servings per day; normal weight, 6.1 servings;
      overweight, 6.1 servings).Conclusion Pregnant women who were underweight before
      pregnancy had increased risk of anemia as well as reduced Hb and Hct levels. They
      had lower dietary intake of protein, iron and folic acid compared to women in the
      other BMI categories. Anemia and these nutrient deficiencies are known risk
      factors for low birth weight. Our findings suggest the importance of providing
      underweight pregnant women with support to improve dietary intake during their
      pregnancy, especially to increase intake of protein and iron through consumption
      of fish and meat dishes.

PMID- 28100895
TI  - A study on the non smoking recommendation in medical guidelines.

PMID- 28100896
TI  - Investigating the effect of traditional Persian music on ECG signals in young
      women using wavelet transform and neural networks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the past few decades, several studies have reported the
      physiological effects of listening to music. The physiological effects of
      different music types on different people are different. In the present study, we
      aimed to examine the effects of listening to traditional Persian music on
      electrocardiogram (ECG) signals in young women. METHODS: Twenty-two healthy
      females participated in this study. ECG signals were recorded under two
      conditions: rest and music. For each ECG signal, 20 morphological and wavelet
      based features were selected. Artificial neural network (ANN) and probabilistic
      neural network (PNN) classifiers were used for the classification of ECG signals
      during and before listening to music. RESULTS: Collected data were separated into
      two data sets: train and test. Classification accuracies of 88% and 97% were
      achieved in train data sets using ANN and PNN, respectively. In addition, the
      test data set was employed for evaluating the classifiers, and classification
      rates of 84% and 93% were obtained using ANN and PNN, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      The present study investigated the effect of music on ECG signals based on
      wavelet transform and morphological features. The results obtained here can
      provide a good understanding on the effects of music on ECG signals to
      researchers.

PMID- 28100897
TI  - X indening oral liquid improves cardiac function of rats with chronic cardiac
      failure via TGF-beta1/Smad3 and p38 MAPK pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Xindening oral liquid (Xin) is a widely used traditional Chinese
      medicine for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). However, the exact
      mechanisms related to its therapeutic effects against CHF remain unclear. In the
      present study, we investigate the effects of Xin on cardiac function in CHF rats
      and the possible mechanisms involved. METHODS: Transverse aortic constriction
      (TAC) was conducted to induce a CHF rat model in this study. Sixty male Wistar
      rats were randomly assigned to six groups 28 days after TAC: sham; CHF model; Xin
      at concentrations of 5 ml/kg, 10 mL/kg, and 20 mL/kg; and QiLi 0.6 g/kg. After
      four weeks, the rats were treated with Xin (5, 10, or 20 mL/kg/d) for six weeks
      consecutively. At the end of the study, the cardiac function, heart weight index
      (HWI) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), serum level of LDH, B-type
      natriuretic peptide (BNP), cTnI and CK-MB, and collagen volume fraction were
      studied. The expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1),
      drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein 3 (Smad3), and p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) were detected. RESULTS: The results showed
      that Xin treatment significantly improved cardiac function but decreased the
      serum level of LDH, BNP, cTnI, and CKMB of CHF rats. In addition, it reduced the
      HWI, LVMI, and collagen volume fraction compared with the model group. Xin
      treatment significantly improved cardiac function and attenuated cardiac fibrosis
      by suppressing the p38 MAPK and TGF-beta1/Smad3 signaling pathway in CHF rats.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggested that Xin might be a promising complementary
      treatment for CHF. More detailed experimental studies will be carried out in our
      subsequent research.

PMID- 28100898
TI  - New oral anticoagulants-TURKey (NOAC-TURK): Multicenter cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are increasingly used both for
      prevention of stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and the treatment
      of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the current
      patterns of NOACs treatment in Turkey. Moreover, demographic and clinical
      parameters and bleeding and/or embolic events under NOACs treatment were
      analyzed. METHODS: The New Oral Anticoagulants-TURKey (NOAC-TURK) study was
      designed as a multicenter cross-sectional study. A total of 2,862 patients from
      21 different centers of Turkey under the treatment of NOACs for at least three
      months were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory
      characteristics of study participants with their medications used were obtained
      through the NOAC-TURK survey database. Additional necessary medical records were
      obtained from electronic health records of participating centers. RESULTS: Of the
      2. 862 patients, 1.131 (39.5%) were male and the mean age was 70.3+/-10.2 years.
      Hypertension was found as the most frequent comorbidity (81%). The most common
      indication for NOACs was permanent atrial fibrillation (83.3%). NOACs were mainly
      preferred because of inadequate therapeutic range or overdose during warfarin
      usage. The most frequent complication was bleeding (n=217, 7.6%), and major
      bleeding was observed in 1.1% of the patients. Embolic events were observed in 37
      patients (1.3%). Rivaroxaban and dabigatran were both more preferred than
      apixaban. Almost half of the patients (47.6%) were using lower doses of NOACs,
      which is definitely much more than expected. CONCLUSION: The NOAC-TURK study
      showed an important overview of the current NOACs treatment regimens in Turkey.
      Although embolic and bleeding complications were lower than or similar to
      previous studies, increased utilization of low-dose NOACs in this study should be
      considered carefully. According to the results of this study, NOACs treatment
      should be guided through CHA2DS2-VASc and HASBLED scores to ensure more benefit
      and less adverse effects in NVAF patients.

PMID- 28100899
TI  - Effectiveness of computed tomography attenuation values in characterization of
      pericardial effusion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of computed
      tomography (CT) attenuation values in the characterization of pericardial
      effusion. METHODS: This study consisted of 96 patients with pericardial effusion
      who underwent pericardiocentesis. For further diagnostic evaluation of
      pericardial effusion, all the patients were assessed by thorax CT. CT attenuation
      values were measured from at least 5 different areas of pericardial fluid by
      specifying the largest region of interest. The average of these measurements was
      computed and considered as the CT attenuation value of the patient. The patients
      were classified into two groups: patients with transudative pericardial effusion
      and those with exudative pericardial effusion. RESULTS: CT attenuation values
      were significantly higher in patients with exudative pericardial effusion than in
      those with transudative pericardial effusion [14.85+/-10.7 Hounsfield unit (HU)
      vs. 1.13+/-4.3 HU, p<0.001]. CT attenuation values had a close correlation with
      the pericardial fluid albumin (r=0.829), protein (r=0.752), and LDH (r=0.708)
      levels; WBC count (r=0.564); protein ratio (r=0.739); and LDH ratio (r=0.689) as
      well as the albumin gradient (r=-0.725). A cut-off value of 4.7 HU had 80%
      sensitivity and 87.7% specificity for the identification of exudative pericardial
      effusion. In addition, a cut-off value of 6.5 HU had 71.4% sensitivity and 72.3%
      specificity for the prediction of cardiac tamponade. CONCLUSION: In patients with
      pericardial effusion, CT attenuation values seem to be correlated with the
      characterization parameters of the fluid and may distinguish exudative
      pericardial effusion from transudative pericardial effusion. This parameter was
      also found to be a predictor of cardiac tamponade. CT attenuation values can be a
      useful tool in the clinical evaluation of patients with pericardial effusion.

PMID- 28100900
TI  - Paeonia lactiflora Inhibits Cell Wall Synthesis and Triggers Membrane
      Depolarization in Candida albicans.
AB  - Fungal cell walls and cell membranes are the main targets of antifungals. In this
      study, we report on the antifungal activity of an ethanol extract from Paeonia
      lactiflora against Candida albicans, showing that the antifungal activity is
      associated with the synergistic actions of preventing cell wall synthesis,
      enabling membrane depolarization, and compromising permeability. First, it was
      shown that the ethanol extract from P. lactiflora was involved in damaging the
      integrity of cell walls in C. albicans. In isotonic media, cell bursts of C.
      albicans by the P. lactiflora ethanol extract could be restored, and the minimum
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the P. lactiflora ethanol extract against C.
      albicans cells increased 4-fold. In addition, synthesis of (1,3)-beta-D-glucan
      polymer was inhibited by 87% and 83% following treatment of C. albicans
      microsomes with the P. lactiflora ethanol extract at their 1* MIC and 2* MIC,
      respectively. Second, the ethanol extract from P. lactiflora influenced the
      function of C. albicans cell membranes. C. albicans cells treated with the P.
      lactiflora ethanol extract formed red aggregates by staining with a membrane
      impermeable dye, propidium iodide. Membrane depolarization manifested as
      increased fluorescence intensity by staining P. lactiflora-treated C. albicans
      cells with a membrane-potential marker, DiBAC4(3) ((bis-1,3-dibutylbarbituric
      acid) trimethine oxonol). Membrane permeability was assessed by crystal violet
      assay, and C. albicans cells treated with the P. lactiflora ethanol extract
      exhibited significant uptake of crystal violet in a concentration-dependent
      manner. The findings suggest that P. lactiflora ethanol extract is a viable and
      effective candidate for the development of new antifungal agents to treat Candida
      associated diseases.

PMID- 28100901
TI  - Pancreas Transplant with Duodeno-Duodenostomy and Caval Drainage Using a Diamond
      Patch Graft: A Single-Center Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND The surgical technique used in pancreas transplant is essential for
      patient safety and graft survival, and problems exist with conventional
      strategies. When enteric exocrine drainage is performed, there is no method of
      immunologic monitoring other than direct graft pancreas biopsy. The most common
      cause of early graft failure is graft thrombosis, and adequate preventive and
      treatment strategies are unclear. To overcome these disadvantages, we suggest a
      modified surgical technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eleven patients underwent
      pancreas transplant with our modified technique. The modified surgical techniques
      are as follows: 1) graft duodenum was anastomosed with recipient duodenum to
      enable endoscopic immunological monitoring, and 2) the inferior vena cava was
      chosen for vascular anastomosis and a diamond-shaped patch was applied to prevent
      graft thrombosis. RESULTS No patient mortality or graft failure occurred. One
      case of partial thrombosis of the graft portal vein occurred, which did not
      affect graft condition, and resolved after heparin treatment. All patients were
      cured from diabetes mellitus. There were no cases of pancreatic rejection, but 2
      cases of graft duodenal rejection occurred, which were adequately treated with
      steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS This modified surgical technique for pancreas
      transplant represents a feasible method for preventing thrombosis and allows for
      direct graft monitoring through endoscopy.

PMID- 28100903
TI  - Rhodoccocus Equi Pneumonia and Paradoxical Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory
      Syndrome in a Patient with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
AB  - BACKGROUND Pulmonary infections are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in
      patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and can progress
      rapidly to respiratory failure and death without appropriate therapy. Herein, we
      present a rare case of an advanced HIV infection and Rhodoccocus equi (R. equi)
      pneumonia in a young male who had severe paradoxical immune reconstitution
      inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). CASE REPORT A 47-year-old nonsmoking Hispanic man
      with advanced HIV infection presented with severe acute necrotizing pneumonia
      secondary to R. equi. Although his initial response to antimicrobial therapy was
      optimal, he became symptomatic again in spite of continuation of antibiotics as
      he developed severe paradoxical IRIS 3 weeks after starting a new highly active
      anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of IRIS remains
      challenging because of the wide variations in the clinical presentation and
      etiologies. In spite of its rarity as an opportunistic pathogen, we recommend
      that R. equi, an intracellular pathogen, be included in the differential list of
      pathogens associated with IRIS.

PMID- 28100902
TI  - Prognostic Role of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Locally Advanced Rectal
      Cancer Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests that cancer-associated inflammation is
      associated with poorer outcomes. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR),
      considered as a systemic inflammation marker, is thought to predict prognoses in
      colorectal cancer. In this study, we explored the association between the NLR and
      prognoses following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced
      rectal cancer (LARC). MATERIAL AND METHODS From February 2002 to December 2012, a
      group of 202 patients diagnosed with LARC and receiving neoadjuvant CRT followed
      by radical surgery was included in our retrospective study. The associations
      between the pre-CRT NLR and clinicopathological characteristics, as well as the
      predictive value of pre-CRT NLR against survival outcomes, were analyzed. RESULTS
      The average NLR was 2.7+/-1.5 (median 2.4, range 0.6-12.8). There were 63 (31.2%)
      patients with NLR >=3.0, and 139 (68.8%) patients with NLR <3.0. Correlation
      analyses showed that no clinicopathological characteristics except age were
      associated with NLR. We did not find an association between NLR and survival
      outcomes. In multivariate Cox model analyses, the R1/R2 resection, lymph node
      ratio >=0.1, and perineural/lymphovascular invasion were independently associated
      with worse disease-free survival and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort,
      the NLR did not correlate with survival outcomes in LARC patients undergoing
      neoadjuvant CRT. The prognostic value of NLR should be validated in large-scale
      prospective studies.

PMID- 28100904
TI  - Kidney cancer in 2016: The evolution of anti-angiogenic therapy for kidney
      cancer.

PMID- 28100905
TI  - Renal transplantation in 2016: Novel approaches to improve recipient and
      allograft outcomes.

PMID- 28100906
TI  - Glomerular disease in 2016: New advances in the treatment of glomerular disease.

PMID- 28100907
TI  - Critical care nephrology in 2016: Managing organ dysfunction in critical care.

PMID- 28100908
TI  - Genetics of kidney disease in 2016: Ingenious tactics to unravel complex kidney
      disease genetics.

PMID- 28100909
TI  - Impact of pretransplant induction therapy on autologous stem cell transplantation
      for patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome.
AB  - POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal
      gammopathy and skin changes) is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia sometimes treated
      with a haematopoietic cell autotransplant. We analyzed data from 138 subjects
      with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome receiving a autotransplant at our center.
      Thirty-two subjects with severe end-organ dysfunction ineligible for immediate
      autotransplant received pretransplant therapy, which made a subsequent
      autotransplant feasible. Pretransplant therapy resulted in vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) remissions in 15 (47%). Thirty-three transplant recipients
      (24%) had early posttransplant complications. Risk factors for these
      complications identified through multivariate analysis included age >50 years
      (odds ratio (OR) 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-7.14; P=0.033), time
      from symptom onset to transplant >5 years (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.10-20.18; P=0.037)
      and pleural effusion (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.26-9.12; P=0.016). Subjects receiving
      pretransplant therapy had fewer early complications than those who did not (OR
      0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.71; P=0.015), especially in subjects with a VEGF remission
      (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.49; P=0.010). Autotransplants resulted in hematological
      remission in 60 (50%), VEGF remissions in 76 (72%) and improvements in other
      organ functions (65-90%). The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall
      survival were 76% (95% CI 64-84%) and 94% (95% CI 87-97%), respectively.
      Hematological (5-year PFS 83 vs 66%, P=0.008), VEGF (5-year PFS 79 vs 57%,
      P=0.021) remissions and especially both (5-year PFS 95 vs 61%, P=0.004) were
      associated with better PFS.

PMID- 28100910
TI  - A novel sequence variant in SFRP4 causing Pyle disease.
AB  - Pyle disease (PYL) is an extremely rare disorder of irregular development of long
      bone. Recently, homozygous mutations in secreted frizzled-related protein 4 gene
      (SFRP4) gene were found to underlie this condition. Sequencing of coding regions
      of SFRP4 gene from an 11-year-old female with PYL was performed. A novel
      homozygous nonsense variant, c.183C>G (p.Y61*) was observed. Segregation analysis
      in the patient revealed a germline mutation, resulting in reduced protein
      formation. This is the second report from a fourth affected family with a SFRP4
      mutation causing PYL disease.

PMID- 28100911
TI  - Variants on chromosome 4q21 near PKD2 and SIBLINGs are associated with dental
      caries.
AB  - A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) for dental caries nominated the
      chromosomal region 4q21 near ABCG2, PKD2 and the SIBLING (small integrin-binding
      ligand N-linked glycoprotein) gene family. In this investigation, we followed up
      and fine-mapped this region using a tag-SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism)
      approach in 13 age- and race-stratified samples from 6 independent studies
      (N=4089). Participants were assessed for dental caries via intraoral examination
      and 49 tag-SNPs were genotyped capturing much of the variation in the 4q21 locus.
      Linear models were used to test for genetic association, while adjusting for sex,
      age and components of ancestry. SNPs in and near PKD2 showed significant evidence
      of association in individual samples of black adults (rs17013735, P-value=0.0009)
      and white adults (rs11938025; P-value=0.0005; rs2725270, P-value=0.003). Meta
      analyses across black adult samples recapitulated the association with rs17013735
      (P-value=0.003), which occurs at low frequency in non-African populations,
      possibly explaining the race specificity of the effect. In addition to race
      specific associations, we also observed evidence of gene-by-fluoride exposure
      interaction effects in white adults for SNP rs2725233 upstream of PKD2 (P=0.002).
      Our results show evidence of regional replication, though no single variant
      clearly accounted for the original GWAS signal. Therefore, while we interpret our
      results as strengthening the hypothesis that chromosome 4q21 may impact dental
      caries, additional work is needed.

PMID- 28100913
TI  - Genome-wide association study using the ethnicity-specific Japonica array:
      identification of new susceptibility loci for cold medicine-related Stevens
      Johnson syndrome with severe ocular complications.
AB  - A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for cold medicine-related Stevens-Johnson
      syndrome (CM-SJS) with severe ocular complications (SOC) was performed in a
      Japanese population. A recently developed ethnicity-specific array with genome
      wide imputation that was based on the whole-genome sequences of 1070 unrelated
      Japanese individuals was used. Validation analysis with additional samples from
      Japanese individuals and replication analysis using samples from Korean
      individuals identified two new susceptibility loci on chromosomes 15 and 16. This
      study might suggest the usefulness of GWAS using the ethnicity-specific array and
      genome-wide imputation based on large-scale whole-genome sequences. Our findings
      contribute to the understanding of genetic predisposition to CM-SJS with SOC.

PMID- 28100912
TI  - Cryptic splice activation but not exon skipping is observed in minigene assays of
      dystrophin c.9361+1G>A mutation identified by NGS.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) discloses nucleotide changes in the genome.
      Mutations at splicing regulatory elements are expected to cause splicing errors,
      such as exon skipping, cryptic splice site activation, partial exon loss or
      intron retention. In dystrophinopathy patients, prediction of splicing outcomes
      is essential to determine the phenotype: either severe Duchenne or mild Becker
      muscular dystrophy, based on the reading frame rule. In a Vietnamese patient, NGS
      identified a c.9361+1G>A mutation in the dystrophin gene and an additional DNA
      variation of A>G at +117 bases in intron 64. To ascertain the consequences of
      these DNA changes on dystrophin splicing, minigene constructs were prepared
      inserting dystrophin exon 64 plus various lengths of intron 64. Exon 64 skipping
      was observed in the minigene construct with 160 nucleotide (nt) of intron 64
      sequence with both c.9361+1A and +117G. In contrast, minigene constructs with
      larger flanking intronic domains resulted in cryptic splice site activation
      rather than exon skipping. Meanwhile, the cryptic splice site activation was
      induced even in +117G when intron 64 was elongated to 272 nt and longer. It was
      expected that cryptic splice site activation is an in vivo splicing outcome.

PMID- 28100915
TI  - Whole-exome sequencing study reveals common copy number variants in protocadherin
      genes associated with childhood obesity in Koreans.
AB  - Recently, the prevalence of childhood obesity has significantly increased in
      industrialized countries, including Korea, and now controlling obesity is
      becoming an economic burden. However, knowledge of the risk factors associated
      with obesity is still limited. In this study, we aimed to discover additional
      obesity-associated loci in children. To achieve this, we conducted an exome-wide
      association analysis of copy number variation (CNV) using whole-exome sequencing
      (WES) data from a total of 102 cases and 86 controls. We newly identified a CNV
      locus that overlapped two protocadherin genes, PCDHB7 and PCDHB8, which are brain
      function-related genes (P-value=6.40 * 10-4, odds ratio=2.2189). A subsequent
      replication analysis using WES data from 203 obese and 291 normal weight children
      showed that this CNV region satisfied the genome-wide significance standard
      (Fisher's combined P-value=3.76 * 10-5). Moreover, correlation test using 199
      additional samples supported significant association between CNV and increased
      body mass index. This region also showed a meaningful association with 273 cases
      and 2596 controls in adult samples. Our findings suggest that differences in the
      common CNV region at 5q31.3 may have an impact on the pathophysiology of obesity.

PMID- 28100916
TI  - Twenty-four-hour urinary sodium and potassium excretion and associated factors in
      Japanese secondary school students: methodological issues that can lead to
      misinterpretation.

PMID- 28100914
TI  - TET-mediated hydroxymethylcytosine at the Ppargamma locus is required for
      initiation of adipogenic differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adipose tissue is one of the main organs regulating energy
      homeostasis via energy storage as well as endocrine function. The adipocyte cell
      number is largely determined by adipogenesis. While the molecular mechanism of
      adipogenesis has been extensively studied, its role in dynamic DNA methylation
      plasticity remains unclear. Recently, it has been shown that Tet methylcytosine
      dioxygenase (TET) is catalytically capable of oxidizing DNA 5-methylcytosine (5
      mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) toward a complete removal of the
      methylated cytosine. We investigate whether expression of the Tet genes and
      production of hydroxymethylcytosine are required for preadipocyte
      differentiation. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were used to
      evaluate the role of Tet1 and Tet2 genes during adipogenesis. Changes in
      adipogenic ability and in epigenetic status were analyzed, with and without
      interfering Tet1 and Tet2 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA). The
      adipogenesis was evaluated by Oil-Red-O staining and induced expression of
      adipogenic genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Levels of 5
      hmC and 5-mC were measured by MassARRAY, immunoprecipitation and GC mass
      spectrometry at specific loci as well as globally. RESULTS: Both Tet1 and Tet2
      genes were upregulated in a time-dependent manner, accompanied by increased
      expression of hallmark adipogenic genes such as Ppargamma and Fabp4 (P<0.05). The
      TET upregulation led to reduced DNA methylation and elevated
      hydroxymethylcytosine, both globally and specifically at the Ppargamma locus
      (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Knockdown of Tet1 and Tet2 blocked
      adipogenesis (P<0.01) by repression of Ppargamma expression (P<0.05). In
      particular, Tet2 knockdown repressed conversion of 5-mC to 5-hmC at the Ppargamma
      locus (P<0.01). Moreover, vitamin C treatment enhanced adipogenesis (P<0.05),
      while fumarate treatment inhibited it (P<0.01) by modulating TET activities.
      CONCLUSIONS: TET proteins, particularly TET2, were required for adipogenesis by
      modulating DNA methylation at the Ppargamma locus, subsequently by inducing
      Ppargamma gene expression.

PMID- 28100917
TI  - Systolic blood pressure amplification and waveform calibration.

PMID- 28100918
TI  - Cardioprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors are possibly associated with
      normalization of the circadian rhythm of blood pressure.
AB  - Improvement in cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in the EMPA-REG
      OUTCOME study provides new insight into the therapeutic use of sodium-dependent
      glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes.
      Although SGLT2 inhibitors have several pleiotropic effects, the underlying
      mechanism responsible for their cardioprotective effects remains undetermined. In
      this regard, the absence of a nocturnal fall in blood pressure (BP), that is, non
      dipping BP, is a common phenomenon in type 2 diabetes and has a crucial role in
      the pathogenesis of CV morbidity and mortality. In most clinical trials, SGLT2
      inhibitors reduce both systolic BP (~3-5 mm Hg) and diastolic BP (~2 mm Hg) in
      patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, recent clinical and animal studies
      have revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors enable the change in BP circadian rhythm from
      a non-dipper to a dipper type, which is possibly associated with the improvement
      in CV outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this review, recent data on
      the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the circadian rhythm of BP will be summarized.
      The possible underlying mechanisms responsible for the SGLT2 inhibitor-induced
      improvement in the circadian rhythm of BP will also be discussed.

PMID- 28100919
TI  - Preventive effect of Eucommia leaf extract on aortic media hypertrophy in Wistar
      Kyoto rats fed a high-fat diet.
AB  - Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf extract (ELE) has been shown to have anti
      hypertensive and anti-obesity effects in rats that are fed a high-fat diet (HFD).
      To explore the effects of chronic administration of ELE on body weight, blood
      pressure and aortic media thickness, 7-week-old male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were
      orally administered a normal diet, a 30% HFD, or a 5% ELE plus HFD ad libitum for
      10 weeks. The HFD treatment caused mild obesity and hypertension in the
      normotensive rats, while rats receiving both ELE and the HFD had significantly
      lower body weights, less visceral and perirenal fat, lower blood pressure and
      thinner aortic media than the control rats receiving the HFD only. The plasma
      adiponectin/leptin ratio also improved in ELE-treated rats. Although plasma
      leptin levels were elevated in all HFD rats, adiponectin levels increased only in
      the ELE-treated rats. Anti-hypertensive and anti-obesity effects may be caused by
      the geniposidic acid (GEA) and/or asperuloside present in ELE. These findings
      suggest that chronic ELE administration prevents aortic media hypertrophy in
      early-stage obesity with hypertension. Long-term administration of ELE might
      inhibit the development of arteriosclerosis.

PMID- 28100920
TI  - Within-country variation of salt intake assessed via urinary excretion in Japan:
      a multilevel analysis in all 47 prefectures.
AB  - Salt intake in Japan remains high; therefore, exploring within-country variation
      in salt intake and its cause is an important step in the establishment of salt
      reduction strategies. However, no nationwide evaluation of this variation has
      been conducted by urinalysis. We aimed to clarify whether within-country
      variation in salt intake exists in Japan after adjusting for individual
      characteristics. Healthy men (n=1027) and women (n=1046) aged 20-69 years were
      recruited from all 47 prefectures of Japan. Twenty-four-hour sodium excretion was
      estimated using three spot urine samples collected on three nonconsecutive days.
      The study area was categorized into 12 regions defined by the National Health and
      Nutrition Survey Japan. Within-country variation in sodium excretion was
      estimated as a population (region)-level variance using a multilevel model with
      random intercepts, with adjustment for individual biological, socioeconomic and
      dietary characteristics. Estimated 24 h sodium excretion was 204.8 mmol per day
      in men and 155.7 mmol per day in women. Sodium excretion was high in the
      Northeastern region. However, population-level variance was extremely small after
      adjusting for individual characteristics (0.8 and 2% of overall variance in men
      and women, respectively) compared with individual-level variance (99.2 and 98% of
      overall variance in men and women, respectively). Among individual
      characteristics, greater body mass index, living with a spouse and high miso-soup
      intake were associated with high sodium excretion in both sexes. Within-country
      variation in salt intake in Japan was extremely small compared with individual
      level variation. Salt reduction strategies for Japan should be comprehensive and
      should not address the small within-country differences in intake.

PMID- 28100921
TI  - Clinical significance of 'cardiometabolic memory': a systematic review of
      randomized controlled trials.
AB  - 'Cardiometabolic memory' has been proposed based on clinical evidence to explain
      how, even after the cessation of a clinical trial, the superiority of one
      treatment over the outcome persists. To understand the cardiometabolic memory
      phenomenon, we performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) using PubMed in August 2016. The search terms 'randomized controlled
      trial', 'post-trial follow-up' and 'diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidemia' were
      used, and articles published after the year 2000 were searched. We judged the
      memory phenomenon to be positive when the cardiovascular outcome at the end of
      the post-trial follow-up period in the intervention group was significantly
      superior even though the favorable control of a risk factor (blood glucose, blood
      pressure or lipid level) during the trial period was lost after the cessation of
      the intervention. Among 907 articles retrieved in the initial screening, 21
      articles were judged as describing a positive memory phenomenon. Eight, six and
      seven of the articles concerned diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia,
      respectively. Transient intensive glucose lowering rather easily induced memory
      for the suppression of diabetic microangiopathies, while memory for the
      suppression of macroangiopathies tended to be first evident in the post-trial
      follow-up period. Transient intensive blood pressure lowering was generally
      effective in the formation of memory for the suppression of cardiovascular events
      and had an especially strong impact on risk reduction of chronic heart failure.
      Transient intensive LDL cholesterol lowering clearly had a long-term beneficial
      effect on risk reduction of cardiovascular events. Our systematic review revealed
      the clinical relevance of cardiometabolic memory.

PMID- 28100922
TI  - The effects of missed doses of amlodipine and losartan on blood pressure in older
      hypertensive patients.
AB  - This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter study compared the
      efficacy of amlodipine and losartan in an older hypertensive population, focusing
      on therapeutic coverage in the case of missed doses. Following a 4-week, single
      blind, placebo washout period, 211 patients were randomly assigned to receive
      either 5 mg of amlodipine once daily or 50 mg of losartan once daily. Doses were
      doubled after 6 weeks of treatment if the diastolic blood pressure exceeded 90 mm
      Hg. After the 12-week treatment period, patients received the placebo for 2 days
      (drug holiday) to simulate two missed doses of antihypertensive medication.
      Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was conducted at the end of
      the placebo washout period (baseline), upon completion of the 12-week treatment
      period (steady state), and after the 2-day drug holiday. Amlodipine was more
      effective than losartan in reducing patients' 24-h ambulatory blood pressure at
      the steady-state sampling time. The increases in 24-h blood pressure during the
      drug holiday averaged 6+/-2/2+/-1 mm Hg (P<0.0001) in the amlodipine group and
      3+/-2/2+/-1 mm Hg (P<0.0001) in the losartan group. The rise in systolic pressure
      was greater in patients on amlodipine than in those on losartan (P<0.0001). For
      diastolic pressure, the changes did not differ. Owing to the lower pressure
      during treatment, patients in the amlodipine group remained at a significantly
      lower blood pressure level after the 2-day drug holiday. Amlodipine was more
      effective than losartan in lowering blood pressure and in maintaining blood
      pressure control after two missed doses, and the difference was most significant
      for systolic blood pressure.

PMID- 28100924
TI  - Rheumatoid arthritis: Nicotine exacerbates arthritis.

PMID- 28100923
TI  - Reductions in central arterial compliance with age are related to sympathetic
      vasoconstrictor nerve activity in healthy men.
AB  - The compliance of large elastic arteries in the cardiothoracic circulation
      declines, whereas sympathetic nervous system activity increases markedly with
      advancing age in adult humans. We tested the hypothesis that the reduction in
      compliance of the large elastic arteries with age is associated with elevations
      in sympathetic tone to vascular smooth muscle in 16 young and 17 older adults.
      Carotid arterial compliance (via ultrasonography) was 45% lower in healthy older
      compared with young men (P<0.001), and was inversely related to sympathetic nerve
      activity (via microneurography) (r=-0.51; P<0.005). Statistically correcting for
      sympathetic nerve activity abolished the age-related difference in arterial
      compliance (P=0.35). Our results suggest that increases in the sympathetic tone
      of vascular smooth muscle may have a mechanistic role in the age-related
      reduction in large artery compliance.

PMID- 28100925
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus: New pathway blocks disease in lupus-prone mice.

PMID- 28100926
TI  - Are coarse-grained models apt to detect protein thermal stability? The case of
      OPEP force field.
AB  - We present the first investigation of the kinetic and thermodynamic stability of
      two homologous thermophilic and mesophilic proteins based on the coarse-grained
      model OPEP. The object of our investigation is a pair of G-domains of relatively
      large size, 200 amino acids each, with an experimental stability gap of about 40
      K. The OPEP force field is able to maintain stable the fold of these relatively
      large proteins within the hundrend-nanosecond time scale without including
      external constraints. This makes possible to characterize the conformational
      landscape of the folded protein as well as to explore the unfolding. In agreement
      with all-atom simulations used as a reference, we show that the conformational
      landscape of the thermophilic protein is characterized by a larger number of
      substates with slower dynamics on the network of states and more resilient to
      temperature increase. Moreover, we verify the stability gap between the two
      proteins using replica-exchange simulations and estimate a difference between the
      melting temperatures of about 23 K, in fair agreement with experiment. The
      detailed investigation of the unfolding thermodynamics, allows to gain insight
      into the mechanism underlying the enhanced stability of the thermophile relating
      it to a smaller heat capacity of unfolding.

PMID- 28100927
TI  - Resolution of morphology-based taxonomic delusions: Acrocordiella,
      Basiseptospora, Blogiascospora, Clypeosphaeria, Hymenopleella, Lepteutypa,
      Pseudapiospora, Requienella, Seiridium and Strickeria.
AB  - Fresh material, type studies and molecular phylogeny were used to clarify
      phylogenetic relationships of the nine genera Acrocordiella, Blogiascospora,
      Clypeosphaeria, Hymenopleella, Lepteutypa, Pseudapiospora, Requienella, Seiridium
      and Strickeria. At first sight, some of these genera do not seem to have much in
      common, but all were found to belong to the Xylariales, based on their generic
      types. Thus, the most peculiar finding is the phylogenetic affinity of the genera
      Acrocordiella, Requienella and Strickeria, which had been classified in the
      Dothideomycetes or Eurotiomycetes, to the Xylariales. Acrocordiella and
      Requienella are closely related but distinct genera of the Requienellaceae.
      Although their ascospores are similar to those of Lepteutypa, phylogenetic
      analyses do not reveal a particularly close relationship. The generic type of
      Lepteutypa, L. fuckelii, belongs to the Amphisphaeriaceae. Lepteutypa sambuci is
      newly described. Hymenopleella is recognised as phylogenetically distinct from
      Lepteutypa, and Hymenopleella hippophaeicola is proposed as new name for its
      generic type, Sphaeria (= Lepteutypa) hippophaes. Clypeosphaeria uniseptata is
      combined in Lepteutypa. No asexual morphs have been detected in species of
      Lepteutypa. Pseudomassaria fallax, unrelated to the generic type, P.
      chondrospora, is transferred to the new genus Basiseptospora, the genus
      Pseudapiospora is revived for P. corni, and Pseudomassaria carolinensis is
      combined in Beltraniella (Beltraniaceae). The family Clypeosphaeriaceae is
      discontinued, because the generic type of Clypeosphaeria, C. mamillana, is a
      member of the Xylariaceae. The genus Seiridium, of which the sexual morph
      Blogiascospora is confirmed, is unrelated to Lepteutypa, as is Lepteutypa
      cupressi. The taxonomy of the cypress canker agents is discussed. The family
      Sporocadaceae is revived for a large clade of the Xylariales that contains
      Hymenopleella, Seiridium and Strickeria among a number of other genera. Neotypes
      are proposed for Massaria fuckelii and Sphaeria hippophaes. Didymella vexata,
      Seiridium marginatum, Sphaeria corni, Sphaeria hippophaes, Sphaeria seminuda are
      epitypified, Apiosporina fallax, Massaria occulta, Sphaeria mamillana and
      Strickeria kochii are lecto- and epitypified. We also provide DNA data for
      Broomella vitalbae, Cainia desmazieri and Creosphaeria sassafras.

PMID- 28100929
TI  - Quantitative computed tomography analysis of the airways in patients with cystic
      fibrosis using automated software: correlation with spirometry in the evaluation
      of severity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a quantitative analysis of the airways using automated
      software, in computed tomography images of patients with cystic fibrosis,
      correlating the results with spirometric findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty
      four patients with cystic fibrosis were studied-20 males and 14 females; mean age
      18 +/- 9 years-divided into two groups according to the spirometry findings:
      group I (n = 21), without severe airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in
      first second [FEV1] > 50% predicted), and group II (n = 13), with severe
      obstruction (FEV1 <= 50% predicted). The following tracheobronchial tree
      parameters were obtained automatically: bronchial diameter, area, thickness, and
      wall attenuation. RESULTS: On average, 52 bronchi per patient were studied. The
      number of bronchi analyzed was higher in group II. The correlation with
      spirometry findings, especially between the relative wall thickness of third to
      eighth bronchial generation and predicted FEV1, was better in group I.
      CONCLUSION: Quantitative analysis of the airways by computed tomography can be
      useful for assessing disease severity in cystic fibrosis patients. In patients
      with severe airflow obstruction, the number of bronchi studied by the method is
      higher, indicating more bronchiectasis. In patients without severe obstruction,
      the relative bronchial wall thickness showed a good correlation with the
      predicted FEV1.

PMID- 28100928
TI  - Mass Spectrometry: A Technique of Many Faces.
AB  - Protein complexes form the critical foundation for a wide range of biological
      process, however understanding the intricate details of their activities is often
      challenging. In this review we describe how mass spectrometry plays a key role in
      the analysis of protein assemblies and the cellular pathways which they are
      involved in. Specifically, we discuss how the versatility of mass spectrometric
      approaches provides unprecedented information on multiple levels. We demonstrate
      this on the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway, a process that is
      responsible for protein turnover. We follow the various steps of this degradation
      route and illustrate the different mass spectrometry workflows that were applied
      for elucidating molecular information. Overall, this review aims to stimulate the
      integrated use of multiple mass spectrometry approaches for analyzing complex
      biological systems.

PMID- 28100930
TI  - Radiological findings in megaesophagus secondary to Chagas disease: chest X-ray
      and esophagogram.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify and classify the radiographic patterns of megaesophagus in
      Chagas disease, as seen on esophagograms and chest X-rays. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This was a prospective study of 35 patients diagnosed with esophageal disease via
      manometry. The changes found on esophagograms were stratified according to
      Rezende's classification, divided into four categories (grades I through IV)
      determined by the degree of dilatation and impairement of esophageal motility. We
      subsequently correlated that ranking with the chest X-ray findings: gastric air
      bubble; air-fluid level; and mediastinal widening. RESULTS: Among the 35
      patients, the esophageal disease was classified as grade I in 9 (25.7%), grade II
      in 3 (8.6%), grade III in 19 (54.3%), and grade IV in 4 (11.4%). None of the
      patients with grade I esophageal disease showed changes on chest X-rays. In two
      of the three patients with grade II disease, there was no gastric air-bubble,
      although there were no other findings in any of the grade II patients. Of the 19
      patients with grade III disease, 15 had abnormal findings on X-rays. All four
      patients with grade IV disease showed abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The use of
      Rezende's classification is feasible, encompassing findings ranging from the
      subtle changes that characterize the initial phases of esophageal disease to the
      complete akinesia seen in dolicomegaesophagus. Chest X-ray findings are more
      common in patients with advanced stages of the disease and indicate the degree of
      esophageal involvement in Chagas disease.

PMID- 28100931
TI  - The value of anterior displacement of the abdominal aorta in diagnosing
      neuroblastoma in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of anterior displacement of the abdominal
      aorta, when present at any level or only at the level of the adrenal gland,
      contralateral to the mass, in diagnosing neuroblastoma on computed tomography or
      magnetic resonance imaging in children up to 7 years of age. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Imaging examinations of 66 patients were classified by consensus as for
      the presence of anterior aorta displacement and were compared with the pathology
      report. RESULTS: We found anterior abdominal aorta displacement in 26 (39.39%) of
      the 66 patients evaluated. Among those 26 patients, we identified neuroblastoma
      in 22 (84.62%), nephroblastoma in 3 (11.54%), and Burkitt lymphoma in 1 (3.85%).
      The positive predictive value was 84.62%, and the specificity was 88.24%. The
      displacement of the aorta was at the adrenal level, contralateral to the mass, in
      14 cases, all of which were attributed to neuroblastoma. CONCLUSION: When the
      abdominal aorta is displaced at the level of the adrenal gland, contralateral to
      the mass, it can be said that the diagnosis is neuroblastoma, whereas abdominal
      aorta displacement occurring at other abdominal levels has a positive predictive
      value for neuroblastoma of approximately 85%.

PMID- 28100932
TI  - Defecography by digital radiography: experience in clinical practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to profile patients who undergo
      defecography, by age and gender, as well as to describe the main imaging and
      diagnostic findings in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a
      retrospective, descriptive study of 39 patients, conducted between January 2012
      and February 2014. The patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, and
      diagnosis. They were stratified by age, and continuous variables are expressed as
      mean +/- standard deviation. All possible quantitative defecography variables
      were evaluated, including rectal evacuation, perineal descent, and measures of
      the anal canal. RESULTS: The majority (95%) of the patients were female. Patient
      ages ranged from 18 to 82 years (mean age, 52 +/- 13 years): 10 patients were
      under 40 years of age; 18 were between 40 and 60 years of age; and 11 were over
      60 years of age. All 39 of the patients evaluated had abnormal radiological
      findings. The most prevalent diagnoses were rectocele (in 77%) and enterocele (in
      38%). Less prevalent diagnoses were vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and
      Meckel's diverticulum (in 2%, for all). CONCLUSION: Although defecography is
      performed more often in women, both genders can benefit from the test.
      Defecography can be performed in order to detect complex disorders such as
      uterine and rectal prolapse, as well as to detect basic clinical conditions such
      as rectocele or enterocele.

PMID- 28100933
TI  - Growth of Heterostegina depressa under natural and laboratory conditions.
AB  - The use of micro-computed tomography (MUCT) provides a unique opportunity to look
      inside the shells of larger benthic foraminifera to investigate their structure
      by measuring linear and volumetric parameters. For this study, gamonts/schizonts
      and agamonts of the species Heterostegina depressa d'Orbigny were examined by
      MUCT; each single chamber's volume was digitally measured. This approach enables
      cell growth to be recognised in terms of chamber volume sequence, which
      progressively increases until reproduction occurs. This sequence represents the
      ontogeny of the foraminiferal cell and has been used here to investigate
      controlling factors potentially affecting the process of chamber formation. This
      is manifested as instantaneous or periodic deviations of the realised chamber
      volumes derived from modelled growth functions. The results obtained on naturally
      grown specimens show oscillations in chamber volumes which can be modelled by
      sums of sinusoidal functions. A set of functions with similar periods in all
      investigated specimens points to lunar and tidal cycles. To determine whether
      such cyclic signals are genuine and not the effects of a theoretical model, the
      same analysis was conducted on specimens held in a closed laboratory facility, as
      they should not be affected by natural environmental effects. Surprisingly,
      similar cyclicities were observed in such samples. However, a solely genetic
      origin of these cycles couldn't be verified either. Therefore, detailed analysis
      on the phase equality of these growth oscillations have been done. This approach
      is pivotal for proving that the oscillatory patterns discovered in LBF are indeed
      genuine signals, and on how chamber growth might be influenced by tidal currents
      or lunar months.

PMID- 28100934
TI  - Association of Insulin Resistance with Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: Ethnic
      Heterogeneity in Far Western China.
AB  - Objective. To study the relationships between IR and glucose and lipid metabolism
      in far western China and these relationships' ethnic heterogeneity. Methods. From
      the baseline survey, 419 Uygur cases, 331 Kazak cases, and 220 Han cases were
      randomly selected, resulting in a total of 970 cases for study. FINS
      concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results. (1) In the Kazak
      population, IR was correlated with hyperglycemia; high levels of TC, TG, and LDL
      C; and low levels of HDL-C and abdominal obesity (all P < 0.05). (2) In the Uygur
      population, the influence of IR on hyperglycemia and abdominal obesity was the
      greatest. In the Kazak population, IR was associated with hyperglycemia most
      closely. In the Han population, IR may have had an impact on the incidence of low
      HDL-C levels. (3) After adjusting for sex, age, smoking status, and alcohol
      consumption, IR was still associated with anomalies in the metabolism of the
      Uygur, Kazak, and Han populations. Conclusion. IR was involved in the process of
      glucose and lipid metabolism, and its degree of involvement differed among the
      ethnicities studied. We could consider reducing the occurrence of abnormal
      glucose and lipid metabolism by controlling IR and aiming to reduce the
      prevalence of metabolic syndrome and related diseases.

PMID- 28100935
TI  - Dalbergioidin Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Renal Fibrosis by Suppressing the
      TGF-beta Signal Pathway.
AB  - We investigated the effect of Dalbergioidin (DAL), a well-known natural product
      extracted from Uraria crinita, on doxorubicin- (DXR-) induced renal fibrosis in
      mice. The mice were pretreated for 7 days with DAL followed by a single injection
      of DXR (10 mg/kg) via the tail vein. Renal function was analyzed 5 weeks after
      DXR treatment. DXR caused nephrotoxicity. The symptoms of nephrotic syndrome were
      greatly improved after DAL treatment. The indices of renal fibrosis, the
      phosphorylation of Smad3, and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha
      SMA), fibronectin, collagen III (Col III), E-cadherin, TGF-beta, and Smad7 in
      response to DXR were all similarly modified by DAL. The present findings suggest
      that DAL improved the markers for kidney damage investigated in this model of DXR
      induced experimental nephrotoxicity.

PMID- 28100936
TI  - Chitosan Modulates Inflammatory Responses in Rats Infected with Enterotoxigenic
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan (COS) on
      gastrointestinal pathogen resistance in mice model. For two weeks, a control
      group of ICR mice received a basal diet whilst the intervention group received
      the basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg COS. After two weeks, the mice fed the
      supplemented diet had a lower body weight. Then enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
      (E. coli) was administered to the mice through oral gavage, with each mouse
      receiving 108 CFU. At day 7 after infection, the bacterial load in the jejunum
      and faeces was significantly lower in the COS group than that in the control
      group. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-17, IL-18, and
      TNF-alpha were significantly lower in the group of mice receiving the COS diet;
      also the jejunal production of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) was suppressed in the
      COS group. These results indicate the intervention influenced inflammation and
      controlled E. coli infection.

PMID- 28100937
TI  - Why the Resistance: Minimally Invasive Pancreaticoduodenectomy-Saving the Patient
      from Tigers.

PMID- 28100938
TI  - Public Perceptions of Plastic Surgery Practice in Brazil.
AB  - The perception of medical specialists by the public has a significant effect on
      health-care decisions, research funding allocation, and implantation of
      educational measures. The purpose of this survey was to assess the public's
      perception of the field of plastic surgery practice. General public members (n =
      1290) completed a survey where they matched nine specialties with 28 plastic
      surgery-related scenarios. Response patterns were distributed as "plastic surgeon
      alone," "plastic surgeon combined with other specialists," or "no plastic
      surgeon." Sociodemographic data and previous plastic surgery contact were also
      collected. "Plastic surgeon alone" was identified as an expert by more than 70 %
      of respondents in four (40 %) aesthetic-related scenarios and in one (5.5 %)
      general/reconstructive-related scenario. "Plastic surgeon alone" was
      significantly (all p < 0.05) more recognized as an expert than other response
      patterns in all aesthetic-related scenarios, except for botulinum toxin for
      facial wrinkles. There was a significant (all p < 0.05) poor understanding of the
      role of plastic surgeons in facial fracture surgery, facial paralysis management,
      chest wall surgery, hand surgery-related scenarios, and tumor surgery-related
      scenarios. Age, health-care professional, education level, and prior plastic
      surgery contact were significant (all p < 0.05) determinants of "plastic surgeon"
      as a response pattern, according to bivariate analysis and multiple linear
      regression analysis. The public has a poor understanding of the broad field of
      plastic surgery practice. Therefore, improved public education about the scope of
      plastic surgery is needed.

PMID- 28100939
TI  - Management of Liver Trauma in Minia University Hospital, Egypt.
AB  - The aim of this study is to present the outcome of operative and non-operative
      management of patients with liver injury treated in a single institution
      depending on imaging. This study was conducted at the Causality Unit of Minia
      University Hospital, and included 60 patients with hepatic trauma from March 2012
      to January 2013. In our study, males represent 80 % while females represent 20 %
      of the traumatized patients. The peak age for trauma found was 11-30 years. Blunt
      trauma is the most common cause of liver injury as it was the cause in 48
      patients (80 %). Firearm injuries are the most common cause of penetrating trauma
      (60 %) followed by stab injuries (40 %). More than one half of our patients (34
      out of 60) were treated with non-operative management (NOM) with a high success
      rate. The operative procedures done were suture hepatorrhaphy (20 cases), non
      anatomical resection in one case, anatomical resection in one case, and damage
      control therapy using pads in two cases. In another two cases, nothing was done
      as subcapsular hematoma had resolved. Minia University Hospital is a big tertiary
      Hospital in Egypt at which blunt liver trauma is more common than penetrating
      liver trauma. Surgery is no longer the only option available. It has been
      reserved for extensive lesions with condition of hemodynamic instability or for
      the treatment of the complications. NOM is an effective treatment modality in
      most cases.

PMID- 28100940
TI  - Surgery in Pancreatic Necrosis-Challenges and Outcomes in an Industrial Hospital.
AB  - Twenty-seven cases of pancreatic necrosis were admitted and treated at our
      hospital from Jan 2010 till Jan 2015. Eight of these patients (29 %) underwent
      pancreatic necrosectomy. Of a total number of 957 patients admitted for acute
      pancreatitis, 27 patients (3 %) were diagnosed to have necrotizing pancreatitis.
      Of the 8 patients operated on, 5 patients (62.5 %) were treated successfully. The
      3 patients who died had 3 organ (renal, respiratory and cardiovascular) failures.
      Nineteen patients of pancreatic necrosis responded to medical management and were
      successfully treated.

PMID- 28100941
TI  - Outcomes of Laparoscopy Combined with Enhanced Recovery Pathway for Reversal of
      Hartmann's Procedure.
AB  - The objective of this study is to discuss the security and feasibility of the
      laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure (LRHP) on the concept of enhanced
      recovery after surgery (ERAS). The clinical data of 42 patients who underwent
      laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure was retrospectively analyzed, and
      the operative time, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications,
      conversion to open surgery, postoperative hospital stay, and so on were observed.
      Twenty-nine patients (69.00 % of the study pool) received complete postoperative
      recovery courses as prescribed by enhanced recovery program (ERP). The
      postoperative length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was 5.6 (3-16 days). The
      overall and major (grades III to V) postoperative morbidities were 33.3 % (n =
      14) and 4.8 % (n = 2), respectively. Our preliminary results showed that using
      the laparoscopic technology in reversal of Hartmann's colostomy on the concept of
      ERP is safe and feasible. Patients with intra- or postoperative complications
      were found to have statistically significant associations with greater risk of
      ERP failure.

PMID- 28100942
TI  - Potential Benefits of Rib Fracture Fixation in Patients with Flail Chest and
      Multiple Non-flail Rib Fractures.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential benefits of rib fracture
      fixation in patients with flail chest and multiple non-flail rib fractures versus
      conventional treatment modalities. A retrospective reviewed study compared 86
      cases which received surgical treatment between June 2009 and May 2013 to 76
      cases which received conservative treatment between January 2006 and May 2009.
      The patients were divided into the flail chest (n = 38) and multiple non-flail
      rib fracture groups (n = 124). In the flail chest group, the mechanical
      ventilation time, ICU monitoring time, tracheostomies, thoracic deformity, and
      impaired pulmonary function and return to full-time employment were compared. In
      the multiple non-flail rib fracture group, fracture healing, visual analog scale
      (VAS) pain score, inpatient length of stay, atelectatic, pulmonary complications,
      and normal activity-returning time were compared. Patients in the flail chest
      operative fixation group had significantly shorter ICU stay, decreased ventilator
      requirements, fewer tracheostomies, less thoracic deformity and impaired
      pulmonary function, and more returned to full-time employment. Patients in the
      multiple non-flail rib fracture operative fixation had shorter hospital stay,
      less pain, earlier return to normal activity, more fracture healing, less
      atelectasis, and fewer pulmonary infections. This study demonstrates the
      potential benefits of surgical stabilization of flail chest and multiple non
      flail rib fractures with plate fixation. When compared with conventional
      conservative management, operatively managed patients demonstrated improved
      clinical outcomes.

PMID- 28100943
TI  - Comparison of the Clinical Outcome and Complications in Laparoscopic Hernia
      Repair of Inguinal Hernia With Mesh Fixation Using Fibrin Glue vs Tacker.
AB  - Although laparoscopic repair offers a quick and less morbid way of treating
      hernias, complications like hematoma, seroma, neuralgia, recurrence, mesh
      infection, hydrocele, etc. are known. The present study was undertaken to compare
      various clinical outcomes between mesh fixation using fibrin glue and mesh
      fixation with tacker in a 3-months follow-up. One hundred patients aged 18 to 60
      years having inguinal hernia admitted in Poona Hospital and Research Centre,
      Pune, between October 2012 and November 2014 for laparoscopic hernia surgery and
      ready to participate in this study were included. All of them underwent
      laparoscopic repair of hernia by total extra peritoneal (TEP) method following
      sample surgical protocol in all of them except for method of mesh fixation. Mean
      time calculated from insertion of the first trocar to beginning of skin suturing
      was 54.9 min in tacker group and 50.3 min in fibrin glue group with no
      statistically significant difference between the two. The incidence of urinary
      retention was significantly higher in tacker (34 %) as compared to fibrin glue
      (12 %) group. Incidence of hematoma was significantly higher in tacker group in
      15-day follow-up, but there was no significant difference in hematoma formation
      at hernial sites in both groups after 15 days of follow-up. The incidence of
      neuralgia was significantly higher in the tacker group (24 %) compared with the
      fibrin glue group (2 %). Significantly, more number of people in the fibrin glue
      group 68 and 90 %, respectively, returned to work during 15 and 30 days follow-up
      as compared to the tacker group 46 and 64 %. Fibrin glue can be considered as an
      alternative to tacker for mesh fixation.

PMID- 28100944
TI  - Ostomy in Nontraumatic Conditions: Our Experience and Review of the Literature.
AB  - A number of nontraumatic acute abdomen can result in peritonitis leading to
      sepsis. In emergent conditions, various procedures like segmentary colectomy
      and/or subtotal colectomy with anastomosis, Hartmann's procedure, transverse
      colectomy, and/or expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement can be performed,
      considering the status of the patient and the facilitaties of the institution. In
      our study, we examined the cases diagnosed as acute abdomen without the history
      of trauma, which had lead to a procedure requiring colostomy. We retrospectively
      analysed 105 cases of nontraumatic acute abdomen, resulted in a procedure
      requiring colostomy. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scoring and
      Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) were used in the evaluation of the risk of
      mortality and morbidity. There were colonic perforations of rectosigmoid tumor in
      66 cases (62.8 %), sigmoid volvulus in 10 cases (9.5 %), colonic anastomotic
      leakage in 9 cases (8.5 %), intestinal adhesions in 8 cases (7.6 %), mesenteric
      ischemia in 5 cases (4.7 %), gynecological diseases in 3 cases (2.85 %),
      strangulated hernias in 3 (2.85 %), and Ogilvie syndrome in 1 case (0.95 %). Rate
      of morbidity was found to be 25.7 %, while mortality occurred in 2.8 % of the
      cases. Cases with mortality and morbidity had ASA scores above two and MPI scores
      above 23. Anastomotic leakage was the only reason of mortality. In nontraumatic
      occasions, the management and prognosis of cases with peritonitis, general status
      of the patients play major roles. The prognosis rates of morbidity and mortality
      can be highly predicted when ASA and MPI scores are evaluated together.

PMID- 28100945
TI  - Study of 433 Operated Cases of Thoracic Trauma.
AB  - Patients with thoracic trauma constitute one third of all the trauma cases. Of
      traumatic patients, 20-25 % die because of thoracic trauma. Our aim was to
      compare our clinical experience and the results with the related literature. Four
      hundred thirty-three patients, who underwent surgical interventions due to
      thoracic trauma, were evaluated. The latest form of treatment applied were taken
      as the criteria for the quantitative detection of patients. Continuous variables
      were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation, while categorical variables were
      explained as number and percentage. The significance of the analysis results was
      evaluated using Fisher's exact test. p values <0.05 were considered as
      significant. Penetrating injuries were found in 258 (59 %) of the patients, and
      blunt trauma was identified in 175 (41 %). Depending on the trauma, pneumothorax
      was discovered in 130 patients (30.02 %), hemothorax in 117 (27.02 %),
      hemopneumothorax in 61 (14.08 %), pulmonary contusion in 110 (45 %),
      pneumomediastinum in 14 (3.23 %), and pericardial tamponade in 1 patient (0.23
      %). It was demonstrated that 385 of 433 patients examined in the study underwent
      tube thoracostomy, 41 were treated with thoracotomy, while 6 of them underwent
      video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and 1 underwent sternotomy. No
      correlation was observed between mortality, morbidity, and gender and type of
      trauma and location of trauma (p > 0.05). However, statistically significant
      correlation was found between mortaxlity, morbidity, and the presence of
      concomitant injuries, the duration between injury and admission being more than 1
      h (p < 0.05). Urgent intervention, early diagnosis, and fast transport are vital
      for patients with thoracic injuries.

PMID- 28100946
TI  - Management of Young Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis-a Surgical
      and Anesthetic Challenge.
AB  - Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a unique disease where fracture of the
      mandibular condyle or any other cause leading to ankylosis of the joint can lead
      to multiple problems if not detected and treated early. If affected in early
      years of life, it may cause facial dysmorphism, restricted mouth opening, and
      difficulty in eating, speech, and sleep. Early surgery and physiotherapy can
      restore the joint function to a great extent. Anesthetizing a pediatric patient
      with this disorder is a definite challenge which needs expertise in difficult
      airway management.

PMID- 28100947
TI  - Solitary Splenic Metastasis from a Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Cecum. A Case
      Report.
AB  - Reports of cases of splenic metastasis are very rare, even more so when they are
      derived from a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the cecum. The most common presentation
      of a solitary splenic metastasis is from lung primary tumors, endometrium, ovary,
      cervix, stomach, colon, breast, bladder, and skin. We report the case of an 84
      year-old woman with a solitary splenic metastasis from a mucinous adenocarcinoma
      of the cecum. Until this work, only 18 cases of solitary splenic metastases from
      colorectal carcinomas have been described in the literature.

PMID- 28100948
TI  - Malignant Proliferating Trichilemmal Tumour of the Scalp with Intra-Cranial
      Extension and Lung Metastasis-a Case Report.
AB  - Malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumour (MPTT) is a rare cutaneous tumour
      predominantly affecting the scalp, eyelids, neck and face of elderly women. It is
      a large, solitary, multilobulated lesion that may arise within a pilar cyst.
      These tumours are largely benign, often cystic and are characterized by
      trichilemmal keratinisation. However at times, the tumour has an aggressive
      clinical course and a propensity for distant metastasis. We report a case of a 29
      year-old male who presented with a scalp swelling. Histology revealed malignant
      proliferating trichilemmal tumour of scalp. CT thorax showed multiple nodules in
      both lungs suggestive of lung metastasis. The patient underwent palliative
      radiotherapy and chemotherapy and expired 2 months after palliation. To the best
      of our knowledge, malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumour of the scalp with
      intra-cranial extension and lung metastasis is a rare condition, and only a
      handful of cases are reported till date. We report a case of malignant
      proliferating trichilemmal tumour of the scalp with intra-cranial extension and
      lung metastasis with relevant discussion at the same time.

PMID- 28100949
TI  - Rosai-Dorfman Disease Presenting with Recurrent, Unilateral Submandibular Lymph
      Adenitis: a Case Report.
AB  - Rosai-Dorfman Disease (RDD) is a rare disease of unknown aetiology, initially
      described as a separate entity in 1969 by Rosai and Dorfman. We describe here a
      case of RDD presenting with acute, recurrent lymphadenitis and massive
      lymphadenopathy. The patient's good response to the antibiotics was a false
      pointer towards infective pathology. The repeated fine needle aspiration cytology
      was inconclusive or suggested nonspecific reactive hyperplasia. The excision
      biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of RDD and was supported by immune-histochemistry
      for S-100 antigen. No other lymph node group was involved clinically or
      radiologically. The patient was treated with long-term antibiotic and low-dose
      predenisolone. The residual lymph node mass was excised after 3 months of first
      surgery. The patient is on regular follow-up for last 2 years and no recurrence
      has been reported.

PMID- 28100950
TI  - Primary Breast T Cell Lymphoma Involving Nipple-Areolar Complex in a Young
      Patient.
AB  - We present a rare case of recurrent primary breast lymphoma involving the nipple
      areolar complex and review literature on primary breast lymphoma, its clinical
      presentation and management. It is diagnosed by histopathology. It needs
      multimodality management protocols.

PMID- 28100951
TI  - An Unusual Cause of Duodenal Obstruction: Persimmon Phytobezoar.
AB  - Duodenal phytobezoar, an unusual cause of acute duodenal obstruction, is rarely
      seen. The most common cause of this type of bezoar is persimmon. It frequently
      arises from underlying gastrointestinal tract pathologies (gastric surgery,
      etc.). Here, we report the case of a 66-year-old man who had undergone distal
      gastrectomy with Billroth I reconstruction for gastric cancer and experienced
      severe epigastric discomfort, abdominal pain, and vomiting for a few days. The
      abdominal computed tomography scan showed a large-sized mass in the horizontal
      portion of the duodenum. On following endoscopic examination, a large phytobezoar
      was revealed in the duodenum. He was treated with endoscopic fragmentation
      combined with nasogastric Coca-Cola. The patient tolerated the procedure well and
      resumed a normal oral diet 3 days later.

PMID- 28100952
TI  - Gangrene of the Hand Following a Haemodialysis Access: Lessons to be Learnt.
AB  - Renal replacement therapy is a "way of life" for patients with chronic kidney
      disease (CKD), and haemodialysis forms their "lifeline". Haemodialysis access,
      via a small surgery, to anastomose an artery and a vein in the arm or forearm, is
      the universally accepted standard of care. However, even this minor surgical
      intervention can lead to devastating complications without adequate pre-operative
      evaluation and apt intra-operative decision making. The following article
      pictorically exemplifies the most dreaded complication of a gangrenous hand as
      well as highlights the lessons to be learnt, in order to avoid this infirmity.

PMID- 28100953
TI  - Some Stones Are Precious-Extraluminal Appendicoliths.
AB  - Appendicoliths are commonly implicated in the etiopathogenesis of acute
      appendicitis. Extraluminal appendicoliths are not uncommon and are frequently
      encountered with ruptured appendicitis. The present image scenario focuses on the
      importance of identifying and subsequently retrieval of these extraluminal
      appendicoliths to prevent long-term complications, including intra-abdominal
      abscess.

PMID- 28100954
TI  - Even Handed Future of Surgery-Ambidextrous, Serious Gamers with Innate Left Hand
      Laterality.

PMID- 28100955
TI  - Gastric Mucormycosis Presenting as Gastrocolic Fistula: a Rare Entity.

PMID- 28100956
TI  - The Influence of Pain Severity and Interference on Satisfaction with Pain
      Management among Middle-Aged and Older Adults.
AB  - Background. Health outcomes are often contingent on how effective the individual
      is able to manage existent illness-related symptoms. This is all the more
      relevant among chronic pain patients. Objective. This study aimed to identify
      indicators of pain treatment satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults (N =
      150) receiving outpatient treatment from a comprehensive cancer center. Methods.
      Patients were surveyed on questions assessing pain treatment satisfaction, pain
      severity, and additional social characteristics. Results. Descriptive data showed
      that middle-aged adults reported more pain locations, greater pain severity, and
      less satisfaction with pain treatment. A multivariate model was specified,
      showing older adults being more satisfied with their pain treatment. For the
      middle-aged adults, treatment satisfaction was generally lower with greater pain
      severity. This counters that for the older adults, where treatment satisfaction
      remained consistent despite increased levels of pain severity. Conclusion. These
      findings address an important issue regarding how pain is experienced across the
      life course. This suggests that general assumptions cannot be made about the
      health outcomes of older adults. Beyond the descriptive definitions of pain,
      there remains the need to develop models that account for determinants that may
      account for the pain experience among a diverse adult population.

PMID- 28100957
TI  - Conditions for success in introducing telemedicine in diabetes foot care: a
      qualitative inquiry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The uptake of various telehealth technologies to deliver health care
      services at a distance is expanding; however more knowledge is needed to help
      understand vital components for success in using telehealth in different work
      settings. This study was part of a larger trial designed to investigate the
      effect of an interactive telemedicine platform. The platform consisted of a web
      based ulcer record linked to a mobile phone to provide care for people with
      diabetic foot ulcers in outpatient clinics in specialist hospital care in
      collaboration with primary health care. The aim of this qualitative study was to
      identify perceptions of health care professionals in different working settings
      with respect to facilitators to engagement and participation in the application
      of telemedicine. METHODS: Ten focus groups were conducted with health care
      professionals and leaders in Western Norway between January 2014 and June 2015
      using Interpretive Description, an applied qualitative research strategy.
      RESULTS: Four key conditions for success in using telemedicine as a new
      technology in diabetes foot care were identified: technology and training that
      were user-friendly; having a telemedicine champion in the work setting; the
      support of committed and responsible leaders; and effective communication
      channels at the organizational level. CONCLUSIONS: Successful larger scale
      implementation of telemedicine must involve consideration of complex contextual
      and organizational factors associated with different work settings. This form of
      new care technology in diabetes foot care often involves health care
      professionals working across different settings with different management systems
      and organizational cultures. Therefore, attention to the distinct needs of each
      staff group seems an essential condition for effective implementation.

PMID- 28100958
TI  - Routine dyspnea assessment and documentation: Nurses' experience yields wide
      acceptance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dyspnea (breathing discomfort) is a common and distressing symptom.
      Routine assessment and documentation can improve management and relieve
      suffering. A major barrier to routine dyspnea documentation is the concern that
      it will have a deleterious effect on nursing workflow and that it will not be
      readily accepted by nurses. Nurses at our institution recently began to assess
      and document dyspnea on all medical-surgical patients upon admission and once per
      shift throughout their hospitalization. A year after dyspnea measurement was
      implemented we explored nurses' approach to dyspnea assessment, their perception
      of patient response, and their perception of the utility and burden of dyspnea
      measurement. METHODS: We obtained feedback from nurses using a three-part
      assessment of practice: 1) a series of recorded focus group interviews with
      nurses, 2) a time-motion observation of nurses performing routine dyspnea and
      pain assessment, and 3) a randomized, anonymous on-line survey based, in part, on
      issues raised in focus groups. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent of the nurses
      surveyed reported administering the dyspnea assessment is "easy" or "very easy".
      None of the nurses reported that assessing dyspnea negatively impacted workflow
      and many reported that it positively improved their practice by increasing their
      awareness. Our time-motion data showed dyspnea assessment and documentation takes
      well less than a minute. Nurses endorsed the importance of routine measurement
      and agreed that most patients were able to provide a meaningful rating of their
      dyspnea. Nurses found the patient report very useful, and used it in conjunction
      with observed signs to respond to changes in a patient's condition. CONCLUSIONS:
      In this study, we have demonstrated that routine dyspnea assessment and
      documentation was widely accepted by the nurses at our institution. Our nurses
      fully incorporated routine dyspnea assessment and documentation into their
      practice and felt that it improved patient-centered care.

PMID- 28100959
TI  - Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates eosinophil activation in a guinea pig model of
      allergic rhinitis via reducing oxidative stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is well considered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a
      prominent causative role in the development of allergic rhinitis (AR), and
      eosinophils cells as important allergic inflammatory cells contribute to
      elevating oxidative stress. Hydrogen, emerging as a novel antioxidant, has been
      proven effective in selectively reducing ROS in animals models of oxidative
      damage. We herein aim to verify protective effects of hydrogen on eosinophils
      cells in guinea pigs models of AR. METHODS: Thirty two guinea pigs were random
      divided into four groups, and AR model was established through ovalbumin
      sensitization. The guinea pigs were injected with hydrogen-rich saline (Normal
      HRS and AR-HRS group) or normal saline (control and AR group). The frequencies of
      sneezing and scratching were recorded. The IgE level, blood eosinophil count and
      eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) level in serum were measured. The serum
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays were also measured to
      evaluate oxidative stress. The expression levels of eotaxin mRNA and protein in
      the nasal mucosa were also determined by real-time RT-PCR, Western blot and
      immunofluorescence. RESULTS: HRS reduced the ROS and MDA levels and increased SOD
      level in guinea pigs of AR-HRS group accompanied with decreased frequency of
      sneezing and scratches. Meanwhile, there was a decline of the number of
      eosinophils cells in blood and of thelevel of ECP in serum in the AR-HRS group.
      HRS also significantly decreased the expression of eotaxin in nasal mucosa.
      CONCLUSION: HRS may play a protective role in attenuating allergic inflammation,
      and suppressing the increase and activation of eosinophils in AR possibly through
      antioxidation effect of hydrogen.

PMID- 28100960
TI  - A survey of thrombosis experts evaluating practices and opinions regarding venous
      thromboprophylaxis in patients post major abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery are at high risk for
      developing venous thromboembolism in the post-operative period. Current evidence
      based guidelines recommend routine pharmacological venous thromboembolism
      prophylaxis in patient at moderate to high risk post major abdominal surgery.
      However, the type of agent, dose and duration of thromboprophylaxis remain
      unclear. We sought to survey current clinical practice and assess for potential
      clinical equipoise regarding pharmacological thromboprophylaxis post major
      abdominal surgery. METHODS: An electronic survey targeting thrombosis expert
      members of Thrombosis Canada was conducted. RESULTS: The total response rate was
      52.3% (45/86). All thrombosis experts recommended pharmacological
      thromboprophylaxis for high risk patients post major abdominal surgery. Over 68%
      of the thrombosis experts recommended thromboprophylaxis during hospitalization
      only. The majority of the participants recommended using LMWH (85.9%) over UFH
      (10.1%). Approximately a third of the surveyed thrombosis experts estimated the
      incidence of overall VTE at 7 to 10 days post-operatively in patients who do not
      receive thromboprophylaxis post major abdominal surgery to be between 4 and 6%. A
      total of 55.3% of the thrombosis experts estimated the incidence of PE to be
      between 0.5 and 1.0% for the same patient population. The risk of major bleeding
      episode was estimated to be between 0.5 and 1% in patients receiving 7 to 10 days
      of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in the post-operative period by a majority
      of the thrombosis experts (68.4%). However, approximately 80% of thrombosis
      experts believed that there is still some clinical equipoise around the use of
      thromboprophylaxis post discharge (up to 7 to 10 days) in high risk adult
      patients post major abdominal surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombosis experts recommend
      LMWH prophylaxis post major abdominal surgery. There is still, however,
      significant clinical equipoise regarding the duration of thromboprophylaxis
      (hospitalization only vs. total to 7-10 days). The result of the survey might not
      be generalizable to non-academic centers and to other countries.

PMID- 28100962
TI  - CTLS-2016 and the Formation of a Pan-European Professional Society through the
      Lens of an ABRF Founding Member.

PMID- 28100963
TI  - Rebirth Certificate.

PMID- 28100961
TI  - Auxin Extraction and Purification Based on Recombinant Aux/IAA Proteins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) extraction and purification are of great
      importance in auxin research, which is a hot topic in the plant growth and
      development field. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is frequently used for IAA
      extraction and purification. However, no IAA-specific SPE columns are
      commercially available at the moment. Therefore, the development of IAA-specific
      recognition materials and IAA extraction and purification methods will help
      researchers meet the need for more precise analytical methods for research on
      phytohormones. RESULTS: Since the AUXIN RESISTANT/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE
      (Aux/IAA) proteins show higher specific binding capability with auxin,
      recombinant IAA1, IAA7 and IAA28 proteins were used as sorbents to develop an IAA
      extraction and purification method. A GST tag was used to solidify the
      recombinant protein in a column. Aux/IAA proteins solidified in a column have
      successfully trapped trace IAA in aqueous solutions. The IAA7 protein showed
      higher IAA binding capability than the other proteins tested. In addition,
      expression of the IAA7 protein in Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells produced
      better levels of binding than IAA7 expressed in E. coli. CONCLUSION: This work
      validated the potential of Aux/IAA proteins to extract and purify IAA from crude
      plant extracts once we refined the techniques for these processes.

PMID- 28100964
TI  - Comparative Efficacy of Nebivolol and Metoprolol to Prevent Tachycardia-Induced
      Cardiomyopathy in a Porcine Model.
AB  - Chronic tachycardia is a well-known cause of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. We
      hypothesized that nebivolol, a beta-blocker with nitric oxide activity, would be
      superior to a pure beta-blocker in preventing tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy
      in a porcine model. Fifteen healthy Yucatan pigs were randomly assigned to
      receive nebivolol, metoprolol, or placebo once a day. All pigs underwent dual
      chamber pacemaker implantation. The medication was started the day after the
      pacemaker implantation. On day 7 after implantation, each pacemaker was set at
      atrioventricular pace (rate, 170 beats/min), and the pigs were observed for
      another 7 weeks. Transthoracic echocardiograms, serum catecholamine levels, and
      blood chemistry data were obtained at baseline and at the end of the study. At
      the end of week 8, the pigs were euthanized, and complete histopathologic studies
      were performed. All the pigs developed left ventricular cardiomyopathy but
      remained hemodynamically stable and survived to the end of the study. The mean
      left ventricular ejection fraction decreased from baseline by 34%, 20%, and 20%
      in the nebivolol, metoprolol, and placebo groups, respectively. These changes did
      not differ significantly among the 3 groups (P =0.51). Histopathologic analysis
      revealed mild left ventricular perivascular fibrosis with cardiomyocyte
      hypertrophy in 14 of the 15 pigs. Both nebivolol and metoprolol failed to prevent
      cardiomyopathy in our animal model of persistent tachycardia and a high
      catecholamine state.

PMID- 28100965
TI  - Aspirin Resistance Predicts Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with
      Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease.
AB  - Antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and
      vascular death in patients who have symptomatic peripheral artery disease.
      However, a subset of patients who take aspirin continues to have recurrent
      cardiovascular events. There are few data on cardiovascular outcomes in patients
      with peripheral artery disease who manifest aspirin resistance. Patients with
      peripheral artery disease on long-term aspirin therapy (>=4 wk) were tested for
      aspirin responsiveness by means of the VerifyNow Aspirin Assay. The mean follow
      up duration was 22.6 +/- 8.3 months. The primary endpoint was a composite of
      death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke. Secondary endpoints were the
      incidence of vascular interventions (surgical or percutaneous), or of amputation
      or gangrene caused by vascular disease. Of the 120 patients enrolled in the
      study, 31 (25.8%) were aspirin-resistant and 89 (74.2%) were aspirin-responsive.
      The primary endpoint occurred in 10 (32.3%) patients in the aspirin-resistant
      group and in 13 (14.6%) patients in the aspirin-responsive group (hazard
      ratio=2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-5.66; P=0.03). There was no significant
      difference in the secondary outcome of revascularization or tissue loss. By
      multivariate analysis, aspirin resistance and history of chronic kidney disease
      were the only independent predictors of long-term adverse cardiovascular events.
      Aspirin resistance is highly prevalent in patients with symptomatic peripheral
      artery disease and is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular risk.
      Whether intervening in these patients with additional antiplatelet therapies
      would improve outcomes needs to be explored.

PMID- 28100966
TI  - Total Arch versus Hemiarch Replacement for Type A Acute Aortic Dissection: A
      Single-Center Experience.
AB  - We retrospectively evaluated early and intermediate outcomes of aortic arch
      surgery in patients with type A acute aortic dissection (AAD), investigating the
      effect of arch surgery extension on postoperative results. From January 2006
      through July 2013, 201 patients with type A AAD underwent urgent corrective
      surgery at our institution. Of the 92 patients chosen for this study, 59
      underwent hemiarch replacement (hemiarch group), and 33 underwent total arch
      replacement (total arch group) in conjunction with ascending aorta replacement.
      The operative mortality rate was 22%. Total arch replacement was associated with
      a 33% risk of operative death, versus 15% for hemiarch (P=0.044). Multivariable
      analysis found these independent predictors of operative death: age (odds ratio
      [OR]=1.13/yr; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.23; P=0.002), body mass index
      >30 kg/m2 (OR=9.9; 95% CI, 1.28-19; P=0.028), postoperative low cardiac output
      (OR=10.6; 95% CI, 1.18-25; P=0.035), and total arch replacement (OR=8.8; 95% CI,
      1.39-15; P=0.021) The mean overall 5-year survival rate was 59.3% +/- 5.5%, and
      mean 5-year freedom from distal reintervention was 95.4% +/- 3.2% (P=NS). In type
      A AAD, aortic arch surgery is still associated with high operative mortality
      rates; hemiarch replacement can be performed more safely than total arch
      replacement. Rates of distal aortic reoperation were not different between the 2
      surgical strategies.

PMID- 28100967
TI  - Anesthetic Management in Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Ventricular
      Tachycardia.
AB  - Radiofrequency catheter ablation is increasingly being used to treat patients who
      have ventricular tachycardia, and anesthesiologists frequently manage their
      perioperative care. This narrative review is intended to familiarize
      anesthesiologists with preprocedural, intraprocedural, and postprocedural
      implications of this ablation. Ventricular tachycardia typically arises from
      structural heart disease, most often from scar tissue after myocardial
      infarction. Many patients thus affected will benefit from radiofrequency catheter
      ablation in the electrophysiology laboratory to ablate the foci of
      arrhythmogenesis. The pathophysiology of ventricular tachycardia is complex, as
      are the technical aspects of mapping and ablating these arrhythmias. Patients
      often have substantial comorbidities and tenuous hemodynamic status,
      necessitating pharmacologic and mechanical cardiopulmonary support. General
      anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care, when used for sedation during ablation,
      can lead to drug interactions and side effects in the presence of ventricular
      tachycardia, so anesthesiologists should also be aware of potential perioperative
      complications. We discuss variables that can help anesthesiologists safely guide
      patients through the challenges of radiofrequency catheter ablation of
      ventricular tachycardia.

PMID- 28100968
TI  - Direct Measurement of Left Atrial Pressure during Routine Transradial
      Catheterization.
AB  - Left atrial pressure indicates the left ventricular filling pressure in patients
      who have systolic or diastolic left ventricular dysfunction or valvular heart
      disease. The use of indirect surrogate methods to determine left atrial pressure
      has been essential in the modern evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular
      disease because of the difficulty and inherent risks associated with direct
      methods (typically the transseptal approach). One method that has been widely
      used to determine left atrial pressure indirectly is Swan-Ganz catheterization,
      in which a balloon-flotation technique is applied to measure pulmonary capillary
      wedge pressure; however, this approach has been associated with several
      limitations and potential risks. Measuring left ventricular end-diastolic
      pressure has also been widely used as a simple means to estimate filling
      pressures but remains a surrogate for the gold standard of directly measuring
      left atrial pressure. We describe a simple, low-risk method to directly measure
      left atrial pressure that involves the use of standard coronary catheterization
      techniques during a transradial procedure.

PMID- 28100969
TI  - Proarrhythmic Antiarrhythmic.

PMID- 28100971
TI  - Tricuspid Valve Replacement in an HIV-Infected Patient with Severe Tricuspid
      Regurgitation Secondary to Remote Endocarditis.
AB  - Surgical intervention for severe tricuspid regurgitation secondary to remote
      infective endocarditis has been infrequent, especially in patients also infected
      with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We describe the case of a 62-year
      old HIV-positive man, with a 24-year history of endocarditis caused by
      intravenous heroin use, who presented with severe tricuspid regurgitation. The
      patient was initially asymptomatic, was taking antiretroviral medications, and
      had a satisfactory CD4 count and an undetectable viral load, so we decided to
      manage the regurgitation conservatively. Two years later, he presented with
      biventricular heart failure and dyspnea. After surgical tricuspid valve
      replacement, his condition improved substantially. This case illustrates that HIV
      infected patients with complex medical conditions can successfully undergo
      cardiac surgery.

PMID- 28100972
TI  - Unrepaired Tetralogy of Fallot with Absent Pulmonary Valve in a Mildly
      Symptomatic 16-Year-Old Boy.
AB  - Absent pulmonary valve is a rare and severe variant seen in only 3% to 6% of
      patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Fetuses with this combined condition who
      survive through birth typically need intervention in infancy or early childhood
      because of respiratory distress, heart failure, or failure to thrive. We describe
      the unusual case of a mildly symptomatic 16-year-old boy with these conditions
      who underwent successful primary repair. Our search of the medical literature
      yielded fewer than 5 cases of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve (or
      variants with an absent left pulmonary artery) and survival without repair into
      later adolescence or adulthood.

PMID- 28100970
TI  - Sickle Cell Disease with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease: Long-Term Outcomes in
      5 Children.
AB  - Sickle cell disease is a risk factor for cerebrovascular accidents in the
      pediatric population. This risk is compounded by hypoxemia. Cyanotic congenital
      heart disease can expose patients to prolonged hypoxemia. To our knowledge, the
      long-term outcome of patients who have combined sickle cell and cyanotic
      congenital heart disease has not been reported. We retrospectively reviewed
      patient records at our institution and identified 5 patients (3 girls and 2 boys)
      who had both conditions. Their outcomes were uniformly poor: 4 died (age range,
      12 mo-17 yr); 3 had documented cerebrovascular accidents; and 3 developed
      ventricular dysfunction. The surviving patient had developmental delays. On the
      basis of this series, we suggest mitigating hypoxemia, and thus the risk of
      stroke, in patients who have sickle cell disease and cyanotic congenital heart
      disease. Potential therapies include chronic blood transfusions, hydroxyurea,
      earlier surgical correction to reduce the duration of hypoxemia, and heart or
      bone marrow transplantation.

PMID- 28100974
TI  - Percutaneous Embolectomy of Serpentine Thrombus from the Right Atrium in a 51
      Year-Old Man.
AB  - Treatment of large, fresh thrombi in the vascular system can be challenging.
      AngioVac, a cardiopulmonary pump system, has been used to remove large thrombi
      and even some tumors by a percutaneous route. We report here a case of a 51-year
      old man who presented with a large thrombus (7.5 * 1.5 cm) in his inferior vena
      cava, extending into his right atrium and right ventricle. Because the surgical
      risk was high, we attempted percutaneous embolectomy via the AngioVac aspiration
      system. We also review the literature concerning this emerging technique.

PMID- 28100973
TI  - Endovascular Treatment of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome via Balloon-in-Balloon
      Catheter Technique with a Palmaz Stent.
AB  - Superior vena cava syndrome is a well-known disease entity that carries
      substantial rates of morbidity and mortality. Although most cases of superior
      vena cava syndrome are secondary to a malignant process, additional causes (such
      as mediastinal fibrosis, pacemaker lead implantation, or central venous catheter
      placement) have been reported. Multiple treatment options include percutaneous
      transluminal angioplasty, stent implantation, thrombolysis, mechanical
      thrombectomy, and venous grafting. We present a case of superior vena cava
      syndrome in a symptomatic 30-year-old woman who obtained complete relief of
      obstruction and marked symptomatic improvement through venoplasty and stenting,
      aided by our use of a balloon-in-balloon catheter system.

PMID- 28100975
TI  - Management of a Mycotic Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Involving the Celiac
      Artery.
AB  - A mycotic aneurysm that also involves the visceral arteries is a life-threatening
      condition. Surgical management typically consists of debridement and in situ
      repair with a Dacron graft and reimplantation of the involved visceral branches.
      We report a rare case of a mycotic saccular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm
      involving the celiac artery, with Streptococcus pneumoniae as the responsible
      organism. Successful repair of the aneurysm and concomitant revascularization of
      the celiac artery were achieved.

PMID- 28100976
TI  - Ventricular Tachycardia in Fabry Disease Detected in a 50-Year-Old Woman during
      14-Day Continuous Cardiac Monitoring.
AB  - Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder. Female carriers were
      long thought to be asymptomatic; however, research has revealed the opposite.
      Cardiac conditions are the chief causes of death in women with Fabry disease.
      Although ventricular tachycardia has been reported in male patients with Fabry
      disease, it is not thought to be a frequent finding in females. We describe the
      case of a 50-year-old woman in whom we used 14-day continuous
      electrocardiographic monitoring to identify nonsustained ventricular tachycardia,
      after electrocardiograms and 24-hour Holter monitoring failed to detect the
      arrhythmia. A permanent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator relieved the
      patient's symptoms. We discuss why this case supports the need for more extensive
      electrophysiologic evaluation in women who have Fabry disease.

PMID- 28100977
TI  - Preserving a Well-Functioning 33-Year-Old Starr-Edwards Aortic Prosthesis in
      Repeat Aortic Root Aneurysm Repair.
AB  - We report the case of a 61-year-old obese male patient in whom we found a well
      functioning 33-year-old Starr-Edwards aortic prosthesis during repeat aortic
      surgery. Rather than explant the prosthesis, we remodeled the aortic root, almost
      completely removing the aortic sinuses and leaving only a pillar of aortic tissue
      around the coronary ostia. The proximal end of a Hemashield tube-graft was then
      scalloped to accommodate the remaining aortic tissue. The patient's heart
      function was excellent after his weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Simplifying
      the repeat aortic root repair, by preserving a well-functioning Starr-Edwards
      valve, might lead to a better outcome in similar cases. We also discuss other
      instances of this valve's durability.

PMID- 28100978
TI  - Inflammation and Rupture of a Congenital Pericardial Cyst Manifesting Itself as
      an Acute Chest Pain Syndrome.
AB  - We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with a remote history of
      supraventricular tachycardia and hyperlipidemia, who presented with recurrent
      episodes of acute-onset chest pain. An electrocardiogram showed no evidence of
      acute coronary syndrome. A chest radiograph revealed a prominent right-sided
      heart border. A suspected congenital pericardial cyst was identified on a
      computed tomographic chest scan, and stranding was noted around the cyst. The
      patient was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and the pain
      initially abated. Another flare-up was treated similarly. Cardiac magnetic
      resonance imaging was then performed after symptoms had resolved, and no evidence
      of the cyst was seen. The suspected cause of the patient's chest pain was acute
      inflammation of a congenital pericardial cyst with subsequent rupture and
      resolution of symptoms.

PMID- 28100979
TI  - Late Cardiac Rupture after Amplatzer Septal Occluder Implantation.
AB  - Transcatheter device implantation has become an attractive alternative to surgery
      in the closure of atrial septal defects in selected patients. However, it can
      lead to early and late sequelae, some of them life threatening. For example, 79
      days before her admission to our emergency department with sudden-onset
      respiratory distress and respiratory arrest (leading to cardiac tamponade and
      rupture), a 22-year-old woman had undergone percutaneous closure of an atrial
      septal defect. We describe the damage and its treatment. Although the adverse
      effects of transcatheter device implantation are rare, physicians should know
      that these events can be life threatening. Further data are needed to prevent
      such sequelae and to design new devices. It is of utmost importance that patients
      and their family members be informed both of possible sequelae and of life-saving
      interventions to be administered at early diagnosis.

PMID- 28100980
TI  - Accessory Mitral Valve Leaflet Causing Severe Left Ventricular Outflow Tract
      Obstruction in a Preterm Neonate with a Partial Atrioventricular Septal Defect.
AB  - Atrioventricular septal defects represent a class of congenital cardiac
      malformations that vary in presentation and management strategy depending upon
      the severity of the particular lesions present. We present the case of a
      premature neonate who had a partial atrioventricular septal defect and an
      accessory mitral (or left atrioventricular) valve leaflet. The latter caused
      severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and severely depressed left
      ventricular function. We found only one other report of this atrioventricular
      valve abnormality in association with atrioventricular septal defect. To our
      knowledge, our patient (at a body weight of 1,800 g) is the smallest to survive
      corrective surgery of an accessory mitral valve leaflet with severe left
      ventricular outflow tract obstruction. In addition to our patient's case, we
      discuss the relevant medical literature.

PMID- 28100981
TI  - Isolated Left Subclavian Artery, Complete Atrioventricular Block, and Tricuspid
      Atresia in a Neonate.
AB  - Isolated left subclavian artery is one of the rarer aortic arch anomalies. It has
      been associated with other congenital heart diseases, typically tetralogy of
      Fallot, double-outlet right ventricle, and atrial and ventricular septal defects.
      Its significant clinical implications include a left-to-right shunt from the
      vertebrobasilar system, which causes pulmonary overcirculation and subclavian
      steal. We present an unusual case of a premature infant who was diagnosed
      prenatally with congenital complete atrioventricular block and tricuspid atresia
      and was found to have an isolated left subclavian artery postnatally. The patient
      underwent implantation of a permanent single-chamber epicardial pacing system. To
      our knowledge, this combination of lesions has not been reported-and in our case,
      it influenced our surgical planning.

PMID- 28100982
TI  - Bilateral Lower-Extremity Edema Caused by Iliopsoas Bursal Distention after Hip
      Arthroplasty.
AB  - Lower-extremity edema is encountered by internists, nephrologists, vascular
      specialists, and many others. We report a case of an elderly woman who presented
      with a painful, swollen left leg. Without a clear diagnosis, she had been taking
      diuretics for the past 8 years for swelling in both legs. After extensive
      investigation, we found that her lower-extremity edema was due to bilateral
      iliopsoas bursal distention secondary to degeneration of her hip prostheses.
      Chronic breakdown of the polyethylene component of the hip prostheses had led to
      a communication between the artificial joints and the iliopsoas bursae. With the
      aid of ultrasonographic guidance, she underwent drainage, followed by clinical
      and radiographic improvement. Although case reports have described leg swelling
      arising from extravascular compression by enlarged iliopsoas bursae, we think
      that this is the first case of clinically significant bilateral lower-extremity
      edema arising from that cause. More important than the novelty is the
      inappropriate use of diuretics to treat lower-extremity edema without first
      establishing a diagnosis.

PMID- 28100983
TI  - A "Malignant" Arrhythmia: Cardiac Metastasis and Ventricular Tachycardia.

PMID- 28100984
TI  - Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Accurately Identifies Sinus of
      Valsalva Aneurysm in a 27-Year-Old Man.

PMID- 28100985
TI  - Patient Lives Almost 50 Years after Aortic Valve Replacement with a Starr-Edwards
      Caged-Ball Valve.

PMID- 28100986
TI  - Evaluating Coronary-Cameral Fistulas.

PMID- 28100989
TI  - The toxicity and enzyme activity of a chlorine and sulfate containing aeruginosin
      isolated from a non-microcystin-producing Planktothrix strain.
AB  - The toxicity of six different Planktothrix strains was examined in acute toxicity
      assays with the crustacean Thamnocephalus platyurus. The presence of toxicity in
      two strains could be explained by the occurrence of microcystins. The other four
      Planktothrix strains were not able to produce microcystins due to different
      mutations in the microcystin synthetase (mcy) gene cluster. In these strains,
      toxicity was attributed to the presence of chlorine and sulfate containing
      compounds. The main representative, called aeruginosin 828A, of such a compound
      in the Planktothrix strain 91/1 was isolated, and structure elucidation by 2D-NMR
      and MS methods revealed the presence of phenyllactic acid (Pla), chloroleucine
      (Cleu), 2-carboxy-6-(4'-sulfo-xylosyl)-octahydroindole (Choi), and 3-aminoethyl-1
      N-amidino-Delta-3-pyrroline (Aeap) residues. Aeruginosin 828A was found to be
      toxic for Thamnocephalus platyurus with a LC50 value of 22.4 uM, which is only
      slightly higher than the toxicity found for microcystins. Additionally, very
      potent inhibition values for thrombin (IC50 = 21.8 nM) and for trypsin (IC50 =
      112 nM) have been determined for aeruginosin 828A. These data support the
      hypothesis that aeruginosins containing chlorine and sulfate groups, which were
      found in microcystin-deficient Planktothrix strains, can be considered as another
      class of toxins.

PMID- 28100988
TI  - Simultaneous analyses of N-linked and O-linked glycans of ovarian cancer cells
      using solid-phase chemoenzymatic method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glycans play critical roles in a number of biological activities. Two
      common types of glycans, N-linked and O-linked, have been extensively analyzed in
      the last decades. N-glycans are typically released from glycoproteins by enzymes,
      while O-glycans are released from glycoproteins by chemical methods. It is
      important to identify and quantify both N- and O-linked glycans of glycoproteins
      to determine the changes of glycans. METHODS: The effort has been dedicated to
      study glycans from ovarian cancer cells treated with O-linked glycosylation
      inhibitor qualitatively and quantitatively. We used a solid-phase chemoenzymatic
      approach to systematically identify and quantify N-glycans and O-glycans in the
      ovarian cancer cells. It consists of three steps: (1) immobilization of proteins
      from cells and derivatization of glycans to protect sialic acids; (2) release of
      N-glycans by PNGase F and quantification of N-glycans by isobaric tags; (3)
      release and quantification of O-glycans by beta-elimination in the presence of 1
      phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP). RESULTS: We used ovarian cancer cell lines to
      study effect of O-linked glycosylation inhibitor on protein glycosylation.
      Results suggested that the inhibition of O-linked glycosylation reduced the
      levels of O-glycans. Interestingly, it appeared to increase N-glycan level in a
      lower dose of the O-linked glycosylation inhibitor. The sequential release and
      analyses of N-linked and O-linked glycans using chemoenzymatic approach are a
      platform for studying N-glycans and O-glycans in complex biological samples.
      CONCLUSION: The solid-phase chemoenzymatic method was used to analyze both N
      linked and O-linked glycans sequentially released from the ovarian cancer cells.
      The biological studies on O-linked glycosylation inhibition indicate the effects
      of O-glycosylation inhibition to glycan changes in both O-linked and N-linked
      glycan expression.

PMID- 28100990
TI  - Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated with Complementary and Alternative
      Medicines.
AB  - A 24-year-old man was admitted due to acute hepatitis with unknown etiology.
      After his condition and laboratory data gradually improved with conservative
      therapy, he was discharged 1 month later. Two months after his discharge,
      however, liver dysfunction reappeared. After his mother accidentally revealed
      that he took complementary and alternative medicine, discontinuation of the
      therapy caused his condition to improve. Finally, he was diagnosed with a
      recurrent drug-induced liver injury associated with Japanese complementary and
      alternative medicine. It is important to take the medical history in detail and
      consider complementary and alternative medicine as a cause of liver disease.

PMID- 28100991
TI  - Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction: A Perplexing Presentation.
AB  - Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is caused by stenosis or dyskinesia of the
      sphincter of Oddi, leading to blockage of bile drainage from the common bile
      duct. We present the case of a 16-year-old female with chronic abdominal pain who
      underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis but continued to
      experience abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting along with persistently elevated
      ALT and AST levels. Postoperative abdominal ultrasound was nondiagnostic.
      Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed mild reflux esophagitis and mild chronic
      Helicobacter pylori-negative gastritis. Omeprazole was started, but it did not
      decrease the frequency and severity of the abdominal symptoms. Magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreatography did not reveal any pathology. Endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography with manometry confirmed an elevated biliary sphincter
      pressure. Biliary sphincterotomy was performed, and the symptoms improved.

PMID- 28100992
TI  - Multiple Magnetic Foreign Bodies Causing Severe Digestive Tract Injuries in a
      Child.
AB  - Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common emergency as well as a major cause of
      accidental injury and represents a severe public health problem in childhood,
      especially in infants. Most cases of FB ingestion reported in children aged
      between 6 months and 3 years depend primarily on the fact that young children are
      more likely to explore objects using their mouth and are not able to distinguish
      edible objects from nonedible ones, their teeth are physiologically lacking, and
      they have poor swallowing coordination. Although, sometimes it can cause serious
      complications, FB ingestion generally has a low mortality rate. However,
      accidental ingestion of magnetic toys, as a rare kind of FB mostly encountered in
      children, has now become more common due to the increased availability of objects
      and toys with magnetic elements. The majority of magnetic FB traverse the
      gastrointestinal (GI) system spontaneously without complication, but in rare
      cases may cause severe damages to the GI tract due to its special pathogenesis
      [Kay and Wyllie: Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2005;7: 212-218]. Ingestion of multiple
      magnets may be related to increased morbidity resulting in a delay of recognition
      of FB injury that can lead to serious complications and require surgical
      resolution.

PMID- 28100993
TI  - CDC Group EO-4 and Candida tropicalis Peritonitis in a Patient on Peritoneal
      Dialysis after Upper Endoscopy, Colonoscopy and Coil Embolization of the
      Gastroduodenal Artery.
AB  - Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an excellent form of renal replacement therapy for
      many patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Over 10,000 patients receive
      PD in the United States [United States Renal Data System: 2015 USRDS Annual Data
      Report: Epidemiology of Kidney Disease in the United States, 2015]. PD has
      superior outcomes compared to hemodialysis in the first 2 years of ESRD
      [Sinnakirouchenan and Holley: Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2011;18: 428-432]. However,
      peritonitis is a known complication and may result in significant morbidity and
      necessitate transition to hemodialysis, which increases medical costs [Holley and
      Piraino: Semin Dial 1990;3: 245-248]. We report the first case of a PD patient
      who underwent endoscopy, colonoscopy and CT angiogram with coil embolization for
      gastrointestinal bleeding without antibiotic prophylaxis and subsequently
      developed CDC group EO-4 organism and fungal peritonitis.

PMID- 28100994
TI  - Reocclusion after Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Placement for Relieving
      Malignant Colorectal Obstruction as a Palliative Treatment.
AB  - Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement has been practiced in several
      hospitals in Japan, including ours, since January 2012. Here, we report the case
      of an 82-year-old Japanese man who presented to the hospital with a 1-week
      history of right hypochondrial pain. Computed tomography (CT) findings indicated
      colorectal cancer. The laboratory findings on admission indicated severe anemia
      (red blood cell count, 426 * 104/MUL; hemoglobin, 7.9 g/dL). We performed SEMS
      placement because the patient refused to undergo surgery. He did not attend any
      of the scheduled follow-up visits after SEMS placement. However, a year and a
      half after the SEMS placement, the patient attended the hospital because of
      difficulty in passing stool. A plain abdominal CT scan showed bowel reobstruction
      due to the ascending colon cancer after SEMS placement. We performed an emergency
      operation, ascending colostomy, on the same day. Colorectal stent placement may
      be a good treatment option for patients who refuse to undergo conventional
      therapeutic treatments or in those with unresectable colorectal cancer. Patients
      should be carefully followed up every few months after SEMS placement because of
      the risk of reocclusion.

PMID- 28100995
TI  - A Rare Case of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Biliary Duct in a
      Patient with Prostate Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are mucin-producing papillary
      neoplasms of the pancreatic or biliary ductal system that exhibit variable
      cellular atypia and cause ductal dilation. There are few reported cases of IPMN
      arising from the biliary tree in the literature. It has a higher propensity to
      undergo malignant transformation compared to IPMN arising from the pancreatic
      duct. An 80-year-old male underwent cross-sectional tomography (CT) imaging of
      the abdomen for evaluation of prostate adenocarcinoma, which revealed an
      incidental 2.3 * 2.7 cm soft tissue mass centered at the porta hepatis with
      diffuse dilatation of the left intrahepatic biliary ductal system and mild
      prominence of the right intrahepatic ductal system. Endoscopic ultrasound showed
      2 adjacent hilar masses involving the common hepatic duct and the left hepatic
      duct with protrusion of the tissue into the lumen of the duct and upstream ductal
      dilatation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed a large
      filling defect in the common hepatic duct extending into the left hepatic duct. A
      large amount of clot and soft tissue with a fish-egg appearance was retrieved.
      The patient underwent left hepatic lobectomy, radical resection of the common
      hepatic duct with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy to the right hepatic duct.
      Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed intraductal
      papillary mucinous neoplasm with diffuse high-grade dysplasia. Follow-up CT scan
      of the abdomen 2 months after the surgery was negative for any masses.

PMID- 28100996
TI  - Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen: A Diagnosis Not to Forget!
AB  - A 69-year-old male patient was incidentally diagnosed with a 5-mm lesion in the
      pancreatic tail by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). After contrast-enhanced EUS and
      EUS-elastography, all imaging features were highly suggestive of a benign
      pancreatic solid lesion such as an intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS) or a
      benign neuroendocrine tumor. Interposition of the splenic artery precluded EUS
      guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). When an asymptomatic pancreatic mass is
      detected, IPAS diagnosis should be considered, and, if EUS-FNA is infeasible,
      contrast-enhanced EUS and EUS-elastography are useful tools to differentiate a
      pancreatic benign lesion as IPAS from a malignancy, with avoidance of unnecessary
      surgery.

PMID- 28100997
TI  - A Rare Cause of Dysphagia to Remember: Calcific Tendinitis of the Longus Colli
      Muscle.
AB  - Longus colli tendinitis (LCT) is an acute inflammatory condition with symptoms
      typically consisting of acute neck pain and stiffness with or without dysphagia.
      Once more severe etiologies for these symptoms are ruled out, this self-limiting
      condition usually resolves spontaneously with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      drugs and corticosteroids. We present a case of LCT that presented as acute neck
      pain, dysphagia, and odynophagia that rapidly resolved once diagnosed and treated
      with anti-inflammatory agents. Though exceedingly rare, LCT must be considered in
      the differential diagnosis of acute neck pain, dysphagia, and odynophagia when
      more common etiologies do not correlate with the clinical presentation.

PMID- 28100998
TI  - A Man with Pancreatic Head Mass Lesion on Endoscopic Ultrasound and Granuloma on
      Cytopathology.
AB  - Primary pancreatic lymphoma is an unlikely malignancy accounting for less than
      0.5% of pancreatic tumors. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific and may be
      clinically misdiagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Here we present an Iranian
      case of primary pancreatic lymphoma in a 47-year-old male suffering from jaundice
      and 20% weight loss. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a mixed echoic mass lesion at
      the head of pancreas. The patient underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine
      needle aspiration of solid pancreatic mass and histopathologic diagnosis revealed
      granuloma. Computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy was performed and
      eventually histological examination showed granuloma that was coherent with the
      diagnosis of primary pancreatic lymphoma. Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare
      entity presenting with nonspecific symptoms, laboratory and radiological
      findings. Computed tomography results in combination with clinical and
      radiological studies generally provide guidance for appropriate investigation.

PMID- 28100999
TI  - Colorectal Cancer Associated with Streptococcus anginosus Bacteremia and Liver
      Abscesses.
AB  - Streptococcus anginosus is part of the normal flora of the human gastrointestinal
      tract. Their ability to cause abscesses is very unique and sets them apart from
      the rest of the streptococci groups. While an association of group D
      streptococcus bacteremia and endocarditis with colorectal carcinoma is well
      established, S. anginosus infections are rarely implicated with colonic
      malignancy. We present a case of a 62-year-old male who presented to the hospital
      with fatigue and generalized abdominal pain. Computed tomography of the abdomen
      revealed multiple liver abscesses and rectal thickening. Blood cultures were
      found to grow S. anginosus bacteria. Colonoscopy revealed a rectal mass which was
      later confirmed to be rectal adenocarcinoma. This case presents an association
      between S. anginosus bacteremia and presence of colorectal cancer which has been
      highlighted in only a few case reports in literature. This should prompt
      clinicians to screen for colorectal cancer in patients with S. anginosus
      bacteremia.

PMID- 28101001
TI  - A Motion-Based Feature for Event-Based Pattern Recognition.
AB  - This paper introduces an event-based luminance-free feature from the output of
      asynchronous event-based neuromorphic retinas. The feature consists in mapping
      the distribution of the optical flow along the contours of the moving objects in
      the visual scene into a matrix. Asynchronous event-based neuromorphic retinas are
      composed of autonomous pixels, each of them asynchronously generating "spiking"
      events that encode relative changes in pixels' illumination at high temporal
      resolutions. The optical flow is computed at each event, and is integrated
      locally or globally in a speed and direction coordinate frame based grid, using
      speed-tuned temporal kernels. The latter ensures that the resulting feature
      equitably represents the distribution of the normal motion along the current
      moving edges, whatever their respective dynamics. The usefulness and the
      generality of the proposed feature are demonstrated in pattern recognition
      applications: local corner detection and global gesture recognition.

PMID- 28101000
TI  - 2-Chloroethanol Induced Upregulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in Primary
      Cultured Rat Astrocytes Via MAPK Signal Pathways.
AB  - This study was to explore the mechanisms underlying 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE)
      induced brain edema by focusing on alteration of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP
      2) in rat astrocytes induced by 2-chloroethanol (2-CE), an intermediate
      metabolite of 1,2-DCE in vivo. Protein and mRNA levels of MMP-2, and the
      phosphorylated protein levels of p38 MAPK (p-p38), extracellular signal regulated
      protein kinase (p-ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK1/2) in astrocytes
      were examined by immunostaining, western blot or real-time RT-PCR analysis.
      Findings from this study disclosed that protein levels of MMP-2 were upregulated
      by 2-CE in astrocytes. Meanwhile, protein levels of p-p38, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK1/2
      were also increased apparently in the cells treated with 2-CE. Moreover,
      pretreatment of astrocytes with SB202190 (inhibitor of p38 MAPK), U0126
      (inhibitor of ERK1/2) or SP600125 (inhibitor of JNK1/2) could suppress the
      upregulated expression of p-p38, p-ERK1/2, and p-JNK1/2. In response to
      suppressed protein levels of p-p38 and p-JNK1/2, the protein levels of MMP-2 also
      decreased significantly, indicating that activation of MAPK signal pathways were
      involved in the mechanisms underlying 2-CE-induced upregulation of MMP-2
      expression.

PMID- 28101002
TI  - An Evolutionary Hypothesis of Binary Opposition in Functional Incompatibility
      about Habenular Asymmetry in Vertebrates.
AB  - Many vertebrates have asymmetrical circuits in the nervous system. There are two
      types of circuit asymmetry. Asymmetrical circuits in sensory and/or motor systems
      are usually related to lateralized behaviors. It has been hypothesized that
      spatial asymmetry in the environment and/or social interactions has led to the
      evolution of asymmetrical circuits by natural selection. There are also
      asymmetrical circuits that are not related to lateralized behaviors. These
      circuits lie outside of the sensory and motor systems. A typical example is found
      in the habenula (Hb), which has long been known to be asymmetrical in many
      vertebrates, but has no remarkable relationship to lateralized behaviors.
      Instead, the Hb is a hub wherein information conveyed to the unilateral Hb is
      relayed to diverging bilateral nuclei, which is unlikely to lead to lateralized
      behavior. Until now, there has been no hypothesis regarding the evolution of Hb
      asymmetry. Here, we propose a new hypothesis that binary opposition in functional
      incompatibility applies selection pressure on the habenular circuit and leads to
      asymmetry. Segregation of the incompatible functions on either side of the
      habenula is likely to enhance information processing ability via creating shorter
      circuits and reducing the cost of circuit duplication, resulting in benefits for
      survival. In zebrafish and mice, different evolutionary strategies are thought to
      be involved in Hb asymmetry. In zebrafish, which use a strategy of structurally
      fixed asymmetry, the asymmetrical dorsal Hb leads to constant behavioral choices
      in binary opposition. In contrast, in mice, which use a strategy of functionally
      flexible lateralization, the symmetrical lateral Hb is functionally lateralized.
      This makes it possible to process complicated information and to come to variable
      behavioral choices, depending on the specific situation. These strategies are
      thought to be selected for and preserved by evolution under selection pressures
      of rigidity and flexibility of sociability in zebrafish and mice, respectively,
      as they are beneficial for survival. This hypothesis is highly valuable because
      it explains how the Hb evolved differently in terms of asymmetry and
      lateralization among different species. In addition, one can propose possible
      experiments for the verification of this hypothesis in future research.

PMID- 28101003
TI  - Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein Quality Control Failure in Myelin Disorders.
AB  - Reaching the correct three-dimensional structure is crucial for the proper
      function of a protein. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the organelle where
      secreted and transmembrane proteins are synthesized and folded. To guarantee high
      fidelity of protein synthesis and maturation in the ER, cells have evolved ER
      protein quality control (ERQC) systems, which assist protein folding and promptly
      degrade aberrant gene products. Only correctly folded proteins that pass ERQC
      checkpoints are allowed to exit the ER and reach their final destination.
      Misfolded glycoproteins are detected and targeted for degradation by the
      proteasome in a process known as endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation
      (ERAD). The excess of unstructured proteins in the ER triggers an adaptive signal
      transduction pathway, called unfolded protein response (UPR), which in turn
      potentiates ERQC activities in order to reduce the levels of aberrant molecules.
      When the situation cannot be restored, the UPR drives cells to apoptosis. Myelin
      forming cells of the central and peripheral nervous system (oligodendrocytes and
      Schwann cells) synthesize a large amount of myelin proteins and lipids and
      therefore are particularly susceptible to ERQC failure. Indeed, deficits in ERQC
      and activation of ER stress/UPR have been implicated in several myelin disorders,
      such as Pelizaeus-Merzbacher and Krabbe leucodystrophies, vanishing white matter
      disease and Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathies. Here we discuss recent evidence
      underlying the importance of proper ERQC functions in genetic disorders of
      myelinating glia.

PMID- 28101004
TI  - Cannabinoid Receptors in the Central Nervous System: Their Signaling and Roles in
      Disease.
AB  - The identification and cloning of the two major cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2)
      receptors together with the discovery of their endogenous ligands in the late 80s
      and early 90s, resulted in a major effort aimed at understanding the mechanisms
      and physiological roles of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Due to its
      expression and localization in the central nervous system (CNS), the CB1 receptor
      together with its endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids (eCB)) and the enzymes
      involved in their synthesis and degradation, has been implicated in multiple
      pathophysiological events ranging from memory deficits to neurodegenerative
      disorders among others. In this review, we will provide a general overview of the
      ECS with emphasis on the CB1 receptor in health and disease. We will describe our
      current understanding of the complex aspects of receptor signaling and
      trafficking, including the non-canonical signaling pathways such as those
      mediated by beta-arrestins within the context of functional selectivity and
      ligand bias. Finally, we will highlight some of the disorders in which CB1
      receptors have been implicated. Significant knowledge has been achieved over the
      last 30 years. However, much more research is still needed to fully understand
      the complex roles of the ECS, particularly in vivo and to unlock its true
      potential as a source of therapeutic targets.

PMID- 28101006
TI  - Inverse Relationship between Basal Pacemaker Neuron Activity and Aversive Long
      Term Memory Formation in Lymnaea stagnalis.
AB  - Learning and memory formation are essential physiological functions. While
      quiescent neurons have long been the focus of investigations into the mechanisms
      of memory formation, there is increasing evidence that spontaneously active
      neurons also play key roles in this process and possess distinct rules of
      activity-dependent plasticity. In this study, we used a well-defined aversive
      learning model of aerial respiration in the mollusk Lymnaea stagnalis (L.
      stagnalis) to study the role of basal firing activity of the respiratory
      pacemaker neuron Right Pedal Dorsal 1 (RPeD1) as a determinant of aversive long
      term memory (LTM) formation. We investigated the relationship between basal
      aerial respiration behavior and RPeD1 firing activity, and examined aversive LTM
      formation and neuronal plasticity in animals exhibiting different basal aerial
      respiration behavior. We report that animals with higher basal aerial respiration
      behavior exhibited early responses to operant conditioning and better aversive
      LTM formation. Early behavioral response to the conditioning procedure was
      associated with biphasic enhancements in the membrane potential, spontaneous
      firing activity and gain of firing response, with an early phase spanning the
      first 2 h after conditioning and a late phase that is observed at 24 h. Taken
      together, we provide the first evidence suggesting that lower neuronal activity
      at the time of learning may be correlated with better memory formation in
      spontaneously active neurons. Our findings provide new insights into the
      diversity of cellular rules of plasticity underlying memory formation.

PMID- 28101008
TI  - Knockout of Lysosomal Enzyme-Targeting Gene Causes Abnormalities in Mouse Pup
      Isolation Calls.
AB  - Humans lacking a working copy of the GNPTAB gene suffer from the metabolic
      disease Mucolipidosis type II (MLII). MLII symptoms include mental retardation,
      skeletal deformities and cartilage defects as well as a speech delay with most
      subjects unable to utter single words (Otomo et al., 2009; Cathey et al., 2010;
      Leroy et al., 2012). Here we asked whether mice lacking a copy of Gnptab gene
      exhibited vocal abnormities. We recorded ultrasonic vocalizations from 5 to 8 day
      old mice separated from their mother and littermates. Although Gnptab-/- pups
      emitted a similar number of calls, several features of the calls were different
      from their wild type littermates. Gnptab-/- mice showed a decrease in the length
      of calls, an increase in the intra-bout pause duration, significantly fewer pitch
      jumps with smaller mean size, and an increase in the number of isolated calls. In
      addition, Gnptab-/- mice vocalizations had less power, particularly in the higher
      frequencies. Gnptab+/- mouse vocalizations did not appear to be affected. We then
      attempted to classify these recordings using these features to determine the
      genotype of the animal. We were able to correctly identify 87% of the recordings
      as either Gnptab-/- or Gnptab+/+ pup, significantly better than chance,
      demonstrating that genotype is a strong predictor of vocalization phenotype.
      These data show that deletion of genes in the lysosomal enzyme targeting pathway
      affect mouse pup isolation calls.

PMID- 28101007
TI  - Regulation of Spontaneous Propagating Waves in the Embryonic Mouse Brainstem.
AB  - Spontaneous activity (SA) modulates many aspects of neural development, including
      neuronal phenotype, axon path-finding and synaptic connectivity. In the embryonic
      mouse brainstem, SA initially is recorded in isolated cells at embryonic day (E)
      9.5, and 48 h later takes the form of propagating waves. The majority of these
      waves originate from one midline initiation zone (InZ), which is situated within
      the developing serotonergic raphe. InZ cells express a t-type calcium channel,
      are depolarized, and have high membrane resistance, the combination of which
      allows spontaneous depolarization. Propagating events require signaling at
      metabotropic 5-HT receptors; a possible source could be 5-HT released by newly
      differentiating 5-HT neurons. At E11.5, waves propagate throughout the hindbrain,
      with some events crossing into the midbrain. At E12.5, lateral cells (further
      than 150 MUm from the midline) up-regulate expression of a K channel that
      increases resting conductance and hyperpolarizes them, preventing the propagation
      of waves laterally. At the same stage, cells in the isthmus up-regulate t-type
      calcium channels, permitting more events to cross into the midbrain, some of
      which form recurring loops of activity that are able to keep intracellular
      calcium levels high for many minutes. At E13.5, caudal hindbrain cells
      hyperpolarize utilizing the same K conductance, and 24 h later, at E14.5, the InZ
      hyperpolarizes and no longer undergoes spontaneous events. Thus, 5-HT receptor
      dependent propagating waves in the embryonic brainstem are generated and
      propagated by regulation of membrane conductance. We discuss these mechanisms,
      and the possible role of this SA in neuronal development.

PMID- 28101009
TI  - Commentary: Knowledge Acquisition during Exam Preparation Improves Memory and
      Modulates Memory Formation.

PMID- 28101005
TI  - The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Substance P/NK-1R Interactions in
      Inflammatory CNS Disorders.
AB  - The inflammatory responses of resident central nervous system (CNS) cells are now
      known to play a critical role in the initiation and progression of an array of
      infectious and sterile neuroinflammatory disorders such as meningitis,
      encephalitis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis
      (MS). Regulating glial inflammatory responses in a timely manner is therefore
      critical in preserving normal CNS functions. The neuropeptide substance P is
      produced at high levels within the CNS and its selective receptor, the neurokinin
      1 receptor (NK-1R), is abundantly expressed by neurons and is present on glial
      cell types including microglia and astrocytes. In addition to its functions as a
      neurotransmitter in the perception of pain and its essential role in gut
      motility, this tachykinin is widely recognized to exacerbate inflammation at
      peripheral sites including the skin, gastrointestinal tract and the lungs.
      Recently, a number of studies have identified a role for substance P and NK-1R
      interactions in neuroinflammation and described the ability of this neuropeptide
      to alter the immune functions of activated microglia and astrocytes. In this
      review article, we describe the expression of substance P and its receptor by
      resident CNS cells, and we discuss the ability of this neuropeptide to exacerbate
      the inflammatory responses of glia and immune cells that are recruited to the
      brain during neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we discuss the available
      data indicating that the NK-1R-mediated augmentation of such responses appears to
      be detrimental during microbial infection and some sterile neurodegenerative
      disorders, and propose the repurposed use of NK-1R antagonists, of a type that
      are currently approved as anti-emetic and anti-anxiolytic agents, as an adjunct
      therapy to ameliorate the inflammatory CNS damage in these conditions.

PMID- 28101010
TI  - Monetary, Food, and Social Rewards Induce Similar Pavlovian-to-Instrumental
      Transfer Effects.
AB  - Multiple types of reward, such as money, food or social approval, are capable of
      driving behavior. However, most previous investigations have only focused on one
      of these reward classes in isolation, as such it is not clear whether different
      reward classes have a unique influence on instrumental responding or whether the
      subjective value of the reward, rather than the reward type per se, is most
      important in driving behavior. Here, we investigate behavior using a well
      established reward paradigm, Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT), and three
      different reward types: monetary, food and social rewards. The subjective value
      of each reward type was matched using a modified Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM)
      auction where subjective reward value was expressed through physical effort using
      a bimanual grip force task. We measured the influence of reward-associated
      stimuli on how participants distributed forces between hands when reaching a
      target effort range on the screen bimanually and on how much time participants
      spent in this target range. Participants spent significantly more time in the
      target range (15% +/- 2% maximal voluntary contraction) when a stimulus was
      presented that was associated with a reward used during instrumental conditioning
      or Pavlovian conditioning compared to a stimulus associated with a neutral
      outcome (i.e., general PIT). The strength of the PIT effect was modulated by
      subjective value (i.e., individuals who showed a stronger PIT effect rated the
      value of rewards more highly), but not by reward type, demonstrating that stimuli
      of all reward types were able to act as appetitive reinforcers and influenced
      instrumental responding, when matched to the same subjective reward value. This
      is the first demonstration that individually matched monetary, food and social
      rewards are equally effective as appetitive reinforcers in PIT. These findings
      strengthen the hypotheses that the subjective value is crucial for how much
      reward-associated stimuli influence behavior.

PMID- 28101011
TI  - Response Inhibition Is Facilitated by a Change to Red Over Green in the Stop
      Signal Paradigm.
AB  - Actions are informed by the complex interactions of response execution and
      inhibition networks. These networks integrate sensory information with internal
      states and behavioral goals to produce an appropriate action or to update an
      ongoing action. Recent investigations have shown that, behaviorally, attention is
      captured through a hierarchy of colors. These studies showed how the color
      hierarchy affected visual processing. To determine whether the color hierarchy
      can be extended to higher level executive functions such as response execution
      and inhibition, we conducted several experiments using the stop-signal task
      (SST). In the first experiment, we modified the classic paradigm so that the go
      signals could vary in task-irrelevant color, with an auditory stop signal. We
      found that the task-irrelevant color of the go signals did not differentially
      affect response times. In the second experiment we determined that making the
      color of the go signal relevant for response selection still did not affect
      reaction times(RTs) and, thus, execution. In the third experiment, we modified
      the paradigm so that the stop signal was a task relevant change in color of the
      go signal. The mean RT to the red stop signal was approximately 25 ms faster than
      to the green stop signal. In other words, red stop signals facilitated response
      inhibition more than green stop signals, however, there was no comparative
      facilitation of response execution. These findings suggest that response
      inhibition, but not execution, networks are sensitive to differences in color
      salience. They also suggest that the color hierarchy is based on attentional
      networks and not simply on early sensory processing.

PMID- 28101014
TI  - Different Effects of Implicit and Explicit Motor Sequence Learning on Latency of
      Motor Evoked Potential Evoked by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Primary
      Motor Cortex.
AB  - Motor training induces plastic changes in the primary motor cortex (M1). However,
      it is unclear whether and how the latency of motor-evoked potentials (MEP) and
      MEP amplitude are affected by implicit and/or explicit motor learning. Here, we
      investigated the changes in M1 excitability and MEP latency induced by implicit
      and explicit motor learning. The subjects performed a serial reaction time task
      (SRTT) with their five fingers. In this task, visual cues were lit up
      sequentially along with a predetermined order. Through training, the subjects
      learned the order of sequence implicitly and explicitly. Before and after the
      SRTT, we recorded MEP at 25 stimulation points around the hot spot for the flexor
      pollicis brevis (FPB) muscle. Although no changes in MEP amplitude were observed
      in either session, we found increases in MEP latency and changes in histogram of
      MEP latency after implicit learning. Our results suggest that reorganization
      across the motor cortices occurs during the acquisition of implicit knowledge. In
      contrast, acquisition of explicit knowledge does not appear to induce the
      reorganization based on the measures we recorded. The fact that the above
      mentioned increases in MEP latency occurred without any alterations in MEP
      amplitude suggests that learning has different effects on different physiological
      signals. In conclusion, our results propose that analyzing a combination of some
      indices of M1 excitability, such as MEP amplitude and MEP latency, is encouraged
      in order to understand plasticity across motor cortices.

PMID- 28101012
TI  - Morphological and Functional Differences between Athletes and Novices in Cortical
      Neuronal Networks.
AB  - The cortical structural and functional differences in athletes and novices were
      investigated with a cross-sectional paradigm. We measured the gray matter volumes
      and resting-state functional connectivity in 21 basketball players and 21 novices
      with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. It was found that gray matter
      volume in the left anterior insula (AI), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), inferior
      parietal lobule (IPL) and right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), precuneus is
      greater in basketball players than that in novices. These five brain regions were
      selected as the seed regions for testing the resting-state functional
      connectivity in the second experiment. We found higher functional connectivity in
      default mode network, salience network and executive control network in
      basketball players compared to novices. We conclude that the morphology and
      functional connectivity in cortical neuronal networks in athletes and novices are
      different.

PMID- 28101013
TI  - Effects of Muscle Fatigue, Creep, and Musculoskeletal Pain on Neuromuscular
      Responses to Unexpected Perturbation of the Trunk: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Introduction: Trunk neuromuscular responses have been shown to adapt under the
      influence of muscle fatigue, as well as spinal tissue creep or even with the
      presence of low back pain (LBP). Despite a large number of studies exploring how
      these external perturbations affect the spinal stability, characteristics of such
      adaptations remains unclear. Aim: The purpose of this systematic review was to
      assess the quality of evidence of studies investigating trunk neuromuscular
      responses to unexpected trunk perturbation. More specifically, the targeted
      neuromuscular responses were trunk muscle activity reflex and trunk kinematics
      under the influence of muscle fatigue, spinal creep, and musculoskeletal pain.
      Methods: A research of the literature was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and Sport
      Discus databases using terms related to trunk neuromuscular reflex responses,
      measured by electromyography (baseline activity, reflex latency, and reflex
      amplitude) and/or trunk kinematic, in context of unexpected external
      perturbation. Moreover, independent variables must be either trunk muscle fatigue
      or spinal tissue creep or LBP. All included articles were scored for their
      electromyography methodology based on the "Surface Electromyography for the Non
      Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM)" and the "International Society of
      Electrophysiology and Kinesiology (ISEK)" recommendations whereas overall quality
      of articles was scored using a specific quality checklist modified from the
      Quality Index. Meta-analysis was performed on reflex latency variable. Results: A
      final set of 29 articles underwent quality assessments. The mean quality score
      was 79%. No effect of muscle fatigue on erector spinae reflex latency following
      an unexpected perturbation, nor any other distinctive effects was found for back
      muscle fatigue and reflex parameters. As for spinal tissue creep effects, no
      alteration was found for any of the trunk reflex variables. Finally, the meta
      analysis revealed an increased erector spinae reflex latency in patients with
      chronic LBP in comparison with healthy controls following an unexpected trunk
      perturbation. Conclusion: The literature provides some evidence with regard to
      trunk adaptions in a context of spinal instability. However, most of the evidence
      was inconclusive due to a high methodological heterogeneity between the studies.

PMID- 28101015
TI  - M2-Polarized Macrophages Compose Lupus Vulgaris Arising from a Bacillus Calmette
      Guerin Vaccination Site.
AB  - Since bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium
      bovis, lupus vulgaris (LV) is reported as one of the rare complications after BCG
      vaccination, correlating with immunosuppression in the lesional skin. In this
      report, we describe a case of LV arising from the BCG vaccination site 22 years
      after vaccination. Interestingly, in the present case, granuloma cells were
      composed of M2-polarized macrophages. Our case might explain the contribution of
      M2-polarized macrophages to the biology of LV arising from a BCG vaccination
      site.

PMID- 28101016
TI  - Cellulitis in a Liver Transplant Patient as an Initial Manifestation of
      Disseminated Cryptococcal Disease.
AB  - A 50-year-old male underwent liver transplantation due to cryptogenic cirrhosis
      and was admitted with severe pain in the left leg as well as phlogosis.
      Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was prescribed, assuming bullous erysipelas. Among
      the tests performed, the latex agglutination test for the Cryptococcus sp.
      antigen was positive, and in both the blood culture and blister culture
      Cryptococcus sp. was isolated. Daily fluconazole was started. Even though
      liposomal amphotericin B has been started on the fifth day of hospitalization,
      the patient progressed to death.

PMID- 28101017
TI  - Efficacy of a Film-Forming Medical Device Containing Piroxicam and Sun Filters in
      the Treatment of Multiple Actinic Keratosis Lesions in a Subject with a History
      of Kaposi Sarcoma.
AB  - Actinic keratosis (AK) is considered a premalignant form of skin cancer due to
      chronic sun exposure. In addition, human papilloma virus (HPV) has been advocated
      a role in the pathogenesis of this clinical condition. HPV proteins (mainly E6
      and E7) seem to act synergistically with ultraviolet (UV) radiation in reducing
      the defensive mechanisms of keratinocyte apoptosis after UV damage. Data
      regarding the involvement of other viruses, i.e. human herpes viruses (HHV), in
      the pathogenesis of AK are so far controversial. HHV8 is considered the infective
      agent involved in the development of Kaposi sarcoma. Some experimental data have
      shown that AK lesions carry HHV8 in more than 30% of the bioptic samples. Topical
      piroxicam was shown to be effective in the treatment of AK. In addition, the
      molecule shows antiviral action against HPV and HHV8. Here, we report the
      efficacy of a medical device containing a film-forming substance (polyvinyl
      alcohol), chemical and physical sun filters (SPF 50+), and 0.8% piroxicam
      (ActixicamTM, Difa Cooper; ACTX) in the treatment of multiple scalp AK lesions,
      unresponsive to other treatments, in a subject with Kaposi sarcoma and a history
      of severe contact dermatitis. The subject presented with severe involvement of
      the scalp, with multiple hypertrophic AK lesions. Previous lesion-directed and
      field-targeted treatments have not been effective. The subject was treated with
      ACTX applied twice daily on the affected scalp. Relevant clinical improvement was
      observed as soon as 1 month of therapy. Complete clinical resolution of all scalp
      lesions was observed after 3 months of treatment. The product was well tolerated.

PMID- 28101018
TI  - Remarkable Improvement of Nail Changes in Alopecia Areata Universalis with 10
      Months of Treatment with Tofacitinib: A Case Report.
AB  - Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease. The main symptom is
      massive hair loss, localized or diffuse, in the scalp and the whole body.
      However, nails may also be involved, and brittleness, fragility and pitting can
      be signs of nail dystrophy in AA patients. Here, we report the case of a male
      patient with AA refractory to various treatments, including oral, topical and
      intralesional corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, cyclosporin and PUVA (oxoralen
      plus ultraviolet light), all interrupted due to side effects. The patient's nails
      had erythematous blotches (striated lunulae) with regular and superficial pitting
      as well as fragility (trachyonychia), and he could no longer play the guitar
      because of these symptoms. With patient consent, we introduced tofacitinib (5 mg
      twice daily), which resulted in remarkable improvements not only regarding hair
      regrowth but also nail changes, with function recovery within 10 months.

PMID- 28101019
TI  - A Case of Therapy-Resistant Folliculitis due to Adrenal Insufficiency?
AB  - A report on a 40-year-old patient with recalcitrant, suppurative folliculitis is
      presented. After years of unsuccessful treatment with conventional therapies, the
      patient was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency with a low level of circulating
      cortisol. A few weeks after the patient was subjected to substitution therapy
      with hydrocortisone, his folliculitis resolved. We discuss the role of plasma
      cortisol level in the pathogenesis of folliculitis.

PMID- 28101020
TI  - Late Onset of Acute Urticaria after Bee Stings.
AB  - Here we report the cases of five patients with a late onset of acute urticaria
      after a bee sting. The ages of the five Japanese patients ranged from 33 to 86
      years (median: 61). All patients had no history of an allergic reaction to bee
      stings. The onset of urticaria was 6-14 days (median: 10) after a bee sting.
      Although four of the patients did not describe experiencing a bee sting at their
      presentation, the subsequent examination detected anti-bee-specific IgE
      antibodies. So, we think a history of a bee sting should thus be part of the
      medical interview sheet for patients with acute urticaria, and an examination of
      IgE for bees may help prevent a severe bee-related anaphylactic reaction in the
      future.

PMID- 28101021
TI  - Late-Onset Multiple Self-Healing Squamous Epithelioma Ferguson-Smith Recurrence
      Induced by Radiotherapy.
AB  - We report the case of a woman in her 60s with confirmed multiple self-healing
      squamous epitheliomas (MSSE) Ferguson-Smith. After recurrences following surgery
      and radiotherapy, the patient was successfully treated with minimal surgical
      intervention combined with intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetate. The
      histological comparison between mature and regressed keratoacanthomas (KA)
      revealed an increased inflammatory infiltrate with numerous plasmacytoid
      dendritic cells in the regressed KA in comparison to the mature one, speaking in
      favor of an inflammation-mediated regression process. Corticosteroids injection
      in MSSE may have paradoxical effects with action on the proliferation phase
      rather than the inflammatory regression phase of the KA. Our case confirms
      previous reports showing that radiotherapy may exacerbate MSSE and should be
      avoided. Intralesional triamcinolone acetate injection is a safe and easy to use
      method also effective for multiple lesions. Our case underlines the difference
      between squamous cell carcinoma and KA, responding differently to therapies like
      imiquimod or radiotherapy.

PMID- 28101022
TI  - Necrobiotic Xanthogranuloma in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma.
AB  - An 82-year-old woman presented with a 9-month history of multiple, well-defined
      skin lesions on her neck and upper chest, progressively increasing in size.
      Histological examination of a skin biopsy showed a regular epidermis. In the
      dermis, granulomatous changes with central necrobiosis were found which extended
      focally into the subcutaneous fat. The necrobiotic areas were surrounded by
      Touton cells and foreign-body giant cells. Laboratory analysis revealed
      leucopenia. Serum electrophoresis and immunofixation disclosed the presence of an
      IgG-lambda paraprotein. Bone marrow aspiration cytology showed 20% plasmatic
      cells. The skeletal X-ray revealed frontal and occipital osteolytic skull lesions
      as well as pubic osteolysis. Urinalysis was unremarkable without proteinuria.
      Based on the clinical, laboratory, and histological findings, necrobiotic
      xanthogranuloma in association with multiple myeloma was diagnosed. The patient
      was treated with bortezomib combined with oral dexamethasone. Follow-up at week
      13 revealed the complete disappearance of the IgG paraproteinemia. However, the
      skin lesions remained unchanged. Therefore, bortezomib treatment was
      discontinued, and systemic corticosteroids were continued at a higher dosage.
      After the steroid treatment, the lesions markedly flattened.

PMID- 28101023
TI  - Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Erythema Nodosum Revealing Takayasu's Arteritis.
AB  - We report a Caucasian female who presented with simultaneous erythema nodosum and
      pyoderma gangrenosum due to underlying Takayasu's arteritis. Takayasu's arteritis
      is a chronic large vessel vasculitis of unknown cause. The disease has a
      worldwide distribution but is most commonly seen in Asian populations. There is a
      strong predilection for young females. The clinical presentation is variable, but
      mostly derives from stenosis or occlusion of affected arteries, resulting in
      claudication and ischemia. Skin manifestations are observed in up to 28% of
      patients with Takayasu's arteritis, with erythema nodosum reported more
      frequently in Caucasians. Pyoderma gangrenosum is more common in Asian patients.
      This report demonstrates the importance to exclude Takayasu's arteritis in
      patients with such skin lesions.

PMID- 28101024
TI  - Bazex Syndrome in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma: High Expression of Epidermal
      Growth Factor Receptor in Lesional Keratinocytes with Th2 Immune Shift.
AB  - An 82-year-old Japanese man was referred for detailed examination of
      hyperkeratotic erythematous plaques on his palms and soles for 6 months. Two
      weeks before his first visit, he had undergone lung lobectomy for right lung
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Laboratory findings showed elevations of
      eosinophil counts, serum IgE, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, SCC
      antigen, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels. Histological results of a
      skin biopsy involving the left palm showed psoriasiform dermatitis. Before lung
      lobectomy, the hyperkeratotic erythematous plaques on the palms and soles and the
      erythemas on the trunk and extremities were difficult to treat with topical
      steroids. After lobectomy, the skin symptoms dramatically and rapidly subsided
      with topical steroids. Therefore, we diagnosed Bazex syndrome (BS), also known as
      acrokeratosis paraneoplastica, as a paraneoplastic cutaneous disease in lung SCC.
      The mild eosinophilia subsided and levels of SCC antigen, IgE, and soluble
      interleukin-2 receptor were reduced. BS is a paraneoplastic cutaneous disease
      characterized by acral psoriasiform lesions associated with an underlying
      neoplasm. In a previous report, a shift to the Th2 immune condition was found in
      patients with non-small cell lung cancer, as shown in our patient. Epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) is also known as tumor growth factor-alpha
      receptor; it is increased in psoriatic keratinocytes. In our case, EGFR
      expression increased in lesional keratinocytes 2 weeks after surgery and
      decreased 4 weeks after surgery. We speculate that a shift to Th2 immune
      reactions in lung SCC may be the pathogenesis of BS, whereby lesional
      keratinocytes highly express EGFR in parallel with disease activity.

PMID- 28101025
TI  - Giant Basal Cell Carcinomas Arising on the Bilateral Forearms of a Patient: A
      Case Report and Review of Nonsurgical Treatment Options.
AB  - Giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs) are large basal cell carcinomas (BCCs; <5 cm)
      with a greater propensity to invade and metastasize than standard BCCs. The
      presence of 2 GBCCs in a single individual is rare. We present the case of a 71
      year-old Caucasian male with bilateral GBCCs on the dorsal forearms, measuring
      130 cm2 and 24 cm2, respectively, that developed over a 21-year period. Over this
      period, the patient treated the tumors with herbal remedies. Histologic
      evaluation showed a conventional nodular BCC for both tumors. Computed tomography
      and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T4N0M0 stage for the larger lesion.
      Surgical excision and grafting and reconstruction were offered, but he declined.
      This case highlights a shared belief in holistic treatments and rejection of
      Western medical interventions that are common among many patients with GBCC.
      Studies reporting nonsurgical treatments for GBCCs, including radiotherapy,
      vismodegib, topical imiquimod, and acitretin are reviewed.

PMID- 28101026
TI  - Transdifferentiation of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder from
      Urothelial Carcinoma after Transurethral Resection of a Bladder Tumor,
      Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Instillation, and Chemotherapy: A Case
      Report.
AB  - A 73-year-old male underwent transurethral resection of a bladder tumor in August
      2010 and April 2011. Pathological examination revealed urothelial carcinoma.
      After the surgery, chemotherapy and intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
      instillation were performed. In September 2014, he once again underwent
      transurethral resection of the bladder tumor for recurrence, and was again
      diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma, pT2, by pathological examination. After
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radical cystectomy for tumor recurrence was performed.
      Pathological examination at this time revealed small cell carcinoma, pT3N0. It is
      rare for urothelial carcinoma to change to small cell carcinoma, and the
      mechanism and cause of this change are still unknown. In this case report, we
      discuss what causes small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder and review the
      literature regarding its origin.

PMID- 28101027
TI  - Bilateral Facial Nerve Paralysis as First Presentation of Lung Cancer.
AB  - Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is rare, and its precise incidence is unknown. It
      is associated with a wide spectrum of solid and hematological malignancies. To
      complicate its diagnosis, the clinical presentation of leptomeningeal
      carcinomatosis can be variable. We report a case of a 38-year-old male with
      bilateral facial nerve paralysis as first presentation of lung adenocarcinoma. To
      our knowledge, this is the only case describing bilateral facial nerve palsy as
      the first and only manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 28101028
TI  - A Scary Onset of a Rare and Aggressive Type of Primary Breast Sarcoma: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Primary breast sarcoma, arising from connective tissue within the breast, is
      extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all primary breast malignancies
      and no more than 5% of all sarcomas. The rarity of this pathology limits most
      studies to case reports and small retrospective studies, which has led to a lack
      of consensus on the clinical management. We report a clinical case of a 52-year
      old woman, perimenopausal, previously healthy, with regular breast surveillance,
      who presented with a large (>20 cm) and rapidly expanding hypervascularized tumor
      of the left breast developed over 10 days, with a very thin preulcerative skin
      over the last 4 days. There was no systemic dissemination. The patient was
      submitted to total mastectomy and excision of axillary adenopathy. The tumor was
      diagnosed histologically as malignant phyllodes tumor associated with areas of
      high-grade sarcoma. Due to rapid growth and aggressive histological
      characteristics, adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were performed. There is
      a lot of evidence that tumors larger than 5 cm are associated with a poor
      prognosis. Despite the poor prognosis associated with this aggressive entity, the
      patient had no recurrence during 5 years of follow-up. We review the relevant
      literature about primary breast sarcomas.

PMID- 28101029
TI  - Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate: A Case Report.
AB  - Ductal adenocarcinoma is an unusual variant of adenocarcinoma of the prostate. A
      73-year-old male was referred to our hospital for the further examination of an
      elevated prostate-specific antigen level of 23.4 ng/mL. Radical prostatectomy
      (RP) was performed based on the diagnosis obtained by a prostate needle biopsy.
      The RP specimen revealed ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate with positive
      capsular penetration. We herein report a rare case of ductal adenocarcinoma of
      the prostate.

PMID- 28101030
TI  - Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Breast Found during Treatment of Lymphoma.
AB  - A 71-year-old woman, previously treated for malignant lymphoma, was admitted to
      our hospital with a tumor in the right breast. The tumor size was 2.0 cm in
      diameter, and the borderline was unclear. The core needle biopsy material
      revealed an invasive adenocarcinoma with metaplastic change. Right mastectomy and
      sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed. Histologically, the tumor was composed
      of mucus-secreting, epidermoid, and intermediate cells. These findings confirmed
      the diagnosis as mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the breast. MEC is more
      frequently observed in the salivary glands and occurs rarely in the breast, with
      an incidence of approximately 0.3% of all breast cancers. Because of the rarity
      of the disease, the clinicopathological features and clinical outcome have not
      been fully investigated. The relationship between MEC of the breast and lymphoma
      are unclear. Here we report a rare case of MEC of the breast.

PMID- 28101031
TI  - Alectinib-Induced Erythema Multiforme and Successful Rechallenge with Alectinib
      in a Patient with Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Rearranged Lung Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alectinib is an oral drug developed for the treatment of patients
      with fusion gene encoding echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4
      anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK)-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). Here, we present the case of a patient treated with alectinib who
      developed a hypersensitivity reaction with successful rechallenge treatment. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old woman who was a passive smoker was referred to Osaka
      City University Hospital for the evaluation of a skin event caused by treatment
      for NSCLC with the fusion gene EML4-ALK. The skin reaction was observed on the
      anterior chest, upper arms, and ear auricles on day 11 of treatment with oral
      alectinib. The skin event presented as widely distributed erythematous macules
      that were confluent, indicating a severe and life-threatening form. The skin
      lesions started to resolve after the initiation of treatment with 40 mg
      prednisolone. After regrowth of the tumor, she received a rechallenge program for
      alectinib for 2 weeks; thereafter, alectinib treatment was successfully
      reinitiated. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case
      in which alectinib, which binds to the adenosine triphosphate site of EML4-ALK,
      induced erythema multiforme. Moreover, successful readministration of alectinib
      through our rechallenge program has not been reported so far.

PMID- 28101032
TI  - Debilitating Skin Toxicity Associated with Pembrolizumab Therapy in an 81-Year
      Old Female with Malignant Melanoma.
AB  - Frequently described immune-mediated adverse effects of immune therapy include
      dermatological complications, hepatitis, colitis, pneumonitis, and
      endocrinopathies. As utilization of pembrolizumab and related agents continues to
      expand both in the available indications as well as duration of exposure, there
      remains a significant potential to uncover previously undescribed adverse events.
      From a dermatological standpoint, 39% of patients receiving pembrolizumab therapy
      experience some form of skin-related drug toxicity [Naidoo et al.: Ann Oncol
      2015;26: 2375-2391]. We describe a case of pembrolizumab-induced disabling
      autoimmune ectodermal toxicity.

PMID- 28101033
TI  - Maximizing the Benefit-Cost Ratio of Anthracyclines in Metastatic Breast Cancer:
      Case Report of a Patient with a Complete Response to High-Dose Doxorubicin.
AB  - Despite the clinical efficacy of anthracycline agents such as doxorubicin, dose
      limiting cardiac toxicities significantly limit their long-term use. Here, we
      present the case of a 33-year-old female patient with extensive metastatic
      ER+/PR+/HER2- mucinous adenocarcinoma of the breast, who was started on
      doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide therapy after progressing on paclitaxel and ovarian
      suppressor goserelin with aromatase inhibitor exemestane. The patient was
      comanaged by cardiology, who carefully monitored measures of cardiac function,
      including EKGs, serial echocardiograms, and profiling of lipids, troponin, and
      pro-BNP every 2 months. The patient was treated with the cardioprotective agent
      dexrazoxane, and changes in cardiac markers [e.g. decreases in ejection fraction
      (EF)] were immediately addressed by therapeutic intervention with the ACE
      inhibitor lisinopril and beta-blocker metoprolol. The patient had a complete
      response to doxorubicin therapy, with a cumulative dose of 1,350 mg/m2, which is
      significantly above the recommended limits, and to our knowledge, the highest
      dose reported in literature. Two and a half years after the last doxorubicin
      cycle, the patient is asymptomatic with no cardiotoxicity and an excellent
      quality of life. This case highlights the importance of careful monitoring and
      management of doxorubicin-mediated cardiotoxicity, and that higher cumulative
      doses of anthracyclines can be considered in patients with ongoing clinical
      benefit.

PMID- 28101034
TI  - A Case of Poorly Differentiated Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Cecum:
      A Rare Malignancy, with Review of the Literature.
AB  - Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are rare tumors that can
      arise anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. They often present in advanced
      stage and portend a poor prognosis when compared to adenocarcinomas of the same
      stage. Characterization of these tumors is best accomplished with tissue biopsy,
      as peripheral tumor markers commonly used in NECs are of little utility.
      Therapeutic strategies often involve chemotherapeutic regimens that have been
      used to treat small-cell lung cancer. Recent studies have shown that programmed
      death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression within poorly differentiated NECs is a poor
      prognostic indicator. However, PD-L1 expression may represent a possible target
      for immunotherapy drugs, often called checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1
      inhibitors.

PMID- 28101035
TI  - Early Motor Fluctuations in a Patient with Striatonigral Degeneration.
AB  - We report a 44-year-old female with striatonigral degeneration (SND) who showed
      wearing-off oscillations after 4 months of levodopa treatment. The patient
      presented with asymmetric left-side dominant rigidity, and levodopa was effective
      at first. However, she began to show wearing-off oscillations of motor symptoms,
      which gradually worsened thereafter. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed linear lateral putamen hyperintensities,
      and positron emission tomography (PET) studies using 18F-fluorodopa (FD) and 11C
      N-methylspiperon (NMSP) showed a marked decrease of radioactivity in the right
      putamen, especially in the posterior putamen. The results of MRI and 2 PET
      studies with FD and NMSP were well consistent with the diagnosis of SND.

PMID- 28101036
TI  - Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis in HIV Infection.
AB  - Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare condition
      characterized by emotional and behavioral disturbances, dyskinesias, and
      extrapyramidal signs. It occurs in young women of reproductive age and is
      classically described as a paraneoplastic phenomenon. We present a 36-year-old,
      HIV-positive female who was admitted to the hospital in an acute confusional
      state, with a stiff posture, periods of motor agitation, and myoclonic jerks of
      the hands. Her mental state progressively deteriorated. Without evidence of
      infection, the presence of anti-NMDAR antibodies both in serum and cerebrospinal
      fluid clinched the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. No evidence of
      neoplastic disease was found, and the beneficial response to immunosuppressive
      therapy was exceptional. This is the first report of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in
      an HIV-infected individual, reminding us that autoimmune encephalitis should be
      included in the differential diagnosis of a young patient presenting in an acute
      confusional state.

PMID- 28101037
TI  - Successful Restoration of Visual Acuity with an Extended Range of Vision
      Intraocular Lens after Multifocal Laser Ablation.
AB  - As our baby boomer population is aging and developing cataracts, so are our post
      LASIK patients. These patients underwent LASIK surgery as they wished to be
      spectacle-free and are hoping to remain so after intraocular lens (IOL) surgery.
      Unfortunately, very little information is available regarding the suitability of
      presbyopia correcting IOLs for post-LASIK patients. This case represents
      successful implantation of an extended range of vision IOL in a 59-year-old
      patient who underwent multifocal ablation excimer laser surgery 12 years before.
      Emmetropia was targeted for the dominant eye and -0.5 D for the fellow eye. The
      13 month follow-up after bilateral implantation of the TECNIS Symfony IOL
      revealed an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 for distance, 20/20 for
      intermediate and 20/16 for near. The patient is very happy and did not report any
      visual symptoms when asked. This successful case should encourage surgeons to
      consider implanting an extended range of vision IOLs in post-LASIK patients.

PMID- 28101038
TI  - Successful Management in a Case of Traumatic Retinal Detachment due to Open Globe
      Injury Using Microincisional Vitrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retinal detachment (RD) following ocular trauma often results in
      guarded visual prognosis and sometimes leads to loss of the eye. With the advent
      of microincisional vitrectomy surgery and the development of surgical techniques,
      the management of ocular trauma has been transformed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34
      year-old man sustained an open globe injury from fragmented glass at work. He
      received primary repair and another follow-up surgery 9 days later, including
      vitrectomy, silicone oil tamponade, and lensectomy for RD and traumatic cataract
      at another medical center. However, his retina was totally detached and
      completely curled up in a roll with choroid on display when he was seen by us 1
      month later. He was managed with vigilant and patient peeling and unfolding of
      the retina using a 23-gauge forceps and silicone oil tamponade, and achieved
      anatomical success and preservation of his eye at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      This report demonstrates that even in cases which appear to be hopeless at
      presentation, the surgeon's perseverance and surgical technique can salvage an
      eye that may otherwise be phthisical. It also encourages retinal surgeons to use
      microincisional vitrectomy to manage severe traumatic RD.

PMID- 28101039
TI  - Multifocal Toric Intraocular Lens for Traumatic Cataract in a Child.
AB  - A child suffering from traumatic cataract and corneal astigmatism of 2.14 D had a
      phacoemulsification operation and implantation of a ReSTOR Toric intraocular lens
      (IOL) to correct the astigmatism. The primary outcome measurements were the
      uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected near vision at 40 cm,
      intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent refraction, residual astigmatism,
      corneal astigmatism, presence of unusual optical phenomena, and use of
      spectacles. At 7 months postoperatively, UDVA was maintained between 16/20 and
      24/20, near vision was between J1 and J3, residual spherical refraction was 0
      0.37 D, and residual refractive cylinder was between 0 and 0.67 D. A multifocal
      toric IOL can provide the possibility of satisfactory vision for both distant and
      near conditions without the use of spectacles to meet children's needs when
      studying and doing sports. Additionally, binocular vision can be reconstructed.
      This intervention, therefore, seems to be a satisfactory alternative.

PMID- 28101040
TI  - High Rate of Early Posterior Capsule Opacification following Femtosecond Laser
      Assisted Cataract Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the rates of rapid posterior capsule opacification (PCO)
      formation in the first 3 months following femtosecond laser-assisted cataract
      surgery (FLACS) to manual anterior capsulorhexis. METHODS: Retrospective review
      of 29 cases of FLACS, comparing the rates of PCO in the first 3 months following
      surgery to 50 consecutive cases of manual anterior capsulorhexis. RESULTS: Seven
      of the 29 FLACS cases developed PCO requiring capsulotomy at 3 months, while none
      of the control cases required a capsulotomy over the same time period (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: There is an increased incidence of early-onset PCO following the use
      of femtosecond laser in cataract surgery that is otherwise unfounded in manual
      capsulorhexis. This suggests that the use of a femtosecond laser could increase
      the risk of this novel postoperative complication.

PMID- 28101042
TI  - Use of Internal Limiting Membrane Autograft in Primary Vitrectomy for
      Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.
AB  - During a pars plana vitrectomy, an unplanned retinotomy in the raphe was
      performed in a 55-year-old female patient with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
      and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Since diathermy and laser therapy were not
      available at that moment, it was decided to peel off a small graft of the
      internal limiting membrane adjacent to the retinotomy site which had been
      previously stained with Brilliant Blue G. The graft was displaced under
      perfluorocarbon fluids and placed inside the retinotomy. Three weeks after
      surgery, the apparent closure of the retinotomy was observed clinically.

PMID- 28101041
TI  - Endophthalmitis following 27-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Vitreous Floaters.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis following
      27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreous floaters. METHODS: The
      clinical course and imaging findings, including fundus optomap, and spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography of a 24-year-old male patient were
      documented. RESULTS: The patient, with a preoperative best-corrected visual
      acuity (BCVA) of 1.0, developed endophthalmitis following 27-gauge pars plana
      vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreous floaters. After a series of treatments,
      including emergent vitreous tap and silicone oil injection, antibiotic treatment,
      and silicone oil removal, the patient regained a BCVA of 0.6. CONCLUSION:
      Although rare, the potential risk of endophthalmitis should be explicitly
      discussed with patients considering surgical intervention for vitreous floaters.

PMID- 28101043
TI  - Effects of Disseminated Mycobacterial Infection on Age-Related Macular
      Degeneration.
AB  - Our patient, in the 7th decade of life, presented with worsening blurry vision
      over 3 weeks. The pertinent history included nonexudative age-related macular
      degeneration, recent pulmonary mycobacterial infection, and autoimmune
      pancreatitis. The patient had decreased visual acuity in both eyes; the remaining
      findings of our examination were relatively benign. The diagnosis of bilateral
      exudative age-related macular degeneration was aided by ocular imaging. Not only
      were exudative changes confirmed, but one modality suggested an underlying occult
      choroiditis, which presumably fueled a local inflammatory drive leading to
      evolution of the disease. Given the choroiditis developed in the setting of a
      recent Mycobacterium chelonae infection, dissemination of the organism must be
      considered a potential culprit. Additionally, a chronic inflammatory state
      perhaps played a simultaneous immunologic role. We feel the proposed pathogenic
      mechanism outlined sufficiently accounts for the rare event, that is, development
      of subacute bilateral exudative maculopathy. The patient responded well to
      bilateral intravitreal aflibercept injections. After 1 month, visual acuity was
      found to be near baseline and ocular imaging showed significant resolution of the
      exudative changes. An additional follow-up 3 months after confirmed similar
      stability. This case required thorough investigation of seemingly unrelated
      components within the patient's history. We stress the importance of obtaining
      appropriate documentation from fellow health care teams when suspicious clinical
      presentations arise. During our investigation, we identified cryptic retinal
      lesions by way of angiography - leading us to recommend usage of such methods in
      complex cases. We also summarize the implemented aflibercept course and the
      favorable response to such treatment.

PMID- 28101044
TI  - Heads-Up Macular Surgery with a 27-Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy System and
      Minimal Illumination.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We combined heads-up 3-dimensional (3D) 27-gauge microincision
      vitrectomy surgery (27GMIVS) with a very low-intensity illumination system.
      METHODS: This study was based on a retrospective, interventional case series of 6
      eyes of 6 patients with macular disease. All patients underwent heads-up 3D
      27GMIVS and the power of the intraocular illuminator was set to its minimum
      level, 1% (approximately 0.1 lm), throughout the surgery. RESULTS: We found that
      the procedure was easy when the heads-up 3D system was used, but not through the
      eyepiece of a microscope. All surgeries were successfully finished without any
      complications. Postoperative visual acuity was restored or maintained in all eyes
      during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Heads-up, 3D system-assisted 27GMIVS
      with minimal illumination enabled excellent intraoperative visualization of
      retinal tissues, caused minimal phototoxicity to the macular retinal cells, and
      might therefore represent the next step in the development of an ideal, minimally
      invasive method of treating macular disease.

PMID- 28101045
TI  - ExPRESS Mini-Shunt as a Treatment Alternative for Medically Uncontrolled Steroid
      Induced Glaucoma in a Pediatric Patient.
AB  - This case report illustrates the use of ExPRESS mini-shunt in a pediatric
      glaucoma patient. We describe the management of steroid-induced glaucoma with
      ExPRESS mini-shunt in a 9-year-old boy with allergic keratoconjunctivitis. The
      intraocular pressure of both of his eyes was uncontrolled with medical and laser
      treatment. Both eyes were treated with ExPRESS mini-shunt and mitomycin-C.
      Transient overfiltration with postoperative hypotony occurred in both eyes and
      resolved after 2 weeks. One year postoperatively, intraocular pressure was
      maintained below 21 mm Hg without medication in 1 eye. Bleb needling with
      mitomycin-C was done to maintain filtration. The fellow eye received cataract
      extraction but developed bleb failure a few months afterwards. The intraocular
      pressure was controlled medically. To conclude, ExPRESS mini-shunt is a new
      surgical option in selected patients. Bleb failure developed after cataract
      extraction. Postoperative inflammation should be minimized. Patient selection,
      such as those with stable ocular condition, is important to increase surgical
      success.

PMID- 28101047
TI  - Acute Anterior Uveitis in a Patient Taking Fingolimod (FTY720) for Multiple
      Sclerosis.
AB  - Fingolimod is an oral sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator and the
      first oral therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Its use has been
      complicated by a low rate of cystoid macular edema usually in the first 3 months
      after commencement of the medication. We report the case of a 34-year-old male
      with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, who developed acute anterior uveitis
      on day 5 of fingolimod treatment. He responded to appropriate treatment and
      cessation of drug, but developed low-grade chronic anterior uveitis without
      cystoid macular edema. We discuss possible mechanisms of uveitis onset in this
      group of patients. Urgent ophthalmological review is recommended for patients
      receiving fingolimod therapy who develop a red, painful eye, which may occur
      within 5 days of fingolimod treatment initiation.

PMID- 28101046
TI  - A Case of Proliferative Retinopathy Complicated with Tuberous Sclerosis Treated
      by Vitreous Surgery.
AB  - We report a case of proliferative retinopathy complicated with retinal hamartoma
      in a tuberous sclerosis patient. This study involved a 16-year-old female patient
      who was diagnosed as having tuberous sclerosis at birth. Ophthalmic examination
      revealed retinal hamartoma surrounding the optic disc in both eyes. Vitreous
      surgery involving a vitrectomy and resection of the proliferative membranes was
      performed for proliferative retinopathy in her right eye. Postoperative fundus
      findings showed improvement and decreased exudative changes. The proliferative
      and exudative changes appeared to be due to the retinal hamartoma, and vitreous
      surgery proved effective in this case.

PMID- 28101048
TI  - Five-Port Combined Limbal and Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Infectious
      Endophthalmitis.
AB  - Pars plana vitrectomy for acute infectious endophthalmitis can be challenging due
      to severe inflammation in the anterior chamber creating significant media
      opacity. We describe a surgical technique combining limbal based vitrectomy and
      pars plana vitrectomy to manage acute infectious endophthalmitis. Limbal based
      vitrectomy facilitates removal of anterior chamber fibrin and inflammatory
      membranes for safe and optimal posterior pars plana vitrectomy.

PMID- 28101049
TI  - Tuberculous Subretinal Abscess in a Non-HIV Patient with Miliary Tuberculosis.
AB  - This case report describes the features of a tuberculous subretinal abscess in a
      non-HIV patient. It includes the characterization of the lesion with spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus autofluorescence
      examination. SD-OCT and autofluorescence imaging showed external retinal
      involvement during development of the tuberculous subretinal abscess. Patients
      with tuberculous lesions need a multidisciplinary approach, since the disease may
      involve any part of the body. In this case in particular, incidental findings at
      computed tomography scan led to the detection of this rare ocular manifestation
      of tuberculous disease.

PMID- 28101050
TI  - Sustained Obesity and Depressive Symptoms over 6 Years: Race by Gender
      Differences in the Health and Retirement Study.
AB  - Background: Although obesity and physical activity influence psychosocial well
      being, these effects may vary based on race, gender, and their intersection.
      Using 6-year follow-up data of a nationally representative sample of adults over
      age of 50 in the United States, this study aimed to explore race by gender
      differences in additive effects of sustained high body mass index (BMI) and
      physical activity on sustained depressive symptoms (CES-D) and self-rated health
      (SRH). Methods: Data came from waves 7, 8, and 10 (2004-2010) of the Health and
      Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing national cohort started in 1992. The study
      enrolled a representative sample of Americans (n = 19,280) over the age of 50.
      Latent factors were used to calculate sustained high BMI and physical activity
      (predictors) and sustained poor SRH and high depressive symptoms (outcomes) based
      on measurements in 2004, 2006, and 2010. Age, education, and income were
      confounders. Multi-group structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the
      additive effects of BMI and physical activity on depressive symptoms and SRH,
      where the groups were defined based on race by gender. Results: Group differences
      were apparent in the direction and significance of the association between
      sustained high BMI and depressive symptoms. The association between sustained
      high BMI and depressive symptoms was positive and significant for White women (B
      = 0.03, p = 0.007) and non-significant for White men (B = -0.03, p = 0.062),
      Black men (B = -0.02, p = 0.564) and Black women (B = 0.03, p = 0.110). No group
      differences were found in the paths from sustained physical activity to
      depressive symptoms, or from physical activity or BMI to SRH. Conclusion:
      Sustained high BMI and high depressive symptoms after age 50 are positively
      associated only for White women. As the association between sustained health
      problems such as depression and obesity are not universal across race and gender
      groups, clinical and public health interventions and programs that simultaneously
      target multiple health problems may have differential effects across race by
      gender groups.

PMID- 28101051
TI  - Robust Detection of Impaired Resting State Functional Connectivity Networks in
      Alzheimer's Disease Using Elastic Net Regularized Regression.
AB  - The large number of multicollinear regional features that are provided by resting
      state (rs) fMRI data requires robust feature selection to uncover consistent
      networks of functional disconnection in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we
      compared elastic net regularized and classical stepwise logistic regression in
      respect to consistency of feature selection and diagnostic accuracy using rs-fMRI
      data from four centers of the "German resting-state initiative for diagnostic
      biomarkers" (psymri.org), comprising 53 AD patients and 118 age and sex matched
      healthy controls. Using all possible pairs of correlations between the time
      series of rs-fMRI signal from 84 functionally defined brain regions as the
      initial set of predictor variables, we calculated accuracy of group
      discrimination and consistency of feature selection with bootstrap cross
      validation. Mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves as
      measure of diagnostic accuracy were 0.70 in unregularized and 0.80 in regularized
      regression. Elastic net regression was insensitive to scanner effects and
      recovered a consistent network of functional connectivity decline in AD that
      encompassed parts of the dorsal default mode as well as brain regions involved in
      attention, executive control, and language processing. Stepwise logistic
      regression found no consistent network of AD related functional connectivity
      decline. Regularized regression has high potential to increase diagnostic
      accuracy and consistency of feature selection from multicollinear functional
      neuroimaging data in AD. Our findings suggest an extended network of functional
      alterations in AD, but the diagnostic accuracy of rs-fMRI in this multicenter
      setting did not reach the benchmark defined for a useful biomarker of AD.

PMID- 28101052
TI  - Correlations of Ventricular Enlargement with Rheologically Active Surfactant
      Proteins in Cerebrospinal Fluid.
AB  - Purpose: Surfactant proteins (SPs) are involved in the regulation of rheological
      properties of body fluids. Concentrations of SPs are altered in the cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) of hydrocephalus patients. The common hallmark of hydrocephalus is
      enlargement of the brain ventricles. The relationship of both phenomena has not
      yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association
      between SP concentrations in the CSF and enlargement of the brain ventricles.
      Procedures: Ninty-six individuals (41 healthy subjects and 55 hydrocephalus
      patients) were included in this retrospective analysis. CSF specimens were
      analyzed for SP-A, SP-B, SP-C and SP-D concentrations by use of enzyme linked
      immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Ventricular enlargement was quantified in T2
      weighted (T2w) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sections using an uni-dimensional
      (Evans' Index) and a two-dimensional approach (lateral ventricles area index,
      LVAI). Results: CSF-SP concentrations (mean +/- standard deviation in ng/ml) were
      as follows: SP-A 0.71 +/- 0.58, SP-B 0.18 +/- 0.43, SP-C 0.89 +/- 0.77 and SP-D
      7.4 +/- 5.4. Calculated values of Evans' Index were 0.37 +/- 0.11, a calculation
      of LVAI resulted in 0.18 +/- 0.15 (each mean +/- standard deviation). Significant
      correlations were identified for Evans' Index with SP-A (r = 0.388, p < 0.001)
      and SP-C (r = 0.392, p < 0.001), LVAI with SP-A (r = 0.352, p = 0.001), SP-C (r =
      0.471, p < 0.001) and SP-D (r = 0.233, p = 0.025). Furthermore, SP-C showed a
      clear inverse correlation with age (r = -0.357, p = 0.011). Conclusion: The
      present study confirmed significant correlations between SPs A, C and D in the
      CSF with enlargement of the inner CSF spaces. In conclusion, SPs clearly play an
      important role for CSF rheology. CSF rheology is profoundly altered in
      hydrocephalic diseases, however, diagnosis and therapy of hydrocephalic
      conditions are still almost exclusively based on ventricular enlargement. Until
      now it was unclear, whether the stage of the disease, as represented by the
      extent of ventricular dilatation, is somehow related to the changes of SP levels
      in the CSF. Our study is the first to provide evidence that increasing
      ventriculomegaly is accompanied by enhanced changes of rheologically active
      compounds in the CSF and therefore introduces completely new aspects for
      hydrocephalus testing and conservative therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 28101053
TI  - Frontal Structural Neural Correlates of Working Memory Performance in Older
      Adults.
AB  - Working memory is an executive memory process that allows transitional
      information to be held and manipulated temporarily in memory stores before being
      forgotten or encoded into long-term memory. Working memory is necessary for
      everyday decision-making and problem solving, making it a fundamental process in
      the daily lives of older adults. Working memory relies heavily on frontal lobe
      structures and is known to decline with age. The current study aimed to determine
      the neural correlates of decreased working memory performance in the frontal
      lobes by comparing cortical thickness and cortical surface area from two
      demographically matched groups of healthy older adults, free from cognitive
      impairment, with high versus low N-Back working memory performance (N = 56;
      average age = 70.29 +/- 10.64). High-resolution structural T1-weighted images (1
      mm isotropic voxels) were obtained on a 3T Philips MRI scanner. When compared to
      high performers, low performers exhibited significantly decreased cortical
      surface area in three frontal lobe regions lateralized to the right hemisphere:
      medial orbital frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus
      (FDR p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in cortical thickness
      between groups, a proxy for neurodegenerative tissue loss. Our results suggest
      that decreases in cortical surface area (a proxy for brain structural integrity)
      in right frontal regions may underlie age-related decline of working memory
      function.

PMID- 28101054
TI  - Protease-Activated Receptor 2 Promotes Pro-Atherogenic Effects through
      Transactivation of the VEGF Receptor 2 in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.
AB  - Background: Obesity is associated with impaired vascular function. In the
      cardiovascular system, protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) exerts multiple
      functions such as the control of the vascular tone. In pathological conditions,
      PAR2 is related to vascular inflammation. However, little is known about the
      impact of obesity on PAR2 in the vasculature. Therefore, we explored the role of
      PAR2 as a potential link between obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Methods:
      C57BL/6 mice were fed with either a chow or a 60% high fat diet for 24 weeks
      prior to isolation of aortas. Furthermore, human coronary artery endothelial
      cells (HCAEC) and human coronary smooth muscle cells (HCSMC) were treated with
      conditioned medium obtained from in vitro differentiated primary human
      adipocytes. To investigate receptor interaction vascular endothelial growth
      factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was blocked by exposure to calcium dobesilate and a
      VEGFR2 neutralization antibody, before treatment with PAR2 activating peptide.
      Student's t-test or one-way were used to determine statistical significance.
      Results: Both, high fat diet and exposure to conditioned medium increased PAR2
      expression in aortas and human vascular cells, respectively. In HCSMC,
      conditioned medium elicited proliferation as well as cyclooxygenase 2 induction,
      which was suppressed by the PAR2 antagonist GB83. Specific activation of PAR2 by
      the PAR2 activating peptide induced proliferation and cyclooxygenase 2 expression
      which were abolished by blocking the VEGFR2. Additionally, treatment of HCSMC
      with the PAR2 activating peptide triggered VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Conclusion:
      Under obesogenic conditions, where circulating levels of pro-inflammatory
      adipokines are elevated, PAR2 arises as an important player linking obesity
      related adipose tissue inflammation to atherogenesis. We show for the first time
      that the underlying mechanisms of these pro-atherogenic effects involve a
      potential transactivation of the VEGFR2 by PAR2.

PMID- 28101055
TI  - Inferring the Impact of Regulatory Mechanisms that Underpin CD8+ T Cell Control
      of B16 Tumor Growth In vivo Using Mechanistic Models and Simulation.
AB  - A major barrier for broadening the efficacy of immunotherapies for cancer is
      identifying key mechanisms that limit the efficacy of tumor infiltrating
      lymphocytes. Yet, identifying these mechanisms using human samples and mouse
      models for cancer remains a challenge. While interactions between cancer and the
      immune system are dynamic and non-linear, identifying the relative roles that
      biological components play in regulating anti-tumor immunity commonly relies on
      human intuition alone, which can be limited by cognitive biases. To assist
      natural intuition, modeling and simulation play an emerging role in identifying
      therapeutic mechanisms. To illustrate the approach, we developed a multi-scale
      mechanistic model to describe the control of tumor growth by a primary response
      of CD8+ T cells against defined tumor antigens using the B16 C57Bl/6 mouse model
      for malignant melanoma. The mechanistic model was calibrated to data obtained
      following adenovirus-based immunization and validated to data obtained following
      adoptive transfer of transgenic CD8+ T cells. More importantly, we use simulation
      to test whether the postulated network topology, that is the modeled biological
      components and their associated interactions, is sufficient to capture the
      observed anti-tumor immune response. Given the available data, the simulation
      results also provided a statistical basis for quantifying the relative importance
      of different mechanisms that underpin CD8+ T cell control of B16F10 growth. By
      identifying conditions where the postulated network topology is incomplete, we
      illustrate how this approach can be used as part of an iterative design-build
      test cycle to expand the predictive power of the model.

PMID- 28101058
TI  - Genetic Variation in the Histamine Production, Response, and Degradation Pathway
      Is Associated with Histamine Pharmacodynamic Response in Children with Asthma.
AB  - Introduction: There is growing knowledge of the wide ranging effects of histamine
      throughout the body therefore it is important to better understand the effects of
      this amine in patients with asthma. We aimed to explore the association between
      histamine pharmacodynamic (PD) response and genetic variation in the histamine
      pathway in children with asthma. Methods: Histamine Iontophoresis with Laser
      Doppler Monitoring (HILD) was performed in children with asthma and estimates for
      area under the effect curve (AUEC), maximal response over baseline (Emax), and
      time of Emax (Tmax) were calculated using non-compartmental analysis and non
      linear mixed-effects model with a linked effect PK/PD model. DNA isolation and
      genotyping were performed among participants to detect known single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) (n = 10) among genes (HDC, HNMT, ABP1, HRH1, HRH4) within
      the histamine pathway. General linear model was used to identify associations
      between histamine related genetic variants and measured histamine PD response
      parameters. Results: Genotyping and HILD response profiles were completed for 163
      children. ABP1 47 C/T, ABP1 4107, and HNMT-1639 C/Twere associated with Emax
      (ABP1 47 CC genotype mean Emax 167.21 vs. CT/TT genotype mean Emax 139.20, p =
      0.04; ABP1 4107 CC genotype mean Emax 141.72 vs. CG/GG genotype mean Emax 156.09,
      p = 0.005; HNMT-1639 CC genotype mean Emax 132.62 vs. CT/TT genotype mean Emax
      155.3, p = 0.02). In a stratified analysis among African American children only,
      ABP1 and HNMT SNPs were also associated with PD response; HRH4 413 CC genotype
      was associated with lower Emax, p = 0.009. Conclusions: We show for the first
      time that histamine pathway genetic variation is associated with measureable
      changes in histamine response in children with asthma. The variability in
      histamine response and impact of histamine pathway genotype is important to
      further explore in patients with asthma so as to improve disease phenotyping
      leading to more personalized treatments.

PMID- 28101057
TI  - Pomegranate Extract Enhances Endothelium-Dependent Coronary Relaxation in
      Isolated Perfused Hearts from Spontaneously Hypertensive Ovariectomized Rats.
AB  - Decline in estrogen levels promotes endothelial dysfunction and, consequently,
      the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases in menopausal women. The use of
      natural therapies such as pomegranate can change these results. Pomegranate
      [Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae)] is widely used as a phytotherapeutic agent
      worldwide, including in Brazil. We hypothesized that treatment with pomegranate
      hydroalcoholic extract (PHE) would improve coronary vascular reactivity and
      cardiovascular parameters. At the beginning of treatment, spontaneously
      hypertensive female rats were divided into Sham and ovariectomized (OVX) groups,
      which received pomegranate extract (PHE) (250 mg/kg) or filtered water (V) for 30
      days by gavage. Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail plethysmography.
      After euthanasia, the heart was removed and coronary vascular reactivity was
      assessed by Langendorff retrograde perfusion technique. A dose-response curve for
      bradykinin was performed, followed by L-NAME inhibition. The protein expression
      of p-eNOS Ser1177, p-eNOS Thr495, total eNOS, p-AKT Ser473, total AKT, SOD-2, and
      catalase was quantified by Western blotting. The detection of coronary superoxide
      was performed using the protocol of dihydroethidium (DHE) staining Plasma nitrite
      measurement was analyzed by Griess method. Systolic blood pressure increased in
      both Sham-V and OVX-V groups, whereas it was reduced after treatment in Sham-PHE
      and OVX-PHE groups. The baseline coronary perfusion pressure was reduced in the
      Sham-PHE group. The relaxation was significantly higher in the treated group, and
      L-NAME attenuated the relaxation in all groups. The treatment has not changed p
      eNOS (Ser1177), total eNOS, p-AKT (Ser473) and total AKT in any groups. However,
      in Sham and OVX group the treatment reduced the p-eNOS (Thr495) and SOD-2. The
      ovariectomy promoted an increasing in the superoxide anion levels and the
      treatment was able to prevent this elevation and reducing oxidative stress.
      Moreover, the treatment prevented the decreasing in plasmatic nitrite. We
      observed a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL in the Sham-PHE group. The
      treatment with PHE enhances the endothelium-dependent coronary relaxation and
      improves cardiovascular parameters, which suggests a therapeutic role of PHE.

PMID- 28101056
TI  - Cerebral Gluconeogenesis and Diseases.
AB  - The gluconeogenesis pathway, which has been known to normally present in the
      liver, kidney, intestine, or muscle, has four irreversible steps catalyzed by the
      enzymes: pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, fructose 1,6
      bisphosphatase, and glucose 6-phosphatase. Studies have also demonstrated
      evidence that gluconeogenesis exists in brain astrocytes but no convincing data
      have yet been found in neurons. Astrocytes exhibit significant 6-phosphofructo-2
      kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase-3 activity, a key mechanism for regulating
      glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Astrocytes are unique in that they use glycolysis
      to produce lactate, which is then shuttled into neurons and used as gluconeogenic
      precursors for reduction. This gluconeogenesis pathway found in astrocytes is
      becoming more recognized as an important alternative glucose source for neurons,
      specifically in ischemic stroke and brain tumor. Further studies are needed to
      discover how the gluconeogenesis pathway is controlled in the brain, which may
      lead to the development of therapeutic targets to control energy levels and
      cellular survival in ischemic stroke patients, or inhibit gluconeogenesis in
      brain tumors to promote malignant cell death and tumor regression. While there
      are extensive studies on the mechanisms of cerebral glycolysis in ischemic stroke
      and brain tumors, studies on cerebral gluconeogenesis are limited. Here, we
      review studies done to date regarding gluconeogenesis to evaluate whether this
      metabolic pathway is beneficial or detrimental to the brain under these
      pathological conditions.

PMID- 28101060
TI  - Protein Fragmentation As a Regulatory Mechanism: Insights from Two Different Ca2+
      Channels, RyR1 and IP3R.

PMID- 28101059
TI  - The Role of the Cytoskeleton and Myosin-Vc in the Targeting of KCa3.1 to the
      Basolateral Membrane of Polarized Epithelial Cells.
AB  - Understanding the targeting of KCa3.1 to the basolateral membrane (BLM) of
      polarized epithelial cells is still emerging. Here, we examined the role of the
      cytoskeleton (microtubules and microfilaments) and Myosin-Vc (Myo-Vc) in the
      targeting of KCa3.1 in Fischer rat thyroid epithelial cells. We used a
      pharmacological approach with immunoblot (for the BLM expression of KCa3.1),
      Ussing chamber (functional BLM expression of KCa3.1) and siRNA experiments. The
      actin cytoskeleton inhibitors cytochalasin D (10 MUM, 5 h) and latrunculin A (10
      MUM, 5 h) reduced the targeting of KCa3.1 to the BLM by 88 +/- 4 and 70 +/- 5%,
      respectively. Colchicine (10 MUM, 5 h) a microtubule inhibitor reduced targeting
      of KCa3.1 to the BLM by 63 +/- 7% and decreased 1-EBIO-stimulated KCa3.1 K+
      current by 46 +/- 18%, compared with control cells. ML9 (10 MUM, 5 h), an
      inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, decreased targeting of the channel by 83
      +/- 2% and reduced K+ current by 54 +/- 8% compared to control cells. Inhibiting
      Myo-V with 2,3-butanedione monoxime (10 mM, 5 h) reduced targeting of the channel
      to the BLM by 58 +/- 5% and decreased the stimulated current of KCa3.1 by 48 +/-
      12% compared with control cells. Finally, using siRNA for Myo-Vc, we demonstrated
      that knockdown of Myo-Vc reduced the BLM expression of KCa3.1 by 44 +/- 7% and
      KCa3.1 K+ current by 1.04 +/- 0.14 MUA compared with control cells. These data
      suggest that the microtubule and microfilament cytoskeleton and Myo-Vc are
      critical for the targeting of KCa3.1.

PMID- 28101061
TI  - The Influence of Gender and Anthropometry on Haemodynamic Status at Rest and in
      Response to Graded Incremental Head-Up Tilt in Young, Healthy Adults.
AB  - The body's ability to rapidly and appropriately regulate blood pressure in
      response to changing physiological demand is a key feature of a healthy
      cardiovascular system. Passively tilting the body, thereby changing central blood
      volume, is a well-recognized and controlled method of evaluating this ability.
      However, such studies usually involve single tilt angles, or intermittent tilting
      separated by supine, resting periods; valuable information concerning the
      adaptive capacity of the regulatory systems involved is therefore currently
      lacking. Furthermore, despite increasing recognition that men and women differ in
      the magnitude of their haemodynamic response to such stimuli, little is known
      about the degree to which gender differences in body composition and
      anthropometry influence these regulatory pathways, or indeed if these differences
      are apparent in response to graded, incremental tilting. In the present study we
      measured, in 23 young, healthy adults (13 men, 10 women), the continuous beat-to
      beat haemodynamic response to graded, incremental tilting (0 degrees , 20 degrees
      , 40 degrees , 60 degrees , and back to 40 degrees ) with each tilt angle lasting
      16 min. On average, we observed increases in heart rate (+41%), blood pressure
      (+10%), and total peripheral resistance (+16%) in response to tilting. However,
      whilst men showed an immediate decrease in cardiac output upon tilting (-8.9%)
      cardiac output in women did not change significantly from supine values.
      Interestingly, the decrease in stroke volume observed in women was significantly
      less than that observed in men (-22 vs. -36%, p < 0.05); although the present
      study could not determine if this difference was due to gender per se or due to
      differences in body size (in particular height) between the two gender groups.
      Such disparities in the magnitude of autonomic response may indicate (in the case
      of our gradual incremental tilt procedure) a better buffering capacity to
      progressive changes in central blood volume in women; which warrants further
      investigation, particularly in light of the well-recognized differences in
      cardiovascular disease risk between men and women.

PMID- 28101062
TI  - Elastase-Induced Parenchymal Disruption and Airway Hyper Responsiveness in Mouse
      Precision Cut Lung Slices: Toward an Ex vivo COPD Model.
AB  - Background: COPD is a progressive lung disease characterized by emphysema and
      enhanced bronchoconstriction. Current treatments focused on bronchodilation can
      delay disease progression to some extent, but recovery or normalization of loss
      of lung function is impossible. Therefore, novel therapeutic targets are needed.
      The importance of the parenchyma in airway narrowing is increasingly recognized.
      In COPD, the parenchyma and extracellular matrix are altered, possibly affecting
      airway mechanics and enhancing bronchoconstriction. Our aim was to set up a
      comprehensive ex vivo Precision Cut Lung Slice (PCLS) model with a
      pathophysiology resembling that of COPD and integrate multiple readouts in order
      to study the relationship between parenchyma, airway functionality, and lung
      repair processes. Methods: Lungs of C57Bl/6J mice were sliced and treated ex vivo
      with elastase (2.5 MUg/ml) or H2O2 (200 MUM) for 16 h. Following treatment,
      parenchymal structure, airway narrowing, and gene expression levels of alveolar
      Type I and II cell repair were assessed. Results: Following elastase, but not
      H2O2 treatment, slices showed a significant increase in mean linear intercept
      (Lmi), reflective of emphysema. Only elastase-treated slices showed
      disorganization of elastin and collagen fibers. In addition, elastase treatment
      lowered both alveolar Type I and II marker expression, whereas H2O2 stimulation
      lowered alveolar Type I marker expression only. Furthermore, elastase-treated
      slices showed enhanced methacholine-induced airway narrowing as reflected by
      increased pEC50 (5.87 at basal vs. 6.50 after elastase treatment) and Emax values
      (47.96 vs. 67.30%), and impaired chloroquine-induced airway opening. The increase
      in pEC50 correlated with an increase in mean Lmi. Conclusion: Using this model,
      we show that structural disruption of elastin fibers leads to impaired alveolar
      repair, disruption of the parenchymal compartment, and altered airway
      biomechanics, enhancing airway contraction. This finding may have implications
      for COPD, as the amount of elastin fiber and parenchymal tissue disruption is
      associated with disease severity. Therefore, we suggest that PCLS can be used to
      model certain aspects of COPD pathophysiology and that the parenchymal tissue
      damage observed in COPD contributes to lung function decline by disrupting airway
      biomechanics. Targeting the parenchymal compartment may therefore be a promising
      therapeutic target in the treatment of COPD.

PMID- 28101063
TI  - Living at a Geographically Higher Elevation Is Associated with Lower Risk of
      Metabolic Syndrome: Prospective Analysis of the SUN Cohort.
AB  - Living in a geographically higher altitude affects oxygen availability. The
      possible connection between environmental factors and the development of
      metabolic syndrome (MetS) feature is not fully understood, being the available
      epidemiological evidence still very limited. The aim of the present study was to
      evaluate the longitudinal association between altitude and incidence of MetS and
      each of its components in a prospective Spanish cohort, The Seguimiento
      Universidad de Navarra (SUN) project. Our study included 6860 highly educated
      subjects (university graduates) free from any MetS criteria at baseline. The
      altitude of residence was imputed with the postal code of each individual subject
      residence according to the data of the Spanish National Cartographic Institute
      and participants were categorized into tertiles. MetS was defined according to
      the harmonized definition. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess
      the association between the altitude of residence and the risk of MetS during
      follow-up. After a median follow-up period of 10 years, 462 incident cases of
      MetS were identified. When adjusting for potential confounders, subjects in the
      highest category of altitude (>456 m) exhibited a significantly lower risk of
      developing MetS compared to those in the lowest tertile (<122 m) of altitude of
      residence [Model 2: Hazard ratio = 0.75 (95% Confidence interval: 0.58-0.97); p
      for trend = 0.029]. Living at geographically higher altitude was associated with
      a lower risk of developing MetS in the SUN project. Our findings suggest that
      geographical elevation may be an important factor linked to metabolic diseases.

PMID- 28101065
TI  - Non-linearities in Theory-of-Mind Development.
AB  - Research on Theory-of-Mind (ToM) has mainly focused on ages of core ToM
      development. This article follows a quantitative approach focusing on the level
      of ToM understanding on a measurement scale, the ToM Storybooks, in 324 typically
      developing children between 3 and 11 years of age. It deals with the eventual
      occurrence of developmental non-linearities in ToM functioning, using smoothing
      techniques, dynamic growth model building and additional indicators, namely
      moving skewness, moving growth rate changes and moving variability. The ToM sum
      scores showed an overall developmental trend that leveled off toward the age of
      10 years. Within this overall trend two non-linearities in the group-based change
      pattern were found: a plateau at the age of around 56 months and a dip at the age
      of 72-78 months. These temporary regressions in ToM sum-score were accompanied by
      a decrease in growth rate and variability, and a change in skewness of the ToM
      data, all suggesting a developmental shift in ToM understanding. The temporary
      decreases also occurred in the different ToM sub-scores and most clearly so in
      the core ToM component of beliefs. It was also found that girls had an earlier
      growth spurt than boys and that the underlying developmental path was more
      salient in girls than in boys. The consequences of these findings are discussed
      from various theoretical points of view, with an emphasis on a dynamic systems
      interpretation of the underlying developmental paths.

PMID- 28101066
TI  - Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of
      Life in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Objective: The aim of this study is to compare a cognitive behavioral group
      therapy (CBT) with a health enhancement program (HEP) for stress reduction and
      the impact on quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).
      Method: Thirty patients with PD participated in the study: 16 received CBT
      including stress-reducing elements and 14 took part in a HEP. The two groups did
      not differ significantly in their baseline demographic characteristics. The
      patients in both groups underwent weekly sessions of 2 h duration for 9 weeks.
      The Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire with 39 items (PDQ-39), the Burden
      Questionnaire for Parkinson's Disease (translated from the original German:
      Belastungsfragebogen fur Parkinsonpatienten (BELA) and the Disease-Related
      Questionnaire [Fragebogen zur krankheitsbezogenen Kommunikation (FKK)] were used
      for assessment. Ratings were completed at baseline and after 9 weeks (immediately
      after the last treatment session). Results: The patients in the CBT group
      achieved significantly better BELA, FKK and PDQ-39 scores (p < 0.05). Subscale
      analysis revealed that the scores on the BELA subscales "emotional well-being"
      and "somatic motor function" contributed significantly to stress reduction (p <
      0.05). The FKK revealed significant improvement in social skills in the CBT group
      (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy appears to be an
      effective way for patients with PD to lessen stress and improve their quality of
      life.

PMID- 28101067
TI  - Using a Mixed IRT Model to Assess the Scale Usage in the Measurement of Job
      Satisfaction.
AB  - This study investigated the adequacy of a rating scale with a large number of
      response categories that is often used in panel surveys for assessing diverse
      aspects of job satisfaction. An inappropriate scale usage is indicative of
      overstraining respondents and of diminished psychometric scale quality. The mixed
      Item Response Theory (IRT) approach for polytomous data allows exploring
      heterogeneous patterns of inappropriate scale usage in form of avoided categories
      and response styles. In this study, panel data of employees (n = 7036) on five
      aspects of job satisfaction measured on an 11-point rating scale within the
      "Household, Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia" (wave 2001) were analyzed. A
      three-class solution of the restricted mixed generalized partial credit model fit
      the data best. The results showed that in no class the 11-point scale was
      appropriately used but that the number of categories used was reduced in all
      three classes. Respondents of the large class (40%) appropriately differentiate
      between up to six categories. The two smaller classes (33 and 27%) avoid even
      more categories and show some kind of extreme response style. Furthermore,
      classes differ in socio-demographic and job-related factors. In conclusion, a two
      to six-point scale without the middle point might be more adequate for assessing
      job satisfaction.

PMID- 28101064
TI  - Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review.
AB  - Ongoing debate exists within the resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) literature
      over how intrinsic connectivity is altered in the autistic brain, with reports of
      general over-connectivity, under-connectivity, and/or a combination of both.
      Classifying autism using brain connectivity is complicated by the heterogeneous
      nature of the condition, allowing for the possibility of widely variable
      connectivity patterns among individuals with the disorder. Further differences in
      reported results may be attributable to the age and sex of participants included,
      designs of the resting-state scan, and to the analysis technique used to evaluate
      the data. This review systematically examines the resting-state fMRI autism
      literature to date and compares studies in an attempt to draw overall conclusions
      that are presently challenging. We also propose future direction for rs-fMRI use
      to categorize individuals with autism spectrum disorder, serve as a possible
      diagnostic tool, and best utilize data-sharing initiatives.

PMID- 28101068
TI  - Heterogeneity of Developmental Dyscalculia: Cases with Different Deficit
      Profiles.
AB  - Developmental Dyscalculia (DD) has long been thought to be a monolithic learning
      disorder that can be attributed to a specific neurocognitive dysfunction.
      However, recent research has increasingly recognized the heterogeneity of DD,
      where DD can be differentiated into subtypes in which the underlying cognitive
      deficits and neural dysfunctions may differ. The aim was to further understand
      the heterogeneity of developmental dyscalculia (DD) from a cognitive
      psychological perspective. Utilizing four children (8-9 year-old) we administered
      a comprehensive cognitive test battery that shed light on the cognitive
      behavioral profile of each child. The children were compared against norm groups
      of aged-matched peers. Performance was then contrasted against predominant
      hypotheses of DD, which would also give insight into candidate neurocognitive
      correlates. Despite showing similar mathematical deficits, these children showed
      remarkable interindividual variability regarding cognitive profile and deficits.
      Two cases were consistent with the approximate number system deficit account and
      also the general magnitude-processing deficit account. These cases showed
      indications of having domain-general deficits as well. One case had an access
      deficit in combination with a general cognitive deficit. One case suffered from
      general cognitive deficits only. The results showed that DD cannot be attributed
      to a single explanatory factor. These findings support a multiple deficits
      account of DD and suggest that some cases have multiple deficits, whereas other
      cases have a single deficit. We discuss a previously proposed distinction between
      primary DD and secondary DD, and suggest hypotheses of dysfunctional
      neurocognitive correlates responsible for the displayed deficits.

PMID- 28101069
TI  - Novel Metaphors Comprehension in a Child with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum
      Disorder: A Study on Assessment and Treatment.
AB  - Until the first decade of the current millennium, the literature on metaphor
      comprehension highlighted typical difficulties in children with high-functioning
      Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). More recently, some scholars have devised special
      programs for enhancing the capability of understanding metaphors in these
      children. This article presents a case study based on a treatment aiming at
      enhancing novel metaphor comprehension in a high-functioning child with ASD.
      M.M., a pseudoacronym for an 8;10 year-old boy, diagnosed with high-functioning
      ASD, was first assessed with a metaphor comprehension test. This testing (at time
      T0) highlighted a rigid refusal of metaphors and a marked tendency toward literal
      interpretation. A baseline treatment (8 sessions of 45-60 min each, twice a week)
      was implemented, based on a series of recognition, denomination and emotion
      comprehension activities. M.M.'s metaphor comprehension was assessed a second
      time (T1), followed by the experimental treatment (same duration and frequency as
      the first one), specifically focused on metaphor comprehension. Finally, a third
      assessment of metaphor comprehension took place (T2), followed by a last
      assessment 4 months later (follow-up, T3). The comparison between the
      performances at the metaphor comprehension test across the four assessments, from
      T0 to T3, showed that the baseline treatment produced no effect at all, whereas a
      significant improvement appeared at T2, just after the experimental treatment,
      later confirmed at the follow up. Both quantitative and qualitative results
      showed an evident improvement in the way M.M. handled the semantic issues posed
      by the metaphors of the test, in line with the strategies he was taught during
      the treatment.

PMID- 28101070
TI  - Psychotherapy with a 3-Year-Old Child: The Role of Play in the Unfolding Process.
AB  - Few studies have investigated the outcomes and process of psychodynamic
      psychotherapies with children. Among the limited number of studies, some only
      paid attention to play and verbal production, as they are fundamental aspects in
      assessing the psychotherapy process. This paper focuses on an empirical
      investigation of a 3-year, once-a-week psychodynamic psychotherapy carried out
      with a 3-year-old girl. A process-outcome design was implemented to evaluate play
      and verbal discourse in in the initial, middle, and final parts of 30
      psychotherapy sessions. Repeated measurements of standardized play categories
      (the Play Category System and the Affect in Play Scale-Preschool version) and
      verbal discourse (Verbal Production) were analyzed. To increase the clinical
      validity of the study, data from the assessment phase and vignettes from the
      sessions were reported to deepen the patient's picture during the unfolding
      therapy process. Parent reports before and after the therapy were also included.
      Empirically measured changes in play and verbal production were fundamental in
      evaluating the young patient's psychotherapy process. Verbal production and
      discourse ability progressively increased and took the place of play, which
      instead became more symbolic. Developmental issues as well as psychotherapy's
      influence on the patient's change, were discussed in relation to the role of play
      in enhancing the development of verbal dialog and the expression of the child's
      emotions, needs, and desires.

PMID- 28101071
TI  - Optimism and Hope in Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review.
AB  - There is a growing recognition that positive psychological functioning (which
      includes constructs such as optimism and hope) influences health. However, the
      understanding of these underlying mechanisms in relation to health is limited.
      Therefore, this review sought to identify what the scientific literature says
      about the influence of optimism and hope on chronic disease treatment. A search
      was conducted in the PsycINFO, Scopus, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases using
      the indexing terms optimism, hope, chronic diseases, randomized controlled trial,
      and treatment between 1998 and 2015. In the articles, we identified the most
      studied diseases in context, the assessment instruments used, the participant
      characteristics investigated, the results found, and the publication dates. From
      our analysis of the articles that met our inclusion criteria, it appears that the
      study of these constructs is recent and there is evidence that individuals with
      greater optimism and hope seek to engage in healthier behaviors, regardless of
      their clinical status, and that this contributes to chronic disease treatment.
      More research is needed so that targeted interventions can be carried out
      effectively in chronic disease treatment.

PMID- 28101072
TI  - The Freedom to Pursue Happiness: Belief in Free Will Predicts Life Satisfaction
      and Positive Affect among Chinese Adolescents.
AB  - A small amount of research has examined the association between the belief in
      free will and subjective well-being (SWB) among Western laypersons from
      individualist cultures. However, no study has examined this association among
      participants from collectivist cultures (e.g., Eastern Asian cultures).
      Therefore, in this study, we explored this association among two large,
      independent cohorts of Chinese adolescents (N1 = 1,660; N2 = 639; high school
      students). The belief in free will was measured by a self-reported questionnaire
      (Cohorts 1 and 2) and a two-alternative forced choice question regarding the
      existence of free will (Cohort 2). SWB included cognitive well-being (life
      satisfaction) and affective well-being (positive and negative affect) in both
      cohorts. Data analyses indicated that a stronger belief in free will was
      consistently associated with higher life satisfaction and positive affect in both
      cohorts. Our investigation provides evidence supporting the cultural generality
      of the positive effects of believing in free will on SWB.

PMID- 28101074
TI  - Options for Prospective Meta-Analysis and Introduction of Registration-Based
      Prospective Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 28101073
TI  - Cross-Representational Interactions: Interface and Overlap Mechanisms.
AB  - A crucial question facing cognitive science concerns the nature of conceptual
      representations as well as the constraints on the interactions between them. One
      specific question we address in this paper is what makes cross-representational
      interplay possible? We offer two distinct theoretical scenarios: according to the
      first scenario, co-activated knowledge representations interact with the help of
      an interface established between them via congruent activation in a mediating
      third-party general cognitive mechanism, e.g., attention. According to the second
      scenario, co-activated knowledge representations interact due to an overlap
      between their features, for example when they share a magnitude component. First,
      we make a case for cross-representational interplay based on grounded and
      situated theories of cognition. Second, we discuss interface-based interactions
      between distinct (i.e., non-overlapping) knowledge representations. Third, we
      discuss how co-activated representations may share their architecture via partial
      overlap. Finally, we outline constraints regarding the flexibility of these
      proposed mechanisms.

PMID- 28101075
TI  - Commentary: From 'sense of number' to 'sense of magnitude' - The role of
      continuous magnitudes in numerical cognition.

PMID- 28101076
TI  - Psychological Detachment Mediating the Daily Relationship between Workload and
      Marital Satisfaction.
AB  - Scholars already demonstrated that psychologically detaching from work after
      workhours can diminish or avoid the negative effects of job demands on employees'
      well-being. In this study, we examined a curvilinear relationship between
      workload and psychological detachment. Moreover, we investigated the moderating
      influence of an employee's work-home segmentation preference on the relation
      between detachment and marital satisfaction. In addition, we applied and extended
      the stressor-detachment model by examining detachment as a mediator of the
      relation between workload and marital satisfaction. A total of 136 employees
      participated in our daily diary survey study during 10 consecutive working days.
      The results of the Bayesian 2-level path analyses revealed a negative linear and
      curvilinear relationship between workload and psychological detachment on a daily
      basis. Daily detachment positively related to marital satisfaction, with one's
      preference to segment work from home reinforcing this relationship. Moreover,
      psychological detachment fully mediated the daily relationship between workload
      and marital satisfaction. Implications for practice and suggestions for future
      research are discussed.

PMID- 28101077
TI  - Joint Action: Mental Representations, Shared Information and General Mechanisms
      for Coordinating with Others.
AB  - In joint action, multiple people coordinate their actions to perform a task
      together. This often requires precise temporal and spatial coordination. How do
      co-actors achieve this? How do they coordinate their actions toward a shared task
      goal? Here, we provide an overview of the mental representations involved in
      joint action, discuss how co-actors share sensorimotor information and what
      general mechanisms support coordination with others. By deliberately extending
      the review to aspects such as the cultural context in which a joint action takes
      place, we pay tribute to the complex and variable nature of this social
      phenomenon.

PMID- 28101078
TI  - Fat Tissue Accretion in Children and Adolescents: Interplay between Food
      Responsiveness, Gender, and the Home Availability of Snacks.
AB  - The appetitive trait "food responsiveness" is assumed to be a risk factor for
      adiposity gain primarily in obesogenic environments. So far, the reported results
      are inconsistent in school-aged children, possibly because these studies did not
      take into account important moderators such as gender and the food-environment.
      In order to better inform caregivers, clinicians and the developers of targeted
      obesity-prevention interventions on the conditions in which food responsiveness
      precedes adiposity gain, the current study investigated if this relationship is
      stronger in girls and in children exposed to a higher home availability of energy
      dense snacks. Age- and sex-independent Fat and Lean Mass Index z-scores were
      computed based on air-displacement plethysmography at baseline and after 2 years
      in a community sample of 129 children (48.8% boys) aged 7.5-14 years at baseline.
      Parents reported at baseline on children's food responsiveness and the home
      availability of energy-dense snacks. Food responsiveness was a significant
      predictor of increases in Fat Mass Index z-scores over 2 years in girls but not
      boys. The home availability of energy-dense snacks did not significantly moderate
      the relation of food responsiveness with Fat Mass Index z-score changes. The
      results suggest that food responsiveness precedes accelerated fat tissue
      accretion in girls, and may inform targeted obesity-prevention interventions.
      Further, future research should investigate to which food-environmental
      parameters children high in food responsiveness mainly respond.

PMID- 28101080
TI  - Soil Microbiome Is More Heterogeneous in Organic Than in Conventional Farming
      System.
AB  - Organic farming system and sustainable management of soil pathogens aim at
      reducing the use of agricultural chemicals in order to improve ecosystem health.
      Despite the essential role of microbial communities in agro-ecosystems, we still
      have limited understanding of the complex response of microbial diversity and
      composition to organic and conventional farming systems and to alternative
      methods for controlling plant pathogens. In this study we assessed the microbial
      community structure, diversity and richness using 16S rRNA gene next generation
      sequences and report that conventional and organic farming systems had major
      influence on soil microbial diversity and community composition while the effects
      of the soil health treatments (sustainable alternatives for chemical control) in
      both farming systems were of smaller magnitude. Organically managed system
      increased taxonomic and phylogenetic richness, diversity and heterogeneity of the
      soil microbiota when compared with conventional farming system. The composition
      of microbial communities, but not the diversity nor heterogeneity, were altered
      by soil health treatments. Soil health treatments exhibited an overrepresentation
      of specific microbial taxa which are known to be involved in soil suppressiveness
      to pathogens (plant-parasitic nematodes and soil-borne fungi). Our results
      provide a comprehensive survey on the response of microbial communities to
      different agricultural systems and to soil treatments for controlling plant
      pathogens and give novel insights to improve the sustainability of agro
      ecosystems by means of beneficial microorganisms.

PMID- 28101081
TI  - Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Action of Black Pepper Essential Oil on
      Meat-Borne Escherichia coli.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of black
      pepper essential oil (BPEO) on Escherichia coli, further evaluate the potential
      mechanism of action. Results showed that the minimum inhibition concentration
      (MIC) of BPEO was 1.0 MUL/mL. The diameter of inhibition zone values were with
      range from 17.12 to 26.13 mm. 2 * MIC treatments had lower membrane potential and
      shorter kill-time than 1 * MIC, while control had the highest values. E. coli
      treated with BPEO became deformed, pitted, shriveled, adhesive, and broken. 2 *
      MIC exhibited the greatest electric conductivity at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 h,
      leaked DNA materials at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 h, proteins at 4, 6, 8, 10,
      12, 14, and 16 h, potassium ion at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 h, phosphate ion at 0.5,
      1, 1.5, and 2 h and ATP (P < 0.05); 1 * MIC had higher values than control. BPEO
      led to the leakage, disorder and death by breaking cell membrane. This study
      suggested that the BPEO has potential as the natural antibacterial agent in meat
      industry.

PMID- 28101079
TI  - A Disease Model of Muscle Necrosis Caused by Aeromonas dhakensis Infection in
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - A variety of bacterial infections cause muscle necrosis in humans. Caenorhabditis
      elegans has epidermis and bands of muscle that resemble soft-tissue structures in
      mammals and humans. Here, we developed a muscle necrosis model caused by
      Aeromonas dhakensis infection in C. elegans. Our data showed that A. dhakensis
      infected and killed C. elegans rapidly. Characteristic muscle damage in C.
      elegans induced by A. dhakensis was demonstrated in vivo. Relative expression
      levels of host necrosis-associated genes, asp-3, asp-4, and crt-1 increased
      significantly after A. dhakensis infection. The RNAi sensitive NL2099 rrf-3
      (pk1426) worms with knockdown of necrosis genes of crt-1 and asp-4 by RNAi showed
      prolonged survival after A. dhakensis infection. Specifically knockdown of crt-1
      and asp-4 by RNAi in WM118 worms, which restricted RNAi only to the muscle cells,
      conferred significant resistance to A. dhakensis infection. In contrast, the
      severity of muscle damage and toxicity produced by the A. dhakensis hemolysin
      deletion mutant is attenuated. In another example, shiga-like toxin-producing
      enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) known to elicit toxicity to C. elegans with
      concomitant enteropathogenicty, did not cause muscle necrosis as A. dhakensis
      did. Taken together, these results show that Aeromonas infection induces muscle
      necrosis and rapid death of infected C. elegans, which are similar to muscle
      necrosis in humans, and then validate the value of the C. elegans model with A.
      dhakensis infection in studying Aeromonas pathogenicity.

PMID- 28101082
TI  - Improved Culture Medium (TiKa) for Mycobacterium avium Subspecies
      Paratuberculosis (MAP) Matches qPCR Sensitivity and Reveals Significant
      Proportions of Non-viable MAP in Lymphoid Tissue of Vaccinated MAP Challenged
      Animals.
AB  - The quantitative detection of viable pathogen load is an important tool in
      determining the degree of infection in animals and contamination of foodstuffs.
      Current conventional culture methods are limited in their ability to determine
      these levels in Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) due to slow
      growth, clumping and low recoverability issues. The principle goal of this study
      was to evaluate a novel culturing process (TiKa) with unique ability to stimulate
      MAP growth from low sample loads and dilutions. We demonstrate it was able to
      stimulate a mean 29-fold increase in recoverability and an improved sensitivity
      of up to three logs when compared with conventional culture. Using TiKa culture,
      MAP clumping was minimal and produced visible colonies in half the time required
      by standard culture methods. Parallel quantitative evaluation of the TiKa culture
      approach and qPCR on MAP loads in tissue and gut mucosal samples from a MAP
      vaccine-challenge study, showed good correlations between colony counts (cfu) and
      qPCR derived genome equivalents (Geq) over a large range of loads with a 30%
      greater sensitivity for TiKa culture approach at low loads (two logs).
      Furthermore, the relative fold changes in Geq and cfu from the TiKa culture
      approach suggests that non-mucosal tissue loads from MAP infected animals
      contained a reduced proportion of non-viable MAP (mean 19-fold) which was reduced
      significantly further (mean 190-fold) in vaccinated "reactor" calves. This study
      shows TiKa culture equates well with qPCR and provides important evidence that
      accuracy in estimating viable MAP load using DNA tests alone may vary
      significantly between samples of mucosal and lymphatic origin.

PMID- 28101083
TI  - The Role of Microbes in the Nutrition of Detritivorous Invertebrates: A
      Stoichiometric Analysis.
AB  - Detritus represents an important pool in the global carbon cycle, providing a
      food source for detritivorous invertebrates that are conspicuous components of
      almost all ecosystems. Our knowledge of how these organisms meet their
      nutritional demands on a diet that is typically comprised of refractory, carbon
      rich compounds nevertheless remains incomplete. "Trophic upgrading" of detritus
      by the attached microbial community (enhancement of zooplankton diet by the
      inclusion of heterotrophic protozoans) represents a potential source of nutrition
      for detritivores as both bacteria and their flagellated protistan predators are
      capable of biosynthesizing essential micronutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty
      acids (PUFAs). There is however a trade-off because although microbes enhance the
      substrate in terms of its micronutrient content, the quantity of organic carbon
      is diminished though metabolic losses as energy passes through the microbial food
      web. Here, we develop a simple stoichiometric model to examine this trade-off in
      the nutrition of detritivorous copepods inhabiting the mesopelagic zone of the
      ocean, focusing on their requirements for carbon and an essential PUFA,
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Results indicate that feeding on microbes may be a
      highly favorable strategy for these invertebrates, although the potential for
      carbon to become limiting when consuming a microbial diet exists because of the
      inefficiencies of trophic transfer within the microbial food web. Our study
      highlights the need for improved knowledge at the detritus-microbe-metazoan
      interface, including interactions between the physiology and ecology of the
      associated organisms.

PMID- 28101084
TI  - A Novel Multi-domain High Molecular, Salt-Stable Alkaline Xylanase from
      Alkalibacterium sp. SL3.
AB  - A novel multi-domain high molecular xylanase coding gene (xynSL3) was cloned from
      Alkalibacterium sp. SL3, an alkaliphilic bacterial strain isolated from the
      sediment of soda lake Dabusu. The deduced XynSL3 is composed of a putative signal
      peptide, three tandem domains of carbohydrate binding module (CBM) family 22, a
      catalytic domain of glycosyl hydrolase (GH) family 10 and a domain of CBM9.
      XynSL3 shares the highest identity of 66% to a hypothetical protein from
      Alkalibacterium sp. AK22 and has low identities (33-45%) with other functionally
      characterized xylanases. The gene xynSL3 was expressed heterologously in
      Escherichia coli and the recombinant enzyme demonstrated some particular
      characteristics. Purified recombinant XynSL3 (rXynSL3) was highly active and
      stable over the neutral and alkaline pH ranges from 7.0 to 12.0, with maximum
      activity at pH 9.0 and around 45% activity at pH 12.0. It had an apparent
      temperature optimum of 55 degrees C and was stable at 50 degrees C. The rXynSL3
      was highly halotolerant, retaining more than 60% activity with 3 M NaCl and was
      stable at up to a 4 M concentration of NaCl. The hydrolysis products of rXynSL3
      from corncob xylan were mainly xylobiose and xylotetraose. The activity of
      rXynSL3 was enhanced by Ca2+ and it has strong resistance to sodium dodecyl
      sulfate (SDS). This multi-domain, alkaline and salt-tolerant enzyme has great
      potential for basic research and industrial applications such as the biobleaching
      of paper pulp and production of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS).

PMID- 28101085
TI  - The Identification of Intrinsic Chloramphenicol and Tetracycline Resistance Genes
      in Members of the Bacillus cereus Group (sensu lato).
AB  - Bacillus toyonensis strain BCT-7112T (NCIMB 14858T) has been widely used as an
      additive in animal nutrition for more than 30 years without reports of adverse
      toxigenic effects. However, this strain is resistant to chloramphenicol and
      tetracycline and it is generally considered inadvisable to introduce into the
      food chain resistance determinants capable of being transferred to other
      bacterial strains, thereby adding to the pool of such determinants in the gastro
      enteric systems of livestock species. We therefore characterized the resistance
      phenotypes of this strain and its close relatives to determine whether they were
      of recent origin, and therefore likely to be transmissible. To this end we
      identified the genes responsible for chloramphenicol (catQ) and tetracycline
      (tetM) resistance and confirmed the presence of homologs in other members of the
      B. toyonensis taxonomic unit. Unexpectedly, closely related strains encoding
      these genes did not exhibit chloramphenicol and tetracycline resistance
      phenotypes. To understand the differences in the behaviors, we cloned and
      expressed the genes, together with their upstream regulatory regions, into
      Bacillus subtilis. The data showed that the genes encoded functional proteins,
      but were expressed inefficiently from their native promoters. B. toyonensis is a
      taxonomic unit member of the Bacillus cereus group (sensu lato). We therefore
      extended the analysis to determine the extent to which homologous chloramphenicol
      and tetracycline resistance genes were present in other species within this
      group. This analysis revealed that homologous genes were present in nearly all
      representative species within the B. cereus group (sensu lato). The absence of
      known transposition elements and the observations that they are found at the same
      genomic locations, indicates that these chloramphenicol and tetracycline
      resistance genes are of ancient origin and intrinsic to this taxonomic group,
      rather than recent acquisitions. In this context we discuss definitions of what
      are and are not intrinsic genes, an issue that is of fundamental importance to
      both Regulatory Authorities, and the animal feed and related industries.

PMID- 28101086
TI  - Characterization of Gut Microbiome Dynamics in Developing Pekin Ducks and Impact
      of Management System.
AB  - Little to no research has been conducted on the gut microbiome of the Pekin duck,
      yet over 24.5 million ducks are raised for human consumption each year in the
      United States alone. Knowledge of the microbiome could lead to an understanding
      of the effects of growing conditions such as the use of prebiotics, probiotics,
      and enzymes in feeding practices, the use of antibiotics, and the sources of
      pathogenic bacteria in diseased ducks. In order to characterize changes in the
      caecal microbiome that occur as ducks develop through a typical industry grow-out
      period, a 16S rRNA community analysis of caecal contents collected over a 6-week
      period was conducted using a next generation sequencing approach. Transitions in
      the composition of the caecal microbiome occurred throughout the lifespan, with a
      large shift during days 4 through 10 posthatch. Two major phyla of bacteria were
      found to be present within the caeca of aviary raised ducks, with the relative
      abundance of each phylum varying by age of the duck. Proteobacteria is dominant
      for the first 3 days of age, and Firmicutes increases and dominates beginning at
      day 4. Barn raised ducks contained a significant population of Bacteroidetes in
      addition to Proteobacteria and Firmicutes at later developmental time points,
      though this phylum was absent in aviary raised ducks. Genera containing pathogens
      of anseriformes most often found in industry settings were either absent or found
      as normal parts of the caecal microbial populations. The high level differences
      in phylum abundance highlight the importance of well-designed sampling strategies
      for microbiome based studies. Results showed clear distinctions between Pekin
      Duck caecal contents and those of Broiler Chickens and Turkey in a qualitative
      comparison. These data provide a reference point for studies of the Pekin Duck
      through industry grow-out ages, provide a foundation for understanding the types
      of bacteria that promote health, and may lead to improved methods to increase
      yields and decrease instances of disease in agricultural production processes.

PMID- 28101087
TI  - Rice Stripe Mosaic Virus, a Novel Cytorhabdovirus Infecting Rice via Leafhopper
      Transmission.
AB  - A new rice viral disease exhibiting distinct symptoms-yellow stripes, mosaic and
      twisted tips on leaves-was found in China. Electron microscopy of infected leaf
      cells revealed the presence of bacilliform virions and electron-translucent
      granular-fibrillar viroplasm in the cytoplasm. The enveloped viral particles were
      300 to 375 nm long and 45 to 55 nm wide. The leafhopper Recilia dorsalis was able
      to transmit the virus to rice seedlings, which subsequently exhibited symptoms
      similar to those observed in fields. The complete genome of the virus was
      obtained by small-RNA deep sequencing and reverse transcription-PCR product
      sequencing. The anti-genome contains seven open reading frames (ORFs). The
      deduced amino acids of ORF1, ORF5, and ORF7 are, respectively, homologous to the
      nucleocapsid protein (N), glycoprotein (G), and large polymerase protein (L) of
      known rhabdoviruses. The predicted product of ORF2 is identified as a
      phosphoprotein (P) based on its multiple potential phosphorylation sites and 12.6
      to 21.0% amino acid (aa) identities with the P proteins of plant rhabdoviruses.
      The product of ORF4 is presumed to be the viral matrix (M) protein for it shares
      10.3 to 14.3% aa identities with those of other rhabdoviruses. The above five
      products were confirmed as the viral structural proteins by SDS-PAGE and aa
      sequencing analyses of purified virus preparation. ORF3 and ORF6 are considered
      to encode two nonstructural proteins with unknown functions. Phylogenetic
      analysis based on protein N, G, and L amino acid sequences indicated that the
      isolated virus, which we have tentatively named Rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV),
      is a new species in the genus Cytorhabdovirus. To our knowledge, RSMV is the only
      cytorhabdovirus naturally infecting rice and the first reported leafhopper
      transmitted cytorhabdovirus. Our surveys of rice fields indicate that RSMV occurs
      frequently in Guangdong Province, China. Although the disease incidence is low at
      present, it might become serious with the vector insect population increasing.

PMID- 28101088
TI  - Laser Capture Microdissection Protocol for Xylem Tissues of Woody Plants.
AB  - Laser capture microdissection (LCM) enables precise dissection and collection of
      individual cell types from complex tissues. When applied to plant cells, and
      especially to woody tissues, LCM requires extensive optimization to overcome such
      factors as rigid cell walls, large central vacuoles, intercellular spaces, and
      technical issues with thickness and flatness of the sections. Here we present an
      optimized protocol for the laser-assisted microdissection of developing xylem
      from mature trees: a gymnosperm (Norway spruce, Picea abies) and an angiosperm
      (aspen, Populus tremula) tree. Different cell types of spruce and aspen wood
      (i.e., ray cells, tracheary elements, and fibers) were successfully
      microdissected from tangential, cross and radial cryosections of the current
      year's growth ring. Two approaches were applied to achieve satisfactory flatness
      and anatomical integrity of the spruce and aspen specimens. The commonly used
      membrane slides were ineffective as a mounting surface for the wood cryosections.
      Instead, in the present protocol we use glass slides, and introduce a glass slide
      sandwich assembly for the preparation of aspen sections. To ascertain that not
      only the anatomical integrity of the plant tissue, but also the molecular
      features were not compromised during the whole LCM procedure, good quality total
      RNA could be extracted from the microdissected cells. This showed the efficiency
      of the protocol and established that our methodology can be integrated in
      transcriptome analyses to elucidate cell-specific molecular events regulating
      wood formation in trees.

PMID- 28101089
TI  - Identification and Analysis of MS5d: A Gene That Affects Double-Strand Break
      (DSB) Repair during Meiosis I in Brassica napus Microsporocytes.
AB  - Here, we report the identification of the Brassica-specific gene MS5d, which is
      responsible for male sterility in Brassica napus. The MS5d gene is highly
      expressed in the microsporocyte and encodes a protein that localizes to the
      nucleus. Light microscopy analyses have demonstrated that the MS5d gene affects
      microsporocyte meiosis in the thermosensitive genic male sterility line TE5A.
      Sequence comparisons and genetic complementation revealed a C-to-T transition in
      MS5d, encoding a Leu-to-Phe (L281F) substitution and causing abnormal male
      meiosis in TE5A. These findings suggest arrested meiotic chromosome dynamics at
      pachytene. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analyses showed that double-strand
      break (DSB) formation and axial elements were normal but that DSB repair and
      spindle behavior were aberrant in TE5A meiocytes. Collectively, our results
      indicate that MS5d likely encodes a protein required for chromosomal DSB repair
      at early stages of meiosis in B. napus.

PMID- 28101091
TI  - Conservation of Indigenous Vegetables from a Hotspot in Tropical Asia: What Did
      We Learn from Vavilov?

PMID- 28101090
TI  - Transcriptome Analysis of Chilling-Imbibed Embryo Revealed Membrane Recovery
      Related Genes in Maize.
AB  - The delayed seed germination and poor seedling growth caused by imbibitional
      chilling injury was common phenomenon in maize seedling establishment. In this
      study, RNA sequencing technology was used to comprehensively investigate the gene
      expressions in chilling-imbibed maize embryo and to reveal the underlying
      mechanism of chilling injury at molecular level. Imbibed seeds for 2 h at 5
      degrees C (LT2) were selected and transcriptomic comparative analysis was
      performed. Among 327 DEGs indentified between dry seed (CK0) and LT2, 15 specific
      genes with plasma membrane (PM) relevant functions belonging to lipid metabolism,
      stress, signaling and transport were characterized, and most of them showed down
      regulation pattern under chilling stress. When transferred to 25 degrees C for
      recovery (LT3), remarkable changes occurred in maize embryo. There were 873 DEGs
      including many PM related genes being identified between LT2 and LT3, some of
      which showing significant increase after 1 h recovery. Moreover, 15 genes
      encoding intracellular vesicular trafficking proteins were found to be
      exclusively differential expressed at recovery stage. It suggested that the
      intracellular vesicle trafficking might be essential for PM recovery through PM
      turnover. Furthermore, transcriptome analyses on imbibed embryos under normal
      condition (25 degrees C) were also made as a contrast. A total of 651 DEGs were
      identified to mainly involved in protein metabolism, transcriptional regulation,
      signaling, and energy productions. Overall, the RNA-Seq results provided us a
      deep knowledge of imbibitional chilling injury on plasma membrane and a new view
      on PM repaired mechanism during early seed imbibition at transcriptional level.
      The DEGs identified in this work would be useful references in future seed
      germination research.

PMID- 28101092
TI  - Frameshift Mutation Confers Function as Virulence Factor to Leucine-Rich Repeat
      Protein from Acidovorax avenae.
AB  - Many plant pathogens inject type III (T3SS) effectors into host cells to suppress
      host immunity and promote successful infection. The bacterial pathogen Acidovorax
      avenae causes brown stripe symptom in many species of monocotyledonous plants;
      however, individual strains of each pathogen infect only one host species. T3SS
      deleted mutants of A. avenae K1 (virulent to rice) or N1141 (virulent to finger
      millet) caused no symptom in each host plant, suggesting that T3SS effectors are
      involved in the symptom formation. To identify T3SS effectors as virulence
      factors, we performed whole-genome and predictive analyses. Although the
      nucleotide sequence of the novel leucine-rich repeat protein (Lrp) gene of N1141
      had high sequence identity with K1 Lrp, the amino acid sequences of the encoded
      proteins were quite different due to a 1-bp insertion within the K1 Lrp gene. An
      Lrp-deleted K1 strain (KDeltaLrp) did not cause brown stripe symptom in rice
      (host plant for K1); by contrast, the analogous mutation in N1141 (NDeltaLrp) did
      not interfere with infection of finger millet. In addition, NDeltaLrp retained
      the ability to induce effector-triggered immunity (ETI), including hypersensitive
      response cell death and expression of ETI-related genes. These data indicated
      that K1 Lrp functions as a virulence factor in rice, whereas N1141 Lrp does not
      play a similar role in finger millet. Yeast two-hybrid screening revealed that K1
      Lrp interacts with oryzain alpha, a pathogenesis-related protein of the cysteine
      protease family, whereas N1141 Lrp, which contains LRR domains, does not. This
      specific interaction between K1 Lrp and oryzain alpha was confirmed by
      Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay in rice cells. Thus, K1 Lrp
      protein may have acquired its function as virulence factor in rice due to a
      frameshift mutation.

PMID- 28101093
TI  - Evaluation of the SeedCounter, A Mobile Application for Grain Phenotyping.
AB  - Grain morphometry in cereals is an important step in selecting new high-yielding
      plants. Manual assessment of parameters such as the number of grains per ear and
      grain size is laborious. One solution to this problem is image-based analysis
      that can be performed using a desktop PC. Furthermore, the effectiveness of
      analysis performed in the field can be improved through the use of mobile
      devices. In this paper, we propose a method for the automated evaluation of
      phenotypic parameters of grains using mobile devices running the Android
      operational system. The experimental results show that this approach is efficient
      and sufficiently accurate for the large-scale analysis of phenotypic
      characteristics in wheat grains. Evaluation of our application under six
      different lighting conditions and three mobile devices demonstrated that the
      lighting of the paper has significant influence on the accuracy of our method,
      unlike the smartphone type.

PMID- 28101094
TI  - RNA-Guided Cas9-Induced Mutagenesis in Tobacco Followed by Efficient Genetic
      Fixation in Doubled Haploid Plants.
AB  - Customizable endonucleases are providing an effective tool for genome
      engineering. The resulting primary transgenic individuals (T0) are typically
      heterozygous and/or chimeric with respect to any mutations induced. To generate
      genetically fixed mutants, they are conventionally allowed to self-pollinate, a
      procedure which segregates individuals into mutant heterozygotes/homozygotes and
      wild types. The chances of recovering homozygous mutants among the progeny depend
      not only on meiotic segregation but also on the frequency of mutated germline
      cells in the chimeric mother plant. In Nicotiana species, the heritability of
      Cas9-induced mutations has not been demonstrated yet. RNA-guided Cas9
      endonuclease-mediated mutagenesis was targeted to the green fluorescent protein
      (GFP) gene harbored by a transgenic tobacco line. Upon retransformation using a
      GFP-specific guide RNA/Cas9 construct, the T0 plants were allowed to either self
      pollinate, or were propagated via regeneration from in vitro cultured embryogenic
      pollen which give rise to haploid/doubled haploid plants or from leaf explants
      that form plants vegetatively. Single or multiple mutations were detected in 80%
      of the T0 plants. About half of these mutations proved heritable via selfing.
      Regeneration from in vitro cultured embryogenic pollen allowed for homozygous
      mutants to be produced more efficiently than via sexual reproduction.
      Consequently, embryogenic pollen culture provides a convenient method to rapidly
      generate a variety of genetically fixed mutants following site-directed
      mutagenesis. The recovery of a mutation not found among sexually produced and
      analyzed progeny was shown to be achievable through vegetative plant propagation
      in vitro, which eventually resulted in heritability when the somatic clones were
      selfed. In addition, some in-frame mutations were associated with functional
      attenuation of the target gene rather than its full knock-out. The generation of
      mutants with compromised rather than abolished gene functionality holds promise
      for future approaches to the conclusive functional validation of genes which are
      indispensible for the plant.

PMID- 28101095
TI  - Ascorbate Alleviates Fe Deficiency-Induced Stress in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
      by Modulating ABA Levels.
AB  - Fe deficiency causes significant losses to crop productivity and quality. To
      understand better the mechanisms of plant responses to Fe deficiency, we used an
      in vitro cotton ovule culture system. We found that Fe deficiency suppressed the
      development of ovules and fibers, and led to tissue browning. RNA-seq analysis
      showed that the myo-inositol and galacturonic acid pathways were activated and
      cytosolic APX (ascorbate peroxidase) was suppressed in Fe-deficient treated
      fibers, which increased ASC (ascorbate) concentrations to prevent tissue
      browning. Suppression of cytosolic APX by RNAi in cotton increased ASC contents
      and delayed tissue browning by maintaining ferric reduction activity under Fe
      deficient conditions. Meanwhile, APX RNAi line also exhibited the activation of
      expression of iron-regulated transporter (IRT1) and ferric reductase-oxidase2
      (FRO2) to adapt to Fe deficiency. Abscisic acid (ABA) levels were significantly
      decreased in Fe-deficient treated ovules and fibers, while the upregulated
      expression of ABA biosynthesis genes and suppression of ABA degradation genes in
      Fe-deficient ovules slowed down the decreased of ABA in cytosolic APX suppressed
      lines to delay the tissue browning. Moreover, the application of ABA in Fe
      deficient medium suppressed the development of tissue browning and completely
      restored the ferric reduction activity. In addition, ABA 8'-hydroxylase gene
      (GhABAH1) overexpressed cotton has a decreased level of ABA and shows more
      sensitivity to Fe deficiency. Based on the results, we speculate that ASC could
      improve the tolerance to Fe deficiency through activating Fe uptake and
      maintaining ABA levels in cotton ovules and fibers, which in turn reduces symptom
      formation.

PMID- 28101096
TI  - New Candidate Genes Affecting Rice Grain Appearance and Milling Quality Detected
      by Genome-Wide and Gene-Based Association Analyses.
AB  - Appearance and milling quality are two crucial properties of rice grains
      affecting its market acceptability. Understanding the genetic base of rice grain
      quality could considerably improve the high quality breeding. Here, we carried
      out an association analysis to identify QTL affecting nine rice grain appearance
      and milling quality traits using a diverse panel of 258 accessions selected from
      3K Rice Genome Project and evaluated in two environments Sanya and Shenzhen.
      Genome-wide association analyses using 22,488 high quality SNPs identified 72 QTL
      affecting the nine traits. Combined gene-based association and haplotype analyses
      plus functional annotation allowed us to shortlist 19 candidate genes for seven
      important QTL regions affecting the grain quality traits, including two cloned
      genes (GS3 and TUD), two fine mapped QTL (qGRL7.1 and qPGWC7) and three newly
      identified QTL (qGL3.4, qGW1.1, and qGW10.2). The most likely candidate gene(s)
      for each important QTL were also discussed. This research demonstrated the
      superior power to shortlist candidate genes affecting complex phenotypes by the
      strategy of combined GWAS, gene-based association and haplotype analyses. The
      identified candidate genes provided valuable sources for future functional
      characterization and genetic improvement of rice appearance and milling quality.

PMID- 28101097
TI  - C1 Metabolism Inhibition and Nitrogen Deprivation Trigger Triacylglycerol
      Accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana Cell Cultures and Highlight a Role of NPC in
      Phosphatidylcholine-to-Triacylglycerol Pathway.
AB  - Triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation often occurs in growth limiting conditions
      such as nutrient deprivations. We analyzed and compared the lipid contents of
      Arabidopsis cells grown under two conditions that inhibited growth as a way to
      study interactions between membrane and storage lipids. In order to inhibit C1
      metabolism, the first condition utilized methotrexate (MTX), a drug that inhibits
      methyl transfer reactions and potentially reduces Pi-choline synthesis, the polar
      head of phosphatidylcholine (PC). MTX-treated cells displayed a 10- to 15-fold
      increase in TAG compared to that found in control cells. This corresponded to a
      net increase of lipids as the total amount of membrane glycerolipids was
      minimally affected. Under this condition, PC homeostasis appeared tightly
      regulated and not strictly dependent on the rate of Pi-choline synthesis. The
      second condition we investigated involved nitrogen deprivation. Here, we observed
      a 40-fold increase of TAG. In these cells, the overall lipid content remained
      unchanged, but membrane lipids decreased by a factor of two suggesting a
      reduction of the membrane network and a rerouting of membrane lipids to storage
      lipids. Under all conditions, fatty acid (FA) analyses showed that the FA
      composition of TAG was comparable to that in PC, but different from that in acyl
      CoA, suggesting that TAG accumulation involved PC-derived DAG moieties. In
      agreement, analyses by qPCR of genes coding for TAG synthesis showed a strong
      increase of non-specific phospholipase C (NPC) expressions, and experiments using
      labeled (fluorescent) PC indicated higher rates of PC-to-TAG conversion under
      both situations. These results highlight a role for NPC in plant cell oil
      production.

PMID- 28101098
TI  - Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Status Analyses of the Abaso Section from Multiple
      Nuclear Genes and Plastid Fragments Reveal New Insights into the North America
      Origin of Populus (Salicaceae).
AB  - Although, the Abaso section is widely accepted as an independent section, the
      taxonomic status of Populus mexicana (section Abaso) has not yet been resolved
      due to the limited availability markers and/or the lack of P. mexicana specimens
      in previous studies. Thirty-one poplar species that represent six sections of the
      Populus genus were sampled, and 23 single-copy nuclear DNA and 34 chloroplast
      fragments were sequenced. The present study obtained two updated phylogenies of
      Populus. We found that monophyly of the genus Populus is strongly supported by
      nuclear and plastid gene, which is consistent with previous studies. P. mexicana,
      diverged first in the nuclear DNA tree, which occupied the basal position,
      implying that the section Abaso may be the most ancestral lineage in extant
      populous species. Given that the short branches and low statistical support for
      the divergence of sections Abaso and Turanga, this observation probably indicated
      that a rapid radiation evolution following the early split of the genus Populus.
      In the plastid tree, P. mexicana clustered with modern-day species of section
      Tacamahaca in the plastid tree. Based on cytoplasmic and single-copy nuclear
      marker sequences, we hypothesized that chloroplast capture resulted in the
      inconsistent position of P. mexicana between the phylogenetic trees. Given the
      first unequivocal records of poplar fossils from the Eocene with similar leaf
      morphology to the extant P. mexicana and the phylogenetic positions of P.
      mexicana in our study, we support the hypothesis that the Populus genus
      originated in North America, which will provide new insights to the development
      of the origin of Populus species.

PMID- 28101099
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Volumetry: Prediction of Subjective Memory Complaints and Mild
      Cognitive Impairment, and Associations with Genetic and Cardiovascular Risk
      Factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Subjective memory complaints (SMC) are strong predictors of mild
      cognitive impairment (MCI) and subsequent Alzheimer's disease. Our aims were to
      see if fully automated cerebral MR volume measurements could distinguish subjects
      with SMC and MCI from controls, and if probable parental late-onset Alzheimer's
      disease (LOAD), apolipoprotein E epsilon4 genotype, total plasma homocysteine,
      and cardiovascular risk factors were associated with MR volumetric findings.
      METHODS: 198 stroke-free subjects comprised the control (n = 58), the SMC (n =
      25) and the MCI (n = 115) groups. Analysis of covariance and receiver operating
      characteristic curve was used to see if MR volumetry distinguished subjects with
      SMC and MCI from controls. RESULTS: Subjects with SMC and MCI had significantly
      larger lateral ventricles and smaller hippocampal volumes than controls. The area
      under the curve in subjects with SMC and MCI compared to that of controls was
      less than 0.68 for all volumes of intracranial structures. There was an
      interaction between sex and probable parental LOAD for hippocampal volume, with a
      significant association between probable parental LOAD and hippocampal volume in
      women. CONCLUSIONS: Fully automated MR volumetry can distinguish subjects with
      SMC and MCI from controls in a general population, but insufficiently to assume a
      clear clinical role. Research on sporadic LOAD might benefit from a sex-specific
      search for genetic risk factors.

PMID- 28101100
TI  - The Utility of the Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination as a Screen for
      Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and
      Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: We tested the utility of the Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive
      Examination (M-ACE) in a cohort of older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
      and diabetes. METHOD: The M-ACE was administered to 112 CKD and diabetes patients
      attending a nephrology clinic. Cognitive impairment was based upon patient,
      informant, and case review, neuropsychological assessment, and application of
      criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition for dementia. The M-ACE was also
      compared to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: Upon assessment,
      52 patients had normal cognitive function, 33 had MCI, and 27 had dementia. The
      area under the receiver operating curve for the M-ACE was 0.96 (95% CI 0.95
      1.00). The sensitivity and specificity for a dementia diagnosis were 0.96 and
      0.84 at the cut point <25 and 0.70 and 1.00 at the cut point <21. Mean M-ACE
      scores differed significantly between normal, demented, and MCI groups (p <
      0.001), and compared to the MMSE, the M-ACE did not suffer from ceiling effects.
      CONCLUSION: The M-ACE is an easily administered test with good sensitivity and
      specificity to capture and assist in the diagnosis of MCI or dementia in patients
      with CKD and diabetes.

PMID- 28101102
TI  - Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels and Hippocampal Volume in Mild
      Cognitive Impairment and Dementia due to Alzheimer Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hippocampal atrophy is a recognized biomarker of Alzheimer
      disease (AD) pathology. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) reduction
      has been associated with neurodegeneration. We aimed to evaluate BDNF serum
      levels and hippocampal volume in clinical AD (dementia and mild cognitive
      impairment [MCI]). METHODS: Participants were 10 patients with MCI and 13 with
      dementia due to AD as well as 10 healthy controls. BDNF serum levels were
      determined by ELISA and volumetric measures with NeuroQuant(r). RESULTS: MCI and
      dementia patients presented lower BDNF serum levels than healthy participants;
      dementia patients presented a smaller hippocampal volume than MCI patients and
      healthy participants. DISCUSSION: The findings support that the decrease in BDNF
      might start before the establishment of neuronal injury expressed by the
      hippocampal reduction.

PMID- 28101101
TI  - Predictive Factors of Rapid Cognitive Decline in Patients with Alzheimer Disease.
AB  - AIM: To determine predictive factors associated with rapid cognitive decline
      (RCD) in elderly patients suffering from Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS:
      Patients suffering from mild to moderate AD were included. RCD was defined as the
      loss of at least 3 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) over 12
      months. Factors associated with RCD were identified by logistic regression.
      RESULTS: Among 123 patients included, 61 were followed up until 12 months. RCD
      occurred in 46% of patients (n = 28). Polymedication (p < 0.0001), the fact that
      the caregiver was the child or spouse of the patient (p < 0.0001) and autonomy
      for washing (p < 0.0001) were protective factors against RCD, while the presence
      of caregiver burden (p < 0.0001) was shown to be a risk factor for RCD.
      CONCLUSION: Early detection of the RCD risk in AD patients could make it possible
      to anticipate the patient's medical needs and adjust the care plan for caregiver
      burden.

PMID- 28101103
TI  - Albumin Binding Function: The Potential Earliest Indicator for Liver Function
      Damage.
AB  - Background. Currently there is no indicator that can evaluate actual liver lesion
      for early stages of viral hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),
      and cirrhosis. Aim of this study was to investigate if albumin binding function
      could better reflect liver function in these liver diseases. Methods. An
      observational study was performed on 193 patients with early NAFLD, viral
      hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis patients were separated according to Child
      Pugh score into A, B, and C subgroup. Albumin metal ion binding capacity
      (Ischemia-modified albumin transformed, IMAT) and fatty acid binding capacity
      (total binding sites, TBS) were detected. Results. Both IMAT and TBS were
      significantly decreased in patients with NAFLD and early hepatitis. In hepatitis
      group, they declined prior to changes of liver enzymes. IMAT was significantly
      higher in cirrhosis Child-Pugh class A group than hepatitis patients and
      decreased in Child-Pugh class B and class C patients. Both IMAT/albumin and
      TBS/albumin decreased significantly in hepatitis and NAFLD group patients.
      Conclusions. This is the first study to discover changes of albumin metal ion and
      fatty acid binding capacities prior to conventional biomarkers for liver damage
      in early stage of liver diseases. They may become potential earliest sensitive
      indicators for liver function evaluation.

PMID- 28101104
TI  - Application of Long-Range Surface Plasmon Resonance for ABO Blood Typing.
AB  - In this study, we demonstrate a long-range surface plasmon resonance (LR-SPR)
      biosensor for the detection of whole cell by captured antigens A and B on the
      surface of red blood cells (RBCs) as a model. The LR-SPR sensor chip consists of
      high-refractive index glass, a Cytop film layer, and a thin gold (Au) film, which
      makes the evanescent field intensity and the penetration depth longer than
      conventional SPR. Therefore, the LR-SPR biosensor has improved capability for
      detecting large analytes, such as RBCs. The antibodies specific to blood group A
      and group B (Anti-A and Anti-B) are covalently immobilized on a grafting self
      assembled monolayer (SAM)/Au surface on the biosensor. For blood typing, RBC
      samples can be detected by the LR-SPR biosensor through a change in the
      refractive index. We determined that the results of blood typing using the LR-SPR
      biosensor are consistent with the results obtained from the agglutination test.
      We obtained the lowest detection limits of 1.58 * 105 cells/ml for RBC-A and 3.83
      * 105 cells/ml for RBC-B, indicating that the LR-SPR chip has a higher
      sensitivity than conventional SPR biosensors (3.3 * 108 cells/ml). The surface of
      the biosensor can be efficiently regenerated using 20 mM NaOH. In summary, as the
      LR-SPR technique is sensitive and has a simple experimental setup, it can easily
      be applied for ABO blood group typing.

PMID- 28101105
TI  - Oral Administration of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v Reduces Cortisol Levels in
      Human Saliva during Examination Induced Stress: A Randomized, Double-Blind
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - Objective. To clarify the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on the salivary
      cortisol and salivary IgA levels in young adults under examination stress.
      Design. Forty-one students with an upcoming academic exam were included in a
      randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The probiotic bacteria or the
      placebo product was administered in capsules once a day during 14 days. Saliva
      was collected and a perceived stress test was filled out at each sampling
      occasion. Saliva was collected for cortisol analysis by Electrochemiluminescence
      Immunoassay (ECLI) and salivary IgA was analysed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
      Assay (ELISA). Abundance of lactobacilli was evaluated by cultivation of saliva
      on selective medium and identification of L. plantarum 299v was done on randomly
      selected colonies by a random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing.
      Results. A significant difference in cortisol levels was found between the
      treatment group and the placebo group (P < 0.05), together with a significant
      increase in levels of lactobacilli in the treatment group compared with the
      placebo group (P < 0.001). No significant changes were found for salivary IgA.
      Conclusion. A probiotic bacterium with ability to reduce symptoms of irritable
      bowel syndrome (IBS) prohibited increased levels of the stress marker cortisol
      during the examination period. The registration number of the study is
      NCT02974894, and the study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

PMID- 28101106
TI  - Multiport Combined Endoscopic Approach to Nonembolized Juvenile Nasopharyngeal
      Angiofibroma with Parapharyngeal Extension: An Emerging Concept.
AB  - Background. Surgical approaches to the parapharyngeal space (PPS) are challenging
      by virtue of deep location and neurovascular content. Juvenile Nasopharyngeal
      Angiofibroma (JNA) is a formidable hypervascular tumor that involves multiple
      compartments with increase in size. In tumors with extension to parapharyngeal
      space, the endonasal approach was observed to be inadequate. Combined Endoscopic
      Endonasal Approaches and Endoscopic Transoral Surgery (EEA-ETOS) approach has
      provided a customized alternative of multicorridor approach to access JNA for its
      safe and efficient resection. Methods. The study demonstrates a case series of
      patients of JNA with prestyloid parapharyngeal space extension operated by
      endoscopic endonasal and endoscopic transoral approach for tumor excision.
      Results. The multiport EEA-ETOS approach was used to provide wide exposure to
      access JNA in parapharyngeal space. No major complications were observed. No
      conversion to external approach was required. Postoperative morbidity was low and
      postoperative scans showed no residual tumor. A one-year follow-up was maintained
      and there was no evidence of disease recurrence. Conclusion. Although
      preliminary, our experience demonstrates safety and efficacy of multiport
      approach in providing access to multiple compartments, facilitating total
      excision of JNA in selected cases.

PMID- 28101107
TI  - Comparison of Human Papillomavirus Detection in Urine and Cervical Samples Using
      High-Risk HPV DNA Testing in Northern Thailand.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate the performance of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)
      DNA testing in urine samples compared to that of cervical sample testing in
      Northern Thailand. Methods. Paired urine and cervical samples were collected
      during the follow-up of women with a previous positive HPV test. HPV testing was
      performed using the Cobas 4800 HPV Test. Linear Array assay was used for
      genotyping in selected cases. Results. Paired urine and cervical samples were
      obtained from 168 women. Of 123 paired samples with valid results, agreement in
      the detection of high-risk HPV DNA was present in 106 cases (86.2%), with a kappa
      statistic of 0.65 (substantial agreement). Using the cervical HPV results as a
      reference, the sensitivity of urine HPV testing was 68.6% (24/35) and the
      specificity 93.2% (82/88). For the detection of histologic high-grade squamous
      intraepithelial lesion or worse (HSIL+), the sensitivity of urine HPV testing was
      80.0% (4/5) and the specificity 78.0% (92/118). Conclusion. Although urine HPV
      testing had a rather low sensitivity for HPV detection, its sensitivity for
      histologic HSIL+ detection was high. For clinical use of urine HPV testing,
      standardization of specimen collection and processing techniques or application
      of a more sensitive test, especially in the detection of HPV52 and HPV58, is
      necessary.

PMID- 28101108
TI  - Chondrosarcomatous Differentiation in a Large Malignant Melanoma of the Scalp.
AB  - Background. Divergent differentiation in malignant melanoma is a rare phenomenon,
      which can lead to delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, impacting upon patient
      treatment and outcome, as well as the understanding of tumour behaviour. Case. We
      present the case of a large long-standing tumour on the scalp of a 72-year-old
      female patient, which when excised and examined histologically was revealed to be
      a nodular malignant melanoma displaying chondrosarcomatous differentiation. Foci
      suggestive of lentigo maligna were also present. Rapid metastatic spread of the
      tumour was observed shortly after the primary resection. Discussion. To our
      knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature of
      chondrosarcomatous differentiation in a lentigo maligna melanoma. The clinical
      and histopathological details and images of this case are presented alongside a
      discussion regarding such tumours and patterns of similar tumour behaviour.

PMID- 28101110
TI  - The Best Age for Pregnancy and Undue Pressures.
AB  - In western countries we assist at the paradox that fertility is socially
      discouraged by a mindset that depicts fertility as a resource to exploit as late
      as possible. So, couples have high expectative about the advantages of delayed
      parenthood, but they are scarcely informed about its risks. Scientific data
      suggests to anticipate the first pregnancy, but social pressures impose to wait,
      though delayed childbearing can provoke sterility and a greater gap between
      generations. The best age to become parents should be autonomously decided by a
      couple, under the condition of being a free informed choice and not a social
      imposition, but currently this is not guaranteed to western women and men.

PMID- 28101109
TI  - Isolation of an ES-Derived Cardiovascular Multipotent Cell Population Based on VE
      Cadherin Promoter Activity.
AB  - Embryonic Stem (ES) or induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells are important sources
      for cardiomyocyte generation, targeted for regenerative therapies. Several in
      vitro protocols are currently utilized for their differentiation, but the value
      of cell-based approaches remains unclear. Here, we characterized a cardiovascular
      progenitor population derived during ES differentiation, after selection based on
      VE-cadherin promoter (Pvec) activity. ESCs were genetically modified with an
      episomal vector, allowing the expression of puromycin resistance gene, under Pvec
      activity. Puromycin-surviving cells displayed cardiac and endothelial progenitor
      cells characteristics. Expansion and self-renewal of this cardiac and endothelial
      dual-progenitor population (CEDP) were achieved by Wnt/beta-catenin pathway
      activation. CEDPs express early cardiac developmental stage-specific markers but
      not markers of differentiated cardiomyocytes. Similarly, CEDPs express
      endothelial markers. However, CEDPs can undergo differentiation predominantly to
      cTnT+ (~47%) and VE-cadherin+ (~28%) cells. Transplantation of CEDPs in the left
      heart ventricle of adult rats showed that CEDPs-derived cells survive and
      differentiate in vivo for at least 14 days after transplantation. A novel, dual
      progenitor population was isolated during ESCs differentiation, based on Pvec
      activity. This lineage can self-renew, permitting its maintenance as a source of
      cardiovascular progenitor cells and constitutes a useful source for regenerative
      approaches.

PMID- 28101111
TI  - A Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Local Endometrial Injury on the
      Clinical Pregnancy Rate of Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles in Patients With
      Repeated Implantation Failure.
AB  - Objective: Repeated implantation failure (RIF) is a condition in which the
      embryos implantation decreases in the endometrium. So, our aim was to evaluate
      the effect of local endometrial injury on embryo transfer results. Materials and
      methods: In this simple randomized clinical trial (RCT), a total of 120 patients
      were selected. The participants were less than 40 years old, and they are in
      their minimum two cycles of vitro fertilization (IVF). Patients were divided
      randomly into two groups of LEI (Local endometrial injury) and a control group (n
      = 60 in each group). The first group had four small endometrial injuries from
      anterior, posterior, and lateral uterus walls which were obtained from people who
      were in 21th day of their previous IVF cycle. The second group was the patients
      who have not received any intervention. Results: The experimental and control
      patients were matched in the following factors. Regarding the clinical pregnancy
      rate, there was no significant difference noted between the experimental and the
      control group. Conclusion: Local endometrial injury in a preceding cycle does not
      increase the clinical pregnancy rate in the subsequent FET cycle of patients with
      repeated implantation failure.

PMID- 28101112
TI  - Effect of Training Preparation for Childbirth on Fear of Normal Vaginal Delivery
      and Choosing the Type of Delivery Among Pregnant Women in Hamadan, Iran: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - Objective: To examine effect of an educational program on pregnant women's fear
      of normal vaginal delivery. Fear of natural childbirth during pregnancy may
      increase the risk of caesarean section. Educational programs may be effective in
      reducing women fear of natural childbirth. Materials and methods: This randomized
      controlled trial conducted from September 2012 to January 2013 in Hamadan, Iran.
      One hundred fifty eligible women were randomly assigned to group "A"
      (Intervention group, n = 75) or group "B" (Control group, n = 75). Women in group
      A, participated in an antenatal educations program for physiologic childbirth in
      8 two-hour sessions. A self-designed questionnaire was used to examine women's
      fear of natural childbirth. Data were analyzed with SPSS.16 software. Results:
      Baseline characteristics of women were similar in both groups. After intervention
      the mean fear score in group A compared to group B was significantly reduced
      (51.7 +/- 22.4 vs. 58.7 +/- 21.7) (p = 0.007). Physiologic delivery was the first
      choice of type of child birth after training in pregnant women in group A
      (58.7%). But delivery in physiologic form had lowest rate in group A (8%).
      Conclusion: Results of present study showed that educational program could be
      serving as an important tool in reducing women fear from natural childbirth and
      in choosing of physiologic birth. And for delivery as a physiological, education
      and counseling of pregnant women, doctors and midwives are required.

PMID- 28101113
TI  - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Pubertal Preparedness Program in Terms of
      Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Pubertal Changes Among Pre-Adolescent Girls.
AB  - Objective: To compare the knowledge and attitude regarding pubertal changes among
      pre - adolescent girls before and after the pubertal preparedness program (PPP)
      in experimental and comparison group. Materials and methods: A Quasi experimental
      (non- equivalent comparison group pretest posttest) design was adopted with
      104pre-adolescentgirls (52 in each experimental and comparison group) of age 12
      14years, selected by purposive sampling from two different Government schools of
      Ambala District. Knowledge and attitude was assessed using structured knowledge
      questionnaire (KR-20 = 0.74) and 5 point likert scale (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79)
      respectively. On the same day of pretest, PPP was administered and on 12th day
      FAQs reinforcement session was held only for experimental group. After 28 days,
      posttest was taken. Results: The computed t value of pretest of knowledge and
      attitude scores of pre-adolescent girls (1.97), (1.95) respectively in
      experimental and comparison group was found non-significant at 0.05 level of
      significance which shows that both group didn't differ significantly in their
      knowledge and attitude before the administration of intervention. Findings of
      unpaired 't' value of posttest knowledge and attitude scores of pre-adolescent
      girls (19.77), (17.17) respectively in experimental and comparison group were
      found significant at 0.05 level of significance, Thus knowledge and attitude of
      pre-adolescent girls were improved with PPP and FAQs session. Conclusion:
      Pubertal preparedness program and FAQs reinforcement session are effective in
      enhancing knowledge and developing favorable attitude among pre-adolescent girls.

PMID- 28101114
TI  - Dietary and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Serum Persistent Organic Pollutants
      (POPs) Levels in Pregnant Women in Tehran.
AB  - Objective: To determine the levels of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and
      Polybrominateddiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in
      serum of primiparous women at the third trimester of pregnancy and identify the
      main determinants of POPs levels such as socio-demographic, lifestyle, and diet
      in Tehran. Materials and methods: One- hundred eighty five serum samples from two
      simultaneous case-control studies were collected from September 2013 until August
      2015.Ten most abundant PCB congeners (International Union of Pure and Applied
      Chemistry (IUPAC) congeners 28, 52, 74, 99, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180 and 187) as
      well as eight PBDE congeners (IUPAC congeners 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and
      209)were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Multiple
      linear regression analysis was conducted to explain the relationship between
      total PCBs and total BPDEs and most detected congeners and some determinants,
      separately. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participating women was 27.82 +/-
      5.24 years. The geometric mean (SD) of total PCBs was 2.42 +/- 2.26 and total
      PBDEs was 1.28 +/- 1.41 ng/g lipid. Only the PCB 138, PCB 153 and PBDE 153 were
      detected in 100% of samples. We observed a significant relationship between the
      time of being indoors and total PBDEs (P = 0.03). Passive smoking was
      significantly associated with PCB 153 (P = 0.049). The results of the linear
      regression analysis showed the negative and weak association (P-value < 0.05)
      between diet (egg and fat and oil consumption) and POPs in this population.
      Conclusion: It seems the most common route of exposure to PBDEs in our population
      is indoor pollutants. Meanwhile inhalation of smoke from environment is a route
      of exposure to PCB 153. Further study is needed to evaluate the effects of socio
      demographics and especially dietary intake on POPs level.

PMID- 28101115
TI  - Marital Satisfaction and Its Influencing Factors in Fertile and Infertile Women.
AB  - Objective: To determine marital satisfaction and its influencing factors among
      fertile and infertile women in Shahroud. Materials and methods: In this
      comparative study, 1528 participants (511 infertile and1017 fertile women) were
      evaluated using Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale. Data were analyzed using chi
      square and t-test. Results: A total of 1402 participants (78.7%) had high marital
      satisfaction. The results show that no significant differences exist between
      marital satisfaction, marital communication, conflict resolution and idealistic
      distortion in fertile and infertile women. However, a significant difference was
      observed between marital satisfaction, and job, spouse's job and income in
      fertile and infertile groups, but the place of residence, education, spouse's
      education and fertility status showed no significant difference. Conclusion:
      Results showed that infertility does not reduce marital satisfaction. Since
      marital satisfaction is moderate in both groups, sex education for people bound
      to marry and sexual counseling for couples can lead to improved sexual
      satisfaction.

PMID- 28101116
TI  - Journey to Motherhood in the First Year After Child Birth.
AB  - Objective: Child bearing is a period of psychological challenges that must be
      viewed in a social context. This study reports the maternal transition from the
      perspective of Iranian first-time mothers in the first year after childbirth.
      Materials and methods: Qualitative method was chosen for explanation of mothers'
      individual experiences of motherhood.26 first-time mothers (aged 18-35 years old
      with various socio-economic status) who had delivered between 0-1 year prior to
      the interviews participated in the study.Data were collected through in-depth
      semi-structured interviews and interview transcripts were analyzed using the
      constant comparison method. Results: The core category was called "Regaining
      advanced balance." There were several themes within this category: "internal
      conflicts", "encounter and interaction" and "internalization". They felt
      unpreparedness, lack of control over their lives, incomplete maternal feelings
      and unstable relation to their husbands and others. Within the first postpartum
      days and weeks a sort of attachment develops between mother and child as the
      mother starts to attain a better understanding of maternal feelings; she begins
      to accept the child as an independent identity and reconstructs herself. As the
      attachment to child deepens, the mother feels control over the affairs. She
      realizes a kind of development and integration in herself which specifically
      stems from becoming a mother and attempts to strengthen family bonds. Conclusion:
      Through the expression of new mothers' experiences toward motherhood, healthcare
      providers can reach a better perception of the emotional and psychological
      changes as well as the various aspects of mothers' acceptance of their maternal
      role and helps a better preparation and presentation of effective training
      programs for mothers and families.

PMID- 28101117
TI  - Maternal Mortality Ratio and Causes of Death in IRI Between 2009 and 2012.
AB  - Objective: The Maternal Mortality Ratio is an important health indicator. We
      presented the distribution and causes of maternal mortality in Islamic Republic
      of Iran. Materials and methods: After provision of an electronic Registry system
      for date entry, a descriptive-retrospective data collection had been performed
      for all maternal Deaths in March 2009- March 2012. All maternal deaths and their
      demographic characteristic were identified by using medical registries, death
      certificates, and relevant codes according to International Classification of
      Diseases (ICD-9) during pregnancy, labor, and 42 days after parturition. Results:
      During 3 years, there were 5094317 deliveries and 941 maternal deaths (MMR of
      18.5 per 1000000 live births). We had access to pertained data of 896 cases
      (95.2%) for review in our study. Of 896 reported deaths, 549 were classified as
      direct, 302 as indirect and 45 as unknown. Hemorrhage was the most common cause
      of maternal mortality, followed by Preeclampsia, Eclampsia and sepsis. Among all
      indirect causes, cardio -vascular diseases were responsible for 10% of maternal
      deaths, followed by thromboembolism, HTN and renal diseases. Conclusion: Although
      maternal mortality ratio in IRI could be comparable with the developed countries
      but its pattern is following developing countries and with this study we had
      provided reliable data for other prospective studies.

PMID- 28101118
TI  - Neuroprotective Effect of Paeonol Mediates Anti-Inflammation via Suppressing Toll
      Like Receptor 2 and Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathways in Cerebral Ischemia
      Reperfusion Injured Rats.
AB  - Paeonol is a phenolic compound derived from Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (MC) and
      P. lactiflora Pall (PL). Paeonol can reduce cerebral infarction volume and
      improve neurological deficits through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory
      effects. However, the anti-inflammatory pathway of paeonol remains unclear. This
      study investigated the relationship between anti-inflammatory responses of
      paeonol and signaling pathways of TLR2 and TLR4 in cerebral infarct. We
      established the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model in Sprague Dawley rats by
      occluding right middle cerebral artery for 60 min, followed by reperfusion for 24
      h. The neurological deficit score was examined, and the brains of the rats were
      removed for cerebral infarction volume and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis.
      The infarction volume and neurological deficits were lower in the paeonol group
      (pretreatment with paeonol; 20 mg/kg i.p.) than in the control group (without
      paeonol treatment). The IHC analysis revealed that the number of TLR2-, TLR4-,
      Iba1-, NF-kappaB- (P50-), and IL-1beta-immunoreactive cells and TUNEL-positive
      cells was significantly lower in the paeonol group; however, the number of TNF
      alpha-immunoreactive cells did not differ between the paeonol and control groups.
      The paeonol reveals some neuroprotective effects in the model of ischemia, which
      could be due to the reduction of many proinflammatory receptors/mediators,
      although the mechanisms are not clear.

PMID- 28101119
TI  - In Vitro Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Effects of Extracts from Rubus caesius
      Leaves and Their Quality Evaluation.
AB  - The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of different extracts and
      subfractions from Rubus caesius leaves on two human colon cancer cell lines
      obtained from two stages of the disease progression lines HT29 and SW948. Tested
      samples inhibited the viability of cells, both HT29 and SW948 lines, in a
      concentration-dependent manner. The most active was the ethyl acetate fraction
      which, applied at the highest concentration (250 MUg/mL), decreased the viability
      of cells (HT29 and SW948) below 66%. The extracts and subfractions were also
      investigated for antioxidant activities on DPPH and FRAP assays. All extracts,
      with the exception of water extract at a dose of 250 MUg/mL, almost totally
      reduced DPPH. The highest Fe3+ ion reduction was shown for the diethyl and ethyl
      acetate fractions. It was more than 6.5 times higher (at a dose 250 MUg/mL) as
      compared to the control. The LC-MS studies of the analysed preparations showed
      that all samples contain a wide variety of polyphenolics, among which
      ellagitannins turned out to be the main constituents with dominant ellagic acid,
      sanguiin H-6, and flavonol derivatives.

PMID- 28101120
TI  - Phytochemical and Antinociceptive, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Studies of
      Smilax larvata (Smilacaceae).
AB  - The tea of aerial parts of Smilax larvata Griseb. (Smilacaceae) has been
      ethnopharmacologically used in Southern Brazil due to its anti-inflammatory
      action. In this study, ethanolic and organic extracts from aerial parts of S.
      larvata were phytochemically and pharmacologically characterized. The
      phytochemical analysis of EtOAc extract of S. larvata revealed the presence of
      three flavonoids, drabanemoroside, kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1->2)
      alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol, the first two being isolated for the
      first time in this genus, two phenolic compounds p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p
      coumaric acid, and alkaloids. In vitro assays demonstrated a potential
      antioxidant property of SLG. The treatment with SLG induced a significant
      reduction of the formalin-evoked flinches in rats, an effect reversed by opioid
      antagonist naloxone. Treatment with SLG also induced a significant increase in
      the hot plate latency and a decrease of intestinal motility by 45%. No effect was
      observed over nociceptive responses induced by a TRPA1 agonist mustard oil or
      over acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Together, our data suggested that SLG
      has an in vivo antinociceptive effect, which seems to be associated with the
      opioid system activation. These findings support previous claims of medical use
      of Smilax larvata in the treatment of pain conditions.

PMID- 28101121
TI  - Embryology of the VNO and associated structures in the grass snake Natrix natrix
      (Squamata: Naticinae): a 3D perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Snakes are considered to be vomerolfaction specialists. They are
      members of one of the most diverse groups of vertebrates, Squamata. The
      vomeronasal organ and the associated structures (such as the lacrimal duct,
      choanal groove, lamina transversalis anterior and cupola Jacobsoni) of adult
      lizards and snakes have received much anatomical, histological, physiological and
      behavioural attention. However, only limited embryological investigation into
      these structures, constrained to some anatomical or cellular studies and brief
      surveys, has been carried out thus far. The purpose of this study was, first, to
      examine the embryonic development of the vomeronasal organ and the associated
      structures in the grass snake (Natrix natrix), using three-dimensional
      reconstructions based on histological studies, and, second, to compare the
      obtained results with those presented in known publications on other snakes and
      lizards. RESULTS: Five major developmental processes were taken into
      consideration in this study: separation of the vomeronasal organ from the nasal
      cavity and its specialization, development of the mushroom body, formation of the
      lacrimal duct, development of the cupola Jacobsoni and its relation to the
      vomeronasal nerve, and specialization of the sensory epithelium. Our
      visualizations showed the VNO in relation to the nasal cavity, choanal groove,
      lacrimal duct and cupola Jacobsoni at different embryonic stages. We confirmed
      that the choanal groove disappears gradually, which indicates that this structure
      is absent in adult grass snakes. On our histological sections, we observed a
      gradual growth in the height of the columns of the vomeronasal sensory epithelium
      and widening of the spaces between them. CONCLUSIONS: The main ophidian taxa
      (Scolecophidia, Henophidia and Caenophidia), just like other squamate clades,
      seem to be evolutionarily conservative at some levels with respect to the VNO and
      associated structures morphology. Thus, it was possible to homologize certain
      embryonic levels of the anatomical and histological complexity, observed in the
      grass snake, with adult conditions of certain groups of Squamata. This may
      reflect evolutionary shift in Squamata from visually oriented predators to
      vomerolfaction specialists. Our descriptions offer material useful for future
      comparative studies of Squamata, both at their anatomical and histological
      levels.

PMID- 28101122
TI  - Start early! Does social instability during the pre- and early postnatal
      development prepare male wild cavies for social challenge later in life?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The social environment the mother experiences during pregnancy and
      lactation can powerfully influence the offspring's behavioural profile. Our
      previous studies in wild cavies show that two different social environments
      during pregnancy and lactation bring about different behavioural strategies of
      male offspring later in life: An unstable social environment leads to a
      behavioural camouflage strategy, hypothesised to be beneficial at times of
      socially challenging situations. A stable social environment during early phases
      of life, however, leads to an early reproduction strategy, expected to be more
      successful at times of social stability. In the present study, we observed the
      behavioural strategies of the two types of males in direct comparison in a
      socially challenging situation: Two adolescent males were placed simultaneously
      in an unknown social group consisting of one adult male and two females in a semi
      naturalistic environment. Cortisol as well as testosterone concentrations and
      activity levels were compared. Furthermore, paternities were analysed after the
      males reached sexual maturity. We hypothesised that sons showing a behavioural
      camouflage strategy are better adapted to cope with this socially challenging
      situation compared to those displaying an early reproduction strategy. RESULTS:
      At the beginning of the experiment, no differences in plasma cortisol
      concentrations between the males were found, both showed a highly significant
      increase due to the challenging situation. From day 5 until the end of the
      experiment (duration = 40 days) sons showing an early reproduction strategy had
      significantly higher plasma cortisol concentrations compared with those showing a
      behavioural camouflage strategy. Plasma testosterone concentrations did not
      differ significantly. Activity levels decreased significantly over time
      independently of the male's behavioural strategy. Both types of males did not
      sire offspring during the observation period. CONCLUSION: Higher cortisol values
      from day 5 until the end of the experiment in sons showing an early reproduction
      strategy indicate higher levels of stress in these males compared to those
      displaying a camouflage strategy. We conclude that the modulation of the males
      behavioural strategy due to an unstable social environment during early
      development facilitates the endocrine adaptation to a comparable social situation
      later in life.

PMID- 28101123
TI  - Regulatory landscape of AGE-RAGE-oxidative stress axis and its modulation by
      PPARgamma activation in high fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The AGE-RAGE-oxidative stress (AROS) axis is involved in the onset
      and progression of metabolic syndrome induced by a high-fructose diet (HFD).
      PPARgamma activation is known to modulate metabolic syndrome; however a systems
      level investigation looking at the protective effects of PPARgamma activation as
      related to the AROS axis has not been performed. The aim of this work is to
      simultaneously characterize multiple molecular parameters within the AROS axis,
      using samples taken from different body fluids and tissues of a rat model of HFD
      induced metabolic syndrome, in the presence or absence of a PPARgamma agonist,
      Rosiglitazone (RGZ). METHODS: Rats were fed with 60% HFD for the first half of
      the treatment duration (21 days) then continued with either HFD alone or HFD plus
      RGZ for the second half. RESULTS: Rats receiving HFD alone showed metabolic
      syndrome manifestations including hypertension, dyslipidemia, increased glucose
      levels and insulin resistance, as well as abnormal kidney and inflammatory
      parameters. Systolic blood pressure, plasma triglyceride and glucose levels,
      plasma creatinine, and albuminuria were significantly improved in the presence of
      RGZ. The following molecular parameters of the AROS axis were significantly
      upregulated in our rat model: carboxymethyl lysine (CML) in urine and liver;
      carboxyethyl lysine (CEL) in urine; advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in
      plasma; receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in liver and kidney;
      advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in plasma; and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE)
      in plasma, liver, and kidney. Conversely, with RGZ administration, the
      upregulation of AOPP and AGEs in plasma, CML and CEL in urine, RAGE in liver as
      well as HNE in plasma and liver was significantly counteracted/prevented.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate (i) the systems-level regulatory landscape of
      HFD-induced metabolic syndrome involving multiple molecular parameters, including
      HNE, AGEs and their receptor RAGE, and (ii) attenuation of metabolic syndrome by
      PPARgamma modulation.

PMID- 28101124
TI  - Reduced up-regulation of the nitric oxide pathway and impaired endothelial and
      smooth muscle functions in the female type 2 diabetic goto-kakizaki rat heart.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is associated with greater relative risk of
      cardiovascular diseases in women than in men, which is not well understood.
      Consequently, we have investigated if male and female displayed differences in
      cardiac function, energy metabolism, and endothelial function which could
      contribute to increased cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetic female.
      METHODS: Male and female Control and type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) isolated
      rat hearts were perfused during 28 min with a physiological buffer before freeze
      clamping for biochemical assays. High energy phosphate compounds and
      intracellular pH were followed using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy with
      simultaneous measurement of contractile function. Nitric oxide (NO) pathway and
      endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilatations were measured as indexes of
      endothelial function. Results were analyzed via two-way ANOVA, p < 0.05 was
      considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Myocardial function was
      impaired in male and female diabetic versus Control groups (p < 0.05) without
      modification of energy metabolism. Coronary flow was decreased in both diabetic
      versus Control groups but to a higher extent in female GK versus male GK rat
      hearts (p < 0.05). NO production was up-regulated in diabetic groups but to a
      less extent in female GK rat hearts (p < 0.05). Endothelium-dependent and
      independent vasodilatations were impaired in female GK rat compared with male GK
      (p < 0.05) and female Control (p < 0.05) rat hearts. CONCLUSIONS: We reported
      here an endothelial damage characterized by a reduced up-regulation of the NO
      pathway and impaired endothelial and smooth muscle functions, and coronary flow
      rates in the female GK rat hearts while energy metabolism was normal. Whether
      these results are related to the higher risk of cardiovascular complications
      among type 2 diabetic female needs to be further elicited in the future.

PMID- 28101126
TI  - Characterisation of microbial communities within aggressive prostate cancer
      tissues.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An infectious aetiology for prostate cancer has been conjectured for
      decades but the evidence gained from questionnaire-based and sero-epidemiological
      studies is weak and inconsistent, and a causal association with any infectious
      agent is not established. We describe and evaluate the application of new
      technology to detect bacterial and viral agents in high-grade prostate cancer
      tissues. The potential of targeted 16S rRNA gene sequencing and total RNA
      sequencing was evaluated in terms of its utility to characterise microbial
      communities within high-grade prostate tumours. METHODS: Two different Massively
      Parallel Sequencing (MPS) approaches were applied. First, to capture and enrich
      for possible bacterial species, targeted-MPS of the V2-V3 hypervariable regions
      of the 16S rRNA gene was performed on DNA extracted from 20 snap-frozen prostate
      tissue cores from ten "aggressive" prostate cancer cases. Second, total RNA
      extracted from the same prostate tissue samples was also sequenced to capture the
      sequence profile of both bacterial and viral transcripts present. RESULTS:
      Overall, 16S rRNA sequencing identified Enterobacteriaceae species common to all
      samples and P. acnes in 95% of analyzed samples. Total RNA sequencing detected
      endogenous retroviruses providing proof of concept but there was no evidence of
      bacterial or viral transcripts suggesting active infection, although it does not
      rule out a previous 'hit and run' scenario. CONCLUSIONS: As these new
      investigative methods and protocols become more refined, MPS approaches may be
      found to have significant utility in identifying potential pathogens involved in
      disease aetiology. Further studies, specifically designed to detect associations
      between the disease phenotype and aetiological agents, are required.

PMID- 28101125
TI  - Preventive transarterial embolization in upper nonvariceal gastrointestinal
      bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transarterial embolization (TAE) is a therapeutic option for patients
      with a high risk of recurrent bleeding after endoscopic haemostasis. The aim of
      our prospective study was a preliminary assessment of the safety, efficacy, and
      clinical outcomes following preventive TAE in patients with non-variceal acute
      upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) with a high risk of recurrent bleeding
      after endoscopic haemostasis. METHODS: Preventive visceral angiography and TAE
      were performed after endoscopic haemostasis on patients with NVUGIB who were at a
      high risk of recurrent bleeding (PE+ group). The comparison group consisted of
      similar patients who only underwent endoscopic haemostasis, without preventive
      TAE (PE- group). The technical success of preventive TAE, the completeness of
      haemostasis, the incidence of rebleeding and the need for surgical intervention
      and the main outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The PE+ group
      consisted of 25 patients, and the PE- group of 50 patients, similar in age
      (median age 66 vs. 63 years), gender and comorbid conditions. The ulcer size at
      endoscopy was not significantly different (median of 152 mm vs. 127 mm). The most
      frequent were Forest II type ulcers, 44% in both groups. The distribution of the
      Forest grade was even. The median haemoglobin on admission was 8, 2 g/dl vs. 8,7
      g/dl, p = 0,482, erythrocyte count was 2,7 * 1012/L vs. 2,9 * 1012/L, p = 0,727.
      The shock index and Rockall scores were similar, as well as and transfusion - on
      average, four units of packed red blood cells for the majority of patients in
      both groups, however, significantly more fresh frozen plasma was transfused in
      the PE- group, p = 0,013. The rebleeding rate was similar, while surgical
      treatment was needed notably more often in the PE- group, 8% vs. 35% accordingly,
      p = 0,012. The median ICU stay was 3 days, hospital stay - 6 days vs. 9 days, p =
      0.079. The overall mortality reached 20%; in the PE+ group it was 4%, not
      reaching a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Preventive TAE is a
      feasible, safe and effective minimally invasive type of haemostasis decreasing
      the risk of repeated bleeding and preparing the patient for the definitive
      surgical intervention when indicated.

PMID- 28101127
TI  - Mental health and trauma in asylum seekers landing in Sicily in 2015: a
      descriptive study of neglected invisible wounds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2015, Italy was the second most common point of entry for asylum
      seekers into Europe after Greece. The vast majority embarked from war-torn Libya;
      80,000 people claimed asylum that year. Their medical conditions were assessed on
      arrival but their mental health needs were not addressed in any way, despite the
      likelihood of serious trauma before and during migration. Medecins sans
      Frontieres (MSF), in agreement with the Italian Ministry of Health, provided
      mental health (MH) assessment and care for recently-landed asylum seekers in
      Sicily. This study documents mental health conditions, potentially traumatic
      events and post-migratory living difficulties experienced by asylum seekers in
      the MSF programme in 2014-15. METHODS: All asylum seekers transiting the 15 MSF
      supported centres were invited to a psycho-educational session. A team of
      psychologists and cultural mediators then provided assessment and care for those
      identified with MH conditions. Potentially traumatic events experienced before
      and during the journey, as well as post-migratory living difficulties, were
      recorded. All those diagnosed with MH conditions from October 2014 to December
      2015 were included in the study. RESULTS: Among 385 individuals who presented
      themselves for a MH screening during the study period, 193 (50%) were identified
      and diagnosed with MH conditions. Most were young, West African males who had
      left their home-countries more than a year prior to arrival. The most common MH
      conditions were post traumatic stress disorder (31%) and depression (20%).
      Potentially traumatic events were experienced frequently in the home country
      (60%) and during migration (89%). Being in a combat situation or at risk of
      death, having witnessed violence or death and having been in detention were the
      main traumas. Lack of activities, worries about home, loneliness and fear of
      being sent home were the main difficulties at the AS centres. CONCLUSION: MH
      conditions, potentially traumatic events and post-migratory living difficulties
      are commonly experienced by recently-arrived ASs, this study suggests that mental
      health and psychosocial support and improved living circumstances should be
      integrated into European medical and social services provided by authorities in
      order to fulfil their humanitarian responsibility and reduce the burden of
      assimilation on receiving countries.

PMID- 28101128
TI  - Simultaneous determination of newly developed antiviral agents in pharmaceutical
      formulations by HPLC-DAD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir (Viekira Pak(r)) are the
      newest medicines approved for use in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and
      are available in tablet form as an oral combination. Specifically, these agents
      are indicated in the treatment of HCV in patients with genotype 1 infection. Due
      to the therapeutic importance and increased use of Viekira Pak, proper methods
      for its determination in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations must be developed.
      RESULTS: The present study describes the development and validation of a simple,
      rapid, selective and economical reverse phase high performance liquid
      chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method for the simultaneous
      determination of paritaprevir (PAR), ombitasvir (OMB), dasabuvir(DAS) and
      ritonavir (RIT) in bulk and pharmaceutical preparations. The proposed method was
      carried out using an RPC18 column (150 * 4.5 mm, 3.5 MU), with a mobile phase
      consisting of 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7)and acetonitrile (35:65, v/v) at a
      flow rate of 1 ml/min and a detection wavelength of 254 nm. Sorafenib (SOR) was
      selected as the internal standard to ensure that the quantitative performance was
      high. The method was validated based on its specificity, linearity, limit of
      detection, limit of quantitation, accuracy, precision, robustness and stability.
      The calibration curves for PAR, DAS, RIT and OMB were linear at 2.5-60, 1.25-30,
      1.7-40 and 0.42-10 MUg/ml, respectively, and all of the correlation coefficients
      were >0.999. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method was successfully applied for the
      determination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvirin tablets, without
      interference from the excipient peaks. Hence, the method can be applied for the
      routine quality control analysis of the studied drugs, either in bulk or dosed
      forms.Graphical abstractSimultaneous estimation of newly developed antiviral
      agents in pharmaceutical formulations by HPLC-DAD method.

PMID- 28101130
TI  - Silica-titania xerogel doped with Mo,P-heteropoly compounds for solid phase
      spectrophotometric determination of ascorbic acid in fruit juices,
      pharmaceuticals, and synthetic urine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ascorbic acid is one of the most important vitamins to monitor in
      dietary sources (juices and vitamins) and biological liquids. RESULTS: Silica and
      silica-titania xerogels doped with Mo,P-heteropoly compounds (HPC) have been
      synthesized varying titanium(IV) and HPC content in sol. Their surface area and
      porosity have been studied with nitrogen adsorption and scanning electron
      microscopy, their elemental composition has been studied with energy-dispersive X
      ray analysis. The redox properties of the sensor material with sufficient
      porosity and maximal HPC content have been studied with potentiometry and solid
      phase spectrophotometry and it has been used for solid phase spectrophotometric
      determination of ascorbic acid. The proposed method is characterized by good
      selectivity, simple probe pretreatment and broad analytical range (2-200 mg/L,
      LOD 0.7 mg/L) and has been applied to the analysis of fruit juices, vitamin
      tablets, and synthetic urine. CONCLUSIONS: New sensor material has been used for
      simple and selective solid phase spectrophotometric procedure of ascorbic acid
      determination in fruit juices, vitamin tablets, and synthetic urine.Graphical
      abstractWe synthesized several silica-titania xerogels doped with Mo,P-heteropoly
      compounds, studied their properties, and designed the sensor material for solid
      phase spectrophotometric determination of ascorbic acid in fruit juices,
      pharmaceuticals, and synthetic urine.

PMID- 28101129
TI  - A traditional poly herbal medicine "Le Pana Guliya" induces apoptosis in HepG2
      and HeLa cells but not in CC1 cells: an in vitro assessment.
AB  - "Le Pana Guliya" (LPG) is a polyherbal formulation which is used to treat
      different types of cancers in traditional medicine. In this study we describe in
      vitro efficacy and mechanism of action of LPG on two cancer cell lines (HepG2 and
      HeLa) compared with a normal cell line CC1. The MTT, LDH assays and protein
      synthesis were used to study antiproliferative activity of LPG while NO synthesis
      and GSH content were assayed to determine the oxidative stress exerted by LPG.
      Rhodamine 123 staining, caspase 3 activity, DNA fragmentation and microscopic
      examination of cells stained with ethidium bromide/acridine orange were used to
      identify the apoptosis mechanisms associated with LPG. The LPG showed the most
      potent antiproliferative effect against the proliferation of HepG2 and HeLa cells
      with an EC50 value of 2.72 +/- 1.36 and 19.03 +/- 2.63 ug/mL for MTT assay after
      24 h treatment respectively. In contrast, CC1 cells showed an EC50 value of
      213.07 +/- 7.71 ug/mL. Similar results were observed for LDH release. A dose
      dependent decrease in protein synthesis was shown in both cancer cell types
      compared to CC1 cells. The reduction of GSH content and elevation of cell
      survival with exogenous GSH prove that the LPG act via induction of oxidative
      stress. LPG also stimulates the production of NO and mediates oxidative stress.
      Rhodamine 123 assay shows the mitochondrial involvement in cell death by
      depletion of Deltapsi inducing downstream events in apoptosis. This results in
      increase in caspase-3 activity eventually DNA fragmentation and LPG induced
      apoptotic cell death. In conclusion the present study suggested that the LPG
      exerted an anticancer activity via oxidative stress dependent apoptosis.
      Therefore present study provides the scientific proof of the traditional
      knowledge in using LPG as an anticancer agent.

PMID- 28101131
TI  - Using flow technologies to direct the synthesis and assembly of materials in
      solution.
AB  - In the pursuit of materials with structure-related function, directing the
      assembly of materials is paramount. The resultant structure can be controlled by
      ordering of reactants, spatial confinement and control over the
      reaction/crystallisation times and stoichiometries. These conditions can be
      administered through the use of flow technologies as evidenced by the growing
      widespread application of microfluidics for the production of nanomaterials; the
      function of which is often dictated or circumscribed by size. In this review a
      range of flow technologies is explored for use in the control of self-assembled
      systems: including techniques for reagent ordering, mixing control and high
      throughput optimisation. The examples given encompass organic, inorganic and
      biological systems and focus on control of shape, function, composition and
      size.Graphical abstract.

PMID- 28101132
TI  - What are "good outcomes" in public mental health settings? A qualitative
      exploration of clients' and therapists' experiences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mental health field sees a surge of interest in Routine Outcome
      Monitoring, mandated by a wish to help better those not-on-track to recovery.
      What constitutes positive outcomes for these patients is not fully understood.
      AIMS: To contribute knowledge into what constitutes meaningful outcome concepts
      in the experiences of patients with long and complex mental health suffering and
      treatment, and the clinicians who work to help them. METHODS: A qualitative in
      depth study of 50 participants' experiences. Data are collected through focus
      groups and individual interviews, and analyzed using a team based structured
      thematic analytic approach. RESULTS: We found an overarching theme of outcome as
      an ongoing process of recovery, with the four constituent themes: (1)
      strengthening approach patterns for new coping; (2) embodying change reflected by
      others; (3) using new understandings developed in dialogue; and (4) integrating
      collaborative acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss our findings in light of
      existing empirical studies and different recovery concepts, and suggest that if
      outcomes monitoring is to become an integral part of routine practice, it might
      be beneficial to integrate an understanding of outcomes as ongoing processes of
      recovery within mental health suffering into these systems.

PMID- 28101134
TI  - Single cell isolation process with laser induced forward transfer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A viable single cell is crucial for studies of single cell biology.
      In this paper, laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) was used to isolate
      individual cell with a closed chamber designed to avoid contamination and
      maintain humidity. Hela cells were used to study the impact of laser pulse
      energy, laser spot size, sacrificed layer thickness and working distance. The
      size distribution, number and proliferation ratio of separated cells were
      statistically evaluated. Glycerol was used to increase the viscosity of the
      medium and alginate were introduced to soften the landing process. RESULTS: The
      role of laser pulse energy, the spot size and the thickness of titanium in energy
      absorption in LIFT process was theoretically analyzed with Lambert-Beer and a
      thermal conductive model. After comprehensive analysis, mechanical damage was
      found to be the dominant factor affecting the size and proliferation ratio of the
      isolated cells. An orthogonal experiment was conducted, and the optimal
      conditions were determined as: laser pulse energy, 9 MUJ; spot size, 60 MUm;
      thickness of titanium, 12 nm; working distance, 700 MUm;, glycerol, 2% and
      alginate depth, greater than 1 MUm. With these conditions, along with continuous
      incubation, a single cell could be transferred by the LIFT with one shot, with
      limited effect on cell size and viability. CONCLUSION: LIFT conducted in a closed
      chamber under optimized condition is a promising method for reliably isolating
      single cells.

PMID- 28101133
TI  - Temperament and character traits in female adolescents with nonsuicidal self
      injury disorder with and without comorbid borderline personality disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Temperament and character traits of adolescents with nonsuicidal self
      injury disorder (NSSI) might differentiate those- with and without comorbid
      borderline personality disorder (BPD). METHODS: Participants were 57 female
      adolescents with NSSI disorder without BPD (NSSI - BPD), 14 adolescents with NSSI
      disorder and BPD (NSSI + BPD), 32 clinical controls (CC), and 64 nonclinical
      controls (NC). Temperament and character traits were assessed with the Junior
      Temperament and Character Inventory, and impulsivity with the Barratt
      Impulsiveness Scale and a Go/NoGo task. RESULTS: Adolescents with NSSI disorder
      scored significantly higher on novelty seeking and harm avoidance and lower on
      persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness than CC. The NSSI + BPD group
      scored even higher than the NSSI - BPD group on novelty seeking and harm
      avoidance and lower on persistence and cooperativeness (d >= 0.72). Adolescents
      with NSSI reported higher levels of impulsivity than the CC and NC group.
      However, this difference was not found in a Go/NoGo task. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results provide further evidence for a distinct diagnostic entity of NSSI
      disorder.

PMID- 28101135
TI  - Towards the 10-year milestone of Journal of Biological Engineering.
AB  - October 10th, 2016 marked the 9th anniversary for the Journal of Biological
      Engineering (JBE), the official journal of Institute of Biological Engineering
      (IBE), published by BioMed Central. We are entering into the 10th year of its
      exciting and productive history. In this editorial, a brief history of JBE is
      summarized, along with a series of analyses on average number of citations,
      breakdown of topical subjects, geographical representations and so forth for all
      published articles in JBE. Future prospects and new directions of JBE are also
      described in this editorial.

PMID- 28101137
TI  - Validation of questionnaire on the Spiritual Needs Assessment for Patients (SNAP)
      questionnaire in Brazilian Portuguese.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Spirituality is related to the care and the quality of life of cancer
      patients. Thus, it is very important to assess their needs. The objective of this
      study was the translation and cultural adjustment of the Spiritual Needs
      Assessment for Patients (SNAP) questionnaire to the Brazilian Portuguese
      language. METHODOLOGY: The translation and cultural adjustment of the SNAP
      questionnaire involved six stages: backtranslation, revision of backtranslation,
      translation to the original language and adjustments, pre-test on ten patients,
      and test and retest with 30 patients after three weeks. Adult patients, with a
      solid tumour and literate with a minimum of four years schooling were included.
      For analysis and consistency we used the calculation of the Cronbach alpha
      coefficient and the Pearson linear correlation. RESULTS: The final questionnaire
      had some language and content adjustments compared to the original version in
      English. The correlation analysis of each item with the total score of the
      questionnaire showed coefficients above 0.99. The calculation of the Cronbach
      alpha coefficient was 0.9. The calculation of the Pearson linear correlation with
      the test and retest of the questionnaire was equal to 0.95. CONCLUSION: The SNAP
      questionnaire translated into Brazilian Portuguese is adequately reliable and
      consistent. This instrument allows adequate access to spiritual needs and can
      help patient care.

PMID- 28101136
TI  - Hepatic metastasis of thymoma: case report and immunohistochemical study.
AB  - Thymomas are rare tumours characterised by their slow growth and capacity to
      invade directly by contiguity. While distant dissemination is infrequent, all sub
      types of thymoma have the capacity to metastasise to extrathoracic organs. We
      present here the case of a female patient with a liver mass discovered 13 years
      after the removal of a mediastinal thymoma and after ten years from thyroidectomy
      for papillary carcinoma. The histopathological study showed that the lesion
      contained an epithelial component, which was immunohistochemically positive for
      pankeratin. It was accompanied by numerous small lymphocytes testing positive for
      TdT, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD99, and CD43. The result was consistent with hepatic
      metastatic thymoma sub-type B1, according to the World Health Organisation
      classification (WHO). Our case highlights the importance of morphological and
      immunohistological examinations in the differential diagnosis of visceral masses
      in patients with a history of thymoma. Given the infrequency of its metastasis
      and the increased risk of developing other primary tumours that these patients
      have, these studies play a significant role.

PMID- 28101138
TI  - Research engagement among black men with prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Black men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer
      (PCa) and often present with more aggressive disease. Nevertheless, black men are
      consistently underrepresented in research studies. We aimed to get more insight
      into the reasons for this reduced recruitment, as it is important for future
      research to include results that are also applicable to black men with PCa.
      METHODS: Two focus groups (n = 10 and n = 6) of black males currently under
      treatment for PCa at Guys Hospital, London, UK were held to gather information
      regarding the understanding of and exposure to research, as well as the barriers
      and facilitators for recruitment into research studies. RESULTS: Barriers to
      recruitment included; mistrust of researchers, lack of understanding of the
      research process and the mechanisms of PCa and a reliance on herbal medicine.
      Suggested facilitators for recruitment improvement included thorough explanations
      of the research process, media advertisement and word of mouth. Financial
      incentives were also discussed but received mixed reception. CONCLUSION: We
      uncovered a number of barriers to recruitment of black men with PCa into research
      and accompanying strategies for improving involvement. Many are consistent with
      the literature, emphasising that current efforts have not been successful in
      ameliorating the concerns of the black community. Beliefs in herbal medicine and
      aversion to financial incentives appear to be novel themes, and so further
      insight into these issues could prove beneficial.

PMID- 28101139
TI  - Solitary thyroid metastasis from colon cancer: a rare case report.
AB  - Malignant metastases to the thyroid are rare and are even rarer from a colorectal
      primary. As these metastases are often asymptomatic, they are usually discovered
      incidentally on imaging performed as follow-up for the primary tumour. In this
      report, we present a case of metastatic sigmoid adenocarcinoma to the thyroid
      diagnosed and treated at our institution.

PMID- 28101140
TI  - Radiation-induced breast angiosarcoma: a case report.
AB  - Radiation-induced breast angiosarcoma is a severe but rare late complication in
      the breast-preserving management of breast cancer through surgery and
      radiotherapy [1]. Often the initial diagnosis of this entity is complex given its
      relatively anodyne nature and usually being present in the form of typically
      multifocal reddish-purple papular skin lesions [2]. Because of the low incidence
      of this tumour, there is a limited number of studies regarding its optimal
      therapeutic management [3]. The preferred treatment is aggressive surgical
      removal and the prognosis is poor with an overall survival rate of 12-20% at five
      years [4].

PMID- 28101141
TI  - The principles of cancer staging.
AB  - The anatomic disease extent or tumour stage of a cancer at diagnosis as a
      determinant of prognosis is discussed. The importance of cancer stage in
      individual patient prognosis and determination of treatment is reviewed as well
      as its value in research and cancer control activities. The conflict between the
      need for stability of cancer stage definitions over time and the need to evolve
      with advances in medicine are examined. The ecancer elearning modules on Cancer
      Stage are introduced.

PMID- 28101142
TI  - Exploring accessibility of pretreated poplar cell walls by measuring dynamics of
      fluorescent probes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lignocellulosic cell wall network is resistant to enzymatic
      degradation due to the complex chemical and structural features. Pretreatments
      are thus commonly used to overcome natural recalcitrance of lignocellulose.
      Characterization of their impact on architecture requires combinatory approaches.
      However, the accessibility of the lignocellulosic cell walls still needs further
      insights to provide relevant information. RESULTS: Poplar specimens were
      pretreated using different conditions. Chemical, spectral, microscopic and
      immunolabeling analysis revealed that poplar cell walls were more altered by
      sodium chlorite-acetic acid and hydrothermal pretreatments but weakly modified by
      soaking in aqueous ammonium. In order to evaluate the accessibility of the
      pretreated poplar samples, two fluorescent probes (rhodamine B-isothiocyanate
      dextrans of 20 and 70 kDa) were selected, and their mobility was measured by
      using the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) technique in a full
      factorial experiment. The mobility of the probes was dependent on the
      pretreatment type, the cell wall localization (secondary cell wall and cell
      corner middle lamella) and the probe size. Overall, combinatory analysis of
      pretreated poplar samples showed that even the partial removal of hemicellulose
      contributed to facilitate the accessibility to the fluorescent probes. On the
      contrary, nearly complete removal of lignin was detrimental to accessibility due
      to the possible cellulose-hemicellulose collapse. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of
      plant cell wall accessibility through FRAP measurement brings further insights
      into the impact of physicochemical pretreatments on lignocellulosic samples in
      combination with chemical and histochemical analysis. This technique thus
      represents a relevant approach to better understand the effect of pretreatments
      on lignocellulose architecture, while considering different limitations as non
      specific interactions and enzyme efficiency.

PMID- 28101143
TI  - Clinical aspects of pancreatogenic diabetes secondary to hereditary pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hereditary pancreatitis is a rare inherited form of pancreatitis,
      characterized by recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis with early onset and/or
      chronic pancreatitis, and presenting brittle diabetes, composed of episodes of
      nonketotic hyperglycemia and severe hypoglycemia. The existing literature
      regarding this form of diabetes is scarce. In this report, clinical features of
      pancreatogenic diabetes secondary to hereditary pancreatitis are presented along
      with recommendations for appropriate medical treatment. RESULTS: Clinical data
      from five patients of a family with pancreatogenic diabetes secondary to
      hereditary pancreatitis were analyzed. The average time between hereditary
      pancreatitis and diabetes diagnosis was 80 +/- 24 months (range: 60-180 months)
      with a mean age of 25.6 +/- 14.7 years (range: 8-42 years), four patients used
      antidiabetic agents for 46 +/- 45 months and all progressed to insulin therapy
      with a mean dose of 0.71 +/- 0.63 IU/kg (range: 0.3-1.76 IU/kg). The glycemic
      control had a high variability with average capillary blood glucose of 217.00 +/-
      69.44 mg/dl (range: 145-306 mg/dl) and the average HbA1c was 9.9 +/- 1.9% (range:
      7.6-11.6%). No ketoacidosis episodes occurred and there were several episodes of
      hospitalization for severe hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus secondary
      to hereditary pancreatitis presents with early onset, diverse clinical
      presentation and with extremely labile glycemic control. Diabetes treatment
      varies according to the presentation and insulin is frequently necessary for
      glycemic control.

PMID- 28101144
TI  - Histopathological findings in systemic sclerosis-related myopathy: fibrosis and
      microangiopathy with lack of cellular inflammation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify specific
      histopathological features of skeletal muscle involvement in systemic sclerosis
      (SSc) patients. METHODS: A total of 35 out of 112 SSc-patients (32%, including
      81% female and 68% diffuse scleroderma) presenting clinical, biological and
      electromyographic (EMG) features of muscle weakness, were included. Patients
      underwent vastus lateralis biopsy, assessed for individual pathologic features
      including fibrosis [type I collagen (Coll-I), transforming growth factor beta
      (TGF-beta)], microangiopathy [cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), pro
      angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), anti-angiogenic VEGF
      A165b], immune/ inflammatory response [CD4, CD8, CD20, human leucocyte antigens
      ABC (HLA-ABC)], and membranolytic attack complex (MAC). SSc biopsies were
      compared with biopsies of (n = 35) idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and
      to (n = 35) noninflammatory myopathies (NIMs). Ultrastructural abnormalities of
      SSc myopathy were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
      RESULTS: Fibrosis in SSc myopathy (81%) is higher compared with IIM (32%, p <
      0.05) and with NIM (18%, p < 0.05). Vascular involvement is dominant in SSc
      muscle (92%), and in IIM (78%) compared with NIM (21%, p < 0.05). In particular,
      CD31 shows loss of endomysial vessels in SSc myopathy compared with IIM (p <
      0.05) and with NIM (p < 0.01). VEGF-A is downregulated in SSc myopathy compared
      with IIM (p < 0.05) and NIM (p < 0.05). Conversely, VEGF-A165b is upregulated in
      SSc myopathy. The SSc immune/inflammatory response suggested humoral process with
      majority (85%) HLA-ABC fibral neoexpression and complement deposits on endomysial
      capillaries MAC, compared with IIM (p < 0.05), characterized by CD4+/CD8+/B-cell
      infiltrate, and NIM (p < 0.05). TEM analysis showed SSc vascular alterations
      consisting of thickening and lamination of basement membrane and endothelial cell
      'swelling' coupled to endomysial/perimysial fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrosis,
      microangiopathy and humoral immunity are predominant in SSc myopathy, even if it
      is difficult to identify specific histopathological hallmarks of muscle
      involvement in SSc, since they could be present also in other (IIM/NIM)
      myopathies.

PMID- 28101145
TI  - Impact of physical activity and mechanical loading on biomarkers typically used
      in osteoarthritis assessment: current concepts and knowledge gaps.
AB  - There is an ongoing need to develop prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for
      osteoarthritis (OA). Understanding how biomarkers change in response to physical
      activity may be vital for understanding if a patient has a joint that is failing
      to adapt to a given loading stimulus. The purpose of this review is to describe
      how biomarker changes after joint loading may help detect early OA and determine
      prognosis. This may help to inform and more specifically target interventions and
      clinical trials. We conducted a critical review of the relevant literature that
      was published to January 2016. There is extensive OA biomarker research,
      specifically basal biomarker concentrations; however, there is limited research
      surrounding biomarker response to load. Some of this limited research includes
      the response of minimal biomarkers reflecting bone, synovium, inflammatory, and
      cartilage responses to load. Biomarker changes occur in bone and cartilage in
      response to a variety of activities and are influenced by variables such as body
      weight, load, vibration, and activity time. Biomarker responses to loading tasks
      may serve as a measure of overall joint health and be predictive of structural
      changes. Biomarkers adapt to training over time, and this may indicate a need for
      a gradual return to physical activity after an injury to allow time for joint
      tissues to adapt to load. Biomarker responses to physical activity may be
      monitored to determine appropriate loading levels and safety for return to
      activity.

PMID- 28101147
TI  - A double gallbladder with a common bile duct stone treated by laparoscopy
      accompanied by choledochoscopy via the cystic duct: A case report.
AB  - A double gallbladder is a rare congenital malformation. The present study
      describes a case of double gallbladder with secondary common bile duct stones. By
      way of laparoscopic choledochoscopy, the exploration and removal of a common bile
      duct stone was performed through the cystic duct. The process involved a primary
      suture of the cystic duct and was performed without using a T-tube, and completed
      a surgical removal of the gallbladder. The present case was successfully treated
      by laparoscopic surgery. From a review of previous studies published in the
      English language, this study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first report
      of such a case. Therefore, laparoscopic dissection is safe for the removal of a
      double gallbladder and for exploration of the common duct by choledochoscopy.

PMID- 28101146
TI  - Bone health in HIV and hepatitis B or C infections.
AB  - Chronic infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) add to age-dependent bone loss and may
      contribute to lower bone strength in the elderly. In this review, we report
      recent highlights on the epidemiology of bone fragility in chronic viral
      infections with HIV, HCV and HBV, its physiopathology and discuss the
      interference of antiviral therapies with bone metabolism. Chronic infections
      influence bone through the interactions between risk factors for bone fragility
      and falls (which are highly prevalent in infected patients), virus activity and
      antiviral drugs. HIV-infected patients are at increased risk of fracture and the
      risk is higher in cases of co-infection with HIV and untreated chronic viral
      hepatitis. In HIV patients, the majority of bone loss occurs during virus
      activity and at initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, long-term
      elderly HIV-infected patients on successful ART display bone microstructure
      alterations only partially captured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
      Bone loss is associated with an increase of bone resorption, reflecting the
      upregulation of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)
      and osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathways via a crosstalk between virus activity,
      inflammation and the immune system. The use of some antiviral drugs, such as
      tenofovir (controlling both HBV and HIV infections) or protease inhibitors, may
      be associated with higher bone toxicity. The reduction of tenofovir plasma
      concentrations with the implementation of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) attenuates
      bone mineral density (BMD) loss but it remains unknown whether it will contribute
      to reducing fracture risk in long-term HIV-treated patients. Moreover, to what
      extent the new direct-acting agents for treatment of HCV, including nucleotide
      inhibitors and protease inhibitors, may affect bone health similarly as ART in
      HIV should be investigated.

PMID- 28101148
TI  - Cell therapy for cerebral hemorrhage: Five year follow-up report.
AB  - The aim of the study was to examine treatment of cerebral hemorrhages with bone
      marrow or human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs or Hu-MSCs)
      and conventional surgical approaches, and determine and compare the
      effectiveness, feasibility, safety and reproducibility of each method. A
      retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of cell-treated cerebral
      hemorrhage patients from October 1, 2007 to October 1, 2009. A total of 24
      patients, all of whom received conventional surgical treatment, were classified
      as follows: i) The control group consisted of 8 patients who received only
      hematoma removal surgery, ii) the autologous group consisted of 7 patients who
      received additional autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation, and
      iii) the allograft group consisted of 9 patients who received additional
      umbilical cord mononuclear cell transplantation. After conventional hematoma
      removal surgery and X-ray supervision within 24 h and at 7 days, neurological
      disability and function tests were completed 3, 6, 12, 36 and 60 months later.
      The T-cell marker plasma levels were analyzed after 60 months. The results showed
      that, at approximately 3.5 months after graft the hematomas in all the groups
      were completely reabsorbed as observed on computed tomography scans. However, the
      functional outcomes in the cell-transplanted groups were better than in the
      control group after 5 years. While the National Institutes of Health Stroke
      Scale, modified Rankin score and modified Barthel index scores were simliar in
      the cell-transplanted groups, patients in the allograft group had better outcomes
      than those in the autologous graft group starting at 3 months and until the end
      of the follow-up period. The serum levels of T-cell markers CD4, CD56 and human
      leukocyte antigen-DR in the allograft group showed no signs of immunogenic graft
      complications and there were no significant differences in T-cell subtypes among
      the patient groups. The results of the present study suggest that, treatment of
      cerebral hemorrhage patients can be safely and effectively accomplished using Hu
      MSC grafting and larger clinical trials should be considered in the future.

PMID- 28101149
TI  - Effects of nano tantalum implants on inducing osteoblast proliferation and
      differentiation.
AB  - In the present study, we examined the effects of nano tantalum (Ta) dental
      implants on inducing osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. The MG-63
      osteoblasts were divided into 3 groups after recovery, passage and storage: i)
      Osteoblast culturing group (control group); ii) osteoblast and titanium (Ti)
      implant co-culturing group (Ti group); and iii) osteoblast and Ta implant co
      culturing group (Ta group). After 7 days, a scanning electron microscope was used
      to observe the growth status, number and morphological changes of the cells on
      the surfaces of the materials. An MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation
      after culturing for 1, 3 and 7 days. ELISA assay was used to detect the levels of
      alkaline phosphatase (ALP) after 1, 3 and 7 days. Western blot analysis was used
      to detect the expression levels of collagen type I (Col-1) and osteocalcin after
      1, 3 and 7 days. There was significant cell spreading on the surfaces of Ti and
      of Ta after 7 days, flat and with many pseudopodia. Additionally, there were more
      cell components in the Ta group. Concurrently, cell proliferation in the Ti and
      Ta groups increased. There was also an increase in the level of ALP and the
      expression level of Col-1 over time. The indexes of the Ta group were more
      apparent than those of the Ti group at each time-point, and the differences were
      statistically significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, compared with Ti implants, Ta
      implants induced more osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.

PMID- 28101150
TI  - Promising effects of Chinese traditional treatment for child typhoid complicated
      by myocarditis.
AB  - The clinical effects were compared and analyzed of traditional Chinese medicine
      (TCM) 'Ling Gui Long Mu soup' combined with the conventional Western medications
      in treating child typhoid complicated by myocarditis. From July, 2010 to May,
      2014, 54 children suffering from typhoid complicated by myocarditis were enrolled
      in the present study. The patients were divided into the observation and control
      groups (n=27 cases per group) according to the random number table. Patients in
      the observation group were treated with basic Western medicine combined with TCM
      'Ling Gui Long Mu soup' while patients in the control group were treated only
      with Western medicine. We analyzed the final curative effects in the two groups.
      The total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than
      that of the control group and the difference was statistically significant
      (P<0.05). The improvement rate of the syndrome in the TCM observation group was
      significantly higher than that in the control group and the difference was
      statistically significant (P<0.05). Although the C-reactive protein (CRP) and
      creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels in the two groups were decreased following
      the treatment, CRP and CK-MB levels in the observation group were further
      reduced, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In
      conclusion, for child typhoid complicated by myocarditis, TCM 'Ling Gui Long Mu
      soup' significantly improved the clinical efficiency of the treatment and
      improved the syndrome. Therefore, 'Ling Gui Long Mu soup' is useful in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 28101151
TI  - Effect of general anesthesia on serum beta-amyloid protein and regional cerebral
      oxygen saturation of elderly patients after subtotal gastrectomy.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of general
      anesthesia on serum beta-amyloid protein (Abeta) and regional cerebral oxygen
      saturation (rSO2) of elderly patients after subtotal gastrectomy. From June, 2014
      to December, 2015, among 168 patients undergoing subtotal gastrectomy, the Mini
      Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment was administered the
      day prior to surgery and the second and ninth days after the operation. In
      addition, we administered the tests to 168 healthy adult volunteers (healthy
      controls) who were treated in our hospital medical center in the same period.
      Near-infrared spectroscopy technology was used for continuous monitoring of the
      intraoperative rSO2, and the mean of intraoperative rSO2 was then calculated. Of
      the 168 patients, 28 developed postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and the
      remaining 140 patients were normal (control). The ELISA method was used to test
      the expression levels of serum Abeta in the three groups and statistical analyses
      were conducted. Serum Abeta level in the POCD group was significantly higher than
      that in the control and healthy control groups, and the difference was
      statistically significant (P<0.05). The rSO2 level in the patients with POCD was
      significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). The correlation analysis
      with Abeta as an independent variable and other factors as dependent variables
      revealed that the serum Abeta level negatively correlated with rSO2 (r=-1.6749,
      P<0.05). The combined Abeta and rSO2 may be useful for the diagnosis and
      prevention of POCD after subtotal gastrectomy under general anesthesia.

PMID- 28101152
TI  - The association between HERG gene expression and cardiac arrhythmia disease in
      children.
AB  - We explored the possible link between the expression of HERG gene and
      cardiomyopathy in children. From April 2013 to April 2015, 73 children with
      cardiac arrhythmia who were treated were enrolled in the present study to serve
      as the observation group. At the same time, 76 normal individuals were also
      enrolled as the control group. HERG expression level in the observation group was
      compared with the control group. To determine the level of HERG gene expression
      we used fluorescent directional PCR, enzyme immunoassay and western blot
      analysis. The results showed that HERG mRNA level in the observation group was
      significantly higher than that of the control group. The level of HERG protein in
      the observation group was significantly higher as well. In the observation group,
      HERG expression gradually increased with time during the course of the disease.
      This result suggested that HERG gene expression was associated with the severity
      of cardiac arrhythmia in children. HERG expression may be the cause of
      deterioration in cardiomyopathy. The results have provided a theoretical and
      practical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of children cardiomyopathy. Thus,
      we established a correlation between HERG expression and cardiac arrhythmia in
      children.

PMID- 28101153
TI  - Upregulated effects of miR-7 in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristic function of the
      upregulated effects of miR-7 in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA). After separating the MRSA in clinic, the expression of miR-7 mRNA was
      tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The overexpression,
      inhibition of miR-7, and control group were established by plasmid in vitro.
      Following transfection of the bacterial strain, the effect of beta-lactam
      antibiotics in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was observed using the
      microporous dilution method, and antibacterial effects in vitro were observed
      using the dynamic growth curve method. The expression of miR-7 in sensitive MRSA
      was upregulated distinctly, with significant difference (P<0.05). MIC and the
      number of bacteria in the miR-7 overexpression group significantly increased
      while the inhibition group decreased prominently, with significant difference
      (P<0.05). The control and null plasmid groups revealed no significant difference.
      In conclusion, miR-7 upregulated the antimicrobial activity of MRSA, and the
      intervention of its expression may become a possible antibacterial target.

PMID- 28101154
TI  - Minimally invasive open nephrectomy on children with multicystic dysplastic
      kidney.
AB  - The aim of the study was to summarize the preliminary experience of minimally
      invasive open nephrectomy operation on children with multicystic dysplastic
      kidney (MCDK). A retrospective review was performed on the clinical materials of
      the 15 children that had accepted consecutive minimally invasive open
      nephrectomies during the previous 2 years. The enrolled children were diagnosed
      with unilateral MCDK under computed tomography, emission computerized tomography
      and ultrasound and no anomaly in the contralateral functioning kidney was found.
      Of the 15 children, 12 were boys and 3 were girls, with 5 cases on the right and
      10 cases on the left. Operations were completed at the retroperitoneal space in
      order to open an incision on the waists and ribs of the children, the length of
      which ranged from 1.5 to 2.0 cm (average 1.7 cm). The age of the children at
      operation ranged from 3 months to 5.6 years old, with an average of 2.4 years
      old. Surgery lasted for 30-50 min, with an average of 34.6 min. The estimated
      blood loss of each child was <5 ml. After operation, prophylactic intravenous
      antibiotics were administered for 2-4 days to prevent infection. All of the
      operations proved very successful. Following surgery the children were
      hospitalized for 2-4 days for observation, with an average of 2.8 days. No
      complications occurred during the follow-up period. In conclusion, minimally
      invasive open nephrectomy is effective for children with MCDK. The procedure is
      superior with regard to operative time, cosmesis, and length of stay. It is a
      safe and effective treatment choice for patietns with MCDK and can be easily
      performed on children.

PMID- 28101155
TI  - The 5-HT2A receptor potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 signaling pathway in a rat
      incision pain model.
AB  - Postoperative pain is a critical problem in clinical pain administration. Due to
      the unclear formation mechanism of postoperative pain, the treatment of
      postoperative pain is still in the symptomatic treatment stage and lacking
      satisfactory analgesic effect. Postoperative pain can be simulated by using a rat
      incision pain model. We observed changes in pain-related behavior of rats
      affected by the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist, TCB-2, and
      antagonist, ketanserin, through intrathecal delivery. The transcription and
      translation level of potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) in the spinal cord
      was also measured to investigate the role of the 5-HT2AR-KCC2 pathway in the
      mechanism of incision pain. Compared with the control group, rats in the incision
      pain group had decreased mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), with significant
      differences on day 1-7 after surgery, and significant decreases in thermal
      withdrawal latency (TWL) on days 1, 2, 3 and 6 (P<0.05). Compared with the
      incision + dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, MWT and TWL decreased in the incision
      + ketanserin group on day 1 and 2 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference
      detected in TWL of incision + TCB-2 group on day 1, while MWT increased
      significantly compared to the incision + DMSO group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the
      transcription and translation levels of KCC2 in the incision + ketanserin group
      decreased significantly in comparison to the incision + DMSO group (P<0.05),
      while an increase was detected in the incision + TCB-2 group (P<0.05). MWT and
      TWL decreased in the incision pain rats, accompanied with a decreased
      transcription and translation level of KCC2. Intrathecal delivery of the 5-HT2AR
      agonist, TCB-2, alleviated the decreased WMT and inhibited the decreased
      transcription and translation level of KCC2, while intrathecal delivery of the 5
      HT2AR antagonist, ketanserin, aggravated the decreased WMT and transcription and
      translation levels of KCC2, suggesting the involement of the 5-HT2AR-KCC2 pathway
      in the formation mechanism of incision pain in rats.

PMID- 28101156
TI  - Clinical and microbiological profile of babies born with risk of neonatal sepsis.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of antibiotics on the
      condition of babies born with risk of neonatal sepsis. From March, 2014 to
      February, 2015, 200 neonates born with risk factors of septicemia in the Neonatal
      Intensive Care Unit at Xuzhou Central Hospital, were enrolled in the present
      study. Venous blood samples were collected within 6 h of birth using aseptic
      technique. Part of the blood specimens were cultured using BACTEC PEDS PLUS/F
      Culture Vials. Subsequently, the subcultures were prepared from each presumptive
      positive vial and bacterial isolates were identified. The remaining portion was
      used to measure the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and total leukocyte count
      (TLC). The result showed that 32% of neonates were infected, of whom, 21.9% had
      Staphylococcus aureus, 21.9% had Acinetobacter Baumanni, and 12.5% had Klebsiella
      pneumoniae. Additionally, Staphylococcus epidermis, Enteroccus spp., Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa and E. coli was isolated from 9.4, 7.8, 6.3 and 4.7% of neonates,
      respectively. The neonates enrolled in the present study had >=1 risk factor for
      neonatal sepsis, and the average number of risk factors was 1.95 per neonate.
      Neonates (39.1%) with positive blood culture results, had a CRP level >0.8 mg/dl,
      and 12.5% was shown to have an abnormal increase in their leukocyte counts. The
      association between leukocyte counts and blood culture results was not
      statistically significant. Of the neonates with positive blood cultures 45.3%
      died within 7 days after birth, while there was no mortality among those with
      negative culture results. The results indicate that in the presence of risk
      factors for sepsis, irrespective of clinical features of septicemia, neonatal
      sepsis screening should be performed. Rational and appropriate use of antibiotics
      may minimize the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria in neonatal units.

PMID- 28101157
TI  - Functional analysis of keratinocyte and fibroblast gene expression in skin and
      keloid scar tissue based on deviation analysis of dynamic capabilities.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to select key genes that are associated with
      fibroblasts and keratinocytes during keloid scar progression and development. The
      gene expression profile of GSE44270, which includes 32 samples, was downloaded
      from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs)
      in case samples compared with control samples were screened using the Limma R
      package followed by hierarchical clustering analysis. Protein-protein interaction
      (PPI) networks of the total selected DEGs were constructed using Cytoscape.
      Moreover, the Gene Ontology biological processes and significant Kyoto
      Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of the total selected DEGs were
      enriched using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated
      Discovery. Significant pathways that may be associated with keloid scar were
      analyzed using deviation analysis of dynamic capabilities. There were 658 DEGs in
      fibroblast keloid vs. normal, 112 DEGs in fibroblast non-lesion vs. normal, 439
      DEGs in fibroblast keloid vs. non-lesion, 523 DEGs in keratocyte keloid vs.
      normal, 186 DEGs in keratocyte non-lesion vs. normal, and 963 DEGs in keratocyte
      keloid vs. non-lesion groups. HOXA9, BMP4, CDKN1A and SMAD2 in fibroblasts, and
      HOXA7, MCM8, PSMA4 and PSMB2 in keratinocytes were key genes in the PPI networks.
      Moreover, the amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathway, cell cycle,
      and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction pathway were significant
      pathways. This study suggests that several key genes (BMP4, HOXA9, SMAD2, CDKN1A,
      HOXA7, PSMA4 and PSMB2) that participate in some significant pathways (cell cycle
      and ECM-receptor interaction pathways) may be potential therapeutic targets for
      keloid scars.

PMID- 28101159
TI  - Clinical effects of FURL and PCNL with holmium laser for the treatment of kidney
      stones.
AB  - In the present study, the clinical effects of flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy
      (FURL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for the treatment of kidney stones
      of <=2 cm was studied. Seventy-two patients with kidney stones were randomly
      divided into the FURL group (n=39) under ureteroscope lithotripsy with holmium
      laser and PCNL group (n=33) under PCNL with holmium laser and compared their
      clinical effects. At 3 months after the operation, the stone removal rate of the
      FURL group was significantly higher than that of the PCNL group. The subgroup
      analysis revealed that the difference in the lower kidney calyx was more obvious
      (P<0.05) while the difference in the complex kidney stones was not statistically
      significant (P>0.05). The incidence of complications of the FURL group was
      significantly lower than that of the PCNL group (P<0.05). The operation time and
      recurrence rate of the FURL group were significantly less than that of the PCNL
      group (P<0.05). Differences regarding the creatinine and urea nitrogen levels
      before operation, and 3 and 7 days after the operation between the two groups
      were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Additionally, 3 and 7 days after
      operation, the cystatin C levels of the FURL group were significantly higher than
      those of the PCNL group, and the KIM-1 levels were significantly lower than the
      PCNL group (P<0.05). In conclusion, compared with PCNL with holmium laser, FURL
      with holmium laser was more safe and effective in treating kidney stones <=2 cm.
      Therefore, the method is worthy of wide application in clinic.

PMID- 28101158
TI  - Prevalence of carbapenemases among high-level aminoglycoside-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in a university hospital in China.
AB  - The prevalence of aminoglycoside resistant enzymes has previously been reported
      and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase among Acinetobacter baumannii. To track the
      risk of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii, the present study aimed to determine
      the prevalence of carbapenemases in high-level aminoglycoside resistant A.
      baumannii over two years. A total of 118 strains of A. baumannii were
      consecutively collected in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical
      College, Chengdu, China. These isolates were investigated on the genetic basis of
      their resistance to aminoglycosides. The results showed that 75 (63.56%) isolates
      were high-level resistant to aminoglycosides, including gentamicin and amikacin
      (minimum inhibitory concentration, >=256 ug/ml). Aminoglycoside-resistant genes
      ant(2")-Ia, aac(6')-Ib, aph(3')-Ia, aac(3)-Ia, aac(3)-IIa, armA, rmtA, rmtB,
      rmtC, rmtD, rmtE, rmtF, rmtG, rmtH and npmA, and carbapenem-resistant genes
      blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-51, blaOXA-58, blaSIM, blaIMP, blaNDM-1 and blaKPC,
      were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction. The positive rate of ant(2")-Ia,
      aac(6')-Ib, aph(3')-Ia, aac(3)-Ia and aac(3)-IIa was 66.95, 69.49, 42.37, 39.83
      and 14.41%, respectively. armA was present in 72.0% (54/75) of A. baumannii
      isolates with high-level resistance to aminoglycosides. The remaining nine 16S
      ribosomal RNA methlyase genes (rmtA, rmtB, rmtC, rmtD, rmtE, rmtF, rmtG, rmtH and
      npmA) and aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme gene aac(6')-Ib-cr were not detected.
      Among the 54 armA-positive isolates, the prevalence of the carbapenem resistant
      blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 genes was 79.63 and 100%, respectively. armA, ant(2")-Ia
      and aac(6')-Ib were positive in 43 isolates. The results of multilocus sequence
      typing revealed 31 sequence types (STs) in all clinical strains. Among these STs,
      the high-level aminoglycoside-resistant A. baumannii ST92, which mostly harbored
      blaOXA-23, was the predominant clone (29/75). In conclusion, A. baumannii
      harboring carbapenemases and aminoglycoside-resistant enzymes are extremely
      prevalent in western China, emphasizing the need to adopt surveillance programs
      to solve the therapeutic challenges that this presents.

PMID- 28101160
TI  - Facile mechanical shaking method is an improved isolation approach for islet
      preparation and transplantation.
AB  - Successful islet isolation is crucial for islet transplantation and cell
      treatment for type 1 diabetes. Current isolation methods are able to obtain 500
      1,000 islets per rat, which results in a waste of >=50% of total islets. In the
      present study, a facile mechanical shaking method for improving islet yield (up
      to 1,500 per rat) was developed and summarized, which was demonstrated to be more
      effective than the existing well-established stationary method. The present
      results showed that isolated islets have a maximum yield of 1,326+/-152 when
      shaking for 15 min for the fully-cannulated pancreas. For both fully-cannulated
      and half-cannulated pancreas in the presence of rat DNAse inhibitor, the optimal
      shaking time was amended to 20 min with a further increased yield of 1,344+/-134
      and 1,286+/-124 islets, respectively. Furthermore, the majority of the isolated
      islets were morphologically intact with a well-defined surface and almost no
      central necrotic zone, which suggested that the condition of islets obtained via
      the mechanical shaking method was consistent with the stationary method. Islet
      size distribution was also calculated and it was demonstrated that islets from
      the stationary method exhibited the same size distribution as the non-cannulated
      group, which had more larger islets than the fully-cannulated and half-cannulated
      groups isolated via the shaking method. In addition, the results of glucose
      challenge showed that the refraction index of each group was >2.5, which
      indicated the well-preserved function of isolated islets. Furthermore, the
      transplanted islets exhibited a therapeutic effect after 1 day of
      transplantation; however, they failed to control blood glucose levels after ~7
      days of transplantation. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the
      facile mechanical shaking method may markedly improve the yield of rat islet
      isolation, and in vitro and in vivo investigation demonstrated the well-preserved
      function of isolated islets in the control of blood glucose. Therefore, the
      facile mechanical shaking method may be an alternative improved procedure to
      obtain higher islet yield for islet preparation and transplantation in the
      treatment of type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 28101161
TI  - Clinical effect of hydrocolloid dressings in prevention and treatment of infant
      diaper rash.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the application of hydrocolloid dressings
      in the prevention and treatment of infant diaper rash. A total of 210 infants
      with diaper rash were included in the study and randomized into 3 groups of 70
      infants. Infants in group A received hydrocolloid dressings and individualized
      nursing; infants in group B received mupirocin plaster and topical application of
      pearl powder as well as routine nursing; and infants in group C received zinc
      oxide plaster and routine nursing. The clinical efficacy, incidence of adverse
      events, time to resolution of diaper rash, hospitalization duration, mean cost
      and satisfaction of nursing were compared between the 3 groups. After 1 cycle of
      treatment and nursing, the difference in the healing rate of mild diaper rash
      between groups A, B and C was significant (P<0.05), with the best healing rate in
      group A. Differences in the healing rate of grade I and II diaper rash between
      groups A, B and C was significant (P<0.05), with the best healing rate in group
      A. The incidence of adverse events in infants between groups A, B and C were
      significantly different (P<0.05), with the lowest incidence in group A (2.9%).
      The time to resolution of diaper rash, hospitalization duration and cost in
      infants were not significantly different (P<0.05). The satisfaction rate of
      nursing for the parents of groups A, B and C was 98.6, 87.1 and 80.0%,
      respectively (P<0.05). Hydrocolloid dressings combined with individualized
      nursing may prevent and treat infant diaper rash effectively, decrease the
      incidence of adverse reactions significantly, shorten time to resolution of
      diaper rash and hospitalization duration, reduce mean hospitalization cost,
      improve parent satisfaction and promote nursing-patient harmony. Thus, this
      method of treatment was worthy of clinical application.

PMID- 28101162
TI  - Correlation between high perfusion syndrome and stent restenosis after stent
      implantation.
AB  - The present study was conducted to determine the correlation between high
      perfusion syndrome and stent restenosis after cerebral vascular stent
      implantation. A total of 146 patients diagnosed with cerebral vascular stenosis
      and stent implantation were selected. A total of 55 cases (37.67%) of cerebral
      hyperperfusion syndrome patients were diagnosed by xenon-enhanced computer
      tomography (Xe-CT) examination and clinical symptoms within 3 days after surgery
      and were chosen as the observation group. A total of 91 cases were selected as
      the control group. After treatment, blood flow of the anterior cerebral artery,
      middle cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, anterior border zone,
      posterior border zone and the inner border zone of the two groups increased, with
      values in the observation group increasing more significantly, and the
      differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The rate of restenosis and
      target lesion diameter one month and one year after operation in the observation
      group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05).
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the mean systolic blood
      pressure (mSBP), mean diastolic blood pressure (mDBP), stenosis rate of cerebral
      vascular diameter and high perfusion syndrome were independent risk factors for
      restenosis (P<0.05). The application of Xe-CT examination is important for early
      diagnosis of hyperperfusion syndrome. Hyperperfusion syndrome and the occurrence
      of stent restenosis are closely related. mSBP, mDBP, cerebral blood vessel
      diameter stenosis rate and high perfusion comprehensive syndrome are the
      independent risk factors of restenosis.

PMID- 28101163
TI  - Expression of adrenomedullin in rats after spinal cord injury and intervention
      effect of recombinant human erythropoietin.
AB  - The expression of adrenomedullin (ADM) in injured tissue of rat spinal cord was
      observed and the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin was analyzed. A total
      of 45 Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and divided into 3 equal groups
      including, a sham-operation group in which rats received an excision of vertebral
      plate; a spinal cord injury model group and a recombinant human erythropoietin
      group in which rats with spinal cord injury received a caudal vein injection of
      300 units recombinant human erythropoietin after injury. Hematoxylin and eosin
      staining was performed to observe the spinal cord injury conditions.
      Immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the expression of ADM.
      Pathologic changes in the group of recombinant human erythropoietin at various
      times were significantly less severe than those in the group of spinal cord
      injury model. The expression of ADM was increased particularly in the group of
      recombinant human erythropoietin (P<0.01). The improved Tarlov scores of the
      group of spinal cord injury model and the group of recombinant human
      erythropoietin were lower than those of the sham-operation group at 3, 6 and 9
      days (P<0.01). Thus, the recombinant human erythropoietin is capable of
      alleviating the secondary injury of spinal cord. One of the mechanisms may be
      achieved by promoting the increase of ADM expression.

PMID- 28101164
TI  - Paeoniflorin attenuates hippocampal damage in a rat model of vascular dementia.
AB  - Paeoniflorn (PF), the principal bioactive component of Paeoniae radix prescribed
      in traditional Chinese medicine, possesses a wide range of biological effects and
      exhibits neuroprotective effects in numerous diseases. Previous studies have
      demonstrated that PF significantly attenuates memory impairment in rats with
      vascular dementia (VD). In the present study, a bilateral common carotid artery
      occlusion (BCCAO) rat model was used to explore the underlying mechanisms of PF.
      The expression levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100beta, B-cell lymphoma
      2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein, cytochrome c and brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus were measured by western blot
      analysis. The results showed that administration of PF for 28 days significantly
      decreased the expression levels of NSE and S100beta, both sensitive markers for
      brain damage, in vascular dementia (VD) model rats. In addition, PF inhibited the
      initiation of apoptotic cell death and attenuated the decreased expression levels
      of BDNF induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. These data confirm
      the neuroprotective effects of PF on VD and provide a novel insight into the long
      term use of PF as a potential treatment in the stages of early cognitive
      impairment in VD.

PMID- 28101165
TI  - Functions of microRNA-143 in the apoptosis, invasion and migration of
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common cancer characterized by poor prognosis
      in areas of Southern China where it is endemic. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of
      naturally occurring small noncoding RNAs, some of which contribute to the
      initiation and development of cancer. The current study was designed to examine
      the expression level of miR-143 in NPC tissues. The potential functional targets
      of miR-143 involved in tumor apoptosis, invasion and migration were also
      investigated. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was
      used to evaluate the expression levels of miR-143 in clinical NPC specimens.
      Western blotting was used to explore the expression levels of extracellular
      signal regulated kinase (ERK)-5, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog
      (KRAS), caspase 3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in CNE-2Z cells following
      transfection with miR-143. Significantly decreased expression levels of miR-143
      were observed in NPC tissues in comparison with matched normal nasopharyngeal
      tissues. Moreover, negative associations of miR-143 with tumor invasion depth, as
      well as lymph node metastasis were found. The enforced expression of miR-143
      induced NPC cell apoptosis in addition to the suppression of growth, migration
      and invasion. The functions of miR-143 in NPC are mediated, at least in part, by
      the inhibition of ERK-5 activity and promotion of caspase 3 and KRAS expression.
      These findings suggest that miR-143 may function as a tumor suppressor in the
      development and progression of NPC.

PMID- 28101166
TI  - Hsp70 inducer, 17-allylamino-demethoxygeldanamycin, provides neuroprotection via
      anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the predominant cause of mortality in young
      adults and children living in China. TBI induces inflammatory responses; in
      addition, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta),
      and IL-6 are important pro-inflammatory cytokines. Considering the observation
      that Hsp-70 overexpression can exert neuroprotection, identifying a drug that is
      able to induce the upregulation of Hsp70 has the potential to be a promising
      therapy for the treatment of neurological diseases. Thus, the present study
      assessed the clinical effectiveness of an anticancer drug and Hsp70 activator, 17
      allylamino-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), to evaluate its potential as a
      treatment for patients with TBI. The aim of present study was to determine the
      neuroprotective effects of 17-AAG following trauma and to investigate the
      underlying mechanisms of action. To establish rat models, rats were subjected to
      a controlled cortical impact injury and randomly divided into vehicle or 17-AAG
      groups. In the 17-AAG group, rats were administered with an intraperitoneal
      injection of 17-AAG (80 mg/kg) immediately following the establishment of TBI.
      The motor function was measured using Neurologic Severity Score, and neuronal
      death was evaluated using immunofluorescence. The expression levels of GLT-1, Bcl
      2 and Hsp-70 were detected by western blot analysis and the expression levels of
      inflammatory cytokines were quantified using ELISA. The present study determined
      that 17-AAG significantly reduced brain edema and motor neurological deficits
      (P<0.05), in addition to increasing neuronal survival. The aforementioned
      findings are associated with a downregulation of the expression levels of pro
      inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6. Conversely, no significant
      changes of glutamate transporter-1 expression were observed. The present results
      suggest that 17-AAG treatment may provide a neuroprotective effect by reducing
      inflammation following TBI.

PMID- 28101167
TI  - Protective approaches against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury.
AB  - Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion is the leading cause for the events of
      cardiovascular disease, and is considered as a major contributor to the morbidity
      and mortality associated with coronary occlusion. The myocardial damage caused by
      ischemia-reperfusion injury constitutes the primary pathological manifestation of
      coronary artery disease. It results from the interaction between the substances
      that accumulate during ischemia and those that are delivered on reperfusion. The
      level of this damage can range from a small insult resulting in limited
      myocardial damage to a large injury culminating in myocyte death. Importantly,
      major ischemia-reperfusion injury to the heart can result in permanent disability
      or death. Given the worldwide prevalence of coronary artery disease, developing a
      strategy to provide cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion-induced damage
      is of great importance. Currently, the treatment of reperfusion injury following
      ischemia is primarily supportive, since no specific target-oriented therapy has
      been validated thus far. Nevertheless, therapeutic approaches to protect against
      myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury remain an active area of investigation
      given the detrimental effects of this phenomenon.

PMID- 28101168
TI  - CT-guided 125I seed implantation for inoperable retroperitoneal sarcoma: A
      technique for delivery of local tumor brachytherapy.
AB  - Radical surgery is currently the first treatment of choice for retroperitoneal
      soft tissue sarcoma (RSTS). However, the prognosis of RSTS remains poor due to
      ineffective local control and a high incidence of metastasis after surgical
      resection. Brachytherapy has been shown to safely provide local radiotherapy for
      numerous types of cancer when used alone or in combination with surgical
      resection, but has not been well characterized in the management of RSTS. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate CT-guided 125I seed implantation for local control
      and pain relief in the treatment of inoperable RSTS. A total of 23 patients with
      RSTS were treated with 125I implantation. Pain was assessed using a visual analog
      scale. Other endpoints were evaluated via computed tomography scan or phone
      call/e-mail records. The occurrence of complications was assessed preoperatively
      (baseline) and during postoperatively follow-up or until patient succumbed. All
      patients were successfully treated with 125I implantation. A mean number of 70.87
      radioactive seeds were applied in each patient. During the follow-up, two
      patients were unaccounted for, local recurrence occurred in three patients, five
      succumbed and complications were observed in sixteen. The patient's VAS score
      changed from 7.4 preoperatively to 7.6, 2.3, 2.0, 1.2, 1.5, 1.4 and 2.5 at 24 h,
      1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after the procedure, respectively. Good local
      control and significant pain relief after 125I seed implantation was observed in
      patients with inoperable RSTS. Thus, the present results suggest that this method
      could be an effective treatment option for patients with inoperable RSTS.

PMID- 28101170
TI  - Extramedullary hematopoiesis: A report of two cases.
AB  - Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is defined as hematopoiesis occurring in
      organs outside of the bone marrow. The present report describes two cases of
      thalassemic patients with paraspinal medullary hematopoiesis and analyzes the
      clinical manifestations, imaging, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of EMH. In
      addition, a supplementary review of previously published cases is provided along
      with a review of the related literature. Computed tomography (CT) of the first
      case revealed multiple paraspinal masses, and the largest was 6.2*8.0 cm in
      diameter. Likewise, CT of the second patient revealed multiple paraspinal masses
      in the bottom of the left thoracic cavity, and the largest was measured 10.1*10.5
      cm. The two cases underwent surgical biopsy and the findings were compatible with
      a diagnosis of EMH. In conclusion, EMH is a compatible and rare disease, and
      should be distinguished from other neoplasms. EMH must considered when masses
      with characteristic radiologic appearance are detected in patients with
      thalassemia intermedia.

PMID- 28101171
TI  - Effect of glucocorticoid on cytokines TLR9 and TLR7 in peripheral blood for
      patients with uveitis.
AB  - The effect of glucocorticoid on cytokines Toll-like receptor (TLR)9 and TLR7 in
      peripheral blood of patients with uveitis was explored. Forty-six patients with
      uveitis admitted to our hospital from April 2014 to April 2015 were selected as
      the research observational group. Thirty-five able-bodied individuals in the same
      period were selected as the control group. To treat uveitis, the observational
      group was injected with glucocorticoid (1-2 mg/kg/day) daily, while the control
      group did not receive any treatment. The quantity of expression of peripheral
      blood cytokines TLR9 and TLR7 were detected by the methods of fluorescence
      quantitative PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. The
      content of peripheral blood TLR9 and TLR7 (0.21+/-0.01, 0.19+/-0.01) decreased
      significantly (P<0.05) in observational group after glucocorticoid treatment.
      Compared with data of control group (0.21+/-0.01, 0.19+/-0.01), TLR9 and TLR7
      content in peripheral blood after glucocorticoid treatment on the patients with
      uveitis from observation group (0.19+/-0.01, 0.17+/-0.01) did not show any
      significant difference, for correlation between TLR9 and TLR7 in observation
      group before and after treatment. It was observed that the cytokine content of
      TLR9 was associated with TLR7 positively (r=0.653, P=0.012). In conclusion,
      glucocorticoid can improve uveitis by reducing the content of cytokines TLR9 and
      TLR7 in peripheral blood.

PMID- 28101169
TI  - Role of Wnt/beta-catenin, Wnt/c-Jun N-terminal kinase and Wnt/Ca2+ pathways in
      cisplatin-induced chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to explore the expression of Wnt signaling
      proteins beta-catenin, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Ca2+/calmodulin
      dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in ovarian cancer cells, and assess the
      correlation between this expression and cisplatin-induced chemoresistance. SKOV3
      ovarian carcinoma cells and SKOV3/DDP (cisplatin resistant) cells were treated
      with cisplatin in the absence or presence of a Wnt signaling activator (CHIR
      99021, glycogen synthase kinase 3beta inhibitor) or inhibitor (XAV-939, tankyrase
      inhibitor). Following incubation for 48 h, cell viability, proliferation and
      cytotoxicity were measured using a sensitive colorimetric cell counting kit.
      Expression levels of beta-catenin, JNK and CaMKII were detected by western blot
      and immunofluorescence staining. The results of the current study identified that
      beta-catenin and JNK expression levels were significantly higher (P<0.01 and
      P<0.05 respectively), while CaMKII expression was lower (P>0.05), in SKOV3/DDP
      cells compared with SKOV3 cells. Moreover, following treatment with 20 uM
      cisplatin, reduced expression of beta-catenin and JNK (P<0.05 and P<0.01
      respectively), and increased expression of CaMKII (P<0.01), was observed in SKOV3
      and SKOV3/DPP cell lines. Furthermore, inhibition of beta-catenin signaling by
      XAV-939 effectively reversed cisplatin chemoresistance in SKOV3/DDP cells.
      Similarly, XAV-939 downregulated JNK expression (P<0.001), but upregulated CaMKII
      expression (P<0.001), in SKOV3/DDP cells. In conclusion, abnormal activation of
      Wnt/beta-catenin and Wnt/JNK signaling pathways in ovarian cancer cells promotes
      cisplatin resistance, while the Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway reduces cisplatin
      resistance. This indicates that beta-catenin, JNK and CaMKII are potential
      therapeutic targets in chemoresistant ovarian cancers.

PMID- 28101172
TI  - Adenosine triphosphate stress 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile gated myocardial
      perfusion imaging efficacy in diagnosing stent restenosis following coronary
      stent implantation.
AB  - Coronary stent restenosis rate following implantation is considerably high. The
      adenosine stress gated myocardial perfusion imaging (G-MPI) method has been
      widely used in the diagnosis, risk stratification and prognosis evaluation of
      coronary heart disease; however, the high cost of adenosine limits its clinical
      application. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of
      adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stress 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI)
      G-MPI for diagnosis in-stent restenosis following coronary stent implantation.
      Data from 66 patients with typical angina pectoris symptoms who had undergone
      percutaneous coronary stent implantation >3 months prior to participation in the
      study were analyzed. All the patients underwent ATP stress 99mTc-MIBI G-MPI and
      coronary artery angiography as the criterion diagnostic standard within 1 month.
      The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ATP stress 99mTc-MIBI G-MPI in the
      assessment of in-stent restenosis were calculated. In addition, Fisher's exact
      probability methods were used to compare differences between experimental groups.
      Among 66 patients with a total of 99 implanted coronary arterial branches, 39
      patients (59%) with 45 coronary arteries (45%) presented in-stent restenosis. The
      diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive and negative
      predictive value of ATP stress 99mTc-MIBI G-MPI for assessing stent restenosis in
      all patients were 85, 89, 86, 92 and 80%, respectively. Similarly, these values
      in patients with myocardial infarction were 79, 88, 83, 88 and 78%, respectively,
      while in patients without myocardial infarction the values were 90, 91, 90, 95
      and 83%, respectively. Therefore, the diagnostic efficacy of ATP stress 99mTc
      MIBI G-MPI in patients without myocardial infarction was higher compared with
      those with myocardial infarction; however, no significant difference was observed
      between the two groups. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy
      for diagnosing LAD stent restenosis were higher compared with LCX and RCA stent
      restenosis, but with no significant differences observed (P>0.05). The present
      results indicated that ATP stress 99mTc-MIBI G-MPI had a high clinical
      application value for diagnosing in-stent restenosis following coronary stent
      implantation as a non-invasive examination tool, with the advantages of safety
      and low cost.

PMID- 28101173
TI  - Particularly interesting Cys-His-rich protein is highly expressed in human
      intracranial aneurysms and resists aneurysmal rupture.
AB  - Particularly interesting Cys-His-rich protein (PINCH) has several biological
      functions in cancer development, invasion and metastasis in malignant cells, and
      the expression of PINCH is upregulated in several cancer types, including breast
      cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma and rectal cancer. However, the contribution of
      PINCH to human cerebral aneurysms remains largely unknown. Therefore, the
      significance of PINCH expression in cerebral aneurysm growth and rupture was
      examined in the present study. The protein expression levels of alpha-smooth
      muscle actin, osteopontin (OPN), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 and PINCH were
      evaluated using immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses. The results
      demonstrate that the protein expression levels of OPN, MMP9 and PINCH in the
      unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UA) and ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RA)
      groups were markedly higher than those of the control group, whereas OPN and
      PINCH expression levels were decreased in the RA group compared to those of the
      UA group. In addition, there was a strong correlation between PINCH and tumor
      size (r=0.650 and P=0.0026), as well as between PINCH and OPN (r=0.639 and
      P=0.0033) in the unruptured cerebral aneurysms. However, the correlation between
      PINCH and tumor size (r=0.450 and P=0.1393) and between PINCH and OPN (r=0.366
      and P=0.2426) revealed no obvious difference in the ruptured cerebral aneurysms.
      In conclusion, PINCH was highly expressed in the UAs, which may be a critical
      factor for preventing aneurysmal rupture. Moreover, PINCH may facilitate
      intracranial aneurysm progression, at least partially, through the activation of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling and the suppression of c-Jun N
      terminal kinase signaling.

PMID- 28101174
TI  - Protective effects of resveratrol on autologous nucleus pulposus model of
      radiculopathy.
AB  - Nucleus pulposus (NP) has been suggested to trigger an autoimmune response if
      exposed to the immune system, which plays a key role in neuropathic pain.
      Therefore, appropriate suppression of inflammation is a key factor for treating
      the radiculopathy caused by intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration. Resveratrol,
      a key component of red wine, has been suggested to exhibit anti-inflammatory
      properties in vitro and in vivo. However, the effects of resveratrol on NP
      mediated pain in vivo have not been studied. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate whether resveratrol may be useful in treating NP-mediated pain in an
      autologous NP model of radiculopathy. A total of 36 adult male Sprague-Dawley
      rats were allocated randomly into sham (group I), saline-treated (group II) and
      resveratrol-treated (group III) groups. Animal behavior in response to non
      noxious mechanical stimulation with von Frey filaments was compared at days 0
      (baseline), 3, 7, 14 and 21 following surgery. The expression of proinflammatory
      cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL
      1) were assessed at days 7 and 14. The data showed that resveratrol exhibited an
      anti-inflammatory effect on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Compared
      with group II, the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1 was significantly decreased
      at each time point in group III. In addition, resveratrol significantly reduced
      pain behavior triggered by the application of NP tissue on the dorsal root
      ganglion for up to 14 days. These data suggest that resveratrol has potential for
      the treatment of NP-mediated pain, indicating a potential clinical application.

PMID- 28101175
TI  - Effect of miR-146a and miR-155 on cardiac xenotransplantation.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression levels of miR-146a
      and miR-155 in a cardiac xenograft model treated with the immunosuppressant
      FK506, and to construct lentiviral vectors to further study the roles of miR-146a
      and miR-155 in cardiac xenotransplantation. Expression levels of miR-146a and miR
      155 were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and protein
      expression of RelA, which is a member of the nuclear factor-kappaB family, was
      examined by western blot analysis. Pre-miR-146a and pre-miR-155 fragments were
      designed and synthesized according to MiRBase and were cloned into the plasmid
      pCDH1-MCS1-EF1-copGFP. Recombinant plasmids were identified by enzyme digestion
      and sequencing. Survival time of cardiac grafts in the FK506 treatment group was
      significantly increased in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). In
      addition, the histopathological grading results were significantly decreased in
      the treatment group (P<0.05). A significant decrease in RelA protein expression
      levels was observed in the treatment group (P<0.05), along with a significant
      increase in miR-146a expression levels (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in miR
      155 expression levels (P<0.05). Digestion and sequencing findings demonstrated
      that the insertion of miRNA into the plasmid pCDH1-MCS1-EF1-copGFP conformed with
      the pre-miRNAs, and the lentiviral vectors were concentrated to a titer of 5*107
      IFU/ml. These findings demonstrated that FK506 is able to inhibit the rejection
      effect in a mouse-to-rat cardiac xenotransplantation model. FK506 treatment
      altered the expression levels of miR-146a and miR-155, indicating that they may
      have an important role in regulating the immune response to the rejection effect.
      miR-146a and miR-155 lentiviral vectors were successfully constructed for further
      experiments both in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 28101176
TI  - Anticancer effects of valproic acid on oral squamous cell carcinoma via
      SUMOylation in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - Aberrant histone deacetylase (HDAC) has a key role in the neoplastic process
      associated with the epigenetic patterns of tumor-related genes. The present study
      was performed to investigate the effects and determine the mechanism of action of
      the HDAC inhibitor, valproic acid (VPA), on the CAL27 cell line derived from oral
      squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The effects of VPA on the viability of CAL27
      cells were investigated using MTT assays. Alterations in the cell cycle and
      apoptosis were also examined using propidium iodide (PI) and Annexin V-PI assays,
      and were subequently analyzed by flow cytometry. Small ubiquitin-related modifier
      (SUMO)-related genes were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction analysis. In addition, the effects of VPA were assessed
      using a xenograft model in vivo. The present results demonstrated significant
      dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability following VPA treatment. Treatment
      with VPA increased the distribution of CAL27 cells in the G1 phase and reduced
      cells in the S phase, and significantly increased the expression levels of SUMO1
      and SUMO2 (P<0.01). Using a xenograft model, the mean tumor volume in VPA-treated
      animals was demonstrated to be significantly reduced, and the rate of apoptosis
      was significantly increased, as compared with the control animals. These results
      suggested that VPA may regulate SUMOylation, producing an anticancer effect in
      vivo. Further investigation into the role of VPA in tumorigenesis may identify
      novel therapeutic targets for OSCC.

PMID- 28101177
TI  - Analysis on mechanism of ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener natakalim improving
      congestive heart failure after myocardial infarction.
AB  - The action mechanism of natakalim, a novel ATP-sensitive potassium channel
      opener, was studied in ameliorating the congestive heart failure (CHF) after
      myocardial infarction. A total of 25 healthy Wistar male rats (age, 10 weeks;
      average weight, 300 g) were selected, and the CHF models after acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) were prepared by ligation of left anterior descending branch.
      They were randomly divided into the sham operation group, the model group and the
      groups of 1, 3 and 9 mg/kg/day natakalims. Each group had 5 mice that were
      sacrificed after 8 weeks. We compared left ventricular end-diastolic diameter
      (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-terminal prohormone of
      brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left ventricular mass index, myocardial
      cell cross-sectional area, myocardial collagen content, plasma endothelin-1 (ET
      1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels. Compared with the sham
      operation, the LVEDD and NT-proBNP in the model group and each natakalim group
      were elevated. LVEF decreased significantly, while the left ventricular mass
      index, myocardial cell cross-sectional area, myocardial collagen content, plasma
      ET-1 and eNOS levels increased. Natakalim intervention improved the above changes
      and the improvement effect of 3 mg/kg/day group was the highest. The mechanism of
      natakalim against the endothelin system can be explained by the fact that
      inhibiting ET-1 synthesis can reduce the ET-1 levels in circulation leading to
      the release of NO and PGI2. Inhibition of the vasoconstriction effect of ET-1 can
      improve the hemodynamics of high-load status and ameliorate the cardiac systolic
      and diastolic functions. In conclusion, natakalim can improve the ventricular
      remodeling of CHF after AMI, and 3 mg/kg/day was the most effective dose.

PMID- 28101179
TI  - Study of the functional mechanisms of osteopontin and chemokine-like factor 1 in
      the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms in rats.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the functional mechanisms of osteopontin
      (Opn) and chemokine-like factor 1 (Cklf1) during the development and progression
      of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in rats. Healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats
      (n=30) were randomly divided into the AAA, control and sham groups (10
      rats/group) and experimental rat models of AAA were generated by enzyme perfusion
      in abdominal aorta for 30 min. The AAA formation was assessed by measuring the
      aortal diameter and hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as specific staining
      to detect the structural changes of the aorta and inflammatory cell infiltration.
      Immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis and statistical analysis were also
      performed to examine the expression levels of Opn, Cklf1 and matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in the arterial tissue. Rat models of AAA were
      successfully established by protease perfusion. After perfusion, the diameter
      expansion rate of abdominal aorta was significantly higher (P<0.01) compared to
      controls, elastin present at the middle layer was significantly reduced and
      inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly higher in AAA rats. The
      expression of Opn, Cklf1 and MMP-2 in the AAA group was significantly increased
      compared to the control group (P<0.05) as revealed by immunohistochemical
      staining. The western blot analysis revealed that, the expression levels of Opn,
      Cklf1 and MMP-2 in the AAA group were significantly higher than the sham and
      control groups (P<0.01). We also found that the expression of Opn and MMP-2 was
      positively correlated. In conclusion, in rat models of AAA, Opn and Cklf1
      function synergistically to upregulate the expression of MMP-2, causing
      accelerated degradation of extracellular matrix and eventually leading to the
      development and progression of AAA.

PMID- 28101178
TI  - Endothelium-dependent vasodilation effects of Panax notoginseng and its main
      components are mediated by nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase pathways.
AB  - Panax notoginseng, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been used for the
      treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The main bioactive components of this
      species are Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS). The present study aimed to
      investigate the effects of PNS and five of its main components (ginsenosides Rg1,
      Re, Rb1 and Rd, and notoginsenoside R1) on rat aorta rings pre-contracted with
      norepinephrine (NE) and to determine the underlying mechanism of action. Isolated
      aorta rings (with or without intact endothelium) from adult male Wistar rats were
      stimulated with NE to induce vasoconstriction, and subsequently treated with
      different concentrations of PNS and its five main components (Rg1, Re, Rb1, R1
      and Rd) separately. This procedure was repeated after pre-incubation with the
      nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME),
      the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ)
      and the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin (INDO), in order to elucidate
      the mechanism of action of PNS and its components. The results demonstrated that
      PNS and the components Rg1, Re, Rb1 and R1, but not Rd, induced vessel relaxation
      in a concentration-dependent manner when the endothelium lining was intact. NO
      synthase inhibitor L-NAME and guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ attenuated the
      diastolic effects of PNS, Rg1, Re, Rb1 and R1 in aortic rings with intact
      endothelium. By contrast, INDO, a known COX inhibitor weakened the vasodilation
      effects of PNS, Re and Rb1 but demonstrated no effect on Rg1 and R1. In
      conclusion, PNS and two of its main components (Re and Rb1) exert vasodilating
      effects through the NO and COX pathways.

PMID- 28101180
TI  - Acute renal injury induced by valacyclovir hydrochloride: A case report.
AB  - Acyclovir has been a frequently used antiviral agent in the clinical treatment of
      leukemia, acute encephalitis, malignant tumor and herpes simplex. The adverse
      effects of this drug have been widely described in clinical practice. In the
      present study, a case of a 35-year-old female patient diagnosed with herpes
      simplex, who developed acute renal injury following treatment with valacyclovir
      hydrochloride, is described. Kidney biopsy, light microscopy and laboratory
      examination were performed, and all findings revealed the signs of evident
      vacuolar degeneration of capillary endothelial and renal tubular epithelial
      cells, erythrocyte aggregation in partial renal tubule and microvilli exfoliation
      from epithelial cells. Renal interstitial edema was clearly identified. The
      clinical evidence observed from this female patient indicated that renal
      functions should be closely monitored during valacyclovir hydrochloride
      administration. A variety of effective measures, such as hydration, alkalizing
      urine, promoting the discharge of medication and the use of antagonists are
      recommended following the administration of antiviral agents.

PMID- 28101181
TI  - MicroRNA-351 inhibits denervation-induced muscle atrophy by targeting TRAF6.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRs) have been observed to be involved in the modulation of various
      physiopathological processes. However, the impacts of miRNAs on muscle atrophy
      have not been fully investigated. In the present study, the results demonstrated
      that miR-351 was differentially expressed in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle at
      various times following sciatic nerve transection, and the time-dependent
      expression profile of miR-351 was inversely correlated with that of tumor
      necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) at the mRNA and protein
      levels. The dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-351 was able to
      significantly downregulate the expression levels of TRAF6 by directly targeting
      the 3'-untranslated region of TRAF6. Overexpression of miR-351 inhibited a
      significant decrease in the wet weight ratio or cross-sectional area of the TA
      muscle following sciatic nerve transection. Western blot analysis indicated that
      the protein expression levels of TRAF6, muscle ring-finger protein 1 (MuRF1) and
      muscle atrophy F-box (MAFBx) in denervated TA muscles were suppressed by
      overexpression of miR-351. These results demonstrate that miR-351 inhibits
      denervation-induced atrophy of TA muscles following sciatic nerve transection at
      least partially through negative regulation of TRAF6 as well as MuRF1 and MAFBx,
      the two downstream signaling molecules of TRAF6.

PMID- 28101182
TI  - Protective effect of taraxasterol against rheumatoid arthritis by the modulation
      of inflammatory responses in mice.
AB  - Taraxasterol is an effective component of dandelion that has anti-inflammatory
      effects in vivo and in vitro. The present study was performed to explore whether
      taraxasterol exhibits a protective effect against rheumatoid arthritis through
      the modulation of inflammatory responses in mice. Eight-week-old CCR9-deficient
      mice were injected with a collagen II monoclonal antibody cocktail to create a
      rheumatoid arthritis model. In the experimental group, arthritic model mice were
      treated with 10 mg/kg taraxasterol once per day for 5 days. Treatment with
      taraxasterol significantly increased the pain thresholds and reduced the clinical
      arthritic scores of the mice in the experimental group compared with those of the
      model group. Furthermore, treatment with taraxasterol significantly suppressed
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and nuclear factor
      kappaB protein expression levels compared with those in the rheumatoid arthritis
      model mice. Taraxasterol treatment also significantly reduced nitric oxide,
      prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase-2 levels compared with those in the
      rheumatoid arthritis model group. These observations indicate that the protective
      effect of taraxasterol against rheumatoid arthritis is mediated via the
      modulation of inflammatory responses in mice.

PMID- 28101184
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of luteolin on experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in
      mice.
AB  - Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common organ-specific autoimmune disease
      and is believed to be a predominately T cell-mediated autoimmunity. Signal
      transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 is a crucial transcription
      factor of T cell-mediated immunity, with key roles in the proliferation and
      migration of T helper (Th) cells, differentiation of Th cells into Th17 cells,
      and the balance between Treg cells and Th17 cells. Flavonoid luteolin has been
      shown to markedly inhibit Tyr705 activation/phosphorylation of STAT3 and exert
      anti-inflammatory effects in multiple sclerosis. In the present study, the effect
      of luteolin on experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) was analyzed in C57BL/6
      mice. Hematoxylin and eosin examination showed that luteolin attenuated
      lymphocytic infiltration and follicle destruction in thyroid glands.
      Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that luteolin significantly reduced the
      phosphorylation of STAT3 within the thyroid. An in vitro study was carried out in
      a RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. Western blot findings demonstrated that luteolin
      significantly inhibited interferon-gamma-induced increases in cyclooxygenase 2,
      phosphorylated STAT1 and phosphorylated STAT3 expression levels and the secretion
      of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha in supernatants. The
      present findings indicated that luteolin may exert potent anti-inflammatory
      effects on murine EAT, which may provide a novel therapeutic medication strategy
      for the early intervention of HT.

PMID- 28101185
TI  - Hypokalemic myopathy in primary aldosteronism: A case report.
AB  - Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a rare disorder. The majority of patients with PA
      present with typical features and are easily diagnosed. This disorder is usually
      diagnosed with hypokalemia, hypertension or an adrenal mass. However, patients
      with atypical symptoms may present a challenge for diagnosis and treatment. In
      the present study, a case of PA is described that presented with hypokalemic
      myopathy simulating polymyositis. The patient was a 44-year-old woman who
      presented with weakness and difficulty walking. The patient was initially
      suspected to have PM and was treated with methylprednisolone. The patient was
      found to have hypokalemia which persisted despite high-dose supplementation of
      potassium. Adrenal computed tomography revealed a right adrenal mass. Surgical
      adrenalectomy was conducted. The final pathological diagnosis was benign
      adrenocortical adenoma. The serum tests remained normal and the patient's
      symptoms were resolved during the 8-month follow-up.

PMID- 28101183
TI  - Protective effect of berberine against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in rat
      bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have the potential to be used
      for the treatment of delayed union, nonunion or persistent bone defects in MSC
      based cell therapy. However, implantation of BMSCs into the fracture site is
      confronted with apoptosis on account of harsh conditions and oxidative stress. In
      the present study, the anti-apoptotic effects of berberine (BBR) on BMSCs
      subjected to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are investigated, and the potential
      underlying mechanisms are explored. Oxidative injury was induced by exposure to
      H2O2, and cell viability was assessed using a cell counting kit-8 assay. The
      apoptosis of BMSCs was measured by Hoechst 33258 and Annexin V-fluorescein
      isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay. Reactive oxygen species staining and
      superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay were applied to assess the anti-oxidative effect
      of BBR. Finally, western blot was performed to measure the expression levels of
      phosphorylated (p)-Akt, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein
      (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3. In the present study, it was identified that BBR
      remarkably attenuated H2O2-induced apoptotic cell death via quenching ROS
      production and increasing SOD activity. Further studies indicated that BBR can
      reduce apoptosis by upregulating the expression level of p-Akt and Bcl-2, and
      downregulating the expression levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Taken
      together, the results of the present study demonstrate that pretreatment with BBR
      could alleviate H2O2-induced apoptosis in rat BMSCs in vitro.

PMID- 28101186
TI  - Comparative analysis of signaling pathways in peripheral blood from patients with
      Kashin-Beck disease and osteoarthritis.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the early diagnostic biomarkers
      of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), and to compare the common signaling pathways of
      peripheral mononuclear cells between patients with KBD and those with
      osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 20 and 12 peripheral blood samples were
      separately collected from KBD patients and normal control subjects, respectively,
      in an endemic area according to the diagnosis criteria. Total RNAs were extracted
      and gene expression levels were determined using an Agilent whole genome
      expression microarrays. The gene expression data of OA were obtained from GEO
      published database. Significant different pathways between KBD and OA were
      analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. A total of 82 differentially
      expressed genes, 51 significant different signaling pathways and five significant
      biological functions were identified in KBD patient samples, while 89, 50 and
      five significantly different genes, pathways and functions were identified in OA.
      Nine common significant pathways and five common differentially expressed genes
      were identified between the KBD and OA. Nine common significant pathways and five
      common differentially expressed genes were found between the two diseases. The
      present results suggest that there are similarities in vascular microcirculation,
      immunoreactions and cell apoptosis between KBD and OA, which may contribute to
      the early diagnosis and pathogenetic study of KBD.

PMID- 28101187
TI  - Severe pneumonia due to infection with Candida krusei in a case of suspected
      Middle East respiratory syndrome: A case report and literature review.
AB  - Candida krusei (C. krusei) pneumonia is a rare infection that is frequently
      associated with a poor outcome. The present study reports an unusual case of C.
      krusei pneumonia that was initially suspected to be a Middle East respiratory
      syndrome (MERS) case. A 64-year-old Saudi Arabian male patient was admitted to
      our hospital with complaints of cough and dyspnea that persisted for 6 days. The
      patient presented fever (oral temperature, 38.5 degrees C) and slight tachypnea
      (25 respirations/min). A chest computerized tomography demonstrated unclear lung
      fields, diffuse pathological changes in the two lungs and multiple
      lymphadenectasis in the retrocaval and para-aortic arch area. The patient
      received 95-98% oxygen (6 l/min) for 24 h, as well as sulbactam
      sodium/cefoperazone sodium (1:1) injection (3.0 g) every 12 h, oral oseltamivir
      capsules (75 mg/time) twice a day, medaron injection (80 mg/time) and 750 ml
      fluid infusion; however, he succumbed to the disease on day 2 after admission.
      The infection was diagnosed by sputum smear and culture subsequent to patient
      mortality. A sputum smear showed a large fungal infection and sputum culture
      revealed the presence of C. krusei infection. Serum procalcitonin concentrations
      were 4.73 ug/l and 7.23 ug/l on days 2 and 3 after admission, respectively. In
      conclusion, the diagnosis of Candida pneumonia should be strongly considered in
      the presence of growth of Candida from a sputum culture and based on a suggestive
      computed tomography image. Tumescent diaphragmatic lymph nodes may also be an
      important symptom of Candida pneumonia. Treatment should be initiated immediately
      to improve tissue oxygenation, restore cardiovascular function and improve other
      organ functions.

PMID- 28101188
TI  - miR-125a-3p targetedly regulates GIT1 expression to inhibit osteoblastic
      proliferation and differentiation.
AB  - Osteoblasts are a prerequisite for osteogenesis and bone formation, and play a
      key role in metabolic balance, growth, development and wound repair. G protein
      coupled receptor kinase interacting protein 1 (GIT1) and a series of miRNAs are
      known to have important effects in the growth and migration of osteoblasts, but
      little is known about micro RNAs (miRNAs) targeting GIT1. The present study found
      that miR-125a-3p has matching sites on GIT1. In the osteoblastic differentiation
      process of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs), the
      expression of miR-125a-3p was suppressed compared with that in non
      differentiating (HMSCs) while the expression of GIT1 showed a gradual and
      significant increase. Thus, miR-125a-3p expression was negatively correlated with
      the expression of GIT1. Following the transfection of human osteoblasts with miR
      125a-3p mimics and inhibitors, respectively, the effect on GIT1 expression was
      opposite to the change of miR-125a-3p expression. In addition, the impact of miR
      125a-3p and GIT1 on osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation was detected,
      and the results indicated that miR-125a-3p targetedly regulated GIT1 expression
      to inhibit osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation. These findings may
      provide a theoretical basis for clarifying the physiological and pathological
      role of miRNAs in osteoblast differentiation and maturation processes, and for
      the physiological and pathological investigation of bone.

PMID- 28101189
TI  - Inhibition of cytoskeletal protein carbonylation may protect against oxidative
      damage in traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Oxidative stress is the principal factor in traumatic brain injury (TBI) that
      initiates protracted neuronal dysfunction and remodeling. Cytoskeletal proteins
      are known to be carbonylated under oxidative stress; however, the complex
      molecular and cellular mechanisms of cytoskeletal protein carbonylation remain
      poorly understood. In the present study, the expression levels of glutathione
      (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were investigated in
      PC12 cells treated with H2O2. Western blot analysis was used to monitor the
      carbonylation levels of beta-actin and beta-tubulin. The results indicated that
      oxidative stress was increased in PC12 cells that were treated with H2O2 for 24
      or 48 h. In addition, increased carbonylation levels of beta-actin and beta
      tubulin were detected in H2O2-treated cells. However, these carbonylation levels
      were reduced by pretreatment with aminoguanidine, a type of reactive carbonyl
      species chelating agent, and a similar trend was observed following
      overexpression of proteasome beta5 via transgenic technology. In conclusion, the
      present study results suggested that the development of TBI may cause
      carbonylation of cytoskeletal proteins, which would then undermine the stability
      of cytoskeletal proteins. Thus, the development of TBI may be improved via the
      inhibition of cytoskeletal protein carbonylation.

PMID- 28101190
TI  - ROR2 inhibits the proliferation of gastric carcinoma cells via activation of non
      canonical Wnt signaling.
AB  - Gastric carcinoma is one of the most common human cancers and has a poor
      prognosis. Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2), which is a non
      canonical receptor of the Wnt signaling pathway, has been reported to be
      deregulated in numerous types of human cancers, including gastric carcinoma.
      However, the exact role of ROR2 in the regulation of the malignant phenotypes of
      gastric carcinoma, as well as the underlying molecular mechanism, remains largely
      unclear. The present study demonstrated that ROR2 was recurrently downregulated
      in gastric carcinoma tissues, as compared with their matched adjacent normal
      tissues. Furthermore, the expression levels of ROR2 were reduced in several
      common gastric carcinoma cell lines, as compared with normal gastric epithelial
      cells. Gastric carcinoma cells were transfected with ROR2 plasmids, and it was
      demonstrated that restoration of ROR2 expression significantly inhibited the
      proliferation and induced the apoptosis of gastric carcinoma cells by a Wnt5a
      independent mechanism. In addition, it was observed that ROR2-overexpressing
      cells accumulated in the G0/G1 phase; thus suggesting that overexpression of ROR2
      induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. An investigation of the underlying
      mechanism demonstrated that activation of the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway
      inhibited canonical Wnt signal transduction, as demonstrated by the decreased
      level of beta-catenin in nuclei, as well as the reduced expression levels of c
      Myc. The results of the present study indicated a tumor suppressive role for ROR2
      in gastric carcinoma growth in vitro, and suggested that ROR2 may be used as a
      molecular target for the treatment of gastric carcinoma.

PMID- 28101191
TI  - MicroRNA-212 suppresses the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells by
      targeting forkhead box protein A1.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that function as critical
      gene regulators by targeting the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of mRNA, causing
      translational repression or mRNA degradation. Deregulation of specific miRNAs,
      including miR-212, has been identified in patients with osteosarcoma. However,
      the underlying mechanism is yet to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed
      to reveal the regulatory mechanism of miR-212 in osteosarcoma cell viability and
      migration. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction data revealed that miR-212 was
      significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues compared with normal bone
      tissues. miR-212 was also downregulated in osteosarcoma cell lines compared with
      normal osteoblast cell lines. Overexpression of miR-212 significantly suppressed
      the viability and migration of human osteosarcoma MG-63 and Saos-2 cell lines. In
      addition, forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1), an oncogene in osteosarcoma, was
      predicted to be a putative target of miR-212 by bioinformatical analysis.
      Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay data confirmed that miR-212 could directly
      bind to the seed sequences within the 3'UTR of FOXA1 mRNA, and miR-212 negatively
      mediated the protein levels of FOXA1 in osteosarcoma MG-63 and Saos-2 cells.
      Moreover, knockdown of FOXA1 also led to a significant decrease in the viability
      and migration of osteosarcoma MG-63 and Saos-2 cells and the expression levels of
      FOXA1 were significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines.
      These data suggest that miR-212 inhibits the viability and migration of
      osteosarcoma cells by targeting FOXA1. Accordingly, miR-212 may become a
      potential candidate for osteosarcoma therapy.

PMID- 28101192
TI  - C-peptide exhibits a late induction effect on matrix metallopeptidase-9 in high
      glucose-stimulated rat mesangial cells.
AB  - Insufficient matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 is considered to be a
      contributor of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in diabetic nephropathy
      (DN). C-peptide can reverse fibrosis, thus exerting a beneficial effect on DN.
      Whether C-peptide induces MMP-9 and MMP-2 to reverse ECM accumulation is not
      clear. In the present study, in order to determine ECM metabolism, rat mesangial
      cells were treated with high glucose (HG) and C-peptide intervention, then the
      early and late effects of C-peptide on HG-affected MMP-9 and MMP-2 were
      evaluated. Firstly, it was confirmed that HG mainly suppressed MMP-9 expression
      levels. Furthermore, C-peptide treatment induced MMP-9 expression at 6 h and
      suppressed it at 24 h, revealing the early dual effects of C-peptide on MMP-9
      expression. Subsequently, significant increase in MMP-9 expression at 72, 96 and
      120 h C-peptide treatment was observed. These changes in MMP-9 protein content
      confirmed its expression changes following late C-peptide treatment. Furthermore,
      at 96 and 120 h C-peptide treatment reversed the HG-inhibited MMP-9 secretion,
      further indicating the late induction effect of C-peptide on MMP-9. The present
      results demonstrated that C-peptide exerted a late induction effect on MMP-9 in
      HG-stimulated rat mesangial cells, which may be associated with the underlying
      mechanism of C-peptide's reversal effects on DN.

PMID- 28101193
TI  - 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging in the evaluation of early therapeutic effects
      of chemotherapy on Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats.
AB  - The present study aimed to evaluate the early therapeutic effects of chemotherapy
      on Walker 256 tumor-bearing Wistar rats via F-18-fluoro-3'-deoxy-3'-L
      fluorothymidine (18F-FLT) and F-18-fluoro-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron
      emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging. Walker 256 tumor
      bearing Wistar rats were subjected to 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging prior to
      and 24 and 48 h after epirubicin chemotherapy. 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG uptake
      [tumor/muscle (T/M)], the percentage of injected dose per gram (% ID/g), and the
      Ki-67 labeling index (LI-Ki-67) were quantitatively determined for each rat prior
      to and following epirubicin chemotherapy. The correlation between % ID/g and
      tumor LI-Ki-67 was analyzed. Both 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG tumor uptake decreased
      significantly at 24 and 48 h after chemotherapy (P<0.01 and P<0.05,
      respectively). LI-Ki-67 also significantly reduced 24 and 48 h after chemotherapy
      (P<0.001). Furthermore, 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG T/M tumor uptake correlated
      positively with LI-Ki-67 before and after chemotherapy (r=0.842 and 0.813,
      respectively). During the early post-chemotherapy stage, 18F-FLT and 18F-FDG
      uptake in Walker 256 tumors reduced significantly, which correlated positively
      with the tumor cell proliferative activity.

PMID- 28101195
TI  - Combinations in multimodality treatments and clinical outcomes during cancer.
AB  - Combination approach could be easily considered as the future of therapeutics in
      all pathological states including cancer. Scientists are trying different
      combinations in order to determine synergism among different therapeutics which
      ultimately helps in the improved and more efficient management of the affected
      patients. Combination of multi-chemotherapeutic agents, or multi-drug therapy,
      may be the most commonly used strategy for cancer treatment. Monotherapy causes
      drug resistance and loses its response in patients after several cycles of
      treatment. While combining different anticancer drugs together for cancer
      treatment, as in the case of the cocktail therapy for HIV, not only overcomes the
      drug resistance but also leads to a synergistic effect, therefore showing
      prolonged survival for patients. The present review article is focused on
      different combinations in use for better efficiency of therapeutics against
      cancer. We searched the electronic database PubMed for pre-clinical as well as
      clinical controlled trials reporting diagnostic as well as therapeutic advances
      of various combinations in cancer. It was observed clearly that combination
      approach is better in various aspects including increase in efficacy, specificity
      and decline in the unwanted side effects.

PMID- 28101194
TI  - Inhibition of NEDD8 and FAT10 ligase activities through the degrading enzyme
      NEDD8 ultimate buster 1: A potential anticancer approach.
AB  - The capabilities of tumour cells to survive through deregulated cell cycles and
      evade apoptosis are hallmarks of cancer. The ubiquitin-like proteins (UBL)
      proteasome system is important in regulating cell cycles via signaling proteins.
      Deregulation of the proteasomal system can lead to uncontrolled cell
      proliferation. The Skp, Cullin, F-box containing complex (SCF complex) is the
      predominant E3 ubiquitin ligase, and has diverse substrates. The ubiquitin ligase
      activity of the SCF complexes requires the conjugation of neural precursor cell
      expressed, developmentally down-regulated 8 (NEDD8) to cullin proteins. A tumour
      suppressor and degrading enzyme named NEDD8 ultimate buster 1 (NUB1) is able to
      recruit HLA-F-adjacent transcript 10 (FAT10)- and NEDD8-conjugated proteins for
      proteasomal degradation. Ubiquitination is associated with neddylation and
      FAT10ylation. Although validating the targets of UBLs, including ubiquitin, NEDD8
      and FAT10, is challenging, understanding the biological significance of such
      substrates is an exciting research prospect. This present review discusses the
      interplay of these UBLs, as well as highlighting their inhibition through NUB1.
      Knowledge of the mechanisms by which NUB1 is able to downregulate the ubiquitin
      cascade via NEDD8 conjugation and the FAT10 pathway is essential. This will
      provide insights into potential cancer therapy that could be used to selectively
      suppress cancer growth.

PMID- 28101196
TI  - Denosumab treatment of inoperable or locally advanced giant cell tumor of bone.
AB  - Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is an osteolytic, locally aggressive tumor that
      rarely metastasizes and typically occurs in the bones. At present, the primary
      treatment for GCTB is curettage with local adjuvants. Giant cells express
      receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL). Denosumab, a RANKL
      inhibitor appears to present an effective therapeutic option in advanced cases of
      GCTB. The aim of the present study was to confirm the efficacy of denosumab in
      large group of patients with locally advanced GCTB. A total of 35 patients with
      histologically confirmed GCTB that were treated with denosumab with no
      participation in clinical trials between May 2013 and September 2015 were
      included in the present study. Denosumab treatment was administered until
      complete tumor resection was feasible or tumor progression or unacceptable
      toxicity had occurred. The mean denosumab treatment duration was 7.4 months. A
      total of 17 patients received surgery following denosumab treatment: 11 patients
      underwent wide en bloc resection with prosthesis implantation in 10 cases and 6
      patients were treated with intralesional curettage. Tumor progression was
      observed in 2 patients that underwent intralesional curettage without prosthesis
      implantation. In addition, tumor progression was observed during denosumab
      treatment in 2 patients that had previously undergone radiotherapy. The overall 1
      year progression-free survival rate was 92.8%. Thus, for patients with advanced,
      unresectable, progressive or symptomatic pretreated GCTB, denosumab provides a
      therapeutic option not previously available, which has become the standard
      therapy in multidisciplinary management of GCTB.

PMID- 28101197
TI  - Multiple large xanthomas: A case report.
AB  - A 23-year-old male patient presented with multiple large masses in his elbows,
      buttocks, knees, Achilles tendons, feet, shoulders and hands. The large masses in
      the elbows and buttocks measured ~6*5*5 cm and ~7*5*4 cm, respectively. The
      patient presented with an elevated level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,
      and had been previously diagnosed with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
      (FH) and multiple xanthomas. Local surgical excisions were performed to remove
      the massive xanthomas from the elbows and buttocks, and histological analysis of
      the surgical specimens confirmed the previous diagnosis of homozygous FH (HoFH).
      The aim of the present study was to report a rare case of HoFH coinciding with
      multiple, large and widely-distributed xanthomas and to discuss the clinical
      characteristics, in order to provide a better understanding of xanthomas and FH.

PMID- 28101198
TI  - Elevated expression of Nrf2 mediates multidrug resistance in CD133+ head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma stem cells.
AB  - Enhanced expression of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter protein ABC sub
      family G member 2 (ABCG2) in cancer stem cells (CSCs) plays a major role in
      chemotherapeutic drug efflux, which results in therapy failure and tumor relapse.
      In addition to downregulating apoptosis in CSCs, it has been reported that the
      transcriptional upregulation of the redox sensing factor Nrf2 is involved in the
      upregulation of ABCG2 expression and consequent chemoresistance. The current
      study investigated the presence of cancer stem-like side population (SP) cells
      from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) samples, and evaluated the
      Nrf2 expression profile and multidrug resistance properties of HNSCC stem cells.
      Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was used for SP cells detection, while
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used for the analysis of Nrf2
      expression. The present study identified ~2.1% SP cells present in HNSCC
      specimens, which were positive for cluster of differentiation (CD)133 expression
      and displayed significantly elevated messenger RNA expression of Nrf2, compared
      with non-SP cells. These data suggest that the ABC transporter ABCG2 is highly
      upregulated in SP cells, and this results in multidrug resistance. In addition,
      these CD133+ cells underwent rapid proliferation and exhibited high self-renewal
      and tumorigenic properties. Taken together, the present findings suggest that
      elevated expression of Nrf2 mediated drug resistance in HNSCC CSCs, which may be
      one of the causative factors for cancer treatment failure. Therefore, novel anti
      cancer drugs that downregulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway could effectively
      improve the treatment and survival rate of patients with HNSCC.

PMID- 28101199
TI  - Ultrastructural changes during lung carcinogenesis-modulation by curcumin and
      quercetin.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of curcumin and
      quercetin in modulating ultrastructural changes during lung carcinogenesis. A
      total of 24 male laka mice were divided into the normal control, benzo[a]pyrene
      (BP)-treated, BP+curcumin-treated, BP+quercetin- treated, and
      BP+curcumin+quercetin-treated groups (n=6 per group). Lung carcinogenesis was
      induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of BP [100 mg/kg of body weight
      (b.wt.)]. Curcumin was supplemented to mice at a dose level of 60 mg/kg of b.wt.
      in drinking water and quercetin was given at a dose level of 40 mg/kg of b.wt. in
      drinking water. The ultrastructure of BP-treated mice revealed disruptions in
      cellular integrity together with nuclear deformation and premature mitochondrial
      aging. Notably, supplementation with phytochemicals individually resulted in
      improvement of the ultra-histoarchitecture of BP-treated mice although the
      improvement was much greater with combined supplementation of phytochemicals.
      Furthermore, BP treatment revealed alterations in lung histoarchitecture, which,
      however, were improved appreciably following combined supplementation with
      curcumin and quercetin. The results of the present study show that, combined
      supplementation with curcumin and quercetin effectively preserved the
      histoarchitecture as well as ultra-histoarchitecture during BP-induced lung
      carcinogenesis in mice.

PMID- 28101200
TI  - Special AT-rich DNA-binding protein-1 expression is associated with liver cancer
      metastasis.
AB  - To aim of the present study was to investigate the association between special AT
      rich DNA-binding protein-1 (SATB1) expression and liver cancer metastasis. SATB1
      mRNA and protein expression in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was analyzed by
      immunohistochemistry, and in two hepatocellular cancer cell lines, MHCC-97H (high
      metastatic potential) and HepG2 (low metastatic potential), by reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Transwell
      migration and wound-healing assays were also performed to investigate the
      metastasis of liver cancer following upregulation or silencing of SATB1
      expression. The results revealed that SATB1 expression was significantly higher
      in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues compared with carcinoma-adjacent tissues.
      Furthermore, SATB1 expression was correlated with tumor size, differentiation
      degree, hemorrhage and/or necrosis, invasion and/or metastases and TNM stage.
      Both the mRNA and protein expression of SATB1 was higher in MHCC-97H cells than
      HepG2 cells. In addition, the migration capability of MHCC-97H cells was
      decreased after SATB1 silencing, whereas the migration capability of HepG2 cells
      was increased after SATB1 upregulation. SATB1 expression was demonstrated to be
      positively correlated with liver cancer metastasis. These results indicate that
      liver cancer metastasis is regulated by SATB1 expression. Thus,
      immunohistochemical SATB1 expression may present an independent risk factor for
      the metastasis of liver cancer.

PMID- 28101201
TI  - Diosmetin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by regulating
      autophagy via the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in hepatocellular
      carcinoma HepG2 cells.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a type of malignant tumor, is the fifth
      most common cancer in men and ninth in women worldwide. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate the antitumor effect of diosmetin (DIOS) in
      hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. The proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy
      rates of HepG2 cells were measured following treatment with DIOS. The effects of
      DIOS treatment on HepG2 cell proliferation and apoptosis rates were analyzed
      using MTT assays and Annexin V staining, respectively. The effect of DIOS
      treatment on autophagy levels was assessed using transmission electron
      microscopy, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-microtubule-associated protein 1
      light chain (LC3) transfection and LysoTracker Red staining. Furthermore,
      bafilomycin A1 (BA1), an autophagy inhibitor, was used to assess the association
      between DIOS and cell autophagy, proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, the
      expression of autophagy-related proteins [mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR),
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, P70S6K, phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1,
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase, 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase and Akt]
      and apoptosis-related proteins [B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2-associated X protein,
      Bak, p53, Bcl-2 and caspase-3] were analyzed by western blotting. The results
      revealed that DIOS significantly inhibited proliferation (P<0.01) and induced
      apoptosis (P<0.001) in HepG2 cells. It was also demonstrated that DIOS triggered
      autophagy by regulating the mTOR pathway in HepG2 cells. Notably, following
      treatment of HepG2 cells with the autophagy inhibitor, BA1, the expression of
      apoptosis-related proteins, including Bax, Bak and p53, were significantly
      decreased (P<0.05), and cell viability was recovered to a certain extent. In
      conclusion, DIOS inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells
      via regulation of the mTOR pathway. Thus, the results of the current study
      indicate that DIOS may present a potential therapeutic agent for HCC treatment.

PMID- 28101202
TI  - Cadherin-11 expression is upregulated in invasive human breast cancer.
AB  - Loss of expression of cadherin-11 protein is correlated with a loss of epithelial
      phenotype and a gain in tumor cell proliferation and invasion. It has been
      hypothesized that cadherin-11 may be a molecular marker for a more aggressive
      subtype of breast cancer. The present study examined the expression of the
      mesenchymal gene/protein cadherin-11 in malignant, benign and healthy breast
      cancer samples. A paraffin-embedded tissue microarray of both malignant and
      benign/healthy breast tumor was used. Clinicopathological parameters, including
      age, grading, tumor size, hormone receptors and HER2 receptors status were
      obtained from patient medical records. Expression of cadherin-11 was analyzed
      using the monoclonal mouse anti cadherin-11 IgG2B clone. Total RNA was extracted
      from each breast cancer sample and subjected to semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis
      for cadherin-11. Cadherin-11 was detected in 80/82 malignant breast cancer
      samples and in 33/70 non-malignant tissue samples. Cadherin-11 expression was
      observed to be predominantly localized to the membrane of tumor cells. When
      compared to healthy breast tissue biopsies, both cadherin-11 mRNA and protein
      were demonstrated to be significantly overexpressed in breast carcinoma (P=0.040
      and P<0.0001, respectively). Within malignant tumors, however, protein expression
      was not identified to be associated with other clinicopathological parameters.
      Our results indicate that cadherin-11 expression is upregulated in malignant
      human breast cancer.

PMID- 28101203
TI  - Short-term effect analysis of radiofrequency ablation combined chemotherapy on
      middle and late period non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
      combined chemotherapy on middle and late period non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). In total, 85 cases of middle and late period NSCLC patients were
      selected, and were randomly divided into the RFA combined chemotherapy group, RFA
      treatment group and chemotherapy group. After treatment, the three groups were
      followed up for computed tomography (CT) scan, and were analyzed for the effect
      of RFA combined chemotherapy on middle and late period NSCLC. It was found that
      CT value of RFA combined chemotherapy group decreased significantly compared to
      before surgery (P<0.05). The CT value of the RFA group decreased significantly
      compared to before surgery (P<0.05). The CT value of chemotherapy group was not
      significantly changed compared to before surgery (P>0.05). The postoperative CT
      value of the RFA combined chemotherapy group and RFA group was smaller compared
      to that of the chemotherapy group (P<0.05). Effective rate [complete response
      (CR) + partial response (PR)] of RFA combined chemotherapy group was
      significantly higher than that of the EFA and chemotherapy groups (P<0.05).
      Effective rate (CR+PR) of the RFA group was significantly higher than that of the
      chemotherapy group (P<0.05). By contrast, the progressive rate (P) of RFA
      combined chemotherapy group was significantly lower than that of the RFA and
      chemotherapy groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, RFA combined chemotherapy has
      obvious effect on middle and late period NSCLC, and is safe and feasible.

PMID- 28101204
TI  - Downregulation of miR-221/222 by a microRNA sponge promotes apoptosis in oral
      squamous cell carcinoma cells through upregulation of PTEN.
AB  - MicroRNA-221 and microRNA-222 (miR-221/222) have been identified as oncogenes and
      confirmed to be overexpressed in various types of cancer. However, the regulation
      mechanism of miR-221/222 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains to be
      fully elucidated. Previously, an miR-221/222 sponge was successfully constructed
      and its effect on the downregulation of miR-221/222 expression was investigated.
      In the present study, the dual luciferase reporter assay revealed a phosphatase
      and tensin homolog (PTEN) deletion on chromosome 10 to be a target gene of miR
      221/222. It was also demonstrated that miR-221/222 suppression by transfection
      with an miR-221/222 sponge in vitro resulted in upregulation of PTEN. Notably,
      the proliferation and invasiveness of the miR-221/222 sponge-transfected cells
      was significantly inhibited, while apoptosis was promoted, when determined by
      Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell assays and flow cytometry. The results of the
      present study prove that miR-221/222 may downregulate the expression of PTEN in
      OSCC cells and function as oncogenes, providing a novel insight into the
      underlying mechanism of OSCC tumorigenesis. The present study suggests that
      upregulating the expression of PTEN by downregulation of miR-221/222 may be a
      potential treatment for OSCC.

PMID- 28101206
TI  - Primary chondrosarcoma of the thyroid cartilage: Surgery-based management of a
      rare case.
AB  - In this study, we present a case of a 52-year-old male with a chondrosarcoma of
      the left lamina of the thyroid cartilage. Pre-operative evaluations detected
      typical calcifications and delineated the extent of the tumor. The patient
      underwent a total laryngectomy to ensure the complete resection of the tumor. The
      tumor was histopathologically found to consist of chondrocytes in a hyaline
      cartilage matrix. The patient's post-operative course has been successful apart
      from the permanent tracheostomy. Herien, we discuss the methods and rationales
      for the diagnosis and management of and recovery from this rare tumor, and also
      provide a review of the literature.

PMID- 28101205
TI  - Impact of microsatellite status on chemotherapy for colorectal cancer patients
      with KRAS or BRAF mutation.
AB  - KRAS and BRAF mutations are frequently detected in cases of colorectal cancer
      (CRC). The microsatellite status of patients with CRC and mutated KRAS/BRAF is
      important when determining cancer therapy. In the present study, the
      microsatellite status and genetic polymorphisms of KRAS (codons 12 and 13) and
      BRAF (V600E) were characterized in CRC tissue. The mismatch repair activity and
      oncogenic potential of KRAS were assessed by immunoblots from two KRAS-mutated
      CRC cell lines, SW480 and HCT116, with different microsatellite statuses,
      following treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin. Of all the 205
      patients with CRC enrolled in the present study, 31.2% (64 of 205) had a KRAS or
      BRAF mutation, and 79.7% (51 of 64) of these patients with a KRAS/BRAF mutation
      exhibited microsatellite stability (MSS), indicating that microsatellite status
      is correlated with KRAS/BRAF mutation (P=0.027). A higher proportion (39.0%, 41
      of 105) of elderly patients (>=62.6 years) had mutated KRAS or BRAF than younger
      patients (<62.6 years; 23.0%, 23 of 100; P=0.013). In the subgroup of 154
      patients with MSS, patients without the KRAS or BRAF mutation (n=110) had longer
      disease-specific survival rates (58.8+/-9.4%) than patients with KRAS or BRAF
      mutations (n=44; 50.6+/-11.0%; P=0.043). Cytoplasmic KRAS levels decreased
      whereas nuclear MutS protein homolog 2 (MSH2) levels increased slightly in CRC
      HCT116 cells that were microsatellite instable, following treatment with 76.9 uM
      5-FU for 2 days. In microsatellite stable SW480 cells, MSH2 levels markedly
      increased in the nucleus following 150 uM oxaliplatin treatment for 3 days.
      However, no significant change was observed regarding KRAS distribution in these
      cells. The results of the present study suggest that it is important to identify
      patients with CRC who may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-FU or
      oxaliplatin, particularly CRC patients with MSS and mutated KRAS or BRAF, who
      have poorer overall survival rates than patients with microsatellite instability.
      Knowledge of the microsatellite status of patients and whether they harbor KRAS
      or BRAF mutations may enable more effective therapeutic strategies to be
      developed. Further prospective studies are required to validate the findings of
      the current study.

PMID- 28101207
TI  - Structure-function analysis of DNA helicase HELQ: A new diagnostic marker in
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - It has been previously reported that a deficiency of the helicase, POLQ-like
      (HELQ) gene increases the risk of ovarian cancer. The present study aimed to
      explore the structure-function association of HELQ and discuss the effect of
      molecular structure on the occurrence of tumors. ExPASy tools were employed to
      analyze the physicochemical properties and secondary structure of the genes.
      PHYRE2 Protein Fold Recognition Server was used to construct the three
      dimensional model and find the ligand-binding sites of HELQ. In addition, the
      potential functions corresponding to these structures were excavated by comparing
      and analyzing protein domains. The HELQ protein is located in the cytoplasm
      (56.5%) and nucleus (21.7%). HELQ has 4 conserved domains, consisting of DEXDc,
      HELICc, HHH_5 and PRK02362, which contain the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      binding site, nucleotide binding region and putative Mg2+ binding site. In the
      secondary structure, it was found that HELQ was mainly composed of alpha helix
      (46.68%) and random coils (43.05%), with only 10.26% extended strand. According
      to 3DLigandSite Server, the ligand binding sites appeared in ILE333, LYS335,
      TYR337, SER362, LEU367, LYS397, GLN340, GLY363, GLY364 and ASN678 of the amino
      acid sequence. Among the functional protein association networks, regulator of
      telomere elongation helicase 1, family with sequence similarity 175 member A,
      small ubiquitin-like modifier 1, DNA polymerase nu and coiled-coil domain
      containing 158 were involved and co-expressed with HELQ. PredictProtein analysis
      indicated that the dominant functions of HELQ were ATP-dependent helicase
      activity and participation in the DNA repair process. Characteristics of the HELQ
      protein were obtained by bioinformatics analysis, based on which the role of HELQ
      in DNA replication, DNA repair and maintenance of genomic stability was explored.
      It was concluded that modulation the function of HELQ helicase may be used in the
      treatment of ovarian cancer.

PMID- 28101208
TI  - Effect of bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract on induction of cell
      differentiation and death in K562 human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells.
AB  - Differentiation induction therapy is an attractive approach in leukemia treatment
      due to the fact that in blast crisis stage, leukemic cells lose their
      differentiation capacity. Therefore, it has been proposed as a therapeutic
      strategy to induce terminal differentiation of leukemic blast cells into a
      specific lineage, leading to prevention of high proliferation rates. The aim of
      the present study was to demonstrate the potential of cell differentiation and
      death induced by bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract (bDLE) in the K562 cell
      line. For this purpose K562 and MOLT-3 human leukemic cell lines and primary
      human monocytes and murine peritoneal macrophages were exposed to bDLE, phorbol
      myristate acetate (PMA) and dimethyl sulfoxide for 96 h, and the viability,
      proliferation and cell cycle were evaluated. To determine the lineage that led to
      cell differentiation, Romanowsky staining was performed to observe the
      morphological changes following the treatments, and the expression of the surface
      markers cluster of differentiation (CD)14+, CD68+, CD163+ and CD42a+, as well as
      the phagocytic activity, and the production of nitric oxide (NO) (assessed by
      colorimetric assay), cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha] and chemokines [chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)2, CCL5
      and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8] in cell supernatants was assessed by flow
      cytometry. The results of the present study reveal that high doses of bDLE
      increase the cell death in K562 and MOLT-3 lines, without affecting the viability
      of human monocytes and murine peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, low doses of
      bDLE induce differentiation in K562 cells towards a monocyte/macrophage lineage
      with an M2 phenotype, and induced moderately upregulated expression of CD42+, a
      megakaryocytic marker. Cell cycle arrest in the S and G2/M phases was observed in
      bDLE-treated K562 cells, which demonstrated similar phagocytic activity, NO
      levels and cytokine and chemokine production to that of PMA-treated cells. The
      present study demonstrates that bDLE exhibits an antileukemia effect, suggesting
      that it may be an effective candidate for leukemia treatment.

PMID- 28101210
TI  - UBE2T silencing suppresses proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest and
      apoptosis in bladder cancer cells.
AB  - Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2T (UBE2T), a member of the ubiquitin-conjugating
      E2 family in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, has been reported to be
      overexpressed in certain tumor types and to have an important role in the Fanconi
      anemia pathway. In the present study, the expression of UBE2T and its association
      with bladder cancer were investigated; to the best of our knowledge, this has not
      been reported previously. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis
      demonstrated that UBE2T was significantly upregulated in bladder cancer tissues
      and cell lines compared with adjacent normal bladder tissues and a normal human
      urinary tract epithelial cell line, respectively. UBE2T was detectable in the
      nuclei and cytoplasm of cancer cells, exhibiting stronger expression in the
      nuclei. A UBE2T-siRNA-expressing lentivirus was constructed and used to infect
      human bladder cancer 5637 cells, in order to examine the role of UBE2T in bladder
      cancer cell growth in vitro. The knockdown of UBE2T significantly decreased
      bladder cancer cell proliferation and colony formation. Furthermore, UBE2T
      silencing induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and increased cell apoptosis.
      Therefore, UBE2T serves an important role in the growth of bladder cancer cells,
      and may be considered as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for bladder
      cancer.

PMID- 28101209
TI  - Significance of interstitial tumor-associated macrophages in the progression of
      lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Stepwise progression from adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive
      adenocarcinoma (MIA) to lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma (LPA) was proposed by
      various scholars. Interstitial tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and various
      potential chemokines involved in the progression from AIS/MIA to LPA were
      hypothesized. In the present study, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescent
      double staining was used to detect the expression of the TAMs marker cluster of
      differentiation (CD) 68, tumor-derived colony-stimulating factor (CSF)-1,
      interleukin (IL)-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, E-cadherin and Snail in
      lung adenocarcinoma specimens, including AIS/MIA, LPA and other types. It was
      observed that infiltrating TAMs were negatively associated with the prognosis of
      patients, and that the infiltration degree of interstitial TAMs was higher in LPA
      than that in AIS/MIA. In addition, E-cadherin, Snail and MMP-2 expression were
      significantly correlated with the infiltration degree of TAMs. Survival analysis
      revealed that co-expression of CD68, CSF-1 and IL-6 was an independent prognostic
      factor. Stratified analysis demonstrated that, in AIS/MIA patients, there was a
      statistically significant difference between the number of TAMs (TAMs <=25 and
      TAMs >25) in the CD68+CSF-1+IL-6+ group compared with other groups (including
      CD68+CSF-1-IL-6-, CD68+CSF-1+IL-6-, CD68+CSF-1-IL-6+ and CD68- groups). By
      contrast, in patients with TAMs >25 and in patients with positive CD68, CSF-1 and
      IL-6 expression, the survival rates were not significantly different between
      AIS/MIA and LPA. These results suggested that co-expression of TAMs marker CD68,
      CSF-1 and IL-6 may be a valuable independent prognostic predictor in lung
      adenocarcinoma. TAMs may facilitate AIS/MIA progression to LPA, which may be
      closely associated with the induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

PMID- 28101211
TI  - Receptor FGFRL1 acts as a tumor suppressor in nude mice when overexpressed in HEK
      293 Tet-On cells.
AB  - Fibroblast growth factor receptor-like 1 (FGFRL1) is a transmembrane receptor
      that interacts with heparin and FGF ligands. In contrast to the classical FGF
      receptors, FGFR1 to FGFR4, it does not appear to affect cell growth and
      proliferation. In the present study, an inducible gene expression system was
      utilized in combination with a xenograft tumor model to investigate the effects
      of FGFRL1 on cell adhesion and tumor formation. It was determined that
      recombinant FGFRL1 promotes the adhesion of HEK 293 Tet-On(r) cells in vitro.
      Moreover, when such cells are induced to express FGFRL1DeltaC they aggregate into
      huge clusters. If injected into nude mice, the cells form large tumors. Notably,
      this tumor growth is completely inhibited when the expression of FGFRL1 is
      induced. The forced expression of FGFRL1 in the tumor tissue may restore contact
      inhibition, thereby preventing growth of the cells in nude mice. The results of
      the present study demonstrate that FGFRL1 acts as a tumor suppressor similar to
      numerous other cell adhesion proteins. It is therefore likely that FGFRL1
      functions as a regular cell-cell adhesion protein.

PMID- 28101212
TI  - Effect of oxaliplatin combined with polyenephosphatidylcholine on the
      proliferation of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells.
AB  - Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a platinum compound that is widely used to treat certain
      solid tumors, including gastric tumors. L-OHP is an effective anti-cancer
      treatment; however, its usage increases the probability of patients developing
      hepatic injury with inflammation, referred to as chemotherapy-associated
      steatohepatitis. The present study aimed to evaluate the outcome of L-OHP
      treatment combined with polyenephosphatidylcholine (PPC), a major component of
      essential phospholipids used to treat steatohepatitis, on SGC-7901 gastric cancer
      cell proliferation. This would help to determine whether combination therapy with
      L-OHP and PPC is clinically beneficial for patients with gastric cancer. The
      viability of SGC-7901 cells was verified by an MTT assay; flow cytometry was used
      to analyze the cell cycle and rates of cell apoptosis; oxidation-related
      indicators were measured by spectrophotometry, and the expression of cell cycle-
      and apoptosis-related proteins was determined by western blotting. The results
      demonstrated that L-OHP significantly inhibited SGC-7901 cell growth in a dose-
      and time-dependent manner (F=194.193, P<0.01 and F=12.428, P=0.01, respectively).
      Furthermore, PPC stimulated the growth of SGC-7901 cells and greatly promoted
      their apoptosis induced by L-OHP, which was supported by the upregulation of
      cytochrome c and the downstream activation of caspases 3 and 9. Finally,
      following treatment with a combination of PPC and L-OHP, the expression of
      cyclins D1 and E was downregulated; however, PPC did not alter the production of
      reactive oxygen species caused by L-OHP (P=0.88). The present study determined
      that the combination of L-OHP and PPC exerts a synergistic anti-tumor effect,
      suggesting that L-OHP and PPC combination therapy may be used as a treatment for
      patients with gastric cancer that reduces the side effects of L-OHP without
      inhibiting its efficacy.

PMID- 28101213
TI  - Osteopontin improves adhesion and migration of human primary renal cortical
      epithelial cells during wound healing.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of osteopontin (OPN)
      on adhesion and migration in human primary renal cortical epithelial cells during
      wound healing and Transwell assays. MTT assay was used to examine the cell
      viability and western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of
      cytoskeletal proteins and cell adhesion molecules. The results showed that
      overexpression of OPN had positive effects on the viability, proliferation,
      adhesion and migration of the human primary renal cortical epithelial cells. In
      addition, the integrity of the cell membrane and cytoskeleton of the epithelial
      cells was negatively affected by knockdown of OPN expression. The Transwell
      migration and a wound healing assays performed using OPN-knockdown cells
      suggested that OPN had a significant impact on cell migration (P=0.0421) and
      wound healing (P=0.0333). Therefore, OPN may be a potential target for the
      therapeutic modulation of skin repair to improve the healing rate and quality of
      wound healing.

PMID- 28101214
TI  - PARP-1 may be involved in angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is involved in DNA repair and has been
      implicated in chemoresistance. The present study investigated whether PARP-1
      promotes angiogenesis in ovarian cancer. PARP-1 and vascular endothelial growth
      factor A (VEGF-A) expression and CD34+ microvascular density (MVD) were assessed
      using immunohistochemistry in 60 human epithelial ovarian cancer specimens. PARP
      1 was stably knocked-down in SKOV3 cells using a specific small interfering RNA
      (siRNA); angiogenic capacity was assessed using the human umbilical vein
      endothelial cell (HUVEC) tubule formation assay; and PARP-1 and VEGF-A expression
      were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction,
      western blotting and ELISA. PARP-1 was found to be expressed in 73.3% (44/60) of
      the human epithelial ovarian cancer specimens and was significantly associated
      with VEGF-A, MVD, tumor size, histological grade and lymphatic metastasis
      (P<0.05). Compared with cells transfected with a negative control siRNA,
      knockdown of PARP-1 significantly suppressed the ability of SKOV3 cell
      conditioned media to promote HUVEC tubule formation on Matrigel in vitro.
      Knockdown of PARP-1 in SKOV3 cells also significantly reduced VEGF-A mRNA and
      protein expression and secretion. In summary, PARP-1 is overexpressed and may
      enhance angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian cancer by upregulating VEGF-A.

PMID- 28101215
TI  - Rottlerin-induced autophagy leads to apoptosis in bladder cancer cells.
AB  - It has been well-established that apoptosis contributes to cancer cell death;
      however, the role of autophagy in cancer cell death remains unclear. The aim of
      the present study was to investigate the effects of rottlerin, a traditional
      Indian medicine, on cell growth inhibition and autophagy in EJ human bladder
      carcinoma cells in vitro. Cell viability, measured by MTT assay, was found to be
      suppressed in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, apoptosis was
      significantly increased in cells treated with rottlerin, as indicated by
      increased annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining and
      changes in the cell cycle distribution that indicated blockage at G1 phase.
      Rottlerin treatment also enhanced the activation of autophagy, with increased
      expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II and the
      appearance of autophagosomes. The increased level of LC3-II and autophagosomes
      suggests that autophagy may contribute to apoptosis in these cells. In addition,
      no apparent alterations in the levels of pro-caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, total
      poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) and cleaved-PARP were observed in cells
      treated with rottlerin, which indicates that caspases may not serve a key role
      during the process of apoptosis induced by rottlerin. Therefore, the results of
      the present study indicate that rottlerin promotes apoptosis and arrests the cell
      cycle in EJ cells, which may be caused by autophagy activation.

PMID- 28101216
TI  - Epidermal growth factor receptor mutation enhances expression of vascular
      endothelial growth factor in lung cancer.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation has been demonstrated to have
      a critical role in tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, the correlation
      between EGFR mutations and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was
      investigated in lung cancer cell lines and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      tumor tissues. VEGF levels were significantly increased in culture medium of lung
      cancer cells and NSCLC tissues with EGFR mutations (H1650 vs. A549, P=0.0399;
      H1975 vs. A549, P<0.0001). Stable lung cancer cell lines expressing mutant (exon
      19 deletion, E746-A750; exon 21 missense mutation, L858R) and wild-type EGFR
      genes were established. Significantly increased expression of VEGF and stronger
      inhibitory effects of gefitinib to VEGF expression were observed in exon 19
      deletion stable lung cancer cells (exon 19 deletion vs. wild-type EGFR,
      P=0.0005). The results of the present study may provide an insight into the
      association of mutant EGFR and VEGF expression in lung cancer, and may assist
      with further development of targeted therapy for NSCLC in the future.

PMID- 28101217
TI  - Safety and effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in early stage
      renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety and effectiveness of
      percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in early stage renal cell carcinoma. A
      total of 76 patients suffering from early stage renal cell carcinoma were
      selected and randomly assigned into the observation group (41 cases) or the
      control group (35 cases). Percutaneous RFA was used in the observation group,
      while retroperitoneoscopic radical operation of renal cell carcinoma was used in
      the control group, and the operative effects were compared. In the observation
      group, operation time, blood loss during operation, length of stay and incidence
      rate of complications were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). For both
      groups, serum C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and T lymphocyte counts at 1, 2
      and 3 days after operation were all increased; however, the control group had
      significantly greater increase for all the time points (P<0.05). For total
      effective rates, tumour-free survival times and survival rates, there were no
      statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05).
      Percutaneous RFA has a reduced size of operation wound and a quick postoperative
      recovery time in the treatment of early stage renal cell carcinoma. It results in
      less inflammation and immunity-based injuries in the body and achieves the same
      clinical outcomes as retroperitoneoscopic radical operation of renal cell
      carcinoma.

PMID- 28101218
TI  - Bevacizumab, pemetrexed and carboplatin in first-line treatment of non-small cell
      lung cancer patients: Focus on patients with brain metastases.
AB  - Data concerning bevacizumab plus pemetrexed plus carboplatin as first-line
      treatment for patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with
      or without brain metastases (BM) are lacking. The present study analyzed the
      efficacy and safety of this combination as induction therapy, followed by
      maintenance therapy with bevacizumab plus pemetrexed in non-squamous NSCLC
      patients with or without BM. Treatment-naive patients with advanced non-squamous
      NSCLC and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0-2
      were eligible. Treatment consisted of carboplatin (area under the curve of 5),
      pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) every 3 weeks for 6 cycles.
      Responders and patients with stable disease received maintenance therapy with
      bevacizumab plus pemetrexed until disease progression, which was evaluated every
      3 cycles, or unacceptable toxicity. Kaplan-Meier median progression-free survival
      (PFS) and overall survival (OS) times were the primary endpoints, and safety was
      the secondary endpoint. In total, 39 patients, aged 44-78 years (median, 60
      years), were treated; 11 (28.2%) of whom presented with BM. The majority of
      patients (56.4%) completed 6 cycles of induction therapy, and 26 patients
      continued on to maintenance therapy. The median PFS time was 8.2 months [95%
      confidence interval (CI), 7.05-9.35] and the median OS time was 14.0 months (95%
      CI, 8.46-19.54). Median PFS and OS times did not differ significantly between
      patients with or without BM (log rank (Mantel-Cox): PFS, P=0.748 and OS,
      P=0.447). The majority of patients (76.9%) did not experience adverse events
      during treatment. Overall, bevacizumab plus pemetrexed plus carboplatin as
      induction therapy, followed by bevacizumab plus pemetrexed as maintenance therapy
      was effective and well tolerated in advanced NSCLC, whether brain metastases were
      present or not.

PMID- 28101219
TI  - N-terminal truncated carboxypeptidase E expression is associated with poor
      prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality rates. To
      date, no suitable molecular diagnostic tool to predict disease recurrence and
      metastasis has been identified. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential
      of N-terminal truncated carboxypeptidase E (CPEDeltaN) to predict the recurrence
      and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma. Western blotting revealed the co
      expression of CPE and CPEDeltaN in the surgically collected pathological and
      pericarcinoma tissues tissues of 62.1% (59/95) lung adenocarcinoma patients. The
      full length CPE protein was predominantly expressed in pericarcinoma tissues and
      CPEDeltaN expression was identified in the pericarcinoma normal tissues of only
      5.26% (5/95) patients. The 3-year postoperative recurrence and metastasis rates
      were significantly higher in patients with positive CPEDeltaN expression than in
      patients with negative CPEDeltaN expression (P=0.009). Furthermore, the overall
      survival rate of patients with predominant nuclear CPE expression was lower than
      that of patients with predominant cytoplasmic CPE expression (46.3 vs. 64.7%);
      however, no statistically significant difference was identified (P=0.125). Thus,
      the results of the current study indicated that CPEDeltaN may present a novel
      molecular biomarker for predicting recurrence and metastasis of lung
      adenocarcinoma, which may aid with stratifying patients by risk and thus, may
      facilitate individualized therapy.

PMID- 28101221
TI  - A complex translocation (3;17;15) in acute promyelocytic leukemia confirmed by
      fluorescence in situ hybridization.
AB  - Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is typified by t(15;17)(q22;q21), generating
      the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene at 15q22 with the retinoic acid alpha
      receptor (RARA) gene at 17q21. The PML-RARA fusion gene is believed to play a
      vital role in leukemogenesis. A sizeable minority of patients with complex
      variants of APL have been reported. The present study reports the case of a 33
      year-old male with APL carrying a potential complex translocation. The initial
      symptom was bleeding gums. Chromosomal analysis of the bone marrow cells revealed
      an atypical 17q aberration. Fluorescence in situ hybridization further indicated
      that 92% of analyzed cells were positive for the PML-RARA fusion gene. The
      patient experienced complete remission following treatment with arsenic trioxide
      and chemotherapy. The atypical translocations in acute promyelocytic leukemia
      require further investigation.

PMID- 28101220
TI  - Antitumor effect of forbesione isolated from Garcinia hanburyi on
      cholangiocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy with no effective therapy and poor
      prognosis. Forbesione, a caged xanthone isolated from Garcinia hanburyi, has been
      reported to inhibit proliferation and to induce apoptosis in human CCA cell
      lines. The present study aimed to further explore the potential anticancer
      properties of forbesione by testing its effects against the hamster CCA cell line
      Ham-1 in vitro and in vivo. It was observed that forbesione inhibited the growth
      of Ham-1 cells in vitro and suppressed Ham-1 growth as allograft in hamsters by
      inducing cell cycle arrest at the S phase. This was mediated by decreasing the
      protein expression of cyclin E, cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. In
      addition, increased expression of p21 and p27 was detected, which could possibly
      explain the reduced expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and of the
      bile duct cell marker cytokeratin 19 observed in forbesione-treated Ham-1 cells
      in vitro and in tumor tissues of forbesione-treated hamsters. Furthermore,
      forbesione induced apoptosis through multiple pathways. The death receptor
      pathway was activated by increased expression of Fas, Fas-associated death domain
      and activated caspase-3, along with decreased expression of procaspase-8 and
      procaspase-3. The mitochondrial pathway was driven by increased expression of B
      cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2-like protein 4, activated caspase-9 and inhibitor of kappaB
      alpha, along with decreased expression of Bcl-2, survivin, procaspase-9 and
      nuclear factor-kappaB/p65. The endoplasmic reticulum pathway was stimulated by
      increased expression of activated caspase-12 and decreased expression of
      procaspase-12. No side effects or toxicity were observed in forbesione-treated
      hamsters. Thus, forbesione is a potential drug candidate for cancer therapy that
      deserves further investigation.

PMID- 28101222
TI  - FRAT1 expression regulates proliferation in colon cancer cells.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastric malignancies worldwide.
      However, the underlying mechanism of colon cancer development and valuable
      indicators of the disease remain unclear. In this study, the expression of
      frequently rearranged in advanced T-cell lymphomas 1 (FRAT1) in colon cancer was
      investigated and the association between FRAT1 expression and biological
      properties of tumors was analyzed. A total of 147 colon cancer tissue samples and
      adjacent normal tissues were collected between January 2013 and June 2014. The
      FRAT1 gene and protein expression levels were analyzed in tissues with different
      TNM and pathological stages. Small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) containing the human
      FRAT1 gene were constructed and transfected into colon cancer HT-29 cells. The
      proliferation and migration of the cells was also analyzed in relation to a
      reduction in FRAT1 expression. In colon cancer tissues, the expression of FRAT1
      was significantly higher when compared with adjacent tissues. In addition, FRAT1
      expression was found to positively correlate with the degree of tumor malignancy,
      and this difference was determined to be statistically significant (P<0.05).
      Following shRNA transfection in HT-29 cells to decrease the expression of FRAT1,
      the proliferation and migration of the HT-29 cells decreased (due to conversion
      of the shRNA into small interfering RNA). These results indicate that in colon
      cancer, FRAT1 may present a novel tool for analyzing the tumor progression and
      may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of colon cancer.

PMID- 28101223
TI  - Modulatory effect of luteolin on redox homeostasis and inflammatory cytokines in
      a mouse model of liver cancer.
AB  - Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality
      worldwide. Due to changes in lifestyle and daily exposure to various chemicals,
      which may lead to chemical intoxication, liver cancer has become a prominent
      disease in humans. Chemical-induced carcinogenesis in experimental animals has
      become a reliable model for the investigation of liver cancer-associated
      biological alterations that may mimic human hepatic cancer. Liver cancer in
      BALB/c mice was induced by administering diethylnitrosamine (DN) in drinking
      water for 6 weeks. Luteolin (LUT) is a flavone that is found in the leaves of the
      majority of spice-associated plants. In the present study, 20 ug/kg of body
      weight LUT was administered intraperitoneally every alternate day to treat the DN
      induced liver cancer in mice. LUT improved the host system by modifying the
      levels of alpha-fetoprotein, enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase
      and catalase, marker enzymes, such as AST and ALT, and lipid peroxides in the
      plasma or liver tissue. LUT also reduced the levels of glutathione and the
      inflammatory cytokines interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma in the plasma or liver
      tissue. These findings augmented the treatment against liver cancer and supported
      the effective anticancer activity of LUT against DN-induced liver carcinogenesis
      in mice.

PMID- 28101224
TI  - Impact of chromosome 17q deletion in the primary lesion of colorectal cancer on
      liver metastasis.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignancy worldwide, and investigations are
      required to elucidate the underlying carcinogenic mechanisms. Amongst these
      mechanisms, de novo carcinogenesis and the adenoma to carcinoma sequence, are the
      most understood. Metastasis of colorectal cancer to the liver often results in
      fatality, therefore, it is important for any associated risk factors to be
      identified. Regarding the treatment of the disease, it is important to manage not
      only the primary colorectal tumor, but also the liver metastases. Previously,
      through gene variation analysis, chromosomal loss has been indicated to serve an
      important role in liver metastasis. Such analysis may aid in the prediction of
      liver metastasis risk, alongside individual responses to treatment, thus
      improving the management of colorectal cancer. In the present study, we aimed to
      clarify a cause of the liver metastasis of colorectal cancer using comparative
      genomic hybridization analysis. A total of 116 frozen samples were analyzed from
      patients with advanced colorectal cancer that underwent surgery from 2004 to
      2011. The present study analyzed mutations within tumor suppressor genes non
      metastatic gene 23 (NM23), deleted in colorectal carcinoma (DCC) and deleted in
      pancreatic carcinoma, locus 4 (DPC4), which are located on chromosomes 17 and 18
      and have all been reported to affect liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. The
      association between chromosomal abnormalities (duplication and deletion) and
      liver metastasis of colorectal cancer was evaluated using comparative genomic
      hybridization. Cluster analysis indicated that the group of patients lacking the
      long arm of chromosome 17 demonstrated the highest rate of liver metastasis. No
      significant association was observed between the frequency of liver metastases
      for synchronous and heterochronous colorectal cancer cases and gene variation
      (P=0.206). However, when these liver metastasis cases were divided into the
      synchronous and heterochronous types, the ratio of each was significantly
      different between gene variation groups, classified by the existence of the 17q
      deletion (P=0.023). These results indicate that the deletion of 17q may act as a
      predictive marker of liver metastasis in postoperative states.

PMID- 28101225
TI  - Monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a potent suppressor of tumor
      immunity in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic option for patients with non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) who do not qualify for surgery. In patients with advanced
      NSCLC, systemic immune suppression is frequently observed, therefore, researchers
      are investigating the tumor microenvironment for less invasive and more effective
      methods of treating lung cancer. Monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Mo
      MDSCs) are potent suppressors of tumor immunity; therefore, this population may
      significantly impede the application of immunotherapy to treat cancer. The
      present study evaluated the distribution of Mo-MDSCs and monocytes/macrophages in
      the peripheral blood, lymph nodes and tumor tissue of patients with NSCLC.
      Furthermore, the profiles of cytokines produced by these cell populations,
      including interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-12/23p40, IL-10, transforming growth factor
      beta (TGF-beta) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), were compared. The cell
      populations and the expression of cytokines were assessed by flow cytometry after
      4 h in culture with mitogens and Brefeldin A. Mo-MDSCs were more numerous than
      monocytes/macrophages in all tissues and their prevalence was highest in the
      peripheral blood; they expressed higher levels of TGF-beta than
      monocytes/macrophages in all tissues and expression of TGF-beta produced by Mo
      MDSCs was higher in the blood than in lymph nodes and tumor tissues. A higher
      percentage of monocytes/macrophages was observed in lymph nodes and tumor tissues
      than in blood. CD14+HLA-DR+ cells also produced more IL-10 in lymph nodes than Mo
      MDSCs and more IL-1beta and TNF in all tissues. A higher prevalence of cluster of
      differentiation 14+ human leukocyte antigen-D related+ cells secreting IL-1beta,
      TNF and IL-12/23p40 was observed in peripheral blood. Thus, the results of the
      current study support the statement that Mo-MDSCs and monocytes/macrophages
      participate in NSCLC induced immunosuppression, and is consistent with previous
      research into associations between the TGF-beta signaling pathway and tumor cell
      invasion, motility and metastasis. The study also demonstrated that Mo-MDSCs
      promote tumor growth through their immunosuppressive activity. In addition, the
      profile of cytokines expressed by monocytes/macrophages suggests that this cell
      population may be associated with metastasis formation and angiogenesis promotion
      in patients with NSCLC.

PMID- 28101226
TI  - Evaluation of plasma microRNA levels to predict insensitivity of patients with
      advanced lung adenocarcinomas to pemetrexed and platinum.
AB  - Pemetrexed combined with platinum is a first-line therapy used to treat patients
      with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that exhibit negative or unknown
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational status or anaplastic lymphoma
      kinase (ALK) rearrangements. Lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is the primary type of
      NSCLC. In order to prevent overtreatment, it is necessary to identify patients
      with LAC who may not benefit from certain chemotherapies. Patients recruited in
      the present study (n=129) were diagnosed with advanced LAC and received first
      line pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy. A microRNA (miR) microarray was
      used to screen the plasma miR expression profiles in a screening set of eight
      patients prior to and following treatment. Specifically, plasma miR-25, miR-21,
      miR-27b, miR-326, miR-483-5p and miR-920 were selected for reverse transcription
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis in a training set (n=44) prior to
      treatment. The screening and training set patients were all non-smokers with no
      prior history of serious or chronic disease. The ??Cq values of these miRs were
      compared between the group that showed benefit from pemetrexed and platinum
      treatment and the group that did not. Consequently, the ??Cq values of miR-25,
      miR-21, miR-27b and miR-326 were further determined in a validation set (n=77).
      The results of the present study demonstrate that plasma expression levels of miR
      25, miR-21, miR-27b and miR-326, in the training and validation sets prior to
      treatment, were significantly different between the benefit and non-benefit
      groups (P<=0.001). The expression of miR-25, miR-21, miR-27b and miR-326 was
      upregulated in the non-benefit group and this elevation was positively correlated
      with decreased progression-free survival (PFS; P<=0.001). In addition, the
      predictive power of each miR was evaluated through receiver operating
      characteristic curves, in which miR-25 exhibited the highest degree of accuracy
      (area under the curve, 0.926; 95% confidence interval, 0.881-0.971). These
      results indicate that overexpression of plasma miR-25, miR-21, miR-27b and miR
      326, prior to treatment, in patients with advanced LAC is predictive of non
      benefit from first-line pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy, and is
      associated with decreased PFS. Among these four miRs, miR-25 exhibited the
      highest degree of accuracy in predicting insensitivity, suggesting it is the most
      promising biomarker.

PMID- 28101227
TI  - Downregulation of mir-23b in plasma is associated with poor prognosis in patients
      with colorectal cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA molecules that act as regulators of
      gene expression. Circulating blood miRNAs have potential as cancer biomarkers.
      The main objective of the present study was to assess the effect of miRNA-23b
      (miR-23b) expression in plasma on the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal
      cancer (CRC). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      was used to measure miR-23b expression levels, and methylation-specific PCR was
      used to test the promoter methylation status. Subsequently, the expression level
      of miR-23b in plasma samples was compared between CRC patients and healthy
      control individuals. The miR-23b expression levels were significantly lower in
      CRC cells and primary CRC tissues than in nonmalignant colorectal tissues
      (P<0.001). It was also shown that miR-23b expression is downregulated by promoter
      methylation and can be restored by demethylation agent treatment. miR-23b was
      significantly decreased in plasma samples from CRC patients compared with the
      healthy control individuals (P<0.001). The value of the area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve was 0.842 (sensitivity, 84.38%; specificity,
      77.08%; 95% confidence interval, 0.763-0.922). Low plasma miR-23b expression was
      significantly associated with clinical stage, tumor depth, distant metastasis and
      tumor recurrence. CRC patients with low miR-23b expression in plasma exhibited a
      shorter recurrence-free survival time and poorer overall survival rate. The
      present results suggested that the downregulation of miR-23b in the plasma has
      the potential to be a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in CRC.

PMID- 28101228
TI  - Increased expression of PDIA3 and its association with cancer cell proliferation
      and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unfavorable following complete
      tumor resection. The aim of the present study was to identify a molecule able to
      predict HCC prognosis through comprehensive protein profiling and to elucidate
      its clinicopathological significance. Comprehensive protein profiling of HCC was
      performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Through the
      bioinformatic analysis of proteins expressed differentially in HCC and non-HCC
      tissues, protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3) was identified as a candidate for
      the prediction of prognosis. PDIA3 expression was subsequently examined in 86
      cases of HCC by immunostaining and associations between PDIA3 expression levels
      and clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. The Ki-67 index and
      apoptotic cell death of carcinoma cells were examined by immunostaining and
      terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay in 24 cases.
      The results demonstrated that PDIA3 was expressed in all 86 HCC cases; 56 HCC
      cases (65%) exhibited high expression of PDIA3 and 30 (35%) exhibited low
      expression. The disease-free and overall survival times of HCC patients with high
      PDIA3 expression were significantly shorter than in HCC patients with low
      expression. Furthermore, increased expression of PDIA3 was associated with an
      elevated Ki-67 index, indicating increased cancer cell proliferation and a
      reduction in apoptotic cell death. Taken together, these results suggest that
      PDIA3 expression is associated with tumor proliferation and decreased apoptosis
      in HCC, and that increased expression of PDIA3 predicts poor prognosis. PDIA3 may
      therefore be a key molecule in the development of novel targeting therapies for
      patients with HCC.

PMID- 28101229
TI  - Retrospective analysis of breast cancer prognosis among young and older women in
      a Brazilian cohort of 738 patients, 1985-2002.
AB  - Invasive breast cancer (BC) is infrequent among women aged <=40 years, however,
      the disease outlook in these younger patients is generally worse than among older
      women. The present study aimed to compare socio-demographic, clinical and
      pathological characteristics, and their association with long-term survival,
      between two random cohorts of young (<=40 years) and older (50-69 years)
      Brazilian patients with BC. The cohort comprised of 738 randomly selected women
      who were diagnosed with BC at Barretos Cancer Hospital, Pio XII Foundation
      (Barretos, Brazil) between January 1985 and December 2002; the patients included
      young women (n=376) and older women (n=362). The current analysis suggested that
      BC in young women is associated with numerous pathological features of
      aggressiveness. Second cancer and bilateral BC were independent predictors of a
      poor outcome in the younger group. Furthermore, C-erB-2 was positively correlated
      with poor outcome in the older group, whereas estrogen receptor status and TNM
      stage were associated with disease prognosis in both groups. The overall survival
      rates of the two age groups were similar except when analyzed according the
      treatment period (1997-2002). Although patients aged <=40 years harbored tumors
      with more aggressive clinicopathological characteristics, these characteristics
      were not independent predictors of overall survival. The present study indicates
      that medical advances associated with prevention of breast cancer may improve
      screening programs, which may therefore increase early diagnosis and subsequently
      lower mortality rates.

PMID- 28101230
TI  - Effect of IL-17 in the development of colon cancer in mice.
AB  - Cytokine therapy is commonly used for tumor immunotherapy. Although early studies
      focused directly on the tumor, current investigations are more attentive of the
      tumor microenvironment. Various immune cells and related cytokines in the tumor
      microenvironment play an important role in the occurrence and development of
      tumor. Interleukin (IL)-17 is the characteristic cytokine produced by Th17 cells.
      IL-17 has been associated with various immune responses. The results of previous
      studies showed that IL-17 can significantly reduce the size of transplanted
      tumors in tumor-bearing mice, albeit it has no effect on the survival time of
      mice. By investigating the effect of IL-17 in the number and distribution of
      lymphocyte infiltration in tumor tissues, the expression of cytokines and
      transcription factors associated with the subsets of CD4+T cells in tumor
      tissues, the distribution of subsets of spleen lymphocyte in tumor-bearing mice,
      a preliminary investigation of the possible antitumor mechanism of IL-17 was
      performed. In conclusion, the antitumor effect of IL-17 gene transfection in the
      colon cancer of mice may be associated with the mechanisms whereby IL-17 gene
      transfection can change the distribution of different subsets of spleen
      lymphocytes in mice. IL-17 gene transfection can increase the number of
      lymphocyte infiltration in tumor tissues. IL-17 gene transfection can promote the
      high expression of interferon-gamma in tumor tissue, while reducing the
      expression of IL-10 and IL-13 factors, thus exerting an antitumor effect.

PMID- 28101232
TI  - Feasibility and application of single-hole video-assisted thoracoscope in
      pulmonary peripheral tumors.
AB  - The feasibility and clinical application of single-hole video-assisted
      thoracoscope in pulmonary peripheral tumors was examined. From March, 2011 to
      March, 2015, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data obtained from 32
      patients with pulmonary peripheral tumor that received single-hole thoracoscopic
      surgery. We completed the surgery via a 1.5-cm incision on the seventh or eighth
      rib in midaxillary line as the observation hole, and a 4.0-5.0-cm incision in the
      lateral margin of pectoralis major in the fourth or fifth rib in midaxillary line
      as the operation hole. All the patients had completed the tumor-reductive surgery
      under single-hole thoracoscope successfully. None required second operation hole
      or needed a transfer to thoracotomy. Operation time was 40-100 min with an
      average of 65.78+/-15.87 min. Intraoperative blood loss was 20-100 ml, with an
      average of 47.19+/-26.91 ml. Post-operative chest drainage time was 3-6 days,
      with an average of 4.22+/-0.87 days. Hospitalization time after operation was 5-7
      days, with an average hospitalization time of 5.97+/-0.82 days. No patient
      received a second surgery for pulmonary leak or bleeding and no patient had any
      complication. All the cases recovered without any problem. In conclusion, for
      patients with pulmonary peripheral tumor, single-hole video-assisted thoracoscope
      could further reduce their surgical trauma. The operation was safe and feasible
      and worthy of wide application.

PMID- 28101231
TI  - The biological significance of methylome differences in human papilloma virus
      associated head and neck cancer.
AB  - In recent years, studies have suggested that promoter methylation in human
      papilloma virus (HPV) positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has
      a mechanistic role and has the potential to improve patient survival. The present
      study aimed to replicate key molecular findings from previous analyses of the
      methylomes of HPV positive and HPV negative HNSCC in an independent cohort, to
      assess the reliability of differentially methylated markers in HPV-associated
      tumors. HPV was measured using real-time quantitative PCR and the biological
      significance of methylation differences was assessed by Ingenuity Pathway
      Analysis (IPA). Using an identical experimental design of a 450K methylation
      platform, 7 of the 11 genes were detected to be significantly differentially
      methylated and all 11 genes were either hypo- or hypermethylated, which was in
      agreement with the results of a previous study. IPA's enriched networks analysis
      identified one network with msh homeobox 2 (MSX2) as a central node. Locally
      dense interactions between genes in networks tend to reflect significant biology;
      therefore MSX2 was selected as an important gene. Sequestration in the top four
      canonical pathways was noted for 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1E (serotonin
      signaling), collapsin response mediator protein 1 (semaphorin signaling) and
      paired like homeodomain 2 (bone morphogenic protein and transforming growth
      factor-beta signaling). Placement of 9 of the 11 genes in highly ranked pathways
      and bionetworks identified key biological processes to further emphasize
      differences between HNSCC HPV positive and negative pathogenesis.

PMID- 28101234
TI  - Dysregulation of MALAT1 and miR-619-5p as a prognostic indicator in advanced
      colorectal carcinoma.
AB  - The present study aimed to detect the expression of metastasis associated lung
      adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and microRNA (miR)-619-5p in colorectal
      carcinoma (CRC), and to evaluate the significance of MALAT1 and miR-619-5p
      expression in the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. Quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction was used to detect MALAT1 and miR-619-5p expression in
      120 colorectal carcinoma and 120 adjacent normal tissue samples. The expression
      levels of MALAT1 and miR-619-5p were significantly different between colorectal
      carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). MALAT1 exhibited an average 2.52
      fold increase in colorectal adenoma when compared with adjacent normal tissues,
      while miR-619-5p exhibited an average 5.79-fold decrease in colorectal adenoma
      when compared with adjacent normal tissues. There was a significant difference
      between the MALAT1 expression in CRC tissues obtained from men and women
      (P=0.027), and in tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage II and stage III lesions
      (P=0.019). MALAT1 expression was associated with lymphovascular invasion
      (P=0.047) and perineural invasion (P=0.012). In addition, miR-619-5p expression
      was also significantly different between men and women (P=0.032), and between TNM
      stage II and stage III lesions (P=0.012). miR-619-5p expression was also
      associated with lymphovascular invasion (P=0.023) and perineural invasion
      (P=0.009). Patients with high expression of MALAT1 and low expression of miR-619
      5p demonstrated significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.002) and
      overall survival (OS) times (P=0.004) compared with patients with low MALAT1
      expression and high miR-619-5p expression. Patients with perineural invasion
      demonstrated significantly shorter DFS (P=0.001) and OS times (P=0.003) compared
      with patients without perineural invasion. In addition, there was a negative
      correlation between MALAT1 expression and miR-619-5p expression (r=-0.415,
      P=0.004) in CRC tissues. In conclusion, MALAT1 and miR-619-5p have potential for
      the molecular diagnosis of CRC patients, and combined assaying of MALAT1 and miR
      619-5p may improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of CRC and act as a good
      prognostic indicator in CRC patients.

PMID- 28101233
TI  - Lipid raft localization of epidermal growth factor receptor alters matrix
      metalloproteinase-1 expression in SiHa cells via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) has been identified as an important
      participant in tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. The purpose of the
      present study was to investigate the effects of epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) localization to lipid rafts on signaling pathways involved in the
      regulation of MMP-1 expression in SiHa cells, a cervical cancer cell line. EGFR
      activation by EGF specifically induced MMP-1 expression at both the messenger RNA
      and protein levels. Additionally, it was observed that EGFR localized to lipid
      rafts, and that the redistribution of EGFR induced by lipid raft disruption
      strengthened EGF-induced MMP-1 expression. MMP-1 induction was blocked by the
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitors PD98059 and U0126. Our
      results suggested that lipid rafts provide a platform to inhibit EGFR regulation
      of MMP-1 in SiHa cells through the MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      signaling pathway.

PMID- 28101236
TI  - Identification of proteins associated with pediatric bilateral Wilms tumor.
AB  - Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common cancer that primarily develops in abdominal
      solid organ of children. It has no incipient symptom, and the most frequent
      symptoms are a painless, palpable abdominal mass. Proteomics technology was used
      to select the differentially expressed proteins of bilateral Wilms tumor (BWT).
      Ten serum samples of children with BWT were chosen, 20 serum samples of children
      with unilateral WT (UWT) and 20 serum samples of healthy children were selected,
      and proteomics technology was used to detect and collect data. Using
      bioinformatics, the data were analyzed and 10 difference peaks were obtained
      (P<0.01). Non-linear support vector machine was used to classify and to select
      the composite pattern with the highest Youdens index, and one differentially
      expressed protein with m/z of 5,648 kDa was obtained. A significantly high
      expression in children with BWT was obtained, and the expression intensity was
      also significantly (3,889.36+/-1,796.83) higher for children with BWT compared to
      those with UWT (2,886.81+/-1,404.65) and healthy children (432.21+/-730.42).
      Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight ionization/time-of
      flight mass spectrometry was used for identification of the peak, and the peak
      was further identified as apolipoprotein C-III (APO C-III) by western blot
      analysis. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, a differentially expressed
      protein of APO C-III of BWT was obtained through proteomics technology for the
      first time, and it is expected to be a new marker for the early diagnosis and
      prognosis of BWT.

PMID- 28101235
TI  - Protective effect of selenium against cisplatin-induced nasopharyngeal cancer in
      male albino rats.
AB  - The present study evaluated the protective effect of selenium against cisplatin
      induced nasopharyngeal cancer in the cardiac tissue of adult rats. Male Wistar
      rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Different combinations of
      selenium and cisplatin were administered for 45 days, following which the animals
      were sacrificed and the nasopharyngeal tissue was surgically removed. Lipid
      peroxidation, reduced glutathione, and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), catalase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured.
      Apoptotic-related gene (p53, bax and caspase 3) mRNA expression was determined
      using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Caspase 3 activity was also
      measured in all the groups. The results demonstrated that selenium significantly
      reduced the levels of malondialdehyde. The levels of glutathione, SOD, LDH and
      catalase significantly increased following selenium treatment. Relative mRNA
      expression (p53, bax and caspase 3) was significantly reduced in the cisplatin
      treated rats, but it significantly increased following selenium treatment. The
      anticancer activity of selenium was also investigated in HK1cells. Fluorescence
      and confocal microscopy were used to analyze apoptosis and reactive oxygen
      species. The protective effect of selenium was also evident through caspase 3
      activity, which significantly increased following selenium treatment. Taken
      together, these results indicate that selenium may be beneficial against
      cisplatin-induced nasopharyngeal cancer.

PMID- 28101237
TI  - Heat shock factor 2 is associated with the occurrence of lung cancer by enhancing
      the expression of heat shock proteins.
AB  - Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly
      lung cancer. Heat shock proteins and their upstream heat shock factors are
      involved in the occurrence of cancer and have been widely researched. However,
      the role of heat shock factor 2 (HSF2) in lung cancer remains unclear. In the
      present study, expression levels of HSF2 in lung cancer tissues from 50 lung
      cancer patients were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction, and 76% (38/50) were upregulated compared with the matched normal
      tissues. This suggested possible involvement of HSF2 in lung cancer. To
      additionally investigate the role of HSF2 in lung cancer occurrence, a plasmid
      encoding HSF2 was constructed. HSF2 was over expressed in normal lung epithelial
      BEAS-2B cells and lung cancer A549 cells. The results showed that HSF2
      overexpression promoted cell proliferation and cell migration in BEAS-2B and A549
      cells. Additional experiments showed that the HSF2-induced cell proliferation and
      cell migration were dependent on induction of HSPs, particularly HSP27 and HSP90,
      as co-transfection of HSP27 small interfering RNA (siRNA) or HSP90 siRNA
      attenuated HSF2-induced cell growth and migration. In conclusion, the present
      study showed that HSF2 is aberrantly expressed in lung cancer, and it may be an
      upstream regulator of HSPs, which may strongly affect cell growth and cell
      migration. Additional studies are required to explain the detailed mechanism
      between lung cancer, HSF2, HSPs and other possible signaling pathways.

PMID- 28101238
TI  - Diosmetin triggers cell apoptosis by activation of the p53/Bcl-2 pathway and
      inactivation of the Notch3/NF-kappaB pathway in HepG2 cells.
AB  - Diosmetin (DIOS), a flavonoid compound, is abundant in Citrus limon. Emerging
      studies have shown that DIOS is an effective compound implicated in multiple
      types of cancer. However, whether DIOS serves a role in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) is still obscure. HepG2 cells were used in the present study, and it was
      observed that DIOS exhibited antitumor activity against liver cancer cells.
      Western blotting was performed to evaluate cell apoptosis and survival-associated
      proteins, and the results demonstrated that DIOS treatment resulted in the
      activation of the p53-dependent apoptosis pathway. Our results revealed that DIOS
      caused inhibition of the nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB signaling pathway and
      downregulation of Notch3 receptor. Furthermore, by using small hairpin RNA
      Notch3, it was confirmed that DIOS inhibited the NF-kappaB signaling pathway by
      inactivation of Notch3. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that DIOS
      triggered cell apoptosis by activation of the p53 signaling pathway and inhibited
      the NF-kappaB cell survival pathway by downregulation of Notch3 receptor
      expression. DIOS is a potential agent for prevention of HCC.

PMID- 28101239
TI  - Naphthazarin suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in human
      colorectal cancer cells via the B-cell lymphoma 2/B-cell associated X protein
      signaling pathway.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is the most common gastrointestinal cancer in the USA.
      Naphthazarin, one of the naturally available 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives, is a
      natural bioactive molecule that exhibits an antitumor effect. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the anticancer effect of
      naphthazarin on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human SW480 colorectal cancer
      cells. In the present study, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays were performed to assess the effect of
      napthazarin on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity of SW430 cells, respectively.
      In addition, an Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis
      assay and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining were used to analyze cell and
      nuclei apoptosis of SW480 cells, respectively, following treatment with
      naphthazarin. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and
      B-cell associated X protein (Bax) protein expression was analyzed by western
      blot. Furthermore, caspase-3 activation was analyzed using a commercial kit. The
      results revealed that naphthazarin exhibited cell growth inhibition, an increase
      in cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in SW480 cells, which was associated with
      activation of the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway and cleaved caspase-3 activation.
      However, no significant differences in PARP expression were identified following
      treatment with naphthazarin in SW480 cells. Taken together, these results suggest
      that naphthazarin decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis of SW480 cells,
      indicating that naphthazarin may present a potential therapeutic agent for human
      colorectal cancer treatment.

PMID- 28101240
TI  - Downregulation of Annexin A1 is correlated with radioresistance in nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma.
AB  - Radiotherapy is the primary treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but
      radioresistance often remains an obstacle to successful treatment. In our
      previous study, it was demonstrated that Annexin A1 (ANXA1) was involved in the
      p53-mediated radioresponse in NPC cells, which suggested that it may be
      associated with radioresistance in NPC; however, the role of ANXA1 in NPC
      radioresistance is unknown. In the present study, CNE2 cells were stably
      transfected with pLKO.1-ANXA1-small hairpin (sh)RNAs to investigate the effects
      of ANXA1 on the radiosensitivity of NPC. CNE2 cells transfected with pLKO.1 were
      used as the control. The radiosensitivities of the cells in vitro were analyzed
      using the clonogenic survival assay, cell growth analysis, flow cytometry and
      Hoechst 33258 staining. ANXA1 downregulation significantly enhanced clonogenic
      survival and cell growth following treatment of CNE2 cells with ionizing
      radiation (IR), increased the number of cells in the S phase and decreased IR
      induced apoptosis. These results suggested that the radiosensitivity of CNE2
      cells transfected with ANXA1-specific shRNA was significantly lower compared with
      the control cells. Therefore, ANXA1 downregulation may be involved in the
      radioresistance of NPC, and ANXA1 may be considered a novel biomarker for
      predicting NPC response to radiotherapy.

PMID- 28101241
TI  - Potential role of melastatin-related transient receptor potential cation channel
      subfamily M gene expression in the pathogenesis of urinary bladder cancer.
AB  - Urinary bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the urinary
      tract. Ion channels and calcium homeostasis are involved in almost all basic
      cellular mechanisms. The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M
      (TRPM) takes its name from the melastatin protein, which is classified as
      potential tumor suppressor. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no
      previous studies in the literature investigating the role of these ion channels
      in bladder cancer. The present study aimed to determine whether bladder cancer is
      associated with mRNA expression levels of TRPM ion channel genes, and whether
      there is the potential to conduct further studies to establish novel treatment
      modalities. The present study included a total of 47 subjects, of whom 40 were
      bladder cancer patients and 7 were controls. Following the histopathological
      evaluation for bladder carcinoma, the mRNA and protein expression of TRPM were
      examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT
      qPCR) and immunohistochemistry in tumor and normal tissues, in order to determine
      whether there is a difference in the expression of these channels in tumor and
      normal tissues. Immunoreactivity for TRPM2, TRPM4, TRPM7 and TRPM8 was observed
      in epithelial bladder cells in the two groups. RT-qPCR revealed a significant
      increase in TRPM7 expression in bladder cancer tissue compared to the controls
      (healthy bladder tissue), whereas no differences in TRPM2 or TRPM4 expression
      levels were observed. There were significant reductions in the expression levels
      of TRPM5 and TRPM8 in bladder cancer tissues. In the present study, the effects
      of TRP ion channels on the formation of bladder cancer was investigated. This
      study is instructive for TRPM2, TRPM4, TRPM5, TRPM7 and TRPM8 and their
      therapeutic role in bladder cancer. The results support the fact that these gens
      can be novel targets and can also be tested for during the treatment of bladder
      cancer.

PMID- 28101244
TI  - Celery extract inhibits mouse CYP2A5 and human CYP2A6 activities via different
      mechanisms.
AB  - Human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6 participates in the metabolism of nicotine and
      precarcinogens, thus the deliberate inhibition of CYP2A6 may reduce cigarette
      consumption and therefore reduce the risk of developing the types of cancer
      associated with smoking. The inhibitory effects and mechanisms of celery (Apium
      graveolens) extract on mouse CYP2A5 and human CYP2A6 activity remain unclear.
      These effects were investigated in mouse and human liver microsomes using
      coumarin 7-hydroxylation in a probe reaction. Celery extract reduced CYP2A5 and
      CYP2A6 activities in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo experiments also
      showed that celery extract markedly decreased CYP2A5 activity. The inhibition of
      celery extract on CYP2A5 was time- and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      phosphate (NADPH)-independent, and was markedly reduced by ultracentrifugation.
      Additionally, the inhibition of celery extract on CYP2A6 was time and NADPH
      dependent. Levels of inhibition were characterized by a Ki, the measure of the
      tightness of bonds between the enzyme and its inhibitor, of 266.4 ug/ml for
      CYP2A5, and a Ki of 1,018 ug/ml and Kinact of 0.3/min for CYP2A6. Kinact is the
      maximal rate of enzyme inactivation at a saturating concentration of inhibitor.
      The coumarin derivative 5-methoxypsoralen present in celery extract did not
      solely to the inhibition of CYP2A5/6 activity. In conclusion, celery extract
      inhibited the levels of mouse CYP2A5 and human CYP2A6 activity via different
      mechanisms: Mixed competitive inhibition for CYP2A5 and mechanism-based
      inhibition for CYP2A6.

PMID- 28101242
TI  - Screening and analysis of breast cancer genes regulated by the human mammary
      microenvironment in a humanized mouse model.
AB  - Tumor microenvironments play critical regulatory roles in tumor growth. Although
      mouse cancer models have contributed to the understanding of human tumor biology,
      the effectiveness of mouse cancer models is limited by the inability of the
      models to accurately present humanized tumor microenvironments. Previously, a
      humanized breast cancer model in severe combined immunodeficiency mice was
      established, in which human breast cancer tissue was implanted subcutaneously,
      followed by injection of human breast cancer cells. It was demonstrated that
      breast cancer cells showed improved growth in the human mammary microenvironment
      compared with a conventional subcutaneous mouse model. In the present study, the
      novel mouse model and microarray technology was used to analyze changes in the
      expression of genes in breast cancer cells that are regulated by the human
      mammary microenvironment. Humanized breast and conventional subcutaneous mouse
      models were established, and orthotopic tumor cells were obtained from orthotopic
      tumor masses by primary culture. An expression microarray using Illumina HumanHT
      12 v4 Expression BeadChip and database analyses were performed to investigate
      changes in gene expression between tumors from each microenvironment. A total of
      94 genes were differentially expressed between the primary cells cultured from
      the humanized and conventional mouse models. Significant upregulation of genes
      that promote cell proliferation and metastasis or inhibit apoptosis, such as SH3
      domain binding protein 5 (BTK-associated), sodium/chloride cotransporter 3 and
      periostin, osteoblast specific factor, and genes that promote angiogenesis, such
      as KIAA1618, was also noted. Other genes that restrain cell proliferation and
      accelerate cell apoptosis, including tripartite motif containing TRIM36 and NES1,
      were downregulated. The present results revealed differences in various aspects
      of tumor growth and metabolism between the two model groups and indicated the
      functional changes specific to the human mammary microenvironment.

PMID- 28101243
TI  - miR-199a-5p regulates HIF-1alpha and OSGIN2 and its expression is correlated to
      soft-tissue sarcoma patients' outcome.
AB  - Soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms of
      mesenchymal origin. Partly due to hypoxia, an aggressive and radioresistant
      phenotype frequently develops, resulting in poorer patient outcome. microRNAs
      (miRNAs) are tiny, non-coding regulators of gene expression and in situations of
      cellular stress situations may predict clinical progression and patient outcome.
      In the present study, hypoxia-associated miR-199a-5p expression in 96 soft tissue
      sarcoma samples was analysed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction and associations between miR-199a-5p expression and patient
      clinicopathological characteristics and survival were measured. Additionally,
      luciferase reporter assays analyzed the post-transcriptional regulation of
      hypoxia-associated genes hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha), oxidative
      stress induced growth inhibitor 2 (OSGIN2) and vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) by miR-199a-5p. Survival analyses indicated that low expression of miR
      199a-5p was significantly correlated with poorer tumor-specific survival
      (univariate Cox's-Regression analyses; relative risk=1.92, P=0.029). Furthermore,
      it was demonstrated that the 3'UTR of HIF-1alpha and OSGIN2 genes were regulated
      by miR-199a-5p in-vitro, although the 3'UTR of VEGF was not. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the regulation of the
      3'untranslated region of the OSGIN2 gene by miR-199a-5p and a significant
      correlation between low miR-199a-5p expression and a poor outcome of patients
      with soft tissue sarcoma.

PMID- 28101245
TI  - APOBEC3B expression in human leptomeninges and meningiomas.
AB  - Nucleic acid-editing enzymes of the apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme (APOBEC)
      family have been associated with somatic mutation in cancer. However, the role of
      APOBEC catalytic subunit 3B (APOBEC3B) editing in the pathogenesis of base
      substitutions in meningiomas is unknown. In the present study, the expression of
      APOBEC3B was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analyses in five fetal and one adult human
      leptomeninges and 38 meningiomas. Genomic DNA was sequenced using the Illumina
      Tru-Seq Cancer Panel. Three meningioma primary cultures were also established and
      treated with cerebrospinal fluid form patients without neurological disease or
      platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), prior to evaluation of APOBEC3B
      expression. By western blotting, APOBEC3B was revealed to be present in 100% of
      the fetal leptomeninges, and in 88% of World Health Organization grade I, 100% of
      grade II and 83% of grade III meningiomas tested, but was not different between
      grades. RT-qPCR revealed no difference in the mRNA expression of APOBEC3B between
      grades. Sequencing revealed no elevated levels of the C>T mutations that are
      characteristic of APOBEC3B editing of genomic DNA. Treatment with cerebrospinal
      fluid and PDGF-BB had no effect on APOBEC3B protein expression in the
      leptomeningeal or meningioma cells. These findings suggest that the mutations
      associated with increased APOBEC3B expression may not be central to the
      pathogenesis of meningiomas.

PMID- 28101246
TI  - Detection of microRNA-200b may predict the inhibitory effect of gefitinib on non
      small cell lung cancer and its potential mechanism.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the association and underlying mechanisms
      between microRNA-200b level and the inhibitory effect of gefitinib on non-small
      cell lung cancer. In total, 100 patients (43 males and 57 females; median age, 63
      years) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were selected. All
      patients were administered with gefitinib orally (250 mg/day) and the effect of
      gefitinib was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid
      Tumors guidelines. Tumor tissue and plasma samples were collected prior to and
      subsequent to therapy. The microRNA-200b levels in tissues and plasma were
      determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A549 cells were
      cultured in vitro and transfected with microRNA-200b mimic. Using Cell Counting
      Kit-8 assay, the proliferation inhibition detected was induced by 0.1 uM
      gefitinib in transfected or non-transfected A549 cells. Cell apoptosis and cell
      cycle progression were analyzed by flow cytometry and the migration of cells was
      observed by Transwell assay. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of insulin-like
      growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular
      signal-related kinase (ERK), together with the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK in
      A549 cells, were determined by quantitative PCR and western blot analysis,
      respectively. The microRNA-200b levels in gefitinib-insensitive patients were
      decreased compared with gefitinib-sensitive patients. Transfection with microRNA
      200b mimic increased the gefitinib induced proliferation inhibition, apoptosis
      and cell cycle arrest in A549 cells. Also, transfection with microRNA-200b mimic
      increased the migration inhibitory effect of gefitinib on A549 cells. Decreased
      IGF-1R expression together with reduced phosphorylation of AKT and ERK were
      observed following transfection of A549 cells with the microRNA 200b mimic. In
      conclusion, detection of microRNA-200b may predict the inhibitory effect of
      gefitinib on NSCLC. Upregulation of microRNA-200b led to the elevated sensitivity
      of glioma cells to gefitinib, and this effect may be explained as microRNA-200b
      being able to inhibit the expression of IGF-1R, thereby reducing the activation
      of downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase
      signaling pathways.

PMID- 28101247
TI  - Clinical characteristics of infant neuroblastoma and a summary of treatment
      outcome.
AB  - Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common malignant solid tumor in the peripheral
      nervous system in infants and young children, with a high degree of malignancy.
      The clinical characteristics and prognosis of NB in infants are unique. The
      present study retrospectively analyzed the prognosis of infant NB cases that
      underwent different treatments. In total, 16 infant NB cases (10 male and 6
      female) who were treated between February 2007 and August 2013 in Beijing Tongren
      Hospital (Beijing, China), were enrolled in the study. They were diagnosed by
      pathology, medical imaging and serology methods. These 16 patients were subjected
      to comprehensive treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, autologous
      peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) and radiation therapy. The
      age distribution and clinical stages were: 5 cases (31.25%) at <=3 months (4
      cases at stage 4s and 1 case at stage 4); 2 cases (12.5%) at 3-6 months (both at
      stage 4s); and 9 cases (56.25%) at 6-12 months (2 cases at stage 4s, 6 cases at
      stage 4 and 1 case at stage 3). Subsequent to treatment, nicotinic acid esterase
      (NSE) levels in the patient's serum significantly decreased. The NSE levels in 12
      cases (75%) dropped to the reference value (0-15.2 ng/dl). All the NB infants at
      stages 4s and 3 were treated by surgery and chemotherapy (100%; 9/9). The 5 NB
      infants at stage 4 were treated by chemotherapy and surgery. For the 2 NB infants
      who experienced recurrence or whose condition was partially relieved after
      conventional therapy, APBSCT therapy was applied. At the last follow-up in
      September 2014, 13 cases (81.25%) presented with a complete response, 2 cases
      (12.50%) with a partial response and 1 case (6.25%) with recurrence after
      transplantation (progressive disease). In conclusion, infant NB cases are
      sensitive to chemotherapy, particularly the cases at stage 4s, which occur with a
      higher incidence, but with a better clinical response and prognosis after
      treatment.

PMID- 28101248
TI  - Expression of cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A in human triple
      negative breast cancer correlates with tumor survival, invasion and autophagy.
AB  - Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) is a recently characterized
      oncoprotein which is involved in the progression of several human malignancies.
      The present study aimed to investigate its biological function in human triple
      negative breast cancer (TNBC). The expression of CIP2A in TNBC cells was examined
      and it was observed that CIP2A was elevated in the TNBC cell line compared with
      poorly invasive breast cancer cells. CIP2A depletion in TNBC cell lines inhibited
      proliferation, and induced apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, CIP2A depletion
      inhibited invasion and migration of TNBC cells. Furthermore, CIP2A depletion
      downregulated Akt/mTOR/P70S6K phosphorylation. These results validate the role of
      CIP2A as a invasion-associated oncoprotein and established CIP2A as a promising
      therapeutic target of TNBC.

PMID- 28101249
TI  - 3-Bromopyruvate inhibits human gastric cancer tumor growth in nude mice via the
      inhibition of glycolysis.
AB  - [This retracts the article DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2779.].

PMID- 28101251
TI  - Antifungal and anthelmintic activity of novel benzofuran derivatives containing
      thiazolo benzimidazole nucleus: an in vitro evaluation.
AB  - A novel series of thiazolo[3,2-a]benzimidazole derivatives containing benzofuran
      nucleus (5a-l) have been synthesized. The key intermediate, substituted
      benzimidazol-sulfanyl benzofuran ethanone (3a-d) was prepared by refluxing the
      mixture of substituted 2-acetyl benzofuran and substituted 2
      mercaptobenzimidazole in acetic acid. The cyclisation of compounds (3a-d) using
      polyphosphoric acid furnished the corresponding 6-substituted benzofuran
      thiazolo[3,2-a]benzimidazoles (4a-d). Further, the cyclized compounds (4a-d) were
      subjected for Mannich reaction to give corresponding Mannich bases (5a-l). All
      newly synthesized compounds were screened for antifungal and anthelmintic
      activity. Amongst the tested compounds, 4b and 4d exhibited potential antifungal
      activity. From the anthelmintic activity data, it was found that the compounds
      3a, 3b and 5i were found to be more effective against the tested earthworm
      Pheretima posthuma. In correlation to anthelmintic activity, the selected
      compounds were subjected for molecular docking studies and the compounds 3a and
      5i have emerged as active anthelmintic agents with maximum binding affinity (-3.7
      and -5.4 kcal/mol).

PMID- 28101252
TI  - Identification of proteins from wild cardoon flowers (Cynara cardunculus L.) by a
      proteomic approach.
AB  - Proteomic approach was applied to identify total proteins, particularly the
      enzymatic content, from wild cardoon flowers. As the selection of an appropriate
      sample preparation method is the key for getting reliable results, two different
      extraction/precipitation methods (trichloroacetic acid and phenol/ammonium
      acetate) were tested on fresh and lyophilized flowers. After two-dimensional
      electrophoresis (2D-E) separations, a better protein pattern was obtained after
      phenol extraction from lyophilized flowers. Only 46 % of the total analyzed spots
      resulted in a protein identification by mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF. Four
      proteases (cardosins A, E, G, and H), which have become a subject of great
      interest in dairy technology, were identified. They presented molecular weights
      and isoelectric points very close and high levels of homology between matched
      peptides sequences. The absence of the other cardosins (B, C, D, and F) could be
      an advantage, as it reduces the excessive proteolytic activity that causes bitter
      flavors and texture defects, during cheese making.

PMID- 28101254
TI  - JOCB Bulletin.

PMID- 28101250
TI  - Is phosphatidylglycerol essential for terrestrial life?
AB  - Lipids are of increasing importance in understanding biological systems. Lipids
      carrying an anionic charge are noted in particular for their electrostatic
      interactions with both proteins and divalent cations. However, the biological,
      analytical, chemical and biophysical data of such species are rarely considered
      together, limiting our ability to assess the true role of such lipids in vivo. In
      this review, evidence from a range of studies about the lipid
      phosphatidylglycerol is considered. This evidence supports the conclusions that
      this lipid is ubiquitous in living systems and generally of low abundance but
      probably fundamental for terrestrial life. Possible reasons for this are
      discussed and further questions posed.

PMID- 28101253
TI  - 2-(chromon-3-yl)imidazole derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents:
      synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies.
AB  - A series of novel 2-(chromon-3-yl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazoles (4a-h) were
      synthesized by one pot condensation of substituted 3-formylchromones (1a-h),
      benzil (2) and ammonium acetate (3) in refluxing acetic acid at 110  degrees C
      under N2 atmosphere. Allylation of compounds 4a-h with allyl bromide in the
      presence of fused K2CO3 furnished N-allyl-2-(chromon-3-yl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H
      imidazoles (6a-h). The synthesized compounds were characterized spectroscopically
      and evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic
      bacterial and fungal strains by disc diffusion method. Compounds bearing electron
      withdrawing substituents such as bromo (4f) showed significant inhibitory
      activity against S. cerevisiae (MIC 1.4 MUg/ml) and 4g containing chloro
      substituent, displayed more inhibitory potential against C. albicans (MIC 1.5),
      as compared to the standard drugs. Compounds 6a and 4c exhibit remarkable
      inhibitory potential against B. subtilis with MIC 0.98 and 1.23, respectively.
      The time kill assay for active compound 6a was performed by viable cell count
      (VCC) method to elucidate the microbicidal nature of 2-(chromon-3-yl)imidazoles.
      A molecular docking study of most active compounds with target 'lanosterol
      14alpha-demethylase' (CYP51) was performed to unravel the mode of antifungal
      action.

PMID- 28101255
TI  - The Microbiology Effect: A Call for Education Research.

PMID- 28101256
TI  - Build the Future of Science Communication in Developing Countries through
      Systematic Training of Young Scientists.

PMID- 28101257
TI  - The Necessity of Prerequisite Undergraduate Microbiology Courses for Pre-Allied
      Health Professionals.

PMID- 28101258
TI  - Publishing, Objectivity, and Prestige.

PMID- 28101259
TI  - The Science Teaching Fellows Program: A Model for Online Faculty Development of
      Early Career Scientists Interested in Teaching.
AB  - The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has a history of providing a wide
      range of faculty development opportunities. Recently, ASM developed the Science
      Teaching Fellows Program (STF) for early career biologists and postdoctoral
      students to explore student-centered teaching and develop the skills needed to
      succeed in positions that have a significant teaching component. Participants
      were selected to STF through a competitive application process. The STF program
      consisted of a series of six webinars. In preparation for each webinar,
      participants completed a pre-webinar assignment. After each webinar, fellows
      practiced what they learned by completing a post-webinar assignment. In a survey
      used to assess the impact of STF, participants reported greater knowledge of the
      webinar-based instructional topics and a sense of being part of an educational
      community and were more confident about varied teaching methods.

PMID- 28101260
TI  - Tracking the Resolution of Student Misconceptions about the Central Dogma of
      Molecular Biology.
AB  - The goal of our study was to track changes in student understanding of the
      central dogma of molecular biology before and after taking a genetics course.
      Concept maps require the ability to synthesize new information into existing
      knowledge frameworks, and so the hypothesis guiding this study was that student
      performance on concept maps reveals specific central dogma misconceptions gained,
      lost, and retained by students. Students in a genetics course completed pre- and
      posttest concept mapping tasks using terms related to the central dogma. Student
      maps increased in complexity and validity, indicating learning gains in both
      content and complexity of understanding. Changes in each of the 351 possible
      connections in the mapping task were tracked for each student. Our students did
      not retain much about the central dogma from their introductory biology courses,
      but they did move to more advanced levels of understanding by the end of the
      genetics course. The information they retained from their introductory courses
      focused on structural components (e.g., protein is made of amino acids) and not
      on overall mechanistic components (e.g., DNA comes before RNA, the ribosome makes
      protein). Students made the greatest gains in connections related to
      transcription, and they resolved the most prior misconceptions about translation.
      These concept-mapping tasks revealed that students are able to correct prior
      misconceptions about the central dogma during an intermediate-level genetics
      course. From these results, educators can design new classroom interventions to
      target those aspects of this foundational principle with which students have the
      most trouble.

PMID- 28101261
TI  - External and Internal Barriers to Studying Can Affect Student Success and
      Retention in a Diverse Classroom.
AB  - Although a majority of under-represented minority (URM) students begin their
      postsecondary education at community colleges, little is known about barriers to
      success and retention for transfer-bound science students. This study focuses on
      some of the barriers that affect these students' ability to study adequately for
      a community college "gateway" course. It tests whether instructors' expectations
      of study time were realistic for community college students and whether students
      reported facing external barriers, such as job and family responsibilities, or
      internal barriers to studying, such as lack of motivational, cognitive, and
      metacognitive abilities, all of which have been shown to impact academic success
      and retention. It also tests whether students who faced such barriers were less
      likely to succeed in and complete the course, as well as whether time spent
      studying was related to course success. The findings reported here show that
      community college students do not have enough available time to study and that
      external and internal barriers are both prevalent among these students. In
      addition, students who faced such barriers are more likely to fail or drop the
      class. Results also show that study time is positively correlated with retention,
      but not performance, as well as with some motivational, cognitive, and
      metacognitive dimensions of self-regulated learning. These findings lead to new
      questions, including whether student success in a community college class is
      associated with the use of cognitive and metacognitive learning strategies for
      students with no prior degrees, and whether increased course structure may
      improve success for college students with lower self-regulated abilities.

PMID- 28101262
TI  - The Use of Group Activities in Introductory Biology Supports Learning Gains and
      Uniquely Benefits High-Achieving Students.
AB  - This study describes the implementation and effectiveness of small-group active
      engagement (GAE) exercises in an introductory biology course (BSCI207) taught in
      a large auditorium setting. BSCI207 (Principles of Biology III-Organismal
      Biology) is the third introductory core course for Biological Sciences majors. In
      fall 2014, the instructors redesigned one section to include GAE activities to
      supplement lecture content. One section (n = 198) employed three lectures per
      week. The other section (n = 136) replaced one lecture per week with a GAE class.
      We explored the benefits and challenges associated with implementing GAE
      exercises and their relative effectiveness for unique student groups (e.g.,
      minority students, high- and low-grade point average [GPA] students). Our
      findings show that undergraduates in the GAE class exhibited greater improvement
      in learning outcomes than undergraduates in the traditional class. Findings also
      indicate that high-achieving students experienced the greatest benefit from GAE
      activities. Some at-risk student groups (e.g., two-year transfer students) showed
      comparably low learning gains in the course, despite the additional support that
      may have been afforded by active learning. Collectively, these findings provide
      valuable feedback that may assist other instructors who wish to revise their
      courses and recommendations for institutions regarding prerequisite coursework
      approval policies.

PMID- 28101263
TI  - Team-Based Learning in a Pipeline Course in Medical Microbiology for Under
      Represented Student Populations in Medicine Improves Learning of Microbiology
      Concepts.
AB  - As part of an undergraduate pipeline program at our institution for students from
      underrepresented minorities in medicine backgrounds, we created an intensive four
      week medical microbiology course. Team-based learning (TBL) was implemented in
      this course to enhance student learning of course content. Three different
      student cohorts participated in the study, and there were no significant
      differences in their prior academic achievement based on their undergraduate
      grade point average (GPA) and pre-course examination scores. Teaching techniques
      included engaged lectures using an audience response system, TBL, and guided self
      directed learning. We hypothesized that more active learning exercises,
      irrespective of the amount of lecture time, would help students master course
      content. In year 2 as compared with year 1, TBL exercises were decreased from six
      to three with a concomitant increase in lecture time, while in year 3, TBL
      exercises were increased from three to six while maintaining the same amount of
      lecture time as in year 2. As we hypothesized, there was significant (p < 0.01)
      improvement in performance on the post-course examination in years 1 and 3
      compared with year 2, when only three TBL exercises were used. In contrast to the
      students' perceptions that more lecture time enhances learning of course content,
      our findings suggest that active learning strategies, such as TBL, are more
      effective than engaged lectures in improving student understanding of course
      content, as measured by post-course examination performance. Introduction of TBL
      in pipeline program courses may help achieve better student learning outcomes.

PMID- 28101264
TI  - Ripped from the Headlines: Using Current Events and Deliberative Democracy to
      Improve Student Performance in and Perceptions of Nonmajors Biology Courses.
AB  - Despite the importance of scientific literacy, many foundational science courses
      are plagued by low student engagement and performance. In an attempt to improve
      student outcomes, an introductory biology course for nonscience majors was
      redesigned to present the course content within the framework of current events
      and deliberative democratic exercises. During each instructional unit of the
      redesigned course, students were presented with a highly publicized policy
      question rooted in biological principles and currently facing lawmakers. Working
      in diverse groups, students sought out the information that was needed to reach
      an educated, rationalized decision. This approach models civic engagement and
      demonstrates the real-life importance of science to nonscience majors. The
      outcomes from two semesters in which the redesign were taught were compared with
      sections of the course taught using traditional pedagogies. When compared with
      other versions of the same course, presenting the course content within a
      deliberative democratic framework proved to be superior for increasing students'
      knowledge gains and improving students' perceptions of biology and its relevance
      to their everyday lives. These findings establish deliberative democracy as an
      effective pedagogical strategy for nonmajors biology.

PMID- 28101265
TI  - Prevalence and Persistence of Misconceptions in Tree Thinking.
AB  - Darwin described evolution as "descent with modification." Descent, however, is
      not an explicit focus of most evolution instruction and often leaves deeply held
      misconceptions to dominate student understanding of common ancestry and species
      relatedness. Evolutionary trees are ways of visually depicting descent by
      illustrating the relationships between species and groups of species. The ability
      to properly interpret and use evolutionary trees has become known as "tree
      thinking." We used a 20-question assessment to measure misconceptions in tree
      thinking and compare the proportion of students who hold these misconceptions in
      an introductory biology course with students in two higher-level courses
      including a senior level biology course. We found that misconceptions related to
      reading the graphic (reading the tips and node counting) were variably influenced
      across time with reading the tips decreasing and node counting increasing in
      prevalence. On the other hand, misconceptions related to the fundamental
      underpinnings of evolutionary theory (ladder thinking and similarity equals
      relatedness) proved resistant to change during a typical undergraduate study of
      biology. A possible new misconception relating to the length of the branches in
      an evolutionary tree is described. Understanding the prevalence and persistence
      of misconceptions informs educators as to which misconceptions should be targeted
      in their courses.

PMID- 28101266
TI  - How to Assess Your CURE: A Practical Guide for Instructors of Course-Based
      Undergraduate Research Experiences.
AB  - Integrating research experiences into undergraduate life sciences curricula in
      the form of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) can meet
      national calls for education reform by giving students the chance to "do
      science." In this article, we provide a step-by-step practical guide to help
      instructors assess their CUREs using best practices in assessment. We recommend
      that instructors first identify their anticipated CURE learning outcomes, then
      work to identify an assessment instrument that aligns to those learning outcomes
      and critically evaluate the results from their course assessment. To aid
      instructors in becoming aware of what instruments have been developed, we have
      also synthesized a table of "off-the-shelf" assessment instruments that
      instructors could use to assess their own CUREs. However, we acknowledge that
      each CURE is unique and instructors may expect specific learning outcomes that
      cannot be assessed using existing assessment instruments, so we recommend that
      instructors consider developing their own assessments that are tightly aligned to
      the context of their CURE.

PMID- 28101267
TI  - Bioart and Bildung-Wetware: Art, Agency, Animation, an Exhibition as Case Study.
AB  - Recent events in the field of biology have further unfixed the definition of
      life. The negotiability of "life" is at the center of the exhibition "Wetware:
      Art, Agency, Animation" at the Beall Center for Art + Technology at the
      University of California, Irvine. The exhibition includes art by nine
      international artists working in the avant-garde area of contemporary art called
      "bioart." This article is devoted to the unique educational space opened through
      the practice of bioart, focusing on how the exhibition brings the scientific
      question "What is life?" to a public audience. Bildung, a term that translates as
      education but encompasses exploration and growth, is based on the holistic unity
      of science and art and is used here to show that neither science nor art
      sacrifices legitimacy or distinction within bioart. Art can suggest design and be
      useful; science can point to abstraction and be poetic. Bioart inspires a chain
      of curiosity about the form, materials, media that artists use to probe, shape,
      direct, and display scientific processes and concepts.

PMID- 28101268
TI  - Traditional Versus Online Biology Courses: Connecting Course Design and Student
      Learning in an Online Setting.
AB  - Online courses are a large and growing part of the undergraduate education
      landscape, but many biology instructors are skeptical about the effectiveness of
      online instruction. We reviewed studies comparing the effectiveness of online and
      face-to-face (F2F) undergraduate biology courses. Five studies compared student
      performance in multiple course sections at community colleges, while eight were
      smaller scale and compared student performance in particular biology courses at a
      variety of types of institutions. Of the larger-scale studies, two found that
      students in F2F sections outperformed students in online sections, and three
      found no significant difference; it should be noted, however, that these studies
      reported little information about course design. Of the eight smaller scale
      studies, six found no significant difference in student performance between the
      F2F and online sections, while two found that the online sections outperformed
      the F2F sections. In alignment with general findings about online teaching and
      learning, these results suggest that well-designed online biology courses can be
      effective at promoting student learning. Three recommendations for effective
      online instruction in biology are given: the inclusion of an online orientation
      to acclimate students to the online classroom; student-instructor and student
      student interactions facilitated through synchronous and asynchronous
      communication; and elements that prompt student reflection and self-assessment.
      We conclude that well-designed online biology courses can be as effective as
      their traditional counterparts, but that more research is needed to elucidate
      specific course elements and structures that can maximize online students'
      learning of key biology skills and concepts.

PMID- 28101269
TI  - Metagenomic Approaches to Identify Novel Organisms from the Soil Environment in a
      Classroom Setting.
AB  - Molecular Microbial Metagenomics is a research-based undergraduate course
      developed at Georgia State University. This semester-long course provides hands
      on research experience in the area of microbial diversity and introduces
      molecular approaches to study diversity. Students are part of an ongoing research
      project that uses metagenomic approaches to isolate clones containing 16S
      ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) genes from a soil metagenomic library. These
      approaches not only provide a measure of microbial diversity in the sample but
      may also allow discovery of novel organisms. Metagenomic approaches differ from
      the traditional culturing methods in that they use molecular analysis of
      community deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) instead of culturing individual organisms.
      Groups of students select a batch of 100 clones from a metagenomic library. Using
      universal primers to amplify 16S rRNA genes from the pool of DNA isolated from
      100 clones, and a stepwise process of elimination, each group isolates individual
      clones containing 16S rRNA genes within their batch of 100 clones. The amplified
      16S rRNA genes are sequenced and analyzed using bioinformatics tools to determine
      whether the rRNA gene belongs to a novel organism. This course provides avenues
      for active learning and enhances students' conceptual understanding of microbial
      diversity. Average scores on six assessment methods used during field testing
      indicated that success in achieving different learning objectives varied between
      84% and 95%, with 65% of the students demonstrating complete grasp of the project
      based on the end-of-project lab report. The authentic research experience
      obtained in this course is also expected to result in more undergraduates
      choosing research-based graduate programs or careers.

PMID- 28101270
TI  - Using Online Active-Learning Techniques to Convey Time Compensated Sun Compass
      Orientation in the Eastern North American Monarch.
AB  - A common tool that animals use to navigate in a constant direction is known as
      "time compensated sun compass orientation." This is a process by which animals
      use the position of the sun along with information from their internal circadian
      clocks to determine and maintain a directional heading. Many circadian scientists
      and educators use this process as an example of how the internal circadian clock
      can directly influence animal behavior. However, many students have difficulty
      grasping this biological process due to its multivariable nature. We have created
      an online module that uses the principles of active learning to facilitate
      student comprehension of this process. Our module contains instructional videos,
      practice problems and an interactive diagram. We implemented the module in an
      undergraduate biological clocks class at Vanderbilt University, where its use
      significantly improved students' understanding of time compensated sun compass
      orientation as well as their ability to solve complex problems involving
      principles associated with this process.

PMID- 28101271
TI  - The Impact of an Interactive Statistics Module on Novices' Development of
      Scientific Process Skills and Attitudes in a First-Semester Research Foundations
      Course.
AB  - Evidence suggests that incorporating quantitative reasoning exercises into
      existent curricular frameworks within the science, technology, engineering, and
      mathematics (STEM) disciplines is essential for novices' development of
      conceptual understanding and process skills in these domains. Despite this being
      the case, such studies acknowledge that students often experience difficulty in
      applying mathematics in the context of scientific problems. To address this
      concern, the present study sought to explore the impact of active demonstrations
      and critical reading exercises on novices' comprehension of basic statistical
      concepts, including hypothesis testing, experimental design, and interpretation
      of research findings. Students first engaged in a highly interactive height
      activity that served to intuitively illustrate normal distribution, mean,
      standard deviation, and sample selection criteria. To enforce practical
      applications of standard deviation and p-value, student teams were subsequently
      assigned a figure from a peer-reviewed primary research article and instructed to
      evaluate the trustworthiness of the data. At the conclusion of this exercise,
      students presented their evaluations to the class for open discussion and
      commentary. Quantitative assessment of pre- and post-module survey data indicated
      a statistically significant increase both in students' scientific reasoning and
      process skills and in their self-reported confidence in understanding the
      statistical concepts presented in the module. Furthermore, data indicated that
      the majority of students (>85%) found the module both interesting and helpful in
      nature. Future studies will seek to develop additional, novel exercises within
      this area and to evaluate the impact of such modules across a variety of STEM and
      non-STEM contexts.

PMID- 28101272
TI  - Isolation and Characterization of Agrobacterium Strains from Soil: A Laboratory
      Capstone Experience.
AB  - In this investigation, the students' goal was to isolate and characterize
      Agrobacterium strains from soil. Following selection and enrichment on 1A-t
      medium, putative Agrobacterium isolates were characterized by Gram stain reaction
      and biochemical tests. Isolates were further evaluated using polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) with different primer sets designed to amplify specific regions of
      bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Primer sets included AGRH to identify
      isolates that were members of the Rhizobiaceae, BIOVAR1 primers to identify
      members of Agrobacterium biovar group I, and a third set, VIRG, to determine
      presence of virG (only present in pathogenic Agrobacterium strains). During the
      investigation, students applied previously learned techniques including serial
      dilution, use of selective/differential media, staining protocols, biochemical
      analysis, molecular analysis via PCR, and electrophoresis. Students also gained
      practical experience using photo documentation to record data for an eventual
      mock journal publication of the capstone laboratory experience. Pre- and post
      evaluation of class content knowledge related to the techniques, protocols, and
      learning objectives of these laboratories revealed significant learning gains in
      the content areas of Agrobacterium-plant interactions (p <= 0.001) and molecular
      biology (p <= 0.01). The capstone journal assignment served as the assessment
      tool to evaluate mastery and application of laboratory technique, the ability to
      accurately collect and evaluate data, and critical thinking skills associated
      with experimental troubleshooting and extrapolation. Analysis of journal reports
      following the capstone experience showed significant improvement in assignment
      scores (p <= 0.0001) and attainment of capstone experience learning outcomes.

PMID- 28101273
TI  - Who Scared the Cat? A Molecular Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory Exercise.
AB  - This introductory laboratory exercise gives first-year life science majors or
      nonmajors an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in basic bioinformatics
      and molecular biology laboratory techniques and analysis in the context of a mock
      crime scene investigation. In this laboratory, students determine if a human
      (Lady) or dog (Kona) committed the fictional crime of scaring a cat. Students
      begin by performing in silico PCR using provided dog- and human-specific PCR
      primers to determine the sequences to be amplified and predict PCR amplicon
      sizes. They then BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) the in silico PCR
      results to confirm that the PCR primers are designed to amplify genomic fragments
      of the cardiac actin gene in both dogs and humans. Finally, they use DNA
      quantification techniques, PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis to identify the
      culprit and they confirm results by analyzing Sanger sequencing. Student learning
      gains were demonstrated by successful execution of the lab and by analysis and
      interpretation of data in the completion of laboratory reports. The student
      learning gains were also demonstrated by increased performance on a post
      laboratory assessment compared to the pre-assessment. A post-activity assessment
      also revealed that students perceived gains in the skills and conceptual
      knowledge associated with the student learning outcomes. Finally, assessment of
      this introductory molecular biology and bio-informatics activity reveals that it
      allows first-year students to develop higher-order data analysis and
      interpretation skills.

PMID- 28101274
TI  - Enhancing Scientific Literacy in the Undergraduate Cell Biology Laboratory
      Classroom.
AB  - This paper describes the implementation of the Scientific Literacy in Cell
      Biology (SLCB) curriculum in an undergraduate biology laboratory course. The SLCB
      curriculum incorporated the reading and discussion of primary literature into
      hands-on and collaborative practical experiences. It was implemented in five
      stages over an 11-week period, during which students were also introduced to the
      theory and practice of common cell biology techniques. We report on the
      effectiveness of the course, as measured by pre- and post-course survey data
      probing students' content knowledge and their level of familiarity, confidence,
      and experience with different skills pertaining to analyzing (reading,
      interpreting, and discussing) primary literature. In the spring 2015 semester,
      287 (72%) of the 396 students who were enrolled in the laboratory completed both
      the pre- and post-course survey. The average score on the content questions of
      the post-course survey was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than the average
      score on the pre-course survey. Students reported that they gained greater
      familiarity, experience, and confidence in the skills that were measured. Our
      findings may aid in reforming higher-education science laboratory courses to
      better promote writing, reading, data processing, and presentation skills.
      Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education.

PMID- 28101275
TI  - Improvement in Student Data Analysis Skills after Out-of-Class Assignments.

PMID- 28101276
TI  - A Model for a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in a Field
      Setting.

PMID- 28101277
TI  - Designing an Audiocast Assignment: A Primary-Literature-Based Approach that
      Promotes Student Learning of Cell and Molecular Biology through Conversations
      with Scientist Authors.

PMID- 28101278
TI  - Looking through the Lens: Adapting and Modifying Photovoice Projects for Active
      Learning and Engagement in Biology.

PMID- 28101279
TI  - A Cost-Effective Approach to Producing Animated Infographics for Immunology
      Teaching.

PMID- 28101280
TI  - Video Lecture Capture Technology Helps Students Study without Affecting
      Attendance in Large Microbiology Lecture Courses.

PMID- 28101281
TI  - Using the Improvisational "Yes, and..." Approach as a Review Technique in the
      Student-Centered Biology Classroom.

PMID- 28101282
TI  - Quantitative Modeling of Membrane Transport and Anisogamy by Small Groups Within
      a Large-Enrollment Organismal Biology Course.

PMID- 28101283
TI  - Group Active Engagements Using Quantitative Modeling of Physiology Concepts in
      Large-Enrollment Biology Classes.

PMID- 28101284
TI  - Exploring Catalase and Invertase Activity Using Sodium Alginate-Encapsulated
      Yeast (Yeast Spheres).

PMID- 28101287
TI  - Microbiology Instruction Using Current Foodborne Outbreak Resources.

PMID- 28101285
TI  - Twitter as a Tool for Teaching and Communicating Microbiology: The #microMOOCSEM
      Initiative.

PMID- 28101288
TI  - Correction Notice: Perspectives in Marine Citizen Science.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 56 in vol. 17, PMID: 27047591.].

PMID- 28101289
TI  - Nasal Septal Agenesis and Attenuated Lower and Upper Lateral Cartilages in a 5
      Year-Old Child: A Sporadic Finding.
AB  - Introduction: Cartilaginous nasal septal agenesis is a rare finding. In fact,
      just one case has been reported to have congenital agenesis of all nasal
      cartilages in a 6-year-old child by Bakhshaee et al. The literature review shows
      another case that was reported by Ozek et al in Turkey, where they reported a
      case of total nasal agenesis that was associated with Tessier no. 30. We could
      not find a similar case in the literature where only agenesis of the nasal
      cartilaginous septum was present. Methods/Case Report: This is a case report of a
      5-year-old child presenting to our clinic with agenesis of his nasal septum and
      attenuation of the upper and lower lateral cartilages. His parents were seeking a
      corrective procedure to improve the shape of his nose. He was a male child with a
      right unilateral cleft lip and palate that were corrected surgically in 2009 (lip
      repair) and 2010 (palate repair), respectively. Results: On postoperative week 3,
      the patient's mother brought him to the emergency department with a history of
      falling on his face while playing at home. Examination revealed swelling of the
      nose but no breathing difficulties. He still had an acceptable augmented nose but
      with sings of deviation and collapse. Discussion: We report this case to find an
      answer to how such cases can be approached in the future in terms of the surgical
      intervention required and to study the options of redoing such cases.

PMID- 28101290
TI  - Artery-Only Ear Replantation in a Child: A Case Report With Daily Photographic
      Documentation.
AB  - Objective: Ear replantation poses a significant technical challenge even for the
      skilled microsurgeon. Many ear amputations result from avulsion and thus have
      damaged and often diminutive vessels with a paucity of veins. Artery-only
      replantation is an option for ear salvage, but little is published on the
      clinical course and appearance after this procedure. Methods: A subtotal ear
      replantation was performed on a 10-year-old boy without a venous anastomosis.
      Leech therapy was used to manage venous congestion postoperatively, and daily
      photography was performed to document the clinical course. Results: Postoperative
      venous congestion was successfully managed with leech therapy. Four days after
      the replantation, arterial thrombosis occurred that required a take back and
      salvage with an interposition vein graft for arterial repair. Native venous
      drainage and arterial revascularization from skin edges were evident by
      postoperative day 12, and leeches were discontinued on day 14. The patient
      required debridement of the posterior ear and superior helix necrotic skin, with
      burying of the upper portion of the ear in a superior auricular skin flap. The
      ear was subsequently released from the head, and the exposed portions were
      covered successfully with a full-thickness skin graft. Conclusions: While
      arterial and venous anastomoses should always be attempted, arterial-only ear
      replantation can provide excellent results when venous congestion is properly
      managed. Daily photography can be a useful tool to monitor subtle skin color
      changes that may indicate native venous drainage and arterial revascularization.

PMID- 28101291
TI  - What Is It? A Rare Presentation of a Meningioma.
AB  - Introduction: Primary extracranial meningiomas are rare manifestations of a
      central nervous system tumor. This article presents a case study of a soft-tissue
      primary extracranial tumor in the temporal region that was initially diagnosed as
      melanoma at an outside institution and whose definitive diagnosis proved
      difficult prior to successful excision. Methods: Temporal muscle biopsy,
      ultrasound-guided biopsy, and computed tomography were conducted at an outside
      institution prior to the patient's presentation to our care. Upon presenting to
      our institution a positron emission tomographic scan was then conducted prior to
      excision. After excision, the mass was sent to pathology and further
      immunohistochemistry was conducted. To ensure the mass was completely excised,
      magnetic resonance imaging was performed after its removal. Results: A 3 * 3-cm
      mass was excised in its entirety from the patient's temporal region and sent to
      pathology for immunohistochemistry and mutation testing. It proved to have the
      most common mutation for a primary extracranial meningioma, a neurofibromatosis
      type 2 frameshift. Conclusion: The presentation of a primary extracranial
      meningioma in the temporal region is a rare finding. Because of its slow-growing
      nature and generally asymptomatic presentation, it can be misdiagnosed.
      Utilization of radiological imaging is essential both pre- and postoperatively in
      order for its identification and complete excision.

PMID- 28101292
TI  - Is allergic sensitization relevant in severe asthma? Which allergens may be
      culprit?
AB  - Severe asthma is a major health concern. The allergic (IgE-mediated) form of
      asthma is well known from a pathogenic viewpoint. We searched the available
      literature to identify which allergens are most frequently associated with
      severe, refractory or life threatening asthma. According to the results, molds,
      pet dander, cockroach and ragweed were more frequently responsible for severe
      asthma. Thunderstorm asthma, in addition, represents a special association
      between allergic sensitization and an external climatic factor. A detailed
      knowledge of the most harmful allergens is mandatory for an appropriate
      diagnostic and preventive approach.

PMID- 28101293
TI  - Establishing the prevalence of low vitamin D in non-immunoglobulin-E mediated
      gastrointestinal food allergic children in a tertiary centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in
      children with non-immunoglobulin-E (IgE) mediated gastrointestinal food allergy.
      The aims of our study were to understand the prevalence of vitamin D
      insufficiency and deficiency in children with non-IgE mediated gastrointestinal
      food allergy and identify predisposing factors. METHODS: This was a retrospective
      study which looked at data from Great Ormond Street Hospital from January 2002 to
      September 2015. Children 0-18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of non-IgE
      mediated gastrointestinal food allergy who had a vitamin D level measured during
      the course of their disease were included. Low vitamin D levels were defined as
      <50 nmol/L; insufficient levels were defined as 25-50 nmol/L and deficient levels
      as <25 nmol/L. Patient characteristics and clinical factors were also recorded.
      RESULTS: Ninety-two patients met the study criteria; 49% were female and median
      age was 10 years 2 months [IQR: 4 years 8 months to 13 years 7 months]. Of the
      cohort, 26% (24/92) had low vitamin D levels; 16% had insufficient vitamin D
      levels and 10% had vitamin D deficiency. Gender (p = 0.043) and age (p = 0.035)
      were significantly associated with low vitamin D levels. Twelve percent of
      children who were on an amino acid formula (AAF) had low vitamin D compared to
      31% of children who were not (p = 0.06). No other clinical factors were found to
      be significantly associated with low vitamin D levels. CONCLUSIONS: Children with
      non-IgE mediated gastrointestinal food allergy are at risk of vitamin D
      insufficiency and deficiency. Further prospective studies need to be performed in
      all children with non-IgE mediated gastrointestinal food allergies. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: The study was registered with the GOSH Research & Development
      department as a retrospective case note review. The Health Research Authority
      confirmed that NHS Research and Ethics Committee approval was not required; thus
      there is no trial registration number.

PMID- 28101294
TI  - Erratum to: Risk and safety requirements for diagnostic and therapeutic
      procedures in allergology: World Allergy Organization Statement.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s40413-016-0122-3.].

PMID- 28101295
TI  - Change in Free Radical and Antioxidant Enzyme Levels in the Patients Undergoing
      Open Heart Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass.
AB  - Objective. The purpose of this study is to determine the changes in oxidative
      damage and antioxidant parameters in open heart surgeries with cardiopulmonary
      bypass (CPB) in preoperative and early postoperative periods. Methods. A total of
      three consecutive arterial blood samples were obtained from the patients in the
      study group, in preoperative, early postoperative, and postoperative periods,
      respectively. Oxidative damage indicator (MDA) and antioxidant indicators (GPx,
      GSH, CAT, and SOD) were examined. Results. A statistically significant increase
      was observed in MDA level in postoperative period compared to preoperative and
      early postoperative periods. GSH levels and CAT activities increased
      significantly in early postoperative and postoperative periods. Analyses revealed
      an increase in GPx and SOD enzyme activities only in the postoperative period.
      Conclusion. Even though the increase in MDA level was suppressed by the increased
      GSH level and CAT activity like in early postoperative period, efficiency can be
      brought for the increases in insufficient significant antioxidant parameters in
      postoperative period by administering antioxidant supplements to the patients and
      thus the increase in MDA in postoperative period can be significantly suppressed.

PMID- 28101299
TI  - Redox-Activated Signal Transduction Pathways Mediating Cellular Functions in
      Inflammation, Differentiation, Degeneration, Transformation, and Death.

PMID- 28101296
TI  - Naturally Occurring Nrf2 Activators: Potential in Treatment of Liver Injury.
AB  - Oxidative stress plays a major role in acute and chronic liver injury. In
      hepatocytes, oxidative stress frequently triggers antioxidant response by
      activating nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor,
      which upregulates various cytoprotective genes. Thus, Nrf2 is considered a
      potential therapeutic target to halt liver injury. Several studies indicate that
      activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway ameliorates liver injury. The
      hepatoprotective potential of naturally occurring compounds has been investigated
      in various models of liver injuries. In this review, we comprehensively appraise
      various phytochemicals that have been assessed for their potential to halt acute
      and chronic liver injury by enhancing the activation of Nrf2 and have the
      potential for use in humans.

PMID- 28101297
TI  - CD36/Sirtuin 1 Axis Impairment Contributes to Hepatic Steatosis in ACE2-Deficient
      Mice.
AB  - Background and Aims. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an important
      component of the renin-angiotensin system. Since angiotensin peptides have been
      shown to be involved in hepatic steatosis, we aimed to evaluate the hepatic lipid
      profile in ACE2-deficient (ACE2-/y) mice. Methods. Male C57BL/6 and ACE2-/y mice
      were analyzed at the age of 3 and 6 months for alterations in the lipid profiles
      of plasma, faeces, and liver and for hepatic steatosis. Results. ACE2-/y mice
      showed lower body weight and white adipose tissue at all ages investigated.
      Moreover, these mice had lower levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and
      nonesterified fatty acids in plasma. Strikingly, ACE2-/y mice showed high
      deposition of lipids in the liver. Expression of CD36, a protein involved in the
      uptake of triglycerides in liver, was increased in ACE2-/y mice. Concurrently,
      these mice exhibited an increase in hepatic oxidative stress, evidenced by
      increased lipid peroxidation and expression of uncoupling protein 2, and
      downregulation of sirtuin 1. ACE2-/y mice also showed impairments in glucose
      metabolism and insulin signaling in the liver. Conclusions. Deletion of ACE2
      causes CD36/sirtuin 1 axis impairment and thereby interferes with lipid
      homeostasis, leading to lipodystrophy and steatosis.

PMID- 28101298
TI  - Ginkgo Biloba Ameliorates Subfertility Induced by Testicular Ischemia/Reperfusion
      Injury in Adult Wistar Rats: A Possible New Mitochondrial Mechanism.
AB  - Testicular torsion, a surgical emergency, could affect the endocrine and exocrine
      testicular functions. This study demonstrates histopathological and physiological
      effects of testicular ischemia/perfusion (I/R) injury and the possible protective
      effects of Ginkgo biloba treatment. Fifty adult male Wistar rats, 180-200 gm,
      were randomly divided into sham-operated, Gingko biloba supplemented, ischemia
      only, I/R, and Gingko biloba treated I/R groups. Overnight fasted rats were
      anaesthetized by Pentobarbital; I/R was performed by left testis 720 degrees 
      rotation in I/R and treated I/R groups. Orchiectomy was performed for
      histopathological studies and detection of mitochondrial NAD+. Determination of
      free testosterone, FSH, TNF-alpha, and IL1-beta in plasma was performed. Plasma
      free testosterone was significantly decreased, while plasma FSH, TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta, and testicular mitochondrial NAD+ were significantly increased in I/R
      group compared to control group. These parameters were reversed in Gingko biloba
      treated I/R group compared to I/R group. I/R caused marked testicular damage and
      increased APAF-1 in the apoptotic cells which were reversed by Ginkgo biloba
      treatment. It could be concluded that I/R caused subfertility induced by
      apoptosis and oxidative stress manifested by the elevated testicular
      mitochondrial NAD+, which is considered a new possible mechanism. Also,
      testicular injury could be reduced by Gingko biloba administration alone.

PMID- 28101300
TI  - The Peroxidation of Leukocytes Index Ratio Reveals the Prooxidant Effect of Green
      Tea Extract.
AB  - Despite tea increased plasma nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity, the European Food
      Safety Administration (EFSA) denied claims related to tea and its protection from
      oxidative damage. Furthermore, the Supplement Information Expert Committee (DSI
      EC) expressed some doubts on the safety of green tea extract (GTE). We performed
      a pilot study in order to evaluate the effect of a single dose of two capsules of
      a GTE supplement (200 mg * 2) on the peroxidation of leukocytes index ratio
      (PLIR) in relation to uric acid (UA) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential
      (FRAP), as well as the sample size to reach statistical significance. GTE induced
      a prooxidant effect on leukocytes, whereas FRAP did not change, in agreement with
      the EFSA and the DSI EC conclusions. Besides, our results confirm the primary
      role of UA in the antioxidant defences. The ratio based calculation of the PLIR
      reduced the sample size to reach statistical significance, compared to the
      resistance to an exogenous oxidative stress and to the functional capacity of
      oxidative burst. Therefore, PLIR could be a sensitive marker of redox status.

PMID- 28101301
TI  - NUCLEI SEGMENTATION VIA SPARSITY CONSTRAINED CONVOLUTIONAL REGRESSION.
AB  - Automated profiling of nuclear architecture, in histology sections, can
      potentially help predict the clinical outcomes. However, the task is challenging
      as a result of nuclear pleomorphism and cellular states (e.g., cell fate, cell
      cycle), which are compounded by the batch effect (e.g., variations in fixation
      and staining). Present methods, for nuclear segmentation, are based on human
      designed features that may not effectively capture intrinsic nuclear
      architecture. In this paper, we propose a novel approach, called sparsity
      constrained convolutional regression (SCCR), for nuclei segmentation.
      Specifically, given raw image patches and the corresponding annotated binary
      masks, our algorithm jointly learns a bank of convolutional filters and a sparse
      linear regressor, where the former is used for feature extraction, and the latter
      aims to produce a likelihood for each pixel being nuclear region or background.
      During classification, the pixel label is simply determined by a thresholding
      operation applied on the likelihood map. The method has been evaluated using the
      benchmark dataset collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Experimental
      results demonstrate that our method outperforms traditional nuclei segmentation
      algorithms and is able to achieve competitive performance compared to the state
      of-the-art algorithm built upon human-designed features with biological prior
      knowledge.

PMID- 28101303
TI  - Efficacy of multiple biliary stenting for refractory benign biliary strictures
      due to chronic calcifying pancreatitis.
AB  - AIM: To investigate endoscopic therapy efficacy for refractory benign biliary
      strictures (BBS) with multiple biliary stenting and clarify predictors. METHODS:
      Ten consecutive patients with stones in the pancreatic head and BBS due to
      chronic pancreatitis who underwent endoscopic therapy were evaluated. Endoscopic
      insertion of a single stent failed in all patients. We used plastic stents (7F,
      8.5F, and 10F) and increased stents at intervals of 2 or 3 mo. Stents were
      removed approximately 1 year after initial stenting. BBS and common bile duct
      (CBD) diameter were evaluated using cholangiography. Patients were followed for
      >= 6 mo after therapy, interviewed for cholestasis symptoms, and underwent liver
      function testing every visit. Patients with complete and incomplete stricture
      dilations were compared. RESULTS: Endoscopic therapy was completed in 8 (80%)
      patients, whereas 2 (20%) patients could not continue therapy because of severe
      acute cholangitis and abdominal abscess, respectively. The mean number of stents
      was 4.1 +/- 1.2. In two (20%) patients, BBS did not improve; thus, a biliary
      stent was inserted. BBS improved in six (60%) patients. CBD diameter improved
      more significantly in the complete group than in the incomplete group (6.1 +/-
      1.8 mm vs 13.7 +/- 2.2 mm, respectively, P = 0.010). Stricture length was
      significantly associated with complete stricture dilation (complete group; 20.5
      +/- 3.0 mm, incomplete group; 29.0 +/- 5.1 mm, P = 0.011). Acute cholangitis did
      not recur during the mean follow-up period of 20.6 +/- 7.3 mo. CONCLUSION:
      Sequential endoscopic insertion of multiple stents is effective for refractory
      BBS caused by chronic calcifying pancreatitis. BBS length calculation can improve
      patient selection procedure for therapy.

PMID- 28101302
TI  - Robot-assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
AB  - Phase III evidence in the shape of a series of randomized controlled trials and
      meta-analyses has shown that laparoscopic gastrectomy is safe and gives better
      short-term results with respect to the traditional open technique for early-stage
      gastric cancer. In fact, in the East laparoscopic gastrectomy has become routine
      for early-stage gastric cancer. In contrast, the treatment of advanced gastric
      cancer through a minimally invasive way is still a debated issue, mostly due to
      worries about its oncological efficacy and the difficulty of carrying out an
      extended lymphadenectomy and intestinal reconstruction after total gastrectomy
      laparoscopically. Over the last ten years the introduction of robotic surgery has
      implied overcoming some intrinsic drawbacks found to be present in the
      conventional laparoscopic procedure. Robot-assisted gastrectomy with D2
      lymphadenectomy has been shown to be safe and feasible for the treatment of
      gastric cancer patients. But unfortunately, most available studies investigating
      the robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer compared to laparoscopic and open
      technique are so far retrospective and there have not been phase III trials. In
      the present review we looked at scientific evidence available today regarding the
      new high-tech surgical robotic approach, and we attempted to bring to light the
      real advantages of robot-assisted gastrectomy compared to the traditional
      laparoscopic and open technique for the treatment of gastric cancer.

PMID- 28101304
TI  - Gastric antral webs in adults: A case series characterizing their clinical
      presentation and management in the modern endoscopic era.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the current management of gastric antral webs (GAWs) among
      adults and identify optimal endoscopic and/or surgical management for these
      patients. METHODS: We reviewed our endoscopy database seeking to identify
      patients in whom a GAW was visualized among 24640 esophagogastroduodenoscopies
      (EGD) over a seven-year period (2006-2013) at a single tertiary care center. The
      diagnosis of GAW was suspected during EGD if aperture size of the antrum did not
      vary with peristalsis or if a "double bulb" sign was present on upper
      gastrointestinal series. Confirmation of the diagnosis was made by demonstrating
      a normal pylorus distal to the GAW. RESULTS: We identified 34 patients who met
      our inclusion criteria (incidence 0.14%). Of these, five patients presented with
      gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), four of whom underwent repeated sequential
      balloon dilations and/or needle-knife incisions with steroid injection for
      alleviation of GOO. The other 29 patients were incidentally found to have a non
      obstructing GAW. Age at diagnosis ranged from 30-87 years. Non-obstructing GAWs
      are mostly incidental findings. The most frequently observed symptom prompting
      endoscopic work-up was refractory gastroesophageal reflux (n = 24, 70.6%)
      followed by abdominal pain (n = 11, 33.4%), nausea and vomiting (n = 9, 26.5%),
      dysphagia (n = 6, 17.6%), unexplained weight loss, (n = 4, 11.8%), early satiety
      (n = 4, 11.8%), and melena of unclear etiology (n = 3, 8.82%). Four of five GOO
      patients were treated with balloon dilation (n = 4), four-quadrant needle-knife
      incision (n = 3), and triamcinolone injection (n = 2). Three of these patients
      required repeat intervention. One patient had a significant complication of
      perforation after needle-knife incision. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic intervention for
      GAW using balloon dilation or needle-knife incision is generally safe and
      effective in relieving symptoms, however repeat treatment may be needed and a
      risk of perforation exists with thermal therapies.

PMID- 28101305
TI  - Recurrence of choledocholithiasis following endoscopic bile duct clearance: Long
      term results and factors associated with recurrent bile duct stones.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the rate of recurrence of symptomatic choledocholithiasis and
      identify factors associated with the recurrence of bile duct stones in patients
      who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and
      endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for bile duct stone disease. METHODS: All
      patients who underwent ERCP and EST for bile duct stone disease and had their
      bile duct cleared from 1/1/2005 until 31/12/2008 was enrolled. All symptomatic
      recurrences during the study period (until 31/12/2015) were recorded. Clinical
      and laboratory data potentially associated with common bile duct (CBD) stone
      recurrence were retrospectively retrieved from patients' files. RESULTS: A total
      of 495 patients were included. Sixty seven (67) out of 495 patients (13.5%)
      presented with recurrent symptomatic choledocholithiasis after 35.28 +/- 16.9 mo
      while twenty two (22) of these patients (32.8%) experienced a second recurrence
      after 35.19 +/- 23.2 mo. Factors associated with recurrence were size (diameter)
      of the largest CBD stone found at first presentation (10.2 +/- 6.9 mm vs 7.2 +/-
      4.1 mm, P = 0.024), diameter of the CBD at the first examination (15.5 +/- 6.3 mm
      vs 12.0 +/- 4.6 mm, P = 0.005), use of mechanical lithotripsy (ML) (P = 0.04) and
      presence of difficult lithiasis (P = 0.04). Periampullary diverticula showed a
      trend towards significance (P = 0.066). On the contrary, number of stones,
      angulation of the CBD, number of ERCP sessions required to clear the CBD at first
      presentation, more than one ERCP session needed to clear the bile duct initially
      and a gallbladder in situ did not influence recurrence. CONCLUSION: Bile duct
      stone recurrence is a possible late complication following endoscopic stone
      extraction and CBD clearance. It appears to be associated with anatomical
      parameters (CBD diameter) and stone characteristics (stone size, use of ML,
      difficult lithiasis) at first presentation.

PMID- 28101306
TI  - Essential role of small bowel capsule endoscopy in reclassification of colonic
      inflammatory bowel disease type unclassified.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the role of small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) on the
      reclassification of colonic inflammatory bowel disease type unclassified (IBDU).
      METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective study including patients with
      IBDU undergoing SBCE, between 2002 and 2014. SBCE studies were reviewed and the
      inflammatory activity was evaluated by determining the Lewis score (LS).
      Inflammatory activity was considered significant and consistent with Crohn's
      disease (CD) when the LS >= 135. The definitive diagnosis during follow-up
      (minimum 12 mo following SBCE) was based on the combination of clinical,
      analytical, imaging, endoscopic and histological elements. RESULTS: Thirty-six
      patients were included, 21 females (58%) with mean age at diagnosis of 33 +/- 13
      (15-64) years. The mean follow-up time after the SBCE was 52 +/- 41 (12-156) mo.
      The SBCE revealed findings consistent with significant inflammatory activity in
      the small bowel (LS >= 135) in 9 patients (25%); in all of them the diagnosis of
      CD was confirmed during follow-up. In 27 patients (75%), the SBCE revealed no
      significant inflammatory activity (LS < 135); among these patients, the diagnosis
      of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) was established in 16 cases (59.3%), CD in 1 case
      (3.7%) and 10 patients (37%) maintained a diagnosis of IBDU during follow-up. A
      LS >= 135 at SBCE had a sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 100%, positive
      predictive value = 100% and negative predictive value = 94% for the diagnosis of
      CD. CONCLUSION: SBCE proved to be fundamental in the reclassification of patients
      with IBDU. Absence of significant inflammatory activity in the small intestine
      allowed exclusion of CD in 94% of cases.

PMID- 28101307
TI  - Review and Recommendations on Management of Adult Female Thalassemia Patients
      with Hypogonadism based on Literature Review and Experience of ICET-A Network
      Specialists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multi-transfused thalassemia major (TM) patients frequently develop
      severe endocrine complications, mainly due to iron overload, anemia, and chronic
      liver disease, which require prompt diagnosis, treatment and follow-up by
      specialists. The most common endocrine complication documented is
      hypogonadotropic hypogonadism which increases with age and associated
      comorbidities. It is thus important for physicians to have a clear understanding
      of the pathophysiology and management of this disorder. Also to be aware of the
      side effects, contraindications and monitoring of sex steroid therapy. In this
      paper, practical ICET-A recommendations for the management of hypogonadism in
      adult females with TM are addressed. METHODS: In March 2015, the Coordinator of
      the International Network of Clinicians for Endocrinopathies in Thalassemia and
      Adolescent Medicine (ICET-A) conducted a two-step survey to assess the attitudes
      and practices of doctors in the ICET-A network taking care of adult female TM
      patients with hypogonadism. They were clinically characterized by the absence of
      pubertal development or discontinuation or regression of the maturation of
      secondary sex characteristics, and biochemically by persistent low FSH, LH and
      estradiol levels. Recently a supplementary survey on adult female hypogonadism in
      TM was undertaken within the ICET-A network. RESULTS: The completed
      questionnaires were returned by 16 of 27 specialists (59.2%) following 590 female
      TM patients over the age of 18 years; 315 patients (53.3%) had hypogonadism, and
      only 245 (74.6%) were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Contraceptive oral
      pills (COC) were the first treatment choice in 11 centers (68.7%). A wide range
      of COCs was used with different progestin contents. In general, the patients'
      compliance to treatment was reported as good in 81.2 % of centers. The frequency
      of required tests for follow-up HRT, in addition to the regular check-up for
      thalassemia, was variable in the participating centers. CONCLUSIONS: Doctors
      taking care of TM patients should have sound knowledge of the pathophysiology of
      hypogonadism in adult females with TM. They should know the potential effects of
      HRT including advantages and disadvantages of estrogen and progestins. Moreover,
      they should keep in consideration the emotional needs of these patients dreaming
      of attaining a full pubertal development.

PMID- 28101310
TI  - Effectiveness and Safety of Sitagliptin in Patients with Beta-thalassaemia Major
      and Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Series.
AB  - Sitagliptin, a modern antidiabetic agent which is weight neutral and associated
      with low rate of hypoglycaemias, is being increasingly used in type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (DM). However, there is a paucity of data about its efficacy and safety
      in beta-thalassaemia major (beta-TM). This retrospective case series of five
      patients (mean age of 45 years) is the first study evaluating the use of
      sitagliptin in patients with beta-TM and DM. Four patients responded well to
      sitagliptin, as evidenced by a decrease in fructosamine by 77 and 96MUmol/L
      (equivalent reduction in HbA1c of 1.5% and 1.9%) observed in two patients and
      reduction in the frequency of hypoglycaemia without worsening glycaemic control
      in two others. One patient did not respond to sitagliptin. No patients reported
      significant side effects. This study provides evidence that sitagliptin may be
      considered, with caution, for use in patients with beta-TM and DM, under the
      close monitoring of a Diabetologist.

PMID- 28101309
TI  - Patients with Haemoglobinopathies and Chronic Hepatitis C: A Real Difficult to
      Treat Population in 2016?
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: In the past, patients with haemoglobinopathies were at
      high risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to multiple transfusions
      before HCV screening. In these patients, the coexistence of haemochromatosis and
      chronic hepatitis C (CHC) often leads to more severe liver disease. We assessed
      the HCV prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcome in this setting with
      particular attention to the response to treatment including therapies with the
      new direct acting antivirals (DAAs). METHODS: The medical records of 81
      consecutive patients followed the last 15 years were reviewed retrospectively.
      RESULTS: 43/81 (53%) patients were anti-HCV positive including 31/43 (72.1%) with
      CHC (HCV-RNA positive; age 25+/-7 years; 45.2% with genotype 1b; 19.4%
      cirrhotics; baseline ferritin 887 ng/ml; range: 81-10.820). Thirty patients
      received IFN-based therapy with or without ribavirin with sustained virological
      response (SVR) in 14/30 (46.7%). Eleven patients (9 non-responders to IFN-based
      therapies, one in relapse and one naive) received treatment with DAAs (SVR:
      100%). 3/11 patients increased their transfusion needs while 1/11 reported mild
      arthralgias. No drug-drug interactions between DAAs and chelation agents were
      observed as attested by the stability of ferritin levels during treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: More than 1/3 of patients with haemoglobinopathies suffered from
      CHC. Response rates to IFN-based treatment seem to be similar to other patients
      with CHC, while most importantly, treatment with DAAs was excellent and safe even
      in difficult to treat patients (most null responders with severe fibrosis)
      suggesting that this group of HCV patients should no longer be regarded as a
      difficult to treat.

PMID- 28101308
TI  - Antibacterial Resistance in Patients with Hematopoietic Stem Cell
      Transplantation.
AB  - Recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at substantial
      risk of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections depending on the time
      elapsed since transplantation, presence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and
      the degree of immunosuppression. Infectious complications in HSCT recipients are
      associated with high morbidity and mortality. Bacterial infections constitute the
      major cause of infectious complications, especially in the early post-transplant
      period. The emergence of antibacterial resistance complicates the management of
      bacterial infections in this patient group. Multidrug-resistant bacterial
      infections in this group of patients have attracted considerable interest and may
      lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Empirical antibacterial therapy in
      patients with HSCT and febrile neutropenia has a critical role for survival and
      should be based on local epidemiology. This review attempts to provide an
      overview of risk factors and epidemiology of emerging resistant bacterial
      infections and their management in HSCT recipients.

PMID- 28101311
TI  - A Hospital-Based Retrospective Comparative Study of Complications, Outcomes,
      Clinical and Laboratory Parameters of Malaria with and without Neurological
      Involvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Classically associated with Plasmodium (P.) falciparum,
      neurological complications in severe malaria is associated with increased
      morbidity and mortality. However, reports implicate the long considered benign P.
      vivax for causing severe malaria as well. We aimed to analyse the cerebral
      complications in malaria, and study if there is a species-related difference in
      the presentation and outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively compared patients with
      malaria hospitalised from 2009-15, with (n=105) and without (n=1155) neurological
      involvement regarding outcomes, complications, demographic attributes, clinical
      features, and laboratory parameters. Subsequently, the same parameters were
      studied in those with cerebral malaria due to mono-infections of P. vivax or P.
      falciparum and their co-infection. RESULTS: Cerebral malaria was observed in 8.3%
      (58/696), 7.4% (38/513) and 17.6% (6/51) of P. vivax, P. falciparum and combined
      plasmodial infections respectively. Those with cerebral malaria had significantly
      (p<0.05) longer hospitalisation, delayed defervescence, required mechanical
      ventilatory support and dialysis despite comparable levels of azotemia and renal
      insufficiency, and adverse outcomes compared to non-cerebral malaria. Severe
      thrombocytopenia, respiratory distress and mechanical ventilation were
      significantly (p<0.05) associated with P. vivax cerebral malaria. CONCLUSIONS:
      The plasmodial species are comparable in clinical and laboratory parameters and
      outcomes in cerebral malaria in isolation and combination (p>0.05). P. vivax is
      emerging as the predominant cause of cerebral malaria, and its virulence is
      comparable to P. falciparum.

PMID- 28101312
TI  - Cryoglobulin Test and Cryoglobulinemia Hepatitis C-Virus Related.
AB  - Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins that precipitate in serum at temperatures below
      37 degrees C and resolubilize upon warming. The clinical syndrome of
      cryoglobulinemia usually includes purpura, weakness, and arthralgia, but the
      underlying disease may also contribute other symptoms. Blood samples for
      cryoglobulin are collected, transported, clotted and spun at 37 degrees C, before
      the precipitate is allowed to form when serum is stored at 4 degrees C in a
      Wintrobe tube for at least seven days. The most critical and confounding factor
      affecting the cryoglobulin test is when the preanalytical phase is not fully
      completed at 37 degrees C. The easiest way to quantify cryoglobulins is the
      cryocrit estimate. However, this approach has low accuracy and sensitivity.
      Furthermore, the precipitate should be resolubilized by warming to confirm that
      it is truly formed of cryoglobulins. The characterization of cryoglobulins
      requires the precipitate is several times washed, before performing
      immunofixation, a technique by which cryoglobulins can be classified depending on
      the characteristics of the detected immunoglobulins. These features imply a
      pathogenic role of these molecules which are consequently associated with a wide
      range of symptoms and manifestations. According to the Brouet classification,
      Cryoglobulins are grouped into three types by the immunochemical properties of
      immunoglobulins in the cryoprecipitate. The aim of this paper is to review the
      major aspects of cryoglobulinemia and the laboratory techniques used to detect
      and characterize cryoglobulins, taking into consideration the presence and
      consequences of cryoglobulinemia in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.

PMID- 28101313
TI  - A Young Adult with Unintended Acute Intravenous Iron Intoxication Treated with
      Oral Chelation: The Use of Liver Ferriscan for Diagnosing and Monitoring Tissue
      Iron Load.
AB  - Acute iron intoxication (FeI) in humans has not been adequately studied. The
      manifestation of FeI, defined as a serum iron concentration >300 MUg/dL (55
      MUmol/L) within 12 hours of ingestion, include various symptoms appearing in
      progressive stages. Systemic toxicity is expected with an intake of 60 mg/kg. A
      27-year-old female nurse presented with unintended acute intravenous iron
      intoxication (FeI) a week after self-injecting herself with 20 ampoules of IV
      iron (4,000 mg elemental iron, 60 mg/kg). She had stable vital signs and mild
      hepatic tenderness. Hepatic MRI (Ferriscan(r)) showed a moderate/severe liver
      iron content (LIC: 9 mg/g dry tissue). Her hemogram, electrolytes, hepatic and
      renal functions were normal. Based on the high dose of iron received and her
      elevated LIC, chelation therapy was advised. She accepted only oral therapy and
      was started on deferasirox at a dose of 30 mg/kg daily. This oral chelation
      proved to be effective in clearing her hepatic iron overload after six months
      (LIC: 2 mg/g dry tissue), without side effects. This case also proved the value
      of Ferriscan(r) in diagnosing the degree of hepatic FeI and monitoring therapy to
      achieve a safe level of LIC.

PMID- 28101314
TI  - Is There a Role for Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring in Follicular Lymphoma in
      the Chemo-Immunotherapy Era?
AB  - After 25 years, evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) in follicular
      lymphoma (FL) has become a standardized technique frequently integrated into
      clinical trials for its consistent and independent prognostic significance.
      Achievement of a sustained MRD negativity is a marker of treatment sensibility
      that has been associated with excellent clinical outcome in terms of clinical
      response and progression-free survival, independently from the employed therapy.
      However, no survival advantages has been reported for MRD negative patients and
      despite the compelling results of clinical trials, MRD evaluation has currently
      no role in clinical practice. Ongoing clinical trials will help in clarifying the
      potential setting in which MRD monitoring may have a routine clinical application
      i.e. allowing de-escalation of standard maintenance therapy in very low risk
      patients. In this review the clinical implications of MRD monitoring in Rituximab
      era are discussed in light of the current treatment paradigms most aimed at
      reducing toxicities, and the response definition that now routinely integrates
      PET scan.

PMID- 28101315
TI  - VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 Serum Levels as Markers of Relapse in Visceral Leishmaniasis.

PMID- 28101316
TI  - Defining Invasive Fungal Infection Risk in Hematological Malignancies: A New Tool
      for Clinical Practice.

PMID- 28101318
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of antipsychotic polypharmacy among outpatients with
      schizophrenia attending a tertiary psychiatric facility in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern and correlates
      of antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) among outpatients with schizophrenia
      attending a tertiary psychiatric facility in Nigeria. METHOD: A cross-sectional
      study of 250 patients with schizophrenia attending the outpatient clinic of a
      regional tertiary psychiatric facility in Nigeria was undertaken. They were
      administered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Positive and Negative Syndrome
      Scale (PANSS), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale and the Liverpool
      University Side Effects Rating Scale (LUNSERS). RESULTS: Of the 250 subjects
      interviewed, 176 (70.4%) were on APP. APP was significantly associated with
      higher prescribed chlorpromazine equivalent doses of antipsychotics (p < 0.001),
      increased frequency of dosing (p < 0.001), negative symptoms (p < 0.01), poorer
      functioning (p = 0.04) and greater side-effect burden (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The
      APP rate reported from this study is high. Clinicians should be mindful of its
      impact on dosage and side-effect profiles as APP use is associated with negative
      symptoms and poor psychosocial functioning.

PMID- 28101317
TI  - Corticotropin-releasing factor overexpression in mice abrogates sex differences
      in body weight, visceral fat, and food intake response to a fast and alters
      levels of feeding regulatory hormones.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Corticotropin-releasing factor overexpressing (CRF-OE) male mice
      showed an inhibited feeding response to a fast, and lower plasma acyl ghrelin and
      Fos expression in the arcuate nucleus compared to wild-type (WT) mice. We
      investigated whether hormones and hypothalamic feeding signals are impaired in
      CRF-OE mice and the influence of sex. METHODS: Male and female CRF-OE mice and WT
      littermates (4-6 months old) fed ad libitum or overnight fasted were assessed for
      body, adrenal glands and perigonadal fat weights, food intake, plasma hormones,
      blood glucose, and mRNA hypothalamic signals. RESULTS: Under fed conditions,
      compared to WT, CRF-OE mice have increased adrenal glands and perigonadal fat
      weight, plasma corticosterone, leptin and insulin, and hypothalamic leptin
      receptor and decreased plasma acyl ghrelin. Compared to male, female WT mice have
      lower body and perigonadal fat and plasma leptin but higher adrenal glands
      weights. CRF-OE mice lost these sex differences except for the adrenals. Male CRF
      OE and WT mice did not differ in hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY)
      and proopiomelanocortin (POMC), while female CRF-OE compared to female WT and
      male CRF-OE had higher NPY mRNA levels. After fasting, female WT mice lost more
      body weight and ate more food than male WT, while CRF-OE mice had reduced body
      weight loss and inhibited food intake without sex difference. In male WT mice,
      fasting reduced plasma insulin and leptin and increased acyl ghrelin and
      corticosterone while female WT showed only a rise in corticosterone. In CRF-OE
      mice, fasting reduced insulin while leptin, acyl ghrelin and corticosterone were
      unchanged with no sex difference. Fasting blood glucose was higher in CRF-OE with
      female > male. In WT mice, fasting increased hypothalamic NPY expression in both
      sexes and decreased POMC only in males, while in CRF-OE mice, NPY did not change,
      and POMC decreased in males and increased in females. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      indicate that CRF-OE mice have abnormal basal and fasting circulating hormones
      and hypothalamic feeding-related signals. CRF-OE also abolishes the sex
      difference in body weight, abdominal fat, and fasting-induced feeding and changes
      in plasma levels of leptin and acyl ghrelin.

PMID- 28101319
TI  - The Nursing Assessment of Medication Acceptance: the reliability and validity of
      a schizophrenia medication adherence scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many patients with schizophrenia have low medication adherence. There
      is, however, no objective assessment scale that can be used by nurses or
      caregiver specialists. The Nursing Assessment of Medication Acceptance (NAMA) was
      developed to assess patients' medication adherence. The aim of this study was to
      examine the validity and reliability of the NAMA in patients with schizophrenia.
      METHODS: A total of 121 Japanese patients with schizophrenia were enrolled. All
      patients underwent evaluation using the NAMA and the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI
      10). Reliability was investigated using a test-retest method and a parallel-test
      method. To determine the test-retest reliability of the NAMA, we tested 101
      schizophrenia patients twice, with the second assessment 2-4 weeks after the date
      of the first assessment. For validity verification, standard-related validity and
      the degree of concordance with the DAI-10 scores were measured. RESULTS: The
      Cronbach's alpha value of the NAMA in schizophrenia was 0.88. The test-retest
      correlation coefficients were all between 0.53-0.74. The total scores and all
      subscores for the NAMA were significantly correlated, and the NAMA total scores
      were significantly correlated with the DAI-10 total scores. CONCLUSIONS: The NAMA
      shows good reliability and validity in measuring medication adherence in
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 28101320
TI  - Variation in dose and plasma level of lamotrigine in patients discharged from a
      mental health trust.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to investigate the dose of
      lamotrigine when prescribed with an enzyme inhibitor or enzyme inducer in
      patients discharged from a mental health trust and to determine the corresponding
      lamotrigine plasma concentrations and the factors that may affect these. METHODS:
      All patients discharged on lamotrigine between October 2007 and September 2012
      were identified using the pharmacy dispensing database. We recorded demographic
      details, lamotrigine dose and plasma levels and coprescribed medication. RESULTS:
      During the designated period, 187 patients were discharged on lamotrigine of whom
      117 had their plasma levels recorded. The mean lamotrigine daily dose was 226.1
      mg (range 12.5-800 mg) and the mean plasma level 5.9 mg/l (range 0.8-18.1 mg/l).
      Gender, ethnicity, diagnosis and smoking status had no significant effect on dose
      or plasma levels. Patients taking an enzyme-inducing drug (n = 6) had
      significantly lower plasma levels [mean (SD) 3.40 (1.54) mg/l] than those not
      taking enzyme inducers [n = 111; 6.03 (3.13) mg/l; p = 0.043]. Patients taking an
      enzyme-inhibiting drug (n = 23) had significantly higher levels [7.47 (3.99)
      mg/l] than those not taking an inhibitor [n = 94; 5.52 (2.75) mg/l; p = 0.035].
      No significant difference was found between the doses of lamotrigine in patients
      taking an enzyme inhibitor and those not taking one (p = 0.376). No significant
      difference was found between the doses of lamotrigine in patients taking an
      enzyme-inducing drug and those not taking any (p = 0.574). CONCLUSIONS: Current
      dosing recommendations indicate that lamotrigine doses should be halved in
      individuals taking enzyme inhibitors and doubled in those on enzyme inducers. In
      our survey these recommendations were rarely followed with the consequence that
      patients received too high or too low a dose of lamotrigine, respectively.

PMID- 28101321
TI  - Switching away from pipotiazine palmitate: a naturalistic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In March 2015, pipotiazine palmitate depot antipsychotic was globally
      withdrawn due to the shortage of its active ingredient. Thus, all patients
      receiving this medication had to be switched to an alternative antipsychotic
      drug. In this study we set to evaluate the process of switching away from
      pipotiazine palmitate within our clinical service, and its impact on
      hospitalization. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data on patients who were
      receiving pipotiazine palmitate in Northamptonshire at the time of its withdrawal
      were anonymously extracted from their electronic records and analyzed using
      descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were switched away from
      pipotiazine palmitate at the time of its withdrawal, all of whom had a prior
      history of nonadherence with oral treatment. A total of 14 patients were switched
      to another depot antipsychotic drug, while three patients chose an oral
      alternative which they subsequently discontinued resulting in relapse and
      hospitalization. There was a five-fold increase in mean hospitalization among
      patients who completed a year after the switch. CONCLUSION: Switching away from
      pipotiazine palmitate was associated with significant clinical deterioration in
      patients who switched to an oral antipsychotic, whereas most patients who
      switched to another depot treatment maintained stability. Clinicians should
      exercise caution when switching patients with schizophrenia away from depot
      antipsychotic drugs, especially in cases of patients with a history of treatment
      nonadherence who prefer to switch to oral antipsychotics.

PMID- 28101322
TI  - Brexpiprazole and cariprazine: distinguishing two new atypical antipsychotics
      from the original dopamine stabilizer aripiprazole.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brexpiprazole and cariprazine are the latest US Food and Drug
      Administration approved atypical antipsychotics available in the United States.
      Both function as partial agonists of the dopamine-2 receptor (D2R), a mechanism
      of action shared with aripiprazole. However, all three differ in their affinities
      for the D2R as well as for serotonin receptors (5-HTRs). This paper seeks to
      delineate these pharmacodynamic and clinical differences amongst the three
      dopamine partial agonist atypical antipsychotic drugs. METHODS: PubMed and
      clinicaltrials.gov searches were used to generate preclinical and clinical
      evidence for review. Data derived from animal models and human subjects were used
      to provide insight on clinical mechanisms and adverse effect potentials. Clinical
      trial data were reviewed to compare clinical efficacy and adverse effects.
      RESULTS: Efficacies among the three drugs are comparable for their shared
      indications. Side-effect profile and underlying pharmacodynamic mechanism of
      action for each drug may differ. CONCLUSION: Partial agonism of the D2R is a
      similarity of the three drugs reviewed. Each drug varies in affinity for both the
      D2R and a diverse group of 5-HTRs, generating a distinct profile of clinical
      indications and adverse effects for each.

PMID- 28101323
TI  - Gabapentin treatment in clozapine-induced restless legs syndrome: two cases and a
      review of the literature.
AB  - Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neuro-sensorimotor disorder affecting 2-4% of
      adults. It is characterized by intense urges to move the legs, associated with
      unpleasant sensory disturbances in the legs occurring at rest and manifests
      mostly in the evening and night, relieved by movement. Diagnosis is primarily
      based on clinical presentation and the consensus criteria for the diagnosis have
      been established. Antipsychotics, the dopamine antagonists, have been reported to
      induce RLS. Dopamine agonists, the effective first-line treatment of RLS, carry
      the risk of inducing or worsening psychosis. Many nondopaminergic agents
      including antiepileptic medications have also been used in the treatment of
      primary RLS. In this report we describe clozapine-induced RLS in two patients
      with schizophrenia and its successful treatment with gabapentin, a
      nondopaminergic agent. In addition, we have reviewed the available literature on
      clozapine-induced RLS and its management.

PMID- 28101324
TI  - Oxytocin for frontotemporal dementia: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review is to identify published randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the use of oxytocin in individuals with
      frontotemporal dementia (FTD). METHODS: A literature search was conducted of
      PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane collaboration databases for RCTs
      in any language that evaluated the use of oxytocin in individuals with FTD.
      Bibliographic databases of published articles were also searched for additional
      studies. RESULTS: A total of two RCTs that evaluated the use of oxytocin in
      individuals with FTD were identified. In one study, the use of oxytocin in
      individuals with FTD produced a reduction in identification of negative facial
      expressions (anger and fear) which can be hypothesized to improve trust and
      increase cooperation in these individuals. Both studies noted oxytocin was well
      tolerated and showed short term benefits on behavioral symptoms in individuals
      with FTD. CONCLUSIONS: Oxytocin appears to improve social aspects of cognition
      and behavioral symptoms in individuals with FTD and is well tolerated. However,
      positive data from larger and longer duration RCTs are needed before the routine
      use of oxytocin in individuals with FTD can be recommended.

PMID- 28101325
TI  - Role of psilocybin in the treatment of depression.
AB  - Psilocybin is a naturally occurring alkaloid, pharmacologically similar to the
      classic hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Although primarily used as
      a recreational drug or an entheogen in particular cultural settings, recent
      population based studies have shown that it does not lead to serious physical or
      mental health problems or dependent use. In view of recent work demonstrating
      psilocybin's potential to increase subjective sense of wellbeing and because of
      its novel mechanism of 5-HT2A serotonin receptor agonism, it is being explored
      for possible therapeutic utility in mood and anxiety disorders.

PMID- 28101326
TI  - Microhomology-mediated end joining: new players join the team.
AB  - DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most deleterious type of DNA damage in
      cells arising from endogenous and exogenous attacks on the genomic DNA. Timely
      and properly repair of DSBs is important for genomic integrity and survival. MMEJ
      is an error-prone repair mechanism for DSBs, which relies on exposed
      microhomologous sequence flanking broken junction to fix DSBs in a Ku- and ligase
      IV-independent manner. Recently, significant progress has been made in MMEJ
      mechanism study. In this review, we will summarize its biochemical activities of
      several newly identified MMEJ factors and their biological significance.

PMID- 28101327
TI  - Hsa-let-7c-5p augments enterovirus 71 replication through viral subversion of
      cell signaling in rhabdomyosarcoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes severe hand, foot and mouse
      disease, accompanied by neurological complications. During the interaction
      between EV71 and the host, the virus subverts host cell machinery for its own
      replication. However, the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in this process remain
      obscure. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the miRNA hsa-let-7c-5p was
      significantly upregulated in EV71-infected rhabdomyosarcoma cells. The
      overexpression of hsa-let-7c-5p promoted replication of the virus, and the hsa
      let-7c-5p inhibitor suppressed viral replication. Furthermore, hsa-let-7c-5p
      targeted mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) and
      inhibited its expression. Interestingly, downregulation of MAP4K4 expression led
      to an increase in EV71 replication. In addition, MAP4K4 knockdown or transfection
      with the hsa-let-7c-5p mimic led to activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase
      (JNK) signaling pathway, whereas the hsa-let-7c-5p inhibitor inhibited activation
      of this pathway. Moreover, EV71 infection promoted JNK pathway activation to
      facilitate viral replication. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggested that hsa-let-7c-5p
      facilitated EV71 replication by inhibiting MAP4K4 expression, which might be
      related to subversion of the JNK pathway by the virus. These results may shed
      light on a novel mechanism underlying the defense of EV71 against cellular
      responses. In addition, these findings may facilitate the development of new
      antiviral strategies for use in future therapies.

PMID- 28101328
TI  - Perceived health status in a comparative perspective: Methodological limitations
      and policy implications for Israel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The perceived health status indicator included in the OECD Health
      Statistics suffers from severe methodological limitations related to data
      collection. Furthermore, this indicator is also included in the OECD's Better
      Life Index, thus distorting the total health score of some OECD countries, among
      them Israel. The purpose of this paper is to explore the erroneous use of OECD
      health data in Israel and to warn of its implications. METHODS: Analysis of data
      from the OECD Health Database, Better Life Index and the Israeli Central Bureau
      of Statistics, review of media reports and governmental documents concerning
      health measures, conversations and correspondence held with officials in the
      relevant organizations. RESULTS: OECD's perceived health status outcomes for
      Israel are biased upwards, resulting also in an upward bias of the Israeli
      overall health grade in the Better Life Index. This is due to the methodological
      differences between the OECD's standard survey questionnaire and the Israeli one.
      Yet, erroneous comparisons constantly appear in governmental documents and media
      reports, presenting health status in Israel in an excessive positive light.
      CONCLUSIONS: Data from the OECD Health Statistics and the Better Life Index are
      reaching policy makers and the public in a manner that potentially distorts
      professional and political discourse on health. This may lead to a decrease in
      the resources allocated to health based on a flawed comparison. In the long run,
      and no less serious, the systematic imprecision may detract from the reliability
      of authority reports in the eyes of the public. Caution is essential in dealing
      with health indices and international comparisons. The OECD and relevant national
      agencies should invest greater efforts in the consolidation of definitions and
      methodologies.

PMID- 28101329
TI  - Association between sports type and overuse injuries of extremities in adults: a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sports injuries are often described as overuse or traumatic. Little
      is known about the frequency of overuse injuries and, in particular, if they vary
      between different types of sporting activities. PURPOSE: To identify any
      differences between sports in relation to diagnoses of overuse injuries of the
      extremities (OIE) and anatomical areas most likely to be injured in adults and to
      compare these findings with those reported in youngsters, as identified in a
      previous review. METHODS: A search was made in May 2015 and again in April 2016
      in PubMed, SportDiscus, PsycInfo, and Web of Sciences. Search terms were "
      overuse injuries OR cumulative trauma disorders OR musculoskeletal injuries " AND
      " extremity OR limb " AND " physical activity OR sport OR risk factor OR
      exercises ". Inclusion criteria were: 1) prospective, or cross-sectional study
      design; 2) at least 1/3 of the population should be >= 19 years; 3) articles must
      clearly state if reported cases were classified as traumatic or overuse injuries
      in relation to a particular sports type, 4) sample size >50, and 5) articles must
      not deal with specific occupational subpopulations nor with clinical populations.
      A blinded systematic review was conducted and results reported per anatomical
      site of injury and diagnosis for the different sports. RESULTS: In all, 10 of
      1435 identified articles were included, studying soccer, beach-volleyball and
      triathlon. In general, the incidence estimates were low, never above 2.0/1000 h
      of practice, similar to results seen in children/adolescents. The incidence
      estimates and the diagnoses of OIE were given only in 4 articles on soccer,
      making comparisons between sports impossible. As in children/adolescents, the
      lower limb is more often affected than the upper but contrary to young people the
      injured site in adults is more often the knee and above, and there were also
      differences in the diagnoses for the two age groups. CONCLUSION: The literature
      does not permit to identify clearly the difference in the incidence of OIE for
      different sports showing that more but well-designed surveillance studies are
      needed.

PMID- 27928499
TI  - Whole genome resequencing of a laboratory-adapted Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - As part of a study into the molecular genetics of sexually dimorphic complex
      traits, we used high-throughput sequencing to obtain data on genomic variation in
      an outbred laboratory-adapted fruit fly ( Drosophila melanogaster) population. We
      successfully resequenced the whole genome of 220 hemiclonal females that were
      heterozygous for the same Berkeley reference line genome (BDGP6/dm6), and a
      unique haplotype from the outbred base population (LH M). The use of a static and
      known genetic background enabled us to obtain sequences from whole-genome phased
      haplotypes. We used a BWA-Picard-GATK pipeline for mapping sequence reads to the
      dm6 reference genome assembly, at a median depth-of coverage of 31X, and have
      made the resulting data publicly-available in the NCBI Short Read Archive
      (Accession number SRP058502). We used Haplotype Caller to discover and genotype
      1,726,931 small genomic variants (SNPs and indels, <200bp). Additionally we
      detected and genotyped 167 large structural variants (1-100Kb in size) using
      GenomeStrip/2.0. Sequence and genotype data are publicly-available at the
      corresponding NCBI databases: Short Read Archive, dbSNP and dbVar (BioProject
      PRJNA282591). We have also released the unfiltered genotype data, and the code
      and logs for data processing and summary statistics (
      https://zenodo.org/communities/sussex_drosophila_sequencing/).

PMID- 27928499
TI  - Whole genome resequencing of a laboratory-adapted Drosophila melanogaster
      population sample.
AB  - As part of a study into the molecular genetics of sexually dimorphic complex
      traits, we used high-throughput sequencing to obtain data on genomic variation in
      an outbred laboratory-adapted fruit fly ( Drosophila melanogaster) population. We
      successfully resequenced the whole genome of 220 hemiclonal females that were
      heterozygous for the same Berkeley reference line genome (BDGP6/dm6), and a
      unique haplotype from the outbred base population (LH M). The use of a static and
      known genetic background enabled us to obtain sequences from whole-genome phased
      haplotypes. We used a BWA-Picard-GATK pipeline for mapping sequence reads to the
      dm6 reference genome assembly, at a median depth-of coverage of 31X, and have
      made the resulting data publicly-available in the NCBI Short Read Archive
      (Accession number SRP058502). We used Haplotype Caller to discover and genotype
      1,726,931 small genomic variants (SNPs and indels, <200bp). Additionally we
      detected and genotyped 167 large structural variants (1-100Kb in size) using
      GenomeStrip/2.0. Sequence and genotype data are publicly-available at the
      corresponding NCBI databases: Short Read Archive, dbSNP and dbVar (BioProject
      PRJNA282591). We have also released the unfiltered genotype data, and the code
      and logs for data processing and summary statistics (
      https://zenodo.org/communities/sussex_drosophila_sequencing/).

PMID- 28003882
TI  - Evolutionary relations and population differentiation of Acipenser
      gueldenstaedtii Brandt, Acipenser persicus Borodin, and Acipenser baerii Brandt.
AB  - Russian ( Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), Persian ( A. persicus) and Siberian ( A.
      baerii) sturgeons are closely related 'Ponto-Caspian' species. Investigation of
      their population structure is an important problem, the solution of which
      determines measures for conservation of these species. According to previous
      studies, 'baerii-like' mitochondrial genotypes were found in the Caspian Sea
      among 35% of Russian sturgeon specimens, but were not found in Persian sturgeons.
      This confirms genetic isolation of the Persian sturgeon from the Russian sturgeon
      in the Caspian Sea. However, in order to clarify the relationships of these
      species it is necessary to analyze nuclear DNA markers. The amplified fragment
      length polymorphism (method) allows estimating interpopulation and interspecific
      genetic distances using nuclear DNA markers. In the present study, four samples
      were compared: Persian sturgeons from the South Caspian Sea, Russian sturgeons
      from the Caspian Sea and the Sea of Azov, and Siberian sturgeons from the Ob'
      River, which are close to the latter two species, but are also clearly
      morphologically and genetically distinct from them. For the amplified fragment
      length polymorphism (AFLP) method, eight pairs of selective primers were used.
      The analysis revealed that the Siberian sturgeon has formed a separate branch
      from the overall Persian-Russian sturgeons cluster, which was an expected result.
      In addition, the results showed that the Caspian Russian sturgeon is closer to
      the Persian sturgeon from the Caspian Sea than to the Russian Sturgeon from the
      Sea of Azov. The present DNA marker data confirm that despite the genetic
      isolation of the Persian sturgeon from the Russian sturgeon in the Caspian Sea,
      the Persian sturgeon is a young species.

PMID- 28101334
TI  - Implementation of short incubation MALDI-TOF MS identification from positive
      blood cultures in routine diagnostics and effects on empiric antimicrobial
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Results of blood culture (BC) diagnostics should be swiftly available
      to guide treatment of critically ill patients. Conventional BC diagnostics
      usually performs species identification of microorganisms from mature solid
      medium colonies. Species identification might be speed up by using matrix
      assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry
      (MS) of biomass from shortly incubated solid media. METHODS: This single-center
      analysis compared the applicability of MALDI-TOF-based species identification
      from shortly incubated cultures in laboratory routine vs. conventional
      diagnostics and assessed its effects of on empiric antibiotic therapy. RESULTS:
      Median time between detection of BCs as "positive" by incubators and further
      processing (e.g. microscopy) was 6 h 21 min. Median time between microscopy and
      result reporting to the ward was 15 min. Including 193 BCs, MALDI-TOF from
      shortly incubated biomass resulted in significantly faster (p > 0.001) species
      identification. Species results became available for clinicians after a median of
      188 min (231 min for Gram-positive bacteria, 151 min for Gram-negative bacteria)
      compared to 909 min (n = 192 BCs) when conventional diagnostics was used. For
      152/179 bacteremia episodes (85%) empiric antibiotic therapy had already been
      started when the microscopy result was reported to the ward; microscopy led to
      changes of therapies in 14/179 (8%). In contrast, reporting the bacterial species
      (without antibiogram) resulted in therapeutic adjustments in 36/179 (20%).
      Evaluating these changes revealed improved therapies in 26/36 cases (72%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Species identification by MALDI-TOF MS from shortly incubated
      subcultures resulted in adjustments of empiric antibiotic therapies and might
      improve the clinical outcome of septic patients.

PMID- 28101333
TI  - Behaviour change interventions to influence antimicrobial prescribing: a cross
      sectional analysis of reports from UK state-of-the-art scientific conferences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To improve the quality of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS)
      interventions the application of behavioural sciences supported by
      multidisciplinary collaboration has been recommended. We analysed major UK
      scientific research conferences to investigate AMS behaviour change intervention
      reporting. METHODS: Leading UK 2015 scientific conference abstracts for 30
      clinical specialties were identified and interrogated. All AMS and/or
      antimicrobial resistance(AMR) abstracts were identified using validated search
      criteria. Abstracts were independently reviewed by four researchers with reported
      behavioural interventions classified using a behaviour change taxonomy. RESULTS:
      Conferences ran for 110 days with >57,000 delegates. 311/12,313(2.5%) AMS-AMR
      abstracts (oral and poster) were identified. 118/311(40%) were presented at the
      UK's infectious diseases/microbiology conference. 56/311(18%) AMS-AMR abstracts
      described behaviour change interventions. These were identified across 12/30(40%)
      conferences. The commonest abstract reporting behaviour change interventions were
      quality improvement projects [44/56 (79%)]. In total 71 unique behaviour change
      functions were identified. Policy categories; "guidelines" (16/71) and "service
      provision" (11/71) were the most frequently reported. Intervention functions;
      "education" (6/71), "persuasion" (7/71), and "enablement" (9/71) were also
      common. Only infection and primary care conferences reported studies that
      contained multiple behaviour change interventions. The remaining 10 specialties
      tended to report a narrow range of interventions focusing on "guidelines" and
      "enablement". CONCLUSION: Despite the benefits of behaviour change interventions
      on antimicrobial prescribing, very few AMS-AMR studies reported implementing them
      in 2015. AMS interventions must focus on promoting behaviour change towards
      antimicrobial prescribing. Greater focus must be placed on non-infection
      specialties to engage with the issue of behaviour change towards antimicrobial
      use.

PMID- 28101335
TI  - Novel SNPs in IL-17F and IL-17A genes associated with somatic cell count in
      Chinese Holstein and Inner-Mongolia Sanhe cattle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bovine mastitis is the most common and costly disease of lactating
      cattle worldwide. Apart from milk somatic cell count (SCC) and somatic cell score
      (SCS), serum cytokines such as interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-4 (IL-4)
      may also be potential indicators for bovine mastitis. The present study was
      designed to investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in
      bovine IL-17F and IL-17A genes on SCC, SCS and serum cytokines in Chinese
      Holstein and Inner-Mongolia Sanhe cattle, and to compare the mRNA expression
      variations of the cows with different genotypes. RESULTS: A total of 464
      lactating cows (337 Holstein and 127 Inner-Mongolia Sanhe cattle) were screened
      for SNPs identification and the data were analyzed using fixed effects of herd,
      parity, season and year of calving by general linear model procedure. The results
      revealed that SNP g.24392436C > T in IL-17F and SNP g.24345410A > G in IL-17A
      showed significant effects on SCC and IL-4 in Holstein (n = 337) and on IL-17 and
      IL-4 in Sanhe cattle (n = 127). The homozygous GG genotype of SNP g.24345410A > G
      had significantly higher mRNA expression compared with the heterozygous AG
      genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that IL-17F and IL-17A could be
      powerful candidate genes of mastitis resistance and the significant SNPs might be
      useful genetic markers against mastitis in both dairy and dual purpose cattle.

PMID- 28101336
TI  - Regulatory elements and transcriptional control of chicken vasa homologue (CVH)
      promoter in chicken primordial germ cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of functional gametes,
      have distinct characteristics and exhibit several unique molecular mechanisms to
      maintain pluripotency and germness in comparison to somatic cells. They express
      germ cell-specific RNA binding proteins (RBPs) by modulating tissue-specific cis-
      and trans-regulatory elements. Studies on gene structures of chicken vasa
      homologue (CVH), a chicken RNA binding protein, involved in temporal and spatial
      regulation are thus important not only for understanding the molecular mechanisms
      that regulate germ cell fate, but also for practical applications of primordial
      germ cells. However, very limited studies are available on regulatory elements
      that control germ cell-specific expression in chicken. Therefore, we investigated
      the intricate regulatory mechanism(s) that governs transcriptional control of
      CVH. RESULTS: We constructed green fluorescence protein (GFP) or luciferase
      reporter vectors containing the various 5' flanking regions of CVH gene. From the
      5' deletion and fragmented assays in chicken PGCs, we have identified a CVH
      promoter that locates at -316 to +275 base pair fragment with the highest
      luciferase activity. Additionally, we confirmed for the first time that the 5'
      untranslated region (UTR) containing intron 1 is required for promoter activity
      of the CVH gene in chicken PGCs. Furthermore, using a transcription factor
      binding prediction, transcriptome analysis and siRNA-mediated knockdown, we have
      identified that a set of transcription factors play a role in the PGC-specific
      CVH gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that cis-elements and
      transcription factors localizing in the 5' flanking region including the 5' UTR
      and an intron are important for transcriptional regulation of the CVH gene in
      chicken PGCs. Finally, this information will contribute to research studies in
      areas of reproductive biology, constructing of germ cell-specific synthetic
      promoter for tracing primordial germ cells as well as understanding the
      transcriptional regulation for maintaining germness in PGCs.

PMID- 28101337
TI  - Adipocyte lipolysis links obesity to breast cancer growth: adipocyte-derived
      fatty acids drive breast cancer cell proliferation and migration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with increased recurrence and reduced survival
      of breast cancer. Adipocytes constitute a significant component of breast tissue,
      yet their role in provisioning metabolic substrates to support breast cancer
      progression is poorly understood. RESULTS: Here, we show that co-culture of
      breast cancer cells with adipocytes revealed cancer cell-stimulated depletion of
      adipocyte triacylglycerol. Adipocyte-derived free fatty acids were transferred to
      breast cancer cells, driving fatty acid metabolism via increased CPT1A and
      electron transport chain complex protein levels, resulting in increased
      proliferation and migration. Notably, fatty acid transfer to breast cancer cells
      was enhanced from "obese" adipocytes, concomitant with increased stimulation of
      cancer cell proliferation and migration. This adipocyte-stimulated breast cancer
      cell proliferation was dependent on lipolytic processes since HSL/ATGL knockdown
      attenuated cancer cell responses. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight a novel
      and potentially important role for adipocyte lipolysis in the provision of
      metabolic substrates to breast cancer cells, thereby supporting cancer
      progression.

PMID- 28101338
TI  - Critical role of calpain in inflammation.
AB  - Calpains are a family of cysteine proteases, implicated in a wide range of
      cellular calcium-regulated functions. Evidence from previous studies using an
      inhibitor of calpain indicates that calpain activation is involved in the process
      of numerous inflammation-associated diseases. As a result of in-depth studies,
      calpains have been proposed to influence the process of inflammation via a
      variety of mechanisms. The aim of the present study is to provide an overview of
      recent reports regarding the role of calpain in the process of inflammation,
      including regulation of immune cell migration, modulation of the activation of
      inflammatory mediators, degradation of certain associated proteins and induction
      of cell apoptosis. Understanding these mechanisms may contribute to the
      investigation of novel therapeutic targets for inflammation-associated diseases.

PMID- 28101339
TI  - Pre-treatment with simvastatin prevents the induction of diet-induced
      atherosclerosis in a rabbit model.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential antiatherosclerotic
      activities of simvastatin in rabbits. Twenty-two, male, New Zealand rabbits were
      divided into the following groups: Control group (group C); cholesterol group
      (group A), in which the rabbits were fed a commercial rabbit chow supplemented
      with 0.5% w/w cholesterol for 8 weeks and then fed with normal chow for an
      additional 8 weeks; and a treatment group (group B), in which the rabbits
      initially received standard commercial rabbit chow along with being administered
      simvastatin for 8 weeks, following which they consumed a high-cholesterol diet
      for a further 8 weeks. The rabbits pre-treated with simvastatin presented
      significantly lower serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      levels when compared with the non simvastatin-treated cholesterol-fed animals.
      Furthermore, none of the rabbits in the simvastatin group presented with
      atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta. Thus, simvastatin was demonstrated to
      exhibit preventive properties against the formation of atherosclerosis in the
      atherosclerosis model in the current study, predominantly via its hypolipidemic
      activity.

PMID- 28101341
TI  - Influence of high-altitude hypoxic environments on the survival of cochlear hair
      cells and spiral ganglion neurons in rats.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to observe the histological changes in the
      peripheral auditory system in rats at different time-points after relocating from
      low altitude to high altitude (3,600 m). The general physical condition of the
      rats was observed and cochlear tissue samples were obtained every month. The
      morphology and survival of the cochlear hair cells (HCs) were observed using
      cochlear surface preparation at 1, 30, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days after moving to
      the plateau area. Changes in spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) were detected at
      different time-points using immunofluorescence technology on frozen sections. No
      obvious morphological changes were observed in the cochlear HCs within 1-3 months
      of the rats moving to the plateau area, and there was little loss of outer HCs
      (OHCs) at 3 months. Cell swelling, dislocation and loss of cochlear OHCs were
      apparent at 4 months, and the losses of cochlear OHCs and inner HCs (IHCs) were
      54 and 39%, respectively at 6 months. The loss of SGNs was observed at 3 months,
      and there was a loss of 28-35% of SGNs during 3-6 months. Thus, a high-altitude
      hypoxic environment influenced the cochlear HCs in rats after moving to the
      plateau area in a time-dependent manner. The damage to SGNs occurred earlier than
      the HCs, although SGN damage was not aggravated with time. Furthermore, compared
      with cochlear HCs, cochlear SGNs were identified to be markedly more sensitive to
      hypoxia, and exerted an adaptive mechanism to protect neurons from hypoxia.

PMID- 28101340
TI  - Pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling imaging of cerebral blood perfusion
      asymmetry in drug-naive patients with first-episode major depression.
AB  - Many previous studies have reported that regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF)
      aberrations may be one of the pathological characteristics of depression and rCBF
      has demonstrated a certain degree of asymmetry. However, studies investigating
      the cerebral blood perfusion asymmetry changes of drug-naive patients
      experiencing their first episode of major depression using pseudo-continuous
      arterial spin labeling (pCASL) are rare. Ten drug-naive patients experiencing
      their first major depression episode and 15 healthy volunteers were enrolled in
      the current study. A novel pCASL method was applied to whole brain MRI scans of
      all of the samples. The Statistics Parameter Mapping and Relative Expression
      Software Tool software packages were used for the pre-processing and statistical
      analysis of the two sets of images, and the differences in the cerebral blood
      perfusion at the whole brain level were compared between the two groups. Compared
      with the healthy control group, the cerebral perfusion of the depression patients
      showed an asymmetric pattern. Decreased cerebral blood perfusion regions were
      primarily located in the left hemisphere, specifically in the left temporal lobe,
      frontal lobe and cingulate cortex [P<0.05 and cluster size >=30 with false
      discovery rate (FDR) correction]. Simultaneously, increased perfusion regions
      were predominantly located in the right hemisphere, specifically in the right
      cerebellum, thalamus, frontal lobe and anterior cingulate cortex (P<0.05 and
      cluster size >=30, with FDR correction). Thus, pCASL may characterize the
      alterations in cerebral blood perfusion of patients with depression.

PMID- 28101342
TI  - Pharmacodynamic analysis of target-controlled infusion of propofol in patients
      with hepatic insufficiency.
AB  - The effect of liver dysfunction on target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol
      remains poorly documented. The pharmacodynamic performance of propofol TCI was
      evaluated in a cohort of Chinese patients with hepatic insufficiency. Fifty-three
      patients with hepatic insufficiency were enrolled in the current prospective,
      observational study. Anesthesia was induced with propofol via TCI to a plasma
      concentration of 3 ug/ml. Following loss of consciousness (LOC), fentanyl and
      cisatracurium were administered. Pharmacodynamic parameters were recorded during
      TCI, including time to LOC, bispectral index (BIS), heart rate (HR) and blood
      pressure. Patients were divided into two groups based on model of end stage liver
      disease (MELD) score: Those with a MELD score of <=9 and those with a MELD score
      of >=10. BIS, mean arterial pressure and HR were demonstrated to vary according
      to time, but were not affected by liver dysfunction. Hypotension was prominent in
      patients with a MELD score of >=10 30 min after induction. The proportion of
      bradycardia and hypotension at the other time points was not significantly
      different between MELD scores of <=9 and >=10. Notably, no bradycardia was
      observed in MELD of >=10. Thus, bradycardia and hypotension was observed in
      patients with hepatic insufficiency over time, although patients with different
      severities of hepatic insufficiency did not present with different depths of
      anesthesia. TCI of propofol to 3 ug/ml may be not suitable for patients with
      hepatic insufficiency, particularly those with severe liver dysfunction.
      Predictive concentrations (Cp) of TCI propofol requires further investigation and
      adjustment in patients with hepatic insufficiency (trial registration no. ChiCTR
      OCH-12002255).

PMID- 28101344
TI  - Evaluation of pharmacological relaxation effect of the natural product naringin
      on in vitro cultured airway smooth muscle cells and in vivo ovalbumin-induced
      asthma Balb/c mice.
AB  - Asthma has become a common chronic respiratory disease worldwide and its
      prevalence is predicted to continue increasing in the next decade, particularly
      in developing countries. A key component in asthma therapy is to alleviate the
      excessive bronchial airway narrowing ultimately due to airway smooth muscle
      contraction, which is often facilitated by a smooth muscle relaxant, such as the
      beta2-adrenergic agonists. Recently, bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) agonists,
      including saccharin and chloroquine, have been found to potently relax the airway
      smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) via intracellular Ca2+ signaling. This inspires a
      great interest in screening the vast resource of natural bitter substances for
      potential bronchodilatory drugs. In the present study, the relaxation effect of
      naringin, a compound extracted from common grapefruit, on ASMCs cultured in vitro
      or bronchial airways of Balb/c mice in vivo was evaluated. The results
      demonstrated that, when exposed to increasing doses of naringin (0.125, 0.25, 0.5
      and 1.0 mM), the traction force generated by the cultured ASMCs decreased
      progressively, while the intracellular calcium flux signaling in the ASMCs
      increased. When inhaled at increasing doses (15, 30 and 60 ug), naringin also
      dose-dependently reduced the bronchial airway resistance of the normal and
      ovalbumin-induced asthma Balb/c mice in response to challenge with methacholine.
      In conclusion, these findings indicate that naringin was able to effectively
      relax murine ASMCs in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting that it is a promising
      drug agent to be further investigated in the development of novel bronchodilators
      for the treatment of asthma.

PMID- 28101343
TI  - Effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on transdifferentiation of rat renal tubular epithelial
      cells induced by high glucose.
AB  - Deficiency in vitamin D and its active metabolite is a characteristic of chronic
      kidney diseases (CKDs). Previous studies have reported that 1alpha,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], the active form of vitamin D, can attenuate
      renal interstitial fibrosis. The present study aimed to explore the effect of
      1,25(OH)2D3 on the transdifferentiation of NRK-52E rat renal tubular epithelial
      cells (RTECs) induced by high glucose, as well as the expression of vitamin D
      receptor (VDR) and production of angiotensin (Ang) II. Western blot and reverse
      transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses were
      performed to detect the protein and mRNA expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin
      (alpha-SMA), E-cadherin and VDR. Furthermore, the production of Ang II was
      analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Treatment with high
      glucose decreased E-cadherin and VDR, while increasing alpha-SMA and Ang II, and
      of note, these changes were attenuated by 1,25(OH)2D3 in a dose-dependent manner.
      In conclusion, the present study revealed that 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits high glucose
      induced transdifferentiation of rat RTECs in a dose-dependent manner, which may
      be associated with the downregulation of Ang II and upregulation of VDR.

PMID- 28101345
TI  - beta-cell function prior to liver transplantation contributes to post-operative
      diabetes.
AB  - Liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus (DM) are closely associated. The present
      study aimed to determine whether liver transplantation (LT) may prevent/cure DM
      in patients with cirrhosis and whether the degree of glucose tolerance prior to
      transplantation is associated with the onset of DM after transplantation. Seventy
      three patients who received a living donor LT at Nagasaki University Hospital
      (Nagasaki, Japan) between November 2005 and December 2012 were recruited. Among
      them, patients were considered diabetic if they had been prescribed diabetes
      medications or had impaired glucose tolerance, as evidenced by an oral glucose
      tolerance test (OGTT). Patients were followed up until December 31, 2013 to
      evaluate glucose tolerance. Patients who had developed DM 2 years after
      transplantation were found to be older and the incidence of diabetes prior to
      transplantation (n=73) was higher than in those who did not. Multivariate
      analysis revealed that DM requiring treatment prior to transplantation was the
      only independent factor for DM developed at 2 years after transplantation. OGTT
      results showed that in patients with poor insulin sensitivity indices prior to
      transplantation (n=45), improvements were seen at 2 years after transplantation,
      while beta-cell function and insulinogenic index had decreased, which may have
      been the cause of DM after transplantation. In conclusion, the pre-operative beta
      cell function determined by an OGTT may be a useful predictive tool for the
      recurrence of DM after LT.

PMID- 28101346
TI  - A case study of bofutsushosan-induced pulmonary injury in a patient: Case report.
AB  - Bofutsushosan, a herbal (traditional Kampo) medicine, is administered to obese
      patients in North-East Asia. Bofutsushosan has been reported to exert various
      anti-obesity effects by stimulating the adipose tissue. The present study
      describes the case of a patient who developed a severe pulmonary injury that was
      potentially associated with bofutsushosan therapy. A 52-year-old woman was
      admitted to Mito Medical Center, University of Tsukuba, Mito Kyodo General
      Hospital (Mito, Japan) due to progressive dyspnea. Two months previously,
      bofutsushosan had been newly prescribed for her obesity. Bilateral ground-glass
      opacities and progressive respiratory deterioration suggested respiratory failure
      due to a therapeutic agent-induced lung injury. With discontinuation of
      bofutsushosan and the administration of a corticosteroid, an improvement in her
      respiratory condition was achieved, although sequelae remained in certain areas
      of the lungs. Resumption of other therapeutic agents did not reinduce the lung
      injury. Therefore, a diagnosis of bofutsushosan-induced lung injury was made.
      Although bofutsushosan-induced lung injury is particularly rare, clinicians
      should consider it when bofutsushosan is used.

PMID- 28101347
TI  - Clinical presentation and management of uveal melanoma.
AB  - Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults.
      The majority of the patients are Caucasian (97.8%) and aged 50-80 years.
      Choroidal melanoma is the predominant type (86.3%). The clinical presentation may
      range from no symptoms over various types of visual disturbances to visual loss.
      Examination includes slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy and
      diagnostic testing, such as B-scan ultrasonography. A number of patients with
      posterior UM are treated with plaque radiation therapy or enucleation. At
      present, targeted therapy includes inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein
      kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase signaling pathway. UM disseminates
      hematogenously, with a high propensity for metastasis to the liver, which the
      most common site (93% of the cases). While UM is uncommon, a significant
      proportion of affected patients succumb to this disease and new treatment options
      to improve patient survival are required.

PMID- 28101349
TI  - Clear cell carcinoma of the lower uterine segment: A case report.
AB  - Uterine carcinoma of the lower uterine segment (LUS) is a rare tumor that
      accounts for 3-3.5% of cases of uterine malignant cancer. The tumor arises from
      the lower region of the uterine body through the upper region of the cervix. The
      present study reported a case of clear cell carcinoma that originated from the
      LUS. A 50-year-old woman visited a local hospital due to irregular vaginal
      bleeding. She was suspected to have a uterine tumor and was referred to Tachikawa
      Hospital (Tokyo, Japan). Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging
      revealed a uterine tumor from the lower region of the uterine body through the
      upper region of the cervix. Endocervical curettage revealed clear cell carcinoma.
      Based on a diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma of the LUS, radical hysterectomy was
      performed with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, paraaortic lymph node dissection
      and omentectomy. Macroscopically, the tumor was limited to the lower region of
      the uterine body through the upper region of the cervix in the resected uterus.
      Histopathological findings indicated no tumors in the uterine corpus and uterine
      cervix, but clear cell carcinoma was observed in the LUS epithelium. At the 1
      year follow-up, the patient remained free of local recurrence and metastasis. To
      the best of our knowledge, clear cell carcinoma of the LUS has not previously
      been reported. More cases are required to clarify the pathology.

PMID- 28101348
TI  - Evans blue-mediated white-light detection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer:
      A preclinical feasibility and safety study using a rat bladder urothelial cell
      carcinoma model.
AB  - Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) improves the detection of non-muscle-invasive
      bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, white-light (WL) cystoscopy remains the
      technique routinely used in urological clinics. A more cost-effective but equally
      performant alternative to PDD may encompass the use of an intense tumoritropic
      dye in combination with WL cystoscopy. Using a preclinical setting, we
      investigated the practical aspects of the use of Evans blue (EB) dye for the
      possible future detection of NMIBC using WL cystoscopy. A solution of 1 and 5 mM
      EB was instilled into healthy and AY-27 tumor-bearing rat bladders. The bladders
      were then rapidly dissected and the inner walls were inspected for EB using WL
      stereomicroscopy. EB present in the bladders and the plasma was also quantified
      using high performance liquid chromatography. To assess the effects of repeated
      instillations on normal rat bladders, EB was instilled for 7 consecutive days,
      after which time the bladder wall was investigated histologically. To gain
      insight into the mechanisms underlying the selective accumulation of EB in
      malignant urothelium, RNA sequencing of urothelial tissue and subsequent
      comparative analysis were performed, with a specific focus on cell adhesion. The
      concentrations of EB were substantially higher in malignant bladders compared
      with those in healthy bladders, matching the blue staining of the inner bladder
      wall observed by stereomicroscopy. EB was equally present in the plasma of
      healthy and tumor-bearing subjects, although at low concentrations. Importantly,
      EB did not cause any abnormalities in the urothelium after 7 days of repeated
      instillation in normal rats. RNA sequencing of the urothelium indicated an
      abnormal expression of several genes related to cell adhesion in malignant
      urothelium compared with the normal urothelium. Our findings may be important for
      future clinical developments in the field of diagnostics for bladder cancer.
      Implementing the more cost-effective protocol of EB instillations in combination
      with WL cystoscopy may offer a benefit to patients as well as the healthcare
      system.

PMID- 28101350
TI  - TP53 mutation is associated with a poor clinical outcome for non-small cell lung
      cancer: Evidence from a meta-analysis.
AB  - A number of studies have examined the association between tumor protein 53 (TP53)
      mutations and the clinical outcome in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC), although these have yielded conflicting results. In the present study,
      electronic databases updated to September 2015 were searched to find relevant
      studies. A meta-analysis was performed on the eligible studies, which
      quantitatively evaluated the association between the TP53 mutations and the
      survival of patients with NSCLC. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were
      performed. A total of 19 studies that involved a total of 6,084 patients with
      NSCLC were included. When the TP53 mutation group (n=1,406) was compared with the
      wild-type group (lacking TP53 mutations; n=1,965), the wild-type group was
      associated with a significantly higher overall survival rate [hazard ratio (HR),
      1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.41, P<0.0001]. Significant benefits of
      overall survival in the wild-type group were found in the subgroup involving
      patients with NSCLC in the early stages, including the I/II phases (HR, 1.93, 95%
      CI, 1.17-3.19, P=0.01; heterogeneity, I2=0.0%, P=0.976) and patients with
      adenocarcinoma (HR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.66-5.62, P<0.0001; heterogeneity: I2=0.0%,
      P=0.976). This meta-analysis has indicated that TP53 gene alteration may be an
      indicator of a poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, the results
      also suggested that the role of TP53 mutations may differ according to different
      pathological types and clinical stages. The presence of these mutations may
      define a subset of patients with NSCLC appropriate for investigational
      therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 28101351
TI  - Pro-inflammatory effect of a traditional Chinese medicine formula with potent
      anti-cancer activity in vitro impedes tumor inhibitory potential in vivo.
AB  - Medicinal formulas are a part of the complex discipline of traditional Chinese
      medicine that has been used for centuries in China and East Asia. These formulas
      predominantly consist of the extracts isolated from herbal plants, animal parts
      and medicinal minerals. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of 150
      formulas, used as non-prescription drugs in China, on the treatment of cancer. A
      formula was identified, C54, commonly used to treat sore throats, which exhibited
      marked growth inhibition in vitro, associated with cell cycle arrest and
      apoptosis. Cytotoxicity was, in part, due to the ability of C54 to inhibit the
      expression and function of the transcription factor, Fli-1, leading to marked
      inhibition of leukemic cell growth in tissue culture. However, when injected into
      a model of leukemia initiated by Fli-1 activation, C54 only exhibited a limited
      tumor inhibition. C54 also did not suppress xenograft growth of the breast cancer
      cell line, MDA-MB-231, orthopedically transplanted into the mammary fat pad of
      severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Notably, splenomegaly and
      accumulation of inflammatory CD11b+/Gr1+ monocytes were observed in the tumors
      and spleens of C54-treated mice. As inflammation is known to accelerate tumor
      progression, this immune response may counteract the cell-autonomous effect of
      C54, and account for its limited tumor inhibitory effect in vivo. Combining C54
      with an anti-inflammatory drug may improve the potency of C54 for treatment of
      certain cancers. The present study has highlighted the complexity of Chinese
      medicinal compounds and the need to thoroughly analyze their systemic effects at
      high concentrations in vivo.

PMID- 28101352
TI  - Shear wave elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the diagnosis of
      thyroid malignant nodules.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of shear wave elastography
      (SWE) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnosis of thyroid
      malignant nodules. A total of 253 patients with 319 thyroid nodules were
      subjected to two-dimensional ultrasound (2DUS) and CEUS examinations prior to
      thyroidectomy between March, 2014 and December, 2015. Young's modulus value for
      each nodule on 2DUS and CEUS images were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity
      and accuracy of 2DUS, SWE and CEUS in the diagnosis of thyroid malignant nodules
      were assessed. The results demonstrated that, of the 319 nodules that were
      pathologically confirmed, 183 were malignant and 136 were benign. The area under
      the receiver operating characteristic curve as a result of SWE diagnosis was
      0.77. When the threshold of the Young's modulus value was >=27.65 kPa in the
      diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules, SWE exhibited a sensitivity of 84.55%
      (115/136), a specificity of 84.15% (154/183) and an accuracy of 84.32% (269/319).
      US contrast imaging of malignant thyroid nodules revealed a major tendency for
      early hypoenhancement and hypoenhancement. CEUS exhibited a sensitivity of 87.5%
      (119/136), a specificity of 86.33% (158/183) and an accuracy of 86.83% (277/319)
      in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules. Compared with 2DUS, SWE, CEUS and
      their combined use exhibited statistically significant differences in the
      diagnosis of thyroid malignant nodules in terms of sensitivity, specificity and
      accuracy (chi2=9.220,15.310 and 40.296, respectively; P=0.000); SWE or CEUS did
      not differ significantly in the diagnosis of thyroid malignant nodules in terms
      of sensitivity, specificity or accuracy (chi2=0.737;P=0.542); Compared with the
      use of SWE or CEUS alone, their combination exhibited statistically significant
      differences in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules in terms of
      sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (chi2=12.264 and 6.939, respectively;
      P=0.000,0.005). In conclusion, the high accuracy of the combined use of SWE and
      CEUS in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules is of great clinical value.

PMID- 28101353
TI  - Clinical characteristics and treatment of 69 patients with extranodal natural
      killer T-cell lymphoma.
AB  - This study was conducted to retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics
      and survival of patients with extranodal natural killer-T cell lymphoma (ENKL)
      and compare different treatment regimens. The univariate analysis demonstrated
      that survival was worse for patients with extranasal primary tumors, Eastern
      Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) scores of >=2,
      International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores of 3-5, Ann Arbor stage III and IV
      disease, B symptoms, lymph node involvement and absence of radiotherapy. The Cox
      analysis demonstrated that ECOG PS score, stage, IPI, presence of B symptoms and
      radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). The
      effect of diverse therapies on survival was then analyzed, and it was found that
      the 5-year survival rate of patients receiving chemoradiotherapy differed
      significantly from that of patients who received chemotherapy alone [hazard ratio
      (HR)=0.347, P=0.0203], but did not differ significantly from the survival of
      patients treated with radiotherapy alone (HR=1.534, P=0.6371). A subgroup
      analysis revealed a difference between the radiotherapy and non-radiotherapy
      groups for patients with extranasal-type stage III/IV disease. It was concluded
      that ECOG score, stage, IPI, presence of B symptoms and radiotherapy were
      independent prognostic factors for OS in patients with ENKL. The addition of
      radiotherapy achieved better outcomes compared with chemotherapy alone, but no
      difference was observed between chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy. Patients with
      advanced-stage disease may also benefit from radiotherapy.

PMID- 28101354
TI  - Histological complete response in a patient with advanced biliary tract cancer
      treated by gemcitabine/cisplatin/S-1 combination chemotherapy: A case report.
AB  - A 68-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with increased levels of biliary
      enzymes. On imaging, the patient was diagnosed with unresectable intrahepatic
      biliary tract cancer (BTC) with invasion of the portal vein and para-aortic lymph
      node metastasis (cT3N1M1, cStage IVb) and underwent endoscopic biliary drainage
      for the biliary stricture prior to therapy. The patient was subsequently enrolled
      in a phase III randomized trial (UMIN000014371/NCT02182778) and randomly assigned
      to receive gemcitabine/cisplatin/S-1 (GCS) combination therapy intravenously at
      doses of 1,000 or 25 mg/m2 on day 1 and orally twice daily at a dose of 80 mg/m2
      on days 1-7 every 2 weeks. After 12 cycles of scheduled therapy without
      uncontrollable adverse effects, the patient achieved a good partial response with
      chemotherapy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a marked reduction of the primary
      and metastatic lesions. In addition,18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission
      tomography/CT revealed diminishing abnormal uptake and no macroscopic evidence of
      factors adversely affecting tumor resectability. Therefore, the patient underwent
      extended right hepatic lobectomy, lymph node dissection and left
      hepaticojejunostomy. Finally, histological examination of the resected tissues
      revealed no residual cancer cells, suggesting a pathologically complete response.
      We herein present the case of a patient with intrahepatic BTC who achieved a
      pathologically complete response following combination chemotherapy with GCS.

PMID- 28101355
TI  - Undifferentiated carcinoma of the gallbladder with endothelial differentiation: A
      case report and literature review.
AB  - Undifferentiated carcinoma of the gallbladder is a rare cancer type with a poor
      prognosis. The present study described a case of undifferentiated gallbladder
      carcinoma of the spindle- and giant-cell type, according to the 2010 World Health
      Organization classification. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that the
      tumor consisted of dense interlacing bundles of spindle-shaped cells. No evidence
      of cartilaginous, osseous or rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation was observed.
      Immunohistochemical staining revealed that spindle- and polygonal-shaped cells of
      the undifferentiated carcinoma were positive for cytokeratin AE1/3, vimentin and
      vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, numerous spindle-shaped cells
      were positive for cluster of differentiation (CD)34 and CD31, and certain spindle
      shaped cells were positive for Factor VIII. These results suggested
      classification of the present case as 'undifferentiated gallbladder carcinoma
      with endothelial differentiation'.

PMID- 28101356
TI  - A case report of primary cutaneous natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Primary cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL-NT)
      is a relatively rare disease associated with aggressive tumor-cell behavior and
      poor prognosis. Progress in immunohistochemistry has improved the identification
      of ENKL-NT. The present case study reported on a 64-year-old female patient
      presenting with several red nodular lesions on the neck developed over four
      months. Cutaneous biopsy revealed these cells were positive for CD3, CD56, CD5,
      CD8 and negative for CD2, CD34, CD7, CD20 and Granzyme B. A computed tomography
      scan and bone marrow biopsy did not show any abnormalities and a diagnosis of
      primary cutaneous ENKL-NT was made. After treatment with chemotherapy regimens
      comprising cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP),
      followed by high-dose treatment with methotrexate, dexamethasone, ifosfamide,
      etoposide and L-asparaginasum (SMILE), the patient succumbed to the disease. The
      present study exemplified that immunohistochemical analysis as well as the
      recognition of atypical lymphoid cells showing angiocentricity is crucial for the
      correct diagnosis of ENKL-NT. The prognosis of primary cutaneous ENKL-NT remains
      poor. As the CHOP regimen is not completely effective, high-dose chemotherapy,
      such as the SMILE regimen, is required.

PMID- 28101357
TI  - Treatment of synchronous adenocarcinoma and lymphoma of the stomach: A case
      report.
AB  - Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality
      worldwide. The majority of gastric cancers are diagnosed at an advanced or
      metastatic stage, with a 5-year survival rate of ~5-20% and a median overall
      survival of <1 year. Synchronous occurrence of gastric adenocarcinoma and
      lymphoma is rare, and thus far there is no consensus regarding their management.
      We herein describe a case of synchronous gastric adenocarcinoma and diffuse large
      B-cell lymphoma in a patient with chronic hepatitis B and the treatment strategy.
      A literature review with the most up-to-date treatment options and their
      application in similar situations was also performed.

PMID- 28101359
TI  - Effect of combined treatment with micelle-incorporated cisplatin (NC-6004) and S
      1 on human gastric cancer xenografts.
AB  - Combination therapy with S-1 and cisplatin (CDDP) is the standard chemotherapy
      for advanced gastric cancer in Japan; however, its administration requires
      hospitalization for hydration to prevent nephrotoxicity from CDDP. By contrast,
      NC-6004 appears to reduce the renal toxicity of CDDP and may be used on an
      outpatient basis. Thus, the effects of combined treatment with S-1 and NC-6004
      were compared with those of S-1 and CDDP in a human gastric cancer model. In
      vitro cytotoxic effects were investigated in 44As3Luc, MKN45 and MKN74 human
      gastric cancer cell lines. The effects of NC-6004 and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were
      compared with the effects of CDDP and 5-FU using the combination index method.
      The in vivo antitumor effects of S-1/NC-6004 and S-1/CDDP were evaluated in mice
      bearing 44As3Luc xenografts. Both combinations exhibited synergistic activity in
      MKN45 and MKN74 cells and additive effects in 44As3Luc cells. Moreover, the in
      vivo antitumor effects did not differ between the S-1/NC-6004 and S-1/CDDP
      treatment groups. However, a significantly lower body weight loss was observed in
      S-1/NC-6004-treated mice compared with the S-1/CDDP-treated mice. Our data
      warrant a clinical evaluation of S-1/NC-6004 combination therapy.

PMID- 28101358
TI  - Novel predictive biomarkers for cervical cancer prognosis.
AB  - High hypoxic, glycolytic and acidosis metabolisms characterize cervical cancer
      tumors and have been described to be involved in chemoradioresistance mechanisms.
      Based on these observations, the present study assessed four selected novel
      biomarkers on the prognosis of locally advanced cervical carcinoma. A total of 66
      patients with stage IIB/IIIB cervical cancer were retrospectively included. The
      protein expression levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), carbonic anhydrase 9
      (CAIX) and hexokinase 1 (HKII) were investigated by immunohistochemistry on tumor
      biopsies, hemoglobin was measured and the disease outcome was monitored. A total
      of 53 patients (80.3%) presented a complete response. For these patients, the
      protein expression levels of GLUT1, CAIX and HKII were overexpressed. A
      significant difference was observed (P=0.0127) for hemoglobin levels (<=11 g/dl)
      in responsive compared with non-responsive patients. The expression of GLUT1 is
      associated with a lower rate of both overall and disease-free survival, with a
      trend of decreased risk of 1.1x and 1.5x, respectively. Co-expression of GLUT1
      and HKII is associated with a decreased trend risk of 1.6x for overall survival.
      Patients with hemoglobin levels <=11 g/dl had a 4.3-fold risk (P=0.02) in
      decreasing both to the rate of overall and disease-free survival. The presence of
      anemic hypoxia (hemoglobin <=11 g/dl) and the expression of GLUT1 and/or HKII
      influence treatment response and are associated with a lower overall and disease
      free survival. The present results demonstrated that these biomarkers may be used
      as predictive markers and suggested that these metabolic pathways can be used as
      potential novel therapeutic targets.

PMID- 28101360
TI  - Successful treatment of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis with a prompt ovarian
      tumour removal and prolonged course of plasmapheresis: A case report.
AB  - Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an uncommon autoimmune
      disorder with a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms. There is a great
      requirement to emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in
      the process of diagnosis and treatment of the potentially fatal condition,
      including psychiatrists, neurologists, gynaecologists and intensivists.
      Physicians must be aware that psychiatric and neurological disorders, which are
      typical features for NMDAR encephalitis in young women with ovarian tumours, may
      progress into status epilepticus and respiratory insufficiency. This disease can
      only be successfully treated with prompt surgical intervention and an early
      implementation of a wide array of immunosuppressive therapies. Optimal timing of
      initiation of therapeutic plasma exchange, as well as duration of treatment
      necessary to achieve desirable outcomes in patients with NMDAR remains unknown.
      The present case report aims to raise awareness about the importance of early
      implementation of this potentially life-saving therapy and continuing the
      treatment courses until full subsidence of symptoms.

PMID- 28101362
TI  - Erratum: Sialoblastoma of the cheek: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3892/mco.2016.840.].

PMID- 28101361
TI  - Bronchoscopic resection of bronchial angiolipoma: A rare case report.
AB  - Angiolipoma is a rare benign tumor that most commonly occurs in the extremities
      and trunk. Angiolipomas originating in the bronchial tree are extremely rare. To
      the best of our knowledge, only one such case, confined to the bronchus
      intermedius, has been reported to date. The present study describes the case of
      an asymptomatic 74-year-old man with a yellowish round mass incidentally
      discovered at the orifice of the right lower bronchus during a routine health
      check. The tumor originated from the membranous part of the right inferior
      bronchus. Using a high-frequency electric snare and argon plasma coagulation
      under general anesthesia, successful bronchoscopic resection of the tumor was
      performed. At 15 months after the surgery, the patient remained recurrence- and
      symptom-free.

PMID- 28101364
TI  - Hemodynamic effects of electrical muscle stimulation in the prophylaxis of deep
      vein thrombosis for intensive care unit patients: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major complication in critical care.
      There are various methods of prophylaxis, but none of them fully prevent DVT, and
      each method has adverse effects. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) could be a
      new effective approach to prevent DVT in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We
      hypothesized that EMS increases the venous flow of the lower limbs and has a
      prophylactic effect against the formation of DVT. METHODS: This study included 26
      patients admitted to a single ICU. We enrolled patients who could not move
      themselves due to spinal cord injury, head injury, central nervous system
      abnormalities, and sedation for mechanical ventilation. The patients were
      randomly allocated to either the EMS group or the control group. Patients in the
      EMS group received 30-min sessions of EMS applied to the bilateral lower
      extremities on arbitrary days within 14 days after admission. The control
      patients received no EMS. The peak flow velocity and diameter of the popliteal
      vein (Pop.V) and common femoral vein (CFV) were measured by ultrasound and then
      the volumes of venous flow were calculated using a formula. RESULTS: There were
      no statistically significant differences in patient characteristics between the
      two groups except for the mortality rate. In the EMS group, the median and
      interquartile range (IQR, 25th-75th percentile) of velocities of the Pop.V and
      CFV were higher during EMS compared with at rest: 10.6 (8.0-14.8) vs 24.5 (15.1
      37.8) cm/s and 17.0 (12.3-23.8) vs 24.3 (17.0-33.0) cm/s, respectively (p <
      0.05). The median (IQR) of volumes of venous flow of the Pop.V and CFV at rest
      and during EMS were 4.2 (2.7-7.2) vs 8.6 (5.4-16.1) cm3/s and 12.9 (9.7-21.4) vs
      20.8 (12.3-34.1) cm3/s, respectively (p < 0.05). There were no major
      complications related to EMS. CONCLUSIONS: EMS increased the venous flow of the
      lower limbs. EMS could be one potential method for venous thromboprophylaxis.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000013642.

PMID- 28101365
TI  - Comments to Role of upper airway ultrasound in airway management.
AB  - Tracheal ultrasound can be an alternative diagnostic tool in airway management,
      besides traditional confirmatory methods such as capnography and auscultation.
      The standard image is a hyperechoic air-mucosa (A-M) interface with a
      reverberation artifact posteriorly (comet-tail artifact). If the second A-M
      interface appears, which we call a "double-tract sign," esophageal intubation is
      considered.

PMID- 28101363
TI  - Hormonal, chemical and thermal inhibition of spermatogenesis: contribution of
      French teams to international data with the aim of developing male contraception
      in France.
AB  - Since the 1970s, international research on male contraception has been actively
      pursued. Hormonal and non-hormonal methods (thermal, chemical) have been tested,
      leading to clinical trials of interest to thousands of men and couples. The
      results showed that it was possible to develop methods of male contraception that
      inhibited spermatogenesis with good contraceptive efficacy. However, their side
      effects (mainly loss of libido), poorly accepted modes of administration, and the
      high frequency of poor responders prevented their widespread use. Based on
      earlier initiatives, new avenues were explored and significant progress was
      achieved, allowing the reasoned use of male contraception. For 40 years, several
      French teams have played an important role in this research. The aim of this
      paper is to outline the history and the progress of the experimental and clinical
      works of these teams who addressed hormonal, chemical and thermal approaches to
      male contraception. These approaches have led to a better comprehension of
      spermatogenesis that could be useful in fields other than male contraception:
      effects of toxic compounds, fertility preservation.

PMID- 28101367
TI  - Contribution of point and small-scaled sources to the PM10 emission using
      positive matrix factorization model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The positive matrix factorization is a powerful environmental
      analysis technique which has been successfully utilized to assess air-born
      particulate matter source contribution. The new version of this model (PMF5) has
      two additional estimation error methods and some other useful advantages compared
      to the previous versions. In the present study, the capability of PMF5 for
      identification and contribution of small size particle source to the ambient
      particulate matter was evaluated. METHODS: The study area is surrounded by three
      industrial complexes and 2 locations of dumped tailing soils of mining activities
      and related manufactures. Ambient particulate matter were sampled at 2 sites in
      the urban area of Zanjan (Iran) and 196 collected samples were analyzed for 15
      chemical elements. RESULTS: At downtown, the identified factors (and their
      contributions to particulate matter) were: soil particles (40.36%), fuel
      combustion and traffic (26.8%), tailing soils (lead and zinc) (21.32%), and
      nickel and industrial emission(5.7%). The identified factors at residential site
      of studied area (and their contributions to particulate matter) were general
      industrial emission (28.2%), tailing soils (lead and zinc) (39.2%), soil (25.8%),
      cadmium and general pollutants (6.7%). CONCLUSION: The results of modeled data by
      PMF 5 indicated that the applied model could identify the dumps of tailing soils
      as a separated factor. The other particulate matter sources in the studied area
      were traffic, fuel combustion, soil particles and industrial pollutants.

PMID- 28101366
TI  - Weighting Criteria and Prioritizing of Heat stress indices in surface mining
      using a Delphi Technique and Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS Method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heat stress as a physical harmful agent can increase the risk of
      health and safety problems in different workplaces such as mining. Although there
      are different indices to assess the heat stress imposed on workers, choosing the
      best index for a specific workplace is so important. Since various criteria
      affect an index applicability, extracting the most effective ones and determining
      their weights help to prioritize the existing indices and select the optimal
      index. METHODS: In order to achieve this aim, present study compared some heat
      stress indices using effective methods. The viewpoints of occupational health
      experts and the qualitative Delphi methods were used to extract the most
      important criteria. Then, the weights of 11 selected criteria were determined by
      Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process. Finally, fuzzy TOPSIS technique was applied for
      choosing the most suitable heat stress index. RESULTS: According to result,
      simplicity, reliability, being low cost, and comprehensiveness were the most
      determinative criteria for a heat stress index. Based on these criteria and their
      weights, the existing indices were prioritized. Eventually, wet bulb glob
      temperature appropriated the first priority and it was proposed as an applicable
      index for evaluating the heat stress at outdoor hot environments such as surface
      mines. CONCLUSIONS: The use of these strong methods allows introducing the most
      simple, precise, and applicable tool for evaluation the heat stress in hot
      environments. It seems that WBGT acts as an appropriate index for assessing the
      heat stress in mining activities at outdoors.

PMID- 28101369
TI  - A single gene controls leaf background color in caladium (Araceae) and is tightly
      linked to genes for leaf main vein color, spotting and rugosity.
AB  - Modern cultivated caladiums (Caladium*hortulanum) are grown for their long
      lasting and colorful leaves. Understanding the mode of inheritance for caladium
      leaf characteristics is critical for plant breeders to select appropriate
      parents, predict progeny performance, estimate breeding population sizes needed,
      and increase breeding efficiencies. This study was conducted to determine the
      mode of inheritance of two leaf background colors (lemon and green) in caladium
      and to understand their relationships with four other important leaf
      characteristics including leaf shape, main vein color, spotting, and rugosity.
      Seven caladium cultivars and three breeding lines were used as parents in 19
      crosses, and their progeny were phenotyped for segregation of leaf traits.
      Results showed that the two leaf background colors are controlled by a single
      nuclear locus, with two alleles, LEM and lem, which control the dominant lemon
      and the recessive green leaf background color, respectively. The lemon-colored
      cultivar 'Miss Muffet' and breeding lines UF-52 and UF-53 have a heterozygous
      genotype LEMlem. Chi-square tests showed that the leaf background color locus LEM
      is independent from the leaf shape locus F, but is tightly linked to three loci
      (S, V and RLF) controlling leaf spotting, main vein color, and rugosity in
      caladium. A linkage map that consists of four loci controlling major caladium
      leaf characteristics and extends ~15 cM was developed based on the observed
      recombination frequencies. This is the first report on the mode of inheritance of
      leaf background colors in caladium and in the Araceae family. The information
      gained in this study will be very useful for caladium breeding and study of the
      inheritance of leaf colors in other ornamental aroids, an important group of
      ornamental plants in the world.

PMID- 28101368
TI  - Polymorphisms in the canine monoamine oxidase a (MAOA) gene: identification and
      variation among five broad dog breed groups.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In humans, reduced activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase type A
      (MAOA) due to genetic polymorphisms within the MAOA gene leads to increased brain
      neurotransmitter levels associated with aggression. In order to study MAOA
      genetic diversity in dogs, we designed a preliminary study whose objectives were
      to identify novel alleles in functionally important regions of the canine MAOA
      gene, and to investigate whether the frequencies of these polymorphisms varied
      between five broad breed groups (ancient, herding, mastiff, modern European, and
      mountain). Fifty dogs representing these five breed groups were sequenced.
      RESULTS: A total of eleven polymorphisms were found. Seven were single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs; two exonic, two intronic and three in the promoter), while
      four were repeat intronic variations. The most polymorphic loci were repeat
      regions in introns 1, 2 (7 alleles) and 10 (3 alleles), while the exonic and the
      promoter regions were highly conserved. Comparison of the allele frequencies of
      certain microsatellite polymorphisms among the breed groups indicated a
      decreasing or increasing trend in the number of repeats at different
      microsatellite loci, as well as the highest genetic diversity for the ancient
      breeds and the lowest for the most recent mountain breeds, perhaps attributable
      to canine domestication and recent breed formation. While a specific promoter SNP
      (-212A > G) is rare in the dog, it is the major allele in wolves. Replacement of
      this ancestral allele in domestic dogs may lead to the deletion of heat shock
      factor binding sites on the MAOA promoter. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs exhibit significant
      variation in certain intronic regions of the MAOA gene, while the coding and
      promoter regions are well-conserved. Distinct genetic differences were observed
      between breed groups. Further studies are now required to establish whether such
      polymorphisms are associated in any way with MAOA level and canine behaviour
      including aggression.

PMID- 28101370
TI  - Recurrent ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor in a child with Peutz-Jeghers
      syndrome.
AB  - We present a female child with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) with a recurrent
      ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT). SLCTs are relatively rare sex cord
      neoplasms that can occur in PJS. The patient was an African-American female who
      first presented at the age of 3 years with precocious puberty, and then at the
      age of 17 years with abdominal pain and irregular menses. In each case, she had
      resection of the mass, which included oophorectomy. To our knowledge, this is the
      first reported case in a child with PJS to have a recurrent ovarian SLCT.

PMID- 28101371
TI  - A novel PLP1 mutation F240L identified in a patient with connatal type Pelizaeus
      Merzbacher disease.
AB  - Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) is an X-linked recessive hypomyelination
      disorder caused by mutations in the proteolipid protein 1 gene (PLP1) located on
      chromosome Xq22. A male patient showed severe developmental delay, pendular
      nystagmus and laryngeal wheezing. The auditory brain stem response showed only
      the first wave and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed white matter
      hypomyelination, suggesting typical PMD. A novel PLP1 mutation, F240L, which was
      inherited from his mother, was identified.

PMID- 28101372
TI  - Lessons I have learned from my patients: everyday life with primary orthostatic
      tremor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary orthostatic tremor is a rare disorder that is still under
      diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Motor symptoms are fairly characteristics but the real
      impact on the patient's every day life and quality of life is under-estimated.
      The "how my patients taught me" format describes the impact on the patients'
      every day life with their own words, which is rarely done. CASE PRESENTATION: A
      46 year old lady was diagnosed primary orthostatic tremor (POT) based on the
      cardinal symptoms: feelings of instability, leg tremor and fear of falling in the
      standing position, improvement with walking and disappearance while sitting,
      frequency of Tremor in the 13-18Hz range, normal neurological examination. She
      gives illustrative examples of her disability in every day life activity (shower,
      public transportation, shopping). She reports how she felt stigmatized by her
      "invisible disorder". As a consequence, she developed anxiety depression and
      social phobia. All these troubles are unknown or under recognized by doctors and
      family. CONCLUSIONS: We review the clinical signs of POT that may help to
      increase the awareness of doctors and improve the diagnosis accuracy, based on
      the motor symptoms and description of the every day life disability, as reported
      by the patient. Non-motor symptoms (including somatic concerns, anxiety,
      depression, and social phobia) should be better considered in POT as they have a
      major impact on quality of life. Pharmacological treatments (clonazepam,
      gabapentin) may be helpful but have a limited effect over the years as the
      patients experience a worsening of their condition. On the long term follow-up,
      there are still unmet needs in POT, and new therapeutic avenues may be based on
      the pathophysiology by modulating the cerebello-thalamo-cortical network.

PMID- 28101373
TI  - Optimizing maternal and neonatal outcomes with postpartum contraception: impact
      on breastfeeding and birth spacing.
AB  - Postpartum contraception is important to prevent unintended pregnancies.
      Assisting women in achieving recommended inter-pregnancy intervals is a
      significant maternal-child health concern. Short inter-pregnancy intervals are
      associated with negative perinatal, neonatal, infant, and maternal health
      outcomes. More than 30% of women experience inter-pregnancy intervals of less
      than 18 months in the United States. Provision of any contraceptive method after
      giving birth is associated with improved inter-pregnancy intervals. However,
      concerns about the impact of hormonal contraceptives on breastfeeding and infant
      health have limited recommendations for such methods and have led to discrepant
      recommendations by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the
      U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this review, we discuss
      current recommendations for the use of hormonal contraception in the postpartum
      period. We also discuss details of the lactational amenorrhea method and effects
      of hormonal contraception on breastfeeding. Given the paucity of high quality
      evidence on the impact on hormonal contraception on breastfeeding outcomes, and
      the strong evidence for improved health outcomes with achievement of recommended
      birth spacing intervals, the real risk of unintended pregnancy and its
      consequences must not be neglected for fear of theoretical neonatal risks. Women
      should establish desired hormonal contraception before the risk of pregnancy
      resumes. With optimization of postpartum contraception provision, we will step
      closer toward a healthcare system with fewer unintended pregnancies and improved
      birth outcomes.

PMID- 28101374
TI  - Arginine methylation of USP9X promotes its interaction with TDRD3 and its anti
      apoptotic activities in breast cancer cells.
AB  - The Tudor domain-containing proteins are characterized by their specific
      interactions with methylated protein motifs, including methyl-arginines and
      methyl-lysines. The Tudor domain-containing protein 3 (TDRD3) is one of the major
      methyl-arginine effector molecules that recognizes methylated arginine residues
      on histones and the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II, and activates
      transcription. However, majority of the cellular TDRD3 localizes to the cytoplasm
      and its functions there are still elusive. Here, we have identified ubiquitin
      specific protease 9 X-linked (USP9X) as a TDRD3-interacting protein by GST
      (glutathione S-transferase) pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation. Detailed
      characterization suggests that the interaction between TDRD3 and USP9X is
      mediated through the Tudor domain of TDRD3 and the arginine methylation of USP9X.
      This interaction plays a critical role in TDRD3 protein stability, as knockdown
      of USP9X expression leads to increased TDRD3 ubiquitination. We also found that
      USP9X co-localizes with TDRD3 in cytoplasmic stress granules and this
      localization is diminished in Tdrd3-null mouse embryonic fibroblast cells,
      suggesting that TDRD3 is essential for USP9X stress granule localization.
      Furthermore, we found that one of the USP9X de-ubiquitination targets, myeloid
      cell leukemia protein 1, is regulated by TDRD3, indicating that TDRD3 potentially
      regulates USP9X de-ubiquitinase activity. Finally, we show that knockdown of
      TDRD3 expression sensitizes breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drug-induced
      apoptosis, likely due to its regulation of USP9X. This study provides a novel
      candidate strategy for targeting apoptosis pathways in cancer therapy.

PMID- 28101375
TI  - Aurora-A promotes the establishment of spindle assembly checkpoint by priming the
      Haspin-Aurora-B feedback loop in late G2 phase.
AB  - Aurora-A kinase functions mainly in centrosome maturation, separation and spindle
      formation. It has also been found to be amplified or overexpressed in a range of
      solid tumors, which is linked with tumor progression and poor prognosis.
      Importantly, Aurora-A inhibitors are being studied in a number of ongoing
      clinical trials. However, whether and how Aurora-A has a role in the regulation
      of the mitotic checkpoint is controversial. Additionally, the function of nuclear
      accumulated Aurora-A in late G2 phase is not clear. Here we show that knockout,
      inhibition or blockade of the nuclear entry of Aurora-A severely decreased the
      centromere localization of Aurora-B and the phosphorylation of histone H3
      threonine 3 (H3T3-ph) mediated by the kinase Haspin in late G2 phase. We further
      reveal that nuclear-accumulated Aurora-A phosphorylates Haspin at multiple sites
      at its N-terminus and that this promotes H3T3-ph and the rapid recruitment to the
      centromere of the chromosomal passenger complex. In addition, Aurora-A
      facilitates the association of Aurora-B with their common substrates: Haspin and
      Plk1. Notably, these functions of Aurora-A are mostly independent of Plk1. Thus
      we demonstrate that, in late G2 and prophase, Aurora-A phosphorylates Haspin to
      trigger the Haspin-H3T3-ph-Aurora-B positive feedback loop that supports the
      timely establishment of the chromosomal passenger complex and the mitotic
      checkpoint before spindle assembly.

PMID- 28101377
TI  - Erratum: A unified molecular mechanism for the regulation of acetyl-CoA
      carboxylase by phosphorylation.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/celldisc.2016.44.].

PMID- 28101378
TI  - Changes of the Macular Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness after
      Cataract Surgery in Glaucoma Patients.
AB  - Purpose. To investigate the effect of uneventful cataract surgery on macular
      ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGC-IPL) thickness in glaucoma patients.
      Methods. This retrospective study included 65 eyes of 65 subjects who underwent
      uneventful cataract surgery, including 13 glaucoma eyes and 52 normal eyes. Using
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography, the mGC-IPL thickness was measured
      and compared between glaucoma and normal eyes preoperatively as well as 1 month
      and 3 months postoperatively. Linear regression analysis was used to determine
      the factors associated with postoperative change in mGC-IPL thickness. Results.
      The mean mGC-IPL significantly increased in both groups 1 month and 3 months
      after surgery (all P values equal to or less than 0.001). The postoperative
      changes between groups were not significantly different (P = 0.171). In the
      multivariate regression analysis, preoperative mGC-IPL thickness showed a
      significant association with the change of average mGC-IPL thickness 1 month and
      3 months after surgery (all P values < 0.001). Conclusions. The mean mGC-IPL
      thickness was increased after cataract surgery, and the postoperative mGC-IPL
      thickness changes were associated with preoperative mGC-IPL thickness in both
      groups and axial length in normal eye. The effects of cataract surgery on mean
      mGC-IPL thickness were not different in glaucomatous and normal eyes.

PMID- 28101376
TI  - ATPase activity tightly regulates RecA nucleofilaments to promote homologous
      recombination.
AB  - Homologous recombination (HR), catalyzed in an evolutionarily conserved manner by
      active RecA/Rad51 nucleofilaments, maintains genomic integrity and promotes
      biological evolution and diversity. The structures of RecA/Rad51 nucleofilaments
      provide information critical for the entire HR process. By exploiting a unique
      capillary electrophoresis-laser-induced fluorescence polarization assay, we have
      discovered an active form of RecA nucleofilament, stimulated by ATP hydrolysis,
      that contains mainly unbound nucleotide sites. This finding was confirmed by a
      nuclease protection assay and electron microscopy (EM) imaging. We further found
      that these RecA-unsaturated filaments promote strand exchange in vitro and HR in
      vivo. RecA mutants (P67D and P67E), which only form RecA-unsaturated
      nucleofilaments, were able to mediate HR in vitro and in vivo, but mutants
      favoring the formation of the saturated nucleofilaments failed to support HR. We
      thus present a new model for RecA-mediated HR in which RecA utilizes its
      intrinsic DNA binding-dependent ATPase activity to remodel the nucleofilaments to
      a less saturated form and thereby promote HR.

PMID- 28101379
TI  - The Effect of Eighteen-Month Metformin Treatment in Obese Adolescents: Comparison
      of Results Obtained in Daily Practice with Results from a Clinical Trial.
AB  - Background. In a recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) in obese adolescents,
      18 month-treatment with metformin versus placebo was reported to lead to
      stabilisation of the BMI. This study aimed to compare the effect of metformin on
      BMI in obese adolescents in daily practice versus results obtained in an RCT.
      Methods. Obese adolescents treated off label with metformin in daily practice in
      an outpatient clinic with a follow-up of >=18 months were identified.
      Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at baseline and at 18 months.
      Patients treated with metformin for 18 months in an RCT were used for comparison.
      BMI was compared between the two groups. Results. Nineteen patients (median age
      14.3 (interquartile range 11.7-15.7) years, BMI 31.3 (28.8-33.8) kg/m2) treated
      in daily practice were compared to 23 patients receiving metformin in the RCT
      (age 13.6 (12.6-15.3) years, BMI 29.8 (28.1-34.5) kg/m2). BMI change after 18
      months was -0.36 (-2.10-1.58) versus +0.22 (-2.87-1.27) kg/m2 for the two groups,
      respectively. In the multivariable model, BMI change was not statistically
      significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.61). Conclusion. Treatment
      with metformin in obese adolescents in daily practice resulted in a comparable
      change in BMI as observed in an RCT. This trial is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01487993.

PMID- 28101380
TI  - Perinatal Risks Associated with Early Vanishing Twin Syndrome following Transfer
      of Cleavage- or Blastocyst-Stage Embryos.
AB  - Objective. To investigate whether the perinatal risks associated with early
      vanishing twin (VT) syndrome differ between cleavage- or blastocyst-stage embryo
      transfers (ET) in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Methods.
      Retrospective, single-center, cohort study of IVF cycles with fresh cleavage- or
      blastocyst-stage ETs resulting in a live singleton birth. The incidence of
      preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and very low birth weight (VLBW) was
      compared between cleavage- and blastocyst-stage ET cycles complicated by early
      VT. Results. 7241 patients had live singleton births. Early VT was observed in
      709/6134 (11.6%) and 70/1107 (6.32%) patients undergoing cleavage-stage and
      blastocyst-stage ETs, respectively. Patients in the blastocyst-stage group were
      younger compared to the cleavage-stage group. The cleavage-stage group had a
      similar birth weight compared to the blastocyst-stage group. There was no
      difference in the incidence of PTB (9.87% versus 8.57%), LBW (11.1% versus
      11.4%), or VLBW (1.13 versus 1.43%) when comparing the cleavage-stage early VT
      and blastocyst-stage early VT groups, even after adjustment with logistic
      regression. Conclusions. Our study highlights that the adverse perinatal risks of
      PTB, LBW, and VLBW associated with early VT syndrome are similar in patients
      undergoing cleavage-stage or blastocyst-stage ETs during fresh IVF cycles.

PMID- 28101382
TI  - Complete Resolution of Tumor Burden of Primary Cardiac Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
AB  - Primary cardiac tumors are a rare set of benign and malignant neoplasms found in
      the heart or pericardium. We describe a patient presenting with nonspecific
      symptoms and ultimately diagnosed with primary cardiac non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
      (PCL). Our patient had extensive tumor in the right ventricle, which extended
      into the right atrium and right ventricular outflow tract. The tumor also encased
      the right coronary artery, which manifested as ischemic changes on EKG and
      cardiac MRI. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and achieved complete
      remission, with dramatic and full resolution of the mass on repeat
      echocardiography in nine weeks. More studies are needed to understand the optimal
      management and prognosis of patients with PCL.

PMID- 28101381
TI  - Loss of Myh14 Increases Susceptibility to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in CBA/CaJ
      Mice.
AB  - MYH14 is a member of the myosin family, which has been implicated in many motile
      processes such as ion-channel gating, organelle translocation, and the
      cytoskeleton rearrangement. Mutations in MYH14 lead to a DFNA4-type hearing
      impairment. Further evidence also shows that MYH14 is a candidate noise-induced
      hearing loss (NIHL) susceptible gene. However, the specific roles of MYH14 in
      auditory function and NIHL are not fully understood. In the present study, we
      used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish a Myh14 knockout mice line in CBA/CaJ
      background (now referred to as Myh14-/- mice) and clarify the role of MYH14 in
      the cochlea and NIHL. We found that Myh14-/- mice did not exhibit significant
      hearing loss until five months of age. In addition, Myh14-/- mice were more
      vulnerable to high intensity noise compared to control mice. More significant
      outer hair cell loss was observed in Myh14-/- mice than in wild type controls
      after acoustic trauma. Our findings suggest that Myh14 may play a beneficial role
      in the protection of the cochlea after acoustic overstimulation in CBA/CaJ mice.

PMID- 28101383
TI  - Fibrous Dysplasia versus Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma: A Dilemma.
AB  - Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a condition characterized by excessive proliferation of
      bone forming mesenchymal cells which can affect one bone (monostotic type) or
      multiple bones (polyostotic type). It is predominantly noticed in adolescents and
      young adults. Fibrous dysplasia affecting the jaws is an uncommon condition. The
      most commonly affected facial bone is the maxilla, with facial asymmetry being
      the chief complaint. The lesion in many instances is confused with ossifying
      fibroma (OF). Diagnosis of these two lesions has to be done based on clinical,
      radiographic, and microscopic findings. Here, we present a case of fibrous
      dysplasia of maxilla in a nine-year-old boy mimicking juvenile ossifying fibroma.

PMID- 28101384
TI  - Acrokeratosis Paraneoplastica Associated with Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Background. Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica, or Bazex syndrome, is a paraneoplastic
      syndrome characterized by cutaneous psoriasiform lesions with associated acral
      erythema and scale, as well as nail changes, including onycholysis and ungual
      dystrophy. Its most advanced, severe form involves the trunk, elbows, and knees.
      It is typically associated with upper aerodigestive tract malignancies in males.
      Rare cases associated with gynecological cancers have been reported, including
      uterine adenocarcinoma, as well as ovarian and vulvar squamous cell carcinomas.
      Cutaneous manifestations often precede cancer diagnosis. In most reported cases,
      skin changes resolve when the underlying malignancy is adequately treated. Main
      Observations. We present the case of a 56-year-old female diagnosed with
      acrokeratosis paraneoplastica following the discovery of FIGO stage IIB cervical
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Scaling, hyperpigmentation, xerosis, and fissuring
      were noted on the patient's hands, feet, legs, arms, and lower back. Pitting was
      noted on her fingernails. Her cervical cancer was successfully treated with
      chemoradiotherapy, after which her cutaneous lesions persisted for two months
      before resolving. Conclusions. The presentation of acrokeratosis paraneoplastica
      in this context is atypical. Reports of associations with gynecological cancers,
      as in our patient's case, are exceedingly rare.

PMID- 28101385
TI  - Kawasaki Shock Syndrome in a 12-Year-Old Girl Mimicking Septic Shock.
AB  - Kawasaki disease is diagnosed when fever lasts for more than 5 days with the
      presence of four out of five of the following clinical features: bilateral
      conjunctival congestion, changes in the lips and oral cavity, polymorphous
      exanthem, changes in peripheral extremities, and acute nonpurulent cervical
      lymphadenopathy (Nakamura et al., 2012). The average age of onset is 2 years and
      90% of patients are below 5 years of age. Boys are more affected than girls (Cox
      and Sallis, 2009). This case report describes an adolescent female who was
      initially managed as having septic shock and subsequently found to have Kawasaki
      shock syndrome.

PMID- 28101387
TI  - Identification of Dietzia spp. from Cardiac Tissue by 16S rRNA PCR in a Patient
      with Culture-Negative Device-Associated Endocarditis: A Case Report and Review of
      the Literature.
AB  - The genus Dietzia was recently distinguished from other actinomycetes such as
      Rhodococcus. While these organisms are known to be distributed widely in the
      environment, over the past decade several novel species have been described and
      isolated from human clinical specimens. Here we describe the identification of
      Dietzia natronolimnaea/D. cercidiphylli by PCR amplification and sequencing of
      the 16S rRNA encoding gene from cardiac tissue in a patient with culture-negative
      device-associated endocarditis.

PMID- 28101386
TI  - A Rare Manifestation of Tuberculosis Presenting in the United States.
AB  - A 64-year-old Bangladeshi female presented to her primary care physician with a
      tender right breast lump that had been present for 4-5 days along with subjective
      fevers and malaise. Initial biopsy revealed granulomas, but Ziehl-Neelsen and
      Gram stain were negative for TB so antibiotics were prescribed for abscess until
      culture came positive for tuberculosis. She was started on triple therapy for
      extrapulmonary tuberculosis, an exceedingly rare presentation that requires high
      clinical suspicion in the Western world.

PMID- 28101388
TI  - Bilateral Moyamoya Disease in a 2-Year-Old Pakistani Male Treated with Bilateral
      Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis: A Positive Outcome.
AB  - Background. We present a rare case of bilateral moyamoya disease presenting as
      multiple strokes and neurological deficits, treated with the neurosurgical
      procedure, encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS), in a 2-year-old male Pakistani
      minor. A positive outcome was achieved and the patient recovered fully. Case
      Summary. Our patient presented with a history of seizures and multiple episodes
      of hemiparesis (on and off weakness) at the age of 2 years. He had a delayed
      speech development and could not speak more than a few words. He had a slight
      slurring of speech too. He was diagnosed with bilateral moyamoya disease on
      Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Bilateral EDAS was done in the same year,
      after which his symptoms improved and patient had moderate functional recovery.
      Conclusion. A rare disease, moyamoya has been left unexplored in Pakistan;
      physicians and surgeons when dealing with cases in the pediatric population
      presenting with symptoms of stroke, signs of generalized weakness, and seizures
      should consider moyamoya disease as a possibility. Furthermore, this case
      demonstrates the effectiveness of EDAS procedure for the treatment of moyamoya
      disease.

PMID- 28101389
TI  - Superior Patellar Dislocation Misdiagnosed as Patellar Tendon Rupture: The Value
      of Ultrasonography.
AB  - Superior dislocation of the patella with intact patellar tendon is a rare
      condition. Most cases in literatures were diagnosed by clinical examination and
      plain radiography; however there are many cases that were misdiagnosed as
      patellar tendon rupture. In this case, we demonstrate the use of ultrasound for
      diagnosis of superior dislocation of the patella in the emergency department. We
      also include a literature review of similar cases and discuss the advantages of
      different types of imaging for diagnosis in this condition.

PMID- 28101390
TI  - A Method of Using a Pelvic C-Clamp for Intraoperative Reduction of a Zone 3
      Sacral Fracture.
AB  - It is challenging to properly reduce pelvic ring injuries that involve a zone 3
      sacral fracture. Several open and closed reduction methods have been described.
      Percutaneous reductions are challenging, and improper reductions can have poor
      long-term outcomes. The pelvic C-clamp is a tool designed to provide emergency
      stabilization to patients suffering from c-type pelvic ring injuries. We describe
      a case in which a patient's open book pelvic ring injury with a zone three sacral
      fracture is reduced intraoperatively with the use of a pelvic C-clamp and
      stabilized with transsacral screws.

PMID- 28101391
TI  - Functional and Aesthetic Tragal Reconstruction in the Age of Mobile Electronic
      Devices.
AB  - We present a method to create a tragus using the patient's conchal cartilage. It
      is a simplified, single-stage technique with well-hidden incisions, yet it
      maintains the rigidity of a natural tragus. This patient did not have a history
      of radiation to the area, which may compromise healing with this technique. The
      cosmetic importance of the tragus has been described, but its functionality in
      accommodating modern technology has not been previously discussed. The main
      treatment goal for this patient was to gain the ability to wear earphones
      (clinical question/level of evidence: therapeutic, V).

PMID- 28101392
TI  - Acupuncture in the Treatment of a Female Patient Suffering from Chronic
      Schizophrenia and Sleep Disorders.
AB  - Background. The use of acupuncture in the treatment of sleep disorders in
      patients with chronic schizophrenia is investigated. Case Presentation. We report
      the case of a 44-year-old female outpatient of German origin who had been
      suffering from long-term schizophrenia and sleep disorders. The patient was
      treated with manual acupuncture weekly for 12 weeks, and a psychological
      assessment was performed before, immediately after, and three months after the
      acupuncture treatment period. In addition, actiwatch data were collected for 14
      days both before and after the acupuncture treatment period. Conclusion.
      Acupuncture treatment led to a decrease in general psychopathology, less severe
      sleep problems, and markedly improved cognitive functioning (working memory) in
      the patient; however, the positive and the negative symptoms remained stable. The
      actiwatch data revealed a beneficial effect of acupuncture, showing better sleep
      latency, a trend towards better sleep efficiency, and a decrease in the number of
      minutes that the patient was awake during the night after acupuncture treatment.
      In sum, this study showed that acupuncture might be beneficial in the treatment
      of sleep disorders in patients suffering from chronic schizophrenia, but future,
      large, randomized (placebo), controlled, clinical trials are needed in order to
      replicate the present preliminary findings.

PMID- 28101393
TI  - Unusual Presentation of Tuberculous Thyroid Abscess in a Background of
      Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier.
AB  - Tuberculosis of thyroid gland is a very rare disease. It has variable
      presentations and may be sometimes associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. We
      report a case of 45-year-old male, with left sided painless neck swelling, with a
      purulent discharging sinus over it associated with night sweats and loss of
      appetite. Thyroid imaging disclosed heterogeneous enhancement of left lobe of
      thyroid gland with internal vascularity and coarse calcifications. Core needle
      biopsy revealed caseous necrosis and AFB positivity. Patient had thyroid
      peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody positivity and the rest of thyroid
      function tests were normal. Patient had positive Mantoux test, hepatitis B
      surface Ag, and low viral DNA. The patient was diagnosed as being a case of
      tuberculous abscess of thyroid gland and was put on antitubercular therapy for 2
      months. Patient subsequently underwent left hemithyroidectomy when there was no
      response. Histopathological examination revealed tuberculosis of thyroid gland. A
      final diagnosis of tuberculous abscess of thyroid gland in a background of
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis in a chronic HBV carrier was made. Therefore, although
      rare tuberculosis of thyroid should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis
      of thyroid swelling.

PMID- 28101394
TI  - Ancient Schwannoma of the Cauda Equina: Our Experience and Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - Ancient schwannomas (AS) are exceedingly rare variant of common schwannomas (CS).
      Only two cases involving the cauda equina region have been previously reported in
      literature. AS are typically associated with a higher histological degree of
      degenerative changes (Antoni B areas). It is of peculiar importance, according to
      our opinion, to outline that, because of their extremely slow growth (which
      explains the increase of the degenerative changes in respect to the CS) and their
      typical soft consistency in respect to their standard counterparts, AS usually
      imply an even better prognosis.

PMID- 28101395
TI  - Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: A Case Report of Two Surgical Options,
      Duodenal Derotation and Duodenojejunostomy.
AB  - Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction
      and its management is usually conservative with nasojejunal feeding. The
      pathophysiology entails the loss of the fat pad between the superior mesenteric
      artery and the abdominal aorta. This reduces the angle between the two vessels to
      less than 20 degrees with the resultant compression of the third part of the
      duodenum. The surgical management is usually a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy.
      The two cases in our series had two different surgical procedures with good
      outcomes in both patients. The surgical management of each patient should be
      determined on its own merits irrespective of the standard of care.

PMID- 28101396
TI  - New Insights into the Effects of Several Environmental Parameters on the Relative
      Fitness of a Numerically Dominant Class of Evolved Niche Specialist.
AB  - Adaptive radiation in bacteria has been investigated using Wrinkly Spreaders
      (WS), a morphotype which colonises the air-liquid (A-L) interface of static
      microcosms by biofilm formation with a significant fitness advantage over
      competitors growing lower down in the O2-limited liquid column. Here, we
      investigate several environmental parameters which impact the ecological
      opportunity that the Wrinkly Spreaders exploit in this model system. Manipulation
      of surface area/volume ratios suggests that the size of the WS niche was not as
      important as the ability to dominate the A-L interface and restrict competitor
      growth. The value of this niche to the Wrinkly Spreaders, as determined by
      competitive fitness assays, was found to increase as O2 flux to the A-L interface
      was reduced, confirming that competition for O2 was the main driver of WS
      fitness. The effect of O2 on fitness was also found to be dependent on the
      availability of nutrients, reflecting the need to take up both for optimal
      growth. Finally, the meniscus trap, a high-O2 region formed by the interaction of
      the A-L interface with the vial walls, was also important for fitness during the
      early stages of biofilm formation. These findings reveal the complexity of this
      seemingly simple model system and illustrate how changes in environmental
      physicality alter ecological opportunity and the fitness of the adaptive
      morphotype.

PMID- 28101397
TI  - Statistical parametric mapping of stimuli evoked changes in total blood flow
      velocity in the mouse cortex obtained with extended-focus optical coherence
      microscopy.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) imaging is the current gold-standard in
      neuroimaging. fMRI exploits local changes in blood oxygenation to map neuronal
      activity over the entire brain. However, its spatial resolution is currently
      limited to a few hundreds of microns. Here we use extended-focus optical
      coherence microscopy (xfOCM) to quantitatively measure changes in blood flow
      velocity during functional hyperaemia at high spatio-temporal resolution in the
      somatosensory cortex of mice. As optical coherence microscopy acquires hundreds
      of depth slices simultaneously, blood flow velocity measurements can be performed
      over several vessels in parallel. We present the proof-of-principle of an
      optimised statistical parametric mapping framework to analyse quantitative blood
      flow timetraces acquired with xfOCM using the general linear model. We
      demonstrate the feasibility of generating maps of cortical hemodynamic reactivity
      at the capillary level with optical coherence microscopy. To validate our method,
      we exploited 3 stimulation paradigms, covering different temporal dynamics and
      stimulated limbs, and demonstrated its repeatability over 2 trials, separated by
      a week.

PMID- 28101398
TI  - Wide-field retinal optical coherence tomography with wavefront sensorless
      adaptive optics for enhanced imaging of targeted regions.
AB  - The peripheral retina of the human eye offers a unique opportunity for assessment
      and monitoring of ocular diseases. We have developed a novel wide-field (>70
      degrees ) optical coherence tomography system (WF-OCT) equipped with wavefront
      sensorless adaptive optics (WSAO) for enhancing the visualization of smaller (<25
      degrees ) targeted regions in the peripheral retina. We iterated the WSAO
      algorithm at the speed of individual OCT B-scans (~20 ms) by using raw spectral
      interferograms to calculate the optimization metric. Our WSAO approach with a 3
      mm beam diameter permitted primarily low- but also high- order peripheral
      wavefront correction in less than 10 seconds. In preliminary imaging studies in
      five normal human subjects, we quantified statistically significant changes with
      WSAO correction, corresponding to a 10.4% improvement in average pixel brightness
      (signal) and 7.0% improvement in high frequency content (resolution) when
      visualizing 1 mm (~3.5 degrees ) B-scans of the peripheral (>23 degrees ) retina.
      We demonstrated the ability of our WF-OCT system to acquire non wavefront
      corrected wide-field images rapidly, which could then be used to locate regions
      of interest, zoom into targeted features, and visualize the same region at
      different time points. A pilot clinical study was conducted on seven healthy
      volunteers and two subjects with prodromal Alzheimer's disease which illustrated
      the capability to image Drusen-like pathologies as far as 32.5 degrees  from the
      fovea in un-averaged volume scans. This work suggests that the proposed
      combination of WF-OCT and WSAO may find applications in the diagnosis and
      treatment of ocular, and potentially neurodegenerative, diseases of the
      peripheral retina, including diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 28101400
TI  - Choriocapillaris evaluation in choroideremia using optical coherence tomography
      angiography.
AB  - The choriocapillaris plays an important role in supporting the metabolic demands
      of the retina. Studies of the choriocapillaris in disease states with optical
      coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) have proven insightful. However, image
      artifacts complicate the identification and quantification of the
      choriocapillaris in degenerative diseases such as choroideremia. Here, we
      demonstrate a supervised machine learning approach to detect intact
      choriocapillaris based on training with results from an expert grader. We trained
      a random forest classifier to evaluate en face structural OCT and OCTA
      information along with spatial image features. Evaluation of the trained
      classifier using previously unseen data showed good agreement with manual
      grading.

PMID- 28101399
TI  - Stimulus-evoked outer segment changes occur before the hyperpolarization of
      retinal photoreceptors.
AB  - Transient retinal phototropism (TRP) has been predominantly observed in rod
      photoreceptors activated by oblique visible light stimulation. Dynamic confocal
      microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have revealed rod outer segment
      (ROS) movement as the physical source of TRP. However, the physiological source
      of ROS movement is still not well understood. In this study, concurrent near
      infrared imaging of TRP and electroretinogram (ERG) measurement of retinal
      electrophysiology revealed that ROS movement occurs before the onset of the ERG a
      wave, which is known to reflect the hyperpolarization of retinal photoreceptors.
      Moreover, substitution of normal superfusing medium with low-sodium medium
      reversibly blocked the photoreceptor ERG a-wave, but largely preserved the
      stimulus-evoked ROS movements. Our experimental results and theoretical analysis
      indicate that early, disc-based stages of the phototransduction cascade, which
      occur before the hyperpolarization of retinal photoreceptors, contribute to the
      TRP associated ROS movement.

PMID- 28101401
TI  - Human heart failure biomarker immunosensor based on excessively tilted fiber
      gratings.
AB  - A label-free immunosensor platform based on excessively tilted fiber gratings (Ex
      TFGs) was developed for highly specific and fast detection of human N-terminal
      pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which is considered a powerful
      biomarker for prognosis and risk stratification of heart failure (HF). High
      purity anti-NT-proBNP monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) prepared in our laboratory
      were immobilized on fiber surface through the staphylococcal protein A (SPA)
      method for subsequent specific binding of the targeted NT-proBNP. Utilizing fiber
      optic grating demodulation system (FOGDS), immunoassays were carried out in vitro
      by monitoring the resonance wavelength shift of Ex-TFG biosensor with immobilized
      anti-NT-proBNP MAbs. Lowest detectable concentration of ~0.5ng/mL for NT-proBNP
      was obtained, and average sensitivity for NT-proBNP at a concentration range of
      0~1.0 ng/mL was approximately 45.967 pm/(ng/mL). Several human serum samples were
      assessed by the proposed Ex-TFG biomarker sensor, with high specificity for NT
      proBNP, indicating potential application in early diagnosing patients with acute
      HF symptoms.

PMID- 28101402
TI  - Identification and removal of laser-induced noise in photoacoustic imaging using
      singular value decomposition.
AB  - Singular value decomposition (SVD) was used to identify and remove laser-induced
      noise in photoacoustic images acquired with a clinical ultrasound scanner. This
      noise, which was prominent in the radiofrequency data acquired in parallel from
      multiple transducer elements, was induced by the excitation light source. It was
      modelled by truncating the SVD matrices so that only the first few largest
      singular value components were retained, and subtracted prior to image
      reconstruction. The dependency of the signal amplitude and the number of the
      largest singular value components used for noise modeling was investigated for
      different photoacoustic source geometries. Validation was performed with
      simulated data and measured noise, and with photoacoustic images acquired from
      the human forearm and finger in vivo using L14-5/38 and L40-8/12 linear array
      clinical imaging probes. The use of only one singular value component was found
      to be sufficient to achieve near-complete removal of laser-induced noise from
      reconstructed images. This method has strong potential to increase image quality
      for a wide range of photoacoustic imaging systems with parallel data acquisition.

PMID- 28101404
TI  - Model for indirect laser surgery.
AB  - We present a theoretical model for laser cutting of biological tissue by a
      strongly heated fiber tip with a highly absorbing coating. A significant
      dependence of the cutting speed and cutting depth on the inclination angle of the
      scalpel to the surface when scattering exceeds absorption in the biological
      tissue is shown. Experimental evidences of this effect are presented. In the
      experiment, we used silica fiber with coating made of carbon and silicon organic
      varnish, the 0.97-um wavelength laser and porcine skin. The additional
      opportunity to increase the efficiency of cutting by deposition of the absorbing
      layer on the tissue surface is considered.

PMID- 28101403
TI  - Quantitative assessment of hemodynamic and structural characteristics of in vivo
      brain tissue using total diffuse reflectance spectrum measured in a non-contact
      fashion.
AB  - Here we present a new methodology that investigates the intrinsic structural and
      hemodynamic characteristics of in vivo brain tissue, in a non-contact fashion,
      and can be easily incorporated in an intra-operative environment. Within this
      methodology, relative total diffuse reflectance spectra (RTD(lambda)) were
      acquired from targets using a hybrid spectroscopy imaging system. A spectral
      interpretation algorithm was subsequently applied to RTD(lambda) to retrieve
      optical properties related to the compositional and structural characteristics of
      each target. Estimation errors of the proposed methodology were computationally
      evaluated using a Monte Carlo simulation model for photon migration under various
      conditions. It was discovered that this new methodology could handle moderate
      noise and achieve very high accuracy, but only if the refractive index of the
      target is known. The accuracy of the technique was also validated using a series
      of tissue phantom studies, and consistent and accurate estimates of
      MUs'(lambda)/MUa(lambda) were obtained from all the phantoms tested. Finally, a
      small-scale animal study was conducted to demonstrate the clinical utility of the
      reported method, wherein a forepaw stimulation model was utilized to induce
      transient hemodynamic responses in somatosensory cortices. With this approach,
      significant stimulation-related changes (p < 0.001) in cortical hemodynamic and
      structural characteristics were successfully measured.

PMID- 28101405
TI  - Deep tissue photoacoustic computed tomography with a fast and compact laser
      system.
AB  - Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) holds great promise for biomedical
      imaging, but wide-spread implementation is impeded by the bulkiness of flash-lamp
      pumped laser systems, which typically weigh between 50 - 200 kg, require
      continuous water cooling, and operate at a low repetition rate. Here, we
      demonstrate that compact lasers based on emerging diode technologies are well
      suited for preclinical and clinical PACT. The diode-pumped laser used in this
      study had a miniature footprint (13 * 14 * 7 cm3), weighed only 1.6 kg, and
      outputted up to 80 mJ per pulse at 1064 nm. In vitro, the laser system readily
      provided over 4 cm PACT depth in chicken breast tissue. In vivo, in addition to
      high resolution, non-invasive brain imaging in living mice, the system can
      operate at 50 Hz, which enabled high-speed cross-sectional imaging of murine
      cardiac and respiratory function. The system also provided high quality, high
      frame rate, and non-invasive three-dimensional mapping of arm, palm, and breast
      vasculature at multi centimeter depths in living human subjects, demonstrating
      the clinical viability of compact lasers for PACT.

PMID- 28101406
TI  - Design and characterization of a combined OCT and wide field imaging falloposcope
      for ovarian cancer detection.
AB  - Early detection of ovarian cancer is only achieved in around 20% of women due to
      lack of effective screening. We propose a method for surveillance of high risk
      women based on a microendoscope introduced transvaginally to image the fallopian
      tubes and ovaries. This requires extreme miniaturization of the optics and
      catheter sheath. We describe the design of a falloposcope that combines optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) and wide field imaging into a sub-1 mm diameter
      package. We characterize the systems and show that they provide contrast on ex
      vivo samples of ovary and fallopian tube. In addition, we show the mechanical
      performance of the endoscope in an anatomically correct model of the female
      reproductive tract.

PMID- 28101407
TI  - Intraluminal laser speckle rheology using an omni-directional viewing catheter.
AB  - A number of disease conditions in luminal organs are associated with alterations
      in tissue mechanical properties. Here, we report a new omni-directional viewing
      Laser Speckle Rheology (LSR) catheter for mapping the mechanical properties of
      luminal organs without the need for rotational motion. The LSR catheter
      incorporates multiple illumination fibers, an optical fiber bundle and a multi
      faceted mirror to permit omni-directional viewing of the luminal wall. By
      retracting the catheter using a motor-drive assembly, cylindrical maps of tissue
      mechanical properties are reconstructed. Evaluation conducted in a test phantom
      with circumferentially-varying mechanical properties demonstrates the capability
      of the LSR catheter for the accurate mechanical assessment of luminal organs.

PMID- 28101408
TI  - In vivo visualization and ex vivo quantification of experimental myocardial
      infarction by indocyanine green fluorescence imaging.
AB  - The fluorophore indocyanine green accumulates in areas of ischemia-reperfusion
      injury due to an increase in vascular permeability and extravasation of the dye.
      The aim of the study was to validate an indocyanine green-based technique of in
      vivo visualization of myocardial infarction. A further aim was to quantify
      infarct size ex vivo and compare this technique with the standard
      triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Wistar rats were subjected to regional
      myocardial ischemia (30 minutes) followed by reperfusion (n = 7). Indocyanine
      green (0.25 mg/mL in 1 mL of normal saline) was infused intravenously for 10
      minutes starting from the 25th minute of ischemia. Video registration in the near
      infrared fluorescence was performed. Epicardial fluorescence of indocyanine green
      corresponded to the injured area after 30 minutes of reperfusion. Infarct size
      was similar when determined ex vivo using traditional triphenyltetrazolium
      chloride assay and indocyanine green fluorescent labeling. Intravital
      visualization of irreversible injury can be done directly by fluorescence on the
      surface of the heart. This technique may also be an alternative for ex vivo
      measurements of infarct size.

PMID- 28101409
TI  - Assessment of corneal properties based on statistical modeling of OCT speckle.
AB  - A new approach to assess the properties of the corneal micro-structure in vivo
      based on the statistical modeling of speckle obtained from Optical Coherence
      Tomography (OCT) is presented. A number of statistical models were proposed to
      fit the corneal speckle data obtained from OCT raw image. Short-term changes in
      corneal properties were studied by inducing corneal swelling whereas age-related
      changes were observed analyzing data of sixty-five subjects aged between twenty
      four and seventy-three years. Generalized Gamma distribution has shown to be the
      best model, in terms of the Akaike's Information Criterion, to fit the OCT
      corneal speckle. Its parameters have shown statistically significant differences
      (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001) for short and age-related corneal changes. In
      addition, it was observed that age-related changes influence the corneal
      biomechanical behaviour when corneal swelling is induced. This study shows that
      Generalized Gamma distribution can be utilized to modeling corneal speckle in OCT
      in vivo providing complementary quantified information where micro-structure of
      corneal tissue is of essence.

PMID- 28101410
TI  - Modulation of cardiomyocyte activity using pulsed laser irradiated gold
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Can photothermal gold nanoparticle mediated laser manipulation be applied to
      induce cardiac contraction? Based on our previous work, we present a novel
      concept of cell stimulation. A 532 nm picosecond laser was employed to heat gold
      nanoparticles on cardiomyocytes. This leads to calcium oscillations in the HL-1
      cardiomyocyte cell line. As calcium is connected to the contractility, we aimed
      to alter the contraction rate of native and stem cell derived cardiomyocytes. A
      contraction rate increase was particularly observed in calcium containing buffer
      with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Consequently, the study provides conceptual
      ideas for a light based, nanoparticle mediated stimulation system.

PMID- 28101412
TI  - Visualization of micro-capillaries using optical coherence tomography angiography
      with and without adaptive optics.
AB  - The purpose of this work is to investigate the benefits of adaptive optics (AO)
      technology for optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). OCTA has shown
      great potential in non-invasively enhancing the contrast of vessels and small
      capillaries. Especially the capability of the technique to visualize capillaries
      with a lateral extension that is below the transverse resolution of the system
      opens unique opportunities in diagnosing retinal vascular diseases. However,
      there are some limitations of this technology such as shadowing and projection
      artifacts caused by overlying vasculature or the inability to determine the true
      extension of a vessel. Thus, the evaluation of the vascular structure and density
      based on OCTA alone can be misleading. In this paper we compare the performance
      of AO-OCT, AO-OCTA and OCTA for imaging retinal vasculature. The improved
      transverse resolution and the reduced depth of focus of AO-OCT and AO-OCTA
      greatly reduce shadowing artifacts allowing for a better differentiation and
      segmentation of different vasculature layers of the inner retina. The comparison
      is done on images recorded in healthy volunteers and in diabetic patients with
      distinct pathologies of the retinal microvasculature.

PMID- 28101414
TI  - Anti-confocal assessment of middle ear inflammation.
AB  - To improve the diagnostic prediction of recurrence of otitis media with effusion
      after surgery, an anti-confocal system combined with spectroscopic measurements
      is proposed to reject unwanted signals from the eardrum and assess the blood
      content. The anti-confocal system was experimentally evaluated on both optical
      middle ear phantom and human skin. Results showed effective rejection of signals
      from the eardrum using a central stop replacing the confocal pinhole, while still
      detecting signals from the middle ear mucosa. The system is sensitive to changes
      in blood content, but scattering and absorption characteristics of the eardrum
      can distort the measurement. Confocal detection of eardrum properties was shown
      to be a promising approach to correct measurements.

PMID- 28101413
TI  - Significant and sustaining elevation of blood oxygen induced by Chinese cupping
      therapy as assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Cupping therapy has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of
      years to relieve muscle pain/tendency/fatigue and to cure or reduce symbols of
      other diseases. However, its therapeutic effect is sparsely interpreted in the
      language of modern physiology. To objectively evaluate its therapeutic effect, we
      focused on dry cupping treatment and utilized near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
      to assess the concentration change in oxy-hemoglobin ([HbO2]), deoxy-hemoglobin
      ([Hb]), and blood volume in the course of cupping therapy over 13 volunteers on
      the infraspinatus muscle, where is usually applied for shoulder pains. Both a
      prominent drop in [Hb] and a significant elevation in [HbO2] in the tissue
      surrounding the cupping site were observed during both cupping and post
      treatment, manifesting the enhancement of oxygen uptake. This resulting promotion
      indicates potential positive therapeutic effect of cupping therapy in
      hemodynamics for facilitating muscular functions.

PMID- 28101411
TI  - Simultaneous multimodal ophthalmic imaging using swept-source spectrally encoded
      scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography.
AB  - Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) benefits diagnostic imaging and therapeutic
      guidance by allowing for high-speed en face imaging of retinal structures. When
      combined with optical coherence tomography (OCT), SLO enables real-time aiming
      and retinal tracking and provides complementary information for post-acquisition
      volumetric co-registration, bulk motion compensation, and averaging. However,
      multimodality SLO-OCT systems generally require dedicated light sources,
      scanners, relay optics, detectors, and additional digitization and
      synchronization electronics, which increase system complexity. Here, we present a
      multimodal ophthalmic imaging system using swept-source spectrally encoded
      scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (SS-SESLO-OCT) for
      in vivo human retinal imaging. SESLO reduces the complexity of en face imaging
      systems by multiplexing spatial positions as a function of wavelength. SESLO
      image quality benefited from single-mode illumination and multimode collection
      through a prototype double-clad fiber coupler, which optimized scattered light
      throughput and reduce speckle contrast while maintaining lateral resolution.
      Using a shared 1060 nm swept-source, shared scanner and imaging optics, and a
      shared dual-channel high-speed digitizer, we acquired inherently co-registered en
      face retinal images and OCT cross-sections simultaneously at 200 frames-per
      second.

PMID- 28101416
TI  - Light field otoscope design for 3D in vivo imaging of the middle ear.
AB  - We present a light field digital otoscope designed to measure three-dimensional
      shape of the tympanic membrane. This paper describes the optical and anatomical
      considerations we used to develop the prototype, along with the simulation and
      experimental measurements of vignetting, field curvature, and lateral resolution.
      Using an experimental evaluation procedure, we have determined depth accuracy and
      depth precision of our system to be 0.05-0.07 mm and 0.21-0.44 mm, respectively.
      To demonstrate the application of our light field otoscope, we present the first
      three-dimensional reconstructions of tympanic membranes in normal and otitis
      media conditions, acquired from children who participated in a feasibility study
      at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical
      Center.

PMID- 28101417
TI  - Investigation of terahertz radiation influence on rat glial cells.
AB  - We studied an influence of continuous terahertz (THz) radiation (0.12 - 0.18 THz,
      average power density of 3.2 mW/cm2) on a rat glial cell line. A dose-dependent
      cytotoxic effect of THz radiation is demonstrated. After 1 minute of THz
      radiation exposure a relative number of apoptotic cells increased in 1.5 times,
      after 3 minutes it doubled. This result confirms the concept of biological hazard
      of intense THz radiation. Diagnostic applications of THz radiation can be
      restricted by the radiation power density and exposure time.

PMID- 28101415
TI  - Endoscopic sensing of alveolar pH.
AB  - Previously unobtainable measurements of alveolar pH were obtained using an
      endoscope-deployable optrode. The pH sensing was achieved using functionalized
      gold nanoshell sensors and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The
      optrode consisted of an asymmetric dual-core optical fiber designed for spatially
      separating the optical pump delivery and signal collection, in order to
      circumvent the unwanted Raman signal generated within the fiber. Using this
      approach, we demonstrate a ~100-fold increase in SERS signal-to-fiber background
      ratio, and demonstrate multiple site pH sensing with a measurement accuracy of +/
      0.07 pH units in the respiratory acini of an ex vivo ovine lung model. We also
      demonstrate that alveolar pH changes in response to ventilation.

PMID- 28101418
TI  - Multi-surface segmentation of OCT images with AMD using sparse high order
      potentials.
AB  - In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the quantification of drusen is
      important because it is correlated with the evolution of the disease to an
      advanced stage. Therefore, we propose an algorithm based on a multi-surface
      framework for the segmentation of the limiting boundaries of drusen: the inner
      boundary of the retinal pigment epithelium + drusen complex (IRPEDC) and the
      Bruch's membrane (BM). Several segmentation methods have been considerably
      successful in segmenting retinal layers of healthy retinas in optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) images. These methods are successful because they incorporate
      prior information and regularization. Nonetheless, these factors tend to hinder
      the segmentation for diseased retinas. The proposed algorithm takes into account
      the presence of drusen and geographic atrophy (GA) related to AMD by excluding
      prior information and regularization just valid for healthy regions. However,
      even with this algorithm, prior information and regularization still cause the
      oversmoothing of drusen in some locations. Thus, we propose the integration of
      local shape prior in the form of a sparse high order potentials (SHOPs) into the
      algorithm to reduce the oversmoothing of drusen. The proposed algorithm was
      evaluated in a public database. The mean unsigned errors, relative to the average
      of two experts, for the inner limiting membrane (ILM), IRPEDC and BM were 2.94+/
      2.69, 5.53+/-5.66 and 4.00+/-4.00 um, respectively. Drusen areas measurements
      were evaluated, relative to the average of two expert graders, by the mean
      absolute area difference and overlap ratio, which were 1579.7 +/- 2106.8 um2 and
      0.78 +/- 0.11, respectively.

PMID- 28101419
TI  - Posterior rat eye during acute intraocular pressure elevation studied using
      polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography.
AB  - Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) operating at 840 nm
      with axial resolution of 3.8 um in tissue was used for investigating the
      posterior rat eye during an acute intraocular pressure (IOP) increase experiment.
      IOP was elevated in the eyes of anesthetized Sprague Dawley rats by cannulation
      of the anterior chamber. Three dimensional PS-OCT data sets were acquired at IOP
      levels between 14 mmHg and 105 mmHg. Maps of scleral birefringence, retinal nerve
      fiber layer (RNFL) retardation and relative RNFL/retina reflectivity were
      generated in the peripapillary area and quantitatively analyzed. All investigated
      parameters showed a substantial correlation with IOP. In the low IOP range of 14
      45 mmHg only scleral birefringence showed statistically significant correlation.
      The polarization changes observed in the PS-OCT imaging study presented in this
      work suggest that birefringence of the sclera may be a promising IOP-related
      parameter to investigate.

PMID- 28101420
TI  - Compact diode laser source for multiphoton biological imaging.
AB  - We demonstrate a compact, pulsed diode laser source suitable for multiphoton
      microscopy of biological samples. The center wavelength is 976 nm, near the peak
      of the two-photon cross section of common fluorescent markers such as genetically
      encoded green and yellow fluorescent proteins. The laser repetition rate is
      electrically tunable between 66.67 kHz and 10 MHz, with 2.3 ps pulse duration and
      peak powers >1 kW. The laser components are fiber-coupled and scalable to a
      compact package. We demonstrate >600 MUm depth penetration in brain tissue,
      limited by laser power.

PMID- 28101421
TI  - Structural and functional human retinal imaging with a fiber-based visible light
      OCT ophthalmoscope.
AB  - The design of a multi-functional fiber-based Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
      system for human retinal imaging with < 2 micron axial resolution in tissue is
      described. A detailed noise characterization of two supercontinuum light sources
      with different pulse repetition rates is presented. The higher repetition rate
      and lower noise source is found to enable a sensitivity of 96 dB with 0.15 mW
      light power at the cornea and a 98 microsecond exposure time. Using a broadband
      (560 +/- 50 nm), 90/10, fused single-mode fiber coupler designed for visible
      wavelengths, the sample arm is integrated into an ophthalmoscope platform,
      similar to current clinical OCT systems. To demonstrate the instrument's range of
      operation, in vivo structural retinal imaging is also shown at 0.15 mW exposure
      with 10,000 and 70,000 axial scans per second (the latter comparable to
      commercial OCT systems), and at 0.03 mW exposure and 10,000 axial scans per
      second (below maximum permissible continuous exposure levels). Lastly, in vivo
      spectroscopic imaging of anatomy, saturation, and hemoglobin content in the human
      retina is also demonstrated.

PMID- 28101422
TI  - Low-cost hand-held probe for depth-resolved low-coherence interferometry.
AB  - We report on the development of a low-cost hand-held low-coherence
      interferometric imaging system based on the principle of linear optical coherence
      tomography (Linear OCT), a technique which was first proposed in the early 2000s
      as a simpler alternative to the conventional time-domain and Fourier-domain OCT.
      A bench-top implementation of the proposed technique is first presented and
      validated. The axial resolution, SNR, and sensitivity roll-of of the system was
      estimated to be 5.2 MUm and 80 dB, and 3.7 dB over a depth of 0.15 mm,
      respectively. After validating the bench-top system, two hand-held probe
      implementations for contact-based imaging and in vivo human tympanic membrane
      imaging are presented. The performance of the proposed system was compared with a
      research-grade state-of-the-art Fourier-domain low coherence interferometry (LCI)
      system by imaging several biological and non-biological samples. The results of
      this study suggest that the proposed system might be a suitable choice for
      applications where imaging depth and SNR can be traded for lower cost and simpler
      optical design.

PMID- 28101423
TI  - Assessing the effects of riboflavin/UV-A crosslinking on porcine corneal
      mechanical anisotropy with optical coherence elastography.
AB  - In this work we utilize optical coherence elastography (OCE) to assess the
      effects of UV-A/riboflavin corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) on the mechanical
      anisotropy of in situ porcine corneas at various intraocular pressures (IOP).
      There was a distinct meridian of increased Young's modulus in all samples, and
      the mechanical anisotropy increased as a function of IOP and also after CXL. The
      presented noncontact OCE technique was able to quantify the Young's modulus and
      elastic anisotropy of the cornea and their changes as a function of IOP and CXL,
      opening new avenues of research for evaluating the effects of CXL on corneal
      biomechanical properties.

PMID- 28101424
TI  - Detection and classification of three-class initial dips from prefrontal cortex.
AB  - In this paper, the use of initial dips using functional near-infrared
      spectroscopy (fNIRS) for brain-computer interface (BCI) is investigated. Features
      and window sizes for detecting initial dips are also discussed. Three mental
      tasks including mental arithmetic, mental counting, and puzzle solving are
      performed in obtaining fNIRS signals from the prefrontal cortex. Vector-based
      phase analysis method combined with a threshold circle, as a decision criterion,
      are used to detect the initial dips. Eight healthy subjects participate in
      experiment. Linear discriminant analysis is used as a classifier. To classify
      initial dips, five features (signal mean, peak value, signal slope, skewness, and
      kurtosis) of oxy-hemoglobin (HbO) and four different window sizes (0~1, 0~1.5,
      0~2, and 0~2.5 sec) are examined. It is shown that a combination of signal mean
      and peak value and a time period of 0~2.5 sec provide the best average
      classification accuracy of 57.5% for three classes. To further validate the
      result, three-class classification using the conventional hemodynamic response
      (HR) is also performed, in which two features (signal mean and signal slope) and
      2~7 sec window size have yielded the average classification accuracy of 65.9%.
      This reveals that fNIRS-based BCI using initial dip detection can reduce the
      command generation time from 7 sec to 2.5 sec while the classification accuracy
      is a bit sacrificed from 65.9% to 57.5% for three mental tasks. Further
      improvement can be made by using deoxy hemoglobin signals in coping with the slow
      HR problem.

PMID- 28101425
TI  - Study of in vitro RBCs membrane elasticity with AOD scanning optical tweezers.
AB  - The elasticity of red cell membrane is a critical physiological index for the
      activity of RBC. Study of the inherent mechanism for RBCs membrane elasticity
      transformation is attention-getting all along. This paper proposes an optimized
      measurement method of erythrocytes membrane shear modulus incorporating acousto
      optic deflector (AOD) scanning optical tweezers system. By use of this method,
      both membrane shear moduli and sizes of RBCs with different in vitro times were
      determined. The experimental results reveal that the RBCs membrane elasticity and
      size decline with in vitro time extension. In addition, semi quantitative
      measurements of S-nitrosothiol content in blood using fluorescent spectrometry
      during in vitro storage show that RBCs membrane elasticity change is positively
      associated with the S-nitrosylation level of blood. The analysis considered that
      the diminished activity of the nitric oxide synthase makes the S-nitrosylation of
      in vitro blood weaker gradually. The main reason for worse elasticity of the in
      vitro RBCs is that S-nitrosylation effect of spectrin fades. These results will
      provide a guideline for further study of in vitro cells activity and other
      clinical applications.

PMID- 28101426
TI  - Asymmetric split H-shape nanoantennas for molecular sensing.
AB  - In this paper we report on a very sensitive biosensor based on gold asymmetric
      nanoantennas that are capable of enhancing the molecular resonances of C-H bonds.
      The nanoantennas are arranged as arrays of asymmetric-split H-shape (ASH)
      structures, tuned to produce plasmonic resonances with reflectance double peaks
      within the mid-infrared vibrational resonances of C-H bonds for the assay of
      deposited films of the molecule 17beta-estradiol (E2), used as an analyte.
      Measurements and numerical simulations of the reflectance spectra have enabled an
      estimated enhancement factor on the order of 105 to be obtained for a thin film
      of E2 on the ASH array. A high sensitivity value of 2335 nm/RIU was achieved,
      together with a figure of merit of approximately 8. Our experimental results were
      corroborated using numerical simulations for the C-H stretch vibrational
      resonances from the analyte, superimposed on the plasmonic resonances of the ASH
      nanoantennas.

PMID- 28101428
TI  - Wide field and highly sensitive angiography based on optical coherence tomography
      with akinetic swept source.
AB  - Wide-field vascular visualization in bulk tissue that is of uneven surface is
      challenging due to the relatively short ranging distance and significant
      sensitivity fall-off for most current optical coherence tomography angiography
      (OCTA) systems. We report a long ranging and ultra-wide-field OCTA (UW-OCTA)
      system based on an akinetic swept laser. The narrow instantaneous linewidth of
      the swept source with its high phase stability, combined with high-speed
      detection in the system enable us to achieve long ranging (up to 46 mm) and
      almost negligible system sensitivity fall-off. To illustrate these advantages, we
      compare the basic system performances between conventional spectral domain OCTA
      and UW-OCTA systems and their functional imaging of microvascular networks in
      living tissues. In addition, we show that the UW-OCTA is capable of different
      depth-ranging of cerebral blood flow within entire brain in mice, and providing
      unprecedented blood perfusion map of human finger in vivo. We believe that the UW
      OCTA system has promises to augment the existing clinical practice and explore
      new biomedical applications for OCT imaging.

PMID- 28101427
TI  - Dynamic imaging and quantitative analysis of cranial neural tube closure in the
      mouse embryo using optical coherence tomography.
AB  - Neural tube closure is a critical feature of central nervous system morphogenesis
      during embryonic development. Failure of this process leads to neural tube
      defects, one of the most common forms of human congenital defects. Although
      molecular and genetic studies in model organisms have provided insights into the
      genes and proteins that are required for normal neural tube development,
      complications associated with live imaging of neural tube closure in mammals
      limit efficient morphological analyses. Here, we report the use of optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) for dynamic imaging and quantitative assessment of
      cranial neural tube closure in live mouse embryos in culture. Through time-lapse
      imaging, we captured two neural tube closure mechanisms in different cranial
      regions, zipper-like closure of the hindbrain region and button-like closure of
      the midbrain region. We also used OCT imaging for phenotypic characterization of
      a neural tube defect in a mouse mutant. These results suggest that the described
      approach is a useful tool for live dynamic analysis of normal neural tube closure
      and neural tube defects in the mouse model.

PMID- 28101429
TI  - Chronic wide-field imaging of brain hemodynamics in behaving animals.
AB  - Chronically monitoring cerebral activities in awake and freely moving status is
      very important in physiological and pathological studies. We present a novel
      standalone micro-imager for monitoring the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and total
      hemoglobin (HbT) activities in freely moving animals using the laser speckle
      contrast imaging (LSCI) and optical intrinsic signal (OIS) methods. A new cranial
      window method, using contact lens and wide field optics, is also proposed to
      achieve the chronic and wide-field imaging of rat's cerebral cortex. The
      hemodynamic activities of rats' cortex were measured for the first time without
      restriction of cables or fibers in awake and behaving animals. Chronic imaging
      showed the increase of CBF and HbT in motor cortex when the rats were climbing on
      the cage wall. Interestingly, the CBF activation of supplying vessel was smaller
      than that of parenchyma. Furthermore, after the climbing, CBF demonstrated fully
      return to the baseline while HbT showed a delayed recovery. The standalone micro
      imager technology provides new possibilities of brain imaging in cognitive
      neuroscience studies.

PMID- 28101430
TI  - Projection method for improving signal to noise ratio of localized surface
      plasmon resonance biosensors.
AB  - This paper presents a simple and accurate method (the projection method) to
      improve the signal to noise ratio of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR).
      The nanostructures presented in the paper can be readily fabricated by
      nanoimprint lithography. The finite difference time domain method is used to
      simulate the structures and generate a reference matrix for the method. The
      results are validated against experimental data and the proposed method is
      compared against several other recently published signal processing techniques.
      We also apply the projection method to biotin-streptavidin binding experimental
      data and determine the limit of detection (LoD). The method improves the signal
      to noise ratio (SNR) by one order of magnitude, and hence decreases the limit of
      detection when compared to the direct measurement of the transmission-dip. The
      projection method outperforms the established methods in terms of accuracy and
      achieves the best combination of signal to noise ratio and limit of detection.

PMID- 28101431
TI  - Non-invasive terahertz imaging of tissue water content for flap viability
      assessment.
AB  - Accurate and early prediction of tissue viability is the most significant
      determinant of tissue flap survival in reconstructive surgery. Perturbation in
      tissue water content (TWC) is a generic component of the tissue response to such
      surgeries, and, therefore, may be an important diagnostic target for assessing
      the extent of flap viability in vivo. We have previously shown that reflective
      terahertz (THz) imaging, a non-ionizing technique, can generate spatially
      resolved maps of TWC in superficial soft tissues, such as cornea and wounds, on
      the order of minutes. Herein, we report the first in vivo pilot study to
      investigate the utility of reflective THz TWC imaging for early assessment of
      skin flap viability. We obtained longitudinal visible and reflective THz imagery
      comparing 3 bipedicled flaps (i.e. survival model) and 3 fully excised flaps
      (i.e. failure model) in the dorsal skin of rats over a postoperative period of 7
      days. While visual differences between both models manifested 48 hr after
      surgery, statistically significant (p < 0.05, independent t-test) local
      differences in TWC contrast were evident in THz flap image sets as early as 24
      hr. Excised flaps, histologically confirmed as necrotic, demonstrated a
      significant, yet localized, reduction in TWC in the flap region compared to non
      traumatized skin. In contrast, bipedicled flaps, histologically verified as
      viable, displayed mostly uniform, unperturbed TWC across the flap tissue. These
      results indicate the practical potential of THz TWC sensing to accurately predict
      flap failure 24 hours earlier than clinical examination.

PMID- 28101432
TI  - Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in first trimester pregnancy successfully
      treated with eculizumab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare disorder which is known
      to cause acute thrombotic microangiopathy during pregnancy with poor maternal and
      fetal outcomes. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is caused mostly by
      dysregulation of alternative complement pathway secondary to genetic mutations.
      Most of the cases reported have been in the post-partum period. We report a rare
      case of a patient who presents with thrombotic microangiopathy in the first
      trimester of her eleventh pregnancy and was successfully treated with eculizumab.
      CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old woman presented at 10 weeks of gestation with
      hypertension, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury,
      consistent with thrombotic microangiopathy. She was managed initially with daily
      plasmapheresis. However, her kidney function did not recover, requiring
      hemodialysis. ADAMTS13 activity was later found to be within normal limit, hence
      diagnosis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome was strongly considered at that
      time and she was immediately treated with anti-C5 humanized monoclonal antibody
      (eculizumab). The patient responded well (resolution of thrombotic
      microangiopathy and recovery of renal function) to eculizumab, with continued
      remission after discharge and successfully delivered a healthy baby at term
      without any peripartum complications. CONCLUSION: Early recognition of atypical
      hemolytic uremic syndrome is often difficult as several other conditions also
      manifest as thrombotic microangiopathy during pregnancy, causing delay in
      initiating appropriate treatment. Our case suggests that treatment of atypical
      hemolytic uremic syndrome in early trimester of pregnancy with eculizumab results
      in good outcome to mother and fetus.

PMID- 28101434
TI  - An expanded nuclear phylogenomic PCR toolkit for Sapindales.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: We tested PCR amplification of 91 low-copy nuclear gene
      loci in taxa from Sapindales using primers developed for Bursera simaruba
      (Burseraceae). METHODS AND RESULTS: Cross-amplification of these markers among 10
      taxa tested was related to their phylogenetic distance from B. simaruba. On
      average, each Sapindalean taxon yielded product for 53 gene regions (range: 16
      90). Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicales), by contrast, yielded product for two.
      Single representatives of Anacardiaceae and Rutacaeae yielded 34 and 26 products,
      respectively. Twenty-six primer pairs worked for all Burseraceae species tested
      if highly divergent Aucoumea klaineana is excluded, and eight of these amplified
      product in every Sapindalean taxon. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that
      customized primers for Bursera can amplify product in a range of Sapindalean
      taxa. This collection of primer pairs, therefore, is a valuable addition to the
      toolkit for nuclear phylogenomic analyses of Sapindales and warrants further
      investigation.

PMID- 28101433
TI  - Use of sonic tomography to detect and quantify wood decay in living trees.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Field methodology and image analysis protocols using
      acoustic tomography were developed and evaluated as a tool to estimate the amount
      of internal decay and damage of living trees, with special attention to tropical
      rainforest trees with irregular trunk shapes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Living trunks
      of a diversity of tree species in tropical rainforests in the Republic of Panama
      were scanned using an Argus Electronic PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph and evaluated for
      the amount and patterns of internal decay. A protocol using ImageJ analysis
      software was used to quantify the proportions of intact and compromised wood. The
      protocols provide replicable estimates of internal decay and cavities for trees
      of varying shapes, wood density, and bark thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Sonic
      tomography, coupled with image analysis, provides an efficient, noninvasive
      approach to evaluate decay patterns and structural integrity of even irregularly
      shaped living trees.

PMID- 28101435
TI  - Microsatellite markers for Nuphar japonica (Nymphaeaceae), an aquatic plant in
      the agricultural ecosystem of Japan.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Nuphar species (Nymphaeaceae) are representative aquatic
      plants in irrigation ponds in Japanese agricultural ecosystems. We developed 15
      polymorphic microsatellite markers for N. japonica and confirmed their utility
      for its close relatives N. oguraensis var. akiensis and N. *saijoensis, which
      originated from natural hybridization between N. japonica and N. oguraensis.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Genetic variation was characterized in 15 polymorphic loci
      in three populations of N. japonica. The average number of alleles per locus was
      3.47 (range = 2-9; n = 32), and the average expected heterozygosity per locus was
      0.84 (range = 0.5-1.0); 11 loci were amplified in N. oguraensis var. akiensis and
      15 in N. *saijoensis. CONCLUSIONS: The polymorphic microsatellite markers
      developed in this study will be useful for investigating the levels of genetic
      diversity within remnant populations of Nuphar taxa and could provide a valuable
      tool for conservation genetics of these taxa.

PMID- 28101436
TI  - Development and characterization of microsatellite primers in the endangered
      Mediterranean shrub Ziziphus lotus (Rhamnaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were developed to characterize and
      evaluate patterns of genetic diversity and structure in the endangered
      Mediterranean shrub Ziziphus lotus (Rhamnaceae). METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty
      microsatellite primers were developed for Z. lotus, of which 14 were polymorphic.
      We evaluated microsatellite polymorphism in 97 specimens from 18 Spanish and
      seven Moroccan populations. Between two and eight alleles were found per locus,
      and the average number of alleles was 5.54. Observed heterozygosity and expected
      heterozygosity ranged from 0.08 to 0.90 and from 0.08 to 0.82, respectively. Nine
      of these primers also amplified microsatellite loci in Z. jujuba. CONCLUSIONS:
      The microsatellite markers described here will be useful in studies on genetic
      variation, population genetic structure, and gene flow in the fragmented habitat
      of this species. These markers are a valuable resource for designing appropriate
      conservation measures for the species in the Mediterranean range.

PMID- 28101437
TI  - Characterization of 16 microsatellite markers for the Oreinotinus clade of
      Viburnum (Adoxaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite loci were isolated from four species of
      Viburnum (Adoxaceae) to study population structure and assess species boundaries
      among morphologically similar South American Viburnum species of the Oreinotinus
      clade. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using a microsatellite-enriched library and mining
      next-generation sequence data, 16 microsatellites were developed. Each locus was
      tested on two populations of V. triphyllum and one population of V. pichinchense.
      For nuclear loci, one to 13 alleles were recovered, expected heterozygosity
      ranged from 0 to 0.8975, Simpson diversity index ranged from 0.0167 to 1.000, and
      Shannon diversity index ranged from 0 to 2.3670 in a given population. For the
      mitochondrial locus, three to six alleles were recovered and unbiased haploid
      diversity values ranged from 0.756 to 0.853 in a given population. CONCLUSIONS:
      The 16 microsatellite loci developed for the Oreinotinus clade (Viburnum,
      Adoxaceae) will inform investigations of population structure and species
      boundaries within this group.

PMID- 28101438
TI  - Development and characterization of EST-SSR markers for Artocarpus hypargyreus
      (Moraceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for
      Artocarpus hypargyreus (Moraceae), a threatened species endemic to China, to
      investigate the genetic diversity and structure of the species. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Based on the transcriptome data of A. hypargyreus, 63 primer pairs were
      preliminarily designed and tested, of which 34 were successfully amplified and 10
      displayed clear polymorphisms across the 67 individuals from four populations of
      A. hypargyreus. The results showed the number of alleles per locus ranged from
      three to 10, and the observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity per
      locus varied from 0.000 to 0.706 and from 0.328 to 0.807, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: These microsatellite markers will be useful in exploring genetic
      diversity and structure of A. hypargyreus. Furthermore, most loci were
      successfully cross-amplified in A. nitidus and A. heterophyllus, indicating that
      they will be of great value for genetic study across this genus.

PMID- 28101439
TI  - Development of highly variable microsatellite markers for the tetraploid Silene
      stellata (Caryophyllaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: We designed and tested microsatellite markers for the North
      American native species Silene stellata (Caryophyllaceae) to investigate its
      population genetic structure and identify selection on floral design through male
      reproductive success. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 153 candidate
      microsatellite loci were isolated based on next-generation sequencing. We
      identified 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci in three populations of S.
      stellata, with di- or trinucleotide repeats. Genotyping results showed the number
      of alleles per locus ranged from six to 45 and expected heterozygosity ranged
      from 0.511 to 0.951. Five of these loci were successfully amplified in S.
      virginica and S. caroliniana and were also polymorphic. CONCLUSIONS: The
      microsatellite markers reported here provide a valuable tool for paternity
      analysis in S. stellata. They will also be useful for investigating the
      population genetic structures of S. stellata and related species.

PMID- 28101440
TI  - High Spatial Resolution Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging of
      Organic Layers in an Organic Light-Emitting Diode.
AB  - To improve the durability of organic materials in electronic devices, an
      analytical method that can obtain information about the molecular structure
      directly from specific areas on a device is desired. For this purpose, laser
      desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (LDI-MSI) is one of the most
      promising methods. The high spatial resolution stigmatic LDI-MSI with MULTUM-IMG2
      in the direct analysis of organic light-emitting diodes was shown to obtain a
      detailed mass image of organic material in the degraded area after air exposure.
      The mass image was observed to have a noticeably improved spatial resolution over
      typical X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, generally used technique in analysis of
      electronic devices. A prospective m/z was successfully deduced from the high
      spatial resolution MSI data. Additionally, mass resolution and accuracy using a
      spiral-orbit TOF mass spectrometer, SpiralTOF, were also investigated. The
      monoisotopic mass for the main component, N,N'-di-1-naphthalenyl-N,N'-diphenyl
      1,1'-biphenyl-4,4'-diamine (m/z 588), was measured with a mass resolution of
      approximately 80,000 and a mass error of about 5 mDa using an external calibrant.
      This high mass resolution and accuracy data successfully deduced a possible
      elemental composition of partially remained material in the degraded area,
      C36H24, which was determined as anthracene, 9-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl-10-(2
      naphthalenyl) by combining structural information with high-energy CID data. The
      high spatial resolution of 1 MUm in LDI-MSI along with high mass resolution and
      accuracy could be useful in obtaining molecular structure information directly
      from specific areas on a device, and is expected to contribute to the evolution
      of electrical device durability.

PMID- 28101441
TI  - Reduced Sampling Size with Nanopipette for Tapping-Mode Scanning Probe
      Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging.
AB  - Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with ambient sampling and ionization can rapidly
      and easily capture the distribution of chemical components in a solid sample.
      Because the spatial resolution of MSI is limited by the size of the sampling
      area, reducing sampling size is an important goal for high resolution MSI. Here,
      we report the first use of a nanopipette for sampling and ionization by tapping
      mode scanning probe electrospray ionization (t-SPESI). The spot size of the
      sampling area of a dye molecular film on a glass substrate was decreased to 6 MUm
      on average by using a nanopipette. On the other hand, ionization efficiency
      increased with decreasing solvent flow rate. Our results indicate the
      compatibility between a reduced sampling area and the ionization efficiency using
      a nanopipette. MSI of micropatterns of ink on a glass and a polymer substrate
      were also demonstrated.

PMID- 28101442
TI  - Determination of Optimal Vapor Pressure Data by the Second and Third Law Methods.
AB  - Though equilibrium vapor pressures are utilized to determine thermodynamic
      properties of not only gaseous species but also condensed phases, the obtained
      data often disagree by a factor of 100 and more. A new data analysis method is
      proposed using the so-called second and third law procedures to improve accuracy
      of vapor pressure measurements. It was found from examination of vapor pressures
      of cesium metaborate and silver that the analysis of the difference between the
      second and third law values can result in determination of an optimal data set.
      Since the new thermodynamic method does not require special techniques and or
      experiences in dealing with measured data, it is reliable and versatile to
      improve the accuracy of vapor pressure evaluation.

PMID- 28101443
TI  - National physical activity surveillance: Users of wearable activity monitors as a
      potential data source.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess usage patterns of wearable activity
      monitors among US adults and how user characteristics might influence physical
      activity estimates from this type of sample. We analyzed data on 3367 respondents
      to the 2015 HealthStyles survey, an annual consumer mail panel survey conducted
      on a nationwide sample. Approximately 1 in 8 respondents (12.5%) reported
      currently using a wearable activity monitor. Current use varied by sex, age, and
      education level. Use increased with physical activity level from 4.3% for
      inactive adults to 17.4% for active adults. Overall, 49.9% of all adults met the
      aerobic physical activity guideline, while this prevalence was 69.5% among
      current activity monitor users. Our findings suggest that current users of
      wearable activity monitors are not representative of the overall US population.
      Estimates of physical activity levels using data from wearable activity monitors
      users may be an overestimate and therefore data from users alone may have a
      limited role in physical activity surveillance.

PMID- 28101444
TI  - Accelerometer data treatment for adolescents: Fitting a piece of the puzzle.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the differences in participant retention and
      associations between physical activity and key variables when a range of
      accelerometer data inclusion criteria are employed. Data were drawn from 204
      adolescents of Pacific Island heritage (survey, body composition, 7-day
      accelerometry) and their parents (date of birth, socioeconomic status) between
      October 2014 and February 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. Data wear time criteria
      for inclusion were as follows: A) > = 10 h/weekday or > = 8 h weekend day, > = 5
      days (at least one weekend day); B) > = 10 h/weekday or > = 8 h weekend day, > =
      4 days; C) > = 7 h/day, > = 3 days; D) > = 10 h/day, > = 1 day. Overall, 49%,
      62%, 88%, and 96% of participants met the criteria, respectively. Adjusted odds
      of meeting each criterion were examined using a multivariable logistic regression
      model. Almost 50% of participants were excluded by the most stringent inclusion
      criteria. Increased body fat percentage and proportion of time in moderate-to
      vigorous activity were associated with decreased odds of meeting Criterions A and
      B. This research contributes to a growing understanding of the impact of
      differing accelerometer reduction approaches to sample retention and bias in
      adolescent physical activity research.

PMID- 28101445
TI  - Comparison of percutaneous vertebroplasty with and without interventional tumor
      removal for spinal metastatic tumor without epidural involvement.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with
      interventional tumor removal (ITR) in providing pain relief, reducing disability,
      and improving functional performance in patients with malignant vertebral
      compression fractures without epidural involvement. METHODS: Patients with
      malignant vertebral compression fractures (n=58) were treated with either PVP+ITR
      (n=31, group A) or PVP alone (n=27, group B). A 14 G needle was inserted into the
      vertebral body, and the tract was sequentially dilated with working cannulae.
      When the last working cannula had reached the distal pedicle of vertebral arch,
      ITR was performed with a marrow nucleus rongeurs inserted through the working
      cannula. Finally, cement was injected into the excavated vertebral body. Patients
      were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure, and every 6 months
      thereafter. RESULTS: The overall excellent and good pain relief rate during
      follow-ups was significantly better in group A than in group B (94% vs.56%;
      p=0.002). The average VAS, ODI, and KPS scores at 3 months, 6 months, 1-year, and
      >1 year were all significantly lower in group A than in group B (p<0.05). The
      mean cement filling volume and the stability of the treated vertebrae were
      significantly higher in group A than in group B (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      combination of PVP+ITR is a safe and effective procedure, capable of providing
      significantly greater pain relief and vertebral stability than PVP alone in
      patients with malignant vertebral compression fractures.

PMID- 28101446
TI  - Hypertonicity: Clinical entities, manifestations and treatment.
AB  - Hypertonicity causes severe clinical manifestations and is associated with
      mortality and severe short-term and long-term neurological sequelae. The main
      clinical syndromes of hypertonicity are hypernatremia and hyperglycemia.
      Hypernatremia results from relative excess of body sodium over body water. Loss
      of water in excess of intake, gain of sodium salts in excess of losses or a
      combination of the two are the main mechanisms of hypernatremia. Hypernatremia
      can be hypervolemic, euvolemic or hypovolemic. The management of hypernatremia
      addresses both a quantitative replacement of water and, if present, sodium
      deficit, and correction of the underlying pathophysiologic process that led to
      hypernatremia. Hypertonicity in hyperglycemia has two components, solute gain
      secondary to glucose accumulation in the extracellular compartment and water loss
      through hyperglycemic osmotic diuresis in excess of the losses of sodium and
      potassium. Differentiating between these two components of hypertonicity has
      major therapeutic implications because the first component will be reversed
      simply by normalization of serum glucose concentration while the second component
      will require hypotonic fluid replacement. An estimate of the magnitude of the
      relative water deficit secondary to osmotic diuresis is obtained by the corrected
      sodium concentration, which represents a calculated value of the serum sodium
      concentration that would result from reduction of the serum glucose concentration
      to a normal level.

PMID- 28101447
TI  - Functional coupling of V-ATPase and CLC-5.
AB  - Dent's disease is an X-linked renal tubulopathy characterized by low molecular
      weight proteinuria, hypercalciuria and progressive renal failure. Disease
      aetiology is associated with mutations in the CLCN5 gene coding for the
      electrogenic 2Cl-/H+ antiporter chloride channel 5 (CLC-5), which is expressed in
      the apical endosomes of renal proximal tubules with the vacuolar type H+-ATPase
      (V-ATPase). Initially identified as a member of the CLC family of Cl- channels,
      CLC-5 was presumed to provide Cl- shunt into the endosomal lumen to dissipate H+
      accumulation by V-ATPase, thereby facilitating efficient endosomal acidification.
      However, recent findings showing that CLC-5 is in fact not a Cl- channel but a
      2Cl-/H+ antiporter challenged this classical shunt model, leading to a renewed
      and intense debate on its physiological roles. Cl- accumulation via CLC-5 is
      predicted to play a critical role in endocytosis, as illustrated in mice carrying
      an artificial Cl- channel mutation E211A that developed defective endocytosis but
      normal endosomal acidification. Conversely, a recent functional analysis of a
      newly identified disease-causing Cl- channel mutation E211Q in a patient with
      typical Dent's disease confirmed the functional coupling between V-ATPase and CLC
      5 in endosomal acidification, lending support to the classical shunt model. In
      this editorial, we will address the current recognition of the physiological role
      of CLC-5 with a specific focus on the functional coupling of V-ATPase and CLC-5.

PMID- 28101448
TI  - Acetylsalicylic acid interferes with embryonic kidney growth and development by a
      prostaglandin-independent mechanism.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effects of the non-selective, non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drug (NSAID) acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), on ex vivo embryonic kidney
      growth and development. METHODS: Pairs of fetal mouse kidneys at embryonic day
      12.5 were cultured ex vivo in increasing concentrations of ASA (0.04-0.4 mg/mL)
      for up to 7 d. One organ from each pair was grown in control media and was used
      as the internal control for the experimental contralateral organ. In some
      experiments, organs were treated with ASA for 48 h and then transferred either to
      control media alone or control media containing 10 MUmol/L prostaglandin E2
      (PGE2) for a further 5 d. Fetal kidneys were additionally obtained from
      prostaglandin synthase 2 homozygous null or heterozygous (PTGS2-/- and PTGS2-/+)
      embryos and grown in culture. Kidney cross-sectional area was used to determine
      treatment effects on kidney growth. Whole-mount labelling to fluorescently detect
      laminin enabled crude determination of epithelial branching using confocal
      microscopy. RESULTS: Increasing ASA concentration (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL)
      significantly inhibited metanephric growth (P < 0.05). After 7 d of culture,
      exposure to 0.2 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL reduced organ size to 53% and 23% of control
      organ size respectively (P < 0.01). Addition of 10 MUmol/L PGE2 to culture media
      after exposure to 0.2 mg/mL ASA for 48 h resulted in a return of growth area to
      control levels. Application of control media alone after cessation of ASA
      exposure showed no benefit on kidney growth. Despite the apparent recovery of
      growth area with 10 MUmol/L PGE2, no obvious renal tubular structures were
      formed. The number of epithelial tips generated after 48 h exposure to ASA was
      reduced by 40% (0.2 mg/mL; P < 0.05) and 47% (0.4 mg/mL; P < 0.01). Finally,
      growth of PTGS2-/- and PTGS2+/- kidneys in organ culture showed no differences,
      indicating that PTGS2 derived PGE2 may at best have a minor role. CONCLUSION: ASA
      reduces early renal growth and development but the role of prostaglandins in this
      may be minor.

PMID- 28101450
TI  - Hyponatremic hypertensive syndrome - a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - AIM: To ascertain the frequency of hyponatremic hypertensive syndrome (HHS) in a
      cohort of children with hypertensive emergency in a tertiary pediatric hospital.
      METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken among children with hypertensive
      emergency admitted in our tertiary children hospital between June 2014 and
      December 2015 with an aim to identify any children with HHS. Three children with
      HHS were identified during this period. RESULTS: The 3 patients with HHS
      presented with hypertensive emergency. They were initially managed with Labetalol
      infusion and thereafter switched to oral anti-hypertensives (combination of
      Nifedipine sustained release, Hydralazine and Beta Blocker). All 3 were diagnosed
      to have unilateral renal artery stenosis. One child was lost to follow up,
      whereas the other 2 underwent renal angioplasty which was followed with
      normalization of blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Despite activation of renin
      angiotensin axis secondary to renal artery stenosis, these groups of children
      have significant hyponatremia. Renal re-vascularisation produces excellent
      results in most of them.

PMID- 28101451
TI  - Laparoscopic vs open donor nephrectomy: Lessons learnt from single academic
      center experience.
AB  - AIM: To compare laparoscopic and open living donor nephrectomy, based on the
      results from a single center during a decade. METHODS: This is a retrospective
      review of all living donor nephrectomies performed at the Massachusetts General
      Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, between 1/1998 - 12/2009. Overall there
      were 490 living donors, with 279 undergoing laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy
      (LLDN) and 211 undergoing open donor nephrectomy (OLDN). Demographic data,
      operating room time, the effect of the learning curve, the number of conversions
      from laparoscopic to open surgery, donor preoperative glomerular filtration rate
      and creatinine (Cr), donor and recipient postoperative Cr, delayed graft function
      and donor complications were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed.
      RESULTS: Overall there was no statistically significant difference between the
      LLDN and the OLDN groups regarding operating time, donor preoperative renal
      function, donor and recipient postoperative kidney function, delayed graft
      function or the incidence of major complications. When the last 100 laparoscopic
      cases were analyzed, there was a statistically significant difference regarding
      operating time in favor of the LLDN, pointing out the importance of the learning
      curve. Furthermore, another significant difference between the two groups was the
      decreased length of stay for the LLDN (2.87 d for LLDN vs 3.6 d for OLDN).
      CONCLUSION: Recognizing the importance of the learning curve, this paper provides
      evidence that LLDN has a safety profile comparable to OLDN and decreased length
      of stay for the donor.

PMID- 28101449
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of intrarenal renin angiotensin system components
      in response to tempol in rats fed a high salt diet.
AB  - AIM: To determine the effect of tempol in normal rats fed high salt on arterial
      pressure and the balance between antagonist components of the renal renin
      angiotensin system. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with 8% NaCl high-salt
      (HS) or 0.4% NaCl (normal-salt, NS) diet for 3 wk, with or without tempol (T) (1
      mmol/L, administered in drinking water). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR), and urinary sodium excretion (UVNa) were measured. We
      evaluated angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), angiotensin
      converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), mas receptor (MasR), angiotensin type 1 receptor
      (AT1R) and angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) in renal tissues by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The intake of high sodium produced a slight but
      significant increase in MAP and differentially regulated components of the renal
      renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This included an increase in Ang II and AT1R, and
      decrease in ACE-2 staining intensity using immunohistochemistry. Antioxidant
      supplementation with tempol increased natriuresis and GFR, prevented changes in
      blood pressure and reversed the imbalance of renal RAS components. This includes
      a decrease in Ang II and AT1R, as increase in AT2, ACE2, Ang (1-7) and MasR
      staining intensity using immunohistochemistry. In addition, the natriuretic
      effects of tempol were observed in NS-T group, which showed an increased staining
      intensity of AT2, ACE2, Ang (1-7) and MasR. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest
      that a high salt diet leads to changes in the homeostasis and balance between
      opposing components of the renal RAS in hypertension to favour an increase in Ang
      II. Chronic antioxidant supplementation can modulate the balance between the
      natriuretic and antinatriuretic components of the renal RAS.

PMID- 28101452
TI  - Severe hyperkalemia following blood transfusions: Is there a link?
AB  - Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding often require large volume blood
      transfusion. Among the various side effects of blood transfusion, the increase of
      potassium levels is a serious one which is often overlooked. We report a case of
      severe hyperkalemia in a patient with gastric bleeding after large volume
      transfusion of packed red blood cells. The patient had hyperkalemia at baseline
      associated with his receiving medication as well as acute renal failure following
      hypovolemia. The baseline hyperkalemia was further aggravated after massive
      transfusions of packed red blood cells in a short period of time. The associated
      pathogenetic mechanisms resulting in the increase of potassium levels are
      presented. A number of risk factors which increase the risk of hyperkalemia after
      blood transfusion are discussed. Moreover, appropriate management strategies for
      the prevention of blood transfusion associated hyperkalemia are also presented.
      Physicians should always keep in mind the possibility of hyperkalemia in cases of
      blood transfusion.

PMID- 28101453
TI  - FGF23 and inflammation.
AB  - Systemic inflammation is a recognized feature in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
      The role of systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification
      was recently settled. FGF23 was recently accused as a direct stimulus of systemic
      inflammation. This finding explains the strong association of FGF23 to vascular
      calcification and increased mortality among CKD.

PMID- 28101454
TI  - Vitamins, Are They Safe?
AB  - The consumption of a daily multivitamin among people all over the world is
      dramatically increasing in recent years. Most of the people believe that if
      vitamins are not effective, at least they are safe. However, the long term health
      consequences of vitamins consumption are unknown. This study aimed to assess the
      side effects and possible harmful and detrimental properties of vitamins and to
      discuss whether vitamins can be used as safe health products or dietary
      supplements. We performed a MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar
      search and assessed reference lists of the included studies which were published
      from 1993 through 2015. The studies, with an emphasis on RCTs (randomized
      controlled clinical trials), were reviewed. As some vitamins such as fat-soluble
      vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E), and also some of the water-soluble
      vitamins like folic acid may cause adverse events and some like vitamin C is
      widely taken assuming that it has so many benefits and no harm, we included
      relevant studies with negative or undesired results regarding the effect of these
      vitamins on health. Our recommendation is that taking high-dose supplements of
      vitamins A, E, D, C, and folic acid is not always effective for prevention of
      disease, and it can even be harmful to the health.

PMID- 28101455
TI  - Pharmaceutical Cocrystals: Regulatory and Strategic Aspects, Design and
      Development.
AB  - Cocrystal is a concept of the supramolecular chemistry which is gaining the
      extensive interest of researchers from pharmaceutical and chemical sciences and
      of drug regulatory agencies. The prominent reason of which is its ability to
      modify physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients. During
      the development of the pharmaceutical product, formulators have to optimize the
      physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Pharmaceutical
      cocrystals can be employed to improve vital physicochemical characteristics of a
      drug, including solubility, dissolution, bioavailability and stability of
      pharmaceutical compounds while maintaining its therapeutic activity. It is
      advantageous being a green synthesis approach for production of pharmaceutical
      compounds. The formation polymorphic forms, solvates, hydrates and salts of
      cocrystals during the synthesis reported in the literature which can be a
      potential issue in the development of pharmaceutical cocrystals. The approaches
      like hydrogen bonding rules, solubility parameters, screening through the CSD
      database or thermodynamic characteristics can be utilized for the rational design
      of cocrystals and selection of coformers for synthesis multi-component
      cocrystals. Considering the significance of pharmaceutical cocrystals
      pharmaceutical regulatory authorities in the United States and Europe issued
      guidance documents which may be helpful for pharmaceutical product registration
      in these regions. In this article, we deal with the design, synthesis, strategic
      aspects and characteristics of cocrystals along perspectives on its regulatory
      and intellectual property considerations.

PMID- 28101457
TI  - Therapeutic Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated
      Pruritus: a Literature Review.
AB  - Uremic pruritus remains one of the most tormenting, frequent and potentially
      disabling problem in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, an area of
      substantial etiological interest with relation to uremic pruritus is the
      essential fatty acids deficiency. So we performed a literature review to
      elucidate the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids on uremic pruritus. This review
      evaluated all of the studies published in English language, focusing on the
      clinical effects of omega-3 fatty acids on uremic pruritus. The literature review
      was conducted in December 2015 and carried out by searching Scopus, Medline,
      Cochrane central register of controlled trials, and Cochrane database of
      systematic reviews. The search terms were "kidney injury", "kidney failure",
      "chronic kidney disease", "end-stage renal disease", "dialysis", "hemodialysis",
      "peritoneal dialysis", "pruritus", "itch", "skin problems", "fish oil", "omega
      3", "n-3 fatty acids", "polyunsaturated fatty acids", "docosahexaenoic acid", and
      "eicosapentaenoic acid". Four small studies investigating potential benefits of
      omega-3 fatty acids on symptoms of uremic pruritus were found. Among them, three
      small randomized controlled trials have shown a significant improvement in
      pruritus symptoms (evaluated by a standard questionnaire) in CKD patients who
      took omega-3 supplement compared to omega-6, omega-9, and placebo
      supplementation. Despite numerous limitations of the studies, it is worth noting
      that even minor reduction in itching symptoms may be clinically significant for
      CKD patients. Therefore, and considering multiple health benefits of omega-3
      fatty acids in advanced CKD and negligible risk profile, omega-3 intake can
      wisely be applied to CKD patients with uremic pruritus.

PMID- 28101458
TI  - Cationic Liposomes Modified with Polyallylamine as a Gene Carrier: Preparation,
      Characterization and Transfection Efficiency Evaluation.
AB  - Purpose: Cationic polymers and cationic liposomes have shown to be effective non
      viral gene delivery vectors. In this study, we tried to improve the transfection
      efficiency by employing the advantages of both. Methods: For this purpose,
      modified polyallylamines (PAAs) were synthesized. These modifications were done
      through the reaction of PAA (15 KDa) with acrylate and 6-bromoalkanoic acid
      derivatives. Liposomes comprising of these cationic polymers and cationic lipid
      were prepared and extruded through polycarbonate filters to obtain desired size.
      Liposome-DNA nanocomplexes were prepared in three carrier to plasmid (C/P)
      ratios. Size, zeta potential and DNA condensation ability of each complex were
      characterized separately and finally transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of
      prepared vectors were evaluated in Neuro2A cell line. Results: The results showed
      that mean particle size of all these nanocomplexes was lower than 266 nm with
      surface charge of 22.0 to 33.9 mV. Almost the same condensation pattern was
      observed in all vectors and complete condensation was occurred at C/P ratio of
      1.5. The lipoplexes containing modified PAA 15 kDa with 10% hexyl acrylate showed
      the highest transfection efficacy and lowest cytotoxicity in C/P ratio of 0.5.
      Conclusion: In some cases nanocomplexes consisting of cationic liposome and
      modified PAA showed better transfection activity and lower cytotoxicity compared
      to PAA.

PMID- 28101456
TI  - Overview of Albumin and Its Purification Methods.
AB  - As the most frequent plasma protein, albumin constitutes more than 50% of the
      serum proteins in healthy individuals. It has a key role in oncotic pressure
      maintenance and it is known as a versatile protein carrier for transportation of
      various endogenous and exogenous ligands. Reduced amounts of albumin in the body
      will lead to different kinds of diseases such as hypovolemia and hypoproteinemia.
      It also has various indications in shocks, burns, cardiopulmonary bypass, acute
      liver failure and etc. Further applications in research consist of cell culture
      supplement, drug delivery carrier and protein/drug stabilizer. So, the demand for
      albumin increased annually worldwide. Due to different applications of albumin,
      many efforts have been accomplished to achieve albumin during a long period of
      time. In this review, an overview of serum albumin and different purification
      methods are summarized.

PMID- 28101459
TI  - Venlafaxine-Induced Cytotoxicity Towards Isolated Rat Hepatocytes Involves
      Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial/Lysosomal Dysfunction.
AB  - Purpose: Depression is a public disorder worldwide. Despite the widespread use of
      venlafaxine in the treatment of depression, it has been associated with the
      incidence of toxicities. Hence, the goal of the current investigation was to
      evaluate the mechanisms of venlafaxine-induced cell death in the model of the
      freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Methods: Collagenase-perfused rat hepatocytes
      were treated with venlafaxine and other agents. Cell damage, reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential
      decline, lysosomal damage, glutathione (GSH) level were analyzed. Moreover, rat
      liver mitochondria were isolated through differential centrifugation to assess
      respiratory chain functionality. Results: Our results demonstrated that
      venlafaxine could induce ROS formation followed by lipid peroxidation, cellular
      GSH content depletion, elevated GSSG level, loss of lysosmal membrane integrity,
      MMP collapse and finally cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. N-acetyl
      cysteine, taurine and quercetine significantly decreased the aforementioned
      venlafaxine-induced cellular events. Also, radical scavenger
      (butylatedhydroxytoluene and alpha-tocopherol), CYP2E1 inhibitor (4
      methylpyrazole), lysosomotropic agents (methylamine and chloroquine), ATP
      generators (L-gluthamine and fructose) and mitochondrial pore sealing agents
      (trifluoperazine and L-carnitine) considerably reduced cytotoxicity, ROS
      generation and lysosomal leakage following venlafaxine treatment. Mitochondrion
      dysfunction was concomitant with the blockade of the electron transfer complexes
      II and IV of the mitochondrial respiratory system. Conclusion: Therefore, our
      data indicate that venlafaxine induces oxidative stress towards hepatocytes and
      our findings provide evidence to propose that mitochondria and lysosomes are of
      the primary targets in venlafaxine-mediated cell damage.

PMID- 28101460
TI  - Captopril and Valsartan May Improve Cognitive Function Through Potentiation of
      the Brain Antioxidant Defense System and Attenuation of Oxidative/Nitrosative
      Damage in STZ-Induced Dementia in Rat.
AB  - Purpose: Previous findings have shown the crucial roles of brain renin
      angiotensin system (RAS) in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since RAS
      inhibitors may have beneficial effects on dementia and cognitive function in
      elderly people, the aim of present study was to examine the neuroprotective
      actions of captopril and valsartan on memory function and neuronal damage in
      experimental model of AD. Methods: Adult forty male Wistar rats (220-280g) were
      randomly divided into 5 groups; Control, Vehicle, Alzheimer and treatment groups.
      AD was induced by the injections of streptozotocin (3mg/kg, bilateral
      intracerebroventricular) at days 1&3. Treated rats received orally captopril
      (50mg/kg/day) and valsartan (30mg/kg/day). Memory function and histological
      assessments were done at termination of experiment. Finally, superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and NOx
      contents were determined. Results: There was a significant increase in the mean
      value of latency in Alzheimer group (66%). Captopril and valsartan considerably
      decreased this value in both treatment groups (45% and 72%, respectively). In
      Alzheimer group the activities of brain's SOD and CAT reduced (40% and 47%,
      respectively) in accompany with an increase in MDA and NOx contents (49% and 50%,
      respectively). Captopril and valsartan significantly increased the activities of
      brain's SOD and CAT concomitant reduction in MDA and NOx contents. Also,
      histopathological damages noticeably decreased in both treatment groups.
      Conclusion: Our findings indicate that RAS inhibition by using captopril and
      valsartan potentiates the antioxidant defense system of brain and reduces
      oxidative/nitrosative stress in accompany with neuronal damage during AD.

PMID- 28101462
TI  - Identification and Molecular Characterization of Genes Coding Pharmaceutically
      Important Enzymes from Halo-Thermo Tolerant Bacillus.
AB  - Purpose: Robust pharmaceutical and industrial enzymes from extremophile
      microorganisms are main source of enzymes with tremendous stability under harsh
      conditions which make them potential tools for commercial and biotechnological
      applications. Methods: The genome of a Gram-positive halo-thermotolerant Bacillus
      sp. SL1, new isolate from Saline Lake, was investigated for the presence of genes
      coding for potentially pharmaceutical enzymes. We determined gene sequences for
      the enzymes laccase (CotA), l-asparaginase (ansA3, ansA1), glutamate-specific
      endopeptidase (blaSE), l-arabinose isomerase (araA2), endo-1,4-beta mannosidase
      (gmuG), glutaminase (glsA), pectate lyase (pelA), cellulase (bglC1), aldehyde
      dehydrogenase (ycbD) and allantoinases (pucH) in the genome of Bacillus sp. SL1.
      Results: Based on the DNA sequence alignment results, six of the studied enzymes
      of Bacillus sp. SL-1 showed 100% similarity at the nucleotide level to the same
      genes of B. licheniformis 14580 demonstrating extensive organizational
      relationship between these two strains. Despite high similarities between the B.
      licheniformis and Bacillus sp. SL-1 genomes, there are minor differences in the
      sequences of some enzyme. Approximately 30% of the enzyme sequences revealed more
      than 99% identity with some variations in nucleotides leading to amino acid
      substitution in protein sequences. Conclusion: Molecular characterization of this
      new isolate provides useful information regarding evolutionary relationship
      between B. subtilis and B. licheniformis species. Since, the most industrial
      processes are often performed in harsh conditions, enzymes from such halo
      thermotolerant bacteria may provide economically and industrially appealing
      biocatalysts to be used under specific physicochemical situations in medical,
      pharmaceutical, chemical and other industries.

PMID- 28101461
TI  - Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study of the Median Septum of Juglans regia in
      Wistar Rats.
AB  - Purpose: Median septum of Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae) with anti-diabetic
      effects has been used in Iranian traditional medicine. The present study
      estimates both oral acute and subchronic toxicities. Methods: In the oral acute
      toxicity study, female Wistar rats were treated with doses of 10, 100, 1000,
      1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/ kg of the Juglans regia septum of methanol extract
      (JRSME), and were monitored for 14 days. In subchronic study, JRSME was
      administered by gavage at dose of 1000 mg/kg daily in Wistar rats for 28 days.
      Antioxidant status and biochemical examinations were fulfilled, and the vital
      organs were subjected to pathological analyses. Results: The extract did not
      produce any toxic signs or deaths; the medium lethal dose must be higher than
      5000 mg/kg. In subchronic study, No significant morphological and
      histopathological changes were observed in the studied tissues. There was a
      significant increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level in treated group
      compared to control after 4 weeks of JRSME intake. The treatment of rats resulted
      in a significant reduction of serum urea level (p<0.05), kidney's xanthine
      dehydrogenase (XDH) activity (p<0.001) and elevation of aldehyde oxidase (AO)
      activity (p<0.05) in kidney. In the treated group, the mean diameter of
      glomerulus and proximal urine tube epithelium stature was slightly greater than
      control group. A significant increase in serum MDA level is subject for further
      studies. Conclusion: This study showed that the extract has no acute or subacute
      adverse effects with dose of 1000 mg/kg. The administration of JRSME may improve
      kidney structure and function and help in treatment of some chronic diseases.

PMID- 28101463
TI  - Development of a Novel Human Single Chain Antibody Against EGFRVIII Antigen by
      Phage Display Technology.
AB  - Purpose: EGFRvIII as the most common mutant variant of the epidermal growth
      factor receptor is resulting from deletion of exons 2-7 in the coding sequence
      and junction of exons 1 and 8 through a novel glycine residue. EGFRvIII is highly
      expressed in glioblastoma, carcinoma of the breast, ovary, and lung but not in
      normal cells. The aim of the present study was identification of a novel single
      chain antibody against EGFRvIII as a promising target for cancer therapy.
      Methods: In this study, a synthetic peptide corresponding to EGFRvIII protein was
      used for screening a naive human scFv phage library. A novel five-round selection
      strategy was used for enrichment of rare specific clones. Results: After five
      rounds of screening, six positive scFv clones against EGFRvIII were selected
      using monoclonal phage ELISA, among them, only three clones had expected size in
      PCR reaction. The specific interaction of two of the scFv clones with EGFRvIII
      was confirmed by indirect ELISA. One phage clone with higher affinity in scFv
      ELISA was purified for further analysis. The purity of the produced scFv antibody
      was confirmed using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analyses. Conclusion: In the
      present study, a human anti- EGFRvIII scFv with high affinity was first
      identified from a scFv phage library. This study can be the groundwork for
      developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic agents against EGFRvIII
      expressing cancers.

PMID- 28101465
TI  - Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine.
AB  - : Purpose: Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain spots
      on the skin and is one of the most challenging skin conditions to treat. Although
      it is usually harmless, for cosmetic reasons, it is dreadfully bothersome to
      those who undergo it. It was reported that N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAGA) prevents
      melanin synthesis and alters the expression of numerous genes related to
      pigmentation. In spite of these advantages, NAGA cannot be employed in topical
      formulations due to its extremely polar characteristics. Nanoparticles,
      especially lipid-based ones, have been introduced as an efficient carrier for
      dermal drug delivery. Methods: The aim of the present study was to load adequate
      hydrophilic NAGA to the lipophilic nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for
      potential dermal application. METHODS: NAGA-loaded NLCs were formulated, using
      hot homogenization technique, and the characteristics of the optimized
      formulation were analyzed by laser light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and
      scanning electron microscopy methods. Loading capacity percentage and in vitro
      release study were carried out by applying a validated HPLC method. The optimum
      formulation was utilized for the in vivo skin lightening evaluations in healthy
      volunteers. Results: NAGA-loaded NLCs demonstrated promising results (the size of
      190 nm, narrow size distribution, loading capacity of 9%, and appropriate NAGA
      release profile) suitable for dermal delivery. XRD results exhibited a dramatic
      reduction in the crystalline structure of encapsulated NAGA. Dermoscopy images
      indicated a considerable decline in melanin distribution pattern in the majority
      of the cases treated with NAGA-loaded NLCs. Conclusion: Thus, this study has
      opened new horizons for the potential use of lipid based nanoparticles in the
      managing of hyperpigmentation.

PMID- 28101464
TI  - Anti-Inflammatory and Antibothropic Properties of Jatropha Elliptica, a Plant
      from Brazilian Cerrado Biome.
AB  - Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibothropic and anti
      inflammatory properties of J. elliptica.Methods: Phytochemical screening and thin
      layer chromatography (TLC) assays were performed on J. elliptica hydroalcoholic
      extract (TE) in order to observe its main constituents. The antibothropic
      activity of TE was evaluated by the in vitro neuromuscular blockade caused by
      Bothrops jararacussu venom (Bjssu), in a mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm model
      (PND). A quantitative histological study was carried out to observe a possible
      protection of TE against the venom myotoxicity. The anti-inflammatory activity
      was also evaluated in two models, Bjssu-induced paw edema, and carrageenan
      induced neutrophils migration in the peritoneal cavity. Results: TLC analysis
      revealed several compounds in TE, such as saponins, alkaloids, and phenolic
      constituents. TE was able to neutralize the blockade and the myotoxicity induced
      by venom, when it was pre-incubated for 30 min with venom. In addition, it showed
      anti-inflammatory activity, inducing less neutrophils migration and reducing paw
      edema. Conclusion:J. elliptica showed both antibothropic and anti-inflammatory
      properties.

PMID- 28101466
TI  - Characterization of the Effect of Drug-Drug Interaction on Protein Binding in
      Concurrent Administration of Sulfamethoxazol and Diclofenac Sodium Using Bovine
      Serum Albumin.
AB  - Purpose: This project was aimed to determine the effect of concurrent
      administration of sulfamethoxazole and diclofenac sodium. Methods: Equilibrium
      dialysis method was adopted to study different protein binding aspects of
      sulfamethoxazole and diclofenac sodium. Results: Sulfamethoxazole showed two
      types of association constants; high affinity constant 29.0+/-0.20*106 M-1 with
      lower number of binding sites of 0.7+/-1 and low affinity constant 1.13+/
      0.20*106 M-1 with higher number of binding sites of 3.45+/-1 at pH 7.4 and 40 
      degrees C temperature. Diclofenac sodium showed high affinity constant 33.66+/
      0.20*106 M-1 with lower number of binding sites of 1.01+/-1 and low affinity
      constant 1.72+/-0.20*106 M-1 with higher number of binding sites of 6.40+/-1 at
      the same condition. Site specific probe displacement data implied that site-I,
      warfarin sodium site, was the high affinity site, while site-II, diazepam site,
      was the low affinity site for these drugs. During concurrent administration,
      sulfamethoxazole increased the free concentration of diclofenac sodium from
      17.5+/-0.14% to 70.0+/-0.014% in absence and from 22.5+/-0.07% to 83.0+/-0.014%
      in presence of site-I specific probe. Diclofenac sodium also increased the free
      concentration of sulfamethoxazole from 2.8+/-0.07% to 52.0+/-0.14% and from 8.5+/
      0.014% to 64.4+/-0.07% in absence and presence of site-I specific probe
      respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed that the concurrent administration
      of sulfamethoxazole and diclofenac sodium may result drug concentration
      alteration in blood.

PMID- 28101467
TI  - Some Qualitative and Rheological Properties of Virgin Olive Oil- Apple Vinegar
      Salad Dressing Stabilized With Xanthan Gum.
AB  - Purpose: Lipid oxidation and rheological properties are the main qualitative
      parameters determined in food emulsions. Salad dressings are food emulsions
      important in our daily diet, but conventional salad dressings have high amounts
      of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids because of egg yolk in their
      formulations. There are many studies on the modification of salad dressing
      formulations to replace egg yolk and saturated fats. The present study describes
      new formulation of salad dressing with olive oil and apple vinegar to produce a
      functional food product. Methods: This study investigated the qualitative
      properties, oxidative stability, rheological behavior and microstructure of the
      salad dressing without egg yolk. Oil-in-water emulsions were prepared with virgin
      olive oil and apple vinegar stabilized with various percentages of xanthan (T1:
      0.25%, T2: 0.5%. T3: 0.75%). Samples were stored at refrigerator for 90 days and
      experiments were performed at production day and during storage. Results: The
      obtained results showed that peroxide value was increased for all samples during
      storage, but it was at an acceptable level. Fatty acid changes were not
      significant during storage. Droplet size was reduced by increasing xanthan gum.
      T2 had the best rheological properties during storage. Generally, T2 and T3 had
      higher scores and were more acceptable in organoleptic assay. Conclusion:
      Obtained results showed that T2 had suitable qualitative and rheological
      properties and can be a proper egg yolk free salad dressing to introduce to the
      market.

PMID- 28101468
TI  - Agglomeration of Celecoxib by Quasi Emulsion Solvent Diffusion Method: Effect of
      Stabilizer.
AB  - Purpose: The quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion (QESD) has evolved into an
      effective technique to manufacture agglomerates of API crystals. Although, the
      proposed technique showed benefits, such as cost effectiveness, that is
      considerably sensitive to the choice of a stabilizer, which agonizes from a
      absence of systemic understanding in this field. In the present study, the
      combination of different solvents and stabilizers were compared to investigate
      any connections between the solvents and stabilizers. Methods: Agglomerates of
      celecoxib were prepared by QESD method using four different stabilizers (Tween
      80, HPMC, PVP and SLS) and three different solvents (methyl acetate, ethyl
      acetate and isopropyl acetate). The solid state of obtained particles was
      investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform
      infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The agglomerated were also evaluated in term of
      production yield, distribution of particles and dissolution behavior. Results:
      The results showed that the effectiveness of stabilizer in terms of particle size
      and particle size distribution is specific to each solvent candidate. A
      stabilizer with a lower HLB value is preferred which actually increased its
      effectiveness with the solvent candidates with higher lipophilicity. HPMC
      appeared to be the most versatile stabilizer because it showed a better
      stabilizing effect compared to other stabilizers in all solvents used.
      Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the efficiency of stabilizers in forming
      the celecoxib agglomerates by QESD was influenced by the HLB of the stabilizer
      and lipophilicity of the solvents.

PMID- 28101469
TI  - Concurrent Inflammation Augments Antimalarial Drugs-Induced Liver Injury in Rats.
AB  - Purpose: Accumulating evidence suggests that drug exposure during a modest
      inflammation induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) might increase the
      risk of drug-induced liver injury. The current investigation was designed to test
      if antimalarial drugs hepatotoxicity is augmented in LPS-treated animals.
      Methods: Rats were pre-treated with LPS (100 ug/kg, i.p). Afterward, non
      hepatotoxic doses of amodiaquine (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, oral) and chloroquine
      (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, oral) were administered. Results: Interestingly, liver
      injury was evident only in animals treated with both drug and LPS as estimated by
      pathological changes in serum biochemistry (ALT, AST, LDH, and TNF-alpha), and
      liver tissue (severe hepatitis, endotheliitis, and sinusoidal congestion). An
      increase in liver myeloperoxidase enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, and
      protein carbonylation, along with tissue glutathione depletion were also detected
      in LPS and drug co-treated animals. Conclusion: Antimalarial drugs rendered
      hepatotoxic in animals undergoing a modest inflammation. These results indicate a
      synergistic liver injury from co-exposure to antimalarial drugs and inflammation.

PMID- 28101470
TI  - Protective Roles of N-acetyl Cysteine and/or Taurine against Sumatriptan-Induced
      Hepatotoxicity.
AB  - Purpose: Triptans are the drug category mostly prescribed for abortive treatment
      of migraine. Most recent cases of liver toxicity induced by triptans have been
      described, but the mechanisms of liver toxicity of these medications have not
      been clear. Methods: In the present study, we obtained LC50 using dose-response
      curve and investigated cell viability, free radical generation, lipid peroxide
      production, mitochondrial injury, lysosomal membrane damage and the cellular
      glutathione level as toxicity markers as well as the beneficial effects of
      taurine and/or N-acetyl cysteine in the sumatriptan-treated rat parenchymal
      hepatocytes using accelerated method of cytotoxicity mechanism screening.
      Results: It was revealed that liver toxicity induced by sumatriptan in in freshly
      isolated parenchymal hepatocytes is dose-dependent. Sumatriptan caused
      significant free radical generation followed by lipid peroxide formation,
      mitochondrial injury as well as lysosomal damage. Moreover, sumatriptan reduced
      cellular glutathione content. Taurine and N-acetyl cysteine were able to protect
      hepatocytes against sumatriptan-induced harmful effects. Conclusion: It is
      concluded that sumatriptan causes oxidative stress in hepatocytes and the
      decreased hepatocytes glutathione has a key role in the sumatriptan-induced
      harmful effects. Also, N-acetyl cysteine and/or taurine could be used as
      treatments in sumatriptan-induced side effects.

PMID- 28101471
TI  - Association of Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Function in Postmenopausal Women.
AB  - Pupose: Although there are reports of vitamin D (VitD) insufficiency in immune
      mediated hypothyroidism, an association between VitD and thyroid-stimulating
      hormone (TSH) levels has yet to be shown. We aim to examine VitD and TSH levels
      among postmenopausal women, as both conditions are more prevalent in elderly
      women. Methods: The clinic records of postmenopausal women during their routine
      maintenance visits were reviewed. All patients were examined for the symptoms
      related to thyroid function and osteoporosis. Participants were divided into
      three subgroups according to their TSH levels (below <0.5 mIU/L, 0.51-4.0 mIU/L
      and >4.0 mIU/L). Patient characteristics and VitD levels were compared between
      these subgroups. Multivariate linear regression model was constructed using serum
      VitD and serum TSH as the dependent variables to identify factors independently
      associated with these laboratory values. Results: Two-hundred and nighty nine
      postmenopausal women were included. Average age was 62.2+/-7.5 years old. VitD
      was insufficient (10-30 ng/mL) in 12.0% and deficient (<10 ng/mL) in 60.9% of the
      participants. In 11.3%, TSH was low and in 7.6% of women, TSH was high, while the
      remaining 80.1%, had normal TSH levels. Subjects with low TSH had significantly
      higher VitD concentrations (34.2+/-29.1 ng/mL) compared to the other two groups
      (P-value: 0.039). In multivariate regression analysis, TSH was not a contributing
      factor, as age was the only significant predictor of VitD levels. Meanwhile, no
      predictor (including age and VitD) was identified for TSH levels in linear
      regression analysis. Conclusion: Age was the only independent predictor of serum
      VitD in this study population. Though suppressed TSH was associated with higher
      VitD levels, the association was not linear between TSH and VitD in
      postmenopausal women.

PMID- 28101472
TI  - The Effects of Hypoxia on U937 Cell Line in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Co-Culture
      System.
AB  - Purpose: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are the most important members of Bone
      Marrow (BM) milieu. MSCs affect different kinds of cells, particularly malignant
      cells of hematologic malignancies, but the effects of MSCs are unclear exactly.
      Here we analyzed the effects of derived Umbilical Cord Blood-MSCs on
      proliferation, cell death and some surface markers of U937 cell line in a Co
      culture system with MSCs. Methods: Here we designed Co-culture systems as a model
      of BM milieu. We cultured U937 cells on UCB-MSCs and MSCs Conditioned Medium
      (C.M) driven and then treated U937 cells with optimum concentration of chloride
      cobalt (CoCl2) as a hypoxia-mimetic agent. In addition, we applied suitable
      concentrations of H2O2 to induce cell death. Proliferation rate, cell death rate
      and some surface markers of hypoxic U937 cells were analyzed by MTT assay, flow
      cytometry and Real Time-PCR were flown respectively. Results: UCB-MSCs showed
      supportive effects on U937 proliferation rate in normoxia and hypoxia. Lethal
      effect of H2O2 suppressed in the presence of UCB-MSCs in hypoxia and normoxia.
      Among CD11a, CD14, CD49d, CD54 and CD116 markers, CD49d was down regulated in
      presence of UCB-MSCs and CD116 was up regulated in hypoxia. Other markers didn't
      show any significant changes. Conclusion: This work provides evidences that MSCs
      play critical roles in U937 cells biology. These observations shed new light on
      MSCs roles and demonstrated that MSCs should be regarded as an important member
      of BM milieu in several clinical applications such as BM transplantation
      prognosis and treatment of hematologic malignancies.

PMID- 28101473
TI  - Purification and Characterization of Bovine Serum Albumin Using Chromatographic
      Method.
AB  - Purpose: Albumin is an abundant protein of blood and has many biopharmaceutical
      applications. The aim of this study was to purify bovine serum albumin (BSA)
      using produced rabbit anti-BSA antibody. Methods: The polyclonal antibody was
      produced against the BSA in rabbits. Then, the pure BSA was injected to three
      white New Zealand rabbits. ELISA test was done to evaluate antibody production.
      After antibody purification,the purified antibody was attached to CNBr-activated
      sepharose and finally it was used for purification of albumin from bovine serum.
      Western blotting analysis was used for functional assessment of immunoaffinity
      purified BSA. Results: The titer of anti-bovine albumin determined by ELISA was
      obtained 1: 256000. The SDS-PAGE showed up to 98% purity of isolated BSA and
      western blotting confirmed the BSA functionality. Purified bovine serum albumin
      by affinity chromatography showed a single band with molecular weight of 66 KDa.
      Conclusion: Affinity chromatography using produced rabbit anti-BSA antibody would
      be an economical and safe method for purification of BSA.

PMID- 28101474
TI  - The Laboratory Diagnosis of Autoimmune Encephalitis.
AB  - Autoimmune encephalitis is a group of encephalitis syndromes that cause altered
      mentality, memory decline, or seizures in association with the presence of serum
      and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) autoantibodies (auto-Abs). An early diagnosis
      enables early treatments. The detection of auto-Abs is a confirmatory diagnosis.
      Tissue-based assay, cell-based immunoassay, and immunoblotting are used to detect
      various autoantibodies. The CSF test for the presence of antibodies is important
      because it is more sensitive and reflects disease activity in many autoimmune
      encephalitis, although antibody tests can be negative even in the presence of
      autoimmune encephalitis. EEG is often abnormal, but nonspecific. A unilateral or
      bilateral medial temporal T2 high signal is a common finding in MRI.
      Fludeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography is sometimes useful for diagnosis in
      patients with normal MRI.

PMID- 28101475
TI  - Anticonvulsive Effects of Licofelone on Status Epilepticus Induced by Lithium
      pilocarpine in Wistar Rats: a Role for Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological disorder with
      high prevalence and mortality rates, requiring immediate intervention. Licofelone
      is a cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitor, which its
      effectiveness to treat osteoarthritis has been approved. Increasing evidence
      suggests an involvement of COX and LOX enzymes in epileptic disorders. Thus, in
      the present study we investigate possible effects of licofelone on prevention and
      termination of SE. We also evaluated whether the nitrergic system could
      participate in this effect of licofelone. METHODS: We have utilized lithium
      pilocarpine model of SE in adult Wistar rats to assess the potential effect of
      licofelone on seizure susceptibility. Licofelone was administered 1 h before
      pilocarpine. To evaluate probable role of nitric oxide (NO) system, L-arginine
      (60 mg/kg, i.p.), as a NO precursor; L-NAME (15 mg/kg, i.p.), as a non-selective
      nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor; aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.), as an
      inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor and 7-nitroindazole (60 mg/kg, i.p.), as a
      neuronal NOS inhibitor were injected 15 min before licofelone. Also, licofelone
      and diazepam 10 mg/kg were administered 30 minutes after onset of SE. RESULTS:
      Pre-treatment with licofelone at the dosage of 10 mg/kg, significantly prevented
      the onset of SE in all subjects (p < 0.001). L-arginine significantly inverted
      this anticonvulsant effect (p < 0.05). However, L-NAME and aminoguanidine,
      potentiated the anticonvulsant effect of licofelone (p < 0.05, p < 0.01).
      Licofelone could not terminate seizures after onset which was terminated by
      diazepam. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that anticonvulsive effects of
      licofelone on SE could be mediated by iNOS. Also, we suggest that COX/5-LOX
      activation is possibly required in the initial stage of onset but SE recruits
      extra excitatory pathways with prolongation.

PMID- 28101476
TI  - Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy
      Inventory in the Later Life.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The reports indicate on the incidence of seizure disorder
      about 1.5 per cent of the normal elderly population. The Quality of Life in
      Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) has been pervasive simple tool to screen seizure in
      the busy neurophysiological settings and monitoring. It was constructed as self
      administered tool in two formats, 89 and 31-items. To the reliability and
      validity of the QOLIE-31 across older adults in the southwest Iran and discuss
      its role in the detection of health-related quality of elderly patients with
      epilepsy. METHODS: About 73 older adults (mean age = 66.3 +/- 1.71) were sampled
      from the eight hospitals and caring centres. They replied to the QOLIE-31.
      External and criterion validity was calculated by correlation to the SF-36
      questionnaire, to check and validate the epilepsy specific dimensions. The QOLIE
      31 includes seven subscales: overall quality of life, seizure worry, emotional
      well-being, energy/fatigue, cognitive, medication effects, and social function.
      RESULTS: There was significant difference within sample groups regarding main
      variables (p < 0.05). The coefficients of Cronbach's alpha (alpha= 0.76),
      convergent validity (0.81), divergent validity (-0.21), external validity with
      overall score of SF-36 (0.87), and criterion validity (0.78) were estimated,
      which were significant at p < 0.01. The exploratory factor analysis demonstrated
      that the QOLIE-31 is organized into six factors, which clarifies 92 per cent of
      the scale's variance. Second-order confirmatory factor analysis pointed out that
      the factor is well matched up onto a principal factor. Consequently, the 6
      factors model was well appropriate for the data by the fit index techniques for
      adjusting the scale (AGFI = 0.94, GFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.003, IFI = 0.90, NFI =
      0.95, CFI = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The results pointed to the well-adjusted
      reliability and psychometric properties of the QOLIE-31 and its usefulness for
      the relevant studies as well.

PMID- 28101478
TI  - Focal Epileptogenic Lesions in Adult Patients with Epilepsy and Generalized
      Epileptiform Discharges.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are reports of successful resective epilepsy
      surgery for pediatric patients with epilepsy and generalized epileptiform
      discharges when they had focal epileptogenic lesions identified by MRI. However,
      there is limited information regarding adult patients with epilepsy who have both
      generalized epileptiform discharges and focal epileptogenic lesions. METHODS: To
      investigate the incidence and characteristics of adult patients who have both
      generalized epileptiform discharges and potentially epileptogenic lesions, we
      retrospectively analyzed data of clinical features and results of EEG and MRI of
      all patients with adult-onset epilepsy in a tertiary referral hospital. RESULTS:
      While 1315 patients were classified as having partial seizures, 207 patients were
      classified as having generalized seizures. Five of 207 patients (2.4%) with
      generalized seizures had potentially epileptogenic lesions. All the epileptogenic
      lesions were congenital or acquired during early life, such as focal cortical
      dysplasia, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, and cerebromalacic change
      because of perinatal injury. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of epileptogenic lesions
      in adult patients with generalized epileptiform discharges may be an incidental
      finding, but it has been suggested that some adult-onset epilepsy with
      generalized epileptiform discharges may actually have focal onset, which may have
      significant clinical implications for the choice of appropriate treatment.

PMID- 28101477
TI  - Change of Patient Selection Strategy and Improved Surgical Outcome in MRI
      negative Neocortical Epilepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It is crucial to make selection strategy to identify
      surgical candidates among medically refractory MRI-negative neocortical epilepsy
      patients. In our previous study, we suggested two or more concordance between
      noninvasive studies (EEG, ictal scalp EEG, interictal FDG-PET, and SPECT) as a
      new patient selection strategy for MRI-negative neocortical epilepsy surgery. The
      objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of MRI-negative
      neocortical epilepsy patients before and after the implementation of a new
      selection strategy. METHODS: From 1995 to 2011, we included 153 consecutive MRI
      negative neocortical epilepsy patients who received focal resection and had a
      follow-up period of at least 2 years. These patients were divided into two groups
      according to their date of surgery (before and after July 2002). The old group
      consisted of 89 patients and the new one consisted of 53 patients. Clinical
      characteristics, presurgical evaluations, and pathology were reviewed. RESULTS:
      The new patient selection strategy led to a significant increase in the
      concordance between two or more modalities. The improvement in surgical outcome
      after 2002 was significant (seizure-free outcome, 47.2% vs. 75.5%; p = 0.001).
      Concordance between two or more presurgical evaluations and localizing PET were
      related to a seizure-free outcome in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: After
      a change in surgical strategy to select patients with two or more concordance
      between noninvasive studies, the seizure-free outcome improved up to 75.5%. MRI
      negative neocortical epilepsy patients with two or more concordance between
      noninvasive studies seem to be good candidates for epilepsy surgery.

PMID- 28101479
TI  - Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Sleep Disorders in a Population of Patients with
      Epilepsy: a Case-Control Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are several primary causes for excessive daytime
      sleepiness (EDS) and sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy. Up to now,
      studies in the literature report conflicting data in terms of both prevalence and
      aetiology. The aim of our study was therefore to evaluate the prevalence of EDS
      and some sleep disorders in a population of patients with epilepsy treated with
      no more than two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). We also investigated the role of the
      depression of mood as a variable that can negatively affect EDS. METHODS: We
      prospectively and consecutively recruited 99 patients with a diagnosis of
      epilepsy, sleep disorders and EDS, belonging to the Centre for Epilepsy of the
      Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences of the
      University of Palermo. 61.6% of patients recruited were suffering from focal
      epilepsy, and 38.3% from generalized epilepsy. 68.6% were undertaking monotherapy
      and 27.2% were drug resistant. Patients were matched for sex and age (+/- 5
      years) with 96 non epileptic controls recruited from high school students,
      college students, relatives and friends of the medical team that conducted the
      study. EDS was found in 11.1% of patients with epilepsy. Clinical evaluation of
      sleep disorders was performed using validated questionnaires to investigate
      excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), insomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and
      Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS). In a second phase of the study, 43 of
      the investigated patients and 34 controls - after giving their consent -
      underwent a polysomnographic examination by "Compumedics Somte". RESULTS: Our
      study shows a statistically significant difference between cases and controls
      with regard to the prevalence of RLS (p = 0.022) and severity of OSAS with an
      increased risk in moderate-severe forms of epilepsy (odd ratio [OR] 2.5) most
      significantly associated with male gender (p = 0.04) and focal epilepsy (OR 3.8)
      with PSG seizures (0.02). Moreover, a statistically significant difference was
      demonstrated about mood disorders (p = 0.001) among patients with epilepsy and
      non epileptic controls. Sleepiness in patients with epilepsy seems to be
      particularly related to both the depression of mood (p = 0.01) and the presence
      of OSAS (p = 0.03), as well as to a higher mean age (p = 0.006) and a longer
      duration of illness (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that drowsiness
      trouble frequently complained by patients with epilepsy, is particularly related
      not only to the presence of OSAS but also to the depression of mood.

PMID- 28101480
TI  - Spectrum of Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Levetiracetam and Human Leukocyte
      Antigen Typing in North-Indian Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aromatic antiepileptic drugs are frequently implicated
      for cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs); there are case-reports of even
      severe reactions like drug reaction eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
      and Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS)-toxic epidermal necrolysis with Levetiracetam
      (LEV). Certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-alleles have strong association with
      cADRs due to specific drugs - HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-A*31:01 in Carbamazepine (CBZ)
      related SJS in Han-Chinese and European populations, respectively. Here, the
      spectrum of cADRs to LEV was studied, and HLA-typing in patients with cADRs due
      to LEV and some who were LEV-tolerant was performed, in an attempt to find an
      association between HLA and such reactions. METHODS: 589 patients taking LEV were
      screened for skin reactions, and eight patients with LEV-related cADRs and 25 LEV
      tolerant controls were recruited - all 33 of North Indian ethnicity, their HLA-A,
      B, DRB1 genotyping done. Statistical analysis was done to compare carrier-rates
      and allele-frequencies of HLA-alleles between cases and controls (and healthy
      population, where necessary) for alleles occurring more than two times in either
      group. RESULTS: Out of 589 patients on LEV screened, there were 8 cases of cADR:
      5 with maculopapular exanthema (MPE), 2 of SJS, and 1 with DRESS. Although HLA
      A*33:01 was seen to occur more in MPE cases as compared to tolerant controls, the
      difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio [OR] 6.00, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 0.30-116.6; p = 0.31). HLA A*11:01 and 24:02 were found
      to occur more in LEV-tolerant controls than in cases (OR 0.23 [95% CI 0.02-2.36,
      p = 0.33] and 1.00 [95% CI 0.09-11.02, p = 1.00] respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Cutaneous reactions to LEV are very unusual, and their association with HLA in
      North-Indian population was not statistically significant.

PMID- 28101481
TI  - Evaluation of Ictal Consciousness in Temporal and Extra Temporal Epilepsy:
      Observations from a Tertiary Care Hospital in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Differences in consciousness during seizures depend on
      the location of the seizure onset. METHODS: The present study evaluates ictal
      consciousness using the ictal consciousness inventory (ICI) in drug refractory
      mesial temporal (MTLE), neocortical temporal (NTLE) and extra temporal epilepsy
      (ETLE). This was a cross sectional cohort study with 45 patients with mesial
      temporal epilepsy, 47 with extra temporal and 11 patients with neocortical
      temporal epilepsy. The ICI a 20 item questionnaire was used to calculate the
      scores for level (L, question 1-10) and content (C, question 11-20) of
      consciousness. RESULTS: The patients in mesial temporal group had higher ICI-L
      scores, p = 0.0129 as compared to the extra temporal group, but no difference was
      observed in the content of consciousness. The ICI-L and C scores were not
      different in the mesial temporal and the neocortical temporal group (p = 0.53 and
      0.65) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mesial temporal epilepsy had a
      higher level of consciousness than the extra temporal group but there was no
      difference in the content. Also there was no difference in the level and content
      of consciousness between mesial and the neocortical temporal group.

PMID- 28101482
TI  - Cefepime-Induced Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus in a Patient with Normal Renal
      Function.
AB  - Cefepime-induced encephalopathy including nonconvulsive status epilepticus has
      been known to develop in the patients with renal impairment. However, we report a
      74-year-old woman with normal renal function who developed stuporous mental
      status during cefepime administration. Electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed 2 Hz
      rhythmic sharp-and-waves continuously, which suggested nonconvulsive status
      epilepticus (NCSE). After cefepime discontinuation, clinical symptoms recovered
      gradually and EEG findings showed only background slowing without epileptiform
      discharges. Cefepime-induced NCSE could be developed even in the patients with
      normal renal function, when they are elderly. Therefore, clinicians should be
      aware of the possibility of cefepime-induced NCSE when prescribing cefepime even
      to the patients with normal renal function.

PMID- 28101484
TI  - CADASIL Initially Presented with a Seizure.
AB  - Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and
      leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary disease of the cerebral small blood
      vessels characterized by recurrent ischemic strokes, migraine, and progressive
      cognitive impairment. In patients with CADASIL, in whom subcortical white matter
      structures are typically involved, epileptic seizures have been rarely reported
      as an initial clinical symptom. We describe a patient genetically confirmed as
      having CADASIL who initially presented with a seizure.

PMID- 28101483
TI  - Intermittent Theta Slowings in Contralateral Side of Weakness after Sleep
      Deprivation on Spot EEG in Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine.
AB  - Hemiplegic migraine (HM) is an uncommon type of migraine which is classified into
      sporadic and familial subtype. The noticed electroencephalogram (EEG) findings
      during HM attack are diffuse slowing contralateral to the weakened limb, but are
      usually normal in asymptomatic states. A 52-year-old woman who suffered from
      headache accompanying right arm weakness and aphasic symptoms admitted to our
      hospital. She underwent total five times of EEG including 2 times before
      admission. Only the last EEG exam after 24 hours of sleep deprivation (SD) showed
      intermittent slowing and higher amplitude of positive occipital sharp transients
      (POSTs) on the left parieto-occipital area. Here, we report a case with HM who
      revealed abnormal EEG findings after SD, which was not observed in the routine
      EEG study without SD.

PMID- 28101485
TI  - Minimizing the Health Effects of the Nuclear Accident in Fukushima on Thyroids.
AB  - RESULTS OF THE SCREENING OF THYROIDS: Because of the March 2011 nuclear accident
      in Fukushima, Japan, the Fukushima Prefecture initiated a thyroid ultrasound
      examination program. The first cycle of examinations on all children (more than
      300,000) of the Fukushima Prefecture identified 116 patients as having malignant
      or suspected malignant thyroid nodules, and in the second cycle 59 new cases were
      identified. According to the available data, the thyroid cancers found by the
      screening are unlikely to be due to radiation, but the possibility cannot be
      excluded. URGENT MEASURES: The current thyroid ultrasound examination program has
      been detecting thyroid cancers, regardless of the cause, in all children in the
      Fukushima Prefecture. Fukushima Prefecture is already taking measures against
      thyroid cancer, even if an increase occurs in radiation-induced thyroid cancer in
      Fukushima Prefecture. Therefore, the urgent challenge is how to treat children
      with thyroid cancer found by the screening. FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF THE MEASURES: At
      the end of each cycle, the findings must be carefully discussed with experts
      around the world and among stakeholders in Fukushima, and a consensus must be
      reached regarding whether the current program will be continued or needs
      improvement. In addition, the survey should be improved as an epidemiological
      follow-up research program. Before starting this, a consensus must be reached
      with the inhabitants with regard to carrying out epidemiological research for
      several decades. Dialogue absolutely must continue among all stakeholders to
      determine how best to formulate a program to deal with urgent matters and to
      determine the next stage of any epidemiological research.

PMID- 28101486
TI  - Immunohistochemical Expression of Estrogen Receptor-alpha and Progesterone
      Receptor in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) prevalence is nearly 3 times higher in
      females than in males. This gender difference suggests that growth and
      progression of PTC might be influenced by female sex hormones. OBJECTIVES: To
      analyze the expression of both estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha and progesterone
      receptor (PR) by immunohistochemistry in 203 PTC patients. METHODS: ER-alpha and
      PR expression was evaluated in paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples of 45 males
      and 158 females followed up for 7.2 +/- 3.7 years. RESULTS: ER-alpha was
      expressed in 52 (25.6%) patients (41 females and 11 males) and PR in 94 (46.3%)
      patients (75 females and 19 males). ER-alpha and PR were coexpressed in 31
      (15.3%) patients (27 females and 4 males). ER-alpha expression correlated
      significantly with tumor size in the whole sample (ER-alpha positive 22.8 +/-
      11.8 mm vs. ER-alpha negative 15.1 +/- 12.4 mm; p = 0.02) and in the subgroup of
      women (ER-alpha positive 18.8 +/- 12.8 mm vs. ER-alpha negative 14.9 +/- 12.3 mm;
      p = 0.048). In addition, ER-alpha expression significantly correlated with
      remission of the disease. In fact, of the 192 patients followed up, 50/153
      (32.7%) disease-free patients were ER-alpha positive, in contrast to only 3/39
      (7.7%) with evidence of disease persistence/recurrence (chi2 = 8.5, p = 0.0036).
      PR expression was not associated with any of the parameters analyzed.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed recent data indicating that ER-alpha and
      PR expression is a common finding in thyroid tumor tissue. However, in contrast
      to previous reports, we observed an association between ER-alpha expression and a
      more favorable outcome in PTC patients.

PMID- 28101487
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4-Related Thyroid Diseases.
AB  - Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a new disease category involving
      many organ systems, including the endocrine system in general and the thyroid in
      particular. Since an initial association was made between hypothyroidism and
      autoimmune (IgG4-related) pancreatitis, more forms of IgG4-related thyroid
      disease (IgG4-RTD) have been recognized. Four subcategories of IgG4-RTD have so
      far been identified: Riedel thyroiditis (RT), fibrosing variant of Hashimoto
      thyroiditis (FVHT), IgG4-related Hashimoto thyroiditis, and Graves disease with
      elevated IgG4 levels. Although a male predominance is seen for IgG4-RD in
      general, RT and FVHT have a female preponderance. The pathogenesis of IgG4-RD is
      not completely understood; however, genetic factors, antigen-antibody reactions,
      and an allergic phenomenon have been described. Diagnosis of IgG4-RD requires a
      combination of clinical features, serological evidence, and histological
      features. Histology is the mainstay of diagnosis, with IgG4 immunostaining.
      Although serum IgG4 levels are usually elevated in IgG4-RD, raised serum IgG4 is
      neither necessary nor adequate for diagnosis. Imaging supports the diagnosis and
      is a useful tool in disease monitoring. Management of IgG4-RTD is both medical
      and surgical. Steroids are the first-line treatment and may produce a swift
      response. Tamoxifen and rituximab are second-line agents used in steroid
      resistant patients. Surgical debulking is carried out in RT solely as a procedure
      to relieve obstruction. Other endocrine associations described with IgG4-RD are
      hypophysitis and Hashimoto encephalopathy. IgG4-RTD is an uncommon disease
      entity, and prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

PMID- 28101488
TI  - Thyroid Function and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Cross-Sectional
      Results from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil):
      Effect of Adiposity and Insulin Resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with an increased
      cardiovascular risk, but little information is available about its association
      with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). OBJECTIVES: This study aims to
      analyze the association between SCH and hs-CRP using baseline data from the
      Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). METHODS: The study
      has a cross-sectional design. We included subjects with normal thyroid function
      (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH, 0.4-4.0 MUIU/ml and normal free thyroxine,
      fT4, 10.3-24.45 pmol/l) and SCH (TSH >4.0 MUIU/ml and normal fT4) who were
      evaluated for hs-CRP. We excluded individuals on medications that affect thyroid
      function and those who had prevalent cardiovascular disease. Multivariate linear
      regression evaluated hs-CRP and TSH as continuous variables, and logistic
      regression models assessed hs-CRP >=19.05 nmol/l as the dependent variable and
      crescent quintiles of TSH as the independent variables adjusted for demographic
      and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: We included 12,284 subjects with a
      median age of 50 years (interquartile range = 45-57); 6,408 (52.2%) were female,
      11,589 (94.3%) were euthyroid, and 695 (5.7%) had SCH. Bivariate analyses of
      participants stratified into quintiles of TSH revealed differences according to
      hs-CRP but not the Framingham risk score. The fifth quintile of TSH was not
      associated with elevated hs-CRP, odds ratio = 1.11 (95% confidence interval =
      0.98-1.26), p = 0.102, in a fully adjusted logistic model, also consistent with
      the linear model (beta = 0.024, p = 0.145). CONCLUSIONS: TSH is not associated
      with hs-CRP. Obesity and insulin resistance are very important confounders in the
      study of the association between SCH and hs-CRP.

PMID- 28101489
TI  - Correction of Hypothyroidism Leads to Change in Lean Body Mass without Altering
      Insulin Resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism is associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia,
      and abnormal body composition. This study assessed changes in body composition
      and insulin resistance after thyroxine (T4) replacement in overt hypothyroidism.
      METHODS: In this prospective longitudinal study carried out in a tertiary care
      center, adult nondiabetic patients with overt hypothyroidism were rendered
      euthyroid on T4. Anthropometry including skinfold thickness (SFT) at the triceps
      and subscapularis was recorded. Patients underwent testing for fasting plasma
      glucose, creatinine, serum insulin, T4, thyrotropin (TSH) and body composition
      analysis by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) both before and at 2 months
      after restoration to the euthyroid state. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (20
      female and 7 male) aged 35.3 +/- 11.0 years (min-max: 17-59 years) with overt
      hypothyroidism were recruited. Serum T4 at the time of recruitment was 48.9 +/-
      24.6 nmol/l (normal range = 64.4-142 nmol/l). All patients had TSH >=50 uIU/l.
      Following treatment, there was a mean body weight reduction of 1.7 kg (p = 0.01).
      Waist circumference as well as triceps and subscapularis SFT decreased
      significantly (p < 0.001). There was no change in fat mass (FM), percentage of
      fat (%FM) or bone mineral content in any of the specified regions or in the body
      as a whole. In contrast, mean lean body mass (LBM) decreased significantly by 0.8
      kg (p < 0.01) in the trunk and 1.3 kg (p < 0.01) in the whole body. Insulin
      resistance and level of glycemia were not affected by treatment with T4.
      CONCLUSION: LBM decreases significantly without affecting FM after correction of
      hypothyroidism. Insulin resistance was not influenced by T4 treatment.

PMID- 28101490
TI  - Periodic Granulocyte Count Measuring Is Useful for Detecting Asymptomatic
      Agranulocytosis in Antithyroid Drug-Treated Patients with Graves' Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Finding agranulocytosis (AG) at an early stage is important to improve
      outcome, but periodic granulocyte count monitoring is not generally recommended
      for patients with Graves' disease, because AG develops suddenly. METHOD: At the
      Kuma Hospital, Graves' patients under antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment in an
      outpatient clinic have a granulocyte count examination during each visit, and if
      it is <1,000/MUl, a warning is immediately sent to the patient's physician. We
      evaluated the usefulness of this system. RESULTS: We investigated 25 AG and 33
      granulocytopenia (GP) cases over a recent 5-year period, excluding patients who
      developed AG or GP at another hospital and were referred to us for treatment.
      Among the 25 AG patients, 16 patients (64%; 9 asymptomatic and 7 very mild
      symptomatic cases) were discovered by the periodic granulocyte count examination
      at an outpatient clinic. The remaining 9 patients visited the Kuma Hospital or
      other hospitals because of infection symptoms. Most of the AG patients were given
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor injections immediately and were admitted if
      a prompt increase in granulocytes could not be obtained. The final treatments for
      Graves' disease were 131I-radioisotope therapy (19 patients), thyroidectomy (2
      patients), inorganic iodine (1 patient), or another ATD (1 patient). Among the 33
      GP patients, 31 (94%), including 20 asymptomatic cases, were discovered during
      periodic granulocyte count monitoring. Most of them stopped ATD, and other
      treatments for Graves' disease were selected. CONCLUSION: Periodic monitoring of
      granulocyte counts is useful for identifying AG and GP patients with no or
      minimum infection symptoms.

PMID- 28101491
TI  - Can the American Thyroid Association Risk of Recurrence Predict Radioiodine
      Refractory Disease in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the TNM staging system and the
      American Thyroid Association (ATA) recurrence risk classification in predicting
      radioiodine refractory disease (RRD) in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and
      to analyze the correlation of stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and rate of Tg
      elevation with the standardized uptake value on 18F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT
      scan. METHODS: RRD was indicated through the retrospective analysis of
      consecutive 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in DTC with stimulated Tg >10 ng/ml and negative
      131I NaI whole-body scans (WBS). Tg elevation velocity was compared to the
      likelihood of a positive scan. The ATA recurrence risk and TNM staging system
      were compared to see which of them better predicted the subsequent development of
      RRD. RESULTS: Fifty-eight of 636 subjects developed RRD: 52 papillary and 6
      follicular thyroid cancer. The median time between diagnosis and a negative WBS
      was 24 months (range 12-240). RRD developed in 11 low-risk, 32 intermediate-risk
      and 15 high-risk patients. A better response to therapy was seen in the low-risk
      versus the intermediate- and high-risk groups. 18F-FDG PET/CT scans had a
      diagnostic accuracy of 94.8%, sensitivity of 97.7%, specificity of 85.7%,
      positive predictive value of 95.6% and negative predictive value of 92%. There
      was no correlation between the Tg level or rate of rise and a positive scan.
      Overall, PET-CT upstaged 18 (31%) cases, leading to a change in management in 20
      (35%) cases. CONCLUSION: The TNM and ATA staging systems show no significant
      difference in predicting the development of RRD. RRD is less likely in stage I,
      II and low-risk patients. There is no correlation between the level or rate of Tg
      rise and a positive 18F-FDG PET/CT scan.

PMID- 28101493
TI  - An Invitation to Join the Consortium on Thyroid and Pregnancy.

PMID- 28101492
TI  - Trends and Predictors of Chemotherapy Use among Thyroid Cancer Patients in the
      National Cancer Database (2004-2013).
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Beginning in 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
      approved the use of multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) for medullary thyroid cancers
      (MTCs), and in 2013 MKIs were approved for metastatic differentiated thyroid
      cancers (DTCs). However, little is known about the use of chemotherapy in thyroid
      cancer patients. Thus, the goal of our study was to describe patterns of
      chemotherapy use, including MKIs, among DTC and MTC patients in the National
      Cancer Database (NCDB). METHODS: Chemotherapy use, along with other treatment
      types (surgery and radiation), was assessed between 2004 and 2013. The primary
      predictor was the year of diagnosis (2004-2010 and 2011-2013), based on the FDA's
      approval of chemotherapy for MTC (2011). Baseline use of MKIs in DTCs in 2013 was
      also examined. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios
      (OR) and 95% CI of receipt of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Overall, 199,654 patients
      were included in our analytic sample with 194,667 nonmetastatic DTCs, 1,633
      metastatic DTCs, and 3,354 MTCs. Among MTCs, chemotherapy use significantly
      increased from 3.1% in 2004-2010 to 5.0% in 2011-2013 (p = 0.018) in unadjusted
      and adjusted (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.36) analyses. In metastatic DTCs, 4.9%
      of patients received chemotherapy in 2013, which was not significantly higher
      than in previous years (p = 0.755). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, chemotherapy use among
      MTCs increased marginally following the FDA's approval of MKIs in 2011, although
      their use remains very low. MKIs were infrequently used in metastatic DTCs in
      2013. Future studies examining patterns of chemotherapy in thyroid cancer
      patients are warranted.

PMID- 28101494
TI  - Origin of Thyroid C Cells: Clinical Interpretation.

PMID- 28101495
TI  - Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma - Distinction towards Neuroectodermal Tumours: Reply
      to the Letter by Paschou and Vryonidou.

PMID- 28101496
TI  - Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a preliminary retrospective study of
      130 patients with multiple myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a neoplastic proliferation
      of plasma cells primarily in the bone marrow. Bisphosphonates (BP) are used as
      supportive therapy in the management of MM. This study aimed to analyze the
      incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of medication-related necrosis of
      the jaw (MRONJ) in MM patients. METHODS: One hundred thirty MM patients who had
      previous dental evaluations were retrospectively reviewed. Based on several
      findings, we applied the staging and treatment strategies on MRONJ. We analyzed
      gender, age, type of BP, incidence, and local etiological factors and assessed
      the relationship between these factors and the clinical findings at the first
      oral examination. RESULTS: MRONJ was found in nine male patients (6.9%). The mean
      patient age was 62.2 years. The median BP administration time was 19 months.
      Seven patients were treated with a combination of IV zoledronate and pamidronate,
      and two patients received single-agent therapy. The lesions were predominantly
      located in the mandible (n = 8), and the most common predisposing dental factor
      was a history of prior extraction (n = 6). Half of the MRONJ were related to
      diseases found on the initial dental screen. Patients with MRONJ were treated
      with infection control and antibiotic therapy. When comparing between the MRONJ
      stage and each factor (sign, location, etiologic factor, BP type, treatment, and
      outcome), there were no significant differences between stages, except for
      between the stage and sign (with or without purulence). CONCLUSIONS: For
      prevention of MRONJ, we recommend routine dental examinations and treatment prior
      to starting BP therapy.

PMID- 28101497
TI  - The factors that influence postoperative stability of the dental implants in
      posterior edentulous maxilla.
AB  - BACKGROUND: All clinicians are aware of the difficulty of installing a dental
      implant in posterior maxilla because of proximate position of maxillary sinus,
      insufficient bone width, and lower bone density. This study is to examine which
      factors will make the implantation in the posterior maxilla more difficult, and
      which factors will affect the postoperative implant stability in this region.
      METHODS: Five hundred seventy-three fixtures on the maxilla posterior were
      included for this study from all the patients who underwent an installation of
      the dental implant fixture from January 2010 to December 2014 at the Department
      of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Pusan National University Dental Hospital
      (Yangsan, Korea). The postoperative implant stability quotient (ISQ) value,
      fixture diameter and length, presence of either bone graft or sinus lift, and
      graft material were included in the reviewed factors. The width and height of the
      bone bed was assessed via preoperative cone beam CT image analysis. The
      postoperative ISQ value was taken just before loading by using the OsstellTM
      mentor(r) (Integration Diagnostics AB, Gothenburg, Sweden). The t test and ANOVA
      methods were used in the statistical analysis of the data. RESULTS: Mean ISQ of
      all the included data was 79.22. Higher initial bone height, larger fixture
      diameter, and longer fixture length were factors that influence the implant
      stability on the posterior edentulous maxilla. On the other hand, the initial
      bone width, bone graft and sinus elevation procedure, graft material, and
      approach method for sinus elevation showed no significant impact associated with
      the implant stability on the posterior edentulous maxilla. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      recommended to install the fixtures accurately in a larger diameter and longer
      length by performing bone graft and sinus elevation.

PMID- 28101498
TI  - Hepatitis B Stigma and Knowledge among Vietnamese in Ho Chi Minh City and
      Chicago.
AB  - Stigma regarding viral hepatitis and liver disease has psychological and social
      consequences including causing negative self-image, disrupting relationships, and
      providing a barrier to prevention, testing, and treatment. The aim of this study
      was to characterize and compare HBV knowledge and stigma in Vietnamese in Ho Chi
      Minh City and Chicago and to begin to evaluate the cultural context of HBV
      stigma. Methods. A written survey including knowledge questions and a validated
      HBV stigma questionnaire was distributed to Vietnamese in Ho Chi Minh City and
      Chicago. 842 surveys from Ho Chi Minh City and 170 from Chicago were analyzed.
      Results. Vietnamese living in Chicago had better understanding of HBV
      transmission and that HBV can cause chronic infection and liver cancer.
      Vietnamese in Chicago had higher stigma scores on a broad range of items
      including guilt and shame about HBV and were more likely to feel that persons
      with HBV can bring harm to others and should be isolated. Conclusions. Vietnamese
      in Ho Chi Minh City and Chicago have knowledge deficits about HBV, particularly
      regarding modes of transmission. Persons in Ho Chi Minh City expressed lower
      levels of HBV stigma than Vietnamese living in Chicago, likely reflecting
      changing cultural attitudes in Vietnam. Culturally appropriate educational
      initiatives are needed to address the problem of HBV stigma.

PMID- 28101500
TI  - Corrigendum: Spleen-Dependent Immune Protection Elicited by CpG Adjuvanted
      Reticulocyte-Derived Exosomes from Malaria Infection Is Associated with Changes
      in T Cell Subsets' Distribution.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 131 in vol. 4, PMID: 27900319.].

PMID- 28101499
TI  - Plasma Membrane Targeting of Endogenous NKCC2 in COS7 Cells Bypasses Functional
      Golgi Cisternae and Complex N-Glycosylation.
AB  - Na+K+2Cl- co-transporters (NKCCs) effect the electroneutral movement of Na+-K+
      and 2Cl- ions across the plasma membrane of vertebrate cells. There are two known
      NKCC isoforms, NKCC1 (Slc12a2) and NKCC2 (Slc12a1). NKCC1 is a ubiquitously
      expressed transporter involved in cell volume regulation, Cl- homeostasis and
      epithelial salt secretion, whereas NKCC2 is abundantly expressed in kidney
      epithelial cells of the thick ascending loop of Henle, where it plays key roles
      in NaCl reabsorption and electrolyte homeostasis. Although NKCC1 and NKCC2 co
      transport the same ions with identical stoichiometry, NKCC1 actively co
      transports water whereas NKCC2 does not. There is growing evidence showing that
      NKCC2 is expressed outside the kidney, but its function in extra-renal tissues
      remains unknown. The present study shows molecular and functional evidence of
      endogenous NKCC2 expression in COS7 cells, a widely used mammalian cell model.
      Endogenous NKCC2 is primarily found in recycling endosomes, Golgi cisternae,
      Golgi-derived vesicles, and to a lesser extent in the endoplasmic reticulum.
      Unlike NKCC1, NKCC2 is minimally hybrid/complex N-glycosylated under basal
      conditions and yet it is trafficked to the plasma membrane region of hyper
      osmotically challenged cells through mechanisms that require minimal complex N
      glycosylation or functional Golgi cisternae. Control COS7 cells exposed to
      slightly hyperosmotic (~6.7%) solutions for 16 h were not shrunken, suggesting
      that either one or both NKCC1 and NKCC2 may participate in cell volume recovery.
      However, NKCC2 targeted to the plasma membrane region or transient over
      expression of NKCC2 failed to rescue NKCC1 in COS7 cells where NKCC1 had been
      silenced. Further, COS7 cells in which NKCC1, but not NKCC2, was silenced
      exhibited reduced cell size compared to control cells. Altogether, these results
      suggest that NKCC2 does not participate in cell volume recovery and therefore,
      NKCC1 and NKCC2 are functionally different Na+K+2Cl- co-transporters.

PMID- 28101501
TI  - Classical Presentation of Acute Pyelonephritis in a Case of Brucellosis.
AB  - Although Brucella species is known to affect almost all organs in humans, renal
      involvement presenting as acute pyelonephritis remains a rare entity in
      brucellosis. We report the case of a female patient who presented with symptoms
      of fever with chills, right loin pain and dysuria in the emergency room. Blood
      cultures drawn at the time of admission grew Brucella spp., but no organisms were
      isolated from urine culture although urinalysis data was indicative of urinary
      tract infection. Empiric therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam plus gentamicin
      relieved her symptoms. However, the treatment was switched to doxycycline plus
      rifampicin once the blood culture result was obtained.

PMID- 28101502
TI  - Pregnant Woman with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Delivered a Healthy
      Newborn under Eculizumab Treatment.
AB  - Pregnancy-associated thrombotic microangiopathy is a very rare condition;
      however, it significantly increases fetal or maternal morbidity and mortality.
      Pregnancy may trigger atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) or thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura. The risk for pregnancy-associated aHUS is highest
      during the second pregnancy. The outcome is usually poor with 50-60% mortality;
      renal dysfunction and hypertension are the rule in those who survive the acute
      episode. After the development of complement regulation mechanisms and aHUS
      pathogenesis, eculizumab has been widely used as a first-line treatment in aHUS.
      Eculizumab has been produced to minimize immunogenicity and Fc-mediated
      functions, including recruitment of inflammatory cells and complement activation,
      and using eculizumab in first-line treatment improves kidney function. Recent
      studies showed that early diagnosis and rapid use of eculizumab in first-line
      treatment improve outcomes. We demonstrate a case with pregnancy-triggered aHUS
      occurring in the second trimester, who was successfully treated and delivered a
      healthy baby under eculizumab treatment.

PMID- 28101503
TI  - Detection of QTLs for Yield Heterosis in Rice Using a RIL Population and Its
      Testcross Population.
AB  - Analysis of the genetic basis of yield heterosis in rice was conducted by
      quantitative trait locus mapping using a set of 204 recombinant inbred lines
      (RILs), its testcross population, and mid-parent heterosis dataset (HMP). A total
      of 39 QTLs for six yield traits were detected, of which three were detected in
      all the datasets, ten were common to the RIL and testcross populations, six were
      common to the testcross and HMP, and 17, 2, and 1 were detected for RILs,
      testcrosses, and HMP, respectively. When a QTL was detected in both the RIL and
      testcross populations, the difference between TQ and IR24 and that between
      Zh9A/TQ and Zh9A/IR24 were always in the same direction, providing the potential
      to increase the yield of hybrids by increasing the yield of parental lines.
      Genetic action mode of the 39 QTLs was inferred by comparing their performances
      in RILs, testcrosses, and HMP. The genetic modes were additive for 17 QTLs,
      dominance for 12 QTLs, and overdominance for 10 QTLs. These results suggest that
      dominance and overdominance are the most important contributor to yield heterosis
      in rice, in which the accumulative effects of yield components play an important
      role.

PMID- 28101504
TI  - Voltage-Dependent Inactivation of MscS Occurs Independently of the Positively
      Charged Residues in the Transmembrane Domain.
AB  - MscS (mechanosensitive channel of small conductance) is ubiquitously found among
      bacteria and plays a major role in avoiding cell lysis upon rapid osmotic
      downshock. The gating of MscS is modulated by voltage, but little is known about
      how MscS senses membrane potential. Three arginine residues (Arg-46, Arg-54, and
      Arg-74) in the transmembrane (TM) domain are possible to respond to voltage
      judging from the MscS structure. To examine whether these residues are involved
      in the voltage dependence of MscS, we neutralized the charge of each residue by
      substituting with asparagine (R46N, R54N, and R74N). Mechanical threshold for the
      opening of the expressed wild-type MscS and asparagine mutants did not change
      with voltage in the range from -40 to +100 mV. By contrast, inactivation process
      of wild-type MscS was strongly affected by voltage. The wild-type MscS
      inactivated at +60 to +80 mV but not at -60 to +40 mV. The voltage dependence of
      the inactivation rate of all mutants tested, that is, R46N, R54N, R74N, and
      R46N/R74N MscS, was almost indistinguishable from that of the wild-type MscS.
      These findings indicate that the voltage dependence of the inactivation occurs
      independently of the positive charges of R46, R54, and R74.

PMID- 28101505
TI  - Gaps in the Continuum of HIV Care: Long Pretreatment Waiting Time between HIV
      Diagnosis and Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Leads to Poor Treatment Adherence
      and Outcomes.
AB  - Background. Criteria for antiretroviral treatment (ART) were adjusted to enable
      early HIV treatment for people living HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in China in recent years.
      This study aims to determine how pretreatment waiting time after HIV confirmation
      affects subsequent adherence and outcomes over the course of treatment. Methods.
      A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted using treatment data
      from PLHIV in Yuxi, China, between January 2004 and December 2015. Results. Of
      1,663 participants, 348 were delayed testers and mostly initiated treatment
      within 28 days. In comparison, 1,315 were nondelayed testers and the median
      pretreatment waiting time was 599 days, but it significantly declined over the
      study period. Pretreatment CD4 T-cell count drop (every 100 cells/mm3)
      contributed slowly in CD4 recovery after treatment initiation (8% less, P < 0.01)
      and increased the risk of poor treatment adherence by 15% (ARR = 1.15, 1.08
      1.25). Every 100 days of extensive pretreatment waiting time increased rates of
      loss to follow-up by 20% (ARR = 1.20, 1.07-1.29) and mortality rate by 11% (ARR =
      1.11, 1.06-1.21), based on multivariable Cox regression. Conclusion. Long
      pretreatment waiting time in PLHIV can lead to higher risk of poor treatment
      adherence and HIV-related mortality. Current treatment guidelines should be
      updated to provide ART promptly.

PMID- 28101508
TI  - Animal Models of Human Pathology 2016.

PMID- 28101507
TI  - Assessing the Contribution of the Oscillatory Potentials to the Genesis of the
      Photopic ERG with the Discrete Wavelet Transform.
AB  - The electroretinogram (ERG) is composed of slow (i.e., a-, b-waves) and fast
      (i.e., oscillatory potentials: OPs) components. OPs have been shown to be
      preferably affected in some diseases (such as diabetic retinopathy), while the a-
      and b-waves remain relatively intact. The purpose of this study was to determine
      the contribution of OPs to the building of the ERG and to examine whether a
      signal mostly composed of OPs could also exist. DWT analyses were performed on
      photopic ERGs (flash intensities: -2.23 to 2.64 log cd.s.m-2 in 21 steps)
      obtained from normal subjects (n = 40) and patients (n = 21) affected with a
      retinopathy. In controls, the %OP value (i.e., OPs energy/ERG energy) is stimulus
      and amplitude-independent (range: 56.6-61.6%; CV = 6.3%). In contrast, the %OPs
      measured from the ERGs of our patients varied significantly more (range: 35.4%
      89.2%; p < 0.05) depending on the pathology, some presenting with ERGs that are
      almost solely composed of OPs. In conclusion, patients may present with a wide
      range of %OP values. Findings herein also support the hypothesis that, in certain
      conditions, the photopic ERG can be mostly composed of high-frequency components.

PMID- 28101506
TI  - Functional Characterization of the N-Terminal C2 Domain from Arabidopsis thaliana
      Phospholipase Dalpha and Dbeta.
AB  - Most of plant phospholipases D (PLD) exhibit a C2-lipid binding domain of around
      130 amino acid residues at their N-terminal region, involved in their Ca2+
      dependent membrane binding. In this study, we expressed and partially purified
      catalytically active PLDalpha from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPLDalpha) in the yeast
      Pichia pastoris. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the recombinant AtPLDalpha
      was found to be NVEETIGV and thus to lack the first 35 amino acid belonging to
      the C2 domain, as found in other recombinant or plant purified PLDs. To
      investigate the impact of such a cleavage on the functionality of C2 domains, we
      expressed, in E. coli, purified, and refolded the mature-like form of the C2
      domain of the AtPLDalpha along with its equivalent C2 domain of the AtPLDbeta,
      for the sake of comparison. Using Forster Resonance Energy Transfer and dot-blot
      assays, both C2 domains were shown to bind phosphatidylglycerol in a Ca2+
      independent manner while phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine binding were
      found to be enhanced in the presence of Ca2+. Amino acid sequence alignment and
      molecular modeling of both C2 domains with known C2 domain structures revealed
      the presence of a novel Ca2+-binding site within the C2 domain of AtPLDalpha.

PMID- 28101509
TI  - Expression Profile of Long Noncoding RNAs in Human Earlobe Keloids: A Microarray
      Analysis.
AB  - Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in a wide range of
      biological processes and their deregulation results in human disease, including
      keloids. Earlobe keloid is a type of pathological skin scar, and the molecular
      pathogenesis of this disease remains largely unknown. Methods. In this study,
      microarray analysis was used to determine the expression profiles of lncRNAs and
      mRNAs between 3 pairs of earlobe keloid and normal specimens. Gene Ontology (GO)
      categories and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment
      analyses were performed to identify the main functions of the differentially
      expressed genes and earlobe keloid-related pathways. Results. A total of 2068
      lncRNAs and 1511 mRNAs were differentially expressed between earlobe keloid and
      normal tissues. Among them, 1290 lncRNAs and 1092 mRNAs were upregulated, and 778
      lncRNAs and 419 mRNAs were downregulated. Pathway analysis revealed that 24
      pathways were correlated to the upregulated transcripts, while 11 pathways were
      associated with the downregulated transcripts. Conclusion. We characterized the
      expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA in earlobe keloids and suggest that
      lncRNAs may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for the therapy of earlobe keloid.

PMID- 28101511
TI  - Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Minimal Access Spinal Surgery Compared
      in Anterior Thoracic or Thoracolumbar Junctional Spinal Reconstruction: A Case
      Control Study and Review of the Literature.
AB  - There are no published reports that compare the outcomes of video-assisted
      thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and minimal access spinal surgery (MASS) in anterior
      spinal reconstruction. We conducted a retrospective case-control study in a
      single center and systematically reviewed the literature to compare the efficacy
      and safety of VATS and MASS in anterior thoracic (T) and thoracolumbar junctional
      (TLJ) spinal reconstruction. From 1995 to 2012, there were 111 VATS patients and
      76 MASS patients treated at our hospital. VATS patients had significantly (p <
      0.001) longer operating times and significantly (p < 0.022) higher thoracotomy
      conversion rates. We reviewed 6 VATS articles and 10 MASS articles, in which
      there were 625 VATS patients and 399 MASS patients. We recorded clinical
      complications and a thoracotomy conversion rate from our cases and the selected
      articles. The incidence of approach-related complications was significantly (p =
      0.021) higher in VATS patients. The conversion rate was 2% in VATS patients and
      0% in MASS patients (p = 0.001). In conclusion, MASS is associated with reduction
      in operating time, approach-related complications, and the thoracotomy conversion
      rate.

PMID- 28101512
TI  - Analysis of Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK Hinge Mechanism Articulation Components
      in a Rotating Hinge Knee Design: A Comparison of In Vitro and Retrieval Findings.
AB  - Carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) represents a promising
      alternative material for bushings in total knee replacements, after early
      clinical failures of polyethylene in this application. The objective of the
      present study was to evaluate the damage modes and the extent of damage observed
      on CFR-PEEK hinge mechanism articulation components after in vivo service in a
      rotating hinge knee (RHK) system and to compare the results with corresponding
      components subjected to in vitro wear tests. Key question was if there were any
      similarities or differences between in vivo and in vitro damage characteristics.
      Twelve retrieved RHK systems after an average of 34.9 months in vivo underwent
      wear damage analysis with focus on the four integrated CFR-PEEK components and
      distinction between different damage modes and classification with a scoring
      system. The analysis included visual examination, scanning electron microscopy,
      and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as surface roughness and
      profile measurements. The main wear damage modes were comparable between
      retrieved and in vitro specimens (n = 3), whereby the size of affected area on
      the retrieved components showed a higher variation. Overall, the retrieved
      specimens seemed to be slightly heavier damaged which was probably attributable
      to the more complex loading and kinematic conditions in vivo.

PMID- 28101510
TI  - Roles of pRB in the Regulation of Nucleosome and Chromatin Structures.
AB  - Retinoblastoma protein (pRB) interacts with E2F and other protein factors to play
      a pivotal role in regulating the expression of target genes that induce cell
      cycle arrest, apoptosis, and differentiation. pRB controls the local promoter
      activity and has the ability to change the structure of nucleosomes and/or
      chromosomes via histone modification, epigenetic changes, chromatin remodeling,
      and chromosome organization. Functional inactivation of pRB perturbs these
      cellular events and causes dysregulated cell growth and chromosome instability,
      which are hallmarks of cancer cells. The role of pRB in regulation of
      nucleosome/chromatin structures has been shown to link to tumor suppression. This
      review focuses on the ability of pRB to control nucleosome/chromatin structures
      via physical interactions with histone modifiers and chromatin factors and
      describes cancer therapies based on targeting these protein factors.

PMID- 28101513
TI  - Comparison of Sexual Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior between Female Chinese
      College Students from Urban Areas and Rural Areas: A Hidden Challenge for
      HIV/AIDS Control in China.
AB  - Currently, research in sexual behavior and awareness in female Chinese college
      students (FCCSs) is limited, particularly regarding the difference and the
      influencing factors between students from rural areas and urban areas. To fill
      the gap in available data, a cross-sectional study using anonymous questionnaires
      was conducted among 3193 female students from six universities located in
      Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, China, from February to June, 2013. Of the 2669
      respondents, 20.6% and 20.9% of the students from urban and rural areas,
      respectively, reported being sexually experienced. The proportion of students who
      received safe-sex education prior to entering university from rural areas (22.4%,
      134/598) was lower (P < 0.0001) than the proportion from urban areas (41.8%,
      865/2071). Sexual behavior has become increasingly common among FCCSs, including
      high-risk sexual behavior such as unprotected commercial sex. However, knowledge
      concerning human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome
      (AIDS) transmission and the risks is insufficient, particularly for those from
      rural areas, which is a challenge for HIV/AIDS control in China. The Chinese
      government should establish more specific HIV/AIDS prevention policies for
      Chinese young women, strengthen sex education, and continue to perform relevant
      research.

PMID- 28101514
TI  - [18F]FDG Uptake in the Aortic Wall Smooth Muscle of Atherosclerotic Plaques in
      the Simian Atherosclerosis Model.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is a self-sustaining inflammatory fibroproliferative disease that
      progresses in discrete stages and involves a number of cell types and effector
      molecules. Recently, [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose- ([18F]FDG-) positron emission
      tomography (PET) has been suggested as a tool to evaluate atherosclerotic plaques
      by detecting accumulated macrophages associated with inflammation progress.
      However, at the cellular level, it remains unknown whether only macrophages
      exhibit high uptake of [18F]FDG. To identify the cellular origin of [18F]FDG
      uptake in atherosclerotic plaques, we developed a simian atherosclerosis model
      and performed PET and ex vivo macro- and micro-autoradiography (ARG). Increased
      [18F]FDG uptake in the aortic wall was observed in high-cholesterol diet-treated
      monkeys and WHHL rabbits. Macro-ARG of [18F]FDG in aortic sections showed that
      [18F]FDG was accumulated in the media and intima in the simian model as similar
      to that in WHHL rabbits. Combined analysis of micro-ARG with immunohistochemistry
      in the simian atherosclerosis model revealed that most cellular [18F]FDG uptake
      observed in the media was derived not only from the infiltrated macrophages in
      atherosclerotic plaques but also from the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the
      aortic wall in atherosclerotic lesions.

PMID- 28101518
TI  - Is It Time to Include CT "Reverse Halo Sign" and qPCR Targeting Mucorales in
      Serum to EORTC-MSG Criteria for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Mucormycosis in
      Leukemia Patients?
AB  - In 23 leukemia patients with proven (n = 17) or possible (n = 6) pulmonary
      mucormycosis (PM), the presence of reversed halo sign on computed tomography was
      strongly associated with the positivity of quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      assays targeting Mucorales in the serum, confirming the value of these two tools
      for the diagnosis of PM in this setting.

PMID- 28101519
TI  - Delayed tacrolimus leukoencephalopathy, a rare and reversible cause of dementia.

PMID- 28101516
TI  - Postocclusive Hyperemia Measured with Laser Doppler Flowmetry and Transcutaneous
      Oxygen Tension in the Diagnosis of Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Prospective,
      Controlled Study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to measure the sensitivity and specificity of
      transcutaneous oxygen tension and postocclusive hyperemia testing using laser
      Doppler flowmetry in patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon. One hundred
      patients and one hundred controls were included in the study. Baseline
      microvascular blood flow and then time to peak flow following occlusion were
      measured using laser Doppler flowmetry. Afterwards, the transcutaneous oxygen
      tension was recorded. The sensitivities of baseline microvascular blood flow,
      postocclusive time to peak flow, and transcutaneous oxygen tension were 79%, 79%,
      and 77%, respectively. The postocclusive time peak flow had a superior
      specificity of 90% and area under the curve of 0.92 as compared to 66% and 0.80
      for baseline microvascular flow and 64% and 0.76 for transcutaneous oxygen
      tension. Time to postocclusive peak blood flow measured by laser Doppler
      flowmetry is a highly accurate test for differentiating patients with primary
      Raynaud's phenomenon from healthy controls.

PMID- 28101520
TI  - An observational study of alemtuzumab following fingolimod for multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a series of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis
      (MS) who experienced significant and unexpected disease activity within the first
      12 months after switching from fingolimod to alemtuzumab. METHODS: Patients with
      relapsing MS treated sequentially with fingolimod then alemtuzumab who
      experienced significant subsequent disease activity were identified by personal
      communication with 6 different European neuroscience centers. RESULTS: Nine
      patients were identified. Median disease duration to alemtuzumab treatment was 94
      (39-215) months and follow-up from time of first alemtuzumab cycle 20 (14-21)
      months. Following first alemtuzumab infusion cycle, 8 patients were identified by
      at least 1 clinical relapse and radiologic disease activity and 1 by significant
      radiologic disease activity alone. CONCLUSIONS: We acknowledge the potential for
      ascertainment bias; however, these cases may illustrate an important cause of
      reduced efficacy of alemtuzumab in a vulnerable group of patients with MS most in
      need of disease control. We suggest that significant and unexpected subsequent
      disease activity after alemtuzumab induction results from prolonged sequestration
      of autoreactive lymphocytes following fingolimod withdrawal, allowing these cells
      to be concealed from the usual biological effect of alemtuzumab. Subsequent
      lymphocyte egress then provokes disease reactivation. Further animal studies and
      clinical trials are required to confirm these phenomena and in the meantime
      careful consideration should be given to mode of action of individual therapies
      and sequential treatment effects in MS when designing personalized treatment
      regimens.

PMID- 28101521
TI  - Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Protein Kinase Inhibitor Pyrrol Derivate.
AB  - In our previous studies we showed antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities of
      protein kinases inhibitor pyrrol derivate 1-(4-Cl-benzyl)-3-Cl-4-(CF3-fenylamino)
      1H-pyrrol-2,5-dione (MI-1) on rat colon cancer model. Therefore anti-inflammatory
      effect of MI-1 on rat acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis (UC) model was aimed
      to be discovered. The anti-inflammatory effects of MI-1 (2.7 mg/kg daily)
      compared to reference drug Prednisolone (0.7 mg/kg daily) after 14-day usage were
      evaluated on macro- and light microscopy levels and expressed in 21-grade scale.
      Redox status of bowel mucosa was also estimated. It was shown that in UC group
      the grade of total injury (GTI) was equal to 9.6 (GTIcontrol = 0). Increase of
      malonic dialdehyde (MDA) by 89% and protein carbonyl groups (PCG) by 60% and
      decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 40% were also observed. Prednisolone
      decreased GTI to 3 and leveled SOD activity, but MDA and PCG remained higher than
      control ones by 52% and 42%, respectively. MI-1 restored colon mucosa integrity
      and decreased mucosa inflammation down to GTI = 0.5 and leveled PCG and SOD.
      Thus, MI-1 possessed anti-inflammatory properties, which were more expressed that
      Prednisolone ones, as well as normalized mucosa redox balance, and so has a
      prospect for correction of inflammatory processes.

PMID- 28101517
TI  - The Role of HMGB1 in the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Significance. With an alarming increase in recent years, diabetes mellitus has
      become a global challenge. Despite advances in treatment of diabetes mellitus,
      currently, medications available are unable to control the progression of
      diabetes and its complications. Growing evidence suggests that inflammation is an
      important pathogenic mediator in the development of diabetes mellitus. The
      perspectives including suggestions for new therapies involving the shift from
      metabolic stress to inflammation should be taken into account. Critical Issues.
      High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a nonhistone nuclear protein regulating gene
      expression, was rediscovered as an endogenous danger signal molecule to trigger
      inflammatory responses when released into extracellular milieu in the late 1990s.
      Given the similarities of inflammatory response in the development of T2D, we
      will discuss the potential implication of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of T2D.
      Importantly, we will summarize and renovate the role of HMGB1 and HMGB1-mediated
      inflammatory pathways in adipose tissue inflammation, insulin resistance, and
      islet dysfunction. Future Directions. HMGB1 and its downstream receptors RAGE and
      TLRs may serve as potential antidiabetic targets. Current and forthcoming
      projects in this territory will pave the way for prospective approaches targeting
      the center of HMGB1-mediated inflammation to improve T2D and its complications.

PMID- 28101522
TI  - What Influences Where They Give Birth? Determinants of Place of Delivery among
      Women in Rural Ghana.
AB  - Background. There is a paucity of empirical literature in Ghana on rural areas
      and their utilisation of health facilities. The study examined the effects of the
      sociodemographics of rural women on place of delivery in the country. Methods.
      The paper made use of data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey.
      Women from rural areas who had given birth within five years prior to the survey
      were included in the analysis. Descriptive analyses and binary logistic
      regression were used to analyse the data. Results. Wealth, maternal education,
      ecological zone, getting money for treatment, ethnicity, partner's education,
      parity, and distance to a health facility were found as the determinants of place
      of delivery among women in rural Ghana. Women in the richest wealth quintile were
      three times (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 0.35-26.4) more likely to deliver at a health
      facility than the poorest women. Conclusions. It behoves the relevant
      stakeholders including the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health to pay
      attention to the wealth status, maternal education, ecological zone, ethnicity,
      partner's education, parity, and distance in their planning regarding delivery
      care in rural Ghana.

PMID- 28101515
TI  - Signaling Pathways in Cardiac Myocyte Apoptosis.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases, the number 1 cause of death worldwide, are frequently
      associated with apoptotic death of cardiac myocytes. Since cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis is a highly regulated process, pharmacological intervention of
      apoptosis pathways may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for a number of
      cardiovascular diseases and disorders including myocardial infarction,
      ischemia/reperfusion injury, chemotherapy cardiotoxicity, and end-stage heart
      failure. Despite rapid growth of our knowledge in apoptosis signaling pathways, a
      clinically applicable treatment targeting this cellular process is currently
      unavailable. To help identify potential innovative directions for future
      research, it is necessary to have a full understanding of the apoptotic pathways
      currently known to be functional in cardiac myocytes. Here, we summarize recent
      progress in the regulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis by multiple signaling
      molecules and pathways, with a focus on the involvement of these pathways in the
      pathogenesis of heart disease. In addition, we provide an update regarding bench
      to bedside translation of this knowledge and discuss unanswered questions that
      need further investigation.

PMID- 28101523
TI  - Spatial Mnemonic Encoding: Theta Power Decreases and Medial Temporal Lobe BOLD
      Increases Co-Occur during the Usage of the Method of Loci.
AB  - The method of loci is one, if not the most, efficient mnemonic encoding strategy.
      This spatial mnemonic combines the core cognitive processes commonly linked to
      medial temporal lobe (MTL) activity: spatial and associative memory processes.
      During such processes, fMRI studies consistently demonstrate MTL activity, while
      electrophysiological studies have emphasized the important role of theta
      oscillations (3-8 Hz) in the MTL. However, it is still unknown whether increases
      or decreases in theta power co-occur with increased BOLD signal in the MTL during
      memory encoding. To investigate this question, we recorded EEG and fMRI
      separately, while human participants used the spatial method of loci or the
      pegword method, a similarly associative but nonspatial mnemonic. The more
      effective spatial mnemonic induced a pronounced theta power decrease source
      localized to the left MTL compared with the nonspatial associative mnemonic
      strategy. This effect was mirrored by BOLD signal increases in the MTL.
      Successful encoding, irrespective of the strategy used, elicited decreases in
      left temporal theta power and increases in MTL BOLD activity. This pattern of
      results suggests a negative relationship between theta power and BOLD signal
      changes in the MTL during memory encoding and spatial processing. The findings
      extend the well known negative relation of alpha/beta oscillations and BOLD
      signals in the cortex to theta oscillations in the MTL.

PMID- 28101524
TI  - The Role of Dopamine in Anticipatory Pursuit Eye Movements: Insights from Genetic
      Polymorphisms in Healthy Adults.
AB  - There is a long history of eye movement research in patients with psychiatric
      diseases for which dysfunctions of neurotransmission are considered to be the
      major pathologic mechanism. However, neuromodulation of oculomotor control is
      still hardly understood. We aimed to investigate in particular the impact of
      dopamine on smooth pursuit eye movements. Systematic variability in dopaminergic
      transmission due to genetic polymorphisms in healthy subjects offers a
      noninvasive opportunity to determine functional associations. We measured smooth
      pursuit in 110 healthy subjects genotyped for two well-documented polymorphisms,
      the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and the SLC6A3 3'-UTR-VNTR polymorphism. Pursuit
      paradigms were chosen to particularly assess the ability of the pursuit system to
      initiate tracking when target motion onset is blanked, reflecting the impact of
      extraretinal signals. In contrast, when following a fully visible target sensory,
      retinal signals are available. Our results highlight the crucial functional role
      of dopamine for anticipatory, but not for sensory-driven, pursuit processes. We
      found the COMT Val158Met polymorphism specifically associated with anticipatory
      pursuit parameters, emphasizing the dominant impact of prefrontal dopamine
      activity on complex oculomotor control. In contrast, modulation of striatal
      dopamine activity by the SLC6A3 3'-UTR-VNTR polymorphism had no significant
      functional effect. Though often neglected so far, individual differences in
      healthy subjects provide a promising approach to uncovering functional mechanisms
      and can be used as a bridge to understanding deficits in patients.

PMID- 28101526
TI  - Rapamycin-Resistant mTOR Activity Is Required for Sensory Axon Regeneration
      Induced by a Conditioning Lesion.
AB  - Neuronal mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity is a critical determinant
      of the intrinsic regenerative ability of mature neurons in the adult central
      nervous system (CNS). However, whether its action also applies to peripheral
      nervous system (PNS) neurons after injury remains elusive. To address this issue
      unambiguously, we used genetic approaches to determine the role of mTOR signaling
      in sensory axon regeneration in mice. We showed that deleting mTOR in dorsal root
      ganglion (DRG) neurons suppressed the axon regeneration induced by conditioning
      lesions. To establish whether the impact of mTOR on axon regeneration results
      from functions of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) or 2 (mTORC2), two distinct kinase
      complexes, we ablated either Raptor or Rictor in DRG neurons. We found that
      suppressing mTORC1 signaling dramatically decreased the conditioning lesion
      effect. In addition, an injury to the peripheral branch boosts mTOR activity in
      DRG neurons that cannot be completely inhibited by rapamycin, a widely used mTOR
      specific inhibitor. Unexpectedly, examining several conditioning lesion-induced
      pro-regenerative pathways revealed that Raptor deletion but not rapamycin
      suppressed Stat3 activity in neurons. Therefore, our results demonstrate that
      crosstalk between mTOR and Stat3 signaling mediates the conditioning lesion
      effect and provide genetic evidence that rapamycin-resistant mTOR activity
      contributes to the intrinsic axon growth capacity in adult sensory neurons after
      injury.

PMID- 28101528
TI  - Discriminating Valid from Spurious Indices of Phase-Amplitude Coupling.
AB  - Recently there has been a strong interest in cross-frequency coupling, the
      interaction between neuronal oscillations in different frequency bands. In
      particular, measures quantifying the coupling between the phase of slow
      oscillations and the amplitude of fast oscillations have been applied to a wide
      range of data recorded from animals and humans. Some of the measures applied to
      detect phase-amplitude coupling have been criticized for being sensitive to
      nonsinusoidal properties of the oscillations and thus spuriously indicate the
      presence of coupling. While such instances of spurious identification of coupling
      have been observed, in this commentary we give concrete examples illustrating
      cases when the identification of cross-frequency coupling can be trusted. These
      examples are based on control analyses and empirical observations rather than
      signal-processing tools. Finally, we provide concrete advice on how to determine
      when measures of phase-amplitude coupling can be considered trustworthy.

PMID- 28101525
TI  - Untangling Basal Ganglia Network Dynamics and Function: Role of Dopamine
      Depletion and Inhibition Investigated in a Spiking Network Model.
AB  - The basal ganglia are a crucial brain system for behavioral selection, and their
      function is disturbed in Parkinson's disease (PD), where neurons exhibit
      inappropriate synchronization and oscillations. We present a spiking neural model
      of basal ganglia including plausible details on synaptic dynamics, connectivity
      patterns, neuron behavior, and dopamine effects. Recordings of neuronal activity
      in the subthalamic nucleus and Type A (TA; arkypallidal) and Type I (TI;
      prototypical) neurons in globus pallidus externa were used to validate the model.
      Simulation experiments predict that both local inhibition in striatum and the
      existence of an indirect pathway are important for basal ganglia to function
      properly over a large range of cortical drives. The dopamine depletion-induced
      increase of AMPA efficacy in corticostriatal synapses to medium spiny neurons
      (MSNs) with dopamine receptor D2 synapses (CTX-MSN D2) and the reduction of MSN
      lateral connectivity (MSN-MSN) were found to contribute significantly to the
      enhanced synchrony and oscillations seen in PD. Additionally, reversing the
      dopamine depletion-induced changes to CTX-MSN D1, CTX-MSN D2, TA-MSN, and MSN-MSN
      couplings could improve or restore basal ganglia action selection ability. In
      summary, we found multiple changes of parameters for synaptic efficacy and neural
      excitability that could improve action selection ability and at the same time
      reduce oscillations. Identification of such targets could potentially generate
      ideas for treatments of PD and increase our understanding of the relation between
      network dynamics and network function.

PMID- 28101527
TI  - Regulation of Physical Microglia-Neuron Interactions by Fractalkine Signaling
      after Status Epilepticus.
AB  - Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, perform elaborate surveillance
      in which they physically interact with neuronal elements. A novel form of
      microglia-neuron interaction named microglial process convergence (MPC) toward
      neuronal axons and dendrites has recently been described. However, the molecular
      regulators and pathological relevance of MPC have not been explored. Here, using
      high-resolution two-photon imaging in vivo and ex vivo, we observed a dramatic
      increase in MPCs after kainic acid- or pilocarpine-induced experimental seizures
      that was reconstituted after glutamate treatment in slices from mice.
      Interestingly, a deficiency of the fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) decreased MPCs,
      whereas fractalkine (CX3CL1) treatment increased MPCs, suggesting that
      fractalkine signaling is a critical regulator of these microglia-neuron
      interactions. Furthermore, we found that interleukin-1beta was necessary and
      sufficient to trigger CX3CR1-dependent MPCs. Finally, we show that a deficiency
      in fractalkine signaling corresponds with increased seizure phenotypes. Together,
      our results identify the neuroglial CX3CL1-CX3CR1 communication axis as a
      modulator of potentially neuroprotective microglia-neuron physical interactions
      during conditions of neuronal hyperactivity.

PMID- 28101531
TI  - Osteopontin Is a Blood Biomarker for Microglial Activation and Brain Injury in
      Experimental Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.
AB  - Clinical management of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) suffers
      from the lack of reliable surrogate marker tests. Proteomic analysis may identify
      such biomarkers in blood, but there has been no proof-of-principle evidence to
      support this approach. Here we performed in-gel trypsin digestion of plasma
      proteins from four groups of 10-d-old mice [untouched and 24 h after low-dose
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure, hypoxia-ischemia (HI), or LPS/HI injury; n = 3
      in each group) followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and
      bioinformatics analysis to search for HI- and LPS/HI-associated brain injury
      biomarkers. This analysis suggested the induction of plasma osteopontin (OPN) by
      HI and LPS/HI, but not by sham and injury-free LPS exposure. Immunoblot confirmed
      post-HI induction of OPN protein in brain and blood, whereas Opn mRNA was induced
      in brain but not in blood. This disparity suggests brain-derived plasma OPN after
      HI injury. Similarly, immunostaining showed the expression of OPN by Iba1+
      microglia/macrophages in HI-injured brains. Further, intracerebroventricular
      injection of LPS activated microglia and up-regulated plasma OPN protein.
      Importantly, the induction of plasma OPN after HI was greater than that of matrix
      metalloproteinase 9 or glial fibrillary acid protein. Plasma OPN levels at 48 h
      post-HI also parallel the severity of brain damage at 7-d recovery. Together,
      these results suggest that OPN may be a prognostic blood biomarker in HIE through
      monitoring brain microglial activation.

PMID- 28101530
TI  - Integrative Analysis of Disease Signatures Shows Inflammation Disrupts Juvenile
      Experience-Dependent Cortical Plasticity.
AB  - Throughout childhood and adolescence, periods of heightened neuroplasticity are
      critical for the development of healthy brain function and behavior. Given the
      high prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, identifying
      disruptors of developmental plasticity represents an essential step for
      developing strategies for prevention and intervention. Applying a novel
      computational approach that systematically assessed connections between 436
      transcriptional signatures of disease and multiple signatures of neuroplasticity,
      we identified inflammation as a common pathological process central to a diverse
      set of diseases predicted to dysregulate plasticity signatures. We tested the
      hypothesis that inflammation disrupts developmental cortical plasticity in vivo
      using the mouse ocular dominance model of experience-dependent plasticity in
      primary visual cortex. We found that the administration of systemic
      lipopolysaccharide suppressed plasticity during juvenile critical period with
      accompanying transcriptional changes in a particular set of molecular regulators
      within primary visual cortex. These findings suggest that inflammation may have
      unrecognized adverse consequences on the postnatal developmental trajectory and
      indicate that treating inflammation may reduce the burden of neurodevelopmental
      disorders.

PMID- 28101529
TI  - Cortico-Cortical Connections of Primary Sensory Areas and Associated Symptoms in
      Migraine.
AB  - Migraine is a recurring, episodic neurological disorder characterized by
      headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensory disturbances. These events are thought to
      arise from the activation and sensitization of neurons along the trigemino
      vascular pathway. From animal studies, it is known that thalamocortical
      projections play an important role in the transmission of nociceptive signals
      from the meninges to the cortex. However, little is currently known about the
      potential involvement of cortico-cortical feedback projections from higher-order
      multisensory areas and/or feedforward projections from principle primary sensory
      areas or subcortical structures. In a large cohort of human migraine patients (N
      = 40) and matched healthy control subjects (N = 40), we used resting-state
      intrinsic functional connectivity to examine the cortical networks associated
      with the three main sensory perceptual modalities of vision, audition, and
      somatosensation. Specifically, we sought to explore the complexity of the sensory
      networks as they converge and become functionally coupled in multimodal systems.
      We also compared self-reported retrospective migraine symptoms in the same
      patients, examining the prevalence of sensory symptoms across the different
      phases of the migraine cycle. Our results show widespread and persistent
      disturbances in the perceptions of multiple sensory modalities. Consistent with
      this observation, we discovered that primary sensory areas maintain local
      functional connectivity but express impaired long-range connections to higher
      order association areas (including regions of the default mode and salience
      network). We speculate that cortico-cortical interactions are necessary for the
      integration of information within and across the sensory modalities and, thus,
      could play an important role in the initiation of migraine and/or the development
      of its associated symptoms.

PMID- 28101532
TI  - Overexpression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Protects Large Retinal
      Ganglion Cells After Optic Nerve Crush in Mice.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin essential for neuron
      survival and function, plays an important role in neuroprotection during
      neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we examined whether a modest increase
      of retinal BDNF promotes retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival after acute injury
      of the optic nerve in mice. We adopted an inducible Cre-recombinase transgenic
      system to up-regulate BDNF in the mouse retina and then examined RGC survival
      after optic nerve crush by in vivo imaging. We focused on one subtype of RGC with
      large soma expressing yellow fluorescent protein transgene that accounts for ~11%
      of the total SMI-32-positive RGCs. The median survival time of this subgroup of
      SMI-32 cells was 1 week after nerve injury in control mice but 2 weeks when BDNF
      was up-regulated. Interestingly, we found that the survival time for RGCs taken
      as a whole was 2 weeks, suggesting that these large-soma RGCs are especially
      vulnerable to optic nerve crush injury. We also studied changes in axon number
      using confocal imaging, confirming first the progressive loss reported previously
      for wild-type mice and demonstrating that BDNF up-regulation extended axon
      survival. Together, our results demonstrate that the time course of RGC loss
      induced by optic nerve injury is type specific and that overexpression of BDNF
      prolongs the survival of one subgroup of SMI-32-positive RGCs.

PMID- 28101533
TI  - Experimental Design and Data Analysis Issues Contribute to Inconsistent Results
      of C-Bouton Changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
AB  - The possible presence of pathological changes in cholinergic synaptic inputs
      [cholinergic boutons (C-boutons)] is a contentious topic within the ALS field.
      Conflicting data reported on this issue makes it difficult to assess the roles of
      these synaptic inputs in ALS. Our objective was to determine whether the reported
      changes are truly statistically and biologically significant and why replication
      is problematic. This is an urgent question, as C-boutons are an important
      regulator of spinal motoneuron excitability, and pathological changes in
      motoneuron excitability are present throughout disease progression. Using male
      mice of the SOD1-G93A high-expresser transgenic (G93A) mouse model of ALS, we
      examined C-boutons on spinal motoneurons. We performed histological analysis at
      high statistical power, which showed no difference in C-bouton size in G93A
      versus wild-type motoneurons throughout disease progression. In an attempt to
      examine the underlying reasons for our failure to replicate reported changes, we
      performed further histological analyses using several variations on experimental
      design and data analysis that were reported in the ALS literature. This analysis
      showed that factors related to experimental design, such as grouping unit,
      sampling strategy, and blinding status, potentially contribute to the discrepancy
      in published data on C-bouton size changes. Next, we systematically analyzed the
      impact of study design variability and potential bias on reported results from
      experimental and preclinical studies of ALS. Strikingly, we found that practices
      such as blinding and power analysis are not systematically reported in the ALS
      field. Protocols to standardize experimental design and minimize bias are thus
      critical to advancing the ALS field.

PMID- 28101534
TI  - Pathogenicity Determinants of the Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum
      Have Ancient Origins.
AB  - Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly of the human malaria parasites, is a
      member of the Laverania subgenus that also infects African Great Apes. The
      virulence of P. falciparum is related to cytoadhesion of infected erythrocytes in
      microvasculature, but the origin of dangerous parasite adhesion traits is poorly
      understood. To investigate the evolutionary history of the P. falciparum
      cytoadhesion pathogenicity determinant, we studied adhesion domains from the
      chimpanzee malaria parasite P. reichenowi. We demonstrate that the P. reichenowi
      var gene repertoire encodes cysteine-rich interdomain region (CIDR) domains which
      bind human CD36 and endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) with the same levels of
      affinity and at binding sites similar to those bound by P. falciparum. Moreover,
      P. reichenowi domains interfere with the protective function of the activated
      protein C-EPCR pathway on endothelial cells, a presumptive virulence trait in
      humans. These findings provide evidence for ancient evolutionary origins of two
      key cytoadhesion properties of P. falciparum that contribute to human infection
      and pathogenicity. IMPORTANCE Cytoadhesion of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes
      in the microcirculation is a major virulence determinant. P. falciparum is
      descended from a subgenus of parasites that also infect chimpanzees and gorillas
      and exhibits strict host species specificity. Despite their high genetic
      similarity to P. falciparum, it is unknown whether ape parasites encode adhesion
      properties similar to those of P. falciparum or are as virulent in their natural
      hosts. Consequently, it has been unclear when virulent adhesion traits arose in
      P. falciparum and how long they have been present in the parasite population. It
      is also unknown whether cytoadhesive interactions pose a barrier to cross-species
      transmission. We show that parasite domains from the chimpanzee malaria parasite
      P. reichenowi bind human receptors with specificity similar to that of P.
      falciparum. Our findings suggest that parasite adhesion traits associated with
      both mild and severe malaria have much earlier origins than previously
      appreciated and have important implications for virulence evolution in a major
      human pathogen.

PMID- 28101536
TI  - Host Range Restriction of Insect-Specific Flaviviruses Occurs at Several Levels
      of the Viral Life Cycle.
AB  - The genus Flavivirus contains emerging arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses)
      infecting vertebrates, as well as insect-specific viruses (ISVs) (i.e., viruses
      whose host range is restricted to insects). ISVs are evolutionary precursors to
      arboviruses. Knowledge of the nature of the ISV infection block in vertebrates
      could identify functions necessary for the expansion of the host range toward
      vertebrates. Mapping of host restrictions by complementation of ISV and arbovirus
      genome functions could generate knowledge critical to predicting arbovirus
      emergence. Here we isolated a novel flavivirus, termed Nienokoue virus (NIEV),
      from mosquitoes sampled in Cote d'Ivoire. NIEV groups with insect-specific
      flaviviruses (ISFs) in phylogeny and grows in insect cells but not in vertebrate
      cells. We generated an infectious NIEV cDNA clone and a NIEV reporter replicon to
      study growth restrictions of NIEV in comparison to yellow fever virus (YFV), for
      which the same tools are available. Efficient RNA replication of the NIEV
      reporter replicon was observed in insect cells but not in vertebrate cells.
      Initial translation of the input replicon RNA in vertebrate cells was functional,
      but RNA replication did not occur. Chimeric YFV carrying the envelope proteins of
      NIEV was recovered via electroporation in C6/36 insect cells but did not infect
      vertebrate cells, indicating a block at the level of entry. Since the YF/NIEV
      chimera readily produced infectious particles in insect cells but not in
      vertebrate cells despite efficient RNA replication, restriction is also
      determined at the level of assembly/release. Taking the results together, the
      ability of ISF to infect vertebrates is blocked at several levels, including
      attachment/entry and RNA replication as well as assembly/release. IMPORTANCE Most
      viruses of the genus Flavivirus, e.g., YFV and dengue virus, are mosquito borne
      and transmitted to vertebrates during blood feeding of mosquitoes. Within the
      last decade, an increasing number of viruses with a host range exclusively
      restricted to insects in close relationship to the vertebrate-pathogenic
      flaviviruses were discovered in mosquitoes. To identify barriers that could block
      the arboviral vertebrate tropism, we set out to identify the steps at which the
      ISF replication cycle fails in vertebrates. Our studies revealed blocks at
      several levels, suggesting that flavivirus host range expansion from insects to
      vertebrates was a complex process that involved overcoming multiple barriers.

PMID- 28101535
TI  - The Case for Adopting the "Species Complex" Nomenclature for the Etiologic Agents
      of Cryptococcosis.
AB  - Cryptococcosis is a potentially lethal disease of humans/animals caused by
      Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Distinction between the two
      species is based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Recently, it was
      proposed that C. neoformans be divided into two species and C. gattii into five
      species based on a phylogenetic analysis of 115 isolates. While this proposal
      adds to the knowledge about the genetic diversity and population structure of
      cryptococcosis agents, the published genotypes of 2,606 strains have already
      revealed more genetic diversity than is encompassed by seven species. Naming
      every clade as a separate species at this juncture will lead to continuing
      nomenclatural instability. In the absence of biological differences between
      clades and no consensus about how DNA sequence alone can delineate a species, we
      recommend using "Cryptococcus neoformans species complex" and "C. gattii species
      complex" as a practical intermediate step, rather than creating more species.
      This strategy recognizes genetic diversity without creating confusion.

PMID- 28101537
TI  - Interventional Photoacoustic Imaging of the Human Placenta with Ultrasonic
      Tracking for Minimally Invasive Fetal Surgeries.
AB  - Image guidance plays a central role in minimally invasive fetal surgery such as
      photocoagulation of inter-twin placental anastomosing vessels to treat twin-to
      twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Fetoscopic guidance provides insufficient
      sensitivity for imaging the vasculature that lies beneath the fetal placental
      surface due to strong light scattering in biological tissues. Incomplete
      photocoagulation of anastamoses is associated with postoperative complications
      and higher perinatal mortality. In this study, we investigated the use of multi
      spectral photoacoustic (PA) imaging for better visualization of the placental
      vasculature. Excitation light was delivered with an optical fiber with dimensions
      that are compatible with the working channel of a fetoscope. Imaging was
      performed on an ex vivo normal term human placenta collected at Caesarean section
      birth. The photoacoustically-generated ultrasound signals were received by an
      external clinical linear array ultrasound imaging probe. A vein under
      illumination on the fetal placenta surface was visualized with PA imaging, and
      good correspondence was obtained between the measured PA spectrum and the optical
      absorption spectrum of deoxygenated blood. The delivery fiber had an attached
      fiber optic ultrasound sensor positioned directly adjacent to it, so that its
      spatial position could be tracked by receiving transmissions from the ultrasound
      imaging probe. This study provides strong indications that PA imaging in
      combination with ultrasonic tracking could be useful for detecting the human
      placental vasculature during minimally invasive fetal surgery.

PMID- 28101538
TI  - Recent advances in engineering microparticles and their nascent utilization in
      biomedical delivery and diagnostic applications.
AB  - Complex microparticles (MPs) bearing unique characteristics such as well-tailored
      sizes, various morphologies, and multi-compartments have been attempted to be
      produced by many researchers in the past decades. However, a conventionally used
      method of fabricating MPs, emulsion polymerization, has a limitation in achieving
      the aforementioned characteristics and several approaches such as the
      microfluidics-assisted (droplet-based microfluidics and flow lithography-based
      microfluidics), electrohydrodynamics (EHD)-based, centrifugation-based, and
      template-based methods have been recently suggested to overcome this limitation.
      The outstanding features of complex MPs engineered through these suggested
      methods have provided new opportunities for MPs to be applied in a wider range of
      applications including cell carriers, drug delivery agents, active pigments for
      display, microsensors, interface stabilizers, and catalyst substrates. Overall,
      the engineered MPs expose their potential particularly in the field of biomedical
      engineering as the increased complexity in the engineered MPs fulfills well the
      requirements of the high-end applications. This review outlines the current
      trends of newly developed techniques used for engineered MPs fabrication and
      focuses on the current state of engineered MPs in biomedical applications.

PMID- 28101539
TI  - Regioselective magnesiation of N-heterocyclic molecules: securing insecure cyclic
      anions by a beta-diketiminate-magnesium clamp.
AB  - Using a specially designed magnesium metallating manifold, combining kinetically
      activated TMP amide base with a sterically amplified beta-diketiminate ligand,
      this study has established a new regioselective strategy for magnesiation of
      challenging N-heterocyclic molecules. The broad scope of the approach is
      illustrated through reactions of pyrazine, triazoles and substituted pyridines by
      isolation and structural elucidation of their magnesiated intermediates.

PMID- 28101540
TI  - Lactols in an asymmetric aldol-desymmetrization sequence: access to tetrahydro-4H
      furo[2,3-b]pyran-2-one and tetrahydro-4H-furo[2,3-b]furan-2-one derivatives.
AB  - An asymmetric aldol-desymmetrization sequence was developed which provided highly
      efficient access to important bicyclic oxygen-containing scaffolds with multiple
      chiral centers and one is a quaternary stereogenic center containing a free
      hydroxy group. Moreover, starting from racemic precursors, the final products
      were obtained as two separable diastereomers by flash chromatography. Several
      other heterocycles could also be easily generated with this strategy.

PMID- 28101541
TI  - Inner salt-shaped small molecular photosensitizer with extremely enhanced two
      photon absorption for mitochondrial-targeted photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Herein, we experimentally and theoretically demonstrate an unprecedentedly
      enhanced two-photon absorption in a small organic molecule by a simple
      introduction of an inner salt-shaped structure. Moreover, such an inner salt
      shaped small molecule also exhibits superior singlet oxygen quantum yield and
      fascinating structure-inherent mitochondrial-targeting ability for highly
      efficient two-photon photodynamic therapy via a mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

PMID- 28101542
TI  - Revisiting secondary interactions in neighboring group participation, exemplified
      by reactivity changes of iminylium intermediates.
AB  - Neighboring group participation is defined as the action of a substituent to
      stabilize a transition state or an intermediate by forming a bond or a partial
      bond with the reaction center. In addition to the primary interaction with the
      nearest neighboring group, secondary interactions involving another neighboring
      group(s) could also occur in principle. Here, we revisit this issue by examining
      the influence of secondary interactions on the stability and reactivity of the
      putative iminylium cation intermediates, formed by N-O bond cleavage of 1
      tetralone oxime systems. A direct observation of a peri-bromo-iminylium
      intermediate in solution supported the involvement of iminylium cations and the
      stabilizing effect of secondary interactions arising from a distal tandem
      substituent. Both experimental and computational findings support the idea that
      secondary interactions of a tandem-neighboring group on the primary peri
      heteroatom (Br, Cl, and O(Me))-iminylium bonding interaction, i.e., a weak
      halogen bonding interaction (ester (nitro) oxygen-halogen bonding) and an
      unprecedented hydrogen bonding interaction between a nitro oxygen atom and a CH3O
      hydrogen atom, are crucial determinants of the reaction pathway, leading to
      either overwhelmingly selective syn-migration of the oxime functionality or
      covalent bond formation under acid-catalyzed Beckmann rearrangement conditions.

PMID- 28101543
TI  - The recent development of efficient Earth-abundant transition-metal
      nanocatalysts.
AB  - Whereas noble metal compounds have long been central in catalysis, Earth-abundant
      metal-based catalysts have in the same time remained undeveloped. Yet the
      efficacy of Earth-abundant metal catalysts was already shown at the very
      beginning of the 20th century with the Fe-catalyzed Haber-Bosch process of
      ammonia synthesis and later in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Nanoscience has
      revolutionized the world of catalysis since it was observed that very small Au
      nanoparticles (NPs) and other noble metal NPs are extraordinarily efficient.
      Therefore the development of Earth-abundant metals NPs is more recent, but it has
      appeared necessary due to their "greenness". This review highlights catalysis by
      NPs of Earth-abundant transition metals that include Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, early
      transition metals (Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb and W) and their nanocomposites with
      emphasis on basic principles and literature reported during the last 5 years. A
      very large spectrum of catalytic reactions has been successfully disclosed, and
      catalysis has been examined for each metal starting with zero-valent metal NPs
      followed by oxides and other nanocomposites. The last section highlights the
      catalytic activities of bi- and trimetallic NPs. Indeed this later family is very
      promising and simultaneously benefits from increased stability, efficiency and
      selectivity, compared to monometallic NPs, due to synergistic substrate
      activation.

PMID- 28101544
TI  - Tetrathienyl-functionalized red- and NIR-absorbing BODIPY dyes appending various
      peripheral substituents.
AB  - A series of boron-dipyrromethene dyes (BODIPYs) 4a-g with different thienyl
      moieties at 2,3,5,6-positions of the BODIPY core were synthesized by the Stille
      cross-coupling reaction. The new compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR,
      HRMS, and IR spectroscopy. The single crystal structure of compound 4e was
      obtained by X-ray crystallography. The optical and electrochemical properties of
      these dyes were studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and
      cyclic voltammetry. The DFT calculation of the frontier molecular orbitals of
      these dyes corroborates the observed effects of peripheral substituents on the
      optical and redox properties. These results reveal a good tunability of the
      optical and electronic properties of these BODIPYs by varying the peripheral
      groups at the alpha-positions of thienyl moieties, which leads to the absorption
      and emission reaching the NIR region.

PMID- 28101545
TI  - Direct N-H/alpha,alpha,beta,beta-C(sp3)-H functionalization of piperidine via an
      azomethine ylide route: synthesis of spirooxindoles bearing 3-substituted
      oxindoles.
AB  - A protocol for the direct functionalization of N-H/alpha,alpha,beta,beta-C(sp3)-H
      of piperidine without any metal or external oxidants is reported. This reaction
      is promoted by 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid via an azomethine ylide
      intermediate. This is a simple method for the synthesis of spirooxindoles bearing
      3-substituted oxindole moieties.

PMID- 28101546
TI  - Regioselective switching approach for the synthesis of alpha and delta carboline
      derivatives.
AB  - A metal-free protocol for accessing both alpha and delta-carboline derivatives,
      starting from a common indolylchalcone oxime ester precursor is reported. The
      reaction involves mild conditions and uses a regiodivergent approach. DDQ is used
      as a switching agent in selectively generating alpha and delta-carboline
      derivatives in good to moderate yields.

PMID- 28101547
TI  - In situ generation and reactions of p-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl electrophiles: an
      efficient access to p-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl compounds.
AB  - A new three-component reaction, namely condensation-anti-Michael addition
      aromatization, enabling the construction of benzylic compounds is disclosed. This
      reaction can not only act as an alternative approach to regioselective Csp2-H
      trifluoromethylation of arenes through an "aromatic to be" strategy, but also
      provides a simple, convenient, step-economic, and practical strategy for the in
      situ generation of electrophilic p-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl species under
      extremely mild conditions.

PMID- 28101548
TI  - Taco complex-templated highly regio- and stereo-selective photodimerization of a
      coumarin-containing crown ether.
AB  - Preorientation of the terminal coumarins of a crown ether with the assistance of
      taco-type host-guest complex formation promotes regio- and stereo-selectivity of
      coumarin photodimerization to give only the syn head-to-tail coumarin isomer.

PMID- 28101549
TI  - Palladium(ii)-catalyzed direct O-alkenylation of 2-arylquinazolinones with N
      tosylhydrazones: an efficient route to O-alkenylquinazolines.
AB  - An efficient Pd(ii)-catalyzed direct O-alkenylation of 2-arylquinazolinones with
      simple ketone-derived N-tosylhydrazones is reported. In this reaction, O
      alkenylquinazolines were obtained in good yields, with excellent functional group
      tolerance. Pd-carbene migratory insertion is proposed as the key step in the
      reaction mechanism.

PMID- 28101550
TI  - Photoredox-catalysed redox-neutral trifluoromethylation of vinyl azides for the
      synthesis of alpha-trifluoromethylated ketones.
AB  - A redox-neutral, mild, and simple protocol is developed for the synthesis of
      alpha-trifluoromethylated ketones from vinyl azides under transition-metal-free
      conditions. In the presence of organic photoredox catalyst N-methyl-9-mesityl
      acridinium and sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate, a broad range of substituted
      vinyl azides were found to react smoothly upon visible-light irradiation, readily
      furnishing the corresponding products in satisfied yields.

PMID- 28101551
TI  - Diels-Alder trapping of in situ generated dienes from 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran with p
      quinone catalysed by p-toluenesulfonic acid.
AB  - This comprehensive study portrays that p-toluenesulfonic acid is a more efficient
      catalyst for the reaction between p-quinones and 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran, than the
      Lewis acids. The products were accomplished by the Diels-Alder cycloaddition
      reaction and their mechanistic pathways have been formulated. The impact of C2
      and C2,5 substituents of the p-quinones on the cycloaddition reaction has been
      explored. Remarkably, it is the first report to explore this kind of in situ
      generated diene for the Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction.

PMID- 28101552
TI  - A photo-auxiliary approach - enabling excited state classical
      phototransformations with metal free visible light irradiation.
AB  - Most traditional photoreactions require UV light to yield the desired product. To
      address this issue, photoreaction of hydrazide based chromophores was evaluated
      with visible light using a metal free photocatalyst to afford photoproducts in
      high yields. This hydrazide functionality itself may be removed/modified after
      the photoreaction, highlighting its role as a "photo-auxiliary". A preliminary
      mechanistic model based on photophysical experiments is provided to highlight the
      generality of the strategy.

PMID- 28101553
TI  - Nucleophilic ring-opening reactions of trans-2-aroyl-3-aryl-cyclopropane-1,1
      dicarboxylates with hydrazines.
AB  - trans-2-Aroyl-3-aryl-cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates when treated with
      arylhydrazines in refluxing EtOH gave dihydropyrazoles, whereas with hydrazines
      in refluxing AcOH, they formed cyclopropane-fused pyridazinones. Although in both
      cases the corresponding hydrazones are formed initially, the former case involves
      a subsequent 5-exo-tet nucleophilic ring-opening, and the later, a 6-exo-trig
      nucleophilic attack by the other hydrazone nitrogen. The products are obtained in
      moderate to excellent yields with complete regio-and diastereoselectivity.

PMID- 28101554
TI  - Correction: Facile functionalization at the C4 position of pyrimidine nucleosides
      via amide group activation with (benzotriazol-1
      yloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP) and biological
      evaluations of the products.
AB  - Correction for 'Facile functionalization at the C4 position of pyrimidine
      nucleosides via amide group activation with (benzotriazol-1
      yloxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP) and biological
      evaluations of the products' by Hari K. Akula, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017,
      DOI: 10.1039/c6ob02334g.

PMID- 28101555
TI  - Predictors for living at home after geriatric inpatient rehabilitation: A
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient characteristics predicting living at home after
      geriatric rehabilitation. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PATIENTS: A total of
      210 patients aged 65 years or older receiving inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS:
      Candidate predictors evaluated during rehabilitation were: age, vulnerability
      (Vulnerable Elders Survey), multimorbidity (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale),
      cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), depression (Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale), living alone, previous independence in activities of daily
      living, fall risk, and mobility at discharge (Timed Up and Go test). Multiple
      imputation data-sets, bivariate and multiple regression were used to build a
      predictive model for living at home, which was evaluated at 3-month follow-up.
      RESULTS: A total of 210 patients (mean age 76.0 years, 46.2% women) were included
      in the study. Of these, 87.6% had been admitted to geriatric rehabilitation
      directly from acute hospital care. Follow-up was complete in 75.2% of patients.
      The strongest predictor for living at home was better mobility at discharge
      (Timed Up and Go test < 20 s), followed by lower multimorbidity, better
      cognition, and not living alone. In bivariate regression, living at home was also
      associated with age, fall risk, vulnerability, depression, and previous
      independence in activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: Mobility is the most
      important predictive factor for living at home after geriatric rehabilitation.
      Assessment and training of mobility are therefore key aspects in geriatric
      rehabilitation.

PMID- 28101556
TI  - Time for food - training physiatrists in nutritional prescription.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sub-optimal nutrition is a leading factor in all-cause mortality,
      the preponderance of non-communicable chronic diseases, and various health
      conditions that are treated by physiatrists, such as stroke and musculoske-letal
      disorders. Furthermore, patients with chronic pain have a high prevalence of
      nutritional deficiencies, and malnutrition has been associated with limited
      rehabilitation outcomes in elderly patients with hospital-associated
      deconditioning. Thus, physiatrists may find it valuable to include nutrition in
      their patient services. However, discussion of nutritional counselling in the
      physiatry literature is rare. OBJECTIVE: To inform physiatrists about including
      nutritional counselling as part of the treatment they provide. METHODS: The paper
      reviews recommended communication skills, behavioural change strategies, and
      opportunities for inter-professional collaboration. Further resources to educate
      physiatrists both in nutritional prescription and in improving their own personal
      health behaviours are provided. CONCLUSION: Training physiatrists to address
      nutrition is a step-wise process, described here.

PMID- 28101557
TI  - High incidence of falls and fall-related injuries in wheelchair users with spinal
      cord injury: A prospective study of risk indicators.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify risk indicators for, and incidence of, recurrent falls and
      fall-related injuries in wheelchair users with traumatic spinal cord injury.
      DESIGN: Prospective multi-centre study. SUBJECTS: One hundred and forty-nine
      wheelchair users with spinal cord injury attending follow-up in Sweden and
      Norway. METHODS: Inclusion criteria: wheelchair users >= 18 years old with
      traumatic spinal cord injury >= 1 year post-injury. EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
      individuals with motor complete injuries above C5. Falls were prospectively
      reported by text message every second week for one year and were followed-up by
      telephone interviews. Outcomes were: fall incidence, risk indicators for
      recurrent (> 2) falls and fall-related injuries. Independent variables were:
      demographic data, quality of life, risk willingness, functional independence, and
      exercise habits. RESULTS: Of the total sample (n = 149), 96 (64%) participants
      fell, 45 (32%) fell recurrently, 50 (34%) were injured, and 7 (5%) severely
      injured. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that reporting
      recurrent falls the previous year increased the odds ratio (OR) of recurrent
      falls (OR 10.2, p < 0.001). Higher quality of life reduced the OR of fall-related
      injuries (OR 0.86, p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Previous recurrent falls was a strong
      predictor of future falls. The incidence of falls, recurrent falls and fall
      related injuries was high. Hence, prevention of falls and fall-related injuries
      is important.

PMID- 28101558
TI  - Do pain characteristics guide selection for multimodal pain rehabilitation?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether self-reported pain measures are associated with
      selection for multimodal or multidisciplinary rehabilitation (MMR) and whether
      this selection is influenced by sex. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study.
      SUBJECTS: A total of 1,226 women and 464 men with chronic pain conditions from 2
      university hospitals. METHODS: Drawing from the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain
      Rehabilitation (SQRP), data on pain, psychological symptoms, function, health,
      and activity/participation were collected. Multiple logistic regression was used
      to investigate association of pain measures with selection for MMR (no/yes) after
      multidisciplinary assessment. Covariates were: age, educational level, anxiety,
      depression, working status, and several pain measures. RESULTS: High pain
      intensity in the previous week (odds ratio (OR) 0.92; 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.86-0.99) and high pain severity (Multidimensional Pain Inventory) (OR
      0.83; 95% CI 0.74-0.95) were negatively associated with selection for MMR,
      whereas higher number of pain quadrants was positively associated with selection
      for MMR. Similar results were obtained for women, but none of the measures was
      predictive for men. CONCLUSION: This practice-based study showed that higher
      scores on self-reported pain were not associated with selection for MMR, and in
      women there was a negative association for higher pain intensity and pain
      severity. Thus, other factors than pain determine whether patients are selected
      for MMR.

PMID- 28101559
TI  - Cannabis use in persons with traumatic spinal cord injury in Denmark.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate recreational and medical cannabis use in individuals with
      traumatic spinal cord injury, including reasons and predictors for use, perceived
      benefits and negative consequences. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey in Denmark.
      METHODS: A 35-item questionnaire was sent to 1,101 patients with spinal cord
      injury who had been in contact with a rehabilitation centre between 1990 and
      2012. RESULTS: A total of 537 participants completed the questionnaire. Of these,
      36% had tried cannabis at least once and 9% were current users. Of current users,
      79% had started to use cannabis before their spinal cord injury. The main reason
      for use was pleasure, but 65% used cannabis partly for spinal cord injury-related
      consequences and 59% reported at least good effect on pain and spasticity.
      Negative consequences of use were primarily inertia and feeling quiet/subdued.
      Lower age, living in rural areas/larger cities, tobacco-smoking, high alcohol
      intake and higher muscle stiffness were significantly associated with cannabis
      use. Those who had never tried cannabis reported that they would mainly use
      cannabis to alleviate pain and spasticity if it were legalized. CONCLUSION:
      Cannabis use is more frequent among individuals with spinal cord injury in
      Denmark than among the general population. High muscle stiffness and various
      demographic characteristics (lower age, living in rural areas/larger cities,
      tobacco-smoking and high alcohol intake) were associated with cannabis use. Most
      participants had started using cannabis before their spinal cord injury. There
      was considerable overlap between recreational and disability-related use.

PMID- 28101560
TI  - Effectiveness of two vocational rehabilitation programmes in women with long-term
      sick leave due to pain syndrome or mental illness: 1-year follow-up of a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mental illness and chronic pain are common reasons for long-term sick
      leave, typically more so for women. This study investigated the effects on return
      to work of 2 vocational rehabilitation programmes. METHODS: In this randomized
      controlled study, 308 women were allocated to treatment with acceptance and
      commitment therapy, to multidisciplinary assessment and individualized
      rehabilitation interventions, or to a control group. Return-to-work at 12 months
      was assessed as: (i) returning to health insurance; (ii) number of reimbursed
      health insurance days during follow-up; (iii) self-reported change in working
      hours; (iv) a composite measure of self-reported change in work-related
      engagement. RESULTS: The mean age of the Swedish study population was 48.5 years
      (standard deviation (SD) 6.3 years) and the mean time on sick leave 7.5 years (SD
      3.2 years). There were no significant differences in reimbursed days or returning
      to the health insurance at 12 months. The multidisciplinary assessment and
      individualized rehabilitation interventions group, compared with control,
      reported a significant increase in working hours per week, as well as a
      significant increase in work-related engagement. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary
      assessments and individual rehabilitation interventions may improve the chance of
      return-to-work in women with long-term sick leave due to pain condition or mental
      illness.

PMID- 28101561
TI  - Wheelchair donation in a low-resources setting: Utilization, challenges and
      benefits of wheelchairs provided through a specialized seating programme in
      Haiti.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a 6-month follow-up of a specialized paediatric wheelchair
      and seating programme in Haiti. DESIGN: Descriptive design using a structured
      survey and open-ended questions. METHODS: Concurrent with a seating and
      wheelchair programme conducted in northern Haiti, beneficiaries and their
      families were introduced to the study, and 86 of 91 consented to future contact.
      A survey was developed with input from international and local partners, and
      administered by face-to-face or telephone interviews. Donated wheelchairs were
      assessed in 5 categories: wheelchair utilization, maintenance, fit, environmental
      access, and perceived benefits of wheelchair use. RESULTS: A total of 57
      beneficiaries (age range <  2-31 years) were located 6 months after receiving
      their custom-fit wheelchair and consented to the survey. All respondents still
      had the wheelchair, 70.2% were using it a minimum of 3-5 days/week, 17.5% were
      using it < 3 days/week and 12.3% were not using it at all. Primary reasons for
      not using the wheelchair were that it was broken, uncomfortable, or difficult to
      transport. The commonly reported benefits were improved mobility, independence,
      participation and social interaction. CONCLUSION: The majority of people who
      received customized wheelchairs continued to use their equipment 6 months later,
      with predominantly beneficial outcomes. In future seating initiatives in low
      resource settings, efforts to optimize equipment durability and training of local
      technicians should be supported and evaluated.

PMID- 28101562
TI  - Effects of wheelchair propulsion on neuropathic pain and resting
      electroencephalography after spinal cord injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of wheelchair propulsion on neuropathic
      pain and to examine resting electroencephalography pre- and post-wheelchair
      propulsion after spinal cord injury. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS:
      Eleven individuals with spinal cord injury and pain and 10 healthy controls.
      METHODS: Single-session 15-min wheelchair propulsion and measurement of resting
      electroence-phalography. Effects of wheelchair propulsion were investigated using
      numerical rating scale (NRS) for neuropathic pain and short-form Profile of Mood
      States-Brief for mood. Peak alpha frequency on electroencephalography was
      calculated in 4 regions of interest; frontal, central, parietal and occipital
      areas. These outcomes were compared between pre- and post-wheelchair propulsion.
      RESULTS: Ten participants with spinal cord injury and all healthy controls
      completed the wheelchair propulsion exercise. NRS scores and negative mood were
      significantly improved following the wheelchair propulsion exercise. Pre
      wheelchair propulsion, parietal and occipital peak alpha frequencies were
      significantly lower in the spinal cord injury group compared with the healthy
      controls group. Post-wheelchair propulsion, central peak alpha frequency
      increased in the spinal cord injury group. CONCLUSION: Wheelchair propulsion
      exercise temporarily decreased neuropathic pain intensity, improved negative
      mood, and modified alpha activity in spinal cord injury.

PMID- 28101563
TI  - World Health Organisation Global Disability Action Plan 2014-2021: Challenges and
      perspectives for physical medicine and rehabilitation in Pakistan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide an update on disability and outline potential barriers and
      facilitators for implementation of the World Health Organization Global
      Disability Action Plan (GDAP) in Pakistan. METHODS: A 6-day workshop at the Armed
      Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Islamabad facilitated by
      rehabilitation staff from Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia. Local healthcare
      professionals (n = 33) from medical rehabilitation facilities identified
      challenges in service provision, education and attitudes/approaches to people
      with disabilities, using consensus agreement for objectives listed in the GDAP.
      RESULTS: Respondents agreed on the following challenges in implementing the GDAP:
      shortage of skilled work-force, fragmented healthcare system, poor coordination
      between acute and subacute healthcare sectors, limited health services
      infrastructure and funding, lack of disability data, poor legislation, lack of
      guidelines and accreditation standards, limited awareness/knowledge of
      disability, socio-cultural perceptions and geo-topographical issues. The main
      facilitators included: need for governing/leadership bodies, engagement of
      healthcare professionals and institutions using a multi-sectoral approach, new
      partnerships and strategic collaboration, provision of financial and technical
      assistance, future policy direction, research and development. CONCLUSION: The
      barriers to implementing the GDAP identified here highlight the emerging
      priorities and challenges in the development of rehabilitation medicine and GDAP
      implementation in a developing country. The GDAP summary actions were useful
      planning tools to improve access and strengthen rehabilitation services.

PMID- 28101564
TI  - Changes in body composition after spasticity treatment with intrathecal baclofen.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in body composition, body weight and resting
      metabolic rate in patients who received intrathecal baclofen therapy for
      spasticity. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, with a
      pre/post design. PATIENTS: Twelve patients with spasticity, fulfilling study
      criteria, and due for pump implantation for intrathecal baclofen therapy,
      completed the study. METHODS: Data were obtained before, 6 months and 12 months
      after commencement of intrathecal baclofen therapy as regards body composition
      (by skinfold calliper), body weight, and resting metabolic rate (by resting
      oxygen consumption). Spasticity was assessed according to the Modified Ashworth
      Scale (MAS) and Penn Spasm Frequency Scale (PSFS). RESULTS: A reduction in
      spasticity according to MAS occurred. Mean fat body mass increased and mean lean
      body mass decreased. Mean body weight showed a non-significant increase and
      resting metabolic rate a non-significant decrease. CONCLUSION: This explorative
      study indicates that unfavourable changes in body composition might occur after
      intrathecal baclofen therapy. Since obesity and increased fat body mass
      contribute to an increased cardiovascular risk, these findings may indicate a
      need for initiation of countermeasures, e.g. increased physical activity and/or
      dietary measures, in conjunction with intrathecal baclofen therapy. Further
      studies, including larger study samples and control groups, are needed to
      corroborate these findings.

PMID- 28101565
TI  - Use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to preserve the thickness of
      abdominal and chest muscles of critically ill patients: A randomized clinical
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the effects of neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation combined with conventional physical therapy on muscle thickness in
      critically ill patients. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
      PATIENTS: Twenty-five patients participated in the study. METHODS: Patients on
      mechanical ventilation for 24-48 h were randomized to an intervention group
      (neuromuscular electrical stimulation + conventional physical therapy) or a
      conventional group (sham neuromuscular electrical stimulation + conventional
      physical therapy). Primary outcome was thickness of the rectus abdominis and
      chest muscles, determined on cross-sectional ultrasound images before and after
      the intervention. RESULTS: Eleven patients were included in the intervention
      group and 14 in the conventional group. After neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation, rectus abdominis muscle thickness and chest muscle thickness were
      preserved in the intervention group, whereas there was a significant reduction in
      thickness in the conventional group, with a significant difference between
      groups. There was a significant difference between groups in length of stay in
      the intensive care unit, with shorter length of stay in the intervention group.
      CONCLUSION: There was no change in rectus abdominis and chest muscle thickness in
      the intervention group. A significant decrease was found in these measures in the
      conventional group.

PMID- 28101566
TI  - Effect of physical activity in the first five days after cardiac surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To quantify physiotherapist-supervised and independent physical
      activity undertaken from the first to the fifth day after cardiac surgery (POD1
      to POD5), and to relate the amount of physical activity undertaken with hospital
      stay and postoperative physiological functional capacity on POD6. METHODS:
      Physiotherapist-supervised and independent physical activity were monitored in 83
      adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, using a bi-axial accelerometer and
      skin sensors that measured, galvanic skin response and body temperature. Patients
      completed a 6-min walk test (6MWT) on POD6. Step count and physical activity
      intensity (METs; metbolic equivalents) were the main outcome measures. RESULTS:
      Males exhibited significantly higher physiotherapist-supervised and independent
      physical activity step counts and time >= 3 METS (p < 0.0001). The 6MWT distance
      on POD6 was greater in men (mean 393 m, standard deviation (SD) 108 m) than women
      (mean 300 m, SD 121 m) (p = 0.005). Mean length of stay in hospital was 9 days
      (SD 3 days) and was negatively correlated with overall physiotherapist-supervised
      (R = -0.70), independent physical activity step counts (R = -0.62), and combined
      physiotherapist-supervised (R = -0.65) and independent (R = -0.43) physical
      activity time >= 3 METs. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapist-supervised activity fosters
      improvements in postoperative physiological functional capacity and reduces
      length of stay in hospital following cardiac surgery.

PMID- 28101567
TI  - Influence of arm crank ergometry on development of lymphedema in breast cancer
      patients after axillary dissection: A randomized controlled trail.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of arm crank ergometry in
      breast cancer patients after axillary lymph node dissection, with regard to
      changes in bioelectrical impedance analysis, arm circumference, muscular
      strength, quality of life and fatigue. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical
      intervention trial. SUBJECTS: Forty-nine patients with breast cancer after
      axillary lymph node dissection. METHODS: Arm crank ergometer training twice
      weekly was compared with usual care over 12 weeks. RESULTS: The arm crank
      ergometer group improved significantly in terms of lean body mass and skeletal
      muscle mass, and showed a significant decrease in body fat. In the arm crank
      ergometer group, as well as the usual care group, a significant increase in
      armpit circumference was detected during the training period. The magnitude of
      the gain was higher in the usual care group. For all other measured regions of
      the arm a significant decrease in circumference was seen in both groups. Muscular
      strength of the upper extremity increased significantly in both groups, with a
      greater improvement in the arm crank ergometer group. In both groups a non
      significant trend towards improvement in quality of life was observed. The arm
      crank ergometer group showed significant improvements in physical functioning,
      general fatigue and physical fatigue. CONCLUSION: These results confirm the
      feasibility of arm crank ergometer training after axillary lymph node dissection
      and highlight improvements in strength, quality of life and reduced arm symptoms
      with this training.

PMID- 28101568
TI  - Puerarin inhibits M2 polarization and metastasis of tumor-associated macrophages
      from NSCLC xenograft model via inactivating MEK/ERK 1/2 pathway.
AB  - Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) metastasis is responsible for most of
      cancer-related mortality. The tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are known to be
      crucial cells in lung cancer and are usually divided into two antagonistic types,
      M1 and M2. Puerarin has a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties. The
      present study explores puerarin on macrophage polarization and metastasis of
      NSCLC. The results demonstrated that puerarin inhibited tumor growth and tumor
      volumes in NSCLC xenograft model, increased M1 markers [CD197+, inducible nitric
      oxide synthase (iNOS)+, CD40+)] and reduced M2 markers (CD206+, Arg-1+ and
      CD163+). Besides, puerarin elevated the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine
      interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)
      12, decreased the expression of pro-tumor cytokines IL-10, IL-4 and transforming
      growth factor (TGF)-beta. To explore whether puerarin directly acts on
      macrophages, we purified macrophages from NSCLC model, the results showed that
      puerarin inhibited macrophages polarized to M2 phenotype and did not require the
      auxiliary of other cells. In addition, puerarin suppressed the invasion and
      migration of NSCLC macrophages, restrained the expression of angiogenesis
      factors. Puerarin also inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK) 1/2 pathway through inhibition of ERK nucleus translocation. Finally, IL-4
      induced M2 macrophage polarization and metastasis were partially offset by
      puerarin through inactivating the MEK/ERK 1/2 pathway. Taken together, this study
      validated that puerarin is able to skew macrophage populations back to M1 subsets
      to stimulate antitumor effects and suggests puerarin is a negative metastatic
      regulator of NSCLC.

PMID- 28101569
TI  - Resveratrol inhibits adventitial fibroblast proliferation and induces cell
      apoptosis through the SIRT1 pathway.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular disease and
      studies have showed that adventitial fibroblasts, which are considered to be the
      most common cell type of the vascular adventitia, are involved in the development
      of early atherosclerotic plaques. Resveratrol is a plant polyphenolic compound
      confirmed to have anti-atherosclerotic and cardioprotective effects. The aim of
      the present study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on adventitial
      fibroblasts in vitro and to clarify the underlying mechanism. Adventitial
      fibroblasts were isolated from the thoracic aorta of 8-week-old SPF Sprague
      Dawley rats. Following pre-treatment with different concentrations of
      resveratrol, cell viability, DNA synthesis ability, cell apoptosis and cell
      migration ability were assessed in vitro. Through transfection with small
      interfering (si)RNA targeting sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), the role of the SIRT1 pathway in
      these processes was evaluated. Western blot analysis was used to assess the
      protein expression of SIRT1. It was demonstrated that resveratrol inhibited the
      cell viability, DNA synthesis and migratory ability of the adventitial
      fibroblasts, and induced cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in
      vitro. These effects were partly through the SIRT1 pathways. siRNA targeting
      SIRT1 successfully reversed the antiproliferative, antimigratory and pro
      apoptotic effects of resveratrol on adventitial fibroblasts. In conclusion, the
      data showed that resveratrol inhibited cell viability, DNA synthesis and cell
      migration, and induced cell apoptosis in the rat adventitial fibroblasts in vitro
      through the SIRT1 signaling pathway. As the activation and migration of
      adventitial fibroblasts contributes to the early development of atherosclerosis,
      this may be a mechanism underlying the anti-atherosclerotic effect of
      resveratrol.

PMID- 28101570
TI  - Inhibition of TLR4 protects rat islets against lipopolysaccharide-induced
      dysfunction.
AB  - Oxidative stress leads to dysfunction in pancreatic cells, causing a reduction in
      insulin secretion following exposure to glucose. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) may
      be activated by exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stress. TLR4 may mediate the
      initiation of inflammatory and immune defense responses; however, the importance
      of the LPS/TLR4 interaction in apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in
      pancreatic beta cells remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to
      investigate the importance of TLR4 during LPS-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis
      and dysfunction of insulin secretion in isolated islets of rats. LPS-induced
      stimulation of TLR4 increased the production of reactive oxygen species and
      promoted apoptosis by upregulating the expression levels of caspase-3, poly ADP
      ribose polymerase and altering the expression ratio of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl
      2)/Bcl-2 associated X protein. Additionally, the insulin secretion of islets
      cells was reduced. Anti-TLR4 antibody and a knockdown of TLR4 by TLR4-short
      hairpin RNA were used to inhibit TLR4 activity, which may reverse LPS-induced
      events. The present study determined that in islets exposed to LPS oxidative
      stress, dysfunction may be partly mediated via the TLR4 pathway. Inhibition of
      TLR4 may prevent dysfunction of rat islets due to oxidative stress. The present
      study revealed that targeting the LPS/TLR4 signaling pathway and antioxidant
      therapy may be a novel treatment for the severely septic patients with
      hyperglycemia stress.

PMID- 28101572
TI  - Insulin induction instigates cell proliferation and metastasis in human
      colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - The progression of colorectal cancer has been reported to have a positive
      correlation with the combination of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in
      diabetic patients, leading to a lower survival rate. However, how insulin acts on
      colorectal cancer remains not well understood. The purpose of this study was to
      explore the effect of insulin on colon cancer cell proliferation and its
      underlying molecular signaling as well as the impact of insulin-induced in vitro
      metastasis. Our results showed that insulin markedly promoted cell proliferation,
      migration and anchorage-independent growth in human colon cancer HCT-116 cells.
      Insulin-regulated insulin receptors (IRs) stimulate insulin receptor substrate 1
      (IRS-1) and interact with the downstream signals, causing a rise in HCT-116 cell
      proliferation. Moreover, insulin significantly induced the migration ability of
      HCT-116 cells. The metastatic ability of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA
      and activity was activated by insulin. Overall, insulin-triggered cell
      proliferation and metastatic effects on colorectal cancer cells are mediated by
      IRS-1 and downstream molecules and by increasing phosphoinositide 3-kinase
      (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Therefore,
      insulin induction might have the potential to induce colorectal cancer
      progression in diabetes patients.

PMID- 28101571
TI  - Upregulation of miR-146a by YY1 depletion correlates with delayed progression of
      prostate cancer.
AB  - Previously published studies explained that the excessive expression of miR-146a
      influences the prostate cancer (PCa) cells in terms of apoptosis, progression,
      and viability. Although miR-146a acts as a tumor suppressor, current knowledge on
      the molecular mechanisms that controls its expression in PCa is limited. In this
      study, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed negatively enriched expression
      of miR-146a target gene sets and positively enriched expression of gene sets
      suppressed by the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) after YY1 depletion in PCa
      cells. The current results demonstrated that the miR-146a levels in PCa tissues
      with high Gleason scores (>7) are significantly lower than those in PCa tissues
      with low Gleason scores (<=7), which were initially observed in the clinical
      specimens. An inverse relationship between YY1 and miR-146a expression was also
      observed. Experiments indicated the decrease in cell viability, proliferation,
      and promoting apoptosis after YY1 depletion, while through inhibiting miR-146a
      could alleviate the negative effect brought by YY1 depletion. We detected the
      reversed adjustment of YY1 to accommodate miR-146a transcriptions. On the basis
      of YY1 depletion, we determined that the expression of miR-146a increased after
      EZH2 knockdown. We validated the combination of YY1 and its interaction with EZH2
      at the miR-146a promoter binding site, thereby prohibiting the transcriptional
      activity of miR-146a in PCa cells. Our results suggested that YY1 depletion
      repressed PCa cell viability and proliferation and induced apoptosis at least in
      a miR-146a-assisted manner.

PMID- 28101573
TI  - Combining doxorubicin with a phenolic extract from flaxseed oil: Evaluation of
      the effect on two breast cancer cell lines.
AB  - Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer and
      different treatments are used to block its progression. However, it still
      represents a very common cause of death in women. Doxorubicin (Dox) is reported
      as an effective agent in breast cancer treatment nonetheless it induces many side
      effects. For this reason, many laboratories are engaged in understanding how it
      is possible to decrease the drug concentration, considering that one of the
      possible solutions is to use drug synergy, combining it with natural substances.
      Recently we showed that a phenolic extract from flaxseed (FS) oil, named PEFSO,
      induced on MCF-7 cell line an increase of apoptosis with related modification of
      G0/G1 phase cell cycle, and the activation of signaling and pro-oxidant pathways.
      In this study we present data on the combined effect of Dox and PEFSO on two
      different breast cancer cell lines to define the conditions to use lower doses of
      this chemotherapeutic agent. We report the data relating to the ability of this
      mixture to induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis, cell cycle modification,
      mitochondrial membrane depolarization and activation of extrinsic and/or
      intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

PMID- 28101574
TI  - NEK2 serves as a prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a microtubule
      associated protein that regulates spindle assembly in human cells and is
      overexpressed in various malignancies. However, the role of NEK2 in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains undetermined. We performed RNA-seq of the
      HCC cell line SMMC-7721 and the normal liver cell line HL-7702 using the Ion
      Proton System. NEK2 expression was detected using quantitative reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction in two cell lines and 5 matched HCC and
      adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues. The correlation between survival and NEK2
      expression was analyzed in 359 patients with HCC using RNASeqV2 data available
      from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) website (https://tcga
      data.nci.nih.gov/tcga/). The expression of NEK2, phospho-AKT and MMP-2 was
      evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 63 cases of HCC and matched adjacent non
      tumorous liver tissues. Relationships between protein expression and
      clinicopathological parameters were assessed, and the correlations between NEK2
      with phospho-AKT and MMP-2 expressions were evaluated. A total of 610
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were revealed in the transcriptome
      comparison, 297 of which were upregulated and 313 were downregulated in HCC.
      NEK2, as the most obviously different DEG in cells and tissues from the RNA-seq
      data, was listed as an HCC candidate biomarker for further verification. NEK2 was
      overexpressed in HCC cells and tissues (P=0.002, P=0.013) and HCC patients with a
      high expression of NEK2 had a poor prognosis (P=0.0145). Clinical analysis
      indicated that the overexpression of NEK2 in HCC was significantly correlated
      with diolame complete (P<0.001), tumor nodule number (P=0.012) and recurrence
      (P=0.004). NEK2 expression was positively correlated with the expression of
      phospho-AKT (r=0.883, P<0.01) and MMP-2 (r=0.781, P<0.01). Overexpression of NEK2
      was associated with clinicopathological characteristics and poor patient
      outcomes, suggesting that NEK2 serves as a prognostic biomarker for HCC.
      Alteration of NEK2 protein levels may contribute to invasion and metastasis of
      HCC, which may occur through activation of AKT signaling and promotion of MMP-2
      expression.

PMID- 28101575
TI  - Identification of potential targets for differentiation in human leukemia cells
      induced by diallyl disulfide.
AB  - Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is a primary component of garlic, which has
      chemopreventive potential. We previously found that moderate doses (15-120 uM) of
      DADS induced apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. In this study, we
      observed the effect of low doses (8 uM) of DADS on human leukemia HL-60 cells. We
      found that DADS could inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion in HL-60
      cells, and arrested cells at G0/G1 stage. Then, cell differentiation was
      displayed by morphologic observation, NBT reduction activity and CD11b evaluation
      of cytometric flow. It showed that DADS induced differentiation, reduced the
      ability of NBT and increased CD11b expression. Likewise, DADS inhibited xenograft
      tumor growth and induced differentiation in vivo. In order to make sure how DADS
      induced differentiation, we compared the protein expression profile of DADS
      treated cells with that of untreated control. Using high resolution mass
      spectrometry, we identified 18 differentially expressed proteins after treatment
      with DADS, including four upregulated and 14 downregulated proteins. RT-PCR and
      western blot assay showed that DJ-1, cofilin 1, RhoGDP dissociation inhibitor 2
      (RhoGDI2), Calreticulin (CTR) and PCNA were decreased by DADS. These data suggest
      that the effects of DADS on leukemia may be due to multiple targets for
      intervention.

PMID- 28101576
TI  - Multiple effects of ellagic acid on human colorectal carcinoma cells identified
      by gene expression profile analysis.
AB  - Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the
      world. Phytochemicals have become a research hotspot in recent years as cancer
      prevention and treatment agents due to their low toxicity and limited side
      effects. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural phenolic constituent, displays various
      biological activities, including anticancer effects. However, the detailed
      anticancer mechanisms of EA remain unclear. In the present study, we found that
      EA inhibited the growth of HCT-116 colon cancer cells. Moreover, we identified
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by microarray profiling of HCT-116 cells
      treated with EA. A total of 857 DEGs (363 upregulated and 494 downregulated) were
      identified with a >1.5-fold change in expression after treatment with EA for 72
      h. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway
      analysis showed that a large number of cellular functions were modified by EA
      including proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and angiogenesis. Interaction
      network analysis using DEGs provided details of their interactions and predicted
      the key target pathways of EA. To verify the result of cDNA microarray, 10
      selected DEGs related to proliferation, apoptosis or cell cycle were further
      confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. Based on microarray data, we identified several
      crucial functions of EA. These results provide important new data for EA in anti
      CRC research.

PMID- 28101577
TI  - Viscumins functionally modulate cell motility-associated gene expression.
AB  - In Europe extracts from Viscum album L., the European white-berry mistletoe, are
      widely used as a complementary cancer therapy. Viscumins (mistletoe lectins, ML)
      have been scrutinized as important active components of mistletoe and exhibit a
      variety of anticancer effects such as stimulation of the immune system, induction
      of cytotoxicity, reduction of tumor cell motility as well as changes in the
      expression of genes associated with cancer development and progression. By
      microarray expression analysis, quantitative RT-PCR and RT-PCR based validation
      of microarray data we demonstrate for the Viscum album extract Iscador Qu and for
      the lectins Aviscumine and ML-1 that in glioma cells these drugs differentially
      modulate the expression of genes involved in the regulation of cell migration and
      invasion, including processes modulating cell architecture and cell adhesion. A
      variety of differentially expressed genes in ML treated cells are associated with
      the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling pathway or are targets of TGF
      beta. ML treatment downregulated the expression of TGF-beta itself, of the TGF
      beta receptor II (TGFBR2), of the TGF-beta intracellular signal transducer
      protein SMAD2, and of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP) MMP-2 and MMP-14. Even if
      the changes in gene expression differ between Aviscumine, Iscador Qu and ML-1,
      the overall regulation of motility associated gene expression by all drugs showed
      functional effects since tumor cell motility was reduced in a ML-dependent
      manner. Therefore, ML containing compounds might provide clinical benefit as
      adjuvant therapeutics in the treatment of patients with invasively growing tumors
      such as glioblastomas.

PMID- 28101578
TI  - A 22q11.2 amplification in the region encoding microRNA-650 correlates with the
      epithelial to mesenchymal transition in breast cancer primary cultures of Mexican
      patients.
AB  - Breast cancer ranks first in incidence and mortality in working age women. Cancer
      initiation and progression relies on accumulation of genetic and epigenetic
      aberrations that alter cellular processes, among them, epithelial to mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) denotes particularly aggressive neoplasias given its capacity to
      invade and metastasize. Several microRNAs (miRNA) have been found able to
      regulate gene expression at the core of EMT. In this study, the Affymetrix
      CytoScan HD array was used to analyze three different primary tumor cell isolates
      from Mexican breast cancer patients. We found an amplification in band 22q11.2
      shared by the three samples, in the region that encodes miRNA-650. Overexpression
      of this miRNA has been associated with downregulation of tumor suppressors ING4
      and NDRG2, which have been implicated in cancer progression. Using the Pathway
      Linker platform the ING4 and NDRG2 interaction networks showed a significant
      association with signaling pathways commonly deregulated in cancer. Also, several
      studies support their participation in the EMT. Supporting the latter, we found
      that the three primary isolates were E-cadherin negative, vimentin positive,
      presented a cancer stem cell-like phenotype CD44+CD24-/low and were invasive in
      Transwell invasion assays. This evidence suggests that the gain of region 22q11.2
      contributes to trigger EMT. This is the first evidence linking miR-650 and breast
      cancer.

PMID- 28101579
TI  - Role of tRNA selenocysteine 1 associated protein 1 in the proliferation and
      apoptosis of cardiomyocyte-like H9c2 cells.
AB  - Transfer RNA selenocysteine 1 associated protein 1 (Trnau1ap) serves an essential
      role in the synthesis of selenoproteins, which have critical functions in
      numerous biological processes. Selenium deficiency results in a variety of
      diseases, including cardiac disease. However, the mechanisms underlying
      myocardial injury induced by selenium deficiency remain unclear. The present
      study examined the effects of Trnau1ap under- and overexpression in cardiomyocyte
      like H9c2 cells, by transfection with small interfering RNA and an overexpression
      plasmid, respectively. Expression levels of glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin
      reductase and selenoprotein K were decreased in Trnau1ap-underexpressing cells,
      and increased in Trnau1ap-overexpressing cells. Using MTT, proliferating cell
      nuclear antigen, annexin V and caspase-3 activity assays, it was demonstrated
      that reducing Trnau1ap expression levels inhibited the proliferation of H9c2
      cells and induced apoptosis. Conversely, increasing Trnau1ap expression levels
      promoted cell growth. Western blot analysis revealed that the phosphoinositide 3
      kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway was activated in Trnau1ap
      underexpressing cells. Furthermore, the apoptotic pathway was activated in these
      cells, evidenced by relatively greater expression levels of B-cell lymphoma (Bcl
      2)-associated X protein and reduced expression levels of Bcl-2. Taken together,
      these findings suggest that Trnau1ap serves a key role in the proliferation and
      apoptosis of H9c2 cells. The present study provides insight into the underlying
      mechanisms of myocardial injury induced by selenium deficiency.

PMID- 28101580
TI  - Crude extract and solvent fractions of Calystegia soldanella induce G1 and S
      phase arrest of the cell cycle in HepG2 cells.
AB  - The representative halophyte Calystegia soldanella (L) Roem. et Schult is a
      perennial vine herb that grows in coastal dunes throughout South Korea as well as
      in other regions around the world. This plant has long been used as an edible and
      medicinal herb to cure rheumatic arthritis, sore throat, dropsy, and scurvy. Some
      studies have also shown that this plant species exhibits various biological
      activities. However, there are few studies on cytotoxicity induced by C.
      soldanella treatment in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In this
      study, we investigated the viability of HepG2 cells following treatment with
      crude extracts and four solvent-partitioned fractions of C. soldanella. Of the
      crude extract and four solvent fractions tested, treatment with the 85% aqueous
      methanol (aq. MeOH) fraction resulted in the greatest inhibition of HepG2 cell
      proliferation. Flow cytometry showed that the 85% aq. MeOH fraction induced a
      G0/G1 and S phase arrest of the cell cycle progression. The 85% aq. MeOH fraction
      arrested HepG2 cells at the G0/G1 phase in a concentration-dependent manner, and
      resulted in decreased expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase
      (CDK)2, CDK4, CDK6, p21, and p27. Additionally, the 85% aq. MeOH fraction
      treatment also arrested HepG2 cells in the S phase, with decreased expression of
      cyclin A, CDK2, and CDC25A. Also, treatment with this fraction reduced the
      expression of retinoblastoma (RB) protein and the transcription factor E2F. These
      results suggest that the 85% aq. MeOH fraction exhibits potential anticancer
      activity in HepG2 cells by inducing G0/G1 and S phase arrest of the cell cycle.

PMID- 28101581
TI  - The protein arginine methyltransferase 5 promotes malignant phenotype of
      hepatocellular carcinoma cells and is associated with adverse patient outcomes
      after curative hepatectomy.
AB  - The prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is dismal. Novel
      molecular targets for diagnosis and therapy is urgently required. This study
      evaluated expression and functions of the protein arginine methyltransferase 5
      (PRMT5) in HCC. Using HCC cell lines, the expression levels of PRMT5 mRNA were
      determined using the quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase
      chain reaction, and the effect of a small interfering PRMT5-siRNA on cell
      phenotype was evaluated. Further, PRMT5 expression was determined in 144 pairs of
      resected liver tissues to evaluate its clinical significance. Regardless of their
      differentiated phenotypes, nine HCC cell lines expressed different levels of
      PRMT5 mRNA. Inhibition of PRMT5 expression significantly decreased the
      proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cell lines. Although the level of
      PRMT5 mRNA was not influenced by patient's background liver status, it was
      significantly higher in HCC tissues than in the corresponding noncancerous
      tissues. High levels of PRMT5 mRNA in HCC tissues were significantly associated
      with advanced disease stage and adverse prognosis. In conclusion, our results
      indicate that PRMT5 may act as a putative oncogene in HCC and that the levels of
      PRMT5 mRNA represent a promising prognostic marker and a potential target of
      molecular therapy for HCC.

PMID- 28101583
TI  - Integrated analysis of microRNA and transcription factor reveals important
      regulators and regulatory motifs in adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is an aggressive hematological
      malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children and young
      adults. The molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of its gene
      expression has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we performed
      large scale expression profiling of microRNA (miRNA) and transcription factor
      (TF) by Illumina deep-sequencing and TF array technology, respectively, and
      identified 291 differentially expressed miRNAs and 201 differentially expressed
      TFs in adult B-ALL samples relative to their controls. After integrating
      expression profile data with computational prediction of miRNA and TF targets
      from different databases, we construct a comprehensive miRNA-TF regulatory
      network specifically for adult B-ALL. Network function analysis revealed 25
      significantly enriched pathways, four pathways are well-known to be involved in B
      ALL, such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, Ras
      signaling pathway and cell cycle pathway. By analyzing the network topology, we
      identified 28 hub miRNAs and 19 hub TFs in the network, and found nine potential
      B-ALL regulators among these hub nodes. We also constructed a Jak-STAT signaling
      sub-network for B-ALL. Based on the sub-network analysis and literature survey,
      we proposed a cellular model to discuss MYC/miR-15a-5p/FLT3 feed-forward loop
      (FFL) with Jak-STAT signaling pathway in B-ALL. These findings enhance our
      understanding of this disease at the molecular level, as well as provide putative
      therapeutic targets for B-ALL.

PMID- 28101582
TI  - AURKA, DLGAP5, TPX2, KIF11 and CKAP5: Five specific mitosis-associated genes
      correlate with poor prognosis for non-small cell lung cancer patients.
AB  - The growth of a tumor depends to a certain extent on an increase in mitotic
      events. Key steps during mitosis are the regulated assembly of the spindle
      apparatus and the separation of the sister chromatids. The microtubule-associated
      protein Aurora kinase A phosphorylates DLGAP5 in order to correctly segregate the
      chromatids. Its activity and recruitment to the spindle apparatus is regulated by
      TPX2. KIF11 and CKAP5 control the correct arrangement of the microtubules and
      prevent their degradation. In the present study, we investigated the role of
      these five molecules in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We analyzed the
      expression of the five genes in a large cohort of NSCLC patients (n=362) by
      quantitative real-time PCR. Each of the genes was highly overexpressed in the
      tumor tissues compared to corresponding normal lung tissue. The correlation of
      the expression of the individual genes depended on the histology. An increased
      expression of AURKA, DLGAP5, TPX2, KIF11 and CKAP5 was associated with poor
      overall survival (P=0.001-0.065). AURKA was a significant prognostic marker using
      multivariate analyses (P=0.006). Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that the
      five mitosis-associated proteins co-localized with the spindle apparatus during
      cell division. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the expression of the
      mitosis-associated genes AURKA, DLGAP5, TPX2, KIF11 and CKAP5 is associated with
      the prognosis of NSCLC patients.

PMID- 28101584
TI  - Myeloprotective effects of C-type natriuretic peptide on cisplatin-induced bone
      marrow granulocytopenia in mice.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent used to treat a variety
      of malignant tumors. The major toxicity associated with cisplatin treatment is
      granulocytopenia. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), a member of the natriuretic
      peptide family, protects against toxicity in many organs, including the heart,
      blood vessels, lung, and kidney. The objective of this study was to investigate
      the myeloprotective effects of CNP in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced
      granulocytopenia. METHODS: The mice were divided into two groups: cisplatin with
      vehicle and cisplatin with CNP. CNP (2.5 MUg/kg/min via osmotic pump,
      subcutaneously) or vehicle administration was started two day before cisplatin
      injection, and continued until the mice were killed. At 0, 2, 4, 8, and 14 days
      after cisplatin injection (16 mg/kg, intraperitoneally as a single dose), we
      counted total and living cells and granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming units
      (CFU-GM) in bone marrow. In addition, at 0, 1, 2, and 4 days after cisplatin
      injection, we measured mRNA levels of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and
      chemokine CXC ligand 12 (CXCL12) in bone marrow. RESULTS: CNP significantly
      attenuated the reduction in bone marrow nucleated cell count and CFU-GM in bone
      marrow at 4 days after cisplatin injection. Four days after cisplatin injection,
      CNP significantly decreased the CXCR4 mRNA level in bone marrow, but had no
      effect on the level of CXCL12 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: CNP exerts myeloprotective
      effects in cisplatin-induced granulocytopenia and decreases CXCR4 expression.

PMID- 28101586
TI  - Bone cultures from war-wounded civilians in the Middle East: a surgical
      prospective.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hidden infections in a reconstructive surgery program are frequently
      underestimated. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken of 1,891 civilian
      war-wounded patients from Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Gaza treated in Amman from
      August 2006 to January 2016. One thousand three hundred and fifty-three underwent
      surgical interventions for previous bone injury and had systematic bone cultures.
      RESULTS: Among patients (167) without any clinical, biological or radiological
      signs of infection, 46% demonstrated infection based on bone cultures. We
      conclude that bone culture should become a prerequisite for any reconstruction in
      such contexts.

PMID- 28101585
TI  - Whole pelvis radiotherapy for pathological node-positive prostate cancer :
      Oncological outcome and prognostic factors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this work was to investigate the oncological outcome of
      whole pelvis radiotherapy (wpRT) in pathologic pelvic lymph node-positive (pN1)
      prostate cancer (PCa), evaluate the location of relapse, and identify potential
      prognostic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing pelvic lymph
      node dissection (PLND) since the year 2000 at a single tertiary care center were
      evaluated. A total of 154 patients with pN1 PCa were treated with wpRT (39 in an
      adjuvant setting) and 2-3 years of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Kaplan
      Meier analysis was performed to estimate biochemical recurrence-free survival
      (bRFS), clinical progression-free survival (cPFS), and prostate cancer-specific
      survival (CSS). Uni- and multivariate regression analyses were performed to
      identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: Estimated bRFS was 67%, cPFS was 71%, and
      CSS was 96% at 5 years. Median follow-up was 55 months (interquartile range 25
      87). Multivariate analysis identified having only 1 positive lymph node, a
      shorter time between diagnosis and PLND, and older age as independent favorable
      prognostic factors for biochemical and clinical recurrence. The number of
      positive lymph nodes was prognostic for CSS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.34, 95%
      confidence interval 1.17-1.54) and OS (HR 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.10
      1.36). Bone metastases were the most frequent location of PCa relapse (n = 32,
      64%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pN1 PCa treated with wpRT and 2-3 years ADT have
      an encouraging 5-year CSS. Understaging of the disease extent may be the most
      important enemy in definitive pN1 PCa treatment.

PMID- 28101587
TI  - Factors Limiting Formation of Community Forestry Enterprises in the Southern
      Mixteca Region of Oaxaca, Mexico.
AB  - Many studies have considered community-based forestry enterprises to be the best
      option for development of rural Mexican communities with forests. While some of
      Mexico's rural communities with forests receive significant economic and social
      benefits from having a community forestry enterprise, the majority have not
      formed such enterprises. The purpose of this article is to identify and describe
      factors limiting the formation of community forestry enterprise in rural
      communities with temperate forests in the Southern Mixteca region of Oaxaca,
      Mexico. The study involved fieldwork, surveys applied to Community Board members,
      and maps developed from satellite images in order to calculate the forested
      surface area. It was found that the majority of Southern Mixteca communities lack
      the natural and social conditions necessary for developing community forestry
      enterprise; in this region, commercial forestry is limited due to insufficient
      precipitation, scarcity of land or timber species, community members' wariness of
      commercial timber extraction projects, ineffective local governance, lack of
      capital, and certain cultural beliefs. Only three of the 25 communities surveyed
      have a community forestry enterprise; however, several communities have developed
      other ways of profiting from their forests, including pine resin extraction,
      payment for environmental services (PES), sale of spring water, and ecotourism.
      We conclude that community forestry enterprise are not the only option for rural
      communities to generate income from their forests; in recent years a variety of
      forest-related economic opportunities have arisen which are less demanding of
      communities' physical and social resources.

PMID- 28101588
TI  - Factors Controlling Sediment Load in The Central Anatolia Region of Turkey:
      Ankara River Basin.
AB  - Better understanding of the factors controlling sediment load at a catchment
      scale can facilitate estimation of soil erosion and sediment transport rates. The
      research summarized here enhances understanding of correlations between potential
      control variables on suspended sediment loads. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool
      was used to simulate flow and sediment at the Ankara River basin. Multivariable
      regression analysis and principal component analysis were then performed between
      sediment load and controlling variables. The physical variables were either
      directly derived from a Digital Elevation Model or from field maps or computed
      using established equations. Mean observed sediment rate is 6697 ton/year and
      mean sediment yield is 21 ton/y/km2 from the gage. Soil and Water Assessment Tool
      satisfactorily simulated observed sediment load with Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency,
      relative error, and coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.81, -1.55, and
      0.93, respectively in the catchment. Therefore, parameter values from the
      physically based model were applied to the multivariable regression analysis as
      well as principal component analysis. The results indicate that stream flow,
      drainage area, and channel width explain most of the variability in sediment load
      among the catchments. The implications of the results, efficient siltation
      management practices in the catchment should be performed to stream flow,
      drainage area, and channel width.

PMID- 28101589
TI  - [Intramedullary nailing in diaphyseal clavicle fractures using minimally invasive
      percutaneous reduction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Closed reduction and intramedullary nailing is common in diaphyseal
      clavicle fractures. The aim of this report is to demonstrate a surgical method
      with minimally invasive percutaneous reduction in cases where closed reduction
      fails. The procedure is associated with good cosmetic results. INDICATIONS:
      Percutaneous reduction using two reduction forceps enables intramedullary nailing
      without an open procedure. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Open, multifragmented or non
      dislocated fractures, oblique fractures due to postoperative dislocation or
      shortening risk, fracture having potential to become compound fractures,
      neurovascular complications, pseudoarthroses. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The patient is
      in beach-chair position. After an incision, the nail is entered from medial, two
      reduction forceps are mounted percutaneously at the lateral and medial fragment.
      After reduction the nail is pushed forward into the lateral fragment. Thereby,
      the fracture hematoma is not disturbed for the most part. POSTOPERATIVE
      MANAGEMENT: Early functional rehabilitation with maximal abduction and
      anteversion of 90 degrees  for 6 weeks. RESULTS: Anatomic reduction can be
      achieved with mild cosmetic impairment.

PMID- 28101590
TI  - [Minimally invasive treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures with the 2
      point distractor].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Open treatment of calcaneus fractures often has an increased risk of
      wound healing. Minimally invasive treatment with small incisions reduces
      complications. INDICATIONS: Calcaneal fractures with malalignment/comminution >1
      2 mm; broadening, varus alignment of the calcaneal length axis or shortening;
      emergency surgery for open fractures or compartment syndrome. CONTRAINDICATIONS:
      Local or general contraindications. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Standardised positioning;
      restoration of length/axis with 2-point distractor under fluoroscopic control.
      Fragment reduction via small incisions. Fixation with 7.3 mm cannulated screws
      and 4.0 mm sustentaculum screws. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Cast-free and no
      weight bearing for 6 weeks; then weight bearing in a heel off-loading shoe for
      another 6 weeks with physiotherapy; if needed postoperative cast until soft
      tissue consolidation. RESULTS: Of 212 calcaneal fractures, 182 were treated with
      this technique. Wound healing complication rate was 2.7%; 4.7% of patients
      required secondary arthrodesis of the subtalar joint.

PMID- 28101599
TI  - ?

PMID- 28101592
TI  - Long-term safety and outcome of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and mitoxantrone
      (FCM) regimen in previously untreated patients with advanced follicular lymphoma:
      12 years follow-up of a phase 2 trial.
AB  - Fludarabine combinations are very affective in follicular lymphoma (FL) with high
      rates of complete response and prolonged survival. However, late toxicities could
      be a concern. The aim of the present study was to analyze the long-term impact on
      survival, relapse and late toxicities of a trial of treatment with fludarabine,
      mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide (FCM regimen) for untreated patients with
      advanced stage FL. One hundred and twenty patients enrolled in a phase 2 trial of
      treatment with FCM regimen between 2000 and 2003 were evaluated. After a median
      follow-up of 12 years, 52 patients eventually relapsed/progressed with 10 year
      progression-free survival (PFS) of 46 %. Ten patients showed histological
      transformation to aggressive lymphoma with a risk of transformation of 2 and 9 %
      at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Three patients developed therapy-related
      myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia (MDS/AML) and seven solid
      neoplasms with an overall risk of 3 and 8 % at 5 and 10 years, respectively.
      Twenty-six patients eventually died during the follow-up. Overall survival at 10
      years was 83 %. In conclusion, FCM regimen allows excellent long-lasting response
      in previously untreated patients with FL. The incidence of late events including
      histological transformation and secondary neoplasia is low but not negligible.

PMID- 28101602
TI  - The "O" sign.

PMID- 28101593
TI  - Diffuse phalangeal signal abnormality on magnetic resonance imaging: phalangeal
      microgeodic disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phalangeal microgeodic disease is a rare and benign self-limited
      condition involving the phalanges, often in the setting of cold exposure, with
      characteristic MR imaging abnormalities. Radiographic case descriptions are
      predominantly from Asia and Europe, with only seven cases using MR to
      characterize phalangeal microgeodic disease. OBJECTIVE: In this study we describe
      the MR imaging appearance of unusual and striking phalangeal signal abnormality
      compatible with phalangeal microgeodic disease at our institution in North
      America. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases presenting at
      our institution with unusual or unexplained phalangeal signal abnormalities
      between 2001 and 2014. We reviewed the MR imaging appearances in conjunction with
      radiographs and any other available imaging investigations. RESULTS: Of 189
      examinations reviewed during the study period, 8 imaging studies in 6 patients
      met the study inclusion criteria. Signal abnormality was present in 57 of 112
      phalanges (51%), frequently involving the distal phalanges (70%, 28 of 40),
      followed by the middle phalanges (56%, 18 of 32) and the proximal phalanges (28%,
      11 of 40). The pattern of involvement was most commonly diaphysis (38%), followed
      by metaphysis (32%) and epiphysis (30%). The extent of MR signal abnormality was
      greater than that suspected based on clinical presentation or on radiographs.
      CONCLUSION: The presence of unexplained diffuse characteristic marrow involvement
      of multiple painful phalanges on MR images, often in the setting of cold
      exposure, should raise the possibility of phalangeal microgeodic disease.
      Consideration of this diagnosis based on MR findings would lead to a more
      conservative management and avoid unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.

PMID- 28101591
TI  - Functions of Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Immunosuppression.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, constitute an important element of
      intercellular communication by carrying a variety of molecules from producer to
      target cells. The transport of mRNA and miRNA can directly modulate gene
      expression in the target cells. The miRNA content in exosomes is characteristic
      for the cell from which the vesicles were derived enabling the usage of exosomes
      as biomarkers for the diagnosis various diseases, including cancer. Cancer
      derived exosomes support the survival and progression of tumors in many ways and
      also contribute to the neutralization of the anti-cancer immune response.
      Exosomes participate in all known mechanisms by which cancer evades the immune
      system. They influence the differentiation and activation of immune suppressor
      cells, they modulate antigen presentation, and are able to induce T-cell
      apoptosis. Although cancer-derived exosomes mainly suppress the immune system and
      facilitate tumor progression, they are also important sources of tumor antigens
      with potential clinical application in stimulating immune responses. This review
      summarizes how exosomes assist cancer to escape immune recognition and to acquire
      control over the immune system.

PMID- 28101603
TI  - Biodegradation of Aldrin and Dieldrin by the White-Rot Fungus Pleurotus
      ostreatus.
AB  - Aldrin and its metabolite dieldrin are persistent organic pollutants that
      contaminate soil in many parts of the world. Given the potential hazards
      associated with these pollutants, an efficient degradation method is required. In
      this study, we investigated the ability of Pleurotus ostreatus to transform
      aldrin as well as dieldrin in pure liquid cultures. This fungus completely
      eliminated aldrin in potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium during a 14-day
      incubation period. Dieldrin was detected as the main metabolite, and 9
      hydroxylaldrin and 9-hydroxyldieldrin were less abundant metabolites. The
      proposed route of aldrin biotransformation is initial metabolism by epoxidation,
      followed by hydroxylation. The fungus was also capable of degrading dieldrin, a
      recalcitrant metabolite of aldrin. Approximately 3, 9, and 18% of dieldrin were
      eliminated by P. ostreatus in low-nitrogen, high-nitrogen, and PDB media,
      respectively, during a 14-day incubation period. 9-Dihydroxydieldrin was detected
      as a metabolite in the PDB culture, suggesting that the hydroxylation reaction
      occurred in the epoxide ring. These results indicate that P. ostreatus has
      potential applications in the transformation of aldrin as well as dieldrin.

PMID- 28101604
TI  - A users' guide to the 2016 Surviving Sepsis Guidelines.

PMID- 28101606
TI  - Practice guidelines as implementation science: the journal editors' perspective.

PMID- 28101607
TI  - A Backwards Step for Pilonidal Sinus Flap Surgery?

PMID- 28101608
TI  - Prognostic Impact of Further Treatments on Distant Metastasis in Patients with
      Minimally Invasive Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: Verification Using Inverse
      Probability of Treatment Weighting.

PMID- 28101609
TI  - Patient Preparation for Transitions of Surgical Care: Is Failing to Prepare
      Surgical Patients Preparing Them to Fail?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transitions of care before and after surgery are critical for patient
      preparation. We sought to determine whether the degree of exposure to health
      information resources before and after surgery increases preparedness and
      decreases hospital readmission. METHODS: A national Web-based, cross-sectional
      survey was conducted of 1917 patients and caregivers who had a recent surgical
      encounter. Health information resources used before and after surgery were
      correlated with patient level of preparedness. We also evaluated the association
      between preparedness and hospital readmission. RESULTS: Compared to unprepared
      patients, those who felt prepared were most likely to be given multiple health
      information resources before surgery (92 vs. 77%, p < 0.001) and before leaving
      the hospital (91 vs. 69%, p = 0.02). Feeling prepared was positively correlated
      with the number of resources provided to patients by their surgical team and used
      before surgery and before leaving the hospital (p < 0.05, both). 30-day
      readmission was significantly lower among patients who felt prepared either
      before (7% prepared vs. 22% not prepared, p = <0.001) or after surgery (9%
      prepared vs. 23% not prepared, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with access to
      more health information resources during transitions before and after surgery
      feel better prepared and have lower rates of 30-day readmission.

PMID- 28101610
TI  - Queries and Comments on the Current Role of "Selective Parathyroid Venous
      Sampling in Patients with Persistent or Recurrent Primary Hyperparathyroidism and
      Negative, Equivocal or Discordant Noninvasive Imaging".

PMID- 28101611
TI  - Pilonidal Disease Surgery Needs More Off-Midline Closure Education: Reply.

PMID- 28101612
TI  - Abolishment of N-glycan mannosylphosphorylation in glyco-engineered Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae by double disruption of MNN4 and MNN14 genes.
AB  - Mannosylphosphorylated glycans are found only in fungi, including yeast, and the
      elimination of mannosylphosphates from glycans is a prerequisite for yeast glyco
      engineering to produce human-compatible glycoproteins. In Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, MNN4 and MNN6 genes are known to play roles in
      mannosylphosphorylation, but disruption of these genes does not completely remove
      the mannosylphosphates in N-glycans. This study was performed to find unknown key
      gene(s) involved in N-glycan mannosylphosphorylation in S. cerevisiae. For this
      purpose, each of one MNN4 and five MNN6 homologous genes were deleted from the
      och1Deltamnn1Deltamnn4Deltamnn6Delta strain, which lacks yeast-specific hyper
      mannosylation and the immunogenic alpha(1,3)-mannose structure. N-glycan profile
      analysis of cell wall mannoproteins and a secretory recombinant protein produced
      in mutants showed that the MNN14 gene, an MNN4 paralog with unknown function, is
      essential for N-glycan mannosylphosphorylation. Double disruption of MNN4 and
      MNN14 genes was enough to eliminate N-glycan mannosylphosphorylation. Our results
      suggest that the S. cerevisiae och1Deltamnn1Deltamnn4Deltamnn14Delta strain, in
      which all yeast-specific N-glycan structures including mannosylphosphorylation
      are abolished, may have promise as a useful platform for glyco-engineering to
      produce therapeutic glycoproteins with human-compatible N-glycans.

PMID- 28101613
TI  - Estimation of Anaerobic Debromination Rate Constants of PBDE Pathways Using an
      Anaerobic Dehalogenation Model.
AB  - This study aims to estimate anaerobic debromination rate constants (km) of PBDE
      pathways using previously reported laboratory soil data. km values of pathways
      are estimated by modifying a previously developed model as Anaerobic
      Dehalogenation Model. Debromination activities published in the literature in
      terms of bromine substitutions as well as specific microorganisms and their
      combinations are used for identification of pathways. The range of estimated km
      values is between 0.0003 and 0.0241 d-1. The median and maximum of km values are
      found to be comparable to the few available biologically confirmed rate constants
      published in the literature. The estimated km values can be used as input to
      numerical fate and transport models for a better and more detailed investigation
      of the fate of individual PBDEs in contaminated sediments. Various remediation
      scenarios such as monitored natural attenuation or bioremediation with
      bioaugmentation can be handled in a more quantitative manner with the help of km
      estimated in this study.

PMID- 28101615
TI  - Erratum to: Chemoembolization of Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases Using
      Streptozocin and Tris-acryl Microspheres: Embozar (EMBOsphere + ZAnosaR) Study.

PMID- 28101614
TI  - [Dermatological topical and systemic therapy during pregnancy].
AB  - During pregnancy, a successful and safe therapeutic management of patients is
      possible to lower the burden of disease. Often topical therapy in combination
      with intensive basic skin care is sufficient. Drug therapies may also be used,
      most often for systemic diseases such as autoimmune diseases or psoriasis. An
      early change in therapy is also key during planned pregnancies so that treatments
      can be switched, adjusted, reduced or closely monitored. Another point to
      consider is to keep drug dosing as low as possible (without occlusion in local
      therapy) or short termed (with the exception of autoimmune or malignant
      diseases). An interdisciplinary collaboration between obstetrics and
      gynecology/rheumatology/internal medicine/dermatology as well as pharmacologists
      is of utmost importance.

PMID- 28101616
TI  - Successful Retrieval of an Embolized Vascular Closure Device (Angio-Seal(r))
      After Peripheral Angioplasty.
AB  - A 55-year-old male with peripheral arterial disease underwent angioplasty of the
      right lower limb arteries via antegrade femoral access. Angio-Seal(r) closure
      device was used to treat the puncture site, whereby the intravascular sealing
      anchor accidentally embolized into the malleolar region of the right posterior
      tibial artery. Successful retrieval of the anchor was accomplished by a SpiderFX
      embolic protection device. This technique may be a useful approach to retrieve
      embolized foreign bodies via endovascular access.

PMID- 28101617
TI  - A New CT-Guided Modified Trocar Technique for Drainage of Difficult Locations
      Abscesses.
AB  - PURPOSE: Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to guide drainage of deep
      seated abdominal fluid collections. However, in some cases, these collections
      seem to be inaccessible due to surrounding organs or their being in difficult
      locations. The aim of this study is to describe a modified Trocar technique to
      drain collections in difficult locations, especially those in the subphrenic
      space, without passing through intervening organs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      retrospective case series study describes seven inpatients who underwent CT
      guided drainage using a modified Trocar technique for abscesses that are
      difficult to access percutaneously. All patients provided written informed
      consent prior to the procedure. After placement of a 12-14F catheter inside the
      peritoneum, the Trocar stylet was removed so that the tip of the catheter became
      blunt and flexible to avoid injury to organs and structures in the catheter
      route, and the catheter was slowly advanced towards the collection using CT
      guidance and tactile sensation. After reaching the target, the stylet was
      reintroduced to enter the abscess wall. RESULTS: All procedures were performed
      using an anterior abdominal wall access with adequate catheter positioning and
      resulted in clinical status improvement in the days after the drainage. No
      complications related to the procedure were identified in any of the patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: The modified Trocar technique for percutaneous CT-guided drainage of
      abdominal abscesses may be feasible for lesions that are difficult to access with
      conventional methods.

PMID- 28101618
TI  - [Neurological and psychiatric journals during the Third Reich : National
      socialistic and racist contents].
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate scientific articles in three German
      journals for national socialist and racist contents. The three journals evaluated
      for the period of the Third Reich were the Der Nervenarzt, Deutsche Zeitschrift
      fur Nervenheilkunde and the Archiv fur Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten. The
      specialist disciplines of neurology and psychiatry were united in the year 1935
      and Ernst Rudin, a neurological geneticist, was appointed as president
      (Reichsleiter) of the society. The universal idea of a degenerative development,
      which was believed to exert a negative influence on public health, was widely
      accepted in this time period; therefore, in some articles measures were called
      for, such as termination of pregnancy, sterilization and castration of diseased
      people and also of criminals. National socialist ideals became part of articles
      on nervous diseases, works of art of the mentally ill and suicidal tendencies.
      The recruitment of volunteers and informed consent for participation in human
      experiments were not described in scientific publications.

PMID- 28101619
TI  - [All-rounder vitamin D?]
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many indications are discussed for vitamin D substitution, such as
      osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, cancer and psychiatric diseases. Also
      discussed is the fact that the majority of the German population suffer from a
      vitamin D deficiency. OBJECTIVE: Review of the study results for these individual
      diseases and a critical analysis of the currently established therapeutic
      reference range, which defines a vitamin D deficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      literature search was carried out in the statements of the German Society for
      Nutrition, in scientific publications and journals. RESULTS: The study results on
      prevention and therapy of various diseases with vitamin D show inconsistent
      results. Well-established indications are the prevention of rickets in babies and
      the supportive therapy for osteoporosis. The currently established reference
      range for the definition of a vitamin D deficiency came from studies where
      vitamin D deficiency was correlated to an increase in parathyroid hormone.
      Different laboratories use different methods for measurement of vitamin D levels.
      CONCLUSION: More studies are needed to clarify the role of vitamin D in the
      prevention and treatment of various diseases. Another problem is that different
      laboratories do not use the same measurement methods to determine vitamin D and
      the use of different methods leads to widely varying results which cannot be
      compared. Therefore, a standardization of the methods would be desirable.

PMID- 28101620
TI  - [Home-based telerehabilitation after stroke].
AB  - The use of modern information and telecommunication technologies enables
      telerehabilitation of neurological deficits in the domestic environment. The
      current state of studies on rehabilitative teletherapy for improvement of motor
      function and mobility deficits due to stroke is reviewed. Two neurolinguistic
      proof of concept studies investigating the efficacy of online interactive
      telespeech therapy are reported, which compared virtual screen to screen
      interactive telerehabilitation of aphasia after stroke and dysarthrophonia in
      Parkinson's disease to conventional face to face rehabilitation. The results of
      the studies indicate that the neurological rehabilitation of motor and
      communicative deficits in the domestic environment of patients by means of
      teletherapy is just as efficient as conventional rehabilitation. Under home-based
      telerehabilitation patient transfer becomes unnecessary. Rehabilitative
      Teletherapy is a posthospital component of a cross-sector supply chain for
      patients with handicaps or impairments due to stroke and other neurological
      diseases.

PMID- 28101621
TI  - [Cardiogenic shock].

PMID- 28101622
TI  - [Use of vasopressors and inotropics in cardiogenic shock].
AB  - Vasoactive drugs and inotropic agents are important for the hemodynamic
      management of cardiogenic shock. In this article the use of different vasoactive
      and ionotropic drugs in cardiogenic shock is presented. Hemodynamic management
      during cardiogenic shock occurs after initial moderate volume delivery by
      dobutamine to increase inotropism. If adequate perfusion pressures are not
      achieved norepinephrine is administered. If a sufficient increase in cardiac
      performance can still not be achieved by the treatment, administration of
      levosimendan or phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors may be necessary. Levosimendan
      is superior to PDE inhibitors for patients in cardiogenic shock. The aim of
      hemodynamic management in cardiogenic shock is to allow the transient use of
      inotropics and vasopressors in the lowest necessary dose and only as long as
      necessary. The daily question is whether the dose can be reduced or in the case
      of deterioration whether the use of an extracorporeal circulatory support system
      should be considered. There are currently no available data on mortality that
      demonstrate the benefit of hemodynamic monitoring using target criteria. The
      advantage, however, results from the economic use of inotropics and vasopressors
      by certain target criteria.

PMID- 28101623
TI  - [102 patients with suspected myocarditis : Clinical presentation, diagnostics,
      therapy and prognosis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Myocarditis is a disease which is difficult to diagnose and which
      includes a risk of the development of dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac
      death. METHODS AND PATIENTS: In this study 102 patients were included from the
      time period 2003-2013 after diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of myocarditis in
      the department of internal medicine at the University Hospital Halle (Saale).
      RESULTS: Of the study participants 77.5% were male and the average age was 35.5
      +/- 14.1 years. The symptoms reported by the patients were angina in 46.1%,
      dyspnea in 38.2%, performance deterioration in 29.4%, palpitations in 9.8% and
      syncope in 8.8%. In 45.1% of patients, symptoms were preceded by a respiratory
      infection. All patients underwent an echocardiogram and in 36.5% it was possible
      to demonstrate a regional wall motion abnormality and in 20.4% a pericardial
      effusion. A myocardial biopsy was performed in 15.6% of the patients. The
      presence of cardiotropic viruses was investigated in 37.3% of patients but was
      detected in only 5.9%. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in
      82 patients of whom 33.3% showed a late enhancement and 11.9% a wall movement
      disorder. In this study four patients, all male, died and three suffered
      recurrent myocarditis. CONCLUSION: This study showed the wide range of symptoms
      in myocarditis. Myocarditis is rarely severely manifested and in this study the
      mortality was 3.9%. For further optimization of the diagnostic and treatment
      algorithms, prospective, randomized studies would be desirable.

PMID- 28101625
TI  - Is cardiac CT capable to distinguish between myocardial fibrosis and
      inflammation?

PMID- 28101624
TI  - The safety and efficacy of cardiac contractility modulation in heart failure : A
      meta-analysis of clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) has developed as a promising
      treatment device for heart failure (HF). This meta-analysis aimed at
      systematically reviewing the latest available published trials to provide
      evidence on the safety and efficacy of CCM in patients with HF. METHODS: We
      searched the Cochrane Central Resister of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE
      in May 2016 to identify eligible clinical trials comparing CCM with sham
      treatment or with usual care. All-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization, and
      serious cardiopulmonary adverse effects were considered to be the primary
      outcomes of interest in evaluating the safety of CCM for patients with HF. Peak
      oxygen consumption and 6-min walk tests were performed as the second outcomes of
      interest to assess efficacy. Risk ratio (RR), standard mean difference (SMD), and
      95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Four studies enrolling
      723 participants were included. Compared with the control arm, CCM did not
      significantly improve all-cause mortality or all-cause hospitalizations. No
      differences were observed for adverse effects of CCM, possibly due to the low
      number of studies. By contrast, CCM significantly improved peak oxygen
      consumption (standard mean difference 0.233, 95% CI, 0.065-0.401 ml/kg/min, p =
      0.006) and the 6-min walk test distance (standard mean difference 0.924, 95% CI,
      0.001-0.334 m, p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: In our meta-analysis of published clinic
      trials we found that CCM did not lower the risk of severe cardiovascular adverse
      events; however, it was associated with remarkable improvements in functional
      cardiopulmonary capacity. Therefore, CCM may serve as an alternative option for
      patients with advanced HF.

PMID- 28101626
TI  - [Pneumonia].

PMID- 28101627
TI  - ?

PMID- 28101605
TI  - Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and
      Septic Shock: 2016.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide an update to "Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines for
      Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: 2012". DESIGN: A consensus committee of 55
      international experts representing 25 international organizations was convened.
      Nominal groups were assembled at key international meetings (for those committee
      members attending the conference). A formal conflict-of-interest (COI) policy was
      developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. A stand-alone
      meeting was held for all panel members in December 2015. Teleconferences and
      electronic-based discussion among subgroups and among the entire committee served
      as an integral part of the development. METHODS: The panel consisted of five
      sections: hemodynamics, infection, adjunctive therapies, metabolic, and
      ventilation. Population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) questions
      were reviewed and updated as needed, and evidence profiles were generated. Each
      subgroup generated a list of questions, searched for best available evidence, and
      then followed the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
      Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the quality of evidence from
      high to very low, and to formulate recommendations as strong or weak, or best
      practice statement when applicable. RESULTS: The Surviving Sepsis Guideline panel
      provided 93 statements on early management and resuscitation of patients with
      sepsis or septic shock. Overall, 32 were strong recommendations, 39 were weak
      recommendations, and 18 were best-practice statements. No recommendation was
      provided for four questions. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial agreement exists among a
      large cohort of international experts regarding many strong recommendations for
      the best care of patients with sepsis. Although a significant number of aspects
      of care have relatively weak support, evidence-based recommendations regarding
      the acute management of sepsis and septic shock are the foundation of improved
      outcomes for these critically ill patients with high mortality.

PMID- 28101629
TI  - Treatment of Ribbing disease with 5-year follow-up and literature review.
AB  - Ribbing disease, or multiple diaphyseal sclerosis, is a rare diaphyseal sclerosis
      of unknown etiology. Patients with this pathology usually present with asymmetric
      pain limited to the lower extremities. Though all efforts are made to relieve the
      progressive pain associated with Ribbing disease, no medical or surgical
      treatments have been established yet. In this case report, we followed up a
      Ribbing case with sclerotic bone fenestration for 5 years. The radiological
      changes and the clinical effects are described, and the different Ribbing
      treatments are then briefly reviewed.

PMID- 28101628
TI  - Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil mitigates high-cholesterol diet-induced
      hypercholesterolemia and vascular damage.
AB  - The current study was designed to investigate the potential beneficial
      therapeutic outcome of Rho kinase inhibitor (fasudil) against
      hypercholesterolemia-induced myocardial and vascular injury in rabbits together
      with diet modification. Sixteen male rabbits were randomly divided into four
      groups: normal control group which received standard rabbit chow,
      hypercholesterolemic control group, and treated groups which received cholesterol
      rich rabbit chow (1.5% cholesterol) for 8 weeks. Treated groups received either
      fasudil (100 mg/kg/day) or rosuvastatin (2.5 mg/kg/day) starting from the ninth
      week for further 4 weeks with interruption of the cholesterol-rich chow.
      Biochemical assessment of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and myocardial
      oxidative/antioxidant biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase
      (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH), besides biochemical assessment of serum
      nitric oxide (NO), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
      activities and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), was conducted. Serum
      vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and serum Rho-associated protein
      kinase 1 (ROCK-1) were also evaluated along with histopathological examination of
      aorta specimens. Fasudil administration significantly decreased serum
      cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and LDL and significantly increased serum HDL,
      with concomitant decrease in serum CK and LDH activities, NO, and restoration of
      serum TAC. Myocardial MDA significantly declined; SOD activity and GSH contents
      were restored. Serum ROCK-1 and VCAM-1 levels significantly declined as well.
      Vascular improvement was confirmed with histopathological examination, which
      revealed normal aortic intema with the absence of atheromas. Fasudil has
      promising anti-atherogenic activity mediated primarily via alleviation of
      hypercholesterolemia-induced oxidative stress and modulation of inflammatory
      response.

PMID- 28101630
TI  - Association between sleep apnea and low bone mass in adults: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - : We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the association
      between sleep apnea and bone metabolism diseases including osteoporosis in adult
      population. Results from clinical trials suggest that the association between
      sleep apnea and low bone mass in adults is possible. INTRODUCTION: This study
      aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the potential association between sleep
      apnea and low bone mass in adults. METHODS: Electronic searches of five databases
      were performed. The inclusion criteria consisted of studies in humans that
      assessed potential associations between sleep apnea and bone metabolic diseases
      in an adult population. For diagnosis of sleep apnea overnight polysomnography,
      home polygraphy, or validated records from healthcare databases were considered.
      Reduced bone density, osteoporosis, serum/urinary levels for markers of bone
      formation and resorption, or risk of fractures caused without history of trauma
      were considered indicators of low bone mass. A random-effects model meta-analysis
      was applied when possible. RESULTS: Of the 963 relevant references, 12 studies
      met our inclusion criteria and were assessed to be of medium to low bias. Nine
      out of 12 studies reported an association between sleep apnea and low bone mass
      (increased bone resorption markers, reduced bone density, and higher risk of
      osteoporosis). Two studies did not report a significant association, whereas one
      study reported an increase of bone density in sleep apnea patients compared to
      non-sleep apnea patients. Meta-analysis of 2 studies (n = 112,258 patients)
      showed that sleep apnea was a significant risk factor for osteoporosis (odds
      ratio (OR), 1.92; 95%CI, 1.24 to 2.97; I2 = 66%); females only had an OR of 2.56
      (95% CI, 1.96 to 3.34; I2 = 0%) while the OR in males was 2.03 (95% CI, 1.24 to
      3.35; I2 = 38%). CONCLUSIONS: An association between sleep apnea and low bone
      mass in adults is plausible, but supporting evidence has a risk of bias and is
      inconsistent.

PMID- 28101633
TI  - Erratum to: A FAS-ligand variant associated with autoimmune lymphoproliferative
      syndrome in cats.

PMID- 28101632
TI  - A discrete-time model for population persistence in habitats with time-varying
      sizes.
AB  - In this paper, we use periodic and stochastic integrodifference models to study
      the persistence of a single-species population in a habitat with temporally
      varying sizes. We extend a persistence metric for integral operators on bounded
      domains to that of integral operators on unbounded domains. Using this metric in
      the periodic model, we present new perspectives of the critical habitat size
      problem in the case of dynamically changing habitat sizes. Specifically, we
      extend the concept of critical habitat size to that of lower minimal limit size
      in a period-2 scenario, and prove the existence of the lower minimal limit size.
      For the stochastic model, we point out the importance of considering multiple
      time scales in the temporal variability of the habitat size. The models are
      relevant to biological scenarios such as seasonal variability of wetland habitat
      sizes under precipitation variability.

PMID- 28101631
TI  - Lumbar and sacral pedicle screw placement using a template does not improve the
      midterm pain and disability outcome in comparison with free-hand method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The free-hand technique carries a higher risk of pedicle weakening
      and neurovascular injuries in comparison with pedicle screw placement using a
      drill guide. Due to this evidence and because of some variances in the surgical
      method, different outcome can be expected. The objective of the study was to
      evaluate the disability, the back and leg pain before and at least 3 years after
      the surgery between examined groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients in
      drill guide and 13 in control group were randomly assigned for vertebral fusion
      in the lumbar and first sacral regions. Pre- and post-operative CT scans,
      Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg
      pain were taken. Post-operative evaluations of cortex perforation and statistical
      analysis between studied groups have been performed. RESULTS: Seventy-two screws
      were inserted in each group. All patients completed a 3-year follow-up. Comparing
      groups, there was no statistical significant difference in VAS and ODI before or
      after surgery. Cortex perforation incidence in drill guide group was 6 and in
      free-hand group 29 (p < 0.05). In each group, pain and disability were
      significantly lower as before the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a
      drill guide template for pedicle screw placement is not more effective in
      reducing pain and disability after midterm follow-up in comparison with the free
      hand technique. However, it reduces the cortex perforation incidence. Concerning
      this evidence, a drill guide is still an additional tool that could in the future
      potentially compete with other screw placement techniques.

PMID- 28101634
TI  - Is the arthroscopic suture bridge technique suitable for full-thickness rotator
      cuff tears of any size?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare functional outcomes and tendon
      integrity between the suture bridge and modified tension band techniques for
      arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: A consecutive series of 128 patients
      who underwent the modified tension band (MTB group; 69 patients) and suture
      bridge (SB group; 59 patients) techniques were enrolled. The pain visual analogue
      scale (VAS), Constant, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores
      were determined preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Rotator cuff
      hypotrophy was quantified by calculating the occupation ratio (OR). Rotator cuff
      integrity and the global fatty degeneration index were determined by using
      magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The average VAS,
      Constant, and ASES scores improved significantly at the final follow-up in both
      groups (p < 0.05 for all scores). The retear rate of small-to-medium tears was
      similar in the modified tension band and suture bridge groups (7.0 vs. 6.8%,
      respectively; p = n.s.). The retear rate of large-to-massive tears was
      significantly lower in the suture bridge group than in the modified tension band
      group (33.3 vs. 70%; p = 0.035). Fatty infiltration (postoperative global fatty
      degeneration index, p = 0.022) and muscle hypotrophy (postoperative OR, p =
      0.038) outcomes were significantly better with the suture bridge technique.
      CONCLUSION: The retear rate was lower with the suture bridge technique in the
      case of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears. Additionally, significant
      improvements in hypotrophy and fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff were
      obtained with the suture bridge technique, possibly resulting in better
      anatomical outcomes. The suture bridge technique was a more effective method for
      the repair of rotator cuff tears of all sizes as compared to the modified tension
      band technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective Cohort Design, Treatment Study,
      level III.

PMID- 28101635
TI  - Trait assembly in grasslands depends on habitat history and spatial scale.
AB  - During the past century, grasslands in Europe have undergone marked changes in
      land-use, leading to a decline in plant diversity both at local and regional
      scales, thus possibly also affecting the mechanisms of species sorting into local
      communities. We studied plant species assembly in grasslands with differing
      habitat history and hypothesised that trait divergence prevails in historical
      grasslands due to niche differentiation and trait convergence prevails in more
      dynamic grasslands due to competitive exclusion and dispersal limitation. We
      tested these hypotheses in 35 grassland complexes in Estonia, containing
      neighbouring grassland habitats with different land-use histories: continuously
      managed open historical grassland, currently overgrown former grassland and young
      developing grassland. We assessed species assembly patterns in each grassland
      type for finer scale-a 2 * 2 m plot scale from a local community pool and for
      broader scale-a local community from the habitat species pool for that grassland
      stage and observed changes in trait means at finer scale. We found that
      grasslands with long management history are assembled differently from former
      grasslands or young developing grasslands. In historical grasslands, divergence
      or random patterns prevailed at finer scale species assembly while in former or
      developing grasslands, mostly convergence patterns prevailed. With increasing
      scale convergence patterns become more prevalent in all grassland types. We
      conclude that land-use history is an important factor to consider when assessing
      grassland functional trait assembly, particularly at small scales. Understanding
      the mechanisms behind species assembly and their relationship with land-use
      history is vital for habitat conservation and restoration.

PMID- 28101636
TI  - A slow opportunist: physiological and growth responses of an obligate understory
      plant to patch cut harvesting.
AB  - Understory light environments change rapidly following timber harvest, and while
      many understory species utilize and benefit from the additional light, this
      response is not ubiquitous in shade-obligate species. I examined the effects of
      patch cut timber harvest on the physiology and growth of an obligate forest
      understory species to determine if disturbances via timber harvest are
      physiological stressors or whether such disturbances provide physiological
      benefits and growth increases in understory species. Forest canopy structure,
      along with photosynthesis, respiration, water use efficiency, stomatal
      conductance, and growth rates of American ginseng were quantified one summer
      before and two summers after patch cut timber harvest. Survival following timber
      harvest was lower than that observed at undisturbed populations; however, growth
      of survivors increased post-harvesting, with growth increasing as a function of
      canopy openness. Light response curves as well as photosynthesis and respiration
      rates indicated that plants were not well acclimated to higher light levels in
      the growing season after timber harvest, but rather to two growing seasons after
      harvest. Relative growth rate formed a positive linear relationship with maximum
      photosynthesis following timber harvest. My study suggests that ginseng is a
      "slow opportunist", because while it benefits from sudden light increases,
      acclimation lags at least one growing season behind canopy changes. American
      ginseng is surprisingly resilient in the face of a discrete environmental shift
      and may benefit from forest management strategies that mimic the natural
      disturbance regimes common in mature forests throughout its range.

PMID- 28101637
TI  - Refractory skin lesion, hypertension and acute kidney injury in a young boy:
      Questions.

PMID- 28101638
TI  - Refractory skin lesion, hypertension, and acute kidney injury in a young boy:
      Answers.

PMID- 28101639
TI  - Laparoscopic hysteropexy: 10 years' experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Uterine prolapse is common and has traditionally
      been treated by vaginal hysterectomy. Increasingly, women are seeking uterine
      preserving alternatives. Laparoscopic hysteropexy offers resuspension of the
      uterus using polypropylene mesh. We report on 10 years' experience with this
      technique. METHODS: All hysteropexy procedures in our unit since 2006 were
      reviewed. Primary outcome was safety of hysteropexy, as assessed by
      intraoperative and major postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were
      measures of feasibility, including operating time, length of stay, conversion to
      alternative procedures, change in point C, patient satisfaction, and repeat
      apical prolapse surgery. RESULTS: Data were available for 507 women.
      Complications were rare (1.8%) with no evidence of any mesh exposure. Mean
      operating time was 62.5 min and median length of stay 2 nights. In 17 patients
      (3.4%), hysteropexy was abandoned. There was a mean change in point C of 7.9 cm
      and 93.8% of patients felt that their prolapse was "very much" or "much" better.
      Of these women, 2.8% have had repeat apical surgery. CONCLUSIONS: To our
      knowledge, this is the largest series to date, describing 10 years' experience
      with laparoscopic hysteropexy. The surgical technique appears to be safe, with
      low complication rates, which supports the choice of appropriately selected women
      to opt for uterine preservation surgery as an alternative to hysterectomy for the
      management of uterine prolapse.

PMID- 28101640
TI  - Labia minora hypertrophy: causes, impact on women's health, and treatment
      options.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We provide a review of the literature about the
      onset and development of hypertrophy of the labia minora, together with some
      expert opinions on the appropriateness of labiaplasty. METHODS: We searched
      PubMed and used popular search engines, with a greater emphasis on the physiology
      and hormone-mediated metabolism of these structures, and less emphasis on their
      surgical treatment. RESULTS: We describe major embryological, cytological, and
      biochemical features of this anatomical part and summarize the clinical aspects
      of its hypertrophy, evaluating types of discomfort reported by women and the
      medical treatments available. Also, based on what is known about the artificial
      elongation and spontaneous hypertrophy of the inner labia, we illustrate and
      discuss the main biological factors that may trigger this medical condition.
      There are not enough data identifying a clear inheritance of inner labia
      hypertrophy in the absence of other pathological conditions; instead, we found
      indirect evidence for an association with transient episodes of local
      inflammation either before birth or during puberty. We also analyze the role
      played by estrogen receptors and other factors with regard to the onset of this
      condition and highlight the importance of their timing in determining the size of
      women's labia minora. Remarkably, most cases of enlarged labia minora should be
      considered as outliers that are within the physiological range of size variation
      described for these structures. CONCLUSIONS: We generally advise against surgical
      treatment of labia minora, especially in young, pre-pubertal girls, unless
      specific medical conditions are also present and/or the psychological impact on
      the patient is deemed particularly negative.

PMID- 28101641
TI  - Volumetric growth rates of meningioma and its correlation with histological
      diagnosis and clinical outcome: a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tumour growth has been used to successfully predict progression
      free survival in low-grade glioma. This systematic review sought to establish the
      evidence base regarding the correlation of volumetric growth rates with
      histological diagnosis and potential to predict clinical outcome in patients with
      meningioma. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA
      (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.
      Databases were searched for full text English articles analysing volumetric
      growth rates in patients with a meningioma. RESULTS: Four retrospective cohort
      studies were accepted, demonstrating limited evidence of significantly different
      tumour doubling rates and shapes of growth curves between benign and atypical
      meningiomas. Heterogeneity of patient characteristics and timing of volumetric
      assessment, both pre- and post-operatively, limited pooled analysis of the data.
      No studies performed statistical analysis to demonstrate the clinical utility of
      growth rates in predicting clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: This systematic review
      provides limited evidence in support of the use of volumetric growth rates in
      meningioma to predict histological diagnosis and clinical outcome to guide future
      monitoring and treatment.

PMID- 28101642
TI  - Late sodium current and intracellular ionic homeostasis in acute ischemia.
AB  - Blockade of the late Na+ current (I NaL) protects from ischemia/reperfusion
      damage; nevertheless, information on changes in I NaL during acute ischemia and
      their effect on intracellular milieu is missing. I NaL, cytosolic Na+ and Ca2+
      activities (Nacyt, Cacyt) were measured in isolated rat ventricular myocytes
      during 7 min of simulated ischemia (ISC); in all the conditions tested, effects
      consistently exerted by ranolazine (RAN) and tetrodotoxin (TTX) were interpreted
      as due to I NaL blockade. The results indicate that I NaL was enhanced during ISC
      in spite of changes in action potential (AP) contour; I NaL significantly
      contributed to Nacyt rise, but only marginally to Cacyt rise. The impact of I NaL
      on Cacyt was markedly enhanced by blockade of the sarcolemmal(s) Na+/Ca2+
      exchanger (NCX) and was due to the presence of (Na+-sensitive) Ca2+ efflux
      through mitochondrial NCX (mNCX). sNCX blockade increased Cacyt and decreased
      Nacyt, thus indicating that, throughout ISC, sNCX operated in the forward mode,
      in spite of the substantial Nacyt increment. Thus, a robust Ca2+ source, other
      than sNCX and including mitochondria, contributed to Cacyt during ISC. Most, but
      not all, of RAN effects were shared by TTX. (1) The paradigm that attributes
      Cacyt accumulation during acute ischemia to decrease/reversal of sNCX transport
      may not be of general applicability; (2) I NaL is enhanced during ISC, when the
      effect of Nacyt on mitochondrial Ca2+ transport may substantially contribute to I
      NaL impact on Cacyt; (3) RAN may act mostly, but not exclusively, through I NaL
      blockade during ISC.

PMID- 28101643
TI  - Polymorphisms in genes encoding miR-155 and miR-146a are associated with
      protection to type 1 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - AIMS: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by severe autoimmune
      destruction of pancreatic beta-cells. The triggering of autoimmunity against beta
      cells is probably caused by a combination of environmental and genetic risk
      factors. Even though much is known about the genetic of T1DM, more information is
      needed to completely unravel this tangled disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class
      of small noncoding RNAs molecules that negatively regulate gene expression by
      inducing target mRNA cleavage or by inhibiting protein translation. Abnormal
      miRNA expressions have been described in autoimmune diseases and T1DM.
      Polymorphisms in genes codifying miRNAs may alter the expression of the
      corresponding miRNA and, thus, confer susceptibility for a given disease.
      Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in
      genes encoding miR-155, miR-146a, and miR-375 are associated with T1DM. METHODS:
      Frequencies of the miRNA-146a rs2910164, miRNA-155 rs767649 and miRNA-375
      rs6715345 polymorphisms were analyzed in 490 T1DM patients and in 469 nondiabetic
      subjects. RESULTS: The miR-146a rs2910164 and miR-155 rs767649 polymorphisms were
      associated with protection for T1DM, and the strongest association was observed
      for the dominant model [odds ratio (OR) = 0.557 95% CI 0.355-0.874 and OR =
      0.508, 95% CI 0.265-0.973, respectively, after adjustment for age, ethnicity, and
      risk HLA loci]. However, miR-375 rs6715345 frequencies did not differ between
      cases and controls. CONCLUSION: MiR-146a rs2910164 and miR-155 rs767649
      polymorphisms were associated with protection for T1DM.

PMID- 28101644
TI  - Comparative evaluation of phototrophic microtiter plate cultivation against
      laboratory-scale photobioreactors.
AB  - Extended cultivation times, rendering phototrophic bioprocess development time
      inefficient, resulted in the recent development of micro-photobioreactors
      enabling accelerated process development. However, especially for laboratory
      photobioreactors, only little is known concerning the influence of design on
      process performance. Thus, the aim of the present investigation was to evaluate
      the scalability of a microtiter plate-based parallelized micro-photobioreactor
      against a representative set of established laboratory photobioreactors. Lipid
      production by Chlorella vulgaris was used as a model system. During exponential
      growth, the microtiter plate cultures achieved maximal growth rates of ca. 1.44
      +/- 0.02 day-1 being in good agreement with the larger systems. Moreover,
      cultures in the micro-photobioreactor could be kept in the exponential phase up
      to the highest biomass concentrations most probably due to the beneficial light
      supply at this scale. Compared to the shake flask and test tube cultures,
      microtiter plate cultivation achieved an equivalent biomass yield, lipid content,
      and lipid fingerprint. In contrast, the flat-panel process resulted only in
      marginal productivity due to insufficient light supply. Thus, microtiter plates
      showed good scalability to the investigated laboratory photobioreactors as
      overall differences were rather small taking the differing scales into account.

PMID- 28101645
TI  - Forensic parameters of 19 X-STR polymorphisms in two Chinese populations.
AB  - Application of X-STRs as complements of autosomal STR application in the forensic
      genetics has become a tendency for kinship testing, especially in deficiency
      paternity cases. Recently, a novel kit of 19 X-STR loci was developed, which
      permitted the analysis of 19 STR in the same PCR reaction, and these markers can
      be clustered into seven groups for the physical linkage. The objective of this
      study was to evaluate the allele and haplotype diversity of 19 X-STR loci in the
      Uygur (n = 220) and Tibetan nationality (n = 270) and to estimate the usefulness
      for complex kinship analysis. In the Tibetan and Uygur populations, a total of
      alleles of all loci were 188 and 212, with the allele frequencies ranged from
      0.0037 to 0.5593 and from 0.0045 to 0.5409, respectively. Compared with previous
      studies, DXS10135 was the most polymorphic locus in the two population groups,
      whereas the least variant locus was DXS10164 in the Uygur population and DXS7423
      in the Tibetan nationality. Haplotype diversity obtained in this investigation
      was greater than 0.9 across all LGs. This study indicated the new kit could be
      used as a supplementary tool in kinship testing in China. In addition, the data
      sets can be used as supplementary national X-STR references to enlarge the
      database.

PMID- 28101646
TI  - Pedigree-based relationship inference from complex DNA mixtures.
AB  - We present a general method for analysing DNA mixtures involving relatives that
      accounts for dropout and drop-in, mutations, silent alleles and population
      substructure. Whether the aim is to identify the contributors to a mixture who
      may be related, or to determine the relationship between individuals based on a
      DNA mixture, both types of problems can be handled by the method and software
      presented here. We focus on the latter scenario, motivated by non-invasive
      prenatal paternity testing where the profile of the child is available only in
      the form of a mixture with the mother's profile. Relationships are represented by
      pedigrees and can include kinship between more than two individuals. The software
      is freely available as a graphical user interface in the R package relMix.

PMID- 28101647
TI  - A real-time PCR approach to identify anthelmintic-resistant nematodes in sheep
      farms.
AB  - Resistance to fenbendazole, ivermectin, and moxidectin was explored by a fecal
      egg count reduction test in four meat sheep flocks in southwestern France where
      anthelmintic resistance was suspected. The FECR test results of the present study
      confirmed the presence of benzimidazole resistance in three out of the four farms
      and the presence of ivermectin resistance in one flock. In addition, a suspicion
      of moxidectin resistance was shown in this latter farm. Both conventional
      morphological and molecular identifications were performed on larval cultures
      before and after the treatment in the studied farms. A high positive correlation
      was found between the number of larvae counted under binocular microscope and the
      number of larvae estimated by the qPCR analysis (R 2 = 0.88) and a high Cohen's
      Kappa value (0.91) in the detection of strongylid larvae in larval cultures.
      According to qPCR results, Trichostrongylus species demonstrated high levels of
      BZ resistance and Teladorsagia circumcincta was involved in the IVM resistance in
      one farm. The molecular procedures used in this study have the potential to be
      beneficial for anthelmintic resistance surveillance in sheep industry.

PMID- 28101648
TI  - The limits of boundaries: unpacking localization and cognitive mapping relative
      to a boundary.
AB  - Previous research (Zhou, Mou, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning,
      Memory and Cognition 42(8):1316-1323, 2016) showed that learning individual
      locations relative to a single landmark, compared to learning relative to a
      boundary, led to more accurate inferences of inter-object spatial relations
      (cognitive mapping of multiple locations). Following our past findings, the
      current study investigated whether the larger number of reference points provided
      by a homogeneous circular boundary, as well as less accessible knowledge of
      direct spatial relations among the multiple reference points, would lead to less
      effective cognitive mapping relative to the boundary. Accordingly, we manipulated
      (a) the number of primary reference points (one segment drawn from a circular
      boundary, four such segments, vs. the complete boundary) available when
      participants were localizing four objects sequentially (Experiment 1) and (b) the
      extendedness of each of the four segments (Experiment 2). The results showed that
      cognitive mapping was the least accurate in the whole boundary condition.
      However, expanding each of the four segments did not affect the accuracy of
      cognitive mapping until the four were connected to form a continuous boundary.
      These findings indicate that when encoding locations relative to a homogeneous
      boundary, participants segmented the boundary into differentiated pieces and
      subsequently chose the most informative local part (i.e., the segment closest in
      distance to one location) as the primary reference point for a particular
      location. During this process, direct spatial relations among the reference
      points were likely not attended to. These findings suggest that people might
      encode and represent bounded space in a fragmented fashion when localizing within
      a homogeneous boundary.

PMID- 28101653
TI  - Effect of timing of collection of salivary metabolomic biomarkers on oral cancer
      detection.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of duration after meals for
      saliva collections for oral cancer detection using metabolomics. Saliva samples
      were collected from oral cancer patients (n = 22) and controls (n = 44). Saliva
      from cancer patients was collected 12 h after dinner, and 1.5 and 3.5 h after
      breakfast. Control subjects fasted >1.5 h prior to saliva collection. Hydrophilic
      metabolites were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry.
      Levels of 51 metabolites differed significantly in controls vs. oral cancer
      patients at the 12-h fasting time point (P < 0.05). Fifteen and ten metabolites
      differed significantly at the 1.5- and 3.5-h time points, respectively. The area
      of under receiver operating characteristic curve for discriminating oral cancer
      patients from controls was greatest at the 12-h fasting time point. The
      collection time after meals affects levels of salivary metabolites for oral
      cancer screening. The 12-h fasting after dinner time point is optimal. This study
      contributes to design of saliva collection protocols for metabolomics-based
      biomarker discovery.

PMID- 28101652
TI  - Alteration of metabolomic markers of amino-acid metabolism in piglets with in
      feed antibiotics.
AB  - In-feed antibiotics have been used to promote growth in piglets, but its impact
      on metabolomics profiles associated with host metabolism is largely unknown. In
      this study, to test the hypothesis that antibiotic treatment may affect
      metabolite composition both in the gut and host biofluids, metabolomics profiles
      were analyzed in antibiotic-treated piglets. Piglets were fed a corn-soy basal
      diet with or without in-feed antibiotics from postnatal day 7 to day 42. The
      serum biochemical parameters, metabolomics profiles of the serum, urine, and
      jejunal digesta, and indicators of microbial metabolism (short-chain fatty acids
      and biogenic amines) were analyzed. Compared to the control group, antibiotics
      treatment did not have significant effects on serum biochemical parameters except
      that it increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of urea. Antibiotics treatment
      increased the relative concentrations of metabolites involved in amino-acid
      metabolism in the serum, while decreased the relative concentrations of most
      amino acids in the jejunal content. Antibiotics reduced urinary 2-ketoisocaproate
      and hippurate. Furthermore, antibiotics decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations
      of propionate and butyrate in the feces. Antibiotics significantly affected the
      concentrations of biogenic amines, which are derived from microbial amino-acid
      metabolism. The three major amines, putrescine, cadaverine, and spermidine, were
      all increased (P < 0.05) in the large intestine of antibiotics-treated piglets.
      These results identified the phenomena that in-feed antibiotics may have
      significant impact on the metabolomic markers of amino-acid metabolism in
      piglets.

PMID- 28101650
TI  - Speech disorders in Parkinson's disease: early diagnostics and effects of
      medication and brain stimulation.
AB  - Hypokinetic dysarthria (HD) occurs in 90% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.
      It manifests specifically in the areas of articulation, phonation, prosody,
      speech fluency, and faciokinesis. We aimed to systematically review papers on HD
      in PD with a special focus on (1) early PD diagnosis and monitoring of the
      disease progression using acoustic voice and speech analysis, and (2) functional
      imaging studies exploring neural correlates of HD in PD, and (3) clinical studies
      using acoustic analysis to evaluate effects of dopaminergic medication and brain
      stimulation. A systematic literature search of articles written in English before
      March 2016 was conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, SpringerLink, and IEEE
      Xplore databases using and combining specific relevant keywords. Articles were
      categorized into three groups: (1) articles focused on neural correlates of HD in
      PD using functional imaging (n = 13); (2) articles dealing with the acoustic
      analysis of HD in PD (n = 52); and (3) articles concerning specifically
      dopaminergic and brain stimulation-related effects as assessed by acoustic
      analysis (n = 31); the groups were then reviewed. We identified 14 combinations
      of speech tasks and acoustic features that can be recommended for use in
      describing the main features of HD in PD. While only a few acoustic parameters
      correlate with limb motor symptoms and can be partially relieved by dopaminergic
      medication, HD in PD seems to be mainly related to non-dopaminergic deficits and
      associated particularly with non-motor symptoms. Future studies should combine
      non-invasive brain stimulation with voice behavior approaches to achieve the best
      treatment effects by enhancing auditory-motor integration.

PMID- 28101651
TI  - Eslicarbazepine acetate: its effectiveness as adjunctive therapy in clinical
      trials and open studies.
AB  - Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a once-daily antiepileptic drug that is approved
      as adjunctive therapy in adults with focal-onset seizures. Following oral
      administration, ESL is rapidly metabolized to its active metabolite,
      eslicarbazepine, which acts primarily by enhancing slow inactivation of voltage
      gated sodium channels. The efficacy and safety/tolerability of ESL in the
      adjunctive setting were established in a comprehensive Phase III program (n =
      1702 randomized patients) and this evidence has been supported by several open
      studies (n = 864). ESL treatment has demonstrated improvements in health-related
      quality of life, in both randomized clinical trials and open studies. ESL has
      also been shown to be usually well tolerated and efficacious when used in the
      adjunctive setting in elderly patients. The effectiveness of ESL as the only add
      on to antiepileptic drug monotherapy has been demonstrated in a multinational
      study (n = 219), subgroup analyses of which have also shown it to be efficacious
      and generally well tolerated in patients who had previously not responded to
      carbamazepine therapy. Open studies have also demonstrated improvements in
      tolerability in patients switched overnight from oxcarbazepine to ESL. Due to
      differences in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and metabolism, there may be
      clinical situations in which it is appropriate to consider switching patients
      from oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine to ESL.

PMID- 28101654
TI  - Cell viability and shock wave amplitudes in the endothelium of porcine cornea
      exposed to ultrashort laser pulses.
AB  - PURPOSE: Some forms of keratoplasty assisted by ultrashort-pulse lasers require
      performing laser cuts close to the endothelium, which requires the knowledge of
      "safe" values concerning incision depth and pulse energy preserving endothelial
      cell viability. Our study aims to determine the thresholds for cell death in
      porcine corneas exposed to ultrashort laser pulses, in terms of laser pulse
      energy and nearness of the impacts to the endothelium. METHODS: Using a
      laboratory laser set-up, lamellar cuts were induced while varying pulse energies
      and distances from the endothelium. A fluorescent staining protocol was used to
      determine the percentage of surviving endothelial cells. Numerical simulations of
      the Euler equations for compressible fluids provided pressure level and axial and
      radial pressure gradient estimates at the endothelium. RESULTS: Ninety percent of
      the endothelial cells survived when using 16.5 MUJ pulses no closer than 200 MUm
      to the endothelium, or pulses not exceeding 2 MUJ at a distance of 50 MUm. The
      comparison of the observed percentage of surviving cells with the estimates of
      the shock wave amplitudes and gradients generated by the laser pulses yielded
      cell death thresholds at amplitudes in the megapascal range, or gradients of the
      order of 108 Pa/m. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide limits in terms of pulse
      energy and distance of the incision from the endothelium within which endothelial
      cell viability is preserved. Current forms of corneal laser surgery are
      compatible with these limits. However, these limits will need to be considered
      for the development of future laser routines working in close proximity to the
      endothelium.

PMID- 28101655
TI  - Percutaneous vertebral augmentation in fragility fractures-indications and
      limitations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is still no general consensus about the management of
      osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Recommendations depend on type of fracture,
      grade of instability, bone quality, and general conditions of the patient.
      Spontaneous fractures may be considered to be treated different compared to cases
      with high-velocity trauma. METHODS: According to the DVO, patients without trauma
      should first be treated conservatively. However, there is no more strict time
      protocol of 3 or 6 week conservative treatment before operations may be
      indicated. Surgical criteria are not yet distinctly defined. For highly unstable
      fractures (type B and C according to the AO Spine Classification), posterior
      instrumentation with cement augmented screws and as long construct, respectively,
      is adequate. Current literature has been analysed for diagnostic and therapeutic
      protocols. RESULTS: There is no clear operative concept for burst fractures and
      classic osteoporotic fractures with dynamic ongoing sintering. Percutaneous
      vertebral augmentation showed to prevent the fractures from ongoing kyphotic
      deformity and the patients from painful immobilization. Indications and results
      of classical vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty have been discussed intensively in
      the literature. Further development included special injection techniques,
      cements with different viscosities and stenting systems to reach more stable
      constructs and avoid typical complications, such as cement extrusion.
      CONCLUSIONS: This review reports upon indications and limitations of percutaneous
      vertebral augmentation and the potential development of classifications and
      therapeutic algorithms.

PMID- 28101649
TI  - Molecular mechanism of sarcopenia and cachexia: recent research advances.
AB  - Skeletal muscle provides a fundamental basis for human function, enabling
      locomotion and respiration. Muscle loss occurs as a consequence of several
      chronic diseases (cachexia) and normal aging (sarcopenia). Although many negative
      regulators (atrogin-1, muscle ring finger-1, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB),
      myostatin, etc.) have been proposed to enhance protein degradation during both
      sarcopenia and cachexia, the adaptation of these mediators markedly differs
      within both conditions. Sarcopenia and cachectic muscles have been demonstrated
      to be abundant in myostatin-linked molecules. The ubiquitin-proteasome system
      (UPS) is activated during rapid atrophy model (cancer cachexia), but few
      mediators of the UPS change during sarcopenia. NF-kappaB signaling is activated
      in cachectic, but not in sarcopenic, muscle. Recent studies have indicated the
      age-related defect of autophagy signaling in skeletal muscle, whereas autophagic
      activation occurs in cachectic muscle. This review provides recent research
      advances dealing with molecular mediators modulating muscle mass in both
      sarcopenia and cachexia.

PMID- 28101656
TI  - Off-label use of antimicrobials in neonates in a tertiary children's hospital.
AB  - PURPOSE: Off-label (OL) use of drugs for hospitalized children is very common. OL
      use occurs especially in the youngest patients, neonates. This study focused on
      the OL use of antimicrobials in neonates. To our knowledge, only few studies have
      focused on the prevalence of OL use of antimicrobials in neonates. METHODS: We
      investigated the OL use of antimicrobials in neonates in a tertiary children's
      hospital. First, we investigated what were the most consumed OL antimicrobials in
      defined daily doses according to hospital's registry data from neonatal intensive
      care unit (NICU) during 2009-2014. Second, we conducted a targeted retrospective
      study of premature neonates (400-2000 g) with blood culture-positive infections
      and receiving antimicrobial therapy between 2005 and 2014 (N = 282). The data
      were obtained from the electronic patient records and from the hospital's
      electronic infection registry. Statistical analysis was conducted by using a
      univariate logistic regression model fitted for OL usage. RESULTS: In NICU, 35%
      (7/20) of antimicrobials used were OL. Eighteen percent (51/282) of premature
      neonates with blood culture-positive infections received at least one
      antimicrobial OL. The most commonly used OL antimicrobials in neonates were
      meropenem 88% (45/51), rifampicin 18% (9/51), and ciprofloxacin 8% (4/51). The
      odds for OL use were significantly higher the smaller the neonate birth weight
      was. An increase in birth weight was found to statistically significantly
      decrease the probability of OL usage (odds ratio = 0.85 for 100 g increase in
      birth weight, p value <0.001). CONCLUSION: More studies in neonates on especially
      dosing and pharmacokinetics of antimicrobials are urgently needed.

PMID- 28101658
TI  - Naso-intestinal tube is more effective in treating postoperative ileus than naso
      gastric tube in elderly colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the effect of naso
      intestinal tube and naso-gastric tube in relieving postoperative ileus in elderly
      patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Patients (n = 46) with ileus symptom
      following radical surgery for treating colorectal cancer were placed with either
      naso-intestinal tube at duodenum or conventional naso-gastric tube. Then, their
      waist perimeter, intra abdominal pressure, maximum diameter in bowls, length of
      time to pass flatus or passage of bowel movement or to return to diet, length of
      hospital stay, daily drainage, serum levels of lactic acid, hemoglobin, and
      creatinine as well were compared. RESULTS: Naso-intestinal tube placement is more
      effective than naso-gastric tube in relieving intra abdominal pressures, reducing
      maximum bowl diameter and waist circumference, correcting serum lactic acid
      levels, alleviating analgesia dependence, regaining serum albumin level,
      increasing drainage and shortening the time of length of hospital stay, passing
      flatus or faces, and time to return to diet. CONCLUSION: Naso-intestinal tube is
      effective in treating POI and shows advantage over conventional naso-gastric tube
      insertion.

PMID- 28101657
TI  - Levodopa/carbidopa microtablets in Parkinson's disease: a study of
      pharmacokinetics and blinded motor assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motor function assessments with rating scales in relation to the
      pharmacokinetics of levodopa may increase the understanding of how to
      individualize and fine-tune treatments. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to
      investigate the pharmacokinetic profiles of levodopa-carbidopa and the motor
      function following a single-dose microtablet administration in Parkinson's
      disease. METHODS: This was a single-center, open-label, single-dose study in 19
      patients experiencing motor fluctuations. Patients received 150% of their
      individual levodopa equivalent morning dose in levodopa-carbidopa microtablets.
      Blood samples were collected at pre-specified time points. Patients were video
      recorded and motor function was assessed with six UPDRS part III motor items,
      dyskinesia score, and the treatment response scale (TRS), rated by three blinded
      movement disorder specialists. RESULTS: AUC0-4/dose and C max/dose for levodopa
      was found to be higher in Parkinson's disease patients compared with healthy
      subjects from a previous study, (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.026, respectively). The
      mean time to maximum improvement in sum of six UPDRS items score was 78 min (+/
      59) (n = 16), and the mean time to TRS score maximum effect was 54 min (+/-51) (n
      = 15). Mean time to onset of dyskinesia was 41 min (+/-38) (n = 13). CONCLUSIONS:
      In the PD population, following levodopa/carbidopa microtablet administration in
      fasting state, the Cmax and AUC0-4/dose were found to be higher compared with
      results from a previous study in young, healthy subjects. A large between subject
      variability in response and duration of effect was observed, highlighting the
      importance of a continuous and individual assessment of motor function in order
      to optimize treatment effect.

PMID- 28101661
TI  - Erratum to: Home Monitoring Program Reduces Mortality in High-Risk
      Sociodemographic Single-Ventricle Patients.

PMID- 28101660
TI  - PocketECG: A New Noninvasive Method for Continuous and Real-Time ECG Monitoring
      Initial Results in Children and Adolescents.
AB  - Long-term ECG is widely used in diagnosis and assessment of many cardiac symptoms
      which may be caused by dangerous arrhythmias that sometimes can be difficult to
      document. The PocketECG system is a new technological solution for a long-term,
      noninvasive, continuous and real-time ECG monitoring that provides automatic
      diagnosis of dysrhythmias. ECG data transmission occurs over a mobile network.
      The goal of this study was to assess the reliability of long-term ECG recordings
      acquired with the PocketECG system. One hundred and fifteen patients (43 girls
      and 72 boys) of an average age of 15.5 +/- 2.5 years were examined at the
      Department of Cardiology at the Children's Memorial Health Institute. Two
      simultaneous 24-h ECG recordings were conducted: one with a Holter monitor and
      one with the PocketECG system. A linear correlation was demonstrated between the
      two methods with regard to the recorded QRS complexes [H = 1173.0 (-1946.40;
      4838.50) + PocketECG*0.98 (0.94; 1.02)]. Mean diurnal heart rhythms were
      comparable (p > 0.05) despite the fact that the slowest and the fastest rates
      were different. The rate of detection for ventricular, supraventricular
      dysrhythmias and pauses in ventricular rhythm were comparable in both methods.
      The PocketECG system for continuous and real-time ECG recording is a reliable
      method for the assessment of heart rhythm and dysrhythmias in children and
      adolescents.

PMID- 28101662
TI  - Strategies to Prevent Cast Formation in Patients with Plastic Bronchitis
      Undergoing Heart Transplantation.
AB  - Plastic bronchitis, a rare complication after Fontan palliation, carries a high
      morbidity and mortality risk. Heart transplantation is an effective treatment
      option, but casts may occur in the early post-operative period. We present a case
      series detailing peri-operative management strategies to minimize morbidity and
      mortality related to plastic bronchitis in patients undergoing heart
      transplantation. Patient 1 received no treatment pre-, intra-, or post-transplant
      for prevention of bronchial casts and developed severe respiratory acidosis 18 h
      following transplant. Emergent bronchoscopy was performed and a large obstructive
      cast was removed. The patient recovered and received inhaled tissue plasminogen
      activator (tPA) for 5 days. Patient 2 received inhaled tPA before, during, and
      for 5 days after transplantation and no bronchial casts developed. Patient 3
      underwent intraoperative bronchoscopy just prior to implantation revealing no
      casts. The patient underwent non-urgent, preemptive bronchoscopy on post
      transplant days 1, 3, and 4, removing several partially obstructive bronchial
      blood clots/casts, with no casts thereafter. Heart transplantation results in
      eventual resolution of plastic bronchitis. Residual bronchial casts can still be
      problematic in the peri-operative period. Airway clearance with inhaled tPA or
      bronchoscopy may prevent the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation and reduce
      post-operative morbidity in this unique population.

PMID- 28101663
TI  - History of Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing for Evaluation and
      Management of Pharyngeal Dysphagia: Changes over the Years.

PMID- 28101664
TI  - History and Evolution of the Barium Swallow for Evaluation of the Pharynx and
      Esophagus.
AB  - This article reviews the history of the barium swallow from its early role in
      radiology to its current status as an important diagnostic test in modern
      radiology practice. Though a variety of diagnostic procedures can be performed to
      evaluate patients with dysphagia or other pharyngeal or esophageal symptoms, the
      barium study has evolved into a readily available, non-invasive, and cost
      effective technique that can facilitate the selection of additional diagnostic
      tests and guide decisions about medical, endoscopic, or surgical management. This
      article focuses on the evolution of fluoroscopic equipment, radiography, and
      contrast media for evaluating the pharynx and esophagus, the importance of
      understanding pharyngoesophageal relationships, and major advances that have
      occurred in the radiologic diagnosis of select esophageal diseases, including
      gastroesophageal reflux disease, infectious esophagitis, eosinophilic
      esophagitis, esophageal carcinoma, and esophageal motility disorders.

PMID- 28101665
TI  - Feasibility and Psychometric Properties of the Adjusted DSWAL-QoL Questionnaire
      for Dysphagic Patients with Additional Language and/or Cognitive Impairment: Part
      I.
AB  - The Swallowing Quality-of-Life questionnaire (SWAL-QoL) is considered the gold
      standard for assessing health-related quality of life in people with dysphagia.
      However, many dysphagic patients struggle to complete this questionnaire because
      of additional functional sequelae such as language impairment and cognitive
      disorders. In this study, we sought to develop an adjusted Dutch version of the
      SWAL-QoL (aDSWALQoL) and to evaluate its psychometric properties and feasibility
      compared with the original questionnaire. We developed the aDSWAL-QoL based on
      recommendations from previous literature. The feasibility, internal consistency,
      test-retest reliability, and criterion validity of the aDSWAL-QoL were evaluated
      in 78 dysphagic patients, among whom 43 had additional language and/or cognitive
      impairments (DysLC). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0. The
      aDSWAL-QoL had a higher degree of feasibility for the DysLC group. We obtained
      high Cronbach's alpha coefficients for total scale and for almost all subscales.
      Total aDSWAL-QoL scores showed excellent testretest agreement and good criterion
      validity with respect to the DSWAL-QoL. Almost all subscales showed significantly
      moderate to good test-retest agreement and criterion validity. However, the
      psychometric properties of the 'Food selection' subscale were inadequate. The
      aDSWAL-QoL is a feasible, reliable, and valid tool for use with DysLC patients.
      Conversion of the aDSWAL-QoL into an audio computer-assisted self-administered
      format should be investigated. The construct validity of the aDSWAL-QoL will be
      evaluated in a separate report.

PMID- 28101666
TI  - History of the Use of Esophageal Stent in Management of Dysphagia and Its
      Improvement Over the Years.
AB  - The art and science of using stents to treat dysphagia and seal fistula, leaks
      and perforations has been evolving. Lessons learnt from the deficiencies of
      previous models led to several improvements making stent deployment easier, and
      with some designs, it was also possible to remove the stents if needed. With
      these improvements, besides malignant dysphagia, newer indications for using
      stents emerged. Unfortunately, despite several decades of evolution, as yet,
      there is no perfect stent that "fits all." This article is an overview of how
      this evolution process happened and where we are currently with using stents to
      manage patients with dysphagia and with other esophageal disorders.

PMID- 28101667
TI  - Impact of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus versus a mixed microbial inoculum on
      the transcriptome reprogramming of grapevine roots.
AB  - Grapevine, cultivated for both fruit and beverage production, represents one of
      the most economically important fruit crops worldwide. With the aim of better
      understanding how grape roots respond to beneficial microbes, a transcriptome
      sequencing experiment has been performed to evaluate the impact of a single
      arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal species (Funneliformis mosseae) versus a mixed
      inoculum containing a bacterial and fungal consortium, including different AM
      species, on Richter 110 rootstock. Results showed that the impact of a single AM
      fungus and of a complex microbial inoculum on the grapevine transcriptome
      differed. After 3 months, roots exclusively were colonized after the F. mosseae
      treatment and several AM marker genes were found to be upregulated. The mixed
      inoculum led only to traces of colonization by AM fungi, but elicited an
      important transcriptional regulation. Additionally, the expression of genes
      belonging to categories such as nutrient transport, transcription factors, and
      cell wall-related genes was significantly altered in both treatments, but the
      exact genes affected differed in the two conditions. These findings advance our
      understanding about the impact of soil beneficial microbes on the root system of
      a woody plant, also offering the basis for novel approaches in grapevine
      cultivation.

PMID- 28101668
TI  - Results of a population-based-assessment: we need better communication and more
      profound patient involvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Austria several regulations were published in order to support
      initiatives to increase patient safety. Since then, many patient safety projects
      were implemented in Austrian hospitals; therefore, it was the aim of the current
      survey to examine the perceptions of Austrian citizens with respect to topics
      relevant to patient safety. METHODS: Between 8 and 22 October 2015 a qualitative
      cross-sectional telephone interview study was performed. A sample of citizens
      above 14 years of age was randomly drawn. The survey contained 6 questions. In
      each of the nine states of Austria, a representative number of citizens were
      interviewed. RESULTS: In total 1021(female: 52.3%) telephone interviews were
      performed and 249 (24.7%) citizens stated that trust/confidence in patient safety
      is very high, 571 (55.9%) assessed the reputation of a hospital as very important
      and 739 (72.4%) stated that a detailed explanation of the treatment as well as
      information on associated risk factors and possibilities of further treatments is
      very important. Of the respondents 722 (70.7%) stated that patient safety
      measures in a given hospital are very important, 807 (79.0%) stated that it is
      important to be informed about patient safety measures and 547 (53.6%) stated
      that if something did not satisfactorily function they would complain to the
      hospital. Significant differences occurred for states with and without university
      hospitals. CONCLUSION: The results of the survey give cause for concern as the
      majority of interviewed citizens have medium or low trust/confidence in patient
      safety. Furthermore, more than two-thirds of Austrian citizens revealed that
      detailed explanation of treatment, information on associated risk factors,
      information about patient safety measures to predict medical errors and
      information about patient safety measures which are in place in a hospital are
      very important. The study showed that patient safety is an important topic for
      Austrian citizens and they want to be informed and involved. The study also
      indicated the need to promote patient safety aspects and to decrease the number
      of people who are not confident concerning patient safety in Austrian hospitals.

PMID- 28101669
TI  - Outcomes and trends of peripartum maternal admission to the intensive care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of pregnant women with severe comorbidities is increasing.
      The aim of the present study was to analyze outcomes and determine trends in
      women who required peripartum admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).
      METHODS: In this retrospective study, we identified all women who were admitted
      to the ICU between the second trimester of pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum.
      Women with ICU admission between 2011 and 2014 were assigned to the study group,
      whereas those admitted between 1996 and 2003 were assigned to the historical
      group. Comorbidities, characteristics, outcomes, and treatment efforts were
      assessed. Descriptive analysis, Fisher's exact test, unpaired Student's t-test
      and one-way ANOVA were performed. RESULTS: We identified 238 cases, including 135
      (56.7%) in the study group and 103 (43.3%) in the historical group. In 83 (34.9%)
      women, deterioration of the pre-existing medical condition was causal for ICU
      admission. Overall, preterm delivery and mean gestational age were 81.5% and 31.6
      +/- 6.2 weeks, respectively. In comparison to the historical group, women of the
      study group were older (p = 0.005), more frequently presented with multiple
      comorbidities (p = 0.003), pre-existing conditions (p < 0.001), and congenital
      heart disease (p = 0.012). Moreover, they had a shorter length of stay at the ICU
      than those of the historical group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Peripartum ICU
      admissions are increasing in frequency. As maternal characteristics are changing,
      adequate risk stratification with multidisciplinary care are essential, and
      access to intermediate care units would be preferable for patients with short
      term admission.

PMID- 28101671
TI  - ?

PMID- 28101672
TI  - ?

PMID- 28101673
TI  - ?

PMID- 28101670
TI  - Recombination correlates with synaptonemal complex length and chromatin loop size
      in bovids-insights into mammalian meiotic chromosomal organization.
AB  - Homologous chromosomes exchange genetic information through recombination during
      meiosis, a process that increases genetic diversity, and is fundamental to sexual
      reproduction. In an attempt to shed light on the dynamics of mammalian
      recombination and its implications for genome organization, we have studied the
      recombination characteristics of 112 individuals belonging to 28 different
      species in the family Bovidae. In particular, we analyzed the distribution of
      RAD51 and MLH1 foci during the meiotic prophase I that serve, respectively, as
      proxies for double-strand breaks (DSBs) which form in early stages of meiosis and
      for crossovers. In addition, synaptonemal complex length and meiotic DNA loop
      size were estimated to explore how genome organization determines DSBs and
      crossover patterns. We show that although the number of meiotic DSBs per cell and
      recombination rates observed vary between individuals of the same species, these
      are correlated with diploid number as well as with synaptonemal complex and DNA
      loop sizes. Our results illustrate that genome packaging, DSB frequencies, and
      crossover rates tend to be correlated, while meiotic chromosomal axis length and
      DNA loop size are inversely correlated in mammals. Moreover, axis length, DSB
      frequency, and crossover frequencies all covary, suggesting that these
      correlations are established in the early stages of meiosis.

PMID- 28101674
TI  - Posterior tail development in the salamander Eurycea cirrigera: exploring
      cellular dynamics across life stages.
AB  - During embryogenesis, the body axis elongates and specializes. In vertebrate
      groups such as salamanders and lizards, elongation of the posterior body axis
      (tail) continues throughout life. This phenomenon of post-embryonic tail
      elongation via addition of vertebrae has remained largely unexplored, and little
      is known about the underlying developmental mechanisms that promote vertebral
      addition. Our research investigated tail elongation across life stages in a non
      model salamander species, Eurycea cirrigera (Plethodontidae). Post-embryonic
      addition of segments suggests that the tail tip retains some aspects of embryonic
      cell/tissue organization and gene expression throughout the life cycle. We
      describe cell and tissue differentiation and segmentation of the posterior tail
      using serial histology and expression of the axial tissue markers, MF-20 and
      Pax6. Embryonic expression patterns of HoxA13 and C13 are shown with in situ
      hybridization. Tissue sections reveal that the posterior spinal cord forms via
      cavitation and precedes development of the underlying cartilaginous rod after
      embryogenesis. Post-embryonic tail elongation occurs in the absence of somites
      and mesenchymal cells lateral to the midline express MF-20. Pax6 expression was
      observed only in the spinal cord and some mesenchymal cells of adult Eurycea
      tails. Distinct temporal and spatial patterns of posterior Hox13 gene expression
      were observed throughout embryogenesis. Overall, important insights to cell
      organization, differentiation, and posterior Hox gene expression may be gained
      from this work. We suggest that further work on gene expression in the elongating
      adult tail could shed light on mechanisms that link continual axial elongation
      with regeneration.

PMID- 28101675
TI  - Operative planning aid for optimal endoscopic third ventriculostomy entry points
      in pediatric cases.
AB  - OBJECT: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) uses anatomical spaces of the
      ventricular system to reach the third ventricle floor and create an alternative
      pathway for cerebrospinal fluid flow. Optimal ETV trajectories have been
      previously proposed in the literature, designed to grant access to the third
      ventricle floor without a displacement of eloquent periventricular structures.
      However, in hydrocephalus, there is a significant variability to the
      configuration of the ventricular system, implying that the optimal ETV trajectory
      and cranial entry point needs to be planned on a case-by-case basis. In the
      current study, we created a mathematical model, which tailors the optimal ETV
      entry point to the individual case by incorporating the ventricle dimensions.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the imaging of 30 consecutive pediatric
      patients with varying degrees of ventriculomegaly. Three dimensional
      radioanatomical models were created using preoperative MRI scans to simulate the
      optimal ETV trajectory and entry point for each case. The surface location of
      cranial entry points for individual ETV trajectories was recorded as Cartesian
      coordinates centered at Bregma. The distance from the Bregma in the coronal plane
      represented as "x", and the distance from the coronal suture in the sagittal
      plane represented as "y". The correlation between the ventricle dimensions and
      the x, y coordinates were tested using linear regression models. RESULTS: The
      distance of the optimal ETV entry point from the Bregma in the coronal plane
      ("x") and from the coronal suture in the sagittal plane ("y") correlated well
      with the frontal horn ratio (FHR). The coordinates for x and y were fitted along
      the following linear equations: x = 85.8 FHR-13.3 (r 2 = 0.84, p < 0.001) and y =
      -69.6 FHR + 16.7 (r 2 = 0.83, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The surface location of the
      optimal cranial ETV entry point correlates well with the ventricle size. We
      provide the first model that can be used as a surgical planning aid for a case
      specific ETV entry site with the incorporation of the ventricle size.

PMID- 28101676
TI  - Patterns of statin initiation and continuation in patients with breast or
      colorectal cancer, towards end-of-life.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cross-sectional studies show that statins, used in cardiovascular
      disease prevention, are often discontinued approaching death. Studies
      investigating associations between statin exposure and cancer outcomes, not
      accounting for these exposure changes, are prone to reverse causation bias. The
      aim of this study was to describe longitudinally the changes in statin initiation
      and continuation prior to death in patients with breast or colorectal cancer,
      thus establishing an appropriate exposure lag time. METHODS: This study was
      carried out using linked cancer registry and prescribing data. We identified
      patients who died of their cancer (cases) and cancer survivors were used as
      controls. The probability of initiating or continuing statin use was estimated up
      to 5 years prior to death (or index date). Conditional binomial models were used
      to estimate relative risks and risk differences for associations between
      approaching cancer death and statin use. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the
      probability of continued statin use in breast cancer cases was significantly
      lower 3 months prior to death (RR 0.86 95% CI 0.79, 0.94). Similarly, in
      colorectal cancer cases, the probability of continued statin use was
      significantly lower 3 months prior to colorectal cancer death (RR 0.77 95% CI
      0.68, 0.88). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients will cease statin
      treatment in the months prior to a colorectal or breast cancer death.

PMID- 28101677
TI  - Emesis and nausea related to single agent trabectedin in ovarian cancer patients:
      a sub-study of the MITO15 project.
AB  - The MITO 15 was a prospective, single-arm trial, evaluating trabectedin
      monotherapy in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (OC) who were BRCA mutation
      carriers or had a BRCAness phenotype. It is largely reported that trabectedin may
      induce nausea and vomiting but the real emetogenic potential of the drug, in the
      different schedules, has never been fully described; furthermore, OC patients are
      known to have an enhanced risk of developing nausea and vomiting due to female
      gender, abdominal spreading of the disease, and major surgery experienced by most
      of them. We thought to carry on a sub-study in the MITO 15 context focused on
      chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) associated with trabectedin
      single agent. For all patients enrolled in the trial, we evaluated the antiemetic
      regimen at the first cycle, acute and delayed CINV, any rescue therapy, any
      change in the prophylactic antiemetic regimen, and the potential relationship
      between dexamethasone dosage and incidence of CINV. Overall, our findings were
      consistent with literature and confirmed that trabectedin can be classified as
      moderately emetogenic. We observed slightly higher rates of both nausea and
      vomiting compared to previous experiences with trabectedin monotherapy, probably
      due to intrinsic features of our population: all females and suffering from
      ovarian cancer. It seems that in preventing acute CINV, the combination of three
      drugs was more effective than the doublet; however, the difference did not reach
      statistical significance; further studies are required to verify such hypothesis.
      Given the extreme heterogeneity of the antiemetic regimens used, it appears that
      a standard antiemetic protocol does not exist and more specific guidelines for
      clinicians are needed.

PMID- 28101678
TI  - Breast carcinoma subtypes show different patterns of metastatic behavior.
AB  - The aim of our retrospective study was to analyze patterns of subtype specific
      metastatic spread and to identify the time course of distant metastases. A
      consecutive series of 490 patients with breast cancer who underwent surgery and
      postoperative treatment at Semmelweis University, Hungary, and diagnosed between
      the years 2000 and 2007 was identified from the archives of the 2nd Department of
      Pathology, Hungary. Molecular subtypes were defined based on the 2011 St. Gallen
      recommendations. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS Statistics for
      Windows, Version 22.0. Distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) was defined as the
      time elapsed between the first pathological diagnosis of the tumor and the first
      distant metastasis detection. Distant metastases were detected in 124 patients.
      Mean time to develop metastasis was 29 months (range 0-127 months). The longest
      DMFS was observed in the Luminal A (LUMA) subtype (mean 39 months) whereas the
      shortest was seen in the HER2-positive (HER2+) subtype (mean 21 months; p =
      0.012). We confirmed that HER2+ tumors carry a higher risk for distant metastases
      (42.1%). LUMA-associated metastases were found to be solitary in 59% of cases,
      whereas HER2+ tumors showed multiple metastases in 79.2% of cases. LUMA tumors
      showed a preference for bone-only metastasis as compared with HER2+ and triple
      negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases, which exhibited a higher rate of brain
      metastasis. The most frequent second metastatic sites of hormone receptor (HR)
      positive tumors were the lung and liver, whereas the brain was the most affected
      organ in HR-negative (HR-) cases. Tumor subtypes differ in DMFS and in pattern of
      distant metastases. HER2+ tumors featured the most aggressive clinical course.
      Further identification of subtype-specific factors influencing prognosis might
      have an impact on clinical care and decision-making.

PMID- 28101679
TI  - Inhibitory effect of saliva on osteoclastogenesis in vitro requires toll-like
      receptor 4 signaling.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Saliva can suppress osteoclastogenesis, but the underlying mechanism
      has not been discovered yet. Considering that endotoxins suppress
      osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow cultures and that saliva contains endotoxins,
      it was reasonable to hypothesize that the impact of saliva on osteoclastogenesis
      requires toll-like receptor 4 signaling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To test this
      hypothesis, we blocked toll-like receptor 4 signaling with TAK-242 in the
      presence of saliva in murine bone marrow cultures. Osteoclastogenesis was
      evaluated based on gene expression analysis and histochemical staining for
      tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Resorption was performed on dentine.
      RESULTS: We report that TAK-242 reversed the inhibitory effect of fresh sterile
      saliva on the formation of multinucleated cells that stained positive for
      tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. In line with this finding, TAK-242 increased
      the expression of the osteoclast functional genes cathepsin K, calcitonin
      receptor, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in the presence of saliva. TAK
      242 also supported the expression of NFATc1, the master regulator of
      osteoclastogenesis, as well as DC-STAMP and Atp6v0d2, both being cell fusion
      genes. In support of the hypothesis, depletion of saliva from endotoxin partially
      reversed the inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, salivary pellicle
      on plastic and titanium did not affect osteoclastogenesis. CONCLUSION: Inhibition
      of toll-like receptor 4 signaling revealed that saliva can contribute to innate
      immunity by preventing hematopoietic progenitors to become osteoclasts. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Saliva can activate pattern recognition receptor signaling through
      endotoxins and other stress factors, indicating the demand for macrophages rather
      than for osteoclasts.

PMID- 28101680
TI  - Application of tissue-engineered bone grafts for alveolar cleft osteoplasty in a
      rodent model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The clinical standard for alveolar cleft osteoplasty is augmentation
      with autologous bone being available in limited amounts and might be associated
      with donor site morbidity. The aim of the present study was the creation of
      tissue-engineered bone grafts and their in vivo evaluation regarding their
      potential to promote osteogenesis in an alveolar cleft model. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Artificial bone defects with a diameter of 3.3 mm were created
      surgically in the palate of 84 adult Lewis rats. Four experimental groups (n =
      21) were examined: bovine hydroxyl apatite/collagen (bHA) without cells, bHA with
      undifferentiated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), bHA with osteogenically
      differentiated MSC. In a control group, the defect remained empty. After 6, 9 and
      12 weeks, the remaining defect volume was assessed by cone beam computed
      tomography. Histologically, the remaining defect width and percentage of bone
      formation was quantified. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, the remaining defect width was
      60.1% for bHA, 74.7% for bHA with undifferentiated MSC and 81.8% for bHA with
      osteogenically differentiated MSC. For the control group, the remaining defect
      width measured 46.2% which was a statistically significant difference (p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study design was suitable to evaluate tissue-engineered
      bone grafts prior to a clinical application. In this experimental set-up with the
      described maxillary defect, no promoting influence on bone formation of bone
      grafts containing bHA could be confirmed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The creation of a
      sufficient tissue-engineered bone graft for alveolar cleft osteoplasty could
      preserve patients from donor site morbidity.

PMID- 28101683
TI  - Allergy, Histamine and Antihistamines.
AB  - This chapter concentrates on the role in allergic disease of histamine acting on
      H1-receptors. It is clear that allergy has its roots in the primary parasite
      rejection response in which mast cell-derived histamine creates an immediate
      hostile environment and eosinophils are recruited for killing. This pattern is
      seen in allergic rhinitis where the early events of mucus production and nasal
      itching are primarily histamine mediated whereas nasal blockage is secondary to
      eosinophil infiltration and activation. In asthma, the role of histamine is less
      clear. Urticaria is characterized by mast cell driven pruritic wheal and flare
      type skin reactions that usually persist for less than 24 h. Although the events
      leading to mast cell degranulation have been unclear for many years, it is now
      becoming evident that urticaria has an autoimmune basis. Finally, the properties
      of first- and second-generation H1-antihistamines and their role in allergic is
      discussed.

PMID- 28101682
TI  - Synthesis, spectral and extended spectrum beta-lactamase studies of transition
      metal tetraaza macrocyclic complexes.
AB  - Urinary tract infections commonly occur in humans due to microbial pathogens
      invading the urinary tract, which can bring about a range of clinical symptoms
      and potentially fatal sequelae. The present study is aimed at addressing the
      development of a new antimicrobial agent against extended spectrum beta lactamase
      (ESBL) producing E. coli bacteria. We have synthesised some biologically potent
      (NNNN) donor macrocycles (L 1  = dibenzo[f,n]dipyrido[3,4-b:4',3'
      j][1,4,9,12]tetraazacyclohexadecine-6,11,18,23(5H,12H, 7H, 24H)-tetraone, and L 2
      = 6,12,19,25-tetraoxo-4,6,11,12,16,18,23,24-octahydrotetrabenzo
      [b,g,k,p][1,5,10,14]tetra azacyclooctadecine-2,13-dicarboxylic acid) and their Ti
      and Zr metal complexes in alcoholic media using microwave protocol. Macrocyclic
      ligands were synthesised by incorporating of 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid, phthalic
      acid and 3,4-diaminopyridine in 1:1:1 molar ratio. The macrocyclic ligands and
      their metal complexes have been characterised by elemental analysis, conductance
      measurement, magnetic measurement and their structure configurations have been
      determined by various spectroscopic (FTIR, 1H/13C NMR, UV-Vis, LC-MS mass, XRD
      and TGA) techniques. [ZrL2Cl2]Cl2 metal complex shows excellent antibacterial
      activity against ESBLs. A zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration
      was determined by McFarland and the dilution method, respectively. The spectral
      studies confirm the binding sites of the nitrogen atom of the macrocycles. An
      octahedral geometry has been assigned to the metal complexes based on the
      findings.

PMID- 28101681
TI  - Extended liver venous deprivation before major hepatectomy induces marked and
      very rapid increase in future liver remnant function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of
      extended liver venous deprivation (eLVD), i.e. combination of right portal vein
      embolisation and right (accessory right) and middle hepatic vein embolisation
      before major hepatectomy for future remnant liver (FRL) functional increase.
      METHODS: eLVD was performed in non-cirrhotic patients referred for major
      hepatectomy in a context of small FRL (baseline FRL <25% of the total liver
      volume or FRL function <2.69%/min/m2). All patients underwent 99mTc-mebrofenin
      hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) and computed tomographic evaluations. RESULTS:
      Ten consecutive patients underwent eLVD before surgery for liver metastases (n =
      8), Klatskin tumour (n = 1) and gallbladder carcinoma (n = 1). FRL function
      increased by 64.3% (range = 28.1-107.5%) at day 21. In patients with serial
      measurements, maximum FRL function was at day 7 (+65.7 +/- 16%). The FRL volume
      increased by +53.4% at 7 days (+25 +/- 8 cc/day). Thirty-one days (range = 22-45
      days) after eLVD, 9/10 patients were resected. No post-hepatectomy liver failure
      was reported. Two grade II and one grade III complications (Dindo-Clavien
      classification) occurred. No patient died with-in 90 days following surgery.
      CONCLUSIONS: eLVD is safe and provides a marked and very rapid increase in liver
      function, unprecedented for an interventional radiology procedure. KEY POINTS: *
      eLVD is safe * eLVD provides a marked and very rapid increase in liver function *
      After eLVD, the FRL-F increased by 64.3% (28.1-107.5%) at day 21 * After eLVD,
      the maximum FRL-F was obtained at day 7 (+65.7 +/- 16%) * After eLVD, the FRL
      volume increased by +53.4% at 7 days (+25 +/- 8 cc/day).

PMID- 28101684
TI  - p53 Replacement Therapy for Cancer.
AB  - Tumor suppressor gene (TSG) replacement therapy that involves various delivery
      systems is emerging as a promising antitumor strategy because malignant tumors
      develop through genetic alterations in TSGs. The most potent therapeutic TSG for
      tumor suppression is the multifunctional transcription factor p53 gene that
      regulates diverse cellular phenomena such as cell cycle arrest, senescence,
      apoptosis, and autophagy. Since the p53 gene is frequently inactivated by
      aberrant genetic regulation in human cancers, p53 replacement therapy is widely
      and frequently used as a potent antitumor strategy to restore wild-type p53
      function in the p53-inactivated tumors. This chapter focuses on four types of p53
      transfer systems: cationic liposome-DNA plasmid complexes, a replication
      deficient adenovirus vector, a replication-competent adenovirus vector, and a
      protein transduction system. Moreover, we discuss recent advances in our
      understanding of the molecular basis of the p53-mediated cell death signaling
      pathway and therapeutic methods for enhancing tumor cell death and induction of
      bystander effects within tumor tissues in p53 replacement therapy. Exploration of
      the molecular mechanism underlying the p53-mediated tumor-suppressive network
      system and development of an effective strategy for enhancing p53-mediated cell
      death signaling pathways would lead to an improvement in the clinical outcome of
      patients with p53-inactivated cancers.

PMID- 28101685
TI  - Retroviral Vectors for Cancer Gene Therapy.
AB  - Advances in molecular technologies have led to the discovery of many disease
      related genetic mutations as well as elucidation of aberrant gene and protein
      expression patterns in several human diseases, including cancer. This information
      has driven the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as the
      utilization of small molecules to target specific cellular pathways and the use
      of retroviral vectors to retarget immune cells to recognize and eliminate tumor
      cells. Retroviral-mediated gene transfer has allowed efficient production of T
      cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which have demonstrated
      marked success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. As a safety point,
      these modified cells can be outfitted with suicide genes. Customized gene editing
      tools, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR
      associated nucleases (CRISPR-Cas9), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), or TAL-effector
      nucleases (TALENs), may also be combined with retroviral delivery to specifically
      delete oncogenes, inactivate oncogenic signaling pathways, or deliver wild-type
      genes. Additionally, the feasibility of retroviral gene transfer strategies to
      protect the hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) from the dose-limiting toxic effects
      of chemotherapy and radiotherapy was demonstrated. While some of these approaches
      have yet to be translated into clinical application, the potential implications
      for improved cellular replacement therapies to enhance and/or support the current
      treatment modalities are enormous.

PMID- 28101686
TI  - Minicircle-Based Engineering of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cells.
AB  - Plasmid DNA is being used as a pharmaceutical agent in vaccination, as well as a
      basic substance and starting material in gene and cell therapy, and viral vector
      production. Since the uncontrolled expression of backbone sequences present in
      such plasmids and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes may have
      profound detrimental effects, an important goal in vector development was to
      produce supercoiled DNA lacking bacterial backbone sequences: Minicircle (MC)
      DNA. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is a non-viral gene delivery
      platform enabling a close-to-random profile of genomic integration. In
      combination, the MC platform greatly enhances SB transposition and transgene
      integration resulting in higher numbers of stably modified target cells. We have
      recently developed a strategy for MC-based SB transposition of chimeric antigen
      receptor (CAR) transgenes that enable improved transposition rates compared to
      conventional plasmids and rapid manufacturing of therapeutic CAR T cell doses
      (Monjezi et al. 2016). This advance enables manufacturing CAR T cells in a virus
      free process that relies on SB-mediated transposition from MC DNA to accomplish
      gene-transfer. Advantages of this approach include a strong safety profile due to
      the nature of the MC itself and the genomic insertion pattern of MC-derived CAR
      transposons. In addition, stable transposition and high-level CAR transgene
      expression, as well as easy and reproducible handling, make MCs a preferred
      vector source for gene-transfer in advanced cellular and gene therapy. In this
      chapter, we will review our experience in MC-based CAR T cell engineering and
      discuss our recent advances in MC manufacturing to accelerate both pre-clinical
      and clinical implementation.

PMID- 28101688
TI  - mRNA Cancer Vaccines.
AB  - mRNA cancer vaccines are a relatively new class of vaccines, which combine the
      potential of mRNA to encode for almost any protein with an excellent safety
      profile and a flexible production process. The most straightforward use of mRNA
      vaccines in oncologic settings is the immunization of patients with mRNA vaccines
      encoding tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). This is exemplified by the RNActive(r)
      technology, which induces balanced humoral and cellular immune responses in
      animal models and is currently evaluated in several clinical trials for oncologic
      indications. A second application of mRNA vaccines is the production of
      personalized vaccines. This is possible because mRNA vaccines are produced by a
      generic process, which can be used to quickly produce mRNA vaccines targeting
      patient-specific neoantigens that are identified by analyzing the tumor exome.
      Apart from being used directly to vaccinate patients, mRNAs can also be used in
      cellular therapies to transfect patient-derived cells in vitro and infuse the
      manipulated cells back into the patient. One such application is the transfection
      of patient-derived dendritic cells (DCs) with mRNAs encoding TAAs, which leads to
      the presentation of TAA-derived peptides on the DCs and an activation of antigen
      specific T cells in vivo. A second application is the transfection of patient
      derived T cells with mRNAs encoding chimeric antigen receptors, which allows the
      T cells to directly recognize a specific antigen expressed on the tumor. In this
      chapter, we will review preclinical and clinical data for the different
      approaches.

PMID- 28101687
TI  - Noncoding RNA for Cancer Gene Therapy.
AB  - Gene therapy is a prospective strategy to modulate gene expression level in
      specific cells to treat human inherited diseases, cancers, and acquired
      disorders. A subset of noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interference
      RNAs (siRNAs), compose an important class of widely used effectors for gene
      therapy, especially in cancer treatment. Functioning through the RNA interference
      (RNAi) mechanism, miRNA and siRNA show potent ability in silencing oncogenic
      factors for cancer gene therapy. For a better understanding of this field, we
      reviewed the mechanism and biological function, the principles of design and
      synthesis, and the delivery strategies of noncoding RNAs with clinical potentials
      in cancer gene therapy.

PMID- 28101689
TI  - Gene Therapeutic Approaches to Overcome ABCB1-Mediated Drug Resistance.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR) to pharmaceutical active agents is a common clinical
      problem in patients suffering from cancer. MDR is often mediated by over
      expression of trans-membrane xenobiotic transport molecules belonging to the
      superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-transporters. This protein family
      includes the classical MDR-associated transporter ABCB1 (MDR1/P-gp). Inhibition
      of ABC-transporters by low molecular weight compounds in cancer patients has been
      extensively investigated in clinical trials, but the results have been
      disappointing. Thus, in the last decades alternative experimental therapeutic
      strategies for overcoming MDR were under extensive investigation. These include
      gene therapeutic approaches applying antisense-, ribozyme-, RNA interference-,
      and CRISPR/Cas9-based techniques. Various delivery strategies were used to
      reverse MDR in different tumor models in vitro and in vivo. Results and
      conclusions of these gene therapeutic studies will be discussed.

PMID- 28101690
TI  - Bacterial Toxins for Oncoleaking Suicidal Cancer Gene Therapy.
AB  - For suicide gene therapy, initially prodrug-converting enzymes (gene-directed
      enzyme-producing therapy, GDEPT) were employed to intracellularly metabolize non
      toxic prodrugs into toxic compounds, leading to the effective suicidal killing of
      the transfected tumor cells. In this regard, the suicide gene therapy has
      demonstrated its potential for efficient tumor eradication. Numerous suicide
      genes of viral or bacterial origin were isolated, characterized, and extensively
      tested in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating their therapeutic potential even in
      clinical trials to treat cancers of different entities. Apart from this, growing
      efforts are made to generate more targeted and more effective suicide gene
      systems for cancer gene therapy. In this regard, bacterial toxins are an
      alternative to the classical GDEPT strategy, which add to the broad spectrum of
      different suicide approaches. In this context, lytic bacterial toxins, such as
      streptolysin O (SLO) or the claudin-targeted Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin
      (CPE) represent attractive new types of suicide oncoleaking genes. They permit as
      pore-forming proteins rapid and also selective toxicity toward a broad range of
      cancers. In this chapter, we describe the generation and use of SLO as well as of
      CPE-based gene therapies for the effective tumor cell eradication as promising,
      novel suicide gene approach particularly for treatment of therapy refractory
      tumors.

PMID- 28101691
TI  - Use of Bacteria in Cancer Therapy.
AB  - Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in humans and most common cause of
      death in twenty-first century. New cancer therapies are urgently required because
      of the existing pharmacological side effects of the conventional chemotherapy,
      radiation, or surgery. Newer modalities such as cancer vaccines and biological
      therapies are proving very helpful in the treatment of cancer along with the
      conventional therapies. The success of these novel cancer therapies is attributed
      to their lesser toxicity and the specific killing of the cancer cells. Bacterial
      therapy for cancer has been recognized a century ago. Live, attenuated, or
      genetically modified obligate or facultative anaerobic bacterial species exhibit
      the inherent property of colonizing the tumors and are capable of multiplying
      selectively inside the tumors, thereby inhibiting cancerous growths. The bacteria
      and their spores are used in the target specific therapies, delivering the
      prodrugs and the various proteins to the tumors. Albeit bacterial treatment of
      cancer is providing new perspective in the treatment of disease, the use of
      microorganisms to target tumors has certain confinements. The biosafety, genetic
      instability and the confounded interaction of the bacteria with treatment drugs,
      requires the more noteworthy consideration regarding the use of this novel
      treatment in the cancer treatment.

PMID- 28101694
TI  - Relationship Between Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Trichophyton
      mentagrophytes Strains Isolated from Patients with Dermatophytosis.
AB  - According to epidemiological, clinical and mycological criteria, it has long been
      admitted that the Trichophyton mentagrophytes species includes two varieties: a
      zoophilic variety (var. mentagrophytes) and an anthropophilic variety (var.
      interdigitale) that involve the upper and the lower part of the body,
      respectively. The further application of molecular techniques to the
      characterization of dermatophyte strains showed that this classification is
      unreliable. The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of PCR-RFLP
      (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and sequencing in the characterization
      of T. mentagrophytes strains taken from Tunisian patients. The study was carried
      out in 2008 in the laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology of Farhat Hached
      University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia. A total of 133 strains were isolated from
      133 patients addressed to the laboratory for dermatological lesions very
      evocative of dermatomycosis. Eighty strains were isolated from lesions located on
      the lower part of the body (onychomycosis, tinea pedis) and 53 strains from the
      upper part of the body (tinea capitis, tinea corporis). All strains were
      submitted to mycological examination (direct microscopic examination and culture
      on Sabouraud medium) and further investigated by using RFLP analysis of the PCR
      amplified ITS1-5.8 s-ITS2 region of the ribosomal DNA and the MvaI restriction
      enzyme. In addition, 62 strains were further submitted to a sequencing of the
      ITS1-5.8 s-ITS2 region. On the basis of mycological criteria, all strains were
      diagnosed as T. mentagrophytes. All strains produced the same RFLP pattern and
      were identified as T. mentagrophytes interdigitale regardless of the location of
      lesions. Out of the 62 sequenced strains, 16 were found anthropophilic and 46
      were zoophilic. In conclusion, all strains provisionally diagnosed as T.
      mentagrophytes on the basis of mycological criteria were shown to belong to T.
      interdigitale by using PCR-RFLP and sequencing irrespective of the site of
      lesions. The predominance of zoophilic strains needs further investigation.

PMID- 28101695
TI  - The Spatial Release of Cognitive Load in Cocktail Party Is Determined by the
      Relative Levels of the Talkers.
AB  - In a multi-talker situation, spatial separation between talkers reduces cognitive
      processing load: this is the "spatial release of cognitive load". The present
      study investigated the role played by the relative levels of the talkers on this
      spatial release of cognitive load. During the experiment, participants had to
      report the speech emitted by a target talker in the presence of a concurrent
      masker talker. The spatial separation (0 degrees  and 120 degrees  angular
      distance in azimuth) and the relative levels of the talkers (adverse,
      intermediate, and favorable target-to-masker ratio) were manipulated. The
      cognitive load was assessed with a prefrontal functional near-infrared
      spectroscopy. Data from 14 young normal-hearing listeners revealed that the
      target-to-masker ratio had a direct impact on the spatial release of cognitive
      load. Spatial separation significantly reduced the prefrontal activity only for
      the intermediate target-to-masker ratio and had no effect on prefrontal activity
      for the favorable and the adverse target-to-masker ratios. Therefore, the
      relative levels of the talkers might be a key point to determine the spatial
      release of cognitive load and more specifically the prefrontal activity induced
      by spatial cues in multi-talker situations.

PMID- 28101692
TI  - The assembly and function of perinuclear actin cap in migrating cells.
AB  - Stress fibers are actin bundles encompassing actin filaments, actin-crosslinking,
      and actin-associated proteins that represent the major contractile system in the
      cell. Different types of stress fibers assemble in adherent cells, and they are
      central to diverse cellular processes including establishment of the cell shape,
      morphogenesis, cell polarization, and migration. Stress fibers display specific
      cellular organization and localization, with ventral fibers present at the basal
      side, and dorsal fibers and transverse actin arcs rising at the cell front from
      the ventral to the dorsal side and toward the nucleus. Perinuclear actin cap
      fibers are a specific subtype of stress fibers that rise from the leading edge
      above the nucleus and terminate at the cell rear forming a dome-like structure.
      Perinuclear actin cap fibers are fixed at three points: both ends are anchored in
      focal adhesions, while the central part is physically attached to the nucleus and
      nuclear lamina through the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC)
      complex. Here, we discuss recent work that provides new insights into the
      mechanism of assembly and the function of these actin stress fibers that directly
      link extracellular matrix and focal adhesions with the nuclear envelope.

PMID- 28101698
TI  - 6th Educational Meeting "Colorectal Cancer" : Republic of San Marino, 5-6
      December, 2016 Presidents: Filippo La Torre, Giovanni Milito.

PMID- 28101696
TI  - Role of the Helix in Talin F3 Domain (F3 Helix) in Talin-Mediated Integrin
      Activation.
AB  - Increases in ligand binding to cellular integrins (activation) play an important
      role in platelet and leukocyte function. Talin is necessary in vivo and
      sufficient in vitro for integrin alphaIIbbeta3 activation. The precise mechanisms
      by which talin activates integrin are still being elucidated. In particular,
      talin undergoes conformational changes (around the F3 helix) and inserts the F3
      helix into lipid bilayer; however, the connection between this lipid-inserting
      mechanism of talin and talin's capacity to activate integrin has never been
      explored before. In this work, we used rational mutagenesis, modeled cell
      systems, and structural modeling to study the potential role of membrane-induced
      talin conformational changes in talin-mediated integrin activation. Mutations of
      the residues critical for talin F3 helix to insert into membrane completely
      abolished talin-mediated integrin activation without affecting the binding of
      talin to integrins. Furthermore, mutations of the lipid-binding sequences in
      talin F3 helix significantly reduced the capacity of talin to activate integrin.
      Our results suggest that the F3 helix may contribute to talin-mediated integrin
      activation.

PMID- 28101697
TI  - Predictors of the Usefulness of Corticosteroids for Cancer-Related Fatigue in End
      of-Life Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although some studies have examined the use of
      corticosteroids, their effectiveness in treating cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has
      yet to be established. Therefore, this retrospective study attempted to identify
      factors that would predict the usefulness of corticosteroids in treating CRF.
      METHODS: We examined 87 hospitalized end-of-life cancer patients who were given
      betamethasone for relief of CRF at our hospital between January 2008 and January
      2014. We evaluated the effect of betamethasone at 3 days after administration and
      performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis designed to identify
      predictive factors for the usefulness of corticosteroids. Threshold measurements
      were examined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS:
      This analysis identified the initial daily dose of betamethasone [odds ratio (OR)
      = 1.662], days from the start date of betamethasone administration to the date of
      death (OR = 1.05), administration of fentanyl (OR = 0.206) and age (OR = 1.055)
      as significant factors related to the effect of betamethasone. ROC curve analysis
      of the effect of the betamethasone showed that the threshold for the initial
      daily dose of betamethasone was above 4 mg, the threshold for the days from the
      start date of the betamethasone administration to the date of death was above 16
      days and the threshold for age was above 60 years old. CONCLUSION: The initial
      daily dose of betamethasone, days from the start date of the betamethasone
      administration to the date of death, non-administration of fentanyl and advanced
      age were shown to be predictive factors for the usefulness of corticosteroids for
      CRF in end-of-life patients.

PMID- 28101699
TI  - Humanity at the Edge: The Moral Laboratory of Feeding Precarious Lives.
AB  - At the heart of anthropology and the social sciences lies a notion of human
      existence according to which humans and animals share the basic need for food,
      but only humans have the capacity for morality. Based on fieldwork in a pig
      laboratory, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and a dementia nursing home,
      we follow practices of feeding precarious lives lacking most markers of human
      personhood, including the exercise of moral judgment. Despite the absence of such
      markers, laboratory researchers and caregivers in these three sites do not
      abstain from engaging in questions about the moral status of the piglets,
      infants, and people with dementia in their care. They continually negotiate how
      their charges belong to the human collectivity and thereby challenge the notion
      of 'the human' that is foundational to anthropology. Combining analytical
      approaches that do not operate with a fixed boundary between human and animal
      value and agency with approaches that focus on human experience and virtue
      ethics, we argue that 'the human' at stake in the moral laboratory of feeding
      precarious lives puts 'the human' in anthropology at disposal for moral
      experimentation.

PMID- 28101700
TI  - Predicting brain metastases for non-small cell lung cancer based on magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - In this study the relationship between brain structure and brain metastases (BM)
      occurrence was analyzed. A model for predicting the time of BM onset in patients
      with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was proposed. Twenty patients were used
      to develop the model, whereas the remaining 69 were used for independent
      validation and verification of the model. Magnetic resonance images were
      segmented into cerebrospinal fluid, gray matter (GM), and white matter using
      voxel-based morphometry. Automatic anatomic labeling template was used to extract
      116 brain regions from the GM volume. The elapsed time between the MRI
      acquisitions and BM diagnosed was analyzed using the least absolute shrinkage and
      selection operator method. The model was validated using the leave-one-out cross
      validation (LOOCV) and permutation test. The GM volume of the extracted 11
      regions of interest increased with the progression of BM from NSCLC. LOOCV test
      on the model indicated that the measured and predicted BM onset were highly
      correlated (r = 0.834, P = 0.0000). For the 69 independent validating patients,
      accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model for predicting BM occurrence
      were 70, 75, and 66%, respectively, in 6 months and 74, 82, and 60%,
      respectively, in 1 year. The extracted brain GM volumes and interval times for BM
      occurrence were correlated. The established model based on MRI data may reliably
      predict BM in 6 months or 1 year. Further studies with larger sample size are
      needed to validate the findings in a clinical setting.

PMID- 28101701
TI  - Early postoperative tumor progression predicts clinical outcome in glioblastoma
      implication for clinical trials.
AB  - Molecular markers define the diagnosis of glioblastoma in the new WHO
      classification of 2016, challenging neuro-oncology centers to provide timely
      treatment initiation. The aim of this study was to determine whether a time delay
      to treatment initiation was accompanied by signs of early tumor progression in an
      MRI before the start of radiotherapy, and, if so, whether this influences the
      survival of glioblastoma patients. Images from 61 patients with early post
      surgery MRI and a second MRI just before the start of radiotherapy were examined
      retrospectively for signs of early tumor progression. Survival information was
      analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a Cox multivariate analysis was
      performed to identify independent variables for survival prediction. 59 percent
      of patients showed signs of early tumor progression after a mean time of 24.1
      days from the early post-surgery MRI to the start of radiotherapy. Compared to
      the group without signs of early tumor progression, which had a mean time of 23.3
      days (p = 0.685, Student's t test), progression free survival was reduced from
      320 to 185 days (HR 2.3; CI 95% 1.3-4.0; p = 0.0042, log-rank test) and overall
      survival from 778 to 329 days (HR 2.9; CI 95% 1.6-5.1; p = 0.0005). A
      multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the Karnofsky performance
      score, O-6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation, and
      signs of early tumor progression are prognostic markers of overall survival.
      Early tumor progression at the start of radiotherapy is associated with a worse
      prognosis for glioblastoma patients. A standardized baseline MRI might allow for
      better patient stratification.

PMID- 28101702
TI  - Bone Marrow Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells: New Generation of Autologous
      Cell Therapy Soon Ready for Prime Time?
AB  - Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) are major pluripotent stem cells
      described in human and mouse. In this issue of Stem Cell Reviews and Reports,
      Shaikh and colleagues show in a valuable work that mouse bone marrow collected
      after 5FU treatment contains VSELs able to undergo in vitro multi-lineage
      differentiation into cells from all three germ layers and also in germ and
      hematopoietic cells. These findings are robust since no confounding factor such
      as feeder cell fusion with VSELs can occur here. This paper allows one to better
      appreciate bone marrow-VSELs differentiation potential and opens new perspectives
      for autologous cell therapy. Furthermore, it might help explaining lots of
      contradictive data from the past 20 years, in particular related to ability of
      bone marrow cells to differentiate into cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 28101703
TI  - Differences in Cortical Sources of the Event-Related P3 Potential Between Young
      and Old Participants Indicate Frontal Compensation.
AB  - The event-related P3 potential, as elicited in auditory signal detection tasks,
      originates from neural activity of multiple cortical structures and presumably
      reflects an overlap of several cognitive processes. The fact that the P3 is
      affected by aging makes it a potential metric for age-related cognitive change.
      The P3 in older participants is thought to encompass frontal compensatory
      activity in addition to task-related processes. The current study investigates
      this by decomposing the P3 using group independent component analysis (ICA).
      Independent components (IC) of young and old participants were compared in order
      to investigate the effects of aging. Exact low-resolution tomography analysis
      (eLORETA) was used to compare current source densities between young and old
      participants for the P3-ICs to localize differences in cortical source activity
      for every IC. One of the P3-related ICs reflected a different constellation of
      cortical generators in older participants compared to younger participants,
      suggesting that this P3-IC reflects shifts in neural activations and compensatory
      processes with aging. This P3-IC was localized to the orbitofrontal/temporal, and
      the medio-parietal regions. For this IC, older participants showed more frontal
      activation and less parietal activation as measured on the scalp. The differences
      in cortical sources were localized in the precentral gyrus and the
      parahippocampal gyrus. This finding might reflect compensatory activity recruited
      from these cortical sources during a signal detection task.

PMID- 28101704
TI  - Molecular cloning and gene/protein expression of FAT/CD36 from grass carp
      (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and the regulation of its expression by dietary energy.
AB  - Fatty acid translocase/cluster of differentiation 36 (FAT/CD36) functions as a
      membrane long-chain fatty acid transporter in various tissues in land animals.
      Not much is known about the CD36 molecule in teleost fish. Therefore, we studied
      CD36 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella, ciCD36). The full-length
      complementary DNA sequence of ciCD36 was 1976 bp, with an ORF of 468 amino acids,
      which had high sequence similarity to the CD36 of common carp. The messenger RNA
      (mRNA) expression of ciCD36 was high in the intestine, heart, liver, visceral
      tissue, and brain, but absent in the kidney. The protein expression of ciCD36 was
      high in the brain, intestine, liver, heart, muscle, eye, visceral tissue, gonad,
      and gill, but not in the kidney. Four groups of grass carp (16 tanks) were fed
      three times daily to satiation with 17.2 kJ gross energy/g diet (control, CON),
      19.4 kJ gross energy/g diet (more energy supplied by proteins, HP), 19.9 kJ gross
      energy/g diet (more energy supplied by fat, HF), and 19.1 kJ gross energy/g diet
      (more energy supplied by carbohydrate, HC) for 11 weeks, respectively. At the end
      of the feeding experiment, the fish were fasted for 48 h, and the brain, heart,
      intestine, and liver were sampled and designated as the 0-h samples. The fish
      were then fed a single meal of the above four diets, and these tissues were
      collected at 8- and 24-h intervals after refeeding to analyze ciCD36 mRNA and
      protein expression levels. The results showed that at the transcriptional and
      translational levels, ciCD36 expression was significantly affected by refeeding
      time and the different diets (P < 0.05), and the regulation of its transcription
      in different tissues varied. At the translational level, the protein expression
      levels decreased in the CON and HC groups, and increased in the HP and HF groups
      after refeeding. The results indicated that ciCD36 has a modulatory role in the
      adaptation to dietary high energy in grass carp. Translational regulation might
      be responsible for the observed variations in ciCD36 expression.

PMID- 28101705
TI  - Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Proton Pump Inhibitors: An Evaluation of Treatment
      Options.
AB  - Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have rapidly become an established factor in
      oncology, and have been shown to be effective in a wide variety of solid and
      hematologic malignancies. Use of the oral administration route of TKIs offers
      flexibility and is convenient for the patient; however, despite these advantages,
      the oral route of administration also causes a highly relevant new problem. Acid
      inhibitory drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), increase the
      intragastric pH, which may subsequently decrease TKI solubility, bioavailability,
      and treatment efficacy. Clear and practical advice on how to manage PPI use
      during TKI therapy is currently not available in the literature. Since PPIs are
      extensively used during TKI therapy, prescribers are presented with a big dilemma
      as to whether or not to continue the combined treatment, resulting in patients
      possibly being deprived of optimal therapy. When all pharmacological
      characteristics and data of either TKIs and PPIs are considered, practical and
      safe advice on how to manage this drug combination can be given.

PMID- 28101706
TI  - Comparative assessment of LECA and Spartina maritima to remove emerging organic
      contaminants from wastewater.
AB  - The present work aimed to evaluate the capacity of constructed wetlands (CWs) to
      remove three emerging organic contaminants with different physicochemical
      properties: caffeine (CAF), oxybenzone (MBPh), and triclosan (TCS). The simulated
      CWs were set up with a matrix of light expanded clay aggregates (LECA) and
      planted with Spartina maritima, a salt marsh plant. Controlled experiments were
      carried out in microcosms using deionized water and wastewater collected at a
      wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), with different contaminant mass ranges, for 3,
      7, and 14 days. The effects of variables were tested isolatedly and together
      (LECA and/or S. maritima). The presence of LECA and/or S. maritima has shown
      higher removal (around 61-97%) of lipophilic compounds (MBPh and TCS) than the
      hydrophilic compound (CAF; around 19-85%). This was attributed to the fact that
      hydrophilic compounds are dissolved in the water column, whereas the lipophilic
      ones suffer sorption processes promoting their removal by plant roots and/or
      LECA. In the control (only wastewater), a decrease in the three contaminant
      levels was observed. Adsorption and bio/rhizoremediation are the strongest
      hypothesis to explain the decrease in contaminants in the tested conditions.

PMID- 28101707
TI  - Distributions and ecological risk assessment of estrogens and bisphenol A in an
      arid and semiarid area in northwest China.
AB  - Free estrogens (estrone, E1; 17beta-estradiol, 17beta-E2; estriol, E3; and
      17alpha-ethinylestradiol, EE2), their corresponding sulfate and glucuronide
      conjugates, and bisphenol A (BPA) were investigated in water and sediments in the
      Fen River catchment, an arid and semiarid area in northwest China. E1 and BPA
      were frequently detected in the wet and dry sampling seasons. In addition to the
      sulfate conjugates, other conjugated estrogens were not detected in water and
      sediments. The concentrations of these compounds in water generally increased
      from upstream to downstream. The concentrations in water samples of most sites
      were higher in the wet season than those in the dry season, but concentrations in
      sediments of most sites were higher in the dry season than those in the wet
      season. The distributions of these compounds in sediments were positively
      correlated with the total organic carbon (TOC) contents of sediments (0.3 < R 2 <
      0.6, p < 0.01) and concentrations in water (0.25 < R 2 < 0.50, p < 0.01). In this
      catchment, E1 was the main contributor to endocrine disrupting risk. The surface
      water in most of the tributaries and the sewage in the drainage channels were at
      risk. The pore waters of sediments were at risk at most sampling sites.

PMID- 28101708
TI  - Characterization of interaction between amino acids and fulvic-like organic
      matter by fluorescence spectroscopy combining thermodynamic calculation.
AB  - Dissolved organic matter (DOM), as a very fine colloidal suspension, could
      inevitably affect the transformation process of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON)
      in drinking water treatment. Tryptophan and tyrosine were used as representatives
      of DON to investigate the interactions between amino acids and fulvic-like
      components of fluorescent DOM using titration experiments. The fluorescence
      intensity decreased significantly with the increasing fulvic acid (FA)
      concentration, suggesting that FA could greatly quench the intrinsic fluorescence
      of amino acids such as tryptophan and tyrosine. The absolute spectrum peaks of
      amino acids (AA) were changed in the presence of FA, possibly being resulted from
      non-covalent interactions between amino acids and FA. The specific hydrogen
      bonding and van der Waals forces played dominant roles in the interactions
      according to the results of theoretical analysis and thermodynamic calculation.
      The distance between donor and acceptor was 1.25 and 1.14 nm for the FA-tyrosine
      and FA-tryptophan system, indicating the energy transfer from tyrosine or
      tryptophan to FA. The association constant (K) decreased with the increase of
      temperature and pH value, while the change of ionic strength had no obvious
      influence on K value.

PMID- 28101709
TI  - Distributed mixed-integer fuzzy hierarchical programming for municipal solid
      waste management. Part I: System identification and methodology development.
AB  - Due to the existence of complexities of heterogeneities, hierarchy, discreteness,
      and interactions in municipal solid waste management (MSWM) systems such as
      Beijing, China, a series of socio-economic and eco-environmental problems may
      emerge or worsen and result in irredeemable damages in the following decades.
      Meanwhile, existing studies, especially ones focusing on MSWM in Beijing, could
      hardly reflect these complexities in system simulations and provide reliable
      decision support for management practices. Thus, a framework of distributed mixed
      integer fuzzy hierarchical programming (DMIFHP) is developed in this study for
      MSWM under these complexities. Beijing is selected as a representative case. The
      Beijing MSWM system is comprehensively analyzed in many aspects such as socio
      economic conditions, natural conditions, spatial heterogeneities, treatment
      facilities, and system complexities, building a solid foundation for system
      simulation and optimization. Correspondingly, the MSWM system in Beijing is
      discretized as 235 grids to reflect spatial heterogeneity. A DMIFHP model which
      is a nonlinear programming problem is constructed to parameterize the Beijing
      MSWM system. To enable scientific solving of it, a solution algorithm is proposed
      based on coupling of fuzzy programming and mixed-integer linear programming.
      Innovations and advantages of the DMIFHP framework are discussed. The optimal
      MSWM schemes and mechanism revelations will be discussed in another companion
      paper due to length limitation.

PMID- 28101710
TI  - Effect of different sulfadimidine addition methods on its degradation behaviour
      in swine manure.
AB  - Sulfadimidine (SM2) is commonly used in the swine industry and enters the
      environment via faeces. In recent years, advances in the ecotoxicology of SM2
      have become a popular research interest with two common research methods
      including swine manure collection from swine fed with a diet containing SM2 and
      directly adding SM2. The purpose of this experiment was to compare SM2
      degradation behaviour in pig manure with two different SM2 addition methods. The
      results showed that the degradation half-lives of SM2 in manure from SM2-fed
      swine treatment were 33.2 and 32.0 days at the initial addition level of SM2 at
      32.1 and 64.3 mg/kg, respectively. This was significantly longer than that in
      manure directly adding SM2 treatment with the half-lives of 21.4 and 14.8 days.
      The metabolite of SM2 N4-acetyl-sulfamethazine occurred in manure from SM2-fed
      swine treatment but was not detected in directly adding SM2 treatment. The pH in
      manure from SM2-fed swine treatment was significantly lower than that in directly
      adding SM2 treatment, but the values of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and
      electrical conductivity in manure from SM2-fed swine treatment were significantly
      higher than those in manure directly adding SM2 treatment. Meanwhile, although
      the copy number of bacteria had no significant difference between two treatments,
      there was a significant difference in bacteria diversity. Results of the present
      study demonstrated that the presence of the metabolites, chemical property, and
      microbial diversity might be the reason for different SM2 degradation behaviours
      on different addition methods. Thus, the method using manure with SM2 collected
      from swine could obtain more accurate results for the ecotoxicological study of
      SM2.

PMID- 28101711
TI  - Catalytic performance of graphene-bimetallic composite for heterogeneous
      oxidation of acid orange 7 from aqueous solution.
AB  - In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) embedded with bimetallic
      nanoparticles of cobalt-manganese oxide (CoMn2O4) was fabricated by hydrothermal
      treatment. The obtained product was characterized and applied for the
      heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade acid orange 7
      (AO7). The characterization results revealed that 10-20 nm nanosized CoMn2O4 was
      homogenously decorated on the surface of rGO. The effect of different CoMn2O4
      loadings showed that catalyst with a CoMn2O4 contents higher than 20% performs
      stronger capability for catalytic degradation of AO7 compared to pure CoMn2O4. In
      a system containing 4 mM PMS and 0.05 g/L 50% CoMn2O4/rGO, 100% conversion of AO7
      (70 mg/L) and 43% mineralization could be achieved within 12 and 60 min,
      respectively. Recycling experiment along with XRD data demonstrates good
      stability of the catalyst for five successive runs. Inhibition confirmation
      results suggest that surface-bound SO4*- and HO* radicals both played a key role
      in degradation of AO7. Therefore, this material demonstrates a very efficient
      catalytic performance for the degradation of organic dyes.

PMID- 28101712
TI  - Herbicides and trace metals in urban waters in Melbourne, Australia (2011-12):
      concentrations and potential impact.
AB  - Urban stormwater samples were collected from five aquatic systems in Melbourne,
      Australia, on six occasions between October 2011 and March 2012 and tested for 30
      herbicides and 14 trace metals. Nineteen different herbicides were observed in
      one or more water samples from the five sites; chemicals observed at more than
      40% of sites were simazine (100%), MCPA (83%), diuron (63%) and atrazine (53%).
      Using the toxicity unit (TU) concept to assess potential risk to aquatic
      ecosystems, none of the detected herbicides were considered to pose an
      individual, group or collective short-term risk to fish or zooplankton in the
      waters studied. However, 13 herbicides had TU values suggesting they might have
      posed an individual risk to primary producers at the time of sampling. Water
      quality guideline levels were exceeded on many occasions for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb and
      Zn. Similarly, RQmed and RQmax exceeded 1 for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn.
      Almost all the metals screened exceeded a log10TU of -3 for every trophic level,
      suggesting that there may have been some impact on aquatic organisms in the
      studied waterbodies. Our data indicate that Melbourne's urban aquatic
      environments may be being impacted by approved domestic, industrial and sporting
      application of herbicides and that stormwater quality needs to be carefully
      assessed prior to reuse. Further research is required to understand the
      performance of different urban stormwater wetland designs in removing pesticides
      and trace metals. Applying the precautionary principle to herbicide regulation is
      important to ensure there is more research and assessment of the long-term
      'performance' standard of all herbicides and throughout their 'life cycle'.
      Implementing such an approach will also ensure government, regulators, decision
      makers, researchers, policy makers and industry have the best possible
      information available to improve the management of chemicals, from manufacture to
      use.

PMID- 28101713
TI  - Macro- and Microelement Content and Other Properties of Chaenomeles japonica L.
      Fruit and Protective Effects of Its Aqueous Extract on Hepatocyte Metabolism.
AB  - This growing interest in the cultivation of Japanese quince Chaenomeles japonica
      L. results from the potentially beneficial properties of its fruit. Fresh fruits
      are very firm and too acidic to eat raw, but their bioactive components,
      distinctive aroma, and high amount of dietary fiber make the fruits well suited
      for industrial processing. However, not all the properties of the fruit have been
      investigated. For example, there are no comprehensive reports about the mineral
      content or potentially harmful effects on liver metabolism. Hence, the purpose of
      our study was to examine fresh Japanese quince fruit in terms of (1) ascorbic
      acid, oxalate, fiber, macro- and micronutrients, dry matter, extract, total
      acidity, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compound levels; and (2) the effect
      of its extract on in vitro hepatocyte metabolism, measured by the concentration
      of lipid peroxides (LPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the severity of
      apoptosis and necrosis. The fruit of C. japonica had high levels of macro- and
      microelements, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, fiber, and low oxalate levels.
      Our analysis of macro- and microelements showed that the average content of Fe
      was 0.516 mg/g, Cu 0.146 mg/g, Zn 0.546 mg/g, Mg 16.729 mg/g, and Ca 22.920 mg/g
      of fresh fruit. A characteristic feature of the fresh fruit of C. japonica is a
      high level of polyphenols, which-combined with a high content of vitamin C-affect
      their high antioxidant potential. In the tested hepatocyte cultures incubated
      with extract of the Japanese quince, we observed a significant decrease in the
      concentration of lipid peroxides compared to the control. There were also no
      signs of increased formation of ROS in the mitochondria of hepatocytes incubated
      with the extract of quince. Malondialdehyde was strongly negatively correlated
      with the concentration of Japanese quince extract, which indicates the
      hepatoprotective properties of Japanese quince. In addition, our analysis of
      confocal microscopy images showed that the hepatocytes incubated with the extract
      of Japanese quince at any concentration did not show any signs of apoptosis or
      necrosis. The aqueous extract of quince fruit has antioxidative and antiapoptotic
      hepatocytes, thus exerting a hepatoprotective effect.

PMID- 28101714
TI  - Assessment of Zinc Status in School-Age Children from Rural Areas in China
      Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 and 2012.
AB  - Zinc is an essential trace element for growth and development in children, but
      zinc deficiency is a serious nutritional problem worldwide. Our study aimed to
      assess the zinc status of school-age children living in rural areas of China and
      to examine the change of zinc status based on the China Nutrition and Health
      Survey 2002 and 2012. We used the probability proportional to size sampling
      method for subject selection, and a total of 3407 school-age children were
      included in this study. Zinc status was assessed by three items of indicators
      recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's
      Fund (UNICEF), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the
      International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG). The concentration of
      serum zinc was 718.2 MUg/L, and 44.4% of children being zinc deficiency in 2002,
      while 846.8 MUg/L and 10.4% in 2012. Zinc intake was 7.8 mg/day with a 7.6%
      inadequate zinc intake in 2002, together with 6.9 mg/day and 38.2% in 2012.
      Height-for-age Z score was -1.06 and 19.1% of children being stunting in 2002, as
      well as -0.15 and 6.8% in 2012. In conclusion, the zinc status of school-age
      children living in rural areas of China has been significantly improved in
      addition to zinc intake over the past 10 years. However, the zinc deficiency
      still observed in poor rural areas of China in 2012. In addition, we suggested
      that the zinc bioavailability should be taken into account when assessing zinc
      status in population.

PMID- 28101715
TI  - Cortex- and Amygdala-Dependent Learning and Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Gene
      Expression is Severely Impaired in Mice Orally Treated with AlCl3.
AB  - Recent industrialization has increased human exposure to bio-available aluminum
      (Al). If more Al enters the brain than leaves, Al concentration will rise in the
      brain leading to neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of the present study was to
      determine Al concentration, neurodegeneration, and nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptor (nAChR) gene expression in the cortex and amygdala after oral ingestion
      of Al salt. The effect of Al on cortex- and amygdala-dependent learning and
      memory functions was also assessed. Mice were given AlCl3 (250 mg/kg) in drinking
      water for 42 days. nAChR gene expression was determined in the cortex and
      amygdala. The mice were subjected to behavior tests (fear conditioning, fear
      extinction, and open field), to assess memory deficits. The acquisition of fear
      memory in the fear conditioning test remained unaffected due to the Al
      administration. However, fear extinction (which is a new learning) was severely
      impaired. The behavioral analysis in the open field test showed greater anxiety
      and less adaptability to the new environment in Al-treated animals. High Al
      concentration and severe neurodegeneration in the cortex were observed following
      Al treatment while a slight, non-significant elevation in Al concentration was
      observed in the amygdala of Al-treated animals. The analysis of nAChR gene
      expression via RT-PCR showed a significant reduction in expression of alpha7,
      alpha4, and beta2 nAChR genes in the cortex of Al-treated animals, while in the
      amygdala, the level of the alpha4 nAChR gene remained unaltered. Oral Al
      ingestion causes neuropathological changes and suppresses expression of nAChR
      genes that lead to deficits in learning and higher anxiety in Al-treated animals.

PMID- 28101716
TI  - Circulating activated protein C in thrombophilia carriers.

PMID- 28101718
TI  - Poisoning Through Pediatric Skin: Cases from the Literature.
AB  - Poisoning through pediatric skin leading to acute systemic symptoms is a
      relatively uncommonly reported phenomenon. Systemic toxicity through the skin
      typically occurs by direct contact between therapeutic or non-therapeutic topical
      agents and the skin. Though uncommon, poisoning through pediatric skin can have
      significant consequences and must be recognized so the offending agent may be
      discontinued and appropriate treatment initiated. We performed a literature
      search for all article types between 1950 and April 2016 to provide a single
      source of detectable cases of acute toxicity in pediatric patients due to
      percutaneous exposure. This literature review discusses relevant pediatric skin
      physiology along with reports of poisoning events that resulted in systemic signs
      and symptoms and even death to provide a comprehensive report on causes of
      pediatric poisoning through the skin.

PMID- 28101717
TI  - Trace metals accumulation in soil irrigated with polluted water and assessment of
      human health risk from vegetable consumption in Bangladesh.
AB  - Trace metals accumulation in soil irrigated with polluted water and human health
      risk from vegetable consumption was assessed based on the data available in the
      literature on metals pollution of water, soil, sediment and vegetables from the
      cites of Bangladesh. The quantitative data on metal concentrations, their
      contamination levels and their pollution sources have not been systematically
      gathered and studied so far. The data on metal concentrations, sources,
      contamination levels, sample collection and analytical tools used were collected,
      compared and discussed. The USEPA-recommended method for health risk assessment
      was used to estimate human risk from vegetable consumption. Concentrations of
      metals in water were highly variable, and the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu
      and As in water were found to be higher than the FAO irrigation water quality
      standard. In most cases, mean concentrations of metals in soil were higher than
      the Bangladesh background value. Based on geoaccumulation index (I geo) values,
      soils of Dhaka city are considered as highly contaminated. The I geo shows Cd,
      As, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cr contamination of agricultural soils and sediments of the
      cities all over the Bangladesh. Polluted water irrigation and agrochemicals are
      identified as dominant sources of metals in agricultural soils. Vegetable
      contamination by metals poses both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the
      public. Based on the results of the pollution and health risk assessments, Cd,
      As, Cr, Cu, Pb and Ni are identified as the priority control metals and the Dhaka
      city is recommended as the priority control city. This study provides
      quantitative evidence demonstrating the critical need for strengthened wastewater
      discharge regulations in order to protect residents from heavy metal discharges
      into the environment.

PMID- 28101719
TI  - In Patients with a Soft Pancreas, a Thick Parenchyma, a Small Duct, and Fatty
      Infiltration Are Significant Risks for Pancreatic Fistula After
      Pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study sought to characterize soft and hard pancreatic textures
      radiologically and histologically, and to identify specific risks in a soft
      pancreas associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) formation after
      pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: Consecutive 145 patients who underwent PD
      at a single institution between January 2010 and May 2013 were studied.
      Pancreatic consistency was intraoperatively judged as soft or hard. Pancreatic
      configuration was assessed using preoperative CT. Histologic components of the
      pancreatic stump were evaluated using a morphometric analysis. Clinicopathologic
      parameters were then analyzed for the risk of clinically relevant POPF. RESULTS:
      Compared with patients with a hard pancreas (n = 66), those with a soft pancreas
      (n = 79) had a smaller main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter and a larger
      parenchymal thickness on CT, had a smaller fibrosis ratio and a larger lobular
      ratio histologically, and developed clinically relevant POPF more frequently (P <
      0.001 for all). In patients with a soft pancreas, an MPD diameter <2 mm, a
      parenchymal thickness >=10 mm, a lobular ratio <75%, and a fat ratio >=20% were
      independently associated with clinically relevant POPF (P < 0.010 for all).
      CONCLUSION: In patients with a soft pancreas, a thick parenchyma, a small MPD,
      and fatty infiltration were strongly associated with clinically relevant POPF
      after PD.

PMID- 28101720
TI  - Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Programs for Liver Resection: a Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Due to the limited number of high-quality randomized
      controlled trials on enhanced recovery after surgery for hepatectomy, previous
      reviews have not been sufficiently comprehensive. Our objectives were to evaluate
      and compare the safety and efficacy of enhanced recovery after surgery programs
      and traditional care in patients undergoing open or laparoscopic surgery and to
      assess the optimized items for hepatectomy. METHODS: We searched the PubMed,
      Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases for all the relevant studies
      regardless of study design. We assessed the methodological quality of the
      included studies and excluded studies of poor quality. We performed a meta
      analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: In total, 19 original studies with
      2575 patients, including four randomized controlled trials and 15 non-randomized
      controlled trials, were analyzed. The meta-analysis demonstrated that enhanced
      recovery after surgery programs could reduce morbidity, hospital stays and cost,
      blood loss, and time to bowel function recovery for both open and laparoscopic
      surgery without increasing mortality, readmission rate, or transfusion rate.
      Twelve items were essential for liver surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced recovery
      after surgery programs for hepatectomy are feasible and efficient. Further
      studies should optimize perioperative outcomes for liver surgery.

PMID- 28101722
TI  - The Effect of Antibiotic-Coated Sutures on the Incidence of Surgical Site
      Infections in Abdominal Closures: a Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to determine if antibiotic-impregnated sutures
      for abdominal fascial closure prevent postoperative surgical site infections
      (SSIs), hernias, and/or dehiscence. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (1946
      2016) were searched. Randomized controlled trials comparing antibiotic
      impregnated sutures to standard sutures for abdominal closure were eligible. Risk
      of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbooks definitions. RESULTS: Four
      hundred fifty articles were reviewed; five eligible studies (N = 3117) were
      identified. All studies routinely used prophylactic antibiotics. Overall risk of
      SSI in the antibiotic-impregnated suture group was 10.4 vs. 13.0% in the control
      group. Pooled data showed no difference in SSI between suture types (odds ratio
      0.79, 95% CI 0.57-1.09, P = 0.15, I 2 = 44%). There was no evidence of subgroup
      effect by suture material (polydioxanone vs. polyglactin 910; P = 0.19) or by
      comparing colorectal surgery studies to others (P = 0.67). There was a high risk
      of bias in two studies, one for high loss to follow-up and one for not using an
      intent-to-treat analysis. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis is the most comprehensive
      review on the utility of antibiotic-impregnated sutures in abdominal surgery to
      prevent SSI. We found no evidence to support routine use of these sutures.

PMID- 28101721
TI  - Quantitative Assessment of Visceral Obesity and Postoperative Colon Cancer
      Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative computed tomography (CT) assessment of visceral
      adiposity may be superior to body mass index (BMI) as a predictor of surgical
      morbidity. We sought to examine the association of CT measures of obesity and BMI
      with short-term postoperative outcomes in colon cancer patients. METHODS: In this
      retrospective study, 110 patients treated with colectomy for stage I-III colon
      cancer were classified as obese or non-obese by preoperative CT-based measures of
      adiposity or BMI [obese: BMI >= 30 kg/m2, visceral fat area (VFA) to subcutaneous
      fat area ratio (V/S) >=0.4, and VFA > 100 cm2]. Postoperative morbidity and
      mortality rates were compared. RESULTS: Obese patients, by V/S and VFA but not
      BMI, were more likely to be male and have preexisting hypertension and diabetes.
      The overall complication rate was 25.5%, and there were no mortalities. Obese
      patients by VFA (with a trend for V/S but not BMI) were more likely to develop
      postoperative complications as compared to patients classified as non-obese: VFA
      (30.5 vs.10.7%, p = 0.03), V/S (29.2 vs. 9.5%, p = 0.05), and BMI (32.4 vs.
      21.9%, p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated visceral obesity quantified by CT is
      associated with the presence of key metabolic comorbidities and increased
      postoperative morbidity and may be superior to BMI for risk stratification.

PMID- 28101723
TI  - Role of high-resolution computerized tomography chest in identifying tubercular
      etiology in patients diagnosed as Eales' disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high resolution computerized tomography of chest is an important
      diagnostic imaging tool to identify any pulmonary tubercular lesion. It's role in
      Eales' disease to identify any possible association with pulomonary tuberculosis
      has not been studied earlier. So, this study was conducted to assess the role of
      high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) chest in identifying tuberculous
      etiology in Eales' disease. RESULTS: It was a retrospective study conducted at a
      tertiary care eye hospital in South India between January 2009 and October 2014
      were included. A total of 29 diagnosed cases of Eales' (24 male and 5 female)
      were included in the study. These patients were followed up for a mean period of
      739.75 days. Out of them, 13 (44.8%) had bilateral and 16 (55.2%) had unilateral
      ocular involvement. Eight cases (34.5%) patients had vitreous inflammation.
      Mantoux test was positive in 12 (41.4%) cases and chest x-ray suggestive of TB
      was present in four cases (13.8%). QuantiFERON TB gold was positive in 15 (51.7%)
      and HRCT chest suggestive of TB was positive in 15 (51.7%) case. Out of 15 Eales'
      cases with positive HRCT scan suggestive of TB, the commonly noted lesions were
      calcified nodules 34.5%, mediastinal hilar lymphadenopathy 13.8%, parenchymal
      soft tissue lesions in 3.4%. Five (17.2%) cases underwent pars plana vitrectomy
      for non resolving vitreous hemorrhage and one case underwent retinal attachment
      surgery with encirclage. Six patients were started on 9 months regimen of ATT by
      the chest physician. Final visual outcome improved in 17(40.5%) eyes, maintained
      in 21(50%) eyes but vision deterioration in 7(16.7%) eyes. CONCLUSIONS: HRCT
      chest is an important diagnostic tool to rule out pulmonary tuberculosis in
      Eales' disease.

PMID- 28101724
TI  - Drug-Drug Multicomponent Solid Forms: Cocrystal, Coamorphous and Eutectic of
      Three Poorly Soluble Antihypertensive Drugs Using Mechanochemical Approach.
AB  - The present study deals with the application of mechanochemical approach for the
      preparation of drug-drug multicomponent solid forms of three poorly soluble
      antihypertensive drugs (telmisartan, irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide) using
      atenolol as a coformer. The resultant solid forms comprise of cocrystal
      (telmisartan-atenolol), coamorphous (irbesartan-atenolol) and eutectic
      (hydrochlorothiazide-atenolol). The study emphasizes that solid-state
      transformation of drug molecules into new forms is a result of the change in
      structural patterns, diminishing of dimers and creating new facile hydrogen
      bonding network based on structural resemblance. The propensity for heteromeric
      or homomeric interaction between two different drugs resulted into diverse solid
      forms (cocrystal/coamorphous/eutectics) and become one of the interesting aspects
      of this research work. Evaluation of these solid forms revealed an increase in
      solubility and dissolution leading to better antihypertensive activity in
      deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced animal model. Thus, development
      of these drug-drug multicomponent solid forms is a promising and viable approach
      to addressing the issue of poor solubility and could be of considerable interest
      in dual drug therapy for the treatment of hypertension.

PMID- 28101725
TI  - Sustained-Release Delivery System of a Slow Hydrogen Sulfide Donor, GYY 4137, for
      Potential Application in Glaucoma.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) targets both underlying factors in glaucoma pathogenesis
      by reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and providing retinal
      neuroprotection, whereas the current clinical approaches targets only reducing
      IOP. Therefore, H2S could be a potential superior candidate for glaucoma
      pharmacotherapy. However, H2S could be toxic in a concentration greater than 200
      MUM and its donors are unstable in water. Therefore, this study investigated the
      preparation and characterization of a non-aqueous in situ gelling sustained
      release delivery system for H2S donors. The delivery system was prepared by
      dissolving GYY 4137, a H2S donor, in poly lactide-co-glycolide polymer (PLGA)
      (Resomer(r) RG 502H) solution prepared by dissolving polymer in a mixture of
      benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate in a ratio of 7:3, respectively. The GYY 4137
      formulation was characterized for syringeability/injectability, change in pH and
      tonicity, moisture content, GYY 4137 degradation, and toxicity using rheometer,
      pH and osmometer, Karl Fisher titrimeter, NMR spectrometer, and Y79
      retinoblastoma cells, respectively. The formulation was easily syringeable and
      injectable as evidenced by rheological data (plastic flow pattern with 43.89 +/-
      3.21 cP viscosity and 1.12 +/- 0.15 Pa yield value). The pH, tonicity, and
      moisture content values were within acceptable range. NMR spectroscopy indicated
      presence of 4-methoxyphenylphosphonic acid (GYY 4137 degradation product). The
      GYY 4137 formulation did not show any significant (p < 0.05) toxicity except the
      solvent mixture. A sustained release of H2S was observed up to 72 h. The in situ
      gel forming PLGA-based system can be manipulated to achieve sustained release of
      H2S from its donor GYY 4137.

PMID- 28101726
TI  - Development of Timolol-Loaded Galactosylated Chitosan Nanoparticles and
      Evaluation of Their Potential for Ocular Drug Delivery.
AB  - This study was conducted to develop timolol maleate (TM)-loaded galactosylated
      chitosan (GC) nanoparticles (NPs) (TM-GC-NPs) followed by optimization via a four
      level and three-factor Box-Behnken statistical experimental design. The optimized
      nanoparticles showed a particle size of 213.3 +/- 6.83 nm with entrapment
      efficiency of 38.58 +/- 1.31% and drug loading of 17.72 +/- 0.28%. The NPs were
      characterized with respect to zeta potential, pH, surface morphology, and
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The determination of the oil-water
      partition coefficient demonstrated that the TM-GC-NPs had a high liposolubility
      at pH 6 as compared to timolol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (TM-CS-NPs) and
      commercial TM eye drops. The in vitro release study indicated that TM-GC-NPs had
      a sustained release effect compared with the commercial TM eye drops. Ocular
      tolerance was studied by the hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay
      and the formulation was non-irritant and could be used for ophthalmic drug
      delivery. The in vitro transcorneal permeation study and confocal microscopy
      showed enhanced penetration, and retention in the cornea was achieved with TM-GC
      NPs compared with the TM-CS-NPs and TM eye drops. Preocular retention study
      indicated that the retention of TM-GC-NPs was significantly longer than that of
      TM eye drops. The in vivo pharmacodynamic study suggested TM-GC-NPs had a better
      intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy and a prolonged working time
      compared to commercial TM eye drops (P <= 0.05). The optimized TM-GC-NPs could be
      prepared successfully promising their use as an ocular delivery system.

PMID- 28101727
TI  - Reliable prediction of adsorption isotherms via genetic algorithm molecular
      simulation.
AB  - Conventional molecular simulation techniques such as grand canonical Monte Carlo
      (GCMC) strictly rely on purely random search inside the simulation box for
      predicting the adsorption isotherms. This blind search is usually extremely time
      demanding for providing a faithful approximation of the real isotherm and in some
      cases may lead to non-optimal solutions. A novel approach is presented in this
      article which does not use any of the classical steps of the standard GCMC
      method, such as displacement, insertation, and removal. The new approach is based
      on the well-known genetic algorithm to find the optimal configuration for
      adsorption of any adsorbate on a structured adsorbent under prevailing pressure
      and temperature. The proposed approach considers the molecular simulation problem
      as a global optimization challenge. A detailed flow chart of our so-called
      genetic algorithm molecular simulation (GAMS) method is presented, which is
      entirely different from traditions molecular simulation approaches. Three real
      case studies (for adsorption of CO2 and H2 over various zeolites) are borrowed
      from literature to clearly illustrate the superior performances of the proposed
      method over the standard GCMC technique. For the present method, the average
      absolute values of percentage errors are around 11% (RHO-H2), 5% (CHA-CO2), and
      16% (BEA-CO2), while they were about 70%, 15%, and 40% for the standard GCMC
      technique, respectively.

PMID- 28101728
TI  - Implementation of an evidence-based biobehavioral treatment for cancer patients.
AB  - One aim of dissemination and implementation (DI) research is to study the
      translation of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) from the research environments of
      their development and testing to broader communities where they are needed. There
      are few behavioral medicine DI studies and none in cancer survivorship. A
      determinant model (Setting, Therapist, Education, imPlementation, and
      Sustainability (STEPS)) was used to conceptualize DI of mental health treatment
      and frame a longitudinal study of implementation of a behavioral medicine EBT-a
      biobehavioral intervention (BBI) for cancer patients. Using effective
      dissemination strategies, therapists were trained in the BBI and followed to
      determine if implementation occurred. Participants (N = 108) were psychologists,
      social workers, and other oncology mental health providers from diverse settings
      to whom the BBI had been disseminated. BBI trainers then provided 6 months of
      support for implementation (e.g., monthly conference calls). Therapists reported
      number of patients treated, with or without the BBI, at 2, 4, and 6 months; use
      of support strategies was tracked. Generalized linear mixed models show that the
      proportion of patients treated with BBI ranged from 58 to 68%, with a 2% increase
      across follow-ups. Therapist and setting characteristics did not predict usage.
      Implementation of a behavioral medicine EBT provides a "real-world" demonstration
      of a BBI moved from the research setting to diverse communities. As the first
      study in cancer, it is an encouraging example of training and supporting mental
      health providers to deliver evidence-based psychological treatment and finding
      their success in doing so.

PMID- 28101730
TI  - Concepts for Studying Urban Environmental Justice.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper offers research frameworks for understanding and
      acting to address urban environmental justice. Urban neighborhoods tend to
      concentrate and colocate vulnerable people and toxic environments. Cities are
      also where the poor and people of color tend to be disproportionately exposed to
      environmental hazards, such as air pollution, lead in paint and water, and
      polluting industries. RECENT FINDINGS: Researchers and government agencies are
      increasingly recognizing the need to document cumulative exposures that the urban
      poor and people of color experience in addition to environmental hazards. These
      "toxic stressors" can exacerbate the health impacts of pollution exposures and
      include such social and economic factors as discrimination, racism, linguistic
      isolation, and political exclusion. Urban environmental justice research can
      benefit from a structural racism approach, which requires documenting the
      historical decisions, institutions, and policies that contribute to today's
      cumulative exposures. Key research frameworks and methods utilizing this approach
      for urban environmental justice include community-based participatory research,
      measuring cumulative stressors, and community-based asset and hazard mapping.

PMID- 28101731
TI  - Trompe l'oeil electrocardiogram.

PMID- 28101729
TI  - Air Pollution and Successful Aging: Recent Evidence and New Perspectives.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Worldwide demographic changes occurring in a relatively short
      period have led to a growing interest in the determinants of aging "successfully"
      and how to promote a healthier old age. As environmental exposures such as
      ambient air pollution are believed to play a role in the process of aging, they
      might represent one of the pathways turning potential successful agers to
      unsuccessful agers. We aimed to critically review the current epidemiological
      evidence of the associations between chronic exposure to ambient air pollution
      and several key determinants of unsuccessful aging and to identify specific
      populations of unsuccessful agers that are potentially more vulnerable to air
      pollution's health effects. RECENT FINDINGS: Epidemiologic evidence supports the
      association between air pollution and increased risk for several major chronic
      diseases, cognitive impairment, frailty, and decreased longevity-all important
      determinants of unsuccessful aging-as well as evidence for higher vulnerability
      among frail populations. However, several methodological shortcomings, including
      possible publication bias, lack of use of an adequate indicator of unsuccessful
      aging, limitations in exposure assessment, and residual confounding particularly
      due to socioeconomic status, hinder inference of causal relationship at this
      stage. Future studies should use constructs such as frailty index to estimate
      successful aging, as well as integrate time activity patterns into the exposure
      assessment metric. Additionally, studies in low- and middle-income countries are
      needed.

PMID- 28101732
TI  - The analysis of knee joint loading during drop landing from different heights and
      under different instruction sets in healthy males.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mechanical loading during exercise has been shown to promote tissue
      remodeling. Safe and accessible exercise may be beneficial to populations at risk
      of diminished bone and joint health. We examined the effect of drop height and
      instruction on knee loading during a drop-landing task and proposed a task that
      makes use of drop heights that may be appropriate for rehabilitation purposes and
      functional in daily life to examine transient knee joint loads. METHODS: Twenty
      males (22.0 +/- 2.8 years) performed drop landings from 22 cm (low) and 44 cm
      (high) heights, each under three instructions: "land naturally" (natural),
      "softly" (soft), and "stiffly" (stiff). Knee compression force and external
      flexion moment were estimated using three-dimensional inverse dynamics and
      normalized to body mass. RESULTS: Peak knee compression force was larger (p <
      0.001) for high (17.8 +/- 0.63 N/kg) than low (14.8 +/- 0.61 N/kg) heights. There
      was an increase (p < 0.001) in the knee compression force across soft (11.8 +/-
      0.40 N/kg), natural (17.0 +/- 0.62 N/kg), and stiff (20.2 +/- 0.67 N/kg)
      instructions. Peak knee flexion moment in high-natural (2.12 +/- 0.08 Nm/kg) was
      larger (p < 0.001) than in high-soft (1.88 +/- 0.08 Nm/kg), but lower than in
      high-stiff (2.23 +/- 0.08 Nm/kg). No differences in peak knee flexion moment were
      observed across instructions for the low height. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a drop
      landing task that creates a scalable increase in knee compression loading. The
      absence of increased knee flexion moment with drop from the low height, compared
      to high, suggests that individuals could perform the task without incremental
      risk of knee injury. This task could be used in future studies to examine the
      effect of acute bouts of mechanical loading on bone and cartilage metabolism.

PMID- 28101733
TI  - 3D absorbed dose distribution estimated by Monte Carlo simulation in radionuclide
      therapy with a monoclonal antibody targeting synovial sarcoma.
AB  - BACKROUND: Radiolabeled OTSA101, a monoclonal antibody targeting synovial sarcoma
      (SS) developed by OncoTherapy Science, was used to treat relapsing SS metastases
      following a theranostic procedure: in case of significant 111In-OTSA101 tumor
      uptake and favorable biodistribution, patient was randomly treated with 370/1110
      MBq 90Y-OTSA101. Monte Carlo-based 3D dosimetry integrating time-activity curves
      in VOI was performed on 111In-OTSA101 repeated SPECT/CT. Estimated absorbed doses
      (AD) in normal tissues were compared to biological side effects and to the
      admitted maximal tolerated absorbed dose (MTD) in normal organs. Results in the
      tumors were also compared to disease evolution. RESULTS: Biodistribution and
      tracer quantification were analyzed on repeated SPECT/CT acquisitions performed
      after injection of 111In-OTSA101 in 19/20 included patients. SPECT images were
      warped to a common coordinates system with deformable registration. Volumes of
      interest (VOI) for various lesions and normal tissues were drawn on the first CT
      acquisition and reported to all the SPECT images. Tracer quantification and
      residence time of 111In-OTSA101 in VOI were used to evaluate the estimated
      absorbed doses per MBq of 90Y-OTSA101 by means of Monte Carlo simulations (GATE).
      A visual scale analysis was applied to assess tumor uptake (grades 0 to 4) and
      results were compared to the automated quantification. Results were then compared
      to biological side effects reported in the selected patients treated with 90Y
      OTSA101 but also to disease response to treatment. After screening, 8/20 patients
      were treated with 370 or 1110 MBq 90Y-OTSA101. All demonstrated medullary
      toxicity, only one presented with transient grade 3 liver toxicity due to disease
      progression, and two patients presented with transient grade 1 renal toxicity.
      Median absorbed doses were the highest in the liver (median, 0.64 cGy/MBq; [0.27 
      1.07]) being far lower than the 20 Gy liver MTD, and the lowest in bone marrow
      (median, 0.09 cGy/MBq; [0.02 -0.18]) being closer to the 2 Gy bone marrow MTD.
      Most of the patients demonstrated progressive disease on RECIST criteria during
      patient follow-up. 111In-OTSA101 tumors tracer uptake visually appeared highly
      heterogeneous in inter- and intra-patient analyses, independently of tumor sizes,
      with variable kinetics. The majority of visual grades corresponded to the
      automated computed ones. Estimated absorbed doses in the 95 supra-centimetric
      selected lesions ranged from 0.01 to 0.71 cGy per injected MBq (median, 0.22
      cGy/MBq). The maximal tumor AD obtained was 11.5 Gy. CONCLUSIONS: 3D dosimetry
      results can explain the observed toxicity and tumors response. Despite an intense
      visual 111In-OTSA101 liver uptake, liver toxicity was not the dose limiting
      factor conversely to bone marrow toxicity. Even though tumors 111In-OTSA101
      avidity was visually obvious for treated patients, the low estimated tumors AD
      obtained by 3D dosimetry explain the lack of tumor response.

PMID- 28101735
TI  - Urethral carcinoma in situ: recognition and management.
AB  - PURPOSE: Urethral carcinoma in situ (CIS) is an uncommon malignancy that is
      poorly described in the published literature and is often under-recognized in the
      clinical setting. This short case series reports some challenges associated with
      the recognition and management of this disease. METHODS: A retrospective chart
      review was done over a 12-year period of patients presenting with urethral cancer
      to the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Four patients were identified with CIS of the
      anterior urethra, and their demographic and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS:
      Three patients presented with meatal lesions that were initially treated as
      infectious/inflammatory diseases before diagnoses of malignancy were determined
      following lesion biopsy. The fourth patient presented with painless hematuria and
      had a cystoscopy and biopsy of urethral polyps. All patients were treated
      surgically by sequential distal urethrectomy and various reconstructive
      procedures. Concurrent lymph node dissections were undertaken in two patients who
      had clinical or radiologic evidence of lymphadenopathy. One patient had
      persistent disease even after aggressive urethral resection, and he succumbed to
      his illness 2 years later. CONCLUSION: This is the largest series of urethral
      CIS, a disease with potentially serious consequences. A high index of suspicion
      should be maintained when evaluating and managing these patients.

PMID- 28101736
TI  - Diagnostic validity of ICDAS and DIAGNOdent combined: an in vitro study in pre
      cavitated lesions.
AB  - In a continuous process such as caries, it is important to possess criteria or
      instruments that allow the lesions to be diagnosed at early stages so that
      preventive or interceptive treatments can be applied before cavitation takes
      place. The present study seeks to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the
      International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) criteria and the
      DIAGNOdent laser fluorescence (LF) pen in occlusal caries lesions, using
      histological sections as the gold standard. Sixty-four permanent teeth were
      examined by two researchers who previously performed and calibrated both the
      ICDAS II criteria and the use of DIAGNOdent pen. The teeth were then cut into
      sections and observed under an optical microscope. The sensitivity values were
      0.82 (ICDAS II) and 0.85 (LF). The specificity values were 1.00 (ICDAS II) and
      0.53 (LF). The intraexaminer reproducibility was 0.892 for ICDAS II and 0.912 for
      the DIAGNOdent, so it was high for both diagnostic methods. However, the
      DIAGNOdent pen showed greater sensitivity and the ICDAS criteria more
      specificity. It was concluded that both methods are efficacious individually but
      combining the two is recommended to improve the diagnosis.

PMID- 28101737
TI  - Spatholobus suberectus Dunn. constituents inhibit sortase A and Staphylococcus
      aureus cell clumping to fibrinogen.
AB  - Sortases are a family of Gram-positive transpeptidases responsible for anchoring
      surface protein virulence factors to the peptidoglycan cell wall layer. In
      Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), deletion of sortase isoform results in a
      significant reduction in virulence and infection potential. Twenty flavonoids
      were isolated from the stem of the folk medicinal plant Spatholobus suberectus
      Dunn. These compounds were tested against S. aureus-derived sortase A (SrtA), a
      key transpeptidase for bacterial virulence. Among these active flavonoids, 7
      hydroxy-6-methoxy-flavanone (3) and formononetin (10) were identified as
      compounds with promising SrtA inhibitory activity. These compounds also exhibited
      inhibitory activity against S. aureus cell clumping to fibrinogen. The
      suppression of cell-clumping activity indicates the potential of these compounds
      in the treatment of S. aureus infections via the inhibition of SrtA.

PMID- 28101738
TI  - Synthesis of novel oleanolic acid and ursolic acid in C-28 position derivatives
      as potential anticancer agents.
AB  - A series of nitrogen-containing derivatives of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid
      were prepared by a modification at C-28 position via esterification with 2
      hydroxyacetic acid followed by amidation with amines, such as piperazine, N
      methylpiperazine, and alkane-1, 2-diamines, alkane-1, 4-diamines, alkane-1, 6
      diamines. In vitro antiproliferative activities of the compounds prepared towards
      MCF-7, Hela and A549 cell lines were evaluated by a MTT method to show that OA
      5a, OA-5b, OA-5c and UA-5a showed somewhat improved antiproliferative activities
      against MCF-7, Hela and A549 cells comparing to that of the positive control,
      gefitinib.

PMID- 28101739
TI  - Inhalation dose due to radon, thoron, and progenies in dwellings of a hill
      station.
AB  - The general public spends a major portion of their time in an indoor environment
      and hence receives a considerable amount of radiation. Knowledge about indoor
      radiation is important in order to arrive at the actual effective dose received
      by residents. The indoor radon, thoron, and progeny concentrations observed in
      the present study were found to vary with seasons of a given year. The highest
      and lowest indoor average radon, thoron, and progeny levels were observed during
      winter and summer seasons, respectively. The concentrations of indoor radon,
      thoron, and progenies were found to vary with the type of houses. The highest
      222Rn, 220Rn, and progeny concentrations were observed in mud houses and the
      lowest values were recorded in wooden houses. The indoor 222Rn concentration
      correlated well with concentration of its grandparent 238U in underlying soil
      with a correlation coefficient of 0.87. The correlation between indoor 220Rn and
      232Th in the underlying soil was found to be 0.64. The estimated effective doses
      received by the general public in the present study due to indoor radon and
      thoron were 1.49 +/- 0.49 and 1.30 +/- 0.53 mSv/year, respectively. The annual
      effective doses due to radon and thoron progenies were estimated as 0.76 +/- 0.27
      and 0.47 +/- 0.23 mSv/year, respectively. The contributions from 222Rn, 220Rn,
      and corresponding progenies to the annual effective doses received were 37, 32,
      19, and 12%, respectively. The general public living in the study area receives
      an inhalation dose of 4.02 mSv/year due to indoor radon, thoron, and progenies,
      which were found to be less than the action limit of ICRP 2009.

PMID- 28101734
TI  - Chondroitin sulfates and their binding molecules in the central nervous system.
AB  - Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in the
      central nervous system (CNS) matrix. Its sulfation and epimerization patterns
      give rise to different forms of CS, which enables it to interact specifically and
      with a significant affinity with various signalling molecules in the matrix
      including growth factors, receptors and guidance molecules. These interactions
      control numerous biological and pathological processes, during development and in
      adulthood. In this review, we describe the specific interactions of different
      families of proteins involved in various physiological and cognitive mechanisms
      with CSs in CNS matrix. A better understanding of these interactions could
      promote a development of inhibitors to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 28101740
TI  - Improving Parameter Inference from FRAP Data: an Analysis Motivated by Pattern
      Formation in the Drosophila Wing Disc.
AB  - Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is used to obtain quantitative
      information about molecular diffusion and binding kinetics at both cell and
      tissue levels of organization. FRAP models have been proposed to estimate the
      diffusion coefficients and binding kinetic parameters of species for a variety of
      biological systems and experimental settings. However, it is not clear what the
      connection among the diverse parameter estimates from different models of the
      same system is, whether the assumptions made in the model are appropriate, and
      what the qualities of the estimates are. Here we propose a new approach to
      investigate the discrepancies between parameters estimated from different models.
      We use a theoretical model to simulate the dynamics of a FRAP experiment and
      generate the data that are used in various recovery models to estimate the
      corresponding parameters. By postulating a recovery model identical to the
      theoretical model, we first establish that the appropriate choice of observation
      time can significantly improve the quality of estimates, especially when the
      diffusion and binding kinetics are not well balanced, in a sense made precise
      later. Secondly, we find that changing the balance between diffusion and binding
      kinetics by changing the size of the bleaching region, which gives rise to
      different FRAP curves, provides a priori knowledge of diffusion and binding
      kinetics, which is important for model formulation. We also show that the use of
      the spatial information in FRAP provides better parameter estimation. By varying
      the recovery model from a fixed theoretical model, we show that a simplified
      recovery model can adequately describe the FRAP process in some circumstances and
      establish the relationship between parameters in the theoretical model and those
      in the recovery model. We then analyze an example in which the data are generated
      with a model of intermediate complexity and the parameters are estimated using
      models of greater or less complexity, and show how sensitivity analysis can be
      used to improve FRAP model formulation. Lastly, we show how sophisticated global
      sensitivity analysis can be used to detect over-fitting when using a model that
      is too complex.

PMID- 28101741
TI  - Anti-hyperuricemic effect of taxifolin in cultured hepatocytes and model mice.
AB  - Hyperuricemia is recognized as an important risk factor for gout. High dietary
      intake of purine-rich foods such as meats and sea foods increases uric acid (UA)
      levels in the blood. Taxifolin present in Siberian larch and strawberries has
      been reported to possess health promoting activities including anti-oxidant
      effect. In this study, we examined anti-hyperuricemic effect of taxifolin in both
      cultured hepatocytes and hyperuricemic model mice. In cultured AML12 hepatocytes,
      taxifolin significantly suppressed UA production dose- and time-dependently. In
      mice with hyperuricemia induced by concurrent administration of guanosine-5'
      monophosphate and inosine-5'-monophosphate, oral administration of taxifolin
      suppressed the increases in plasma and liver UA levels. In addition, it also
      suppressed hepatic xanthine oxidase (XO) activity. Thus, anti-hyperuricemic
      effect of taxifolin could be explained, at least partly, by suppressing UA
      production via inhibition of XO activity in the liver. These results suggest that
      taxifolin possesses a potent hypouricemic effect and it could be a potential
      candidate for an anti-hyperuricemic phytochemical.

PMID- 28101742
TI  - Melatonin as an Agent for Cardioprotection in Patients with ST-Elevation
      Myocardial Infarction and Short Ischaemic Time.

PMID- 28101743
TI  - Imaging of cardiac sympathetic activity in heart failure: Not out of the woods
      yet.

PMID- 28101744
TI  - Cardiovascular testing in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
      and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type III.

PMID- 28101746
TI  - Music Preferences, Friendship, and Externalizing Behavior in Early Adolescence: A
      SIENA Examination of the Music Marker Theory Using the SNARE Study.
AB  - Music Marker Theory posits that music is relevant for the structuring of peer
      groups and that rock, urban, or dance music preferences relate to externalizing
      behavior. The present study tested these hypotheses, by investigating the role of
      music preference similarity in friendship selection and the development of
      externalizing behavior, while taking the effects of friends' externalizing
      behavior into account. Data were used from the first three waves of the SNARE
      (Social Network Analysis of Risk behavior in Early adolescence) study (N = 1144;
      50% boys; M age = 12.7; SD = 0.47), including students who entered the first-year
      of secondary school. Two hypotheses were tested. First, adolescents were expected
      to select friends based both on a similarity in externalizing behavior and music
      genre preference. Second, a preference for rock, urban, or dance, music types was
      expected to predict the development of externalizing behavior, even when taking
      friends' influence on externalizing behavior into account. Stochastic Actor-Based
      Modeling indicated that adolescents select their friends based on both
      externalizing behavior and highbrow music preference. Moreover, both friends'
      externalizing behavior and a preference for dance music predicted the development
      of externalizing behavior. Intervention programs might focus on adolescents with
      dance music preferences.

PMID- 28101745
TI  - Emotional Awareness in Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Youth: A Meta-Analytic
      Review.
AB  - Emotion regulation is assumed to play an important role in depressive and anxiety
      symptoms in youth. However, the role of core components of emotion regulation,
      such as emotional awareness, is not well understood so far. Thus this meta
      analysis aimed to examine the relationship between depressive and anxiety
      symptoms with emotional awareness in youth. A systematic literature search
      (PsycINFO, Medline, Google Scholar) identified 21 studies, from which 34 effect
      sizes were extracted. Results from random effects models showed that difficulties
      in emotional awareness were significantly correlated with a medium effect size
      for each, depressive and anxiety symptoms separately, and for their combined
      effects (overall outcome). Additionally, further analyses revealed that age was a
      significant moderator of the relationship between emotional awareness with
      depressive and anxiety symptoms, with younger samples (mean age <= 12 years)
      showing a stronger association between difficulties in emotional awareness and
      depressive and anxiety symptoms as compared to older samples (mean age > 12
      years). The results suggest that emotional awareness may be of relevance for
      depressive and anxiety symptoms in youth. Future work is required to examine
      longitudinal developments, moderators, and mediators in multi-method approaches.
      Moreover, children and adolescents may benefit from interventions that aim to
      enhance emotional awareness.

PMID- 28101747
TI  - Adolescents' Conflict Management Styles with Mothers: Longitudinal Associations
      with Parenting and Reactance.
AB  - Adolescents' conflict management styles with parents are assumed to have an
      important impact on the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship and on
      adolescents' psychosocial development. Longitudinal research investigating
      possible determinants of these conflict management skills is scarce. The
      parenting context and adolescents' tendency to reject maternal authority are
      expected to shape adolescents' conflict management styles. Therefore, the present
      three-wave longitudinal study focuses on how parenting and adolescents' reactance
      relates to adolescents' conflict management styles and conflict frequency with
      mothers over time, and whether reactance may also explain the associations
      between parenting and certain conflict variables. We addressed these research
      questions by using a hybrid cross-lagged panel model with parenting as a latent
      variable (i.e., supportive parenting) and the other variables as manifest
      variables. Supportive parenting was measured by four well-known parenting
      dimensions: autonomy support, responsiveness, psychological control, and harsh
      control. Four conflict styles were investigated: positive problem solving,
      withdrawal, conflict engagement, and compliance. Questionnaires were completed by
      812 adolescents at three annual waves (52% girls at Time 1). Supportive parenting
      was associated with fewer conflicts, more positive problem solving, and less
      compliance and reactance over time. Reactance was associated with more conflicts,
      conflict engagement and withdrawal, and less compliance. We did not find evidence
      for the mediating role of reactance in the over-time associations between
      parenting and adolescents' conflict management and frequency. Both parenting and
      reactance appeared important and unique determinants for adolescents' conflict
      management styles and frequency.

PMID- 28101748
TI  - Romantic Attachment, Conflict Resolution Styles, and Teen Dating Violence
      Victimization.
AB  - Although research on dating violence has increased in the last decades, little is
      known about the role of romantic attachment and conflict resolution in
      understanding victimization by an intimate partner among adolescents. This study
      examined the relationships between insecure attachment styles, destructive
      conflict resolution strategies, self-reported and perceived in the partner, and
      psychological and physical victimization by a dating partner in 1298 adolescents
      (49% girls). Anxious attachment was related to both forms of victimization via
      self-reported conflict engagement and conflict engagement attributed to the
      partner among boys and girls. Moreover, both insecure attachment styles were also
      indirectly linked to victimization via self-reported withdrawal and conflict
      engagement perceived in the partner, but only among boys. The implications of the
      findings for promoting constructive communication patterns among adolescents for
      handling their relationship conflicts are discussed.

PMID- 28101749
TI  - Twenty-seven Years of Cerebral Pyruvate Recycling.
AB  - Cerebral pyruvate recycling is a metabolic pathway deriving carbon skeletons and
      reducing equivalents from mitochondrial oxaloacetate and malate, to the synthesis
      of mitochondrial and cytosolic pyruvate, lactate and alanine. The pathway allows
      both, to provide the tricarboxylic acid cycle with pyruvate molecules produced
      from alternative substrates to glucose and, to generate reducing equivalents
      necessary for the operation of NADPH requiring processes. At the cellular level,
      pyruvate recycling involves the activity of malic enzyme, or the combined
      activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and pyruvate kinase, as well as
      of those transporters of the inner mitochondrial membrane exchanging the
      corresponding intermediates. Its cellular localization between the neuronal or
      astrocytic compartments of the in vivo brain has been controversial, with
      evidences favoring either a primarily neuronal or glial localizations, more
      recently accepted to occur in both environments. This review provides a brief
      history on the detection and characterization of the pathway, its relations with
      the early developments of cerebral high resolution 13C NMR, and its potential
      neuroprotective functions under hypoglycemic conditions or ischemic redox stress.

PMID- 28101751
TI  - Fatal disseminated neonatal herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in neonates in
      a forensic setting.

PMID- 28101750
TI  - Mortuary operations following mass fatality natural disasters: a review.
AB  - This is a critical review to discuss the best practice approaches to mortuary
      operations in preparation for and the response to natural, mass fatality,
      disaster events, as identified by a review of published articles. The Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P)
      Statement guided the identification of potential articles to use in this critical
      review. Subsequent searches were also conducted to identify articles relating to
      heat wave, and flood mortality. All identified peer-reviewed studies published in
      English which discussed the preparation and response of mortuaries to mass
      fatality natural disasters occurring in developed countries were included. Using
      the PRISMA-P method of identifying articles, 18 articles were selected for
      inclusion in this review. Although there are numerous articles which describe the
      mortuary response to mass fatality incidents, few articles analyzed the response,
      or discussed the roles which supported and enabled the organization to undertake
      the task of identifying disaster victims. It is thus difficult to determine
      objectively if the actions and activities outlined in the articles represent best
      practice.

PMID- 28101752
TI  - The impact of hydrocortisone treatment on neutrophil gelatinase-associated
      lipocalin release in porcine endotoxemic shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A key feature of sepsis is systemic inflammatory activation that
      could be counteracted by steroids. In this experimental model of systemic
      inflammation, we sought to investigate whether septic neutrophil activation,
      evaluated by the plasma levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated protein
      (NGAL), is modulated by the timing of hydrocortisone treatment. METHODS: Sixteen
      anesthetized pigs were allocated to one of four equally sized groups. Three of
      these groups received endotoxin at 2 MUg * kg-1 * h-1 for 6 h so as to induce
      endotoxemic shock. Hydrocortisone (5 mg * kg-1) was administered intravenously
      before endotoxemic challenge, or at the onset of endotoxemic shock. Endotoxemic
      pigs not receiving hydrocortisone and non-endotoxemic pigs served as control
      groups. Physiologic variables, hematology, and biochemistry, including plasma
      NGAL, were measured repeatedly. RESULTS: Hydrocortisone treatment prior to
      endotoxemia attenuated some inflammatory, hematological, circulatory, and
      metabolic manifestations of shock (i.e., higher white blood cell count, higher
      mean arterial pressure, lower heart rate and mean pulmonary arterial pressure,
      higher left ventricular stroke work index, higher base excess). Endotoxemic shock
      increased plasma NGAL (p < 0.001). In pigs given hydrocortisone before the
      endotoxin infusion, plasma NGAL was lower as compared to those given
      hydrocortisone at endotoxemic shock (p < 0.05). Plasma NGAL levels correlated
      inversely to neutrophil granulocyte counts (rho = -0.65) but not to urine output
      (rho = -0.10) at the end of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in plasma
      NGAL is counteracted by hydrocortisone administration prior to endotoxemia;
      concomitantly, this treatment was associated with less expressed circulatory
      derangement. Urine NGAL did not differ between the groups, suggesting that the
      NGAL response was not primarily related to kidney injury.

PMID- 28101753
TI  - Effect and safety of paroxetine combined with zolpidem in treatment of primary
      insomnia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Primary insomnia is a persistent and recurrent disorder as well as a
      risk factor for depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether the
      zolpidem combined with paroxetine would be effective in the treatment of patients
      with primary insomnia. METHODS: Ninety patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for
      primary insomnia were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of treatment with zolpidem
      combined with paroxetine (the combined treatment group, n = 45) or zolpidem
      combined with placebo (the control group, n = 45). Patients were assessed with
      the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), polysomnography (PSG), and the
      Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). RESULTS: Compared with the control
      group, the combined treatment group was more significantly improved on wake time
      after sleep onset (WASO), total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), and
      total PSQI scores, but not the sleep onset latency (SOL). CONCLUSIONS: Eight
      weeks of the zolpidem combined with paroxetine treatment to patients with primary
      insomnia is more effective than zolpidem treatment only in sleep maintenance and
      early morning awakenings.

PMID- 28101754
TI  - Editor's Spotlight/Take 5: What Does a Shoulder MRI Cost the Consumer?

PMID- 28101756
TI  - Your Best Life: Dealing with Loss.

PMID- 28101755
TI  - Does N-terminal Pro-brain Type Natriuretic Peptide Predict Cardiac Complications
      After Hip Fracture Surgery?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with hip fracture are at risk for cardiac
      complications. N-terminal pro-brain type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been
      shown to predict cardiac complications in surgical patients; however, to our
      knowledge, only two studies have evaluated the utility of this test in patients
      with hip fracture. We believe it is important to assess a more accurate cutoff
      value of NT-proBNP with exclusion of patients with renal failure.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To assess the association between preoperative NT-proBNP and
      cardiac complications after hip fracture surgery. METHODS: We performed 450
      surgical procedures in patients with hip fractures between January 2011 and
      December 2014. Exclusion criteria were renal dysfunction and inadequate
      laboratory tests. The final study population consisted of 328 patients (mean age,
      83 years; 80% women). Preoperatively, measurement of NT-proBNP level was
      performed. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of cardiac complications
      within 14 days after surgery based on a chart review. The predictive value of NT
      proBNP was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlling
      for relevant confounding variables such as age, gender, body weight, and renal
      function; we also performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      analysis. Postoperative cardiac complications were encountered in 7% of patients
      (24 of 328). RESULTS: The median preoperative NT-proBNP level was higher in
      patients with complications than in those without (1090 [interquartile range, 614
      3191 pg/mL] vs 283 pg/mL [interquartile range, 137-507 pg/mL], p < 0.001). The
      cutoff level of NT-proBNP determined by ROC curve analysis was 600 pg/mL, with a
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive
      value of 79%, 81%, 25%, and 98%, respectively, and the area under the ROC curve
      was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.80-0.94; p < 0.001). After controlling for potentially
      relevant confounding variables, we found a preoperative NT-proBNP greater than
      600 pg/mL was associated with an increased risk of cardiac complications (odds
      ratio, 13; 95% CI, 4-38; p < 0.001) compared with those with NT-proBNP less than
      600 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative NT-proBNP greater than 600 pg/mL is
      independently associated with postoperative cardiac complications in patients
      with hip fracture without renal dysfunction. NT-proBNP measurement provides
      additional information and is clinically useful for predicting cardiac
      complications during the early phase after hip fracture surgery. Future studies
      might develop a simple index for prediction of postoperative cardiac complication
      including cutoff values of NT-proBNP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic
      study.

PMID- 28101758
TI  - Applying Collaborative Learning and Quality Improvement to Public Health: Lessons
      from the Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (CoIIN) to Reduce
      Infant Mortality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Infant mortality remains a significant public health problem in the
      U.S. The Collaborative Improvement & Innovation Network (CoIIN) model is an
      innovative approach, using the science of quality improvement and collaborative
      learning, which was applied across 13 Southern states in Public Health Regions IV
      and VI to reduce infant mortality and improve birth outcomes. We provide an in
      depth discussion of the history, development, implementation, and adaptation of
      the model based on the experience of the original CoIIN organizers and
      participants. In addition to the political genesis and functional components of
      the initiative, 8 key lessons related to staffing, planning, and implementing
      future CoIINs are described in detail. METHODS: This paper reports the findings
      from a process evaluation of the model. Data on the states' progress toward
      reducing infant mortality and improving birth outcomes were collected through a
      survey in the final months of a 24-month implementation period, as well as
      through ongoing team communications. RESULTS: The peer-to-peer exchange and
      platform for collaborative learning, as well as the sharing of data across the
      states, were major strengths and form the foundation for future CoIIN efforts. A
      lasting legacy of the initiative is the unique application and sharing of
      provisional "real time" data to inform "real time" decision-making. CONCLUSION:
      The CoIIN model of collaborative learning, QI, and innovation offers a promising
      approach to strengthening partnerships within and across states, bolstering data
      systems to inform and track progress more rapidly, and ultimately accelerating
      improvement toward healthier communities, States, and the Nation as a whole.

PMID- 28101757
TI  - Final report of KSCC0803: feasibility study of capecitabine as adjuvant
      chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of oral capecitabine as adjuvant chemotherapy for Japanese
      patients with resected colon cancer was unclear. We previously planned and
      conducted a prospective feasibility study (KSCC0803) and reported on the safety
      of oral capecitabine as adjuvant chemotherapy for Japanese patients with resected
      stage III colon cancer. The purpose of the current study was to assess the
      survival results from that study. METHODS: The study subjects were Japanese
      patients with resected stage III colon cancer. The protocol adjuvant regimen
      consisted of oral capecitabine 1250 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1-14 of a 3-week
      cycle for a total of eight cycles. The 3- and 5-year disease free survival (DFS)
      rates and overall survival (OS) rates were analyzed in the eligible cohort.
      RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were registered between September 2008 and August
      2009 and treated with the protocol regimen. The median follow-up time was 60.7
      months. The 3- and 5-year DFS rates were 71.2% [95% confidence interval (CI):
      61.7-79.8%] and 69.7% (95% CI: 59.4-77.8%), respectively. The 3- and 5-year OS
      rates were 92.6% (95% CI: 85.2-96.4%) and 84.5% (95% CI: 75.1-90.5%),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The survival results in this study are in line with
      those of previously reported, reliable, studies. The safety and tolerability of
      the protocol regimen have already been confirmed. Oral capecitabine is acceptable
      as adjuvant chemotherapy for Japanese patients with resected stage III colon
      cancer.

PMID- 28101759
TI  - Trends in Modification of Smoking Behaviors Among Pregnant Women in West
      Virginia.
AB  - Background Rates of smoking among pregnant women in West Virginia are higher than
      national prenatal smoking rates. Recent research has pointed to the benefit of
      smoking reduction among a sample of pregnant women who participated in a clinical
      study in West Virginia. The purpose of the current study is to examine trends
      associated with reduced smoking exposure among a representative sample of
      pregnant women in the state. Method Secondary data analysis was conducted using
      de-identified weighted PRAMS 2005-2010 data from West Virginia examining factors
      associated with favorable change in prenatal smoking behavior, either quitting or
      reducing smoking in pregnancy. Results Multivariable analyses results demonstrate
      that pregnant women are more likely to engage in a favorable smoking behavior
      change if they were younger (<35 years of age), were primiparous, and had a
      higher level of education. Discussion Findings from the study identified factors
      that contribute to women's likelihood of quitting or reducing smoking in
      pregnancy in West Virginia. Health care providers and policy makers should
      consider these factors in implementing approaches that will be effective in
      promoting smoking cessation and reduction among pregnant women in the state
      thereby reducing prenatal smoking exposure. Conclusion Population-based research
      has been used to identify factors associated with smoking cessation or reduction
      that can be used to develop appropriate and effective approaches to modifying
      health behaviors in specific populations.

PMID- 28101760
TI  - A CAD of fully automated colonic polyp detection for contrasted and non
      contrasted CT scans.
AB  - PURPOSE: Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems are developed to help
      radiologists detect colonic polyps over CT scans. It is possible to reduce the
      detection time and increase the detection accuracy rates by using CAD systems. In
      this paper, we aimed to develop a fully integrated CAD system for automated
      detection of polyps that yields a high polyp detection rate with a reasonable
      number of false positives. METHODS: The proposed CAD system is a multistage
      implementation whose main components are: automatic colon segmentation, candidate
      detection, feature extraction and classification. The first element of the
      algorithm includes a discrete segmentation for both air and fluid regions. Colon
      air regions were determined based on adaptive thresholding, and the volume/length
      measure was used to detect air regions. To extract the colon-fluid regions, a
      rule-based connectivity test was used to detect the regions belong to the colon.
      Potential polyp candidates were detected based on the 3D Laplacian of Gaussian
      filter. The geometrical features were used to reduce false-positive detections. A
      2D projection image was generated to extract discriminative features as the
      inputs of an artificial neural network classifier. RESULTS: Our CAD system
      performs at 100% sensitivity for polyps larger than 9 mm, 95.83% sensitivity for
      polyps 6-10 mm and 85.71% sensitivity for polyps smaller than 6 mm with 5.3 false
      positives per dataset. Also, clinically relevant polyps ([Formula: see text]6 mm)
      were identified with 96.67% sensitivity at 1.12 FP/dataset. CONCLUSIONS: To the
      best of our knowledge, the novel polyp candidate detection system which
      determines polyp candidates with LoG filters is one of the main contributions. We
      also propose a new 2D projection image calculation scheme to determine the
      distinctive features. We believe that our CAD system is highly effective for
      assisting radiologist interpreting CT.

PMID- 28101761
TI  - The SG13S114 polymorphism of the ALOX5AP gene is associated with ischemic stroke
      in Europeans: a meta-analysis of 8062 subjects.
AB  - The association between ALOX5AP SG13S114 polymorphism and ischemic stroke (IS)
      susceptibility has extensively been investigated, especially in white
      populations; however, the results were inconclusive. Here, we perform a meta
      analysis to clarify the effect of SG13S114 variant on the IS risk in Europeans.
      The Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline were searched up to August 1st,
      2016. Data were extracted and the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) were calculated by a fixed-effects or random-effects model. In total, 8
      case control studies involved 8062 subjects were finally included in this meta
      analysis. We observed a significantly decreased IS risk in persons carrying an A
      allele at the SG13S114 polymorphism compared with those with a T allele (A vs T,
      OR = 0.856, 95% CI = 0.797-0.919, p < 0.001). In addition, the results of
      sensitivity and cumulative meta-analysis indicated the robustness of our results.
      In addition, the publication bias was not detected using the funnel plot and
      Egger's tests. In summary, the present meta-analysis suggested that the A allele
      at the ALOX5AP SG13S114 polymorphism is a protective factor for the IS in the
      Europeans. In addition, further studies with large sample size are needed to
      validate the association, as well as in other ethnic groups.

PMID- 28101762
TI  - Neuropsychological assessment in migraine patients: a descriptive review on
      cognitive implications.
AB  - Migraine is considered a disabling disorder with highly prevalence in population.
      Recent studies report that migraine patients have a cognitive decline associated
      to structural brain alterations. We search on PubMed and Web of Science databases
      and screening references of included studies and review articles for additional
      citations. From 519 studies identified, only 16 met the inclusion criteria. All
      studies were conducted on 1479 migraineurs (190 non-migraine headache and 11,978
      controls subject) and examined the association between migraine and cognitive
      impairment. The results are discordant. Indeed, while cognitive deficits during
      the attack of migraine are now recognized, only few studies confirmed the
      presence of cognitive impairment in migraine patients. Given the prevalence of
      migraine in the population (especially among women), and the early age of the
      population, an association between migraine and cognitive impairment could have
      substantial public health implications. Future studies should determine if
      specific migraine characteristics, for example, attack frequency, may impact the
      association between migraine and cognitive decline.

PMID- 28101763
TI  - MiR-126 Affects Brain-Heart Interaction after Cerebral Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases are approximately three times higher in patients with
      neurological deficits than in patients without neurological deficits. MicroRNA
      126 (MiR-126) facilitates vascular remodeling and decreases fibrosis and is
      emerging as an important factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases
      and cerebral stroke. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that decreased miR
      126 after ischemic stroke may play an important role in regulating cardiac
      function. Wild-type (WT), specific conditional-knockout endothelial cell miR-126
      (miR-126EC-/-), and miR-126 knockout control (miR-126fl/fl) mice were subjected
      to distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAo) (n = 10/group). Cardiac
      hemodynamics and function were measured using transthoracic Doppler
      echocardiography. Mice were sacrificed at 28 days after dMCAo. WT mice subjected
      to stroke exhibited significantly decreased cardiac ejection fraction and
      increased myocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis as well as increased heart inflammation,
      infiltrating macrophages, and oxidative stress compared to non-stroke animals.
      Stroke significantly decreased serum and heart miR-126 expression and increased
      miR-126 target genes, vascular cell adhesion protein-1, and monocyte chemotactic
      protein-1 gene, and protein expression in the heart compared to non-stroke mice.
      MiR-126EC-/- mice exhibited significantly decreased cardiac function and
      increased cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammatory factor expression
      after stroke compared to miR-126fl/fl stroke mice. Exosomes derived from
      endothelial cells of miR-126EC-/- (miR-126EC-/-EC-Exo) mice exhibited
      significantly decreased miR-126 expression than exosomes derived from miR
      126fl/fl (miR-126fl/fl-EC-Exo) mice. Treatment of cardiomyocytes subjected to
      oxygen glucose deprivation with miR-126fl/fl-EC-Exo exhibited significantly
      decreased hypertrophy than with miR-126EC-/-EC-Exo treatment. Ischemic stroke
      directly induces cardiac dysfunction. Decreasing miR-126 expression may
      contribute to cardiac dysfunction after stroke in mice.

PMID- 28101764
TI  - Diazepam in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Alcohol Withdrawal.
AB  - Benzodiazepines ameliorate or prevent the symptoms and complications of moderate
      to severe alcohol withdrawal, which can include autonomic hyperactivity,
      agitation, combativeness, hallucinations, seizures, delirium, and death. The
      benzodiazepines most commonly used for this purpose are lorazepam,
      chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam, and diazepam. It is widely asserted that no member of
      this group is superior to the others for treatment of alcohol withdrawal.
      However, of these, diazepam has the shortest time to peak effect, which
      facilitates both rapid control of symptoms and accurate titration to avoid over
      sedation. Furthermore, diazepam and its active metabolite, desmethyldiazepam,
      have the longest elimination half-lives, so their levels decrease in a gradual,
      self-tapering manner, resulting in a smoother withdrawal, i.e., a lower incidence
      and severity of both breakthrough symptoms and rebound phenomena, including a
      possibly decreased seizure risk. Importantly, the fear of increased risk of over
      sedation with diazepam compared with other benzodiazepines is based on a
      misunderstanding of its pharmacokinetics and is unfounded. Similarly, the notion
      that diazepam should be avoided in patients with liver disease and elderly
      patients to avoid prolonged over-sedation is based on no more than conjecture. In
      fact, there is clinical evidence that diazepam is safe for the treatment of
      alcohol withdrawal in these patients when administered using a simple symptom
      based approach. There is one instance in which diazepam should not be used: when
      intramuscular administration is the only option, the lipophilicity of diazepam
      can result in slow absorption-either lorazepam or, when rapid control of symptoms
      is required, midazolam should be used. The comparative pharmacokinetics of the
      benzodiazepines used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal together with a
      comprehensive review of the literature on their use strongly suggest that
      diazepam should be the preferred benzodiazepine for the treatment of patients
      experiencing moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal under most circumstances.

PMID- 28101767
TI  - Being Human.

PMID- 28101765
TI  - Tolerability and Safety of Commonly Used Antiepileptic Drugs in Adolescents and
      Adults: A Clinician's Overview.
AB  - This paper discusses the issues surrounding the tolerability and safety of the
      commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in adolescents and adults. The content
      includes dose-related adverse effects, idiosyncratic reactions, behavioural and
      psychiatric comorbidities, chronic problems, enzyme induction and teratogenesis.
      Twenty-one AEDs are discussed in chronological order of their introduction into
      the UK, starting with phenobarbital and ending with brivaracetam. Wherever
      possible, advice is given on anticipating, recognising and managing these issues
      and thereby improving the lives of people with epilepsy, most of whom will need
      to take one or more of these agents for life. Avoidance of side effects will
      increase the possibility of achieving and maintaining long-term seizure freedom.
      Alternatively, adverse events from AEDs will substantially reduce quality of life
      and often result in higher healthcare costs.

PMID- 28101768
TI  - Gender Diversity in Childhood: A Human Right.

PMID- 28101769
TI  - Childhood absence epilepsy and benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes: a
      narrative review analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown a possible coexistence of absence seizures
      with other forms of epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the
      possible contemporary or subsequent presence of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE)
      and benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (BECTS) in pediatric epileptic
      patients. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed systematic search indexed for MEDLINE, PubMed
      and EMBASE was undertaken to identify studies in children including articles
      written between 1996 and 2015. Retrospective studies, meta-analysis and case
      reports were included. The list of references of all the relevant articles was
      also studied. The date of our last search was December 2015. RESULTS: Review of
      the literature revealed 19 cases, 8 females and 11 males, reporting a consecutive
      or contemporary coexistence of CAE and BECTS within the same patients. Patient's
      age ranged between 4 and 12 years. Three out of 19 patients presented concomitant
      features of both syndromes, whereas 16 patients experienced the two syndromes at
      different times. CONCLUSIONS: BECTS and CAE may be pathophysiologically related,
      and the two epileptic phenotypes may indicate a neurobiological continuum.
      Further studies are needed to elucidate a probable genetic or functional link
      between partial and primarily generalized electro-clinical patterns in idiopathic
      childhood epilepsies.

PMID- 28101770
TI  - Factors controlling fetal echocardiography determine the diagnostic accuracy of
      isolated ventricular septal defect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fetal echocardiography (FECG) is a key screening tool for prenatal
      cardiac abnormalities. Herein, we examined the ultrasonic factors determining
      prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis of isolated ventricular septal defect (IVSD).
      METHODS: The diagnostic role of ultrasonic factors was investigated in patients
      in middle or late pregnancy, diagnosed with IVSD by FECG and confirmed using
      postnatal echocardiography. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients with IVSD were
      enrolled; the majority had perimembranous VSD. The combined imaging mode of 2
      dimentional-echocardiography (2DE) and color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) showed
      the highest rate (56.6%) of IVSD detection, while CDFIwas more efficient than 2DE
      (32.1% vs. 11.3%). The single-view mode was more efficient than multiple-view
      mode (75.5% vs. 24.5%). The highest efficient mode to detect IVSD was achieved
      using combined imaging mode on the single view of the left ventricular outflow
      tract view (LVOTV) (28.3%). FECG correctly classified 71.7% of fetal IVSD. There
      was a significant difference of accuracy rate in classifying IVSD among the three
      different imaging modes (chi 2=7.141, P<0.05). The single imaging mode of CDFIand
      the mode of CDFIcombined with 2DE correctly classified 75.9% and 75.0% of fetal
      IVSD, respectively. LVOTV was the most accurate view of fetal IVSD classification
      (85.2%; chi 2=15.782, P<0.05). There was no difference in accuracies of IVSD
      classification among multiple-view modes (chi 2=2.343, P>0.05) or between single
      view mode and multiple-view mode (chi 2=0.32, P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Single LVOTV
      in CDFIor CDFIcombined with 2DE of FECG were the most effective diagnostic modes
      for fetal IVSD diagnosis.

PMID- 28101766
TI  - Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier: Recent Advances in Drug Delivery to the Brain.
AB  - CNS disorders are on the rise despite advancements in our understanding of their
      pathophysiological mechanisms. A major hurdle to the treatment of these disorders
      is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which serves as an arduous janitor to protect
      the brain. Many drugs are being discovered for CNS disorders, which, however fail
      to enter the market because of their inability to cross the BBB. This is a
      pronounced challenge for the pharmaceutical fraternity. Hence, in addition to the
      discovery of novel entities and drug candidates, scientists are also developing
      new formulations of existing drugs for brain targeting. Several approaches have
      been investigated to allow therapeutics to cross the BBB. As the molecular
      structure of the BBB is better elucidated, several key approaches for brain
      targeting include physiological transport mechanisms such as adsorptive-mediated
      transcytosis, inhibition of active efflux pumps, receptor-mediated transport,
      cell-mediated endocytosis, and the use of peptide vectors. Drug-delivery
      approaches comprise delivery from microspheres, biodegradable wafers, and
      colloidal drug-carrier systems (e.g., liposomes, nanoparticles, nanogels,
      dendrimers, micelles, nanoemulsions, polymersomes, exosomes, and quantum dots).
      The current review discusses the latest advancements in these approaches, with a
      major focus on articles published in 2015 and 2016. In addition, we also cover
      the alternative delivery routes, such as intranasal and convection-enhanced
      diffusion methods, and disruption of the BBB for brain targeting.

PMID- 28101771
TI  - Impact of relocation and environmental cleaning on reducing the incidence of
      healthcare-associated infection in NICU.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital environment remains a risk for healthcare-associated
      infections (HAIs). This was a prospective study to evaluate the comprehensive
      impact of relocating a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to a new facility and
      improved environmental cleaning practice on the presence of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on inanimate surfaces and the incident rate of HAIs.
      METHODS: New environmental cleaning measures were adopted after the NICU was
      moved to a new and better-designed location. The effect of moving and the new
      environmental cleaning practice was investigated by comparing the positive number
      of MRSA on ward surfaces and the incidence density of HAIs between the baseline
      and intervention periods. RESULTS: Only 2.5% of environmental surfaces were
      positive for MRSA in the intervention period compared to 44.0% in the baseline
      period (P<0.001). Likewise, the total incident rate of HAIs declined from 16.8
      per 1000 cot-days to 10.0 per 1000 cot-days (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The
      comprehensive measures of relocating the NICU to a new facility design with
      improved environmental cleaning practice are effective and significantly reduce
      the incidence of HAIs.

PMID- 28101772
TI  - Zinc deficiency in the pediatric age group is common but underevaluated.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subclinical micronutrient deficiencies have been gradually becoming
      more important as a public health problem and drawing attention of the health
      authorities. Today it has been known that detecting and treating people having
      deficiency symptoms alone is no longer sufficient. It is important to detect and
      prevent any deficiency before it displays clinical manifestations. Zinc
      deficiency is one of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies. In this
      study, we aimed to evaluate the zinc status and the associated factors in healthy
      school-age children. METHODS: The study was carried out in schools in Altindag,
      the district of Ankara. A total of 1063 healthy children, 585 girls and 478 boys,
      aged 5-16 years were included in the study. Serum zinc, high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein levels and white blood cell count were measured. A serum zinc
      level <65 MUg/dL was considered as subclinical zinc deficiency for children <10
      years of age. For children >=10 years of age the cutoffs for serum zinc
      concentration were set at 66 MUg/dL for females and 70 MUg/dL for males. A
      questionnaire was developed to collect socioeconomic and demographic information
      of the participants. RESULTS: The prevalence of subclinical zinc deficiency in
      children attending the study was detected to be 27.8%. This high ratio showed
      zinc deficiency was an important health problem in the Altindag district of
      Ankara, Turkey. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluating the indicators of zinc deficiency such as
      serum zinc concentration, dietary zinc intake and stunting prevalence, this study
      is the most comprehensive epidemiological study performed in children in Turkey.
      This study reveals the high prevalence of subclinical zinc deficiency and
      indicates that zinc deficiency is a public health concern for the study
      population.

PMID- 28101773
TI  - What is the appropriate strategy for diagnosing NAFLD using ultrasonography in
      obese children?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify obese children who are
      candidates for a potential diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD). METHODS: We enrolled 242 obese children (122 boys and 120 girls) aged 7
      16 years who were examined with abdominal ultrasonography in our pediatric
      obesity clinic. We compared patients in the normal group with those in the NAFLD
      group (mild disease, moderate to severe disease) and identified the optimal
      anthropometric parameters among height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist
      circumference, hip circumference, waist to height ratio (WHtR), and waist to hip
      ratio to predict NAFLD using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
      We also investigated risk factors associated with NAFLD for the anthropometric
      parameters and the biochemical model using logistic regression. RESULTS: The high
      and low-risk groups for hepatic steatosis relative to a WHtR of 0.56 as the
      standard point showed significant differences in hepatic steatosis severity grade
      (P<0.001), BMI (P=0.004), hip circumference (P=0.090), aspartate aminotransferase
      (P<0.001), alanine aminotransferase (P<0.001), triglycerides (P=0.001), and the
      triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio (P=0.006). Risk
      factors for hepatic steatosis on logistic regression analysis were male sex (odds
      ratio: 3.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.76-7.70), WHtR >0.56 (2.25, 1.05-4.81),
      and waist circumference >90th percentile (20.22, 9.21-44.36) in the
      anthropometric parameter model and elevated alanine aminotransferase levels (boys
      >25.8 U/L, girls >22.1 U/L) (6.93, 2.52-19.03), hypertriglyceridemia (>110 mg/dL)
      (3.80, 1.23-11.75), and triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio >3 (9.23, 2.95
      8.83) in the biochemical parameter model. CONCLUSION: A diagnostic approach to
      hepatic steatosis is recommended as part of the proper screening and
      stratification of risk factors in obese children. WHtR is a simple and convenient
      method of effectively identifying obese children who are candidates for hepatic
      steatosis screening.

PMID- 28101774
TI  - Newborn screening for remethylation disorders and vitamin B12 deficiency
      evaluation of new strategies in cohorts from Qatar and Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Newborn screening is a precondition for early diagnosis and
      successful treatment of remethylation disorders and classical homocystinuria
      (cystathionine-beta-synthase deficiency). Newborn screening for classical
      homocystinuria using total homocysteine measurement in dried blood spots has been
      very successfully performed for many years for newborns from Qatar. METHODS: A
      new optimized newborn screening strategy for remethylation disorders and
      homocystinuria was developed and evaluated for newborns from Qatar using total
      homocysteine measurement as first-tier and methionine, methionine-phenylalanine
      ratio and propionylcarnitine as second-tiers. Proposed cut-offs were also
      retrospectively evaluated in newborn screening samples of 12 patients with
      remethylation disorders and vitamin B12 deficiency from Qatar and Germany.
      RESULTS: Over a 12 months period, the proposed strategy led to a decrease in the
      recall rate in homocysteine screening for Qatar from 1.09% to 0.68%, while
      allowing for additional systematic inclusion of remethylation disorders and
      vitamin B12 deficiency into the screening panel for Qatar. In the evaluated
      period the applied strategy would have detected all patients with classical
      homocystinuria identified by the previous strategy and in addition 5 children
      with maternal nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency and one patient with an isolated
      remethylation disorder. Additional retrospective evaluation of newborn screening
      samples of 12 patients from Germany and Qatar with remethlyation disorders or
      vitamin B12 deficiency showed that all of these patients would have been detected
      by the cut-offs used in the proposed new strategy. In addition, an adapted
      strategy for Germany using methionine, methionine-phenylalanine-ratio and
      propionylcarnitine as first-tier, and homocysteine as a second-tier test was also
      positively evaluated retrospectively. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed strategy for
      samples from Qatar allows inclusion of remethylation disorders and vitamin B12
      deficiency in the screening panel, while lowering the recall rate. An adapted
      second-tier strategy is presented for screening in Germany and will be
      prospectively evaluated over the next years in a pilot project named "Newborn
      Screening 2020".

PMID- 28101775
TI  - Clinical experience in the treatment of children who swallowed multiple magnetic
      foreign bodies: A report of five cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several clinical reports have been published on complications
      resulting from swallowing multiple magnetic foreign bodies. This study aimed to
      summarize the clinical experience of managing children who swallowed multiple
      magnetic foreign bodies. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of five
      children who swallowed multiple magnetic foreign bodies and were admitted to our
      hospital during June 2012 to June 2014. Details of the patients' presentation,
      imaging studies, complications and treatment were recorded. RESULTS: All five
      children suffered from gastrointestinal perforation and intestinal obstruction.
      The magnetic foreign bodies caused local bowel wall tissue ischemia necrosis and
      perforation as well as other complications associated with fistula formation. The
      magnets were finally removed by laparotomy surgery. CONCLUSION: If magnetic
      foreign bodies cannot be removed by endoscopy, an operation is suggested as soon
      as possible to avoid serious complications.

PMID- 28101777
TI  - Comorbidities in Down syndrome livebirths and health care intervention: an
      initial experience from the birth defects registry in Southern Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder causing
      mental retardation with a worldwide average prevalence of 1-2 cases per 1000
      births. This study aimed to determine the comorbidities associated with DS and
      the coverage of health care services and developmental interventions for DS
      livebirths in Southern Thailand. METHODS: A total of 149 livebirth DS infants,
      recruited through the prospective birth defects registry system during 2009-2013
      in 3 provinces in Southern Thailand, were regularly followed-up every 3-6 months.
      The data collection form included the infants' demographic data, associated
      congenital anomalies, and developmental interventions. RESULTS: The DS infants
      were born at an average gestational age of 38.5+/-2.3 weeks with average birth
      weight of 2760+/-478 g, length 48.5+/-2.2 cm, and head circumference 32.7+/-1.2
      cm. Congenital heart diseases, gastrointestinal defects and congenital
      hypothyroidism were found in 43.0%, 6.7%, and 12.1% of the cases, respectively.
      The percentage of DS infants who received developmental interventions in this
      current study were significantly greater than in a previous study covering the
      years 1992-2002: early stimulation program 90.0% vs. 65.6% (P<0.01), and speech
      training program 74.8% vs. 38.9% (P<0.01), respectively, and the infants in our
      study began intervention programs significantly earlier, 0.58+/-0.39 years vs.
      1.69+/-0.66 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital heart disease was the
      most common comorbidity associated with DS. The coverage of health care services
      and developmental interventions for DS children has generally improved in
      Southern Thailand. One hundred percent coverage of health services and
      interventions for children with special needs is expected in the near future.

PMID- 28101776
TI  - Plyometric exercise and bone health in children and adolescents: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many jumping interventions have been performed in children and
      adolescents in order to improve bone-related variables and thus, ensure a healthy
      bone development during these periods and later in life. This systematic review
      aims to summarize and update present knowledge regarding the effects that jumping
      interventions may have on bone mass, structure and metabolism in order to
      ascertain the efficacy and durability (duration of the effects caused by the
      intervention) of the interventions. DATA SOURCES: Identification of studies was
      performed by searching in the database MEDLINE/PubMed and SportDiscus. Additional
      studies were identified by contacting clinical experts and searching
      bibliographies and abstracts. Search terms included "bone and bones", "jump*",
      "weight-bearing", "resistance training" and "school intervention". The search was
      conducted up to October 2014. Only studies that had performed a specific jumping
      intervention in under 18-year olds and had measured bone mass were included.
      Independent extraction of articles was done by 2 authors using predefined data
      fields. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies were included in this review. Twenty-four
      studies found positive results as subjects included in the intervention groups
      showed higher bone mineral density, bone mineral content and bone structure
      improvements than controls. Only two studies found no effects on bone mass after
      a 10-week and 9-month intervention. Moreover, those studies that evaluated the
      durability of the effects found that some of the increases in the intervention
      groups were maintained after several years. CONCLUSIONS: Jumping interventions
      during childhood and adolescence improve bone mineral content, density and
      structural properties without side effects. These type of interventions should be
      therefore implemented when possible in order to increase bone mass in early
      stages of life, which may have a direct preventive effect on bone diseases like
      osteoporosis later in life.

PMID- 28101778
TI  - Eight novel MUT loss-of-function missense mutations in Chinese patients with
      isolated methylmalonic academia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated methylmalonic acidemia is a rare autosomal recessive
      metabolic disorder mostly caused by mutations in the methylmalonyl coenzyme A
      mutase (MCM) gene (MUT). This study aimed to verify whether missense mutations in
      MUT in Chinese patients affect the stability and enzymatic activity of MCM.
      METHODS: Eight Chinese patients were identified with novel mutations. Plasmids
      carrying the wild-type and mutated MUT cDNA were constructed and transfected into
      HEK293T cells for functional analyses. The expression and activity of MCM were
      determined by western blot and ultra-performance liquid chromatography,
      respectively. RESULTS: All patients had high levels of blood propionylcarnitine
      and urinary methylmalonyl acid. By the end of the study, two patients were lost
      to follow-up, three died, and three survived with mental retardation. Compared to
      the wild-type protein, the expression levels of all missense mutations of in
      vitro MCM protein were decreased (P<0.05) except those for I597R, and the MCM
      activity of the mutations was reduced in a permissive assay. CONCLUSIONS: The
      missense mutations L140P, A141T, G161V, W309G, I505T, Q514K, I597R and G723D
      affected the stability and enzymatic activity of MCM, indicating that they had a
      disease-causing capacity.

PMID- 28101779
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of topical EMLA and vapocoolant spray for reducing
      pain during wDPT vaccination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intramuscular vaccination is among the most common source of
      iatrogenic pain in infants. Vapocoolant sprays are rapid-acting alternative to
      topical anesthetics. They provide transient anesthesia via evaporation induced
      skin cooling, and reduce pain due to vaccine injection in children and adults.
      The objective was to compare the synergistic analgesic effect of eutectic mixture
      of local anesthetics (EMLA) with breastfeeding (EB group) and vapocoolant spay
      with breastfeeding (VB group) to that of only breastfeeding (BO group) during
      whole cell diptheria, pertussis and tetanus (wDPT) vaccination. METHODS: A double
      blind randomized controlled trial was done to include infants up to 3 months of
      age who came for their first wDPT vaccination. The primary outcome variable was
      the duration of cry after vaccination. Secondary outcome variables were Modified
      Facial Coding Score, Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and latency of onset of cry.
      RESULTS: Of the 201 eligible participants, 111 babies were excluded and remaining
      90 babies were randomized into three groups of thirty each. The groups did not
      differ significantly in baseline characteristics. Median (interquartile range,
      IQR) of duration of cry was lesser [35.86 (21.07-107.75) seconds] in babies
      receiving EMLA cream with breast feeding (EB group) and in babies receiving
      vapocoolant spray with breast feeding (VB group) [32.58 (21.25-106.21) seconds]
      as compared to babies receiving only breast feeding (BO group) [67.5 (27.6-180)
      seconds] (P=0.147). Difference in median (IQR) of latency of cry was not
      statistically significant. Modified Facial Coding Score and Neonatal Infant Pain
      Scale at 1 minute and 3 minutes was significantly lower in the EB and VB group,
      as compared to the BO group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Addition of topical EMLA
      application or vapocoolant spray to breastfeeding during wDPT vaccination does
      not reduce duration of cry in infants up to 3 months of age. However, they are
      able to show reduction in pain score and further studies are warranted to assess
      their efficacy as pain relief measures in infants and children.

PMID- 28101780
TI  - Update of the spectrum of mucopolysaccharidoses type III in Tunisia:
      identification of three novel mutations and in silico structural analysis of the
      missense mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidoses type III (MPS III) are a group of autosomal
      recessive lysosomal storage diseases, caused by mutations in genes that code for
      enzymes involved in the lysosomal degradation of heparan sulphate: heparan
      sulfate sulfamidase (SGSH), alpha-Nacetylglucosaminidase (NAGLU), heparan sulfate
      acetyl-CoA: alpha-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT), and N
      acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase (GNS). METHODS: In this study, we have performed
      the molecular analysis of the SGSH, NAGLU and HGSNAT genes in 10 patients from 6
      different MPS III Tunisian families. RESULTS: In the SGSH gene, two mutations
      were identified: one novel (p.D477N) and one already described (p.Q365X). In the
      NAGLU gene, two novel mutations were discovered (p.L550P and p.E153X). For the
      novel missense mutations found in these two genes we performed an in silico
      structural analysis and the results were consistent with the clinical course of
      the patients harboring those mutations. Finally, in HGSNAT gene, we found the
      splicesite mutation c.234+1G>A that had already been reported as relatively
      frequent in MPS IIIC patients from countries surrounding the basin of the
      Mediterranean sea. Its presence in two Tunisian MPS IIIC families points to the
      hypothesis of its peri Mediterranean origin. With the exception of the c.234+1G>A
      mutation, that was identified in two unrelated MPS IIIC families, the other
      identified mutations were family-specific and were always found in homozygosity
      in the patients studied, thus reflecting the existence of consanguinity in MPS
      III Tunisian families. CONCLUSIONS: Three novel mutations are reported here,
      further contributing to the knowledge of the molecular basis of these diseases.
      The results of this study will allow carrier detection in affected families and
      prenatal molecular diagnosis, leading to an improvement in genetic counseling.

PMID- 28101781
TI  - Seeking Medical Information Using Mobile Apps and the Internet: Are Family
      Caregivers Different from the General Public?
AB  - Family caregivers play an important role to care cancer patients since they
      exchange medical information with health care providers. However, relatively
      little is known about how family caregivers seek medical information using mobile
      apps and the Internet. We examined factors associated with medical information
      seeking by using mobile apps and the Internet among family caregivers and the
      general public using data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey
      4 Cycle 1. The study sample consisted of 2425 family caregivers and 1252 non
      family caregivers (the general public). Guided by Comprehensive Model of
      Information Seeking (CMIS), we examined related factors' impact on two outcome
      variables for medical information seeking: mobile apps use and Internet use with
      multivariate logistic regression analyses. We found that online medical
      information seeking is different between family caregivers and the general
      public. Overall, the use of the Internet for medical information seeking is more
      common among family caregivers, while the use of mobile apps is less common among
      family caregivers compared with the general public. Married family caregivers
      were less likely to use mobile apps, while family caregivers who would trust
      cancer information were more likely to use the Internet for medical information
      seeking as compared to the general public. Medical information seeking behavior
      among family caregivers can be an important predictor of both their health and
      the health of their cancer patients. Future research should explore the low usage
      of mobile health applications among family caregiver population.

PMID- 28101782
TI  - The antineoplastic drug, trastuzumab, dysregulates metabolism in iPSC-derived
      cardiomyocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The targeted ERBB2 therapy, trastuzumab, has had a tremendous impact
      on management of patients with HER2+ breast cancer, leading to development and
      increased use of further HER2 targeted therapies. The major clinical side effect
      is cardiotoxicity but the mechanism is largely unknown. On the basis that gene
      expression is known to be altered in multiple models of heart failure, we
      examined differential gene expression of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes treated at
      day 11 with the ERBB2 targeted monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab for 48 h and the
      small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of EGFR and ERBB2. RESULTS:
      Transcriptome sequencing was performed on four replicates from each group (48 h
      untreated, 48 h trastuzumab and 48 h lapatinib) and differential gene expression
      analyses were performed on each treatment group relative to untreated
      cardiomyocytes. 517 and 1358 genes were differentially expressed, p < 0.05,
      respectively in cardiomyocytes treated with trastuzumab and lapatinib. Gene
      ontology analyses revealed in cardiomyocytes treated with trastuzumab,
      significant down-regulation of genes involved in small molecule metabolism (p =
      3.22 * 10-9) and cholesterol (p = 0.01) and sterol (p = 0.03) processing. We next
      measured glucose uptake and lactate production in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes 13
      days post-plating, treated with trastuzumab up to 96 h. We observed significantly
      decreased glucose uptake from the media of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes treated
      with trastuzumab as early as 24 h (p = 0.001) and consistently up to 96 h (p =
      0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests dysregulation of cardiac gene expression
      and metabolism as key elements of ERBB2 signaling that could potentially be early
      biomarkers of cardiotoxicity.

PMID- 28101783
TI  - Tissue is the issue and tissue competition. Re-biopsy for mutation T790: where
      and why?
AB  - Lung cancer is still the leading cause of death among all cancers. During the
      last 15 years, pharmacogenomics of lung cancer have established targeted therapy
      with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) positive patients in adenocarcinoma or mixed adenosquamus lung cancer
      patients. However; while novel drugs are released in the market, at the same time
      novel mutations are observed after tyrosine kinase inhibitor administration.
      Recently the novel mutation T790 was observed and is highly prevalent in patients
      already treated with a TKI. A new drug targeting this mutation is already on the
      market, however; the most important factor for successful treatment in these
      patients, is adequate tissue re-sampling so that novel mutations can be detected.

PMID- 28101784
TI  - Dental implants and grafting success remain high despite large variations in
      maxillary sinus mucosal thickening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although mucosal thickening is the most common radiographic finding
      observed regarding sinus pathology, the knowledge regarding its clinical
      significance on the outcomes of dental implants and grafting in the maxillary
      sinuses is still limited. We hypothesized that mucosal thickening would not alter
      the predictability for sinus floor augmentation and dental implant placement. The
      purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of dental
      implant placement in sinus-augmented areas with preexisting sinus mucosal
      thickening. METHODS: This study involved the review of cone-beam computed
      tomographic (CBCT) scans taken on patients that underwent both maxillary sinus
      elevation with grafting and implant placement at the University of Michigan
      School of Dentistry from 2004 to 2014. Cases with documented radiographic and
      clinical follow-up were included. The data analyses revealed the following.
      RESULTS: A total of 29 CBCT scans met the inclusion criteria for evaluation, and
      93.1% of them had maxillary sinus mucosal/tissue thickening. Specifically, 6.9%
      of cases exhibited no thickening, 6.9% had minimal thickening (1-2 mm), 20.7% of
      cases had moderate thickening (2-5 mm), and 65.5% had severe thickening (>5 mm).
      We propose these categorical measurements of tissue thickening as a new "mucosal
      thickening index." The tissue thickening did not vary based on gender, age, or
      smoking status, nor did it relate to the underlying alveolar ridge height.
      However, patients with a history of periodontal diseases demonstrated a
      significant association with mucosal thickening (p = 0.0043). These data indicate
      that there is high implant and grafting success rate (100%) in the maxillary
      sinus despite large and varied physiologic sinus mucosal/tissue thickening.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on study findings, this research will help guide dental
      practitioners regarding cases that exhibit mucosal thickening. These data support
      the concept that physiologic mucosal thickening in varied ranges is not
      associated with implant or grafting failure in the maxillary sinus.

PMID- 28101787
TI  - A Recombinant Highly Thermostable beta-Mannanase (ReTMan26) from Thermophilic
      Bacillus subtilis (TBS2) Expressed in Pichia pastoris and Its pH and Temperature
      Stability.
AB  - A gene encoding a highly thermostable beta-mannanase from a thermophilic Bacillus
      subtilis (TBS2) was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris. The maximum
      activity of the recombinant thermostable beta-mannanase (ReTMan26) was 5435 U/mL,
      which was obtained by high-density, fed-batch cultivation after 168-h induction
      with methanol in a 50-L bioreactor. The protein yield reached 3.29 mg/mL, and the
      protein had a molecular weight of ~42 kDa. After fermentation, ReTMan26 was
      purified using a 10-kDa cut-off membrane and Sephadex G-75 column. The pH and
      temperature optima of purified ReTMan26 were pH 6.0 and 60  degrees C,
      respectively, and the enzyme was stable at pH 2.0-8.0 and was active at 20-100 
      degrees C. HPLC analysis of the products of locust bean gum hydrolysis showed
      that the mannan-oligosaccharide content was 62.5%. ReTMan26 retained 58.6% of its
      maximum activity after treatment at 100  degrees C for 10 min, which was higher
      than any other beta-mannanase reported up to now, suggesting its potential for
      industrial applications.

PMID- 28101788
TI  - Embling Production in Althaea officinalis L., Through Somatic Embryogenesis and
      Their Appraisal via Histological and Scanning Electron Microscopical Studies.
AB  - In vitro propagation of a medicinally important plant, Althaea officinalis, has
      been achieved through somatic embryogenesis. Somatic embryos (globular to torpedo
      shaped embryos) were induced on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium augmented with
      various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0,
      20.0, and 25.0) alone or combined with N6-benzylaminopurine (BA, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0,
      1.5, and 2.0 MUM). These were directly formed from the cut ends and subsequently
      spread on the whole surface of internodal explants. For embryo maturation,
      torpedo embryos were transferred on a medium containing different levels of BA
      (0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 MUM) and abscisic acid (ABA) (0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 MUM) or alpha
      naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (0.1, 0.5 or 1.0 MUM). Among the different
      concentrations tested, 0.5 MUM BA along with 1.0 MUM ABA was found most
      effective, on which a highest yield (58.0%) with an optimum number (35.0) of
      mature embryos (cotyledonary stage) was observed after 2 weeks of transfer.
      Germination of cotyledonary embryos into plantlets with 68% were observed on 1/2
      MS medium. Histological and scanning electron microscopical (SEM) studies proved
      that the regenerated structures were somatic embryos and not shoot primordia.
      Plants grew vigorously when transferred to a greenhouse.

PMID- 28101786
TI  - Evaluation of T Regulatory Lymphocytes Transcription Factors in HTLV-1-Associated
      Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) Patients.
AB  - HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is an
      aggressive neurological disease. The CD4+CD25+ T cell population plays pivotal
      roles in the maintenance of immunological tolerance and prevention of such
      autoimmune diseases. In the current study, proviral load (PVL), factor forkhead
      box p3 (Foxp3), and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related
      protein (GITR) gene expression and regulatory T cells (Tregs) counts of 21
      HAM/TSP patients and 16 HTLV-1 healthy carriers (ACs) were measured using real
      time PCR, TaqMan method, and flow cytometry. The demographic, history of disease,
      and severity of myelopathy were assessed by a checklist and the Osame motor
      disability score (OMDS). The mean OMDS for HAM/TSP was 4.82 +/- 2.37 which had no
      significant correlation with Treg count or the expression of Foxp3, GITR, and
      PVL. The CD4+CD25+ cell counts had no significant differences between HAM/TSP and
      ACs. Findings revealed a higher PVL in HAM/TSPs (313.36 copies/104) compared to
      ACs (144.93 copies/104, p = 0.035). The Foxp3 and GITR mRNA levels were lower in
      HAM/TSP patients (11.78 and 13.80, respectively) than those in healthy carriers
      (18.44 and 21.00, p = 0.041 and 0.03, respectively). There was a significant
      correlation between Treg frequency and Foxp3 gene expression (R = 0.67, p =
      0.006) and GITR and Foxp3 (R = 0.84, p = 0.042) in HAM/TSP patients. Furthermore,
      the transcription factors have strong correlations with CD4+CD25+ T cell
      frequencies. These findings suggest that HTLV-1 infection can modify the
      expression of main functional transcription factors, FOXP3 and GITR, which may
      lead to immune response deterioration of Tregs and consequently HAM/TSP
      manifestation.

PMID- 28101785
TI  - Acinetobacter baumannii bacteraemia in patients with haematological malignancy: a
      multicentre retrospective study from the Infection Working Party of Jiangsu
      Society of Hematology.
AB  - Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) bacteraemia in patients with haematological
      malignancies is fatal but rarely reported. We explored the clinical
      characteristics, drug resistances and prognostic factors in these patients. This
      multicentre, retrospective study was conducted at the department of haematology
      wards of 18 tertiary hospitals in China from January 2014 to June 2015. The total
      clinical isolates from every source were collected from patients with
      haematological malignancy. Haematological malignancy patients diagnosed with Ab
      bacteraemia were analysed. During the study period, 40 patients with Ab
      bacteraemia were identified, accounting for 2.9% (40/1358) of bacteraemia cases,
      of which 25 (62.5%) had acute leukaemia (AL) and 27 (67.5%) had neutropaenia.
      Compared with non-neutropaenic patients, neutropaenic patients showed higher
      Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) scores and 30-day
      mortality rates (p < 0.05). The in vitro antibiotic susceptibility of Ab to
      colistin was highest, at 100%, followed by that of tigecycline (91.30%) and
      amikacin (75.86%). Compared with the patients who had carbapenem-susceptible Ab
      infections, patients infected with carbapenem-resistant Ab (CRAB) had
      significantly longer hospital stays and were more likely to have had exposure to
      carbapenem before bacteraemia (p < 0.05). The 30-day mortality rate was 32.5%.
      CRAB, neutropaenia, higher APACHE score, Pitt bacteraemia score and inappropriate
      initial antimicrobial therapy were significantly associated with 30-day
      mortality. Multivariable analysis showed that APACHE score and CRAB were
      independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Haematologic patients with AL and
      febrile neutropaenia were at high risk of Ab bacteraemia. More attention should
      be paid to CRAB, which is an independent risk factor for mortality in
      haematological malignancy patients with Ab bacteraemia.

PMID- 28101789
TI  - Prevalence and Predictors of Uncircumcised, Kenyan Men's Desire for Circumcision
      for Their Infant Sons.
AB  - Men are key decision makers for their son's circumcision, so understanding their
      beliefs is important for the uptake of early infant male circumcision in
      countries in sub-Saharan Africa that have high HIV prevalence. We analyzed men's
      preferences for circumcising their sons using data from a population
      representative survey of 1501 uncircumcised men aged 25-49 years in western
      Kenya. Most men (59%) reported they would "definitely" want their son circumcised
      if a son was born to them within the next year. However, only 25% intended to
      become circumcised themselves. In multivariable Poisson regression models to
      estimate prevalence ratios, key predictors of the desire to circumcise their sons
      included knowledge that circumcision reduces HIV acquisition, having a supportive
      partner, discussing circumcision with the partner, altruism, and intention to be
      circumcised himself. Focusing on partner dynamics may have the greatest capacity
      to increase demand since 55% had not talked to their partner about circumcision.

PMID- 28101790
TI  - Perspectives of People with a Chronic Disease on Participating in Work: A Focus
      Group Study.
AB  - Purpose To explore solutions that people with a chronic disease use to overcome
      difficulties they experience regarding participating in work, and the support
      they require to identify or implement these solutions. Methods Focus groups were
      held to explore solutions and support requirements of people with a chronic
      disease. Participants were recruited through a research institution's patient
      panel, a patient federation and personal networks. Analysis was conducted by
      means of open and selective coding, using the MAXQDA software package. Results
      Five focus groups were held with 19 participants with different chronic diseases.
      Solutions that were identified included learning to accept and cope with the
      disease, which is frequently supported by family and friends. Disclosing the
      disease to employers and colleagues, identifying active ways to help with duties,
      and implementing adaptations to the work environment were all effective solutions
      with the help, empathy and understanding of people in the work environment.
      Solutions mostly supported by patient associations included providing sufficient
      information about the disease, relevant help and protective legal regulations
      regarding work participation. Finally, health professionals could support
      solutions such as incorporating periods of rest, promoting self-efficacy and
      gaining insight into an individual's ability to participate in work. Conclusions
      People with a chronic disease suggested various solutions that can help overcome
      difficulties surrounding participating in work. Support from friends and family,
      patient associations, employers, colleagues and occupational health professionals
      is needed to help identify and implement suitable solutions.

PMID- 28101791
TI  - Strategies to Reduce 30-Day Readmissions in Patients with Cirrhosis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Approximately, one quarter of patients discharged after a
      hospitalization for decompensated cirrhosis will be readmitted within 30 days.
      These readmissions have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality,
      can be financially harmful to the health system, and may be partially
      preventable. This review summarizes the literature on readmissions, providing
      clinicians with tools for risk prediction and a taxonomy for preventative
      interventions. RECENT FINDINGS: Readmission strategies can be categorized
      according to complexity (simple versus complex) and specificity (focused versus
      broad). The literature thus far provides the following generalizable inferences:
      1) Interventions should be integrated in the clinical workflow, 2) default
      options are more powerful than voluntary actions, 3) knowledge improvement should
      focus on the front line clinicians, 4) process improvements do not always
      translate into better outcomes, and 5) any successful intervention must include
      viable alternatives to hospitalization. A growing body of literature provides
      concrete and actionable guidance for interventions to reduce readmissions in
      patients with cirrhosis.

PMID- 28101792
TI  - Medical Management of Diabesity: Do We Have Realistic Targets?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The global prevalence of "diabesity"-diabetes related to
      obesity-is increasing steadily over the past few decades because of the obesity
      epidemic. Although bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for
      patients with diabesity, its limited availability, invasiveness, relatively high
      costs and the potential for surgical and postsurgical complications restrict its
      widespread use. Therefore, medical management is the only option for a majority
      of patients with diabesity. Diabetes control with several anti-diabetic agents,
      including insulin, causes weight gain with probability of worsening diabesity.
      Rational use of anti-diabetic medications with weight loss potential in varying
      combinations may help to address this key issue for long-term management of
      diabesity. There is no consensus on such an approach from different professional
      bodies like American Diabetes Association, European Association for Study of
      Diabetes, or International Diabetes Federation. We attempt to discuss the key
      issues and realistic targets for diabesity management in this paper. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Rational use of anti-diabetic combinations can mitigate worsening of
      diabesity to some extent while managing patients. Retrospective studies showed
      that combination therapy with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists
      and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, when administered along
      with other anti-diabetic medications, offer the best therapeutic benefit in the
      medical management of diabesity. Different combinations of other anti-diabetic
      drugs with minimum weight gain potential were also found useful. Because of
      insufficient evidence based on prospective randomised controlled trials (RCTs),
      future research should focus on evolving the appropriate rational drug
      combinations for the medical management of diabesity.

PMID- 28101794
TI  - Diabetic Foot Infections: an Update in Diagnosis and Management.
AB  - Foot infections are a common problem in patients with diabetes and a risk factor
      for limb amputation. They occur as a result of skin ulceration, which facilitates
      penetration of pathogens to deeper tissues. The diagnosis of infection is
      clinical. Aerobic gram-positive cocci are the most common pathogens. Ulcers which
      are chronic, preceded by administration of antibiotics and hospitalization or
      complicated by severe infection are polymicrobial. Antibiotic therapy is
      initially empiric based on the severity of the infection. Definitive therapy is
      modified according to the results of the microbiological culture and the response
      to empiric treatment. The optimal duration of antibiotic therapy ranges from 1-2
      weeks for mild infections to 2-4 weeks and even longer for severe infections and
      osteomyelitis. Surgical consultation should be sought for infections complicated
      with abscesses, necrotizing fasciitis or osteomyelitis. With appropriate care,
      infection resolves in about 80-90% of non-limb threatening and in about 60% of
      severe infections.

PMID- 28101793
TI  - Substance Use Disorders among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: a Dangerous but
      Understudied Combination.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper reviews research on substance use and disorders
      (SUDs) among adults with diabetes. It describes epidemiological data on SUDs in
      persons with type 2 diabetes, overviews effects of substance use on diabetes
      outcomes, and discusses treatments for SUDs in patients with diabetes. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Rates of current smoking range from 10 to 26% and alcohol use disorders
      are 0-5%. Rates of illicit SUDs are 3-4%, but there are no population-based
      studies using nationally representative samples. Smoking increases the risk for
      long-term diabetes complications and premature death. Alcohol and illicit drug
      use can also impact long-term diabetes complications by impairing glucose
      homeostasis and adversely influencing self-management behaviors. There is mixed
      evidence about psychosocial smoking cessation interventions in adults with
      diabetes and little on alcohol and illicit SUD interventions. Limited data exist
      on pharmacotherapies for SUDs in this population, but a recent study suggests
      that varenicline is safe and effective for treating smoking in patients with
      diabetes. Substance use is an understudied problem in type 2 diabetes, and
      addressing substance use holds potential for improving outcomes. Additional large
      population-based epidemiological studies in those with type 2 diabetes are
      needed, particularly for alcohol and illicit SUDs. Longitudinal studies should be
      conducted to better understand the time course of diabetes onset and outcomes in
      relation to SUDs. Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess safety and
      efficacy of promising psychosocial and pharmacological interventions.

PMID- 28101796
TI  - Letter to the editor: "Should we perform elective inguinal hernia repair in the
      elderly?" by Wu J. J. et al. (Hernia. 2016 Jul 20. [Epub ahead of print]).

PMID- 28101795
TI  - Locally advanced pancreatic cancer successfully treated by distal pancreatectomy
      with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) after S-1 with radiation therapy followed by
      gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel therapy: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognosis for pancreatic cancer remains dismal because many
      patients are diagnosed with unresectable cancer at the initial diagnosis.
      Recently, conversion surgery was reported as an effective treatment for initially
      unresectable pancreatic cancer with a favorable response to non-surgical
      treatment lasting over 240 days. Here, we describe a case of locally advanced
      pancreatic cancer (LAPC) successfully resected after treatment with S-1 and
      radiation followed by gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73
      year-old man with LAPC was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography findings
      revealed a 2.5-cm mass in the pancreatic body that had invaded the celiac artery,
      common hepatic artery, and splenic artery. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA)
      encasement was not observed, but tumor abutment over 180 degrees  with the main
      tumor was detected. Staging laparoscopy showed no findings of distant metastasis,
      and washing cytology revealed no malignancy. He was diagnosed with unresectable
      pancreatic cancer. Treatment with S-1 with radiation therapy followed by
      gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel was performed. Six months after the initial
      treatment, the tumor size had decreased to 1.2 cm, and encasement of the main
      artery was diminished. Though abutment to the main artery, including the SMA, was
      still detected, distal pancreatectomy with celiac artery resection was performed.
      The histopathological findings around the celiac artery revealed fibrous changes
      with an Evans classification of grade IIb. There was no residual cancer at the
      periphery; thus, R0 resection was achieved. The patient has been healthy and
      without recurrence for more than 12 months since the initial treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel therapy revealed high response rate for
      metastasic pancreatic cancer (PC), but the effect for LAPC proposing conversion
      surgery was not well discussed. In this case, we achieve R0 resection combined
      with chemoradiation therapy and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel therapy. This regimen
      was also effective for LAPC and may be used to increase the population of
      conversion surgery by its high response rate.

PMID- 28101797
TI  - Ni(II) and Zn(II) Complexes Containing Alkynyl Functionalized Salicylaldimine
      Ligand and Heterocyclic Coligand: Synthesis, Characterization and Luminescence
      Properties.
AB  - Some nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes of the type [Ni(L)(phen/bipy)]X (1a-6a)
      and [Zn(L) (phen/bipy)]X (1b-6b) (where L = 2-{(E)-[(4
      trimethylsilylethynylphenyl)imino]methyl}-4-(4-nitro phenylethynyl)phenol; phen =
      1, 10-phenanthroline, bipy = 2, 2'-bipyridine; X = ClO4-, BF4-, PF6-) have been
      prepared and characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, FTIR, 1H NMR and
      mass spectral studies. The molecular structure of L was determined by single
      crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The electrochemical behaviour of the Ni(II)
      complexes indicate that the phen complexes appears at more positive potential as
      compared to those for bipy complexes, as a consequence of its strong pi-acidic
      character. TGA was carried out to study the thermal behavior of the complexes.
      Room temperature luminescence is observed for all complexes corresponds to pi ->
      pi* ILCT transition. The size of the counter anion and heterocyclic coligands
      phen and bipy shows marked effect on emission properties of the complexes.

PMID- 28101798
TI  - miR-10b, miR-26a, miR-146a And miR-153 Expression in Triple Negative Vs Non
      Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Potential Biomarkers.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs composed of 18-25 nucleotides that
      can post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and have key regulatory roles
      in cancer, acting as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors. About 1000 genes in
      humans encode miRNAs, which account for approximately 3% of the human genome, and
      up to 30% of human protein coding genes may be regulated by miRNAs. The objective
      of this article is to evaluate the expression profile of four miRNAs previously
      implicated in triple negative breast cancer: miR-10b, miR-26a, miR-146a and miR
      153, and to determine their possible interaction in triple negative and non
      triple negative breast cancer based on clinical outcome and the expression of
      BRCA1. 24 triple-negative and 13 non triple negative breast cancer cases, were
      studied by q-RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of the
      four studied miRNAs and the BRCA1 protein, respectively. We observed that the
      BRCA1 protein was absent in 62.5% of the triple negative cases. Besides, the miR
      146a and miR-26a were over expressed in triple negative breast cancer. These two
      miRNAs, miR-10b and miR-153 were significantly associated to lymph node
      metastases occurrence in triple negative breast carcinoma. All the analyzed
      microRNAs were not associated with the expression of BRCA1 in our conditions. Our
      work provides evidence that miR-146a, miR-26a, miR-10b and miR-153 could be
      defined as biomarkers in triple negative breast cancer to predict lymph node
      metastases (LNM).

PMID- 28101799
TI  - Antitumor Efficacy of SLPI Promoter-Controlled Expression of Artificial microRNA
      Targeting EGFR in a Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop a recombinant adenovirus with secretory
      leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI) promoter-controlled expression for gene therapy of
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). An artificial microRNA targeting epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) was designed, and used to construct a replication
      defective recombinant adenovirus with SLPI promoter-controlled expression. The
      silencing efficiency of this vector (Ad-SLPI-EGFRamiR) was detected in Hep-2
      cells. Western blotting showed that the expression of 170 kD EGFR was
      significantly reduced in Hep-2 cells 72 h after infection with Ad-SLPI-EGFRamiR.
      At a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 200 pfu/cell, proliferation of Hep-2
      cells was highly inhibited by Ad-SLPI-EGFRamiR (inhibition rate: ~70%). The
      apoptosis rate of Hep-2 cells at 72 h after infection with Ad-SLPI-EGFRamiR at a
      MOI 35 pfu/cell was 32.8%. The adenovirus constructed was able to specifically
      inhibit the growth of SCC cells in vitro.

PMID- 28101800
TI  - Is the Genetic Background of Co-Stimulatory CD28/CTLA-4 Pathway the Risk Factor
      for Prostate Cancer?
AB  - The impairment of immunological surveillance caused by aberrant T cell activation
      can lead to an inadequate anti-tumor response. Therefore, deregulation in co
      stimulatory pathway might be associated with cancer susceptibility. Here we
      undertook a prospective study to investigate whether genetic variations in gene
      encoding molecule CD28 and CTLA-4 playing pivotal role in regulating adoptive
      immune response can influence susceptibility to prostate cancer. Single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CTLA-4 and CD28 genes were genotyped in 301
      prostate cancer (PCa) patients and 301 controls. The distributions of the
      genotypes and haplotypes in the CTLA-4/CD28 SNPs were similar in both studied
      groups. However, the overrepresentation of carriers of CTLA-4c.49A>G[A] allele
      and carriers of CTLA-4g.319C>T[T] allele in PCa as compared to controls was
      observed (p = 0.082 and p = 0.13, respectively). The risk of disease was higher
      (OR 1.78) for carriers of both susceptibility alleles as compared to carriers of
      protective genotypes (p = 0.03). The CTLA-4c.49A>G and CTLA-4g.319C>T SNPs might
      be considered as low risk susceptibility locus for PCa.

PMID- 28101801
TI  - Identification of Changes in the Human Papilloma Virus 16 (HPV16) Genome During
      Early Dissemination of Cervical Cancer Cells May Complement Histological
      Diagnosis of Lymph Node Metastasis.
AB  - Cancer of the uterine cervix (CACX) is one of the most common carcinoma affecting
      women worldwide. During treatment, histologically lymph node (LN) metastasis and
      presence of HPV DNA in blood plasma act as a major prognostic factor. Despite the
      lack of apparent LN involvement, some early-invasive CACX patients have shown
      recurrences and poor survival. This is suggestive of undetected early
      dissemination of cancer cells characterized by presence of HPV DNA in
      histologically non-metastatic LNs which finally progresses into histologically
      visible metastasis. This present study investigated the status and origin of HPV
      genome during early dissemination by molecular analysis in primary tumor (PT),
      histologically non-metastatic pelvic lymph nodes (LNs) and blood plasma (BP) of
      same patient. First, CACX patients showing signs of early dissemination was
      identified by detection of HPV in PT (n = 22) and their corresponding
      histologically non-metastatic pelvic LNs (n = 45) and BP (n = 18) followed by
      typing of HPV16/18. This was followed by comparative analysis of the physical,
      copy number and methylation (enhancer/early/late) status of HPV16 genome present
      in LNs and BP with that of PT. Our study revealed for the first time that the
      HPV16 genome were frequently present in the integrated form though the copy
      number was low in both non-metastatic LNs and BP. However, the methylation
      pattern of PT was discordant with that of corresponding LNs and BP in majority of
      the cases. Critical assessment of HPV16 profiles established that the presence of
      hrHPV may be due to the early dissemination of PT cells having significant
      pathological implications.

PMID- 28101803
TI  - Lung retransplantation in an adult 13 years after single lobar transplant in
      childhood.
AB  - Single living-donor lobar lung transplantation provides acceptable results for
      critically ill children; however, an additional lung transplantation may be
      required in the future as the recipient grows. We describe a case of successful
      lung retransplantation in a grown-up patient after single lobar lung
      transplantation in childhood. A 23-year-old man underwent bilateral cadaveric
      lung retransplantation for chronic lung allograft dysfunction 13 years after
      right single living-donor lobar transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial
      hypertension performed at the age of 10 years. The postoperative course was
      uneventful. The patient had received growth hormone therapy at a local hospital
      for 3 years until the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction after the
      initial transplantation. Pediatric recipients undergoing single living-donor
      lobar lung transplantation should be cautiously followed for potential
      retransplantation.

PMID- 28101802
TI  - COLD-PCR Technologies in the Area of Personalized Medicine: Methodology and
      Applications.
AB  - Somatic mutations bear great promise for use as biomarkers for personalized
      medicine, but are often present only in low abundance in biological material and
      are therefore difficult to detect. Many assays for mutation analysis in cancer
      related genes (hotspots) have been developed to improve diagnosis, prognosis,
      prediction of drug resistance, and monitoring of the response to treatment. Two
      major approaches have been developed: mutation-specific amplification methods and
      methods that enrich and detect mutations without prior knowledge on the exact
      location and identity of the mutation. CO-amplification at Lower Denaturation
      temperature Polymerase Chain Reaction (COLD-PCR) methods such as full-, fast-,
      ice- (improved and complete enrichment), enhanced-ice, and temperature-tolerant
      COLD-PCR make use of a critical temperature in the polymerase chain reaction to
      selectively denature wild-type-mutant heteroduplexes, allowing the enrichment of
      rare mutations. Mutations can subsequently be identified using a variety of
      laboratory technologies such as high-resolution melting, digital polymerase chain
      reaction, pyrosequencing, Sanger sequencing, or next-generation sequencing. COLD
      PCR methods are sensitive, specific, and accurate if appropriately optimized and
      have a short time to results. A large variety of clinical samples (tumor DNA,
      circulating cell-free DNA, circulating cell-free fetal DNA, and circulating tumor
      cells) have been studied using COLD-PCR in many different applications including
      the detection of genetic changes in cancer and infectious diseases, non-invasive
      prenatal diagnosis, detection of microorganisms, or DNA methylation analysis. In
      this review, we describe in detail the different COLD-PCR approaches,
      highlighting their specificities, advantages, and inconveniences and
      demonstrating their use in different fields of biological and biomedical
      research.

PMID- 28101805
TI  - Ketogenic diet in pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency: short- and long-term
      outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our aime was to study the short- and long-term effects of ketogenic
      diet on the disease course and disease-related outcomes in patients with pyruvate
      dehydrogenase complex deficiency, the metabolic factors implicated in treatment
      outcomes, and potential safety and compliance issues. METHODS: Pediatric patients
      diagnosed with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency in Sweden and treated
      with ketogenic diet were evaluated. Study assessments at specific time points
      included developmental and neurocognitive testing, patient log books, and
      investigator and parental questionnaires. A systematic literature review was also
      performed. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were assessed, the majority having prenatal
      disease onset. Patients were treated with ketogenic diet for a median of 2.9
      years. All patients alive at the time of data registration at a median age of 6
      years. The treatment had a positive effect mainly in the areas of epilepsy,
      ataxia, sleep disturbance, speech/language development, social functioning, and
      frequency of hospitalizations. It was also safe-except in one patient who
      discontinued because of acute pancreatitis. The median plasma concentration of
      ketone bodies (3-hydroxybutyric acid) was 3.3 mmol/l. Poor dietary compliance was
      associated with relapsing ataxia and stagnation of motor and neurocognitive
      development. Results of neurocognitive testing are reported for 12 of 19
      patients. CONCLUSION: Ketogenic diet was an effective and safe treatment for the
      majority of patients. Treatment effect was mainly determined by disease phenotype
      and attainment and maintenance of ketosis.

PMID- 28101804
TI  - White matter hyperintensities correlate to cognition and fiber tract integrity in
      older adults with HIV.
AB  - Our aim was to examine the clinical relevance of white matter hyperintensities
      (WMH) in HIV. We used an automated approach to quantify WMH volume in HIV
      seropositive (HIV+; n = 65) and HIV seronegative (HIV-; n = 29) adults over age
      60. We compared WMH volumes between HIV+ and HIV- groups in cross-sectional and
      multiple time-point analyses. We also assessed correlations between WMH volumes
      and cardiovascular, HIV severity, cognitive scores, and diffusion tensor imaging
      variables. Serostatus groups did not differ in WMH volume, but HIV+ participants
      had less cerebral white matter (mean: 470.95 [43.24] vs. 497.63 [49.42] mL, p =
      0.010). The distribution of WMH volume was skewed in HIV+ with a high proportion
      (23%) falling above the 95th percentile of WMH volume defined by the HIV- group.
      Serostatus groups had similar amount of WMH volume growth over time. Total WMH
      volume directly correlated with measures of hypertension and inversely correlated
      with measures of global cognition, particularly in executive functioning, and
      psychomotor speed. Greater WMH volume was associated with poorer brain integrity
      measured from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the corpus callosum and sagittal
      stratum. In this group of HIV+ individuals over 60, WMH burden was associated
      with cardiovascular risk and both worse diffusion MRI and cognition. The median
      total burden did not differ by serostatus; however, a subset of HIV+ individuals
      had high WMH burden.

PMID- 28101806
TI  - Purification and characterization of glutamate decarboxylase from Enterococcus
      raffinosus TCCC11660.
AB  - Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) is the sole enzyme that synthesizes gamma
      aminobutyric acid through the irreversible decarboxylation of L-glutamate. In
      this study, the purification and characterization of an unreported GAD from a
      novel strain of Enterococcus raffinosus TCCC11660 were investigated. The native
      GAD from E. raffinosus TCCC11660 was purified 32.3-fold with a recovery rate of
      8.3%, using ultrafiltration and ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by ion
      exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. The apparent molecular weight of
      purified GAD, as determined by SDS-PAGE and size-exclusion chromatography was 55
      and 110 kDa, respectively, suggesting that GAD exists as a dimer of identical
      subunits in solution. In the best sodium citrate buffer, metal ions of Mo6+ and
      Mg2+ had positive effects, while Cu2+, Fe2+, Zn2+ and Co2+ showed significant
      adverse effects on enzyme activity. The optimum pH and temperature of GAD were
      determined to be 4.6 and 45  degrees C, while the K m and V max values for the
      sole L-glutamate substrate were 5.26 and 3.45 MUmol L-1 min-1, respectively.

PMID- 28101807
TI  - Direct bioethanol production from wheat straw using xylose/glucose co
      fermentation by co-culture of two recombinant yeasts.
AB  - To achieve a cost-effective bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials, a novel
      xylose/glucose co-fermentation process by co-culture of cellulose-utilizing
      recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) and xylan-utilizing
      recombinant Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) was developed, in which ethanol was
      produced directly from wheat straw without additional hydrolytic enzymes.
      Recombinant S. cerevisiae coexpressing three types of cellulase and recombinant
      P. pastoris coexpressing two types of xylanase were constructed, respectively.
      All cellulases and xylanases were successfully expressed and similar
      extracellular activity was demonstrated. The maximum ethanol concentration of
      32.6 g L-1 with the yield 0.42 g g-1 was achieved from wheat straw corresponding
      to 100 g L-1 of total sugar after 80 h co-fermentation, which corresponds to
      82.6% of the theoretical yield. These results demonstrate that the direct and
      efficient ethanol production from lignocellulosic materials is accomplished by
      simultaneous saccharification (cellulose and hemicellulose) and co-fermentation
      (glucose and xylose) with the co-culture of the two recombinant yeasts.

PMID- 28101808
TI  - Construction of engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain to improve that whole
      cell biocatalytic production of melibiose from raffinose.
AB  - There are excessive by-products in the biocatalysis process of this whole-cell
      biocatalytic production of melibiose from raffinose with current Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae strains. To solve this problem, we constructed engineered strains
      based on a liquor yeast (S. cerevisiae) via gene deletion (mel1 gene),
      heterologous integration (fsy1 or/and ffzi1 gene from Candida magnoliae), and
      gene overexpression (gcr1 gene). Functional verification showed that deletion of
      the mel1 gene led to elimination of the reactions catalyzed by alpha
      galactosidase, as well as elimination of the degradation of melibiose and the
      formation of galactose by-product. Insertion of the fsy1 or/and ffzi1 gene and
      overexpression of the gcr1 gene could contribute to fructose transport for
      enhancing the biopurification rate of the fructose by-product. Compared with the
      wild-type strain, the optimal engineered strain of MP8 (Deltamel1::fsy1 cm
      ::ffzi1 cm ::gcr1 sc ) had improved about 30% on yield, 31% on productivity, and
      36% on purity of the melibiose product.

PMID- 28101809
TI  - Sequential Exposure of Bortezomib and Vorinostat is Synergistic in Multiple
      Myeloma Cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the combination of bortezomib and vorinostat in multiple
      myeloma cells (U266) and xenografts, and to assess the nature of their potential
      interactions with semi-mechanistic pharmacodynamic models and biomarkers.
      METHODS: U266 proliferation was examined for a range of bortezomib and vorinostat
      exposure times and concentrations (alone and in combination). A non-competitive
      interaction model was used with interaction parameters that reflect the nature of
      drug interactions after simultaneous and sequential exposures. p21 and cleaved
      PARP were measured using immunoblotting to assess critical biomarker dynamics.
      For xenografts, data were extracted from literature and modeled with a PK/PD
      model with an interaction parameter. RESULTS: Estimated model parameters for
      simultaneous in vitro and xenograft treatments suggested additive drug effects.
      The sequence of bortezomib preincubation for 24 hours, followed by vorinostat for
      24 hours, resulted in an estimated interaction term significantly less than 1,
      suggesting synergistic effects. p21 and cleaved PARP were also up-regulated the
      greatest in this sequence. CONCLUSIONS: Semi-mechanistic pharmacodynamic modeling
      suggests synergistic pharmacodynamic interactions for the sequential
      administration of bortezomib followed by vorinostat. Increased p21 and cleaved
      PARP expression can potentially explain mechanisms of their enhanced effects,
      which require further PK/PD systems analysis to suggest an optimal dosing
      regimen.

PMID- 28101810
TI  - Increased incidence of autoimmune thyroid disorders in patients with psoriatic
      arthritis: a longitudinal follow-up study.
AB  - Contrasting results have been reported about the prevalence of thyroid
      autoimmunity (AT) and dysfunction (TD) in patients with psoriatic arthritis
      (PsA). In this study, we pointed to evaluate the incidence of new cases of
      clinical and subclinical TD in a broad group of patients with PsA versus a
      control group, matched by age and gender belonging to the same geographic area.
      PsA patients with TD were excluded firstly, and new cases of thyroid disorders
      were evaluated in 97 PsA patients and 97 matched controls, who had comparable
      iodine intake (median follow-up of 74 months in PsA versus 92 in controls). A
      raised rate of new cases of hypothyroidism, TD, positive antithyroid peroxidase
      (AbTPO) antibodies, and appearance of a small hypoechoic thyroid pattern in PsA,
      especially in female gender, compared to controls has been evidenced. Risk
      factors in female gender for the development of TD are thyroid-stimulating
      hormone (TSH) within the normal range but at the higher limit, positive AbTPO,
      and small thyroid volume. To sum up, thyroid function follow-up and suitable
      treatments should be performed regularly in female patients at high risk (TSH
      within the normal range but at the higher limit, positive AbTPO, hypoechoic and
      small thyroid).

PMID- 28101812
TI  - Cognitive and emotional demands of black humour processing: the role of
      intelligence, aggressiveness and mood.
AB  - Humour processing is a complex information-processing task that is dependent on
      cognitive and emotional aspects which presumably influence frame-shifting and
      conceptual blending, mental operations that underlie humour processing. The aim
      of the current study was to find distinctive groups of subjects with respect to
      black humour processing, intellectual capacities, mood disturbance and
      aggressiveness. A total of 156 adults rated black humour cartoons and conducted
      measurements of verbal and nonverbal intelligence, mood disturbance and
      aggressiveness. Cluster analysis yields three groups comprising following
      properties: (1) moderate black humour preference and moderate comprehension;
      average nonverbal and verbal intelligence; low mood disturbance and moderate
      aggressiveness; (2) low black humour preference and moderate comprehension;
      average nonverbal and verbal intelligence, high mood disturbance and high
      aggressiveness; and (3) high black humour preference and high comprehension; high
      nonverbal and verbal intelligence; no mood disturbance and low aggressiveness.
      Age and gender do not differ significantly, differences in education level can be
      found. Black humour preference and comprehension are positively associated with
      higher verbal and nonverbal intelligence as well as higher levels of education.
      Emotional instability and higher aggressiveness apparently lead to decreased
      levels of pleasure when dealing with black humour. These results support the
      hypothesis that humour processing involves cognitive as well as affective
      components and suggest that these variables influence the execution of frame
      shifting and conceptual blending in the course of humour processing.

PMID- 28101814
TI  - Arbutus andrachne L. Reverses Sleep Deprivation-Induced Memory Impairments in
      Rats.
AB  - Sleep deprivation (SD) is associated with cognitive deficits. It was found to
      affect the hippocampus region of the brain by impairing memory formation. This
      impairment is suggested to be caused by elevation in oxidative stress in the
      body, including the brain during SD. It was hypothesized that the methanolic
      extract of the fruits of Arbutus andrachne L. (Ericaceae) will prevent chronic SD
      induced impairment of hippocampal memory via its antioxidative properties. The
      methanolic extract of the fruits of A. andrachne was evaluated for its beneficial
      properties to reverse SD-induced cognitive impairment in rats. Animals were sleep
      deprived for 8 weeks using a multiple platform model. The extract was
      administered i.p. at three doses (50, 200, and 500 mg/kg). Behavioral studies
      were conducted to test the spatial learning and memory using radial arm water
      maze (RAWM). In addition, the hippocampus was dissected to analyze the following
      oxidative stress markers: glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG),
      GSH/GSSG, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase. Chronic SD impaired short-
      and long-term memories (P < 0.05). Treatment of animals with A. andrachne fruit
      extract at all doses prevented long-term memory impairment induced by SD while
      such treatment prevented short-term memory impairment only at 200 and 500 mg/kg
      dose levels. Moreover, A. andrachne fruit extract normalized the reduction in the
      hippocampus GSH/GSSG ratio and activity of GPx, and catalase (P < 0.05) induced
      by chronic sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep deprivation impaired both short- and
      long-term memory formation, while methanolic extract of A. andrachne fruits
      reversed this impairment, probably through normalizing oxidative stress in the
      hippocampus.

PMID- 28101811
TI  - The distribution and function of human memory T cell subsets in lung cancer.
AB  - The distribution and function of T lymphocytes in human lung cancer remain
      limited. In this study, we investigated the properties of human T cell subsets in
      the blood of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We found a relatively
      normal level of CD4+ subsets in the blood of NSCLC patients, but CD8+ effector T
      cells increased and CD8+ effector memory cells declined compared to the healthy
      donors. To further analyze their properties, we stimulated the peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of NSCLC patients by mitogens to examine cytokine
      production. Our data suggest that both CD4+ and CD8+ naive cells in NSCLC
      patients significantly reduced IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production. Additionally,
      fewer CD8+ effector cells produced IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in NSCLC patients than
      in healthy subjects. Moreover, similar results were observed for CD4+ or CD8+
      memory cells in NSCLC patients for the production of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL
      17. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that the function of CD4+ and CD8+ T
      lymphocytes in NSCLC patients is compromised or dysregulated. The development of
      vaccines and antitumor immunotherapy may be essential for the treatment of lung
      cancer patients.

PMID- 28101816
TI  - Retraction note to: Brassica RNA binding protein ERD4 is involved in conferring
      salt, drought tolerance and enhancing plant growth in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 28101813
TI  - A Multi-US City Assessment of Awareness and Uptake of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis
      (PrEP) for HIV Prevention Among Black Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex with
      Men.
AB  - The HIV epidemic among Black men and transgender women who have sex with men
      (BMTW) demands an urgent public health response. HIV point prevalence among this
      population ranges from 25 to 43%-a rate far exceeding any other group. Pre
      exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is a very promising prevention
      tool; however, its full potential to slow the epidemic has yet to be realized.
      For the current study, random time-location sampling at Black Gay Pride Events
      was used to collect data from N = 1274 BMTW, from five US cities, reporting HIV
      negative/unknown status. In-field HIV testing was also provided to participants.
      Participants were assessed on awareness and use of PrEP, health care factors, HIV
      testing history, psychosocial variables, and sex behaviors. About one third of
      participants were aware of PrEP (39%), and a small percentage of participants
      were users of PrEP (4.6%). In multivariable analyses, being in a relationship,
      testing for HIV in the past 6 months, and others being aware of one's sexuality
      were positively associated with PrEP awareness. Higher levels of internalized
      homophobia and greater numbers of female sex partners were positively associated
      with PrEP use, while education and condom use were negatively associated. Based
      on study findings, messaging and uptake of PrEP needs greater expansion and
      requires novel approaches for scale-up. Improving linkage to HIV testing services
      is likely critical for engaging BMTW with PrEP. The potential for PrEP to slow
      the HIV epidemic is high; however, we must strengthen efforts to ensure universal
      availability and uptake.

PMID- 28101815
TI  - Developing a Crowdsourcing Approach and Tool for Pharmacovigilance Education
      Material Delivery.
AB  - The number of pharmacovigilance professionals worldwide is increasing with a high
      staff turnover. There is a constant stream of new colleagues with an interest or
      need to learn about the discipline. Consequently, there is an increasing need for
      training in pharmacovigilance. An important step towards this has been made
      through developing and publishing the World Health Organization (WHO)
      International Society of Pharmacovigilance (ISoP) Pharmacovigilance Curriculum.
      Using the Pharmacovigilance Curriculum effectively, it should be supplemented by
      providing comprehensive training material from various sources, and making the
      Pharmacovigilance Curriculum attractive and a high-utility product. We describe a
      pilot of the development and initial evaluation of a crowdsourcing tool for the
      provision of pharmacovigilance education material. Pharmacovigilance experts
      shared links to their material to sections of relevance in the hierarchy and a
      small group of organisations conducted an initial testing. In this pilot, we have
      shown the usability of such a web-based tool. The strengths of this approach
      include the potential for a routine 'democratic' approach to sharing educational
      material to a wider community and an openness for access.

PMID- 28101817
TI  - Seeing is Engaging: Vlogs as a Tool for Patient Engagement.

PMID- 28101818
TI  - Autophagy is a regulator of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in NSCLC A549 cells.
AB  - Autophagy, a catabolic process by which cytoplasmic components are degraded in
      lysosomes, plays an important role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.
      Dysregulation of autophagy is associated with several diseases. However, few
      studies have addressed the role of autophagy in the lung, and its role in lung
      diseases remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the effect of tumor
      necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) on autophagy in A549
      cells and explored the underlying mechanisms. We showed that TRAIL promoted
      autophagosome formation, as detected by the levels of LC3-II, and its effect on
      promoting autophagy was dependent on the expression of the autophagy related
      genes (ATGs) Atg5, Atg7, and beclin-1. TRAIL-induced ATG expression was
      attenuated by JNK silencing or treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125,
      indicating the involvement of the JNK pathway. Crosstalk between autophagy and
      apoptosis was demonstrated by silencing the autophagy related genes Atg5, Atg7,
      and beclin-1, and the dependence of TRAIL-induced apoptosis on autophagy-related
      gene expression. Taken together, our results indicate that TRAIL promotes
      autophagy in A549 cells via a mechanism involving the modulation of ATG
      expression through the JNK pathway. Inhibition of autophagy enhanced TRAIL
      induced cell proliferative inhibition and apoptosis in A549 cells.

PMID- 28101821
TI  - Prevalence and Characteristics of Patients with Suspected Inherited Renal Cell
      Cancer: Application of the ACMG/NSGC Genetic Referral Guidelines to Patient
      Cohorts.
AB  - Patients with suspected hereditary renal cell cancer (RCC) are under-referred for
      genetic evaluation. Characterizing the prevalence and characteristics of
      suspected inherited RCC is a crucial step toward advancing personalized,
      genetically-based cancer risk management for patients and their families. To
      evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of suspected inherited RCC syndromes
      based on consensus criteria, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of patients
      with a diagnosis of RCC in SEER (2001-2011, n = 105,754) and in our institutional
      cancer registry (2004-2013, n = 998). Consensus criteria for referral of patients
      with RCC for genetic evaluation from the American College of Medical Genetics and
      Genomics and National Society of Genetic Counselors (ACMG/NSGC) were applied to
      the two cohorts. The associations between meeting referral criteria with
      demographic characteristics were assessed with chi-square tests. Overall, 24.0 %
      of the SEER cohort and 33.7 % of our institutional cohort met ACMG/NSGC referral
      criteria for genetic counseling. While white patients more commonly met early
      onset clear cell RCC criteria, black patients met papillary RCC criteria at twice
      the rate of whites in both cohorts (p < 0.0001). As many as 1 in 5 individuals
      with RCC meet referral criteria for genetic evaluation based on newly emerging
      guidelines, with differences in pathology noted by race. Prospective genetic
      testing studies utilizing emerging referral guidelines should help to refine the
      genetic spectrum of inherited kidney cancer. This study supports efforts to
      increase awareness of referral of patients with RCC for genetic counseling
      particularly among urologic providers.

PMID- 28101820
TI  - Insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signalling (IIS) based regulation of
      lifespan across species.
AB  - An organism's well-being is facilitated by numerous molecular and biochemical
      pathways that ensure homeostasis within cells and tissues. Aging causes a gradual
      let-down in the maintenance of homeostasis due to various endogenous and
      environmental challenges, leading to amassing of damages, functional
      deterioration of different tissues and vulnerability to ailments. Nutrient
      sensing pathways that maintain glucose homeostasis in body are involved in
      regulation of aging. Insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signalling
      (IIS) pathway was the first nutrient sensing pathway discovered to affect the
      aging process. This pathway is highly conserved and the most studied among
      different organisms. Epigenetic machineries that include DNA and histone
      modifying enzymes and various non-coding RNAs have been identified as important
      contributors to nutrition-related longevity and aging control. In this report, we
      present the homology and differences in IIS pathway of various organisms
      including worm, fly, rodent and human. We also discuss how epigenome remodelling,
      chromatin based strategies, small and long non-coding RNA are involved to
      regulate multiple steps of aging or age-related insulin homeostasis. Enhanced
      study of the role of IIS pathway and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate aging
      may facilitate progressive prevention and treatment of human age-related
      diseases.

PMID- 28101819
TI  - High Central Aortic Rather than Brachial Blood Pressure is Associated with
      Carotid Wall Remodeling and Increased Arterial Stiffness in Childhood.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In adults, central blood pressure (cBP) is reported to associate
      target organ damages (TODs) rather than peripheral blood pressure (pBP). However,
      data regarding the association of pre-clinical TODs with cBP and pBP in pediatric
      populations are scarce. AIM: To evaluate in children and adolescents the
      importance of cBP and pBP levels, in terms of their association with hemodynamic
      and vascular changes. METHODS: 315 subjects [age (mean/range) 12/8-18 years] were
      included. MEASUREMENTS: pBP (oscillometry, Omron-HEM433INT and Mobil-O-Graph),
      cBP levels and waveforms (oscillometry, Mobil-O-Graph; applanation tonometry,
      SphygmoCor), aortic wave reflection-related parameters, carotid intima-media
      thickness (CIMT) and carotid (elastic modulus, stiffness-index) and aortic
      stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, PWV). Four groups were defined
      considering pBP and cBP percentiles (th): cBP >=90th, cBP <90th, pBP >=90th, pBP
      <90th. In each group, haemodynamic and vascular parameters were compared for
      subgroups defined considering the level of the remaining blood pressure (cBP or
      pBP). Subgroups were matched for anthropometric and cardiovascular risk factors
      (propensity matching-score). RESULTS: Subjects with high cBP showed a worse
      cardiovascular risk profile in addition to worse peripheral hemodynamic
      conditions. The CIMT, carotid and aortic stiffness levels were also higher in
      those subjects. CIMT and carotid stiffness remained statistically higher when
      subjects were matched for pBP and other cardiovascular risk factors. There were
      no differences in arterial properties when subjects were analyzed (compared)
      considering similar pBP levels, during normal and high cBP conditions.
      CONCLUSION: Compared with pBP, the cBP levels show a greater association with
      vascular alterations (high CIMT and arterial stiffness), in children and
      adolescents.

PMID- 28101822
TI  - Lupinus albus Conglutin Gamma Modifies the Gene Expressions of Enzymes Involved
      in Glucose Hepatic Production In Vivo.
AB  - Lupinus albus seeds contain conglutin gamma (Cgamma) protein, which exerts a
      hypoglycemic effect and positively modifies proteins involved in glucose
      homeostasis. Cgamma could potentially be used to manage patients with impaired
      glucose metabolism, but there remains a need to evaluate its effects on hepatic
      glucose production. The present study aimed to analyze G6pc, Fbp1, and Pck1 gene
      expressions in two experimental animal models of impaired glucose metabolism. We
      also evaluated hepatic and renal tissue integrity following Cgamma treatment. To
      generate an insulin resistance model, male Wistar rats were provided 30% sucrose
      solution ad libitum for 20 weeks. To generate a type 2 diabetes model (STZ), five
      day-old rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (150 mg/kg).
      Each animal model was randomized into three subgroups that received the following
      oral treatments daily for one week: 0.9% w/v NaCl (vehicle; IR-Ctrl and STZ
      Ctrl); metformin 300 mg/kg (IR-Met and STZ-Met); and Cgamma 150 mg/kg (IR-Cgamma
      and STZ-Cgamma). Biochemical parameters were assessed pre- and post-treatment
      using colorimetric or enzymatic methods. We also performed histological analysis
      of hepatic and renal tissue. G6pc, Fbp1, and Pck1 gene expressions were
      quantified using real-time PCR. No histological changes were observed in any
      group. Post-treatment G6pc gene expression was decreased in the IR-Cgamma and STZ
      Cgamma groups. Post-treatment Fbp1 and Pck1 gene expressions were reduced in the
      IR-Cgamma group but increased in STZ-Cgamma animals. Overall, these findings
      suggest that Cgamma is involved in reducing hepatic glucose production, mainly
      through G6pc inhibition in impaired glucose metabolism disorders.

PMID- 28101823
TI  - Biological Activities of Asteraceae (Achillea millefolium and Calendula
      officinalis) and Lamiaceae (Melissa officinalis and Origanum majorana) Plant
      Extracts.
AB  - Asteraceae (Achillea millefolium and Calendula officinalis) and Lamiaceae
      (Melissa officinalis and Origanum majorana) extracts were obtained by applying
      two sequential extraction processes: supercritical fluid extraction with carbon
      dioxide, followed by ultrasonic assisted extraction using green solvents (ethanol
      and ethanol:water 50:50). The extracts were analyzed in terms of the total
      content of phenolic compounds and the content of flavonoids; the volatile oil
      composition of supercritical extracts was analyzed by gas chromatography and the
      antioxidant capacity and cell toxicity was determined. Lamiaceae plant extracts
      presented higher content of phenolics (and flavonoids) than Asteraceae extracts.
      Regardless of the species studied, the supercritical extracts presented the
      lowest antioxidant activity and the ethanol:water extracts offered the largest,
      following the order Origanum majorana > Melissa officinalis ~ Achillea
      millefolium > Calendula officinalis. However, concerning the effect on cell
      toxicity, Asteraceae (especially Achillea millefolium) supercritical extracts
      were significantly more efficient despite being the less active as an antioxidant
      agent. These results indicate that the effect on cell viability is not related to
      the antioxidant activity of the extracts.

PMID- 28101824
TI  - Empirically derived weights for GMS capitation payments to General Practitioners.
AB  - AIM: Unlike other weighted capitation schemes used in Irish health service
      financing and in health systems internationally, the GMS capitation payments
      scheme for General Practitioners lacks transparency in both the data used and the
      model employed. In this study, evidence-based weights were generated and compared
      to current payment weights. METHODS: Four datasets on GP utilisation were
      interrogated. RESULTS: Evidence-based weights indicated that over 70s had higher
      payments per consultation than other groups. Considerable intra-age band
      differences in capitation payment were detected. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The
      results suggest that there is a need for a comprehensive review of the current
      payments system. Current age bands should be narrowed. The implications for the
      efficiency and equity of general practice in Ireland are discussed.

PMID- 28101826
TI  - Sagittal band, boutonniere, and pulley injuries in the athlete.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: While hand injuries occur frequently in the athletic
      population, sagittal band ruptures, boutonniere deformities, and pulley ruptures
      are infrequently encountered. These injuries represent diagnostic challenges and
      can result in significant impairment. Early recognition with appropriate
      treatment is necessary to maximize recovery and minimize return to athletic
      competition. This review will focus on the underlying mechanism, pathophysiology
      of injury, diagnosis, and treatment of each of these injuries. RECENT FINDINGS:
      With respect to sagittal band ruptures, boutonniere deformities, and pulley
      ruptures, the recent literature has been limited in scope. For sagittal band
      injuries, current efforts have focused on alternative techniques for sagittal
      band reconstruction. Little progress has been made in recent years with respect
      to boutonniere injuries in the athletic population; prevention of fixed
      deformities remains the backbone of treatment. The exact contribution from
      individual and combined pulley injuries in the creation of bowstringing remains
      controversial. Recent anatomical studies have failed to definitively answer the
      question of what degree of rupture is necessary to create symptomatic
      bowstringing. Favorable outcomes, with respect to both preventing bowstringing
      and returning to full athletic participation, have been newly reported following
      pulley reconstruction in rock climbers. Due to the infrequent nature of sagittal
      band ruptures, boutonniere deformities, and pulley ruptures, current treatment is
      mostly guided by historically established methods, limited case series, and case
      reports. Nonsurgical treatment remains the mainstay for most injuries and, if
      employed early, often precludes the need for surgery. Further anatomical and
      clinical research, including outcome studies, is necessary in guiding treatment
      algorithms.

PMID- 28101825
TI  - Neurosarcoidosis: clinical presentations and changing treatment patterns in an
      Irish Caucasian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical manifestations of neurosarcoidosis are highly variable
      and it should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis in any
      neurological presentation. AIM: This study was designed to describe the clinical,
      diagnostic, and treatment patterns and functional outcome in a Caucasian
      neurosarcoidosis population. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was performed on
      prospectively recorded data in patients attending our neurology clinic between
      2008 and 2014 with a diagnosis of definite or probable neurosarcoidosis according
      to Zajiek criteria. METHODS: Detailed clinical features, baseline demographic
      data, results of investigations, treatment type and duration, and clinical
      outcomes were collated. RESULTS: Eleven patients were identified (55% men) with
      mean age 39 years (range 21-63). Four had a prior history of systemic sarcoidosis
      leading to earlier diagnosis (6.7 vs 13.1 months). Six were found to have
      evidence of systemic sarcoidosis on further investigation and one was biopsy
      proven isolated neurosarcoidosis. The commonest site of CNS involvement was the
      cranial nerves (64%), and headache (45%) was the most frequent presenting
      symptom. MRI abnormalities included leptomeningeal enhancement, white matter
      lesions, acute arteritis, spinal cord lesion, and cauda equina enhancement. The
      commonest CSF finding was raised protein (n = 6) and a lymphocytic pleocytosis (n
      = 7). Serum ACE was only elevated in three cases. Ten patients were treated with
      both corticosteroids and steroid-sparing agents 8 of whom went into remission.
      CONCLUSIONS: This series highlights the diverse nature of neurosarcoidosis. Early
      introduction of aggressive therapy with corticosteroids and steroid-sparing
      agents appears to improve clinical outcome.

PMID- 28101827
TI  - Scapholunate and perilunate injuries in the athlete.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Scapholunate and perilunate injuries can be difficult to
      diagnose and treat in the athlete. In this review article, we present the
      mechanism of injury, evaluation, management, and outcomes of treatment for these
      injuries. RECENT FINDINGS: Acute repair of dynamic scapholunate ligament injuries
      remains the gold standard, but judicious use of a wrist splint can be considered
      for the elite athlete who is in season. The treatment of static scapholunate
      ligament injury remains controversial. Newer SL reconstructive techniques that
      aim to restore scapholunate function without compromising wrist mobility as much
      as tenodesis procedures show promise in athlete patients. Acute injuries to the
      scapholunate ligament are best treated aggressively in order to prevent the
      sequelae of wrist arthritis associated with long-standing ligamentous injury.
      Acute repair is favored. Reconstructive surgical procedures to manage chronic
      scapholunate injury remain inferior to acute repair. The treatment of
      lunotriquetral ligament injuries is not well defined.

PMID- 28101829
TI  - Autism Spectrum Disorders - Diagnosis and Management.
AB  - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder commonly seen in
      children. It is characterized by age inappropriate, impaired social communication
      and the presence of stereotypic behavior. This disorder is hypothesized to result
      from cerebral dysfunction arising from a complex interaction between genetic,
      epigenetic and environmental factors. ASD should be suspected in children failing
      ASD specific screening tests, in the presence of red flags in social, language
      and/or play domains, in children with developmental or language delay, abnormal
      behavior, poor school performance or in those who are at high risk. Comprehensive
      assessment comprises of a step-wise approach that includes taking a detailed
      history, performing a holistic examination and observing the child closely in
      relation to play, social interaction and behavior. Diagnosis is established by
      application of the diagnostic criteria for ASD of the Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM V). The degree of severity,
      intellectual and language impairment and presence of other illnesses should be
      specified. Functional assessment identifies an individual's strengths and
      weaknesses. All these are important to formulate a customized intervention plan
      along with the family. The goal is to build up skills enabling optimal and as far
      as possible normal functioning while simultaneously reducing maladaptive
      behavior. This is achieved by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of various
      personnel experienced in tackling issues in ASD related to their respective areas
      of expertise. Intervention is primarily non-pharmacological, based on behavioral
      modification strategies. Drugs are only indicated in the reduction of target
      symptoms refractory to behavioral intervention. Although there is no cure, timely
      and appropriate intervention can improve the quality of life significantly.

PMID- 28101828
TI  - Current trends in the diagnosis and management of syndesmotic injury.
AB  - Ideal management of the various presentations of syndesmotic injury remains
      controversial to this day. High quality evidentiary science on this topic is
      rare, and numerous existing studies continue to contradict one another. The
      primary reasons for these discrepancies are that previous studies have failed to
      (1) properly distinguish between isolated (non-fractured) and non-isolated
      injuries, (2) accurately define stable from unstable injuries, and (3)
      sufficiently differentiate between acute and chronic injuries. The purpose of
      this review is to summarize today's body of literature regarding diagnosis and
      management of syndesmotic injury and discuss current trends and important future
      directions to optimize care of this very heterogeneous population.

PMID- 28101830
TI  - Getting ahead of yourself: Parafoveal word expectancy modulates the N400 during
      sentence reading.
AB  - An important question in the reading literature regards the nature of the
      semantic information readers can extract from the parafovea (i.e., the next word
      in a sentence). Recent eye-tracking findings have found a semantic parafoveal
      preview benefit under many circumstances, and findings from event-related brain
      potentials (ERPs) also suggest that readers can at least detect semantic
      anomalies parafoveally (Barber, Van der Meij, & Kutas, Psychophysiology, 50(1),
      48-59, 2013). We use ERPs to ask whether fine-grained aspects of semantic
      expectancy can affect the N400 elicited by a word appearing in the parafovea. In
      an RSVP-with-flankers paradigm, sentences were presented word by word, flanked 2
      degrees  bilaterally by the previous and upcoming words. Stimuli consisted of
      high constraint sentences that were identical up to the target word, which could
      be expected, unexpected but plausible, or anomalous, as well as low constraint
      sentences that were always completed with the most expected ending. Findings
      revealed an N400 effect to the target word when it appeared in the parafovea,
      which was graded with respect to the target's expectancy and congruency within
      the sentence context. Furthermore, when targets appeared at central fixation,
      this graded congruency effect was mitigated, suggesting that the semantic
      information gleaned from parafoveal vision functionally changes the semantic
      processing of those words when foveated.

PMID- 28101831
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Yale Food Addiction
      Scale.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rising rates of obesity have been recently associated to the novel
      concept of food addiction (FA). The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) is the most
      widely used measure for examining FA (1) and analysis of its reliability and
      validity is expected to facilitate empirical research on the construct. Here, we
      tested the psychometric properties of a Portuguese version of the YFAS (P-YFAS),
      establishing its factor structure, reliability and construct validity. METHODS:
      Data were obtained from 468 Portuguese individuals, 278 sampled from non-clinical
      populations, and 190 among obese candidates for weight-loss surgery. A battery of
      self-report measures of eating behavior was applied. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor
      analysis verified a one-factor structure with acceptable fit, with item analysis
      suggesting the need to eliminate item 24 from the P-YFAS. Internal consistency
      (KR-20 = .82) and test-retest stability were adequate. Correlation analyses
      supported convergent and divergent validity of the P-YFAS, particularly in the
      clinical sample. Both FA symptom count and diagnosis, according to the P-YFAS,
      adequately discriminated between samples, with classification of FA met by 2.5
      and 25.8% of the participants in the non-clinical and clinical samples,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reinforce the use of P-YFAS in non
      clinical and clinical populations. Future directions for extending YFAS
      validation are discussed.

PMID- 28101832
TI  - Serum uric acid levels contribute to new renal damage in systemic lupus
      erythematosus patients.
AB  - This study aims to determine whether uric acid levels contribute to new renal
      damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. This prospective study was
      conducted in consecutive patients seen since 2012. Patients had a baseline visit
      and follow-up visits every 6 months. Patients with >=2 visits were included;
      those with end-stage renal disease (regardless of dialysis or transplantation)
      were excluded. Renal damage was ascertained using the SLICC/ACR damage index
      (SDI). Univariable and multivariable Cox-regression models were performed to
      determine the risk of new renal damage. Uric acid was included as a continuous
      and dichotomous (per receiving operating characteristic curve) variable.
      Multivariable models were adjusted for age at diagnosis, disease duration,
      socioeconomic status, SLEDAI, SDI, serum creatinine, baseline use of prednisone,
      antimalarials, and immunosuppressive drugs. One hundred and eighty-six patients
      were evaluated; their mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 36.8 (13.7) years; nearly
      all patients were mestizo. Disease duration was 7.7 (6.8) years. Follow-up time
      was 2.3 (1.1) years. The SLEDAI was 5.2 (4.3) and the SDI 0.8 (1.1). Uric acid
      levels were 4.5 (1.3) mg/dl. During follow-up, 16 (8.6%) patients developed at
      least one new point in the renal domain of the SDI. In multivariable analyses,
      uric acid levels (continuous and dichotomous) at baseline predicted the
      development of new renal damage (HR 3.21 (1.39-7.42), p 0.006; HR 18.28 (2.80
      119.48), p 0.002; respectively). Higher uric acid levels contribute to the
      development of new renal damage in SLE patients independent of other well-known
      risk factors for such occurrence.

PMID- 28101833
TI  - Gout treatment: survey of Brazilian rheumatology residents.
AB  - To assess the current practices in gout management among Brazilian rheumatology
      residents. We performed a cross-sectional online survey among all the
      rheumatology residents and those rheumatologists who had just completed their
      training (post-residency (PR)) regarding their approach to gout management.
      Results were compared with the 2012 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) gout
      guidelines and with the responses of a previous survey with a representative
      sample of practicing Brazilian rheumatologists (RHE). We received 224 responses
      (83%) from 271 subjects. Among all respondents, the first-choice treatment for
      gout flares was the combination of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug +
      colchicine for otherwise healthy patients. A target serum urate <6 mg/dL for
      patients without tophi was reported by >75%. Less than 70% reported starting
      allopurinol at low doses (<=100 mg/day) for patients with normal renal function
      and <50% reported maintaining urate-lowering therapy indefinitely for patients
      without tophi. Among residents and PR, the residency stage was the main predictor
      of concordance with the ACR guidelines, with PR achieving the greatest rates.
      Reported practices were commonly concordant with the 2012 ACR gout guidelines,
      especially among PR. However, some important aspects of gout management need
      improvement. These results will guide the development of a physician education
      program to improve the management of gout patients in Brazil.

PMID- 28101834
TI  - Management of acute skin toxicity with Hypericum perforatum and neem oil during
      platinum-based concurrent chemo-radiation in head and neck cancer patients.
AB  - Acute skin toxicity is a frequent finding during combined radiotherapy and
      chemotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. Its timely and appropriate
      management is crucial for both oncological results and patient's global quality
      of life. We herein report clinical data on the use of Hypericum perforatum and
      neem oil in the treatment of acute skin toxicity during concurrent chemo
      radiation for head and neck cancer. A consecutive series of 50 head and neck
      cancer patients undergoing concomitant radio-chemotherapy with weekly cisplatin
      was analyzed. Treatment with Hypericum perforatum and neem oil was started in
      case of G2 acute skin toxicity according to the RTOG/EORTC scoring scale and
      continued during the whole treatment course and thereafter until complete
      recovery. The maximum detected acute skin toxicity included Grade 2 events in 62%
      of cases and G3 in 32% during treatment and G2 and G3 scores in 52 and 8%,
      respectively, at the end of chemo-radiation. Grade 2 toxicity was mainly observed
      during weeks 4-5, while G3 during weeks 5-6. Median times spent with G2 or G3
      toxicity were 23.5 and 14 days. Patients with G3 toxicity were reconverted to a
      G2 profile in 80% of cases, while those with a G2 score had a decrease to G1 in
      58% of cases. Time between maximum acute skin toxicity and complete skin recovery
      was 30 days. Mean worst pain score evaluated with the Numerical Rating Scale-11
      was 6.9 during treatment and 4.5 at the end of chemo-radiotherapy. Hypericum
      perforatum and neem oil proved to be a safe and effective option in the
      management of acute skin toxicity in head and neck cancer patients submitted to
      chemo-radiation with weekly cisplatin. Further studies with a control group and
      patient-reported outcomes are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

PMID- 28101836
TI  - A Review of Clinical Outcomes Associated with Two Meropenem Dosing Strategies.
AB  - Meropenem is a carbapenem antibiotic that exhibits time-dependent bactericidal
      activity, traditionally dosed intravenously at 1 g every 8 h. In order to
      maximize its pharmacodynamic activity and reduce costs, an alternative regimen
      employed by many institutions is 500 mg every 6 h. The objective of this review
      was to summarize and evaluate published literature comparing clinical outcomes
      associated with these two meropenem dosing regimens. The literature was searched
      up to October 2016 using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases. Three
      retrospective cohort studies were identified that compared clinical outcomes in
      general infectious disease patients (two studies) and patients with febrile
      neutropenia (one study). All studies reported no difference in clinical outcomes
      (clinical success, time to defervescence, sign or symptom resolution, length of
      stay, mortality, need for other antibiotics, and seizure rates). One study
      reported reduced economic costs with the alternative dosing. Interpretation of
      findings was primarily limited by small sample sizes and generalizability. Based
      on the data reviewed, the alternative dosing regimen of meropenem 500 mg
      intravenously every 6 h could be considered a therapeutic option. Future studies
      are needed to confirm the findings of this review, especially in high-risk
      populations such as immunocompromised patients or those with severe infections.

PMID- 28101835
TI  - Relationships Between Perceived Family Gambling and Peer Gambling and Adolescent
      Problem Gambling and Binge-Drinking.
AB  - The study systematically examined the relative relationships between perceived
      family and peer gambling and adolescent at-risk/problem gambling and binge
      drinking. It also determined the likelihood of at-risk/problem gambling and binge
      drinking as a function of the number of different social groups with perceived
      gambling. A multi-site high-school survey assessed gambling, alcohol use,
      presence of perceived excessive peer gambling (peer excess-PE), and family
      gambling prompting concern (family concern-FC) in 2750 high-school students.
      Adolescents were separately stratified into: (1) low-risk, at-risk, and
      problem/pathological gambling groups; and, (2) non-binge-drinking, low-frequency
      binge-drinking, and high-frequency-binge-drinking groups. Multinomial logistic
      regression showed that relative to each other, FC and PE were associated with
      greater likelihoods of at-risk and problem/pathological gambling. However, only
      FC was associated with binge-drinking. Logistic regression revealed that
      adolescents who endorsed either FC or PE alone, compared to no endorsement, were
      more likely to have at-risk and problem/pathological gambling, relative to low
      risk gambling. Adolescents who endorsed both FC and PE, compared to PE alone,
      were more likely to have problem/pathological gambling relative to low-risk and
      at-risk gambling. Relative to non-binge-drinking adolescents, those who endorsed
      both FC and PE were more likely to have low- and high-frequency-binge-drinking
      compared to FC alone or PE alone, respectively. Family and peer gambling
      individually contribute to adolescent at-risk/problem gambling and binge
      drinking. Strategies that target adolescents as well as their closely affiliated
      family and peer members may be an important step towards prevention of harm
      associated levels of gambling and alcohol use in youths.

PMID- 28101837
TI  - Drug Exposure and the Risk of Microscopic Colitis: A Critical Update.
AB  - A variety of luminal antigens, including a wide range of drugs, have been
      associated with the still little-known pathophysiology of microscopic colitis
      (MC), with variable evidence suggesting causality. This article aims to review
      the aspects related to drugs as potential triggers of MC; to discuss the most
      commonly identified associations between drugs and MC; and to analyze the
      limitations of the studies currently available. A literature search was performed
      in PubMed combining the search terms 'drug exposure', 'drug consumption', and
      'risk factors' with 'microscopic colitis', 'lymphocytic colitis', and
      'collagenous colitis', with no language restrictions. Reference lists of
      retrieved documents were also reviewed. A handful of case-control studies have
      demonstrated significant associations between some commonly used drugs and a
      higher risk of developing MC. No universally accepted criteria for establishing
      cause-effect relationships in adverse reactions to drugs are available, but
      several methods that can be applied to MC, can provide degrees of the likelihood
      of an association. A high probability imputation in the development of MC as a
      drug adverse effect has only been demonstrated for individual cases by applying
      chronological (challenge, de-challenge, and relapse with re-challenge) and
      semiological criteria. Several case-control studies have shown significant
      associations between exposure to drugs and MC, but the variability in their
      design, the reference populations used, and the definitions for drug exposure
      considered require specific analyses. It can be concluded that drug exposure and
      MC as a likely cause-effect relationship has only been described for a handful of
      drugs and in individual cases.

PMID- 28101840
TI  - Stereoselective Conversion of Ketoprofen in Men Versus Women from Two Different
      Oral Dosage Formulations: Observations and Introspection of the Pharmacokinetic
      Data.

PMID- 28101838
TI  - Renal consequences of preterm birth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The developmental origin of health and disease concept identifies the
      brain, cardiovascular, liver, and kidney systems as targets of fetal adverse
      programming with adult consequences. As the limits of viability in premature
      infants have been pushed to lower gestational ages, the long-term impact of
      prematurity on kidneys still remains a significant burden during hospital stay
      and beyond. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to summarize available
      evidence, mechanisms, and short- and long-term renal consequences of prematurity
      and identify nephroprotective strategies and areas of uncertainty. RESULTS:
      Kidney size and nephron number are known to be reduced in surviving premature
      infants due to disruption of organogenesis at a crucial developmental time point.
      Inflammation, hyperoxia, and antiangiogenic factors play a role in epigenetic
      conditioning with potential life-long consequences. Additional kidney injury from
      hypoperfusion and nephrotoxicity results in structural and functional changes
      over time which are often unnoticed. Nephropathy of prematurity and acute kidney
      injury confound glomerular and tubular maturation of preterm kidneys. Kidney
      protective strategies may ameliorate growth failure and suboptimal
      neurodevelopmental outcomes in the short term. In later life, subclinical chronic
      renal disease may progress, even in asymptomatic survivors. CONCLUSION: Awareness
      of renal implications of therapeutic interventions and renal conservation efforts
      may lead to a variety of short and long-term benefits. Adequate monitoring and
      supplementation of microelement losses, gathering improved data on renal
      handling, and exploration of new avenues such as reliable markers of injury and
      new therapeutic strategies in contemporary populations, as well as long-term
      follow-up of renal function, is warranted.

PMID- 28101841
TI  - Influence of Sex and Food on the Bioavailability and the R-to-S Conversion of
      Ketoprofen Stereoisomers in Humans.

PMID- 28101839
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Valve Repair Versus
      Replacement.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR), which occurs in about 20
      30% patients with a prior myocardial infarction, is associated with worsening
      heart failure and an increase in cardiovascular mortality. It should be treated
      surgically if certain hemodynamic severity criteria are met and in patients who
      continue to experience symptoms of heart failure despite optimal medical therapy.
      However, current guidelines do not suggest which of the available approaches to
      mitral valve surgery-mitral valve (MV) repair or replacement (MVR) is superior
      for this indication. While MV repair is reported to confer improved survival, MVR
      may provide higher rates of freedom from recurrent MR. This article attempts to
      provide the reader with a comprehensive review and comparison of current
      techniques of mitral valve surgery in patients with severe ischemic MR. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The first randomized trial to compare MV repair versus MVR in patients
      with severe ischemic MR, the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN) trial,
      was recently concluded and reported no significant difference in the primary
      outcome of left ventricular end systolic volume index between the two approaches
      at either 1- or 2-year follow-ups. Data comparing approaches of MV repair and MVR
      for ischemic MR is largely limited to small, non-randomized retrospective trials.
      The only randomized trial data to examine this issue suggested no difference in
      mortality with either MVR or MV repair; however, MVR was shown to be consistently
      associated with higher rates of MR recurrence. Certain echocardiographic features
      have been reported to predict poor outcomes with MVR and may help refine the
      selection of the surgical approach in the individual patient.

PMID- 28101842
TI  - Violence Exposure Subtypes Differentially Mediate the Relation between Callous
      Unemotional Traits and Adolescent Delinquency.
AB  - Research with children and adolescents has established a link between callous
      unemotional (CU) traits and delinquency, as well as a link between violence
      exposure (witnessing and direct victimization) and diverse negative and
      antisocial outcomes. Little attention has been paid to investigating the
      association among CU traits, violence exposure, and various forms of delinquency.
      Using a sample of 753 adolescents (male =58%; African American =46%), the current
      study aimed to elucidate the mediating role of violence exposure (measured in
      grades 7, 8, 10, 11) on the relationship between CU traits measured in grade 7
      and later delinquency (i.e., property, violent, drug, and sexual) assessed in
      grade 12. Total violence exposure (witnessing and direct victimization) mediated
      the association between CU traits and all forms of delinquency. When looking at
      witnessing and direct victimization separately, however, only witnessing violence
      mediated the relationship between CU traits and all forms of delinquency. These
      results highlight the importance of violence exposure in the CU-delinquency link,
      and showed the differential roles of indirect and direct forms of violence
      exposure on the association. Witnessing and direct victimization may involve
      different underlying mechanisms influencing developmental outcomes in youth.
      These findings have important implications for understanding developmental models
      of violence exposure, CU traits, and delinquency, as well as interventions for
      youth who have experienced both indirect and direct forms of violence.

PMID- 28101843
TI  - Postprandial GLP-2 Levels Are Increased After Biliopancreatic Diversion in
      Diabetic Individuals with Class I Obesity: a Prospective Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is a predominantly malabsorptive
      procedure. Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) plays predominantly trophic effects on
      the gut. A significant increase in GLP-2 after BPD in rats was previously
      observed, but there are no studies investigating the effect of BPD in GLP-2
      levels in humans. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence
      of BPD on the release of GLP-2. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study that
      evaluated diabetic individuals with class I obesity which underwent BPD
      (Scopinaro operation) and were followed up for 12 months. Of 12 individuals, four
      did not comply with the proposed follow-up and were excluded from the analysis.
      GLP-2 levels were determined by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA), and we collected serial lab samples through a standard meal tolerance
      test (MTT) in the immediate preoperative period and 12 months after surgery.
      RESULTS: During standard MTT, we observed significant increases of GLP-2 levels
      from 15 to 60 min (respectively, at 15 min, 5.7 +/- 3.4 versus 12.4 +/- 4.3, p =
      0.029; 30 min, 6 +/- 3.5 versus 14.6 +/- 3.9; p = 0.004; 45 min, 5.6 +/- 4.1
      versus 12.6 +/- 5.2, p = 0.013; 60 min, 5.8 +/- 2.9 versus 10.6 +/- 5.6, p =
      0.022); then it began to gradually decrease to levels close to the basal.
      DISCUSSION: Our findings have confirmed that there is a significant increase in
      GLP-2 levels after BPD in humans. GLP-2 plays a number of roles which may be
      adaptive, compensatory, and beneficial in the context of BPD. The clinical
      implications of this finding remain to be completely understood.

PMID- 28101844
TI  - Prediction of Diabetes Remission at Long Term Following Biliopancreatic
      Diversion.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: In obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), the marked weight loss
      following bariatric surgery is accompanied in a consistent number of cases by
      T2DM resolution or control. The clinical need of preoperative parameters reliable
      in predicting a positive metabolic outcome at long term following the operation
      has then emerged. OBSERVATION: A cohort of 135 consecutive T2DM patients with a
      wide range of body mass index (BMI) at more than 5 years following
      biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) was considered. The 5-year-T2DM resolution,
      defined as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) lower than 6.5% without antidiabetic
      therapy, was related to demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical findings
      prior to the operation. The long-term metabolic outcome was positively related to
      baseline BMI values and negatively with the preoperative use of insulin.
      CONCLUSION: BMI and insulin therapy at the time of surgery are associated with
      the probability of T2DM long lasting remission and could be used as solid
      predictors before surgery. In the overweight and non morbidly obese diabetic
      patients, bariatric surgery is less efficient in determining long term T2DM
      resolution than in their morbid obese counterparts.

PMID- 28101846
TI  - CDK11p58 Promotes Microglia Activation via Inducing Cyclin D3 Nuclear
      Localization.
AB  - Microglia activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurological
      diseases. These reactive microglia are capable of producing a variety of
      proinflammatory mediators and potentially neurotoxic compounds. The increase of
      cell number and expression of CD11b are the main features of activated microglia.
      In this study, we examined the suppressive effects of CDK11p58 on microglia
      activation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. We found that in the
      activated microglia, the expression of CDK11p58 increased and the overexpression
      of CDK11p58 could reduce the increased proliferation and CD11b expression in LPS
      activated microglia. Such suppressive effects might be resulted from the
      interaction with cyclin D3 which promoted CDK11p58 nuclear localization. Our
      results suggested that CDK11p58 acted to regulate microglia activation through
      CDK11p58 and cyclin D3 interaction.

PMID- 28101845
TI  - Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Treatment Outcomes in a School-Based
      CBT Intervention Program for Adolescents with ASD and Anxiety in Singapore.
AB  - Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at high risk for anxiety
      difficulties and disorders. Clinic-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is
      effective; however, few published school-based CBT programs for youth with ASD
      exist. In this study, the Facing Your Fears CBT protocol was adapted for delivery
      and piloted within a school setting by non-clinicians, with culturally
      appropriate adaptations. 44 13-15 aged youth with ASD from 22 mainstream schools
      in Singapore participated. Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary treatment
      outcomes were examined. Decreases in youth and parent reported anxiety symptoms
      were reported. Staff and parents found the program useful. Stakeholder support
      was important for implementation. Initial findings reflect the importance of
      carefully bridging research-to-practice for youth with ASD and anxiety.

PMID- 28101848
TI  - Open access to scientific articles: a review of benefits and challenges.
AB  - The Internet has fundamentally changed the publishing of scholarly peer reviewed
      journals, and the way readers find and access articles. Digital access is
      nowadays the norm, in particular for researchers. The Internet has enabled a
      totally new business model, Open Access (OA), in which an article is openly
      available in full text for anyone with Internet access. This article reviews the
      different options to achieve this, whether by journals changing their revenue
      structures from subscription to publishing charges, or authors utilizing a number
      of options for posting OA versions of article manuscripts in repositories. It
      also discusses the regrettable emergence of "predatory" publishers, who spam
      academics, and make money by promising them rapid publication with only the
      semblance of peer review. The situation is further discussed from the viewpoints
      of different stakeholders, including academics as authors and readers, practicing
      physicians and the general public.

PMID- 28101847
TI  - Off-Target Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the P2X7 Receptor Antagonist AZ11645373.
AB  - We have found that a well-characterized P2X7 receptor antagonist AZ11645373
      blocked production of pro-inflammatory chemokine IL-8 in endothelial cells
      treated with OxPAPC. The effect was not due to toxicity of AZ11645373 as
      documented by cellular metabolic activity assay. The mechanism of inhibition by
      AZ11645373 was apparently independent of the P2X7 receptor because this receptor
      was not involved in induction of IL-8 under our experimental conditions. In
      support of this notion, two P2X7 agonists ATP and BzATP did not upregulate IL-8.
      On the other hand, a chemically different P2X7 receptor antagonist A740003 did
      not inhibit OxPAPC-induced production of IL-8. The inhibitory action of
      AZ11645373 was observed at the level of IL-8 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA)
      induction. Furthermore, AZ11645373 inhibited induction of mRNA encoding for COX-2
      (PTGS2) suggesting that its anti-inflammatory potential is not limited to
      suppression of IL-8 production. In addition to inhibiting stimulation by OxPAPC,
      AZ11645373 suppressed induction of IL-8 by TNFalpha and LPS. To summarize,
      AZ11645373 inhibits in a P2X7-independent manner action of chemically different
      inflammatory agonists such as OxPLs, LPS, and TNFalpha. Thus, AZ11645373 may be
      especially effective for treatment of inflammatory disorders due to a beneficial
      combination of P2X7 receptor-dependent effects (inhibition of inflammasome
      activation, antinociceptive effects) with P2X7-independent general anti
      inflammatory action described in this paper.

PMID- 28101849
TI  - Mechanistic Study of the Gas-Phase In-Source Hofmann Elimination of Doubly
      Quaternized Cinchona-Alkaloid Based Phase-Transfer Catalysts by (+)-Electrospray
      Ionization/Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - An unusual in-source fragmentation pattern observed for 14 doubly quaternized
      cinchona alkaloid-based phase-transfer catalysts (PTC) was studied using (+)-ESI
      high resolution mass spectrometry. Loss of the substituted benzyl cation (R1 or
      R2) was found to be the major product ion [M2+ - R1+ or R2+]+ in MS spectra of
      all PTC compounds. A Hofmann elimination product ion [M - H]+ was also observed.
      Only a small amount of the doubly charged M2+ ions were observed in the MS
      spectra, likely due to strong Columbic repulsion between the two quaternary
      ammonium cations in the gas phase. The positive voltage in the MS inlet but not
      the ESI probe was found to induce this extensive fragmentation for all PTC
      diboromo-salts. Compound 1 was used as an example to illustrate the proposed in
      source fragmentation mechanism. The mechanism of formation of the Hofmann
      elimination product ion [M - H]+ was further investigated using HRMS/MS, H/D
      exchange, and DFT calculations. The proposed formation of 2b as the major Hofmann
      elimination product ion was supported both by HRMS/MS and DFT calculations.
      Formation of product ion 2b through a concerted unimolecular Ei elimination
      pathway is proposed rather than a bimolecular E2 elimination pathway for common
      solution Hofmann eliminations. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 28101850
TI  - Assessment of regional pulmonary blood flow using 68Ga-DOTA PET.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In vivo determination of regional pulmonary blood flow (PBF) is a
      valuable tool for the evaluation of many lung diseases. In this study, the use of
      68Ga-DOTA PET for the in vivo quantitative determination of regional PBF is
      proposed. This methodology was implemented and tested in healthy pigs and
      validated using fluorescent microspheres. The study was performed on young large
      white pigs (n = 4). To assess the reproducibility and consistency of the method,
      three PET scans were obtained for each animal. Each radiotracer injection was
      performed simultaneously to the injection of fluorescent microspheres. PBF images
      were generated applying a two-compartment exchange model over the dynamic PET
      images. PET and microspheres values were compared by regression analysis and
      Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: The capability of the proposed technique to produce
      3D regional PBF images was demonstrated. The correlation evaluation between 68Ga
      DOTA PET and microspheres showed a good and significant correlation (r = 0.74, P
      < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of PBF with the proposed technique allows
      combining the high quantitative accuracy of PET imaging with the use of 68Ga/68Ge
      generators. Thus, 68Ga-DOTA PET emerges as a potential inexpensive method for
      measuring PBF in clinical settings with an extended use.

PMID- 28101852
TI  - Synthesis of Carbonates from Alcohols and CO2.
AB  - Alcohols are ubiquitous compounds in nature that offer modular building blocks
      for synthetic chemistry. Here we discuss the most recent development of different
      classes of alcohols and their coupling chemistry with carbon dioxide as to afford
      linear and cyclic carbonates, the challenges associated with their formation, and
      the potential of this chemistry to revive a waste carbon feed stock.

PMID- 28101851
TI  - Importance of Radioactive Labelling to Elucidate Inositol Polyphosphate
      Signalling.
AB  - Inositol polyphosphates, in their water-soluble or lipid-bound forms, represent a
      large and multifaceted family of signalling molecules. Some inositol
      polyphosphates are well recognised as defining important signal transduction
      pathways, as in the case of the calcium release factor Ins(1,4,5)P3, generated by
      receptor activation-induced hydrolysis of the lipid PtdIns(4,5)P2 by
      phospholipase C. The birth of inositol polyphosphate research would not have
      occurred without the use of radioactive phosphate tracers that enabled the
      discovery of the "PI response". Radioactive labels, mainly of phosphorus but also
      carbon and hydrogen (tritium), have been instrumental in the development of this
      research field and the establishment of the inositol polyphosphates as one of the
      most important networks of regulatory molecules present in eukaryotic cells.
      Advancements in microscopy and mass spectrometry and the development of
      colorimetric assays have facilitated inositol polyphosphate research, but have
      not eliminated the need for radioactive experimental approaches. In fact, such
      experiments have become easier with the cloning of the inositol polyphosphate
      kinases, enabling the systematic labelling of specific positions of the inositol
      ring with radioactive phosphate. This approach has been valuable for elucidating
      their metabolic pathways and identifying specific and novel functions for
      inositol polyphosphates. For example, the synthesis of radiolabelled inositol
      pyrophosphates has allowed the discovery of a new protein post-translational
      modification. Therefore, radioactive tracers have played and will continue to
      play an important role in dissecting the many complex aspects of inositol
      polyphosphate physiology. In this review we aim to highlight the historical
      importance of radioactivity in inositol polyphosphate research, as well as its
      modern usage.

PMID- 28101853
TI  - Investigation on the Effects of the Formation of a Silver "Flower-Like Structure"
      on Graphene.
AB  - In this report, we experimentally investigate the formation of "flower-like
      silver structures" on graphene. Using an electrochemical deposition technique
      with deposition times of 2.5 and 5 min, agglomerations of silver nanoparticles
      (AgNPs) were deposited on the graphene surfaces, causing the formation of "flower
      like structures" on the graphene substrate. Localized surface plasmon resonance
      (LSPR) was observed in the interaction between the structures and the graphene
      substrate. The morphology of the samples was observed using a field-emission
      scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Thereafter, the
      potential of the flower-like Ag microstructures on graphene for use in Raman
      spectroscopic applications was examined. The signal showed a highest intensity
      value after a deposition time of 5 min, as portrayed by the intense local
      electromagnetic fields. For a better understanding, the CST Microwave Studio
      software, based on the finite element method (FEM), was applied to simulate the
      absorption characteristics of the structures on the graphene substrate. The
      absorption peak was redshifted due to the increment of the nanoparticle size.

PMID- 28101854
TI  - Impurity Location-Dependent Relaxation Dynamics of Cu:CdS Quantum Dots.
AB  - Various types of 2% Cu-incorporated CdS (Cu:CdS) quantum dots (QDs) with very
      similar sizes have been prepared via a water soluble colloidal method. The
      locations of Cu impurities in CdS host nanocrystals have been controlled by
      adopting three different synthetic ways of doping, exchange, and adsorption to
      understand the impurity location-dependent relaxation dynamics of charge
      carriers. The oxidation state of incorporated Cu impurities has been found to be
      +1 and the band-gap energy of Cu:CdS QDs decreases as Cu2S forms at the surfaces
      of CdS QDs. Broad and red-shifted emission with a large Stokes shift has been
      observed for Cu:CdS QDs as newly produced Cu-related defects become luminescent
      centers. The energetically favored hole trapping of thiol molecules, as well as
      the local environment, inhibits the radiative recombination processes of Cu:CdS
      QDs, thus resulting in low photoluminescence. Upon excitation, an electron is
      promoted to the conduction band, leaving a hole on the valence band. The hole is
      transferred to the Cu+ d-state, changing Cu+ into Cu2+, which then participates
      in radiative recombination with an electron. Electrons in the conduction band are
      ensnared into shallow-trap sites within 52 ns. The electrons can be further
      captured on the time scale of 260 ns into deep-trap sites, where electrons
      recombine with holes in 820 ns. Our in-depth analysis of carrier relaxation has
      shown that the possibilities of both nonradiative recombination and energy
      transfer to Cu impurities become high when Cu ions are located at the surface of
      CdS QDs.

PMID- 28101855
TI  - Improving Morphological Quality and Uniformity of Hydrothermally Grown ZnO
      Nanowires by Surface Activation of Catalyst Layer.
AB  - This paper presents a study about the dependence of the hydrothermal growth of
      ZnO nanowires (NWs) with the passivation level of the active surface of the Au
      catalyst layer. The hydrothermal method has many potential applications because
      of its low processing temperature, feasibility, and low cost. However, when a
      gold thin film is utilized as the seed material, the grown NWs often lack
      morphological homogeneity; their distribution is not uniform and the
      reproducibility of the growth is low. We hypothesize that the state or condition
      of the active surface of the Au catalyst layer has a critical effect on the
      uniformity of the NWs. Inspired by traditional electrochemistry experiments, in
      which Au electrodes are typically activated before the measurements, we
      demonstrate that such activation is a simple way to effectively assist and
      enhance NW growth. In addition, several cleaning processes are examined to find
      one that yields NWs with optimal quality, density, and vertical alignment. We
      find cyclic voltammetry measurements to be a reliable indicator of the seed-layer
      quality for subsequent NW growth. Therefore, we propose the use of this technique
      as a standard procedure prior to the hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO NWs to control
      the growth reproducibility and to allow high-yield wafer-level processing.

PMID- 28101857
TI  - Fibrous Protein Structures: Hierarchy, History and Heroes.
AB  - During the 1930s and 1940s the technique of X-ray diffraction was applied widely
      by William Astbury and his colleagues to a number of naturally-occurring fibrous
      materials. On the basis of the diffraction patterns obtained, he observed that
      the structure of each of the fibres was dominated by one of a small number of
      different types of molecular conformation. One group of fibres, known as the k-m
      e-f group of proteins (keratin - myosin - epidermin - fibrinogen), gave rise to
      diffraction characteristics that became known as the alpha-pattern. Others, such
      as those from a number of silks, gave rise to a different pattern - the beta
      pattern, while connective tissues yielded a third unique set of diffraction
      characteristics. At the time of Astbury's work, the structures of these materials
      were unknown, though the spacings of the main X-ray reflections gave an idea of
      the axial repeats and the lateral packing distances. In a breakthrough in the
      early 1950s, the basic structures of all of these fibrous proteins were
      determined. It was found that the long protein chains, composed of strings of
      amino acids, could be folded up in a systematic manner to generate a limited
      number of structures that were consistent with the X-ray data. The most important
      of these were known as the alpha-helix, the beta-sheet, and the collagen triple
      helix. These studies provided information about the basic building blocks of all
      proteins, both fibrous and globular. They did not, however, provide detailed
      information about how these molecules packed together in three-dimensions to
      generate the fibres found in vivo. A number of possible packing arrangements were
      subsequently deduced from the X-ray diffraction and other data, but it is only in
      the last few years, through the continued improvements of electron microscopy,
      that the packing details within some fibrous proteins can now be seen directly.
      Here we outline briefly some of the milestones in fibrous protein structure
      determination, the role of the amino acid sequences and how new techniques,
      including electron microscopy, are helping to define fibrous protein structures
      in three-dimensions. We also introduce the idea that, from the known sequence
      characteristics of different fibrous proteins, new molecules can be designed and
      synthesized, thereby generating new biological materials with specific structural
      properties. Some of these, for example, are planned for use in drug delivery
      systems. Along the way we also introduce the various Chapters of the book, where
      individual fibrous proteins are discussed in detail.

PMID- 28101856
TI  - Relationship of long-term prognosis to MMP and TIMP polymorphisms in patients
      after ST elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - The influence of polymorphisms in the large group of MMP and TIMP genes on
      clinical outcomes in patients after ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
      treated with primary PCI was analysed. In total, 550 consecutive Caucasian
      patients with STEMI were included in the present study, with a median of 32
      months. We analysed 19 polymorphisms in the genes coding MMP and TIMP genes. The
      MMP-1 -519A/G and -422A/T polymorphisms are associated with combined endpoint
      after myocardial infarction. The hazard ratio for AT variant of MMP-1 -422A/T was
      1.75 (p < 0.001); the variants with at least one A allele of MMP-1 -519A/G have
      less risk of combined endpoint. The TT variants of -1562C/T MMP-9 and at least
      one T allele of +92C/T MMP-13 were considered in a trend to affect disease
      progression and long-term survival after myocardial infarction. According to
      reclassification analysis NRI and IDI, long-term risk stratification using MMP-1 
      422A/T and -519A/G polymorphisms gives additional information to the commonly
      used GRACE risk score. Patient stratification after myocardial infraction (MI)
      according to risk genotypes of MMP-1 polymorphisms could have important clinical
      implications for identification of patients at risk and therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 28101858
TI  - Coiled-Coil Design: Updated and Upgraded.
AB  - alpha-Helical coiled coils are ubiquitous protein-folding and protein-interaction
      domains in which two or more alpha-helical chains come together to form bundles.
      Through a combination of bioinformatics analysis of many thousands of natural
      coiled-coil sequences and structures, plus empirical protein engineering and
      design studies, there is now a deep understanding of the sequence-to-structure
      relationships for this class of protein architecture. This has led to
      considerable success in rational design and what might be termed in biro de novo
      design of simple coiled coils, which include homo- and hetero-meric parallel
      dimers, trimers and tetramers. In turn, these provide a toolkit for directing the
      assembly of both natural proteins and more complex designs in protein
      engineering, materials science and synthetic biology. Moving on, the increased
      and improved use of computational design is allowing access to coiled-coil
      structures that are rare or even not observed in nature, for example alpha
      helical barrels, which comprise five or more alpha-helices and have central
      channels into which different functions may be ported. This chapter reviews all
      of these advances, outlining improvements in our knowledge of the fundamentals of
      coiled-coil folding and assembly, and highlighting new coiled coil-based
      materials and applications that this new understanding is opening up. Despite
      considerable progress, however, challenges remain in coiled-coil design, and the
      next decade promises to be as productive and exciting as the last.

PMID- 28101859
TI  - Functional and Structural Roles of Coiled Coils.
AB  - Coiled coils appear in countless structural contexts, as appendages to small
      proteins, as parts of multi-domain proteins, and as building blocks of filaments.
      Although their structure is unpretentious and their basic properties are
      understood in great detail, the spectrum of functional properties they provide in
      different proteins has become increasingly complex. This chapter aims to depict
      this functional spectrum, to identify common themes and their molecular basis,
      with an emphasis on new insights gained into dynamic aspects.

PMID- 28101860
TI  - The Structure and Topology of alpha-Helical Coiled Coils.
AB  - alpha-Helical coiled coils constitute one of the most diverse folds yet
      described. They range in length over two orders of magnitude; they form rods,
      segmented ropes, barrels, funnels, sheets, spirals, and rings, which encompass
      anywhere from two to more than 20 helices in parallel or antiparallel
      orientation; they assume different helix crossing angles, degrees of
      supercoiling, and packing geometries. This structural diversity supports a wide
      range of biological functions, allowing them to form mechanically rigid
      structures, provide levers for molecular motors, project domains across large
      distances, mediate oligomerization, transduce conformational changes and
      facilitate the transport of other molecules. Unlike almost any other protein fold
      known to us, their structure can be computed from parametric equations, making
      them an ideal model system for rational protein design. Here we outline the
      principles by which coiled coils are structured, review the determinants of their
      folding and stability, and present an overview of their diverse architectures.

PMID- 28101861
TI  - Structural Transition of Trichocyte Keratin Intermediate Filaments During
      Development in the Hair Follicle.
AB  - The intermediate filaments (IF) in trichocyte (hard alpha-) keratin are unique
      amongst the various classes of IF in having not one but two topologically
      distinct structures. The first is formed at an early stage of hair development in
      a reducing environment within the cells in the lower part of the follicle. The
      second structure occurs at a later stage of hair development in the upper part of
      the follicle, where there is a transition to an oxidizing environment.
      Crosslinking studies reveal that molecular slippage occurs within the IF upon
      oxidation and that this results in many cysteine residues lying in near axial
      alignment, thereby facilitating disulphide bond formation. The disulphide bonds
      so formed stabilize the assembly of IF molecules and convert the keratin fibre
      into a tough, resilient and insoluble structure suitable for its function in vivo
      as a thermo-regulator and a protector of the animal against its external
      environment.

PMID- 28101862
TI  - Crystallographic Studies of Intermediate Filament Proteins.
AB  - Intermediate filaments (IFs), together with microtubules and actin
      microfilaments, are the three main cytoskeletal components in metazoan cells. IFs
      are formed by a distinct protein family, which is made up of 70 members in
      humans. Most IF proteins are tissue- or organelle-specific, which includes
      lamins, the IF proteins of the nucleus. The building block of IFs is an elongated
      dimer, which consists of a central alpha-helical 'rod' domain flanked by flexible
      N- and C-terminal domains. The conserved rod domain is the 'signature feature' of
      the IF family. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that the rod domain of all IF
      proteins contains three alpha-helical segments of largely conserved length,
      interconnected by linkers. Moreover, there is a conserved pattern of hydrophobic
      repeats within each segment, which includes heptads and hendecads. This defines
      the presence of both left-handed and almost parallel coiled-coil regions along
      the rod length. Using X-ray crystallography on multiple overlapping fragments of
      IF proteins, the atomic structure of the nearly complete rod domain has been
      determined. Here, we discuss some specific challenges of this procedure, such as
      crystallization and diffraction data phasing by molecular replacement. Further
      insights into the structure of the coiled coil and the terminal domains have been
      obtained using electron paramagnetic resonance measurements on the full-length
      protein, with spin labels attached at specific positions. This atomic resolution
      information, as well as further interesting findings, such as the variation of
      the coiled-coil stability along the rod length, provide clues towards
      interpreting the data on IF assembly, collected by a range of methods. However, a
      full description of this process at the molecular level is not yet at hand.

PMID- 28101863
TI  - Lessons from Animal Models of Cytoplasmic Intermediate Filament Proteins.
AB  - Cytoplasmic intermediate filaments (IFs) represent a major cytoskeletal network
      contributing to cell shape, adhesion and migration as well as to tissue
      resilience and renewal in numerous bilaterians, including mammals. The
      observation that IFs are dispensable in cultured mammalian cells, but cause
      tissue-specific, life-threatening disorders, has pushed the need to investigate
      their function in vivo. In keeping with human disease, the deletion or mutation
      of murine IF genes resulted in highly specific pathologies. Epidermal keratins,
      together with desmin, are essential to protect corresponding tissues against
      mechanical force but also participate in stabilizing cell adhesion and in
      inflammatory signalling. Surprisingly, other IF proteins contribute to tissue
      integrity to a much lesser extent than anticipated, pointing towards their role
      in stress situations. In support, the overexpression of small chaperones or the
      interference with inflammatory signalling in several settings has been shown to
      rescue severe tissue pathologies that resulted from the expression of mutant IF
      proteins. It stills remains an open issue whether the wide range of IF disorders
      share similar pathomechanisms. Moreover, we lack an understanding how IF proteins
      participate in signalling processes. Now, with a large number of mouse models in
      hand, the next challenge will be to develop organotypic cell culture models to
      dissect pathomechanisms at the molecular level, to employ Crispr/Cas-mediated
      genome engineering to optimize models and, finally, to combine available animal
      models with medicinal chemistry for the development of molecular therapies.

PMID- 28101864
TI  - Filamentous Structure of Hard beta-Keratins in the Epidermal Appendages of Birds
      and Reptiles.
AB  - The structures of avian and reptilian epidermal appendages, such as feathers,
      claws and scales, have been modelled using X-ray diffraction and electron
      microscopy data, combined with sequence analyses. In most cases, a family of
      closely related molecules makes up the bulk of the appendage, and each of these
      molecules contains a central beta-rich 34-residue segment, which has been
      identified as the principal component of the framework of the 3.4 nm diameter
      filaments. The N- and C-terminal segments form the matrix component of the
      filament/matrix complex. The 34-residue beta-rich central domains occur in pairs,
      related by either a parallel dyad or a perpendicular dyad axis, and form a beta
      sandwich stabilized by apolar interactions. They are also twisted in a right
      handed manner. In feather, the filaments are packed into small sheets and it is
      possible to determine their likely orientation within the sheets from the low
      angle X-ray diffraction data. The physical properties of the various epidermal
      appendages can be related to the amino acid sequence and composition of defined
      molecular segments characteristic of the chains concerned.

PMID- 28101865
TI  - Tropomyosin Structure, Function, and Interactions: A Dynamic Regulator.
AB  - Tropomyosin is the archetypal-coiled coil, yet studies of its structure and
      function have proven it to be a dynamic regulator of actin filament function in
      muscle and non-muscle cells. Here we review aspects of its structure that deviate
      from canonical leucine zipper coiled coils that allow tropomyosin to bind to
      actin, regulate myosin, and interact directly and indirectly with actin-binding
      proteins. Four genes encode tropomyosins in vertebrates, with additional
      diversity that results from alternate promoters and alternatively spliced exons.
      At the same time that periodic motifs for binding actin and regulating myosin are
      conserved, isoform-specific domains allow for specific interaction with myosins
      and actin filament regulatory proteins, including troponin. Tropomyosin can be
      viewed as a universal regulator of the actin cytoskeleton that specifies actin
      filaments for cellular and intracellular functions.

PMID- 28101866
TI  - Titin and Nebulin in Thick and Thin Filament Length Regulation.
AB  - In this review we discuss the history and the current state of ideas related to
      the mechanism of size regulation of the thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments
      in vertebrate striated muscles. Various hypotheses have been considered during of
      more than half century of research, recently mostly involving titin and nebulin
      acting as templates or 'molecular rulers', terminating exact assembly. These two
      giant, single-polypeptide, filamentous proteins are bound in situ along the thick
      and thin filaments, respectively, with an almost perfect match in the respective
      lengths and structural periodicities. However, evidence still questions the
      possibility that the proteins function as templates, or scaffolds, on which the
      thin and thick filaments could be assembled. In addition, the progress in muscle
      research during the last decades highlighted a number of other factors that could
      potentially be involved in the mechanism of length regulation: molecular
      chaperones that may guide folding and assembly of actin and myosin; capping
      proteins that can influence the rates of assembly-disassembly of the
      myofilaments; Ca2+ transients that can activate or deactivate protein
      interactions, etc. The entire mechanism of sarcomere assembly appears complex and
      highly dynamic. This mechanism is also capable of producing filaments of about
      the correct size without titin and nebulin. What then is the role of these
      proteins? Evidence points to titin and nebulin stabilizing structures of the
      respective filaments. This stabilizing effect, based on linear proteins of a
      fixed size, implies that titin and nebulin are indeed molecular rulers of the
      filaments. Although the proteins may not function as templates in the assembly of
      the filaments, they measure and stabilize exactly the same size of the
      functionally important for the muscles segments in each of the respective
      filaments.

PMID- 28101867
TI  - Myosin and Actin Filaments in Muscle: Structures and Interactions.
AB  - In the last decade, improvements in electron microscopy and image processing have
      permitted significantly higher resolutions to be achieved (sometimes <1 nm) when
      studying isolated actin and myosin filaments. In the case of actin filaments the
      changing structure when troponin binds calcium ions can be followed using
      electron microscopy and single particle analysis to reveal what happens on each
      of the seven non-equivalent pseudo-repeats of the tropomyosin alpha-helical
      coiled-coil. In the case of the known family of myosin filaments not only are the
      myosin head arrangements under relaxing conditions being defined, but the latest
      analysis, also using single particle methods, is starting to reveal the way that
      the alpha-helical coiled-coil myosin rods are packed to give the filament
      backbones.

PMID- 28101868
TI  - Dystrophin and Spectrin, Two Highly Dissimilar Sisters of the Same Family.
AB  - Dystrophin and Spectrin are two proteins essential for the organization of the
      cytoskeleton and for the stabilization of membrane cells. The comparison of these
      two sister proteins, and with the dystrophin homologue utrophin, enables us to
      emphasise that, despite a similar topology with common subdomains and a common
      structural basis of a three-helix coiled-coil, they show a large range of
      dissimilarities in terms of genetics, cell expression and higher level structural
      organisation. Interactions with cellular partners, including proteins and
      membrane phospholipids, also show both strikingly similar and very different
      behaviours. The differences between dystrophin and spectrin are also illustrated
      by the large variety of pathological anomalies emerging from the dysfunction or
      the absence of these proteins, showing that they are keystones in their function
      of providing a scaffold that sustains cell structure.

PMID- 28101870
TI  - Fibrillar Collagens.
AB  - Fibrillar collagens (types I, II, III, V, XI, XXIV and XXVII) constitute a sub
      group within the collagen family (of which there are 28 types in humans) whose
      functions are to provide three-dimensional frameworks for tissues and organs.
      These networks confer mechanical strength as well as signalling and organizing
      functions through binding to cellular receptors and other components of the
      extracellular matrix (ECM). Here we describe the structure and assembly of
      fibrillar collagens, and their procollagen precursors, from the molecular to the
      tissue level. We show how the structure of the collagen triple-helix is
      influenced by the amino acid sequence, hydrogen bonding and post-translational
      modifications, such as prolyl 4-hydroxylation. The numerous steps in the
      biosynthesis of the fibrillar collagens are reviewed with particular attention to
      the role of prolyl 3-hydroxylation, collagen chaperones, trimerization of
      procollagen chains and proteolytic maturation. The multiple steps controlling
      fibril assembly are then discussed with a focus on the cellular control of this
      process in vivo. Our current understanding of the molecular packing in collagen
      fibrils, from different tissues, is then summarized on the basis of data from X
      ray diffraction and electron microscopy. These results provide structural
      insights into how collagen fibrils interact with cell receptors, other fibrillar
      and non-fibrillar collagens and other ECM components, as well as enzymes involved
      in cross-linking and degradation.

PMID- 28101871
TI  - Recombinant Structural Proteins and Their Use in Future Materials.
AB  - Recombinant proteins are polymers that offer the materials engineer absolute
      control over chain length and composition: key attributes required for design of
      advanced polymeric materials. Through this control, these polymers can be encoded
      to contain information that enables them to respond as the environment changes.
      However, despite their promise, protein-based materials are under-represented in
      materials science. In this chapter we investigate why this is and describe recent
      efforts to address this. We discuss constraints limiting rational design of
      structural proteins for advanced materials; advantages and disadvantages of
      different recombinant expression platforms; and, methods to fabricate proteins
      into solid-state materials. Finally, we describe the silk proteins used in our
      laboratory as templates for information-containing polymers.

PMID- 28101872
TI  - Properties of Engineered and Fabricated Silks.
AB  - Silk is a protein-based material which is predominantly produced by insects and
      spiders. Hundreds of millions of years of evolution have enabled these animals to
      utilize different, highly adapted silk types in a broad variety of applications.
      Silk occurs in several morphologies, such as sticky glue or in the shape of
      fibers and can, depending on the application by the respective animal, dissipate
      a high mechanical energy, resist heat and radiation, maintain functionality when
      submerged in water and withstand microbial settling. Hence, it's unsurprising
      that silk piqued human interest a long time ago, which catalyzed the
      domestication of silkworms for the production of silk to be used in textiles.
      Recently, scientific progress has enabled the development of analytic tools to
      gain profound insights into the characteristics of silk proteins. Based on these
      investigations, the biotechnological production of artificial and engineered silk
      has been accomplished, which allows the production of a sufficient amount of silk
      materials for several industrial applications. This chapter provides a review on
      the biotechnological production of various silk proteins from different species,
      as well as on the processing techniques to fabricate application-oriented
      material morphologies.

PMID- 28101873
TI  - Biomaterials Made from Coiled-Coil Peptides.
AB  - The development of biomaterials designed for specific applications is an
      important objective in personalized medicine. While the breadth and prominence of
      biomaterials have increased exponentially over the past decades, critical
      challenges remain to be addressed, particularly in the development of
      biomaterials that exhibit highly specific functions. These functional properties
      are often encoded within the molecular structure of the component molecules.
      Proteins, as a consequence of their structural specificity, represent useful
      substrates for the construction of functional biomaterials through rational
      design. This chapter provides an in-depth survey of biomaterials constructed from
      coiled-coils, one of the best-understood protein structural motifs. We discuss
      the utility of this structurally diverse and functionally tunable class of
      proteins for the creation of novel biomaterials. This discussion illustrates the
      progress that has been made in the development of coiled-coil biomaterials by
      showcasing studies that bridge the gap between the academic science and potential
      technological impact.

PMID- 28101874
TI  - Bioengineered Collagens.
AB  - There is a great deal of interest in obtaining recombinant collagen as an
      alternative source of material for biomedical applications and as an approach for
      obtaining basic structural and biological information. However, application of
      recombinant technology to collagen presents challenges, most notably the need for
      post-translational hydroxylation of prolines for triple-helix stability. Full
      length recombinant human collagens have been successfully expressed in cell
      lines, yeast, and several plant systems, while collagen fragments have been
      expressed in E. coli. In addition, bacterial collagen-like proteins can be
      expressed in high yields in E. coli and easily manipulated to incorporate
      biologically active sequences from human collagens. These expression systems
      allow manipulation of biologically active sequences within collagen, which has
      furthered our understanding of the relationships between collagen sequences,
      structure and function. Here, recombinant studies on collagen interactions with
      cell receptors, extracellular matrix proteins, and matrix metalloproteinases are
      reviewed, and discussed in terms of their potential biomaterial and biomedical
      applications.

PMID- 28101875
TI  - Sustanon induces dose-independent hypertrophy and satellite cell proliferation in
      slow oxidative fibers of avian skeletal muscle.
AB  - Sustanon is a well-known anabolic drug that is used to treat hypogonadism and
      restore muscle mass and bone density. As research to date has been limited to its
      effects in glycolytic fibers, this study aimed to investigate the dose-related
      effects of Sustanon on the oxidative fibers of avian skeletal muscle. Adult
      female chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (C), received a dose
      of 100 MUl normal saline per injection; and Sustanon-1, -2, and -3 (S1, S2, and
      S3), that received a dose of 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg Sustanon per injection,
      respectively. Each bird received 4 injections at weekly intervals (1
      injection/week). Robust histochemical and immunofluorescent techniques along with
      morphometric analyses were applied to determine the oxidative activity and
      morphological variations of the oxidative muscle fibers in all groups. Sustanon
      treated groups exhibited significant increases in fiber size and numbers of
      satellite cells and myonuclei compared to the control group. However, no
      significant variations were found between Sustanon-treated groups in the
      aforementioned indices. In conclusion, Sustanon induced oxidative fiber
      hypertrophy that was associated with satellite cell proliferation and myonuclear
      accretion in avian skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the effects of Sustanon appeared
      to be dose-independent.

PMID- 28101876
TI  - Extraction of actionable information from crowdsourced disaster data.
AB  - Natural disasters cause enormous damage to countries all over the world. To deal
      with these common problems, different activities are required for disaster
      management at each phase of the crisis. There are three groups of activities as
      follows: (1) make sense of the situation and determine how best to deal with it,
      (2) deploy the necessary resources, and (3) harmonize as many parties as
      possible, using the most effective communication channels. Current technological
      improvements and developments now enable people to act as real-time information
      sources. As a result, inundation with crowdsourced data poses a real challenge
      for a disaster manager. The problem is how to extract the valuable information
      from a gigantic data pool in the shortest possible time so that the information
      is still useful and actionable. This research proposed an actionable-data
      extraction process to deal with the challenge. Twitter was selected as a test
      case because messages posted on Twitter are publicly available. Hashtag, an easy
      and very efficient technique, was also used to differentiate information. A
      quantitative approach to extract useful information from the tweets was supported
      and verified by interviews with disaster managers from many leading organizations
      in Thailand to understand their missions. The information classifications
      extracted from the collected tweets were first performed manually, and then the
      tweets were used to train a machine learning algorithm to classify future tweets.
      One particularly useful, significant, and primary section was the request for
      help category. The support vector machine algorithm was used to validate the
      results from the extraction process of 13,696 sample tweets, with over 74 percent
      accuracy. The results confirmed that the machine learning technique could
      significantly and practically assist with disaster management by dealing with
      crowdsourced data.

PMID- 28101878
TI  - Bootstrapping disaster: The challenge of growing and maintaining a cross-sector
      collaborative network.
AB  - This article examines the interaction of nonprofit and private actors with the
      traditional bureaucratic structures of government in central Pennsylvania&s
      recovery from hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee. That effort relied heavily
      on private and nonprofit organizations as drivers of the response and recovery.
      The author maps the organizations involved in the recovery effort and explores
      the impact of the recovery effort on those organizations. A social network
      analysis was conducted and complemented with follow-up interviews with key
      actors. The network analysis reveals weak communication between sectors and a
      reliance on nonprofits to deliver services; interviews uncover the challenges of
      intersectoral collaboration. The author addresses the successes and limitations
      of the means by which a network of nonprofit efforts were coordinated with
      federal and state relief efforts and draw lessons for improving future practices.
      The author finds that this case deviates from theory in several ways that
      complicated community response and recovery. In particular, the challenges of
      developing and maintaining a recovery network while simultaneously delivering
      services placed great strain on several organizations, as well as on the
      fledgling network as a whole.

PMID- 28101877
TI  - Using a call center to coordinate Zika virus testing-New York City, 2016.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After local testing criteria for Zika virus expanded to include
      asymptomatic pregnant women who traveled to areas with active Zika virus
      transmission while pregnant, the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and
      Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) experienced a surge in test requests and subsequent
      testing delays due to factors such as incorrectly completed laboratory
      requisition forms. The authors describe how DOHMH addressed these issues by
      establishing the Zika Testing Call Center (ZTCC). METHODS: Using a case study
      approach, the authors illustrate how DOHMH leveraged protocols, equipment, and
      other resources used previously during DOHMH&s Ebola emergency response to meet
      NYC's urgent Zika virus testing needs. To request Zika virus testing, providers
      call the ZTCC; if patients meet testing criteria, the ZTCC collects data
      necessary to complete requisition forms and sends the forms back to providers.
      The ZTCC also provides guidance on specimens needed for Zika virus testing.
      Providers submit completed requisition forms and appropriate specimens to DOHMH
      for testing. RESULTS: During March 21 through July 21, 2016, testing for 3,866
      patients was coordinated through the ZTCC. CONCLUSION: The ZTCC exemplifies how a
      health department, using previous emergency response experiences, can quickly
      address local testing needs for an emerging infectious disease.

PMID- 28101879
TI  - Private sector involvement in times of armed conflict: What are the constraints
      for trading medical equipment?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Today, healthcare facilities are highly dependent on the private
      sector to keep their medical equipment functioning. Moreover, private sector
      involvement becomes particularly important for the supply of spare parts and
      consumables. However, in times of armed conflict, the capacity of the corporate
      world appears to be seriously hindered. Subsequently, this study researches the
      influence of armed conflict on the private medical equipment sector. DESIGN: This
      study follows a qualitative approach by conducting 19 interviews with
      representatives of the corporate world in an active conflict zone. A
      semistructured interview guide, consisting of 10 questions, was used to examine
      the constraints of this sector. RESULTS: The results reveal that the lack of
      skilled personnel, complicated importation procedures, and a decrease in
      financial capacity are the major constraints faced by private companies dealing
      in medical equipment in conflict zones. CONCLUSIONS: Even when no official
      sanctions and embargoes for medical items exist, constraints for trading medical
      equipment are clearly recognizable. Countries at war would benefit from a
      centralized structure that deals with the importation procedures for medical
      items, to assist local companies in their purchasing procedures. A high degree of
      adaption is needed to continue operating, despite the emerging constraints of
      armed conflict. Future studies might research the constraints for manufacturers
      outside the conflict to export medical items to the country of war.

PMID- 28101869
TI  - Fibrin Formation, Structure and Properties.
AB  - Fibrinogen and fibrin are essential for hemostasis and are major factors in
      thrombosis, wound healing, and several other biological functions and
      pathological conditions. The X-ray crystallographic structure of major parts of
      fibrin(ogen), together with computational reconstructions of missing portions and
      numerous biochemical and biophysical studies, have provided a wealth of data to
      interpret molecular mechanisms of fibrin formation, its organization, and
      properties. On cleavage of fibrinopeptides by thrombin, fibrinogen is converted
      to fibrin monomers, which interact via knobs exposed by fibrinopeptide removal in
      the central region, with holes always exposed at the ends of the molecules. The
      resulting half-staggered, double-stranded oligomers lengthen into protofibrils,
      which aggregate laterally to make fibers, which then branch to yield a three
      dimensional network. Much is now known about the structural origins of clot
      mechanical properties, including changes in fiber orientation, stretching and
      buckling, and forced unfolding of molecular domains. Studies of congenital
      fibrinogen variants and post-translational modifications have increased our
      understanding of the structure and functions of fibrin(ogen). The fibrinolytic
      system, with the zymogen plasminogen binding to fibrin together with tissue-type
      plasminogen activator to promote activation to the active proteolytic enzyme,
      plasmin, results in digestion of fibrin at specific lysine residues. In spite of
      a great increase in our knowledge of all these interconnected processes, much
      about the molecular mechanisms of the biological functions of fibrin(ogen)
      remains unknown, including some basic aspects of clotting, fibrinolysis, and
      molecular origins of fibrin mechanical properties. Even less is known concerning
      more complex (patho)physiological implications of fibrinogen and fibrin.

PMID- 28101880
TI  - Family emergency plan and preparedness among medical practitioners in Zaria,
      Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been an increase in the incidence of disasters in many
      parts of the world. Similarly, Nigeria has witnessed a recent increase of man
      made disaster events such as plane crash, fire incidents, flood, and building
      collapse, including bomb blast orchestrated by terrorists that often create
      emergency situations. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate family
      emergency plan and preparedness among medical practitioners in Zaria. METHODS:
      This was a cross-sectional descriptive study (May-July, 2013) of medical
      practitioners in Zaria, Nigeria. The structured questionnaire sought the socio
      demographic features of the respondents, the availability of emergency gate(s) in
      the house, education of safety measures within and outside the house, well-known
      located shut-off devices for gases, electricity, and water in the house, and
      written document/policy in the event of disaster. Also, planned
      orientations/drills/sensitizations, whether there is contact information of
      family members and supporting agencies. RESULTS: Majority of the respondents were
      male 56 (80.0 percent) and fall within the age group of 46-50 years (20.0
      percent). Only 8.6 percent admitted having an unwritten policy on emergency
      management in their houses. Similarly, only 8.6 percent do create time to teach
      their family members on emergency management. Only 27 (38.6 percent) had
      emergency supplies kits and among this group, water appears to be the most
      essential component that the respondents had paid attention to, leaving out
      special items. The communication plans of respondents to likely supportive
      services/agencies during disaster showed that majority had contact address or
      have affirmative plans for hospital and ambulance services than for radio and
      television stations. CONCLUSION: Family emergency plans and preparedness among
      medical practitioners in Zaria are extremely low. There is a gap between
      knowledge of what need to be done to enhance preparedness and internalizing
      preparedness recommendations in the study area.

PMID- 28101881
TI  - Using a novel technology for disaster staff notification.
AB  - Notification of backup staff and determining their ability to augment frontline
      staff is a major component of any disaster plan. However, the communication and
      organization of this effort has many challenges. These include communication
      system overload, the disaster setting, disrupted transportation, and staffing
      impacts on normal operations. An optimal disaster notification system must have
      the ability to be modified to include all hazards and the unique environment in
      which the plan is being made. This article highlights a unique disaster staff
      notification system using a novel technology, an outside administrator, and a
      multilayer system of redundant communication.

PMID- 28101882
TI  - Measuring communication and participation in children with speech and language
      disorders.

PMID- 28101883
TI  - myTREEHOUSE Self-Concept Assessment: preliminary psychometric analysis of a new
      self-concept assessment for children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the preliminary validity and reliability of the myTREEHOUSE Self
      Concept Assessment for children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 8 to 12 years.
      METHOD: The myTREEHOUSE Self-Concept Assessment includes 26 items divided into
      eight domains, assessed across three Performance Perspectives (Personal, Social,
      and Perceived) and an additional Importance Rating. Face and content validity was
      assessed by semi-structured interviews with seven expert professionals regarding
      the assessment construct, content, and clinical utility. Reliability was assessed
      with 50 children aged 8 to 12 years with CP (29 males, 21 females; mean age 10y
      2mo; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level I=35, II=8, III=5,
      IV=1; mean Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition [WISC
      IV]=104), whose data was used to calculate internal consistency of the scale, and
      a subset of 35 children (20 males, 15 females; mean age 10y 5mo; GMFCS level
      I=26, II=4, III=4, IV=1; mean WISC-IV=103) who participated in test-retest
      reliability within 14 to 28 days. RESULTS: Face and content validity was
      supported by positive expert feedback, with only minor adjustments suggested to
      clarify the wording of some items. After these amendments, strong internal
      consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.84-0.91) and moderate to good test-retest
      reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.64-0.75) was found for each
      component. INTERPRETATION: The myTREEHOUSE Self-Concept Assessment is a valid and
      reliable assessment of self-concept for children with CP aged 8 to 12 years.

PMID- 28101884
TI  - Lung microdialysis study of florfenicol in pigs after single intramuscular
      administration.
AB  - For most bacterial lung infections, the concentration of unbound antimicrobial
      agent in lung interstitial fluid has been considered as the gold standard for
      estimating the antibacterial efficacy. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of
      florfenicol (FF) in porcine lung interstitial fluid was investigated after single
      intramuscular administration at two different doses (20 and 50 mg/kg). Twelve
      pigs underwent thoracotomy under general anesthesia. Then, the CMA/30 probe was
      implanted into the lung and perfused at 1 MUL/min. The microdialysis (MD) samples
      were collected on a preset schedule and analyzed by high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC). Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed.
      FF exhibited rapid distribution and slow elimination in porcine lung interstitial
      fluid. The main pharmacokinetic parameters at 20 and 50 mg/kg were 4.88 +/- 0.54
      and 10.36 +/- 2.52 MUg/mL for the maximum concentration (Cmax ), 3.25 +/- 0.32
      and 3.50 +/- 0.27 h for the time to Cmax (Tmax ), 9.47 +/- 6.84 and 7.75 +/- 3.23
      h for the half-life (t1/2 ), 0.10 +/- 0.06 and 0.10 +/- 0.04 1/h for the terminal
      elimination rate constant (lambdaz ), 13.85 +/- 7.97 and 11.42 +/- 2.79 h for the
      mean residence time (MRT), 37.77 +/- 8.13 and 71.15 +/- 16.99 h.MUg/mL for the
      area under the curve from time 0 to 18.25 h (AUC0-18.25 ), and 51.18 +/- 20.11
      and 88.78 +/- 27.58 h.MUg/mL for the area under the curve from time 0 to infinity
      (AUC0-infinity ), respectively.

PMID- 28101885
TI  - What is the true in vitro potency of oxytetracycline for the pig pneumonia
      pathogens Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida?
AB  - The pharmacodynamics of oxytetracycline was determined for pig respiratory tract
      pathogens, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida. Indices of
      potency were determined for the following: (i) two matrices, broth and pig serum;
      (ii) five overlapping sets of twofold dilutions; and (iii) a high strength
      starting culture. For A. pleuropneumoniae, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)
      was similar for the two matrices, but for P. multocida, differences were marked
      and significantly different. MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)
      serum: broth ratios for A. pleuropneumoniae were 0.83:1 and 1.22:1, respectively,
      and corresponding values for P. multocida were 22.0:1 and 7.34:1. For mutant
      prevention concentration (MPC) serum: broth ratios were 0.79:1 (A.
      pleuropneumoniae) and 20.9:1 (P. multocida). These ratios were corrected for
      serum protein binding to yield fraction unbound (fu) serum: broth MIC ratios of
      0.24:1 (A. pleuropneumoniae) and 6.30:1 (P. multocida). Corresponding fu serum:
      broth ratios for MPC were almost identical, 0.23:1 and 6.08:1. These corrections
      for protein binding did not account for potency differences between serum and
      broth for either species; based on fu serum MICs, potency in serum was
      approximately fourfold greater than predicted for A. pleuropneumoniae and sixfold
      smaller than predicted for P. multocida. For both broth and serum and both
      bacterial species, MICs were also dependent on initial inoculum strength. The
      killing action of oxytetracycline had the characteristics of codependency for
      both A. pleuropneumoniae and P. multocida in both growth media. The in vitro
      potency of oxytetracycline in pig serum is likely to be closer to the in vivo
      plasma/serum concentration required for efficacy than potency estimated in
      broths.

PMID- 28101888
TI  - Editorial Comment to 'Predictors of successful trial without catheter following
      acute urinary retention in benign prostatic enlargement: A single centre,
      multivariate analysis' (Manuscript ID: NAU-16-0436.R1).

PMID- 28101886
TI  - Incident alopecia areata and vitiligo in adult women with atopic dermatitis:
      Nurses' Health Study 2.
AB  - We aimed to determine the risk of alopecia areata (AA) and vitiligo associated
      with atopic dermatitis (AD) in a large cohort of US women, the Nurses' Health
      Study 2. We used logistic regression to calculate age- and multivariate-adjusted
      odds ratios to determine the risk of incident AA and vitiligo associated with AD
      diagnosed in or before 2009. A total of 87 406 and 87 447 participants were
      included in the AA and vitiligo analyses, respectively. A history of AD in 2009
      was reported in 11% of participants. There were 147 incident cases of AA and 98
      incident cases of vitiligo over 2 years of follow-up. AD was associated with
      increased risk of developing AA (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.18-2.76) and vitiligo (OR
      2.14, 95% CI 1.29-3.54) in multivariate models. In this study of US women, AD was
      associated with increased risk of incident vitiligo and AA in adulthood.

PMID- 28101887
TI  - Abiraterone or Enzalutamide in Advanced Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: An
      Indirect Comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To perform a comparative effectiveness analyses between enzalutamide
      and abiraterone acetate in both the pre-docetaxel and post-docetaxel settings
      based on published phase III randomized trials. METHODS: The primary measure of
      efficacy was the posterior probability that enzalutamide outperforms abiraterone
      acetate (AA) with prednisone in terms of overall survival (OS) on average.
      Indirect meta-estimates were generated from four randomized studies in the
      context of a Bayesian hierarchical model with study-specific efficacy estimates
      meta-analyzed on the log scale. RESULTS: We found weak evidence that enzalutamide
      outperforms AA with prednisone in terms of OS in the pre-docetaxel and post
      docetaxel settings. However, we found strong evidence that enzalutamide
      outperforms AA with prednisone in terms of radiographic PFS, time until PSA
      progression, and PSA response rate in both the pre- and post-docetaxel settings.
      Rates of grade 3 or worse adverse events were broadly similar between treatment
      (enzalutamide or AA) and control arms (placebo or placebo with prednisone) in all
      included randomized studies. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence that
      enzalutamide outperforms AA with prednisone in terms of radiographic PFS and PSA
      progression and PSA response rate but not OS in the pre and post-docetaxel
      settings. These results may further guide clinicians in making treatment
      recommendations for patients with advanced prostate cancer. Prostate 77: 639-646,
      2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101889
TI  - Predictors of successful trial without catheter following acute urinary retention
      in benign prostatic enlargement: A single centre, multivariate analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the parameters which predict the success or failure of
      trial without catheter (TWOC) for acute urine retention (AUR). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Medical records of 2 188 patients presenting with first episode of AUR
      were analyzed. All patients underwent catheterization and were started on alpha
      blocker followed by TWOC. Age, baseline American urological association (AUA)
      score, prostate volume (PV), residual volume of urine (RV) and intravesical
      prostatic protrusion (IPP), prostate specific antigen (PSA) were recorded.
      RESULTS: TWOC was successful in 737 patients (33.7%) and failed in 1 451 patients
      (66.3%). Patients with successful TWOC had lower mean age, PV, IPP, RV, AUA
      score, and PSA than those with failed TWOC. On multivariate analysis, the
      significant independent predictors were IPP, age, AUA score, PV, and RV at odds
      ratios of 3.11, 1.84, 1.78, 1.53, and 1.23, respectively. From ROC curve, IPP had
      cut off value of 9 mm and detected success of TWOC with sensitivity (S) of 91%
      and failure with specificity (s) of 90%. Similarly, cut off value of 64 years for
      age (S:86%, s:87%), 20 for AUA symptom score (S:83%, s:81%), 56 cc for PV (S:80%,
      s:74%) and 750 mL for RV (S:71%, s:68%) were obtained. CONCLUSION: Age, baseline
      AUA score, IPP, PV, and RV independently predict the outcome of TWOC. Patients
      with IPP > 9 mm, age > 65 years, baseline AUA score > 20, PV > 56 cc, or RV > 750
      mL have less probability of successful TWOC in AUR and can be considered for
      immediate surgery following an episode of AUR.

PMID- 28101891
TI  - Different expression of leptin and IGF1 in the adult and prepubertal testis in
      dogs.
AB  - Leptin (Lep) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) are implicated in the
      regulation of testicular function, but in dogs, our knowledge is limited to the
      possible role of the IGF1 system in testicular tumours. In this study, we aimed
      to describe and compare gene expression and protein localization of Lep, IGF1 and
      their receptors (LepR and IGF1R, respectively) in the testis of healthy adult and
      prepubertal dogs. Testes were collected from sexually healthy mature (n = 7) and
      from 8-week-old dogs (n = 7). Relative gene expression of Lep, LepR, IGF1 and
      IGF1R was determined by semi-quantitative real-time (TaqMan) PCR and cellular
      distribution in the testis by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was
      carried out with Student's t test. Lep and LepR mRNA concentration was similar
      between the two groups, but IGF1 and IGF1R gene expression was significantly
      higher in the 8-week-old pups. Protein localization and the intensity of signals
      differed by age. In adults, Lep and LepR immunoreactivity was detected in
      spermatocytes and spermatids. Leydig cells showed sporadic, weak Lep staining. In
      prepubertal animals, intense Lep signals were present in Leydig and Sertoli
      cells, and LepR was found in Leydig cells. IGF1 and IGF1R protein was expressed
      in spermatogonia of the mature testis; IGF1 signals in Leydig cells seemed
      stronger than IGF1R. In the pups, IGF1 and IGF1R staining was detected in Leydig
      cells and in gonocytes. Sertoli cells showed weak IGF1 and sporadic, weak IGF1R
      signals. In conclusion, Lep and IGF1 may support spermatogenesis in adult dogs
      and mediate Leydig cell function. In the immature testis, they may promote
      development of Sertoli and Leydig cells and gonocytes.

PMID- 28101892
TI  - An assessment of differential reinforcement procedures for learners with autism
      spectrum disorder.
AB  - Differential reinforcement procedures may promote unprompted correct responding,
      resulting in a quicker transfer of stimulus control than nondifferential
      reinforcement. Recent studies that have compared reinforcement arrangements have
      found that the most effective arrangement may differ across participants. The
      current study conducted an assessment of differential reinforcement arrangements
      (i.e., quality, schedule, and magnitude) and nondifferential reinforcement to
      identify the most effective arrangement for each participant. The assessment
      phase showed that the quality arrangement was the most efficient for all
      participants during auditory-visual matching. Next, a validation phase was
      conducted to evaluate whether the assessment would predict the most effective
      arrangement across multiple skills. The results from the assessment phase were
      validated for all participants for the same skill. However, the results were only
      validated for one participant during the other skills (i.e., tact and
      intraverbal). The results are discussed in light of previous research and future
      areas of research.

PMID- 28101890
TI  - G-CSF mobilized peripheral blood stem cell collection for allogeneic
      transplantation in healthy donors: Analysis of factors affecting yield.
AB  - Mobilized PBSC are the main source for allogeneic HSCT. We aimed to evaluate
      factors that affect CD34+ cell yield including the donor's age, gender, BSA,
      processed blood volume and the method of G-CSF dose calculation. Data from 170
      healthy donors were analyzed. The concentration of CD34+ cells in the peripheral
      blood (PB) and the processed volume of blood were significantly correlated to
      CD34+ cells yield (P < .00005 and P < .001, respectively). The G-CSF dose per m2
      was significantly correlated to the concentration of CD34+ cells in the PB (P =
      .0003) and in the product (P = .01). Smaller BSA and less processed volume were
      found among female donors, who were given lesser G-CSF dose per m2 , and showed
      lower yield compared to men. However, multivariate analysis of the yield showed
      that only the concentration of CD34+ cells in the PB and the processed volume
      remained independent significant.

PMID- 28101893
TI  - The genus Anthopsis and its phylogenetic position in Chaetothyriales.
AB  - The genus Anthopsis was introduced for a black fungus with peculiar, inverted
      phialides and triangular conidia. The genus accommodates, in addition to the type
      species Anthopsis deltoidea, which once was reported as a cause of human
      phaeohyphomycosis, two further taxa: A. catenata and A. microspora. Current
      taxonomy is mainly based on microscopic structures of phialides. To assess the
      phylogenetic position of the genus, sequences of the internal transcribed spacer
      region and partial LSU rDNA were obtained for Anthopsis spp. and compared with
      sequences from public databases. Phylogenetic analyses based on both loci were
      used to assess the evolutionary relationships of Anthopsis spp. at the family and
      ordinal levels. Anthopsis s.str. was found to cluster in Chaetothyriales, while
      A. catenata proved to be of helotialean affinity. Thermotolerance and morphology
      of each species were recorded.

PMID- 28101894
TI  - Sleep quality and body mass index: a co-twin study.
AB  - There is a consistent relationship between body mass index and sleep quality.
      However, the directionality and possible confounding factors of this relationship
      are unclear. Our aim is to confirm the association between sleep quality and body
      mass index, independent of possible genetic confounding, as well as to provide
      some indirect inferences about the directionality of this association. The co
      twin study design was used to analyse the body mass index-sleep relationship in a
      sample of 2150 twins. We selected two parallel sub-samples of twins discordant
      for body mass index (n = 430 pairs), or discordant for sleep quality (n = 316
      pairs). Sleep quality and body mass index showed an inverse relationship (b =
      0.056, P = 0.032) in the global sample. When twins discordant for body mass index
      were selected, this association maintained a similar effect size and statistical
      significance, at all levels of the case-control analysis (all discordant pairs b
      = 0.173, P < 0.001; dizygotic twins b = 0.174, P = 0.002; monozygotic twins b =
      0.173, P = 0.050). Nevertheless, when twin pairs were selected on the basis of
      their discordance for sleep quality, the association between body mass index and
      sleep quality appeared weaker and lost significance (b = 0.021, P = 0.508). The
      analyses including only dizygotic (b = 0.028, P = 0.526) or monozygotic (b =
      0.001, P = 0.984) pairs produced similar non-significant results. Our results
      confirm the relationship between sleep quality and body mass index, even after
      applying high levels of control, including genetic factors. Moreover, this study
      suggests a possible directionality of this relationship, such that sleep quality
      would strongly affect body mass index, while the opposite would be less robust
      and consistent in non-clinical samples.

PMID- 28101895
TI  - On the rarity of dioecy in flowering plants.
AB  - Dioecy, the coexistence of separate male and female individuals in a population,
      is a rare but phylogenetically widespread sexual system in flowering plants.
      While research has concentrated on why and how dioecy evolves from
      hermaphroditism, the question of why dioecy is rare, despite repeated transitions
      to it, has received much less attention. Previous phylogenetic and theoretical
      studies have suggested that dioecy might be an evolutionary dead end. However,
      recent research indicates that the phylogenetic support for this hypothesis is
      attributable to a methodological bias and that there is no evidence for reduced
      diversification in dioecious angiosperms. The relative rarity of dioecy thus
      remains a puzzle. Here, we review evidence for the hypothesis that dioecy might
      be rare not because it is an evolutionary dead end, but rather because it easily
      reverts to hermaphroditism. We review what is known about transitions between
      hermaphroditism and dioecy, and conclude that there is an important need to
      consider more widely the possibility of transitions away from dioecy, both from
      an empirical and a theoretical point of view, and by combining tools from
      molecular evolution and insights from ecology.

PMID- 28101897
TI  - Missed nursing care as an 'art form': The contradictions of nurses as carers.
AB  - This article draws on the free-text commentaries from trans-Tasman studies that
      used the MISSCARE questionnaire to explore the reasons why nurses miss care. In
      this paper, we examine the idea that nurses perpetuate a self-effacing approach
      to care, at the expense of patient care and professional accountability, using
      what they describe as the art of nursing to frame their claims of both nursing
      care and missed nursing care. We use historical dialogue alongside a paradigmatic
      analysis to examine why nurses allow themselves to continue working within
      settings that put their professional/personal selves aside in an attempt to
      deliver care within constraints that make completing care an impossible task. The
      findings suggest an ambivalence and conflict confront nurses attempting to
      provide care within the New Public Management environment. This can be seen in
      the tensions that draw a line between care as an art, and care as a financial
      target, juxtaposed with the inherent clash of values arising from the way nursing
      care is conceptualised within two contradictory paradigms.

PMID- 28101896
TI  - Adaptation of genetically monomorphic bacteria: evolution of copper resistance
      through multiple horizontal gene transfers of complex and versatile mobile
      genetic elements.
AB  - Copper-based antimicrobial compounds are widely used to control plant bacterial
      pathogens. Pathogens have adapted in response to this selective pressure.
      Xanthomonas citri pv. citri, a major citrus pathogen causing Asiatic citrus
      canker, was first reported to carry plasmid-encoded copper resistance in
      Argentina. This phenotype was conferred by the copLAB gene system. The emergence
      of resistant strains has since been reported in Reunion and Martinique. Using
      microsatellite-based genotyping and copLAB PCR, we demonstrated that the genetic
      structure of the copper-resistant strains from these three regions was made up of
      two distant clusters and varied for the detection of copLAB amplicons. In order
      to investigate this pattern more closely, we sequenced six copper-resistant X.
      citri pv. citri strains from Argentina, Martinique and Reunion, together with
      reference copper-resistant Xanthomonas and Stenotrophomonas strains using long
      read sequencing technology. Genes involved in copper resistance were found to be
      strain dependent with the novel identification in X. citri pv. citri of copABCD
      and a cus heavy metal efflux resistance-nodulation-division system. The genes
      providing the adaptive trait were part of a mobile genetic element similar to Tn3
      like transposons and included in a conjugative plasmid. This indicates the
      system's great versatility. The mining of all available bacterial genomes
      suggested that, within the bacterial community, the spread of copper resistance
      associated with mobile elements and their plasmid environments was primarily
      restricted to the Xanthomonadaceae family.

PMID- 28101898
TI  - Prediction of excited-state properties of oligoacene crystals using polarizable
      continuum model-tuned range-separated hybrid functional approach.
AB  - A methodology combining the polarizable continuum model and optimally-tuned range
      separated (RS) hybrid functional was proposed for the quantitative
      characterization of the excited-state properties in oligoacene (from anthracene
      to hexacene) crystals. We show that it provides lowest vertical singlet and
      triplet excitation energies, singlet-triplet gap, and exciton binding energies in
      very good agreement with the available experimental data. We further find that it
      significantly outperforms its non-tuned RS counterpart and the widely used B3LYP
      functional, and even many-body perturbation theory within the GW approximation
      (based on a PBE starting point). Hence, this approach provides an easily
      applicable and computationally efficient tool to study the excited-state
      properties of organic solids of complexity. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101899
TI  - Recommendations for the use of sensor-augmented pumps with predictive low-glucose
      suspend features in children: The importance of education.
AB  - Sensor-augmented pumps, which consist of a pump and a continuous glucose
      monitoring system, offer considerable therapeutic opportunities, despite
      requiring close attention in the early phase of their use. The aim of this paper
      is to provide recommendations on the use of a predictive low glucose management
      (PLGM) system (Minimed 640GTM, Medtronic, Northridge, CA, USA) in adolescents
      with type 1 diabetes either at the start of therapy or during follow-up. Sound
      clinical recommendations on PLGM are of increasing importance since several
      recent papers have reported significant clinical improvements in patients with
      PLGM, especially in adults. These recommendations are based on the experience of
      a group of pediatric endocrinologists who collaborated to closely and intensively
      study the on-boarding of adolescent patients with type 1 diabetes on automated
      systems to gain first-hand experience and peer-to-peer insights in a unique free
      living environment. The suggestions provided here are indicative, so can be
      adapted to the individual realities and experiences of different diabetes
      centers. However, we believe that close adherence to the proposed scheme is
      likely to increase the chances of improving the clinical and metabolic outcomes
      of patients treated with this therapy.

PMID- 28101900
TI  - Bronchial thermoplasty in severe asthma in Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is an approved bronchoscopic intervention
      for the treatment of severe asthma. However, limited published experience exists
      outside of clinical trials regarding patient selection and outcomes achieved.
      AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of BT in patients with severe
      asthma encountered in clinical practice. METHODS: This is a retrospective
      analysis of the first 'real world' data from Australia. The following outcomes
      were measured prior to, and 6 months following BT: spirometry, Asthma Control
      Questionnaire-5 (ACQ-5) score, reliever and preventer medication use and
      exacerbation history. RESULTS: Twenty patients were treated from June 2014 to
      December 2015 at three university teaching hospitals. All subjects met the
      European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society definition of severe
      asthma. Mean pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 62.8 +/-
      16.6% predicted (range: 33-95%). All patients were being treated with high dose
      inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta2 agonists and long-acting muscarinic
      antagonists. Ten patients (50%) were taking maintenance oral prednisolone. Most
      subjects also required at least one of montelukast (65%), omalizumab (30%) and
      methotrexate (20%). ACQ-5 improved from 3.6 +/- 1.1 at baseline to 1.6 +/- 1.2 at
      6 months, P < 0.001. Short-acting reliever use decreased from a median of 8.0
      0.25 puffs/day, P < 0.001, and exacerbations requiring corticosteroids also
      significantly reduced. Five of 10 patients completely discontinued maintenance
      oral corticosteroids. Ten patients with a baseline forced expiratory volume in 1
      s of <60% predicted significantly improved from 49.2 +/- 9.6% to 61.8 +/- 17.6%,
      P < 0.05. Only two procedures required hospitalisation beyond the planned
      overnight admission. CONCLUSION: BT is a safe procedure which can achieve
      clinical improvement in those with uncontrolled symptoms and severe airflow
      obstruction.

PMID- 28101901
TI  - Cyto-genotoxicity and oxidative stress in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed
      to a mixture of ibuprofen and diclofenac.
AB  - Thirty million people worldwide consume each day nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      drugs (NSAIDs), a heterogeneous group of pharmaceuticals used for its analgesic,
      antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies report high NSAID
      concentrations in wastewater treatment plant effluents, in surface, ground, and
      drinking water, and in sediments. NSAIDs are also known to induce toxicity on
      aquatic organisms. However, toxicity in natural ecosystems is not usually the
      result of exposure to a single substance but to a mixture of toxic agents, yet
      only a few studies have evaluated the toxicity of mixtures. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the toxicity induced by diclofenac (DCF), ibuprofen (IBP), and
      their mixture on a species of commercial interest, the common carp Cyprinus
      carpio. The median lethal concentration of IBP and DCF was determined, and
      oxidative stress was evaluated using the following biomarkers: lipid peroxidation
      and activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and
      glutathione peroxidase. Cyto-genotoxicity was evaluated by micronucleus test,
      comet assay, and the specific activity of caspase-3. Results show that DCF, IBP,
      and a mixture of these pharmaceuticals induced free radical production, oxidative
      stress and cyto-genotoxicity in tissues of C. carpio. However, a greater effect
      was elicited by the mixture than by either pharmaceutical alone in some
      biomarkers evaluated, particularly in gill. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
      Environ Toxicol 32: 1637-1650, 2017.

PMID- 28101902
TI  - Global exploration of isomers and isomerization channels on the quantum chemical
      potential energy surface of H3 CNO3.
AB  - Global exploration of isomers and isomerization channels on the quantum chemical
      potential energy surface (PES) is performed for H3 CNO3 using the Scaled
      Hypersphere Search-Anharmonic Downward Distortion Following (SHS-ADDF) method.
      The molecular formula of H3 CNO3 includes functional groups of CH3 , OH, NH2 ,
      COOH, NO, NO2 , and NO3 , which are very important in connection with amino acids
      and NOx. Geometrical structures and interconversion pathways are disclosed after
      18719781 force calculations and 534726 Hessian calculations at the level of
      B3LYP/6-31G(d). The explored results are confirmed to be valid, especially for
      the important lower energy regions, by re-optimization at the higher level of
      B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p). A global reaction route-mapping using SHS-ADDF demonstrates
      the entire view and undeveloped landscapes on PES of H3 CNO3 . Typical compounds
      of H3 CNO3 , aminoxy formic acid, hydroxycarbamic acid, aminoperformic acid,
      hydroxymethyl nitrite, nitromethanol, methyl nitrate, methyl peroxynitrite, and
      dioxaziridine, are well separated from others by very high energy-barriers. The
      stable-most conformer of H3 CNO3 is difficult to be determined, because of seven
      structures existing with nearly the same energies within 5.7 kJ/mol at the level
      of CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101904
TI  - Functional analysis of the circadian clock gene timeless in Tribolium castaneum.
AB  - Circadian rhythms are endogenous oscillations with a period of about 24 h driven
      by a circadian clock. So far, variable oscillators have been found in insects. To
      explore the circadian clock of Tribolium castaneum, we cloned the clock gene
      timeless (Tctimeless). Its open reading frame is 3240 bp in length and consists
      of 10 exons. Tctimeless is highly expressed in the late pupal stage. Tissue
      specific expression analysis in late adult stages revealed high expression of
      Tctimeless in the head, epidermis, fat body and accessory glands. Silencing of
      Tctimeless by RNA interference (RNAi) at the late larval stages caused a failure
      to initiate eclosion. Tctimeless knockdown in late pupal stages led to a gender
      independent decline in egg production and progeny survival. As a core clock gene,
      Tctimeless exhibited one expression peak in the middle of the circadian day.
      Knockdown of Tctimeless disrupted daily expression patterns of Tccycle, Tcclock,
      Tcperiod and itself, while Tctimeless and Tcperiod expression patterns over the
      circadian day were also perturbed when Tccycle or Tcclock is suppressed by RNAi.
      This study identified a complex transcriptional relationship among circadian
      clock genes in T. castaneum.

PMID- 28101903
TI  - Development and characterization of anti-glycopeptide monoclonal antibodies
      against human podoplanin, using glycan-deficient cell lines generated by
      CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN.
AB  - Human podoplanin (hPDPN), which binds to C-type lectin-like receptor-2 (CLEC-2),
      is involved in platelet aggregation and cancer metastasis. The expression of
      hPDPN in cancer cells or cancer-associated fibroblasts indicates poor prognosis.
      Human lymphatic endothelial cells, lung-type I alveolar cells, and renal
      glomerular epithelial cells express hPDPN. Although numerous monoclonal
      antibodies (mAbs) against hPDPN are available, they recognize peptide epitopes of
      hPDPN. Here, we generated a novel anti-hPDPN mAb, LpMab-21. To characterize the
      hPDPN epitope recognized by the LpMab-21, we established glycan-deficient CHO-S
      and HEK-293T cell lines, using the CRISPR/Cas9 or TALEN. Flow cytometric analysis
      revealed that the minimum hPDPN epitope, in which sialic acid is linked to Thr76,
      recognized by LpMab-21 is Thr76-Arg79. LpMab-21 detected hPDPN expression in
      glioblastoma, oral squamous carcinoma, and seminoma cells as well as in normal
      lymphatic endothelial cells. However, LpMab-21 did not react with renal
      glomerular epithelial cells or lung type I alveolar cells, indicating that
      sialylation of hPDPN Thr76 is cell-type-specific. LpMab-21 combined with other
      anti-hPDPN antibodies that recognize different epitopes may therefore be useful
      for determining the physiological function of sialylated hPDPN.

PMID- 28101905
TI  - Mapping the road from childhood adversity to personality disorder: The role of
      unresolved states of mind.
AB  - Childhood adversity has been found to be an important aetiological factor in the
      development of personality disorder (PD) in several studies. However, the role of
      disorganized attachment with unresolved mental states for traumatic experiences
      requires further investigation. This study explores the relationship between
      childhood adversities, unresolved states of mind, PD diagnosis and psychiatric
      distress. Two hundred forty-five adult participants, 124 from a clinical PD group
      and 121 non-psychiatric controls were assessed using the Structured Clinical
      Interview for DSM-IV, the Cassel Baseline Questionnaire, the Symptom Checklist-90
      R and the Adult Attachment Interview, in order to ascertain presence of PD,
      childhood adversity, level of psychiatric distress and unresolved states of mind.
      Within the overall unresolved (U-overall) attachment category, a distinction was
      made between unresolved for abuse (U-abuse) and unresolved for loss (U-loss). The
      results indicated that childhood adversity was significantly associated with
      unresolved states of mind, as well as with overall PD diagnosis, paranoid PD,
      borderline PD, avoidant PD and psychiatric distress. Mediation analyses confirmed
      that U-overall and U-loss were significant mediators between childhood adversity
      and PD diagnoses, but surprisingly, U-abuse was not a significant mediator. The
      strength, limitations and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
      Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28101906
TI  - Areolar Metastases of Skin Malignant Melanoma - Report of a Unique Case.

PMID- 28101908
TI  - Recurrent Rearrangements of Human Amylase Genes Create Multiple Independent CNV
      Series.
AB  - The human amylase gene cluster includes the human salivary (AMY1) and pancreatic
      amylase genes (AMY2A and AMY2B), and is a highly variable and dynamic region of
      the genome. Copy number variation (CNV) of AMY1 has been implicated in human
      dietary adaptation, and in population association with obesity, but neither of
      these findings has been independently replicated. Despite these functional
      implications, the structural genomic basis of CNV has only been defined in detail
      very recently. In this work, we use high-resolution analysis of copy number, and
      analysis of segregation in trios, to define new, independent allelic series of
      amylase CNVs in sub-Saharan Africans, including a series of higher-order
      expansions of a unit consisting of one copy each of AMY1, AMY2A, and AMY2B. We
      use fiber-FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) to define unexpected
      complexity in the accompanying rearrangements. These findings demonstrate
      recurrent involvement of the amylase gene region in genomic instability,
      involving at least five independent rearrangements of the pancreatic amylase
      genes (AMY2A and AMY2B). Structural features shared by fundamentally distinct
      lineages strongly suggest that the common ancestral state for the human amylase
      cluster contained more than one, and probably three, copies of AMY1.

PMID- 28101907
TI  - Increased Arf/p53 activity in stem cells, aging and cancer.
AB  - Arf/p53 pathway protects the cells against DNA damage induced by acute stress.
      This characteristic is the responsible for its tumor suppressor activity.
      Moreover, it regulates the chronic type of stress associated with aging. This is
      the basis of its anti-aging activity. Indeed, increased gene dosage of Arf/p53
      displays elongated longevity and delayed aging. At a cellular level, it has been
      recently shown that increased dosage of Arf/p53 delays age-associated stem cell
      exhaustion and the subsequent decline in tissue homeostasis and regeneration.
      However, p53 can also promote aging if constitutively activated. In this context,
      p53 reduces tissue regeneration, which correlates with premature exhaustion of
      stem cells. We discuss here the current evidence linking the Arf/p53 pathway to
      the processes of aging and cancer through stem cell regulation.

PMID- 28101909
TI  - Efficient transdifferentiation of human dermal fibroblasts into skeletal muscle.
AB  - Skeletal muscle holds significant regenerative potential but is incapable of
      restoring tissue loss caused by severe injury, congenital defects or tumour
      ablation. Consequently, skeletal muscle models are being developed to study human
      pathophysiology and regeneration. Their physiological accuracy, however, is
      hampered by the lack of an easily accessible human cell source that is readily
      expandable and capable of efficient differentiation. MYOD1, a master gene
      regulator, induces transdifferentiation of a variety of cell types into skeletal
      muscle, although inefficiently in human cells. Here we used MYOD1 to establish
      its capacity to induce skeletal muscle transdifferentiation of human dermal
      fibroblasts under baseline conditions. We found significant transdifferentiation
      improvement via transforming growth factor-beta/activin signalling inhibition,
      canonical WNT signalling activation, receptor tyrosine kinase binding and
      collagen type I utilization. Mechanistically, manipulation of individual
      signalling pathways modulated the transdifferentiation process via myoblast
      proliferation, lowering the transdifferentiation threshold and inducing cell
      fusion. Overall, we used transdifferentiation to achieve the robust derivation of
      human skeletal myotubes and have described the signalling pathways and mechanisms
      regulating this process. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28101910
TI  - A practical approach to vaccination of patients with autoimmune inflammatory
      rheumatic diseases in Australia.
AB  - Autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD), such as rheumatoid arthritis,
      psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are often complicated by
      infection, which results in significant morbidity and mortality. The increased
      risk of infection is probably due to a combination of immunosuppressive effects
      of the AIIRD, comorbidities and the use of immunosuppressive conventional
      synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and more recently,
      targeted synthetic DMARDs and biologic DMARDs that block specific pro
      inflammatory enzymes, cytokines or cell types. The use of these various DMARDs
      has revolutionised the treatment of AIIRD. This has led to a marked improvement
      in quality of life for AIIRD patients, who often now travel for prolonged
      periods. Many infections are preventable with vaccination. However, as protective
      immune responses induced by vaccination may be impaired by immunosuppression,
      where possible, vaccination may need to be performed prior to initiation of
      immunosuppression. Vaccination status should also be reviewed when planning
      overseas travel. Limited data regarding vaccine efficacy in patients with AIIRD
      make prescriptive guidelines difficult. However, a vaccination history should be
      part of the initial work-up in all AIIRD patients. Those caring for AIIRD
      patients should regularly consider vaccination to prevent infection within the
      practicalities of routine clinical practice.

PMID- 28101911
TI  - Comparison of CBV, BEAM and BEAC high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Efficacy and
      toxicity.
AB  - AIM: Limited data are available to guide the choice of conditioning regimen
      before autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for patients
      with lymphoma. METHODS: We analyzed 129 non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients who
      underwent AHSCT from 1996 to 2013 using the most common regimens: CBV
      (cyclophosphamide, carmustine and etoposide; n = 16), BEAM (carmustine,
      etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan; n = 36) and BEAC (carmustine, etoposide,
      cytarabine and cyclophosphamide; n = 77). RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 42.5
      months, the estimated 5-year overall survival for the CBV, BEAM and BEAC groups
      was 68.8%, 77.8% and 81.8%, respectively (P = 0.584). The estimated 5-year
      progression-free survival in the CBV group (43.8%) was relatively inferior to the
      BEAM (66.7%) and BEAC (67.5%) groups, but the differences were not significant (P
      = 0.403). Grade 2 or higher mucositis, diarrhea and fever were relatively more
      common in the BEAM group (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the time to
      hematopoietic recovery and the duration of hospitalization. The amount of
      transfused platelet was significantly less in the CBV. CONCLUSION: CBV, BEAM and
      BEAC regimens are all optional high-dose chemotherapy before AHSCT for NHL
      patients.

PMID- 28101913
TI  - Nasopharyngeal colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae triggers dendritic cell
      dependent antibody responses against invasive disease in mice.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is an important
      precondition for the development of pneumococcal pneumonia. At the same time,
      nasopharyngeal colonization with Spn has been shown to mount adaptive immune
      responses against Spn in mice and humans. Cellular responses of the
      nasopharyngeal compartment, including the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue, to
      pneumococcal colonization and their importance for developing adaptive immune
      responses are poorly defined. We show that nasopharyngeal colonization with S.
      pneumoniae led to substantial expansion of dendritic cells (DCs) both in
      nasopharyngeal tissue and nasal-associated lymphoid tissue of mice. Depletion of
      DCs achieved by either diphtheria toxin (DT) treatment of chimeric zDC+/DTR mice,
      or by use of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) KO mice exhibiting
      congenitally reduced DC pool sizes, significantly diminished antibody responses
      after colonization with Spn, along with impaired protective immunity against
      invasive pneumococcal disease. Collectively, the data show that classical DCs
      contribute to pneumococcal colonization induced adaptive immune responses against
      invasive pneumococcal disease in two different mouse models. These data may be
      useful for future nasopharyngeal vaccination strategies against pneumococcal
      diseases in humans.

PMID- 28101914
TI  - Prenatal Stress Exposure Generates Higher Early Survival and Smaller Size without
      Impacting Developmental Rate in a Pacific Salmon.
AB  - Prenatal exposure to elevated glucocorticoids can act as a signal of
      environmental stress, resulting in modifications to offspring phenotype. While
      "negative" phenotypic effects (i.e., smaller size, slower growth) are often
      reported, recent research coupling phenotype with other fitness-related traits
      has suggested positive impacts of prenatal stress. Using captive Chinook salmon
      (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), we treated eggs with biologically relevant cortisol
      levels-low (300 ng mL-1 ), high (1,000 ng mL-1 ), or control (0 ng mL-1 )-to
      examine the early-life impacts of maternally transferred stress hormones on
      offspring. Specifically, we measured early survival, rate of development, and
      multiple measures of morphology. Low and high cortisol dosing of eggs resulted in
      significantly higher survival compared to controls (37% and 24% higher,
      respectively). Fish reared from high dose eggs were structurally smaller compared
      to control fish, but despite this variation in structural size, exposure to
      elevated cortisol did not impact developmental rate. These results demonstrate
      that elevations in egg cortisol can positively influence offspring fitness
      through an increase in early survival while also altering phenotype at a critical
      life-history stage. Overall, these results suggest that exposure to prenatal
      stress may not always produce apparently negative impacts on offspring fitness
      and further proposes that complex phenotypic responses should be examined in
      relevant environmental conditions.

PMID- 28101915
TI  - Early medieval stone-lined graves in Southern Germany: analysis of an emerging
      noble class.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Stone-lined graves, which first appear in Bavarian territory during
      the 7th century AD, are assumed to be tombs of emerging nobility. While previous
      research on stone-lined grave goods supports their status as elite burials, an
      important factor defining nobility-kinship-has not been examined so far.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Morphological analysis of the commingled skeletal remains
      of 21 individuals from three archaeological sites was carried out. Radiocarbon
      dating was conducted on these individuals to gain information on usage intervals
      of these graves. To test whether stone-lined graves can be considered family
      graves, analyses of mitochondrial HVR I, Y-chromosomal and autosomal STRs were
      carried out. RESULTS: Morphological examination revealed a surplus of males
      buried in stone-lined graves and radiocarbon dating points to usage of the tombs
      for several generations. According to aDNA analysis, kinship can be assumed both
      between and within stone-lined graves. DISCUSSION: Taken together, these results
      hint at burials of family members with high social status being inhumed at the
      same site, in some cases even the same grave, for several generations. They also
      suggest, for the first time, that an early medieval linear cemetery was
      structured according to biological kinship.

PMID- 28101917
TI  - Imaging in gynecological disease (12): clinical and ultrasound features of
      invasive and non-invasive malignant serous ovarian tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and ultrasound features of different subclasses
      of malignant serous ovarian tumors according to the World Health Organization
      2014 classification. METHODS: Patients with a histological diagnosis of
      borderline tumor (BOT), non-invasive and invasive low-grade serous carcinoma
      (LGSC) and high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), who had undergone preoperative
      ultrasound examination, were retrospectively identified from two ultrasound
      centers. The masses were described using the terms of the International Ovarian
      Tumor Analysis Group. RESULTS: Sixty-four (15.8%) women had a serous BOT, 11
      (2.7%) a non-invasive LGSC, 31 (7.6%) an invasive LGSC and 300 (73.9%) had a
      HGSC. The vast majority of BOTs (82.3%) and non-invasive LGSCs (90.9%) were Stage
      I according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)
      classification scheme, whereas most invasive LGSCs (74.2%) and HGSCs (74.0%) were
      FIGO Stage III. On ultrasound examination, most borderline lesions were described
      as unilocular-solid (54.7%) or as multilocular-solid (29.7%) cysts. Papillary
      projections were present in 52 (81.3%) BOTs. Most non-invasive LGSCs (63.6%) were
      multilocular-solid cysts and 81.8% had papillary projections. Invasive LGSCs were
      multilocular-solid cysts in 54.8% of cases, and papillary projections were
      present in 32.3% of lesions. HGSCs were multilocular-solid (32.7%) or solid
      (64.0%) masses, with papillary projections in only 7% of cases. CONCLUSIONS:
      Papillary projections were the most typical ultrasound feature of non-invasive
      (borderline and low-grade) malignant serous tumors, while the presence of solid
      components but few, if any, papillations was the most representative feature of
      invasive (low-grade and high-grade) serous tumors. Copyright (c) 2017 ISUOG.
      Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 28101916
TI  - Perceptions of cancer of unknown primary site: a national survey of Australian
      medical oncologists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite being the sixth most common cause of cancer death in
      Australia, cancer of unknown primary (CUP) site remains poorly understood. AIMS:
      To describe practices relating to the diagnosis, investigation, classification,
      communication and management of CUP among medical oncologists. METHODS: We
      invited all members of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia to participate in
      a national, anonymous online survey about CUP. The survey collected data
      regarding diagnosis acceptance, diagnostic tests, treatment protocols and
      communication practices around the diagnosis of CUP. RESULTS: Three hundred and
      two oncologists were invited and 86 (28%) completed the survey. Eighty (93%)
      respondents were directly involved in the assessment of patients with CUP. Eighty
      five (99%) respondents were prepared to make a diagnosis of CUP if, after
      appropriate diagnostic tests, the primary location could not be ascertained.
      Eighty-three percent would assign a primary site to obtain Pharmaceutical
      Benefits Schedule funding of medical therapy. Sixty-two percent did not have a
      specific treatment protocol designed for CUP. The majority of oncologists used
      serum tumour markers and computed tomography scans in the initial work-up, while
      43% indicated they would use a positron emission tomography scan in the majority
      of cases. The majority would arrange mammography in female patients. Thematic
      analysis of responses to open-ended questions about how CUP is described
      identified little consistency in the language being used. CONCLUSION: The
      approach to diagnosis, investigation and management of CUP by medical oncologists
      in Australia is variable. Many preferred to estimate the primary site and treat
      accordingly. Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule restrictions may encourage the
      practice of 'best guessing'.

PMID- 28101918
TI  - Plastic temporal bones.

PMID- 28101919
TI  - Lost in markers? Time for phenomics and phenomapping in dilated cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 28101920
TI  - Quantitative proteomic analysis of HIV-1 Tat-induced dysregulation in SH-SY5Y
      neuroblastoma cells.
AB  - Despite affecting up to 70% of HIV-positive patients and being the leading cause
      of dementia in patients under 40 years, the molecular mechanisms involved in the
      onset of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are not well understood.
      To address this, we performed SILAC-based quantitative proteomic analysis on HIV
      Tat treated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Isolated protein was fractionated by SDS
      PAGE and analyzed by nLC-MS/MS on an Orbitrap Velos. Using MaxQuant, we
      identified and quantified 3077 unique protein groups, of which 407 were
      differentially regulated. After applying an additional standard deviation-based
      cutoff, 29 of these were identified as highly significantly and stably
      dysregulated. GO term analysis shows dysregulation in both protein translation
      machinery as well as cytoskeletal regulation that have both been implicated in
      other dementias. In addition, several key cytoskeletal regulatory proteins such
      as ARHGEF17, the Rho GTPase, SHROOM3, and CMRP1 are downregulated. Together,
      these data demonstrate that HIV-Tat can dysregulate neuronal cytoskeletal
      regulatory proteins that could lead to the major HAND clinical manifestation
      synapse loss.

PMID- 28101921
TI  - Effects of shifts in food reinforcement context on rats' consumption of
      concurrently available water or sucrose solution.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of signaled transitions
      from relatively rich to lean conditions of food reinforcement on drinking
      concurrently available water or sucrose-sweetened water in rats. Past research
      demonstrated that these negative incentive shifts produce behavioral disruption
      in the form of extended pausing on fixed-ratio schedules. Four male Long-Evans
      rats operated on a two-component multiple fixed-ratio fixed-ratio schedule. In
      one manipulation, the ratio was held constant and the components arranged either
      a large six-pellet reinforcer (rich) or small one-pellet reinforcer (lean). In a
      second manipulation, the components both produced a one-pellet reinforcer but
      differed in terms of the ratio requirement, with the rich and lean conditions
      corresponding to relatively small and large ratios. In both manipulations,
      components were pseudorandomly presented to arrange four transitions signaled by
      retractable levers: lean-to-lean, lean-to-rich, rich-to-rich, and rich-to-lean
      (the negative incentive shift). During experimental conditions, a bottle with
      lickometer was inserted in the chamber, providing concurrent access either to tap
      water or a 10% sucrose solution. The negative incentive shift produced
      considerably more drinking than the other transitions in all rats during both
      manipulations. The level of drinking was not polydipsic; rather, it appears that
      the negative incentive shift enhanced the value of concurrently available
      reinforcers relative to food reinforcement.

PMID- 28101923
TI  - How suboptimal is suboptimal choice?
AB  - In a frequently used suboptimal-choice procedure pigeons choose between an
      alternative that delivers three food pellets with p = 1.0 and an alternative that
      delivers ten pellets with p = 0.2. Because pigeons reliably choose the
      probabilistic (suboptimal) alternative, the procedure has been proposed as a
      nonhuman analog of human gambling. The present experiments were conducted to
      evaluate two potential threats to the validity of this procedure. Experiments 1
      and 2 evaluated if pigeons obtained food at a lower unit price (i.e., pecks per
      pellet) on the suboptimal alternative than on the optimal alternative. When
      pigeons worked under this suboptimal procedure they all preferred the suboptimal
      alternative despite some pigeons paying a higher price for food on that
      alternative. In Experiment 2, when the unit price ratio more closely approximated
      the inverse of the expected value ratio, pigeons continued to prefer the
      suboptimal alternative despite its economic suboptimality. Experiment 3 evaluated
      if, in accord with the string-theory of gambling, the valuation of the suboptimal
      alternative was increased when pigeons misattributed a subset of the suboptimal
      no-food trials to the optimal alternative. When trial sequences were arranged to
      minimize these possible attribution errors, pigeons still preferred the
      suboptimal alternative. These data remove two threats to the validity of the
      suboptimal choice procedure; threats that would have suggested that suboptimal
      choice reflects economic maximization.

PMID- 28101922
TI  - A second type of magnitude effect: Reinforcer magnitude differentiates delay
      discounting between substance users and controls.
AB  - Basic research on delay discounting, examining preference for smaller-sooner or
      larger-later reinforcers, has demonstrated a variety of findings of considerable
      generality. One of these, the magnitude effect, is the observation that
      individuals tend to exhibit greater preference for the immediate with smaller
      magnitude reinforcers. Delay discounting has also proved to be a useful marker of
      addiction, as demonstrated by the highly replicated finding of greater
      discounting rates in substance users compared to controls. However, some research
      on delay discounting rates in substance users, particularly research examining
      discounting of small-magnitude reinforcers, has not found significant differences
      compared to controls. Here, we hypothesize that the magnitude effect could
      produce ceiling effects at small magnitudes, thus obscuring differences in delay
      discounting between groups. We examined differences in discounting between high
      risk substance users and controls over a broad range of magnitudes of monetary
      amounts ($0.10, $1.00, $10.00, $100.00, and $1000.00) in 116 Amazon Mechanical
      Turk workers. We found no significant differences in discounting rates between
      users and controls at the smallest reinforcer magnitudes ($0.10 and $1.00) and
      further found that differences became more pronounced as magnitudes increased.
      These results provide an understanding of a second form of the magnitude effect:
      That is, differences in discounting between populations can become more evident
      as a function of reinforcer magnitude.

PMID- 28101924
TI  - Effects of differential rates of alternative reinforcement on resurgence of human
      behavior.
AB  - Despite the success of exposure-based psychotherapies in anxiety treatment,
      relapse remains problematic. Resurgence, the return of previously eliminated
      behavior following the elimination of an alternative source of reinforcement, is
      a promising model of operant relapse. Nonhuman resurgence research has shown that
      higher rates of alternative reinforcement result in faster, more comprehensive
      suppression of target behavior, but also in greater resurgence when alternative
      reinforcement is eliminated. This study investigated rich and lean rates of
      alternative reinforcement on response suppression and resurgence in typically
      developing humans. In Phase 1, three groups (Rich, n = 18; Lean, n = 18; Control,
      n = 10) acquired the target response. In Phase 2, target responding was
      extinguished and alternative reinforcement delivered on RI 1 s, RI 3 s, and
      extinction schedules, respectively. Resurgence was assessed during Phase 3 under
      extinction conditions for all groups. Target responding was suppressed most
      thoroughly in Rich and partially in Lean. Target responding resurged in the Rich
      and Lean groups, but not in the Control group. Between groups, resurgence was
      more pronounced in the Rich group than the Lean and Control groups. Clinical
      implications of these findings, including care on the part of clinicians when
      identifying alternative sources of reinforcement, are discussed.

PMID- 28101926
TI  - Alan Baron: A pioneer in translational science.

PMID- 28101925
TI  - "Watch out!": Effects of instructed threat and avoidance on human free-operant
      approach-avoidance behavior.
AB  - Approach-avoidance paradigms create a competition between appetitive and aversive
      contingencies and are widely used in nonhuman research on anxiety. Here, we
      examined how instructions about threat and avoidance impact control by competing
      contingencies over human approach-avoidance behavior. Additionally, Experiment 1
      examined the effects of threat magnitude (money loss amount) and avoidance cost
      (fixed ratio requirements), whereas Experiment 2 examined the effects of threat
      information (available, unavailable and inaccurate) on approach-avoidance. During
      the task, approach responding was modeled by reinforcing responding with money on
      a FR schedule. By performing an observing response, participants produced an
      escalating "threat meter". Instructions stated that the threat meter levels
      displayed the current probability of losing money, when in fact loss only
      occurred when the level reached the maximum. Instructions also stated pressing an
      avoidance button lowered the threat level. Overall, instructions produced cycles
      of approach and avoidance responding with transitions from approach to avoidance
      when threat was high and transitions back to approach after avoidance reduced
      threat. Experiment 1 revealed increasing avoidance cost, but not threat
      magnitude, shifted approach-avoidance transitions to higher threat levels and
      increased anxiety ratings, but did not influence the frequency of approach
      avoidance cycles. Experiment 2 revealed when threat level information was
      available or absent earnings were high, but earnings decreased when inaccurate
      threat information was incompatible with contingencies. Our findings build on
      prior nonhuman and human approach-avoidance research by highlighting how
      instructed threat and avoidance can impact human AA behavior and self-reported
      anxiety.

PMID- 28101927
TI  - Comparing positive and negative reinforcement: A fantasy experiment.
AB  - We propose quantitative experimental approaches to the question of whether
      positive and negative reinforcement are functionally different, and discuss
      scientific and ethical concerns that would arise if these approaches were
      pursued.

PMID- 28101928
TI  - Are positive and negative reinforcement "different"? Insights from a free-operant
      differential outcomes effect.
AB  - Although theoretical discussions typically assume that positive and negative
      reinforcement differ, the literature contains little unambiguous evidence that
      they produce differential behavioral effects. To test whether the two types of
      consequences control behavior differently, we pitted money-gain positive
      reinforcement and money-loss-avoidance negative reinforcement, scheduled through
      identically programmed variable-cycle schedules, against each other in concurrent
      schedules. Contingencies of response-produced feedback, normally different in
      positive and negative reinforcement, were made symmetrical. Steeper matching
      slopes were produced compared to a baseline consisting of all positive
      reinforcement. This free-operant differential outcomes effect supports the notion
      that that stimulus-presentation positive reinforcement and stimulus-elimination
      negative reinforcement are functionally "different." However, a control
      experiment showed that the feedback asymmetry of more traditional positive and
      negative reinforcement schedules also is sufficient to create a "difference" when
      the type of consequence is held constant. We offer these findings as a small step
      in meeting the very large challenge of moving negative reinforcement theory
      beyond decades of relative quiescence.

PMID- 28101929
TI  - Dysgeusia and health-related quality of life of cancer patients receiving
      chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate taste disorders in patients receiving
      chemotherapy and to assess the impact of dysgeusia on patients' health-related
      quality of life (HRQOL). A total of 289 patients with a diagnosis of malignant
      solid or haematological cancer undergoing chemotherapy completed a questionnaire
      assessing dysgeusia and HRQOL. Sixty-four per cent of patients developed
      dysgeusia after and during chemotherapy. A statistically significant correlation
      was found between type of cancer and dysgeusia (p = .012), moreover a
      statistically significant association was found between type of chemotherapy and
      occurrence of dysgeusia (p = .031). Patients with dysgeusia had a worse overall
      HRQOL than those who did not have dysgeusia, and the association between HRQOL
      and dysgeusia was also statistically significant (p = .003). Patients with
      dysgeusia had a higher probability of having a worse HRQOL (p = .002). In line
      with previous studies, we observed a significant correlation between chemotherapy
      and dysgeusia. Furthermore, this study found that cancer patients with dysgeusia
      have a lower quality of life. In particular the domains "role," "social aspect,"
      "nausea-vomiting" and "appetite" are most influenced by dysgeusia. Improving the
      communication and information to patients considered at higher risk of developing
      dysgeusia can have a positive impact on patients' quality of life.

PMID- 28101930
TI  - Effect of humidity and temperature on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on
      surfaces.
AB  - : Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium, with human disease and
      infection linked to dairy products, seafood, ready-to-eat meat and raw &
      undercooked meats. Stainless steel is the most common food preparation surface
      and therefore, it is important to understand how food storage conditions such as
      surface materials, temperature and relative humidity can affect survival of L.
      monocytogenes. In this study, survival of L. monocytogenes on stainless steel was
      investigated at three temperatures (4, 10 and 21 degrees C), each approx. 11, 50
      and 85% humidity. Results indicate that the lower the temperature, the more cells
      were recovered in all three humidity environments, while medium humidity enhances
      survival, irrespective of temperature. Lower humidity decreases recovery at all
      temperatures. These data support the guidance noted above that humidity control
      is important, and that lower humidity environments are less likely to support
      retention of viable L. monocytogenes on a stainless steel surface. SIGNIFICANCE
      AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Understanding survival of potential food-borne pathogens
      is essential for the safe production and preparation of food. While it has long
      been 'common knowledge' that relative humidity can affect the growth and survival
      of micro-organisms, this study systematically describes the survival of L.
      monocytogenes on stainless steel under varying humidity and temperatures for the
      first time. The outcomes from this paper will allow those involved with food
      manufacture and preparation to make informed judgement on environmental
      conditions relating to humidity control, which is lacking in the food standards
      guidelines.

PMID- 28101932
TI  - Amino Acid Profiling of Zinc Resistant Prostate Cancer Cell Lines: Associations
      With Cancer Progression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Failure in intracellular zinc accumulation is a key process in
      prostate carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, epidemiological studies of zinc
      administration have provided contradicting results. In order to examine the
      impact of the artificial intracellular increase of zinc(II) ions on prostate
      cancer metabolism, PNT1A, 22Rv1, and PC-3 prostatic cell lines-depicting
      different stages of cancer progression-and their zinc-resistant counterparts were
      used. To determine "benign" and "malignant" metabolic profiles, amino acid
      patterns, gene expression, and antioxidant capacity of these cell lines were
      assessed. METHODS: Amino acid profiles were examined using an ion-exchange liquid
      chromatography. Intracellular zinc content was measured by atomic absorption
      spectrometry. Metallothionein was quantified using differential pulse
      voltammetry. The content of reduced glutathione was determined using high
      performance liquid chromatography coupled with an electrochemical detector.
      Cellular antioxidant capacity was determined by the ABTS test and gene expression
      analysis was performed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Long-term zinc
      treatment was shown to reroute cell metabolism from benign to more malignant
      type. Long-term application of high concentration of zinc(II) significantly
      enhanced cisplatin resistance, invasiveness, cellular antioxidant capacity,
      synthesis of glutathione, and expression of treatment resistance- and stemness
      associated genes (SOX2, POU5F1, BIRC5). Tumorous cell lines universally displayed
      high accumulation of aspartate and sarcosine and depletion of essential amino
      acids. Increased aspartate/threonine, aspartate/methionine, and sarcosine/serine
      ratios were associated with cancer phenotype with high levels of sensitivity and
      specificity. Prostate 77: 604-616, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101933
TI  - Associations of common variants in the SLC16A11, TCF7L2, and ABCA1 genes with
      pediatric-onset type 2 diabetes and related glycemic traits in families: A case
      control and case-parent trio study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence of associations of single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related glycemic traits in adults, but
      there is a little information about such associations in youths. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of SNPs in the TCF7L2,
      SLC16A11, and ABCA1 genes with T2D and related glycemic traits in Mexican
      children and adolescents. SUBJECTS: A total of 99 families with children with T2D
      (n = 327) and 83 families with children without the disease (n = 212). METHODS:
      The associations between SNPs of TCF7L2 (rs7903146 and rs12255372), SLC16A11
      (rs13342232), and ABCA1 (rs9282541) with T2D were analyzed. We also evaluated the
      effects of SNPs on quantitatively related glycemic traits after adjusting for
      age, sex, and the presence of overweight or obesity. RESULTS: The G allele of
      SLC16A1 /rs13342232 was associated with T2D in adults (adjusted odds ratio
      [ORadj] = 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18; 3.06) and children (ORadj =
      1.94; 95% CI: 1.25; 3.00). In addition, the combined analysis of case-control and
      case-parent trio was also significant (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.12; 1.74). After
      adjusting for known confounding factors, we found a significant association
      between TCF7L2/rs122555372 and C-peptide (beta = -0.76, P = .005) in patients
      with diabetes and between fasting glucose (beta = 2.05, P = .039) and homeostatic
      model assessment of beta-cell function (beta = -32.14, P = .025) levels in
      individuals without diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that SLC16A1
      /rs13342232 might be involved in the risk of pediatric-onset T2D in Mexican
      families. Moreover, TCF7L2/rs122555372 was associated with pancreatic reserve in
      patients with T2D and with fasting glucose and beta-cell function in individuals
      without diabetes.

PMID- 28101935
TI  - Effect of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins on cryosurvival of dog spermatozoa.
AB  - Cryopreservation affects integrity of cholesterol and phospholipids in the plasma
      membrane of sperm leading to decreased fertility of frozen-thawed semen.
      Cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins (CLC) have been shown to improve post-thaw semen
      quality in various species. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal
      concentration of CLC for better post-thaw semen quality in dogs. Semen
      collection, through digital manipulation, was conducted once a week in four adult
      German shepherd dogs (n = 20 ejaculates; five ejaculates/dog). Semen samples with
      mass motility>3 (0: without movement; 5: fast progressive movement), motility
      >70% and concentration >200 * 106 /ml were pooled and processed in Tris-citrate
      extender containing 0, 1, 2 or 3 mg of CLC. The post-thaw quality was assessed on
      the basis of percentage motility, morphological abnormalities, live/dead ratio
      and plasma membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity, evaluated using anova and
      further analysed by Tukey's range test, if applicable. The addition of CLC showed
      an overall improvement in post-thaw semen quality. Among various treatment
      groups, and when compared to the control, the percentages of motile (55.5%),
      viable (65%), plasma membrane intact (56.7%), acrosome intact (49.2%) and DNA
      intact (98%) spermatozoa were significantly higher in 2 mg/ml CLC group (p <
      .05). It is concluded that incorporation of cholesterol in semen extender results
      in a beneficial increase in post-thaw semen quality in dogs.

PMID- 28101934
TI  - Detection of neonatal unit clusters of Candida parapsilosis fungaemia by
      microsatellite genotyping: Results from laboratory-based sentinel surveillance,
      South Africa, 2009-2010.
AB  - Neonatal candidaemia is a common, deadly and costly hospital-associated disease.
      To determine the genetic diversity of Candida parapsilosis causing fungaemia in
      South African neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). From February 2009 through
      to August 2010, cases of candidaemia were reported through laboratory-based
      surveillance. C. parapsilosis isolates from neonatal cases were submitted for
      identification by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing, antifungal
      susceptibility testing and microsatellite genotyping. Cluster analysis was
      performed using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). Of
      1671 cases with a viable Candida isolate, 393 (24%) occurred among neonates.
      Isolates from 143 neonatal cases were confirmed as C. parapsilosis sensu stricto.
      Many isolates were resistant to fluconazole (77/143; 54%) and voriconazole
      (20/143; 14%). Of 79 closely-related genotypes, 18 were represented by >=2
      isolates; 61 genotypes had a single isolate each. Seven clusters, comprised of 82
      isolates, were identified at five hospitals in three provinces. Isolates
      belonging to certain clusters were significantly more likely to be fluconazole
      resistant: all cluster 7 isolates and the majority of cluster 4 (78%), 5 (89%)
      and 6 (67%) isolates (P<.001). Candida parapsilosis-associated candidaemia in
      public-sector NICUs was caused by closely related genotypes and there was
      molecular evidence of undetected outbreaks as well as intra-hospital
      transmission.

PMID- 28101937
TI  - Methods of anorectal manometry vary widely in clinical practice: Results from an
      international survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ano-rectal manometry (ARM) is the most commonly performed
      investigation for assessment of anorectal dysfunction. Its use is supported by
      expert consensus documents and international guidelines. Variation in technology,
      data acquisition, and analysis affect results and clinical interpretation. This
      study examined variation in ARM between institutions to establish the status of
      current practice. METHODS: A 50-item web-based questionnaire assessing analysis
      and interpretation of ARM was distributed by the International Anorectal
      Physiology Working Group via societies representing practitioners that perform
      ARM. Study methodology and performance characteristics between institutions were
      compared. KEY RESULTS: One hundred and seven complete responses were included
      from 30 countries. Seventy-nine (74%) institutions performed at least two studies
      per week. Forty-nine centers (47%) applied conventional ARM (<=8 pressure
      sensors) and 57 (53%) high-resolution ARM (HR-ARM). Specialist centers were most
      likely to use HR-ARM compared to regional hospitals and office-based practice
      (63% vs 37%). Most conventional ARM systems used water-perfused technology
      (34/49); solid-state hardware was more frequently used in centers performing HR
      ARM (44/57). All centers evaluated rest and squeeze. There was marked variation
      in the methods used to report results of maneuvers. No two centers had identical
      protocols for patient preparation, setup, study, and data interpretation, and no
      center fully complied with published guidelines. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: There
      is significant discrepancy in methods for data acquisition, analysis, and
      interpretation of ARM. This is likely to impact clinical interpretation, transfer
      of data between institutions, and research collaboration. There is a need for
      expert international co-operation to standardize ARM.

PMID- 28101936
TI  - Quantitative iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis of rice grains to assess high night
      temperature stress.
AB  - Rice yield and quality are adversely affected by increasing global surface
      temperature, and are strongly attributed to high night temperature (HNT) than
      high daytime temperature. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the heat
      tolerant characteristics of rice remains unclear. In the present study, we
      compared the proteomes of heat-tolerant and -sensitive lines of rice at early
      milky stage using an iTRAQ method. We have identified 38 differentially expressed
      proteins between the two lines, of which 32 proteins have been functionally
      annotated in NCBI and/or the UniProt database. These proteins were then
      classified into seven functional subgroups, which include signal transduction,
      transcript regulation, oxidation, defense response, transport, energy metabolism,
      and biosynthesis. Further analysis indicated that HNT stress could disrupt the
      redox equilibrium of plant cells, which in turn triggers the calcium-dependent
      protein kinase and COP9 signalosome, thereby regulating downstream genes/proteins
      that are involved in the HNT response. The candidate proteins may provide genetic
      resources for the improvement of heat-tolerant characteristics in rice, and the
      proposed model for signal transduction and transcriptional regulation may
      facilitate in the elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying the response
      to HNT stress in rice.

PMID- 28101939
TI  - Care planning: a neoliberal three card trick.

PMID- 28101938
TI  - The second Team Haemophilia Education Meeting, 2016, Frankfurt, Germany.
AB  - The first Team Haemophilia Education (THE) Meeting was held on 7-8 May 2015 in
      Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It aimed to promote the optimal care of patients with
      haemophilia through education of the multidisciplinary treatment team. This was
      achieved by reviewing the latest developments in haemophilia management,
      considering how these can be implemented in the clinic to improve patient care
      and providing a platform for networking and debate for all haemophilia treatment
      team members. The second THE Meeting was held on 19-20 May in Frankfurt, Germany,
      and participants included doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, patient
      representatives and data management staff from 20 different countries. Topics
      covered the role of the multidisciplinary team in delivering the best haemophilia
      care, challenges in the management of haemophilia across Europe, available
      clotting factor treatments, future treatments and the use of genetics in advising
      carriers of haemophilia. This report is a summary of the key developments in
      haemophilia care presented by various investigators and healthcare professionals
      at THE Meeting 2016.

PMID- 28101940
TI  - Chronic nasal exposure to nanoparticulate TiO2 causes pulmonary tumorigenesis in
      male mice.
AB  - Chronic inhalation bioassays in rodents are used to assess pulmonary
      carcinogenicity for purposes of hazard identification and potentially for risk
      characterization. Numerous studies have been confirmed that exposure to titanium
      dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) may result in chronic pulmonary inflammation in
      both mice and rats. However, very few studies have focused on the pulmonary
      tumorigenesis. In this study, to examine whether chronic TiO2 NP exposure induce
      tumorigenesis in the lung, forty mice (each group) were nasally exposed to 1.25,
      2.5, and 5 mg/kg body weight TiO2 NPs for nine consecutive months, lung pathology
      was then evaluated, and the biochemical function parameters in bronchoalveolar
      lavage (BAL) and tumor markers in the serum were investigated using an ELISA
      method. We observed that nasal exposure to TiO2 NPs caused infiltration of
      inflammatory cells, tumorigenesis in the lung, and accompanied by significant
      increases of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and total protein
      levels in BLAF, significant increases in tumor markers including cytokeratin 19,
      neuron-specific enolase, carcinoembryonic antigen, squamous cell carcinoma
      antigen, and cancer antigen-125 in the serum. It implies that chronic inhaled
      TiO2 NPs may increase possibility of pulmonary tumor formation for human.
      Therefore, the production and application of TiO2 NPs should be paid more
      attention. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1651-1657, 2017.

PMID- 28101942
TI  - The use of hemodynamic support in massive pulmonary embolism.
AB  - Massive pulmonary embolism is life threatening and can present as cardiogenic
      shock and cardiac arrest. We report a case of a 47-year-old male who arrested
      during his postoperative hospitalization and was found to have a massive
      pulmonary embolism with bilateral involvement of the pulmonary arteries. Given
      his profound shock and right ventricular failure, an Impella RP was used to
      stabilize his acute right ventricular failure while percutaneous embolectomy and
      thrombolysis was used to treat the pulmonary embolism. The patient underwent the
      procedure successfully with reduction in vasopressors and thrombus burden and
      recovery of right ventricular function. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101941
TI  - Key messages for communicating information about BRCA1 and BRCA2 to women with
      breast or ovarian cancer: Consensus across health professionals and service
      users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic testing of cancer predisposing genes will increasingly be
      needed in oncology clinics to target cancer treatment. This Delphi study aimed to
      identify areas of agreement and disagreement between genetics and oncology health
      professionals and service users about the key messages required by women with
      breast/ovarian cancer who undergo BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing and the optimal
      timing of communicating key messages. METHODS: Participants were 16 expert health
      professionals specialising in oncology/genetics and 16 service users with
      breast/ovarian cancer and a pathogenic BRCA1/BRCA2 variant. Online questionnaires
      containing 53 inductively developed information messages were circulated to the
      groups separately. Participants rated each message as key/not key on a Likert
      scale and suggested additional messages. Questionnaires were modified according
      to the feedback and up to 3 rounds were circulated. Consensus was reached when
      there was >=75% agreement. RESULTS: Thirty key messages were agreed by both
      groups with 7 of the key messages agreed by >=95% of participants: dominant
      inheritance, the availability of predictive testing, the importance of pretest
      discussion, increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and the option of risk
      reducing mastectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Both groups agreed that
      key messages should be communicated before genetic testing and once a pathogenic
      variant has been identified. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high level of agreement
      within and between the groups about the information requirements of women with
      breast/ovarian cancer about BRCA1/BRCA2. These key messages will be helpful in
      developing new approaches to the delivery of information as genetic testing
      becomes further integrated into mainstream oncology services.

PMID- 28101943
TI  - Stability of color in Spanish-style green table olives pasteurized and stored in
      plastic containers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an increasing interest in the use of pasteurizable plastic
      packaging by the olive industry. In order to investigate the change from
      traditional glass or varnished can containers to plastic packaging, the proper
      plastic material that is compatible with fermented olives while maintaining color
      quality during pasteurization treatment and storage must be selected. This work
      is focused on color stability in two distinct pasteurizable plastic containers
      with different oxygen permeability. RESULTS: In PET + MDPE/EVOH (polyethylene
      terephthalate + medium-density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol) pouches,
      pasteurization provoked severe browning which drastically decreased their color
      shelf life (<6 weeks). However, this browning did not occur in the unpasteurized
      product without preservatives owing to the presence of microorganisms. In AlOx
      coated PET + MDPE (aluminum oxide coating on polyethylene terephthalate + medium
      density polyethylene) pouches, color changes were small or negligible throughout
      storage, especially if ascorbic acid was added to the packing solution (shelf
      life > 6.5 months). CONCLUSION: The plastic material had a significant effect on
      the retention of color of the pasteurized product. The use of AlOx-coated PET +
      MDPE pouches could be an alternative to traditional packaging for the
      pasteurization and storage of Spanish-style green olives from a color quality
      standpoint. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28101944
TI  - Biomechanical implications of walking with indigenous footwear.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study investigates biomechanical implications of walking with
      indigenous "Kolhapuri" footwear compared to barefoot walking among a population
      of South Indians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy adults from South India
      walked barefoot and indigenously shod at voluntary speed on an artificial
      substrate. The experiment was repeated outside, on a natural substrate. Data were
      collected from (1) a heel-mounted 3D-accelerometer recording peak impact at heel
      contact, (2) an ankle-mounted 3D-goniometer (plantar/dorsiflexion and
      inversion/eversion), and (3) sEMG electrodes at the m. tibialis anterior and the
      m. gastrocnemius medialis. RESULTS: Data show that the effect of indigenous
      footwear on the measured variables, compared to barefoot walking, is relatively
      small and consistent between substrates (even though subjects walked faster on
      the natural substrate). Walking barefoot, compared to shod walking yields higher
      impact accelerations, but the differences are small and only significant for the
      artificial substrate. The main rotations of the ankle joint are mostly similar
      between conditions. Only the shod condition shows a faster ankle rotation over
      the rapid eversion motion on the natural substrate. Maximal dorsiflexion in late
      stance differs between the footwear conditions on an artificial substrate, with
      the shod condition involving a less dorsiflexed ankle, and the plantar flexion at
      toe-off is more extreme when shod. Overall the activity pattern of the external
      foot muscles is similar. DISCUSSION: The indigenous footwear studied (Kolhapuri)
      seems to alter foot biomechanics only in a subtle way. While offering some degree
      of protection, walking in this type of footwear resembles barefoot gait and this
      type of indigenous footwear might be considered "minimal".

PMID- 28101945
TI  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-MAPK-nuclear factor(NF)-kappaB-IL8: A
      possible mechanism of particulate matter(PM) 2.5-induced lung toxicity.
AB  - Airway inflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of diverse
      pulmonary diseases. In this study, we investigated whether exposure to
      particulate matter (PM) 2.5, a PM with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5
      um, enhances inflammation-related toxicity in the human respiratory system
      through activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling
      pathway. Through cytokine antibody array analysis of two extracts of PM2.5 [water
      (W-PM2.5 ) and organic (O-PM2.5 ) soluble extracts] exposed to A549 (human
      alveolar epithelial cell), we identified eight cytokines changed their expression
      with W-PM2.5 and three cytokines with O-PM2.5 . Among them, epidermal growth
      factor (EGF) was commonly up-regulated by W-PM2.5 and O-PM2.5 . Then, in both
      groups, we can identify the increase in EGF receptor protein levels. Likewise,
      increases in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAP kinase and acetylation of nuclear
      factor(NF)-kappaB were detected. We also detected an increase in IL-8 that was
      related to inflammatory response. And using the erlotinib as an inhibitor of
      EGFR, we identified the erlotinib impaired the phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK1/2,
      acetylation of NF-kappaB proteins and decreased IL-8. Furthermore, at in vivo
      model, we were able to identify similar patterns. These results suggest that
      PM2.5 may contribute to an abnormality in the human respiratory system through
      EGFR, MAP kinase, NF-kappaB, and IL-8 induced toxicity signaling. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1628-1636, 2017.

PMID- 28101947
TI  - Combined surgical therapy of advanced peri-implantitis evaluating two methods of
      surface decontamination: a 7-year follow-up observation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term outcomes (>4 years) following combined
      surgical resective/regenerative therapy of advanced peri-implantitis lesions
      using two surface decontamination methods. MATERIAL & METHODS: Fifteen patients
      (n = 15 combined supra- and intrabony defects) completed a follow-up observation
      period of 7 years. The treatment procedure included access flap surgery,
      granulation tissue removal and implantoplasty at buccally and supracrestally
      exposed implant parts, and a randomly assigned decontamination of the unmodified
      intrabony implant surface areas using either (i) an Er:YAG laser (ERL) or (ii)
      plastic curettes + cotton pellets + sterile saline (CPS). Intrabony defects were
      filled using a natural bone mineral and covered by a native collagen membrane.
      RESULTS: At 7 years, both ERL and CPS were associated with similar mean bleeding
      on probing reductions (CPS: 89.99 +/- 11.65% versus ERL: 86.66 +/- 18.26%) and
      clinical attachment level gains (CPS: 2.76 +/- 1.92 mm versus ERL: 2.06 +/- 2.52
      mm). CONCLUSION: Combined surgical resective/regenerative therapy of advanced
      peri-implantitis was effective on the long-term, but not influenced by the
      initial method of surface decontamination.

PMID- 28101946
TI  - Repeat hepatectomy is independently associated with favorable long-term outcome
      in patients with colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - Up to three-quarters of patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver
      metastases (CRLM) develop intrahepatic recurrence. Repeat hepatic resection
      appears to provide the optimal chance of cure for these patients. The aim of this
      study was to analyze short- and long-term outcomes following index and repeat
      hepatectomy for CRLM. Clinicopathological data were obtained from a prospectively
      maintained database. Perioperative variables and outcomes were compared using the
      Chi-squared test. Variables associated with long-term survival following index
      and second hepatectomy were identified by Cox regression analyses. Over the study
      period, 488 patients underwent hepatic resection for CRLM, with 71 patients
      undergoing repeat hepatectomy. There was no significant difference in rates of
      morbidity (P = 0.135), major morbidity (P = 0.638), or mortality (P = 0.623) when
      index and second hepatectomy were compared. Performance of repeat hepatectomy was
      independently associated with increased overall and cancer-specific survival
      following index hepatectomy. Short disease-free interval between index and second
      hepatectomy, number of liver metastases >1, and resection of extrahepatic disease
      were independently associated with shortened survival following repeat resection.
      Repeat hepatectomy for recurrent CRLM offers short-term outcomes equivalent to
      those of patients undergoing index hepatectomy, while being independently
      associated with improved long-term patient survival.

PMID- 28101948
TI  - Influence of the marine feeding area on the muscle and egg fatty-acid composition
      of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar spawners estimated from the scale stable isotopes.
AB  - Fatty acids in muscle tissue and eggs of female Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
      spawners were analysed to evaluate the dietary quality of their final feeding
      areas in the Baltic Sea. The final likely feeding area was identified by
      comparing stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of the outermost growth
      region (final annulus) of scales of returned S. salar with that of reference S.
      salar caught from different feeding areas. Some overlap of stable-isotope
      reference values among the three areas, in addition to prespawning fasting,
      decreased the ability of muscle tri-acylglycerols to discriminate the final
      likely feeding area and the area's dietary quality. Among three long-chained
      polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3),
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and arachidonic acid (ARA; 20:4n-6), the
      proportions of ARA in total lipids of spawning S. salar muscle and eggs showed a
      significant negative correlation with increasing probability of S. salar having
      returned from the Baltic Sea main basin (i.e. the Baltic Sea proper). The results
      suggest that ARA in muscle and eggs is the best dietary indicator for dietary
      characteristics of final marine feeding area dietary characteristics among S.
      salar in the Baltic Sea.

PMID- 28101949
TI  - Highly Active Three-Dimensional NiFe/Cu2 O Nanowires/Cu Foam Electrode for Water
      Oxidation.
AB  - Water splitting is of paramount importance for exploiting renewable energy
      conversion and -storage systems, but is greatly hindered by the kinetically
      sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this work, a three-dimensional,
      highly efficient, and durable NiFe/Cu2 O nanowires/Cu foam anode (NiFe/Cu2 O
      NWs/CF) for water oxidation in 1.0 m KOH was developed. The obtained electrode
      exhibited a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at a uniquely low overpotential of
      eta=215 mV. The average specific current density (js ) was estimated, on the
      basis of the electrocatalytically active surface area, to be 0.163 mA cm-2 at
      eta=310 mV. The electrode also displayed a low Tafel slope of 42 mV decade-1 .
      Moreover, the NiFe/Cu2 O NWs/CF electrode could maintain a steady current density
      of 100 mA cm-2 for 50 h at an overpotential of eta=260 mV. The outstanding
      electrochemical performance of the electrode for the OER was attributed to the
      high conductivity of the Cu foam and the specific structure of the electrode with
      a large interfacial area.

PMID- 28101950
TI  - Molecular binding of toxic phenothiazinium derivatives, azures to bovine serum
      albumin: A comparative spectroscopic, calorimetric, and in silico study.
AB  - In this paper, the comparative binding behavior of antimalarial drug azure A,
      azure B and azure C with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been studied. The
      interaction has been confirmed by multispectroscopic (UV, fluorescence, Fourier
      transform infrared (FT-IR), and circular dichroism) and molecular docking
      techniques. The experimental results show that azure B has the highest BSA
      binding affinity followed by azure A and azure C. The experimental evidence of
      binding showed a static quenching mechanism in the interaction azures with BSA.
      The isothermal titration calorimetry result reveals that the binding was
      exothermic with positive entropy contribution in each case. The thermodynamic
      parameters DeltaH, DeltaG, and DeltaS at 25 degrees C were calculated, which
      indicates that the weak van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding rather than the
      hydrophobic effect played an important role in the interaction. According to the
      theory of Forster nonradiative energy transfer, the distance (r) between the
      donor (BSA) and acceptor azures found to be <7 nm in all the case. The circular
      dichroism and FT-IR studies show that the content of alpha-helix structure has
      increased for the azures-BSA system. Overall, experimental studies characterize
      the interaction dynamics and energetics of the binding of three toxic analogs
      towards the physiologically relevant serum albumins. We hope, the outcome of this
      work will be most helpful for synthesizing a new type of phenothiazinium
      derivatives of the better therapeutic application.

PMID- 28101951
TI  - Rigidity and flexibility in the tetrasaccharide linker of proteoglycans from
      atomic-resolution molecular simulation.
AB  - Proteoglycans (PGs) are covalent conjugates between protein and carbohydrate
      (glycosaminoglycans). Certain classes of glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin
      sulfate/dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate utilize a specific tetrasaccharide
      linker for attachment to the protein component: GlcAbeta1-3Galbeta1-3Galbeta1
      4Xylbeta1-O-Ser. Toward understanding the conformational preferences of this
      linker, the present work used all-atom explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations combined with Adaptive Biasing Force (ABF) sampling to determine high
      resolution, high-precision conformational free energy maps DeltaG(phi, psi) for
      each glycosidic linkage between constituent disaccharides, including the variant
      where GlcA is substituted with IdoA. These linkages are characterized by single,
      predominant (> 97% occupancy), and broad (45 degrees  * 60 degrees  for
      DeltaG(phi, psi) < 1 kcal/mol) free-energy minima, while the Xyl-Ser linkage has
      two such minima similar in free-energy, and additional flexibility from the Ser
      sidechain dihedral. Conformational analysis of microsecond-scale standard MD on
      the complete tetrasaccharide-O-Ser conjugate is consistent with ABF data,
      suggesting (phi, psi) probabilities are independent of the linker context, and
      that the tetrasaccharide acts as a relatively rigid unit whereas significant
      conformational heterogeneity exists with respect to rotation about bonds
      connecting Xyl to Ser. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101952
TI  - Classical biochemistry reveals the complexity of the mitochondrial protein import
      system.

PMID- 28101955
TI  - Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Produce a Limited Impact on Painkiller
      Prescribing in Medicare Part D.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure the impact of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs)
      on prescribing of opioid and nonopioid painkillers. DATA SOURCE: 2010-2013
      physician-level Medicare Part D prescribing data released by the Centers for
      Medicare and Medicaid Services and Propublica. STUDY DESIGN: Using difference-in
      differences models with physician-level fixed effects, the study compares
      prescribing in states with and without PDMPs for opioid and nonopioid analgesics,
      oxycodone, hydrocodone, and opioids by controlled substances Schedules II-IV.
      PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Prescription drug monitoring programs were associated with a
      5.2 percent decrease in days supply prescribed per physician for oxycodone in
      addition to smaller reductions for hydrocodone and opioids overall (2.8 percent
      and 2 percent, respectively) and a small increase in prescribing for Schedule IV
      opioids. PDMPs were not associated with changes for nonopioid analgesics or other
      opioids in Schedules II and III. The effects of PDMPs were negated in states
      where statutes explicitly did not require use of the PDMP. CONCLUSIONS:
      Prescription drug monitoring programs have a modest effect targeted at the high
      profile drug oxycodone among the Medicare Part D population and an even smaller
      effect for hydrocodone and opioids in general. The findings suggest some
      substitution toward lower schedule opioids. Substantially addressing the
      widespread opioid abuse problem will require enhancing existing PDMPs or
      implementing new policies.

PMID- 28101956
TI  - AGGREGATES: Finding structures in simulation results of solutions.
AB  - Molecular Dynamic and Monte-Carlo simulations are widely used to investigate the
      structure and physical properties of solids and liquids at a molecular level.
      Tools to extract the most relevant information from the obtained results are,
      however, in considerable demand. One such tool, the program AGGREGATES, is
      described in this work. Based on distance criteria, the program searches
      trajectory files for the presence of molecular clusters and computes several
      statistical and shape properties for these structures. Tools designed to
      investigate the local organization and the molecular conformations in the
      clusters are also available. Among these, it is introduced a new approach to
      perform a First Shell Analysis, by looking for the presence of atomic contacts
      between molecules. These elements are particularly useful to obtain information
      on molecular assembly processes (such as the nucleation of crystals or colloidal
      particles) or to investigate polymorphism in organic compounds. The program
      features are illustrated here through the investigation of the 4'
      hydroxyacetophenone + ethanol system. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101954
TI  - Task-sharing with nurses to enhance access to HIV treatment in Cote d'Ivoire.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We report the first national programme in Cote d'Ivoire to evaluate
      the feasibility of nurse-led HIV care as a model of task-sharing with nurses to
      increase coverage and decentralisation of HIV services. METHODS: Twenty-six
      public HIV facilities implemented either a nurse-with-onsite-physician or a nurse
      with-visiting-physician model of HIV task-sharing. Routinely collected patient
      data were reviewed to analyse patient characteristics of those enrolling in care
      and initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Retention, loss to programme and
      death were compared across facility-level characteristics. RESULTS: A total of
      1224 patients enrolled in HIV care, with 666 initiating ART, from January 2012 to
      May 2013 (median follow-up 13 months). The majority (94%) were adults >=15 years.
      Fourteen facilities provided ART initiation for the first time during the pilot
      period; 20 facilities were primary level. Nurse-led care with a visiting
      physician was provided in 14 of the primary-level facilities. Nurse-led ART care
      with an onsite physician was provided in all secondary-level facilities and six
      of the primary-level facilities. During the pilot, 567 (85%) of patients were
      retained, 28 (4.2%) died, 47 (7.1%) were lost to follow-up, and 24 (3.6%)
      transferred. Five deaths (10.9%) were recorded among children as compared to 23
      deaths (3.7%) among adults (P = 0.037). There were no differences in retention by
      model of nurse-led ART care. CONCLUSION: Task-sharing of HIV care and ART
      initiation with nurses in Cote d'Ivoire is feasible. This pilot illustrates two
      models of nurse-led HIV care and has informed national policy on nurse-led HIV
      care in Cote d'Ivoire.

PMID- 28101953
TI  - Associations between participation in family activities and adolescent school
      problems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adolescent risk outcomes related to school issues are widespread,
      with about 20% parents reporting poor school engagement amongst their youth.
      Previous literature suggests that adolescents who report strong bonds with their
      parents are often identified as being less likely to engage in risky behaviours,
      such as substance use. The current study sought to examine the association
      between the frequencies of selected family activities and school problems amongst
      adolescents after adjustments for family connectedness and other characteristics.
      METHODS: Data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997. Of
      the 8984 youth interviewed, 3855 also had a sibling interviewed who met the
      selection criteria. School problem outcomes measured were suspension occurrence,
      poor grades and highest grade completed low for age. Independent variables of
      interest were self-reported frequency of family dinner, fun and religious
      activities in a typical week. Multivariable logistic models were estimated for
      each outcome, and multivariable linear probability models were estimated
      adjusting for family fixed effects. RESULTS: Adjusting for family connectedness,
      there were significant associations between certain family activities and
      adolescent school problem measures. However, these results did not remain
      significant in models with family fixed effects, suggesting that associations
      could be driven by family-level confounders. DISCUSSION: This study did not find
      strong evidence of a protective relationship between family activities and school
      problems. Therefore, it suggested that programme and policymakers be cautious in
      overstating the importance of family activities in preventing adolescent risk
      outcomes until true causal relationships can be determined.

PMID- 28101957
TI  - Summer co-existence of small-sized cyprinid and percid individuals in natural and
      impounded stretches of a lowland river: food niche partitioning among fishes.
AB  - Due to changes of discharge regime downstream of a dam reservoir, an alluvial
      natural stretch of the Warta River changed to a macrophyte-dominated ecosystem.
      Large patches of submersed, aquatic macrophytes appeared in summer and their
      effect is analysed in this study. These patches contained enriched
      macroinvertebrate assemblages (epiphyton and benthos) and they were refuge for
      both zooplankton and young fishes released from the reservoir. Despite these
      altered conditions in this stretch, roach Rutilus rutilus, perch Perca
      fluviatilis and ruffe Gymnocephalus cernua dominated, as they did in the natural
      backwater. Fishes were sampled every 2 weeks from June to August, together with
      their food resources to assess the partitioning of the diet among small
      individuals of the three species in both stretches (the natural and affected
      ones). The aim of the analysis was to answer how animal food associated with
      water plants was partitioned between the species. In both stretches, G. cernua
      were primarily benthivorous, but epiphytic fauna, zooplankton and large-sized
      benthic chironomid larvae replaced lack of many large, benthic insects in the
      tailwater. Levins' food breath index decreased from 0.36 in the backwater to 0.29
      in the tailwater. An opposite trend was observed for P. fluviatilis occurring
      among macrophytes. Perca fluviatilis were competitors of R. rutilus and took food
      not only in or on the river bed, but also in the water column. They ate
      zooplankton and epiphytic fauna and Levins' index increased from 0.32 to 0.44 in
      the tailwater. Rutilus rutilus fed on adult insects, algae and plant fragments in
      the natural stretch. In the tailwater, these food types were chiefly complemented
      by zooplankton. Despite this, the niche breadth of R. rutilus was similar at the
      two sites. Abundance of food associated with the macrophytes appeared to
      facilitate cohabitation in the abundant fish populations, but P. fluviatilis
      appeared to benefit the most in the altered river stretch.

PMID- 28101958
TI  - A review of maternal alloimmunisation to Rh D in Northern Ireland.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the current incidence of maternal sensitisation to Rhesus
      (Rh) D in Northern Ireland, examine adherence to recommendations for
      administration of anti-D immunoglobulin and identify potential causes for all
      cases of anti-D alloimmunisation sensitisation from January 2010 to September
      2015. BACKGROUND: Post-partum anti-D immunoglobulin administered to Rh D-negative
      women and routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis have greatly reduced the incidence
      of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn due to immune anti-D. Despite
      these measures, anti-D alloimmunisation sensitisation continues to occur, albeit
      much less frequently than in the past. METHODS/MATERIALS: This was a
      retrospective review of new sensitisations to Rh D detected in antenatal records
      between January 2010 and September 2015 in Northern Ireland. A review of patient
      notes and laboratory data was carried out to examine adherence to standards and
      identify potential causes of sensitisation. RESULTS: A total of 67 new
      sensitisations to Rh D were identified over a 69-month period, and the
      sensitisation rate for the full calendar years 2010-2014 was 0.310%. Only 4% of
      cases appear to have been preventable, with two cases involving failure to adhere
      to guidelines. CONCLUSION: A total 96% of sensitisations occurred despite full
      compliance with guidelines. In a large proportion, sensitisation occurred
      following delivery (51%). A change in practice in Northern Ireland is under
      consideration to increase the dose of anti-D immunoglobulin given following
      delivery from 500 to 1500 U in an attempt to reduce these sensitisations.

PMID- 28101959
TI  - Comprehensive Analysis of Transcript Changes Associated With Allograft Rejection:
      Combining Universal and Selective Features.
AB  - We annotated the top transcripts associated with kidney transplant rejection by p
      value, either universal for all rejection or selective for T cell-mediated
      rejection (TCMR) or antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR; ClinicalTrials.gov
      NCT01299168). We used eight class-comparison algorithms to interrogate microarray
      results from 703 biopsies, 205 with rejection. The positive comparators were all
      rejection, TCMR, or ABMR; the negative comparators varied from normal biopsies to
      all nonrejecting biopsies, including other diseases. The universal algorithm,
      rejection versus all nonrejection, identified transcripts mainly inducible by
      interferon gamma. Selectivity for ABMR or TCMR required the other rejection class
      as well as nonrejection biopsies in the comparator to avoid selecting universal
      transcripts. Direct comparison of ABMR versus TCMR yielded only transcripts
      related to TCMR, the stronger signal. Transcripts highly associated with
      rejection were never completely specific for rejection: Many were increased in
      biopsies without rejection, reflecting sharing between rejection and injury
      induced innate immunity. Union of the top 200 transcripts from universal and
      selective algorithms yielded 454 transcripts that permitted unsupervised analysis
      of biopsies in principal component analysis: PC1 was rejection, and PC2 was
      separation of TCMR from ABMR. Appreciating rejection-associated molecular changes
      requires a diverse case mix, accurate histologic classification (including C4d
      negative ABMR), and both selective and universal algorithms.

PMID- 28101960
TI  - Effects of Antegrade Accessory Pathway Conduction on QRS Terminal Vector in
      Patients with Preexcitation Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ventricle preexcitation through accessory pathway changes QRS initial
      vector, and manifests as delta wave on electrocardiogram (ECG). However, QRS
      terminal vector can also be affected. METHODS: A total of 158 patients who had
      single accessory pathway (AP) with antegrade conduction capacity were included
      and divided into two groups according to the ECG with or without delta wave. Note
      that 150 patients had delta wave (overt AP group) on ECG; classical preexcitation
      syndrome was diagnosed before radiofrequency ablation. Eight patients had no
      delta wave on ECG (unapparent AP group); preexcitation was induced by
      transesophageal atrial pacing. ECGs and intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) before
      and after ablation and during atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia were
      analyzed. RESULTS: (1) In the overt AP group: QRS terminal vector amplitude and
      polarity changes were observed in all the 150 patients, and were related to AP
      location and delta wave polarity. (2) In the unapparent AP group: QRS terminal
      vector changes were found in two out of eight patients, and the initial
      activation of ventricle myocardium via AP on IEGM was almost simultaneous with
      the onset of QRS complex on ECG. CONCLUSIONS: It is not only the QRS initial
      vector, but also the QRS terminal vector that can be changed by the antegrade
      accessory pathway conduction in patients with preexcitation syndrome. The change
      of QRS terminal vector is valuable for the diagnosis of atypical preexcitation.

PMID- 28101961
TI  - Antibody formation towards porcine tissue in patients implanted with crosslinked
      heart valves is directed to antigenic tissue proteins and alphaGal epitopes and
      is reduced in healthy vegetarian subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glutaraldehyde-fixed porcine heart valves (ga-pV) are one of the most
      frequently used substitutes for insufficient aortic and pulmonary heart valves
      which, however, degenerate after 10-15 years. Yet, xeno-immunogenicity of ga-pV
      in humans including identification of immunogens still needs to be investigated.
      We here determined the immunogenicity of ga-pV in patients with respect to
      antibody formation, identity of immunogens and potential options to reduce
      antibody levels. METHODS: Levels of tissue-specific and anti-alphaGal antibodies
      were determined retrospectively in patients who received ga-pV for 51 months
      (n=4), 25 months (n=6) or 5 months (n=4) and compared to age-matched untreated
      subjects (n=10) or younger subjects with or without vegetarian diet (n=12/15).
      Immunogenic proteins were investigated by Western blot approaches. RESULTS:
      Tissue-specific antibodies in patients were elevated after 5 (1.73-fold) and 25
      (1.46-fold, both P<.0001) months but not after 51 months, whereas anti-Gal
      antibodies were induced 4.75-fold and 3.66-fold after 5 and 25 months (both
      P<.0001) and still were significantly elevated after 51 months (2.85-fold,
      P<.05). Western blots of porcine valve extracts with and without enzymatic
      deglycosylation revealed strong specific staining at ~65 and ~140 kDa by patient
      sera in either group which were identified by 2D Western blots and mass
      spectrometry as serum albumin and collagen 6A1. Vegetarian diet reduced
      significantly (0.63-fold, P<.01) the level of pre-formed alphaGal but not of
      tissue-specific antibodies. CONCLUSION: Immune response in patients towards ga-pV
      is induced by the porcine proteins albumin and collagen 6A1 as well as alphaGal
      epitopes, which seemed to be more sustained. In contrast, in healthy young
      subjects pre-formed anti-Gal antibodies were reduced by a meat-free nutrition.

PMID- 28101962
TI  - The peopling of the Americas and the origin of the Beringian occupation model.
AB  - The current model for peopling of the Americas involves divergence from an
      ancestral Asian population followed by a period of population isolation and
      genetic diversification in Beringia, and finally, a rapid expansion into and
      throughout the Americas. Studies in the 1970s sought to characterize the
      biological relationships between different indigenous populations and first
      proposed an occupation of Beringia. More recent studies using molecular genetic
      markers often neglect to reference early works that laid the groundwork for
      current colonization models. We address this matter, and briefly summarize the
      literature and technological advances that contributed to our current
      understanding of the peopling of the Americas. Furthermore, we argue that
      describing the process of peopling of the Americas as "migrations from Asia"
      minimizes the significant genetic diversification that occurred outside of Asia,
      and offends indigenous Americans by discounting their origin narratives and land
      rights. Rather than referring to the indigenous peoples of the Americas as
      "migrants" or "immigrants," we recommend consistency in the language used to
      describe all post-glacial expansions of people into Asia, Europe and the
      Americas.

PMID- 28101963
TI  - Extreme biophysics: Enzymes under pressure.
AB  - A critical question about piezophilic (pressure-loving) microbes is how their
      constituent molecules maintain function under high pressure. Here, factors are
      examined that may lead to the increased activity under pressure in dihydrofolate
      reductase from the piezophilic Moritella profunda compared to the homologous
      enzyme from the mesophilic Escherichia coli. Molecular dynamics simulations are
      performed at various temperatures and pressures to examine how pressure affects
      the flexibility of the enzymes from these two microbes, since both stability and
      flexibility are necessary for enzyme activity. The results suggest that
      collective motions on the 10-ns timescale are responsible for the flexibility
      necessary for "corresponding states" activity at the growth conditions of the
      parent organism. In addition, the results suggest that while the lower stability
      of many enzymes from deep-sea microbes may be an adaptation for greater
      flexibility at low temperatures, high pressure may enhance their adaptation to
      low temperatures. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101964
TI  - Patient outcome after implant of a cardioverter defibrillator in the 'real
      world': the key role of co-morbidities.

PMID- 28101965
TI  - A multi-hit hypothesis of bullous pemphigoid and associated neurological disease:
      Is HLA-DQB1*03:01, a potential link between immune privileged antigen exposure
      and epitope spreading?
AB  - Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease and is
      linked to IgG recognition of 2 hemidesmosomal antigens, that is, BP230 (BP
      antigen 1) and BP180 (BP antigen 2, collagen XVII). The association of BP with
      other systemic diseases, particularly neurocognitive diseases, provides a
      potential clue in the underlying pathogenesis of BP. The role of HLA-DQB1*03:01
      binding to the immunogenic portion of BP180 provides a potential mechanism by
      which exposure to neuronal collagen BP180 may lead to cutaneous disease. In our
      proposed multi-hit hypothesis, patients with underlying neuronal disease are
      exposed to previously sequestered self-antigen, most importantly BP180. Patients
      with the HLA-DQB1*03:01 allele show an increased T-cell avidity to several
      epitopes of BP180, particularly the BP180-NC16a domain. Thus, they have a genetic
      susceptibility to developing BP upon exposure to the target antigen. In a patient
      with dysregulation of Th1/Th2 balance, anergy is lost and T-cells are
      subsequently primed resulting in the development of functional autoimmunity
      against the BP180-NC16a domain leading to clinically overt disease.

PMID- 28101966
TI  - The free energy of locking a ring: Changing a deoxyribonucleoside to a locked
      nucleic acid.
AB  - Locked nucleic acid (LNA), a modified nucleoside which contains a bridging group
      across the ribose ring, improves the stability of DNA/RNA duplexes significantly,
      and therefore is of interest in biotechnology and gene therapy applications. In
      this study, we investigate the free energy change between LNA and DNA
      nucleosides. The transformation requires the breaking of the bridging group
      across the ribose ring, a problematic transformation in free energy calculations.
      To address this, we have developed a 3-step (easy to implement) and a 1-step
      protocol (more efficient, but more complicated to setup), for single and dual
      topologies in classical molecular dynamics simulations, using the Bennett
      Acceptance Ratio method to calculate the free energy. We validate the approach on
      the solvation free energy difference for the nucleosides thymidine, cytosine, and
      5-methyl-cytosine. (c) 2017 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry
      Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101968
TI  - Defined daily doses (DDD) do not accurately reflect opioid doses used in
      contemporary chronic pain treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess how well the defined daily dose (DDD) metric reflects opioid
      utilisation among chronic non-cancer pain patients. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross
      sectional study, utilising a 7-day medication diary. SETTING: Community-based
      treatment settings, Australia. SUBJECTS: A sample of 1101 people prescribed
      opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. METHODS: Opioid dose data was collected via
      a self-completed 7-day medication diary capturing names, strengths and doses of
      each medication taken in the past week. Median daily dose was calculated for each
      opioid. Comparisons were made to the World Health Organization's (WHO) DDD
      metric. RESULTS: WHO DDDs ranged from 0.6 to 7.1 times the median opioid doses
      used by the sample. For transdermal fentanyl and oral hydromorphone, the median
      dose was comparable with the DDD. The DDD for methadone was 0.6 times lower than
      the median doses used by this sample of chronic pain patients. In contrast, the
      DDD for oxycodone and transdermal buprenorphine, the most commonly used strong
      opioids for chronic pain in Australia, was two to seven times higher than actual
      doses used. CONCLUSIONS: For many opioids, there are key differences between the
      actual doses used in clinical practice and the WHO's DDDs. The interpretation of
      opioid utilisation studies using population-level DDDs may be limited, and a
      recalibration of the DDD for many opioids or the reporting of opioid utilisation
      in oral morphine equivalent doses is recommended. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28101969
TI  - Low trabecular bone density in recent sedentary modern humans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Research on a limited number of samples suggests that trabecular bone
      density (i.e., bone volume fraction, BVF) within specific articulations is lower
      among more sedentary Holocene agricultural populations compared with Holocene
      foragers, implying that activity levels have a significant effect on trabecular
      BVF. However, it is unclear to what extent BVF differs among groups with varying
      activity levels and how general this phenomenon is across multiple limb
      articulations. Here, we test two hypotheses that: (i) sedentary populations have
      lower BVF compared with active populations across limb articulations; and (ii)
      these declines are more uniform in the lower limb (because of its more direct
      relationship to mobility), and more variable in the upper limb. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We estimated BVF in seven lower and upper limb articulations of five
      Holocene population samples with subsistence strategies spanning from foraging
      through horticultural to industrial using pQCT (peripheral Quantitative Computed
      Tomography). RESULTS: Both hypotheses are largely supported. First, the most
      active groups have significantly greater BVF in most limb elements compared with
      more sedentary groups. Second, all sedentary groups have relatively similar (and
      lower) BVF in the lower limb but show more variation in upper limb articulations.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a decline in activity levels associated
      with the adoption of agriculture and industrialization significantly contributed
      to the reduction in BVF in recent modern humans, but specific behavioral changes,
      particularly in the upper limb, also affected these patterns.

PMID- 28101971
TI  - Quality of patient-centred care: Medical oncology patients' perceptions and
      characteristics associated with quality of care.

PMID- 28101970
TI  - Neuropeptide Y resists excess loss of fat by lipolysis in calorie-restricted
      mice: a trait potential for the life-extending effect of calorie restriction.
AB  - Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an orexigenic peptide that plays an essential role in
      caloric restriction (CR)-mediated lifespan extension. However, the mechanisms
      underlying the NPY-mediated effects in CR are poorly defined. Here, we report
      that NPY deficiency in male mice during CR increases mortality in association
      with lipodystrophy. NPY-/- mice displayed a rapid decrease in body weight and fat
      mass, as well as increased lipolysis during CR. These alterations in fat
      regulation were inhibited by the lipolysis inhibitor, acipimox, a treatment
      associated with reduced mortality. The lipolytic/thermogenic signaling, beta3
      adrenergic receptor/hormone sensitive lipase, was markedly activated in white
      adipose tissue of NPY-/- mice compared with that of NPY+/+ mice, and
      thermogenesis was controlled by NPY under negative energy balance. These results
      demonstrate the critical role of NPY in the regulation of lipid metabolic
      homeostasis and survival via control of lipolysis and thermogenesis in a state of
      negative energy balance.

PMID- 28101972
TI  - An evaluation of the quality of evidence available to inform current bone
      conducting hearing device national policy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2016, NHS England published the commissioning policy on Bone
      Conducting Hearing Devices (BCHDs). This policy was informed by updated evidence
      on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of BCHDs as well as by the 2013 Bone
      Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) policy. Commissioning policies set the criteria for
      service delivery and therefore have a major impact on the care received by
      patients. It is important that stakeholders have a good appreciation of the
      available evidence informing policy, as this will promote engagement both with
      the policy and with future research leading on from the policy. In this article,
      we provide stakeholders with a transparent and pragmatic assessment of the
      quality of the body of evidence available to inform current BCHD national policy.
      METHOD: (i) A systematic review of the literature on BCHDs published since the
      development of the 2013 policy was performed in September 2016, adhering to
      PRISMA recommendations. The search terms used were as follows bone conduction;
      bone conducting; bone anchor; BAHA; Bone Anchored Hearing Aid; Bone Conducting
      Hearing Device; BCHD; Bone Conducting Hearing Implant; BCHI; Sophono; Bonebridge;
      Soundbite; Ponto; Hearing aid; implant; device; hearing device. Publications that
      could inform current BCHD policy were included. The quality of included articles
      was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and
      Evaluation (GRADE) system. (ii) The quality of evidence referenced by the 2013
      BAHA policy was assessed using the GRADE system. RESULTS: (i) Of the 2576
      publications on BCHDs identified by the systematic search, 39 met the inclusion
      criteria for further analysis. Using the GRADE criteria, the quality of evidence
      was classified as of 'very low quality'. (ii) The 2013 BAHA policy was informed
      by 14 references. The GRADE system classifies the quality of evidence that
      informed the policy as of 'very low quality'. CONCLUSIONS: The GRADE system
      defines the body of evidence available to inform current national BCHD policy as
      of 'very low quality'. There is an urgent need for high-quality research to help
      make informed policy decisions about the care of patients with hearing loss. An
      (inter)national registry of BCHDs could address this need.

PMID- 28101974
TI  - Etiquette, competence, and professionalism: the profile of the 'ideal pediatric
      anesthesiologist'.

PMID- 28101973
TI  - Heparin cross-linked collagen sponge scaffolds improve functional regeneration of
      rat tracheal epithelium.
AB  - Tracheal epithelial cells maintain airway homeostasis by mediating mucociliary
      clearance. Following tracheal reconstruction, timely epithelial regeneration is
      required to prevent respiratory compromise and infectious diseases. To achieve
      rapid tracheal epithelial regeneration, a heparin cross-linked collagen sponge
      containing fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) was prepared as a graft for
      tracheal reconstruction. The heparin cross-linked sponge exhibited a high FGF-2
      retaining capacity, and tracheal epithelial and mesenchymal cells cultured in
      this sponge containing FGF-2 showed high proliferative capacities. Subsequently,
      heparin-free collagen sponge scaffolds (C/F scaffold) and collagen sponge
      scaffolds cross-linked with 10 MUg/ml heparin retained FGF-2 (C/H10/F scaffold),
      and were transplanted into rats with tracheal defects. Invasion of both
      epithelial and non-epithelial cells was greater in rats treated with the C/H10/F
      scaffold at 1 week post-transplantation than in rats treated with the C/F
      scaffold. Moreover, at 2 weeks after transplantation, improved cilia formation
      was observed in the C/H10/F scaffold group, with higher motility and more potent
      posterior-anterior flow generation than in the C/F scaffold group. These results
      suggest that heparin improves functional regeneration of tracheal epithelium.
      Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28101975
TI  - Novel approach to supine positioning for infants with spinal neural tube defects.

PMID- 28101976
TI  - A reflection on professionalism.

PMID- 28101967
TI  - Host-related factors explaining interindividual variability of carotenoid
      bioavailability and tissue concentrations in humans.
AB  - Carotenoid dietary intake and their endogenous levels have been associated with a
      decreased risk of several chronic diseases. There are indications that carotenoid
      bioavailability depends, in addition to the food matrix, on host factors. These
      include diseases (e.g. colitis), life-style habits (e.g. smoking), gender and
      age, as well as genetic variations including single nucleotide polymorphisms that
      govern carotenoid metabolism. These are expected to explain interindividual
      differences that contribute to carotenoid uptake, distribution, metabolism and
      excretion, and therefore possibly also their association with disease risk. For
      instance, digestion enzymes fostering micellization (PNLIP, CES), expression of
      uptake/efflux transporters (SR-BI, CD36, NPC1L1), cleavage enzymes (BCO1/2),
      intracellular transporters (FABP2), secretion into chylomicrons (APOB, MTTP),
      carotenoid metabolism in the blood and liver (LPL, APO C/E, LDLR), and
      distribution to target tissues such as adipose tissue or macula (GSTP1, StARD3)
      depend on the activity of these proteins. In addition, human microbiota, e.g. via
      altering bile-acid concentrations, may play a role in carotenoid bioavailability.
      In order to comprehend individual, variable responses to these compounds, an
      improved knowledge on intra-/interindividual factors determining carotenoid
      bioavailability, including tissue distribution, is required. Here, we highlight
      the current knowledge on factors that may explain such intra-/interindividual
      differences.

PMID- 28101977
TI  - Distribution of sciatic nerve division in children: a prospective observational
      study using an ultrasound device.

PMID- 28101978
TI  - Hyperthermia during a laparoscopic procedure.

PMID- 28101979
TI  - Could acupuncture be an adequate alternative to dexamethasone in pediatric
      tonsillectomy?

PMID- 28101980
TI  - Reply to Xin, Juan; Zhang, Yabing; Zhou, Xiaoshuang; Liu, Bin, regarding their
      comment 'Acupuncture may be an effective supplement treatment for dexamethasone
      in pediatric tonsillectomy'.

PMID- 28101981
TI  - Are children with Cornelia de Lange syndrome at risk for malignant hyperthermia?

PMID- 28101982
TI  - Reply to Monteleone, Matthew; Teng, Howard, regarding their comment
      'Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to the infant spinal anesthestic'.

PMID- 28101984
TI  - In this issue: February 2017.

PMID- 28101983
TI  - Working to define professionalism in pediatric anesthesiology: a qualitative
      study of domains of the expert pediatric anesthesiologist as valued by
      interdisciplinary stakeholders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unprofessional behavior is a significant problem throughout graduate
      medical education programs and medical centers. Some authors have suggested that
      professionalism curricula should be focused toward faculty, not trainees, to
      interrupt the modeling of unprofessionalism. Developing such curricula requires a
      needs assessment and is challenging given data indicating that the definition of
      professionalism varies based on medical specialty. Thus, a specialty-specific
      definition of professionalism is needed as a first step in any curriculum
      development. AIM: The aim of this study was to define professionalism in
      pediatric anesthesiology. METHODS: This is a qualitative study using focus groups
      for data collection and a grounded theory approach for analysis. Four relevant
      stakeholder groups, pediatric surgeons and endoscopists, perioperative nurses,
      pediatric anesthesiologists, and parents of children who had undergone surgery at
      our facility, were recruited for participation. De-identified transcripts were
      analyzed and coded to derive major domains and component themes relevant to the
      definition of professionalism for pediatric anesthesiology. Member checking with
      participants from our stakeholder groups was used to validate thematic
      development and increase the trustworthiness of our findings. RESULTS: Focus
      group participants included 20 individuals, 14 of whom were female. Analysis of
      transcripts identified 11 major domains across the four groups: Patient
      Ownership, Specialty Expertise, Continuous Team Improvement, Expressive
      Communication, Active Listening, Care Coordination, Medical Hierarchy,
      Leadership, Teamwork, Personality Traits, and Physical Image. The data uncovered
      several controversies for future study. CONCLUSION: A composite of these 11
      domains may give a more complete image of what surgical and nursing colleagues,
      patient families, and anesthesiologist partners expect of the pediatric
      anesthesiologist. Despite some overlap and interdependence between domains, this
      research may contribute to the creation of future educational curricula and
      provides domains for evaluation of professionalism in pediatric anesthesiology.

PMID- 28101985
TI  - Time-dependent density functional theory study on direction-dependent electron
      and hole transfer processes in molecular systems.
AB  - We report on real-time time-dependent density functional theory calculations on
      direction-dependent electron and hole transfer processes in molecular systems. As
      a model system, we focus on alpha-sulfur. It is shown that time scale of the
      electron transfer process from a negatively charged S8 molecule to a neighboring
      neutral monomer is comparable to that of a strong infrared-active molecular
      vibrations of the dimer with one negatively charged monomer. This results in a
      strong coupling between the electrons and the nuclei motion which eventually
      leads to S8 ring opening before the electron transfer process is completed. The
      open-ring structure is found to be stable. The similar infrared-active peak in
      the case of hole transfer, however, is shown to be very weak and hence no
      significant scattering by the nuclei is possible. The presented approach to study
      the charge transfer processes in sulfur has direct applications in the
      increasingly growing research field of charge transport in molecular systems. (c)
      2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28101986
TI  - Size-Dependent Activity of Palladium Nanoparticles: Efficient Conversion of CO2
      into Formate at Low Overpotentials.
AB  - Remarkable size-dependent activity of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) towards
      formate production is evident at very low overpotentials (-0.1 to -0.5 V vs.
      RHE). Size-selective PdNPs, chemically synthesized at sizes of 3.8-10.7 nm,
      effected an electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction in aqueous 0.5 m NaHCO3 . The
      faradaic efficiency of formate production (FEformate ) on 3.8 nm PdNPs exceeded
      86 % at E=-0.1 V versus RHE, whereas on 6.5 nm PdNPs an even higher FEformate of
      98 % was observed. However, FEformate decreased for larger PdNPs. The superior
      efficiency towards formate production at low overpotentials is rationalized in
      terms of a changed catalytic pathway through PdH phases. The observed maximum in
      the formate efficiency for a mean particle size of about 6.5 nm is discussed in
      terms of counterbalancing the size-dependent effects of a competing CO2 reduction
      reaction and a parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction. Production rates of formate
      are also remarkably high at -0.3 V versus RHE with 539.9 and 452.3 ppm h-1  mgPd
      1 for the 6.5 and 3.8 nm PdNPs, respectively.

PMID- 28101987
TI  - Delivery Outcomes of Patients with Acute Migraine in Pregnancy: A Retrospective
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe labor and delivery outcomes in pregnant patients
      presenting to the hospital setting with an acute severe migraine headache attack
      earlier in the same gestation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed pregnancy and
      delivery records from a database of consecutive inpatient neurology consultations
      for acute headache in pregnant women over a 5 year period. RESULTS: We identified
      86 pregnant women with acute migraine. The mean age was 29.3 (+/-6.4) years.
      Nearly half had migraine with aura (35/86 [40.7%]), 12.8% (12/86) had chronic
      migraine, and 31.4% (27/86) presented in status migrainosus. Complication rates
      included 54.7%([41/75], 95% CI 29.87, 52.13) for at least one adverse outcome,
      28.0% ([21/75], 95% CI 11.78, 30.22) for preterm delivery, 21.3% ([16/75], 95% CI
      7.7, 24.3) for preeclampsia, 30.6% ([23/75] 95% CI 13.48, 32.52) for cesarean
      delivery, and 18.7% ([14/75] 95% CI 6.15, 21.85) for low birthweight.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women seeking treatment for acute migraine headache
      experienced a higher rate of preterm delivery, preeclampsia, and low birthweight
      but a lower rate of cesarean delivery than the local and general populations.
      More than half (54.7% [41/75] 95% CI 29.87, 52.13) of the study patients
      experienced some type of adverse birth outcome, suggesting that pregnancies in
      migraine patients presenting to an acute care setting may benefit from more
      intense surveillance.

PMID- 28101988
TI  - Toxicity assessment of zero valent iron nanoparticles on Artemia salina.
AB  - The present study deals with the toxicity assessment of two differently
      synthesized zero valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI, chemical and biological) as
      well as Fe2+ ions on Artemia salina at three different initial concentrations of
      1, 10, and 100 mg/L of these particles. The assessment was done till 96 h at time
      intervals of 24 h. EC50 value was calculated to evaluate the 50% mortality of
      Artemia salina at all exposure time durations. Between chemically and
      biologically synthesized nZVI nanoparticles, insignificant differences in the
      level of mortality were demonstrated. At even 24 h, Fe2+ ion imparted complete
      lethality at the highest exposure concentration (100 mg/L). To understand
      intracellular oxidative stress because of zero valent iron nanoparticles, ROS
      estimation, SOD activity, GSH activity, and catalase activity was performed which
      demonstrated that ionic form of iron is quite lethal at high concentrations as
      compared with the same concentration of nZVI exposure. Lower concentrations of
      nZVI were more toxic as compared with the ionic form and was in order of CS-nZVI
      > BS-nZVI > Fe2+ . Cell membrane damage and bio-uptake of nanoparticles were also
      evaluated for all three concentrations of BS-nZVI, CS-nZVI, and Fe2+ using adult
      Artemia salina in marine water; both of which supported the observations made in
      toxicity assessment. This study can be further explored to exploit Artemia salina
      as a model organism and a biomarker in an nZVI prone aquatic system to detect
      toxic levels of these nanoparticles. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ
      Toxicol 32: 1617-1627, 2017.

PMID- 28101989
TI  - Diagnosis of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Wild and Domestic Animals in Xinjiang,
      China, 2013-2016.
AB  - Peste des petits ruminants viruses (PPRVs) re-emerged in China at the end of 2013
      and then spread rapidly into 22 provinces through movement of live goats and
      sheep. In this study, 96 samples of domestic animals and 13 samples of wildlife
      were analysed for the presence of PPRV infection by ELISA or RT-PCR. Of 96
      samples from sheep and goats, 91 were PPRV positive, whereas all of the 13
      samples from three wild species, Capra ibex (Capra ibex sibirica), argali (Ovis
      ammon) and Goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), were found to be positive.
      Five wildlife-origin isolates from the above samples were identified as the
      lineage IV by a multiple alignment of the partial sequences in N gene.

PMID- 28101990
TI  - A Single Center Study of 1,179 Heart Transplant Patients-Factors Affecting
      Pacemaker Implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After around 10% of heart transplant patients require pacemaker
      implantation. The bradyarrhythmias causing pacemaker requirement include sinus
      node dysfunction (SND) and atrioventricular block (AVB). This study sought to
      define clinical predictors for pacemaker requirement as well as identify
      differences in the patient groups developing SND and AVB. METHODS: Our operative
      database was used to collect retrospective recipient, donor, and operative data
      of all patients receiving orthotopic heart transplants between 1981 and 2016.
      RESULTS: In the 35-year period 1,179 transplants were performed (mean recipient
      age 45.5 +/- 0.5 years, 20.4% female, 90.6% biatrial technique) with
      bradyarrhythmias requiring pacemaker implantation developing in 135 patients
      (11.5%). Independent risk factors were prolonged operative time 340 minutes
      versus 313 minutes (P = 0.027) and a biatrial anastomosis (P = 0.036). Ischemia
      time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross clamp time, and reperfusion time
      all had no significant effect on pacemaker implantation rates. Similarly, whether
      the transplant was a reoperation, a retransplant, or performed after primary
      assist implantation had no effects on pacemaker implantation rates. There was no
      survival difference between the paced and nonpaced groups. The donor age was
      higher in the patients who developed AVB as the indication for pacemaker
      implantation (43 vs 34 years, P = 0.031). Patients with AVB had longer aortic
      cross clamp times and developed the arrhythmia later than those who developed
      SND. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the bicaval instead of the biatrial technique and
      shortened operative times should reduce pacemaker requirement after heart
      transplantation. Survival is not affected by this complication.

PMID- 28101993
TI  - Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Phantom Limb Pain: Probably
      Effective but Understudied.

PMID- 28101994
TI  - A Personal Evaluation of Changing Social Contracts in Medicine: Reflections of
      Medicine in the Media.

PMID- 28101991
TI  - Clinically Distinct Phenotypes of Canavan Disease Correlate with Residual
      Aspartoacylase Enzyme Activity.
AB  - We describe 14 patients with 12 novel missense mutations in ASPA, the gene
      causing Canavan disease (CD). We developed a method to study the effect of these
      12 variants on the function of aspartoacylase-the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-l
      aspartic acid (NAA) to aspartate and acetate. The wild-type ASPA open reading
      frame (ORF) and the ORFs containing each of the variants were transfected into
      HEK293 cells. Enzyme activity was determined by incubating cell lysates with NAA
      and measuring the released aspartic acid by LC-MS/MS. Clinical data were obtained
      for 11 patients by means of questionnaires. Four patients presented with a non
      typical clinical picture or with the milder form of CD, whereas seven presented
      with severe CD. The mutations found in the mild patients corresponded to the
      variants with the highest residual enzyme activities, suggesting that this assay
      can help evaluate unknown variants found in patients with atypical presentation.
      We have detected a correlation between clinical presentation, enzyme activity,
      and genotype for CD.

PMID- 28101995
TI  - Cholinergic signaling in myelination.
AB  - There is a long history of research on acetylcholine (ACh) function in
      myelinating glia, but a resurgence of interest recently as a result of the
      therapeutic potential of manipulating ACh signaling to promote remyelination, and
      the broader interest in neurotransmitter signaling in activity-dependent
      myelination. Myelinating glia express all the major types of muscarinic and
      nicotinic ACh receptors at different stages of development, and
      acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase are highly expressed in white
      matter. This review traces the history of research on ACh signaling in Schwann
      cells, oligodendrocytes, and in the myelin sheath, and summarizes current
      knowledge on the intracellular signaling and functional consequences of ACh
      signaling in myelinating glia. Implications of ACh in diseases, such as
      Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and white matter toxicity caused by
      pesticides are considered, together with an outline of major questions for future
      research. GLIA 2017;65:687-698.

PMID- 28101996
TI  - Aquatic therapy for people with persistent knee pain: A feasibility study.

PMID- 28101998
TI  - 58TH ANNUAL MEETING & EXHIBITION.

PMID- 28101997
TI  - The ecology of anemia: Anemia prevalence and correlated factors in adult
      indigenous women in Argentina.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Toba/Qom of Namqom are an indigenous community native to the Gran
      Chaco region of northern Argentina. Historically seminomadic foragers, the diet
      of peri-urban community members has rapidly changed from high-protein, high-fiber
      to hypercaloric, processed. This study aims to understand the impact of this
      nutritional transition on aspects of women's health by exploring the relationship
      between prevalence of anemia and current diet composition, place of birth, and
      reproductive history. METHODS: We measured the capillary hemoglobin (Hb) levels
      of 153 adult women. Each participant was also given two interviews characterizing
      reproductive history and a 24-hour food recall. RESULTS: The average Hb level was
      12.6 g/dL (range 5.8-15.7 g/dL). In our sample, 28% of participants were anemic
      and 31% were borderline anemic. Iron and vitamin C consumption were negatively
      associated with Hb levels. Body mass index was marginally associated with Hb
      levels. Being born in a peri-urban setting, a proxy for early Westernized diet
      was associated with higher risk of anemia, suggesting developmental experience
      may play a role. Pregnant and lactating women had lower Hb levels than
      menstruating and menopausal women. Age, height, parity, and age at first
      pregnancy were not found to be statistically significant predictors of anemia.
      CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency represents a serious health concern for women,
      particularly pregnant ones. Our results suggest that both past and current
      nutritional ecology variables may be associated with the risk of anemia. These
      findings inform public health interventions, since reproductive history may be
      more difficult to modify than current diet.

PMID- 28101999
TI  - Congratulations.

PMID- 28102000
TI  - Bone regeneration in minipigs via calcium phosphate cement scaffold delivering
      autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and platelet-rich plasma.
AB  - Macroporous calcium phosphate cement (CPC) with stem cell seeding is promising
      for bone regeneration. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects
      of co-delivering autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and
      autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in CPC scaffold for bone regeneration in
      minipigs for the first time. Twelve female adult Tibet minipigs (12-18 months
      old) were used. A cylindrical defect with 10 mm height and 8 mm diameter was
      prepared at the femoral condyle. Two bone defects were created in each minipig,
      one at each side of the femoral condyle. Three constructs were tested: (1) CPC
      scaffold (CPC control); (2) CPC seeded with BMSCs (CPC-BMSC); (3) CPC seeded with
      BMSCs and PRP (CPC-BMSC-PRP). Two time points were tested: 6 and 12 weeks (n =
      4). Good integration of implant with surrounding tissues was observed in all
      groups. At 12 weeks, the CPC-BMSC-PRP group had significantly less residual CPC
      remaining in the defect than the CPC-BMSC group and the CPC control (p < 0.05).
      The residual CPC volume for the CPC-BMSC-PRP group was half that of the CPC
      control. New bone formation for CPC-BMSC-PRP was more than two-fold that of the
      CPC control (p < 0.05). CPC-BMSC-PRP had new blood vessel density that was nearly
      two-fold that of the CPC control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CPC scaffold with
      autologous BMSC-PRP doubled the new bone regeneration and blood vessel density in
      minipigs compared with the CPC control. In the present study, the new macroporous
      CPC system with co-delivered BMSC-PRP has been shown to promote scaffold
      resorption and bone regeneration in large defects. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley
      & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28102002
TI  - Pseudoherpetic transient acantholytic dermatosis (Grover disease): case series
      and review of the literature.
AB  - A total of 3 cases of pseudoherpetic transient acantholytic dermatosis (Grover
      disease) are presented, followed by a brief review of prior reports. All 3
      patients were above the age of 60 and presented with a pruritic eruption composed
      of papules with or without vesicles distributed on the trunk. For all 3 patients,
      the clinical differential diagnosis included drug eruption but did not include
      Grover disease; in 1 patient, the clinical impression included herpesvirus
      infection. Similar histologic and immunohistochemical findings were demonstrated
      in all 3 cases. Intraepidermal vesicles with acantholysis, multinucleation and
      hypereosinophilic keratinocytes mimicking necrosis raised the possibility of
      herpesvirus infection. However, the focality of the process at scanning
      magnification, absence of true cytopathic effect despite multinucleation, and
      identification of dyskeratosis rather than true necrosis all permitted for
      morphologic distinction as pseudoherpetic change. Immunohistochemistry, negative
      for herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus antigens, also distinguished
      pseudoherpetic change in these patients from a true herpesvirus infection. This
      series highlights an uncommon histologic variant of a common disorder and
      describes morphologic and immunohistochemical findings to facilitate its
      distinction from true herpesvirus infection.

PMID- 28102001
TI  - Evaluation of the hybrid resolution PACE model for the study of folding,
      insertion, and pore formation of membrane associated peptides.
AB  - The PACE force field presents an attractive model for conducting molecular
      dynamics simulations of membrane-protein systems. PACE is a hybrid model, in
      which lipids and solvents are coarse-grained consistent with the MARTINI mapping,
      while proteins are described by a united atom model. However, given PACE is
      linked to MARTINI, which is widely used to study membranes, the behavior of
      proteins interacting with membranes has only been limitedly examined in PACE. In
      this study, PACE is used to examine the behavior of several peptides in membrane
      environments, namely WALP peptides, melittin and influenza hemagglutinin fusion
      peptide (HAfp). Overall, we find PACE provides an improvement over MARTINI for
      modeling helical peptides, based on the membrane insertion energetics for WALP16
      and more realistic melittin pore dynamics. Our studies on HAfp, which forms a
      helical hairpin structure, do not show the hairpin structure to be stable, which
      may point toward a deficiency in the model. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28102003
TI  - Intervention quality is not routinely assessed in Cochrane systematic reviews of
      radiation therapy interventions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to maximise the benefits from clinical
      trials involving technological interventions such as radiation therapy. High
      compliance to the quality assurance protocols is crucial. We assessed whether the
      quality of radiation therapy intervention was evaluated in Cochrane systematic
      reviews. METHODS: We searched 416 published Cochrane systematic reviews and
      identified 67 Cochrane systematic reviews that investigated radiation therapy or
      radiotherapy as an intervention. For each systematic review, either quality
      assurance or quality control for the intervention was identified by a description
      of such processes in the published systematic reviews. RESULTS: Of the 67
      Cochrane systematic reviews studied, only two mentioned quality assurance or
      quality control. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that 65 of 67 (97%) Cochrane
      systematic reviews of radiation therapy interventions failed to consider the
      quality of the intervention. We suggest that advice about the evaluation of
      intervention quality be added to author support materials.

PMID- 28102004
TI  - Prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in Fundong Health District, North
      West Cameroon.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in Fundong
      Health District, North-West Cameroon. METHODS: We selected 51 clusters of 80
      people (all ages) through probability proportionate to size sampling. Initial
      hearing screening was undertaken through an otoacoustic emission (OAE) test.
      Participants aged 4+ years who failed this test in both ears or for whom an OAE
      reading could not be taken underwent a manual pure-tone audiometry (PTA)
      screening. Cases of hearing impairment were defined as those with pure-tone
      average >=41 dBHL in adults and >=35 dBHL in children in the better ear, or
      children under age 4 who failed the OAE test in both ears. Each case with hearing
      loss was examined by an ear, nose and throat nurse who indicated the main likely
      cause. RESULTS: We examined 3567 (86.9%) of 4104 eligible people. The overall
      prevalence of hearing impairment was 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8
      4.6). The prevalence was low in people aged 0-17 (1.1%, 0.7-1.8%) and 18-49
      (1.1%, 0.5-2.6%) and then rose sharply in people aged 50+ (14.8%, 11.7-19.1%).
      Among cases, the majority were classified as moderate (76%), followed by severe
      (15%) and profound (9%). More than one-third of cases of hearing impairment were
      classified as unknown (37%) or conductive (37%) causes, while sensorineural
      causes were less common (26%). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of hearing impairment in
      North-West Cameroon is in line with the WHO estimate for sub-Saharan Africa. The
      majority of cases with known causes are treatable, with impacted wax playing a
      major role.

PMID- 28102006
TI  - Prozone Effect Can Be Specific to Single Antigen Bead Kit Manufacturers.

PMID- 28102005
TI  - Blind prediction of deleterious amino acid variations with SNPs&GO.
AB  - SNPs&GO is a machine learning method for predicting the association of single
      amino acid variations (SAVs) to disease, considering protein functional
      annotation. The method is a binary classifier that implements a support vector
      machine algorithm to discriminate between disease-related and neutral SAVs.
      SNPs&GO combines information from protein sequence with functional annotation
      encoded by gene ontology (GO) terms. Tested in sequence mode on more than 38,000
      SAVs from the SwissVar dataset, our method reached 81% overall accuracy and an
      area under the receiving operating characteristic curve of 0.88 with low false
      positive rate. In almost all the editions of the Critical Assessment of Genome
      Interpretation (CAGI) experiments, SNPs&GO ranked among the most accurate
      algorithms for predicting the effect of SAVs. In this paper, we summarize the
      best results obtained by SNPs&GO on disease-related variations of four CAGI
      challenges relative to the following genes: CHEK2 (CAGI 2010), RAD50 (CAGI 2011),
      p16-INK (CAGI 2013), and NAGLU (CAGI 2016). Result evaluation provides insights
      about the accuracy of our algorithm and the relevance of GO terms in annotating
      the effect of the variants. It also helps to define good practices for the
      detection of deleterious SAVs.

PMID- 28102007
TI  - Effects of Diet Restriction and Diet Complexity on Life History Strategies in
      Side-Blotched Lizards (Uta stansburiana).
AB  - Organisms must balance energy invested into self-maintenance, reproduction, and
      somatic growth over their lifetime. In this study, the effects of diet
      restriction and diet complexity on side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana) were
      analyzed. Thirty male lizards, housed in the laboratory, were fed either an ad
      libitum or a restricted diet for 18 days (phase 1). Individuals from both
      treatments were then assigned to a diet of the same quantity of food that was
      either simple (only crickets) or complex (crickets, cockroaches, waxworms, and
      mealworms) for 35 days (phase 2). We evaluated (1) how diet restriction affected
      life history strategies and (2) how diet complexity affected recovery from diet
      restriction as measured at the end of phase 2 by body mass, snout-vent length,
      calculated body condition score, wound healing, tail regrowth, bacterial killing
      ability, oxidative stress, and plasma testosterone and corticosterone
      concentrations. Lizards without diet restriction allocated more energy to self
      maintenance (i.e., maintaining higher body condition scores, healing wounds more
      quickly) than lizards with diet restriction. Lizards with diet restriction had
      higher plasma testosterone concentrations and larger increases in snout-vent
      lengths than those fed ad libitum, which may reflect allocations toward
      reproduction and somatic growth. A complex diet resulted in better body condition
      and faster tail regrowth than a simple diet, suggesting that a complex diet
      enhanced recovery from diet restriction, although long-term life history choices
      remained unaltered. Finally, lizards on a complex diet consumed substantially
      less food while maintaining higher body condition, suggesting that key nutrients
      may be lacking from a simple diet.

PMID- 28102008
TI  - Gender-Associated Mitochondrial DNA Heteroplasmy in Somatic Tissues of the
      Endangered Freshwater Mussel Unio crassus (Bivalvia: Unionidae): Implications for
      Sex Identification and Phylogeographical Studies.
AB  - Some bivalve species possess two independent mitochondrial DNA lineages:
      maternally (F-type) and paternally (M-type) inherited. This phenomenon is called
      doubly uniparental inheritance. It is generally agreed that F-type mtDNA is
      typically present in female somatic and gonadal tissues as well as in male
      somatic tissues, whereas the M-type mtDNA occurs only in male germ line and
      gonadal tissue. In the present study, the mtDNA heteroplasmy (for both F and M
      genomes) in male somatic tissues of Unio crassus (Philipsson, 1788), species
      threatened with extinction, has been confirmed. Taking advantage from the
      presence of Mcox1 marker only in male somatic tissues, we developed a new method
      of sex identification in this endangered species, using nondestructive tissue
      sampling. Probability of correct sex identification was estimated at 97.5%. The
      present study is the first report on gender-associated mitochondrial DNA
      heteroplasmy in male somatic tissues of thick-shelled river mussel and first
      approach to U. crassus sex identification at molecular level. Our study also
      confirmed the utility of paternally inherited Mcox1 gene fragment as a
      complementary molecular tool for resolving phylogeographical relationships among
      populations of thick-shelled river mussel.

PMID- 28102009
TI  - Detection of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) -1, -2, -4 and -5 in Ethiopian Equids with
      and without Respiratory Problems and Genetic Characterization of EHV-2 and EHV-5
      Strains.
AB  - Infections with equine herpesviruses (EHVs) are widespread in equine populations
      worldwide. Whereas both EHV-1 and EHV-4 produce well-documented respiratory
      syndromes in equids, the contribution of EHV-2 and EHV-5 to disease of the
      respiratory tract is still enigmatic. This study describes the detection and
      genetic characterization of EHVs from equids with and without clinical
      respiratory disease. Virus-specific PCRs were used to detect EHV-1, -2, -4 and 
      5. From the total of 160 equids with respiratory disease, EHV-5 was detected at
      the highest prevalence (23.1%), followed by EHV-2 (20.0%), EHV-4 (8.1%) and EHV-1
      (7.5%). Concurrent infections with EHV-2 and EHV-5 were recorded from nine (5.2%)
      diseased horses. Of the total of 111 clinically healthy equids, EHV-1 and EHV-4
      were never detected whereas EHV-2 and EHV-5 were found in 8 (7.2%) and 18 (16.2%)
      horses, respectively. A significantly higher proportion of EHV-2-infected equids
      was observed in the respiratory disease group (32/160, 20.0%; P = 0.005) compared
      to those without disease (8/111; 7.2%). EHV-2-positive equids were three times
      more likely to display clinical signs of respiratory disease than EHV-2-negative
      equids (OR 3.22, 95% CI: 1.42-7.28). For EHV-5, the observed difference was not
      statistically significant (P = 0.166). The phylogenetic analysis of the gB gene
      revealed that the Ethiopian EHV-2 and EHV-5 strains had a remarkable genetic
      diversity, with a nucleotide sequence identity among each other that ranged from
      94.0 to 99.4% and 95.1 to 100%, respectively. Moreover, the nucleotide sequence
      identity of EHV-2 and EHV-5 with isolates from other countries acquired from
      GenBank ranged from 92.9 to 99.1% and 95.1 to 99.5%, respectively. Our results
      suggest that besides EHV-1 and EHV-4, EHV-2 is likely to be an important
      contributor either to induce or predispose equids to respiratory disease.
      However, more work is needed to better understand the contribution of EHV-2 in
      the establishment of respiratory disease.

PMID- 28102010
TI  - A muscular imprint on the anterolateral surface of the proximal femurs of the
      Krapina Neandertal collection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to report and interpret a feature on the
      anterolateral surface of the proximal femurs of the Krapina hominid collection
      that we briefly described in 2006 (Periodicum Biologorum, 108, 319-329).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recorded the presence or absence of the feature in all
      the proximal femurs of the Krapina collection (six specimens recordable) and in
      622 modern human adult femurs. RESULTS: The feature consists in a series of
      crests delimitating three raised or depressed areas. This feature has been found
      in three out of four adult Neandertal femurs observable. The two observable
      subadult Neandertal femurs do not show this character. None of the modern femurs
      displayed the feature. CONCLUSION: We interpret this feature as a muscular
      imprint, probably representing the m. vastus intermedius origin and discuss a
      possible interpretation. We did not find any other references for such imprint in
      the existing literature regarding the Neandertal femurs.

PMID- 28102011
TI  - Local myogenic pulp-derived cell injection enhances craniofacial muscle
      regeneration in vivo.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To enhance myogenic differentiation in pulp cells isolated from
      extracted premolars by epigenetic modification using a DNA demethylation agent, 5
      aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza), and to evaluate the potent stimulatory effect of 5
      Aza-treated pulp cell injection for craniofacial muscle regeneration in vivo.
      SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Pulp cells were isolated from premolars extracted
      for orthodontic purposes from four adults (age range, 18-22.1 years). MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Levels of myogenic differentiation and functional contraction
      response in vitro were compared between pulp cells with or without pre-treatment
      of 5-Aza. Changes in muscle regeneration in response to green fluorescent protein
      (GFP)-labelled myogenic pulp cell injection in vivo were evaluated using a
      cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced muscle injury model of the gastrocnemius as well as the
      masseter muscle in mice. RESULTS: Pre-treatment of 5-Aza in pulp cells stimulated
      myotube formation, myogenic differentiation in terms of desmin and myogenin
      expression, and the level of collagen gel contraction. The local injection of 5
      Aza pre-treated myogenic pulp cells was engrafted into the host tissue and
      indicated signs of enhanced muscle regeneration in both the gastrocnemius and the
      masseter muscles. CONCLUSION: The epigenetic modification of pulp cells from
      extracted premolars and the local injection of myogenic pulp cells may stimulate
      craniofacial muscles regeneration in vivo.

PMID- 28102012
TI  - Visual perception of faces with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate: An
      Eye-Tracking Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the hypotheses that there are differences between
      orthodontists, individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and laypersons in the
      visual perception of faces with unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and
      palate (BCLP), the faces with UCLP and BCLP are visually perceived differently
      and the hierarchy of visual attention changes when viewing individuals with CLP.
      SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Department of Orthodontics and Experimental
      Psychology at Ege University, Izmir. Sixty images (faces with a social smile and
      at rest) of 30 volunteers (unaffected controls, UCLP, BCLP) were viewed by 80
      participants: orthodontists, individuals with CLP and laypersons. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eye fixations on four areas of interest were quantified: eyes, nose,
      upper lip and lower lip-chin. Time to first fixation, fixation before, fixation
      count and fixation duration parameters were analysed. RESULTS: Orthodontists
      fixated on the upper-lip area more often than laypersons or individuals with CLP
      (F2.144 =8.47, P=.00, eta2=.19 in faces at rest). The upper-lip area received
      more fixations (F2.144 =21.93, P=.00, eta2=.23) and longer fixation durations
      (F2.144 =28.86, P=.00, eta2=.27) from all participants who gazed on faces with
      UCLP and a social smile. CONCLUSION: The hypotheses of the study were supported.
      Orthodontists and laypersons focused more attention on the upper lip and eyes in
      the resting position, respectively. The upper-lip area of the BCLP images
      captured more attention at rest.

PMID- 28102013
TI  - The effect of potassium diclofenac and dexamethasone on MMP-1 gene transcript
      levels during experimental tooth movement in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze MMP-1 transcript levels in
      periodontal tissues of rats that underwent orthodontic treatment using potassium
      diclofenac and dexamethasone at different stages of tooth movement. SETTING AND
      SAMPLE POPULATION: The sample comprised of ninety male Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A closed nickel-titanium coil spring was used to apply a force of 50 cN
      to move the maxillary right first molars mesially. One group received daily doses
      of 0.9% saline solution, the second group received daily doses of 5 mg/kg
      potassium diclofenac, and the third group received daily doses of 0.5 mg/kg
      dexamethasone. Tooth movement was observed on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14. MMP-1
      transcript levels were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and the
      results were compared between groups by three-way ANOVA, with a significance
      level of 0.05. RESULTS: Transcript levels increased in groups that received the
      coil spring treatment on all days of the experiment. MMP-1 expression was found
      to be decreased in groups treated with potassium diclofenac and dexamethasone
      compared to that in the control group, on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. CONCLUSIONS: The
      application of orthodontic forces significantly increased MMP-1 transcript
      levels. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs may have an inhibitory effect on MMP-1
      expression.

PMID- 28102014
TI  - Phonetic analysis during treatment with rapid maxillary expander.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible changes and/or device-related impairments in
      phonetic habits produced by rapid maxillary expansion (RME). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-five patients scheduled for RME were divided into two groups:
      Group A (banded two-arm Hyrax) and Group B (banded four-arm Hyrax). Speech
      samples were collected at six time points, before, during and after RME removal.
      Acoustical analysis was performed using PRAAT and BioVoice analysis tools. Ten
      volunteers completed a questionnaire on the acceptability of patient's speech.
      Maxillary dimensions and palatal volume were measured on dental casts before and
      after expansion using a digital gauge. RESULTS: Voice analysis showed an increase
      in the peak frequency of fricative consonants (/s/,/?/) after expansion, whereas
      there was no change of formant frequencies of palatal consonants (/n/,/y/). Vowel
      /i/ displayed a lowering of the first formant frequency, and an increase in the
      second and third formant frequencies. After bonding, Group B showed both a
      greater reduction in the peak frequency of fricatives and a greater increase in
      the formant frequencies of palatal consonants than Group A. CONCLUSION: Rapid
      maxillary expansion causes a slight phonetic change in the acoustical parameters
      of both consonants and vowels. The two-arm Hyrax caused less speech impairment
      than the four-arm Hyrax during the treatment.

PMID- 28102016
TI  - Mechanical and barrier properties of maize starch-gelatin composite films:
      effects of amylose content.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to obtain new reinforcing bio-fillers to improve the
      physicochemical properties of gelatin-based films, three types of maize starch,
      waxy maize starch (Ap), normal starch (Ns) and high-amylose starch (Al), were
      incorporated into gelatin film and the resulting film properties were
      investigated, focusing on the impact of amylose content. RESULTS: The thickness,
      opacity and roughness of gelatin film increased depending on the amylose content
      along with the starch concentration. The effects of the three starches on the
      mechanical properties of gelatin film were governed by amylose content, starch
      concentration as well as environmental relative humidity (RH). At 75% RH, the
      presence of Al and Ns in the gelatin matrix increased the film strength but
      decreased its elongation, while Ap exhibited an inverse effect. Starch addition
      decreased the oxygen permeability of the film, with the lowest value at 20% Al
      and Ns. All starches, notably at 30% content, led to a decrease in the water
      vapor permeability of the film at 90% RH, especially Ns starch. Furthermore, the
      starches improved the thermal stability of the film to some extent. Fourier
      transform infrared spectra indicated that some weak intermolecular interactions
      such as hydrogen bonding occurred between gelatin and starch. Moreover, a high
      degree of B-type crystallinity of starch was characterized in Gel-Al film by X
      ray diffraction. CONCLUSION: Tailoring the properties of gelatin film by the
      incorporation of different types of maize starch provides the potential to extend
      its applications in edible food packaging. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28102015
TI  - Circulating Antioxidant Levels and Risk of Prostate Cancer by TMPRSS2:ERG.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have considered etiological differences across molecular
      subtypes of prostate cancer, despite potential to improve opportunities for
      precision prevention of a disease for which modifiable risk factors have remained
      elusive. Factors that lead to DNA double-strand breaks, such as oxidative stress,
      may promote the formation of the TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion in prostate cancer. We
      tested the hypothesis that increasing levels of pre-diagnostic circulating
      antioxidants, which may reduce oxidative stress, are associated with lower risk
      of developing TMPRSS2:ERG positive prostate cancer. METHODS: We conducted a
      nested case-control study, including 370 cases and 2,470 controls, to evaluate
      associations between pre-diagnostic alpha- and beta-carotene, alpha- and gamma
      tocopherol, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, retinol, and selenium with the
      risk of prostate cancer by ERG protein expression status (a marker of
      TMPRSS2:ERG). Multivariable unconditional polytomous logistic regression was used
      to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: We did not find
      any of the antioxidants to be significantly associated with the risk of prostate
      cancer according to ERG status. CONCLUSIONS: The results do not support the
      hypothesis that circulating pre-diagnostic antioxidant levels protect against
      developing TMPRSS2:ERG positive prostate cancer. Additional studies are needed to
      explore mechanisms for the development of TMPRSS2:ERG positive disease. Prostate
      77: 647-653, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 28102017
TI  - Priming the stump in peripheral nerve injury (Commentary on Zhang et al. (2017)).

PMID- 28102018
TI  - Microwave-Assisted Rapid Synthesis of Self-Assembled T-Nb2 O5 Nanowires for High
      Energy Hybrid Supercapacitors.
AB  - Recently ion-intercalation hybrid supercapacitors, with high energy density at
      high power density, have been widely investigated to meet ever-increasing
      practical demands. Here, a unique hybrid supercapacitor has been designed and
      fabricated using self-assembled orthorhombic-phase niobium oxide@carbon (T-Nb2 O5
      @C) nanowires as an anode and commercially available activated carbon as a
      cathode. The 3D-interconnected T-Nb2 O5 @C nanowires have been synthesized
      through a highly efficient microwave-solvothermal method, combined with
      subsequent thermal treatment. The experimental parameters (e.g., time and
      temperature) can be easily programmed, and the synthesis time can be
      significantly shortened, thus enabling the buildup of abundant recipes for the
      engineering of scaled-up production. The Li-ion intercalation pseudocapacitance
      electrode, made from the as-formed self-assembled T-Nb2 O5 @C nanowires, shows
      excellent charge storage and transfer capability. When assembled into a hybrid
      supercapacitor with a cathode of activated carbon, a high energy density of 60.6
      Wh kg-1 and a high power density of 8.5 kW kg-1 with outstanding stability are
      achieved. In virtue of easy optimization and programmability of the synthetic
      strategy, and the remarkable electrochemical performance, the self-assembled T
      Nb2 O5 @C nanowires offer a promising anode for asymmetric hybrid
      supercapacitors.

PMID- 28102019
TI  - Shrimp tropomyosin retains antibody reactivity after exposure to acidic
      condition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although shrimp can be found in certain high acid food matrices, the
      allergenic capacity of shrimp tropomyosin exposed to low pH condition has not
      been fully clarified. Thus, a model marinade comprising white vinegar adjusted to
      different pH was used to determine the effects of acid-induced denaturation on
      the immunoreactivity of tropomyosin. RESULTS: Whole shrimp experienced either
      swelling or shrinkage after marination depending on the vinegar pH and the final
      muscle pH. The extractability of soluble myofibrillar proteins was reduced
      significantly among shrimp marinated in vinegar at pH 1.0-3.5, and a substantial
      amount of tropomyosin was retained in the insoluble pellets. Consequently, the
      immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding capacity of tropomyosin was significantly lower in
      the soluble protein fraction of shrimp marinated at pH 1.0-3.5 compared with
      samples marinated at pH 4.8 and control. However, tropomyosin in the insoluble
      protein fraction of all marinated shrimp showed strong IgE-binding capacity at
      all marinating conditions. CONCLUSION: Thus, tropomyosin in shrimp exposed to low
      pH condition retained its allergenic capacity owing to the conservation of its
      linear epitopes. Analysis of the insoluble protein fraction was crucial for the
      accurate determination of the effect of low pH condition on the immunoreactivity
      of this allergen. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 28102020
TI  - Families' experiences of involvement in care planning in mental health services:
      an integrative literature review.
AB  - : WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Current policy advocates for the participation
      of family carers in care planning. Caring for a person with a mental illness
      requires a significant commitment from families to support their relative's
      recovery. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The evidence of family
      involvement in care planning is generally fraught with conflicting experiences
      related to different requirements between mental health professionals, families
      and service users. Confidentiality remains contentious at a practice level in
      terms of information sharing and decision-making. There is a requirement and need
      for a shared understanding around care planning between families and mental
      health professionals. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The provision of
      written information pertaining to families regarding confidentiality is required
      at service level. Educational workshops concerning care planning and treatment
      options should be provided for service users, families and mental health
      professionals. Further research into effective service-wide strategies that
      explore with families how their engagement can be positively fostered in mental
      health services is warranted. ABSTRACT: Introduction Mental health service policy
      stipulates that family carers be involved in care planning. Aim To identify
      families' experiences of care planning involvement in adult mental health
      services. Method An integrative review where electronic databases and grey
      literature were searched for papers published between 01 January 2005 and 10
      February 2016. Results Fifteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Thematic
      analysis generated three themes: (1) families' experience of collaboration, (2)
      families' perceptions of professionals and (3) families' impressions of the care
      planning process. Collaborative decision-making is not regularly experienced by
      families with an 'us' and 'them' divide, perpetuated by a lack of communication,
      confidentiality constraints and a claim of 'insider knowledge' of service users.
      When involved, families perceive care planning to be uncoordinated and that their
      lived experiences are not always appreciated. Discussion Families need to be
      valued, empowered and engaged in care planning and the partnership distance be
      addressed. Accommodating the views of family, service user and professionals is
      preferable but not always possible. Our findings suggest that the key element for
      professionals is to value all 'insider knowledge' where possible. Implications
      for Practice Services should develop written information on confidentiality for
      families and facilitate open communication concerning their involvement in care
      planning.

PMID- 28102021
TI  - High prevalence of diabetes and anthropometric heterogeneity among tuberculosis
      patients in Pakistan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Pakistan, the prevalence of diabetes (DM) among adults is 6.9% and
      expected to double by 2040. DM may facilitate transmission and halter the
      elimination of tuberculosis (TB). We aimed to determine the prevalence of DM
      among patients with TB in Pakistan, and to investigate anthropometric biochemical
      and haemodynamic associations between TB patients with and without DM. METHODS:
      We conducted a cross-sectional study at Gulab Devi Chest Hospital in Lahore,
      Punjab. A total of 3027 newly diagnosed smear-positive TB patients >=25 years of
      age were screened for DM by HbA1c regardless of previous DM history. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of screen-detected DM and known DM among the TB participants was 13.5%
      and 26.1%, respectively, resulting in a combined DM prevalence of 39.6%. Most
      participants were male (64.4%). Using bivariate analyses, participants with DM
      were significantly older (49.8 vs. 40.6 years) with higher haemoglobin (men, 12.1
      vs. 11.8 g/dl, women 11.5 vs. 10.7 g/dl), body mass index (21.0 vs. 17.6 kg/m2 )
      and waist-hip ratio (men, 0.87 vs. 0.81, women, 0.87 vs. 0.79) (all P < 0.05)
      than participants without DM. Stratifying by screen-detected and known DM, these
      differences remained significant when using multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: We
      report a high prevalence of DM among patients with TB who may be
      anthropometrically and biochemically distinct from TB patients without DM, and
      this heterogeneity further transcends the different DM groups.

PMID- 28102022
TI  - The Flavonoid 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone Prevents Dexamethasone Paradoxical Adverse
      Effect on Eotaxin Production by Human Fibroblasts.
AB  - Eotaxin/CCL-11 is a major chemoattractant that contributes to eosinophilic
      inflammation in asthma. Glucocorticoids inhibit inflammation, but long-time
      exposure may cause paradoxical adverse effects by augmenting eotaxin/CCL
      11production. The aim of this study was to determine if 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone
      (7,4'-DHF), the eotaxin/CCL11 inhibitor isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis,
      reduces in vitro eotaxin production induced by long-time dexamethasone (Dex)
      exposure, and if so, to elucidate the mechanisms of this inhibition. Human lung
      fibroblast-1 cells were used to identify the potency of 7,4'-DHF compared with
      other compounds from G. uralensis, to compare 7,4'-DHF with Dex on eotaxin
      production following 24-h short-time culture and 72-h longer-time (LT) culture,
      and to determine the effects of the 7,4'-DHF on Dex LT culture augmented eotaxin
      production and molecule mechanisms. 7,4'-DHF was the most potent eotaxin/CCL-11
      inhibitor among the ten compounds and provided continued suppression. In contrast
      to short-time culture, Dex LT culture increased constitutively, and IL-4/TNF
      alpha stimulated eotaxin/CCL11 production by human lung fibroblast-1 cells. This
      adverse effect was abrogated by 7,4'-DHF co-culture. 7,4'-DHF significantly
      inhibited Dex LT culture augmentation of p-STAT6 and impaired HDAC2 expression.
      This study demonstrated that 7,4'-DHF has the ability to consistently suppress
      eotaxin production and prevent Dex-paradoxical adverse effects on eotaxin
      production. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28102023
TI  - 6-Gingerol-rich fraction prevents disruption of histomorphometry and marker
      enzymes of testicular function in carbendazim-treated rats.
AB  - Previous investigations demonstrated that 6-gingerol-rich fraction (6-GRF)
      prevented testicular toxicity via inhibition of oxidative stress and endocrine
      disruption in CBZ-treated rats. The influence of 6-GRF on alterations in
      histomorphometry and marker enzymes of testicular function in CBZ-treated rats
      which hitherto has not been reported was investigated in this study. The animals
      were orally administered either CBZ (50 mg/kg) alone or in combination with 6-GRF
      (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. Histomorphormetric analysis
      demonstrated that 6-GRF significantly prevented CBZ-mediated increase in the
      organo-somatic index of the testes and seminiferous tubular diameter as well as
      the reduction in epithelium height and tubular length of testes in the rats.
      Similarly, 6-GRF ameliorated CBZ-induced disruption in the epithelium height as
      well as in the proportion of tubule and interstitium of the epididymis the
      treated rats. Furthermore, 6-GRF prevented CBZ-mediated increase in testicular
      acid phosphatase activity and the decrease in testicular alkaline phosphatase,
      aminotransferases, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase
      activities. Moreover, 6-GRF ameliorated CBZ-induced reduction in the testicular
      and epididymal sperm count and sperm motility in the treated rats. Conclusively,
      6-GRF enhances key functional enzymes involve in spermatogenesis and maintains
      histo-architecture of testes and epididymis in CBZ-treated rats.

PMID- 28102024
TI  - Generating Antigen-Specific Regulatory T Cells in the Fast Lane.

PMID- 28102025
TI  - The Direct Referral to Endovascular Center criteria: a proposal for pre-hospital
      evaluation of acute stroke in the Madrid Stroke Network.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For patients with acute ischaemic stroke due to large
      vessel occlusion, it has recently been shown that mechanical thrombectomy (MT)
      with stent retrievers is better than medical treatment alone. However, few
      hospitals can provide MT 24 h/day 365 days/year, and it remains unclear whether
      selected patients with acute stroke should be directly transferred to the nearest
      MT-providing hospital to prevent treatment delays. Clinical scales such as Rapid
      Arterial Occlusion Evaluation (RACE) have been developed to predict large-vessel
      occlusion at a pre-hospital level, but their predictive value for MT is low. We
      propose new criteria to identify patients eligible for MT, with higher accuracy.
      METHODS: The Direct Referral to Endovascular Center criteria were defined based
      on a retrospective cohort of 317 patients admitted to a stroke center. The
      association of age, sex, RACE scale score and blood pressure with the likelihood
      of receiving MT were analyzed. Cut-off points with the highest association were
      thereafter evaluated in a prospective cohort of 153 patients from nine stroke
      units comprising the Madrid Stroke Network. RESULTS: Patients with a RACE scale
      score >= 5, systolic blood pressure <190 mmHg and age <81 years showed a
      significantly higher probability of undergoing MT (odds ratio, 33.38; 95%
      confidence interval, 12-92.9). This outcome was confirmed in the prospective
      cohort, with 68% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 42% positive and 94% negative
      predictive values for MT, ruling out 83% of hemorrhagic strokes. CONCLUSIONS: The
      Direct Referral to Endovascular Center criteria could be useful for identifying
      patients suitable for MT.

PMID- 28102026
TI  - Piperine, a Pungent Alkaloid from Black Pepper, Inhibits B Lymphocyte Activation
      and Effector Functions.
AB  - Piperine has several well-documented anti-inflammatory properties; however,
      little is known regarding its effect on humoral immunity. In this study, we
      describe the immunosuppressive effect of piperine on B lymphocytes, which are
      integral to the humoral immune response. Mouse B cells were cultured in the
      absence or presence of non-cytotoxic concentrations (25, 50, and 100 MUM) of
      piperine during T-dependent or T-independent stimulation. Piperine inhibited B
      cell proliferation by causing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in association with
      reduced expression of cyclin D2 and D3. The inhibitory effect of piperine was not
      mediated through transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 ion channel (TRPV1)
      because piperine also inhibited the proliferation of B cells from TRPV1-deficient
      mice. Expression of class II major histocompatibility complex molecules and
      costimulatory CD40 and CD86 on B lymphocytes was reduced in the presence of
      piperine, as was B cell-mediated antigen presentation to syngeneic T cells. In
      addition, piperine inhibited B cell synthesis of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10
      cytokines, as well as IgM, IgG2b, and IgG3 immunoglobulins. The inhibitory effect
      of piperine on B lymphocyte activation and effector function warrants further
      investigation for possible application in the treatment of pathologies related to
      inappropriate humoral immune responses. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 28102027
TI  - Patient engagement in HIV care and treatment in Zambia, 2004-2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe engagement along the HIV continuum of care using a large
      network of clinics in Zambia. METHODS: We employed a practical framework to
      describe retention along the HIV treatment cascade, using routinely collected
      clinical data available in resource-constrained settings. We included health
      facilities in four Zambian provinces with more than 300 enrolled patients over
      the age of 5 years. We described attrition at each step, from HIV enrolment to
      720 days after ART initiation. The population was further stratified by year of
      enrolment to describe temporal trends in patient engagement. RESULTS: From
      January 2004 to December 2014, 444 439 individuals over the age of 5 years sought
      HIV care at 75 eligible health facilities. Among those enrolled into HIV care,
      82.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.4-84.5%) were fully assessed for ART
      eligibility within 180 days of enrolment and 63.6% (95% CI: 61.7-65.3) were found
      to be eligible for ART based on the HIV treatment guidelines at the time. Of
      those patients eligible for ART, 81.1% (95% CI: 79.5-82.7%) initiated ART within
      180 days. Patient retention in ART programme was 81.2% (95% CI: 80.4-81.9%) at 90
      days, 70.0% (95% CI: 68.7-71.2%) at 360 days and 61.6% (95% CI: 60.0-63.2%) at
      720 days. We noted a steady decline in proportions assessed for ART eligibility
      and deemed eligible for ART in the time frame. Proportions that started ART and
      remained in care remained relatively consistent. CONCLUSION: We describe a simple
      approach for assessing patient engagement after enrolment into HIV care. Using
      limited types of data routinely available, we demonstrate an important and
      replicable approach to monitoring programmes in resource-constrained settings.

PMID- 28102029
TI  - Biochemical markers to predict internal browning disorders in 'Rocha' pear during
      storage under high CO2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify biochemical markers to predict
      internal browning disorders (IBD) in 'Rocha' pear. Fruits from five orchards were
      stored for 45 days under cold air followed by 100 days in browning-inducing
      controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (1 kPa O2 + 10 kPa CO2 ). RESULTS:
      Relationships between concentrations of ethanol (EtOH), acetaldehyde (AcDH) and
      ascorbic acid (AA), activities of peroxidase (POX) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO)
      and IBD incidence were established. The partial least square (PLS) model using
      the most promising markers, EtOH and AcDH, explained 89% of the variance in IBD
      incidence, whereas the univariate models based on the same markers explained
      between 89 and 94%. In contrast, the models based on AA levels and AA depletion
      rate only explained 57 and 82% of the variance in IBD incidence respectively.
      Model validation confirmed the robustness of EtOH for the prediction (R2  = 0.91,
      RMSE = 11.1) and allowed proposing a threshold level of 30 uL EtOH L-1 above
      which IBD may occur. Using this threshold value, the storage time limit
      associated with the occurrence of the first IBD symptoms was predicted with an
      acceptable RMSE of 9 days. CONCLUSION: This work clearly identifies biochemical
      IBD markers for 'Rocha' pear and shows that dynamic changes in ethanol
      concentration during the beginning of storage may be used to predict IBD
      development. Therefore the results presented herein represent a major step
      forward in the prediction of IBD in 'Rocha' pear. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical
      Industry.

PMID- 28102028
TI  - The involvement of MsmK in pathogenesis of the Streptococcus suis serotype 2.
AB  - Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is an important swine and human pathogen that
      causes global economic and public health problems. Virulent S. suis strains
      successfully maintain high bacterial concentrations in host blood and rapidly
      adapt to challenging environments within hosts. Successful survival in hosts is a
      major factor influencing the pathogenesis of SS2. We have previously identified
      that SS2 colonization in mouse brain is possibly affected by the ATPase, MsmK of
      carbohydrate ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters because of carbohydrate
      utilization. In this study, the chain length of the msmK deletion mutant was
      longer than that of the wild type, and the former was significantly more
      susceptible than the latter when theses strains were exposed to mouse blood both
      in vivo and in vitro. The hemolytic activity of the mutant strain was decreased.
      Although the adhesion of the mutant to HEp-2 cell lines was enhanced, the
      deletion of msmK impaired the abilities of SS2 to resist phagocytosis and survive
      severe stress conditions. MsmK contributed to the survival and adaptation of SS2
      in host bloodstream. Therefore, MsmK was identified as a multifunctional
      component that not only contributed to carbohydrate utilization but also
      participated in SS2 pathogenesis.

PMID- 28102031
TI  - Dual nano-sized contrast agents in PET/MRI: a systematic review.
AB  - Nowadays molecular imaging plays a vital role in achieving a successful targeted
      and personalized treatment. Hence, the approach of combining two or more medical
      imaging modalities was developed. The objective of this review is to
      systematically compare recent dual contrast agents in Positron Emission
      Tomography (PET)/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and in some cases Single photon
      emission computed tomography (SPECT)/MRI in terms of some their characteristics,
      such as tumor uptake, and reticuloendothelial system uptake (especially liver)
      and their relaxivity rates for early detection of primary cancer tumor. To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic and integrated overview of
      this field. Two reviewers individually directed the systematic review search
      using PubMed, MEDLINE and Google Scholar. Two other reviewers directed quality
      assessment, using the criteria checklist from the CAMARADES (Collaborative
      Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies)
      tool, and differences were resolved by consensus. After reviewing all 49 studies,
      we concluded that a size range of 20-200 nm can be used for molecular imaging,
      although it is better to try to achieve as small a size as it is possible. Also,
      small nanoparticles with a hydrophilic coating and positive charge are suitable
      as a T2 contrast agent. According to our selected data, the most successful dual
      probes in terms of high targeting were with an average size of 40 nm, PEGylated
      using peptides as a biomarker and radiolabeled with copper 64 and gallium 68.
      Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 28102030
TI  - Impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on Nonglycemic Outcomes in
      Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - The efficacy of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
      canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin in reducing hyperglycemia in
      patients with type 2 diabetes is well documented. In addition, positive effects
      have been observed with these agents on nonglycemic variables, such as reductions
      in body weight and blood pressure, which may confer additional health benefits.
      SGLT2 inhibitors are also associated with evidence of renal-protecting benefits.
      Furthermore, during the landmark Empagliflozin, Cardiovascular Outcomes, and
      Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes (EMPA-REG OUTCOME) trial, a substantial reduction in
      major adverse cardiovascular outcomes was demonstrated with empagliflozin
      therapy. In view of the complex pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in
      patients with diabetes, a pharmacologic intervention for type 2 diabetes that
      produces a multifaceted reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, separate from
      glycemic control alone, would be advantageous. Although SGLT2 inhibitors are
      generally well tolerated, they are associated with an increased risk of genital
      mycotic infections, as well as the potential risk for serious adverse events such
      as dehydration, development of diabetic ketoacidosis, serious urinary tract
      infections, and bone fractures. The findings of ongoing research will help to
      determine the magnitude and clinical importance of these adverse events and
      whether the findings of EMPA-REG OUTCOME represent a class effect for SGLT2
      inhibition or are specific to empagliflozin and will further elucidate the future
      role of SGLT2 inhibitors in the individualized management of patients with type 2
      diabetes. In this article, we discuss the nonglycemic outcomes associated with
      SGLT2 inhibitor therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes as well as the clinical
      implications of these agents.

PMID- 28102033
TI  - Ten novel MHC-DPB1 alleles identified in Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana).
AB  - Ten novel MHC-DPB1 alleles of Tibetan macaque, were identified by cloning and
      sequencing.

PMID- 28102032
TI  - Nonpromoter methylation of the CDKN2A gene with active transcription is
      associated with improved locoregional control in laryngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - We previously reported a novel association between CDKN2A nonpromoter methylation
      and transcription (ARF/INK4a) in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal
      tumors. In this study we assessed whether nonpromoter CDKN2A methylation in
      laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LXSCC) conferred a similar association with
      transcription that predicted patient outcome. We compared DNA methylation and
      ARF/INK4a RNA expression levels for the CDKN2A locus using the Illumina
      HumanMethylation27 beadchip and RT-PCR in 43 LXSCC tumor samples collected from a
      prospective study of head and neck cancer patients treated at Montefiore Medical
      Center (MMC). Validation was performed using RNAseq data on 111 LXSCC tumor
      samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The clinical relevance of combined
      nonpromoter CDKN2A methylation and transcription was assessed by multivariate Cox
      regression for locoregional recurrence on a subset of 69 LXSCC patients with
      complete clinicopathologic data from the MMC and TCGA cohorts. We found evidence
      of CDKN2A nonpromoter hypermethylation in a third of LXSCC from our MMC cohort,
      which was significantly associated with increased ARF and INK4a RNA expression
      (Wilcoxon rank-sum, P = 0.007 and 0.003, respectively). A similar association was
      confirmed in TCGA samples (Wilcoxon rank-sum test P < 0.0001 for ARF and INK4a).
      Patients with CDKN2A hypermethylation or high ARF/INK4a expression were
      significantly less likely to develop a locoregional recurrence compared to those
      with neither of the features, independent of other clinicopatholgic risk factors
      (adjusted hazard ratio=0.21, 95% confidence interval:0.05-0.81). These results
      support the conclusion that CDKN2A nonpromoter methylation is associated with
      increased ARF and INK4a RNA expression, and improved locoregional control in
      LXSCC.

PMID- 28102034
TI  - Common and well-documented HLA alleles over all of Europe and within European sub
      regions: A catalogue from the European Federation for Immunogenetics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A catalogue of common and well-documented (CWD) human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA), previously established by the American Society for
      Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI), is widely used as indicator for
      typing ambiguities to be resolved in tissue transplantation or for checking the
      universality of any HLA allele in the world. However, European population
      samples, which are characterized by a substantial level of genetic variation, are
      underrepresented in the ASHI catalogue. Therefore, the Population Genetics
      Working Group of the European Federation for Immunogenetics (EFI) has facilitated
      data collection for an European CWD catalogue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To this
      end, 2nd-field HLA-A, -B, -C,- DRB1,- DQA1,- DQB1 and -DPB1 data of 77 to 121
      European population samples (21 571-3 966 984 individuals) from 3 large
      databases, HLA-net/Gene[VA], allelefrequencies.net and DKMS, were analysed.
      RESULTS: The total number of CWD alleles is similar in the EFI (N = 1048) and
      ASHI (N = 1031) catalogues, but the former counts less common (N = 236 vs 377)
      and more well-documented (N = 812 vs 654) alleles than the latter, possibly
      reflecting differences in sample numbers and sizes. Interestingly, approximately
      half of the CWD alleles reported by EFI were not reported by ASHI and vice-versa,
      underlining the distinct features of the two catalogues. Also, although 78 common
      alleles are widely distributed across Europe, some alleles are only common within
      specific sub-regions, showing regional variability. CONCLUSION: Although the
      definition of CWD alleles itself is affected by different parameters, calling for
      current updates of the list, the EFI CWD catalogue provides new insights into
      European population genetics and will be a very useful tool for tissue-typing
      laboratories in and beyond Europe.

PMID- 28102035
TI  - Description of the novel KIR2DL1*034 allele Identified from a southern Chinese
      Han individual.
AB  - The novel KIR2DL1*034 allele differs from the closest allele KIR2DL1*00302 by a
      single missense mutation.

PMID- 28102036
TI  - Combining one-step Sanger sequencing with phasing probe hybridization for HLA
      class I typing yields rapid, G-group resolution predicting 99% of unique full
      length protein sequences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sanger-based DNA sequencing of exons 2+3 of HLA class I alleles from
      a heterozygote frequently results in two or more alternative genotypes. This
      study was undertaken to reduce the time and effort required to produce a single
      high resolution HLA genotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were typed in
      parallel by Sanger sequencing and oligonucleotide probe hybridization. This
      workflow, together with optimization of analysis software, was tested and refined
      during the typing of over 42,000 volunteers for an unrelated hematopoietic
      progenitor cell donor registry. Next generation DNA sequencing (NGS) was applied
      to over 1000 of these samples to identify the alleles present within the G group
      designations. RESULTS: Single genotypes at G level resolution were obtained for
      over 95% of the loci without additional assays. The vast majority of alleles
      identified (>99%) were the primary allele giving the G groups their name. Only
      0.7% of the alleles identified encoded protein variants that were not detected by
      a focus on the antigen recognition domain (ARD)-encoding exons. CONCLUSION: Our
      combined method routinely provides biologically relevant typing resolution at the
      level of the ARD. It can be applied to both single samples or to large volume
      typing supporting either bone marrow or solid organ transplantation using
      technologies currently available in many HLA laboratories.

PMID- 28102038
TI  - EDTA is superior to DTT treatment for overcoming the prozone effect in HLA
      antibody testing.
AB  - A limitation of solid-phase human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody assays is the
      falsely low/negative result of samples with high-titer antibodies, a phenomenon
      known as the prozone effect. Here we compared the efficacy of
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment of
      serum samples in overcoming the prozone effect. A total of 21 serum samples were
      treated with either EDTA or DTT before HLA single antigen bead assay. The
      efficacy of prozone effect reversal, compared with untreated samples, was
      examined on fourfold, serially diluted samples, from neat to 1:256, using PBS as
      diluent. EDTA reversed the prozone effect in all tested samples, with an
      efficiency of greater than 84%, estimated by the ratio of undiluted sample mean
      fluorescence intensity (MFI) to peak MFI, for any given dilution. In contrast,
      the efficiency of DTT treatment was as low as 47%. These results show superior
      prozone effect reversal with EDTA treatment, compared with DTT.

PMID- 28102037
TI  - In celebration of Ruggero Ceppellini: HLA in transplantation.
AB  - The availability of hematopoietic cell transplantation as curative therapy for
      blood disorders has been dramatically improved through a better understanding of
      the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) barrier. Although a fully compatible unrelated
      donor is preferable, transplantation from donors with a limited degree of HLA
      mismatching is associated with acceptable outcomes in many cases. Research on the
      limits of HLA mismatching, and the features that define permissible HLA
      mismatches will continue to enable transplantation to be more broadly available
      to patients in need.

PMID- 28102040
TI  - Identification of the novel HLA-B*39:01:01:04 allele in a Chinese individual by
      sequence-based typing.
AB  - The new HLA-B*39:01:01:04 allele differs from HLA-B*39:01:01 by a C -> T
      substitution in intron 1.

PMID- 28102039
TI  - A dispermic chimerism detected in a Taiwanese potential unrelated hematopoietic
      stem cell donor.
AB  - Chimerism is defined as the presence of 2 or more than 1 genetically distinct
      cell populations in an organism. Dispermic chimeras are derived from the
      fertilization of 1 or 2 matured nuclei by 2 sperms. We here report detection of a
      healthy and phenotypically normal female with normal ABO red blood cell typing in
      whom dispermic chimerism was suspected after 3 alleles were identified at
      multiple human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci using molecular HLA analysis.
      Molecular HLA typing showed the donor to have 3 HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and 
      DPB1 alleles in blood, saliva and nail samples. In addition, 3 of her 9 short
      tandem repeat loci also showed to have 3 distinct alleles in blood, nail and
      saliva specimens. In all investigations, the third alleles were attributed to a
      dual paternal contribution. This case represents a dispermic chimerism, with 2
      paternal and 1 maternal haplotypes variably distributed throughout body tissues
      in a healthy and phenotypically normal female without abnormalities in
      erythrocyte ABO blood group. The origin of this chimerism is probably due to the
      fertilization of a single egg and its polar body, or a parthenogenetic egg, by 2
      sperms.

PMID- 28102041
TI  - A new HLA-B*55 allele, B*55:83N with a stop codon in exon 4 generated by a point
      mutation, identified in a Chinese individual.
AB  - The new allele HLA-B*55:83N differs from HLA-B*55:02:01:01 by a single
      nucleotide.

PMID- 28102042
TI  - Identification of a 10/10 matched donor for patients with an uncommon haplotype
      is unlikely.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite over 6 million subjects contributing to the National Marrow
      Donor Program human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype frequency reference data
      (HFD), haplotypes cannot be predicted from the HLA assignments of some patients
      searching for an unrelated donor (URD) in the Be The Match Registry(r). We aimed
      to determine the incidence of these patient searches and whether haplotypes
      lacking from the HFD can be found among the low-resolution typed URD pool.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: New NMDP searches with uncommon patient haplotypes (UPH),
      defined as a lack of haplotype pairs in any single ethnic group in the HFD based
      upon HLA-A~C~B~DRB1~DQB1, were identified. Each search had up to 20 potential
      10/10 or 8/8 URDs typed to determine the likelihood of an allele match. RESULTS:
      The incidence of patient searches without haplotype pairs in a single ethnic
      group in the HFD was 1.2% (N=144 out of 12,172) and a majority of these patients
      (117; 81%) had one uncommon haplotype previously uncharacterized in the HFD. Non
      White patients had the highest incidence of UPH. Importantly, no patients with
      UPH had a 10/10 URD identified. The transplant rate among UPH patients was 15%,
      and a majority of these patients utilized cord blood units as their transplant
      stem cell source. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the HLA HFD that informs the HapLogic
      matching algorithm is thorough as UPH patient searches were infrequent. Since
      such patients are highly unlikely to have a fully 10/10 matched URD identified,
      this study supports the identification of alternative stem cell sources including
      cord blood or a mismatched URD early in the search process.

PMID- 28102043
TI  - Identification of a novel HLA-B*40 allele, HLA-B*40:332, in a Korean individual.
AB  - HLA-B*40:332 differs from B*40:01:02 by 1 nucleotide difference at nucleotide
      position 439.

PMID- 28102046
TI  - Association of moyamoya disease with thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid function.

PMID- 28102047
TI  - Adequate tacrolimus concentration for myasthenia gravis treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A single, oral dose of 3 mg/day tacrolimus, approved for
      myasthenia gravis (MG) treatment in Japan, was shown to reduce steroid dose and
      anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody titers as well as to improve MG
      symptoms. However, no studies have investigated the association between
      tacrolimus concentration and its clinical efficacy in MG. In this study, we aimed
      to determine the optimal tacrolimus concentration for MG treatment. METHODS: The
      trough tacrolimus concentration in 51 patients with MG (positive for anti-AChR
      antibody, n = 48; negative for anti-AChR and anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase
      antibodies, n = 3) who received 3 mg/day tacrolimus for more than 1 year was
      measured using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. The clinical
      characteristics of patients with MG as well as the dose of prednisolone used
      before and after tacrolimus treatment were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS:
      The median trough tacrolimus concentration was 5.4 (range, 2.9-7.6) ng/mL, which
      was correlated with 'minimal manifestation or better status' (P = 0.0190, r =
      0.3273) and the reduction in anti-AChR antibody 1 year after tacrolimus
      initiation (P = 0.0170, r = 0.3465). When the cut-off value for tacrolimus was
      defined as 4.8 ng/mL using a receiver operating characteristic curve, patients
      with adequate tacrolimus concentration (>=4.8 ng/mL) showed more reduction in
      anti-AChR antibody titers and more improvement in MG-related activities in daily
      life scores. More patients with adequate tacrolimus concentration achieved
      'minimal manifestation or better status' compared with those with low tacrolimus
      concentration. CONCLUSIONS: An adequate tacrolimus concentration is required for
      better MG prognosis.

PMID- 28102048
TI  - Proteinuria as an important marker in the evaluation of the efficacy and safety
      of systemic thrombolysis in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

PMID- 28102045
TI  - Inflammatory profile discriminates clinical subtypes in LRRK2-associated
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The presentation of Parkinson's disease patients with
      mutations in the LRRK2 gene (PDLRRK2 ) is highly variable, suggesting a strong
      influence of modifying factors. In this context, inflammation is a potential
      candidate inducing clinical subtypes. METHODS: An extensive battery of peripheral
      inflammatory markers was measured in human serum in a multicentre cohort of 142
      PDLRRK2 patients from the MJFF LRRK2 Consortium, stratified by three different
      subtypes as recently proposed for idiopathic Parkinson's disease:
      diffuse/malignant, intermediate and mainly pure motor. RESULTS: Patients
      classified as diffuse/malignant presented with the highest levels of the pro
      inflammatory proteins interleukin 8 (IL-8), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP
      1) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-beta (MIP-1-beta) paralleled by high
      levels of the neurotrophic protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It
      was also possible to distinguish the clinical subtypes based on their
      inflammatory profile by using discriminant and area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation seems to be associated
      with the presence of a specific clinical subtype in PDLRRK2 that is characterized
      by a broad and more severely affected spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms.
      The pro-inflammatory metabolites IL-8, MCP-1 and MIP-1-beta as well as BDNF are
      interesting candidates to be included in biomarker panels that aim to
      differentiate subtypes in PDLRRK2 and predict progression.

PMID- 28102049
TI  - Declining incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage.

PMID- 28102050
TI  - Amiodarone-induced gait unsteadiness is revealed to be bilateral vestibulopathy.

PMID- 28102053
TI  - Size of Inhaled Corticosteroid and Small Airway Inflammation in Asthma.

PMID- 28102051
TI  - T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 blockade drives an antitumor immune response in
      head and neck cancer.
AB  - T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM3) contributes to immune suppression during
      progression of many cancers, but the precise role of TIM3 in head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is not clearly understood. In this study, we
      report that TIM3 expression was significantly up-regulated in patients with HNSCC
      and associated with lymph node metastasis. Additionally, TIM3 expression was
      increased in patients with recurrent HNSCC and patients with preradiotherapy or
      prechemotherapy. We also characterized CD8+ T cells and CD11b+ CD33+ myeloid
      derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in human HNSCC, and found that their expression
      was positively correlated with TIM3 expression. To determine the underlying
      mechanism of TIM3 in immune response during HNSCC progression, we utilized the
      Tgfbr1/Pten 2cKO HNSCC mouse model with TIM3 overexpression. Treatment with anti
      TIM3 monoclonal antibody effectively suppressed tumor growth through restoring
      effector T-cell function by targeting CD4+ TIM3+ cells and CD8+ TIM3+ cells and
      decreasing MDSCs. Our findings demonstrate TIM3 expression in patients with HNSCC
      and suggest anti-TIM3 immunotherapy as a novel therapeutic approach for effective
      treatment of HNSCC.

PMID- 28102052
TI  - Increasing incidence of invasive and in situ cervical adenocarcinoma in the
      Netherlands during 2004-2013.
AB  - In the developed world, the incidence of cervical squamous cell carcinoma has
      decreased, however, the incidence of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and invasive
      adenocarcinoma increased, predominantly in young females. The goal of this study
      was to evaluate the most recent incidence rates of AIS, adenocarcinoma, and
      squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix in the Netherlands in 2004-2013. By
      using Dutch national pathology and cancer registries, we calculated European
      standardized incidence rates (ESR) and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC)
      for AIS during 2004-2013 and for invasive cervical carcinomas during 1989-2013.
      For AIS, presence or absence of concomitant cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
      (CIN) was explored. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of squamous
      cell carcinoma decreased significantly in 1989-2013, predominantly in 1989-2003.
      The EAPC of invasive adenocarcinoma decreased in 1989-2003, but remained stable
      in 2004-2013. The EAPC of AIS increased significantly, predominantly in women of
      25-39 years old. Of these AIS cases, 58.9% had concomitant CIN and AIS with
      concomitant CIN showed a significantly higher EAPC compared to AIS without CIN.
      Our conclusion is that despite a nationwide screening program for cancer of the
      uterine cervix, the incidence of adenocarcinoma in the Netherlands remained
      stable during 2004-2013 and the incidence of adenocarcinoma in situ increased.
      This was most predominant in cases with concomitant CIN and in younger females.
      The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma decreased in the same timeframe.

PMID- 28102054
TI  - Extracellular Vesicles, a Key Mediator to Link Environmental Microbiota to Airway
      Immunity.
AB  - Asthma is considered the hallmark of chronic airway inflammation, in which
      several inflammatory cells of the innate and adaptive immune system act together.
      The disease is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental
      factors; however, precise mechanisms for airway inflammation remain unclear. The
      human microbiota provides an increasingly favored explanation for inflammatory
      diseases; an altered microbiota composition has been shown to regulate immune
      responses. However, given the complexity of the microbiota, additional research
      is needed to elucidate its role in the development of disease. One of the
      candidate molecules that link microbiota to disease is the extracellular vesicles
      (EVs). EVs are secreted by diverse cell types and they possess the
      pathophysiological function of delivering signals between bacteria and host. We
      discuss the role of the microbiota in the development of asthma through releasing
      EVs.

PMID- 28102055
TI  - Role of Regulatory Cells in Oral Tolerance.
AB  - The immune system is continuously exposed to great amounts of different antigens
      from both food and intestinal microbes. Immune tolerance to these antigens is
      very important for intestinal and systemic immune homeostasis. Oral tolerance is
      a specific type of peripheral tolerance induced by exposure to antigen via the
      oral route. Investigations on the role of intestinal immune system in preventing
      hypersensitivity reactions to innocuous dietary and microbial antigens have been
      intensively performed during the last 2 decades. In this review article, we
      discuss how food allergens are recognized by the intestinal immune system and
      draw attention to the role of regulatory T (Treg) and B (Breg) cells in the
      establishment of oral tolerance and tolerogenic features of intestinal dendritic
      cells. We also emphasize the potential role of tonsils in oral tolerance
      induction because of their anatomical location, cellular composition, and
      possible usage to develop novel ways of specific immunotherapy for the treatment
      of allergic diseases.

PMID- 28102056
TI  - Asthma-Related Outcomes in Patients Initiating Extrafine Ciclesonide or Fine
      Particle Inhaled Corticosteroids.
AB  - PURPOSE: Extrafine-particle inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have greater small
      airway deposition than standard fine-particle ICS. We sought to compare asthma
      related outcomes after patients initiated extrafine-particle ciclesonide or fine
      particle ICS (fluticasone propionate or non-extrafine beclomethasone). METHODS:
      This historical, matched cohort study included patients aged 12-60 years
      prescribed their first ICS as ciclesonide or fine-particle ICS. The 2 cohorts
      were matched 1:1 for key demographic and clinical characteristics over the
      baseline year. Co-primary endpoints were 1-year severe exacerbation rates, risk
      domain asthma control, and overall asthma control; secondary endpoints included
      therapy change. RESULTS: Each cohort included 1,244 patients (median age 45
      years; 65% women). Patients in the ciclesonide cohort were comparable to those in
      the fine-particle ICS cohort apart from higher baseline prevalence of
      hospitalization, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and rhinitis. Median
      (interquartile range) prescribed doses of ciclesonide and fine-particle ICS were
      160 (160-160) MUg/day and 500 (250-500) MUg/day, respectively (P<0.001). During
      the outcome year, patients prescribed ciclesonide experienced lower severe
      exacerbation rates (adjusted rate ratio [95% CI], 0.69 [0.53-0.89]), and higher
      odds of risk-domain asthma control (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI], 1.62 [1.27
      2.06]) and of overall asthma control (2.08 [1.68-2.57]) than those prescribed
      fine-particle ICS. The odds of therapy change were 0.70 (0.59-0.83) with
      ciclesonide. CONCLUSIONS: In this matched cohort analysis, we observed that
      initiation of ICS with ciclesonide was associated with better 1-year asthma
      outcomes and fewer changes to therapy, despite data suggesting more difficult-to
      control asthma. The median prescribed dose of ciclesonide was one-third that of
      fine-particle ICS.

PMID- 28102057
TI  - Periostin in Exhaled Breath Condensate and in Serum of Asthmatic Patients:
      Relationship to Upper and Lower Airway Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Periostin is considered a biomarker for eosinophilic airway inflammation
      and have been associated with NSAID-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (NERD) and
      chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we aimed to evaluate periostin in
      exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and in serum of patients with various asthma
      phenotypes. METHODS: The study included 40 asthmatic patients (22 with NERD) and
      17 healthy controls. All the procedures (questionnaire, spirometry, FeNO, nasal
      swabs, EBC collecting, and blood sampling) were performed on the same day.
      Periostin concentrations were measured using an ELISA kit. RESULTS: Periostin was
      detected in EBC from 37 of 40 asthmatics and in 16 from 17 of controls. The
      concentration of periostin in EBC did not differ between the study groups and was
      not associated with NERD or asthma severity. However, the EBC periostin was
      significantly higher in asthmatics with CRS as compared to those without (3.1 vs
      2 ng/mL, P=0.046). Patients with positive bacterial culture from nasal swabs had
      higher EBC periostin concentrations than those without (3.2 vs 2.1 ng/mL;
      P=0.046). The mean serum periostin level was higher in asthmatics with a 1-year
      history of exacerbation than in those without (3.2 vs 2.3 ng/mL, P=0.045).
      Asthmatics with skin manifestation of NSAIDs hypersensitivity had higher serum
      periostin levels as compared to those without (3.5 vs 2.3 ng/mL; P=0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: EBC periostin levels seem to reflect intensity of upper airway
      disease in asthmatics, while serum levels of periostin are associated with asthma
      activity (exacerbations or FeNO) or NERD subphenotypes.

PMID- 28102058
TI  - Neonatal Immune State Is Influenced by Maternal Allergic Rhinitis and Associated
      With Regulatory T cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Maternal influences contribute to the origin of allergic diseases, but
      the mechanisms are not clear. The current literature prompted the role of
      epigenetics in the development of allergic diseases. We sought to investigate the
      roles of regulatory T (Treg) cells and Forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) DNA methylation in
      the process of maternal transmission of allergic rhinitis (AR) susceptibility.
      METHODS: BALB/c female mice (AR mother) were sensitized by intraperitoneal
      injection of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1 on day 1 and 7. Then they
      mated with normal male mice on day 8. From day 21 to 28, the female mice were
      intranasal challenged with Der p 1 continuously. The normal controls were given
      with normal saline in the same way. On postnatal day 3, Female mice and their
      offspring were sacrificed to detect their histopathology in nasal mucosae,
      cytokines in sera of mother and spleen homogenates of offspring, Treg cells
      count, Foxp3 mRNA expressions, and Foxp3 DNA methylation levels in spleens.
      RESULTS: Compared with the normal controls, neonatal offspring of Der p 1
      stimulated female mice (AR offspring) showed the elevation of interleukin (IL)-4
      (P<0.01) and IL-17 (P<0.01), the submission of IL-10 (P<0.01) in spleen
      homogenates. Further, Treg cells count in AR offspring decreased remarkably
      compared with the normal offspring (P<0.01). Though the difference of Foxp3 DNA
      methylation level between AR offspring and normal control offspring was not
      obvious, correlation analysis demonstrated that there was significantly positive
      correlation between Foxp3 DNA methylation level of mother and that of offspring
      (r=0.803, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Under the influence of Maternal AR, their
      neonatal offspring develop into T-helper type 2 (Th2) dominant immune state,
      which is closely associated with the recession of Treg cells. Foxp3 DNA
      methylation may be a mechanism responsible for that maternal effect but still
      need more studies to ensure.

PMID- 28102060
TI  - Usefulness of House Dust Mite Nasal Provocation Test in Asthma.
AB  - PURPOSE: We previously reported that the skin prick test was sensitive and the
      serum specific immunoglobulin E test was specific for predicting positive airway
      responses to house dust mites (HDMs) in patients with asthma. Because the nose
      and bronchus are one airway, the nasal provocation test would be more specific
      for predicting the bronchial responses to HDM than the skin test. METHODS: The
      allergy skin prick test and nasal and bronchial provocation tests using HDM
      (Dermatophagoides farinae) were performed in 41 young men (age, 19-28 years) who
      wanted military certification for asthma. The nasal responses to HDM was scored
      according to the severity of rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nose itching. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of a positive skin prick test to HDM did not significantly differ
      between patients with (n=24) and without (n=17) an early airway reaction (EAR;
      79.2% vs 70.6%, P=0.534). However, the prevalence of a positive nasal test was
      significantly higher in the airway responders than in the others (37.5% vs 0%,
      P=0.005). The concordance of a positive response to the nasal test (kappa=0.332,
      P=0.004) but not to the skin prick test (kappa=0.091, P=0.529) was significant
      with an EAR. The diagnostic sensitivity of the nasal test (37.5%) was lower than
      that of the skin prick test (79.2%), but the specificity was higher (100% vs
      29.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The skin prick test is more sensitive, whereas the nasal
      test is more specific and accurate, for predicting an EAR to HDM in patients with
      asthma.

PMID- 28102059
TI  - Vgamma1+ gammadeltaT Cells Are Correlated With Increasing Expression of
      Eosinophil Cationic Protein and Metalloproteinase-7 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
      With Nasal Polyps Inducing the Formation of Edema.
AB  - PURPOSE: We have found that expression of gammadeltaT cells is increased in
      pathological mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) compared
      with normal nasal mucosa. This increase is correlated with the infiltration of
      eosinophils in CRSwNP. Here, we investigated the expression of gammadeltaT cells,
      inflammation and tissue remodeling factors as well as their probable
      relationships in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in China.
      METHODS: A total of 76 surgical tissue samples that included 43 CRSwNP samples
      (15 eosinophilic and 28 non-eosinophilic), 17 CRS samples without nasal polyps
      (CRSsNP), and 16 controls were obtained. Quantitative reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels
      of Vgamma1+ gammadeltaT cells, Vgamma4+ gammadeltaT cells, eosinophil cationic
      protein (ECP), interleukin (IL)-8, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2,
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-4 and
      hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      was used to measure the protein level of ECP and MMP-7 in CRSwNP. The eosinophils
      were counted and the level of edema was analyzed with HE staining. RESULTS: The
      mRNA expression levels of the Vgamma1 subset, ECP and MMP-7 were significantly
      increased in CRSwNP with histological characteristics of eosinophilic
      infiltration and edema. The expression of the Vgamma1 gene in CRSwNP correlated
      positively with the expression of both ECP and MMP-7. No significant decreases in
      the mRNA expression levels of TGF-beta2, TIMP-4 or HIF-1alpha were observed in
      the CRSwNP samples. The expression levels of Vgamma1 gene, ECP and MMP-7 were
      significantly increased in eosinophilic CRSwNP compared to non-eosinophilic
      CRSwNP. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the associations between Vgamma1+
      gammadeltaT cells, ECP and MMP-7 in CRSwNP, indicating that Vgamma1+ gammadeltaT
      cells can induce the eosinophilic inflammation, which has a further effect on the
      formation of edema.

PMID- 28102062
TI  - The Role of IL-17 in a Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Rhinitis Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a cell wall component of Gram-negative
      bacteria and important for pro-inflammatory mediators. This study aimed to
      establish a rhinitis model using ovalbumin (OVA) and LPS in order to evaluate the
      role of interleukin (IL)-17 in the pathogenesis of an LPS-induced non
      eosionophilic rhinitis model. METHODS: Mice were divided into 4 groups and each
      group consisted of 10 mice (negative control group, allergic rhinitis model
      group, 1-MUg LPS treatment group, and 10-MUg LPS treatment group). BALB/c mice
      were sensitized with OVA and 1 or 10 MUg of LPS, and challenged intranasally with
      OVA. Multiple parameters of rhinitis were also evaluated to establish the LPS
      induced rhinitis model. IL-17 knockout mice were used to check if the LPS-induced
      rhinitis model were dependent on IL-17. Eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration,
      and mRNA and protein expression profiles of cytokine in nasal mucosa or spleen
      cell culture were evaluated using molecular, biochemical, histopathological, and
      immunohistological methods. RESULTS: In the LPS-induced rhinitis model,
      neutrophil infiltration increased in the nasal mucosa, and systemic and nasal IL
      17 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels also increased as compared with the
      OVA-induced allergic rhinitis model. These findings were LPS-dose-dependent. In
      IL-17 knockout mice, those phenotypes (neutrophil infiltration, IL-17, and IFN
      gamma) were reversed, showing IL-17 dependency of LPS-induced rhinitis. The
      expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important mediator
      for inflammation and angiogenesis, decreased in IL-17 knockout mice, showing the
      relationship between IL-17 and VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: This study established an LPS
      induced rhinitis model dependent on IL-17, characterized by neutrophil
      infiltration and increased expression of IL-17.

PMID- 28102061
TI  - Clinical Diversity of Atopic Dermatitis: A Review of 5,000 Patients at a Single
      Institute.
AB  - PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic eczematous dermatitis that has a
      high prevalence and diverse clinical features. Although several hypotheses about
      its multifactorial pathogenesis have been suggested, the cause is not yet fully
      understood. A better understanding of the clinical features may helpful
      inelucidating the pathogenesis of AD. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed
      the questionnaires, medical charts, and laboratory examination results of 5,000
      patients diagnosed with AD at a single tertiary hospital in Korea. RESULTS: The
      demographics, allergic comorbidities, family history, severity, and treatment
      experiences of the patients were analyzed. Most of the patients were adults,
      76.3% of whom were classified as havingan extrinsic type of AD. The mean eczema
      area and severity index (EASI) score was found to be 13.68, and adult patients
      were found to have higher severity than the other age groups. The anatomical
      involvements were different among the age groups, with more involvements of the
      head and neck in adults. The patients reported seasonal changes and stress as the
      factors that aggravated their symptoms the most. Topical steroids and oral
      cyclosporine were the most used medications at our clinic, whereas 10.1% of the
      patients underwent allergen-specific immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of
      5,000 patients would lead to a better understanding of various subtypes and
      diverse clinical features of AD in Koreans. Distinct characteristics were
      observed among different age groups; thus, treatment strategies may need to be
      differentiated accordingly.

PMID- 28102063
TI  - Sputum Inflammatory Mediators Are Increased in Aspergillus fumigatus Culture
      Positive Asthmatics.
AB  - Aspergillus fumigatus sensitization and culture in asthma are associated with
      disease severity and lung function impairment, but their relationship with airway
      inflammation is poorly understood. We investigated the profile of 24 sputum
      inflammatory mediators in A. fumigatus culture-positive or-negative moderate-to
      severe asthmatics. Fifty-two subjects were recruited from a single center. A.
      fumigatus was cultured from 19 asthmatics. Asthma control, symptom score, lung
      function, and sputum cell count were not significantly different between the
      asthmatics with and without a positive A. fumigatus culture. All of the sputum
      mediators were numerically increased in subjects with a positive versus negative
      sputum A. fumigatus culture. Sputum TNF-R2 was significantly elevated (P=0.03)
      and the mediator that best distinguished A. fumigatus culture-positive from
      culture-negative subjects (receiver-operator characteristic area under the curve
      0.66 [95% CI: 0.51 to 0.82, P=0.045]). A. fumigates-positive culture in moderate
      to-severe asthma is associated with increased inflammatory sputum mediators.

PMID- 28102064
TI  - Fixed Food Eruption Caused by Actinidia arguta (Hardy Kiwi): A Case Report and
      Literature Review.
AB  - Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a common hypersensitivity reaction characterized by
      recurrent, well-circumscribed, erythematous patches that arise at the same site
      as a result of systemic drug exposure. However, fixed food eruption (FFE), a
      lesion triggered by food ingestion, is a rare allergy that was first defined in
      1996. Based on their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, the fruit and
      leaves of Actinidia arguta, the hardy kiwi, are widely consumed across Korea,
      Japan, and China. This report describes the first case of FFE caused by hardy
      kiwi leaves, known as Daraesun in Korean, confirmed by oral provocation tests and
      skin biopsy.

PMID- 28102065
TI  - Comment on "Long-Term Effects of Diesel Exhaust Particles on Airway Inflammation
      and Remodeling in a Mouse Model" by Kim et al.

PMID- 28102066
TI  - Erratum: In Vitro Evaluation of Allergen Potencies of Commercial House Dust Mite
      Sublingual Immunotherapy Reagents.
AB  - This corrects the article on p. 124 in vol. 7, PMID: 25729619.

PMID- 28102067
TI  - Thy3A and Thy3B nodules: is surgery the best treatment?

PMID- 28102068
TI  - Robust Guar Gum/Cellulose Nanofibrils Multilayer Films with Good Barrier
      Properties.
AB  - The pursuit of sustainable functional materials requires development of materials
      based on renewable resources and efficient fabrication methods. Hereby, we
      fabricated all-polysaccharides multilayer films using cationic guar gum (CGG) and
      anionic cellulose nanofibrils (i.e., TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils, TOCNs)
      through a layer-by-layer casting method. This technique is based on alternate
      depositions of oppositely charged water-based CGG and TOCNs onto laminated films.
      The resultant polyelectrolyte multilayer films were transparent, ductile, and
      strong. More importantly, the self-standing films exhibited excellent gas (water
      vapor and oxygen) and oil barrier performances. Another outstanding feature of
      these resultant films was their resistance to various organic solvents including
      methanol, acetone, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). The
      proposed film fabrication process is environmentally benign, cost-effective, and
      easy to scale-up. The developed CGG/TOCNs multilayer films can be used as a
      renewable material for industrial applications such as packaging.

PMID- 28102069
TI  - Tuning the Morphologies of MnO/C Hybrids by Space Constraint Assembly of Mn-MOFs
      for High Performance Li Ion Batteries.
AB  - Morphology controllable fabrication of electrode materials is of great
      significance but is still a major challenge for constructing advanced Li ion
      batteries. Herein, we propose a novel space constraint assembly approach to tune
      the morphology of Mn(terephthalic acid) (PTA)-MOF, in which benzonic acid was
      employed as a modulator to adjust the available MOF assembly directions. As a
      result, Mn(PTA)-MOFs with microquadrangulars, microflakes, and spindle-like
      microrods morphologies have been achieved. MnO/C hybrids with preserved
      morphologies were further obtained by self-sacrificial and thermal transformation
      of Mn(PTA)-MOFs. As anodes for Li ion batteries, these morphologies showed great
      influence on the electrochemical properties. Owing to the abundant porous
      structure and unique architecture, the MnO/C spindle-like microrods demonstrated
      superior electrochemical properties with a high reversible capacity of 1165 mAh g
      1 at 0.3 A g-1, excellent rate capability of 580 mAh g-1 at 3 A g-1, and no
      considerable capacity loss after 200 cycles at 1 A g-1. This strategy could be
      extended to engineering the morphology of other MOF-derived functional materials
      in various structure-dependent applications.

PMID- 28102070
TI  - Well-Ordered Oxygen-Deficient CoMoO4 and Fe2O3 Nanoplate Arrays on 3D Graphene
      Foam: Toward Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors with Enhanced Capacitive
      Properties.
AB  - In this work, we report the development of well-ordered hydrogenated CoMoO4 (H
      CoMoO4) and hydrogenated Fe2O3 (H-Fe2O3) nanoplate arrays on 3D graphene foam
      (GF) and explore their practice application as binder-free electrodes in
      assembling flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) devices. Our
      results show that the monolithic 3D porous GF prepared by solution casting method
      using Ni foam template possesses large surface area, superior electrical
      conductivity, and sufficient surface functional groups, which not only facilitate
      in situ growth of CoMoO4 and Fe2O3 nanoplates but also contribute the double
      layer capacitance of the resultant supercapacitor. The well-ordered
      pseudocapacitive metal oxide nanoplate arrays standing up on 3D GF scaffold can
      provide efficient space and shorten the length for electrolyte diffusion from the
      outer to the inner region of the electrode material for Faradaic energy storage.
      Furthermore, one of our major findings is that the introduction of oxygen
      vacancies in CoMoO4 and Fe2O3 nanoplates by hydrogenation treatment can increase
      their electronic conductivity as well as improve their donor density and surface
      properties, which gives rise to a substantially improved electrochemical
      performance. Benefiting from the synergistic contributions of different
      components in the nanohybrid electrode, the resultant flexible ASC device with
      GF/H-CoMoO4 as the positive electrode and GF/H-Fe2O3 as the negative electrode
      achieves a wide operation voltage of 1.5 V and a maximum volumetric specific
      capacitance of 3.6 F cm-3, which is two times larger than that of the
      Ni/GF/CoMoO4//Ni/GF/Fe2O3 device (1.8 F cm-3), and the rate capability is up to
      70% as the current density increases from 2 to 200 mA cm-3. Moreover, the Ni/GF/H
      CoMoO4//Ni/GF/H-Fe2O3 device also exhibits a high energy density of 1.13 mWh cm-3
      and a high power density of 150 mW cm-3, good mechanical flexibility with the
      decrease in capacitance of less than 4% after being bent inward to different
      angles and inward to 90 degrees  200 times, and good cycling stability of 93.1%
      capacitance retention after 5000 cycles.

PMID- 28102071
TI  - Temperature-Induced Misfolding in Prion Protein: Evidence of Multiple Partially
      Disordered States Stabilized by Non-Native Hydrogen Bonds.
AB  - The structural basis of pathways of misfolding of a cellular prion (PrPC) into
      the toxic scrapie form (PrPSC) and identification of possible intermediates
      (e.g., PrP*) still eludes us. In this work, we have used a cumulative ~65 MUs of
      replica exchange molecular dynamics simulation data to construct the
      conformational free energy landscapes and capture the structural and
      thermodynamic characteristics associated with various stages of the thermal
      denaturation process in human prion protein. The temperature-dependent free
      energy surfaces consist of multiple metastable states stabilized by non-native
      contacts and hydrogen bonds, thus rendering the protein prone to misfolding. We
      have been able to identify metastable conformational states with high beta
      content (~30-40%) and low alpha-content (~10-20%) that might be precursors of
      PrPSC oligomer formation. These conformations also involve participation of the
      unstructured N-terminal domain, and its role in misfolding has been investigated.
      All the misfolded or partially unfolded states are quite compact in nature
      despite having large deviations from the native structure. Although the number of
      native contacts decreases dramatically at higher temperatures, the radius of
      gyration and number of intraprotein hydrogen bonds and contacts remain relatively
      unchanged, leading to stabilization of the misfolded conformations by non-native
      interactions. Our results are in good agreement with the established view that
      the C-terminal regions of the second and third helices (H2 and H3, respectively)
      of mammal prions might be the Achilles heels of their stability, while separation
      of B1-H1-B2 and H2-H3 domains seems to play a key role, as well.

PMID- 28102072
TI  - Ultrafast Dischargeable LiMn2O4 Thin-Film Electrodes with Pseudocapacitive
      Properties for Microbatteries.
AB  - LiMn2O4 (LMO) thin films are deposited on Si-based substrates with Pt current
      collector via multi-layer pulsed-laser-deposition technique. The LMO thin films
      feature unique kinetics that yield outstanding electrochemical cycling
      performance in an aqueous environment. At extremely high current densities of up
      to 1880 MUA cm-2 (~ 348 C), a reversible capacity of 2.6 MUAh cm-2 is reached.
      Furthermore, the electrochemical cycling remains very stable for over 3500 cycles
      with a remarkable capacity retention of 99.996% per cycle. We provide evidence of
      significant nondiffusion-controlled, pseudocapacitive-like storage contribution
      of the LMO electrode.

PMID- 28102074
TI  - Growth of a Large-Area, Free-Standing, Highly Conductive and Fully Foldable
      Silver Film with Inverted Pyramids for Wearable Electronics Applications.
AB  - A promising new concept is the application of flexible and foldable conductive
      film or paper for wearable electronics, in which silver nanowires, carbon
      nanotubes, and graphene are primarily used as conductive materials. However,
      their insufficient nanostructure contacts lead to poor electrical conductivity
      and mechanical fracture. Here, we demonstrate a simple and innovative strategy
      for fabricating a free-standing silver film with inverted pyramids by replicating
      pyramids on a textured silicon wafer under a hydrothermal reaction. In this
      unique structure, the inverted pyramids on the film surface can provide
      sufficient buffer space for a mechanically foldable and unfoldable cushion, and
      the continuous film ensures an uninterrupted electron transport pathway. As a
      result, the silver film with inverted pyramids can exhibit extremely high
      conductivity, with a sheet resistance as low as 2.55 * 10-3 Omega/sq,
      corresponding to an electrical conductivity of 4.2 * 105 S cm-1 for a 9.2-MUm
      thick film (67.7% of bulk silver's conductivity). Surprisingly, this film has
      outstanding mechanical folding stability, with less than a 0.5% deviation from
      the initial resistance after 35,000 repetitive folding and unfolding cycles when
      tested at the folding site. The film is free-standing, thin, flexible, foldable,
      and suitable for cutting and patterned growth, which makes it suitable for
      wearable electronics, showing a much wider range of applications than substrate
      based ones.

PMID- 28102073
TI  - Estimates of Health Impacts and Radiative Forcing in Winter Haze in Eastern China
      through Constraints of Surface PM2.5 Predictions.
AB  - The Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) Three-Dimensional Variational
      (3DVAR) data assimilation system is extended to treat the MOSAIC aerosol model in
      WRF-Chem, and to be capable of assimilating surface PM2.5 concentrations. The
      coupled GSI-WRF-Chem system is applied to reproduce aerosol levels over China
      during an extremely polluted winter month, January 2013. After assimilating
      surface PM2.5 concentrations, the correlation coefficients between observations
      and model results averaged over the assimilated sites are improved from 0.67 to
      0.94. At nonassimilated sites, improvements (higher correlation coefficients and
      lower mean bias errors (MBE) and root-mean-square errors (RMSE)) are also found
      in PM2.5, PM10, and AOD predictions. Using the constrained aerosol fields, we
      estimate that the PM2.5 concentrations in January 2013 might have caused 7550
      premature deaths in Jing-Jin-Ji areas, which are 2% higher than the estimates
      using unconstrained aerosol fields. We also estimate that the daytime monthly
      mean anthropogenic aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) to be -29.9W/m2 at the
      surface, 27.0W/m2 inside the atmosphere, and -2.9W/m2 at the top of the
      atmosphere. Our estimates update the previously reported overestimations along
      Yangtze River region and underestimations in North China. This GSI-WRF-Chem
      system would also be potentially useful for air quality forecasting in China.

PMID- 28102075
TI  - Molecular Features of Humic Acids and Fulvic Acids from Contrasting Environments.
AB  - Insight in the molecular structure of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) can
      contribute to identify relationships between their molecular properties, and
      further our quantitative abilities to model important organic matter functions
      such as metal complexation and association with mineral surfaces. Pyrolysis gas
      chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) is used to compare the molecular
      composition of HA and FA. A systematic comparison was obtained by using samples
      from different environmental sources, including solid and aqueous samples from
      both natural and waste sources. The chemical signature of the pyrolysates was
      highly variable and no significant difference between HA and FA was found for
      major chemical groups, that is, carbohydrates, phenols, benzenes, and lignin
      phenols, together accounting for 62-96% of all quantified pyrolysis products.
      However, factor analysis showed that within each sample, FAs consistently
      differed from corresponding HAs in a larger contribution from mono- and
      polyaromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic hydrocarbons, together accounting for
      3.9-44.5% of the quantified pyrolysis products. This consistent difference
      between FAs and corresponding HAs, suggests that their binding properties may, in
      addition to the carboxyl and phenolic groups, be influenced by the molecular
      architecture. Py-GC-MS may thus contribute to identify relationships between HA
      and FA binding- and molecular-properties.

PMID- 28102077
TI  - Boosting Hot-Electron Generation: Exciton Dissociation at the Order-Disorder
      Interfaces in Polymeric Photocatalysts.
AB  - Excitonic effects, arising from the Coulomb interactions between photogenerated
      electrons and holes, dominate the optical excitation properties of
      semiconductors, whereas their influences on photocatalytic processes have seldom
      been discussed. In view of the competitive generation of excitons and hot
      carriers, exciton dissociation is proposed as an alternative strategy for hot
      carrier harvesting in photocatalysts. Herein, by taking heptazine-based melon as
      an example, we verified that enhanced hot-carrier generation could be obtained in
      semicrystalline polymeric photocatalysts, which is ascribed to the accelerated
      exciton dissociation at the abundant order-disorder interfaces. Moreover, driven
      by the accompanying electron injection toward ordered chains and hole blocking in
      disordered chains, semicrystalline heptazine-based melon showed an ~7-fold
      promotion in electron concentration with respect to its pristine counterpart.
      Benefiting from these, the semicrystalline sample exhibited dramatic enhancements
      in electron-involved photocatalytic processes, such as superoxide radical
      production and selective alcohol oxidation. This work brightens excitonic aspects
      for the design of advanced photocatalysts.

PMID- 28102078
TI  - Peptide Selection for Targeted Protein Quantitation.
AB  - Targeted proteomics methods in their different flavors rely on the use of a few
      peptides as proxies for protein quantitation, which need to be specified either
      prior to or after data acquisition. However, in contrast with discovery methods
      that use all identified peptides for a given protein to estimate its abundance,
      targeted proteomics methods are limited in the number of peptides that are used
      for protein quantitation. Because only a few peptides per protein are acquired or
      extracted in targeted experiments, the selection of peptides that are used for
      targeted protein quantitation becomes crucial. Several rules have been proposed
      to guide peptide selection for targeted proteomics studies, which have generally
      been based on the amino acidic composition of the peptide sequences. However, the
      compliance of these rules does not imply that not-conformed peptides are not
      reproducibly generated nor do they guarantee that the selected peptides correctly
      represent the behavior of the protein abundance under different conditions.

PMID- 28102079
TI  - Medium-Sized Cyclic Ethers via Stevens [1,2]-Shift of Mixed Monothioacetal
      Derived Sulfonium Ylides: Application to Formal Synthesis of (+)-Laurencin.
AB  - A novel approach to medium-sized cyclic ethers was devised using a Stevens [1,2]
      shift of a sulfonium ylide derived from a readily accessible six-membered mixed
      monothioacetal precursor. The concise and efficient transformation offers a
      surprising degree of chirality transfer with observed retention of stereochemical
      configuration on the anomeric migrating carbon and has been applied as the key
      step in an enantioselective formal synthesis of (+)-laurencin.

PMID- 28102076
TI  - Kinobead and Single-Shot LC-MS Profiling Identifies Selective PKD Inhibitors.
AB  - ATP-competitive protein kinase inhibitors are important research tools and
      therapeutic agents. Because there are >500 human kinases that contain highly
      conserved active sites, the development of selective inhibitors is extremely
      challenging. Methods to rapidly and efficiently profile kinase inhibitor targets
      in cell lysates are urgently needed to discover selective compounds and to
      elucidate the mechanisms of action for polypharmacological inhibitors. Here, we
      describe a protocol for microgram-scale chemoproteomic profiling of ATP
      competitive kinase inhibitors using kinobeads. We employed a gel-free in situ
      digestion protocol coupled to nanoflow liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to
      profile ~200 kinases in single analytical runs using as little as 5 MUL of
      kinobeads and 300 MUg of protein. With our kinobead reagents, we obtained broad
      coverage of the kinome, monitoring the relative expression levels of 312 kinases
      in a diverse panel of 11 cancer cell lines. Further, we profiled a set of
      pyrrolopyrimidine- and pyrazolopyrimidine-based kinase inhibitors in competition
      binding experiments with label-free quantification, leading to the discovery of a
      novel selective and potent inhibitor of protein kinase D (PKD) 1, 2, and 3. Our
      protocol is useful for rapid and sensitive profiling of kinase expression levels
      and ATP-competitive kinase inhibitor selectivity in native proteomes.

PMID- 28102080
TI  - N-Oleoylglycine-Induced Hyperphagia Is Associated with the Activation of Agouti
      Related Protein (AgRP) Neuron by Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1R).
AB  - N-Acyl amino acids (NAAAs) are conjugate products of fatty acids and amino acids,
      which are available in animal-derived food. We compared the effects of N
      arachidonoylglycine (NAGly), N-arachidonoylserine (NASer), and N-oleoylglycine
      (OLGly) on in vivo food intake and in vitro [Ca2+]i of Agouti-related protein
      (AgRP) neurons to identify the role of these compounds in energy homeostasis.
      Hypothalamic neuropeptide expression and anxiety behavior in response to OLGly
      were also tested. To further identify the underlying mechanism of OLGly on food
      intake, we first detected the expression level of potential OLGly receptors. The
      cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) antagonist was cotreated with OLGly to analyze
      the activation of AgRP neuron, including [Ca2+]i, expression levels of PKA, CREB,
      and c-Fos, and neuropeptide secretion. Results demonstrated that only OLGly
      (intrapertioneal injection of 6 mg/kg) can induce hyperphagia without changing
      the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides and anxiety-like behavior. Moreover,
      20 MUM OLGly robustly enhances [Ca2+]i, c-Fos protein expression in AgRP neuron,
      and AgRP content in the culture medium. OLGly-induced activation of AgRP neuron
      was completely abolished by the CB1R-specific antagonist, AM251. In summary, this
      study is the first to demonstrate the association of OLGly-induced hyperphagia
      with activation of the AgRP neuron by CB1R. These findings open avenues for
      investigation and application of OLGly to modulate energy homeostasis.

PMID- 28102082
TI  - Characterization of the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Chronic Phase of
      Stroke in a Cynomolgus Monkey Model of Induced Cerebral Ischemia.
AB  - Stroke is one of the main causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide.
      The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this disease are not well
      understood, particularly in the chronic phase after the initial ischemic episode.
      In this study, a Macaca fascicularis stroke model consisting of two sample
      groups, as determined by MRI-quantified infarct volumes as a measure of the
      stroke severity 28 days after the ischemic episode, was evaluated using
      qualitative and quantitative proteomics analyses. By using multiple online
      multidimensional liquid chromatography platforms, 8790 nonredundant proteins were
      identified that condensed to 5223 protein groups at 1% global false discovery
      rate (FDR). After the application of a conservative criterion (5% local FDR),
      4906 protein groups were identified from the analysis of cerebral cortex. Of the
      2068 quantified proteins, differential proteomic analyses revealed that 31 and 23
      were dysregulated in the elevated- and low-infarct-volume groups, respectively.
      Neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and inflammation featured prominently as the
      cellular processes associated with these dysregulated proteins. Protein
      interaction network analysis revealed that the dysregulated proteins for
      inflammation and neurogenesis were highly connected, suggesting potential cross
      talk between these processes in modulating the cytoskeletal structure and
      dynamics in the chronic phase poststroke. Elucidating the long-term consequences
      of brain tissue injuries from a cellular prospective, as well as the molecular
      mechanisms that are involved, would provide a basis for the development of new
      potentially neurorestorative therapies.

PMID- 28102081
TI  - Deep Coverage of Global Protein Expression and Phosphorylation in Breast Tumor
      Cell Lines Using TMT 10-plex Isobaric Labeling.
AB  - Labeling peptides with isobaric tags is a popular strategy in quantitative bottom
      up proteomics. In this study, we labeled six breast tumor cell lysates (1.34 mg
      proteins per channel) using 10-plex tandem mass tag reagents and analyzed the
      samples on a Q Exactive HF Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. We identified a
      total of 8,706 proteins and 28,186 phosphopeptides, including 7,394 proteins and
      23,739 phosphosites common to all channels. The majority of technical replicates
      correlated with a R2 >= 0.98, indicating minimum variability was introduced after
      labeling. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of phosphopeptide data sets
      successfully classified the breast tumor samples into Her2 (epidermal growth
      factor receptor 2) positive and Her2 negative groups, whereas mRNA abundance did
      not. The tyrosine phosphorylation levels of receptor tyrosine kinases,
      phosphoinositide-3-kinase, protein kinase C delta, and Src homology 2, among
      others, were significantly higher in the Her2 positive than the Her2 negative
      group. Despite ratio compression in MS2-based experiments, we demonstrated the
      ratios calculated using an MS2 method are highly correlated (R2 > 0.65) with
      ratios obtained using MS3-based quantitation (using a Thermo Orbitrap Fusion mass
      spectrometer) with reduced ratio suppression. Given the deep coverage of global
      and phosphoproteomes, our data show that MS2-based quantitation using TMT can be
      successfully used for large-scale multiplexed quantitative proteomics.

PMID- 28102083
TI  - Development and characterization of morin hydrate loaded microemulsion for the
      management of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize intranasal delivery of morin
      hydrate loaded microemulsion for the management of Alzheimer's diseases. After
      intranasal delivery, brain and blood drug concentrations were found to be higher
      for optimized morin hydrate loaded microemulsion as compared to plain morin
      hydrate. Significant (P < 0.05) reduction in assessed pharmacodynamic parameters
      was observed after intranasal administration of morin hydrate loaded
      microemulsion as compared to sham control group. Daily chronic treatment with
      morin loaded microemulsion till the 21st day significantly increased the memory
      in wistar rats with STZ-induced dementia.

PMID- 28102085
TI  - 2008-2009 Conferences.

PMID- 28102084
TI  - Long-bone properties and development are affected by caponisation and breed in
      Polish fowls.
AB  - 1. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of caponisation on bone
      development of males of two native breeds in Poland. 2. The weight, length and
      cross-sectional area of tibiae and femora were measured, densitometric
      measurements and tests of strength were determined and dimensions were
      calculated. 3. Breed and caponisation did not influence bone weight and length.
      Higher mechanical strength of the femur was found in entire males, mainly in the
      Polbar breed. Tibial strength was reduced in capons of the Green Partridge breed.
      Maximum elastic strength was greater in the Polbar, irrespective of caponisation.
      Bone cross-sectional area was influenced by breed, while caponisation reduced
      femoral bone mineral density in both breeds. 4. Caponisation thus increased
      growth rate but had adverse effects on bone development. 5. Caponisation had
      fewer negative effects in the Polbar than in the Greenleg Partridge.

PMID- 28102087
TI  - Relationship quality of persons with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
AB  - In the field of sleep disorders, the quality of couple relationship is arousing
      increasing attention, given its implications for quality of life and treatment
      adherence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate relationship quality in a
      sample of treated or untreated patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome.
      Eighty-seven patients were recruited in a hospital-based Centre for Sleep
      Medicine. Subjects were administered the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) to
      evaluate relationship quality, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Apnoea
      hypopnoea indexes (AHI) were collected through nocturnal polysomnography or home
      testing with a portable monitoring device. Although the DAS average scores were
      similar to local normative values, relationship quality was significantly lower
      in the untreated patients when compared with the ones treated. The ESS scores
      showed a negative correlation with many DAS scores, whereas no significant
      correlation emerged for AHI. Such data suggest a significant impact of perceived
      sleep apnoea symptoms on marital satisfaction, even though in the absence of
      striking differences between the whole sample and the general population.

PMID- 28102088
TI  - Hyperandrogenism in a postmenopausal woman: a rare case of ectopic adrenal
      cortical gland.
AB  - Most frequent causes of androgenic manifestation are Cushing's syndrome, PCO,
      benign and malignant androgen-secreting non adrenal tumors and iatrogenic
      hirsutism. Hyperplasia or neoplasms of ectopic adrenocortical gland are rare. We
      report a case of a 63-year old female with hirsutism and alopecia. Laboratory
      data highlighted increased levels of androgens. Diagnostic imaging revealed
      normal morphology of adrenocortical gland and ovaries. In view of the clinical
      picture and suspected diagnosis of extra-adrenal cause, she underwent bilateral
      salpingo-oophorectomy. Histologic examination showed an ectopic adrenal gland
      with adenoma in the ovarian and peri-ovarian tissue. At six months of follow up,
      the patients has no sign of hyperandrogenism. In case of hyperandrogenism in
      postmenopausal women and in the absence of the adrenocortical gland abnormality,
      ovarian origin should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

PMID- 28102090
TI  - Upper extremity movement reliability and validity of the Kinect version 2.
AB  - PURPOSE: Studies have shown that marker-less motion detection systems, such as
      the first generation Kinect (Kinect 1), have good reliability and potential for
      clinical application. Studies of the second generation Kinect (Kinect 2) have
      shown a large range of accuracy relative to balance and joint localization;
      however, few studies have investigated the validity and reliability of the Kinect
      2 for upper extremity motion. This investigation compared reliability and
      validity among the Kinect 1, Kinect 2 and a video motion capture (VMC) system for
      upper extremity movements. DESIGN: One healthy, adult male performed six upper
      extremity movements during two separate sessions. All movements were recorded on
      the Kinect 1, Kinect 2 and VMC simultaneously. Data were analyzed using MATLAB
      (Natick, MA), Microsoft Excel (Redmond, WA), and SPSS (Armonk, NY). RESULTS:
      Results indicated good reliability for both Kinects within a day; results between
      days were inconclusive for both devices due to the inability to exactly repeat
      the desired movements. Range of motion (ROM) magnitudes for both Kinects were
      different from the VMC, yet patterns of motion were very highly correlated for
      both devices. CONCLUSION: Simple transformations of Kinect data could bring
      magnitudes in line with those of the VMC, allowing the Kinects to be used in a
      clinical setting. Implications for Rehabilitation The clinical implications of
      the investigation support the notion that the Kinects could be used in the
      clinical setting if an understanding of their limitations exists. Using the
      Kinects to make assessments with a given data collection session is acceptable.
      Using the Kinects to make comparisons across different days such as before or
      after an intervention should be approached with caution. The Kinect 2 provides a
      more cost effective option compared to the VMC. Additionally, the Kinect is more
      portable, requires less time to set-up, and takes up less space, thus increasing
      its overall usability compared to the VMC.

PMID- 28102089
TI  - Disulfiram moderately restores impaired hepatic redox status of rats
      subchronically exposed to cadmium.
AB  - Examination of cadmium (Cd) toxicity and disulfiram (DSF) effect on liver was
      focused on oxidative stress (OS), bioelements status, morphological and
      functional changes. Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally treated with 1 mg
      CdCl2/kg BW/day; orally with 178.5 mg DSF/kg BW/day for 1, 3, 10 and 21 days; and
      co-exposed from 22nd to 42nd day. The co-exposure nearly restored previously
      suppressed total superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and increased
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities; increased previously reduced glutathione
      reductase (GR) and total glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities; reduced
      previously increased superoxide anion radical (O2.-) and malondialdehyde (MDA)
      levels; increased zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), and decreased copper (Cu) (yet above
      control value), while magnesium (Mg) was not affected; and decreased serum
      alanine aminotransferases (ALT) levels. Histopathological examination showed
      signs of inflammation process as previously demonstrated by exposure to Cd.
      Overall, we ascertained partial liver redox status improvement, compared with the
      formerly Cd-induced impact.

PMID- 28102091
TI  - Obesity-related insulin resistance in adolescents: a systematic review and meta
      analysis of observational studies.
AB  - Insulin resistance is common among obese adolescents; however, the extent of this
      problem is not clear. We conducted a systematic review of PubMed-Medline, CINAHL,
      The Web of Science, EMBASE and Scopus for observational studies evaluating
      components defining insulin resistance (insulin, C-peptide and homeostatic model
      assessment-insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) in obese adolescents (12-18 years)
      versus non-obese adolescents. Our systematic review and meta-analysis followed
      the PRISMA guidelines. Data were combined using a random-effects model and
      summary statistics were calculated using the mean differences (MDs). 31 studies
      were included (n = 8655). In 26 studies, fasting insulin levels were higher in
      obese adolescents when compared to non-obese adolescents (MD = 64.11 pmol/L,
      95%CI 49.48-78.75, p < 0.00001). In three studies, fasting C-peptide levels were
      higher in obese adolescents when compared to non-obese adolescents (MD = 0.29
      nmol/L, 95%CI 0.22-0.36, p < 0.00001). In 24 studies, HOMA-IR values were higher
      in obese adolescents when compared to non-obese adolescents (MD = 2.22, 95%CI
      1.78-2.67, p < 0.00001). Heterogeneity of effects among studies was moderate to
      high. Subgroup analyses showed similar results to the main analyses. Circulating
      insulin and C-peptide levels and HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in
      obese adolescents compared to those non-obese.

PMID- 28102092
TI  - Survival of ileal pouch anal anastomosis constructed after colectomy or secondary
      to a previous ileorectal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis patients: a population
      based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) affects bowel function, sexual function
      and reproduction less negatively than ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA), the
      standard reconstruction after colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC). In younger
      UC patients, IRA may have a role postponing pelvic surgery and IPAA. The aim of
      the present study was to investigate the survival of IPAA secondary to IRA
      compared to IPAA as primary reconstruction, as this has not previously been
      studied in UC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with UC diagnosis between 1960
      and 2010 in Sweden were identified from the National Patient Registry. From this
      cohort, colectomized patients reconstructed with primary IPAA and patients
      reconstructed with IPAA secondary to IRA were identified. The survival of the
      IPAA was followed up until pouch failure, defined as pouchectomy and ileostomy or
      a diverting ileostomy alone. RESULTS: Out of 63,796 patients, 1796 were
      reconstructed with IPAA, either primarily (n = 1720) or secondary to a previous
      IRA (n = 76). There were no demographic differences between the groups, including
      length of follow-up (median 12.6 (IQR 6.7-16.6) years and 10.0 (IQR 3.5-15.9)
      years, respectively). Failure of the IPAA occurred in 103 (6.0%) patients with
      primary and in 6 (8%) patients after secondary IPAA (P = 0.38 log-rank). The 10
      year pouch survival was 94% (95% CI 93-96) for primary IPAA and 92% (81-97) for
      secondary. CONCLUSIONS: Patients choosing IRA as primary reconstruction do not
      have an increased risk of failure of a later secondary IPAA in comparison with
      patients with primary IPAA.

PMID- 28102093
TI  - Cardiovascular safety and benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs)
      constitute a class of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and currently,
      six different GLP-1RAs are approved. Besides improving glycemic control, the GLP
      1RAs have other beneficial effects such as weight loss and a low risk of
      hypoglycemia. Treatment with the GLP-1RA lixisenatide has been shown to be safe
      in patients with type 2 diabetes and recent acute coronary syndrome. Furthermore,
      liraglutide and semaglutide have been shown to reduce cardiovascular (CV) disease
      (CVD) risk in type 2 diabetes patients with established and/or high risk of CVD.
      The CV safety of the remaining GLP-1RAs in type 2 diabetes patients with
      established and/or high risk of CVD remains uncertain, but ongoing CV outcome
      trials (CVOTs) will elucidate this within a few years. Areas covered: The aim of
      this review is to provide an overview of the existing GLP-1RAs with a particular
      focus on their clinical effects on CV risk factors and their CV safety and
      benefits. Expert opinion: Data on the CV risks and benefits associated with GLP
      1RA treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes and high risk of CVD are emerging 
      and look promising (especially for liraglutide and semaglutide). Data from
      ongoing CVOTs will be crucial for the positioning of the individual GLP-1RAs in
      the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and high risk of CVD. However, the
      long-term CV safety and the potential of GLP-1RAs to prevent CVD in type 2
      diabetes patients with less risk of CVD (e.g. newly diagnosed patients) remain
      uncertain.

PMID- 28102094
TI  - Tolerability of the oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 after hand-foot syndrome-related
      discontinuation of capecitabine in western cancer patients.

PMID- 28102095
TI  - Significance of the ionized calcium measurement to assess calcium status in
      osteopenic/osteoporosis postmenopausal outpatients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of calcium status is important in the osteoporotic risk
      assessment. Although guidelines indicate total calcium (tCa) as first-line
      measurement, directly measured ionized calcium (m-iCa), considered as the gold
      standard, is more and more often required. Aim of this study is to evaluate the
      agreement between m-iCa, tCa and iCa calculated from a formula based on total
      calcium and albumin (c-iCa) in osteopenic/osteoporotic postmenopausal
      outpatients. METHODS: A total of 140 postmenopausal outpatients, 41 osteopenic
      (OPN) and 99 osteoporotic (OP) were enrolled. Levels of tCa, m-iCa, c-iCa, total
      protein and albumin, vitamin D (25-OHD), parathyroid hormone 1-84 (PTH), bone
      alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C
      telopeptide (CTX) were also measured. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences between OPN and OP groups regarding values of tCa, m-iCa,
      and c-iCa, 25-OHD and PTH. However, OP women had lower levels of CTX (p < 0.05).
      A significant direct correlation between m-iCa and tCa (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) and
      c-iCa (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) was found. Women with isolated hyper-m-iCa had
      similar DEXA parameter levels respect to the other patients. However, one patient
      with confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism presented hyper-m-iCa versus normal
      tCa and c-iCa values. CONCLUSIONS: The use of tCa could be sufficient to
      characterize the calcium status in postmenopausal outpatients, but reflexive
      calcium testing strategy for m-iCa test is necessary to women presenting the low
      or high extremes of tCa levels, or in women with suspected PHPT.

PMID- 28102096
TI  - Cutoff score evaluation of undergraduate dental curriculum.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Exams at the Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD) are usually
      constructed to match King Abdulaziz University (KAU) policy of a fixed 60% cutoff
      score, though they have never been tested or evaluated. The purpose of this study
      was to validate the cutoff scores of three final fifth-year written exams of the
      undergraduate Endodontic course to assess whether they were similar to KAU
      regulation using the Angoff rating method. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: This study was
      conducted between May 2014 and February 2015 at the Faculty of Dentistry, King
      Abdulaziz University. METHODS: Using the Angoff rating method, three final fifth
      year undergraduate Endodontic written exams were evaluated by four senior faculty
      members. RESULTS: The cutoff scores for exams 1, 2 and 3 were 57.4%, 62.9% and
      63.1%, respectively. Adjusting the exams' cut off scores would cause changes in
      some students' results. CONCLUSIONS: Although the cutoff scores for all exams
      were close to 60%, slight deviation from the accepted cutoff score could
      definitely affect the students' results. Therefore, all exams should be validated
      before being given to students to certify that the cutoff score is credible and
      defensible.

PMID- 28102097
TI  - Familiar auditory sensory training in chronic traumatic brain injury: a case
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The evaluation and treatment for patients with prolonged periods of
      seriously impaired consciousness following traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as
      a vegetative or minimally conscious state, poses considerable challenges,
      particularly in the chronic phases of recovery. METHOD: This blinded crossover
      study explored the effects of familiar auditory sensory training (FAST) compared
      with a sham stimulation in a patient seven years post severe TBI. Baseline data
      were collected over 4 weeks to account for variability in status with
      neurobehavioral measures, including the Disorders of Consciousness scale (DOCS),
      Coma Near Coma scale (CNC), and Consciousness Screening Algorithm. Pre
      stimulation neurophysiological assessments were completed as well, namely
      Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP) and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials
      (SSEP). RESULTS: Results revealed that a significant improvement in the DOCS
      neurobehavioral findings after FAST, which was not maintained during the sham.
      BAEP findings also improved with maintenance of these improvements following sham
      stimulation as evidenced by repeat testing. CONCLUSIONS: The results emphasize
      the importance for continued evaluation and treatment of individuals in chronic
      states of seriously impaired consciousness with a variety of tools. Further study
      of auditory stimulation as a passive treatment paradigm for this population is
      warranted. Implications for Rehabilitation Clinicians should be equipped with
      treatment options to enhance neurobehavioral improvements when traditional
      treatment methods fail to deliver or maintain functional behavioral changes.
      Routine assessment is crucial to detect subtle changes in neurobehavioral
      function even in chronic states of disordered consciousness and determine
      potential preserved cognitive abilities that may not be evident due to unreliable
      motor responses given motoric impairments. Familiar Auditory Stimulation Training
      (FAST) is an ideal passive stimulation that can be supplied by families, allied
      health clinicians and nursing staff of all levels.

PMID- 28102099
TI  - 30th Anniversary of the National Nursing Research Roundtable.

PMID- 28102098
TI  - A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Fruit and Vegetable
      Concentrates on Intermediate Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at an increased risk for
      developing second primary tumors (SPTs). Diets rich in fruits and vegetables
      (FVs) may lower HNC risk. FV concentrates may offer a potential alternative to
      increasing FV intake. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled trial to evaluate whether Juice PLUS+ (JP; a commercial product with
      multiple FV concentrates) has an effect on p27 and Ki-67, biomarkers associated
      with the risk of SPTs. During 2004-2008, we randomized 134 HNC patients to 12
      weeks of JP (n = 72) or placebo (n = 62). Oral cavity mucosal biopsies and whole
      blood were obtained at baseline and after 12 weeks. All participants were given
      the opportunity to receive JP for 5 years following the end of the intervention
      period, and they were followed yearly for the development of SPTs. RESULTS: After
      12 weeks, patients on JP had significantly higher serum alpha-carotene ( P =
      .009), beta-carotene ( P < .0001), and lutein ( P = .003) but did not differ
      significantly in p27 ( P = .23) or Ki-67 ( P = .95). JP use following the initial
      12-week trial was not significantly associated with SPT prevention. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite increased serum micronutrient levels, our results do not suggest a
      clinical benefit of JP in HNC patients. Future studies should focus on longer
      intervention periods and/or modified supplement formulations with demonstrated
      chemopreventive properties.

PMID- 28102100
TI  - A systematic review: the influence of real time feedback on wheelchair propulsion
      biomechanics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical guidelines recommend that, in order to minimize upper limb
      injury risk, wheelchair users adopt a semi-circular pattern with a slow cadence
      and a large push arc. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether real time feedback can be
      used to influence manual wheelchair propulsion biomechanics. REVIEW METHODS:
      Clinical trials and case series comparing the use of real time feedback against
      no feedback were included. A general review was performed and methodological
      quality assessed by two independent practitioners using the Downs and Black
      checklist. The review was completed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting
      Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: Six
      papers met the inclusion criteria. Selected studies involved 123 participants and
      analysed the effect of visual and, in one case, haptic feedback. Across the
      studies it was shown that participants were able to achieve significant changes
      in propulsion biomechanics, when provided with real time feedback. However, the
      effect of targeting a single propulsion variable might lead to unwanted
      alterations in other parameters. Methodological assessment identified weaknesses
      in external validity. CONCLUSIONS: Visual feedback could be used to consistently
      increase push arc and decrease push rate, and may be the best focus for feedback
      training. Further investigation is required to assess such intervention during
      outdoor propulsion. Implications for Rehabilitation Upper limb pain and injuries
      are common secondary disorders that negatively affect wheelchair users' physical
      activity and quality of life. Clinical guidelines suggest that manual wheelchair
      users should aim to propel with a semi-circular pattern with low a push rate and
      large push arc in the range in order to minimise upper limbs' loading. Real time
      visual and haptic feedback are effective tools for improving propulsion
      biomechanics in both complete novices and experienced manual wheelchair users.

PMID- 28102101
TI  - Thyroid in pregnancy: From physiology to screening.
AB  - Thyroid hormones are crucial for the growth and maturation of many target
      tissues, especially the brain and skeleton. During critical periods in the first
      trimester of pregnancy, maternal thyroxine is essential for fetal development as
      it supplies thyroid hormone-dependent tissues. The ontogeny of mature thyroid
      function involves organogenesis, and maturation of the hypothalamus, pituitary
      and the thyroid gland; and it is almost complete by the 12th-14th gestational
      week. In case of maternal hypothyroidism, substitution with levothyroxine must be
      started in early pregnancy. After the 14th gestational week, fetal brain
      development may already be irreversibly affected by lack of thyroid hormones. The
      prevalence of manifest hypothyroidism in pregnancy is about 0.3-0.5%. The
      prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism varies between 4 and 17%, strongly
      depending on the definition of the upper TSH cutoff limit. Hyperthyroidism occurs
      in 0.1-1% of all pregnancies. Positivity for antibodies against thyroid
      peroxidase (TPOAb) is common in women of childbearing age with an incidence rate
      of 5.1-12.4%. TPOAb-positivity may be regarded as a manifestation of a general
      autoimmune state which may alter the fertilization and implantation processes or
      cause early missed abortions. Women positive for TPOAb are at a significant risk
      of developing hypothyroidism during pregnancy and postpartum. Laboratory
      diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is based upon serum TSH
      concentration. TSH in pregnancy is physiologically lower than the non-pregnant
      population. Results of multiple international studies point toward creation of
      trimester-specific reference intervals for TSH in pregnancy. Screening for
      hypothyroidism in pregnancy is controversial and its implementation varies from
      country to country. Currently, the case-finding approach of screening high-risk
      women is preferred in most countries to universal screening. However, numerous
      studies have shown that one-third to one-half of women with thyroid disorders
      escape the case-finding approach. Moreover, the universal screening has been
      shown to be more cost-effective. Screening for thyroid disorders in pregnancy
      should include assessment of both TSH and TPOAb, regardless of the screening
      approach. This review summarizes the current knowledge on physiology of thyroid
      hormones in pregnancy, causes of maternal thyroid dysfunction and its effects on
      pregnancy course and fetal development. We discuss the question of case-finding
      versus universal screening strategies and we display an overview of the
      analytical methods and their reference intervals in the assessment of thyroid
      function and thyroid autoimmunity in pregnancy. Finally, we present our results
      supporting the implementation of universal screening.

PMID- 28102104
TI  - Fasting urinary calcium to creatinine ratio for the evaluation of calcium
      nephrolithiasis in adults.

PMID- 28102102
TI  - Impact of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair on Pulsatile Circumferential and
      Longitudinal Strain in Patients With Aneurysm.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify both pulsatile longitudinal and circumferential aortic
      strains before and after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), potentially
      clarifying TEVAR-related complications. METHODS: This retrospective study
      assessed the impact of TEVAR on pulsatile aortic strains through custom developed
      software and cardiac-gated computed tomography imaging of 8 thoracic aneurysm
      patients (mean age 71.0+/-8.2 years; 6 men) performed before TEVAR and during
      follow-up (median 0.1 months, interquartile range 0.1-5.8). Lengths of the
      ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending aorta were measured.
      Diameters and areas were computed at the sinotubular junction, brachiocephalic
      trunk, left subclavian artery, and the celiac trunk. Pulsatile longitudinal and
      circumferential strains were quantified as systolic increments of length and
      circumference divided by the corresponding diastolic values. RESULTS: Average
      pulsatile longitudinal strain ranged from 1.4% to 7.1%, was highest in the arch
      (p<0.001), and increased after TEVAR by 77% in the arch (7.1%+/-2.5% vs 12.5%+/
      5.1%, p=0.04) and by 69% in the ascending aorta (5.6+/-2.3% vs 9.4+/-4.4%,
      p=0.06). Average pulsatile circumferential strain ranged from 3.6% to 5.0% before
      TEVAR and did not differ significantly throughout the thoracic aorta; there was a
      nonsignificant increase after TEVAR at the unstented sinotubular junction (5.0%+/
      1.4% vs 6.3%+/-1.0%, p=0.18), with a significant increase at the celiac trunk
      (3.6%+/-1.8% vs 6.2%+/-1.8%, p=0.02). Pulsatile circumferential strains within
      stented segments were deemed unreliable due to image artifacts. CONCLUSION: TEVAR
      was associated with an increase of pulsatile longitudinal strains (in the arch)
      and circumferential strains (at the celiac trunk) in unstented aortic segments.
      These observations suggest increased pulsatile wall stress after TEVAR in
      segments adjacent to the device, which may contribute to the understanding of
      stent-graft-related complications such as retrograde dissection, aneurysm
      formation, and rupture.

PMID- 28102105
TI  - Pitching form determines probabilistic structure of errors in pitch location.
AB  - According to recent motor control studies, it is important to know probabilistic
      structure of his/her own motor errors to choose an optimal motor plan (i.e.,
      where you aim at) to maximise the expected gain. In this study, we questioned if
      pitching form determines the probabilistic structure of pitching errors in
      baseball pitchers. Eighteen collegiate baseball pitchers with various pitching
      forms including right- and left-handed overarm, sidearm and underarm throwers
      threw 100 pitches aiming at a target located 90 cm above the ground. Two
      dimensional distribution of pitch location was fitted by using bivariate normal
      distribution and 95% confidence ellipse was calculated. In order to quantify the
      pitching form, the direction of the throwing arm trajectory in frontal plane was
      calculated. The direction of the long axis was dependent on each participant's
      pitching form (e.g., right overarm pitchers pitched along a right-up-left-down
      ellipse and left overarm pitchers pitched along a left-up-right-down ellipse).
      This was confirmed by circular correlation analysis (P = 0.98). These results
      suggest that different mechanisms, potentially errors in pitching mechanics and
      errors in ball release timing, might contribute to errors along the long axis and
      those along the short axis.

PMID- 28102106
TI  - Comparison of disability and quality of life between patients with pediatric and
      adult onset paraplegia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors that affect disability and quality of life
      in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and to compare the degree of
      disability and quality of life in patients with SCI according to over and under
      18 years of age when their injury occurred. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Two
      academic hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients with SCI
      were included in this study. Group 1 included 20 patients with SCI who were
      younger than 18 years of age when their injury occurred, Group 2 included 20
      patients who were older than 18 years of age when their injury occurred. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Patients' demographics, duration of SCI and degree of disability were
      assessed using the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART).
      Quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life
      Scale Short Form (WHOQOL-Bref). Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression
      Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference between
      the BDI scores and CHART scores of the two groups, environment domain scores in
      the WHOQOL-Bref were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P<0.05). No
      significant correlation was found between age of SCI onset, disease duration,
      ASIA scores, depression scores, total CHART scores for all patients. CONCLUSION:
      Adaptation to environment was significantly better in those who suffered SCI
      during adulthood than in pediatric patients with SCI. Disability level was not
      associated with age of disease onset, disease duration, neurological status,
      depression level.

PMID- 28102107
TI  - Occupational, dietary, and other risk factors for myelodysplastic syndromes in
      Western Greece.
AB  - PURPOSE: We have observed an increasing incidence of myelodysplastic syndromes
      (MDS) in the geographic area of Western Greece during the past two decades. The
      objective of this study was to investigate potential risk factors for the
      manifestation of MDS in this area of Greece. METHODS: A hospital-based case
      control study was conducted in the public hospitals of the region. Participants
      were interviewed based on a questionnaire regarding demographics, occupational
      exposures, smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary, and domestic factors. RESULTS:
      A total of 228 individuals (126 cases, 102 controls) were recruited in this
      study. Univariate analysis showed that risk of MDS was associated with a family
      history of hematologic malignancy or solid tumor, exposure to pesticides,
      insecticides, herbicides, increased weekly intake of meat and eggs, and increased
      alcohol intake, whereas fruit intake had a protective effect. Analysis by
      pesticide ingredient showed a weak association of exposure to paraquat and
      glyphosate with the occurrence of MDS. Multivariate analysis showed that
      independent risk factors for the manifestation of MDS were family history of
      solid tumor (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.32-4.65), meat intake for >=5 days/week (OR 2.67,
      95% CI 1.05-6.80) and exposure to pesticides (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.73-6.11).
      CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to pesticides is a major risk factor of MDS in Western
      Greece. Family history of solid tumor and increased meat intake also appear to
      play a role in the pathogenesis of MDS. Public health authorities should
      implement policies to advise and protect farmers from the harmful effects of
      agrochemicals. Emphasis should also be given to health promotion advice including
      healthy eating.

PMID- 28102108
TI  - Readiness to change as a moderator of therapy outcome in patients with somatoform
      disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A considerable amount of patients with somatoform disorders do not
      benefit from psychotherapy as much as expected. Our aim was to explore whether
      readiness to change moderates the relationship between the intensity of symptoms
      and therapy outcome in the early stages of psychotherapy. METHOD: 144 patients
      with somatoform disorders received an outpatient cognitive-behavioural
      intervention. Symptom intensity was measured with the Screening for Somatoform
      Disorders (SOMS-7). For readiness to change, a German modification of the Pain
      Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) was used, which comprises four subscales
      (FF-STABS). Regression analyses were carried out, with baseline symptoms and the
      readiness to change subscales as predictors and symptom reduction as the outcome
      variable. RESULTS: Moderation analyses revealed significant interaction effects
      between baseline symptoms and the precontemplation subscale, as well as between
      baseline symptoms and the action subscale. For preparation and maintenance, no
      significant interaction effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that
      readiness to change is a variable that can be used to differentiate between
      patients, with low precontemplation and action scores indicating a better chance
      for positive outcome, even with high initial impairment. Rather than using
      readiness to change sum scores, the sub-aspects of this construct should be the
      subject of future research.

PMID- 28102109
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of RGS2 (Regulator of G-protein signaling 2) in
      chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - Regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) is a GTPase-activating protein
      functioning as an inhibitor of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). RGS2
      dysregulation was implicated in solid tumour development and RGS2 downregulation
      has been reported in prostate and ovarian cancer progression. However, the
      molecular mechanism by which RGS2 expression is suppressed in ovarian cancer
      remains unknown. The expression and epigenetic regulation of RGS2 in
      chemosensitive and chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells were determined by qRT-PCR
      and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, respectively. In the present study, the
      molecular mechanisms contributing to the loss of RGS2 expression were determined
      in ovarian cancer. The data indicated that suppression of RGS2 gene in
      chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells, in part, due to accumulation of histone
      deacetylases (HDACs) and DNA methyltransferase I (DNMT1) at the promoter region
      of RGS2. Inhibition of HDACs or DNMTs significantly increases RGS2 expression.
      These results suggest that epigenetic changes in histone modifications and DNA
      methylation may contribute to the loss of RGS2 expression in chemoresistant
      ovarian cancer cells. The results further suggest that class I HDACs and DNMT1
      contribute to the suppression of RGS2 during acquired chemoresistance and support
      growing evidence that inhibition of HDACs/DNMTs represents novel therapeutic
      approaches to overcome ovarian cancer chemoresistance.

PMID- 28102110
TI  - Evaluation of the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of a hydrophilic
      extract from the green seaweed Ulva sp. in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The green seaweed Ulva sp. contains a large amount of ulvans, a
      family of sulphated polysaccharides. The present study was designed to
      investigate in rats the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of a
      hydrophilic extract of Ulva sp. (MSP) containing about 45% of ulvans. METHODS:
      After a 14-day administration of MSP at doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg/day, 48 and
      60 male adult Wistar rats were respectively tested in the elevated plus-maze
      (EPM) and the forced swimming test (FST). In the FST, MSP effects were compared
      to the reference antidepressant drug imipramine (IMI) (10 mg/kg/day). Acute and
      sub-chronic toxicities of the extract were also assessed in male and female rats
      following OECD guidelines. RESULTS: MSP treatment did not modify anxiety-related
      behaviour in the EPM. In contrast, MSP induced a dose-dependent reduction of
      immobility behaviour in the FST. At the highest tested dose of 40 mg/kg, MSP
      displayed a significant antidepressant-like effect similar to IMI. MSP did not
      modify the exploratory behaviour of rats in the open field test and did not
      produce any toxic effect. DISCUSSION: MSP may potentially represent a good
      adjunct or alternative to existing antidepressant therapeutics. Further studies
      are necessary to confirm the mechanism of action of MSP and its modulation of
      brain functioning.

PMID- 28102111
TI  - Applying relationship anecdotes paradigm interviews to study client-therapist
      relationship narratives: Core conflictual relationship theme analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe client-therapist relational narratives collected in
      relationship anecdotes paradigm (RAP) interviews during psychotherapy and the
      application of the core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) method. Changes in
      clients' and therapists' CCRT in relation to each other are examined and
      associations between their CCRTs and self-reported ruptures and repairs are
      explored. METHOD: Sixty-seven clients and 27 therapists underwent RAP interviews
      and completed self-report rupture and repair items at early, middle, and late
      psychodynamic psychotherapy. Client-therapist relationship narratives were rated
      on the CCRT and the relational interplay within dyads was explored qualitatively.
      RESULTS: CCRT changes from early to late therapy showed that with time clients
      perceived the therapist (RO) and the self (RS) more positively, and the therapist
      perceived the self (RS) less negatively. Some associations were found between
      tension in the session and clients' and therapists' negative RO and RS.
      Therapists' reports of alliance repairs were associated with positive RO and RS.
      CONCLUSIONS: Relational narratives that clients and therapists tell in RAP
      interviews about meaningful interactions between them, enhance our understanding
      of clients' and therapists' inner experiences during interpersonal dances in the
      therapeutic relationship. Limitations and directions for future research are
      discussed, and implications for training are suggested.

PMID- 28102112
TI  - Dutiful daughters: HIV/AIDS, moral pragmatics, female citizenship and structural
      violence among Devadasis in northern Karnataka, India.
AB  - Decades of research have documented how sex workers worldwide, particularly
      female sex workers (FSWs), shoulder a disproportionate burden of the HIV
      epidemic. In India, although a substantial progress has been made in controlling
      the epidemic, its prevalence among FSWs and the Devadasis (also called
      traditional sex workers) in northern Karnataka is still significantly high. On
      the other hand, much of the HIV prevention research has focused on their mapping
      and size estimation, typologies, bio-behavioural surveillance, condom use and
      other prevention technologies. In this article, drawing on critical theoretical
      perspectives, secondary historical sources and in-depth interviews, we unravel
      wider social, cultural and political economic complexities surrounding the lives
      of Devadasis, and specifically illuminate the moral pragmatics that shed light on
      their entry into sex trade and vulnerability to HIV. Findings from this research
      are extremely important since while much is known about Devadasis in social
      sciences and humanities, relatively little is known about the complexities of
      their lives within public health discourses related to HIV. Our work has direct
      implications for ongoing HIV prevention and health promotion efforts in the
      region and beyond.

PMID- 28102113
TI  - Comparison of the effects on dynamic balance and aerobic capacity between
      objective and subjective methods of high-intensity robot-assisted gait training
      in chronic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is effective for improving
      dynamic balance and aerobic capacity, but previous RAGT method does not set
      suitable training intensity. Recently, high-intensity treadmill gait training at
      70% of heart rate reserve (HRR) was used for improving aerobic capacity and
      dynamic balance. PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare the effectiveness
      between objective and subjective methods of high-intensity RAGT for improving
      dynamic balance and aerobic capacity in chronic stroke. METHODS: Subjects were
      randomly allocated into experimental (n = 17) and control (n = 17) groups. The
      experimental group underwent high-intensity RAGT at 70% of HRR, whereas the
      control group underwent high-intensity RAGT at an RPE of 15. Both groups received
      their assigned training for 30 min per session, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. All
      subjects also received an additional 30 min of conventional physical therapy.
      Before and after each of the 18 sessions, the dynamic balance and aerobic
      capacity of all subjects were evaluated by a blinded examiner. RESULTS: After
      training, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go Test scores, VO2max, and
      VO2max/kg were significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.05). These variables
      in experimental group were significantly greater than control group. However, the
      BBS score was not significantly different between both groups. All subjects
      completed high-intensity RAGT. No adverse effect of training was observed in both
      groups. CONCLUSION: High-intensity RAGT at 70% of HRR significantly improved
      dynamic balance and aerobic capacity more than RAGT at RPE of 15. These results
      suggest that high-intensity RAGT at 70% of HRR is safe and effective for
      improving dynamic balance and aerobic capacity in chronic stroke.

PMID- 28102114
TI  - GIW and InCoB are advancing bioinformatics in the Asia-Pacific.
AB  - GIW/InCoB2015 the joint 26th International Conference on Genome Informatics (GIW)
      and 14th International Conference on Bioinformatics (InCoB) held in Tokyo,
      September 9-11, 2015 was attended by over 200 delegates. Fifty-one out of 89 oral
      presentations were based on research articles accepted for publication in four
      BMC journal supplements and three other journals. Sixteen articles in this
      supplement and six articles in the BMC Systems Biology GIW/InCoB2015 Supplement
      are covered by this introduction. The topics range from genome informatics,
      protein structure informatics, image analysis to biological networks and
      biomarker discovery.

PMID- 28102116
TI  - The Role of Participant Responsiveness on a Socio-Emotional Learning Program.
AB  - The present study set out to evaluate participant responsiveness, one of the main
      dimensions of implementation quality, in a Socio-Emotional Learning after-school
      program using Educational Dance activities, Experiencing Emotions, and also to
      understand its influence on program outcomes. The sample involved 98 middle
      school Portuguese pupils, 53 of whom participated in the program and 45 in after
      school control sessions. Outcome measures included pre-test and post-test
      questionnaires of pupils' socio-emotional skills, well-being and school
      engagement. A self-report item measured pupils' satisfaction at the end of the
      program, and a checklist measuring attendance and homework completion was filled
      in by the facilitator at each session of the program and control condition.
      Results revealed (1) high levels of pupils' satisfaction and attendance, and a
      medium-high level of homework completion towards the program; (2) that pupils'
      higher attendance rate in the program predicted higher results in the self
      management (p = .04, d = .57; p = .003, d = .87) and social awareness (p = .04, d
      = .59) SEL domains, emotional (p = .02, d = .67) and psychological (p = .009, d =
      .76) well-being and school engagement (p = .04, d = .56); (3) that pupils' higher
      rate of homework completion in the program predicted higher results in the
      relationship skills SEL area (p = .04, d = .59) and in school engagement (p =
      .005, d = 1.50); (4) that pupils' from the control condition higher rates of
      homework completion also predicted better school engagement (p = .006, d = .88).
      Implications for research and practice are discussed.

PMID- 28102117
TI  - Efficacy of an Intervention Program to Improve Employability of University
      Students.
AB  - In the current socioeconomic situation, the need to improve employability of
      potential workers is especially relevant. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the efficacy of an intervention program focusing on improving employability of
      university students. To do this, a two-group study was designed: one group
      undertook the intervention program and the other group were used for comparison.
      Two measurements were taken at different times (pre-intervention and post
      intervention). The sample consisted of 271 university students. The results show
      that the group that underwent the intervention program improved their perceived
      employability F(1, 269) = 17.49, p < .001; eta2 = .06, openness to learning F(1,
      269) = 4.24, p < .05; eta2 = .02, self-efficacy for labor market insertion F(1,
      269) = 75.70, p < .001; eta2 = .22 and for teamwork F(1, 269) = 39.43, p < .001;
      eta2 = .13, and their knowledge of employment resources F(1, 269) = 512.89, p <
      .001; eta2 = .66 compared to the group that did not. Furthermore, there was a
      high level of satisfaction of participants with the intervention program.

PMID- 28102118
TI  - Myeloid Cells in Asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, and not
      surprisingly, many myeloid cells play a crucial role in pathogenesis. Antigen
      presenting dendritic cells are the first to recognize the allergens, pollutants,
      and viruses that are implicated in asthma pathogenesis, and subsequently initiate
      the adaptive immune response by migrating to lymph nodes. Eosinophils are the
      hallmark of type 2 inflammation, releasing toxic compounds in the airways and
      contributing to airway remodeling. Mast cells and basophils control both the
      early- and late-phase allergic response and contribute to alterations in smooth
      muscle reactivity. Finally, relatively little is known about neutrophils and
      macrophages in this disease. Although many of these myeloid cells respond well to
      treatment with inhaled steroids, there is now an increasing armamentarium of
      targeted biologicals that can specifically eliminate only one myeloid cell
      population, like eosinophils. It is only with those new tools that we will be
      able to fully understand the role of myeloid cells in chronic asthma in humans.

PMID- 28102119
TI  - Glutathione and Glutathione Transferase Omega 1 as Key Posttranslational
      Regulators in Macrophages.
AB  - Macrophage activation during phagocytosis or by pattern recognition receptors,
      such as Toll-like receptor 4, leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS). ROS act as a microbicidal defense mechanism, promoting clearance
      of infection, allowing for resolution of inflammation. Overproduction of ROS,
      however, overwhelms our cellular antioxidant defense system, promoting oxidation
      of protein machinery, leading to macrophage dysregulation and pathophysiology of
      chronic inflammatory conditions, such as atherosclerosis. Here we will describe
      the role of the antioxidant tripeptide glutathione (GSH). Until recently, the
      binding of GSH, termed glutathionylation, was only considered to maintain the
      integrity of cellular components, limiting the damaging effects of an aberrant
      oxidative environment. GSH can, however, have positive and negative regulatory
      effects on protein function in macrophages. GSH regulates protein secretion,
      driving tumor necrosis factor alpha release, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha
      stability, STAT3 phosphorylation, and caspase-1 activation in macrophages. GSH
      also plays a role in host defense against Listeria monocytogenes, modifying the
      key virulence protein PrfA in infected macrophages. We will also discuss
      glutathione transferase omega 1, a deglutathionylating enzyme recently shown to
      play a role in many aspects of macrophage activity, including metabolism, NF
      kappaB activation, and cell survival pathways. Glutathionylation is emerging as a
      key regulatory event in macrophage biology that might be susceptible to
      therapeutic targeting.

PMID- 28102120
TI  - Intestinal Mononuclear Phagocytes in Health and Disease.
AB  - The intestine is the tissue of the body with the highest constitutive exposure to
      foreign antigen and is also a common entry portal for many local and systemic
      pathogens. Therefore, the local immune system has the unenviable task of
      balancing efficient responses to dangerous pathogens with tolerance toward
      beneficial microbiota and food antigens. As in most tissues, the decision between
      tolerance and immunity is critically governed by the activity of local myeloid
      cells. However, the unique challenges posed by the intestinal environment have
      necessitated the development of several specialized mononuclear phagocyte
      populations with distinct phenotypic and functional characteristics that have
      vital roles in maintaining barrier function and immune homeostasis in the
      intestine. Intestinal mononuclear phagocyte populations, comprising dendritic
      cells and macrophages, are crucial for raising appropriate active immune
      responses against ingested pathogens. Recent technical advances, including
      microsurgical approaches allowing collection of cells migrating in intestinal
      lymph, intravital microscopy, and novel gene-targeting approaches, have led to
      clearer distinctions between mononuclear phagocyte populations in intestinal
      tissue. In this review, we present an overview of the various subpopulations of
      intestinal mononuclear phagocytes and discuss their phenotypic and functional
      characteristics. We also outline their roles in host protection from infection
      and their regulatory functions in maintaining immune tolerance toward beneficial
      intestinal antigens.

PMID- 28102115
TI  - Can probiotics modulate human disease by impacting intestinal barrier function?
AB  - Intestinal barrier integrity is a prerequisite for homeostasis of mucosal
      function, which is balanced to maximise absorptive capacity, while maintaining
      efficient defensive reactions against chemical and microbial challenges. Evidence
      is mounting that disruption of epithelial barrier integrity is one of the major
      aetiological factors associated with several gastrointestinal diseases, including
      infection by pathogens, obesity and diabetes, necrotising enterocolitis,
      irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. The notion that specific
      probiotic bacterial strains can affect barrier integrity fuelled research in
      which in vitro cell lines, animal models and clinical trials are used to assess
      whether probiotics can revert the diseased state back to homeostasis and health.
      This review catalogues and categorises the lines of evidence available in
      literature for the role of probiotics in epithelial integrity and, consequently,
      their beneficial effect for the reduction of gastrointestinal disease symptoms.

PMID- 28102122
TI  - Advances in Myeloid-Like Cell Origins and Functions in the Model Organism
      Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Drosophila has long served as a valuable model for deciphering many biological
      processes, including immune responses. Indeed, the genetic tractability of this
      organism is particularly suited for large-scale analyses. Studies performed
      during the last 3 decades have proven that the signaling pathways that regulate
      the innate immune response are conserved between Drosophila and mammals. This
      review summarizes the recent advances on Drosophila hematopoiesis and immune
      cellular responses, with a particular emphasis on phagocytosis.

PMID- 28102123
TI  - Health in India, 2017.

PMID- 28102124
TI  - Clinical guidance for bronchiolitis.

PMID- 28102125
TI  - ACA repeal and the AMA.

PMID- 28102126
TI  - Mentoring clinical trainees: a need for high touch.

PMID- 28102121
TI  - Inflammasomes in Myeloid Cells: Warriors Within.
AB  - The inflammasome is a large multimeric protein complex comprising an effector
      protein that demonstrates specificity for a variety of activators or ligands; an
      adaptor molecule; and procaspase-1, which is converted to caspase-1 upon
      inflammasome activation. Inflammasomes are expressed primarily by myeloid cells
      and are located within the cell. The macromolecular inflammasome structure can be
      visualized by cryo-electron microscopy. This complex has been found to play a
      role in a variety of disease models in mice, and several have been genetically
      linked to human diseases. In most cases, the effector protein is a member of the
      NLR (nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat-containing) or NOD (nucleotide
      oligomerization domain)-like receptor protein family. However, other effectors
      have also been described, with the most notable being AIM-2 (absent in melanoma
      2), which recognizes DNA to elicit inflammasome function. This review will focus
      on the role of the inflammasome in myeloid cells and its role in health and
      disease.

PMID- 28102127
TI  - Can Myanmar's older people lead the way to universal health coverage?

PMID- 28102128
TI  - Offline: The possible impossibility of universal health coverage.

PMID- 28102129
TI  - Experts confident of Congressional funding for US Cures Act.

PMID- 28102130
TI  - New research centre focuses on conflict in the Middle East.

PMID- 28102131
TI  - Profile: Swiss School of Public Health, Zurich, Switzerland.

PMID- 28102132
TI  - Mental illness in Han Kang's The Vegetarian.

PMID- 28102133
TI  - Zika rash and increased risk of congenital brain abnormalities.

PMID- 28102134
TI  - Zika virus: are we going too far?

PMID- 28102135
TI  - The possibility of vascular care for prevention of dementia.

PMID- 28102136
TI  - Zika rash and increased risk of congenital brain abnormalities - Authors' reply.

PMID- 28102137
TI  - Hypertension control and cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 28102138
TI  - Hypertension control and cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 28102140
TI  - Effect of staffing on improving newborn health.

PMID- 28102139
TI  - Hypertension control and cardiovascular disease - Authors' reply.

PMID- 28102141
TI  - Department of error.

PMID- 28102142
TI  - Genetics of common forms of epilepsy.

PMID- 28102143
TI  - Corrections.

PMID- 28102144
TI  - Mechanical thrombectomy after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic
      stroke.

PMID- 28102145
TI  - Mechanical thrombectomy after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic
      stroke.

PMID- 28102146
TI  - Severe B-cell-mediated CNS disease secondary to alemtuzumab therapy.

PMID- 28102147
TI  - Mechanical thrombectomy after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke
      - Authors' reply.

PMID- 28102149
TI  - Jeff Carroll.

PMID- 28102148
TI  - Neurological inspiration in Beckett's Waiting for Godot.

PMID- 28102151
TI  - Pleiotropic genetic effects influencing sleep and neurological disorders.
AB  - Research evidence increasingly points to the large impact of sleep disturbances
      on public health. Many aspects of sleep are heritable and genes influencing
      traits such as timing, EEG characteristics, sleep duration, and response to sleep
      loss have been identified. Notably, large-scale genome-wide analyses have
      implicated numerous genes with small effects on sleep timing. Additionally, there
      has been considerable progress in the identification of genes influencing risk
      for some neurological sleep disorders. For restless legs syndrome, implicated
      variants are typically in genes associated with neuronal development. By
      contrast, genes conferring risk for narcolepsy function in the immune system.
      Many genetic variants associated with sleep disorders are also implicated in
      neurological disorders in which sleep abnormalities are common; for example,
      variation in genes involved in synaptic homoeostasis are implicated in autism
      spectrum disorder and sleep-wake control. Further investigation into pleiotropic
      roles of genes influencing both sleep and neurological disorders could lead to
      new treatment strategies for a variety of sleep disturbances.

PMID- 28102152
TI  - Solanezumab: too late in mild Alzheimer's disease?

PMID- 28102153
TI  - Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis. Analysis of Current
      Knowledge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apart from the recommended specific physiotherapy, the treatment of
      idiopathic scoliosis (IS) also incorporates non-specific manual therapy (NMT).
      The aim of this paper is to assess the efficacy of NMT (manual therapy,
      chiropractic, osteopathy) used in the treatment of children and adolescents with
      IS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study analysed systematic reviews (Analysis 1) and
      other recent scientific publications (Analysis 2). Analysis 1 encompassed papers
      on the use of NMT in patients with IS. Works concerning specific physiotherapy
      (SP) or bracing (B) and other types of scoliosis were excluded from the analysis.
      Inclusion criteria for Analysis 2 were: treatment with NMT; subjects aged 10-18
      years with IS. The following types of papers were excluded: works analysing NMT
      combined with SP or B, reports concerning adult pa tients, analyses of single
      cases and publications included in Analysis 1. RESULTS: Analysis 1: six
      systematic reviews contained 6 papers on the efficacy of NMT in the treatment of
      IS. The results of these studies are contradictory, ranging from Cobb angle
      reduction to no treatment effects whatsoever. The papers analysed are
      characterised by poor methodological quality: small group sizes, incomplete
      descriptions of the study groups, no follow-up and no control groups. Analysis 2:
      in total, 217 papers were found. None of them met the criteria set for the
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Few papers verifying the efficacy of manual therapy,
      chiropractic and osteopathy in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis have been
      published to date. 2. The majority are experimental studies with poor methodology
      or observational case studies. 3. At present, the efficacy of non-specific manual
      therapy in the treatment of patients with idiopathic scoliosis cannot be reliably
      evaluated. 4. It is necessary to conduct further research based on appropriate
      methods (prospective, rando mi s ed, controlled studies) in order to reliably
      assess the usefulness of non-specific manual therapy in the treatment of
      idiopathic scoliosis.

PMID- 28102150
TI  - Ultra-rare genetic variation in common epilepsies: a case-control sequencing
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite progress in understanding the genetics of rare epilepsies,
      the more common epilepsies have proven less amenable to traditional gene
      discovery analyses. We aimed to assess the contribution of ultra-rare genetic
      variation to common epilepsies. METHODS: We did a case-control sequencing study
      with exome sequence data from unrelated individuals clinically evaluated for one
      of the two most common epilepsy syndromes: familial genetic generalised epilepsy,
      or familial or sporadic non-acquired focal epilepsy. Individuals of any age were
      recruited between Nov 26, 2007, and Aug 2, 2013, through the multicentre Epilepsy
      Phenome/Genome Project and Epi4K collaborations, and samples were sequenced at
      the Institute for Genomic Medicine (New York, USA) between Feb 6, 2013, and Aug
      18, 2015. To identify epilepsy risk signals, we tested all protein-coding genes
      for an excess of ultra-rare genetic variation among the cases, compared with
      control samples with no known epilepsy or epilepsy comorbidity sequenced through
      unrelated studies. FINDINGS: We separately compared the sequence data from 640
      individuals with familial genetic generalised epilepsy and 525 individuals with
      familial non-acquired focal epilepsy to the same group of 3877 controls, and
      found significantly higher rates of ultra-rare deleterious variation in genes
      established as causative for dominant epilepsy disorders (familial genetic
      generalised epilepsy: odd ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% CI 1.7-3.2, p=9.1 * 10-8; familial
      non-acquired focal epilepsy 3.6, 2.7-4.9, p=1.1 * 10-17). Comparison of an
      additional cohort of 662 individuals with sporadic non-acquired focal epilepsy to
      controls did not identify study-wide significant signals. For the individuals
      with familial non-acquired focal epilepsy, we found that five known epilepsy
      genes ranked as the top five genes enriched for ultra-rare deleterious variation.
      After accounting for the control carrier rate, we estimate that these five genes
      contribute to the risk of epilepsy in approximately 8% of individuals with
      familial non-acquired focal epilepsy. Our analyses showed that no individual gene
      was significantly associated with familial genetic generalised epilepsy; however,
      known epilepsy genes had lower p values relative to the rest of the protein
      coding genes (p=5.8 * 10-8) that were lower than expected from a random sampling
      of genes. INTERPRETATION: We identified excess ultra-rare variation in known
      epilepsy genes, which establishes a clear connection between the genetics of
      common and rare, severe epilepsies, and shows that the variants responsible for
      epilepsy risk are exceptionally rare in the general population. Our results
      suggest that the emerging paradigm of targeting of treatments to the genetic
      cause in rare devastating epilepsies might also extend to a proportion of common
      epilepsies. These findings might allow clinicians to broadly explain the cause of
      these syndromes to patients, and lay the foundation for possible precision
      treatments in the future. FUNDING: National Institute of Neurological Disorders
      and Stroke (NINDS), and Epilepsy Research UK.

PMID- 28102154
TI  - Effectiveness of Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis by SpineCor Dynamic Bracing
      with Special Physiotherapy Programme in SpineCor System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The SpineCor dynamic brace for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis
      is designed to maintain the correct position of the spine and a new movement
      strategy for 20 hours per day. The SpineCor exercise system intensifies and
      complements the brace treatment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a
      comprehensive treatment of idiopathic scoliosis involving the SpineCor system.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study assessed a group of 40 patients (38 girls and 2
      boys) with idiopathic scoliosis treated with the SpineCor brace. The average age
      at beginning of treatment was 13.1 yrs (10-15). Minimum treatment time was 18
      months. 28 participants met the SRS criteria. Angles of the curve before and
      after bracing based on imaging studies were measured at the beginning and end of
      the treatment, analyzed and compared. Rehabilitation focused on teaching active
      corrective movement throughout the brace treatment. A control group was formed of
      33 patients, including 21 meeting the SRS criteria, who used the SpineCor dynamic
      brace but did not participate in the associated exercise programme. RESULTS:
      Among patients from the exercise group who met the SRS criteria, 25% demonstrated
      reduced curve angles, 35.7% demonstrated curve progression and 39.3% showed
      stabilization (no change). Among patients meeting the SRS criteria from the
      control group, a decrease in curve angle was observed in 14.3% of the patients,
      curve progression in 57.1% and stabilization in 28.6%. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The
      addition of a dedicated physiotherapy programme to SpineCor dynamic bracing
      improves the chances of obtaining a positive outcome. 2. It is necessary to
      further analyse the course of the comprehensive treatment, also with regard to
      other types of braces and kinesiotherapy programmes.

PMID- 28102155
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Radial Head Fractures: Outcomes and Complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Appropriate treatment of radial head fractures remains an area of
      disputes and controversy. The present paper aims to assess the outcomes of
      surgical fixation of these injuries and identify the most common complications.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of 63 patients (25 women and 38 men)
      treated in 2011 -2014 were analysed retrospectively. The treatment outcomes were
      assessed according to the Broberg and Morrey rating system and the QuickDASH
      score. RESULTS: Of 21 patients with isolated fractures, all those with Type 2
      fractures demonstrated excellent outcomes. In the group with Type 3 fractures, 11
      patients showed satisfactory and 4 unsatisfactory outcomes. Of 19 patients with a
      fracture combined with elbow dislocation, all those with Type 2 fractures
      achieved excellent results while in the group with Type 3 fractures 8 patients
      had satisfactory and 4 had unsatisfactory outcomes. 23 patients were diagnosed
      with Hotchkiss' terrible triad; 7 of them had sustained Type 2 fractures and
      showed satisfactory outcomes while those with Type 3 fractures demonstrated 12
      satisfactory and 4 unsatisfactory results. Complications included limited elbow
      mobility (59% of the patients), pain (52.9%), lower muscle strength (35.3%),
      posttraumatic arthrosis (29.4%), heterotopic ossification (11.8%) and nonunion
      (1.5%). Eleven patients required repeat surgery. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Today's
      materials used for the fixation of fracture fragments allow for a stable fixation
      of almost any fracture of the radial head. 2. As long as fixation of a given
      radial head fracture is technically possible, open reduction and internal
      fixation should be attempted. 3. If fixation is impossible, radial head
      replacement should be a method of choice.

PMID- 28102156
TI  - Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients with Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral
      Head.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate health-related quality
      of life in pediatric patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative study was conducted involving 32 children and
      adolescents in "ONFH Group" (subjects with a diagnosis of ONFH) and 44 in
      "Comparison Group" (asymptomatic children), both aged between 8 and 18. Clinical
      and sociodemographic data were obtained along with PedsQL 4.0 questionnaires to
      evaluate the quality of life in the age-ranges studied. RESULTS: The two groups
      were similar as regards sociodemographic characteristics. Comparison of the
      quality of life total scores demonstrated significant differences between the
      ONFH group and the comparison group (58.86+/-16.54 versus 82.08+/-9.51), and this
      also occurred in all the domains analyzed. The predictors that showed correlation
      with the quality of life were: presence of necrosis, age, time of diagnosis,
      radiographic classification, Charnley score, educational level, previous
      surgeries, and previous infections. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the hypothesis
      that pediatric patients with ONFH demonstrate a lower quality of life than
      healthy children in all the domains evaluated, especially with regard to the
      physical aspect.

PMID- 28102157
TI  - Sexual Dimorphism of Acetabular Anatomy Based on Three-dimensional Computed
      Tomography Image of Pelvises.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare sex differences in the morphology and
      spatial orientation of pelvic acetabula to advance the understanding of hip
      anatomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on three-dimensional
      reconstructions of computed tomography images of 50 female and 50 male acetabula.
      The images were used for spatial analysis of hip acetabula relative to the base
      of the sacral bone as the plane of reference. Statistical analysis was performed
      to compare angles relevant to the actual axis of the acetabulum (inclination
      angle, anteversion angle, tilt angle) as well as the volume and inner surface
      area of the acetabulum. RESULTS: Both the inclination and tilt angles of the
      acetabulum did not differ significantly between the groups, the respective values
      being: 68.61 degrees  and 26.53 degrees  in females and 70.56 degrees  and 30.19
      degrees  in males (p>0.05). The anteversion angle was significantly larger for
      female acetabula (38.27 degrees  compared to 32.05 degrees  in men, with
      p=0.0008), while the volume and the inner surface area were significantly smaller
      in women (p=0.0007 and 0.0001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Acetabular
      orientation is sex-specific, with female acetabula being more forward-oriented
      than those of men. 2. The volume and inner surface area of acetabula also differ
      between the sexes, being smaller in women. 3. Regardless of the plane of
      reference, sexual dimorphism of the acetabulum is constant. 4. Awareness of the
      above sex-dependent differences is necessary for preoperative planning before
      orthopaedic surgeries (such as hip arthroplasty or operative treatment of FAI).

PMID- 28102158
TI  - Use of Trabecular Titanium Implants for Primary Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty is an increasingly common procedure. The large
      number of cases inevitably includes patients who require filling of their
      acetabular defect even in their primary surgery. The use of a utogenous grafts
      and allografts as well as resistance rings requires patients to avoid loading the
      limb for a long time to enable implant integration. This disadvantage may be
      partially eliminated by using trabecular titanium implants. The aim of this paper
      is to present the outcomes of the use of trabecular titanium implants in primary
      hip arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study embraced 23 patients (18 women
      and 5 men) whose primary hip arthroplasty was performed in the Cracow Centre of
      Rehabilitation and Orthopaedics in the period 2010-2015 and involved placement of
      a trabecular titanium implant. RESULTS: Medium-term follow-up revealed
      improvement according to the modified and traditional Harris Hip Score and
      reduction in pain according to VAS. Loosening of the implant or infection were
      not recorded. The use of trabecular titanium allowed for reducing the amount of
      bone grafts used. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Reconstruction of acetabular defects with
      trabecular titanium implants may be used in primary hip arthroplasty to produce
      good clinical and radiographic outcomes. 2. The use of trabecular titanium
      implants allows for reducing the amount of bone grafts necessary to fill the
      acetabular defect and enables immediate partial loading of the limb.

PMID- 28102159
TI  - X-rays for Acute Knee Injuries: Pre- and Post- Pittsburgh Decision Rules
      Implementation. A District General Hospital Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We wanted to assess the number of unnecessary radiographs done for
      acute knee injury patients and the accuracy of the Pittsburgh decision rules.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was done to look at the
      acute knee injury patients presented to a district general hospital Accident and
      Emergency Department from August 2011 till August 2013. We assessed the following
      parameters: sex, age, mechanism of injury, weight-bearing status and incidence of
      fractures in patients subjected to plain radiograph. A prospective study was then
      done from April 2014- August 2014 following implementation of the Pittsburgh
      decision rules. RESULTS: 24% of the patients had knee X-ray, compared to 72.12%
      in the first cycle. 36.8% had fracture, compared to 6.1% first cycle, with 66.7 %
      reduction in x-rays. Pittsburgh decision rules sensitivity was 100% and
      specificity 85.3%, positive predictive value 45.8% and accuracy 87%. CONCLUSIONS:
      1. The Pittsburgh decision rules is highly sensitive, specific and accurate in
      determining the need of X-ray in acute knee Injuries. 2. We found that the
      Pittsburgh decision rules performs well in our hospital, which coincides with
      previously published literature.

PMID- 28102160
TI  - Assessment of Selected Factors Influencing the Development of Stiffness after
      Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of idiopathic degenerative disease of the knee
      joint with total arthroplasty is aimed at reducing concomitant pain and improving
      the limited range of motion. This paper aims to assess the influence of pain
      intensity and range of motion on the presence of knee joint stiffness after
      primary total arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 59 male and female patients
      were divided into two groups based on the presence (G1) or absence (G2) of
      stiffness in the operated knee joint at 3 months post-operatively. Patients
      completed a questionnaire evaluating the following: sex, age, BMI, pain intensity
      in a VAS scale and the range of motion of the operated knee joint. The functional
      status was assessed with the WOMAC score. RESULTS: Mean age was 68.20 +/- 7.02
      years in Group 1 (23 women, 7 men) and 67.66 +/- 7.47 years in Group 2 (20 women,
      9 men). In the first examination, mean active flexion range of motion (ROM) of
      the operated knee joint was 98.00 degrees  +/- 10.39 degrees  in Group 1 and
      92.07 degrees  +/- 12.14 degrees  in Group 2; in the second examination, it was
      88.83 degrees  +/- 4.68 degrees  in Group 1 and 90.69 degrees  +/- 6.23 degrees 
      in Group 2 (p<0.05). The total WOMAC score was 51.13 +/- 13.48 in Group 1 and
      51.28 +/- 15.32 in Group 2 in the first examination and 18.50 +/- 9.38 in Group 1
      and 13.17 +/- 9.02 in Group 2 (p<0.05) in the second examination. CONCLUSIONS: 1.
      Pain and range of motion in the operated joint may need to be taken into
      consideration as factors in the development of stiffness in the early post
      operative period after primary total knee arthroplasty. 2. There is a need for
      further research on the problem of knee joint stiffness in the early post
      operative period.

PMID- 28102161
TI  - Orthotopic Autologous Chondrocyte Grafting as a Method of Treatment of Growth
      Plate Damage in Rabbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the continuous advances in the therapy of joint cartilage
      injury, some of those classification systems are also being used for evaluating
      the quality of regenerating cartilage. Histo lo gi cal assessment of joint
      cartilage is a very important component in the staging of osteoarthritis and
      tracing therapeutic outcomes. We performed a histological assessment of
      regenerating growth plate in a group of New Zealand white rabbits as a component
      of autologous chondrocyte therapy for growth plate damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      We studied a group of 14 five-week-old in-bred white rabbits. We used a tre phine
      needle to harvest growth plate from the medial fourth of tibial width. The mean
      duration of the procedure was 25 minutes (range: 12-37 minutes). We conducted a
      total of 25 growth plate harvesting procedures. In 21 cases, we placed a drainage
      tube at the site of the defect for 22 days. After removing the tube, we
      introduced a cartilago-fibrinous construct containing cultured autologous
      chondrocytes into 14 defects, while 4 defects were left intact. Three growth
      plates represented non-intervention controls. RESULTS: Our analysis showed
      satisfactory graft morphology and integration; absence of inflammatory res ponse
      and fair restitution of growth plate architecture. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Growth plate
      damage can lead to the development of an angular deformity as a result of im
      paired longitudinal bone growth; 2. Autologous chondrocyte grafting is a good
      method of treatment for growth plate damage; 3. A weakness of autologous
      chondrocyte grafting is the relatively long time of chondrocyte culturing.

PMID- 28102162
TI  - Biomechanical Causes of Fracture Non-union after Diaphyseal Forearm Fracture
      Fixation: an in Silico Analysis. Case Study.
AB  - : Non-union of forearm bone shaft fractures remains, in some cases, a major
      clinical problem. The aim of this study was to assess the biomechanical causes of
      non-union in a patient with diaphyseal forearm fractures fixated with LCP plates.
      The paper describes the case of a 35-year-old male who developed a non-union as a
      result of destabilisation of the fixation. The case was analysed with an in
      silico analysis of the removed fixation device. CONCLUSION: To sum up, we believe
      that the case described in this paper confirms the limitations to the use of LCP
      reconstruction plates in patients with well-developed musculature, even in the
      case of repeat fixation, when good adjustment of the plate well to the axis of
      the bone appears necessary. It is possible to use an orthosis, first a locking
      one and then one that limits pronation during further treatment of a partially
      healed fracture, but, as this case shows, it is not a fully reliable method of
      preventing complications.

PMID- 28102163
TI  - Does Mobility of the Elderly with Hip Fractures Improve at One Year Following
      Surgery? A 5-year Prospective Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip fracture and its consequences are one of the major causes of
      morbidity and disability in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to collect
      epidemiologic data and assess the daily activities and walking ability of
      patients 3 months and 1 year following surgery because of a hip fracture.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively obtained data of all consecutive patients
      more than 50 years of age with any type of hip fracture from 2008 to 2013. After
      excluding pathologic fractures, hip fracture dislocations, non-surgically treated
      cases, and dead patients, functional status of the subjects at 3 months and 1
      year after surgery was evaluated using a 10-degree scale of pain, modified
      Barthel index of daily activity, and independent walking ability. RESULTS: In
      total, 1015 cases were enrolled. Mean age was 75.6 year with a female to male
      ratio of 1.33. Left-sided hip fractures were seen in 51.7 % of cases.
      Intertrochanteric fractures were the most common type (72.1 %), followed by
      femoral neck (24.0 %) and subtrochanteric fractures (3.9 %). At both 3-month and
      1-year follow-up visits, 562 subjects (317 women and 245 men) completed the
      questionnaires. Activities of daily living and independent walking ability were
      improved significantly at 1 year and the improvements were statistically superior
      to the results obtained at 3 months (p-value < 0.001 for both variables).
      CONCLUSION: By continuing rehabilitation of elderly patients with surgically
      treated hip fractures for one year, improvement in activities of life and walking
      independence can be expected even if they have a poor result after the first 3
      months of rehabilitation.

PMID- 28102164
TI  - Results of Total Cementless Hip Joint Arthroplasty with Taperloc Stem.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to present the results of hip joint
      arthroplasty with the use of the Taperloc stem. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      group consisted of 117 patients (75 women and 42 men) who underwent 121 hip joint
      arthroplasties with Taperloc stems. Mean age of the patients at surgery was 53.8
      years (range: 2475 years). Mean follow-up period was 159.5 months. RESULTS: Pre
      operative Merle d'Aubigne-Postel scores (modified by Charnley) of the study group
      were poor in all patients. Mean post-operative improvement was 6.6 points.
      Excellent results were obtained in 86 cases, good in 19, fair in 9 and poor in 7
      cases. Poor results were always associated with implant component loosening: 5
      cases of acetabular cup loosening, 1 case of a loosened stem and 1 septic
      loosening of the entire endoprosthesis. In six cases (4.9%), patients developed
      heterotopic ossification. According to the Kaplan-Meier estimator, 10 years'
      survival probability was 94.21% for the whole endoprosthesis and 98.34% for the
      stem alone. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Our follow-up data covering a mean period of over 13
      years showed that the use of the Ta-perloc stem substantially reduces hip pain
      and results in a good lasting clinical outcome. 2. With good surgical technique
      and in the absence of complications, the risk of aseptic loosening is minimal.

PMID- 28102165
TI  - Occupational Activity in Patients 10 Years after Hip Replacement Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advanced hip osteoarthritis requires total joint replacement surgery
      to improve daily activity, including occupational activity. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate employment status among patients 10 years after hip
      replacement surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 63 patients who underwent
      total hip replacement surgery at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology
      between 2003 and 2005 were enrolled in the study. At the time of the study
      (2014), all patients from the study group were of working age. Ultimately, 32
      patients participated in the study. Each participant completed a questionnaire
      with questions about the place of residence, age, type of endoprosthesis,
      employment status, type of work performed, reason for arthroplasty, postoperative
      course of rehabilitation and subjective health status. Functional capacity was
      evaluated using Harris' 100-point scale. RESULTS: 88% of the respondents had been
      employed prior to surgery, compared to only 46% one year after surgery and only
      40% at 10 years after surgery. A positive outcome was that 17% of the respondents
      receiving a disability pension prior to surgery were able to return to work after
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Hip replacement surgery may affect the employment status
      of patients. 2. The most significant factors influencing cessation of work were a
      high BMI, living in a rural environment and being female.

PMID- 28102166
TI  - Stress Fractures of Tibia Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress fractures are the result of cyclic loading of the bone, which
      gradually becomes damaged. Most often they are treated by rest or plaster cast
      and, in rare cases, by internal fixation. There is little published data on
      initial reposition followed by stabilization with the Ilizarov apparatus in such
      fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six patients were treated with an external
      fixator according to the Ilizarov method for a stress fracture of the tibia
      between 2007 and 2015. Three patients were initially treated conservatively. Due
      to increasing tibial deformation, they were qualified for surgical treatment with
      external stabilization. In the other patients, surgery was the first-line
      treatment. All patients demonstrated risk factors for a stress fracture. After
      the surgery, they fully loaded the operated limb. RESULTS: No patient developed
      malunion, nonunion, infection or venous thrombosis. The average time from the
      first operation to the removal of the external fixator was 19 weeks. Radiographic
      and clinical outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. CONCLUSION: 1. The
      Ilizarov method allows for successful stabilization of stress fractures of the
      tibia. 2. It may be a good alternative to internal stabilization, especially in
      patients with multiple comorbidities which affect bone quality and may impair
      soft tissue healing.

PMID- 28102167
TI  - Assessment and Comparison of the Efficacy of Rehabilitation Conducted at a
      Sanatorium and in an Outpatient Facility in Patients with Low Back Pain. Pilot
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low back pain is nowadays believed to be one of the most serious and
      common health problems and is even often classified as a disease of civilisation.
      Prevention and treatment of such conditions is very important, particularly
      taking into consideration the fact that they are increasingly common in young
      people. Low back pain is effectively prevented and treated with rehabilitation.
      The aim of this paper was to assess and compare rehabilitation procedures
      performed in patients with low back pain in the sanatorium setting and on an
      outpatient basis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 80
      patients. Half of these patients were treated as outpatients and the other half
      underwent treatment at a sanatorium. Outcomes in all patients were assessed with
      physical tests and a survey. RESULTS: 1. The study showed that sanatorium-based
      rehabilitation is more beneficial with respect to decreasing pain and is
      associated with a decrease in the number of patients taking analgesics and a
      higher percentage of patients taking up physical activity after the treatment. 2.
      Supplementing traditional rehabilitation with natural methods used at a
      sanatorium leads to better treatment outcomes.

PMID- 28102168
TI  - Brachial Plexus Root Avulsion Injury with Occipital Condyle Fractures. Case
      Study.
AB  - Avulsion injuries of the brachial plexus with occipital condyle fractures are
      very rare and usually result from motor vehicle accidents. This paper presents an
      analysis of the case of a 24-year-old male patient who sustained both these
      injuries in a car accident. Computed tomography revealed a fracture of the right
      occipital condyle and a magnetic resonance scan showed spinal nerve disruption at
      the C3-C7 level on the left. The patient underwent conservative treatment.

PMID- 28102169
TI  - Hip joint arthroplasty in pubic symphysis separation in the course of congenital
      bladder exstrophy - study of two cases.
AB  - Congenital bladder exstrophy is a severe congenital malformation identified in
      one out of 30,000-50,000 live newborns and seen more often in girls. Some
      patients develop osteoarthritis of the hip joints which requires total hip
      arthroplasty. Reports of such cases are very rare in the world literature, which
      prompted us to present two cases treated at our Department and analyse their
      early outcomes. Our experience so far has been rather modest but the results
      encourage considering total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of hip
      osteoarthritis in future patients with pubic symphysis separation in the course
      of congenital bladder exstrophy.

PMID- 28102170
TI  - Complication of a Femoral Fracture Treated by Intramedullary Nailing - Numerical
      Analysis of a Clinical Case.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to conduct a numerical analysis of a case of femoral
      fracture treated by intramedullary nailing and confirm the conditions which led
      to the formation of a pseudarthrosis at the fracture site. A low-energy femoral
      fracture was treated by placing a ChFN System intramedullary nail with a
      derotation pin. Using the finite element method, a bone-implant system was
      generated which made it possible to observe the displacement area and strains in
      the region of the fracture gap. The calculations were conducted for 3 variants of
      the model, using a titanium nail (10 mm and 12 mm) and a steel one (10 mm).
      Analysis of strain distribution indicated that the highest strain values occur in
      the fracture gap and that they are higher when a titanium alloy is used (0-17% vs
      0-11%). Interfragmentary movements caused by an imposed load were also higher
      when a titanium alloy implant was used. Strain analysis showed that the
      percentage of elements in the gap area which are potentially able to grow bone
      tissue is higher when a steel implant is used. It is possible to indicate sites
      where unfavourable fracture gap healing will take place, which may lead to the
      development of a pseudarthrosis. The use of a steel implant increases the
      probability of obtaining stable bone union.

PMID- 28102171
TI  - Lumbar Disc Herniation Causing Cauda Equina Syndrome in a Paediatric Patient. A
      Case Report.
AB  - Lumbar disc disease occurs mainly in the adult population. A disc prolapse in the
      paediatric population is very rare. Cauda equine syndrome resulting from
      compression of the cauda equina is a rare syndrome and is one of the few spinal
      surgical emergencies. Here we present a 13-year-old boy with pain in the lumbar
      region radiating bilaterally to the lower limbs, with asymmetrical weakness of
      lower the limbs, perianal hypoaesthesia and urinary retention. MRI of lumbar
      spine confirmed disc protrusion at the L3-L4 level with severe spinal canal
      stenosis. Patient was treated with microdiscectomy at the L3-L4 level.
      Postoperatively, his neurological deficit disappeared gradually. Although very
      rare, lumbar disc prolapse in the paediatric age group can lead to cauda equina
      syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent life-long disability.

PMID- 28102172
TI  - Dr. Jozef Aleksiewicz Activity in Support of the Development of Orthopedics and
      Rehabilitation in Iwonicz-Zdroj (1921-1957).
AB  - Based on source materials in the possession of Jozef Aleksiewicz family
      (typescripts, manuscripts, photographs, other documents) and articles published
      in professional medical journals and newspapers, the authors present the
      contribution of Dr. J. Aleksiewicz to the development of orthopedics and
      rehabilitation in Iwonicz-Zdroj. In May 1921, he was appointed Surgeon General of
      the Spa Commission in Iwonicz-Zdroj. After holding several scholarly trips abroad
      in 1925 to sanatoriums treating cases of osteo-articular tuberculosis, he
      commenced the construction of "Sanato", a modern sanatorium. Opened in 1930, it
      was the only center in Poland treating osteo-articular tuberculosis in a spa
      setting. It was the first orthopedic rehabilitation center in what is now
      Podkarpackie Voivodship offering diagnostic work-up, surgery and conservative
      treatment of osteo-articular tuberculosis in children. Modelled on the best
      Western centers, Dr. Aleksiewicz widely employed physical methods, such as
      Swedish therapeutic gymnastics, mechanotherapy, massage, physical therapy and
      hydrotherapy.

PMID- 28102173
TI  - In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial and osteogenic activity promoted by
      selenium-doped calcium phosphate coatings.
AB  - Selenium is an essential trace element present in 25 selenoenzymes, playing
      critical roles in a variety of physiological processes, such as anti-oxidative
      defense and the modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. This paper
      characterizes selenium-doped calcium phosphate coatings and evaluates their
      effects on the osteogenic activity, the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells and
      biofilm formation. To do so, the structure and elemental composition of the
      obtained coatings were analyzed, in addition to their thicknesses, and they were
      compared to pure calcium phosphate coatings. Moreover, the dose-effect ratio of
      two coatings with the lower (0.6 at%) and the higher (2.7 at%) selenium content
      was studied in terms of osteogenic, anti-biofilm and cancerous anti-proliferative
      properties. The results showed the incorporation of selenium in the form of
      selenite groups into the hydroxyapatite structure, with a similar crystalline
      pattern to the latter and increased roughness of the coatings. The calcium
      phosphate coatings with 2.7 at% of selenium resulted in significant osteogenic
      activity (p < 0.01) of healthy pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) over long periods of
      incubation, a significant anti-proliferative effect (p < 0.01) on cancerous
      osteoblasts (MG63) in a preliminary study, and anti-biofilm properties (p < 0.01)
      against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains,
      which are responsible for most infections after orthopedic surgeries.

PMID- 28102174
TI  - Modeling dynamics of mutants in heterogeneous stem cell niche.
AB  - Studying the stem cell (SC) niche architecture is a crucial step for
      investigating the process of oncogenesis and obtaining an effective stem cell
      therapy for various cancers. Recently, it has been observed that there are two
      groups of SCs in the SC niche collaborating with each other to maintain tissue
      homeostasis: border stem cells (BSCs), which are responsible in controlling the
      number of non-stem cells as well as stem cells, and central stem cells (CeSCs),
      which regulate the SC niche. Here, we develop a bi-compartmental stochastic model
      for the SC niche to study the spread of mutants within the niche. The analytic
      calculations and numeric simulations, which are in perfect agreement, reveal that
      in order to delay the spread of mutants in the SC niche, a small but non-zero
      number of SC proliferations must occur in the CeSC compartment. Moreover, the
      migration of BSCs to CeSCs delays the spread of mutants. Furthermore, the
      fixation probability of mutants in the SC niche is independent of types of SC
      division as long as all SCs do not divide fully asymmetrically. Additionally, the
      progeny of CeSCs have a much higher chance than the progeny of BSCs to take over
      the entire niche.